HomeMy Public PortalAboutCouncil Minutes 2000 05/25MINUTES
McCall City Council
Regular Meeting
Thursday, May 25, 2000
Table of Contents
Call To Order and Roll Call
Public Comment
Consent Agenda
Business
Reports
Executive Session
Adjournment
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Mayor Muller called the regular meeting of the McCall City Council to order at 7:03pm.
Ms. Arp, Mr. Muller, Mr. Colton, Mr. Eimers, and Mr. Venable answered roll call. A
quorum was present. City staff members present were Attorney Susan Buxton, City
Manager Robert Strope, City Clerk Cathleen Koch and Public Works Director Bill
Keating.
AB 00-55 and AB 00-56 were both added to the agenda. There were also additions to
the warrant register.
The Mayor called for public comment.
Mary Clemmer, McCall resident, stated that she was attending the meeting on behalf of
Bev Clark. They had signed a petition to get Fairway Drive paved along with other
residents. Mr. Strope acknowledged the fact that he had received the petition and
explained that he was developing a paving schedule that showed priorities.
The public comments section was closed.
The following items were listed on the consent agenda:
· Minutes of May 4, 2000 Special Meeting
· Minutes of May 11, 2000 Regular Meeting
· Invoice Approval List Dated May 22, 2000
· Payroll Report for Pay Period Ending May 12, 2000
· JUB Pay Request No. 2 for the Period of March 12 - April 29, 2000
Ms. Arp asked how the staff members were keeping track of the work that Holladay
Engineering completed. Mr. Strope explained that Bill Keating reviews the invoices.
Mr. Keating, Mr. Kirkpatrick and Mr. Strope are the only staff members that are able to
commit to projects with Holladay Engineering.
Mr. Eimers asked about the current condition of Davis Street. Mr. Keating explained
that it was being prepared for paving.
The Council Members directed staff to check with Paul concerning the JUB pay request
and confirm that it is within the budget. If it is over budget, the pay request must come
back to Council for approval.
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Mr. Eimers moved to approve the Consent Agenda with the additions made. Ms.
Arp seconded the motion. Ail Council Members voted aye. The motion carried.
AB 00-54 Resolution 00-08 License Fees for Hawkers, Peddlers & Street Carnivals
Ms. Koch presented the revised resolution for license fees. The annual fee would be
$1500 for the period of May 25th through September 15th, both days inclusive.
Mr. Eimers moved to adopt Resolution 00-08 for License Fees for Hawkers,
Peddlers and Street Carnivals and authorize the Mayor to sign. Mr. Colton
seconded the motion. At a roll call vote, Mr. Eimers, Mr. Colton, Ms. Arp, Mr.
Venable, and Mr. Muller voted aye. The motion carried.
AB 00-36 City Parks Agreement/Special Use Permit & Hawkers License with Ron
& Lou Anne Gwartney
Ms. Koch stated that a revised agreement was sent to City Council Members before the
meeting. The proposed agreement allows the Gwartneys to use their umbrella cart
anytime from May 25th through September 15th, both days inclusive in the City Parks or
on Mr. Carey's property with his permission. The Gwartneys would be allowed to serve
any food or beverage item that they are able to fit on their cart. Their trailer is reserved
for special events only as outlined in the agreement and the attachment.
City Council Members would like the City to have the right to approve the equipment
and the hours of operation. Mr. Strope was given the authority to set the hours of
operation and to approve the equipment.
Mr. Colton moved to approve the City Parks Agreement and Hawkers License and
authorize the Mayor to sign and have the City Manager correct the details
discussed. Mr. Eimers seconded the motion. At a roll call vote, Mr. Colton, Mr.
Eimers, Mr. Muller, Mr. Venable and Ms. Arp voted aye. The motion carried.
AB 00-48 Lease of Land to the Rural Fire District Discussion
Mr. Strope opened the discussion about the fire district requesting to lease the land for
$1 a year for 99 years.
Mr. Points stated that a draft of the proposed lease had been distributed several
months prior to the meeting. He pointed out that it had not been determined what the
City would like to do with the current fire department building.
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Mr. Muller asked if the lease and the proposal to purchase the current building were
equitable for both parties. The lease would allow the fire department to use City
property for $1 a year for 99 years and then the City would buy the current building for
fair market value.
Mr. Points acknowledged that the City owns the ground that the building is on and one
third of the building. The fire department is proposing that the City purchase the
building for replacement cost less depreciation. It needs to be reappraised.
The Rural Fire District cannot purchase the land by the Airport because it was funded
federally. If they purchased the land, the federal agencies would have to be
reimbursed.
Mr. Muller asked if it would be possible to have a joint safety building. Mr. Points stated
that it was not possible because the building cannot encroach on the conical sphere.
There is not enough room to build a larger building that would house both the Police
Department and the Fire Department.
The Rural Fire District needs a commitment from the City to either purchase or allow
the sale of the current building. Until that time, they cannot borrow the money to build a
new building.
Mr. Strope asked if there was another piece of property that could be used for a joint
public safety building. Mr. Points stated that the Cemetery was the only option. He did
not believe that it was a viable option. Mr. Strope thought there might be a piece of City
owned property between the old and new Deinhard. Mr. Points said that it belongs to
the Cemetery.
Ms. Buxton was concerned with the lease not including a termination clause. She also
stressed that it was important for the City to receive some benefit from the
arrangement. Ms. Buxton would like to fully understand the ownership issues of the
current lease before signing any agreement.
Ms. Buxton stated that the current proposed lease
consideration for the City with a termination clause.
current building as part of the agreement.
could be revised to include
A revision would include the
Mr. Points stated that the fire department was trying to avoid charging the City for
services with the proposed lease. Mr. Eimers stressed that the fire department is
covered 100% by property taxes. Mr. Points declared that other fire districts have
contracts with the City they live in because they receive an indirect benefit.
Mr. Strope will work with Mr. Points to develop a lease with the Rural Fire District and
come back to Council with the lease by the second Council meeting in June. The
Council Members would like to see a long range plan.
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AB 00-49 Fireworks Discussion
Ms. Koch started a discussion concerning fireworks in the City of McCall. The Lions
Club has requested the City to extend the dates for selling fireworks for 4th of July and
including New Years. The Lions Club would also like the City to limit the sells of
fireworks to charitable organizations. The fire department, law enforcement agencies
and the fire warden are opposed to extending the dates of sells.
Ms. Buxton pointed out that limiting the sell of fireworks to charitable organizations
could be considered a constitutional equal protection issue.
Ms. Arp pointed out that the fire department has the ability to cancel the sell or use of
fireworks all together.
Glenn Gore, Lions Club Member, would like 7 days to sell fireworks so that they have a
weekend to do so. The money is used for glasses and hearing aids within the
community. American Legion would like to use some of the money for the Veterans
Memorial. If the Lions Club does not have 7 days to sell fireworks, they will be run out
of business. Mr. Gore recommends that the dates of June 28th through July 4th be
implemented to sell fireworks. July 5th is not a profitable day to sell fireworks.
Mr. Wolf stated that the Lions Club is doing great things for the community. However,
the statistics show that the calls for service for the police department increase during
the time frame in question. Mr. Muller asked if the calls were from legal or illegal
fireworks. Mr. Wolf was uncertain. The police and fire departments need to keep
better statistics in the future to reflect whether the problems occur from legal or illegal
fireworks.
Mr. Points said that he did not believe more fireworks should be allowed so that the
Lions Club can make more money. It costs the fire department approximately $150 per
emergency call. Mr. Points believes that July Ist through the 5th is an adequate time
period. Mr. Points is also concerned about New Years Day selling of fireworks because
little kids may get hurt.
Ms. Buxton pointed out that the ordinance could be written to include the Saturday
th
before the 4 of July. Mr. Points said that the fire department reached a consensus on
the selling of fireworks with the Lions Club 7 years ago when the ordinance was
rewritten.
Mr. Strope outlined the two options available. The ordinance could be changed to allow
sells from the 30th of June to the 4th of July or to allow sells the Saturday before the 4th
of July.
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Tyrell Nash, previous Commander of the American Legion, stated that even if the fire
department banned fireworks instead of limiting them, they would still be an issue.
Mr. Strope stated that Ms. Buxton suggested the City limit the fireworks stands on a per
capita basis and the limit would be first come first serve. This would allow the people
selling fireworks to make a profit, but would not be considered discriminatory.
The Council Members agreed to do nothing about the selling of fireworks this year
because the current year includes a weekend. Staff was directed to bring the issue
back for the next year.
AB 00-50 McCall Police Department Dog Enforcement
Mr. Wolf stated that it was no secret that the City and County have a dog problem. He
informed the Council Members about individuals not wanting to pick up their dogs when
they find out the fees are $25 for the 1st day and $15 every day thereafter. Mr. Wolf
would like to take these individuals to small claims court to try and recover the fees.
It would cost the City $41 if they file the papers or $55 if the sheriff's department files
the papers. Mr. Wolf would like the sheriff's department to file the papers because the
City will be involved in the case.
Mr. Strope explained that the City also has an issue with people not licensing their
dogs. He recommends that the Council Members affirm what the Police Chief would
like to do.
Mr. Wolf stated that discussions have been held concerning a joint effort between the
County and City for a dog pound. They would like to have a dog pound by the
detention facility so that juveniles can take care of the animals.
The Council Members agreed in principle to the concept of the Police Department going
to small claims court to recover costs. Ms. Buxton would like to check into the issue
more before the decision becomes final.
AB 00-51 Chip Seal 2000 Bid
Mr. Keating explained that the Chip Seal Bid opening was May 25, 2000. There were 2
bids, which were reviewed by Mr. Keating. He recommends that Council approve the
Iow bid submitted by Emery Inc., bid schedule number 2 for $35,318.35.
Mr. Eimers moved to accept Emery Inc. as the low bidder to do the Chip Sealing
and authorize the Mayor to sign. Mr. Colton seconded the motion. Ail Council
Members voted aye. The motion carried.
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AB 00-52 Dust Abatement 2000 Bid
Mr. Keating presented the dust abatement bid that was also held May 25, 2000. There
was 1 bid from Eternal-Line Dust Abatement, Inc. for $16,255.
Mr. Eimers moved to approve the dust abatement bid with Eternal-Line Dust
Abatement, Inc. and authorize the Mayor to sign. Mr. Colton seconded the
motion. All Council Members voted aye. The motion carried.
Mr. Colton asked Mr. Keating about Fairway Avenue being paved. Mr. Keating said that
other streets were promised paving before Fairway Avenue. Fairway Avenue was on a
list for drainage and utility work, which is necessary before paving takes place. It has
never been on a paving priority list.
AB 00-53 Appointment of City Clerk
Mr. Strope recommended that the Council Members confirm his appointment of
Cathleen Koch to the position of City Clerk.
Mr. Colton moved to confirm the City Manager's appointment of Cathleen Koch as
City Clerk. Mr. Eimers seconded the motion. Ail Council Members voted aye.
The motion carried.
AB 00-55 Suspension of Sewage Connections
Mr. Strope requested the Council Members to give him the authority to issue a notice to
lift the voluntary suspension of new sewage connections within the City of McCall once
land applications have begun.
Mr. Eimers moved to authorize Mr. Strope to lift the moratorium once land
applications had begun. Mr. Muller seconded the motion. Ail Council Members
voted aye. The motion carried.
AB 00-56 Resolution 00-09 City Manager's Authority to Grant Change Orders
Mr. Strope stated that the attached resolution would allow him to issue change orders
and avoid temporary delays in work production. He will notify Council Members of any
change orders issued no later than the next Council Meeting. Mr. Strope is comfortable
with issuing change orders up to $25,000.
Mr. Eimers moved to approve Resolution 00-09 with the insertion of $25,000 as
the limit and authorize the Mayor to sign. Mr. Colton seconded the motion. All
Council Members voted aye. The motion carried.
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City Council Minutes
City Manager - Robert Strope
A joint Comprehensive Plan meeting was scheduled June 13, 2000. However, there
was an error in posting and it will probably be rescheduled.
Gerald Summers, McCall Police Department, was hospitalized recently for heart attack
symptoms. He is home with his family.
Sandy Bianchetti, also with the McCall Police Department, had her house catch on fire.
City staff and others are taking a collection for their family.
The Parks and Recreation Department held a show called Heartland
hundred people attended. Staff members will be inviting Council
ceremonial purposes to future events.
Rocks. Four
Members for
The Golf Course Department has revenues that are 22% higher than last year.
The Airport is at 94% of their projected revenues.
Matt Uranga, JUB Engineers, addressed the Council and stated that he is concerned
with safety at the J-Ditch Project Site. Mr. Uranga explained that the equipment is now
on site and the contractors have started to move dirt. He will be meeting with the
contractor every Tuesday to receive an update.
There are no funds available to continue to use Paul Levihn on the J-Ditch project. Mr.
Strope is comfortable with Mr. Uranga on the project. However, city staff will reserve
the option to use Paul if it is necessary. DEQ is not comfortable without Mr. Levihn on
the project, but the funds are not available to continue to use his services.
The boat dock behind May Hardware may be an ideal spot for the Sheriff's Department
to moor their boats. There is also a parking spot available nearby for their use. Mr.
Eimer's complimented the McCall Police Department and Valley County Sheriff's
Department for working together so well.
The red lights on the Fire Department's personal vehicles are allowed because they are
emergency vehicles. They can exceed the speed limit and people are required to yield
to their vehicles. Ms. Buxton did state that they are required to act within reason. The
lights and sound must go at least 1000 feet. Mr. Strope will discuss the particular
issues with Mr. Points.
Mr. Strope spoke to Brent Courtney about City gas purchases. Currently, Chevron
takes the months sales and gives the lowest gas price for the entire month on the gas
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bill. Council also requested Mr. Strope to check into the cost for building a bulk storage
tank. It would cost between $20,000 and $40,000 just for a diesel tank. The savings
would be between $2,000 and $4,000 a year at the current usage rate. It would take 10
to 20 years to recoup the cost of building a bulk storage tank. The City would also
have to follow strict EPA requirements. Mr. Keating spoke up and explained that the
present arrangement with Chevron allows usage 24 hours a day. The arrangement
works very well because Public Works is not responsible for clean up and it is located
downtown.
Mr. Keating also explained that there were not any responses to the Water Treatment
Plant study. The options would be to negotiate with a firm of the City's choice or do an
RFP for the study. Test wells will be drilled in the near future. Mr. Uranga reminded the
Council that they have already paid for a hydro-geological study.
Mr. Strope noted that Amanda Townsend has resigned. Karen Fries is covering her
responsibilities. A temporary receptionist will be hired for $7.25 an hour through the
end of the fiscal year.
Employees now have access to an Employee Assistance Program. The plan will cost
the City less than $1,000 per year. Consuelo Blake has been directed to implement the
program. Ms. Arp asked where the City stood with medical insurance. Mr. Strope said
that the City would be reviewing the benefits for the next fiscal year.
Department head meetings have been scheduled every Tuesday before the City
Council meetings. A new evaluation for employees was discussed at the last meeting.
Council Members will see two evaluations for department heads that need to be
returned to Mr. Strope.
A handbook about the Council/Manager form of government was given to each Council
Member. Mr. Strope will be operating under the guidelines within the book. He has
highlighted one item in the book about communications between the Council Members
and department heads. All communication should be through the City Manager. It is
important to establish a level of trust and communication.
City Attorney - Susan Buxton
Ms. Buxton covered the Attorney Action Update Report. She coved the IDWR water
rights issue with regard to the J-Ditch Association. An agreement was negotiated with
the J-Ditch Pipeline Association and Mr. Purdom to suspend the application for water
rights.
Public Works Director- Bill Keating
Public Works will be moving dirt for the bike path next week. It will cost approximately
$12,000 to $15,000 to pave the bike path.
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City Cotmcil Minutes
Mr. Keating would like to fix the road at the intersection by My Fathers Place for about
$6,000.
City Clerk - Cathleen Koch
Business Licenses have been issued to the businesses that have turned in applications
to date.
The City Council Minutes are now on the web site.
City Councilor- Marilyn Arp
Ms. Arp asked what the status was on impounding cars. She was concerned with the
city taking the towing company's business away. Mr. Strope explained that Mr. Wolf
held a meeting to discuss the issues about an impound lot and only 1 company showed
up.
The Golf Course Men's Association had an exclusive use day before the course
officially opened. Ms. Arp was unaware that this had gone on in the past. She would
like equal opportunity.
The McCall Improvement Committee sent a letter to the Council Members requesting to
become a nonprofit 501(c) 3 Corporation. A discussion will be held at a later meeting.
There was discussion about whether NAPA has a current permit. Ms. Arp was
concerned with them digging holes and having an open pit.
Ms. Arp attended her first WICAP Advisory Committee meeting.
Ms. Arp stated that she appreciated the fact that Mr. Strope had been very good about
emailing the Council Members important information to keep them up to date.
City Councilor- Ralph Colton
None.
City Councilor - Ray Venable
None.
City Councilor- Kirk Eimers
Mr. Eimers asked about the grant administrator. He mentioned that the position was
supposed to be contracted, but instead the City was employing a staff member. He
was concerned that he never saw an advertisement. Mr. Strope mentioned that he had
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met with Bonni Shikrallah. His understanding of the position is that Ms. Shikrallah is
coordinating grants and committee responsibilities. Ms. Arp stated that a lot of time is
being spent on a Community Center. The center is not the Council's number one
priority.
Mr. Strope will be putting together a Capital Improvement Plan to show how the City will
be paying for things in the future.
City Councilor- Mayor Muller
None.
At lO:lOpm, Mr. Eimers moved to go into executive session per Idaho Code 67-
2345(10 to consider pending litigation. Mr. Muller seconded the motion. At a roll
call vote, Mr. Muller, Mr. Eimers, Mr. Colton, Ms. Arp and Mr. Venable voted aye.
The motion carried.
At 10:25pm, Mr. Eimers moved to come out of executive session. Mr. Muller
seconded the motion. At a roll call vote, Mr. Muller, Mr. Eimers, Mr. Colton, Ms.
Arp and Mr. Venable voted aye. The motion carried.
Mr. Eimers moved to direct Susan to settle the Riffles case with the insurance
funds available, but no additional City funds. Ms. Arp seconded the motion. All
Council Members voted aye. The motion carried.
Without further business, Mr. Eimers moved to adjourn. Mr. Muller seconded the
motion. Ail Council Members voted aye. The motion carried. The Council
adjourned at lO:30pm.
an~uller, ~layor
ATTEST:
Cathleen A. koch, CYt y Clerk
Pagellofll
May 25, 2000
City Council Minutes