HomeMy Public PortalAboutMcCall, Idaho: Politics and Government IIIMcCall to focus econ money on consultants, grants
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
Independent advice on community
development and a closer partnership
with the McCall Area Chamber of Com-
merce were put at the top of the list
Tuesday for the city of McCall to spend
economic development funds.
The list was complied at a special
meeting of the McCall City Council and
about 25 business representatives and
city staffers atThe Holiday Inn Express-
The Hunt Lodge.
The meeting was intended to set
priorities on spending the $30,000 the
cityhasbudgeted this yearforeconomic
development.
The money was given in past years
to Valley County economic development
director John Blaye, but the council
decided to spend the money in -house
this year.
The group decided it was important
the city pay up to $3,500 to the Idaho Rural
Partnership to provide objective infor-
mation from community development
specialists from outside the area.
Second on the list was a joint effort
of the city and the McCall chamber to
fill the void when Blaye's contract with
the county expires on March 31.
Relocation & Expansion
The two entities will work on a
process to r3spond to inquiries about
business relocation and expansion.
The third priority would be a busi-
ness directory on the city's Web site
providing information on all the busi-
nesses in McCall. However, those two
tasks were not expected to use any of
the $30,000 pool.
The fourth priority was to go after
Idaho Tourism Council grant money
atad spend $5,000 on McCall Municipal
Golf Course promotion.
The ITC has a four -to one grant
matching program, so the group decided
to put in a $10,000 match from the pool in
hopes of gaining an additional $40,000
in ITC grants.
See ECON, Page A -10
Ec o n
• Continue developing the
Krahn Lane /Samson Trail
(Continued, from Page A -1)
Business Park.
• Find funds to buy a floor
The fifth priority would
cover for Manchester Ice and
be for the chamber to define
Event Centre to allow events
loose boundaries for business
to be held without having to
districts in McCall and assess
melt the ice.
their needs and priorities.
• Work on a formula where
Other priorities set by the
they can give preference to lo-
group on Tuesday included:
cal businesses in the bidding
• Participate in the Amer-
process for public projects.
ica in Bloom program that
• Develop a map with all
promotes economic develop-
businesses within the city
ment through improving
of McCall.
community livability. That
The city council will take
move would cost of $899, to
up the tentative list of priori -
be paid for by the McCall Im-
ties at its Feb. 25 meeting.
provement Committee.
Council member Claudia
•Use$5,000of thefundsfor
Delaney also asked that the
the Valley Adams Planning
group meet again in four to
Partnership coordination.
six weeks.
The money would be paid to
MayorponBaileysuggest-
Sage Community Resources
ed the group begin thinking
to improve cooperation be-
aboutthe area'sraw materials
tween local governments.
andtothink about whatkinds
• Send one member of the
of businesses could benefit
council and one citizen to
from relocating here to use
the Northwest Community
those materials.
Development Institute each
The city shouldlookbeyond
year for $2,000.
Valley County's borders at
• Create a business license
other communities to see what
welcome packet to guide
they have done in economic
businesses through the city's
development, Bailey said.
approval processes.
McCall explores allowing `urban chickens'
Study also looking at home-
grown ducks, goats, rabbits
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
Thecityof McCall hasbeguntheprocess
to allow raising chickens inside the city as
a source of food.
The McCall Planning and Zoning Com-
mission held a wort: session Tuesday night
to discuss what are termed "urban chick-
ens" and whether other livestock should
be allowed inside the city.
"Is this just about chickens or is this
about goats and pigs ?" McCall Community
Development Director Michelle Groenevelt
said.
Whatever the city decides, chickens
should be kept away from the lake to avoid
the chance of pollution from waste, Com-
mission Member Kim Apperson.said,
See CHICKENS, Page A -2
Chickens
(Continued from Page A-1)
The proposal was touted
as a way to enhance food
security for families, Judy
Anderson of the citizens
group Sustainable Outlook
Long Valley said. Allow-
ing chickens would also
allow for partnerships with
farmers and gardeners for
fertilizer.
Allow in g fo r urban chick-
ens would make the local
economy more resistant,
Anderson said.
She suggested city resi-
dents be given the ability to
raise ducks, rabbits, pigmy
goats and honey bees in ad-
dition to chickens.
P &Z members noted that
urban chickens would need
to be policed and that urban
roosters would be banned
lest their crowing disturb
neighbors.
"I don't think anybody
is representing that some-
one should have a chicken
farm," Rick Fereday of
SOLV said.
Control of urban chick-
ens would not be as difficult
for the city as enforcing laws
on dogs, Anderson.said.
The commission dis-
cussed the possibility of
permits, setbacks, what
residential zones in which
the urban chickens should
be allowed to roost and the
total number of birds that
would be allowed.
Enclosures for urban
chickens would be neces-
sary, andfree range chickens
would be banned.
"When there are enclo-
sures, what sort of setbacks
shouldtherebe ?" Groenevelt
asked the commissioners.
Enclosures should be 10
feet from the property line
and behind the house, P &Z
Chair Phil Feinberg said.
However, arguments were
made to allow the enclosures
beside homes.
The commission could
recommend an ordinance
to the McCall City Council
at its March 2 meeting.
r;
Star -News Photo by Michael Wells
New McCall Public Works Director Peter Borner is ready to
jump on top of the city's challenges in streets, water and sewer.
6�L �
-7/1 �_//
New PW director on taxpayers' side
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
New McCall Public Works
Director Peter Borner still
remembers the words on the
sign as he entered Brigham
Young University to acquire
a degree in civil engineering.
"Enter to learn, go forth to
serve," Borner said quoting
the BYU sign. "That's what we
do here in public works."
Borner, 54, replaces interim
director Tim Swanson. His
annual salary is $74,000
Before coming to McCall
he owned his own engineer -
ing firm, Borner Engineering,
for three years in Montrose,
Colo.
He has also worked for the
UtahDepartmentof Transpor-
tation, Wyoming Department
of Environmental Quality and
as the city engineer in both
Montrose and Cody, Wyo.
"I reached a point in my life
where I want to live where I'm
goingtoretire," Borner said of
his reason to move to McCall
and leave the private sector.
"It's gorgeous here."
An avid outdoorsman,
McCall fit Borner's ideal
place. He is from Los Angeles
originally and likes to camp,
hunt, fish and is active in Boy
Scouts.
"This is someplace spe-
cial," he said. Borner moved
here with his wife, Detra, who
is a writer and makes crafts,
and their son Jeff, 14, who
plays basketball.
As the public works di-
rector he will supervise the
streets, water and sewer de-
partments.
Together the three depart-
ments employ 21 out of the
102 permanent and seasonal
employees on the city's cur -
rent payroll.
"Challenges are opportu-
nities," Borner said. "I am
going to use my experience
and knowledge to benefit the
public."
Priorities are evolving
in public works, he said. He
wants to improve the relation-
ship between the city and the
Payette Lakes Recreational
Water & Sewer District. The
city still has an active law-
suit, filed in 2005, against the
sewer district to determine
ownership of the wastewater
treatment plant.
Storm water, water quality,
streets, citizen complaints and
priorities of the McCall City
Council are some of the things
Borner is "getting up to speed"
on currently.
"I want to make sure we
spend the taxpayers' money
on quality projects," he said.
"Whether the city does it or
development, but I am a firm
believer we set the standard
and follow our rules."
Due to the economic
downturn, the public works
department has an opportu-
nity to "get back up on top of
things," he said. He hopes to
help citizens understand why
projects are needed.
McCall council
endorses economic
development grant
Council wants any
new contract not
to involve Blaye
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
The McCall City Council
voted last week to support
the Upper Payette River Eco-
nomic Development Council's
effort to seek a state grant for
$40,000.
The grant would be used to
hire an economic, developer
who answers solely to the ad-
visoryboard createdby Valley
County commissioners.
An attempt by commis-
sioner Frank Eld last week
to get the county to pay $3,000
toward match money for the
grant failed when commis-
sioner Gordon Cruickshank
pointed out UPREDC was not
legally set up to receive grant
money.
After the commissioner's
meeting; the Donnelly City
Council voted to support the
idea and volunteered to be the
agent for the grant.
McCall's vote last week
did not allocate any money
for local match for the grant,
but simply supported the idea
if both Valley County and
Cascade sign on in the next
few weeks.
The UPREDC advisory
board is made up of members
of the cities of Donnelly, Cas-
cade, McCall and the counties
of Valley and Boise. However,
due to financial difficulties
Boise County dropped out
last year.
The advisory board used
to work with Valley County
Economic Developer John
Blaye, but relationships
Blaye had with McCall and
Donnelly frayed over the past
18 months.
In January, Blaye's contract
was ended by the Valley Coun
tyBoardof Commissionersin
an illegal meeting. That vote
was later rescinded.
When the commissioners
convened to hear the matter le-
gally, they voted unanimously
to give Blaye a new contract.
McCall and Donnelly re-
iterated they would not fund
UPREDC with Blaye at the
helm of economic develop-
ment in the region.
The county plans to pos-
sibly make Blaye a county
employee and separate him
from UPREDC.
The membership of
UPREDC wants its own eco-
nomic developer. The question
also remains if the county
commissioners will begin
placing more private business
owners on the advisory board
that currently is made up of
mayors, commissioners and
city council members.
The cool relationship
between McCall and Blaye
continued in a comment by
Mayor Don Bailey during last
week's meeting.
Bailey said McCall did not
want to support the grant if it
meant they had to work with
"you know who."
The council was unani-
mous that the city would
support the grant if UPREDC
was given the power to man-
age the day -to -day operations
of whoever they hire as an
economic developer.
The city would also be
willing to make the UPREDC
economic developer an em-
ployee of the city, but the
council did not mind if
Donnelly made the economic
developer an employee of
Donnelly instead.
McCall wants to inspect
docks around Payette Lake
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
McCall does not know
when, and it does not know
how, but it does want to be-
gin inspecting boat docks on
Payette Lake in an effort to
improve water quality and
safety in the lake.
At a special work session
of the McCall City Council
Friday, Jim Betts of the
McCall Area Planning and
Zoning Commission asked
the council for permission for
the P &Z to begin developing
incentives and information
to protect water quality from
deteriorating docks.
Council members were
told that some dock owners
dispose of their old docks by
removing the Idaho Depart-
ment of Land permit and
cutting them loose.
The docks float away,
becoming a hazard, but are
collected by the city or Valley
County.
Up to 20 docks a year
are abandoned in the lake,
City Manager Lindley
Kirkpatrick said.
The free-floatingdocks are
a hazard to boats, a nuisance
to marine deputies who
must haul them, and could
potentially poison the city's
water supply by leeching
toxic preservative chemicals,
Betts said.
The council wants the
city's building inspector to
work with the land depart-
ment to inspect the docks.
The city will have to work
out an agreement with the
state before it can begin
inspecting docks around the
lake.
Other ways the city could
act to preserve water quality
in the lake include:
• Better land -use ordi-
nances for construction on
lake lots.
• Ensuring the city is fol-
lowing its own ordinances.
• Collaborating with
the Idaho Department of
Environmental Quality,
the state, Nez Perce Tribe,
the Payette Lake Watershed
Advisory Group and other
agencies.
y'�0'16
Lake panel told abandoned docks a
BY LUCIA V. KNUDSON
Th Star -News
!�� The city of McCall is
swamped with stray docks
and has no money to dispose
of them, a McCall Area Plan-
ning and Zoning Commission
member told the Big Payette
Lake Watershed Advisory
Group last week.
The city has stockpiled
between 30 to 40 docks that are
in storage awaiting disposal,
P &Z commissioner James
Betts told the lake group.
The Valley County Sheriff's
Office tows loose docks to city
beaches for disposal, and about
20 per year are found floating
on the lake, Betts said.
Tags that could identify
owners are removed when the
docks are cut loose, he said.
Some of the flotsam is also
Pieces of docks broken loose
by ice or during storms.
Dock owners cut loose
docks to avoid paying hefty
dock removal fees when they
have new docks built, water
council member Diane Plas-
tino- Graves said.
She and council chair Bill
Weida own homes along the
lake and are familiar with the
problem.
Free - floating docks are a
health and safety matter as
they pose a "deadly danger"
SL /�w
V1116
problem
to boaters, especially at night,
Plastino- Graves said.
"People don't seem to
understand the connection
between cutting their dock
loose and people losing their
lives," she said.
Decomposing old docks
shed creosote, a preservative,
andbitsof styreneplasticfoam
that pollutes lake water.
Betts proposed an ordi-
nance creating a cooperative
dock inspection program
between the city and the state
and impose an inspection on
dock owners.
If the community fails to
Police the lake to maintain wa-
ter quality, the state will step in
to regulate uses, he said.
Tests last summer showed
the lake failed to meet water
quality standards for dissolved
oxygen and phosphorus.
McCall, county
put off decision �
on lake lot sizes
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
A proposal to set a 60 -foot
minimum width for lakefront
lots on Payette Lake has been
put on hold by both the McCall
City Council and Valley Coun-
ty commissioners.
The McCall City Council
last week tabled the proposal
until its April 8 meeting,
while county commissioners
on Monday decided to wait
until July to take up the topic -
again.
The city wants county
commissioners to agree to any
change proposed by the city
since much of Payette Lake is
outside city limits but inside
the city's area of impact.
In addition testimony given
to the council, Big Payette
Lake Watershed Advisory
Group Chair Bill Weida took
a neutral stance to the pro-
posal.
Weida said the new rule
would not help water quality
problems in the lake, which is
the water supply for McCall.
He also questioned why
the proposal was for 60 feet
instead of 50 feet, which would
allow for more lot splits and
smaller homes on the lake,
which the WAG feels should
be encouraged.
"This makes the lakefront
more exclusive for wealthy
people,” Weida said.
William Ordwell of McCall
told the council the new
proposal would make design
review necessary on existing
lots less than 60 feet wide.
That is already the case
for the lots, McCall Commu-
nity Development Director
Michelle Groenevelt said.
"This amendment could
make certain structures non-
conforming," Ordwell said.
That too, was disputed
by Groenevelt, who said the
proposal would only make
certain lots non - conforming
and would have nothing to do
with structures.
"The reason behind this
amendment is to limit the
number of docks around
the lake," Mayor Don Bailey
said.
The proposal is said to only
affect future lot splits and only
affects a small number of lots,
though the exact number is not
known by the city, Groenevelt
said.
County commissioners
all agreed the matter should
be better publicized and all
property owners who would
be affected shouldbe contacted
directly by the city.
They also said consider-
ation should be done in the
summer when the second -
home owners are in town,
citing letters from Virginia
and Hawaii from previous
public comments received by
the city.
There are about 430 ap-
proved boat dock permits on
Payette Lake, she said.
McCall officials came to
Monday's meeting in Cascade
expecting a public hearing to
be held, but the county was
unaware that the city wanted
a public hearing to be held and
no public notice was issued.
The city should ask Val-
ley County Assessor Karen
Campbell for a complete list
of the lots that would be af-
fected and contact the owners
directly before acting on the
proposal, commissioner Gor-
don Cruickshank said.
Commission Chair Jerry
Winkle also suggested the city
go through the Idaho Depart-
ment of Lands and contact
all of the approved boat dock
permit holders on the lake
before acting.
„4v
LV 1
Panels urges $175,000
Commission .
estimates low to
avoid cutbacks later
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
Local Option Tax Com-
mission members proposed
$175,000 in LOT awards to 21
different projects for next year
in the McCall area last week at
a special city budget meeting
at McCall City Hall.
The commission faced
$268,000 in requests, but due
to the local economy that
continues to struggle, the
commission trimmed down
the requests and amounts to
$175,000.
That was done in the hopes
the panel would not have to
reconvene next winter to make
cuts, as it has been forced to
do each of the previous two
years.
Commission Chair Steve
Gleason told the McCall City
Council the commission ex-
pected the city to bring in
about $185,000 next year from
its 3 percent tax on rental
rooms in town.
Commission member Bob
Hunt, who owns three motels
in McCall, expected the rev-
enue from LOT next year to
be $200,000 to $210,000.
The local- option tax has
raised about $1 milliori in its
first six years of toll=ctions
since it was put into effect on
Jan. 1, 2005.
No organization that went
before the LOT Commission
this year received the funding
it initially asked for in the rec-
Recommended LOT grants listed
Here is the list of orga-
nizations recommended for
funding by the McCall Local
Option Tax Commission dur-
ing the budget year starting
Oct. 1.
The first dollar figure after
the name and project is the
requested amount, while the
second dollar figure is the
amount recommend by the
LOT committee:
McCall Parks and Recreation Depart-
ment: Deinhard Lane Pathway, $54,000,
$45,000
McCall Golf Course: Seasonal employees,
$18,000, $15,000
McCall Snowmobile Club: Trail grooming,
$30,000, $19,000
Payette Lakes Ski Club:Trail Maintenance,
$12,000, $8,000
McCall Chamber of Commerce, Idaho
Travel Council grant matching funds,
$12,500, $12,000
McCall Golf Course: Used mower, $24,000,
$20,000
MCPAWS: Spay & neuter program:
$20,000, $15,000
McCall Public Library: Shelves, $12,300,
$4,000
McCall Chamber of Commerce: Mountain
ommendation the commission
made to the city council.
The city council took the
commission's recommenda-
tion for consideration during
the budget process that con-
cludes in August. The city
council has the final say in
where projected LOT rev-
enues go.
Four projects were selected
as contingency projects for
funding by the commission
should the city's LOT revenues
exceed $175.000.
Rescue Workshop, $2,000, $1,200
Valley County Convention & Visitors
Bureau: Shop local /car show, $5,150,
$2,100
Treasure Valley Transit: Public transit,
$20,000, $14,500
McCall Chamber of Commerce: Winter
Carnival logistics, $14,000, $2,000
Alpine Playhouse: Remodel, $5,500,
$3,000
Whirling Circle Studio: Youth Ceramics
Program, $600, $300
McCall Judo Club: Dojo ventilation,
$3,500, $2,000
Payette Lakes Community Association:
Summer Sensations, $1,250, $700
Central Idaho Historical Museum: Renova-
tions, $7,545, $3,000
McCall Senior Citizens Center: Bingo
equipment ,$1,044, $700
McCall Arts & Humanities Council: Art
Walk, $4,700, $1,500
Sharlie's Devils Hockey Team, Pink at the
Rink tournament, $5,000, $1,000
Contingency Projects
McCall Parks and Recreation Department:
Deinhard Lane Pathway, $9,000.
McCall Golf Course: Seal cart paths,
$20,000
MCPAWS: Animal Medical Costs, $7,500
McCall Parks and Recreation Department:
Pathway Maintenance, $20,000
A recreational pathway
along East Deinhard Lane
received the highest funding
recommendation from the
commission, which proposed
$45,000 toward the project and
added the remaining $9,000
to the first contingency proj-
ect to be funded with extra
revenue.
Council Member Bert
Kulesza questioned why the
commission chose to fund the
newly formed Valley County
Convention & Visitors Bureau
in grants
$2,100 for a "shop local" cam-
paign and car show.
Kulesza wondered if there
weren't too many competing
groups with the same goals,
such as the McCall Area Cham-
berof Commerce, McCall Area
Merchants Association and
the new group.
The chamber was approved
for $20,200 to help fund four,
projects including an Idaho
Tourism Council matching
grant, an international moun-
tain rescue workshop held in
McCall, and fireworks and
logistics for Winter Carnival.
The chamber withdrew a
$5,000 request for Fourth of
July fireworks.
Projects not making the
panel's short list for funding
included:
• A McCall Municipal Air-
port solar power project for
$40,000.
• Phase one funding for
Riverfront Park for $2,000.
• A gazebo at Brown's Park
for $10,200.
• Racing bibs for the McCall
Ski Racing Team for $3,500.
• Nordic trail grooming
requested by the Payette Lakes
Ski Club for $12,000.
• McCall Arts & Humanities
Art Walk funding for $4,700.
• A $5,000 request from The
Shepherd's Home.
The McCall Moose Hockey
team withdrew its request for
$1,800 and Recycle Partners,
who hopes to build a recycling
center off Industrial Loop,
withdrew a request it made for
$50,000, Gleason said.
Hunt pledged to hold a
fundraiserfor The Shepherd's
Home instead.
Map courtesy City of McCall
Map shows location of bus shelters to be built in McCall with federal stimulus money.
McCall to build five bus shelters
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
Five bus shelters will be
built in McCall using money
from an Idaho Transporta-
tion Department grant this
summer.
Construction of five bus
shelter, located at McCall City
Hall, Aspen Market, Gravity
Sports, Shore Lodge and Al-
pine Village, could begin as
early as three weeks.
Richard Jordan of Boise
will construct the shelters for
about $57,000, McCall Staff En-
gineer Nathan Stewart said..
The city received a $122,000
grant from the 2009 federal
stimulus law that was passed
throughtothe Idaho Transpor-
tation Department to support
local transit systems.
About half the money
will be used to build the bus
shelters, while the other half
will go to improve sidewalks
along the transit route, Stew -
art said.
The three -sided tempered
glass and wood beam struc-
tures with an asphalt shingle
roof will have a bench and
open space for wheelchairs.
The structures will have a
concrete base.
McCall Transit runs a free
transit bus in town from 7 a.m.
to 7 p.m. seven days a week.
Valley Connections will stop
at the city hall bus shelter.
The free bus service runs
between McCall and Cascade
Monday through Saturday
from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Greystone owner
sues McCall over
McCall Ave. lots
Developers say city
forced donation of
nine home site
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
Greystone owner Richard
Hehr is suing the city of
McCall four years after sign-
ing over nine vacant lots on
McCall Avenue to the city for
affordable housing.
Hehr is claiming the trans-
action was an illegal taking
worth more than $1.3 million
to the financially troubled
development.
The lawsuit claims the city
required Greystone to give the
lots to the city in return for
approval of the Greystone de-
velopment. The city contends
the lots were donated to the
city because the developer
wanted affordable homes built
on the lots.
The city later built nine af-
fordable single- family homes
on the lots and charges $1
dollar per year to the hom-
eowners to lease the land from
the city.
The suit seeks unspeci-
fied damages for the value of
the lots and for repayment
of expenses imposed on the
development related to infra-
structure improvements.
The suit does not seek a
return of the property to Hehr,
of Manhattan Beach, Calif.,
or Greystone Village. Rather,
it seeks fair compensation for
the property based on 2006
values, the lawsuit said.
The suit is linked to a claim
by Hehr to the city in Novem-
ber seeking $1.3 million for the
nine lots. The claim was sent
when the city council decided
to put a Dec. 31 deadline on the
city's refunds for fees paid to
the city for its illegal afford-
able housing laws.
The actual amount would
be determined at trial, said
Hehr's attorney Victor Vil-
legas of the Evans Keane law
firm in Boise.
"He was the very first one
to get hit with that community
housing requirement," Ville -
gas said. "We've maintained
they were basically strong -
arming developers."
The city contends the trans-
action was a donation initiated
by Greystone developer Steve
Benad, according to a letter
from city attorney Bill Nichols
in January denying Hehr's
claim.
"If there is any doubt that
this was in fact a donation, I
urge you to ask your clients
about photo opportunities that
they took at the time of the
initiation of development of
those lots for community hous-
ing," Nichols said in the letter,
noting The Star -News ran the
story on Oct. 12, 2006.
"In connection with that
story, Mr. Hehr is seen in a
photograph of the ground
breaking ceremony where
the donation was noted," the
letter said.
The letter also said that
the Greystone project was
not subject to the city's af-
fordable housing laws. Benad
approached the city with the
affordable housing ideaforthe
lots after the project's prelimi-
nary plat was approved by the
city, Nichols said.
The deal, a part of the
development agreement, was
signed on May 4, 2006 after the
final plat was approved in late
April. The lots were deeded to
the city on July 31, 2006.
"The developer approached
the city about the donation,"
Nichols said in the letter. "The
city did not impose an exaction
for the lots."
Villegas was the attorney
for local Realtors who suc-
cessfully sued the city over its
affordable housing laws that
were found to be illegal.
"It was a well- intentioned
goal, but it has to happen
within the confines of the
law," Villegas said. "They had
a judge say they cannot do it,
now they know this was not
legal and aperson was affected
and they don't want to give it
back."
The city has not filed an of-
ficial answer to the case.
sue.
Kulesza to step
down Oct. 1 from
McCall council
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
BertKulesza will step down
from the McCall City Council
Oct. 1 to live primarily in
Clarkston, Wash.
Kulesza informed the other
four members of the city coun-
cil of his decision last week
in a letter.
"Marcia
and I have
purchased
a home in
Clarkston,
Wash.,
which will
be our
primary
residence,"
Kulesza said
in the Bert Kulesza
letter. `As such I will no lon-
ger be a full-time resident of
McCall and therefore ineligi-
ble to be on the city council."
Kulesza and his wife Mar-
cia will move to their new
home in Clarkston before
winter. They will still be part -
time residents of McCall in the
summer, Kulesza said.
Mayor Don Bailey will
nominate a replacement for
Kulesza's seat on the council
that would expire Nov 8, 2011,
which is the next general city
election day. Kulesza's term
was to expire Dec. 31, 2011. He
was elected in 2007.
He served as mayor, an ap-
pointed position, for the first
two years of his only term in
office. ,
Council members Marcia
Witte, Laura Scott and Claudia
Delaney would have to consent
to Bailey's nomination.
As mayor, Kulesza ap-
pointed Witte and Delaney to
the council in 2008 to replace
council members Michael
Kraemer and Kevin Briem,
both of whom resigned.
Kulesza would not say
whom he wanted to replace
him on the council, but he did
offer the qualities he would
like to see in his replace-
ment.
"I would like to see some.
body who is committed to
the comprehensive plan and
who has the time to devote
to the position and will fit in
and work with the rest of the
council as a team for the com-
mon good of the citizens of the
community," he said.
The city council will dis-
cuss Kulesza's resignation
tonight at its regular meeting
starting at 6 p.m. at McCall
City Hall.
The council may advertise
for the position and hold inter-
views of candidates in open
session, City Manager Lindley
Kirkpatrick said.
Interviews could be sched-
uled for Oct. 7, Kirkpatrick
said.
' 10111
Aymon named
to McCall City
Council
Four of five members
are now women
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
Jackie Turnipseed -Aymon
was chosen by the McCall
City Council last week to fill
a vacant seat.
Aymon's selection marks
•thp first time the McCall City
Council has had four female
members.
Shejoins
council
members 'w
Claudia Del-
aney, Marcia
Witte, Laura
Scott and
Mayor Don
Bailey.
She will
be sworn in
at a cer-
emony today
at 10 a.m. at
McCall City
Hall. rnicrocosm
Aymon,
55, was of what
selected out our entire
of three can- country
didates who
responded
to the city's
search to
replace for-
mer council
member Bert
Kulesza, who resigned earlier
this month when he changed
his residency to Clarkston,
Wash.
The council chose Aymon
over 'former council can-
didates Robert Lyons and
Ballard Smith.
Lyons and 3mithbothmade
unsuccessful bids in the 2009
city council elections. Aymon
had also thrown her hat in
the ring last year, but later
withdrew her name.
See AYMON, Page A -3
Aymon
(Continued from Page A -1)
"Filling Bert's shoes will
be a lofty task for anyone,"
Aymon said in her letter ap-
plying for the position. "If
chosen to serve I would wear
big socks."
Aymon will serve the
remaining 15 months in
Kulesza's term.
Kulesza encouraged Ay-
mon to apply for his seat,
she said.
"We share many of the
same community values,"
she said. "The issues facing
McCall are a microcosm
of what our entire coun-
try is facing, the economy,
education, the environment,
transportation,and the health
of our citizens."
She said the city is fortu-
ro�i4��a
nate to have its comprehens ive
land -use plan to act as a guide
for the future.
Aymon has been a McCall
resident since 2005 and hom-
eowner since 1989. She works
as a part -time physician's as-
sistant at St. Luke's McCall.
Aymon has been chair
of the city's Transporta-
tion Advisory Committee, a
member of the Local Option
Tax Committee, chair of the
Valley County Democrats
and a board member of the
Community Care Clinic. She
has never held public office
before.
Aymon is married to Jean-
Claude Aymon. She holds
bachelor's degrees from both
the University of Washington
and Idaho State University
and a master's degree from
the University of Canberra
in Australia.
McCall eyes
tweaked local-
option tax
renewal for May
Backers want to add cocktails,
restaurant meals to list of taxes
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
McCall officials want to put a new local option tax
in front of voters on the May 24 ballot so that the tax
can be in place when the current 3 percent tax on
rented rooms expires at the end of this year.
Voters will be presented
with an "a la carte" ballot
that will let them choose
which taxes they support
or reject.
Current options being
considered are:
• Increase the current 3
percent tax on motel rooms
to 4 percent.
• A new 3 percent tax
on rental snowmobiles, jet
skis and boats.
• A new 2 percent tax on
liquor by the drink.
• A new 2 percent tax on
restaurant meals.
The tentative proposal
was reviewed by LOT
Commission Chair Steve
Gleason at last Thursday's
McCall City Council meet-
ing.
The current tax, imple-
mented in 2005, expires at
the end of the year.
However, LOT commis-
sioners want a May vote
so that a second vote could
be held in November if the
May vote goes badly.
By making the ballot
a la carte, portions of the
tax can pass or fail, which
might tempt city officials to
bring back any failed taxes
on the November ballot,
he said.
Revenues for the cur-
rent 3 percent room tax
have generated about $1.5
million since the city be-
gan collecting the tax in
January 2005, city records
said.
The money has also led
to an additional $2 mil-
lion in matching grants,
Gleason said, noting that
figure may be lower than
reality.
LOT Commission mem-
bers think the new, broader
tax would double revenues
if they pass voters' muster
at the ballot box, but pro-
jections were not available
at the council meeting last
week.
The tax revenues are
used to support various
organizations and projects
in the McCall area that
generally help improve
the experience for tour-
ists or attract tourists to
the area.
LOT tax has
raised $1.5
million since
2005
The McCall Local Op-
tion Tax has raised about
$1.5 millionsince itbegan
in January 2005, McCall
city records said.
The McCall City
Council plans to put an
expanded Local Option
Tax in front of voters in
May before the current
3 percent tax on rented
rooms expires at the end
of this year.
The top five recipi-
ents of LOT money have
been:
• The McCall Golf
Course has received
$275,930 from LOT cof-
fers for staff, equipment,
clubhouse improvements
and an irrigation pump.
• McCall Area Cham-
ber of Commerce has
received $143,575 for
fireworks, staff, holiday
lights, grant match, tour-
ism and Winter Carnival.
Tax
• MCPAWS Region-
al Animal Shelter has
received $141,500 for
program support, spay/
neuter program and medi-
cal costs.
• McCall Area Snow -
mobilers has received
$117,400 for its trail
grooming program.
• Treasure ValleyTran-
sit has received $93,164
for advertising, operating
expenses and additional
services.
REVENUES REVIEWED
Revenues from the tax
in each fiscal year since
its inception in 2005 are
(fiscal years run from Oct.
1 through Sept. 30):
• 2005: $187,585
• 2006: $258,286
• 2007: $280,814
• 2008: $266,674
• 2009: $230,992
• 2010: $219,234
See TAX, Page A -2
(Continued from Page A -1)
Rotarians Like
New Taxes
A straw poll was taken at
a recent McCall Rotary Club
meeting on the proposed tax,
Gleason said. In all four cases,
the proposed taxes passed,
he said.
The largest support dur-
ing the straw poll was for the
increaseof theroomtaxfrom
3 percent to 4 percent, which
passed 22 to 1, Gleason said.
The proposed new tax
on rental vehicles includ-
ing snowmobiles, personal
watercraft, boats and cars,
passed 21 to 3 during the
Rotary straw poll.
The 2 percent liquor by the
drink tax passed 17 to 7 and
the 2 percent foodby the plate
tax passed 18 to 6 during the
straw poll, he said.
The LOT commission
plans to meet with all re
rant owners to gauge sup
and opposition to the
posed taxes, Gleason saia
The city will have to 0
fast in order to get the new is
on the May ballot, City Clem
BessieJo Wagner said.
The city council will work
to holdpublic hearings on the
new tax proposal at its March
10 and March 24 meetings.
Collecting the current tax
has only cost the city about
$1,000, CityManager Lindley
Kirkpatrick said. One city
staff member spends 5 to 10
hours per week collectingthe
tax from hotels, motels and
condo rentals, Kirkpatrick
said.
"I am almost certain we're
going to have to recoup some
expenses with these new
taxes rather than absorb-
ing it in the general fund,"
Kirkpatrick said noting the
expanded taxes would take
up more city staff time and
cost more to collect.
Help make McCall's centennial memorably'
BY DEAN MARTENS and LYLE
NELSON
The City of McCall celebrates its
100th year of incorporation on July 19,
2011. Everyone with ties to McCall is
invited to participate in a summer of
centennial festivities.
The mission of the McCall Centennial
Committee is "to organize a meaningful
and enjoyable celebration of McCall's
100th birthday that appeals to all ages
of people with ties to McCall and honors
McCall's diverse heritage, present com-
munity, and promising future."
Someone said to us "I can get behind
celebrating living in one of the best
places in the world." We hope you can
too! In order to create an unforgettable
100th year birthday party, we ask you
to help us in planning and delivering
the events.
Business, civic organizations and
individuals are encouraged to organize
creative centennial events or special
promotions to create a summer of cel-
ebrations and appreciation. The theme
for these events is: "A view of the past,
A vision for the future." The McCall
Area Chamber of Commerce will keep
a calendar of events and the city will
host a- centennial celebration link on
its Web site.
Sample events and challenges might
be 10 people training to walk 10 miles
together on July 19, a group picking
up 100 bags of litter, 10 people losing 10
pounds apiecebeginning 100 days before
the centennial, or planting 100 trees.
We are sure the creativity of McCall's
citizens will lead to hilarious, healthy,
city- benefitting, and downright amazing
events and civic contributions. Plans are
underway for a commemorative book as
well as a public art project that reflects
McCall's past and its future.
In addition to funds provided by the
city, revenues will be generated from
centennial merchandise sales, modest
participation fees, and individual con-
tributions.
The official "birthday" party will
be on July 19 in downtown McCall.
The party will feature a barbecue, free
cake and ice cream, live music, street
entertainers, games and attractions for
children. There also will be a group toast
to our city, and a recognition ceremony
for people and teams who accomplish
special centennial goals.
The centennial celebration is de-
signed for locals and everyone with
special memories involving McCall. It
is not a commercial event, although we
anticipate people throughout Idaho will
travel here to partake in the activities.
Organizersof McCall'sannualevents,
such as the lake swim, triathlon, home
tour and golf tournament, are invited
to tie into the centennial theme and use
the centennial logo. Special centennial
events already in the planning stages
are a centennial volleyball tournament
and a centennial walkathon.
Businesses and individuals who wish
to host a centennial event or volunteer at
events can e-mail or call Carol Coyle at
the city (ccoyle @mccall.id.us, 634- 3504),
Lyle Nelson (lylenelson @aol.com), or
Dean Martens (dmartens @citlink.net).
For centennial committee planning
meeting dates, please check the city Web
site at wwwmccall.id.us or contact any
of those listed above.
Allof us who love McCall, by working
together, can create a long- remembered,
unique celebration that honors our
history, our citizens, and relishes the
future. Please join us in making this a
special occasion.
(Dean Martens and Lyle Nelson
are co- chairs of the McCall Centen-
nial Committee.)
McCall spreads around returned LOT funds
$44,000 had been given to
recycling center group
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
A total of $44,000 in returned local
option tax money was spread around
to five projects last week by the McCall
City Council.
The council decided to share the money
amongthe McCall Golf Course, public tran-
sit, snowmobile trail grooming, MCPAWS
and a pathway on Deinhard Lane.
The city council agreed with the
recommendation of the city's LOT Com-
mission that the $44,000 should be spent.
State lawrequires unspent LOTmoney to
be used to reduce property taxes.
The money was returned to the city
by Recycle Partners, a citizens group that
decided to end its involvement in building
a new recycling facility in McCall.
The golf course will receive the largest
share of the money, as the city council
approved $20,000 for seal coating improve-
ments to pavement along cart paths at
the course.
Treasure Valley Transit, which oper-
ates buses in McCall and between Riggins
and Cascade, will receive an additional
$5,500 this year over the $14,500 in LOT
LOT
(Continued from Page A -1)
Old Town Station and
Woody's BBQ owner Woody
Woodworth thought the money
should be used to improve side-
walks, curbs and gutters in town
rather than some of its current
uses. Woodworth also wanted to'
keep the tax at 3 percent.
"I'm not seeing a compelling
need to increase it," said council
member Laura Scott, who is the
wife of Dan Scott.
Council Member Marcia
Witte agreed that the tax rate
should stay the same.
Council Member Jackie
Aymon would have preferred a
five -year term for the tax rather
than seven yeras. Aymon also
favored raising the tax to 5
percent.
All four council members
agreed the May 17 ballot would
ask voters for a 3 percent tax
on lodging for the duration of
7 years.
funds already received.
The McCall Area Snowmobile Club re-
ceived $11,000 to supplement the $19,000 in
LOT funds previously received to groom
snowmobile trails in the area.
A project to build a pathway on Dein-
hard Lane to Payette Lakes Middle School
and Barbara R. Morgan Elementary
School received an additional $5,000 in
fundingfrom the Recycle Partners money.
The project was previously awarded
$45,000 in LOT funding.
MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter
received the remaining $2,500 in LOT
funds. MCPAWS previously received
$15,000 in LOT funds for its spay and
neuter program.
However, the council also
agreed that they would not
dedicate 30 percent of the funds
to marketing.
The current tax has raised
$1.5 million since collections
began in 2005.
The top five recipients of
LOT money have been:
• The McCall Golf Course has
received $275,930 for staff, equip-
ment, clubhouse improvements
and an irrigation pump.
• McCall Area Chamber of
Commerce has received $143,575
for fireworks, staff, holiday
lights, grant match, tourism
and Winter Carnival.
• MCPAWS Regional Animal
Shelter has received $141,500 for
Program support, a spay /neuter
Program and medical costs.
• McCall Area Snowmobile
Club has received $117,400 for its
trail grooming program.
• Treasure Valley Transit
has received $93,164 for adver-
tising, operating expenses and
additional services.
Delaney resigns from McCall council to take Boise iob
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
McCall City Council Mem-
ber Claudia Delaney will
resign her post after next
week's meeting to take a po-
sition full-time with Micron
in Boise.
Delaney had previously
worked for Micron and had
been doing contract work
with the company while living
in McCall.
The city will accept ap-
plications from interested
citizens to fill Delaney's seat
through noon on March 17.
Mayor Don Bailey and the
council will then appoint a
replacement, who will sit on
the council through the end
of the year.
This fall,
voters will
have three
open seats
to fill dur-
ing the Nov
8 election. _
Delaney's
seat will be
up for a two -
year term,
Bailey's seat Claudia__
will open Delaney
for a four -year term and
Council Member Jackie
Aymon's seat will be up for
a four -year term.
Delaney's husband, Mc
Call Police Sgt. Pete Rittenger
will remain on the force and
will not be moving to Boise
right away, Delaney said.
Delaney was appointed
to the council to fill former
Council Member Michael
Kraemer's seat in 2008.
She was elected to a four -
year term in 2009. She had
previously served on the Mc-
Call Area Planning & Zoning
Commission.
She counts settling the
city's lawsuit with the Payette
Lakes- RecMational Water
& Sewer District over own-
ership of the wastewater
treatment plant as the top ac-
complishment of the council
while she was in office.
"We've taken the commu-
nity a step forward," she said.
Delaney would like to
see the future city council
and City Manager Lindley
Kirkpatrick focus on more
strategic issues.
"We worked on the tacti-
cal level," she said noting
that the—current council has
done a better job of long -term
planningrecently. "Weneedto
put more strategic issues on
the agenda instead of being
reactionary."
�I3 /ri
15�n44-0
Nic Swanson loins mccall city council
BY CARISSA SINDON
For The Star -News
Nic Swanson was appoint-
ed to the McCall City Council
last week to replace Claudia
Delaney, who resigned last
month to move to Boise.
Swanson joins members
Jackie Aymon, Marcia Witte
and Laura Scott on the coun-
cil. There were six applicants
withthe councilunanimously
recommending Swanson. Nic Swanson
Swanson, 26,
is a McCall native
who currently works building houses for his
father's company, Tim Swanson Construction
in McCall. See SWANSON, Page 2
T an O n reach out with their con-
Swanson .7 cerns about the city, I hope
they funnel that through
me to the council," Swanson
(Continued from Page 1) said.
He also holds a bachelor of
arts in political science from
Boise State University and
brings years of experience
within state government
functions, both at the Idaho
Legislature and in political
campaigns.
Council members cited
Swanson's age and experi-
ence as reasons for their
decision.
I think as much as we
can get diversity up here,
we're going to have better
discussions and come out
with better decisions," Scott
said.
"I think the youth factor
and someone who's in busi-
ness in McCall couples to
make him a nice addition,"
she said.
During his tenure on the
council, Swanson hopes to
engage the younger genera-
tion of McCall to take part in
their city government.
"IfeelthatIrepresentthe
desires of the next genera-
tionof McCall residents," he
said in a letter submitted W
the council. "(I) would serve
from a pragmatic, forward -
thinking perspective."
Swanson also said that he
vows to serve impartially to-
wards political ideology and
focus on what is fair and just
for the continued success of
the city and its residents.
"The more people who
McCall P&Z rejects proposed
Whitetail Beach Club again
Flawed recording
of first hearing
forces do -over
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
A proposed Whitetail
Beach Club was recom-
mended for denial again by
the McCall Area Planning &
Zoning Commission Tues-
day night.
The P &Z initially rec-
ommended the project for
denial in February, but the
proposal had to be heard
again due to a recording
error during the first hear-
ing.
The recording from Feb-
ruary missed the first and
last 15 minutes of the meet-
ing, but state law requires
full recording of hearings.
The Whitetail Beach
Club would be a lake access
extensionof Whitetail Club.
The development would
combine four contiguous
lots on Owen Road and turn
it into a private beach club
fronting on Payette Lake.
The proposed beach
house for Whitetail hom-
eowners would allow up to
200 people on the two -acre
tract for events and up to
75 people at a time for non-
events.
The P &Z heard many
of the same complaints
from neighbors who previ-
ously testified against the
project.
Those neighbors said
the proposal would not be
harmonious with the sur-
rounding area.
"In my mind, that's three
strikes and you're out," com-
missioner Gene Drabinski
said, citing problems with
the parking plan, character
of the existing neighbor-
hood and likely effect on the
neighbors' lifestyles.
The two -acre proposal
would use an existing home
as a private beach club for
select Whitetail Club mem-
bers and property owners
and limit its use to 25 people
in the clubhouse and 50 on
the beach during- normal
operations.
However, the plan could
allow up to 200 people on the
property for special events
that would be limited to two
times per month.
The project now goes
before the McCall City Coun-
cil, which can either agree
with the P &Z recommenda-
tion, reverse it or approve
it with changes. No hearing
date before the council had
been set by Wednesday.
��fi4tlllj
// •%•11
M -D drama students to perform
`Peter Pan' at Alpine Playhouse
McCall- Donnelly High School
drama students will stage "Pe-
ter Pan six times at the Alpine
Playhouse in McCall starting
tonight.
Show times are at 7:30 p.m.
tonight Friday and Saturday and
again on Thursday, Friday and
Saturday, April 28 -30.
Thisviersionof "Peter Pan, "by
Trevor Nunn and John Caird, stars
Luke Jensen as Peter, Lizzy Ben-
nett as Wendy, Everett Minshall as
Capt. Hook and Ann Sylvia -Carno
as Tinkerbell.
The' cast includes 25 other
students who portray the Darling
family, the pirates, Lost Boys and
other occupants of Neverland.
The play is directed by Judy
Anderson, with help from Karla
Miller and Lynn Adler. Tickets are
$4 for students and $5 for adults.
Advance tickets may be pur-
chased at the high school office
starting Friday.
Photo by Sarah Jessup
Peter Pan, played by Luke Jensen,
demonstrates his flying abilities to
Sean Kirkpatrick, Ben Bennett and
Elizabeth Bennett.
-t-1 • /I
t ig
McCall renews
local-option
tax with 93%
` y es'vote
McCall voters on Tuesday were nearly unani-
mous in approving a seven -year extension of the
city's 3 percent local- option tax.
The vote was 176 in favor and 14 against the
extension, or 93 percent in approval.
The 190 voters who cast ballots were 11 percent
of the total eligible voters in the city.
The vote will continue the 3 percent sales tax
added to the bills of customers of motels and
hotels inside the city as wellthose renting condos
and campground spaces.
The current tax has raised $1.5 million since
2005 that has been given to a variety of organiza-
tions and agencies.
The McCall Golf Course has received the most
money from the tax. The 27 -hole city -owned public
golf course has received about $296,000 for vari-
ous improvements.
MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter received
the second -most from the tax, or $144,000, to sup-
port the shelter's spay and neuter program.
The McCall Area Chamber of.Commerce was
in third place, with $143,000 in LOT funds used for
fireworks, holiday lighting and other activities.
Treasure Valley Transit was fourth, with
$99,000 going to its free McCall Transit bus
service.
Anyone wanting a grant from the local- option
tax must first apply to the McCall Local- Option
Tax Commission, which makes recommendations
to the McCall City Council.
s� /24.,
06/11
Judge throws out Greystone lawsuit against McCall
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
A judge has thrown out a
lawsuit against the City of
McCall by former Greystone
Village developer Richard
Hehr on a technicality.
Hehr had argued an
agreement in which he do-
nated nine lots to the city
for affordable housing was
illegal and demanded to be
paid the value of the lots.
But Fourth District
Judge Michael McLaughlin
agreed with the city in a rul-
ing earlier this month that
Hehr had filed his lawsuit
too late.
Hehr was seeking the
value of nine lots he donated
to the city in 2006 on McCall
Avenue, where the citylater
built affordable single -resi-
dent homes.
The value of the lots at
the time was more than $1
million.
The city raised five de-
fenses that it won on all
counts in the case, McLaugh-
lin ruled.
Hehr missed the 180 -day
requirement to file a tort
claim and also missed the
four -year statute of limita-
tion.
The court also noted that
Hehr was unable to prove
the deal he voluntarily
signed with the city to do-
nate the lots was an illegal
government taking.
"There has been no show-
ing made by (Greystone
Village developers) that
this was a physical taking
and thus (Greystone Village
developer's) claims that
the project rule extended
the statute of limitations
is not applicable in this
case," McLaughlin said in
his ruling.
"From the totality of the
record before the court, the
dedicationof theselotswasa
voluntary action on the part
of the (Greystone Village
developers)," McLaughlin
said. "No ordinances were
in effect at the time of the de-
velopment agreement that
compelled the (Greystone
Village developers) to con-
vey these lots."
Greystone Village's sub-
division application was
approved before the city
enacted its community
housing laws that required
developers construct com-
munity housing and make
contributions to a commu-
nity housing fund.
The development was not
subject to the March 2006
laws that were later ruled
illegal.
"While the applicant is
not required to provide a
community housing plan,
the applicant has agreed to
deed the nine single family
residential lots that con-
stitute phase three of the
project to the City of McCall
to provide community hous-
ing," city records submitted
in the case said.
"We are grateful with
the victory," McCall City
Manager Lindley Kirkpat-
rick said.
McCall council ba`"''
smoking a
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
McCall City Council mem-
bers voted unanimously last
week to ban smoking in all
city parks.
The new law prohibits
smoking in all city parks
and makes smoking a mis-
demeanor subject to a fine
and jail time.
However, the city will use
the law as an "educational
opportunity" and only cite
repeat offenders, McCall
Parks and Recreation Direc-
tor Dennis Coyle said.
The move to change the
city's parks to non - smoking
areas began in November.
Joanne Graff with the
Central District Health De-
partment proposed the idea
to the McCall Parks and
Recreation Advisory Board,
which voted unanimously in
favor of the idea.
The health department
will purchase signs noting
smoking is prohibited in the
parks meaning the new law
will not cost the city money,
t city parks
Coyle told council members
last week.
The council voted for the
change 4 -0 without debate.
Reasons behind the
change include health prob-
lems due to second -hand
smoke, minimizing litter,
and a philosophy that the
city should promote healthy
activities, Coyle said.
Smoking can be permit-
ted in the city's parks if Coyle
designates areas in writing.
Any designated areas would
have receptacles for the sani-
tary disposal of cigarettes,
he said.
The law would take ef-
fect as soon as the signs are
posted, Coyle said.
"Our intent is to educate
on the new ordinance and
seek voluntary compliance,"
McCall Police Chief Jerry
Summers said. "If we can't
get voluntary compliance
we're going to have to cite
multiple offenders."
Penalties for a misde-
meanor are up to a $1,000 fine
and six months in jail.
64 rLut4
G/! 4_1 It
Old Docks Cause
Headaches
Agencies don't want to be responsible for
abandoned docks on Payette Lake
BY CARISSA SINDON
For The Star -News -
Ponderosa State Park Manager Richard Taplin stood on
the park's boat ramp and looked in dismay at the docks piling
up next to the shore of Payette Lake.
But the few docks that had accumulated at the side of
the ramp are just a fraction of those tucked away in coves
around the peninsula which are the result of years of people
improperly discarding their old docks.
While there have been efforts over the years by various
entities to remove the docks, it is a big job requiring time,
money and staffing - all of which are in short supply.
"Limited budgets have hurteveryone, "Taplin said. "That's
why it's hard to find money to take care of it,"
Over the years the park became the convenient dumping
ground for docks that have outlived their usefulness because
it is public land.
People are still improperly discarding their docks, but
the majority are remnants of years past with the problem
described as "overwhelming."
While the park receives the majority of docks, the city of
McCall also gets some on its shoreline between Mile High
Marina and Brown Park, said Parks and Recreation Direc-
tor Dennis Coyle.
The Valley County Sheriff's Department is responsible
for removing.them, said Al Wonenberg, chair, of the Valley
County Waterways Advisory Committee.
But with no placed to put them, the docks are towed to
Ponderosa and,left there, Wonenberg said.
The abandoned docks spoil the park's aesthetics and
are a safety hazard because children like to play on them,
Taplin said.
See DOCKS, Page 2
Photo for The Star -News by Carissa Sindon
Photo shows abandoned docks near the Ponderosa State Park
boat ramp on Payette Lake.
Docks
(Continued,t9-om Page I)
Taking Responsibility
Those involved agree
that it comes down to who
is responsible for remov-
ing the docks, which end
up becoming an expensive
maintenance item.
Includingemployee sala-
ries, equipment and time,
the city of McCall prob-
ably spends thousands of
dollars a year on removal,
but that means other tasks
are not getting done, Coyle
said.
"The general ,public
shouldn't have to pay for
individuals dumping their
docks on the public," Tap-
lin said.
But they have been and
they will be continually
paying for it for a while,"
he said.
An appropriation from
the Idaho legislature is the
only way the docks will be
able to be removed because
none of the entities have the
funding to take the project,
said Scott Corkill, the lands
resource supervisor for
the Idaho Department of
Land's McCall office.
Older docks were made
out of solid foam and logs
which become waterlogged
and often require heavy
equipment to remove, of-
ficials said.
It can also take many
hours to break them into
smallerpieces oncethey are
on shore and hauling them
to the landfill costs money,
they said.
Compounding the prob-
lem are logs that got loose
from logging operations
and debris such as logs and
root balls coming down the
North Fork of the Payette
River into Payette Lake.
S� 6404
i-lq / a
If people get a new dock
permit from the state, they
must provide verification
of the old dock being re-
moved, Corkill skid.
But replacement docks
that are the same size as
the old dock do not require
a newpermit orverification
of removal, he said.
Enforcement Is
A Challenge
Docks are also required
to have their permit num-
ber visible on the front, but
enforcing the requirement
is a constant challenge be-
cause they are not put on in
the first place, they fall off
and can also be removed,
he said.
New dock technology is
being used which involves
foam floats encased in
Plastic, allowing individual
floats to be replaced instead
of the entire dock, said Bill
Weida, chair of the Big
Payette Lake Watershed
Advisory Group.
`Technology is saving
us, but right now it's a real
problem to get rid of the
old docks that are still left,"
Weida said. ,
At their regular meeting
on Tuesday, the waterways
committee discussed set-
ting up a tour of the lake for
State Land Board members
so they can become aware
of the problem.
57&>
Property -tax increase still a question for McCall budget
Council to air 515.2 million budget at hearing tonight
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
McCall Ci-!y Council members have yet to decide if they will increase property taxes for next year's
budget.
That deci: ion may come tonight, when a public hearing on the proposed $15.2 million budget gets
under way et 6 p.m. in the lower level of McCall City Hall.
Council m ambers could decide tonight about increasing taxes or wait until its Aug. 25 meeting when
they are regjired to pass a final budget.
The proposed budget for the 2012 fiscal year that begins Oct. 1 includes a 3 percent increase in
property taxi -s allowed by law each year. It also incudes an additional 3 percent in property taxes the
council did rot take last year.
If council members do not increase property taxes, the 2012 budget would decrease to $14.9 million.
A 3 percent increase in property taxes would increase the budget by about $130,000. The set -aside
amount from last year would mean about $127,000 in extra revenue.
In budget rieetings so far, council members have not expressed support for taking all the tax
increases they are allowed by law, but no formal decision has been made.
If the council decides to increase property taxes they would be used solely on capital improvement
projects, City Manager Lindley Kirkpatrick said,
If the council does not increase taxes, the city will still maintain its existing level of service and still
have money -or some capital improvements, Kirkpatrick said.
The proposed budget is about $1.6 million less than this year's budget of about $16.8 million and
could be as much as $1.9 million less if the council does not increase property taxes.
Property Taxes
The proposed $15.2 million budget would include about $4.6 million in property tax revenues, or about
$4.3 million if property taxes remain unchanged.
Taxpayers would see about a $34.12 increase per $100,000 of assessed property value if the council
passes the proposed $15.2 million budget, Kirkpatrick said.
Based on $''00,000 property valuation McCall taxpayers would pay about $579 in property taxes with
the full tax increase, Kirkpatrick said.
Homeowners with homes assessed at $250,000 using the homeowner's exemption of $92,040 would
see an increase of $53.90 in their property tax bill from $915.04 to $968.94.
A property owner with a $600,000 assessed value applying the homeowner's exemption would see a
tax increase o, $173.33. A property owner with $600,000 assessed value without a homeowner's
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p l a n n i n g , a n d $ 2 2 3 , 0 0 0 o n c h i p s e a l i n g c i t y s t r e e t s .
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r ^—
McCaIf to explore annexation of four areas
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
TI-a McCall City Council will further explore the possibility of annexing four areas that would not
require the consent of the property owners.
Council members decided last Thursday that they needed more information before moving forward on
annexing Timbercrest Countryside subdivision, Ski Ranch subdivision, Deinhard Lane /Payette River
parcels and a Wanda Avenue /Davis Avenue parcel.
Tha four areas currently considered "residential enclaves" are surrounded by the city and create
"donut holes" in city maps.
Each of the areas would not require property owner consent for city annexation to take place, McCall
City Manager Lindley Kirkpatrick said.
Mayor Don Bailey initiated the discussion earlier this year and other council members said last week
they needed more time to look at the proposal before a decision could be made.
'Tirnbercrest is obvious," Bailey said last week. "The assumption was this was already in the city but
map:; were incorrect."
Tin bercrest Countryside subdivision has eight homes in it and they are timeshares, Public Works
Director Peter Borner said.
They subdivision has city water and Payette Lakes Recreational Water & Sewer district sewer services.
The streets are public and plowed by city crews.
The Deinhard Lane /Payette River parcels includes 21 acres immediately south of Deinhard Lane,
although 14 of the acres are in the North Fork of the Payette River. The city owns one of the parcels,
though it is currently not inside the city limits.
The Wanda /Davis parcel is 18.7 acres of undeveloped land west of Spring Mountain Boulevard. It is
an old farm plat that Bailey described as "ripe for annexation."
Ski Ranch subdivision and parcels to the west is also surrounded by city limits, but residents in the
area ii the past were against annexation because of the cost to extend water and sewer lines.
Annexation would allow the residents in the area to participate in city elections and it would increase
the ciry's tax base.
Most of the areas are using city services such as water and street maintenance, but are not paying city
propety taxes, Bailey said.
The council will study the proposal more and make a recommendation at its Aug. 25 meeting.
Back To Index
A revie N of parcels studied for annexation
The City of McCall is considering annexing:
" Tin bercrest Countryside subdivision, 35.6 acres surrounded by the city though not in the city limits
that is currently served by city water and Payette Lakes Recreational Water & Sewer District sewer
service.
The oads are public and plowed in the winter by city crews. It includes eight residences that are
mostly timeshares.
• Dei chard Lane /Payette River parcels, 21 acres south of Deinhard Lane with 14 of the acres within
the Noah Fork of the Payette River.
The annexation would continue to the southern edge of the Rivers Crossing subdivision.
The city owns one of the parcels in the proposed areq,and contains a portion of the Deinhard right -of-
way, another parcel is a privately -owned undeveloped property.
" Wanda Avenue /Davis Avenue parcel, 18.7 acres on the west side of Spring Mountain Boulevard.
The undeveloped parcel is south of Lake Forest subdivision and east of Syringe Estates subdivision at
the intersection of Wanda and Davis avenues.
• Ski Ranch subdivision and nearby parcels, 95 acres containing Ski Ranch subdivision and several
parcels to the west.
Neither city water or sewer seroic - is available in the subdivision.
The possibility of extending those servi"z to the area has been informally investigated in the past.
A local taxing district could be used to fund the infca,structure improvements, but a past poll of the
residents showed they were split evenly on the question of paying for the services.
tears a ainst property -tax increase
McCal
I cottnctl g
Review of police department set for Aug. 25
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -N :ws
il said last week they did not support increasing property taxes to
A majority of the McCall City Counc
fund the 2011 -12 budget.
The discussion came during a public hearing last Thursday on the city's proposed $15.2 million budget
that will: take effect Oct- 1.
The comments were informal and no vote was taken on a property -tax increase.
Council Member Jackie Aymon said she would support increasing property taxes by 3 percent this
year, bit not taking an additional $127,000 in property taxes that were set aside during last year's
budget cycle.
Courcil members Nic Swanson, Laura Scott and Marcia Witte were also against raising taxes. Bailey
said he would go along with the majority.
"I don't think the public would be accepting of a tax increase," Bailey said. "I understand the needs."
A de cision on the budget and the tax increases is expected at the council's next meeting on Aug. 25.
Publ c comments on the proposed budget largely focused on the McCall Police Department's $1.5
million budget.
million n policemen," said May Hardware owner Rick Fereday.'I don't know
'it ems like we've got plenty of
why we can't do with less."
Fereday also questioned the council's decision in 2010 to subsidize the McCall Gott Course,
ould raise fees at the golf course rather than subsidize the operation
He suggested the city council sh
through property tax revenues.
Council members agreed that they needed to reassess the police department budget, but their hands
may t e tied by the city's acceptance of a federal grant to fund the salary of one police officer for three
years
The council plans to hold a work session at the Aug. 25 meeting with Police Chief Jerry Summers to
decid: if the police department is overstaffed,
olice are driving down business 20 to 30 percent.
Swanson said that local bar owners claim local P
Wit a wants to see police goals on how they plan to reduce expenses. Scott agreed the police
depa tment budget needs to be looked at again.
id. 'At limes, (during the Fourth of July holiday) it did
'The time is ripe for reassessment,' Swanson sa
feel I ke there was a militia around.'
"I've had more interaction
pot ce with law coverage from Idaho State Police, Valley �County resident Sheriffs Office, Idaho
said, noting overlapping p
Fish and Game and the Forest Service was too much.
Council members left the public hearing open until the Aug. 25 meeting.
The budget for 2011 -12 is more than $3.6 million, up from $2.2 million in the current year. But the
expenditure for runway improvements is set at $2 million.
Nearly all the proposed amount is covered by federal grants. The city is responsible for $50,000.
Thy, proposed allotment for administration would increase slightly from $217,000 to $223,000 under
the tudget that takes effect Oct. 1. u from $3�
000 this year, to add the equivalent of
The police department would receive $450.000, p
half an officer to the force.
funding would drop from $74,000 to $53,000• Library officials warn that means the loss of hat
Library
an employee, which would affect operations considerably-
Funding y.
Funding for the parks would rise from nearly $30,000 to more than $36,000.
The general fund is anticipated to bring n about $530,000 in revenues in the coming budget y ear,
compared with $4$1,0
0 this year. Water user fees are
T ne State Liquor Fund would produce $37,000, up from $30,00
expected to generate $350,000, up from $326,000; while sewer fee income could fall from $223,000 to
Bark To Index
Swanson, Aymon to seek new terms
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
McCall Mayor Don Bailey said he will not seek a new term on the McCall City Council in this fall's city •
election.
Council members Nic, Swanson and Jackie Aymon said
they will seek new terry is on the council. •
The filing period beg iis Monday for any candidate wishing r
to seek any of the three seats to be elected on Nov. 8. •
Council Members Marcia Witte and Laura Scott still have
two more years to serva on their terms. The filing period is ; •
ends Sept. 9. From left. Adde A}won, Don Bi ley, I is Svv'wron j
"I've thought all along, that six years is plenty of time to have been a participant," Bailey said. "There
are other people in the area who can do what I've done."
Bailey's title as mayor is not an elected position under the city's weak mayor form of government. The
mayor is elected every two years by the council and mainly serves as the chairman of meetings.
Aymon is filling out the term of former council member Bert Kulesza who resigned Oct. 1, 2010.
"I'm running for city council because I enjoy being on the council," Aymon said. "I enjoy the people, the
interaction, the proces., and I enjoy serving."
Swanson is filling out the term of former council member Claudia Delaney, who resigned in March.
"I'm running because it is important to have someone who grew up here making decisions on the city
council," Swanson said_
e?111 I/ //
Scsrveyor seeks repayment for worthless Valley road credits
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
A Cascade surveyor with unused road development credits wants Valley County to pay him $47,704
for the now deva'iued credits.
Robert Fodrea submitted a claim to the county Monday for $47,704 in unused road development
credits he and Jchn Rennison were paid by Rep. Ken Roberts, R- Donnelly.
The credits were received for engineering and surveying work Fodrea and Rennison did on the Davis
Creek Lane Extension on land owned by Roberts.
This winter the Valley County commissioners decided to end the practice of road development
agreements.
The action was taken due to several lawsuits being filed against the county for the practice of requiring
developers to enter into road development agreements with the county.
This spring Roberts asked the county to pay his family trust, Clover Valley Properties, $67,000 in
unused road development credits, and the county agreed.
"I think Valley County has a responsibility of paying me for those credits," Fodrea said Monday.
"Roberts got a considerable amount of money back from the county.
Roberts had a total $248,000 in road credits from the county from a 2007 deal to extend Davis Creek
Lane to Idaho 55 for safety reasons.
He had sold $,16,000 in credits to Rod Higgins for a development near Daystar and $65,000 in credits
to Rennison Fodrea that were going to be used on the third phase of the Elk Meadows River Ranch
development in 'fie Gold Fork area.
The agreements signed in October and December 2007 called for Clover Valley Properties to give the
county right -of -way for the extension, credit for construction and materials and an agreement between
the county and Roberts to split the costs evenly.
Clover Valley Properties received credits it could sell once the county accepted the roadway into the
system. The credits were set to expire in 2017.
Fodrea pointej out the county did not have the authority to create road development agreements, but
had the responsibility to honor the credits.
"There is a responsibility for government agencies if you create a value you have to stand behind it,"
Fodrea said.
"You settled with Ken Roberts and he is not alone out there," he said. "This thing is not right."
Higgins could not be reached to comment to see if he will claim payment for his credits.
tEic call I?enins process to annex two areas into city
Timbercrest, Deinhard Lane parcels surrounded by city
BY MICHAEL WILLS
The Star -News
The city of McCall will begin the process to annex Timbercrest Countryside and the Deinhard
Lane /Payette River parcels into city limits, the McCall City Council decided last week.
The two areas are surrounded by city limits and were among four areas the city council is considering
annexing into the city to increase the tax base.
Timbercrest Countryside Subdivision is a 35.6-acre area currently served by city water and Payette
Lakes Recreational Water & Sewer District sewer.
The roads are plowed in the winter by city crews. The land includes eight residences that are mostly
timeshares.
•_ ..._f...1.. ne .•..rce cn•• +s, of rlPinhnrd R ane, at hough 14 of the
The Deinhard Laneivayette Rives parcels 1111-Oulu -} py(yJ J.,��, �• •�
acres are in the North f=ork of the Payette River. The annexation would continue to the southern edge of
the Rivers Crossing subdivision.
_ :� .� ...,•.. -rAa 9na rnntains a portion of the Deinhard right -of-
I he City Owns one OT ttiC Parcel's ti l to is }r, vp...� ............... - .
way, another parcel is a privately -owned undeveloped property.
The process will begin in the next t�ivri: l cta "IC City v: it coma al! ate -- ---cl rrr:pz rty o..:nerr in the
area with a letter explaining the annexation process, McCall Community Development Director Michelle
Groenevelt said.
Public Hearing Planned
After -ik-
.v p.-O tG.y ... c.a d_m rl wl -
.1 died, the ciiy w!li hold a public hearing on annexation allowing the
property owners an opportunity to comment on the proposal, Groenevelt saint
The co;enctt also MJft• u City matt -f5 tV fi.iiMet investigate the possibility of annexing the Ski Ranch
Subdivision and an 18.7 -acre parcel known as the Wanda /Davis parcel.
Residents in the Ski Ranch Subdivision have opposed annexation.
Richard Jordan. who CWliS tliF Xr'i{s_ii3 i{3au:d Yrr•� �°i, u W YVGS eiui lwarit tG be iiliSleaXed into the city.
Jordan told the council last week that he disagreed his land is completely surrounded by the city -
City staffers were asked by Mayor Don Bailey to further investigate Jordan's claim.
ey also requested a ,tatt of 'cite Ski Ranch Subdivision and asked for ownership information on the
properties within the 95 acres.
Bailey wants to know what properties are developed and undeveloped in the area.
Bailey also suggested the Ski Ranch proposal could be broken into two projects.
" ex th...mae-.,y undeveloped properties to t[ie west, and the second annexation
vuc u•u�r_.i_ wivild, Mire v + o mnceiv •..•.a.., ...i .1•
project would annex the Ski Ranch Subdivision, he said.
c y staff tv RJUA iiitu tlic Cusis of bringing City water and sewer into the area and
making streets conform to city standards.
P aye ri2 Lade Ie els- to drop t: uicfdy For L ak's:a Dam %,vor :
R ; TOM t TROTE
The Star -Netrs
uuater levels vii r ayi"�te Lake vt±ili drUp rapidly alter Labor Day tU all w repairs to Lardu sear if at Hit:
outlet of the lake.
Inflatable air cushior s and new steel gates are scheduled
to be installed this fall to give dam operators better control
over the water level in the lake.
The work will require the level of Payette Lake to be
brought down quickly o its minimum level this fall, said Ron
Shurtleff, executive secretary of the Lake Reservoir
Company in Payette. 1
"This will start immediately following Labor Day, so boat
owners should be aware of the rapid decline to lake level
which will be above the rate which they have become
accustomed," Shurtlef! said.
Special attention shculd be paid by owners of deep keel
boats like sail boats, which could become grounded quickly
when the lake levels begin to fall.
Graphic courtesy Lake Rese air Co.
Inflatable m Cushions stitch as the one shown ill
this �•aphic nail be ulstllled taus T1Il at the L:atlo
Dam at the outlet of Payette lathe.
Also, water levels in the North f=ork of the Payette River will increase substantially during the
wawulJwn because of the large volume Of water In the lake t lis year due to all unusually Y'Jet Spun ly,
Shurtleff said.
Currently, six bays of the dam have logs placed by hand to control the river flow from the lake.
Those will be replaced wit < cushions that can be inflated with air to lift steel gates that control water
flow, Shurtleff said.
Three mechanical gates in the center of the dam will stay in place, Shurtleff said.
i ne uppeurun ^..e v Erie Vam, fir :ai vuiii in iii..°. °.c'ar i'y' viii v°.iliui y, uriii viiuna'�. °. lil�t3V uii °vr iii °v .�j. vlv vl, vlvvl
project is completed.
Center braces will be removed in each of the six bays to be equipped with the cushions and gates,
and a control house will be added on the east side, Shurtleff said.
uf% .... t sl..., a • .s a a.. _..., r ac.., a —,. . ac. ..a at. eir t.....niena be a
♦Inn u1 the mn— iSFllll_!!tq;!1 TF_��t ;l r__5 i�t Cllr__ ilrri_ vieaer__A q illee� !_h r__rl i,E �naljl�er__lh %eyir }!e- Fry ?i��u n 71-
quality lacking with the stop logs," Shurtleff said "This will allow increased control at higher flow rates."
r .
r
The dam is operated by the Lake Reservoir Company, organized in February 1920 and made up of
iiVe private %aliai Colil}iailie� ariu inic iliiCrativlf �isir�ii. YVtfiel ri�i i� iroeil ttfe lame are used tv irrigate
66,000 acres from Emmett to Weiser.
The vur relit du ='r °rta built lie 4 ��sv fvr Qj sv,wv tv Il tJIU%oC till: vliyii!'ai ;;am, rriiiarh f'aiiBv va'r,ivr ihe'.It
year.
The Lake Reservoir Company keeps water levels in Payette Lake high during the summer to allow for
boating through the summer_
in tl i�°. full er'r "ui�r in i°•i1 .`�.id for ii! e�'uii vil iu tilvvid iiirvug ii iii+:. Arc h C�rL of till. �ayi. � Rivr:r to L'aIN� fill
Cascade to be held over the winter and used the following year.
Bailey changes mind, vvill seek re- election to McCall council
McCall Mayor Don Bailey has changed his mind and has decided to seek a new two -year term on the
McCall City Council.
Candidates for city co.incil have until Friday to declare their candidacy in the Nov. 8 election.
Bailey said he changed his mind because he was recently selected by the Association of Idaho Cities
to be on its legislative committee.
The committee meets in December and then throughout the state legislative session that begins in
January. Bailey has to tie on the council to remain on the committee, he said.
1 don't see any other +vay to do it," Bailey said.
As of Wednesday, only council member Jackie Aymon had filed her paperwork to seek a new tern:.
Aymon was appointed in October 2010 to fill out the remaining term of former council member Bert
Kulesza.
Five candidates to seek three McCall City Council seats
Five candidates will seek three seats on the McCall City Council to be elected in the Nov. 8 general
election ballot.
Incumbents Nic Swanson and Jackie Aymon face challenger Ballard Smith for two four -year term
seats on the council.
"I'm running because I am concerned about the lack of openness on the council in terms of executive
sessions and the council is more reactive than proactive," Smith said. "I would like to see it more
proactive."
Incumbent Don Bailey, who is also mayor, faces challenger Rob Lyons for one two-year term seat on
the council.
"I want to rr ake McCall more family friendly by improving the lifestyles for the young people who are
living here," Lyons said.
Council me -nbers Laura Scott and Marcia Witte still have two years remaining on their terms.
Swanson and Aymon were both appointed to the council to fill out the terms of former council
members Claudia Delaney and Bert Kulesza, respectively.
S-'4-, 4 �,,, ,
McCall awards bid to rebuild Brown Park pathways
The City of McColl will rebuild about 765 feet of pathways in Brown Park, McCall Parks and
Recreation Director Dennis Coyle said.
The McCall City Council approved about $52,000 for the work to rebuild about 70 percent of the
pathway within the park using funds in both the 2011 and 2012 budgets.
Granite Excavation in Cascade was awarded the project, which should be completed in October.
The city has $30,000 in this year's budget and about $6,500 in savings from the recently completed
Deinhard Pathway project to begin reconstructing the 475 foot long pathway entering the park to eight
fee wide, Coyle said.
The city will ther use about $15,400 in Local Option Tax funding to build the remaining 290 feet of the
pathway in October. About 120 feet of the pathway will be constructed at six feet wide, Coyle said.
Meetings next week to discuss McCall pathways
McCall planners are planning a second round of pathways master plan meetings and public
workshops next week, McCall Community Development Director Michelle Groenevelt said.
The public is invited to a community workshop to be held Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the
Hotel McCall courtyard or at the storefront next to the Bistro 45 if the weather is bad.
The workshoi3 will display information on planned pathways, costs, design standard and information
will be gathered from the participants on priorities_
During the de :y on Wednesday and next Thursday, the city will conduct roving interviews with business
and land owners.
The Pathway Committee, McCall Area Planning & Zoning Commission members and McCall City
Council members will then meet at 5 p.m. next Thursday to review the workshop results, discuss funding
and implementation of the plan and to map out the next steps.
The purpose of the second set of workshops is to review a draft master plan for future pathway
construction in town_ The city held the first round of workshops in June_
The goals of the workshops include:
• Developing a pathway master plan by involving key partners and the community in the development
of the pathways system.
- Improving pathway connections and safety within neighborhoods and between parks, schools,
recreation areas, public buildings, Ponderosa State Park, Payette National Forest and other community
destinations.
• Enhance M - Call's reputation as pedestrian friendly.
• Increase this use of pathways by people of all physical abilities.
• Provide alternative transportation options.
• Promote re spect for private property along the pathways.
_eu_ -- j —.a......t A".. ....1L........ f...- —A vici}nrc
57"
McCall to keep Nampa law firm for another year
McCall will keep city attorney William Nichols and his law firm on contract for another year, the McCall
City Council decid ad last week.
The city will aga n pay the Nampa law firm of White Peterson a retainer fee of $67,200 or $5,600 per
month, which is th a same rate the city paid the firm this year.
Nichols and White Peterson have been the city's attorney since 2005.
Additional legal expenses incurred outside the retainer services provided by the firm and Nichols will
cost $175 per hour for work done by shareholder attorneys at White Peterson, $125 per hour for work
performed by associate attorneys at the firm and $75 per hour for work done by legal assistants and
paralegals at the firm.
The agreement, as in other years, does not prohibit the city from hiring other attorneys with different
specialties as needed.
The city has bucgeted $120,000 in its 2012 budget for legal services_
Council members voted unanimously to approve the new one -year contract.
5.(,- �c
r,IcCall council changes meeting dates
11 ('02--q [ I (
The McCall City Council has adjusted its meeting dates for October, November and December to
accommodate the holidays.
The council will meet on Thursdays on the following dates: Oct. 6, Oct. 20, Nov.3, Nov. 17, Dec. 1 and
Dec. 15.
rv4cCall council. LOT panel to meet over priorities
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
The McCall City Council will meet with the McCall Local Option Tax Commission in the spring to better
prioritize LOT project funding in the 2013 budget.
Council Member Marcia Witte had suggested that some of the extra LOT funds that came in over the
budget this year be reprioritized toward some of the city's capital improvements that would go unfunded
this year.
The council instead opted to fund the additional $62,543 in LOT funds to contingency projects
recommended by the LOT commission the previous year.
Additional LOT funds amounted to $20,000 for Brown Park pathway work, an additional $10,000 for
Treasure Valley 'rransit operational expenses, $3,543 for a disk golf course, $4,000 for entrance lighting
on the welcome sign on Idaho 55, $15,000 to public works for banner poles and an extra $10,000 for
snowmobile trail grooming.
Treasure Valley Transit had already received $20,000 previously from LOT and the McCall Area
Snowmobilers had already received $25,000 for trail grooming.
The council may decide to put a new local option tax on the ballot sometime next year that would be
dedicated to either city street projects or city capital improvement projects.
No decision wits made at last week's meeting about the creation of any future dedicated LOT.
Mayor Don Ba ley made the suggestion that a 1 percent general sales tax could generate money that
would allow the city to catch up on some street projects that need to be done, but have no funding.
The current LCIT tax is a 3 percent sales tax on lodging such as motels, condo and cabin rentals and
campgrounds within the city.
McCall issues reminders about business signs
The McCall Police and Community Development de the use of s gns n the cireninder to business and
property owners abo A the various codes that regulate
Menu boards, also known as sandwich u be used to advert se meta i restaurants, with a maximum
size of 15 square feet. The boards must
Signs that contain or consist m halloo ovin a devices are prohibited. Posters, pennants, ribbons, strings
Such devices, when not part of any
light bulbs, spinners or other similarly m 9
sign, are also prohitiited.
Signs shall not have fluttering lights or other illumination, brightness or colorhave blinking, flashing or
Beacon lights are not allowed.
purpose of public information are permitted, with city
Signs that use love- wattage lamps for the
approval.
und the city All signs in the city of McCall and impact area b site at Wnvw n ccall.(d us. a sign review unless surro
exempted. For more information visit city's
Star -News News Page—Lead Story Page 1 of 1
MCCALL CITY COUNCIL
McCall City Council member Don Bailey survived a challenge on Tuesday from Rob Lyons for re-
election to a two -year term on the council.
Bailey received 248 votes while Lyons received 227 votes.
Council members Jackie Aymon and Nick Swanson were returned for four -years terms over
challenger Ballard Smith.
Swanson received 389 votes, Aymon received 298 votes and Smith received 201 votes.
http:// www. mccallstarnews .com/pages/lead _page.php 11 /111 /2011
This week's front page stories Page 1 of 1
Future of McCall sewage clogged by questions
McCall council needs more info from advisory group
BY MICHAEL WELLS
The Star -News
The McCall City Council on Monday said it was still not happy with a proposal by an advisory
committee on how to treat the city's sewage in the future.
The advisory committee presented its report in April on what it thought would be the best way for the
city and the Payette Lakes Recreational Water & Sewer District to jointly treat wastewater.
Council members voted Monday to give the Technical Advisory Group until Jan. 12 to provide details
nog provided in the October plan.
Once the TAG returns the additional information, the city council has until March 8 to act on the
group's recommendation.
1 he council also asked the TAG to remove three letters that were attached to the initial report.
The council wants the group to remove a letter from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
that was written earlier this year to the sewer district.
That letter endorsed a continuation of sending treated wastewater to pastures south of town as
irrigation water. That letter matches the TAG panel's recommendation in its October report.
The city wants a new DEQ letter, this time addressed to the city.
The council also asked that two letters be removed from ranchers Harry Bettis and Will Maki, whose
current contracts to use the treated sewage as irrigation runs out in 2016.
Ir their letters, both Bettis and Maki said they would only sign a new contract with the sewer district.
Mon? Information Needed
T ie council wants to know how much land the city needs to have under contract to continue irrigation
of f astures with wastewater.
It also wants to know what would happen if the city stopped its current practice of diluting the treated
wastewater.
T ie council asked if an additional winter storage pond would be needed, as was the suggestion of the
city s former contract engineer CI-12M Hill.
The cost of an additional storage pond was estimated at about $18.7 million in August 2010. The
additional storage pond could be needed as early as 2023, the engineer said.
The council asked about replacing existing treatment pond liners, replacing the winter storage pond
line- and improving the treatment plant headworks, which today are nothing more than a bar screen that
captures larger solids.
The Technical Advisory Group was created by the October 2010 settlement of the city's five - year -old
law suit against the sewer district over ownership of the wastewater treatment plant on Deinhard Lane in
McCall.
Mambers are McCall Public Works Director Peter Borner, sewer district operations manager Dale
Caza and retired Twin Falls Public Works Director Gary Young.
The group's initial deadline of late July was not met and they were given an extension to October.
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Star -News News Page_Lead Story Page 1 of 1
IVk Call, county save money on snow plowing; private plowers not happy
BY KENDEL MURRANT aiui DAN GALLAGHER
for The Star-Nees
Valley County snowplows have not hit the road as much this winter, but it allows county road
SL perintendent Jerry Robinson said to balance out the time sheets.
The county operates 17 plows and drivers normally are out any time of the night or day to dispose of
the latest accumulation.
'We've had winters with little snow, but they normally are very cold," Robinson said. "I've never seen a
Io N -snow winter when it has been this warm."
4n average to snowy season means those drivers are racking up the extra hours.
'They remove the snow, clean up the trucks and wait for the next storm," he said. "They take their
comp time after the spring break -up in April when they don't have as much to do."
The difference is the crews are using up their comp time now. So, the effect is a wash for the
department's annual work schedule, he said
There are more than 200 miles of pavement and 530 miles of gravel roads in the county. The summits
con reach over 7,000 feet and receive an average snow depth of 12 feet.
A contractor also keeps the South Fork of the Salmon River and Johnson Creek roads open. But there
at a several other backcountry routes plow drivers have yet to visit because the snow level is so low, he
said
The department normally spends about $10,000 a month for diesel to clear the snow.
Robinson estimates the county has saved about $25,000 on fuel plus more by not needing to buy
share parts.
McCall's public works department has been able to stay busy and active in spite of the mild weather,
public works director Peter Borner said.
"There's a lot of activity that goes on, not just on the days that it snows, to keep the roads safe,"
Borner said.
L.o1:s of Chores to Do
The seven employees in the street department have been busy keeping down the snow floor and
re moving trees, shrubs, and other encroachments that could be a hazard to drivers.
Borner said the lack of snow has led to saving money on fuel costs, but that what is saved could very
well be spent later this year when snow eventually comes.
"All the information I can obtain still predicts above - normal precipitation for the next two or three
rr onths," Bomer said. "If it's cold enough we could still have a significant number of snow events to
ever."
The mild winter is hitting private snow - removal businesses hard.
"There was virtually no income in December," said Kathy Rowland, owner of Rowland Brothers Ready
h9ix. "We hired two guys specifically for snow removal, and they've only worked once so far this season.
"We plow about four times a month usually, 20 to 25 times annually," said Pat Morel], owner of Boulder
Creek Ranch. "This season, we've only plowed one and a half times."
"Basically we have a lot of guys sitting around ready to work and not much to do," said Jay Craig,
b-anch manager for Franz Witte.
"That's the hardest part - all (seven) of our guys that depend on that income, there's not much work,"
Craig said.
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This week's front page stories Page 1 of 1
Be iley reelected as McCall mayor by fellow council members
BY KENDEL b1LTRRaNT
for The Star -New,
Don Bailey was chosen to serve a new two -year term as McCall mayor last week by his fellow
rr embers of the McCall City Council
Bailey was re- elected to the largely ceremonial position during the first meeting of the year held last
T wrsday.
Bailey and council members Nic Swanson and Jackie Aymon were all sworn in for new terms after
w nning re- election.
McCall is one of three cities in Idaho that operates under the council- manager system, in which most
administrative powers are in the hands of McCall City Manager Lindley Kirkpatrick.
Twin Fall and Lewiston also operate under the council- manager system.
Bailey chairs council meetings, signs documents and checks, and acts as the public face of the city.
Bailey said he was pleased to be on the city council and was honored to be chosen by his fellow
rr embers to serve as mayor again.
"I think this council has done a good job in keeping the city out of deep doo -doo, compared to some in
the past," he said.
"We work well together, and we don't often have deep disagreements over issues," he said. "We don't
rracessarily agree on every item, but we do a good job of doing what we're supposed to do."
Bailey is paid $350 per month for serving as mayor while the other council members are paid $200 per
rr onth.
CITY PROSECUTOR RENAMED
Also at last week's meeting, the council agreed to maintain Valley County Prosecuting Attorney Matt
Ufilliams as the city's prosecutor.
There was no change in pay with the agreement, which will pay Williams $48,000 this year.
Williams told the council members that he had handled about 250 cases and about 700 citations,
irfractions, and misdemeanors for the city.
"We have a good relationship with the McCall Police Department, and it's a mutually beneficial
a )pointment," he said.
�R,3createon'tfd'd to
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rA:Call annexes Timbercrest. N.F. Payette parcels
BY KENDEL h1URKANT
for The Star -News
The McCall City Council last week voted to annex two areas into the city.
There was no public comment about the proposals during the public hearing held at McCall City Hall.
A 35 -acre area containing Timbercrest Countryside Subdivision and some properties to the north and
west should have been annexed long ago, Community Development Director Michelle Groenevelt told
the council.
The area was missed because of an oversight when the subdivision was first developed, Groeneveft
s< id.
The subdivision, located west of town near Boydstun Street and Verita Road, receives city services,
including water, and contains public roads, she said.
Sewer service is provided by the Payette Lakes Recreational Water & Sewer District.
The second annexation was for 14 acres along the North Fork of the Payette River, 1.7 acres of land,
at d 5.3 acres of undeveloped land near Deinhard Lane.
Ski Ranch subdivision and a parcel of land near Wanda and Davis streets were initially up for
ar nexation, but the council took Ski Ranch off the list because there was not enough information to
proceed.
Ski Ranch, a 95 -acre area including some parcels outside of the subdivision, does not have city water
or sewer and a way would have to be found to provide these services.
http: / /www.mccallstarnews.com /pages /fp_stories _page.php 2/16/2012
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NU -Call remodels former fire station used for city officies
BY KENDEL NfCTRK-kNT
for fhe Star -Nz«
The City of McCall is remodeling the upstairs portion the former city fire station to create new office
spaces that will make for a quieter, more focused work environment, city manager Lindley Kirkpatrick
sa rid.
The remodel will cost just under $5,000 for framing, electrical work, and drywall, plus additional cost of
not more than $2,000 for furniture, network cables, and paint.
The city purchased the building, located next to McCall City Hall, from the McCall Fire Protection
District in 2008 for $160,000.
The city already owned the land beneath the building and an adjoining structure to the west.
Six employees in three departments — human resources, financial, and parks — share the upstairs
1, 300 square- foot - space. The total space of the building is 4,355 square feet.
3efore the remodel began, the space had three enclosed offices plus a larger open space with three
desks in the middle of ft.
-he remodeling came after employees proposed new ideas how to use the space, Kirkpatrick said-
'-he renovation is timely and inexpensive with some of the work being done in- house, Kirkpatrick said.
'We can improve their working conditions," he said. "It's a better way of doing things without spending
a I:)t of money."
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McCall building permit numbers down from 2010, but still healthy
Permits in Valley County decline by 14 percent
BY KENDEL MURRANT
for rhe Star -News
The number of building permits issued in and around McCall declined by 16 percent last year, city
figures said.
The city approved 155 new building permits in 2011, of which 29 were for single family homes.
In 2010, there were 36 single family home permits. In McCall's peak building year, 2005, the city
issued 197 single family home permits and 134 permits for condos and multifamily housing.
McCall did not issue any condo or multifamily permits in 2011 or 2010.
The city has heard comments from builders and Realtors that "land prices have declined and are being
purchased," Groenevelt said.
'The price of land is down and is being purchased for less, which will likely mean some more new
construction in the next few years," she said.
VA_LEY COUNTY
A similar trend was reported in areas of Valley County outside McCall, where the total number of
building permits fell from 358 to 309 last year, a decline of 14 percent.
'Building materials are going up in price," said Julie Yates with the Valley County Assessor's Office.
"t.lost of the work is repairs."
By comparison, the total number of building permits issued by the county in 2007 was 507, of which
107 were for new homes.
The number of total building permits in the northern end of county, not including McCall, declined from
tc 36, or 14 percent, in 2011.
Total permits in the south area, outside the city limits of Cascade and Donnelly, plunged from 151 to
96, or 36 percent.
No new homes were built in Tamarack Resort in 2011, the second year in a row that has happened.
Building permits inside the city of Cascade dropped off from 49 to 32, or 35 percent, while permits in
D mnelly went from two to six.
There were no building permits issued in the city of New Meadows for either 2011 or 2011, city clerk
Mac Qualls said.
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McCall wants to lower speed limits on Idaho 55 west of McCall
Drivers going too fast on 2 -mile stretch, city says
BY KENDEL MURRANT
for The Star -News
Speed limits would be lowered on Idaho 55 west of McCall under a proposal to be heard by the McCall
City Council next week.
The council will consider an ordinance next Thursday to lower the speed limits in the two mile- stretch
o' highway.
No public hearing is scheduled, but discussion will be held during the council's regular meeting starting
ai 5:30 p.m. next Thursday at McCall City Hall.
At last Thursday's council meeting, McCall Public Works Director Peter Borner submitted the lower
liriits based on evidence his department gathered in a study last fall.
The proposed speed limit changes would take place between Boydstun Street and Club Hill
Boulevard, an almost two -mile stretch that has a top speed of 55 mph. The changes would lower the top
speed to 45 mph and add longer 25 and 35 mph zones.
The posted speed at Gun Hill Road, a residential street, is 45 mph, but the average speed of passing
cars was recorded at 55 mph, and 13 percent of drivers were going faster than 55 mph, Bomer said.
'Cars are going too fast," he said. "Especially in the winter, it's hard for cars on side roads to get into
traffic that's moving that fast."
4n even bigger problem than the speed of traffic is poor visibility in the winter because of snow
accumulation, Borner said.
It's hard to get into traffic because you can't see the traffic coming," he said.
;ouncil members sent a formal request to the Idaho Department of Transportation last October to
change the speed limit.
The state declined to make the changes, based on its review of the city's speed study and after
assessing the accident history on that stretch of road.
13ut city council members disagreed, and are moving to impose the lower limits themselves.
'You could have a horrendous crash there," Mayor Don Bailey said of where Club Hill Bouldevard
maets the highway.
"If we can reduce that speed, and get that much done, it would be a huge improvement," Bailey said.
Council members began to consider a speed limit change after they received comments and
ccmplaints from residents in subdivisions along the two -mile stretch of road. Subdivisions in that area
include Ski Ranch, Whitetail and King's Pines Estates.
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McCall tests gate on snowplow to leave driveways clear
BY KENDEL hIl!RRkNT
for The Star -Nenv,
The misery of some McCall residents who dislike snow berms in their driveways from city plows may
be coming to an end.
The city's public works department has purchased a "snow
gate." which it hopes will allow plow drivers to keep snow
from blocking driveways.
City plows have been testing the snow gate the past
couple of months and so far the results are promising, Public
7-!- ^Works Director Peter Borner said. 1 The snow gate is a mechanical arm attached to the side of
a snow blade on the front of a loader or grater.
The operator can control the gate to go down as it moves ,�-
past driveways, theoretically eliminating a berm.
"The early consensus is that the snow gate appears to
work very well, but we also haven't had any significant snow s
yet," Bomer said. Po "m —e s a_ —ey—d-
I& :A Pnbhr \ \-orps Du- a- Peter Bomer points
Bomer has studied video of the snow gate in action and is — tklttaes of the ows nea snore gate, d—pied to
pleased with how it has performed. However, because this pm- eutbetwamchi-e- a— hen1,1— g
year's weather has been so abnormal, Borner isn't sure yet if
it is worth the $22,000 price tag.
"The issue is whether or not they work in a McCall environment that has different consistencies of
snow," Bomer said. "Some snow has a higher water content and density, and I've read when you get six
or eight inches of snow, it's hard to push the blade with the gate on it."
Other factors, like the width of people's driveways, can also impact the gate's effectiveness, Bomer
said.
Although it seems to be working well now, Bomer hopes for the true test - a storm that brings a foot of
snow.
The snow gate itself costs about $7,000. But it only fits onto a certain snow blade, which costs
$15,000.
Also, a special hydraulic line has to be installed in order to operate the gate from the vehicle. The city
spent $3,000 to get this upgraded feature on one piece of rental equipment this year.
Also, some of the department's equipment is too old to work with a snow gate, Bomer said.
Adding multiple snow gates to the department's fleet needs to be budgeted over several years, he
said.
Public comment on how much of a priority snow gates should be is going to be important as the city
starts to prepare its 2013 budget, Bomer said.
"If not having berms is a top priority, the community needs to voice that opinion to me and to the city
council," he said.
http:// www. mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 3/15/2012
The Star News Groups Page Page 1 of 1
New McCall building official goes digital, `green'
BY KFNDEL MURRANT
for The Star -News
McCall has given its building official position a technological revamping, hoping to pursue a more
digital and "green" direction for the future.
John Powell, the newly hired building official, brings local experience working from the opposite side of
the coin.
He has working in McCall for eight years as an architect and is familiar with the process of submitting
plans and creating structures that comply with city code.
This experience, plus Powell's comfort with technology, makes him the right person to help push the
building official position into a more progressive direction, said Michelle Groenevelt, McCall's community
development director.
"I think the position before was mostly inspections," Groenevelt said. "I was looking for someone who
could handle more policy related issues."
"We were at a point where we wanted to update and automate some of the systems and the way we
do things," she said.
The city eventually hopes to incorporate a "green" building plan as well in which the building official will
take part, she said.
In McCall, the building official is responsible for receiving and reviewing building plans, issuing building
permits, and completing four to seven site inspections depending on the project.
Powell, 36, will also be reviewing and revamping city building codes and transition the city's building
archives into digital format.
Powell also knows several local contractors through his work as an architect, and believes this is an
asset.
"I know what to look for, but I know where they're coming from in general, what difficulties there are in
the code, and things not understood generally," he said.
http://www.mccalistamews.com/pages/groups_page.php 3/15/2012
This week's front page stories
McCall council lowers speed limits on Idaho west of town
BY LMEL WMAN1'
for The Star -News
The speed limit on Idaho 55 west of McCall will be reduced following a 4-1 vote last Thursday by the
McCall City Council.
The council agreed that the speed should be reduced from its current 55 mph
Click Image to
top speed, but were divided about extending the 25 mph speed past its current
Enlarge
location near Boydstun Street.
Councilmember Nic Swanson argued that elongating the 25 mph stretch from
Boydstun to beyond Brundage Inn would be inconvenient and perhaps confusing
for motorists.
*1 V.
'I think 35 already feels a little slow there," Swanson said.
Graphic `s <mnpni.
:ud hmne speed hunts
Mayor Don Bailey disagreed, saying the current 35 mph stretch of road is
long IdAo;5 west d
perilous for customers of businesses along that road.
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die IticCaU Cuy Counal.
"Trying to pull out onto the highway from those parking lots, it's dangerous," Bailey said.
Swanson asked about the accident history of that area, but Bailey argued that information was
irrelevant.
Swanson and council member Laura Scott had both heard concerns from citizens about extending the
25 mph speed zone. But Scoff said the speed reduction didn't concern her.
' 1 don't have a problem asking people to drive slower." Scoff said.
Bailey made the motion to pass the speed changes as they were, and it passed 4-1, with Swanson
vcting against.
The changes will lower the top speed to 45 mph and add longer 25 and 35 mph zones.
The posted speed at Gun Hill Road, a residential street, is 45 mph. But a study by the city's public
works depatnnent found the average speed of cars at that location was 55 mph, and 13 percent of cars
were going faster than 55 mph.
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3/29/2012
This week's front page stories Pagel of 2
Local- option tax requests, recommendations listed
Hire is a list of the organizations that applied for McCall's local- option tax for the grant cycle starting
Oct 1.
M )re than $751,000 was sought, but the city estimates there will only be about $225,000 in funding
ava table.
Twenty -one organizations were recommended for full or partial funding, and 19 were recommended
for no funding.
Collections will not begin until Oct. 1, the beginning of a new budget year.
If less revenue is collected than anticipated, approved items will be cut from the bottom of the list up.
The first number in the list below is the amount requested, while the number in parentheses is the
amount recommend to be funded by the McCall LOT Commission.
The funded items are listed in order of priority:
• City of McCall - Streets. Third Street Revitalization: $50,000 Requested ($50,000 Recommended)
• City of McCall - Golf Course. Rotary Trim Mower. $34,500 ($34,500)
McCall Chamber of Commerce. Barge Repair: $12,000 ($8,000)
• McCall Chamber of Commerce. ITC and SWITA Grant Match: $12,000 ($12,000)
McCall Chamber of Commerce. 4th of July Fireworks: $12,000 ($6,000)
• McCall Chamber of Commerce. 2013 Winter Carnival Fireworks: $12,000 ($6,000)
• City of McCall - Parks. Bobcat Toolcat: $10,523 ($6,000)
• McCall Area Snowmobilers Trail Grooming: $36,200 ($36,200)
F ayefte Lakes Ski Club Nordic Grooming: $10,000 ($10,000)
• MCPAWS Medical Costs: $32,700 ($12,000)
McCall Senior Center Heat and Lights: $5,000 ($5,000)
T reasure Valley Transit Operations: $45,000 ($20,000)
• f (pine Playhouse Windows: $5,500 ($3,000, $2,500 contingent)
• McCall Arts and Humanities Council Cabin Fever 2013: $2,520 ($2,500)
McCall Folklore Society. Summer Music Festival: $5,000 ($2,500, $2,500 contingent)
( ity of McCall Public Library Film Series: $2,356 ($1,500)
McCall Improvement Committee Pocket Park: $3,620 ($2,500, $1,120 contingent)
• Fayette Lakes Community Association 4th of July Family Fun Day: $850 ($250)
• Central Idaho Historical Museum Log Structure Preservation: $8,300 ($2,500, $5,800 contingent)
• McCall Centennial Committee Centennial Park: $10,000 ($5,000)
• Richard Sabala Foundation Manchester loo and Event Center: $61,165 ($15,000)
McCall Music Society Summer Fest Strings Salaries: $9,038 ($0)
McCall Music Society Summer Fest Soloists: $3,563 ($0)
( ity of McCall - Parks. Disk Golf: $3,543 ($0)
• MCPAWS Facilities Improvements: $8,000 ($0)
• MCPAWS Event Underwriting: $6,500 ($0)
• City of McCall Direct Costs: $17,000 ($0)
• ktaho Music Workshops 2012 Chamber Orchestra Workshop: $1,200 ($0)
C ity of McCall - Golf Course. Club House Lighting: $9,681 ($0)
City of McCall - Golf Course. Club House Carpeting: $19,984 ($0)
City of McCall - Goff Course. Club House Parking Lot Overlay: $50,000 ($0)
• C ity of McCall - Golf Course. Club House Exterior: $7,000 ($0)
http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 5/17/2012
This week's front page stories Page 2 of 2
- reasure Valley Transit - Transit Center: $95,000 ($0)
• ;Ay of McCall - Parks. Mall Pathway: $20,000 ($0)
t ity of McCall - Parks. Volleyball Court Relocation: $6,000 ($0)
• McCall Folklore Society. Everybody Samba: $2,750 ($0)
•
rout Unlimited, Payette Children's Forest: $7,500 ($0)
• McCall Senior Center Salad Bar: $2,850 ($0)
• McCall Chamber of Commerce Tourist Directional Signs: $7,964 ($0)
http: / /www.mccalistarnews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 5/17/2012
Star -News News Page_Lead Story
Kirkpatrick to leave McCall city manager post
Top officer to follow wife to school in Scotland
BY KENDEL MURRANT
for The SW-News
McCall City Manager Lindley Kirkpatrick this week announced his resignation to the McCall City
Council, effective Aug. 3.
Kirkpatrick, who has held the position of city manager since July 2004, said his wife,
Amanda, was accepted to an MBA program at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.
He said he plans to focus on the city's 2013 budget and will offer his help to the council in
_ finding a replacement.
"I believe that I have contributed positively to the community, and am proud of those
u \ achievements," Kirkpatrick said in his letter of resignation. "It is with a heavy heart that I
KnIj ,h , k have decided to move on to other opportunities."
McCall Mayor Don Bailey said Kirkpatrick is an "effective" leader that he is sorry to see leave.
"He's done a very good job for the city, especially with these very tough economic conditions," Bailey
said
Cc uncil member Marcia Witte also praised Kirkpatrick.
"H . has assembled an excellent city staff and leaves the city in a strong position," Witte said.
Kir (patrick, 43, started his career with the City of McCall in 1999 as community development director.
He said some of his greatest accomplishments during his time as city manager have been in resolving
legal actions against the city, including a lawsuit with the Payette Lakes Recreational Water & Sewer
Distnct and the J -Ditch and sewer storage pond claims.
Kirkpatrick also lists zoning codes, wastewater management provisions, a city comprehensive plan,
and 'breadth and depth of the city stair among his top accomplishments.
Implementation of a negotiation contract between the city and the sewer district is still in the works,
and McCall needs serious attention, and funding, for its aging infrastructure, he said.
'In a Good Place'
Ho Never, McCall is in a good place and in a good position to move forward, he said.
"M )st of the'icky stuff is behind us," Kirkpatrick said of McCall's legal woes. "They were distractions
for It a community!
"A th those things behind us, we all can now focus on the important task of doing good things every
day for the people who live, work, and play in McCall," he said.
He is currently paid $97,723 to oversee the 93 city employees and $13.6 million city budget.
Only McCall, Twin Falls and Lewiston use the city manager form of government in Idaho.
Under the system, the city manager has broad power to hire and fire employees, including department
treads.
The city manager makes day -to -day decisions on city operations, but policy- making and budget -
setting is still reserved for the council.
Under the system, there is no directly elected mayor. Rather, the mayor is elected from among the five
council members and holds a largely ceremonial role.
Page 1 of 1
http:// www. mccallstamews .com/pages/lead _page.php 5/24/2012
This week's front page stories Page 1 of 1
State stonewalls McCall on Idaho 55 speed limits
Council asked for changes before new law took effect
"ITD wanted to see how that legislation went, and they pretty much ignored our request "
—Peter Borner
BY KFNDBL MURRANT
for The Stu -News
The City of McCall and the Idaho Department of Transportation are at odds over the city's request in
March to lower speed limits along Idaho 55 west of McCall.
The transportation department has refused to change the speed, citing insufficient data from McCall's
speed studies.
City officials said ITD officials are ignoring their request because of a new state law giving the state the
sole power to change speed limits within cities.
TI at law was passed by this years Idaho Legislature but did not go into effect until July 1.
Tte McCall City Council passed an ordinance on March 22 to lower the speed limit between Club Hill
Bou evard and Boydstun Lane. Under previous state law, the ITD was required to change speed limits
with n cities when requested by city officials.
Tt e top speed of 55 mph is a hazard, especially in winter, a study by the city found.
"In the winter, there's three to four feet of snow that creates sight issues,"
Public Works Director Peter Borner said.
"The big snag we ran into was this legislation going through," Borner said. "ITD wanted to see how that
legislation went, and they pretty much ignored our request"
ITD: Data Lacking
An ITD spokesman said it's not the new legislation, but a lack of convincing data from McCall's speed
studies that is holding up any changes.
"McCall's own speed survey indicated that a speed limit reduction ... was not warranted," said Reed
Hollinshead, public information officer with ITD.
"Despite this, the city went ahead and passed an ordinance," Hollinshead said. "The primary issue is
that the city's own study did not support a change to lower the speed limit."
In October 2011, the council sent a formal request to the transportation department to change the
speed limit, but ITD declined based on its review of McCall's speed study and the accident history.
On Feb. 22, ITD engineer Kevin Sablan wrote to Borner that the transportation department "does not
find a need for a change to the current speed limit along this stretch of Idaho 55."
Sablan's letter said that it the council voted to change the speed, "ITD will post the new speed zone as
soon as a copy of the official city action is received by the district office." The city sent the speed limit
change to ITD on April 9.
Hollinshead said McCall also submitted a second speed study this spring after the city ordinance was
passed but that it had incomplete information. A request by ITD engineers for the missing information
went unanswered, Hollinshead said.
Bomer said that the traffic counter was set up incorrectly on the city's most recent study.
"I'm still trying to work with ITD and come up with some additional information to show why we should
lower the speed limit based on land use, zoning, and city limits," he said.
ITD is conducting its own speed study in McCall this week, Hollinshead said
http: / /www.mccallstamews.com /pages /fp_stories�age.php 7/12/2012
This week's front page stories Page 1 of 1
CORRECTION
A story in The Star -News last week incorrectly said River Ranch was a defendant in a lawsuit relating
to the collapse of the Brown - Cruzen Dam in 2010 and associated flooding.
River Ranch is not a defendant in the lawsuit, which named McCall Ranch LLC and Judd DeBoer as
defendants.
http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories�age.php 7/12/2012
This week's front page stories
McCall to raise property taxes 3%
Tentative budget to face public airing Aug. 9
BY KEYDF.L MURKANT
fa The Star -News
The McCall City Council on Friday agreed to impose a 3 percent property tax increase that will fund
chip sealing for city streets and new cars for the McCall Police Department.
The increase was part of the city's 2013 tentative budget of $17.2 million budget that would take effect
Oct. 1.
A public hearing will be held on Aug. 9 and the council is expected to vote on the final budget on Aug.
23.
The council did not raise property taxes for the 2011 and 2012 budgets.
The annual 3 percent increase permitted by state law will amount to about $131,500.
The council chose note to impose an additional 6 percent of taxes not collected in the last two years
but which by law can still be spent. That money amounts to about $258,000.
Council members have been debating the pros and cons of raising property taxes for the last few
months, but ultimately decided that taking the 3 percent increase was the most practical way to fund
necessary infrastructure projects like road repair.
Mayor Don Bailey and council member Jackie Aymon tentatively supported taking $32,922 of the set -
aside amount to fund additional chip sealing.
But council member Marcia Witte said that even using a small portion would be "a big psychological
hit' to taxpayers.
Council members ultimately shuffled a portion of funds allocated for additional police cars to cover the
additional chip sealing. The original intent had been to purchase two patrol cars with $85,000.
Back To Index /Menu
Highlights of tentative 2012 McCall Budget
Here are some highlights from the tentative McCall city fiscal year 2013 budget approved on Friday by
the McCall City Council.
A public hearing on the public is scheduled for 6 p.m. Aug. 9 at McCall City Hall.
• Property Taxes: Of the $4.6 million proposed to be collected from property taxes for 2013, including a
three percent tax increase, 62 percent goes to the general fund, which finances the police department,
community development, and administrative departments; 26 percent goes to the streets department; 7
percent to the library; 4 percent to recreation; and 1 percent to the airport. Property taxes account for 60
percent of the city's revenue.
• Personnel Costs: City employee wages would not be adjusted for cost of living increases for the
fourth year in a row. City employees would be eligible for a merit -based pay increase of up to 3 percent.
Health insurance costs are projected to rise 7.6 percent. The city would shoulder two-third of the
premium costs with one -third passed on to the employee. Currently, the city has 107 full and part time
employees, of which 73 qualify for benefits.
• Improvement Projects: About $365,000 would go towards full or partial funding of seven capitol
improvement projects, including $30,000 for snow gates and blades for the streets department, $30,000
for a street improvement project on Third Street, and about $26,000 toward land acquisition for a new
airport runway. The last two projects have matching grant funding.
• Local Option Taxes: The council tentatively approved about $240,000 of local option tax funding for
22 projects, including new sidewalks, windows for the Alpine Playhouse, the librarys film series, a
pocket park, and MCPAWS medical costs.
Most of the applicants received amounts significantly reduced from what was asked for, and 19
proposals were rejected, including funding for disc golf through the recreation department, golf course
improvements, and community music programs.
The complete budget can be viewed at www.mcca11.id.us.
http://www.mccallstamews.com/pages/fp_stories_page.php
Page 1 of 1
7/19/2012
This week's front page stories Page 1 of 1
McCall manager field narrowed to six candidates
BY KENDEL WMRANT
for The Star News
McCall City Council members will go behind closed doors on Friday to interview six semifinalists to be
the next city manager.
The council will conduct interviews by telephone or video link with the six candidates who were
selected from an Initial pool of about 40 applicants.
Current city manager Lindley Kirkpatrick resigned on May 21 after eight years of working as city
manager and 13 years with the city.
Kirkpatrick and his wife are moving to Scotland in August. His last day will be Friday, Aug. 3.
Kirkpatrick, Mayor Don Bailey, and human resource manager Barbara Sivey narrowed down the initial
applications to 14 candidates. Additional questionnaires were sent to those 14, after which the entire city
council and Kirkpatrick cut the field to the current six candidates.
No information has been released about the candidates except that one is from Idaho, one from
Florida, one from Nevada and three from Utah.
After Friday's interviews, the council will narrow down their choices to one to three finalists who will
then come to McCall for more interviews, Bailey said.
A public event of some kind is being planned for mid - August, but no details have been solidified yet,
Bailey said.
The on -site interviews will primarily be conducted with city staff, the city council and some 'active
community members' such as the McCall Planning and Zoning Commission and the McCall
Improvement Committee, Bailey said.
The council has not decided whether any of the interviews of the finalists will be opened to the public.
http:// www. mccallstamews- com/pages /fp_stories�age.php 7/19/2012
This week's front page stories Page 1 of 1
Former health executive to be named interim McCall manager
BY TOhi GROTE
The Sw -News
A former executive of a health -care information company is expected to be formally named tonight as
the interim city manager of McCall.
A contract to hire McCall resident Gene Drabinski is on the agenda of tonight city council
meeting, which starts at 6 p.m. at McCall City Hall.
Drabinski, 67, retired in 2008 as president of TriZetto Cost and Quality of Boston. The
company is a subsidiary of TriZetto Inc., which provides technology to help health -care
provider with their payment systems.
— He will take his position on Aug. 6, the Monday after current city manager Lindley
Prab. 4,i Kirkpatrick leaves on Aug. 3.
Kirkpatrick resigned on May 21 after eight years of working as city manager and 13 years with the city.
He and his wife are moving to Scotland.
Drabinski has spent much of his career in the Boise area, where he was president and CEO of
Healthwise, Inc., before joining TriZetto.
He graduated from the nursing program at Boise State University before serving in a variety of
executive positions in the health -care industry in Idaho, Oregon and California.
Drabinski serves on the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission and is chair of the McCall
Local Option Tax Advisory Commission.
He is also a member of the cast of the musical "The Full Monty," which debuts on Friday at the Alpine
Playhouse.
Drabinski said he would step down from the P&Z while he serves as Interim manager to avoid any
potential conflicts of interest.
He will not resign from the LOT commission because it is unlikely the commission will need to meet
while he serves as manager, he said.
Drabinski is expecting his term will last about three months until a permanent city manager takes over.
He will be paid the same salary as Kirkpatrick, or about $8,100 per month. However, he will not eligible
for health insurance or other benefits since he is a temporary employee.
Drabinski said he plans to be a full participant in city affairs.
"Manage is an active verb," he said. "We need to keep the momentum going."
D,abinski was selected after an informal search, Kirkpatrick said. His work with the LOT commission
and the P&Z impressed council members, he said.
Hiring someone who is not already a city employee will avoid overloading a current department head
who might have been tapped for the job, Kirkpatrick said.
"This is a particularly busy time of the year for many of them, so taking on additional duties would
come at a high cost" he said.
http:// www. mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 7/26/2012
This week's front page stories Page 1 of 1
McCall to select finalists for city manager's post
BY KENDEL MURRANI'
for The Star -News
The McCall City Council plans to meet in closed session tonight to select finalists from the remaining
five candidates for a permanent city manager.
Mayor Don Bailey said the council interviewed five semi-finalists Friday via video calls.
There had been six semi - finalists, but one dropped out at the last minute for personal reasons, Bailey
said
"We were especially impressed with two of the candidates," Bailey said. "Well decide in an executive
session which of the folks to bring up for an on -site interview."
Bailey said no names or information about the candidates will be released until the finalists come to
McCall, which is tentatively scheduled for mid - August.
"We were concerned because some (candidates) have requested that we not contact employers;
Bailey said. "We don't want to endanger any promising applicants."
Bailey said he and others will be calling references and doing background checks on the potential
finalists soon.
The working plan is still to bring the final candidates to McCall simultaneously and have at least one
public event where the community can meet and hear from them.
Current city manager Lindley Kirkpatrick resigned on May 21 after eight years of working as city
manager and 13 years with the city. Kirkpatrick and his wife are moving to Scotland in August. His last
day will be Friday, Aug. 3.
http: / /www.mccallstarnews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 7/26/2012
This week's front page stories
More names added to list for McCall city manager
BY KENDEL NIURRANT
for The Star -News
The search for McCall's next city manager has widened as five more hats were thrown into the ring
this week.
McCall City Council met Monday in a closed meeting to review more applications that have come in
since the hiring process began in June.
The council picked five more applicants to interview by video link, bringing the total pool to 10
candidates.
Mayor Don Bailey said there are solid contenders among the first five selected, but said there was one
latecomer in particular "who looks attractive also."
The council will meet in another closed meeting, tentatively set for Monday, to conduct the interviews
with the new candidates.
"F om these and a couple of the first ones we talked to, we hope to select at least two for on -site
interviews," Bailey said.
The on -site interviews, which should include a public component of some kind, were initially set for
Aug 13 -14, but those interviews have been postponed.
Current McCall city manager Lindley Kirkpatrick resigned on May 21 after 13 years with the city, eight
as city manager- He and his wife are moving to Scotland. Kirkpatrick's last day is Friday.
http:// www. mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php
Page 1 of 1
8/2/2012
This week's front page stories
McCall rejects call by county to pay more for dispatch
services
Valley commissioners sought 4-fold increase in city's share
BY KENDEL MURRANT
for The Star -Newt
The McCall City Council has rejected a call by Valley County commissioners increase by four -fold the
amount the city pays to operate the county's emergency dispatch center.
The commissioners asked McCall to pay $122,000, more than four times the amount the city currently
pays.
The commissioners said in a letter sent to the city on July 9 that the current payment system is nearly
20 years old and has not changed enough to adequately compensate the county.
"We recognize you may be surprised at the amount of the costs and your portion of it," the
commissioners said, adding that they have tried to keep McCall Police Chief Jerry Summers in the loop
about "the direction the numbers were going."
Bailey and the council sent a response to the county this week with a unanimous "no," saying the
request was "unreasonable and unsupportable."
"The reaction of the council and city staff was one of amazement, to say the least; the letter signed by
Mayor Don Bailey said.
The council had tentatively budgeted $30,000 to the county for dispatch services for 2013, an increase
of 25 percent from 2012.
The commissioners' letter asked for a friendly and quick solution to the "funding issue" before the 2013
budget is finalized.
McCall is set to approve the 2013 budget on Aug. 23. The budget year starts on Oct. 1.
Bailey's letter stated that any talks about an increase wouldn't happen until the 2014 budget at the
earliest.
"Our initial budget discussions begin in March," the letter said. "Perhaps in the interim, your staff could
provide the council with additional information that supports your requested increase."
The county's data shows that the operating cost for the dispatch center totals about $550,000 a year
of which about $418,000 of that goes towards wages and benefits of the eight full -time dispatchers.
While the dispatch center, located in Cascade, recoups some money for its services, the county ends
up paying almost $420,000 of the operating costs.
The suggested payment "represents our best efforts to provide a fair and equitable division of the
costs associated with maintaining this vital service," the commissioners' letter said.
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Page 1 of 1
8/2/2012
This week's front page stories
McCall budget would increase taxes, maintain services
BY KENDEL MURRANT
for The Star -News
McCall's proposed 2013 budget, which proposes a 3 percent property tax increase, will be up for
public discussion tonight.
A public hearing on the budget will begin at 6 p.m. tonight before the McCall City Council at McCall
City Hall. The budget takes affect Oct. 1.
The tax increase, about $130,000 of the $17.2 million proposed budget, will help cover the cost of
repairing and maintaining city roads, Interim City Manager Gene Drabinski said.
'It s a stabilizing budget to keep us from falling down; Drabinski said.
Streets and sewer lines need a slow and steady maintenance approach, he said.
'We're proposing (taking the 3 percent) now because we're falling behind," Drabinski said. "There are
streets that need work. You can't delay street improvements and then try to catch up in a cost effective
way."
The average citizen will notice an increase in their property tax bill, but they will also notice new and
improved technology to better plow streets and sidewalks, five miles of repaired city roads, and more
sidewalks along a portion of Third Street, Drabinski said.
The total proposed budget for 2013 is $17.2 million, about $2.5 million more than this year's budget of
$14.7 million.
About $2 million of that increase comes largely from grants, specifically a $1.6 million grant for runway
constructions at McCall Airport.
Total property taxes collected this year, according to the 2012 budget, is almost $4.4 million. That is
expected to increase to $4.6 million in the 2013 budget.
For 2013, about 62 percent of property taxes will go toward the city's general fund, which funds the
police department, community development, city council and city manager compensation, and
administrative costs.
The rest of the property taxes would go toward the streets, library, recreation, and airport funds.
Property taxes make up 60 percent of the general fund's overall budget. The other 40 percent comes
from several sources, including grants, fees, and fines.
City employee wages would not be adjusted for cost of living prices for the fourth year in a row.
However, city employees are eligible for a merit-based pay increase of up to 3 percent.
The most recent draft of the 2013 budget can be viewed at www.mccall.id.us
Page 1 of 1
http:// www. mccallstarnews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 8/9/2012
Star -News News Page—Lead Story
Back to the Pack
McCall council to start again in search for new city manager
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
The McCall City Council will go back to its original pool of candidates for a new city manager following
two test in- person interviews this week.
The council had hoped to name finalists for the job and bring them in for community meetings later this
month, but that schedule has been set back, interim city manager Gene Drabinski said Wednesday.
The decision to return to the original pool of 54 applicants was made after closed in- person interviews
were done Monday and Tuesday with two attractive applicants, Drabinski said.
Those applicants were:
• Barry Cook, former city administrator of Green River, Wyo.
Ron Foggin, former assistant city administrator of Lehi, Utah.
The two had separate lunches with city department heads and private dinners with Mayor Don Bailey
in addition to the closed -door interviews with the council, Drabinski said.
Foggin was in McCall on Monday, while Cook arrived on Tuesday. The city will reimburse both
candidates for their travel expenses, including air fare and two nights lodging, City Clerk BessieJo
Wagner said. The amounts of those reimbursements were not known Wednesday.
Systematic Process
The interviews allowed the council to further develop their analysis of prospective candidates from
nonspecific impressions to a systematic process, Drabinski said.
The original field will be re- evaluted on the basis of leadership skills, management qualifications and
what Drabinski called "community engagement"
The new process may take some time to complete, he said.
"The pressure to get this done has been relieved, Drabinski said "The risks and costs of making a bad
choi:e are significant."
Bcth Foggin and Cook remain in the pool of active candidates, but neither currently have an
advantage over anyone who may rise from the original stack of applications, he said.
Drabinski took over as interim city manager on Aug. 6, a few days after former city manager Lindley
Kirkpatrick stepped down to move to Scotland with his family.
He originally said he expected his term to last three months, but Drabinski said Wednesday he has
told the council he is willing to stay up to six months to allow the new manager to settle into the job.
The interviews with Cook and Foggin were held in closed session "to protect the candidate," he said.
A closed session allows for a candid review of personal details that might be embarrassing if
discussed in public, Drabinski said.
RON FOGGIN
Foggin resigned in May from his post in Lehi after 15 years with the city, a story published June 29 in
The Daily Herald of Provo, Utah, said.
"Just thought it was time to move my career in another direction," Foggin told the Herald.
"I've wanted to be a city manager for quite a while and I've had quite a bit of experience
in working for Lehi and want to be able to use that experience in another community," he
told the newspaper.
As the city finance director, Foggin began establishing a standard for the municipal
budget report, winning a budget award and an award for open and sound fiscal budget
repo Is, the Herald story said.
Also during his administration, he set in motion a five -year plan for municipal expenses and
mairtenance and expanded the city's emergency management system, the Herald story said.
BARRY COOK
Cook left his job in Green River in July after 18 years because of "differences in leadership philosophy
and style," he told The Chadron (Neb.) Record in a story published July 18.
Cook made his comments while he was being interviewed for the post of Chadron city
manager by city council members.
"I want to be a public servant in an area I'm comfortable with,' Cook was quoted in The Record.
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Star -News News Page — Lead Story Page 2 of 2
In Green River, Cook said he came into a situation of low employee morale, and
developed an employee relations committee, as well as supervisor meetings to improve
communications in the city organization. tr,
I
Cook described himself as a consensus builder and harmonizer, with a strong work
ethic, and good communications skills, according to The Record story.
Bvn Cod
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Lake Shore proposes direct trash
collection contract with McCall
BY KENDEL MURRANT
For The Star-News
The McCall City Council last week discussed the merits of an independent contract with Lake Shore
Disposal for the city's trash removal.
McCall is currently under contract through Valley County with Lake Shore Disposal for trash collection
and recycling services.
Lake Shore has separate contracts with the cities of Cascade and Donnelly and approached McCall
about an independent contract.
During their regular meeting last Thursday, council members agreed that offering curbside recycling
would be a good option to incorporate in a separate contract.
Recycling collection, which would include a bin provided by Lake Shore, would cost an additional
monthly fee of $550 if the city makes it mandatory.
The service would cost $18 a month if citizens voluntarily choose recycling.
The monthly fee under the current contract for trash collection is $14.40 a month, but Valley County
commissioners approved a 3.6 percent price increase to take effect starting Oct. 1.
Council members also debated how mandatory trash and recycling collection would work for the
multiple second -home owners and seasonal residents in the city.
Council members asked Lake Shore officials to gather more information on the proposal and bring
back the topic to them at a later, unspecified meeting.
http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 8/30/2012
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McCall manager pool back down to five candidates
BY KENDEL hft?RKL ,NT
for The Star -News
The McCall City Council on Monday whittled 56 applicants for the city's next manager down to five,
Interim City Manager Gene Drabinski.
The new group of semi - finalists do not include any previous front - runners or the two candidates who
visited McCall last week, Drabinski said. He declined to release the names or applications of the five.
The review of candidates was done by the city council during a closed -door meeting Monday at McCall
City Hall.
A "rigorous" questionnaire that was sent out to the five top candidates, chosen this time by numerical
scores based on a specific set of criteria developed by the council, Drabinski, and the city's human
resources director, Barbara Sivey.
The two candidates interviewed last week are not in the top five candidates, but they have not been
eliminated from contention, Drabinski said.
The city paid for former Lehi, Utah, assistant city administrator Ron Foggin and former Green River,
Wyo., city administrator Barry Cook to visit the city for private interviews with council members and
department heads.
After reviewing responses to the questionnaires, the council will invite top candidates to McCall for
more interviews, which then would include the public, Drabinski said.
"We will (by then) have their approval" to make their names public, Drabinski said, "and they will be
mat ked with the council's approval."
"We'll want to have as broad and open a review of their competency as we can get," Drabinski said.
C )until members are upbeat and enthusiastic about how the search is going, even though they had to
start over after an initial round of candidate screening, he said.
"I think the structure is helpful, you start to have confidence in yourself and each other," Drabinski said.
The new city manager selected by the council will replace former manager Lindley Kirkpatrick, who left
his post Aug. 3 to move to Scotland with his family.
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McCall council interviews three more manager candidates
BY KENDEL MUMA24 f
For The Star-News
The search for the next McCall city manager continues as the McCall City Council vetted three more
candidates last week.
The council interviewed the three candidates by telephone in a closed meeting last Wednesday. No
information was released about the candidates.
"We're narrowing it down to a few that look pretty good," Mayor Don Bailey said. "We're gradually getting
to a point where we II have two or three (candidates) we feel confident about and we'll select from
those.'
The city still plans to host a public event of some kind where residents can meet the candidates and
ask them questions. The ultimate decision about who to hire, though, lies with the five council members.
"I'm more than confident we'll find someone who is qualified. It's a matter of finding someone who will be
a good fit for the community," Bailey said.
"We certainly need a strong leader and someone who can be here and take charge of the city; he
said.
The council plans to discuss the hiring process further in a scheduled closed meeting tonight as part of
its regular meeting.
The city manager position became available after Lindley Kirkpatrick, who had been city manager for
eight years, resigned when he and his family moved to Scotland.
Gene Drabinski has been serving as interim city manager since Aug. 6.
http://www.mccallstamews.com/pages/fp_stories_page.php 9/13/2012
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McCall council grants taxi license on split vote
City ordinance has no standards for drivers
"I've never had an accident or been given a ticket on the job,
and I give as many as 30 rides a day. " —Tony Benallo
BY KENDEL MURRANT
For The Star-News
In a 3 -2 vote, the McCall City Council voted to grant a business license to a taxi driver with 10 traffic
infractions and a DUI on his record.
The council made the decision after almost an hour of
driver, Anthony Benallo
discussion and an interview with the
of McCall.
/
±" • _l 5
The council voted to issue the license to Benallo's
8
business, Tony's Taxi, because the city's code does not
outline any uniform standard by which taxi drivers must
,�pom
adhere.
I
c Re 9z -N. AyK 4YV,s
Antho y I alao was grwted a business he use
Refusing Benallo a license without referring to an
lwweekforlustansenuemasphtcowkvtly-
established standard could put the city into legal hot water,
A[cCallCkp rouuril
city attorney Bill Punkoney said.
Council member Nic Swanson made the motion to grant the license with council member Laura Scott
and Mayer Don Bailey voting yes. Council members Jackie Aymon and Marcia Witte voted no.
The council plans to revise the city code about taxicab businesses at its Oct. t t meeting.
The code revision could set a uniform standard for taxi drivers and could hold existing businesses,
including Benallo's, accountable to that standard once it's in place.
Benalo has been operating Tony's Taxi for about three months without a business license, which is
against city code and subjected him to citations and fines.
Benallo submitted his business application on Aug. 6, then received a letter from the city denying his
application on Aug. 28. Benallo then submitted an appeal, which brought the issue before the city
council.
Benallo told the council that none of his infractions or his DUI occurred while he was on the job.
Delivering Groceries
During the day, most of Benallo's calls are for delivering groceries and medications to elderly clients,
and most of his evening calls are driving people home from bars or restaurants.
"I consider myself a safe driver," Benallo said. "I've never had an accident or been given a ticket on the
job, and I give as many as 30 rides a day."
Benallo used to drive for Prompt, another McCall taxi service. He said his driving history was not an
issue for that job, which he held for between three and four years.
"I had a current driver's license, so it wasn't a problem; he said.
But Aymon expressed a concern for the safety of the public.
"I understand being weary of lawsuits, but the safety of our citizens is paramount," she said. 'This
gentleman has many, many violations and continues to break the law when driving. I'm concerned for
the safety of our citizens."
Most of Benallo's infractions, which include speeding, no insurance, and expired registration on a
classic car, occurred in Valley County between 2000 and January of this year. His DUI occurred in Boise
in 2005. Benallo paid $885 in fines and completed community service.
Witte wanted to postpone the discussion until the new code was written and in place.
But Swanson argued that the decision of whether or not Benallo could keep operating his business
was something that couldn't wait.
"We just stated that he can't operate his business without a license," Swanson said. "We need to
decide if he should be able to operate for the time being."
To shut down Benallo would cause an undue burden on is clients, Swanson said.
http:// www. mccallstarnews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 9/20/2012
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Interim McCall manager wants job permanently
Gene Drabinski has served in temporary job for seven weeks
"I've been a manager all my life, I really like it. " - -Gene Drabinski
BY KENDEL MURRANT
For *1 he Star -News
Interim McCall City Manager Gene Drabinski has decided he wants to keep the job.
Drabinski, who has been the city's interim manager for seven weeks, gave his application
to the McCall City Council in a closed meeting last Thursday night.
The council plans to interview Drabinski, although a date has not been set. The interview
will be closed to the public, as has all other interviews so far for potential candidates for the
job.
Drabinski was selected to be the interim city manager by the council after former
I��;buvsla manager Lindley Kirkpatrick resigned. He originally agreed to fill the position on a
temporary basis while the council continued its search for a new city manager.
In an interview, Drabinski believes the work he has started is something he wants to and is able to
continue.
"The more things I got into, the more I realized I couldn't do A in 90 days or 180 days," he said. "And I
was having so much fun doing 0. I've been a manager all my life; I really like it. I've got good, positive
feedback so far."
Welcome Addition
Council member Nic Swanson said Drabinski's application came as a surprise, but that Drabinski is a
welcome addition to the candidate pool.
"He's got a good head on his shoulders and has had a lot of positive impact right away," Swanson
said. "He's a doer, and I really, really appreciate that "
Swanson emphasized that no decision has been made about which candidates will be selected as
finalists to meet with the public.
'I want it clearly stated that the selection process is not over and he's not going to get an easier ride
than anyone else," Swanson said.
Drabinski, 67, spent much of his career in the Boise area, where he was president and CEO of
Heafthwise, Inc., before becoming president of TriZetto Cost and Quality in Boston.
He graduated from the nursing program at Boise State University before serving in a variety of
executive positions in the health -care industry in Idaho, Oregon and California.
Drabinski served on the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission and is chair of the McCall
Local Option Tax Advisory Commission.
Drabinski receives the same salary as Kirkpatrick did, about 38,100 a month, but is not eligible for
health insurance or benefits because he is a temporary employee.
Since taking over, Drabinski has organized a task force responsible for the online survey about the
McCall Police Department.
He also said he has worked to improve communication within the city's departments and working
relationships with businesses and other public agencies.
Drabinski has also been influential in helping create a uniform standard by which to judge city
manager candidates.
Drabinski said he realizes it's 'awkward' to have helped shape the selection process for a city
manager only to throw his own hat in the ring.
"But what the city wants is continuity and consistency,' he said. "Part of the job is to lead and the other
is to develop.'
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McCall forms new advisory committee on public works
BY KENDEL MURRANT
For The Star -News
A new advisory committee has been formed that will include representation from the city of McCall,
McCall taxpayers, and the Payette Lakes Recreational Water and Sewer District.
The new McCall Public Works Advisory Committee will replace the McCall Transportation Advisory
Committee, which has only met once in two years,
McCall Public Works Director Peter Borner said.
"I had an epiphany of sorts to just broaden this meeting out," Somer told the McCall City Council
during last week's regualr meeting.
The scope of the public works department covers not only transportation, but street care and the city's
water and sewer systems, Bomer said.
The new committee will be made up of three members at -large from the community, an engineer or
surveyor, and someone from the sewer district.
Bomer would act as staff liaison. All committee members would have to be approved by the council.
The panel would advise the council on street construction and maintenance, water, wastewater and
sto,nwater construction and maintenance, and other public works - related topics.
B omer wants members from the McCall community since they are the ones who pay water and sewer
fees that support those operations.
T -ie committee also will help the city collaborate with the sewer district, he said.
"I !'s a good way to reach out to the sewer district," Borner said. "We want to be transparent with what
we do -"
http:// www. mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 9/20/2012
This week's front page stories
Three finalists named for McCall city manager
BY KENDFL MIJRKA, T
For The Star -News
Three finalists have been selected for the McCall city manager position, Mayor Don Bailey said.
The three candidates are Interim City Manager Gene Drabinski, Valley County Chief Deputy
Prosecutor Carol Brockmann, and an unnamed candidate with McCall ties.
The three have been invited to take part in a final round of interviews with the McCall City Council, city
staff, and a meet- and -greet with the public.
The unnamed candidate has not yet confirmed if he will participate in that final round, Bailey said.
A date has not been scheduled for the interviews, but Bailey said he hopes they will take place in the
next week or two.
Bailey said he has no personal frontrunners among the three candidates, but believes any of them
could do the job well.
"They're all very different," in management style and personality, Bailey said. "We'll have to take that into
account, certainly. Hopefully the final Interviews with the city staff and the public will bring out some
information that will help us decide."
Whoever is selected will assume the seat held by former City Manager Lindley Kirkpatrick, who
res gned in August to move to Scotland with his family.
Crabinski has served as interim manager since Kirkpatrick's departure.
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McCall to look at options for city prosecutor
BY KENDEL AfURR1NT
For The Star -News
The McCall City Council is exploring its options for a city prosecutor as its current contract with Valley
County Prosecutor Matt Williams draws to a close
The current one -year contract ends on Dec. 31. Williams wrote a proposal to the council seeking
another one -year contract with a pay increase from this year's $48,000 a year to $60,000.
Interim City Manager Gene Drabinski said he and McCall Police Chief Jerry Summers have been
exploring other options.
The city's contract with Williams goes through his private law business in Cascade, not through the
cou nty.
Williams has been the city's attomey handling misdemeanor prosecution since 2007.
'It's unfortunate that Matt Williams has had (disputes) with the county, because that colors this
decision," Mayor Don Bailey said.
Drabinski said he was also concerned about Williams' disputes with county commissioners and talked
with him about it.
"He has great passion, and he has a very strong sense of right and wrong," Drabinski said
"He also made it clear that he had some errors in judgment, including hitting the 'send' button on some
communications," he said.
http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 10/4/2012
This week's front page stories
Learning by Burning: Donnelly department fires up new training facility
BY DAN GALLAGHER
for The Star- Neic.;
Fire and smoke raced through a building in Donnelly on Saturday while firefighters from several
departments looked on.
After the fire was out, the building was washed up and
prepared to be set on fire again.
The building houses the Central Idaho Fire Academy, a
metal structure purchased by the Donnelly Rural Fire
Protection District.
Last week the department hosted its first training session,
with about 100 students from as far away as Ammon in
easiem Idaho and Stanley negotiating smoke - filled hallways.
The firefighters also chopped old cars into pieces to learn
how to rescue victims in traffic accidents.
"We could have 25 to 30 bums a year," Donnelly Fire Chief
Juan Bonilla said of the structure, assembled out of steel
shipping containers. "We create the feeling of smoke and
heat."
There are other fire simulation facilities in the Boise area,
eastern Idaho and the Panhandle, but nothing for the
departments in the central mountains, Bonilla said.
Firefighters and EMTs constantly need training Dwmeny rapt Paid sets tue to aoaieu
accreditation, and the new Donnell facility can fill that need, pallets satLad.,ly at th, nomielly Rival Fire
Y Y pntechou Nshlct's rre"• fue hvumg tacihtc ou
he said. Sattndav
Students last week also teamed about auto extrications using hydraulic pry tools, propane leaks, rope
rescues and arson investigations.
$135,000 Facility
The facility cost about $135,000 with preparing the foundation and includes two stories with metal
stairways and windows.
Wooden pallets are set on fire in the upper "bum room" and the smoke quickly fills the structure.
For Saturday's exercise, instructors jammed pallets and old couches into the hallways as obstacles.
There also was a metal pipe about 40 inches wide to crawl through.
Students equipped with air packs and heavy fire apparel negotiated the zero visibility and
temperatures up to about 600 degrees.
The windows were fitted with metal rebar that the firemen cut out to gain entrance. Some doors were
locked, so they cut the bolts or chopped through a wooden platform on the roof.
The facility can then be refitted with those barriers, and the interior walls are hosed off for the next
exercise.
Firefighters are taught to first protect themselves, so they leave if the heat becomes excessive,
Assistant Fire Chief Frank Yates said.
"You first feet the heat on your ears," he said. "If you feel that something isn't right, you get out."
The facility is named for Myer Avedovech of New Meadows, who died in 2011. The long -time
volunteer would faithfully make the drive to Donnelly on emergency calls, Bonilla said.
"He was here as much as anyone who lived near the station," he said. "Myer always had ideas for our
training. He was an excellent EMT and was always there for us."
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McCall includes mandatory service in trash collection options
BY KENDEL h1l TRF--k T
For The Star -News
The McCall City Council on Friday discussed more options for a citywide trash collection system,
including mandatory service for all residents and mandatory bear -proof containers.
City residents currently have their trash collected by Lake Shore Disposal through a contract with
Valley County. The current contract offers optional service with no curbside recycling pickup.
The monthly fee under the county contract is $14.40 a month, but the Valley County Commissioners
approved a 3.6 percent price increase starting this week.
There are about 500 voluntary users in the city under the current contract. If the council votes for
mandatory trash collection, that number would go up to more than 1,800.
Interim City Manager Gene Drabinski said the jump would be a big spike in customers for Lake Shore.
Drabinski said he's asked Lake Shore to "sharpen their pencils" and reevaluate the company's regular
prices in light of the number of clientele the city could bring.
By having its own contract, customers in McCall would have more options, including weekly, biweekly
or monthly pickup, curbside recycling, and bear -proof containers.
Some of these options are more cost effective if they are mandatory citywide. For example, optional
recycling would cost $18 a month, where mandatory recycling reduces the price to $5.50 a month.
The city plans to post an online questionnaire asking for public comment on trash collection and
container options. The questionnaire will be posted at www.mccall.id.us.
There is a widespread bear problem this fall in McCall and keeping trash out of their reach is the only
solution, said Jeff Rohlman, regional wildlife manager with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
"Keeping the garbage away from them is the only way to get rid of them," Rohlman said to the council
Friday, explaining that trapping and relocating bears that have become accustomed to domestic areas
does not work.
This fall, F &G has identified six bears that have specifically come to McCall for garbage.
While these bears have knocked over trash cans and have done minor damage to some structures,
they are likely to become more aggressive as they age, Rohiman said.
Staff sees a citywide mandate for bear proof containers as a potential solution to a ctywide issue.
"It s a community problem," said Michelle Groenevelt, community development director for the city.
"You can solve the problem on your own property, but If your neighbor doesn't, it's still a problem for you
and your neighborhood."
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McCall council gives $5.000 for tourism study
BY KENDEL dtURRANT
For The Star -News
The McCall City Council last week gave $5,000 to help fund a tourism economic study that organizers
say will help McCall businesses join forces to provide customers an even better McCall experience.
The study, named the Winter Recreation Survey Project, was presented to the council last Thursday
night by Rick Centeno, president of the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce board and president of
Brundage Mountain Resort.
A professional company would analyze locally generated data and present findings and an action plan
at a public meeting next spring, Certano said.
The survey should provide beneficial data about who McCall customers are, how much they spend,
and how long they stay, he said. It would also show where businesses can extend visitor time in McCall,
he said.
"There's an opportunity for economic development here," Certano said. "We want to find out how we
can be more effective and efficient."
The money came from the city council's economic development budget, which had a balance of about
$8,800.
Certano is also asking Valley County commissioners and other cities to contribute to the survey as
well as businesses and private donors. The total cost for the study and meeting is about $28,000.
http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 10/4/2012
This week's front page stories
DEQ closes McCall office, pledges no change in mission
BY TOM GROTE
The Star-News
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has closed its McCall office, but officials say their
dedication to monitoring water quality in Payette Lake and Lake Cascade has not changed.
The office was closed when its lone staffer, Leslie Freeman, resigned in August, said Pete Wagner,
the DEQ's Boise regional administrator.
"We evaluated our needs and determined we could get our work in Valley County done from Boise,"
Wagner said.
Freeman was responsible for overseeing water- quality monitoring in Lake Cascade and Payette Lake
as well as serving as a liaison to the citizens oversight committees assigned to each lake, he said.
"We understand the importance of the lakes up there, so closing the McCall office does not mean we
are iot committed," Wagner said.
DEQ staffers already make weekly trips to Valley County and they can be easily dispatched from
Boise as needed, he said.
The DEQ originally opened a satellite office in Cascade in the early 1990s, and the office was moved
to McCall in the middle of the last decade, he said.
How the closing of the McCall office will affect water - quality monitoring is unclear, said Bill Weida, a
member of the Payette Watershed Advisory Group.
"We are in a much different place than we were 10 years ago and the city has stepped up their
attention to this issue," Weida said.
However, we still need annual monitoring to keep a complete set of data about the lake, and it is
unclear who will do that," he said.
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McCall posts online survey on trash collection options
The city of McCall has posted an online survey asking residents about options for trash collection.
The survey, posted at www. mccall. id us, will help guide the McCall City Council's decision on whether
to sign a separate contract with Lake Shore Disposal.
Currently, trash collections in the city are handled by Lake Shore under a contract with Valley County.
The city is considering whether to cut its own deal with Lake Shore. Options include mandatory trash
collection, bear -proof containers and curbside pickup of recyclable items.
The survey, which will end on Wednesday, asks those who do not have their trash picked up if they
would be agreeable to mandatory service with the option to suspend service once per year.
Other questions ask about current satisfaction with Lake Shore, whether trash should be picked up
more frequently, and whether bears have been a problem raiding trash containers.
The survey also asks for the maximum amount the respondent is willing to pay per month for curbside
recycling.
http: / /www.mccallstarnews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 10/11/2012
Star -News News Page—Lead Story
McCall manager proposes joint operation of McCall sewers
Panel would share power over city, sewer district systems
We have common goals: a safe, efficient, and ecologically sound disposal ofsewage. "
—Gene Drabinski
BY KENDEL MURRANT
For The Star-News
The sewer system serving McCall and surrounding areas would be managed by a single board under
a proposal by Interim City Manager Gene Drabinski.
Drabinski tested his idea last week with the McCall City Council and the Payette Lakes Recreational
Water and Sewer District board.
Currently, the city and sewer district operate independent systems, but sewage from both systems is
treated at the city's treatment plant.
Drabinski, who has been acting city manager since Aug. 6 and is applying for the job permanently,
said a joint - powers committee makes sense to him.
"We have common goals: a safe, efficient, and ecologically sound disposal of sewage," he said.
"I can think of no reason save historical fact that we have two entities that work for the same goal and
actually compete with each other," Drabinski said.
Savings Seen
A joint powers committee would save the city money needed for infrastructure, roads, and other
projects by not duplicating work already being done by the district, he said.
"This is a small town, and we don't really need two sewer districts when we have a common plant, use
the same lines and have the same ending place for the effluent," Drabinski said.
He proposed his idea last Thursday to separate meetings of the city council and sewer district board.
Sewer district board chair Jerry Vevig said he thinks a joint powers committee has promise.
"We had a joint powers board at one time that worked beautifully," Vevig said. "There's no reason we
couldn't go back to where it worked."
n 1984, a joint powers board with city and sewer district representation was established. The board
dissolved around the time the city filed the lawsuit against the district in 2005.
The sewer district also maintained the city's sewer system under contract between 1996 and 1998.
McCall Mayor Don Bailey expressed some reservations about the idea.
In the 2010 lawsuit settlement, the district lost its control over the sewer plant's operation and became
a customer of the city's service. Bailey said he'd be hesitant to give over control.
"The issue a joint powers board raises in my mind is power," Bailey said. "It implies that board would
have some power (over operations), and that's not going to happen unless the council approves it I
question the need for it."
The city serves customers mostly located within the city limits, while the sewer district serves
customers generally living around Payette Lake.
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10/18/2012
Star -News News Page—Lead Story
Public to meet McCall manager finalists this week
BY KENDEL MURKANT
For The Star -News
The three candidates vying for the McCall city manager position will appear this weekend in a final
round of interviews, including a public meet - and - greet.
Interim city manager Gene Drabinski, Valley County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Carol Brockmann, and
Dautis Pearson will appear in McCall on Friday and Saturday for interviews with three panels and an
informal mixer with the community.
The mixer will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday at the McCall Golf Course clubhouse. The meet -
and -greet will not have a formal question- and - answer time, but residents are encouraged to chat with
the three candidates.
The interviews will be held from 1:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. Friday at the Shore Lodge, and from 9 a.m. to
noon Saturday at City Hall. The public is invited to attend all of the interviews, although they will not be
open for questions from the public.
Friday's interview will be with city employees and community members, while Saturday's interviews
will be with the McCall City Council.
Council members will go behind closed doors at noon on Saturday to discuss the finalists, after which
they may make a decision.
Whoever is selected will replace former city manager Lindley Kirkpatrick, who left in August and
moved to Scotland. Drabinski has been interim manager since Kirkpatrick left.
Pearson, a 61- year -old part time McCall resident, is the vice president of URS Corporation, a global
project management and engineering company.
Pearson works between offices in Portland and Boise, but said McCall is his permanent residence.
Pearson's previous job experiences include seasonal and full time work with the Forest Service, and
he managed The Yacht Club from 1983 to 1988.
Pearson said he earns about three times the income offered with the city manager position, but said
the change of pace and the opportunity to work and live in McCall appeals to him.
"I love my job and what I do, but when I saw this position come up, I thought maybe it'd be fun to slow
down and take what I've leamed and apply it to the place I live," he said.
"It's not about money, it's about contributing in ways that could help a city that's been in turmoil for a
couple years and help them do things differently," Pearson said.
Page 1 of 1
http: / /www.mccalistamews .com/pages /lead _page.php 10/25/2012
This week's front page stories
McCall trash survey finds most happy with current service
Opinions split on proposed mandatory pickup
BY K F.NDFL MURRANT
For The Star -News
More than 200 people sounded off in an online survey about trash collection for McCall, with many
favoring curbside recycling and voicing concerns about marauding bears.
About 85 percent of those who responded to the survey, posted on the city of McCall's website, said
they are satisfied with the pickup service they currently receive.
Seventy -three percent of those responding said they or their neighbors are affected by bears in their
garbage.
The survey was split among those who do not currently have their trash picked up over whether they
would favor mandatory service, with 51 percent of respondents saying they opposed mandatory service.
Two - thirds of those responding said they would be interested in curbside pickup of recyclable
materials, but 45 percent said they would not want to pay more than $5 per month for the service.
-he city has discussed imposing mandatory trash collection for all city residents as part of a possible
contract with Lake Shore Disposal.
Lake Shore currently collects trash in the city under a contract with Valley County. The service is
voluntary and recycling is done by residents who take materials to the recycling center on Deinhard
Lane.
Currently, there are about 500 voluntary customers in the city. That number could go up to as much as
1,800 users under mandatory service.
City officials have also looked at curbside recycling and bear proof containers for residents and
businesses.
Under the contract with the county, trash collection cost $14.40 a month. Valley County
commissioners approved a 3.6 percent rate increase effective Jan. 1.
Here is a sampling of some of the 136 comments that were submitted along with the survey results.
Most were submitted anonymously, and the city removed the names of those who signed their
comments.
'We would really appreciate curbside recycling. Currently our recycling just collects in our garage until
the bins are full enough to take to the community center. It would be great to have another recycling
barrel that gets picked up weekly or bi- weekly."
"I am against the mandatory bear -proof cans unless you make it affordable for all of us. A bear -proof
garbage can should not cost me any more than a regular garbage can pickup if it is the decision of the
city management and the Department of Fish and Game to continue to let the bear population grow and
create problems for the taxpayers."
"The people who have trash service are the ones who are contributing to the bear problem. My trash
ways in my garage until it is on the way to the dump. Before mandating trash service for all, you should
look into the expense and weight of bear -proof garbage cans."
"Vacation home owners already pay a significant amount of the city's taxes without using any city
services. A mandatory garbage fee would just be another fee of which I would not benefit from. "
"Let the people decide for themselves how to take care of their trash disposal and stop trying to take
more of our hard earned money. Require Lake Shore to provide bear -proof containers to those who wish
to subscribe to their service."
"We are seasonal residents, we recycle, we compost, we compact and on occasional trips take to
Lewiston, our winter home, our trash. We now pay high rates year around for water and sewer service.
Please have some mercy!"
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it Lake Shore does an awesome job, they deserve to keep the contract.
People who are not unconcerned enough to drive to the recycling center will not be inspired to make the
effort curbside either "
"The city should seek trash solutions that reward waste reduction per household, not penalize them.
Blanket policies seldom solve issues in an efficient manner"
http://www.mccallstarnews.com/pages/fp_stories_page.php
Page 1 of 1
10/25/2012
This week's front page stories
McCall manager choice down to two
Drabinski, Brockmann face questions from council, meet public
"Everything 1 know now is really just the tip of the iceberg. " —Gene Drabinski
"1 believe in giving to the community. " —Carol Brockmann
BY KENDFL MURRANT
For The Star-News
The McCall City Council is expected to decide on Monday who will be the city's next manager.
Finalists Gene Drabinski and Carol Brockmann underwent several hours of interviews over the
weekend.
Dautis Pearson, the third named finalist, withdrew his interest in the job, saying he was happy with a
recent promotion with his current employer, URS Corp.
Drabinski, 67, has been serving as interim city manager since August. Brockmann, 52, is Valley
County chief deputy prosecutor.
Both were interviewed by city employees and community members Friday afternoon, attended a public
reception Friday evening, and had final interviews with council members Saturday morning.
Both showed knowledge of the city's strengths and problem spots in their interviews with the city
council and presented some of their ideas of how to improve the city.
Gene Drabinski
Drabinski talked about building positive relationships with city residents and businesses, and creating
a more unified atmosphere in the community at large.
-Part of that will be with me leading the way, and part of that will be helping the community realize that
the city (employees) are not just a faceless sea," he said.
Drabinski also said he wants to improve the public perception of the police department, which he said
would involve breaking down emotional roadblocks built up over many years.
"It involves more than data, you have to have an empathetic conversation," Drabinski said. "It's a
tcugh challenge, but I know coming out the other side, everyone will be happier about it, including the
police department."
Drabinski said if he were to get the job he would continue to seek improved relations with the city's
business community and other entities working with the city.
Since taking over as interim city manager in August, Drabinski has tackled many of the city's hot -
button issues, like working with the Payette Lakes Recreational Water and Sewer District and clarifying
the public's concerns about the police department and trash collection system through online surveys.
If he were to get the city manager job, Drabinski plans to carefully scrutinize the budget, improve the
cty's effectiveness, and create a working environment of which city employees are proud.
"Everything I know now is really just the tip of the iceberg," Drabinski said. "I know a little bit about the
t,ig problems that have been plaguing the city for a long time. But I also have solved a lot of problems in
the past, and I don't believe these are too big to overcome."
Carol Brockmann
Brockmann said she is "very enthusiastic" about the city manager job and sees areas to improve
McCall's reputation as a place to play and live.
"We're a little fractured in how we promote ourselves," she said. "We need to collectively form and
embrace a way to be a homogenous community and bring more people together."
Brockmann would like to see the city build a stable business environment, promote an active volunteer
base, and keep its comprehensive plan open to continuous comments from residents as the economic
climate changes.
Her employment history, which includes 22 years with United States Marine Corps, service area
manager of the San Diego, Calif- chapter of the Red Cross, and 16 years as an attorney, has equipped
her in leadership, budgeting, and people skills.
"I believe in giving to the community," Brockmann said. "I gravitate to businesses that I can spend my
time working with people."
Brockmann has lived in McCall since 2004.
The search for the next city manager began in May when former city manager Lindley Kirkpatrick
announced his resignation and moved with his family to Scotland.
Drabinski initially agreed to fill in temporarily, but later threw his hat into the ring for the position.
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Page 1 of 1
11/1/2012
This week's front page stories
McCall picks Drabinski as permanent city manager
Process to replace Kirkpatrick took five months
BY KENDEL MURRANT
For The Star -News
The McCall City Council unanimously voted to hire Gene Drabinski as McCall's new city manager
Monday night.
The city manager search process took more than five months, beginning in May when
former McCall city manager of eight years, Lindley Kirkpatrick, announced his resignation.
Kirkpatrick moved with his family to Scotland in August.
By the end of October, the council narrowed their finalists from a pool of more than 50
applicants to Drabinski and Carol Brockmann, who is Valley County chief deputy
prosecutor.
ire
D, ,midi After deliberating for more than two hours in a closed meeting at McCall City Hall, Mayor
Don Bailey read a motion to hire Drabinski, which council member Nic Swenson seconded.
The council voted unanimously for Drabinski s appointment.
Council member Laura Scoff will negotiate the terms of the contract with Drabinski, who has served as
interim city manager since Kirkpatrick's departure.
Drabinski has been eaming the same salary that Kirkpatrick eamed, about $6,100 a month, but was
not eligible for health insurance or other benefits.
In the last three months, Drabinski, 67, has addressed hot - button city issues, including making peace
with the Payette Lakes Recreational Water and Sewer District and overseeing online surveys about the
McCall Police Department and the city's trash collection options.
Excellent Candidates
Swanson said chosing between Drabinski and Brockman 'was the most difficult decision I've made
since I've been on the council."
Council member Jackie Aymon said the council took a long time to make a decision on Monday
because Drabinski and Brockmann are both "excellent" and have "different skill sets and gifts."
"I was hoping for a city manager who was a bridge builder and fence mender, someone who could
bridge the divide between city hall and all who live and visit here," Aymon said.
"I think Gene possesses many qualities that will make him an excellent city manager," council member
Marcia Witte said.
Witte cited Drabinksi's past experience in leadership positions, his interest and willingness to engage
the community, his ability to understand and address complex Issues, and his "exceptional'
interpersonal skills.
Swanson said Drabinski sees the need to understand individual voices within the community, then do
something about them. "He had the right attitude, mindset, and experience for me," Swanson said.
Bailey declined to comment on his vote. Scott did not respond to requests for comment.
Gene Drabinski
• Age: 67
• 30 years of experience in managing /directing health care companies, most recently as president of
TriZetto Cost and Quality in Boston.
Retired in 2006.
• Holds degrees in nursing and history.
• Served on the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission.
Appointed chair of the McCall Local Option Tax Advisory Commission this summer.
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Page
11/8/2012
This week's front page stories
Drabinskl will be seventh McCall city manager
Gene Drabinski will be the seventh person to hold the position of McCall city manager The others
were:
• Bud Schmidt: Schmidt was city administrator of McCall from 1985 to 1993 and was the first to hold
the city manager position after the news system took effect in January 1994. He resigned in June 1994.
• Gary Shimun: July 1994 to September 1997.
Brian Olson: January 1998 to January 1999.
Bill Robertson: February 1999 to November 1999.
Robert Strope: May 2000 to June 2004.
Lindley Kirkpatrick: July 2004 to August 2012.
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11/8/2012
This week's front page stories
McCall manager system was begun in 1993
The system of government used by McCall where the city manager has broad powers and the mayor
has few duties was begun in 1993.
Lewiston, Twin Falls and McCall are the only three cities in the state to use the council- manager form
of government, where a city council hires a professional manager to implement the policy the council
sets.
The manager system faced a recall in 2009 mounted by local residents who gathered enough
signature to form a referendum.
The repeal was defeated by a margin of 58 percent to 42 percent.
The council - manager form of government is the most popular form of city government in the United
States, with 58 percent of all cities working under the format, according to the National League of Cities.
;es /fp_stories�age.php
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11/8/2012
This week's front page stories
M -D taxpayers to save $1.1 million with refinancing of 2006 bonds
BY KYLA SAVVYER
for The Star -News
The McCall - Donnelly Joint School District anticipates it will save over $1 million after board of trustee
members voted last week to accept a bid to refinance bonds from 2006.
"The net savings was $1,146,980.19 — that is the amount of money that will be saved over the life of
the bond," M -D School Superintendent Glen Szymoniak said.
The lowest bid was submitted by BMO Capital Markets for an interest rate of 2.04 percent. The new
rate will result in the savings over the next 14-1/2 years.
"This was huge for us, our target was between $600,004800,000 but I was secretly hoping for a $1
million," Szymoniak said.
Without the refinancing the district would have continued to pay an average rate of 4.48 percent on its
bonds
The district held a bond sale to issue $19.6 million to refinance the districts bonds issued in 2006.
'he bonds, originally $28.5 million, were used to build Barbara R. Morgan Elementary, rebuild McCall -
Donnelly High School and remodel Donnelly Elementary School. The district received bids from 9
interested financial institutions to purchase the refinance package.
The savings will be passed on to the taxpayers, Szymoniak said.
At Monday's regular board meeting, trustees will consider a proposal to lower the bond tax levy
collected from district taxpayers.
The district has been monitoring the option to refinance its bonds for the past few months and made
the decision to refinance when interest rates in the tax exempt bond market recently fell to historically
low levels, Szymoniak said.
iges /fp_stories _page.php
Page
11/8/2012
This week's front page stories
Drabinski to make $98,000 as permanent McCall manag,
BY KENDEL Nft?RR.aNT
For The Star -News
McCall City Manager Gene Drabinski has signed a three -year contract for his position, which the
McCall City Council approved Friday.
Drabinski, who was hired by the council last week, will earn a salary of about $98,000 a year.
That is the same salary as former city manager Lindley Kirkpatrick, who resigned in May and moved to
Scotland with his family. Drabinski declined any pay raises for the duration of his contract.
Drabinski's benefits package, which includes health insurance, an additional medical expense fund,
and vacation and sick time, is worth about $23,000, about $2,500 less than Kirkpatrick's benefits
package.
The city manager's job description is broadly defined by state law as the administrative head of a city
government under the direction and supervision of the city council.
The city manager supervises all city department heads, oversees compliance with city laws, informs
and advises the city council, and presents the budget.
The city manager is an at -will position, which means the McCall council can fire Drabinski with a
majority vote without citing a cause.
E)rabinski said he plans to meet with city council members soon to "firm up our working relationship"
and hear specific ideas from them.
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Page I of l
11/15/2012
This week's front page stories
McCall proposes easing downtown parking requirements
Number ofspaces would be cut under proposal
BY KENDEL MURRANT
For The Star-News
Parking requirements for downtown McCall businesses would be eased under a proposal before the
McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission next week.
A public hearing will be held during the commission's meeting, which begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday in the
lower level meeting room of McCall City Hall.
—he proposal would reduce the number of parking spaces required by a new downtown development.
For retail stores, offices, and banks, the requirements would change from one parking space per 300
square feet of space to one parking space per 500 square feet of space.
For restaurants and bars, the requirements would change from one parking space per 100 square feet
of space to one parking space per 500 square feet of space.
Business can choose to contribute to a parking fund in lieu of providing the spaces. That amount is
now $20,000 per space, but the amount is set directly by the McCall City Council and is not specified by
city ordinance.
A proposal to reduce the fee to $7,500 per space will be presented to city council when it reviews the
P &Z's recommendation, Community Development Director Michelle Groenevelt said.
The proposal comes from a series of P &Z workshops in reaction to 2009 study that found all but a few
of McCall's downtown parking options were used at less than their capacities, even during holidays.
Plenty of Space
The study found downtown McCall had enough parking space to add 122,000 square feet of retail
space or up to 164 new residences without adding any new parking.
"There's more of a parking management issue," Groenevelt said.
The changes will also streamline the start-up process for new business owners, which potentially
makes it easier for them to get loans for their businesses, McCall City Planner Delta James said.
"The planning and zoning board has been looking for ways to encourage economic development in
McCall," James said. "This is something we can do to help."
The new parking standards would only apply for new development or businesses.
Reducing parking space requirements also reflects the city's desire to encourage pedestrians and
bicyclists downtown, Groenevelt said.
To view the proposal, visit the Planning and Zoning tab at www.mccall.id.us.
s /fp_ stories _page.php
Page 1 of 1
11/29/2012
This week's front page stories
McCall P &Z OKs eased downtown parking rules
Bl' KENDEL NtLTRRINT
For The Star-News
The McCall Planning & Zoning Commission on Tuesday unanimously passed a proposal to reduce
parking requirements for McCall businesses.
The proposal will next go before the McCall City Council. No date has been set for the council's
consideration.
David Peugh and Wayne Ruemmele of Epikos Design in McCall told the P &Z that a reduction in
parking space requirements will help stimulate downtown business growth and create a more cohesive
downtown.
f there's anything that will spur the downtown, it's this," Peugh said.
think what we're doing here tonight is applying a Band -Aid, a patch to get us to the next step," P&Z
chairman Phil Feinberg said.
For retail stores, offices, and banks, the requirements would change from one parking space per 300
square feet of space to one parking space per 500 square feet of space.
For restaurants and bars, the requirements would change from one parking space per 100 square feet
of space to one parking space per 500 square feet of space.
Business can choose to contribute to a parking fund in lieu of providing the spaces. That amount is
now $20,000 per space, but the amount is set directly by the McCall City Council and is not specified by
city ordinance.
A proposal to reduce the fee to $7,500 per space will be presented to city council when it reviews the
P &Z's recommendation.
"he proposal comes from a series of P &Z workshops in reaction to 2009 study that found all but a few
of McCall's downtown parking options were used at less than their capacities, even during holidays.
s /fp_ stories _page.php
Page 1 of 1
12/6/2012
Star -News News Page_Opinion
Page 1 of 4
McCall, ID
29 OF
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OPINION— THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6, 2012
Opinion Page Index
Place Classified
Remove all parking requirements
View Classified Ads
. Viewpoint: Dams,
not mining, caused
The McCall City Council should go one better on the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission
the decline of
endangered fish
Arts/Events
and eliminate entirely the requirement that downtown businesses provide parking spaces or plunk down
LETTERS TO THE
Outdoors/Rec
cash instead.
EDITOR
This week the P&Z recommended to the city council an easing of current downtown parking
. Critic of health -care
LettersNiewpoints
regulations that specify an arbitrary number of parking spaces according to the square footage of a
reform has suspect
business. If a business cannot provide those spaces, they can instead pay the city $20,000 per space or
credentials
Sports/Schools
--
strike a deal with a neighboring business with different operating hours to share spaces. But there is just
. Misinformation
(A HeGord
one problem - the downtown doesn't need more parking spaces.
rampant on New
Public Lands/Roads
Meadows cell tower
The latest proposal is the result of a 2009 study that found all but a few of McCall's downtown parking
. Obliterating oads
g
Pubic Notices
options were used at less than their capacities, even during holidays. Over the years, the city and the
denies access to
McCall Urban Renewal Agency have combined to provide an impressive number of pubic parking lots,
handicapped
including near the city boat ramp, next to Paul's Market, behind McCall City Hall and in the heart of
Groups
downtown off Idaho 55. Residents and visitors alike have figured out where these lots are located and
Info Desk
they use them. There is no need to burden owners of new businesses with the additional expense of
Calendar
providing parking in an area where the highest and best use is retail space, not asphalt.
Annnunnemr+n! ^.
This week's front page stories
McCall council drops Williams for Kliha as city prosecutor
BY KENDEL 6AJRIL -kNT
For The Stu -News
Incoming Valley County Prosecuting Attorney Jay Kiiha will be the new prosecutor for the city of
McCall.
McCall City Council members last week voted not to renew the contract of outgoing
i county prosecutor Matt Williams, who has been the city prosecutor since 2007.
ILAreplace Williams and Bert Osborn of Payette all applied for the one -year contract to
replace the one with Williams that expires Dec. 31.
Kiiha won an uncontested primary and general election for the prosecutor position this
year.
Williams, who has been the county's prosecutor since 2004, did not choose to run for reelection. Kiiha
is from Boise but moved to Cascade prior to the November general election.
Kiiha's proposal was the least expensive of the three. His proposed $45,000 annual fee, which he said
could cover about 1,000 hours of service, underbid Williams and Osborn.
Khha's proposal was the only one of the three within the city's $48,000 budget, City Manager Gene
Drabinski said.
The current contract with Williams paid $48,000 per year to his private law firm in Cascade to
prosecute misdemeanor and infraction cases.
Kiiha made his proposal through the firm he works at in Boise, Capitol Law Group, to avoid the kind of
problems that arose this year between Valley County Commissioners and Williams over his
simultaneous handling of city and county cases.
If county commissioners would not accept his application to be McCall's prosecutor, Kiiha proposed to
appoint another attorney from Capitol Law to "meet the terms of the contract without assistance from the
county."
Kiiha also intends to hold trainings sessions with McCall police officers and Valley County deputies to
"further improve city /county relations; he said in the application.
McCall Police Chief Jerry Summers recommended Kiiha to the city council. Carol Brockmann, the
county's deputy prosecuting attorney who works with Williams on McCall's cases, will continue to work
in that capacity under Kiiha, Summers said.
Williams, who bid $84,000 for the new contract, said on Wednesday that he doubted Kiiha could do
the job for $45,000.
Changes in the scheduling of misdemeanor and infractions will require the city prosecutor to be in
court at least six days per month rather than the current two days per month, he said.
"The criminal discovery process is moving more toward the same type of discovery we see in civil
cases which is very time consuming,' Williams said.
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The Star News Groups Page
McCall, Donnelly get grants for civic projects
The cities of McCall and Donnelly have been awarded grants from the Jeff Tunison Community Fund
through Capital Matrix, Inc.
McCall has received $15,000 to update the city's Downtown Master Plan, which will include land use
planning, transportation planning, economic development activities and public art.
The Tunison grant will be used to develop the marketing and implementation components of the
updated plan.
Donnelly received $10,000 for stormwater improvements in the city center. liens on 12 commercial
properties will be released to allow business retention and expansion.
The Jeff Tunison Community Fund program is designed to support economic development, job
creation and retention, and allow recipients to use the funds to stretch local matching dollars further,
fostering economic growth in communities, a news release said.
Page 1 of 1
http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /groups_page -php 1/24/2013
This week's front page stories
Transit center planned for McCall
Center would be hub for local, regional buses
"1 think it is one of those amenities, like the library or post offwe, that creates a community
gathering place. " — Michelle Groenevelt
BY KENDEL MURRANT
For The Star-News
A transit center for local and regional buses is proposed for McCall within the next two years, but
organizers still have a lot of details to iron out, including location, design, and funding.
Treasure Valley Transit of Nampa has earned a $1.05 million- dollar grant to build the transit center in
McCall by October 2014, and it is looking to the city for help with planning and financial backing.
A transit station is an expected amenity for a mountain resort community, Community Development
Director Michelle Groeneveft said.
"It's a great facility to have in town," Groeneveft said. "I think it is one of those amenities, like the library
or post office, that creates a community gathering place."
Treasure Valley Transit is a not - for -profit organization that operates Mountain Community Transit and
McCall Transit, two bus routes that service McCall and Valley County.
The transit center could be used by other public transportation companies, including Northwestern
Trailways, which operates a daily route between Spokane and Boise, under the proposal.
Treasure Valley Transit would also like to add a bus line that travels from McCall to Brundage
Mountain, TVT Director Terri Lindenberg said.
Easily Accessible
The transit center should be in a central location within the city that is easily accessible to pedestrians
and bicyclists, Lindenberg said.
It would also house a passenger lounge and bathrooms, bus parking, a maintenance and cleaning
facility, and administrative offices.
Treasure Valley Transit had been keeping its five buses in the former Valley County road department
garage in Lake Fork, but the building was sold in August. TVT is now paying rent to McCall to store its
buses in the city's maintenance building.
"We want to make sure its in the right location, that it functions as a needs to," Groeneveft said.
This month, a graduate student from MIT will do location research for the transit center as part of her
thesis at no cost to the city. The city of Ketchum also shared the engineering study for its proposed
transit center at no charge.
A transit center will also help boost ridership, which means cost savings for the city, Groeneveft said.
"When you think about driving, parking, the wear and tear on your roads, all those things are expensive
for the city," she said.
The federal grant for $1.05 million was awarded to Treasure Valley Transit on the condition of raising
$263,100 from other sources. Treasure Valley Transit has until October 2014 to complete the project.
White the city has expressed support for the transit center, Groeneveft said no dollars have been
expressly committed yet.
"We are not on the hook for that," she said.
The city does have other ways to help with the project, including writing grants help find local funding,
Groeneveft said.
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1/10/2013
This week's front page stories Page
McCall council approves reducing downtown parking requirement
BY f ENDEL MURK ANT
For The Star -News
The McCall City Council last week approved reducing the number of parking spaces required for new
businesses.
"We realize that the parking requirements that were important in 2005 are different than in 2013," City
Manager Gene Drabin ski said.
The old code required spaces to be within a 300 -foot radius of the business. That has now been
expanded to a 1,000 -foot radius, which means that many downtown businesses can now use city lots on
Third and First streets to meet parking requirements.
"For new businesses or development on Lake Street, lt wouldn't make sense to add a new parking
lots." McCall Community Development Director Michelle Groenevelt said. "Everyone recognizes it
doesn't make sense to put more parking on the lake."
The previous code also required a certain number of spaces per business based on square footage.
All categories have been broadened under the new code.
A 1,400- square -foot retail store or office previously was required to provide five parking spaces, or one
space for every 300 square feet and one more for rounding up.
But under the new law, the same store will only have to provide two spaces, one for every 500 square
feet and rounding down.
City staff also proposed a reduction of the in -lieu parking fee from $20,000 to $7,500 per space. The
fees are paid to the city by business owners or developers who cannot find or build parking within the
permitted areas. The fees would be used by the city to build or improve city parking.
To date, no business has ever paid an in -lieu parking fee. Business owners, where it applies, often
enter into shared parking agreements, where multiple businesses can utilize the same spaces.
City staffers are creating a downtown master plan to help direct the town's future development, which
will most likely recommend even more relaxed parking standards, Drabinski said
"The key point here is that this is an intermediate step," he said. "We are beginning the process of the
downtown master plan, but rather than wait until (it's done), we needed to make some interim
improvements."
According to a 2009 study of the city's streets and lots, McCall has a surplus of parking spaces,
leading city staff to propose the changes.
http:// www. mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stones _page.php 1/31/2013
Star News News Page Lead Story
McCall police chief Summers suspended
Manager, council won't give a reason
BY TOM GROTE and KENDEL MARRANT
The Star -News
McCall Police Chief Jerry Summers has been suspended from his job, according to the officer who
was named in his place
Detective Sgt. Larry Stokes said on Wednesday that he was appointed acting chief by
McCall City Manager Gene Drabinksi last Friday.
That was the same day Drabinksi told Stokes and other police department supervisors
that Summers had been suspended, Stokes said.
Drabinski did not say why Summers was suspended, saying it was a confidential
,0 personnel matter, Stokes said.
,rruc
Drabinski declined to comment, and telephone messages to Summers were not
answered.
McCall City Council members Marcia Witte, Laura Scott, and Don Bailey, who is also mayor, declined
to comment about Summers' suspension.
Council members Nic Swanson and Jackie Aymon did not respond to a request for comment from The
Star -News.
Former Valley County Prosecuting Attorney Matt Williams said he has been hired by Summers to
represent him, but would not comment when asked if Summers had been suspended.
It was not known if the suspension was with or without pay. Summers, who has been chief since 2005,
earns $87,600 per year.
Summers joined the police department in 1997 as a code enforcement officer. Stokes joined the police
force in 2005 as a patrol officer.
Focus of Attention
The police department has been a focus of Drabinski's since he was named interim city manager last
August and then permanent city manager in November.
Drabinski ordered an online survey of the public's feelings toward the department.
The survey was posted on the city's website in September for about two weeks, and 576 responses
were submitted.
About 75 percent of the responses also included additional comments, most of which focused on the
number of traffic stops and officer behavior.
The survey results gave the department an overall rating of 5.87 out of 10, with more than a third of
respondents choosing either a 1 or a 10 rating.
As a result, Summers and Drabinski formed an in -house task force to see how the department should
respond.
Last month, Drabinski said he was pleased with the way police officers had responded to the survey.
`I would not change a single police officer here," he said. "We have a police force that I am proud to
work with and that the city can be proud of."
As city manager, Drabinski has the power to hire and fire department heads.
$1.57 Million Budget
The McCall Police Department has a budget of $1.57 million and has 18 full-time and one part-time
employees- Fourteen of those employees are sworn officers.
City law says that if a department head is terminated, the city manager must meet with the city council
in a closed meeting to explain the grounds for the dismissal.
A "name - clearing" hearing can be requested by a department head with the city council, according to
the city's personnel policy manual.
The personnel manual does not state those meetings are required to be closed.
Any decision made by the council in response to information from that hearing must be stated in an
open session, according to the personnel manual.
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2/7/2013
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McCall to talk to Lake Shore for trash collection services
B1' KENDEL N11TRRANT
For The Star -News
The city of McCall will negotiate with Lake Shore Disposal to collect the city's trash, although the
company has not been officially hired.
The McCall City Council recommended that city staff begin contract negociations with Lake Shore after
a review of the three bids they received.
The council is also working to clarify policies about trash collection and recycling and whether they
should be mandatory or optional.
The council is also considering making bear -proof trash containers mandatory for residents.
Lake Shore, as well as Emmett Sanitation of Emmet and Republic Services of Boise, presented the city
with bids for subscription and mandatory trash pickup and recycling.
Community Development Director Michelle Groenevelt recommended a contract with Lake Shore, and
the council agreed.
"They're already familiar with the nuances of our community, and they offer the cheapest service for
solid waste removal," Council member Marcia Witte said.
Lake Shore currently collects trash in the city under a contract with Valley County
Although the city will start contract negotiations with Lake Shore, the council has not committed to
siring the company yet.
Emmett Sanitation and Republic offered competitive options for the city, depending on what decisions
the council makes about trash collection and recycling policies.
Mayhor Don Bailey and council member Jackie Aymon have expressed their favor of mandatory trash
pickup in the city and for making bear -proof trash containers mandatory.
"Bears are a problem in this town," Bailey said. "If we're going to solve the problem, but can't do it
universally, there's not assurance it won't be a problem."
The other three council members have not endorsed mandatory trash collection.
"1'm not convinced that mandatory is a good idea," council member Laura Scott said. "I'd rather trust
people to do the right thing."
http: / /www.mccallstarnews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 3/14/2013
This week's front page stories
Independent oversight of McCall -area sewers proposed
BY KENDEL NII.tRKANT
For The Star-News
An independent panel would govern the sewer system in and around McCall under a proposition by
McCall City Manager Gene Drabinski_
Drabinski presented his latest idea on Tuesday to the Payette Lakes Recreational Water and Sewer
District board.
The idea, endorsed by McCall Mayor Don Bailey, would see a separate board with no direct
representation of either the city or the sewer district to oversee sewer operations.
Last fall, Drabinski pitched an idea to sewer district board members for a joint powers committee, made
up of city and sewer district representatives, to oversee the facility.
In 1984, a joint powers board with city and sewer district representation was established. The board
dissolved around the time the city filed the lawsuit against the district in 2005.
Drabinski proposed the sewer district select a couple of its board members to attend a meeting, along
with two McCall City Council members, with a representative of the Idaho Association of Cities, who to
provide insight about how independent governance of the system could work.
Other options, including consolidating the city's and district's sewer systems, could also be explored at
the meeting, Drabinski said.
"The end goal for me would be a combined entity from an operational perspective, so that we wouldn't
be two entities, which in my opinion is a waste of time and money, and inefficient at best," Drabinski told
the board.
Sewer board chair Jerry Vevig said the idea of creating a separate body to oversee the sewer system
wthout direct representation had not been previously discussed among board members and that he
couldn't give any answers right away.
"This came out of left field. My immediate reaction is no," Vevig said. "If you don't have representation
from the people who know how to run it, then it sets us back 20 years and we start all over again."
Board members also expressed concern about a separate board without the institutional knowledge of
the sewer system attempting to run the plant.
"It only makes sense (for the goveming party) to be staffed with people with technical knowledge of the
sewers,' said John Hucks, attomey for the sewer district.
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3/14/2013
This week's front page stories
McCall residents asked for comments on streets, sewer, w,; -nice
BY KENDFL hfURR-NT
For The Star -News
A new online survey encourages the public to sound off about snow removal and the quality of the
McCall's streets, as well as water and sewer service.
"he survey, focusing on McCall's public works department, will be open through Friday, April 5. A link
to the survey is posted on the home page of the city's website. ,vww mccall id us.
The results will be presented to the McCall City Council and be made public, Public Works Director
Peter Bomar said.
The feedback will also be used "to improve the level of service to our customers and those that visit
McCall," Bomer said.
The survey asks participants to rate public works' services like snow removal, streets maintenance
and the city's sewer and water systems on a scale of one to 10.
It also asks about satisfaction with employee conduct, customer service and quality of services
offered.
In addition to its 13 questions, the survey also has an open comment section for people to write about
their individual experiences with the public works department.
The main purpose is to hear directly from the customers about how well they feel they are being
served, Bomer said.
'We are a service-based organization," he said. "We're trying to figure out how good of a job, or not,
we're doing."
This is the third online survey the city has posted since September.
The first focused on McCall's police department, and the second asked about trash and recycling
collection options.
The police survey generated nearly 600 responses with about 75 percent writing additional comments.
The trash survey received about 200 responses.
City Manager Gene Drabinski described those two surveys as "wildly successful," saying they led to a
crucial understanding of the public's opinions and enabled staff to make important changes.
In addition to the public works survey, Drabinski plans to conduct an online survey focused on the
parks and recreation department later this year He also plans a follow -up survey about the police
department this fall.
The surveys are an inexpensive and effective way for the public's voice to be heard more frequently by
the city, Drabinski said.
"While residents can vote every couple of years, we all respond well to more consistent outreach," he
said.
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3/14/2013
This week's front page stories
McCall council nixes curbside recycling
Members split over mandatory trash collection
"1 don't want to see more bears killed because we were not courageous enough to step up.
— Jackie Aymon
BY KENDEL MURRANT
For The Star -News
The McCall City Council last week agreed a mandatory curbside recycling program should not be part
of trash collection inside the city.
Council members were divided, however, on whether to make trash collection in the city mandatory.
The discussions came as the city begins negotiations with Lake Shore Disposal for a 10 -year trash
collection contract.
Currently, the city's trash is collected by Lake Shore through a contract with Valley County.
Council members agreed that mandating recycling could be too much of a financial burden to
customers.
"I would love to have mandatory curbside recycling, but I think (it) is too costly, especially for those on
fixed incomes," council member Jackie Aymon said.
Lake Shore would only agreed to a mandatory recycling program because of the cost of equipment.
site manager Everette Arter said. Mandatory recycling service would cost $12 a month for pickup twice
per month, Attar said.
Council members disagreed about whether or not McCall's trash collection system should be
mandatory or voluntary.
Aymon, Mayor Don Bailey, and council member Nic Swanson spoke in favor of a mandatory system,
while council members Laura Scott and Marcia Witte argued for a voluntary subscription system.
Do The Right Thing
Mandatory service would also force the use of bear -proat containers, Aymon said.
"We're a community with bear problems, and as much as it would be nice for people to do the right
thing, they won't do the right thing," she said
"I don't want to see more bears killed because we were not courageous enough to step up," Aymon
said. "There's a price to pay for living in paradise."
Bailey said the instances of bears raiding trash cans last fail were "terrible."
"There's no universal solution for this, but I think the only way we're going to solve the bear problem is
tc make this universal," he said.
Swanson said forcing mandatory collection would be a challenge.
'However, ignoring problems like illegal (trash) dumping or the bear issue, it wouldn't be the right thing
to do," he said.
Scott and Witte said they were uncomfortable with the idea of telling residents what to do with their
trash.
"Now that people have more options, I think there will be more voluntary subscriptions," Witte said.
The current county contract only allows for weekly trash collection or on -call pickup, while the
proposed contract looks to offer monthly, bi- weekly, and weekly pickup options.
"I do wish everybody had trash pickup, but I'm not comfortable with the idea of mandating it," Scott
said.
"I think the bigger issue is, will making it mandatory solve the (bear) problem?" Witte said.
Back
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3/21/2013
This week's front page stories Page 1 of 1
Half of McCall residents would be forced to h:- "ish collected under option
BY KENDEL 1,I17RRANT
For The Star -News
More than half of McCall's residents could be forced to pay for trash collection under the mandatory
solid waste service considered by the McCall City Council.
Lake Shore Disposal's local site manager Everette Arter said his company currently serves between
1,000 and 1,300 people in McCall.
McCall currently has about 3,000 residents, Community Development Director Michelle Groenevelt
said.
The estimate was provided to council members as they began negotiations with Lake Shore to provide
trash collection within the city.
The council voted in February to negotiate a contract with Lake Shore Disposal to replace the current
arrangement where Lake Shore collects trash in the city under a contract with Valley County.
Groeneveh presented city council members with a draft 10 -year contract with pricing and pickup
options for mandatory or subscription options.
Frequency Choices
By creating its own contract with Lake Shore, the city would offer McCall customers more choices
about how often to have their trash picked up. The options are available whether the service becomes
mandatory or voluntary subscription.
Tie most expensive mandatory option would $14.50 per month for weekly pickup, and the least
expensive option is $8.50 per month for once -a -month pickup.
Mandatory service would require both residential and commercial customers to use a bear -proof
container, which would be rented from Lake Shore Disposal.
A 95- gallon container would cost $4 per month, while a 65- gallon cart would be rented for $3.70 per
month.
Seasonal and part-time residents would have mandatory trash pickup, but could suspend their service
for up to six months, paying only the monthly cart rental fee.
Lake Shore also offers an on -call service for a monthly rate of $5.50 plus $7 per on -call pickup.
The prices for a voluntary subscription program are slightly higher, $15.50 a month for weekly pickup
to $10 a month for monthly collection, both with a 95- gallon bear proof container.
The $5.50 monthly rate and $7 on -call pickup charges would be the same.
Commercial trash collection prices would decrease by 4 percent to 16 percent, depending on the size
of the container, Lake Shore local site manager Everette Arter said.
http:// www. mccalistamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 3/21/2013
This week's front page stories
Drabinski, McCall council deny charges made by ex -chief Summers
BY KENDEL MURR4NT
For The Star -News
McCall City Manager Gene Drabinski and members of the McCall City Council have denied charges
leveled against them by former McCall Police chief Jerry Summers.
The denials were contained in a response filed last week in U.S. District Court in Boise to a lawsuit
filed by Summers on April 29.
Summers accused Drabinski of retaliation, bribery, and driving with an illegal driver's license on the
lawsuit.
The legal action came after Drabinski fired Summers on Feb. 15 and the firing was upheld by the
council on April 11.
The city's response flatly denies the claims made in Summers' suit. The 20 -page document does not
include any additional comments or explanations about the scenarios described in Summers' lawsuit,
but line -by -line either confirms or denies Summers' claims.
The response was written by Idaho Counties Risk Management Program attorney Bentley Stromberg,
who is representing the city.
The next step is a lengthy process of investigating the claims made in the lawsuit, and a trial is "a long
way out," said Cascade attomey Matt Williams, who is the attorney for Summers.
The only action scheduled in the case is a July 30 telephone conference.
The council upheld the firing of Summers, who had been police chief since 2005, saying they
concluded Summers and Drabinski could not work together.
The city made a settlement offer to Summers, who declined that offer and made a counter -offer, which
the city refused. Details of the offers have not been disclosed.
In his lawsuit, Summers wants a jury to restore him as police chief plus pay him an unspecified
amount of money in damages.
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Page 1 of 1
6/6/2013
This week's front page stories
McCall manager urges hike in property taxes, layoffs
"As I look ul those resources needed, I need to make sure we're the right size.
—Gene Drabinksi
BY KENDEL MURRANT
For The Stsr -News
McCall City Manager Gene Drabinski is encouraging the McCall City Council to raise property taxes by
9 percent this year.
Even with the tax increase, the city would still need to
eliminate five positions to balance the 2014 budget that
starts Oct. 1. Drabinski said.
During a council work session on Friday, Drabinksi said
one -third of the tax increase allowed under state law should
be used for operating costs, mostly to offset a large increase
in the health -care benefits offered to city employees. That
would be about $141,000.
The rest of the tax increase, about $258,000, could fund
sorely needed construction projects, he said.
Drabinski also proposed to eliminate five full -time
positions, including two layoffs, to help trim the city's
expenses.
"I want to make sure that the city employees have the
resources they need to succeed in their work," Drabinksi
said. "And as I look at those resources needed, I need to
make sure we're the right size.'
Council members expressed an openness to taking the 9
percent increase, but do not have to officially decide until
August when they plan to adopt the 2014 budget.
Under state law, the city may raise property taxes each
year by 3 percent or set aside those taxes for future use.
The city did not raise property taxes for the 2011 and 2012
budget years, so it has 6 percent that it could spend plus the
3 percent allowed for 2014.
The council is considering a list of possible projects,
including street repair, relocating the city's parks and
recreation department, matching funds to purchase land
near the McCall Airport and building a bathroom at Fairway
Park.
The positions proposed to be eliminated come from the city's
police, golf, and administrative departments, for a savings of
about $250,000 in salaries and benefits, Drabinski said.
The city's operating costs are increasing at a rapid rate,
including a hike on health care premiums for city employees
of 35 percent, or $177,000, Drabinski said.
"There isn't anything we buy that isn't going up in cost,' he
said. "And we're all in the same boat here. It's not just the
city's costs going up." The city has put its health care out to
bid to look for a more cost - efficient option, but staff is
planning on the worst case - a 35 percent increase - for the
upcoming budget, Drabinski said.
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Page 1 of 1
http:// www. mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page -php 6/20/2013
This week's front page stories Page 1 of 1
McCall reverses mandate on trash containers
Only Lakeshore subscribers must have cans to ward of critters
BY KENDEL Ml1RRANT
For The Star -News
In a reversal from seven weeks before, the McCall City Council decided last week not to require all city
residents to rent bear -proof trash containers.
However, those who do subscribe to Lakeshore Disposal's collection service will be required to either
rent bear -proof carts from Lakeshore or buy their own. The revised law takes effect July 1.
The council agreed to eliminate the mandate passed on April 25 to require all city residents to rent
bear -proof containers.
The reversal came after public outcry to the requirement and a statement by Mayor Don Bailey that he
did not understand the requirements of the ordinance.
But the council was divided last Thursday over whether those who stay with Lakeshore should be able
to buy their own containers rather than rent from the company.
Council members Laura Scott, Nic Swanson, and Marcia Witte voted in favor of allowing a purchase
option for subscribers to Lakeshore, while Bailey and council member Jackie Aymon voted against.
Those who subscribe with Lakeshore, estimated at between 1,000 and 1,300 households within the
city limits, can either rent a bear -proof cart from Lakeshore or can buy a city - approved cart, costing
about $250.
Subscribers who rent a cart from Lakeshore with their trash service will pay between $9.60 and $15.50
a month, depending on the size of the cart and the frequency of the trash collection.
Subscribers who buy their own cart will pay $1.75 a month less for service, $7.85 and $13.75 a month
depending on the size of the cart and the frequency of the trash collection.
The change in the law means that city's the 10 -year contract with Lakeshore, which the council
approved in April, will have to be renegotiated.
Bailey presented a draft law to the council that omitted the purchase option but still retracted the
mandate. No vote was taken on that draft.
City Manager Gene Drabinski discouraged the council from allowed a purchase option for subscribers,
saving the move would add "significant complexity' to the issue because it requires a new contract.
"People who want to purchase a $250 trash cart to save $1.75 a month; is that worth the complexity?"
Drabinski said.
Nonsubscribers are not off the hook, however. City residents are still legally required to keep their
trash in an enclosed structure or, if stored outside, in an animal -proof container.
Violators can be fined up to $300 and six months in jail. First -time offenders can escape the penalty by
signing up with Lakeshore or buying a bear -proof container.
http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 6/20/2013
This week's front page stories
Crapo, Risch take shots at Obama during McCall GOP gathering
BY KYLA SAWYER
for The Star-News
The Internal Revenue Service scandal, gun control, personal freedoms and privacy all were on the
minds of Idaho's two U.S. senators in McCall on Saturday.
m a rare joint appearance in McCall, Sen. Mike Crapo and
James Risch spoke as part of the Idaho Republican Party
State Central Committee meeting held at McCall- Donnelly
High School.
`Over the next three years, six months and 15 days, those
of us representing you in Washington are going to do
everything we can to smother what this administration is
trying to do," Risch said.
Speaking about allegations acusing the While House of
involvement with the IRS to target conservatives, Risch and
Crapo said the situation didn't just manifest without
guidance.
"We fought a revolution over this; Risch said. "This is
absolutely despicable and we intend to follow this rabbit
down the hole and put these people in prison."
Crapo also spoke out against too much government
control.
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"In addition to all the other things that we are facing right now, from our national debt to immigration to
gun control, the question of invasion of our privacy, I think, is an incredibly significant and increasing
concern," he said.
Speaking out against the director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, an agency created
during the Obama administration, Crapo reminded the audience the agency's purpose was to watch out
for consumers, not to watch consumers.
"When the United States government has an agency with an official who believes the government
needs to know more about us than any other when it comes to our financial transactions, etc., it's an
increasingly growing threat to the privacy of Americans," Crapo said.
On immigration, Crapo reviewed the issues that he said must be considered before legislation is
passed.
They included stopping illegal border crossings, denying benefits to those who are in the country
illegally, offering Americans first rights to jobs, and a meaningful guest worker system, he said.
Speaking on the recent White House gun control bill loss, Crapo said Americans must continue to
push back when it comes to the intrusion of Second Amendment rights.
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LOT committee signs off on Drabinski's request for golf course repair funds
BY KENDEL MURR4NT
For The Star -News
The McCall Local Option Tax Committee unanimously agreed that extra LOT revenue of up to $20,000
should go to the McCall Golf Course to cover an emergency sod purchase in March.
McCall City Manager Gene Drabinski told the LOT committee at a meeting Monday that the golf
course greens suffered badly this winter and that four greens were totally unplayable.
To get the golf course ready for its opening Memorial Day weekend, Drabinski agreed in March to
purchase $20,000 worth of sod for the course, which was not in the budget.
"I'm asking for you to look at those contingency funds and see if you would consider paying for those
lost greens," he said.
LOT president Bib Giles asked what would happen K LOT didn't grant the $20,000.
"I really don't know what we would do," Drabinski said. "I'd have to nickel - and -dime and find a way to
get this money back. But we run a tight ship. It's hard."
LOT committee member Shane Hinson said he thought Drabinski "made a good argument" for LOT
funding.
"They (the golf course) are handling the tax dollars as best as they can, and the golf course is
unquestionably an asset to the community," Hinson said.
Giles questioned the legality of granting LOT funding to a project that didn't submit an application, but
McCall City Clerk BessieJo Wagner said the state law is silent on that issue.
Last year's LOT committee planned for $11,920 of contingency funds to be distributed in case revenue
was higher than projected during 2013. But Wagner said projections show revenues could bring in an
additional $40,000 over that first contingency amount.
The McCall City Council has the ultimate vote on where LOT funds are distributed.
Drabinski was president of the 2013 LOT committee, and six of the seven current LOT committee
members served with Drabinski.
ht p:// www. mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 6/20/2013
This week's front page stories
Supreme court rules in favor of McCall in Alpine Village case
BY TONI GROTE
The Star-News
The Idaho Supreme Court last Friday sided with the city of McCall over a claim by the developers of
Alpine Village over the city's now - repealed affordable housing law.
The supreme court ruling was not on the merits of the claims by Alpine Village, but on whether the
developers filed their claims in time under law.
The case was over the city's 2006 affordable housing law that required developers of residential
subdivisions to include a certain number of affordable community housing units in its development plans.
The developers of Alpine Village purchased a 17 -unit apartment complex called The Timbers to satisfy
the provisions rather than include the units in its condo and commercial complex on North Third Street.
,n 2007, a judge ruled the affordable housing ordinance to be an illegal tax, and the ordinance was
repealed by the city in 2008.
The city then repealed its development agreement with Alpine Village requiring the affordable housing,
but the developers were left still owning The Timbers.
The developers demanded compensation for the purchase, but the city ignored the request and the
developers sued.
The city claimed Alpine could not press its claim because it was filed after time limits set down in state
law.
A Fourth District Court judge ruled the developers filed their claim too late, and the supreme court
agreed with that ruling.
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Page 1 of 1
6/20/2013
Star -News News Page Lead Story
Go tech to get rec dollars
Speakers urge steps to draw young travelers
"Young people won't travel without their cell phones. "— Emilyn Sheffield
BY KENDEL MURRANT
For The Star -News
Emilyn Sheffield sees McCall as a recreation hot spot with a lot of promise, and a lot of work to do.
"You've got unbelievable assets here, you're gifted with natural resources that you've taken care of,"
said Sheffield, professor of recreation and tourism at California State University.
Sheffield spoke at the Winter Recreation Summit held last Thursday at Shore Lodge in McCall
"You have a lot to gain and a lot to lose here," Sheffield said. "If you want your children's children to
have the same experience here that you have, then today decides tomorrow. The decisions you make
today set the tone."
Sheffield stressed the important of online and social media and the ability to offer web connectivity in
as many places as possible as a younger, tech - dependent generation begins to recreate in McCall.
In some respects you're going to be a bit of oasis and calm in this change," she said. "But young
people won't travel without their cell phones."
Idaho Department of Commerce Chief Tourism Officer Karen Ballard also spoke on how business
owners can better market themselves regionally and nationally.
Ballard also stressed the importance of social media and online presence for businesses when it
comes to marketing, especially using sites like TripAdvisor and Yelp.
"More and more, people are getting their third party information from these sites," Ballard said.
Ballard also suggested reworking McCall's page on Wikipedia to highlight its assets.
Sheffield warned that it was important not to make people feel hassled or limited when they visit the
area.
"They want to be outdoors, relax, change up their routine, and spend time with family and friends," she
said. "We don't get those outcomes if we nuisance them to death."
1 he national trend of growing racial diversity is also important for McCall businesses to consider as
they grow and market their services, Sheffield said.
Idaho's Hispanic population increased 29 percent between the 2000 and the 2010 U.S. Census,
especially in the Boise and Nampa areas where the majority of McCall's tourist population originates.
"You either shrink the experience, or make it broader for the broadening demographics; Sheffield
said.
She also advised businesses to think about how to court students from University of Idaho and Boise
State University into recreation -based jobs and internships as a way to create ties with an educated
population.
"You have a good base to work with," Sheffield said. "You all have been a destination (getaway) for as
long as people have been able to walk. But you have to work together."
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Page 1 of 1
6/27/2013
This week's front page stories
City McCall puts interactive map online
BY KFNDEL Ml.1RRANT
For The Star -News
When Garrett Mapp looks at the new interactive map of McCall he helped create, he can see more
than just street names. He can also see addresses, contours of the land, zoning classifications and the
location of water meters.
Mapp, the city's geographic information systems analyst,
has been working on this project with fellow GIS technician
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Keith Mortensen since he was hired in 2009..
Other city employees have been gathering information for
the map for nearly a decade.+`
The map has proved to be popular since its Launch about
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two months ago, Mapp said. In one 30 day period, there
were about 123,000 interactive visits.
A link to the map is featured on the city's main website at
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mccall.id.us.
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Users can view the map in multiple formats, including an
aerial photo view; topographic, which shows elevation
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The map also has a layers feature which will display additional data like city and impact area
boundaries, a path and bike trail map and scenic routes.
I hese layers are proving particularly useful among land developers, Realtors, and current and
po ential land owners, Mapp said.
"The intent was to make it useful for everybody; Mapp said.
The map should be compatible with all Internet browsers, although the response time will vary
depending on the speed of the available Internet connection, Mapp said.
The city purchased the software for $2,500, which is a thrifty option compared to other direction -based
software that can cost much more, Mapp said.
The map is a tool that helps residents answer their own Questions about their lots and land parcels.
That frees up city employees to focus on other projects, Mapp said.
"The best thing I can do as a city employee is to give back to the public and the citizens," Mapp said. "I
encourage people to play with it and check it out."
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Page 1 of 1
7/11/2013
This week's front page stories
N' —Call approves proposed budget with 9% property -tax increase
Figure can be lowered before final 2014 budget is adopted
"lf we cut the level ofservice, I'm not sure the voters would appreciate that. " - Don Bailey
BY KENDEL MURRANT
For The Star-News
The McCall City Council on Friday approved a tentative budget for 2014 that raises property taxes by
9 percent.
However, the tax increase could be reduced or done away with by the time the council takes a final
vote next month.
In the current version of the $17 million budget, two - thirds of the proposed tax increase, or about
$314,000, would be used to cover operating expenses, including an expected increase in employee
health insurance.
the rest of the tentative increase, or about $86,000, could be used for capital improvement projects.
There will be a public hearing about the budget on Thursday, Aug. 8, at the city council's regular
meeting at McCall City Hall.
During Friday's budget work session, there was no consensus among council members whether to
increase property taxes. But council member Marcia Witte said that taking more than a 3 percent tax
increase made her "uncomfortable."
'It's a lot of money for people," Witte said.
Level of Service
Mayor Don Bailey said the choice of whether to increase property taxes is linked to what level of
service the city is expected to provide for its residents.
"What this city is trying to do is to continue current programs and (that) level of service, and you can't
do that by cutting 10 people from the staff or 30 percent off the budget," Bailey said.
"It's expensive to run this city. There's lots of pieces," he said. "And if we cut the level of service, I'm
not sure the voters and visitors would appreciate that."
Up to $5 million of the city's total $13.5 million revenue for 2014 can come from property taxes.
Under state law, the city can increase property taxes up to 3 percent per year or set aside that amount
for future years.
The city has opted not to raise property taxes in two previous years, so a 6 percent increase has been
set aside.
How much taxes will increase likely will depend on how much health care insurance coverage for the
city's 83 eligible employees goes up.
The increase was initially projected at 35 percent, or $177,000, but McCall City Manager Gene
Drabinski said that number has been negotiated down to an 18 percent increase costing about $85,000.
Drabinski thinks that number will go down even further by the time the council needs to adopt the
budget in August.
Employee Share Discussed
There was some debate among city council members about how much of the health care increases
should be shouldered by the employees rather than by the city.
But Drabinski argued that the city's benefits plan for employees is an important component in keeping
qualified, professional people on staff.
The city's total cost for personnel expenses, including benefits, is about $5.5 million, or about 41
percent of the city's overall expenses.
The 2014 tentative budget also includes a $135,000 increase for employee pay, including a 2 percent
cost -of- living adjustment and a 3 percent merit -based increase that all employees may not receive.
The city also plans to absorb the increase in health care cost and will not raise employees' health
premiums, according to the latest version of the budget.
Drabinski said that his proposal to eliminate five city jobs, including three positions in the McCall Police
Department "has lost me about 98 percent of the equity I had gained."
"I've taken a couple punches on the nose and I'll probably take a couple more, but I feel strongly we're
doing the right thing here," he said.
City department heads are also investigating other potential cost savings, such as a leasing city
vehicles instead of buying them.
Property taxes fund the city's general fund, which includes the police department and administrative
costs, and also funds the city's streets department, airport, library and parks and recreation.
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7/18/2013
week's front page stories
McCall council members undecided on re- election
BY TONI GROTE
The Star -News
All three members of the McCall City Council whose terms expire this year said they are undecided K
they will be on the ballot in the city election set for Nov. 5.
Mayor Don Bailey and council members Marcia Witte and Laura Scott all said they were not sure if
they would file to seek new four -year terms.
The candidate filing period for the city council elections opens on Aug. 26 and closes on Sept. 6.
Witte, 45, is an internal medicine physician. She was appointed to the council in 2008 and won
election in 2009.
Bailey, 76, is a retired aerospace engineer. He has held office since 2006 and was named mayor by
his fellow council members in 2010.
Scott, 47, is president of McCall Aviation. She has served on the council since 2006.
Anyone one who wants to be on the Nov. 5 ballot must be at least age 18 and has lived in the city for
at least 30 days before filing.
A declaration of candidacy, available at McCall City Hall, needs to be filed with either the signatures of
five registered city voters or a $40 filing fee.
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Page 1 of 1
Page stories
Speakers urge McCall council to hold the line on property taxes
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -Nees
The McCall City Council must hold the line on property taxes in its proposed budget for 2014, the
council was told at a public hearing last week.
All three speakers and one letter writer on the proposed budget told council members not to take the
full increase in property taxes allowed by state law.
"This is not a bare -bones budget, but a wish list," said Max Eiden. "Your taxes are crazy; this has
gotten out of control."
Scott Findlay, who owns property downtown, challenged the council to make city government more
efficient. One suggestion Findlay had was to turn over law- enforcement to the Valley County Sheriffs
Office.
"A town of 3,000 people doesn't need to have its own police department," he said.
May Hardware owner Rick Fereday said city government should be run like a small business and live
within its means.
"Businesses have been doing everything they can the last five or six years to survive, and I don't see
the city doing that," Fereday said.
In a letter, Krahn's Home Furnishing owner Dan Krahn said higher taxes would fall harder on
b isinesses due to a tax shift from a decline in home values.
'This cost shift is bome by those who are the economic backbone of the community" Krahn said.
The council on July 12 adopted a tentative budget of $17 million, which includes a 9 percent property
tax increase, to take effect Oct. 1. Of that total, just over $5 million would come from local property
taxes.
The council will take up the budget again at its regular meeting next Thursday and will accept more
public comments until that meeting.
The council set the tentative budget at the highest amount allowed by law since state law forbids a
tentative budget from being raised.
The tentative budget includes a 3 percent increase in property taxes, or $136,000, allowed by law this
year plus a 6 percent increase, or $258,000, that was held back in previous years.
State laws allows cities to spend held -back tax increases in future years.
Part of the 3 percent annual increase would be used to cover an expected increase in heakh
insurance costs for city employees. The tentative budget assumed an 18 percent increase, or $62,000,
but bids from insurance companies are now looking closer to 5 percent, or $17,000, city Treasurer Linda
Stokes said.
The rest of the 3 percent annual increase and all of the 6 percent deferred increase would be use for
building projects, mostly street improvements, and equipment purchases, under the tentative budget.
Even with the additional taxes, the 2014 budget includes the elimination of five positions, City Manager
Gene Drabinski said.
They include:
• Not filling one current vacancy and one expected vacancy for patrol officers in the McCall Police
Department.
Eliminate the full -time code enforcement position in the police department.
Eliminate one administrative position in the police department.
Eliminate one full -time position at the McCall Golf Course.
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Page 1 of 1
Star -News News Page—Lead Story
Hauler cries `foul' over Lakeshore deal with McCall
Meckel Excavating protests exclusive rights on construction waste
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
The owners of a construction waste - hauling business say Lakeshore Disposal is unfairly trying to take
away a vital part of their business and that the city of McCall does not object.
The owners of Tony Meckel Excavating in Lake Fork say
Lakeshore inserted a clause into its new 10 -year contract
with McCall that grants them exclusive rights to haul away
construction waste.
That would be a serious blow to the Meckels, who rely on
hauling construction waste for half of their business, with
most of that hauling done inside the McCall city limits.
The Meckels teamed about the new clause when they
received an Aug. 7 letter from Robert Cloninger, deputy
general counsel for Waste Connections Inc., the parent
company of Lakeshore Disposal located near Houston,
Texas.
Brest. Janet andTouy Meckel believe takeshore
lhspowd has uofan1% talwn oter the baublig of
caeshvrliou waste in McCall and c wcade that they
love come to rely on
In the letter, Cloninger told the Meckels to stop collecting construction waste or else face legal action
forcing them to stop.
1 he news came as a surprise to the Meckels, who started collecting construction waste in containers
fats years ago to supplement their business doing excavation and hauling sand, gravel and rock.
Last Thursday, the Meckels took their case to the McCall City Council, where Brant Meckel said the
city was misled by Lakeshore during contract negotiations.
Weak Language
Provisions in city law that were intended to protect haulers like the Meckels "used weak language and
allowed Lakeshore's attorneys to overpower your good intentions," Meckel said.
A letter from the Meckels delivered to council members before the meeting was even more damning.
"With the swipe of a pen (McCall) delivered into the hands of Lakeshore Disposal the tools needed to
deliver a sweeping and decisive blow to our small town way of life," Meckel's letter said.
Lakeshore's contract with McCall took effect July 1. It had already been changed once before it took
effect to remove a requirement that all city residents keep bear -proof trash containers whether or not
they subscribed to Lakeshore for collection.
McCall City Manager Gene Drabinksi, who led the city's negotiating team with Lakeshore, said the
Meckels should have been aware that the exclusive right to haul construction waste was being
requested by Lakeshore.
"From Day 1 it was exclusive rights," Drabinski said. "It was widely known that we were working on a
cortract for the collection of waste in the city of McCall."
Ir his comments last Thursday, Meckel requested the city reopen the contract again to restore
competition for hauling construction wastes.
A closed session of the council is scheduled for its next meeting on Sept. 12 to discuss the question,
Drabinski said. The session is being held under a provision of the Idaho Open Meeting Law that allows
closed discussion for possible litigation.
Having an exclusive construction hauler provides for better safety by limiting the amount of heavy
traffic, said Everette Arter, Lakeshore's site manager in Valley County.
Lakeshore also needed an exclusive contract in order to reliably calculate revenues, Arter said.
Lakeshore is not trying to limit competition, Arter said, noting exclusive contracts for all wastes are
common in many states, including cities in Idaho.
He declined comment when asked if Lakeshore would be willing to reopen its contract with McCall.
Cascade & Valley County
In his Aug. 7 letter, Cloninger also said the city of Cascade had granted exclusive rights to Lakeshore
for construction waste in its seven -year contact that took effect July 1, 2012.
The Meckels appeared before the Cascade City Council on Monday night to protest the clause.
Council members agreed with the Meckels and directed City Attorney Chris Nye to notify Lakeshore
that it cannot exclude other parties from hauling construction debris in Cascade.
Valley County also is in the middle of negotiating a new 10 -year contract with Lakeshore.
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Page 1 of 2
8/29/2013
Star -News News Page—Lead Story
Commissioners granted the contract to Lakeshore in March, but negotiations have continued since
teen with an Oct. 1 deadline looming.
The Meckels have objected in the past to county commissioners about language in the proposed
contact that they believe provides exclusive hauling of construction waste to Lakeshore.
The Meckels appeared before commissioners on Monday and receive assurances competition would
remain in unincorporated parts of the county.
'We do not want to eliminate private enterprise that works here," commission Chair Gordon
Cruickshank said.
'(Meckel) is trying to watch out for all those contractors out there who are being chastised for providing
a service for the people who hire them," Cruickshank said.
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Page 2 of 2
8/29/2013
ew�^
Jead Story
McCall to increase property taxes 3% for 2014 budget
Council draws down reserve fund to make ends meet
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
Property taxes for McCall property owners will increase 3 percent under a 2014 city budget approved
lest week by the McCall City Council.
Council members voted unanimously to hold the discretionary property -tax increase to the 3 percent
allowed under state law, or $136,000.
The council did not exercise its option allowed under law to increase property taxes an additional 6
percent, or $258,000, that was held back in previous years.
The council on July 12 adopted a tentative budget that set property taxes at 9 percent, the highest
amount allowed by law, since state law forbids a tentative budget from being increased.
On Aug. 22, City Manager Gene Drabinksi proposed a budget with a 4.1 percent property tax
increase, but a vote was delayed because council member Nic Swanson was absent.
On Aug. 28, with all five council members present, council member Marcia Witte proposed reducing
the 4.1 percent increase to 3 percent, or a reduction of $50,000.
Witte said the deferred tax increases were intended to be "a rainy day fund, and we don't have our
rainy day."
Council member Jackie Aymon noted the need to fix the city's streets, which would be funded by the
$50,000 difference.
'We do have a rainy day when our roads are in such deplorable condition," Aymon said.
Aymon, Swanson and Mayor Don Bailey said they did not want to cut out the $50,000 for street work,
so Witte proposed replacing the property taxes with other funds.
She proposed taking $35,000 from an $81,000 reserve fund that has accumulated from savings in
employee heath -care benefits in previous years.
Replacement Funds
Witte also proposed replacing tax funding for $15,000 of scheduled improvements to the McCall Golf
Course clubhouse with cuts in approved local- option tax funding.
She proposed taking $5,000 in LOT money away from the Idaho Junior Steelheads, Treasure Valley
Transit and McCall Area Snowmobilers to fund the clubhouse improvements.
Other council members did not agree with Witte's proposal to cut back approved LOT funding.
In the end, the entire $50,000 difference was taken from the medical reserve fund, which is intended to
offset future increases in employee health -care premiums.
Witte agreed to the deal but said she hoped that the city's local- option tax commission would lean
more toward funding city projects in the future rather than nonprofit organizations.
The total property tax bill in the 2014 budget will amount to about $4.75 million of the total budget of
$16.76 million.
In addition to the $136,000 property -tax increase approved by the council, property taxes also will
increase an additional $72,000 under state law that allows new taxes on the value of new construction
that takes place during the previous year.
The council's discussion over property taxes only focused on funding projects and equipment. The
proposed funding of day - to-day operations was not up for debate last week.
The approved budget includes elimination of four positions at the McCall Police Department and one
position at the McCall Golf Course.
A total of 77 city employees will be eligible for a 3- percent merit increase in wages, but there no
increase in employees' base wages is budgeted.
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http: / /www.mccallstamews.com/pages /lead_ vage.php 9/6/2013
s week's front page stories Page 1 of ]
Four candidates to seek three open seats on McCall City Council
BY TOM GROTE
The Star-News
Four candidates will be on the Nov. 5 ballot to fill three available seats on the McCall City Council.
- urrent council members Laura Scott and Marcia'f'iYe - --
filed candidacy papers by Friday's deadline to keep their
seats. w
They will be challenged by Rob Lyons and Robert Giles.
Council member Don Bailey, who also serves as mayor, will
not seek re- election. Candidates for McCafts Vm couual was me
from left. hlaraa Witte, Lama Scott, Robert Wes
The terms of council member Nic Swanson and Jackie nisi RobertLyolw
Aymon do not expire until 2015.
MARCIA WITTE
Witte, 45, is an internal medicine physician. She was appointed to the council in 2008 and won
election in 2009.
"I really enjoy serving on city council, and I hope that my analytical approach to the issues will
contribute positively to the future of McCall," she said.
Accomplishments she cited by the city council and city staff since she took office included settling the
long- standing lawsuit with the Payette Lakes Recreational Water and Sewer District and the hiring of
McCall City Manager Gene Drabinksi.
She predicted that Drabinksi would step down within the next four years, and she wants to be involved
in selecting his successor.
Other topics needing work in the future include solid waste treatment and disposal, continuing the
relationship with the sewer district and finding money to improve the city's streets and other
infrastructure, Witte said.
LAURA SCOTT
Scott, 47, is president of McCall Aviation. She has served on the council since 2006.
She has enjoyed working with what she called "some remarkable people on interesting items, and
there's always an opportunity to learn something new."
Accomplishments by the city since she took office include increasing cooperation between McCall and
Valley County, especially in economic development.
"I'm still concerned at the amount of vacant commercial space in town and the overall economic health
of McCall,' Scott said. "I am looking forward to seeing what comes out of the downtown master planning
process. -
ROB LYONS
Lyons, 44, is a real estate agent who unsuccessfully ran for McCall council in 2009 and 2011.
The McCall native has served on various positions with the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce,
including three years as director of the McCall Winter Carnival.
Lyons would like to see more sidewalks built in areas with heavy walking traffic. The city should pay
for the sidewalks and not force adjacent property owners to do so, he said.
He also wants to find a way to eliminate the monthly surcharge that sewer customers are paying for
the court judgment against the city in the J -Ditch legal case.
He also wants to expand the city's program to prevent snow berms in the winter when plowing streets.
"I started the no -berms conversation several years ago, which was the main catalyst in having the city
start this program," Lyons said. "All homes inside the city limits should enjoy no snow berms!"
BOB GILES
Giles, 60, is a retired forester with Payette National Forest. He is currently chair of both the McCall
Local Option Tax Commission and the McCall Golf Course Advisory Committee.
"Having lived in McCall for 15 years and served on various committees, I believe that I have some
meaningful experience to bring to city council," Giles said.
If elected, Giles would focus on improving public involvement in city affairs, especially those affected
by significant issues pending before the council.
He also would work to draft a city budget each year with "minimal to no tax increases."
http:// www. mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 9/12/2013
ews News Page—Lead Story
McCall votes to ask Lakeshore to open contract - again
Council responds to demands by construction workers
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
McCall will ask Lakeshore Disposal to again reopen its contract with the city, this time to close a
loophole that makes it illegal for anyone but Lakeshore to haul construction waste.
Council members voted after hearing comments from some of about 50 members of the construction
trades and their families who filled the council meeting room at McCall City Hall last Thursday.
However, it was unclear on Wednesday whether Lakeshore will agree to a new renegotiation of the
contract.
The council voted to write a formal letter to Lakeshore asking for renegotiation, but McCall City
Manager Gene Drabinksi said Tuesday he is holding off on sending the letter.
Drabinski said he will meet next week with Lakeshore Site Manager Everette After to discuss the
council's request. After that meeting, he will know more about how to compose the letter.
After declined to comment when contacted on Wednesday. "We don't comment on current or future
business plans," he said.
. -he standing- room -only crowd attending last Thursday's council meeting applauded a statement by
Janet Meckel of Tony and Brant Meckel Excavating urging council members to reopen the contract.
"ft may have appeared at first that you were passing something that was standard, but in truth, it has
only made things oppressive and imbalanced and has destroyed free enterprise," Meckel said.
Stop Wasting Time
Tony Meckel told council members that petitions signed by 560 people had been gathered urging
council members to reopen the contract.
"You need to amend this contract and change it before it goes any farther and we waste any more of
our time fighting such a silly thing; Meckel said.
Gary Swain of Lake Fork gave council members the benefit of the doubt. "I think you missed it, it was
a mistake; Swain said. "I can't you believe you would sign a contract that would hurt so many people,
directly and 'indirectly."
Mayor Don Bailey told those attending that individual contractors would still be allowed to haul away
waste generated at their job sites.
But several in the audience said contractors on a job will use one waste bin, to be hauled by a
separate service, in order to save money for their clients.
The city's 10 -year contract with Lakeshore, which went into effect July 1, gives Lakeshore exclusive
rights to haul away construction waste inside the city.
That would be a serious blow to the Meckels, who rely on hauling construction waste for half of their
overall business, with most of that hauling done inside the McCall city limits.
The Meckels learned about the new clause when they received letter last month from Waste
Connections Inc., the parent company of Lakeshore Disposal, ordering the Meckels to stop hauling
construction waste.
Unaware of Haulers
Council members defended their action, saying they were unaware during negotiations there was
competition for hauling construction waste.
"The council and staff had no idea that their company would be affected by the end result," Bailey said
on Friday.
"You would think, with all of the contractors in attendance last night, that at least one of them would
have recognized the risk to Meckel and come to the city staff or contacted one of the council members,"
he said.
Council members Marcia Witte and Nic Swanson said after the meeting they had no intention of
harming local businesses with the Lakeshore contract.
"If this many people are concerned about something we did, we need to address it," Swanson said. "it
is pretty evident we missed something along the way and we to do something to correct H."
LaKashore's contract with the city was already been changed once before it took effect to remove a
requirement that all city residents keep bear -proof trash containers whether or not they subscribed to
Lakeshore for collection.
Page 1 of 1
http:// www. mccallstamews .com/pagesAead _page.php 9/19/2013
This week's front page stories
McCall hosts forum on banning smoking in all workpla
A community meeting has been scheduled for Wednesday to get opinions on whether to ban smoking
in all workplaces in McCall.
The forum, before the McCall City Council, will begin at
FAMILY DOLLAR RISES
6:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Douglas A. MacNichol Building
next to McCall- Donnelly High School on Mission Street.
r,.
The forum was scheduled after an appearance before the
council in August by the activist group Smokefree Idaho.
Smokefree Idaho urged the city to adopt a smoke -free
ordinance similar to the ordinance passed in Ketchum in
April.
The Ketchum ordinance requires bars, small businesses,
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all hotels and motels, bus stops and various outdoor areas
.jdexUe of Emmett and Noe MarturcofNampo
to be smoke -free.
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umv Family Dollar story m Cascade The pvimW
lot bas been paved mAtbe floor pomed m crews
Smokefree policies decrease absenteeism among non-
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smoking employees and increases productivity, according to
Smokefree Idaho.
by the end ot the y- 1 -
The city of Boise passed a smoke -free ordinance that went into effect at the beginning of 2012.
No formal proposal for McCall has been written pending the results of Wednesday's public forum.
"Nonsmokers working in smoky environments double their risk of getting lung cancer," a statement on
Smokefree Idaho's webslte said.
"Smokefree policies decrease absenteeism among non - smoking employees and increase
productivity,' the statement said.
Currently, 29 states have comprehensive, smokefree workplace laws, which eliminate smoking in all
indoor workplaces including restaurants, restaurant bars and stand -alone bars, according to the website.
In Ketchum, people who violate the proposed ordinance can be issued a written warning for the first
violation.
A second violation within two years will result in a $25 fine and a third violation within that time will
result in a $52 fine.
Employers who discriminate against employees who lodge complaints related to the ordinance can be
fined $1,000 to $5,000.
Ketchum is in the midst of a one -year campaign to educate the public on the new law before enforcing
)ries _page.php
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10/.
This week's front page stories Page 1 of 1
-1, , all renews city attorney contract ^ ^'th Nampa firm
The McCall City Council will keep a Nampa law firm as its city attomey for one more year, council
members voted last week.
The council voted last Thursday to renew the contract with the While Peterson law firm, which has
represented the city since 2005.
The city will pay the firm at least $67,200 for the budget year that started on Tuesday. If the firm
represents the city in a lawsuit or must answer complex legal questions, the city will pay $175 per hour
for partners of the firm, $125 per hour for associate attorneys and $75 per hour for legal assistants or
paralegals.
The city has a total of $140,000 budgeted for all legal services for the 2013 -14 budget year.
The retainer amount and other fees have not changed for the last five years. Bill Nichols of the firm
told council members that the actual value of legal services provided in 2012 for the $67,200 retainer
was about $94,000.
The firm will ask for a review of the fees for the 2015 budget year, said Nichols, who is the designated
city attorney.
http:// www.mccallstarnews.com/pages /fp_ stories _page.php 10/3/2013
This week's front page stories Page 1 of 1
Forum attendees debate whether McCall should ban smoking at work
Arguments split between health risks, personal freedom
"Without smoking, we wouldn't need half of the cardiologists in the country. " —Sarah
Jessup
"People think we should live by their morals.' ---Tim Garber
BY DAN GALLAGHER
for The Star -News
Health -care advocates told a public forum in McCall last week that requiring smoke -free workplaces in
McCall would protect employees. Business owners, meanwhile, said the city should not legislate
morality.
About 20 people attended the forum held before the McCall City Council at the Douglas A. MacNichol
Building next to McCall- Donnelly High School.
The event was scheduled after the activist group Smokefree Idaho urged the council in August to pass
a smoke -free ordinance similar to those now in effect in Boise, Ketchum and Moscow.
No action was taken by the council at the Oct. 9 forum and no date had been set by Wednesday to
further discuss the topic.
"People who live in McCall saw what we are doing in other communities and said, 'Please come work
with us,'" said Heidi Low, Smokefree Idaho campaign coordinator.
"We know that smoke -free policies help move the needle on tobacco use, especially with youth," Low
said.
Proponents said smoke -free workplaces results in less absenteeism and fewer sick days.
Valley County has a smoker rate of 21 percent of the population, nearly 50 percent higher than the
national average of 15 percent, said Lyle Nelson, director of the St. Luke's McCall Center for Health
Promotion.
"For every kid that starts smoking, 95 percent of them say I can quit soon, but of course you know it
never happens," Nelson said. "The cost is 14 years of your Ilfe. "
- Without smoking, we wouldn't need half of the cardiologists in the country," said Dr. Sarah Jessup
with the free Community Care Clinic in McCall.
Business owners at the forum said it would be wrong for the council to legislate their beliefs about
smoking, which could affect their bottom line.
Legislating Morality
"People think we should live by their morals," said Tim Garber, owner of The Mill Restaurant and
Beside The Mill. "Many of my customers find happiness, relaxation and contentment smoking inside and
not standing in the rain or snow."
Smoking is allowed in The Mill as long as the chimney on the fire pit is drafting, Garber said. Smoking
is also is allowed in Beside The Mill, where cigarettes also can be purchased.
Employees there sign a form that they are aware of the risks of working in a smoky environment, said
Garber, who quit smoking years ago.
"There should be no reason that you guys could tell any employer in the city that they can't have
people who smoke in there," said Kevin Zubieta, owner of Smokin' Spirits in McCall.
The state's Clean Indoor Air Act of 2004 banned smoking in all enclosed public places, except in bars,
retail tobacco stores, designated breakrooms in businesses with fewer than five employers and other
locations.
In 2009, Moscow banned smoking in all enclosed workplaces, including bars and private clubs, and 20
feet from building entrances.
The Boise City Council followed suit in January 2012, affecting bars, most outdoor patio dining areas,
near bus stops, in public parks and within 20 feet of the city's Greenbelt path.
Ketchum enacted its smoking ordinance in March, affecting parking lots, transit stops and other
places.
Smoking in prohibited areas can prompt warnings and fines.
Passing a no- smoking ordinance in McCall would first require a public hearing, said Mayor Don Bailey,
who said he smoked during his college years, but quit.
"To me, it's a health issue," Bailey said.
http:// www. mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories_page.php 10/17/2013
This week's front page stories
CORRECTION
A story in The Star -News last week incorrectly reported the comments of The Mill /Beside The Mill
owner Tim Garber during a public forum held Oct. 9 on a proposed smoke -free ordinance in McCaN.
The Star -News incorrectly reported Garber as saying, "Smoking is allowed in The Mill as long as the
chimney on the fire pit is drafting."
Garber's actual comment was, "The Mill is smoke -free as long as the firepit chimney is drafting alright."
_stories _page.php
Page 1 of 1
10/24/2013
Star -News News Page_Lead Story
Incumbents keep their seats in city elections
Terry retained as Cascade mayor; Giles to join McCall council
BY TOM GROTE
I'm Star -Ncwa
Results from Tuesday's city
elections
Incumbent office - holders in McCall, Cascade and Donnelly
held onto their seats in Tuesday's city election while
McCall City Council (Top Three
newcomers will join them starting in January.
Elected)
CITY OF CASCADE
. Bob Giles- 355
. Laura Scott -352
Current Cascade Mayor Rob Terry tumed back a
• Marcia Vdtte- 300
challenge from former mayor Dick Carter. Terry received 232
• Rob Lyons- 202
votes to 92 votes cast for Carter.
Cascade Mayor (Top One Elected)
Current council member Troy Huckaby was re -elected with
206 votes. He will be joined by newcomer Kathy Hull, who
. Rob Terry - 232
received 273 votes.
. Dick Carter- 92
Dan Davis was unsuccessful in his quest for a council
Cascade City Council Four -Year
seat, receiving 111 votes.
Terms (Top Two Elected)
Council member Judy Nissula was unopposed in her bid to
• Kathy Hull- 273
keep her seat for a two -year term.
• Troy Huckaby - 206
Council member Connie Cunningham chose not to seek a
• Dan Davis - 111
re- election, and council member Debbie Haskins is not up
Cascade City Council (Two -Year
for election until 2015.
Term)
CITY OF MCCALL
• Judy I issula - 282
Both McCall City Council members Marcia Witte and Laura
Scott kept their seats in a four -way race for three open
Donnelly City Council (Top Two
spots.
Elected)
Scott received 352 votes and Witte received 300 votes.
• Wendy Davenport - 11
They will be joined by newcomer Bob Giles, who received
. Brian Koch- 11
355 votes.
New Meadows City Council
Rob Lyons fell short in his bid to join the council, receiving
202 votes.
Seat 1 (Top One Elected)
Council member Don Bailey, who also serves as mayor,
. Brad Steiner (Ahiean) - 47
did not seek re- election. The terms of council member Nic
. Martin Tushkowski - 27
Swanson and Jackie Aymon do not expire until 2015.
Seat 2 (Top One Elected)
CITY OF NEW MEADOWS
Shannon Fairchild - 57
Brad Steiner mounted a write-in candidacy to defeat Martin
. Deborah Start 1Wdte-I ni- 14
Tushkowski, 47 -27, for on of two seats elected Tuesday to
the New Meadows City Council,
Shannon Fairchild was elected to the other open seat, turning
back a write -in challenge by Deborah
Stuart, 57 -14.
Current council members Gina Mencer and DeOle Priddy chose not to seek new terms.
Steiner and Fairchild will join council members Angie Moore and Heather Wilde on the four- member
council.
Moore and Wilde as well as Mayor Julie Spelman are not up for election until 2015.
CITY OF DONNELLY
Incumbent Donnelly City Council members Wendy Davenport
and Brian Koch were unopposed in their
bid for re- election on Tuesday. Each received 11 votes,
Council members Gabe Slayton and Ken Minshall, as well as
Mayor Brad Backus, are not up for re-
election until 2015.
Page 1 of 1
http:// www. mccallstamews .com/pages/lead _page.php 11/7/2013
This week's front page stories
McCall, Lakeshore agree to remove construction -waste
clause
Hauler would get locked -in rates /or giving up exclusivity
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
The city of McCall has reached agreement with Lakeshore Disposal to remove the exclusive right to
haul construction waste in the crtys contract with Lakeshore.
The McCall City Council tentatively approved the changes following a closed session last Thursday
with City Manager Gene Drabinski.
The public can comment on the proposed changes at the beginning of next Thursday's regular council
meeting starting at 5:30 p.m, in the lower level meeting room at McCall City Hall.
The council asked for the changes after Tony Meckel Excavation of Lake Fork complained that giving
exclusive rights to Lakeshore to haul construction waste would take away a large part of their business
Under the proposal, Lakeshore would no longer have exclusive rights to haul construction waste but
would compete with all haulers for that businesses.
Concessions Proposed
In return, the city council tentatively granted Lakeshore three concessions:
• An automatic approval of cost -of- living increases in Lakeshore's rates through July 2016.
The current contact requires council approval for cost -of- living increases for those years Increases
beyond July 2016 would continue to need council approval.
The change allows Lakeshore to recover an estimated $180,000 in expected lost revenue over 10
years from losing the exclusive rights, Drabinksi said Tuesday.
• The current 10 -year contract would automatically renew for five more years starting in 2023.
• _akeshore would get a one -time 1 percent rate increase between July 2014 and July 2016 to cover
the cost of new bear -proof containers, which need replacing more often than regular containers.
"We are ecstatic, not just for ourselves but for all those who work in the city of McCall and the citizens
who again have the right to choose who they hire," Janet Meckel of Meckel Excavating said on Tuesday.
Lakeshore site manager Everette Attar declined comment on the new agreement.
This would be the second time the contract with Lakeshore was changed.
Second Revision
The original draft of the contract was criticized by the public because it would have required all
homeowners to have bear -proof containers even if they did not subscribe to Lakeshore's pickup service.
That language was taken out before the contract took effect July 1.
For the latest change, Lakeshore had to agree to a formal request by the city to reopen the contract for
revisions.
Meckel Excavation relies on hauling construction waste for half of its business, with most of that
hauling done inside the McCall city limits.
The company learned about the new clause when they received a letter in August from Robert
Cloninger, deputy general counsel for Waste Connections Inc., the parent company of Lakeshore
Disposal located near Houston, Texas.
In the letter, Cloninger told the company to stop collecting construction waste or else face legal action
forcing them to stop.
Valley County's new 10 -year contract with Lakeshore, which took effect last month, has open
competition for hauling construction waste.
Lakeshore's seven -year contract with the city of Cascade, which went into effect in 2012, gives
exclusive rights to haul construction waste to Lakeshore.
The Cascade City Council wrote to Lakeshore to protest the provision, but Cloninger replied to say the
language of the contract was clear.
Page 1 of 1
http: / /www.mccallstamews.com /pages /fp_stories_page.php 11/14/2013
Star -News News Page_Lead Story
Boardwalk, plaza part of proposed
McCall Downtown Master Plan
P &Z hearing Tuesday on road map for future developments
"We envision a Downtown McCall that is an attractive, compact, and popular destination. "
- Drgft Plan
RY TOM GROTF.
The Star -News
A lakefront boardwalk, downtown plaza and streets that are friendly to walkers and bicyclists are the
goals of a proposed long -range plan for downtown McCall.
The proposal will be heard on Tuesday by the McCall Area
Planning and Zoning Commission. A public hearing will be
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i
held during the P&Z meeting that starts at 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday in the lower level meeting room at McCall City Hall,
t ;4
216 East Park St.
The P &Z's recommendation will go to the McCall City
•
Council for final adoption.
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The new plan would replace the current downtown Ian,
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"We envision a Downtown McCall that is an attractive, compact, and popular destination for residents
and visitors," a statement in the proposed plan says.
A future downtown would have "a distinct sense of place based on its unique access and views to
Payette Lake, key gathering places developed through creative placemaking and integrated public
artworks," the statement said.
Designs of future buildings should be consistent with the small, mountain town character of McCall,
the proposal says.
'Wide sidewalks, well- designed and aesthetically - pleasing architecture, and commercial enterprises
that encourage pedestrian activity should dominate the downtown," according to the plan.
Lakefront Boardwalk
One of the key elements of the plan is the development of a lakefront boardwalk from Legacy Park to
Art Roberts Park and beyond.
'The boardwalk could become a prime commercial waterfront area that provides adequate space for
outdoor restaurant seating and easy access to shopping, lodging, and other services," the plan said.
The plan also urges development of the intersection of Second and Lenora streets into a plaza with
unique pavers and "functional public art" such as creative designs for signs, benches and trash cans.
Redevelopment of Second Street would create a pedestrian- oriented connection between the lakefront
and the complex that houses McCall City Hall and the McCall Public Library, the plan said.
The plan offers no specific plan on how to pay for the improvements, but reviews the options now
available. They include grants, a bond issue paid with property- taxes, expansion of the McCall Urban
Renewal Area and an additional local- option tax on general sales, liquor or lodging.
The draft plan is the result of work by a seven - member citizens committee, three formal workshops
and comments sought from the public at various gathering places.
The plan also seeks to be consistent with other city plans that affect the downtown, such as parks,
pathways, streets, lakefront improvements, parking, transit and public art.
The downtown is only one -half mile wide but is the location for 40 percent of the businesses in the city
and 38 percent of all of sales in the city, the plan says. Retail, professional, and food make up half of the
businesses located downtown.
No Parking Needed
There is now about 300,000 square feet of floor space in the downtown, a figure that could more than
double it the downtown was built out to its capacity using current densities, the plan said.
The plan does not call for any additional parking since the 2009 McCall Downtown Parking Study
found there is more than enough parking already existing downtown.
the plan also urges ways to attract more businesses to downtown as well as supporting existing
businesses.
The city should streamline its approval processes for new businesses and encourage the development
of "niche businesses" that are unique to McCall, the draft plan says.
"Buy local" campaigns, promoting the city during slower seasons in the spring and fall, and marketing
to second -home owners are all recommended to increase sales.
Page 1 of 2
http: / /www.mccallstamews.com/pages /lead_page.php 11/27/2013
Star -News News Page_Lead Story Page 2 of 2
Downtown also should have more hotels and residential units as well as "high - quality" office space,
according to the proposal.
http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages/lead _page.php 11/27/2013
This week's front page stories
Maverik, McCall debate appearance of new sign
Argument centers on design, ability to sell gas
"There is no better way to communicate gas prices than a pole sign. "
—Dan L. Murray
BY TOM GROTE
The StarNews
Maverik convenience stores have rejected a request by the
McCall store that was blown down in May with a smaller sign
Maverik officials say company is within its rights to replace
the sign with nearly the exact same design as the blown -
down sign.
The sign, approved in the I990s, was 22 feet tall, was
intemally lit and contained a changeable message board.
city of McCall to replace the sign at its
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It blew down in windstorm on May 21 in front of the store,
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located along North Third Street at Railroad Avenue.
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Since then, the city's sign code has been changed to limit
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was nearly in compliarce with the city current standards,
said Michelle Groenevelt, the city's community development director.
In August, Maverik submitted a new application for a sign that was nearly identical to the blown -down
sign, Groenevek said.
Maverik officials claimed the previous design could be used because the cost to repair the damaged
sign was less than 50 percent than the cost of a new sign.
When that happens, city code allows the same design to be used even if it is not in compliance with
current code.
The switch happened because Maverik officials originally "were emphatically told that repairing the
Sign was not an option," said Dan L. Murray, vice president of real estate for Maverik at the company's
North Sait Lake, Utah, headquarters.
Maverik's lawyers then reviewed the city ordinance and discovered the repair provision, Murray said.
-When we discovered that we were incorrectly instructed by staff we pulled the June application and
have attempted to pursue our rights under the ordinance," he said.
Pressure Campaign
The city then started a campaign to pressure Maverik to build a sign that was in compliance with the
current code.
'It is disappointing the Maverik Corp. does not want to honor the community's desire aesthetic
character by bringing the sign more into conformity with current McCall City Code,' city planner Delta
James wrote on Aug. 26 to Maverik's sign company, YESCO.
That prompted a response the next day from Murray.
"AS a retailer that has served McCall for 40 years, it is discouraging to rind city staff members who
have no regard for the interest or well being of retailers within the community," Murray wrote to James.
The delay in erecting a replacement sign cost Maverik more than $160.000 in lost gas revenues, he
said.
On Oct. 1, McCall City Manager Gene Drabinski wrote to Maverik CEO Mike Call asking Maverik to
reconsider.
Drabinksi noted the city had spent more than $76,000 for new sidewalks in front of the McCall store,
which demonstrated the city is "a solid partner in your business and your growth."
"I am asking you to simply respond in kind, and honor our commitment to building a McCall we can all
be proud of," Drabinksi wrote.
Aggressive Approach
Murray responded to Drabinski's letter, saying the company takes an aggressive approach in pricing
gasoline.
"In our opinion, there is no better way to communicate gas prices than a pole sign," he said.
Maverik has experience with sign codes in other communities that require short signs, Murray said.
"We know this is an inferior way communicate," he said in his letter to Drabinski.
Page I of 2
http:// www. mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 12/12/2013
This week's front page stories
Murray offered to lower the replacement sign from 22 feet to 20 feet, add stone wainscoting to the first
six feet of the poles, and paint the rest of the steel poles with a wood grain.
Last Thursday, Drabinski sent a last -ditch plea to Murray via e-mail
"A small compromise - meaningfully lower, or externally lit ... would constitute a true winhvin for
McCall and Maverik's local reputation," Drabinski s note said.
On Tuesday, Murray wrote back to Drabinksi. "I need to re- assess all discussions," he said "I'll be
back in touch."
)riesmpage.php
Page 2 of 2
12/12/2013
This week's front page stories Page 1 of 1
P &Z likes proposed Downtown McCall Master Plan
Proposal heads to AleCall City Council for final review
BY DAN GALLAGHER
for The Star-News
The McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended a master plan
designed to attract foot traffic to an innovative downtown core and waterfront.
Their P&Z decision following a Tuesday public hearing
goes to the McCall City Council for final approval and
passes along a document that considered hundreds of
t
comments, interviews and consolidation of ideas by a citizen
committee.
If adopted by the council, the new place would replace the
cunent plan, adopted in 1997."
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The proposed Ian emphasizes wide sidewalks, a
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connection to Payette Lake and public artwork to attract
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pedestrians and bicyclists to the city center. While it is
and Leuma streets iroiddhetrmfmwed
conceptual, it still gives McCall officials some directions to
take, enmmissioners said Tuesday
"We need this aspect in there," Chair Kim Apperson said. "It challenges us all to be as creative as
possible. 'Here's a bicycle path you need here.' It gives us a bit of a compass."
One of the elements of the plan is a lakefront boardwalk from Legacy Park. to Art Roberts Park and
beyond.
The distinct subdistricts included in the boundaries could have different guidelines to showcase them,
city planner Delta James told commissioners For example, businesses in the "! akefront area" might be
allowed dual storefronts, one facing the lake and one on Lake Street, James said.
Some suggestions designed to show off McCall could succeed or fail into the future.
"A boardwalk it's not a bad idea But it may never come to fruition," Apperson said
Brent Johnson of McCall testified he had taken part in the formation of Valley County's comprehensive
plan and felt such documents should guide zoning decisions.
But Johnson said his parents and others do not want their lakefront homes west of downtown to he
affected by the plan.
"Funding on this should not be loaded Into the single- family property owners in McCall," Johnson
added.
James said lakefront homes west of downtown are not included in the plan.
Fund ng Options
There are a number of funding options to help upgrade downtown, such as bond issues, grants, local -
improvement districts and urban renewal initiatives, James said.
"it loaves the door open," Johnson said.
A letter from the Idaho Department of Lands to the commission also noted Its role in managing the
land under Payette Lake that could be affected by a boardwalk.
Such issues are far down the road, the P &Z said. The plan on the way to the council remains a draft
and will continue to be refined, they said.
"Nothing is shovel ready," James said. "These are concepts, not construction plans."
"It's been an exhaustive process," commissioner R. Derek Williamson said. "I think it's good for a
community of our size to have such a plan. It's a yardstick, so progress is made toward it, and it doesn't
tolled dust."
http:// www. mccallstarnews .com/pages /fp_stories�age.php 12/5/2013
.sue. n.�,,
McCall downtown master plan urges
change in 35 -foot building height
Proposal part of road map for
future of core area's look, feel
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
A revision to McCall's 35 -foot height
limit on buildings is among the topics
urged by the city's new downtown master
plan.
The McCall City Council last week
unanimously approved the master plan,
a road map for development of the city's
core that replaces a plan adopted in 1997.
The plan calls for a review of several
sectionsof the city's zoning code that will,
in time, come before the council, Com-
munity Development Director Michelle
Groenevelt said.
Near the top of the list is a recom-
mended change in of the city's current
35 -foot height on buildings.
The strict height limit could lead de-
velopers to build low ceilings on retail or
restaurant space or design flat roofs just
to meet the limit, Groenevelt said.
The new plan calls for limiting build-
ings to a certain number of floors rather
than a specific height to allow for more
flexibility, she said.
Any change in the building height
limit will require a long public process,
Groenevelt said.
In 2006, the city council approved
raising the height of buildings along
the Payette Lake shore to 50 feet under
certain conditions. But citizen outrage
to the change led the council to repeal
their action.
Offices On Street OK
Another recommendation of the new
downtown plan is to eliminate restrictions
on professional offices on ground floors fac-
ing the street.
The current restriction is intended to
encourage retail space facing the street, but
downtown offices are now considered sources
of customers for shops and restaurants,
Groenevelt said.
The city's application process should be
changed to speed approval for uses compat-
ible with the downtown, Groenevelt said.
The council adopted the downtown plan
after a public hearing in which one person,
Colby Nieslen of McCall, spoke.
Nielsen said the city needs to look beyond
the downtown plan and do similar planning
for the entire commercial corridor through
McCall.
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Mayor Don Bailey noted the city's 2007
comprehensive plan, which includes Mc-
Call and surrounding areas, was due for
an update.
In a written comment, Jean Odmark of
McCall said the plan's proposed building of
sidewalks with curbs would lead to the curbs
being "trashed in a few years."
"I don't object to sidewalks; I object to
curbs," Odmark said.
One of the key elements of the plan is the
development of a lakefront boardwalk from
Legacy Park to Art Roberts Park and beyond.
Public Plaza
The plan also urges development of the
intersection of Second and Lenora streets
into a plaza with unique pavers and "func-
tional public art" such as creative designs
for signs, benches and trash cans.
See PLAN, Page 2
SL, fL.,a 111,f
McCall gets
$198,000 to
complete
sidewalks
The city of McCall has received a federal grant
for $198,000 to improve connections of sidewalks in
downtown McCall.
The grant willbe combined with $200,OOOfrom the
McCall RedevelopmentAgencyfor a total of $398,000.
The project, to be completed next year, will build
sidewalks, curbs, gutters, ramps, street lights and
stormwater drains on three streets on the east side
of the city's core.
The project would address the problem of the
`missinglinks' in the pedestrian andbicyclenetwork
in the McCall Redevelopment Area," the city's ap-
plication for the grant said,
"There are disconnected sections of sidewalk,
leaving some businesses without appropriate
pedestrian access ... and missing pedestrian con-
nections to transit stops and the bus shelter," the
application said. —1
The project includes:
• 265 feet of sidewalk, curb, gutter, wheelchair
ramp and street lights on Roosevelt Avenue.
• 320 feet of sidewalk, wheelchair ramps, street
lights and stormwater improvements on Fir Street
plus pedestrian access to the public dock at Legacy
Park.
• 140 feet of sidewalk, curb, gutter, stormwater
improvement and striped bike lane on Railroad
Avenue.
The Idaho Transportation Department approved
the grant under the Community Choices for Idaho
program funded by the Federal Highway Admin-
istration.
MAP OF WORK on Page 3
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Sketch courtesy City of
Red outlines show locations where sidewalks will be built later this year with a grant obtained
by the city of McCall. See Story, Page 1
"� %le,,,v
Maverik to lower new McCall
sign, use external lighting
Company stands by
need for pole sign
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
Maverik convenience stores will
lower the height and use external
lighting on a sign to replace one blown
down in May at its McCall store, a
company official said this week.
The final design, to be installed in
four to six weeks, will be 18 feet tall,
said Dan L. Murray, vice president
of real estate for Maverik at the
company's North Salt Lake, Utah,
headquarters.
That is four feet lower than the 22
foot signthat blew down in windstorm
on May 21 in front of the store, located
along North Third Street at Railroad
Avenue. The final plan is two feet
lower than the 20 -foot sign proposed
by Murray to the city last month.
Maverik also has agreed to change
its previous proposal so that internal
lighting is replaced with external
lighting to conform with current city
sign codes.
However, the company could not
agree to comply with the current city
standards that require ground -level
signs, Murray said.
"From day one we wanted to work
with the city, but our hot button was
we wanted a pole sign," Murray said
in an interview.
Ground -level signs can be ob-
scured by snow piles and are not
as effective in advertising gasoline
prices to passing motorists, he said.
Sign
(Continued from Page 1)
The city's current code
limits signs along the city's
main business corridor to 10
feet high.
Maverik officials claimed
the previous design could
be used because the cost to
repair the damaged sign was
less than 50 percent than the
cost of anew sign.
When that happens, city
code allows the same design
to be used even if it is not
in compliance with current
code.
City staffers and Maverik
officials exchanged a long
series of correspondence
last summer and fall that
resulted in the final design
announced this week.
"We are happy to have a compro-
mise worked out with the city and get
this behind us," he said.
The final design "is simply as good
as we could get," McCall City Manager
Gene Drabinksi said.
"Local businesses see how the sign
code - while, perhaps frustrating at
times - really supports the vision of
the McCall character we all want,"
Drabinksi said.
"Large, out -of -state enterprises are
far less attached to what we want,"
he said.
The blown -down sign, approved in
the 1990s, also contained a changeable
message board that is not allowed
under the current code. The new sign
will keep the message board.
See SIGN, Page 2
I to hear
YY....,V.... SEEM tar plan
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
The McCall City Council
will hold a hearing tonight for
a proposed long -range plan
for downtown McCall.
The proposed McCall
Downtown Master Plan will
be up for a public hearing
starting at 6 p.m. tonight in
the lower level meeting room
at McCall City Hall, 216 East
Park St.
The McCall Planning and
Zoning Commission recom-
mended approval of the plan
on Dec. 3.
The new plan would re-
place the current downtown
plan, which was adopted in
1997.
A future downtown would
have "a distinct sense of
place based on its unique
access and views to Payette
Lake, key gathering places
developed through creative
placemaking and integrated
public artworks," the plan's
mission statement said.
Designs of future build-
ings should be consistent
with the small, mountain
town character of McCall,
the proposal says.
One of the key elements of
the plan is the development of
a lakefront boardwalk from
Legacy Park to Art Roberts
Park and beyond.
The plan also urges devel-
opment of the intersection of
Second and Lenora streets
into a plaza with unique pav-
ers and "functional public
art" such as creative designs
for signs, benches and trash
cans.
Redevelopment of Second
Street would create a pedes-
trian- oriented connection
between the lakefront and
the complex that houses Mc-
Call City Hall and the McCall
Public Library, the plan said.
The plan offers no specific
plan on how to pay for the
improvements, but reviews
the options now available.
The plan does not call for
any additional parking since
the 2009 McCall Downtown
Parking Study found there
is more than enough parking
already existing downtown.
The plan also urges ways
to attract more businesses to
downtown as well as support-
ing existing businesses.
The city should stream-
line its approval processes
for new businesses and en-
courage the development of
"niche businesses" that are
unique to McCall, the draft
plan says.
Downtown also should
have more hotels and resi-
dential units as well as
"high- quality" office space,
.according to the proposal.
s✓�- %"q 4
McCall woman sues former Lewiston
commissioner over sexual assault
Tracy Hall seeks damages from
Michael Grow over 2011 attack
BY DYLAN BROWN
For The Star -News
A McCall woman has sued former
Nez Perce County Commissioner Mi-
chael A. Grow for damages resulting
from his attack on her at Tamarack
Resort in 2011.
Tracy Hall filed the lawsuit against
Grow in Valley County. No amount
of damages sought was listed in the
complaint.
Grow, 50, served time in both the
Valley County and Nez Perce County
jails after pleading guilty to three
misdemeanor offenses in 2012. He was
released from jail in April.
District Judge Darla Williamson
dismissed a felony charge of forcible
sexual penetration with a foreign
object when Grow pleaded guilty to
unlawful entry, stalking and battery.
Accordingto the suit, Grow was the
invitedguestof Hall and herhusband,
Randy, on April 4, 2011, at a celebra-
tion of Tamarack resort's last week
of skiing. Hall went to bed before her
husband and Grow.
Shortly afterward, accordingto the
lawsuit, she allegedly awoke to find
Grow sexually assaulting her.
Hall was able to scare Grow away
initially, but the suit said he returned
more than once and committed ad-
ditional assaults.
Lifelong Friends
Grow and Randy Hall had been
lifelong friends, having grown up to-
gether in Lewiston, the lawsuit said.
"As such, Grow was on several occa-
sions a welcome overnight guest in
the Halls' home," the complaint said.
Hall is seeking a jury trial for
physical and emotional damages as
a result of the incident. No date for a
trial has been set.
He was sentenced in December 2012
to 90 days ih jail, four years supervised
probation and an inpatient alcohol
treatment program.
According to his attorney and
brother, James Grow, Michael Grow
is eager for a chance to have the court
hear his case:
"All I can tell you is Mike denies the
allegation and he looks forward to the
opportunity to finally defend against
this," Jim Grow said Tuesday,
Michael Grow lost his seat on the
county commission to Robert Tippett
in the May 2012 primary while the
charges were looming.
(Dylan Brown is a reporter with
The Lewiston Tribune, where this
story originally appeared.)
This week's front page stories Page 1 of 1
Jackie Aymon named first female mayor of McCall
City's top job is mainly ceremonial
"We need to enrich the fabric of our local community. ".Iackie Aymon
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
Jackie Aymon was named last week as the first female mayor of the city of McCall.
Aymon, 59, was elected by her fellow council members test Thursday shortly after former
mayor Don Bailey ended his term.
Under McCall's council - manager system, Aymon will have few duties, as most of the
city's administrative power rests with McCall City Manager Gene Drabinksi.
.ra�icir.apuon She will serve as the ceremonial head of the city for the next two years and will chair the
meetings of the five - member city council.
"I am thrilled to be selected as the mayor of McCall," said Aymon, who works as a physician's
assistant.
"I love being a pail of this council, working with the city staff and wig continue to do the best job 1 can
in serving the people of McCall," she said.
Aymon was appointed to the council 2010 and was elected to a four -year term in 2011.
She was elected mayor on a 3 -2 vote along gender lines in which council member tvic Swanson also
declared his desire to he mayor_
"I feel that I have given a positive contribution to the council," said Swanson, 29, a contractor and
carpenter, in offering himself for the position.
Swanson voted for himself as did newly swom -in member Bob Giles. Aymon voted for herself and was
joined by council members Marcia Witte and Laura Scott.
Topics she plans to bring before the council include promoting wildfire prevention measures and
finding ways to bring the community together.
"There is a lot of energy and activity in McCall but there is a lack of cohesiveness," Aymon said. "We
need to enrich the fabric of our local community."
The city's infrastructure is in serious need of improvement, she said_ "It is a heavy lift and we are going
to have to figure out how to do that."
Aymon was bom in Boise, has been a homeowner in McCall since 1969 and has been a resident
since 2005. She holds degrees from the University of Washington, the University of Canberra, Australia
and Idaho State University.
She has been a member of several local civic committees, including chairing the McCall
Transportation Advisory Committee- She is married to Jean - Claude Aymon.
There have been 16 mayors, all male, since 1967, when the city converted to a mayor - council system,
according to city records. The city converted to the current council- manager system in 1994.
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This week's front page stories Page 1 of 1
Lighted 'Open' signs would be made legal in McCall
BY TOhf GROTE
The Star-News
Gail Richards says the lighted "Open" sign in the window of the MCPAWS Thrift Store in downtown
McCall is vital for the business.
"Many of the patrons are first -time walk -ins unaware of our hours," said Richards, the store's manager.
"Several have mentioned dropping by simply because the neon sign caught their attention."
Currently, however, the lighted "Open' signs found at many McCall businesses as well as flags saying
"Open" are illegal under the city's sign code.
That would change under a proposal to be heard on Tuesday by the McCall Area Planning and Zoning
Commission.
The P &Z will hold a public hearing on a proposed code change to allow the lighted "Open" signs and
flags saying "Open" along with other changes to the sign code.
The hearing will be held during the P&Z meeting that starts at 5.30 p.m. Tuesday in the tower level
meeting room at McCall City Hall.
The changes are intended to make legal what have become common practices, city planner Delta
Smith said.
"The planning and zoning commission understands that some owners consider these flags and neon
signs as important for their business, so it is proposing to revise the code to allow them," James said.
The current sign code does not permit flags saying "Open' and "Vandals' but the city has chosen not
to enforce the ban, Smith said.
The proposed changes are intended to bring the code in alignment with the city's enforcement
priorities, she said.
Allowing the lighted "Open" sign to remain in the window at Gallery Fifty Five in the McCall Mall would
mean a great deal to the artists cooperative, member Alan Giltzow said.
"We are open Sundays and several holidays when other businesses around us are not open; Giltzow
said "Tourists would not be aware that we were open on those days if the sign is not allowed."
http:// www. mccallstarnews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 1/30/2014
This week's front page stories Page I of I
McCall P &Z endorses keeping lighted 'Open' signs
The McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday endorsed changing the city's sign
code to allow lighted signs and flags with the word "Open" on them.
The current ordinance does not allow for lighted "Open' signs or flags to be used. But the city has
chosen not to enforce the ben, acknowledging their value in attracting customers.
Darrell Cobb of The Leisure Company, the only person to speak at a public hearing on the proposal,
endorsed the change.
"Being able to catch people's eyes when they are driving by is a big thing, especially a store like mine,"
Cobb told commissioners. "A lot of my customers are from other towns."
If he doesn't catch their eye, potential customers could go to other stores, possibly in other towns, he
said.
The proposed changes will now go to the McCall City Council, where a new public hearing will be hold
at a date to be announced.
http:// www. mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories_page.php 2/6/2014
Star -News News Page_Lead Story
McCall posts online survey on smoking ban
Council mulls whether to expand current statewide restrictions
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
The city of McCall has posted an online survey to field public opinion about expanding the ban on
smoking in public places. The two - question survey, at www.moeail.id.us, will be open until March 21.
The survey asks if respondents would favor a local law to prohibit smoking in various places.
Respondents are asked to vote "yes" or "no" on banning smoking in motel rooms, nursing home rooms,
patios and outdoor eating areas, and within 20 feet of public doorways.
A second question asks whether smoking should be banned or limited at the city's two golf courses,
the city -owned McCall Golf Course and the private, members -only Whitetail Golf Course.
Written comments can also be made on the survey, which does not request names or any other
information about respondents.
The survey answers will help council members decide d they should draft an ordinance expanding
restrictions on smoking already imposed by the state.
Since 2004, the Clean Indoor Au Act has banned smoking statewide in all enclosed public places
except for bars, tobacco stores, private clubs, designated motel smoking rooms, and break rooms in
businesses with fewer then five employees, among other places.
Last August, representatives from the activist group Smoke -Free Idaho urged the McCall City Council
to pass an ordinance expanding the state restrictions.
A public forum was held last October in which about 20 people attending were split over the need to
expand restrictions on smoking.
Three Cities Have Laws
In 2009, Moscow banned smoking in all enclosed workplaces, including bars and private clubs, and 20
feet from building entrances.
The Boise City Council followed suit in 2012, affecting bars, most outdoor patio dining areas, near bus
stops, in public parks and within 20 feet of the city's Greenbelt path.
Ketchum enacted a smoking ordinance ii April 2013 that affects parking lots, transit slops and other
places. Smoking in prohibited areas can prompt warnings and fines.
"Regulating tobacco is a perplexing issue which touches upon personal liberties, individual property
rights, public safety, and personal and community economics," the introduction to the McCall survey
said.
Valley County has a smoking population of 21 percent, which is almost 60 percent higher than the
national average of 15 percent, the introduction said.
Smoking - related illnesses cause more deaths in Valley County than any other causes, the introduction
said, citing information from the Central District Health Department.
Surveys also may be obtained by writing to eroper@mccall.id.us, or by going to the front desk at
McCall City Hall, 216 E. Park St.
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Page 1 of 1
2/27/2014
This week's front page stories
McCall PU to hear downtown zoning changes Tuesday
Proposal would ease permits for marry uses
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
Developers and business owners would have an easier path with the city of McCall for downtown
projeots under proposed zoning changes.
A public hearing on the changes is set for Tuesday during a meeting of the McCall Area Planning and
Zoning Commission. The hearing will be held during the meeting, which is set to start at 5:30 p.m.
Tuesday in the lower level meeting room at McCall City Hall.
The proposals are the first round of zoning changes to spring from the adoption of an updated
downtown master plan by the McCall City Council in December, city planner Delta James said.
The proposed changes would reduce the permits required by developers for mixed use development,
single and multi- family residential uses, and many commercial uses downtown and in the city's other
commercial zones, James said.
Examples where extensive city review would no longer be required include services, churches,
laundromats, private or vocational schools, and assisted - living homes.
The proposal also would remove the current ban on new street -front professional offices intended to
encourage retailers and visitor services facing streets.
The proposed changes also would eliminate the threshold where business owners downtown would be
required to provide sidewalks K the cost of their project was more than $20,000.
Instead, sidewalks would only be required if the cost of construction was "roughly proportional" to the
cost of sidewalks.
The P &Z's recommendation will go to the city council for final review.
The updated downtown plan also recommends a lakefront boardwalk, rebuilding the intersection of
Second and Lenora street into a public plaza and a review of the city's 35 -foot height limit on downtown
buildings.
Sack To
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Page I of I
2/27/2014
This week's front page stories
Downtown zoning changes stalled
by pending state legislation
BY CHRISTIE GROB
for The Star-News
A pending bill in the Idaho Legislature has hafted proposed changes In zoning laws for downtown
McCall.
The McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday held a public hearing on a series of
revisions intended to reduce city involvement for new businesses and other uses downtown.
The proposed changes would reduce the permits required by developers for mixed use development,
single and multi - family residential uses, and many commercial uses downtown and in the city's other
commercial zones.
The proposals are the first round of zoning changes to spring from the adoption of an updated
downtown master plan by the McCall City Council in December.
After hearing testimony, commissioners tabled the matter until its April t meeting due to a bill pending
in the legislature.
House Bill 480, sponsored by Republican Reps. Robert Anderst and Rick Youngblood, of Nampa, and
Ed Morse, of Hayden, would stop cities from requiring "specific exterior design aesthetics or
beautification beyond surface finishes" on buildings.
The bill wouldn't affect city standards for color, surface materials, signs, lighting or landscaping.
The sponsors say the bill would remove an obstacle to economic growth. The Idaho House of
Representatives approved the bill on Feb. 24 and It is pending in the Idaho Senate.
The bill would limit McCall's ability to decide on certain permits, making the process for citizens to
obtain these permits longer and more costly, Community Development Director Michelle Groeneveft
said.
Testimony was given during Tuesday's P&Z hearing on proposed sidewalk requirements.
The proposed changes would eliminate the current threshold where business owners downtown are
be required to provide sidewalks if the cost of their project was more than $20,000.
Instead, sidewalks would only be required if the oost of construction was "roughly proportional" to the
cost of sidewalks.
"I think the $20,000 sidewalk (requirement) needs to be better defined," May Hardware owner Rick
Faraday said.
Former Valley County Commissioner Tom Kerry also expressed his concern. "The sidewalks have to
be sensible; Kerr said.
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Page I of I
3/6/2014
Star -News News Page_Lead Story
McCall survey favors widening smoking ban
City council to decide whether to propose ordinance
can't hold my breath to avoid second -hand smoke in public. "
Comment in Favor of Smoking Ban
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -Neaps
A strong endorsement was given to broadening existing bans on smoking in McCall in an online
survey conducted by the city of McCall.
The survey respondents overwhelmingly favored banning smoking in bars, motel rooms, nursing home
rooms, outdoor eating areas and within 20 feet of public doorways, A smaller majority favored banning
or limited smoking on the city's two golf courses.
The McCall City Council will discuss the results of the survey at its next meeting next Thursday,
including whether to draft an ordinance.
A total of 350 people answered at least one question on the survey, which was posted on the city's
web site for a month ending March 21. The respondents were not required to provide their names or
where they lived.
The survey asked If respondents would favor a local law to prohibit smoking in various places.
Respondents favored banning smoking by 73 percent in bars, 77 percent in motel rooms, 81 percent in
nursing home rooms, 75 percent In paths and outdoor eating areas, and 76 percent within 20 feet of
public doorways.
Smaller majorities favored restrictions on smoking at the city-owned McCall Goff Course and the
private, members-only Whitetail Golf Course. A total of 59 percent said they wanted the golf courses to
be smoke -free while 67 percent favored limiting smoking in some way.
Mayor Encouraged
McCall Mayor Jackie Aymon was encouraged by the survey results.
"While I cannot speak for the council, I think it is time to step up and support a smoke -free ordinance,"
Aymon said.
"What I don't know is what the ordinance will look like and how broad it will be, all to be debated with
council and the public," she said.
Since 2004, the Idaho Clean Indoor Arc Act has banned smoking statewide in all enclosed public
places except for bars, tobacco stores, private clubs, designated motel smoking rooms, and break
rooms in businesses with fewer than five employees, among other places.
The cities of Moscow, Boise and Ketchum all have adopted smoking bans that are more restrictive
than the state law.
Last August, representatives from the activist group Smoke -Free Idaho urged the McCall council to
pass an ordinance expanding the state restrictions in order to reduce the harmful effects of second -hand
smoke.
Written Comments
Written comments were also accepted as part of the online survey.
"Come on McCall, let's go'no smoking'! one comment in favor of the smoking ban said. "Smokers
always have the option of smoking at their residence, but I can't hold my breath to avoid second -hand
smoke in public."
"Citizens and visitors should be allowed to enjoy our city, its restaurants, bars and businesses without
the negative Impacts of second -hand smoke," another comment In favor of the ban said.
"If someone wants to smoke, fine, but my personal liberties are impeded when I am forced to breathe
second -hand smoke," commented another respondent.
"Private businesses should have the right to choose whether to allow smoking on their premises," one
comment in opposition said. "The City of McCall should only be concerned with government entities and
leave the private sector alone."
Page 1 of 1
http: / /www.mccallstarnews.com/pages /lead _page.php 4/3/2014
This week's front page stories Page I of I
Group urges CO detectors in all vacation rentals
New fire code permits mandatory retrofits
"We realised we have a public health risk in our community. " —Bill Thomas
BY TOM GRO7T''
T he Mtr -News
A new group wants managers of vacation properties in and around McCall to install carbon monoxide
detectors after two mass poisonings this year
The letter comas at the same time new statewide fire codes allow cities and counties to require
installation of CO detectors in vacation rentals.
The McCall Area Carbon Monoxide Prevention Committee has sent a letter to property managers
asking them to install CO detectors where they are lacking.
"People who come to the McCall area and rent a vacation home expect to be safe," the letter said.
The group has arranged with local stores to stock CO detectors at a reduced cost, the letter said.
The new committee is made up ofrepresentatives of St. Luke's McCall, McCall Fire & EMS and "other
concerned citizens," said the letter, which was signed by Bill Thomas, director of social services at St.
Luke's McCall.
"We realized we have a public health risk in our community," Thomas said to The Star -News.
Two Incidents
On New Years Eve, 14 people were stricken in a vacation rental home on Dawn Drive near Donnelly
and were treated at the hospital. An alarm alerted the occupants to an exhaust leak from a propane
heater.
On Feb. 10, 10 guests at America's Best Value inn in McCall complained of headaches after being in
the motel's pool area. A three- month -old infant was treated at the hospital in the incident, which also
was caused by a malfunctioning propane heater.
Carbon monoxide cannot be smelled, seen or tested. Affected people can suffer headaches,
dizziness, weakness, confusion and, in extreme cases, death.
Properly managers contacted by The Star -News were mixed in their reaction.
"We welcome constructive ideas such as this and consider it a wake -up call that should not be
ignored," said Chris Kirk of Valet Vacation Rentals, which manages about 130 vacation rentals.
About half of the company's properties do not have CO detectors but many of those do not need
detectors because they are heated with electricity, Cyndi Bonetti on the company said.
"I think it's a good idea, "Diane Wlegand of McCall Vacations said. "I don't want anyone getting sick in
my rentals."
Ralph Appa of Four Seasons Rentals said the matter should be one of personal choice.
"1 would prefer if (St. Luke's) would spend their time finding ways to reduce the extraordinary costs of
my health care rather than trying to find ways to increase costs for my business, "Appa said.
New Fire Code
The new group's efforts come at the same time as an updated version of the International Fire Code
has been adopted by the state.
Part of the new code requires new buildings to have CO detectors and gives local agencies the option
of requiring existing vacation rentals to be retrofitted with the alarms.
Local fire districts have the power under state regulations to enforce the new Fire code requiring CO
detectors in new buildings, Idaho State Fire Marshal Mark Larson said.
However, fire districts cannot force owners ofexisting homes and condos used as short-term rentals to
install CO detectors unless local city councils or county commissioners first pass ordinances adopting
that portion of the fire codes, Larson said.
Even if that happens, enforcement of the code on existing homes is still discretionary on the part of the
fire districts, he said.
Thomas said his group has no current plans to encourage mandatory retrofitting, but to rely on
voluntary efforts by owners of rental properties.
http:// www. mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 4/3/2014
This week's front page stories
Proposal would expand state ban on smoking
BY TOM GROTE
The Star-Nem
A McCall ordinance that would expand current restrictions on smoking in public was ordered drafted
last week by the McCall City Council.
Council members told City Manager Gene Drabinski to draft an ordinance after an anonymous online
survey sponsored by the city showed strong support for expanding the smoking ban.
Council members said they wanted a draft proposal to be as broad as possible so that sections
opposed by the public could be removed before being adopted.
The areas where smoking would be banned under the draft law include all motel rooms, nursing home
rooms, patios and outdoor eating areas, and within 20 feet of public doorways. City parks are already
smoke -free but not the sidewalks adjacent to the parks.
The council did not tell Drabinksi to include a ban on smoking in places of employment. Similar bans
have been put into effect in Boise, Ketchum and Moscow.
Council members also did not include a smoking ban at the public McCall Golf Course and the private
Whitetail Goff Course after the online survey showed less enthusiasm for banning smoking in those
places.
Drabinski said that enforcing a smoking ban at the city-owned golf course would be difficult and
provoke conflicts. "The enforcement cure is worse than the disease on the golf course," he said.
The city can regulate smoking separately on the golf course by policy since the council controls
operations there, McCall City Attorney Bill Nichols said.
Council member Nic Swanson suggested smoking be banned only on the driving range and practice
green, where the most people congregate.
Mending Bridges
Mayor Jackie Aymon worried about drafting an ordinance that might be pared back later.
"We will piss a lot of people off up front, and sometimes those bridges are hard to mend, even with
changes," Aymon said. "I like to put my cards on the table and stand my ground."
Council member Laura Scott said she understands the health benefits of a wider smoking ban, but
was worried about limiting the right of choice.
Since 2004, the Clean Indoor Air Act has banned smoking statewide in all enclosed public places
except for bars, tobacco stores, private clubs, designated motel smoking rooms, and break rooms in
businesses with fewer then five employees, among other places.
Last August, representatives from the activist group Smoke -Free Idaho urged the council to pass an
ordinance expanding the state restrictions to protect nonsmokers from exposure to second -hand smoke.
Page 1 of 1
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McCall approves revised Lakeshore contract on construction waste
Hauler will get locked -in rates for giving up exclusivity
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
The McCall City Council last week approved new contract language with Lakeshore Disposal over the
hauling of construction waste in the city.
The council's action last Thursday resolves an objection raised last summer by a Lake Fork hauler
who said Lakeshore's contract excluded it from hauling construction waste.
The council asked for the changes after Tony Meckel Excavation complained that giving exclusive
rights to Lakeshore to haul construction waste would take away a large part of their business
Under the new wording, Lakeshore will no longer have exclusive rights to haul construction waste but
will compete with all haulers for that businesses.
In return, the city granted Lakeshore three concessions,
• An automatic approval of cost-of-living increases in Lakeshore's rates through July 2016- The
change allows Lakeshore to help recover an estimated $180,000 in expected lost revenue over 10 years
from losing the exclusive rights.
• The current 10 -year contract will automatically renew for five more years starting in 2023.
Lakeshore also will get a one -time 1 percent rate increase between this July and July 2016 to cover
the cost of new bear -proof containers, which need replacing more often than regular containers.
The original wording of the revision was rejected by Meckel Excavating when it was first aired last
November, so the council asked for the new wording that was approved lest week.
Legal Threat
Meckel Excavation relies on hauling construction waste for half of its business, with most of that
hauling done in McCall, The company protested to the city last summer when it was threatened with
legal action by Lakeshore if it continued hauling construction waste in the city.
Last week's action is the second time the contract with Lakeshore has been changed since it was
negotiated with the city a year ago. Prior to the city contract, Lakeshore picked up trash in McCall under
a contract with Valley County.
The original draft of the contract was criticized by the public because it would have required all
homeowners to have bear -proof containers even if they did not subscribe to Lakeshore's pickup service.
That language was taken out before the contract took effect July 1, 2013.
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McCall won't let marina rent paddleboards at Legacy Park
B}'TOM GROTE
The Star -Nenvs
Congestion, safety and tent awnings were cited last week by the McCall City Council to deny Mile High
Marina permission to launch rented paddleboards from Legacy Park.
During its regular meeting last Thursday, the council voted 4 -1 to deny the application by marina
operators to set up a concession tent at the public beach where paddleboards could be rented.
Currently, renters of paddleboards from the marina must carry their boards across the city boat ramp
to each the beach for launching into Payette Lake, Jennifer Smith of the marina told council members.
Having the boards already on the beach and marine employees present would be safer and more
convenient for customers, Smith said.
The McCall Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee voted on March 19 to recommend approval of
the rental site. But parks and recreation director Dennis Coyle told council members he disagreed with
the committee
C oyle noted the proposed location would be near where Cheap Thrills Rentals has rented jet skis for
the past four summers.
He said he spoke with Sgt. Jason Speer, the chief marine deputy for the Valley County Sheriffs Office,
who recommended against the permit.
"It is just a matter of time before something tragic happens," Coyle said.
Coyle would like to see the paddleboard rentals and other nonmotonzed watercraft launched from the
lake shore on the north side of the marina.
Before that happens, however, the lake bed must be cleared of metal and other debris generated
when the Boise Cascade Corp. sawmill operated on the lake shore until 1977, he said. That clean -up
could be expensive and time - consuming, Coyle said.
Council member Laura Scott made the motion to approve the permit for Legacy Park for one year with
the goal to move the rental site by 2015. "It's more free enterprise and I am in favor of that," Scott said.
Mayor Jackie Aymon seconded the motion in order to allow discussion but voted against Scott's
motion along with council members Bob Giles, Marcia Witte and Nic Swanson.
Aymon said she was worried about congestion and wanted "Legacy Park not looking like a tent
circus."
Swanson said he was opposed to any additional private concessions in public parks, but said turning
down the marina's request likely would not stop paddleboaders from launching from the beach on their
own.
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This week's front page stories
Mini -golf, go-cart track proposed for McCall lot
An 18 -hole mini -golf course and a track for electric go -carts are proposed for a vacant lot on North Third Street (Idaho 55) in McCall.
The "adventure attraction business" would be located at 314 N. 3rd Street near the intersection of North Third Street and Sunset Street.
A public hearing on the project is scheduled before the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission during its meeting starting at 5:30
p.m. Tuesday in the lower level meeting room of McCall City Hall.
Kent and Lori Barnes, currently Oregon residents, are applying for permits from the city to allow the business to open.
The couple plans to move to McCall to run the business, with proposed hours of operation between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. weekdays and
10 a.m. to midnight on weekends.
The business will be seasonal with the projected season between Memorial Day weekend and sometime in the fall.
A company that designed and built a similar mini -golf course in Joseph, Ore., would be used for the McCall project with an interest in
preserving the existing trees and natural surroundings, according to the application.
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McCall accepts $50,000 donation from Midas Gold
Renaming of Fairway Park deferred for later discussion
"We have to take a little bit of heartburn in order to improve our environment and our
economy. " - Jackie Aymon
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
The McCall City Council last week accepted the donation of $50,000 from Midas Gold Corp. to
renovate the baseball and softball fields at Fairway Park and to build restrooms and a concession stand.
Left undecided during last Thursday's regular meeting was what would be the new name of the park in
return for the Midas Gold donation and for how long. That question will be decided after a formal
donation agreement is drafted.
Council members asked Midas Gold to suggest names for the park with the council having the final
say on the name chosen.
The council tentatively approved the donation at its April 24 meeting but asked for public comment on
renaming Fairway Park. Comments received were split on the proposal.
A provision should be made to remove the Midas Gold name if the company's planned gold mine near
Yellow Pine violates environmental agreements, said Jeff McCune of Santa Barbara, Calif., and McCall.
"Some scandal or environmental catastrophe could result in a community park asset stuck with a
name with a bad history," McCune said.
Glenn and Patty Jacobsen supported the renaming. "It is nice to see improvements without raising
taxes on the locals," they said.
Meg Lojek said accepting the donation would be a "sell out to private corporations."
"It is ... free advertising for them, a huge tax break and represents 'dirty money' for the City of
McCall," Lojek said.
Midas Gold did not suggest renaming the park. That offer was made by McCall Parks and Recreation
Director Dennis Coyle during negotiations for the donation.
Mayor Jackie Aymon said she would prefer a name that included both the company's name and the
use of the park.
"I like Midas Gold Sports Complex at Fairway Park," Aymon said.
Balance Benefits
While she understands the feelings of opponents, the mayor said the benefits of the donation also
needs to be considered.
"Sometimes I have to vote for things like snowmobiles, that I don't particularly like to vote for," Aymon
said. "We have to take a little bit of heartburn in order to improve our environment and our economy."
Council member Nic Swanson said the donation would "significantly improve our most used public
park and make it something that we are proud of."
Last Thursday's discussion came just after the council approved a city policy for accepting donations
to the city's parks.
The new policy says naming rights would be considered for anyone donating at least half of the land
for a park or donating at least half the cost of construction. Naming rights would expire after 15 years,
under the new policy.
If the deal is finalized, the $50,000 from Midas Gold would be combined with other funds to complete
$114,000 of improvements at Fairway Park, located off Davis Street near the McCall Golf Course.
Those improvements would include:
• A building housing a bathroom and a concession stand: $83,000.
• New spectator seating: $15,000.
Drainage and grading work on Field B: $7,000.
• 28 tons of crushed lava rock for the infields on both Field A and Field B: $4,000.
Paving: $5,000.
Currently, portable toilets must be brought in for tournaments, the infield surfaces cause balls to
bounce dangerously, and geese swim in standing water on Field B, Coyle said
http: / /www.mccallstamews- com/pages /lead _page.php ' 7
5/.11/2014
Star -News News Page_Lead Story
McCall council approves go-cart track, golf course
Opponents say track in wrong place, will be noisy
"people don't put go -cart tracks in dw city. "—SlIove Karlsw&
BY TOM GROTE
The Stu -News
A track with electric go -carts and a miniature golf course along North Third Street (Idaho 55) was
approved last week by the McCall City Council.
The council voted 4-1 last Thursday to approve the
Moosetracks entertainment center on what is now a vacant
lot on North Third Street at Sunset Avenue.
The approval came despite protests of neighbors of the
site and owners of nearby businesses who said the project
would cause noise and congestion and drive away
customers.
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Kent and Lori Barnes of Stanfield. Ore., plan to build a Skaar show: tin d trig g.- d tmck foreground.
600 -toot track on the 1 -1l2 acre property used by up to 12 aoa miaieWm golf nurse, bw.kgmund, proposed
electric go-carts, which the couple said would operate much as i""f he Moo h-ks Pr.,.d approved lmt
more quietly than gasengine carts. The 18 -hole miniature
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golf course would feature waterfalls.
Both features would be served by a 2,400 square foot ticket office and concession area as well as a
13 -space parking lot. The business plans to hire seven to 10 employees and operate from spring to fall.
Screened From Neighbors
The go-cart track will be screened from neighboring properties and will not feature artificial race -car
noises found at go-cart tracks elsewhere, Kent Barnes said.
This year, the couple plans to complete Me mini -golf course and a temporary ticket office, with the go-
-cart track and permanent sales office completed in 2015.
The couple also has agreed to spend more than $200,000 to build a sidewalk along Sunset Street and
sidewalks, curbs and gutters along North Third Street with eight new parking spaces.
In return, the city will spend about $400,000 to replace inadequate water lines in the area as well as
bury overhead utility lines.
The original proposal had called for Moosetracks to operate until 11 p.m. on weekdays and midnight
on weekends, but the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commissioner changed the dosing hours on
those days to 10 p.m. when it approved the plan by a 5-1 vote on May 6.
Among the opponents speaking during the 2 -112 hour public hearing were Mike Anderson, who lives
on nearby Country Craftsman Loop.
"The sounds of laughter and excitement following a hole in one, or an expletive following a missed
putt, plus the high whine of the go -carts racing are not something the neighbors will find entertaining or
tolerable after the dinner hour," Anderson said.
Steve Karistedt of McCall, who owns the vacant building just south of the site, said the go-cart track
should be located near the McCall Airport or elsewhere where noise would not be a problem.
"People don't put go -cart tracks in the city; Karistedt said "I don't want to see California come to
McCall."
Poorlmage
Ed Elliott of McCall said the proposal would reflect poorly on McCall's image. "Maybe we need
hydroplane races on Payette Lake and more jet ski rentals at the Legacy Park beach," Elliot said.
Peggy Whitescarver, owner of Cheap Thrills Rentals, said a study needs to be done on the effect on
traffic of Moosetracks.
The area is already congested in the summer with people parking indiscriminately Whitescarver said.
"They just park wherever they want because they are tourists, and they're entitled; she said.
One business owner speaking in favor of Moosetracks was Todd Hicks, owner of the nearby Subway.
"It is something that is going to bring more people to town or come here more often,' Hicks said. "If
they stop coming, we stop being here'
A written comment in favor of the project came from Michele Hughes, a board member of the Yellow
Couch Teen Center. Hughes called Moosetracks, "a safe haven and positive location for teens in
McCall."
Council member Marcia Witte was the tone vote on the council against Moosetracks. "I really like the
project and I will be there, I just don't feel convinced it is in the right location," Witte said.
Council member Nic Swanson also said he had reservations about the use of the land, but supported
Moosetracks.
"It is centered around fun and it fulfills our goal of making that part of town more exciting to be a part
of," Swanson said.
McCall Mayor Jackie Aymon said parents of youths brought to Moosetracks would visit surrounding
shops and restaurants.
"Even though it is an unusual place to have this kind of business, I think it will be pretty neat," Aymon
said.
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5/29/2014
Star -News News Page—Lead Story
Citizens group recommends 1% sales tax in McCall
Money would be used to rebuild streets, replace water & sewer lines
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
McCall voters should approve a 1 percent general sales tax to fund needed work above and below the
city's streets, a citizen panel has recommended to the McCall City Council.
The panel, organized by McCall City Manager Gene Drabinski, wants the council to put the question to
voters on the Nov. 4 general election ballot.
The 1 percent tax would be levied on the same items as the current state sales tax and generate an
estimated $1 million per year, Drabinksi said.
The McCall City Council will get its first look at the proposal during a work session set to start at 3 p.m.
Friday, June 27, in the lower level meeting room at McCall City Hall.
The money raised from the proposed tax would be dedicated entirely to streets, water and sewer lines
and other infrastructure that has been neglected for decades, according to the committee's
recommendation.
Do Downtown First
Rebuilding downtown streets and sidewalks and replacing the water and sewer lines under them
should be the city's first priority, according to the 13- member committee, of which nine are owners or
managers of McCall businesses.
Improvements above and below First, Second, Park and Lenora streets and the alley that splits the
downtown will cost an estimated $5.7 million.
The street surfaces are old and will soon turn to gravel, according to a summary of the needed
improvements. The sewer lines downtown are old and too small, and some of the water lines are made
of lead and copper, which do not meet federal standards.
After the downtown projects are completed, future street projects would be determined by a new
Capital Improvement Advisory Group following a 10 -year master plan.
They tax money also could be used as matching funds for grants to build sidewalks and streetscapes,
according to the recommendation from the panel, which has been meeting since last October.
A general sales tax is a fair tax, said committee member Mark Sabin, manager of Bruneel Tire in
McCall.
"All who partake of the opportunity for goods and services in this city will pay the tax, whether they live
outside the city ... or are here for a week of vacation, or are simply passing through town and stop at a
convenience store," Sabin said.
The city has a responsibility to provide safe and secure streets and other infrastructure, said
committee member Sherry Maupin, manager of Idaho First Bank.
"I believe that infrastructure is one area that we should all band together and create the needed funds
to complete," Maupin said.
Progress Needed
A sales tax is the only way the city is going to make progress on needed work, said committee
member Scott Faraday, co -owner and manager of May Hardware.
"It is an embarrassment to drive over our roads in their current state, and that is just what you can see
on the surface," Faraday said "Apparently, as I learned in these meetings, the state of our water /sewer
systems is even more dilapidated."
One dissenting committee member was Rod Nielsen, co-owner of Southside Grill, who said spending
the proposed tax first on downtown streets was the wrong priority.
"We need to start from the outside in," Nielsen said, referring to streets in residential neighborhood.
"Many of those streets are like the Third World."
Spending money to upgrade residential streets would help assure passage of the new tax, he said.
"To tack on another 1 percent, you have to have a pretty good product to sell," Nielsen said.
Here is the list of the advisory committee members. All are owners or managers of the businesses
listed unless noted:
Dan Krahn, Krahn's Home Furnishings.
Dean Martens, former McCall mayor.
Mark Sabin, Bruneel Tire.
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6/19/2014
Star -News News Page—Lead Story Page 2 of 2
• Mike Anderson, The McCall Real Estate Company.
• Rick Fereday, May Hardware
• Scott Fereday, May Hardware
• Rod Nielsen, Southside Grill
• Colby Nieslen, manager, Little Ski Hill.
• Rory Veal, associate broker, The McCall Real Estate Company.
• Scotty Davenport, The McCall Store and The McCall Candy Company.
• Sherry Maupin, Idaho First Bank.
Steve Harkrader, Hometown Pizza.
• Steve Millemann, attorney.
http: / /www.mccallstamews.com/pages /lead _page.php 6/19/2014
This week's front page stories
McCall council moves forward with citywide smoking ban
Proposal would ban smoking in workplaces, on golf course
"Many people will perceive this as overreaching. " - Gene Drabinski
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
The McCall City Council moved ahead last week toward adopting a citywide ban on smoking in work
places as well as most public places in McCall.
At their regular meeting last Thursday, council members tentatively approved a draft ordinance to
expand the current state ban on smoking.
The action was taken despite opposition by McCall City Manager Gene Drabinkki and the owner of the
only bar in McCall that still allows smoking.
Council members still want to do a line -by -line review of the ordinance, but no date was set for that
review.
Under the current draft, smoking would be banned in all work places, something that was not included
in a previous draft reviewed in April by the council.
The work -place ban would include conference and meeting rooms, private offices, retail spaces and
showrooms, elevators, hallways, cafeterias, employee lounges, stairs, restrooms, and garages.
New areas where smoking would be banned include all motel rooms, patios and outdoor eating areas,
within 20 feet of public doorways and nursing home rooms.
As written, the new draft would ban smoking on the McCall Golf Course as well as in and around the
golf course clubhouse.
At their last discussion of the proposal, in April, council members said they were inclined against a ban
at the golf course after opposition was expressed in an online survey.
Private Homes still OK
Smoking would still be allowed in private homes, tobacco shops and during Native American
ceremonies.
The ordinances calls for a one -year education period before the new restrictions are enforced.
After that, a first -time violator would be issued a warning, while a second -time violator within two years
would be fined $25. A third violation within two years would draw a fine of $52.
Drabinksi urged council members not to widen the state ban.
"There is nothing more personal that your addictions," he said. "Many people will perceive this as
overreaching on the part of the council."
Instead, the city should focus on education to reduce the number of smokers in the city and prevent
teens from starting smoking, Drabinkki said. Expansion of the state ban can be imposed if education
fails, he said.
Tim Garber, owner of The Mill/Beside The Mill, the only McCall bar that allows smoking, said he would
have difficulty, telling the wounded war veterans among his customers they have to smoke outside.
'I have a hard time understanding how anybody can tell somebody who is over 21 and who doing
something legal how to act," Garber said.
"It has nothing to do with the health issue, it has everything to do with having to push my morals or
your morals on these people," he said.
Morality or Protection
Mayor Jackie Aymon told Garber she did not think the question was over preaching morality. "It is
more about protecting employees from second -hand smoke than the people who actually smoke,"
Aymon said.
Since 2004, the Clean Indoor Air Act has banned smoking statewide in all enclosed public places
except for bars, tobacco stores, private clubs, designated motel smoking rooms, and break rooms in
businesses with fewer than five employees, among other places.
The discussion of new restrictions in McCall began last August, when representatives from the activist
group Smoke -Free Idaho urged the council to expand state restrictions to protect nonsmokers from
exposure to second -hand smoke.
Similar expansions of the state ban have been adopted in Boise, Ketchum and Moscow, and is now
under consideration in Garden City.
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This week's front page stories Page 1 of 2
McCall local - option tax panel recommends funding list
City council will make final decision on grants
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
Twenty -five organizations would share $280,000 in McCall local- option tax money under a
recommendation presented to the McCall City Council on Friday.
The 25 groups would share in the money expected to be collected between last Oct. 1 and Sept. 30
from the city's 2 percent sales tax on motel rooms, rental homes and condos and campgrounds within
the city.
The McCall Local Option Tax Commission presented its recommendations to council members during
a work session on Friday to prepare the 2014 -15 budget that starts on Oct. 1.
Council members can approve, deny or change any of the recommendations of the commission, with
the next budget deliberations scheduled for July 18.
In the budget year ending Sept. 30. 2013, the city collected $307,000 in local- option taxes, the most in
the eight years the tax had been collected to that point.
The commission is hoping at least $275,000 is collected this year, so the first round of funding was cut
off at the 25 requests.
If more than $275,000 is collected, then the commission recommended funding seven more
applications totaling up to $50,000.
Applications from six other organizations totaling $114,000 were turned down by the commission.
Requests Pared Back
Applications totaling $615,000 were received by the city for this year's grants, including requests from
city departments. The 25 applications recommended for the first round of funding totaled $361,000, but
the advisory commission pared those requests back to $279,000.
City law says the local option tax can be used for a variety of purposes, including streets and
sidewalks, cultural and recreation facilities, parks, the McCall Golf Course and McCall Public Library,
tourism development and MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter.
Here is a list of the commission's recommendations. The number in parentheses is the amount
requested while the second number is the amount recommended for funding.
Recommend For Funding Up To $275,000 in Tax Collections
City of McCall - Administration Costs ($16,000) $16,000
Payette Lakes Ski Club - Bear Basin Nordic Center Grooming ($15,000) $15,000
• McCall Area Snowmobilers - Trail Grooming ($36,000) $36,000
McCall Chamber of Commerce - 2015 4th of July Fireworks ($10,000) $8,000
• McCall Chamber of Commerce - 2015 Winter Carnival Fireworks ($10,000) $8,000
McCall Area Chamber of Commerce - ITC Grant Match ($22,000) $22,000
Adaptive Wilderness Sports of McCall (AWeSOMel) - A -Frame Expansion ($3,750) $3,750
• McCall Nordic Ski Club - McCall Re- Mastered Event Promotion ($5,000) $5,000
• Idaho Hockey Foundation - Idaho Junior Steelheads ($16,000) $14,000
• Payette Lakes Ski Club - Bear Basin Nordic Center Groomer purchase ($20,000) $10,000
McCall Winter Sports Nordic Team - McCall Winter Sports Youth Team ($4,000) $4,000
McCall Winter Sports Club - Capital Investments ($10,315) $8,000
McCall Golf Course - Recycle Equipment Wash Station ($38,000) $30,000
McCall Parks & Recreation -Brown Park & Furniture ($20,382) $13,500
McCall - Pathways Wayfinding Signs & Separation ($11,750) $8,000
• McCall Arts & Humanities Council - Cabin Fever ($2,420) $2,420
• Alpine Playhouse - 2014 Improvements ($5,500) $5,000
MCPAWS - Medical Costs ($20,000) $10,000
• McCall Public Library - Circulation Desk Remodel ($10,000) $8,000
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This week's front page stories Page 2 of 2
.[ -
• Payette Lakes Community Association - Summer Sensation ($950) $950
• McCall Folklore Society - Summer Music Festival ($2,500) $2,500
• McCall Senior Citizens and Community Center - Wood stove ($6,000) $2,000
• McCall Music Society - SummerFest 2015 ($5,550) $2,500
• McCall Public Works - Samson Trail -Park Street ($25,000) $25,000
Treasure Valley Transit - Bus Routes ($45,000) $20,000
Recommended for Funding Up to $325,000 in Tax Collections
• McCall Golf Course - Recycling Equipment Wash Station ($38,000) $8,000
• McCall Area Chamber of Commerce - 2015 Winter Carnival Fireworks ($10,000) $2,000
• McCall Area Chamber of Commerce - 2015 4th of July Fireworks ($10,000) $2,000
• McCall Winter Sports Club - Capital Investments ($10,315) $2,315
• McCall Area Chamber of Commerce - 50th McCall Winter Carnival, travel media tour, ($10,000)
$10,000
• McCall Parks & Rec. - Name Signs for Parks ($11,000) $10,000
• Richard J. Sabala Foundation, Manchester Ice and Event Centre, Sound System, Heating System,
Front Door Repairs, ($31,000) $15,000
Not Recommended For Funding
The Woodlands - Life & Safety Egress $17,500
• Alpine Village /PlayLive - Free Outdoor Summer Movies $1,000
• MCPAWS - Okoberfest $3,150
McCall Golf Course - 300 Gallon Sprayer $35,000
- Treasure Valley Transit - Transit Center $37,500
• McCall Airport - Above Ground Diesel Fuel Tank $20,000
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This week's front page stories Page 1 of 1
McCall council to keep 3% property-tax hike - for now
Final decision to be made as 2015 budget is nailed down
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
A 3 percent increase in property taxes to support city government next year may be needed, members
of the McCall City Council said last week.
Three of the four council members present at a budget work session on Friday said they wanted to
keep the 3 percent increase allowed by state law in the budget for now.
The tax hike could be removed by the council before a tentative budget is due to be adopted next
month. The council will meet again on July 18 to discuss the 2014 -15 budget, which will take effect on
Oct. 1.
If no tax increase was imposed, the city would still collect $4.7 million in property taxes for general
government services, including police, streets, parks, airport, recreation, library, golf course, community
development and administration.
The city's water and sewer systems are self - supporting and funded with fees.
Approving a 3 percent increase would add another $142,000 in property taxes.
State law also allows cities to collect property taxes gained from new construction without a limit. That
amount is estimated to be $72,000 for next year and is also being kept in the budget.
Less likely to be levied are two years of property-tax increases that were not adopted by previous city
councils but, by law, can be accumulated and spent in later years. That held -back amount totals
$258,000.
Council members Marcia Witte, Bob Giles and Jackie Aymon, who is also mayor, said they wanted to
keep all the allowed tax increases in the budget until the full spending plan could be studied in more
detail.
Council member Nic Swanson argued against a tax increase, saying it would damage the council's
image among taxpayers.
"It is how do you want to spend what political capital you have," Swanson said.
"if you don't raise property taxes at all this year, you get a bump in political capital by telling them
we're not trying to get at them from all angles," he said.
Council member Laura Scott was absent from Friday's budget discussion.
http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 6/19/2014
Star -News News Page—Lead Story
Star Spangled Manners
Fourth of July busy, but no serious incidents reported
BY TOM GROTE
The Star-News
Some people misbehaved over the Fourth of July weekend in Valley County, but there were no
serious incidents from those celebrating Independence Day, officials said.
The annual impromptu beach party at North Beach on Payette Lake went smoothly with the 750 -
person limit enforced along with strict rules on traffic and parking, Idaho State Police public information
officer Teresa Baker said.
Some people avoided the roadblocks by swimming or boating to the beach, Baker said.
There were fewer ISP officers needed this year due to the 750 -person quota, she said.
"There were also local agency officers dressed in casual attire monitoring the behavior on the beach,"
Baker said.
ISP officers charged 19 people at North Beach with underage drinking. Five people were arrested for
driving while intoxicated and four people received citations for illegal drug possession, she said.
North Beach was the location of a "near drowning" on Friday reported by McCall Fire & EMS.
A 17- year -old boy was swimming about 4:30 p.m. when he tired and was seen slipping under the
water, Chief Mark Billmire said.
Two people on jet skis pulled the boy from the water, Billmire said. "He was unresponsive for a few
seconds but began coughing and became responsive almost immediately," he said. The youth's name
was not released.
On Saturday, a 13-year-old boy fell from a boat and was cut by propeller on his left leg. The boy,
whose identify was not released, was taken to St. Luke's McCall for treatment, Billmire said.
A total of 31 people were booked into Valley County Jail on 70 separate offenses between last
Thursday and Monday, Records & Evidence Technician Brandi E. Huskey said.
Lots of Speeders
The sheriffs office issued 25 tickets for speeding during the weekend, including two speeding tickets
issued to boat operators, Huskey said.
Eight people were cited by sheriffs deputies for underage drinking and four people were arrested for
drunk driving, she said.
McCall Police Department officers made 165 traffic stops and Issued 27 citations during the weekend,
Sgt. Pete Rittenger said.
McCall officers responded to 14 calls of disturbing the peace, 13 reports of found property, eight
parking complaints, seven traffic accidents and five animal calls, Rittenger said.
The emergency room at St. Luke's McCall saw 108 patients between Friday and Sunday, the highest
three -day total since such counts were started nine years ago, hospital spokesperson Lyle Nelson said.
On Saturday, the busiest day of the weekend, the hospital had all five treatment bays in the
emergency room filled and had to press a vacant patient room into service as a sixth bay, Nelson said.
Among the patients seen were for sports injuries, home accidents, alcohol poisoning, lacerations,
illnesses and fish hook extractions, he said.
Page 1 of 1
http: / /www.mccallstamews.com /pages /lead _page -php 7/10/2014
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http : / /www.mccallstamews.com/pages /groups _page -php 7/10/2014
Star -News News Page—Lead Story Page 1 of 1
Online survey asks opinion of 1% McCall sales tax
Council hopes to put measure on Nov. 4 ballot
BY TOM GROTE
The Stu -News
An online survey by the city of McCall is asking for public opinion of a proposed 1 percent general
sales tax to repair city streets and the water and sewer lines underneath them.
Meanwhile, the McCall City Council told McCall City Manager Gene Drabinksi last Thursday that they
wanted to see the measure put before voters on the Nov. 4 general election ballot.
The survey, at www.mccall.id.us, has three questions and provides spaces for written comments.
Paper copies of the survey also can be filled out McCall City Hall or downloaded from the website and
delivered to city hall. The survey doses next Thursday, July 24.
The first question asks respondents whether they would favor raising the current 6 percent statewide
sales tax to 7 percent in McCall only. Estimates say the tax would raise at least $1 million per year.
The survey asks the respondents whether they would vote for the tax if it was spent on:
• Street surfacing.
• Stormwater Management
Sewer and water lines and fiber -optic cable.
Sidewalks and bike and pedestrian paths.
Pathways Added
The item on pathways was added by council members during their discussion at their regular meeting
last Thursday at McCall City Hall.
"If there is an opportunity to get a pathway connections accomplished to get people off the roads, it is
a whole package deal," council member Nic Swanson said.
Mayor Jackie Aymon agreed, saying pathways were "a public health issue and an economic driver."
The second question on the survey asks if respondents would favor using a portion of the 1 percent
tax to replace property taxes. A property -tax relief fund is allowed under the state law authorizing the
tax.
If a tax is passed by the required 60 percent majority, a third question asks whether city staffers or a
citizens advisory board should make recommendations on the priorities for spending the new money.
The issue was raised last week when Drabinksi reviewed a recommendation by an ad hoc citizens
panel that a citizens board not bound by the state's open meeting law should advise him on spending
priorities.
Drabinksi said he opposed that move, and council members agreed the advisory process should be
open. However, there was disagreement whether a citizens group was even necessary.
Drabinski said he was confident that "streets professionals" could set priorities based on need rather
than politics.
The survey also asks respondents whether they are residents of McCall, whether they are registered
voters of the city, and whether they are "part of McCall's business community."
If the tax is approved, it should come up for renewal in 10 years, council members said.
Council members also said they wanted to see the issue put on the November ballot so that the new
tax could be collected as soon as possible if the measure passes.
To see the 4th
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McCall council approves downtown radio tower over opposition
Alpine Village owners say 77 foot tower would be eyesore
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
A 77 -foot emergency radio tower was approved for downtown McCall last week by the McCall City
Council over opposition from neighbors.
The council voted 4-0 to approve the tower, which is to be placed on the west side the McCall Police
Department building behind McCall City Hall on Park Street.
A 55 -foot metal lattice tower would be erected on the site with a 22 foot antenna on top, McCall Police
Chief Justin Williams said.
The site is the same location where a wooden pole that once served as a communications antenna
was located. That pole was recently taken down because it was leaning and rotting, Williams said.
The metal tower would be four feet higher than the wooden pole, he said.
The metal tower is currently located on a Valley County Sheriffs Office building in Cascade and is
being replaced with a taller tower to improve reception in the Cascade area.
The sheriffs office would donate the tower to McCall and a $10,000 grant from the Idaho Bureau of
Homeland Security would buy radio repeater equipment, Williams said.
The new McCall tower would broadcast signals from Valley County Dispatch in Cascade to all police,
fire and ambulance agencies in Valley County and would provide better reception in the northern part of
the county, he said.
Moved to West Side
The tower's original location was planned for the east side of the police station, but that location was
opposed by owners of condos at Alpine Village, whose views would include the tower.
The location was moved to the west side but would still be visible by some Alpine Village owners,
Williams said.
Condo owner Steve Testardi told council members that the new tower would be an eyesore.
"The old tower was a phone pole, it kinda looked like a dead tree," Testardi said.
"This thing is going to be shiny, galvanized steel, so we think it will be more obstrustve," he said.
"There are clearly other places that it can be put."
Testardi was worried other antennae would be allowed to be added to the metal tower later on,
causing a greater eyesore.
Alpine Village developer Michael Hormeachea called the tower "absurd "
"With all the time and money the city has invested in their master pan and trying to make the
downtown a viable and interesting place, this is the worst place to put this," Hormeachea told council
members.
Williams said other sites were researched, but the downtown site was the only place where the
county's tower would work.
Placing the tower elsewhere would requiring buying a taller tower and equipment with money the city
does not have, he said.
The proposed tower must be built by Aug. 31 or else the state grant for the repeater equipment will be
lost, he said.
Mayor Jackie Aymon said the police department building was unsightly and the new tower "might
make it better looking."
"I just can't imagine it being the worst thing in the world," Aymon said.
Aymon was joined by council member Nic Swanson, Marcia Witte and Bob Giles in approving the new
tower. Council member Laura Scott was absent.
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McCall council considers putting 1% sales tax on ballot
Citizens panels says distrust is rampant among voters
"There is a core distrust and animosity. " --Steve Millemann
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
Members of the McCall City Council on Friday were told a new tax was needed to rebuild city streets,
but were warned they had work to do to persuade voters of the need.
During a special meeting at McCall City Hall, 12 of the 13 members of a citizens advisory committee
gathered by City Manager Gene Drabinksi told council members the city's streets and the water and
sewer lines under them were in dire shape following decades of neglect.
No decisions were made by the council, which will take up the topic again at its July 10 regular
meeting.
A 1 percent local- option sales tax would raise at least $1 million per year, but the citizens committee
said the city faces a difficult sales job with the voters. A 60 percent majority is required to pass a local -
option tax.
Several members of the citizens group, made up mostly of business owners and managers, urged the
council to place the ballot on the Nov. 4 ballot so that projects could be started next year. Aug. 28 would
be the last day the council could authorize a November vote.
Mayor Jackie Aymon said she was not sure there was enough time to educate the public about the tax
before Nov. 4.
"Everybody has to be on board, otherwise they are just going to say no," Aymon said.
The committee has been meeting since last October to advise Drabinksi on what parts of the city's
infrastructure need fixing the most and to best way to pay for it.
Hold The Line
Committee members cautioned that the city needs to demonstrate to voters that it was willing to hold
the line on expenses elsewhere in the city.
"There is widespread perception of some irresponsible behavior in the past," said Mike Anderson,
owner of The McCall Real Estate Co. Action needs to be taken "to convince the voters that the city is
sharing in the pain," Anderson said.
Some committee members also disagreed with a statement issued last month by Drabinski saying the
panel favored rebuilding downtown streets first.
Improvements above and below First, Second, Park and Lenora streets and the alley that splits the
downtown would cost an estimated $5.7 million, according to city figures.
"There are a lot of people who live on beat -up streets," said Colby Nielsen, manager of the Little Ski
Hill. "If you focus on the downtown core, you are not going to get a tax to pass."
Several committee members urged the council to present a specific long -term schedule to voters
detailing which streets would be repaired and in what order to help sell a new tax.
There is a strong mood of distrust among city residents, said Sherry Maupin, manager of Idaho First
Bank.
"The people are feeling a little bit of government overreach," Maupin said, noting the city's adoption
last year of bear -proof trash cans and its current consideration of a citywide smoking ban.
"You really need them to be on the same page with improving our city and that they have a voice to do
that," she said.
McCall attorney Steve Millemann said the suspicion also stemmed from the city's actions during the
recent economic downturn.
"There is a core distrust and animosity over the perception that while the rest of the community bled,
cut, chop and survived, the city spent and grew," he said.
Paid by Visitors
Emphasis needs to be made to voters that most of the proposed sales tax would be paid by visitors,
May Hardware owner Rick Fereday said.
A total of 75 percent of local- option taxes levied in Sun Valley and Ketchum are paid by visitors, while
locals pay 25 percent of the tax, according to a study cited by Ketchum Finance Manager Sara Edwards.
The cities of Ketchum and Sun Valley each collect a 2 percent local- option tax, Edwards said.
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P &Z to make decision Aug. 5 on Village on Lake Street
BY CHRISTIE GROB
for The Star -News
Steve and Patricia Minor will have to wait a month to find out if the McCall Area Planning and Zoning
Commission will endorse the couple's proposed mixed -used development on East Lake Street.
After a public hearing dominated by positive comments, commissioners decided to keep the hearing
open until its next meeting on Aug. 5.
The Minors want the city to approve the general development plan for The Village on Lake Street,
which would see three building with up to 27 condos, up to 8,700 square feet retail and restaurant
space, and up to 5,300 feet of office space.
The project would be located on 1.73 acres just west of Paul's Market between East Lake Street and
Park Street.
Eight people spoke at Tuesday's hearing at McCall City Hall and several emails were sent to the P8Z
on the project.
Four comments voiced concerns about the project's effect on its neighbors, including infrastructure
requirements, snow removal and the size of the buildings in proximity to neighboring homes.
"My concern is just having another beautiful building standing empty," Christina Doice of McCall said.
Patty Rowland of McCall said she was concerned the plans for 55 parking spaces was not enough to
handle recreational vehicles.
Rowland cited the number of RVs in the parking lot of the Crystal Beach Condos near the proposed
development.
"They have plenty of parking and there is hardly room for all of the RVs and snowmobiles," she said.
Supporters lauded the Minors and their ability to produce a high - quality project.
"I endorse the project completely and I think it's an excellent addition to the community" Michael
Anderson of McCall said.
Paul's Market Manager Michael Pedersen also endorsed the project, expressing enthusiasm for future
relations between the supermarket and the project's occupants.
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McCall will not take 3% property -tax increase
Merit wages will be smaller, golf fees to rise
BY TOM GROTE
The Star-News
Property taxes will not be increased under a tentative 2015 budget for the city of McCall approved last
Friday by the McCall City Council.
Council members were able to balance the budget without adding 3 percent to the base of property tax
collections as allowed by state law.
However, the balanced budget will mean city employees will get smaller raises and fees at the McCall
Golf Course will go up.
Council members approved a tentative budget that includes a total of $4.8 million in property taxes.
Taking the allowed 3 percent increase would have added an additional $142,000.
A public hearing on the proposed budget will be held at the council's regular meeting on Aug. 28. The
budget goes into effect on Oct. 1.
Under the tentative budget, each department head will be given money equal to 1 -1/2 percent of total
salaries to distribute to employees based on merit. The city had 102 year -round and seasonal
employees in June.
That amount was reduced from the 3 percent merit increases that were in the budget as of the
council's June 13 budget work session but where the 3 percent tax increase was still built in.
Three administrative employees will be given larger pay raises to help make up the gap between their
salaries and those in comparable cities elsewhere.
The salaries of Network Administrator Chris Curtin, Human Resources Director Traci Malvich and
Streets Superintendent Cris Malvich were found to be at least 9 percent under than those found in the
salary survey, McCall City Manager Gene Drabinski told council members.
The city is looking at an increase in health - insurance premiums of about 13 percent, which will cost the
city an additional $70,000 next year for a total of $645,000 in insurance premiums.
The city pays all the premiums for employee health insurance, but employees must pay to add family
members. The tentative budget adopted on Friday keeps that arrangement in place.
Golf Course Cuts
More savings were found in the budget of the McCall Golf Course, which receives an annual property
tax subsidy to maintain operations.
The subsidy was scheduled to go from $85,000 this year to $119,000 next year, but Drabinski
proposed capping the subsidy at $100,000. The difference would be made up in an increase in golf fees
for the 2015 golf season, he said.
Property taxes pay for general government services, including police, streets, parks, airport,
recreation, library, golf course, community development and administration.
The city's water and sewer systems are self- supporting and funded with fees.
Although the 3 percent increase was not taken, overall property taxes will still increase by $69,000
under a provision in state law that allows new taxes to be levied for new construction.
The council also chose not to dip into a set -side fund of $258,000 made up of allowed property tax
increases that were not taken in previous years.
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This week's front page stories
McCall survey split over 1% sales tax for streets
Public forum on proposal set for Aug. 13
BY TOM GROTF
The Star-News
Slightly more registered voters in McCall are likely to vote for a new 1% sales tax to repair city streets
than those who will not, the results of an online survey said.
The McCall City Council reviewed the survey last week at DEAD FALL
the same time council members scheduled a public forum on
the proposed tax for Wednesday, Aug. 13. The forum will
begin at 6 p.m. in the McCall- Donnelly High School
commons.
A total of 192 respondents replied to the anonymous online
survey, between July 14 and July 24, with 105 of that
posted
total saying they were registered voters.
Of the 105 registered voters, 45 percent they were 'very
likely" to vote for a new tax, while 40 percent said they were
+ '�► a
?.'.
"not likely" to vote for tax and 15 percent were "somewhat" in
ALV
favor.
Sw Pleb by i Gma
-Nv. ®i
Maintemm- workers tending Finn Cemetery
There are 1,636 registered voters in the city, according to
somheastof WCalltook shelteriustbefore, high
Valley County voter records. A 60 percent majority is need to
wards toppled this large tree inside the cemetery
ass a local-option tax in resort cities, under Idaho law.
p p
about 4 p.m. Tuesday. The felled tree was the only
serious incident reported from thunderstorms that
moved through the area.
Council members spent part of last Thursday's regular
meeting reviewing a draft ordinance that would put the measure on the Nov. 4 general election ballot.
Aug. 28 is the last day the council can approve the ordinance for the measure to appear on the Nov. 4
ballot.
$1 Million Per Year
Estimates say at least $1 million per year could be raised by raising the statewide sales tax from 6
percent to 7 percent in McCall on the same items taxed by the state.
The money would be spent on repairing the city's streets as well as water and sewer mains below
targeted streets as needed.
The money also would be spent on sidewalks along heavily traveled streets as well as bicycle and
pedestrian paths outlined in the city's master pathways plan.
Among the 192 total respondents, both city residents and non - residents, 48 percent said they were
"very likely" to vote for the sales tax, while 36 percent were "not likely" to approve and 16 percent were
"somewhat" in favor.
Another question on the three - question survey asked if a new sales tax should be used to reduce
property taxes, a use allowed under state law.
A total of 70 percent of respondents opposed that use, leading council members to conclude citizens
wanted as much money as possible devoted to street repairs.
In a third question, 60 percent of respondents said they would prefer a citizens committee be
appointed to advise the council on the priorities of the projects to be built with a new tax.
A total of 40 percent of those taking the survey said the council should set priorities using
recommendations from city staffers.
Back To IndexiMenu
Excepts of Comments From 1% Sales Tax Survey
Here are excerpts from some of the 74 comments received as part of the city online survey on a
proposed 1 percent local- option sales tax.
All comments were submitted anonymously:
"McCall receives more property taxes than a town its size because of second homes, yet there is not
enough money to keep the infrastructure in good repair. I suggest you look at what other towns McCall's
size have in their budget and trim McCall's excesses accordingly."
"The 1% is a true community fund for infrastructure for central Idaho towns to improve the functionality
of a tourist based town. Ease of transportation is something that all tourists look for when vacationing or
visiting. This aids in the enjoyment of their experience and aids locals in many ways."
"We're not convinced that the city has been good stewards of revenues of today and yesterday and
we're not comfortable in signing a blank check."
"Good idea to have the tourists pay for road, bike lanes and sidewalks. Improvements are definitely
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needed!"
"1 support this tax if it is truly to improve our city infrastructure and to keep McCall a pedestrian and
bike friendly town. I do not and will not support this tax if it is simply used as a way to move money
around within the city government from one department to another and not make any improvements to
our infrastructure."
"The condition of our infrastructure needs to be addressed! It has been ignored for too long. It has to
be paid for somehow. The proposal to increase the sales tax provides a reasonable method to meet the
infrastructure needs of our community."
"If I were a McCall resident I would be embarrassed by the conditions of McCall streets and services.
Water & sewer costs are already high. Street conditions resembled, in many cases, those of a Third
World country."
A full 1% increase in sales tax is too large for a regressive tax. Unfair general burden on low to middle
income eamers. Shifting that burden to low and middle class earners, and family -run, small business
enterprises as the local economy continues to struggle to recover from the great recession is poor
policy.,
"Get it done! This should be your top priority."
"It appears the council just keeps adding items to this proposal, when it was originally proposed to
repair streets and storm water control. Roads only, nothing more, if you want the support of all the
people who pay sales tax."
"I think it is important that the registered voters know that this tax will largely be paid by our tourist
base and could do some really great things for our city."
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Wednesday forum to air proposed 1% sales tax
.McCall lists priorities for street repairs
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
The public will be able to express its views and ask questions on Wednesday on a plan by the McCal
City Council to put a 1 percent local-option sales tax on the ballot on Nov. 4.
The forum will begin at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the McCall- Donnelly High School commons before city
council members and city staffers.
The council will consider the comments from Wednesdays meeting during its final deliberations on
whether to place the measure on the ballot.
Aug. 28 is the last day the council can approve the ordinance to have the measure appear on Nov. 4
ballot. A 60 percent majority is needed for passage.
Estimates say at least $1 million per year could be raised by raising the statewide sales tax from 6
percent to 7 percent in McCall on the same items taxed by the state.
The money would be spent on repairing the city's streets as well as water and sewer mains below
targeted streets as needed.
The money also would be spent on sidewalks along heavily traveled streets as well as bicycle and
pedestrian paths outlined in the city's master pathways plan.
This week, the city posted on its website, www.mccall.id.us, a 10 -year plan for repairing major city
streets and the water and sewer pipes under them.
Starting Point
The plan is a starting point for work that would be done if the 1 percent tax passes, McCall City
Manager Gene Drabinski said,
The draft ballot would form a Capital Improvement Advisory Committee that would advise the council
on where the money should be spent from year to year.
Major streets and downtown streets dominate the 10 -year plan. That is because the study focused on
the streets in greatest need of work that carry the most traffic, Drabinski said.
"We have no residential streets currently slated for rebuilding, but all are on a maintenance and repair
schedule, to include crack sealing and chip sealing," he said. "No currently unpaved streets reach the
critical threshold for immediate work to pave.'
Here are the proposed projects in the 10 -year plan, which Drabinski said are in order of priority.
Repairs to water lines, sewer lines and stormwater drainage would also be done where needed:
1. Downtown - First Street, Second Street, Lenora Street, Park Street, and "Sterling Bank Alley."
2. Mission Street between Deinhard Lane and River Ranch.
3. Idaho Street.
4. Commerce Street.
5. Jacob Street.
6. Wooley Avenue.
7. Deinhard Lane between Idaho 55 and Samson Trail.
8. Rowland Street.
9. Davis Avenue.
10. Lick Creek Road between Davis Avenue and Pilgrim Cove Road.
11. Forest Street.
12. Colorado Street.
13. Floyde Street.
14. Park StreettThompson Street east of Idaho 55.
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McCall P &Z approves The Village on Lake Street
BY CMUST[E GROB
for The Star -News
The McCall Area Planning and Zoning on Tuesday sent the proposed Village on Lake Street project to
the McCall City Council for final review.
The commissioners voted unanimously to recommend the city council approve the development plan
and agreement presented by Steve and Patricia Minor of McCall.
The Minors want the city to approve the general development plan for The Village on Lake Street,
which would see three building with up to 27 condos, a maximum 8,700 square feet retail and restaurant
space, and a possible 5,300 feet of office space.
Tuesday's public hearing was a continuation of the July 1 meeting so that the developers could submit
a development agreement along with the general development plan presented last month.
The agreement recognizes the city's authority to revert the zoning of the proposed site back to
medium density from the proposed high density residential zone should the project not proceed as
planned.
The proposed project site is located on 1.73 acres just west of Paul's Market between East Lake
Street and Park Street.
No date has been set for the project to be considered by the city council.
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McCall council to air 2015 budget tonight
Spending plan does not include overall property tar hike
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
Property taxes will not be increased under a tentative 2015 budget for the city of McCall to be heard
tonight by the McCall City Council.
The public hearing on the tentative budget will begin at 6 p.m. during the council's regular meeting at
McCall City Hall.
Council members were able to balance the budget without adding 3 percent to the base of property tax
collections as allowed by state law.
However, the balanced budget would mean city employees would get smaller raises and fees at the
McCall Goff Course would go up.
The tentative budget includes a total of $4.8 million in property taxes. Taking the allowed 3 percent
increase would have added an additional $142,000. The budget goes into effect on Oct. 1.
Under the tentative budget, each department head would be given money equal to 1 -1/2 percent of
total salaries to distribute to employees based on merit. The city had 100 year -round and seasonal
employees in July.
Three administrative employees would be given larger pay raises to help make up the gap between
their salaries and those in comparable cities elsewhere.
The city is looking at an increase in health- insurance premiums of about 13 percent, which will cost the
city an additional $70,000 next year for a total of $645,000 in insurance premiums.
Changes were made in the budget of the McCall Golf Course, which receives an annual property tax
subsidy to maintain operations.
The subsidy was scheduled to go from $85,000 this year to $119,000 next year, but the proposed
budget calls for capping the subsidy at $100,000.
The difference would be made up in an increase in golf fees for the 2015 golf season, with the exact
amounts to be determined, he said.
Property taxes pay for general government services, including police, streets, parks, airport,
recreation, library, golf course, community development and administration.
The city's water and sewer systems are self - supporting and funded with fees.
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McCall council presses forward with 1% sales tax measure
BY TOM GROTE and CH USTIE GROB
The Star-News
The McCall City Council last Thursday moved closer to putting a 1 percent sales tax to rebuild streets
to a vote after hearing comments from the public the night before.
Council members again reviewed language of an ordinance that would place the 1 percent tax on the
Nov. 4 general election ballot.
The council is expected to take a final vote at its next regular meeting next Thursday, Aug. 28, to place
the measure on the ballot.
Council members said they heard nothing to make them change course from the public forum held on
Aug. 13 and attended by about 40 people.
Comments were split, with a common theme among opponents being a sales tax would place an
unfair burden on families with lower income.
"I have heard twice sales tax referred to as the most fair tax," Charles Grey said. "It's quite the
opposite. It places inordinate burden on the locals."
Thee Belecz suggested that some city streets be returned to gravel rather than rebuilt.
"I'll volunteer mine," Belecz said. "There is only one year -round resident on my street."
Bruneel Tire Factory manager Mark Sabin said voters should remember that 70 percent of the
proposed tax would be paid by visitors, according to estimates.
"The majority of the vehicles that come through my shop have non -Idaho plates," Sabin said.
A 60 percent majority is needed for passage of the 1 percent tax.
Estimates say at least $1 million per year could be raised by raising the statewide sales tax from 6
percent to 7 percent in McCall on the same items taxed by the state.
The money would be spent on repairing the city's streets as well as water and sewer mains below
targeted streets as needed.
The money also would be spent on sidewalks along heavily traveled streets as well as bicycle and
pedestrian paths outlined in the city's master pathways plan.
If the tax is approved by voters, a Capital Improvement Advisory Committee would be formed to
advise the council on where the new money should be spent from year to year.
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McCall approves 2015 budget with no property -tax Increase
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
Property taxes will not be increased under a 2015 budget approved by the McCall City Council last
week.
No one spoke during a public hearing on the $17.5 million total budget, which goes into effect Oct. 1.
Council members were able to balance the budget without adding 3 percent to the base of property tax
collections as allowed by state law.
However, the balanced budget will mean city employees will get smaller raises and fees at the McCall
Golf Course will go up.
The tentative budget includes a total of $4.8 million in property taxes. Taking the allowed 3 percent
increase would have added an additional $142,000.
Under the tentative budget, each department head will be given money to give up to a 1 -1/2 percent
merit raise to employees in their department.
An earlier proposal would have given employees a 3 percent merit increase. The city had year -round
and seasonal employees in July.
Changes also were made in the budget of the McCall Golf Course, which receives an annual property
tax subsidy to maintain operations.
The subsidy was scheduled to go from $85,000 this year to $119,000 next year, but the proposed
budget calls for capping the subsidy at $,000.
The difference would be made up in an increase in golf fees for the 2015 golf season, with the exact
amounts to be determined later.
Property taxes pay for general government services, including police, streets, parks, airport,
recreation, library, golf course, community development and administration.
The city's water and sewer systems are self - supporting and funded with fees.
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McCall council puts 1% sales tax on Nov. 4 ballot
Proposal would raise $l million per year to fix city streets
"Those who are supportive should give what they can. " Nic Swanson
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
McCall voters will see a proposed 1 percent general sales tax on the Nov. 4 election ballot following
action by the McCall City Council last week.
The council voted unanimously to place the measure on the ballot to add 1 percent to the current 6
percent statewide sales tax for 10 years.
The tax is expected to raise at least $1 million per year and would be used to fix city streets and the
water and sewer lines beneath them.
There was little discussion by council members before the final vote during their regular meeting at
McCall City Hall.
The vote was preceded by several discussions over the last three months, a recommendation by a
citizens committee, an online poll and a public forum.
Following the vote, council member Nic Swanson said the burden to promote the new tax now shifts to
those in the community who feel it is needed.
"Those who are supportive should give what they can and provide positive energy toward the
process," Swanson said.
A 60 percent majority in favor of the new tax is needed for passage.
In addition to streets, water and sewer, the new tax also would be spent on sidewalks along heavily
traveled streets as well as bicycle and pedestrian paths outlined in the city's master pathways plan.
If the tax is approved by voters, a Capital Improvement Advisory Committee would be formed to
advise the council on where the new money should be spent from year to year.
The committee's starting point would be a streets improvement plan drafted by the city. The plan says
streets in downtown McCall need the most work followed by main routes in town. No residential streets
are listed in the plan.
Online Survey
An online survey earlier this summer found slightly more registered voters in McCall are likely to vote
for a new 1 % sales tax than those who will not.
A total of 192 respondents replied to the anonymous online survey, posted between July 14 and July
24, with 105 of that total saying they were registered voters.
Of the 105 registered voters, 45 percent they were "very likely" to vote for a new tax, while 40 percent
said they were "not likely" to vote for tax and 15 percent were "somewhat" in favor.
There are 1,636 registered voters in the city, according to Valley County voter records.
A public forum on Aug. 13 attended by about 40 people saw mixed opinion on the tax, with a common
theme among opponents being a sales tax would place an unfair burden on families with lower incomes.
The proposed tax was originally proposed to the city council in June by a 13- member citizens
committee, organized by McCall City Manager Gene Drabinksi.
The committee, of which nine were owners or managers of McCall businesses, said the 1 percent tax
was needed to rebuild city streets and that downtown streets should be the first priority.
(View the full text of the ordinance placing the 1 percent sales tax on the ballot HERE)
http: / /www.mccalistarnews .com/pages /lead _page -php 9/4/2014
This week's front page stories
McCall agrees to work with sewer district
Ultimate goal is to consolidate sewer service
'7 am confident together we can provide a quality service. " -- Jaclae Aymon
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
The McCall City Council last week approved a framework that would ultimately consolidate the
collection and treatment of sewage in the McCall area.
The council approved a memorandum of understanding that says the city and the Payette Lakes
Recreational Water and Sewer District will 'Work toward a contract" to share the operations of the sewer
treatment plan on Deinhard Lane.
Once that contract is signed, hopefully by next February, then the two agencies will develop a plan by
2016 to consolidate sewer service, according to the memorandum.
The council unanimously approved the agreement, to the relief of Mayor Jackie Aymon.
"I know we have hurdles ahead and questions to be answered but 1 am confident together we can
provide a quality service to all users," Aymon said. "Stay tuned, we will make it work."
The sewer district board of directors will vote on the memorandum on Sept. 17, and chair Jerry Vevig
said he expects it to pass.
"It has been a long and sometimes tedious process, but it seems that the least expensive and most
effective means of collecting, treating, and disposing of effluent is now close to being approved by all
parties involved," Vevig said.
The city collects sewage mostly inside the city limits while the sewer district collects sewage generally
from homes around Payette Lake.
The agreement signed by the council would ensure that the current method of disposing of treated
sewage would continue.
That method sees treated wastewater collected in a giant collection pond until farmers South of the
pond can draw it off for irrigation in the summer.
The proposed contract would see the sewer district take over operation of the pond and the pipes and
pumps that deliver the treated water to about 1,900 acres that mostly used for cattle grazing.
The change is needed because the farmers have said they will only deal with the sewer district, and
not the city, for future delivery of the treated sewage.
At the end of 2016, the current contracts between the farmers and the city to use water from the
storage pond will expire. Those contracts must be renewed before the Idaho Department of
Environmental Quality will allow the city to continue to send its treated wastewater to the irrigators.
Repairs Still With City
Even K agreement is reached for the sewer district to operate the 20 -acre pond, the city would still be
responsible for repair and maintenance.
The DEQ says the pond, which hold 270 million gallons, is leaking through its plastic liner and sending
water with high levels of phosphorus into the North Fork of the Payette River.
The state wants the city to pump the leaking water back into the pond, but the city is asking for more
time to prove whether the state is right.
The agreement also calls for forming a Joint Wastewater Working Group to coordinate sewer
operations between the city and sewer district.
The memorandum says the city and sewer district should work out a process and timeline to
consolidate the two systems. The goal for signing the consolidation plan is February 2016.
The agreement is the latest chapter in an often - contentious relationship between the city and sewer
district. In 2005, the city sued the district in a dispute over ownership of the treatment plant.
That lawsuit was settled six years later with an agreement in which the sewer district acknowledged
the city owns the treatment in return for the city agreeing to continue to process sewage collected by the
district.
http://www.mccallstamews.com/pages/fp_stories_page.php
Page 1 of 1
9/4/2014
Star -News News Page_Lead Story
McCall OK's 27 condos, commercial
space near downtown McCall
Village on Lake Street would have three buildings on 1.73 acres
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
The largest mixed -use project proposed in McCall in seven years was approved last week by the
McCall City Council.
The Village on Lake Street is proposed for three buildings
on 1.73 acres of land just west of Paul's Market on East
`
Lake Street.
The project, proposed by Steve and Patricia Minor of The
Lake Street Co. of McCall, would see 27 condominiums plus
up to 8,700 feet of retail and restaurant space and up to
1 �'
>
5,300 feet of office space.
Council members voted to allow the project to proceed
'
during their regular meeting last Thursday after testimony
s`"'m° °yeryofA' e p
Drawing shows how The Village on Lake Street
and written comments were nearly unanimous in support.
would look when viewed from Park Street.
The Village on Lake Street is the largest mixed -use project proposed in McCall since the master plan
for Alpine Village just south of downtown was approved in 2007.
The Minors have lived in McCall for 21 years and own McCall Craftsman Homes, which has built
nearly 100 homes in that time.
The Village on Lake Street would stretch between Lake Street and Park Street and include a driveway
that would connect the two streets.
Construction would start in 2018 and last five years, under current plans. The buildings would be made
of heavy wood siding, timbers and rock to fit the mountain theme of the community.
The building fronting on East Lake Street would have a staggered facade and have retail, restaurant or
office space on the first floor with up to five condos above it.
The second building would contain up to eight condos and the third building would contain up to 10
condos with a mix of retail, restaurant and office space.
Within Height Limits
The building fronting East Lake Street would fall within the city's 35 -foot height limit for buildings along
a designated scenic route, while the other two buildings would fall within the city's 50 -foot height limit
away from the scenic route.
A total of 55 parking spaces would be provided inside the complex. Six existing homes on the parcel
now used as rental housing would be removed.
The Minors asked for the land to be rezoned from its current limit of eight homes per acres to 16
homes per acres. That is less than the 60 -home per acre density designated for the parcel in the city's
comprehensive land -use plan.
Many existing trees on the site would be retained and a strip of city land running through the property
would be converted into a public bicycle and pedestrian pathway, under the proposal.
http: / /www.mccallstamews.com /pages /lead _page.php
Page 1 of 1
10/2/2014
Star -News News Page Lead Story
McCall leans toward moving LOT funds away from
nonprofits
Proposal would see only city projects funded faith 3% bed tax
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
The McCall City Council on Friday took the first steps toward shifting the city's current 3 percent motel
tax away from nonprofit organizations and devoting the tax fully to city projects.
Three of the five city council members attending a work session on Friday agreed with a
recommendation by McCall City Clerk BessieJo Wagner to cut off nonprofit groups from the tax.
No decision was made until the two absent council members are able weigh in on the proposal.
The tax adds 3 percent to the cost of motel rooms, overnight cabin and condo rentals and
campgrounds. The tax is expected to raise about $335,000 this year.
The share of the tax money devoted to city projects has been shrinking, Wagner said. Money
distributed this year had just 35 percent of the total devoted to city projects, and less than half of the
money collected since 2005 has gone to city projects, she said.
The city ordinance that allocates the tax authorizes uses such as "recreational and cultural activities"
and "marketing, advertising and tourism," but no where does the ordinance say the money is to be given
to non -city organizations, Wagner said.
"Somewhere in the process the focus was taken away from city projects and refocused on putting
heads in beds," she said in a staff report to council members.
Chamber Example
Wagner gave the example of the McCall Area Chamber of Commerce, which receives between $7,000
and $10,000 per year for fireworks displays during the McCall Winter Carnival and over the Fourth of
July.
The chamber makes money on the event from vendors but the city spends money to prepare the town
for the events and to clean up afterward, she said.
Since 2005, the chamber has received a total of $220,000 from the tax for staffing, holiday lighting,
and matches for tourism grants.
She proposed cutting the share to nonprofits to 25 percent in 2016 and cutting them off entirely in
2017, but council member Bob Giles thought any change should be done immediately.
"It is really well thought out, but it is a really big change," Giles said.
Under Wagner's proposal, the bed tax could only be spent for city operations, such as parks, public
works, the McCall Golf Course, and the McCall Airport.
Exceptions would be made for outside groups that already receive other city funding, such as
Treasure Valley Transit and MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter. Another exception would be made for
the McCall Senior Citizens Center, which is located in a city-owned building.
Mayor Jackie Aymon and council member Marcia Witte agreed with Wagner's recommendation but did
not make a decision until council members Laura Scott and Nic Swanson could have a chance to
express their views.
No Quick Decisions
McCall City Manager Gene Drabinksi stressed that no decisions would be made until the groups
affected would have ample opportunity to comment on the proposal.
Reaction by groups that would be affected by the proposal was generally in opposition.
The change would cripple the county's snowmobile trail grooming program, which has received
$213,000 from the bed tax since 2005, said Mel Mohr of the McCall Area Snowmobilers.
"We now get a significant number of snowmobilers because of our snow, our great riding terrain, and
because of our grooming program," Mohr said.
"If the grooming is reduced, then they will not come and the city fathers would have to be held
responsible for the significant hit on the local economy," he said.
Organizations funded by the 3 percent tax spread the word about McCall, which increases tourism,
said Jim Bates, president of the McCall Folklore Society, which has received $11,000 from the tax to
stage events such as the Summer Music Festival at Roseberry.
"My suggestion would be to place such an important topic in the hands of the people who created it,
the voters," Bates said.
Page 1 of 2
http: / /www.mccallstamews.com /pages /lead_page.php 10/30/2014
Star -News News Page Lead Story
Nonprofit groups actually increase bed tax collections because their activities draw visitors, said
Tracey Kindall, executive director of the McCall Arts and Humanities Council, which has received
$19,000 from the tax.
"it seems premature for the city council to consider eliminating the nonprofit sector from future funding
without first exploring the true economic impact of the nonprofit sector," Kindall said.
Page 2 of 2
http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /lead _page.php 10/30/2014
Star -News News Page Lead Story
McCall bed tax funding for city, non -city projects
Here is a list of the top recipients of McCall's 3 percent local- option tax on overnight lodging since the
tax was first imposed in 2005 through the 2014 funding cycle.
The list has been divided into city project and non -city projects. The city projects include Treasure
Valley Transit and MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter, since they also received other city funding, and
the McCall Senior Citizen Center, which occupies a city-owned building.
NON -CITY PROJECTS
McCall Area Chamber of Commerce - $219,775
McCall Area Snowmobilers - $213,025
Manchester Ice and Event Centre - $81,150
Payette Lakes Ski Club - $71,000
World Masters Cup (2008) - $58,000
McCall Skateboard Park Association (2005) - $48,000
Alpine Playhouse - $45,830
Central Idaho Historical Museum - $39,525
McCall Community Tennis Association - $34,259
McCall Arts and Humanities Council - $19,065
Payette Avalanche Center - $17,300
CITY PROJECTS
McCall Golf Course - $460,430
McCall Parks and Recreation - $223,684
MCPAWS Regional Animal Shelter - $211,812
McCall Public Works - $190,235
Treasure Valley Transit - $186,979
McCall Public Library - $58,127
McCall Senior Citizens Center - $35,974
McCall Airport - $35,573
McCall Improvement Committee - $35,066
http: / /www.mccallstamews .com/pages /lead _page.php
Page 1 of 1
10/30/2014
This week's front page stories Page 1 of 1
McCall to vote on 1% sales tax Tuesday
New tax would be used to repair city streets
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
McCall voters will go to the polls on Tuesday to decide whether to impose a 1 percent sales tax within
the city limits to repair the city's streets.
The McCall polling place is located at the Douglas Ault
MacNichol Building next to McCall- Donnelly High School
with voting open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Only registered voters
within the city limits may vote on the measure.
The ballot question would increase the current statewide
sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent in McCall only for 10
years. A 60 percent majority is needed to pass the tax.
The tax is expected to raise at least $1 million per year and
would be used to fix city streets and the water and sewer
lines beneath the streets being repaired.
In addition to streets, water and sewer, the new tax also
would be spent on sidewalks along heavily traveled streets
as well as bicycle and pedestrian paths outlined in the city's
master pathways plan.
If the tax is approved by voters, a Capital Improvement
Advisory Committee would be formed to advise the McCall
City Council on where the new money should be spent from
year to year.
Catch Up Now
Proponents of the new tax say McCall must act now to
catch up on the backlog of repairs to city streets and the
utilities underneath them.
SLIP- NSLIDE
Douglas Collins from Phoenix, Ariz., applies
ordinary dishwashing detergent to Teflon-coated
slider pads on Monday to allow the new lardo
Bridge on Idaho 55 in McCall to be slid into place.
The 2 million -pound bridge was slid with hydraulic
jacks about 7o feet south over a few hours to the
former location of the previous 83-year-old bridge,
which was demolished. The new span is expected to
be opened to traffic by Thanksgiving. View a time -
lapse %ideo of the move. For more photos,
download this week's e- edition and see Page 12
"The infrastructure dilemma we face today must be addressed on a scale and pace which is funded by
a steady and focused funding source," said Dan Krahn of Krahn's Home Furnishings in McCall.
"While not as visible to all of us, without a strong and operating infrastructure, services begin to fail
and we face actions we have no choice in," said Krahn, who served on a citizens committee that
recommended the 1 percent tax to the council.
Roads that are falling apart will keep people away from McCall, said Bill Thomas, a clinical social
worker.
"Less people, less business activity means less jobs," Thomas said. "The 1 % tax is good for McCall."
The proposed 1 percent tax is not ideal, but the community needs to get started fixing its problems,
said Steve Harkrader of Hometown Pizza in McCall and another member of the citizens committee.
"We can defer maintenance and replacement and live with it until it fails, at which point we all -
residents, businesses and visitors - will want it fixed and have to pay for it at that time," Harkrader said.
Paid by Visitors
It is important to note estimates that say 70 percent of the tax would be paid by visitors, said Mark
Sabin, manager of Bruneel Tire Factory and an advisory committee member.
"Our economy is completely dependent on visitors, and with it an unstated but real need to have a
higher level of city services," Sabin said.
"If we want this community to thrive, and continue to be the attraction that it is,let us not bury our
heads in the sand and expect to win the lottery," he said.
The local- option tax is one of the few option available to McCall to provide additional funding, said
Steve Jones, associate broker with The McCall Real Estate Co.
"This is the best and only choice we have without raising property taxes to such a high level it will be
hard for owners to sell their homes in McCall," Jones said.
http : / /www.mccallstamews.com/pages /fp_stories_page.php 10/30/2014
This week's front page stories Page 1 of l
McCall P &Z to hear new rules on large lodges
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
Proposed regulations on overnight lodges in residential areas that sleep at least 20 people will be
heard next week by the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission.
The hearing will be held during the commission's meeting that starts at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the lower
level meeting room at McCall City Hall, 216 E. Park St. in downtown McCall.
The proposed change to the city code would require any overnight lodge in a residential area that
wants to house at least 20 people to apply for a special permit from the city.
Currently there are no city rules governing large overnight lodges in residential areas.
The new rules are the result of complaints about noise and haphazard parking from three of the six
lodges in McCall that advertise a capacity or 20 or more people, a city staff report to the P&Z said.
The existing lodges will be required to obtain the permit when they renew their city business licenses
next year, McCall Community Development Director Michelle Groenevelt said.
The permit process would allow the city to ensure there is adequate parking for the lodges, the staff
report said. Also, a public hearing would be held to allow neighbors of proposed and existing lodges to
make comments.
Short-term rentals that house fewer than 20 people will not be required to obtain a permit
The P &Z's recommendation will go to the McCall City Council for final action.
http:// www. mccallstamews .com/pages /fp_stories _page.php 10/30/2014
Star -News News Page—Lead Story Page 1 of 1
McCall 1% sales tax falls short
Ballot measure needed 7 more votes to pass
"This is a moment to learn and do better. " - Jackie Aymon
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
A proposal to impose a 1 percent general sales tax in McCall to repair city streets fell just short of
passage on Tuesday.
The proposal by the city of McCall earned 580 votes in favor and 398 against or a 59.3 percent in
favor.
However, state law requires a 60 percent majority to impose a local-option tax, so the measure failed.
The measure would have passed if seven "no" voters had voted yes" instead.
McCall Mayor Jackie Aymon said she was disappointed in the vote, "for the moment, only a moment."
"Tomorrow is another day and we, the council, and we, the people, will put our heads together and
chart a course to get the job done," Aymon said. "This is a moment to learn and do better."
Under state law, the dry must wait a year before putting another measure before voters, something
Aymon says she favors.
"The problem of our failing infrastructure does not disappear or get better on its own," she said.
"it is a heavy load for property tax payers and I prefer to spread the cost to all users," she said. 'I think
taking advantage of the local- option is the way to fly.
The ballot question would have increased the current statewide sales tax from 6 percent to 7 percent
in McCall only for 10 years.
The tax was expected to raise at least $1 million per year and would have been used to fix city streets
and the water and sewer lines beneath the streets being repaired.
Studies in other towns with local- option sales taxes said about 70 percent of the tax was paid by
visitors with 30 percent paid by residents.
In addition to streets, water and sewer, the new tax also would have been spent on sidewalks along
heavily traveled streets as well as bicycle and pedestrian paths outlined in the city's master pathways
plan.
If the tax had been approved a Capital Improvement Advisory Committee would be formed to advise
the McCall City Council on where the new money should be spent from year to year.
Aymon thanked a citizens committee of mostly business operators who conducted a months -long
studv of how to fix city streets before recommending the 1 percent measure to the city council earlier this
e.php
11/6/2014
This week's front page stories
McCall P &Z likes new rules on large overnight lodges
BY CHRISTIF GROB
for The Star-News
The McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday recommended new regulations for
large occupancy vacation rentals.
The commission voted unanimously to send the new rules to the McCall City Council for final
consideration.
The proposed change to the city code would require any short-term rentals in a residential area that
houses at least 20 people to apply for a special permit from the city.
Currently, large short-term rentals are regulated in residential areas.
During Tuesday's meeting owners of large lodges worried about unfavorable perceptions of McCall as
inhospitable.
"We need to be good neighbors, but I'm worried these (rules) might make people feel unwanted," said
Dave Holland of The Holland House located on Mile High Drive, which advertises it can sleep up to 26
adults.
Holland and other rental owners pointed out that these vacationers bring "a lot to the economy of
McCall ".
In support of the new rules was Margie Elliott of the The Woodlands homeowners association. The
Brady Retreat Lodge, which advertises it can sleep up to 32 people, is located in The Woodlands.
"They take over the (association amenities); said Elliott
Existing lodges will be required to obtain the permit when they renew their city business licenses next
year.
The permit process would allow the city to ensure there is adequate parking for the lodges, a city staff
report said. Also, a public hearing would be held to allow neighbors of proposed and existing lodges to
make comments.
Short-term rentals that house fewer than 20 people would not be required to obtain a permit.
If the city council approves the change, it would then go Valley County commissioners for adoption in
the McCall Area of Impact, which generally surrounds McCall and extends around Payette Lake.
Bads To Index/Menu
NM P &Z OKs annexing 41 acres for wastewater treatment, airstrip
BY CHRISTIE GROB
for The Star-News
The New Meadows Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday endorsed the annexation of 41.2
acres north of the Meadows Valley School.
The P&Z also voted to approve the city's request for a permit for improvements to the current
wastewater management that would use part of the annexed property for land application of treated
water.
The annexation, which now goes to the New Meadows City Council, would increase the size of the city
by 12 percent.
Gregg Tankersly of Crestline Engineers in McCall, provided the committee with plans for the irrigation
of a field that would be used to grow a crop and later be harvested to "be used for cattle feed or
whatever," Tankersly said.
The city is looking to make improvements by diverting treated wastewater to the newly annex property
for irrigation.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has found that the condition of the Little Salmon River is
being affected by the current system of discharging excess treated effluent into the river.
Tankersly said that since the property in question belongs to the city, it "only makes sense" to annex it.
Part of the annexation also takes in the city's airstrip, a move he said would promote growth in the
area.
Dennis Nau of New Meadows questioned the annexation on the airstrip. "I'm confused of what the
reason for the annexation is," Nau said.
A pilot, Nau was worried that the annexation would change the use of the land around the airport.
P&Z Commissioner Jack Hellbusch said the move was meant to "clean things up for the lack of a
better term."
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Page 1 of 1
11/6/2014
The Star News Groups Page
McCall city clerk elected director of statewide group
McCall City Clerk BessieJo Wagner has been elected District 3 director of the Idaho City Clerks,
Treasurers and Finance Officers Association
Wagner was elected and took the oath of office during the association's recent institute in Boise,
where more than 150 delegates representing cities from around the state were in attendance.
The association was formed to increase the professionalism of its members, improve city
administration, advance the fullest measure of responsibility in local government, and to foster
cooperation.
ige.php
Page 1 of 1
11/6/2014
Star -News News Page—Announcements
McCall downtown plan gets Idaho Smart Growth award
McCall's downtown master plan will receive a 2014 Grow Smart Award to be presented today at Idaho
Smart Growth's annual celebration at the McCleary Auditorium at Saint Alphonsus Medical System in
Boise.
The McCall Downtown Master Plan Update will be honored in the Planning and Public Policy division.
'This resort community in southwest Idaho has a new plan for growing its downtown in a vibrant and
pedestrian- friendly pattern," the award citation said.
'Smart growth" is a range of characteristics related to a community's decisions about land use,
transportation, housing, patterns of growth and development and the preservation of its cultural identity
and natural beauty, a news release said.
Each year Idaho Smart Growth celebrates excellent examples of smart growth projects from around
the state.
This is the second award for the city's downtown master plan. The Idaho Chapter of the American
Planning Association previously presented the city with its 2014 Outstanding Planning Award.
Page 1 of 1
ments _page.php 11/13/2014
This week's front page stories
McCall P &Z to consider changes In setbacks, lot coverage
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
The McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission on Tuesday will hold a work session on proposed
changes the city's building rules, including those on building setbacks and lot coverage.
The work session will be held during the P&Z's meeting that starts at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday at the lower
level meeting room at McCall City Hall.
Many of the code changes were suggested by architects and designers as well as from property
owners, McCall City Planner Delta James said.
The current rules for setback of buildings from property lines has caused confusion, James said.
Under current rules, the required setbacks take a large jump for properties more than 100 feet wide, she
said.
Another current city code section allows a building to be built up to the maximum 35 feet height limit
directly on the rear properly setback, often only five feet from a neighboring property, James said.
This can lead to buildings that loom over and create cold, shadowy spaces in abutting back yards, she
said.
Another proposed change would remove the need for a special city review of "accessory structures,"
such as garages, that are less than 1,500 square feet. A building permit for those structures would still
be required.
After the work session, the P&Z will draft a formal proposal and hold a public hearing. The
recommendation following that hearing will go the McCall City Council for final approval.
The changes would then go to Valley County commissioners for adoption in the McCall Area of
Impact, which is the area generally surrounding McCall and Payette Lake.
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Page 1 of 1
11/26/2014
This week's front page stories
McCall council to hear new rules for large overnight lodges
A hearing will be held before the McCall City Council next week on new rules for vacation rental
lodges that hold 20 or more people.
The council will hear comments starting at 6 p.m. next Thursday, Dec. 18, in the lower level meeting
room at McCall City Hall.
In November, the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended the new
rules to the city council for adoption.
The proposed change to the city code would require any overnight lodge in a residential area that
wants to house at least 20 people to apply for a special permit from the city.
Currently there are no city rules governing large overnight lodges in residential areas.
The new rules are the result of complaints about noise and haphazard parking from three of the six
lodges in McCall that advertise a capacity or 20 or more people, city staffers have said.
The existing lodges would be required to obtain the permit when they renew their city business
licenses.
The permit process would allow the city to ensure there is adequate parking for the lodges. Also, a
public hearing would be held to allow neighbors of proposed and existing lodges to make comments,
staffers said.
Short-term rentals that house fewer than 20 people would not be required to obtain a permit.
If the city council approves the change, it would then go Valley County commissioners for adoption in
the McCall Area of Impact, which generally surrounds McCall and extends around Payette Lake.
ies _page.php
Page I of 1
12/11/2014
Information and Health The StarNews Page 1 of 1
McCall survey asks reasons from voters on 1% tax
A new online survey asks voters to explain their stand on the recent 1 percent general sales tax
proposed by the city of McCall.
The anonymous survey can be taken at the city's website at www.mccall.id.us or by filling out the
survey at McCall City Hall or McCall Public Library through December.
The city proposed a 1 percent sales tax to raise money to repair city streets and the infrastructure
beneath those streets. The measure came up seven votes short of the needed 60 percent majority for
passes in the Nov. 4 general election.
"Although the 1 percent LOT ballot measure did not pass, our streets and related infrastructure
challenges remain," McCall Mayor Jackie Aymon said. "The city's infrastructure needs have long been
deferred and now are in critical conditions."
The city will use the survey results to consider a plan to finance the repair of deteriorating
infrastructure, Aymon said. By law, a new ballot measure cannot be proposed before November 2105.
http: / /www.mccalistamews .com/pages /info _page.php 12/11/2014
Rules will oversee places that sleep 20 or more
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
New rules for existing and future vacation rental lodges that hold 20 or more people
were approved last week by the McCall City Council.
The change to the city code will require any overnight lodge in a residential area that
wants to house at least 20 people to apply for a special permit from the city.
Currently there are no city rules governing large overnight lodges in residential areas.
The new rules are the result of complaints about noise and haphazard parking from
three of the six lodges in McCall that advertise a capacity or 20 or more people,
according to city staffers.
The existing lodges will be required to obtain the permit when they renew their city
business licenses in 2016.
Two public comments were heard during a hearing on the proposal before the city
council last Thursday at McCall City Hall.
Dave Holland, owner of The Holland Home on Mile High Drive, said in a letter that he
was worried the new rules could discourage large lodges.
"The desire for families to be together under one roof while they are on vacation I
believe is very apparent," wrote Holland, whose business sleeps up to 36 people.
Les Bechdel, a neighbor of The Holland Home, said he supported the proposal if it
would end the noise he has heard from partiers in the early morning hours.
Bechdel urged the council to ensure large lodges have adequate fire escapes and
alarms and that their sewage systems have enough capacity to accommodate the
number of guests.
Adequate Parking
The new rules will allow the city to ensure there is adequate parking for the lodges as
well as ensure adequate fire safety, sewage disposal and other public services, the staff
report said.
The guidelines also will require the lodges to "not change the essential character of the
surrounding area."
A public hearing will be held before permits are approved to allow neighbors of existing
and proposed lodges to make comments
ir
The estimated 160 short -term rentals in McCall that house fewer than 20 people will
not be required to obtain a permit under the new rules.
The change will now go to Valley County commissioners for adoption in the McCall
Area of Impact, which generally surrounds McCall and extends around Payette Lake.
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Proposal would build 36 apartments along First Street
BY TOM GROTE
The Star -News
A plan to build 36 apartments for lower- income families and provide a new home for
the McCall Senior Citizens Center was presented last week to the McCall City Council.
Council members heard a proposal by Chance Hobbs of McCall that would see the
apartments built on city land along First Street. As part of the project, the current senior
center would be torn down and relocated to a larger space inside the complex, Hobbs
said.
No action was taken but council members were favorable to the plan and asked to see
a formal proposal.
The complex would be three floors and contain apartments with one bedroom, two
bedrooms and three bedrooms.
The affordable housing project would be built by a partnership of a company headed
by Hobbs called VCD LLC along with Northwest Real Estate Capital Corp., which
develops and operates affordable housing projects in Idaho, Montana, Oregon,
Wyoming and Alaska.
A resurgence in home construction in the McCall area has spurred the demand for
worker housing, Hobbs told council members.
"Most of the housing up here in McCall is outside of a lot of people's price range," he
said, noting workers must now commute from New Meadows, Donnelly or Cascade.
The key to the success to the project is building it on city property, which saves the
costs of buying land, Hobbs said. The developers would pay the city a small fee,
perhaps $1 per year, for rights to build on the land.
Tax Credits
The developers also would apply for federal low- income housing tax credits to allow
them to offer rents that would be between 10 percent and 40 percent below market
rents, Hobbs said.
The centerpiece of the project would be a new senior citizen center to replace the
current building located along First Street. The current building is about 2,000 square
feet but between 2,500 and 3,000 square feet would be allocated in the proposed
complex, he said.
The senior center would need to find a temporary home while the current center is torn
down and the new center is built as part of the complex, he said.
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The development group is hoping to get city approval soon so it can apply for the next
round of housing tax credits in February. If all goes well, construction could start next
fall, Hobbs said.