Council Minutes July 7th
July 7, 2015
Those Present: Ada DeClark, Joe DeClark, Glenn Hunter, Clerk Lynette Smith, Doug Thompson, Mayor Bob Van Cleave, Mable Whitmore, Marty Nate, Lisa Transtrum and Chris Banks with Bear Lake Soil & Water Conservation District, Kirby Shepherd with Agrium, Greydon Wright with Idaho Transportation Dept, Tony & Chris Price
Meeting called to order: 7:00 pm Invocation: Council President Joe DeClark
The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Joe DeClark that the council accepts the published agenda. Councilmember Glenn Hunter seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Minutes from the May 5, 2015, regular council meeting were read aloud by Clerk Smith. The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Ada DeClark the council accepts the minutes as read. Councilmember Joe DeClark seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried. Minutes from the June 2, 2015, regular council meeting were read. The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Ada DeClark the council accepts the minutes as read. Councilmember Joe DeClark seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Lisa Transtrum and Chris Banks with the Bear Lake Soil & Water Conservation District came before the council and gave a presentation on their project that they have completed with the funds received from the City’s wastewater project. The interest from our sewer loan came back to the county instead of going to the state and reduced our interest rate. They would like to set up a tour on September 3rd for those interested in viewing the water troughs and other things they have done. Lisa will let us know the details as it gets closer.
Greydon Wright of the Idaho Transportation Department came to the council to inform them of the construction of the Georgetown Creek Bridge Replacement that will happen in 2016 or 2017. The State would like for the City to move the existing water lines near the bridge to not disturb during construction and has requested for the lines to be moved either deeper in the ground or further to the west. He brought the permit that showed the State giving the City permission to install the lines where they are now, but it also states that they reserve the right to make us move the lines at any time. Mayor Bob asked Greydon to get back to the council on estimated costs of moving the water lines and try to narrow down dates for the construction. Lynette will prepare a letter to the State requesting for them to pay the expense of moving the lines and stating that the City cannot afford to do it.
Kirby Shepherd with Agrium came before the council because the company wants them to get out into the public more to help them become more aware of what they actually do. She handed out a power point printout to everyone and explained how Agrium makes fertilizer, seed, etc. to help feed the world. They are trying to get more permits to acquire more ore reserves. They also have reclaimed mine sites to return them to a healthy and natural state for vegetation to begin to grow again and not be eye sores. Agrium supports our communities, schools, and agriculture programs and in turn would like to get their support and public input to the BLM for them to continue to be able to do what they do and acquire the Rasmussen Valley Mine project. Kirby will try to come back during the public input period to remind us, which should be around September.
Marty Nate came before the council to discuss the final preparations for Twin Creek Days this Saturday, July 11th. The City will take care of the luncheon and Ada will get the sandwiches ordered and prepared from Broulim’s and chips from Shane Bateman. Georgetown 1st Ward will take care of the breakfast and 2nd Ward will be in charge of the dinner this year. Flyers and schedules of the days’ events have been posted throughout the community. The Grand Marshall of the Parade and Celebration will be the Mable Whitmore Family this year.
Lynette has prepared a letter to LHTAC for them to disburse our $100,000.00 grant for the City to finish the road project at 100 West Street. The construction of the street has just begun and Doug will be working side by side with the county to help oversee the project.
Councilmember Joe DeClark reported that he helped Doug run the generator up the canyon for 4 hours and got everything cleaned out really good.
Mayor Bob reported that Martin Simmons is working on the masonry in the City Park on the drinking fountain, bell and bears. He will be submitting a bill for his time soon.
Councilmember Glenn Hunter reported that he has noticed the trees hanging over the streets along Stringtown at the property across from the Waechtler’s. He stated that they need to be cleared out of the right of way to release the City of any liability there. Doug and the councilmembers will take care of that sometime within the next week. He also reported that the pop machine needs a new plug to uphold during storms. The storm that hit yesterday had tripped the power to the machine and a new plug would prevent that. He will get a new one and replace that tomorrow.
Police Report: Officer John Martinez made 23 total contacts for the month of June.
Maintenance Report: Doug Thompson gave his report for the month of June stating that he repaired a water leak, installed Layne DeClark’s water and sewer lines to their new home, he took 6 water samples and all were returned ok. He repaired another leak in the park, cleaned up the cemetery and watered it. He mowed the streets along Stringtown and the County came and helped him to do some road patch and will be back to do the chip seal. He went to Pocatello to learn how to take his samples for new testing, sent his letter to the EPA and reported that the new pump that was purchased for the sewer system for the sample testing has not been working.
Office Report: There are 15 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of June. Lynette also reported that she completed and posted the water consumer confidence report in the newspaper and on the website if anyone is interested in viewing that.
The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Ada DeClark the council approve checks and vouchers for the month of June 2015 in the amount of $14,484.78 in the general fund, $6,824.60 in the water fund, $18,769.80 in the sewer fund with all funds totaling $40,079.18. Councilmember Glenn Hunter seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Ada DeClark that the council adjourn from the July 2015 council meeting at 9:15 pm. Councilmember Glenn Hunter seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynette Smith, City Clerk