07012010CouncilMinutes
CITY OF AMMON
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2010
AGENDA:
CITY OF AMMON
2135 SOUTH AMMON ROAD
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA
THURSDAY, JULY 1, 2010 – 4:30 P.M.
Meeting Time Changed from 7:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Due to Holiday
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Steven Fuhriman at 4:30 p.m.
CONSENT AGENDA:
Business License*
Accounts Payable – Exhibit A
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1.Pool Management and Usage (Ken/Russell)*
2.Management and Council Budget Considerations*
3.Misc.
MINUTES
City Officials Present:
Mayor Steve Fuhriman
Councilmember Dana Kirkham
Councilmember Lee Bean (arrived at 4:40 p.m. and left at 6:46 p.m.)
Councilmember Rex Thompson
Councilmember Sean Coletti
Councilmember Russell Slack
City Clerk Leslie Folsom
City Engineer Lance Bates
City Planner Ron Folsom
City Treasurer Jennifer Belfield
City Officials Absent:
Councilmember Brian Powell
City Attorney Scott Hall
CALL TO ORDER:
Mayor Steve Fuhriman opened the meeting at 4:35 p.m. at City Hall building
located at 2135 South Ammon Road.
CONSENT AGENDA:
CITY OF AMMON
BUSINESS LICENSE CONSENT AGENDA
Thursday July 1, 2010
License applications, carrying the required documents, pending approval of the City Council:
GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE:
1.NEWGENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION:
A.Larrea, Katherine – Daycare Employee/Acorn Children’s Academy – 1619 Curlew #2
B.Davis, Kylie - Daycare Employee/Acorn Children’s Academy – 1619 Curlew #2
C.Park, Riki - Daycare Employee/Acorn Children’s Academy – 1619 Curlew #2
D.McGrath, Sharon Rae - Daycare Employee/Acorn Children’s Academy – 1619 Curlew #2
th
E.Panda Express – Restaurant – 1151 S. 25 E.
F.Jogi, Kadri/Independent Contractor of Southwestern Company – Itinerant Merchant – 364 Call Avenue, Idaho
Falls
G.Amedisys Idaho, LLC – Home Health Services – 1480 Midway Ave Unit 7
H.Gneiting, Dana Louise – Daycare Employee /Acorn Childrens Academy – 1619 Curlew Suite 2
I.Green, Lori - Daycare Employee /Acorn Childrens Academy – 1619 Curlew Suite 2
J.Allen, Linda - Daycare Employee /Acorn Childrens Academy – 1619 Curlew Suite 2
Council Minutes 7-1-10 Page 1 of 6
K.Irigoyen, Abby - Daycare Employee /Acorn Childrens Academy – 1619 Curlew Suite 2
th
L.Billmans LLC - Deli, Catering, Meat Sales - 2565 E. 17
M.Savage, Katherine -Daycare Employee /Acorn Childrens Academy –1619 Curlew Suite 2
N.Smith, Kimberly Ann -Daycare Employee /Acorn Childrens Academy –1619 Curlew Suite 2
O.Wells, Samantha Jo -Daycare Employee /Acorn Childrens Academy –1619 Curlew Suite 2
P.Goldie, Mallory A. -Daycare Employee /Acorn Childrens Academy –1619 Curlew Suite 2
Q.Denkers, Courtney Dawn -Daycare Employee /Acorn Childrens Academy –1619 Curlew Suite 2
2.RENEWALBUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION:
th
A.Idaho State Liquor Dispensary – Retail Sales – 2641 S. 25 E.
HOME OCCUPATION PERMITS:
1.NEW HOME OCCUPATION PERMITS:
A.Right Step, LLC/Eddy, Todd – Cleaning & Restoration – 4353 Mason Street
2.RENEWAL HOME OCCUPATION PERMITS:
A.Oops A Daisy - Preschool – 3823 Willow Ridge Drive
LIQUOR/BEER/WINE WITH GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE:
1.NEW LIQUOR/BEER/WINE WITH GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE:
th
A.Shaw, Buddy J. – Bartender/Cellar – 3520 E. 17 Street
th
B.Clayton, Brooke – Bartender T.G.I. Friday’s – 2665 S. 25 E.
2.RENEWAL LIQUOR/BEER/WINE WITH GENERAL BUSINESS LICENSE:
th
A.Endow, Fred – Bartender/Sol Rio – 2635 S. 25 E.
MISC: MASSAGE ESTABLISHMENT
1.NEW MASSAGE BUSINESS LICENSE:
th
A.Brown, Dustin A. - Massage/Massage Envy – 3047 S. 25 E.
2.RENEWAL MASSAGE BUSINESS LICENSE:
th
A. Ericsson, Rosalie – Massage/Massage Envy – 3047 S. 25 E.
th
B.Roberts, Lindsay - Massage/Massage Envy – 3047 S. 25 E.
th
C.Brinker, Kendra - Massage/Massage Envy – 3047 S. 25 E.
Business License*: Councilmember Kirkham motioned to approve the Business License Consent
Agenda for 7-1-10, as presented. Councilmember Slack seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Kirkham –
Yes, Councilmember Slack – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, and Councilmember Thompson – Yes. The
motion passed.
Accounts Payable – Exhibit A: Councilmember Kirkham motioned to approve the Accounts Payable –
Exhibit A, as presented. Councilmember Coletti seconded. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Kirkham – Yes,
Councilmember Coletti – Yes, Councilmember Thompson – Yes, and Councilmember Slack – Yes. The motion
passed.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Pool Management and Usage (Ken/Russell)*:
Ken advised the Council that Hillview PTO is
requesting the use of the City pool for a fund raiser on a free basis, which is against the resolution which states the
need to charge for it. Councilmember Slack stated the Boy Scouts used it for $100 and he has issues with the PTO
request. Under the grant for business licensing there isn’t as much expense, as the swimming pool, which has
lifeguard expenses, Leslie’s time, liability, electricity, chemicals, etc. Council discussed whether we need to change
the resolution. City Clerk Leslie Folsom and City Planner Ron Folsom advised that the City Attorney Scott Hall
cautioned against approving this request, due to the liability and costs involved with the pool. We have a precedent
Council Minutes 7-1-10 Page 2 of 6
in place and we need to be fair. Council advised Ken to charge for the service. Ken also said Jennifer Kerner would
like to give some free lessons on Saturday mornings for disadvantaged youth, which would be great for the Ammon
community. Council concurred. City Treasurer Jennifer Belfield asked how they will be clarified. Councilmember
Bean said to let Jennifer Kerner make the determination.
2. Management and Council Budget Considerations*:
City Treasurer, Jennifer Belfield had the group
obtain their budgets for the review. She would like to focus on the City’s goals and not go over each line item.
Enforcement:
Councilmember Kirkham would like the management team to go through their
budgets with Council, not just the Councilmember who is over the manager’s department. Jennifer discussed the
amounts for the Sheriff’s Department. Councilmember Bean said the Sheriff Department budget includes about
$37,000 of DARE. He has tried to get them to scale it down, but the department feels they cannot. Councilmember
Bean wonders if we need to keep paying this. The City is supporting the program with a little help from Bonneville
County. Schools have lost their grant money for this program. Councilmember Bean inquired if $37,000 is worth it
right now from a PR standpoint, since the community doesn’t know the City supports it. Councilmember Kirkham
said it seems that it is dying everywhere and the Doctor Slaughter’s House of Horror supports the majority of this
item. Councilmember Slack said he appreciates the officers and message, but if the school system doesn’t support
it why should the City. City Clerk Leslie Folsom said it could look positive that the City is trying to watch their
budget. City Engineer Lance Bates asked if Dist 93 is going to support it, if the City doesn’t. Councilmember
Kirkham said if we don’t pay this portion, then there won’t be DARE. It was discussed whether we can cut back the
amount, but Councilmember Kirkham reported that they said no. Dr. Slaughter’s pays for a significant portion of
the program. They have talked about reducing their share from 40% to 20% and it was stated that the program will
leave, if we don’t provide 40%. Councilmember Kirkham said this year we are paying $44,000, which is 40%.
Councilmember Bean said he feels it is a Bonneville County program, not a City program. Councilmember Coletti
leans toward reducing it, but not closing it. Councilmember Kirkham said she has always questioned if it’s the
City’s item and she would support denying it. Councilmember Thompson agreed with Councilmember Kirkham.
Councilmember Slack would like to not fund it. Mayor Fuhriman would like to survey teachers – Councilmember
Bean said the teachers support it. Councilmember Kirkham said the question is, if it’s the City’s responsibility to
fund it. The School District isn’t paying anything. The Mayor feels the City should not to be involved in it, if the
School District isn’t involved. Councilmember Bean will go back to Sam and advise them the Council doesn’t
support it.
Councilmember Bean stated we are paying $68,000 for dispatch and the proposal is to move it to
$111,000, based on what the City of Idaho Falls says is our call volume. Councilmember Bean explained dispatch is
reporting more accurately whose call is whose. In the past, they were leaving off Maverick and calls South of
Sunnyside, but now these calls are included. Councilmember Kirkham feels this is the expense, if we continue to
dispatch through Idaho Falls. Bonneville County Sheriff Deputy Sam Hulse said he could possibility reduce it by
$12,000 - $15,000, if we contract through them. Councilmember Kirkham would like to look at contracting with
Bonneville County. Councilmember Thompson asked how this works. Councilmember Bean said the County
handles dispatch, in exchange Idaho Falls offsets the cost of the jail. It’s a gentleman’s agreement. Councilmember
Bean said Iona, Ucon and Swan Valley are paying now, but they can’t tell us how much. Councilmember Kirkham
stated $111,000 for dispatch is a lot and the question is can we supply our own. She stated, by law, the county has
to furnish us the equipment and wonders if it would be most cost effective if we have our own people. Jennifer
asked if she should adjust the figures. Councilmember Bean said no, he will get her updated figures.
Shawna, Enforcement Officer said everything is the same as last year. Councilmember Kirkham asked
about the shelter expense and asked her to check to see if it will increase. Jennifer said the budget for legal services
has increased to $3000 per month, plus $3500 for Scott Hall. Councilmember Bean said it should be $48,000 for
Brian Tucker for this year and Scott Hall’s will not be increased this year. Councilmember Kirkham said Brian is
prosecuting more than twice what he used to and hasn’t had a raise in 10 years. Shawna asked if she could wear
shorts during the summer. Council agreed.
General Funds:
Jennifer said the property taxes increased 3% from last year. AIC has recently sent
revised amounts for this year, which are up. Interest rates are being based on $16 million, because the City might be
using $3.6 million from reserves.
Ken discussed Ammon Days stating they are close to the same as last year, in regards to revenues and
expenditures. He would like to purchase some items for the future that are currently being rented. An example
Council Minutes 7-1-10 Page 3 of 6
would be the tent, which would cost approx. $10,000. Councilmember Kirkham said it is a great idea.
Councilmember Slack said the majority of funds come from donations. Councilmember Bean asked if the booths
were charged for. Ken said yes. Jennifer explained he would like to increase the expenditures for next year.
Councilmember Slack said Travis Black, who is Clint Black’s brother, will be playing at Ammon Days. Jennifer
talked about the expenses. Council discussed the fridge in the break room that needs to be replaced and the fire
hazard involved. She discussed the Easter and Halloween functions being moved into the General Fund from the
Fire Department funds. Leslie talked about special elections with funds needed, should the Council have a need
during the year. Leslie discussed the importance of AIC, ICCTFOA and Caselle to keep up with the laws and the
computer system. It was discussed that TRPTA is helping the City to get a senior citizen park. Councilmember
Kirkham added $10,000 for the Museum of Idaho that could add a display for the City of Ammon, because a lot of
Ammon kids go through the museum. Leslie asked if the funds could be used by Ailene to help get more
information about the City into the museum. Councilmember Kirkham stated it’s a worthy regional facility and
feels good about supporting them. Councilmember Bean thinks the amount is higher than needed. Councilmember
Thompson said per capita this is right on the money. Ammon has 14,000 in population and Idaho Falls has 55,000,
so it balances. Councilmember Bean supports a lower dollar amount. Councilmember Bean said you have to realize
that you will have different sectors coming in asking for donations. Councilmember Slack would like to look at this
after we look at our budget in full. He loves them, but we need to see if we can afford it. Mayor Fuhriman inquired
about fuel reimbursement that has been added, in order, to get rid of the City vehicle. This will allow the employees
to take their own vehicle for reimbursement. The sedan has been unstable and doesn’t handle well on snow and ice.
It’s cheaper to reimburse an employee, than to buy another car. Councilmember Bean said maybe look at renting a
car also for longer trips for employees that might not have an available vehicle. The Mayor discussed department
supplies – he wants to know if the Council wants to give more than a ham for Christmas or a bonus instead of ham,
etc. The possibility of a promotional video was offered by Councilmember Powell, who has a business associate
that would come here and film this summer and winter, and then next spring would put together a quality movie to
promote the City of Ammon. Councilmember Bean said this is a waste of money – Councilmember Slack agrees.
Councilmember Slack said this year isn’t the right year.
Mayor Fuhriman would like to have jackets with identification for the employees. Council discussed it is
not a good year. Council deleted this item. General incentives are for above and beyond the call of duty.
Councilmember Bean said this is opening a Pandora’s Box. Councilmember Coletti likes an award for a yearly
employee. Councilmember Bean stated there are other incentives for people - thank you for your work and income
is another way. You incentivize them by giving them the proper increases at the proper time of the year.
Councilmember Thompson said there are guys who go above and beyond and he would like to award them. Council
agreed to leave the $1000 in, but develop the program before it is spent. Mayor Fuhriman would like to present
recognitions during the company parties. Councilmember Slack said Stacy does a great job at his banquet. Jennifer
explained that once the wage study is done the Council would have to be ready to fund it. Councilmember Kirkham
said this has been talked about for four years and feels it would be beneficial. Ken said this would help with hiring.
Council agreed with expending money for the salary study and left it in. Councilmember Bean would like to be
involved in setting the parameters of the study.
Councilmember Bean said there is a deficit of $500,000. The Building Department hasn’t asked for
funds this year. The Broadband Department will be a good investment for the City. Councilmember Bean said
without the broadband, it is a positive figure and the Council always knew broadband would come out of reserves.
Jennifer stated we increased the contingency amount, as well. She talked about drug testing with the new laws.
Councilmember Bean asked about the Street Department and if streets are self funded. Jennifer said yes, but there is
a deficit in Streets.
Planning &Zoning Department:
City Planner Ron Folsom said the flood plain is the only changed
item. He added $700 for books and subscriptions for a research tool.
Engineering Department:
City Engineer Lance Bates stated it is down from last year. P&Z and
Engineering use Gay when the need arises and they pay for her out of this area.
Fire Department:
Fire Chief Stacy said the fees were raised for building inspections for businesses,
so he has adjusted his numbers, accordingly. He has put in for a regular pumper, instead of ladder truck, for which
they will receive a 5% match from FEMA. All of the other grants are 100% match. Two vehicles are using a lot of
expenses. Councilmember Bean would like his grants broken down, as to what he is applying for and what the
match is. Leslie asked if he wanted the City vehicle. Stacy said he has to go off-road at times and needs a 4X4. He
Council Minutes 7-1-10 Page 4 of 6
has plans to replace the Chevy Suburban with a new vehicle. Leslie talked about an auctioneer that will help sell the
City surplus items with a 30% consignment fee. Council said this is ok. Council is ok with the fire budget.
Building Department:
Charlie said revenues are up this year – homes are up 50% with commercial
being slower. The department shows a deficit with the biggest expenses being employees and IT. The cell phones
went up, due to net pads to type in corrections, which are live. Councilmember Slack asked about the general funds
loan and how it is repaid. Jennifer explained the $76,000 deficit is a loan from general funds and the department
will pay it back, when revenues come in. The deficit doesn’t include the grant. Jane has cut back on her hours and
is performing document creation for Stacy. 10% of Ron’s wages go to the Building Department. Council said to
keep it as is. Vehicle repairs and maintenance is for tires, since their tires are getting worn. Councilmember Bean
wants him to increase his revenues by $20,000 and if he doesn’t make it, then take the adjustment from the general
fund. Charlie stated he is open to suggestions and is doing his best. Council is comfortable with the staff and
keeping the level of service with employees. Council feels it is prudent to hold onto the inspectors and fund it out of
the general fund.
Technology Department:
Bruce said they don’t generate any revenue. Councilmember Bean asked
if all the management supports his budget. Staff concurred they support Bruce. Bruce discussed the allocation of
ratios from each department and what each department pays. Bruce said the allocation is based on his use of his
time. Bruce stated the biggest change in his expenses is hiring another person. The Broadband Department will be
funded by the Water Department, plus 25% from the general fund. Councilmember Bean asked about 50% of
administrative salaries. Jennifer explained half will go to Broadband and half to Technology. Bruce said the
additional IT employee will provide support for the building with day to day M&O that he struggles to keep up with
every day. Councilmember Bean asked where we will house the new person. Bruce said his office.
Councilmember Bean asked about capital outlay. He stated we would like to improve the Council seating with
Lance and Ron in the back area where they can manage the sound. It would require some rewiring, etc. The GIS is
to keep track of equipment, assets, and Lance’s drawings, and to help Ken, Lance, Stacy, etc. to keep track of the
City’s data. He warns some time down the road a GIS employee would be needed for this. Lance said it’s the
ability to tie things on a ground to a picture. It would help to see where most of our calls are going to. The wide
format printer would be used for mostly zoning. Truck transfer is to transfer one of the building inspector trucks to
IT, but the transfer amount can’t be agreed upon, so it may be dropped off the budget. It was discussed text wire has
not been brought back for approval and needs to be on the next agenda. Lance said they would like to make a
onetime transfer from water and general funds to get the broadband up and running. Councilmember Bean asked if
we don’t get the grant, will the $600,000 cover the operating expenses and the infrastructure. Bruce said yes.
Street Department:
City Engineer Lance Bates said this is close to last year’s budget. The amounts
from last year are still there, because they have not been spent. The $550,000 from this year will be going into the
reserve to help with next year. Councilmember Thompson asked about First Street. Lance explained First Street is
not coming at all, by the time the MOU was signed; it was after the time he could apply for the funding. The next
time he can apply will be next March. He has to design it to federal standards. He explained it is at a standstill
right now, since the County doesn’t have the money to help either, without federal money. The design phase, unless
it is done to federal standards, will eat up the $550,000 before we can even get the design itself done. We budgeted
$250,000 to meet local standards. If we design it that way, we will never be able to apply for federal funds to fund
the project. Leslie explained that she went to AIC on the road seminar and everyone is struggling with maintaining
their roads, especially when requesting federal funds. A lot of Counties are going back to gravel roads again. The
State is trying to work on a solution for the Cities and Counties without using federal funds. The City proposed to
take $750,000 out of reserves. Lance explained the $550,000 is earmarked. Councilmember Bean stated we need to
realize that we are at a point where we are cutting into savings for operations. Councilmember Kirkham stated it is
the reality with roads. Councilmember Bean explained if we operate like this for 2-3 years, we will be out of
reserves and we need to plan for the future.
Water Department:
Jennifer said the fees include the projected increase from the water rates.
Lance said the $1.5 million will finish the project. Councilmember Kirkham said we won’t exceed the $15 million.
Councilmember Bean asked why it shows a $2.3 million deficit. Lance said this is the initial down payment of $2
million. Councilmember Kirkham stated that since we sent out the flyers announcing the public hearing for water
rate increases, we have received a lot of response. Councilmember Kirkham talked about reserves. Leslie discussed
what constitutes the difference between apartments and townhomes. Councilmember Thompson asked how much
we have in reserves. Councilmember Bean said $6 million; however, this might be needed for the sewer project. It
was discussed $600,000 is already coming out for broadband. Lance stated he believes this will make money in the
Council Minutes 7-1-10 Page 5 of 6
future to help support itself. Councilmember Powell and Councilmember Kirkham said we are looking at going
back to DEQ for $8 million. Council will leave it in there for now, until we have the public hearing. Lance
explained the revenue numbers are conservative with approximately $20 of the $46 goes directly to pay the bond.
Councilmember Thompson asked what we projected when we passed the bond for payments. It was decided to see
if we have a copy of the flyer. Leslie will look for it.
Sewer Department:
Lance said he can’t get real numbers to put his hands around. He explained the
bond amounts don’t help either. We are hoping that DEQ will reduce our interest rate. Councilmember Kirkham
said Willie is trying to reduce the loan by 1%. Leslie stated we have not addressed connection fees at all.
Councilmember Kirkham said the Homebuilders Association wants to meet with Mayor Ard. Councilmember
Kirkham will set that up. She needs to meet with them before the end of this month. Council feels that Lance has
done everything he can under the circumstances.
Sanitation Department:
Lance said most of the budget has stayed the same as last year. He has
increased fuel and oil to adjust for diesel prices. A new dumpster truck will be needed, which may save money in
the long run. Ray advised the Council that we can put all vehicles in a complete maintenance program with a
software program he has purchased. Council asked Ray to start the preliminary on getting this done.
Parks Department:
Ken said the new recreation software has enhanced the use of the parks. Due
to the increase in acreage of parks, his expenses have gone up. He would like to keep $48,000 for the Quail Ridge
Park. It was discussed that Parks will be taking over the public works building, which will increase costs. He is
reallocating the money from this year to next to redo the roof on the pool this fall. He is budgeting for a new
mower. The $30,000 of the $100,000 is to finish Peterson Park, with the rest for future grants. He is writing a grant
for the senior citizen park with no match, he will add it to the revenue and expenditure area. Ray has told him that
maybe they will be able to give him a truck, so that amount might go away. Woodland Park trees will have to be
replaced to meet the grant requirement. To be more efficient they will need another 72 inch mower. Woodland Hills
requires $30,000 to get back online, due to the French drains not being done by Rockwell. Councilmember Kirkham
asked why we can’t have Rockwell complete this. Ken said Bruce Rose had already approved the project. He
would like to create a Park Concession Area behind the swimming pool to help create revenue. The $12,000 is for
the slab and stocking products. Council asked about the concession workers’ wages. Ken said he is looking at using
the lifeguards. Councilmember Slack asked if we want to install the concession stand or to redo the swimming pool.
Councilmember Kirkham said maybe now isn’t the time for the concessions. It is a delicate issue, since McCowin
has had a long standing concession stand. Leslie said she could try and see when the people who are currently
operating their concession stand will be looking at not coming back. Jennifer feels it could be very beneficial to
consolidate the concessions in McCowin. Council wants Ken to back this out for this budget. Ken talked about the
cost of parks for constituents. He talked about Peterson Park and a grant to remodel the bathroom and get a
concession area. He has an After Dark in the Park idea for dances, movies, etc. to help promote the parks.
Councilmember Thompson asked about the Tiebreaker Park. Ken said he has redesigned it for the 5 acres, but it is
being farmed right now. Councilmember Thompson stated there is a cesspool there now. Lance explained it would
need a pipe to fix it. The swimming pool is showing a $9000 deficit. Ken said this includes the $10,000 for
architectural design for the pool with concession area in the building area itself. He talked about scheduled events at
the pool. His goal is to have everything pay for itself. Councilmember Kirkham asked if the Lagoon trip money is
in the budget. Jennifer questioned the fairness of the part-time pool employees going to Lagoon with full-time
employees getting a ham. Jennifer Kerner said she would use her personal check to get them to go to Lagoon,
however, the City doesn’t know how much money she is personally collecting from the swim team, etc and the City
needs to figure out how revenues are collected. It was discussed we need to know how the Lagoon trip is funded.
Ken said he and Jennifer Belfield have been trying to get accurate reporting of the pool funds. Councilmember
Slack is checking on the issues here.
Jennifer stated she will make all the above mentioned updates, with July 22nd as the last date for changes.
Councilmember Slack made a motion to adjourn. Councilmember Kirkham seconded. Roll Call
Vote: Councilmember Slack – Yes, Councilmember Kirkham – Yes, Councilmember Coletti – Yes, and
Councilmember Thompson – Yes. The motion passed.
The meeting adjourned at 7:22 pm.
_____________________________________
Steve Fuhriman, Mayor
__________________________________
Leslie Folsom, City Clerk
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