The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Young at 7:33 p.m. Mayor Young delivered the invocation and led the flag salute.

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mayor Cheryl A. Young

Councilor Bob Schmor

Councilor Bill Guy

Councilor Bridgett Harkins (departed 7:40 p.m.)

Councilor Gary Hudson

Councilor Marian Calnon

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:

None

ALSO PRESENT:

Leahnette Rivers, City Administrator/Recorder

Jim Bundy, Public Works Superintendent

ATTORNEY PRESENT:

Harold Olsen, City Attorney

A quorum was present and due notice had been published.

Mayor Young introduced Councilor Harkins' husband, Gary, and children, to the Council and audience. She said Councilor Harkins is leaving the City Council tonight after serving a four-year term, and she wanted to recognize her for her efforts. Mayor Young said the City has seen the development of two City parks during Councilor Harkins' time in office. She said Councilor Harkins not only provided the vision and oversight for these projects, but she was right out there digging in the soil during their development. Mayor Young presented Councilor Harkins with her City Council nameplate, and a plaque recognizing her four years of service to the City as City Council Member and Parks Committee Chair. Mayor Young also thanked Councilor Harkins' family members for their support of her time in office.

Leahnette Rivers delivered the Oath of Office to Bill Guy and Marian Calnon. Councilor Harkins departed from the meeting at 7:40 p.m. and Councilor Calnon took her seat at the Council table.

Mayor Young welcomed Councilor Guy back to the City Council. Mayor Young encouraged Councilor Calnon to feel free to ask questions, and explained that she can abstain from voting if she feels uncomfortable about making a decision about a subject that she is not yet familiar with.

Introduction of new Utility Worker: Jim Bundy introduced Byron Havens, Utility Worker I, hired January 1, 2001, and said he brings nine years of experience in Public Works to the City.

2.1 Continued Public Hearing: To gather public testimony relating to the City of Columbia City Systems Development Charge (SDC) Update for Sanitary Sewer and Water System report dated September, 2000 as prepared by Murray, Smith and Associates, Inc.

Public Hearing opened.

Leahnette Rivers said Erik Coats, City Engineer, is here to answer questions from the City Council and the audience about the proposed SDC update. She asked the Council to refer to Addendum No. 1, dated January 3, 2001, containing Erik Coats' response to questions raised in previous meetings about the methodology used in the study. She said Addendum No. 1 speaks to the issue of using equivalent dwelling unit (EDU) values to compute the SDC fee instead of using the meter capacity impact factor. She also asked the Council to refer to replacement pages 4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 5-1 and 5-2 which contain corrections to the study based on previous input from the public. She said the corrections relate to the length of waterline installed by the City during the 1990's and updates made to the water map. She said the corrections resulted in a reduction to the proposed base water SDC fee of approximately $400.

Wayne Weigandt of St. Helens said he did not receive the new information prior to the meeting, and therefore he has not had an opportunity to review it.

Leahnette Rivers suggested Erik Coats review the information with the City Council and for members of the audience.

Erik Coats said he was asked to update the water system analysis based on improvements that have been made to the system since the Water Master Plan map was completed. He said the updates to the map resulted in the elimination of some improvements in the improvement fee component, because they had already been completed. He said he was also asked to correct the length of 8 and 10-inch lines built by the City. He said this correction reduced the amount of waterline installed by the City, which in turn reduced the reimbursement fee portion of the proposed SDC fee.

Erik Coats said he was also asked to look more carefully at the EDU approach as an alternative method to calculate the SDC fee. He said in order to do this, a single family residence with a 3/4-inch meter would be considered as one EDU. He said typically one residence uses 240 gallons per day (gpd), and generates 180 gpd in wastewater flow. He said these flows would be used as the base flow rates for one EDU, and would then be used to establish the EDU values of commercial and industrial connections.

Erik Coats said he obtained the water usage history for Mr. Weigandt's mini mart/gas station from City staff. He said the usage history shows an average of approximately 800 gpd of water, and it is assumed that the facility would generate approximately 500 gpd in wastewater. He said the resultant number of EDU's for this facility would be 3.33 for water and 2.78 for sanitary sewer. Mr. Coats explained that following this approach, the mini mart/gas station would have paid an SDC of $9,857 for water and $4,414 for sanitary sewer. He said under the fee structure contained in the study, the SDC fees would be $9,857 for water and $3,429 for sanitary sewer.

Erik Coats further explained that the City would not have the water usage history available when an application is made for a building permit. He said under the EDU structure, the City might use typical flow data available from the Environmental Protection Agency for different types of facilities. He said this is a subjective method, and it is likely that applicants would object to this method. He said he did calculate the SDC fees for the mini mart/gas station under this method, and the resulting SDC fees were even higher.

Erik Coats said the water meter method recommended in the study is simple and easy to use. He said the process for identifying the SDC is straightforward, while other methods would require more City staff time and expense to implement.

Wayne Weigandt said he was required under the plumbing code to install a 1-1/2 inch water meter at the mini-mart/gas station. He said the facility could operate with a 3/4-inch meter. He said the facility uses less water than a household, and he asked that the fees be re-calculated using winter water usage information. Wayne Weigandt said a $10,000 SDC fee might inhibit future commercial development within the City. He suggested the Council consider another method of financing capital needs.

Erik Coats said the irrigation system may have impacted the meter size requirement. He said the SDC fees may also encourage conservation in the future. Erik Coats suggested the City Council deduct the impact of fire suppression sprinkler systems when computing the SDC fees. He said fire suppression sprinkler systems are typically never used, and therefore should not be included when calculating the impact of the facility on the capacity of the system.

Councilor Schmor said a business may initially be a rather small operation, but it can grow over time, and as growth occurs, water usage increases. He said the meter impact method will insure that fees are paid based upon potential water use. He said the City cannot collect additional SDC fees as the business grows.

Wayne Weigandt questioned the calculations used by the City for the 8 and 10-inch waterlines in the replacement pages for the report. He asked if the City would provide a map of the waterline installation mentioned in the report. Leahnette Rivers explained that the City corrected the report to reflect waterlines installed by the City, and she provided Mr. Weigandt with a detailed listing of the waterline installations made by the City.

Susan Cass of Columbia City, spoke in favor of the City Council proceeding with the adoption of SDC fees as recommended by the study.

Public Hearing closed.

Mayor Young asked the Council for their input on which SDC fee method to use. It was the consensus of the Council that the meter size be used as recommended in the study.

Mayor Young asked the Council if they wanted to deduct the fire suppression sprinkler systems when calculating the SDC fees. It was the consensus of the Council that these systems should be removed from the equation when SDC fees are levied.

Leahnette Rivers explained that Council Bill No. 00-185 amends the City's current SDC ordinance to remove mention of water and sewer SDC fees, and retain storm drainage, transportation and park SDC fees. She sad Council Bill No. 00-186 adopts the new SDC study and the fees recommended by the update. She provided the City Council with copies of Council Bill No. 00-186, as amended, to reflect the new information contained in the replacement pages, including the new fee recommendation. She said Council Bill No. 00-186 should be amended further to mention the changes to the report and the removal of fire suppression sprinkler systems from the fee calculations.

It was the consensus of the Council that Council Bill No. 00-186, as amended, be amended further as follows:

Amend the second and third WHEREAS paragraphs to refer to the Systems Development Charge Update for Sanitary Sewer and Water System dated September 2000 and amended January 2001.

Section 3, Effective Date, will be renumbered as Section 4.

Add a new Section 3 which reads: Section 3: Fire Suppression: The System Development Charges will be calculated on code required meter size to accommodate actual fixture count, excluding fire suppression requirements.

AGENDA ITEM 3 CITIZEN INPUT:

3.1 Request: Request for waiver of solicitation permit fees by the Jehovah's Witnesses, St. Helens Congregation.

The City Council reviewed a request from T. Gene Church of the Jehovah's Witnesses, St. Helens Congregation, for a waiver of the solicitation permit fees. The Council discussed the request at length.

Sue Cass asked if licensed solicitors could be required to wear a badge so that residents know they are legitimate.

Mayor Young said the City does issue a permit, and residents can ask them to produce their solicitation permit. Leahnette Rivers cautioned that the solicitation permit does not insure that a business is legitimate, it only indicates shows that the business has registered with the City.

MOVED (SCHMOR), SECONDED (GUY) AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO WAIVE THE FEE AS REQUESTED.

4.1 State of the City Message: Mayor Young presented the following State of the City Message for 2001:

"The Year 2000 is in the past now but its effect will linger on in our minds. There were the proverbial good news/bad news items and some things remained the same. All in all, Columbia City has faired well and, thus far, we are actively pursuing our goals and remaining within our budget. We could not have accomplished so much without good staff, councilors, and volunteers.

"Personnel: We lost a good man, Aaron Kunders, who made a wise career move to gain more knowledge and experience. We were very sad indeed but understood and wish him well. He began working for the City while in high school and gave us many years of outstanding service. We will miss him but are sure the City left its mark on him and hope one day he may return.

"We will be losing another employee soon to retirement. Dick Simpson has used his knowledge and expertise not only for routine duties but also to accomplish several construction projects within City Hall. We will soon have offices for our Police Department on the lower floor of City Hall at a cost much lower than had we bid the job out. In fact, without Dick, we may have had to wait longer to see this to fruition. He also restructured the main floor to achieve maximum use of our facility and built a cover over the doorway leading to our council chambers.

"Dick "Ziggy" Ziglinski continued as a part-time employee as needed and as money allowed. His expertise was with machinery, but he wasn’t shy on other abilities either. He continues volunteer work with the City and has added several other volunteer jobs in the community to his resume.

"We recently welcomed two new employees to Public Works. Jeff Anderson was hired in October to fill Aaron's position, and Byron Havens was hired January 1st to take over Dick Simpson’s position when he retires.

"We don’t want to forget our Superintendent Jim Bundy whose knowledge, dedication, and love of Columbia City grows with each passing day. His spirit is contagious and his communication skills and knowledge keep the friendly and approachable atmosphere of Columbia City in tact. Jim also has one quality I personally love: he gets so excited, like a little boy getting his first puppy or bike. I wasn’t the only one jumping for joy and watching as progress was made on our well. Every piece of rock coming from the earth was like a magnificent discovery, precious and historic.

"Mike Reedy was chosen to be our new Police Chief after Josh Harper resigned this position. Josh remained with the City and is currently a sergeant in the department. Officer Greisen is recovering nicely from surgery, and Jim Carlson has filled in for him during his absence. Other part-time officers to join us this past year include Fred Ramirez, Shaun McQuiddy and Ed Popham. Dustin Hald also returned to work for us. We employ several officers to fill the needed time slots because they all have regular full-time positions elsewhere and are limited on the time they can work for us.

"We also have two volunteer reserve officers. Officer Bill Tucker is readjusting to his roles as husband and father after serving several months in Kosovo for the federal government. Jeff Mansheim resigned his paid position but continued as a volunteer reserve officer and has made great contributions to our Police Department.

"Leahnette Rivers, our City Recorder/Administrator and her husband, Buddy have made a great addition to our city. They became residents during 2000. She has worked for the City about 18-months to-date. Leahnette’s energy, knowledge, and experience have moved our City forward in a continually positive direction.

"Dee, Linda, and Carol have made outstanding progress in learning new procedures that have helped the City run more efficiently and cost-effectively. We have an excellent office staff that complement one another and work diligently to serve our citizens. They have effectively maintained their sense of good ethics, quality workmanship, and humor during a year of many challenges, including construction projects and added family responsibilities.

"Diana Taylor continued to serve us well as our Municipal Judge. Judge Taylor, who is also a practicing attorney with an office in St. Helens, has served as our Municipal Judge since June of 1996, and we're very fortunate to have her as a member of our staff.

"As I stated in our last newsletter, we are losing Councilor Bridgett Harkins, who, along with other duties, spearheaded two City-park projects. I appreciate her enthusiasm and dedication. Taking time to serve as an elected official while raising a family, working, and serving in other community capacities is truly outstanding.

"Bill Guy was re-elected as a councilman and I am indeed grateful. Bill has successfully chaired our Water Committee and paved the way for our well projects and future additional reservoir site. We need his knowledge and experience with these projects and other issues facing the City.

"Gary Hudson will continue with street improvement projects including the current "I", Fifth, and "J" streets reconstruction project. Gary’s education and experience in administration enhances our research and decision-making process.

"Bob Schmor lends his education and administrative experience with county planning commission issues and school district policy and procedures, and represents the City on various committees and projects. He continues to question the accuracy of costs associated with our wastewater flow calculations. Bob and the rest of the council feel we are, and have been, charged too much for sewer services and hope for a fair and equitable adjustment to this long-awaited negotiation with the City of St. Helens.

"I am proud of our councilors, staff, and volunteers whose industriousness, work quality, and communication skills are largely responsible for the success of our city. It is also gratifying to see more interactions from citizens at our council meetings. Additionally, we appreciate teachers who require exposure to government to enable future leaders to be better prepared and know they not only have a role but a responsibility to be involved.

"Other City happenings: The rebirth of our Columbia City Celebration brought joy to many and allowed the City to help staff the new Columbia City School and Community Library for two evenings, Saturdays and during the summer. Library staff presented some educational events for children and adults alike and has up-to-date technology available for use.

"Marian Calnon was elected to a four-year term as a City Council Member.

"The PGE/PUD transfer finally took place and franchise adjustments and negotiations will be taking place.

"The "King" well is showing positive results but we need to finish the project and run more tests to prove what we believe to be a very good (supplemental) water source.

"We lost our little store across from City Hall. Just before that, a new family market and gas station (CJ’s) opened at Highway 30 and "A" Street. An espresso building was also approved near the store.

"Columbia City will celebrate its 75^th anniversary during the year 2001. We are in the process of trying to write and publish a historical booklet and donations will be gladly accepted to help defray costs.

"Business license fees were adjusted to better coincide with fees charged by other cities.

"A Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan was completed.

"We began an expanded recycling project on a trial basis and it proved to be very successful. However, we had problems with residents who try to recycle incorrectly with improper burning, including household garbage.

"City Administrator Leahnette Rivers and Public Works Superintendent Jim Bundy spearheaded a "Down by the Riverside" cleanup project and 26 volunteers worked for a full day beautifying Pixie Park.

"The DAR hosted their annual Fleet Day Celebration.

"We provided citizens with an annual water quality report.

"Public Works replaced a 4-inch waterline with a 10-inch line between Second and "E" Streets and at the intersection of Sixth and "E" Streets.

"The City offered a 30-day amnesty period to allow individuals with suspended licenses because of outstanding traffic fines to pay fifty cents on the dollar to clear up their records. Only 12 of 156 took advantage of the offer.

"We are almost ready to implement new System Development Charges (SDC's).

"We have requested grant funds for a Parks Master Plan and Water Source Improvements.

"We received a $10,000 grant and a $20,000 loan from the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department to complete a siting analysis and preliminary design engineering for a new one million-gallon water storage reservoir and a water rate study.

"We received a $4,500 grant under an ODOT and Oregon State University Technical Assistance Program to complete the design engineering for the "I", 5^th and "J" street improvement project.

"The City found it necessary to declare a mandatory water curtailment on outdoor watering for several months and eventually adopted a Water Curtailment Plan.

"A portion of "B" street was renamed Belle Street near Belle Court.

"Sewer usage fees increased but still were less than originally adopted when the sewer system was first installed.

"The Columbia City Sports and Recreation Center expanded their facility and services.

"We received a $20,000 technical assistance grant from State of Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development to hire a planning consultant to update the Comprehensive Plan and revised our land use ordinances.

"We received a $1,400 U.S. Department of Justice grant to purchase bulletproof vests and a $500 Local Law Enforcement Block Grant to purchase a digital camera for police investigations.

"City staff developed a Web site and began e-mailing notices to those who requested them.

"The City spent several thousand dollars defending the issuance of a building permit that was appealed to LUBA.

"A committee was appointed to review the Transportation System Plan, and revisions to the Plan were adopted.

"Our long-time friend and City Attorney, Harold Olsen, relocated to Olsen, Horn L.L.C., P.O. Box 688, 1510 St. Helens Street, St. Helens, OR 97051, Telephone: (503) 397-4222.

"Summary: According to the old adage, "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder." My personal view is that Columbia City remains true to its motto. It is a City of Beauty and Livability, and the City Council and I will continue to represent Columbia City citizens and the public-at-large to the best of our abilities and hopefully in a manner that will be pleasing to the larger majority. I thank you once again for the honor of serving as your Mayor and ask for your support and help in attaining goals beneficial for Our City and remaining positive in spite of any adversity that may befall us."

4.1 Parks Committee: Mayor Young said she plans to appoint Councilor Calnon as Parks Committee Chair.

4.2 Water Source and Development Committee: Chair Guy said the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, January 9, 2001. He said the Committee will be discussing the future reservoir siting.

Jim Bundy said the well is currently drilled to a depth of 500 feet, and it is yielding approximately 215 gallons per minute. He said preliminary water quality reports indicate that the water quality is good. He said we will continue drilling next week.

Mayor Young said she refers to the well as "The King Well" in memory of Carolyn King who served on the Water Committee for many years.

4.3 Streets Committee: Chair Hudson said a meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, January 10, 2001, to discuss the design engineering for the Fifth, "I" and "J" Street reconstruction project. He said the committee will also discuss seal coating Sixth Street.

4.4 Other Reports:

Highway widening punch list: Councilor Schmor asked if ODOT has completed any of the items on the punch list. He said they promised to complete the items last year.

Jim Bundy said the completion of the punch list items has been postponed until April or May of 2001. He said they have assured us that they will complete the items on the list, including landscaping, signing, street lighting, etc.

St. Helens sewer usage fees: Councilor Schmor questioned what progress has been made with St. Helens on the review of sewer fees for Columbia City. Leahnette Rivers said the last time she talked with Brian Little about this subject, he had said a draft sewer rate study should be available in November. Harold Olsen suggested Councilor Schmor contact the St. Helens Council Member(s) in charge of sewer operations to discuss this. The Council agreed that this would be a good approach.

AGENDA ITEM 5 CONSENT AGENDA:

Mayor Young asked that item 5.12 be removed from the Consent Agenda because there is no report from the Chief of Police.

MOVED (HUDSON), SECONDED (GUY) AND CARRIED BY ROLL CALL VOTE TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. Councilor Calnon abstained from voting.

The Council completed the first reading of Council Bill No. 00-185.

The Council completed the first reading of Council Bill No. 00-186 as amended.

Leahnette Rivers explained that at the last meeting, the City Council asked staff to contact the League of Oregon Cities to obtain information about Planning Commission decision authority in other cities of similar size to Columbia City. She said she has a call in to the League, but has not heard back from them yet. She recommended this item be postponed until the next meeting.

It was the consensus of the Council that this item be postponed until the next meeting.

Mayor Young recommended Councilor Schmor be re-elected as City Council President. She said Councilor Schmor has done a good job in this capacity and is readily available for signing checks and other documents.

Mayor Young opened the nominations for City Council President.

MOVED (GUY), SECONDED (HUDSON) AND CARRIED TO NOMINATE COUNCILOR SCHMOR AS CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT.

There being no other nominations for City Council President, Mayor Young closed the nominations.

MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mayor Young explained that there are three vacancies on the Planning Commission that need to be filled. She said Commissioners Roger Barbour and John Yazzolino are interested in serving another term. She said applications from the following citizens have also been received: Deirdre M. Balsiger, Bob Kunders, Michael J. Singh, and Richard Ziglinski.

Councilor Schmor recommended Roger Barbour and John Yazzolino be re-appointed to the Planning Commission. He also recommended Bob Kunders be appointed to serve on the Planning Commission. He said Mr. Kunders has lived here for 16 years and is well acquainted with community. He said Mr. Kunders is very level headed, easy to work with, and would be very available and dependable.

Councilors Hudson and Guy agreed with Councilor Schmor's recommendation. Mayor Young agreed, noting that Ms. Balsiger and Mr. Singh have lived in the City for a short period of time, and Mr. Ziglinski sometimes works as a part-time employee for the City.

MOVED (SCHMOR), SECONDED (GUY) AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO REAPPOINT ROGER BARBOUR AND JOHN YAZZOLINO AND TO APPOINT BOB KUNDERS TO THE PLANNING COMMISSION.

The Council reviewed a staff report dated December 27, 2000, from Jim Holycross, City Planner. In the staff report, Mr. Holycross asked the City Council to interpret conflicting sections of the Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision and Partitioning Ordinance relating to alleys. Referring to the plat map attached to the staff report, Leahnette Rivers explained that the partition of the two existing lots into a total of three lots would require the creation of a street. She said the street will serve the three parcels, and three other existing homes that currently have access across the subject property through access easements. She said the request is to develop an alley instead of a street to serve as access to the new lots and other homes that have access easements. She said the street will never be developed into a through street because of the existing homes, and the unique layout of the land and the river frontage. She questioned whether an alley could be used to provide access to properties not abutting a street.

Ms. Rivers explained that one section of the Subdivision Ordinance provides the Council with the authority to approve the development of alleys. However, she said another section of the same ordinance defines an alley as a narrow street through a block primarily for access by service vehicles to the back or side of properties fronting on another street. She said another section of the ordinance refers to primary alleys as those that provide the principal means of access.

Councilor Schmor said the existing house on the subject property is old and dilapidated and is going to be removed. He said it would be an advantage to the neighbors and the neighborhood to have some nice homes built on these lots. However, he expressed concern about the development of an alley, and asked who would maintain it. He also questioned whether or not the City would be establishing a precedence if the developer were allowed to construct an alley instead of a street. He also asked if this application would go to the Planning Commission.

Leahnette Rivers said the alley would be paved to City standards and maintained by the City. She said the partition will only be reviewed by the Planning Commission if someone objects to it. She said if the applicant is required to apply for a variance to the street requirements, the variance would go to the Planning Commission.

Jim Bundy said a local street would normally be required for this development, with sidewalks. He expressed concern about a street 32 feet in width, which might attract unnecessary traffic and will never be a through street. He questioned whether the development of a full local street is reasonable in this case.

The Council reviewed and discussed the staff report and the proposed partition map at length. Harold Olsen noted that because the application is for a partition, when the City Council is interpreting ordinances the Subdivision and Partitioning Ordinance would take precedence over the Zoning Ordinance.

After a lengthy discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that reference to a primary alley within the Subdivision and Partitioning Ordinance does not conflict with the definition for an alley, because it still meant the alley would provide a second access to property already served by a street. It was the consensus of the Council that an alley could not be used to provide sole access to properties not abutting a street.

Mayor Young suggested the applicant might apply for a variance to the minimum lot size, and develop the street as required.

Harold Olsen suggested the City Council consider the reasoning for the regulations that are in place, and ask if this proposal will interfere with that policy. For example, referring to the minimum lot size requirement, he asked if the minimum lot size was established to keep people from being crowded together, or to preserve lines of sight, or for other reasons.

Jim Bundy noted that the Subdivision and Partitioning Ordinance also indicates that streets are to be designed in accordance with the use of the land, topography, public safety, etc. He said this appears to provide some latitude on design standards. He noted that the Comprehensive Plan does discourage the development of alleys.

Russell and Joan Thackery of Columbia City spoke in favor of the property being developed. They expressed concern about protecting their access rights to their own property, which is through an access easement crossing the two lots under discussion.

Leahnette Rivers explained that this Resolution relates to the OECDD grant and loan for the Water Reservoir Siting Analysis and Water Rate Study.

MOVED (GUY), SECONDED (HUDSON) AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT COUNCIL BILL NO. 00-191.

MOVED (HUDSON), SECONDED (SCHMOR) AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO EXTEND THE MEETING TO 9:45 P.M.

8.1 Other reports or items:

Request for waiver of Community Hall fees: The City Council reviewed a letter dated January 3, 2001, from Mary Dorry, Co-Neighborhood Chair of the St. Helens Girl Scouts Troop. In the letter, Ms. Dorry requested use of the Community Hall to distribute cookies on February 17, 2001, from noon until 5:00 p.m. She also asked if the fee could be waived, because fees would need to be paid from proceeds from cookie sales, which would require the sale of approximately 80 boxes of cookies. It was the consensus of the Council that the rental fees be waived if the cookies can be distributed without use of the heater.

Request for waiver of Community Hall fees: The City Council reviewed a letter dated January 4, 2001, from Anna Hanson, one of the crew leaders at the middle school alternative program, asking to use the Community Hall several days each week to teach a life skills/home economics course. In the letter, Ms. Hanson said their funding is limited, and the students could provide work in exchange for their time spent using the kitchen. Council Members questioned why one of the school's kitchens would not be available for this program. It was the consensus of the Council that the residential rate could be charged instead of the outside rental rate if there are no school-owned kitchen facilities available.

Columbia County Jail Grand Opening: The City Council reviewed the announcement for the Columbia County Jail Grand Opening scheduled for January 5 and 6, 2001.

Housing starts in 2000: The City Council reviewed a listing of housing starts during the calendar year 2000. They noted that building has slowed considerably with only 13 permits issued for single family homes.

Pacific Program: Leahnette Rivers explained that applications are currently being solicited for admission into the Pacific Program, a leadership training program.

New Police Car: Leahnette Rivers noted that the new police car is now fully equipped and marked.

Community Hall Rental Policy: Leahnette Rivers asked the Council if they had established, or would like to consider establishing, a policy relating to Community Hall reservations. She explained that Laura Flynn, a City resident, has reserved the Hall for Christmas day for several years in a row. She said this year another City resident reserved the Hall for Christmas day 2001 before Ms. Flynn had placed her reservation. As a result, Ms. Flynn has now reserved the Hall for Christmas day 2002 to make sure it will be available. Leahnette Rivers said the City Council may want to establish a policy relating to reservations.

Community Visioning: Leahnette Rivers explained that one of the activities related to the City's long-range planning project, which is currently underway, is a Community Visioning process. She said this is an extremely important process, and it has tentatively been scheduled for February 15, 2001, pending City Council approval and cancellation of the second City Council Meeting in February. She said the visioning process will be conducted in the gym at the Columbia City Grade School. It was the consensus of the Council that the February 15, 2001 Council Meeting be cancelled and the Visioning Process be scheduled.

Goal Setting: Leahnette Rivers said it is time for City Council goal setting again. It was the consensus of the Council that goal setting be scheduled for January 25, 2001, pending Councilor Hudson's schedule, with February 8, 2001 as an alternate date.

AT&T Broadband: Council reviewed a letter dated December 13, 2000, from Jeanne Benecke of AT&T Broadband expressing AT&T's position regarding the assessment of franchise fees on revenue derived from the provision of cable mode service. Leahnette Rivers said Harold Olsen has not yet had an opportunity to review the letter or the franchise agreement, but will report to the Council on this matter in the near future.

Request for streetlight: Referring to a recent citizen request for a streetlight near 1815 or 1825 Third Street, Jim Bundy explained that the installation of a light in that area would cost $400.00, and the monthly fee for the light would be $7.44.

MOVED (SCHMOR) AND SECONDED (HUDSON) TO INSTALL THE STREET LIGHT AS REQUESTED.

Mayor Young expressed concern about this action, because it will result in more citizen requests for streetlights, and she questioned how those requests will be funded.

Leahnette Rivers suggested the City ask the PUD to complete a streetlight inventory to prioritize our street lighting needs before any new fixtures are installed.

COUNCILOR SCHMOR WITHDREW HIS MOTION. It was the consensus of the Council that, before the City invests in any new streetlights or replaces any streetlights, an effort be made to complete a streetlight inventory so that lighting needs and upgrades can be prioritized. Jim Bundy will check with the PUD to see if they can complete an inventory. Councilor Guy said Bonneville may have financing available for street lighting programs.

There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 9:46 p.m.

Return to Columbia City Home Page