City of Grangeville

The City Council met in regular session on May 3, 2010 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Mayor Walker presided:

Councilmembers present:      

Wes Lester
Del Houger
Mike Peterson
Brian Lorentz
Rob Bentley
Georgia DeHaas

City employees present were Public Works Director Gortsema, Attorney Green, Chief Quantz and Clerk Kennedy. 

MINUTES:  The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the April 19th meeting was approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

AGENDA AMENDMENTS:  On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Peterson to amend the agenda to discuss a bond election and possibly raise sewer rates as additional information has come in since the agenda was posted.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

VISITORS:  Joanne Smith, representing Kids Klub was present to see if the Council would consider letting her write a grant to develop the Soroptimist Park into a youth soccer field.  There are a couple large grants that deal with civic activities and those for the community.  She looked at the Soroptimist Park but based upon the dimensions it could only serve 10 year olds and younger so she inquired if there were any other properties the City had that may work better.  The City doesn’t have any other additional parks, however it was suggested she visit with the school district.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  The department responded to 168 calls for service.  There were 81 cases written, 19 misdemeanor arrests, 0 felony arrest, 19 citations, 11 written warnings issued, 13 dogs and 4 cats handled.  The Police and Animal Control Report for April 2010 was accepted on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. 

AREA OF IMPACT ORDINANCE REVISED:  The City received a final copy of the county’s area of impact ordinance that the County wishes to adopt.  The Council did not have any concerns, other than according to State code there needed to be two ordinances to adopt and that the area of impact area would probably be changing around The Vineyards.

CALL CHIP SEAL BIDS:  Public Works Director Gortsema explained that $150,000 was budgeted.  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to call for chip seal bids.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

SPRING CLEANUP:  Councilman Lorentz made a motion, second by Councilman Peterson to set May 24th – 28th as spring clean up week.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

SEWER LINE PROJECT:  Public Works Director Gortsema explained that the City opened bids Wednesday last week and the low bid was by Big Bite Excavation from Nampa, Idaho at $198,686.00.  On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson to accept the bid with Big Bite Excavation for $198,686.00 for the 2010 Sewer Line project and begin contract negotiations.  ROLL CALL VOTE:  YES: DeHaas, Houger, Lester, Lorentz, Bentley, Peterson.  NO:  none.  The motion passed. 

SURPLUS:  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to approve the police department surplus list as presented.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

Chief Quantz also mentioned that the video cameras in the cars are having problems and the cost in repairs would be great.  Chief Quantz would like to surplus and replace them with small audio/video devices that are on the officer’s person at approximately $200.00 each.  This surplus item will be at a forthcoming meeting. 

BOND ELECTION AND/OR RAISING SEWER FEES:  Mayor Walker visited with Rural Development and was informed that the City would most likely qualify for loan money at 3.25% if the City ran a bond.  Right now the City’s rates are a little low and they would need to be raised.  The City should also look at a block grant by using the bond as leverage.  Mayor Walker suggested that the sewer rates be raised by $10.00 per month.

Jeff Beeman stopped to visit Cory Baune from J-U-B after the commerce meeting last week and his suggestion was that the City hold a bond election in August. Rural Development will have a lot of stimulus money left that they have to commit before September 30. 2010. 

On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Bentley for the City to go forth and establish an August bond election date as set by State code.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester to go forth with raising sewer rates by $10.00 per month as soon as possible, meeting all code requirements.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

The City will try to have the public hearing on sewer rates increase on June 7th. 

ITEMS TO NOTE:  The sidewalk corners on Main Street are being brought into ADA compliance and are stimulus funded. 

The meeting adjourned at 8:30 P.M.

_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor

ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk

 

The City Council met in regular session on April 19, 2010 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Mayor Walker presided:

Councilmembers present:      

Del Houger
Michael Peterson
Wes Lester
Brian Lorentz
Rob Bentley
Georgia DeHaas 

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 April 6th meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Peterson.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

AGENDA AMENDMENT:  On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson to add the transfer of liquor license application for Walle Enterprises LLC d/b/a The Establishment to the agenda as the request came in today.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

VISITORS:  Gary McEwen was present to ask that the Fourth Annual Triathlon be held on August 20th and 21st at the Grangeville City Pool and that the City waive the pool rental fee and consider providing two lifeguards for the event as a donation.  Friday night is the youth event and Saturday morning is the adult event.  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to allow the Triathlon to use the City pool free of charge on August 20th and 21st and that the City provide two lifeguards at no charge.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

Gary McEwen also was present representing Grangeville Youth Baseball (GYB).  He has been on the committee for eight years and he is just trying to find out what is the City’s and what is GYB’s decision to make.  Over a period of eight years, the profit for youth baseball has been about $1,000.00.  In the future they would like to see it grow by having fields sponsored so they are able to bring the fencing and backstops up to date.  Gary asked if the City would consider allowing the Youth Baseball sponsors sign to be moved from the current Highway 95 location to the Lion’s Park and to allow sponsor billboards for outfield fencing. 

Mayor Walker stated that previously the Council didn’t want advertising in the park with permanent sponsors and didn’t want to have a lot of advertising on any City property.  The Council is proud of not having advertising boards on City property.  Mayor Walker was not in favor of sponsor signs. 

Gary McEwen also requested to allow Dave Alder to have his shaved ice stand at the park as GYB would receive 25% and GYB did not feel it would interfere with the rest of their sales at the snack shack.  Councilman Lorentz felt GYB should determine what concessions and/or vendors they wanted at the park and then coordinate with the City Clerk to ensure that the vendor would have insurance.  The Council was in agreement with Councilman Lorentz.  Mayor Walker felt that additional vendors should not be allowed at the park as GYB has permission to operate their concession stand.

Gary McEwen then requested who was responsible for hanging the scoreboard sponsor sign above the scoreboard as the high school had the sign ready to hang.  This generated additional comments on whether the City would allow the sponsor sign and what the previous conversation was concerning the scoreboard.  Gary volunteered to find out how the conversation took place and who gave permission to hang the sponsorship sign with the scoreboard. 

The last request submitted was whether the park could be posted no smoking during the baseball season or possibly during organized activities.  Discussion occurred, but no decision was made so smoking remains an allowed use at the park.

Sue Kutner requested to use Pioneer Park on July 15, 22, 29 and August 12 from 6:00 p.m to 8:00 p.m. for the Grangeville Arts series.  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to grant Grangeville Arts the use of Pioneer Park on July 15th, 22nd, 29th and August 12th for their concerts series pending no booked conflicts.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

Councilman Lorentz made a motion, second by Councilman Houger to approve the catering permit for The Gallery to cater for Irwin Drug on May 1st from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

Jeff Kutner was present to request a letter of support to go with the RFP application for Ida-Lew due May 12th.  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to write a letter of support for Ida-Lew to be submitted with the application to the State.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  The Snowhaven Minutes of April 1, 2010 were accepted on motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. 

WWTP:  There was a phone conference with EPA, DEQ, Attorneys Green and Allen, Councilman Lester, Mayor Walker and Public Works Director Gortsema.  Gortsema outlined the City’s Plan B, which is phosphorus removal at the plant and that the City is working on the detailed schedule and will provide everyone with a copy when completed.  The City will not be in compliance for this year, but hope to stay on schedule and be in compliance next year.  J-U-B will update the facility plan based upon Plan B of the City.

EAST SOUTH 9TH STREET DISCUSSION:  Hunter Edwards started on the survey to create legal descriptions for East South 9th Street, the alley between East South 9th and East South 10th Streets and the fence agreement by the alley.  During that process, Hunter Edwards determined an error in the agreement where Hall Street was used instead of East South 9th Street and that the east/west property lines were off approximately 2.2 feet.  Attorney Green will fix the typos in the agreement and have the property owners resign the agreement so the process can continue.    One way to fix the east/west property lines would be to take 2.2 feet out of the Hall Street right of way so no one loses property.  Because this is not a City error, a request to vacate a portion of Hall Street right of way and to correct the property lines would need to be made by an affected property owner.

BILLS:  The bills in the amount of $333,984.61 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.

SEWER RATE INCREASE:  Mayor Walker would like to postpone discussion on the sewer rate increase for a future date as the City is waiting on information from USDA, D.A. Davidson and block grant information. 

ESTABLISHMENT:  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to approve the liquor application transfer for Walle Enterprises LLC d/b/a The Establishment pending State approval.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

The meeting adjourned at 8:35 P.M.

_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor

ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk

The City Council met in regular session on April 6, 2010 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Mayor Walker presided:

Councilmembers present:      

Wes Lester
Del Houger
Mike Peterson
Brian Lorentz
Rob Bentley
Georgia DeHaas

City employees present were Public Works Director Gortsema, Attorney Green, Chief Quantz and Clerk Kennedy. 

MINUTES:  The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the March 15th and March 29th meetings were approved as presented by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

VISITORS:  Pat Alfrey introduced herself as a candidate for Idaho County Clerk.  

Sue Kutner of The Gallery was present to request a road closure on July 2nd for a memorial service for Ron Jones.  She wanted to close the parking spots in the morning and the memorial will run from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to grant The Gallery permission to close the parking spots in front of the Gallery on Friday July 2nd and the street between 3:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. between Hall and State Streets.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  The department responded to 138 calls for service.  There were 76 cases written, 19 misdemeanor arrests, 1 felony arrest, 31 citations, 13 written warnings issued, 9 dogs and 0 cats handled.  The Police and Animal Control Report for March 2010 was accepted on motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.  Chief Quantz is in the process of signing up for the federal surplus program to allow the City to access vehicles at no cost to the City.

On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Houger to accept the Library Minutes of March 25, 2010.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.  Clerk Kennedy answered questions on some of the concerns brought up about maintenance in the minutes.

BUILDING INSPECTOR CONTRACT:  On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to authorize the Mayor to sign the contract with Steve Meshishnek for building inspection, pending the City Attorney’s determination of liability insurance requirements.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

ORDINANCE FOR BURIAL ON PRIVATE PROPERTY:  Attorney Green read the draft ordinance concerning burial on private property in the City. 

ORDINANCE NO. 856

(Ordinance No. 856 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE RELATING TO THE BURIAL OF HUMAN REMAINS; PROVIDING THE ORDINANCE TO BECOME EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION; PROVIDING FOR THE REPEAL OF ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH

On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester 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: DeHaas, Houger, Lester, Lorentz, Bentley, Peterson.  NO:  none.  The motion passed.  Mayor Walker then declared Ordinance No. 856 duly approved and adopted.

WWTP PERMIT ISSUES:  Mayor Walker summarized the proposed implementation schedule for phosphorus compliance and the importance of deciding how the City should proceed.  The next step is to provide EPA with an implementation schedule, showing the City is making progress toward complying with phosphorus compliance.  The filter system is approximately $500,000 and $715,000 for installation of the phosphorus equipment.  If the City chooses to raise rates by $10/month, the City could raise $193,200 and use $521,000 from reserves to pay for the installation of the phosphorus equipment.  On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Houger to adopt J-U-B’s proposed timeline for phosphorus compliance.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

AREA OF IMPACT ORDINANCE REVISED:  Mayor Walker asked the Council if they had a chance to review the draft area of impact ordinance from the County.  The Council was in agreement with the proposed ordinance, although they wanted it to include an updated map.  Mayor Walker would relay that to the County.

LETTER FROM ERIC & KARA PARDUE:  Councilman Lorentz sympathized and agreed with the letter submitted by Eric & Kara Pardue concerning their strong opposition to the Airport Road Alignment option for re-routing the Grangeville Truck Route; however he felt the letter needed to be addressed to the County and Grangeville Highway District as the City has nothing to do with it.  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilwoman DeHaas to send Pardue’s a letter in return stating the City sympathized and agreed with them, but the City felt the letter needed to be addressed to the County and Grangeville Highway District as the City has nothing to do with it.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

CLAIM FOR CHRISTOPHERSON:  Councilman Lorentz made a motion, second by Councilman Lester to submit the claim to the insurance.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. 

BUDGET HEARING:  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to set  September 7, 2010 as the budget hearing for 2010-11.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.  

BRICKS AT HERITAGE SQUARE:  A citizen that had purchased an engraved brick questioned what happened to all the bricks that were removed from Heritage Square.  Councilman Peterson stated that there are not enough engraved bricks from Heritage Square to build a wall and he felt the citizens should be given the option of picking up their brick or having it installed at another location along Main Street.  After discussion, Councilman Lorentz made a motion, second by Councilwoman DeHaas that the City’s policy should be to store the bricks until all the bricks on Main Street are removed and then come up with a new project to install the bricks at a future date.  If someone wants their brick back they can pick them up.  Motion carried, Councilman Houger voting no.

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 P.M.
_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor

ATTEST:
_________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk

 

The City Council met in special session on March 29, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Mayor Walker presided:

Councilmembers present:      

Wes Lester
Mike Peterson
Brian Lorentz
Rob Bentley
Del Houger

Councilmember by phone:      

Georgia DeHaas

City employees present were Public Works Director Gortsema, Attorney Green and Clerk Kennedy. 

WASTEWATER PLANT PERMIT DEADLINES:  Mayor Walker explained that the City will not meet the deadline to be in compliance with phosphorus by July 1st.  The City received a proposed Phosphorus Compliance Schedule from J-U-B Engineers at the end of the day and the Council all received copies for review.  The proposed schedule shows an estimated cost of $1,250,000.00.  Discussion occurred and will be re-visited at the April 6th meeting to determine the City’s plan of action. 

SEWER PROJECT CALL FOR BIDS:  On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to authorize Public Works Director Gortsema to call for bids for the 2010 Sewer Project.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

MEETING CHANGE:  On motion by Councilman Houger, second by Councilman Bentley to move the April 5th meeting to Tuesday April 6th.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

BUILDING INSPECTOR CONTRACT:  The State gave the City 30 days notice to terminate the building inspector contract.  Steve Meshishnek has expressed interest in being the inspector for the City with the same conditions the State had.  The State currently receives 85% of the building permit fee and 100% of the plan check fee.  The City is agreeable to working with Steve but will have Attorney Green review the contract and look at possible insurance requirements.

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 P.M.

_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor

ATTEST:
________________________
Tonya Kennedy – City Clerk