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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2013.05.20 Special MinutesMINUTES McCall City Council Special Meeting High School Annex 401 North Mission Street May 20, 2013 Agenda Public Forum Adjournment CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL Mayor Bailey called the special meeting of the McCall City Council to order at 6:30 p.m. Council Member Aymon, Mayor Bailey, Council Member Scott, Council Member Swanson, and Council Member Witte were present. City staff present was Gene Drabinski, City Manager; Michelle Groenevelt, Community Development Director; and BessieJo Wagner, City Clerk. PUBLIC FORUM: Introduction — Gene Drabinski, City Manager, gave a brief introduction and history of the Waste Management discussion. Jeff Rohman, a representative from Fish and Game gave a presentation on the bear situation within the City of McCall. Comments from the Public: Debra Staup asked the question "Are we reconsidering the mandatory can?" She stated that she does not use the service and keeps her trash in a secure area. Ms. Staup stated that the City should educate the public. She also stated that the City should also look at dog owners and require that they maintain their dogs as dogs get into trash also. She requested that the Council reconsider the mandatory part of the ordinance. Ms. Staup thought that more public input was a good idea, stating that the public does care and she appreciated the ad in the paper. Dennis Stewart stated that the bear -proof container issue was not over. He introduced himself as a tea party representative living in Lake Fork. Mr. Stewart stated that many tax payers were not happy; however he was pleased with the public forum. He stated that elected officials needed to make educated decisions and not make decisions under the guise of health and safety. Mr. Stewart continues by stating that education was the primary issue. He stated the need to find a solution to the problem. He suggested that Lake Shore Disposal drivers should know where the problem is. He compared the issue to j-ditch. McCall City Council Special Meeting Page 1 of 3 May 20, 2013 Jim Staup stated that he takes care of his property and that the solution is the people that leave their trash out and the commercial areas that leave their trash out needed to be held accountable. Mr. Staup stated that Lake Shore Disposal should take a stance and should work with the people that have the issue. He suggested that the bear -proof issue should be a step process. Mr. Staup stated that he appreciated the meeting. Alana Shoemaker stated the she was mostly against any mandate, stating that a mandate should be a last resort. She stated that waste management should include education and enforcement. Ms. Shoemaker did not think there was an education process for the public on the bear -proof issue. She felt that the City needed to do a better job with education and enforcing the laws that are already on the books. Ms. Shoemaker stated that Fish and Game did not have much as far as education for the public. Bill Thomas has some questions — How many citizens are receiving service? How many do not use Lake Shore Disposal? He suggested that all who use Lake Shore should use bear -proof containers, and those not using Lake Shore should be held accountable if bears or any wild life gets into their trash. Someone commented that there were those who could not afford the cart. Dave Mathis stated that he did not want mandatory cans if the person did not have service. He also wanted the option to purchase his own can. Gail Bray expressed concern with phasing in; stating that people should have a fine if their container does not meet specs. She stated that she did not like the idea that some would have a bear -proof can and some would not. She stated that she would like a rent to own option. Ms. Bray also commented that lawmakers make laws for the minority not the majority. Jean Wild suggested that the City send out education in the utility bills. Roger Gossi stated that law makers had to make rules for the exception. He stated that the City needed to educate the transit community. He also commented that someone should not have to have a can if they do not have service. It was commented that the owner of the property needed to be responsible. A member of the audience commented that many of the rental companies make it part of the agreement as to how the trash would be removed. A member of the audience commented that the City was treating the bear problem like there was an epidemic when it felt more like a minor problem. It was stated that draconian methods should not be taken. Council Member Aymon spoke about her neighborhood and bears; stating that bears come out during the day and she was concerned for the children in her neighborhood. Council Member Aymon stated that public policy was for those who do not do the right thing. She wanted to know McCall City Council Special Meeting Page 2 of 3 May 20, 2013 if people were ok with the bears being killed. She stated that Code Enforcement Officers would be needed to enforce garbage issues. Council Member Aymon stated that voluntary compliance does not work. A member of the audience commented that the City should deal with those who are not complying and educate first. People should be self policing. Council Member Swanson stated that the trash collection and bear -proof can issue has been a long discussion for the Council. He suggested that a solution may be that if you have service then you have a bear -proof container. He also stated that enforcement some other towns will charge a progressive fee - first offense is $300 and then $500, and the third offense is $1000. Council Member Witte stated that the Council had the best interest of the community in mind when making the decision. Council Member Scott was not comfortable with making it mandatory for all to have a bear - proof container. She stated that there had been some good ideas suggested and that mandatory bear -proof containers should not be for everyone. Mayor Bailey concluded that the issue would be on the next Council Meeting Agenda. ADJOURNMENT Without further business, Mayor Bailey adjourned the meeting at 8:19 p.m. ATTEST BessieJo Wag sonnln, *G 1 2:42-411 ) ,. /r, City %'xk'" ' Yo AHO umisno `136nald C. Bailey, i ; / _ / ayor McCall City Council Special Meeting Page 3 of 3 May 20, 2013