April 3, 2006 Regular Meeting

The City Council met in regular session on April 3, 2006 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Mayor Vanderwall presided:

Councilmembers present:

Bruce Walker
Brian Lorentz
James Zehner
Del Houger

Councilmember absent:

Wes Lester
Georgia DeHaas

City employees present were Public Works Director Gortsema, Chief Sedam, Attorney Albers and Clerk Kennedy.

The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the March 20th meeting were approved as presented by Councilman Zehner, second by Councilman Lorentz. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

VISITORS: Dave and Lynn Alder requested permission to place their shaved ice stand on a semi-permanent basis at Heritage Square, approximately May 1st through October 1st. They would name the City as additional insured and provide their own garbage. Chief Sedam explained that City Code prohibits the sale of merchandise or produce on public property except by special permission of the Council. Mayor Vanderwall stated that the Council prefers not to have private enterprise on the lot. Alders stated they will try to set up on private property for the summer instead.

John Warford, Trinity Lutheran Church, asked for permission to use Heritage Square June 5th through June 9th for a vacation bible camp. Trinity Lutheran has the Cross County Mission Society scheduled to come to Grangeville. They travel with an 18 wheeler that has a fold out stage and climbing wall. They have insurance and Trinity Lutheran provided a certificate of insurance to the City. The purpose is Christian evangelism outreach in the local area. All activities are free of charge for children and families. They plan to use the picnic tables and set up portable covers in case of rain. They would like to use Heritage square for setup on June 5th. The programs will be from late afternoon to early evening on the 6th and then all day on the 7th and 8th. Everything will be packed up on the 9th. The Church would provide all restrooms and garbage and if need be, they would pay for electricity. Curfew is 10:00 p.m. for those under 18.

Councilman Walker let Mr. Warford know that the Council hasn’t dealt with a long term request before. The Council may want to set forth a policy on fees or deposits if this becomes a regular request. On motion by Councilman Houger, second by Councilman Zehner to allow John Warford, Trinity Lutheran Church, to use Heritage Square June 5th through June 9th for the vacation bible camp. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. John Warford will check with Avista to see if they can estimate the electricity usage.

SIDEWALK WAIVERS: Julianna Johnson, 513 Elm Street, was present to ask for a sidewalk extension on Elm Street until 2008 and an indefinite waiver on Boulevard. Julianna explained that they are doing major work on their house and would like to put in the sidewalk on Elm Street next summer but due to additional expenses related to sewer problems, they would like to have a two year extension on Elm Street and an indefinite waiver on Boulevard. Attorney Albers believed there may be an existing fence agreement on the property.

Councilmen Walker and Houger both felt that they would give a waiver on Boulevard, but would like to have the extension asked for when the permit actually expires if she can’t get the sidewalk installed by then. Councilman Lorentz made a motion to grant an indefinite sidewalk waiver on Boulevard since the fence is in the way. Motion died for lack of 2nd. Councilman Zehner would like to see sidewalks on both sides of the lot. Councilman Houger suggested a possible two year extension. Councilman Zehner made a motion, second by Councilman Houger to give Aaron and Julianna Johnson a waiver on Elm Street until September 1, 2007 and a waiver on Boulevard until September 1, 2008. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

Lyman Gilmore, 611 North B Street requested an indefinite sidewalk waiver. Councilman Zehner didn’t see any reason to grant a waiver since the lot is flat and has curb, gutter and paved streets. He felt it should be required. Councilman Lorentz stated that of all the waiver requests that have been submitted, this is the easiest sidewalk to put in. Councilman Walker stated that the Council has given waiver after waiver when no sidewalks are in sight and felt the Council needed to get consistent in how they give waivers. The past history is if there are no sidewalks in the area, then a waiver should be given. On motion by Councilman Houger, second by Councilman Zehner to deny the sidewalk waiver for Lyman Gilmore at 611 North B Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: Chief of Police Sedam summarized the monthly report, reporting that the department responded to 192 calls for service. There were 121 cases written, 21 misdemeanor arrests, 5 felony arrests, 48 citations, 15 written warnings issued, 5 dogs and 3 cats impounded. The Police and Animal Control Report for March 2006 was accepted on motion by Councilman Zehner, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

The Water Leak report for March 2006 was presented and it was reported that the department repaired 3 leaks (12 year to date) and installed no new service.

Public Works Director Gortsema explained that there was going to be a Water Project Meeting last week, but Randy Deardon had family problems and they couldn’t meet in person. They did visit on the phone last week to emphasize the need for a schedule. Bodiford felt they could finish up the pipe work in a couple months. The City felt they need to keep up with service line subcontractor. Bodiford hopes to be back in Grangeville toward the end of April. Councilman Lorentz felt the City needs to count out days so we know when the contract end date is when penalties can be charged. Once Bodiford starts, Gortsema explained that the remaining days would be determined. Councilman Zehner asked whether there was any resolution on the Park Street claim. Attorney Albers sent out a letter to Bodiford stating that Bodiford needed to take care of the claim directly and that the owner would not be submitting it to their insurance. The City has not received a response to date.

FOUR WAY INTERSECTIONS: Councilman Houger thanked Chief Sedam for his work on the recently discussed four way intersections and recognized the quick work of the Public Works Department to get the signs installed.

ADMINISTRATOR FOR “THE VINEYARDS”: Mayor Vanderwall asked for the Council’s approval of his appointment of Mike Sturdevant as administrator of the “The Vineyards” subdivision. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilman Houger to approve Mayor Vanderwall’s appointment of Mike Sturdevant as administrator for “The Vineyards” and Public Works Director Gortsema as Mike’s replacement on the Technical Review Committee for this subdivision. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

DONATION FOR JANE KISSINGER: Mayor Vanderwall stated that that he’d like to recognize Jane Kissinger for her years of service by donating $200.00 in her memory. He plans to visit with her husband Don to determine which one charity would be best. On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilman Lorentz to donate $200.00 to the charity of Don’s choice, in memory of Jane. Motion passed by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

ITEMS TO NOTE: The City was in receipt of a proposal from D. Sturmer Masonry for removal and setting of bricks along Main Street. Mayor Vanderwall will visit with Sturmer before the next meeting to find out details on the proposal.

The meeting adjourned at 8:35 P.M.

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Terry Vanderwall - Mayor

ATTEST:

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Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk