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
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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
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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
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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
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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