CITY of ELGIN
COUNCIL MINUTES FOR OCTOBER 12, 1999
COUNCILORS PRESENT- Glenn Clark
Pat McMullen
John Stover
John McElravy
Joe Estes
John Braughton
Berta Churchill - Mayor
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order at 7 PM by Mayor Berta Churchill
Approval of Minutes
The Mayor called for approval of the minutes of the meeting of September 14 and
15,1999. Councilor Stover moved to approve the minutes as presented, with
Councilor McMullen as second. The vote was unanimous for approval, motion
carried.
Supervisors Reports
The Mayor called for the supervisors reports.
Police- Chief Sibley; absent, no report.
Public works- Kyle Boylen; absent, no report.
Library- Sandra Good presented a written report. She also informed the Council
that the Women Service Club will sponsor an infantþs library program, providing
materials to new mothers. With a portion of the Countyþs $3,000 grant, she is
planning to replace one of the Internet computers, and move the old computer
to the children area.
Fire- Chief McDonald noted that the summer has been quiet for fires so far. He
noted that the burn ban has been extended until there is some rain.
Ambulance-; absent, no report.
Municipal Court- Ralph Howell submitted the monthly court report. He informed
the council that Nick Pallis has been hired to act as the ordinance enforcement
officer. Mr. Howell noted that Mr. Pallis presents himself very professionally in
the court room.
Recorder/Administrator- Joe Garlitz noted that the Y2K review of the Cityþs
facilities was complete. There is no indication of a problem that will interrupt
essential City services. He requested that any of the Councilors that are
planning to attend the LOC annual conference let him know so he can get their
registrations in. He also noted that AVISTA natural gas had reviewed their
franchise fee payments and sent a check for $39,500 to cover a shortage in fees.
They had been paying 3% while their franchise agreement requires 5% fee.
Citizens to Speak
Jayce Hewitt, Daniel Cox, and James DeVoe were present to discuss building a
skateboard park. They presented a packet of materials containing plans for
construction and operation of the park. They are currently seeking sponsors
and property. The Council encourage the boys and offered their support.
Hearing
The time of 7:20 having arrived, Mayor Churchill opened a hearing for a variance
to the minimum front yard setback requirements.
Dan Reynolds, of 190 13th Street has begun construction of a storage shed
in front of his residence. The shed is being constructed within the required
front yard setback area. Mr. Reynolds has requested a variance to the front
yard setback based on the fact that the major buildings on his side of the street
in the adjoining blocks on either side of his block do not meet the setback
standard. His building would thus conform to the existing setbacks of the
adjoining blocks.
Pete Silvernail, representing the First Christian Church Board, an adjoining
property owner, requested that the Council deny the variance. The church
board contends that Mr. Reynolds created the þneedþ for the variance because
he failed to get a building permit before starting his construction. They are of
the opinion that it is not good policy to provide a variance to correct a problem
that is of the property ownerþs own making.
No one else was present to provide testimony. The Council asked questions
of Mr. Reynolds as to the size and nature of the construction. After discussion
and consideration, Councilor Clark moved to approve the variance as requested,
with Councilor Braughton as second. The vote was unanimous for approval,
motion carried.
Committee Reports
The Mayor then called for the committee reports.
Administration: Councilors McMullen and Estes reported that the bills had been
reviewed.
Public Works: Councilors Braughton and McElravy; no report.
Public Safety: Councilors Stover and Clark; no report.
Old Business
Cycle Oregon payment, endorse to Elgin EDGE
A check for $1,000 has been received by the City of Elgin from Cycle
Oregon. The check is in payment for the lunch stop help last month. Elgin
EDGE sponsored the stop and the Philli trip kids helped out. The money should
go to the Elgin EDGE to be disbursed as necessary for their expenses and work.
Councilor McMullen moved to have the check endorsed for payment to Elgin EDGE,
with Councilor Clark as second. The vote was unanimous for approval, motion
carried.
ODOT, parking control on Highway 204
The Council has requested ODOTþs assistance in controlling a parking
hazard on highway 204. Mike Buchanan has written a letter explaining that ODOT
will act on a resolution of the Council requesting a restriction on parking on the
highway.
Councilor Estes moved to adopt a resolution, due to a visibility hazard,
prohibiting truck and RV parking on the North side of highway 204 from the
intersection with 14th Street, eastward for 100 feet, with Councilor Braughton as
second. The vote was unanimous for approval, motion carried. (Note: this
resolution will be Resolution 1068.)
Chuck Koch was present to update the Council on the activities of Elgin EDGE.
He reported that Cycle Oregon was pleased with the snack and lunch
service provided by the community. He noted that they said the snack stop was
the best on the whole tour. The tourism committee is planning two new
community events for next summer. He also reported that the Historical Society
has been organized as an independent organization and is now operating on their
own.
New Business
Bids for awards banquet
Two bids for the City awards banquet were presented. Rose Shaffer, of
Botz Country Kitchen presented a bid for $8.50 per person. Taco Shack
presented a bid of $700 for 85 plates. (Note: 85 plates at 8.50 = $ 722.50).
Mayor Churchill noted that Julie Howell could not prepare the meal per her
bid, but that she would be willing to do it for Julie. After discussion, Councilor
McMullen moved to accept the Taco Shack bid, with Councilor Braughton as
second. The vote was six in favor, with Mayor Churchill abstaining citing a
conflict of interest. The motion carried.
Water system development proposal
Howard Perry has presented several options to upgrade the City water
system for the Councilþs consideration. Boise Cascadeþs insurance carrier is
requesting modifications to the system that will assure an adequate supply of
water for fire protection at the mill. This requires a means to limit or eliminate
the flow of water to the Cityþs low pressure system when there is a major fire
situation at the BCC plant.
In the short term, Mr. Perry has proposed a control system that will
activate the pump at either well 2 or well 3. A long term solution to the
situation however, is to install a storage tank for the low pressure side of the
system.
OEDD revolving loan funds may be available to finance the construction of
a reservoir. If the City proceeds to bond this project, the current water bonds
will be paid out in 2004 & 2005 easing the payment of a new bond.
UnCo Housing rehab grant proposal
Union County Commissioners have proposed to sponsor a Community
Development Block Grant for housing rehabilitation. The project would be County
wide and provide for the upgrading of low-income owner occupied housing
stock. After discussion the consensus of the Council was to support the
Countyþs proposal.
Community Bank
Mr. Garlitz informed the Council that Community Bank has made a proposal
to hold the Cityþs savings that are now invested with the Oregon State
Investment Pool. Community Bank is willing to pay two þpointsþ above the Pool
rate. The account will be held as a fully secured deposit as required by State
law for public funds. After discussion the Councilors indicated an interest in
pursuing this option.
Correspondence; The Council noted the following:
Minutes of the Sept 13 Elgin Clinic advisory group meeting;
Overtime grant application by the Elgin Police Department to pay over-time for
seat belt enforcement and child restraint violations.
Good of the Order
Councilor Estes moved to approve the bills as presented, with Councilor
McMullen as second. The vote was unanimous for approval, motion carried.
Councilor McMullen moved to adjourn, with Councilor Estes as second. The
vote was unanimous for approval, motion carried.
Minutes respectfully submitted;
Joe Garlitz, Recorder/Administrator