The regular meeting of the Riggins City Council was called to order by Mayor Glenna McClure.  Councilors present were Akins, Wilson, Friend and Miller. 

Guests:  Colleen Skillings, Lorry Harper, Tom Anderson, Gale Larson, Phil Boswell, John Belton, Jacob Theis, Jim Gorges, Doug Ulmer, H. Jerome Hansen, Scott Carnes, Tom Schrempp, Clay Hickey

Staff: Dan Wash and Jeff Joyce

JANUARY MINUTES:  Council members were individually polled and all confirmed they had read the January meeting minutes.  Motion was made by Akins to accept the minutes as presented; seconded by Miller.  Voting yea, Friend, Miller, Akins and Wilson.  No nays; motion carried.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT and BILLS FOR PAYMENT:  The financial statement was read detailing $1,565.62 paid after the January meeting, bringing the total January disbursements to $45,040.76.  Bills in the amount of $26,964.35 were then presented for payment.  Motion was made by Friend to approve the financial statement and allow the bills for payment; seconded by Wilson.  Voting yea, Wilson, Friend, Miller and Akins.  No nays; motion carried.  A copy of the financial report is attached and hereby made a part of this record.

WAIVER OF ORDINANCE #53 REQUEST:  Jacob Theis (Rants & Raves Taphouse) and John Belton (Seven Devils Steakhouse) requested that Ordinance #53 be waived for the 2018 special events.  Ordinance #53 prohibits the consumption or possession of alcohol on the city streets and sidewalks.  Mayor McClure reviewed the special events for which the waiver would apply – Women with Bait Fish Dance, Salmon River Jet Boat Races, Riggins Rodeo, Big Water Blowout, and Hot Summer Nights – contained in RESOLUTION #18-1.  Motion was made by Wilson to grant the waiver request and approve Resolution #18-1; seconded by Miller.  Voting yea, Miller, Wilson, Akins and Friend.  No nays; motion carried.

SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT COVERAGE DURING SPECIAL EVENTS:  During the discussion of the waiver of Ordinance #53, Jim Gorges with Idaho County Sheriff’s Department advised the Council that no extra coverage during special events would be provided by the Sheriff’s Department.  If the Council requests extra deputies, the City will be billed $40 per hour per deputy.

POSTAL SERVICE DELIVERY POLICIES:  Riggins Postmaster, Colleen Skillings, addressed the Council regarding the need to have incoming mail addressed correctly in order to be delivered, specifically mail that is addressed to a physical address rather than a PO Box.  Skillings stated companies pay for endorsements in order to get the recipients correct mailing address; “return service requested” endorsements must be returned to the sender if not correctly addressed (addressed to physical address when recipient has a Post Office Box).  She stated she understands the frustration and is willing to work with folks to resolve their concerns.  Mayor McClure clarified the issue that mail boxes on Main Street sidewalks are prohibited by the Idaho Transportation Department, not the City.  

LAKE SHORE DISPOSAL – QUARTERLY REPORT:  Scott Carnes reported tonnage for the 3^rd Quarter of 2017 was 106.88, and 4^th Quarter was 94.03 tons.  Carnes requested that the bars that have several green cans leave 2 feet of space between the can to allow for their new equipment to pickup the cans.  Carnes indicated Lake Shore is willing to donate the use of dumpsters during special events.  The Clerk will send Carnes a list of special events scheduled for 2018. 

UMPQUA BANK – PROPOSAL:  Mayor McClure and the Council thanked Lorry Harper for the time and effort she spent gathering signatures on a petition as well as a letter writing campaign to Umpqua officials requesting the Riggins Branch remain open.  Mayor McClure reported that Susan Hollenbeak had been communicating with Cara Coon, Senior VP, regarding the possibility of Umpqua offering to pay for the Salmon River Public Library’s internet services.  In addition, they would like to have a representative from Umpqua set up mini training sessions with customers for their online services at City Hall/Library.  The Clerk reported that Susan received a proposal from Umpqua to pay the following:

          18 months of Internet for the Library …  $3,600

          Reimburse the Library for 4 new computers purchased last year … $1,140

          Pay for 1 more computer for the Library … $285

          TOTAL: $5,025

The Council discussed the proposal.  It was decided to request that Ms. Coon attend the March 14^th Council meeting to discuss the proposal in more detail.

2018 DEER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM:  Tom Anderson expressed his opposition to the killing of deer to reduce the town deer population, particularly killing of does during gestation, stating it’s a crime against nature, and that man should not interfere in the natural process.  Anderson requested that Idaho Fish and Game rescind the 2018 Kill Permit.  Councilor Miller reported that 9 deer have been eliminated this year. 

Councilor Akins recounted the reasoning for the program and history leading up to this point - In 2010, Dr. Mark Drew, attended a City Council meeting to discuss the increasing deer population and exotic louse on the deer.  He explained that these exotic louse are not native to this area, and that Riggins is the first place in Idaho they have been seen.  In order to eliminate the louse, all the deer have to be treated three times each.  A four-stage plan – approving an ordinance, fencing, depredation hunt, and Fish & Game eliminating/treating the deer – was considered.  Fish & Game recommended reducing the number of deer thereby reducing the louse on the deer. 

There was discussion regarding the improved condition of the deer since the population has been reduced, and what other options are possible.  Anderson suggested relocating deer to reduce the number of town deer.  Tom Schrempp, Idaho Fish & Game Officer, indicated that these town deer have Hydadit Cysts which are another concern, and that Fish & Game does not want to move the deer because of these parasites. 

Discussed the following:

a)   City’s Resolution prohibiting the feeding of deer.  Schrempp indicated an Ordinance is needed to enforce this.

b)   The possibility of a managed or controlled hunt, or a mentored youth hunt.

c)    Clay Hickey, Idaho Fish & Game, reported that research shows wolves do not have an impact on town deer. 

d)   Issuing a kill permit for November/December rather than January/February. 

Anderson requested that the City research what other cities in Idaho do with deer issues.  He stressed the need to research other non-lethal means to deal with the deer population.

It was decided another meeting will be held in August to discuss plans for the end of the year.  Fish and Game officials requested to be advised of this meeting, and to be kept in the loop of what other cities are doing.

DEPARTMENT REPORTS

LIBRARY – no report

EMS – no report

FIRE – Fire Chief, Jeff Joyce reported:

• Fireman’s Ball had a great turnout; received many great donations from individuals as well as local businesses.
• Cascade System – he has not been able to locate anyone willing to work on this equipment.  He along with other volunteers are just going to dig in and see if they can clean the system up and get it workable.  Will report at next meeting. 
• Possibly have a couple new volunteers.
• Trying to schedule some joint training opportunities with Salmon River Rural and White Bird.
• Fire Academy is March 17^th.
• Information on various businesses in town continues to be collected and filed for future reference including the location of water turnoff, gas turnoff, building layout, etc.  This information is invaluable during an emergency situation.
• Salmon Rapids Lodge – Jeff would like to review the sprinkler system with management and has requested approval to conduct a drill on-site which was denied.  Councilor Miller shared some information on the sprinkler system setup with Jeff.  The Council stressed that Jeff follow-up on this review as a precaution.

PUBLIC WORKS–Public Works Director, Dan Wash, reported:

• Water leak at Carlson’s (343 North Main – Account #1-96) was discussed.  Dan expressed concern over the wasting of a valuable resource.  The Council was advised of the usage over the past few months; January usage was 232,610 gallons and the property is not occupied.  The Clerk will review the Water Ordinance with Dan to see if wasting of water is addressed.  Also discussed consulting the City Attorney if necessary.
• Sewer line cleaning by Dr. Pipeline shows a deterioration of the sewer lines north of City Hall.  Dan described an “in place lining” that may be an option; he will research further for budget.  The video provided by Dr. Pipeline will show problem areas.
• Irrigation Ditch – have budgeted $1,500 per year to concrete a section of the ditch to reduce maintenance costs.  Dan described a “concrete cloth” that is laid in the ditch and when water is applied, hardens similar to concrete.  This may be a more cost effective solution to concrete.  Will research further.
• Park – Dan and Councilor Wilson have been working on the security system; camera system is $548.  Wilson reported the cost estimates for 200’ of conduit ($200) and four cables ($160).

RIGGINS COMMUNITY CENTER

1 – Request to waive rental fee for Dance Lessons – tabled.

2 – Consider a suggestion to install acoustic tile in the lower level: after discussion, Council decided against.

MANNING BRIDGE TOWER PROJECT:  Councilor Miller reported that pads have been poured and backfill is completed.  Tower will be loaded on a trailer tomorrow and transported to the upper parking lot; work will then start on putting the tower back together at the location.  Discussed having a ribbon cutting ceremony with Mayor McClure in the near future.

IDAHO TRANSPORTATION DEPARTMENT – UNIFIED CERTIFICATION PROGRAM:  The Clerk reviewed the Idaho Unified Certification Program agreement which establishes the required one-stop-shop in the administration of the Idaho Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program.  Each recipient of USDOT funding is required to sign the agreement recognizing ITD as the agency authorized to manage the Disadvantage Enterprise Program for the State of Idaho.  After discussion, Mayor McClure signed the Statement of Agreement which will be sent to the Office of Civil Rights, ITD.

IDAHO COMMUNITY REVIEW APPLICATION – Idaho Rural Partnership:  Reviewed the packet of information received.  Applications are being accepted from rural communities with populations less than 10,000.  This planning process is designed to give a community more clarity about shared goals and opportunities, and leads for available funding and other resources.  After discussion, the Council chose not to participate at this time.

OPPORTUNITY ZONE Program:  The Council reviewed information detailing this new tool created by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 that provides tax incentives to “help unlock investor capital” to fund businesses in underserved communities.  An Opportunity Zone is a low income census tract (20% or greater) or a median income of 80% or less designated by the Governor to participate in this Federal program.  Opportunity Zone investors get a temporary deferral and modest reduction in capital gains taxes in exchange for holding Opportunity Fund investments for 5 to 7 years. 

Idaho has 109 low income tracts which limits the number of Opportunity Zones to 28.  The Clerk reported that Riggins is in a tract that qualifies (Population 1,244; Median Income of 71.52%; Poverty Rate of 8.5%; and Unemployment Rate of 8.4%.  The tract goes from the Adams County line north to Slate Creek then east to include the Florence area and beyond Warren. 

After discussion, the Council requested that the Clerk research what information is required on the application.  The application is due March 2, 2018. 

PAST DUE WSG BILLING:  Reviewed. 

FACILITY USE APPLICATIONS:

RCC – American Freedom Defense for a Firearms Class – March 3, March 10, and April 14 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Lower Level without Kitchen.  Cleaning Deposit and fees have been received.

CITY PARK

Subaru Owners Meet – May 12^th from Noon to 6 p.m.; expecting 100 to attend.  Deposit and fee has been received.

Chris Frazee for a Wedding Reception on August 11^th from 3-10 p.m.  Deposit and fee received.

DOWNSTREAM CLEAN WATER COALITION:  Councilor Akins reported on this recently formed coalition made up of approximately 20 people who are calling attention to Midas Gold’s plan for the Stibnite Mine.  A copy of the letter that was presented recently to the Idaho House of Representatives Resource and Conservation Committee was provided to the City Council.  Akins described the House Joint Memorial and the need to include language that ensures Midas Gold will do everything in the company’s power to prevent any downstream pollution or worse.  The Long Valley area residents have seen this issue in the news for quite some time, yet people downstream in the Riggins area have not been afforded the same opportunity to learn about the plans or become informed on the issue.  The potential to contaminate the Salmon River with pollution could spell a catastrophe for communities downriver from the mine. 

The Coalition would like to host a Public Meeting in Riggins with Midas Gold representatives to get the word out to business owners and residents about this project and share the information pertinent to their livelihood.  The Council indicated support for these efforts.

CITY SERVICE WAIVER/ADJUSTMENT REQUESTS: None

MUNICIPAL CODE REVISIONS – tabled

WATER/SEWER SHUT OFF STATUS – tabled

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted, Brenda Tilley, City Clerk-Treasurer