The City Council met in regular session on September 6, 2022 at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers.
Mayor Lester presided
Councilmembers present:
Mike Peterson
Scott Winkler
Beryl Grant
Amy Farris
Pete Lane
Councilmembers absent: Dylan Canaday
City employees present were Attorney Green, City Administrator Kennedy, Chief Newman and Public Works Director Mager.
MINUTES: The meeting was called to order and the minutes of August 15th were approved as presented by Councilor Peterson, seconded by Councilor Farris. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
PUBLIC HEARING: The budget hearing for the 2022-23 budget including the hearing on the new fee and fee increases for 2022-23 was held. No public comment was received.
VISITORS: Elly Latimer, 1116 Scott Street requested permission via letter but did not attend, to live in a camper on the property while remodeling the house. On motion by Councilor Winkler, second by Councilor Peterson to approve the request from Jeffery and Elly Latimer and 1116 Scott Street for up to 180 days while remodeling their house. 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 and Zoning Minutes of August 23, 2022 as presented. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Councilor Winkler stated he drove by and has no issues, Planning and Zoning did their job. On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Lane to approve the variance application submitted by Tanner Maynard, 318 Nez Perce Street to keep the 8’ addition recently added to an existing structure which encroaches 2’ into the required side yard setback. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
Public Works Director Mager stated the construction is not in vision triangle. Councilor Farris stated it looks better every day. On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Farris to approve the variance application submitted by Tyke and Margie Trogdon, 501 S Hall to build a new deck, partially covered, and stairs in the setbacks of Hall and E South 3rd Streets and to cover more than 45% of the lot. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Grant to accept the Library Minutes of July 21, 2022 as presented and to appoint Stacy Stone to fill the remainder of Carmen Parr’s term which expires December 31, 2025. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ON STREET PARKING OF TRAILERS 9-2-15: Administrator Kennedy highlighted employee comments to consider on Councilor Farris’s suggestions for trailer parking from last meeting.
Councilor Farris’s proposal from the August 15th meeting.
• Trailers parked on the street need to be attached to a licensed, registered and operable vehicle.
• Allow any recreational trailer to be parked on the street from May 1 – October 31.
• All parking should be 20’ from the intersection so as not to obstruct view at the intersection.
• If it is violated, have a fine.
Employee comments to consider.
• The ordinance needs to be simple and work for staff
• Trailers attached to a licensed vehicle – This is difficult because you may need to unhook the vehicle as discussed and then we are back to a set number of hours it can be unattached, which is difficult to monitor and enforce. Allow to be parked on street in operating condition. For example they can’t be on blocks.
• Change recreational trailer to all trailers
• 20’ from intersection – this matches the truck parking code, or the other option is 50’ from corner which is our vision triangle language for structures.
• May 1 – October 31: This is clear and we like it.
• Fine will be an infraction
• Create tag and tow language for police department
• Farris’s proposal addresses issues due to snow plowing and safety related to plowing and vision at corner, but not safety of kids darting into street between trailers
• Should you only park your trailer on the street along your own property?
Mayor Lester stated he brought up having a trailer only parked in front your own property and suggested the dates in the proposal reflect safety for snow plowing, but not for overall safety of kids.
Councilor Farris felt it was unfortunate people don’t respect others by keeping trailers on their property.
Councilor Grant stated people own things, and she didn’t want to micromanage their stuff. She felt requiring the trailer to be hooked up to a vehicle was not fair as it might be their only one. She felt the ordinance should have dates and let people figure out how they want to manage it in the off dates. The city needs to pay attention to intersections and needs to have a fine in place and if it’s not moved, then have it removed.
Councilor Farris gave a lot of thought to the proposal and came to the same conclusion. Not everyone has a vehicle for every trailer. The trailers need to be operable, not on blocks and campers should not have their slides out.
Mayor Lester stated the town is old and streets are narrow. He agreed slides can’t be out when parked on the street.
Councilor Grant felt the City can’t manage the children. If they are on a bike, you can’t keep them from darting in and out, whether it’s a trailer or vehicle.
Councilor Lane has been driving around town and looking at streets. What happens if two trailers are parked on both sides of the street? Street cleaning concerns him. He asked for Mager’s opinion. Mager didn’t feel it was an issue. If he needs them to move then he’ll ask the owner to do so. Lane questioned the width of streets and that some streets are narrower than others using Idaho Avenue as an example where you can only park on one side of the street. Mager stated some streets are marked that way. Lane asked if this proposal also applied to commercial trailers. Mayor Lester stated this ordinance would address all trailers, not just recreational trailers.
Councilor Grant felt the previous ordinance had no teeth however with the updates, it should work better. Councilor Farris felt parking at intersections should be at 20’ as property owners may need that extra space on small lots.
Kennedy questioned what type of guidelines should be used for temporary permits. Mayor Lester felt they should only be for contractors working on a structure and if it snows, they may need to move the trailer. A permit couldn’t be issued for everyone, otherwise, what is the point of restricting on street parking in the winter months.
Attorney Green will draft an ordinance for the next meeting.
ANIMALS IN ZONE B AND D: Administrator Kennedy provided draft ideas for the Council to consider based upon staff research, public comments received and Council discussions. During public comments, Moscow and Lewiston codes were brought up multiple times. When researched, Kennedy considered Lewiston’s code, however the requirements were too restrictive based upon the smaller lot sizes in Grangeville. Moscow’s requirements lined up more with Grangeville lot sizes. Some of the highlights proposed are as follows:
• Horse, cattle, llama, sheep, goats. One (1) head for the first 10,000 square feet of real property and 5,000 square feet for each additional animal.
• Chickens. Six (6) chickens per real property of not less than five thousand (5,000) square feet and one (1) additional chicken for each additional twelve hundred fifty (1,250) square feet up to maximum of twelve (12) chickens.
• Rabbits. Twenty-five (25) rabbits per real property of not less than five thousand (5,000) square feet.
• Poultry and rabbits shall be contained on their owner’s property in a coop, hutch or run.
Coops, hutches and runs shall be located in the rear or side yards (not the front yard) of the residence and meet required setbacks. In addition, they shall be located at least ten (10) feet from any existing, neighboring residence, including any attached garage and any adjoining deck or patio; any existing, neighboring gazebo, swimming pool or hot tub, unless the adjacent property owner gives written consent otherwise.
• Maintenance standards were provided for manure clean up.
• No uncastrated male livestock, chickens and rabbits over 12 weeks of age.
• Infraction if violated.
• No animals at large. They must be contained on private property at all times.
• 4-H animals have only been allowed in the zones that allow animals. If they want them allowed, it would need to be proposed.
Councilor Peterson asked what we do about animals running at large. We have nowhere to put them. Chief Newman stated they get calls sometimes. If so, they try to get them out of yards and find the owner. Peterson questioned if the city should have a license for all animals. The Council felt otherwise. Councilor Farris felt it might be good to give warnings as for many people accidents happen and it might not occur again. She felt rabbits needed to be castrated.
Councilor Grant wasn’t sure if 10’ is enough to the neighbor’s residence. Mayor Lester felt the same, however didn’t want to take away neighbor’s rights.
ORDINANCE NO. 958
(Ordinance No. 958 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE ESABLISHING A SCHOOL ZONE ON N A STREET AND W NORTH 2ND STREET AROUND AND APPROACHING CORNERSTONE CHRISTIAN LEARNING CENTER; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH; AND, PROVIDING FOR THE ORDINANCE BECOMING EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION; and,
On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Winkler that the first reading be approved, that the rules be suspended, the second and third readings be waived and the ordinance be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Lester then declared Ordinance No. 958 duly approved and adopted.
ORDINANCE NO. 959
(Ordinance No. 959 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2022, APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $12,412,621.00 TO DEFRAY THE EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE FOR SAID FISCAL YEAR; AUTHORIZING A LEVY OF SUFFICIENT TAX UPON THE TAXABLE PROPERTY AND SPECIFYING THE OBJECTS AND PURPOSES FOR WHICH SAID APPROPRIATIONS ARE MADE.
On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Farris that the first reading be approved, that the rules be suspended, the second and third readings be waived and the ordinance be approved and adopted. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Lester then declared Ordinance No. 959 duly approved and adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 286
(Resolution No. 286 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 Winkler.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE ADOPTING THE AMENDED MASTER FEE SCHEDULE.
ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Lester then declared Resolution No. 286 duly approved and adopted.
RESOLUTION NO. 287
(Resolution No. 287 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 Winkler.
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE ADOPTING A CITY SALARY SCHEDULE.
ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Lester then declared Resolution No. 287 duly approved and adopted.
GRANGEVILLE RURAL FIRE HYDRANT FEE AGREEMENT: On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Winkler to authorize the mayor to sign the Hydrant Fee Agreement with Grangeville Rural Fire, effective April 1, 2022. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
GRANGEVILLE RURAL FIRE RENTAL AGREEMENT: On motion by Councilor Peterson, second by Councilor Farris to authorize the mayor to sign the Rental Agreement with Grangeville Rural Fire, effective April 1, 2022. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Lane, Grant, Peterson. NO: none. The motion passed.
RURAL DEVELOPMENT FUNDING FOR WATER AND SEWER PROJECTS: City Administrator Kennedy the City received our award from Rural Development for the water and sewer projects. The City is eligible for loans, but no grants.
ARPA FUNDS: The City received $696,266.03 in Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and last year, committed 10% or $69,626.00, for a broadband upgrade with CEDA. When the final rule came out for ARPA funds, agencies could choose to elect the standard allowance of up to $10 million, not to exceed the award amount, to replace lost public sector revenue.
Mayor Lester explained Snowhaven is a very collective system. The City can’t close or lease it. It was built with land and water conservation funding and it needs to be utilized in the same fashion. The Snowhaven building is dated, it is not ADA accessible and it is getting small for the size of the current operation. The rental shop is tight, ski patrol needs new building and a shop is necessary to store the groomer. The upgrades needed are endless. This is the one place where some or all funds could go to help. The only way to receive more revenue at Snowhaven is to increase fees, but eventually customers may not pay. Snowhaven is an asset for the city, community and neighboring communities. The deck also needs repaired, but his opinion is to tear off the deck and add on to the building what is needed and then put the new roof on the deck.
Councilor Grant commented the town did a vote that allowed the city to bond for water and sewer. The ARPA money is a gift and the city won’t see it again. During COVID, the city had a room full of people wanting Snowhaven open and everyone said they’d help but no one showed up.
Scott Wasem stated in 1999 the gross income was about $33,000 while last year it was $172,000. Approximately 1,000 tickets were issued in 1999, and last year 7,000. Over Christmas break 600 tickets are issued per day. He felt the basement needed to be expanded but so would the upstairs.
Twenty feet out would double floor space upstairs. No one seems to know where the sewer system goes. Before anything is done, state parks and recreation would need to approve it due to the grant which helped build Snowhaven. Every bill Snowhaven generates is paid by Snowhaven through the fees charged.
Mayor Lester stated an architect could provide ideas or may decide it’s better to tear down and start over. If approved, then maybe the City could receive additional grants funds from the Land and Water Conservation fund.
Councilor Grant felt Snowhaven was a good choice for the funds. Councilor Winkler felt it would be a good use of money and suggested a steering committee of some type to work on the project. Councilor Peterson felt it was good too. Mayor Lester felt the committee could be made up of a couple councilors and Snowhaven manager and assistant. Administrator Kennedy will call the state parks and recreation to see what they think about the project. Mayor Lester will appoint a committee next meeting.
ITEMS TO NOTE: Mayor Lester stated the petition to have chickens and rabbits in all zones will be on the next agenda.
Roy Powell, a previous Fire Chief, passed away. Mager stated he changed the department to where we are now. He was about educating the department and the City got a new truck during his regime.
Attorney Green explained Mayor Lester was appointed to the Magistrate Commission. This commission is made up of local leaders and attorneys. When a magistrate in the district retires, the committee reviews the nominations and recommends appointment to governor. Green congratulated Mayor Lester on the appointment.
The meeting adjourned at 7:25 P.M.
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Wes Lester – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
