December 3, 2013
This regular meeting of the Jerome City Council was called to order by Mayor John Shine at 5:30 p.m.
Present: Mayor John Shine, Councilwoman Dawn Soto, Councilman Dale Ross, and Councilman Robert Culver. Councilman Chris Barber was excused.
Also present were staff members: City Clerk Shonna Fraser, City Attorney John B. Lothspeich, Information Services Director Kathy Markus, Fire Chief Tom Hughes, Wastewater Superintendent Gilbert Sanchez, Finance Director Burke Richman,Community Development Director Zoe Monahan, Human Resource Specialist Ida Guffy, Engineer Rick Wuori, Consulting Engineer Scott Bybee, Public Works Director Walt Appell, Building Official Dave Richey, and Police Chief Dan Hall, Information Services Technician II Tony Preston, Pretreatment Coordinator Dade Pettinger, Clerk Assistant Bernie Gomes, and Water Supervisor Larry Bybee.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Mayor Shine led the audience in recitation of the pledge of allegiance.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Those items contained in the consent calendar are as follows:
- Approve the minutes of the November 19, 2013 regular meeting
Councilman Culvermade the motion to approve the consent calendar as presented. Second to the motion was made by Councilwoman Soto. After consideration the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Culver, Councilman Ross, and Councilwoman Soto. NAYS: None.
EMPLOYEE OF THE QUARTER:
Mayor Shine presented Information Services Technician II Tony Preston with the Employee of the Quarter award.
Information Services Director Katherine Markus stated Tony does an excellent job with tech support. He is supportive to all staff members and is willing to do whatever is needed. He is willing to share his knowledge with other employees and utilizes his time well. He is Chairman of the Safety Committee and is a member of the Wellness Committee.
ORDINANCE NO. 1118- SECOND READING:
The clerk read Bill No. 603 by title only as follows to constitute the second reading:
ORDINANCE NO. 1118
BILL NO. 603
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEROME, IDAHO AMENDING THE CITY OF JEROME ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP BY ZONING THAT WESTERLY PORTION CONSISTING OF 276.48 FEET ON A PARCEL DESCRIBED AS NE1/4 SE1/4 OF SECTION 24, TOWNSHIP 8 SOUTH, RANGE 16 EAST OF THE BOISE MERIDIAN, MORE COMMONLY KNOWN AS 1005 AND 1015 SOUTH LINCOLN AVENUE IN THE CITY OF JEROME, COUNTY OF JEROME, STATE OF IDAHO FROM GENERAL BUSINESS (C-2) TO RESIDENTIAL MULTIFAMILY (R-3); AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
RESOLUTION NO. 17-13:
The clerk read Resolution No. 17-13 in full as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 17-13
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEROME, IDAHO AUTHORIZING THE CITY TREASURER TO MAKE PAYMENT OF CERTAIN REGULAR AND RECURRING CLAIMS AGAINST THE CITY FOR SERVICES PROVIDED PRIOR TO REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF THE CITY OF JEROME FINANCE COMMITTEE
WHEREAS, in accordance with Idaho Code §50-1017, the City of Jerome Finance Committee, consisting of two members of the city council, review and approve claims against the city prior to payment; and
WHEREAS, claims against the city are normally approved on the third Tuesday of every month by the City Council; and
WHEREAS, certain vendors that provide services or goods to the city on a regular and recurring basis have a billing cycle that requires the bill to be paid prior to the third Tuesday of the month in order to avoid late fees or finance charges; and
WHEREAS, also in accordance with Idaho Code §50-1017, the city council wishes to establish and maintain an adequate and reasonable system of internal accounting controls by authorizing the City Treasurer to pay certain vendors to avoid payment of late fees or finance charges and to ensure timely payment of authorized payroll withholdings; and
WHEREAS, all authorized pre-payments will be accompanied by the usual “Payment Approval Report” to be reviewed and signed off by the City of Jerome Finance Committee and included in the consent agenda of the regular meeting on the third Tuesday of every month for approval or ratification of the full council;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the mayor and city council of the City of Jerome, Idaho that the following pre-authorization for payment of certain bills be adopted:
1.The City Treasurer is authorized to pay the following vendors for the listed purposes by the due date on the bill and prior to submitting the bill to the city council for approval:
U.S. Bank Credit Card credit card purchases
Idaho Powerpower charges
Payroll Withholdingstaxes, child support, garnishments, contracted benefits
City of Jeromepayroll transfers, city-owned utilities
Valley Co-Opfuel charges and purchases
U.S. Postmasterpostage for mailing utility bills
Capital One Commercialcharges on Costco revolving account
2.This resolution shall be in effect upon passage and approval of the Mayor and Council.
PASSED by the City Council this 3rdday of December, 2013.
SIGNED by the Mayor this 4thday of December, 2013.
/s/ John Shine
By: Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Shonna Fraser
City Clerk
Councilman Culvermade the motion to approve Resolution No. 17-13 as presented. Second to the motion was made by Councilwoman Soto. After consideration the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Culver, Councilman Ross, and Councilwoman Soto. NAYS: None.
Mr. Lothspeich stated this resolution was done by recommendation of the Association of Idaho Cities’ attorney so the bills are paid in a timely manner and approved later. This assures the city is in conformance with Idaho Code 50-1017.
RESOLUTION NO. 18-13:
The clerk read Resolution No. 18-13 in full as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 18-13
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEROME, IDAHO, REPEALING CONFLICTING RESOLUTIONS, AND AMENDING THE UTILITY REDUCED FEE PROGRAM PROVISION TO THE DOMESTIC SANITATION, WATER AND WASTEWATER RATES AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Jerome owns a domestic water and wastewater system by which residents of the city of Jerome and some surrounding areas are delivered domestic water and wastewater; and
WHEREAS, the City of Jerome is under agreement with PSI Waste Systems for sanitation services for the residential customers residing within the City of Jerome’s corporate limits; and
WHEREAS, the City of Jerome by Resolution No. 01-13 adopted a Utility Reduced Fee Program that provides for a reduction in utility fees based on participants who qualify under the State of Idaho Circuit Breaker Program;
BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the City of Jerome as follows:
SECTION 1. That there is hereby adopted and established a schedule of reduced rates of fifteen percent (15%) of the current rate schedule, as adopted from time to time by the Jerome City Council for the collection of sanitation within the City of Jerome, Idaho, for individuals qualifying under the Idaho Circuit Breaker Program as follows:
a.)Decrease the fee by 15% per residence, not requiring more than one (1) pick-up per week.
b.)Decrease the fee 15% for each mobile home, not requiring more than one (1) pick-up per week.
c.)Decrease the fee by 15% for additional sanitation receptacles.
SECTION 2. That there is hereby adopted and established a schedule of reduced rates of fifteen percent (15%) of the current rate schedule, as adopted from time to time by the Jerome City Council for the delivery and maintenance of water services within the City of Jerome, Idaho, for individuals qualifying under the Idaho Circuit Breaker Program as follows:
a.)Decrease the volume water rate by 15% per one hundred (100) cubic feet of water consumed, to be billed monthly.
b.)Decrease the monthly base rate to be used exclusively for the payment of all debt service of the water fund by 15%.
c.)Decrease the monthly base rate to be used exclusively for the payment of capital projects of the water fund by 15%.
d.)Decrease the monthly base rate to be used exclusively for the payment of operation and maintenance costs of the water fund by 15%.
SECTION 3. That there is hereby adopted and established a schedule of reduced rates of fifteen percent (15%) of the current rate schedule, as adopted from time to time by the Jerome City Council for the delivery and maintenance of wastewater services within the City of Jerome, Idaho, for individuals qualifying under the Idaho Circuit Breaker Program as follows:
SECTION 4. This resolution shall be in effect upon passage and approval of the Mayor and Council.
PASSED by the City Council this 3rdday of December, 2013.
SIGNED by the Mayor this 4thday of December, 2013.
/s/ John Shine
By: Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Shonna Fraser
City Clerk
Councilman Culver made the motion to approve Resolution No. 18-13 as presented. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Ross. After consideration the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Culver, Councilman Ross, and Councilwoman Soto. NAYS: None.
Mr. Richman stated the City implemented the Utility Reduced Fee Program by adoption of Resolution No. 01-13 last January. The resolution identified the reduced rate in dollar amounts so those rates no longer match the most recent rate schedule, which was recently updated. This resolution attempts to simplify the process of defining the rates by providing a continuous resolution that coincides with a 15% reduction of all of the associated utility fees based on whatever the current rate is, and stipulates whenever the rate is changed the fees will be adjusted. The resolution has been reviewed and approved by legal counsel.
APPROVE ANNUAL EMPLOYMENT BENEFIT PACKAGE:
Councilman Culver made the motion to approve the benefit package for medical, dental, life, long term disability, and vision insurances, approve Integraflex to administer the Cafeteria, HRA plans and the deductible buy down program and authorize the Mayor to execute the renewing contracts. Second to the motion was made by Councilwoman Soto. After consideration the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Culver, Councilman Ross, and Councilwoman Soto. NAYS: None.
Ms. Guffy stated the Employee Policy & Benefits Committee has reviewed the renewal quotes as provided by HUB Insurance.
The committee recommends the following employee benefits package:
No change to medical insurance and approve renewal rate;
No changes to the dental plan and approve renewal rate;
No changes to the life insurance plan;
No changes to the long-term disability plan;
No changes to the Avesis vision plan;
No change to Lifemap VSP plan;
No changes to the health insurance buy down program;
No changes to the funding of the HRA program;
No changes to the dependent care premium funding at 50%; and
Administration of the Cafeteria, HRA plans and deducible buy-down will be implemented by Integra Flex (previously administered by PacificSource and HUB).
There was an increase in medical insurance of 12.6%. There is no change to the current benefit plan.
There was no renewal increase or benefit change for Delta Dental, life insurance, or long-term disability.
Staff moved to Lifemap VSP to keep the materials co-pay at $25 and add the benefit of new frames and lenses every year. There was an increase in renewal from $6.95 to $7.41, however; this is still lower than what we were paying two years ago at $8.86 per employee.
There was an increase with Avesis vision after no increase for two years. The renewal rate increased from $8.97 to $9.42.
PacificSource has provided administration of the city’s Cafeteria and HRA plans for the past three years. Due to changes with the Health Care Act, HUB is no longer able to administer our deductible buy down. Staff contacted PacificSource and they were not able to administer the deductible buy down either. Staff asked for two quotes from IntegraFlex and National Benefit Services. Both could administer the Cafeteria, HRA, and buy down. Staff chose the local company from Boise, IntegraFlex. They also elected to have them administer our COBRA to ensure everyone is getting their full benefits. Ms. Guffy noted the annual renewal fee is $500 less with Integra Flex this year. This year employees are able to roll over $500 of their FSA funds to next year, there is a savings in payroll taxes to the city as well.
Summary of fees:
PacificSourceIntegraFlex
Annual Renewal Fee:$750.00 $250.00
HRA Stand-alone PMPM Fee:$ 4.00 $ 5.00
Combined FSA-HRA PMPM Fee:$ 6.00 $ 5.00
Monthly Minimum:$ 60.00 $ 60.00
COBRA:- $ 1.00
COBRA Minimum:- $ 60.00
The overall package is covered by the City’s budget.
APPROVAL TO PURCHASE ELGIN PELICAN SWEEPER:
Mr. Appell stated in order to receive the sweeper in time to sweep up the sand from winter it needs to be ordered soon. The deadline to piggy back with the City of Buhl is the end of this month for a $20,000 savings. He noted there are several uses for the sweeper, i.e. lots at the library, etc. He researched the possibility of leasing or renting a sweeper. Rentals are not available; to lease the city would need to go to a private firm to finance. Buhl’s specifications were followed. Mr. Appell noted the city owns two sweepers; one is a 1989 unit; parts are not available. The other unit is a 1989 vacuum type sweeper that will not cover chip seal needs. This unit is worn out and does not do the job and parts cannot be obtained.
Upon inquiry by Councilwoman Soto, Mr. Appell stated this is a line item budgeted item. The dollar amount budgeted was $228,000.
Councilwoman Soto stated she does not recall the sweeper being approved as a line item. Mr. Appell stated the asphalt zipper was removed from the budget; he does not recall the street sweeper being pulled.
Discussion was held regarding how to chip seal without a sweeper. Councilman Culver believes it can be done with the old sweeper or borrow the county’s sweeper.
Councilman Culver made a motion to approve the purchase of an Elgin Pelican Street Sweeper at a cost of $198,865. Second to the motion was made by Councilwoman Soto. After consideration the following vote was taken: AYES: Councilman Ross. NAYS: Councilman Culver and Councilwoman Soto. The motion failed.
VIET NAM WAR COMMEMORATION COMMITTEE:
Councilwoman Soto made a motion to authorize staff to submit an application and for Council President Bob Culver and Council Member Dale Ross to sign the Statement of Understanding and application to become a member of the Vietnam War Commemoration Commemorative Partner Program. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Culver. After consideration the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Culver, Councilman Ross, and Councilwoman Soto. NAYS: None.
Ms. Monahan reported the Vietnam War Commemoration Commemorative Partner Program is a federal program to honor Vietnam War veterans. Members must sign the Statement of Understanding acknowledging that we will conduct two events a year to honor Vietnam War veterans in an honorable and memorable way. The events must meet at least the first of the five Congressionally-mandated objectives of the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration: "To thank and honor veterans of the Vietnam War, including personnel who were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action, for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States and to thank and honor the families of these veterans."
The program encourages honoring our veterans. The required events can honor all veterans in addition to Vietnam War veterans. The City of Jerome could partner with other organizations to hold the events. The American Legion Post 46 has been contacted and are in support of the application. They will partnerwith the City in some capacity on future events to honor our veterans.
The application has been completed and the committee members have been identified.
Upon inquiry by Mayor Shine, Ms. Monahan explained the events already being held by the American Legion can be used for the events. New events do not need to be created.
Councilman Culver noted he was treated very poorly when he returned from the Vietnam War, and he wants to see the Vietnam veterans honored.
Ms. Monahan stated the events will be honoring all veterans. The Miniature Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall could potentially come to this area; some of the travel costs are paid for by funeral associations.
COUNCIL REPORTS:
Mayor Shine reported Judge Butler ruled in the city’s favor for Judicial Confirmation. The process of putting together a specific plan in a phased approach will be started. He further noted there is a scanned version of the Senior Center booklet written by Mr. Strange. He has edited the work as requested and the request for purchase will be on the agenda for December 17th.
Mayor Shine noted the application cutoff for administrator is December 5th. The city has received fifteen applications to date. He will defer the selection to the upcoming mayor and council.
Ms. Guffy stated a selection committee has been established under the direction of Mayor-Elect Dave Davis. The committee will consist of the mayor-elect, two council members, the IS Director, City Clerk, and Human Resource Specialist.An interview panelis to be determined. The plan is for the committee to meet on Monday to select those candidates staff wishes to interview, a schedule and interview committee is to be determined. It will likely be January before a final decision is made.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being nothing further to discuss, this December 3, 2013 regular meeting of the Jerome City Council adjourned at6:08p.m.
Mayor John Shine
Attest:
Shonna Fraser, City Clerk