Georgetown Idaho

Public Hearing – December 1, 2009

Those Present: Barry Bergholm, Annell Williamson, Rick and Karen DeMarcus, Joe DeClark, Adam McKenzie, Doug Thompson, Don Clark, Marlene Kizer, VerJean Turner, Jeff and Deanna Franzen, Brice DeClark, Ray and Jean Dunford, Gary Thompson, Eric DeClark, Mark Johnson, Wanda Dunn, Ada DeClark, Randy Rex, Jessie Mendoza, Karen Hayes, Duane Peterson, Anita Panko, Scouts From Troop #

Meeting called to order: 7:05 pm

Invocation: Annell Williamson

Council President Joe DeClark told those present the council will take public comment concerning the nuisance issue at 546 Main St. and from the comments will determine the status of the nuisance issue. The following citizens expressed comments on the issue:

Rick DeMarcus – viewed the property and found the premises no worse off than others in the community. The tall dry grass and weeds were very prominent, but some others properties were also sporting the same. What some see as “junk” is “treasure” to others. Urged the council to refrain from passing laws and ordinances that manage peoples property and collectibles.

VerJean Turner – Gave history of her efforts to visit with family members and offer help from citizens. Abandoned fridges and freezers on the property, numerous garbage and junk. Property is a fire hazard, eye sore, and needs to cleaned up and secured from critters and travelers.

Mark Johnson – Suggested a letter be sent from the City to the family members requesting a clean up. Property is a fire hazard and needs to be taken care of.

Don Clark – Thanked the council for the good work they do for the citizens of the community. Believes they will do the best thing for those concerned.

Jeff Franzen – Asked if the property was locked up and secured. Has anyone from the City been over to inspect the property?

The discussion continued over the issue.

Public hearingclosed at 7:40 pm. Council moved into the regularly scheduled City Council meeting.

City Council Meeting

December 1, 2009

Those Present: Barry Bergholm, Annell Williamson, Rick and Karen DeMarcus, Joe DeClark, Adam McKenzie, Doug Thompson, Don Clark, Marlene Kizer, VerJean Turner, Jeff and Deanna Franzen, Brice DeClark, Ray and jean Dunford, Gary Thompson, Eric DeClark, Mark Johnson, Wanda Dunn, Ada DeClark, Randy Rex, Karen Hayes, Duane Peterson, Anita Panko, Scouts from Troop#

Minutes from the November 4, 2009 Council meeting were read. Council member Annell Williamson made the following addition to the minutes: Second paragraph should also read, “due to the fact information for the proposed agenda items was not otherwise available for posting of the meeting”. The chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council accept and approve the minutes with the noted addition. Council member Annell Williamson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The chair entertained a motion from council member Annell Williamson the council approve the addition of an agenda item: Decision from public hearing concerning 546 Main St. nuisance issue; agenda item could not be added to agenda until council heard comments from public hearing. Council member Barry Bergholm seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Duane – yes, Joe – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council instruct Officer Skinner to conduct a health and safety inspection of the premises at 546 Main St. and report back to the council at the December 10, 2009 public hearing. The council will reconvene the public hearing for 546 Main St. at that time to listen to the report from Officer Skinner and will attempt to make a decision towards the property issue. Council member Duane Peterson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The council discussed with City Attorney Adam McKenzie concerns and issues they have with Ordinance #27. Adam informed them the issues and concerns they have should be addressed at the upcoming public hearing on the 10^th of December. His opinion is to rewrite the ordinance to fit the current time frame.

Police Report: Officer Skinner had 45 contacts

Maintenance Report: Doug continued with the seepage tests at the lagoons, sent the EPA report, marked for Digline, reported the first cell had passed the testing and is now up and running, sent water and sewer samples, turned off 3 water connections, took chlorine to the chlorinator building, found a fire hydrant that is broken on Main St. across from 514 Main St. The hydrant will cost approximately $1,600.00, felt the city needs to have a spare one hand, checked the water pressure, put the plow on the snowplow truck, patched 4 of the 6 skylights in the fire house, filled the pop machine, put lights on the trees in the park, marked plots in the new section of the cemetery, gave thanks to Doug Morrell for the use of his man lift. It worked great for the Christmas lights.

Marty reported 14 delinquent water and sewer accounts, reminded the council of the Christmas Celebration on the 4^th of December 2009 at 6:00 pm and the public hearing for the 10^th of December 2009.

The chair entertained a motion from council member Duane Peterson the council approve checks and vouchers for the month of November 2009 in the amount of $9,088.60 in the general fund, $5,690.94 in the water fund, $9,741.98 in the sewer fund with all funds totaling $24,521.52. Council member Annell Williamson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

At 9:30 pm, the chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council adjourn from the December 2009 council meeting. Council member Annell Williamson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Respectfully submitted by,

Marty Nate, City Clerk

City of Georgetown

November 4, 2009

Those Present:  Adam McKenzie, Aaron Swenson, Bob Van Cleave, Albert Johnson, Wanda Dunn, Joe DeClark, Duane Peterson, Ada DeClark, Barry Bergholm, Brandon

Meeting called to order:7:00 pm

Invocation:Duane Peterson

Minutes from the October 13, 2009 council meeting were read. The chair entertained a motion from council member Annell Williamson the council approve the minutes as read. Council member Joe DeClark seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The chair entertained a motion from council member Joe DeClark the council approve the addition of the following agenda items: Executive Session – Idaho Code 67-2345, subsection “D”, Horizon Grant Committee, building permit for Nelson. Due to the fact information for the proposed agenda items was not otherwise available for posting of the meeting.  Council member Duane Peterson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

At 7:03 pm, the chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council move into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 67-2345, subsection “D” concerning a legal matter. Council member Duane Peterson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

At 7:20 pm, the chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council move from executive session into the scheduled city council meeting. Council member Duane Peterson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The chair entertained a motion from council member Annell Williamson the council approve an added agenda item: public hearing to determine property located at 546 Main St. as a public nuisance; public hearing suggested by City Attorney Adam Mckenzie during executive session. Council member Joe DeClark seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council set a public hearing for December 1, 2009 to determine a nuisance status at 546 Main St. Council member Duane Peterson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The chair entertained a motion from council member Joe DeClark the council set a public hearing date of December 1, 2009 for amending Ordinance #27 striking the 300 ft. rule which mandates animals be 300 ft away from any residence and also, amending animals be maintained 50 ft away from residences, not including homes related to the animal owners, and adding definitions of corralling and pasturing to the ordinance. Council member Annell Williamson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council approve the voting results from the city election held November 3, 2009; Robert Van Cleave 88 votes, Albert Johnson 85, Ada DeClark 153, Gary Thompson 150. There were 173 ballots cast 236 registered voters, 24 election day registrations, 3 absentee votes, with 66% of the registered voters voting. Council member Annell Williamson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. The council listened to Aaron Swenson from Frosgren Associates explain the funding available for transportation plans. The funding can include street repair, construction, signs, and comes with zero matching funds. The firm will GPS the city streets and all information obtained from them will be given to the city for further information. The chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council enlist Forsgren Associates to move forward with a city transportation plan and apply for grant funding in the City’s behalf. Council member Duane Peterson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. Council member Annell Williamson told the council the water protection plan had been approved by DEQ and the city had received hard copies for their files. Council member Barry Bergholm reviewed with the council the building permit for 608 Main St. The chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council approve the building permit for Autumn Nelson. Council member Duane Peterson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and ins as follows”: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. Marty showed council members the drawing proposed by the Horizon Committee for the city park and asked if the council would approve it being displayed at the post office for all citizens to see. Council member Annell Williamson made motion the council approve the posting of the drawing for all citizens to see. Council member Duane Peterson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. Marty told the council the TV cable hook-up located at 583 Stringtown Lane was not being utilized due to the residents not living there any more. She asked the council if they wanted to move the hookup to another location. Council member Barry Bergholm made motion the TV Cable hookup be transferred to 136 W. 4^th St., Nina Weaver. Council member Duane Peterson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Police Report: Officer Skinner had 60 contacts

Maintenance Report: Doug took his weekly samples, continues to monitor the seepage tests, contracted Rotor Rooter to clean out some of the sewer lines, sent the EPA letter, mowed park and cemetery, winterized the park fountain, dug 3 graves, maintained city equipment, hauled gravel up the Half-Mile lane, has received the plow assembly for the snow plow, the police car needs new tires.

The chair entertained a motion from council member Duane Peterson the council approve and sign checks and vouchers for the month of October 2009 in the amount of $8,606.77 in the general fund, $6,520.50 in the water fund, $13, 887.32 in the sewer fund, with all funds totaling $29,014,59. Council member Annell Williamson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

At 8:50 pm, the chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council adjourn from the November 2009 council meeting. Council member Joe DeClark seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Respectfully submitted by,

Marty Nate, City Clerk

City of Georgetown

The results of the election held in and for the City of Georgetown on November 3, 2009 are as follows:

The newly elected officials will be sworn into office on Tuesday, January 5, 2010.

October 13, 2009

 Those Present:  Duane Peterson, Annell Williamson, Albert Johnson, Barry Bergholm, Joe DeClark

Meeting called to order: 7:00 pm

Invocation: Annell Williamson

Minutes from the September 1, 2009 council meeting were read. The chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council approve the minutes as read. Council member Duane Peterson seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion passed the council unanimously. Minutes from the September 15, 2009 special council meeting were read. The chair entertained a motion from Council member Annell Williamson the council approve the minutes as read. Council member Joe DeClark seconded the motion. The motion carried the council. Minutes from the October 6, 2009 council meeting were read. The chair entertained a motion from council member Joe DeClark the council approve the minutes as read. Council member Duane Peterson seconded the motion. The motion carried the council.

Mayor Johnson told the council new agenda items had been brought to his attention this very day and needed to be discussed by the council. The chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council approve the new agenda items, i.e. Kimsey property, Russ Hayes Family letter, and add them to the agenda. Council member Annell Williamson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Duane – yes, Joe – yes. The motion passed the council unanimously.

The project site for the city RV dumping station was discussed. Jim and Karen Miller had a concern with traffic hold-up and flow and suggested the city look at other alternatives. Construction on the station will not take place this year which will give the council time to look at other sites and alternatives. The county clerk’s office has noted some discrepancy with some of the city streets. Street signs and city ordinances do not coincide with each other. Marty was instructed to look through the minutes to see if streets had been renamed and if the street signs were ordered to reflect those changes. Mayor Johnson told the council the city had received funds from the US Forest Service for the irrigation company. Funds had to be transferred to the city because the irrigation company did not have the means to accept the fund transfer. The chair entertained a motion from council member Joe DeClark the council authorize and approve the payment of invoices for the Georgetown Irrigation company with the installation of the pipe at the city overflow. The installation will help the forest service with the newly installed fish ladder. Council member Barry Bergholm seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. The chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm due to election day the council change the scheduled November city council meeting to Wednesday, November 4, 2009. Council member Joe DeClark seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. The chair entertained a motion from council member Duane Peterson the council approve the purchase of a 36” bucket for the backhoe. The bucket will be purchased and used by the irrigation company and the city. The city will purchase 51% of the bucket. Council member Joe DeClark seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Mayor Johnson told the council a petition had circulated around the community requesting the heirs of Robert Kimsey (546 Main St.) to clean up the property. The petition had a threatening connotation. He had visited with County Commissioner Vaughn Rasmussen about the petition and Rasmussen was going to check with the county prosecutor about the statements on the petition. Council member Duane Peterson volunteered to call the person circulating the petition and ask them to hold off on sending it. The council discussed the property issue and the petition. The chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council approve the Mayor to contact City attorney Adam McKenzie and seek legal counsel as to the issue. Council member Annell Williamson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. Mayor Johnson asked the council if there had been approval for a letter to be written to the Russ Hayes family members concerning the weeds and dry grass to be removed on his property (579 Stringtown Lane). Marty told the council she had written the letter at the request of concerned citizens. A copy of the letter was read to the council. Mayor Johnson suggested the council be informed of such letters so they may be aware of ramifications if they developed.

The chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council approve checks and vouchers for the month of September 2009 in the amount of $27,472.40 in the general fund, $6,219.75 in the water fund, $11,177.93 in the sewer fund with all funds totaling $44,870.08. Council member Annell Williamson seconded the motion. All were in favor and a the motion carried the council.

Mayor Johnson reminded the council members when council meeting was adjourned council members needed to leave and not linger for social hour that could be construed as an illegal meeting. At 8:30 pm, the chair entertained a motion from council member Duane Peterson the council adjourn from the October 2009 council meeting. Council member Joe DeClark seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Respectfully submitted by,

Marty Nate, City Clerk

City of Georgetown

15 September 2009

Those present:  Albert Johnson, Duane Peterson, Annell Williamson, Joe DeClark

Meeting called to order: 10:00 am

Mayor Johnson read the appropriations ordinance draft for fiscal year 2010. The chair entertained a motion from council member Duane Peterson the council accept the ordinance draft and instruct Marty to assign it the proper number and enter it into the city books. Council member Annell Williamson seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: Annell – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes. The motion passed the council unanimously.

At 10:10 am, the chair entertained a motion from council member Duane Peterson the council adjourn from the scheduled special city council meeting. Council member Joe DeClark seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Respectfully submitted by,

Marty Nate, City Clerk

City of Georgetown

One of the bears on the Welcome to Georgetown sign has been vandalized. The hand holding the pitchfork has been broken off and the hand and pitchfork are gone.

The City of Georgetown is offering a $500 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for this act.

Please contact City Hall or Rex Skinner if you have any information regarding the vandalism.

April 8, 2009

Those present:  Duane Peterson, Roland Smith, Wanda Dunn, Annell Williamson, Barry Bergholm, Joe DeClark, Albert Johnson, Merri Johnson

Meeting called to order:  7:05 pm

Invocation:  Joe DeClark

Minutes from the March 3, 2009 council meeting were read.  Corrections to the minutes are as follows:  Roland T. Smith to read as Roland K. Smith.  The chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council approve the minutes with the noted correction.  Council member Joe DeClark seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Mayor Johnson asked about the Arbor Day Grant status.  Council member Annell Williamson told the council the city was approved for the grant.  She will get with Doug to discuss the purchase of trees and the ceremony/celebration process.

Mayor Johnson updated with the council members the water rights issue.  Dennis Dunn from the Idaho Department of Water Resources met with Doug to discuss the point of discharge issue.  Mr. Dunn felt the irrigation company needed to file for the water rights and allow the city to control the water flow.  He took all information back with him and will contact Doug when a decision has been made as to who should file for the water rights.

Mayor Johnson met with Keller Associates and answered questions for another questionnaire to secure money from the Federal stimulus package.  Eighty applications had been received and Georgetown had fallen in the 29th spot.  Results from the questionnaire will determine the final standing for the applicants.  As soon as the snow disappears, Keller will get started with the sewer system study.   The engineers are looking at eliminating the lift station, repairing/replacing some of the pipe, and rerouting some of the distribution legs as well as recycling the waste water.  Council member Annell Williamson reviewed with the council the proposed water protection plan.  She asked Marty to send a copy of the Cross Connection Ordinance to Shannon Ansley and to visit with Sunrise Engineering to see if they had a copy of the release signed by DEQ for the well casing.  She told the council she had received information regarding sidewalk grants and will pursue the info.

Council member Barry Bergholm told the council the comprehensive plan was on its way to the county commissioners.  When the city gets the approved plan back they will need to put into place an ordinance approving the plan and the new impact area map.  The planning committee is experiencing some motivational moments.  Sandra Donato has asked to step down as chairman of the committee and several members are wanting to be released from their invitation to serve.  The council discussed the issue and decided to disband the committee and recall different citizens when the time warranted it.

The council reviewed the ordinance draft for the cable system company.  Mayor Johnson read the ordinance.  The chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council approve the ordinance draft and instructed Marty to enter it into the ordinance book with the appropriate number.  Council member Annell Williamson seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was taken and is as follows:  Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes.  The motion carried the council unanimously.  The chair entertained a motion from council member Joe DeClark the council dispense with the three (3) reading rule.  Council member Annell Williamson seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was taken and is as follows:  Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes.  The motion carried the council unanimously.

The Bear Lake Regional Commission is sponsoring a planning workshop for the 14th of April from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm.  Joe and Annell will accompany Barry to the workshop.  Roland Smith reviewed with the council the website progress.  Suggestions were made from council members and pictures and biographies were discussed.  Mayor Johnson asked Duane if he would be interested in compiling an historical chapter of Georgetown history for the state historical book.  Duane accept the challenge.

The Montpelier Chief of Police is formulating a neighborhood watch program.  He is requesting participation from each town and city.  Bob VanCleave was suggested to organize the Georgetown area watch.

Police Report:    Officer Skinner had 45 contacts.

Maintenance Report:  Doug took water and sewer samples, sent the EPA report, plowed snow many times, reviewed the water protection plan, dug two graves, attended school for source water protection, took Christmas lights off the big pine tree, locked the gates to the cemetery, met with Dennis Dunn from Idaho Department of Water Resources concerning the water rights issue.

Marty informed the council they needed to set a date for the budget hearing for fiscal year 2010.  The council decided on 4 August 2009.

The chair entertained a motion from council member Duane Peterson the council instruct Marty to move the $17,500.00 reserved for the cemetery purchase into the general savings account.  Council member Joe DeClark seconded the motion.  A roll call vote was taken and is as follows:  Annell – yes, Barry – yes, Joe – yes, Duane – yes.  The motion passed the council unanimously.  Council members suggested she look into alternative interest bearing accounts for the Zion’s accounts.

The chair entertained a motion from council member Barry Bergholm the council approve and sign checks and vouchers for the month of March 2009 in the amount of $16,369.01 in the general fund, $5,963.67 in the water fund, $12,627.53 in the sewer fund with all funds totaling $34,960.21.  Council member Joe DeClark seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion passed the council unanimously.

At 9:40 pm, the chair entertained a motion from council member Annell Williamson the council adjourn from the April 2009 council meeting.  Council member Duane Peterson seconded the motion.  All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Respectfully submitted by,

Marty Nate, City Clerk

Welcome to the official website for the City of Georgetown, Bear Lake County, Idaho.

The technical aspects of the website are nearing completion. We will begin loading content onto the website in the early part of April.