By Rob Cone-Clark
Turnagain Times Whittier Correspondent
Candidates For City Council Seat D Await Run Off Results
A run off election Tuesday, Nov. 3 was held to decide Whittier City Council Seat D. The incumbent Jerry Vandergriff and Larry Bussman both received 57 votes in the general election Oct. 6.
Ballots were counted in the run off election Nov. 3. Vandergriff received 62 votes, Bussman received 51.
The results will not be official until confirmed and when 17 absentee ballots are counted at a special meeting of the council Nov. 10.
City Budget On Track
At the city council meeting Oct. 20., city manager Mark Earnest reported that the $1.85 million 2009 municipal budget was on track. “We are on the order of about $200,000 below what we have budgeted,” he said. The administration also reported bid documents are being assembled for the next segment of the Shotgun Cove Road Project, Cruise West was presented with an offer to moor on the city's Ocean Dock and that the Whittier Municipal Code Title Two had been rewritten to reflect numerous changes made by the city council.
New Lighting Installed In Ambulance and Fire Station
Public Safety Department Director Dave Scholfield reported to the council that new lighting has been installed in the ambulance bay and fire station, and that they completed an updated policy manual for the police department. Discussion with the Whittier Medical Clinic regarding the use of clinic staff for emergency response is also underway, he said.
Public Work Department Updates
Public Works Department Director Scott Korbe reported to that water shutoffs, meter removals and marking utilities was progressing in preparation for the winter season. City snow removal equipment was also being readied. He also reported a rash of clogged sewer pumps and said he was considering an educational mailing to be included with utility bills.
Public Discourse Heats Up Over Harbor Insurance and Railroad Expansion
When public comments were taken during the Oct. 20 city council meeting, discussion grew heated.
Whittier resident Ed Hedges addressed a letter he received from the Small Boat Harbor requiring a $1 million dollar insurance policy for any firm conducting a seasonal boat watch. Hedges was concerned that the Harbor Master was not present to hear his opinion.
“He sends out all these letters and then doesn't even show up to the meeting,” he said.
Earnest assured Mr. Hedges that his message would be conveyed to the Harbor Master.
Joe Grey then expressed disappointment with the city in regards to the Alaska Railroad and Lynden expansion.
“We had a meeting scheduled with the railroad and Lynden, and Lynden didn't even show up,” he said. “They said they were planning a building. I thought, ‘good', more revenue for the city. But now they are just stacking connexes for a building. The city is not supporting us.”
“When a person buys property there is only so much we can do to control what they do with it,” said Earnest.
“What do you see as not getting support?” City Councilman Juan Cardenas asked.
“The city has just backed off,” Grey responded.
“I see it as just the opposite,” said Cardenas
“You guys have been in negotiation for a long time,” said Grey. “We are going ahead with attorneys.” Mr. Grey then left the meeting.
City In Good Financial Standing
The accounting firm Mikunda, Cottrell & Co presented the city council with a breakdown of the city's financials.
Analyst John Boss delivered the good news, “The City has more cash than they have had in a number of years. Liabilities were greater than assets by about $13,000 dollars at the end of 2008. That's down from about $400,000 just a few years ago.”
He said the Harbor Enterprise Fund was healthy. “If you add back in the funded depreciation, the Harbor is actually generating cash,” he said. “Water is also generating positive cash flow. A lot of other towns we work with, water has had to barrow cash.”
The City Council then held a discussion on non-agenda items. There was a small debate concerning the derelict Buckner Building. Whether it should be declared a nuisance, or maybe the City should try to posses it and redevelop the land. The Council discussed winter staffing in Public Works and in the Water Department, the eminent retirement of a senior operator and the need to plan for future staffing.
The Whittier City Clerk Brenda Krol said she expects the next regular meeting of the city council to occur in December.
Whittier City Council To Hold 2 Special Meetings
Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. the city council will hold a special meeting in the council chambers. The agenda includes Department and Commission Reports, introduction of an ordinance changing the way Department Directors are hired, appointment of an abatement officer and the 2009 Christmas party.
Whittier City Council will hold a special Meeting Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers. The agenda will include counting of runoff election absentee ballots and certification of the election results.
Planning and Zoning And Ports Harbor Meetings Scheduled
Planning and Zoning will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, in the Cullum Room. The agenda has not yet been posted.
The Ports and Harbor Commission will meet Saturday, Nov. 21 at 11 a.m. in the city council chambers. No agenda has yet been posted.
