Mayor Pro Tem Price called the meeting to order with Councilmembers Minder, Amenn, and Hunt present. A quorum was established. Mayor Hawkins was on vacation and was excused. By motion of Councilmembers Minder and Amenn, Councilmember Turner was also excused because he was on vacation. Public Works Director Light, Chief Ruchty, and City Clerk Gilleland were also present.

The Agenda was approved by motion of Councilmembers Minder and Hunt.

The Minutes of July 20, 2004 were approved by motion of Councilmembers Hunt and Minder, with Councilmember Amenn voting no.

Councilmembers Hunt and Minder moved to approve claims vouchers in the amount of $92,665.63, paid by checks #11959 through #11980, and Payroll in the amount of $23,441.10, paid by checks #2663 through #2682 (#2669 through #2671 void). Councilmember Amenn questioned the attorney’s invoice, paid by check #11970; specifically items dated 6/4 and 6/17.

Discussion followed. Councilmembers Minder and Amenn moved to amend the original motion in order to table check #11970. A roll call vote was taken with Councilmembers Minder and Amenn voting yes and Mayor Pro Tem Price and Councilmember Hunt voting no. Because of the tie vote, with no way to break the tie, the motion was determined to be passed.

A vote was called for the motion to approve, as amended by tabling check #11970. Motion carried.

Mayor Pro Tem recessed the regular meeting to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing litigation. The session would be for 15 minutes. Mayor Pro Tem Price announced that Councilmember Turner would be joining the session by phone conference. The regular meeting was reconvened within the allotted time frame.

No comments were offered.

Mayor Pro Tem Price read a memo from Mayor Hawkins, requesting Council motion to formally authorize release of the additional $5,000, previously approved for recall attorney fees. By motion of Councilmembers Minder and Hunt, Council authorized the additional $5,000 for the Mayor’s legal fees. Councilmember Amenn abstained.

Mayor Pro Tem Price reported National Night Out was a success and thanked the Sheriff’s Department for a job well done.

Mayor Pro Tem Price called the Council’s attention to an email request from the City Attorney for a formal motion "to authorize the City Attorney to seek a permanent injunction against the release of Mayor Hawkins’ emails from the City of Sammamish pertaining to or affecting City of Gold Bar interests". It was so moved by Council-members Minder and Hunt. During discussion, Councilmember Amenn stated he continues to feel the City Attorney has a conflict of interest with this matter. The question was called by motion of Councilmembers Hunt and Minder; the motion carried, with Councilmember Amenn voting no. The original motion carried, with Council-member Amenn voting no.

Public Works Director Light announced the bid opening for Gateway Park would be Friday at 2 PM. He reported that National Night Out was great and there wasn’t any vandalism to any of the barricades or signs staff put out for the function. He thanked the community for that.

Chief Ruchty thanked the community for participation in National Night Out. He then reported we might have a radar trailer here next week. It will be setup on Lewis, 1^st, and possibly May Creek Road.

Councilmember Hunt provided statistics for National Night Out (525 hot dogs, 250 snow cones, 200 bags of popcorn, 12 gallons of juice, and 4 gallons of beans) and thanked all those that attended, participated, and volunteered. Cathy Curnutt, from the Prospector, donated half of the hot dogs and buns and cooked for the event. Staff really worked hard as did the Sheriff’s Department. The antique cars were great, as was the Bouncy House that Cheryl got a great deal on. The Sky Valley Chamber donated $500 for expenses. The Fire Department was great with their vehicles and dunk tank. Councilmember Hunt will be making certificates of appreciation.

Councilmember Amenn stated he would like to be able to work with the other Council-members but feels he receives very little reciprocation when he reaches out.

Councilmember Minder thanked the Sheriff’s Office for National Night Out, especially Deputy Upton. He also thanked the Fire Department for the ponies and the dunk tank and Councilmember Amenn for joining him in the dunk tank. Councilmember Minder also stated the citizen participation continues to grow. We should start thinking about forming Block Watches. He then addressed Councilmember Amenn’s expressed concerns, stating that if Councilmember Amenn wants cooperation, he has to stop fighting everything. Councilmember Amenn was allowed to address the comments.

Mayor Pro Tem Price opened the Public Hearing. City Clerk Gilleland explained the Public Hearing process and asked if any Council-member felt they had a conflict of interest or if any members of the audience felt a conflict of interest existed. Council-member Amenn stated he had a potential conflict and he left the chamber. Clerk Gilleland then provided background information to the Kennel Ordinance, including the process for adoption of a final ordinance. No comments were offered and Mayor Pro Tem Price closed the hearing.

This item remained on the table.

Bert McClellan thanked the Sheriff’s Department and the volunteers and displayers for National Night Out.

Cheryl Crumpler, 9^th Street, asked Councilmember Amenn when he picked up the packet and asked a number of questions regarding timing for asking questions. Councilmember Amenn responded. Ms. Crumpler then thanked everyone for help at National Night Out.

Susan Forbes, 17^th Street, addressed a number of questions and comments to Council-member Amenn and he responded.

Dave Cotterill, Grand Avenue, suggested that Councilmember Amenn has a conflict of interest regarding attorney fees and other issues with the Mayor because his wife has filed the recall petition. Mr. Cotterill felt Councilmember Amenn should leave the chamber when these issues are discussed.

Tracy Cotterill, Grand Avenue, directed her statements to Councilmember Amenn, asking him to accept when others don’t agree with his interests or issues and to work with others.

Al White, 1^st Street, stated the City should move on and start solving problems.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned by motion of Councilmember Hunt.

ATTEST: ______________________

Paul Price, Mayor Pro Tem

_______________________________

Hester Gilleland, City Clerk-Treasurer