City Council Regular Meeting

Star City Council Meeting Minutes August 4, 2009 The regular meeting of the Star City Council was held on August 4, 2009. The pre-Council meeting began at 6:30 pm at the Star City Hall. Pre-Council – Ada County Highway District Master Road Map Presentation: Justin Lucas, ACHD Planner, stated that he was at the meeting to update the Council on the Master Road Map for Star. Lucas reviewed maps that were handed out. The Master Street Map contained roads and the amount of proposed future lanes ACHD would like to have. The City may want to add certain features to the roadways and ACHD has computer capability to show these requests. This Master Road Map Plan will work with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Mitchell asked about a right-of-way foot print. Lucas stated that they did not have that information. The Mayor would like to see the right-of-way properties. Bruce Mills, ACHD stated that it will vary from property to property. The Mayor wants to know the future rights-of-way and what we need to make up. Councilman Christopherson asked if there were any roads planned south of the river, no major arterial is shown. Lucas stated that there are not and Joplin is a collector street. The Mayor stated that major roads are in for study now, such as Highway 16. Mary Shaw Taylor, City Planning and Zoning Administrator stated that the City is working on a Unified Code currently, with completion by the end of the year, and the roads will be changing. Gateways in particular will be changed. Lucas stated that they can be recorded at a later time. Everything currently is in draft form. The final draft will be brought back before the Council. Christopherson asked about a timeline. Lucas would like this to be finalized by the end of August this year. Regular Council Meeting Mayor Nathan Mitchell called the regular meeting to order at 7:00 pm 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 the Agenda: Bell moved to approve the agenda, McDaniel seconded the motion. All aye: motion carried. Consent Agenda: McDaniel moved to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of: Claims Against the City for July 2009, Regular Meeting Minutes of July 7, 2009 and Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law for – Colberg Annexation and Zoning; Sundance LLC. Annexation and Zoning; and F&S Construction Annexation and Zoning. Christopherson stated that File #AZ 09-01 1 the annexation and zoning findings for the Sundance property were incorrect: the Council decision was a three to one vote – Christopherson voted no. Bell seconded the motion with the correction. All aye: motion carried. Presentations/Public Input: Law Enforcement Report – Sergeant Harris stated that the Council has received two reports – one from the County and one from the City. Harris has included another synopsis on how time is spent by officers. Harris reviewed the monthly report. Christopherson stated that he likes the new format. Ada County Prosecuting Attorney – Axe Yewer, Deputy Prosecutor with Ada County. Yewer stated that the City will be charged $12,000 this year. Two years ago 262 hours were spent on City cases; last year the office spent 183 hours. Ada County does the work for Star, Eagle, and Kuna, they are about 20% of the case load – 1200 cases total. The three are using about 1.8 full time attorneys on cases; but are only being billed for about 1.5 attorneys. Next year the City will see an increase in costs due to the under-payment currently. The Cities are only being billed for attorney time. Bell asked if the cases that come out of Star are being handled efficiently. Yewer has not heard any complaints or issues about Star. Idaho Power – Blake Watson, Community Relations for Idaho Power, gave a brief introduction and stated that he was there to provide an update on Idaho Power projects. Information was handed out. The slow down in economy has affected Idaho Power with excessive call volumes due to customer calls. They are changing out all of their meters to be replaced with automated meters. This will be completed valley wide by 2011. Mobile dispatch will be able to get real time orders instead of coming back into the office for them as well. Transmission projects: They are running lines 150 miles from Wyoming into southern Idaho (Gateway West); there is another project going west – routes of power lines; and Langley Gulch/gas turbine (Payette County) is needed to add generation. Energy efficiency programs for the public were discussed. Erlebach asked how the power is being made in Wyoming. Watson, stated that it is from coal; Idaho Power is a partial owner of a coal plant in Wyoming. The Mayor asked about the Hell’s Canyon permit. Watson stated that it is still in the process but they have a small glitch with a water temperature problem and the difference above and below the dam. Christopherson asked about how real time the new meters will be. Lucas stated that it is real time, they are currently checked four times a day. Their concern now is how to store all the data. Committee Reports: Gary Smith, EDC Chair, 258 Langer Lake Way, Star, Idaho. Blake Watson, Idaho Power presented Smith with a $500 check for the Star Economic Development Committee. 2 Smith stated that the EDC did not meet on last month. There will be a review meeting with Keller, SAGE and the Mayor on August 19, they may have a pre-meeting to establish goals and agenda. The Star River Walk and Land Trust will hold their first community event on August 15th with a BBQ to follow. This is a good thing for the community. It was suggested volunteers wear long sleeves, long pants, bring bug spray and small tools – it starts at 8:00 am. The Downtown Committee is working on the City flag. No ESTech meeting held this month. The BVEP meeting minutes were sent out and their next meeting will be August 11th. Smith stated that the EDC and City of Star lost a good friend, Barbara Laundry died. Public Input – The Mayor stated the Budget Hearing will be a separate hearing and the Bond election will be separate issues. Those wishing to speak to either of those should wait until they are addressed on the agenda. Ray Stokes, 10166 Arrowleaf Court, Star, Idaho, stated that they need volunteers to clear a ten to twelve foot path along the river. The Mayor will cook hamburgers when they are done. Kevin Wheelock asked if public would be allowed to speak to the bond ordinance. The Mayor stated that they would. Pubic Hearing: 2009-2010 Budget Hearing – The Mayor declared the budget hearing open. The Mayor did a snap shot review of the current year. Total revenue to date is $1,426,968.37, total expenses are $1,150,258.40 which shows a profit of $276,709.97 as of today. We still have two months of bills left to pay. It cost about $100,000 a month to run the City. With two months of bills left, profit will be about $72,000. Included in that number, the purchase of the river property came out of the general fund instead of the impact fees. Cash in the bank is $248,000, the cash management account has $178,000, the Zion’s investment account has $100,000 and the Government Investment Pool has $501,000 in it. That is about one million in the bank, but of that $292,000 is park impact revenue money. At the end of the year we expect to have about $535,000 in the savings account. 2009-2010 Proposed Budget is a mirror of last year’s budget with State revenues being reduced. The big revenue is $811,000 for property taxes. This is the same dollar figure as last year. We have not increased property taxes to anyone in Star. Taking the same dollar figure as last year, we are allowed to take a 3% increase, we have chosen not too. Everything else is generated from the State. Bottom line shows a total income of 1 million and we balance a budget every year. On the expense side, there are no changes in levels of service for anyone, we have the same number of police officers and the same full time employees. One item that is different is police contract, their contract is about $13,000 less. The Capital Community of $86,000 is not designated to a specific project. We are showing zero revenue from building permits and park impact fees, we don’t anticipate any kind of development. Council – McDaniel asked about the capital equipment line item. The Mayor stated that this was for a copy machine and computers. Christopherson stated that he appreciated the breakdown of every single line item with the explanations. 3 Erlebach asked if we need to increase miscellaneous. Ward stated that we did not, the reason for the large number this year was due to the BBC study, there was not another line item to receive funds for this. Bell asked if the park development and maintenance was for park mowing. The Mayor stated that that it was. The Mayor will get the Council a breakdown of costs for maintenance of the parks. Public Testimony – Denise VanDorn, 11071 Frost Avenue, Star, Idaho, asked to have the impact fees explained and the limitations on how they can be spent. The Mayor stated that right now, the fee is just over $2,000 for residential buildings. This money can only be spent on the purchase of land or purchase of toys, gazebos, etc. The money cannot be spent on labor and or maintenance. The fees are collected from new residents to keep up with the same level of service as being provided currently. Richard Tinsley, 10459 W. Achillea Street, Star, Idaho, asked about animal control. In prior year we worked with Ada County and now we’ve negotiated with the local vet. The Mayor stated that the current contract is $12,000. There have been enough questions about service that we decided to put extra money in the line item in case we have to expand the service. Gary Smith, 258 Langer Lake, Star, Idaho, stated that the City has $530,000; is that surplus money? The Mayor stated that the $811,000 money is as close as we get to an operating expense for the City, the $530,000 is a reserve. The Mayor closed the budget public hearing for 2009-2010. Christopherson stated that he looked over numbers and appreciated the line item descriptions. He liked that we took out building revenue and expenses. If we get something it will give us a little buffer. We are keeping the amount of tax levied the same. We operate pretty slim and he appreciates that fact. He is in favor of this budget. Erlebach thanked the Mayor and Ward for doing the work on the budget; it takes a lot of responsibility to stay in the black. He is in favor of it. McDaniel also appreciates the work done on the budget. In considering economic times and that we are in the black says a lot for the people who do the budget. She likes the format of the budget this year. Our auditors always say we do a great job. Christopherson moved to approve the 2009-2010 Budget, McDaniel seconded the motion. Bell stated that he would echo what’s been said. This is his eighth budget process and knowing the economic times right now, we have been very successful. We will be putting money in the bank this year, and whatever we haven’t budgeted for, whatever growth for building permits won’t be used in this budget. He thinks this has been a successful year even with tough times. He thanked Ward for her hard work on the budget. The Mayor stated that we did see an increase in the liquor revenue this year. The Mayor appreciates the day to day management from Ward and appreciates the Council input. 4 Roll Call: McDaniel, Christopherson, Erlebach and Bell – all ayes: motion carried. Ordinances & Resolutions: Resolution No. 2009-05 Boise River Trails Plan – Christopherson moved to approve Resolution No. 2009-05, a Resolution of the City of Star, Idaho adopting the Boise River Trails Plan, a plan for the identification of existing and future trail routes and river paths along the Boise River; and the coordination of planning and development of trails with surrounding local governments, Bell seconded the motion. The Mayor stated that the green belt is from Lucky Peak to Parma. All aye: motion carried. Ordinance No. 203 Bond Election – The Mayor stated that he had a picture of the area, and showed everyone an arial picture. The Mayor pointed out Beacon Light and Pollard Lane, he stated that the orange color is school property; the orangeish greenish color is the River Birch Golf Course – the proposal is to purchase that property. The school district coupled with the College of Western Idaho and the viticulture project and Boise State, are talking about a different approach to school; the high school, junior high and elementary school would be all in one place. There would be three high school curriculums: professional technical, regular curriculum and performing arts program leaning towards the cultural side. It would also include the traditional athletics and a life sports program – which would be swimming, golf, and cross country running. The proposal to build up there is a piece of the bigger picture, the green/yellow property would be a YMCA. The YMCA spent two and half years on a northwest YMCA project, the school would like to co-locate the high school with the YMCA. Obviously the high school won’t start next year, but there is potential for programs to begin with planning and construction is a seven year window. The high school probably won’t be here in the next ten years. It will be the Star High School. The other part of the conversation is the golf course. It was here as a discussion on the purchase of the golf course several years ago. The question in front of us tonight is do we want to ask voters to approve $5 million dollars for the purchase of the golf course and an addition $1 million for a swim center. The swim center has been a hot topic. The Mayor wants to start a group to see if we can build an indoor/outdoor facility or we can build an outdoor facility for the dollar figure. The $6 million dollar bond is an opportunity worth pursuing and giving the voters a choice on the ballot to do it. We are talking about increasing your property taxes – it is an additional property tax. Any revenue from the City can pay down the bond. It can be a thirty year bond or a twenty year bond – we are looking to borrow for thirty years. The tax impact on a primary residence of $100,000 at 3.8% is $54.00 a year, on a $200,000 it is $108, and on a $300,000 home you will pay $212 a year. $100,000 on a business would be $108. We are using the State Bond Bank. The Council has an amortization schedule in front of them. Tax on a twenty year bond will be an increase; on a $128,000 home it will be $55.00 or $75.00 per year. A home in Westpointe Subdivision with a value of $203,000 the tax impact would be $112 in bond cost. It will be an obligation for thirty years. The Mayor has four years worth of operating expenses and they are at a breakeven point. From a revenue stand point, it is not a revenue generator nor does it run at a deficit. We don’t have a local swimming pool – we have gathered municipal information – pools are not money makers – the best pool is at a break even or a several hundred dollars cost. Payette subsidizes their indoor and outdoor pools. There are also a number of cities that own their own golf courses, we looked at big cities and little cities, they generated positive revenues and cost cities. Cities that leased their golf courses broke even or made profit. Purple Sage is a money maker, but does not reflect it. 5 Council – Erlebach asked what we would get for buying the golf course. The Mayor stated that we would get a turnkey operation of 198 acres and all improvements to the property. Preliminary there would be no change in personnel – including a golf pro. It also includes driving range and water rights. Erlebach asked if we passed the bond, and decided we don’t want it as a golf course, can we change it to a subdivision. The Mayor stated that we can sell it unless it is restricted. Yes, we could sell it, we could declare it as surplus. Erlebach asked if we could do it the day we buy it. The Mayor stated that there is no restriction on the City, if the city annexes or purchases we can do away with the restriction. It will need to go through a regular public hearing procedure. County restrictions don’t apply in city limits. Bell stated that in talking about the pool, we would ideally build it ourselves – but it could be a joint venture. There is a strong discussion that will need to take place regarding us operating it or someone else. Erlebach asked, if the pool cost more money, where would we get the money? The Mayor stated that we would have to verify where we would get the additional funds. This ordinance asks if the citizens want to go into debt. If we got permission, and terminated the contract put in place to buy the golf course – if you don’t spend money there are no bonds issued. The Mayor stated that with a GO bonds levy you can ask to go into debt for anything, but the ordinance needs to be specific. McDaniel stated that if the campus is built and we built the indoor pool, we could have an agreement with the school for the facility and possibly hospitals and etc. The Mayor stated that we would dictate what and who we work with. We can run it ourselves. The Mayor stated that we could go buy property somewhere else and build a pool, this is not saying we can’t. He thinks it is a foundation step for something bigger and the only way to do it, is ask the public. The Mayor stated that this was not scheduled for public hearing. He will run it like any other public hearing. The Mayor stated that the Council options are to say no or yes, or read it once by title and move to next item or they could table it to another date. Public Testimony – Ray Stokes, 10166 Arrowleaf Court, Star, Idaho, has been involved with this and believes it is a building block for Star. We could take the money and build a pool anywhere. He is in favor of an indoor-outdoor swimming facility, and with marketing on the golf course we could make it successful. The golf course is paying county taxes now of $35,000, this is a revenue stream and we would be making money when we take it over. He is in favor of the swimming pool and would use it all the time and his grandchildren would use it. We couldn’t purchase this at any other time. Kevan Wheelock, 1481 N. Star Road, Star, Idaho, stated that in this down economy we’ve listed how there is no development and then we rave about how we have operated the budget in the black, he likes operating in the black. He doesn’t like the fact that we’ve taken a left turn and we are looking at a time when people are getting their houses foreclosed on and we are taxing them again whether they understand it or not. He’s all for looking at a development – we’re suppose to be a walking community, it wouldn’t be that far to bus high school kids to another location. He thinks 6 that people use the park at Blake Haven, but we could use that money to put in a bathroom there. Ada County Highway District stated that who knows if any of their plans will ever come to be. The school is too far down the road and our money will already be committed. Wheelock has another comment: why would we want to put high school kids in a wine making class, they can’t drink until they are twenty one – it doesn’t make sense to him. Wheelock is against it. Gary Smith, 258 S. Langer Lake Way, Star, Idaho, stated that as a parent, he is in favor of the project and he has talked with people about it. Our youth can enjoy many opportunities with this. We have kids with nothing to do in the summer; we need to open a youth center, we could also have swim leagues. As a home owner, what better way to raise property values than to show the centers, you can drive them by this opportunity. As far as economic development, this is another opportunity. Citizens are contributing by bringing business to Star. This is an obligation, he doesn’t believe we would move forward if we didn’t think this was sound. He congratulated the Council on their budget. Our community’s highest crime is kids as they have nothing to do. Smith is strongly in favor of this. Tia Frisk, _________, Star, Idaho, stated that she still drives her children to Boise to utilize a pool so that she knows they are watched over by lifeguards. This is twelve to twenty dollars out of the her budget because there is nothing in Star. Judy Wheelock, 1481 N. Star Road, Star, Idaho stated that as a City we have paid for our City Hall with cash and we are not cutting staff in hard economic times. We need a pool to keep kids entertained, she doesn’t know if raising taxes is the way to go, maybe we need to save money and then buy it. A little less money in the pocket may break the camel’s back for some people. Pam Reader, 3998 W. Bray Court, Star, Idaho, stated that she moved here four years ago, she moved to Hillsdale first, then moved into Star. She doesn’t have grandkids, and believes if we don’t go forward it will be like mass transit, it will get put on the back burner. Being from a city having those kinds of problems, the city had to step up. She was surprised that there was not an impact fee on every house for schools. She believes the Hillsdale residents will be using it. She believes the pool will be a draw for the community – we can’t wait. Chris Stokes, 10166 Arrowleaf Court, Star, Idaho, thanked the Mayor for presenting this, it is forward thinking. It gives us an opportunity to purchase something now at a good price. There is no one moving out here in droves and we’ve had negative press. Now we have other things happening and this could be a real attraction and we have an opportunity to sell some of the houses that have been foreclosed on. It could be something different for Star. She is really proud of the City, at least it is being presented – and not just for a few residents. She is also pleased about the partnerships that can be formed with this – she would have thought we were nuts three years ago. We may be able to get grants and get something for Star that is unique. She would ask the Council to consider this and let the residents consider this in spending money each month for everyone to use and have things to do. The Viticulture Center is an agricultural endeavor and it’s scientific – why wouldn’t you want your kids doing it if they are in high school – they would be learning the science of it. There was a hot debate about the golf course being sold and there were houses to be built – she may not use the golf course, but her grandkids would. This is an attraction to Star, people may buy houses, businesses will benefit. We are investing in ourselves. She will be trying 7 to convince people to support this and asked the Council to please vote yes and put this on the ballot. Ron White, Gloxinia Street, Star, Idaho, stated that we have had good input, the Council is fiscally responsible and the citizens trust you. He doesn’t believe the Council would put it out there if you didn’t think it was the fiscally responsible thing to do. The citizens will have an opportunity to look into it. White stated that it is hard to know what the community wants. Let the people decide – it is up to Council to give them the opportunity. The Mayor stated that if Council decides to put this on ballot, only people in the City of Star will be allowed to vote on the ballot, those that live inside the city limits. People living in Star that don’t own property will also be able to vote. This bond will require 66 and two thirds vote to be authorized. It is not a fifty plus one, it is a super majority. The Mayor believes that it is proposed for general elections this November. He doesn’t believe it can be done at any other time. Bell stated that he appreciates what everyone has said as he looked at it and the possibilities, he thinks it is a great opportunity if the citizens want it to buy that much land that cheap and have a recreation plan for the City. We can do a whole lot with that much land, it doesn’t have to be a golf course, we can do whatever we want. The opportunity is wonderful, but it is a hard thing for him to say we are going into debt. The Council can’t make this decision. If the citizens don’t want to spend it, then we know the answer to the question. He believes that we need to let the citizens tell us this is what they want and put it on the ballot. There has been enough conversation and work that has gone in to it – we should let citizens decide. Christopherson stated that he thought a lot about the bond election and he came to same conclusion as Councilman Bell until he talked with a few citizens he represents. They have another take, there are issues with the buying a golf course and Council has hardly talked about a swimming pool, but most of the comments tonight were geared toward a pool. A swimming pool won’t increase the people. He believes that partnerships can happen with schools still. In his mind, we can’t just look at the levy and taxes raised, there is long term maintenance. Some pools are doing ok and some aren’t, most are money losers, it’s similar with golf courses. The bottom line is, we have to maintain these. We can hope they are going to be profitable, it’s a risk to the City. There is a great opportunity to build a pool, we need something for kids to do and citizens keep talking about a recreation center and a swimming pool. Putting a pool clear out there is crazy when we could find property in town and reduce the bond and we can do the same thing – there are other possibilities. Bell believes this is too big of decision for the Council and we need to put it before an election and this is one of the reasons we have representatives is to watch over things like this. He cannot approve this bond election ordinance, he doesn’t see the need for us to own a golf course. It is not five million dollars, it’s a total of eleven million dollars over the next thirty years. He thinks it’s a good thing to be debt free and not burdened by an eleven million dollar debt. McDaniel stated that she had to separate her personal from her professional side. There was nothing for her kids to do after moving here; she would have liked to have had a facility like this. She thinks it’s a great opportunity, but doesn’t like the city going into debt. However, local recreation for kids or adults means a lot, it means we won’t be driving as far if we stay here in the 8 City. She believes it is up to the citizens of Star. She is in favor of putting it before the citizens. She is in favor of passing this ordinance. Erlebach is in favor of this. There are some questions; it is more of an investment in a number of things. The swimming pool is being used as a teaser to buy a golf course. He would like to see the bond increased from 6 million to 7 million. The City will be responsible for the golf course. He thinks it is too far out for a swimming pool and we may want to move the pool; we need something for the kids. He is in favor of putting in front of the public. Christopherson stated that he appreciates what the Council decides but thinks we need to separate the question - do you want it or do you want to finance it? We have no idea about what kind of pool we would be getting. What about the operating costs of the golf course, we just don’t have a lot of information. The how question is the ordinance, the what question needs to be answered. We can spend less money and put in the pool and then go to bond election. He believes we are moving to fast to get on the November ballot and it doesn’t have to be in November. Erlebach doesn’t know if we can afford to wait and believes we need to move forward. The Mayor stated that we know a majority of it. The Mayor is hesitant to better define the ordinance and we are not obligated until you know if you have the money to spend. The Mayor stated that the idea of building the pool in town, whether with our own cash is a valid argument. To him the golf course is an investment for the city. Today it is way out there and long term. Erlebach asked if we could build a swimming pool in this ground. The Mayor stated that we could, but the closer you get to the river the closer you get to the water. Pinewood’s pool is at five feet. Bell stated that he believes that we have to let the voters tell us, knowing all the factors, if they don’t want to spend the money they will tell us that. It is a valid opportunity to put in front of the community. Let citizens take advantage of the opportunity. McDaniel stated that you’ve got to stick your neck out in life – the city needs to let the citizens decide if the City sticks its neck out. McDaniel moved that pursuant to Idaho Code, Section 50-902 the rule requiring an Ordinance to be read on three different days, with one reading to be in full, be dispensed with and that Ordinance No. 203 be considered after reading once by title only, Bell seconded the motion. Roll Call: McDaniel, Christopherson, Erlebach and Bell – all aye: motion carries. Bell moved to approve Ordinance No. 203, an Ordinance calling a special general obligation bond election to be held for the purpose of submitting to the qualified electors of the city of Star, Idaho, the proposition of the issuance of up to $6,000,000 negotiable general obligation bonds of the City of Star, Idaho and in providing the issuance of such bonds, the levy of a tax to pay such bonds, McDaniel seconded the motion. Roll Call: McDaniel – aye; Christopherson – nay; Erlebach – aye; Bell – aye: motion carried. 9 Reports: Staff – Taylor stated that Tim Bruer has information for the Council on the River Walk and minutes of the workshop meeting were included. Taylor stated that she had given the Council a memo regarding driving Floating Feather and giving her feedback on buffers and landscape. Taylor stated that ITD came to look at the newly installed lights and took pictures. They gave some good web site information on walkable communities. Council – McDaniel stated that she floated the river with Land Trust and it was a good float. Christopherson asked about the workshop this Thursday for signs. The Mayor stated that there will be no decisions made, this is for input from the business communities. The Council is welcome to attend. Mayor – The Mayor stated that there is a lot of stuff going on and talked about the River Walk progress. With regard to the City’s role in the bond election, no City dollars will be spent on the vote. Adjournment: McDaniel moved to adjourn, Bell seconded the motion. All aye: motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:00 pm. Respectfully submitted: Approved: ________________________ ______________________________ Cathy Ward, City Clerk Nathan Mitchell, Mayor 10