City of Grangeville

The City Council met in regular session on December 19, 2011 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Mayor Walker presided:

Councilmembers present:      
Del Houger
Mike Peterson
Brian Lorentz
Georgia DeHaas
Wes Lester
 
Councilmember absent:
Rob Bentley

City employees present were Chief Drew, Attorney Green and Clerk Kennedy. 

MINUTES:  The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the December 5th meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Peterson.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

AGENDA AMENDMENTS:  none

VISITORS:  Kevin Asker was present requesting permission to mail a donation letter to area citizens with language on the tax deductible status of the City for construction of the disc golf course.  He would like to run the donations and expenses through the City funds for the disc golf course improvements at Lions Park.

On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to allow Kevin Asker and the Lions Club to run donation funds through the City for the disc golf course at the Lions Park.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  The Snowhaven Minutes from December 1, 2011 were accepted on motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

BILLS:  The bills in the amount of $238,902.19 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.

COUNCIL MEETINGS 2012:  The list of regular meeting dates for 2012 are as follows:

1/3/12 1/17/12
2/6/12 2/21/12
3/5/12 3/19/12
4/3/12 4/16/12
5/7/12 5/21/12
6/4/12 6/18/12
7/2/12 7/16/12
8/6/12 8/20/12
9/4/12 9/17/12
10/1/12 10/15/12
11/5/12 11/19/12
12/3/12 12/17/12

The Regular Council Meeting dates for 2012 were accepted on motion by Councilman Houger, second by Councilman Lester.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

SECONDHAND/JUNK STORE LICENSES:  On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester to approve the secondhand licenses for Ralph Martin, Milton Perry and Sherry Joliff.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

Ralph Martin d/b/a Martin’s Antiques
Milton Perry d/b/a B & B Bargain Store
Sherry Joliff d/b/a Sherry’s Closet Treasure Thrift Store

APPOINTMENT OF POLICE CHIEF:  Mayor Walker appointed Morgan Drew as the new Chief of Police for the City of Grangeville effective December 19th.  On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester to confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Morgan Drew as the Chief of Police, effective December 19, 2011.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

SPECIAL MEETING:  Clerk Kennedy explained that a special meeting may be necessary in January to adopt an ordinance needed for the water bond refunding.  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to set January 9th at noon for a special meeting on the water bond refunding.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

VEHICLE POLICY DISCUSSION:  A draft vehicle policy was presented to the Council and was developed based upon previous Council input and a sample ICRMP Policy.  Councilman Houger questioned if the fire department was exempt from the use of seatbelts and if so wanted that added.  Attorney Green felt they would fit into the exemption but he would research Idaho Code to make sure.  Councilwoman DeHaas felt it was great for the City to develop a policy and have it on hand. She felt the policy should be approved.  Under #2 Use, discussion occurred on separating the taxable benefit line item from limiting use of vehicles to within the City limits. 

On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to adopt the City of Grangeville vehicle use policy as presented and corrected.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.  The Vehicle Policy will be added to the handbook during the next revision. 

The Council discussed whether Officers Beene and Orgish should be exempt from the vehicle policy.  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to allow an exemption under the vehicle policy to allow the two Police Officers that are currently taking home police vehicles to continue doing so.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. 

Mayor Walker recognized Georgia’s 20 years of dedication to the City and presented her with a plaque in her honor. 

ITEMS TO NOTE:  none

The meeting adjourned at 8:10 P.M.

_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor

ATTEST
________________________
Tonya Kennedy - Clerk

The City Council met in regular session on December 5, 2011 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Mayor Walker presided:

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

Councilmember absent:       none

City employees present were Attorney Green, Sgt. Beene and Clerk Kennedy.  Chief Quantz absent.

MINUTES:  The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the November 21st meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Peterson.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

AGENDA AMENDMENT:  none

VISITORS:  Melisa Bryant, Ida-Lew Economic Development specialist was present to see if the City had projects that they were interested in.  Ida-Lew’s focus is to expand and retain area businesses.  Councilman Lester stated that right now the City is focused on the sewer plant.  Ms. Bryant asked if the Council was interested in the airport.   Mayor Walker stated the Council is interested in the airport but it is county owned.  Ida-Lew is the City’s economic arm and Ms. Bryant can keep the City updated.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  The department had 40 cases written, 0 felony arrests, 10 misdemeanor arrests, 12 citations, 0 written warnings, 1311 service activities, 1 dogs and 0 cats handled.  The Police and Animal Control Report for November 2011 was accepted on motion by Councilman Lester second by Councilman Houger.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.    

SMOKE FREE PARK/PLAYGROUND:  Through lack of a motion, the Council did not choose to move forward with a smoke free park/playground.

AMENDED JOINT POWERS AGREEEMNT FOR II:  Clerk Kennedy explained the City had already adopted the Joint Powers Agreement (JPA), however the Idaho Department of Insurance has requested that the JPA be merged with I-Athe Declaration of Trust, which changes the terminology and trustees’ legal duties were added.  On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Lester to adopt the amended joint powers agreement for III-A.  ROLL CALL VOTE:  YES: DeHaas, Houger, Lester, Lorentz, Bentley, Peterson.  NO:  none.  The motion passed.

MAACO PAYMENT:  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to approve the payment to Maaco for painting a police vehicle in the amount of $750.00.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. 

KIWANIS PROCLOMATION NAMING FEBRUARY 2012 AS KIWANIS CHILDREN’S CANCER CURE MONTH:  On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester to adopt the proclamation as read by Mayor Walker.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

RESIGNATION POLICE CHIEF:  The City received a letter of resignation from Chief Quantz with a last day of December 12th.  Councilman Lorentz made a motion, second by Councilman Peterson to accept the resignation of Chief Quantz.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

APPOINTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR:  Mayor Walker explained that the personnel committee met over the last couple months to review applications for the PW Director and interviewed four applicants.  Mayor Walker appointed Jeff McFrederick as Public Works Director for the City of Grangeville.  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to accept the appointment of Jeff McFrederick as Public Works Director.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. 

EXECUTIVE SESSION:  EXECUTIVE SESSION:  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to go into Executive Session according to Section 67-2345 (b) personnel.  ROLL CALL VOTE:  YES: DeHaas, Houger, Lester, Lorentz, Bentley, Peterson.  NO:  none.  The motion passed.

The Council returned to regular session.  No action was taken.

The meeting adjourned at 8:56 P.M.

_________________________________
Bruce Walker - Mayor

ATTEST:

 _________________________
Tonya Kennedy - Clerk

 

The City Council met in regular session on November 21, 2011 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Mayor Walker presided:

Councilmembers present:      
Del Houger
Mike Peterson
Brian Lorentz
Rob Bentley
Georgia DeHaas
Wes Lester
 
City employees present were Public Works Director Gortsema, Sgt. Beene, Attorney Green and Clerk Kennedy.  Chief Quantz absent.

MINUTES:  The meeting was called to order and the minutes of the November 7th meeting were approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Peterson.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

AGENDA AMENDMENTS:  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Houger to amend the agenda to include the transfer of Padge’s Place beer and wine license to The Twisted Cellar and the request from the Nelson’s to plant trees in the right of way on 204 South Boulevard as the requests came in after the 48 hour posting requirement.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  The Snowhaven Minutes from November 3, 2011 were accepted on motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

WWTP:  Public Works Director Gortsema sent out the compliance letter on Friday.

BILLS:  The bills in the amount of $590,418.99 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.

REQUEST FROM NATALIE NELSON TO PLANT SIX TREES IN THE RIGHT OF WAY:  Public Works Director Gortsema stated that back on 7/6/09 Mr. Munson requested to put the fence in the right of way which left 6’ for a future sidewalk and now the trees are in the area for the sidewalk.  The location doesn’t create a sight restriction; the only other issue is to keep them trimmed up for cars, sweeping, chip sealing etc.  Natalie Nelson explained that the trees are supposed to be 10’-20’ high. They are already 15’ high.  They are really there to block Main Street and the unsightly house.  If a sidewalk would be required, then they would remove the trees.  The trees have no fruit, so they are not messy.  The species of tree is allowed in City Code.

On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester to allow Natalie Nelson to keep the trees in the right of way, with an agreement that states if a sidewalk is necessary or required then the trees or fence will be removed to install the sidewalk.   Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson for the City to allow the transfer of Padge’s Place beer and wine license to The Twisted Cellar pending state approval.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

ELECTION RESULTS:  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to accept the canvassed election results provided by the County for the City Election held November 8, 2011 as shown below.

Councilmember – 4 year term
  Daniel Gautney  170
  Brian Lorentz  372
  Michael B Peterson 371
  Chuck Rogers   53
  Edward Tibulski  48
  Shelley Dumas  188

It is hereby declared that Brian Lorentz, Michael Peterson and Shelley Dumas were duly elected as Councilmembers for a four (4) year term.

SURPLUS DEVIATION:  Clerk Kennedy explained the surplus deviation as requested by Chief Quantz.  The 2008 Chevy Impala was already declared surplus; however Chief Quantz would like to be able to advertise the vehicle in law enforcement circles only so he doesn’t have to have the police equipment removed as it’s more valuable selling the vehicle intact.  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Lorentz to allow Chief Quantz to deviate from the City’s surplus policy and advertise the 2008 Chevy Impala in law enforcement circles.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

LOADER SNOW BLADE:  Councilman Lester made a motion, second by Councilman Peterson to authorize Public Works to purchase the budgeted snow blade for the loader when they receive all the bids.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

FESTIVAL OF TREES DONATION:  Councilman Lorentz made a motion second by Councilman Lester to donate a family pool pass to Festival of Trees for their auction.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT PROJECT:  Public Works Director stated this request includes everything except the retainage on the project.  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to approve Big Bite pay Request #2 in the amount of $51,173.77.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

Change Order #2 is the closeout quantities and it a negative change order for all the inventories, included in the pay request above.  On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman  Lester to approve Change Order #2 for Big Bite.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

BLOCK GRANT:  Councilman Lester made a motion second by Councilwoman DeHaas to approve payment to Walter M. Steed and Associates in the amount of $4,475.00 pending receipt of funds from the Department of Commerce.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

IDAHO COMMUNITY FOREST TRUST:  Commissioner Skip Brandt sent a letter about the Idaho Community Forest Trust concerning the decrease in income from Forest Funds.  The City is in support of their efforts.

Commissioner Rockwell is forming a 13 member task force for discussion on the land exchange and would like a representative from the City to be on the committee.  Mayor Walker will appoint someone at a later date.

ITEMS TO NOTE:  The Council received copies of the Idaho Community Tree Brochure.

The open house for Ken Gortsema’s retirement is November 30, 2011, 4:00 – 6:00 pm at City Hall.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 P.M.

 ____________________________

Bruce Walker - Mayor

ATTEST:

_________________________
Tonya Kennedy - Clerk

The City Council met in regular session on November 7, 2011 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.

Mayor Walker presided:

Councilmembers present:      
Del Houger
Mike Peterson
Brian Lorentz
Wes Lester
Georgia DeHaas

Councilmember absent:       Rob Bentley

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 October 17th and October 26th meetings were approved as presented by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Peterson.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

AGENDA AMENDMENT:  Councilman Lester made a motion, second by Councilman Houger to add the JUB contract to the agenda as it was received after the 5pm deadline.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

VISITORS:  Cathy Wassmuth, Horizons Committee, was present instead of Tera Hill.  She invited everyone to attend the tree lighting ceremony at Pioneer Park.  She also thanked the Council for allowing the committee to do so much; Ernie Mager has been awesome to provide help whenever needed.

The committee wanted to see how the Council felt about doing lighted arches from the steps on Main Street into the playground area.  They didn’t know if the arches should be permanent or taken down at the end of the season.  Councilwoman DeHaas felt they needed to come down.  It would be a battle to mow around and do upkeep on them.  Cathy stated they are thinking of piping in ground that could be capped during the summer, similar to a clothes line holder.  Every year they have heaters provided by Quality Heating.  They thought about a fireplace at the park, but it is wasted heat.  They are considering infrared heating at the pavilion as an option.

On motion by Councilwoman DeHaas, second by Councilman Lester to have the City pay the electric bill for the lighting at the park for the Christmas season.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:  The department had 42 cases written, 0 felony arrests, 8 misdemeanor arrests, 12 citations, 6 written warnings, 1456 service activities, 3 dogs and 1 cat handled.  The Police and Animal Control Report for October 2011 was accepted on motion by Councilman Lester second by Councilman Houger.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.   A new hire will start on Monday the 14th. 

The Snowhaven Minutes of October 6, 2011 were accepted on motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Peterson.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

The Library Minutes of September 22, 2011 were accepted on motion by Councilman Houger, second by Councilwoman DeHaas.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.

FOREST SERVICE PROPERTY/UPPER LOCHSA EXCHANGE:  A proposal being considered is to have conservation easements on the property which would maintain use rights.  Councilman Houger stated it all sounds well and good but questioned who would enforce it down the road.  The Council acknowledged the letter received from Commissioner Rockwell.

SURPLUS:  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to surplus the following police vehicles:  1995 Crown Victoria, 1998 Chevy Pickup, 2003 Impala, 2003 Crown Victoria, 2008 Impala and 2009 Tiger Van.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. 

EPA CONFERENCE CALL:  Today the City had a phone conference call with EPA and JUB Engineers.  EPA wanted to know what type of time schedule the City is on.  EPA is going to put the City on a compliance order which allows the City to help set the timeline.  JUB will submit a timeline and EPA was receptive to working with the City. 

HERCO INVOICE:  On motion by Councilman Lester, second by Councilman Peterson to pay the Herco invoice for cold mix in the amount of $10,506.14.  Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present. 

JUB CONTRACT:  The contract is for additional work to redesign the project due to the high bids.  The City negotiated a fee from $20,000.00 down to $8,000.00.  On motion by Councilman Lorentz, second by Councilman Houger authorize the Mayor to sign the contract for $8,000.00.  Roll yes

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 P.M.

__________________________

Bruce Walker - Mayor

ATTEST:

 _________________________
Tonya Kennedy - Clerk