Council certifies primary; debates flags on light poles and backyard building rules
September 19, 2023, 4:00 p.m. · City Administration Offices, 51 E. Main St.
The council certified the Sept. 5 municipal primary, advancing Clark Taylor, Kenneth Sumsion, Ernie John, Tim Holley, Austin Duke and Jeff Shorter to the November ballot; 4,050 of 19,482 active voters cast ballots. In a work session, the city attorney warned that letting residents fly flags on city light poles raises free-speech and liability issues, and council members clashed over Council Member Rob Shelton's push to remove planning commission review of accessory buildings over 1,000 square feet.
From the approved minutes.
Decisions at a glance
| Item | Result |
|---|---|
| Canvass of Sept. 5, 2023 municipal primary | Approved · 4-0 |
| Work session: flags on city light poles | Discussed |
| Work session: accessory structures over 1,000 square feet | Discussed |
Agenda, item by item
Item 1 · Other
Canvass of Sept. 5, 2023 municipal primary
Approved · 4-0
City Recorder Terilyn Lurker reported 19,482 active registered voters and 4,050 ballots counted; 49 were rejected (11 unsigned, 14 signature discrepancies, 23 late). Advancing in vote order: Clark Taylor, Kenneth Sumsion, Ernie John, Tim Holley, Austin Duke and Jeff Shorter.
- Ballots counted: 4,050 of 19,482 active voters
- Rejected: 49
Item WS1 · Other
Work session: flags on city light poles
Discussed
City Attorney Cherylyn Egner raised liability, maintenance and free-speech concerns: a lease to residents could put the city in the position of regulating which flags fly. Public Works Director Susan Goebel-Canning said installation needs lifts and adapters, and contractor Black & McDonald charges the city each time it services lights. The mayor suggested a 14-foot minimum height. Shelton relayed a 25-neighbor meeting's idea of an adopt-a-flagpole program at about $200-$300 a year with city crews hanging flags. Staff will estimate bracket and maintenance costs.
- Adopt-a-flag idea: $200-$300 per year per pole
Item WS2 · City code
Work session: accessory structures over 1,000 square feet
Discussed
O'Brien said Section 17.5.105 sends accessory buildings over 1,000 square feet to the planning commission with only three review criteria, while residents now propose large shops, pool houses, sport courts and theaters, raising drainage, materials, open space, geotechnical and encroachment concerns. Shelton said the 2013 change was a mistake and building officials should handle permits; Building Official Dan Loveland said the development code has holes and conflicts with building code. O'Brien said the $200 code amendment fee is far below neighbors' $800-$1,200 and invites piecemeal amendments. Hunter objected to council members managing staff from the dais; Carroll said the council should tell staff to fix the system. Bunker proposed Shelton meet with staff and legal.
- Code amendment fee: $200 (neighbors $800-$1,200)