City Council met in regular session on April 17, 2017 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Scott Winkler
Mike Peterson
Pete Lane
Wes Lester
Beryl Grant
Councilmember absent: Amy Farris
City employees present were Chief Drew, Attorney Green, Public Works Director and Administrative Assistant Urquhart. Clerk Kennedy absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MINUTES: The meeting was called to order and the minutes of April 4th and April 10th were approved as presented by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilman Winkler. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Jeff Kutner requested the City appoint an Ida-Lew representative. The Council was encouraged to consider volunteering.
Todd Marek was present to report on the band shell progress and to request final decision on the location at Pioneer Park. During his discussions with various Council members, it appeared the consensus was to tear down the existing pavilion and build in the same location with the Soroptimist being listed as a major sponsor. The height of the stage may vary from 24” down to 12”. It could still be used as a picnic area with tables and they could be moved in and out. They would like it enclosed so it can be used for non-amplification uses, such as plays, chorus groups and any other events that don’t have amps and equipment. If there is a storm, it would also help protect the equipment. The current pavilion is 30’x30’; they are looking at a front opening of 36’-40’ and then the back would narrow up. It would connect in over by the bathrooms with a ramp for access or a small step.
Councilwoman Grant does not want a step in front. Mayor Walker felt things have progressed more than the original plan. He felt it wasn’t multiple use any more but moving more toward a stage for use. They want it to be used for picnics and family gatherings, not to be changed into just a stage. Todd stated he was confused as when he had talked to the Council individually, the feeling he got was everyone wanted it in the same location as the current pavilion.
Councilwoman Grant wants it at ground level. She doesn’t care about the structure but felt two buildings would look ridiculous. She felt tearing down the existing and building a new one is ok; however people need to be able to walk up to it without steps.
Mayor Walker personally doesn’t want trees taken out. Todd stated if trees have to come out, the committee would replace the trees with 15’ trees. Mayor Walker felt if the Council could get a sketch of what they were looking for they might be able to make a better decision.
Todd stated they want to make sure they have the right location and design ideas before they move forward with designs that must be paid for. Councilman Winkler suggested bringing in two designs; one with open sides, the other enclosed.
Councilman Lane questioned how the square footage would compare to the existing structure. Todd explained the total square footage would be similar but the shape would be slightly different. It was also questioned if there was feedback from the Soroptimist on removing the existing structure. Todd explained a couple didn’t care, while a couple others wanted it left as is. Councilwoman Grant questioned whether discussion occurred on moving the structure to the Soroptimist park. Todd stated a couple contractors had stated if you take it down, you’d probably need to just to build a new one at the other park. If the Council felt strongly about moving it, that would be considered.
Jeff Kutner stated when he attended the first couple meetings the discussion was to add on to the front of the existing pavilion where Ted Lindsley had it staked for the Council to review. He questioned what the objection was to having it go out in front. He felt the two roofs could be blended to make it look good. Councilman Lester didn’t feel it would look good and neither did Councilwoman Grant. Councilman Lane stated if the two structures were blended it might be a good compromise. Councilman Winkler stated maybe it’s doable. Todd stated if that is the direction the Council wants; however when he visited with them before that’s not what they said they wanted. Councilwoman Grant said it was originally presented that the band shell would be added on in front of the pavilion but then it would be two separate buildings. Todd stated there was concern from the architect and the engineering students that adding on to the existing structure it may not look good and he was trying to listen to the design experts.
Mayor Walker stated he thought the Council wanted to leave it where it is. Todd asked if they wanted the two buildings together or not. Mayor Walker stated they want a building there that serves the community as it has with mainly picnic area and family gathering area. Mayor Walker questioned the cost of the project. Todd stated it could be $40,000 to $65,000 depending on what they do. Councilwoman Grant stated she likes the general idea without steps; as far as the existing building, sometimes you need to move on with something different.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: The department had 36 cases written, 9 citations, 3 written warnings and 103 calls for service for March 2017. The Police and Animal Control Report was accepted on motion by Councilman Peterson second by Councilman Winkler. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. Officer Walters submitted his resignation effective April 27th; he plans to work for UPS.
The Fire Minutes from March 17 and 27, 2017 were accepted on motion by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilman Winkler. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
EQUITY BUY IN RATES AND NEW RATE STUDY: Mayor Walker stated the City has been talking about equity buy rates revision the last several months. The City has not done a new rate study since 2005. In order to be eligible for future funding the City is going to look into a new rate study. Public Works Director McFrederick will look into costs for a rate study with JUB and report back at budget time.
REVISED SEWER CONNECTION POLICY: On motion by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilman Grant to adopt the revised Sewer Connection Policy. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
REVISED WATER CONNECTION POLICY: On motion by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilman Grant to adopt the revised Water Connection Policy. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
POSSIBLE LAND GIFT: Mayor Walker explained when the new forest service building was built north of town, Brad Mildenberger and his father purchased the entire property from State Street to Day Road. The property to the east of Clearwater Lane has since all sold but he still owns 94 acres west of Clearwater Lane. Mr. Mildenberger has offered to donate the 94 acres to the City of Grangeville, with conditions, such as indemnification to the owners of Clearwater Lane and the property east of the Clearwater Lane from expenditures including roads, curbs, sidewalks, etc. This property would be removed from the tax role; however right now it is not in the City limits so the City doesn’t get tax revenue. It is currently bringing in about $8,000/year in farm income. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to accept the 94 acres Mildenbergers are offering as a gift. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
BILLS: The bills in the amount of $175,161.84 were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds, on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CHIPSEAL BID: Public Works Director reported the City received three bids on the chip seal project as follows and requested authorization to award the bid to Herco in the amount of $427,273.28:
Knife River $2.60/square yard
Herco Inc $1.57/square yard
POE Asphalt Paving Inc $1.73/square yard
On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Winkler to approve the Chipseal bid to Herco for $427,273.28. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS: A resolution to destroy City records was submitted for approval.
RESOLUTION NO. 252
(Resolution No. 252 in its entirety on file in the City’s Resolution File)
The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Lester who moved for its adoption. Second by Councilman Lane.
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE, IDAHO COUNTY AUTHORIZING DESTRUCTION OF RECORDS.
ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Winkler, Lester, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Walker then declared Resolution No. 252 duly approved and adopted.
SPRING CLEAN UP: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to set spring clean up May 22 – May 26. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The meeting adjourned at 8:47 P.M.
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Bruce Walker – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
