City Council September 10, 2018

The Enterprise City Council held a Work session from 7:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. for the purposes of discussing the following items between staff and council: County Library books, meeting with Andy McKee regarding his building construction, meeting with City Administrator, Councilor Sullivan and Councilor Agnew regarding downtown rejuvenation.

Council President Jenni Word opened the public meeting for the Enterprise City Council meeting at 7:30pm. Those present were Councilors Jenni Word, Ashley Sullivan, Micah Agnew, Dave Elliott, Larry Christman, and Chris Pritchard; Staff Lacey McQuead, Denine Rautenstrauch, and Joel Fish.

Guests present were BoDean Warnock, Mike Midlo, Shannon McNerny, and Josh Kesecker.

Press: Kathleen Ellen, Wallowa Co. Chieftain.

Pledge of Allegiance

Moment of Reflection

ADDITIONS TO THE AGENDA

Resolution No. 636

Resolution No. 637

Community Connections Senior Meals.

CONSENT AGENDA

Councilor Sullivan made a motion to approve the August 13, 2018 council minutes and the August payables register. Councilor Christman seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

DEPARTMENT ACTIONS & UPDATES

Administrative Report

City Administrator Lacey McQuead stated she provided the report to the City Council prior to the meeting. She read through the support submitted and opened up the opportunity for questions regarding her report. No questions or comments for the Administrative Department.

Public Works Department

Public Works Director Ronnie Neil is absent but submitted his report prior to the meeting.

Police Department

Police Chief Joel Fish submitted his report prior to the meeting. Chief Fish read from the report he provided. No questions or comments for the Police Department.

Library Department

City Librarian Denine Rautenstrauch stated that she previously submitted her report. Denine explained that she is currently in a holding pattern but will be giving more statistics as time progresses. Lacey explained that Tamera Fuchs had submitted a letter prior to council, outlining her concerns regarding placing the county books in the City Library. Denine explained that she is presenting the council with the report from SAIF. See the Industrial Hygiene Services letter from SAIF in the packet. Councilor Christman stated that the tests have been done, the results are documented and we need to continue with getting the books from the County Library. Council agreed.

CETRA GRANT APPLICATIONS

Wallowa County Athletic Network

Jim Nave, President of the WC Athletic network which is a newly formed nonprofit group introduced himself to the council. Jim explained that Kate Fent, another board member, submitted the application. Jim explained that along with the grant they hope to receive from Oregon Parks and Recreation for the new indoor athletic facility, this would be another source of funding. The first part of the project would be to move some of the fencing back. Councilor Agnew asked which part of the fencing was being moved. Jim explained it was the south side, specifically the third base line. Councilor Elliott explained his concerns since the grant has not been awarded yet. He asked the applicant if the moving of the fence would move forward even if they did not get the grant. Jim said it would. Jim explained that another issue with the field is the distance between home plate and the backstop. The hope is that are able to get enough money to move that as well. Councilor Agnew asked if there has been discussion with the soccer board regarding the plans to move the fence. Jim said there has been and one of the members that sits on their board is also a member for the soccer board. Jim further explained that this would not impact soccer other than a little encroachment with the fence moving in, but that there would still be plenty of space. The council thanked Jim for their application.

GEMS

Wendy Stewart, President of GEMS, introduced herself. She began by explaining that there had been some question regarding whether or not GEMS is still an active group. She stated that they are active and standing tall. Wendy stated that GEMS is doing Winterfest again, they would really like to do the lights just as they have done in the past, but possibly increase the amount of lights they put up. Wendy stated that Joseph seems to be stepping their game up because Enterprise does such a great job, so we want to keep up with that. She stated that Lacey and the gals from the City Administrative office are going to assist with the parade again this year. The council thanked her for their application.

Fishtrap

Mike Midlow, project manager for Fishtrap, introduced himself as well as the other members present at the meeting. Mike stated that he understands this grant was to support tourism in Enterprise. Mike explained that Fishtrap is lucky as they have a lot of events in Enterprise that get people’s attention and bring the guests in. Approximately five years ago Fishtrap asked the community what they wanted to see for support within the community. Mike explained that from that question, Fishtrap Fireside was started. He explained that it started by opening up an invitation to local folks to read and share their work. Then others from outside the county began to come. Mike explained that even if it is just local, the amount of people from out of town that come out and support the work is incredible. This money they are asking for will go to the Fireside event. He stated that this year they are starting their sixth season of Fishtrap Fireside. We know that people come from afar to support local talent. They are spending money within the community before and after the event. Mike stated that the program they have does not make any money for them, but they feel it is one of their best events. The council thanked him for their application.

Wallowa Valley Ice Rink

Andie Lueders introduced herself as the representative from the Wallowa Valley Ice Rink project. She explained that the grant submitted is for the Wallowa County Ice Rink. Andie stated that they still intend to be in the same location as they have been in the past. Andie explained that this year they are asking for $2,000 for an onsite location available to the public for skate rentals. Andie explained that it will continue to be an honor system just like they have done in the past, because it has always worked out so well. The other portion of the money will go for replacing the big chain link fence with something different, such as metal or wood fencing. Councilor Elliott asked if it would be better for them to purchase one of the small storage buildings instead of renting them, stating it seems like maybe the purchase of one of those building would be a good long term solution. Andie explained that they have talked about building something, but they are not sure if there is enough time for the crew to pull something together. They would also like to apply for the Oregon Parks and Recreation grant again this year, which would also help make the decision on constructing a building. Councilor Elliott recommended talking to the people in charge of the fireworks stand. The council thanked her for their application.

AUDITOR ENGAGEMENT LETTER

Lacey explained that the engagement letter is the first step in the agreement with Hanford and Associates for the three year auditing agreement. She stated that this was just to get the ball rolling and next month she would provide the council with the agreement that is currently being written by the city attorney, along with a resolution for the services. Councilor Pritchard made a motion to approve the auditing engagement letter, Councilor Christman seconded the motion. No further discussion. Motion passed unanimously.

RESOLUTION NO. 636

Lacey explained that this resolution is a direct result of the fuel tanks located during the demolition of the old City Hall/Fire Hall. She stated that after review of our policy by the City Attorney and engineers, there was a cap on this type of cleanup according to our insurance policy. The remaining balance owed after the insurance pays their portion totals $27,761.87. Denine asked if we have attempted contact with the Brownfields group, the same group that financially assisted the city upon locating the spill at the City Library. Lacey had not known that there was a group that could offer that assistance. Denine told Lacey she would look into it and make contact with the group in hopes they can help. Lacey thanked Denine and told the council she would update them on the progress, but in case that did not work, it would be best to pass the resolution so that we are able to pay the bill. Council President Jenni Word read the resolution. Councilor Elliott made a motion to approve Resolution Number 636, with the understanding that prior to paying off the amount, Lacey and Denine would look into financial assistance through the Brownfields group. Councilor Christman seconded the motion. No further discussion. Roll-call vote completed. Motion passed unanimously. 

RESOLUTION NO. 637

Council President Jenni Word read Resolution Number 637, a resolution scheduling biennial election of City of Enterprise Mayor and Councilors. Councilor Christman made a motion to approve Resolution Number 637 as read by Council President Jenni Word, correcting the date of election, as recommended by Chief Fish. Councilor Agnew seconded the motion. No further discussion. Roll-call vote, motion passed unanimously.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION SENIOR MEALS

Councilor Christman asked about the money the City used to send to Community Connections for senior meals. Lacey said she looked into it and the last time that money was sent was in February 2017. Councilor Christman asked if the council would consider sending $1,000.00 as they have in the past, to assist them with the entrees for the meals offered. Denine stated that she thought maybe this was just overlooked. Council agreed. Lacey asked for a motion to approve. Councilor Christman made a motion to approve sending Community Connections of Enterprise $1,000.00 to help support the senior meals program and meals on wheels. Councilor Agnew seconded the motion. No further discussion, motion passed unanimously.

Next meeting October 8^th, 2018.

No further business. Meeting adjourned. 

                                                                                                                _______________________________________

                                                                                                                Jenni Word, Council President

ATTEST:

_____________________________________________

Lacey J. McQuead, City Administrator