HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes_City Council Regular Meeting_02272024 CITY OF IONA
CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
IONA CITY HALL
FEBRUARY 27,2024—7:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Mayor Daniel Gubler, Council President Robert Geray, Council Member Michael
Thompson, Council Member Evan Mann, Council Member Rylea Farrens, City Attorney
Andrew Rawlings,Public Works Director Zech Prouse and City Cleric/Treasurer Keri West.
ABSENT: None.
VISITORS: Kirsti Cook, Susan Gardner, Jill Smith, Mark Schaffer, Bill Koester, Josh Tuttle,
James West, Diana Estrada and Kip Davies.
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 January
23, 2024, were reviewed. Council reviewed the finance reports for the period ending January 31,
2024 (33% of the fiscal year elapsed). The City had $1,869,686.25 in the bank and routine bills
had been paid, "Exhibit A".
Mayor Gubler entertained a motion. Council President Geray made a motion to approve the
consent agenda as presented. Council Member Thompson seconded the motion. All in favor.
Motion carried.
STAFF REPORTS: Deputy Davies stated nothing to report in addition to the stats that have
been distributed to the Council. Council Member Thompson stated his appreciation for the
additional traffic stops.
Mayor Gubler stated other staff reports were completed in the Work Meeting. He asked if any
Council Members had anything else to report. No comments made.
SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS: No suggestions made.
ITEMS OF BUSINESS:
Public Hearing — Ordinance to Amend Iona City Code § 6-4-10, pertaining to the
installation of mailboxes in Public Rights of Way (Ord. 299-02-24)—Mayor Gubler stated this
is the third month this amendment has been discussed and he feels the language has been ironed
out where it needs to be. Clerk West stated she spoke with the Iona Postmaster today and was
informed the United States Postal Service (USPS) standard for mailboxes is 41"-45" from the
bottom of the mailbox to the road. She continued and stated the standard proposed in this
amendment is 48". Attorney Rawlings stated the City can change the standard in the amendment,
or just reference the USPS as the standard to follow.
Jill Smith approached the podium and stated she is the current Postmaster at the Iona Post Office.
She said she reviewed the proposed amendment today and found several items that she believes
are concerning to her facility and the customers they serve. Ms. Smith expressed concern over
IONA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING—FEBRUARY 27, 2024
the City's desire to bring all customers into compliance with new standards. She continued and
stated she was not made aware of the City's regulations last year before they informed customers
their free post office boxes would be discontinued and would be asked to put up mailboxes. She
stated the post office told customers of the USPS standards to follow. Ms. Smith also found
concern in the amendment where it states the City will have final say in where neighborhood
boxes are placed. She stated this should be a joint effort, but the USPS has the final say on
whether they will or will not deliver to an address and where those boxes are located. Ms. Smith
stated she already has a working relationship with Clerk West on new subdivisions, but feels the
wording needs to be changed to illustrate that it is a joint effort. Council Member Thompson
stated he feels the wording in the City Code is directed at the developers. He continued and
stated if the City and the USPS are already communicating on placement of boxes, from the
developer's perspective the City does have final say on where the boxes are placed. Council
President Geray agreed but offered additional language to recognize the City's communication
with the USPS. Everyone agreed to this change in the verbiage.
Ms. Smith then expressed concern over the City Code not permitting individual mailboxes to be
placed together on the same post. She continued and stated the post office felt it would be easier
for the snow removal and lawn mowing equipment to maneuver around one post with multiple
mailboxes on it, rather than multiple single mailbox posts. Ms. Smith also stated she believes the
posts should be bigger than the City is suggesting because customers are now receiving more
packages in their mailboxes and larger mailboxes are now allowed by the USPS. She continued
and expressed additional concern regarding the dirt requirement for the base of the post and
explained she does not believe dirt is a long term solution for a mailbox. Ms. Smith continued
and stated mailboxes that are set in dirt will need to be replaced every year if they are hit by the
snowplow truck. Mayor Gubler stated the City has addressed that with the proposed new setback
requirement of 18" off the road. Ms. Smith expressed concern over this setback in existing areas
with curbing. Mayor Gubler stated the City has opted to require the rolled curbing so that
vehicles can drive up on it. Ms. Smith suggested that is added to the Code because pulling up
onto curbing is not a generally accepted form of delivery.
Council Member Farrens asked Director Prouse why the cement or asphalt option was removed
from the amendment as a method of placement for the posts. Director Prouse stated that was a
recommendation made by the Bonneville County Road & Bridge Department. He continued and
stated they recommended not using concrete type material because they have encountered many
accidents with those types of structures. Council President Geray clarified that is a
recommendation and not a requirement.
Mayor Gubler stated this is a Public Hearing and asked if anyone else from the audience would
like to address the City Council.
Susan Gardner approached the podium and stated she is a carrier for the Iona Post Office. She
asked for clarification regarding the curbing that was referred to earlier that can be driven upon.
Mayor Gubler explained the curbing is a rolled curb and can be driven next to or on top of for
mail delivery. Mrs. Gardner stated the mailboxes need to be a certain distance from the bottom of
the mailbox to the road. She continued and stated the curbing and their vehicles need to be
considered when they discuss the standard height measurements and road setbacks for the
mailboxes. Mrs. Gardner also stated the Code needs to reflect that mailbox owners do not need
2
IONA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING—FEBRUARY 27, 2024
permission from property owners to place a mailbox on their property if that is where the USPS
has determined as the necessary location for their mailbox. Attorney Rawlings understood and
stated that can be clarified in the amendment.
Council President Geray stated the standard drawings need to be changed to match what is being
discussed in the amended Code. Mayor Gubler agreed and confirmed the USPS required
measurement from the road to the bottom of the mailbox is between 41"-45". Council President
Geray also stated the drawings indicate the placement in native soil and he would recommend
concrete as an allowed material. Mayor Gubler stated he does not think concrete is necessary for
it to be sturdy. He continued and stated if a City vehicle hits a mailbox the City is then
responsible for the replacement of the mailbox and repairs to the vehicle. Mayor Gubler clarified
if a mailbox is in soil,the damage is minimal compared to the mailbox being set in concrete.
Kirsti Cook of 3390 N. Olsen Street approached the podium and asked if all existing brick
mailboxes will need to be replaced. Mayor Gubler stated there is a section in this amendment
that allows for brick mailboxes. Mrs. Cook also asked the Council to clarify the 18" setback
requirement. Mayor Gubler explained the 18" setback is a minimum requirement. He continued
and stated if a property owner wants to have it further back than 18", they are allowed to do that
but will be responsible for clearing a path to the mailbox for delivery.
Mayor Gubler then closed the Public Hearing portion of this agenda item.
Mayor Gubler entertained a motion. Council Member Mann made a motion to table this
amendment until next month for the adjustments to be made. Council Member Farrens seconded
the motion. All in favor. A roll call vote was taken:
Council President Geray: YES Council Member Mann: YES
Council Member Thompson: YES Council Member Farrens: YES
Public Hearing — Ordinance to Amend Ordinance No. 290-08-23, Appropriations
Ordinance for the 2024 Fiscal Year, Appropriating Additional Monies of$2,105,195.47 to
reflect accurate fund balance carryover amounts and grant monies received (Ord. 300-02-
24) —Mayor Gubler stated the City is required to pass the annual budget in September,but that is
before the end of the fiscal year, so the numbers are not always accurate. He continued and
explained the City has started amending the budget each year to reflect actual carryover amounts
and actual property tax amounts with updated levy rates. Mayor Gubler also explained this year
the City will be awarded a $2,000,000 grant for road construction which needs to be reflected in
the budget. Clerk West displayed the proposed amended budget on the projector and explained
the main differences are the grant money and fund balance carryover amounts.
Mayor Gubler stated this is a Public Hearing and asked if anyone in the audience would like to
address the City Council on this agenda item. No response. Mayor Gubler then closed the Public
Hearing portion of this agenda item to allow for Council deliberations.
Mayor Gubler entertained a motion. Council Member Farrens made a motion to approve
Ordinance No. 300-02-24, an Ordinance of the City of Iona, Idaho; amending Ordinance No.
290-08-23, the Appropriations Ordinance for the fiscal year beginning October 1, 2023, and
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IONA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING—FEBRUARY 27, 2024
ending September 30, 2024; appropriating grant monies received and accurate amounts for fund
balance carryovers by the City of Iona, Idaho; in the sum of $2,105,195.47 and providing an
effective date. Council Member Farrens also made a motion to dispense with the rule of reading
the proposed ordinance in full and on three separate occasions. Council Member Mann seconded
the motion. A roll call vote was taken:
Council President Geray: YES Council Member Farrens: YES
Council Member Thompson: YES Council Member Mann: YES
Application for Permit for Extended RV Use; Joshua Keith Tuttle, 3185 N. Olsen Street —
Joshua Tuttle of 3185 N. Olsen Street approached the podium and stated his father was
diagnosed with cancer while living in a remote area of Michigan. He continued and stated he
brought his father here to live with him while going through treatment. Mr. Tuttle stated as part
of that treatment his father is on chemotherapy that makes him toxic. He stated he has small
children in the home, so they moved his father into a camper in the backyard to maintain good
health for everyone. Mr. Tuttle stated he was unaware of the 30 day limit for living in an RV
until Deputy Davies informed him last week. He is requesting an extension until his father's
chemotherapy is complete. Council President Geray asked how the prognosis has been so far and
how long the therapy is expected to last. Mr. Tuttle stated he has two more treatments and one
surgery before he will be able to return home to Michigan. He continued and stated he has
already completed radiation and low dose chemotherapy. He is now undergoing high dose
chemotherapy which the doctors explained is making him toxic. Council Member Thompson
asked what the expected timeline is for treatment. Mr. Tuttle stated his father is hoping to return
to Michigan in May. Council Member Mann stated he considers this situation a hardship that
qualifies for an extension.
Mayor Gubler entertained a motion. Council Member Mann made a motion to approve the
Permit for Extended RV Use for Joshua Keith Tuttle of 3185 N. Olsen Street for the timeframe
listed as June 1, 2024. Council Member Farrens seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion
carried.
Application for Permit for Extended RV Use; Linda Rice, Garrett & Brinnli Rice, 3071 N.
Olsen Street — Garrett Rice of 3071 N. Olsen Street approached the podium and explained his
plan was to move in with his mom after she paid a contractor to add another bedroom onto her
existing home. He stated the contractor took the money and left, leaving him without a place to
live. Mr. Rice stated the cost of living is really high for newlyweds, so they cannot afford an
apartment or house to rent. He stated they purchased a trailer with the intent of living in it next to
his mom while he attends school. He continued and stated they did not know there was a 30 day
limit to live in an RV. Mr. Rice stated they were just informed about this ordinance and are
hoping to obtain an extension until they are able to afford a house. Council Member Farrens
asked what timeframe they are asking for the extension. Mr. Rice stated they are requesting to
extend until the end of 2024. Mayor Gubler asked if construction of the house is still taking
place. Mrs. Linda Rice approached the podium and stated she took the contractor to court and
has been granted the judgement. However, they are still trying to get back the $83,000 that was
taken from her. Mrs. Rice stated her home only has one bedroom, so there is no space for Garrett
and Brinnli to live with her in the home. Council Member Farrens asked if they have considered
living in an RV park. Mr. Rice stated RV parks in Idaho Falls start at $1500/month, plus they
4
IONA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING—FEBRUARY 27, 2024
would have to pay their payment on the RV, so it would cost more than renting an apartment.
Council Member Mann asked if they have looked into subsidized housing. Mr. Rice stated they
both work, so they make too much to get approved for subsidized housing, but not enough to
afford an apartment.
Council Member Farrens expressed her sympathy for the situation but does not like the idea of
someone living in an RV for 9 months. Council Member Mann agreed and said he does not
believe it constitutes a hardship. Clerk West stated the hardship Mrs. Rice explained is the
money theft that left them unable to add to her house to provide a place for her son and his wife
to live. Council President Geray asked Mrs. Rice where she currently lives. Mrs. Rice stated she
lives in the home, but it only has one bedroom. She stated there is one other room she could use
as a bedroom, but it is very small and would only fit a bunk bed. Council President Geray stated
the City Council has never approved an Extended RV Use Permit for this length of time. He also
stated he does not see an end in sight, which makes it hard to approve. Council President Geray
expressed his sympathy, but he does not think approving the permit under these circumstances is
a good precedent to set for the City. He continued and stated he does not feel comfortable
approving this permit for 9 months, but recommended giving them until June 1, 2024, to find an
alternative solution. Council Member Thompson asked if the RV is connected to sewer. Mrs.
Rice stated they have a dump site on property that was installed by her grandfather many years
ago. Council Member Thompson stated he agrees with Council President Geray and agreed with
the June 1, 2024, deadline.
Mayor Gubler stated the Council hears these applications on an individual basis, so there is no
precedent being set. Attorney Rawlings agreed there is no legal precedent being set. Council
Member Mann stated there is a public perception that will be set if this application is approved
for an extended period of time. Council President Geray agreed. He then asked the applicants
how long they have already been living in the RV. Mrs. Rice stated they have been living in the
RV since August 2023. Council Member Farrens asked if a neighbor complained, or how the
City was made aware of this situation. Clerk West stated there was a complaint about another
resident living in an RV that Deputy Davies addressed. She continued and stated Deputy Davies
then drove around the rest of the City and identified other RVs that were being lived in and
talked to the owners. Clerk West clarified the City has received no complaints about this RV.
Council Member Thompson recommended adjusting the application to allow for approval until
June 1, 2024, instead of December 31, 2024. Council President Geray asked if the applicants
would be amenable with that adjustment. The applicants all agreed to this course of action.
Mayor Gubler entertained a motion. Council Member Thompson made a motion to approve the
Permit for Extended RV Use for Linda Rice and Garrett & Brinnli Rice at 3071 N. Olsen Street
until June 1, 2024. Council President Geray seconded the motion. All in favor. Motion carried.
Ordinance to Amend Iona City Code § 8-2-22: Water Service Outside City, adding a
Consent to Annexation upon contiguity for new services located outside City limits (Ord.
301-02-24) —Mayor Gubler stated this amendment adds to the Code language that if a property
outside the current City limits connects to the City's water system they agree to be annexed once
they are contiguous to the City. Council Member Mann asked if this applies to existing
properties on the City's water system that have not been annexed. Mayor Gubler stated this
5
IONA CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING—FEBRUARY 27, 2024
amendment is only for future properties that connect to the water system. Council President
Geray stated there is already implied consent for current customers,but this amendment makes it
even more clear to homeowners that they consent to annexation once they are contiguous.
Mayor Gubler asked if anyone in the audience had any questions or concerns with this course of
action. No response.
Mayor Gubler entertained a motion. Council President Geray made a motion to approve
Ordinance No. 301-02-24, an Ordinance of the City of Iona, Idaho; amending Section 8-2-22 of
the Iona City Code; adding consent to future annexation as a condition for water service outside
City boundaries; providing methodology; preserving prior ordinances in each instance; providing
for severability; and establishing an effective date. Council President Geray also made a motion
to dispense with the rule of reading the proposed ordinance in full and on three separate
occasions. Council Member Thompson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken:
Council President Geray: YES Council Member Mann: YES
Council Member Farrens: YES Council Member Thompson: YES
Approval of Preliminary Plat located in the Bonneville County Area of Impact; Norton
Division No. 1; Bonneville Joint School District #93; proposed preliminary plat for new
elementary school, located on the south side of 49th North, between Ammon Road and 45th
East—Mayor Gubler stated this plat is for the new elementary school that will be located on 49th
North, which is in the Area of Impact with Bonneville County. Council Member Farrens
expressed concern regarding the narrow width of the parent pick up/drop off turnaround on the
south side of the school. Discussion continued regarding the size of the turnaround and the scale
of the drawing. Council President Geray stated he believes Bonneville Joint School District #93
is aware of the width required for an appropriate parent turnaround. He continued and stated the
City Council is reviewing this as a Preliminary Plat and the specifics of the school and parking
lot layout should instead be addressed at a school board meeting.
Mayor Gubler entertained a motion. Council President Geray made a motion to approve the
Preliminary Plat for Norton Division No. 1 for Bonneville Joint School District #93, the
proposed preliminary plat for the new elementary school, located on the south side of 49th North,
between Ammon Road and 45th East as presented. Council Member Thompson seconded the
motion. All in favor. Motion carried.
Meeting Adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
COUNCIL APPROVED: March 26,2024
Daniel Gubler, Mayor
ATTEST:
Keri West, City Clerk/Treasurer
6
City of Iona Check Register-Iona Page: 1
Check Issue Dates:2/1/2024-2/29/2024 Mar 05,2024 03:28PM
Report Criteria:
Report type: Summary
GL Period Check Issue Date Check Number Payee Description GL Account Amount
02/24 02/07/2024 20867 BFS GROUP,LLC Shop Supplies 104711 9.96
02/24 02/07/2024 20868 BLACKFOOT COMMUNICATIONS TELEPHONE 514150 172.27
02/24 02/07/2024 20869 C-A-L-RANCH STORES Boots 104711 178.49
02/24 02/07/2024 20870 CITY OF IONA City water usage/bill 104711 539.00
02/24 02/07/2024 20871 CORE&MAIN Valve Box Cover Remover 514710 344.60
02/24 02/07/2024 20872 IDAHO TRAFFIC SAFETY,INC. Hydrant Signs 514710 130.00
02/24 02/07/2024 20873 INTERMOUNTAIN GAS CO. Natural gas-heating 514175 1,141.99
02/24 02/07/2024 20874 IONA BONNEVILLE SEWER DISTRICT City Bldg.sewer fees 104711 576.00
02/24 02/07/2024 20875 NAPAAUTO PARTS Shop Supplies 104711 63.98
02/24 02/07/2024 20876 VERIZON WIRELESS Cell phones-Shane 104955 297.05
02/24 02/12/2024 20877 BFS GROUP,LLC Tube Sand-Shop 104711 84.90
02/24 02/12/2024 20878 BONNEVILLE CO.SOLID WASTE County Dump refuse 104711 20.00
02/24 02/12/2024 20879 BONNEVILLE COUNTY SHERIFF FY2024 2nd Quarter Contract Pay 104680 58,967.78
02/24 02/12/2024 20880 DIANA ESTRADA REIMBURSEMENT FOR CITY E 104770 509.73
02/24 02/12/2024 20881 MOONSHINE COMMERCIAL CLEANING SER January Building Cleaning 104711 725.00
02/24 02/12/2024 20882 PSI ENVIRONMENTAL Dumpster-3548 N.Main 514710 253.84
02/24 02/12/2024 20883 WESTERN STATES EQUIPMENT CAT Backhoe Maintenance 104730 821.19
02/24 02/13/2024 20884 MARQUEE RASMUSON 2024 Events Shirts&Bags 104770 2,181.25
02/24 02/20/2024 20925 ALLEN ELDRIDGE Building Inspections 104720 1,230.00
02/24 02/20/2024 20926 GREG MCBRIDE 4823 E.Miles 104720 755.94
02/24 02/21/2024 20927 APG WEST PAYMENT PH-Budget Amendment 104155 180.30
02/24 02/21/2024 20928 ASSOCIATION OF IDAHO PUBLIC WORKS P 2024 MEMBERSHIP DUES 514165 10.00
02/24 02/21/2024 20929 BONNEVILLE COUNTY PUBLIC WORKS Changing Road Signs 104713 1,527.20
02/24 02/21/2024 20930 BONNEVILLE JOINT SCHOOL DIST.93 2024 Basketball Facilities Agreem 104955 5,980.00
02/24 02/21/2024 20931 CHEMSEARCH Contract Water Treatment Progra 514710 242.59
02/24 02/21/2024 20932 CITY OF IDAHO FALLS TREASURER OFFICE Dispatch Services 1st payment 104680 4,561.19
02/24 02/21/2024 20933 DIANA ESTRADA REIMBURSEMENT FOR EASTE 104770 140.00
02/24 02/21/2024 20934 HOME DEPOT CREDIT SERVICES Shop Supplies 104711 388.42
02/24 02/21/2024 20935 LANDON EXCAVATING,INC. EMERGENCY WATER SYSTEM 514710 1,000.00
02/24 02/21/2024 20936 NATALIE COULSTON REFUND BASKETBALL REG 103750 45.00
02/24 02/21/2024 20937 NETBACK,LLC Data Backup 5GB 104150 75.00
02/24 02/21/2024 20938 PORTER'S OFFICE PRODUCTS Toner 104150 498.51
02/24 02/21/2024 20939 ROCKY MTN.POWER Shop 514175 3,109.00
02/24 02/21/2024 20940 SCREEN GRAPHICS,INC. Public Works Shirts 104711 270.00
02/24 02/21/2024 20941 SOUTHCO METALS LLC Burn Table 514710 55.00
02/24 02/21/2024 20942 TETON MICROBIOLOGY LAB Well#5 Tests 514710 550.00
02/24 02/21/2024 20943 WINTER EQUIPMENT COMPANY SNOWPLOW PARTS 104713 3,441.90
02/24 02/21/2024 20944 JILL READING Cinnamon Rolls for Volunteer Mee 104770 38.16
02/24 02/26/2024 20945 JOHN DARRINGTON REFUND WATER OVERPAYMEN 011075 11.83
02/24 02/26/2024 20946 ROCKY MTN.POWER Street Lights 104713 45.63
02/24 02/26/2024 20947 TETON MICROBIOLOGY LAB Coliform/E.Coli Water Tests 514710 105.00
02/24 02/26/2024 20948 VERMEER HYDROVAC 104713 98,032.21
02/24 02/26/2024 20949 ANDREA BUNDERSON COUNCIL&STAFF PHOTOS 514150 283.00
02/24 02/29/2024 20950 PEAK ALARM Qtrly Security alarm monitoring 104150 130.56
02/24 02/29/2024 20951 SCREEN GRAPHICS,INC. Office Sweatshirts 514150 247.50
02/24 02/29/2024 20952 SPARKLIGHT Internet-Office 104150 181.61
02/24 02/29/2024 20953 WEX BANK Fuel for Dump Truck&Snow Plow 104711 227.66
02/24 02/29/2024 20954 DIANA ESTRADA REIMBURSEMENT FOR CITY E 104770 35.38
Grand Totals: 190,415.62
Summary by General Ledger Account Number
M=Manual Check,V=Void Check
City of lona Check Register-lona Page: 2
Check Issue Dates:2/1/2024-2/29/2024 Mar 05,2024 03:28PM
GLAccount Debit Credit Proof
01-1075 11.83 .00 11.83
01-2010 .00 11.83- 11.83-
10-2010 .00 105,913.66- 105,913.66-
10-37-50 45.00 .00 45.00
10-41-50 1,053.60 .00 1,053.60
10-41-55 180.30 .00 180.30
10-41-75 981.85 .00 981.85
10-46-80 63,528.97 .00 63,528.97
10-47-11 2,542.55 .00 2,542.55
10-47-12 182.79 .00 182.79
10-47-13 26,034.75 .00 26,034.75
10-47-20 2,027.34 .00 2,027.34
10-47-30 410.59 .00 410.59
10-47-70 2,904.52 .00 2,904.52
10-49-55 6,021.40 .00 6,021.40
51-2010 .00 84,490.13- 84,490.13-
51-41-50 617.65 .00 617.65
51-41-65 10.00 .00 10.00
51-41-75 1,901.20 .00 1,901.20
51-47-10 3,124.91 .00 3,124.91
51-47-30 410.60 .00 410.60
51-48-20 78,425.77 .00 78,425.77
Grand Totals: 190,415.62 190,415.62- .00
Dated: cif V (../� ( gib)---A
Mayor:
City Council:
s/�. GegAY 3 L/)e)`/
Report Criteria:
Report type: Summary
M=Manual Check,V=Void Check