TOWN OF WILSON CREEK
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING
September 10, 2020 – remote/online meeting via Google Meet

Council Present: Mayor Kevin Newland, and Councilmembers Scott Mortimer, Raymond Kelby, Earl Justice, and Debbie Moore. Staff Present: Kaci Anderson.

  1. Open Meeting: Mayor Kevin Newland called the meeting to order at 6:01 pm.
  2. Approval of Minutes: Motion made by D. Moore, seconded by S. Mortimer, and carried to approve the minutes for the regular meeting on August 13, 2020.
  3. Public Comment: None.
  4. Council Concerns:
    1. E. Justice suggested the four-way stop at the intersection of Railroad and Fourth streets is unnecessary. Mayor Newland and D. Moore respectfully disagreed, stating they believe motorists tend to drive too fast down Railroad Street through town already. The stop sign helps to slow down at least some traffic.
    2. E. Justice discussed tree trimming completed on trees located jointly on his personal property and Town property. He was displeased at the job that was done. Mayor Newland apologized for his part in directing them to be trimmed, but was not pleased with the job itself either. S. Mortimer mentioned that the location of the tree may actually place is within the Town’s right-of-way, and also noted that no official vote or action was taken at the last meeting when tree trimming was discussed.
    3. E. Justice asked if the Town would be willing to share the charges on a tree he would like to save, a cottonwood tree on the corner near his house. E. Justice said he would have somebody out to complete the work. R. Kelby offered to have his contact look at it and will notify both E. Justice and Mayor Newland.
  5. Reports
    1. Mayor’s Address: Mayor Newland discussed the following:
      1. Historical building grant: Mortar and plaster need repaired at Town Hall, and Mayor Newland would also like to see the double doors on the museum side of the building, operational as well. Former Mayor Bohnet has agreed to assist on the grant application. For wood work, S. Mortimer suggested Danny Myers and E. Justice suggested Henry Garcia.
      2. Updates on proposed cell tower: No real updates to report. It was confirmed that the proposed tower is guide-less. The Town has received an application for zoning approval but no decision by Mayor Newland has been made regarding that application as of yet. Mayor Newland reported that no building permit application has been received, nor has any type of environmental impact information. Councilmembers agreed that the proposed location doesn’t make sense to them and again suggested locations near the airport, or locations on Road 25/26 out of town.
      3. Airport restroom/grant: Mayor Newland is waiting to hear back on the Town’s obligations for the grant before the restroom building is moved. There will be no action taken until it is confirmed the Town has met all obligations and requirements.
      4. Water reservoirs: Inspection and cleaning for both tanks is scheduled for September 12.
    2. Maintenance/Public Works Report: Mayor Newland discussed the following:
      1. Lyle and Coby has been getting a lot of work done. They would like to weed and feed the ball field and P.O.W. field as well. S. Mortimer complimented the look of all the lawns, and Mayor Newland agreed, adding all the alleys in town look good as well.
      2. The tractor needs a new battery cable. S. Mortimer would like to see Town employees check the Farm Supply for any necessary items before shopping elsewhere, to support local business. Mayor Newland agreed.
      3. Lyle showed Mayor Newland a dip in the ground/grass at the park, with concerns it may be a leak. S. Mortimer suggested it may be a location where a tree was previously removed, noting the ground would likely be soft if there was a leak.
    1. Clerk/Treasurer Report:
      1. Bills, Checks & Electronic Withdrawal: Motion made by S. Mortimer, seconded by D. Moore, and carried to approve the Town’s current fiscal status and to pay the August 2020 bills as follows:
        Accounts Payable
        Payroll #10512 – 10521     $     3,861.06                             
        Claims #10522 – 10530      $   20,547.41
        EFT payments                    $     2,938.33
        Total                                   $   27,346.80

        Bank Account Balances
        US Bank              $       161,203.90
        Grant County      $       111,982.20
        Total                    $       273,186.10
  6. Old Business: None.
  7. New Business:
    1. Review Councilmember Candidate Application Letters: Mayor Newland supplied copies of application letters from Karl Hinze and Mike Dillman.
  8. Executive Session: The Council went into executive session per RCW 42.30.110(1)(h) … to evaluate the qualifications of a candidate for appointment to elective office… at 6:50 pm. Mayor Newland stated executive session would last approximately 5-7 minutes. The Council returned to regular session at 6:57 pm.
  9. New Business (continued):
    1. Candidate Selection/Appointment to Council Position 1: Motion made by S. Mortimer, seconded by D. Moore, and carried to table the appointment of a new councilmember pending further information regarding the water manager position.
  10. Adjournment: Motion made by D. Moore, seconded by E. Justice, and carried to adjourn the meeting at 7:00 pm. The next regular council meeting is Thursday, October 8, 2020, at 6:00 pm.
Filed under: Council Meeting Minutes