The Cottonwood City Council voted to adopt a resolution increasing some of the fees the city charges at their September meeting Monday, Sept. 8.
Prior to the start of the regular meeting there was a public hearing on the fee increases since they were more than 5%. Fee increases approved were a utility fee for the sewer bond, a utility fee for bulk water sales and imposing a new hook-up fee for bulk water.
A petition from Justin Lorentz to exempt property from water and sewer fees was approved. Lorentz had purchased the former used car site on Foster Street. In his petition Lorentz stated that if in the future he ever did want to have water and sewer at the site he was willing to pay any fees to hook it back up.
A proposed JUB contract for construction management of the irrigation project was tabled as it was not yet ready for approval.
Aged receivables were discussed. It was decided to look into costs of using a collection service and come back to this at the next meeting.
In the police report, Police Chief Terry Cochran noted that parking during the Fair was an issue that needs to be addressed. The city allows parking on East Street on the Fair Grounds side as long as vehicles put wheels up on the sidewalk to keep the street clear. An issue was vehicles parking on the other side which narrowed the street down not much more than a single lane. There were also issue with campers lining up the day before they are allowed in and blocking local residents in. Cochran said he is talking with the Fair Board about possible solutions.
In the water report Gus Hoene reported they pumped about 7,823,000 gallons and sold 7,669,781 gallons. Gallons not accounted for totaled 49,592  for a loss of about 0.63%.
The transducer for well #2 has arrived but needs some wiring done. Once that is done PumpTech will return and install it. The water line replacement on Bash Street is now finished.
The water use at the splash pad was discussed. Despite some issues with it sticking in the on position and running extra water, the water use still came in under what was budgeted. Hoene commented that people need to be aware that just because it is installed doesn’t mean there are still maintenance issues and costs.
In the sewer report Brett Miller said they started sprinkling last week. They are looking at decommissioning the well on the property purchased. They are calling for bids for the irrigation project. They are looking at a bid opening on Sept. 25. Amy Uptmor of JUB Engineers said they may get the pipes in this year but not the pivots.
Kristie Holthaus reported they are patching the asphalt cuts on North and Bash Streets where utility work was done.
In the Land and Buildings report Linda Nida asked maintenance supervisor Pat Enneking about getting the pads in this fall. Enneking said they got the posts delivered, but they are at Jack Duman’s shop to get painted. She then asked about the two picnic table pads. Enneking siad to let them know where to put them and they should be able to get them poured this fall.
Enneking also reported they had an issue with the lights staying on in the mechanical room and restrooms at the Pavilion. They are supposed to be on motion detectors. They are looking at getting them fixed.
Holthaus reported they are starting to see some cracks on the runways. If the city crew is doing some crack sealing, maybe they do those as well.
She also reported the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office is wanting to use the airport for a training. This would necessitate shutting down the runways for an entire day. They would like to help the ICSO if it is feasible.
Nida reported there were no calls for the fire department in August. They are looking at some nozzle and foam training and also looking into some purchasing of needed items. They gave some of their old radios to the city maintenance crew for their use.
In other business a developer agreement with Red Gate (Ryan Uhlenkott) was discussed. A punch list of items that need to be addressed will be put together. City Attorney Joe Wright said he needs a time frame for when these items need to be finished.
The council adjourned to an executive session to consider a public officer at 8:05 p.m. The next regular meeting is set for Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 7 p.m.