Lillehaug Sworn in, City Gets New Logo
The New Meadows City Council regular meeting on Monday, February 23 included the appointment of a new Council Member, Jessica Lillehaug, and the hiring of a new City Attorney, Chris Yorgason with Yorgason Law Offices, PLLC.
Mayor Julie Good introduced Lillehaug’s appointment saying she would be a good addition to the Council since “she has been at the city council meetings, she is very integrated into the community, has kids that are involved in activities in the community, and she is involved in activities in the community.” Lillehaug’s approval and appointment were unanimously affirmed and she was sworn in filling the vacancy left by Josh Carr’s resignation.
Yorgason shared with the Council his experience working with many smaller cities since about 2001 including Star, Middleton, and Donnelly. He does not do litigation, but said he would be able to offer good references as needed. Yorgason said because of his father’s involvement in residential land development through most of his own life, he was very familiar with planning & zoning. He said he “sees his role as helping cities reach their goals in a legal way.” The Council unanimously voted to approve the legal services agreement with Yorgason Law Offices.
Later in the meeting, the Council unanimously approved a new City Marketing Logo designed by Stepheny Becker. The City intends to create some stickers and swag and would also like to have some branded items to hand out at a booth at the School’s upcoming Spring Carnival.
Good’s Mayor’s Report highlighted Hunter Brown’s passing of his wastewater exam and upcoming training with LHTAC for him and City Staff Michael Lee. Good pointed out the new Will Kerby Memorial Bench recently installed by the Adams County Historical Society at the Depot entrance and noted flooring had arrived to be installed in the kitchen, hallway, and two public restrooms of the Youth Center.
Good reported the City’s new Community Outreach Coordinator Stepheny Becker will be hosting a training for the City’s launch of a new community calendar that has been long talked about. The training will be for any local organizations using the calendar. This new asset will allow multiple organizations to post their events, meetings, happenings in the same place and hopefully help everyone with planning and attendance. Mayor Good said the cost of the calendar was paid by a private donor.
Becker is also at work soliciting sponsors for the upcoming Parks & Rec Youth T-Ball and Baseball season as well as taking sign ups for kids. Sign ups will be open through the end of April. Becker is also running the newsletter and entering into a multitude of projects.
The City’s Public Hearing regarding the plan to sell the Old City Hall Building is scheduled for Monday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. at the Depot. Mayor Good confirmed no decisions will be made by the City at that meeting, it is just for public input.
The Council entered discussions on setbacks for small lots, unemployment insurance options, exploring short term rental permitting, and a discussion with the City Attorney candidate. The setback discussion was tabled with the understanding that the Council is open to hearing public feedback and requests on the matter.
The Council’s discussion on short term rental permits noted that although short term rentals in the City limits are not currently a large concern, they want to think about future growth and be ahead of it. The main idea was to ensure these rental properties are known and ensure a local contact is provided in case of problems or emergencies. The permit would have an annual fee for registration and the Council will discuss the details at a future meeting.
Parks & Rec member Angie Mettie was in attendance regarding an action item for Youth Basketball. Mettie explained that Meadows Valley School has said they are not able to run two youth basketball programs and requested the City take oversight. Mettie said most of the other cities New Meadows plays during this league run the program through their Parks & Rec departments. The basketball program takes place from November to December. The cost to the city would be insurance coverage of approximately $600 which the council thought the city would be able to fundraise. Council member Traci Foster said it is a “benefit for the community to put into our youth and support them.” The council approved oversight of the youth basketball program using Parks & Rec’s existing parameters for baseball and Tball.
Use of a Reserved Park Use form was voted in unanimously. The intent of the form was explained to be something to have on file as well as reserve the space on the community calendar. The example was given of a large youth gathering in the park and not wanting to reserve space for a possibly conflicting event. The council affirmed that having a reservation does not mean private citizens can not come into the park just that they will not book multiple things in one day at the same time.
An Executive Session ended in a unanimous vote in favor of a wage increase for the Deputy Clerk.
The next New Meadows City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 9 at 6:30 p.m..
Future meeting topics may include short term rental registration, unemployment insurance, discussion and planning for a community potluck to gather ideas about roads and streets, designating a Truck Route, a next step for the old City Hall, possible lease applications for an Industrial Park unit, and a presentation from secondary school participants in the Meadows Valley YAC after school program.
