Centennial Library

November 19, 2018 Regular Meeting

City Council met in regular session on November 19, 2018 at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Mayor Lester presided:

Councilmembers present:
Scott Winkler
Mike Peterson
Pete Lane
Beryl Grant
Amy Farris
Dylan Canaday

City employees present were Chief Drew, Public Works Maintenance Supervisor Mager, Eric Jones, Attorney Green and City Clerk Kennedy.  Public Works Director McFrederick absent.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

MINUTES:  The meeting was called to order and the Council minutes of November 5th and 9th were approved as presented by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Lane. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

AGENDA AMENDMENTS: On motion by Councilor Winkler, second by Councilor Peterson to add Silas Whitely and his request for access through the watershed to the agenda because the request came in after the agenda posting deadline. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

VISITORS: Angie Edwards-Kuskie with CEDA stated the Kids Klub project has been completed and documents signed. Everyone is happy! She has the closeout agreement and the final request for funds. On motion by Councilor Peterson, second Councilor Winkler to approve the final pay request, accept the final report and authorize the Mayor to sign the documents. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Canaday, Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson.  NO:  none.  The motion passed. Attorney Green who has been on the Kids Klub board of directors for 10 years thanked the City.

Chad Erickson and Jerry Cloninger were present to request support from the City to extend the 35 mph speed limit on Highway 95. They felt a fatality in 2016 shows placement of the 35mph sign may have been a factor. The reduced speed will also help Jerry’s new business development and make it safer for the additional traffic they will generate. They are asking the City to sign the petition which is a request to Idaho Transportation Department for the speed limit reduction. Councilor Grant questioned why there are concerned now after two years. Mr. Cloninger responded because he didn’t own property then but does now. They are trying to design the turn lanes and the speed limit factors in on the length. Councilor Grant was concerned the reduction could affect ITD’s future plans to try to bypass Grangeville since ITD’s goal is to keep traffic moving. Chief Drew felt the sign had nothing to do with the accident. He thinks it’s because the truck was going to hit the curve. Sherriff Giddings stated he would support the study of reducing the speed limit. He also disagrees; the accident had nothing to do with the speed limit.

On motion by Councilor Winkler, second by Councilor Canaday that the Mayor sign the letter of support for 35 mph extension on Highway 95. Motion carried, Councilor Grant voting no.

Silas Whitely was present to request a documented easement through the watershed to property he’s trying to purchase. He needs a legal method of entry to the parcel and is hoping to get one through a shared four-way corner with Prairie Land and Timber, Bennett Industries and the City of Grangeville. He does not wish to construct roads or alter any existing infrastructure. If allowed, the entry would take place on foot as the area if very steep. Councilor Grant asked if Silas would need a road for harvest or access. Silas said no, it was harvested two years ago. Grant also asked if he talked to Bennett. He had, and they’ve verbally agreed. The request will be placed on the next agenda.

POLICE AND ANIMAL CONTROL REPORT: The department had 127 calls for service, 33 cases written, 31 citations, and 0 written warnings for October 2018.  Everything is going smoothly on the Spillman conversion with a target live date on January 1st.  They are hoping to go live on the E-ticket system soon. Officer Brainard goes to the academy in January and will be gone 15 weeks. Chief Drew is waiting on a new lease company for the new pickup that may have a better deal.

On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Canaday, to accept the Personnel Committee Minutes of November 5, 2018. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Grant, to accept the Property and Insurance Committee Minutes of November 7, 2018. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

BILLS:  The bills, in the amount of $268,844.97 were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds, on motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Grant.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

WATERSHED TIMBER HARVEST: Mayor Lester explained JG Logging will be ready to move from the Klein Property to the Watershed. The City doesn’t have a contract yet; it will be placed on the next agenda.

CROSS CONTROL PROGRAM: Public Works Maintenance Supervisor Mager and Public Works Maintenance Lead Jones presented information on the Cross Control Program. If Public Works decides a backflow is required, the cost would be with the owner. The owner would need to have annual inspections and testable equipment. If the backflow fails inspection, then a timeframe for repair is determined. Non-compliance would result in water shut off.

A questionnaire would be sent out that asks about pools, irrigation systems, wells and boilers with Public Works determining who needs them. The City would have information on the website with handouts available. Inspections need to be done by licensed backflow testers; there is no one in Grangeville licensed. Annual Inspections may be approximately $100-$150. The City would have costs in sending out letters, time for inspections, managing the records, talking to the public, removing meters if necessary. The City needs to decide if there should be a fee and permit when a backflow is required. Public Works hopes to move forward in December and then it would take about a year to implement. Councilor Farris asked what happens if someone comes to the Council asking for a waiver. Mager and Jones stated a waiver can not be granted. It is for the health and protection of the entire system. It was part of the safe water act of 1974 and the City is way behind on implementation. Councilor Canaday asked why the citizens should be responsible for the cost. Mager stated they City should not subsidize residents and Winkler stated it is already a state law and is required.

GRANGEVILLE HIGHWAY DISTRICT LETTER: The City received a letter from Grangeville Highway stating they are applying for a change of classification on roads. The letter shows how during an audit by Idaho Transportation Department the District was told roads classified by ITD as Major Collectors remain under Highway district jurisdiction and maintenance responsibility even if annexed by a city. They plan to have the Truck route from Lukes Gulch Road to US95 classified as a Major Collector. Attorney Green stated it’s a good thing for the City

The meeting adjourned at 7:10 P.M.

_________________________________
Wes Lester – Mayor

ATTEST:

 _________________________________
Tonya Kennedy – Clerk

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Skip to content