November 9, 2011 Special City Council Minutes
City of Heyburn Special Council Meeting Minutes
November 9, 2011
6:30 P.M.
Council Present:
Cleo Gallegos, Leann Smith, Rocky Baker and Joanne Justesen.
Employees Present:
Greg Richins, Dan Bristol, Steven Tuft and Deborah Hopkins.
Visitors Present:
Mike Devers, Bill and Norma Morrison, Ralph Williams, Jeff Poulsen, Kari & Joyce Merrill, Natalie Chavez, and Rose Schmitt.
Meeting conducted by Mayor George A. Anderson. Mayor Anderson led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Anderson asked for a motion to amend the agenda to include Item 9 - Discuss/Approve Date for Accepting the Minidoka County Commissioner’s of Votes and Item 10 - Discuss/Approve Canceling of the November 23, 2011 Council Meeting. Motion by Rocky Baker to amend the agenda. Second by Leann Smith. Vote: Cleo Gallegos - Aye; Leann Smith - Aye; Joanne Justesen - Aye; Rocky Baker - Aye.
Executive Session for Matters of Commerce and Litigation
Motion by Joanne Justesen to go into executive session for matters of commerce and litigation as per Idaho Code 67-1234. Second by Cleo Gallegos. Roll Call Vote: Cleo Gallegos - Aye; Leann Smith - Aye; Joanne Justesen - Aye; Rocky Baker - Aye.
Executive Session Minutes.
Council Present:
Cleo Gallegos, Rocky Baker, Leann Smith, and Joanne Justesen.
Employees Present:
Steven Tuft, Deborah Hopkins and Greg Richins.
Guests Present:
Jeff Poulsen and Ralph Williams.
Meeting conducted by Mayor Anderson. The topics were matters of commerce and litigation. These matters were discussed with the mayor, council members and staff. Executive session began at 6:32 PM. Executive session ended at 7:25 PM. No decisions were made. At which time, the regular council meeting continued.
Approve Minutes of the October 26, 2011 Council Meeting and Public Hearing
Motion by Leann Smith to approve the minutes of the October 26, 2011 council meeting and public hearing as presented. Second by Rocky Baker. Vote: Cleo Gallegos - Aye; Joanne Justesen - Aye; Leann Smith - Aye; Rocky Baker - Aye.
Discuss/Approve Paying the Bills
Motion by Rocky Baker to approve paying the bills as presented. Second by Leann Smith. Vote: Cleo Gallegos - Aye; Leann Smith - Aye; Joanne Justesen - Aye; Rocky Baker - Aye.
Discuss/Approve/Accept the FY 2010-11 Audit - Evans & Poulsen
Jeff Poulsen presented the City of Heyburn FY 2010-11 Audit. He reviewed materials on each fund that were presented in a graph format.
Motion by Rocky Baker to accept the FY 2010-11 Audit as presented by Evans and Poulsen. Second by Joanne Justesen. Vote: Cleo Gallegos - Nay; Leann Smith - Aye; Joanne Justesen - Aye; Rocky Baker - Aye.
Utility Billing Due Date - Natalie Chavez
City of Heyburn resident Natalie Chavez spoke regarding the utility bill due date stating many residents are unable to pay by the 10th of the month. She asked that the date be changed to the 15th day of the month. She also presented a list of signatures from Heyburn residents that had signed the request asking to consider changing the due date.
This item was discussed with those present. Mayor Anderson informed Ms. Chavez that this item would continue to be looked at. Council members suggested to Ms. Chavez when getting signatures to ask people to print their names and also include their address. Ms. Chavez took the list with her.
Discuss/Approve Possible Electric Rate Increase
Ralph Williams, City of Heyburn Electric Consultant briefed those present on the wholesale price increase by Bonneville Power that took effect October 1. He stated this rate will be in place for the next two years. Based on the recommendation of the COSA that is in the process of being completed by Bob Brooks, he suggested the City of Heyburn increase their electric rates by 7.5% using $50,000 from the reserves.
Motion by Leann Smith to authorize Bob Brooks to draft a rate schedule to increase the electric rate by 7.5% using $50,000 from reserves. Second by Joanne Justesen. Vote: Cleo Gallegos - Aye; Leann Smith - Aye; Joanne Justesen - Aye; Rocky Baker - Aye. Mr. Williams stated he would contact Mr. Brooks.
Discuss/Approve Confidentiality & Non-Disclosure Agreement # 12PS-10011 BPA - Ralph Williams
City Electric Consultant Ralph Williams briefed the mayor and council on the Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement # 12PS-10011 with Bonneville Power, which needs to be signed and returned by the close of business on November 16, 2011. He stated that if the City of Heyburn chooses not to participate, there are no consequences, but if the City wishes to participate in future discussions regarding the Vintage Rate, this document needs to be signed and returned to BPA.
Motion by Joanne Justesen to authorize the mayoral signature on the Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure Agreement #12PS-10011 with Bonneville Power. Second by Rocky Baker. Roll Call Vote: Cleo Gallegos - Aye; Leann Smith - Aye; Joanne Justesen - Aye; Rocky Baker - Aye.
Discuss/Approve Asphalt Repair of Sludge Drying Beds Contract
City Superintendent Greg Richins briefed those present regarding the asphalt repair of sludge drying beds stating these changes would allow for easier cleaning. He also stated there will be a series of these grant awards forthcoming until the remainder of the USDA Rural Development sewer grant has been awarded.
Motion by Cleo Gallegos to authorize the mayoral signature on the Asphalt Repair and Sludge Drying Beds contract. Second by Joanne Justesen. Vote: Cleo Gallegos - Aye; Leann Smith - Aye; Joanne Justesen - Aye; Rocky Baker - Aye.
Discuss/Approve Date for Accepting the Minidoka County Commissioner’s Canvass of Votes
City Clerk Deborah Hopkins informed the mayor and council the Minidoka County Commissioners will be canvassing the vote of the November 8, 2011 election on Monday, November 14, 2011. The city will need to put accepting the canvassed election results on the agenda for a council meeting in November or December. The council needs to accept the canvassed election results by motion, and the election results need to be included in the minutes (broken down by precinct, if the city has multiple precincts).
Discuss/Approve Canceling of the November 23, 2011 Council Meeting
No action was taken on this item.
Councilman Rocky Baker noted with sadness the passing of former City Superintendent Art McGill stating the City of Heyburn lost one of its brightest stars. He stated a suggestion was made by City Clerk Deborah Hopkins to plant a tree at the arboretum in memory of both Rachel and Art McGill who dedicated so much of their lives to both the residents, and the City of Heyburn.
The council meeting ended at 8:27 PM.
George A. Anderson
Mayor
Deborah F. Hopkins
City Clerk/Treasurer