February 2, 2004 Regular Meeting

The City Council met in regular session on February 2, 2004 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Mayor Vanderwall presided.

Councilmembers present:
Bruce Walker
Jane Kissinger
Mike McDonald
Wes Lester
Georgia DeHaas
James Zehner

City employees present were Public Works Director Gortsema and Clerk Kennedy.

The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the January 20th regular meeting were approved as corrected by Councilwoman Kissinger second by Councilwoman DeHaas. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

PUBLIC HEARING: At this time a public hearing was held to allow comment on the proposed lesson fee increase at Snowhaven. With no public comment, the hearing was declared closed. A resolution to adopt the new fees will be prepared for the next regular meeting.

VISITORS: Paula Ewald presented the Council with the updated GEM Team plan highlighting two areas of the strategic plan as telecommunications and open communication by updating the Council quarterly on the GEM Teams efforts. The Council is invited to attend any GEM Team meetings. These meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday of the month at Brodocks at 7:00 A.M.

Scott Wasem and Holly Cotton presented the Council with a copy of the 319 Grant application on Butcher Creek and Three Mile Creek Watershed that the Idaho County Soil & Water Conservation District submitted. Even though they’ve submitted the application, they would like the City to consider submitting a letter of support. On motion by Councilwoman Kissinger, second by Councilwoman DeHaas that the City support the grant effort and have the Mayor write a letter of support for the Idaho County Soil & Water Conservation District. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

Jeff Kutner reported to the Council on CEDA and Ida-Lew. The CEDA meeting mainly consisted of the audit report, which shows a $38,000.00 operating loss due to administering grant programs, most of which are the Bicentennial contracts. Ida-Lew is still working on a couple projects that may affect the railroad between Grangeville and Cottonwood.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Councilwoman Kissinger stated that the board is working on an Emergency Closure Policy that will be presented to the City Council. This policy would be for late closure nights when the weather is bad and no one is coming into the Library. Mayor Vanderwall stated that City Hall remains open to the public even if no one drops in. On motion by Councilwoman Kissinger, second by Councilman McDonald to accept the Library Board Minutes of January 22, 2004. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

Public Works Director Gortsema presented the Water Leak report for January 2004 and reported that the department repaired 2 leaks (2 year to date).

BUILDING HEIGHT REQUIREMENTS: The Building and City Property Committee talked to the Fire Marshall who explained that any commercial building over 30 feet must have a sprinkler system installed. For this reason, the committee didn’t feel they could have a height restriction based upon fire codes. The building inspector explained how buildings are measured (as explained in the International Building Code), therefore the committee doesn’t recommend making any additions to City Code on how to measure. Councilman Lester made some calls to Moscow and Lewiston and although the height requirements in Lewiston vary between 35’and 65’, Moscow has a 40’ maximum for commercial buildings. The committee recommends a 40’ height maximum for commercial buildings. Councilman Walker made a motion, second by Councilman Lester to have Attorney Albers draft an ordinance to have a 40 foot maximum building height in the commercial zone. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

ENTRANCO CONTRACT FOR WATER BOND PROJECT: Public Works Director Gortsema explained that that scope and fees are included in the contract with the amount listed at $394,663.94. On motion by Councilwoman Kissinger, second by Councilman Lester to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract for the water bond project with Entranco. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

ENTRANCO CONTRACT FOR WATER GRANT PROJECT: Public Works Director Gortsema explained that that scope and fees are included in the contract with the amount listed at $82,487.38. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Zehner to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract for the water grant project with Entranco. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

LIQUOR LICENSE FOR THE ELKS: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman Kissinger to approve the application submitted by BPOE #1825 Inc. d/b/a Grangeville Elks Lodge #1825 for a beer and liquor license pending State approval. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

RFP FOR WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT FACILITY PLAN: Public Works Director Gortsema talked to Kevin Gardes and he recommends waiting to make a decision until we see how high DEQ ranks the City on the application for a 50% grant for our TMDL planning study.

MEETING CHANGE: A motion was made by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Zehner to change the February 16th meeting to Tuesday, February 17th due to President’s Day. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

ITEMS TO NOTE: Clerk Kennedy reported that the auditors finished up without any problems. Jo also talked to Mayor Vanderwall and told him everything was in good order.

Public Works Director Gortsema gave the Council a handout on CMOM Regulations and let them know he would be attending training in the future.

Discussion ensued on the plumbing code and the question was asked whether the new plumbing inspector would enforce the code for a back water valve. Public Works Director Gortsema will draft a letter to the inspector asking him to inspect and enforce the code.

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
_____________________
Terry Vanderwall - Mayor
ATTEST:



_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk