REGULAR COUNCIL

REGULAR COUNCIL MINUTES Council Chambers – 1300 First Street October 04, 2023 at 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER - ROLL CALL PRESENT Councilmember Candice Makos Councilmember Stana Carlisle Councilmember Jim Ancich Councilmember Raymond Robinson APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion made by Councilmember Carlisle to approve the agenda, Seconded by Councilmember Robinson. Voting Yea: Councilmember Makos, Councilmember Carlisle, Councilmember Ancich, Councilmember Robinson CONSENT AGENDA Motion made by Councilmember Robinson to approve the consent agenda, Seconded by Councilmember Ancich. Voting Yea: Councilmember Makos, Councilmember Carlisle, Councilmember Ancich, Councilmember Robinson CITY OFFICIAL REPORTS Police Chief - Chief Layman dispelled rumors of three new patrol cars. We have not received any new cars. City Administrator - He stated will break ground on Monday, October 16th for the new municipal facility. We met with the insurance representative for builders risk insurance. The price is $6710 for 12 months. Motion made by Councilmember Ancich to approve the purchase of the builders risk insurance, Seconded by Councilmember Carlisle. Voting Yea: Councilmember Makos, Councilmember Carlisle, Councilmember Ancich, Councilmember Robinson He stated the compost program is closed due to budget cuts. Would like to have public input to determine if citizens are willing to pay a fee to keep the program going. Fire Chief - Two volunteers attended and passed the academy that went last month. The Firefighter 1 academy starts in January. We will have five volunteers going. One of them will get a hazmat certification. The Grays Harbor County Fire Chiefs Association and the Washington State Patrol are funding this. There is no cost to the City. EMT classes in January. We will have one person going. We did not get approved for the Firehouse Sub grant. We will try to find another way to purchase personal protective equipment. September 19th the burn ban was lifted. Public Works Superintendent - The street lights in Paisley Creek are out. We want to retrofit them to LED. There is a TIB grant to fund this. He is asking permission to apply for the TIB grant. Motion made by Councilmember Carlisle to give permission to apply for a grant through the TIB, Seconded by Councilmember Ancich. Voting Yea: Councilmember Makos, Councilmember Carlisle, Councilmember Ancich, Councilmember Robinson  Last Friday, they replaced culvert by the county shop. There has been flooding there every winter. The culverts had roots from trees in them. This should be a noticeable difference. Finance Director - Director Pope stated she and the city administrator reached out to the State Auditor's Office to discuss their LEAN services. This is free to the City. She met with the insurance agent regarding renewal. We are looking at 15-25% increase. The preliminary general fund budget is still in process. We will have a department head meeting to work on the budget. The drive through window will be closed on October 16th due to construction. Currently, 40% of our utility payments are now being processed through Xpress Bill Pay. There will be a 6:00 workshop at the next Council meeting to discuss the revenue budget. 8. MAYOR'S REPORT We are still looking at the budget and projections. There have recently been cuts in staffing and more will be needed to remain solvent. Councilmember Wenzel resigned due to personal changes in his life. We are taking letters of interest for the position until October 13th. 9. EXECUTIVE SESSION - To discuss Current or Potential Litigation per RCW 42.30.110(1)(i) Mayor Pauley convened the executive session at 7:26 for 10 minutes. Regular session resumed at 7:39. 10. NEW BUSINESS A. Washington Traffic Safety Commission Agreement Motion made by Councilmember Ancich to approve the Washington Traffic Safety Commission Agreement, Seconded by Councilmember Robinson. Voting Yea: Councilmember Makos, Councilmember Carlisle, Councilmember Ancich, Councilmember Robinson B. MTC Proposal Motion made by Councilmember Carlisle to approve the MTC proposal, Seconded by Councilmember Robinson. Voting Yea: Councilmember Makos, Councilmember Carlisle, Councilmember Ancich, Councilmember Robinson 11. COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Makos - She stated Chief Falley has worked hard and is amazing. Councilmember Ancich - He stated he has submitted a letter of interest for Councilmember Wenzel's seat. He stated we are looking at making some exemptions to building permits. This will also be discussed with Public Works committee. Mayor Pauley - He stated Councilmember Wenzel was on Finance subcommittee and the Public Safety committee. Mayor Pauley moved Councilmember Ancich to the Public Safety Committee and Councilmember Robinson to the Finance Subcommittee. 12. PUBLIC COMMENTS Linda Springer - She asked that Council and staff to please provide a full name along with any abbreviations used. She gave kudos to everyone working hard on getting grants.