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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-08-25city council minutesBook 22 Page 240 REGULAR MEETING August 25, 1981 12:00 Noon The Meeting was called to order by Mayor McCluskey, The Mayor requested that everyone stand and give the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. The Roll of the City Council was called with the following members present: Williams, Raymond, Mallea, Hopper, Carter, and Betts. Absent: none. (AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION) The Mayor asked if there was anyone from the audience who cared to bring any items before the City Council that were not on the prepared Agenda. Since there was no one, the Mayor declared that the Meeting would continue as outlined. (REQUEST FOR ADDITIONS) The Mayor stated that he would like permission from the City Council to add three items to the prepared Agenda; a request for a beer license, a request from the Building Inspector, and a request from the Chief Finance Officer. MOVED by Carter, SECONDED by Mallea that the Mayor be permitted to add the three items to the prepared Agenda. MOTION CARRIED OLD BUSINESS (THIRD READING OF BILL #16 - HAPPY DAN' FORD) The Mayor stated that he would like to delay the third reading of Bill No. 16 which was the annexation and zoning of the Happy Day Ford Center. It was the Mayor's feeling that within the next ten days the Council should be able to take some action on this item. NEW BUSINESS (ADOPTION OF THE TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR 1981 -82) The Mayor stated that he would open the meeting for a Public Hearing on the tentative budget, but was informed by Councilwoman Williams that this was not a public hearing. It was the date set for the adoption of the tentative budget, although at the last meeting it was set as a public hearing. The Mayor further commented that he would like to begin the discussion by asking Mr. Herb Shearmire to go over the proposed budget and give a general run -down as to what was included in the tentative budget. Councilwoman Mallea was recognized and said that she would like to welcome all of those present who were attending the meeting with regard to the tentative budget. Mr. Shearmire was then recognized and passed out copies of the proposed budget to those in the audience and explained that all of the City Council members had received copies of the same. He then went over the proposed budget explaining both expenses and revenue from all areas of the City Government. After his presentation, he also gave a comparison of this year's budget as compared to the last year's budget and pointed out that there was a three percent increase over the last year. After the presentation by Mr. Shearmire, the Mayor stated that there was a comple of things that he would like to bring out at this time. One of them was that there was $5,000 from the Gannett Foundation for the Humane Shelter and he did not believe that it was budgeted Book 22 Page 241 for. Mr. Shearmire said that it was not budgeted and he would check as to what fund it was put in and include it in the budget. The other item the Mayor stated was that if the City does not receive the U.D.A.G. Grant, there would have to be some readjustment! made. Several methods of construction have been planned according to the monies received. If the IJ.D.A.G. money was not received, the City would be able to at least continue with construction. of a portion of the project with existing funds which would be F.D.A., the City of Caldwell, Caldwell Unlimited, and private funds. Councilman Raymond suggested that instead of earmarking it as U.D.A.( Grant, the City could tag it as anticipated revenues. The Mayor also informed the Council that he had a contact from one of the members of the Rodeo Board with regard to Revenue Sharing which was already discussed. They were willing to match twenty to twenty -five thousand dollars for bleachers. The Mayor further said that he would like to see their Revenue Sharing monies increased $20,000 anticipating matching funds. Councilman I- Topper was recognized and stated that he felt that this of:Cer should be made to the City of Caldwell in writing. It was his understanding that the Rodeo Board had talked about it, but that no official action was taken. He also pointed out that there may be some projects that would not get started and perhaps there would be monies there. Councilwoman Williams stated that she felt it was commendable for th Board to want to improve the bleachers and she would like to see the City include the matching funds. It was her suggestion that it be included in the Stadium Construction Budget. MOVED by Betts, SECONDED by Hopper that they increase the Stadium. Construction to $45,000. MOTION CARRIED The Mayor then stated that he would open the discussion to the City Council at this time. Several items were discussed such as where the Treatment Plant was budgeted, if the Highway User's Fee included both the motor licenses and gas tax, and if an amount should be included in the budget to complete the Treatment Plant. The Mayor stated that he would suggest that the discussion now be directed. to the Police Department as there was a number of the employees from that Department in the audience. Councilwoman Williams was requested. by the Mayor to explain the general philosoph, with regard to the Police Department. Councilwoman Williams stated that it was the feeling of the City Council that the Police Department must be addressed as a different department from the others in the City. This was due to the length of their hours and the demand on their people so the City Council went along with the recommendations from the Police Chief this year on salaries and. a lot of improvements. This was one of the reasons for hiring a Police Chief with administration experience so he would be able to help them accomplish these things. It was hoped that the Department would become more professional and therefore they had treated the Police Department a little differently this year. The Mayor further commented that the City had been negligent the last couple of years in letting the equipment go without replacement or repair. This was due to the fact that the City was mandated to do so and it was also anticipated that by this time the City would be on board with the Sheriff's Department to share facilities. Therefore, the Police Department building was not in good shape and needed some repairs. By being very prudent over the last few years, there was some reserve funds built up and. a portion of that was being diverted into the Police Department because of need. The City Council was trying very hard to give that Department the tools to face the issue of an increase in crime. There was no way that the City of Caldwell could come up with. enough money to allow the Police Department to do the job that was expected of them. Book 22 Page 242 Several members o f the Police Department were recognized and asked questions with regard to raises they could expect, if there could be a difference between those in Administrative positions and the officers, if longevity would count,, and when the raises would be effective. The Police Chief was recognized and stated that the Police Department was not getting an across the board increase. Each employee was not getting the same percentage salary increase because some of the salaries were out of line. What they were attempting to do was to get the salaries in line with the job that the people were doing. Everyone got very nice increases, but the increase may not be quite the same for a Corporal as it was for an Administrative position and not quite the same for a Captain as it was for a Patrolman. He was prepared to go over individual's salaries, but not at this meeting. The Police Chief further stated that longevity would be a factor in the salaries and the salary increases would be effective the Ist of October. Councilwoman Mallea was recognized and stated that sometimes people don't realize that the City can't raise its rates to increase the salaries. The City was a service industry and depends on people. You have to have equipment, but the people are the heart of this industry. When the City employee's wages go up, the Council can't go out and raise taxes because the State Legislature has frozen the City's taxes. The Police Department was receiving special attention this year from the Council. We are sure that it was not all that they want, but hope that it will be adequate. The Mayor said that he believed very strongly in the auxiliary program and was encouraging everyone to do what they can to build that program up. Those who are in this program were dedicated and they will be paid for being that auxiliary officer. If this program was well built up with officers, it allows a group to work with in replacing officers. It was his hope that the State will allow those people to go to some of the officer's training in Boise. When there was a need for a replacement, an auxiliary officer could step in. Ed Christopher was recognized and stated that he would like to ask the City Council if the employees would get a cost of living increase this year. The Mayor answered that there would not be a cost of living increase as such. It was to be addressed as a salary adjustment. The City could not function the same as a business could as they can not adjust their sales to cover the increase. The Mayor stated that there would be a six and a half percent increase. Councilwoman Williams further said that they hoped that there would be a six and a half percent increase for every employee not in a supervisory position. These increases would never have been allowed if the City hadn't enjoyed the interest rate from idle monies the City had. The Supervisors will get a less increase; four percent. Councilwoman Mallea was recognized and stated that she would like to put it in rather plain language; those who are earning less are getting six and ,a half percent across the board increase and those who are in a supervisor's position will receive four percent. There was a fund set aside to reward those who perform outstandingly or achieve eminently in their capacity. This will be up to the discretion of the Mayor. The Mayor suggested that further discussion on the budget be delayed until the latter part of the meeting in order to address other items on the Agenda. MOVED by Mallea, SECONDED by Hopper that the City Council transfer to the end of the Agenda further discussion with regard to the budget. MOTION CARRIED (PUBLIC HEARING FOR LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 81) The Mayor explained that this was the time set for the Public Dearing Book 22 Page 243 on Local Improvement District No. 81. He then declared the meeting open for the Public Hearing and requested that Mr. Lewis, former City Engineer, address the City Council with regard to this proposed L.I.D. The Mayor also reported that there was no written protests received in the City Clerk's Office. Mr. Lewis was recognized and explained that the District was being formed to propose improvements on Brookside which was South of Ash and it was also intended to extend the sanitary sewer which will be under this street. Included also in the District was the improvements of Nixon on Canyon Hill. Mr. Lewis further explained the recommended changes on the sewer and identified the proposed lines and the properties involved on a map for the City Council and audience. The Staff made a decision that morning as to how the sewer would be constructed and he explained this to the City Council which would eliminate the need for a sewer in part of the District and they would only be assessed for the street in that area Mr. Lewis also stated that they also ran into another complexity which was that the City Council must find the value of these properties. It was stated in the Notice that the City would use the Assessor's value, but the law also states that this value has to exceed. the assessment. In some of the vacant properties, in some instances, that does not occur. The law simply states that the City Council shall determine the method by which that value would be determined. Mr. Lewis pointed out on a chart the different properties involved by name. The method of determining the actual value was as follows: 1. In the Nixon area, the actual value shall be the assessed valuation as determined by the Assessor of Canyon County. 2. The actual value for the unimproved vacant property in the south 493.5 feet of the Brookside area shall be 2.2 times the assessed valuation as determined by the Canyon County Assessor. 3. The actual value of.the unimproved vacant property in the north 262.5 feet of the Brookside area shall be 1.1 times the assessed valuation as determined by the Canyon County Assessor. 4. The actual value of the improved properties of the Brookside area shall be the assessed valuation of the property and the improvements as determined by the Canyon County Assessor. Mr. Lewis further informed the City Council that the City Attorney had gone over the proposed Bill and had several corrections that he would suggest, which included this portion with regard to the method determining the actual value of the properties which was to be included in the body of the Bill. Also the value should be $671,199.00. The Mayor then asked if there was anyone in the audience who cared to speak with regard to this proposed District. Since there was no one, the Mayor stated that he would close the Public Hearing and read Bill No. 20 by title only as follows: AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING AND CREATING LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 81 FOR THE CITY OF CALDWELL, IDAHO, FOR THE PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTING STREET AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS, STATING THE STREETS UPON WHICH THE SAID STREET AND SEWER IMPROVEMENTS ARE TO BE MADE, PROVIDING THE KIND AND CHARACTER OF TIIE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS WIIICH ARE AN ORIGINAL IMPROVEMENT; DESCRIBING THE BOUNDARIES OF SAID DISTRICT AND THE PROPERTY THEREIN TO BE BENEFITED BY 'THE IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE; PROVIDING FOR THE TOTAL ESTIMATED COSTS AND EXPENSES OF IMPROVEMENTS TO BE LEVIED AND ASSESSED AGAINST THE ABUTTING, ADJOINING, AND ADJACENT LOTS AND LANDS TO BE BENEFITED BY SAID IMPROVEMENTS; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF BONDS IN PAYMENT OF THE COSTS AND EXPENSES OF SAID IMPROVEMENTS ASSESSED AGAINST THE ABUTTING, ADJOINING AND ADJACENT LOTS AND LANDS; PROVIDING FOR TIIE APPOINTMENT OF AN ENGINEER TO PREPARE THE NECESSARY PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS HEREBY ORDERED AND THE PREPARATION AND PILING OF AN ASSESSMENT ROLL AND A LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT MAP PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF Book 22 Page 29.4 SECTION SO -1712, IDAIIO CODE; PROVIDING A PROCEDURE FOR THE FILING, CERTIFICATION, NOTICE OF HEARING AND CONFIRMATION OF SAID ASSESSMENT ROLL, AND FOR THE NOTICE AND PAYMENT OF ASSESSMENT INSTALLMENTS SO CONFIRMED, CREATING CERTAIN FUNDS AND DOCKETS; PROVIDING SEPARABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Mr. Lewis was recognized again and stated that he had a couple of comments. The City Attorney also suggested some minor changes in the Bill. On Page 1, where it said 12:00 Noon, he would like for it ,.....:... to state 12:00 p.m. (Noon); the changes with regard to the value of the properties; page 5, under (d) the figure should be changed to $677,199.00; and this phrase after, "and hereinbefore determined "; page 7, under No. 2, paragraph (b) should be deleted; page 8, on the first line where it appoints the City Engineer as the Engineer, the Attorney thinks should be put after that "or his professionally licensed designate "; page 10, Section 8, the second line after City Engineer, the same phrase should be inserted. The Mayor then asked for a motion to read the Bill by title only if this would be the desire of the City Council. MOVED by Raymond, SECONDED by Betts that the City Council suspend the rule requiring the reading of a Bill three times and pass it on the first reading. Roll call vote. Those voting yes: Raymond, Mallea, Hopper, Carter, Betts, and Williams. Those voting no: none. Absent and not voting: none. MOTION CARRIED MOVED by Betts, SECONDED by Raymond that Bill No. 20 be read by title only. Roll call vote. Those voting yes: Betts, Williams, Raymond, Mallea, Hopper, and Carter. Those voting no: none. Absent and not voting: none. MOTION CARRIED MOVED by Raymond, SECONDED by Betts that Bill No. 20 be passed and entitled Ordinance No. 1610 as amended. Roll call vote. Those voting yes: Raymond, Mallea, Hopper, Carter, Betts, and Williams. Those voting no: none. Absent and not voting: none. MOTION CARRIED (AUTHORIZATION TO BID THE WORK FOR L.I.D. 81) Mr. Lewis was again recognized and stated that there was one more order of business that did require action at this time. This was authorization to bid the work for Local Improvement District No. 81. MOVED by Hopper, SECONDED by Mallea that authorization be given to bid the work for Local Improvement District No. 81. MOTION CARRIED (APPLICATION FOR BEER LICENSE - JOHN'S PLACE) The Mayor informed the City Council that an application was received in the name of Phyllis June; .Tian for John's Place at 114 South Seventh Street in Caldwell. Phyllis Han was not the person who was going to run the place of business; John Han would be the manager which was her husband. The Mayor stated further that he was not going to publicly disclose the recommendation made by the Police Chief as all of the City Council members did have copies of this document. It was the Mayor's recommendation that a motion be made with regard to this application. MOVED by Raymond, SECONDED by Hopper that the City Council support the recommendation of the Police Chief and deny the application for a beer and wine license subject to confirmation by the City Attorney. MOTION CARRIED Book 22 (REQUEST FROM CITY CLERK'S OFFICE) Page 245 The next item on the Agenda was a request from the City Clerk. The request was as follows: I would like to request permission to attend the 1981 ICCFOA Institute in McCall. Registration is on Sunday, September 13th and I feel that there are several presentations particularly on Monday and Tuesday that would be helpful to me as the City Clerk. They plan. to have roundtables on Records Management, Orientation for Clerks, and Cooperative Purchasing. There is also programs that I feel I could bring information back to the City that wound be beneficial to other departments. The registration costs and other expenses were not included. in the brocher sent to the Clerks - it was just requested that the registration form be filled out. I feel that the contact with other Clerks in the State is very important and beneficial to the City of Caldwell and that much could be gained by attending. I have attended in the past and would greatly appreciate you ; giving the request consideration for this year. The Mayor state& that he would recommend that approval be given to this request as did Councilman Carter. It was then MOVED by Carter, SECONDED by Williams that approval be given to the City Clork to attend this ICCFOA Institute in McCall as requested with the stipulation that a written report be submitted. MOTION CARRIED (REQUEST -FROM TIIE BUILDING INSPECTOR) The Mayor stated that he had another request from Dennis Davis of the Building Department which he read as follows: I would like to request permission to take an examination offered by the International Conference of Building Officials for a Plan's Examiner Certification." This exam is being given in Medford, Oregon on September 26, 1981. The following is a cost breakdown for expenses: Motel room for two nights $. 58,00 Gasoline 63.00 Meals 40.00 161.00 Mr. Davis explained the benefits that would be incurred to the City of Caldwell if he was able to take this examination. It would. allow an added service to the hity of Caldwell if he was certified and there was no one in the City who was qualified at this time. The Council discussed this request at some length and asked Mr. Davis various questions with regard to the certification. It was then MOVED by hopper, SECONDED by Mallea that Dennis Davis be allowed to take this exam in Medford, Oregon as requested. MOTION CARRIED (REQUEST FROM THE CHIEF FINANCE OFFICER) The Mayor then presented the next request from Donna Talley of the Accounting Department: I have notified Sandpoint that I will be there on September 4th and 5th. I will need to travel on the 3rd.. Therefore, I will need to have the days of the 3rd and 4th of September off. Cleo will be running all my reports in Nampa so that will pose no problem. The City of Caldwell will be paying for the cost of the trip and then billing Sandpoint. This will create and in and out entry in the month of September and the costs will not reflect Book 22 Page 246 on the expenditure reports. In other words, the City will not end up paying for any part of this trip. The following is a list of charges I have submitted to Sandpoint for their approval: Bus ticket, roundtrip 111.55 2 night's lodging 64.00 3 -8 hour days my time 242.64 418.19 My time is being charged out: at 10.11 an hour. This is the amount charged on the grants for my administrative charges. It includes fringe benefits. The Mayor explained that this was part of the Agreement when the equipment was sold. MOVED by Hopper, SECONDED by Carter that approval be given for this request submitted by the Accounting Department. MOTION CARRIED (FURTHER DISCUSSION WITH REGARD TO THE, TENTATIVE BUDGET) The Mayor stated that at this time they would return to the discussion with regard to the adoption of the tentative budget. The City Council then discussed at some length items that they felt should be included and some items that should be budgeted in different areas than were now designated. Councilman Hopper discussed as dial the rest of the Council members the possibility of the water rates being revised. Mr. Shearmire pointed out that this was reflected in the budget. After discussion, it was determined by some members of the City Council that the Capital Improvements for the Water Department were too high. C ouncilman Hopper pointed out that the Capital Improvements had to be approved by the City Council. MOVED by Mallea that the Capital Improvement for the Water Department which was $236,200.00 be decreased by $75,000.00. Councilman Betts stated that he felt it should be left up to the Water Department to decide what they should eliminate. Councilwoman Williams also stated that she would hesitate to support this motion without talking to the City Engineeer. After further discussion, Councilwoman Mallea stated that she would withdraw her motion and MOVE that the Capital Improvements for the Water Department be decreased by $40,000.00. This was SECONDED by Hopper. MOTION CARRIED The Council then discussed and determined that the Water Department would make the determination as to what items were priority. Other particular items that were discussed and determined should be addressed in the Tentative Budget were as follows: 1. Engineering operating costs increased $3,600 to reflect cost of retaining Mel Lewis on specific projects. 2. General Fund Revenue increased $4,800.00 to reflect grant income from Mel Lewis' services. 3. Stadium Construction increased by $25,000 in Revenue Sharing Funds to be matched by the Rodeo Board for construction of bleachers. 4. General Fund Revenue increased $5,000 in constributions to reflect gift by Gannett Corporation for dog pound. 5. Water Department construction decreased $40,000. 6. East Cleveland Project $700,000 revenue was changed from U.D.A.G. Grant to miscellaneous revenues. 7. $190,000 was added to budget to reflect the balance to complete the Sewage Treatment Project (this includes Book 22 Page 247 retainage plus a sum the.City might incur above the grant), 8. $65,000 was added�to-the budget for a dump station at the Sewage Treatment Plant in case required by E.P.A. MOVED by Betts, SECONDED by Hopper that the Tentative Budget as amended be passed. MOTION CARRIED A copy of the Tentative Budget was attached to these minutes. There being no further business,:the Meeting was adjourned at 2:35 p.m. APPROVED AS written THIS lst DAY OF September 1981. 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