HomeMy Public PortalAboutCouncil Minutes 2001 05/24MINUTES
McCall City Council
Regular Meeting
Thursday, May 24, 2001
Table of Contents
Call To Order and Roll Call
Business
Public Hearing
Public Comment
Consent Agenda
Business
Reports
Executive Session
Adjournment
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May 24, 2001
City Council Minutes
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Muller called the regular meeting of the McCall City Council to order at 6 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.
BUSINESS
AB 01-82 McPaw's Presentation
Mike Anderson, representing McPaw's reported the activities and status. He proposed
a replacement for the pound. The proposal included two animal shelters and shared
funding for services. The old vet clinic property in McCall has been purchased for the
shelter. The clinic will have boarding facilities and residential quarters for the director.
McPaw's was established in 1997 as a 501(c)3 organization. It has 65 members and
volunteers. They have had fundraisers such as an auction and bark in the park. The
new pound would allow special programs such as spaying/neutering, adoption, and
foster care.
Leeta Anderson's Animal Foundation was created 1'/2 years ago. Since that time, 3000
rescues have been accomplished. A shelter in Los Angeles, California adopted 100
cats.
McPaw's vision is to have humane housing for impounded animals. The animal shelter
would serve Valley County and part of Adams County.
The strategy is to hire a director (position already offered). There would also be paid
staff and volunteers. McPaws would like to contract with cities and counties to relieve
them from the burden of animal control. McPaws plans to be in full operation by next
spring. Mr. Anderson presented a couple of funding options to the city. The same
presentation will be made to other cities and counties. Mr. Strope will work on figures
with Mr. Anderson to include a portion of the costs in next year's budget.
AB 01-80 Gymnastics Presentation
Uma Mulnick made a presentation, which was included in the Council packet. The
presentation included current statistics, costs and explained that $45,000 would be
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City Council Minutes
freed up over the next five years. She explained why gymnastics should be funded
instead of other programs. Gymnastics already exists and a partnership would free up
more money for other programs.
How will the City pay its part? Building, equipment, utilities, and the remaining balance
either in cash or by reimbursement. Contributions from the city have been capped at a
predetermined amount. The city's role would be to decrease financial support and
approve fees, scholarships, and fee waivers.
The Recreation Director provided a list of new programs that could be offered to the
community with increased funding. The city would pay $25,000 for the final quarter of
this fiscal year.
Ms. Arp said that she's assuming an audit letter will be required each year. She also
confirmed that parent participation would not be a requirement for participation,
scholarships, or fee waivers.
Mr. Muller moved to approve the recommendation and directed staff to prepare
an agreement for Council approval with Heartland Gymnastics to enter into a
partnership effective as soon as practical. Mr. Eimers seconded the motion. All
Council Members voted aye. The motion carried.
Council recessed at 7 pm. The meeting reconvened at 7:05 pm.
PUBLIC HEARING
AB 01-73 River Ranch Annexation & Zoning
Mr. Kirkpatrick explained that the issue was to decide upon annexation and R-5 Zoning.
A public hearing is not required for final plat or annexation. The request conforms with
the comprehensive plan (rural residential). The development in question is currently
zoned R-10. The difference is essentially lot sizes of 5 or 10 acres.
Issues with the annexation and rezoning were listed in the staff report. The issues
included a letter from the FAA expressing concerns about wildlife attractions, noise
complaints, and land use restrictions.
P&Z granted conditional approval. Three new items were included in the staff report
(items 10, 11, and 12). All other items were similar to the original application. Item #5
says the city will seek funding for a bike path. If funds are not available, River Ranch
will complete a bike path. The first reading of the ordinance was recommended.
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Geoff Rowe's discussed the letter from the FAA. Mr. Rowe pointed out that the city has
signed grant assurances restricting the use of land adjacent to the airport. He pointed
out the issues included in the FAA's letter.
Judd DeBoer, Diane DeBoer, Dennis Hart, and Katharine Hart are all owners of River
Ranch and were in attendance. Bill Clark and Jim Fronk were available to answer
questions.
Mr. DeBoer said the ranch is open and gives the feeling of rolling terrain. The response
from neighbors was favorable. He was confident that all problems could be addressed.
He does not think the airport will impair the project. They are not asking for homes at
the end of the runway.
Mr. Clark explained that the development has been in the works for 4 to 5 years. City
water service is expected for the development. The owners are offering a considerable
amount of land to the city as an easement. The project will be developed in phases
beginning at North end. They will work with the fish and game group on any migratory
issues.
Mr. Fronk pointed out other properties within the same proximity of the airport. He also
pointed out that most of the construction would be outside of any wetland. He said he
thought the FAA's letter said to use your Master Plan. The development is consistent
with the Master Plan.
Mr. Muller said that it's compatible today, but what about future airport FAA
compatibility. Mr. Clark said the buyers would agree to be subject to conditions. Mr.
Muller is concerned with losing airport grants.
Mr. Clark would like to share in the cost of reconstructing the dip on Mission Road.
Costs are estimated to be around $200,000. He suggested the city share $100,000 of
the costs.
Ralph Colton asked if sewer part was part of the development. Mr. Fronk said that they
were comfortable that they could find septic for each lot. They have been working with
Central District Health. Septic does not appear to be an issue because of the size of
the lots.
Mr. Bieter said the annexation issue makes this development unique. If the city
chooses not to annex, no other decisions are necessary. If the city decides to annex
then it can rezone the property and propose a development agreement. Everything
hinges on the annexation.
Mr. Bieter said that he'd had a similar experience with the FAA. The FAA is not making
the decision to develop. That is Council's decision. Mr. Bieter does not believe grant
funds are an issue.
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Ms. Arp asked if Council had the ability to modify the second and third phases. Mr.
Bieter said it's not in the current agreement, but the agreement can be modified.
The public hearing opened at 8:45 pm.
Ken Moon, a local resident, was asked by Kathy Miller to speak on her behalf for the
Aviation Association. He said the FAA letter is very strong. He said the letter says that
funding is on the line if things are not done properly. He pointed out several issues
with the development being so close to the airport.
Casey Lindsay, representative of Idaho Aviation Association (local Chapter) said he
was torn because he is also a developer. He also pointed out issues with the
development.
Janet Venable, resident, stated that she loves being in flight plan. She said the
development would be an asset to the city.
Scott Findlay, Airport support volunteer for AOPA, also discussed issues of the
development being close to the airport. He said that If Council chooses to approve the
then is should have sewer.
Dwayne Smith, resident, said if Mr. DeBoer develops in phases, Council should look at
�` leaving the far end of the development for traffic. Mr. Smith has given land to the City
and said it should be expected of Mr. DeBoer to do the same.
The public hearing was closed at 8:45 pm.
Mr. Clark said that if the city wants to buy property for the airport then the city should
start negotiations. The development is consistent with the Master Plan and the
Comprehensive Plan.
Mr. DeBoer said that it sounds like there is an airport problem whether the development
is approved or not. Sewer is not feasible for the development. It would have to be runt
to 50 lots on 500 acres.
Ms. DeBoer said they have spent a tremendous amount of time deciding what to do
with property. She hopes to be part of vision to develop property for economic
development.
Mr. Rowe stated that the comparison between Comprehensive Plan and the Airport
Master Plan is that the city is required to follow the Comprehensive Plan. The Airport
Master Plan is only advisory in nature.
Mr. Kirkpatrick said that the Comprehensive Plan is also advisory, not a regulatory
document that needs to be updated every year.
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Mr. Eimers asked what could Judd do without coming to Council. Mr. Kirkpatrick said
the property Could be developed in ten -acre lots, not annexed, without water, with plat
approval. The annexation request is for 680 acres.
Mr. Colton stated that the road is a negotiable issue. The noise is not an issue because
it is seasonal. He suggested holding an open record for a week or ten days to allow
comments.
Mr. Eimers said that Mr. DeBoer owns the ground and his personal property rights are
important. He agreed with only providing water and not sewer.
Mr. Colton suggested the city call FAA and follow up on the letter instead of guessing
the meaning of the letter. He also pointed out that a plan is a best guess, but not
necessarily how it will happen and not a contract.
Ms. Arp is less concerned about noise then safety. She would like to attempt to get an
answer from the FAA. She asked if there is anything in the development agreement
speaking to other unplatted areas. Mr. Kirkpatrick said there was not. The current
proposal would zone the property R-5.
Ms. Arp discussed the sharing of costs for Mission Road. She also suggested looking
more closely at avigation easements. A clause should be added to allow flexibility if
there are issues with phase 1.
Mr. Venable said that a property owner has a piece of ground that he wants to develop.
He said that the city should get on with it. Problems must be solved when they come
up.
Mr. Muller said the FAA letter is a strong letter, but no conclusion was drawn one way or
the other. He hopes that the development gets the alternate route back on track. He
also said that if the developer gets the proper permits then why force them into sewer.
Ms. Arp wants to see the developer pay for wildlife mitigation. She suggested adding it
into the development agreement.
Mr. Strope will work with FAA. Mr. Clark asked for clarification on the city contacting
FAA. He suggested listing specific questions rather than asking for clarification of the
meaning of the letter.
Comments will be allowed in writing until June 4, 2001.
Page 6 of 12
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City Council Minutes
BUSINESS
AB 01-78 Contract with Ida -Ore for ICDBG Administration and Appointment of an
Environmental Review Officer
There was no discussion about the contract or appointment.
Mr. Eimers thanked everyone involved for helping to get the grant for the ice skating
rink.
Mr. Muller moved to approve the contract with Ida -Ore Planning and Development
and authorize the Mayor to sign. Mr. Eimers seconded the motion. At a roll call
vote, Mr. Muller, Mr. Eimers, Ms. Arp and Mr. Colton voted aye. The motion
carried.
Mr. Muller moved to authorize the Mayor to appoint Karl Augustine as the
Environmental Review Officer. Mr. Eimers seconded the motion. At a roll call
vote, Mr. Muller, Mr. Eimers, Ms. Arp and Mr. Colton voted aye. The motion
carried.
Council recessed at 10:15 pm. The meeting reconvened at 10:30 pm.
BUSINESS
AB 01-83 Water Rate Structure
Mr. Muller said Council is looking at decreasing water rates. Mr. Eimers pointed out the
city's financial condition. He explained that the city currently has a $500,000 surplus in
the water fund. The Water Treatment Plant Project will cost approximately $7,000,000
less grant funding of $1,750,000. The loan will be $5,250,000. He suggested a total
rate reduction of $120,000 for water service accounts using less than 20,000 gallons a
month. He said that after the $120,000 rate reduction, the city would still run $300,000
in the black for next three years. The rate reduction would reduce each users base rate
by $5 per month. Council clarified that they may have to add the fees back in future
years.
Mr. Colton asked if different people should be getting different rate reductions. He said
he thought reducing rates would violate the rate study if it superceded the study.
Mr. Eimers suggested waiting to do the rate study until the Water Treatment Plant
Project is complete.
Ms Arp said she thought we were doing full blown rate study.
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Mr. Colton said he would like the auditors and current bondholder to buy off on the
proposed rate structure.
Mr. Strope said requirements of the bond are that operations revenues net 1.2 times of
the debt service. Mr. Eimers said with a cursory Zook, the numbers comply with the
requirements.
Joan Catlett, resident, said not one person on the committee was in attendance. She
discussed how much money she has paid in seven months for three thousand gallons
of water. Five dollars is a step in the right direction, but she was hoping the reduction
would be more like $20. She wants to be on water committee. She said there has to
be a more equitable way. She believes residents are still subsidizing the large users.
Mr. Eimers spoke about distribution and how the he's trying to benefit the "little guy'.
Mr. Strope summarized the idea. The city is to target $120 thousand rate reduction for
low end users. He will check with Mike Moore to see if the city can take a rate
reduction without jeopardizing bond covenants.
Ms. Arp stated that she agreed with Ms. Catlett that the committee was bypassed and
felt it was inconsiderate. Mr. Strope said he could get the committee together to
discuss how to address the $120,000 reduction.
Mr. Venable left at 11 pm.
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 April 26, 2001
• Minutes of May 8, 2001
• Minutes of May 10, 2001
• Minutes of May 17, 2001
• Invoice Approval List Dated May 21, 2001
• Payroll Report for Pay Period Ending May 11, 2001
• AB 01-44 J-Ditch Application for Payment #9
• Dust Abatement Contract Agreement with Dust Abatement
• Chip Seal Contract Agreement with Snake River Construction
• DRMO Memorandum of Agreement
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City Council Minutes
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C i t y C o u n c i l M i n u t e s
authorization to approve and sign all work change directives and change orders with
contract price decreases, no cost changes, and change orders with contract price
increases up to $10,000 like J-Ditch. The resolution accomplishes making Montgomery
Watson responsible for the design. It is important to set the contract price at a known
dollar amount of approximately $6.4 million. Shaded boxes are included on the
resolution so dates can be filled in from prior contracts.
The categorical exclusion has been published in the Star News. It was the last thing
required before the City can "turn a shovel of dirt", according to DEQ. Mr. Strope gave
a list of things still needed for the project to begin. The list included:
1. Adopt resolution 01-09 giving Mr. Strope the authority to issue a notice to
proceed
2. Approve addendum #4 to the contract with CNI
Mr. Eimers asked about the $100,000 contingency money. Mr. Strope said it would be
treated like a line item in the contract that requires prior engineer approval.
Mr. Eimers moved to adopt resolution 01-09 and instruct staff to insert the dates
into the resolution and authorize the Mayor to sign. Mr. Colton seconded the
motion. At a roll call vote, Mr. Eimers, Mr. Colton, Ms. Arp, and Mr. Muller voted
aye. The motion carried.
REPORTS
City Manager — Robert Strope
Mr. Strope discussed J-Ditch. He requested a list from Matt Uranga on what will and
will not be done on June 1, 2001. The City will be out of the river by that date. Five
feet of water has to be in the bottom of the pond in order to start discharging to the J-
Ditch. It may be as late as the June 5 through June 10 before discharging can begin.
The liner and fences will not be done by the June 1, 2001. The pond cannot be filled
until the fence is up.
Mr. Strope gave a list of things that will not be done by June 1, 2001. There are 2
significant issues.
1. A pipe that runs all the way around half of the dike where the water enters into
the lagoon, was not pressure tested before it was buried as required by the
contract. Wausau has proposed a different type of testing. J-U-B is requiring a
20-year warranty if they use a different type of testing. (The more minor of the
two issues.)
2. The City does not have a resolution for the chain link seal at the lower
penetration of the wet well which is 70 feet down. Wausau has been told that
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their proposal has to include long-term risk money or insurance to provide
comfort level to the City. It's the owners option whether or not defective work is
accepted.
The City received 12 to 14 applications for the library director position. The Library
Board requested Mr. Strope's assistance with the selection of the position.
Mr. Rowe submitted his resignation. The City is in need of a Level 4 Operator with
sand gravity filtration experience at the Water Treatment Plant. Mr. Strope discussed
giving Bill Keating an expanded and reduced role. Mr. Strope and Council discussed
the pros and cons of not having a full time Airport Manager.
City Attorney — Dave Bieter
None.
Finance Director/City Clerk — Cathleen Koch
None.
City Councilor — Marilyn Arp
Ms. Arp asked about the skateboard park site? Mr. Strope said there are ideas, but no
site yet.
What is the remodel cost? Ms. Arp thought it was more extensive than she thought it
was going to be. Mr. Strope explained that it had only cost $2,000 to $3,000. The
money came from savings of not having a Treasurer and City Clerk. The only
significant cost will be the air conditioning.
Is anybody thinking about a bike path map? She wondered how a map could be done.
There was no discussion about the map
When does the City need to budget for breaking through to Lick Creek Road? Mr.
Keating is working on that with SMR.
City Councilor — Ralph Colton
Mr. Colton asked about evaluation forms that were supposed to be put in Council's
boxes. Mr. Strope said he failed to do that.
What is the status on annexing the sewer ponds? Mr. Strope said Mr. Kirkpatrick is
working on that issue.
Mr. Colton received a copy of some quotes made on the radio about the golf course.
The quotes are bizarre. Mr. Strope spoke to Dave Eaton about the $200,000 figure of
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City Council Minutes
income, which is incorrect. He did explain that he couldn't divulge the actual number,
but $200,000 was completely inaccurate. Mr. Strope also explained that the statement
of, there is no way the contract will be renewed has not been decided. He said Council
has not made a decision, but there is a group working on a recommendation and
Council as a whole will be making the decision.
City Councilor — Kirk Eimers
None.
City Councilor — Mayor Muller
None.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 12:15 am, Mr. Muller moved to go into executive session per Idaho Code 67-
2345(1 c) to acquire an interest in real property, which is not owned by a public
agency. Mr. Eimers seconded the motion. At a roll call vote, Mr. Muller, Mr.
Eimers, Mr. Colton, and Ms. Arp voted aye. The motion carried.
The discussion concerned property acquisition.
At 12:26 am, Ms. Arp moved to come out of executive session. Mr. Colton
seconded the motion. At a roll call vote, Mr. Muller, Mr. Eimers, Mr. Colton, and
Ms. Arp voted aye. The motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Without further business, Ms. Arp moved to adjourn. Mr. Colton seconded the
motion. All Council Members voted aye. The motion carried. The Council
adjourned at 12:27 am.
ATTEST:
Allan Muller, Mayor
Cathleen A. Koch, Finance Director/City Clerk
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