The City Council met in regular session on July 7, 2014 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Mike Peterson
Wes Lester
Beryl Grant
Brian Lorentz
Scott Winkler
Councilmember absent:
Shelley Dumas
City employees present were Chief Drew, Attorney Green, Public Works Director McFrederick and Clerk Kennedy.
MINUTES: The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the June 16th meeting were approved by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilwoman Grant. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Jeff Kutner stated he was sad to see Syringa Hospital buy a prime piece of property on Main Street and take it off the tax rolls. As far as the heliport on Main Street, he has not talked to anyone who is in favor; he has not talked to the hospital. Jeff reviewed City Code and his opinion after reading it is that the hospital would require a conditional use as it’s not a specific use listed in the commercial zone and therefore the helipad would also require a conditional use. He felt the helipad could create a traffic and safety concern.
Pete Lane was present at the Syringa special meeting with the architect and board. The hospital explained the lot is the only place to get a helipad that would be close enough. Mr. Lane felt the heliport is a lot of noise for those residential areas close to the proposed location. He felt there should be a better place.
Attorney Green felt Kutner was correct that a special use permit would be required. If the City didn’t want air landing, the City could adopt an ordinance stating no air craft could land within the City Limits. Councilman Lorentz stated his biggest concern is safety, not the noise. He didn’t feel Main Street was the correct place for a helipad. Councilwoman Grant hasn’t spoken to anyone in favor of the helipad at that location. Attorney Green will let Attorney Wright know a conditional use will be required.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: The Planning and Zoning Minutes of June 24, 2014 were accepted on motion by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilman Lorentz. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson to accept Planning and Zoning’s recommendation to approve the conditional use application submitted by Howard Donaldson at 810 Junction. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Councilman Peterson provided a report on the AIC Conference he attended in June. DEQ will be taking over the NPDES permit process. Municipalities will be picking up 51% of the bill which equates to about $4.00 per hookup/household for cost.
SIDEWALK EXTENSION FOR SEWER PERMIT: On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson to grant a sidewalk extension to Tom Satre, 624 Court Street until the end of September 2014. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
PINE STREET PROPOSED LOADS: Public Works Director McFrederick would like to meet with Brad Baker to discuss the speed of trucks, weight on the bridge and impact to Pine Street if the loads increased to 129,000 pounds. He felt the road wouldn’t hold up. ITD did say they would do a courtesy inspection on the bridge. ITD had a hearing last Thursday and Bob Mager attended to voice the City’s concerns. Councilman Lorentz stated the roads down by the elevators have loads greater per square inch than Pine Street. Brad helped pay to pave Pine Street and felt the City needed to consider that.
ITEMS TO NOTE: Budget Workshops, July 14, 16, 17 at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 P.M.
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Bruce Walker – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
