At the Burns City Council meeting on Wednesday, April 24, Burns City Manager Dauna Wensenk reported that a meeting was held the previous week to discuss the findings of the Economic Opportunities Analysis that ECONorthwest performed for the city.

The analysis was done in accordance with Goal 9: Economic Development of the state’s Statewide Planning Goals and guidelines.

In addition to providing  a greater understanding of the existing conditions, the analysis forecasts future conditions to help develop an economic development strategy and land use policy. It also forecasts employment growth.

Data from the analysis showed that:

• median household income is $36,000, as compared to the state median of $53,000;

• most of the current population (32 percent) is in the 60 and older age group, and that is expected to increase by 2035. The second-largest group (24 percent) is ages 20-39;

• 52 percent of the labor force lives in Burns, while 60 percent resides in Hines;

• the employment forecast for 2019-2039 shows Burns is projected to have 326 new employees, with employment to grow faster than the forecast of population growth.

There will be another meeting in May to discuss a summary of the study.

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Wensenk reported that the sewer reserve fund is projected to pay off the loan in January.

She added that the council can decide whether it wants to change the billing to a lower amount or keep it the same.

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Wensenk stated that a water line was broken in the city’s Pocket Park when people placed poles in the ground to advertise an event. She asked the public to notify the city before placing a sign in the park so the city can help with placement.

Wensenk also stated that a survey on the urban deer population should be ready to go out to residents with the water-quality report at the end of April.

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Wensenk met with representatives of the Department of Land Conservation and Development (DLCD) to discuss flood-plain compliance. In 2011, a National Flood Insurance Program identified 16 structures that were out of compliance in the flood plain. Because the structures were identified and recorded in 2011, the property owners need to get a final elevation certificate or development permit. If the structures are not brought into compliance in a timely manner, the Federal Emergency Management Agency will provide enforcement.

The city will continue to check into the issue in coming weeks.

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Burns resident Herb Vloedman told the council that he and his wife, Ann, are willing to donate the 3.5-plus acres that they own next to the former King’s store to the county and cities of Burns and Hines for an emergency services facility if two stipulations are met. The first stipulation is that the three entities must come up with a written agreement within one year. The second stipulation is that the three entities must present a proposal to fund the facility within two years.

Mayor Jerry Woodfin said it is a generous offer, there will be conversations among the two cities and county, and Vloedman will be informed when a decision is made.

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The council discussed whether it wants to sign on to the National League of Cities (NLC) Service Line Insurance Program.

Wensenk was absent at the previous council meeting, but she provided a written recommendation that the city not sign on with the program. During the meeting on April 24, Woodfin asked her why she made that “no recommendation.”

Wensenk explained that several local insurance agents offer the coverage, and she encourages residents to “shop locally.”

Councilor Judy Erwin stated that local agents sell insurance for companies that are not located locally, and she only found one company that offers the same coverage as the service line program.

Erwin added that homeowners would have to pay their deductible if a problem occurred, whereas there is no deductible with the other program.

She added that the program is voluntary for residents, so they are not required to sign up if they don’t want to.

Councilor Liz Appelman said she doesn’t support having the city endorse a private company.

Erwin made a motion to partner with the NLC Service Line Insurance Program, but the motion died for lack of a second.

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In other business:

• Burns Fire Chief Scott Williamson reported that his department received 40 calls so far this year, compared to 48 calls last year.

Williamson told the council that he is still working on a revised fee schedule for the Rural Fire Suppression Program that will be based on assessed value of property rather than a set fee for all subscribers. He added that he hopes to have the fee schedule and a revised agreement form ready by the end of May;

• Public Works Director Pedro Zabala stated that the survey work at Washington Park is complete and work on the new restrooms should begin soon;

• the council voted to award the cemetery maintenance agreement, subject to legal revision, to Big Rich Construction in an amount not to exceed $68,000;

• the council voted to award the 2019 Street Improvement Project to Granite Construction in the amount of $545,192.50;

• the council voted to approve a liquor license for 1188, located at the Central Hotel;

• Merle Reid, a member of the search committee for a new city manager, reported that the job postings went out and applications will be accepted until May 15.

The next council meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at city hall.