HomeMy Public PortalAboutCouncil Minutes 2004 03/11MINUTES
McCall City Council
Regular Meeting
Thursday, March 11, 2004
Table of Contents
Call to Order and Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Hearing
AB 04-34 Ordinary and Necessary Expense for Necessary Improvements to the
Domestic Water System
Public Comment
Consent Agenda
• Minutes of February 26, 2004
• Payment Approval List for Warrant Registers printed on March 04, 2004
• Payroll Report for Pay Period Ending February 27, 2004
• AB 04-31 Alcohol Beverage Catering Permits
• AB 04-32 Arbor Day Proclamation
• AB 04-37 Holladay Engineering Pay Application No. 12 Preliminary
Engineering Four Corners Project
Business
• AB 04-36 Syringa Drainage
• AB 04-35 Rio Vista Projects
• AB 04-22 Remodeling office space for McCall Parks and Recreation and
Airport
• AB 04-33 Advisory Ballot
Reports
Executive Session
Litigation
Personnel
Property Acquisition
Adjournment
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CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Eimers called the regular meeting of the McCall City Council to order at
7:00 p.m. Mayor Eimers, Council Member Bertram, and Council Member
Robertson answered roll call. A quorum was present. City staff members
present were City Attorney Tammy Zokan, City Manager/City Clerk Robert Strope,
Community Development Director Lindley Kirkpatrick, Treasurer Amanda
Townsend, Public Works Director Bill Keating, Police Chief Ralph Appa, Parks
and Recreation Director Brock Heasley, and Assistant to the City Manager Tina
Clark.
Council Member Eimers led in the Pledge of Allegiance
PUBLIC HEARING
At 7:06 p.m., Mayor Eimers opened the Public Hearing on AB 04-34 Ordinary and
Necessary Expense for Necessary Improvements to the Domestic Water System
Robert Strope said this public hearing relates to the ordinary and necessary expense
for the improvements to the domestic water system. It involves incurring up to
approximately $1.8 million worth of expenses for a water storage tank and associated
infrastructure to be located on the hill above the water treatment plant in the Aspen
Ridge Subdivision.
Council Members discussed that if the City doesn't receive the full amount from the
DEQ State Revolving Fund, then they will proceed with other financing options for
portions of the improvements, most likely through private sources.
AS no person wanted to speak, Mayor Eimers closed the public hearing.
Council Member Robertson made a motion to direct the staff to seek funding
approval for the necessary improvements to the domestic water system facilities
and petition the court for judicial confirmation of this action at the appropriate
time and authorize the Mayor and City Attorney to sign all necessary documents.
Council Member Bertram seconded the motion. In a roll call vote, Council
Member Bertram, Council Member Eimers, and Council Member Robertson voted
aye. The motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
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Mayor Eimers called for public comment.
Lori MacNichol, Airport Advisory Board Chair, gave an Airport Advisory update.
Regarding the Airport Manager's office renovation project, the Airport Advisory Board
has recommended an approval of the renovation on the office space, with the condition
that the Board review and give approval of the proposed lease of offices to the Parks
and Recreation Department. The approval would be based upon specific wording, and
that wording would be in place per the request of the FAA, specific wording to be
included and that a fair market lease rate would be used. The Airport Improvement
Project lost AIP funding money for the year 2004. Armstrong Engineering said that due
to the fact of September 11th and the implementing of Homeland Security, the FAA, in
conjunction with Homeland Security, has reclassified and restructured the list of
importance level in the Airport Improvement Projects. The Airport Board has concerns
that their next three projects are of low priority. Projects affected by this are: the
strengthening of the asphalt, triangular taxi way, an access road, and paving the
parking lot. The Airport Board will be focusing on higher priority projects such as;
security and safety.
Coming up in the year 2007 the Airport Advisory Board is looking at land acquisition,
such as the 80 acres of property adjacent to the airport, and to budget money aside for
the Master Plan Airport Improvement Project of 2007. Lori MacNichol thanked the City
for the amount of money it budgets for the ongoing Sewer Project and for the continuing
support from the Council. No date has been set for the completion of the Sewer
Project. The Airport Manager is looking at possible grants to help fund the completion
of the Sewer Project. Public Works is combining two part time employee positions into
one full time position and the Airport Advisory Committee hopes that the new full time
employee will be available for airport plowing.
Council Member Robertson said it is important for the Council and the public to know
that the City ran into some problems with the loader this year, and the County through
Jerry Robinson has loaned the City a loader to use during this time.
Council Member Bertram asked that the City write a letter of thanks to the County
Commissioners for loaning the equipment.
Robert Jones, a representative for the local snowmobile club and residents on the west
side of town, has concerns about the Meadows Road closure, and would like to get on
the agenda for the next Council meeting on March 25th. The snowmobile club's
concerns include: the removal of signs from Meadows Road, opening Meadows Road
to snowmobiles, and sending a letter to the Forest Service (attention to Mark Madrid
and Randy Swick) requesting the opening of Bear Basin Road, or an acceptable
bypass.
Council Member Eimers asked what is the urgency of doing this before Robert Strope
gets back in six weeks. Mr. Jones replied that the snowmobile club feels that in six
weeks the snow will be gone and the interest and the situation will have changed within
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the City for service. The Forest Service is working on proposals that are coming up and
if this doesn't get to the Forest Service relatively soon, the snowmobile club's request
will be bypassed on their agenda.
Council Member Eimers said since this is in ordinance form at the present it would
mean changing the ordinance, which requires posting times and many other details.
The City could write a letter, but we would need to be sure it was not in conflict with the
City's own ordinance.
Council Member Bertram asked if the City could work on an ordinance change. Mr.
Jones asked for a letter of intent while the City looks at the ordinance. Council Member
Eimers explained that the letter would presume something that City Council is going to
do, and the Council hasn't decided if they are going to do it.
Robert Strope responded that before the City would send a letter, the City should go
through a public process that identifies that the Council is considering it. Mr. Strope
asked that the City not undertake the ordinance at this time, and from the staff
perspective, the City needs to do a good and thorough job preparing information for the
Council. Mr. Strope said writing a letter to the Forest Service saying that the
snowmobile club has approached the City Council with a request to revisit the
ordinance in May or June would not be a problem.
Ross Mayfield stated that at the December 11, 2003 City Council meeting, Mr. Strope
recommended that the Snowmobile Club in conjunction with the Forest Service develop
a specific recommendation regarding the ordinance and then present the Council with
their recommendations. It would be done as a project during this coming year. Also,
Mr. Mayfield thought the City Council would look at what access points are available
and required and desired for citizens. These access points could include anything
around the area, to include the areas that have previously been used and that are now
not open. Mr. Mayfield recommends that the City Council consider that as part of the
letter.
Council Member Bertram understood that the Council was putting it back in the
snowmobile club's court to come up with their wish list and that Council would look at it.
Council Member Eimers explained that the snowmobile club would be working with the
Forest Service and come forward with specific proposals. Mr. Strope added that he has
had meetings with the snowmobile club about the ordinance, and that he owes them a
list of draft changes.
Council Member Eimers asked fellow Council Members Bertram and Robertson if they
were willing to look at it in the near future and they both replied yes.
CONSENT AGENDA
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Minutes February 26, 2004 (amended)
Payment Approval List for Warrant Registers printed on March 19, 2004
Payroll Report for Pay Period Ending March 12, 2004
AB 04-31 Alcohol Beverage Catering Permits
AB 04-32 Arbor Day Proclamation
AB 04-37 Holladay Engineering Pay Application No. 12 Preliminary Engineering
Four Corners Project
Council Member Bertram inquired about the Youth Advisory Council. Mr. Strope
explained that a grant has been received to allow the Caldwell Mayor's Youth Advisory
Council to provide training to our Youth Advisory Council. They have the grant funds
and came up and did an event, and as a courtesy to them, Mr. Strope used the City
credit card to purchase breakfast at the Pancake House. The City of McCall will be
reimbursed from that grant. The City Attorney did review that transaction and stated
that the City is not in violation of Idaho Code.
Council Member Robertson asked about background investigation in Public Works, by
Bill Freeman and Associates. Mr. Strope said it was for a Utility Services Supervisory
position, and that the City does various levels of background checks, depending upon
the position.
Council Member Robertson moved to approve the Consent Agenda. Mayor
Eimers Council Member seconded the motion. All Council Members voted aye.
The motion carried.
BUSINESS
AB 04-36 Syringa Drainage
Robert Strope said the staff prepared at Council's request information related to the
drainage on Syringa. The City Engineer provided a letter, given to the Council outlining
their position in regard to the drainage on Syringa. Mr. Strope provided a letter to the
residents of Syringa stating that, based on the information gathered the City would not
do any additional work on that project. Mr. Strope's letter to the residents included
Holladay Engineering's report. Mr. Strope explained that staff was asked to bring this
project back to the Council so that it could be addressed again.
Ben Verschoor from Syringa Subdivision said that when he first heard of the
construction, it was to widen the road. He feels now there's a lot less road, and it's hard
to park.
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Robert Strope said the staff position remains unchanged in regards to the expenditure
of the funds. It would run about $5,000 - $10,000 just to do a design and to go back
and get a bid to determine what it would cost to do the drainage.
Council Member Bertram suggested that when the City looks at future neighborhoods, a
different standard should be considered, even if the cost is $25,000 - $30,000 over the
project, and to look at a more neighborhood friendly scenario. Mr. Strope replied that
the City will first take a look at different options, discuss them with the neighbors, and
involve the residents in the design phase so that they know what will occur.
Robert Strope asked that the Council pass a motion adopting the staffs
recommendation.
Council Member Eimers moved to adopt the staffs recommendation, that the City
Council not expend the funds to design and bid the project. Council Member
Robertson seconded the motion. All Council Members voted aye. The motion
carried.
AB 04-35 Rio Vista Projects
Robert Strope said City Council asked the staff to look at priority projects for Rio Vista.
It is the staffs recommendation that the City pursue a STEP (Septic Tank Effluent
Pump) system for most of the unsewered portions of Rio Vista. A STEP system will
provide sewer service to some lots that aren't currently serviced, and address some of
the existing septic systems that are in the area. Holladay Engineering has put together
some estimates for those improvements. This type of improvement would encourage
additional development, add value, and would bring in some additional revenues. Mr.
Strope said Ralph Colton expressed an interest in being involved in moving this project
forward, and asked that Mr. Strope relay his message to the Council. Mr. Colton has
had a number of conversations with providers of this type of a system, and has done
some independent research. Mr. Colton feels that the project can be completed for less
than Holladay's estimate.
Robert Strope added that a commitment that was made by another Council to give back
the property taxes received from the Rio Vista Subdivision. This staff recommendation
would be giving back improvements from property taxes to Rio Vista, as opposed to
giving back from user fees.
Council Member Robertson stated the sewer project should fund its own growth, and
that Council shouldn't make that final commitment until the City knows the outcome of
the J-Ditch litigation. He said he has heard only City staff talk about sewer needs in the
Rio Vista Subdivision, but that the people who live in Rio Vista, complain about the lack
of paved streets.
Robert Strope replied that it is the staffs responsibility to take a look at the
infrastructure and available funding to determine what the best use of those dollars
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would be. The best use of $150,000 in Rio Vista is for this project. Council Member
Robertson suggested taking a poll from Rio Vista to determine the best use of those
dollars.
Council Member Bertram suggested waiting six weeks to see what the outcome is with
the J-Ditch litigation. If it looks like the City will prevail, then the City should pay for the
project out of the sewer fund and commit to doing a couple of streets that are ready to
pave in Rio Vista.
Robert Strope said that the next dollar the City needs to spend in the sewer fund is to
do a master plan review, as, was done for the water system. The City needs to have a
professional in that area perform a detailed study of the City's system, and tell the City
what the needs are, and help prioritize projects. The staff is asking for direction from
Council to either go forward to put things in place to make improvements in sewer
system, or pave roads.
Council Member Robertson expressed his concerns about the number of property
owners being affected, the cost of the hookup fees, and sewer connections. Mr. Strope
explained that upon Council's approval, the City would have Holladay Engineering put
together a packet to determine what it will cost to make the project happen. Staff will
put together a package that makes sense to minimize the impact to the residents.
Council Member Robertson moved to direct staff to prepare a bid packet for
sewer improvements in Rio Vista subdivision and develop alternatives for hookup
by existing households for Council approval. Council Member Eimers seconded
the motion. All Council Members voted aye. The motion carried.
AB 04-22 Remodeling office space for McCall Parks and Recreation and
Airport
Robert Strope said he committed to Lori MacNichol Chair of the Airport Advisory
Committee, that the lease between the Parks and Recreation Department and the
Airport would contain language to protect the Airport. He recommended that the
construction be allowed to go forward, but that the City would not execute the lease
prior to obtaining the agreement of the FAA and the Airport Advisory Committee.
Council Member Robertson moved to approve the award of the job to Winston
Yeast Construction and authorize the Mayor to sign the agreement when
finalized; and to direct the staff to develop an agreement between the Airport and
the Parks and Recreation Department that complies with the FAA's intent; and
review the agreement with the FAA and AAC prior to execution. Council Member
Eimers seconded the motion. In a roll call vote, Council Member Eimers, Council
Member Bertram, and Council Member Robertson voted aye. The motion carried.
AB 04-33 Advisory Ballot — Tabled
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Robert Strope said during the budget adoption, Council Member Muller stated he would
vote to adopt the budget with a tax increase but wanted to have an advisory vote before
increasing taxes when the FY 04/05 budget is adopted. Mr. Strope reviewed a timeline
for a special election and a draft of questions that could be placed on an advisory ballot.
The staff recommends the Council not hold a special election in May 2004.
Council Member Bertram stated that she did not support this Advisory Ballot. Council
Member Robertson agreed, but stated that he felt Council Member Muller should have
the opportunity to participate in the discussion.
Mayor Eimers tabled the item until the next Council meeting.
REPORTS
Council President — Bill Robertson asked Robert Strope if he had received the
agreement from Susan Buxton's office, allowing Council Member Bertram and himself
to participate with the golf pro. Mr. Strope said that he had spoken with Susan Buxton
and hopes to have the agreement drafted tomorrow. Council Member Robertson asked
Mr. Strope if he could get him information on how to get in contact with SAGE
RESOURCES, or if they would be contacting him.
Council Member — Bonnie Bertram said there was a question brought up at the
McCall Improvement Committee about the design of the Four Corners Project. Lindley
Kirkpatrick spoke with Carol Coyle after the McCall Improvement Committee meeting
and she is going to discuss the proposed design with Holladay Engineering and Secesh
Engineering.
Mayor — Kirk Eimers said that the Council didn't assign someone to WICAP when the
Council was doing their assignments. Marilyn Arp is currently on the Board. Council
Member Bertram said WICAP is an avenue for affordable housing on the County level,
but that maybe it could be looked at on a City level. Council Member Bertram said she
would be on the committee.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 9:13p.m., Council Member Robertson moved to go into executive session per
Idaho Code 67-2345(1f) to consider pending litigation; per Idaho Code 67-
2345(1)(b) to consider a personnel matter; and per Idaho Code 67-2345(1)(c) to
consider property acquisition. Mayor Eimers Council Member seconded the
motion. Mayor Eimers, Council Member Bertram, and Council Member Robertson
voted aye. The motion carried. At 11:07p.m., Council came out of executive
session.
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ADJOURNMENT
Without further business, Council Member Eimbers moved to adjourn. Council
Member Robertson seconded the motion. All Council Members voted aye. The
motion carried. The Council adjourned at 11:07 p.m.
Kirk L. Eimers, Mayor
ATTEST:
Tina Clark, Deputy City Clerk
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