PARADE TO CELEBRATE OUR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS 2020
May 8th, 2020CELEBRATE
With us
May 14, @ 6:00 pm
For a Parade down Stringtown Lane
To shout “Hooray”
To our 2020 Graduating Seniors
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:
February 4, 2020
Those Present: DeLoy Kunz, Greg Kunz, Marty Nate, Tee Steadman, Mayor Steve Waechtler – came late, Maintenance Supervisor Doug Thompson – excused sick, City Clerk Lynette Smith, Valerie Ross of News Examiner, Bret Kunz of Insurance Advisers
Meeting called to order: 7:00 pm Invocation: Councilmember Marty Nate
Council President Greg Kunz called the meeting to order in the absence of the Mayor. The Council entertained a motion from councilmember Marty Nate 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 January 7, 2020 and councilmember DeLoy Kunz requested to have the word river replaced with creek. Councilmember Greg Kunz would like to add drug testing to the employee policy which will be discussed in more detail later in the meeting. He also inquired about if the City has money in the fire budget to add a lien-to to the shed to put the brush truck on the City property. Lynette mentioned that maybe there is room in one of the bays of the shed already. Councilmember DeLoy Kunz then made the motion to accept the minutes as read. Councilmember Tee Steadman seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Bret Kunz of Insurance Advisers came before the council and would like a paper signed to designate him as our ICRMP agent. He has broken away from Nield, Inc and without this paper being signed we would revert back to Bryan Nield to be our agent. Council President Greg Kunz relayed from speaking with the Mayor that he was really disappointed that Bret didn’t help represent us better with the sewer building. Lynette called and spoke with ICRMP and was told that we do need to select an agent, but we could also go with the next closest agent in Soda Springs if we are unhappy. Bret was surprised to hear that ICRMP did pay a claim on the sewer building under the earthquake policy but also said he would have had to stay out of the conversations anyway and underwriting would have decided what to do with our situation. The Mayor will call and speak with Bret and Mark Andreasen to compare and then decide which agent to go with and get the paper signed so Lynette can submit.
Kevin Martin of Sunrise Engineering was unable to come and give an update of the water project but Lynette had spoken with the Mayor and relayed that he, Doug, Adam, Kevin and Dennis Sudweeks met last week at the City Hall to discuss how to move forward with our Easement for the power. It was decided that it would all mostly be postponed until the weather gets better and is more easily accessible and so they can get up there with Rocky Mountain Power as well to decide if the pole needs to be moved and what our options are.
The Dog Ordinance was tabled until the next meeting because Tami has been sick and hasn’t been able to get the ordinance to Lynette or Adam to be reviewed.
The Backhoe Agreement was also tabled until after the new person is hired to be added to the list of approved operators and Matt Raczak was removed.
The Employee Policy has not been looked at for a while and needs to be updated. Lynette emailed the current policy and vehicle use policy to all councilmembers to review before the meeting. Not all councilmembers had a chance to review so no decisions were made til next meeting, but it was discussed to implement a drug policy and can get up to a 5% discount with Workman’s Comp if the City were to implement. Lynette will add into the policy and get more info from Workman’s Comp about it. It was also discussed to update the going per diem rates to the current IRS rates and to require a physical be passed before hiring and that the new hire will be on a probationary period until he gets his licenses and then will be eligible for an increase in pay for each license received. Lynette will update and bring back to the next meeting.
Councilmember Marty Nate reported that the election dates held in the City Hall will be March 10th and May 19th and the City will be closed for regular work on those days. Lynette also added that the County Circuit Breakers Tax Service will be held in the City Hall on March 12th from 1:00-3:00 pm. Marty asked for opinions on dates for Twin Creeks Celebration. Dates will be either June 27th or July 11th and Marty will decide what works for her and her committee best. She would also like to have Movie in the Park a couple of times throughout the summer months with a popcorn maker and projector.
Police Report: There were 11 contacts for the month of January. He has been having trouble with his new cameras and radios not working with each other of the County dispatch. He is working on getting fixed.
Maintenance Report: Doug’s report for the month of January was tabled as he is excused for not feeling well this evening.
Office Business: There are 20 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of January. Clerk Smith also reported that there is a home up Stringtown that has had water services turned off due to delinquency and moving away but there is reason to believe that the people are back in the home and have possibly turned the water services back on. It was decided to have Officer Martinez go and investigate and give them a fine for tampering with City property if they have done so. Councilmember Marty Nate made the motion to donate $500 to the Bear Lake Senior Center and councilmember Greg Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried. The councilmembers engaged in signing the signature cards for each of the banks. The Mayor reported that the radios he has purchased will work from his house up to the chlorinator building. He will get with Lynette about which radios they are so she can purchase the Cities own set on Amazon which are important for all parties to have when going up into the canyon without cell phone service. The Mayor also mentioned that the City should be looking to purchase a side by side or other equipment to use as a new hire should not be expected to use their personal equipment. The council then reviewed each of the applicants that have applied for Doug’s job and they would like to extend an invite to all applicants to participate in an interview for the position.
The chair entertained a motion from Councilmember DeLoy Kunz for the council to approve checks and vouchers for the month of January 2020 in the amount of $11,458.99 in the general fund, $49,355.51 in the water fund, and $64,107.40 in the sewer fund, with all funds totaling $124,921.90. Councilmember Marty Nate seconded the motion. All were in favor and motion carried.
The chair entertained a motion from Councilmember DeLoy Kunz that council adjourns from the February 2020 council meeting at 9:45 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, March 3, 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 February 4, 2020 regular meeting
AGENDA ITEMS OF CITY OPERATIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:
January 7, 2020
Those Present: Matt Argyle, DeLoy Kunz, Greg Kunz, Marty Nate, Tee Steadman, Mayor Steve Waechtler, Maintenance Supervisor Doug Thompson,City Clerk Lynette Smith, Kevin Martin of Sunrise Engineering, Lisa Humphreys, Jessica Alleman, Valerie Ross of News Examiner
Meeting called to order: 7:00 pm Invocation: Councilmember Marty Nate
The Council entertained a motion from councilmember Greg Kunz to approve the published agenda and was seconded by councilmember Matt Argyle. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Clerk Smith proceeded with reading the minutes from December 3, 2019 and councilmember Matt Argyle 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.
The chair entertained a motion from Councilmember Matt Argyle for the council to approve checks and vouchers for the month of December 2019 in the amount of $15,195.10 in the general fund, $200,048.78 in the water fund, and $18,930.57 in the sewer fund, with all funds totaling $234,174.45. Councilmember Greg Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and motion carried.
The Council then proceeded with swearing-in the newly elected councilmembers. Clerk Smith read the Oath of Office to incumbent councilmember DeLoy Kunz where he accepted and was sworn in again for another four years to serve on the City Council. Next Tee Steadman was sworn in and accepted the oath of office to be a councilmember for four years. Matt Argyle was then released of his seat and Tee took his place. Councilmember Marty Nate made sure to thank Matt for his service to the City and his time over the last 8 years. The council then elected a Council President. Councilmember Marty Nate nominated Greg Kunz to be the Council President and councilmember DeLoy Kunz seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: DeLoy – yes, Tee – yes, Greg – yes, Marty – yes. The council then proceeded with assigning the duties of each councilmember. Councilmember DeLoy Kunz will keep with his same duties which are the Sewer Department, Roads and Right of Ways, Traffic and Street Signage, Recreation Access Property and will be the City Liaison to the following companies: State and County Road Departments, US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management and the Five County Transportation Representative. Councilmember Greg Kunz will continue to oversee the Water Department, City Buildings and be the Georgetown Irrigation Company Representative. Councilmember Tee Steadman will take over most of Matt’s duties with the Fire and Law Enforcement Departments along with being the City Liaison for Intermountain Gas, Rocky Mountain Power, Independent Cable Systems and Fiber Optics. Councilmember Marty Nate will keep with her same duties as previous with the Parks and Recreation, Cemetery Department, Public Safety, Public Affairs, Emergency Preparedness, be the SICOG Representative and will also be over the Planning and Zoning Committee. Councilmember Marty Nate approved all of the duties for each councilmember and Greg Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried.
The signature cards need to be updated at each of the banks. Councilmember Greg Kunz made the motion to remove Matt Argyle from the checking and savings accounts at US Bank, Zions Bank and Ireland Bank and to add Tee Steadman as a signer on the accounts at the same banks. Councilmember Marty Nate seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Kevin Martin of Sunrise Engineering came before the council to give an update on the water project. He gave a report and brief overview to bring new councilmember Tee Steadman up to date. The PRV’s and connection at the river creek crossing will be finished in June/July. The chlorination building will be finished once power is available. Adam McKenzie will set up a meeting with the Mayor, Doug, Dennis and Sunrise to finalize the easement. Kevin has projected at least $40,000 – 55,000 will come in under budget on the project after all is said and done. The Mayor signed the 3rd pay application and change order for the installment of a new fire hydrant.
The Dog Ordinance was discussed, and the council was all in agreeance to remove anything about impoundment, quarantine or hosting a kennel because of the liability for the city and everyone involved. Lynette and Tami Cook will get the final copy to Adam for review before our next council meeting to do the final reading and publish in the paper to be able to be enforced. The Mayor expressed his appreciation to the committee for their commitment and time spent on revising the Ordinance.
Councilmember Marty Nate was concerned about if we needed to borrow some funds to fix the chlorinator building at the land application site. Lynette advised that from the hay lease proceeds and insurance claim that we should have no problem paying for the repairs at the building.
Councilmember Greg Kunz inquired if the new buildings going up around town have all purchased permits and Lynette and Doug reported that they all have that are required to have them.
Police Report: There were 27 contacts for the month of December. The car needs to get some snow tires on the back to prevent from running off the road or getting stuck after pulling someone over on the shoulder of the road.
Maintenance Report: Doug gave his report for the month of December stating he plowed lots of snow and has been using a lot of his compensation time, sick time, and vacation time in between storms and so the City doesn’t have to pay him out so much before he retires. The phone is still working and so he will keep and use until it quits or can give to the new hire. After the last meeting Matt Raczak announced that he was leaving the City and moving back to Boise so the City would be looking to hire for his position. Doug recommended that the City hire for his position first because he has spoken with PERSI and will work until April 30th and then will begin retirement. He recommended that when looking for someone that we should put out the announcement to IRWA and they will help us to look for someone that already has licensing and may be interested in moving to a smaller City. If we hire someone locally, Doug will then be the part-time guy to help the new guy and will carry his licenses and do the sampling for the City for a fee and then we can renegotiate his fee until the new guy gets his licenses and then he can continue to be the back up operator for the City. Doug also recommended that during the hiring process that we require them to pass a physical and be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs because it is a very labor-intensive job. After being hired they should also be on a probationary period to ensure that they are cut out for the job and all that is involved and be at a reduced pay until the period is over and after Doug has officially retired. Lynette will get announcements posted in the paper and around town that we are accepting applications with resumes through the 31st and then hope to have someone hired by March to have a couple of months with Doug around full time.
Office Business: There are 23 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of December. Clerk Smith also reported that we need to look at updating our Employee Policy to include the things that were suggested such as making sure that they are working towards getting all licenses, passing a physical before being hired and after being hired being on a probationary period. Lynette will email the current policy to all councilmembers to review and see if there is anything else they would like updated in the policy. She will also send a contact list to everyone to stay in touch with each other.
The chair entertained a motion from Councilmember Greg Kunz that council adjourns from the January 2020 council meeting at 8:50 pm. Councilmember DeLoy Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynette Smith
City Clerk-Treasurer