The following are the unapproved minutes from the Hines Common Council meting held Dec. 10. The minutes have been edited for clarity and length.

Under department head reports, Hines Police Chief Ryan DeLange stated that the police department responded to many domestic violence calls stemming from fights.

He also reported that there were two different vehicle pursuits in the last 30 days. Traffic complaints are still a problem, and Officer Mitchell has been handling most of the traffic stops. Dog complaints and impounds are also up.

Additionally, DeLange reported that there are a lot of people, many transient, who have warrants, and the department is trying to respond. Councilor Hutchins asked about the people who have warrants, and a discussion ensued about whether they are migrating or being pushed this way from the west side of the state.

Chief DeLange also reported that Hines police responded to many vehicle crashes.

The Oregon City Police Department donated radios to the local police. However, the radios are too powerful for the system. They will be kept for when the system is updated. Chief DeLange spoke with the local Bureau of Land Management about the radios, which led to Eugene donating five Motorola radios that will work with the current system, after some repairs and updating.

Chief DeLange said he also wants to remind people to keep their parked vehicle off of the streets for the city plows.

Councilor Gary Miller asked about the deer. Chief DeLange replied that, from what he has seen, the deer population has decreased in town, as well as out of town. Most of the deer fatalities are happening after deer are hit on the highway.

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Acting Public Works Superintendent Jerry Lewellen’s report was given by City Administrator Kirby Letham, in Lewellen’s absence.

With the recent snowstorms over the Thanksgiving holiday, the department plowed twice, both the roads and the sidewalks. The new plow should be delivered sometime within the next week.

The city’s pumps are pumping 125,000 gallons a day in wastewater, and 180,000 gallons a day in drinking water.

The department has also been working on many locates from both OTEC and Anderson Perry.

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Letham told the council that there was a great turnout for the leaf dumpsters, and there weren’t any dumping problems like there were last year.

Letham spoke with a contractor regarding the park bathroom, and the contractor said he would be willing to come to Hines to build a portion or all of the bathroom. He also has designs from other facilities that he has built for the council to look over.

The Small City Allotment language was read out loud regarding the streets that would be covered by the $100,000 grant.

Letham noted that there is a budget training in Ontario on Jan. 28 that he would like the council to attend in lieu of a second meeting in January.

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Under old business:

• The council approved Resolution No. 2275 regarding the selling of a 1992 Ford truck. The truck will be sold by auction, with bids submitted to city hall in writing. Advertising will be done via newspaper and radio. The closing date for all bids will be Jan. 13, 2020. No minimum bid will be required, and the highest bid wins upon closing date.

• The council discussed the Certified Local Government (CLG) certification. The CLG allows for historical landmarks to become certified, which then allows them to become eligible for preservation grants. Some people in the area have showed interest in becoming part of a committee to present options to the council. (i.e., the commissary building, the water tower, the slide, etc.)

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Under new business:

• The council approved Resolution No. 2271 for the transfer of $59,359 in funds from BizOregon to pay Anderson Perry for draft No. 11, for the Water System Project.

• The council approved Resolution No. 2272 regarding the transfer of $28,820 in funds from BizOregon to pay Anderson Perry for draft No. 12, for the Water System Project.

• The council approved Resolution No. 2273 regarding the increase of the dog impound fee from $75 to $125.

• The council approved Resolution No. 2274 regarding a grant awarded from the Department of Land Conservation & Development for planning assistance.

• The council approved a business license for Kevin Ireland, general laborer.

• The council discussed the proposed land exchange between the city and Harney Rock and Paving for the new water tower. The planning commission met Dec. 6, and approved the exchange. Once approved by the council, and signed off by the mayor, it will be recorded with the county clerk. The council voted in favor of the approval of the plat map.

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The council was informed that Officer Mitchell’s car needs repairs, as the engine starts to knock once it reaches a certain speed. High Desert Diesel stated that the vehicle needs a new engine. The vehicle has approximately 90,000 miles on it and has had mechanical problems since about 50,000 miles, according to Chief DeLange. A new engine could give the car approximately five more years on the road, depending on maintenance and how it is driven. Chief DeLange explained the dilemma of getting the car repaired vs. purchasing a new car. Councilor Ray Breshears asked the city staff to do some research for purchasing a new car before a decision is made (i.e., loan, interest rates, vehicle type, etc.).

The next council meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 14, at city hall.