June Minutes
June 9, 2020
Those Present: DeLoy Kunz, Greg Kunz, Marty Nate, Mayor Steve Waechtler, Maintenance Supervisor Shane Clark, Alan Howell, City Clerk Lynette Smith, Valerie Ross of News Examiner, Kevin Martin of Sunrise Engineering, City Attorney Adam McKenzie, Danielle Culver, Heather Griffin, by phone Tami Cook and LeAnn Jorgenson
Meeting called to order: 7:05 pm Invocation: Mayor Steve Waechtler
The meeting was held via teleconference and in person at the City Hall, as to adhere to the Governor’s Orders due to Covid-19 and to keep meetings to small gatherings.
The Council entertained a motion from councilmember Greg Kunz to approve the added agenda item of Valerie Ross as well as the published agenda and was seconded by councilmember Tee Steadman. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
The minutes from May 5, 2020 were read aloud by Clerk Smith. Councilmember Marty Nate made the motion to accept the minutes as read. Councilmember DeLoy Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Kevin Martin of Sunrise Engineering reported on the water project and said that Ready Service Jobbers is back and working. They have met with Shane, Doug and Alan to discuss a game plan and will be starting at the river crossing and then the PRV’s and then the chlorinator building. They are concerned about the high river and wondered if there was anyway to get it lowered but the council reported that we are having such a late runoff that they will have to work around the high water. There will be at least 2 scheduled shutoffs throughout the City, lasting about 8 hours each time. The City said we would like at least a couple days’ notice to be able to warn everyone. The Mayor met with Katie of Rocky Mountain Power about the placement of the pole along with Kevin, Jason of Sunrise. RMP will move the pole at their cost and Dennis will be able to get his rebate. Sunrise also reported that they can come out to the jobsite full time if needed and would cost around $18-20,000 or they can be available by phone calls and come a couple of days a week. The council also asked Kevin to look into what it would cost to eliminate the old chlorinator building because the main line is leaking which is built underneath the building. Kevin will also look into the status of the stimulus projects.
Valerie Ross approached the council about paying $20 per month to have an article put into the paper about the City. The Mayor requested to be able to read what’s in the article first if we are going to pay for and Adam agreed. Valerie didn’t think that would be possible but will have her boss, Michelle call the Mayor.
Danielle Culver came before the Council to discuss the sell of some of her property and to know how large of a roadway needs to be granted. The buyer has requested just large enough for a gate and it won’t need to be maintained for snow removal etc. The Council recommended to leave around 20-25 feet for a roadway.
Heather Kipp Griffin came before the Council to discuss the Dog Ordinance. She is new to the City and wanted to make sure she was ok to keep her pitbull even though it is listed as a dangerous dog in previous Ordinances. She inquired about needing to get homeowners insurance for her dog and is willing to pay if needed. The Mayor commended her for taking extra precautions already and installing a 6 foot fence around the property and being responsible and not letting her dogs out without them being there. She was also advised that if the Dog Ordinance goes through tonight that there will be no need for the extra insurance.
City Attorney Adam McKenzie reviewed the Dog Ordinance #99 with the Council. Some changes he noted was he took out specific breeds and just focused more on behavior of the dogs; failure to get a license will result in an infraction penalty of $150; dangerous dogs he removed shooting them; for penalties there will be no jail time but up to $1000 fine; Kennel Fee was set at $25 plus $10 for every dog over 5. Adam read through the Ordinance and Councilmember Marty Nate made the motion to accept Ordinance #99 for Dogs with the revisions made. Councilmember Tee Steadman seconded the motion and a roll call vote was taken and is as follows: DeLoy – yes, Greg – yes, Marty – yes, Tee – yes. Motion carried. Councilmember Marty Nate also made the motion to authorize to publish just a summary of the Ordinance in the newspaper. Councilmember Greg Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. Lynette will also post a copy of the full ordinance at the Post Office.
City Auditor, Gary Teuscher and his son James came and presented the Audit to the Council for Fiscal Year 2018-2019. He reported that the City is still in good shape and handles its money well. Councilmember DeLoy Kunz made the motion to accept the Audit as presented and to have the Mayor and Council President sign letters of approval. Councilmember Greg Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Adam McKenzie presented Ordinance #100 an RV Ordinance to the Council. This Ordinance also amends Resolution #2011-1 and provides further clarification for Ordinances #30 and #70. Adam read the Ordinance aloud. Councilmember DeLoy Kunz made the motion to accept the Ordinance as read. Councilmember Greg Kunz seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: DeLoy – yes, Greg – yes, Marty – yes, Tee – yes. Motion carried.
Adam also reported that Mark Hicken has signed the agreement with the City about his hookups at his new property on Main Street and now we just need the Mayor to sign. Lynette said that we need to get all other residences in town to have separate lines as well. The Mayor will talk to one of the individuals and Adam will prepare a letter similar to what was sent to Mr. Hicken to the new owners at the Country Corner.
Councilmember Marty Nate said she has contacted ABC Seamless about ordering the siding for the City Hall and coming to complete that. She would like the handrails painted also. She mentioned that Ordinance #70 needs to have a deadline on building permits listed. She has decided to do Twin Creeks Celebration again next year but this year would like to do Movies in the Park instead and provide popcorn. It was suggested to even get sponsors for the popcorn each night. She made the motion to give $500 to the Senior Center to help them get back up and going since being shutdown due to COVID-19. Councilmember Greg Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the Council.
Police Report: There were 15 contacts for the month of May.
Maintenance Report: Shane gave his report for the month of May stating that he and Alan installed a water hookup for Brent Peterson and built up the road for the power pole up at the water tanks. The shutoff a few people in town on the shutoff list. Chuck Sims came and sprayed the weeds around the cemetery, park and ponds. The council commended him for keeping the parks and cemetery looking good and advised him to have Chuck come and spray all the weeds along Stringtown too.
Office Business: There are 14 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of May.
The chair entertained a motion from Councilmember Marty Nate for the council to approve checks and vouchers for the month of May 2020 in the amount of $15,135.96 in the general fund, $7,422.98 in the water fund, and $20,623.25 in the sewer fund, with all funds totaling $43,182.19. Councilmember DeLoy Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and motion carried.
The chair entertained a motion from Councilmember Marty Nate that council adjourns from the May 2020 council meeting at 10:45 pm. Councilmember Greg Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynette Smith
City Clerk-Treasurer