The City Council met in regular session on June 6, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers.
Mayor Lester presided
Councilmembers present:
Mike Peterson
Scott Winkler
Beryl Grant
Dylan Canaday
Amy Farris
Councilmembers absent: Pete Lane
City employees present were Public Works Director Mager, Chief Newman, Attorney Green and City Administrator Kennedy.
MINUTES: The meeting was called to order and the minutes of May 16th were approved as presented by Councilor Peterson, seconded by Councilor Canaday. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Pete DeSantis, Cornerstone Christian Learning Center was present to ask for the creation of a school zone at Cornerstone Christian Learning Center like the other schools in the City with a 15-mph speed limit. Parents will be asked to pull into the parking lot to drop their kids; some may comply while others will not. The students range in age from three years old through 8th grade and will be in school this fall five days/week.
They would like the school zones at the following locations:
• West North 2nd Street between N Idaho and North A Street
• North A Street between W North 2nd and W North 5th Street
Public Works Director stated these are well used streets. N A Street is a straight shot down to the industrial area while W North 2nd Street is an alternate detour route if the south side isn’t available. Attorney Green stated the Council needed to make sure a traffic study is conducted and then the police department would provide a written report to council to be included in the minutes. There are a lot of kids in the area and they are close to the street. Pete DeSantis stated they are requesting it now so there is time to complete the study before school in the fall.
On motion by Councilor Grant, second by Councilor Farris to have the police department conduct a traffic study for Cornerstone Christina Learning Center, 515 W North 2nd Street for W North 2nd and North A Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Terri Schmitz, Chamber of Commerce did not show up for the meeting; however the request was to let out of town residents use Pioneer Park to participate in the community wide yard sale on June 25th. The Council thought it would be good for the community to allow participation; however Public Works Director Mager stated the park might not be dry enough. He wasn’t sure it was a good option with how wet it has been. It was suggested using Heritage Square. Mager and Kennedy will work with the chamber to see if they would like to use Heritage Square instead.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Canaday to accept the Fire Minutes of April 11 and 25, 2022. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
City Administrator Kennedy provided a pool update to the Council. The manager, assistant manager and one guard returned from last year. We held a lifeguard class in Grangeville with seven of our nine guards passing the class. Based upon those that passed, the City used patron counts from the previous year and cut two morning lap swims and two evening/family swims per week in order to set the schedule.
CODE AMENDMENT OUTLINE: City Administrator Kennedy explained the mayor, department heads and city attorney met to discuss and create a plan for ordinance revision on two topics: parking trailers on streets and number and type of animals allowed in the City limits. The Council discussed trailers last summer and already knew this would be back on the agenda. The second topic is the number of animals allowed on a lot in residential zone B and industrial zone D.
• 10-4B-1 reads: One cow, two (2) horses, two (2) sheep, two (2) goats, two (2) llamas, rabbits, and poultry may be maintained in buildings or enclosures when approved by the health board and when the facilities for operating any such animals meet the approval of the health officer and/or the planning and zoning commission and do not cause offensive odors, noises, or disturbances to people in the neighborhood.
• As worded, a lot of any size in the City, if it’s located in zone B or D could have all the above animals.
Kennedy stated the Council needed to determine if they would be addressing a revision/clarification to residential zone B and industrial zone D only or if they wanted to open up discussion for animals in residential zone A and commercial zone C. Kennedy felt chickens would come up during the public comments, as that seems to be an often asked question.
Councilor Grant felt livestock shouldn’t be allowed in town. She doesn’t live on a farm and she lives in town for a reason. Councilor Canaday felt they should discuss animals for all zones. Grant stated there is a variance process for those that may want to try to have chickens in other areas. Councilor Winkler felt discussion should only occur for zone B and D and what is allowed in those zones. On motion by Councilor Grant, second by Councilor Peterson to ask for public comment for zones B and D. Motion carried, Canaday voting no.
TREE REMOVAL FROM RIGHT OF WAY: Public Works Director Mager stated the roots of the tree get in sewer system. Councilor Grant asked why these requests come to the Council. It was explained that City Code requires any request to plant or remove trees in the right of way to go to the Council. Grant felt the code should be modified. On motion by Councilor Farris, second by Councilor Peterson to approve the request from Jennifer and Lasarus Lesso, 511 S C Street to remove a tree in the right of way that has grown up around the power line. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. Mager will meet with them about the stumps.
ITEMS TO NOTE: Budget Meetings – July 11, 12 and 13, 2022 at 6pm
The meeting adjourned at 6:40 P.M.
_________________________________
Wes Lester – Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
