November 9, 2015

The Enterprise City Council met in regular session on Monday, November 9, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. 

Those present were Mayor Steve Lear; Councilors Larry Christman, Stacey Karvoski, Bill Coffman, Dave Elliott, Jenni Word; Councilor Miller attended by phone; City Attorney Roland Johnson; Staff Michele Young, Denine Rautenstrauch, and George Kohlhepp.

Guests Bob and Reitman, Dave Hayslip, David Carpenter

Press:  Chuck Anderson/Observer and Kathlyn Ellen/Wallowa County Chieftain

Pledge of Allegiance

Introductions

CONSENT AGENDA

Councilor Christman made and Councilor Karvoski seconded the motion to approve the  September 14, 2015 and October 05, 2015 meeting minutes.  Motion passed unanimously.

Mayor Lear stated that we received thank you letters from Main Street Show and Shine and GEMS, they thanked us for the funding their event and the Welcome sign.

Noise Complaint:

Bob Reitman representing the 5 landowners that face the school stated something needs to be done about the noise with the Shop Vacuum System in the school shop.  They have been subjected to that noise for about a year and after several visits to the school they (the school) have come to accept that it is a bothersome nuisance noise and they have shut it off.   The real issue is something needs to be done with the noise of that system and to keep the shop safe for the students.  Brad Royce told the board that they had a few contractors look at it but the contractors stated it was not practical.  Brad Royce was considering abandoning the system and finding something else that would work.  Mr. Reitman thought that maybe the city could provide some technical and financial assistance to fix this problem

They also discussed abandoning it and trying something different.  He asked if the city could help with technical or financial assistance and get the students a safe place to do their work.  Bob stated they are in an awkward position and everyone else is to.  

Councilor Elliott asked what the zoning was of the school.  Michele stated it was an R-2 zone.  The school was grandfathered in.  Councilor Elliott asked how being grandfathered affects this situation.  Roland stated that it does not affect it.  Michele stated that we do not have an adopted noise level.  We did have a complaint against Bronson Lumber, we had it checked and the chain saws did not come close to meeting a decibel level that was considered a nuisance.  

Mayor Lear stated that he plans on going up to the school on Wednesday if they will turn it on and listen to the system.  Councilor Karvoski stated that it sounds like to her that the school is aware they have a problem and are working on it if they have hired contractors. 

Bob Reitman stated it has been off since October 13^th.  No action was taken as it sounds like the school is handling it. 

GEMS REQUESTS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR EVENT SIGN

Councilor Karvoski asked if we were going to take action on the request for $300 for help with their event sign to offset business's that cannot afford to pay for that.  Mayor Lear stated he would like to bounce it back to them knowing what they have in their financial reserves.  Council agreed.  No action taken.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

Library:  Denine reported on their ready to read program the county libraries have worked together on.  They have been giving month give-a-ways grades 4-6.  Last month they gave away a Kindle bundle, this month they will give away a collection of Eric Carl books and puppets.   48% of kids under 6 in Wallowa County have been signed up in the program.

Administration:  Michele had nothing to add to her report.  Her report addressed the training they took in Utah for their computer conversion; current status of audits for SAIF and the financial audit; updates on activities with the Planning Commission and Landmarks Commission and dates that the office will be closed for holidays.

Police: George stated they had 120 calls in the month of October.

NEW BUSINESS:

Event Street Closure:  Councilor Karvoski made and Councilor Coffin seconded the motion which passed unanimously to approve the Winterfest Street Closure and the Eagle Cap Dog Sled Race street closure request.  

Michele provided information on the consideration of the Marijuana Opt Out.  Mayor Lear stated this is all very unclear in his mind regarding the regulations.  If we agree to opt out now we can change our option once the rules are in place but if we do not opt out we cannot opt out at a later day.  If we do not opt out by December 24^th we cannot.  Michele stated the we had a small city meeting here last month, cities are choosing to opt out of all options for now.  Current laws will be gone through and changes will be made, no one wants to get caught up in the States mess Mayor Lear commented.  Michele stated that opting out now does not mean you are for or against marijuana, it provides us an opportunity to let this stuff get figured out and then go back to our citizens and see what they want us to do.  Councilor Elliott felt we should close the door on this for now.  Councilor Miller commented that our county voted about 60% against marijuana.  Michele stated Councilor Miller was correct.  Mayor Lear stated that we may want to listen to public forums on this issue.  He does not want to be the first guy in line.  Michele stated our Planning Commission talked about this issue for a year, it was always on the agenda and no one ever showed up.  Michele stated that our Planning Commission was open to the medical marijuana but the recreational marijuana changes things.

Dave Hayslip asked if when the time comes and there is money involved, there is  40 cents on the dollar to go to the school, 35 cents on the dollar for police.  He wanted to know if we can come back and still get the money.  Everyone shook their head yes.

It was unanimous to opt out by consensus vote.   Michele will present an Ordinance at the December meeting. 

 EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mayor Lear called for an Executive Session as allowed by ORS192.660(2)(a) for the purposes of employment of a Public Employee.  Mayor Lear asked the press to not report on anything they hear during executive session.

Mayor Lear opened the regular session.  No action taken.

Being no further business the meeting was adjourn.

                                                                                    _________________________________

                                                                                    Steve Lear, Mayor

ATTEST:

__________________________________

Michele Young, City Admin./Recorder