PRESENT: Council members Newton and Snedden were present.
STAFF PRESENT: Police Chief Mark Lockwood, City Attorney Will Herrington, Parks and Recreation Director Kim Woodruff and City Clerk Maree Peck
OTHERS PRESENT: Kathleen Hyde, Robert Baker, Ted McNamara, Councilwoman Logan, Aric Spence, Karen Forsythe, Kevin Kluender, Chris Wood, Pam Mulligan, Rick Bailey, Robert Dressel, Steve Chamberlain, Brian Koch, Eric Ryan, Joshua Van Dyke, Michael Hottman, Chris Giese, Alex Hughes, Bob Hawn, and Liz Hawn.
1. HIGHWAY 2/95 CONNECTOR
Councilwoman Logan stated there was significant interest from the city council that the Idaho Transportation Board be aware of their preference regarding the connector between Boyer Avenue and Cedar Street. She stated that the Public Works Director indicated that this would be a significant upgrade to the travel system for facilitating traffic flow through town. She proposed that a resolution be adopted by city council at the June 17th council meeting for the mayor’s presentation to the July 23rd Idaho Transportation Board meeting in Coeur d’Alene. Councilwoman Newton noted this matter was discussed during the Urban Area Transportation Plan as a significant component. Aric Spence raised the issue with the granary building’s designation located near this area. Councilwoman Newton responded that the Historical Preservation Commission conferred with the Idaho Transportation Department regarding this matter. She said that ITD advised that the southeast corner of the granary would be impacted. She noted that the “curve” is not on any current long range plan with the Idaho Transportation Department. Mayor Hellar noted that this project is not on the STIP or within the horizon plan for the State.
RECOMMENDATION TO CONSENT CALENDAR: That city council adopt a resolution demonstrating city council’s interest in the connector between Boyer Avenue and Cedar Street.
2. PEDICAB SERVICE – ROBERT BAKER DBA PEND OREILLE PEDAL CAB
Robert Baker stated he wanted to introduce a pedicab service to Sandpoint particularly for transporting people to and from special events in town. He noted that parking has been impacted due to road construction. Police Chief Mark Lockwood commented that Mr. Baker provided good suggestions for amending the taxi cab licensing ordinance. He felt this would be a good opportunity for alternative transportation but had concern with safety regulations that were addressed in the ordinance. He stated there would be exceptions drafted in the ordinance for pedicabs but that background checks were pertinent. He said the time frame for a background check could be as short as one day. Robert Baker explained he would lease the cabs in order to keep overhead down. He stated the pedicab is insured and the driver would be insured as long as there was training involved.
City Attorney Will Herrington proposed that pedicabs be included in the taxicab ordinance and said that these operators have taken the first step in case city council requires it. He said city council could make a recommendation based on the police chief’s recommendation for licensing and if the ordinance was adopted, there would be no requirement to obtain a license until a reasonable period of time after the adoption of the ordinance for those operating prior to the adoption of the amending ordinance. He suggested city council allow the police chief to issue the licenses or bring this issue back to the July Administrative Committee.
RECOMMENDATION TO CONSENT CALENDAR: Provided the taxicab ordinance is amended to include required licenses for pedicab, that city council grant the license to the pedicab owner.
3. PEDICAB SERVICE – ARIC SPENCE DBA TRICYCLE TAXI
Aric Spence stated he did not plan to lease or hire anyone else to operate his business and did not intend to travel on Fifth Avenue. He suggested that the ordinance include a provision for crossing Fifth Avenue and Highway 2, that pedicabs be allowed to travel on bike paths, that there be a way to directly have access to complaints, that an Idaho drivers license be required, require a minimum age of 18 to operate the pedicab, that the occupants not be required to wear seat belts and that there be no restrictions on advertising on pedicabs as this would be his main revenue.
RECOMMENDATION TO CONSENT CALENDAR: Provided the taxicab ordinance is amended to include required licenses for pedicab, that city council grant the license to the pedicab owner.
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
Karen Forsythe, owner of DiLuna’s, suggested that the Business Improvement District (BID) be put back to vote with downtown businesses. She noted a business registration was not required of businesses until 2003 and that the district was formed in 2000. She stressed there was an inaccurate number of businesses and that an accurate number of businesses should be attributed to those businesses who have registered their business through the City of Sandpoint. Kathleen Hyde, Office Manager of the Downtown Sandpoint Business Association (DSBA) estimated there are now 435 to 450 businesses within the BID and mentioned that not all businesses are registered. She said there would still be an inaccurate number of businesses based on business registrations.
Councilwoman Newton referred to Idaho Code 50-2616 that in order to modify the district, the same process would have to be followed that established the district in the first place. Will Herrington stated a majority of the businesses would have to petition city council to disestablish the district with no clear evidence that the district was improperly established. He advised that such a petition would have to be consistent with other petitioning requirements under Idaho Code such as an initiative and recall with a requirement that the petitions be timely and not be from five years ago. He stated the 51% vote required is assessed by square footage and that the timeline for the petition is 60 days. Councilwoman Newton noted the process is set in Idaho Code and advised Ms. Forsythe that it was up to her to initiate the petition. She explained that the process has to be conducted in a timely manner and the vote would require 50% plus one based on square footage. She noted when the BID was formed nine years ago, there were 76 businesses located outside the downtown core with address of 500 and greater. She noted that 50% of those businesses did not vote, 34% voted yes and 16% voted no. She stated that the city could validate the petition if it’s provided within a timely manner. Kathleen Hyde reiterated that the assessment would be based on the square footage based on the percentage of business space used for services. Will Herrington said that Ms. Forsythe would be provided the same information as provided to the person who submitted the prior petition.
INFORMATION ONLY
ALEXANDER WAY SEWER LIFT STATION FENCE
Kevin Kluender requested that the city replace the chain link fence they recently installed on Alexander Way to surround a sewer lift station because the adjacent subdivision covenants do not allow chain link fences. He felt the chain link fence was unattractive and that it should be replaced with a fence that is appropriate to the neighborhood. Councilwoman Newton noted there were are two homes on Alexander Way that have chain link fences. Mr. Kluender noted that the developer did not finish the development of the subdivision and had not formed a homeowner’s association to date. He hoped that the city would push the developer to finish the work. He noted that the chain link fences located in the subdivision were significantly far away from the street and are less noticeable than the fence installed by the city. Councilwoman Newton stated the public works director informed her that the city would plant vegetation to camouflage the fence. She said the city has 17 lift stations with eight enclosed with five more to be enclosed within the next two budget years for safety reasons. Mr. Kluender didn’t feel chain link fences were safer than any other fence and noted they can be dissembled faster than any other fence. He noted that his complaints to the city shop were ignored and that the chain link fence distracts from the value of the homes. Councilwoman Newton reported that the public works director felt for long term maintenance, the chain link fence provides the best value for the city.
Parks and Recreation Kim Woodruff suggested the owners look at different types of vegetation to plant along the fence. Mr. Kluender raised concern with the maintenance, irrigation, and the costs involved. Councilwoman Newton proposed that Mr. Kluender meet with one of the members of the Administrative Committee and the Public Works Director to discuss options. Councilman Snedden suggested reviewing the cost for replacement and maintenance. Will Herrington suggested that the developer, Tim McDonnell, attend the meeting also.
INFORMATION ONLY
4. MARATHON EVENT AT CITY BEACH
Parks and Recreation Director Kim Woodruff stated the Greater Sandpoint Chamber of Commerce has requested use of the city beach for a marathon on September 19th and 20th. He said the Parks and Recreation Commission spent considerable effort on establishing a fee structure for commercial events of $300 for 8 hours maximum or $50 per hour. He said the Commission suggested that booths related to the event would pay $25 per vendor per day with the fifth and subsequent vendors paying $15. He noted that city code permits the parks and recreation director to authorize athletic events but that the fees are to be reviewed by city council for consideration. He said these fees would also apply to the other two events on this evening’s agenda. He also suggested that city council amend the city code to eliminate the need for fees for sporting events to be established by resolution adopted by the city council. He said city council could shift this responsibility to the Parks and Recreation Commission and council could adopt the standard fee as mentioned for all sporting events. He recommended empowering the Parks and Recreation Commission with these duties. He felt the city beach and parking could accommodate the number of participants attending the event and felt the discount should be provided to fundraising events. He explained his department would not manage the booths but would be managed by the Chamber and paid by them.
Councilwoman Newton suggested that all booths be charged $20. She disagreed that the city should allow the Parks and Recreation Commission to set the fees for each park event as it would give volunteers the authority to assess fees for organizations and individuals but that should be the city council’s responsibility. She said this should be reviewed during the budget process when all fee schedules are reviewed. She didn’t feel the Parks and Recreation Commission should be burdened with the fees but that they can review the specific type of events.
RECOMMENDATION TO CONSENT CALENDAR: That city council approve the proposed fee schedule with the amendment to charge $20 per booth for the marathon event at city beach.
5. LONG BRIDGE SWIM REGISTRATION AT CITY BEACH
Parks and Recreation Director Kim Woodruff explained that the organizers of the Long Bridge Swim requested use of the city beach for registration only for the annual long bridge swim event. Councilwoman Newton raised concern with the use of the bullhorn during the morning hours near the Edgewater Resort and suggested they move their event to the beach pavilion. Kim Woodruff assured that a place would be used as far away as possible to meet their needs.
RECOMMENDATION TO CONSENT CALENDAR: That city council accept Long Bridge Swim using city beach for registration purposes only, set the fee schedule as proposed, that the event organizers be sensitive to hotel guests and to move the event in order to accommodate everyone involved.
6. THE INTEGRATIVE ATHLETE USE OF TRAVERS PARK
Parks and Recreation Director Kim Woodruff explained that The Integrative Athlete wants to use Travers Park for a kettebell fitness boot camp which expects five to ten participants and to use the park on Thursdays, July 9, 16, and 23 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. He said the commercial event requires a written agreement with a recommendation to follow the same fee structure as the other park events as mentioned.
RECOMMENDATION TO CONSENT CALENDAR: That city council accept the request for The Integrative Athlete to use Travers Park for their event and to accept the proposed fee structure by the Parks and Recreation Director.
BDPA MARKET COMPARABILITY STUDY
City Clerk Maree Peck stated this matter was on the May 20th regular city council meeting and was unanimously approved by council present that this matter be tabled to this evening’s Administrative Committee meeting. She said a copy of the Final Report of the Market Comparability Study was provided from BDPA with the request of approval of the recommendations from BDPA that no market adjustment to the current pay scale which means no additional funds will be required to fund a market adjustment on October 1, 2009 but they recommend adding an additional pay level to accommodate internal equity for the public safety positions, adjust sworn public safety positions upward by one grade level for internal equity purposes and external competitiveness as shown on the attached Kinds and Levels Chart as reflected in the report. Fire positions should be adjusted as appropriate through the collective bargaining agreement, and to adjust positions assigned to grades 15 and 16 upward by one level to accommodate internal equity revisions in public safety. She said BDPA also recommended that no salary increase be associated with the grade adjustment and that they will be based on the pay for performance review. She said City Treasurer Shannon Syth provided information in her memo as to the costs attributed to moving each sworn officer up one grade in the Kinds and Levels Chart reflecting a 7% raise including wages, payroll expenses and benefits. She stated that Shannon Syth recommends an August start date to allow for the additional salary savings to help relieve the expected burden on “over-time” pay for coverage of open positions. She reported a substantial turnover seen within the police department over the past 18 months.
Corporal Steve Chamberlain stressed the need to retain the current sworn police officers with over one-half turnover in their department. He stated that pay was a big issue in the police department and that the majority of officers left for positions to other local law enforcement entities.
Chris Wood stated there should be consideration with employees in other departments who are equally below in the pay scale. He suggested increasing those employee positions to a higher grade without a salary increase.
Councilwoman Newton raised concern with other entity comparisons used by BDPA. She felt it was inequitable to compare Sandpoint with those cities and counties that had a much higher population. She noted that an officer who left because of an elected official position didn’t leave for financial reasons and that he oversees 120 employees and is making much less than the police chief and captain who have much less employees and serve less citizens. She stated that based on the data she compiled, the other officers who left to work for other law enforcement entities are not being paid more and was clear they did not leave for higher wages. She stated that when she was city clerk and conducted five exit interviews in 2001, most stated they left because they wanted a larger arena to work in. She said a way to find out the reason former employees left would to talk to the former employees.
She said the proposal would cost the city $27,216.30 to implement the recommendation from BDPA at 7% for sworn officers effective June 1st but that the treasurer advises that it would cost an additional $13,530.39 to make this raise effective August 1st. She said the mayor recently directed department heads to identify cuts in their budgets to be implemented through the end of the fiscal year. She said she couldn’t justify supporting a 7% raise for only one department and stressed that wages needed to be examined. She reiterated that BDPA’s recommendations need to be part of a very thorough examination which should be reviewed during the budget workshops. She was interested in looking at raises for all departments during the budget process with raises to become effective October 1st. She was not in favor of providing raises to only one department.
Officer Brian Koch stated that officers from other entities are allowed to take vehicles home and should be considered part of the income based on the cost of the fuel and wear and tear on their vehicles. Corporal Steve Chamberlain stated that it made sense to look at the police department as a whole and noted that all sworn officer positions were significantly lower than any other departments. Captain Rick Bailey noted that the city lost two officers to Bonner County because of vehicles provided which should be considered as part of the wages. Detective Robert Dressel asked why city council was not willing to take the recommendations from a company that was approved and hired by city council. He felt it was a waste of city funds
to not follow the recommendations of BDPA. Mayor Hellar stated the inequity with the police department was in comparison of other police departments. She stressed the data demonstrated inequity in an entire department and not the other departments.
Police Chief Mark Lockwood stressed there needed to be caution with the sleeping population as projected by the census bureau but to consider what he dealt with on a daily basis. He said his department’s tasks have grown such as enforcement of city code. He also noted that special events have impacts on his department. He stated Bonner County employees are offered a cell phone which are paid for by the county. He urged the Administrative Committee to take into consideration of the BDPA recommendations. A spouse of a Sandpoint police officer stated there were discrepancies in Councilwoman Newton’s data because when Bonner County officer’s probation was completed, their wages go up substantially. She noted that their health benefit premiums are less. She stated the officers left the City of Sandpoint because they couldn’t afford to raise their families financially. Councilwoman Newton responded the current wages through Bonner County demonstrate the officers are still making less than the city after one year with Bonner County. Officer Brian Koch commented that Bonner County deputies are paid four hours overtime to appear in court. Councilwoman Newton noted that the survey demonstrates that the city has a better health insurance program than any other entity.
Chris Wood suggested that the employees be involved with the budget process similar to the health care issue. Pam Mulligan stated she is employed by the city and lives in the City and raised concern for citizen’s safety. She noted it costs the city more to hire new officers for training only to have them employed with the City a couple of years which is a waste of money for the city. She stressed that the city needs to take care of their current officers. Chief Lockwood stressed that the wages needed to be reviewed with Bonner County by checking with their cap to see if it’s equitable and what they’re earning potential is. He said the city has lost officers to other law enforcement entities. Councilwoman Newton noted that one officer left in 2007 for $1.60 more per hour for the City of Ponderay. She also noted that the City of Ponderay pays significantly more than the city and Bonner County.
Councilman Snedden stated that it was a difficult time to look at pay increases based on the current economic conditions and the fact that the mayor recently implemented a 1% reduction in the budget for this year. He agreed that the police department was paid substantially lower and that they provide a valuable service.
Councilwoman Newton stressed that this is the first time in 35 years there will not be a cost of living increase to social security for next year with the average social security wage at $1,100 per month with the cost of Medicare rising. She urged everyone to keep in mind that many of the citizens who pay their wages are retired citizens living only on Social Security incomes.
RECOMMENDATION: That city council adopt the four recommendations proposed by BDPA to be effective September 1, 2009 and that this matter be discussed with the full council at the June 17, 2009 regular council meeting. Councilwoman Newton did not vote.
7. EMPLOYEE WORK POLICY AMENDMENT
City Clerk Maree Peck noted that the Sandpoint Employee Association (SEA) recommended a revision in Article 40 of the Employee Work Policy that the meeting between employees and
elected officials still be held in December but instead of having the required meeting in June that an optional meeting be held in March or June every year. Councilwoman Newton suggested replacing the word “shall” with “may”. She pointed out that the June meeting was scheduled with the opportunity to have input from the employees regarding the budget. Chris Wood, representing the SEA, requested to continue the same process from prior employee involvement. He agreed with the proposed amendment from Councilwoman Newton.
RECOMMENDATION TO CONSENT CALENDAR: That city council approve the revision
to Article 40 of the employee work policy that an optional meeting may be held in March or June at the request of employees and/or elected officials.
PROPOSED TAXICAB ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS
City Attorney Will Herrington stated that he and the police chief decided to include pedicabs under the umbrella of the licensing process for taxicabs. He stated he drafted a proposed ordinance with the police chief providing additional amendments. Police Chief Mark Lockwood added there is also the aspect of animal drawn carriages or wagons. He raised concern with the safety ability to conduct background checks and to require inspections for non-motorized means of transportation including lights and brakes. He stated a meter was impractical for pedicabs or carriages and that there be some type of rate card for public awareness. He noted the same definitions for taxicabs would not apply to pedicabs or carriages. He felt pedicabs would add uniqueness to the community. He stated that non-motorized transportation should be allowed to cross Fifth Avenue at controlled intersections with a signal light but shouldn’t travel on Fifth Avenue and Highway 2. Councilwoman Newton preferred the age limit be at 18.
Robert Baker noted that insurance companies require a minimum age of 18. Aric Spence stated that he couldn’t obtain a policy unless there was a combined coverage of $1 million. He referred to city code 6-4-9 regarding the safety issue of traveling during the night by allowing pedicabs to operate as long as they have the proper lighting. Robert Baker questioned whether there would be easy access to the long bridge due to the road construction. Chief Lockwood suggested he contact the Idaho Transportation Department office for this information. Councilwoman Logan suggested that he attend the Idaho Transportation Department byway meeting on Thursday morning. Councilman Snedden suggested amending 6-4-9-D to add pedicabs as an exception for occupants wearing seat belts.
RECOMMENDATION: Refer the proposed ordinance to city staff to include proposed amendments and to provide for city council’s review at the June 17 regular city council meeting.
Councilwoman Newton called for a recess at 7:09 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 7:12 p.m.
PROPOSAL FOR CITY HIRING FREEZE
Councilman Snedden proposed a hiring freeze for a term of one year after the date of passage by the full city council for all new positions and replacement positions. He explained that if a vacancy causes undue hardship, then it can be filled through the petition process. He stated the reason for his proposal was primarily due to economic hardships and would rather err on the side of caution than laying off city employees.
Captain Rick Bailey questioned whether the mayor has the authority to implement a hiring freeze. Officer Beers stressed that the police department demonstrates a level of service everyday and if city council won’t allow the positions to be replaced, it would be a huge impact on their department. City Attorney Will Herrington advised that the mayor and city council do have the authority to impose a hiring freeze. Councilman Snedden noted the power is contained in the budget process in order to allocate funds for either more or less officers next year. He said the goal is to look at the level of service as the positions needed to be filled. Detective Dressel asked if staffing levels was a consideration with this proposal. He noted that staffing levels are currently low and will strongly impact their department. Pam Mulligan stated if officers are not replaced, there needed to be consideration of overtime and exhausted police officers as well as their response time to an incident. She stressed this would open the city up for lawsuits.
Chris Wood suggested looking at other places in the budget to cut rather than implementing a hiring freeze. He pointed out that the law requires a certain amount of water operators and that the city could be in violation of DEQ. He didn’t think it would be necessary to go through the petition process for those employees who are required to fill a vacant position. Councilwoman Newton commented that she was aware of the state and federal regulations for staffing levels. City Clerk Maree Peck raised concern with the time frame before going before city council for the petition process based on only one regular city council meeting per month. She stated that if an employee resigned within a day or two from a council meeting, the waiting period could take up to one month or more including the job position publication process. Councilwoman Newton assured that if a department head needed to fill a position as soon as possible, then a 48 hour notice could be posted for a special city council meeting for the petition process.
Will Herrington advised this was poor policy and would send a bad message to existing employees and those employees the city is trying to hire. He stated it was not warranted by the budget. He said the city council considers this in the budget every year with determinations made at that time. Chief Lockwood stated he tries to meet minimum staffing requirements, to provide service to the citizens and visitors as well as attracting good high quality professional officers. He said it takes five officers to staff 24/7 the entire year. He stated there is more consideration to whether or not he has too many or not enough officers. He stressed city council should consider sick leave, training, court attendance, and emergency leave. He noted currently the Western United States has 2.8 to 4.9 officers per 1,000 population that was allocated in the 1960s but was changed in the 1980s because there are many different communities with different needs. He stressed that it takes 120 to 160 days to hire an officer. He noted that all enforcement agencies are looking for police officers. He felt an executive session with city council was necessary to discuss several issues regarding this matter. He pointed out that a loss in positions in water treatment and snow removal would have a huge impact with his department as well as having an impact with overtime.
Mayor Hellar was disturbed because city council has the ability to review this matter during the budget process. She raised concern that city council would have the ability to decide whether or not a department needs employees to reach a service level in an area where city council is not qualified to make that decision. She urged city council to deal with this matter through the budget process.
RECOMMENDATION: That city council adopt a resolution for a city hiring freeze, on all new positions and permanent replacement positions to be effective up to one year from the date of passage, that a petition process also be established in the resolution granting
relief for any department after finding it a necessity by city council. This resolution excludes prospective hires who, as of June 10, 2009, have already been offered a letter of
intent, a verbal commitment, or have already signed a contract with the city and this matter be placed on the full city council agenda for discussion at the June 17th city council meeting.
PEND D’OREILLE BAY TRAIL POWERS AGREEMENT
Councilman Snedden stated that he has withdrawn consideration of the joint powers agreement at this time with no action needed.
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Councilman Snedden proposed consideration of measures designed to encourage affordable housing such as adoption of pre-approved affordable housing plans, waiver of certain impact fees, defer a percentage of fees for affordable housing until sold, and leap-frog queue with affordable housing applications. He stated the original proposal was to have a single review fee for all the same footprints. He said the goal is to avoid “cookie cutter” homes. He stated there would be no limits to the number of different designs pre-approved with more diversity in the plans and that repeated designs would not be considered for the pre-approved plans. Will Herrington noted the cities that are implementing the concept have several plans on file. He said there would be savings from the building official by not reviewing the plan provided the homeowner doesn’t change the plans. Councilman Snedden stated Councilman Reuter proposed waiving the parks impact fees for those homes built within the downtown.
Will Herrington stressed that deferring a percentage of fees for affordable housing until they are sold would place a burden on others when waiving the fees. He advised that this matter should go to the Impact Fee Advisory Committee and to refer consideration of reducing fees in order for the committee to come up with other ideas for affordable housing. He raised concern that the fees would be set to pay the increment the city needs for the house in order to build the facility. He felt this would be problematic for new user facility fees. Councilman Snedden stated this concept has been done in other jurisdictions and noted that the City of Coeur d’Alene waives fees for only sewer and water hookups. He said this allows the builder to keep expenses lower. He said there should be a cap with one year maximum if the house is not sold. Will Herrington suggested to add an administrative cost and to collect fees when the permit is granted.
Councilman Snedden suggested allowing applicants to move in front of the queue with housing applications. He added these proposals are dependent on the definition of affordable housing. He referred to a same concept initiated in Sun Valley, Idaho where there were classes of housing dependent upon certain square footage and estimated sale price with applicants qualified under these considerations. He stated there were a number of methods to implement the best system as possible. He stated this was just the beginning of the concept with the request to get city council’s approval for the idea and to review the matter further with city staff. He noted a study was conducted in 2005 reflecting an average median income in Bonner County at 35% which was considered affordable housing. He stated there was no good solution for a home to retain its affordable housing status and preferred to design a concept in the future. Councilman Snedden stated he would forward the proposals to the Bonner Community Housing Agency for their thoughts and comments.
RECOMMENDATION: That this matter be discussed with the full city council at the June 17th council meeting, recommendation to city staff for further development, and that waiver of certain impact fees be forwarded to the Impact Fee Advisory Committee for consideration.
8. CABLE TV FRANCHISE ORDINANCE
City Attorney Will Herrington noted that the current franchise ordinance expires in May 2010 and was approached by Northland Cable two years ago to renew the franchise. He reported there were bills in the legislature the last two years pushed by phone companies because they want to be in the cable business. He said if one of the bills passed, there would be State franchising with the city not having as much local control. He said the legislation failed with the city’s ability to regulate the franchising. He said it was time to renegotiate the agreement with Northland Cable for a ten to fifteen year period. He stated the proposed ordinance from Northland Cable does not have level of service guarantees or protection. He stated similar ordinances from the City of Moscow and City of Post Falls protect the consumer and take into consideration the usability of governmental and education channels that the franchisee would be required to provide under the Cable Act. He recommended a larger ordinance than what was provided in the packet. He advised that State statute requires publication of the ordinance 30 days before a public hearing for the franchise. He suggested negotiating with Northland Cable and set a public hearing in September.
Councilwoman Newton stated that she toured the new city hall in Post Falls with their ability to broadcast all city meetings live and that they are available for review on their website with two full time employees hired in their media department. Will Herrington explained that the City of Sandpoint would not have the same capability because there’s more competition with satellites. He said more equipment would be available if discussed during negotiations. He said the cable company could add an additional fee to the cable bill to support that type of service but he noted it would be very difficult to obtain. Councilwoman Newton raised concern with the poor quality of the current Sandpoint city council meetings shown on local channel 5 and said the public is not being well served with the current service.
He noted there was preference not to acquire the franchise that’s attached. He said the city would want the capability of having a direct line from city hall as well as other locations and that the proposed ordinance has those capabilities available. He requested direction to choose a council member to be included in the negotiations with the intent to schedule a meeting in July or August. He said he sent a letter to the regional manager inquiring dates available to schedule the negotiation meetings. He said in August, a decision would need to be made whether to have the public hearing in September. Councilwoman Newton stated that in July and August budget workshops will be scheduled and suggested scheduling the meeting later to have an ordinance adopted by December 31st.
RECOMMENDATION TO CONSENT CALENDAR: That city council appoint Councilman Reuter to be part of the negotiation team of the mayor and city attorney and that the meeting be scheduled taking into consideration the scheduling of budget workshop meetings.
The meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
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Maree Peck, City Clerk
