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HomeMy Public PortalAboutCouncil Minutes 2000 08/24MINUTES McCall City Council Regular Meeting Thursday, August 24, 2000 Table of Contents Call To Order and Roll Call Public Hearing Public Comments Consent Agenda Business Reports Executive Session Adjournment Page 1 of 11 August 24, 2000 City Council Minutes CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Council President Eimers called the regular meeting of the McCall City Council to order at 7:OOpm. Ms. Arp, Mr. Colton, Mr. Eimers, and Mr. Venable answered roll call. A quorum was present. City staff members present were Attorney Dave Bieter, City Manager Robert Strope, and City Clerk Cathleen Koch. AB 00-87 for the Shore Lodge to erect a swimming dock was added to the agenda. PUBLIC HEARING AB 00-84 Budget Hearing for Fiscal -Year 2001 Mr. Strope gave a slide presentation of the fiscal year 2001 budget. He pointed out that the management transfers previously used were confusing and therefore removed from the budget for the ensuing year. The net impact of the change is zero dollars, but expenses are better stated. The Airport Fund also appears deceiving because a portion of the Airport Manager's salary is no longer included in the Public Works Department at all. The Sewer Fund is showing an overrun because of capital projects and debt service. The overrun has decreased slightly since the last budget workshop. The total revenue available for fiscal year 2001 came to $6,550,651 without a property tax increase. With the 3% property tax increase, the total revenue available would increase to $6,606,884. Mr. Strope concluded his presentation. Council President Eimers opened the hearing for public comments. Jan Venable stated that the City did not need to raise taxes. She acknowledged that kids should be kept busy, but sacrifices must be made to stay within the budget. Marianne Pendleton began by saying that she was against a property tax increase 100 percent. She and her spouse work two jobs to keep their heads above water. Cheryl Bruce lives outside the City limits. Her kids participate in the Recreation Programs. She is willing to pay a larger user fee, but does not want to see any of the programs go away. Joe Wilson also lives outside the City limits and supports the Recreation Program in general. He said that kids should not be held responsible for the budget. Page 2of11 August 24, 2000 City Council Minutes Uma Mulnick concurred with Mr. Wilson in supporting the Recreation Program. She said that she is in support of the one percent Local Option Tax to get funds into the community. She asked why people in the impact area were not allowed to vote on the tax. Council explained that the tax is restricted to the City limits. Ms. Mulnick stated that one of the reasons she was living in McCall was because of the programs. John Borkoski also lives outside the City limits and has two kids involved in the Recreation Program. He addressed the problem of the Recreation Department running over budget and explained that they have many volunteers who are not paid and put in lots of time to help the budget. Mike Lenzi said that he was concerned about the summer baseball programs. He voiced his opposition about the programs being discontinued. Carol Coyle wondered if the Parks and Recreation Department was in the hole as much as the figures reflected. She knew of a grant from the State Department of Parks and Recreation that the City received. She echoed Mr. Lenzi's comments about the baseball and softball programs. She explained that smaller communities are able to have the programs and it would be sad if a community McCall's size could not continue the programs. Vernon Kime pointed out that McCall affects other areas outside the City limits. He said that the programs offered by the Recreation Department were great. Dottie Moore is against any property tax increase. The citizens have enough to pay for. She is in favor of a Local Option Tax, which can be used to help the Recreation Programs and street paving. Dave Needham who lives outside the City limits said that the tee -ball, softball and baseball programs teach kids about sportsmanship, pride, compassion and leadership. He asked the Council Members to think hard about the funds to support the Recreation Program because kids are the future. Brenda Wood also outside the City limits stated that her kids are in gymnastics because there is not a lot of other things for kids to be involved in. Sports helps to give kids something positive to do to keep them out of trouble. Cindi Bieterman moved to the area after looking at what the City had to offer for kids to do two years ago. She was specifically interested in the baseball and gymnastics programs. If the programs are not available, then what are the kids going to do? What is the City going to give the kids? John Rygh stated that the Recreation Fund was down 28%, the Mayor and Council's budget was up 54% and the Finance and Administration budget increased 78%. He suggested that Council give up money to fund the programs. Mr. Strope confirmed that Page 3 of 11 August 24, 2000 City Council Minutes the Council budget increased because the property tax increase was showing in their budget. Mr. Strope also explained that the Recreation Fund actually increased by 16% over the current year. Judy Barkley, city staff, said that she does not intend to run a gym program solely. She wants to run other programs. Children need to be taught how to swim because the City is surrounded by water. A number of parents work two jobs or more. Ms. Barkley's major plan was to run an after -school program so that kids have a quality place to go after school. The gymnastics parents clean the gym and run the fee collection and billing. Parents purchased 80% of the equipment to help defer costs. Ms. Barkley challenged the softball parents to do the same thing in order to avoid canceling programs. Bob Peckham, Recreation Director, read two letters to the public. The first was from Jim Crawford and Margo Conitz. The other was from Judi Clendenon. Both letters supported the Recreation Programs. Dan Krahn was glad to see the public has the option to discuss the 3% property tax increase. He said that the public would not be at the meeting if they were not willing to pay the increase. Over $50,000 was turned down last year without asking the citizens what they wanted. Council has the capability to raise taxes and take care of assets. If the City has to replace the assets completely, if will be more costly. People will get more for their money through property taxes than a Local Option Tax. Gail Verschoor is glad to have a challenge to find money for successful programs. There are volunteers within the community supporting the baseball and gymnastics programs. She said that she did not want successful programs cut. Irwin Mulnick has kids who have been involved in many programs such as gymnastics, soccer and the ice rink. He applauded Mr. Peckham for his efforts put into the programs. Mr. Mulnick does not want to hear about the paving of streets over programs for kids. People can choose to live in the City if they want paved streets. He would like McCall to be known as a great community for kids. He was concerned that the City can afford a brand new juvenile detention center when it is in need of softball fields. Glenn Gore said kids are the most important assets in the community. The City needs to decide what will keep kids here. He stated that he was opposed to a tax of any kind. Pete Grinde is in support of the Recreation Programs. Diana Hamby said the kids need something to do throughout the long winter. Chris Levitt explained that parents could put together small programs, but does not want the programs to be for only the wealthy. They need to be for all kids. The final budget meeting is scheduled for September 7th at 3pm. Page 4 of 11 August 24, 2000 City Council Minutes Dave Ivy has kids in the gymnastics program because he wants them exposed to opportunity. He wondered why the City could not transfer more money into the Recreation Fund. He pointed out large expense items such as the $8 million Water Treatment Plant and said that it seemed like a very round figure. He said that $155,000 is nothing compared to the total expenditures. Mr. Strope explained that property tax money is the only funding that can be moved. Ms. Arp asked Mr. Ivy if he would be willing to pay higher user fees. Mr. Ivy said yes if the fees do not go into the general fund. Mr. Eimers pointed out that the fees only pay for about 20% of the programs. Property taxes pay for approximately 80% of the programs. Julie Ghio said that she started volunteering immediately after she moved to McCall. She writes checks if necessary to help the programs. She asked if it was possible to charge more property taxes within the County to fund the library, recreation programs, fire department, etc. She stated that citizens must be responsible and pay their fair share. She also pointed out that a walking path to the middle school is necessary to make the kids safe Carol Schwegman does not want an increase in property taxes. She asked why the Golf Department uses money from the general fund. Council explained that the money comes out on an "I owe you basis". She asked if the Golf Department had supported itself in the past. Mr. Eimers said that it ran a positive cash flow the previous year. Uma Mulnick wanted to discuss the Recreation Department overrunning their budget by $70,000. She asked why they were responsible for paying for a pump station. Mr. Strope said that the money was appropriated and spent. Mr. Peckham stated that the money had never been put in his budget for the pump out station or management transfers. Bianca Brandt reminded Council that the budget was set up for 80 kids, but they ended up with 150 kids. She would like to keep giving to the kids with the Recreation Program. The public hearing was closed at 8:45pm. Ms. Arp was concerned about the Recreation Department pitting one program against another and possibly turning the baseball program over to parents. She said that the City could not expect volunteers to run the whole program. The fees need to be reevaluated. At one time, the City wanted to aim for 50% user fees. Today they are at 20%. A Recreation District is a possibility, but it takes interested citizens to vote on it. Mr. Eimers said that the City should consider marking up fees for people outside of the City. Mr. Strope was concerned that the fees had not been audited. Page 5of11 August 24, 2000 City Council Minutes Mr. Eimers asked if the gymnastics program experiencing any cuts. Ms. Barkley explained that they would cut a third of the classes, which would limit the number of kids and increase the class sizes. Mr. Colton calculated the increase in property taxes per citizen. He figured that the additional revenue would cost each citizen $15 based upon a $100,000 home. Mr. Venable said that he spoke to 50 to 75 people who did not want a tax increase. He would not be willing to vote for an increase. Dottie Moore wanted to know if money from the Local Option Tax could be earmarked for Recreation Programs. Mr. Strope said that it was one area out of 5 that the committee would like to spend money on. Allana Shoemaker asked if the fees could be increased until the Local Option Tax passed or failed. Mr. Strope explained that there would be a $20 to $50 increase per month in fees per participant to fund the Recreation Department at the level requested of $252,000. Mr. Eimers pointed out that programs could be added if they are self-sustaining and covered by user fees. Further comments can be made in writing or person through the City Manager for the next 7 days. Council recessed at 9:05pm. At 9:15pm Council reconvened. Council agreed to allow Matt Uranga to give his report before continuing the budget discussion. REPORTS J-U-B Engineers — Matt Uranga An update was given on the J-Ditch project. Mr. Uranga said that the contractors were about to top out on the East dike, which is over half of the total embankment quantity. They have fallen just below where they need to be on the schedule. Two additional scrappers will be brought to the site next week. Additional equipment was received last time to help the schedule. Mr. Uranga has been working with the liner as the site is ready. Council was cautioned that the contractors equipment may be lost to the forest service contractor so they can start working as soon have crews on forest service jobs. Men and for the fires. Page 6 of 11 August 24, 2000 City Council Minutes AB 00-84 Budget Hearing for Fiscal -Year 2001 Discussion continued. Mr. Eimers would like to see an analysis of the rates for the Recreation Department to make it more equitable for outsiders to participate in the programs. There needs to be a balance for inside versus outside. Council discussed how the fees should be set up and what programs should be offered. Mr. Colton wants to see the cost of reinstating the baseball programs based upon the public hearing. Mr. Strope will compile the costs and services offered by the Recreation Program. PUBLIC COMMENT Council President Eimers called for public comment. Glenn Gore asked if the City limits could be extended to North Beach. There was no response. Mr. Gore also responded to an editorial in the Star News about the Veterans Memorial. He said that they were told to show up at the public comment period instead of being placed on the agenda. Ms. Arp said that the issue was not showing up, it was the process. The public comment period was closed. CONSENT AGENDA The following items were listed on the consent agenda: • Minutes of August 8, 2000 Meeting • Invoice Approval List Dated August 21, 2000 • Payroll Report for Pay Period Ending August 4, 2000 Mr. Colton moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Ms. Arp seconded the motion. All Council Members voted aye. The motion carried. Page 7 of 11 August 24, 2000 City Council Minutes BUSINESS AB 00-85 Proposed "Brew & Grooves" Beer Craft and Musical Event & Resolution 00-17 for Suspension of Open Container Mr. Wolf asked Council to approve the Resolution for the Suspension of the Open Container Ordinance and have staff solve any additional issues such as the Noise Ordinance. He supports the event. The Chamber of Commerce and McCall Brewery will contract with the Police Department to pay overtime and handle any issues. Dave Bieter said that he would like to chance Section 4 of the Resolution to define the area of the event by attaching the map to the Resolution. Fred Drake, representing the Chamber of Commerce, hopes the Brews and Grooves Fest becomes an annual event. He said that the Chamber needs off season events to help the community economically and socially. Doug Pike, Vice President of McCall Brewing Company, puts charitable festivals together as an art. All the funds will be donated to the Chamber. Wendy Wintrode, event coordinator, will contract with the Police Department for Public Safety and work with the City on the Noise Ordinance. Ms. Arp asked if an entry fee had been set yet. Ms. Wintrode was not sure what the fee would be yet. Mr. Colton moved to adopt Resolution 00-17 for Suspension of the Open Container Ordinance for the specified times and locations, to read within the premises, with attached map and direct staff to work out the details. Ms Arp seconded the motion. All Council Members voted aye. The motion carried. AB 00-86 Resolution No. 00-15 Authorizing the of a Petition for Judicial Confirmation Mr. Bieter explained that the Resolution was to set the public hearing for September 14, 2000 at 7:OOpm. Ms. Arp moved to adopt Resolution No. 00-15. Mr. Colton seconded the motion. All Council Members voted aye. The motion carried. Page 8 of 11 August 24, 2000 City Council Minutes AB 00-87 Shore Lodge Request to Erect Swimming Dock Mr. Strope stated that the City is the adjacent landowner. Mr. Manchester is asking for consent or objection to his proposal to erect a swimming dock in front of Shore Lodge. Mr. Strope asked for approval to sign the application saying the City accepts the change. The final approval rests with the department of lands. Ms. Arp directed the City Manager to sign the State of Idaho Department of Lands Attachment for Encroachment. Mr. Eimers seconded the motion. All Council Members voted aye. The motion carried. REPORTS City Manager — Robert Strope Mr. Strope provided the City Manager task list to Council. He requested to add members to the Local Option Tax Committee. Mr. Strope was instructed to check the Charter to see how to proceed. The committee was left open to add members. Mr. Strope also requested to separate the Parks and Recreation Committee into two separate committees. He did not believe that the committee should not meet in the summer. Council agreed. Council commented that Mr. Strope was doing a much better job communicating with them than had been done in the past. Council needs to determine what to do with the contingency. Mr. Strope would like to purchase a Power Point Projector. City Clerk — Cathleen Koch Plans to have the Events and Noise Ordinances drafted for the next meeting. Police Chief — Steve Wolf Mr. Wolf would like to have a meeting with bar owners and managers due to recent events at liquor establishments. He would like to discuss issues with getting people home safely and providing lighting in the alleyways. Adams County does not have any law enforcement staffing due to the fires. McCall will send officers for calls if necessary. City Attorney — Dave Bieter None. Page 9 of 11 August 24, 2000 City Council Minutes City Councilor — Ray Venable None. City Councilor — Marilyn Arp Ms. Arp commented on the Dumpster Ordinance. She said that some fences are in such disrepair that it is worse that having no fences. Vehicles for sale need to be checked to see if they are in the public right of ways. Margaret Fogg, long time City Clerk, passed away. Condolences need to be sent to her family. City Councilor — Ralph Colton None. City Councilor — Kirk Eimers None. EXECUTIVE SESSION At 10:25pm, Mr. Venable moved to go into executive session per Idaho Code 67- 2345(1f) to consider pending litigation and 67-2345(1b) for a personnel matter. Ms. Arp seconded the motion. At a roll call vote, Mr. Eimers, Mr. Colton, Ms. Arp and Mr. Venable voted aye. The motion carried. The discussion concerned pending litigation and a personnel matter. At 10:58pm, Ms. Arp moved to come out of executive session. Mr. Venable seconded the motion. At a roll call vote, Mr. Eimers, Mr. Colton, Ms. Arp and Mr. Venable voted aye. The motion carried. Ms. Arp moved to direct the City Manager to implement the attorney recommendations as related to media relations. Mr. Colton seconded the motion. All Council Members voted aye. The motion carried. Page 10 of 11 August 24, 2000 City Council Minutes ADJOURNMENT Without further business, Mr. Venable moved to adjourn. Mr. Eimers seconded the motion. All Council Members voted aye. The motion carried. The Council adjourned at 11:00pm. ATTEST: *) th Koch, City Clerk a A an • idler, Mayor Page 11 of 11 August 24, 2000 City Council Minutes