The City Council met in regular session on April 18, 2011 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Del Houger
Wes Lester
Mike Peterson
Brian Lorentz
Rob Bentley
Georgia DeHaas
City employees present were: Chief Quantz, Public Works Director Gortsema, Attorney Green and Clerk Kennedy.
MINUTES: The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the April 5th meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Peterson. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Charlene Fenelon with Padge’s Place requested permission to close West North Street on July 2nd for a class reunion as detailed in the motion. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to allow Padge’s Place and City Police to close West North Street on July 2nd from Hall Street to State Street from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Rachel Young, Grangeville Arts president requested permission to use Pioneer Park for the Summer Concert Series. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to grant Grangeville Arts permission to use the Pavilion and Pioneer Park for the Summer Concert Series on July 7, 14, 21, 28. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Peterson to grant Bob and Carolyn Haning an indefinite sidewalk waiver at 817 Cunningham. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Jerry Zumalt was present to see if the City would allow Northwest Management to proceed with thinning in Stand 1 for hazardous fuels. The County’s Title III funds would be used to pay for this project. There are approximately 75 acres in Stand 1 that will be thinned and pruned and then piled and burned (along with some from last fall). They would like to have Idaho County folks work under Northwest Management oversight and coordinate the project with Public Works Director Gortsema. Councilman Lester made a motion, second by Councilman Houger to allow the County and Northwest Management to proceed with thinning for fire protection on the watershed on Stand 1. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
GARBAGE CONTRACT: Councilman Lester reported that the Sanitation committee met two different times with Walco representatives on four points: recycling, regional landfill, contract term and local landfill for WWTP Class B sludge. The committee’s recommendation is to leave the contract as is but to change the term from 3 to 5 years.
Jeff Kutner commented that he would like to see recycling removed from the contract. He would also like to have language added that would require City input on where solid waste would be hauled to make sure the citizens get the best deal possible. Councilwoman DeHaas felt the committee reviewed all the information and met two different times to come to a recommendation. On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Houger to follow the recommendation of the sanitation committee and approve the contract. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ANIMAL ARK AGREEMENT AND OPTIONS: Councilwoman DeHaas explained the committee met and discussed the contract. It was reiterated that there was no discussion to destroy animals. At the end of the meeting, Karen Cox and Dori Dixon signed the agreement. Clerk Kennedy relayed Mary Ann Davidson’s comments thanking the Council for having a meeting. Animal Ark found it informative and productive and appreciated it. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to accept the committee’s recommendation to sign the agreement with Animal Ark. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
BILLS: The bills in the amount of $284,990.68 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.
STEAM ENGINE AT THE COURTHOUSE: Mike Peterson explained that about a month ago a representative from the county jail came to a Historical Society meeting and asked for funds to restore the steam engine on the courthouse lawn. This Tuesday, the Historical Society voted to fund restoration of the engine for about $600.00. On Wednesday, they found out the steam engine was donated to the City. When the bills come in, the Historical Society would like the City to contribute a little bit toward expenses.
ITEMS TO NOTE:
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
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Bruce Walker – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
