City Council met in regular session on February 6, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Lester presided:
Councilmembers present:
Mike Peterson
Beryl Grant
Scott Winkler
Dylan Canaday
Pete Lane
Amy Farris
City employees present were City Administrator Kennedy, Public Works Director Mager, Chief Newman and Attorney Jessup.
MINUTES: The meeting was called to order and the Council minutes of January 17th and 25th were approved as presented by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Canaday. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Farris to accept the Fire Minutes from November 14 and 28 and December 12, 2022. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Farris to accept the Planning and Zoning Minutes from January 31, 2023. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ANIMAL RESCUE FOUNDATION LAND REQUEST: Mayor Lester stated last month ARF asked if the City had land that could be donated or possibly purchased. Mayor Lester, Public Works Director Mager and City Administrator Kennedy met to review City maps for possible locations. One option to consider is by the new well site on Clearwater Lane. It is a long way from existing water and sewer at approximately 1,000’. The closest connection is by the forest service building. The original land pledged to ARF, the City took back by the sewer plant in case the City needs it for sewer plant upgrades. Lester didn’t feel the council was ready to give away or sell ground from Grangeville Investments as the council doesn’t know what the City may need it for yet. The property currently has triggered the subdivision process and is in a 5-year farm lease. Councilor Winkler asked if they talked to the county on the other side of Airport Road. Mager had suggested by the weed building which already has water and sewer. Other properties to consider would be the old car wash by the depot, property of Randy Vanderwall and Camas Prairie veterinary building, if owners will sell, as they aren’t currently listed. Existing property may be cheaper than bare ground due to infrastructure requirements and equity buy ins. On motion by Councilor Grant, second by Councilor Winkler to explain to ARF that the City doesn’t have any land available to sell or donate and then to explain options discussed. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SURPLUS: Public Works Director Mager would like to surplus the pickup Jones is driving that was purchased from the police department years ago. On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Canaday to surplus the 2007 Chevy Pickup VIN#1GCEK19077Z630113. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SNOWHAVEN: On motion by Councilor Grant, second by Councilor Winkler to allow Snowhaven to negotiate a price to sell the old snowmobile as no sealed bids were received. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CHAMBER REQUEST FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDS: Mayor Lester explained the Chamber of Commerce is asking the City for additional funds for maintenance at the Eimers Soltman park. The Chamber currently leases the building for $1 and the City provides $3,000 to help maintain the property. The cost to maintain the property is about $7,000/year including mowing, sprinkler system maintenance, repairs due to vandalism, heating and small maintenance on visitor center building and mammoth building. The Chamber is considering the feasibility of not keeping brick and mortar due to the costs associated. The Chamber is asking for additional support from the City whether an increase in the $3,000 or help mowing the lawn. Mayor Lester explained the City provides $3,000/year to the Chamber, pays the water bill and plows out their parking lot. The City can’t increase the payment this year, as an increase was not budgeted. If Chamber decides not to utilize the visitor center it reverts to city. The City could rent it out. Mager felt it would take about an hour/week to mow; however if the City mows it, public works will do it our way. We don’t have time to take specific orders from people on what to do. If we start mowing it, even if it’s leased out, the city will probably always have it. The sprinkler system will be a pain. Councilor Grant questioned what happens if you don’t turn it on? The sprinkler system is a maintenance heavy item. Councilor Winkler stated if the City take over maintenance, then the city will make the decision on the sprinkler system.
Councilor Grant called Lori Courtright, Chamber treasurer and suggested the Chamber team up with the forest service and become an information center. When Councilor Grant had left the Chamber, the Chamber was going to reach out to forest service at that time but hadn’t so Lori will do so. Mayor Lester stated the Council needs to consider if they are willing to budget additional funds. Is the chamber presence a good thing? Councilor Grant felt you should cut down on lawn maintenance if you don’t have the money. If the Chamber steps away, the City would have maintenance on two buildings. Councilor Peterson suggested maybe Ida-Lew would be a good lease candidate. Kennedy also suggested possibly splitting the building and renting space to another business. This will be on the February 21st agenda.
FAIR HOUSING RESOURCE PERSON: On motion by Councilor Grant, second by Councilor Farris for Community Development Block Grant purposes to appoint City Administrator Kennedy as the Fair Housing Resource Person. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ORDINANCES ON RESIDENCES IN BUSINESS DISTRICT AND OFF-STREET PARKING: City Administrator Kennedy stated Planning and Zoning held public hearings on the ordinance proposals. Discussion amongst P&Z members brought up the concern about losing street parking, particularly in the business district, due to the install of driveway entrances, however they were still in favor with moving forward with the ordinances.
ORDINANCE NO. 965
(Ordinance No. 965 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE PROVIDING FOR THE AMENDMENT OF TITLE 10 CHAPTER 5 SUBSECTION 2 (10-5-2) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE REMOVING THE PROHIBITION OF NEWLY LOCATED PRIVATE RESIDENCES WITHIN THE BUSINESS DISTRICT; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR THE ORDINANCE BECOMING EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION.
On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Canaday that the first reading be approved, that the rules be suspended, the second and third readings be waived and the ordinance be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Canaday, Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Lester then declared Ordinance No. 965 duly approved and adopted.
ORDINANCE NO. 966
(Ordinance No. 966 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE PROVIDING FOR THE AMENDMENT OF TITLE 10 CHAPTER 3 SUBSECTION 11 (10-3-11) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE REQUIRING A MINIMUM OF TWO (2) OFF STREET PARKING SPACES FOR EACH SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE CONSTRUCTED IN THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE AFTER FEBRUARY 15, 2023; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND PROVIDING FOR THE ORDINANCE BECOMING EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION.
On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Lane that the first reading be approved, that the rules be suspended, the second and third readings be waived and the ordinance be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Canaday, Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Lester then declared Ordinance No. 966 duly approved and adopted.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Winkler to go into Executive Session according to Section 74-206 (b) To consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a pubic officer, employee, staff member of individual agenda or public school student. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Canaday, Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
The Council returned to regular session. No action was taken.
The meeting adjourned at 7:03 P.M.
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Wes Lester – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
