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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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