The City Council met in regular session on August 18, 2008 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Del Houger
Brian Lorentz
Michael Peterson
Georgia DeHaas
Linda Aiken
Councilmembers absent:
Wes Lester
City employees present were Chief Sedam, Public Works Director Gortsema, Attorney Albers and Clerk Kennedy.
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the August 4th regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Public Works Director Gortsema asked for approval of the first change order for the sewer project which consisted of a change in pipe size that wasn’t accurate on City maps, a new culvert and non-potable water separation items. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to approve
Sewer Project Change Order #1 for $5,358.80. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to approve
Western Construction Pay Request #1 for $54,805.97 for the
Sewer Project. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SIDEWALKS: Mayor Walker asked Public Works Director Gortsema what type of response he has received on the letters that went out telling citizens that their sidewalks must be completed. Gortsema explained that three people received extensions from the Council. He has four others that are outstanding. Dave Bailey took out the permit but never did work, so his permit is void; therefore no sidewalk would be required. Tom Warden plans to have John Burkenbine install his sidewalks. A culvert was just installed at Tim Kunkle’s and he plans to put in a new water and sewer service and then complete the sidewalk. Gortsema hasn’t gotten a hold of Adam Koogler; however his sidewalks should have been installed by the previous owner, Andy Hairston. Mayor Walker reminded the Council that they had talked about installing the sidewalks, which would cost a fair amount of money, or putting a notice on the property that sidewalks need to be installed, through a recording at the County. Mayor Walker felt the City should get construction quotes, a time line of when they would be finished and then send the owner a letter letting them know that if they don’t have it done prior to that date, then the City would send them a bill for the work. Councilman Lorentz stated that it sounded like Gortsema has said the only one he is concerned about is Adam Koogler and maybe he should be the only one sent a certified letter. Attorney Albers stated that Andy Hairston could be liable for the costs since he was the permit holder. On motion by Councilman Houger, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to get quotes from a contractor to install the sidewalks and then send the owner a certified letter telling them the cost and date the sidewalks will be installed. If that date passes then the City will have the work done. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
BILLS: The bills in the amount of $286,861.72 were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds, on motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
BAND SCREEN EQUIPMENT BID: Public Works Director Gortsema explained that he had a conference call with the band screen equipment bidder about two weeks ago and told them that the City wasn’t going to purchase the equipment they bid. During reference calls, the company didn’t receive any positive remarks about the equipment that was bid. They were asked to bid different equipment and then the City can determine whether the bid should be accepted.
STREET CLOSURE: On motion by Councilman Houger, second by Councilwoman DeHaas, to approve the request from the First Christian Church to close West South 1st Street from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for their fall picnic on September 7th. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
POOL BOILER FUEL TANK: Public Works Director Gortsema informed the Council that the fuel tank for the pool boiler is leaking water in but as far as the City can tell nothing is leaking out. The recommendation is to pump out the tank after the pool closes and replace it with an above ground tank. If the City goes back underground the City is exempt from reporting requirements; however if City goes above ground then there may be additional requirements. The City staff is researching the options to determine the best solution but leaning toward replacing it underground. On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lorentz to have Gortsema and Curtiss go forth on fuel tank repair on the swimming pool with the best option. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ICCTFOA CONFERENCE: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson to grant Clerk Kennedy permission to attend the ICCTFOA Conference September 16-19, 2008. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
MEETING CHANGE: Councilman Houger made a motion, second by Councilman Peterson to move the first meeting in September to September 2nd due to Labor Day. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
BANNER POLICY FOR MAIN STREET: Mayor Walker explained that he would like to see a policy developed for banners on Main Street. Some organizations ask for permission to put up banners and others do not. Walker explained that the City may not want banners that are offensive in nature, a private enterprise making a monetary amount or may want to establish a time limit for how long the banner can be hung. Councilman Lorentz thought people should just come and ask the Council and then the Council could make a decision. Councilwoman DeHaas suggested letting Avista know the organization needs to have permission from the City to hang a banner. Clerk Kennedy stated she was good just knowing that the Council preferred making the decision on who could hang a banner. If they wanted a resolution, it could be so simple as to say that the policy requires organizations to ask the Council for permission before hanging a banner. Clerk Kennedy was asked to draw up a resolution for next meeting.
CITIZEN LETTER ABOUT ACCESS ROAD ON MADISON: The Council received a letter from Jim Wassmuth, concerned about the access road being constructed by Lowell Williams between 207 and 211 Madison and how the construction could upset the natural drainage of the area. Public Works Director Gortsema stated that the access road is on private property and part of lot #5. He felt the road may keep water from running on to Jim’s lot. Mayor Walker asked that the letter be kept on file for future concerns.
CHIP SEAL PROJECT: Public Works Director Gortsema explained that Poe Asphalt didn’t have the oil necessary to do the project in August and it was questionable whether they could get it in September. The City didn’t want to have the project done in September so it was a mutual agreement between the City and Poe Asphalt to have Poe pull their bid for this year’s project.
ITEMS TO NOTE: Third quarter reports were provided to the Council for review.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 P.M.
_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
The City Council met in regular session on August 4, 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 July 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:
Cathy Wassmuth, Co-Chairman for Grangeville Horizons Recreation Committee explained that they want to put on a 3 on 3 basketball tournament to try to raise funds for next year’s expenses. They would like to use one block each of South and North State Streets by Irwin Drug and Sterling Bank. The championship game would be at Heritage Square. They also plan to ask for Bell Equipment’s flat cement area. The Lions Club will sponsor the event for insurance coverage. It will be on September 6th starting at 8:00 a.m. and continue through the day until finished. Right now they have seven brackets. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to authorize Horizon to use North and South State Streets between Main and North Streets and Main and South Streets on September 6th starting at 8:00 a.m. 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 239 calls for service. There were 134 cases written, 34 misdemeanor arrests, 1 felony arrests, 57 citations, 18 written warnings issued, 11 dogs and 4 cats handled. The
Police and Animal Control Report for July 2008 was accepted on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to accept the
Snowhaven Minutes of July 9, 2008. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. Councilman Lorentz noted that the proposed fees for the ski school, lift tickets and rental equipment for 2008-09 were attached.
Councilman Houger made a motion, second by Councilman Lorentz to approve the
Library Board Minutes of July 24, 2008. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The
Insurance Committee sent out RFP’s to four local agencies and received two proposals. The committee met with agents from Solberg Agency and Farm Bureau Insurance for an interview. Based on the written response and interview the committee recommended the City proceed with a 5 year contract with Solberg Agency. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilwoman DeHaas that the City contract with Solberg Agency for five years to provide
health insurance and consultation services for the City of Grangeville. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to accept the
Planning and Zoning Minutes from July 28, 2008. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The Council then addressed the recommendation from Planning and Zoning on the variance application submitted by Shawn Shaw. Councilman Lester asked Public Works Director Gortsema if there was any problem and Gortsema responded no. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to grant
Shawn Shaw at 603 North A Street a variance to encroach five feet into the front yard setback for the purpose of building a garage. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ORDINANCE NO. 841
(Ordinance No. 841 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE REPEALING SECTION 7-1-20 OF THE GRANGEVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE AS THE SAME WAS ADOPTED BECAUSE IT NOW CONFLICTS WITH THE PROVISIONS OF 7-1-13 ADOPTED MORE RECENTLY THAN 7-1-20; ADDITIONALLY MODIFYING AND AMENDING PORTIONS OF SECTION 7-1-13 RELATING TO THE COLLECTABILITY OF YARD WASTE WITHIN THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE AND CHANGING THE MANNER AND METHOD BY WHICH YARD WASTE IS COLLECTED; THAT ADDITIONALLY, THE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATING THE PROVISIONS OF TITLE 7 CHAPTER 1 OF THE GRANGEVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE SHALL BE AMENDED TO CONFORM WITH THE STATE LAW IN THAT THE CONVICTION OF ANY MISDEMEANOR WOULD HAVE A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $1,000.00 OR SIX (6) MONTHS IN JAIL OR BOTH; PROVIDING FOR THE ORDINANCE BECOMING EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL AND PUBLICATION.
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: DeHaas, Houger, Lester, Lorentz, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Walker then declared Ordinance No. 841 duly approved and adopted.
WALCO CONTRACT: The contract was submitted to Walco for review and they are in agreement with the terms. When Clerk Kennedy was visiting with the City’s auditor it was recommended that the City look into increasing the amount the City charges for an administrative fee. After discussion, Councilman Lester made a motion, second by Councilman Lorentz to change the language in the refuse removal contract to allow the City share to be $1.50 per account instead of $1.00 per account. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to approve the new Walco Contract for October 1, 2008 – September 30, 2011. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ORDINANCE NO. 842(Ordinance No. 842 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE PROVIDING FOR THE AMENDMENT OF SECTION 10-3-4(A) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE RELATING TO PROJECTIONS INTO REQUIRED YARDS; PROVIDING FOR THE CURRENT RETENTION OF SECTION 10-3-4(B) RELATING TO HANDICAP RAMPS; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PART OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND, PROVIDING FOR THE ORDINANCE BECOMING EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION.
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: DeHaas, Houger, Lester, Lorentz, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Walker then declared Ordinance No. 842 duly approved and adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 201
(Resolution No. 201 in its entirety on file in the City’s Resolution File)
The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Lester who moved for its adoption. Second by Councilman Lorentz.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE PROVIDING A POLICY AS TO WHEN LIABILITY INSURANCE IS REQUIRED FOR THOSE USING CITY PROPERTY AND FACILITIES.
Todd Marek, the City’s agent, explained that when working with Clerk Kennedy, they tried to make it basic and easy to follow for those reading the policy. The limit amount on high risk activities was raised.
ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: DeHaas, Houger, Lester, Lorentz, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Walker then declared Resolution No. 201 duly approved and adopted.
TENTATIVE BUDGET: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to adopt the tentative budget for $5,388,677.00. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
MILEAGE RATE: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to modify the personnel handbook and adopt 58.5 cents per mile to reflect state rate for mileage reimbursement. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SIDEWALK WAIVER RENEWAL: Councilman Lester made a motion, second by Councilman Houger to grant a renewal for an indefinite sidewalk waiver for Dorothy Walker at 1124 North State. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SURPLUS: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to surplus the Library Gateway Computer and View Sonic Monitor, and the City’s Overhead Project and Stand. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ITEMS TO NOTE: Budget hearing – September 2, 2008
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk