HomeMy Public PortalAboutCouncil Minutes 2001 02/08MINUTES
McCall City Council
Regular Meeting
Thursday, February 8, 2001
Table of Contents
Call To Order and Roll Call
Public Comment
Consent Agenda
Business
Reports
Adjournment
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CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Muller called the regular meeting of the McCall City Council to order at 7:05 pm.
Ms. Arp, Mr. Muller, 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 Finance Director/City Clerk Cathleen Koch.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The Mayor called for public comment. There were no comments.
CONSENT AGENDA
The following items were listed on the consent agenda:
• Minutes of January 11, 2001
• Minutes of January 25, 2001
• Invoice Approval List Dated February 5, 2001
• Payroll Report for Pay Period Ending January 19, 2001
• AB 00-145 Hwy 55/Deinhard Lanes Pay Application No. 3
• Police Department Overtime Report January 20th — February 2nd
Mr. Eimers stated that overtime must be controlled, not just explained.
Mr. Eimers moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Ms, Arp seconded the
motion. At a roll call vote, Mr. Eimers, Mr. Muller, Mr. Colton, Ms. Arp and Mr.
Venable voted aye. The motion carried.
BUSINESS
AB 01-17 Canvassing of Votes
Ms. Koch presented the results of the Local Option Tax Election. The results were as
follows:
Total number voting 469
In favor 167
Against 299
Number of under votes 3
Number of electors signing record 447
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Number of absentee ballots received 22
Number of ballots at polls (8am) 1426
Total number of ballots to account for 1448
Unused ballots 979
Uncast ballots 2
Council discussed acknowledging and rewarding the committee members with a
plaque. Mr. Colton recommended that the committee take a serious look at the issue
and bring it back in November when there are more voters. It was pointed out that the
issue couldn't be brought back for at least one year.
Ms. Arp moved to accept results of the Special Election February 6, 2001 as
printed. Mr. Venable seconded the motion. All Council Members voted aye. The
motion carried.
AB 01-18 Audit Report
Jae Hallett and Kevin Smith, Balukoff, Lindstrom & Co., presented a slide show
highlighting the financial report for fiscal year 2000. The printed slides were included in
the record.
The auditors pointed out the general fund balance of $867,381 and the special revenue
fund balance of $684,478, which is mostly from the street fund. The city must retain a
minimum of 30% in fund balance for the first quarter of each year since property taxes
do not come in until the second quarter. Mr. Hallett explained that if the city chooses to
spend fund balance, it must target one-time projects.
The auditors recommended an appraisal for the delinquent parcels in LID #3. They
were uncertain as to whether or not the property values exceeded what was owed on
the parcels.
The other areas that were highlighted included the general fund expenditures
exceeding appropriations and the capital projects fund, which did not show any
budgeted amounts.
A material weakness was recognized in the Golf Fund. The Golf Course was operating
at a deficit. Significant changes will be necessary in the Golf Department in order to
remedy the situation. The auditors recommended allocating money from the general
fund or implementing better controls. The contracts need to be reconsidered to
consider privatizing/selling the Golf Course or the City should consider managing the
entire operation. Mr. Pillard stated that a business plan was being prepared for the City
to consider taking over the operation. The auditors made suggestions such as
implementing a family pass in order to generate additional revenues. They also
stressed the importance of maximizing the current contract situation.
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Mr. Smith pointed out that the responses received from Mr. Strope and Ms. Koch were
very positive. Reportable conditions that were addressed were resolved immediately.
Mr. Strope was pleased with the reportable conditions having been reduced from 11 in
the prior year to 5 in the current audit report.
There was discussion as to whether or not the city should be subsidizing recreation
fees and whether or not they should be in the gymnastics business. Mr. Hallett pointed
out that fees should be commensurate with the activity. He also noted that some cities
offer recreational activities free or for an annual fee. The programs that should be
offered are more of a philosophical discussion.
Mr. Colton moved to accept the audit report as printed. Mr. Eimers seconded the
motion. All Council Members voted aye. The motion carried.
AB 01-19 ITD Enhancement Grant Application
Mr. Kirkpatrick explained that the South Corridor Task Force and the McCall
Improvement Committee had been focusing on the Four Corners Project which includes
landscaping and beautification on all four corners of SH55/Third Street — Deinhard Lane
Intersection. The project is eligible for funding under the ITD Enhancement Grant
Application for $500,000 with a $50,000 cash match from the City in fiscal year 2004.
Some in -kind donations have already been received.
Mr. Eimers moved to authorize the use of City rights -of -way and authorize the
Mayor to sign the completed application. Mr. Colton seconded the motion. At a
roll call vote, Mr. Venable, Mr. Colton, Ms. Arp, Mr. Muller and Mr. Eimers voted
aye. The motion carried.
AB 01-20 VAR 00-8 for the Rich Sabala Memorial Foundation
Mr. Kirkpatrick presented a variance application submitted by the Rich Sabala Memorial
Foundation. The Planning and Zoning Commission found that the proposal did not
satisfy the requirements of MCC 3-30-010 and recommended that the City Council deny
the application. An appeal was not filed.
Council discussed whether or not the Sabala's understood the appeal process. They
wanted to confirm whether or not the denial of the application was significant to the ice
rink project. Council directed staff to contact the Sabala's and notify them of the
process. Mr. Bieter pointed out that the applicant must have a legally sustainable
position to change the Planning and Zoning Commission's findings and conclusions.
Mr. Muller moved to table VAR 00-8 until the next Council meeting. Mr. Eimers
seconded the motion. At a roll call vote, Mr. Muller, Mr. Eimers, Mr. Venable, Ms.
Arp and Mr. Colton voted aye. The motion carried.
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AB 01-21 Revision of McCall City Code 1-9-4
Mr. Strope presented a draft revision for MCC 1-9-4 concerning appointment and
removal of committee members. He asked Council to give specific recommendations
for changes to the draft.
Council was concerned with the section of the draft giving the City Manager the
authority to remove committee members. Ms. Arp pointed out that committee members
should not be removed for something that has nothing to do with City business. Mr.
Bieter stated that a "for cause" requirement is not in the code.
Mr. Colton asked that a section be added to outline how committee members should be
recruited.
REPORTS
City Manager — Robert Strope
A termination letter has been issued to St. Clair on the J-Ditch Project. A corresponding
letter was sent to the bonding company telling them that they must act quickly. Mr.
Bieter explained that the City could have discussions with other contractors and subs
after 7 days of the notice of termination. The Surety wanted to know how the City felt
about St. Clair or the subs completing the contract. Mr. Strope made it clear that the
City does not want St. Clair to complete the contract.
A request for proposal was published for a construction engineer. Council clarified that
FEMA would only pay for a water treatment plant if one already existed and burned
down.
A meeting was held for the water rate study. The group will be reconvening in 3 weeks.
A conservative estimate will be presented to Council. Ms. Arp asked if surcharges were
legal for those services provided outside of the City.
Mr. Strope voiced his support for a flat fee for all recreation programs. Mr. Colton
pointed out that the City would have to spell out what is received for a flat fee. Ms. Arp
discussed the inequity between the adult and youth programs. Mr. Strope stated that
the parents association is working on a proposal to ask the City to enter into a
partnership for the gymnastics programs.
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ADJOURNMENT
Without further business, Mr. Eimers moved to adjourn. Mr. Muller seconded the
motion. All Council Members voted aye. The motion carried. The Council
adjourned at 10:00 pm.
ATTEST:
/(
irector/City Clerk
ram..•
er, Mayor
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