Georgetown Idaho

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