Mayor Severson called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 pm and declared a quorum present.  Present were Councilors Hardin, Misner, Harn, Springer, Myers, Calame and Harkenrider.  Councilor Davis was excused.  Staff members in attendance were City Manager Brookshier, City Attorney Luisi, Ray Jones, Clint Spencer, Dan Coulombe, Judge Creasing 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 Myers seconded that minutes of the December 13 regular meeting be approved for filing.  Motion carried unanimously.

Minutes & Report

Councilor Misner moved and Councilor Myers seconded that the November manager=s monthly report; minutes of the December 1 airport advisory committee meeting and minutes of the December 8 planning commission meeting be approved for filing.  Motion carried unanimously.

Confirm Appointments/Budget Committee - Positions 1, 2 & 3
& Recreation Projects Fund Advisory Committee - Positions 1 & 2

Councilor Harkenrider moved and Councilor Harn seconded to confirm the following appointments for three year terms ending December 31, 2013:

• Budget Committee - Position #1 - DuWayne White
• Budget Committee - Position #2 - Mary Corp
• Budget Committee - Position #3 - Eric Carpenter
• Recreation Projects Fund Advisory Committee - Position #1 - Don Rankin
• Recreation Projects Fund Advisory Committee - Position #2 - Eric Reise

Motion carried unanimously.

Announcement/Airport Advisory Committee - Position #4

Mayor Severson announced the following standing committee vacancy for the unexpired portion of a three year term ending October 31, 2012:

• Airport Advisory Committee - Position #4

Deadline for submitting applications is January 18, 2011.

Final Plat/Desert Sky Estates Phase 2

Paul Burns has submitted a final plat for Desert Sky Subdivision Phase 2.  The proposed subdivision is located on approximately 22 acres of land along the west side of S. First Street south of the Union Pacific Railroad.  The property is described as 4N 28 15AD Tax Lot 100.  The applicant proposes to create 9 lots each approximately 9,000 square feet with one remaining oversized lot for future development.  The property is zoned Single-Family Residential (R-1). 

The criteria that are applicable to accept the final plat are contained in 154.46 of the Hermiston Code of Ordinances.

Staff has reviewed the final plat and determined it is prepared in accordance with all final plat requirements.  Staff recommends the city council approve the final plat subject to the following conditions:

1. The applicant shall work with and receive certification from the Hermiston Irrigation District prior to final plat approval.  The City of Hermiston will not sign the final plat until the applicant obtains certification from the Hermiston Irrigation District.
2. The west side of S. First Street adjacent to each phase shall be improved to minor collector standards at the time each connection is made to S. First Street.  Street improvements to S. First Street shall align with existing curb and gutter to the north of the development.
3. Applicant must sign an improvement agreement and shall install grading, storm drainage, curb and gutter, sidewalks, street paving, and all service utilities for this development.  All improvements for each phase shall comply with city standards and specifications and shall receive final approval from the city engineer.
4. Streetlights must be installed at the applicant=s cost.  Once installed, the City will assume the monthly service charges.
5. Applicant shall comply with all provisions of '92.12 of the Hermiston Code of Ordinances relating to the control of blowing dust during all phases of construction.
6. The applicant shall be responsible for protecting groundwater flows through the subdivision and insuring all housing is protected from possible groundwater intrusions.
7. The applicant shall be responsible for costs associated with modification of the Moore Avenue booster station pump sequencing.

Councilor Myers moved and Councilor Hardin seconded that the final plat for Desert Sky Estates Phase 2 be approved subject to the above conditions.  Motion carried unanimously.

Liquor License Application/Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant

Following a favorable report from Police Chief Coulombe, Councilor Harkenrider moved and Councilor Myers seconded to approve a liquor license application for a new outlet, Ixtapa Mexican Restaurant, 115 East Oregon Avenue, for full on-premise sales.  Motion carried unanimously.

City Manager Comments

City Manager Brookshier reminded the council and staff of the annual work session on Saturday, January 8 at 8:30 am... introduced Neill Woelk, the new Hermiston Herald Editor.

Recess

Mayor Severson recessed the regular meeting at 7:06 pm and announced that an executive session would convene immediately in accord with ORS 192.660(2)(h) to consult with counsel concerning the legal rights and duties with regard to current litigation.

Reconvened

At 7:46 pm, Mayor Severson reconvened the regular meeting following the executive session.

There was no other business, and the meeting was adjourned at 7:47 pm.

SIGNED:
/s/ Bob Severson
MAYOR

ATTEST:
/s/ Robert D. Irby                                                      
CITY RECORDER