SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING 3/11/09

Wednesday, March 11, 2009 6:00 p.m. 714 Main (North Entrance) The purpose of the Agenda is to assist the Council and interested citizens in the conduct of the public meeting. Careful review of the Agenda is encouraged. Testimony from the public will be solicited for any item or issue listed under the category of Public Hearings. Any individual who wishes to address the Council on any other subject should plan to speak when Item 7– Public Comments is identified by the Mayor. The Mayor will not normally allow audience participation at any other time. Idaho Law prohibits council action on items brought under this section except in an emergency circumstance.

CALL TO ORDER & WELCOME PRAYER OFFERED BY: Teddy Stronks

PLEDGE LED BY: Linda Janssen

Present: Mayor Stronks, Councilwoman Janssen, Councilman Huntsman, Councilman Pincock and Councilman Brady.

Also Present: City Clerk Cathy Stegelmeier, Todd Martindale, Del Jensen and Deputy Clerk Jan Warnke. There were also several presenters for each Engineering firm. Their names are listed with a presentation summary.

1. UNFINISHED / OLD BUSINESS:

A. Engineering Proposal Presentations

i. Forsgren Associates, Inc. – The presenters for Forsgren Associates were Kevin Harris, Russ Crowler and Justin Beard. Their proposal focused on three stage approach to solving the Ashton nitrate problem. The three stages would be first, to look for new source. Secondly they would blend the new source with the current source to bring the contaminant level within regulations. The last resort would be a water treatment such as reverse osmosis. Treatment is the most costly for the users. Their company has a good relationship with the DEQ.

ii. Nelson Engineering. Jeff Snyder expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to present a plan to the City Council. He gave each member a handout with an outline of presentation. Jeff then introduced Jamie Boos who would be the project engineer on this project. The DEQ study is the first step in implementing a solution to the nitrate problem. When the study is complete, the City will have a plan to bring about the solution. Their company has in house grant writing and administration. Mayor Stronks asked about their relationship with the DEQ. They also have a good relationship with the DEQ

iii. Williams Engineering, Inc. Gerold Williams introduced himself as well as Tom Wood and Scott Rogers. Tom Wood has worked in developing wells throughout the area and has worked often with the DEQ. Scott Rogers works specifically with water treatment and had some preliminary information for the Council on treatment options. Mr. Williams explained that his company is ready to hit the ground running and explained that this project could be fast tracked and completed within the year if a bond is not needed. Mayor Stronks asked about their relationship with the DEQ. They have a good relationship with the DEQ.

iv. SPF Water Engineering. Bob Hardgrove and Terry Scanlan are here tonight in response to the City’s request for proposals. SPF water works with water engineering specifically. They pride themselves in being experts in water engineering. On the City’s project Bob Hardgrove would be the project manager. They had examples of other projects they have done and been successful with. Bob explained that both the new source and treatment options were comparative. Mayor Stronks asked about their relationship with the DEQ. They have worked with the DEQ in the past. They also explained that the City would need to work on fire flow.

v. Schiess & Associates. Paul Scoresby, David Schiess, Taci Stoddard and Marvin Fielding came to make the presentation for Schiess & Associates. Marvin Fielding would be the project manager on the City’s project. Marvin explained that there are three parts to solving the City’s nitrate problem. They are coming up with a technical solution, a funding solution and gaining public support for both. Marvin introduced Taci Stoddard who has worked with Cities in the past and understands city budgets as well as funding challenges. Marvin will be working on putting all the information he gathers into a data base and hopefully locate a low nitrate source for water. Treatment solutions have large ongoing operations and maintenance costs. Paul Scoresby will be doing a thorough analysis of the current water system. David Schiess will be working on getting the public involved. He would like to get a committee started to work on the water project. Marvin explained that it is the City of Ashton’s project and the citizens need to be happy with the result. That result would be safe, abundant and affordable water. He is confident that they can find a technical solution and garner public support. Mayor Stronks asked about their relationship with the DEQ. They have a good relationship with the DEQ.

2. ADJOURNMENT

Councilman Pincock made a motion to adjourn. Councilman Brady seconded the motion. The motion passed unanimously. NEXT MEETING

Regular Council 7:00 p.m. – Wednesday, March 11, 2009, Council Chambers. Questions concerning items appearing on this Agenda or requests for accommodation of special needs to participate in the meeting should be addressed to the Office of the City Clerk or call 208-652-3987.

Minutes respectfully submitted by Cathy Stegelmeier, City Clerk.

Attest:

Cathy Stegelmeier Theo R. Stronks

City Clerk Mayor