BINGEN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
March 21, 2006
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Prigel at 7:00 p.m. Council members present: Terry Trantow, Betty Barnes, Randy Anderson, Tim Hearn and Laura Mann. Clerk Jan Brending and Attorney Tad Connors were present. Audience: Wil Schuemann, Ruth Winner, Jesse Burkhardt, Bruce Brending, Mike Efferding, The Dalles.
Public Comment
Wil Schuemann, Bingen
Will Schuemann submitted a proposal for a land exchange between the city and
himself. He said he presented a similar proposal approximately 14 months ago.
His property is located adjacent to the property on which the Bingen reservoir
is located.
Brian Prigel said that when he originally looked at the proposal he thought the upper portion of the city property might be an appropriate location if the reservoir had to be replaced. However, after looking at the property he thinks the lower area identified by Schuemann might be more appropriate.
Tim Hearn asked why the city council did not take action on the proposal previously.
Brian Prigel said the proposal was set on the back burner.
Tim Hearn asked if there was no position taken by the city council previously.
Brian Prigel said that is correct. He noted that the city has a water line that crosses the lower portion of Schuemann’s property without an easement.
Randy Anderson said that the property that Schuemann is willing to trade to the city appears to be more valuable than the property Schuemann would receive in exchange. He asked Schuemann why he wants to do the exchange.
Wil Schuemann said the land exchange would give the city more control over access.
City council members and Wil Schuemann discussed existing access, roads and easements and need for additional easements.
Tad Connors said he does not see any legal issues with the exchange. He said he would require two boundary line adjustments.
Betty Barnes noted that Schuemann is saying that he would pay for any work that Tad Connors needs to do related to the land exchange.
Brian Prigel said he is not sure what Tad Connors needs to do.
The City Council asked Brian Prigel to check with Brandon Walter, Public Works Superintendent, to see if the city would need access to the property above the reservoir.
Jan Brending suggested that legal issues related to land exchanges between the city and private parties are researched.
Randy Anderson said he would like to get some additional information and have the issue placed on the city’s agenda for action.
Brian Prigel asked city council members to review the land in question. He asked Tad Connors to look at the legal issues.
Ruth Winner, Gorge Heritage Museum
Ruth Winner said she has researched the issue of purchasing a flagpole to be
installed near the Broughton Flume at Daubenspeck Park. She said that a 25 foot
flagpole with an internal halyard can be purchased for $1,042 plus shipping.
Winner said the flagpole will be delivered to SDS Lumber. Winner said she is
researching how to light the flagpole. She said materials can be purchased from
Home Depot to prove solar lighting. Winner said she thinks using solar lighting
will be better since it will not be as bright along the highway.
Ruth Winner said the improvements to Broughton Lumber will be done during Community Pride Week with assistance from volunteers and the Chamber of Commerce.
Ruth Winner thanked Laura Mann for her original concern about the flume, Jesse Burkhardt for his newspaper coverage, and the mayor and city council members for their support.
Jan Brending noted that installation of the flagpole and new signage will require a building permit.
Ruth Winner said she will make sure that is coordinated with SDS Lumber.
Approval of Minutes – March 7, 2006
Corrections to the minutes of the March 7 city council meeting were noted as
follows:
Page 2, 2nd paragraph should read as follows: “A council member suggested that the language in 2.06.030 might need to be reworded if the appointment was that of city clerk.”
Page 4, add the following paragraph after the 4th paragraph: “Betty Barnes said she suggested the service be provided 3 to 4 times a year.”
Page 4, 7th paragraph, add the following sentence to the end of the paragraph: “The city council thought a lighted flagpole was appropriate in Broughton Lumber was going to pay for it.”
Page 4, add the following paragraph to the end of the page: “Etta Hepner offered comments as to franchise agreements noting she was the former regional manager of Falcon Cable and offered the city assistance if they so desired.”
Page 5, 10th paragraph, 1st sentence should read as follows: “Randy Anderson suggested that the water/sewer committee should review the water plan.”
Tim Hearn moved to approve the minutes of the March 7 city council meeting as amended. Laura Mann seconded the motion and it was unanimously passed.
Public Parking
Brian Prigel said the city has received a number of requests related to
public parking (see memorandum dated March 16, 2006 “Public Parking”). He said
he feels it is the time to move forward with some of the suggestions. The
suggestions included designating a handicapped parking space in front of the
Bingen Superette, a loading zone on the south side of the 100 block of West
Steuben, a no parking zone in front of the garage area of the old Carquest
building at 221-223 W. Steuben, designating public parking on Depot Street and
at 400 W. Steuben.
Randy Anderson said he is concerned about designating a loading zone when there is already limited parking in Bingen.
Laura Mann said she agrees with Randy Anderson.
Discussion took place regarding a possible loading zone and how many parking spaces would be required to designate such a zone. It was noted that currently trucks use South Ash for loading and unloading for businesses on the south side of Steuben in the 100 and 200 blocks.
Tim Hearn moved to not approve a loading zone on the south side of the 100 block of West Steuben. Betty Barnes seconded the motion and it was unanimously passed.
Randy Anderson said he likes the suggestion of designating the single parking space in front of the Bingen Superette as a handicapped space.
Tim Hearn asked questions about why an additional handicapped space is needed.
Jan Brending said the occupancy of the Mansfield building by Insitu is requiring that an additional space be located. She said Dean Nygaard has agreed that the handicapped parking space near Beneventi’s and Mirror Image will qualify for one of the two spaces Nygaard is requiring. Brending noted there is an error in the March 16 memorandum and that the existing space is on the south side of Steuben and not on the north side.
Betty Barnes moved to designate the parking space in front of the Bingen Superette as a handicapped parking space. Randy Anderson seconded the motion and it was unanimously passed.
There was a consensus of the city council to sign the area in front of the garage door at 221-222 W. Steuben as “no parking” and to stripe the area in front designating no parking.
The city council discussed the desire to designate public parking on West Depot and at 400 West Steuben. The designation would include signage and the placement of wheel blocks.
Tim Hearn moved to authorize installation of signage and wheel blocks on West Depot and at 400 West Steuben up to a cost of $5,000 to come out of the street fund. Laura Mann seconded the motion and it was unanimously passed.
Brian Prigel reviewed the issues that led up to the previous designation of South Ash Street as one-way going south. He said he believes the preference at that time was for angled parking on both sides of Ash Street.
Tim Hearn said he does not see any problems with the traffic flow on South Ash Street.
Terry Trantow said there is really only room for one lane.
Brian Prigel said the city council previously agreed to designate South Ash as one-way.
Jan Brending said she can provide the city council information regarding the previous decision.
The city council agreed to table discussion about South Ash Street to the next council meeting.
Port of Klickitat Request – Management of Dallesport
Industrial Park Water System
Brian Prigel reviewed the request from the Port of Klickitat that the city
consider managing the water system at the Dallesport Industrial Park. He said
the city considered the request because it has an employee at the Dallesport
wastewater plant. Prigel said he, Micheal Robarge and Brandon Walter met with
Dianne Sherwood and reviewed the water system. He said that at this time staff
is recommending that given existing staffing levels and the condition of the
water system the city not provide the requested services for the Port.
Tim Hearn said he went to the Port of Klickitat meeting prior to coming to the city council meeting and he does not feel the Port is overly concerned about the city not taking on the management of the system.
Randy Anderson asked why staff is making the recommendation.
Brian Prigel said there are some concerns about the condition of the existing water system and the time requirements to manage the system in the professional manner that would be required.
Betty Barnes said she is concerned about stretching the city crew out to do other people’s work. She asked if the city is currently doing any work for the Port.
Jan Brending said Mike Robarge is taking water samples and that last summer they helped out when the Port had employees on vacation.
Brian Prigel said he would prefer the city crew not do work on a long-term basis including taking water samples. He said he wants to help out the Port temporarily or in an emergency situation.
Betty Barnes moved to allow Brian Prigel to notify the Port of Klickitat that the city is not interested in managing the Dallesport Industrial Park water system but is willing to help out in emergency situations and to continue water sampling only on a temporary basis until the Port can make other arrangements. Randy Anderson seconded the motion and it was unanimously passed.
Mid-Columbia Economic Development District – Klickitat
County Cities Representative
Brian Prigel said the three cities of Klickitat County have one
representative who sites on the board of the Mid-Columbia Economic Development
District. He said the position is appointed by the Klickitat County Board of
Commissioners with input from the three cities. Prigel said Jan Brending is
sitting on the board presently.
Jan Brending said that both the City of Goldendale and City of White Salmon have voted to recommend reappointment.
Randy Anderson suggested that in the future the position be offered up to council members in case there is one who would like to volunteer for the position.
Jan Brending agreed. She noted that she was not aware that Klickitat County or the other two cities had moved forward on the reappointment until approximately one week ago.
Randy Anderson moved to recommend reappointment of Jan Brending as the Klickitat County cities representative to the Mid-Columbia Economic Development District board. Betty Barnes seconded the motion and it was unanimously passed.
Treasurer’s Report – February 2006
Jan Brending presented the treasurer’s report for February 2006.
Laura Mann moved to approve the treasurer’s report for February 2006. Tim Hearn seconded the motion and it was unanimously passed.
Randy Anderson asked if the Highway 14 project has been closed.
Jan Brending said no. She said she is still working with WSDOT to reconcile WSDOT billing particularly related to design engineering and right-of-way. Brending said once the billing is reconciled that final reimbursements can be made for federal funds and Transportation Improvement Board funds.
Randy Anderson said he is concerned that if the project is not closed soon the city will loose the remaining federal funds.
Jan Brending said if she does not receive a response in the near future from the Local Programs office she will ask Brian Prigel to contact the Southwest Regional office directly.
Mayor’s Update and Council Member Comments
Civil Service Commission Vacancy
Betty Barnes noted that David Spratt has resigned from the White Salmon
Civil Service Commission.
Betty Barnes said she feels it is important that any new appointee to the civil service commission be given a copy of the White Salmon Civil Service rules and a copy of the state statutes that pertain to civil service commissions.
Betty Barnes asked where she could get copies of minutes of the monthly civil service commission meetings.
Brian Prigel said copies of the minutes would have to come from the City of White Salmon. He noted that the commission current meets as necessary.
Betty Barnes said she would like to see the White Salmon Civil Service Commission meet according to state law.
The vacant position will be advertised requesting letters of interest and be placed on the agenda for the next council meeting.
Gorge Heritage Museum – Basement Wall Replacement
Betty Barnes asked about the status of the basement wall replacement at
the Gorge Heritage Museum.
Jan Brending said that Mike Wellman has volunteered to act as the engineer on the project. She said she will present a scope of work and agreement for engineering services at the first meeting in April.
Zoller Recreational Signage Proposal
Betty Barnes asked what the status of the recreational signage proposal is.
Jan Brending said she has talked to the Washington Department of Transportation. She said WSDOT has recommended that both cities submit the request for signage in writing. Brending said she does not believe the City of White Salmon has considered the request by Zoller. She said she will follow-up with Roger Holen.
Highway 14 Sewer Construction Project
Betty Barnes asked about the status of the city’s request to the City of
White Salmon that work in the area of the businesses on the north side of the
highway be done at night.
Brian Prigel said the request was forwarded to White Salmon. He said White Salmon intends to provide a response in writing. Prigel said requiring night construction was not included in the bid addendum. He said White Salmon is considering a proposal to do the driveway cuts at night.
Daubenspeck Park Electrical Upgrade
Betty Barnes asked if the city council is going to receive a proposal for
upgrading the electrical service at Daubenspeck Park.
Brian Prigel and Jan Brending said staff is working on the proposal with Klickitat County PUD and the Huckleberry Festival and will present it at the first meeting in April.
Anderson Perry Scholarship
Betty Barnes asked about the status of the scholarship to be awarded by
Anderson Perry & Associates.
Jan Brending said she will present a proposal on how to award the scholarship at the next city council meeting.
Abatement of Dangerous Buildings
Betty Barnes noted that when the city council discussed abatement of
dangerous buildings in June 2005. She asked what the status of the developing an
“Appeals Board” is.
Jan Brending said the creation of an Appeals Board is required by the proposed agreement with Hood River County.
Tim Hearn asked what the Appeals Board will do.
Jan Brending said an appeals board is required through the abatement of dangerous buildings process. She said the appeals board will also hear complaints related to building permits. Brending said she can develop a public notice and advertise it.
Dangerous Dog Designation Issue
Betty Barnes said that when Tad Connors presented information about the
dangerous dog designation it was suggested that the city talk to Hood River
County about the possibility of acting as a hearing officer for dangerous dog
designation appeals.
Tad Connors said yes he did follow up with Hood River County. He said he is not sure the status but will review and provide the city update.
PUD Pole Replacement – Sidewalk Repair
Betty Barnes asked if the PUD has indicated when they are going to repair
the sidewalks that were taken out for the replacement of PUD Poles.
Jan Brending said she will write a letter to the PUD asking for a time frame. She noted that the sidewalk taken out for the fire hydrant is already scheduled to be replaced.
Benches – Downtown
Betty Barnes said she would like to see a discussion of moving the benches
that are facing the sidewalk put on the agenda. She said council members
continue to get complaints about the benches.
Jan Brending noted that the city could purchase “backless” benches and replace the ones on Steuben so they don’t have to be moved.
Brian Prigel asked city council members to come up with options as to where the benches could be relocated. The discussion of relocating the benches will be put on the agenda for the first meeting in April.
Salary Schedule
Betty Barnes asked that a copy of the salary schedule for employees be
provided indicating the specific step that employees are currently being paid
at.
Wireless Radio Read Equipment
Betty Barnes asked what the status of installing the wireless radio read
meters is.
Jan Brending said that some of the meters have actually been installed. She said the reading equipment and associated software will be installed sometime in April. Brending said the installation is being coordinated with the installation at the City of Mosier.
Underwood Fruit Vault and Meter
Randy Anderson asked if the city has considered options for upgrading the
meter vault at Underwood Fruit.
Jan Brending said staff is going to review what kind of meter is required and what will be needed to replace the vault.
Well Rehabilitation
Laura Mann asked if the wells are on line.
Brian Prigel said they have been put on line.
Jan Brending noted that Golder Associates is preparing a report that will be submitted next week. She said the report will be forwarded to Anderson Perry & Associates to use in developing the hydraulic water model for the water plan.
Bingen Plat
Terry Trantow said he has found a multicolor page in the 1905 plat book in
the county assessor’s office of Bingen and the surrounding area. He said he
thinks it would be nice to get a color copy of the document for Bingen.
Brian Prigel suggested that Trantow find out what it would cost to get the document reproduced.
Fire Hall Keys
Tim Hearn said the fire chief has complained that he does not actually have
a key to the fire station but uses only the key pad. Hearn said David Spratt is
concerned that if the batteries were to go bad on the key pad he has not way to
enter the station.
Jan Brending said she will provide keys to the fire chief.
Underpass
Tim Hearn said the Port of Klickitat has asked about the status of an
underpass from Highway 14 to the port property.
Brian Prigel said the underpass project is ranked number 2 with Klickitat County. He said the project is discussed by RTC once a month.
Charter Communication Franchise Renewal
Tim Hearn asked what the status of the franchise renewal is.
Jan Brending said a public hearing will be scheduled for the second meeting in April.
Fourth of July Celebration
Tim Hearn said the issue of the 4th of July celebration was
brought up at the Port meeting. He said he would like to have a committee meet
in May to begin discussions about the celebration. Hearn noted that the Port
thought the celebration went well last year and liked the fire department
presence. He said the Port felt there was a lack in police officers and cleanup.
Graffiti
Tim Hearn said he is concerned about the increase of graffiti in the city.
He asked if the laws can be strengthened and suggested that cameras be put in
place. Hearn said he feels graffiti is a blight on the community. He suggested a
future agenda item for the city council to discuss what can be done about
graffiti.
Community Needs
Tim Hearn said that he might like to establish a committee to address
community needs in the future.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator Position
Brian Prigel said an individual has been selected to fill the wastewater
treatment plant operator position. He said that staff is working with Work
Source and the Mid-Columbia Community College to determine if the training
position can be switched to the city or if the city will put the individual
directly on the payroll.
Police Committee
Randy Anderson suggested that the police committee review of the interlocal
agreement be put on the next city council agenda.
Betty Barnes asked if Brian Prigel had discussed the possible financial impacts an employee contract for the police chief might have on the City of Bingen.
Brian Prigel said he did raise the issue but did not discuss it at length.
Executive Session
At 8:55 p.m., Brian Prigel announced the city council will enter into
executive session to discuss real estate issues for 20 minutes.
The City Council resumed regular session at 9:10 p.m.
Vouchers
Vouchers audited and certified as required by RCW 42.24.080 and expense
reimbursement claims certified as required by RCW 42.24.090 as of this date
March 21, 2006. The council by unanimous vote does approve for payment the
following list: warrants 7412 through 7435 totaling $13,657.06; manual warrants
7394, 7395 and 501044 totaling $17,724.17; and payroll warrants 7396 through
7411 totaling $8,319.35 for a total of $39,700.58: Current - $10,044.66; Street
- $1,886.21; Community Development Fund - $2,690.94; Water - $2,265.42; Sewer -
$698.79; Treatment Plant - $4,309.69; Dallesport Treatment Plant - $1,809.41;
Dallesport Billing Trust Fund - $15,995.46.
At 9:15 p.m. the Council adjourned.
Jan Brending
Brian Prigel
City Clerk
Mayor