City Council

Regular Council Meeting of December 17, 2024 Present were: Mayor Naillon, Councilmembers Shaw, Marthaller, Werner and Hart; Councilmember Moser attended via speakerphone. Absent: None. Meeting called to order at 7:00 pm by Mayor Naillon. Pledge of Allegiance given. Copies of the December 3rd council meeting minutes were read and approved. Mayor Naillon opened the meeting with a request to Council for consideration that Triangle Park be renamed after Jeff Bunnell. Naillon stated that he was fortunate to visit with Jeff during the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. Naillon was contacted by Clyde Andrews this past weekend with a request that the City honor Bunnell with the renaming of Triangle Park, as Bunnell had stated to Andrews that the improvements to Triangle Park was one of his most proud achievements. Mayor Naillon discussed all of the contributions made to the community by Bunnell and his positive interactions with everyone he came into contact with. Discussed that the friends of Bunnell have stated that they would like to organize the ceremony to dedicate the park to Bunnell and Mayor Naillon stated that he would be available to attend the ceremony at any time. Motion by Marthaller, second by Hart that Triangle Park be renamed Jeff Bunnell Park to honor Bunnell’s dedication to the community; motion carried unanimously. Superintendent Thompson stated that he would get the sign ordered as soon as he has help with the design. Mayor Naillon expressed his heartfelt Thank You to Bunnell. Rocky DeVon stated that the Chamber of Commerce had chosen Bunnell as this year’s Citizen of the Year and Bunnell told DeVon that he would try to make it to the Chamber Banquet, which will be held January 11th. Amy Morris, with TOI, stated that TOI will get the ceremony organized as soon as possible to allow Bunnell the opportunity to attend. Vicki Hinze asked if Mayor Naillon would be contacting Bunnell to let him know about the renaming of the park; Rocky DeVon stated that he has already told Jeff that Council would be considering it during tonight’s meeting. Mayor Naillon will follow up with a call to Bunnell. Morris stated that TOI will get the sign; Superintendent Thompson stated that the City Crew will install it. Desiree Miller was present to discuss community safety. Miller thanked the City for the response since her attendance at the previous meeting and the positive impacts the new signage has created. Miller stated that she is hoping that the efforts will continue; questioned if she could meet with Superintendent Thompson regarding possible additional signage as well. Miller stated that she would like to see a Safety Committee or Board created; Miller discussed combining all departments to provide resources to those in need. Mayor Naillon stated that the resources she is looking for already exist. Council thanked Miller for attending the meeting. 2025 Budget Adoption Ordinance #948 reviewed; total 2025 budget is $10,375,750. Motion by Werner, second by Marthaller to adopt the 2025 Budget Ordinance #948; motion carried unanimously. Councilmember Shaw updated the Council on the AWC Center for Quality Community Scholarship Program; there are three applicants, who have been invited to attend tonight’s meeting, however, due to scheduling, they will also be invited to attend the January 7th meeting. TIB Grant Award notice received for the 2025 Chip Seal program; selected streets explained by Superintendent Thompson. TIB Grant funds approved are $209,409, with the City’s share at $11,021. Motion by Werner, second by Shaw that Mayor Naillon be authorized to sign the grant agreement; motion carried unanimously. Interlocal Agreement between Okanogan County and the City for 2025 Building Inspector Services explained by Mayor Naillon; agreement is a backup to the City’s contract with the City of Okanogan in the event that the County needs to fill in for Building Official Forbus. Discussed that the only change to the agreement is an increase in the hourly rate; 2024 rate is $120 and the 2025 rate is $150 and the travel rate is increasing from $60 to $75. Motion by Hart, second by Werner that Mayor Naillon be authorized to sign the agreement; motion carried unanimously. Department Head Updates Police Chief Hirst stated that Officer Wessale has entered the 3rd phase of the FTO program and is doing well. Hirst also stated that all of the officers are required to complete 24 hours of in service training to maintain their certifications and all officers have done so. Superintendent Thompson discussed the recent snow removal and the bugs being worked out of the new equipment; minor repairs are being made to the equipment. Okanogan County Commissioner Jon Neal stated that the County Commissioners had a meeting with the OCTN, Meals on Wheels Program, and additional funding is needed; discussed that they are looking for possible contributions from the communities and Neal is asking that the City consider making a contribution. Neal stated that 14 individuals in Oroville receive meals 3 times per week and due to lack of funding, OCTN is unable to provide meals to additional individuals in the area. Motion by Werner and second by Shaw the vouchers $85,481.07, #34532-34567, DOR-EFT1, be paid, the December 15, 2024 payroll of $49,220.75, #34519-34531, Direct Deposit Run, EFT #202448-202449, be approved and the meeting be adjourned at 7:30 pm. Motion carried unanimously. Minutes approved ____________________ ________________________________ Mayor ________________________________ Clerk