City Council Regular Meeting

Meeting Minutes June 2, 2009 A regular meeting of the Star City Council was held on June 2, 2009 at Star City Hall at 7:00 pm. Mayor Nathan Mitchell called the meeting to order and all stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call: Council persons Tammy McDaniel, Dustin Christopherson, Tom Erlebach, and Chad Bell were all present. Approval of Agenda: Christopherson moved to approve the agenda, McDaniel seconded the motion. All ayes: motion carried. Consent Agenda: Bell moved to approve the Consent Agenda, McDaniel seconded the motion. The Consent Agenda consisted of: Claims Against the City – May 2009; May 19, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes, Time Extension Requests for Pinewood Lakes and Waterview Estates. All ayes: motion carried. Public Input Presentations: Committee Reports: No Committee Reports were given. Public: Citizens asked to speak during the River Property Purchase discussion. Public Hearing: Sundance LLC – Annexation & Zoning: Mayor Mitchell explained Sundance Properties had requested their annexation and zoning application be tabled to July 7, 2009 to allow them more time for discussions with the Idaho Transportation Department. As the annexation and zoning application for F & S Park Hampton is contingent on the approval of the annexation of the Sundance Property it also would need to be tabled. McDaniel moved to continue the public hearing for Sundance LLC and F & S Park Hampton to July 7, 2009 at 7:00 pm, Christopherson seconded the motion. All ayes: motion carried. Old / New Business: Turn Bay at State Highway 44 & Plummer Road: John Tomkinson, 2393 N. Sunny Lane, Star, asked that the City of Star send a letter of appreciation to ACHD for the installation of the crosswalk light. He has a list of names he will give to the City Clerk. Tomkinson explained the Economic Development Committee had been discussing a right turn bay off of State Highway 44 onto Plummer Road since last fall. Before the Council is a copy of a 2005 Traffic Study done to justify the construction. Tomkinson had spoken with Dave Jones and he indicated the Idaho Transportation Department would be willing 1 to build it, if there was a collaborative effort between ITD, ACHD, and the City. He noted ITD did not currently have the funds to pay for the construction but they do have a design that could be used. Tomkinson stated he was before the City to see if they agreed there was a need, if there were possible funds in the budget to pay the $37,600.00 projected cost of construction, and if the City was in agreement to work cooperatively with ACHD and ITD. Bell asked if this was the total cost, and Tomkinson stated it was. Mayor Mitchell asked if ITD would do the construction or were there other options. Tomkinson stated the preference was to have ITD do the construction. Erlebach asked if the cost estimate was current and Tomkinson stated it was done within the last 60 days. McDaniel noted that on the back page it stated for an “east” bound turn bay; Tomkinson clarified it should say and is for a “west” bound turn bay. Mayor Mitchell noted it appears to be in ITD’s right-a-way, as well as it appears the City is paying the ITD crew to do the work – when they would be working anyway. Tomkinson stated this would be work over and above their normal maintenance. The Mayor stated he would be more agreeable to the City paying for materials and ITD paying wages. He noted this project was not on any of the City’s priority list to ACHD and they probably would be looking for it when they consider collaborating on it. He stated the City could start the process to put it on their priority list of projects needed. Mayor Mitchell noted this project was not included in the proposed budget in front of the Council. Money could possibly be appropriated, depending on the revenue sharing check coming in July, as well as there may be money in savings. He stated the first step is to start conversations with ITD and to see if ITD can furnish the labor. He also would like to see if ACHD could do the project cheaper. Bell stated he agreed with the Mayor’s comments. If this is to be a cooperative effort he felt ITD should contribute the man hours to the project; not the City footing the whole bill. Mayor Mitchell stated he felt the private sector could do the project cheaper, while Tomkinson felt government entities know more about building roads. Erlebach asked if there had been accidents on this corner indicating a need. Tomkinson stated the 2005 Traffic Study indicated there is a need. Mayor Mitchell pointed out it will offer increased access into the businesses there. Gary Smith mentioned the need for the turn bay was an item of concern brought up at last year’s business social. Tomkinson mentioned there are some infrastructure grants available they will pursue; he is here wanting to start the conversation for this being a possible project. Mayor Mitchell 2 asked Tomkinson to talk to ITD and see if this was a real cost number and to have ACHD bid on it. Mayor Mitchell asked the Council if anyone was opposed to this being added to the priority list; to which everyone indicated they were not. Mayor Mitchell stated they would get a letter sent to COMPASS and revisit this at the July 7, 2009 Council Meeting. Bruce Mills, ACHD, stated he has found with his Commission, if there are matching funds and the project appeals to them, they are more open to partnering. River Property Purchase: Mayor Mitchell explained the purchase agreement before the Council was for approximately two and a half acres at the end of South Main Street. The property has some river bank access on the south boundary, but the total southern boundary is not river frontage. The idea behind the purchase of the property is to have a starting point for the Star River Walk and the option of having some parking. There is a small pond on the property that could be expanded. The purchase price is $155,000.00, plus paying delinquent taxes and miscellaneous encumbrances for a total cash price of approximately $158,000.00. This is the break even point to clear all debt against the property. Christopherson questioned the footage of the river frontage. The Mayor stated there was approximately 75 to 100 feet. Christopherson asked if this was enough frontage for a boat. The Mayor stated it could be a possibility with some bank improvement. He noted the benefit to the City to purchase this property is that it will give the City some control on some property on the river, give us access, and parking. Erlebach noted he liked the idea but was concerned with the possibility of graffiti and asked about the utilities on the property. The Mayor explained there were utility stubs to the property but no utilities on the property. Mayor Mitchell explained how park impact fees work. He also noted if revenue sharing and property taxes are what he expects in the second half of the year, they should be able to put $200,000.00 into excess. The two options possibly available to pay for the property are to take it out of general expenditures or from excess park impact fees. Erlebach asked if the City would be guaranteed access to the river with this parcel. The Mayor stated we would and would have the right away to build a road out to it. Due to this property being in the floodway it would be left more in a natural state; which is will go along with the Star River Walk concept. Bell noted Carlson’s had seven and a half acres between this parcel and Heron River Park. Mayor Mitchell stated that was correct and there are dedicated easements on their property for the walk. He pointed out this parcel would allow for access out to Main Street from the river. 3 Public Comments: Ray Stokes, 10166 Arrowleaf Court, Star, stated he is in support of the purchase of the property. He noted it would enhance the Star River Walk and the citizens’ use of the river. Richard Tinsley, 10459 W. Achillea, Star, concurred with Stokes comments. As the walk now runs east, this will also allow it to go to the west. Gary Smith, 258 S. Langer Lake, Star, stated they have had several meetings over the last year and anything they can do to support this purchase they would be willing to do. He felt it is a good thing and encouraged the City to look at it for access. Mayor Mitchell stated they are good to approve the purchase with a decision tonight as there is no requirement for public hearings. He cautioned to the Council to be aware that inevitably there will be conflict with the proposal to purchase on down the road. Christopherson asked if the Mayor was concerned the price might increase if they were to hold off with approving. The Mayor pointed out they were buying a long term investment for a park. The owner is currently in default of his loan and this price will clear him of his debt. If he doesn’t sell now his costs will go up, so the selling price may go up; but if the market was to continue downhill they may come down. He restated he felt this was a good price for the City at this time as an investment for the City’s future. Christopherson asked if they wanted some kind of public meeting would they be talking about months before the foreclosure. Mayor Mitchell stated June 1st was the start date for foreclosure. This discussion with the City was delaying the foreclosure. Bell stated that in his experience in taking items like this to a town meeting, usually they did not get any new input. He stated he didn’t think they could find a better piece of river property to attach to their larger park. The Mayor stated there will be those who feel it is the right thing to do and those who will tell them to do something else. He feels this is the right thing to do. Erlebach noted this was on their agenda, so the public were notified it was coming before them for discussion. Smith stated the cross section of citizens he had spoken with are in favor of the River Walk and he feels they’ll approve of this purchase. Bell noted they had a lot of negative comments regarding the new city hall and now they are receiving positive comments. He feels the same thing will happen with this. Vicki Diaz, 299 N. Hullen, Star, stated if they have funds for the park, then it was a no brainer to purchase this river access property. 4 Christopherson moved to approve the Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement and to authorize the Mayor to sign it, Erlebach seconded the motion. Bell stated he would like to see if they have extra funds in this year’s budget to fund part of the purchase, and the balance be from park impact fees. Mayor Mitchell stated they will know in July if this is possible and he would let the Council know. All ayes: motion carried. Mayor Mitchell stated they will close when they turn the title work around. He thanked everyone for their support. Discussion On Meetings: Mayor Mitchell stated there have been discussions that with the current work load whether there was still a need to hold two Council meetings a month. It could be cost effective to cut back to one. Erlebach stated he had no problem cutting back to one meeting a month. Bell stated he was struggling a little with it; trying to think through from the public viewpoint. He was worried that land use issues would be put off longer if they miss a deadline. McDaniel asked it this could be subject to change if need be. The Mayor stated it could. Christopherson asked if it was difficult to cancel meetings if need be. The Mayor stated they just posted a cancellation notice. Bell stated he felt the cancellation notices seemed to be well done. McDaniel stated she was in favor of changing to once a month till the need arises to change back to two. All Council persons agreed. Mayor Mitchell stated they will go to meeting once a month and will have an ordinance drafted stating they will meet the first of each month. Reports: Council – Erlebach noted Star Mule Days is this weekend and he reviewed the schedule of events. Mayor Mitchell noted the City will purchase candy for the Council to distribute during the parade. Bell encouraged the public to attend the Senior Center pie contest. They also will have sloppy joes for sale. This event is a large fundraiser for them. Gary Smith, Economic Development Committee, informed the Council the EDC will be hosting a business social on June 24th. This time the agenda will detail what they’ve achieved and where they’re looking to go. There will be different booths presenting information. The idea is to collect more input on what they’d like the Committee to do. Mayor – Mayor Mitchell noted the Council has a copy of the White Paper report created by Hawley Troxell, which was generated out of the annexation of property along 5 Highway 44. He briefly explained the summary of the document. He also pointed out the Council has a first draft of the proposed 2009-2010 budget, and explained some issues they may want to think about as they review it. The budget was based on the assumption staffing levels will remain the same, they will continue funding the City portion of the DMV, and will maintain the police contract at the same level. He noted he would like to engage more of the public in the budget hearing discussions this year. From the audience, Vicki Diaz asked if the City had considered doing anything green within the City, within City Hall or at the Fire Station. Mayor Mitchell explained they had held discussions when City Hall was built, but due to costs they were only able to incorporate a limited amount of items. The City will continue encouraging citizens to go green as long as they meet codes and do not violate the City’s franchise agreement with Idaho Power. Some items may also be considered in the new unified code. Adjournment: Christopherson moved to adjourn the meeting, Erlebach seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 8:45 pm. Approved: Respectfully submitted: ________________________ Nathan Mitchell, Mayor __________________________ Kathleen Hutton, Deputy Clerk 6