The regular meeting was called to order by Mayor Young at 7:30 p.m. Mayor Young delivered the invocation and led the flag salute.

COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mayor Cheryl A. Young

Councilor Marian Calnon

Councilor Gary Hudson

Councilor Bob Schmor

COUNCIL MEMBERS ABSENT:

Councilor Bill Guy

ALSO PRESENT:

Leahnette Rivers, City Administrator/Recorder

ATTORNEY PRESENT:

None.

A quorum was present and due notice had been published.

Leahnette Rivers explained that the proposal is to pass the fees charged by the collection agency onto the customer by increasing the amount of the account when it is turned over to the collection agency. She said the City sends unpaid traffic tickets, water and sewer billings, and miscellaneous accounts to the collection agency.

Public Hearing opened.

No comments were heard from the public.

Public Hearing closed.

AGENDA ITEM 3 CITIZEN INPUT:

None.

4.1 Parks Committee: Chair Calnon explained that the Columbia River PUD's tree contractor damaged the bike path with their truck. She said they have agreed to do some tree trimming and cutting for the City in exchange for the damage they caused. She said the work will be done in the Jim Bundy Memorial Park, and they have marked six trees for removal. She said they plan to donate the wood to the Kiwanis Club. She said they would like to have the use of a chipper and use wood chips for walking trails in the wooded area of the park. She said the Parks Committee will meet next Tuesday.

4.2 Water Source and Development Committee: Leahnette Rivers said the Water Committee will meet next Monday.

4.3 Street Committee: No report.

4.4 Other reports: Councilor Schmor suggested we look into the purchase of our own truck for pumping septic tanks. He said over a period of time, the investment may pay for itself. Leahnette Rivers said she would ask Public Works staff to obtain cost estimates. The Council discussed the maintenance of septic tanks at length with staff. Leahnette noted that Erik Coats, City Engineer, had confirmed that grinder pumps could not be used to replace the septic tanks. He said the system is not designed to carry solids, even if they are ground.

AGENDA ITEM 5 CONSENT AGENDA:

It was the consensus of the Council that item 5.3 be removed from the consent agenda, because there was no report from the Chief of Police.

MOVED (SCHMOR), SECONDED (HUDSON) AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY BY ROLL CALL VOTE TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA.

6.1 Second reading: Council Bill No. 02-238; Ordinance No. 02-576-O: An Ordinance authorizing the establishment and provisions governing the development and use for system development charges for water, sewer, storm water, parks and streets.

The Council completed the second reading of Council Bill No. 02-238.

MOVED (HUDSON), SECONDED (SCHMOR) AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT COUNCIL BILL NO. 02-238.

MOVED (CALNON), SECONDED (HUDSON) AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO APPROVE COUNCIL BILL NO. 02-239.

MOVED (SCHMOR), SECONDED (HUDSON) AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT COUNCIL BILL NO. 02-240.

The Council reviewed a memo from Leahnette Rivers dated February 15, 2002, recommending the Council move forward with a 25% increase in sewer usage fees. In the memo, she provided five sample rate structures - one providing a flat 25% increase to all customers, and the other four based upon winter water usage. She explained that the winter water usage based sewer rates are designed to charge more to customers that have a greater impact on the sewer system because they create more sewer for treatment. The memo also included several sample accounts and a comparison of the different rates that would apply to each account. The Council reviewed the memo, sample rate structures, and account comparisons at length with staff. It was the consensus of the Council that staff provide the Council with a report showing the average winter water usage for each customer for review at the next meeting.

The Council also discussed whether or not we should move to a monthly utility billing at length with staff. Staff will check with the City of St. Helens to find out who they contract with for meeting reading services. Council also asked that staff develop specific cost estimates regarding monthly billing for review.

The Council reviewed last year's Policy Goals and Objectives, and made changes to reflect the goals and objectives of the coming year. Staff will update the goals and objectives for Council approval at the next meeting.

This item was continued until the next Council Meeting.

Leahnette Rivers explained that the proposed standard construction specifications for septic tanks have been utilized by the City since the construction of the sewer system. She said City Council meeting minutes of September 5, 1991, indicate that the Council established a policy of requiring concrete tanks, but the standard construction specifications were never formally adopted.

MOVED (HUDSON), SECONDED (SCHMOR) AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY TO ADOPT COUNCIL BILL NO. 02-241.

Public Works Superintendent: Leahnette Rivers said the position of Public Works Superintendent has been advertised with a closing date of March 15, 2002.

Grand Marshals: Mayor Young said she would like to ask Margaret Parker and Doris Bateham to be Co-Grand Marshals during the Celebration this year. She said they are sisters that both live in Columbia City, and they are descendents of the Caples family. It was the consensus of the Council that Margaret Parker and Doris Bateham serve as Grand Marshals. The Council discussed plans for the Celebration at length.

There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

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