Council Minutes
City of Grangeville, IdahoMonday, March 17, 2008
March 17, 2008 Regular Meeting
The City Council met in regular session on March 17, 2008 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Del Houger
Brian Lorentz
Michael Peterson
Wes Lester
Councilmember attendance by phone:
None
Councilmember absent:
Georgia DeHaas
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 March 3rd regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Vie Van Noy of the GEMS PTA explained the “Eat Smart Play Hard” week long health fair program and requested a donation of two individual season passes at the pool for grand prizes. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to donate two individual season passes to the pool to the GEMS PTA health fair. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The Hope Pregnancy Center has a fund raiser planned for May 3rd. They will have a “Walk for Life” on Main Street from Pioneer Park to Heritage Square. At Heritage Square they plan to have hot dogs and pepsi, balloons and possibly face painting. The event will start at 10:00 a.m. and go for three or four hours. They are hoping for 200 people. Chief Sedam had already been consulted and plans to have the department restrict one side of Main Street. The walkers will be escorted with one police car in front and one in back, which is similar to the fun run done at Border Days, so Main Street doesn’t have to be closed. On motion by Councilman Houger, second by Councilman Lester to allow Hope Pregnancy Center to use Heritage Square and to do the “walk for life” on Main Street with the support of Chief Sedam on May 3rd. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: The Snowhaven Minutes of March 5, 2008 were accepted on motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
GARBAGE CONTRACT: Walco responded to Attorney Albers’ letter with a letter of their own stating things they would like to see in a new contract. Albers recommended that the garbage committee meet with Walco to discuss the changes. Mayor Walker stated that at the last meeting Albers said the City is operating under the old agreement in a one year extension, so he felt the City should now meet for a future contract. The Council can review the letter submitted by Walco and have comments at the next meeting.
BILLS: The bills in the amount of $226,045.62 were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds, on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
9TH STREET AGREEMENT: Attorney Albers has received two signed agreements back but hasn’t heard from anyone else. Lynda Fischer had come into City Hall and asked for clarification on the fence and was planning to visit with Albers. She also received details on putting in a driveway from Public Works Director Gortsema. Albers explained that the Council needs to wait for everyone’s consent before setting a public hearing on the vacation. Mayor Walker asked Albers to contact those involved that haven’t signed in hopes that by next meeting the Council could set a date for the public hearing.
WWTP PHOSPHORUS REMOVAL PILOT STUDY: Jim Kimball provided information on the following company to Public Works Director Gortsema as a possible solution for phosphorus removal at the wastewater plant. Blue Water Technology, makes specialty filtering equipment for wastewater plants and that equipment can also remove phosphorus. They have sent a proposal to set up a pilot plant at our plant during the month of June. They would be here for three weeks to operate. The City would pay them $6,000.00 to have them operate and the City would buy chemical, provide power and the equipment to load and unload their equipment. The City would be responsible for 3rd party testing (Alchem) to confirm the results they obtain. It would cost the City approximately $12,000.00 to have the pilot study. By participating in the study, it enables the City to know if the equipment can meet the limits prior to purchasing. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to grant Gortsema authorization to go ahead with Blue Water Technology on the phosphorus removal pilot study. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ORDINANCE CLARIFYING THE RECONNECTION DEPOSIT:
ORDINANCE NO. 838
(Ordinance No. 838 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE PROVIDING FOR THE AMENDMENT OF SECTION 8-5-9 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE TO MODIFY THE REQUIREMENT OF RECONNECTION DEPOSITS TO MORE ACCURATELY REFLECT DEPOSITS THAT WILL BE REQUIRED FROM CITY UTILITY CUSTOMERS WHETHER THEY BE LAND OWNERS, PURSUANT TO CURRENT ENACTMENT, OR TENANTS WHO HAVE EARLIER CONTRACTED WITH THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE FOR UTILITY SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR DEPOSITS TO BE HELD IN CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH RECONNECTION DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS; PROVIDING FOR THE CONTINUATION OF SECTION 8-5-9 AS LAST AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 834; PROVIDING FOR THE ORDINANCE BECOMING EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION; AND, PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH.
On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson 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. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Houger, Lorentz, Lester, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Walker then declared Ordinance No. 838 duly approved and adopted.
ORDINANCE CLARIFYING THE BILLING OF PUBLIC LIGHTING:
ORDINANCE NO. 837
(Ordinance No. 837 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE PROVIDING FOR THE AMENDMENT OF SECTION 8-4-4 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE RELATING TO THE BILLING OF PUBLIC LIGHTING SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR THE DELIVERY OF BILLS FOR PUBLIC LIGHTING SERVICES TO BE TO PROPERTY OWNERS SIMILAR TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BILLING FOR ALL OTHER CITY UTILITIES; PROVIDING FOR THE ORDINANCE BECOMING EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION; AND, PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH.
On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester 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. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Houger, Lorentz, Lester, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Walker then declared Ordinance No. 837 duly approved and adopted.
SUPPORT LETTER TO RENAME SQUAW BAR: Sts. Peter and Paul 3rd and 4th grade students sent letters to the City Council asking for their support in renaming Squaw Bar. After a call to Mrs. Schmidt, Clerk Kennedy found out that various schools in the state had received a letter asking them to help come up with a new name. The class is working with the forest service, the Nez Perce Tribe and other agencies to determine the best way to offer a suggestion on the name. They hope to have a name to recommend by May and at that time ask for a letter of support. Jeff Kutner had emailed a website that is in conflict with “squaw” being an offensive word and the Council has also taken that under advisement. The Council will wait until they hear a recommendation from the school before they act on a letter of support.
ITEMS TO NOTE: The Walco Tonnage Reports for 2007 were provided to the Council.
Mayor Walker attended the commissioner meeting about the Area of Impact. Attorney Kirk MacGregor wants to add more things from the original ordinance to the amendment to clear up issues raised by the Blaha and Reardon cases. After Attorney MacGregor and Attorney Wright revise the amended ordinance the Council will get to review. If needed, the commissioners are willing to meet with the Council prior to the April 21st hearing at the County for the amendment of the Area of Impact Ordinance.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 P.M.
_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Del Houger
Brian Lorentz
Michael Peterson
Wes Lester
Councilmember attendance by phone:
None
Councilmember absent:
Georgia DeHaas
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 March 3rd regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Vie Van Noy of the GEMS PTA explained the “Eat Smart Play Hard” week long health fair program and requested a donation of two individual season passes at the pool for grand prizes. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to donate two individual season passes to the pool to the GEMS PTA health fair. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The Hope Pregnancy Center has a fund raiser planned for May 3rd. They will have a “Walk for Life” on Main Street from Pioneer Park to Heritage Square. At Heritage Square they plan to have hot dogs and pepsi, balloons and possibly face painting. The event will start at 10:00 a.m. and go for three or four hours. They are hoping for 200 people. Chief Sedam had already been consulted and plans to have the department restrict one side of Main Street. The walkers will be escorted with one police car in front and one in back, which is similar to the fun run done at Border Days, so Main Street doesn’t have to be closed. On motion by Councilman Houger, second by Councilman Lester to allow Hope Pregnancy Center to use Heritage Square and to do the “walk for life” on Main Street with the support of Chief Sedam on May 3rd. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: The Snowhaven Minutes of March 5, 2008 were accepted on motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
GARBAGE CONTRACT: Walco responded to Attorney Albers’ letter with a letter of their own stating things they would like to see in a new contract. Albers recommended that the garbage committee meet with Walco to discuss the changes. Mayor Walker stated that at the last meeting Albers said the City is operating under the old agreement in a one year extension, so he felt the City should now meet for a future contract. The Council can review the letter submitted by Walco and have comments at the next meeting.
BILLS: The bills in the amount of $226,045.62 were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds, on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
9TH STREET AGREEMENT: Attorney Albers has received two signed agreements back but hasn’t heard from anyone else. Lynda Fischer had come into City Hall and asked for clarification on the fence and was planning to visit with Albers. She also received details on putting in a driveway from Public Works Director Gortsema. Albers explained that the Council needs to wait for everyone’s consent before setting a public hearing on the vacation. Mayor Walker asked Albers to contact those involved that haven’t signed in hopes that by next meeting the Council could set a date for the public hearing.
WWTP PHOSPHORUS REMOVAL PILOT STUDY: Jim Kimball provided information on the following company to Public Works Director Gortsema as a possible solution for phosphorus removal at the wastewater plant. Blue Water Technology, makes specialty filtering equipment for wastewater plants and that equipment can also remove phosphorus. They have sent a proposal to set up a pilot plant at our plant during the month of June. They would be here for three weeks to operate. The City would pay them $6,000.00 to have them operate and the City would buy chemical, provide power and the equipment to load and unload their equipment. The City would be responsible for 3rd party testing (Alchem) to confirm the results they obtain. It would cost the City approximately $12,000.00 to have the pilot study. By participating in the study, it enables the City to know if the equipment can meet the limits prior to purchasing. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to grant Gortsema authorization to go ahead with Blue Water Technology on the phosphorus removal pilot study. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ORDINANCE CLARIFYING THE RECONNECTION DEPOSIT:
ORDINANCE NO. 838
(Ordinance No. 838 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE PROVIDING FOR THE AMENDMENT OF SECTION 8-5-9 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE TO MODIFY THE REQUIREMENT OF RECONNECTION DEPOSITS TO MORE ACCURATELY REFLECT DEPOSITS THAT WILL BE REQUIRED FROM CITY UTILITY CUSTOMERS WHETHER THEY BE LAND OWNERS, PURSUANT TO CURRENT ENACTMENT, OR TENANTS WHO HAVE EARLIER CONTRACTED WITH THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE FOR UTILITY SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR DEPOSITS TO BE HELD IN CUSTOMER ACCOUNTS IN ACCORDANCE WITH RECONNECTION DEPOSIT REQUIREMENTS; PROVIDING FOR THE CONTINUATION OF SECTION 8-5-9 AS LAST AMENDED BY ORDINANCE NO. 834; PROVIDING FOR THE ORDINANCE BECOMING EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION; AND, PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH.
On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson 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. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Houger, Lorentz, Lester, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Walker then declared Ordinance No. 838 duly approved and adopted.
ORDINANCE CLARIFYING THE BILLING OF PUBLIC LIGHTING:
ORDINANCE NO. 837
(Ordinance No. 837 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE PROVIDING FOR THE AMENDMENT OF SECTION 8-4-4 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE RELATING TO THE BILLING OF PUBLIC LIGHTING SERVICES; PROVIDING FOR THE DELIVERY OF BILLS FOR PUBLIC LIGHTING SERVICES TO BE TO PROPERTY OWNERS SIMILAR TO AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE BILLING FOR ALL OTHER CITY UTILITIES; PROVIDING FOR THE ORDINANCE BECOMING EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION; AND, PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH.
On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester 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. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Houger, Lorentz, Lester, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Walker then declared Ordinance No. 837 duly approved and adopted.
SUPPORT LETTER TO RENAME SQUAW BAR: Sts. Peter and Paul 3rd and 4th grade students sent letters to the City Council asking for their support in renaming Squaw Bar. After a call to Mrs. Schmidt, Clerk Kennedy found out that various schools in the state had received a letter asking them to help come up with a new name. The class is working with the forest service, the Nez Perce Tribe and other agencies to determine the best way to offer a suggestion on the name. They hope to have a name to recommend by May and at that time ask for a letter of support. Jeff Kutner had emailed a website that is in conflict with “squaw” being an offensive word and the Council has also taken that under advisement. The Council will wait until they hear a recommendation from the school before they act on a letter of support.
ITEMS TO NOTE: The Walco Tonnage Reports for 2007 were provided to the Council.
Mayor Walker attended the commissioner meeting about the Area of Impact. Attorney Kirk MacGregor wants to add more things from the original ordinance to the amendment to clear up issues raised by the Blaha and Reardon cases. After Attorney MacGregor and Attorney Wright revise the amended ordinance the Council will get to review. If needed, the commissioners are willing to meet with the Council prior to the April 21st hearing at the County for the amendment of the Area of Impact Ordinance.
The meeting adjourned at 8:25 P.M.
_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
Monday, March 03, 2008
March 3, 2008 Regular Meeting
The City Council met in regular session on March 3, 2008 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Del Houger
Brian Lorentz
Wes Lester
Michael Peterson
Councilmember attendance by phone:
Georgia DeHaas
City employees present were Chief Sedam, Clerk Kennedy and Attorney Albers. Public Works Director Gortsema absent.
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the February 19th regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Chief of Police Sedam summarized the monthly report, reporting that the department responded to 107 calls for service. There were 78 cases written, 22 misdemeanor arrests, 2 felony arrests, 31 citations, 23 written warnings issued, 6 dogs and 0 cats impounded. The Police and Animal Control Report for February 2008 was accepted on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
9TH STREET AGREEMENT: Attorney Albers explained that an agreement had been reached last year that was ok with everyone on 9th Street and the alley to the south. Then Linda Fischer changed her mind and wanted a change to allow for more property along 9th Street. Albers made a fourth revision and gave the revised copies to the council. The bill for the surveying is attached as Exhibit B. The city would pay $1,500.00 and the rest would be charged on a prorated basis upon which landowners benefit the most. If everyone signs the agreement, the Council can move forward with the vacation process of the alley between E. South 9th Street and E. South 10th Street. After the hearing of the vacation, the Council can choose if they want to go forward with the vacation. Discussion on the agreement will be postpone for two weeks to allow Albers to distribute the agreement to all the property owners and to allow the Council time to review their copy.
GARBAGE CONTRACT: Mayor Walker explained that since Walco hasn’t responded to the letter Attorney Albers sent on proceeding with a one year renewal, the City is operating without a contract. Walker stated it was his understanding that the County and Walco have come to an agreement and should be signing a contract soon. He felt the City should move forward with a signed contract too. Councilman Lester asked that in the most recent garbage contract, if the contract isn’t updated, is it assumed that the City and Walco are operating under the old agreement with a one year extension? Albers responded that is probably the case, but no one has contacted anyone to know for sure. Councilman Lester felt the City needed to begin negotiating for next year instead of worrying about the last half of this year. Councilman Lorentz thought there was an automatic renewal clause that if the contract wasn’t renegotiated then it would automatically renew and a new contract wouldn’t be needed. Attorney Albers was asked to contact Walco to see if they are operating under the assumption that they are in the one year renewal and report back at the next meeting.
TERRY VANDERWALL MEMORIAL: Mayor Walker explained that it sounded like the City may receive a large anonymous donation for a memorial for Terry. Based upon workshops and other discussions, Councilman Lester made a motion, second by Councilman Lorentz to donate $2,000.00 in cash, if needed and installation at Heritage Square for a memorial for Terry Vanderwall. Councilman Lester pointed out that the amount the City is willing to donate is also based upon the fact that the memorial would be an asset to Grangeville and not just a memorial. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
There is a proposed anonymous donation toward a memorial clock at Heritage Square. More than likely, between the donation and the City, the clock would be more than the amount of funds available. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to have the City put something in the Free Press asking for donations toward the project for the memorial for Terry Vanderwall. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ARBOR DAY GRANT AND PROCLAMATION: Mayor Walker read the Arbor Day Proclamation. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to authorize Mayor Walker to sign the Arbor Day Grant for up to $300.00. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Del Houger
Brian Lorentz
Wes Lester
Michael Peterson
Councilmember attendance by phone:
Georgia DeHaas
City employees present were Chief Sedam, Clerk Kennedy and Attorney Albers. Public Works Director Gortsema absent.
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the February 19th regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Chief of Police Sedam summarized the monthly report, reporting that the department responded to 107 calls for service. There were 78 cases written, 22 misdemeanor arrests, 2 felony arrests, 31 citations, 23 written warnings issued, 6 dogs and 0 cats impounded. The Police and Animal Control Report for February 2008 was accepted on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
9TH STREET AGREEMENT: Attorney Albers explained that an agreement had been reached last year that was ok with everyone on 9th Street and the alley to the south. Then Linda Fischer changed her mind and wanted a change to allow for more property along 9th Street. Albers made a fourth revision and gave the revised copies to the council. The bill for the surveying is attached as Exhibit B. The city would pay $1,500.00 and the rest would be charged on a prorated basis upon which landowners benefit the most. If everyone signs the agreement, the Council can move forward with the vacation process of the alley between E. South 9th Street and E. South 10th Street. After the hearing of the vacation, the Council can choose if they want to go forward with the vacation. Discussion on the agreement will be postpone for two weeks to allow Albers to distribute the agreement to all the property owners and to allow the Council time to review their copy.
GARBAGE CONTRACT: Mayor Walker explained that since Walco hasn’t responded to the letter Attorney Albers sent on proceeding with a one year renewal, the City is operating without a contract. Walker stated it was his understanding that the County and Walco have come to an agreement and should be signing a contract soon. He felt the City should move forward with a signed contract too. Councilman Lester asked that in the most recent garbage contract, if the contract isn’t updated, is it assumed that the City and Walco are operating under the old agreement with a one year extension? Albers responded that is probably the case, but no one has contacted anyone to know for sure. Councilman Lester felt the City needed to begin negotiating for next year instead of worrying about the last half of this year. Councilman Lorentz thought there was an automatic renewal clause that if the contract wasn’t renegotiated then it would automatically renew and a new contract wouldn’t be needed. Attorney Albers was asked to contact Walco to see if they are operating under the assumption that they are in the one year renewal and report back at the next meeting.
TERRY VANDERWALL MEMORIAL: Mayor Walker explained that it sounded like the City may receive a large anonymous donation for a memorial for Terry. Based upon workshops and other discussions, Councilman Lester made a motion, second by Councilman Lorentz to donate $2,000.00 in cash, if needed and installation at Heritage Square for a memorial for Terry Vanderwall. Councilman Lester pointed out that the amount the City is willing to donate is also based upon the fact that the memorial would be an asset to Grangeville and not just a memorial. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
There is a proposed anonymous donation toward a memorial clock at Heritage Square. More than likely, between the donation and the City, the clock would be more than the amount of funds available. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to have the City put something in the Free Press asking for donations toward the project for the memorial for Terry Vanderwall. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ARBOR DAY GRANT AND PROCLAMATION: Mayor Walker read the Arbor Day Proclamation. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to authorize Mayor Walker to sign the Arbor Day Grant for up to $300.00. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
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