The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by roll call by Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. Members present: Councilor Kuiken, Councilor Manlow, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Hall, Police Sergeant Gonzalez, City Supervisor Houk and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. Police Chief Stigall was absent

A motion was made by Councilor Hall to approve the Agenda, Consent Agenda and the minutes of the October 26, 2020 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Neve. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Vendors - Check #46200 thru Check #46235 - $73,277.81 Including EFT Payments

Payroll - Check #24894 thru Check #24900 - $110,625.75 Including Direct Deposit

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Mayor Struck opened the public hearing at 5:33 pm. Citizen Craig Spredeman felt that the revenues were overestimated because of the effects COVID-19 is having, that the council should have a discussion regarding police staffing and look at four vs three police officers and he, Mr. Spredeman, would like to see statistics justifying four police officers. There was no addition public comment and the public hearing was closed at 5:35pm.

Councilor Neve made a motion to accept Ordinance #1555 – 2021 Property Tax as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Hall. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Councilor Neve made a motion to move Ordinance #1556 – 2021 Budget to a second reading. The motion was seconded by Councilor Manlow. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Councilor Neve made a motion to move Ordinance #1557 – 2020 Budget Amendments to a second reading. The motion was seconded by Councilor Kuiken. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Councilor Hall asked City Supervisor Houk if there was an estimate of the number of derelict buildings/houses in South Bend? City Supervisor Houk advised that he didn’t have a count but he would get one for him. Councilor Hall also commented on the excessive number of derelict vehicles on the “flats” of South Bend.

• Mayor Struck announced that she was asked by the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) to sit on a panel December 1st that will speak before the Senate Local Government Committee regarding the challenges that COVID-19 has had on our city and the businesses within our city. She will also speak on how the CARES Act funds were used and distributed.
• Mayor Struck reported that COVID-19 has increased quite dramatically in Pacific County. As of last Friday, there were 28 confirmed cases. Willapa Harbor Hospital performed over 150 COVID-19 tests today.
• Mayor Struck thanked Councilor Hall for representing the City at the recent Timberland Regional Library board meeting and for asking the board to help pay for the new heat pump at the Library. The heat pump recently stopped working and it was determined that the heat pump was obsolete and not fixable. The total cost for replacement is $13,890.24 and Timberlands will pay ½ of the cost.

• Councilor Hall spoke briefly about an issue he had with trailer campers at the boat launch which prompted Councilor Hall to say “I would be happy to call an officer.” Councilor Hall then made a call to city hall and Police Chief Stigall arrived within five minutes. It was the first time he has had to call the Police Department to handle an issue at the boat launch.
• Councilor Hall was sitting at the boat launch and watched a car pull up and start dumping garbage in the city dumpster. He took pictures and told the individual that no household refuse was allowed to be dumped in that dumpster. The individual removed the items and left.
• Councilor Manlow asked what the status of the city dock was and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts advised that she had been in contact with AWC and with Quigg Brothers, Inc. The city has received a preliminary bid and that bid has been forwarded to AWC. AWC is now in contact with the third-party insurer. The process is going to take time. City Supervisor Houk also noted that there will be permitting required, probably quite a bit of it.
• Councilor Davis asked about the Planning Commission and off-street parking. City Supervisor Houk explained that the plan the city currently has is really unattainable. Most if not all of the businesses between Central Avenue and Ferry Street currently do not meet the city’s code requirement so this will remove that requirement.
• As our COVID-19 numbers continue to increase Councilor Neve asked that everyone please, please, please wear your masks. It is a simple, easy way to do your part. Stay home when you can. Be responsible.
• Councilor Kuiken suggested that maybe the Police Department should get Councilor Hall a badge. He noted that Councilor Hall does a great job and thanked him for all he does at the launch and the docks!
• Mayor Struck asked the council for a motion to cancel the December 28th council meeting. Councilor Neve made the motion and it was seconded by Councilor Kuiken. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Citizen Craig Spredeman asked if Councilor Hall was impersonating a Police Officer. He was advised that Councilor Hall is the city’s Harbor Master and he doesn’t identify himself as a Police Officer when he oversees the boat launch and the docks. Councilor Hall advised that he does carry picture identification that recognizes him as the city’s Harbor Master.

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The Zoom meeting was adjourned at 6:00 PM to meet again on Monday, November 23, 2020 for the next regularly scheduled council meeting via Zoom unless otherwise announced.

The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by roll call by Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. Members present: Councilor Kuiken, Councilor Manlow, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Hall, Police Chief Stigall, City Supervisor Houk and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts.

Prior to the approval of the Agenda Mayor Struck requested an amendment to the Agenda adding Item #7A – Approving the Substantial Completion of the 4th Street Reconstruction Project.

A motion was made by Councilor Neve to approve the Amended Agenda, Consent Agenda and the minutes of the October 12, 2020 regular meeting and the October 14, 2020 Budget Workshop. The motion was seconded by Councilor Hall. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Vendors - Check #46175 thru Check #46199 - $223,676.736 Including EFT Payments

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Mayor Struck opened the public hearing at 5:32 pm. Mayor Struck explained that this is the annual 1% property tax increase that the city is allowed to take each year. Many granting agencies will look to see if a city levy’s their allowed 1% each year and if cities don’t then they will be denied their grant requests. Citizen Craig Spredeman questioned the need for the 1% increase. There was no additional public comment and the public hearing was closed at 5:35 pm.

Councilor Hall made a motion to move Ordinance #1555 – 2021 Property Tax to a second reading. The motion was seconded by Councilor Neve. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Mayor Struck presented the bids for the Water Treatment Plant Upgrade and Expansion:

Councilor Manlow made a motion to award the Water Treatment Plant Upgrade and Expansion to low bidder, McClure and Sons, Inc. (Mill Creek, WA). The motion was seconded by Councilor Kuiken. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Councilor Neve made a motion to accept the 4th Street Reconstruction Project as substantially complete. The motion was seconded by Councilor Kuiken. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

This does not constitute Physical Completion or Completion of the Contract as described in the Contract Provisions.

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• Mayor Struck reported that there has been no new reported COVID cases in a week. If that trend continues Pacific County should see their risk numbers start to come down.
• Mayor Struck noted that one of the picnic tables has been installed at Mary Rogers Pioneer Park and it sure looks nice. The whole park is really come together well.
• Councilor Hall asked Mayor Struck if she received any feedback from the Pacific County Health Department regarding the Culp Rally that was held on October 16th. She advised that she wouldn’t have heard anything because that information would be confidential between the Health Department and the property owner.

• Councilor Kuiken just could not praise the city enough. City Supervisor Houk is dedicated to his job, the city crew and the police department all do an outstanding job. They all really have their heart in it.
• Councilor Neve agreed with Councilor Kuiken. She is also anxious to see the picnic tables at Mary Rogers Pioneer Park.
• Councilor Neve pointed out that the Pacific County Historical Society and Museum had the alley paved behind the museum and the bank next door had their area resurfaced. It really improved that alley.
• Councilor Manlow noted how nice that 4th Street looks. After living two houses away and avoiding that area for years it is so nice to drive down a nice smooth road!
• Councilor Hall commented about public restrooms in Oregon and that they are open and wondered when the city would be opening theirs again.
• Councilor Hall asked for a breakdown of the overtime in the 2021 budget and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts advised it was included in the spreadsheet that was given to all them with the budget material.
• Councilor Hall had some general comments about the Culp Rally.
• Councilor Davis expressed her concern about the merchants handing candy out on Friday, October 30th and the potential for exposure to COVID.

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Prior to adjourning to Executive Session Mayor Struck advised that there was a possibility that a decision would be made. Mayor Struck called the Executive Session to order at 6:04 PM for 15 minutes for the purpose of labor negotiations. Councilor Kuiken, Councilor Manlow, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Hall, Police Chief Stigall, City Supervisor Houk and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts were present.

Mayor Struck reconvened the meeting at 6:20 pm.

Councilor Neve made a motion to accept the Teamster Union Local #252 Contract as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Kuiken. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

For the purpose of transparency Mayor Struck provided those in attendance the following information about the union contract – It is a three-year contract, in 2021 the employees will receive a 5.0% wage increase and an additional $275.00 per month towards their health insurance. In 2022 the employees will receive a 4.0% wage increase and an additional $50.00 per month towards their health insurance and in 2023 the employees will receive a 3.0% wage increase and an additional $50.00 per month towards their health insurance. The public works employees that are “on call” on the weekends will received $2.50 per hour while “on call” which is the same as the police departments “on call” pay.

Executive sessions are done in accordance with RCW 42.30.080

The Zoom meeting was adjourned at 6:23 PM to meet again on Monday, November 9, 2020 for the next regularly scheduled council meeting via Zoom unless otherwise announced.

The budget workshop was called to order by Mayor Struck at 4:00 pm followed by roll call by Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. Members present: Councilor Kuiken Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Hall, City Supervisor Houk, Police Chief Stigall and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. Councilor Manlow was absent.

A brief discussion about the 2021 Budget was held and questions were answered as needed.

The meeting was adjourned at 4:07 pm to meet again at 5:30 PM on Monday, October 26, 2020, for the next regularly scheduled meeting at South Bend City Hall.

The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by roll call by Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. Members present: Councilor Kuiken Councilor Manlow, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Hall, Police Chief Stigall and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. City Supervisor Houk was absent.

Prior the motion to approve the agenda Mayor Struck requested to amend the agenda, removing Item #6 – Bid Acceptance – Water Treatment Plant Upgrade & Expansion. It will be ready for the October 12, 2020 council meeting.

A motion was made by Councilor Neve to approve the amended Agenda, Consent Agenda and the minutes of the September 14, 2020 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Hall. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Vendors - Check #46108 thru Check #46137 - $188,980.58 Including EFT Payments

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Citizen Craig Spredeman thanked City Supervisor Houk for answering his questions that he sent him via email but Mr. Spredeman still was unclear on some of the issues.

Mr. Spredeman questioned who was responsible for checking and maintaining the dock. Mayor Struck explained that maintenance wasn’t the issue at the docks. The city’s insurance company has authorized Quigg Brothers to survey the damage and it is their belief that it was failure of the pilings.

Councilor Neve made a motion accepting Resolution #2020-03 – Declaring the City of South Bend’s dock an emergency. The motion was seconded by Councilor Manlow. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Removed from the agenda per Mayor Struck’s request prior to agenda approval.

• Police Chief Stigall gave a brief report on his department. He noted that his officers are doing a great job.
• Police Chief Stigall explained that he received a new radio through a grant from Homeland Security. These types of radios are quite expensive and he was included in the grant through Pacific County.
• Councilor Hall asked if there was a timeline on the abandoned vehicles that he has been concerned about. Police Chief Stigall noted that as long as they are making progress and they are doing what he is asking them to then he is comfortable with that. He also understands that the person doing the work has other duties and is working around that as well. He does know that two more vehicles will be removed in the near future.
• Mayor Struck reported for City Supervisor Houk. The 4th Street Reconstruction Project (between Pacific and Willapa) is going well. This project is funded by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Most of the utilities are in place.
• Mary Rogers Pioneer Park has seen a lot of activity in the last two weeks. The sod and gravel will be going down soon.
• Clerk/Treasurer Roberts asked that if the council or staff knew of anyone that was struggling to pay their water bills and had not applied for COVID-19 relief from the city to please do so. There is money available and the city wants to help! She also noted that she mailed out 80 letters to businesses offering help with utilities as well. She hopes that those businesses that quality apply.
• Clerk/Treasurer Roberts asked that the council try and make a point of looking at their email at least a couple of times a week. If there is an emergency or something important happening that is often how city hall communicates with the council, at least initially.

• Mayor Struck noted that she was glad to see school back up and running.
• Mayor Struck reported that currently there are only two active COVID-19 cases and it has been over a week. If all goes well those should drop off and hopefully, we can go into a zero active case status.
• Mayor Struck explained that there had been some changes to in-person meetings, but the requirements are quite restrictive. It was also recommended that if virtual meetings were an option that those continue. So, the city will continue with virtual meetings until further notice.

• Councilor Neve agreed that the requirements are quite onerous, pages long. The volunteers at the museum are not comfortable with the requirements and as of now the museum has no plans to reopen until January 2021.
• Councilor Neve ask about Halloween. Mayor Struck noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDS) guidelines consider trick or treating a high-risk activity. The city still plans to set up a table outside and pass out candy using the required COVID-19 guidelines.
• Councilor Kuiken noted that the city has done a great job with their COVID-19 response. Unfortunately, there just is not enough manpower!
• Councilor Davis asked if there was any park lighting planned. Mayor Struck noted that there is plenty of wiring around the park, but no lighting is planned at this time.
• Councilor Manlow asked if the budget meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 7th at 4:00pm would be virtual. It was confirmed that yes, it would be virtual.
• Councilor Hall noted that every day an email is sent out from the South Bend High School and there is daily health checks. He substitute teaches but won’t be going back until there is a vaccine.
• Councilor Hall reported that Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will be running a special levy in November. It is $460,000 for the whole district. It will more than likely be reduced to $360,000 since EMS wasn’t sure of their total need until after the deadline for the levy.
• Councilor Hall explained that EMS recently had an ambulance remounted which saved the tax payers about $60,000. The Raymond Ambulance crew is very happy with it.
• Councilor Hall announced that EMS gifted a boat, trailer and motor to the South Bend Fire Department.
• Councilor Hall noted that there have been a few fishermen at the launch but the fishing has not been that great. There was also some paddle kayaks there but they didn’t catch anything.
• Councilor Hall explained that recently there was a motorhome staying at the launch that had to evacuate from the Southern Oregon fires. They were very appreciative to have a nice, reasonably priced place to stay.

Councilor Davis asked about a Memorandum of Understanding that was discussed during a recent meeting she attended of the JPCHA. Clerk/Treasurer Roberts explained to the council and staff that she had inadvertently forgot to include the MOU in their council packet. She asked the council if they would be willing to hear the MOU if she read the MOU in full out loud for the record. All of the council was in agreement that they would be willing to hear the agreement.

Clerk/Treasurer Roberts read the MOU in full out loud for the record.

After reading the MOU Mayor Struck explained to the council the intent behind the agreement. The Willapa Landing Apartments located at 506 Willapa Avenue, which is currently privately owned, is in a state of disrepair. The owners are quite elderly and no longer want the building. JPCHA would like to complete a Capital Needs Assessment to determine the condition of the buildings, the cost of immediate renovations and the long-term cost of maintaining the housing in decent, safe and sanitary conditions. JPCHA is asking the City of South Bend to help fund that Capital Needs assessment which would not exceed $9,000.

Councilor Kuiken asked what the benefit this would be to the city if the determination is that it won’t work. Ultimately the owners plan to give the buildings to JPCHA. It is JPCHA’s hope that the buildings are worth saving because it would displace 27 families in an already limited housing market. Clerk/Treasurer Roberts noted that she spoke with the city attorney who also reviewed the MOU and he felt that it was a beneficial use of city funds.

Councilor Hall made a motion to accept the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of South Bend and the Joint Pacific County Housing Authority as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Neve. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Citizen Craig Spredeman questioned the city’s procedure regarding adding the MOU.

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The Zoom meeting was adjourned at 6:22 PM to meet again on Monday, October 12, 2020 for the next regularly scheduled meeting via Zoom unless otherwise announced.

The budget workshop was called to order by Mayor Struck at 4:00 pm followed by roll call by Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. Members present: Councilor Kuiken Councilor Manlow, Councilor Davis, Councilor Hall, City Supervisor Houk, Police Chief Stigall and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. Councilor Neve was absent. (Councilor Kuiken and Police Chief Stigall left early due to a fire call)

All aspects of the projected 2021 budget were reviewed and discussed at length.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:23 pm to meet again at 5:30 PM on Monday, October 12, 2020 for the next regularly scheduled meeting at South Bend City Hall.

The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by roll call by Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. Members present: Councilor Kuiken Councilor Manlow, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Hall, Police Chief Stigall, City Supervisor Houk and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts.

A motion was made by Councilor Neve to approve the Agenda, Consent Agenda and the minutes of the August 24, 2020 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Hall. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Vendors - Check #46055 thru Check #46107 - $305,254.72 Including EFT Payments

Payroll - Check #24871 thru Check #24886 - $104,121.34 Including Direct Deposit

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Citizen Claire Wolfe from 721 Pacific spoke regarding the planned water outage in South Bend on September 4, 2020. She was extremely disappointed how the outage notifications was handled and thought that the city did a very poor job handling the situation.

Councilor Hall noted that prior to the current interlocal agreement with the high school the field was mostly used for baseball and soccer. Reserved or scheduled times were in place for games and practices. Sometimes the field was reserved for special times such as during Labor Day. At non scheduled or reserved times the field was available for spontaneous use. Now the field is a baseball field and locked. Spontaneous use is no longer possible. To date there is no signage that indicates that the baseball field is a joint City of South Bend and South Bend School project. There also should be a sign listing the South Bend High School as the contact for scheduling or for reservations. There are two signs now but there is no phone number, times or contact information for after hours. Maybe an email would be helpful. Councilor Hall asked that Mayor Struck share these ideas and concerns with the district and also ask how they are or if they will provide other uses such as soccer.

Councilor Kuiken spoke up and advised that the football field has been used for soccer for quite some time now. South Bend is the only place in the area for the teams to play so it is in use almost seven days a week.

City Supervisor Houk advised that he has already been in contact with the school about signage. He will bring up the suggested additions.

• Police Chief Stigall explained that he has received complaints about speeders on Washington Street. He will be borrowing Pacific County’s speed trailer and setting it up in that area for a bit.
• City Supervisor Houk reported that the 4th Street Reconstruction Project (between Pacific and Willapa) is going well. This project is funded by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Most of the utilities are in place.
• City Supervisor Houk advised the Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Project bid opening is September 16th. This project is funded by the United States Dept of Agriculture, Rural Development (USDA RD) and CDBG.

• Mayor Struck advised that the recent COVID-19 report from pacific county shows a total of 77 cases. Twelve are active, 10 confirmed and two are probable. This moves us into the high incident rating which is unfortunate because there will be no in person school until we are back down in the low rating.
• Mayor Struck gave kudos to the South Bend Fire Department for handling two very serious fires over the last few days. The fire on Payne’s Alley Thursday, September 10th could have been catastrophic had it not been for the quick action of the South Bend Fire Department as well as multiple other agencies that responded. Thanks for a great job well done.
• Mayor Struck also wanted to reiterate that the public needs to stay away from active fire scenes. At the Payne’s Alley fire there were issues with people moving barricades to access areas that were off limits to the public because of fire equipment as well as people and vehicles blocking areas that the fire department needed access to. This is not acceptable; it could get someone hurt or worse. It is also against the law.

• Councilor Kuiken gave kudos to all the local agencies that responded to the Payne’s Alley fire. It could have changed in a real hurry. It was a bad one. The City of South Bend is so fortunate, most if not all of the employees are also part of the volunteer fire department. That cross training is invaluable.
• Councilor Neve also thought that the fire department did a great job.
• Councilor Davis agreed that the fire department did a great job, it could have gone the other way easily.
• Councilor Hall gave the fire department kudos for a job well done too.
• Councilor Hall noted that the boat launch is staying busy with about 20 boats a day.
• Councilor Hall thanked the city crew for a job well done on replacing the incline ramp at the board walk. It needed to be replaced and they did a great job.
• Councilor Hall spoke briefly about the ongoing fight on social media about the subdivision of the Harbor Rock property and the possibility of Dollar General building on one of the sub plats. New groups have formed, Willapa Conservation Committee, and many allegations have been made on this site and as Councilor Hall had stated at a previous council meeting, these are opinions but stated as facts. Councilor Hall also noted that public records requests continue to be filed with the city as well as posts, especially by Willapa Conservation Committee, saying there were illegal actions. A number of complaints have been about the planning commission and the city council and that they did not read and respond to concerns. Councilor Hall believes that the council members did read the concerns and consider them but also believes it is totally unrealistic to think that each concern would be publicly responded to. (Note: this is a general synopsis of Councilor Hall’s comments. Not a verbatim account)

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The Zoom meeting was adjourned at 5:57 PM to meet again on Monday, September 28, 2020 for the next regularly scheduled meeting via Zoom unless otherwise announced.

The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by roll call by Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. Members present: Councilor Kuiken (logged in late due to technical issues at home. Came to city hall at 5:45 pm to attend meeting.), Councilor Manlow, Councilor Neve (logged in late due to technical issues), Councilor Davis, Councilor Hall, Police Chief Stigall, City Supervisor Houk and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts.

A motion was made by Councilor Hall to approve the Agenda, Consent Agenda and the minutes of the August 10, 2020 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Davis. Vote: Ayes-3, Noes-0, Absent-2

Vendors - Check #46024 thru Check #46053 - $83,016.49 Including EFT Payments
Check #46054 VOIDED

Dollar General

Mayor Struck explained that she will present a summary of the written and email correspondence submitted to the city. Each councilor received an exact copy of all correspondence received regarding the preliminary short subdivision. The summary includes all names and addresses [if known] of those providing submissions as well as their positions for or against.

Linda Buchanan – 212 S. Jackson, South Bend – Opposed to the Dollar General Craig Spredeman – 222 Pine, South Bend – Opposed to the Dollar General Sarah Murphy – 412 W Cowlitz, South Bend – Opposed to the Dollar General Harvest McCampbell – 331 1st Street, Raymond – Opposed to the Dollar General Rosemarie LeClair – E Robert Bush Drive, South Bend – Opposed to the Dollar General

Additional Correspondence Summary (Received August 24, 2020-after packets were distributed-emailed to the council same day):

Eric Pollard – Centralia, WA – Opposed to the Dollar General Pam Shipp – Raymond – Opposed to the Dollar General Christine Balcom – 315 Willapa Ave, South Bend – Opposed to the Dollar General Sandra Ellwanger Harris – Unknown Address – Opposed to the Dollar General

Prior to public comment Mayor Struck explained that everyone from the public that wished to speak may do so. She asked that everyone please raise their hand to let staff know that you would like to speak and the Clerk/Treasurer would call upon you in turn as you appear on her screen. Please state your name and address before you begin. Each speaker will be limited to three minutes. You will be given a 30 second warning before your three minutes are up and you are muted.

Citizen Craig Spredeman, 222 Pine Street, felt that all of the correspondence should have been read and the questions that some of the citizens had should have been answered or addressed.

He also had issues with how the planning commission public hearing was held.

Mayor Struck requested that agenda Item #5 – Preliminary Short Subdivision Approval move to Item #6 and Item #6 – Emergency Executive Order – Extension move to Item #5.

Councilor Neve made a motion to accept this amendment as presented. (Councilor Neve logged in just prior to this motion) The motion was second by Councilor Hall. Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

Councilor Neve made a motion to accept the Emergency Executive Order Extension as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Hall. Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

Mayor Struck introduced Mr. Kliem who spoke regarding the Preliminary Short Subdivision, giving the council and public in attendance an overview of the processes that the planning commission followed for the Preliminary Short Subdivision. Mr. Kliem works with city staff and the planning commission on planning, zoning and comprehensive plan updates.

Councilor Hall made a motion accepting the Preliminary Short Subdivision as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Neve.

During discussion Councilor Hall explained that he is part of the Willapa Bay Resistance on Facebook. He was also able to see postings on a private Facebook Page called SB Beige Box Project. He has read the comments – the negative impacts, low wages, ugly building, no dog walking, no people walking, no place for the annual circus, blocking the river view, migratory birds. Many of the public records requests that have been made have been posted to those groups. Several days before the planning commission meeting Councilor Hall noted that city staff had already put in over 100 hours responding to public records requests and the week prior the city supervisor had spent most of that week responding to those requests. There were 155 pages of back and forth emails (part of a public records request) between the city, the Dollar General, the city’s planner and the city’s engineers and he advised he read them all. There has been accusations of state and local laws being violated. These are posted as fact by an apparent lay person and even recently complaints that new public records requests are not being responded to quickly enough. These are opinions not fact! Councilor Hall pointed out that he relies on the state and city staff for his information. He mentioned that there were comments about the Dollar General not fitting into our quaint city. Councilor Hall then noted that there is an abandoned Arco and Shell station, a red tagged building, an empty iron works building, a former bowling alley, there is a beautiful new brewery, derelict boats, a building covered in briars and a derelict boat and several blocks east there is a massive junk yard. Councilor Hall explained that he had read all of the comments and attended the planning commission meeting. If and when the development goes forward it is up to the state to enforce their rules and the city to enforce theirs. Personally, Councilor Hall said he didn’t want a Dollar General to come to town because of the impact it might have on Pioneer and the mini marts, but the question tonight is only about the subdivision of the property that is owner by Harbor Rock. (Note: this is a general synopsis of Councilor Hall’s comments. Not a verbatim account)

Councilor Neve noted that she read her council packet, all 71 pages, and she came to the same conclusion as Councilor Hall. The City of South Bend has some warts. South Bend is made up of its PEOPLE and that is what makes it a great place.

Councilor Davis asked about the contamination which has been alluded to in various posts on Facebook. Mr. Kliem noted that is between the property owner and the state if there is any type of contamination. It has nothing to do with the city. If the Dollar General buys some property and there is contamination then they will deal with it through the state, but again is has nothing to do with the city. Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-0, Abstention-1 (Ayes-Councilor Kuiken, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Hall. Abstention-Councilor Manlow)

• Police Chief Stigall announced that it is official. He has hired Tyson Johnson as a new officer for the South Bend Police Dept. His first day was August 22nd. If things go as planned, he will head to the Police Academy in November.
• Police Chief Stigall explained that the city has a horrible problem at the recycle bins on Summit. People are dumping junk and garbage and he is asking for the citizens to please help! If you see someone dumping garbage or junk there please get a license plate number, a picture of the car or whatever your can do safely. He doesn’t think that the citizens want to lose the recycle bins.
• Councilor Hall asked Police Chief Stigall about the junk and derelict mobile home that he and Police Chief Stigall had been discussing. Police Chief Stigall explained that two or three more vehicles have been removed and he has talked to the maintenance person and he is working on the property. They know it is on the city’s radar. Councilor Hall asked if there was a timeline and Police Chief Stigall advised no, but that he would follow up with the maintenance person and advise him that he needed to provide the city with one.
• Councilor Hall asked Police Chief Stigall about two areas where there are derelict boats. One derelict boat is by a blue metal building and the other derelict boat(s) are on Spooner property. Police Chief Stigall advised he would look into both situations.
• City Supervisor Houk reported that the 4th Street Reconstruction Project (between Pacific and Willapa) is going well. This project is funded by a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
• City Supervisor Houk advised the Water Treatment Plant Upgrade Project goes out for bid on August 26th and the bid opening is September 16th. This project is funded by the United States Dept of Agriculture, Rural Development (USDA RD) and CDBG.
• City Supervisor Houk explained that the city crew has been working with the contractors setting the forms for the sidewalks at Cheney Park from First Street to the Pavilion.
• The structural work at the library is almost complete. This work was funded by .09 money from Pacific County.
• Landscaping at Mary Rogers Pioneer Park has begun and should be completed in a few weeks.

• Mayor Struck advised that she was notified that the Pacific County Health Department has lowered their monitored COVID-19 cases from two to one.
• Mayor Struck thanked John Kliem, Eric Noah (Gray & Osborne, Inc.) and Dominic Miller (Gray & Osborne, Inc.) for all of their work on the Short Subdivision and also for attending the meeting.

• Councilor Manlow noted that was good news about the COVID cases and as far as Pioneer Grocery, they are seeing 99% percent mask compliance. Everyone is really doing a great job.
• Councilor Hall mentioned that the only people wearing a mask at the boat launch were him and the fish checker. He did note that there were 55 paying customers on Saturday. It has been a bit slow. There was a camper that did mention to him that they really liked the spot and appreciated having it there.
• Councilor Kuiken was glad to see Tyson Johnson as the new hire for the police department. He is local and is sure he will stick around. He watched Tyson grow up! Great choice!
• Councilor Neve loves to see Police Chief Stigall around her neighborhood.
• Councilor Neve announced that she and citizen Don Corcoran will be cruising South Bend on Saturday, Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend in the antique fire truck. They plan to drive up and down Robert Bush Drive, stopping at various businesses to celebrate Labor Day. They decided there will be a parade come hell or high water! Councilor Neve thanked Police Chief Stigall for agreeing to their request to cruise!
• Councilor Davis would like to see the Planning Commission work on rules for South Bend’s waterfront as well as more community involvement and a vision for South Bend.

Citizen Craig Spredeman doesn’t think that people attend the city council meetings because for the most part things are done right. Yes, the rules are followed but the procedures are flawed.

Councilor Hall requested that Cheney Park Ball Field be on the September 14, 2020 agenda.

The Zoom meeting was adjourned at 6:23 PM to meet again on Monday, September 14, 2020 for the next regularly scheduled meeting via Zoom unless otherwise announced.

Date of Open Record Public Hearing and Public Comment: The South Bend Planning Commission will hold an open record public hearing by Zoom Video Communications on the proposed short subdivision beginning at 12:30 PM, August 20, 2020, in the South Bend City Hall.

Any person interested in providing public comment at the public hearing may do so by:

1. Teleconference: Join by Zoom meeting.
   Meeting ID: 892 8801 1871 / Password: 872440
2. Telephone: 1 (253) 215-8782
3. Email: Comments must be submitted to Kim Porter at kim.porter@southbendwa.gov by 12:00 PM, August 20, 2020.
4. Written comments: Comments will be accepted until 12:00 PM, August 20, 2020 by sending them City Hall, PO Box 9, South Bend, WA 98586

After receiving public testimony, the Planning Commission will consider the proposal and make a recommendation to the City Council. The City Council will consider the Planning Commission recommendation at the next regularly scheduled meeting and decide to approve, approve with modifications, or deny the short subdivision.

The City Council will hear one closed record appeal. Appeals heard before the City Council must be filed within 14 days of the notice of decision.

The full agenda packet can be viewed here.

The council meeting was called to order by Mayor Struck at 5:30 pm followed by roll call by Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. Members present: Councilor Kuiken, Councilor Manlow, Councilor Neve, Councilor Davis, Councilor Hall, Police Chief Stigall and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts. City Supervisor Houk was absent.

A motion was made by Councilor Hall to approve the Agenda, Consent Agenda and the minutes of the July 27, 2020 regular meeting. The motion was seconded by Councilor Neve. Vote: Ayes-4, Noes-0, Absent-1

Vendors - Check #45993 thru Check #46023 - $113,857.34 Including EFT Payments

Payroll - Check #24854 thru Check #24870 - $120,813.48 Including Direct Deposit

None

Councilor Hall made a motion to accept Ordinance #1553 – Amending portions of Chapter 12.20 of SBMC – City Boat Haven as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Manlow. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Councilor Hall made a motion to accept Ordinance #1554 – Amending and adding to portion of Chapter 9.10 of SBMC – Disorderly Conduct-Public Nuisances. The motion was seconded by Councilor Neve. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Councilor Neve made a motion accepting the Professional Services Contract for the Prosecuting Attorney as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Davis.

During discussion Clerk/Treasurer Roberts explained that Will Penoyar had moved into the Municipal Court Judge position which left the prosecutor vacant. After some searching, she found Killian Dunkeson who works for Ingram, Zelasko & Goodwin in Aberdeen willing to take the position, but it did require an increase in the contract dollar amount. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0

Citizen Steve Rogers, 522 W Second Street, thanked Police Chief Stigall and the South Bend Police Department for their excellent service recently when his truck was stolen as well as some items out of his garage. Mr. Rogers was very impressed by the thoroughness of Police Chief Stigall. His truck as well as some of the items stolen from his garage were recovered quickly. There is no doubt that he is the right man for the job!

• Police Chief Stigall requested permission to surplus two police vehicles – a 2011 Chevrolet Tahoe and a 2012 Dodge Charger. Clerk/Treasurer Roberts also requested permission to surplus two Fire Department vehicles – a 1999 Dodge Ram Pickup and a 1989 Ford Ambulance Prep Van. Councilor Hall made a motion authorized the surplus of all four vehicles as presented. The motion was seconded by Councilor Neve. Vote: Ayes-5, Noes-0, Absent-0
• Councilor Hall asked Police Chief Stigall what the timeline was for follow-up on the nuisance complaint that he had made on the derelict building and vehicles recently. The collapsed building is still there as is most of the cars. Police Chief Stigall advised he will follow-up with the owner.
• Councilor Hall asked Police Chief Stigall about two areas where there are derelict boats. One derelict boat is by a blue metal building and the other derelict boat(s) are on Spooner property. Police Chief Stigall advised he would look into both situations.
• Mayor Struck reported for City Supervisor Houk who was not in attendance. The repair work at the library that the city received funding ($30,000) for would be starting on Tuesday, August 11th.
• The 4th Street Reconstruction Project (between Pacific and Willapa) is going well
• Landscaping at Mary Rogers Pioneer Park should begin next week.
• Clerk/Treasurer Roberts noted that the 2021 budget calendar was in the councilors packet. It is an outline of the process that the city is required to use to prepare and pass the budget. She suggested that two workshops be set for October so they could be published early. October 7th and October 14th were decided. They will start at 4:00pm.

Mayor Struck advised that the office is still closed and the county still has rising COVID-19 case counts. Even though the front office is closed the public is still being served. If anyone knocks on the door, the door is answered. If anyone needs to come into the office, they follow the appropriate protocol.

• Councilor Hall briefly talked about the discussions going on on social media regarding the Dollar General, a new business that is scheduled to come to town. He asked if after the subdivision is approved by the planning commission does it come to the city council for final approval? He was advised yes, that is correct. He then asked, once someone meets all of the rules, and the city has a lot of them, that doesn’t come to the council correct? Mayor Struck advised yes, that is correct. It is private property. We have no say on what a person does with their property as long as they follow the proper zoning for their property and city codes.
• Councilor Hall expressed his annoyance concerning the disappearance of the envelopes at the boat launch. Even though they continually vanish seven people still managed to pay without them.
• Councilor Hall wanted to note that there are two steps to public nuisances – an inquiry and an official complaint.
• Councilor Kuiken thanked Police Chief Stigall for the nice job outfitting the new police vehicle. The work was done in-house and they did a great job. Very impressive!
• Councilor Davis noted that Immigration Support will be working with the Pacific County Health Department to assist with non-English speaking citizens that need COVID-19 assistance.

• Citizen Craig Spredeman asked if city emails were part of “Correspondence” on the agenda. Mayor Struck advised no, it is not. Only if the emails are specifically addressed to the council. The city receives hundreds of emails a week.
• Mr. Spredeman asked if the subdivision for the Dollar General was approved by the city council and Clerk/Treasurer Roberts advised him that the subdivision for that property was approved by the city council on October 22, 2018.

Councilor Hall advised that he had no comment and that the Cheney Park Ball Field stay as a future agenda topic.

The Zoom meeting was adjourned at 5:57 PM to meet again on Monday, August 24, 2020 for the next regularly scheduled meeting via Zoom unless otherwise announced.