August 20, 2013
This regular meeting of the Jerome City Council was called to order by Mayor Shine at 5:30 p.m.
Present: Mayor John Shine, Councilman Chris Barber, Councilwoman Dawn Soto, Councilman Robert Culver,and Councilman Dale Ross.
Also present were staff members: City Clerk Shonna Fraser, City Administrator Polly Hulsey, City Attorney John B. Lothspeich, IT Director Kathy Markus, Police Chief Dan Hall, Library Director Linda Mecham, WWTP Superintendent Gil Sanchez, Building Official Dave Richey, Community Development Director Zoe Monahan, Public Works Director Walt Appell, Finance Officer Burke Richman, City Engineer Rick Wuori, Human Resources Assistant Ida Guffy, Captain Jeremy Presnell, and Consulting Engineer Scott Bybee.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Council President Bob Culver led the audience in recitation of the pledge of allegiance.
AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA:
Mayor Shine announced there is an amendment to the agenda.
Council Culver made a motion to add an item to the agenda which was received after the deadline to post, to pass Resolution No. 08-13 –“Amending the City of Jerome Employee Personnel Manual”. Second to the motion was made by Councilwoman Soto. After consideration the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES:Councilwoman Soto, Councilman Culver, Councilman Ross, and Councilman Barber. NAYS: None.
PUBLIC HEARING – ORDINANCE CHANGE TO TITLE 17:
This being the time published, Mayor Shine opened this public hearing at 5:31 p.m. and briefly reviewed the procedures that will be followed. The purpose of tonight’s public hearing is to consider an ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of Jerome amending Title 17 Chapter 18.050 of the JMC providing for chicken, poultry, and fowl regulations in certain zones in the City of Jerome per the official schedule of district regulations and reorganizing the order of some chapter subheadings and providing for an effective date.
Staff Testimony:
Ms. Monahan stated after speaking with the codifier a change was made to the title of the ordinance being considered to state certain zones rather than only residential. The official title of the ordinance has been changed to reflect the above cited information. She stated chickens, poultry and fowl are currently permitted in the R-1, R-2, R-3, C-1, C-2, C-3, M-1, and M-2 zones with a special use permit. In order to receive a special use permit anyone in the city of Jerome must file an application and meet the code criteria that are outlined in the special use sections, 17.60 of the Jerome Municipal Code. There are nine basic criteria that must be met. Over the past few months the planning and zoning commission has reviewed new and renewal applications for chickens within the city. There have also been a number of inquiries regarding various fowl, particularly chickens, how many they are allowed and where they are allowed. It became clear to the commission the current regulations do not provide clear and concise guidelines and rules for having these fowl in the city. This proposed ordinance will provide clear and concise guidelines and rules. A special use permit will still be required. The limitations are six per household, containment, no roosters; structures must meet setback and other rules. The proposed ordinance also identifies a two year permitting limitation. This information is also contained in section 17.18.050, Unique Land Use. The other items in this section have been reorganized in alphabetical order.
Councilman Barber stated he does not feel there should be chickens in the city. Too many resources could potentially be wasted on this endeavor.
Upon inquiry by Councilman Ross, Ms. Monahan stated there are five or six current special use permits at this time for chickens. The $75 special use permit application fee deters some potential chicken owners. She has received numerous inquiries since publication of this proposed change to city code.
Councilman Culver commented he also does not want chickens in the city at all.
Neutral testimony from the public:
The clerk read an e-mail from Raney Bourquin, 122 16th Ave East into the record. He commented about roosters and stated the $75 application fee for a special use permit seems a little high to keep chickens.
There being no further testimony, Mayor Shine closed this public hearing at 5:41 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Those items contained in the consent calendar are as follows:
- Approve the minutes of the August 7, 2013 special meeting and the August 7, 2013 executive session
- Officer’s reports – Fire, Building, Library, Law Enforcement, Finance, and Planning and Zoning
- Approval to pay III-A run out claims from Sept – Dec 2012 in the amount of $4,847.61
- Approval to pay Magic Valley Labs $4,944.50 for July lab testing
- Approval to pay Weschem $6,926.32 for June Chemfloc
- Approval to pay Weschem $7,077 for July Chemfloc
- Approval to pay Weschem $7,119 for August Chemfloc
- Approve Claims
Councilman Culver made the motion to approve the consent calendar as presented. Second to the motion was made by CouncilwomanSoto. After consideration the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES:Councilwoman Soto, Councilman Culver, Councilman Ross, and Councilman Barber. NAYS: None.
PRESENTATION OF GFOA AWARD TO FINANCE DEPARTMENT:
Mayor Shine stated the Government Finance Officers Association has awarded the City of Jerome’s Financial Department with the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for the fiscal year beginning October 2012.
Ms. Fraser read the press release stating the criteria and reasons for the award.
Mayor Shine presented the award to Mr. Richman and Ms. Cone.
CITIZEN CORRESPONDENCE, ISSUES, AND REPORTS:
Lee Halper appeared to discuss some traffic issues in the city of Jerome. Mr. Halper stated he has two issues. He stated the city created a traffic study of South Lincoln Avenue in June of 2011. This study was used to reduce the speed limit from 45 mphto 35 mph. Upon his review of the data he stated the speed limit should be changed from 25 mph to 15 mph. He requested staff review the study again and reconsider moving the speed limit back to 45 mph. He stated the second issue has to do with the railroad crossing in front of Jerome Cheese. There is a lot of traffic going through and all of them must stop at the crossing. The other crossings in town have lights. He requested a traffic study and was told by Engineer Rick Wuori stating the road is not designed for fast traffic. He disagrees; in addition, you cannot see the train to the north for the weeds the railroad needs to chop down. He requested council to ask the railroad to install lights at that crossing. He noted there is a constant police presence in that area and in fact he was cited for following a car through the stop sign.
Mayor Shine directed Ms. Hulsey to discuss the situation with the railroad in regards to the light and the weed issues.
Viola Allphin, 320 6th Avenue East, appeared to discuss code enforcement. She stated they have been notified in the past by the code enforcement officer to abate their weeds. They were also notified their trailer must not be on the street. They took care of their weeds and moved their trailer. She has called many times regarding other weed and overhang issues with no results. Cars and obstructions on sidewalks are causing problems for disabled persons and walkers. There are also trailers parked on the streets.
Mayor Shine noted keeping the town neat and clean is a constant challenge. He encouraged her to continue to report the issues. There is a 72 hour grace period regarding trailers being on the streets. Mr. Richey noted all calls are logged into the permit program and the code enforcement officer does notify the property owners. Chief Hall stated obstructing the sidewalk is violating the ordinance. If persons can travel freely they are within the law. Discussion was held regarding several issues with obstructions. Councilman Culver suggested staff write the violations down as observed and report them to the code enforcement officer. Ms. Hulsey reminded everyone about the Fix 311 program in place where violations can be sent to the city with pictures.
BILL NO. 1115 - INTRODUCTION:
Councilwoman Soto sponsored Bill No. 115.
The clerk read Bill No. 1115 by title only as follows to constitute the first reading:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEROME AMENDING TITLE 17 CHAPTER 18.050 OF THE JEROME MUNICIPAL CODE PROVIDING FOR CHICKEN, POULTRY AND FOWL REGULATIONS IN CERTAIN ZONES IN THE CITY OF JEROME PER THE OFFICIAL SCHEDULE OF DISTRICT REGULATIONS AND REORGANIZING THE ORDER OF SOME CHAPTER SUBHEADINGS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
RESOLUTION NO. 13-08 AMENDING THE EMPLOYEE PERSONNEL MANUAL:
The clerk read Resolution No. 13-08 in full as follows:
RESOLUTION NO. 08-13
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEROME, IDAHO, AMMENDING THE CITY OF JEROME EMPLOYEE PERSONNEL POLICY MANUAL AND PROVIDING AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the City of Jerome Personnel Policy Manual was adopted by the City Council on January 1, 2013; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Jerome wishes to make an amendment to the personnel manual since it was adopted, Resolution No 14-12; and,
WHEREAS, the amending policy has been reviewed by the City Attorney; and,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Jerome, Idaho, that:
Section 1:Adoption of “SURREPTITIOUS USE OF AUDIO AND/OR VIDEO RECORDERS”. The attached exhibit “A” is hereby amending the City of Jerome Employee Personnel Policy Manual.
Section 2: Effective Date. This Resolution shall be effective August 21, 2013 and upon its passage and approval by the Jerome City Council.
PASSED BY THE COUNCIL this 20th day of August, 2013.
SIGNED BY THE MAYOR this 21stday of August, 2013.
/s/ John Shine
JOHN SHINE, MAYOR
ATTEST:
/s/ Shonna Fraser
SHONNA FRASER, City Clerk
Councilman Culver made a motion to pass Resolution No. 13-08 amending the City of Jerome Employee Personnel Manual. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Ross. After consideration the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES:Councilwoman Soto, Councilman Culver, Councilman Ross, and Councilman Barber. NAYS: None.
PRESENTATION BY THE JEROME 20/20 INC:
Mr. Rob Williams appeared as President of Jerome 20/20 Inc. (20/20). Mr. Williams introduced board members Mike Schutz, Arlen Crouch, Joe Davidson, and Jason Peterson; and Executive Director Bob Richards, LeRoy Craig, and Mark Lopshire. He reported 20/20 has been running for ten months. As stated previously economic development is the life blood of the community. They believe with the full time director their vision includes the city as an integral part of the operation. Most often businesses look to the city for infrastructure and other needs. He provided council with a statement of revenues and expenses for the past ten months for 20/20. He noted he was handed an additional $7,500 tonight from private business donations. In the past few months it has become clear there is a major advantage to Jerome, including the agricultural industry, dairy industry, and location. Historically we have sought and eagerly welcomed new businesses to town. The wastewater capacity and other infrastructure shortages are some disadvantages at this time. Additional infrastructure is needed to grow. The wet industries are challenging. It is the goal of 20/20 to find the positives. He mentioned it is important to have a coordinated effort. A full time director is vital to that effort. Without unity the chances are just about nil. He mentioned prior to 20/20 many leads came to Jerome and none were closed on. He stated the members of 20/20 share the regard of the community with council and citizens. A partnership of government and local businesses is vital. He asked council to consider how frugal 20/20 is with their budget and promoting actual economic development. Council support as the budget is considered would be appreciated.
Mike Schutz stated economic development comes in two facets; growth and business retention and expansion. Hilex Poly has been the beneficiary of economic development efforts. He spoke about new companies vs. business retention and growth. He noted 20/20 has approached Hilex Poly and asked how they could help. Power rates are no longer a competitive advantage; the local workforce has a lack of available personnel. He asked council to consider the cooperation of government and local business.
Mark Lopshire spoke in support of 20/20. He also encouraged council to really focus on economic development. Jerome has a unique ability with the linking of the city, county, and local businesses. He asked council to support the organization for at least one to two more years. Efforts need to be made to retain our young people and bring in new businesses for jobs. When cities work on their own they very often fail.
Leroy Craig spoke regarding Jerome in 1987. When Tupperware left Jerome the change between then and now was done because of an organized economic development group. He realizes the budget concerns of council today; however, all of the growth in Jerome since 1987 was done by economic development. There has been a tremendous upgrade of buildings and businesses. CSI had done a tremendous job helping Jerome, including donation of building space for the Chamber of Commerce and 20/20 office space. A couple of individuals on Main Street changed the street and sidewalks. The city needs to support the group that can get the job done.
Mayor Shine stated Jerome County Commissioner Charlie Howell just sent him an e-mail stating “I hear the 20/20 group is coming to lobby for next year’s funding. I would urge you to continue the project and provide the funding. Results are already happening and the future looks optimistic if they are able to continue.”
Councilman Barber stated everyone here has a heartfelt concern for the economy of Jerome. It is not as much of a budget issue as lack of reports and information. He supports the 20/20 group even though he is gun shy about economic development because of a lack of results. SIEDO is a major concern of his. He has not seen any progress in the past ten months. City dollars must be expended carefully. Citizens do not see economic development; they see streets and parks.
Councilman Culver stated he is proud to be part of the group working together. He has heard there were companies, in particular dry companies, interested in coming to Jerome that were not responded to. First is it true, and if it is, why are we not bringing them in. He also commented council wants to be more involved in this process.
Bill Strange commented on several issues within the city and noted Jerome needs to be promoted.
Councilman Ross stated he agrees with all the statements tonight. The question here is, are we doing the right things and spending the money in the right places. Council has not been involved in the discussion of new businesses and whether they should be entertained.
Mr. Williams stated the city is an ex-officio board member. Politics aside, the larger good must be thought of. The decision of the $40,000 expenditure is council’s to make. Ms. Monahan goes to the meetings; no council person has requested to attend the meetings. They will always be welcome at the meetings.
Jason Peterson stated 20/20 is not opposed to criticism. As far as communication between 20/20 and the city, the group is willing to share any information. He stated Jerome’s levy rate is 1.97%. Rupert and Burley has a levy of 1.3%. When Simplot left several years ago their URA and economic development efforts replaced the jobs. Businesses must be brought in to bring down taxes. $27,000 has been received from private businesses to date. He further noted he believed the city committed for three years. He believes this is the perfect model for economic development. A lot of time and efforts have been donated by private businesses.
Councilman Barber again stated his point was not to criticize but to ask questions. These discussions must be held in a public forum.
Councilwoman Soto applauds the commitment and dedication of the people involved. She has faith in everyone involved, committing their time and efforts. She trusts that they are doing the right thing and does not need monthly reports.
Arlen Crouch stated he was born here and came back. He wanted to respond to Councilman Culver’s question of why companies are being turned down. He stated 20/20 has not turned down any businesses as yet. He wants council to see the applications and to be part of the process. He commented raising $40,000 was expected to be a very difficult thing. There are now 15 companies dedicated to help. He spoke of the excitement being felt from businesses in hopes of economic growth. Mr. Richards came out of retirement to start the efforts. He agreed to serve for one season; that season is up and 20/20 is looking for a new consultant at this time. He commented one qualified candidate backed down because of a newspaper article stating the city was backing out of the group.