The City Council met in regular session on August 1, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers.
Mayor Lester presided
Councilmembers present:
Mike Peterson
Scott Winkler
Beryl Grant
Dylan Canaday
Amy Farris
Pete Lane
City employees present were Attorney Green and City Administrator Kennedy. Chief Newman and Public Works Director Mager absent.
MINUTES: The meeting was called to order and the minutes of July 18th were approved as presented by Councilor Peterson, seconded by Councilor Canaday. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ANIMALS: Mayor Lester stated the Council is discussing the number of animals allowed on a lot in residential zone B and industrial zone D.
City Administrator Kennedy read the written correspondence as summarized.
• Barry Kimbro, 318 S A St – He felt the code should be left as currently written
• Darrel and Donna Forsman, S B – They are opposed to changing the ordinance to allowing rabbits, chickens and other animals in all zones. They are noisy, smell, difficult to contain and belong in the country.
City Administrator Kennedy suggested considering a square footage requirement based upon the type of animals. In a previous meeting packet, she had provided Lewiston and Moscow’s ordinance which takes into account the square footage of the lot. Lewiston takes the entire lot size less the minimum lot size and that leaves the square footage allowed for animals.
Councilor Grant wants to make sure there are teeth in the ordinance for those that violate the requirements. Councilor Peterson stated the paperwork he provided to Kennedy will be included in next meeting’s packet and has some penalty information in it. Councilor Winkler liked the number of animals based upon the size of the property. Councilor Lane asked if a petition was going to be submitted to the City. Kennedy replied it is on the August 15th agenda. Councilor Farris stated for 4-H, the extension office has recommended guidelines for different animals. She’ll get the information to Kennedy for the next meeting.
DANGEROUS BUILDING – KURKE SHEPHARD, 512 S IDAHO: Administrator Kennedy explained Kurke Shephard was sent a letter February 24, 2020 by building inspector Jim Yeoman, declaring his house at 512 S Idaho as a dangerous building. He was given 30 days to demolish or repair the building. Kurke had Attorney Brennan Wright request an extension until November 30, 2020 to complete his repairs. Over the next year, Jim continued working with Kurke to try to get a resolution; however the needed repairs were not completed before Jim’s death. The current building inspector Tristan Kimball agreed with Jim’s declaration and another letter was sent to Kurke on June 22, 2022 to demolish or repair within 30 days. As of today, the necessary repairs are not completed.
Kurke Shephard stated it’s in mail. He has to sign papers on Wednesday. He stated it’s impossible to get anything done with COVID stuff going on. Mayor Lester asked if he had the work lined up. Kurke said yes; he could give him phone numbers for Dan at Pine Tree for funding and McDermott as the contractor.
Attorney Green stated it has been going on for over two years now. He is sympathetic to Mr. Shephard and that’s why no action has happened. Now the council needs to set guidelines for the work to be completed or direct him to file a lawsuit to get court order to say the work has to be done.
Councilor Grant understands it’s been tough, she would just like a timeframe for the work to be done. Kurke responded he doesn’t know what the schedule is. The money is approved, he signs Wednesday and money should be available around the 15th. Then he can call McDermott to get on the schedule and see what he says. He’s hard to get a hold of.
Councilor Grant felt if it’s in the works, then let Tonya know so she stays up to date. Councilors Winkler and Farris agree with Grant, it’s hard. Councilor Grant stated we understand it’s tough. Do you think a year will be good? Kurke stated he didn’t know how long it would take; you can call McDermott to see what you tell you.
On motion by Councilor Grant, second by Councilor Peterson to give Kurke Shephard one year from the date he signs his loan to work with McDermott to get his project done. Mayor Lester stated he understood Kurke signs Wednesday. Kurke stated yes, but it takes a bit to get the money. Councilor Grant stated the money should be available Monday after signing. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
TENTATIVE BUDGET: On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Lane to adopt the 2022-23 Tentative Budget. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ITEMS TO NOTE: 2022-23 Budget Hearing – September 6, 2022
The meeting adjourned at 6:20 P.M.
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Wes Lester – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
