City Council Regular Meeting

Star City Council Meeting Minutes January 15, 2019 The regular meeting of the Star City Council was held on January 15, 2019 at 7:00 pm at Star City Hall, 10769 W. State Street in Star, Idaho. Mayor Chad Bell called the meeting to order and all stood for the Pledge of Allegiance led by a local Boy Scout. Roll Call: Councilmen David Hershey, Michael Keyes, Trevor Chadwick, and Kevin Nielsen were present. Approval of the Agenda: Chadwick moved to approve the agenda, Keyes seconded the motion. Nielsen asked if they could add nominating a new member to the Economic Development Committee. The Mayor asked the name be submitted and put on the next agenda. Keyes noted the Canyon Highway District had delivered a letter and they had not received a copy yet. The Mayor stated he will get it out to the Council to review. All ayes: motion carried. Consent Agenda: Chadwick noted that on page 4 of the December 18, 2018 Minutes the six parking spaces at the elementary school needed changed to sixty-seven parking spaces. Keyes stated there was an error in the River Birch Golf Course Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law and in the December 18, 2018 Minutes in the spelling of his wife’s name, it should be spelled without an “h” in Sara. Chadwick moved to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of: Special Meeting Minutes of December 11, 2018, Workshop Notes of December 17, 2018, Regular Meeting Minutes of December 18, 2018, Claims Against the City for December 2018, Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law for: Endsley Court Subdivision, and River Birch Golf Course, Final Plat for Star River Ranch, Phase 1, resignation of Michael Traficante from the Transportation Committee, a Temporary License Agreement with Ada County Highway District for sign placement, and the above noted amendments, Keyes seconded the motion. All ayes; motion carried. Presentations/Public Input: Republic Services – Rachele Klein – Rachele Klein, 2130 Franklin Road, Boise, Idaho, representing Republic Services, thanked the City for partnering with them. Klein explained the recycling market to China is now closed to them and locally they are only able to recycle #1 & #2 plastics. They are now able to capture #4 - 7 plastic and most flexible plastics through a new program using Hefty EnergyBag bags. The items are put into an orange recycling bag, put in customers blue recycling totes and picked up by Republic Services on their regular recycling day. The orange bags will be separated out and hauled to material recovery facilities and turned into diesel fuel. The program is available to all customers and Klein explained bags can be purchased at Albertsons, and that some cities purchase kits and either re-sell them or distribute the kits for free to residents. Klein explained they have an outreach program available for the City to use to promote the use of the orange bag recycling. Citizens can choose whether to participate or not. Chadwick asked if Republic Services could donate bags to the City and Klein stated recycling is not a money making item but she would check into it; and there may be some grant programs available. The Mayor asked what the cost would be to buy in bulk. Klein estimated around $7.00 a kit. Nielsen asked if the bags were durable. Klein stated they were and MINUTES 1-15-19 1 they have been working with the drivers on handling them. Chadwick asked about getting a copy of the Boise flyer that was handed out as an example, and Klein stated they can get one to us and the City can put the City logo on it. Daughters of the American Revolution – Kristi Young – Kristi Young, 10980 W. Capella, Star, Idaho, explained she is a member of the Eagle Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and chairs the Historic Preservation Committee and they would like to work with the City in locating the original Star school site. Young requested fellow member, Mary Garner, to do a presentation. Ms. Garner passed out a comment sheet and explained the value in locating the original school site and shared what they have learned thus far through land deeds, maps, census reports and newspaper clippings. They would like to put a historical marker on the site and realize with the river changing that the site may be under water. If this were the case the backup plan is to put a marker and GPS at the school directing citizens to the actual site. They have contacted the school to see about getting students involved and hope to eventually apply for some grants for funding. She stated they are before the Council seeking assistance from the City for any information or contacts they may know of that they could reach out to. Nielsen and Chadwick stated they had e-mailed her some possible contact information. Keyes asked Garner if they could give her name and contact information out in an article in the paper; to which Garner stated that would be fine. Public Input - No one from the public spoke. Committee Reports - Mike Olsen, Chairman for the Beautification and Community Relations Committee, passed out the 2018 Summary Report & 2019 Strategic Objectives Report. He reviewed the committee members and noted they meet the third Thursday each month at City Hall. Olsen stated he has agreed to again be chairman for 2019. Olsen reviewed the 2018 strategic plan and what had been accomplished, including the quarterly recognition program, Purple Heart parking, installation of bike racks, and Clean Up Star campaign. For 2019 they are again looking at the quarterly recognition program, installing loaner helmet stations, Make Star Shine Day and the Walkability Academy. Olsen stated he had attended the Transportation Committee and they plan to partner with them regarding pathways. Olsen reviewed comments to Councilman Keyes regarding Council Liaisons, communication between committees and City Hall, defining a process to get items on the City webpage and facebook page, and the possibility of electing treasurers for each committee. Councilman Hershey stated he would be reporting for the Activities Committee. The fireworks have been purchased for the Hometown Celebration. They will be nominating two new committee members, Sara Keyes and Josh Austin, to the committee; as well as adding some sub- committee members for the Hometown Celebration only. They meet the second Tuesday each month at City Hall. Old/New Business: Public Hearing: Declaring Surplus – Mayor Bell explained the City has some property in the Hunters Creek Subdivision which is not part of the park. The Council has decided to declare the property surplus and put it up for auction. Originally it was two lots, but the plat has gone away and it is now one lot. Whoever purchases the lot can split it back to two lots. The Mayor MINUTES 1-15-19 2 declared the public hearing open. The Mayor reiterated this is one partial that can become two, and they are looking for $65,000.00 for each partial, for a total price of $130,000 for the one lot. He asked if there were any questions from the Council before he opened it up to the public. Nathan Mitchell, 10305 W. Floating Feather Road, Star, Idaho, asked for clarification as to what they will do if the City does not get the minimum bid. Mayor Bell stated they then will put property up for sale through a realtor. Mitchell questioned whether the City might have other plans for this property. The Mayor state there were none. Mayor Bell closed the public hearing. Resolution 19-01 Declaring Surplus - Chadwick moved to approve Resolution No. 2019-01, a Resolution of the City of Star, Idaho, providing for the sale of real property owned by the City of Star, Idaho, pursuant to the provisions of Title 50 Chapter 14, Idaho Code; particularly describing said parcel; declaring the City's intent to sell certain real property at public auction for not less than a certain minimum price; setting a date for a public hearing prior to said sale; authorizing sale of property on negotiated basis if no bids above the minimum price are received, Keyes seconded the motion. All ayes: motion carried. Ordinance No. 280 Annexation & Zoning of Sailing Hawks – Chadwick 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. 280 be considered after reading once by title only, Nielsen seconded the motion. Roll Call: Hershey – aye, Keyes – aye, Chadwick – aye, Nielsen – aye: motion carried. Nielsen moved to approve Ordinance No. 280, an Ordinance annexing into the City of Star certain real property owned by Jacksons Food Store, Inc., located in the unincorporated area of Ada County, Idaho, and contiguous to the City of Star; specifically at 2602 N. Munger Road, Ada County Parcel Number R7626790300; establishing the zoning classification of the annexed property as residential (R3) of approximately 10 acres; directing that certified copies of this Ordinance be filed as provided by law; providing for related matters; and providing an effective date. Keyes seconded the motion. All ayes: motion carried. Ordinance No. 281 Rezone of Archway Subdivision Property – Chadwick 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. 281 be considered after reading once by title only, Nielsen seconded the motion. Roll Call: Hershey – aye, Keyes – aye, Chadwick – aye, Nielsen – aye: motion carried. Nielsen moved to approve Ordinance No. 281, an Ordinance rezoning certain real property located in the City of Star, owned by Jeff A. Wrede, located generally south of Highway 44, connecting Heron River and Starlight Meadows Subdivisions, (Ada County Parcel #S0417120900); rezoning the property from Residential (R2) to Residential (R4) with a Development Agreement; amending the zoning map of the City of Star to reflect such changes; and providing an effective date. Keyes seconded the motion. All ayes: motion carried. MINUTES 1-15-19 3 Employee Benefit Discussion – Mayor Bell explained they had before them a handout containing some information regarding PERSI and that Keyes had asked that it be brought up for discussion. The Mayor explained this was being brought up for discussion and that no decision needed to be made at this time. He stated he had staff contact PERSI to get some numbers, and explained the program would be for all employees, no one can opt out. In order to receive benefits an employee must be vested five years. Whether an employee is full-time or part-time the City puts in 11.32% and the employee puts in 6.79% of their paycheck each month. The Mayor explained they have three employees who may not be able to be vested and one employee who is already on PERSI and receiving PERSI benefits and that would disqualify him from being able to participate. Chadwick asked if that meant he could not be an employee and the Mayor stated he was unsure how that works. Hershey stated that on the Federal level he would be on a restricted schedule and probably could only work 90 days. The Mayor noted that would make it hard in the future to hire retired teachers, police officers, or anyone who has been on PERSI. Nielsen asked about the vesting timeframe; and Keyes noted elected officials are vested at six months and employees at five years. Mayor Bell noted the total cost of the program between the City and employees would be more than now. Chadwick pointed out the employee portion is less than the City portion. Nielsen asked how the program works and if Nathan Mitchell, previous Mayor for the City, could give some history as to why the City is on the retirement plan they are versus PERSI. Mitchell stated PERSI works on the 90 rule, age and years of service equal 90. Mitchell stated each year the past Councils evaluated PERSI versus a 401K plan and felt PERSI was more costly. They chose to have the City contribute monthly to a 401K plan and the employee could choose whether or not to contribute. With PERSI an employee must contribute, which would cut into an employee's paycheck. Chadwick stated he felt they needed to research it more, evaluate if it is better for employees in the long run and will it attract new employees. Keyes stated he asked to have it on the agenda for discussion only; that he was concerned Star may not be competitive with its benefit package for hiring and retaining new employees. His intent was to initiate investigating the program and have the Council by motion or a vote to initiate that investigation and report back in sixty days and to have a representative come to answer questions because it clearly is a complex item. He stated he was asking for Council blessing to pursue this and report back to the Council. Nielsen stated he is concerned with equity issues; now employees get the same amount of retirement; which equals the highest paid employee getting 5% and the lowest paid employee getting 10% of their pay. Not knowing how PERSI distributes, and as it appears higher paid employees may be losing out and lower paid employees will make bank, he stated he is in support of investigating further. Keyes suggested maybe looking at other benefits for employees that other cities offer as well. Mayor Bell stated he had no problem in researching it more. He asked Council if they would like to have staff or Keyes pursue, and possibly have someone from PERSI come and do a MINUTES 1-15-19 4 presentation. It was asked if the intention was also to do a survey of salaries. Keyes stated his intention was to look at the entire sweep of benefits, not necessarily salaries, and how our City measures up with other cities. The Mayor stated they can have staff do a survey of what other cities offer for benefits. Nielsen stated he would like to have a better understanding about how the program works. Keyes stated his motivation was how we compare with other cities to attract and retain qualified employees. Nielsen stated he is okay with Keyes researching and that this Council is willing to help out. The Mayor noted pursuing this seemed to be the desire of the Council. Keyes suggested if the Council wanted a salary survey that the City do that, and he would do the benefit part. Discussion/Decision To Change City Hall Lighting To LED – Mayor Bell stated he had asked Bob Little to look at what it would take to change City Hall over to all LED lighting. Little had a survey of the lights done and the estimate for the initial cost was $3,857.90, and with rebates of $1508.24, the final cost to the City would be $2,349.66. They estimate the City will save about $100.00 a month when totally changed over. The City could see a total return on investment within 21 to 24 months. Nielsen asked if they would need to change the ballast or only the light bulbs. The Mayor stated the lights only. Keyes stated he felt anything with a 100% payback within two years was a good idea and asked how long it would take to implement. Mayor Bell stated it would not take long to implement and the estimate before them was the best proposal they received. Chadwick asked if they could consider putting LED lights in their streetlights. The Mayor stated they could. Legal Counsel recommended they do a motion approving the quote. Chadwick moved to approve the quote to retrofit City Hall with LED lights, Keyes seconded the motion. All ayes: motion carried. Hershey noted the exterior lights were included in the quote. VRT Dues Discussion/Decision - Mayor Bell explained Valley Regional Transit was asking for $10,568.00 from the City. The amount included $4,264.00 for membership dues for 2019, $5,957.00 for Inter-County Express/Highway 44 Express, plus $347.00 for NUZA Inter-County Service Contribution. The Mayor recommended they pay the $4,264.00 membership fee which allows them to keep a seat on the table and not pay for the bus route. Keyes stated he understands they get some services from them and agrees they should pay the membership fee. He understands they collect user fees but don’t seem to increase this fee and yet they continue asking the City to increase monies to them. He is in support of paying $4,265.00 only. Nielsen stated he is okay with partnering with them. He would agree to the City maintaining their seat at the table. He would like to encourage VRT to be more proactive in going to the legislature for funding. MINUTES 1-15-19 5 Hershey stated he was all for keeping their seat at the table with VRT. The consensus was to pay only the membership dues of $4,264.00. Reports: Council – Hershey stated he had already reported on the Activities Committee and will be nominating Julie Olsen to be on the Committee. He noted he'd toured the new Fire Station. Keyes stated the "Welcome to Star" signs are in the paint booth which means all the construction is done. They have one location set and are working on another location east of town. He is trying to work with a land owner on the west end of town. At least one sign will be up soon. Chadwick stated they are working on expanding the river pathway into all the areas annexed into the City. They have a meeting Thursday with ITD, at ITD, regarding access points. He also has some new members to propose and will get them to the Council for approval. Nielsen stated the EDC Committee has identified five items and they have been led to a gentleman to help them with attracting business. He pointed out the Development Strategic Plan has a good cross section of input regarding our community. Mayor – The Mayor stated he attended the COMPASS Board Meeting and the Treasure Valley Partners Meeting. COMPASS has funded a lot of the Highway 16 study. TVP is working on the SALSA Program and with the OPIOID Program. Nielsen asked about the microphones and recording and where they were with it. The Mayor stated he will get with Nielsen on it. Executive Session: Nielsen moved to go into Executive Session under Idaho Code Statute 74- 206 (1)(f) Pending Litigation, Hershey seconded the motion. Keyes ask if they could have different parties in at different times. Legal Counsel stated they could if they choose to. Roll Call: Hershey - aye, Keyes - aye, Chadwick - aye, Nielsen - aye: motion carried. Mayor Bell reconvened the Council meeting at 10:44 pm. Adjournment: The Mayor adjourned the meeting at 10:45 pm. Approved: _______________________ Respectfully submitted: Charlten Bell, Mayor ______________________________ Kathleen Hutton, Deputy City Clerk MINUTES 1-15-19 6