| Cottonwood
City Council meets
Ben Schumacher joined the Cottonwood City Council as he was sworn in along with returning members Linda Nida and Don Munkers at the January meeting of the Council Monday, January 13. Schumacher replaced outgoing councilor Jack Duman who had been on the council most of the past 19 years. Nida and Munkers were elected to fill the posts they were appointed to when previously elected councilors Daniel Sigler and Lynn Guyer each moved out of town. Duman was presented an appreciation plaque for the past 5 plus years on the council. His brother, former longtime mayor and city councilman and current Idaho County Commissioner, Denis Duman, commended Jack on his service and how he and the rest of the council were able to make huge improvements to several of the city streets that were desperately in need of upgrading. Pat Holthaus was elected as Council President, a position formerly held by Jack Duman. Christine Frei of CEDA was in attendance advocating for a Cottonwood representative to CEDA and if possible on the CEDA board. Councilman Munkers offered to take on that role for the city. Frei also informed the board of some upcoming training CEDA will be doing that is aimed at rural communities particularly emphasizing on getting broadband Internet access and then looking into ways to add housing and community vitality. They are looking at 3-5 people from each community to be involved. Mayor Pepper Harman offered to be one of those and will look into finding others. In reports Police Chief Terry Cochran noted that his daughter Danielle Cochran will be in Boise as a finalist for the Brightest Star awards and also has been named by the Department of Idaho Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) as their lawmaker of the year for the State of Idaho. She serves as a volunteer police office for the Cottonwood Police Department and is the training and education coordinator. In the water report Pat Holthaus reported they pumped 1.8 million gallons of water last month and sold 1.7 million for a 5.8% loss. Munkers reported they submitted the application for the planning grant to the Idaho Division of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Roy Uhlenkott reported they are nearly done with replacing lines in the School Street area of town. Nida reported the Fire Department had a couple of extrication calls but no fire calls during the month. Streets, Land & Buildings and the Airport had no reports. In new business Mayor Harman made appointments. Nida will continue as Land & Buildings and Fire Commissioner. Munkers will continue as Sewer Commissioner. Holthaus will continue as Water Commissioner. Schumacher will take over Duman’s duties as Streets Commissioner and Airport Commissioner. Harman will continue as Police Commissioner. Carol Altman will continue as City Clerk/Treasurer and will also be the senior nutrition representative. Munkers will be the CEDA representative. Harman will be the Ida-Lew representative. Cochran will continue to be the Chief of Police. Joe Wright will continue as City Attorney. Uhlenkott will continue as Director of Public Works. The Fire Chief will be whoever the Fire Department elects as Fire Chief at their upcoming meeting. Harman, Altman and Holthaus were approved by resolution as the check signers for the City. Alcohol beverage licenses were approved for Rieners Grocery, Cottonwood Foods, Coyotes One Stop and RoDonna’s Country Haus. A license was conditionally approved for Thunder Horse Saloon (formerly Doreen’s), once they get their state license approved. A catering permit for the Cottonwood Summerfest Taco Feed set for Feb. 8 was also tentatively approved as Thunder Horse Saloon is the permit applicant. The meeting adjourned at 8 p.m. The next regular meeting will be Monday, February 10 at 7 p.m. |
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