The City Council met in regular session on December 21, 2009 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Michael Peterson
Wes Lester
Georgia DeHaas
Brian Lorentz
Linda Aiken
Councilmembers absent: Del Houger City employees present were Public Works Director Gortsema, Attorney Green and Clerk Kennedy.
AGENDA AMENDMENT: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to add the Snowhaven accident and the Recreation Committee recommendation to the agenda since it happened after the agenda was posted. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
MINUTES: The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the December 7th regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Peterson to accept the Snowhaven Minutes of December 3, 2009. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. Councilman Lorentz explained there is a new crew at Snowhaven and that Vicky Dasenbrock is no longer working in the kitchen.
Clerk Kennedy explained that the health insurance premium rates increased by .75% for a renewal at January 1st which is a great number.
BILLS: The bills in the amount of $256,317.35 were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds, on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
STREET REPORT: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to approve the annual street finance report and authorize its publication. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
US 95 CORRIDOR STUDY UPDATE: Public Works Director Gortsema and Councilman Lester attended the 95 Corridor Study workshop held at City Hall this month. The State is doing a corridor study along all of Highway 95. They would like ideas on places they can improve Highway 95 in their 10 year plan. A few places already on the plan are the intersection of Greencreek Road at Cottonwood and the access at the casino entrance down by Lewiston. Public meetings will occur in the future for public comment.
WATER BOND RELIEF REQUEST: The Mizpah Rebekah Lodge No. 12 submitted a request to have the water bond charge removed from their account because they have the building winterized and they had the water turned on for a one time event. Councilman Lester had concerns about waiving the fee as the purpose of the bond it to make sure there is money for improvements and properties are charged because they have access to the service. Mayor Walker explained that on the previous request from Pat Webb, the Council did a one time waiver but let him know if the water was turned on in the future, he would have the bond charge on the account. Councilman Peterson felt there could be a different fee charged for lodges so they could recoup their cost in the rental. Councilwoman DeHaas agreed with Councilman Lester in that rentals and properties City wide are benefiting from the new lines, whether they have the water on or off. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman Aiken to do the same agreement as Pat Web, to waive the $15.00 charge now and explain with a letter letting them know it was a one time waiver and if they ever turn the water back on, then they have to pay the water bond. Motion carried, Councilman Peterson voting no. Attorney Green will prepare an agreement for them to sign.
PAWN LICENSE RENEWALS: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson to approve the applications for pawn, secondhand & junk store license for Ralph Martin d/b/a Martin’s Antiques and Milton Perry d/b/a B&B Bargain Store. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SNOWHAVEN ACCIDENT: Councilman Lorentz explained that a child on the T-bar was injured on Saturday when the cable was de-railed. The child was taken by ambulance to the hospital and he was ok. He felt the City should let the City’s insurance take care of it. Today Scott Wasem found out two high school kids were responsible for derailing the cable. The parents have been contacted. The hill will also determine if there are improvements to be made to the T-bar. The Council had no objections with submitting a claim to ICRMP.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to go into Executive Session according to Section 67-2345 (a) Personnel. Roll call. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: DeHaas, Lester, Lorentz, Aiken, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
The Council returned to regular session. No action was taken.
The meeting adjourned at 8:20 P.M.
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Bruce Walker – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
