Council President Myers called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 pm and declared a quorum present.  Present were Councilors Hardin, Misner, Davis, Springer, Calame, and Harkenrider.  Staff members in attendance were City Manager Brookshier, City Attorney Luisi, Dan Coulombe, Ron Sivey, Clint Spencer, Ivan Anderholm, Judge Creasing, Russ Dorran, Jason Edmiston, and Rhonda Goodman.  News media present were Luke Hegdal and Neill Woelk of the Hermiston Herald, Erin Mills of the East Oregonian, and Eric Olson of KOHU.  Mayor Severson's absence was excused.  Councilor Harn's early departure was excused.  The pledge of allegiance was given.

Minutes

Councilor Hardin moved and Councilor Davis seconded that minutes of the August 22, 2011 regular meeting be approved for filing.  Motion carried unanimously.

Unscheduled Communications From The Audience

Joe Thompson, 582 E. Main Street, expressed his concern with extremely high sewer rates as a result of sewer treatment plant improvements.  City Manager Brookshier stated that Hermiston has some of the lowest water/sewer rates in the state of Oregon.  As a self-sustaining service, it has to pay for its costs.

John Kirwan did a public records search and wanted to know if Chief Coulombe has a contract with the City and if it has a parachute clause.  City Manager Brookshier stated that the Chief of Police does not have a contract; only the City Manager has a contract with the City.  Additionally, Mr. Pruett wanted to know who would pay the fees for the Smith lawsuit and for a possible lawsuit with Chief Coulombe.   City Attorney Luisi stated that payment of unfavorable judgements are handled by the City's insurance company.  Also, the Smith lawsuit has been basically disposed.  The City won a summary judgement as it was determined that the plaintiff did not have a case.  In the case of Chief Coulombe, we expect it to be resolved.

Robert Wooley, 1065 W. Juanita Avenue, stated that he had called the police to report that a boy on his bike had fallen and almost impaled himself on a pipe.  Mr. Wooley stated that the police never responded.  He then spoke with Chief Coulombe who personally took care of the issue.  Mr. Wooley expressed his thanks to Chief Coulombe and shook his hand.

August Expenditures

Councilor Davis moved and Councilor Springer seconded to approve payment of the following August expenditures:  $613,247.15 General; $46,436.27 State Tax Street; $2,253.28 Transient Room Tax; $249,574.81 Utilities; $49,194.59 911 Communications; $527,197.45 Energy Services; $31,739.11 Regional Water; $22,478.90 WWTP Construction Fund; total $1,542,121.56. Motion carried unanimously.

Minutes

1. Approval of the minutes of the August 3rd Airport Committee Meeting has been set aside until September 26, 2011.
2. Councilor Hardin moved and Councilor Misner seconded that minutes of the August 31, 2011 Hermiston Public Library Board Meeting be approved for filing.  Motion carried unanimously.

Res. No. 1895

A Resolution authorizing the issuance and negotiated sale of General Obligation Water Refunding Bonds, Series 2011 to refund all of the City's outstanding General Obligation Water Refunding Bonds, Series 2000; designating an Authorized Representative, Underwriter and Bond Council; authorizing appointment of a Paying Agent, Bond Registrar, Escrow Agent and Expert Advisor, and authorizing execution of a Bond Purchase Agreement and Escrow Agreement

City Manager Brookshier introduced Jane Towery of Piper/Jaffray who advises that the City can get roughly a 10% savings at the present time.  Interest rates have dropped and there would be only a 30-day notice on the bond which provides flexibility to the City.  Bond rating would be through Standard & Poors.  Councilor Hardin moved and Councilor Calame seconded that the resolution be approved and laid upon the record.  Motion carried unanimously.

Approve/Bargain and Sale Deed between Good Shepherd/City

If approved, the City would fund a pedestrian crossing on Hwy 207/Elm Avenue, in front of the hospital in consideration of Good Shepherd conveying a 1+ acre parcel on the south end of Butte Park.  Councilor Harn moved and Councilor Davis seconded to approve the August 26, 2011Bargain and Sale Deed conveying certain real property from Good Shepherd to the City and authorizing the Mayor to sign the acceptance form set out on the deed on behalf of the City.  Motion carried unanimously.

Approve/Agreement with USDA Wildlife Services for Wildlife Control Services

This is the proposed agreement with USDA Wildlife Services for pigeon control and other wildlife control services.  Councilor Harkenrider moved and Councilor Davis seconded to approve an agreement with the USDA Wildlife Services for wildlife control services.  Motion carried unanimously.

Approve/Selection of a Type of Wholesale Power Packaging for Future Power Purchases

Dan Bloyer, BPA Account Representative, explained the power packaging options available to Hermiston.  Councilor Hardin moved and Councilor Davis seconded to approve the selection of Load Growth Rate as the type of wholesale power packaging for the fiscal years 2015-2019.  Motion carried unanimously.

Approve/Renewal of the Telecommunications Franchise/Eastern Oregon Telecom

Joe Franell, President of Eastern Oregon Telecom, spoke about EOT's plans for the future.

Councilor Calame moved and Councilor Misner seconded to approve the renewal of the Tele- communications Franchise Agreement with Eastern Oregon Telecom.  Motion carried unanimously.

Council Comments

Councilor Harkenrider wanted to thank the Community Center for the 9/11 program... Councilor Misner thanked Ron Sivey, Street Superintendent, for the street cleaning along Main Street.

City Manager Comments

City Manager Brookshier informed the Councilors that at 6:20 pm prior to the next City Council meeting, they will visit the E. Main Project.  He also advised the group that Ivan Anderholm is leaving to accept a position in Lake Oswego.  Anderholm's last day will be September 30, 2011.  City Manager Brookshier presented Mr. Anderholm with a plaque thanking him for 15 years of outstanding service to the City of Hermiston.

Recess

Council President Myers recessed the regular meeting at 8:30 pm and announced that an executive session would convene immediately in accord with ORS 192.660(2)(f) to consult with counsel to consider records that are exempt by law from public inspection.

Reconvened

Council President Myers reconvened the regular meeting of the Hermiston City Council at 9:00 pm. 

Approved/Severance Agreement - Police Chief Coulombe

Councilor Harkenrider moved and Councilor Hardin seconded to accept the severance agreement for Chief Coulombe that was presented to the Council during the Executive Session; and to direct the City Manager to sign the agreement on behalf of the City of Hermiston.  Motion carried unanimously.

Chief Coulombe read a letter to the City Council announcing his retirement effective April 1, 2012 as well as expressing his thanks to the City of Hermiston for allowing him to be part of Hermiston's transformation; those citizens who supported the police department; the City Council for its guidance and support; and Mayor Severson for his outstanding contributions to the City of Hermiston.  Chief Coulombe said a special thank you to City Manager Brookshier, calling him one of the most talented city managers he has ever encountered.

There was no other business, and the meeting was adjourned at 9:10 PM.

SIGNED:
/s/ Bob Severson, Mayor

ATTEST:
/s/ Robert D. Irby, City Recorder