City Council met in regular session on March 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
Pete Lane
Amy Farris
Councilmember absent: Dylan Canaday
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 February 21st were approved as presented by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Grant. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Rachel Young, Grangeville Arts was present to request the use of Pioneer Park for the 2023 summer concert series July 13, 20, 27 and August 3rd, as sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. In addition, Sue Kutner asked them to show a family friendly movie to end the series so they’ll be working with Chris Wagner on a movie and Ted Lindsley for a sound system and have a movie August 10th to close out the summer.
On motion by Councilor Grant, second by Councilor Peterson to allow Grangeville Arts and the Chamber at the request of Rachel Young, to use Pioneer Park for the 2023 summer concert services July 13, 20, 27 and August 3rd and for a family friendly movie on August 10. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Winkler to accept the Planning & Zoning Minutes from February 28, 2023. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Daryl Sarina, 640 Maple Street, explained he had to get 29 signatures and send certified letters and he wondered since he went through the process if he could keep up to 4 dogs, not that he plans to, rather than go back down to 3. Councilor Winkler asked if he’d had any barking complaints. Daryl responded he has not. The dogs only go out in the fenced yard when they are home and they aren’t allowed to bark. They come back in the house when done in the yard. The rear of their lot faces the field of Mr. Schoo’s house. Mayor Lester explained Planning and Zoning’s recommendation was to allow them to keep the 4 dogs but go back down to 3 through natural attrition. Lester explained the last time this request occurred, it was for Yolanda Stout. At that time, P&Z had stated as her dogs passed always, she would not be able to replace them unless she remained at the 3-dog limit. Councilor Farris stated she appreciated the process Sarina’s went through, their dogs are licensed and in compliance and felt they could keep the 4 dogs.
On motion by Councilor Farris, second by Councilor Lane to approve the kennel license for Daryl and Jan Sarina, 640 Maple Street, for their 4 dogs and through natural attrition go back to a 3-dog maximum. Councilor Grant questioned whether Farris wanted to allow 3 or 4 dogs. Farris wanted to allow 4 dogs.
Councilor Farris amended her motion to approve the kennel license for Daryl and Jan Sarina, 640 Maple Street, for their 4 dogs. Councilor Lane did not agree as second; amendment then seconded by Councilor Grant. Councilor Grant felt if he’s had no problems or complaints then she didn’t see why he can’t keep the 4 dogs. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Grant, Peterson. NO: Lane. The motion passed.
NUISANCE PROPERTY: Patrick Hornbeck was sent another letter to abate the nuisance at his property at 1004 N Junction, including 417 Hill Street. Mayor Lester stated the Council dealt with same issue May of last year. After working with the property owner and renter as they cleaned up the property, Mager and Attorney Green felt the property met City standards. Since then, the property has become a nuisance again. Chief Newman stated several days ago, he backed up a dolly to maybe move a vehicle but it hasn’t moved. Mayor Lester stated last time the City only worked with the front yard. The ordinance allows for anything visible. Councilor Grant stated she drove by and the property is as bad or worse than last year. She felt the City needed to get a handle on it. On motion by Councilor Winkler, second by Councilor Grant to authorize the City attorney to file a lawsuit to abate the nuisance at Patrick Hornbeck’s rental at 417 Hill Street and residence at 1004 N Junction. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
REMOVE TREE IN RIGHT OF WAY: Brenda Claridge, 518 S Florence requested permission to cut down a dying aspen tree in the right of way that is buckling the sidewalk. Public Works Director Mager felt removing the tree would help protect the sidewalk and sewer lines. On motion by Councilor Grant, second by Councilor Peterson to allow Brenda Claridge, 518 S Florence to cut down the aspen tree in the right of way that is buckling the sidewalk. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
RESOLUTION ON IDAHO COUNTY MULTI-HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN: Administrator Kennedy explained the City participated over the last couple years in creating the Grangeville sections of the plan. Supporting the plan allows the city to be eligible to apply for federal funding for projects.
RESOLUTION NO. 291
(Resolution No. 291 in its entirety on file in the City’s Resolution File)
The following resolution was introduced by Councilor Peterson who moved for its adoption. Second by Councilor Grant.
A Resolution of the City of Grangeville, Idaho declaring support for and adoption of the Idaho County, Idaho Multi-Hazard Mitigation Plan
ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Lester then declared Resolution No. 291 duly approved and adopted.
RESOLUTION TO WAIVE EQUITY BUY IN FEES ABOVE ONE ER: Mayor Lester explained the City first did a resolution to waive equity buy in fees over one three years ago. If renewed, it would be for the 4th year. Councilor Grant questioned if others felt it was really promoting growth. Councilor Lane stated with the price of everything so high, things aren’t selling and people can’t do things now. Administrator Kennedy looked through old records and in the last two years the waiver affected 2 residential buy ins and 2 commercial buy ins. Mayor Lester explained the City paid an engineer to do a rate study and come up with a recommendation which is to charge an equity buy in for each equivalent residence. With the waiver in place, the city is saying a single-family home is the same as a 40 unit building. The Council needs to decide if they want to collect buy in fees based upon ER or waive them to 1 ER. If city keeps renewing the resolution, then why wouldn’t the city change the ordinance to only charge 1 ER. Public Works Director Mager stated, if the Council chooses to go back to the calculation, he hopes they stand up and are strong when citizens come to the meetings to complain and want a waiver. Administrator Kennedy further clarified Mager’s statement by explaining it’s a lot of work meeting with someone, explaining what buy ins are and why they have to pay buy ins and then going through the process of calculating the numbers. Lester explained the equity buy ins with subdivisions has already been dealt with as the developer doesn’t pay it and instead the buyer would pay when they take out their building permit. Councilor Grant felt it should expire as it could always be brought back up for discussion. Councilor Winkler felt the Council had good intentions of trying to help development, however nothing mayor has been built. Mayor Lester stated the Council reacted to public pressure. The Council felt the waiver of buy in fees over 1 ER should expire.
CATERING PERMIT: On motion by Councilor Winkler, second by Councilor Farris to approve the catering permit for The Rib Guy and Gal to cater the St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at the Eagles, 218 N C Street on March 17, 2023 from 5pm – 11pm. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The meeting adjourned at 6:48 P.M.
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Wes Lester – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
