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HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes_City Council Regular Meeting_04212020CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING VIA TELECONFERENCE APRIL 21, 2020 — 7:00 P.M. PRESENT: Mayor Dan Gubler, Council President Rob Geray, Council Member Michael Thompson, Council Member Peter Wadsworth, Council Member Kathy McNamara, Public Works Director Zech Prouse, City Attorney Andrew Rawlings and City Clerk Keri West. ABSENT: Treasurer Amy Sullivan. VISITORS: Kevin Casper. Mayor Gubler welcomed everyone and waived the Pledge of Allegiance due to the teleconference necessity. A roll call was taken by Clerk West to open the meeting. CONSENT AGENDA: City Council Work Meeting and City Council Regular Meeting Minutes of February 18, 2020 and Special City Council Meeting Minutes of March 26, 2020 were reviewed. Council reviewed the finance reports for the period ending February 29, 2020 (42% of the fiscal year elapsed). The City Council also reviewed the finance reports for the period ending March 31, 2020 (50% of the fiscal year elapsed). The City had $708,018.10 in the bank and routine bills had been paid, "Exhibit A". Council Member Wadsworth said he found an error on the minutes from the Special City Council Meeting held March 26, 2020 that stated he opposed the vote to add a last minute agenda item. He continued and stated he did not oppose the vote. Clerk West stated she would edit the minutes to correct this error. Mayor Gubler entertained a motion. Council President Geray made a motion to approve the consent agenda as presented with the change mentioned by Council Member Wadsworth regarding his vote to add an agenda item. Council Member Thompson seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried. ITEMS OF BUSINESS: Business License Application, John Empey, Ernie's Cafe — Clerk West stated this agenda item has been postponed due to the business not passing all required inspections on time. Discussion of Country Haven Park — Director Prouse stated he has researched and come up with a rough sketch of an option of what they could do at the Country Haven Park and stay on budget. He stated at this point, he would like input from the Council whether they want to complete the project in its entirety this year or complete it in phases to spread out the cost. Director Prouse stated the budget set for this project is $20,000 and his proposal is approximately $18,000. Mayor Gubler, Council Member Wadsworth, Council Member Thompson and Council Member McNamara all stated their desire to complete the project in its entirety if that is feasible within our current budget. Council President Geray asked if any members of the Country Haven community have seen the proposed sketch and had any feedback. Director Prouse stated this proposal is for xeriscape landscaping and he would like to get feedback from the Council on this 1 design and whether the Council wants to obtain input from the Country Haven residents prior to beginning the project. He continued and stated at this time no residents have been contacted, but he believes that is a good idea before moving forward. Mayor Gubler stated he would like to stay with the xeriscape landscaping design to minimize the required maintenance. Mayor Gubler continued and stated he would like to receive input from residents in Country Haven. Council Member Thompson asked the best way to notify and receive feedback from those residents. Director Prouse stated he believes adding a rough sketch with information to the monthly water bills would be the most effective. Clerk West stated that is doable, however, a lot of residents in the Country Haven neighborhood have opted out of paper statements. Director Prouse also suggested the possibility of taking flyers door to door in that neighborhood. Council President Geray stated he likes the idea of taking flyers to the residents, but also recommended we include an information sheet with the parameters and budget to which the City has to complete this project. Discussion continued regarding the landscaping and irrigation options. Discussion of COVID-19 — Mayor Gubler stated Governor Little's stay at home order is set to expire on April 30. At this time, it is unknown whether that will be extended or the economy will be permitted to reopen. Mayor Gubler stated the City of Iona has not been impacted financially at this point due to the low number of businesses in the City. He does understand that residents in the City may have been impacted financially due to their jobs being closed, etc. Discussion of Upcoming City Events — Mayor Gubler stated the City has already canceled the Easter Egg Hunt and he is considering canceling the baseball/softball season. Mayor Gubler also stated he is leaning towards canceling Iona Day this year. One of the reasons he suggests this is due to businesses being closed that would normally donate or contribute financially to Iona Day. Mayor Gubler also stated planning for Iona Day with so many unknowns regarding attendance, funding, and restrictions has been difficult. Council Member Thompson suggested doing something to help support the businesses that normally support Iona Day. Council President Geray stated he thought that was a good backup plan. Council President Geray continued and stated if the City chooses to cancel Iona Day, he would like to know the exact reason why it is being canceled. He suggested possibly having a small event with social distancing in mind to get the community together and give them something to celebrate. Mayor Gubler stated the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints has already informed the City that they will no longer be organizing or contributing to the dinner for Iona Day. Mayor Gubler continued and stated with that change alone, it requires even more planning for the City and at this point, planning has been difficult with all of the uncertainties. Mayor Gubler stated he is comfortable with waiting until the May City Council Meeting to make a final decision on Iona Day, after Governor Little has announced future recommendations to reopen the state. Clerk West requested the Council to discuss the baseball/softball program and whether they feel this season needs to be canceled. Mayor Gubler stated he does not want to get into a situation where we have to issue refunds if we collect money for registrations and then have to cancel the season. Council Member Wadsworth asked if it was possible to wait to make that decision until after Governor Little makes his announcement as to what will be required as of May 1st. He continued and stated he is not ready to take this season away from the kids until we know more about when the state will reopen. Council President Geray agreed and stated he tends to lean more towards freedom to allow these types of programs to continue and encourage participants to exercise caution. Council President Geray also stated he agrees with Mayor Gubler in that he 2 does not want to put the City in a situation where we may be required to issue refunds. He continued and asked Attorney Rawlings if there is anything the City can do to waive liability if someone participates in the baseball program and tests positive for COVID-19. Attorney Rawlings stated you cannot waive negligent action in advance, so the forms are really just a legal formality. However, those forms do build assumption of the risk for those participating which helps defend the City. Council Member Wadsworth questioned what the City's insurance provider would say about this situation. Mayor Gubler stated our insurance provider is following the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as Governor Little's guidelines. Council Member Wadsworth recommended waiting until after May 1st to make this decision and allowing Mayor Gubler to make the final decision on behalf of the City Council. Council President Geray agreed and encouraged a call to the insurance provider to ensure coverage will not be impacted if the City chooses to continue the baseball/softball season. Mayor Gubler and the rest of the Council agreed. General Water System Discussion — Mayor Gubler stated we are still working on the tank and are now waiting for the contractor to send us the confirmed numbers for the well house and the well. He continued and stated there will be an increase from the earlier numbers due to the new standards we have to meet for the steel. Mayor Gubler also stated we have not received the contract or the monies from the Army Corp of Engineers, but he has been assured the money has been allocated. He also stated we will be reimbursed for the purchase of the water right, up to $460,000. Council President Geray asked if we have received anything in writing regarding the money from the Army Corp of Engineers. Mayor Gubler stated he has not received it yet, but we will not begin any of the additional work until we receive the written contract. STAFF REPORTS: Clerk West stated the Association of Idaho Cities has informed us that with the current COVID-19 situation, we need to prepare to see decreased budget numbers of about 15-20% on shared revenues such as Highway Users Money. Mayor Gubler stated we do not have any large projects in place for next year, so it will be possible to have a lean year. Clerk West also reported Freedom Field Estates is continuing construction and submitted 10 new home permits this week. Director Prouse stated nothing to report. Council President Geray, Council Member McNamara and Council Member Wadsworth stated nothing to report. Council Member Thompson asked Mayor Gubler if the City of Ammon decides to contract with the Bonneville County Fire District, does that affect the City of Iona? Mayor Gubler stated if Ammon decides to contract with the Bonneville County Fire District, there is no plan for the City of Iona to go away from our contract with the City of Idaho Falls. He stated there will be no effect to the City of Iona. Mayor Gubler continued and stated by law the Bonneville County Fire District has to entertain every petition to annex into the Fire District. He continued and stated the City of Ammon would need to receive enough support from its residents to then petition to join the Bonneville County Fire District. At that point, if the Fire District accepts their annexation, the City of Ammon's existing fire department will stay intact and provide service to Ammon residents. He continued and stated all tax revenue generated in the City of Ammon for the fire department will stay in the City of Ammon and will not support residents out of Ammon. He also 3 stated the residents in Iona will not pay for fire within the City of Ammon. Mayor Gubler continued and stated the City of Iona will maintain our contract and will continue to have a full time fire department service our City. He also stated the EMS contract is completely separate from the Fire District. Council President Geray asked how the City of Ammon and the Fire District benefit if they join together. Mayor Gubler stated the Fire District always benefits when they are able to annex land into their jurisdiction. He also stated the City of Ammon would benefit by removing that line item all together from their annual budget. He continued and stated the City of Ammon is also anticipating better service by being a member of the Fire District. Mayor Gubler continued and stated the City of Iona is the only municipality that is a member of the Fire District outright. As a result of that, the City of Idaho Falls provides fire services to the City of Iona. Mayor Gubler stated he can go into further details about these contracts, but that is beyond the scope of this meeting. Mayor Gubler informed Lieutenant Casper there has been an increase in complaints of speeding in the City of Iona. Lt. Casper stated they have also received speeding complaints on Olsen Avenue, near the new subdivision. He also stated one of the school resource officers has been in the City of Iona patrol vehicle and has been making a lot of traffic stops near that area. Lt. Casper stated the officer has been checking the City Building nightly, as well as the Iona City Park. He continued and stated there was a group of young adults congregating in the park for a few nights in a row, but they have not been there since the officer spoke with them. Council Member Wadsworth stated he has seen the officer near his house several times during the day and expressed his gratitude for such. Mayor Gubler stated he thinks the Council needs to have a discussion about adding a stop sign to Olsen Avenue. Council President Geray suggested contacting Rockwell Homes regarding the contractors speeding in and out of the new subdivision. Director Prouse stated he would communicate the concerns with Rockwell Homes. Mayor Gubler stated the City received a call from Mrs. Hatch regarding their property next to Freedom Field Estates being landlocked. Mayor Gubler continued and stated Clerk West searched through all the records pertaining to the subdivision approval and found no record of including a second access to their property. He continued and stated he had Attorney Rawlings draft a letter for him to sign and send to the Hatch Family discussing our research and findings. SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS: Mayor Gubler requested to add a discussion to the May City Council Meeting to possibly add a stop sign to Olsen Avenue. Meeting Adjourned at 8:26 p.m. COUNCIL APPROVED: May 19, 2020 ATTEST: Keri West, City Clerk Dan Gubler, Mayor 4 City of Iona Check Register - Iona Page: 1 Check Issue Dates: 4/1/2020 - 4/30/2020 May 05, 2020 02:29PM Report Criteria: Report type: Summary GL Period Check Issue Date Check Number Payee Description GL Account Amount 04/20 04/06/2020 17555 04/20 04/06/2020 17556 04/20 04/08/2020 17564 04/20 04/08/2020 17565 04/20 04/08/2020 17566 04/20 04/08/2020 17567 04/20 04/08/2020 17568 04/20 04/08/2020 17569 04/20 04/08/2020 17570 04/20 04/08/2020 17571 04/20 04/08/2020 17572 04/20 04/13/2020 17573 04/20 04/14/2020 17574 04/20 04/14/2020 17575 04/20 04/14/2020 17576 04/20 04/15/2020 17577 04/20 04/15/2020 17578 04/20 04/15/2020 17579 04/20 04/20/2020 17580 04/20 04/20/2020 17581 04/20 04/21/2020 17587 04/20 04/21/2020 17588 04/20 04/21/2020 17589 04/20 04/21/2020 17590 04/20 04/22/2020 17591 04/20 04/22/2020 17592 04/20 04/29/2020 17593 04/20 04/29/2020 17594 04/20 04/29/2020 17595 04/20 04/29/2020 17596 04/20 04/29/2020 17597 04/20 04/29/2020 17598 04/20 04/29/2020 17599 04/20 04/29/2020 17600 04/20 04/29/2020 17601 04/20 04/29/2020 17602 04/20 04/29/2020 17603 Grand Totals: Summary by General Ledger Account Number GREG MCBRIDE ALLEN ELDRIDGE BONNEVILLE COUNTY SHERIFF CASSI ADAMS CITY OF IONA INTERMOUNTAIN GAS CO. IONA BONNEVILLE SEWER DISTRICT tOtM o, S PSI ENVIRONMENTAL REiC TETON COMMUNICATIONS, INC. VERIZON WIRELESS ANGELA MARIE PEREZ (ESTATE) DOME TECHNOLOGY FORSGREN ASSOCIATES, INC. KNIFE RIVER CHEMSEARCH NETBACK, LLC NORTHWEST ELEVATOR & CONTRACTING I ALLEN ELDRIDGE GREG MCBRIDE BONNEVILLE COUNTY PROSECUTOR'S OFF FORSGREN ASSOCIATES, INC. WAXIE SANITARY SUPPLY LISPS AMERICAN WATER WORKS ASSOCIATION ROCKY MTN. POWER BLACKFOOT BONNEVILLE COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS CITY OF IDAHO FALLS TREASURER OFFICE ERIKS NORTH AMERICA, INC. FALLS PLUMBING SUPPLY, INC. H.D. FOWLER CO. HOLDEN KIDWELL HAHN & CRAPO P.L.L.C. ROCKY MTN. POWER SPARKLIGHT TETON MICROBIOLOGY LAB WAXIE SANITARY SUPPLY GL Account Debit Credit Proof 01-1075 64.65 .00 64.65 01-2010 .00 64.65- 64.65- 10-2010 .00 62,326.89- 62,326.89- 10-41-50 425.82 .00 425.82 10-41-63 1,620.00 .00 1,620.00 10-41-75 1,478.80 .00 1,478.80 10-46-80 53,300.00 .00 53,300.00 10-46-90 897.25 .00 897.25 Mechanical Inspections Building inspections Law Enforcement Qtrly pmt. Refund closed water acct. credit City water usage/bill Natural gas -heating 1� Splash Park sewer fees/, f 1 e Y Garbage pick up Chainsaw repair New Well Tank flow meter connect Cell phones Refund closed water acct. credit Iona North Water Tank Project Water Tank Project Telford Rd. Waterline Improvemen Boiler water treatment program Office PC's backup Performed Annual State inspectio Building inspections Mechanical Inspections Qtrly. Retainer Services Eng. support-BMPO work mtg. & Foam soap -G(eth,hq Su-�Dld,e5104710 3-rolls of stamps J 514150 Membership Dues 514710 Street Lights -AI Pot)," Y 104175 Telephones 104150 Gravel delivered 514710 Qtrly Animal Shelter Participation 104690 Fire hose dbl. jacket 2-1/2X25 104710 Ball Valve 104710 New Water Tank pipe fittings 514820 City Attorney Fees 514160 Shop 514175 Internet 514150 Water tests ^ 514710 Foam soap Sw°;65104710 104720 104720 104680 011075 104710 514175 104710 514710 104710 514710 514150 011075 514820 514180 514820 514710 104150`� 104710 104720 104720 104680 104163 195.00 200.00 53, 000.00 20.55 539.00 577.74 261.00 112.10 44.88 467.50 260.96 44.10 44,432.92 21, 315.00 186,417.93 204.17 75.00 250.00 700.00 1,378.68 300.00 1,620.00 129.66 165.00 366.00 1,260.41 175.15 665.00 897.25 123.58 23.13 1,448.31 2,100.00 105.21 155.05 75.00 52.08 320,157.36 M = Manual Check, V = Void Check City of Iona Check Register - Iona Page: 2 Check Issue Dates: 4/1/2020 - 4/30/2020 May 05, 2020 02:29PM GL Account Debit Credit Proof 10-47-10 2,046.08 .00 2,046.08 10-47-20 2,516.31 .00 2,516.31 10-49-50 42.63 .00 42.63 51-2010 .00 257,765.82- 257,765.82- 51-41-50 229.64 .00 229.64 51-41-60 2,100.00 .00 2,100.00 51-41-75 454.77 .00 454.77 51-41-80 21,315.00 .00 21,315.00 51-47-10 1,367.25 .00 1,367.25 51-48-20 232,299.16 .00 232,299.16 Grand Totals: Dated: Mayor: 320,157.36 320,157.36- .00 G'62A Y Report Criteria: Report type: Summary M = Manual Check, V = Void Check