The City Council met in special session on April 10, 2017 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Scott Winkler
Mike Peterson
Beryl Grant
Pete Lane
Amy Farris
Councilmember absent: Wes Lester
City employees present Chief Drew, Attorney Green, Public Works Director McFrederick and Clerk Kennedy.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
POSSIBLE LAND GIFT: Several years ago, Brad Miltenberger and his father purchased the property north of town from the existing forest service buildings west to Day Road. He built the Forest Service buildings and since then the Forest Service property has been sold multiple times. He still owns 94 acres of the property. His main investments are in Montana and about a year ago he said he wanted to gift the property to the City. Mayor Walker suggested he put that intent in a letter to the City but we never heard anything back. A couple weeks ago, he contacted Public Works Director McFrederick stating the same intention and McFrederick asked for a letter which was received late last week.
Brad wants to be indemnified for everything related to the private road (Clearwater Lane) and he would gift the City the remaining 94 acres. He said the City could use the property for whatever the City needs. He’s making about $8,000/year farming it. It’s in area of impact and would be zoned industrial. The property has been appraised. The city would have to accept the gift and then Brad would start working on the process to donate it.
Public Works McFrederick said it’s great for Public Works. They need a well lot and in the future may need property for reuse. Councilwoman Grant thought the City may need to plat the area with prospective uses. Attorney Green wanted to make sure is a title search done. This will be added to the next agenda.
EQUITY BUY IN AND CONNECTION FEES: Public Works Director McFrederick explained the basics about the equity buy in fees. An ER is the basis for determining sewer and water rates. An ER is the equivalent of one residence. One ER for sewer is $2,860; water is $1,540. A lot of commercial ends up being 1 ER so they just pay the minimum. McFrederick provided the Council a copy of the commercial rate structure for the buy in and explained how it is figured. He explained his intent was never to get rid of the equity buy in but to figure out how to generate more income for the City. After thinking about it more, he feels the City needs to do a user rate study. The last study is out dated and is based upon the original plant costs from the 80s.
McFrederick explained infiltration is a major issue for the city. He feels fixing that issue is better than re-designing at the plant. He recommended using J-U-B Engineering for the rate study as we have a current engineering agreement with them, and it will be cheaper to have them update the rate study. McFrederick estimated about $20,000 for the study.
The meeting adjourned at 8:42 P.M.
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Bruce Walker – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
