Prairie CityPRAIRIE CITY – During the past two Prairie City Council meetings, the city lagoon, where sewage is dumped, has been a major topic of discussion. It may be filling up, and the city is considering restricting access or raising the fee for dumping. A decision could be made at the next council meeting, when the council will have figures about how often people dump in the lagoon and what other cities are charging.

One of the city employees, Georgia Patterson, has been absent while she recovers from a broken leg. As a result, the city is considering hiring a temporary employee during the summer, or contracting out the lawn mowing.

The council agreed to pay the utility bills for the Grant County Hospice office on Front Street, which the hospice leases from the city. The hospice will be closing in about a month.

David “Crockett” Packard volunteers his time to serve as a police officer, and asked that he be given free water in exchange. The council approved his request, and will review the arrangement annually.

The budget for 2005-06 was approved.

Tom McAuslan was unanimously appointed to fill a vacant city council seat.

Steve Dahl, new county ecomnomic development director, introduced himself to the council and offered his services whenever they needed him, even though Prairie City is not contributing money to support his position.

Ken Purnell of John Day submitted a contract to paint city streets, and the council is hoping to discuss the terms of the contract with Purnell at the next meeting.

– Reilly Cosgrove, the Eagle

SenecaThe April meeting was called to order by Mayor Linda Starbuck.

Jim Jaymes (Grant County Shooting Sports Club) introduced himself as club president, Nancy Chase as club secretary and Dean Nodine as club vice president. Jim said the club would like to add a second trap area to be used primarily for youth shooting. The club would do all of the work, but asked if the city would do some blade work if needed. It was noted that a minor amount of vandalism has taken place over the past few years. The club will close the rifle and pistol range any time a trap event is in progress. Jim stated safety and liabilities as the reason for this action. The club’s No. 1 priority is safety and most decisions are safety related. Jim assured everyone that the rifle and pistol ranges would not be closed except for trap shooting events.

The Golf Committee requested permission to purchase a greens mower. The present mower is antiquated and worn out. The committee has three price quotes and recommends the low quote of $9,000 from Austin Turf and Tractor.

Mike Browning made a motion to purchase a John Deere from Austin Turf and Tractor for a delivered price of $9,000. Michelle Walker seconded and the motion carried all in favor. Mike complimented the condition of the course.

The squirrel population is out of control and they have over run the lagoon area as well as the golf course (approximately 60-75 acres). Something needs to be done before all licensed Pest Controllers are committed.

Mike made a motion to spend a maximum of $3,500 to reduce the number of rodents in the lagoon area and on the golf course. Michelle seconded and the motion carried all in favor.

Doug Ferguson told the council the low bidder for the water project (Bill Booker Construction) had a proven record and background for this project. Doug advised awarding the contract as soon as possible in order to lock in unstable materials cost. The project bid is slightly over budget. The options are to cut the project or come up with the extra money to cover the bid price. Doug suggested allocating some funds for contingencies as well. After some discussion it was decided not to increase the loan amount, but fund the difference with existing funds from the Road and Water departments.

Mike made a motion to award the water project contract to Bill Booker Construction, with a bid amount of $722,058. Michelle seconded and the motion carried all in favor.

Warren Wilson made a motion to allocate $33,000 from the road fund and $10,000 from the water fund to cover the bid overage as well as create a contingency fund for the water project. Mike seconded and the motion carried all in favor.

The water line is about 75 percent in and the Industrial Park project was on track to be completed by June 30.

The Sawins have requested Lane Construction to be the contractor for their siding that was damaged in a burn-to-learn late last fall. An estimate was given by Lane Construction in the amount of $1,350.

Mike made a motion to pay the Sawins $1,350 to repair the siding on their home. Michelle seconded and the motion carried all in favor.