The City Council met in regular session on February 16, 2010 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Del Houger
Michael Peterson
Wes Lester
Brian Lorentz
Rob Bentley
Councilmember attendance by phone
Georgia DeHaas
City employees present were Public Works Director Gortsema, Attorney Green and Clerk Kennedy.
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the February 1st regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
AGENDA AMENDMENT: Councilman Lester made a motion, second by Councilman Houger to add Area of Impact Discussion to the agenda because it was received too late from the County to have it on the posted agenda. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: David Anderson was not present, but he had a representative to answer questions. Public Works Director Gortsema explained that David is planning to put a gym for martial arts in the basement of the bowling alley. He is renting the area but there is no access to the existing bathrooms. He can use the bowling alley bathroom when they are open, but not when they are closed. He would like to have a porta potty placed for a 6 month time period. Councilman Lorentz questions whether he needed permission since it’s on private property. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to grant David Anderson permission to place a porta potty at the back of the bowling alley until June 30, 2010 for David Anderson. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Vie Van Noy submitted a letter requesting an individual pool pass to be donated for the Move It program through the Grangeville PTA. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson to donate an individual pool pass to the GEMS PTA for their Move It Program. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Tera King of Northwest Management did a short presentation on the Watershed Management Plan. The version the Council previously received is the final version as there was no edits. Tera met with Jerry Zumalt, Randy Doman and Ken Gortsema to come up with a recommendation. Plan A: Go ahead with fire fuels recommendations, a shady fuel break on the North end of property and work around the communication site on top. They would like to expand the project a bit, using the County money as stated and possible partner with adjoining property owners. They are possibly looking at breaking even on the lumber market and then use the County funds to do fuels reduction. This would benefit the forest health. Plan B: Use the county money to do the fuels project on City property and stop there. Jerry Zumalt let the Council know that the funds are available until August 2010. $10,000 is to implement a fuel break and protect the communication sites or to use to see if we can partner with land owners. Before entering any contracts, the City would need to approve them. Gortsema stated that the grant requires a 10% match, so City may purchase and install a culvert at the Archery Range to fix the problem there, which would also supply the match for the project. Mayor Walker stated that since there was no objection from the Council, Northwest Management could proceed.
John Watson of Riedesel Engineering was present for a North Meadow Street Update. He handed out a cost estimate and schedule for construction, explaining that the project was funded through ARRA (stimulus) funds. The scope of the project was originally from Main to 7th Street; however the geotechnical report recommended more than an overlay, so the project is cut back to include 2nd to 7th Streets. The base bid is pavement only from 2nd -4th Streets. Then 4th Street to the culvert on will be curb and gutter. From 4th-7th Streets there will be a full reconstruction: curb, gutter on the east side and slight widening on the east side too but no sidewalks. A $500,000 estimate is for the base bid. The ad alternate is the replacement of curb, gutter and driveway approaches from 2nd -4th Streets and is estimated at $33,000. They are hoping to advertise for bids in the next 30-60 days. Construction would start after the Border Days celebration.
Ben McLean was present to ask that the City pay for sewer backup damages to his home at 421 Lincoln Avenue. Gortsema stated that the City has been in touch with McLean’s adjustor as they turned a claim into State Farm and they have asked that the City submit the claim to their insurance. Mayor Walker stated the City will submit the claim to ICRMP.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: The Library Minutes of January 28, 2010 were approved on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to reappoint David Rauzi to a 5 year term expiring 12/31/14. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The Snowhaven Minutes of February 4, 2010 were accepted on motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
WWTP VARIANCE UPDATE: Gortsema received two comment letters from DEQ: one on the facility plan and one on the variance request. The Facility Plan letter was 6 or 7 pages long for which JUB will provide the information needed. The variance letter was 3 pages and it had comments from DEQ people in Boise, John Cardwell in Lewiston and Tom Moore. DEQ wants the City to look at staying in the creek which would mean cooling the effluent. A conference call between Gary Allen, Attorney Green and City staff is scheduled for Thursday morning to review and figure out where the City is and where to go. The next step will be to meet with DEQ and EPA.
BILLS: The bills in the amount of $301,828.52 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.
DONATION TO GOLF COURSE: Gortsema explained that the City has 4’ green fencing that was used for the ball park fencing before chain link fence was installed. The golf course has a need to have a better barrier on driving range. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to donate some of the surplus fencing to the Grangeville Golf Course. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SIDEWALK WAIVER REQUEST: Andy and Roxanne Finney requested a sidewalk waiver on Crooks and 6th Streets as they are preparing to do some garage work that would trigger the sidewalks. Gortsema stated that on Crooks Street there are no sidewalks within three or four blocks and if installed the sidewalk would be in the ditch. 6th Street has curb and gutter but the sidewalk would dead end into the ditch on Crooks. Councilman Lester made a motion, second by Councilman Houger to approve an indefinite sidewalk waiver for Andy and Roxanne Finney at 814 Crooks Street for Crooks Street and 6th Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
HANDBOOK CHANGE: Clerk Kennedy requested that a handbook change for mileage reimbursement be made since the State reduced their rate to $.455 per mile. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson to reduce the City’s mileage reimbursement rate to $.455 per mile. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
FENCE ON THE CORNER AT 803 LINCOLN: Clara Jo Ellenberg, 803 Lincoln, has requested permission to place a 4’ chain link fence on the corner. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to draw up agreement to allow Clara Jo Ellenberg permission to place a 4’ chain link fence on the corner at 803 Lincoln. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
AREA OF IMPACT: Mayor Walker explained that the City received a new revised ordinance from the County; however language has changed extensively, building permits were deleted and there is no reference to newer ordinances. Councilman Lester stated that when he and Councilman Lorentz attended a commissioner meeting two months ago, he brought up that the City had passed ordinance stating if you want water or sewer you have to annex. He felt the new ordinance is a waste of time and he’s not in favor of it. If there are no building permits, he’s not interested. Councilman Lorentz stated that the County is addressing issues in the draft ordinance that is already addressed with the City’s requirement of annexation. In long run, he felt the area of impact is unworkable unless the City and County can work seamlessly with each other. Councilman Houger has concern with the County stating what the City can charge for water and sewer. Councilmen Lester and Lorentz don’t feel the City should spend any other funds on area of impact drafts ordinances. Mayor Walker felt the City needs to look at the area of impact because it addresses various aspects of zoning, water and sewer and expansion. Mayor Walker stated that the City will acknowledge that the proposed ordinance was received and that the Council is not in agreement at this time.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
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Bruce Walker – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
