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
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