BROWNSVILLE CITY COUNCIL

MEETING MINUTES

January 15, 2007

 

WORK SESSION: None

ROLL CALL: Mayor Wingren called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. with Councilors Brenner, Pinnock, Hoffman, Hoyer, Bubak and Kennedy present. Also present were City Administrator S. Scott McDowell, City Planner Bill Sattler and Public Works Director Karl Frink.

ADDITIONS AND DELETIONS: Mr. McDowell added a letter from DEQ to the packet.

MINUTES: The Council reviewed the minutes of the December 18, 2006, City Council meeting. One correction was noted, Mayor Wingren was not present at that meeting. Councilor Hoffman moved that the minutes be approved with that correction. The motion was seconded by Councilor Brenner and was approved unanimously.

OATHS OF OFFICE: Municipal Judge Jad Lemhouse administered the oaths of office to new Councilors Mandy Cole and Gary Shepherd, followed by new Mayor Don Ware. After the ceremony the new Councilors and Mayor took their places and Mayor Wingren along with Councilors Bubak and Kennedy stepped down. Departing Mayor Wingren thanked the other Councilors and Staff for their help during his term. Mayor Ware presented plaques to Mayor Wingren and Councilors Kennedy and Bubak in appreciation for their service to the City.

CITIZEN INPUT:

PUBLIC HEARINGS / PRESENTATIONS: NONE

CITIZEN INPUT: NONE

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS:

  1. Administrator Report. Mr. McDowell told the Council that he had been reimbursed for $2511.26 for moving expenses when only $2500 had been agreed to, so he would be paying the $11.26 difference back to the City. Mr. McDowell said that he had met with Westech Engineering and Scott Wilson to be briefed on the wastewater project. The project is expected to go to bid around the end of February to early March. About 15 trees will need to be removed in the Hwy. 228 right of way, they will be replanted after work is completed. A date for the Council retreat will set under the Action agenda.
  2. Public Works. Mr. Frink was present and updated the Council on recent activities of the Public Works Department. Mr. Frink said that one of the lift station pumps had failed and there had been a sewer overflow which has been reported to DEQ. An auxiliary pump was rented to handle the shortfall. They require refueling every two hours and create a lot of work. Mr. Frink said that he has had to discharge from the North Lagoon out of season and that DEQ is aware of it. The levees were full needed to be emptied to prevent them overflowing. Mr. Frink said that Marvin Borntrager had been hired to fill Mr. Stansfield’s position. There was discussion regarding providing electricity for the Calapooia River bridge. Mr. Frink said that he had obtained estimates of around $10,000 for the work and did not have the money in the budget. Councilor Cole asked about the river bank erosion in Pioneer Park, this will be addressed in more detail at a later meeting.
  3. Planning. Mr. Sattler provided a written report and updated the Council on development activities around the City. Mr. Sattler discussed the progress of the application for a Transportation Enhancement Grant and the work going on regarding the dam removal project.
  4. Sheriff's Report. A written report was submitted and distributed to the Council.
  5. Library Report. Mr. Smith submitted a written report but was unable to attend the meeting.

LEGISLATIVE ACTION:

  1. Resolution No. 572 – Authorizing Official Representatives Signatures for Financial Purposes. The City Council chose new signatories for the City’s checking accounts. Mayor Ware, Councilor Brenner and Councilor Cole were selected due to their availability during working hours. Councilor Pinnock made a motion that Resolution 572 be approved. The motion was seconded by Councilor Hoffman and was approved unanimously.

ACTION ITEMS:

  1. RFP For HVAC System For City Hall. Mr. McDowell recommended that the City initiate a RFP for a new HVAC system to serve City Hall. It has been very difficult to conduct meetings due to the noise generated by the wall furnace and window air conditioner. Mr. McDowell said that there may not be enough money in the budget and suggested alternatives of splitting the project over two fiscal years or only doing the upstairs meeting room, depending on how the proposals came in. Councilor Cole moved that the Council seek proposals for an HVAC system for City Hall. Councilor Hoffman seconded the motion and it was approved unanimously.
  2. Council Retreat. The Council discussed plans for this year’s retreat. Joseph Bailey will again be the facilitator. The Council selected February 17, 2007, as the date for the retreat.

DISCUSSION ITEMS:

  1. Public Meetings Regarding Economic Development. Councilor Hoyer was interested in holding some public meetings to discuss the Downtown Revitalization Plan, developed in 2003 with the assistance of the Oregon Downtown Development Association. Councilor Hoyer suggested a goal of recruiting a full service grocery to open in town. Councilor Brenner stated that the Brownsville Coop hopes to develop into a full service grocery. Councilor Cole suggested discussing the topic at the Council retreat on February 17 and the Council agreed by consensus.

CITIZEN INPUT:

HANDOUTS:

  1. Westech Monthly Report.
  2. December Financials.
  3. Harrang Legal Rate Changes.

ADJOURNMENT: The Council adjourned the meeting at 8:30 p.m.

 

 

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City Administrator S. Scott McDowell Mayor Don Ware