HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes_City Council Regular Meeting_11212023 CITY OF IONA
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
IONA CITY HALL
NOVEMBER 21, 2023—7:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Mayor Daniel Gubler, Council President Robert Geray, Council Member Michael
Thompson, Council Member Peter Wadsworth, Council Member Evan Mann, City Engineer
Dave Noel, Public Works Director Zech Prouse and City Clerk/Treasurer Keri West.
ABSENT: City Attorney Andrew Rawlings.
VISITORS: Kirsti Cook, Bill Koester, Rylea Farrens, Mark Schaffer, Beth Schaffer, David
Fyfe, Vicki Killian, Roger Killian, Bradley K. Brewster, Greg Jorgensen, Josh Jorgensen, Dennis
Hashell, Melanie Chiaradia, Trina Stumpp, Lillian Stumpp, Shawn Branson, Alma Stumpp,
Dixie Young, Mary Butz, Emma Varghese, Lance Brunson, Joe Chiaradia, Blake Beckham,
Tangler Peterson, Zach Hammer, Dave Taylor, Britney Talbot, Cheri Taylor Vandermere and
Lindsey Kenison.
Mayor Gubler welcomed everyone and led the Pledge of Allegiance. A roll call was taken by
Clerk West to open the meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA: City Council Work Meeting and Regular Meeting Minutes of October
17, 2023, were reviewed. Council reviewed the finance reports for the period ending October 31,
2023 (8% of the fiscal year elapsed). The City had $1,766,056.62 in the bank and routine bills
had been paid,"Exhibit A".
Council Member Thompson asked about the check on the check registry for Jonathan Bailey's
CDL license. He asked if the City had him sign an agreement for employment. Mayor Gubler
confirmed Jonathan signed a one-year employment contract in return for the City paying for him
to obtain his CDL license.
Mayor Gubler entertained a motion. Council Member Thompson made a motion to approve the
consent agenda as presented. Council Member Wadsworth seconded the motion. All in favor.
Motion carried.
STAFF REPORTS: Clerk West reported the Halloween Carnival went well and they had a
great turnout. She also stated the Recreation department is doing well and they just completed
the registration for Winter Basketball. She stated that the season will start in January and there
are approximately 118 teams. Council Member Thompson added that the Veterans Day program
at Iona Elementary went well also. Clerk West agreed and thanked Council President Geray for
his speech.
Director Prouse stated there are some ongoing repairs taking place on the new water tank. He
stated Dome Technology has made a significant reduction, but there is still some residual
leakage. He further stated they are done working on it for the winter and will continue repairs in
the spring.
Deputy Davies said he has nothing to report in addition to the monthly law enforcement stats that
Clerk West has provided in the Council packets.
IONA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING—NOVEMBER 21, 2023
Council Member Wadsworth congratulated Council President Geray and Rylea Farrens for their
success on the election.
Council President Geray stated he appreciated the participation at the Veterans Day program at
Iona Elementary School. He also expressed his appreciation for the support he received during
the election and was humbled by the outcome.
Council Member Thompson stated his appreciation to the City staff and their work on the
Veterans Day program. He then expressed concern regarding Fybercom and the condition in
which they left a residents' swale. He then stated he will discuss it with Director Prouse.
Council Member Mann expressed appreciation to all the local veterans. He also congratulated
Council President Geray and Rylea Farrens on winning the election.
Mayor Gubler reported there was some vandalism that occurred at the tennis courts. He
continued and stated there were large rocks that were thrown over the fence and caused damage
to the surface on the courts. Clerk West encouraged the Council to consider a future discussion
of security cameras in the park. Council Member Thompson agreed and said it would be great to
discuss it as the City switches to fiber internet.
ITEMS OF BUSINESS:
Annexation Discussion with Green Valley Subdivision Homeowners Association — Britney
Talbot approached the podium and stated she is the President of the Green Valley Estates
Homeowners Association (HOA). She continued and stated that due to ongoing discussions the
City Council has had regarding annexation of their neighborhood, they have held multiple
meetings with their residents and have obtained 105 signatures against annexation. She
continued and stated this represents 56%of their 25 acre subdivision. Mrs. Talbot asked what the
City's next steps will be since most of their neighborhood is against annexation. Council
Member Thompson asked what reasons were discussed in their meetings as to why they are
against annexation. Mrs. Talbot stated the major reason is financial and the increase of $400-
$600/year is too much to pay for the little benefits they would receive. Council Member
Thompson stated he has heard feedback from their meetings where information about the tax
increase was portrayed incorrectly.
Mayor Gubler explained the process for annexation is defined by state law. He continued and
stated it describes that with a development the size of Green Valley, an annexation would require
an election. He stated if the City decides to continue down this path, there would be an election
date and information would be distributed to each resident prior to that election date. Mrs. Talbot
asked if the City is going to continue with this process and eventually hold an election. Council
Member Mann stated that is the current path the City is pursuing. Clerk West asked how the
signatures were obtained. Mrs. Talbot stated the signatures have all been obtained and notarized
at their neighborhood meetings. Council President Geray stated he assumes there was no one at
these meetings as a representative of the City. He continued and said that is not required, but
problems that can arise from those situations is uninformed and underinformed voters. Council
President Geray stated certain perceptions can be created by one side or the other if both sides
are not equally represented and heard. He continued and stated taxes are not fair and equitable
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IONA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING—NOVEMBER 21, 2023
and explained the various taxes he is required to pay that he does not directly benefit from. He
continued and stated being part of a community is paying taxes that help benefit the community
as a whole. Council President Geray illustrated some of the benefits the City provides may not be
applicable to each person, but they may benefit a neighbor. He continued and stated if the City
continues down this path, he hopes the residents will be able to listen objectively with an open
mind. Mrs. Talbot asked what the timeframe would be for an election. Council Member Mann
stated that has not been determined yet. He continued and stated there would be a packet of
information mailed out to each resident in their subdivision with an invitation to a Public
Hearing to discuss the annexation plan with the City Council.
A male audience member approached the podium and stated the Council Members talking about
taxes all chose to live in Iona. Mayor Gubler asked him where he lives. The audience member
stated he lives on 45th East. Mayor Gubler stated this discussion is with the Green Valley HOA.
He continued and stated the Green Valley Subdivision was built to the standards of the City of
Iona with the intention of future annexation. Audience members loudly disagreed with this
statement. Mayor Gubler continued and stated he was on the City Council when that
development was approved by Bonneville County and was done so with an agreement between
the City of Iona and Bonneville County. He continued and stated the agreement was that the
subdivision would be built to the City's standards with the intention of future annexation once it
was contiguous.
Council President Geray reiterated there is no date set in stone for an annexation vote. He
continued and stated the process will not continue until after the holidays and is not a quick
process. Council Member Thompson stated the process is taking time because they are trying to
receive and give as much information as possible. He continued and stated communication is key
and hopefully both parties can communicate respectfully. Council Member Thompson continued
and stated this is a community discussion and stated the residents in the outskirts of the City of
Iona do impact the City, and vice versa.
Lindsey Kenison, a resident of Green Valley on Vision Drive, approached the podium and asked
why the City is pursuing this annexation now and not in the future. Council Member Wadsworth
stated cities are meant to expand and eventually all of the residents that live on the outskirts of
Iona will be annexed into Ammon, Idaho Falls or Iona, once they are contiguous with one of
those cities. He continued and stated the other cities have no problem allowing multi-family
housing units right at their backyards. Council Member Wadsworth further explained that Iona
needs to expand to protect its residents and the small town feeling of the community.
Greg Jorgensen, a resident of Green Valley on Woodbine Drive, approached the podium and
asked how Ammon or Idaho Falls could force an annexation if the City of Iona can only annex
by a vote. Mayor Gubler stated all annexations are required to follow the process outlined in the
state code. Council President Geray stated Idaho State Code 50-222 is the annexation statute that
addresses how annexations can be done.
A male resident of Vision Drive approached the podium and stated he does not agree with the
threats being used that other cities will be coming to force annex their neighborhood in the
future. He continued and stated those cities will need to follow the same rules that Iona has to
follow now. Council President Geray explained the different classifications of annexation. He
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IONA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING—NOVEMBER 21, 2023
further explained that Iona has chosen to pursue a Class B Annexation which requires the
residents to vote because the Council felt that was a cleaner, more appropriate way to move
forward.
Shawn Branson, a resident of Green Valley on Vision Drive approached the podium and stated
their HOA advertised the meetings and provided information prior to each resident choosing
whether or not they consent to annexation. He continued and stated they had a notary there and
each person signed by their own choice. Mr. Branson stated the residents of Green Valley do not
want to be annexed because Iona would not provide any benefits to them. He continued and
stated they do not want to pay more property taxes for no benefits.
Britney Talbot spoke up from the audience and stated the HOA board did provide information at
the meetings of things that would change if they were annexed into Iona. She continued and
stated those changes included more police presence, more access to City facilities, etc. Council
President Geray expressed appreciation for their efforts to provide as much information as
possible. Council Member Mann stated the reason these efforts are taking place now is because
several residents of Green Valley have approached the City in favor of annexation. Clerk West
concurred and said she has received emails from some residents that are in favor of annexation
but are afraid to speak up because they feel threatened by their neighbors.
A female resident that lives on 45th East asked if the process continues and the City of Iona does
not get enough votes, will they continue onto a forced annexation process. Mayor Gubler said
that option has not been discussed at this point. Council Member Mann stated the current
members of the City Council cannot speak for future elected officials.
Britney Talbot stated Rockwell Homes owns 19 acres in their subdivision. She asked if the City
Council knows how they would vote. Clerk West stated the City Council cannot speak for
Rockwell Homes.
Council Member Mann encouraged all parties to move forward in this process with civility and
respect towards each other. He continued and stated during this process and after, we will all still
be neighbors and part of the same community.
Public Hearing — Ordinance to Amend Iona City Code § 10-1-17(E), pertaining to
Construction Requirements for Public Ways in the Iona Subdivision Ordinance,
specifically driveway approaches (Ord. 295-11-23) —Mayor Gubler stated this amendment has
been discussed at previous meetings.
Mayor Gubler stated this is a Public Hearing and asked if anyone in the audience would like to
address the Council for or against this amendment. No response. Mayor Gubler then closed the
Public Hearing portion of this agenda item.
Council Member Thompson asked how the fee of$200 for engineered driveway approaches was
figured. Clerk West stated she and Mayor Gubler reviewed previous invoices from the City
Engineer and concluded a $200 fee was sufficient to cover the engineer review and all
administrative work to process the application.
4
IONA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING—NOVEMBER 21, 2023
Mayor Gubler entertained a motion. Council Member Mann made a motion to approve
Ordinance No. 295-11-23, an Ordinance of the City of Iona, Idaho; amending Section 10-1-17(E)
of the Iona City Code; amending requirements for driveway approaches; providing methodology;
preserving prior ordinances in each instance; providing for severability; and establishing an
effective date. Council Member Mann also moved to dispense with the rule of reading the
proposed ordinance in full and on three separate occasions. Council Member Wadsworth
seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken:
Council President Geray: YES Council Member Wadsworth: YES
Council Member Mann: YES Council Member Thompson: YES
Approval of Final Plat for Badger Creek Division No. 1, located within the Bonneville
County Area of Impact — Mayor Gubler stated this plat was approved by Bonneville County
prior to the updated Area of Impact (AOI) Agreement. He said the plat does meet all street
requirements. Mayor Gubler stated this action is a formality and if the City does not approve it, it
will have no effect on Bonneville County's final decision. Council President Geray stated he
understands one benefit to this approval is the Consent to Annexation that will now be required
for all developments in the updated AOI. Clerk West concurred. Council Member Thompson
asked Director Prouse if he has any issues on the plat. Director Prouse stated he did not.
Mayor Gubler entertained a motion. Council President Geray made a motion to approve the Final
Plat for Badger Creek Division No. 1, located within the Bonneville County Area of Impact, as
presented. Council Member Thompson seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried.
Approval of Final Plat for Red Rock Division No. 5, located within the Bonneville County
Area of Impact—Mayor Gubler stated the 5 acre parcel was originally slated to be a church, but
has now been sold back to Rockwell Homes for development. He continued and stated the lots
are patio home size lots. Mayor Gubler stated this was also already approved by Bonneville
County, prior to the new AOI Agreement. Clerk West clarified this property was not previously
in the AOI but is now with the updated AOI. Council Member Thompson asked Director Prouse
if he had any issues with this plat. Director Prouse confirmed no issues were identified. Council
President Geray stated he does not consider small sections of high-density housing an issue, but
he does not want to see that as a theme among developments. Council Member Thompson
expressed concern over the shallow width of the road. Mayor Gubler reiterated the City's vote is
irrelevant and this development will move forward through Bonneville County.
Mayor Gubler entertained a motion. Council President Geray made a motion to approve the Final
Plat for Red Rock Division No. 5, located within the Bonneville County Area of Impact, to
include the Consent to Annexation. Council Member Thompson seconded the motion. All in
favor. Motion carried.
Approval of Official Election Results for 2023 City Election; Precincts #41, #44 and #53 —
Mayor Gubler stated this is the approval of the official canvas of the City Election that was held
this month. Council Member Mann expressed concern over the small voter turnout.
5
IONA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING—NOVEMBER 21, 2023
Mayor Gubler entertained a motion. Council Member Thompson made a motion to approve the
Official Election Results for the 2023 City Election for Precincts #41, #44 and #53. Council
Member Wadsworth seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried.
Approval of Topographical Survey for City property on 49th North — Mayor Gubler stated
this approval is for the topographical survey for the new City park on 49th North. He stated there
are different options to conduct the survey, including a drone method or a traditional method on
the ground, but they are both the same cost. Council President Geray asked what the survey is
attempting to achieve. Mayor Gubler stated this type of survey is needed to design anything that
will go in the park, elevation wise. He continued and stated he and City employees have dug test
holes and found there is 3 feet of cover. Council President Geray asked if there would be a
benefit to getting a second quote. Director Prouse stated he thinks the price would be similar
with another company.
Mayor Gubler entertained a motion. Council President Geray made a motion to approve a
topographical survey for the City property on 49th North, not to exceed $12,000. Council
Member Thompson seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried.
Approval of Additional Veteran's Monument at the Iona City Building — Mayor Gubler
stated the City is looking to add an additional monument in front of the City Building to add
more veterans' names. Rylea Farrens stated from the audience that the existing monuments do
not have enough room for the 40+veteran names the City has collected to add to the monuments.
Mayor Gubler stated the new monument will be able to accommodate 80-100 names on each
side, so after the new one is completed there will not be a need for a long time to add another
monument. Council President Geray stated he supports this expense, but asked what budget it
would come out of. Clerk West stated it could come out of the "Capital Improvements" budget
of the General Fund. Council President Geray suggested possibly taking this out of the "Parks
Maintenance"budget. She continued and stated the cost is approximately$6,500, which includes
the monument, engraved names and the concrete base the City will need to install.
Mayor Gubler entertained a motion. Council President Geray made a motion to approve the
purchase of an additional Veteran's Monument at the Iona City Building to be paid out of the
"Parks Maintenance"budget, not to exceed$6,500. Council Member Mann seconded the motion.
All in favor. Motion carried.
General Fiber Discussion — Mayor Gubler stated this discussion was completed during the
Work Meeting.
SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS: Kirsti Cook approached the podium and suggested the City
Council Meetings be live streamed. She continued and stated many people have expressed
interest in the ability to watch the meetings live and be able to go back and watch them
afterwards. She also suggested adding the website and Facebook page to the monthly newsletter
and making the colors easier to read. She continued and said there are a lot of residents that don't
know where to go to find information about the City.
Council Member Mann suggested a future discussion on installing water pumps throughout the
City for emergency purposes. Mayor Gubler agreed.
6
IONA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING—NOVEMBER 21,2023
Meeting Adjourned at 8:20pm.
COUNCIL APPROVED: December 19, 2023
Daniel ubler, "yor
ATTEST: W4(1/ l�
Keri West, City Clerk/Treasurer
7
City of Iona Check Register-Iona Page: 1
Check Issue Dates:11/1/2023-11/30/2023 Dec 04,2023 02:19PM
Report Criteria:
Report type: Summary
GL Period Check Issue Date Check Number Payee Description GL Account Amount
11/23 11/06/2023 20641 BONNEVILLE CO.SOLID WASTE County Dump refuse 104711 75.00
11/23 11/06/2023 20642 BONNEVILLE COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS Night Survey 514710 206.44
11/23 11/06/2023 20643 DIGLINE,INC. Utility Locator Monthly Fee 514710 140.40
11/23 11/06/2023 20644 HK CONTRACTORS,INC. Asphalt Repairs 104713 1,386.00
11/23 11/06/2023 20645 RMT EQUIPMENT Fan Belt Replacement 104711 66.60
11/23 11/08/2023 20646 AAA SEWER SERVICE Pumped Septic tanks at Pioneer P 104712 805.00
11/23 11/08/2023 20647 APG WEST PAYMENT PH-Code Amendment 104155 43.00
11/23 11/08/2023 20648 BLACKFOOT COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE 104150 173.55
11/23 11/08/2023 20649 CITY OF IONA City water usage/bill 104711 539.00
11/23 11/08/2023 20650 ERIKS NORTH AMERICA,INC. 3/4"TUBING 104711 34.08
11/23 11/08/2023 20651 FALLS PLUMBING SUPPLY,INC. Shop Supplies 514710 43.68
11/23 11/08/2023 20652 INTERMOUNTAIN GAS CO. Natural gas-heating 104175 402.09
11/23 11/08/2023 20653 MOONSHINE COMMERCIAL CLEANING SER Halloween Cleaning 104770 1,214.20
11/23 11/08/2023 20654 NETBACK,LLC Data Backup 5GB 514150 75.00
11/23 11/08/2023 20655 PORTER'S OFFICE PRODUCTS Sheet Protectors&Office Paper 104150 125.48
11/23 11/08/2023 20656 TYLER BRIGGS REFUND FOR COACH'S DISCO 103750 75.00
11/23 11/08/2023 20657 VERIZON WIRELESS Cell phones-Shane 104955 487.72
11/23 11/13/2023 20658 GREG MCBRIDE 4724 N.Sunrise Lane 104720 1,156.58
11/23 11/14/2023 20659 ALLEN ELDRIDGE Building Inspections and Plan Rev 104720 6,189.00
11/23 11/14/2023 20660 BFS GROUP,LLC Pallet Charge Credit 514710 318.78
11/23 11/14/2023 20661 CHEMSEARCH Contract Water Treatment Progra 514710 242.59
11/23 11/14/2023 20662 FERGUSON WATERWORKS#1701 Shop Stock •
514710 766.75
11/23 11/14/2023 20663 H.D.FOWLER CO. Water System Parts 514710 623.68
11/23 11/14/2023 20664 IDAHO TRAFFIC SAFETY,INC. TENNIS COURT SIGNS 104712 330.00
11/23 11/14/2023 20665 LANDON EXCAVATING,INC. GRADER FOR WATER TANK RE 514710 150.00
11/23 11/14/2023 20666 PORTER'S OFFICE PRODUCTS Office supplies 514150 69.51
11/23 11/14/2023 20667 PRO RENTAL&SALES,INC. Stump Grinder Rental 104730 179.52
11/23 11/14/2023 20668 PROGRESSIVE IRRIGATION DISTRICT Surface water assessments 514710 564.86
11/23 11/14/2023 20669 PSI ENVIRONMENTAL Dumpster-3548 N.Main 104711 240.62
11/23 11/14/2023 20670 WESTERN STATES EQUIPMENT CAT Backhoe Maintenance 514730 426.63
11/23 11/20/2023 20671 BRENT PURCELL MH-3418 N.Main Street 104720 6,445.00
11/23 11/20/2023 20672 FALLS PLUMBING SUPPLY,INC. Shop Supplies 514710 37.86
11/23 11/20/2023 20673 FORSGREN ASSOCIATES,INC. Attend Council Meeting 514180 1,632.00
11/23 11/20/2023 20674 H.D.FOWLER CO. Meter Box&Extension 514710 343.62
11/23 11/20/2023 20675 HOME DEPOT CREDIT SERVICES Tools 104711 247.28
11/23 11/20/2023 20676 LANDON EXCAVATING,INC. Asphalt Patch Walking Path 104712 363.00
11/23 11/20/2023 20677 ROCKY MTN.POWER Shop 104175 2,652.16
11/23 11/20/2023 20678 SAWMILL WOODWORKS REFUND WATER OVERPAYMEN 011075 47.42
11/23 11/20/2023 20679 SERMON SERVICE&ELECTRIC Shop heaters service call 514710 313.65
11/23 11/20/2023 20680 TETON MICROBIOLOGY LAB Coliform/E.Coli Water Tests 514710 96.00
11/23 11/27/2023 20707 D&S ELECTRICAL SUPPLY CO. Light Timer for City Building 104711 114.67
11/23 11/27/2023 20708 GREG MCBRIDE Mech&Plumbing Inspections 104720 1,332.64
11/23 11/27/2023 20709 HEATHER ASHLEY REFUND WATER OVERPAYMEN 011075 39.20
11/23 11/27/2023 20710 KC'S ALL AMERICAN SPORTS Winter Basketball Jerseys 104955 7,552.50
11/23 11/27/2023 20711 PEAK ALARM Qtrly Security alarm monitoring 514150 130.56
11/23 11/27/2023 20712 ROCKY MTN.POWER Street Lights 104713 45.38
11/23 11/27/2023 20713 SPARKLIGHT Internet-Office 514150 181.61
Grand Totals: 38,725.31
Summary by General Ledger Account Number
M=Manual Check,V=Void Check
City of Iona Check Register-Iona Page: 2
Check Issue Dates:11/1/2023-11/30/2023 Dec 04,2023 02:19PM
GLAccount Debit Credit Proof
01-1075 86.62 .00 86.62
01-2010 .00 86.62- 86.62-
10-2010 71.64 31,187.68- 31,116.04-
10-37-50 75.00 .00 75.00
10-41-50 527.89 .00 527.89
10-41-55 43.00 .00 43.00
10-41-63 408.00 .00 408.00
10-41-75 314.18 .00 314.18
10-47-11 2,205.47 71.64- 2,133.83
10-47-12 1,677.95 .00 1,677.95
10-47-13 2,634.86 .00 2,634.86
10-47-20 15,164.61 .00 15,164.61
10-47-30 392.83 .00 392.83
10-47-70 150.00 .00 150.00
10-49-55 7,593.89 .00 7,593.89
51-2010 35.89 7,558.54- 7,522.65-
51-41-50 310.60 .00 310.60
51-41-75 1,465.27 .00 1,465.27
51-41-80 1,224.00 .00 1,224.00
51-47-10 4,345.35 35.89- 4,309.46
51-47-30 213.32 .00 213.32
Grand Totals: 38,940.37 38,940.37- .00
Dated: lV ` ill 1 1,p2,,3
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Mayor:
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Report Criteria:
Report type: Summary
M=Manual Check,V=Void Check