02182010CouncilMinutes
CITY OF AMMON
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010
AGENDA:
CITY OF AMMON
2135 SOUTH AMMON ROAD
AMENDED
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2010 – 7:30 P.M.
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Steven Fuhriman at 7:30 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance – Councilmember Powell
Prayer – Councilmember Slack
MINUTES:
Jan. 7, 2010*
ITEMS FROM MAYOR:
Office
CONSENT AGENDA:
Business License*
Accounts Payable – Exhibit A
ITEMS FOR/FROM TREASURER:
IRS Ruling – Firefighters*
PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA:
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2010-002 Utility Rates and City Fee Proposed Changes*
ACTION ITEMS:
1.Resolution 2010-002 – Utility Rates*
2.Resolution 2010-003 – Elevation Certificates, Copies, Faxes*
3.Resolution 2010-004 – Park and Council Chamber Use Fees*
4.Resolution 2010-005 – Fire Department Permit & Licensing Fees*
5.Ammon Park Center – Final Plat Division #4*
6.Hawks Landing Exhibit B - Addendum to Master Plan for Single Level Homes (Ron)
7.Employee HRA (Dana/Jennifer)*
8.Google Fiber Application (Powell/Bruce)*
9.Parks and Recreation Software Approval (Ken/Bruce/Jennifer)*
10.Disc Golf Woodland Hills Agreement Authorization and Mayor’s Signature (Ken)*
11. Solar Panel Grant
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1.Hillcrest Storm Water Retention Pond (Lance)*
2.Misc.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
1.Personnel Evaluations - Idaho Code 67-2345 (1-b) (Lance)
2.Real Property Acquisitions - Idaho Code 67-2345 (1-c) (Leslie/Scott)
3.Pending Litigation - Idaho Code 67-2345 (1-f) (Scott/Leslie/Jennifer/Lance)
MINUTES
City Officials Present:
Mayor Steve Fuhriman
Councilmember Lee Bean
Councilmember Rex Thompson
Councilmember Dana Kirkham (arrived at 7:40 p.m.)
Councilmember Brian Powell
Councilmember Sean Coletti
Councilmember Russell Slack (via phone at 7:55 p.m.)
City Attorney Scott Hall
City Clerk Leslie Folsom
City Engineer Lance Bates
Council Minutes 2-18-10 Page 1 of 10
City Planner Ron Folsom
City Treasurer Jennifer Belfield
City Officials Absent:
None
Mayor Fuhriman opened the meeting at 7:30 p.m. at the City Office Building located at 2135 South
Ammon road. Councilmember Powell led the Pledge of Allegiance and Councilmember Coletti, due to
Councilmember Slack joining later via phone, offered the prayer. Mayor Fuhriman informed the citizens that they
needed to fill out the hearing forms, in order to have an opportunity to offer testimony.
MINUTES
: Jan. 7, 2010*: Councilmember Bean motioned to approve the minutes of Jan. 7, 2010, as
presented. Councilmember Powell seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Bean – Yes, Councilmember Powell
– Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes, and Councilmember Coletti – Yes. The motion passed.
ITEMS FROM MAYOR:
Mayor’s Office: Mayor Steve Fuhriman brought up the topic of the Mayor’s
Office. He advised the council he has been in the office from 9 am to 11 am every day that he has not had
appointments. Councilmember Bean said he doesn’t have a problem with it, as long as, other City officials still
have permission to use it as a conference room or for meetings. Mayor Fuhriman would also like to label it as the
Mayor’s office. Councilmember Powell said he thinks that would be great. Fire Chief Stacy Hyde said the fire
station also has office space for the staff and Council’s use, if needed.
CONSENT AGENDA:
CITY OF AMMON
BUSINESS LICENSE CONSENT AGENDA
Thursday February 18, 2010
License applications, carrying the required documents, pending approval of the City Council:
GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE:
1.NEWGENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION:
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A.Wilde, Tessa – Daycare Employee/Nana’s Daycare – 2660 E. 1 Street
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B.Gold’s Gym/Teton Fitness, LLC – Fitness Center – 3135 E. 17 Street
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C.Dollar Cuts – Salon – 1791 S. 25 E.
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D.Elk Meadows Construction Co., LLC – Construction – 2631 E. 14 N.
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E.Konishi, Teresa – Daycare Employee/Lighthouse Montessori – 2664 E. 1 Street
2.RENEWALBUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION:
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A.Ecowater of S.E. Idaho – Water Treatment & Purification – 3300 E. 17 Street
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B.Mortgage Connection – Finance – 3040 E. 17 Street, Suite #2
C.Wally’s Auto Care – Automotive Repair - 1608 Midway
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D.Shear Necessity – Salon – 3160 E. 17 Street, Suite #140 (Formerly C.J. Scizzors)
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E.Ojeda, Rosa L. – Daycare Employee/Snake River Montessori – 2970 E. 1 Street
HOME OCCUPATION PERMITS:
1.NEW HOME OCCUPATION PERMITS:
A.Citrus Grove Counseling/Waters-Hicken, Jana – Counseling – 2880 Sawtooth
2.RENEWAL HOME OCCUPATION PERMITS:
A.Arguello, Stephanie – Daycare/Maximum Children (5) – 1129 Curlew Drive
LIQUOR/BEER/WINE WITH GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE:
1.NEW LIQUOR/BEER/WINE WITH GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE:
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A.El Molcajete – Restaurant/Beer & Wine Sale on Premise – 939 S. 25 E
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B.Larsen, Mitch – Bartender/T.G.I. Friday’s – 2665 S. 25 E.
2.RENEWAL LIQUOR/BEER/WINE WITH GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE:
Council Minutes 2-18-10 Page 2 of 10
A.Maverick Stores, Inc. #385 – Retail Sales/Beer & Wine Sales off Premise – 1663 N. Ammon Rd.
Business License*: Councilmember Bean motioned to approve the Consent Agenda Business
License, as presented. Councilmember Coletti seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Bean – Yes,
Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, and Councilmember Thompson – Yes. The motion
passed.
Accounts Payable – Exhibit A: Councilmember Bean asked Leslie how often we are billed for
dispatch services. Jennifer said we are billed twice per year. Councilmember Powell asked Jennifer if the amount
has been consistent. Jennifer will check on that for him. Councilmember Powell asked Jennifer about the invoice
from The City of Shelley. Jennifer explained that this is what we owe RSCI for Regional Sewer work. The City of
Shelley has a contract with RSCI, while we do not, so the City of Shelley reimburses RSCI and the City has to
reimburse the City of Shelley.
Councilmember Bean motioned to approve Accounts Payable – Exhibit A, as presented. Councilmember
Powell seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Bean – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember
Coletti – Yes, and Councilmember Thompson – Yes. The motion passed.
Councilmember Kirkham arrived after the vote at 7:40 p.m.
ITEMS FOR/FROM TREASURER:
IRS Ruling – Firefighters*: Jennifer gave the Council the background
on the IRS Ruling. Firefighters were not compensated for several years until 2006/2007 and at this time a small
amount was given to express gratitude for their job. In 2006, they were paid as employees and then in 2008 it was
changed to a stipend. In 2008, they received a 1099 and W2, but in 2009 they received a 1099 only. The IRS has
ruled that everyone in 2008 and 2009 needs to have back monies paid now and if taken care of right away, then the
penalties, etc. will be minimized. She is proposing to reclassify all volunteers to employees now, with the total
coming to $12,460. Leslie advised the Council that it wasn’t budgeted for. Councilmember Bean asked if this was
for both the volunteer’s contribution and the City’s contribution. Jennifer said yes. Jennifer said we have to treat
our firefighters as employees. Jennifer said she could try a rebuttal, but wanted to know where the Council wanted
her to go. Councilmember Thompson stated he would like Jennifer to investigate it further. Councilmember Powell
said the safest way is to withhold the tax. Councilmember Bean asked Jennifer to call the IRS. You will have to
create new W2’s for 2009, since it is being paid in this year. Councilmember Bean said he feels better taking care of
the matter. He recommended and made the proposal to pay the money. Council concurred. Jennifer will get Leslie
a copy of the amounts, without social security numbers listed on it.
PUBLIC COMMENT REGARDING ITEMS NOT ON AGENDA:
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2010-002 Utility Rates and City Fee Proposed Changes*: Councilmember Slack
joined the hearing at 7:55 pm via phone. Mayor Fuhriman read the procedurals for the public hearing. Three letters
were submitted, prior to the hearing, from the EIHBA (Eastern Idaho Home Builders Association) and entered into
record.
Ron addressed the Council and stated an equivalent residential unit (ERU) will be used, in the future,
for utility rates. The sewer ERU rate will go from $31 to $42. He preceded going over the various figures for
commercial, professional business, industrial rates, and schools. The other fees that will be changed are deposit
fees, disconnect/reconnection fees, a new other equipment fee, a lower City connection fee, and a new Eastern Idaho
Regional Waste Water Authority (EIRWWA) connection fee. Late fees will be increased from 50 cents to $1.00 per
month.
Lance explained that he, Leslie and Kevin have been working on the structure for the ERU’s using
National and Idaho waste-water standards. He explained the $42 consists of $9 to EIRWWA for the treatment, and
the balance of $31 to the City for the capital equipment, manpower, and operation and maintenance required by our
own system.
Kevin Harris of Forsgren Associates, stated they looked at all the different rules that normalize
various sources of waste to equivalent ERU’s including the concentration of pollutants (such as dark matter) or
strength of the water. As an example, movie theaters produce a stronger strength and have to be normalized to a
Council Minutes 2-18-10 Page 3 of 10
flow standard. They have always gone to the low end of the strength range to be conservative. Lance stated this fits
within our existing structure.
Ron Poulson, 4941 Brennan Bend stated when we voted on the bond we were told the final rate
would be $35 and now it’s going up by $11 bringing it to $42. He said he is worried about the current economy
where a lot of people in apartments and on fixed incomes are already living at (the end of) their means.
Rob Phillips, 6081 Founders Point testified from a building standpoint and someone who wants to
build in Ammon. Everyone is in tough times and when new fees are created it makes it tougher. They have cut all
the items they can, in order to continue keeping the industry going. He wants to know that the City of Ammon has
also done everything that can be done to keep costs down.
Rob Jagelski, 4773 Ladyhawk said he would like to know why we left Idaho Falls, thus making it
more expensive than it used to be. Councilmember Kirkham said in some regards, we are looking to be in control
of our own destiny and Idaho Falls is looking at improvements which the Council believes will make their rates
closer to what ours will be.
Ben Patterson, 3110 Molen stated he has concerns with deposit increases. It is difficult to have
renters when the deposit hits them so hard. He wondered when the City set this rate, if we remembered to back out
the fees we have been paying Idaho Falls.
Councilmember Bean explained a portion of the fee will repay the bond. Councilmember Powell asked
when the last time was that the sewer fee was raised. Jennifer thought it was in 2005. Ron confirmed it was
October of that year. Councilmember Powell pointed out that Ammon’s population doubled and the fees are not
rolling year after year. The City has built the facility to be able to control our own destiny, control our own growth,
and build our own homes without being at the mercy of a third party. This is also enabling us to prosper in the
future. Every bit of fat has been cut out of this. For now a ¾ time employee will run the plant. He welcomed the
audience to go through the plant to see how efficient the system is.
Mark Chapman, 1175 Jackson Drive showed the Council the original brochure given when the
project was started, which projected a $35 rate. He stated the Idaho Falls plant itself is a regional plant and we only
have to pay $31 to use it. He felt the Shelley plant will cost more, because it serves a smaller population. He asked
if we truly knew all the costs required to run the Idaho Falls plant, versus the Shelley plant. He stated the EIRWWA
board is in charge, not the Ammon City Council and he didn’t feel that $42 will be the end of the rate increases.
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Blake Jones, 3333 E. 65 South represented the Eastern Idaho Home Builders Association (EIHBA).
He stated their biggest concern was the increase to $3600 for the connection fee and its impact on builders. It will
probably force them to look elsewhere to build. He doesn’t feel he can sustain it.
Scott Hall said you referred to it as an impact fee and you may feel it’s an impact in your industry, but it’s
different from a true impact fee, as defined by State statute, which requires legislative action from the Council. The
Council was very careful determining the value of the system and thus the cost, paid through the service connection
fee to buy into the capital investment of that facility itself, as opposed to a true impact fee.
Jay Johnson, 2125 Cabellaro Drive said he read on the City web page that tonight’s hearing was to
consider raising the fees, but he feels the determination has already been made. He called people in his
neighborhood and no one had heard of it. During the political campaigns the candidates stated they want to make
everyone aware, but this has not been done. Councilmember Kirkham said that’s why we have a public hearing and
a public hearing implies that a decision has not yet been made.
Greg Hanson, 5699 Veil, said some decisions have already been made. The regional facility is being
built. He represents three different groups, EIHBA, Rockwell and himself as a resident of the City of Ammon.
Through EIHBA, Greg was heavily involved in IBSD with their rate increase and some of the items that are
presented here are familiar. He read the letter from EIHBA stating they feel this is an impact fee. IBSD had also
proposed a connection fee that EIHBA considered to be an impact fee, until IBSD conducted a second study that
showed a different, lower cost. EIHBA will look at this heavily and they will take those steps needed to be sure this
is done right.
Greg stated Rockwell Homes has pulled 30% of all home permits issued by Ammon for single family
dwellings. Rockwell now builds exclusively in the County – Ammon currently is the most expensive place to build
in by at least $1000 more. Scott Hall, Councilmember Kirkham and Councilmember Bean all said that money all
comes back over the following years through Ammon’s low levy rate. Greg responded Ammon fees add up to 20%
to 25% more than any other jurisdiction in the area. “If Ammon wants growth, then you are shooting yourselves in
the foot.” Councilmember Bean stated if you are basing your house cost solely on connection fees, then you are
Council Minutes 2-18-10 Page 4 of 10
missing an opportunity. Greg explained “today customers care about only one thing: cost - even $100 makes or
breaks a home sale”. Councilmember Kirkham asked, “What do you suggest? This rate includes a $2,000,000
subsidy from Ammon reserves”. Leslie stated that Bonneville County is part of the regional sewer and will also be
going to this connection rate. Greg said that Idaho Falls has the lowest rates. Councilmember Bean said there were
multiple issues when we went this direction. The City of Ammon was told in front of multiple witnesses that Idaho
Falls would not renew the contract in 2012, so we had to build the plant. Greg said he understands there needs to be
an increase. The EIHBA has not been included in determining, nor shown the figures and they would like to see
them, to see if they are in line. Greg suggested a graduated increase, which is something the builders can plan for.
The developer put infrastructure in place and gives it to the City. Councilmember Kirkham said the graduated
increase was discussed and feels the proposed flat increase is one that will be stable for a significant amount of time
(hopefully 20 years). Do you continue a graduated increase and have this public hearing every two years until you
get to the end or do you just bite it off once and say this is horrible, we hate it, let’s air the dirty laundry and move
on and let’s not have this discussion again for another 20 years. Greg said you are going to stop growth in the City.
Councilmember Bean stated we want development and you earn your money back when you sell the homes. Greg
said it’s a risk we take when we build the homes. He asked why the two charges. Scott Hall said the $2600 fee is to
buy into the portion of the system owned by EIRWWA and the $1000 is to buy into the portion of the system owned
by Ammon. A portion also pays for the bond. This is the first regional system in the State of Idaho.
Councilmember Powell asked him what the advantage of building in the City would be. Greg hesitated. He said in
the past the fees were in line, the lower tax, a nice area and close to Idaho Falls, but over the past few years all the
fees have gone up. Greg said the fees are $1850 in IBSD. Councilmember Bean said land prices were cheaper in
the County, which is why you built there, not because of the difference in connection fees. Councilmember Bean
stated there was $400 difference in connection fees between Falls Water/IBSD and Ammon. Greg said the building
fees are approx. $1000 higher and with this increase the difference, he feels, will be over $3000. A discussion also
ensued about the fees of the Rockwell owned Falls Water, where Greg explained Falls Water has desired to raise
their rates, but has not been permitted to do so by the Public Utilities Commission. He would like to recommend a
graduated fee. Council discussed how this has been discussed in open sessions for the past year.
Paul Johnson, 4650 E. Majestic View Drive, stated that Idaho Falls is less expensive with their
upfront fees and they provide more services. Councilmember Kirkham said they have four times the tax levy, which
is why they can provide the services. Paul asked if the hearing was posted on the statements. Leslie stated it was
not, but it has been posted in the office and twice in the newspaper. Paul asked how many years the City will be
paying for this. Councilmember Bean stated the bond repayment is for 20 years. The projections for growth are 3 to
5% to meet this goal. Paul asked how long this system is good for. Councilmember Thompson said 100 years.
Councilmember Kirkham said DEQ regulates the time for repayment.
Donna Hanson, 3175 Midway said that the citizens of Ammon do not know of the increase. It is
tough to be hit with this out of the blue. You will have a lot of people come in, when the increase appears on the
bill. Councilmember Kirkham stated a notice needs to be added to the utility bills for a couple of months before the
increase goes into effect.
Alan Casoh, 2395 Cabellaro said he moved here in 1995 and has been in the rental business ever
since. He asked how the disconnection/reconnection fees occur. Leslie explained that it is an average of the costs
we typically run into. It includes the cost of sending the notice, sending crews out, finding the shutoff valve and so
on. She also explained it is up to the landowner to decide whether to pay the disconnect/reconnect fees or to pay the
utility bills for empty units. Alan said those who are on social security didn’t get a cost of living raise this year; in
fact they got a decrease. It is going to put a bind on a lot of people.
Tom Hunsaker, 2925 Carolyn Lane said when this was started it was mentioned that we needed to
raise the rates step by step each year, but the City didn’t remember to do this, so now they have to be raised all at
once. By graduating the fee now we would be under collecting at first, so the final fee would have to be even higher
than the one proposed to make up the difference. If the City doesn’t charge the amount proposed for the connection
fee, the City won’t be able to allow any more connections to the system, because the City won’t have a way to meet
the bills. The EIHBA written testimony showed that every time you build a home or business it has a trickledown
effect that helps the economy. Tom said this is wonderful, but it doesn’t help with the sewer system. He compared
this to a similar situation 20 years ago when people were buying big satellite dishes and they bought the equipment
of dish system for $3000 and then realized they have to pay additional fees for services such as HBO. None of the
fees paid for the satellite dish system went to HBO and none of the fees paid to HBO went to the big dish dealers.
The cost of building a house and its sewer lines in the subdivision is like buying a big satellite dish. All costs
Council Minutes 2-18-10 Page 5 of 10
incurred in some way are directly related to the house. The cost of building and maintaining the sewer trunk lines
and treatment plant is like paying for programming services such as HBO. None of the construction costs go
towards the trunk lines or treatment center, nor do any of the trickledown dollars. They are two separate items and
each has to be covered. He stated Scott covered impact fees very well. It is very clear in the State statute that
connection fees are not allowed to be included for impact. If you have to put in a septic tank including the drainage
field, what’s the cost for that? The City is not out of line. There are programs that the State has for low income to
help them. Idaho Falls is going to have to fix their system and their fees will be going up. He is in favor because
what else can we do.
Brad Pickett, 4138 Tawzer Way said he has been in Ammon for 40 years. We are experiencing the
growth pains. He would like to make some observations as a citizen, but also as a realtor – he likes the graduated
scale and a reminder to the people they will have an increase. The word on the street is that there is some fat in this
building. The building department handled 50 permits and does it warrant the full department? He feels that buying
in Ammon will come to a screeching halt with this increase. He said the houses he is selling in Ammon are
consistently going for less than their assessed tax value. Councilmember Kirkham said the costs are here now, we
are already depleting reserves to provide the proposed rate and how can we make up the difference with a graduated
approach. Because we have no other source of funds left, the problem with the gradual approach is this would make
the end rate much higher. Brad said he is not here to oppose it, but wanted to make the Council aware of some
issues. Leslie said the valuation of taxes was done in Ammon two years ago, before the drop in market and they
look at them every five years. Brad stated Idaho Falls has been re-assessed since the drop and an Idaho Falls house
now has the same tax valuation as an Ammon house.
Mayor Fuhriman closed the hearing. Councilmember Kirkham said the Council has looked at the
numbers and sees no harm in having more public input and sharing the studies with the Home Builders Association,
with Rockwell and whoever would like to look at them. She would like the Council to put this off a month,
announce the next public hearing on the billing statements, and hold additional discussions at another work session.
Councilmember Powell requested the spreadsheet with the figures from Lance. Kevin will furnish the Council with
the $2600 breakdown and the ERU spreadsheet. Councilmember Powell said they have to make sure that the
citizens understand we aren’t subsidizing businesses, etc. with their fees.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Resolution 2010-002 – Utility Rates*:
Councilmember Bean motioned to table 2010-002 and hold
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another public hearing on March 18. Councilmember Powell seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Bean –
Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Slack – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes,
Councilmember Coletti – Yes, and Councilmember Kirkham – Yes. The motion passed.
2. Resolution 2010-003 – Elevation Certificates, Copies, and Faxes*:
Councilmember Bean
motioned to accept Resolution 2010-003 – Elevation Certificates, Copies, and Faxes, as presented. Councilmember
Powell seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Bean – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember
Coletti – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes, Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, and Councilmember Slack – Yes.
The motion passed.
3. Resolution 2010-004 – Park and Council Chamber Use Fees*:
The Council confirmed that non-
profits will not be charged for the use of the Council Chamber. Ron stated that is correct.
Councilmember Bean motioned to accept Resolution 2010-004 – Park and Council Chamber Use Fees, as
presented. Councilmember Kirkham seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Bean – Yes, Councilmember
Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes,
and Councilmember Slack – Yes. The motion passed.
4. Resolution 2010-005 – Fire Department Permit & Licensing Fees*:
Ron went over the issues that
are being changed. In summation, businesses pay according to square footage. Stacy said it will come into play
with four-plexes or townhomes with 8 or 12 units. Councilmember Bean asked the homebuilders if they are ok with
this. The group stated they were. Stacy stated his concern is to help cover costs for the services the Fire Department
provides.
Council Minutes 2-18-10 Page 6 of 10
Councilmember Kirkham motioned to approve Resolution 2010-005 – Fire Department Permit & Licensing
Fees, as presented. Councilmember Powell seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Kirkham – Yes,
Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Slack – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember
Thompson – Yes, and Councilmember Bean – Yes. The motion passed.
5. Ammon Park Center – Final Plat Division #4*:
Ron said the property is directly west of Ace
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Hardware. The entrance from 17 Street will be moved to the west, so the offset from Cabellaro Drive will be
greater. This property would include a 66 foot right of way dedicated for a roadway. Councilmember Powell asked
why this was done. Ron said the developer had agreed to do this at a past date. The farmers market will be moved
from this location this year. Councilmember Bean asked what was going in. Ron said it is an L shaped retail center
building of 11,000 sq. ft. with up to 7 divisions in it. They are negotiating with a restaurant. There is a turn out to
the current driveway we will have the developer remove and replace with curb and gutter when they put the new
street in. Lance said we will have them remove the entire old driveway.
Councilmember Kirkham motioned to approve Ammon Park Center – Final Plat Division #4, subject to
engineer approval. Councilmember Bean seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Kirkham – Yes,
Councilmember Bean – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes, Councilmember Slack – Yes, Councilmember
Coletti – Yes, and Councilmember Powell – Yes. The motion passed.
Councilmember Bean asked if there would be a cross access agreement. Ron said yes. Councilmember
Slack asked if Action Items 9 and 10 could be moved up for his participation, since his battery was giving out on his
cell phone and he won’t be able to participate for the entire meeting. Council concurred.
6. Hawks Landing Exhibit B - Addendum to Master Plan for Single Level Homes (Ron):
Councilmember Slack left the meeting. Councilmember Kirkham motioned to approve Hawks Landing Exhibit B –
Addendum to Master Plan for Single Level Homes, as presented. Councilmember Coletti seconded. Roll Call Vote:
Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes, Councilmember
Powell – Yes, and Councilmember Bean – Yes. The motion passed.
7. Employee HRA (Dana/Jennifer)*:
Councilmember Kirkham motioned to table the HRA, until next
Council meeting. Councilmember Bean seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Kirkham – Yes,
Councilmember Bean – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes, and Councilmember
Powell – Yes. The motion passed.
8. Google Fiber Application (Powell/Bruce)*:
Councilmember Powell said this will be privately
funded. Bruce Patterson, System Administrator stated that Google submitted a request for information from
communities, whether the community consists of citizens or of municipalities, as an experiment to demonstrate what
can be done with this type of network, to get the best bang for their buck. He asked whether the City would be
willing to appoint someone to be a point of contact. Councilmember Kirkham said it should be Bruce himself.
Councilmember Powell said no funds are being committed – it’s just a Request for Information and if they select us,
it will be brought back to the Council.
Councilmember Bean motioned to make Bruce Patterson the point of contact for the Google Fiber
Application. Councilmember Powell seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Bean – Yes, Councilmember
Powell – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes, and Councilmember Kirkham –
Yes. The motion passed.
Councilmember Powell wanted Bruce to send the previous study that was done to the Council.
9. Parks and Recreation Software Approval (Ken/Bruce/Jennifer)*:
Ken Knoch, Parks Director
presented the Council with the ways he would pay for the software. The Parks and Recreation budget category
“new capital outlay” has a $13,000 budget, from which he would take half of the cost for the software. The other
half would be taken out of the budget for a new roof for the pool. The expense for this year with the software is
$7612.50 and it would be covered through his budget.
Councilmember Kirkham motioned to continue securing the contract for the recreational software, and to
table this item until the contract is secured and presented. Councilmember Powell seconded. Roll Call Vote:
Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember
Thompson, Councilmember Slack – Yes, and Councilmember Bean – Yes. The motion passed.
Council Minutes 2-18-10 Page 7 of 10
10. Disc Golf Woodland Hills Agreement Authorization and Mayor’s Signature (Ken)*:
Ken stated
the water issues are done in the Woodland Hills Park. We need to have a professional design the disc golf course.
We have had Jon Lyksett perform some of this work and now would like to put him on retainer. The total cost for
the project will be $50,000; including Jon’s fee of $5000. The Parks Department desires to pay for the entire project
through fundraisers. The cost to both pay Jon for his work to date and to put him on retainer will be $1000. If Ken
doesn’t get enough fundraising money, this will be the total amount the City will have to pay for Jon’s services. As
work progresses, the retainer will be drawn from the $3000 currently in the Woodland Hills Park donation. The
remaining $2000 will be due at the completion of the project and will be drawn from new donations. Ken won’t
start the project, until he has the entire $50,000 in hand.
Councilmember Kirkham motioned to approve the $5000 expenditure for Disc Golf Woodland Hills
Agreement Authorization and Mayor’s Signature, subject to review by the City attorney. Councilmember Bean
seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Bean – Yes, Councilmember
Thompson – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes, and Councilmember Slack – Yes.
The motion passed.
11.
Solar Panel Grant: Councilmember Bean doesn’t want solar panels on the ground. Councilmember
Powell said its federal money and he doesn’t want to waste the money. Mayor Fuhriman read a statement that
Jackson officials, according to the paper this morning, received about $708,000. We are looking at $200,000 in
federal stimulus grants. Councilmember Coletti said there’s no question others are doing it, but we need more
discussion. Councilmember Kirkham asked who is in support of the solar panels. Councilmember Thompson said
yes, if it’s just solar panels. Councilmember Bean said he has a problem with what the City is doing with solar
panels, as far as cost and where to put them. Councilmember Powell doesn’t want to do it, because he feels it is a
waste of the taxpayers’ dollars. Councilmember Coletti is concerned with feasibility and whether we can do it in
the time that we have – it would be fine if it would work, but we have only a 60 day window. He was blindsided by
this whole thing and hasn’t had time, whether he wants it or not. Councilmember Kirkham stated she is green and
likes the idea, but doesn’t feel this is realistic. We don’t know where to put them. Councilmember Coletti
concurred. He doesn’t feel the City needs to be making a statement about real energy. Councilmember Kirkham
said to just get them and put them up, even if it costs the City more. Councilmember Powell said you had a lot of
citizens who came and asked for justification on the sewer plant. How could you present this to the residents with a
40-60 year return? Councilmember Kirkham said this has helped us to start discussions for going green.
Councilmember Bean said let’s develop the policy for the City and then go for the grants. Councilmember Bean
said we need ordinances for solar and wind panels and thinks Councilmember Thompson should head it. Ron said
we have homes in the City with solar panels, but haven’t discussed if they want to put them in their front yards.
Councilmember Bean asked the Council that we turn the grant back.
Councilmember Bean motioned to open the agenda to add the item for the solar panel grant.
Councilmember Powell seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Bean – Yes, Councilmember Powell – Yes,
Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, and Councilmember Coletti – Yes, and Councilmember Thompson – No, since the
purpose of adding the item is to turn down the grant.
Councilmember Bean motioned to decline the grant and respond to them that we are not interested in
taking the grant. Councilmember Powell seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Bean – Yes, Councilmember
Powell – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, and Councilmember Thompson – No,
because we are missing a great opportunity to promote alternative energy.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Hillcrest Storm Water Retention Pond (Lance)*:
Lance stated the Council was supposed to get
back to him as to what the Council wanted to do with this issue. He stated when the agreement was signed, there
was an agreement to put in pumps and pump it out within 72 hours. After the agreement was signed, French drains
were put in so there were no pumps. It was suppose to be sprinkled and now the City has installed a meter for the
water readings and the school is paying highly for the water. They would like a break on the cost of the water for
the storm water retention pond. Councilmember Bean said they are using #1 to leverage for the sprinklers.
Councilmember Powell said the difference is the other retention ponds are owned by the City and the school owns
this one. Councilmember Bean said the school liked this idea, because it was going to develop an area for them,
Council Minutes 2-18-10 Page 8 of 10
which they didn’t have the money and ability to develop. Scott said this went in, because it was a requirement of the
Sunnyside Road development. Ron said this property was owned by the school and the City developed it.
Councilmember Kirkham will call Roger concerning this with Lance being present.
Tom Hunsaker, 2135 S. Ammon Road Planning and Zoning said the school was using it for their own
storm water retention pond before, but not as much as we needed to accommodate Sunnyside Road. The
commercial development to the west is also dumping in there, as it comes off of their parking lot. When the City
started metering culinary water usage, the school started using secondary water sources to sprinkle the rest of the
property. He said the school district didn’t remember being told about the switch from pumps to French drains.
2. Misc.:
Ron said the school district has designated the new school on Princess Drive as a mathematics
and science specialty school. In addition to the students living in its boundaries, the school will also offer open
enrollment for up to 150 additional students. They will continue with normal buses, but the parents of the 150
additional students will be required to transport their kids themselves. Ron said we granted a special use permit.
Scott recommended that we hold another public hearing. Councilmember Kirkham said they only have one access.
Councilmember Bean said the roads aren’t big enough to handle this traffic. Scott said it was going to only
accommodate the square mile around and they would only have 2 – 3 buses, so one access was accepted.
Councilmember Kirkham said Rimrock could possibly handle the specialty classes, since they are going from 525
students this year to 375 students next year. Councilmember Kirkham will call Dr. Shacket. Scott asked if they put
in an approved second roadway, would it work. Councilmember Bean said no, since the majority would come from
the north (the only currently viable second access route would be from the south).
Councilmember Thompson said the building department applied for a grant to help subsidize the
department and we got the grant of $100,000 to use over the next 2 years.
Mayor Steve Fuhriman met with Mayor Jared Fuhriman, and the Mayors from Iona and Ucon Friday
afternoon and most of the discussion was around Ammon. They are going to teach him how to be Mayor.
Councilmember Kirkham asked him what they planned to teach him. Mayor Steve said their concerns were he was
going to be contaminated from past history and they wanted him to ask questions to learn both sides of the story.
Mayor Jared has a desire to work together. Councilmember Bean asked if Mayor Steve told Mayor Jared to get his
Council to work together with Ammon.
Mayor Steve asked the Council if the City pays for lunch. Council said no. Councilmember Kirkham said
in the four years she has been with the City, she has had many lunches on behalf of the City and they all pay for it
themselves. That is what the stipend is for and it is part of the service provided to the City. Councilmember Coletti
agreed. Council discussed that they have never asked for reimbursement. Councilmember Bean said past history
just took place, as little as, three months ago with Sharon Parry (at the Bonneville County Planning and Zoning
hearing concerning the expansion of Ammon’s Area of Impact) and several of their Council members always exhibit
deep seated feelings. Mayor Jared could have stood up at that hearing and said, she does not represent the city, she
is doing this on her own, but that was never said. The Idaho Falls Council has made very derogative comments in
the paper towards Ammon. To them we will always be the 25 year old man living with his parents. Councilmember
Bean said it will be hard to get him on board anytime soon. Councilmember Coletti said he hoped this isn’t true that
we won’t make amends, while their current Council exists. Councilmember Kirkham said she has only been here
four years and has spent numerous hours on the City’s behalf only to have it thrown in her face. She is done being
trampled on. Councilmember Bean asked Councilmember Coletti not to be naive. Councilmember Kirkham said
the actions have to go with the words. Councilmember Powell said he has been here for two years and he just wants
to make good business decisions that benefit the City of Ammon and the City of Idaho Falls.
Mayor Steve stated his father-in-law hated Ammon. He feels it’s like two kids in a sand box fighting
over a toy. Councilmember Kirkham said it’s a parent and child and the parent is acting like a child.
Councilmember Bean said what if we can’t do it. Mayor Steve said I can do it. Councilmember Bean said you
haven’t had the history. Mayor Steve said he has watched this battle happen for 20 years.
Leslie advised the Council that there will be two ribbon cuttings for next week and she has sent it to
the City’s management. She asked the Council to watch their e-mails for future ribbon cuttings.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
1. Personnel Evaluations - Idaho Code 67-2345 (1-b) (Lance)
2. Real Property Acquisitions - Idaho Code 67-2345 (1-c) (Leslie/Scott)
3. Pending Litigation - Idaho Code 67-2345 (1-f) (Scott/Leslie/Jennifer/Lance)
Council Minutes 2-18-10 Page 9 of 10
Councilmember Kirkham motioned to move into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 67-2345
(1-b, c, and f). Councilmember Bean seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember
Bean – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, and Councilmember Powell – Yes.
The motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 10:59 p.m.
_____________________________________
Steve Fuhriman, Mayor
__________________________________
Leslie Folsom, City Clerk
Council Minutes 2-18-10 Page 10 of 10