Pateros Chamber of Commerce Meeting Minutes
October 17, 2007
Meeting held at Pateros City Hall, and called to order by President, Judy Asmussen.
Sweet River Bakery provided lunch for a $7 donation.
Misprint noted in minutes of last month's meeting. Mayor Howe reported that the PUD will pay $800,000.00 on docks and repairing the boat launch, but was printed as $8,000.00. Correction will be made by Secretary. Motion made, seconded and passed to approve minutes of last meeting as corrected.
Chamber Treasurer, Joey Bruno, reported a beginning balance of $810.06 and an ending balance of $272.48. Amount paid for Prairie Media NCW Winter Guide was amended from $536.75 to $561.00. Chamber Vice-President, Rebecca Meadows, clarified that the balance of $272.48 did not reflect TAB monies, which the Chamber has not billed for as yet. Motion made, seconded and passed to approve the Treasurer's Report as presented. Treasurer also reported that Membership Forms will be mailed out to current members and will offer a discount of $5.00 if paid on or before December 31.
Everyone present introduced themselves to today's guests.
Guest Speaker --
Mark Miller of The Land Company presented a movie he made about how the Douglas County PUD is not taking care of its shorelines and the vast differences in Douglas and Chelan Counties. He discussed a proposed policy change by Douglas County PUD that will prohibit private docks on the Columbia River outside city limits of Pateros, Brewster and Bridgeport. Mr. Miller explained how this will no doubt impact our economic future and urged all present to write Dr. Robert W. Clubb, Chief of Environmental & Regulatory Services of the Douglas County PUD showing their opposition to this proposal. Mr. Miller said, "It is dangerous for us to not have solidarity". He informed us that Friday the 19th is the deadline for written comments. Motion made, seconded and passed for Chamber President to form a letter from the Chamber opposing these changes. Chamber Secretary will also email all members on this subject today and attach a copy of Mayor Howe's letter.
Mayor’s Briefing Report –
Mayor Howe reported that the City has called for Police Advisory Board volunteers, but only has one volunteer so far (Judy Asmussen). She says they will try to hold a Police Advisory Board meeting this month or next and they need public input regarding police here in Pateros. We have a 5-year contract with the Sheriff, which provides for a 6-month notice of cancellation from either party. Mayor Howe also reports that the City is working on the budget for next year and there will be a preliminary budget meeting on November 19.
School Briefing Report --
Laura Christian, Principal, reported that this week is Homecoming week at the school. Tonight there will be a "Macho Volleyball" game, the homecoming football game tomorrow night, and the dance on Saturday night. Ms. Christian reports that the school band is doing an incredible job performing at all home games. The Leadership Kids are also doing a lot this year, including painting restrooms and other beautification projects.
Upcoming Event: Christmas at the Confluence –
Chamber Vice-President, Rebecca Meadows reported that this event is scheduled for December 19th, headed up by Tony and Ron, and will have basically the same events as last year. There will be a meeting in a couple of weeks and everything should be set out better by next month.
2008 Chamber Officers Nominations and Elections –
Current members were asked if they would hold their offices for the next year. President Judy Asmussen, Vice-President Rebecca Meadows, Treasurer Joey Bruno, and Secretary Mary Pearson all agreed. Motion made, seconded and passed to retain current Officers.
Miscellaneous --
Chamber Secretary Mary Pearson will email all members to ask them to write Dr. Clubb at the Douglas PUD and express their opposition to their Land Use Policy Supplement regarding docks and piers. Mayor Howe supplied a copy of her letter to Dr. Clubb as an example.
President Judy Asmussen reminded all that November's General Meeting will be held on November 14 instead of November 21, due to the Thanksgiving holiday.
Brenda White of Okanogan Douglas Hospital announced that there will be a Breast Cancer Awareness Forum at the Brewster Recreation Center at Columbia Cove on Tuesday, October 23, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. Dr. Julie Smith will be a guest speaker. Also, there will be a Flu Shot Clinic at the hospital on October 24, 2007.
Next meeting will be November 14, 2007.
Lunch will be available.
Meeting adjourned.
Mary Pearson
Secretary