Centennial Library

April 8, 2014 Regular Meeting

The City Council met in regular session on April 8, 2014 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Mayor Walker presided:

Councilmembers present:

Mike Peterson
Shelley Dumas
Wes Lester
Beryl Grant
Brian Lorentz
Scott Winkler

City employees present were Chief Drew, Attorney Green, Public Works Director McFrederick and Clerk Kennedy.

MINUTES:  The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the March 17th meeting were approved as presented by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilwoman Grant.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

AMENDMENT:  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to amend the agenda to add Chris Koehler, Grangeville Farmers Market to the agenda as the request came in late.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

PUBLIC HEARING ALLEY VACATION WILLIAMS:  The hearing opened at 7:33 pm for the vacation request submitted by Lowell and Jodi Williams to vacate the alley in Block 6 of Schmadeka’s First Addition.  They are trying to lay out a couple houses on the lot and they weren’t originally aware of the alley.  Mayor Walker asked if there were any utilities in alley.  Public Works Director McFrederick stated there was a clean out in the alley but it is a private sewer line, not City sewer line.  There is a power pole in the alley.  At this time Lowell owns the whole block.

McFrederick stated he was concerned about private services going across other owners properties.  There was no written correspondence and no comments from the public present.  Councilman Winkler stated he works for Lowell and Jodi Williams so will abstain from voting due to the conflict.  The hearing closed at 7:42 pm.

Councilwoman Dumas brought up McFrederick’s statement on being concerned about vacating alleys as he doesn’t like to give up City property.  McFrederick stated it looks like this hasn’t been used as an alley in the past.  Mayor Walker explained there have been councilmembers who have stated they will not close alleys.  A variance could be applied for to be able to maybe build in the setback.  There are currently two retaining walls built in the alley.  Aaron Williams stated they would like it vacated so they can use the alley as part of their property without maintaining a 5’ setback from the current property line.  Councilman Lester is one that said he’d never vote for a vacation.  He may be in favor if an easement for public utilities could be kept.  Councilman Lorentz stated he would be fine with a variance on setback if they went through the process.

No action was taken.

PUBLIC HEARING VISTA VIEW APARTMENT VACATION:  The hearing opened at 7:43 pm for the vacation request submitted by Ted Lindsley at the Vista View Apartments.  When the building was originally built, the stairs were built in the right of way of South D Street.  No written comments were received; no comments were made by the public present.  The hearing was closed at 7:44 pm.

On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to vacate a portion of South D Street right of way to accommodate vista view apartment stairs.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

Ted Lindsley wanted to let the City know how he handles snow around his properties.  As soon as it warms up then he spreads snow around in his parking lot and in the street so it can melt faster.  If that’s a problem then he can do something different.

VISITORSAbbie Hudson was present to introduce herself as the Republican candidate for Idaho County Treasurer.

Louise Ellenberg was present to request permission to have the Walk for Life on May 10th.  They would like to hang the banner from May 1st – May 11th.  On motion by Councilman Lester second by Councilman Peterson to approve the banner request, route request and two day pool passes for Walk for Life.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

Chris Koehler with the Grangeville Farmers Market requested permission to locate the market at Pioneer Park this summer from July 26th – September 27th on Saturdays only from 9:00 am-1:00 pm.  On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson to allow the Farmers Market to use Pioneer Park July 26th – September 27th, Saturdays only.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  The Planning and Zoning Minutes of March 25, 2014 were accepted on motion by Councilwoman Grant, second by Councilman Lorentz.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson to accept the Planning and & Zoning recommendation and to approve the conditional use application for a daycare at Sts. Peter and Paul School.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

The Library Minutes of March 20, 2014 were accepted on motion by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilwoman Grant.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

EGRESS WINDOWS:  Clerk Kennedy explained building inspector Jim Yeoman was concerned about the International Residential Code not requiring egress windows for window replacement in residents.  His main concern is life safety for someone trapped in an older home without egress windows.  The egress size requirement is approximately 5.7 square feet.  Councilman Lester stated if you have a basement window that’s small it is a major project to be able to cut the concrete to get the correct window size.  Councilwoman Grant understands Jim’s concerns, but feels everyone should take care of themselves.  Councilman Winkler felt the cost would be crippling for some owners.  No change was made.

RESORT LOCAL OPTION TAX:  Councilman Lester asked Ted Lindsley the current hotel tax rate.  Right now it’s 8% at a motel as 2% goes to the state for the Travel council.  Prior to building the hotel, Ted had a feasibility study completed which showed Grangeville was not a destination city.  The travelers staying are trying to get from point A to B.

Councilwoman Dumas stated the thing that comes out very clear from talking to other towns is that the funds stay within the City; most use the LOT for infrastructure.  Based upon the sales from the 83530 zip code, Dumas estimated revenue of approximately $300,000.00.

Councilwoman Grant asked what $300,000 buys on road projects.  Public Works Director McFrederick talked about old projects.  The Meadow Street project from Main to the rodeo grounds was $500,000.  Ted Lindsley questioned whether a LID would work.  McFrederick stated they are good, but LIDs required engineering.  Mayor Walker felt the City should move forward with an LID for some of the oldest neighborhoods.

Councilwoman Dumas felt the LOT was a viable solution for Grangeville and the City shouldn’t dismiss it without really looking into it.

FIRE HYDRANT USE:  Attorney Green researched various Cities and the charge for hydrant usage.  The fees range from no charge, up to $250 with most Cities charging $100 – $150.  Mayor Walker visited with Todd Marek and he explained almost all the policies he writes have a $500 fire department response fee.

Councilwoman Grant felt it is not bad to charge something where the homeowners pay for their policy.  Councilman Lester stated most of his concern is a homeowner not on City water that utilizes the hydrant, having never contributed to the water system.  Since it would be a new fee, he felt the Council should wait and set a rural fire water fee and a hydrant fee during the budget planning.

BUDGET HEARING DATE:  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to set September 2, 2014 as the budget hearing for 2014-2015.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

PROPOSED DOWNTOWN AREA AND ADA DESIGNATED PARKING SPACES FIRST READING: The first reading of the ordinance establishing a downtown area and ADA designated parking spaces was read.  It was stated the US Bank manager was favorable to having a parking space in front of their bank.

ORDINANCE NO. ___

(Ordinance No. ___ in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE PROVIDING FOR DESIGNATION OF DISABLED PARKING SPACES IN THE DOWNTOWN BUSINESS CENTER IN THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION; AND, PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH.

Councilman Lester made a motion, second by Councilman Peterson that the first reading be approved and the ordinance pass to the second reading.  ROLL CALL VOTE:  YES: Dumas, Winkler, Lester, Lorentz, Grant, Peterson.  NO:  none.  The motion passed.

SURPLUS:  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to surplus the Aeroil Emulsion Sprayer $800 and the Frink Snow Plow $850.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

POOL DRESSING ROOM STALLS/LOCKERS:  Public Works Director McFrederick budgeted $10,000 for new lockers at the pool house.  The lockers have been replaced and he still has about half of the budgeted funds unexpended.  McFrederick asked for approval to buy new dressing stalls for the both the women’s and men’s locker rooms as they are rusted out on the bottom.  After install, all lockers and all stalls will be new.  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to approve the purchase of dressing room stalls at the pool and replace as public works has stated.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

The meeting adjourned at 9:14 P.M.

Bruce Walker – Mayor
ATTEST:
Tonya Kennedy – Clerk

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