CITY OF NEZPERCE, IDAHO
REGULAR MEETING
October 7, 2019
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE NEZPERCE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEZPERCE, IDAHO, HELD ON October 7, 2019.
PLACE: Nezperce City Hall, 606 Maple Street.
THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY MAYOR BATEMAN AT 5:59 PM.
PRESENT were Councilmembers Steve Bateman, Mike Jensen, James Zenner, Michelle Lyons, Cm. Nelson was absent, Maintenance Supervisor Craig Cardwell, Fire Chief Dave Kuther and Clerk-Treasurer Rhonda Schmidt. Guest present was write-in candidate Tina Barker.
Pledge of Allegiance: The pledge was led by Mayor Bateman.
MINUTES of the previous meetings of 9/10/19 were approved as emailed upon a motion by Cm. Zenner, motion was seconded by Cm. Lyons, motion carried.
TREASURER’S REPORT AND MONTHLY BILLS:
The Clerk’s Monthly Treasurer’s Report dated October 7, 2019 was examined and approved, showing the following:
Funds on Hand $336,203.12
All bills and payroll disbursements were examined and approved for payment upon a motion by Cm. Jensen and seconded by Cm. Lyons in the total of $100,636.88 check numbers 15003 through 15057. Receipts since the last meeting were shown as $63,046.34. Checks and stub approvals were signed appropriately by all parties as well as the Payment Approval Report for October.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Present was Tina Barker, but she had no comments for the council.
BUSINESS TO BE CONDUCTED
1. NPDES Permit Update: A conference call with the EPA is scheduled for Thursday morning as we have heard that the EPA is voluntarily pulling the permit back and adding a compliance schedule for ammonia. We will learn more on Thursday. The Chicago attorney will be on the call with us as council and hopefully we will find out exactly we are with his fees.
2. Helipad Update: Cardwell informed the council that he has marked of the site for the pad and will be getting a concrete bid for the 50X50 pad as well as pricing the lights which are coming in around $600 apiece. Chief Kuther will speak with Shari about how to get Life Flight included on the project. Clerk Schmidt informed the council that she spoke with the State Aeronautics Department who informed that they require a copy of the FFA form and can possibly help with some funding.
3. Car Wash Utility Bill Request: Owner Bill Baldus has asked that the utility bill for the car wash go to a 6 on 6 off as it is not operational. Following discussion, it was decided to allow the water hookup to go to a 6 on 6 off but the sewer will remain a monthly fee as the drain is connected directly to the sewer and as long as it is we are getting the water into the lagoons to treat. Eventually he will need to correct that.
4. Containment Area at City Shop: Cardwell would like to construct a containment area for two fuel tanks with a light at the shop this month. The council approved the idea.
5. Website Additions: Clerk Schmidt asked the council to review the city website occasionally, and if they see something that needs changed or have ideas for the website to let either herself or Sharon Harris know. Clerk Schmidt added that additions will be coming to the business page and the cemetery district paid Sharon to create a page for the district and the information has been added recently. The cemetery will continue to pay for their annual updates.
6. Volunteer of the Year: Is the council interested in the Volunteer of the Year award for 2019, if so, Clerk Schmidt would like to get the form printed up to give the public more time to make nominations. The council agreed to the idea.
7. Riggers Trailer: Following discussion of the trailer and plausible uses Cm. Jensen moved to purchase the trailer from Dave Riggers for $100, motion was seconded by Cm. Zenner, motion carried. The free trailer was given to the Historical Society.
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS
1. Maintenance
Water: New controls were installed and it’s going well. Meter reading went a lot better and only having a few issues compared to the last few months.
Sewer: Maintenance Cardwell reported that they are working on several little projects so they can begin discharging. Weir has been fixed and to keep animals out installed a grate. Cardwell has been working with engineer Uptmor about discharging under the new permit.
Paving: The EMS parking lot has been paved as well as an approach to where the helipad is going. Chief Kuther asked about curbing the EMS building as worried that someone might run into the building. Cardwell suggested striping next spring but was against curbing because of plowing snow, curbs get pretty beat up with the plow. On the north side of the building plans are underway to landscape and install a flagpole. Cardwell suggested purchasing a load of river rock to fill in around the systems in the back, propane tank and alongside the entrance to city hall. Cardwell will have signs made for ambulance reserved parking in the back.
Kuther Property Exchange: Ken Kuther has concerns and has every reason to beings that the building the city is trading him doesn’t sit on the lots in the trade. We are still waiting on the final survey however from where the stakes are it is very clear that the building sits in the right of way of Elm Street and 2nd Avenue. Kuther will attend the meeting in November to discuss the situation. Meanwhile Cardwell will get dimensions of where the building sits in comparison to the building. Clerk Schmidt will fallow up with surveyor Cuddy & Associates.
2. Clerk
Audit Contract: The contract for the coming audit was reviewed and following, Cm. Zenner moved to accept as presented, motion was seconded by Cm. Jensen, motion carried.
Clerk Schmidt asked if any work had begun at the Senior Center as she hasn’t heard anything except that the sink in the kitchen was leaking.
3. Fire Department
Not much going on with the department this month.
COUNCIL COMMENT
Mayor Bateman informed the council that he has been asked about the city purchasing 15 lots from Dave Riggers. These lots would be for sold for homes and the city could make their investment back quickly as there is already one buyer interested in 3 lots. Mayor Bateman asked the council to think it over and call or text him with any questions. Be prepared to make a final decision at the next council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT: Adjourned at 7:05 PM
The next city council meeting will be on Monday, November 4, 2019 at 5:30 PM at City Hall.
___________________ _________________________
Steve A. Bateman, Mayor Rhonda J. Schmidt, Clerk-Treasurer