The City Council met in regular session on March 7, 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
Councilmember by phone:
Georgia DeHaas
Councilmember absent:
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 February 22nd meeting were approved as presented by Councilman Houger, second by Councilman Peterson. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Tom Bates with the Forest Service was present instead of Willy Acton. He explained that they are planning to lease 10.5 acres at airport, adjacent to their current lease. They plan to install two helicopter landing pads, a raised gravel access road and in the future possibly hook up to City water. The Council had no questions at this time.
Kevin Asker was present to talk about a proposal to install a Disk Golf Course at the Lions Park. He would like to get approval to proceed with the project and work towards funding, as the City is not being asked to fund the project. The Lions Club would donate all the labor needed for the project and the boys scouts may help too. Mayor Walker stated he would like to have the Council consider it at the next meeting.
George Fischer, Fish and Game, is interested in constructing a two acre fishing pond in the City. He would like to have catchable trout that would be stocked heavy in the fall and spring. He previously built one in Cascade that didn’t cost the City any funds. He would like it to be open to everyone, young and old. He had a few proposed sites: Lions Park, County property by the park and the Kaschmitter gravel pit. He plans to come back with a formal presentation at a future meeting. Kevin Asker felt the best place would be the Prairie View Cemetery creek bed as he’s not in favor of the Lions Park due to his disc golf proposal.
Jody Perri was present to ask questions, but he determined he was at the wrong meeting. He was directed to the court clerk at the County.
Louise Ellenberg was present to request the use of Pioneer Park and the pavilion on May 7th for the Walk for Life. They will meet from 8:30-10:00 am and then would walk on right side of Main Street to the high school cafeteria. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson to allow the Hope Pregnancy and Life Skills organization sponsor a Walk for Life through Grangeville on May 7th. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: The department had 45 cases written, 10 misdemeanor arrests, 0 felony arrests, 0 criminal traffic arrests, 10 traffic infractions, 2 non traffic warning, 1706 service activities, 1 dogs and 2 cats handled. The Police and Animal Control Report for February 2011 was accepted on motion by Councilman Lorentz second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
FIRST STEP INTERNET AGREEMENT: First Step Internet made changes to the agreement as requested by the City. Councilman Lorentz made a motion, second by Councilman Peterson to accept the First Step agreement and to authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: DeHaas, Houger, Lorentz, Bentley, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
GARBAGE CONTRACT: Mayor Walker explained that the Walco Contract expires 9/30/11 and the contract states six months prior to expiration renegotiation should start. The Mayor appointed a committee consisting of Councilmen Peterson, Lorentz and Lester to start looking at contract. He also would like to appoint representatives involved with recycling and the county landfill option. Jeff Kutner questioned whether the contract was going out to bid or if it is a renewable contract. Mayor Walker stated that hadn’t been decided but could be considered by the committee. Councilman Lorentz did not feel that a county and recycling representative should be on the City committee; however the committee could ask them questions as they are gathering information.
FIRST STEP INTERNET AND CENTENNIAL LIBRARY AGREEMENT: The Council reviewed the agreement between First Step Internet and Centennial Library and did not have any problems with the agreement. The City’s agreement with First Step Internet (addressed on the previous page) will be renegotiated in two years and at that time the Council would like to include the Library’s portion of the billing in the renegotiated agreement.
RELAY FOR LIFE SPONSORSHIP: Mayor Walker stated he would like to see the City be a team sponsor for $100.00. Councilman Bentley made a motion, second by Councilman Lorentz to have the City of Grangeville be a sponsor for the City of Grangeville Relay for Life team. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
WWTP OPTION: Mayor Walker explained that a public meeting was held previously on options for treatment of phosphorus at the waste water treatment plant. The Council now needs to choose an option to proceed. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Houger that the City selects phosphorus filtration at the WWTP and also proceed with a sewer line rehabilitation project as identified in our Facility Plan. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SIDEWALK WAIVER REQUEST: On motion by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilman Houger that an indefinite sidewalk waiver be granted to Larry Allen at The Cabinet Shop on Mt. Idaho Grade Road. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CLAIM REQUEST: Debbie Kelley submitted a claim for damage to her vehicle after hitting a pot hole. Attorney Green recommended turning it into the insurance but he felt it would be denied. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Houger to recommend that the claim by turned into the insurance and let them say no. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ITEMS TO NOTE: The Idaho County Sheriff raffle drawing will be held at Heritage Square on March 8th at noon.
The meeting adjourned at 8:35 P.M.
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Bruce Walker – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
