01.09.2020 Council WS MinutesCITY COUNCIL — WORK SESSION
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2020 — 4:30 P.M.
AGENDA:
A. CALLTOORDER:: Mayor Sean Coletti at 430 p.m,
B. DISCUSSION ITEMS:
L Report on Remote Employee Project (Bruce Patterson, iT Wrector)
2, Update to the Meter Installation Plan (Tracy Bono, Public Works Director)
3. Commercial Water Rates (Mkah Austin, City Administrator)
4. Review of Current Water Rate Performance (Jennifer Belfield,, Finance Director)
5. EIRWWA Discussion
C. EXECUTIVE SESSION
1. Pending Litigation — Idaho Code 74-206 11) (Q
D. ADJOURN
MINUTES
City Officials Present: Mayor Sean Coletti
Council President Russell Slack
Councilmember Byron Wiscombe
Councilmember Craig Tibbitts
Counclimember Scott Wessel
Councilmember Josh Wheeler
City Attorney Scott Hall
City Administrator Micah Austin
City Planning and Zoning Director Cindy Donovan
City Engineer Tracy Bono
Building Department Director Charlie Allen
Technology Director Bruce Patterson
Utility Director Jim Key
City Clerk Kristina Buchan
Administrative Assistant Shari Ockermain
City Officials Absent: Councilmember Rex Thompson
A. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Sean Colettl opened the meeting at 4:35 p.m., at the Ammon City Hall building located at 2135
South Ammon Road.
PUBLIC COMMENT:
Dana Kirkham presented to the Council her concerns regarding snow removal, Kirkham noted that perhaps the City
could set up additional fee for driveway plowing, with an option for the community to contribute to those in need. The
Council discussed issues including cost, need, and the option for a coordinated and consistent effort through privatized
removal companies. Tracy Bono noted new equipment could do the same job in less time.
Kirkham then brought forward a discussion on the potential for an Ammon City Library. Kirkham added that there is
space available near the corner of 17111 and Ammon Road and encouraged the City Staff and council to discuss interest,
determine buy -in from residents, and look into the options around Library grant funding, The Council will continue to
look into Library option.
C. DISCUSSION ITEMS:
1. Report on Remote Employee Project (Bruce Patterson, IT Director):
Bruce Patterson reported on the recent trial period of remote employees in the IT Department. Patterson
reviewed the successes, holdbacks, and needs of the project. The department is continuing to assess how the
Ammon City Couincil Minutes — 01.09.2020
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program works for employees and staff and noted that internal staff are pleased with the impact so far and
have noticed no difference in service. Patter -son discussed the potential for application to other departments to
cover upcoming need needs and reviewed the potential for expanded technologies in the coming months and
items to consider as the project may expand.
Commercial! Water Rates (Micah Austin, City, Administrator):
Micah Austin reviewed and led a discussion of the proposed impact of implementing commercial water rates, to
businesses in Ammon. Austin reminded the Council that the Water Resolution passed last year did not inciuded
a designated commercial rate. Austin and the Council reviewed the current rates for various commercial types
and the existing fees and connections. Austin proposed two recommendations; first, to adopt the proposed
rates at an upcoming meeting, and two, to continue to gather data regarding commercial water use and make a
decision at a later date. The Council asked for additional information to be collected on users to be able to
make decision in future.
3, Update to the Meter Installation Plan (Tracy Bono, Public Works Director):
Tracy Bono reviewed the background of the metering process, the successes of 2019, and the plan for 2.020
including those within the Metering Plan and outside that plan. Bono noted that of the planned 916 meters,
over 800 meters have been installed throughout the city including some not on the original pian. Bono
reviewed the process for installation and use of contractors and successes and setbacks along with plans for
coming year and contracts. The Council reviewed and discussed the long term plan for meter installation
throughout the City.
4. Review of Current Water Rate Performance (Jennifer Belfleld, Finance Director):
Jennifer Belfield reviewed meter rate performance of FY2019 comparing past years and ongoing data. Belfield
noted that the performance looks to be going well and remains in the predicted ballpark of performances.
Beifield recommend that City staff and Council continue to review as more meters are installed and gather
additional data to be able to make a fair comparison to previous years and account for varying water usage
throughout the year.
EIIRWWA Discussion,
Coletti reviewed estimated costs of ongoing use and maintenance of EIRWWA System, The Council discussed
the estimate costs related to maintenance and renovation compared to available funds within the budget.
Coietti led a discussion of the potential for a private organization interested in purchasing the system and the
impacts it would have on the system and on the city. Council agreed that they would discuss the program and
proposal in detail at future meetings,
6. Remarks:
Council President Slack reviewed a few items for consideration with City Staff and Councilmembers. Slack anc
the Council asked that communication between Council, Staff, and the Mayor be kept open and consistent to
ensure all are properly informed and on the same page,,
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D. ADJOURN —The Work Session was adjourned at 7:10pm.
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Se A Coletti, Mayor
Krisoa 13'LIA'A City Clerk
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