April 19, 2004 Regular Meeting

The City Council met in regular session on April 19, 2004 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Mayor Vanderwall presided:

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

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

The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the April 5th regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas second by Councilman Lester. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Public Works Director Gortsema updated the Council on the Water Project. Mayor Vanderwall, Councilman Walker and Public Works Director Gortsema go to Boise on Thursday to do the block grant presentation for the Department of Commerce. Terracon is in Grangeville drilling test holes in the streets to determine the extent and type of rock that may be encountered during the project.

CROSS CONNECTIONS: Councilwoman Kissinger felt that the Council should proceed. Public Works Director Gortsema explained that the plumbing inspector only enforces the code on new construction. It would be the City’s responsibility to make sure the devices are tested. Councilwoman Kissinger moved to have the changes made in the draft ordinance incorporated into final form and have the ordinance presented to the Council. Motion died for lack of a second. Councilman Lester questioned how the City would oversee the project, how long the residences would have to install the device and who will take priority? Public Works Director Gortsema responded that for priority, high hazard would be first, which is usually commercial. Councilwoman DeHaas asked if it’s a future possibility that the City might not be eligible for grants. Gortsema responded that that type of decision hasn’t been made. Mayor Vanderwall thinks it’s a mistake not to proceed. No action was taken.

BILLS: The bills were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman McDonald. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

Payroll Fund $40,664.40
General Fund $47,720.76
Street Fund $17,372.93
Library Fund $ 3,900.28
Insurance Fund $17,428.00
Recreation Fund $ 2,707.89
Snowhaven Fund $ 5,661.81
Medical Insurance Fund $12,647.56
Water Fund $42,541.15
Sewer Fund $30,588.07
Sanitation Fund $36,349.96

SIDEWALK WAIVER: On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Zehner to grant JEM Machine an indefinite sidewalk waiver on their property between the Truck Route and the Airport Road. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

2004-2005 BUDGET HEARING: Clerk Kennedy explained to the Council that they could have the budget hearing at a special meeting on August 30th or the regular meeting of September 7th. On motion by Councilwoman Kissinger, second by Councilman Walker to set the 2004-2005 budget hearing for the September 7th regular meeting. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

POOL/HANDICAP ACCESSIBILITY: Mayor Vanderwall had a request from a citizen that the City purchase an econo-lift to allow disabled persons access to the pool. The equipment is approximately $1200.00 and was not budgeted in the current fiscal year. Councilwoman Kissinger would like Clerk Kennedy to check with other City Pool’s to see if they have similar equipment and how it works. Councilwoman DeHaas felt it could be considered for next budget year.

ANIMAL ARK DONATION: Animal Ark requested the $500.00 budgeted donation from the City. Councilman Walker doesn’t know what the contract states, however he feels all dogs should be vaccinated and those within the City should be licensed when they are placed outside of Animal Ark. It was suggested that maybe Animal Ark could notify the City with the owner name so the City could track and make sure they are licensed. Councilman Walker made a motion, second by Councilman Zehner to give Animal Ark a $500.00 donation and review the contract at a later date. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

WATER AND SEWER POLICY: Public Works Director Gortsema explained that the City has had a policy on connections, however it has never been formally adopted by the Council and he would like to see it adopted. Attorney Albers felt the ordinance should be modified to reflect some of the policy. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilman Lester to direct Attorney Albers to amend the ordinance on service connections. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. Councilwoman Kissinger made a motion, second by Councilman Lester to postpone adoption of the water and sewer policy until the ordinance has been adopted. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

SURPLUS: On motion by Councilman Zehner, second by Councilwoman Kissinger to declare the 1983 Ford surplus. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

MAILBOX AND CURBSIDE SIDEWALKS: Public Works Director Gortsema had an inquiry about the legality of placing a decorative 2’x2’ mailbox in a curbside sidewalk. Gortsema feels that a sidewalk should be poured behind the mailbox to ensure a 4’ sidewalk. Councilman Lester feels the City has the same problem with fire hydrants and power poles in the sidewalks. Mayor Vanderwall feels it needs to be addressed since many sidewalks are inaccessible due to obstructions. Councilwoman Kissinger made a motion, second by Councilwoman DeHaas instructing Attorney Albers and Public Works Director Gortsema to draft an ordinance to be added to the sidewalk section of the code, for the Council’s review. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

DONATION CROSS: The cross on the hill is in need of repair. Sno-Drifters is willing to do the work to repair the cross, however they don’t have the funds and are asking for donations. On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilwoman Kissinger to donate $1,000.00 for the repair of the cross. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

RESOLUTION NO. 181 LIBRARY FEES: Councilwoman Kissinger questioned the section of the resolution on reasonable replacement costs and asked that Clerk Kennedy check with Linda to make sure the resolution is worded correctly. The resolution will be reviewed next meeting.

ITEMS TO NOTE: Councilwoman Kissinger informed the Council of the May 11th public hearing on the Camas Prairie Rest Area in Craigmont. Mayor Vanderwall and Councilwoman Kissinger plan to attend.

Chief Sedam reported the department has stepped up enforcement on Main Street and will continue to do so until traffic flow is at a reasonable rate.

The Council was given copies of the minutes from Clearwater RC&D Meeting on March 25, 2004.

The meeting adjourned at 8:35 P.M.


_____________________
Terry Vanderwall - Mayor
ATTEST:


_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk