By Sheila Corson
Chronicle staff

     OMAK - The city council discussed raising storm water rates to cover capital projects in its proposed storm water management plan.
     Engineer Ted Pooler presented the plan, showing a map of several current or expected problem areas. He suggested repairs and upgrades, new equipment and more over the next decade.
     The total cost would be more than $2 million.
     Pooler suggested rate increases to cover the costs. Storm water rates are less than $3 per water bill. Proposed increases over the next decade call for 5-25 percent each year.
     Pooler also asked that the council pass two new ordinances, one to set fines for dumping down storm drains, and the other to control erosion and sediment on construction sites.
     The council took no action on the plan.
     In other business, the council:
     - Heard from partnership specialist William Wakan of the U.S. Census Bureau. He asked the council to help make sure citizens are counted in the 2010 census.
     Before Wakan spoke, Mayor Cindy Gagne read a proclamation declaring the city a census partner.
     Wakan asked the council to form a complete count committee to work with local groups to help ensure a full count.
     - Approved a resolution allowing the state Department of Natural Resources to put a trailer at the airport for its helicopter crew. DNR will make any improvements needed; there will be no cost to the city.
     - Approved a resolution for Plateau Investigation to provide archaeological services on site during the East Side Park water main relocation project. Exact costs are yet to be determined.
     - Approved a resolution for an agreement with the state Department of Transportation to receive federal funds for the Okoma Drive sidewalk project.
     - Heard from Police Chief Larry Schreckengast, who reported that the Click It or Ticket campaign had resulted in 71 stops and 48 citations.
     One drunk driver was caught, as were several other violators, he said. A few protestors showed up downtown, including a man stopped twice for not wearing his seatbelt.
     - Learned of the resignation of Chad Short, assistant public works director. Short accepted a position with Evergreen Rural Water as a wastewater circuit rider.