City Council Regular Meeting

Star City Council Meeting Minutes February 4, 2014 The regular meeting of the Star City Council was held on February 4, 2014 at the Star City Hall, 10769 W. State Street, Star, Idaho. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 pm by Mayor Nathan Mitchell. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call: Council persons Chad Bell, Tammy McDaniel and Richard Lockett were present. Councilman Tom Erlebach was absent. Approval of the Agenda: Bell moved to amend the agenda removing item 6B, adding the Bill Addendum to the Consent Agenda, adding Treasure Valley Partners TIP program and Resolution 14-01 Access Idaho Service Agreement to Old/New Business, McDaniel seconded the motion. All aye: Consent Agenda: McDaniel moved to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of: Claims Against the City for January 2014, Bill Addendum, Regular Meeting Minutes of January 21, 2014 and Findings of Fact & Conclusions of Law for the following: a) Preliminary Plat for Munger Meadows b) Amended Preliminary Plat for “The Lakes I” at Pristine Meadows (Pavilion Commons) c) Preliminary Plat for “The Lakes II” at Pristine Meadows (Pavilion Commons) Bell seconded the motion. All aye: motion carried. Public Input: No public input was given. Old/New Business: Star Veterinary Rate Increase Discussion – The Mayor stated that the discussion was regarding the increase of fees from $1000 to $1,400 per month. Zach Bruneel, 10334 W. State Street, Star, Idaho, stated that he had prepared a report for Council. He stated that he began disposing of animals in March 2009 almost five years ago. Bruneel keeps the animals for five days and then disposes of them. So far they have euthanized only four animals and taken in about 500 animals. Anytime an animal is brought in we charge them an impound fee, even if the owner comes to pick them up. There were other animals that were brought in that weren’t charged an impound fee. In looking at the top sheet, 39 animals were impounded and they found homes for seven and euthanized one. Initially the contract was for two animals a month, they would be boarded for five days and then disposed of and that is where the $1,000 came from. McDaniel asked what the cost of boarding is? Bruneel stated that it is $25.00 per animal, to euthanize an animal it is $100.00. Bell asked what people were charged when they come in to pick up their animal. Bruneel stated that they are charged $35 for impound, given shots and charged for the boarding which is $25.00. McDaniel asked how they find out who owns these dogs. Bruneel stated that many come in with collars, they check for microchips, or office staff recognizes the dog and they call the owner. The Mayor asked if a dog comes in that day, do you charge to impound dog? Bruneel stated that it varies, staff does make calls to owners. We could cite owners for every dog that gets turned in; we could also cite repeat offenders to recuperate some costs. Bruneel stated that the Police have told him they cannot cite the offenders as the Star Code does not have enough teeth with regards to dogs at large. The Mayor stated Page 1 of 3 that prosecutors don’t want to deal with dogs. Bruneel stated that they also get un-neutered pit bulls and he doesn’t know how to deal with them. Bruneel does not have any problem in contacting the City in that case. Bell would like to see monthly reports. The City gets a report quarterly. Bell had no idea regarding the numbers and would like to have more of a handle on it each year for budgeting purposes. The Mayor stated that 30% of the animals on the list are not citizens that reside in the City. The Mayor asked for a breakdown of the dogs. McDaniel stated that a notice could be sent out to people that are repeat offenders. McDaniel asked if Bruneel gets a lot of animals after hours. Bruneel stated that they rarely get animals brought in after ten at night. Bruneel stated that instead of the City coming up with a mailing, he can do that and have a graduated scale of fees. Bruneel stated that it would add to his bottom line, so he’s willing to do it. McDaniel stated that you’ve come to the conclusion that you’re spending 40% more. Bruneel stated that the amount could have been more. Bell doesn’t have any problem with the increase, but wants reports so they can see what the numbers and problems are. McDaniel asked the Mayor what he thought about the graduating impound fee. The Mayor does not have a problem with repeat offenders being penalized. Bell moved to approve the request to increase the Star Vet Clinic from $1,000 to $1,400, McDaniel seconded the motion. All aye: motion carried. Treasure Valley Partnership TIP Program – The Mayor stated that he received an email from Mayor de Weerd of Meridian asking for support of this program. It is to provide support for trauma victims. This proposal is based on twelve cents per person. For Star the cost would be $778. McDaniel asked if this was an annual thing. The Mayor stated that it is for training of the volunteers in the first year. Bell asked how many people would be trained. The Mayor does not know. Lockett asked if it is available to everyone. The Mayor stated that this is for a hotline for people to call when they need to talk to someone. The Mayor stated that we can wait on this for more information. The Mayor stated that he would send a note back stating that we believe it is a good idea, but want more information. Resolution 14-01 Access Idaho Service Level Agreement – Bell moved to approve Resolution No. 14-01 the Service Level Agreement, a resolution of the City of Star, Idaho approving the service level agreement between the State of Idaho, known as “Access Idaho”, to provide online electronic access and transactions, authorizing the Mayor to execute such approval on behalf of the City, and providing an effective date, McDaniel seconded the motion. All aye: motion carried. Reports: Council – McDaniel stated that she has been trying to get over to the Fire Station but has been unable to. She is still working on it. She will be having a heart procedure in Salt Lake after the retreat. Lockett stated that he attended the Legislative Day at the Capitol, the COMPASS 101 meeting and the Chamber Banquet. Bell stated he attended another Valley Regional Transit board meeting. Mayor – The Mayor stated that he is getting information for the retreat ready for the 20th. The upstairs is not finished. We are waiting on the Mayor for the floor and sheet rock. Council will have a good set of drawing plans for Hunters Creek parking lot to look at. The Mayor attended the Legislators Day at the Capitol. The Mayor sent the lease agreement to the Ross’s today. We did receive a letter regarding a property owner outside the City limits wanting us to support him with the State. We will be sending him a message stating that it is not in our jurisdiction. Page 2 of 3 Adjournment: The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 8:40 pm. Approved: Respectfully submitted: __________________________ Nathan Mitchell, Mayor ________________________ Cathy Ward, City Clerk Page 3 of 3