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01.09.2020 Council WS MinutesCITY COUNCIL — WORK SESSION THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020 — 4:30 P.M. AGENDA: A. CALLTOORDER:: Mayor Sean Coletti at 430 p.m, B. DISCUSSION ITEMS: L Report on Remote Employee Project (Bruce Patterson, iT Wrector) 2, Update to the Meter Installation Plan (Tracy Bono, Public Works Director) 3. Commercial Water Rates (Mkah Austin, City Administrator) 4. Review of Current Water Rate Performance (Jennifer Belfield,, Finance Director) 5. EIRWWA Discussion C. EXECUTIVE SESSION 1. Pending Litigation — Idaho Code 74-206 11) (Q D. ADJOURN MINUTES City Officials Present: Mayor Sean Coletti Council President Russell Slack Councilmember Byron Wiscombe Councilmember Craig Tibbitts Counclimember Scott Wessel Councilmember Josh Wheeler City Attorney Scott Hall City Administrator Micah Austin City Planning and Zoning Director Cindy Donovan City Engineer Tracy Bono Building Department Director Charlie Allen Technology Director Bruce Patterson Utility Director Jim Key City Clerk Kristina Buchan Administrative Assistant Shari Ockermain City Officials Absent: Councilmember Rex Thompson A. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Sean Colettl opened the meeting at 4:35 p.m., at the Ammon City Hall building located at 2135 South Ammon Road. PUBLIC COMMENT: Dana Kirkham presented to the Council her concerns regarding snow removal, Kirkham noted that perhaps the City could set up additional fee for driveway plowing, with an option for the community to contribute to those in need. The Council discussed issues including cost, need, and the option for a coordinated and consistent effort through privatized removal companies. Tracy Bono noted new equipment could do the same job in less time. Kirkham then brought forward a discussion on the potential for an Ammon City Library. Kirkham added that there is space available near the corner of 17111 and Ammon Road and encouraged the City Staff and council to discuss interest, determine buy -in from residents, and look into the options around Library grant funding, The Council will continue to look into Library option. C. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 1. Report on Remote Employee Project (Bruce Patterson, IT Director): Bruce Patterson reported on the recent trial period of remote employees in the IT Department. Patterson reviewed the successes, holdbacks, and needs of the project. The department is continuing to assess how the Ammon City Couincil Minutes — 01.09.2020 Next Resolution Number: 2020-00IR Ammon City Council - 01. 16.2020 Next ok3a@eEa4ofid&7632 ACITY OF,0�1'-' inincm. WHERE TOMORROW SEGM$ program works for employees and staff and noted that internal staff are pleased with the impact so far and have noticed no difference in service. Patter -son discussed the potential for application to other departments to cover upcoming need needs and reviewed the potential for expanded technologies in the coming months and items to consider as the project may expand. Commercial! Water Rates (Micah Austin, City, Administrator): Micah Austin reviewed and led a discussion of the proposed impact of implementing commercial water rates, to businesses in Ammon. Austin reminded the Council that the Water Resolution passed last year did not inciuded a designated commercial rate. Austin and the Council reviewed the current rates for various commercial types and the existing fees and connections. Austin proposed two recommendations; first, to adopt the proposed rates at an upcoming meeting, and two, to continue to gather data regarding commercial water use and make a decision at a later date. The Council asked for additional information to be collected on users to be able to make decision in future. 3, Update to the Meter Installation Plan (Tracy Bono, Public Works Director): Tracy Bono reviewed the background of the metering process, the successes of 2019, and the plan for 2.020 including those within the Metering Plan and outside that plan. Bono noted that of the planned 916 meters, over 800 meters have been installed throughout the city including some not on the original pian. Bono reviewed the process for installation and use of contractors and successes and setbacks along with plans for coming year and contracts. The Council reviewed and discussed the long term plan for meter installation throughout the City. 4. Review of Current Water Rate Performance (Jennifer Belfleld, Finance Director): Jennifer Belfield reviewed meter rate performance of FY2019 comparing past years and ongoing data. Belfield noted that the performance looks to be going well and remains in the predicted ballpark of performances. Beifield recommend that City staff and Council continue to review as more meters are installed and gather additional data to be able to make a fair comparison to previous years and account for varying water usage throughout the year. EIIRWWA Discussion, Coletti reviewed estimated costs of ongoing use and maintenance of EIRWWA System, The Council discussed the estimate costs related to maintenance and renovation compared to available funds within the budget. Coietti led a discussion of the potential for a private organization interested in purchasing the system and the impacts it would have on the system and on the city. Council agreed that they would discuss the program and proposal in detail at future meetings, 6. Remarks: Council President Slack reviewed a few items for consideration with City Staff and Councilmembers. Slack anc the Council asked that communication between Council, Staff, and the Mayor be kept open and consistent to ensure all are properly informed and on the same page,, <10:H D. ADJOURN —The Work Session was adjourned at 7:10pm. n. 4Q Se A Coletti, Mayor Krisoa 13'LIA'A City Clerk Ammon City Council Minutes — 01.012020 2 Noxt Resoiuti C' n Number: 2020-GOIR Ammon City Coundl - 01A6.2020 le,Ra0 0Qc4$J"9&7632