Thursday, May 21, 2015
City Of Buhl Has Discussion About Signage
CITY COUNCIL WORKING SESSION
APRIL 27, 2015
203 Broadway Ave N
Kyle Hauser Council President
Pam McClain Council Member
Michael Higbee Council Member
Sue Gabardi Council Member
Bill Nungester City Attorney
Elizabeth Barker Clerk/Treasurer
Karen Drown Asst. Clerk/Treasurer
WORKING SESSION called to order at 6:00 PM.
Elizabeth Barker confirmed a Quorum.
Minutes of April 13, 2015: Kyle Hauser moved to approve the minutes; Pam McClain
Bi-Monthly Claims for Payment: Pam McClain moved to approve the monthly claims for
seconded the motion. There was no discussion; the motion passed.
payment; Kyle Hauser seconded the motion. There was no discussion and the motion
Clerk/Treasurer Report: Pam McClain moved to approve the clerk/treasurer report;
Michael Higbee seconded the motion. There was no discussion and the motion passed.
Consideration of Resolution to Destroy Documents: Pam moved to adopt Resolution No.
378 for the destruction of semi-permanent records. Kyle seconded the motion. There was
a brief discussion of the items on the list which have no historical value. There was no
further discussion and the motion passed.
Proposed Budget Schedule: Elizabeth explained the schedule changes from last year and
noted that the Monday, May 25th meeting had previously been cancelled. She stated that
to keep with the aggressive budget schedule, she had proposed a meeting on Tuesday,
May 26th. Elizabeth did point out that Monday, May 11th the department heads will
present their major needs for the future, but Mark Korsen will not be able to attend due to
a BLM training for his department that same night. There was discussion on whether
council would like the major needs requests again this year and consensus was that they
are an important piece of the budget process. There was also discussion about several
meetings that individual council members would not be able to attend due to conflicts;
but a quorum would still be present for each meeting. It was agreed the budget schedule
Review of Compliance with General Fund Reserve Policy & Utility Fund Working
Capital Policy: Elizabeth reminded council that both policies were written last year and
that the policies stated that they would be reviewed each year at budget time. Elizabeth
noted that the general fund reserve is above the 17% as was set in the policy but
Elizabeth didn’t see any reason to reduce the amount currently in the fund. It was
discussed that the 17% was the basement and the lowest it should go. She also updated
council on the Seneca tax valuation appeal matter; there have been discussions between
Seneca and Twin Falls County and the one piece that is still being worked out is a 35%
annual obsolescence factor on the new freezer portion. A trial date was rescheduled for
May 13th in case a compromise could not be made; but everyone was hopeful it could be
worked out without a trial.
The utility fund working capital policy was also reviewed and Elizabeth explained how
the three month balance was figured from using the entire year’s income divided by 12
then multiplied by 3. As she explained, the year has a cycle and the summer months are
higher than the winter so she used the entire year’s figures. She added that the fund
balance was close to what was targeted from the last year. The Bond Savings Transfer
reserve fund is building but some of those funds are committed to current projects.
Discussion of Donated Artwork: Barbara Martin from Coos Bay, Oregon had sent a
packet of color photographs of artwork her husband had done. Gan Martin was born in
and raised in Buhl. His grandfather was Mayor of Buhl in 1937. At this time his wife had
offered to donate some of Gan’s artwork to the city. The proposed artwork was presented
to Council and four were chosen; “The Elephant,” “Cabin in the Woods,” “Small Red
Tree,” and “Cattle Grazing.”
COUNCIL CONCERNS – Michael questioned the events of the fire meeting the previous
Monday night. There was a discussion concerning signage that had gone up on the Buhl
Rural Fire Protection property. There was further discussion about signage that will be
installed on the fire station and that will be paid for out of the Fire Donation Fund. There was
also discussion concerning the ventilation system in the bays. Tom stated he had talked to
Andrew Stevens and also Mark Korsen about the current system that was never finished and
wondered about the cost of having Quigley’s come in and finish it. It was stated the current
system is not fully used and if money is going to be put into system then it needs to be used.
Kyle brought up a concern about the laptops that council had been provided. He asked if
tablets would be better utilized. Consensus was they would not be used. It was discussed that
the laptops would be better used by other departments than sitting in someone’s office or
MEETING ADJOURNED – Kyle Hauser moved that the meeting be adjourned, Pam
McClain seconded the motion and all were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 6:41 PM.
Minutes prepared by Karen Drown, Assistant City Clerk-Treasurer
APRIL 27, 2015
203 Broadway Ave N
Kyle Hauser Council President
Pam McClain Council Member
Michael Higbee Council Member
Sue Gabardi Council Member
Bill Nungester City Attorney
Elizabeth Barker Clerk/Treasurer
Karen Drown Asst. Clerk/Treasurer
WORKING SESSION called to order at 6:00 PM.
Elizabeth Barker confirmed a Quorum.
Minutes of April 13, 2015: Kyle Hauser moved to approve the minutes; Pam McClain
Bi-Monthly Claims for Payment: Pam McClain moved to approve the monthly claims for
seconded the motion. There was no discussion; the motion passed.
payment; Kyle Hauser seconded the motion. There was no discussion and the motion
Clerk/Treasurer Report: Pam McClain moved to approve the clerk/treasurer report;
Michael Higbee seconded the motion. There was no discussion and the motion passed.
Consideration of Resolution to Destroy Documents: Pam moved to adopt Resolution No.
378 for the destruction of semi-permanent records. Kyle seconded the motion. There was
a brief discussion of the items on the list which have no historical value. There was no
further discussion and the motion passed.
Proposed Budget Schedule: Elizabeth explained the schedule changes from last year and
noted that the Monday, May 25th meeting had previously been cancelled. She stated that
to keep with the aggressive budget schedule, she had proposed a meeting on Tuesday,
May 26th. Elizabeth did point out that Monday, May 11th the department heads will
present their major needs for the future, but Mark Korsen will not be able to attend due to
a BLM training for his department that same night. There was discussion on whether
council would like the major needs requests again this year and consensus was that they
are an important piece of the budget process. There was also discussion about several
meetings that individual council members would not be able to attend due to conflicts;
but a quorum would still be present for each meeting. It was agreed the budget schedule
Review of Compliance with General Fund Reserve Policy & Utility Fund Working
Capital Policy: Elizabeth reminded council that both policies were written last year and
that the policies stated that they would be reviewed each year at budget time. Elizabeth
noted that the general fund reserve is above the 17% as was set in the policy but
Elizabeth didn’t see any reason to reduce the amount currently in the fund. It was
discussed that the 17% was the basement and the lowest it should go. She also updated
council on the Seneca tax valuation appeal matter; there have been discussions between
Seneca and Twin Falls County and the one piece that is still being worked out is a 35%
annual obsolescence factor on the new freezer portion. A trial date was rescheduled for
May 13th in case a compromise could not be made; but everyone was hopeful it could be
worked out without a trial.
The utility fund working capital policy was also reviewed and Elizabeth explained how
the three month balance was figured from using the entire year’s income divided by 12
then multiplied by 3. As she explained, the year has a cycle and the summer months are
higher than the winter so she used the entire year’s figures. She added that the fund
balance was close to what was targeted from the last year. The Bond Savings Transfer
reserve fund is building but some of those funds are committed to current projects.
Discussion of Donated Artwork: Barbara Martin from Coos Bay, Oregon had sent a
packet of color photographs of artwork her husband had done. Gan Martin was born in
and raised in Buhl. His grandfather was Mayor of Buhl in 1937. At this time his wife had
offered to donate some of Gan’s artwork to the city. The proposed artwork was presented
to Council and four were chosen; “The Elephant,” “Cabin in the Woods,” “Small Red
Tree,” and “Cattle Grazing.”
COUNCIL CONCERNS – Michael questioned the events of the fire meeting the previous
Monday night. There was a discussion concerning signage that had gone up on the Buhl
Rural Fire Protection property. There was further discussion about signage that will be
installed on the fire station and that will be paid for out of the Fire Donation Fund. There was
also discussion concerning the ventilation system in the bays. Tom stated he had talked to
Andrew Stevens and also Mark Korsen about the current system that was never finished and
wondered about the cost of having Quigley’s come in and finish it. It was stated the current
system is not fully used and if money is going to be put into system then it needs to be used.
Kyle brought up a concern about the laptops that council had been provided. He asked if
tablets would be better utilized. Consensus was they would not be used. It was discussed that
the laptops would be better used by other departments than sitting in someone’s office or
MEETING ADJOURNED – Kyle Hauser moved that the meeting be adjourned, Pam
McClain seconded the motion and all were in favor. The meeting was adjourned at 6:41 PM.
Minutes prepared by Karen Drown, Assistant City Clerk-Treasurer
City of Buhl Sets Agenda
City of Buhl Council Meeting
May 26, 2015
7:00 p.m.
Meeting called by: Mayor and City Council
Meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at 203 Broadway Ave N, Buhl, Idaho
WORKING SESSION COUNCIL MEETING
CONFIRMATION OF QUORUM Elizabeth Barker
OLD BUSINESS Minutes of May 11, 2015
Bi-Monthly Claims for Payment
Clerk/Treasurer Report
NEW BUSINESS Consideration of Bike Race route
Consideration of Magicats event in Eastman
Park
Salary and Evaluation Discussion
Discussion of Excess Fire Funds &
Comparative District Information
Discussion of Firearms Ordinance
Karen Drown
Elizabeth Barker
Elizabeth Barker
Kevin Hanners
MaNawn Taylor
Elizabeth Barker
Carl Ericson, ICRMP
Council Members
Council Members
COUNCIL CONCERNS
MEETING ADJOURNED
Elizabeth Barker, City Clerk
Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request for persons with disabilities
May 26, 2015
7:00 p.m.
Meeting called by: Mayor and City Council
Meeting will be held in the Council Chambers at 203 Broadway Ave N, Buhl, Idaho
WORKING SESSION COUNCIL MEETING
CONFIRMATION OF QUORUM Elizabeth Barker
OLD BUSINESS Minutes of May 11, 2015
Bi-Monthly Claims for Payment
Clerk/Treasurer Report
NEW BUSINESS Consideration of Bike Race route
Consideration of Magicats event in Eastman
Park
Salary and Evaluation Discussion
Discussion of Excess Fire Funds &
Comparative District Information
Discussion of Firearms Ordinance
Karen Drown
Elizabeth Barker
Elizabeth Barker
Kevin Hanners
MaNawn Taylor
Elizabeth Barker
Carl Ericson, ICRMP
Council Members
Council Members
COUNCIL CONCERNS
MEETING ADJOURNED
Elizabeth Barker, City Clerk
Reasonable accommodations will be provided upon request for persons with disabilities
Wednesday, May 20, 2015
Buhl Election Results
Buhl, Idaho
20 May 2015
20 May 2015
BUHL RECREATION DISTRICT
Vote for 1
IN FAVOR. . . . . . . . . . . 342 40.19
AGAINST . . . . . . . . . . . 509 59.81
Total . . . . . . . . . 851
Over Votes . . . . . . . . . 2
Under Votes . . . . . . . . . 0
Friday, May 15, 2015
Buhl Voter Guide
BUHL VOTER GUIDE
SPECIAL ELECTION TUESDAY
May 19th, 2015
8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Polling Stations: Christian Church
Moose Hall & Deep Creek Fire Hall
To vote you must bring a valid photo ID
and a current utility bill
Never voted in Buhl? Simply register at
the polls
Shall A New Taxing District Be Formed
& Tax Citizens $194,545.00 every year?
A ‘Yes’ vote will harm those on fixed incomes including the elderly.
A ‘NO’ vote will not harm those on fixed incomes including the elderly.
Yes _____ NO_____
The
Recreation District mail notice outlines the NEW
TAX district, but has NO DEADLINE OR SUNSET. While it may
sound like a good thing on the surface for neighboring communities, bigger is not
necessarily better, and
the
following needs to be considered:
1. Increase in Local Taxes recently passed--$2.5 MILLION SCHOOL LEVY.
2. The number of fixed and low income people living in Buhl.
3. Present additional increases in various State Taxes: vehicle registration and gas come to mind immediately ($200,000,000.00).
4. The City ofBuhl
5. No indication of what the money would be used for. This should be
1. Increase in Local Taxes recently passed--$2.5 MILLION SCHOOL LEVY.
2. The number of fixed and low income people living in Buhl.
3. Present additional increases in various State Taxes: vehicle registration and gas come to mind immediately ($200,000,000.00).
4. The City of
5. No indication of what the money would be used for. This should be
addressed before a vote
takes place.
6.
Inflation of basic necessities like food and clothing.
7. First
there are taxes and then there are yearly use fees.
I
don't know about you but I am not looking forward to being someone else’
continuous deep pocket. Constantly having to come up with more money out
of OUR pockets should be of concern to you, too. If this new hand gets
placed in our pockets it will be very difficult to get rid of.
THERE ARE FEW WHO CAN AFFORD THIS NEW BURDEN.
This hand bill is authorized by the
CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO
Article I ,
SECTION 9. FREEDOM OF SPEECH. Every person may freely speak, write and
publish on all
subjects, being responsible for the abuse of that liberty.
PLEASE VOTE ‘NO’
Despite what anyone
thinks, the economy has not improved
enough to warrant this new spending. One case in point: Buhl School District
Second point is that
recreation is already happening and supported in the
communities by churches, summer camps, youth groups,
service clubs, and volunteers--all without more debt and suppressing taxation.
Community meeting areas are also graciously provided locally.
·
We want fewer
government employees.
·
We want to choose
our own recreation/entertainment.
·
We need to reduce taxes.
·
We
oppose socialism.
1. Paying off the High School Bonds should be the priority, not a new TAX ENTITY. The swimming pool in recent years underwent remodeling.
2. The district fully intends to LOSE MONEY! Low estimate is about $200,000 per year!
While NO EXACT PLAN has been presented for a new pool and rec facilities, they are asking us, the investors, aka “taxpayers”, to give them almost $200,000.00! No wise investor would willingly invest this way. Taxpayers have NO CHOICE if it passes; you pay yearly!
3. Failure to create the district has NOTHING to do with the Boys and Girls Club deciding whether or not to continue. Citing the Boys and Girls Club is a ploy.
4. Creating the district may facilitate government going into competition with private businesses, particularly the local gyms and
5. You will pay for the pool and other facilities TWICE! You will pay taxes for its upkeep but IN ADDITION you will pay District membership fees. Paying taxes is not a pass!
6. This may be the first vote of two. The second vote may be for a bond, another tax, in November for raising money to build a pool and rec facilities. It requires a 2/3 majority. What if that fails? There is no mention of a contingency.
http://westendweeklyreporter.blogspot.com/
Please
share this with your neighbors! Pass the word along!
Buhl Highway District
Buhl, Idaho
According to the Buhl Highway District , the staff has been busy filling potholes in the district. Also the district reports an amount of $2,339,431.76 to be in the bank as of Feb 28th, 2015.
According to the Buhl Highway District , the staff has been busy filling potholes in the district. Also the district reports an amount of $2,339,431.76 to be in the bank as of Feb 28th, 2015.
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