City Council met in regular session on November 21, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Lester presided:
Councilmembers present:
Mike Peterson
Beryl Grant
Scott Winkler
Pete Lane
Amy Farris
Councilmembers absent: Dylan Canaday
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 7th were approved as presented by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Lane. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Lee Slichter, GEMS Principal requested permission to temporarily close Court Street between Idaho Avenue and S A Street for bus loading and unloading from 7:35 am to 7:55 am and from 3:25 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Administrator Kennedy stated she had talked to Kristi at Kids Klub and asked her to visit with Lee about any concerns she may have. Kristi let Kennedy know before the meeting that her questions were answered. Councilor Grant stated the council was concerned about GEMS being good neighbors and checking in to see if Lee had talked to her neighbors. Lee’s biggest concern is children popping out of blind spot in front of traffic. She did talk to Kids Klub and it’s still possible for people to drive past the sign; however the sign says it’s closed. She has a letter drafted to parents explaining the process. Residents can still utilize street. One sign will be just inside the crosswalk on Idaho Ave and the other will be on A Street. On motion by Councilor Farris, second by Councilor Grant to grant permission to GEMS to temporarily close Court Street between Idaho Avenue and S A Street for bus loading and unloading from 7:35 a.m. to 7:55 a.m. and from 3:25 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
POLICE AND ANIMAL CONTROL REPORT: Chief Newman reported the City had 76 calls for service and 28 reports taken for October 2022. Councilor Grant asked if it was less than normal. Chief Newman responded that the total calls were down; however more reports were written. Councilor Farris asked if the department has seen an increase in dog pick-ups with the weather change. Chief Newman said prior to the cold, it was higher.
PUBLIC WORKS REPORT: Public Works Director Mager stated before the weather change, the water service was moved at Quality Hearing as part of ITD project. Williams Plumbing completed Larson’s sewer and we got it paved back. The sander is in Moscow getting the v-blade plow on it. The water tank bid is out to bid and we had the pre-construction meeting.
REQUIRED PARKING SPACES FOR RESIDENCES: A draft ordinance adding two off street parking spaces for each single-dwelling residence was reviewed and forwarded to Planning and Zoning for a public hearing and comment.
RESIDENCES IN THE BUSINESS DISTRICT OF COMMERCIAL ZONE: A draft ordinance removing the restriction that prohibited new residences in the business district of the commercial zone was reviewed and forwarded to Planning and Zoning for a public hearing and comment.
BILLS: The bills, in the amount of $237,305.14 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.
BUILDING INSPECTOR CONTRACT ALLEN: Mayor Lester stated our current inspector was required to have his commercial inspector certification by December 31, 2022. He informed us he wouldn’t be proceeding. Administrator Kennedy stated Kile Allen is certified for residential and commercial and is currently taking care of other small cities in the area. On motion by Councilor Winkler, second by Councilor Peterson to sign the building inspector contract with Kile Allen for new permits effective November 22, 2022. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
2023 COUNCIL MEETING DATES: On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Lane to adopt the 2023 Council meeting dates. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CLARK COMMUNICATIONS TOWER LEASE: On motion by Councilor Winkler, second by Councilor Peterson to approve the assignment of the tower lease from Clark Communication to Davis Communication effective January 1, 2023. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
EJCDC CONTRACT AMENDMENT #3: On motion by Councilor Grant, second by Councilor Lane to Approve the Water System Improvements EJCDC Contract Amendment #3 to add NACE Paint Inspector Construction Services in the amount of $28,600 contingent upon USDA Rural Development review and approval. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
ICDBG FUND REQUEST #4: On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Grant to authorize the Mayor to sign ICDBG Fund request #4 in the amount of $5,599. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 6:25 P.M.
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Wes Lester – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
