November 2022 Council Minutes
November 9, 2022
Those Present: Greg Kunz, Trenton Morrell, Tee Steadman, Mayor Stephan Waechtler, Maintenance Supervisor Shane Clark, City Clerk Lynette Smith, Kevin Martin of Sunrise Engineering, Tim & Merg Neuman, Tamalu Glende, Kevin & Marty Nate, Barry Bergholm, Jordan Rasmusson, Joe DeClark, Dave Lindsay, City Attorney Adam McKenzie by phone
Meeting called to order: 7:05 pm Invocation: Mayor Stephan Waechtler
The Council entertained a motion from councilor Greg Kunz to approve the published agenda and was seconded by councilor Trenton Morrell. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
The minutes from October 5, 2022, were read aloud by Clerk Smith. Councilor Trenton Morrell made the motion to accept the minutes as read. Councilor Tee Steadman seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Kevin Martin of Sunrise Engineering came before the council to discuss our water capacity and give an idea of what it would cost to make more upgrades or split the line at the top of the line.
• Kevin said the last water study was completed in 2017 by Keller Associates.
• He reviewed our water capacity for 220 connections. We use about 650 gallons during peak hours at the peak of summer. The maximum is 1 million gallons a day.
• How does the source serve in relation to demand? We have an excess of 1 million gallons from the spring and using about 50% now.
• Storage – we need a reserve for fire protection for the school and church but will still have an excess of 1 million gallons because of our spring and wells.
• Issues with the transmission line – the capacity is ok but flow could be an issue of concern for fire safety.
• Couple options to increase the pipe size would cost about $1.3 million for the upper transmission lines or the lower transmission lines about $2 million or add/split a second line. In 2019, 12” pipe cost about $12-15 a foot and now it’s about $45 a foot.
• Could possibly qualify for some grants – the state will pay 50% for a study to update our current study now that costs have increased so much but we would need to apply by January. Depending on the funding sources, they could require meters.
• Mayor reported that we should be increasing rates every year to help prepare for these expenses but we haven’t raised for over 10 years to keep costs down for our City. The last improvement that we made replacing the pipe within the City, we were able to pay for a majority of it out of pocket and got a small loan for the rest.
• Joe DeClark reported that the spring has no room for developing and thinks that what we have is what we have. The water levels are down everywhere this year. He said when we did the sewer project, we found lots of water down at Peterson’s – maybe there is a way to pump that water? He also suggested using the old railroad right of way to get that water and run pipe, pump and chlorinate over there. He said there is no need to increase the size of the lines because there’s no more water than what we’re getting. Joe suggested maybe looking at another storage tank?
• Pipe from the tank needs to be replaced because they are starting to deteriorate and pushing 100 years old.
• In the Bear River Basin, a municipality cannot drill a well without water rights from someone willing to give up theirs. Residential is different and can drill a well anytime but not a City.
• Shane reported the tanks held pretty good throughout the year.
• Barry Bergholm said he feels its irresponsible to add in more homes until we get a plan in place.
• Councilor Tee Steadman voiced he wants the public support when it comes time to increase the rates to make these improvements. We also need to increase the hookup fees too.
• Councilor Greg Kunz said Central Farmers should have a well or Agrium/Nutrien we could look into. Marty Nate asked about the well up by Gary Thompson’s. Joe thought that well had filled with rocks and dirt and not working.
• Dave Lindsay suggested a water capture system like a reservoir or tank and working with Army Core of Engineers.
• The Mayor appreciated the interaction from the citizens and said we need their input from those that know things the current council does not.
City Attorney Adam McKenzie prepared an Amendment to Ordinance #100 to include a section about living in trailers no more than 30 days in a calendar year. The Mayor read aloud the Amendment. Councilor Trenton Morrell suggested removing the good cause clause and just leave it at 30 days. Discussion about leaving in there for the council to discuss each situation but the Mayor said that each persons traumatic event or need will be different for everyone. Barry Bergholm pointed out that people can’t build right now throughout the valley that thought they would only be in RV’s for a short time; Tamalu Glende said there is no where to rent or build right now; Jordan Rasmusson asked how it will be enforced; Tim Neuman wants to be able to be a snowbird and come back in the summers to live in a RV on their property for 4 months out of the year. The council said we’re trying to mostly prevent squatters and dwellers. It was decided to make it clear in black and white and to take out the good cause clause. The council then called Adam on the phone to have the clause removed and to add in the section what the fine is so it’s easy to find, which is $1,000 fine. Once the changes are made and all council members are in attendance the Amendment will be passed at the next meeting. The Mayor appreciated the citizens that were there and their input.
The Christmas Park Lighting Event will be held on November 28th at 6:00 pm. The Bartschi’s have expressed interest in helping with the meal still. Lynette will contact Sean about the food and be in touch with Santa. We will have Officer John Martinez bring him in since it will be his last time before retiring the end of the year.
Councilor Tee Steadman reported that Officer Martinez was going to be here tonight to introduce his friend Dave Lindsay, but it is his anniversary. Dave is interested in the police chief position and told us all a little about himself. He has come out for a couple of ride alongs with Martinez and served in the military. He has roots in Nounan and worked with Johnny at the Sheriff’s Office. He started the heroes on helmets foundation at the middle school which honors fallen soldiers and is now recognized in 14 states. He is also great at getting government grants for police departments. Tee reported that he’s noticed the flags are up on the school crossing signs on the highway but wonders if they can be put lower so the kids can reach them and carry them as they go across the road. The council wondered if that is a school zone and if the speed can be dropped to 20 mph during school like is done in Montpelier along the highways. The City of Grace has been successfully with getting some grants for flashing light signs and maybe could help us get the bridge fixed along the highway too. Lynette will get in touch with their office.
Police Report: There were 32 contacts for the month of October.
Maintenance Report: Shane gave his report for the month of October and stated that he and Alan moved a cremation that was in the wrong spot, got the land app samples ready to Keller’s Associates to do the year end report. They replaced a water valve at Todd Passey’s; winterized and serviced the vehicles and getting ready to plow. Shane is taking his test to get his water license next week.
Office Business: There are 12 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of October and Clerk Smith reported the Trunk or Treat was well attended but not all citizens were in favor of it. It was decided to continue to hold it for those that want to attend, and people are always welcome to go door to door afterwards. The elections held in City Hall last night had a great turnout and Marty Nate handled that. The annex hearing did not get published in the paper in time so it will not be held on November 22nd. It was discussed to hold a public hearing at the same time as the annexation public hearing to increase the water fees by $10.00 and water and sewer hookups to $5,000 each. Lynette will work with Adam to get the notices in the paper.
The chair entertained a motion from Councilor Greg Kunz for the council to approve checks and vouchers for the month of October 2022 in the amount of $30,797.57 in the general fund, $9,176.33 in the water fund, and $19,790.62 in the sewer fund, with all funds totaling $59,764.52. Councilor Trenton Morrell seconded the motion. All were in favor and motion carried the council.
The chair entertained a motion from Councilor Greg Kunz that council adjourns from the November 2022 council meeting at 11:10 pm. Councilor Trenton Morrell seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Respectfully submitted, Lynette Smith City Clerk-Treasurer