Minutes

(Minutes subject to council approval)

CITY OF NEZPERCE, IDAHO

REGULAR MEETING

September 9, 2024

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE NEZPERCE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEZPERCE, IDAHO, HELD ON September 9, 2024.

PLACE:  Nezperce City Hall, 606 Maple Street.                                       Time: 7:00 AM

THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY Mayor Tyler Nelson at  7:03AM 

PRESENT were Councilmembers Tyler Nelson, Mike Jensen, James Zenner, Kelby Heartburg, and Kimberly Ingram, Maintenance Department Craig Cardwell, and Ben Mauer, Clerk/Treasurer Rhonda Schmidt and Fire Chief Dave Kuther. Visiting was JUB engineer Steven Schram.

PUBLIC COMMENT: 

MINUTES of the previous meetings of 8/12/2024 and 8/15/2024 were approved as emailed upon a motion by Cm. Jensen was seconded by Cm. Ingram, motion carried. 

TREASURER’S REPORT AND MONTHLY BILLS:

The Clerk’s Monthly Treasurer’s Report dated September 4, 2024, was examined, and approved, showing the following:

Funds on Hand                   $ 393,804.35 (including grant reimbursements – no pool received)

All bills and payroll disbursements were examined and approved for payment upon a motion by Cm. Jensen and seconded by Cm. Heartburg in the total $560,362.64 which includes grant disbursements of $477,453.43 check numbers 17721 through 17762. Receipts since the last meeting were shown as $633,623.13. Checks and stub approvals were signed appropriately by all parties as well as all signed the Claim Approval Report for September.

BUSINESS TO BE CONDUCTED    

  1. Land App Project Update: Engineer Steven Schram gave the monthly update reporting that all design tasks are completed for both Phases, Phase 1 should be completed in early November while Phase 2 is scheduled to go to bid on September 20th. The airport closure during Phase 2 airport closures is approximately 6 weeks. This month he will speak with the pilots about closing the airport August 1st until the end of the year. Two of the pilots have hangers in Craigmont so Matt Mosman needs to be informed of the closure. Steven added that he would like to update the general engineering agreement from 2020. He agreed to send the contract to Clerk Schmidt a week prior to the next meeting to give the council time to review it. similar, will bring a new contract with review prior to the meeting. 4 contractors and 5 subcontractors attended the pre-bid meeting for Phase 2.
  2. Review and adoption of a revised Personnel Policy: Clerk Schmidt reviewed the changes in the policy and the council made their recommendations. Cm. Heartburg made a motion to accept the updated policy with changes; Cm. Jensen seconded the motion, motion carried.
  1. Review and adopt Cyber Security Policy: Following review, Cm. Zenner moved to approve the Cyber Policy as presented. Cm. Jensen seconded the motion, motion carried.
  1. Review and adopt Social Media Policy: Following review, Cm. Ingram moved to approve the Social Media Policy as presented Cm. Jensen seconded the motion, motion carried.
  1. Reader Board Update: Clerk Schmidt informed the council that Bridget completed the Avista application for a new reader board but has had a heck of a time getting quotes from companies for the financial needs request. She has kept Avista Rep. Mike Tatko informed of the issues with these companies. No word on getting the grant yet. Cm. Jensen informed that he would like to get the temperature back on the board.
  2. Legion Hall Update: Clerk Schmidt informed the council that in order to get the 25 feet of property it would take a list of documentation including a survey and an appraisal of the property. So, it is going to cost much more than another $500.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

  1. Maintenance

Water: Maintenance Cardwell reported that they have dealt with leaks, leaks, and more leaks all month plus installed 3 meters.

Sewer: Maintenance repaired Rich Jacobs sewer line that separated from the manhole. They plan to get the work on the retaining wall at the lagoons completed as they have had too many interruptions to get it done.

Extra help: Cardwell suggested that we find a semi-retired person to do the menial tasks such as mowing and watering so he and Ben can complete the big projects. Then they can lay them off for the winter.

Streets: Maintenance has been patching streets in the am and in the pm; Cardwell has asked Karl for a quote to do a subgrade on Ash Street. Cm. Zenner informed that maintenance needs to put gravel above the roll off.

Equipment: Cardwell would like to have the one  ton serviced as the transmission is slipping a little. Cardwell will find a place to take it.

  1. Clerk – No report           
  1. Fire Department– Chief Kuther would like to get the hydrants opened before winter. Cardwell thought that he would have the time in the coming month. They discussed coming up with a plan by the next meeting. Once we know of a date, we will post it to Nezperce News to inform the community.
  1. Code Enforcement– Clerk Schmidt informed that 212 Oak Street has met compliance with the council’s request. Bateman asked that a letter be sent to Hamilton at 102 Walnut Street. He continues to be in contact with Gehrke on his properties and Florek at 301 Cedar.

COUNCIL COMMENT/OTHER                       

ADJOURNMENT Mayor Nelson adjourned the meeting at 8:10 AM following a motion by Cm. Zenner           and seconded by Cm. Ingram, motion carried. 

Other/Upcoming Events:

Upcoming Council Meetings: September 9th  at 7AM and October 15th at 5:30PM

ICCTFOA Conference – September 17-19

Lewis County Fair – September 26-29

The next regularly scheduled city council meeting will be on Tuesday, October  15th at 5:30PM at City Hall.

Tyler R. Nelson, Mayor                                   Rhonda J. Schmidt, Clerk-                                                                            Treasurer

 

 

(Minutes subject to council approval)

CITY OF NEZPERCE, IDAHO

REGULAR MEETING

August 12, 2024

 

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE NEZPERCE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEZPERCE, IDAHO, HELD ON August 12, 2024.

 

PLACE:  Nezperce City Hall, 606 Maple Street.                                       Time: 7:10 AM

 

THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY Mayor Tyler Nelson at  AM

 

PRESENT were Councilmembers Tyler Nelson, Mike Jensen, James Zenner, Kelby Heartburg, and Kimberly Ingram (via Zoom), Maintenance Department Craig Cardwell, and Ben Mauer, Clerk/Treasurer Rhonda Schmidt, Deputy Clerk Leigh Ross (via Zoom), and Fire Chief Dave Kuther.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT:

 

MINUTES of the previous meetings of 7/8/2024 and 7/18/2024 were approved as emailed upon a motion by Cm. Zenner was seconded by Cm. Heartburg, motion carried.

 

TREASURER’S REPORT AND MONTHLY BILLS: 

The Clerk’s Monthly Treasurer’s Report dated August 12, 2024, was examined, and approved, showing the following:

 

Funds on Hand                   $484,438.03 (including grant reimbursements)

 

All bills and payroll disbursements were examined and approved for payment upon a motion by Cm. Jensen and seconded by Cm. Zenner in the total $608,301.03 which includes grant disbursements of $540,289.86 check numbers 17672 through 17720. Receipts since the last meeting were shown as $841,448.64. Checks and stub approvals were signed appropriately by all parties as well as all signed the Claim Approval Report for August.

 

 

BUSINESS TO BE CONDUCTED    

  1. Land App Project Phase 2 – Authorization to Bid. The council discussed closing the airport for 6 weeks for the project. They would like us to ensure we give the pilots lots of notice and keep them informed about the closure. The only real change to phase 2 that the Council could see was the road moving along with a few other changes. JUB wants to go to bid this month. Maintenance showed pictures to the council. Phase 1 is on schedule within a few days, progress is being made towards putting in the liner. The Council wants time for Maintenance Cardwell to review plans and would like a special meeting on Thursday, August 15, 2024, to vote on the authorization to bid.

 

  1. DEQ Authorizing Resolution R2024-07 Motion to pass the resolution by Cm. Ingram seconded by Cm. Jenson, motion carried.

 

  1. Records Request Coping Fee Schedule R2024-09 Motion to pass the resolution by Cm. Zenner seconded by Cm. Heartburg, motion carried

 

  1. Employment Advertisement: The maintenance supervisor announced that maintenance worker Barnard had given her notice, and he would like to advertise for a new maintenance helper to get the department through until fall.

 

  1. Council Meeting Dates and Times for 2025: Clerk Schmidt informed the Council the new city calendar is being developed and now is when they could change the dates and times of council meetings. The council discussed and decided to keep the day and time the same for the coming year.

 

  1. Council Pay: Clerk Schmidt informed the Council that August is the month to change their monthly pay. The council discussed and decided to keep the rate the same for the coming year.

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

  1. Maintenance

Water: Maintenance Cardwell reported the water levels in the wells are close to what they were last year. They have put in 2 new meters and have changed out 3 others. There have been several leak repairs.

Sewer: Maintenance Cardwell reported the extensions were completed and almost cleaned up. The retaining wall at the lagoons has been dug out, would like to finish the wall this week. Getting ready for the concrete foundation.

Alley: Cardwell reported that the alley between Walnut and Birch has been cleared and moved over. When Sean Crema` had a survey completed it was found that the alley was in the wrong area. Crea Construction will push the road through on Ash St. and Birch St. between avenues and 7th to 8th .

  1. Clerk

Legion Project:  Clerk Schmidt reported she has heard back from Don and Terri Bryant, who heard back from their lender that for them to release the 50 ft of property they would need an amount of $500.00. Due to this cost, Bryant’s decided to not go forward with the sale. Council discussed options and decided to offer the Bryant’s an additional $500.00 to cover the costs the lender is requiring.

Clerk Schmidt let the Council know that it is open enrollment time for insurance and that maintenance worker Ben will be turning 26 and will no longer be covered under his parent’s insurance and will need to enroll in the City’s insurance plan. However, Ben is concerned about the cost to him and the impact it will have on his family. The council asked Schmidt to investigate options as they want to keep him as an employee.

Clerk Schmidt informed the Council that the attorney sent a letter to the lawyer group in Seattle threatening to suit the city over the Clean Water Act. Note: we heard back from Attorney Lewis regarding the lawsuit. She stated that due to the response the city sent to them they are not going to pursue the lawsuit and consider the matter resolved. 

  1. Fire Department– Chief Kuther reported they received a whole bunch of equipment for $300.00 from Scott Courtney who also rebuilt a pump getting Engine 4 back together and everything is operational for now.
  2. Code Enforcement– Clerk Schmidt thanked the Council for their quick response to the goat issue. Schmidt reported that Mr. Bateman is working with the residents who received letters and if they are unable to mow he is mowing the tall grass. Cm. Zenner had a complaint about dogs being at large and pooping in his yard, he believes the dogs belong to the Winton’s who also have chickens running at large. They also have an overabundance of cars being parked in front of their house and they are crowding the right of way. The council wants a letter sent to them to address these issues.

PUBLIC HEARING-

  1. Water Base Fee Increase Public Hearing: No one was present for the public hearing. No further discussion.

2   Approve Resolution R2024-11 for Water Base Increase

            Upon motion by Cm. Zenner to approve Resolution R2024-11 and seconded by Cm. Heartburg, motion carried. This resolution will increase the water base rate from $16.75 to $20.00.

  1. FYE 2025 Budget Hearing: No one was present for the public hearing. No further discussion or questions regarding the budget.
  1. Review and Approve the Budget Ordinance: Clerk Schmidt informed the council that after paying a few more project invoices she will update the budget to reflect those payments. The council agreed to a special meeting on August 15, 2024 and will approve the final budget numbers then.

COUNCIL COMMENT/OTHER                       

ADJOURNMENT Mayor Nelson adjourned the meeting at 8:10 AM following a motion by Cm. Zenner and seconded by Cm. Jensen, motion carried.             

Other/Upcoming Events:

Upcoming Council Meetings: September 9th  at 7AM and October 15th at 5:30PM

ICCTFOA Conference – September 17-19

Lewis County Fair – September 26-29

The next regularly scheduled city council meeting will be on Monday, Sept. 9th  at 7 a.m. at City Hall.

_______________________                                                  __________________________

Tyler R. Nelson, Mayor                                                          Rhonda J. Schmidt, Clerk-Treasurer

 

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