Council Minutes
City of Grangeville, IdahoMonday, June 16, 2008
June 16, 2008 Regular Meeting
The City Council met in regular session on June 16, 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
Georgia DeHaas
Councilmember absent:
Linda Aiken
City employees present were Chief Sedam, Public Works Director Gortsema, Clerk Kennedy and Attorney Albers.
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the June 2nd regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Hank Cook reported that some gravel was pushed around on the muddy area of the road. He would like to have his driveway connected to the City street immediately so it gets done instead of waiting for the temporary driveway to get fixed. He would like the City to require this of the developer, have it cut to grade and then restore it. Attorney Albers will get involved and he’ll look at it later this week to see what the City can do.
Hank Cook is also involved in the car show over the 4th of July and they are looking at the possibility of relocating it if there is heavy rain. Some ideas suggested were the City Hall parking lot, the Mormon Church parking lot, the elementary school black top or the high school parking lot. Chief Sedam didn’t think City Hall parking lot would work very well. Mr. Cook was told to contact the Mormon Church or Grangeville Schools.
James and Kara Glecker at 319 South Idaho and Dave and Debbie Todd at 320 South College would like to put a six foot privacy fence in the right of way along West South 2nd Street. They plan to leave 4’ to 5’ from the curb on West South 2nd Street for the possibility of a future sidewalk. Public Works Director Gortsema measured 50’ from corner of Idaho and College Streets to make sure the fence wouldn’t be too close to the corner. There is not a sight restriction. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to grant the Gleckers and Todds permission to install their fences in the right of way, leaving 4’ in from the curb on West South 2nd Street for a sidewalk. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Jim Kimball and Cory Baune of J-U-B were present to review the draft Facility Plan. Mr. Kimball explained Technical Memorandum No. 8: the Planning Period Permit Conditions and Technical Memorandum No. 9: WWTP Alternative Pre-Screening of which three options were presented to enable the City to meet the upcoming permit at the wastewater plant that deals with phosphorus removal and temperature guidelines.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to accept the Library Minutes of May 22, 2008. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The ADA Committee Report met on June 11th to discuss the plan to move the podium away from the south wall approximately 4’ which then requires handicap accessibility and would require a 12’ access ramp. After meeting with Mark Leeper, it was suggested to move the podium 4’ to the north and then about 40” to the west wall. A ramp would be built to hinge and store under the steps. The ramp would be available if it was ever needed. The ADA Committee met on this suggestion and approved the plan. On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lorentz to accept the ADA Committee Minutes of June 11, 2008. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The Personnel Handbook Committee met on June 11th. Each request and action taken is shown below.
· 30 days of vacation after 30 years of service: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to approve the request for 30 days of vacation for 30 years of service. Councilwoman DeHaas felt 25 days of vacation is adequate. Councilman Lester felt if the employees are dedicated enough that they are staying with City for 30 years, then the City could give them five more days. Motion carried, Councilwoman DeHaas voting no.
· Page #12, paragraph "B" - Retirement, #2 first sentence edit as follows: "Employees will be eligible for 50% of sick leave paid lump sum upon retirement or termination of employment with a minimum of 15 years of service." (Adding "termination of employment" & striking "at age 55 or above"): On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to strike out “age 55 or above”. Councilman Lester stated it shouldn’t matter what age you are if you put in the same amount of years. Motion carried, Councilwoman DeHaas voting no.
· Page #14.1, paragraph "H" - Bereavement Leave, add as follows: Sick leave, rather than vacation or comp. time may be used to attend funerals when bereavement leave does not apply. On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lorentz to deny the request. Bereavement covers members of a family and Councilwoman DeHaas felt vacation or comp time should be used for a friend. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
· Page #13, paragraph "E" - Holidays, add an additional holiday to be called a "Personal Day" which can be used at the discretion of the employee. Councilwoman DeHaas made a motion, second by Councilman Lester to deny the request. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
· Increase mileage rate to 50.5 cents per mile. On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lorentz to increase the mileage rate to 50.5 as of June 17, 2008. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The Border Days Operation Order was provided and street closures reviewed by Chief Sedam.
The Insurance Committee met and will be sending out a request for proposals for a benefits consultant for the health insurance.
SIDEWALKS AT HERITAGE SQUARE: Councilman Lester felt that the less groves and variation in height the better. Councilman Houger felt it should be just a sidewalk and the bricks should be removed. A decision will be made at the next meeting.
ANNEXATION REQUEST: Mayor Walker called Gerry Peterson with Grangeville Investments about the possibility of annexation the additional five acres adjacent to the proposed parking lot. Mr. Peterson stated that he would talk to the partners to find out what they wanted to do. Brad Miltenberger didn’t want to be required to upgrade the road.
BILLS: The bills in the amount of $190,372.27 were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds, on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman DeHaas. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
BEER GARDEN REQUEST FOR BORDER DAYS: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Houger to approve the Beer Garden Application at the rodeo grounds on July 3rd, 4th and 5th as submitted by the Border Days Association. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
LETTER FROM DICK LAWSON: Clerk Kennedy read the letters submitted by Dick Lawson requesting that the City provide a safe area for equines to be tethered or corralled while their owners conducted business within the City which would include safety for people and animals, shad and access to water. Mayor Walker stated that the City would need more demand before the request could be acted upon.
ADMINISTRATOR FOR CLEARWATER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Mayor Walker recommended that Public Works Director Gortsema be appointed as administrator for the new subdivision. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to accept the Mayor’s recommendation of Ken Gortsema as the administrator for Clearwater Community Development. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SIDEWALK DEPOSIT: The current sidewalk deposit is $2 per lineal foot. Mayor Walker asked Councilman Peterson to look into some realistic numbers. Councilman Peterson reported that cement, rebar and forming is $3.25/square foot which doesn’t include tearing out old sidewalk or adding rock. Councilman Lester would like to raise it but at the same time, he would like to try to get all City rates in one ordinance.
DRAFT GARBAGE ORDINANCE: All Councilmembers have copies to review prior to next meeting.
CHIP SEAL BIDS: Public Works Director Gortsema is working with Kidder Ridge on the chip seal project, so the City may not have to go out for bids; however, Gortsema would like to be authorized in case the City needs to proceed. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to authorize Gortsema to call for bids for chip sealing. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
STREET CLOSURE FOR AUCTION: Chief Sedam was asked to close Elm Street between South Boulevard and South Florence Street for the auction at Bonnie Scheffert’s residence on June 28th. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to allow the street closer between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The meeting adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Del Houger
Brian Lorentz
Wes Lester
Michael Peterson
Georgia DeHaas
Councilmember absent:
Linda Aiken
City employees present were Chief Sedam, Public Works Director Gortsema, Clerk Kennedy and Attorney Albers.
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the June 2nd regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Hank Cook reported that some gravel was pushed around on the muddy area of the road. He would like to have his driveway connected to the City street immediately so it gets done instead of waiting for the temporary driveway to get fixed. He would like the City to require this of the developer, have it cut to grade and then restore it. Attorney Albers will get involved and he’ll look at it later this week to see what the City can do.
Hank Cook is also involved in the car show over the 4th of July and they are looking at the possibility of relocating it if there is heavy rain. Some ideas suggested were the City Hall parking lot, the Mormon Church parking lot, the elementary school black top or the high school parking lot. Chief Sedam didn’t think City Hall parking lot would work very well. Mr. Cook was told to contact the Mormon Church or Grangeville Schools.
James and Kara Glecker at 319 South Idaho and Dave and Debbie Todd at 320 South College would like to put a six foot privacy fence in the right of way along West South 2nd Street. They plan to leave 4’ to 5’ from the curb on West South 2nd Street for the possibility of a future sidewalk. Public Works Director Gortsema measured 50’ from corner of Idaho and College Streets to make sure the fence wouldn’t be too close to the corner. There is not a sight restriction. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to grant the Gleckers and Todds permission to install their fences in the right of way, leaving 4’ in from the curb on West South 2nd Street for a sidewalk. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Jim Kimball and Cory Baune of J-U-B were present to review the draft Facility Plan. Mr. Kimball explained Technical Memorandum No. 8: the Planning Period Permit Conditions and Technical Memorandum No. 9: WWTP Alternative Pre-Screening of which three options were presented to enable the City to meet the upcoming permit at the wastewater plant that deals with phosphorus removal and temperature guidelines.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to accept the Library Minutes of May 22, 2008. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The ADA Committee Report met on June 11th to discuss the plan to move the podium away from the south wall approximately 4’ which then requires handicap accessibility and would require a 12’ access ramp. After meeting with Mark Leeper, it was suggested to move the podium 4’ to the north and then about 40” to the west wall. A ramp would be built to hinge and store under the steps. The ramp would be available if it was ever needed. The ADA Committee met on this suggestion and approved the plan. On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lorentz to accept the ADA Committee Minutes of June 11, 2008. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The Personnel Handbook Committee met on June 11th. Each request and action taken is shown below.
· 30 days of vacation after 30 years of service: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to approve the request for 30 days of vacation for 30 years of service. Councilwoman DeHaas felt 25 days of vacation is adequate. Councilman Lester felt if the employees are dedicated enough that they are staying with City for 30 years, then the City could give them five more days. Motion carried, Councilwoman DeHaas voting no.
· Page #12, paragraph "B" - Retirement, #2 first sentence edit as follows: "Employees will be eligible for 50% of sick leave paid lump sum upon retirement or termination of employment with a minimum of 15 years of service." (Adding "termination of employment" & striking "at age 55 or above"): On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to strike out “age 55 or above”. Councilman Lester stated it shouldn’t matter what age you are if you put in the same amount of years. Motion carried, Councilwoman DeHaas voting no.
· Page #14.1, paragraph "H" - Bereavement Leave, add as follows: Sick leave, rather than vacation or comp. time may be used to attend funerals when bereavement leave does not apply. On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lorentz to deny the request. Bereavement covers members of a family and Councilwoman DeHaas felt vacation or comp time should be used for a friend. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
· Page #13, paragraph "E" - Holidays, add an additional holiday to be called a "Personal Day" which can be used at the discretion of the employee. Councilwoman DeHaas made a motion, second by Councilman Lester to deny the request. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
· Increase mileage rate to 50.5 cents per mile. On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lorentz to increase the mileage rate to 50.5 as of June 17, 2008. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The Border Days Operation Order was provided and street closures reviewed by Chief Sedam.
The Insurance Committee met and will be sending out a request for proposals for a benefits consultant for the health insurance.
SIDEWALKS AT HERITAGE SQUARE: Councilman Lester felt that the less groves and variation in height the better. Councilman Houger felt it should be just a sidewalk and the bricks should be removed. A decision will be made at the next meeting.
ANNEXATION REQUEST: Mayor Walker called Gerry Peterson with Grangeville Investments about the possibility of annexation the additional five acres adjacent to the proposed parking lot. Mr. Peterson stated that he would talk to the partners to find out what they wanted to do. Brad Miltenberger didn’t want to be required to upgrade the road.
BILLS: The bills in the amount of $190,372.27 were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds, on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman DeHaas. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
BEER GARDEN REQUEST FOR BORDER DAYS: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Houger to approve the Beer Garden Application at the rodeo grounds on July 3rd, 4th and 5th as submitted by the Border Days Association. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
LETTER FROM DICK LAWSON: Clerk Kennedy read the letters submitted by Dick Lawson requesting that the City provide a safe area for equines to be tethered or corralled while their owners conducted business within the City which would include safety for people and animals, shad and access to water. Mayor Walker stated that the City would need more demand before the request could be acted upon.
ADMINISTRATOR FOR CLEARWATER COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Mayor Walker recommended that Public Works Director Gortsema be appointed as administrator for the new subdivision. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to accept the Mayor’s recommendation of Ken Gortsema as the administrator for Clearwater Community Development. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SIDEWALK DEPOSIT: The current sidewalk deposit is $2 per lineal foot. Mayor Walker asked Councilman Peterson to look into some realistic numbers. Councilman Peterson reported that cement, rebar and forming is $3.25/square foot which doesn’t include tearing out old sidewalk or adding rock. Councilman Lester would like to raise it but at the same time, he would like to try to get all City rates in one ordinance.
DRAFT GARBAGE ORDINANCE: All Councilmembers have copies to review prior to next meeting.
CHIP SEAL BIDS: Public Works Director Gortsema is working with Kidder Ridge on the chip seal project, so the City may not have to go out for bids; however, Gortsema would like to be authorized in case the City needs to proceed. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to authorize Gortsema to call for bids for chip sealing. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
STREET CLOSURE FOR AUCTION: Chief Sedam was asked to close Elm Street between South Boulevard and South Florence Street for the auction at Bonnie Scheffert’s residence on June 28th. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to allow the street closer between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The meeting adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
Monday, June 02, 2008
June 2, 2008 Regular Meeting
The City Council met in regular session on June 2, 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
Georgia DeHaas
Linda Aiken
City employees present were Chief Sedam, Public Works Director Gortsema, Clerk Kennedy and Attorney Albers.
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the May 21st regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Larry Jurkovich, 423 W North 6th, was present to request an indefinite sidewalk waiver. There are power poles in the way of the sidewalk and the street is already narrow. There was some discussion on where the right of way lines are on 6th. Because Councilwoman Aiken had her property surveyed, Public Works Director Gortsema was then able to estimate that the sidewalks if installed could possibly be partially in the street. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Houger to grant Larry Jurkovich an indefinite sidewalk waiver at 423 W North 6th Street because of lack of space. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Pat and Marietta Holman, Walco, were present to provide the City with a request for a 10% increase in garbage rates based mostly upon fuel costs. They did run two different rate sheets with both 10% and 15% increases and chose the lesser in hopes that fuel rates stabilize. If not, they may need to come in under the emergency provision.
Hank Cook, on South Idaho, was present to voice his concerns and disgruntledness with the temporary driveway that was provided during Pebble Creek Construction. His driveway was torn out and the temporary driveway installed two days before the developer quit working on the subdivision last fall. The road is pretty bad; it has been muddy, has sink holes and uneven terrain. He would like to see the developer finish the driveway at the standard it was prior to starting on the subdivision.
Attorney Albers explained that since the public right of way was dedicated to the City, the City can make them work on that. On private land at the driveway the City is at a loss. The City will try to make contact with Don Blewett to see if the problem can be resolved. Attorney Albers was asked to write a letter dealing with the City’s right of way.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Chief of Police Sedam summarized the monthly report, reporting that the department responded to 110 calls for service. There were 71 cases written, 21 misdemeanor arrests, 1 felony arrests, 48 citations, 21 written warnings issued, 2 dogs and 1 cat handled. The Police and Animal Control Report for May 2008 was accepted on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. Chief Sedam stated one officer will be out about twenty more days and one should be back on the 23rd of June. Zac Nichols, a county deputy, will start his first shift Wednesday night. The animal control position is still being advertised.
WATER, SEWER & SANITATION COMMITTEE REPORT: The committee met with Walco last Tuesday to talk about the yard waste program. Their request is to phase out the use of bags and extra cans for yard waste this summer and use the 95 gallon carts for $20 for the season. They would start the revised program in July, making yard waste containers mandatory in July and August. The yard waste program is a pilot program for Walco and not regulated by the City. Pat Homan explained that Walco wanted to work with the City so the citizens wouldn’t be completely upset with the change. It was also noted, by the time plastic bags are used, renting of the cart is cost effective. July yard waste tonnage also drops off. Walco can do advertisements and allow those that need yard waste carts to get them. Right now Walco drives every street in Grangeville on Monday to look for yard waste. With the carts, they can create a route for yard waste pickup so they are more efficient. The price would be prorated out if you don’t start right away in May. The end of August would be the end of the yard waste program for this year.
INSURANCE COMMITTEE REPORT: The committee met with Todd for an explanation on the ICRMP renewal. It was explained that there was a 3% increase across the board, and a 3-12% increase across users. Five years ago our rate was more than the renewal rate. ICRMP will provide a loss analysis and they can provide training on areas that need to be addressed. The committee recommendation is to accept the 3% rate increase.
SIDEWALKS AT HERITAGE SQUARE: Last year Public Works Director Gortsema had a budget estimate for Main and State Streets for a little under $15,000.00. Wayne Harris resubmitted a price for the old concrete bordering Main Street for $6,900.00 (was $6,700.00). To tear out the old concrete, include a brick strip to the curb and stamp and dye with a brick pattern would be an additional $3,600.00. Wayne Harris suggested another idea of leaving the strip between the curb and up to the brick strip trough. Take out the bricks, fill the trough with concrete and stencil the brick strip. It would be a darker color and show the grout lines for $2,400.00, which included the stencil and pouring the concrete. Councilman Lester asked if it would hold up and if it was worth the money to make it look better. There was also concern about the maintenance and traffic on the area.
Hank Cook asked what would happen to the named bricks that people bought. Councilman Lester explained that the City has discussed different options such as locating them in a stage at Heritage Square or at City Hall. This will be revisited at the next meeting; however Gortsema will get the City on Harris’s list.
BURNING IN THE CITY LIMITS: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to accept the City of Grangeville Burn Permit Pamphlet as developed. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CLOSE SOUTH STREET. The Lions Club plans to open their burger den on Friday night and Saturday but would like to set up Thursday night. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to close South State between Main and South Street for June 6th and June 7th and have Chief Sedam contact Rodney Barger to see if they need no parking signs for Thursday night. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
LIBRARY SUMMER READING POOL PASSES: Councilman Lester made a motion, second by Councilman Lorentz to authorize the library to hand out individual daily pool passes for those that complete the summer reading program. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SEWER PROJECT BIDS: Western Construction is the low bid; however, J-U-B is waiting for evidence that Mike McHargue is an authorized signer for them. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to accept Western Construction & Excavation’s bid for the 2008 Sewer Project pending documentation that Mike McHargue is their authorized agent and that J-U-B signs off on it for bid of $219,157.00. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SIDEWALK WAIVER RENEWAL: On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester to renew the sidewalk waiver for Carroll Adkison in the 1100 block of North State Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ANNEXATION REQUEST: Grangeville Investments is asking for annexation of the property to the west of the current forest service offices and south of the airport for additional parking for the forest service. They would like to create a subdivision with phase I, lot 1 being the existing forest service building and lot 2 the parking lot. They are looking at moving the fence to the south to create more warehouse parking.
If the road comes through the subdivision, then it would need to be built to City standards which requires paved street. Industrial requirements are higher than residential. Councilman Lester asked if the area south to the truck route was annexed, would it be taxed as agricultural property? The County could provide that information. Councilwoman DeHaas would like to see the line straight north and south if annexed. It was suggested that someone check with the County to make sure it would be taxed as agricultural property and then have someone call Grangeville Investments to ask if they would annex more property.
On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester to accept the application to annex 4.066 acre and instruct the City Attorney to write up the ordinance. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SURPLUS: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to surplus the 1992 Chevy Caprice from the Police/Animal Control Department. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to go into Executive Session according to Section 67-2345 (f) pending litigation. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: DeHaas, Houger, Lester, Lorentz, Aiken, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
A motion was made by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to go out of Executive Session. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: DeHaas, Houger, Lester, Lorentz, Aiken, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
No action taken.
ITEMS TO NOTE: The flag poles will be set on Friday and the special dedication will occur on June 14th at 11 a.m.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 P.M.
_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Del Houger
Brian Lorentz
Wes Lester
Michael Peterson
Georgia DeHaas
Linda Aiken
City employees present were Chief Sedam, Public Works Director Gortsema, Clerk Kennedy and Attorney Albers.
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the May 21st regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Larry Jurkovich, 423 W North 6th, was present to request an indefinite sidewalk waiver. There are power poles in the way of the sidewalk and the street is already narrow. There was some discussion on where the right of way lines are on 6th. Because Councilwoman Aiken had her property surveyed, Public Works Director Gortsema was then able to estimate that the sidewalks if installed could possibly be partially in the street. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Houger to grant Larry Jurkovich an indefinite sidewalk waiver at 423 W North 6th Street because of lack of space. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Pat and Marietta Holman, Walco, were present to provide the City with a request for a 10% increase in garbage rates based mostly upon fuel costs. They did run two different rate sheets with both 10% and 15% increases and chose the lesser in hopes that fuel rates stabilize. If not, they may need to come in under the emergency provision.
Hank Cook, on South Idaho, was present to voice his concerns and disgruntledness with the temporary driveway that was provided during Pebble Creek Construction. His driveway was torn out and the temporary driveway installed two days before the developer quit working on the subdivision last fall. The road is pretty bad; it has been muddy, has sink holes and uneven terrain. He would like to see the developer finish the driveway at the standard it was prior to starting on the subdivision.
Attorney Albers explained that since the public right of way was dedicated to the City, the City can make them work on that. On private land at the driveway the City is at a loss. The City will try to make contact with Don Blewett to see if the problem can be resolved. Attorney Albers was asked to write a letter dealing with the City’s right of way.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Chief of Police Sedam summarized the monthly report, reporting that the department responded to 110 calls for service. There were 71 cases written, 21 misdemeanor arrests, 1 felony arrests, 48 citations, 21 written warnings issued, 2 dogs and 1 cat handled. The Police and Animal Control Report for May 2008 was accepted on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. Chief Sedam stated one officer will be out about twenty more days and one should be back on the 23rd of June. Zac Nichols, a county deputy, will start his first shift Wednesday night. The animal control position is still being advertised.
WATER, SEWER & SANITATION COMMITTEE REPORT: The committee met with Walco last Tuesday to talk about the yard waste program. Their request is to phase out the use of bags and extra cans for yard waste this summer and use the 95 gallon carts for $20 for the season. They would start the revised program in July, making yard waste containers mandatory in July and August. The yard waste program is a pilot program for Walco and not regulated by the City. Pat Homan explained that Walco wanted to work with the City so the citizens wouldn’t be completely upset with the change. It was also noted, by the time plastic bags are used, renting of the cart is cost effective. July yard waste tonnage also drops off. Walco can do advertisements and allow those that need yard waste carts to get them. Right now Walco drives every street in Grangeville on Monday to look for yard waste. With the carts, they can create a route for yard waste pickup so they are more efficient. The price would be prorated out if you don’t start right away in May. The end of August would be the end of the yard waste program for this year.
INSURANCE COMMITTEE REPORT: The committee met with Todd for an explanation on the ICRMP renewal. It was explained that there was a 3% increase across the board, and a 3-12% increase across users. Five years ago our rate was more than the renewal rate. ICRMP will provide a loss analysis and they can provide training on areas that need to be addressed. The committee recommendation is to accept the 3% rate increase.
SIDEWALKS AT HERITAGE SQUARE: Last year Public Works Director Gortsema had a budget estimate for Main and State Streets for a little under $15,000.00. Wayne Harris resubmitted a price for the old concrete bordering Main Street for $6,900.00 (was $6,700.00). To tear out the old concrete, include a brick strip to the curb and stamp and dye with a brick pattern would be an additional $3,600.00. Wayne Harris suggested another idea of leaving the strip between the curb and up to the brick strip trough. Take out the bricks, fill the trough with concrete and stencil the brick strip. It would be a darker color and show the grout lines for $2,400.00, which included the stencil and pouring the concrete. Councilman Lester asked if it would hold up and if it was worth the money to make it look better. There was also concern about the maintenance and traffic on the area.
Hank Cook asked what would happen to the named bricks that people bought. Councilman Lester explained that the City has discussed different options such as locating them in a stage at Heritage Square or at City Hall. This will be revisited at the next meeting; however Gortsema will get the City on Harris’s list.
BURNING IN THE CITY LIMITS: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to accept the City of Grangeville Burn Permit Pamphlet as developed. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CLOSE SOUTH STREET. The Lions Club plans to open their burger den on Friday night and Saturday but would like to set up Thursday night. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to close South State between Main and South Street for June 6th and June 7th and have Chief Sedam contact Rodney Barger to see if they need no parking signs for Thursday night. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
LIBRARY SUMMER READING POOL PASSES: Councilman Lester made a motion, second by Councilman Lorentz to authorize the library to hand out individual daily pool passes for those that complete the summer reading program. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SEWER PROJECT BIDS: Western Construction is the low bid; however, J-U-B is waiting for evidence that Mike McHargue is an authorized signer for them. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to accept Western Construction & Excavation’s bid for the 2008 Sewer Project pending documentation that Mike McHargue is their authorized agent and that J-U-B signs off on it for bid of $219,157.00. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SIDEWALK WAIVER RENEWAL: On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester to renew the sidewalk waiver for Carroll Adkison in the 1100 block of North State Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ANNEXATION REQUEST: Grangeville Investments is asking for annexation of the property to the west of the current forest service offices and south of the airport for additional parking for the forest service. They would like to create a subdivision with phase I, lot 1 being the existing forest service building and lot 2 the parking lot. They are looking at moving the fence to the south to create more warehouse parking.
If the road comes through the subdivision, then it would need to be built to City standards which requires paved street. Industrial requirements are higher than residential. Councilman Lester asked if the area south to the truck route was annexed, would it be taxed as agricultural property? The County could provide that information. Councilwoman DeHaas would like to see the line straight north and south if annexed. It was suggested that someone check with the County to make sure it would be taxed as agricultural property and then have someone call Grangeville Investments to ask if they would annex more property.
On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester to accept the application to annex 4.066 acre and instruct the City Attorney to write up the ordinance. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SURPLUS: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to surplus the 1992 Chevy Caprice from the Police/Animal Control Department. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to go into Executive Session according to Section 67-2345 (f) pending litigation. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: DeHaas, Houger, Lester, Lorentz, Aiken, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
A motion was made by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to go out of Executive Session. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: DeHaas, Houger, Lester, Lorentz, Aiken, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
No action taken.
ITEMS TO NOTE: The flag poles will be set on Friday and the special dedication will occur on June 14th at 11 a.m.
The meeting adjourned at 9:45 P.M.
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Bruce Walker - Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
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