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.


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Terry Vanderwall - Mayor
ATTEST:


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Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk