TOWN OF WILSON CREEK
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
March 11, 2021 – remote/online meeting via Google Meet

Council Present: Mayor Kevin Newland, Councilmember Scott Mortimer, Councilmember Raymond Kelby, Councilmember Debbie Moore, and Councilmember Karl Hinze.

Staff Present: Kaci Anderson.

Regular Council Meeting – 6:00 pm

  1. Open Meeting: Mayor Kevin Newland called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
  2. Approval of Minutes: Motion made by D. Moore, seconded by K. Hinze, and carried to approve the minutes for the regular meeting on February 11, 2021.
  3. Public Comment:
    1. “Community Watch” Discussion with GCSO Guest: Mayor Newland introduced Chief Deputy Ken Jones with the Grant County Sheriff’s Office and welcomed his insight on the Community Watch program. Chief Deputy Jones offered a brief introduction of himself and his experience with the GCSO before discussing the potential benefits of a Community Watch program in the town of Wilson Creek. He also outlined assistance the GCSO would be able to provide the Town. After Chief Deputy Jones departed the meeting, the Council unanimously agreed to move forward toward establishing a Community Watch program.
    2. Written Variance Request from Mr. Barry Major: Mayor Newland read aloud Mr. Major’s emailed request. The Council discussed the history of the specific property as well as the various reasons for previously allowing temporary variances of this kind. It was unanimously decided with all councilmembers in agreement to deny the variance request.
  4. Council Concerns and Issues:
    1. Museum Donation: S. Mortimer discussed the possible donation of items to the museum. It was noted that the Town chooses whether to accept or decline donations, as to be considerate of available space in the museum.
    2. The Council discussed recent complaints received by some councilmembers regarding vehicles left on street right-of-way.
  5. Reports
    1. Mayor’s Address
      1. Vacant Council Position: Mayor Newland reported Mr. Earl Justice resigned his position as councilmember. Town Hall has received one letter of interest so far. After discussion, the Council opted to wait to see if any further letters are received.
      2. Burning Within Town Limits: Mayor Newland has been receiving complaints of possible illegal burning within Town limits. The Council discussed Department of Ecology rules regarding fires within Town limits and “Urban Growth Areas.”
      3. Building Permits: Mayor Newland provided updates on various current, pending and outstanding building permits in Town.
      4. Street Lights: Bulbs have been replaced in one of three requiring attention. Mayor Newland reported some difficulty removing the globes in order to replace the bulbs. The Council discussed use of the manlift to assist.
      5. Containers Within Flood Zone: Mayor Newland has recently learned that all shipping containers and similar in a flood zone should be elevated with mobile home anchoring. He advised Council could allow temporary placements without elevation and anchoring, but warned of potential litigation regarding removal of containers.
      6. Farm Animal Permits: Mayor Newland noted he had received verbal requests for goats and chickens. K. Anderson reported no written permit application has been received. Council noted the application should indicate number of each type of animal.
      7. Update on Flood Map Amendment vs. Revision: Mayor Newland wants the Department of Ecology to visit with the Army Corps in Town to assess levee in regards to potential amendment and/or revision to the flood map. The Council discussed specific properties in Town that need attention regarding clean-up near the levee.
    2. Maintenance/Public Works Report:
      1. Well House Repairs: Mayor Newland discussed water damage to wall(s) and electrical outlet(s) in the well house. He would like to replace the line instead of performing temporary repairs. Mr. Jerry Egbert is scheduled to seal the bolts.
      2. Mayor Newland stated the Public Works Department has mentioned potentially selling the Town’s chainsaw to purchase a smaller one that is easier to manage. The Council suggested the possibility of a shorter bar for the current chainsaw. Other possibilities discussed include electric and/or cordless chainsaws that may be available for purchase in Ephrata.
      3. The Council briefly discussed the Town’s generator and manlift.
    3. Clerk/Treasurer Report
      1. Bills, Checks & Electronic Withdrawal: Motion made by S. Mortimer, seconded by D. Moore, and carried to approve the Town’s current fiscal status as of February 28, 2021, and to pay the March 2021 bills as follows:
        Accounts Payable
        CLAIMS: Check number 10626 …………………………………………….  $            163.77
        PAYROLL: Check numbers 10627-10635 ………………………..  $         1,482.61
        CLAIMS: Check numbers 10636-10645 ……………………………  $         3,229.18
        EFT payments ……………………………………………………………………………..  $         2,176.35
        VOID Check number 10606 …………………………………………………..  $            112.44
        VOID Check number 10617 …………………………………………………..  $              51.33
        Total ………………………………………………………………………………………………..  $         6,888.14

        Bank Account Balances
        U.S. Bank ……………………………………………………………………………………….  $     184,827.79
        Grant County Treasurer ………………………………………………………….  $     112,152.91
        Total ………………………………………………………………………………………………..  $     296,980.70
  6. Old Business: None.
  7. New Business:  None.
  8. Adjournment: Motion made by D. Moore, seconded by K. Hinze, and carried to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 pm. The next regular council meeting is Thursday, April 8, 2021, at 6:00 pm.

2021-03-11-minutesDownload
Filed under: Council Meeting Minutes