City Council met in regular session on October 2, 2023 at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Lester presided:
Councilmembers present:
Mike Peterson
Pete Lane
Amy Farris
Dylan Canaday
Scott Winkler
Councilmember via phone: Beryl Grant
City employees present were City Administrator Kennedy, Public Works Director Mager, Chief Newman. Attorney Jessup absent.
MINUTES: The meeting was called to order and the Council minutes of September 18th were approved as presented by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Farris. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Trisha Adams, Grangeville Boosters, stated they have been looking for several years to hang banners on Main Street, to have a festive and supportive atmosphere. They are hoping to get additional people to come to games. McCall and New Plymouth look great. Grangeville has about 59 poles. They would like to get banners on all of them. Trisha and Angela Blewett met with Administrator Kennedy who explained the City would like banners to all be the same size and to use the same brackets purchased by the Farmer’s Market. The boosters are willing to purchase the brackets initially and then they would become the City’s. The Boosters would maintain their flags, have no problem with the size of banner the farmer’s market uses at 18”x48” and they are open to different ideas. They understand the state transportation department also needs to approve the request.
Councilor Farris asked if they’ve seen the banners in Kooskia where they showcase seniors? If another entity wants to use the brackets during the year, maybe they could use some of the flags too. Councilor Grant asked if they plan to start with 20 banners or more? Do they have enough to do all 59. Trisha stated they have enough funds for all of them but think it will take a while to get everything worked up. She is aiming for the fall of 2024. Councilors Winkler and Farris think it’s a great idea
On motion by Councilor Winkler, second by Councilor Peterson to allow the boosters to hang bulldog banners on Main Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Farris to accept the Planning and Zoning Minutes of September 26, 2023. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Councilor Winkler verified with staff that the proposal didn’t encroach any further than the existing building? Mager stated that is correct. Mager also stated S. Idaho in that area is 40’ wide. There is still room for him to put the sidewalk in and depending on the valuation, maybe curb and gutter. It doesn’t affect snow plowing or visibility. On motion by Councilor Winkler, second by Councilor Peterson to approve the variance application submitted by Jim Daniels, 731 S Idaho based upon the recommendation from Planning and Zoning. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Canaday, Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Farris to accept the Library Minutes of September 21, 2023. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Mayor Lester stated a board trustee position needs appointed. The minutes reflect two people: Betty Nafziger is a current trustee and eligible for reappointment and Fred Stevens is a city resident interested in serving. The Library board recommended Betty Nafziger. Councilor Canaday let the Council know that Library Director Sobrero and Assistant Brown recommended two people to the board for discussion.
Councilor Grant stated Betty has been on board before and has helped implement current policies. She has been a teacher and has worked with kids. Councilor Lane stated he worked with Betty for 25 years. She has high integrity, is hard working and kids liked her. Councilor Farris had concerns about the appointment of Fred Stevens. He’s concerned about books, but it’s not just that. It’s the internet and other aspects. The library is not a daycare; if parents are concerned, they need to go to library to make sure they are choosing correctly. On motion by Councilor Farris, second by Councilor Lane to appoint Betty Nafziger to a 5-year term on the Library Board, 1/1/24-12/31/28. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Canaday, Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Canaday to accept the Fire Minutes of July 10 and 24, 2023 and August 14 and 28, 2023. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SIDEWALK, CURB AND GUTTER WAIVER: Public Works Director Mager stated through the building permit process at 325 Grangeville Truck Rte., a sidewalk, curb and gutter are required. At this time, the City doesn’t have infrastructure set up for cub and gutter and we don’t own the road or have anywhere for it to go. He doesn’t recommend installation. On motion by Councilor Winkler, second by Councilor Farris to waive the sidewalk, curb and gutter requirement as part of the building permit process for 325 Grangeville Truck Route. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ITEMS TO NOTE: Mager provided a well update. Holt drilled 1,033’, producing 1,000 gallons per/minute with a 35’ drawdown with a test pump. There are still funds left, so they will drill tonight another 50’ to see if we hit more water. If it stays in fragmented rock, they may drill 50’ more. They told Mager for $150,000 they could drill deeper to try to get 200 or 300 more gpm. The City specified 1,000 gpm. Councilor Winkler and Grant felt the City received what was bid.
The meeting adjourned at 6:41 P.M.
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Wes Lester – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
