01192012CouncilMinutes
CITY OF AMMON
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012
AGENDA:
CITY OF AMMON
2135 SOUTH AMMON ROAD
CITY COUNCIL - AGENDA
THURSDAY, JANUARY 19, 2012 – 7:00 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Steven Fuhriman at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance – Councilmember Slack
Prayer – Councilmember Coletti
MINUTES:
November 3, November 10, November 17, December 1, 2011*
ITEMS FROM MAYOR:
CONSENT AGENDA:
Business License*
Accounts Payable – Exhibit A
ITEMS FOR/FROM TREASURER:
PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA: (5 Minute Limitation)
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
None
ACTION ITEMS:
1.Audit Review & Approval Fiscal Year 2011 – Judy Brower
2.Final Plat – Division 7, Woodland Hills (Ron)
3.Development Agreement – Division 7, Woodland Hills (Ron)
4.Rezone Request – Trellis Square – CC-1 to I&M-1 (Ron)
5.Ordinance 511 – Rezone Trellis Square – CC-1 to I&M-1 (Ron)
6.Authorize Purchase of 45KW Generator & Trailer (Ray)
7.Resolution 2012-001 – Utility Rate Clarifications (Ron)
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 (arrived at 7:28 p.m.)
Councilmember Brian Powell
Councilmember Sean Coletti
Councilmember Russell Slack
Councilmember Brad Christensen
City Attorney Scott Hall (arrived at 7:08 p.m.)
City Administrator/Clerk/Planning Director Ron Folsom
Deputy City Clerk Rachael Brown
City Treasurer Jennifer Belfield
Public Works Director Ray Ellis
City Officials Absent:
Councilmember Rex Thompson
City Engineer Lance Bates
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CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Steven Fuhriman opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall building located at 2135 South
Ammon Road. Councilmember Slack led the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilmember Coletti led the prayer.
MINUTES: November 3, 2011:
Councilmember Powell moved to approve the minutes, as presented. Councilmember
Slack seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Slack – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, and
Councilmember Christensen – Abstain (Absent). The motion passed.
November 10, 2011:
Councilmember Powell moved to approve the minutes, as presented. Councilmember Slack
seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Slack – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, and
Councilmember Christensen – Abstain (Absent). The motion passed.
November 17, 2011:
Councilmember Powell moved to approve the minutes, as presented. Councilmember Coletti
seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember Slack – Abstain (Absent),
and Councilmember Christensen – Abstain (Absent). The motion passed.
December 1, 2011:
Councilmember Powell moved to approve the minutes, as presented. Councilmember Slack
seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Slack – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, and
Councilmember Christensen – Abstain (Absent). The motion passed.
ITEMS FROM MAYOR:
Mayor Fuhriman gave the Council a proposal to create an advisory board to the Mayor and
explained that it would be governed by the mayor and would not have any affiliation with the Council or have any binding power.
Mayor Fuhriman said they would meet once per month for the next 11 months and each Council member would recommend two
people for the advisory committee. Councilmember Powell asked what the Mayor wants this committee to do. Mayor said he wants it
to bring items to his attention that perhaps he and the Council have missed in the community. He wants the community to get involved
in government affairs and be aware of more than what is going on at the Council meetings. Mayor Fuhriman asked how the Council
how they felt about it. Councilmember Slack asked the Mayor to bring it to the next Council Work Session. Councilmember Slack
said off the top of his head, to appoint an advisory committee that does not have a focused purpose doesn’t make a lot of sense to him,
but if it was a Council made up of people in industry that he needed counseling on or needed advised in a matter, he would say there is
more of a meaning to having an advisory council. Councilmember Coletti felt it should be discussed more in a work session, and he
felt it would be a good idea to include Ammon businesses to discuss improving the business atmosphere.
CONSENT AGENDA: Business License:
Councilmember Powell asked Rachael if the AARP put in a grant application
for their business. Rachael said yes. Councilmember Coletti moved to approve the Business License Consent Agenda, as presented.
Councilmember Slack seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember Slack – Yes, Councilmember Powell
– Yes, and Councilmember Christensen – Yes. The motion passed.
Accounts Payable – Exhibit A:
Councilmember Powell asked Jennifer if the payment for the membranes was the final
payment. Jennifer said yes. Councilmember Powell asked about the Forsgren fees. Jennifer said one of the fees was for October
services and one for November services, and she thought the City would also be seeing fees for December. Councilmember Coletti
asked about the invoice to MetroQuip. Ray said it was for the valve exercise truck. Councilmember Slack moved to approve the
Accounts Payable – Exhibit A, as presented. Councilmember Coletti seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Slack – Yes,
Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember Christensen – Yes, and Councilmember Powell – Yes. The motion passed.
ITEMS FOR/FROM TREASURER:
None
PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA: (5 Minute Limitation):
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
None
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Audit Review & Approval Fiscal Year 2011 – Judy Brower:
Judy Brower of Galusha Higgins, Galusha presented
the Council with the 2011 Audit booklet for their review. Judy covered each aspect of the audit and explained that it was just an
opinion, and offered to answer any questions. Councilmember Powell asked if the expenses for the (Iona Bonneville Sewer District)
IBSD separator line are reimbursed by IBSD. Judy said at this point they are showing those expenses as part of the City’s construction
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in progress because the contract is under the name of the City of Ammon, and they are showing IBSD helped pay towards those and
once the project is done, the portion that belongs to IBSD would then be turned over to them. Councilmember Powell asked if it was a
negative asset. Judy said right now it is shown as an asset, but once the City transfers it to IBSD it will go off of the books.
Councilmember Powell asked what it would do to the City’s assets once the Ammon Interceptor lines and related
infrastructure are transferred over to the Wastewater Authority. Judy said because the City doesn’t actually have control over the
Wastewater Authority, it doesn’t show as an asset. Councilmember Powell said the books will show a debt owing but there won’t be
an asset against it. Judy said yes. Judy said the most notable change has been the change of terms from reserved and unreserved, to
non-spendable, restrictive, committed, assigned, and unassigned. Councilmember Slack said another report the City can look into is
the (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report) CAFR. Discussion ensued regarding the CAFR. Councilmember Powell asked what the
difference was between governmental activity and business type activity. Judy said the difference between governmental activity and
business type activity is the source of revenue.
Councilmember Slack pointed out the Building Department balance is negative $241,000 and said the Council knows why it
is that way, but he would like it to be able to cover its own expenses and feels there should be a discussion about whether the Council
continues to carry forward a negative balance. Discussion ensued about the Building Department carrying a negative balance.
Councilmember Powell asked Judy what the City needed to watch for in the future. Judy said the biggest area is the street
projects coming up and the City needs to prepare in advance. Judy said the City is not in the business of making money, but needs to
make enough to pay the bills. Judy said the overall accounting system in the City has improved a lot, and said that Jennifer is doing a
really great job.
Councilmember Powell moved to approve the Audit Review & Approval of Fiscal Year 2011, as presented. Councilmember
Slack seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Slack – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes,
Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, and Councilmember Christensen– Yes. The motion passed.
2. Final Plat – Division 7, Woodland Hills (Ron):
Ron explained where the property is located and said the request was
made because of the City ordinance requirement to put in infrastructure for an entire division. Ron said due to the economy the
developer ran into situations where there was considerable expense to lay down asphalt, and put sidewalks in. Ron said the developer
had this portion of the property re-platted to a smaller division with 24 lots. Councilmember Kirkham asked if the developer had seen
some interest in construction. Ron said yes, he thought they had two lots that were going to be built. Councilmember Kirkham said
there has been a lot of discussion about this area and they have done what the Council has asked them to do. Councilmember Kirkham
moved to approve Final Plat – Division 7, Woodland Hills, as presented. Councilmember Slack seconded. Roll Call Vote:
Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Slack – Yes, Councilmember Christensen – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, and
Councilmember Coletti – Yes. The motion passed.
3. Development Agreement – Division 7, Woodland Hills (Ron):
Ron explained the special conditions for the
development agreement. Councilmember Kirkham moved to approve Development Agreement – Division 7, Woodland Hills, as
presented. Councilmember Christensen seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Christensen –
Yes, Councilmember Slack – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, and Councilmember Coletti – Yes. The motion passed.
4. Rezone Request – Trellis Square – CC-1 to I&M-1 (Ron):
Ron explained where the property is located, and
explained the rezone request. Councilmember Kirkham moved to approve Rezone Request – Trellis Square – CC-1 to I&M-1, as
presented. Councilmember Powell seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes,
Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember Christensen – Yes, and Councilmember Slack – Yes. The motion passed.
5. Ordinance 511 – Rezone Trellis Square – CC-1 to I&M-1 (Ron):
Councilmember Powell read, “Ordinance #511.
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION AND THE ZONING MAP FOR CERTAIN LANDS
LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF AMMON; PARTICULARLY DESCRIBING SAID LANDS AND DECLARING THE
CLASSIFICATION OF ZONING FOR SUCH PARCEL OF LAND; PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.” I move that the
City Council dispense with the rule requiring the reading of the ordinance on three different days and that the three readings be
waived. Councilmember Coletti seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes,
Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Slack – Yes, and Councilmember Christensen – Yes. The motion passed.
Councilmember Powell read, “Ordinance #511. AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION AND
THE ZONING MAP FOR CERTAIN LANDS LOCATED WITHIN THE CITY OF AMMON; PARTICULARLY DESCRIBING
SAID LANDS AND DECLARING THE CLASSIFICATION OF ZONING FOR SUCH PARCEL OF LAND; PROVIDING FOR
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.” I move the adoption of Ordinance #511 as an ordinance of the City of Ammon on its third and final
reading. Councilmember Coletti seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes,
Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Slack – Yes, and Councilmember Christensen – Yes. The motion passed.
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6. Authorize Purchase of 45KW Generator & Trailer (Ray):
Ray said the largest sewer pumps the City has are 15
horse power and this generator is capable of producing 20. Councilmember Kirkham asked if this generator was comparable to the one
the City of Ammon borrowed from the City of Idaho Falls. Rays said this gives the City the backup emergency power to run the other
four lift stations needed on a rotating basis. Councilmember Powell asked how long a lift station can be down before there are serious
problems. Ray said only about an hour. Councilmember Kirkham said this is a necessary purchase for the cost of doing business.
Councilmember Christensen asked if this equipment could be rented. Ray said no. Councilmember Kirkham said the Council has had
many conversations about what is needed to run a sewer department and she would not deny this request. Councilmember
Christensen asked Ray if he has looked into how much a used generator would be. Ray said yes, but he questions the reliability.
Councilmember Christensen said he just wants to make sure the Council has covered all possibilities. Councilmember Kirkham moved
to Authorize the Purchase of 45KW Generator & Trailer for $50,128.26 as presented. Councilmember Powell seconded. Roll Call
Vote: Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember Christensen –
No (Because he feels there are other considerations to take into account before they make this decision), and Councilmember Slack –
Yes. The motion passed.
7. Resolution 2012-001 – Utility Rate Clarifications (Ron):
Ron explained the changes contained in the
Resolution 2012-001. Councilmember Powell moved to approve Resolution 2012-001 – Utility Rate Clarifications, as presented.
Councilmember Coletti seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember
Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Christensen – Yes, and Councilmember Slack – Yes. The motion passed.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Misc.:
Ray Ellis, Public Works Supervisor said he spoke with Dave Noel and said Dave indicated that the City
was supposed to bill the Region for the filters and labor involved. Councilmember Kirkham said the Council has never had that
discussion, and she will have to talk to him. Ray said he will wait for direction from the Council. Councilmember Kirkham will
contact Dave Noel at Forsgren & Associates.
Ron gave the Council a copy of the current comprehensive plan and said he would like to take it to hearing in March and
asked the Council to address questions about the comprehensive plan at the February Work Session. Ron explained the changes to the
comprehensive plan. Councilmember Kirkham said the comprehensive plan has been worked on for a considerable amount of time
and Planning and Zoning goes to a lot of work to make these changes for the Council. Councilmember Kirkham feels the Council
should be able to read the comprehensive plan cover to cover over the next few weeks. Ron explained that figure number two is not in
the comp plan and he will email it to the Council. Councilmember Kirkham said this comp plan should dictate how the Council should
move forward. Discussion ensued regarding the changes to the comprehensive plan.
Ron explained that staff has been in the process of re-doing the employee manual. Ron explained that one of the items added
was comp time in lieu of overtime. Ron said he did some investigation and said federal wage laws allow it, but you still have to treat it
the same as overtime. Ron said before, the department manager tracked the comp time, but Jennifer would be tracking it through
payroll. Ron said comp time would be used the same as vacation time. Ron said he wanted to make sure the Council was ok with the
proposed changes to the employee manual before he brought it to them for approval.
Scott explained to the Council about email addresses, and the necessity for each using his or her City email address.Scott
said the reason he encourages the use of the City email address is because it is hosted on City servers, but if you are using your private
email where items are received, composed and sent from your personal computer, and somebody makes a discovery request, they will
get everything on your personal computer which could include your own personal finances.
Councilmember Slack said he is having a meeting with the City of Idaho Falls to discuss the Hitt Road and 17th Street
median issues with the developers. Councilmember Slack asked if everyone is against the median. Council said they were all against.
Councilmember Slack asked about the desire for a stoplight, and said the only option is to put a light at Target. Councilmember Slack
feels there needs to be a light at Target, and wants to know what the rest of the Council wants. Councilmember Coletti said he felt that
having the stoplight was the Council’s position. Council agreed that they are unified in wanting the stoplight.Discussion ensued
regarding the stoplight at Target. Ron said he reviewed the draft plan and there were no traffic studies referenced.
Councilmember Coletti spoke to the Council about the Urban Renewal Board and said he would be happy to be on the board,
but would like clarification from the Council. Councilmember Slack asked about the Urban Renewal and said it came to his attention
during the audit that the bonds for the Ammon Urban Renewal probably do not completely amortize out by the end of the urban
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renewal period in 2023. Councilmember Slack said he is not sure if it is the City of Ammon’s responsibility to cover any shortfalls if
it’s not paid off by the time the bond matures. Scott asked who the guarantor of the bonds is. Council did not know. Ron said Larry
Thompson is very knowledgeable about the urban renewal and would be someone to look to for answers. Councilmember Slack said
we have 10 or 11 years to right this ship.
Councilmember Coletti said the newsletter was being revamped and staff would only be producing two newsletters per year
instead of four.
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 Kirkham moved to adjourn into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 67-2345 (1- c). Councilmember
Powell seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes,
Councilmember Slack – Yes, and Councilmember Christensen – Yes. The motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.
___________________________________________
Steven Fuhriman, Mayor
____________________________________________
Ron Folsom, City Clerk
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