The City Council met in regular session on April 17, 2006 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Vanderwall presided:
Councilmembers present:
Brian Lorentz
Bruce Walker
Georgia DeHaas
Delbert Houger
James Zehner
Wes Lester
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 April 3rd regular meeting were approved as presented by Councilman Zehner, second by Councilman Houger. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITORS: Darcy James, a candidate for Idaho House of Representatives, District 8A was present to introduce herself and let the Council know some of her concerns are economic development, small cities and small schools and she is available for any questions.
SIDEWALK WAIVER: Shelley Rolvink requested an indefinite sidewalk waiver at 734 W North 2nd due to the location of their lot on West North 2nd Street. If the sidewalk was installed, it would dead end in the overflow ditch that runs into Pierson Logging and the water would possible run back on the their property since they don’t have curb and gutter on the street. Councilman Houger asked if granted an indefinite waiver, is it revisited if a new permit is applied for. Attorney Albers felt it would be; however Clerk Kennedy stated that at this point it hasn’t been done in that way. The Council would like to have sidewalk waivers looked at by the Council if the applicant applies for another permit that would trigger new sidewalks.
Councilman Lester stated that the property to the east of Rolvink’s has an open ditch and no sidewalks and the property to the west is a logging yard. On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Zehner to grant Paul and Shelley Rolvink an indefinite sidewalk waiver at 734 West North 2nd Street. Councilman Houger stated that he would vote yes, but primarily because there are no curbs. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: The Planning and Zoning Minutes from March 30, 2006 were accepted on motion by Councilman Zehner, second by Councilman Lorentz. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Public Works Director Gortsema received a fax from Bodiford on April 11th with the proposed start up date for the Water Project. Bodiford plans to start moving this week and have a service crew start putting in services on the 25th. There are currently 114 services that can be put in on the line from last fall. The pipe service crew is scheduled to arrive May 4th. Bodiford has set the substantial completion date for August 2nd, with a final completion date of September 1st. They have asked for a change order to extend the contract 157 days, which takes care of the winter shut down, but doesn’t extend the days of the original contract. The City sent back a letter to make some changes to the schedule and to ask questions. The City plans to meet with the engineers on Wednesday. Attorney Albers recommends waiting for the change order before approving the change.
Cory Baune and Amy Stillman of J-U-B will be here Friday all day and would like to have a meeting with as many of the Council as can make it. They plan look at the scope of the Wastewater Facility Plan and they hope to receive input on the area that is involved, mainly where the City limits and area of impact will be in the future. They would like to give a project report on Phase I, which is mostly complete and consisted of surveying and the gathering of data. Anyone available will meet over lunch with J-U-B at Oscars in the meeting room.
Chief Sedam updated the Council on the search for Sherri Warburton’s replacement as the Animal Control Officer. Sherri’s last day is May 19th. All applications will go through Job Service.
BRICKS ALONG MAIN STREET: The Council discussed Sturmer Masonry’s proposal as submitted by Melinda Fischer to remove the bricks, fill the trench with 4” of concrete and then mortar the bricks permanently back in place. Councilman Walker felt that the majority of his side of the block wasn’t interested. He felt an equally important issue at Heritage Square was the replacement of the sidewalk as it is starting to crumble. Councilman Lester felt the bricks should be removed and then placed on a wall at Heritage Square. Mortaring the bricks in place doesn’t solve the problem because the bricks are still dirty and if cemented in then they will be hard to remove and or repair if they break. Councilman Lester was not in favor of spending any funds to reset the bricks in another method in the same location. Councilman Walker stated the question was whether the City wanted to spend the money or not and he was not in favor. Councilman Walker asked if the process used at City Hall, which has cement in the bottom and then the bricks have sand to hold them in place, would be a solution. It was suggested that if the Heritage Square sidewalk needed to be replaced, then maybe the sidewalk at Heritage Square could be completely replaced with all the engraved bricks. Councilman Lester still felt the bricks needed to be removed to Heritage Square as that’s the only way they would be clean enough to read. Councilwoman DeHaas asked if the City had any accidents from people falling on the bricks. Chief Sedam did not have any that he was aware of. Attorney Albers explained that the original intent of the bricks was to beautify the sidewalk. One idea would be to have all the engraved bricks moved to Heritage Square and then have blank bricks mortared in place all along Main Street. On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to send the Merchants Committee a letter and ask the committee for their collective opinion for what they would like to see done with the bricks on Main Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
BILLS: The bills were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Zehner. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Payroll Fund $ 41,182.66
General Fund $ 48,835.47
Street Fund $ 24,578.55
Library Fund $ 3,479.13
Library Memorial Fund $ 1,035.53
Insurance Fund $ 15,728.50
Recreation Fund $ 2,181.22
Snowhaven Fund $ 4,470.05
Medical Insurance Fund $ 13,994.66
Water Fund $ 42,256.98
Sewer Fund $ 20,320.67
Sanitation Fund $ 40,247.81
BUDGET HEARING: On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilman Lester to set the 2006-07 budget hearing for September 5, 2006. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
SUMMER COMMERCIAL SEWER RATES: Public Works Director Gortsema explained that last fall during the adoption of the revision of the sewer formula and rates, J-U-B recommended having commercial accounts install a separate meter for irrigation and to possibly allow for a one year grace period to get the meter installed. The revision was adopted without those recommendations. Now as the clerk’s office is getting ready to switch over to summer rates, it was determined that there will be an enormous increase in sewer rates for certain commercial bills, even though the City knows that the increase on some of those accounts won’t go through the sewer system. A prime example is the Free Press. Last year their sewer rate was $14.23 per month and this year with the new rates it will be $950.60 per month, based upon the highest usage month last year. Gortsema and Clerk Kennedy feel the issue needs to be looked at to determine which accounts should be averaged and which accounts should put in a separate irrigation meter. Some accounts, such as the Free Press, don’t have an increase in the amount of sewer during the summer. Their increase is due to the watering of their lawn. Mayor Vanderwall asked that the Water and Sewer Committee meet with Gortsema and Kennedy and have a recommendation at the next Council meeting.
SPRING CLEAN UP WEEK: Clerk Kennedy explained that Annelle Urbahn wanted to work in conjunction with the City’s spring clean up week, to possibly have organizations help clean up areas within the City that needed cleaned or to help the elderly clean up their property. Annelle would advertise for a “Take pride in your City” and keep a list of areas that need to be cleaned up and then work with volunteer groups to assign the areas out during the spring clean up week. In order to have weekends available, we would like the week to start May 20th and end May 27th. On motion by Councilman Houger, second by Councilman Lorentz to declare May 20th through May 27th Spring Clean Up Week in conjunction with the Grangeville Merchants. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
Councilman Lester asked who was responsible for painting the curbs where the new fire hydrants have been placed. Public Works Director Gortsema stated that the City will take care of them once the weather cooperates.
Councilwoman DeHaas informed the Council that the historical society grant for sign at the courthouse has gone by the wayside because the steam engine isn’t listed in the historical registry. Annelle Urbahn, Pam Northcut and DeHaas plan to continue working on the sign with possible help from the County, City and Grangeville Merchants.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: On motion by Councilman Walker, second by Councilman Lester to go into Executive Session according to Section 67-2345 (f). A roll call vote was duly taken with the following results:
Councilwoman DeHaas Yes
Councilman Houger Yes
Councilman Walker Yes
Councilman Lorentz Yes
Councilman Lester Yes
Councilman Zehner Yes
Motion passed.
A motion was made by Councilman Zehner, second by Councilman Lester to go out of Executive Session. A roll call vote was duly taken with the following results:
Councilwoman DeHaas Yes
Councilman Houger Yes
Councilman Walker Yes
Councilman Lorentz Yes
Councilman Lester Yes
Councilman Zehner Yes
Motion passed.
DMJM HARRIS CONTRACT TERMINATION: On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to give DMJM Harris 30-days notice to terminate the City’s engineering contract for the water project. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
ITEMS TO NOTE: The Council received copies of the preliminary plat for the Williams Subdivision.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 P.M.
_________________________________
Terry Vanderwall - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
Monday, April 17, 2006
Monday, April 3, 2006
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.
_________________________________
Terry Vanderwall - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
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.
_________________________________
Terry Vanderwall - Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk
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