October 2019 Council Minutes
Thursday, November 14th, 2019October 2, 2019
Those Present: Matt Argyle, DeLoy Kunz, Greg Kunz, Marty Nate, Mayor Steve Waechtler, Maintenance Supervisor Doug Thompson, Matt Raczak, City Clerk Lynette Smith, Kevin Martin of Sunrise Engineering, Valerie Ross of The News Examiner, Tami Cook, Larry & LeAnn Jorgenson, Lisa Duskin-Goede of Bear River Heritage Area
Meeting called to order: 7:00 pm Invocation: Mayor Steve Waechtler
The Council entertained a motion from councilmember Greg Kunz to approve the published agenda and was seconded by councilmember DeLoy Kunz. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Clerk Smith proceeded with reading the minutes from September 3, 2019 and councilmember Marty Nate made the motion to accept the minutes as read. Councilmember Greg Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. There was discussion on following up from the minutes with what’s going on at 618 Stringtown. Marty conversed with our attorney, Adam McKenzie and he said we’re pretty much past the point to do much with their installation now but in the future when citizens come to get permits, we need to put Conditional Uses on them from now on.
Lisa Duskin-Goede of the Bear River Heritage Area came before the council to let everyone know who they are and what they do. It originally began in 2000 to support small businesses in Northern Utah and Southeast Idaho and is made up of 7 counties in those areas. There is a board and she is the only employee. They are trying to carry out strategic plans and goals in the areas and have even helped with the legislature. She brought some books and brochures with her that have been printed to spotlight the heritage barns in the areas and they have also surveyed 160 plus cemeteries. The brochures also have tours throughout the counties and has suggestions of things to do and visit along the way. They would like if we could approve a Resolution of Support at our next council meeting.
Tami Cook came before the council to update on the progress of the Dog Ordinance. They would like to create a Dog Advisory Board of about 10 people to help with dogs and be people to call when dogs are at large. They have compiled other City Ordinances and are trying to create an Ordinance to make our Ordinance and Community better. The Mayor voiced his concerns of liability with the board if they are up against an aggressive dog. They submitted their Ordinance for the Council to review and they will come back again to discuss the Ordinance more once the Council has reviewed. On a side note, she asked if there was a way to send group text messages when the water is going to be off. The Mayor said it is not feasible to notify every individual. Clerk Smith said that it is posted at the City Hall, Post Office, Website, Radio, FaceBook, etc. wherever we think can reach the most people the quickest. It is only posted in certain areas when we have warning though and lately with the lines being hit citizens know that there is no water before anyone can even be notified. The Council just asked for everyone to continue to be patient as we all struggle together with the completion of the water project.
Kevin Martin of Sunrise Engineering came with an update of the water project. They will test the chlorinator next week and then once it has been determined clean, they will flush the lines and connect the new lines. They are aware that Knife River is on their way and will be paving the highway in the City soon. The total amount of work completed in labor is about $70,000 to this point and materials are $34,000. The question was raised for how much of the total costs has been from mistakes and Kevin reported none but the change orders will be coming since they have hit multiple water lines, phone lines, internet lines, etc. It was suggested we send a bill to the contractors for Matt’s time to go to Idaho Falls for parts all night long to fix the sewer line they broke the first day. The City purchased a piece of equipment for $7,000 to help locate un-traceable lines to help with abandoning lines. We can submit receipts to be reimbursed from the loan. The section that crosses the creek and under the highway will be done next spring when the creek isn’t so high and irrigation has started. There will be a change order for unknown hours for abandoning the lines and changing out the section in the spring.
It was brought up that Ordinance #93 – Parking in the Right of Ways needs to be enforced. A particular citizen has been contacted on two separate occasions from the Mayor and separately by Officer Martinez. They have been warned enough and tickets will start to be issued.
Councilmember Marty Nate made the motion to go into Executive Session as per I.C. 74—206(b) at 9:30 pm. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion all were in favor and a roll call vote was taken and is as follows: DeLoy – yes, Matt – yes, Marty – yes, Greg – yes. Everyone was excused except Clerk Smith. Councilmember DeLoy Kunz made the motion to close Executive Session and go back to the regular meeting to finish business at 9:50 pm. Councilmember Greg Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and a roll call vote was taken and is as follows: DeLoy – yes, Matt – yes, Marty – yes, Greg – yes. Councilmember Marty Nate made the motion to pay Matt Raczak sick pay, vacation time and comp time as a regular full-time employee. Councilmember Matt Argyle seconded the motion. All were in favor except Councilmember Greg Kunz abstained from voting and the motion carried.
Councilmember Marty Nate suggested that we have a special meeting to discuss the water and sewer installation invoice with the Dilworth’s. We need to create a Resolution for the Water and Sewer both, to clarify there are added costs on top of the $3000 hookup fees which include the costs of labor, materials, backhoe, etc. She also reported that she will call ABC Seamless to get put on their schedule for the Spring to reside the City Hall and she is continuing to work on finishing the grant for the streets.
Police Report: There were 22 contacts for the month of September.
Maintenance Report: Doug gave his report for the month of September stating they have dug two graves for Duane Peterson and Jerry Morrell and been working on the water project. Matt test drove a new service truck for the City. It is a 2010 Dodge crew cab shortbed and retails for $12-13,000 at West Motor. Once they get it fixed up and tires changed it should cost around $11,200. They have been using the old police car to run around in as well. The Mayor wants to compensate the guys for use of their personal vehicles as well. Councilmember Matt Argyle made the motion to purchase the truck from West Motor. Councilmember DeLoy Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Office Business: There are 17 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of September. Clerk Smith also reported that we do have two candidates that will be running for Councilmembers; they are DeLoy Kunz and Tee Steadman. Everyone should try to come and vote at the elections on November 5th. Due to the elections being held in the City Hall the next council meeting has been moved to Thursday, November 7th.
The chair entertained a motion from Councilmember Marty Nate for the council to approve checks and vouchers for the month of September 2019 in the amount of $25,581.91 in the general fund, $15,555.42 in the water fund, and $18,877.75 in the sewer fund, with all funds totaling $60,015.08. Councilmember Greg Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and motion carried.
The chair entertained a motion from Councilmember Matt Argyle that council adjourns from the October 2019 council meeting at 10:30 pm. Councilmember DeLoy Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynette Smith
City Clerk-Treasurer