The City Council met in regular session on February 22, 2005 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
President Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Wes Lester
Bruce Walker
James Zehner
Brian Lorentz
Councilmembers absent:
Georgia DeHaas
Jane Kissinger
Mayor Vanderwall absent
City employees present were Public Works Director Gortsema, Chief Sedam and Clerk Kennedy.
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the February 7th regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilman Lester second by Councilman Zehner. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
PUBLIC HEARING FOR EQUITY BUY IN FEES: President Walker opened the public hearing and asked that Mr. Kimball give an overview of the equity buy in fee. Jim Kimball explained that J-U-B Engineering was hired to determine what it costs to buy into the water and sewer system. Any new connection would then buy into the depreciated cost of the system. J-U-B determined the cost to be $2,868.00 for sewer and $1,547.00 for water. President Walker explained that a buy in fee would be charged on any undeveloped lot for a connection to water and/or sewer.
Lowell Williams had questions concerning the impact to development in the area if the equity buy in fee is implemented. As a business owner he felt that it would impede development. He felt that the City shouldn’t be making money but should only break even. Lowell also asked if the equity buy in fee was in addition to the connection fee currently charged. Public Works Director Gortsema explained that the current in City rate of $500.00 each for water and sewer connections is actually a reimbursement of City labor used to make the connection, so yes it would also be charged.
Richard Baines asked when the equity buy in fee would need to be paid. Jim Kimball responded that Cities can decide how they want to collect. Some charge when a building permit is issued, where others charge when the plat is approved which guarantees the number of hookups for a developer. The City has not determined at what point the fee would be collected. Richard also asked if the City had an I & I problem and if so, felt the City should charge a lesser equity buy in fee and then use that money to correct the I & I problem which in turn would increase the plant capacity. Richard felt that raising fees stops development.
Dave Wimer asked if the sewer rates for outside the City limits is in the ordinance. Councilman Lester explained that it wasn’t because the City still needs to determine if it will serve outside the City limits or where that break in service will occur. Public Works Director Gortsema responded that most Cities do not serve outside the City limits.
Gerald Arnzen said that all the piping that needs to be put in for water and sewer is a major cost, besides the cost for the connection fee and buy in fee.
Nancy Kaschmitter felt that the majority of the developers are going to work with the City and do the best job they can. She felt the City needs to work with the developers, possibly having the fee take place when the lot is sold or only charge a portion of the fee up front.
Discussion continued about the grant the City received to build the sewer plant in the late 80s. Lowell Williams felt that since the citizens didn’t have to pay for the plant since the majority of the cost was covered by a grant, then they should share in the cost now. Lowell felt that user rates should be raised instead of having a buy in fee. Lowell also felt property taxes could be raised to offset expenses. Clerk Kennedy explained that property tax money can not be used for enterprise funds.
Kraig Schlottman addressed the audience and stated that grants and what was spent in the past is irrelevant because it is in the past and the discussion needed to stay in the present.
The hearing was declared closed. President Walker asked the Council if they wanted to proceed with the first reading or wait until the next meeting. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Zehner to table equity buy in fees until the March 7th meeting. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Dave Wimer explained to the Council that property lines around the golf course have been surveyed for Crimson Ridge Development and it has been noted that there is a discrepancy between the surveyed line and the fence lines. Crimson Ridge would like the City to participate in quitclaim deeds to adjust the property lines to the current location of the fence lines. Crimson Ridge also plans to quitclaim over a loop that would allow potential extension of hole one. Crimson Ridge would pay for the survey and have the legal descriptions ready within about a week. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to have Attorney Albers go ahead with the land exchange with Buy-The-Way LLC through the quitclaim deed process. Councilman Zehner abstained due to a potential conflict of interest.
BID FOR NEW WATER DUTY VEHICLE: Public Works Director Gortsema informed the Council that Gortsema Motors submitted a bid for the duty vehicle in the amount of $27,548.63. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to accept Gortsema’s bid of $27,548.63 for the new water duty vehicle and authorize its purchase. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
PARKING AT THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTH C AND MAIN: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester in light of the debate at last meeting, a decision would be tabled until the next Council meeting. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. Councilman Lester asked if the curb could be painted yellow as recommended by Chief Sedam.
BILLS: The bills were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds on motion by Councilman Zehner, second by Councilman Lester. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Payroll Fund $ 39,068.54
General Fund $ 42,380.71
Street Fund $ 17,337.86
Library Fund $ 3,087.72
Library Memorial Fund $ 406.46
Recreation Fund $ 2,342.93
Snowhaven Fund $ 6,062.58
Medical Insurance Fund $ 13,179.81
Water Fund $161,634.87
Sewer Fund $ 24,363.67
Sanitation Fund $ 37,423.26
LID#3 Fund $ 35,622.00
CHOCOLATE FANTASY REQUEST (Sts. Peter and Paul School Fund Raiser): The City received a request from the Chocolate Fantasy Committee asking for a donation from Snowhaven or the City Pool. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Zehner to accept Snowhaven’s recommendation for a donation to the Chocolate Fantasy in the amount of six Daily Ski passes or six 3-Hour Tubing passes. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. Clerk Kennedy explained the Committee would be willing to buy an additional pool family pass if the City decides to donate one. Councilman Lester made a motion, second by Councilman Lorentz to donate a family pass for the City Pool. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CALL FOR BIDS, WATER BOND PROJECT: Public Works Director Gortsema asked the Council to call for bids for the bond project. The project will be advertised in Boise, Spokane, Lewiston and Grangeville. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Zehner to call for bids for the water bond project. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
WILBANKS MEMORIAL: President Walker asked that the Council consider a memorial of some type for Robert Wilbanks who served as the City Police Chief for 25 years before his retirement. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to donate $200.00 to a memorial of the family’s choice and to have a brick engraved and placed at City Hall in memory of Robert Wilbanks, showing his years of service as Chief of Police.
ITEMS TO NOTE: The Council received copies of the 1st Quarter Expenditure and Revenue Reports.
Copies of the RC&D Minutes of January 27, 2005 were distributed to the Council.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 P.M.
_____________________________________
Bruce Walker - President
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
Tuesday, February 22, 2005
Monday, February 7, 2005
February 7, 2005 Regular Meeting
The City Council met in regular session on February 7, 2005 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Vanderwall presided:
Councilmembers present:
Wes Lester
Bruce Walker
Georgia DeHaas
James Zehner
Jane Kissinger
Brian Lorentz
City employees present were Public Works Director Gortsema, Chief Sedam, City Attorney Albers and Clerk Kennedy.
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the January 24th and January 27th meetings were approved as presented by Councilwoman Kissinger second by Councilwoman DeHaas. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Jessica Wells, representing the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation District asked the Council if they would like to apply for an Arbor Day Grant again this year. Jessica will complete the application for the City and submit it to Idaho Department of Lands. The Idaho Soil and Water Conservation District will provide the match of $52.50 for the grant and then take care of planting the trees as part of the April 29th Arbor Day Celebration. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilman Lester to sign the Arbor Day proclamation and sponsor the grant. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Jeff Kutner provided the City with a copy of the CEDA Audited Financial Statements and a report on CEDA. Mayor Vanderwall informed the Council that Jeff was willing to continue to serve as the City’s CEDA representative. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Zehner to appoint Jeff Kutner as the CEDA representative for the City. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Zehner that the Snowhaven Minutes of February 2, 2005 be approved. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. The Snowhaven Board decided the ski hill will not open this season. The tubing hill may open for a couple weekends if it gets enough snow.
Chief of Police Sedam summarized the monthly report, reporting that the department responded to 165 calls for service. There were 106 cases written, 25 arrests, 58 citations and 7 written warnings issued. The Police and Animal Control Report for January 2005 was accepted on motion by Councilman Zehner, second by Councilman Lester. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Public Works Director Gortsema presented the Water Leak report for January 2005 and reported that the department repaired 8 leaks (8 year to date) and installed 1 new service.
Wilmer Seaver, Volunteer Reviewer, submitted the annual report for building permit, conditional use and variance applications. There were 40 applications for 2004 resulting in 35.5 hours. Councilwoman Kissinger made a motion, second by Councilman Walker to send a thank you to Wilmer noting that the Council appreciates his work and the report he submitted. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CEBRIDGE (CABLE) UPDATE: Mayor Vanderwall reported that Cebridge is doing all they can to fix the problems with the cable. They assured him that they are upgrading their equipment to provide a better service. A letter from Cebridge was also sent to the City letting us know an increase in rates will occur as of May 1st.
PARKING ON SO. C STREET AND MAIN STREET: Now that Ernie’s Steakhouse is open there has been concern that the parking on C Street and Main Street restricts the view when accessing Main Street. Police Chief Sedam researched the area and explained parking wasn’t a problem when the Crossroads was located on the block because there was no parking on C Street since it was a driveway through to Main Street. The main problem was drivers cutting through the parking lot instead of stopping at the stop sign. Chief Sedam suggested painting the curbs yellow 31 feet from the intersection on C Street and 38 feet from the intersection on Main Street. This is more restrictive then other intersections on Main but it may alleviate some of the site restrictions on Main Street. This also lines up with the no parking areas on the hospital side of Main Street. Chief Sedam doesn’t feel the intersection is any more dangerous than any other intersection in the City. Councilman Walker doesn’t feel the City has the necessary information to determine if the intersection is less dangerous then others and feels that there should only be one space on Main Street and one on C Street. Councilwoman DeHaas doesn’t feel an exception should be made on this corner and not on all of the other intersections along Main. Councilwoman Kissinger would like Chief Sedam to have the measurements marked on the curb in paint so the Council can view them prior to next meeting. On motion by Councilwoman Kissinger, second by Councilman Zehner to postpone this for the next meeting so everyone can look at the painted lines recommended by Chief Sedam. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CITY SEAL REQUEST: Syringa EMTs asked to use the City Seal to stamp certificates of completion for their Spring Fling. Because it is their 20th Spring Fling they wanted the certificates to look very nice. Clerk Kennedy explained that two EMTs would come to City Hall to use the seal so it was monitored. On Motion by Councilwoman Kissinger, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to grant Syringa EMTs permission to use the City Seal for their certificates of completion. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ANIMAL ARK REQUEST FOR FUNDS: A motion was made by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester to pay Animal Ark $1,000.00 as budgeted for 2004-2005. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
RESCHEDULE FEBRUARY 21ST MEETING: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Zehner to move the February 21st meeting to February 22nd, due to the Presidents Day Holiday. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
DEBCO FINAL PAY REQUEST ON WATER GRANT: On motion by Councilman Zehner, second by Councilman Lester to approve the final pay request for Debco in the amount of $21,065.59. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
PHASE II OF SCADA SYSTEM: Public Works Director Gortsema would like to have approval to finish the SCADA System so Eimers, Cash and Park wells are connected to the currently installed system. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to approve Phase II of the SCADA System for approximately $26,000.00. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
DISCUSSION OF DRAFT ORDINANCE ON WATER AND SEWER BUY IN FEES: The Council received a draft copy of the water and sewer ordinances adopting a buy in fee. Councilwoman Kissinger stated she’s in favor of the buy in fees, but thinks the amount is too high. Kissinger is in favor of lowering the sewer connection fee outside the City limits to $500.00 as proposed. The Council reviewed the ordinances and then it was noted that a public hearing on the new fees was scheduled for the February 22nd meeting. The public hearing notice and draft ordinances will be posted to the City website for review.
LETTER FROM KARNA THORSON: Ms. Thorson submitted two letters to the Council explaining that she’d like to honor Tom Eimers’ life long dedication to this town. During discussion is was suggested that something may be able to be done at the rodeo grounds. Attorney Albers will have it discussed at the next Border Days Inc. meeting.
ITEMS TO NOTE: Mayor Vanderwall wrote a letter in support of the MusicFest sponsored by Grangeville Arts.
Blackmer Funeral Home wrote a letter thanking the Grangeville Police Department for the escorts they provide for funerals.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 P.M.
_________________________________
Terry Vanderwall - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
Mayor Vanderwall presided:
Councilmembers present:
Wes Lester
Bruce Walker
Georgia DeHaas
James Zehner
Jane Kissinger
Brian Lorentz
City employees present were Public Works Director Gortsema, Chief Sedam, City Attorney Albers and Clerk Kennedy.
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the January 24th and January 27th meetings were approved as presented by Councilwoman Kissinger second by Councilwoman DeHaas. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Jessica Wells, representing the Idaho Soil and Water Conservation District asked the Council if they would like to apply for an Arbor Day Grant again this year. Jessica will complete the application for the City and submit it to Idaho Department of Lands. The Idaho Soil and Water Conservation District will provide the match of $52.50 for the grant and then take care of planting the trees as part of the April 29th Arbor Day Celebration. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilman Lester to sign the Arbor Day proclamation and sponsor the grant. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Jeff Kutner provided the City with a copy of the CEDA Audited Financial Statements and a report on CEDA. Mayor Vanderwall informed the Council that Jeff was willing to continue to serve as the City’s CEDA representative. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Zehner to appoint Jeff Kutner as the CEDA representative for the City. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Zehner that the Snowhaven Minutes of February 2, 2005 be approved. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. The Snowhaven Board decided the ski hill will not open this season. The tubing hill may open for a couple weekends if it gets enough snow.
Chief of Police Sedam summarized the monthly report, reporting that the department responded to 165 calls for service. There were 106 cases written, 25 arrests, 58 citations and 7 written warnings issued. The Police and Animal Control Report for January 2005 was accepted on motion by Councilman Zehner, second by Councilman Lester. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Public Works Director Gortsema presented the Water Leak report for January 2005 and reported that the department repaired 8 leaks (8 year to date) and installed 1 new service.
Wilmer Seaver, Volunteer Reviewer, submitted the annual report for building permit, conditional use and variance applications. There were 40 applications for 2004 resulting in 35.5 hours. Councilwoman Kissinger made a motion, second by Councilman Walker to send a thank you to Wilmer noting that the Council appreciates his work and the report he submitted. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CEBRIDGE (CABLE) UPDATE: Mayor Vanderwall reported that Cebridge is doing all they can to fix the problems with the cable. They assured him that they are upgrading their equipment to provide a better service. A letter from Cebridge was also sent to the City letting us know an increase in rates will occur as of May 1st.
PARKING ON SO. C STREET AND MAIN STREET: Now that Ernie’s Steakhouse is open there has been concern that the parking on C Street and Main Street restricts the view when accessing Main Street. Police Chief Sedam researched the area and explained parking wasn’t a problem when the Crossroads was located on the block because there was no parking on C Street since it was a driveway through to Main Street. The main problem was drivers cutting through the parking lot instead of stopping at the stop sign. Chief Sedam suggested painting the curbs yellow 31 feet from the intersection on C Street and 38 feet from the intersection on Main Street. This is more restrictive then other intersections on Main but it may alleviate some of the site restrictions on Main Street. This also lines up with the no parking areas on the hospital side of Main Street. Chief Sedam doesn’t feel the intersection is any more dangerous than any other intersection in the City. Councilman Walker doesn’t feel the City has the necessary information to determine if the intersection is less dangerous then others and feels that there should only be one space on Main Street and one on C Street. Councilwoman DeHaas doesn’t feel an exception should be made on this corner and not on all of the other intersections along Main. Councilwoman Kissinger would like Chief Sedam to have the measurements marked on the curb in paint so the Council can view them prior to next meeting. On motion by Councilwoman Kissinger, second by Councilman Zehner to postpone this for the next meeting so everyone can look at the painted lines recommended by Chief Sedam. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CITY SEAL REQUEST: Syringa EMTs asked to use the City Seal to stamp certificates of completion for their Spring Fling. Because it is their 20th Spring Fling they wanted the certificates to look very nice. Clerk Kennedy explained that two EMTs would come to City Hall to use the seal so it was monitored. On Motion by Councilwoman Kissinger, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to grant Syringa EMTs permission to use the City Seal for their certificates of completion. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ANIMAL ARK REQUEST FOR FUNDS: A motion was made by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester to pay Animal Ark $1,000.00 as budgeted for 2004-2005. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
RESCHEDULE FEBRUARY 21ST MEETING: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Zehner to move the February 21st meeting to February 22nd, due to the Presidents Day Holiday. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
DEBCO FINAL PAY REQUEST ON WATER GRANT: On motion by Councilman Zehner, second by Councilman Lester to approve the final pay request for Debco in the amount of $21,065.59. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
PHASE II OF SCADA SYSTEM: Public Works Director Gortsema would like to have approval to finish the SCADA System so Eimers, Cash and Park wells are connected to the currently installed system. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to approve Phase II of the SCADA System for approximately $26,000.00. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
DISCUSSION OF DRAFT ORDINANCE ON WATER AND SEWER BUY IN FEES: The Council received a draft copy of the water and sewer ordinances adopting a buy in fee. Councilwoman Kissinger stated she’s in favor of the buy in fees, but thinks the amount is too high. Kissinger is in favor of lowering the sewer connection fee outside the City limits to $500.00 as proposed. The Council reviewed the ordinances and then it was noted that a public hearing on the new fees was scheduled for the February 22nd meeting. The public hearing notice and draft ordinances will be posted to the City website for review.
LETTER FROM KARNA THORSON: Ms. Thorson submitted two letters to the Council explaining that she’d like to honor Tom Eimers’ life long dedication to this town. During discussion is was suggested that something may be able to be done at the rodeo grounds. Attorney Albers will have it discussed at the next Border Days Inc. meeting.
ITEMS TO NOTE: Mayor Vanderwall wrote a letter in support of the MusicFest sponsored by Grangeville Arts.
Blackmer Funeral Home wrote a letter thanking the Grangeville Police Department for the escorts they provide for funerals.
The meeting adjourned at 8:55 P.M.
_________________________________
Terry Vanderwall - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)