Council Minutes
City of Grangeville, IdahoMonday, July 07, 2008
July 7, 2008 Regular Meeting
The City Council met in regular session on July 7, 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 June 16th regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Patty Pratt of the Human Needs Committee requested the use of Heritage Square on August 8th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Committee plans to hold a Human Resource Fair in conjunction with Crazy Days. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to grant the Human Needs Committee permission to use Heritage Square on August 8th for the fair. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Ronald Nadiger, 713 So D Street, would like to have a 4’ chain link fence in the right of way to protect his kids since he has a fair amount of traffic from the high school. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to grant permission to Ronald Nadiger to install a 4’ chain link fence within 50’ of the corner, with a 5’ setback on Lincoln and 4’ setback on D Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Marina Bates with Horizons explained that the group is looking at having a welcome party or some other type of event for those new community members to be welcomed. She just wanted the Council to be aware that this may happen sometime in the late summer or early fall and hopefully give businesses and organizations a chance to inform the new citizens of what Grangeville has to offer. She has also been encouraging new businesses to get into the high schools to educate the kids.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mayor Walker commented on the recent beating and rape of a Grangeville woman, stating that the police department went above and beyond the call of duty. They called in experts from the state and are working extremely hard to solve the case. Chief of Police Sedam summarized the monthly report, reporting that the department responded to 166 calls for service. There were 95 cases written, 14 misdemeanor arrests, 2 felony arrests, 34 citations, 5 written warnings issued, 8 dogs and 2 cats handled. The Police and Animal Control Report for June 2008 was accepted on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. The new animal control/ordinance officer is Ken Hoogland.
The Library Board Minutes of June 26, 2008 explained that Linda Ruthruff will retire in October 2009. The board recommends hiring a replacement in September 2009 to allow for training, with those wages being included in the new budget. Councilman Lorentz made a motion, second by Councilman Lester to approve the Library Board Minutes of June 26, 2008. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Councilman Peterson attended the AIC Conference in June and found it beneficial. He was appointed as one of the District Directors for District II. He reported on information relating to curb, gutter, sidewalks, streets, water and sewer.
SIDEWALKS AT HERITAGE SQUARE: Discussion occurred on what should be done at Heritage Square for the replacement of the sidewalks. The three options are concrete only, stamping the brick strip or stenciling the brick strip. Councilmen Peterson and Houger felt it should be a regular sidewalk. Councilman Lester felt the same way last meeting, but when having time to rethinking the whole downtown revitalization and the intent to make downtown look better, he thought the stamping or stenciling would be best. Councilwoman DeHaas thought the stenciling was cheaper than stamping. Public Works Director Gortsema stated the stamping is $3,600 extra and stenciling is $2,400 extra. Councilwoman DeHaas agrees with Councilman Lester. It was a City decision to go with the bricks and there will still be some in the sidewalks and she felt the City should go with stenciling. Councilman Houger agreed but with money getting tight he felt the money may need to be spent elsewhere. There was also concern that the maintenance would be worse on the stamping or stenciling than it would be on just cement. Mayor Walker felt the City should use stenciling so it maintains the same brick look. On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester to use the stenciling instead of bricks. Councilwoman Aiken felt the stencil would look nice and uniform. Councilman Lorentz felt the decision was up to the City. He would like a straight sidewalk but didn’t think the City has the luxury of changing at this point. If the City wants uniformity on Main Street, the City has no choice but to do the stencil. Motion carried, Councilmen Houger and Peterson voting no.
ANNEXATION REQUEST: Grangeville Investments requested the annexation of approximately 4.067 acres west of the forest service building by the airport.
ORDINANCE NO. 840
(Ordinance No. 840 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE, IDAHO COUNTY, IDAHO, TO EXTEND THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE, IDAHO COUNTY, IDAHO, SO AS TO INCLUDE CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE INCORPORATED LIMITS OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE BY ANNEXATION, BASED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE PROPERTY OWNER THAT THE PROPERTIES HEREIN DESCRIBED BE ANNEXED; DESCRIBING THEREIN THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF THE ANNEXED AREA; THAT ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH ARE HEREBY REPEALED; TO MAKE THE ORDINANCE EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION; and, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PUBLICATION OF THE ORDINANCE AND TO ALLOCATE THE COSTS OF ANNEXATION; and,
On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester that the first reading be approved including waiving the reading of the metes and bounds description, that the rules be suspended, the second and third readings be waived and the ordinance be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: DeHaas, Houger, Lester, Lorentz, Aiken, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Walker then declared Ordinance No. 840 duly approved and adopted.
GARBAGE ORDINANCE: The Council received a copy of the revised garbage ordinance. Revisions were necessary to account for the yard waste program changing. This will be on the next agenda.
SIDEWALK DEPOSIT: The current deposit for sidewalks is $2.00 per lineal foot. Attorney Albers explained that the intent of the ordinance is actually different than a bond that the City was discussing at previous meetings. The deposit was actually to cover the cost of the survey of grade and other administrative costs. The ordinance could be amended and the concept could be changed. There was discussion if the deposit should be large enough to install the sidewalks or actually make an applicant want to get the sidewalk installed. Councilman Lester didn’t have a problem raising it from the $2.00 to $5.00. Councilwoman Aiken asked if there was a way to cloud the title so future owners would be notified of the requirements for a sidewalk or if a current owner wanted to get a home equity or refinance, the sidewalks would be caught at that time. Attorney Albers felt an affidavit could be tied to the property and recorded which would cloud the title. Councilwoman DeHaas asked Albers to create a draft and leave the deposit as is.
Public Works Director Gortsema had sent out a letter to those who have not installed sidewalks and now asked what the Council would prefer for those that don’t respond. It was suggested that a personal visit be made before an additional decision is made.
9TH STREET AGREEMENT: Attorney Albers had signed copies of the 9th Street Agreement for the Mayor and Clerk to sign. On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester to authorize the Mayor to sign the 9th Street agreements. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CONSTRUCTION DEADLINES ON BUILDING PERMITS: The International Building Code does not have a restriction on how long it could take to build or finish construction. The Council was asked if they want to pursue this issue. Clerk Kennedy should contact other Cities or the State to find out what they do after the budget is completed.
The house at the corner of College and 6th has been under construction for quite some time and is not being finished. The building inspector will review to make sure it is safe. The last contact with the owner was that he was hoping to sell the home as he wasn’t going to be able to finish it.
ZONING MAP: Clerk Kennedy explained that a new zoning map is needed due to annexations and zone changes. She has requested an estimate from Geomatic Professional Services.
SEWER PROJECT: Public Works Director Gortsema explained that the contractor for the sewer project would like to be allowed to start work at 6:00 a.m. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to grant the contractor authorization to start work at 6:00 a.m. for the sewer project. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. If the City receives complaints the item will be on the agenda for reconsideration.
LETTER FROM CAROL YALBUW ON WWTP: Mayor Walker thanked Mrs. Yalbuw for her letter and interest in the regulations at the plant.
BUDGET WORKSHOP DATES: The budget workshops will be July 22nd, 23rd and 29th starting at 6:00 p.m.
DONATION OF POOL PASSES FOR THE CLOGGERS: Mayor Walker explained that a group of kids with National recognition as cloggers will be performing at Pioneer Park and it was asked if they could have a free pool pass for one day. On motion by Councilman Houger, second by Councilman Lorentz to give the Clogger participants a free pool pass. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ITEMS TO NOTE: Mayor Walker explained that he visited with Molly Green, the Recreation Director for the Horizons program. She is coordinating different activities at the park and he had told her as long it’s not high risk, they wouldn’t need to provide proof of liability insurance to the City.
Chief Sedam is looking at updating the City Code so all misdemeanor rates would match the State code. It will be on a future agenda.
It was discussed having all the City rates put into one resolution annually.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 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 June 16th regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Patty Pratt of the Human Needs Committee requested the use of Heritage Square on August 8th from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Committee plans to hold a Human Resource Fair in conjunction with Crazy Days. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to grant the Human Needs Committee permission to use Heritage Square on August 8th for the fair. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Ronald Nadiger, 713 So D Street, would like to have a 4’ chain link fence in the right of way to protect his kids since he has a fair amount of traffic from the high school. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to grant permission to Ronald Nadiger to install a 4’ chain link fence within 50’ of the corner, with a 5’ setback on Lincoln and 4’ setback on D Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Marina Bates with Horizons explained that the group is looking at having a welcome party or some other type of event for those new community members to be welcomed. She just wanted the Council to be aware that this may happen sometime in the late summer or early fall and hopefully give businesses and organizations a chance to inform the new citizens of what Grangeville has to offer. She has also been encouraging new businesses to get into the high schools to educate the kids.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Mayor Walker commented on the recent beating and rape of a Grangeville woman, stating that the police department went above and beyond the call of duty. They called in experts from the state and are working extremely hard to solve the case. Chief of Police Sedam summarized the monthly report, reporting that the department responded to 166 calls for service. There were 95 cases written, 14 misdemeanor arrests, 2 felony arrests, 34 citations, 5 written warnings issued, 8 dogs and 2 cats handled. The Police and Animal Control Report for June 2008 was accepted on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. The new animal control/ordinance officer is Ken Hoogland.
The Library Board Minutes of June 26, 2008 explained that Linda Ruthruff will retire in October 2009. The board recommends hiring a replacement in September 2009 to allow for training, with those wages being included in the new budget. Councilman Lorentz made a motion, second by Councilman Lester to approve the Library Board Minutes of June 26, 2008. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Councilman Peterson attended the AIC Conference in June and found it beneficial. He was appointed as one of the District Directors for District II. He reported on information relating to curb, gutter, sidewalks, streets, water and sewer.
SIDEWALKS AT HERITAGE SQUARE: Discussion occurred on what should be done at Heritage Square for the replacement of the sidewalks. The three options are concrete only, stamping the brick strip or stenciling the brick strip. Councilmen Peterson and Houger felt it should be a regular sidewalk. Councilman Lester felt the same way last meeting, but when having time to rethinking the whole downtown revitalization and the intent to make downtown look better, he thought the stamping or stenciling would be best. Councilwoman DeHaas thought the stenciling was cheaper than stamping. Public Works Director Gortsema stated the stamping is $3,600 extra and stenciling is $2,400 extra. Councilwoman DeHaas agrees with Councilman Lester. It was a City decision to go with the bricks and there will still be some in the sidewalks and she felt the City should go with stenciling. Councilman Houger agreed but with money getting tight he felt the money may need to be spent elsewhere. There was also concern that the maintenance would be worse on the stamping or stenciling than it would be on just cement. Mayor Walker felt the City should use stenciling so it maintains the same brick look. On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester to use the stenciling instead of bricks. Councilwoman Aiken felt the stencil would look nice and uniform. Councilman Lorentz felt the decision was up to the City. He would like a straight sidewalk but didn’t think the City has the luxury of changing at this point. If the City wants uniformity on Main Street, the City has no choice but to do the stencil. Motion carried, Councilmen Houger and Peterson voting no.
ANNEXATION REQUEST: Grangeville Investments requested the annexation of approximately 4.067 acres west of the forest service building by the airport.
ORDINANCE NO. 840
(Ordinance No. 840 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE, IDAHO COUNTY, IDAHO, TO EXTEND THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE, IDAHO COUNTY, IDAHO, SO AS TO INCLUDE CERTAIN AREAS WITHIN THE INCORPORATED LIMITS OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE BY ANNEXATION, BASED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE PROPERTY OWNER THAT THE PROPERTIES HEREIN DESCRIBED BE ANNEXED; DESCRIBING THEREIN THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION OF THE ANNEXED AREA; THAT ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH ARE HEREBY REPEALED; TO MAKE THE ORDINANCE EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION; and, TO PROVIDE FOR THE PUBLICATION OF THE ORDINANCE AND TO ALLOCATE THE COSTS OF ANNEXATION; and,
On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester that the first reading be approved including waiving the reading of the metes and bounds description, that the rules be suspended, the second and third readings be waived and the ordinance be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: DeHaas, Houger, Lester, Lorentz, Aiken, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Walker then declared Ordinance No. 840 duly approved and adopted.
GARBAGE ORDINANCE: The Council received a copy of the revised garbage ordinance. Revisions were necessary to account for the yard waste program changing. This will be on the next agenda.
SIDEWALK DEPOSIT: The current deposit for sidewalks is $2.00 per lineal foot. Attorney Albers explained that the intent of the ordinance is actually different than a bond that the City was discussing at previous meetings. The deposit was actually to cover the cost of the survey of grade and other administrative costs. The ordinance could be amended and the concept could be changed. There was discussion if the deposit should be large enough to install the sidewalks or actually make an applicant want to get the sidewalk installed. Councilman Lester didn’t have a problem raising it from the $2.00 to $5.00. Councilwoman Aiken asked if there was a way to cloud the title so future owners would be notified of the requirements for a sidewalk or if a current owner wanted to get a home equity or refinance, the sidewalks would be caught at that time. Attorney Albers felt an affidavit could be tied to the property and recorded which would cloud the title. Councilwoman DeHaas asked Albers to create a draft and leave the deposit as is.
Public Works Director Gortsema had sent out a letter to those who have not installed sidewalks and now asked what the Council would prefer for those that don’t respond. It was suggested that a personal visit be made before an additional decision is made.
9TH STREET AGREEMENT: Attorney Albers had signed copies of the 9th Street Agreement for the Mayor and Clerk to sign. On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester to authorize the Mayor to sign the 9th Street agreements. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CONSTRUCTION DEADLINES ON BUILDING PERMITS: The International Building Code does not have a restriction on how long it could take to build or finish construction. The Council was asked if they want to pursue this issue. Clerk Kennedy should contact other Cities or the State to find out what they do after the budget is completed.
The house at the corner of College and 6th has been under construction for quite some time and is not being finished. The building inspector will review to make sure it is safe. The last contact with the owner was that he was hoping to sell the home as he wasn’t going to be able to finish it.
ZONING MAP: Clerk Kennedy explained that a new zoning map is needed due to annexations and zone changes. She has requested an estimate from Geomatic Professional Services.
SEWER PROJECT: Public Works Director Gortsema explained that the contractor for the sewer project would like to be allowed to start work at 6:00 a.m. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to grant the contractor authorization to start work at 6:00 a.m. for the sewer project. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. If the City receives complaints the item will be on the agenda for reconsideration.
LETTER FROM CAROL YALBUW ON WWTP: Mayor Walker thanked Mrs. Yalbuw for her letter and interest in the regulations at the plant.
BUDGET WORKSHOP DATES: The budget workshops will be July 22nd, 23rd and 29th starting at 6:00 p.m.
DONATION OF POOL PASSES FOR THE CLOGGERS: Mayor Walker explained that a group of kids with National recognition as cloggers will be performing at Pioneer Park and it was asked if they could have a free pool pass for one day. On motion by Councilman Houger, second by Councilman Lorentz to give the Clogger participants a free pool pass. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ITEMS TO NOTE: Mayor Walker explained that he visited with Molly Green, the Recreation Director for the Horizons program. She is coordinating different activities at the park and he had told her as long it’s not high risk, they wouldn’t need to provide proof of liability insurance to the City.
Chief Sedam is looking at updating the City Code so all misdemeanor rates would match the State code. It will be on a future agenda.
It was discussed having all the City rates put into one resolution annually.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 P.M.
_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
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