The City Council met in regular session on October 20, 2014 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Scott Winkler
Mike Peterson
Beryl Grant
Shelley Dumas
Wes Lester
Pete Lane
City employees present were Chief Drew, Administrative Assistant Wasem and Attorney Green. Public Works Director McFrederick and Clerk Kennedy absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MINUTES: The meeting was called to order and the minutes of October 6th were approved as corrected on the banner request by Councilman Peterson, second by Councilwoman Grant. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
AGENDA AMENDMENTS: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to add Mark Frei to the agenda as the request missed the agenda posting deadline. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Mark Frei was present to introduce himself as a candidate for Idaho County Commissioner.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Bob Mager was present to provide information on the dump truck public works is looking at in Illinois. It is a 1998 GMC Top-Kick with a Caterpillar diesel engine, 12,293 miles and a Myer plow. They are asking $19,900. The City budgeted $30,000. He will need to fly out to look at the truck to determine if it is what the City wants. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to allow public works to go back to Illinois to look and purchase the dump truck if it’s a fit for the City. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
WWTP PHASE II UPDATE: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to approve Shannon’s final pay request #12 for $65,823.98. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The department had 37 cases written, 21 citations, 4 written warning and 164 calls for service for September 2014. The Police and Animal Control Report for September 2014 was accepted on motion by Councilman Peterson second by Councilwoman Grant. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE CHANGE: Attorney Green reviewed the ordinance with those present explaining the changes and removal of cats.
Gwen Smith expressed her concerns in regards to not licensing cats. She felt the City would not be able to control the number of cats per household along with not being able to monitor whether cats were spade/neutered or had proper up to date rabies vaccinations. It was also stated that if cats can run at large they will eat more birds. Attorney Adam Green responded, saying the limit for dogs is three and cats do not have a limit; however any animals resulting in a foul or offensive odor so as to create a public nuisance could be addressed. The limitations are not being changed or reworded from the current ordinance.
Jim Holsinger spoke about his concern in changing the length of impoundment for animals. Chief Drew responded to the concern stating the impoundment period will not change and will remain 5 days after which the animal will be turned over to Animal Ark or a humane society.
Mary Ann Davidson expressed her concern with the new ordinance change in regards to abandoned cats, impoundment of nuisance animals, who determines what qualifies an animal nuisance. Mayor Walker said the police will make the determination and impoundment will be per situation.
Jeff Kutner voiced his opinion on the new ordinance and he felt the council should revisit the no kill policy. He also stated that he felt animal owners should be responsible pet owners and keep cats inside at all times.
Tammy Drew shared why she agrees with the new ordinance. It would stop people from picking up cats that are not lost and impounding them. It will cut down on officers time spent picking up cats so they can focus on more serious issues at hand, and the lack of an appropriate facility to impound cats and dogs. The currently facility is not a shelter and cats cannot be separated from dogs making it a highly inefficient and stressful place for cats to be contained for any period of time.
Mayor Walker asked the Council to send an email to Clerk Kennedy with any changes in wording to the ordinance which will be forwarded to Attorney Green.
BILLS: The bills in the amount of $337,141.26 were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds, on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SICK BANK REQUEST: Ken Hoogland requested 100 hours from the sick bank. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to approve the sick bank request for Ken Hoogland. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
The meeting adjourned at 8:47 P.M.
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Bruce Walker – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
