MINUTES OF THE CITY OF HEPPNER

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

May 12, 2003

PRESENT: 

Mayor Bob Jepsen

City Manager, Jerry Breazeale

Public Works Director, Craig Canham

City Attorney, William Kuhn

Deputy Randy Rayburn, MCSD

Council Members

Judy Buschke

Tim Van Cleave

Cindi Doherty

Marian Murchison

Kay Robinson

Tom Wolff

Visitors:

David Sykes, Heppner Gazette

Boy Scout Troop 661 Leaders and Members

Daniel Metz

Terry Harper

Colter Raver

Jake VanDoorn

Curtis Harper

Thomas Elguezabal

James VanLiew

1.  GENERAL BUSINESS:

      A.  Call to Order.  The meeting was called to order by Mayor Jepsen at 7:00 PM.

      B.  Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.  Mayor Jepsen led the Council and visitors in the Pledge of Allegiance.

     C.  Announcements:

           -  Mayor Jepsen announced that there is a full council present. 

           -  Mr. Breazeale added the Downtown Development Plan to the agenda. 

           -  Mr. Breazeale announced the Grand Opening of the AHV Park on Saturday, May 17, 2003, at 11:00 AM.

           -  Mr. Breazeale announced that the Willow Creek Valley Economic Development Group is hosting an Internet Marketing Class on May 8, 15, 22, and 29.  There are still openings if anyone is interested in attending. 

           -  Mayor Jepsen welcomed the members of Boy Scout Troop 661 to the Meeting.   

     D.  Approval of minutes of the April 14, 2003 City Council Meeting

     E.  Approval of Minutes of the April 21, 2003 City Council Meeting

           -  Minutes of the April 14 and April 21 meetings were reviewed by Council members.  Mr. Wolff moved to approve the minutes of the April 14 and April 21 meetings.  Seconded by Kay Robinson.  Motion carried.

     F.  Report from the Planning Commission.  No report submitted.

     G.  Correspondence:

           -  Letter from Mrs. Murchison submitting her resignation effective May 31, 2003.  Mayor Jepsen presented Mrs. Murchison with a shamrock signed by Council members as a farewell gift. 

           -  Thank You letter from Donna Schonbachler and Sherree Mahoney thanking the City Council for their support of the Support Our Troops parade.

           -  Annual population update from Oregon Department of Administrative Services with a new population estimate for the City of Heppner of 1410.  This is an increase of 20 people.

2.  COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC.

     A)  Oral communications.  None.

     B)  Request for Animal Permit – Melissa and Nicki West, 540 E. Hager St., 2 Lambs

     C)  Request for Animal Permit – Emily and Meaghan Unruh, 329 E. Linden Way, 3 rabbits, 3 pigs, 3 hens, 1 rooster (renewal)

     D)  Request for Animal Permit – Blair Keithly, 475 Linden Way, 2 sheep (renewal)

     E)  Request for Animal Permit – Nathan and Kristen Van Cleave, 605 Cowins, 2 sheep (renewal)

     F)  Request for Animal Permit – Gary Wight, 135 N. Gale, 2 Horses

     G)  Request for Animal Permit – Sally Marlatt, 640 N. Elder, 15 hens, 2 roosters (renewal)

Mr. Wolff moved that all animal permits be approved with the stipulation that if they become a nuisance they will be removed from the property.  Seconded by Marian Murchison.  Motion Carried.

3.  PUBLIC HEARINGS.

     A)  Public Hearing Regarding Abatement of Nuisance at 280 S. Gilmore Street, Map #25 26 35BC, Tax Lot 200 (Continued)

           -  Mr. Munkers’ property has been cleaned up.

     B)  Public Hearing Regarding Abatement of Nuisance at 495 Water Street, Map #25 26 27DD, Tax Lot 1503 (Continued)

           -  Nothing has been done.  A letter has been sent to Mr. Nash with no response.  Deputy Rayburn stated that there is still a lot of railroad ties and scrap material on the property.  Deputy Rayburn recommended taking action.  Cindi asked if it was Mr. Nash’s tax lot and according to Deputy Rayburn, it is. 

Public Hearings closed.

4.  CITY COUNCIL ACTION. 

     A)  Property on Gilmore Street is taken care of.

     B)  Resolution No. 526-2003, A Resolution Declaring Certain Property a Nuisance and Ordering Cleanup of Property.  Affects 495 Water Street, Map # 2S 26 27DD, Tax Lot 1503.

Mr. Wolff moved to approve this resolution.  Seconded by Kay Robinson.  Motion Carried.

     C)  Breeding Property.  Deputy Rayburn showed a video of the Breeding property on North Main Street. 

Mr. Wolff moved to start the process and send a notification letter to the Breedings.  Seconded by Judy Buschke.  Motion Carried.

5.  COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE COUNTY SHERIFF

     A)  Activity Report.  This report was reviewed by the Council.  Mrs. Robinson asked whether pit bulls were allowed in the city;  there is an ordinance governing this.  According to Deputy Rayburn, the subject call was not in the city limits.

     B)  Police Commission Minutes. 

           -  Mr. Wolff inquired about the gasoline thefts.  According to Mr. Breazeale, all Public Works people had the same card and same PIN number.  The previous cards have been destroyed and everyone has an individual card and PIN.  This is still under investigation.

     C)  Code Enforcement.  Nothing to report.

     D)  Additional Discussion. 

           -  Deputy Rayburn reported to the Council on the mock accident at the high school.  He stated this went very well.  The fire department participated.  There was a very good turnout .  Mr. Wolff complimented the police and fire departments on their performance.

5.  COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR

     A/B/C)  Activity Report.  Mr. Canham reported on the Parks and Lands and Utility Commission Reports. 

           -  Water rates were discussed at the Utilities Commission meeting. 

     D)  Additional Discussion.

     -  Mr. Canham stated that all the equipment he asked to surplus out has been disposed of.  He is asking permission to surplus out the old Elgin sweeper into the City of Portland auction in July. 

     -  Mr. Canham stated that the removal rates are running very well.  They did have some bad reports, but these have been corrected. 

     -  Mr. Canham showed a video of the South Court Street sewer from Matlock at the bridge to Hill Street at the Hill Street/Cowan interchange.  This was a total main obstruction which the City of Hermiston cleared about two months ago.  Since that time Hermiston has declined to do further work because they feel there is a private/public conflict.  The second instance shown was from Alfalfa from Hager to Cowan.  There was a total main obstruction which a claim was filed against the city at the Randy Lott rental.  The camera crew came from Sunnyside, WA.  In the last six months they have spent $4700.00 in cleaning and camera use.  The camera showed the obstruction which Mr. Canham stated that the only way to fix it is to dig it up or send a cutter in to clear it.  The next instance showed the intersection of Hill, Cowan, and South Court Streets.  This showed a root-bound sewer.  No claims were filed against this one.  There is also a problem at Chase and Hill Streets with no man hole installed.  Kay Robinson asked if these problems are fixable.  According to Mr. Canham, they can be, but it takes equipment and money.  Additional pictures showed South Court and Matlock with a grease blockage as well as root balls.  The videos also showed what the main looked like after it has been jet-cleaned.  Mr. Canham also explained what happens as the root blockage gets bigger—it cracks the pipe and gets larger.  Mr. Jepsen asked where all the grease comes from and Mr. Canham explained that the grease comes from household grease being put down the drains. 

     Mr. Canham has requested a $1.00 per month increase in sewer rates for sewer repair and maintenance.  Mr. Van Cleave asked what the cost of a jet machine would be.  Mr. Canham stated that he has the opportunity to purchase one from the City of Portland through their surplus equipment for $5,000.  Mr. Van Cleave asked what the expenditures were last year and Mr. Canham stated that so far they have spent over $5,000.  Mrs. Robinson asked if we have the money for the jet machine and according to Mr. Canham, we do.  Mr. Wolff asked if the City Council decides that this equipment is warranted, should we buy it out of this year’s budget, or wait until after July 1.  Mr. Canham stated that the truck will go up for auction on July1.  According to Mr. Breazeale there is cash available to purchase the equipment, but no spending authority.  Mr. Breazeale stated there are two ways to do this.  We can state that we want the machine and will give them a check after July 1 or do a supplemental budget, which can be done.  Mr. Canham stated that we are real close to having the money in his current budget.  Mr. Van Cleave questioned how big the insurance bills and Mr. Breazeale stated that they are several thousand dollars.  We have had two claims that the insurance has paid, but this also makes the insurance premiums go up.  Mr. Wolff stated that he feels that this piece of equipment will pay for itself, and we should buy it.  Mr. Canham stated that the payback would be really quick.  Training for using this type of equipment is important.  Mr. Van Cleave asked if we purchased this truck, would there be a yearly plan for cleaning the sewers.  Mr. Canham stated that they would start with the worst places.  Mr. Breazeale stated that we could do a supplemental budget and recommended a $1.00 increase in sewer fees for repair and maintenance.  Council members approved the equipment purchase and Mr. Canham stated he will work out the purchase.  Mr. Sykes asked if there is a $1.00 increase in the motion.  The answer is no. 

7.  COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE FIRE CHIEF.  No report.

8.  COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY MANAGER. 

     A)  Resolution No. 527-2003, A Resolution Approving Accounts Payable for Payment.  Mr. Wolff moved that we approve Resolution No. 527-2003 to pay accounts payable.  Seconded by Marian Murchison.  Motion carried.

     B)  Resolution No. 528-2003 to pay for Workman’s Compensation Insurance for volunteer workers.  Mrs. Robinson moved to adopt Resolution No. 528-2003.  Seconded by Tim Van Cleave.  Motion carried.

     C)  Financial Statement for April.  Reviewed by the Council.  Will be discussed in the budget committee meeting. 

     D)  City Hall Remodel Committee.  This committee has met twice.  The next meeting of this committee will be held on May 16.  There are three proposals submitted for discussion.  Cyde Estes has drawn these on the computer.  There are no cost proposals until the final plans have been approved.  The plans will be presented the committee and then to the city council for final approval. 

     E)  Downtown Development Plan.  The consultants would like to have a final meeting on June 23 prior to the expiration of the contract on June 30.  The meeting is tentatively scheduled for 7:00 PM on June 23.  Mr. Wolff wondered if the consultant would get paid if we reject the plan.  According to Mr. Breazeale, they would.

9.  COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE CITY ATTORNEY 

     Mr. Jepsen asked Mr. Kuhn about the vacation of Morgan Street and Mr. Kuhn stated it should be ready by June 30.

10.  COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE MAYOR/CITY COUNCIL

     A)  Beautification Commission presented a certificate from the City to Mrs. Murchison which stated her tenure on the City Council and thanked her for a job well done. 

     B)  Heppner Housing Authority.  There will be two vacancies in the Senior Center.  One will be filled by Ed Dick; the other is reserved for the manager. 

     C)  Additional Discussion. 

           -  Mr. Wolff commented on the use of the Shamrock.  He stated that people on the west side of the state identify Heppner with the shamrock. 

           -  Mr. Wolff also brought up the ADA requirements at the new grade school building and whether the city is going to let them get away with “that.”  He isn’t sure what “that” is other than the ramp at the old gym that now has steps at the bottom of it.  People have asked if this is legal.  He also has heard that the assistant principal at the grade school is making comments that the city is making them spend money and go over budget.  He wonders if this is a city problem or a state problem.  Mr. Breazeale has heard from citizens that there are no ADA-compliant walkways and steps.  He has told the school that there is a potential problem with the steps and no wheelchair access available.  Mr. Wolff wondered if the city gets to “OK” this.  Mr. Breazeale stated that before issuing a Certificate of Occupancy, the City should have a chance to comment.  When they get the Certificate of Occupancy they will ask for City approval.  Mr. Wolff also asked if the building inspector has discussed this.  Mr. Breazeale will investigate.  Mr. Wolff does not want access from Stansbury Street only. 

           -  OHV (Off Highway Vehicle) opening on May 18.  Mr. Wolff stated that this is a great park.  Over 80 miles of track have been developed. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:40 PM.