HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes_CCWorkMeeting_10172017CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING - MEET THE CANDIDATES
OCTOBER 17, 2017 — 6:00 P.M.
IONA COMMUNITY CENTER
PRESENT: Mayor Brad Andersen, Council President Dan Gubler, Council Member Rob Geray,
Council Member Dan Gauen, Council Member Kathy McNamara, City Clerk Shara Roberts,
and Chief of Police Karl Bowcutt.
ABSENT: Public Works Director Zech Prouse, and City Attorney Dale Storer.
VISITORS: Susan Gardner, Layne Roberts, Pam Theriault, Tanya Orton, Dan Hunting, Valene
Contor, Bruce and Merodene Case, Heather Thompson, Gerald Kirkpatrick, Kirsten Hinton,
Scott Hinton, Dana Andersen, Chelsie Moore, Jordan Parker, Mike Thompson, and Emily
Downey.
Meet the Candidates for the 2017 General City Election: Mayor Andersen welcomed
everyone and introduced Melanie Keyes who is the Chair of the Planning and Zoning
Commission. He asked her to mediate tonight's forum since she is unable to vote in the
upcoming election.
He explained if individuals do not want to come up to the podium to verbally ask a question they
can submit them anonymously in writing with the materials provided outside of the room.
Questions were also anonymously gathered via the Iona-ites Facebook page. Individuals in the
audience will be given an opportunity to verbally ask the questions to the candidates if they
choose.
Mayor Andersen reported the City office received a phone call from Bonneville County
Elections Office notifying them they received a complaint from a citizen regarding campaign
signs being allowed in public rights -of -way. It is his understanding the public right-of-way for
the City of Iona starts from the middle of the road 30 feet back. Because state law prohibits this
action, and because a complaint was received, they need to enforce it as written for all
candidates. He asked if there were any questions (there were none) and turned the time over to
the mediator.
Mrs. Keyes reported she received quite a few messages and phone calls for questions to be used
during tonight's forum. She explained each candidate will have 2 minutes to answer the question
and the forum will end promptly at 7:00 pm. Mrs. Keyes requested each candidate start by
making a short introduction and summary of why they are running for a political office.
Council President Gubler expressed he has been serving on the Council for quite some time now,
and decided to run for Mayor as it was requested by quite a few residents.
Candidate Michael Thompson expressed they moved here in 2014 and fell in love with Iona. As
a result, he wants to be involved in the community where his children will be raised because they
mean the world to him and so does Iona.
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Council Member Kathy McNamara expressed she is running for local office because she wants
to know what the people want.
Council Member Dan Garren expressed he moved here 16 years ago and got involved with the
Planning and Zoning Commission. He sat on the Commission for 7 years and served as the
Chairman for 5 of those years. Last year there was a vacancy on the Council and Mayor
Andersen asked him if he would be interested in fulfilling that role. He agreed as he felt it would
be a way in which he could continue to grow his impact on the City and preserve what he finds
special about the community. The Council appointed him into the position and he would like to
continue that service.
Candidate Emily Downey expressed she has lived here for 12 years and really loves this city.
She feels it's important to get involved when you care about something. This past summer she
served as the Coordinator of the Iona Day annual event. Historically the City has brought in
anywhere from $200-$500 in donations from local businesses. She was able to solicit over
$3,000 from business to make the event more accessible and free to the community. Mrs.
Downey highlighted her background in marketing and communication and believes the City
could benefit from utilizing those skills to really reach younger demographics.
Mayor Andersen explained he is a lifelong resident of Iona and decided to get involved. He
started many community events such as the Fun Run, Easter Egg Hunt, the Trunk or Treat, and
was instrumental in getting the splash pad. The biggest assets he brings as a candidate are his
leadership qualities, budgeting experience, and owning a water business. Four years ago he was
appointed by Governor Otter to sit on the Water Board for the State of Idaho. He also serves on
the Association of Idaho Cities Water Board, and the Idaho Rural Water Association. When they
discuss the life blood of Iona there is only one utility and that is water. He believes his
experience and qualities make him the best candidate and that is why he is running.
The mediator inquired why each candidate wants to be involved in city government and if they
previously were why did they get involved to begin with.
Council President Gubler explained he grew up in a small town where his father served on the
city council. He had a lot of opportunities to observe how local government functions. When
they moved to Iona he felt it was a good opportunity to get involved. He believes Iona is a great
place to live and local government is where it all starts. People often get upset with federal and
state level, but it starts right here.
Candidate Michael Thompson explained he has served on the Planning and Zoning Commission
for one year. He expressed before he got involved he often found himself pondering why certain
decisions or movements weren't being made by local government. Then it dawned on him he
can't change anything unless you become a part of it. His motivation for being involved is to
change things for the better and would like to see Iona flourish.
Council Member McNamara expressed she is running because she is for the people and wants to
hear their voice. She sits on the Museum Committee and they are planning to do a monthly time
capsule involving the grade school children with contests each month and hopes it will get
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parents more involved. She is here because you have to start somewhere to be able to make a
difference.
Council Member Garren explained he got involved in local politics because of chickens during a
meeting where the topic of discussion was whether or not chickens should be allowed within city
limits. He felt if there was a decision being made that affected the whole community he wanted
to be involved. He knew a gentleman that sat on the Planning and Zoning Commission and told
him if a position ever opened up he would be interested. A few months later he was asked to
serve on the Commission, and it is a great training ground for learning more about the City and
local politics. He has spent many years researching the Comprehensive Plan and the City Code
which outlines the protection of those values about Iona that are so special. He further expressed
often times you have to make hard decisions. As long as those decisions are aligned with the
characters and values of the City they are the right calls to make, and he is willing to make those
difficult choices.
Candidate Emily Downey expressed her interest in local government and politics first began in
high school when she was enrolled in a government class she found very intriguing. She began
attending different political lectures just for fun and became involved in a program called Close
Up where she had an opportunity to go to Washington, D.C. and learn more about government.
She further expressed she did not expect to get involved with politics this early in her life, but
after helping to coordinate Iona Days she was asked to consider it. After much consideration, she
believes she has something to offer to this community and would love the opportunity to do that.
Mayor Andersen expressed he didn't have a desire to get into politics, but he did have a desire to
be a part of his community. He started with organizing a community fun run, and then he was
asked to consider running for city council. He started the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council
(MYAC) 12 years ago, and discussed the importance of having youth involved in the
community.
Mediator asked for questions from the audience.
Citizen Bruce Case expressed each candidate is here to represent the people, and asked if they
feel strongly about a certain position and the people of this community feel differently do you
vote within yourselves or go with what the people want.
Mayor Andersen expressed it has happened quite a few times when he has changed his opinion
about something. Sometimes there is a small minority that attends a city council meeting and it's
easy to get caught up in that. However, what you have to remember, whether you are the Mayor
or on the Council, is that you represent the whole community. He briefly discussed the growth
around the community is going to happen whether we like it or not and you have to make
decisions to manage it responsibly.
Candidate Emily Downey explained there have been several times when she has gone into a
situation with a very strong opinion. She had to learn to listen to all these different opinions and
sometimes her opinion would shift. She believes when it is something that is important to
another person she believes it's important to listen to their side. She discussed city council
meetings not being very well attended right now unless they are upset. However, when people
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are apathetic and quiet, overall they are happy with how things are going, and if they weren't
they would be in attendance. There is a silent majority that needs to be taken into consideration
and what is best overall for the City and not make decisions based off of a few individuals who
express anger.
Council Member Garren expressed as a city representative at some level you forfeit your
personal opinions and set those biases aside. We represent the community and we need to make
sure the decisions are in the best interests of the community regardless of what those personal
views might be. The City's Comprehensive Plan includes a survey from the community and
serves as the backbone of how residents want to operate. There is a lot of opinion which is
captured in that document and it really has to be one of the cornerstones of how the City moves
forward. The document was established in 2007, nearly 10 years ago, and needs to be updated
since a lot of people have moved out and in. He believes there is a benefit in conducting more
community surveys if there are issues that are very polarized in nature to collect a broad
spectrum from the public on how they want the Council to move forward.
Council Member McNamara expressed she got involved in government because of the chicken
issue too. At the time, she couldn't imagine having someone else determining what can or cannot
be allowed in people's private backyards. She recalled a meeting in which the war veterans were
talking about the freedoms they fought so hard for. For her it's important to be listening to the
people.
Candidate Michael Thompson explained at Melaleuca where he is the Facilities Manager they
instill ground rules. A few of those ground rules are to be open, honest, candid, and his favorite
part is owning your data. If you own your data you shouldn't have any problems. The purpose of
a city council is to work together to gather data and information to make the best decision for a
community. He expressed we cannot stop the growth, but we can control how it's growing. We
have to do what's best for the community rather than basing it on a small majority of the City
and impeding the City's overall health. He believes when you become part of the Council you
should feed off of each other's ideas and opinions to always come out ahead in the end.
Council President Gubler explained when his father served on a city council they were
considering establishing a secondary water system which was going to cost a lot of money.
Initially his father was against it because of the cost of the system. He recalled asking his father
one day which way he was going to vote, and his father told him he was going to support the
establishment of the system. He then asked his father why he was going to vote for something he
was against. His father told him he talked to enough people in the community and they
convinced him that's what they wanted to see. He further expressed since he has served on the
Council his door has always been open and willing to hear people's concerns, and he will
continue to do that.
Mediator asked for questions from the audience.
MYAC representative Layne Roberts asked the candidates if they were to get elected what their
plans are for MYAC and how they will benefit youth in the community.
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Council Member Garren expressed he sees a lot of value in the program and as a city council
representative he has been supportive of it. He thinks it's beneficial to involve youth in
communities as they are the future leaders and it's the Council's duty to help support that.
Council Member Kathy McNamara expressed she is amazed by this group of kids who willingly
want to be a part of government and they care enough about their surroundings to be a part of
things. She expressed she wouldn't make any changes to the program.
Candidate Michael Thompson expressed he is currently involved in influencing youth and
preparing them for their futures through his church. He explained he doesn't know too much
specifically about MYAC, but he thinks he would keep it pretty much the same. However, look
into ways of improving it with input from the future Council and Mayor to prepare individuals to
be the voice in the communities they will be a part of in their futures.
Council President Gubler discussed the Mayor talking about being responsible for the inception
of the program, but everything MYAC does has to have the support of the Council. He feels the
City Council has been very supportive of MYAC over the years. One of the concerns he has had
with MYAC is the lack of representation from Iona and it being open to other surrounding
communities. He feels the program should benefit youth from Iona. However, he thinks it is a
good opportunity and hopes it continues.
Mayor Andersen explained he started MYAC 12 years ago and yes the Council has to support it.
However, it takes someone to have the vision to get it going. He has always believed it's not just
about Iona. He is aware there have been split thoughts on the Council for using taxpayer's
money to support this program. However, his opinion is they are investing in future leaders
regardless of where you live. We teach these kids about leadership, service, and advocacy. If
Council President Gubler is elected Mayor he would hope he could still be involved as an
advisor.
Candidate Emily Downey explained from her own experience growing up and wanting to be
involved with government she would definitely support this amazing program. She grew up
about 8 minutes outside of Iona, and if there was the same opportunity she would have been
involved and in turn it would have ended up benefiting Iona so she doesn't believe there is an
issue with having youth from surrounding communities.
Mediator announced she was going to ask questions she received anonymously.
A question specifically listed for Council President Gubler and Council Member McNamara was
why I should give you my vote when I have not seen you support past community events in the
last 4 years when you have served on the council.
Council Member McNamara responded she has helped with community events. She helped serve
lunch at the Easter Egg Hunt. She gave out hot chocolate and donuts at the Trunk or Treat. She
expressed she didn't understand why the question was directed at certain people, and questioned
whether the person asking the question was in attendance.
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Council President Gubler responded there are some community events he hasn't attended.
However, he has helped with cooking breakfast at Iona Days and for the City Clean -Up Days
through the years so he isn't sure what the merit was for the question.
A second question specifically listed for Council President Gubler thanked him for his service in
the military and the sacrifice his family has made, and inquired into any mental challenges that
may exist from post -traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when it comes to running a city and
managing employees.
Council President Gubler expressed he feels he has dealt with his experience very well. He isn't
sure what bearing the question has on politics and feels the last 8-10 years of serving on the
Council represents who he is and how he communicates with individuals.
The third question specifically listed for Council Member McNamara expressed she has missed
several city council meetings over the years and is often seen in a wheelchair. The question
inquired if she was physically and mentally able to represent the citizens and commit to
attending all of the meetings.
Council Member McNamara expressed she sits in a wheelchair while attending church as there is
something in the building which makes her pass out. She further expressed if she has missed a
meeting she had a good reason to not be there.
Citizen Jolyn Louk discussed growth control and how number of years the Planning and Zoning
Commission has been trying to get Bonneville County to accept a revised Area of Impact
Agreement. She asked the candidates if they are elected what are they going to do to keep
moving things forward with implementing a new Area of Impact Agreement with the County.
Council Member Garren expressed he was part of fighting that fight when he served on the
Commission. He explained part of the issue is from the County's perspective the City has
allowed less than 1/3 acre in the zoning ordinances so they will continue to allow it in the Area
of Impact. His solution is to get rid of the provision which allows less than 1/3 acre and eliminate
the excuse the County is using to continue to allow it in the Area of Impact Agreement.
Council Member McNamara recalled a previous council member felt the City needed to
diversify their structures such as including apartments and townhomes. She further expressed we
have a small town feel and the citizens like it the way it is. However, from her perspective the
City should consider annexing areas so they are able to have control on what is allowed to be
developed.
Candidate Emily Downey expressed she completely agrees with the thought process of only
allowing 1/3 acre lots. There is direct correlation with crime rate and high density low income
housing. A lot of people assume the crime rate in Iona isn't very high, but believes people would
be surprised to learn about what truly goes on. In closing, she would support anything to prevent
that from increasing.
Candidate Michael Thompson expressed he believes in annexing certain surrounding areas
adjacent to the City to be able to have the control over future development.
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Mayor Andersen agreed with Council Member Garren that the City needs to pursue eliminating
less than 1/3 acre from code. He has tried to tackle this issue on a few different occasions, and
has been unsuccessful up until this point. However, the City does need to get back to how the
pioneers originally intended it to be with the minimum of 1/3 acre lots.
Council President Gubler expressed there is lack of respect from the County to want to abide by
the City's Area of Impact Agreement, and it has been a real battle over the years. The agreement
is intended to be reviewed every 10 years, and the City has pushed various meetings trying to
control how the growth outside of city limits impacts us. In closing, annexation is important so
there is more involvement and a voice of what the future growth of this city looks like.
Mediator asked a question received anonymously whether each candidate was in favor or against
the $3.9 million revenue water bond.
Mayor Andersen responded he was in favor of the water bond and noted the results of the
community survey showed approximately 83% wanted the Council to move in this direction
instead of pursuing water meters.
Candidate Emily Downey responded she fully supports the water bond based on her research
because it's necessary and putting it off could be detrimental.
Council Member Garren expressed like anyone he is not in favor of paying more each month for
water but it is the right thing to do for the long term health of this community. The engineering
studies have shown it is a necessity and this is the path forward the majority of citizens found
appropriate in the community survey.
Council Member McNamara expressed she supports the bond because the research has been
done. She also believes there are things which could become available to help the City pay off
the bond sooner.
Citizen Michael Thompson expressed he supports the bond since studies show the system is
deficient in a few areas. There are funding opportunities available if the bond is passed to bring
down the overall cost and monthly impact to each user's monthly water bill.
Council President Gubler expressed the beauty about what the Council has done is come up with
a solution to fix some of the existing deficiencies with the system and project into the future.
Additionally, it gives the residents of the City to have their chance to vote.
Meeting adjourned 7:00 p.m.
COUNCIL APPROVED: November 21st, 2017
ATTEST
Shara Roberts, City Clerk
Brad Andersen, Mayor
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