02212008CouncilMinutes
CITY OF AMMON
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008
AGENDA
:
CITY OF AMMON
2135 SOUTH AMMON ROAD
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2008 - 7:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Bruce Ard at 7:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance – Councilmember Waite
Prayer – Councilmember Kirkham
MINUTES:
None
ITEMS FROM MAYOR:
CONSENT AGENDA:
Business License
Accounts Payable – Exhibit A
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
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1.2008-002C – Conditional Use Permit – 4381 S. 25 – Cell Tower Co-location and Variance Request to Title X, Chapter
32, Communication Towers and Antennas
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2.2008-003C – Conditional Use Permit – 2593 E. 14 N. – Cell Tower Co-location and Variance Request to Title X, Chapter
32, Communication Towers and Antennas
PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA:
ACTION ITEMS:
1.Action on Public Hearings
2.Park Request – Smoke Free Zone – Mary Ann Brown Presentation
3.Preliminary Plat – Brogan Creek
4.Resolution 2008-001 Bill Prepayment Authorization
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1.City of Idaho Falls Sewer Utility Rate Study (Lance)
2.Kunzler Shutoff (Leslie/Lance)
3.Well 10 Financing and Scope of Work (Ray)
4.
Misc.
MINUTES
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Ard at 7:30 p.m. in the City Building, 2135 South Ammon Road,
Ammon, Idaho, with the following City Officials present:
City Officials Present:
Mayor Bruce Ard
Councilmember Dana Kirkham
Councilmember Rex Thompson
Councilmember Randy Waite
Councilmember D. Ray Ellis
Councilmember Brian Powell
City Planning Director Ron Folsom
City Engineer Lance Bates
City Clerk Leslie Folsom
City Officials Absent:
Councilmember Lee Bean
City Attorney Scott Hall
Councilmember Waite led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag and Councilmember Kirkham offered the
prayer.
MINUTES:
None
City Council Minutes 02/21/2008 -- 1
ITEMS FROM MAYOR:
None
CONSENT AGENDA:
CITY OF AMMON
BUSINESS LICENSE CONSENT AGENDA
Thursday February 21, 2008
License applications are pending in the City Office for the following:
GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE 2008:
1.NEWGENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION:
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A.McRabe, Silvia M. – Daycare Employee/Snake River Montessori – 2970 E. 1 Street
B.Dr. Kenneth Lindsey – Medical Office – 1619 Curlew Suite #4
C.Modern Woodmen – Finance – 1560 Midway #1
D.Premier Real Estate Group – Real Estate – 1619 Curlew
E.Vision Communications, Inc./Alltel – Cellular Phone Sales & Service – 1601 Midway
F.Mark Liebel Appraisals – Real Estate Appraisals – 1552 S. Midway Ave.
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G.Game World/Clark County True Value – Arcade – 2625 S. 25 E.
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H.Leatherby’s – Restaurant – 2489 S. 25 E.
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I.Porter, Teresa – Daycare Employee/Sunnyday’s Daycare – 4366 E. 17 Street
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J.King, Kami Jean – Daycare Employee/Snake River Montessori – 2970 E. 1 Street
2.RENEWALBUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION:
A.Perry, Jann – Commercial Kennel License – 3022 Fennec
HOME OCCUPATION PERMITS 2008:
1.NEW HOME OCCUPATION PERMITS:
A.Craftsman Refinishing – Construction – 3430 Rawson
B.Hendricks Hydroseed – Landscape/Hydroseeding – 5283 Tildy Lane
C.Treasure Denture & Ortho Lab – Dental Lab – 725 Tie Breaker
2.RENEWAL HOME OCCUPATION PERMITS:
A.Window’s Etc./Buckhouse, Craig – Window Coverings/Blinds – 3015 Fennec Lane
LIQUOR/BEER/WINE WITH GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE 2008:
1. RENEWAL LIQUOR/BEER/WINE WITH GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE:
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A.LeDoux, William – Bartender – 2891 S. 25 E.
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B.Anderson, Scott Wade – Bartender – 2891 S. 25 E.
MISC: MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT
1. RENEWAL MASSAGE LICENSE:
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A.Olson, Niketa – Massage Therapy – 1791 S. 25 E.
Councilmember Kirkham motioned to approve the Business License Consent Agenda as presented.
Councilmember Powell seconded. Roll call vote: Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes,
Councilmember Ellis – Yes, Councilmember Waite – Yes, and Councilmember Thompson – Yes. The motion
passed.
Council discussed what building(s) is/are cleaned by Ken. Lance to check and see if Ken cleans the Public Works dept.
Councilmember Powell inquired to Lance about the hydrogen peroxide for the lift station and if it is a monthly expense. Lance
explained the cost is for every two weeks. Councilmember Powell inquired how long we plan to do that for. Lance stated till
about the time the Regional Sewer Authority is up and running, he also explained during the summer it will probably be less than
two weeks. This is the best option for the time being.
Councilmember Waite motioned to approve the Accounts Payable. Councilmember Ellis seconded. Roll call vote:
Councilmember Waite – Yes, Councilmember Ellis – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, and
Councilmember Kirkham – Yes. The motion passed.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
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1. 2008-002C – Conditional Use Permit – 4381 S. 25 - Cell Tower Co-location and Variance Request to Title
X, Chapter 32, Communication Towers and Antennas:
Planning Director Ron Folsom explained there are two
City Council Minutes 02/21/2008 -- 2
issues we have to address. The two towers are the same, as far as requests, but the differences are on what will be
on the co-location. Ron explained if these towers were built at the time when we had this ordinance in place, there
would have been a hearing to determine whether we wanted co-locators and the quantity. These towers were
grandfathered in. We need to have hearings to make sure we want co-location on the tower. It was discussed there
can be several on one tower. Ron explained where this particular tower is located.
Ron explained the first question we need to address is whether we want co-location on this tower. It was
discussed it is zoned HC-1, the tower is 196 feet tall and it has three existing levels of antennas. He explained the
proposal requests two additional antennas and two back hall dishes. He explained that Digital Bridge is only
requesting a variance for the lower antenna. Councilmember Kirkham inquired to Council about having more co-
locators. Councilmember Thompson commented he would rather see one tower than four of them. Councilmember
Kirkham agreed. Ron mentioned that Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval for co-location.
Tom Hunsaker, Planning and Zoning, explained Planning and Zoning’s reason for request of approval.
Tom explained the tower is not conforming. Ron explained that is why there is a variance request. Council
discussed where Ammon has cell towers currently.
Ron Folsom explained this is a Type 4 tower, which means it does not meet the standards of the other types
of towers. He explained Item D, Type 4, number 3 – they are requesting that the antennas extend beyond the 18
inches since they need about 48 inches. We may need to change our ordinance since these types of antennas were
not created when the ordinance was written. Ron explained Item 2 on their letter of request. On 10-32-10 is the co-
location and on Item C it says we must build support buildings. They request not to build the building and use pre-
fab structures since there is no current building.
John Knapek, representing Digital Bridge, stated the cabinets are self-contained and a little larger than a
dorm size refrigerator and is usually placed at the base on a concrete pad or elevated on a galvanized platform. It is
no more than 7 feet tall. He explained this tower has 3 carriers currently and they each house their own carrier
needs. Crown Castle owns the tower. Ron explained the cabinet is only for that elevation of antennas.
Councilmember Thompson inquired how far down the antennas could go. John Knapek explained the lower they go
the less effective they become. John explained the cabinet will only be a few feet away. Ron explained they
requested to use conduit rather than going underground due to the concrete base.
Councilmember Powell asked for clarification from Mr. Knapek about how many antennas he would be
putting on the tower. John Knapek explained there would be four sets of antenna rays. He explained this will be for
service for Bridge Max customers. There is a 3-4 feet high chain-link fence. Council discussed an 8 foot fence.
Ron explained in the variance request it requires a muffler for a generator, but they will not have one so
they do not need a variance on this.
Tom Hunsaker talked about this type of tower would only be allowed in an industrial zone, but it is
grandfathered. Tom stated the weight of the conductors is what stops more co-location and five seems to be the max
amount. He talked about the frequencies and distances between them. Tom explained they did not have enough
information when P&Z met, which is why they suggested denial. He explained we now have the information we
need. Tom stated we prohibit fences in our ordinances, but this one needs a variance to have a fence.
Councilmember Powell inquired if the tower would fall on the home near it. Tom explained they collapse
rather than fall over.
Mayor Ard closed the public hearing. Councilmember Kirkham motioned to grant a Conditional Use
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Permit for 2008-002C for 4381 S. 25 for this cell tower to be a co-locator and as part of the Conditional Use Permit
we require that the 4 foot be removed and replaced with an 8 foot fence with privacy slats. The Conditional Use
Permit will be granted after the fence is in place. Councilmember Ellis seconded. Roll call vote: Councilmember
Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Ellis – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes, and
Councilmember Waite –Yes. The motion passed.
Councilmember Kirkham motioned to grant the variance request of Title X, Chapter 32 for the
communication towers and 48” antenna with regard to 10-32-17f, 10-32-6d, 10-32-14d, 10-32-10, and 10-32-10c.
Councilmember Powell seconded. Roll call vote: Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes,
Councilmember Thompson – Yes, Councilmember Waite – Yes, and Councilmember Ellis – Yes. The motion
passed.
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2. 2008-003C – Conditional Use Permit – 2593 E. 14 N. – Cell Tower Co-location and Variance Request to
Title X, Chapter 32, Communication Towers and Antennas:
Planning Director Ron Folsom explained where the
tower is located and the difference with this tower is the height and it has two co-locators. The request is to take it
to three co-locators.
Council discussed that they were okay with the co-locators since this will make the tower full. It was
discussed a mono pole would replace this pole after the users have become obsolete.
Council discussed the issues for the variance are the same as the first request.
Councilmember Powell inquired to John Knapek if these are the only two towers they are putting their stuff
on or are there others in Bonneville County. John introduced Donna Nimb who also works for Digital Bridge and
City Council Minutes 02/21/2008 -- 3
explained there are others in the Idaho Falls area but not Ammon. Donna explained where the other towers are. It
was discussed they did not need variance requests for those towers. Councilmember Powell inquired how long it
takes to put your equipment on the tower. John explained it takes about two weeks. Councilmember Powell
inquired if other companies can “piggy back” on their signal. John explained it is only for Digital Bridge.
Mayor Ard closed the public hearing. Councilmember Kirkham motioned to approve a Conditional Use
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Permit for 2008-003C for 2593 E. 14 North for this cell tower to be a co-locator on the condition that an 8 foot
fence with privacy slats replaces the 5 foot fence that is currently there. Councilmember Powell seconded. Roll call
vote: Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes,
Councilmember Waite – Yes, and Councilmember Ellis – Yes. The motion passed.
Councilmember Kirkham motioned to grant the variance request of Title X, Chapter 32 for the
communication towers and antenna with regard to 10-32-17f, 10-32-6d, 10-32-12d,10-32-14b, 10-32-10 and 10-32-
10c. Councilmember Ellis seconded. Roll call vote: Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Ellis – Yes,
Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – yes, and Councilmember Waite – Yes. The motion
passed.
PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA:
None
ACTION ITEMS
:
1. Action on Public Hearings:
It was discussed this was done in the public hearings. Leslie Folsom requested of
the Mayor concerning tower situation that when property is annexed in and there is a tower located on the premises,
she would like the City to request from the owner of the land the full documentation on the towers. She explained
she has spent a lot of time trying to find the owners of the towers to get the license fees, etc. Mayor Ard agreed.
2. Park Request – Smoke Free Zone – Mary Ann Brown Presentation:
Mary Ann Brown, 990 Stanger Ave.
Idaho Falls, stated she is a Health Education Specialist for the Eastern Idaho Public Health District and would like to
make a recommendation to the City of Ammon to make all city playground areas smoke free. She works as a
Tobacco Prevention Coordinator. She talked about the dangers of smoking. She stated we could provide 1) a clean,
safe environment, 2) a healthy environment, and 3) being good role models to our children by making the
playground areas smoke free. She talked about cigarette butts and the dangers of them being left on the ground. It
takes about 12 -22 years for a cigarette butt to decompose. She talked about the dangers of second hand smoke. She
explained if the City of Ammon decides to make the areas smoke free, the Health Department will help pay for your
signs and your posts. She stated they got an estimate from Sign Pro and the signs are $45 and the posts are $45.
The City would need to provide the labor for installation. She put two signs in their packet for review, as well as,
their Clean Air Policy. She gave the City the Rexburg ordinance for their smoke free parks and two other sample
policies. The Council can all her with any questions.
Councilmember Kirkham stated she liked the idea and the first thing they would have to do is to adopt it by
ordinance. Councilmember Powell recommended around the shelters and picnic areas also. Councilmember
Kirkham asked Ron to put together an ordinance. Councilmember Powell inquired what we do when someone is
smoking in a smoke free zone. Councilmember Kirkham stated Shawna will have to help enforce it.
Councilmember Powell inquired how many signs they would let us have. Mary stated they thought they would need
two to each park, but if you want it for other parts, she is not sure. Council talked about the State laws for public
places and being smoke free. Councilmember Kirkham stated we have 3 parks and ball diamonds. We could figure
out how many we need and then go to Mary and they can tell us what they are willing to pay for and then the City
will pick up the difference. Mary agreed. She stated they were estimating 18 signs. Ron will work with Ken to
determine how many we need. Lance talked about how to enforce the smoke free zones. It was discussed to give
out City of Ammon citations and have the signs state the ordinance number. Mary stated she would also talk to her
supervisor about an article in the paper to inform the public that the City is going smoke free. Mary will wait to
publish until the Ordinance is passed.
3. Preliminary Plat – Brogan Creek:
Planning Director Ron Folsom explained where the property is located and
there will eventually be a bridge over Tildy.
Alan Cunningham, 1020 Lincoln Road, explained at the time the bridge was figured at about $70,000 and
they escrowed $35,000. He explained when the bridge is ready to build they would estimate the cost and they would
donate the other half of that cost estimate. He would anticipate that if it is more, and the $35,000 has not generated
enough interest over the time period, then the City would probably pay for the rest. He explained at the time they
built the road to the canal, that is what they estimated it to cost. The road has been built only on one side to the
canal and stops (the Cottages side). The other side of the bridge has a road that is not put in yet and they don’t
anticipate it being in for a few years.
City Council Minutes 02/21/2008 -- 4
Ron explained there has been one approved plat. He explained the one without the church lot was
previously approved.
Alan explained back in 2005 this preliminary plat, of approx. 90 lots, was brought before City Council and
was approved. Nothing happened for awhile. In 2006, the P&Z Commission saw another plat, different than this
one, by another developer. It was recommended by Planning & Zoning, but did not go any further. He explained
under the ordinance, the preliminary plats are only good for one year unless you continue to do it at the division. He
explained the first one is not valid anymore. He explained they were approached by Ray Suitter and the LDS
Church has asked about purchasing some property on this site. They worked out multiple layouts and now they
need to run the preliminary plat by the City for approval.
Councilmember Kirkham inquired about the sewer usage. Lance explained churches are commercial, but
the lot that they take up balances out the difference. Lance explained this proposed development is less dense than
the numbers he put in his calculations. Councilmember Kirkham inquired about only being one access. Alan
explained Scott Tallman built a home where there was an access and Ray Suitter does not own that property. Lance
explained you only see one, but there are actually two with the Tilde Lane across the bridge. Councilmember
Kirkham stated she is not willing to pay for the cost of the bridge.
Councilmember Kirkham inquired about the pond size calculations. Alan explained he took the City of
Idaho Falls criteria of 1.3 inches of rain over the entire piece of property and then created a pond that would hold
this volume. There would be French drains for the positive outflow. Councilmember Powell inquired if that would
hold during a heavy snow fall when the snow melts. Lance explained it will hold what it was designed to hold. The
design study for Idaho Falls was done by CH2M Hill and it is designed to carry a certain storm event. If you have
two of those events in a row, it will not hold the water. Lance explained in a normal year, it should do just fine.
You cannot design it to hold everything.
Councilmember Kirkham inquired if they are aware that this is contingent upon when the water gets there.
Alan stated Ray Suitter is aware of that.
Alan explained where the accesses to the property are located and that there are accesses to Sunnyside
Road. Some are proposed future accesses through property that is not annexed or being proposed for development,
at the time, but there is one access now shown that will be developed with the property. Council talked about the
traffic on Sunnyside. Councilmember Kirkham inquired if the developer is willing to at least widen Sunnyside in
front of his property. Alan explained where the property fronts Sunnyside and there is very little to improve.
Councilmember Kirkham stated Suitter runs the length that is coming into Sunnyside and the idea is to have him
widen his section.
Council discussed how big the pond is and if there would be a park area. Councilmember Thompson stated
we calculated for every 1000 people you need 10 acres. It was discussed there should be a minimum of 2.5 acres for
a park. Councilmember Kirkham inquired if Suitter would be willing to put a park in. Alan stated the lots would
probably go smaller, but he does not know.
Alan explained what the request is for tonight. Councilmember Powell stated his concern is the bridge
being built without City funds. Council agreed. It was discussed we don’t address that in the preliminary plat, but
they want the developer to be aware of that. Councilmember Kirkham stated the bridge, Sunnyside Road, and a
park are issues. Alan inquired what size of park they would like to see. Ron stated that Ken made a request, if we
had any control, he would not like any parks that were less than 3 acres. Councilmember Kirkham stated they
would like to see a 4 -5 acre park.
Tom Hunsaker, Planning and Zoning, gave backgrounds on parks. He explained the national guidelines
state about 6.25 - 10 acres per 1000 people. Tom talked about dedicating a right-of-way for Sunnyside, the west
side of the property where Ray’s home is located, the terrain issues and where we could possibly punch roads.
Overall, they agreed to recommend the plat as presented.
Lance stated this is a preliminary plat and most likely they will not develop a final plat for the whole thing
but will come in pieces. The bridge part will probably not be in the first section. Alan explained where he
speculated where the first division would be. It was discussed they may require two accesses.
Council discussed we cannot pay for half of the bridge, but the developer will have to complete the bridge.
The amount we have collected was discussed. Discussion was that it was $35,000, but that number needs to be
verified. Councilmember Kirkham explained that we don’t have the money at this time to finish the bridge, so if the
developer wants it finished he is going to have to foot the bill. We will put the amount paid by The Cottages
developer towards the bridge. Alan explained that was not what was discussed a few years ago. Councilmember
Kirkham also stated that agreement was with the first preliminary plat that expired.
The responsibility of paying for the bridge was discussed. Councilmember Ellis inquired if the property
line runs down the center of the canal or does the canal company own the right-of-way. Alan stated he thinks it
would be depend on the deed of the description. The amount the City has collected can go towards the bridge plus
whatever interest was gained on the escrow account. Councilmember Kirkham stated he needs the second access
and it is not the City’s responsibility to get him the second access. Alan clarified what he needed to tell the
developer is that the bridge will need to be paid in full by the developer after the amount the City has been paid plus
City Council Minutes 02/21/2008 -- 5
interest is put into the project, Sunnyside Road widening, and a 4-5 acre park and for him to be aware of the water
situation.
Tom Hunsaker commented about pre-eminent domain with the bridge. Tom stated that the County requires
whoever the developer is that needs the bridge ahead of time, pays for all and it’s up to the developer to figure out
how to complete the project.
Councilmember Powell inquired about the church lot being 6.6 acres and if that is what they bid. Alan
explained they are trying to make them about 10% bigger. They are trying to get as much parking as they can and
acquire more land for it. This lot is a little bigger than normal for the stake center.
Councilmember Powell motioned to approve the Preliminary Plat for Brogan Creek with the request to
express the concerns for the bridge, Sunnyside Road, water, and a 4-5 acre park. Councilmember Ellis seconded.
Roll call vote: Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Ellis – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes,
Councilmember Waite – Yes, and Councilmember Kirkham – Yes. The motion passed.
4. Resolution 2008-001 Bill Prepayment Authorization:
Leslie explained this meets AIC rules. Leslie stated
Councilmember Bean and the AIC are satisfied with it.
Councilmember Kirkham motioned to approve Resolution 2008-001 Bill Payment Authorization, a
resolution authorizing the City Treasurer to pay certain vendors prior to submitting the bills to Council.
Councilmember Waite seconded. Roll call vote: Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Waite – Yes,
Councilmember Thompson – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, and Councilmember Ellis – Yes. The motion
passed.
DISCUSSION ITEMS
:
1. City of Idaho Falls Sewer Utility Rate Study (Lance):
Lance Bates gave copies of the study to each Council
member. Councilmember Powell inquired how long it took them to do the rate study. Lance stated he did not
know, he thinks about 3 months. Councilmember Powell inquired when the last time the fees were increased.
Lance stated he believes it was in 1998. Leslie stated she thought we had one a few years ago. Councilmember
Thompson agreed.
Lance asked Council to look at page 6-4 and inquired about the portion that is backed out, is the figure per
year or for 5 years. He inquired if it is per year of cost and we times it by 5 and run through the same formula – we
would actually pay less than we do now, if all of those amounts are five times what they are. It was discussed he
will ask Mr. Stanger about the costs. Councilmember Powell inquired if it is a 22% increase for five years, why
isn’t it prorated per year, why isn’t it 4-5% per year. Lance explained what they told him in the presentation was
that this year they need the 22% increase to keep up with costs. Councilmember Powell commented it seems like
we are paying for past. Lance explained this is somewhat what is happening. Without a rate increase every year,
you are paying for past stuff. Councilmember Powell inquired if we they will allow us to pay a 4-5% increase each
year for 5 years. Lance stated he will have to go back and see what they say. It was discussed to get it locked in for
5 years. Lance will try to set up a meeting with them soon. Councilmember Powell inquired if there is an
agreement. It is a memorandum of understanding. Councilmember Powell stated he thought we should have a
contract. Councilmember Kirkham stated they can’t have a contract due to future Councils and not being able to
bind them. Councilmember Powell inquired how we could lock the 22% into five years. Mayor Ard stated last time
they had a significant increase he asked for their books but never saw them; however, they did give a decrease in the
amount.
2. Kunzler Shutoff (Leslie/Lance):
Lance explained they have placed a vehicle over the top of the meter pit. He
needs authorization to tow that vehicle, so they can get to the meter. Councilmember Kirkham stated to go ahead.
Councilmember Powell inquired if we have legal authorization to do that. Scott Hall said we have the legal right to
do it. We have already notified them with a letter. They have not paid for a year. Councilmember Powell suggested
we have the Bonneville County Sheriff present. It was discussed whether or not we need a judgment to do it. It was
discussed to have Scott write a second letter. Leslie stated these guys found out we could not shut them off, so they
planted a vehicle over top of the line where we have to go to get a shut off on it so that we could not get to it. We
have sued them and taken them to collections, they have ignored it all. Ron explained we do not have anything in
the ordinance. Councilmember Kirkham suggested not taking the vehicle, but moving it. Ron stated we could have
this is ordinance for the next meeting. Council agreed. Councilmember Kirkham stated we need to go ahead and
tow the car when the weather permits.
3. Well 10 Financing and Scope of Work (Ray):
Councilmember Ellis explained Well 10 falls outside of our
water bond project. Councilmember Ellis stated because it is a water project, we can pay for it up front out of the
water bond money. When we fall short on the water project, then we take out of our funds to make up for it. He
explained we are making 5-6% interest and paying 3.5% on the water bond. Lance stated he talked to DEQ today,
City Council Minutes 02/21/2008 -- 6
and Well 10 was submitted to them back in August of 2006. They did initially approve it, and then had to revise it
to go back in 2007 and that set was not approved due to technical issues and because it is under protest. Lance
explained Willy was not aware that the engineering side of DEQ had looked at this and come close to approval.
Lance stated he should have the plans and specs on his desk tomorrow and they will submit that same set to DEQ.
Lance will be able to go out to bid in the meantime. Councilmember Ellis inquired about the scope of work for Well
10. Lance stated IDWR does not care if we put the building around it; however, if we put the building around it and
the things don’t get addressed through the legal process, they will pour cement down the hole. Lance stated he will
be bidding in two separate portions. He will try to lock people into a contract price, as much as he can. Lance
explained they have changed the regulations on the expedited well drill and it is now 30 days that he has to be on
site drilling after receiving the permit.
4. Misc.:
Councilmember Ellis commented about our equipment not being heavy enough for snow removal. He
has talked to people with the proper equipment. Winter is their off season and they would put together a proposal
that will put 1-2 pieces of equipment out here for a nominal fee and then we are charged by the hour for actual
usage. He explained the City of Ashton has done this in the past. They will bring a proposal this fall. Lance
explained they would need a proposal sooner, in order to get it included in the budget. Lance stated with the
proposals he would like to see some training included and if the equipment breaks down, it would be replaced by the
same type to avoid further training. Lance would like to send Council out with the snow plows next year to get an
idea of what they face. Lance talked about the ruts in the roads.
Councilmember Kirkham explained she has narrowed the insurance prospects down to three brokers. She
thinks it would be appropriate to have them come to a work session and make their presentations and then we can
decide who we would like to go with. It was discussed to give them a 15 minute time limit and to stagger them. She
explained our current provider is included in the three prospects. Councilmember Kirkham inquired about Larry
Hanks who does our flex plan and dental and what our connection is to him. She inquired to Mayor Ard if he could
sign the paperwork, so we can get them all under the same agent.
Councilmember Kirkham commented about the prospect of a full time Mayor and perhaps putting it to an
advisory vote in November. If we are going to do that, we are approaching the time frame to start the paper work.
She is not opposed to the advisory vote, we need to make a decision either to have a full time Mayor, a part-time
Mayor and city administrator, or AIC come talk to us about a City Manager type of government. She explained
there are two cities in Idaho under that format; Twin Falls is one of them. If AIC is going to talk to us, we need to
schedule by April. If we are going to do an advisory vote, we need to do that by June. Councilmember Ellis
inquired to Mayor Ard what his thoughts were. Mayor Ard stated when we hired a City Administrator; he thought
we were moving in the right direction. However, the problems that have occurred have caused him to have some
hesitancy. Councilmember Kirkham talked about the problems with having a full-time Mayor. The Mayor could
have more administrative duties and could spend more. Council talked about pros and cons of having a full time
Mayor. Councilmember Ellis inquired what the drawbacks of what we are doing now. Councilmember Kirkham
stated she thinks accountability is the main concern. We really need someone here that can make a decision. It was
discussed a City Manager or Administrator could make more decisions, but not all. Leslie talked about the cross
checks with financial problems. Ron Folsom commented on the way we do it now, but he feels there are very few
times he cannot make a decision for their department. He likes the way it works now. Ron explained the
management staff meets now, too. Councilmember Kirkham talked about the head of the City to be at events and
people like to see a Mayor.
Councilmember Powell inquired if the selections are done for the advisory council. Councilmember
Kirkham stated she has Councilmember Powell’s names, Councilmember Thompson’s names, Councilmember
Waite’s names and her own; but does not have Councilmember Bean’s and Councilmember Ellis’s names.
Leslie stated she has a mission statement from the management staff and presented a copy of what the
management feels the City is trying to accomplish. Council stated it is very well done. Leslie stated they are
meeting every week. Leslie would like to get some bids to have a plaque made to be put out by Council’s pictures.
Council agreed.
Ron Folsom talked about LID information. The Council had talked about having someone come over and
explain LIDs. He called them and it would be in excess of $2000 for them to come over here for an hour. He
figured we would not want to spend that. It is $200 per hour from the time they leave Boise to the time they get
home plus expenses. Ron also suggested we could do a conference call. The LID group suggested a couple of
council members and staff only, so there are not too many people. Councilmember Kirkham suggested sending a
couple of council members to her. It was discussed face-to-face is so much better. It was decided to do the
conference call and have Lance, Ron, Mayor Ard, and Ray at the conference call. Councilmember Powell stated he
has one concern about the LID. He inquired why we could not do a bond for roads. Mayor Ard stated it would have
to be levy. Councilmember Kirkham stated the bonding for roads is not a bad idea; the voter fatigue is the one
problem, however, people talked about the roads being the major problem in our city. We would need to get on this
now so it can be on the November ballot. We would need to prioritize and list what we plan to fix. There needs to
City Council Minutes 02/21/2008 -- 7
be a list of road projects and a completion date for each one. Councilmember Powell talked about the cost to fix the
roads. It was discussed we should know about the local option sales tax before November but the Council feels a
bond would be more fair and equitable. Council talked about the water bonds and if you can figure them by district.
Councilmember Ellis motioned to adjourn to executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 67-2345(f).
Councilmember Powell seconded. All in favor, the motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 10:35 p.m.
___________________________________________
C. Bruce Ard, Mayor
______________________________________
Leslie Folsom, City Clerk
City Council Minutes 02/21/2008 -- 8