February 10, 2010 Minutes
City of Heyburn Council Meeting Minutes
February 10, 2010
7:00 P.M.
Council Present:
Cleo Gallegos, Rocky Baker, Leann Smith, and Joanne Justesen.
Employees Present:
Deb Hopkins, Scott Spevak, and Steve Tuft.
Visitors Present:
Norma and Bill Morrison, Vernon Stephens, Russ Young, Dan Bristol, Stan Zielinksi, Karen and Davis VanSant, Robert Moore, Dan Bristol.
Meeting conducted by Mayor George A. Anderson.
Mayor Anderson welcomed everyone to the meeting. He led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
An agenda may be amended after the start of a meeting upon a motion that states the reason for the amendment and states the good faith reason the agenda item was not included in the original agenda posting.
Mayor Anderson entertained a motion to amend the agenda to include Appointment of the City Clerk stating the reason is that this position needs to be filled as soon as possible. Motion by Rocky Baker to amend the agenda to include the Appointment of the City Clerk. Second by Cleo Gallegos. Roll Call Vote: Cleo Gallegos – Aye; Rocky Baker – Aye; Leann Smith – Aye; Joanne Justesen – Aye.
Approve Minutes of the Council Meeting on January 27, 2010.
Motion by Rocky Baker to approve the minutes for the Council Meeting on January 27, 2010. Second by Joanne Justesen. Vote: Cleo Gallegos – Aye; Rocky Baker – Aye; Leann Smith – Aye; Joanne Justesen – Aye.
Discuss/Approve Paying the Bills.
Motion by Leann Smith to approve paying the bills as presented. Second by Cleo Gallegos. Vote: Cleo Gallegos – Aye; Rocky Baker – Aye; Leann Smith – Aye; Joanne Justesen – Aye.
Appoint City Clerk
Mayor Anderson stated he would like to appoint Deborah Hopkins as the City Clerk. He asked for approval by the council members. Vote: Cleo Gallegos – Aye; Rocky Baker – Aye; Leann Smith – Aye; Joanne Justesen – Aye.
Discuss Ideas on the Poultry Companies – Robert Moore
Robert Moore, Minidoka County Commissioner presented some general information regarding the poultry companies that are looking to locate in Minidoka County. Commissioner Moore said there are some facts and there are a lot of rumors. He stated there were different types of facilities including growing, processing plants, and bi-products (fertilizer and dog food). He said it is a matter of numbers - 8 million chickens to make it profitable.
Commissioner Moore presented some facts regarding the poultry companies that are possibly coming to Cassia and Minidoka County. He stated the largest benefit to Minidoka County would be jobs. He said there is a $80-90 million plant looking to come in with no Urban Renewal money involved.
City Superintendent Scott Spevak encouraged open dialog. City Councilwoman Cleo Gallegos stated the area needs jobs but that the other entities should be open and include the City of Heyburn.
During this discussion, a lot of questions regarding the Burley and Heyburn Areas of Impact and where the lines meet were raised. Mayor Anderson thanked Mr. Moore for providing some insight to the City of Heyburn. Mr. Moore will try to keep the City informed to the best of his ability.
Discuss/Approve Cableone Franchise Agreement – Steve Tuft
City Attorney Steve Tuft discussed with the Mayor and Council the changes in the renewal of the Cableone Agreement. Russ Young from Cableone was present to answer questions.
Mr. Young stated that Cableone is a different company and it is a different telecommunications landscape than it was 10 years ago. A lot of positive things have happened in the last 10 years and a lot of new services to the community have been added. Telephone service as well as telephone service for commercial small businesses. Cableone has invested in their plant and within their community. Cableone documentation is very streamlined compared to the AT&T/TCI. He stated their appreciation for the opportunity serve the City of Heyburn and its residents and looks to going forward in the future.
City Superintendent Scott Spevak questioned the old existing lines that are hanging on the poles. Mr. Spevak and Mr. Young made arrangements to get the addresses and check on those lines.
City Attorney Steve Tuft asked Mr. Young a series of questions regarding the changes in the proposed franchise agreement.
This item was tabled until the next City Council Meeting.
Discuss Irrigation Lines
Mayor Anderson stated that Ione MacBass had called him and said she was unable to attend this meeting because of illness.
City Superintendent Spevak briefed the council on the situation regarding her property.
The Mayor will call Mrs. MacBass and talk to her to see if it is necessary for her to return to the next city council.
Discuss Water Rights – Randy Jones
Randy Jones was not present. Scott Spevak also briefed the council on the property and water rights belonging to Mr. Jones.
Discuss Removal of Dumpster at Sewer Plant
Vernon Stephens voiced his concern over the removal of the dumpster at the sewer plant. Scott Spevak stated that he had already talked to Mr. Stephens regarding the dumpster. The concern on the behalf of the city would be that it would have to be policed all the time and the City does not have the funds or the personnel to do that.
City Superintendent Scott Spevak stated the dumpster provides a much needed service for the residents of Heyburn. His concern is without it, personnel will be picking up garbage out of the barrow pits and alleys.
Councilwoman Cleo Gallegos said that removing the dumpster solves a problem for one and creates a problem for others. Mayor Anderson said that steps will be taken to correct the problem and get something in place that would continue to provide this service for the residents of Heyburn.
Discuss/Approve Letter of Support/Resolution of F-35 at Mountain Home Air Force Base – Cleo Gallegos and Joanne Justesen
Councilwoman Joanne Justesen informed the mayor and council that she was very excited that
Idaho has made the short list with both the Mountain Home and Gowen Air Force Base.
Councilwoman Cleo Gallegos stated there is a website available that provides a wealth of information on the benefits to the State of Idaho.
Motion by Leann Smith to send the resolution in favor of the F-35 project. Second by Cleo Gallegos. Vote: Cleo Gallegos – Aye; Rocky Baker – Aye; Leann Smith – Aye; Joanne Justesen – Aye.
Discuss/Approve O & M Agreement with United Electric
City Superintendent Scott Spevak stated that there is money in the budget to cover the proposed increase from United Electric. The increase in monthly payments would be 3% beginning with the next month.
Ralph Williams from United Electric was present to answer questions. He said United was in the process of requesting data to help pinpoint where the weak points are in the Heyburn system. He stated the substation is antiquated and improvements need to be made. The breakers are outdated. A good place to start would be to make improvements in the substation.
City Attorney Steve Tuft was directed to draw up the agreement
City Superintendent Spevak commented on the agreement, stating it is vague as far as what the O & M does cover and the hourly rate. Mr. Williams stated the substation would be outside the O & M agreement.
This item will be on the agenda for the next City of Heyburn Council Meeting.
Executive Session for Personnel and Matters of Commerce as authorized by Idaho Code Section 67-2345.
Motion by Rocky Baker for an Executive Session for Personnel and Matters of Commerce as authorized by Idaho Code Section 67-2345. Second by Leann Smith . Roll Call Vote: Cleo Gallegos – Aye; Rocky Baker – Aye; Leann Smith – Aye; Joanne Justesen – Aye.
Executive Session Minutes.
Council Present:
Cleo Gallegos, Rocky Baker, Leann Smith and Joanne Justesen.
Employees Present:
Steve Tuft and Scott Spevak.
Meeting conducted by Mayor George A. Anderson.
No decisions were made.
The executive session ended at 9:00 p.m.
George A. Anderson, Mayor
Deborah F. Hopkins, City Clerk