HomeMy Public PortalAbout2015.07.23 Regular Minutes MINUTES
McCall City Council
Regular Meeting
Legion Hall (McCall City Hall - Lower Level)
July 23, 2015
Agenda
Call to Order and Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Approve the Agenda
Work Session
Public Comment
Presentation
Proclamation
Business Agenda
Consent Agenda
Adjournment
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Aymon called the regular meeting of the McCall City Council to order at 5:30 p.m.
Mayor Aymon, Councilor Giles, Councilor Scott, Councilor Swanson, and Councilor Witte
all answered roll call.
City staff present was Gene Drabinski, City Manager; Bill Nichols, City Attorney; Linda Stokes,
Treasurer; Peter Borner, Public Works Director; Michelle Groenevelt, Community Development
Director; Nathan Coyle, Airport Manager; Dennis Coyle, Parks and Recreation Director; Traci
Malvich, Human Resources Manager; Nathan Stewart, City Engineer; Delta James, City Planner;
and BessieJo Wagner, City Clerk.
Mayor Aymon led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance at 5:34 p.m.
APPROVE THE AGENDA
Councilor Scott moved to approve the agenda as submitted. Councilor Giles seconded the
motion. In a voice vote all members voted aye and the motion carried.
WORK SESSION
AB 15-135 Workforce Housing Discussion
Michelle Groenevelt, Community Development Director, presented the workforce housing
discussion. The purpose of this work session is to discuss the issue of workforce housing, what
role the City plays in this, and the planning that has occurred around this to date.
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July 23, 2015
Councilor Witte asked about the last workforce housing workshop and the outcome. Ms.
Groenevelt stated there were several regional meetings. There were no specific outcomes from
those meetings and no more are scheduled. She did state that she was approached by several
developers after the last project fell through who were watching with interest and had questions
and ideas.
Councilor Swanson thought progress has been made with the new streamlined processes for
building duplexes and accessory dwelling units. He asked if there are areas where density could
be increased for future building development. Ms. Groenevelt stated that there are some
incentives built into the Code. There is a 20% density bonus if more than 50% of the units are for
affordable housing. There are also incentives for building height to go higher. However, no one
has taken advantage of this yet. Ms. Groenevelt noted that without the tax credit programs there
is not much interest because land is too expensive, but the Code can always be examined for
opportunities to make it better.
Mayor Aymon stated the need is there and she does not think the workforce should have to live
outside town to work here. People should be able to live where they work. If there are things the
City can do to make that happen, she thinks it is important.
Councilor Swanson stated the Code incentives are there, but they are not utilized. The only other
thing he sees is to offer land, or buy land and offer it.
Councilor Scott stated she would be interested in some education about the tools that may be
there to utilize.
Knowing that 200 new housing units are needed, Mayor Aymon would like to know what kind
of units that would be -- small houses, apartments, mixed housing?
Ms. Groenevelt stated that she and Delta James, City Planner, will be going to the Idaho APA
Conference in October. Ms. Groenevelt would like to lead a conversation with all the
communities that have issues with housing and share ideas.
Councilor Witte stated she wants to talk about use of the City Campus in the Comprehensive
Plan. She is not convinced it is an appropriate use for housing. She wants to hear what other
cities have done, especially those with lower tax bases. Continuing the regional effort is
important. Councilor Scott stated one of the tools they should consider is increasing incentives if
no one is taking advantage of them. Councilor Swanson added that most developers want land.
Ms. Groenevelt introduced Tom Manshreck from Northwest Integrity Housing in Boise. He was
one of the developers who approached Ms. Groenevelt recently. He said the discussion Council
is having is very healthy. Mr. Manshreck noted that the workforce housing business in resort
communities is challenging. There are seasonal work issues for the family component. It takes a
lot of resources to make these deals work. It is not unusual to have a very small permanent loan,
a bunch of tax credit equity and supplemental financing, donated land, etc. All these tools
together have to make it work. Using a 30% (of area median income) rent is a good affordable
number the Cities are looking for, although it just barely covers operating costs so there is no
money to pay even minimal debt service on a permanent loan, and this is what makes it
challenging. Mr. Manshreck encouraged the City to be open and creative and look at land
donations, fee waivers, etc. All of it is needed to make these deals work.
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Mr. Manshreck mentioned that they were able to work with Fruitland to build housing and the
City waived sewer and water hookup fees. Mayor Aymon asked what Fruitland did to make it
successful. Mr. Manshreck illustrated that in the senior complex they just finished, Northwest
Integrity Housing received assistance from the City ($168K in fee waivers), the land was sold for
about $200K when it was appraised for $550K, and they received about a $375K loan (a grant).
Mr. Manshreck mentioned that IHFA has about $3,200,000 annually in tax credits and they will
get applications for about $lOM to $12M. In most states the demand exceeds supply. In Idaho
the incentives are to disperse the affordable housing out of the population centers, so the
competitive incentive with Idaho Housing is to build in towns of 35,000 or less and
developments of 36 units or less, so that is how the Housing Company came up with 36 units.
Mr. Manshreck explained why it is uncommon to build smaller housing complexes, like 20 units.
The fixed costs are very similar for a 20-unit property as a 36-unit property, and the lower rents
lowers the maintenance budget for the property, making it challenging to keep up a smaller
property. With lower capacity and lower income, a smaller property wouldn't pay for itself. Mr.
Manshreck explained that the developers really do not make that much money on these deals.
The developer fee has to pay their staff and be able to carry them over to the next job, so it
requires staying power.
Mayor Aymon asked about the percentage of projects done with donated land. Mr. Manshreck
stated that in the last five transactions, three or four have had some significant contribution from
the City, whether it be in the form of fee waivers, funds, money from an urban renewal district,
etc. Mr. Manshreck pointed out that it is not just one thing. He encouraged Council to look at
other cities and get creative.
Mayor Aymon stated the perception about low income housing was prohibitive. Mr. Manshreck
stated that before any planning document is to be filed they meet with City staff, see what the
expectations are, and immediately have a neighborhood meeting well before the application is
filed. They ask the neighbors for input so they are engaged. Mr. Manshreck also pointed out that
the range of income qualified people is large and includes not just service workers but many
professions and seniors as well.
Council thanked Mr. Manshreck for his comments.
Ms. Groenevelt stated she will return with more tools and Staff will keep working on a regional
level as well and try to figure out a strategy forward.
Mayor Aymon asked City Attorney Nichols about public land. Why is it special? Mr. Nichols
stated it is special because the taxpayers paid for it. Title 50 states how property can be disposed
of and there are limitations on how it can be done. Housing authorities have more flexibility with
regard to what they can do with property because there are some cases out there that say a
housing authority is not subject to some of the constitutional limitations that cities and counties
are subject to, so there is some flexibility that way. Each individual situation needs to be
considered. The one flexibility that cities still have today is the ability to enter into leases without
a lot of sideboards on them, so a city can lease property for a nominal amount for an extended
period of time for a particular purpose, where the land can not be sold for the same purpose. That
is how the McCall Avenue parcels came about.
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Mayor Aymon asked City Attorney Nichols if public land can be sold for housing or it has to be
for public use only. Mr. Nichols stated there is a public aspect to workforce housing, but at the
same time housing is being provided for someone to live in, and in some ways the argument is
that the City would be in competition with private enterprise, which is a delicate position. Much
of this depends on the proper definition of public use. Some things are easy, such as public
buildings, but to segregate something to where it becomes private property creates issues.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Aymon called for public comment at 6:12 p.m.
Tom Kerr read the news story that the City is going to tear down the Annex and build a new
structure. He worked on a crew that surveyed the original building before it was built. He noted
that the foundation encroached into the roadway about 5 feet. He was told that this was because
the building had to be moved forward to allow parking in back. He wanted to bring this to the
attention of Council because he does not think it is appropriate to perpetuate the encroachment.
Hearing no further comments, Mayor Aymon closed the public comment period.
PRESENTATION
AB 15-111 Idaho Road Scholar Program Certificate of Completion Presentation to Cris
Malvich and Kraig Newcomb
Peter Borner, Public Works Director, presented Road Scholar Program Certificates to Cris
Malvich and Kraig Newcomb of the Public Works Streets Division after completing the Road
Scholar Program.
PROCLAMATION
AB 15-132 A Proclamation of Recommitment to Full Implementation of the Americans
with Disabilities Act On the 25th Anniversary of the Act
BessieJo Wagner, City Clerk, presented this proclamation. This year marks the 25th anniversary
of the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law by President
George Bush 25 years ago on July 26, 1990. The purpose of this Act is to ensure the civil rights
of people with disabilities and to provide a clear and comprehensive national mandate for the
elimination of discrimination against individuals with disabilities. It is also the purpose of this
Act to provide clear, strong, consistent, enforceable standards addressing discrimination against
individuals with disabilities. The ADA has expanded opportunities for Americans with
disabilities by reducing barriers and changing perceptions, and promoted full participation in
their community, city, county, state, country, and life.
Councilor Witte moved to proclaim Friday, July 24, 2015, to be Americans with Disabilities
Act Awareness Day and authorize the Mayor to sign the proclamation. Councilor Giles
seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Councilor Witte, Councilor Giles, Mayor Aymon,
Councilor Scott, and Councilor Swanson all voted aye and the motion carried.
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BUSINESS AGENDA
AB 15-127 McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission Annual Report to City Council
Fallon Fereday, Planning and Zoning Chair, presented the McCall Area Planning and Zoning
Commission annual report to City Council. Ms. Fereday highlighted the number of land use
applications submitted (86 in 2014, 53 so far in 2015). The Verizon Wireless cell phone tower
was the most controversial project with the most public comment, helping the commission to
better define the public hearing process. The group currently has six commissioners with one
vacancy for an impact area representative. The Commission went paperless to cut down on
paper, using tablets. Some code revisions that have taken place were regarding large-capacity
short-term rentals having a conditional use permit, also the CUP was removed for accessory
dwelling units to support the development of mixed residential and possibly allow for more
available housing. Ms. Fereday gave an update on some of the work session topics that were
considered throughout the year such as tree removal, fire mitigation, and shoreline development.
Mayor Aymon commended the Planning and Zoning Commission on the way it handled the
Verizon cell tower meetings. Delta James, City Planner, elaborated on the residential
development standards and fire mitigation.
AB 15-128 McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commissioner Term Renewal
Delta James presented this request for a term renewal for a Planning and Zoning Commission
member. Fallon Fereday was appointed to the Planning and Zoning Commission in July of 2012
for a three-year period, which expires this month. Ms. Fereday has agreed to seek reappointment.
Staff recommends that Council reappoint Ms. Fereday to the Planning and Zoning Commission
for another three-year term to expire in July of 2018.
Councilor Scott moved to appoint Fallon Fereday as McCall Area Planning and Zoning
Commissioner for a term of three years, expiring July 2018. Councilor Swanson seconded
the motion. In a roll call vote Councilor Scott, Councilor Swanson, Mayor Aymon,
Councilor Giles, and Councilor Witte all voted aye and the motion carried.
AB 15-137 Recycle Center Relocation — Lease Agreement between the City of McCall and
Valley County
Delta James, City Planner introduced the request for approval of this Lease Agreement with
Valley County. This agreement is between the City of McCall and Valley County for relocation
of the Recycling Center to a location off of Industrial Loop, which would actually be on City
property with the wastewater treatment facility but accessed through the lot that Lakeshore
Disposal currently operates. The Lease Agreement may not be necessary, but it is one option that
Staff would like to have available as we try to move quickly to accommodate relocation of the
Recycling Center. The road that will access The Springs Phase 2 will go where the Recycling
Center currently is located. The Lease Agreement has been reviewed by the City Attorney. After
completing a site analysis, all parties agreed that the best City owned location was to access
through the Lakeshore Disposal property.
Gordon Cruickshank, County Commissioner, addressed the Council. He noted that the main
concern of entering the property through Lakeshore Disposal is the long-term viability of that
agreement, should there be a change in ownership. The County will continue to look at other
sites that would be a better long-term solution.
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Mayor Aymon asked if the owners of the property used by Lakeshore Disposal were agreeable to
this arrangement. Commissioner Cruickshank stated that it was discussed, although Lakeshore's
lease is up for that property, so now would be an appropriate time to renegotiate that lease.
Alternatively, the County is also exploring a private property to provide an even better location
for the Recycle Center. If this option becomes a reality, then this Lease Agreement would not
need to be executed. The Lease Agreement is being presented to keep all options on the table
given the timeline of The Springs Phase 2.
Peter Borner, Public Works Director, expressed some concern with a long-term lease as it may
affect future improvements to the wastewater treatment facility. Mr. Borner had concerns about
trash, access to the facility, and limiting access to the wastewater treatment facility, requiring
fencing. With the lease being only for five years Mr. Borner thought that would be a good
minimum timeframe that would not conflict with major improvements in that portion of the
wastewater treatment facility. Ms. James clarified that the lease does stipulate that a fence would
be installed at the cost of the Lessee, designed to keep recycling materials from migrating off the
premises.
Councilor Swanson moved to approve the Lease Agreement and authorize the Mayor to
sign all necessary documents. Councilor Witte seconded the motion. In a roll call vote
Councilor Swanson, Councilor Witte, Mayor Aymon, Councilor Giles, and Councilor Scott
all voted aye and the motion carried.
AB 15-126 PUD-15-01: McCall RV Resort Expansion Adoption of Findings of Fact and
Conclusions of Law
Delta James, City Planner, presented the PUD-15-01: McCall RV Resort Expansion Adoption of
Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law to Council. At its June 2, 2015, meeting, the McCall
Area Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the PUD to City Council,
subject to the conditions presented in the attached Staff Report, and draft Findings and
Conclusions.
At its July 9, 2015, meeting the McCall City Council unanimously approved the PUD general
plan, subject to the adoption of Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law that include conditions
of approval recommended by the McCall Area Planning and Zoning Commission and an
additional condition that requires Rivers Crossing HOA notification of Planning and Zoning and
City Council consideration of PUD Final Plan and written comment from the HOA to be
considered of the PUD Final Plan for Phase 3 (see attached Findings of Fact and Conclusions of
Law—specifically, condition number 20).
Councilor Scott moved to approve the presented Findings and Conclusions for PUD-15-01
and authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents. Councilor Swanson seconded the
motion. In a roll call vote Councilor Scott, Councilor Giles, Mayor Aymon, Councilor
Swanson, and Councilor Witte all voted aye and the motion carried.
AB 15-129 FY14 LOT Funding Extension Request for Public Art at Rotary Park
Delta James, City Planner, presented a request to extend FY14 Local Option Tax funding for a
public art project at Rotary Park. The Rotary Park project was funded in FY14 with Local Option
Tax funds. The initial request was for the amount of$12,000. After deliberation the project was
funded $3,195 and was notified of funding on November 20, 2014. Typically these funds are
McCall City Council Regular Meeting Page 6 of 12
July 23, 2015
required to be expended within one year of the funding notification, but due to the difference
between the requested amount and the funded amount, the City sought a grant to Idaho
Commission on the Arts to make up that difference and a grant was awarded in the amount of
$6,503. At present there is not enough time to implement it within that initial one-year funding
period, so Staff requests an extension of the FY14 Local Option Tax funding for Rotary Park
until September 30, 2016.
Councilor Giles moved to approve extension of FY14 LOT funding for Rotary Park Public
Art project to September 30, 2016. Councilor Witte seconded the motion. In a roll call vote
Councilor Giles, Councilor Witte, Mayor Aymon, Councilor Scott, and Councilor Swanson
all voted aye and the motion carried.
AB 15-138 Reguest for a waiver to have a 4-11 member keep market animal(s) in the R4
Zone
Delta James, City Planner, presented the request for a waiver to have a 4-H member keep a
market animal in the R4 Zone. The McCall City Council received an email on July 5, 2015 from
Solveig Sinclair, a 12-year old, Valley County 4-H member. She is interested participating in 4-
H with a market animal, a steer. She was hoping there would be a waiver for 4-H members to
keep market animals in city limits. Her home is located in the City limits on Conifer Lane in the
R4 (4 units/acre) - Low Density Residential zone.
Ms. James noted that there really is no process for a waiver from established land use
regulations, and so in order to allow that common farm animal it would require a code
amendment. Ms. James asked that Council give direction to Staff on farm animals in residential
zones and suggested that this request be denied at this time until such time that a code
amendment is made.
Mayor Aymon thanked Ms. Sinclair for making the inquiry and appreciated her work and her
passion for 4-H.
Councilor Giles moved to deny the waiver and provide direction to Staff on farm animals
in residential zones of no changes to current City Code. Councilor Swanson seconded the
motion. In a voice vote all voted aye and the motion carried.
Councilor Scott was recused for the following item.
AB 15-136 Will Serve Cancellation Obiection
In 2014 City Council adopted Resolution 14-15, which established an inventory of issued will
serve commitments for development applications which have expired, providing a procedure for
revocation of expired water system will serve commitments, providing a process whereby
property owners may protest the revocation of water system will serve commitments, and
providing for a hearing before the City Council.
In the middle of February 2015 letters were sent out to a number of property owners whose
development applications have expired. Within the required 30 days, only two objections were
received. One was from Sabala Whitetail objecting to the cancellation of will serve letters for
Timbercrest Countryside.
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Whitetail Sabala recently was granted approval to amend the Whitetail PUD Final Plan. As part
of this plan, Whitetail Sabala is proposing to complete the Timbercrest Countryside
development. There will be no change in the number of will serve commitments. Public Works
has no objection to rescinding the cancellation of will serve letters for this development.
Councilor Giles moved to approve Public Works rescission of the cancellation of will serve
commitments for Timbercrest Countryside as part of the amended Whitetail PUD Final
Plan. Councilor Witte seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Councilor Giles, Councilor
Witte, Mayor Aymon, and Councilor Swanson all voted aye and the motion carried.
AB 15-139 Personnel Policy Manual Amendment—Resolution 15-12
Traci Malvich, Human Resources Manager, presented the Personnel Policy Manual Amendment
— Resolution 15-12 to Council. The Mayor and Council adopted the current Personnel Policy
Manual in September 2013. Recognizing a need to provide one place for citizens to find laws
relating to government transparency, the adoption of House Bill 90 by the State Legislature
moves existing public record, open meeting, ethics in government, and prohibition against
contracts with officers statutes into a new title called Transparent and Ethical Government. With
the passage of House Bill 90, which repeals many sections of the State Statutes and replaces
them with a new Title 74, we need to update our policies and amend them if they reference any
of the following:
1. Chapter 7, Title 59, Idaho Code, is repealed.
2. Chapter 2, Title 59, Idaho Code, is repealed.
Ms. Malvich discussed the other areas of the Personnel Policy Manual that needed to be revised
and or updated based on recommendations from ICRMP.
Councilor Witte moved to approve Resolution 15-12 adopting the amended Personnel
Policy Manual and authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents. Councilor Scott
seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Councilor Witte, Councilor Scott, Mayor Aymon,
Councilor Giles, and Councilor Swanson all voted aye and the motion carried.
AB 15-134 McCall Municipal Airport Overnight Aircraft Parking Fee Waiver Reguest
During Fly-In & Open House
A group of community members have been planning an airport fly-in and open house to occur on
Saturday, August 1, 2015 and the morning of Sunday, August 2. The venue will provide
attractions for pilots and the general public alike, and will be available to the public with no
entrance charge. It is anticipated that the fly-in will draw many pilots to the airport, and that
these pilots will spend 1 to 2 nights in McCall for the event. The group of event planners has
requested consideration on behalf of the City of McCall to waive overnight parking fees for
single and light piston twin aircraft with a gross weight less than 6,000 pounds for the night of
Saturday, August 1. The overnight parking fee for these aircraft is $5 per night. With a rough
estimate of 40 aircraft which could potentially spend the weekend at the airport for this event the
impact to revenue from this fee waiver would be $200 total. It is anticipated that pilots attending
this event will purchase fuel at the airport from which the airport receives a fuel flowage fee
($.08 per gallon) thereby producing some revenue from the event. It is important to note that this
event, and others like it, is critical to maintaining and perhaps enhancing the overall health of
general aviation in the region.
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Councilor Giles felt that charging $5 for parking seems nominal for a pilot and doubted it would
keep pilots from attending. Mayor Aymon commented that it would be a show of goodwill, and
Councilor Swanson agreed.
Councilor Swanson moved to waive overnight parking fees at the McCall Municipal
Airport for single and light piston twin aircraft with a gross weight less than 6,000 pounds
for the night of August 1, 2015. Councilor Witte seconded the motion. In a roll call vote
Councilor Swanson, Councilor Witte, Mayor Aymon, and Councilor Scott all voted aye and
the motion carried. Councilor Giles voted no.
AB 15-131 ITD Key #13471 — SH-55 A.D.A. Pedestrian Improvements — 2015 Request to
Approve a Public Works Construction Contract Award
Nathan Stewart, City Engineer, presented this request to award a contract for Public Works
construction within the State's right-of-way downtown. The Streets Department has received a
$100,000 grant from ITD to complete various sidewalk curb ramp improvements within the
Highway 55 right-of-way to improve compliance with the American Disabilities Act (ADA).
The areas improved would be in front of Art Roberts Park, 2nd Street, 1st Street, and in
particular, the Yacht Club. Bids were solicited in June and two were received. The low bidder
was Richard L. Jordan with a total bid proposal of$114,743.86. As the bid alternate system was
used, Mr. Stewart noted Bid Alternate 43. There was interest from property owner Krahn
Furniture to add a planter in the area between the Krahn property and the Yacht Club property. In
an effort to accommodate those interests, and knowing that there was some additional funding in
our LOT grant for sidewalk improvements throughout town, the work was isolated for the
plantar and a pole base so that a future light pole could be put there if needed. Given that, we are
recommending an award of this contract to Richard L. Jordan in total of$114,743.86.
Councilor Witte moved to authorize staff to issue a "Notice of Award" to Richard L.
Jordan, approve the contract, and authorize the Mayor to sign all contract documents.
Councilor Giles seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Councilor Witte, Councilor Giles,
Mayor Aymon, Councilor Scott, and Councilor Swanson all voted aye and the motion
carried.
AB 15-140 Request to Approve the Community Choices ITD State and Local Agreement
Nathan Stewart, City Engineer, presented this request as the next step in the Community Choices
grant project that is being funded, in large part, by the McCall Redevelopment Agency (MRA).
Mr. Stewart reviewed the timeline and the steps that have taken place to get to this point. The
State and Local Agreement (SLA) awarded on March 7, 2014 authorized Keller Associates and
their consulting team to do all of the final design work. Mr. Stewart has met with ITD to review
the plans and specifications. ITD has given their comments back to Keller, and Keller has
submitted all of their final documentation. The State and Local Agreement that is now up for
approval will put a lot of project responsibility back in ITD's hands to go through the bidding
process. They will also request the City to recommend a Construction, Engineering, and
Inspection (CE&I) consulting team to do all of the management of the Contractor that is
required. It is scheduled to be bid in November, which is an ideal time to schedule the bid so the
contractors have time to get their plans in place and provide the lowest bid possible. Mr. Stewart
added that he expects this to go to bid in mid to late November, and it is slated to begin
construction in late March. Mr. Stewart thinks that most of the work will not start until May but
some trees have to be removed before the nesting season starts.
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Mayor Aymon commented that the transaction seems complicated, and Mr. Stewart agreed. He
noted that the project is considered complex to ITD because trees and irrigation systems are
being installed, which is normally outside of their scope. Mr. Stewart stated that the actual
construction estimate for this project is $270,000 including estimated wages for Valley County
as well as a "McCall factor" to try to inflate that construction estimate because bid alternates
cannot be used in this situation. Staff has pared back some of the work that is going to be done
until the actual bid results are received and better decisions can be made at that time on how
much work is to be done.
Councilor Giles moved to adopt Resolution 15-13 authorizing the Mayor and City Clerk to
enter into, on behalf of said municipality, a cooperative agreement between the City of
McCall and the Idaho Transportation Board for construction of Redevelopment Area
Sidewalk Improvements and authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents.
Councilor Swanson seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Councilor Giles, Councilor
Swanson, Mayor Aymon, Councilor Scott, and Councilor Witte all voted aye and the
motion carried.
AB 15-130 Ordinance to Adopt Amendments to the McCall City Code Title 1
During their 2015 regular session, the Idaho Legislature enacted House Bill 216 which put into
effect the repeal of Idaho Code 50-501 and the preemption of all city ordinances regarding
initiatives and referenda related to municipal ordinances and codes. House Bill 216 was signed
by the Governor on April 6, 2015, and became effective July 1, 2015. Therefore additions to
Idaho Code Title 34, Chapter 18, now govern city initiatives and referenda so that McCall City
Code § 1.6.1 is no longer necessary. Attached is the amending ordinance which has been
reviewed by the city attorney.
Councilor Scott moved to read by Title only one time only Ordinance 935. Councilor
Swanson seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Councilor Scott, Councilor Swanson,
Mayor Aymon, Councilor Giles, and Councilor Witte all voted aye and the motion carried.
Ordinance 935 was read by title only one time only by BessieJo Wagner City Clerk:
An ordinance of The City of McCall, Valley County, Idaho, repealing McCall City Code § 1.6.1
and providing an effective date.
Councilor Scott moved to adopt Ordinance 935 repealing McCall City Code section 1.6.1
and authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents. Councilor Swanson seconded the
motion. In a roll call vote Councilor Scott, Councilor Swanson, Mayor Aymon, Councilor
Giles, and Councilor Witte all voted aye and the motion carried.
AB 15-133 Results of the Community Conversation and Feedback for the Local Option Tax
Initiative
Gene Drabinski, City Manager, presented the Results of the Community Conversation and
Feedback for the Local Option Tax Initiative to Council. At the July 15, 2015 Community
Conversations, the Council received feedback from the community regarding the Local Option
Sales Tax initiative. After months of conversations, formal and informal, in person and on-line,
staff is presenting the following proposed ordinance model:
1. A local option tax for the period of 10 years.
2. The following tax increments:
a) 1% general sales tax on all taxable sales, excepting groceries and motor vehicle sales.
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b) An additional 6% tax for hotel/motel and short term rentals.
c) An additional 3% tax on restaurant meals.
d) An additional 3% tax on sports /recreation equipment rentals.
Using current conservative estimates, this would raise at least $1.4 million. With the slack in the
estimates and expected growth in the short-term rental market (Rustic Inn remodel, RV resort
expansion, etc.), this model should reach our minimal goal for annual revenue.
City Manager Drabinski noted that this proposal should serve as a "straw man" to get the
conversation started, not a model Staff is prepared to advocate. He then opened the floor to
Council for discussion.
Councilor Giles stated he would like to see a 3% liquor-by-the-drink tax as it seemed like a
popular idea at the Community Conversations meeting. Councilor Scott agreed. Councilor Witte
expressed concern that the Fair Wage initiative will also be on the ballot, making restaurant
owners feel like they are getting hit from both sides and vote against it.
Councilor Swanson stated that he thought a 1% general sales tax is viable without food, and a
3% or 4% increase in the occupancy tax would also be viable. He expressed concern that adding
any more taxes than that would get confusing to the voters and likely not pass. He thought that
the estimates presented appear to be fairly conservative.
Mayor Aymon stated that Ketchum did not start with a huge menu of taxes but they were added
over time.
Mayor Aymon would like to add sports equipment rentals because they would bring in more
revenue, so she would favor a total of 1% general, 3% hotel, and 4% sports rentals.
Councilor Giles stressed the importance of using input from the public forums and having good
reasons for the final options that they choose. Mayor Aymon did not feel there was enough
attendance at the last meeting to have good feedback from that, but rather they keep the choices
down to just a few so they have the best shot at passing. Councilor Swanson agreed with keeping
the choices down to just a few because it would be too much for the taxpayers to bear if they
were all passed at one time.
Councilor Giles suggested that they phase in only a small number, as learned from other
communities, then plan to come back and add additional taxes in the future.
Gordon Cruikshank, Valley County Commissioner, asked if there has there been consideration of
the additional fuel tax the City will get. There could perhaps be an additional $20,000 there.
Council discussed what that percentage might be.
After further discussion Council agreed to go with a 1% general sales tax to exclude food and
vehicles and a 3% additional bed tax for a 10-year term. Staff will draft an ordinance for review
at the next meeting.
Upcoming Meetings Schedule Discussion
Council discussed upcoming meetings. Interviews of City Manager candidates start tomorrow
morning (Friday, July 24).
McCall City Council Regular Meeting Page 11 of 12
July 23, 2015
I CONSENT AGENDA
Staff recommended approval of the following items:
1. Regular Council Minutes—February 12, 2015
2. Alcohol and Catering Licenses Activity Report
3. Payroll Report for Period ending July 3, 2015
4. Warrant Registers
Councilor Witte moved to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Councilor Swanson
seconded the motion. In a voice vote all members voted aye and the motion carried.
ADJOURNMENT
Without further business, the Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:09 p.m.
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McCall City Council Regular Meeting Page 12 of 12
July 23, 2015