City Council met in regular session on November 15, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Lester presided:
Councilmembers present:
Mike Peterson
Pete Lane
Beryl Grant
Dylan Canaday
Scott Winkler
Councilmember absent: Amy Farris
City employees present were, City Administrator Kennedy, Public Works Director Mager, Chief Newman and Attorney Green.
MINUTES: The meeting was called to order and the Council minutes of November 1st were approved as presented by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Canaday. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Karin Vetter with Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) thought they’d last updated the Council in 2018. They started new programs in February 2020 to directly help animals in need. In 20 months they helped 1400 animals which proves dedication to help local programs. They have done various programs which are funded by grants, donations and fundraising.
• Trap, neuter vaccinate and return
• Transfer program
• Spay/neuter program
• Foster adoption program, supports transfer program and finds local foster homes
They would like to establish a location and start with a small building, maybe from Clearwater Barns and work out of there and eventually build a shelter. Their cash balance has increased from $364 in 2014 to $70,000 in 2021. They would like to know if they still have the property. MaryAnn Davidson stated she has been with Animal Ark for 30+ years. The City has been extremely supportive but the area needs a shelter. Animal Ark is in total support of ARF’s efforts.
Mayor Lester stated the site at the WWTP is probably unavailable due to regulations the City is facing with sewer. The City acquired other land, so as long as council is still ok with a land donation, the city still has land. It was asked if they’d considered the property of the two vet clinics in town that closed. They responded one has sold and the other is too expensive. They want to start small. Councilor Grant stated all strays are a problem. What are you doing at a County level? It seems like most is in Grangeville and their original plan was to get other City’s on board. At this time they are work in Grangeville but would like to expand to the County. Public Works Director Mager stated none of the City property is set up for roads, electrical or power. He suggested talking to Mike Cook at the county to see if the Civil air patrol area is available for a temporary building.
Mayor Lester stated at this time, the property isn’t available until we figure out what our sewer requirements will be.
Bob Johnson – Did not attend.
Ashley Szudajski – Did not attend.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: Public Works Director Bob Mager reported he provided a tour of the sewer plant to FFA members from northern Idaho. They wanted the City to explain what we are looking for in future employees. Mark Green is paved up to the gutter pan to make it through winter. They are getting snow equipment ready.
POLICE AND ANIMAL CONTROL REPORT: Chief Newman reported the City had 91 calls for service and 33 reports taken. The County signed off on the dispatch agreement so it will come next meeting.
FIRE DEPT. MINUTES: On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Lane to accept the Fire Department Minutes of October 11, 2021 and October 25, 2021. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
PLANNING AND ZONING MINUTES: On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Winkler to accept the corrected Planning and Zoning Minutes of September 28, 2021. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
BILLS: The bills, in the amount of $185,743.67 were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds, on motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Canaday. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
FLOODPLAIN ORDINANCE UPDATE: Administrator Kennedy explained she worked with Suzie Sarpong, FEMA Floodplain Management Specialist over the last year to review our code. Suzie went through the City ordinance and made changes based on regulations. The Council received copies of all the changes. A revised ordinance with the changes will be presented in December for adoption.
BUILDING INSPECTOR CONTRACT TRISTAN KIMBALL: On motion by Councilor Grant, second by Councilor Winkler to authorize the mayor to sign the building inspector contract with Tristan Kimball. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Canaday, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
GRANT FISCAL SPONSOR: Clerk Kennedy explained Grangeville Rural Fire District applied for a Grangeville Community Foundation grant and received $1,300. The Foundation discovered Rural Fire did not have the correct designation to receive a grant. They are asking if the City would be the sponsor for the grant. The City would be pass through on the grant and Rural Fire will do all their own reports. On motion by Councilor Winkler, second by Councilor Lane to have the City be the fiscal sponsor for Rural Fire. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Grant to go into Executive Session according to Section 74-206 (f) Litigation. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Canaday, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
The Council returned to regular session.
COMPLAINT FOR QUIET TITLE: Attorney Green explained Gene Dandliker had surveyed property he purchased on the Northeast side of the City that used to be Grangeville Transit. With the survey, he found out there was a little strip of property that is unclaimed. He is asking the court to title the strip in his name and part of the process is to make sure the City has no claim.
On motion by Councilor Winkler, second by Councilor Grant to authorize Attorney Green to stipulate to the quiet title of the alley property as described by Mr. Dandliker. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The meeting adjourned at 7:07 P.M.
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Wes Lester – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
