Mayor Severson called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 pm and declared a quorum present. Present were Councilors Hardin, Misner, Davis, Harn, Springer, Myers, Calame and Harkenrider. Staff members in attendance were City Manager Brookshier, City Attorney Luisi, Ray Jones, Clint Spencer, Dan Coulombe, Ivan Anderholm, Marie Baldo, Chuck Woolsey and Donna Moeller. News media present were Jennifer Colton of the Hermiston Herald and Erin Mills of the East Oregonian. The pledge of allegiance was given.

Minutes

Councilor Hardin moved and Councilor Davis seconded that minutes of the July 26 regular meeting be approved for filing. Motion carried unanimously.

Report/City Building Activity

Building Official Chuck Woolsey reported from January 1 through August 5, 2010 the City has experienced an approximate 65 percent increase in the number of residential building permits over the same time period for 2009. That translates to 46 permitted residential units in 2010 compared to 30 units in 2009. Values are up considerably in 2010 at $9,693,963 compared to 2009 of $4,073,561. Commercial permit numbers are down slightly from 2009. In 2009 the department issued 38 permits by August 5th compared to 29 in 2010. However, the value of commercial permits issued in 2010 are up over 400% at $48,505,091 compared to 2009 at $11,220,198. The 2010 figures do not include Blue Mountain Community College which is approximately $4,000,000. Tom Jacobson our Electrical Inspector has recently obtained his Residential Mechanical certification and is currently studying for the 1 & 2 Family Plumbing certification. This will increase our effectiveness and lower our number of visits to each permit site. As of July 1st the Building Department assumed the Commercial Plumbing from the State of Oregon, which has fulfilled our goal of being a full service department.

July Expenditures

Councilor Springer moved and Councilor Myers seconded to approve payment of the following July expenditures: $267,838.75 Bonded Debt; $673,325.52 General; $53,393.91 State Tax Street; $6,012.50 Transient Room Tax; $232,556.20 Utilities; $50,602.68 911 Communications; $405,194.38 Energy Services; $48,700.00 Revolving Loan; $29,409.17 Regional Water; $409,681.59 WWTP Construction Fund; total $2,176,714.70. Motion carried unanimously.

Minutes

Councilor Myers moved and Councilor Hardin seconded that minutes of the July 7 library board meeting and minutes of the July 7 airport advisory committee meeting be approved for filing. Motion carried unanimously.

Council Comments

Mayor Severson and Councilor Harkenrider both thanked Sabra, the Street Department and Parks and Recreation Department employees for the great job done on the Umatilla County Fair Parade float... Councilor Myers thanked the councilors for helping with the ice cream party in conjunction with the National Night Out activities.

City Manager Comments

City Manager Brookshier reminded the council that Tuesday, August 10th the City will have a booth at the fair, anyone interested in stopping by would be welcome... asked the councilors to let Linda know as soon as possible whether they will be attending the UPRR reception in September.

There was no other business, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:10 pm.

SIGNED:

/s/ Bob_Severson                                                    

MAYOR

ATTEST:

/s/ Robert D. Irby