Move is designed to increase efficiency when it comes to small contracts
By BECKY THOMAS
Staff Reporter
Cheney City Council approved an ordinance at its May 25 meeting that allowed the mayor to authorize small contracts worth no more than $10,000.
The measure was one of two brought to council Tuesday night that were aimed at improving procedures and efficiency, after recent discussions focusing on those issues within city government.
The ordinance gives the mayor the right to authorize purchases that were already approved in the budget. City Administrator Arlene Fisher said the measure would allow departments to get things they need in emergencies without waiting for the bi-monthly council meeting.
“It's those unique circumstances between council meetings is where we need the authorization to be able to enter into those small contracts,” Fisher said.
Councilwoman Teresa Overhauser voiced concern about a resolution that would allow departments to apply for grants without council approval if the grants didn't require matching funds from the city. The measure was introduced to allow departments to apply for yearly grants and those with tight deadlines, again to avoid waiting for a council meeting for approval. Overhauser said there should be a provision so that departments would have to get council approval if the grant required any sort of policy change.
“I would prefer, if it's a policy issue where we're changing how we do business, that it would come back before council,” she said.
Councilman Mike McKeehan agreed with Overhauser. He said if a department receives a grant that takes the city in a different direction, then they would feel obligated to use the funds whether or not council liked the idea.
“There could be some pressure if they have this [money] and they have to spend it,” he said.
Fisher and city attorney Stan Schwartz said they would add a line in the resolution that would require grants with any possible policy changes to be approved by council before application was made.
Council heard several other items of business Tuesday night:
•A bid for tree trimming around city power lines was accepted. Boyd's Tree Service will do the work.
•Council approved a contract extension with Zayo Enterprise Networks extending their lease on the city's dark fiber connection into Spokane.
•Community Development director Brian Jennings told council about the upcoming Washington State Criterium Championships bike races in Cheney June 19-20. The event will have two age groups, with 200-300 riders expected. Jennings said he expected the event to boost Cheney's economy and bring people in to see the city.
•Several council members commended the volunteers who worked at Mayfest May 22, saying it was a successful event.
•Mayor Tom Trulove read a proclamation naming Memorial Day, May 31 to be Cheney Fallen Heroes Day in honor of two Cheney soldiers who were killed in the line of duty. The soldiers' names will be added to the monument at Veterans Park, with a ceremony there May 31 at 11 a.m.
Becky Thomas can be reached at [email protected].
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