ATTENTION:
Water will be turned off on Wednesday, June 24th and on the following Monday, June 29th for most of the day
each day.
Following the turn off on the 24th, there will be a boil order in place until the following week when water samples are tested and returned ok.
Thanks for your patience!
May 5, 2020
Those Present: DeLoy Kunz, Greg Kunz, Marty Nate, Mayor Steve Waechtler, Maintenance Supervisor Shane Clark, City Clerk Lynette Smith, Valerie Ross of News Examiner, Kevin Martin of Sunrise Engineering
Meeting called to order: 7:15 pm Invocation: Clerk Lynette Smith
The meeting was held via teleconference as to adhere to the Governor’s Stay at Home Orders due to Covid-19 for Phase 1 and keeping meetings to no groups in person.
The Council entertained a motion from councilmember Marty Nate to approve the published agenda and was seconded by councilmember Greg Kunz. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
The minutes from April 14, 2020 were emailed out to everyone to read before the meeting. Councilmember Greg Kunz made the motion to accept the minutes as printed. Councilmember DeLoy Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
The audit of the City Funds for Fiscal Year 2018-2019 was tabled until the next meeting once it is ready and the Council can meet in person.
On May 14th we will have a parade for the graduating seniors coming down Stringtown at 6:00 pm. This is a unique year and we want to still recognize the graduates from our small community. There are 12 graduating seniors within Georgetown and Nounan. There will be a float that the kids can ride on and go down the lane and wave at everyone as they step out of their homes to celebrate our seniors. Then it will end at the Park and there will be a bonfire there for the seniors and their families only, since the rest of us should not be congregating yet. Also, the council had discussed giving out scholarships this year but since it didn’t happen the Mayor proposed giving each of the local graduates $100. Councilmember Marty Nate said she would like to see this start a new tradition doing a parade and giving something to the seniors. Councilmember Greg Kunz made the motion to give each senior $50 and allow the parade to come down Stringtown. Councilmember Marty Nate seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. Hayley White will make flyers and Lynette and Marty will post.
Kevin Martin of Sunrise Engineering was on the phone call and reported that DEQ was offering stimulus money for shovel ready projects. He went ahead and applied for the City to get on the books for now and then if we are awarded we can make a decision whether to accept the offer or not and learn more details about the offer. Ready Service Jobbers will be coming back to finish up the water project in mid-June. The PRV’s, chlorinator building and river crossing still need to be finished. Kevin figures there should be an excess of about $33,000 in the contingency plus another $10,000 not used in asphalt so we should be ahead on the total budget. The power and agreement with Dennis Sudweeks needs to be done before things can continue. Kevin also made known that they are almost out of days to come and oversee the project that was budgeted for. The council said that based on RSJ’s track record and Shane coming in late on the job and not being privy to what’s happened, it is critical that someone experienced be there to oversee the project. Kevin will do more research and get numbers to Lynette before a decision is made to how many days Sunrise needs to be there and how much to pay for it. Asphalt in front of the City Hall still needs to be done as well.
Councilmember Marty Nate asked the council if she should continue on with plans for Twin Creeks or if it should be postponed? The Mayor would like to see it carry on and to give people something to look forward to. People always have the choice to come or stay home as well and no one is obligated to be there. She asked about whether to do the meals still or not. She will put some feelers out there about the whole celebration and report back at the next meeting in June. She reminded the councilmembers about the Planning & Zoning Ordinance along with Animal Control Ordinance that was sent out before last meeting and asked them each to review before the meeting in June. She was also approached by a citizen wanting to put in an 8 foot fence but the City only allows a 4 foot fence. The individual would need to come before the council to get a variance if it’s something they wish to pursue. She was also approached about another citizens property and it needing some attention to be cleaned up. The Mayor will stop in and visit with the citizen about the issue and a letter has also been sent.
The Mayor reported that the City Cleanup Day went well. The dumpsters filled up very fast and he thought of maybe next year using two garbage dumpsters and one for scrap metal. It was also suggested to do a cleanup in the spring and one in the fall too. The Mayor also reported that he has found a side by side for the City in St. George from the Pine Valley Fire Department and that he can go and pick it up shortly. It will be a great asset for the City to have.
Police Report: There were 16 contacts for the month of April.
Maintenance Report: Shane gave his report for the month of April stating that he had been working on finding water and sewer lines at the top of Stringtown on Matt Peterson’s property. They were able to find water lines but can’t find where the sewer ties in and it’s not plumbed in under the road. We would be able to tie in to Greg Kunz’s down the road but on the same side of the road. Shane asked if he should use the City’s backhoe and do the work or if it would be ok to use Matt’s equipment and guys that are already there to do the work and build the trench and Shane would just oversee. The council also said that Matt would need to pay for both hookup fees of $1500 each. He has also been working on getting the land app wheel lines ready. Councilmember Tee Steadman asked Shane to bring up that some citizens and neighbors have requested a 4-way stop sign to be put up at the intersection by Chuck Sims. A 2-way stop sign is already there. The council said to ask Chief Martinez his thoughts and have him observe for a while and then report back. Tee also received a bid from Chuck Sims to spray the weeds at the cemetery, park and ponds but it’s unclear of how many times that includes. The council said that Shane could get more clarification and then make a decision to pursue or not without their approval.
Office Business: There are 28 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of April. The council asked Lynette to send a kind letter to those that their situations have changed due to Covid and their inability to make their payments. The ones that are regulars on the shutoff list find out if their situations have changed as well due to Covid and if they haven’t then probably shut them off.
The chair entertained a motion from Councilmember Marty Nate for the council to approve checks and vouchers for the month of April 2020 in the amount of $18,074.68 in the general fund, $10,113.23 in the water fund, and $18,405.17 in the sewer fund, with all funds totaling $46,593.08. Councilmember Greg Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and motion carried. Councilmembers Marty Nate and the Mayor will go down to the office individually to sign the prepared checks and vouchers.
The chair entertained a motion from Councilmember Marty Nate that council adjourns from the April 2020 council meeting at 8:25 pm. Councilmember Greg Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynette Smith
City Clerk-Treasurer
CITY OF GEORGETOWN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
Tuesday, June 9, 2020 City Hall 7:00 pm
** This meeting will be available by phone and in the City Hall for the public that prefers to stay home**
**Please dial 978-990-5279 and use code 5077712**
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE INVOCATION
APPROVAL OF AGENDA ITEMS:
READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES from May 5, 2020 regular meeting
AGENDA ITEMS OF CITY OPERATIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:
CELEBRATE
With us
May 14, @ 6:00 pm
For a Parade down Stringtown Lane
To shout “Hooray”
To our 2020 Graduating Seniors
March 17, 2020 – Special Emergency Meeting
Those Present: DeLoy Kunz, Greg Kunz, Marty Nate, Tee Steadman, Mayor Steve Waechtler, Maintenance Supervisor Doug Thompson, City Clerk Lynette Smith, Bishop Drue Smith, Bishop Wes Smith, Shane Clark, Ada DeClark, Manuel Figueroa
Meeting called to order: 6:30 pm Invocation: Mayor Steve Waechtler
The Mayor welcomed everyone to the meeting. The council asked the Bishop’s of both wards to be here to come together and discuss how to protect the citizens as a City with this COVID-19 pandemic. Councilmember Marty Nate voiced that it’s harder when each entity in a community does their own things and the council wants to support everyone and support the safety protocols being put into place. Some of the safety precautions being mostly used are not to shake hands with anyone, keep 6 feet distance between each other, wash your hands often and don’t touch your face afterwards, etc. It was recommended to watch the Facebook Live by the School Board and listen to what the healthcare officials had to say.
Councilmember Marty Nate had asked if anyone had an update if any of the plants in Soda Springs or the railroad has been shut down yet. No one had heard any of that happening yet. She said that if it does happen, the City may need to look at being more lenient to the citizens on their water and sewer bills for the time being.
Doug Thompson wanted especially noted that as citizens are finding it harder to get toilet paper that some may resort to using paper towels or baby wipes. In that instance everyone needs to know to absolutely NOT flush those down into the system because they don’t break up like toilet paper and instead bind together and we will have larger problems in the City if our system is backed up.
The council also noted to remind everyone to follow their physician’s recommendations and stay home if you are feeling sick. Don’t assume that it’s the corona virus automatically unless you have an accompanied fever and feel short of breath. Keep calm in these situations and help your neighbors to stay calm as well. Be neighborly and watch out for the elderly whether it be for wood, food, supplies, etc. Citizen Manuel Figueroa said to not fear and put your trust in God.
Councilmember Marty Nate would like Lynette to put out a letter to each individual citizen because not everyone checks Facebook or the post office for notices. The City will follow suit with things being done in Montpelier and at the County offices. The door will be locked, and citizens can call for appointments of things that are pressing and need to be taken care of in a timely matter. Other than that, citizens are asked to mail all payments or pay online to eliminate the need to come to the office. Dog licenses will be extended through May 31st to also slow down traffic coming to the office. The April council meeting will be just for regular business and if anyone needs on the agenda we will wait until May to handle those. The meeting may also be cancelled if there isn’t anything pressing going on if this virus gets worse between now and then. Councilmember Marty Nate also said that she would like the employees to feel as though their job is safe if they happen to contract the virus and need to take time off to get better or help take care of family that has gotten sick as well.
Councilmember Tee Steadman voiced for everyone to treat as a real threat where we know so little about this virus and that being married to a nurse at the hospital that the fear is real as well. If everyone will stay home as we’ve been asked maybe we can help be part of the solution so it doesn’t spread near as badly in our valley and we can resume regular activities sooner than later.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynette Smith
City Clerk-Treasurer
March 3, 2020
Those Present: DeLoy Kunz, Greg Kunz, Marty Nate, Tee Steadman, Mayor Steve Waechtler, Maintenance Supervisor Doug Thompson, City Clerk Lynette Smith, Valerie Ross of News Examiner, Bret Kunz of Insurance Advisors, Ferrel & Susan Dilworth, City Attorney Adam McKenzie
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 Tee Steadman. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Clerk Smith proceeded with reading the minutes from February 4, 2020 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.
Ferrel & Susan Dilworth came before the council to discuss purchasing cemetery plots for a friend of the family. Their friend has declining health and wants to be buried by them and will be cremated. They were requesting for a price change for non-residents to purchase for him or want to purchase two more plots at their resident price and designate to him and he will pay the $150 opening & closing fee to be cremated. The Council advised them to speak with Manuel Figueroa about possibly using one of his plots where they are fairly close to Ferrel’s plots already. They will talk to him and then let Lynette know what they decide to do.
Bret Kunz of Insurance Advisors came before the council and would like to know why they are unhappy and how he can change. The Mayor expressed he was upset and still feels like an Agent should represent us better. Bret feels it’s been a perspective and communication issue and says that ICRMP doesn’t want the agent involved in claims. Bret admitted to getting comfortable with the account and would like to do a better job in the future. The council felt there comes a time to shop for insurance and will be going with a different agent at this time.
Lynette emailed the Employee Policy to all of the Council with the updated changes as discussed previously and all had a chance to review before the meeting. Councilmember DeLoy Kunz made the motion to accept the new Employee Policy with the updated changes. Councilmember Tee Steadman seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Police Report: There were 25 contacts for the month of February. He made a trip to Salt Lake and to Pocatello to get his camera and radios working with dispatch.
Maintenance Report: Doug gave his report for the month of February stating that he dug a grave for Margean Nate and Leland Hayes, he is working on getting the fire hydrants dug out, been plowing snow, filling the pop machine and we will be purchasing two-way radios for the maintenance department to use when someone goes up the canyon and doesn’t have cell phone service.
Office Business: There are 22 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of February. Clerk Smith also wanted noted in the paper that when citizens come to get their dog licenses that they need to be sure and show proof of their rabies vaccinations. The City is looking to purchase a video doorbell for the Clerk’s security when she can’t see who is coming to the door and if any other employees aren’t around to help if strangers come to the office. It was also noted that the ground the City leases at the sewer ponds is coming up for its yearly agreement Adam will prepare a general notice to put in the paper and we will open bids at our April meeting. The list of DEQ requirements will be available at the office if anyone has questions on how to farm the ground because if we put that in the paper it will be very costly.
Councilmember Marty Nate made the motion to go into executive session as per Idaho Code 74-206(1)(a)&(f) as listed on the agenda. Councilmember DeLoy Kunz seconded the motion and a roll call vote was taken and is as follows: DeLoy – yes, Greg – yes, Marty – yes, Tee – yes. Councilmember Marty Nate made the motion to go out of executive session and councilmember Greg Kunz seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: DeLoy – yes, Greg – yes, Marty – yes, Tee – yes. Councilmember Marty Nate made the motion to hire Shane Clark as a full-time employee starting on April 1st and Alan Howell as a part-time employee starting on May 1st. Councilmember DeLoy Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. The Mayor will extend the offer to each individual and then Lynette will compile letters to the other applicants after those selected have accepted the job offers. Councilmember Marty Nate also made the motion to have City Attorney Adam McKenzie draft a letter to be sent to Mark Hicken, the new owner of the duplex with the storage units about having to pay for two separate accounts with two separate apartment buildings. Councilmember Greg Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Councilmember Marty Nate reported that the Twin Creeks celebration will be held on July 11th this year and that the Planning and Zoning committee has started a draft for the new and updated Ordinance. She also notified the council of citizens moving a camp trailer onto their property and wanting to hook onto City water and sewer services. The council discussed the issue and decided as per our minutes and other Ordinances that camp trailers must be in a trailer park and since we don’t have a trailer park the camp trailer can only stay for 30 days and will also be responsible for paying for turn on and turn off fees during that time period. Lynette will get the wording from the September 2003 minutes to Adam so he can amend our Ordinance for the next meeting.
Councilmember Greg Kunz reported about a dog that has been getting out and running at large at its neighbors. The Mayor said he was aware of the problem and has helped them to fix the fence so the problem should be resolved.
The chair entertained a motion from Councilmember DeLoy Kunz for the council to approve checks and vouchers for the month of February 2020 in the amount of $17,019.42 in the general fund, $13,851.85 in the water fund, and $19,427.20 in the sewer fund, with all funds totaling $50,298.47. Councilmember Marty Nate seconded the motion. All were in favor and motion carried.
The chair entertained a motion from Councilmember Marty Nate that council adjourns from the March 2020 council meeting at 9:45 pm. Councilmember Tee Steadman seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynette Smith
City Clerk-Treasurer
CITY OF GEORGETOWN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
Tuesday, May 5, 2020 7:00 pm
** This meeting will be available by phone and not in the City Hall for the public and officials to adhere to stay-at-home orders**
**Please dial 978-990-5279 and use code 5077712**
PUBLIC PLEASE PUT YOUR PHONES ON MUTE WHEN JOINING
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION
APPROVAL OF AGENDA ITEMS:
READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES from April 14, 2020 regular meeting
AGENDA ITEMS OF CITY OPERATIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:
CITY OF GEORGETOWN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
Tuesday, April 14, 2020 7:00 pm
** This meeting will be available by phone and not in the City Hall for the public and officials to adhere to stay-at-home orders**
**Please dial 978-990-5279 and use code 5077712**
PUBLIC PLEASE PUT YOUR PHONES ON MUTE WHEN JOINING
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION
APPROVAL OF AGENDA ITEMS:
READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES from March 3, 2020 regular meeting AND March 17, 2020 special meeting
AGENDA ITEMS OF CITY OPERATIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:
Police Report:
Maintenance Report: Company phone, retirement gift
Office Business: Delinquent water and sewer accounts, Scholarships
Signing of Checks and Vouchers for March’s Bills
Adjournment
April City Council Meeting is cancelled due to lack of quorum. Meeting will be rescheduled to April 14th and meeting will be available by conference call for those interested in attending the meeting but still trying to adhere to the State and CDC guidelines for Stay at Home Orders. More details for the conference call number will be available as the meeting time gets closer. Bids are still to be submitted by April 7th and will be opened at the next scheduled meeting.
CITY OF GEORGETOWN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
Tuesday, April 7, 2020 7:00 pm 382 Main St.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION
APPROVAL OF AGENDA ITEMS:
READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES from March 3, 2020 regular meeting
AGENDA ITEMS OF CITY OPERATIONS AND NEW BUSINESS: