Georgetown Idaho

May 7, 2013

Those Present:  Matt Argyle, Ada DeClark, Joe DeClark, Clerk Lynette Smith, Doug Thompson, Gary Thompson, Mayor Bob Van Cleave, Cynthia Reno, Mable Whitmore, Ferrell & Susan Dilworth, Spencer Dilworth, Stephen Waechtler, Anita Panko, Mark Johnson, Trenton Morrell, Tenille Roberts, Brett Lloyd, Jakob Simmons, Trae Smith, Austin Waechtler, Neiko Waechtler

Meeting called to order:  7:00 pm                            Invocation:  Council President Joe DeClark

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Matt Argyle that the council accepts the published agenda.  Councilmember Joe DeClark seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Minutes from the April 2, 2013, regular council meeting were read. The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Joe DeClark the council approve the minutes as read. Councilmember Ada DeClark seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Brett Lloyd came before the council and proposed to build a fire pit in the City Park for his Eagle Scout Project. Kewitt will provide the rock and materials and he won’t be required to purchase a fire permit for the project. Councilmember Ada DeClark asked him to please install a tetherball in the City Park, at the City’s cost, also. Councilmember Matt Argyle made the motion to allow Brett to build and install a fire pit and tetherball in the City Park. Councilmember Ada DeClark seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Tenille Roberts, representing CenturyLink, came before the council to speak about the local benefits the fiber optic line will provide to our community. She stated that the project is backed by the Idaho Education Program and it will offer fiber optic internet speed to Georgetown Elementary School first and would eventually be available for residents. They already have their state permits to go along the highway from McCammon, through Soda Springs and to Montpelier. DigLine will mark along the highway and the contractor will be required to have performance bonds. The fiber optic line will run along the West side of the highway and the contractor will notify residents when they will be opening the ground in front of their properties to help them plan accordingly. They are hoping to be finished with the project by October and have the schools connected by late October or the beginning of November. CenturyLink and the contractor will be responsible for repairing any sink holes that occur from the installation. Councilmember Joe DeClark made the motion to sign the permit with the agreement being changed to state that the contractor/CenturyLink will be responsible for replacing any sink holes a minimum of two (2) years following the installation. Gary Thompson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Cynthia Reno came before the council and presented some pictures and news articles of spontaneous fires. She is concerned about there being a fire hazard at various locations around the city, but she is mostly concerned about her neighbors residence located at 364 Main St, because there are weeds that are never watered and lots of metal scraps around. She is grateful for the City’s help with the awful odor that was exuding from the property and she would like some help with educating the public about keeping their properties taken care of.

The Dilworth’s came and spoke about the pile up of miscellaneous items on his property and explained that they are coolers that Jim Ahrens had acquired from Broulim’s; he ran out of room on his property so Ferrell let him put some on his property also. The weather hasn’t permitted them to get what they needed out of the coolers before getting rid of the items. He says the issue will be resolved in the next couple weeks.

Trenton Morrell came before the council and would like to be issued a building permit to put in a new home behind his existing home on Stringtown Ln. Doug has inspected the property and measured from the center of the street to the home to make sure the proper setbacks have been met. The home will be partially within City limits and he would like to be hooked up to the City’s water and sewer systems. Hadley and Jessica Wright have also applied for a building permit to put in a new home on West Street. The council approved both building permits.

Keller Associates sent a letter updating the council on the progress that has been made within the last month of the wastewater project. The bids will begin on May 23^rd at noon in the City Hall. Bids will be accepted until June 7^th at noon. After the bidding has closed, the bids will be opened on June 7^th at City Hall and Mayor Bob would like to also have Joe and Doug there to help decide on whom the bid should be awarded to.

Councilmember Matt Argyle would like the council to consider putting a new garage door on the City shop, sometime before winter. Doug is to measure the doors and get a bid for it before the next meeting.

Councilmember Ada DeClark is going to get some help from more Eagle Scouts to mark the corners for the mulch to be put in place and adding a concrete barrier. The City will pay for the concrete and the landscape fabric. She hopes to have it all finished by the end of May. The 2^nd Ward had a ward party and cleaned up around the City also.

Police Report:   Officer Skinner has returned to work and has made 29 contacts for the month of April.

Maintenance report:   Doug Thompson gave his report for the month of April stating that he was able to get a few water bills caught up, marked for DigLine, helped Trenton Morrell disconnect and reconnect to his existing home, turned water on at 3 locations and his water samples were good. There was a water leak in town and he was able to repair it. He tested sewer samples, sent his EPA letter and helped with cleanup. John Howard called and where his septic tank was, the ground had collapsed, so he helped him backfill it. Todd Transtrum from Bear Lake County came and talked about the topsoil and said that they are interested in it; they just need to figure out how to get it hauled. He plowed Stringtown and the canyon once more and purchased a stainless steel sander. He sent out dog tag late notices, did some maintenance on the vehicles and dug one grave.

Office Report:   Clerk Smith reported that there are 8 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of April. The Bear Lake County Regional Commission would like to use City Hall to hold a meeting on May 15^th to get input from Georgetown and Bennington residents on their feelings of the County Ordinance requiring a minimum of 40 acres to build a home. They will do all advertising for the meeting; if there is one. Stan Prescott called and would like to know if his niece, Susan Thomson, could be buried in the same plot as one of her parents. She will be cremated and her parents have been cremated also. The council said that would be fine, but she will pay the $500.00 fee for a grave opening for non-residents.

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Ada DeClark the council approve checks and vouchers for the month of April 2013 in the amount of $11,563.83 in the general fund,  $7,725.88 in the water fund, $31,397.34 in the sewer fund with all funds totaling $50,687.05. Councilmember Matt Argyle 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 May 2013 council meeting at 8:30 pm. Councilmember Gary Thompson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynette Smith, City Clerk

April 2, 2013

Those Present:  Matt Argyle, Ada DeClark, Joe DeClark, Clerk Lynette Smith, Doug Thompson, Mayor Bob Van Cleave, Cynthia Reno, Mable Whitmore

Meeting called to order:  7:00 pm                            Invocation:  Council President Joe DeClark

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Matt Argyle that the council accepts the published agenda.  Councilmember Ada DeClark seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Minutes from the March 5, 2013, regular council meeting were read. The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Joe DeClark the council approve the minutes as read. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Clerk Smith called City Attorney, Adam McKenzie, on the phone for a teleconference for counsel on the agenda items. The chair entertained a motion from Councilmember Joe DeClark that the council leave the regular meeting and move into executive session as per Idaho Code Section 67-2345(West)(f), for the purpose of discussing with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. The mere presence of legal counsel at an executive session does not satisfy this requirement. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was taken and is as follows:  Ada – yes, Joe – yes, Matt – yes.

Councilmember Ada DeClark made the motion that the council move out of executive session and back into the regular meeting, at 7:25 pm. Councilmember Joe DeClark seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows:  Ada – yes, Joe – yes, Matt – yes.

Adam will put together a citation in the form of a letter for Officer Skinner to issue to T.J. Johnson by tomorrow and will give him 24 hours to take care of the nuisance at 364 Main St. If it is not taken care of within that time frame then Officer Skinner will serve him with a citation of criminal charges of a public nuisance.

Mayor Bob asked Adam McKenzie about the possibility of installing a radar camera along Stringtown Lane. We get numerous complaints about speeding along Stringtown and when Officer Skinner patrols he rarely sees many vehicles and then is missing lots of vehicles along the highway and can’t be in two places at once. Adam said that there is nothing in Idaho Statutes that prohibits the use of a radar camera but says that it is usually difficult to identify the driver of the car which would then prohibit Officer Skinner from issuing a citation without knowledge of whom the driver is. We would need to find a camera that would take pictures of the driver and the license plates and then Officer Skinner would review the camera and issue a citation from there.

The Budget Hearing dates were set for the 2013-2014 Fiscal Year. Councilmember Joe DeClark made the motion to hold the Budget Hearing on Tuesday, September 3, 2013 for Fiscal Year 2013-2014. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. The budget workshop will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2013 with City Auditor, Gary Teuscher.

The water tanks were reappraised for the year and we received a letter from ICRMP asking if we would like to make any changes to our appraisals or our insured amounts. The tanks appraised at $96,688 and are currently insured for $200,000. Councilmember Matt Argyle made the motion to leave the rates where they are and continue to insure for higher than the appraised value. Councilmember Joe DeClark seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

CenturyLink sent a permit to install a buried fiber optic cable along Main Street. Councilmember Joe DeClark would like for a representative to come to our council meeting and discuss with us their plans and how it will be of benefit to our community. Clerk Smith will compose a letter for the Mayor to sign asking for representation at our next council meeting.

Keller Associates sent a letter updating the council on the progress that has been made within the last month of the wastewater project.

Councilmember Joe DeClark mentioned that we all need to be more aware of the building that is going on within the community and need to make the community more aware of a need to purchase permits whenever they are building. Anything that is movable and less than 200 sqft does not require a building permit; everything else does.

Councilmember Ada DeClark reported that we are quickly approaching our May 1^st deadline from the grant that we received to purchase playground mulch for it to be installed by that date. Doug will let Ada and Marty know when the ground is ready to install the mulch. She also said that she wants to put in individual playground pieces instead of a large set hoping that the city or the committee would be able to fund one new piece a year. She also would like to have the kids at Georgetown Elementary be able to vote on which pieces that they would like to have in the playground. Mayor Bob suggested showing the kids videos from the companies to help them in making their decisions on the equipment. She also said that she would like to see an Easter Egg Hunt happen next year in the City.

Police Report:   Officer Skinner has returned to work and has made 44 contacts for the month of March.

Maintenance report:   Doug Thompson gave his report for the month of March stating that he repaired the snow blower, plowed some snow, marked some areas for DigLine and replaced some stop signs. He went to IPACO in Logan and found a salter/sander for $4,350.00; the bottom of it would eventually rot out from the salt sitting in it, he thinks that we could use just sand and it would help it to last longer. Warren Sorenson’s sewer backed up into their home; Doug went and researched at the Lift Station but found it not to be the problem, there is a broken line about 25 feet from the house. He has spoken with the delinquents for the month and has gotten commitments from them to catch up their accounts. His water sample testing has been good. He shut off water at 2 locations, dug one grave and took 3 days of vacation time. Sam Holder wants to remove the old trailer on his property and put in a new one that is updated and will help the property look better. Before the trailer is moved back onto the property he will need to get a building permit.

Office Report:   Clerk Smith reported that there are 19 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of March.

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Ada DeClark the council approve checks and vouchers for the month of March 2013 in the amount of $9,950.04 in the general fund,  $6,204.24 in the water fund, $16,339.29 in the sewer fund with all funds totaling $32,493.57. Councilmember Joe DeClark 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 April 2013 council meeting at 8:15 pm. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynette Smith, City Clerk

March 5, 2013

Those Present:  Matt Argyle, Ada DeClark, Joe DeClark, Clerk Lynette Smith, Doug Thompson, Mayor Bob Van Cleave, Cynthia Reno

Meeting called to order:  7:00 pm                            Invocation:  Councilmember Ada DeClark

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Matt Argyle that the council accepts the published agenda.  Councilmember Joe DeClark seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Minutes from the February 5, 2013, regular council meeting were read. The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Joe DeClark the council approve the minutes as read. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Mayor Van Cleave gave an update on the nuisance located at 364 Main St. He spoke with City Attorney, Adam McKenzie, about getting a search warrant from a judge to search the premises. Adam didn’t feel like this was the best approach because if the judge said no to the warrant, then we couldn’t pursue the issue any further. Adam has sent a letter to the homeowner, James King, in North Carolina asking for permission for us to search the premises and once we hear back from him, we will go from there. Cynthia Reno, the next door neighbor to the nuisance came to the meeting to hear how she should handle things also. She had complaints about the roof of the building and being afraid that with too much snow on it, that it could collapse and ricochet into her home. She sent a letter and pictures of the roof and the cement piles that were left there from removing a wall, to James King and to T.J. Johnson and has never heard back from either one of them.

Rocky Mountain Power has sent a contract to be signed along with two easements that need to be notarized and recorded with the county for the wastewater project. After speaking with Keller Associates the full $11,101.00 can be paid for out of the loan also. Councilmember Ada DeClark made the motion to have the Mayor sign the contract and the easements and send $11,101.00 to Rocky Mountain Power. Councilmember Joe DeClark seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Councilmember Joe DeClark spoke about the farmland that the City just purchased for the wastewater project from Sheldon Clark. He said that for the spring of 2013 that there should be no planting of crops because there will be lots of construction and piling of top soil, etc. that it would be a waste to plant it this spring. He said that he thought if there is any pasture this fall that the City should let Sheldon use it at no cost and that he should be able to use those 7 water shares that he sold to the City with his land. For 2014, Sheldon and/or Drue and Cole Smith, that leases the rest of Sheldon’s ground, should be able to plant alfalfa and take all the crops at no cost to them or the City. Then in 2015, we may need to make a new agreement. With this plan, the City nor Keller’s will need to find someone to farm it and it won’t cost any party anything. Councilmember Matt Argyle made the motion to follow Joe’s plan that he just outlined above for the City’s farmland. Councilmember Ada DeClark seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried. Also, Joe asked both Kelly Bartschi and Sheldon Clark how they would feel about applying the sludge to their land that the City purchased and both said it would be ok. The only stipulation is that in 2014, the alfalfa cannot be used for consumption by dairy cows; only to beef cows.

Stan Prescott owns some cemetery plots and wants to give 2 of his spaces buylevitra.net located in Block 5 Plot 4 Spaces e and f to Julie Ann Guffey and Richard Guffey. The council had no objections.

Councilmember Matt Argyle spoke about a web-based satellite program for cities and counties used for addressing and indexing, called Pictometry. Right now, the county is doing an enhanced 911 service with Verizon in order to more easily locate everyone. He has spoken with other cities and they have said that now is the time to redo the addresses in the City in conjunction with the 911 service. He has briefly spoken with the County about the City being able to piggyback with the County and use this program for a minimal cost to help us with our addressing and it would be useful for planning and zoning and preparing for future growth. He also said that when replacing our street signs that we will need to comply with the enhanced 911 service.

Matt also would like for the City to look into purchasing a sander/spreader that would slide right into the back of the service truck and then Doug can sand the streets through the City when they get really slick. He and Doug wondered if we could use the money that has been saved up for a generator towards the sander instead. The County has agreed to give any cinders that Doug would need to replace in the sander for free. Councilmember Ada DeClark made a motion to allow Doug to purchase a sander machine for $5,000.00. Councilmember Joe DeClark seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.

Matt also asked the council to consider getting a bigger shed for the backhoe that would be more enclosed to park the backhoe and another piece of machinery, such as the dump truck, underneath if needed. The sun is rotting the inside of the backhoe and it would be nice to park most all the machinery under some cover. Last year, the council had agreed to let the Georgetown Irrigation Company purchase a shed to park the backhoe under and would let them use the City’s land to place the shed on. The council would like to readdress the issue and ask the Irrigation Company if they would agree to pay half of a bigger shed and then go from there.

Police Report:   Officer Skinner hasn’t returned to work quite yet but says he is feeling better and is hoping to be back in the next week or two.

Maintenance report:   Doug Thompson gave his report for the month of February stating that he dug two graves in the cemetery, worked on the snow plow and the snow blower. He was able to get some parts for the snow blower and fixed that. He plowed the streets, got the fire hydrant fixed, he turned the water on and off for a couple of repairs, tested his samples, which were good. He had a telephone conference with Keller’s and helped them out and he plowed more snow.

Office Report:   Clerk Smith reported that there are 11 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of February.

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Ada DeClark the council approve checks and vouchers for the month of February 2013 in the amount of $14,495.39 in the general fund,  $6,169.81 in the water fund, $60,777.86 in the sewer fund with all funds totaling $81,443.06. Councilmember Matt Argyle 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 March 2013 council meeting at 8:20 pm. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynette Smith, City Clerk

February 5, 2013

Those Present:  Matt Argyle, Joe DeClark, Clerk Lynette Smith, Doug Thompson, Gary Thompson, Mayor Bob Van Cleave, Marty Nate, Mable Whitmore

Meeting called to order:  7:00 pm                            Invocation:  Councilmember Matt Argyle

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Matt Argyle that the council accepts the published agenda.  Councilmember Gary Thompson seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Minutes from the January 8, 2013, regular council meeting were read. The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Joe DeClark the council approve the minutes as read. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The backhoe agreement was presented before the council. This agreement is to be reviewed and approved by both parties on an annual basis. Both parties have agreed that all is well and no changes need to be made at this time. Councilmember Joe DeClark made the motion to accept and sign the agreement for the year 2013. Councilmember Gary Thompson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Marty Nate of the Twin Creeks Committee reported that she called and reserved Cliffhanger Recreation to come to the festivities again this year and will need to send them a deposit of $400.00. Councilmember Joe DeClark made the motion to send Cliffhanger Recreation the deposit of $400.00 to reserve them for July 20^th for the Twin Creeks Celebration. Councilmember Gary Thompson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. Marty is looking for other bands to come this year because Saddlestrings is unavailable. She is going to meet with the committee and will suggest the City’s proposals of not doing the luncheon or the treasure hunt. Councilmember Joe said that he has done the archery booth for the last few years and is not interested in doing it again this year. He thinks that there should be an opportunity for someone else to come in with something in place of the archery, such as a dunking machine or something of that nature. She had some proposals of her own and suggested that the City should still be in charge of the luncheon and the treasure hunt. She feels the City should still oversee the treasure hunt and should find someone else not City affiliated to actually do the treasure hunt. She also mentioned that her committee has found a $1,000.00 grant from Disney that could be used for a sound system for the movies in the park, Twin Creek Days, and other events the City would see fit. She also had an idea for turning the Country Corner into a historical store and would like to have it fixed up and put in a library and other historical effects in the store.

City Attorney, Adam McKenzie, formed a memo for the councilmembers to review addressing the public nuisance located at 364 Main Street. His memo asked the council to set a date for Mr. T.J. Johnson, the building renter, or the building owner, James King, to have the nuisance of rotten meat to be removed and abated. This date would be delivered to Mr. Johnson and Mr. King in the form of a letter from Adam’s office. If no action is taken by either the building owner or the renter  then the City has the authority to declare the building a public nuisance and to order the nuisance to be removed and abated and can file misdemeanor charges against Mr. Johnson. Mayor Bob asked Clerk Smith to get in touch with Adam about pursuing a search warrant for the property first and then go from there.

According to the audit from Gary Teuscher, there is a need for the water and sewer funds to pay back the general fund for expenses made throughout the fiscal year. Councilmember Gary Thompson made the motion to pay back the general fund in the amount of $12,764.41 from the water fund to pay in full for water charges, and $10,000.00 from the sewer fund to pay a portion of the sewer charges owed. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Councilmember Joe DeClark reported on making the grand tour to Pocatello for a meeting with Keller Associates at their office, along with Mayor Bob and Doug Thompson. The meeting consisted of making final arrangements for the wastewater project and submitting those arrangements for approval by DEQ.

Councilmember Matt Argyle reported on the County Landfill having an interest in the excess clay from building the new sewer ponds. There will need to be an agreement made between the County Commissioners and the City Council about to how proceed with removing the clay. Clerk Smith will write a letter to Commissioner Brad Jensen about the County being able to obtain the clay at their own cost of testing its permeability and hauling the clay away.

Police Report:   There was no report for the month of January at this time from Officer Skinner because he has suffered a mild stroke around the 25^th of January. We wish him to get well soon and will get his reports when he is feeling better.

Maintenance report:   Doug Thompson gave his report for the month of January stating that he attended to two pipes being broken and properties and assisted with one house fire in the city at 679 Main Street. He may need to order another fire hydrant because the hydrant used to put out the fire will not shut off now, but he will keep working with it. His testing of samples this month has still been good. He attended a meeting in Pocatello with Joe and Mayor Bob at Keller’s and continues to work with them assisting them with what they need on the wastewater project. He marked a spot for DigLine for Rocky Mountain Power at T.J. Johnson’s new home. He plowed the City and the canyons and reported that the County is going to come and do some plowing maintenance on Stringtown when they get a chance. He maintained the pop machine and is getting ready to dig one grave later this week and has worked on the new cemetery plots to the maps.

Office Report:   Clerk Smith reported that there are 15 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of January.

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Matt Argyle the council approve checks and vouchers for the month of January 2013 in the amount of $11,740.06 in the general fund,  $10,260.75 in the water fund, $129,712.26 in the sewer fund with all funds totaling $151,713.07. Councilmember Joe DeClark seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Gary Thompson that the council adjourn from the February 2013 council meeting at 8:30 pm. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynette Smith, City Clerk

January 8, 2013

Those Present:  Matt Argyle, Ada DeClark, Joe DeClark, Clerk Lynette Smith, Doug Thompson, Gary Thompson, Mayor Bob Van Cleave, Mauria Teuscher, James Teuscher

Meeting called to order:  7:05 pm                            Invocation:  Mayor Bob Van Cleave

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Gary Thompson that the council accepts the published agenda.  Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Minutes from the December 5, 2012, regular council meeting were read. The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Joe DeClark the council approve the minutes as read. Councilmember Gary Thompson seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The audit for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 was presented to the council by Mauria Teuscher and James Teuscher of Gary Teuscher’s office. The audit was reviewed by the council with Mauria, page by page. The council entertained a motion from councilmember Ada DeClark to approve and accept the audit for Fiscal Year 2011-2012. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. Clerk Smith will write a letter to Gary Teuscher’s office accepting the audit and acknowledging his suggestions.

The United States Postal Service will be having a public meeting on January 29, 2013 at 6:00 pm and they would like to use the City Hall for their meeting place. The USPS mailed a survey to all post office box holders about their opinion on new postal hours. Councilmember Ada DeClark made the motion to allow the USPS to hold their meeting at City Hall and that the survey should be filled out as the Clerk sees fit because she is the one that deals with mailing duties for the City. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

There was an update sent from Keller Associates reporting on the progress that had been made the past month and giving the status of the wastewater project. There will be a meeting in Pocatello at their offices on January, 18^th at 10:00 am to discuss the final decisions of the project. The City has received the 7 water shares from Sheldon Clark for the recently purchased property. There was discussion about what to do about Kelly Bartschi’s 2 acres left non- purchased by the City. Kelly would like the City to purchase them but the City doesn’t need the extra 2 acres and if the City decided to purchase them it would be out of the City’s funds – not the loan – and would probably be at land value and not at the same price as the other acres were purchased at, but no decisions have been made either way.

Ordinance #84 concerning the adoption of the International Building Codes for the County Building Inspector was read at the last meeting. Councilmember Matt Argyle made the motion that one half plus one of the members of the full council agree to dispense with the rule requiring the reading of this ordinance on three separate occasions. Councilmember Ada DeClark seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Joe – yes, Matt – yes, Ada – yes, Gary – yes.

Councilmember Joe DeClark reported on attending a meeting with the highway transportation department and said that there was lots of bad press for the LOTOJA bike race.

Police Report:   Officer Skinner made 42 contacts for the month of December.

Maintenance report:   Doug Thompson gave his report for the month of December stating that he plowed the streets, replaced new street signs, repaired the plow, ordered fuel, put up and took down Christmas decorations and he dug one grave for the month. He helped a customer with their water at one location and his samples have continued to test good for the month. He sent information to DEQ to keep records up-to-date for his CEU credits. The sewer samples have also continued to test good for the month. He took samples to Soda Springs for the couriers to take to the labs over the holidays and has signed up for some classes to take in June, July and August.

Office Report:   Clerk Smith reported that there are 12 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of December. She asked the council if she could have permission to start making payments for Rocky Mountain Power online because she has had trouble the last two months with them losing the checks and threatening to shut off the City’s services. Councilmember Ada DeClark made the motion to allow payments for Rocky Mountain Power to be made online for all accounts by signing a voucher each month. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. Lynette also reported that she had received a letter from the Idaho Drug Task Force asking for signatures from the Mayor and City Council Members to send to President Obama about not supporting the newest drug laws passed by a couple of states at the latest election. Councilmembers all agreed to support the letter and have all signatures of City Officials added to the letter.

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Ada DeClark the council approve checks and vouchers for the month of December 2012 in the amount of $12,187.36 in the general fund,  $6,216.27 in the water fund, $40,117.10 in the sewer fund with all funds totaling $58,520.73. Councilmember Joe DeClark 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 January 2013 council meeting at 8:45 pm. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynette Smith, City Clerk

December 5, 2012

Those Present:  Matt Argyle, Ada DeClark, Joe DeClark, Doug Thompson, Gary Thompson

Meeting called to order:  7:00 pm                            Invocation:  Councilmember Ada DeClark

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Ada DeClark that the council accepts the published agenda.  Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Minutes from the November 5, 2012, regular council meeting were read. The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Ada DeClark the council approve the minutes as read. Councilmember Gary Thompson seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Ordinance #82 needed to be amended to add in adopting the International Mechanical Code, Residential Code and the Fuel Gas Code as per County Building Inspector Wayne Davidson and drawn up by City Attorney, Adam McKenzie and formed Ordinance #84. The Ordinance was read by councilmember Joe DeClark and he also made the motion to accept the Ordinance #84. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Matt – yes, Ada – yes, Joe – yes, Gary – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Corey Hayes has a trailer house on Twin Creeks Lane that has water and sewer hookups. He has gutted out the house to where it is no longer livable and he would like to discontinue the sewer charges, but is willing to continue to pay full rate for the water charges, which will in turn help the city by keeping those lines open and flowing. Councilmember Matt Argyle made the motion to treat his account as if it were a pasture and to only charge him the water rate, because the property has no dwelling; if there is ever another home built on that property then full charges will resume. Councilmember Gary Thompson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The audit engagement letter was presented to the council. Councilmember Ada DeClark made the motion to continue to use Gary Teuscher, CPA, and to authorize Mayor Bob to sign the audit engagement letter so that Gary may move forward with the audit. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

There was a document sent from Keller Associates giving a brief update on the wastewater project for the month, in which the council reviewed the update.

The council agreed to give employee’s a bonus for Christmas. The motion was made by councilmember Matt Argyle to give Rex Skinner, Lynette Smith and Doug Thompson a bonus of $150.00 each for Christmas. Councilmember Gary Thompson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Police Report:   Officer Skinner made 34 contacts for the month of November.

Maintenance report:   Doug Thompson gave his report for the month of November. The McClain’s storage sheds across from City Hall are hooked up to water and sewer. The services have been on because the brick layers have been there working this fall. Doug inspected the building and noticed that the toilet was not connected and not usable. The owner’s would like to know if they can pay for just water and not sewer for the months the services were on. The council felt this would be fair and Lynette will notify the owners of their decision. The sewer samples have been good for the month and he ordered extra chlorine for treating because the price is going up significantly and he sent out his monthly EPA letter. He dug some test holes where the ponds will be and found lots of clay and top soil down about ten and a half feet deep but found that it is shallower towards the cemetery. Keller’s wonders where we can get rid of the extra soil. Doug would like to stock pile the excess top soil and work a deal with the County to sell the clay to the landfill. His samples for the water were all good for the month and he tested for nitrates at the spring as well and none were detected. He ordered a new fire hydrant and it should be here in a couple of weeks and he will try to install it sometime this winter. He also worked with getting some delinquent accounts caught up on their bills. He maintained the pop machine and has plotted out some new cemetery plots and will work on getting them on the map for this winter. He found some street lights that weren’t working correctly and reported them to Rocky Mountain Power. He plowed the roads and filled some low spots with gravel. He put the chains on the plow and ordered an extra pair of chains. He changed the bucket on the backhoe to be ready for digging graves in the winter.

Office Report:   There are 14 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of November.

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Ada DeClark the council approve checks and vouchers for the month of November 2012 in the amount of $14,381.43 in the general fund,  $5,803.05 in the water fund, $14,560.48 in the sewer fund with all funds totaling $34,744.96. Councilmember Matt Argyle 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 December 2012 council meeting at 7:50 pm. Councilmember Gary Thompson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynette Smith, City Clerk

November 5, 2012

Those Present:  Matt Argyle, Ada DeClark, Joe DeClark, Clerk Lynette Smith, Doug Thompson, Gary Thompson, Mayor Bob Van Cleave, Marty Nate, Mable Whitmore

Meeting called to order:  7:00 pm                            Invocation:  Councilmember Joe DeClark

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Ada DeClark that the council accepts the published agenda.  Councilmember Gary Thompson seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Minutes from the October 2, 2012, regular council meeting were read. The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Gary Thompson the council approve the minutes as read. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Ada DeClark to set the date for the Christmas Lighting Event in the Park for November 26^th at 6:00 pm. Councilmember Joe DeClark seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. Clerk Smith will make some flyers to hand out to the kids at Georgetown and make contacts with Santa and make arrangements for his entrance and the refreshments.

Marty Nate came before the council to report that after research the $1,000.00 grant for playground cover received would buy 1 ½ bags of mulch and would be enough to make a 2” layer of cover for the playground area. She asked the council if they would buy another 1 ½ bags of mulch to put a 4” layer of cover for the playground area. She is going to Idaho Falls this week to pick up the mulch to save the City the cost of shipping. Councilmember Ada DeClark made the motion for the city to buy 3 tons of mulch and match the $1,000.00 grant for playground cover. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. Marty also reported that she found another grant to apply for playground equipment and/or park improvement and the grant is for $5,000-$250,000. In order to qualify for the grant it needs to have an endorsement letter signed by someone affiliated with Northwest Farm Credit. She will report back when she has more information.

The Mayor found an Arts Grant and wondered how the council felt about applying for it in order to put in a gazebo and a sound system to be used in the Park for various events such as the Twin Creeks Celebration or a place to hold dances with music on warm summer nights. The council agreed that it sounded like a fun idea and that he should apply for it.

Police Report:   Officer Skinner made 46 contacts for the month of October.

Maintenance report:   Doug Thompson gave his report for the month of October stating that he has been treating the sewer like usual and has taken the aerators out of the ponds for the winter and was able to trap some muskrats down by the ponds. He met with Matt from Keller Associates, about the head gates that need to be replaced and they decided that a chain link fence would be best to put around about 15 acres of the ponds to keep the deer and other animals out of all year. He changed couriers again, to Action Couriers, at the recommendation of the lab so the samples would be there earlier in the day and they are cheaper. The IRWA reported that Bancroft also needs a backup waste water operator and that Doug and Bancroft’s operator could serve as each other’s backups. He sent his letter to the EPA for the month and all samples sent for testing have been good. He marked all sewer and water lines for when digging begins along 1^st Street to 4^th Street. He turned water services off at 3 locations. He checked the water hookup for T.J. Johnson’s property so it would be ready when his new home comes in. He tested the well for Nitrates and there was none. He took the appraiser from ICRMP to the water tanks for their inspection. He cleaned up his office and winterized City Hall, removing the air conditioning unit from the window. He also fixed the veteran’s light at the memorial site and noticed that it had been vandalized. He mowed the lawns, stocked the pop machine, got the plow ready for the winter and did some maintenance on all the vehicles and the backhoe. He is going to order a replacement fire hydrant for the one at the corner of 5^th Street and Main Street and is going to order 4 new stop signs and 4 new yield signs to replace around the city.

Office Report:   Clerk Smith reported that there are 10 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of October. She asked the council if she should order 1099 and W-2 forms to do the city’s tax reporting or if they would like Gary Teuscher to continue to do the W-2’s and she was told to order them. She also mentioned that she has a conflict with the next meeting held in December and asked if they would like to move the date, but it was decided to just use the recorder for the December meeting. She explained that she had received a letter from Corey Hayes stating that he should be on ½ rates and she asked the council if he should still be on ½ rates or if the same rule would apply to him as it does to all citizens that were using the ½ rate status. Councilmembers agreed that they remembered that as long as Corey was living in his home that he would get his services for free per month at his personal residence, but he would have to pay for services at his trailer. The only reason he was getting his services for half the monthly rate was because the City was offering that option at the time, but now that the City is no longer offering that option, he should have to pay full monthly rates at the trailer house or have the services turned off. She is to write a letter explaining these findings to Mr. Hayes.

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Gary Thompson the council approve checks and vouchers for the month of October 2012 in the amount of $14,450.72 in the general fund,  $7,113.35 in the water fund, $17,516.37 in the sewer fund with all funds totaling $39,080.44. Councilmember Ada DeClark seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Joe DeClark that the council adjourn from the November 2012 council meeting at 8:10 pm. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynette Smith, City Clerk

October 2, 2012

Those Present:  Matt Argyle, Ada DeClark, Joe DeClark, Clerk Lynette Smith, Doug Thompson, Gary Thompson, Mayor Bob Van Cleave, Mable Whitmore

Meeting called to order:  7:00 pm                            Invocation:  Councilmember Matt Argyle

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Matt Argyle that the council accepts the published agenda.  Councilmember Gary Thompson seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Minutes from the September 4, 2012, regular council meeting were read. Mayor Bob requested to add onto the last of the paragraph about the local highway project, “All were in favor and the motion carried the council.” The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Gary Thompson the council approve the minutes as read with changes. Councilmember Ada DeClark seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

There was a brief update on the wastewater project. Keller Associates sent a report on the progress that has been made in the past month and the status of the project and the council reviewed the document. The report consisted of the wastewater system design and revising the irrigation system design from a pivot to wheel lines, the land application permit is under review internally before being submitted to DEQ and there was a schedule of tasks to be completed with a tentative date those tasks will be finished by.

Clerk Smith provided pictures to councilmembers of possible items to purchase to add to the Christmas light collection. Councilmember Ada DeClark made the motion to purchase Santa with the Tractor and Wagon with some Toy Soldiers, not to exceed $1000.00, including shipping for Christmas Lights. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

There was nothing new to report for finding quotes or new possible contacts for the kids’ blown-up entertainment for Twin Creek Days at this time.

Councilmember Ada DeClark reported that she and Marty Nate had applied for a grant from the Eastern Region Greatest Need Fund in the Idaho Community Foundation for rubberized ground cover for the playground area. The grant was received in the amount of $1,000.00. The only stipulation is the ground cover has to be in place by May 15, 2013, or else the City will have to pay the money back. The council agreed to get the rubber mulch in place sooner than later to not have to chance the snow being gone, in the park, before May. She also reported that the house signs could be just like trail markers and that they come in many colors and it would be very easy to use the trail markers with reflective house numbers attached and place them in the same place at every house along the fence line. She also requested that the meeting dates for the next three months be changed. The November meeting will be on Monday, November 5^th, the December meeting will be Wednesday, December 5^th, and the January meeting will be Tuesday, January 8^th.

Councilmember Gary Thompson reported that he was contacted by two workers employed by Simplot whom want to travel on Stringtown Lane more frequently. They mentioned that it wouldn’t be a lot of traffic all the time; it would just mostly be at the beginning to haul in all their equipment. The concern is who would be in charge of maintaining that road. The council agreed that Simplot should be responsible for maintaining the road into the canyon. The workers mentioned a need for the convenience of inputting a service station and that they might be willing to donate between $25,000.00 to $45,000.00, of good will to the community. Gary requested for them to contact the Mayor and to come present their proposal to the Council.

Police Report:   Officer Skinner made 51 contacts for the month of September. There was a brief discussion on the speeding problem along Stringtown Road. Councilmember Joe DeClark mentioned that it was part of the study by Forsgren Associates to look into putting cameras along Stringtown.

Maintenance report:   Doug Thompson gave his report for the month of September stating that he has continued to sample the water and that we had to get a new courier, Western Air Express, to take the samples to the lab in Pocatello. He helped a homeowner change their water line and he completed the suggestions from the EPA and DEQ inspection performed earlier this year. He sent out his letter to the EPA keeping them up-to-date and the sewer samples have continued to be doing ok. Another homeowner struggled to find the hookups to put in their new home and another homeowner’s sewer line had collapsed and he helped them both. He took the plow to Jensen’s to have the frame rebuilt. He patched some roads, mowed and watered the parks and cemetery, maintained the pop machine and sprayed more thistle at the cemetery.

Office Report:   Clerk Smith reported that there are 11 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of September.

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Matt Argyle the council approve checks and vouchers for the month of September 2012 in the amount of $11,070.55 in the general fund,  $6,233.74 in the water fund, $43,936.16 in the sewer fund with all funds totaling $61,240.45. Councilmember Gary Thompson 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 October 2012 council meeting at 7:55 pm. Councilmember Gary Thompson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynette Smith, City Clerk

September 4, 2012

Those Present:  Matt Argyle, Ada DeClark, Joe DeClark, Clerk Lynette Smith, Doug Thompson, Gary Thompson, Mayor Bob Van Cleave, Marty Nate, Mable Whitmore

Meeting called to order:  7:00 pm                            Invocation:  Mayor Bob Van Cleave

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Matt Argyle that the council accepts the published agenda.  Councilmember Gary Thompson seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Minutes from the August 1, 2012, regular council meeting were read. Maintenance Supervisor Doug Thompson requested there be a change in the Maintenance report to state “He helped councilmember Ada DeClark and many volunteers install playground equipment…”. The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Gary Thompson the council approve the minutes as read with changes. Councilmember Joe DeClark seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Marty Nate representing the Twin Creeks Committee gave a report on the Celebration for the year and apologized for going slightly over budget this year and says that it won’t happen next year because there are some things they won’t need to purchase and can reuse next year. She asked if the council had any comments for changes that they would like to see for next year. Councilmember Ada DeClark mentioned to have the lawn games start earlier in the day right after the parade. She commended Marty and her committee for a job well done and thought it was a great time for all. Councilmember Matt Argyle suggested to choose someone not city affiliated to do the treasure hunt for next year. Councilmember Joe DeClark recommended that the City not provide the lunch next year, that it could be a fundraising opportunity for someone else in town instead of the City. He wondered if there should just be two meals offered instead of three; have a breakfast and a late lunch and do away with dinner so we don’t have to inconvenience anyone by using the church facilities due to weather conditions. Councilmember Gary Thompson made the motion to set July 20^th as the date for the Celebration to occur next year. Councilmember Ada DeClark seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

There was a brief discussion about providing a movie night in the park during the summer months for next year. There are still lots of things that need to be checked into such as interest in such an event, how often to have it, finding a canvas screen and screen projector, noise affecting neighbors, curfew, etc. Councilmember Ada DeClark and Doug Thompson are going to look into it further.

The council looked at a few ideas for Christmas lights to purchase to put in the park during the holiday season. No decision was made on which pieces to buy. Clerk Smith will look into more pieces and have them ready for next council meeting.

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Ada DeClark for the council to move into Public Hearing for the purpose of reopening the budget for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 to receive and expense $40,000.00 for the Local Highway Project Study. Councilmember Joe DeClark seconded the motion and a roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Matt – yes, Ada – yes, Joe – yes, Gary – yes. The floor was then opened for public comment either verbally or by written notice, of which there was none. The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Matt Argyle to close the public hearing and move back into the regular meeting. Councilmember Joe DeClark seconded the motion and a roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Matt – yes, Ada – yes, Joe – yes, Gary – yes. After brief discussion, the council came to a decision and entertained a motion from councilmember Joe DeClark the council reopen the budget for Fiscal Year 2011-2012 to receive and expense $40,000.00 and payable to Forsgren Associates for the Local Highway Project Transportation Study. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Gary Thompson for the council to move into Public Hearing for the purpose of accepting the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013 under the direction of City Auditor, Gary Teuscher. Councilmember Joe DeClark seconded the motion and a roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Matt – yes, Ada – yes, Joe – yes, Gary – yes. The floor was then opened for public comment either verbally or by written notice. The office did not receive any written comment about the proposed budget and no one came forth to offer their opinion about the budget. The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Ada DeClark for the council to close the public hearing and move back into the regular meeting. Councilmember Gary Thompson seconded the motion and a roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Matt – yes, Ada – yes, Joe – yes, Gary – yes. The council entertained a motion from councilmember Joe DeClark for the council to accept the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2012-2013. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The appropriations ordinance listed as Ordinance #83, for Fiscal Year 2012-2013, was read in its entirety by Clerk Smith. The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Gary Thompson to accept the new ordinance. Councilmember Joe DeClark seconded the motion and a roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Matt – yes, Ada – yes, Joe – yes, Gary – yes.

Mayor Bob asked the council to consider changing Clerk Smith’s rate increase decided upon at the last council meeting from being at an hourly rate to a monthly salary. Councilmember Joe DeClark made the motion to change Clerk Smith from $11.25 per hour to $800.00 salary per month. Councilmember Gary Thompson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Councilmember Joe DeClark reported on a meeting he and Mayor Bob recently attended at Keller Associates’ firm to aid in the final design of the wastewater project. They were all in agreement that taking care of the lift pump was a top priority either this fall or early next spring. They discussed options for cleaning out the hydrants, flow for ground water, details and guidelines on the land application and our needs for a generator.

Councilmember Matt Argyle gave the council more information on his progress with changing the address listings in the City. He said that he has been informed that the City has all authority to change the listings and that other Cities have recommended holding a minimum of three Public Hearings and to inform all major agencies such as the post office, fed ex, UPS, etc. of such address changes. It is also recommended to require large visible prominent numbers placed on the properties. He also mentioned a need for looking into an irrigation system for the cemetery for more efficient watering and use of Doug’s time. The council asked him to get a price on such a system and then they will go from there.

Councilmember Ada DeClark said she thought that having large visible prominent house numbers would be a great idea for an eagle project or for the city to implement. She said the numbers could look very similar to mile markers along the highway and should all be uniform in looks, size and placement on the property along the fence line. The idea was to make a listing of requirements for the house numbers and each property owner could furnish the materials and an eagle scout could deliver the requirements to home owners, put the markers together and place them on the property.

Police Report:   Officer Skinner made 38 contacts for the month of August.

Maintenance report:   Doug Thompson gave his report for the month of August stating that he fixed a water leak and shutoff services at one location. He reported that the spring is doing ok and he sent out his letter to the EPA updating them on the wastewater project. He dug test holes for the sewer and worked on the lift station. The sampling has been good and he went to school for one day and ordered chlorine for the water. He mowed and watered the parks and maintained the pop machine. He planted and filled some of the graves at the cemetery and plotted out 100 new cemetery plots and will be working on updating the map. He also worked on the snow plow truck and is trying to get it ready for winter.

Office Report:   Clerk Smith reported that there are 18 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of August. She reported that there have been a few customers using the online payport system and hopes that it will continue to grow. She asked the council if there was a need to review our ordinance about charging for Business Licenses in the City and mentioned that a home up Stringtown has a pop machine on their property and is receiving a commission from the pop machine which is bringing the issue to light. This property owner would also like to put a roof over the machine and would like to know if they need a building permit for the roof. The pop machine is currently on city property. The council decided that as long as the pop machine is on city property that the owners cannot build a roof at the current location.

The chair entertained a motion from councilmember Joe DeClark the council approve checks and vouchers for the month of August 2012 in the amount of $19,291.27 in the general fund,  $6,867.63 in the water fund, $51,004.31 in the sewer fund with all funds totaling $77,163.21. Councilmember Matt Argyle 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 September 2012 council meeting at 9:00 pm. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynette Smith, City Clerk