The St. Helens City Council held its regular scheduled meeting Wednesday October 18, 2006. In visitors comment time a concerned citizen Tami Dodel approached the council voicing her concerns with the use of city equipment by council member Keith Locke.

Ms.Dodel explained that Councilpersons are not city employees and it is a concern of hers that the $18,000.00 lawn mower was parked outside Locke home. Lock defended his actions by stating that he did volunteer maintenance work at Sand Island. Dodel goes on to say that it is her understanding that Locke is not insured to use city equipment, and Sand Island is the work of paid city employees.

Dodel questioned Locke why he was using the mower for personal use, mowing blackberry bushes at his home? Locke denied these charges.

Again the question was asked why non-city employees could use city equipment, the answer to that question was, Mr. Davis a city employee was helping Locke, and Mr. Locke was qualified to use equipment and he had signed a form. What the form indicated was not discussed. Could it of meant that he was covered by insurance or did it mean that he was trained to use the equipment? These are very important questions that need to be addressed by the council. The mower parked at Locke's home was supposedly ok'd and for use.

Ms. Dodel's opinion was that the city mower as well as other equipment should be housed at the city's designated equipment yard. She felt that it was not right that the city employees should have to go to Councilmen Locke home or call ahead several times in order to per cure city equipment, so the employees can carry out their regular duties.



                                                                        Tammy