Centennial Library

October 5, 2015 Regular Meeting

The City Council met in regular session on October 5, 2015 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Mayor Walker presided:

Councilmembers present:
Scott Winkler
Mike Peterson
Beryl Grant
Shelley Dumas
Pete Lane
Wes Lester

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

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

MINUTES:  The meeting was called to order and the minutes of September 21st were approved as presented by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilman Winkler.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

VISITORS:  Jim Moody, 733 South Idaho, requested a sidewalk waiver.  He’s doing a remodel and there are no other sidewalks south of his house.  The street right of way is only 40’ and his property goes to the curb.  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to grant an indefinite sidewalk waiver to Jim Moody at 733 South Idaho.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

Ralph Rau, Deputy Forest Supervisor for the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest provided an update on all the fires this season.  Most of the fires burned on the front area rather than as historically in the back country. Every City except Grangeville, Kooskia and Stites was under some stage of restrictions.  They are assessing areas with damage and looking to see what needs to be fixed before the seasons change.  In fire areas they are looking at road side salvage; approximately 200’ along the roadsides for safety areas.  They will also look at an area fire salvage for bigger areas with fire damage and then watershed restoration efforts.  The forest will be in a post fire recovery mode for quite some time.

Zach Peterson, Forest Planner provided an update on the Forest Plan Revision.   He emphasized how important public response is to get the plan correct.  The Forest Plan Management is required by federal laws.  They have been working on it, however due to the fires, the priorities have shifted to post fire needs. The forest plan is a rule set that all future plans must be consistent with – similar to zoning regulations.  They are looking at maybe having a final decision in 2017 or 2018.  It’s critical that people are involved as the plan is revised based up public input.  When they get back up and running, they will have additional public meetings for citizen input.

REGIONAL ANIMAL SHELTER:  Melisa Bryant requested removal from the agenda and she will be back at the next meeting.  Mayor Walker pointed out the newest map ARF is considering.

PETERSON OUT OF CITY WATER REQUEST:  Discussion continued on the out of City water request from Rick and Kim Peterson Mike Peterson questioned if the property is contiguous to city limits.  Mayor Walker responded the hospital foundation has submitted a request for annexation and is currently in the process but at this time it is not contiguous.  Councilwoman Grant felt because the other two properties didn’t pay the buy in, Rick shouldn’t have to pay the buy in.  Councilman Lester felt city water was put in as backup for the well system and everyone already had water so Rick should not have a buy in.  He felt the Council was trying to clean up the area.  Mayor Walker explained how a prospective owner of the car wash came to the Council and they were told they had to pay the buy in.  They chose not to buy the property.  Then the new owner of the car wash building was given a waiver.  Now a waiver of the buy in for this property is being discussed even though the request was for out of City water hookup.

Rick stated they would like the meter installed and ready in case they need it.  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman Grant to allow Rick and Kim Peterson at 93 North Highway 95 to hook up to City water and to waive the buy in fee.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

PIONEER PARK COTTONWOOD TREE:  In front of the bathhouse is a Cottonwood tree.  The tree is about 20’ tall before any branches start and about 4’-5’ around.   Public Works would like to take the tree down as it is starting to rot.  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to allow public works to take down the cottonwood tree in Pioneer Park.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

HELICOPTER ORDINANCE:  Attorney Green talked to Chief Drew about the ordinance.  Chief Drew suggested allowing an exception in case law enforcement needs to have a helicopter land in the City limits for an emergency such as a mass casualty.  Mayor Walker stated during the special meeting, FAA guidelines were discussed and also current accidents that have occurred with helicopters across the nation.  There was discussion that Section 2 needs to provide a better definition of safety and intent.   The Council should submit revisions to the Clerk so a new draft can be prepared for the October 19th meeting.  Councilwoman Grant talked about congestion, flight approach, protection zone and not allowing by churches, hospitals and schools.  It was questioned whether it needed to be a crime if the ordinance is violated.

The meeting adjourned at 8:27 P.M.

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

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