The City Council met in regular session on August 6, 2012 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Del Houger
Mike Peterson
Brian Lorentz
Rob Bentley
Shelley Dumas
Councilmember absent:
Wes Lester
City employees present were Chief Drew, Attorney Green and Clerk Kennedy. Public Works Director McFrederick absent.
MINUTES: The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the July 16th meeting were approved as presented by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilman Bentley. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
AMENDMENT: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson to accept the amendment to the agenda to include the counter proposal to the Forest Service move to Kamiah, due to it not being received by the deadline. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Edie Lustig, Librarian, explained that during the budget meeting there was a discussion about setting an in city rate for a library card. She later found out that library state statute does not allow charging. The library will be looking at fees in the future for certain offerings, such as technology. Attorney Green explained that state statute states the library will be “forever free” for residents, but also feels certain offerings could have a charge in the future.
Kevin Asker was present to explain that enough fundraising for the Disc Golf Course has occurred to buy and install 18 targets. He asked for permission to order them so he can start work on the first phase. He will then continue to fundraise for the cement pads. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Houger to give Kevin Asker permission to start installation of disc golf course prior to fundraising completion. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: The department had 44 cases written, 18 citations, 2 written warnings and 178 calls for service, 7 dogs and 4 cats handled. The Police and Animal Control Report for July 2012 was accepted on motion by Councilman Peterson second by Councilman Bentley. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SIDEWALK WAIVER REQUESTS: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Bentley to grant an indefinite sidewalk waiver for Justin Erickson at 509 West North 4th Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
On motion by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilman Bentley to grant an indefinite sidewalk waiver for Bryan and Holly Cox, 413 North B Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CITY HALL PARKING LOT: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson to accept the Poe Asphalt bid of $52,718.00 to re-do City Hall parking lot. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
TENTATIVE BUDGET: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson to adopt the 2012-13 Tentative Budget. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. It was noted that the Council will need to decide by the budget hearing if the skid steer and library increase will be left in the budget.
SLUDGE PUMPS: The sludge pumps went out at the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Public Works Director McFrederick is working toward a change order to the current project to get them replaced.
CATERING PERMIT: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Bentley to approve the catering permit for the Twisted Cellar for the Ride Idaho Event on August 8, 2012. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SIGNS ON CLOSED BUSINESSES: Councilwoman Dumas had been contacted by Kim Chenoweth who would like to see the signs advertising business on a property removed if the business closes. Attorney Green stated it would be regulating speech on private property. Although he hasn’t researched it, he felt it would be very difficult to regulate. Councilwoman Dumas felt there was some validity to Kim Chenoweth’s letter. She felt it would be nice to research it to determine if it’s legal or at a minimum if the City could send a letter asking them to take down the sign. Mayor Walker felt a better idea would be to have the Chamber of Commerce write a letter so it doesn’t appear to be a government directive.
COUNTER PROPOSAL TO FOREST SERVICE MOVE TO KAMIAH: Councilwoman Dumas explained that a letter to the Forest Service with their proposal is the final idea from the Grangeville Forest Service Task Committee. Grangeville’s proposal is there would be no leasing at all. The Forest Service can’t buy land or buildings so it is proposed they would use the existing property they own on the truck route and build a new building.
On motion by Councilman Houger second by Councilman Lorentz to accept the Grangeville Forest Service Task Committee’s proposal to the forest service on the move to Kamiah and put it on city letterhead. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ITEMS TO NOTE: 2012-13 Budget Hearing September 4, 2012
The meeting adjourned at 8:40 P.M.
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Bruce Walker – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
