December 9, 2021 – Council Minutes

The mayor called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm Thursday, Dec 9, 2021.   The pledge of allegiance was given by Richard Datwyler and the prayer given Becky Harrison.     

The mayor asked the clerk to call the roll:

Councilman D Burke   Present   

Councilwoman Harrison  Present 

Councilman Datwyler  Present

Councilwoman King  Present 

Councilwoman Weight  Present    

Councilman R. Burke      Absent     

Also present: Sam Tower – Mitch Bradley (via phone)

Public Hearing- Block Grant WWTP Project:

Kristine Staten from the Development Company came forward and reviewed the proposed block grant and the projected costs of the wastewater sewer plant upgrades.  The project as submitted to the two  lending institutions Idaho Dept of Commerce and USRD Rural Development projected a total cost of $19,890,500.  Sources of funding are IDDBG – $500,000, USDA-RD $2,690,053, Army Corp of Engineers $650,000 and city sources $1,012,500.  The project is scheduled to begin August 2022 and be completed August 2024.  She mentioned public comment period will be open for 5 days to receive public comment.

Public Comment:  The mayor asked if there was any comment from the audience.  Being none he closed the public hearing. 

Robin Dunn enters meeting: 7:16pm

Other Council Business:

Parking on Courthouse Way:  The mayor addressed the issue of the parking and parking restrictions that were placed on Courthouse Way and Pleasant Country Way.  Although no parking signs were installed they were not being enforced due to the construction being done inside the Fox Development until a couple of weeks ago.  He commented that the city should not be in the business of providing on street parking for multi-family developments.  During the summer months cars, trucks, campers and boats were parked on Courthouse Way 24/7.  The city had received complaints about the constant parking along the street.  The decision was made to begin enforcing the no parking restriction.  After numerous complaints from the residents and discussing the issue he recapped an alternative solution to the issue of complete no parking.  The proposal will allow visitors and others to park on Courthouse Way but during the morning hours from 2:00AM to 5:00AM.  This is similar to what is in place along Main Street.  Pleasant Country Way will remain no parking from the intersection of Courthouse Way to Stockham Blvd.

Public Comment:  Heidi Romriel who lives in the Fox Development came forward and expressed her concern and frustration with the parking issue.  She mentioned her car, which was parked on Courthouse Way was ticketed but the police parking directly in front of her car was not ticketed.  The next day her car along with the police car had cones placed around them.  She felt the no parking restriction was discriminatory to the Fox Development as other apartments in other parts of the town do not have no parking restrictions in front of them.  Further she did not know what a double arrow sign showing no parking what is the definition- from where to where?   Was the restriction 30, 40, 50 feet or what?

Becky Hartson: Manager of the Fox Development came forward and stated they have been informing the residents of the parking restrictions and working to eliminate the need to park on the city streets.  Currently there are four extra spaces that are available for parking inside the project.  When the project is completed there will be additional spaces for larger campers/boats/trucks.  They are working with the city. 

Council debated the topic but never came to a conclusion.  Councilwoman Harrison was opposed to the 2-5 AM restriction.   After council discussion and not hearing an alternative to the one the mayor outlined he indicated that will be the way it will marked and enforced.

3rd^nd Reading – Ordinance #2021-624 – Annexation (Hall d/b/a The Grove):

Councilwoman King moved to read the ordinance in title and summary seconded by Councilwoman Weight. 

The mayor called for a voice poll:  all in favor none opposed.

The mayor reads the title and summary of the ordinance.

Councilman D Burke moved to adopt the ordinance and set for publication of the ordinance in summary format.  Motion seconded by Councilwoman Weight. 

The mayor asked the clerk to poll the council:

Councilman D Burke   Yes    

Councilwoman Harrison  Yes 

Councilman Datwyler  Yes

Councilwoman King  Yes 

Councilwoman Weight  Yes

1^st Reading – Ordinance #2021-625 – Annexation Charles Henry Subdivision:    

Councilman Datwyler moved to read the ordinance 2021-625 in title and summary only.  Motion seconded by Councilwoman Weight. 

The mayor called for a voice poll:  all in favor none opposed.

The mayor reads the title and summary of the ordinance.

The mayor asked if the council had heard of any comment from the public concerning the annexation.  No one indicated they had.  He mentioned the council could suspend the rules and adopt after one reading.  Councilman Datwyler felt the ordinance should have the three readings.

Rigby Police Reserve Fund Donation:

The mayor stated the city reserve officers had assisted the county sheriff department with traffic control during the 4^th of July fireworks.  The county had issued a check payable to the Rigby City Police Department.  The police wanted the funds to go to the reserve funds.  Councilman Datwyler asked why the check was issued July 8 was not deposited until November 19.  Chief Tower stated he held onto the check due to turbulence that was unfolding in the police department during the time period after which he gave it to the clerk for receipting in. 

Councilwoman Harrison moved to donate $500 from the police department to the Rigby Reserve fund.  Motion seconded by Councilwoman King. 

The mayor asked the clerk to poll the council:

Councilman D Burke   Yes    

Councilwoman Harrison  Yes 

Councilman Datwyler  Yes

Councilwoman King  Yes 

Councilwoman Weight  Yes

Gift Certificates Employees/Board Members:

The mayor reviewed the past policy of the city awarding city employees and board members a $25 gift cert from the Rigby Chamber of Commerce. 

Councilwoman Harrison moved to approve issuing a $25 gift cert to all city employees, board members and the police reserve officers seconded by Councilwoman King. 

The mayor asked the clerk to poll the council:

Councilman D Burke   Yes    

Councilwoman Harrison  Yes 

Councilman Datwyler  Yes

Councilwoman King  Yes 

Councilwoman Weight  Yes

Complete Office Care Managed Agreement:

The mayor said the city has used the technical services of Complete Office Care for the past several years.  He had met with them in the past and they reviewed the services they provide and assist before- hand with the removal of viruses that could jam the city’s computer system.  The clerk indicated they have been very responsive when a need comes up and most recently the need to have fyber connection available for the outside auditors.  They provided the connection within the hour after being called. 

Councilwoman Weight moved to approve the contract/agreement with Complete Office Care seconded by Councilwoman King.

The mayor asked the clerk to poll the council:

Councilman D Burke   Yes    

Councilwoman Harrison  Yes 

Councilman Datwyler  Yes

Councilwoman King  Yes 

Councilwoman Weight  Yes

Rigby Lake Water Line Contract – Kellers:

Marv Fielding from Keller Eng came forward and reviewed the contact for engineering services for the water line extension on Rigby Lake Drive.  The mayor expressed concerns about not having an agreement with the developer prior to entering into the engineering portion of the contract. The mayor was concerned with completing the contract and not proceeding with the work due to developer not moving forward.

 Discussion on the termination clause paragraph 6 wherein written notice of 30 days by either party could cancel the contract.  Fielding stated he was aware of the concern but wanted to complete the survey prior to winter setting in.  If the project was canceled or delayed Keller would only bill and complete the survey phase of the contact.  A second concern was Keller’s not providing an engineer estimate to complete and project.  Fielding provided the council with an engineer’s estimate of what the construction costs would be $226,000.  Mitch Bradley will contact the developer and provide him with the estimated amount the city will be expending and see what his time table is. 

With that being said Councilwoman Harrison moved to approve the surveying portion of the contract pending information from the developer seconded by Councilwoman King. 

The mayor asked the clerk to poll the council:

Councilman D Burke   Yes    

Councilwoman Harrison  Yes 

Councilman Datwyler  Yes

Councilwoman King  Yes 

Councilwoman Weight  Yes

Authorizing Resolution Drinking Water Planning Grant:

The mayor indicated the city needed to complete the funding portion of the drinking water planning grant that the city awarded Keller’s.  The complete cost of the study ($80,000) will be funded 50/50 between the city and the Dept of Environmental Quality.  The resolution needed to be executed to fund the states portion of the grant. 

Councilwoman Harrison moved to authorize and approve the authorizing resolution with DEQ seconded by Councilwoman King. 

The mayor reads the authorizing resolution in full. 

The mayor asked the clerk to poll the council:

Councilman D Burke   Yes    

Councilwoman Harrison  Yes 

Councilman Datwyler  Yes

Councilwoman King  Yes 

Councilwoman Weight  Yes

Other Council Business:

Annis Hwy – Councilwoman Harrison stated a resident had contact her concerning the traffic that goes past her home.  Given the speed indicator sign that has been installed cars are still exceeding the posted speed limit and asked what could be done to slow the traffic down. 

Mitch Bradley stated he had a discussion with Dave Walrath from the county and they had discussed installed 4-way stop signs on Annis and 400 North.  He will contact Dave this coming week and see what Dave’s plans are and report back.

Review / Approval Minutes:

Councilwoman Harrison moved to approve the minutes of November 18, 2021 seconded by Councilwoman King. 

The mayor called for a voice poll:  all in favor none opposed Councilwoman Weight abstained.

Review and Approval of Bills:

The stated he had not included the council packet the recurring invoices that are paid at the first of each month.  The 5 invoices which totaled $26,912.92 could either be added to the current bill list or deferred until next week.  Councilman Datwyler moved to add the 5 invoices to the current bills list seconded by Councilman D Burke. 

The mayor asked the clerk to poll the council:

Councilman D Burke   Yes    

Councilwoman Harrison  Yes 

Councilman Datwyler  Yes

Councilwoman King  Yes 

Councilwoman Weight  Yes

Adjournment:

Councilwoman King moved to adjourn seconded by Councilman D Burke. 

The mayor called for a voice poll:  all in favor none opposed.

Meeting adjourned: 8:48PM

CITY OF RIGBY

  _________________________

   Jason Richardson, Mayor

  ATTEST:

 ____________________

 David Swager, Clerk

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