Council Minutes 9/12/2006 (62)
50
April 18, 1996
CITY OF AMMON
April 18, 1996
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council:
The meeting was called to order
Building, 2135 South Ammon Road,
present:
Mayor C. Bruce Ard
Councilmember W. Lee Bean
Councilmember Sherrill C. Bohn
Councilmember Ira K. Hall
City Clerk Aleen C. Jensen
by Mayor C. Bruce Ard at 7: 35 P.M. in the City
Ammon, Idaho, with the following City Officials
Attorney W. Joe Anderson
Engineer David E. Benton
Public Works Director David Wadsworth
Fire Chief Clarence Nelson
Assistant Fire Chief Robert Farrow
Others Present:
Larry J.Schuldt, 6211 South 15th West, Idaho Falls
Bryce and Pam Dixon, 2215 Cabellaro Drive, Ammon
Mae Farrow, 3824 Wanda, Ammon
Leslie Rumsey, 2335 Cabellaro Drive, Ammon
Robert Humpherys, 3710 Geneva, Ammon
Mark Caspary, 3635 Vaughn Street, Ammon
Sharon and Mary Drowns, 3640 Geneva, Ammon
David M. Tracy, 1395 Cathryn, Idaho Falls
Cory and Wendy Landon, 3815 Geneva, Ammon
Susan Cleverley, 1930 Falcon Drive, Ammon
Nancy and Ken Lembrich, 2640 Salmon Street, Ammon
Absent: Councilman Steven J. Loveland
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was directed by Mayor Ard, and the invocation
was offered by Councilmember Hall.
Leslie Rumsey, 2335 Cabellaro, requested a home occupation permit to operate a day
care in her home. She plans to tend about eight children. They will be left about
7:30 A.M. and will be picked up about 5:30 to 6:00 P.M. She has a state license.
There will be no employees and no signs. A ground floor playroom will be used for
the day care. The applicant has read the home occupation requirements set forth
in C. C .11-5-27H, and she signed a statement to say she will comply with them.
Councilmember Bean moved to approve a home occupation permit for Leslie Rumsey,
dba Ted E. Bear Day Care, 2335 Cabellaro Drive. The motion was seconded by
Councimember Hall. Roll call vote: Bean - Yes; Hall - Yes; Bohn - Yes. The motion
carried.
Larry Schuldt proposed to contract with the City of Ammon to do the building
inspections. A resume to show his qualifications was presented. Mr. Schuldt is
state licensed and is presently employed by Bonneville County Planning Department.
He is doing Ammon's building inspections at this time under our City/County
Inspection Agreement. Financial institutions have asked him to do building
inspections for their home loan closings, but it is not feasible to do the
financial institutions alone. He proposes to enter an individual contract with
the City of Ammon. He could provide Ammon a more personalized service which should
not cost the City any more than they are now paying Bonneville County. The City
Council asked Mr. Schuldt to put together a proposal for the next Council Meeting
on May 2, 1996.
A group of residents from' the Peterson Park area attended meeting to file
complaints against the dogs in possession of Eileen Bradley, 2955 Geneva Drive.
Sharon Drowns acted as spokesperson. The problem has been going on for over a
year, and the residents feel they are getting the run-around. Bradleys have three
dogs--a black one, a white one, and a part wolf--and a pot bellied pig. The
residents of the neighborhood consider the dogs to be vicious. Mary Drowns was
walking home from work about 11:30 A.M. on April 17 and as she walked around the
corner by 2955 Geneva, the black and white dogs came at her growling and snapping.
When she screamed, they turned away, but then they came back at her and the white
dog pushed her into the street. The animal control officer responded immediately,
but the dogs were in their own front yard. No one seemed to be at home so Eileen
Bradley was telephoned at work to come contain the dogs. A citation was issued
for failure to license dogs. Bryce and Pam Dixon expressed concern that the dogs
are continually allowed to run loose. Last summer the Drowns boy had his pants
torn by the dogs, and they have chased him several times. Mark Caspary stated the
two dogs cornered his pregnant wife. Cory Landon was bitten on the leg by one of
the dogs about a year ago as he was going to catch the 'site' bus early in the
morning. A Gallup girl was bitten about the same day as Landon, but the bite did
not break the skin. Robert Humpherys reported the dogs corner people time after
time while the Bradley children watch and do not make any attempt to control their
dogs. There was a discussion about what determines a vicious dog. Attorney
I
I
I
I
I
I
51
April 18, 1996
Anderson instructed the residents to sign a citation on the offenses that have
occurred so the case can be heard before a judge. The residents want the dogs gone
and they plan to sign citations. In the meantime, the City Officials agreed to
increase the animal control in the Peterson Park area. The dogs must be caught
off their own property in order for the animal control officer to pick them up.
Also, when these dogs run loose, they will have to be darted in order to catch
them. Procedures were discussed. Mrs. Drowns thanked the Council for listening
and encouraged follow through on the action before someone is seriously hurt.
Susan Cleverley, 1930 Falcon Drive, inquired about a community service project for
a group of children ages three to eleven. There would be approximately seventy
children involved, and probably twenty would be in the older age group. It was
pointed out there are a number of things they can do in the parks, and Mrs.
Cleverley was asked to work with Public Works Director David Wadsworth to determine
a suitable project.
The minutes of City Council Meeting held March 21, 1996, were reviewed. Council-
member Bohn called attention to the fact that Councilmember Loveland was not
present at that meeting so he could not second the motion to adjourn.
Councilmember Bohn moved to approve the minutes of March 21, 1996, with a
correction on the adjourning motion. The motion was seconded by Councilmember
Bean. Roll call vote: Bohn - Yes; Bean - Yes; Hall Yes. The motion carried.
Councilmember Hall moved to approve the minutes of the Special City Council Meeting
held March 27, 1996. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Bean. Roll call
vote: Hall - Yes; Bean - Yes; Bohn - Yes. The motion carried.
Councilmember Hall moved to approve the minutes of City Council Meeting held April
4, 1996, with a correction in the name of the Planning and Zoning Commission
representative Ron Folsom. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Bohn. Roll
call vote: Hall - Yes; Bohn - Yes; Bean - Yes. The motion carried.
Attorney Anderson reported that the agreement for the First Street waterline
extension is still unfinished. In regard to trying to work it out with an L.I.D.,
the bonding attorney advised not to try it since the work was completed before
making an assessment. A new formula is being pursued. It basically eliminates
the property owned by Suitter's mother. He asked the Council to consider shutting
off Marano's water supply if he does not comply.
Public Works Director Wadsworth has marked the street intersections to be replaced
on the maintenance schedule. There are about six intersections involved, and the
bids obtained so far are about $24,000. Other street maintenance plans were
discussed.
Engineer Benton reported on the progress of Well No.8 drilling. Casing is in and
the hole is down about eighty feet. All of the six parties involved in the well
property have signed the deeds and the deeds have been recorded.
Councilmember Bean recommended the street light project be reactivated and
placement decisions be made. The 1996 Fiscal Year Budget included funds for
installing five lights. Two light poles from the Mobile Home Park will be placed
in Peterson Park, but they are in addition to the five budgeted lights. Areas to
be considered are Brookfield Lane, the northwest corner of McCowin Park by the
walking path, and the intersection of Heather Lane and Spencer Lane.
Mayor Ard called attention to the Home Occupation Permit requirements found in C.C.
ll-5-27H. He encouraged council members to observe the home occupation laws.
City Clerk Jensen inquired about City Council policy on renewing a non-commercial
kennel license. Presently if there is no complaint filed, the kennel license is
automatically renewed annually. Attorney Anderson advised anytime there is a
complaint about the kennel, the City Council should review the license. Also, if
there is a material change in the information contained on the original kennel
application such as increase in number of dogs, the Council should make a review
before a renewal license is ussued.
Cantlon Properties (Ammon Town Center) is in the process of closing the Mobile Home
Park sale for the Phase II portion of their proj ect. City of Ammon needs to deed
back Lot 7A where the settling pond was originally planned. After the approved
amended plat is recorded, new deeds (now held by the Title Company) will be given
to the City for Lot 14 and Lot 15, the new location for the settling pond. The
Council should be aware on the north bank of Sand Creek there is a difference in
the description on deeds. The deed in possession of the owner of property to the
south of Sand Creek states that party owns to the north bank of Sand Creek. The
predecessors in ownership of the Mobile Home Park have deeds which say they own to
Sand Creek which is interpreted by the Title Insurance Company to be the middle
of Sand Creek. There is some dispute about who owns the north bank, and the Title
52
April 18, 1996
Insurance Company says they can not give title insurance on the little strip of
land involved. However, the Mobile Home Park has agreed to give an idemnity so
the transaction can be closed. This causes a little question because Cantlon is
not giving the City a warranty deed. They are giving the City a special warranty
deed which does not covenant that they will defend against any and all claims
whatever they maybe, only against claims they have created. Cantlon has agreed to
pay the cost of an extended coverage title insurance policy for the parcel the City
is getting under the special warranty deed. Councilmember Bean moved to deed Lot
7A to CPI Ammon in exchange for deeds to Lot 14 and Lot 15. The motion was
seconded by Councilmember Hall. Roll call vote: Bean - Yes; Hall - yes; Bohn -
Yes. The motion carried.
Reports: Attorney Anderson reported on the dismissal of a citation that
Councilmember Bohn asked him to check into. There was a petty larceny citation
dismissed by the judge because, due to some misunderstanding, there was no one
present to prosecute. It is possible to refile since there was no determination
made. Attorney Anderson suggested since the City is taking a stand to enforce
violations, it would be appropriate to refile. The Council advised legal counsel
to proceed with a refile.
I
Councilmember Bohn reported she has had discussions with women involved in City
Government from surrounding communities. During these discussions, it is their
opinion that the County is responsible to prosecute City ordinances, and the City
should not have to contract for their own prosecutor. Legal procedures were
discussed. Attorney Anderson agreed to research the statutes on prosecutions.
Councilmember Bohn and Bean were interested in how many City of Ammon violations
require prosecutions. Another area of concern among other communities is animal
control. Dcon and Iona have considered the feasibility of proposing to join with
Ammon to hire a full time animal control officer. From past experience it is
believed City of Ammon can not justify a full time animal control officer.
However, the Council is willing to consider any proposal. Also discussed was the
animal shelter costs. Councilmember Bohn expressed an interest in how much the
per dog cost is for using the animal shelter on Lindsay Boulevard operated by City
of Idaho Falls. There have been no developments regarding the office in the City
Building basement for the Bonneville County Sheriff's office. A representative
of the City needs to visit with the Sheriff to determine the progress.
City Clerk Jensen called attention to scheduled events--the Bonneville County Jail I
Briefing, the AIC Budget Workshop and Legislative Review, the Planning and Zoning
Public Hearing to consider the request for annexation and zoning of Fox Hollow
Division No.2, and the ICRMP Risk Management Seminar. The telephone system for
the new City Building needs to be resolved. The maintenance agreement on the
Merlin System at 3270 Molen Street has been cancelled. The two sewer telephones
at the lift stations have been replaced with a radio system, and those two lines
have been cancelled. Steve Ryan, sales representative of ECSI Executone, is still
interested in providing a telephone system for 2135 South Ammon Road. His latest
proposal is 'Centrex'. This is a set up for transferring calls from the City
Building to various other City facilities through a block of lines at D. S. West
Communications. Mr. Ryan will be requested to make a presentation to the Council.
Claims were approved.
Assistant Fire Chief/Fire Marshal Robert Farrow presented the final draft of the
Ammon Fire Department newsletter, "Ammon Hot Spots" for Council review. A few
minor changes were recommended to clarify the addresses of the new City Building
at 2135 South_ Ammon Road, the Fire Station at 3201 East 17th Street, and the
location of the auxiliary fund raising breakfast planned for Saturday, May 25.Plans
are to print the newsletter and mail it during the coming week. A presentation
was made of the "Reciprocal Fire Fighting Assistance Agreement" set up by the
Department of Energy Idaho Operations office. It provides for mutual aid for air
rescue, hazardous material, medical emergencies, floods, earthquakes, and other
emergencies in addition to fires. The approval process for Ammon to get on the
mutual aid agreement is Ammon submits a letter to DOE requesting it. The procedure I
for mutual aid is our incident commander at an emergency scene, when he decides
he needs help, notifies dispatch, tells dispatch who he wants to respond and what
equipment he needs them to respond with. Dispatch notifies the requested agency,
and they determine if they have the equipment and manpower to respond. They are
not bound to respond. The only cost is to provide fuel used in engines, oil used
in engines, and reimburse for any safety equipment lost. If the responding unit
asks for reimbursement, the City has a right to ask for an audit or to see their
receipts/records of proof. Ammon would need to add the central frequency to our
radios. Details of the agreement were reviewed and explained by Robert Farrow.
Relationships with other departments were discussed, and Ammon Fire Department was
encouraged to work toward strengthening relationships. Attorney Anderson stated
he thinks the Reciprocal Agreement presented is good for Ammon. Perhaps it would
be beneficial if it were stronger in some respects, but it is a good step forward
for Ammon.
I
I
I
53
April 18, 1996
May 2, 1996
Councilmember Bohn moved to enter into the "Reciprocal Fire Fighting Assistance
Agreement" with DOE and the other cities involved. The motion was seconded by
Councilmember Bean. Roll call vote: Bohn - Yes; Bean - Yes; Hall - Yes. The
motion carried.
Fire Chief Clarence Nelson expressed thanks from the City of Leadore and the
Leadore Fire Department for the used equipment donated to them by the City of
Annnon.
Councilmember Hall
Councilmember Bean.
moved to adjourn the meeting, and the motion was seconded
The meeting was adJ'ourned at 10:30 P.M.C... _
~
by
ATTEST:
.~el2~
CITY CLERK ~
CITY OF AMMON
May 2, 1996
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council:
The meeting was called to order by Mayor C. BruceArd in the City Building, 2135
South Annnon Road, at 7:30 P.M. with the following City Officials present:
Mayor C. Bruce Ard Attorney Brian Tucker
Councilmember W. Lee Bean Engineer David E. Benton
Councilmember Sherrill C. Bohn Public Works Director David Wadsworth
Councilmember Ira K. Hall Fire Chief Clarence Nelson
Councilmember Steven J. Loveland Assistant Fire Chief Robert Farrow
City Clerk Aleen C. Jensen
Others present:
Sylvia Wadsworth, 2190 Dove Drive, Annnon
Rick Williams, 360 Monte Vista, Idaho Falls
Cory Brighton, 3220 Rawson Street, Annnon
Dave Sonnner
Greg and Glenda Alder, 3760 Geneva Drive, Annnon
Ron, Teri, and Joshua Neu, 3838 Brookfield Lane, Annnon
Kenneth and Nancy Lembrich, 2640 Salmon Street, Annnon
Mae Farrow, 3824 Wanda Street, Annnon
James H. Southwick, 3968 East 17th Street, Annnon
Don Verrill, 3834 Brookfield Lane, Annnon
Larry J. Schuldt, 6211 South 15th West, Idaho Falls
William Brotherson, 3885 Ross Avenue, Annnon
Tony and Launa Coronado, 3788 Brookfield Lane, Annnon
Jann Perry, 3022 Fennec Lane, Annnon
Bonita Maughan, 3505 Ross Avenue, Annnon
Tami Barber, 1975 Spencer Lane, Annnon
Sharon and Mary Drowns, 3640 Geneva Drive, Annnon
E. B. and Joanne Doan, 3265 Molen Street, Annnon
Ida Hardcastle, City Councilmember of City of Idaho Falls
Absent: Attorney W. Joe Anderson
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was directed by Councilmember Loveland, and
the invocation was offered by Councilmember Bean.
Glenda Alder, 3760 Geneva Drive, requested a home occupation permit to raise and
sell angelfish. Plans are to wholesale the fish to pet stores in Idaho Falls and
Pocatello. There will be no employees, and no advertising signs. Mrs. Alder
agreed to comply with the home occupation permit requirements, C.C.11-5-27H.
Councilmember Bean moved to approve a home occupation permit for Glenda Alder, dba
Angelfish Haven,3760 Geneva Drive. The motion was seconded by Councilmember
Loveland. Roll call vote: Bean - Yes; Loveland - Yes; Bohn - Yes, Hall - Yes.
The motion carried unanimously.
Joan Cramer, 3040 South Annnon Road, called the City Office to express concern about
the loose gravel on Annnon Road and on the sidewalk along Annnon Road. Public Works
Director Wadsworth advised the area is scheduled for street sweeping as soon as
Hentschel's get their sweeper back in service.
Tony and Launa Coronado, 3788 Brookfield Lane, presented their version of the dog
issue between Coronados and Neus. Launa explained their daughter was playing at
54
May 2, 1996
a friend's house. She came home crying because she was chased by dogs. While
comforting the daughter, Mrs. Coronado realized there was considerable activity
in the backyard. Three dogs belonging to Neus were in Coronado's yard, and
Coronado's small dog was attacked. Emergency 911 was called, and after three
calls, an officer was dispatched to Cornados. The injured dog was taken to the
vet, except the extent of injury could not be determined without surgery. The dog
had extensive surgery, but her condition got worse. After two days, the vet
recommended she be put to sleep. It was an emotional few days. It is especially
upsetting because it could have been a child instead of a dog. Neus got rid of
the larger dog, but they plan to keep the smaller dog of the same breed. Tony
Coronado added details of the incident. He also recalled other incidents when Neu's
dog/dogs attacked other dogs. He expressed concern that the Neu's dog/dogs are
vicious. He questioned how you can identify which one is vicious and which one
is not. Contacts with Ammon's animal control officer were explained.
Two of the Neu dogs are malamutes. Mrs. Neu explained this was the first time she
had heard this side of the story. Coronados have not tried to contact Neus except
the first day. Their contact has been with Ammon's animal control officer, and
they were informed they had to get rid of the largest dog. If Coronados have a
problem with their dogs getting hurt, they need to keep their dogs in their yard.
The Coronado dogs are out constantly. Neus keep their dogs in their yard, but when
other dogs are allowed to run loose the Neu's dogs want to run to. Neus did not
agree to get rid of two dogs, and they did not agree to pay for the medical bill.
The medical bill showed up in Neu' s mailbox after a month or two with $8 late
. charge on it. All it said was "Here's a bill for Britainy. Make arrangements to
pay it." Mrs. Neu explained they were at fault because their dogs were out, but
both sets of dogs were at large. It is unfortunate the incident happened. Neus
do not want a dog that hurts other dogs.
Councilmember Bean interupted the discussion to suggest that he sit down with both
parties after the meeting to review the options for settling the issue. The
Council agreed with the suggestion. Neus and Coronados were invited to continue
the discussion after City Council Meeting was adjourned.
Other parties in attendance asked for information about animal control. The
question was raised about whether or not there are regulations to determine the
breeds of dogs allowed in Ammon. It was explained there are no such regulations.
The Fire Department newsletter stated there are lots of dog complaints, and
citizens wanted to know about the Council's plan for more enforcement. Mayor Ard
responded that dogs are one of the City's biggest problems. Mostly problems arise
because people do not take care of their dogs. Regarding the Coronado/Neu problem,
it sounds as if there were two sets of dogs out and there is blame on both sides.
Lots of time is spent on dog problems with little results. Public Works Director
Wadsworth stated he plans to change Adrian Owens' work schedule so he is available
to spend more time on animal control. Councilmember Bohn suggested the Council
address more training for the animal control officer and more authority. People
do not like to sign complaints against their neighbors.
Launa Coronado distributed copies of a Citizens Committee proposal for the Council
to consider. The purpose of a Citizens Committee is to aid the City Council in
notification to residents of City concerns and activities in order for residents
to be more aware and be more actively involved in the City's growth and needs; to
form calling and distribution circles for all residents; and to address issues of
citizen concern and to seek to resolve. Some of the current issues are: (1) The
development of basement facilities to enhance community activities for all Ammon
residents; (2) Citizens of Ammon have voiced that they would like a clearer
structure of what the dog ordinances and procedures are; (3) Future community
activities such as Ammon City Days at McCowin Park.
I
I
Unfinished business was reviewed. The First Street Waterline Extension Agreement
has not been resolved. Street lights were proposed for the northwest corner of
McCowin Park near the walking path, Brookfield Lane, and the intersection of I
Heather Lane and Spencer Lane. The Council is open for suggestions of two other
street light locations.
Public Works Director Wadsworth presented three bids solicited for the street
maintenance project to redo intersections in the Ammon townsite. There are seven
intersections to be included. Bids were obtained from H-K Contractors Inc.,
Premier Paving, and Beco Construction Company Inc. H-K's bid was $.87 per square
foot, Premier's was $.91 per square foot, and Beco' s was $.88 per square foot.
Councilmember Hall moved to accept the bid of H-K Contractors Inc. at $.87 (cents)
to redo seven intersections. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Bean. Roll
call vote: Hall - Yes; Bean - Yes; Bohn - Yes; Loveland - Yes. The motion carried
unanimously.
Larry J. Schuldt discussed his proposal to contract with the City of Ammon for
building inspections. Schuldt is presently employed by Bonneville County as a
I
I
I
55
May 2,1996
building inspector, and he has been with the County for fourteen years. He
proposes to leave Bonneville County and to serve Ammon on a contractual basis.
The inspection fee proposed is according to the permit fee now charged to Ammon
by Bonneville County. Additional consulting work, as authorized by the City
Council, will be billed at a rate of $45 per hour. He will be readily available
for inspections, and he will plan to be in the City Office about two hours per week
to meet with applicants for permits. He will issue all permits. The City will
furnish office supplies, office space, and computer access. The advantages of
having a building inspector working closely with Ammon were discussed. The
Planning and Zoning Commission has been reviewing all building permits. He should
be able to provide the Planning and Zoning Commission with professional input
depending on the desires of the City Council It was brought out that the Uniform
Building Code directs how the building is constructed. Zoning applies to setbacks,
use, etc. A question was raised about how Ammon's permit fee compares with Idaho
Falls, Bonneville County, and surrounding communities. It was recommended that
it would be worthwhile for the Council to study the fee schedules. The City
Council asked Larry Schuldt for time to study his proposal before taking any action.
Jann Perry, 3022 Fennec Lane, applied at the City Office for a home occupation
permit to raise and sell Shih Tzu puppies. She has three female dogs and one male
dog. She plans to raise three litters of pups per year. There was a question
about how Mrs. Perry could comply with the requirements of City ordinances, and
so she attended City Council Meeting to discuss her proposed plans. There are more
than two dogs involved, and a kennel license is required. The problem is should
a commercial kennel license be required or does the applicant qualify to request
a non-commercial kennel license. Also, the zoning regulations apply to a
commercial kennel in a residential area. There was considerable discussion to
interpret whether the operation is commercial or non-commercial. The Council
decided Mrs. Perry should complete a home occupation permit application and a
commercial kennel license application and present them at the Planning and Zoning
Commission Meeting on May 7, 1996, for their recommendations.
Councilmember Bean requested information about Citizen Advisory Committees. He
was particularly concerned about what committees Ammon has at the current time,
who is on the committees, and what is the purpose of the committees. A Traffic
Safety Committee was organized, but it has not functioned recently. Ammon is a
participant in the Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization (BMPO). Mayor
Ard is a member of the BMPO Policy Board, David Wadsworth is on the BMPO Technical
Advisory Committee, and Gerald "Jerry" Mitchell and Jay Ellis represent Ammon on
the BMPO Citizens Advisory Committee. Mayor Ard explained the purpose of BMPO.
It was pointed out that the City Code designates committees and/or commissions that
can be set up for specific assignments. The Mayor recommends the appointment, and
the City Council approves.
Councilmember Bohn previously introduced a committee to look into Fire Protection.
Kent Wood, Heather Isbell, Don Adams, and Evelyn Adams 'have been asked to serve
on this committee. The Fire Chief will be included, and Councilmember Bohn will
serve in an advisory capacity.
Launa Coronado has been asked to present information on a Citizens Action Committee
to see if the City Council approves. It was brought out that information has been
circulated that such a Citizens Action Committee is already functioning. The
question was raised about how did such a committee get in place without the Mayor
and City Council being involved in the appointment. Councilmember Bean emphasized
the City Council needs to be informed so they can support the action of committees.
James Southwick and Nancy Lembrich added their opinions.
Launa Coronado explained she became involved through a discussion with
Councilmember Bohn regarding the need to improve communications with the citizens.
The citizens want to work together with the City Council, and they want the
Council's blessings in the projects undertaken. Launa has had real concern about
citizen needs, but she wants any action to be positive.
Robert Farrow addressed the Fire Department newsletter. As the Fire Marshal, his
responsibility includes fire prevention education with the City of Ammon. So he
proposed to use the budget of the fire prevention bureau for the Fire Department
to produce a newsletter several times a year. Also, he recognized the problem of
getting information out to the public, so he offered the City Council a little
space in the first newsletter. Now he is beginning to feel sorry he offered space
because he keeps hearing that the Fire Department did not include everything the
City Council wanted. The reason for the newsletter was to distribute fire
prevention information to citizens of Ammon. If the City Council wants a
newsletter with columns by every member of the Council, then a Citizens Committee
can publish such a newsletter, but don't expect to use the Fire Department
newsletter.
56
May 2, 1996
There was considerable discussion on the formation of Citizen Committees including
accusations of following improper procedures. Councilmember Bohn left the meeting.
There was no concluding action. However, it was the consensus that the Mayor
should establish guidelines for forming Citizen Committees, Councilmembers should
be informed and involved; and the committees should be required to report to the
Mayor and City Council. Launa Coronado left a copy of her proposal for a Citizens
Action Committee.
The City of Ammon needs to appoint an individual to serve on the RTA Governing
Board. Mayor Ard asked the Council to submit names for consideration.
Reports: Public Works Director Wadsworth reported on repairs to Well No.6. The
repairs should produce more efficiency. Plans are to test Well No. 6 before it I
is put back on line. The parks are being prepared for summer use. Bonneville
County Sheriff's Department responded to youth fighting in Peterson Park on May
1. The officers handled the situation efficiently, and it was reported that three
arrests were made.
Attorney Brian Tucker discussed Commercial Drivers License (CDL) testing. Cities
with fewer than fifty employees were required to have a CDL testing program in
place by January 1, 1996. It was suggested City of Ammon consider joining the
group recommended by the Association of Idaho Cities.
Councilman Loveland reported that he is excited to get a Citizens Action Committee
organized. Citizens can be of service to the parks. The Council needs to make
some decision regarding the recycling program. Russell Swensen has been primarily
responsible for the recycling proj ect, and he is ready for some relief. The
recycling project has been a good project.
Councimember Hall reported on the Bonneville County-Cities Planning Meeting. One
interesting agenda item was the interchange on the New Sweden Road. It will not
be completed until October.
Engineer Benton reported that he and Attorney Anderson had made revisions to the
First Street Waterline Extension Agreement and it should soon be in place. Work
on Well No.8 is progressing. Drilling is down to 206 feet as of this date. It
should be a good well and produce the anticipated amount of water.
Fire Chief Clarence Nelson reported for the Fire Department. The volunteers were I
involved in a bomb threat to Valley Living Center. A letter of thanks from Valley
Living Center reads, "This letter is to thank you for your department for its great
work on April 25, 1996, when the facility received a bomb threat. The prompt
response by your department was exceptional, and I appreciate the extra effort and
patience displayed by each of the personnel involved in keeping our building safe.
Enclosed please find a donation of $50 in recognition of what I believe to be an
especially motivated team. Thank you!"
Chief Nelson asked about the Citizens Committee on Fire Protection. He was
interested in whether or not there is an actual committee formed. The Mayor
responded the committee has not been officially appointed by the City Council, but
if the committee is going to function, the Council would like to see representation
from the Ammom Fire Department. Also, the Council will become involved. The
training program, the procedures, and our fire rating were discussed.
Chief Nelson proposed that since Robert Farrow has been appointed Assistant Fire
Chief, he needs to be replaced as Fire Marshal. The department's recommendation
is to appoint former Fire Chief Cal Smith as the Fire Marshal. Cal Smith is
already trained and certified to fill the position. Mayor Ard recommended to the
Council to follow the recommendation of Chief Nelson to appoint Cal Smith as Fire
Marshal. Co~ncilmember Bean moved to accept the recommendation to make the Fire
Department leadership adjustments and to appoint Cal Smith as Fire Marshal. The
motion was seconded by Councilman Hall. Roll call vote: Bean - Yes; Hall - Yes; I
Loveland - Yes. The motion carried. Mayor Ard expressed thanks to the Fire
Department for the newsletter. It was a good idea. It was a good start for Ammon,
and we have all learned.
Claims were approved. Councilmember Hall moved to adjourn the meeting, and
Councilmember Bean seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 P.M.
ATTEST
~(!/Qu~
CITY CLERK t/