May 2, 2005 Regular Meeting

The City Council met in regular session on May 2, 2005 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Mayor Vanderwall presided:

Councilmembers present:

Wes Lester
Bruce Walker
Brian Lorentz
James Zehner
Jane Kissinger

Councilmember absent: Georgia DeHaas

City employees present were Public Works Director Gortsema, Chief Sedam and Clerk Kennedy. City Attorney Albers absent.

The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the April 18th meeting was approved as presented by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

VISITORS: Wayne Davis and Becky Hogg, Jt. School District #241 presented information on the budget shortfalls for the school district and why a levy is needed for the operation of the district. Dr. Davis also explained the importance of the Craig-Wyden bill and future changes when it expires.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Chief of Police Sedam summarized the monthly report, reporting that the department responded to 142 calls for service. There were 107 cases written, 29 arrests, 55 citations and 4 written warnings issued. The Police and Animal Control Report for April 2005 was accepted on motion by Councilman Zehner, second by Councilman Lester. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. Officer Randi returned to work fulltime as of April 25, 2005.

The Water Leak report for April 2005 was presented and it was reported that the department repaired 5 leaks (37 year to date) and installed 2 new services.

The preconstruction meeting for the water project is tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. at City Hall with the engineer and contractor attending. The contractor still plans to start the middle of May.

Building Inspector Contract Changes: Clerk Kennedy explained that she had talked to Jack Rayne, Division of Building Safety, and the City could retain the $15.00 minimum permit that is currently being charged. Mr. Rayne also submitted a letter to the Council explaining when plan check fees are charged. Councilwoman Kissinger commented that when the City previously looked at building inspectors, the City wasn’t impressed with the applicants. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilwoman Kissinger to accept the changes to the current contract as requested by the Division of Building Safety with the changes the City requested. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. Councilman Walker also stated that at the time the City was looking at other inspectors, those that applied didn’t have much for a proposal or experience since they were just getting into the business. That may be different now. Walker also feels the State program is not here to stay. Councilman Zehner feels that it is a healthy increase but doesn’t see how the City can get around it.

RYAN UHLENKOTT HOUSE AT 722 CUNNINGHAM: Ryan Uhlenkott had until May 1st to have the house at 722 Cunningham removed and it is still standing. Mayor Vanderwall felt that the Council should ask Attorney Albers to proceed with correspondence to Ryan to get the matter resolved. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilwoman Kissinger to have Attorney Albers draft a letter and send it to Ryan, reminding him of the deadline and giving him 30 days to have it removed before the City takes other action. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. Clerk Kennedy was asked to visit with the building inspector to determine whether the home is fixable or not.

FACILITY PLAN PROPOSAL REVIEW COMMITTEE: Mayor Vanderwall would like to have Councilman Walker, Councilwoman DeHaas, Public Works Director Gortsema and Wastewater Superintendent Klecha serve on the review committee for the Facility Plan Proposals. Councilwoman Kissinger made a motion, second by Councilman Lester to endorse the Mayor’s appointment of Councilman Walker, Councilwoman DeHaas, Public Works Director Gortsema and Wastewater Superintendent Klecha serve on the review committee for the Facility Plan Proposals. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

ICRMP PERSONNEL TRAINING: On motion by Councilwoman Kissinger, second by Councilman Zehner to allow Chief Sedam to attend the ICRMP Personnel Training meeting on May 9th in Coeur d’Alene for the cost of $85.00 in addition to travel and meal costs. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

BODIFORD CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT AND NOTICE TO PROCEED: On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilman Lester to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the contract with Bodiford Construction and to approve the Notice to Proceed continginent upon the engineers approval of all bonding requirements. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

SPRING WORKSHOP REPORT: Clerk Kennedy reported on the workshop she attended in Lewiston on April 21st. The most significant change occurring in the bid law requirements.

SIDEWALK WAIVER: Mike and Linda Key, 425 E. North 3rd Street, requested a sidewalk waiver for lots 9, 10 and 11, Block B, Halls 2nd Addition as they relocate their home from lot 9 to a portion of lot 10 and lot 11. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilman Zehner to grant Mike and Linda Key an indefinite sidewalk waiver. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

RENTAL OF SNOWHAVEN TO SMOKE JUMPERS: Councilman Walker made a motion, second by Councilwoman Kissinger to allow renters at Snowhaven, contingent upon approval of Snowhaven Board. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION PERMIT: James and Judy Barger recently bought the house at 919 South C Street and plan to remodel before moving in. They would like to receive a temporary construction permit to live in their 5th wheel on their property while the remodel is occurring. On motion by Councilwoman Kissinger, second by Councilman Walker to approve a temporary construction permit to allow James and Judy Barger to live in a 5th Wheel at their 919 So C Street residence for 180 days. The trailer must be on located on Barger’s property and not on the street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

ITEMS TO NOTE: The Council received copies of the March 24, 2005 RC&D Minutes.

Clerk Kennedy supplied a copy of the letter from Department of Commerce and Labor on their audit of the Water grant records. They are waiting for a copy of the Notice to Proceed on the Bond project and a copy of the audit, otherwise all records are in compliance.

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 P.M.


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Terry Vanderwall - Mayor

ATTEST:


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Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk