Grace City Council
The Grace City Council met for its first regularly scheduled meeting of 2024 on. January 3. Present for the meeting were Mayor Jackie Barthlome, Council Members Larry Allen, Kathy Tillotson, Colleen Fluckiger, Mike Ridenour, Curtis Toone, Superintendent Riley Crookston and Clerk Shelley Reeves. Also in attendance were Planning and Zoning Chair David Pristupa, Linda Toone, Kent Loosely, Sheriff Adam Mabey, Dana McCurdy, and Ron Marley.
Following the invocation by Councilman Fluckiger and the Pledge led by Clerk Reeves, the minutes from December’s meeting were approved.
Sheriff’s Report
Sheriff Mabey reported on calls in the city during the month of December. He explained that the Sheriff’s office had been helping the city with a barking dog problem. The complainants had agreed to sign an official complaint, and the dog owners would be served after such paperwork was completed. The Sheriff’s office is working on completing an agreement with the city to help with Code Enforcement, including Nuisance violations of this type.
Planning and Zoning
Planning and Zoning Chair David Pristupa reported the the Zoning Commission will be working on a conditional use permit during its next meeting, and requested the attendance of attorney Doug Wood to answer questions the commission had about zone changes. His request was approved by the council.
Swearing in and Assignments for 2024
Mayor Barthlome turned the time to Clerk Reeves to administer the Oath of Office to Curtis Toone and Kathy Tillotson as Councilmembers. They were then sworn in for four year terms.
Outgoing Councilmember Mike Ridenour was presented a plaque by Mayor Barthlome in appreciation for his service on the council, the members of which thanked him for his efforts.
Councilmember Tillotson nominated Councilmember Fluckiger for Council President, which was seconded by Councilmember Allen. Councilman Toone then nominated Councilman Allen for the President position, which was seconded by Councilman Tilltoson. The mayor called for a vote, after which Councilmember Fluckiger was approved as the Council President.
This year’s council assignments are as follows:
Finance, Law and City Ordinance Enforcement will be chaired by Mayor Barthlome, with Councilmember Fluckiger as the co-Chair.
Wastewater and Sanitation will be chaired by Councilmember Toone, with Councilmember Tillotson as the co-chair.
Streets and Public Relations will be chaired by Councilmember Tillotson, with Councilmember Fluckiger as the co-chair.
Planning and Zoning, Fire Department, EMS and Disaster Planning will be chaired by Councilmember Allen, with Mayor Barthlome as the co-chair.
Water Department and Parks and Recreation will be chaired by Councilmember Allen, with Councilmember Toone as the co-chair.
Jim Hubbard—Water Issue
Councilmember Fluckiger reported that he had been asked by resident Jim Hubbard to approach the council about water for his animals from the city springs. It was explained that Mr. Hubbard owns property near the scout cabin, and grazes his animals there during the summer months. Mr. Hubbard related that there is a spigot near the pond that was filled from time to time that his cows were able to water at, but that the pond hadn’t been filled in some time.
Mr. Hubbard asked whether the city would allow him to put a trough near the spigot so that his cows could obtain water. He stated that the trough would have a float valve and only be in use for up to four months during the year. Mr. Hubbard further stated that he had not been able to locate an easement allowing the city to access the springs through his property.
After a discussion, it was decided that the city would need to check with the DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) whether it was allowed to place a trough in the location since it constituted source water. Superintendent Crookston agreed to contact the DEQ on the matter. The city also agreed that it needed to arrange an easement with Mr. Hubbard, but that it would need to go through the proper legal channels to ensure it was done correctly.
Superintendent
Superintendent Crookston reported that employees in the city had been working on catching up with a number of maintenance tasks.
Mayor’s Report
Mayor Barthlome presented a document to the council she had been working on to give to new residents, detailing the rules for living within the city. She asked members of the council to review the document, and bring any additional ideas they had for inclusion to the next meeting. After thanking the employees of the city and council for their hard work, she asked for a motion to adjourn, which was made and approved.
