June 20, 2005 Regular Meeting

The City Council met in regular session on June 20, 2005 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Mayor Vanderwall presided:

Councilmembers present:

Wes Lester
Bruce Walker
James Zehner
Brian Lorentz
Georgia DeHaas

Councilmember Absent: Jane Kissinger

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

The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the June 6th regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

VISITORS: Becky Robinson, Ernie’s Steakhouse, applied for a catering permit for July 1st, 2nd and 3rd so she could serve beer in her parking lot over Border Days. Becky also plans to have a band play in her lot, similar to last year. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilman Zehner to allow Becky Robinson d/b/a Ernie’s Steakhouse to have catering permit for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of July. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

Linda Fischer, 104 East South 9th Street was present to ask permission to plant low growing shrubs in the Hall Street right of way. Linda explained that she has placed her fence on the property line and would like to plant yellow potentillas, which won’t grow higher than 3 feet, in the first 50 feet and then plant other shrubs in the last 50 feet that may be higher. All the plants would be within 5 feet of her fence. Councilman Zehner asked if the sidewalks in that neighborhood are curbside or parkway sidewalks. Public Works Director Gortsema stated that there are both types in the neighborhood. Councilman Walker asked Linda if she realized that the City can request anything planted in the right of way to be removed. Linda is aware of that and doesn’t have a problem. Councilman Lester asked whether the utilities (phone/cable) are above the ground. It was determined that the phone is buried and the utilities are along 9th Street. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Zehner to grant Linda Fischer permission to plant shrubs in the right of way in the first six feet from her fence along Hall Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: In answer to a question, Bea Shatto explained that the addition will be approximately 13 feet from the property line on the West side. Councilman Zehner made a motion, second by Councilman Lester to accept the Planning and Zoning Minutes of June 14, 2005 and to accept the recommendation from P & Z to approve the variance application submitted by Bea Shatto and Harvey Wainio. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

Chief of Police Sedam provided a copy of the Operations Order for Border Days to the Council. Attorney Albers stated that Border Days Inc. may have a dance at the rodeo grounds in dirt on July 3rd but they haven’t decided for sure. The Chief will contact a representative of Border Days so he is prepared for the event.

Public Works Director Gortsema gave a Water Project Update. As of Thursday last week, 1,395 feet were installed and Monday the contractor went from 2nd Street to North Street on Hall and is then heading to 3rd Street. Everything seems to be going smoothly.

The Sewer Project is scheduled to start this week on South A Street from Court Street to Lincoln Avenue.

On motion by Councilman Zehner, second by Councilman Lester to accept the Library Minutes from May 26, 2005 as presented. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

CERTIFICATES OF INSURANCE POLICY: Some discussion has occurred in the past about when certificates of insurance should be required. At that time it was stated that if a fee is charged, a certificate of insurance should be provided to the City, listing the City as additional insured. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilman Lester to establish a policy stating that on City property any person, group or organization that charges a fee for an activity must provide the City with a certificate of insurance with a minimum of $500,000.00, naming the City as additional insured and that the City clerk be authorized to determine if any other activity would warrant an appropriate certificate. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

RYAN UHLENKOTT HOUSE AT 722 CUNNINGHAM: On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilman Lester to have Attorney Albers send a formal letter to Ryan Uhlenkott inviting him to the next Council meeting to discuss his building and to enclose a copy of the letter from Steve Meshishnek, Building Inspector, dated June 16th. Councilman Lester would like to have a letter from Jack Rayne stating he agrees with the letter as written by Steve. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

BILLS: The bills were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Walker. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

Payroll Fund $ 58,702.00
General Fund $ 66,130.04
Street Fund $ 19,439.14
Library Fund $ 5,610.24
Recreation Fund $ 19,194.37
Snowhaven Fund $ 4,192.11
Medical Insurance Fund $ 13,283.00
Water Fund $945,053.50
Sewer Fund $ 26,397.55
Sanitation Fund $ 35,706.63
LID#3 $ 3.65

MEETING DATE CHANGE: On motion by Councilman Zehner, second by Councilman Lorentz to move the July 4th meeting to Tuesday, July 5th. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

BEER GARDEN APPLICATION FOR RODEO: The Beer Garden application requests to have the beer garden from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on July 2nd, 3rd and 4th at the rodeo grounds. Attorney Albers explained that the times were stated to encompass the idea of having a dance on July 3rd at the rodeo grounds. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to approve the beer garden application submitted by Border Days Inc. for July 2nd, 3rd and 4th, contingent upon approval of a security plan by the Chief of Police. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

ORDINANCE CHANGES: Attorney Albers explained that the following two ordinances were amended due to a recommendation from Sterling Codifier that there was a conflict on the type of receptacle where garbage could be placed, in reference to the green carts.

ORDINANCE NO. 785

(Ordinance No. 785 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)

An ordinance of the City of Grangeville providing for the amendment of Section 7-1-7 of the municipal code of the City of Grangeville to include language consistent with the balance of Title 7, Chapter 1 of the Grangeville City code which describes the mandatory use by businesses of garbage containers; with an amendment allowing businesses the minimum business rate for one residential mechanical cart per week and otherwise describing the types of containers that may be used for multiple occupants of buildings; providing for the repeal of ordinances or parts of ordinance in conflict herewith; and, providing for the ordinance becoming effective upon its passage, approval, and publication.

On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Zehner that the first reading be approved, that the rules be suspended, the second and third readings be waived and the ordinance be approved and adopted. A roll call vote was duly taken with the following results:

Councilwoman DeHaas Yes
Councilman Walker Yes
Councilman Lorentz Yes
Councilman Lester Yes
Councilman Zehner Yes

The motion passed. Mayor Vanderwall then declared Ordinance No. 785 duly approved and adopted.

ORDINANCE NO. 786

(Ordinance No. 786 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)

An ordinance of the City of Grangeville providing for the amendment of Section 7-1-16 of the municipal code of the City of Grangeville, amending the existing Section to bring the same in conformity with the balance of Title 7, Chapter 1 of the Grangeville City Code to require specific containers into which solid waste can be placed; providing for the repeal of ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith; and, providing for the ordinance becoming effective upon its passage, approval, and publication.

On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz that the first reading be approved, that the rules be suspended, the second and third readings be waived and the ordinance be approved and adopted. A roll call vote was duly taken with the following results:

Councilwoman DeHaas Yes
Councilman Walker Yes
Councilman Lorentz Yes
Councilman Lester Yes
Councilman Zehner Yes

The motion passed. Mayor Vanderwall then declared Ordinance No. 786 duly approved and adopted.

POOL POLICY ON YOUNG CHILDREN: Pool Manager, Lynda Allen, has had 3 and 4 year old children dropped off at the pool with older siblings and the parents expect the older siblings to watch them. Lynda feels that young children that can’t swim need to be supervised by an adult. Lynda would like to have a pool policy in which children 5 and younger need to be supervised by an adult at the pool and would like the Council’s support. If the child can swim, then the parent can petition the pool manager for an exception to the policy. Councilman Lester felt that it is a good idea to have the young children supervised. After discussion, the Council felt responsible babysitters should also be allowed to bring children to the pool. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilman Zehner to accept Lynda’s recommendation on the requirements of age and supervision at the pool. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

WASTEWATER FACILITY PLAN MEETING: Public Works Director Gortsema would like members of the Council to get together with J-U-B to determine what the City would like to include in the facility plan so a cost can be determined. Tentative dates are June 24th or 27th.

PAY REQUEST #1 ON WATER BOND: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Walker to approve pay request #1 for Bodiford Construction in the amount of $895,570.51. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

MEETING WITH SNOWHAVEN EXPANSION COMMITTEE: Mayor Vanderwall suggested July 7th at 7:00 p.m. for a meeting with the Snowhaven Expansion Committee as requested by the Expansion Committee.

SIDEWALK WAVIER REQUEST: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to grant Henry and Martha Sprute an indefinite sidewalk waiver at 1302 Crooks Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

FIRE HAZARD LETTERS: The Animal Control Officer will compile the list for City Hall and letters will go out immediately.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: On motion by Councilman Zehner, second by Councilman Lester to go into Executive Session according to Section 67-2345 (c) to acquire property. A roll call vote was duly taken with the following results:

Councilwoman Zehner Yes
Councilman Lester Yes
Councilman Lorentz Yes
Councilman Walker Yes
Councilman DeHaas Yes

Motion passed.

A motion was made by Councilman Walker, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to go out of Executive Session. A roll call vote was duly taken with the following results:

Councilman DeHaas Yes
Councilman Walker Yes
Councilman Lorentz Yes
Councilman Lester Yes
Councilman Zehner Yes

Motion passed. No action taken.

ITEMS TO NOTE: The Council received copies of the Clearwater RC&D Council Minutes of May 26, 2005.

The meeting adjourned at 9:30 P.M.

_____________________________________
Terry Vanderwall - Mayor

ATTEST:

_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk