Town of Concrete
Town Council Meeting
July 25, 2012
7:00 p.m.
Mayor Wilson called the meeting to order. Mayor Wilson led the gallery in the Pledge of
Allegiance.
Roll Call: Council Members: Jack Mears, Dave Pfeiffer, Michael Bartel, Marla Reed and Jason
Miller.
Staff Present: Town Attorney David Day, Clerk Treasurer Andrea Fichter.
Audience Members Signed In: Bill and Leatha Sullivan, Sandra Mitchell, Sally Pfeifer, Evalyn
Goeringer, Bill Pfeifer, Michelle Coda, Chad Clark, John Boggs, Rick Archuletta, Bill Thompson,
Don Payne, Gina Cole, Bruce Newburn, Darrel Reed, April Bartel and Carol Fabrick.
Public Participation: Bruce Newburn: Bruce Newburn thanked the mayor and council for allowing him to speak here tonight. He stated he considers it a privilege to speak here tonight. He stated he was approached a week or so ago by many members of the community, which kickstarted a petition to save the Superior Building. He stated the petitions were then given to him. Mr. Newburn recited some of the statements made by the community. He stated he will give these statements to the town. He further stated the overall feeling that came over was this should not be just a business decision because it involves the community, families and the town’s history. He reported that around 120 petitions had been received by him. He thanked the mayor and council again for the opportunity to speak.
William Pfeifer – 7472 Pressentin Ranch Drive: Mr. Pfeifer read a prepared statement:
“The decision by the Concrete Town Council to vote against proceeding with restoring the Superior
Building is irresponsible. I feel it was arrogant and it ignored the wishes of many people of the city and the surrounding areas, possibly the majority of those folks. Many people, myself included, put in many hours of work to clean out and haul away tons of debris from the site—all for naught, it seems.
The vote appears to be a reversal of an earlier stance and it’s hard to understand why the decision was made. I would like to see a thorough engineering evaluation of the building to determine if it is feasible to restore and be used. Following that, a detailed cost analysis should be done so that the citizens of Concrete can place the restoration on a list of priorities along with other projects that are being considered for completion in the future. In other words, don’t just arbitrarily decide to abandon the project without input from the people of the area.”
Sandra Mitchell – 44479 Grassmere Rd: Sandra stated that before the last council meeting, she had no knowledge the Superior Building was even up for demolition. She stated this should not just be a council decision, but a community decision. She stated she cannot believe the history of this town would even be considered for demolition. She also stated this is one of the last remaining buildings that tells the history of the town. Sandra stated there is so much history wrapped around this building.
She also stated that she believes the building has to be structurally sound.
Sandra also stated she did not believe the town had properly informed the community of the discussions being held regarding the Superior Building. She stated it is surprising to her that the community is falling away from its history. She stated the history of this town is what brings a lot of tourist and visitors to this area. She stated if the town loses its history, there will not be anything left for the community to build on in the future.
Sandra also commented on the Youth Activity Day and how great an event it is and she would like to see these types of events more than once a year.
Mayor Wilson reported the Historical Preservation and Landmarks Commission was tasked with securing funding for a feasibility study to be completed. He stated the report initially stated it would be around $750,000.00 to restore the building, which some of the council members did not agree with considering the estimate years ago was over $1,000,000.00. i
July 25, 2012
Minutes prepared by Andrea Fichter
Minutes edited for grammar and spelling by Jason Miller

Jason Miller reported the initial $750,000.00 figure was a verbal estimate prior to completion of the final report. He stated after the final report was submitted, the figure was around $1,270,000.00 for complete restoration. He stated the other issue that was discussed was the cost to the town. He stated that since 2010 the Superior Building has had a budgeted amount of $10,000.00 per year, which assisted in the debris removal from the roof of the building and also the completion of the feasibility study.
Rick Archuletta – Founder of Imagine Concrete and Former Historic Preservation and Landmarks
Commission Chair: Rick stated when he went to the State Archaeologist for a list of project engineers that could assist the town with a feasibility study, Larry Johnson’s firm was in the top 5 recommended by the State. He also reported on over 300 volunteer hours and 100 equipment hours, totaling approximately $130,000.00 in in-kind contributions that have been put into this building so far. He also stated that during the Imagine Concrete meetings, the Superior Building and historical preservation was number one on the list of initiatives. He also stated that at no time has the Imagine
Concrete committee thought the town would be supplying the funding for the restoration of this building. He stated they wanted to search for grants and create partnerships between Imagine Concrete and other organizations to assist in raising funds for the restoration of the Superior Building. He stated in the last two years, Imagine Concrete has made a significant impact on the community.
Jason Miller spoke to an e-mail that was sent out to the council from Lou Hillman, which gave a timeline for items that have been completed so far due to the efforts of the Imagine Concrete initiative.
He further described the path the town has been on the last few years with Imagine Concrete and the
Superior Building.
Mike Bartel stated that it would be fiscally irresponsible for the town to proceed with the preservation of this building. He stated that according to the report it would not be suitable for a town hall. Mike also stated that if there could be alternative uses for the building where it could serve a different function, that might be something that needs to be researched further.
An audience member questioned if the decision would be brought to a public vote.
Mayor Wilson stated the council is elected by the public and is charged with making tough decisions associated with town.
Rick Archuletta stated there are fundraising opportunities and grants and other ways to raise money to move forward with this project. He stated he is talking about partnerships that would not cost the town any money.
Jack Mears stated the town has already spent money on this building in the last few years. He also stated the building was not meant to be used at a meeting hall.
Rick Archuletta stated the intended use can be changed, that it doesn’t have to be a meeting hall.
Jack Mears questioned how many of the people in attendance tonight or that filled out petitions will actually be around when it comes to volunteering or seeking funding. He stated that he doesn’t believe that most of these people will help with the project when it comes down to it.
Jason Miller stated that he disagrees with this comment and that looking around the audience he already sees faces that have contributed to this building along with other projects in town.
Dave Pfeiffer stated they voted on what was presented to them and the presentation and resolution that was voted down was to make this building into a town hall, which the report states cannot be done.
Jason Miller stated there is a lot of room to move between total restoration and demolition. He stated the resolution was not intended for just a town hall, but to preserve the building and allow for funding to be sought for adaptive reuses of the building. He stated the resolution made no mention of a town hall. ii
July 25, 2012
Minutes prepared by Andrea Fichter
Minutes edited for grammar and spelling by Jason Miller

Rick Archuletta stated the building is not just valuable to the community and the town, but is also valuable to the State as well.
Mike Bartel questioned if a committee could be formed that would be responsible for seeking funding.
Rich Archuletta stated there are already groups established to do this by the Imagine Concrete initiative.
John Boggs stated that he doesn’t believe this community effort should be disregarded. He suggested instituting a deadline for the funding to be sought and if at that time funding is still not secured, then to proceed with the possible demolition of the building. He stated that he would really hate to see the effort of Imagine Concrete squashed and stated that he believes this to be a reasonable compromise.
Dave Pfeiffer stated the building has sat for over 40 years and he does not want to see it sit there for another 40 years in its dilapidated state.
Jack Mears stated that he believes John Boggs has worked harder on that building than anybody else.
Mayor Wilson stated that he has a lot of respect for John Boggs and everything that he has done within the community.
Massive discussion ensued regarding the possible uses of the building, the resolution and The Johnson
Partnership report.
Jack Mears stated that what John Boggs proposed—giving it three years to see if funding could be secured—sounded reasonable to him. He stated the town doesn’t have the funds for the demolition of this building at this time anyway. He stated he would like to propose the town wait three years before making any final decisions on this building.
Mayor Wilson entertained a motion to develop a new resolution, charging Imagine Concrete and the
Historic Preservation and Landmarks Commission with the securing of funds.
Marla Reed stated a new resolution should be brought to the next council meeting that makes Imagine
Concrete and the Historical Preservation and Landmarks Commission in charge of seeking funding.
It was the consensus of the council for a new resolution to be developed that would charge Imagine
Concrete and the Historical Preservation and Landmarks Commission with securing funding for this building and that this resolution be brought back before council at its August 27, 2012 meeting.
Mayor Wilson entertained a motion for a brief recess.
Jason Miller made a motion for a 10 minute recess at 7:54 p.m. Marla Reed seconded the motion.
Mayor Wilson reconvened the meeting at 8:07 p.m.
Special Presentations: Public Safety: Jason Miller reported on an individual who had been in town recently. He stated this person had rented a bed at the community garden and had planted some problematic items in his small garden that do not really belong in so small a bed. Jason stated he wanted to help the guy out, but communication was difficult. Jason also reported the individual has since left town.
Sergeant Clark reported on when the man first came to town and some background information on this individual. He also reported he was taken to Sedro-Woolley, where he was then transported back to
King County.
Jack Mears requested emphasis patrols at the airport for this weekend during the fly-in. He reported on iii
July 25, 2012
Minutes prepared by Andrea Fichter
Minutes edited for grammar and spelling by Jason Miller

some issues that occurred at the event a few years ago. He requested a few drive-bys occur by the
Sheriff’s deputies during the event and at night as well.
Reichhardt & Ebe Engineering – Cody Hart: Cody reported on the no-cost change order that was included in the council packets with regard to the CCTV project. He stated some of items that were of less importance than others were removed. He stated there are hours of video to go through. He stated that at the next council meeting he will have a pay estimate for work completed by Econo Vac. He stated that a work program will be developed from the video footage for actual repairs that will need to be completed in the next few years.
Jason Miller made a motion to approve the change order. Dave Pfeiffer seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Cody stated the advertisement for the Main Street project will be in tomorrow’s paper, with the bid opening occurring on August 9, 2012 and a recommendation to award at the August 13, 2012 council meeting. He stated the engineer’s estimate for the total project is approximately $100,000.00 less than the original amount.
Cody reported the Burpee Hill Rd. project is currently going through final FEMA review and the engineer’s estimate is also substantially lower than the original amount for this project.
Cody also reported that final approval from the Department of Health had been given for the Water
Comprehensive Plan update.
He reported they are ongoing with grant application through TIB, which should be awarded around the first of the year.
Consent Agenda

Town Council Minutes: July 9, 2012

Claims Warrants: #27194 to #27206
Jack Mears made a motion to approve the consent agenda. Marla Reed seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Public Hearings : Utility Rates and Fees – Resolution #2012-13: Andrea Fichter explained the spreadsheets included in the packets and the need to raise the sewer rates. She explained the suggested rate increases and what they are based on. She also stated that she suggested small rate increases every
6 months over several years to ease the burden on the residents by not doing an expensive increase all at once. She explained that by doing the small increases and reducing the transfer amounts from the
General Fund to the Sewer Fund, it will take approximately 8 years to get the fund where it is supporting itself like it should. She also stated the rates will continue to be reviewed annually.
Dave Pfeiffer questioned the amount the sewer fund is in arrears currently.
Jack Mears questioned if the $26,000.00 that the sewer fund is short will be made up this year.
Andrea reported we will continue to make the fund transfer from the General Fund to the Sewer Fund this year, but will reduce this amount in the coming years.
Mayor Wilson opened the public hearing at 8:33 p.m.
Don Payne requested that the council be gentle with the rate increases.
Bill Thompson questioned if bonds were an issue with the sewer fund.
Andrea stated there are not any bonds associated with the sewer fund. She stated there are 6 loans with the amounts owed totaling approximately $3,400,000.00. She stated over $200,000.00 is paid out each year in loan payments for the Sewer Fund. iv
July 25, 2012
Minutes prepared by Andrea Fichter
Minutes edited for grammar and spelling by Jason Miller

Bill Thompson also suggested trying to keep the rates comparable with other entities to encourage development and people’s choice of where to live.
Mayor Wilson closed the public hearing at 8:36 p.m.
Andrea also reported that currently the sewer utility tax is receipted to the General Fund, which she thought was a mandated requirement because it’s a tax. She stated this is not the case and the council could choose to have these amounts receipted to the Sewer Fund instead. She also explained the way the utility billing system works and transfers would have to be made from the General Fund to the
Sewer Fund for the amount of utility tax collected until such a time as they could make the change over to the sewer fund.
Dave Pfeiffer made a motion to approve increasing residential and commercial sewer rates at $2.50 every 6 months and nonprofit sewer rates $1.50 for the first increase and $1.00 every 6 months thereafter as suggested within the spreadsheets presented by Clerk Treasurer Andrea Fichter, beginning with the August 2012 billing. Marla Reed and Jason Miller both seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
CDBG Water Comprehensive Plan Update Funding Closeout: Andrea explained the requirement of the funder to hold a public hearing to gather input from the public on the process associated with the funding for the Water Comprehensive Plan update.
Mayor Wilson opened the public hearing at 8:42 p.m.
With no public comment, Mayor Wilson closed the public hearing at 8:43 p.m.
Old Business: Historic Preservation & Landmarks Commission – Reduction of Membership-
Jeroldine Hallberg – The approval of the ordinance was tabled until the first meeting in August.
Medical Cannabis Dispensaries:
David Day stated that Andrea’s research and the material she provided the council was excellent. He stated the letter from his office speaks for itself as to what the council’s options are. He discussed the process that Sedro-Woolley is going through. David suggested having a public hearing on the issue to get the community’s feedback on this item. He also stated the
Planning Commission could act as the research body. David also reviewed the RCW associated with dispensaries.
Dave Pfeiffer suggested holding a public hearing to see if there is any interest from the public before deciding how to move forward.
Andrea Fichter questioned that without actual regulations or moratorium in place, if someone came into the office tomorrow wanting to apply, how she should proceed.
David Day stated that for now it would have to be on a case by case basis with the decision being made by the council until the town can set specific codes related to medical cannabis.
Dave Pfeiffer stated that if there are not any legalities associated with banning it, then he would be for banning it, but that he would still like to get public input on the issue.
Jason Miller stated he would like to institute a moratorium until this can be researched further.
Jack Mears stated that he does not think the town needs these in town. He also stated that he understands that medically people may need this, but he doesn’t want to see these types of operations in the town limits.
Discussion ensued regarding the upcoming initiative on the ballot for the legalization of marijuana, which may change the legislation for medical cannabis. v
July 25, 2012
Minutes prepared by Andrea Fichter
Minutes edited for grammar and spelling by Jason Miller

Jack Mears made a motion to institute a moratorium on any medical cannabis gardens, dispensaries, sales or any other items associated with medical cannabis until January 31, 2013. Marla Reed seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
New Business: Events Application-Labor Day Yard Sale: Discussion on how many garbage cans and picnic tables may be needed.
Jason Miller made a motion to approve the events application. Marla Reed seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Discussion Items: Superior Building: Nothing further to report or discuss.
45501 Main Street: Nothing new to report
Council Reports: Airport: Jack Mears: Jack reminded everyone that the Fly-In is this weekend.
Parks: Jason Miller: Nothing to report.
Imagine Concrete: Jason Miller: He reported the next meeting will be held on August 8, 6 p.m., at the Pilots’ Lounge. He thanked Marla Reed for the rocks that got painted during Youth Activity Days that now line the Children’s Garden. He also thanked Jack Mears for the bricks he donated that now line the Memory Garden. Dave Pfeiffer suggested that Jason check with Cascade Supply about possible pallets. Jason reported the food bank beds are growing. Marla stated that she took about 4 lbs. of peas to the Resource Center today. Jason also reported on two racks that were donated by Mobile
Merchandisers to use at the Resource Center for the produce. Jason also reported they will pour concrete slabs for three benches and two chairs in the Community Garden in August.
Department Reports: Planning Commission/ Historical Preservation: Jeroldine Hallberg:
No report.
Administration/Finance Report: Andrea Fichter: Andrea reported that she is currently still playing catch-up from her vacation. She also reported that she should have the 2 nd quarter revenue and expenditure reports to council at the end of this week or the beginning of next week.
Public Works: Alan Wilkins: No report.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Wilson reported that he will be out of town until late Sunday evening. He reported that he is heading to Alaska tonight after the council meeting.
Announcements: None
Executive Session: None.
Adjournment: Jason Miller made a motion for adjournment at 9:11 p.m. Jack Mears seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
_________________________
Judd Wilson, Mayor
_________________________________
Attest: Andrea Fichter, Clerk Treasurer vi
July 25, 2012
Minutes prepared by Andrea Fichter
Minutes edited for grammar and spelling by Jason Miller