MARCH 12, 2009
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. A quorum was present.
2. CITIZEN COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: Mayor Welch noted several people were present
to address the Council on the subject of aerial spraying, which would be
addressed after any other concerns. Gene Cvar spoke to the Council regarding
Kiwanis National Project Day on April 4. One member had suggested cleaning up
Meridian Park. As the head of the Parks Committee, Councilor Woodruff noted that
would be an excellent project.
Aerial Spraying: Mr. Frazzini, representing Forest Capital
Partners, addressed the Council. He reported that, based on citizen concerns and
other issues, they were going to be applying chemicals by ground rather than by
aerial spraying. The other area up off of Crestline Drive will also be
ground-applied, and that project will begin in about a month. He noted that they
will be scheduling an informational forum to be held sometime in the next couple
of months. Councilor Kelly asked about the schedule for tree planting and also
congratulated Forest Capital for the compliance the logging trucks had shown
during the operation at Peterson Park. Mr. Frazzini responded that they would
probably be planting in September and October of this year. Councilor Hanes
asked if factors such as wind would still be taken into consideration with the
ground application, and Mr. Frazzini responded affirmatively, noting that there
were rules regarding when the application could be done, and stating that the
project would be closely monitored. The actual chemicals used in the application
have not yet been determined, and would be based on the type of vegetation that
is extant in the area. Mayor Welch asked about a response to the Port of Alsea’s
letter and Mr. Frazzini noted that it might have gone to the Portland office, as
he had not seen a copy of it, and suggested that future correspondence be sent
directly to their office. On being asked if the agreement could be put in
writing, Mr. Frazzini responded that they did not wish to enter into any written
agreements or contracts, but he had said they would be applying by ground, and
his word is not to be doubted. Councilor Cutter asked about chipping vs burning
and Mr. Frazzini stated they will probably burn, most likely in the fall after
the rains start. The state will dictate which days can be used for burning. He
also noted that they will be logging other areas further east and south in the
next few years. A citizen asked if they would consider other alternatives to
spraying and Mr. Frazzini indicated he would consider them, if someone has an
alternative and examples of where they have been effective. Councilor Cutter
asked if people could get permits to harvest forest products in the area prior
to the work being done and Mr. Frazzini noted that they do have permits
available in established timber. However, it defeats the purpose of spraying the
area if the vegetation has been removed, as it will not be affected by the
herbicides and will simply grow back in a short while. The following citizens
addressed the Council: Dave Peltier, Maxine Sentala, Art Cvar, Joanne Cvar,
Cathy Raymer, Judy Hudson, Carol Stevens and Wid Thompson. The concerns
expressed included burning treated brush, the effects of herbicides on fish
habitat, health problems related to spraying, the effect on agricultural lands
in close proximity to the area in question, and the desire to have the agreement
to do manual spraying put in writing.
3. COUNCIL COMMENTS AND CONCERNS: Councilor Kelly reported that the Community
College building continues to progress on schedule. The Oregon Coast Community
College Foundation is having a fundraiser based on purchasing pavers, and he
offered to distribute forms if anyone was interested.
Returning to the earlier discussion on herbicide spraying,
Councilor Campbell asked why spraying was necessary, and what was the survival
rate of the trees if spraying did not take place. Mr. Frazzini noted that,
depending on the season, they could lose up to 40% of the crop. The goal is to
establish the trees quickly, and get them effectively growing, then they do not
need to revisit the area. Councilor Cutter spoke to the issue of writing a
letter and obtaining a written response. Mr. Frazzini indicated that people have
to be informed at least 15 days in advance of the spraying operation, and if
people are on register with the State to receive that information they will be
notified. Ms. Leonard will write a letter and get the City on the notification
register.
Mayor Welch reported on the recent LinCom meeting and noted
that they have agreed to hold the budget to what they had last year rather than
asking for the proposed increase. He also reported that the Newport Air Service
will start on March 15.
4. MINUTES: The Council considered the minutes from the February 12, 2009
meeting. Councilor Kelly moved to approve the minutes as presented.
Councilor Cutter seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
5. CORRESPONDENCE: None.
6. CITY MANAGERS REPORT: Ms. Leonard noted that the bathroom is now open at
Crestline Park. In regard to concerns expressed about the tree that was cut and
which is now on the area of the recent slide, Ms. Leonard indicated that the
tree belongs to the property owner above the slide area. If they don’t remove
it, the City will probably do it this summer. She also noted that the mud will
diminish over time as vegetation begins to cover the area. The City has made an
application for stimulus package monies, to address the Starr/Norwood
intersection. Councilor Cutter gave a brief update on the STIP process, and
stated that there was heavy competition for the available dollars. Ms. Leonard
reported that another opportunity for money has come from DEQ through the Clean
Water Revolving Fund. If the City qualifies, 75% of the loan principal would be
forgiven, and the remaining 25% would be at 0% interest. The South Sewer project
is a prime candidate for this program, though the downside would be that the
City has to show the revenue source for the loan. In this case it would be an
LID, which could be turned down by property owners if there was sufficient
opposition. She will keep the Council apprised of the progress on both
applications. Mayor Welch had asked for a review of where the City was at
financially, and Ms. Leonard reported that we are doing very well because we are
small and our revenue is stable as most of it comes from property taxes and user
fees. Upon questioning by Councilor Woodruff, Ms. Leonard gave a brief review of
how the Assessor’s office sets assessed values for property taxes. Councilor
Woodruff asked if the City could freeze water/sewer rates for the year, Ms.
Leonard responded that they would see in the budget process that projected
revenues were marginally covering the necessary expenses in those funds.
Discussion ensued regarding staffing, upcoming projects, and the budget process
for 2009/10.
8. COMMITTEE REPORT: Councilor Hanes distributed a report from the Traffic and
Public Safety meeting on February 17. She suggested that the items of
interest/recommendations be put on a future agenda for discussion.
9. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: The Library minutes were included in the packet
materials. No action was necessary.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR: A surplus property resolution (Resolution No. 1128) was
the only item in the Consent Calendar. Councilor Woodruff moved to
approve the Consent Calendar. Councilor Cutter seconded, and the motion
carried unanimously on a voice vote.
11. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS:
A. Resolution Amending 2008/2009 Budget: Ms. Leonard reviewed her cover memo,
noting that this was necessary to cover the March bond payment for the South
Sewer project. Councilor Campbell moved to approve Resolution No. 1129.
Councilor Cutter seconded, and the motion carried unanimously on a
voice vote.
B. Resolution For CIS Risk Management Grant Proposal: Councilor Cutter moved
to approve Resolution No. 1130. Councilor Hanes seconded, and the motion
carried unanimously on a voice vote.
C. Other Issues: Mayor Welch mentioned that the Oregon Mayor’s Association
sponsors an annual "If I Were Mayor" contest, open to school students.
Submissions can be in the form of essays, artwork, or other media. He would like
to involve the students at Waldport High School in the contest, and asked that
the Council consider allocating money to purchase a laptop computer to be given
as the winning prize. The Council would review the applications and could then
hold a brief Council meeting, maybe at the High School, to present the prize.
The winner will then go on to a statewide competition. Following a brief
discussion, Councilor Cutter moved to approve the proposal and set aside
$1000 from the General Fund for a laptop. Mayor Welch seconded, and the
motion carried unanimously on a voice vote. Mayor Welch will contact the
school to get the program going, and will consult with Councilor Cutter and City
Manager Leonard on the purchase of the computer.
12. ADJOURNMENT: At 4:12 p.m., there being no further business to come before
the Council, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
Reda A. Quinlan, City Recorder
APPROVED by the Waldport City Council this 9th day of April,
2009.
SIGNED by the Mayor this 9th day of April, 2009.
Herman Welch, Mayor