BINGEN CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
November 15, 2005
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Prigel at 7:00 p.m. Council members present: Terry Trantow, Betty Barnes, Randy Anderson, Barbara Hylton and Laura Mann. Clerk Jan Brending and City Attorney Tad Connors were present. Audience: Tim Hearn, Dianne Sherwood, Brandon Walter, Tom Reser, Wayne Wooster.
Port of Klickitat Request – Providing Water System Management Services
Brian Prigel said the Port of Klickitat has approached the city about the possibility of the city managing the water system at the Dallesport industrial park (see letter from Port of Klickitat dated October 25, 2005). Prigel said Brandon Walter is currently the only water operator that it is certified to act as the designated operator.
Dianne Sherwood, Port of Klickitat, said she appreciateS the opportunity to have the city consider providing the management services for the Port’s water system at Dallesport. She said the Port would like to have an individual with more expertise and technical abilities taking care of the system. Sherwood said that because the city is managing the Dallesport Wastewater Plant it seems natural that the city could also provide management services for the Port. She said the system includes two wells, one reservoir, and associated pipeline. Sherwood said the Port has a water plan that has been adopted and signed off on by the Department of Health.
Brian Prigel asked Dianne Sherwood approximately how much time is needed to manage the system. Sherwood said the Port does not test daily. She said the Port’s employee is at Dallesport two days out of the week. Sherwood noted that water meters are read once a month with the Port billing quarterly.
Randy Anderson asked Brandon Walter if he is familiar with the system. Brandon Walter said yes – the city did the testing for the system for three weeks during the summer while the Port’s employee was on vacation. Walter said he thinks the management of the system would take perhaps one to two hours per day.
Randy Anderson asked if Micheal Robarge is certified as a water operator. Brandon Walter said he is certified as an “operator in training”. He said that once Robarge has a year of solid experience he can then take the level 1 test.
Brandon Walter said he would like to review the system with the Port and determine what is needed to for management.
Tim Hearn asked if the city would be compensated for providing the Port these services.
Brian Prigel said yes. He said the two entities have not discussed a specific amount. Prigel said it would be necessary to recover actual costs of providing the services and most likely a small management fee.
Betty Barnes asked how long it will take Micheal Robarge to be certified at level 1. Brandon Walter said approximately 6 to 8 month. Brandon Walter said he would act as Robarge’s supervisor during that time period.
Betty Barnes asked if providing the management services will affect current levels of operation. Brandon Walter said it will stretch the city’s resources but that once Micheal Robarge is certified then it will be okay.
Tim Hearn asked if Micheal Robarge wants more training in water operations. Brandon Walter said yes.
Wayne Wooster, Klickitat County, said that he has worked with Micheal Robarge in the past and finds him a very dedicated employee.
Brian Prigel asked if the council feels that additional information should be obtained so the proposal can be fully developed and considered. There was consensus of the city council to move ahead with obtaining additional information. A meeting with Brian Prigel, Brandon Walter, and Port employees will be scheduled to review the system at Dallesport.
Approval of Minutes – November 1, 2005
Laura Mann moved to approve the minutes of the November 1 council meeting. Randy Anderson seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Approval of Minutes – October 27 Work Session
Corrections to the draft minutes of the October 27 work session were noted as follows:
Page 2, 3rd paragraph, 2nd to last sentence, change the word “sold” to “solid”.
Laura Mann moved to approve the minutes of the October 27 work session as amended. Barbara Hylton seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Approval of Minutes – October 27 Joint Council Meeting with City of White Salmon
Corrections to the draft minutes of the October 27 joint council meeting with the City of White Salmon were noted as follows:
Page 1, 1st paragraph, note that Allen Nelson works in the Public Works Department for the City of White Salmon.
Page 1, 3rd paragraph, last sentence, change the word “conductions” to “conducts”.
Page 1, 7th paragraph should read as follows: “Dean Nygaard noted that it is important to have a building official involved in the development of building codes and providing input into updates and amendments at the state level.”
Laura Mann moved to approve the minutes of the October 27 joint council meeting with the City of White Salmon as amended. Barbara Hylton seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Winery Building Sidewalks and Fire Exits, Tom Reser
Tom Reser provided an overview of the vision and remodel for “Winery Building”. He said he has invested heavily in the infrastructure of the building and has spent approximately $100,000 to get the building where it is now. Reser said he has met with Dean Nygaard regarding exits. Reser said he will have to have two exits on the back side of the building due to its size.
Tom Reser said he is also trying to address the visual aspects of the building and what to do with the existing cupola. He said the cupola should be the focal point of the building. Reser said he is proposing to establish stairs from the lower sidewalk to the upper sidewalk at the cupola. He said this will become the main entrance to the building.
Brian Prigel provided an overview of how the existing sidewalk design and railing were established during the Highway 14 project design phase. He noted that the Winery Building has been identified as a key building in the city’s downtown. Prigel said the building is a focal point when driving in from the west. He said that during the design phase the sidewalks at this location presented a challenge due to the floor of the Winery Building be above grade. Prigel said the city and WSDOT worked closely with Tom Reser in the design of the upper and lower sidewalks.
Brian Prigel said that the proposal as presented by Tom Reser would eliminate some parking in front of the building. He suggested that other alternatives be considered to prevent any parking from being eliminated. The council and Reser discussed other possible options for developing a stairway entry from the lower sidewalk to the upper sidewalk.
There was a consensus of the city council that as long as parking and ADA compliance is maintained, the city council will consider options for the entrance.
Brian Prigel provided information related to the proposed egress at the back of the building onto Depot Street. Prigel said the city owns Depot Street and has long term goals of developing sidewalks and formal parking with some lighting and landscaping. He said Reser’s proposal would have some impact on that vision. Prigel noted that another building that needed egress onto Depot Street constructed the stairway inside the building to the lower floor with a door out onto Depot.
Tom Reser said that a heating/cooling tower would be located under the stairs. He said he estimates that only one parking space would be lost on Depot Street.
Betty Barnes asked if the business that located the stairway inside had asked for permission to locate a stairway outside onto Depot. Brian Prigel said they did not make such a request.
Tim Hearn asked Reser if he is trying to meet fire code requirements for the building. Reser said yes.
Laura Mann said she would like to see the integrity of Depot Street maintained for future development.
Tom Reser said that locating the stairway inside means a loss of square footage that can be used.
Laura Mann asked where the heating/cooling unit would be located. Reser said underneath the stairway.
Tom Reser said he also wants to see Depot Street cleaned up. He said it looks a lot better than it used to.
Barbara Hylton said she is concerned about setting a precedent for all the other buildings located on Depot Street.
Tom Reser said he does not feel like he has a lot of other options for exits.
The city council and Tom Reser discussed options and issues with egress onto Depot Street. Concerns were expressed about having things protruding out from the backside of the building into Depot Street. It was noted that utility vaults currently exist along Depot Street which were placed when the utilities were under grounded. Tom Reser noted that he has an electrical vault already located on Depot Street.
Laura Mann noted that the existence of utility vaults on Depot Street might change her mind as to how she views other things being located in the same area.
The city council said they would like to hear from Dean Nygaard as to any options available for the egress including whether pull-down stairs would be allowed.
Tom Reser said he will bring back some additional options for both the entrance to the building and for egress on Depot Street.
Conditional Use Permit 2005-002, Decision
Jan Brending said the draft decision is a result of the council’s action on October 18 public hearing on a conditional use permit application by Mountain Home Biological.
Betty Barnes moved to approve Conditional Use Permit 2005-002 Decision. Randy Anderson seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Klickitat County Law Enforcement and Fire Fighter’s Disability Board, Cities Representative
Jan Brending said Klickitat County is asking for approval for Mark Sigfrinius to continue as the representative for the three cities (Bingen, Goldendale and White Salmon) on the LEOFF Disability Board.
Laura Mann moved to approve Mark Sigfrinius to serve as the cities representative on the LEOFF Disability Board until such time as a new appointment is made. Betty Barnes seconded the motion and it was unanimously approved.
Appeals of Dangerous Dogs
Tad Connors provided information to the city council regarding designating dogs as “dangerous dogs” and confiscating “dangerous dogs.” He said it is necessary for the city to have an appeals board that would hear appeals related to the designation and confiscation of dangerous dogs. Connors said it is not uncommon for the police chief to hear the appeal.
Barbara Hylton said she is concerned with a conflict of interest in using the police chief to hear the appeals. She said she would prefer to use someone who is outside of the situation.
Brian Prigel said he agrees with Hylton but is concerned about finding someone who is qualified to hear the appeals.
There was a consensus of the city council to approach Hood River County to see if they would be interested in having their animal control officer hear appeals for the City of Bingen.
Brian Prigel noted that he recently had a conversation with a Hood River Board member who said the county is in the process of purchasing property for an animal shelter.
Mayor’s Update
Jefferson Street Bridge
Brian Prigel said the Jefferson Street Bridge was put into place today. Brandon Walter reported that the installation went really well. He said there is a slight gap between the asphalt to the top of the bridge which will be filled with cold mix. Walter said that in the spring the asphalt approach will be properly repaired.
Community Action Plan
Brian Prigel said the initial public involvement component of the update for the Community Action Plan is scheduled for tomorrow evening at 6:30 p.m. at the Los Reyes Restaurant meeting room.
Council Position
Brian Prigel noted that because Barbara Hylton was appointed to her position, Tim Hearn will replace her as soon as the election is certified – which most likely will be the next council meeting.
Surplus Fire Truck
Barbara Hylton asked if the surplus fire truck has been sold. Jan Brending said she has received permission to list it on E-bay through Brian Prigel’s account as long as it is clear the City of Bingen is selling the truck and that payment is made to the city. She said new pictures and language will be drafted so the ad can be placed.
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
November 15, 2005. The council by unanimous vote does approve for payment the
following list: warrants 7094 through 7125 totaling $12,537.36 and payroll
warrants 6431 through 6446 totaling $10,844.29 and manual warrants 7093 and
501040 totaling 13,478.62 for a total of $36,860.27: Current - $8,672.22; Street
- $1,238.01; Community Development - $2,707.58; Water - $1,392.97; Sewer -
$920.39; Treatment Plant - $3,194.98; Dallesport Treatment Plant - $5,501.01;
Dallesport Trust Fund - $13,233.11.
At 9:10 p.m. the Council adjourned.
Jan Brending
Brian Prigel
City Clerk
Mayor