July 18, 2005 Regular Meeting

The City Council met in regular session on July 18, 2005 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

President Walker presided:

Councilmembers present:

Wes Lester
James Zehner
Brian Lorentz
Georgia DeHaas
Jane Kissinger

Mayor Vanderwall absent

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 July 5th regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilwoman Kissinger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

VISITORS: Kent Roberts was present to represent the Camas Prairie Bowman and to ask for another ten year lease renewal. Various groups such as Hunter Education, National Wild Turkey Federation, Cub Scouts and Idaho Fish and Game use the range on a regular basis. On motion by Councilwoman Kissinger, second by Councilman Lester to renew the lease for Camas Prairie Bowman for another ten years. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

During discussion it was determined that the lease doesn’t come up for renewal until August of 2006. Attorney Albers also suggested adding a clause that allows each person to terminate with proper notice. Councilwoman Kissinger withdrew her motion, second by Councilman Lester since the renewal is a year away. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. Attorney Albers asked them to come back in the spring so the process starts 60 days prior to the expiration. Councilman Walker stated this request would serve as the official notice for renewal.

Marietta Holman of Walco was present to ask for a 2.8% increase for cost of living (COLA) to be effective October 1, 2005. For residential accounts the 2.8% is approximately a $.40 increase. Councilman Lester asked Attorney Albers what the contract states. The contract states that an ordinary COLA increase must be submitted by June 30, but unforeseen or extraordinary costs such as fuel, could be asked at any time. June 30th was determined so all numbers could be included in the budget.

Councilman Walker asked what Walco decided for Landfill hours. At this time, Walco is waiting to see how their current hours work with the citizens. Marietta has done research and ADA County (largest) is only open 3 hours longer then Grangeville. Grangeville is also the only place that does yard waste.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Public Works Director Gortsema gave a Water Project Update. Bodiford Construction has installed 3,400 feet of 6” lines, 2,800 feet of 8” lines, 5 new hydrants and has connect 12 services lines. The contractor feels they are pretty much on track, but Bodiford hasn’t gotten any other equipment here for a second crew.

The Sewer Project is moving along. They plan to finish on South A Street tomorrow and then move to North A Street for a two block section between 3rd Street and 5th Street.

SIDEWALK WAIVER REQUESTS: Discussion continued on whether Jim Barger at 919 South C Street should be granted an indefinite sidewalk waiver. Councilman Zehner looked at the area and felt that if Jim was granted a waiver, sidewalks in that area won’t ever be installed. Councilman Lorentz had a problem asking someone upstream to put in sidewalks when Nolan Schoo has a newer house with no sidewalks. Public Works Director Gortsema explained that Nolan doesn’t have hardly any frontage on C Street since his lot is angled off the street. Councilwoman DeHaas felt it should be a parkway sidewalk if Jim is required to have one installed. Councilman Lester felt that the Council granted waivers to those who should have them, but that don’t have any adjoining sidewalks at this time. Then sidewalks could be required at a later date upon the decision of the Council. The sidewalk doesn’t go anywhere since it’s on a dead end street and he doesn’t feel it’s necessary. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to rescind the original motion denying Jim Barger a sidewalk wavier. Motion carried, Councilwoman DeHaas voting no. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to grant Jim Barger an indefinite sidewalk waiver at 919 South C Street. Motion carried, Councilwoman DeHaas voting no.

On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to give Melissa Malone an indefinite sidewalk waiver at 1013 North State until street improvements are made in that area of State Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

ORDINANCE ON ROLL-OFF CONTAINERS: Councilman Lester made a motion, second by Councilman Zehner that the shipping container roll off ordinance be sent to P&Z for a public hearing at the next available meeting that meets publication requirements. Councilman Lorentz didn’t feel that all the holes could be closed in the ordinance and felt if you give variances what is the point of having the ordinance. Motion carried, Councilman Lorentz voting no.

BILLS: The bills, including Bodiford Pay Request #2 in the amount of $147,446.99, were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman Kissinger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

Payroll Fund $ 50,538.38
General Fund $ 54,372.61
Street Fund $ 23,380.44
Library Fund $ 3,327.90
Recreation Fund $ 21,704.60
Snowhaven Fund $ 449.35
Medical Insurance Fund $ 13,221.40
Water Fund $190,504.43
Sewer Fund $ 17,222.62
Sanitation Fund $ 35,040.37

AREA OF IMPACT REPRESENTATIVE FOR P & Z: Clerk Kennedy explained that a new area of impact representative for the Planning and Zoning Commission was needed since Darcie Bentley moved into Grangeville.

DECLARATION OF VALUE OF CITY PROPERTY AT THE GOLF COURSE: At the February 22, 2005 City Council meeting it was explained that Crimson Ridge would exchange property with the City to make the current property descriptions match the fence lines. Attorney Albers created a declaration of value of City property and it was read to the Council. Councilman Zehner abstained since he is related to a member of Buy-The-Way. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to approve the declaration of value of City property and authorize the City Clerk to publish the summary and notice of hearing for August 15, 2005. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

POOL AND PARK DISCIPLINARY POLICY: There have been problems at the pool and Pioneer Park this summer with some children bullying other children. Attorney Albers created a policy to allow the pool manager to have disciplinary authority over any person using the pool or Pioneer Park. If a criminal activity takes place the pool personnel is instructed to call the City Police. On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Zehner to adopt the Pool and Park Disciplinary Policy as read by Chief Sedam. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

Councilwoman DeHaas asked about Ryan Uhlenkott and his house at 722 Cunningham and it was noted that the hearing was rescheduled for August 1, 2005 since the building inspector was unavailable for this meeting.

ITEMS TO NOTE: Budget Workshop meetings will be held July 19th, 20th and 21st at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M.



_____________________________________
Bruce Walker – President


ATTEST:



_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk