Centennial Library

December 19, 2016 Regular Meeting

City Council met in regular session on December 19, 2016 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Mayor Walker presided:

Councilmembers present:

Scott Winkler
Mike Peterson
Pete Lane
Amy Farris
Wes Lester
Beryl Grant

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

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

MINUTES: The meeting was called to order and the minutes of December 5th were approved as presented by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilman Lester. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

VISITORS: Roy Kinner was present to introduce himself as the Snowhaven Ski Patrol Director for 2016-2017. The Ski Patrol appreciates the support and they currently have 21 members.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: The department had 29 cases written, 15 citations, 6 written warnings and 88 calls for service for November 2016. The Police and Animal Control Report was accepted on motion by Councilman Peterson second by Councilman Lane. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. Sgt. Quintal introduced Billy Weaver as the new animal control/ordinance officer.

On motion by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilman Winkler to accept the Fire Training minutes from 11/14/16 and 11/28/16 and the Executive minutes from 11/28/16. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

The Survey Committee presented points on the report submitted to the Council. Councilman Lane explained the committee, made up of Lily Willig, Rosalee Jessup, Cathy Wassmuth, Dan Gautney, John Kennedy, Shelley Dumas and Lane, spent over 24 hours working on the project. The survey cost the City $185.60 to be sent to 1280 accounts and they City had a 24% response rate. If a consultant was paid, it could have been between $25,000-$50,000.

Shelly Dumas felt the survey was excellent. The City got an idea of what constituents felt about City and Grangeville in general. Once this is all done, the City can move forward with revising the comprehensive plan. She would like the survey to be formally archived, including committee members.

Cathy Wassmuth thought the survey was interesting. The biggest priority she got from the results is people concerned about curbs and sidewalks.

John Kennedy found the results interesting and he learned more about Grangeville during the process. From an academic standpoint, when the survey population doesn’t match the town census you have to be careful not to say “the City residents think …” as that isn’t accurate. John explained the survey was expanded to include services outside the city’s domain. They are important and it reflects overall satisfaction with the Grangeville area.

Councilwoman Grant stated the survey had no surprises for her. The City has been talking about these same issues since she’s been on the council every year. When funds are found, issues will be addressed.

Mayor Walker found it interesting people want to have things improved, but the options on how to pay for it are not popular. He has a little heartache with some of the personal comments listed on the survey. He plans to use the survey on priority ranking from a budget standpoint.

BILLS: The bills in the amount of $198,034.37 were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds, on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

SECONDHAND/JUNK STORE LICENSE: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Winkler to approve the pawn, secondhand & junk store license pending payment of application fee for the following:

Ralph Martin d/b/a Martin’s Antiques
Brian Perry d/b/a B & B Bargain Store
Sherry Joliff d/b/a Sherry’s Closet Treasure Thrift Store
Syringa General Hospital Foundation d/b/a Syringa Auxiliary Thrift Shop

Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

2017 COUNCIL DATES: Discussion occurred to change the July dates to July 10th and 17th due to Border Days. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lane to adopt the Council Meeting Dates for 2017. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

SEWER CONNECTION POLICY: Public Works Director McFrederick explained the City is losing money on the sewer connection. He will be returning to the Council with some different ideas based upon what other Cities are doing. The recent bank sewer connection cost approximately $2900 and the City only charges $500. Scott Winkler suggested making backwater valves mandatory on every connection. Mayor Walker suggested keeping the low to moderate income of the area in mind when modifying the policy.

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 P.M.

_________________________________
Bruce Walker – Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________
Tonya Kennedy – Clerk

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