Reardan council holds special meeting

REARDAN – After a lack of quorum cancelled council’s June 17 meeting, a special meeting was held the following week June 24 where two motions were carried and several business items were discussed.

Michael Case wrote a letter to council asking for approval for his building plans. Police chief Andy Manke addressed the letter during his police report, saying Case has made progress on fixing his code violations but still has work to do. Manke added that Michelle Needham will be cited soon for code violations, while Jeff Dawley has been cited and will be again.

Reserve officer Michael Grow remains on administrative leave pending an investigation from the Spokane School District concerning his other job as a school security officer.

Ag-Link and Nutrien have had theft issues, so the police department set up game cameras. The ATM was stolen from SpeedTrap Tap House, and a lone glove was recovered as evidence.

Mayor Gail Daniels informed council the July 1 meeting will be held online. Bryan Hicks told Daniels he could participate in planning commission meetings to assist with decision making.

Town attorney David Bingaman, Daniels and two council members had met with Jeremy Anderson to discuss reimbursing Chartwell Homes $3,500 for hookup costs, during which Bingaman said the town can’t grant a variance to its zoning ordinance. Council was also given a quote for installing central air conditioning and updated lightings from Bryant Building at town hall, while tabling a request from Manke to take his patrol car with him to his new residence in Seven Bays.

Councilmember Dan Graham spoke to council about setting a salary, training and incentive schedule for town employees. Councilmember Clay Soliday wanted an immediate raise given, while councilmember Celeste Lewis wanted to see the AWC login to see the survey of employee pays. Council wanted to see the original job description for employees and compare those with lists the town clerks gave them. No action was taken.

Two motions were passed to make Soliday Mayor Pro Tem and to approve Sharon Skipper’s appointment to the planning commission.

Council will convene for a regular meeting online July 1 at 6 p.m.