The City Council met in regular session on September 20, 2010 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Walker presided:
Councilmembers present:
Del Houger
Michael Peterson
Brian Lorentz
Rob Bentley
Georgia DeHaas
Wes Lester
City employees present were Public Works Director Gortsema, Chief Quantz, Attorney Green and Clerk Kennedy.
The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the September 7th meeting was approved as presented by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Eve McColloch with the Grangeville Farmers Market asked if the Council would consider letting the Farmers Market move to Pioneer Park for next season. Many vendors and customers have requested this, as it gets very hot at Heritage Square and there is no place for kids to play. Public Works Director Gortsema stated that he was concerned about the wear and tear at the park. It is hard for the grass to recoup. Councilwoman DeHaas stated that there is no driving in the park, so it would be more difficult for setup and take down. DeHaas questioned whether they had considered a weeknight instead. Eve explained that at this time the vendors prefer Saturday. At this time, the Council was not in favor of having the Market at the park.
Teresa Holcomb stated that they would like to have a neighborhood BBQ on September 25th from 3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on Maple Street and Dawn Drive. They have a lot of new neighbors and about 30 children and would like to close the street from Maple Street about 200’ to the South end of the driveway at 607 Dawn Drive for safety reasons. Chief Quantz talked to Teresa and felt her plan was reasonable and a great idea. On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Peterson to grant Teresa Holcomb’s request to close that portion of Maple Street up Dawn Drive from 3:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. on September 25th. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Brian Lorentz explained that Columbia Grain recently took out a building permit for an overhead bin which triggered installation of sidewalks. The area doesn’t have sidewalks and for safety he doesn’t want people walking in that area. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Bentley to grant an indefinite sidewalk waiver to Columbia Grain because there are no sidewalks in that area and it is an industrial zone. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Mickey Emmert with Community Action Partnership was present to invite the Council to Kamiah for the “A Poverty Simulation and A Bridges Out of Poverty” seminar on October 16th.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: Public Works Director Gortsema explained that the sewer project is complete and this pay request to Big Bite covers everything except the retainage and a portion withheld for paving. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Lester to approve pay request #4 for Big Bite Construction. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
BILLS: The bills in the amount of $324,712.86 were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds, on motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
EVERGREEN SUITES SEWER REFUND REQUEST: Evergreen Suites has been charged for 10 sewer units for many years and they actually only have 9 units. Sandra Eimers has requested that the City refund her the amount overpaid for the last 10 years and 10 months. Attorney Green explained that if the City billed in error, the statute of limitations is 4 years; there is no compensation after 4 years. Mayor Walker explained that the City was not informed as to the number of units so it was an honest mistake. Councilman Lester pointed out that if the City had been undercharging, the City wouldn’t go back in the past to collect the last 10 years. Councilman Lorentz questioned how the amount being charged to the renters was determined. Sandra explained that the utilities were included in the rent. Mayor Walker tried to clarify Lorentz’s question by stating that rent is based upon expenses, so although the landlord pays the utilities, that expense has been included in the rent. He then asked if she reduced her renters’ bill in August after the City corrected the amount charged. Sandra stated she did not because rates increased. Councilwoman DeHaas responded that there is a responsibility on both parties, but since the billing has been corrected as of August; that is all the City can do. Councilman Bentley agreed with DeHaas and stated that the City could not go backwards. Mayor Walker stated that based on no further comments or discussion, the request for reimbursement was denied.
ITEMS TO NOTE:
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M.
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Bruce Walker – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
