HomeMy Public PortalAbout2015.10.22 Regular MinutesMINUTES
McCall City Council
Regular Meeting
McCall City Hall -- Legion Hall
October 22, 2015
Call to Order and Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Approve the Agenda
Work Session
Public Comment
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 5:32 p.m.
Mayor Aymon, Councilor Giles, Councilor Scott, Councilor Swanson, and Councilor Witte
all answered roll call.
City staff members present were Nate Coyle, City Manager; Bill Nichols, City Attorney; Carol
Coyle, Grant Coordinator; Delta James, City Planner; Peter Borner, Public Works Director;
Dennis Coyle, Parks and Recreation Director; Eric McCormick, Golf Course Superintendent;
Justin Williams, Police Chief; BessieJo Wagner, City Clerk; and Lisa Kundrick, Deputy City
Clerk.
Mayor Aymon led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVE THE AGENDA
Councilor Swanson 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
1
AB 15-194 Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) to Present "Green Business
Recognition" Program Proposal
Dennis Coyle, Parks and Recreation Director, introduced Sean Gould, a member of the
Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC). The EAC presented to the City Council the Green
Business Recognition Program. The idea for the program originally started in 2012 as a
voluntary checklist for City departments to follow to encourage green business practices. It was
McCall City Council Regular Meeting
October 22, 2015
Page 1 of 8
recently suggested that the EAC expand this program to involve businesses in the entire
community. This checklist would serve as a voluntary educational program to encourage
businesses to think about how they can further their environmental policies.
Mr. Gould described the proposed certification program as a checklist that starts with 10 items
for businesses to address in writing. This would be in the form of a brochure, and the business
would respond to the City or the EAC with a written application of how they meet those 10
points. The business would receive official recognition from the City when the questions have
been satisfied. The EAC is asking for Councils approval in going forward with the program. The
goal is to have the program become an official City program with the EAC doing most of the
volunteer work. Final determinations would be done by the City.
Mr. Gould gave the history of the program and gave examples of other Green Business existing
programs. Idaho has one award program in Boise that is executed at the City level, and one
business per year receives that recognition. Mr. Gould proposed that once the program is off the
ground, the City would manage it but the EAC would review the applications and give
recommendations. How long a company would remain certified or whether they would have to
renew after a period of time was not decided, but Mr. Gould pointed out that businesses in
McCall seem to change very little, so perhaps a term of three years would be appropriate and it
would reduce the manpower involved in re -certification.
Council discussed the degree of certification that would be achieved, perhaps on different levels,
or whether to keep it simple with one. Mr. Gould suggested that since there are 10 points the
EAC would like the applicant to attempt to address all 10. They may not be able to satisfy all 10
milestones, but perhaps describe a plan on how to complete the points they may fall short on.
Council noted that there would be some difficulty in getting all businesses to qualify in all 10
areas due to their nature, and also some difficulty in calculating the carbon footprint. Mr. Gould
recognized that there are some businesses that will not fit into the carbon footprint requirement,
but there are still ways to improve it.
Council voiced its support for the program and granted permission for the EAC to work with the
Chamber of Commerce on promoting the program among the business community. The EAC
will think of a way to adapt the question pertaining to the carbon footprint so it accommodates
more businesses. The EAC will meet again with the Council and get final approval of the
program. At that time they will determine roles of the EAC and City Staff
Mayor Aymon asked City Attorney Nichols how the program would be officially implemented.
Mr. Nichols advised that it could probably be done by resolution. Mr. Nichols added that
flexibility is crucial because some businesses will be renters and will not have control over the
property and can only improve certain aspects of their site.
Council thanked Mr. Gould for presenting the program.
McCall City Council Regular Meeting Page 2 of 8
October 22, 2015
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Aymon called for public comment at 5:59 p.m.
Hearing no comments, Mayor Aymon closed the public comment period.
BUSINESS AGENDA
AB 15-191 McCall Public Art Advisory Committee Member Appointments — Alison Foudy
and Dave Peugh
Delta James, City Planner, requested the Council appoint two Public Art Committee members.
Alison Foudy has already served a three-year term and wishes to repeat another term. Bob Youde
is currently finishing his term and will not serve again, which creates a position vacancy. Dave
Peugh has requested to fill this position. Mr. Peugh is a landscape architect and an artist who also
serves on the McCall Redevelopment Agency board. The Public Art Committee has
unanimously recommended Alison Foudy and Dave Peugh for appointment to the committee.
Councilor Swanson moved to appoint Alison Foudy to the McCall Public Art Advisory
Committee for a three-year term to expire November, 2018; and appoint Dave Peugh to the
McCall Public Art Advisory Committee for a three-year term to expire October, 2018.
Councilor Witte seconded the motion. In a voice vote all members voted aye and the motion
carried.
AB 15-181 Presentation of McCall Redevelopment Agency (MRA) Annual Report
Rick Fereday presented the McCall Redevelopment Agency (MRA) annual report. There has
been little activity this year on the part of the MRA while waiting for the State to finish up on a
project in the area. Part of the project that was funded was the Fir Street boat ramp reconstruction
which is now being started. Mr. Fereday thanked the Parks and Recreation Department and
Dennis Coyle, Parks and Recreation Director, for following through with the money that was
given for the McCall Mall Screening Project. The MRA thinks it is very nice. Mr. Fereday stated
that the MRA is in good financial shape. Currently there are no big plans for the immediate
future, so once projects are wrapped up and more money is accumulated then they will look at
future projects.
Mayor Aymon asked about a new park at Spruce Street. Mr. Fereday stated that Lake Street was
part of the original plan, although it fell apart when they went for bonding, but it is still on the
radar and they would still like to spend some money on it. The bond has a sunset date of 2021
when it will be paid off, so the MRA will have to decide if they want to conclude the group or
continue with future projects, which depends on whether they bond again.
Council thanked Mr. Fereday for his 12 years of service in working with the MRA.
McCall City Council Regular Meeting Page 3 of 8
October 22, 2015
AB 15-192 Public Art Selection and Agreement — Matt Babcock
Delta James, City Planner, presented the request to approve the artwork agreement, stating that
within the Urban Renewal District, the sidewalk project will be under way for construction next
summer. A space will be created in the public right-of-way of approximately 40 x 60 feet that
would be ideal for a public plaza. There is a vision for public art in that space, and the Idaho
Commission on the Arts granted funds of $10,000 for public art. The City allocated $11,500 in
matching funds, so there is a budget to commission public art for that space. The committee
selected three artist finalists and public comment was sought out. The preferred option was for
Matt Babcock from Seattle, who submitted the design of powder -coated steel sculptures of
mountain goats at play. The Public Art Advisory Committee recommended this artist and
presented an Artwork Commission Agreement to be approved by Council.
Councilor Scott moved to approve the selection of Matt Babcock's "Mountain Goats at
Play" public art proposal for the plaza next to the Alpine Playhouse, the Artwork
Commission Agreement with Matt Babcock, and authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary
documents. Councilor Giles 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.
Ms. James also presented a brochure of Hometown Art highlighting the children's artwork in the
City's bus stops.
AB 15-193 Request for Approval to Submit 2015 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice
Assistance Grant for Training for McCall Police Department
Carol Coyle, Grant Coordinator, presented the request to approve the Edward Byrne Memorial
Justice Assistance Grant application. The McCall Police Department has taken advantage of this
grant in past years. Before applying this year, Mrs. Coyle met with Chief Williams and discussed
possible technology improvements, but Chief Williams would like to pursue training for his staff
to better their skills in public relations and communications. This is timely with the Fourth of
July discussions and it will help guide the agencies in dealing with crowd management, alcohol
education, etc.
Councilor Giles moved to approve submission of the 2015 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice
Assistance Grant and authorize the Mayor to sign all necessary documents. Councilor Scott
seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Councilor Giles, Councilor Scott, Mayor Aymon,
Councilor Swanson, and Councilor Witte all voted aye and the motion carried.
AB 15-195 Request Adoption of Resolution 15-16 to Set 2016 McCall Golf Course Rates
Eric McCormick, Golf Course Superintendent, requested approval of golf rates for the 2016
season on behalf of the Golf Course Advisory Committee. Mr. McCormick requested the rates
stay the same with the change of moving the window for the after-2:00 p.m. and after-5:00 p.m.
rates forward one hour for the month of October so golfers may finish their rounds before dark.
Councilor Giles noted that with rising costs in all other city expenses (healthcare costs, etc.) it
would be prudent to consider raising rates at some point in the future and that keeping the price
the same indefinitely would not be keeping pace with rising costs.
McCall City Council Regular Meeting Page 4 of 8
October 22, 2015
Councilor Swanson moved to adopt Resolution 15-16 setting the 2016 McCall Golf Course
rates 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 15-197 Discussion of Golf Course Restaurant Sublease
Nate Coyle, City Manager, presented information regarding a proposal for Valley CRC
Corporation to sublease the Golf Course clubhouse and operate the restaurant during the winter.
City Manager Coyle introduced Ben Reeder, one of the owners. Mr. Coyle reminded Council
that in the past the Golf Course clubhouse closed during the winter and produced no revenue.
This proposal is to operate a restaurant out of the clubhouse for the winter season. The operation
would run from November through May. The proposed days of operation are Thursday through
Monday in the evenings and all day on weekends. The City holds the liquor license and the
tenants would need to operate under the terms and conditions that the City is currently under for
this license. Currently there are two options being discussed for fee planning -- a percentage of
the profits (like the current arrangement with the Golf Pro) or a lease rate. The Golf Pro's
contract was provided as a sample.
Councilor Giles asked City Manager Coyle to work up revenue options, the percentage method,
and the lease to see different scenarios. City Manager Coyle and Eric McCormick, Golf Course
Superintendent, have ascertained that the revenue would be enough to cover the additional
expenses to the City.
Councilor Witte thought it appeared to be a good idea, yet she expressed her concern over the
current relationship between the Golf Pro and the facility itself. The Golf Pro is bound by
contract to keep an inventory and maintain the facility, so she would like to see a similar
agreement in place with Valley CRC to protect the Golf Pro's liability for the facility. City
Attorney Nichols agreed and recommended the agreement contain something similar to a rental
agreement with a move -in, move -out checklist.
There was Council consensus that it was a good plan and would like to pursue the arrangement
further.
AB 15-188 Discussion of Snow Removal Issues
Peter Borner, Public Works Director, gave an update on progress on snow removal issues. Mr.
Borner commended the Police Department and their enforcement efforts this past winter,
although he noted that the problem of reclaiming the right-of-way portions of streets still exists.
Private property owners have encroached on these areas, which impacts the quality of city
streets.
Mailboxes are still an issue, making it difficult to plow snow. Mr. Borner reminded Council that
snowfall has been light in recent years but in the event the higher snowfall returns mailboxes are
going to get hit. Streets Superintendent Cris Malvich is going to inventory all the mailboxes
before winter so Staff will have a map and inventory. Over a period of time Public Works has
been attempting to reduce the number of existing mailboxes, not allowing the establishment of
McCall City Council Regular Meeting Page 5 of 8
October 22, 2015
any new mailboxes, but the policy needs to be revisited and enforced. The mailbox inventory
will help with this effort.
Mayor Aymon asked if there is a moratorium on new mailboxes. Mr. Borner explained that
Public Works has told people they are not allowing any new mailboxes and there does not seem
to be much complaint. Staff could mandate residents to locate mailboxes on their own property,
but the USPS will not deliver if they have to get out of their car, so that is not a solution.
Councilor Giles asked Mr. Borner if he would recommend the City adopt an official policy that
bans any new mailboxes, and the second part would be a strategy to slowly get rid of existing
mailboxes. Mr. Borner stated that he would support that.
Councilor Scott and Councilor Swanson both stated that they would struggle with removing
current mailboxes, as the City should not be taking away services already in place. Councilor
Scott thought there should be an option for people to put up their own box or perhaps a bank of
PO boxes as seen with some subdivisions. Mr. Borner thinks more will be known once the
inventory is done and is reviewed with the Postmaster. Mr. Borner agreed that clustering
mailboxes is a good idea, and there might be some opportunity for that; however, it would still
use the right-of-way. Mr. Borner touched on the problem with the areas in the right-of-way and
how landowners are encroaching on that area and planting landscaping, adding that right-of-way
areas are important for snow removal.
Mr. Borner added that after the mailbox inventory is complete the mail box owners will be
contacted and reminded that they are responsible for damage from snowplows and not the City.
AB 15-187 Discussion of Access Management Policy
Peter Borner, Public Works Director, conducted this discussion regarding creating an Access
Management Policy. Mr. Borner handed out a map of the City streets done by CH2M Hill as part
of the original Comprehensive Plan development. An earlier discussion of access management
was held regarding driveway access to Boydstun. Access is an issue when people's property
rights have to be balanced with traffic issues. Boydstun Street will play an important part in the
City's future, especially when relocating traffic from downtown. ITD has some interest in doing
so, but the driveway access must be kept at a minimum.
Mr. Borner gave the example of Spring Mountain Boulevard, which has very few driveways
directly connected to it. That is how limited access should work. A local street feeds to a
collector and that feeds onto the major street. Mr. Borner also thinks it is important to find a way
to get trucks off the downtown streets. A goal of the Comprehensive Plan rewrite is to create a
pedestrian -friendly downtown and get rid of the commercial truck traffic, which only adds to the
congestion during seasons of high volume.
In addition to Boydstun and Deinhard, the access management policy should apply to all major
arterial streets. Mr. Borner stated that one day there will be a discussion with ITD about
swapping Boydstun and Deinhard with Lake Street as the Highway 55 corridor. That is why it is
so important to limit access to Deinhard so it will be an appealing trade to ITD. If the City does
McCall City Council Regular Meeting Page 6 of 8
October 22, 2015
not adopt a policy on access management there will be situations where individual landowners
will request a driveway permit.
City Manager Coyle noted that when Deinhard was developed there were covenants from some
of the landowners that it could not be signed as a truck route. The route has been engineered to
truck route standards, with the exception of the turn eastbound onto Highway 55. The other issue
is the S-curve at the Fire Station. To remedy that would require encroaching on the Airport,
another issue. The remainder of Deinhard, from Mission Street up to Lake Street, has been
designed to truck standards. The S-curve would be a challenge to straighten out as it was
designed to support the safety areas for the Airport runway. Until Deinhard can be fixed at the S-
curve and deed restrictions negotiated it will not be signed as a truck route. Mr. Borner is
optimistic that the deed restrictions can one day be worked out and that part will eventually be
fixed, but having the access management policy now will keep this possibility open for use
someday.
Councilor Swanson pointed out that there are a few vacant lots on Boydstun with no other access
to the property; can those be limited? Mr. Borner stated that the driveways for existing properties
will have to be honored. City Attorney Bill Nichols added that the access rights were already
negotiated, so the policy would not apply to properties that have a deeded easement.
Council agreed that limiting driveway access is essential for movement of traffic and public
safety. Mr. Borner concluded that he would like to see this access management policy applied to
growth in all areas of the City.
AB 15-196 Event Regulation Discussion and Direction in Title 4 Fee Review
BessieJo Wagner, City Clerk presented the event regulation discussion and direction in Title 4
fee review to Council. She explained that the current code is unclear and it is difficult to be
consistent when trying to regulate events within the City of McCall. It was staff s
recommendation to not regulate events on private property other than the state required alcohol
catering permit. The Council consensus was in favor of little to no regulation of events on private
property.
There was a lengthy discussion regarding the regulation of vendors within the City. Council
agreed that the code needs to be re -written so it is applied to all vendors equally. The Council
asked that staff revisit the issue and bring back a recommendation to Council. Council would like
to know succinctly what is currently being done compared to a proposal.
Upcoming Meetings Schedule Discussion
Council discussed items for upcoming meetings. Council will meet on different weeks for
November and December -- first and third weeks instead of usual second and fourth weeks. The
boat trailer parking discussion will be moved to the work session on November 20. There will be
more discussion on Title 4 on November 5.
McCall City Council Regular Meeting Page 7 of 8
October 22, 2015
CONSENT AGENDA
Staff recommended approval of the following items:
1. City Council Regular Minutes -- April 23, 2015
2. City Council Special Minutes -- April 24, 2015
3. City Council Regular Minutes-- May 14, 2015
4. City Council Regular Minutes -- October 8, 2015
5. Payroll Report for Period Ending October 9, 2015
6. Alcohol and Catering Licenses Report
7. 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 7:43 p.m.
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McCall City Council Regular Meeting Page 8 of 8
October 22, 2015