City of Blackfoot | minutes | meeting 2025-11-04 | City Council Agenda 11/4/2025 source: https://www.cityofblackfoot.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_11042025-712 CITY OF BLACKFOOT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FROM NOVEMBER 4, 2025 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Carroll called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Those in attendance were: Councilwoman Barlow, Councilman Brown, Councilman Gardner and Councilman Jensen. PROCLAMATION – HONOR AND SUPPORT OUR VETERANS Mayor Carroll presented a Proclamation to Honor and Support Our Veterans for the week of November 5-11, 2025. During this week, he stated that green lights can be displayed at homes, businesses, and government buildings in support of Operation Green Light, to signify public support of our Veterans and their pursuit of VA benefits that they so abundantly deserve. Mayor Carroll spoke about a townhall meeting that will be presented by the Blackfoot Police Department and the City, called “Understanding Autism Together - A Community Conversation” which will be held on November 13, 2025, at 7PM at City Hall. Mayor Carroll encouraged everyone to attend. CONSENT AGENDA Councilman Brown made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda including minutes from 10/7/25, and payables, Councilwoman Barlow seconded the motion; all were in favor; motion carried. CITY ADMINISTRATOR/CFO GRAHM ANDERSON Treasurers Report City Administrator, Grahm Anderson, presented the monthly treasurers report to the council. Mr. Anderson provided a breakdown of the budget through September 30, 2025, which is 100% of the 2025 fiscal year. He briefly summarized the monthly expense-to-budget and the percentages expended year- to-date for the general fund and each of the departments in the city. He provided the current up-to-date bank and investment account balances, and calendar items to be completed within the next three months. In November unclaimed properties were submitted which was ahead of schedule. The Transparent Idaho report has also been submitted and is under review to be approved. In December the Road and Street Report will be submitted to the State. In January, he will meet with the auditors to complete FY 25 Audit. Mr. Anderson gave a quick update on City Projects. The City Meridian/Hwy 91 public comment received during last meeting was sent over to LHTAC. The E Airport Road child pedestrian safety grant project is moving along well, and the City is hoping to continue to receive grants to improve the sidewalks. All NEPA docs have been submitted to the EDA for the W Bridge St Bridge project. There has not been as many updates since the government shutdown, but things are moving forward slowly. For the Pendlebury Lane project, the City is waiting on the State to complete the survey of the State Hospital South property so ROW legal descriptions can be obtained. The Downtown Revitalization is completed, and he is working on the close out. The Well house #14 project is in the design phase. The Twin Bridges Landing ramp was installed, and that project should be completed by the middle to end of the month. Councilwoman Barlow asked if Mr. Deru had his concerns addressed regarding the realignment of Meridian/Highway 91. That project is pending the final design and Superintendent Scott Murphy will meet with Mr. Deru. Council asked for rough timeline on the W Bridge St Bridge project and Mr. Anderson stated it is about an 18-24 month timeline as funding is a large factor. He confirmed this is a necessary project and the City wants to make sure it is done correctly. Approval of Lease for Robotic Mowers for Golf Course City Administrator Grahm Anderson stated the equipment improvements were discussed during the budget process. After research, Golf Superintendent Preston Hafer found robotic mowers would be a great addition to the Golf Course. Mr. Anderson introduced Mr. Hafer to speak on the mowers. Preston went over the process of selecting the mowers after a few demos to mow the fairway. They are self- starting and return to the dock to charge before mowing again. He stated water damage is not a factor. The golf course rough is the hardest part to maintain, and he feels this will greatly assist in that area. Preston is confident that it will allow more time to address other issues. Preston feels that overall, this will help cut costs and even with the required maintenance on the machines, will still be a benefit. Councilman Brown inquired about warranty; Preston stated that they will have a 4-year warranty and after a 5-year lease the City will own the equipment. Councilwoman Barlow asked for the numbers on the savings in replacing seasonal workers for mowing with robotic mowers, Preston stated the saving would be $2,900.00 a year and after the lease is paid off that amount would increase. The life expectancy of the batteries will last roughly 3 years. They do have tracking capabilities in case of the loss or theft of the mower. Residents could connect to the antennas if residents decided to purchase their own mowers and connect to the towers for operation. Preston would like to sell the older larger mowers to obtain a smaller mower to help maintain what the robotic mowers don’t. The Parks and Rec Department feels this is good investment. Councilman Brown made a motion to approve the lease agreement for the robotic mowers, Councilwoman Barlow seconded the motion, all were in favor; motion carried. MAYOR MARC CARROLL Agreement for Jensen Grove Water Mayor Carroll introduced City Attorney Garrett Sandow to go over the agreement for Jensen Grove Water. Mr. Sandow expressed his appreciation with the outcome of the meeting and the solution in finding the middle ground to be able to keep the Grove filled while still respecting the water rights. Tracy, Representative of SRVID, agrees that this is a very complex issue and is excited to move forward and hopes for the Grove to continue to be full. Mayor Carroll reminded Council of their approval to rebuild the diversion and this project can now proceed after receiving the bids. Councilman Jensen motion to approve the Jensen Grove Water Agreement as presented, Councilman Brown seconded the motion; all were in favor, motioned carried. Council members thanked all those involved in coming up with agreement. Resolution to Approve Filing a Judicial Confirmation for Financing for the Improvements to the WWTP Mayor Carroll postponed this item to the December meeting to attain the final numbers to be able to present it to Council. Resolution for Potential Urban Renewal Area City Attorney Garrett Sandow described the potential location on Highway 91 to establish a Renewal Area. Councilman Brown who is on the BURA board, gave some insight on the status of the BURA Districts and stated that two BURA Districts have matured. Councilman Brown firmly believes that the two districts that have matured have brought great taxable income and improvements to the levy rates. Councilman Jensen made a motion to approve Resolution 429 for the Potential Urban Renewal Area, Councilman Gardner seconded the motion, on a roll call vote all were in favor, motion carried. Board Appointments Mayor Carroll stated that two board appointments are pending, with the first being his recommendation of Janet Rockwood to be re-appointed to the Library Board. Councilwoman Barlow motioned to reappoint Janet Rockwood to the Library Board, Councilman Gardner seconded the motion; all in favor, motion carried. The second appointment is to the Transportation Board, for Paul McBride to replace Curtis Cannon’s position. Councilman Brown motioned to appoint Paul McBride, Councilwoman Barlow seconded motion all in favor, motion carried. Approve Amendments to City Personnel Policy Mayor Carroll introduced Kathy McDaniel the HR Director to present the Policy changes to ensure these are in alignment with the direction that the City is going including PTO buyback. Another policy being added is the AI use policy. A licensed AI program will be purchased by the City to protect the data that is being uploaded. Lastly, the personal cellphone usage policy was added which covers cellphone use during business hours. Councilwoman Barlow asked how many licenses we would be purchasing for the AI software. HR Director Kathy McDaniel said that possibly one license for each department and the software the City plans to use is Copilot. The Mayor and Council members understand that this is the future, and the City needs to be careful. Councilman Brown motioned to approve the amendments to the City Personal Policy as outlined, Councilwoman Barlow seconded the motion; all were in favor, motion carried. First Responders Sabbatical Program Mayor Carroll spoke on the work that has been done to ensure the wellness of all employees for their mental and physical health. Mayor Carroll stated the need for programs that assist in employing and retaining First Responders. Mayor Carroll presented the Sabbatical Program and why this is necessary and important to protect City employees. Wellness screening and counseling have been implemented to assist in their needs. Chief Croft went over the history and why he chose to move forward with this program. Lieutenant Myler has taken on this project and spoke about his duties in Peer Support in his department. He feels that we are heading in the right direction to assist all First Responders with mental health, and stated his personal experience has helped to shape this program and helped to keep employees happy and healthy. The Mental Wellness Sabbatical will be offered every 3 years and in order to be eligible for it, employees must also follow the guidelines that include training with the counselor. He stated this will help with retention as it will create healthy employees and it includes a 2- week sabbatical leave. Every October they will screen for eligible employees and then that employee will be contacted to schedule their sabbatical. This will require teamwork from other Lieutenants, SROs, patrols to fill in where needed. Mr. Myler went over dates that are not allowed to be taken off for the sabbatical and the requirements for their time off. Employees will go through Lieutenant Myler as they enter the sabbatical and upon return to ensure they are following the guidelines to get the best benefit. Mayor Carroll informed Council that this is at no cost to the city. Councilwoman Barlow asked for clarification for employees that skip their turn and forfeit their sabbatical. Lt. Myler said it will be on a case-by-case basis to approve, given the circumstances. This program will encompass all First Responders from the Police Department and Fire Department. Councilman Gardner asked how it will be addressed when residents notice or question the time off for specific employees. Lt. Myler stated that it will be presented as a leave. Mayor Carroll addressed the fact that we will be the first in the State of Idaho to implement this program. Lt. Myer understands that it will be harder for some positions to be off work, but he is confident that they can make this work for the benefit of the First Responders. Chief Howell feels this will be a great benefit to help with the stress levels, allowing First Responders to be better employees, better family members, and better members of the community. Councilwoman Barlow motioned to approve the First Responders Sabbatical Program as presented, Councilman Gardner seconded the motion, on a roll call vote; all were in favor, motioned carried. PLANNING & ZONING TRAVIS ALLEN Reconsider Approval for Honeybrook 3 PUD Planning and Zoning Administrator Travis Allen presented previously approved Honeybrook 3 PUD. It is being motioned for reconsideration. Mr. Ken Seaver is introduced to present his motion to reconsider. Mr. Seaver summarized a portion of the Comprehensive Plan. The development as it was proposed does meet the City Code, however, he said it does not coincide with the Comprehensive Plan. He said this is based on the lack of traffic analysis, water usage analysis, and the current condition of Pendlebury lane. Mr. Seaver said that in ignoring the Comprehensive Plan it is impeding on the rest of the city residents based on one person’s rights for development on their personal property. Colin Hunter, Honeybrook 3 Developer, approached for a rebuttal. He stated that the annexation was approved for this specific zone. He said he worked with the Department Heads to remain in compliance. He said that if we base the approval on a neighbor never wanting a development, no city would develop. Mr. Hunter added that he takes great pride in the work he does for the city and the amenities that he has added. He said based on the previous developments he feels there is a great need for this development. Mr. Seaver approached the podium for a counter rebuttal; he stated he appreciates the need for growth, however, he feels that the Department Heads are not looking at the larger picture and are only working off a check list. He asked that Councilmembers look closely at the Comprehensive Plan and the true benefits to the City. Travis Allen approached the podium and asked if Council had any questions given the information previously provided and the information from Mr. Ken Seaver and Mr. Colin Hunter and no questions were brought up. Councilwoman Barlow, who a previously served as the Planning and Zoning Chairperson, spoke on the purpose of the Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Carroll informed Council that the Well House #14 test has been obtained, and it does pass DEQ and City requirements. He said that it will be in production next year. Councilwoman Barlow asked if Council could delay the approval of this agreement until the well is completed. Mayor Carroll feels the testing done this year was at the ideal time as we had a longer and warmer summer than previous years. The Council has already approved a water conservation plan to implement odd and even water days. Councilman Jensen stated that some areas do still use ditch water for irrigation, so it changes the usage throughout town and that not all areas are the same. He said the Honeybrook 2 Development was looped to have better water flow. Mayor Carroll went over the expertise the Water Superintendent is required to have and does have licensure to meet State requirements. Princton Lee, the City’s Water Superintendent, signed off on this project. Councilman Brown spoke about the projects in progress, including the new well and improvements on Pendlebury Lane and how those affect the decision. Mayor Carroll said the last traffic study was done in 2019. Councilman Gardner reminded Council of the increased traffic flow since the study. Mr. Hunter informed council that development is not projected to begin until 2027. Councilman Jensen spoke Mr. Sever’s item regarding emergency services on that side of the railroad tracks and that there have not been any recorded fatalities due to the lack of and over/under pass. This item has been brought up and studied, and the cost does not allow it to be in the best interest if the city. Mr. Allen went over the process of creating the new Comprehensive Plan and the process of it being approved. Mr. Hunter informed Council that the numbers from the Honeybrook 3 PUD were incorporated into the traffic model that was done in 2019. Council continued to discuss the increase in traffic from the new elementary school and the BHS Tech Center. They also discussed how the development meets the density requirements and that the new well will resolve the water issues. It also has provisions for more access roads. Councilman Jensen motioned to leave the approval as is for the Honeybrook 3 PUD as presented, no one seconded, motioned dies. Council had more discussion on traffic and other things that affect the decision. Councilman Jensen motioned to leave the approval as is, Councilwoman Barlow seconded the motion, on a roll call vote; Councilman Jensen and Councilwoman Barlow voted in favor, Councilman Brown and Councilman Gardner objected with a 2-2 vote, Mayor Carroll voted to break the tie. Mayor voted in favor; motion carried. Adoption Annexation Regulation/Definition Amendments, Title 11, CH 1 Sec 3 and Ch 6A Sec 3 Mr. Allen presented the Amendments of Title 11, CH 1 Sec 3 and Ch 6A Sec 3. Attorney Sandow read into the record Ordinance 2281. Councilman Jensen motioned to Ordinance No. 2281 as presented and waive further readings, Councilman Gardner seconded the motion; on a roll call vote, all were in favor; motion carried. SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 2281 Ordinance number 2281 amends Title 11, Chapter 1, Section 3 and Title 11, Chapter 6A, Section 3 of the Blackfoot City Code, updating the city ordinance on annexations. The update in the annexation ordinances are to comply and be consistent with the newly adopted state statutes on annexation procedures. The effective date shall be after November 4, 2025, and after publication as required by law. The full text of Ordinance No. 2281 is available at City Hall, 157 North Broadway, Blackfoot, Idaho 83221. STATEMENT OF LEGAL ADVISOR I, Garrett H. Sandow, City Attorney for the City of Blackfoot, Idaho, have reviewed the summary of Ordinance No. 2281 and find the summary to be true and correct and that it provides adequate notice to the public. ________/s/______________________ Garrett H. Sandow ADJOURNMENT The City Council meeting was adjourned at 9:27 P.M. City of Blackfoot _________________________________ Mayor Marc Carroll Attest: ___________________________________ City Clerk Julie Conan Prepared by: Adriana Pelayo