February 8, 2012 City Council Minutes

 City of Heyburn Council Meeting Minutes

February 8, 2012

7:00 P.M.

 

Council Present:

Rocky Baker, Cleo Gallegos, and Joanne Justesen.  Leann Smith – excused.

 

Employees Present:

Greg Richins, Steven Tuft, Dan Bristol, and Deborah Hopkins.     

 

Visitors Present: 

Les Reitz, Jeff Brewster, Rose Schmitt, Laurie Welch, and Brittany Bowden.  Ralph Williams was present during the Electric Rate discussion via the telephone. 

 

Meeting conducted by Mayor George A. Anderson.  Mayor Anderson led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.  

 

Approve Minutes of the February 8, 2012 Council Meeting

Motion by Rocky Baker to approve the minutes of the February 8, 2012 council meeting as presented.  Second by Joanne Justesen.  Vote:  Cleo Gallegos - Aye; Joanne Justesen - Aye; Rocky Baker - Aye.

 

Discuss/Approve Paying the Bills

Motion by Rocky Baker to approve paying the bills as presented.  Second by Cleo Gallegos.  Vote:  Cleo Gallegos - Aye; Joanne Justesen - Aye; Rocky Baker - Aye.

 

Discuss/Recommend/Approve Replacement on the Heyburn Planning & Zoning Commission

Mayor Anderson asked the council members to suggest names for people to replace Norma Morrison who has resigned from the Heyburn Planning and Zoning Commission.

 

Council members present suggested names of people to be contacted to see if they would be interested in serving.  Those names suggested were:  Rose Schmitt, Tony Luna, and Mike Haskins.  As Mrs. Schmitt was present in the audience during the meeting, Mayor Anderson asked her to consider serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission. 

 

Discuss Electric Rate Increase

Ralph Williams, the City of Heyburn Electric Consultant, answered questions from the mayor and council regarding the suggested rate increases as a result of the Electric COSA that was performed by Bob Brooks and Associates.  Mr. Williams stated Bonneville Power had an 11% rate increase in October, 2011.  Since that time, the City of Heyburn has been paying a higher rate for power.  He stated that average increase on the retail side was 8.6%.  He further stated two rate classes still need small adjustments which should be able to be worked out at an upcoming electric meeting tentatively scheduled for next week. 

 

Set Public Hearing Date for Electric Rate Increase

As the electric rate increases have yet to be determined, Councilmember Joanne Justesen made a motion to set the date of March 14, 2012 for the public hearing regarding the electric rate increase.  Second by Cleo Gallegos.  Vote:  Cleo Gallegos - Aye; Joanne Justesen - Aye; Rocky Baker - Aye.

 

Approve PSI Contract

Councilmembers Gallegos and Justesen stated they had questions regarding the wording on the PSI contract.  This item was tabled until the next council meeting. 

 

Discuss/Approve Participation in Operation Facelift – Leann Smith

In the absence of Councilmember Leann Smith, Councilmember Cleo Gallegos reported that the Southern Idaho Economic Development Organization (SIEDO) is going to be conducting Operation Facelift again with a tentative timetable of two weeks in the middle of June.  One possible area of improvement that was mentioned was a mural on the water tank.  This item will be discussed again at the next council meeting. 

 

Discuss/Approve the Art & Rachel McGill Tree Fundraiser – Rocky Baker

Councilman Rocky Baker informed the mayor and the remaining council members of his plans to start collecting money for the Art and Rachel McGill memorial trees to be planted in the City of Heyburn Arboretum.  Councilman Baker stated he has been working with Earl Andrew in locating trees that would be a unique addition to the arboretum.  He is proposing to plant three London Planetrees with the addition of a heavy brass plaque to be placed in the center of the trees.  He further stated the optimum time to plant the trees would be the middle to the last of April, with a date to be set pending weather.  He also stated he would be the first to donate.  When asked the estimated cost, Councilman Baker replied he thought the amount would be between $300-$400. 

 

Motion by Rocky Baker to approve the Art and Rachel McGill Tree Fundraiser to purchase trees at the Heyburn Arboretum.  Second by Cleo Gallegos.  Vote:  Cleo Gallegos - Aye; Joanne Justesen - Aye; Rocky Baker - Aye.

 

Executive Session for Matters of Litigation As per Idaho Code Section 67-2345 (f)

Motion by Cleo Gallegos to go into executive session for Matters of Litigation as per Idaho Code Section 67-2345 (f).  Second by Joanne Justesen.  Roll Call Vote:  Cleo Gallegos - Aye; Joanne Justesen - Aye; Rocky Baker - Aye.

 

Executive Session Minutes.

Council Present:

Cleo Gallegos, Rocky Baker, and Joanne Justesen.

 

Employees Present:

Steven Tuft, Deborah Hopkins, and Greg Richins.

 

Guests Present:

None. 

 

Meeting conducted by Mayor Anderson. The topic was a matter of litigation.  This matter was discussed with the mayor, council members and staff.  Executive Session began at 7:37 PM and concluded at 8:52 PM.  No decisions were made. 

 

The council meeting ended at 8:52 PM. 

 

 George A. Anderson                                       Deborah F. Hopkins   

Mayor                                                              City Clerk