City of Blackfoot | minutes | meeting 2026-07-07 | City Council Agenda 7/07/2026 source: https://www.cityofblackfoot.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07072026-756 CITY OF BLACKFOOT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FROM JULY 7, 2026 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Scott Stufflebeam called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. and led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Those in attendance were: Councilwoman Barlow, Councilman Brown, and Councilman Jensen. Councilman Gardner was absent. RECOGNITION OF CITY OF BLACKFOOT’S 125TH ANNIVERSARY Mayor Scott Stufflebeam presented recognition entered into the Congressional Record for the City of Blackfoot’s 125th anniversary. The recognition noted that Blackfoot was officially incorporated on January 16, 1901, and acknowledged the City’s agricultural heritage, development along the Blackfoot River, irrigation history, commercial growth, the Idaho Potato Museum, the Eastern Idaho State Fair, and the City’s contributions to the State of Idaho. Mayor Scott Stufflebeam added remarks recognizing the ordinary citizens, pioneers, farmers, ranchers, families, schools, churches, businesses, hospitals, parks, and community values that contributed to Blackfoot’s history and continued growth. CONSENT AGENDA Councilman Jensen motioned to approve the Consent Agenda as presented. Councilwoman Barlow seconded the motion; all were in favor; motion carried. CITY ADMINISTRATOR/CFO GRAHM ANDERSON Treasurer’s Report City Administrator/CFO Grahm Anderson presented the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending May 31, 2026. He noted that 67% of the fiscal year had elapsed and reviewed year-to-date departmental expenditures, with most departments tracking near or below that percentage. He clarified that Parks expenditures were 50.5% when excluding certain capital expenditures. Mr. Anderson also reviewed the City’s major bank and investment balances, including Morton Investments, LGIP, the diversified bond fund, Zions sweep account, and Zions checking account. Mr. Anderson reviewed the upcoming July through September calendar, including the tentative FY27 budget discussion, the July 28 budget hearing, the August budget ordinance, September L2 submissions to the County, FY27 Fee Schedule updates, and year-end closeout preparation. Mr. Anderson provided updates on several City projects, including continued radio meter installation, pending right-of-way review for Meridian Highway 91, ongoing design and grant efforts for the West Bridge Street Bridge, bid review for Pendlebury Lane, and preparation for a renewed downtown revitalization CDBG grant application. He also reported progress on Well 14, Twin Bridges Landing, airport maintenance equipment funded through an FAA grant, and the South Broadway project, which was nearing substantial completion. Tentative Budget Proposal for FY27 Mr. Anderson reviewed the tentative FY27 budget proposal and stated that Council had received the budget workbook and a narrative budget summary. He explained that the summary included charts and graphs showing comparisons between revenues, expenses, and a three-year history of actuals. Mr. Anderson highlighted several significant FY27 budget items, including FAA-required relocation of the walking path between Jensen Grove and the airport, rehabilitation of the taxiway and apron, carryover work on Well 14, completion of the first phase of the Public Works facility, and Phase 3 upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant. He stated the wastewater treatment plant upgrades were accelerated due to the consent judgment and would address phosphorus management, biosolids management, and some capacity-related components. Discussion was held regarding whether the first portion of Phase 3 would complete all remaining wastewater treatment plant upgrades. Mr. Anderson stated that Phase 3 had been divided into Part A and Part B, with phosphorus being the most critical issue to address first, followed by biosolids management. He stated broader capacity improvements would come later in Phases 4 and 5. Mr. Anderson explained that, if Council approved the tentative budget, it would be published twice in the newspaper before the July 28 budget hearing, with the ordinance anticipated for August 4 if the process proceeds as scheduled. Councilman Jensen motioned to approve the proposed tentative 2027 budget as presented. Councilman Brown seconded the motion; all were in favor; motion carried. Declare Wastewater Treatment Plant Gravel as Surplus Property Mr. Anderson presented the proposed declaration of pit-run gravel located at the wastewater treatment plant as surplus property. He explained that the City purchased additional ground near the wastewater treatment plant for future expansion, that the gravel must be removed to prepare the property for improvements, and that the gravel was determined to have significantly more value than originally anticipated. City Attorney Garrett Sandow stated that property valued over $25,000 requires the Mayor to declare surplus property with Council approval. Council discussed whether the gravel could potentially be used at Jensen Grove, including for filling deeper areas or assisting with the required walking path relocation. Mr. Anderson stated the material may be usable but would require additional review, including material testing and coordination with involved agencies because portions of Jensen Grove involve federal and state interests. Council discussed the potential financial benefit of using the material for City purposes before declaring it surplus for sale. Councilman Brown motioned to table the matter to allow additional research into whether the gravel could be used for another City purpose. Councilwoman Barlow seconded the motion; all were in favor; motion carried. CITY ATTORNEY GARRETT SANDOW Animal Control Ordinance Penalty Provision City Attorney Garrett Sandow presented Ordinance 2295 as a housekeeping amendment to the animal ordinance. He explained that some sections of the animal ordinance did not identify whether a violation was an infraction or misdemeanor, and the amendment would clarify that violations not otherwise identified would be misdemeanors. Public comment and discussion occurred regarding animal ordinance enforcement, available contacts, and the hiring of an ordinance officer effective July 31. Police Chief Wheatley offered to meet with the citizen to discuss the concern further. Councilman Jensen motioned to approve Ordinance 2295 and waive all required readings. Councilman Brown seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, all voted yes; motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 2295 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BLACKFOOT, IDAHO, AMENDING TITLE 6 CHAPTER 2, SECTION 26(B), REGARDING PENALTIES FOR ANIMAL CONTROL VIOLATIONS AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF SAID CHANGE. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLACKFOOT, IDAHO AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1: That Title 6, Chapter 2, Section 26(B) shall be amended as follows: Except as provided herein, any person found in violation of the provisions of this chapter that are deemed to be misdemeanors, is subject to the penalties as provided in section 1-4-3 of this Code. Any person found in violation of the provisions of this chapter, except for those deemed as infractions, is guilty of a misdemeanor and is subject to the penalties as provided in section 1-4-3 of this Code. SECTION 2: That the effective date of this Ordinance shall be after passage and publication as provided by law. PASSED AND APPROVED by the Mayor and City Council this 7th day of July, 2026. CITY OF BLACKFOOT, IDAHO By: __________________________ Scott D. Stufflebeam, Mayor ATTEST: ________________________________ City Clerk MAYOR SCOTT STUFFLEBEAM Adoption of Proposed Business Registration Ordinance Mayor Scott Stufflebeam presented the proposed business registration ordinance for home businesses. He explained that the City needs a reliable way to know what businesses are operating within the City, including for issues such as parking, chemicals, emergency contacts, infrastructure projects, economic development efforts, and grant opportunities. He stated the registration would have no fee, would be completed online, and would allow a non-illuminated 3x5’ identification sign on the property. It was clarified that the ordinance would not change any existing planning and zoning or conditional use permit requirements. Councilman Brown motioned to approve Ordinance 2296 as presented and waive all further readings. Councilwoman Barlow seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, Councilwoman Barlow and Councilman Brown voted yes; Councilman Jensen voted no; motion carried. SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 2296 Ordinance number 2296 add Title 4, Chapter 1A (Business Registrations) of the Blackfoot City Code, establishing a requirement for all business to register with the City. The ordinance sets forth the purposes of the City obtaining the registry data. It also defines information required from each business, the annual registry to be maintained by the City and the uses of the data collected, and the economic incentives for each business to register with the City. The Ordinance also sets forth the penalties for failing to register. The effective date shall be after publication as required by law. The full text of Ordinance No. 2296 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. 2296 and find the summary to be true and correct and that it provides adequate notice to the public. ________/s/______________________ Garrett H. Sandow Adoption of Proposed Kratom Ordinance Mayor Scott Stufflebeam presented the proposed kratom ordinance and explained that several Idaho cities have adopted ordinances banning the sale of kratom. He stated the City does not have authority to prohibit use or possession, but may prohibit sale and delivery. Mayor Scott Stufflebeam reviewed the proposed ordinance language and the exception for dried kratom leaves containing less than the stated threshold of .00500% 7-oh, when certified on the manufacturer’s package. Police Chief Wes Wheatley discussed concerns regarding unregulated availability, including sales to youth, products mixed with energy drinks, oils, or synthetics, and sales at vape stores, gas stations, and other locations. Discussion clarified that the ordinance would prohibit sale and delivery within the City, including delivery to another person, but would not criminalize a person who purchased the product elsewhere for personal use. Chief Wheatley stated detectives would speak with business owners before the ordinance became effective on August 1, 2026, to allow time for compliance. Councilwoman Barlow motioned to adopt Ordinance 2297, the proposed kratom ordinance, and waive all required readings. Councilman Jensen seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, all voted yes; motion carried. SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 2296 Ordinance number 2296 adds Title 6, Chapter 9 of the Blackfoot City Code, banning the sale and delivery of Kratom products and derivatives thereof, excepting only dried Kratom leaves containing less than .00500% 7-oh, as certified by the manufacturer; and provides for the penalty of violating said chapter. The effective date shall be after August 1,, 2026, and after publication as required by law. The full text of Ordinance No. 2296 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. 2296 and find the summary to be true and correct and that it provides adequate notice to the public. ________/s/______________________ Garrett H. Sandow Adoption of Bingham County Burn Ban City Attorney Sandow explained that the County burn ban does not automatically apply within the City, but the City has adopted County burn bans in the past so that the Fire Department may operate under the same rules inside and outside City limits. Councilman Jensen motioned to accept the Bingham County burn ban as presented. Councilman Brown seconded the motion; all were in favor; motion carried. BINGHAM COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Whitney Manwaring, Chairman Eric Jackson Drew Jensen BURN BAN PRESS RELEASE Lindsey Gluch, Commission Clerk 501 N. Maple Room 204 Blackfoot, ID 83221 Phone (208) 782-3013 Fax (208) 785-4131 Lgluch@binghamid.gov The Blackfoot, Aberdeen, and Shelley/Firth Fire Chief’s along with the Board of Bingham County Commissioners have issued a burn ban in Bingham County effective June 26, 2026, through September 30,2026, via Resolution 2026-40. You can still use your BBQ grill and have small backyard cooking fires in firepits 3 foot or less in diameter and 2 foot or less in height (IFC code 307.4 exception 2). Ban Details: - Prohibited: No open burning, recreational fires, or fireworks are allowed within the Wildland- Urban Interface (WUI) areas of Bingham County. - Exemptions: Commercial gas fire pits and food preparation appliances (such as gas grills or charcoal briquettes) remain permitted when used strictly according to manufacturer instruction. - Fireworks: Only non-aerial fireworks are permitted in non-WUI areas, which are generally defined as areas where homes or other infrastructure meets or intermingles with undeveloped wildland or other vegetation. - Per Idaho State Code, aerial fireworks are strictly prohibited everywhere except for approved professional displays. This restriction will remain in effect until further notice. Please check the Department of Environmental Quality website for daily air quality restrictions before having a cooking fire. (www.deq.idaho.gov) This does not apply to individuals camping on forest service land. You will need to call the forest service to find out their restrictions. No burn permits will be issued until further notice. Currently issued burn permits are no longer valid. This burn ban does not involve Government Agencies with prior approval from the Department of Environmental Quality. Reminder: The sale and use of fireworks is not allowed after July 5th at midnight under Idaho Code Title 39 Chapter 26. Be aware that any fires started during a burn ban are subject to fines, cost of damages and cost of fire suppression. We are asking residents to be extra vigilant. One small mistake could quickly escalate into a fast-moving fire that could threaten the entire community. Residents with questions regarding the burn ban or fireworks are encouraged to contact their local fire department or district. Extended Street Closure for America 250 Celebration Events Mayor Scott Stufflebeam stated he had spoken with Chamber of Commerce President Jamie Popejoy regarding street closures for Saturday events. The existing closure for West Broadway had already been approved for the applicable dates, and the request was to extend the closure along Pacific Street to provide additional space. The closure was discussed for the previously approved event dates, including July 11 and August 8, from Main to Ash. Councilman Brown motioned to approve the closure of Pacific Street from Main to Ash on the previously approved event dates. Councilwoman Barlow seconded the motion; all were in favor; motion carried. Approval of Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreement – 441 Cedar Street Mayor Scott Stufflebeam presented the real estate purchase and sale agreement for property located at 441 Cedar Street for the Street Shop. He stated the agreement had been signed subject to City Council approval and would not be valid unless approved by Council. Discussion included the seller’s attempts to sell or move the house, the possibility of a lease if the house were rented, treatment of appliances if the City assumed a lease, and the anticipated closing date of October 2 at the beginning of the new fiscal year. Councilwoman Barlow motioned to approve the real estate purchase and sale agreement as written. Councilman Jensen seconded the motion; all were in favor; motion carried. PLANNING & ZONING ADMINISTRATOR TRAVIS ALLEN Adoption of Amended Ordinance 11-8-7 Fence Regulations Planning and Zoning Administrator Travis Allen presented proposed fence regulation amendments. He stated the new code would remove the fencing permit requirement while still requiring property owners to follow the fence regulations. He explained the changes were intended to avoid City involvement in civil disputes over property lines. The changes include that fences be built entirely on the owner’s property, a building permit be required for fences over seven feet tall consistent with the 2018 building codes, the burden of proving the property line be placed on the person with the complaint, and improved language regarding materials. Discussion clarified that the City would remove the fencing permit and fee from the permitting and licensing portal while keeping information available for residents. City Attorney Sandow explained that the revisions are intended to keep the City from being placed in the middle of boundary and fence disputes between property owners. Councilman Brown motioned to adopt the findings of fact from Planning and Zoning and approve Ordinance 2298, waiving all required readings. Councilwoman Barlow seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, all voted yes; motion carried. SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 2298 Ordinance number 2298 amends Title 11, Chapter 8, Section 7 (Fence Regulations) of the Blackfoot City Code, providing for the requirement of fencing permits for fences over 7 feet in height and provides any barbed wire on security fencing must be at least eighty four inches above grade. The amendments also require fences to constructed upon the property line, unless an agreement is made between adjoining owners. The effective date shall be after publication as required by law. The full text of Ordinance No. 2298 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. 2298 and find the summary to be true and correct and that it provides adequate notice to the public. ________/s/______________________ Garrett H. Sandow Adoption of Amended Ordinances Regarding Traffic Studies, Title 12 Mr. Allen presented proposed regulations regarding when developers are required to provide a traffic study. He stated traffic studies would be required for developments in MDR-1 and higher-density zones where the development includes 100 units or more or seven acres or more. He stated definitions and required standards were added to make the requirement legally defensible in judicial review. Councilwoman Barlow asked about references to approval by the City Engineer, noting that the City does not currently have a City Engineer. Mr. Allen stated the Mayor may assign a director to those tasks and that subdivision applications are assigned to him for enforcement and determination of when a study is required. Discussion also noted that the standards followed Idaho Transportation Department requirements, including the level of service standard used in traffic studies. Councilman Jensen motioned to adopt the findings of fact from Planning and Zoning and approve Ordinance 2299, waiving all required readings. Councilwoman Barlow seconded the motion. On a roll call vote, all voted yes; motion carried. SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 2299 Ordinance number 2299 amends Title 12, Chapter 2, Section 4 (Subdivision Applications) and adds Title 12, Chapter 2, Section 9 of the Blackfoot City Code, establishing traffic levels of service standards and traffic impact analysis requirements for subdivision applications. The effective date shall be after publication as required by law. The full text of Ordinance No. 2299 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. 2299 and find the summary to be true and correct and that it provides adequate notice to the public. ________/s/______________________ Garrett H. Sandow Development Agreement for Honeybrook 3 Mr. Allen presented the development agreement for Honeybrook 3. He stated DEQ approval and the will-serve letter had been received. He explained that the agreement was substantially the City’s standard development agreement, with special considerations addressing water supply, required flow, hydrant couplings, required signage during construction, and fire access before building permits and during construction. He stated the agreement requires Council approval and signatures from the developer and Mayor, and will be notarized and recorded with the County. Council discussed surface water rights for the development. Mr. Allen stated the development has surface water rights that will be maintained, including a ditch between Honeybrook 2 and Honeybrook 3 that supplies water farther west. Discussion clarified that surface water would be used for community areas and pressurized secondary irrigation would be used for individual areas. Councilwoman Barlow motioned to approve the development agreement for Honeybrook 3 as presented. Councilman Brown seconded the motion; all were in favor; motion carried. Street Name Change – Rich Street to Founders Street Mr. Allen presented a proposed street name change from Rich Street to Founders Street. He stated Founders Street is not a duplicate of any other street according to the official street list and the change will help emergency services avoid confusion with Rich Lane. He stated residents would receive 90 days’ notice ending October 7, duplicate addresses would be recognized during that period, and house numbers would not change. Councilwoman Barlow motioned to approve the street name change from Rich Street to Founders Street. Councilman Brown seconded the motion; all were in favor; motion carried. Street Name Change – Little Lawrence Lane to Chatfield Lane Mr. Allen presented a proposed street name change for the private lane referred to as “Baby” Lawrence Lane or “Little” Lawrence Lane due to duplication with Lawrence Lane. He stated a local resident proposed the name Chatfield Lane in recognition of Francis Chatfield Lawrence, an early resident associated with the lane and surrounding properties. Mr. Allen stated the proposed name does not duplicate or closely resemble any other street name on the official street list, seven properties would be affected, and house numbers would not change. Councilman Jensen motioned to approve the street name change from Little Lawrence Lane to Chatfield Lane. Councilman Brown seconded the motion; all were in favor; motion carried. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, the City Council meeting was adjourned at 8:05 P.M. City of Blackfoot Mayor Scott D. Stufflebeam Attest: City Clerk Julie Conan Prepared by: Julie Conan