Bancroft City Council Report– February

Adapted from the official minutes taken by City Clerk Debbie Swensen.

MR&E

Nekelle Smith does billing for MR&E. She has been reviewing the contract between the city and MR&E looking at the CPI's for increases. The contract states that rates are determined by combining two (2) years CPI rates. This would end up being quite a substantial increase of approximately $5.00 a month. Residential cans would go from $13.00 a month to $18.74. MR&E realizes that taking this amount of increase is unreasonable and suggested the city look at changing the contract to allow the two parties to come to an agreement in the event that the CPI is unreasonable. The section addressing the CPI's is 23.4.  MR&E presented a proposed rate list chart. The only rate that will have a substantial increase will be the Commercial cans. These cans are the ones used by the businesses, church, and the school. The rate for a second garbage will slightly increase as well. The new rates will be approx. $1.00 to $3.00 in increases.  Councilmember Eric Christensen made a motion to accept the new rate increase proposal chart.  The motion passed 3-0.

Councilmember Eric Christensen made a motion to amend the current contract changing section 23.4 which would allow for both parties to come to a reasonable agreement.  The motion passed 3-0.

Mountain West Waterworks

Matt Foster is the regional manager for Mountain West Waterworks. They help municipalities and other water and wastewater districts get their required licensing. They will help maintain or help with full operations. They will help with daily functions or oversee the licensing requirements. Mountain Water Works helps cities to stay in compliance and will work with city engineers to get things back to compliance. Matt asked if the city has any current needs. Mayor Spencer asked if they are willing to help with the schooling end of things. Matt explained that they just hold the licenses and would be willing to provide that service for a monthly fee. They will help the city with training so they can be self-sustaining. Matt explained that they have a lot of experience and could really help the city.

Councilmember Eiman asked where the city is at with licenses.

Mayor Spencer explained that we have struggled with getting someone trained. The trainings are in Boise but now that we have two employees the city can get them to some training and get some testing done.

The city is contracted with the city of Grace for now. Mayor Spencer expressed that the goal is to get to a point where the city does not have to rely on the Grace license number.

They are more than just license holders; they will help with problem that arise and the consulting end of things.

Council asked how they figure their charges. Matt explained that they would set up a contract based on a monthly retainer for in scope services but anything out of that scope would be additional fees plus travel costs. Mountain West is getting ready to open a branch in Preston so they will be located a little closer soon. Councilmember Nate Eiman asked about the sewer pond needs with needing to re-do the lining. Matt explained that they would be willing to work with the engineers and review project designs etc. The council thanked the reps for presenting their information and for the business cards.

Idaho Enterprise

Brandon Hall introduced himself to the council. The Idaho Enterprise has taken over the subscription list for the Caribou County Sun. The first issue came out last week. They will be present at events in Soda Springs, Bancroft, and Grace as much as they can. They are doing obituaries and other community news. They are happy to print notices for the city. Legal fees are up to the state. A yearly subscription is $55.00.

Printing will be each Wednesday. Submissions need to be in by Monday at noon at the latest.

John Deere Donation

Blaire Rindlisbaker contacted the city regarding a donation from John Deer in Preston. They are wanting to donate money to the community for a safety improvement project. Clerk Swensen suggested using the money to replace the rubber bark around and under the playground equipment. The bark has been needing to be replaced for several years. Another project that could be a possibility is updating and adding more electrical outlets at Teuscher Square for the annual lighting event. Blaire asked if the city could use a new swing set or some type of equipment. Maintenance will look at the swings and slide. Councilmember Eric Christensen asked about purchasing a couple picnic tables for the park.

Resolution 24-01 Water & Sewer Connection Fees

Councilmember Eric Christensen made a motion to approve the new specified water & sewer connection fees that were discussed at the last couple of meetings. The motion passed 3-0.

Kennel License Application

Rylie Askew presented a complete kennel license to the city council.

Motion passed 3-0.

Sheriff Mabey 

Last year in January they had twice as many traffic stops as this year. This past year the Department has done approximately $500,000 in upgrades to the dispatch center. Their dispatch center will be linked with Bannock County by automatic transfer. They are working really close with the sister counties. Last year they brought in almost one million dollars in revenue to help the Sheriff s Department. They found a couple of stolen vehicles here in the city and have had some interesting people come through.

Sheriff Mabey reported that in the past, they haven't been interested in contracting with the city due to the expense that would eat up most of the city's budget. There is also not enough work in the city of Bancroft to pay for a contract.

Sheriff Mabey has a few thoughts on how they might be able to work something out if they can continue the same amount of service they are currently providing.

Personnel Policy Benefits (Observed & Floating 

Holidays)

Councilmember Jessica Vawser asked what the city attorney said about adding observed and floating holidays to the personnel policy, and if the current sick time etc. is based on eight (8) or (10) hour work days. The attorney advised that most businesses and municipalities are typically using a scale of eight (8) hour work hour for sick time and other benefits offered to employees whether they work 8, 10, or 12 hour shifts.

Council discussed options for adding a few observed holidays to the personnel policy.

After a discussion, Councilmember Eric Christensen made a motion to add the three (3) observed holidays: Christmas Eve, New Year's Eve, Day before Thanksgiving and 2 (two) S-hour floating holidays totaling 16 (sixteen) hours in total. The motion passed 3-0.

Miscellaneous

Councilmember Jessica Vawser asked if the pot holes by the railroad tracks have been addressed. Mayor Spencer stated that the county mix has been outside and is extremely hard. Councilmember Vawser is concerned due to a vehicle getting stuck in the hole. Mayor Spencer will have maintenance get some mix in the back of the truck and park it inside so the holes can be fixed.

Cm Jessica Vawser has read the codes regarding dogs and would like to go through the ordinance as a council. She suggested that residents be required to provide verification of rabies shots, and records showing that the animal is spayed or neutered. Jessica would also like to require residents to fiIl out a Kennel License Application annually instead of every three (3) years. She is concerned that the ordinance allows up to six (6) dogs and that is too many dogs with home lots being so small. Jessica is concerned that dogs are running at large and the city should make sure they have been vaccinated and had rabies shots for safety reasons.