City Council Meeting, September 9, 2019

The Enterprise City Council held a work session beginning at 6:00PM, for the purpose of discussing items between staff and council.

Mayor Karvoski opened up the public hearing for the Enterprise City Council meeting at 6:30PM. Those present were Mayor Karvoski, City Councilors Bruce Bliven, Larry Christman, Jennie Word, Chris Pritchard, and Dave Elliott. Absent, City Councilor Micah Agnew. Staff present; City Administrator Lacey McQuead, Public Works Director Ronnie Neil, Librarian Denine Rautenstrauch, and Fire Chief Paul Karvoski. Absent, Police Chief Joel Fish.

Guests present, Ken Gross (OTC Communications), Bill Bradshaw (Wallowa County Chieftain), Mike Midlo (Fishtrap), Jody Berry (G.E.M.S.), and Ryan Oberhelman (Wallowa Valley Ice Rink).

AGENDA ADDITIONS

Old Business: Courthouse Clock, request for funding.

New Business: I.O.O.F. - questions regarding Opportunity Fund.

CONSENT ITEMS

Lacey presented the City Council with the August 2019 City Council Minutes and the August 2019 Accounts Payable Register prior to the meeting. Councilor Christman made a motion to approve the consent items as submitted by Lacey. Councilor Elliott seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

CITIZEN COMMENTS

None.

STAFF REPORTS

City Administration- Lacey read over her report submitted to the Council prior to the meeting. No questions or comments.

Fire Department- Fire Chief Paul Karvoski stated that he submitted his report prior to the meeting and does not have anything to add. No questions or comments.

Library- Librarian Denine Rautenstrauch stated that she submitted her report prior to the meeting. The fiber optics have been installed are working great. Mayor Karvoski asked how the weekend hours are working out. Denine stated that Friday is great, but Saturday is still all over. One week the library can see anywhere from 50-60 patrons on Saturday and the next week the count is down to 20. No further questions or comments.

Police Department- Police Chief Joel fish was absent from the meeting. He submitted his report to the City Council prior to the meeting.

Public Works Department- PW Director Ronnie Neil submitted his report prior to the meeting. He added that Lou Perry has started preparing the site of a new subdivision up on the hill above the Eagle View Inn Hotel. This subdivision will potentially add eleven new lots within the city limits. Ronnie informed the council that with regards to the crosswalk on Main Street by the school, the same individuals who requested the crosswalk to be put in, are now requesting signs. However, due to the location of the crosswalk, there is not an area for signs to be installed. On one side there is a private parking area and the other side is the parking lot for the school.

OLD BUSINESS:

ATV Ordinance- Councilor Pritchard stated that he did have the opportunity to speak with his insurance agent who informed him that it is not any different that an individual owning or operating a motorcycle. A licensed driver and liability insurance are required. He stated that he would be in support of an ordinance, as long as laws are being obeyed. Councilor Elliott explained that he would like to see this go through as he thinks it is important to support the ability for youth to get around their community and work. Councilor Elliott further explained that if there is a way to implement a work permit, all the better.

Councilor Karvoski asked what the age limit was on an ATV. Unknown by staff or Council. Councilor Bliven recommended putting it before the public to allow public input prior to making a decision. Council asked Lacey to put a poll out to councilors with some options for dates. Town-Hall meeting will be scheduled when we she can confirm council members will be present.

COURTHOUSE CLOCK

Lacey reviewed the letter submitted by Rich Wandschneider, Rotary President. Council decided to table the conversation until further information could be obtained. Specifically, is the current clock going to be repaired, is a new clock going in, what is the breakdown of cost, etc.

NEW BUSINESS

Ordinance No. 592- Lacey asked Ken Gross with OTC Communications to present his request. Ken stated that he was working on bringing broadband services to rural Oregon. He stated that the goal was go get the City of Enterprise to approve a franchise agreement with OTC. Mayor Karvoski asked if he had spoken to the other cities in Wallowa County. Ken explained that they were starting with the City of Enterprise and going from there. PW Director Ronnie Neil asked if their intention was to go overhead or underground. Ken stated due to cost restrictions, the services would have to be overhead. Lacey pointed out to the council that the agreement submitted to council was for 5%, but after reviewing the previous ordinances, on January 12^th, 1998 the City Council unanimously voted to impose a 7% required franchise fee over all telecommunications companies requesting franchise agreements. Lacey stated that upon giving that information to Ken, Ken explained to her that the FCC is hoping to cap the amount the City is capable of charging to 5%, but that has not happened as of yet. Mayor Karvoski stated that if we have an ordinance adopted by the City Council stating that every telecommunication franchise is to be set at 7%, then we have to charge 7% until we are told we can’t. Council agreed. Mayor Karvoski read Ordinance No. 592, a franchise agreement made and entered into by and between the City of Enterprise, an Oregon Municipal Corporation, and OTC Connections. Councilor Pritchard made a motion to approve Ordinance No. 592, correcting the 5% franchise fee to the mandatory 7% franchise fee as explained in Ordinance No. 516. Councilor Word seconded the motion. Motion passed unanimously.

CETRA GRANT PRESENTATIONS

Fishtrap: Mike Midlow explained his application for the fall 2019 CETRA Grant. Mike described the Fireside events, specifically commenting on the amount of people who come in and attend the event. He explained that beyond the actual event itself, there is a large amount of business brought to different restaurants in Enterprise. He thanked the City Council for their time and consideration for the grant.

GEMS- Jody Berry presented the application for the fall 2019 CETRA Grant for Greater Enterprise Main Streets. She stated that this year, due to the City of Enterprise contributing the lights, GEMS is hoping to receive the funds to help keep Winterfest going this year. She further explained that they are a skeleton crew and everyone is business owners, so this an event that takes place during their busy time of year. Jody announced that the date has changed for Winterfest and will now take place the first weekend in December. She thanked the City Council for their time.

W.V. Ice Rink- Ryan Oberhelman spoke on behalf of the committee for the ice rink. He stated that this year they are asking for funds to assist in moving the storage building back, and reimbursement for original costs to move the building after last season (board member paid the cost to move the structure and would like reimbursement). Ryan explained that they get donations from the community and there is an immense amount of volunteer labor. He spoke with Ronnie who is assisting them in getting a more permanent location for their structure at the Enterprise City Park. Mayor Karvoski asked if they have enough funds for the other items needed this year. Ryan stated they can use a new tarp, but because of the expense of that, it will have to wait until next year. Ryan thanked the council for their time.

Lacey informed the applicants that at this time the Motel Tax Committee will review applications and make a recommendation to the City Council at the next meeting. Council will then vote and award letters will be sent out following the October meeting.

IOOF- Lacey informed the Council that she had received a call from Rick Bombaci regarding funds needed for matching a Wildhorse Grant that IOOF had received. He asked if the Landmark’s Commission would be interested in allowing for an application for a Façade Grant outside the normal application period. Lacey stated that she would have to have a conversation with Landmark’s regarding that request. During the phone conversation, Lacey stated that she would have a conversation with the City Council and ask if any other funds are available. After explaining the conversation, Lacey asked the Council if there would be consideration for Opportunity Funds or any other funds. Councilor Elliott stated that he does not feel this meets the requirements of Opportunity Funds. Councilor Pritchard agreed. Council stated that he needs to continue with his request for façade funds. Lacey will notify him of the council decision.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor Karvoski announced the following: The Enterprise City Council will now hold an executive session as allowed by ORS 192.660(2)(f) to consider information of records that are exempt by law from public inspection. The City will re-open public session at the end of executive session.

Mayor Karvoski opened regular session, no action taken.

Next meeting October 14, 2019.

With no further business, meeting adjourned.