February Minutes

March 9th, 2023

February 7, 2023

Those Present:  DeLoy Kunz, Greg Kunz, Trenton Morrell, Tee Steadman, Mayor Stephan Waechtler, Maintenance Supervisor Shane Clark, City Clerk Lynette Smith, Kevin & Marty Nate, Chris Banks, Brandee Wells, Kevin Martin & Addison Ochsenbein of Sunrise Engineering, Lori Chapman, Neiko Waechtler, Gary & James Teuscher

Meeting called to order:              7:00 pm                                Invocation:         Council President Greg Kunz

The Council entertained a motion from councilor Tee Steadman to approve the published agenda and was seconded by councilor Trenton Morrell. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The minutes from January 4, 2023, were read aloud by Clerk Smith. Councilor Trenton Morrell made the motion to accept the minutes as read. Councilor DeLoy Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Chris Banks and Brandee Wells came before the council to discuss some options that they help to write grants for landowners and municipalities. They worked with our city previously on our wastewater project and did a conservation project. He wanted to know exactly what we’re looking to do and the council told him we need to upgrade our lines since most are very old and cast iron lines and we would like to look at adding another line from our tanks because we don’t have room for growth with our current system. We need to replace probably 25,000 feet between the spring to the tank and from the tank down to the City. Chris will email a form to Lynette to fill out so he can help us get a couple of grants that are available right now.

Kevin Martin of Sunrise Engineering and his partner Addison Ochsenbein, came to the council to discuss our new requirements from DEQ to test every home for lead and copper. He has submitted an application for us for help to get a grant to pay for that. They will want all homes to be documented in the city and to have all galvanized pipe removed. Upstream galvanized pipe will be ok but downstream will need to be replaced. Inventory will need to be taken by October 2024 and we have a 4 year window to address issues. If we haven’t had any hits ever for finding lead and copper before then that could be taken into consideration for our inventory. Kevin also had a suggestion to implement a developer’s agreement with our subdivision ordinance which could include a cost analysis. He will forward that on to Lynette.

Neiko Waechtler asked the council for some guidance on making the shadow box for Officer Martinez. It was requested to make the box out of blue pinewood and to spend up to $500.00.

Gary and James Teuscher came before the council to present the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Audit. The city continues to be in good shape and all accounts are in order. Councilor Greg Kunz made the motion to payback the General Fund from the Sewer Fund in the amount of $15,740.05 and from the Water Fund in the amount of $21,362.69. Councilor Trenton Morrell seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The city needs to submit a claim to adjudicate our water used throughout the city with the Bear River Basin Adjudication. TJ Budge in Pocatello is willing to help the city file the claim. Clerk Smith will setup a conference call with him on February 22nd from 2-4 pm for those that can make it to help get our claim going.

The Business License and Planning & Zoning Ordinance Drafts will be tabled until the next meeting.

Councilor Tee Steadman said to reach out to the other cities and get a feel for what they are thinking on going with a contract with the County or if we should move on and do our own thing. He would like to see a contract by our March meeting.

Councilor Greg Kunz would like the city to consider selling the welder/generator if it’s not being used. It’s practically brand new with 4 hours on it and since we have a bigger generator. Shane does start it and run it once a year to keep it in good working condition. Councilor Tee Steadman said he thinks its good to have it even though it’s not being used much so that we have it when we need it and not getting rid of useful equipment. Greg also asked about the snow pile by the post office and wondered where we can put snow throughout the city because the intersections are getting hard to see past.

Police Report:  No report for January.

 

Maintenance Report: Shane gave his report for the month of January and stated that he and Alan have a grave coming up this month. Shane is worried about graves in the winter and damaging headstones in the snow when you can’t see where they are at and trying to dig around them. There are some other cemeteries that wait for the snow to leave. He will check into and find out more details before the next meeting. The plow truck clutch was readjusted and fixed by Troy DeClark and they have been able to do more snow removal this month. He thanked the Mayor and his family for helping to pull the plow truck out and provide a way to plow snow when the truck was down.

Office Business:   There are 13 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of January. Lynette inquired about the Employee Holiday suggested list for the maintenance workers. It was decided to follow the federal recognized holiday. Marty Nate would like to use the City Hall for a greenhouse class on February 18th. Bear Lake Animal Hospital wants to do a pet clinic in Georgetown and offer a discount for vaccinations and come to the community. They will take care of all of the advertising and such if we will provide the location in an enclosed building such as the City shop. The council agreed to let them come and Lynette can get dogs licensed and sell dog tags at the same time.

The chair entertained a motion from Councilor Tee Steadman for the council to approve checks and vouchers for the month of January 2023 in the amount of $16,124.00 in the general fund, $23,475.83 in the water fund, and $66,560.92 in the sewer fund, with all funds totaling $106,160.75. Councilor DeLoy Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and motion carried the council.

The chair entertained a motion from Councilor Tee Steadman that council adjourns from the February 2023 council meeting at 9:30 pm. Councilor DeLoy Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Lynette Smith

City Clerk-Treasurer

March 2023 Agenda

March 3rd, 2023

CITY OF GEORGETOWN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

Tuesday, March 7, 2023 City Hall 7:00 pm

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION

APPROVAL OF AGENDA ITEMS:

READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES from February 7, 2023 regular meeting

AGENDA ITEMS OF CITY OPERATIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:

• Easter Egg Hunt – Ada DeClark April 8th
• Cemetery – Winter Fees
• Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office – Police Patrol Contract
• Business License Ordinance Draft
• Planning & Zoning Ordinance Draft with Subdivision Section

DeLoy:
Tee:
Greg:
Trenton:

POLICE REPORT:

MAINTENANCE REPORT:

OFFICE BUSINESS: Delinquent water and sewer accounts

SIGNING OF CHECKS AND VOUCHERS FOR FEBRUARY’S BILLS

ADJOURNMENT

Next Meeting:
• City Council Regular Meeting 7:00 pm – Tuesday, April 4, 2023, Georgetown City Building – 382 Main St. Questions concerning items appearing on this Agenda or requests for accommodation of special needs to participate in the meeting should be addressed to the Office of the City Clerk or call 208-847-2120.

January 25, 2023 – Special Meeting Minutes

March 3rd, 2023

January 25, 2023 – Special Meeting

Those Present:  DeLoy Kunz, Greg Kunz, Trenton Morrell, Tee Steadman, Mayor Stephan Waechtler, Maintenance Supervisor Shane Clark, City Clerk Lynette Smith, City Attorney Adam McKenzie, Kevin & Marty Nate, Tim & Merg Neuman

Meeting called to order:              7:00 pm                                Invocation:         Mayor Stephan Waechtler

The Council entertained a motion from councilor Tee Steadman to approve the published agenda and was seconded by councilor DeLoy Kunz. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The Mayor welcomed all to the meeting and appreciated the public in attendance. Councilor Greg Kunz made the motion to leave the regular meeting and go into public hearing for the purpose of discussing a property annexation, increasing monthly water rates and increasing water and sewer hookup fees. Councilor Tee Steadman seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: DeLoy – yes, Tee – yes, Greg – yes, Trenton – yes. Motion carried the council. Clerk Smith reported that there has not been any comments received in person or by mail to the office in regards to the public hearings.

The Whitakers would like to annex their remaining 2.5 acres of their property into the City limits. 2.5 acres already lies in City limits and they would like the other half in the City too. A map of the City limits and property was shown to the council and public. City Attorney, Adam McKenzie said the process to annex is to adopt the Ordinance to annex, then we will have another public hearing to rezone the property as residential. Marty Nate commented that it is already in the Comprehensive Plan that if any property is annexed to City limits that it will be rezoned to residential.

Resolution #2023-01 was read to the council; a resolution to increase the monthly water rates $10. This increase will be saved for future upgrades to the water system and hasn’t been increased since 2008. The sewer rates haven’t been increased since 2012 and ideally rates should be increasing 3% each year. Shane Clark informed the council that we have new testing requirements that have come up this year for Lead & Copper and each home must be documented in the City. Kevin Martin of Sunrise Engineering is helping us to apply for grants to help with those costs, but this $10 increase will help to pay for that as well. Adam said that we can pass an Ordinance to raise the rates each year; if it is less than a 5% increase we don’t need a hearing and can just adjust/increase each year.

Resolution #2023-02 was read to the council; a resolution to increase the water and sewer hookup fees from $1500 to $5000 each plus associated fees. Adam went into detail about keeping in mind that the mine is coming soon and that we need to get an ordinance in place for subdivisions because growth will be coming to the City and we need to start planning for it now. Adam suggested for the council to look over the County’s Subdivision Ordinance as a good starting point and decide what applies to us and what we want to keep and what we don’t need along with their zoning ordinance to update ours. He advised for us to put a subdivision ordinance into place before annexing any large parcels and to make sure the system can handle more homes in its current state. He suggested adding to a subdivision ordinance that for example, in order to develop a subdivision that they must bring in water shares to provide for their homes and that the developer must work with the City Engineer to solve water issues.

Councilor Greg Kunz made the motion to close the public hearing and move back into the regular meeting Trenton Morrell seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: DeLoy – yes, Tee – yes, Greg – yes, Trenton – yes. Motion carried the council.

Councilor Greg Kunz made the motion to approve the annexation of 2.5 acres of the Whitakers property into the City limits. Councilor Tee Steadman seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: DeLoy – yes, Tee – yes, Greg – yes, Trenton – yes. Motion carried. Councilor Greg Kunz made the motion to approve Ordinance #109 annexing property of 2.5 acres into the City limits. Councilor Trenton Morrell seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: DeLoy – yes, Tee – yes, Greg – yes, Trenton – yes. Motion carried.

Councilor Greg Kunz made the motion to approve Resolution #2023-01 to increase the monthly water rates beginning April 10, 2023 and was seconded by Tee Steadman. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Councilor Tee Steadman made the motion to approve Resolution #2023-02 to increase the water and sewer hookup fees to $5,000 each and was seconded by DeLoy Kunz. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The chair entertained a motion from Councilor Tee Steadman that council adjourns from the January Special Meeting council meeting at 8:15 pm. Councilor Greg Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Lynette Smith

City Clerk-Treasurer

January 4, 2023 Minutes

March 3rd, 2023

January 4, 2023

Those Present:  DeLoy Kunz, Greg Kunz, Trenton Morrell, Tee Steadman, Mayor Stephan Waechtler, Maintenance Supervisor Shane Clark, City Clerk Lynette Smith, Kevin & Marty Nate, Sheriff Bart Heslington, Chief Deputy Ryan Larsen

Meeting called to order:              7:00 pm                                Invocation:         Council President Greg Kunz

The Council entertained a motion from councilor Greg Kunz to approve the published agenda and was seconded by councilor Trenton Morrell. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

The minutes from December 7, 2022, were read aloud by Clerk Smith. Councilor Tee Steadman made the motion to accept the minutes as read. Councilor Greg Kunz seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. Clerk Smith made note of a correction about when the Public Hearing will be for the annexation and water rate increases as well as water and sewer hookups. The date will be January 25th because the news examiner didn’t publish a paper during the week of December 28th so the notices didn’t get in for the time restraints.

Sheriff Bart Heslington came before the council with a proposal for the County Sheriff’s Office to have a contract to patrol and enforce our Ordinances in Georgetown. Sheriff Heslington was appreciative to be on the agenda and the Council’s consideration with Officer Martinez retiring. He said he has prepared similar proposals for St. Charles and Bloomington. Their proposal would hire a separate deputy to patrol all the cities but may not be the same deputy each time, but this would allow them to hire another full-time deputy. Their office would handle all the certifications, POST, etc. and they would attend regular council meetings. This contract would enable the deputies to enforce our Ordinances as well; at this time, they are not authorized to enforce but only help to keep the peace now because we are incorporated City. He handed out a report to all the council members to review about calls being made to Georgetown in the last calendar year. The council asked if we would be able to have an officer on weekends or holidays when we want and Sheriff responded that we would be able to discuss and set a schedule for the contracted 55 hours a month. How much will it cost? Georgetown’s share would be about $30,000 a year which would be equivalent to the other cities also. The Mayor questioned a specific incident happening a year ago and was told if we have any issues to call the Sheriff’s Office but what does that do if they can’t enforce anything? Sheriff explained that they can come and assist to keep the peace among the neighbors but can’t issue citations but they can still collect info and then pass along to our police department and attorney. The Mayor worried about the summer months and the lake and that end of the valley taking precedence over us. Sheriff assured that we would get our hours we are contracted and scheduled. Council questioned how do we get ahold of the officers on duty and Sheriff said we would have a direct line of communication and his office would handle all the scheduling. Kevin Nate thinks it would be of benefit to have 10-12 different personalities to handle the people that always think they’re above the law and said that Georgetown has been known as a speed trap and we don’t want to lose that. Marty Nate asked if the City would still get their percentage of citations issued in Georgetown and Sheriff said that would have to be included in the contract. Sheriff explained that each City would have its own contract and would be renewed annually and ideally each City needs to participate to make this work, but if in a year a City doesn’t renew, then the Sheriff’s Office would assume all risks. Sheriff will work with Adam for a template on the contract. Shane asked if there is any benefit of having our own vehicle with all the upgrades that we’ve made to the vehicle lately and Sheriff said that could be negotiated in the contract or the county could add it to their inventory, or we could sell it. Question was also asked what happens if for some reason they don’t get their 55 hours in, what would the consequences be; Sheriff said maybe the next month they would do more than 55 to offset. The council decided that they would like to see a contract written up by Adam before making any decisions.

There was only one silent bid received for the old Ford service truck. Lynette confirmed with Adam that the City is not required to accept the bids and can advertise in the classifieds to sell. Councilor Tee Steadman made the motion to reject the bid and was seconded by Councilor Trenton Morrell. Councilor Greg Kunz abstained from voting. After some discussion Councilor Greg Kunz made the motion to accept the bid to Jacob Kunz and was seconded by Councilor DeLoy Kunz. Voting was tied and the Mayor broke the tie by voting to list the truck on FaceBook and KSL for $2,150.00.

The public hearings for the Whitaker Annexation, water rate increase and sewer and water hookup increases will be held on January 25th and has been published in the paper.

Councilor Tee Steadman is concerned about who will enforce our Ordinances now since Officer Martinez has retired and until we get someone new hired. He said there are still a lot of people that are plowing their snow and carrying it across the road and not getting it cleaned up. He would like Lynette to send out letters to them telling them to stop since the post on FaceBook hasn’t helped.

Councilor Greg Kunz asked who plows the snow at the cross walk on the highway so that the kids can use the crosswalk and the flags that we’ve put up. He also commented that the cars parked in front of the Church, from all the mine workers, are awful because we can’t get it plowed. Need to find out who has jurisdiction; City or Church. Need to post signs for no parking and can talk to the mines about it or have them towed.

Police Report:  There were 32 contacts for the month of December. Officer Martinez sent a letter for the councilmembers, officially giving notice for his retirement and how much he enjoyed working here.

 

Maintenance Report: Shane gave his report for the month of December and stated that he and Alan did some work to the SCADA system, he got a new pump ordered, and did lots of snow removal. He helped Gail Hayes with a sewer issue. There was lots of discussion on where the bus can turn around up the canyon and who is responsible for keeping it plowed. Shane was told to track all of his hours of time spent plowing county roads. It was suggested to get in touch with the County to have them install a sign for no parking so the bus can get turned around. Shane also said that they will need to do some chip seal this year and was told to contact the County and see if they can drop it in Georgetown instead of hauling all the way to town and then we have to find a way to haul it back.

Office Business:   There are 14 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of December. The winners of the Christmas Lights contest were 1st Tony & Chris Price, 2nd Doug & Shellie Thompson and 3rd Matt & Tiffany Argyle. She will inform the Police applicants that the Council isn’t ready to make a decision on who to hire yet and want to explore all options with the Sheriff’s department before making a decision. Lynette will get the W-2’s prepared for everyone to have before the next council meeting. She asked about if people can pre-pay for their water and sewer hookups. One family would like to get them installed in order to get one load of asphalt to go on all properties. The council decided that hookups can’t be paid for without a permit first.

The chair entertained a motion from Councilor DeLoy Kunz for the council to approve checks and vouchers for the month of December 2022 in the amount of $15,105.12 in the general fund, $6,066.50 in the water fund, and $20,396.00 in the sewer fund, with all funds totaling $41,567.62. Councilor Trenton Morrell seconded the motion. All were in favor and motion carried the council.

The chair entertained a motion from Councilor DeLoy Kunz that council adjourns from the January 2023 council meeting at 9:30 pm. Councilor Trenton Morrell seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Lynette Smith

City Clerk-Treasurer

February 2023 Agenda

February 1st, 2023

CITY OF GEORGETOWN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

Tuesday, February 7, 2023 City Hall 7:00 pm

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION

APPROVAL OF AGENDA ITEMS:

READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES from January 4, 2023 regular meeting and
January 25, 2023 special meeting

AGENDA ITEMS OF CITY OPERATIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:

• Chris Banks – help with Grants for Water Infrastructure
• FY 2021-2022 Audit with Gary H. Teuscher
• Bear River Basin Water Adjudication
• Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office – Police Patrol Contract
• Business License Ordinance Draft
• Planning & Zoning Ordinance Draft with Subdivision Section

DeLoy:
Tee:
Greg:
Trenton:

POLICE REPORT:

MAINTENANCE REPORT:

OFFICE BUSINESS: Delinquent water and sewer accounts, Employee Holiday List

SIGNING OF CHECKS AND VOUCHERS FOR JANUARY’S BILLS

ADJOURNMENT

Next Meeting:
• City Council Regular Meeting 7:00 pm – Tuesday, March 7, 2023, Georgetown City Building – 382 Main St. Questions concerning items appearing on this Agenda or requests for accommodation of special needs to participate in the meeting should be addressed to the Office of the City Clerk or call 208-847-2120.

December 7, 2022 Minutes

February 1st, 2023

December 7, 2022
Those Present: DeLoy Kunz, Greg Kunz, Trenton Morrell, Tee Steadman, Mayor Stephan Waechtler, Maintenance Supervisor Shane Clark, City Clerk Lynette Smith, Tim & Merg Neuman, Tamalu Glende, Sam & Wendy Holder, Kam & Jessica Whitaker
Meeting called to order: 7:00 pm Invocation: Tee Steadman
The Council entertained a motion from councilor Greg Kunz to approve the published agenda and was seconded by councilor Trenton Morrell. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
The minutes from November 9, 2022, were read aloud by Clerk Smith. Councilor Tee Steadman made the motion to accept the minutes as read. Councilor Trenton Morrell seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Ordinance #108 – An amendment to Ordinance #100 to clarify living in trailers no longer than 30 days and not within city limits was read aloud and discussion about snowbirds. Tim Neuman suggested having 5 requirements to meet to qualify for a hardship to live in a trailer; he also suggested reinstating the Planning & Zoning Committee and poll the community. It was also suggested that if you own property then you can bring a trailer on to the property as long as it has hookups. The Council then decided to just keep the Ordinance black and white and to remove the wording for the Council approval. Councilor Tee Steadman made the motion to accept and pass the Ordinance #108 an amendment to Ordinance #100 about living in trailers in City limits. Councilor Trenton Morrell seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken and is as follows: DeLoy – yes, Tee – yes, Greg – yes, Trenton – yes. Motion carried.
The Whitaker’s came to present a plan to the Council about their property up Stringtown and being annexed into the City. They are asking that the remaining half of their primary residence lot located off of Stringtown Road be annexed into the City, which is 2.5 acres. They also have another parcel that is about 15 acres at the end of Hayes Lane that connects to the other parcel that they would like to split off into 3 one acres lots and would like for those 3 lots to be annexed into the City as well and the remaining acreage would stay in the County. In exchange for annexing the property, they would provide an easement through their property for future use to the City for the updating or addition of utility lines. They would also like to extend their help and resources when the City is ready to expand the water or wastewater system in the future. Councilmember Tee Steadman said we would need a subdivision ordinance in place before annexing all of the property and not sure our infrastructure is ready for it. Jessica responded with saying they don’t want it to look like a subdivision and would have a private entrance and private driveway that they would maintain. Some garbage and snow removal options were discussed. It was also brought to attention that the irrigation line runs through their property and the Irrigation Company has a 25-foot easement on both sides of that line. Clerk Smith mentioned that the City can annex a portion of the property now and can readdress the remaining property later. It was just simpler for advertising and Ordinance purposes to do it all at once, but it is not necessary. The Whitaker’s said they would really just like the 2.5 acres for their primary residence to be annexed for their 1 house and barn with 1 dwelling and hookup for now. The public hearing will be on January 4th for the annexation and Lynette will make sure that Adam gets the notices published. No decisions will be made until the public hearing. The council appreciated the Whitaker’s coming and presenting their plans as well as the publics input that was in attendance.
The Christmas Park Lighting Event was well attended again this year. Sean, Jamie and Lori Bartschi love to help each year and serve the food. There was snow and it was colder, but people seemed to linger longer than previous years. There were a lot of compliments on the Nativity light set; some of the lights have quit and need to be replaced. Suggestion to get some KeyLix tubs from Greg to have more fires for people to gather around for next year.
Clerk Smith wondered if we would be having another Christmas Lighting Contest this year. It was decided to continue and do the same things as last year and if people won it last year, they can win again this year if they deserve it. Lynette will get flyers posted and the gift cards. First place will get $100, Second place a $75 gift card and Third place a $50 gift card. Judging will be on December 22nd. Suggestion for next year to have the councilmembers go caroling with Tee’s team of horses.
The Employee’s Christmas Bonus was discussed and was decided to get Johnny something extra for a retirement gift. Suggestions were to put his uniform in a glass container with his badge in a wood case that he can hang on the wall. Councilmember Greg Kunz made the motion to give Shane and Lynette $400 each; Johnny $375; Doug and Alan $200 each. Councilmember Tee Steadman seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Councilmember DeLoy Kunz said that we can add our own flags to the crosswalk along the highway for kids to carry across the road. He also reported that in order to get the speed limit lowered and have it marked as a school zone that we will need to speak with Kory Krantz. Also need to talk to City of Grace for help with grants for flashing lights that we could add to the highway for a school zone warning.
Councilmember Tee Steadman inquired about if in the winter months we could move meetings up to 6:00 pm instead of 7:00 pm. It wouldn’t work for all of the councilmembers so it will remain at 7:00 pm. Tee would like to invite Chris Banks to come to our February meeting to discuss water grant options for municipalities to help with our water improvements needing to be made.
The Mayor suggested we get the Planning & Zoning Committee reinstated and invite the guy from Sugar City to help. He and the maintenance guys met with Simplot and Rick Phillips today at the Ranch Hand and they are going to be an asset to our community and are keeping our youth in mind. They will be keeping the northern access open and not using Stringtown for now. They are also a long ways out for the Diary Syncline Mine to be used and operating. They would like to take the 5th graders out to Simplot and do a safety course sometime in May. They are also going to help us pay for two of the speed limit signs we received and we should be getting a check for that shortly. All of the councilmembers are invited to go to their safety meetings and address speeding or any other issues we feel are because of their employee’s happening in our community at any time.
Police Report: There were 23 contacts for the month of November. Clerk Smith has the job posted for applicants and they are due back December 15th. Interviews will be shortly after.

Maintenance Report: Shane gave his report for the month of November and stated that he and Alan fixed some water issues on Hayes Lane and shut the water off on a Sunday to fix. They will need to replace some valves in the summer. Shane wondered about getting some pumps for the lagoons at the sewer ponds to have a spare and to have for emergencies. They cost around $11,000 and are 6-8 weeks out to ship. The Council gave Shane approval to find one and buy it to have a spare. The Council also approved having the Mayor sign the contract with Keller Associates for them to compile the Land App Report for the year.
Office Business: There are 13 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of November. She reported that the Public Hearing should be scheduled for Wednesday, January 4th for the annexation, monthly water rate increase and water and sewer hookup increase. Adam will get the notices prepared and Lynette will make sure that they get published on time. She also reported that Shane has taken his water license certification and passed the test. He is now certified to be the water operator and needs an increase in pay. Councilmember DeLoy Kunz made the motion to give Shane Clark a raise agreed upon by the council and was seconded by Trenton Morrell. All were in favor and the motion carried the council. He will get another raise as he gets his wastewater certifications.
The chair entertained a motion from Councilor Trenton Morrell for the council to approve checks and vouchers for the month of November 2022 in the amount of $13,536.90 in the general fund, $7,637.03 in the water fund, and $13,700.58 in the sewer fund, with all funds totaling $34,874.51. Councilor Tee Steadman seconded the motion. All were in favor and motion carried the council.
The chair entertained a motion from Councilor Trenton Morrell that council adjourns from the December 2022 council meeting at 9:45 pm. Councilor Tee Steadman seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Respectfully submitted,

Lynette Smith City Clerk-Treasurer

January Special Meeting – Public Hearing re: Annexation & Rate Increases

January 12th, 2023

SPECIAL MEETING

CITY OF GEORGETOWN

AGENDA

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25. 2023 7:00 PM 382 Main St.

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION

APPROVAL OF AGENDA ITEMS:

AGENDA ITEMS:

PUBLIC HEARING ON THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

• Kameron & Jessica Whitaker Property Annexation
o Ordinance #109 – Property Annexation to City Limits
• Increasing Water Monthly Rates
o Resolution #2023-001 – Monthly Water Rate Increase
• Increasing Water & Sewer Hookup Connection
o Resolution #2023-002 – Water & Sewer Connection Increase
• Discussion for Updating Planning & Zoning Ordinance including a Subdivision Section

ADJOURNMENT

January 2023 Agenda

January 2nd, 2023

CITY OF GEORGETOWN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

WEDNESDAY, January 4, 2023 City Hall 7:00 pm

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION

APPROVAL OF AGENDA ITEMS:

READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES from December 7, 2022 regular meeting

AGENDA ITEMS OF CITY OPERATIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:

• Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office – Police Patrol
• Open Sealed Bids for 1992 Ford Truck
• Public Hearing on January 25, 2023
o Kameron & Jessica Whitaker Annexation
o Increasing Water Monthly Rates
o Increasing Water & Sewer Hookups

DeLoy:
Tee:
Greg:
Trenton:

POLICE REPORT: New Hire

MAINTENANCE REPORT:

OFFICE BUSINESS: Delinquent water and sewer accounts, Christmas Light Contest Recap W-2’s

SIGNING OF CHECKS AND VOUCHERS FOR DECEMBER’S BILLS

ADJOURNMENT

Next Meeting:
• City Council Public Hearing 7:00 pm – Wednesday, January 25, 2023, Georgetown City Building – 382 Main St. Questions concerning items appearing on this Agenda or requests for accommodation of special needs to participate in the meeting should be addressed to the Office of the City Clerk or call 208-847-2120.

November 2022 Council Minutes

January 2nd, 2023

November 9, 2022
Those Present: Greg Kunz, Trenton Morrell, Tee Steadman, Mayor Stephan Waechtler, Maintenance Supervisor Shane Clark, City Clerk Lynette Smith, Kevin Martin of Sunrise Engineering, Tim & Merg Neuman, Tamalu Glende, Kevin & Marty Nate, Barry Bergholm, Jordan Rasmusson, Joe DeClark, Dave Lindsay, City Attorney Adam McKenzie by phone
Meeting called to order: 7:05 pm Invocation: Mayor Stephan Waechtler
The Council entertained a motion from councilor Greg Kunz to approve the published agenda and was seconded by councilor Trenton Morrell. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
The minutes from October 5, 2022, were read aloud by Clerk Smith. Councilor Trenton Morrell made the motion to accept the minutes as read. Councilor Tee Steadman seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Kevin Martin of Sunrise Engineering came before the council to discuss our water capacity and give an idea of what it would cost to make more upgrades or split the line at the top of the line.
• Kevin said the last water study was completed in 2017 by Keller Associates.
• He reviewed our water capacity for 220 connections. We use about 650 gallons during peak hours at the peak of summer. The maximum is 1 million gallons a day.
• How does the source serve in relation to demand? We have an excess of 1 million gallons from the spring and using about 50% now.
• Storage – we need a reserve for fire protection for the school and church but will still have an excess of 1 million gallons because of our spring and wells.
• Issues with the transmission line – the capacity is ok but flow could be an issue of concern for fire safety.
• Couple options to increase the pipe size would cost about $1.3 million for the upper transmission lines or the lower transmission lines about $2 million or add/split a second line. In 2019, 12” pipe cost about $12-15 a foot and now it’s about $45 a foot.
• Could possibly qualify for some grants – the state will pay 50% for a study to update our current study now that costs have increased so much but we would need to apply by January. Depending on the funding sources, they could require meters.
• Mayor reported that we should be increasing rates every year to help prepare for these expenses but we haven’t raised for over 10 years to keep costs down for our City. The last improvement that we made replacing the pipe within the City, we were able to pay for a majority of it out of pocket and got a small loan for the rest.
• Joe DeClark reported that the spring has no room for developing and thinks that what we have is what we have. The water levels are down everywhere this year. He said when we did the sewer project, we found lots of water down at Peterson’s – maybe there is a way to pump that water? He also suggested using the old railroad right of way to get that water and run pipe, pump and chlorinate over there. He said there is no need to increase the size of the lines because there’s no more water than what we’re getting. Joe suggested maybe looking at another storage tank?
• Pipe from the tank needs to be replaced because they are starting to deteriorate and pushing 100 years old.
• In the Bear River Basin, a municipality cannot drill a well without water rights from someone willing to give up theirs. Residential is different and can drill a well anytime but not a City.
• Shane reported the tanks held pretty good throughout the year.
• Barry Bergholm said he feels its irresponsible to add in more homes until we get a plan in place.
• Councilor Tee Steadman voiced he wants the public support when it comes time to increase the rates to make these improvements. We also need to increase the hookup fees too.
• Councilor Greg Kunz said Central Farmers should have a well or Agrium/Nutrien we could look into. Marty Nate asked about the well up by Gary Thompson’s. Joe thought that well had filled with rocks and dirt and not working.
• Dave Lindsay suggested a water capture system like a reservoir or tank and working with Army Core of Engineers.
• The Mayor appreciated the interaction from the citizens and said we need their input from those that know things the current council does not.
City Attorney Adam McKenzie prepared an Amendment to Ordinance #100 to include a section about living in trailers no more than 30 days in a calendar year. The Mayor read aloud the Amendment. Councilor Trenton Morrell suggested removing the good cause clause and just leave it at 30 days. Discussion about leaving in there for the council to discuss each situation but the Mayor said that each persons traumatic event or need will be different for everyone. Barry Bergholm pointed out that people can’t build right now throughout the valley that thought they would only be in RV’s for a short time; Tamalu Glende said there is no where to rent or build right now; Jordan Rasmusson asked how it will be enforced; Tim Neuman wants to be able to be a snowbird and come back in the summers to live in a RV on their property for 4 months out of the year. The council said we’re trying to mostly prevent squatters and dwellers. It was decided to make it clear in black and white and to take out the good cause clause. The council then called Adam on the phone to have the clause removed and to add in the section what the fine is so it’s easy to find, which is $1,000 fine. Once the changes are made and all council members are in attendance the Amendment will be passed at the next meeting. The Mayor appreciated the citizens that were there and their input.
The Christmas Park Lighting Event will be held on November 28th at 6:00 pm. The Bartschi’s have expressed interest in helping with the meal still. Lynette will contact Sean about the food and be in touch with Santa. We will have Officer John Martinez bring him in since it will be his last time before retiring the end of the year.
Councilor Tee Steadman reported that Officer Martinez was going to be here tonight to introduce his friend Dave Lindsay, but it is his anniversary. Dave is interested in the police chief position and told us all a little about himself. He has come out for a couple of ride alongs with Martinez and served in the military. He has roots in Nounan and worked with Johnny at the Sheriff’s Office. He started the heroes on helmets foundation at the middle school which honors fallen soldiers and is now recognized in 14 states. He is also great at getting government grants for police departments. Tee reported that he’s noticed the flags are up on the school crossing signs on the highway but wonders if they can be put lower so the kids can reach them and carry them as they go across the road. The council wondered if that is a school zone and if the speed can be dropped to 20 mph during school like is done in Montpelier along the highways. The City of Grace has been successfully with getting some grants for flashing light signs and maybe could help us get the bridge fixed along the highway too. Lynette will get in touch with their office.

Police Report: There were 32 contacts for the month of October.

Maintenance Report: Shane gave his report for the month of October and stated that he and Alan moved a cremation that was in the wrong spot, got the land app samples ready to Keller’s Associates to do the year end report. They replaced a water valve at Todd Passey’s; winterized and serviced the vehicles and getting ready to plow. Shane is taking his test to get his water license next week.
Office Business: There are 12 delinquent water and sewer accounts for the month of October and Clerk Smith reported the Trunk or Treat was well attended but not all citizens were in favor of it. It was decided to continue to hold it for those that want to attend, and people are always welcome to go door to door afterwards. The elections held in City Hall last night had a great turnout and Marty Nate handled that. The annex hearing did not get published in the paper in time so it will not be held on November 22nd. It was discussed to hold a public hearing at the same time as the annexation public hearing to increase the water fees by $10.00 and water and sewer hookups to $5,000 each. Lynette will work with Adam to get the notices in the paper.
The chair entertained a motion from Councilor Greg Kunz for the council to approve checks and vouchers for the month of October 2022 in the amount of $30,797.57 in the general fund, $9,176.33 in the water fund, and $19,790.62 in the sewer fund, with all funds totaling $59,764.52. Councilor Trenton Morrell seconded the motion. All were in favor and motion carried the council.
The chair entertained a motion from Councilor Greg Kunz that council adjourns from the November 2022 council meeting at 11:10 pm. Councilor Trenton Morrell seconded the motion. All were in favor and the motion carried the council.
Respectfully submitted, Lynette Smith City Clerk-Treasurer

December Council Meeting

November 23rd, 2022

CITY OF GEORGETOWN
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA

WEDNESDAY, December 7, 2022 City Hall 7:00 pm

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION

APPROVAL OF AGENDA ITEMS:

READING AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES from November 9, 2022 regular meeting

AGENDA ITEMS OF CITY OPERATIONS AND NEW BUSINESS:

• Ordinance #108 – Amendment to #100 – Trailers
• Kameron & Jessica Whitaker – Discussion about Annexation up Stringtown
• Christmas Park Lighting Event Recap
• Christmas Light Contest
• Employee Christmas Bonus

DeLoy:
Tee:
Greg:
Trenton:

POLICE REPORT: Job closing December 15th – Interviews

MAINTENANCE REPORT: Keller Associations Land App Year End Report Contract

OFFICE BUSINESS: Delinquent water and sewer accounts; Maintenance raise

SIGNING OF CHECKS AND VOUCHERS FOR NOVEMBER’S BILLS

ADJOURNMENT

Next Meeting:
• City Council Public Hearing 7:00 pm – Wednesday, January 4, 2023, Georgetown City Building – 382 Main St. Questions concerning items appearing on this Agenda or requests for accommodation of special needs to participate in the meeting should be addressed to the Office of the City Clerk or call 208-847-2120.