Raymond City Council Highlights

Mayor Bob Jungar and Council Members Vicki Flemetis, Jason Dunsmoor, Dee Roberts, Wm. Ian Farrell, Ray Robinson, and Betty Sovereign were present for the regularly scheduled city council meeting December 17 in council chambers. Councilman Randy Flemetis was absent. Officers present were Fire Chief Todd Strozyk, Police Chief Chuck Spoor, City Attorney Will Penoyar, Public Works Director M. Dean Parsons, Public Works Administrative Assistant Scott Pearson, and Clerk-Treasurer Hester Gilleland.

Claims No. 44887 through No. 44958 were paid in the amount of $691,751.57. Payroll No. 48838 through No. 48872 was paid in the amount of $155,467.46.

Items from the public not on the agenda

James Byrd, representing American Legion Post #150, read a statement to Council regarding the Post’s Concern about the dilapidated building where the old Bridge’s Restaurant was located. They feel it detracts from the business area and poses a safety hazard. Byrd also mentioned a vehicle parked behind the building. A number of members from the Post were also in the audience. Mayor Jungar stated the city would look into the situation.

Public Hearing: In Re Ordinance No. 1808

At 6:07 p.m., Mayor Jungar opened the public hearing for comments on Ordinance No. 1808, an ordinance relating to land use and zoning, repealing Ordinance No. 1801, which amended Figure 2-5 “Current Zoning” and Figure 2-6 “Future Land Use Map” of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and repealed chapter 15.44 of the Raymond Municipal Code. No comments were offered and Mayor Jungar closed the hearing at 6:08 p.m.

Ordinance No. 1808: Repealing Ordinance No. 1801

Councilwoman Vicki Flemetis moved to accept Ordinance No. 1808, an ordinance relating to land use and zoning, repealing Ordinance No. 1801, which amended Figure 2-5 “Current Zoning” and Figure 2-6 “Future Land Use Map” of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, and repealed chapter 15.44 of the Raymond Municipal Code, for second reading and adoption as presented. Council Member Robinson seconded the motion and it carried with all members present voting aye.

CH2M Hill Engineering Contract

Public Works Director Parsons provided background information regarding the proposed amendment to the engineering contract for the Water Treatment Plant period. The amendment covers bidding and services during construction. City Attorney Penoyar stated he had reviewed the contract and it appears to be acceptable. By motion of Councilwomen Flemetis and Roberts, council approved the amendment and authorized the mayor to sign it. The motion carried with all members present voting aye.

Water Treatment Plant Project Bid

Public Works Director Parsons provided background information regarding the bids received for the Water Treatment Plant Project. CH2M Hill has reviewed the bids, checked references, and recommends the low bidder, Award Construction Inc., in the amount of $1,302,522. We are waiting for approval from the Department of Health before formally awarding the bid. By motion of Councilwomen Flemetis and Sovereign, council authorized the mayor to sign the “Notice of Intent to Award Contract” naming Award Construction as contractor. The motion carried with all members present voting aye. The bid would be formally awarded at the next meeting.

Executive Sessions: Potential Litigation and Labor Negotiations

Mayor Jungar recessed the meeting to hold Executive Sessions on Potential Litigation and Labor Negotiations. Time announced to be in session for both was 25 minutes. City Attorney Penoyar was excused for the first session on Potential Litigation due to a potential conflict of interest. Carol Morris, of Morris Law, attended via telephone. City Clerk Gilleland and PW Admin Assistant Pearson were also in attendance. Pearson was excused from the Potential Litigation session and City Attorney Penoyar and Fire Chief Strozyk were brought in for the Labor Negotiations. Mayor Jungar reconvened the regular meeting within the state time.

Motion: Councilwoman Roberts moved that the draft ordinance dated 12/31/12, repealing existing chapter 15.56 of the Raymond Municipal Code, and adopting a new chapter 15.56 relating to amendment of the comprehensive plan and development regulations, be forwarded to the Raymond Planning Commission for a public hearing at the earliest possible date, and that they provide the City Council with their recommendation for adoption. Councilwoman Flemetis seconded the motion and the motion carried with all members present voting aye.

Fire Union Contract

Councilman Ray Robinson and Councilwoman Flemetis moved to accept the Fire Union Contract as negotiated. The motion carried with all members present voting aye.

Police Chief Chuck Spoor reported on the Second Annual Shop with a Cop event organized by Michelle Layman. It was a good time for all participants and he thanked all that were involved. He then reported he and other law enforcement officials from this area toured the new Reed Composite plant in Aberdeen. They make armor plating etc for protective gear.

Public Works Director M. Dean Parsons reported that on January 7^th they would started operating portions of the new plant and the City needs to deal with the staffing issues. The Sanitation truck driver, Tyson, will be moving to the position that Dan Lee has and Dan Lee will be moving to another operator position. Salaries would remain the same. He requested permission to advertise for a sanitation truck driver and two additional sewer department positions. Much discussion followed regarding the salary grid and the number or personnel needed at this time. Council Member Betty Sovereign moved to authorize the advertisement of the position of Sanitation Truck Driver and for two new Sewer department workers, salary to be determined. Council Member Dee Roberts seconded the motion and it carried with all members present voting aye.

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Jungar reported that he received a call from Captain Pete. The Seaport Museum would be closed a couple of months while he refurbishes the museum. Mayor Jungar reported on his meeting with DOE, the County, and Transit regarding washing of vehicles. The meeting went well and DOE will research solution and possible grants available to the public entities.

Council Comments

Councilwoman Roberts thanked the Public Works crew for fixing the hold on Barnhart Street so quickly. She appreciated the same day service.

The next Raymond City Council meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m.