HomeMy Public PortalAboutCouncil Minutes 2004 08/26MINUTES
McCall City Council
Regular Meeting
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Table of Contents
Call to Order and Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Hearing
Public Comment
Consent Agenda
• Minutes of August 2, 2004 and August 11, 2004
• Payment Approval List for Warrant Registers for input dates between August 6
and 19, 2004
• Payroll Report for Pay Period Ending August 13, 2004
• AB 04-137 Alcohol Beverage Catering Permits
• AB 04-140 Assignment and Assumption of Lease
Business
• AB 04-139 Adoption of Budget Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2004 — 2005
• AB 04-138 Adoption of Amending Budget Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2003 — 2004
• AB 04-141 2004 Water Tank Drain & Fill Lines Construction
• AB 04-142 Council Contingency: Sealing the cart paths at the Golf Course
• AB 04-107 Local Option Tax Ordinance 796
• AB 04-143 Resolution 04-13 Calling the Local Option Tax Election and approving
the LOT Ballot Question
• AB 04-136 Council Vision Statement
Reports
Executive Session
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
5:30 p.m. Mayor Eimers, Council Member Bertram, Council Member Greer,
Council Member Muller, and Council Member Robertson answered roll call. A
quorum was present.
BUSINESS
Mayor Eimers, Council Member Bertram, Council Member Greer, Council Member
Muller, and Council Member Robertson toured the old fire station with Police
Chief Ralph Appa, Librarian Anne Kantola, and City Manager Lindley Kirkpatrick.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
At 6:05 p.m., Mayor Eimers moved to go into executive session per Idaho Code
67-2345(1f) to consider pending litigation. Council Member Robertson seconded
the motion. Mayor Eimers, Council Member Bertram, Council Member Greer,
Council Member Muller, and Council Member Robertson voted aye. The motion
carried.
The discussion concerned pending litigation.
At 6:55 p.m., Mayor Eimers moved to come out of executive session. Council
Member Muller seconded the motion. Mayor Eimers, Council Member Bertram,
Council Member Greer, Council member Muller, and Council Member Robertson
voted aye. The motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Eimers called for public comment.
Ed Catlett said he is in support of the McCall Police Department.
Lee Hanson, voiced concerns about the property located at 204 Thula. She said that
she recently attended a Planning and Zoning meeting and requested that the City Code
shouldn't allow a property in a residential zone type A to be part of a junkyard. She
stated that on the property there are three unused refrigerators, gangs of mailboxes
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from the old post office, a blue Chevy van with no license plate that is for sale, a blue
Subaru, a Chevy 4x4 that hasn't been moved in a year, a delivery truck with the
Maverick logo, two brown Chevy's with Oregon and Commercial plates, a six wheeled
truck with a portable water tank, a 20 foot U-Haul truck filled with furniture, multiple
commercial delivery trucks, semi -tractor trailer truck, commercial crane, 1000 gallon
unused propane tank, and various other vehicles.
Herb Hatcher, 13761 Herizon View Road, stated that he isn't a resident of McCall but
does conduct his business in the city. He stated that while having dinner at Lardo's in
the past week he witnessed two gentlemen who became embroiled in a fight over a
pool game. Mr. Hatcher referred to the Community Oriented Policing Services Report
that was prepared on behalf of the McCall Police Department. He stated that the report
emphasizes the need for public visibility of the Police Department. Mr. Hatcher
suggested that the Police Department be relocated to old fire station building to meet
this need. He stated that you don't see crime here because the police department in
McCall is very good.
Joan Catlett, 1942 Pilgrim Cove Road, stated that she currently lives in a fringe area
that is located in an area that was previously looked at for annexation. Ms. Catlett
stated that she frequently calls the sheriff's office because of speeding in the area. The
County is unable to respond on most occasions since they are shorthanded. She calls
the Police Department but they are also unable to respond since they only have one
officer on duty. In the area there is the Girl Scout camp, Boy Scout camp, a Church
camp and a walking trail that goes through Ponderosa State Park, which result in the
convergence of all these people to the area. She thanked the public works department
for repairing signage that have been torn done and commended the work of Bill and Liz.
Ms. Catlett stated that is very difficult to live on the street because of speeding and
failing to stop at stop signs. She stated that McCall needs a code enforcement officer
in McCall to clean up some of the problems that are happening in the city such as the
overtime parking by the marina. She stated that she has yet to meet a police officer or
Chief of Police that hasn't been kind and courteous in every way.
Dan Cantrell, resident of McCall, asked about the budgeting process in regards to the
building department. Mr. Cantrell wanted to know much money is taken in and where it
goes. He stated that he believes the Building Department is currently overtaxed at the
present time, with one man trying to do the job of three. He stated that if money is
available he should be given the help he deserves.
Dave Fields, 602 Wanda, said recently there have been some accusations regarding
his name and the work he performs on the Police Advisory committee. He stated that
he had prepared a letter for Council addressing each of the accusations, and provided
documentation including minutes of PAC meetings, transcripts of words to City Council
at the budget meeting, and a letter from former Mayor Ralph Colton. He asked Council
to look at his letter and documentation to draw their conclusions about the truth.
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Judy Watkins, Nampa, stated that she wants to thank Council's support of McCall
Transit. She stated that they think it is a good thing for McCall and believes that based
on recent comments, the public does as well. She stated that she sees great things
ahead and expansion of services. She thanked the City of McCall on behalf of McCall
Transit.
Dick Wilkerson, 336 Forest, stated that he wants the Council to consider budgeting
more money in order to oil streets for dust control. He complemented the Council for
cutting the police department down and believes they should do the same to a few
others except the Road Department.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Eimers closed the public comment at
7:34p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA
Minutes of August 2, 2004 and August 11, 2004
Payment Approval List for Warrant Registers for input dates between August 6 and 19,
2004
Payroll Report for Pay Period Ending August 13, 2004
AB 04-137 Alcohol Beverage Catering Permits
AB 04-140 Assignment and Assumption of Lease
Council Member Greer asked about the payment for the Lutheran Church Litigation.
City Manager Kirkpatrick explained that it was part of the land acquisition for the East
West Loop.
Council Member Bertram asked about the $3,900 LID billing delinquency. Amanda
Townsend, City Treasurer, explained that it was in reference to sale of the delinquent
parcels.
Council Member Greer asked if the 911 telephone system had a special line in
revenues where part of the tax is used to cover the $18,000 that is spent on the system.
Police Chief Appa stated that the expense comes out the Police budget, and that every
jurisdiction in the county who receives 911 services is required to pay based upon a
percentage of use volume.
Council Member Muller asked about the $20,000 expense for reject sand. Bill Keating,
Public Works explained that the sand is material obtained from the crushing of rock at
the gravel pit, and is used for the building of roads.
Council Member Muller asked about the $1,300 expense for a full hood for a truck. Bill
Keating explained that the hood was a dump truck.
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Council Member Muller asked about a $125 expense for a stray dog. City Manager
Kirkpatrick explained that the billing was done in error and Council would see a
correction to the Warrant at the next meeting.
Council Member Muller asked if there is a transfer fee for leases at the Airport hanger.
City Manager Kirkpatrick explained that there isn't a transfer fee, but the when the
leases expire the fees are charged at the current year's base rate.
Council Member Bertram asked about if the money spent in regards to the storm water
could be used as match funds if the City was awarded a grant. City Manager
Kirkpatrick stated that it is often difficult to use money that has already been spent as
match. He stated that the idea is conceivable but unlikely under most grant scenarios.
Council Member Muller moved to approve the Consent Agenda and authorize the
Mayor to sign all necessary documents. Council Member Robertson seconded
the motion. In a roll call vote, Mayor Eimers voted aye, Council Member Bertram
abstained, Council Member Greer voted aye, Council Member Muller voted aye,
and Council Member Robertson voted aye. The motion carried.
BUSINESS
AB 04-139 Adoption of Budget Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2004 — 2005
City Manager Kirkpatrick said that Ordinance No. 797 being presented before Council is
for the adoption of the City Budget for Fiscal Year 2004-2005. City Manager Kirkpatrick
stated the budget remains as discussed with one change to reduce the Golf Operations
and Clubhouse revenues and Golf Pro contract expense by $111,000 to reflect the
actual way we perceive those revenues and pay on the contract. The change
represents a net zero change as the expenses for the items were reduced in
accordance as well. The recommend action before the Council is to suspend the rules
and read the ordinance by title only and adopt the measure to establish the City budget
for the next year in the amount of $13,364,512.
Council Member Bertram stated that the Council needs to find money in the budget to
hire a consultant for an impact study fee. Mayor Eimers said the Council will find funds
to conduct the study; it's just a matter of deciding where the revenue to fund the
expense will come from.
Council Member Robertson stated the current planned budget authorizes $160,000 for
the remodeling of the old Fire Station which is currently planned to serve as an office
for the Community Development Department. In order to explore different options, he
recommended moving the three line expenses to the Council and Mayor contingency
budget instead of placing them as a Community Development line item.
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Council Member Robertson said the Council is eliminating the city funding for an
additional police officer. He supports the idea of an SRO officer at the schools as they
as they were willing to pay for it. If the school was willing to pay 9/12 of the position's
salary, then the Council would be willing to sit down and determine there's a need for a
full time position. He wanted known for the record that the City really isn't eliminating
the position, only the City funding for the SRO position.
Council Member Robertson said the City has had a long-term agreement to pay
$25,000 to Valley County Court Services, which is being reduced to $8,000. He was
concerned over a recent lawsuit filed by Twin Falls County against the city of Twin Falls.
Council Member Greer voiced concerns about overtime for the Police Department since
a position is being eliminated. He wanted to know the reason for reducing one police
officer. Mayor Eimers said that greatest risk to this community is growth, and to
manage the growth a good comprehensive plan and zoning ordinance was developed.
He stated that Council has elected to manage the growth properly which takes more
money than what was available. The elimination of the position helps to fund the ability
to make growth management a priority.
Council Member Robertson added that if the schools are willing to help fund the SRO,
the City would have the same number of officers as they do this year. Council
Robertson said he agrees with the public comments that the Police Department does a
good job.
Council Member Muller stated he agrees that the Police Department does a good job,
but there is more Idaho State Police in the area than ever before. He also believes they
have a good working relationship with the County.
Council Member Bertram stated that it was the Council's number one priority at their
work sessions to provide help to the Community Development department. It was
determined that the City had to deal with the growth now or pay for it desperately in the
future. In order to accomplish the goal, other areas had to be cut. At the time of
budget planning, the Idaho State Police had three officers in the area and hoped they
could assist the City.
Chief Appa clarified that the McCall Police Department was notified that the Idaho State
Police will be transferring two Troopers to Boise, leaving the County with only one
Trooper. In order to present Council with a balanced budget, the Department agreed to
reduce overtime expenses by 25%. He does believe he may be faced with overtime
issues throughout the coming fiscal year with the subtraction of one officer.
Council Member Robertson said the purpose of the advisory committees in the
community is to provide the Council and Department Heads with feedback. It seems to
him that over the past five or six months the advisory committees have been directing
concerns directly to the newspaper rather than fulfilling their purpose.
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Council Member Robertson said one of the topics that has had gained a lot of public
attention has to do with Heartland Gymnastics. The Council has made the decision to
reduce and terminate agreement upon notice by the City as allowed under the original
terms of the contract. He believes the Council should stay with the funding decision,
but there remain 2 projects that the Council needs to kick off. One long range project to
see what the community members want for their recreational needs and another shorter
term project to sit down with Heartland Gymnastics to see what can be done jointly to
help them with costs to the transition away from City funding. He believes this should
be done within the next 45 — 60 days on the assumptions Council does not raise the
funding.
Council Member Greer stated that he would like to see the expense for the employee's
holiday party be taken out of the budget. He believes that taxpayers shouldn't have to
pay for the expense.
Council Member Muller said he does not agree with taking the party out of the budget.
The granting of the party is his way of saying thank you for the hard work put in by the
employees. He feels it is important to support and thank the staff.
Council Member Bertram said holding the party is a good will gesture to the employees.
For every penny we put in we get a better employee. She said that it's a struggle for
her to justify a holiday party and doesn't feel the taxpayers should have to pay for the
expense especially when so many citizens in the community are in need.
Council Member Muller agrees that there are many people in the community who are in
need. The Council needs to implement various programs to help people in need, and
has started by implementing assistance to residents with help for their sewer and water
expense. Many people in the community are service industry oriented which is
notorious for low pay. He still believes that the holiday party should be given to the
staff.
Council Member Muller made the motion to suspend the rules and read
Ordinance No. 797, as amended, by title only. Council Member Robertson
seconded the motion. In a roll call vote, Council Member Bertram, Council
Member Greer, Council Member Robertson, Council Member Muller, and Council
Member Eimers voted aye. The motion carried.
City Manager Kirkpatrick read Ordinance No. 797 by title only.
Council Member Muller made the motion to adopt Ordinance No. 797, setting the
Fiscal Year 2005 City of McCall Budget Appropriation in the amount of
$13,364,512. Council Member Robertson seconded the motion. In a roll call vote,
Mayor Eimers, Council Member Muller, Council Member Robertson, Council
Member Greer, and Council Member Bertram voted aye. The motion carried.
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Council Member Robertson asked that Council begin setting up the committees that will
gather comments regarding the recreational needs of the community to work with
Heartland Gymnastics.
City Manager Kirkpatrick suggested that committee to assist Heartland Gymnastics
transition begin at the staff level. He and Brock Heasley will work with Heartland
Gymnastics and bring any acceptable proposals before Council.
Council Member Robertson and Council Member Greer volunteered to be on the
committee that seeks to identify the future recreational needs of the committee.
AB 04-138 Adoption of Amending Budget Ordinance for Fiscal Year 2003 — 2004
Lindley Kirkpatrick said the proposed amendment to the FY 2004 budget includes an
additional $100,000 Grant from the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council
(LHTAC) for the construction of the East-West Loop and appropriates $50,000 of
General Fund surplus fund balance in the form of a loan to the Sewer Fund for
construction of sewer improvements within the Rio Vista neighborhood.
Council Member Muller made a motion to suspend the rules and read Ordinance
No. 798 by title only. Council Member Robertson seconded the motion. In a roll
call vote, Council Member Bertram, Council Member Greer, Council Member
Robertson, Council Member Muller, Mayor Eimers all voted aye. The motion
carried.
City Manager Kirkpatrick read Ordinance No. 798 by title.
Council Member Muller made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 798. Council
Member Bertram seconded the motion. In a roll call vote, Mayor Eimers, Council
Member Muller, Council Member Robertson, Council Member Greer, and Council
Member Bertram all voted aye. The motion carried.
AB 04-141 2004 Water Tank Drain & Fill Lines Construction
Lindley Kirkpatrick said a BID Opening was held on August 20, 2004. Four bids were
received, Bodiford Construction was the lowest bidder. Holladay Engineering has
reviewed the bids for completeness and compliance with the bid requirements, and has
recommended to award the BID to Bodiford Construction in the amount of $444,730.
The construction process should take as much as 60 days and the contractor is ready
to begin very quickly after being issued a notice to proceed.
Bill Keating, Public Works Director, stated that the project entails placing drain and fill
lines from the water treatment plant to the future 1,000,000 water storage tank. The
waterlines will run through the Aspen Ridge Subdivision which is currently in the
process of building roads. It is the planned to put the waterlines in place during the
road construction to avoid having to do it while the lots are being sold.
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Council Member Muller asked if there was a plan in place in case construction delays
occurred due to the large rocks in the area. Mr. Keating stated that the rocks were
identified to the contractors during an on -site walk through, and rock excavation was a
line item on the bid proposal.
Council Member Robertson asked if the City of McCall will come within the $1,000,008
that was originally estimated for the proposed water tank project. City Manager
Kirkpatrick replied that the Engineer would like the opportunity to reevaluate costs for
other items associated with the proposed water tank project.
Council Member Robertson made a motion to award the Water Tank and Drain
and Fill Lines Construction Bid to Bodiford Construction in the amount of
$444,730. Mayor Eimers seconded the motion. In a roll call vote, Council Member
Bertram, Council Member Greer, Council Member Robertson, Council Member
Muller, and Mayor Eimers all voted aye. The motion carried.
AB 04-142 Council Contingency: Sealing the cart paths at the Golf Course
Council Member Robertson asked about the time frame of sealing the cart paths at the
Golf Course. Council Member Bertram spoke with Allan Morrison today and he said
that they will wait until after Labor Day weekend to start sealing the cart path.
Council Member Robertson stated that the project to finish sealing the cart paths and
parking lot will cost $30,000. The Golf foundation and golf community will contribute
$23,000 towards completing the project and the City will contribute $7,000.
Council Member Robertson moved to dedicate $7,000 from Council Contingency
for sealing the cart paths at the Golf Course. Council Member Muller seconded
the motion. All Council Members voted aye. The motion carried.
AB 04-107 Local Option Tax Ordinance 796
City Manager Kirkpatrick stated that Ordinance No. 796 is being presented before the
Council for the third and final reading and a vote for the adoption of the measure that
will place the Local Option Tax before voters. The ordinance incorporates the changes
that were discussed by the Council during the previous readings.
Council Member Robertson stated that since the County has proposed an increased
sales tax, it may be difficult for voters to recognize the difference between the two
measures. He felt that it was important for the Council to get out in the community and
show their support for the measure.
Council Member Bertram stated that she felt it was important that the voters know the
measure is for the adoption of hotel tax only.
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Tracy Smith, 110 Thula, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, asked
Lindley Kirkpatrick if Ordinance No. 796 was amended to include the phrase,
advertising and promotion, to the list of eligible activities where the generated revenue
can be expended. She inquired as to when the independent members to oversee the
measure will be appointed by Council. She stated that she has received input that
many people are waiting to see who the members of commission are before supporting
the measure.
Council Member Bertram stated that the commission will not be selected until the
measure is approved by voters.
Council Member Robertson stated that even if they aren't a member of the Local Option
Tax commission, people will have the chance to come before the Council and
recommend where the revenue is expended. He stated that Economic growth,
marketing, advertising, promotion and development will be amended to the schedule of
expense items in the Ordinance.
Council Member Robertson made a motion to suspend the rules and read
Ordinance No. 796, as amended, by title only. Council Member Muller seconded
the motion. In a roll vote, Council Member Bertram, Council Member Greer,
Council Member Robertson, Council Member Muller, and Mayor Eimers. The
motion carried.
City Manager Kirkpatrick read Ordinance No. 796 by title only.
Council Member Robertson made a motion to adopt Ordinance No. 796. Council
Member Muller seconded the motion. In a roll vote, Mayor Eimers, Council
Member Muller, Council Member Robertson, Council Member Greer, and Council
Member Bertram all voted aye. The motion carried.
AB 04-143 Resolution 04-13 Calling the Local Option Tax Election and approving
the LOT Ballot Question
Tammy Zokan, City Attorney, explained the ballot question lay out. In order to help
clarify the ballot measure, she recommended adding verbiage that will state
"authorizing a local option non -property occupancy tax on hotel/motel rooms, appointing
an independent commission, and identifying uses of said revenues, all provided in said
ordinance."
Mayor Eimers said the Council should amend resolution to reflect the changes Tammy
Zokan discussed.
Council Member Muller made a motion to adopt Resolution 04-13 as amended.
Council Member Robertson seconded the motion. In a roll vote Council Member
Bertram, Council Member Greer, Council Member Robertson, Council Member Muller,
and Mayor Eimers all voted aye. The motion carried.
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AB 04-136 Vision Statement
Council Member Muller said he would like the vision statement to include a reference to
full time residents as they also benefit to the local occupancy. Council Member
Robertson suggested that the vision statement be amended to read "the local economy
is tied to residents, tourism, and second homes."
Council Member Robertson made a motion to adopt the Vision Statement of the
City McCall as amended. Council Member Muller seconded the motion. All
Council Members voted aye. The motion carried.
REPORTS
City Manager/City Clerk — Lindley Kirkpatrick said the city is looking at the Health
insurance plan for the next Fiscal Year. The proposal is to remain with Blue
Cross and increase the deductible from $500 to $750, the dental plan would
change from Delta Dental to MetLife, and changing the Employee Assistance
Program administrator. To offset the expense of an increased health insurance
deductible, the proposed change also includes increasing the city's contribution
to the flexible spending account by $190 for employees and by $380 for employee
and dependents. By making the proposed changes and reducing overall
premium costs, the City will save 1 % over what is budgeted for the year. The
increased flexible spending account amounts will also benefit employees by
providing more first dollar health coverage.
City Attorney — Tammy Zokan said the hearing on the petition for judicial
confirmation was held on Wednesday. She stated the judge granted the City's
petition, entered findings and conclusions, and a judgment which authorizes the
City to enter into a loan agreement with DEQ in the amount of $1,800,000. The
judge found the expenses were ordinary and necessary to improve the water
system and authorized by law. The decision is final but is subject to a 42 day
appeal period.
Chief of Police — Ralph Appa presented a packet for Council regarding the police
advisory committee for their review. He stated that on October 2, 2004, McCall
will be the location for the largest homeland security drill seen in the state. Three
separate drills will be held in Valley County presenting worst case disaster
scenarios. The drills are meant to tax the resources of the responding parties in
order to see if there are only problems in Department policies or training.
Council Member Robertson stated that the results of this federal disaster training
project should be a strong statement to the community as to the local agency's
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plan for disaster preparedness. The project will be communicated to the
community in the newspaper and radio so that citizens realize what is happening.
Council Member Bertram asked about the $700 revenue line item in Recreation
Department budget. She thought that more revenue was generated under the
program.
ADJOURNMENT
Without further business, Council Member Greer moved to adjourn. Council
Member Muller seconded the motion. All Council Members voted aye. The
motion carried. The Council adjourned at 10:12 p.m.
Kirk L. Eimers, Mayor
ATTEST:
Dan Irwin, City Clerk
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