11032011CouncilMinutes
CITY OF AMMON
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011
AGENDA:
CITY OF AMMON
2135 SOUTH AMMON ROAD
CITY COUNCIL - AGENDA
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2011 – 7:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Steven Fuhriman at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance – Councilmember Powell
Prayer – Councilmember Slack
MINUTES:
September 1, September 8, 2011
ITEMS FROM MAYOR:
CONSENT AGENDA:
Business License
Accounts Payable – Exhibit A
AMMON LIGHTING DISTRICT #1 (City Council acting as Lighting District Board):
CONSENT AGENDA:
Accounts Payable – Exhibit A
ITEMS FOR/FROM TREASURER:
PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA: (5 Minute Limitation)
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
None
ACTION ITEMS:
1.Sewer Project Street Construction (Lance)
2.Hawks Landing – Request for Modification to Master Plan/Development Agreement
3.Change Order #2 - Segment C – Water Line Repair (Lance)
4.Change Order #3 – Segment C – Woodland Hills Extension (Lance)
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1.Misc.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
1.Personnel Evaluations - Idaho Code 67-2345 (1-b)
2.Real Property Acquisitions - Idaho Code 67-2345 (1-c)
3.Pending Litigation - Idaho Code 67-2345 (1-f)
MINUTES
City Officials Present:
Mayor Steven Fuhriman
Councilmember Dana Kirkham
Councilmember Lee Bean
Councilmember Brian Powell
Councilmember Rex Thompson
Councilmember Sean Coletti
Councilmember Russell Slack
City Attorney Scott Hall
City Administrator/Clerk/Planning Director Ron Folsom
Deputy City Clerk Rachael Brown
City Engineer Lance Bates
City Treasurer Jennifer Belfield
Public Works Director Ray Ellis
City Officials Absent:
None
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CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Steven Fuhriman called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall Building located
at 2135 South Ammon Road. Councilmember Powell led the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmember Slack led the prayer.
MINUTES: September 1, 2011:
Councilmember Kirkham moved to approve the minutes, as presented.
Councilmember Coletti seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember
Powell – Yes, Councilmember Bean – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes, and Councilmember Slack – Yes. The motion passed.
September 8, 2011:
Councilmember Slack moved to approve the minutes, as presented. Councilmember Thompson
seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Slack – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes, Councilmember Bean – Yes,
Councilmember Kirkham – Abstain (Absent), Councilmember Powell – Yes, and Councilmember Coletti – Abstain (Absent). The
motion passed.
ITEMS FROM MAYOR:
Mayor Fuhriman spoke about the “Green Meetings” he and Charlie attended in Boise and
explained that Charlie will be working with the Building Department on some of the items they learned. Councilmember Kirkham
asked if the changes primarily affect the building code. Mayor Fuhriman said they talked about the building code and where it is going
in the future.
Mayor Fuhriman introduced Karen Lansing with Habitat for Humanity and explained Habitat had just finished a home on
Romrell.
Karen Lansing, 395 E 14th Street, Idaho Falls. Karen said she has been the Director with Habitat for Humanity since 2010.
Karen explained that historically Habitat for Humanity only builds one house a year, but when they decided to hire a full time director,
she was given the direction to take the builds from one home a year to four homes a year. She said the build in Ammon was a
wonderful experience. Habitat International requires them to build beyond ordinary standards. They build to Energy star standard, they
build Water Sense, and they are trying to get this home passed for Indoor Air Plus. Karen explained the water sense feature goes to the
outside landscaping too, so they only have 40% planted in sod and the balance is either bark or rock. Karen has a flier for the Ammon
build and hoped to include her flier in the City’s utility statement mailing. Councilmember Kirkham asked if the family has moved
into the home. Karen said the family won’t be moving in for a couple more weeks. Councilmember Slack asked how long it took to
build the home. She said they began in May with 200 volunteers, and $10,000 donated in materials. Councilmember Bean said Habitat
has a tremendous influence in the community and it is a great program.
Mayor Fuhriman said he would like the Council to consider mailing the flier for Habitat and felt it was worthwhile to
promote through the City’s mailer.
Scott asked Karen about the flier saying Habitat for Humanity Idaho Falls area and asked if it could be Idaho Falls/Ammon
area. Karen said they are registered with Habitat for Humanity International as Idaho Falls. Scott said he would encourage changing
this to Idaho Falls/Ammon area.
CONSENT AGENDA: Business License:
Councilmember Kirkham moved to approve the Business License Consent
Agenda, as presented. Councilmember Coletti seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Coletti –
Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Bean – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes, and Councilmember Slack –
Abstain (he has a conflict). The motion passed.
Accounts Payable – Exhibit A:
Councilmember Bean asked about the water assessment fee. Lance explained
that every year the City pays a certain amount for water rights. Ray said it is based on a per connection fee. Councilmember Slack
asked what happened in McCowin Park and the $22,000 repair of the main line. Ron said this spring the City had a lot of problems
with water running at odd times. They had to update sprinkler valves, and repair damage also, but next year it won’t be watering the
walking path. Councilmember Coletti asked Ray if he purchased the software for his Street Department. Ray said yes. Councilmember
Kirkham asked Ray how long before the street information would be available. Ray said he hoped to have it ready by January.
Councilmember Kirkham asked about the meters that have been installed and when readings would be available. Ray said he should
have the first consumption reports on the December statement. Councilmember Bean asked about the Parks voucher to Brent’s Lawn.
Ron said Ken is out of town, but he believes it is for repairs to the bagger attachment for the lawnmower. Councilmember Bean
moved to approve the Accounts Payable Exhibit - A, as presented. Councilmember Powell seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember
Bean – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Slack –
Yes, and Councilmember Thompson – Yes. The motion passed.
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AMMON LIGHTING DISTRICT #1 (City Council acting as Lighting District Board):
Councilmember Kirkham moved the meeting into session with the Council acting as the Lighting District Board.
CONSENT AGENDA:Accounts Payable – Exhibit A:
Councilmember Bean moved to approve the Accounts Payable –
Exhibit - A, as presented. Councilmember Kirkham seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Bean – Yes, Councilmember Kirkham
– Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes, and Councilmember Slack –
Yes. The motion passed.
Councilmember Kirkham moved the meeting back into regular session.
ITEMS FOR/FROM TREASURER:
Jennifer informed the Council about a public records request from
OurIdaho.com requesting payroll information. Councilmember Coletti asked Jennifer what ouridaho.com does. Jennifer said they post
all School District, and Governmental entities compensation. Ron said staff checked with Justin Ruen at the Association of Idaho
Cities regarding this request before giving them any information. Justin informed staff that ouridaho.com is legitimate.
PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA: (5 Minute Limitation)
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
None
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Sewer Project Street Construction (Lance):
Councilmember Kirkham said she would like everyone to listen to the
facts with an open mind, and consider it not just from a fiscal angle. She said we are not only working for the benefit of completing
this project, but also for the ease of the constituents. She wants to make sure people are not inconvenienced when they are going to be
out shopping. Mayor Fuhriman said a constituent stated the citizens don’t pay attention to the dollars the City spends; they pay
attention to how it affects their lives.
Lance said the project being discussed is the Iona Bonneville Sewer District (IBSD) bypass line and we are nearing the
completing of that as well as Segment C of the Regional line. The first phase involves tying into an active sewer line at 17th Street and
Ammon Road. This involves shutting down the intersection completely for approximately two weeks, beginning Monday. Lance said
the road will be closed from November 7th until November 17th for the anticipated construction schedule. Lance said the second
phase of the project involves tying into the lines at Sunnyside Road and Eagle Drive, and for that particular section the intersection
needs to be closed. Lance said he has looked at three different options. Lance explained each option to the Council. Councilmember
Kirkham said the reason the construction is going on now instead of the summer, is because the canal needs to be empty. Discussion
ensued regarding the dates of closures and the anticipated time frames. Councilmember Kirkham said it is important to know that
temporary easements have already been secured at no cost. Discussion ensued regarding the closures and the detour options.
Councilmember Bean moved to approve Option #1, as presented. Councilmember Kirkham seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember
Bean – Yes, Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – No (because he is in favor of option #2), Councilmember
Powell – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – No (because he is in favor of option #2), and Councilmember Slack – No (because he is in
favor of saving $50,000 in three weeks). Councilmember Kirkham asked Mayor Fuhriman to break the tie and make the decision.
Mayor Fuhriman said he is in favor of Option #1. The motion passed in favor of Option #1.
2. Hawks Landing – Request for Modification to Master Plan/Development Agreement:
Ron explained where Hawks
Landing is located, and explained the requests. Ron read the requirements listed in the City Code that pertains to this request. Ron said
the people who are purchasing higher end homes are requiring three car garages. Ron said if they start adding triple car garages, they
won’t fit on the lot. Councilmember Kirkham said the streets in this area are already narrow. Discussion ensued regarding the size of
the parking area. Ron said if it is only 12 feet wide and 20 feet long, in his mind they would be blocking the garage. Councilmember
Bean asked what the confusion was in number 7. Ron said they feel they should be able to us the parking in front of the garage and
park parallel. Councilmember Thompson asked if the property in front of the garage count as part of the garage. Councilmember
Kirkham said the intent was that it would be in addition to the pavement that is in front of the garage, and because there is concern
about having any cars on the street so there would be emergency access etc.
Tom Hunsaker, 2135 South Ammon Road, reported on the discussion at the Planning and Zoning meeting regarding this
request for modification.
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Jeff Hawks, 6484 E Sunnyside Road, the developer said the last three homes they built in the high density area have had three
car garages. Jeff said there are some lots that can have three car garages, but not all of them. Councilmember Slack asked if the
concrete in front of the garage was deep enough to park perpendicular to the garage. Jeff said yes and based on the Planning and
Zoning decision there would always a twenty foot by twenty foot. Councilmember Slack asked if Jeff is asking for the Council to drop
the additional concrete parking area. Ron said there would be an addendum to the master plan agreement. Councilmember Kirkham
asked Jeff what was precipitating this request. Jeff said he felt the ordinance was ambiguous, and he was seeking further clarification.
Councilmember Kirkham said she remembers a very specific conversation about this issue and is frustrated. She feels the City was
very careful about the details and at the time the economy was good and he agreed to the details. Councilmember Kirkham feels the
request for the change is motivated by money. Jeff said there is a section on the tape where he thinks Councilmember Bean said the
driveway can be the parking pad as long as they can fit the 10x20 pad within the driveway. Discussion ensued between
Councilmember Kirkham and Jeff regarding the past meetings and the requirements agreed upon. Councilmember Bean said he was
concerned about public safety and asked if a fire truck could access the road if needed. Jeff said yes. Ron went over the Planning and
Zoning Commissions’ recommendation. Councilmember Thompson feels there is a safety issue with visibility if a person walks to the
end of the car they will not be seen. Ron said there will be twenty feet of driving space.
Councilmember Slack moved to accept Planning and Zonings recommendation to allow parking pad to be included with the
garage space as long as they can pull in perpendicular to the home and also with the decreased setback. Councilmember Bean
seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Slack – Yes, Councilmember Bean – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – No (because he
feels going with three feet to the easement creates a problem), Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, and
Councilmember Coletti – Yes. The motion passed.
3. Change Order #2 - Segment C – Water Line Repair (Lance):
Lance said the change order is to cover the costs that
occurred when HK Construction hit a water line. The cost is $5,828.37 and extends the contract by two days.Lance explained the
location of the water line that was damaged is located. Councilmember Powell moved to approve, Change Order #2 – Segment C –
Water Line Repair, as presented. Councilmember Coletti seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember
Coletti – Yes, Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Bean – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes, and Councilmember
Slack – Yes. The motion passed.
4. Change Order #3 – Segment C – Woodland Hills Extension (Lance):
Lance explained the change order covers the
cost of extending the Regional line all the way to Ammon Road, and includes extending the Ammon line that currently runs through
the Woodland Hills lift station to instead cross under Ammon Road to tie into the extended Regional line, and become gravity fed.
Councilmember Kirkham said that this is the lift station that requires peroxide to treat it. The cost of $404,547.54 will get rid of a lift
station that has caused much concern and extends the contract 90 days. Councilmember Bean asked if it will delay the overall contract
to hook up the Woodland Hills line. Lance said it is part of the original contract. Councilmember Kirkham said the City will still hook
into the Region by January. Lance agreed. Councilmember Slack moved to approve Change Order #3 – Segment C – Woodland Hills
Extension, as presented. Councilmember Bean seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Slack – Yes, Councilmember Bean – Yes,
Councilmember Thompson – Yes, Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, and Councilmember Coletti – Yes.
The motion passed.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Misc.:
Ray Ellis updated the Council regarding a meeting he attended in Nampa. Ray said there is going to be some legislation
coming up that the Region should monitor that has to do with the water rights of the water that ends up coming out of the plant. An
issue in McCall Idaho brought this to a head, because their plant accepts sewage from a sewer district that doesn’t have rights to the
water.
Ron asked about the utility statement mailing insert for the Habitat for Humanity letter. Councilmember Thompson suggested
putting it in the newspaper. Councilmember Slack and Councilmember Kirkham said we just don’t have time to put the flier in with
the mailing tomorrow. Councilmember Kirkham feels the Council should make the effort to go to the open house.
Ron said High Country Research Conservation contacted him about the City cloud seeding. Councilmember Kirkham said
no. Ron said if the City is going to be connected to the Region by December 31st; the City would need to have a hearing for
connection fees. Discussion ensued regarding whether the City would collect the connection fees or if the Region would collect them.
Councilmember Slack said he and Jennifer have been working hard on the savings plan.
Councilmember Kirkham asked Ron if he had spoken to the City of Blackfoot about their block grant. She said the City of
Blackfoot has a block grant that matches businesses up to $10,000 for frontage improvements. She is curious where the money comes
from because she would like to be able to offer City of Ammon businesses the same.
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Councilmember Powell said there is a letter to the City of Idaho Falls regarding the interconnect of the two Cities’fiber at
EITC. Discussion ensued regarding the fiber connections.
Councilmember Coletti said he needed all of the articles for the newsletter submitted.
Rachael informed the Council that She, Ron, and Jennifer had met with Stacy Shaul with the Idaho State Insurance Fund,
and explained that the City’s experience rating is going to decrease from a 1.15 to a .97 rating.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
1. Personnel Evaluations - Idaho Code 67-2345 (1-b)
2. Real Property Acquisitions - Idaho Code 67-2345 (1-c)
3. Pending Litigation - Idaho Code 67-2345 (1-f)
Councilmember Powell moved to adjourn to executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 67-2345(1- f). Councilmember Slack
seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Slack – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember
Bean – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes, and Councilmember Kirkham – Yes. The motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
____________________________________
Steven Fuhriman, Mayor
_______________________________________
Ron Folsom, City Clerk
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