Council Minutes
City of Grangeville, IdahoMonday, November 17, 2008
November 17, 2008 Regular Meeting
The City Council met in regular session on November 17, 2008 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Del Houger
Michael Peterson
Georgia DeHaas
Linda Aiken
Wes Lester
Councilmembers absent:
Brian Lorentz
City employees present were Chief Sedam, Water Superintendent Curtis, Attorney Albers and Clerk Kennedy.
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the November 3rd regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman DeHaas. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Councilman Houger made a motion, second by Councilman Lester to accept the Snowhaven Minutes of November 6, 2008. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
AIC REPORT: Councilman Peterson attended the November 6th and 7th legislative meeting in Boise and updated the Council on new legislative proposals. Some of these proposals are increasing wine and beer tax, generating revenue for the highway distribution fund and elections changes.
CELL TOWER REPORT: Mayor Walker explained that nothing has changed as far as cell towers being allowed in the industrial zone. The Verizon and Inland Cellular towers building permits were researched by City staff and met zoning regulations at the time the building permits were issued. No variance was required. At a previous meeting, Mayor Walker had asked Attorney Albers to research cell tower information. Councilwoman DeHaas mentioned that she had received positive phone calls from different people in relation to the cell tower. Attorney Albers addressed the federal statue that says the City can not restrict cell towers based upon environmental effects of radio frequency emissions. Local governments have the authority to regulate zoning, such as lighting and height requirements.
BILLS: The bills in the amount of $393,418.62 were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds, on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CITY HALL PARKING: Mayor Walker explained that various business and citizens use the City Hall parking lot. He felt it is a public parking lot, but shouldn’t be used as a drop off for the area body shops. He also felt the parking lot should be 24 hour parking only, unless the Chief of Police authorizes otherwise. Councilman Lester felt it should be a City Hall/Library/Police parking lot and shouldn’t be used for other businesses. Attorney Albers will provide a draft for next meeting.
ITEMS TO NOTE: The Planning and Zoning Commission needs another member.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Del Houger
Michael Peterson
Georgia DeHaas
Linda Aiken
Wes Lester
Councilmembers absent:
Brian Lorentz
City employees present were Chief Sedam, Water Superintendent Curtis, Attorney Albers and Clerk Kennedy.
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the November 3rd regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman DeHaas. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Councilman Houger made a motion, second by Councilman Lester to accept the Snowhaven Minutes of November 6, 2008. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
AIC REPORT: Councilman Peterson attended the November 6th and 7th legislative meeting in Boise and updated the Council on new legislative proposals. Some of these proposals are increasing wine and beer tax, generating revenue for the highway distribution fund and elections changes.
CELL TOWER REPORT: Mayor Walker explained that nothing has changed as far as cell towers being allowed in the industrial zone. The Verizon and Inland Cellular towers building permits were researched by City staff and met zoning regulations at the time the building permits were issued. No variance was required. At a previous meeting, Mayor Walker had asked Attorney Albers to research cell tower information. Councilwoman DeHaas mentioned that she had received positive phone calls from different people in relation to the cell tower. Attorney Albers addressed the federal statue that says the City can not restrict cell towers based upon environmental effects of radio frequency emissions. Local governments have the authority to regulate zoning, such as lighting and height requirements.
BILLS: The bills in the amount of $393,418.62 were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds, on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CITY HALL PARKING: Mayor Walker explained that various business and citizens use the City Hall parking lot. He felt it is a public parking lot, but shouldn’t be used as a drop off for the area body shops. He also felt the parking lot should be 24 hour parking only, unless the Chief of Police authorizes otherwise. Councilman Lester felt it should be a City Hall/Library/Police parking lot and shouldn’t be used for other businesses. Attorney Albers will provide a draft for next meeting.
ITEMS TO NOTE: The Planning and Zoning Commission needs another member.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
Monday, November 03, 2008
November 3, 2008 Regular Meeting
The City Council met in regular session on November 3, 2008 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Del Houger
Brian Lorentz
Wes Lester
Michael Peterson
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 October 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: Tom Bates, 819 South Idaho, was present to ask for a sidewalk waiver. No residences on his side of the street currently have sidewalks. He would be happy to have sidewalks installed if others put them in on the block. Councilman Lester stated that there were not sidewalks on that side of the street. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to grant Tom Bates at 819 South Idaho an indefinite sidewalk waiver. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Mathew Smith, 306 No D just purchased their home last October, was present to voice his frustrations over the cell tower going in. The residents weren’t notified of the cell tower and he has concerns that the tower could potentially be harmful.
Shelly Dumas, 735 W No 2nd questioned whether anyone did research on cell towers. Councilman Lester responded that no he didn’t do research personally. Verizon was looking at various locations in Grangeville and due to zoning restrictions, they chose the industrial zone. Shelly questioned why the neighbors weren’t notified. Councilman Lester explained that because it was allowed in the zone it would be located in, there was no public notice required. It was done through the building permit process and met all requirements for the zone. Shelly explained that she bought her home, made upgrades and now it is exactly how she wants is. She has heard about the health risks with cell towers if you are within 1,300’. There are schools, hospitals, doctor offices and homes within this area. It should have been put out on the Prairie, not in the City. She has drafted a letter that various neighbors have signed. She is asking the City to rescind the building permit. Mayor Walker stated his concern and the City will look into the situation.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Chief of Police Sedam summarized the monthly report, reporting that the department responded to 141 calls for service. There were 112 cases written, 37 misdemeanor arrests, 3 felony arrests, 46 citations, 21 written warnings issued, 19 dogs and 2 cats handled. The Police and Animal Control Report for October 2008 was accepted on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. Officer Randi is still off and will probably be off for another six weeks.
On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to accept the Planning and Zoning Minutes from October 27, 2008. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Councilman Lorentz made a motion, second by Councilman Lester to accept Planning and Zoning’s recommendation and approve Jerry Haaland’s request for a variance at 522 Elk Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Councilwoman DeHaas made a motion, second by Councilman Peterson to accept Planning and Zoning’s recommendation to approve Tony and Dorothy Mendes’s request for a variance at 316 W North 3rd Street as long as the agreement is present as agreed between neighbors and will be recorded at the County. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Councilwoman DeHaas made a motion, second by Councilman Houger to accept Planning and Zoning’s recommendation to approve Dorothy Mendes’s request for a variance at 324 W North 6th Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Clerk Kennedy reported the City has converted to automatic billing effect on the October 15th read. Public Works staff read the meters either by radio, touch read or manual. If the read is manual, instead of entering the manual read in the book, it is entered in the unit. All the information is then reviewed prior to the upload into to the billing software for automatic billing.
At the ICCTFOA conference in September, Clerk Kennedy attended an IRS class that included fringe benefits. The City needs to review and establish a policy on fringe benefits when using City vehicles for commuting.
STREET COMMITTEE REPORT ON SCHOOL ZONE SPEED LIMITS: The committee met with Chief Sedam, Councilmen Houger and Peterson and Councilwoman Aiken present. Councilman Peterson stated that the committee recommend leaving the speed limit as is, but the committee also feels there should be a notification so people know they can drive 25mph on weekends and when school is not in session. Councilman Houger noted that the committee felt if the City was going to error, they needed to error on the side of the children’s safety. Attorney Albers stated that the time limits as drafted are easier to win then if requirements were changed.
SUDDENLINK FRANCHISE RENEWAL: Clerk Kennedy explained that based on annual income as provided by Suddenlink, the City would only receive approximately $3900.00 per year in fees if the City did the franchise fee. Councilman Lester personally was not in favor of charging a city fee. Clerk Kennedy will delete franchise fee language and add the language Public Works Director Gortsema requested previously and then present to the Council at the next meeting.
RESOLUTION #209
(Resolution No. 209 in its entirety on file in the City’s Resolution File)
The following resolution was introduced by Councilwoman DeHaas who moved for its adoption. Second by Councilman Lester.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE PROVIDING AUTHORITY TO THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH COLLECTION BUREAU INCORPORATED FOR COLLECTION OF DEBTS OWED BY ANY PERSON TO THE CITY PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF IDAHO CODE §67-2358.
ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: DeHaas, Houger, Lester, Lorentz, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Walker then declared Resolution No. 209 duly approved and adopted.
DONATION REQUEST FROM FESTIVAL OF TREES: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to recommend the City donate a pool family pass to the Festival of Trees. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
WATERSHED REPORT: Earlier in the year, Kevin Tomlinson talked to Public Works Director Gortsema about dieing white fir on the watershed. Gortsema contacted Tom Richards with Northwest Timber Management. They met on Wednesday and toured the watershed area. There is some dieing white fir but not enough to warrant a project or timber contract. Richards will put together a brief report with his observations. Jerry Zumalt mentioned there was grant money for fuel reduction on timber property so they also met with him. There may be a possibility of a combined project with Prairie Land and Timber, Bennett and the City.
SIDEWALK WAIVER RENEWAL: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to grant Anderson Aeromotive an indefinite waiver on Pine Street approved to Anderson. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ITEMS TO NOTE: A Planning and Zoning member is needed.
Mayor Walker stated that Cory Baune, J-U-B, was in town to discuss WWTP issues and they are pursuing contact with Attorney Gary Allen out of Boise. Jim Kimball is compiling a list of questions to ask. The City is also looking at asking for a variance or extension of the permit in order to buy the City more time to do additional studying on the temperature.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 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 October 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: Tom Bates, 819 South Idaho, was present to ask for a sidewalk waiver. No residences on his side of the street currently have sidewalks. He would be happy to have sidewalks installed if others put them in on the block. Councilman Lester stated that there were not sidewalks on that side of the street. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to grant Tom Bates at 819 South Idaho an indefinite sidewalk waiver. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Mathew Smith, 306 No D just purchased their home last October, was present to voice his frustrations over the cell tower going in. The residents weren’t notified of the cell tower and he has concerns that the tower could potentially be harmful.
Shelly Dumas, 735 W No 2nd questioned whether anyone did research on cell towers. Councilman Lester responded that no he didn’t do research personally. Verizon was looking at various locations in Grangeville and due to zoning restrictions, they chose the industrial zone. Shelly questioned why the neighbors weren’t notified. Councilman Lester explained that because it was allowed in the zone it would be located in, there was no public notice required. It was done through the building permit process and met all requirements for the zone. Shelly explained that she bought her home, made upgrades and now it is exactly how she wants is. She has heard about the health risks with cell towers if you are within 1,300’. There are schools, hospitals, doctor offices and homes within this area. It should have been put out on the Prairie, not in the City. She has drafted a letter that various neighbors have signed. She is asking the City to rescind the building permit. Mayor Walker stated his concern and the City will look into the situation.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Chief of Police Sedam summarized the monthly report, reporting that the department responded to 141 calls for service. There were 112 cases written, 37 misdemeanor arrests, 3 felony arrests, 46 citations, 21 written warnings issued, 19 dogs and 2 cats handled. The Police and Animal Control Report for October 2008 was accepted on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. Officer Randi is still off and will probably be off for another six weeks.
On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to accept the Planning and Zoning Minutes from October 27, 2008. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Councilman Lorentz made a motion, second by Councilman Lester to accept Planning and Zoning’s recommendation and approve Jerry Haaland’s request for a variance at 522 Elk Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Councilwoman DeHaas made a motion, second by Councilman Peterson to accept Planning and Zoning’s recommendation to approve Tony and Dorothy Mendes’s request for a variance at 316 W North 3rd Street as long as the agreement is present as agreed between neighbors and will be recorded at the County. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Councilwoman DeHaas made a motion, second by Councilman Houger to accept Planning and Zoning’s recommendation to approve Dorothy Mendes’s request for a variance at 324 W North 6th Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Clerk Kennedy reported the City has converted to automatic billing effect on the October 15th read. Public Works staff read the meters either by radio, touch read or manual. If the read is manual, instead of entering the manual read in the book, it is entered in the unit. All the information is then reviewed prior to the upload into to the billing software for automatic billing.
At the ICCTFOA conference in September, Clerk Kennedy attended an IRS class that included fringe benefits. The City needs to review and establish a policy on fringe benefits when using City vehicles for commuting.
STREET COMMITTEE REPORT ON SCHOOL ZONE SPEED LIMITS: The committee met with Chief Sedam, Councilmen Houger and Peterson and Councilwoman Aiken present. Councilman Peterson stated that the committee recommend leaving the speed limit as is, but the committee also feels there should be a notification so people know they can drive 25mph on weekends and when school is not in session. Councilman Houger noted that the committee felt if the City was going to error, they needed to error on the side of the children’s safety. Attorney Albers stated that the time limits as drafted are easier to win then if requirements were changed.
SUDDENLINK FRANCHISE RENEWAL: Clerk Kennedy explained that based on annual income as provided by Suddenlink, the City would only receive approximately $3900.00 per year in fees if the City did the franchise fee. Councilman Lester personally was not in favor of charging a city fee. Clerk Kennedy will delete franchise fee language and add the language Public Works Director Gortsema requested previously and then present to the Council at the next meeting.
RESOLUTION #209
(Resolution No. 209 in its entirety on file in the City’s Resolution File)
The following resolution was introduced by Councilwoman DeHaas who moved for its adoption. Second by Councilman Lester.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE PROVIDING AUTHORITY TO THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO EXECUTE A CONTRACT WITH COLLECTION BUREAU INCORPORATED FOR COLLECTION OF DEBTS OWED BY ANY PERSON TO THE CITY PURSUANT TO THE AUTHORITY OF IDAHO CODE §67-2358.
ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: DeHaas, Houger, Lester, Lorentz, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Walker then declared Resolution No. 209 duly approved and adopted.
DONATION REQUEST FROM FESTIVAL OF TREES: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to recommend the City donate a pool family pass to the Festival of Trees. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
WATERSHED REPORT: Earlier in the year, Kevin Tomlinson talked to Public Works Director Gortsema about dieing white fir on the watershed. Gortsema contacted Tom Richards with Northwest Timber Management. They met on Wednesday and toured the watershed area. There is some dieing white fir but not enough to warrant a project or timber contract. Richards will put together a brief report with his observations. Jerry Zumalt mentioned there was grant money for fuel reduction on timber property so they also met with him. There may be a possibility of a combined project with Prairie Land and Timber, Bennett and the City.
SIDEWALK WAIVER RENEWAL: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to grant Anderson Aeromotive an indefinite waiver on Pine Street approved to Anderson. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ITEMS TO NOTE: A Planning and Zoning member is needed.
Mayor Walker stated that Cory Baune, J-U-B, was in town to discuss WWTP issues and they are pursuing contact with Attorney Gary Allen out of Boise. Jim Kimball is compiling a list of questions to ask. The City is also looking at asking for a variance or extension of the permit in order to buy the City more time to do additional studying on the temperature.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
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