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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021.10.07 Regular Meeting Minutes MINUTES McCall City Council Regular Meeting McCall City Hall -- Legion Hall VIA TEAMS Virtual October 7, 2021 Call to Order and Roll Call Pledge of Allegiance Approve the Agenda Consent Agenda Public Comment Chamber Department Reports Public Hearing Business Agenda Adjournment CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Mayor Giles called the regular meeting of the McCall City Council to order at 5:30 p.m. Mayor Giles, Council Member Callan, Council Member Maciaszek, Council Member Nelson, and Council Member Nielsen all answered roll call. City staff members present were Anette Spickard, City Manager; Marc Bybee, City Attorney; BessieJo Wagner, City Clerk; Erin Greaves, Communications Manager; Linda Stokes, City Treasurer; Michelle Groenevelt, Community Development Director; Delta James, Economic Development Planner; Brian Parker, City Planner; Kurt Wolf, Parks and Recreation Director; Rick Stein, Airport Manager; Eric McCormick, Golf Course Superintendent; Meg Lojek, Library Director; Chris Curtin, Information Systems Manager; Vlatko Jovanov, Network Administrator; Dallas Palmer, Police Lieutenant Also, in attendance were Chamber of Commerce Director Lindsey Harris, Dr Greg Irvine and Karl Linzmeyer; from Saint Luke’s; Mike Myers and Richard Stratton, the applications of the Public Hearing; Susan Reddick, Library Board Applicant Mayor Giles led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVE THE AGENDA Mayor Giles requested that the Covid-19 update be rearranged to after the monthly department reports. MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 1 of 9 October 7, 2021 Regular Meeting Council Member Nelson moved to approve the agenda as rearranged. Council Member Nielson seconded the motion. In a voice vote all members voted aye, and the motion carried. CONSENT AGENDA Staff recommended approval of the following ACTION ITEMS. All matters which are listed within the consent section of the agenda have been distributed to each member of the McCall City Council for reading and study. Items listed are considered routine by the Council and were enacted with one motion. 1. Council Special Minutes – May 28, 2021 2. Payroll Report for period ending September 17, 2021 3. Warrant Register – GL 4. Warrant Register – Vendor 5. Accept the Minutes of the following Committees a. Airport Advisory Committee – August 12, 2021 b. Historic Preservation Commission – August 9, 2021 c. Library Board of Trustees – July 12, 2021 d. Planning and Zoning Commission – August 3, 2021 6. AB 21-247 City Licenses Report to Council Per McCall City Code: Per McCall City Code Title 4 Chapter 9, the City Council has determined the City Clerk shall be delegated the authority to process and grant or deny all alcoholic beverage license applications, other than certain circumstances involving catering permits, which the City Clerk shall review the application for catering permit for completeness and forward said application to the Police Chief. The Police Chief upon receipt of the application shall make a recommendation to the City Clerk to approve or deny the application. Whenever the City Clerk shall determine that an application for alcoholic beverage license transfer or renewal is complete, the City Clerk shall approve or deny such application. All decisions of the City Clerk shall be reported to the City Council at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting after such decision. The City Clerk is also responsible for all processing of business, taxi, snow removal, pawnbroker, child daycare licenses, vendor permits, and public event applications. Action: Council to review the License report. 7. AB 21-246 Request Approval of the Voicu/Hamblin Avigation Easement: The Airport is taking steps to minimize incompatible land use in the Airport Impact Area. Among other steps, the Airport is requesting Avigation Easements from landowners. The Easement provides the City rights to minimize incompatible land use (height restrictions, pilot distractions, etc.) and a Hold Harmless agreement. The Easement will become part of the deed and will pass onto future landowners. This Template has been approved by the City Attorney. Action: Approve the Voicu/Hamblin Avigation Easement - Lot 30 McCall Ranch document and authorize the Mayor to sign all documents. 8. AB 21-245 Request Approval of an Idaho Transportation Department – Office of Highway Safety Federal Fiscal Year 2022(FFY22) Highway Safety Grant Agreement Application: Idaho Department of Transportation – Office of Highway Safety has announced the FFY22 Traffic Enforcement Grant Project Agreement (TEGPA). This funding is for law enforcement agencies and other organizations to assist in the development of programs to reduce or eliminate traffic deaths and serious injuries. The 2022(FFY22) Highway Safety MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 2 of 9 October 7, 2021 Regular Meeting Grant Application is for the reimbursement of officer salaries for grant related patrols and the purchase of traffic safety related equipment at the end of the grant period if approved by Idaho Transportation Department. If approved for the equipment funding at the end of the grant period, the McCall Police Department will purchase traffic enforcement related equipment. The dollar amount earned through the grant will be determine by the actual equipment purchased. Office of Highway Safety offers “Mini Grants” to Law Enforcement Agencies to help offset overtime costs associated with Traffic Enforcement during high-volume, short-term time periods. A Grant Match of 25% is for the overtime costs associated with “High Visibility Enforcement” during large scale events which require McCall Police Officers to work overtime hours. The Mini Grants will be geared toward the enforcement of impaired driving and will be during nighttime hours for specific time periods only. Action: Approve Submission of the Idaho Transportation Department – Office of Highway Safety FFY22 Traffic Enforcement Grant Project Agreement (TEGPA) application and authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents. Council Member Callan moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted. Council Member Council Member Nelsen seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Council Member Callan, Council Member Nelsen, Mayor Giles, Council Member Maciaszek, and Council Member Nielsen all voted aye, and the motion carried. PUBLIC COMMENT Mayor Giles called for public comment at 5:34 p.m. Hearing no comments, Mayor Giles closed the comment period. DEPARTMENT REPORTS Chamber of Commerce Chamber of Commerce Director Lindsey Harris gave an overview of the monthly Chamber of Commerce report noting highlights from the Idaho Conference of Recreation and Tourism. Director Harris shared appreciation to the Council for approving the Local Option Tax reallocation that went before council previously. Council had no questions for Director Harris. Department Reports Council Member Callan requested detail not found in the Airport monthly report regarding a grant that had been applied for previously for snow equipment. Airport Manager Richard Stein noted that the grant was denied. Council Member Callan had an additional question regarding the status of the Public Works work session mentioned at previous meeting. City Manager Spickard replied that is it coming to Council, but it has been delayed at this time. Council Member Nielsen commented his continued objection to the downtown core phase 3A. MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 3 of 9 October 7, 2021 Regular Meeting Covid-19 Update and Review of Mask Metrics Status Police Lieutenant Dallas Palmer gave an overview of the Covid-19 update stating that we continue to see different variants in the state and remain in stage four of the state’s reopening plan. The CDC forecast shows a minor decrease in cases and the city continues to work remotely and in separate pods to keep employees safe while still providing city services. Dr Greg Irvine and Karl Linzmeyer of Saint Luke’s McCall gave an update from the hospital. Mr. Linzmeyer reviewed the current data available noting 290 positive tests over the last four weeks, hospital capacity is strained across the Stain Luke’s Health System. Dr. Irvine commented on the spread and hospital admissions are off the charts noting that the numbers reported are not reflective of the number of backlogged tests. Dr. Irvine highlighted that the highest positivity rates come from school aged children, thankfully children do not seem to get as sick. Dr. Irvine has made a plea for the City Council to resume a mask mandate considering the number of cases in the community and noting that Blaine County recently reinstated their mask mandate. Council Member Nielsen asked Dr. Irvine if the school system is the main source of community spread with higher positivity rates among school aged children. Dr. Irvine commented that the school does have a mask mandate but there are a lot of exceptions made and the spread has many factors to it not just the school system. Dr. Irvine noted that masking is not perfect and not as effective if not worn properly but minimal protection is better than no protection. Vaccines work much better than masks and the vaccine rates are far too low in the community and the state. To fight the virus, we need to use all the tools at our disposal including vaccines and masking. People talk a lot of the fatality statistics and death is terrible, but the other factor is that 30% of people who get the virus end up as “long haulers” with some ending up on oxygen for the rest of their lives or other organ damage that will affect them for the rest of their lives. Council Member Nelsen commented that Idaho has the highest death rate in the U.S. per capita on a weekly rolling basis and some community members have been surprised by that. People may be uninformed even with all the community education that is available regarding the virus. How do we get to the point where a mask mandate would be acceptable to the public? Mayor Giles commented that the struggle in our community is being able to see if a mask is making a difference or if the vaccination rate is what will make the difference. Mentioning Sun Valley having lower rates than McCall but having less compliance with masking and more compliance with vaccinations. Mayor Giles asked what the vaccination rate was for Sun Valley and Dr. Irvine noted that Blaine County’s age 12 and up is 90% vaccinated. Council Member Nelsen stated that community members that have talked to him ask for a mask mandate and noted that the effectiveness of masks is very important. Council Member Nielsen asked what the Council should do, and Manager Spickard noted that if Council requests it, staff can bring back a resolution for a mask mandate or put out a survey to gauge community opinion but there is concern about gathering the community physically during this time of social distancing. MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 4 of 9 October 7, 2021 Regular Meeting Mayor Giles questioned the ability to get acceptance and not complete push back from the community on a mask mandate. With the weddings and parties going on in the community would it really be enforceable or is that a government overstep? Council Member Maciaszek feels as though this has been gone over regularly and there are plenty of people refusing the vaccine and plenty of people who will strongly oppose a mask mandate and a mandate will not fix the issue. Noting that Teton County has a mask mandate but there are so many people who are still not wearing a mask. Council Member Maciaszek feels at a loss for what the City could do at this point to make a difference, he hears and understands the frustration in the community. Council Member Callan weighed in echoing Council Member Maciaszek and believes a vaccine and masks should be an individual choice and to mandate masks will have a large community push back. Council Member Nielsen agreed with both Council Member Callan and Council Member Maciaszek noting that it is a horribly frustrating position to be in. Dr. Irvine commented that the vast majority of people are trying to do the right thing but there is an incredibly toxic issue of misinformation, and we have to remember to be kind to one another. Manager Spickard noted that community leaders are working on a messaging campaign and there are other tools including incentives that are available that staff will look into. Dr. Irvine and Mr. Linzmeyer thanked the City for the support during this time and the gesture created with the light up the night event. PUBLIC HEARING AB 21-244 Request to Approve Conditional Use Permit CUP-21-01 at 428 Colorado Street for RLC Holdings, LLC Mayor Giles opened the Public hearing at 6:44 City Planner Brian Parker gave an overview of the Public Hearing application. A Conditional Use Permit and Design Review Applications to construct 15 duplexes (30 units total). During their regularly scheduled September 7, 2021 meeting, the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission held a properly noticed public hearing and unanimously recommended approval of the application to the McCall City Council without a second public hearing. This application is the first for the local housing density bonus incentive with 15 of the 30 units deed restricted for local housing. This project does present a lot of challenges for development compliant with city code due to the topography and tree density. Conditions of Approval 1. Prior to the issuance of any building permit, the applicant shall receive final engineering approval. 2. Prior to the issuance of any building permits, the applicant shall record the deed restrictions for fifteen (15) local housing units. 3. In lieu of construction of curb, gutter and sidewalk along the Colorado Street property frontage, the applicant shall, prior to issuance of any building permits, either provide funds equivalent to the cost of construction of the sidewalk to the City of McCall or shall provide the funds in MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 5 of 9 October 7, 2021 Regular Meeting escrow and enter into an escrow agreement with the City of McCall. The funds shall be utilized by the City of McCall for sidewalk improvements in the vicinity of the project. 4. Prior to issuance of any building permits, the applicant shall provide proof of sewer connection permit from the District. No sewer hookups will be allowed, and no sewer permits will be issued until the sewer main extension and all sewer improvements are completed and have been accepted by the District. Any person or party desiring to construct a sewer line extension much first submit an application for the extension and obtain written permission from the District Board of Directors. 5. Prior to the issuance of any building permits, the applicant shall provide a revised grading plan with a minimum of five-feet (5’) between all retaining walls. 6. Prior to the issuance of any building permits, the applicant shall receive final approval from the City Arborist regarding the landscaping and tree retention plans. 7. Prior to the issuance of any building permits, the applicant shall install tree protection measures in conformance with the City of McCall Tree Protection Guidelines. 8. Prior to commencing excavation for the construction of buildings, the applicant shall stake all building pad corners and conduct an onsite inspection with the City Arborist to finalize the tree protection plan and protocol. 9. Pursuant to McCall City Code (MCC 3.16.08), design review approval shall lapse and become void whenever the applicant has not applied for a building permit within one year from the date of initial approval. Council Member Nelsen asked for clarification on the letter from the Sewer District regarding the number of permits that have been approved. Planner Parker will let the applicant speak to the sewer district issues. Mr. Stratton briefly went through the presentation submitted to Council prior to the Public Hearing noting that ample parking, garages, and landscaping are provided in this application. Mr. Stratton has a goal of providing long term housing for the local workforce. Council Member Maciaszek asked if the workforce housing unit would be sold or retained by the applicant and rented long term. Mr. Stratton confirmed the 15 deed restricted units would be long term rentals following the guidelines of the deed restriction and the ownership would be maintained by the builder. If at any point in time the deed restricted units went up for sale the same regulations would apply to the new owners in terms of local housing. Panner Parker clarified that the project is not platted and if sold in the future, the entire project would have to sell as the individual buildings are not platted independently. Council Member Callan echoed Council Member Maciaszek’s questions and feels very confident about this project. Council Member Nelsen asked Planner Parker how the deed restriction helps the local workforce. Planner Parker clarified that the deed restriction requires that the occupants be employed locally 30+ hours a week, be over 65 or have a disability. The deed restriction does not affect the initial rental price but is tied to the rental market for any future increases or decreases in rent. MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 6 of 9 October 7, 2021 Regular Meeting Council Member Nielsen thanked Mr. Stratton for putting in the time and effort on this project as local housing is a huge issue in the area. Council Member Nielsen asked if there will be management on site and if the other 15 unites will be vacation rentals. Mr. Stratton noted that long term rentals are the main goal and management will be handled by Mr. Stratton himself. Mayor Giles called for Public Comment and noted there were 4 written comments included in the packet and that no additional comments were received. Council Member Nielsen asked about the modification to requirements requested by the applicant. Planner Parker commented that the sidewalk request will be challenging with the way that the street is currently set up. Noting the Planning and Zoning Commission had suggested the applicant work with the other property owners and staff to come up with a solution that meets the applicants request and staff suggestions. Mayor Giles went over the items where the applicant and staff are not in agreement. One being the location of the future sidewalk and the size of the retaining wall. Mayor Giles asked Attorney Bybee for clarification on the authority the Council has on this land use decision. Attorney Bybee noted that the first request of the retaining wall size is well within the authority of the Council to weigh in on the landscaping decisions. Planner Parker weighed in commenting that the application is dependent on good landscaping and all the plants growing to be full healthy plants. The request for a 5ft planter instead of the 3ft planter was to help ensure the success of the landscaping plants. The 5ft planter was approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Council’s consensus on the retaining wall was to not change the condition to 3ft and maintain the 5ft retaining wall condition approved by Planning and Zoning Commission. Council Member Callan commented that the 3ft looks to be sufficient but is willing to go with the 5ft that staff has recommended. Attorney Bybee asked Planner Parker what happens to the funds in escrow for the sidewalk improvements in front of the subject property. Planner Parker noted that they would remain in escrow in perpetuity at this time with the applicant requesting a 10-year time frame. Attorney Bybee weighed in that if an applicant is required to pay for improvements those funds should be used for the subject property and no other areas of the City. Using the improvement fee in another area could create legal issues, noting that an expiration fee would be appropriate if the funds are not used within 10 years. Planner Parker commented that the conditions can be updated to include the expiration date and Attorney Bybee clarified that the refund, if it should occur, would be refunded to the current property owner and not necessarily to the applicant. Council Member Callan asked about the procedures and if the Council can approve the application with recommended changes instead of postponing the decision. Council Member Maciaszek agreed. MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 7 of 9 October 7, 2021 Regular Meeting Council Member Nielsen made note of the limitations on the City to regulate short-term rentals beyond the deed restriction and the additional 15 units could become short-term rentals in the future. Mayor Giles closed the Public Hearing at 8:05p.m. Council Member Callan moved to approve the conditional use permit application CUP-21- 01 for RLC Holdings, LLC with a change to the condition of approval #3 from: In lieu of construction of curb, gutter and sidewalk along the Colorado Street property frontage, the applicant shall, prior to issuance of any building permits, either provide funds equivalent to the cost of construction of the sidewalk to the City of McCall or shall provide the funds in escrow and enter into an escrow agreement with the City of McCall. The funds shall be utilized by the City of McCall for sidewalk improvements in the vicinity of the project. To: In lieu of construction of curb, gutter and sidewalk along the Colorado Street property frontage, the applicant shall, prior to issuance of any building permits, either provide funds equivalent to the cost of construction of the sidewalk to the City of McCall or shall provide the funds in escrow and enter into an escrow agreement with the City of McCall. The funds shall be utilized by the City of McCall for sidewalk improvements along the frontage of the subject property. and as recommended by the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission and authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents. Council Member Maciaszek seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Council Member Callan, Council Member Maciaszek, Mayor Giles, Council Member Nelsen, all voted aye, Council Member Nielsen voted no, and the motion carried. BUSINESS AGENDA AB 21-243 Request a Library Board of Trustees member appointment – Susan Reddick The Library Board voted unanimously on September 13, 2021 to recommend Susie Reddick for appointment. The Library Board of Trustees advocates for the library and literacy, hires and evaluates the Library Director, monitors overall effectiveness of the library as a social institution and sets library policies and strategic goals to better serve the community. Trustees are volunteers who serve for a term of five years. Ms. Reddick would finish the term of service in place of Dawn Matus, who has resigned. Library Trustees are recommended for appointment by current board members and appointed by the City Manager and City Council. Council Member Callan moved to Appoint Susan Reddick to the McCall Public Library Board of Trustees for a term to expire October 2024. Council Member Maciaszek seconded the motion. In a voice vote all voted aye, and the motion carried. In a roll call vote Council Member Callan, Council Member Maciaszek, Mayor Giles, Council Member Nelsen, and Council Member Nielsen all voted aye, and the motion carried. AB 21-248 Request Approval the Professional Service Contract to Develop the McCall Housing Action Plan with WSW Consulting, Inc. The City of McCall adopted a Housing Needs Assessment and Strategy in 2018. From there, City staff developed 6 specific initiatives for a Local Housing Program which have been accomplished. A Request for Qualifications was issued to a consultant(s) to complete a Housing Action Plan. This Plan is an assessment of existing housing efforts and also creates the framework for specific MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 8 of 9 October 7, 2021 Regular Meeting actions/initiatives for the next 5-10 years. Two submittals were received and scored. The consultant team led by WSW Consulting was selected and have experience in similar communities. The consultant team will conduct a process that will develop a Community Housing Action Plan as opposed to a "city" plan. This means ensuring that community stakeholders — organizations, non-profits, developers, funders, real estate professionals, employers, and other entities— engage in a process developed by the Consultant to discuss local housing needs and work together to devise strategies and a course of action to increase the availability of affordable housing within the community. The plan will: • Target community goals and objectives related to local housing needs. • Explore and prioritize strategies, including existing strategies. • Establish roles, responsibilities, and timing; and • Discuss a framework for the overall management, tracking, and updates of the plan. This process will engage the community in helping to address a community-wide problem; maximize partnerships, sharing, and application of resources; and focus momentum toward a common housing goal and objectives within the community. The contract was reviewed by the City Attorney. Council Member Nielsen moved to approve the Professional Service Contract with WSW Consulting and authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents. Council Member Nelson seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Council Member Nielsen, Council Member Nelsen,Council Member Callan,Mayor Giles,and Council Member Maciaszek all voted aye, and the motion carried. Upcoming Meetings Schedule Discussion Council discussed upcoming meetings. ADJOURNMENT Without further business,Mayor Giles adjourned the meeting at 8:24 p.m. , `O1tMCCU,��• ATTEST: stilt y * x F. Robert S. Giles, Mayor BessieJo W gner, Cit lerk MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 9 of 9 October 7, 2021 Regular Meeting