MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SODA SPRINGS, CARIBOU COUNTY, IDAHO HELD MAY 4TH, 2011.
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 5:00PM BY KIRK L. HANSEN, MAYOR.
ROLL CALL SHOWED THE FOLLOWOING PRESENT:KIRK L. HANSEN, MAYOR
RANDALL E. PRESCOTT, PRES.
MITCHELL J. HART
LYNDA LEE
TODD B. SMITH
EXCUSED:
ALSO PRESENT:Jason E. EilerJoe Rice
Ian M. EilerMark Steele
Charles Kator
Jack SturmRick Simmons
Jeri SturmElaine Simmons
The invocation was given by Ian Eiler; Mayor Hansen then led everyone in the ‘Pledge of Allegiance’.
Council President Prescott thanked Mr. Rick Simmons for his hard work and dedication to the ski trails and for his involvement in creating the trail system. Council President Prescott, on behalf of the City presented Mr. Simmons with a sign that will be placed at Kelly Park naming the ski trails the “Rick Simmons Nordic Ski Trails” in honor of all his efforts. Mr. Simmons thanked the Mayor and Council and explained that it all started because he wanted a place to ski. Mr. Simmons noted that it has turned out to be a nice trail system because of all the help from the City and the great volunteers. Mr. Simmons explained that the biggest challenge is keeping the trails groomed everyday that is a skiable day and noted that it only takes one time for someone to drive two hours to get here and find un-groomed trails for people to stop coming. Mr. Simmons commended the volunteers that have helped keep the trails groomed and reported that Jack Sturm has agreed to take over the preparation and grooming with the City’s help and support. Mayor Hansen again thanked Mr. Simmons for all he has done and let him know that he will be missed.
Mayor Hansen invited Ian Eiler, who is currently working on his citizenship badge for scouting, to address the Council. Mr. Eiler asked the Mayor and Council what the City can do to attract more people to move to town. The Mayor explained that City officials and staffhave done a good job of promoting the City trying to attract new businesswhile also supporting the existing businesses but due to the competition it isdifficult. Councilmember Prescott also mentioned that the City has kept power rates low and trieshard to keep our infrastructure inexpensive but continue to provide good services making it easy for people to live here. The Mayor thanked Mr. Eiler for attending and suggested to Mr. Eiler that in his future he consider looking at opportunities to come back and support the community.
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The Council reviewed the minutes from the last meeting and the payroll and accounts payable for April. Councilmember Prescott moved to dispense with the reading of the April 20th, 2011
minutes and approve them as written along with the payroll and accounts payable for April, 2011. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.
(SEE ATTACHED PAYROLL & ACCOUNTS PAYABLE REGISTERS FOR DETAIL)
Director Skinner reported that the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA)Residential Exchange Settlement Agreement failed to meet the 91% approval it needed and has now been revised to require only a 75% approval. Director Skinner explained that this does not affect the City’s settlement amount. Councilmember Hart moved to approve the revised BPA Residential Exchange Settlement Agreement, seconded by Councilmember Lee. All in favor, motion carried.
Director Skinner requested approval to pursue three new equipment purchases. The Council reviewed a list of maintenance items performed on the 2005 Elgin street sweeper in the last 12 months and discussed purchasing a new sweeper for approximately $195,000 to $250,000. The Council discussed the new types of sweepers and their efficiency and also discussed the trade-in value of the existing sweeper. Director Skinner also mentioned that $55,000 is budgeted for payment and interest on a new sweeper. Councilmember Prescott moved to approve pursuing the options for a new street sweeper, seconded by Councilmember Smith. All in favor, motion carried. Director Skinner requested to replace the City’s bucket truck which is extremely old and the hydraulicsare failing. $30,000 is budgeted to find a used truck. Councilmember Prescott, seconded by Councilmember Hart moved to approve looking for a used bucket truck to purchase that falls within the budgeted amount. All in favor, motion carried. The Council also discussed the need to purchase a new tractor to replace an old one that is used for mowingalong the highways, the tracks and at Kelly Park. The old one has a recurring problem with the PTO and it would be $5000 to rebuild and has already been rebuilt several times. Director Skinner suggests looking for a used 40hp tractor for around$6,000 to $8,000. Councilmember Prescott moved to approve finding a replacement tractor and report back. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.
Director Skinner requested approval to replace a full time public works employee who recently quit. Director Skinner stated that the position is critical to the public works department. Councilmember Lee asked what would happen if the employee was not replaced. Director Skinner explained that it would put the department short an equipment operator especially during snow plowing season and feels there is plenty of summer work also to justify the full time position. Councilmember Smith moved to approve advertising for a replacement to fill the position. Councilmember Hart seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.
Director Skinner briefly discussed with the Council the anti-degradation process currently being performed by EPA which will regulate effluent limits on wastewater plants. Director Skinner pointed out that a preliminary report shows the discharge permit for Boise requiring a
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temperature limit on their effluent. If a temperature limit was placed on the City it may be an additional expense in order to comply. Director Skinner stated that discussions with the City’s engineer suggests that our infiltration should keep the temperature down but it is something to be aware of as the City moves forward with the upgrade and working with the EPA on the City’s new discharge permit.
The Mayor and Council reviewed a list provided by Gene Lish, of items used and things needed for the 4th of July Carnival. Gene is requesting approval to provide the carnival again and asked for the City’s $1,000 support. Councilmember Prescott asked if this creates a problem for Director Skinner. Director Skinner stated that it does not create a problem and Gene has made the Carnival much moremanageable. Councilmember Smith moved to approve providing $1,000 to support the 4th of July Carnival along with allowing the City man hours needed to set up and take down, seconded by Councilmember Prescott. All in favor, motion carried.
The Mayor and Council considered a request for approval to pay $75 for three of the Library staff to attend the Idaho Library Association Spring Conference on May 6th. Councilmember Lee supported the request and mentioned how hard the staff had been working on the new carpet installation. Councilmember Prescott moved to approve the training request, seconded by Councilmember Smith. All in favor, motion carried. Councilmember Prescott added that the new carpet has made a big change to the Library and commended the staff on their efforts and challenged the other departments to brainstorm projects. Numerous volunteers were involved and the carpet was purchased with a $6000 donation from the Clear SpringsFishing Derby.
The Mayor and Council began discussion of the 2012 budget. Clerk Vorwaller presented the estimated beginning fund balances along with property tax levy and rate increase history. Clerk Vorwaller explained that in order to cover future loan payments on the wastewater treatment plant upgrade the sewer bond rate will likely need to more than double. Clerk Vorwaller suggested doubling the current rate of $17 this year making it $34 and then adjust it again when the project is complete. The Council considered the suggestion and also reviewed the cost of living wage increase options. Director Skinner presented a spread sheet detailing the information reported to BPA on the City’s power expenses and revenues. The Council will continue to work on the 2012 budget at upcoming meetings.
Councilmember Prescott moved to approve entering into executive session pursuant to I.C.67-2345(1)(f) to communicate with legal counsel regarding probable litigation. Councilmember Smith seconded the motion. A roll call showed the following vote:
Those voting aye: Mitch Hart Those voting nay:none
Randy Prescott
Lynda LeeAbsent:none
Todd Smith
Motion Carried.
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Councilmember Hart moved to exit executive session, seconded by Councilmember Smith. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilmember Prescott moved to approve retaining Ray Eldridge, anindependent engineer as an expert witness for the City of Soda Springs in a matter of litigation as recommended by legal counsel. Councilmember Hart seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried.
Councilmember Hart moved to adjourn the meeting at 6:30pm, seconded by Councilmember Smith. All in favor, motion carried.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL THIS 18TH DAY OF MAY, 2011.
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Kirk L. Hansen, Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tausha Vorwaller, Clerk