The City Council met in regular session on February 7, 2011 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Del Houger
Mike Peterson
Georgia DeHaas
Brian Lorentz
Rob Bentley
Wes Lester
City employees present were Chief Quantz, Attorney Green, Public Works Director Gortsema and Clerk Kennedy.
MINUTES: The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the January 18th meeting were approved as presented by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: John Purdy, 304 North A Street, would like to place a 4’ chain link fence inside the sidewalk all the way around the property. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to allow the Purdy’s to place a fence as shown on the map on the inside of the sidewalk around their property. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Rick Pritchett, 317 Nezperce Street stated that they have parked diagonally in front of their house to allow for more parking, especially during Border Days and funerals for the last 17 years. They would like to get a variance to allow them to park that way instead of being required to parallel park. The police department has been patrolling the City, as parking has gotten out of hand around town for parking violations including parking the wrong way on the street. Councilman Lester asked if there appeared to be a site restriction with how they had been parking. Chief Quantz answered no.
Councilman Lester had no problem changing the ordinance to allow diagonal parking, but would like all areas in town to be changed at the same time. Some affected areas in town may include Grangeville Health and Rehab, the church by City Hall and the Lions Park.
Gina Campbell, with the Farmer’s Market requested permission to use Heritage Square from July 9th through October 1st for the Farmer’s Market and they requested permission to hang their banner again. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to grant the Farmers Market permission to use Heritage Square from the weekend after the 4th of July through the 1st weekend of October. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The banner request will be addressed at a future meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: The department had 63 cases written, 11 misdemeanor arrests, 4 felony arrests, 4 criminal traffic arrests, 11 traffic infractions, 4 non traffic warning, 1867 service activities, 12 dogs and 2 cats handled. The Police and Animal Control Report for January 2011 was accepted on motion by Councilman Lorentz second by Councilman Lester. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Chief Quantz provided an update on the Idaho Police Chief’s Conference he attended in January and on the Critical Incident Task Force.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE: Councilman Peterson provided an update on the Legislative Meeting he attended in January.
LIBRARY MINUTES: The Library Minutes from January 27, 2011 were accepted on motion by Councilman Bentley, second by Councilman Peterson. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Mayor Walker appointed Angie Green to the Library Board. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to ratify the Mayor’s appointment of Angie Green to a 5 year library term, expiring March 2016. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
TRAFFIC STUDY ON NORTH MEADOW AND NEZPERCE STREETS: Chief Quantz reported on the traffic study recently completed on the intersection at North Meadow and Nezperce Streets. Chief Quantz recommended temporary speed bumps that can be added or removed as necessary. Councilman Houger stated when this first came up, he drove down the street and didn’t have a problem. After the meeting he tried again when it was frosty still no problem. However, later when it had snowed, it had been bladed but not yet graveled and it was very slick and he slid down too. Councilman Lester felt signs at the top of the hill that say “hill is slick”, “detour”, “no through traffic” or something similar may work. Another suggestion was a caution sign with blinking lights on Meadow and then “no through traffic sign” at top of the hill.
FIRST STEP INTERNET PROPOSED AGREEMENT: Mike Hall with First Step Internet was present to go over the proposed agreement to place antennas on the water tower. Public Works Director Gortsema stated that no welding would occur as they use brackets, they will install their own power, and they have entered into an agreement with Spencer’s and the Grangeville School District to cross their property for access to the tower.
During review of the agreement it was discovered that the Library account wasn’t listed in the agreement. Mr. Hall pointed out that it was because the Library is part of a grant for broadband internet and he didn’t realize it was part of the City. Councilman Lester stated that he originally wanted a dollar amount for payment in the agreement, but now he would like the library account number added instead. Councilman Lorentz stated he would like a dollar amount listed and just have First Step Pay the City and the City can then buy the internet service and limit it to a 3 year agreement at about $135.00 per month. After discussion about the Library receiving broadband internet through a grant, it was suggested it be a 2 year term so the Library could be added after the grant runs out.
Mike Hall will re-draft the agreement and get a revised copy to the City for consideration.
ANIMAL ARK AGREEMENT: A draft copy of the Animal Ark agreement was provided to the Council. It was stated that a copy should be sent on to Animal Ark as proposed and then discuss for approval at next meeting.
CHOCOLATE FANTASY DONATION REQUEST: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson to donate a family season pool pass to Chocolate Fantasy. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SURPLUS: The 2001 Chevy Impala police vehicle as a blown motor and would cost too much to fix and it has zero value. The department is working with the Senior Fun Night Committee to raise money at the Winter Carnival by selling “bash the car” tickets. The sale of tickets will be split 50/50 between the Senior class and the Police Department. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to surplus the 2001 Chevy Impala police car and have the Chief work with the school on the donation process. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
RESOLUTION NO. 223
(Resolution No. 223 in its entirety on file in the City’s Resolution File)
The following resolution was introduced by Councilman Lorentz who moved for its adoption. Second by Councilman Lester.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE PROVIDING FOR AN INCREASE IN STREET LIGHT FEES PURSUANT TO GRANGEVILLE CITY CODE SECTION 8-4-3.
ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: DeHaas, Houger, Lester, Lorentz, Bentley, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Walker then declared Resolution No. 223 duly approved and adopted.
ORDINANCE NO. 866
(Ordinance No. 866 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE, IDAHO COUNTY, IDAHO, REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 864; PROVIDING FOR A VACATION OF A PORTION OF THE HALL STREET RIGHT OF WAY, AS IS REFLECTED ON THE RECORDED PLAT OF THE SOUTH ADDITION TO THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE; PROVIDING AUTHORITY FOR THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO SIGN QUITCLAIM DEEDS OF THE VACATED PORTION OF SAID STREET TO ADJACENT OWNERS; PROVIDING FOR THE ORDINANCE BECOMING EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION; AND, PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF EXPENSES RELATING TO SAID VACATION TO BE PAID BY THE PETITIONERS IN RELATION TO SUCH REQUESTED VACATION.
On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson 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: DeHaas, Houger, Lester, Lorentz, Bentley, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Walker then declared Ordinance No. 866 duly approved and adopted.
ITEMS TO NOTE:
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 P.M.
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Bruce Walker – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
