Councilmembers present:

Donald MacGilvra, Alan Kiest (6:10 p.m.), Peggy Gerdes, Carolyn Armanini, Dwight Thompson, Mary Jane Goss, Nate Herzog (5:50 p.m.)

Staff present:

David R. Hutchinson, Mayor; Doug Jacobson, City Administrator; Michael Ruark, City Attorney; Frank Zenk, Director of Public Services; Ty Peterson, City Planner; Sarah Phillips, Community and Governmental Affairs; Susan Stine, City Clerk

Others present:

Two visitors

Mayor David Hutchinson called the council study session meeting to order at 5:45 p.m.

City Administrator Jacobson introduced Resolution 567/Establishing Fees and Charges and noted that the fees are recommended for a three-year period. Jacobson noted that the satellite dish permit requirement is not enforced at this time and will be deleted due to a change in federal law.

Director of Public Services Zenk indicated that the chipper service is being eliminated due to limited staff resources.

In response to a question from Cmbr. Thompson, Jacobson said that Judge Portnoy has approved the recommended increases for court fees.

Cmbr. Gerdes said that proposed sewer fees should not penalize property owners for connecting to sewer. Jacobson said that the proposed fees are standard practice according to research done by the city’s engineering firm. Cmbr. Armanini said she believed that cost recovery is appropriate.

Jacobson discussed costs related to copies of the sewer comprehensive plan, the proposed sewer service fee increase, street use permits and drainage reviews.

City Planner Peterson noted the importance of thorough surface water reviews and the need to establish fees related to wireless communication facilities.

In response to a question from Thompson, Peterson said a reasonable goal is to recover 75 percent of the engineering review costs. Armanini requested that additional information regarding recovered costs be provided at the October 28 meeting.

In response to a question from Gerdes, Jacobson said the fee resolution will be on the October 28 first reading calendar, and action should be taken at a meeting in November.

Jacobson asked for the council’s input regarding the process for selecting an architectural firm for the remodel of the Select Grill property. Ruark reminded the council that aspects of the process are governed by state statutes.

Thompson requested that a maximum cost for architectural services be established.

Goss expressed her interest in developing a city ordinance establishing a process based on information provided by the Municipal Research Services Center. Jacobson noted the additional time needed for preparation of an ordinance and its adoption by the council.

Gerdes noted that this project involves designing a remodel of an older building while the previous project was to design a new building. She expressed her interest in inviting local architects to participate in this process.

Kiest noted that the architect for the new justice building in the North Bend area should be sought out as well.

Herzog said he believes the council will have a better feeling in the coming weeks regarding the type of project to be undertaken.

Jacobson noted recent events involving the firm he contacted and its principals. He expressed his interest in using the new firm owned by Tony Girolami to prepare the conditions survey of the Select Grill property. Jacobson noted the short time frame for the due diligence process for the property. Councilmembers discussed the items listed in Jacobson’s memo regarding this process and expressed interest in contacting several firms.

Jacobson noted that Gayle Sackett, a full-time employee, has expressed her interest in reducing her hours to part-time status.

Ms. Sackett’s position has included payroll preparation and human resources administration, a variety of skilled computer-related duties and regular updates of the government access channel. She has requested that the preparation of payroll be taken over by another employee, and she will provide training and back-up for the payroll system.

Armanini requested that the city attorney provide information at the October 28 meeting regarding how this change to the adopted salary schedule should be recognized.

Kiest noted that questions regarding the salary schedule and budget are involved, and he noted that it was not the intent of the council to allow a salary increase by reducing the number of hours worked.

Goss asked if the administration had looked at the issue of full-time vs. part-time employment and associated costs.

Discussion followed regarding recognition of employees with unique talents, and Thompson encouraged the administrator to look at standards for computer-related positions when discussing advanced computer skills.

Goss suggested that the city might save money by outsourcing payroll.

At 7:06 p.m., Mayor Hutchinson said the next item on the agenda is an executive session to discuss real estate matters for about five minutes. Those not required to remain for the executive session exited the council chambers at this time.

The meeting was recessed to executive session at 7:07 p.m. for approximately five minutes for discussion of real estate matters.

The meeting was resumed at 7:10 p.m.

Cmbr. Gerdes announced that she will be absent from the November 4 and 10 meetings.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:11 p.m.

David R. Hutchinson, Mayor

APPROVED:

Susan Stine, City Clerk

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