The City Council met in regular session on November 15, 2004 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Vanderwall presided:
Councilmembers present:
Wes Lester
Bruce Walker
Georgia DeHaas
James Zehner
Jane Kissinger
City employees present were Public Works Director Gortsema, Chief Sedam, City Attorney Albers and Clerk Kennedy.
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the November 1st regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman Kissinger second by Councilwoman DeHaas. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
PUBLIC HEARING FOR CDBG WATER PROJECT: Walter Steed conducted a public hearing as required for the block grant. Mr. Steed explained that two public hearings must take place; one during the application phase and the second during the construction phase. Public Works Director Gortsema informed the public that the contractor had laid approximately 1600 feet of pipe. The generators are set and most of the wiring that can be done is done until after the pumps are completed. The project is between 70% and 80% completed with a completion date of mid December.
VISITORS: Ryan Uhlenkott reported back to the Council on his decision on the house located at 722 Cunningham. Ryan wanted to leave the structure until next spring when he could tear it down and re-build it at the same time. He feels he could start at the end of March and have it down by the end of April. Councilwoman Kissinger felt it would be better for the area to have a new structure if we can get a commitment from Ryan to start in March. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilman Lester to allow Ryan to leave the structure until May 1st, at which time the structure needs to be down. Ryan also needs to cut the boards off that were installed when boarding up the front window so they are even with the edge of the house. Councilwoman DeHaas voting no. Councilwoman DeHaas stated that Ryan was originally notified in June and given a deadline of October 1st and then that was extended until October 15th. She wanted Ryan to agree to the terms of the motion in writing. Ryan had no problems agreeing to that. Councilman Lester also asked the glass be cleaned up on the property.
SNOWHAVEN BOARD AND JIM KINGMA: Jim Kingma explained to the Council that the board had been discussing a tubing hill for several years now. They would like to ask permission to purchase the lift and have it funded by private loans totaling $45,000.00. Mayor Vanderwall stated he would have liked to know ahead of time about the whole loan process instead of it coming up at the last minute when the lift needs to be approved. Jeff Kutner informed the Council that he had attended a board meeting in December a year ago and it was discussed to try to find private funding. They did end up finding three individuals who were willing to loan the money to Snowhaven. Attorney Albers also explained that the loan would have to be written similar to a municipal lease, where the City can not obligate more than one year at a time. If the City can not make a payment, then the lender would receive a secured interest in the equipment. Clerk Kennedy reported that she had talked to the auditor and the auditor recommends having Snowhaven borrow from one of the other City funds if at all possible, instead of borrowing from private citizens. Councilman Lester asked why the other purchaser did not take the tubing lift the board hopes to purchase. Todd Marek explained that they decided to go a different route and buy a “magic carpet” which is basically a large conveyor belt. On motion by Councilwoman Kissinger, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to loan Snowhaven $45,000.00 from the Timber Fund, to be used for the tubing hill. The loan would be repaid in five years at five percent interest. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITOR: Todd Yocum, a Grangeville citizen was present to voice his concerns about the Crimson Ridge Development. He felt the buy-in costs, the water at 2.5 times the City rate and the sewer rates at 2 times the City rate were extremely high for the developers and felt mistakes had been made but also asked what the Council could do to correct it and start working with the developers again. He felt the development, which could include a donation of land to expand the golf course to 18 holes is important to the City. Mayor Vanderwall stated that he didn’t feel that there is a person on the Council that doesn’t want the project to go forward. The City is taking the necessary steps to determine those costs and where the City should go by having a workshop on Wednesday night. The citizens are the main concern of the Council. Todd asked the Council to make two motions: to contact Buy the Way and get back to the drawing table and to call a public hearing to get public input. Mayor Vanderwall responded that the Council is trying to protect the citizens of Grangeville because adding outside users could affect the plant. In doing that, the buy-in came up and now the City has hired J-U-B to have them complete a rate study. Jeff Kutner felt the City first has a responsibility to the citizens of Grangeville. He also stated that everyone else (other Cities) has development fees and the City agreed to give the developer 80 lots without a fee and the developer could always return to the City with a request. Councilwoman DeHaas stated that with the new permit for the sewer plant, the City may be required to pull out of Three Mile Creek which would cause major changes to the sewer plant. Because of this, the City needs to be cautious and move slowly. Mayor Vanderwall stated that no matter if someone is the Council, the developer or the citizen; everyone is in the same situation.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: The Snowhaven Minutes of November 3, 2004 were accepted on motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilman Zehner. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
WALCO REVISED CONTRACT: Attorney Albers provided a revised contract for the Council to review. The Council should let Albers know of any changes and then the contract will be discussed at the December 6th Council meeting.
BILLS: The bills were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman Kissinger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Payroll Fund $ 36,982.41
General Fund $ 63,632.76
Street Fund $ 17,198.80
Library Fund $ 3,988.83
Insurance Fund $ 40,509.00
Recreation Fund $ 4,299.63
Snowhaven Fund $ 1,434.16
Medical Insurance Fund $ 25,250.01
Water Fund $387,594.24
Sewer Fund $ 30,128.92
Sanitation Fund $ 32,427.31
PLANNING AND ZONING APPOINTMENTS: Mayor Vanderwall asked that the Council approve his appointment of Dick Haener and Darcie Bentley to Planning and Zoning for three year terms. The Idaho County Commissioners approved the request for Darcie to represent the area of impact at the Commissioner meeting earlier in the day. On motion by Councilman Zehner, second by Councilman Lester to approve the appointment of Dick Haener and Darcie Bentley to the Planning and Zoning Commission for three year terms. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CHANGE ORDERS #5 AND #6 FOR THE CDBG WATER PROJECT: Public Works Director Gortsema reviewed change orders #5 and #6. Change order #5 is for upgrades in the SCADA system. Change order #6 is to increase the size of the pump at Spencer well and to change the electrical service as required by Avista. On motion by Councilwoman Kissinger, second by Councilman Lester to approve change order #5 in the amount of $11,347 and change order #6 in the amount of $10,362.00. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. Gortsema explained that the change order amounts are still less than 10% which is normal for a project of this size.
SCADA SYSTEM: Public Works Director Gortsema reported that there will be emergency equipment at Spencer Well and reservoirs and Myrtle Well; however, there is no way to communicate between the Public Works Shop and these areas except manually. By purchasing the SCADA system, everything can be switched on and monitored from the shop. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman Kissinger to purchase the SCADA system for Spencer Well and reservoirs, and Myrtle Well for approximately $15,000.00. Motion carried, Councilman Zehner voting no.
SEWER PROJECT, ATLAS RETAINAGE: On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to pay the retainage to Atlas in the amount of $8,466.79. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SIDEWALK WAIVER REQUESTS: On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to grant an indefinite sidewalk waiver to Rick Peterson who is building on Highway 95 at the old Grangeville Meats location. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
BLEWETT AND ARNZEN SUBDIVISION ADMINISTRATOR: Mayor Vanderwall stated that he plans to appoint Public Works Director Gortsema as the administrator for the subdivisions proposed by Robert Blewett and Gerald Arnzen. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilman Lester to allow the Mayor to appoint Public Works Director Gortsema as the administrator for the Blewett and Arnzen proposed subdivisions.
2005 SEWER PROJECT: Councilman Lester made a motion, second by Councilman Zehner to approve J-U-B services for the 2005 sewer project in the amount of $45,500.00. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ITEMS TO NOTE: The Council will have a workshop on November 17th at 7:00 p.m. to discuss sewer rates and buy-in with J-U-B.
The meeting adjourned at 9:25 P.M.
_________________________________
Terry Vanderwall - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
Monday, November 15, 2004
Monday, November 1, 2004
November 1, 2004 Regular Meeting
The City Council met in regular session on November 1, 2004 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Vanderwall presided:
Councilmembers present:
Wes Lester
Bruce Walker
Georgia DeHaas
James Zehner
Jane Kissinger
Mike McDonald
City employees present were Public Works Director Gortsema, Chief Sedam, City Attorney Albers and Clerk Kennedy.
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the October 18th regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman Kissinger second by Councilwoman DeHaas. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Gerald Arnzen provided a letter and map with information on a subdivision he is planning northeast of the City. The land is in the area of impact but not adjacent to the City limits. It is 45 acres and he doesn’t plan to hook up to water or sewer and he doesn’t plan to create any new roads, although he may need a couple approaches from the Grangeville Highway District. Attorney Albers stated because it is in the area of impact, the subdivision ordinance and building permits apply. Mayor Vanderwall told Mr. Arnzen that the application would be taken under advisement.
Ryan Uhlencott was present at the request of the City Council to discuss his ideas for the repair of the house at 722 Cunningham. Ryan explained that he had bought the property with his business property. His goal with the house was to fix it up and then get rid of it. He planned to fix up the foundation but never got around to it this fall. Councilwoman DeHaas reported that kids are in and out of the house, the front door is open and windows are broke out and the glass is lying in the grass. Mayor Vanderwall asked Ryan what his plans were and when he could have those completed. Ryan didn’t know exactly since he wanted to talk to a contractor about fixing the house. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilwoman Kissinger to have Ryan meet with the building inspector tomorrow and to have the house boarded up to his satisfaction. Then Ryan will return for the November 15th Council meeting with specific plans. 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 295 calls for service. There were 128 cases written, 32 arrests, 51 citations and 12 written warnings issued. The Police and Animal Control Report for October 2004 was accepted on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman McDonald.
Public Works Director Gortsema presented the Water Leak report for October 2004 and reported that the department repaired 7 leaks (158 year to date) and installed 5 services.
WATER PROJECT: The Water Grant Project is progressing with work on site at Harrison and Crooks Street. The supplier didn’t send the correct part, but it should arrive tomorrow so the contractor can have the line installed in the street and re-paved before the contractor continues work south toward the reservoirs.
Public Works Director Gortsema explained that most of pay request #2 and #3 from Debco is for materials stored on site and subcontractor work. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilwoman Kissinger to ratify the signing of Pay Request #4 to CDBG which includes pay request #2 from Debco in the amount of $88,764.00. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Walker to approve pay request #3 from Debco in the amount of $25,809.41. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
On the Water Bond Project, the generators will be delivered on Wednesday. The bid opening is tentatively set for January, with the walk through occurring in December. There have been setbacks for the surveyor since they need to wait for Qwest and Avista to locate the telephone and power lines.
EQUITY BUY IN: Public Works Director Gortsema informed the Council that Jim Kimball feels J-U-B should have the study completed ahead of the 90 day proposal, which is approximately December 22nd. Jim and the Lewiston staff plan to be in Grangeville to meet with staff next week during which time they will also discuss the draft NPDES Permit that was issued by EPA. Jim will return to meet with the Council the week of November 15th.
Richard Baines was present to ask if the buy-in would still be worked on for commercial lots, such as RVs and cabins. He was told that when the Council received the final report from J-U-B, it would be in the report.
RC&D FUND REQUEST: On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to pay RC&D $155.00 in annual dues. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SOUTH OF IDAHO AVENUE AND HALL STREET BY ROBERT BLEWETT: Mayor Vanderwall commented that the City has been inundated with possible developments and wondered if the Council should put a hold on developments until the City has determined where they plan to go with the Equity Buy In. He then noted that the City was in receipt of a letter from Robert Blewett regarding a proposed development. Councilman Walker cited 11-3-2, that an administrator shall be appointed and then has 15 days to respond to the letter. On motion by Councilwoman Kissinger, second by Councilman Lester to notify Robert Blewett that the City is working on an Equity Buy In and the City has preliminary numbers, but that the finalized numbers would not be answered until the City has received the final report from J-U-B. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Councilman Walker feels the Council should begin preliminary work of appointing an administrator. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilman McDonald that the Mayor be allowed to appoint an administrator of his choosing. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SNOW REMOVAL: Public Works Director Gortsema supplied the Council with a copy of Hailey’s snow removal ordinance and asked that they review it and consider something similar for the City of Grangeville. The City has had additional problems in the last few years since more people own 4-wheelers. People tend to push the snow on to the curb or into the street, rather than plowing the snow on to their own property. Councilman Lester asked that Gortsema meet with Attorney Albers to draft an ordinance for the Council’s review at the first meeting in December.
CRIMSON RIDGE DEVELOPMENT: Mayor Vanderwall informed the Public that Crimson Ridge had withdrawn their request for water and sewer services from the City. Richard Baines commented that the equity buy in fee would make lots cost prohibitive; therefore, he withdrew his request for sewer for his RVs and cabins. Councilman Walker stated that the City had hired J-U-B, so the City will have a justification if a buy in fee is established.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION, COUNCILMAN MCDONALD: Councilman McDonald submitted a letter of resignation since he is being deployed to Iraq. He stated that the City and community has been very supportive. Mayor Vanderwall thanked Councilman McDonald for his service to the City and asked that the Council regretfully accept his resignation. On motion by Councilman Zehner, second by Councilman Lester to accept Councilman McDonald’s letter of resignation. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ADA COMMITTEE: A motion was made by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Zehner to appoint Lynda Allen to the ADA Committee. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ITEMS TO NOTE: The City Code is now online on Sterling Codifiers website. Copies of the Clearwater Resource Conservation and Development Council Minutes for September 23, 2004 were provided to the Council.
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 P.M.
_________________________________
Terry Vanderwall - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
Mayor Vanderwall presided:
Councilmembers present:
Wes Lester
Bruce Walker
Georgia DeHaas
James Zehner
Jane Kissinger
Mike McDonald
City employees present were Public Works Director Gortsema, Chief Sedam, City Attorney Albers and Clerk Kennedy.
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the October 18th regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman Kissinger second by Councilwoman DeHaas. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Gerald Arnzen provided a letter and map with information on a subdivision he is planning northeast of the City. The land is in the area of impact but not adjacent to the City limits. It is 45 acres and he doesn’t plan to hook up to water or sewer and he doesn’t plan to create any new roads, although he may need a couple approaches from the Grangeville Highway District. Attorney Albers stated because it is in the area of impact, the subdivision ordinance and building permits apply. Mayor Vanderwall told Mr. Arnzen that the application would be taken under advisement.
Ryan Uhlencott was present at the request of the City Council to discuss his ideas for the repair of the house at 722 Cunningham. Ryan explained that he had bought the property with his business property. His goal with the house was to fix it up and then get rid of it. He planned to fix up the foundation but never got around to it this fall. Councilwoman DeHaas reported that kids are in and out of the house, the front door is open and windows are broke out and the glass is lying in the grass. Mayor Vanderwall asked Ryan what his plans were and when he could have those completed. Ryan didn’t know exactly since he wanted to talk to a contractor about fixing the house. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilwoman Kissinger to have Ryan meet with the building inspector tomorrow and to have the house boarded up to his satisfaction. Then Ryan will return for the November 15th Council meeting with specific plans. 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 295 calls for service. There were 128 cases written, 32 arrests, 51 citations and 12 written warnings issued. The Police and Animal Control Report for October 2004 was accepted on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman McDonald.
Public Works Director Gortsema presented the Water Leak report for October 2004 and reported that the department repaired 7 leaks (158 year to date) and installed 5 services.
WATER PROJECT: The Water Grant Project is progressing with work on site at Harrison and Crooks Street. The supplier didn’t send the correct part, but it should arrive tomorrow so the contractor can have the line installed in the street and re-paved before the contractor continues work south toward the reservoirs.
Public Works Director Gortsema explained that most of pay request #2 and #3 from Debco is for materials stored on site and subcontractor work. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilwoman Kissinger to ratify the signing of Pay Request #4 to CDBG which includes pay request #2 from Debco in the amount of $88,764.00. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Walker to approve pay request #3 from Debco in the amount of $25,809.41. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
On the Water Bond Project, the generators will be delivered on Wednesday. The bid opening is tentatively set for January, with the walk through occurring in December. There have been setbacks for the surveyor since they need to wait for Qwest and Avista to locate the telephone and power lines.
EQUITY BUY IN: Public Works Director Gortsema informed the Council that Jim Kimball feels J-U-B should have the study completed ahead of the 90 day proposal, which is approximately December 22nd. Jim and the Lewiston staff plan to be in Grangeville to meet with staff next week during which time they will also discuss the draft NPDES Permit that was issued by EPA. Jim will return to meet with the Council the week of November 15th.
Richard Baines was present to ask if the buy-in would still be worked on for commercial lots, such as RVs and cabins. He was told that when the Council received the final report from J-U-B, it would be in the report.
RC&D FUND REQUEST: On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to pay RC&D $155.00 in annual dues. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT SOUTH OF IDAHO AVENUE AND HALL STREET BY ROBERT BLEWETT: Mayor Vanderwall commented that the City has been inundated with possible developments and wondered if the Council should put a hold on developments until the City has determined where they plan to go with the Equity Buy In. He then noted that the City was in receipt of a letter from Robert Blewett regarding a proposed development. Councilman Walker cited 11-3-2, that an administrator shall be appointed and then has 15 days to respond to the letter. On motion by Councilwoman Kissinger, second by Councilman Lester to notify Robert Blewett that the City is working on an Equity Buy In and the City has preliminary numbers, but that the finalized numbers would not be answered until the City has received the final report from J-U-B. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Councilman Walker feels the Council should begin preliminary work of appointing an administrator. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilman McDonald that the Mayor be allowed to appoint an administrator of his choosing. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SNOW REMOVAL: Public Works Director Gortsema supplied the Council with a copy of Hailey’s snow removal ordinance and asked that they review it and consider something similar for the City of Grangeville. The City has had additional problems in the last few years since more people own 4-wheelers. People tend to push the snow on to the curb or into the street, rather than plowing the snow on to their own property. Councilman Lester asked that Gortsema meet with Attorney Albers to draft an ordinance for the Council’s review at the first meeting in December.
CRIMSON RIDGE DEVELOPMENT: Mayor Vanderwall informed the Public that Crimson Ridge had withdrawn their request for water and sewer services from the City. Richard Baines commented that the equity buy in fee would make lots cost prohibitive; therefore, he withdrew his request for sewer for his RVs and cabins. Councilman Walker stated that the City had hired J-U-B, so the City will have a justification if a buy in fee is established.
LETTER OF RESIGNATION, COUNCILMAN MCDONALD: Councilman McDonald submitted a letter of resignation since he is being deployed to Iraq. He stated that the City and community has been very supportive. Mayor Vanderwall thanked Councilman McDonald for his service to the City and asked that the Council regretfully accept his resignation. On motion by Councilman Zehner, second by Councilman Lester to accept Councilman McDonald’s letter of resignation. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ADA COMMITTEE: A motion was made by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Zehner to appoint Lynda Allen to the ADA Committee. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ITEMS TO NOTE: The City Code is now online on Sterling Codifiers website. Copies of the Clearwater Resource Conservation and Development Council Minutes for September 23, 2004 were provided to the Council.
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 P.M.
_________________________________
Terry Vanderwall - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)