City of Kootenai
MEETING MINUTES
DATE: October 6, 2015
TIME:6:30 p.m.
City of Kootenai Meeting Minutes October 6, 2015 Page1 of 3
Mayor Lewisbrought the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Roll Call: Councilman David Sundquist–AYE, Councilman Jim Macha–AYE,Councilman Daniel Schock – AYE, and Councilwoman Closson – AYE.
Staff Present: City Clerk, Ronda L. Whittaker, City Planner, Lisa Ailport and City Engineer Ryan Luttmann.
Others Present: Resident Cis Gore, Resident Tim Closson, Residents Paul and Gina Gregory and Marty Taylor, Eric Eldenburg and Jeff Jensen of James Sewell & Associates and Susan Keibert of Bonner County Economic Development.
Amendments to the Agenda: None
Public Comment:Paul Gregory of 104 E 2ndcommented on the speeding issue at Main & 2nd. He advised that there have been multiple occasions when traffic speeds down Main Street neglecting to stop at any of the indicated stop signs. He stated that he has called in to the Sheriff’s Department and has asked for some sort of a sting at the specific area at Main and 2nd, but has not seen any indication that his advisement has been acknowledged. He expressed his concern that there are small children in that area who could be at risk if these bad practices persist.
Announcements: None
Consent Agenda:
Mayor Lewis asked Council if they had received and read the items on the consent agenda and asked if there were any corrections needed within the Consent Agenda. Councilman Sundquistmade a motion to approve the consent agenda; 2nd byCouncilwomanClosson; roll call vote:
Councilman Sundquist – AYE Councilman Macha – AYE
Councilwoman Closson – AYECouncilman Schock–AYE
Discussion/Action Items
- 1st Addition to Seven Sisters, Phases II & III Time Extension Request: - Lisa advised that she had reviewed the application for extension and did find that it would be in the City’s best interest to extend the plat. She stated that the extension was needed in order for the applicant to receive proof of acceptance to the City by affected agencies. She advised that the City’s Engineer, Ryan Luttmann had also reviewed the application and supported the need for an extension. Ryan also stated that the City had received an inquiry from the developer as to whether seal coating had been requested which would entail further assessment and advised that the weather conditions at the time would prevent the developer from seal coating if so requested. After a brief discussion, Councilwoman Closson made a motion to approve the plat extension for 1st Addition to Seven Sisters, Phases II & III extending the plat from October 23, 2015 to Friday, October 28, 2016; 2nd by Councilman Sunquist; roll call vote:
Councilman Sundquist – AYE Councilman Macha – AYE
Councilwoman Closson – AYECouncilman Schock–AYE
- Culvert replacement at 104 East 1st Avenue –Ronda advised that the Independent Highway District (IHD) had advised that the culvert at the aforesaid address was a hazard and should be replaced. Councilman Sundquist asked if the City could get an evaluation of other culverts within the City’s right-of-way that may be deteriorating. After a brief discussion, Councilman Sundquistmade a motion allow the replacement of the culvert at 104 East 1st Avenue with flared ends not to exceed $2,000; 2nd by Councilman Macha; roll call vote:
Councilman Sundquist – AYE Councilman Macha – AYE
Councilwoman Closson – AYECouncilman Schock–AYE
- Renting/Leasing update of City owned property: - Lisa advised that the City had received an opinion from the City Attorney (attached) and summary of such was that municipally property is owned by the public and as such the City may not grant private rights in public streets or alleys. Therefore, state law will preclude the city of Kootenai from renting any portion of its public roadways or alleys to adjacent property owner. Rather, it should revaluate its statutory obligation to keep the subject alleys and roadways free of encroachments. Councilman Sundquist stated that he would like the City to continue to maintain and control the public land within the City limits. He stated that the City needs to seek further legal options to address encroachment issues. Councilman Shock stated that it was in the City’s best interest to keep these areas safe. Councilman Sunquist advised that this issue be tabled for continued discussion. Lisa asked Council to confirm whether there were just certain through alleys that need to be addressed or all of them. Councilman Sundquist suggested the City survey which alley are better served vacating rather than maintaining them, but at this time, until a survey is completed, the City is not willing to give away public property.
- Fall Cleanup –Mayor Lewis stated that she would like the City to consider having a Fall cleanup as they do in the Spring. She advised that it would be advantageous for the City to have a kick off of the Spring and Fall cleanup with a hot dog and beverage event. She stated that she would like for the Fall cleanup to begin next year. Council agreed that it may help to bring the community closer. She stated that she is working on other events that will also bring the community closer.
- Quarterly Financial Report – Ronda stated that the City had not exceeded its budget for the Fiscal Year 2014/2015. After a brief discussion, Councilman Sundquist made a motion approve and to allow the publication of the quarterly report; 2nd by Councilwoman Closson; roll call vote:
Councilman Sundquist – AYE Councilman Macha – AYE
Councilwoman Closson – AYECouncilman Schock–AYE
Reports:
Mayor:Update on Community Review – Mayor Lewis expressed her approval of how the review had proceeded. She stated that even though the sessions were not overly attended, those who did participate gave some really good feedback. She advised that the final presentation was attended by some of the participants and the final review would be expected by the first of this next year. Lisa, Susan, Cis, and Tim also expressed their satisfaction and excitement about the review.
City Engineer: Written Report Summary - Attached
- Kootenai Meadows Stormwater
- Seven Sisters Subdivision Phase II and III – Ryan stated he had reviewed the site with Jeff Jensen of James Sewell to discuss work completed since the preliminary walk through. He advised that a final inspection walk through letter was prepared and submitted. He advised that the City had also received an inquiry in regard to seal coating. Eric stated that since the seal coating issues was not on the agenda he would like for the City to do a little more research and have it on next month’s agenda. Councilman Sunquist expressed his concern about when the phase “at the owner’s request” was issued and who the owners before further discussion are indeed. Ryan stated that he would do some more research so that the issue could be addressed at the next meeting.
- Encroachment Permit Report
City Planner: Verbal Report Summary
- Dishaw Zoning violation – Lisa advised that the City had and staff had meet with the County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney and Mr. Dishaw’s attorney and had established a strict policy for Mr. Dishaw to follow until the final Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is provided. She advised that Mr. Dishaw was requested to pay restitution for costs related to the litigation and the City was in the process of collecting costs to submit for payment. At that time the CO could be provided and the criminal charges would be dropped.
- Community Block Grant – Lisa advise that she had attended the training and was very happy that the City allowed her to attend. She stated that she had made several connections that would provide the knowledge needed to apply for grants.
City Clerk: Codification Efforts/Santa Sack Project –
- Codification Efforts – Ronda advised that she had received a Proposed Table of Contents from Sterling that she was in the process of reviewing the content. She stated that she was happy with the content so far, but there may be some ordinances that may need to be repealed as they are no longer appropriate for the City; generally speaking some that had been adopted in 1910.
- Santa Sack Project – Ronda stated that the City had been invited to join the City of Ponderay in their yearly Santa Sack Project. She advised that she had spoke with Mayor Lewis about the invitation and Mayor had expressed an interest in doing so. Ronda stated that she would like to send out the invitation to contribute to the City’s business along with her reminder letter to renew their business licenses. Council was in agreement that it would be a great addition to the City’s relationship with its residents.
Open Discussion - None
Adjournment:
Mayor Lewisadjourned the meeting at 7:45p.m.
Submitted by:
Ronda L. Whittaker
City Clerk
City of Kootenai Meeting Minutes October 6, 2015 Page1 of 3