Council Minutes 04/21/1976
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City can request an injunction in this matter, and Attorney Smith agreed to do
some research and make, a recommendation.
The meeting was adjourned at 11: 10 P. M.. Claims were approved for payment.
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MAYOR /
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CITY OF AMMON
Apri12l, 1916. .
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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the 1t1ayor and City Council:
The meeting was called to order at 7: 35
the following City Officials present:
Mayor George Wehmann
Councilman Russell N. Swensen
Councilwoman Carol A. Dille
Councilman Francis Lee
Councilman Marvin J. Anderson
P. M. by Mayor George Wehmann, with
Clerk Deon Hemingway ,
As st. Engineer Bob Butler 1
Asst. Attorney Franklin Smith
Maintenance Supervisor LaVern Willi. ms
Others present during the meeting were Harvey Crandall, LaMar John, Jim Myers,
John VanDyck, and four Boy Scouts--Richard Jensen, Kurt Johnson, Mike Moss,
and Brian Affleck.
Councilwoman Dille led the pledge of allegiance to the flag, and prayer was offered
by Councilman Swensen. The minutes of the meeting of April 7, 1976, were approved
as type d.
With reference to the City's insurance, Mayor Wehmann mentioned that one of the
City employees was involved in an accident with a City vehicle on Monday, and
that Mr. Homer, representing the insurance carrier, has given assurance that
the liability of the City is covered by insurance even though the policy has 'not
been delivered and the premium paid. He also reported that there was a sewer
back-up problem on Eagle Drive recently to which the City of Idaho Falls crew
responded quickly, and it is not know at this time if any claim will be filed by the
occupant of the one home that received some water damage in the basement.
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Harvey Crandall, LaMar John, and Jim Myers, representing the firm of Crandall,
Hinckley,. and John, answered questions and reviewed the City's financial audit
report for 1975, after which Councilman Swensen moved that the audit report be
accepted as presented with the corrections suggested of listing the names of the
1975 City Administration Officials on the cover page and deleting the la.st three
words on the last line on page 2. relating to the interest paid on the Water and sewe,
Revenue Bond. The motion was seconded by Councilman Lee; voting was all in fav r,
motion carried. Mayor WehmaJ;ln and Councilman Swensen expxessed appreciation for
the especially good work done in preparing and presenting the audit.
John VanDyck, of 3290 Circle S. Drive, was given time to present a problem concclrn-
ing his sideyard boundary line and the easement along the back of his property. He
was advised to take the legal description of his property to the City Engineer's
office to see if his questions can be answered without hav~ng a private survey made.
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COMMITTEE REPORTS
Engineer - Bob Butler, representing the City Engineer, reported that the drain at
Geneva and Vaughn is to be put in about the middle of May when the weather is
satisfactory for getting the street repair done immediately after the job is completed.
With reference to a storm drainage problem at the residence of James Harvey, 2345
Midway Avenue, Mayor Wehmann asked that the City Engine~r prepare a design for a
drainage system which will be more satisfactory than the concrete gulley which pre-
sently carries the surface water from Sabin Dr. and Southwick Lane into a pond area
at the rear of Mr. Harvey's yard. Mr. Butler also agreed to check with H-K Con-
tractors (former~y Hartwell Excavating Co. ) about when the fire hydrant at Ross
Avenue and Geneva Drive is to be raised up, which was supposed to have been done as
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part of the Water and Sewer Project. It was mentioned that there is another fire
hydrant in the same vicinity along Ross Avenue which needs to be raised up also.
Another matter which was referred to the Engineer was to make a record check to
determine if the west end of Rawson Street is dedicated as a 99-foot street so that
it can be decided if a property owner there needs a variance in order to add on to
the front oj his garage. It was noted that, rather than granting a variance if needed,
the City could go through the procedure of vacating the present plat and filing a new
plat which would deed part of the street which i.s not now paved to the adjacent
private property owners.
Mr. Butler reported that the sewer metering device is being recalibrated, and
he was asked to inform the City as soon as he has verified the calibration.
Mayor Wehmann suggested that the City of Idaho Falls personnel should be informed
to not make any adjustments on the device after it is in operation because of the
warranty. It. was noted that the warranty period has not been determined yet, and
that the City is expecting a letter from H-K Contractors specifying the warranty
period as soon as it has been determined by the contractor and the manufacturer.
Attorney - Attorney Smith reviewed some material relating to an inquiry from the
Idaho Home Builders Association regarding the sewer hookup fee, and advised
. that the City should be ready to justify this fee if a suit should come about. Concern-
ing false arrest insurance, he pointed out that Councilwoman Dille is checking on
that. Attorney Smith reported that a letter was sent to a resident, Gloria Whitney,
regarding a claim for garbage cans taken, and explained that the City has power to
enact reasonable rules and regulations regarding garbage collection.
According to Attorney Smith, the matter of filing an injunction against the Idaho
Public Utilities Commission regarding the hearingsbn the Utah Power & Light
Company :rate increase has not been inves~igated, but he agreed to take a look and
see. if there should be any action taken.
Fiscal Operations - Councilman Swensen r,eported that $1, 096.20 has been received
asa matching -fund reimbursement on equipment purchased for the Fire Department
last year under the Rural Community Fire Protection program. He explained that
additional funds may be applied for this year if desired since the program is to be in
effect for two more years.
A suggestion that the City purchase a Bicentennial Flag was made by Councilman
Swensen.
Parks and Recreation - In response to an inquiry by Councilman Anderson regarding
using Revenue Sharing funds for the purchase of playground equipment in,the amount
of approximately. $2,700, Mayor Wehmann stated that part of the money needed
should be available from the amount budgeted for tennis court repairs, and indicated
approval to place the order at this time. It was decided that the roof of the McCowin
Park shelter should be repaired. by the City employees with the same material that is
now on it rather than putting on a metal roof, and that paint for the park storage.
building should be ordered as soon as a recommendation is received from the City
Engineer regarding what kind of paint would be best to use.
Councilman Anderson mentioned that applications for the City-sponsored Knothole
Baseball program will be sent out from the schools. He reported that Floyd :oung
will manage the swimming pool again this year, but there will be a new supervisor
for the swimming lessons. Approval was given to remove the paint and repaint the
swimming pooL. It was also mentioned that the Lions Club will take care of wiring
the McCowin Park shelter.
City Clerk - The Clerk reported that, as of this date, there are 11 accounts which are
over two months past due with a total delinquency amounting to $435.50. She informed
the Council that notice is expected from the Employment Office regarding the placement
of.three young people for summer work in the Parks and Swirnming Pool Departments
under the CETA I Program.
Police 'and Fire Department - Councilwoman Dille reviewed the Animal Control
Report for March which showed that the Officer patrolled in Ammon for 44 hours
traveling 253 Miles, responded to 17 complaints, and impounded 9 animals, with.
18 animals being taken in to the shelter by the public. According to the report on
regular law enforcement from the Sheriff's Department, the deputies spent 430. 5
. hours patrolling and investigating in Ammon during March, which was in excess of the
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contract arrangement of 31 days at 12 hours per day, or 372 hours.
Regarding false arrest insurance, Councilwoman Dille agreed to check into how the
County Officials are covered. She presented the Mayor and members of the Council
with a written report on the Governor's Safety Conference which she attended during
March.
In response to a request by Councilwoman Dille for advice regarding how to handle
the towing fee for impounding vehicles, it was decided that the City would have to
pay for the cost of this service on unclaimed vehicles. Concerning parking tickets,
Councilwoman Dille mentioned that the citations being written on the present forms
having a place for the signature of the violator would not be valid in court if the I
signature was not obtained, so she suggested that the City should consider getting
some of the envelopes like the City of Idaho Falls uses. Mayor Wehmann expressed
his opinion that courtesy tickets should be given first before issuing actu41 citations,
and that the streets in all areas of the City which are 36 feet or les s in width, as
specified in the regulation governing parking in streets, especially in Peterson Park,
should be posted for" No Parking". Councilwoman Dille mentioned that the Sheriff is
checking into how far apart the signs should be posted.
- Planning and Zoning - According to Councilwoman Dille, the Planning and Zoning
Commission had been asked to consider a proposal by Dan Biggs to establish an
animal processing plant at the location of the brick yard in the county south of
Ammon. The Commission members felt that this should not be approved, and
it will not be going in.
Public Works - Councilman Lee requested that the City Engineer prepare an
estimate on the list of sidewalks needing repair due to waterline work done by
the'.City, and also a drawing for a fence around the new storage building. He re-
commended that the fence be chain link at least 6 feet high with a security wire.
The following resolution was proposed by Councilman Lee in order to provide for
an increase in water rates for businesses, schools, etc., to be consistent with the
increase which was put. in effect in April for residential users: I
WHEREAS, it has been determined that the cost of operating
the City Water System has increased;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Mayor and City
Council of the City of Ammon that the rate for water users in apartments
be increased in the amount of 50t/- per month to a total of $3.25 per. month
(water $3.25, sewer $4.75, garbage collection $2.00, total $10.00); that
rate for water on metered accounts be increased to 30t/- per 1000 gallons;
that the rate for water for the special accounts of the super market at
2300 E. 17th St. and the water softener business at 3250 E. 17th St. be
increased $6.00 per month to a total of $36.00 per month; that the rate
for water for users in trailercourts. be increased 50t/- per month to a total
of $3.25 per month (water $3.25, sewer $4. 00, garbage collection $1. 25, total-
$8. 50); that the rate for schools be increased to 20t/- per student per month for
water and sewer combined; and this go into effect May 1, 1976.
Councilman Lee moved to adopt the proposed resolution. The motion was seconded
by Councilwoman Dille; all Council members voted "aya" by voice vote; motion
carried and resolution adopted.
According to Councilman Lee, the s.ewer connections have been completed at 1850
Avocet, 3455 Rich Lane, and 3640 Samuel, which leaves .owners of 7 properties
still in violation of the sewer hookup deadline. He informed the Council that
Fred Blair, who owns two of the homes on the list, was cited into court and paid
a $30 fine, but has not yet made the sewer connections. Attorney Smith agreed
to write to Mr. Blair advising him that another charge will be filed with a more
severe fine.
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Regarding the arrangements to purchase a new garbage truck, Councilman Lee
reported that no payment schedule or trade -in estimate has been received, so
no further action has been taken. In response to an inquiry by Councilwoman
Dille concerning burning ditches, it was stated that the City does this only along
the main ditches and not on private property. Mayor Wehmann mentioned that
H-K Contractors, Inc., is to be notified when holes develop in the streets from the
sewer construction, then, if it is determined that the City needs to do the repair
wor.k before the contractor can get it done, the City can bill H-K Contractors for
the cost of the work if notice is given before the City proceeds with the repair work.
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A report by Councilwoman Dille indicated that there is a dangerous situation of a
!eaning shed in her neighborhood, and she was advised that the City has no responsi-
bility for such things on private property.
Mayor - Mayor Wehmann presented a list of proposed official holidays and travel
allowances for the Council to study and consider at a future meeting. He reported
that H-K Contractors, Inc., is trying to make arrangements to get a sweeper to
use along with the City sweeper to clean up the chips in the Hillview area, and requested
that the Engineer follow through by checking on this matter. Since he expects to be out
of town at the time, Mayor Wehmann asked Councilman Swensen to attend the Assoc-
iation of Idaho Cities District Meeting in Idaho Falls on May 13. He also reminded
the Council Members to get pre-registered for the AICConference in June, since the
registration fee is higher if this is not taken care of in advance.
A report by Mayor Wehmann indicated that notice has been received from the Office
of Revenue Sharing that, based on the recent special census count of 3,630, and
estimate of 3,177 population on July 1 r 1973, will be used for calculating the amounts
to be received this year.
Regarding accepting the improvements in the Barbara Jean Addition, Mayor Wehmann
announced that he has refused to sign the papers unil a solution is agreed upon on the
streets. He reported that he asked the City of Idaho Falls to inspect that addition,
principally the streets, and a letter is to be prepared to identify the faults.
Mayor Wehmann asked for the feeling of the Council regarding a request by a City
employee to get an advance (loan) to purchase parts for his automobile. Attorney
Smith advised that it is not within the corporate powers of the City to get into the
lending business, and the Council members agreed that this should not be allowed.
Reference was made to a letter received from the State Department of Labor explaining
the updated statute relative to inspections under the Uniform Building Code. A reply
is to be made not later than April 30 as to whether the City will be providing its own
inspection or plans to rely on the State for this service. Mayor Wehmann pointed out
that the present arrangement for inspections by the City of Idaho Falls seem to be
reasonable and efficient,and asked that the. City Attorney write a letter to this effect
after checking the correspondence from the Labor Department to see if anything else
is required.
New Business - In connection with his assignment to attend the District AIC Meeting,
Councilman Swensen received the support of. the Mayor and Council to approve the
name of City of Idaho Falls Councilman Gil Karst as a candidate for re-election
to the AIC Board. Councilman Swensen noted thn.t the ditch watering schedules for
residents in the Original Townsite are to be sent out by May 1, and that the L. D. S.
Church officials have been notified that the water will be turned into the ditch about
May 15 so the culvert work which is to be done there must be completed before that
time. Councilwoman Dille asked for ideas on how to handle the contest for painting
fire hydrants, and mentioned that she is preparing the application form.
Councilman Swensen moved to adjourn at 11 :45 P. M. ; seconded by Councilman Lee.
Claims were approved for payment prior
to the meeting.
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MAYOR :r
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CITY OF AMMON
May 5, 1976
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council:
The meeting was called to order at 7: 35 P. M. by George Wehmann, with the
following City Officials present:
Mayor George Wehmann
Councilman Russell N. Swensen
Councilman Marvin Anderson
Councilman Francis Lee
Councilman Carol A. Dille
Engineer David E. Benton
Asst. Attorney Franklin Smith
Maint. Supervisor LaVern Williams
Maint. Employee Gene Simpson (Part Time)
Office Clerk Aleen Jensen
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