CITY OF GOLD BAR

COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES

Tuesday, January 18, 2005

 

 

CALL TO ORDER and ROLL CALL

Mayor Hawkins called the meeting to order with Councilmembers Price, Turner and Norris present.  Councilmember Amenn arrived a few minutes later.  Councilmember Minder’s position was vacated on January 15th.  Public Works Director Light, Chief Ruchty, City Attorney Olbrechts, and City Clerk Gilleland were also present.

 

Mayor Hawkins reported a letter anonymously delivered to doorsteps in town indicated there would be a public hearing on water issues and potential acquisition of the PUD service area tonight.  She stated the letter is incorrect and the City is not negotiating to acquire the service area.  She explained the service area agreement in place with PUD until the year 2020.  She apologized to those that may have been misled by the letter and further stated that an anonymous citizens committee would not be setting the Council Agendas.  In answer to the allegations in the letter regarding our water quality and system, Mayor Hawkins read a letter from the State Department of Health stating our system is fine and the quality is meets all standards.

 

 

AGENDA APPROVAL

By motion of Councilmembers Price and Norris, the Agenda was amended by adding Item #6 Acceptance of Transfer and Item #7 Ordinance:  Garbage Collection Code, first reading, under new business.  The Agenda was approved as amended.

 

MINUTES APPROVAL

By motion of Councilmembers Price and Turner, the Minutes for November 30, December 7, December 15, and December 21, 2004 were approved.

 

VOUCHER APPROVAL

By motion of Councilmembers Price and Norris, Claims Check #12208, in the amount of $78,877.75, was approved for payment.

 

CITIZEN COMMENTS/AGENDA ITEMS

No comments were offered.

 

 

COUNCIL APPOINTMENT

Mayor Hawkins explained that at the last meeting Councilmember Minder’s position was not vacant and the Council appointment at that meeting was not valid.  A memo from the City Attorney points out Section 8 of the Council Procedures requires notice and interviews for filling Council vacancies.  However, Section 9 allows Council to suspend the rules for any reason.  By motion of Councilmembers Price and Turner, Council suspended Section 8 of the Council Rules and Procedures.  Councilmember Amenn voiced his objection to the suspension of the rule.

 

Mayor Hawkins opened nominations.  Councilmembers Price and Turner nominated Crystal Hill.  No further nominations were made.  Mayor Hawkins called for the vote.  Councilmember Amenn objected to a vote without discussion because he wished to ask questions of Crystal Hill.  Councilmember Amenn asked why a land use action against Crystal Hill was dropped and asked about a rumored reimbursement of legal expenses for that same action.  Mayor Hawkins explained the action referred to did not involve Crystal Hill.  Mayor Hawkins called for the vote and Crystal Hill was appointed to the Council.

 

Oath of Office:  City Clerk Gilleland administered the Oath of Office to Councilmember Hill.  Mayor Hawkins welcomed Crystal aboard and apologized that her entry onto the Council has been so dramatic.

 

 

MAYOR’S REPORT

Mayor Hawkins reported Councilmember Amenn has been contacting officials at the City of Sammamish, in the capacity as a Councilmember for the City of Gold Bar, with the intent to do harm to her employment.  In addition he continues to file complaints against Phil Olbrechts, our City Attorney, by sending emails and calling his law firm.

 

Mayor Hawkins thanked the Public Works crew for their work with the snow and ice removal.  They made themselves available at 3 AM on a Holiday weekend.  Their dedication is appreciated.

 

 

STAFF REPORTS

Public Works Director Light reported on recent inspections in the dike area during all the rain we have been having.  Without the repairs, the water might have gone over the old dike.  The Wallace River is now dropping.

 

City Clerk Gilleland apologized for not having vouchers ready for the meeting but she had an unexpected root canal.  She reported that 2004 is now balanced and closed.

 

Chief Ruchty reported Deputy Koziol found another meth lab, located outside of town.  They will continue their efforts.

 

City Attorney Olbrechts reported on bar complaints filed against him by Alison Sonsteng, wife of the City’s former Building Inspector.  He explained her allegations and reported they are totally unfounded.  The Bar Association has found in favor of Mr. Olbrechts on all allegations.

 

 

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Councilmember Norris asked how abstentions in a vote count on an issue.  City Attorney Olbrechts replied an abstention is simply not a vote.  Some discussion followed.

 

Councilmember Amenn apologized for the citizen’s committee if they inconvenienced anyone with the false information.  Councilmember Amenn made a motion regarding the City Attorney and Councilmember Norris seconded it.  Councilmember Amenn was asked to clarify his motion in one sentence.  The following clarification was offered by Councilmember Amenn:  “The city attorney has communicated to outside agencies in written form numerous times that I am interfering in the Sonsteng case and that I am lending support to the Sonsteng’s suit against the city I would be interested in receiving any what basis is he making evidence in written form whatever evidence he is basing that opinion on.”  Further discussion followed in an attempt to clarify the motion.  Mayor Hawkins called for the vote and the motion failed.

 

Councilmember Price stated he found Councilmember Amenn’s letters and calls to Sammamish reprehensible.  He requested a consensus from the Council to ask the attorney to provide a resolution providing for sanctions against Councilmember Amenn at a minimum and removal as a Councilmember as a maximum.  After discussion, no consensus was reached.

 

 

NEW BUSINESS

PUBLIC HEARING:  Garbage Service

Mayor Hawkins provided background information and stated the purpose of the Public Hearing was to take testimony from the citizens regarding the service provided by Rabanco.  She then opened the hearing for comments.

 

Tom Schonewald requested Rabanco be more consistent on the day service is provided.  There have been too many changes during the past years.

 

Ray Coleman stated he used to live outside the city and utilized Waste Management for services.  He stated Rabanco is less expensive and provides yard waste in addition to recycling and garbage services.  He suggested Rabanco include the Gold Bar service area on their web site and upgrade their customer service.  He was in favor of the proposed contract.

 

No further comments were offered and the hearing was closed.

 

CONTRACT:  Garbage & Recycling

Mayor Hawkins provided background information to the negotiation process that has finally been concluded and the franchise problems that were encountered.  Mayor Hawkins stated one of her main concerns was customer service.  She has been assured customer service is a priority for Rabanco and it has been written into the contract.  The proposed contract also contains an annual increase based on the CPI.  Nels Johnson, representing Rabanco, was present to answer any questions and he introduced Gene and Gary from Rabanco who were also present.  Discussion followed.  Councilmember Amenn asked for a consensus to remove the CPI increase.  No consensus was given.  By motion of Councilmembers Price and Turner, the contract was amended to include a clause that the Rabanco website would be updated by June to include Gold Bar and that the rates would be effective in 2005 and the Mayor was authorized to sign the contract as amended.

 

INTERLOCAL:  Sheriff’s Contract 2005/2007

Mayor Hawkins provided background information regarding the proposed contract and read a memo she had prepared for the Council to the audience.  Discussion followed.  Councilmember Amenn called for a consensus to hold a public hearing regarding the proposed contract.  No consensus was given.  By motion of Councilmembers Price and Norris, the Mayor was authorized to sign the Interlocal contract.  The Mayor will write a letter to the citizens to explain the new contract.

 

INTERLOCAL:  Jail services

Mayor Hawkins provided information regarding the proposed Interlocal with Snohomish County for housing prisoners.  Three options are offered.  They include exclusive use of the Snohomish County jail, a set number of prisoners paid for each year, and a pay-as-you-go option with no guarantee there will be space available.   Mayor Hawkins reported she has contacted Yakima and Okanogan Counties as alternatives service providers and provided information regarding the options offered by those organizations.  Discussion followed.  Councilmember Amenn moved to contract for 50% of the prisoner housing estimate provided to the City for last year.  After further discussion, the motion died for lack of a second.  By motion of Councilmembers Amenn and Turner, the issue was tabled until the first meeting in February.

 

AGREEMENT:  One Call Utility Locate Service

Mayor Hawkins provided background information regarding the agreement for utility locate services.  By motion of Councilmembers Price and Turner, the Mayor was authorized to sign the agreement.

 

ACCEPTANCE OF TRANSFER

Mayor Hawkins provided background information regarding the acceptance of the transfer of service area regarding garbage and recycling services.  By motion of Councilmembers Price and Norris, the Mayor was authorized to sign the acceptance of transfer.

 

ORDINANCE:  Garbage Collection Code (First Reading)

Mayor Hawkins provided background information.  City Clerk Gilleland gave a first reading of the ordinance, by title only, amending the garbage collection code.  By motion of Councilmembers Price and Amenn, the Ordinance was accepted for introduction and first reading.

 

 

OLD BUSINESS

PUBLIC HEARING:  2004 GMA Comp Plan Update

Mayor Hawkins explained that the public hearing for the Comp Plan had been continued until tonight for written comments only.  Snohomish County has submitted written comments.  Staff has reviewed the comments and there doesn’t appear to be any issues that could not be addressed at a future date.  The City Attorney’s staff memo regarding the Plan was also entered into the record.  Mayor Hawkins asked if there were any other written comments offered.  There being no further comments offered, Mayor Hawkins closed the public hearing.

 

Recess:  Mayor Hawkins recessed the meeting for approximately 5 minutes due to the disruption of the meeting caused by Councilmember Amenn’s refusal to cease interrupting the meeting with his comments.  Mayor Hawkins reconvened the meeting within the stated time frame.

 

Councilmember Amenn moved to reopen the public hearing to February 10th as the County requested in their letter.  The motion died for lack of a second.

 

 

ORDINANCE:  Comprehensive Plan (2nd Reading)

City Clerk Gilleland gave a second reading of the Ordinance in its entirety at the request of Councilmember Amenn.  By motion of Councilmembers Price and Turner, Council incorporated the City Attorney’s recommendations into the Plan, agreed to allow staff to correct the population numbers contained in the Plan where needed, and adopted the Ordinance as read. 

 

 

COUNCIL RULES & PROCEDURES (Tabled)

This item remained on the table.

 

CITIZEN COMMENTS/NON-AGENDA ITEMS

No comments were offered.

 

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

 

 

ATTEST:                                                                     ______________________________

                                                                                    Colleen Hawkins, Mayor

_______________________________

Hester L. Gilleland, Clerk-Treasurer