The City Council met in regular session on July 5, 2011 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
Wes Lester
Councilmember absent:
Georgia DeHaas
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 June 20th meeting were approved as presented by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
AMENDMENT: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Houger to amend the agenda due to the fact that Tera Hill’s request came in after the deadline for the request to use Heritage Square. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Tera Hill, Grangeville Horizon’s requested use of Heritage Square on August 13th for their 3 on 3 basketball tournament. Tera also talked to Gina Campbell with the Farmers Market and they are ok with them using Heritage Square. At this time they don’t know if they will move out to the street or not have the market for one Saturday. Because of that, Tera is also requesting closure of South State Street. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to allow Grangeville Horizon the use of Heritage Square on August 13th for a basketball tourney and to close State Street between South and Main. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: The department had 62 cases written, 0 felony arrests, 10 misdemeanor arrests, 12 citations, 7 written warnings, 1145 service activities, 13 dogs and 3 cats handled. The Police and Animal Control Report for June 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 his fleet. He has been working toward acquiring vehicles. On the federal surplus he found two Lincoln Navigators that are in good shape in Maryland. He doesn’t know what kind of equipment they would have, but would like to go get them for a cost of about $2500.00. They are classified as easy to repair. Councilman Lorentz’s concern dealt with acquiring a fleet of used four wheel drive vehicles. His experience is that a lot of things can break on them and they are more expensive to repair then a car. He is worried about future maintenance concerns along with fuel budgetary concerns. Chief Quantz responded that he has looked at and compared these issues in the budget packet coming out later in the week. The best fuel records and the least maintenance is on the two four wheel drive vehicles the City currently has. Councilman Houger understood where Lorentz was coming from but at the same time knew the City cannot afford to purchase new vehicles in the next couple years. Councilman Peterson felt this could be the next best opportunity to get good vehicles. Councilman Lester asked about the plan for the current vehicles. Chief Quant stated he plans to surplus some of the cars. Councilman Bentley felt he should go get the Navigators. On motion by Councilman Houger, second by Councilman Peterson to allow Chief Quantz to continue with buying both of these vehicles. Motion carried, Councilman Lorentz voting no.
The Planning and Zoning Minutes of June 27, 2011 were accepted on motion by Councilman Houger, second by Councilman Lester. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to approve the 5 year extension on the Vineyards plat as recommended in the Planning and Zoning’s minutes. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to grant a conditional use to Carrie Page at 416 North Idaho to have a hair salon business in her home. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Councilman Houger felt it was admiral of father to build something that in the case of a fire would allow exit by two doors. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to allow Satre to encroach into the setback with a deck and handicap ramp by approving the variance application submitted by B. Thomas Satre at 624 Court Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
FOREST MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to authorize the Mayor to sign the Forest Management Services Agreement with Northwest Management with includes the $1/ton for pulp logs sold that wasn’t included in the original contract. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
HERCO PAYMENT: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to approve payment to Herco for cold mix in the amount of $10,190.94. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ITEMS TO NOTE: The Council received the Walco Tonnage Reports for the 2nd Quarter.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 P.M.
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Bruce Walker – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
