Bancroft City Council

Monday, October 21, 2024

The following report is adapted from the official minutes recorded by City Clerk Debbie Swensen

Roll call showed the following council and staff members were present:

Council President Rick P. Hatch, Jessica M. Vawser, Eric Christensen, Nate W. Eiman, and Clerk Swensen

Others in attendance: James Ackerman, Mike Ackerman

Absent: Mayor Spencer

The city of Bancroft City Council met for a regular meeting.  After the minutes of the previous meeting and the accounts payable were approved, the council turned their attention to building permits. 

 Building Permits

1.) James Vawser-Deck. James Vawser had filed a permit to replace an existing deck on his property.  He will remove the existing foundation and steps. He will replace them with a wood deck. Councilmember Nate Eiman made a motion to approve the permit for a wooden deck and demolition of the existing structure. CM Eric Christensen 2nd the motion. Motion passed 4-0.

2.) Justin White- Metal Building

Justin White would like to place a 24 x24 metal framed shed on the southwest corner of his property, which is allowable under the building code. CM Nate Eiman made a motion to approve the building permit for Justin White. CM Eric Christensen 2d the motion. Motion passed 4-0.

Cold Mix Purchase

CM Eric Christensen made a motion to table the purchase due to not knowing costs and quantity.

Lawn Mower and Attachment Purchase

Council member Eric Christensen presented a quote from Ken's Rec World in Pocatello for a lawn mower and attachment to be used within the city. Maintenance Moreland presented a quote from Centennial Lube. Both mowers have the same size deck but, the suspensions and transmissions are of different quality. Councilmember Eric Christensen mentioned that it the bid reads “limited warranty” and he would like to have that defined. 

Council would like the city to do the annual maintenance to help prevent costly repairs and belt replacements. Council would like to keep at least one spare belt on hand to prevent unnecessary trips to the store.

Councilmember Jessica Vawser made a motion to table the lawn mower and attachment purchase and clarify what is covered under lifetime warranty. CM Eric Christensen 2d the motion, which passed 4-0.

Dump Truck Rental Fee Increase

Council members had a lengthy discussion regarding the expenses to maintain the city dump truck. Council agrees that renting the truck to residents is a nice amenity but it is costly and the maintenance fees should be covered. Council discussed rising costs associated with tires, fluids, fuel, wages, and other miscellaneous wear and tear on the truck going back and forth to the landfill. Council discussed offering residents a price list for roll off dumpsters through MR&E.

Council and Staff Reports

Councilmember Jessica Vawser gave each council member a list of the residents who remain in code violation. CM Vawser informed council that there are residents that still have roosters inside the city limits and they need to be cited. Council members agree that the roosters need to be dealt with before there are more problems with neighbors.  Roosters have been a running concern in towns throughout the region.

Council discussed giving residents with non-running and unlicensed vehicles more time for removal, due to cold temperatures setting in. Cm, Vawser asked all council members to review the ordinance and consider amending or changing the content so it is more enforceable. Cm, Vawser would like to send a copy of the code with the violation notices.

Maintenance Director Moreland informed council that he only received one quote back, regarding the electrical repairs needed for adequate power at Teuscher Square. Council discussed the situation and agreed that the repairs and upgrades need to be complete before the annual Lighting of Teuscher Square. CM, Eric Christensen made a motion to hire Bear River Electric as soon as possible. Motion passed 4-0.  The lighting is scheduled for December 2.

Truck Route Signs

Council discussed the street damage that is occurring due to large trucks using them for thoroughfare and thru streets. Council agreed to order the truck route signs and install them according to the transportation study performed by the city engineers.

CM Vawser asked whether the city has a map that shows the impact areas. Clerk Swensen emailed the impact zone map to CM Vawser.  The impact Zone is a requirement of cities in Idaho, and refers to a designated area beginning at the city limits and extending outward, which is designed to show where the city anticipates growth.  It allows the city to work with the county on zoning and building issues that will ultimately affect both entities in a coherent way.  It also allows for the city the anticipate areas where annexation may occur, extending city services.  

Public Comment

Resident Mike Ackerman has printed a stack of post cards with pictures of Bancroft landmarks. Mike asked if he could leave a bundle of the postcards with the city office. Council agreed to keep a bundle of Mike's postcards and have them available for public purchase. 

Mike asked the council what they thought about allowing him to place a few fire pits in front of his store, the Outpost, for groups to roast marshmallows. Council members suggested that Mike put the fire pits on the side of his building so they are off the main street to prevent sidewalk damage and ensure safety.