AUGUST 14, 2008

1. CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL: Mayor Welch called the meeting to order at 2:00 p.m. Mayor Welch and Councilors Kelly, Hanes, Woodruff, Campbell, and Cutter answered the roll. Councilor Havens was excused. A quorum was present.
    Ms. Leonard announced the promotion of John Alfano to Public Works Director, noting that he had done a superlative job as Interim Director during Mr. McClung’s medical absence. Mayor Welch congratulated Mr. Alfano, and commented on the excellent work he had done in coordinating with ODOT on the recently completed Downtown Project.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: None.
3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: Councilor Kelly reported that the Community College is on track with their South County facility, which is scheduled to open in a year. Councilor Campbell apologized for missing the last meeting. Councilor Cutter noted that he had invited representatives from ODFW to a future meeting to talk about the bear problem in this area.
4. MINUTES: The Council considered the minutes from the July 10, 2008 meeting. Councilor Woodruff moved to approve the minutes as presented. Councilor Cutter seconded, and the motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
5. CORRESPONDENCE: None.
6. PUBLIC HEARING(S): None.
7. CITY MANAGER REPORT: Ms. Leonard suggested that the Dahl Franchise Ordinance be moved up as the Dahls were present. There were no objections from the Council. Ms. Leonard explained the language changes which were done as a result of the concerns expressed by the Council at the last meeting. This would be a 10-year agreement. Mayor Welch asked about the process for rate determination. Ms. Leonard noted that this language was standard and uniform throughout the county and other cities, and helps to make the haulers accountable for their rates. Basically, they are allowed a 12% net profit, though this year they are only getting 2%. Hearing no objection from the Council, Mayor Welch read Ordinance No. 723 by title only for the first and second readings. Councilor Kelly moved to adopt Ordinance No. 723 as read. Councilor Hanes seconded　and the motion carried unanimously.
    Ms. Leonard distributed copies of a letter to the editor from someone who had enjoyed their stay in Waldport, and noted that she had received several positive comments from citizens regarding the recent Downtown Project. She asked that Councilors let her know if they wish to attend the LOC conference being held October 2-4. The Council of Governments has received federal funding to assist businesses in preparing for future natural disasters, and they were setting up a series of meetings on the coast. They were asking for volunteers to attend the meeting, preferably someone from the business community, and someone from the Council. Councilor Cutter noted that part of his work included disaster preparedness and he volunteered to serve on the committee. Ms. Leonard noted that the logging company had contacted her that day to inform her they were going to begin hauling the logs out through Peterson Park. The drivers have been instructed to drive slowly and to obey all the rules. They were anticipating up to 30 trucks per day between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday. Deputy Cummings had met with Ms. Leonard and had provided a 14-page activity report, which would be available for the Council to review. There had been no major issues, but he was happy to report an increased number of traffic stops due to the new coverage configuration. A grant has been obtained for addressing the speeding on Crestline, but according to Deputy Cummings it was proving difficult to make the requisite three stops per hour. Ms. Leonard noted that the speed limit on the east side of Crestline Drive near the school was 40 mph, while the west side was 25 mph. Hopefully the County will address this issue. She will be writing another letter to ODOT about the speed limit along the seawall, and Sheriff Dotson will also send a letter of support for the reduction of speed. The City will be working on making the one-way designation on the west side of Willow Street near the Alsea Bay Market more prominent, as many people are ignoring the current signage. Ms. Leonard mentioned that Alder Street will be closed off for the Cruzin’ for Crab festival in September. She surmised that the citations issued by the City for the Mercantile building have had some effect, as the owner’s contractor has contacted the City about closing off the sidewalk in front of the building while the lead paint is being removed.
    Councilor Kelly asked about the remaining effluent at the treatment plant and Ms. Leonard responded that it would be allowed to settle for another year and then they will be using it on-site. In response to a question from Councilor Woodruff, Ms. Leonard gave a brief review of the recent telecommunications franchise meeting she had attended. She noted that the Council could address any local telecommunications issues at the time that the franchises are being renewed.
8. COMMITTEE REPORTS: None.
9. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: The Council considered the Library circulation reports, the Planning report, the Planning Commission minutes from June, 2008 and a report from Mayor Welch regarding the Mayor’s conference he had attended in Pendleton. Mayor Welch mentioned the upcoming Oregon Sesquicentennial celebration, and noted that another issue discussed at length was in regard to water rights. He also mentioned the "If I Were Mayor" contest, and was hopeful that the Council might consider the purchase of a laptop for the school if any of the kids participate in the contest.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR: The Council considered the Consent Calendar, which consisted of a surplus property resolution. Councilor Cutter moved to approve Resolution 1126. Councilor Woodruff seconded, and the motion carried unanimously on a voice vote.
11. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:
    A. Consideration of Dahl Franchise Ordinance: Previously addressed.
    B. Other Issues: Councilor Hanes suggested that, in the interest of public information, the City consider audio streaming of the Council meetings. Consensus of the Council was favorable, and City staff was instructed to look into what would be needed for this.
    Councilor Campbell briefed the Council on the progress being made at the golf course. Ms. Leonard noted that the use of effluent for watering the golf course had proven to be cost-prohibitive at the present time, and she was currently researching a methodology for a water rate for large water users, based in part on information from the American Water Works Association. This rate would be applicable to any large water user utilizing City water for irrigation, though at the present time, the golf course is the only entity that would fit the criteria.
    Councilor Woodruff informed the Council on the ongoing process for the Scenic Byways designation for Highway 34.
12. ADJOURNMENT: At 3:48 p.m., there being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting was adjourned.