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minutes meeting date 2026-04-07 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 19232 characters · official file · plain text
CITY OF BLACKFOOT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES FROM APRIL 7, 2026
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Mayor Stufflebeam 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 – WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD – APRIL 11-17, 2026
Mayor Stufflebeam presented a proclamation recognizing April 11–17, 2026 as the Week of the Young
Child, highlighting the importance of early childhood education and recognizing those who work on
behalf of young children in the community.
Proclamation by Mayor
for Week of the Young Child
WHEREAS the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho
AEYC) and other local organizations are celebrating the Week of the Young
Child™, April 11-17, 2026; and
WHEREAS these organizations are working to promote and inspire high-quality
early childhood experiences for our state’s youngest citizens, that can provide a
strong foundation of learning and lifelong success for Idaho’s youngest citizens;
and
WHEREAS young children thrive when they have access to developmentally
appropriate, affordable, and high-quality early care and education settings; and
WHEREAS early childhood educators and those who work with or on behalf of
young children birth through age eight, who make a meaningful difference in the
lives of young children in Blackfoot deserve our thanks, support and recognition;
and
WHEREAS public policies that support early learning for all young children are
critical to young children’s futures and to the prosperity of Idaho’s families,
communities, and our economy.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Scott D. Stufflebeam, Mayor of Blackfoot, do hereby
proclaim April 11-17, 2026, as the Week of the Young Child™in Blackfoot, ID, and
do hereby recognize that when our community invests in early childhood care and
education, we also invest in our children, families and the future of our community.
Dated this 7th day of April 2026.
PROCLAMATION – SEASONAL WATER USE RESTRICTIONS FOR CONSERVATION
Mayor Stufflebeam presented a proclamation implementing seasonal water use restrictions for the City
of Blackfoot from May 1 through October 1, 2026, due to reduced Snake River flow forecasts, low
snowpack levels, and drought conditions. The proclamation established irrigation schedules based on
even- and odd-numbered addresses, outlined conservation guidance, and noted enforcement
provisions. City staff will notify the public of the restrictions.
Proclamation by Mayor for Seasonal
Water Use Restriction for 2026
WHEREAS, southeastern Idaho is experiencing ongoing drought conditions resulting in reduced
water availability and stressed aquifers; and
WHEREAS, the City of Blackfoot recognizes the importance of conserving water resources to
ensure sustainable supplies for residential, agricultural, and municipal needs; and
WHEREAS, responsible water management, including limitations on outdoor irrigation, is
necessary to preserve the community’s long-term water security; and
WHEREAS, under the authority vested in the City by Ordinance 9-1-28(2), the Mayor may
impose temporary water use restrictions in the interest of public welfare;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Scott D. Stufflebeam, Mayor of the City of Blackfoot, by virtue of the
authority vested in me, do hereby proclaim the following water use restrictions to be in effect:
1.
Effective Dates:
From May 1, 2026, through October 1, 2026, all residents and businesses connected to
the City water system shall comply with the following watering schedule.
2.
Odd/Even Watering Schedule:
Properties with even-numbered street addresses may irrigate lawns and
landscapes only on even-numbered calendar days.
Properties with odd-numbered street addresses may irrigate lawns and
landscapes only on odd-numbered calendar days.
No watering shall be permitted on the 31st day of any month.
Properties using authorized surface water irrigation rights are not subject to this
schedule and shall comply with applicable surface water irrigation guidelines.
3.
Additional Conservation Guidance:
Outdoor watering is discouraged between 10:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. to reduce
evaporation loss.
Residents are encouraged to adopt xeriscape and water-wise landscaping
practices in accordance with city conservation goals.
Washing cars, mats, etc. should be done on the grass, if at all possible, and not
in the driveway or street.
Hand watering of trees, shrubs, and gardens is permitted on designated days
only.
4.
Enforcement and Penalties:
Violations of this proclamation may result in a warning for the first offense, followed
by fines and penalties for repeated violations, in accordance with City Code 9-1-35.
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED that city staff will take all necessary steps to notify the public
of these restrictions through official postings, the city website, and social media channels.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of
Blackfoot to be affixed this 7th day of April, 2026.
Scott D. Stufflebeam, Mayor
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION – KYLE DAFFER – WATER/WASTEWATER TREATMENT CERTIFICATION
Public Works Director Rex Moffat recognized Kyle Daffer, Pretreatment Coordinator at the wastewater
treatment plant, for earning a Certificate of Achievement and an Associate of Applied Science degree in
Water and Wastewater Treatment from the College of Southern Nevada.
EMPLOYEE RECOGNITION – CHIEF CROFT – POST EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATE
Mayor Stufflebeam recognized Police Chief Gordon Croft for receiving the POST Executive Certificate
and for his 26 years of service to the Blackfoot Police Department and the community. Remarks noted
his leadership, professionalism, extensive training, and lasting impact on the department.
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilman Jensen motioned to approve the Consent Agenda, including payables. Councilman Brown
seconded the motion; all were in favor; motion carried.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR/CFO GRAHM ANDERSON
Treasurers Report
City Administrator/CFO Grahm Anderson presented the Treasurer’s Report for February 2026, noting the
City was at 41% of Fiscal Year 2026. He summarized department expenditures, investment and bank
balances, and provided a three-month outlook. Mr. Anderson also provided project updates including
ARPA radio installation, West Bridge Street Bridge design progress, Pendlebury Lane project status, Well
#14 development, and Twin Bridges Landing planning.
Blackfoot Downtown Revitalization Project – Phase 2 CDBG Grant Application by SICOG
Mr. Anderson presented an agreement with SICOG for grant writing and administration services related
to Phase II of the Downtown Revitalization Project. Councilman Brown motioned to authorize the Mayor
to sign the agreement; Councilman Gardner seconded; all were in favor; motion carried.
Agreement for Professional Services for Water Model Update and Pressurized Zones
Mr. Anderson presented an agreement with Keller Associates to update the City’s culinary water system
modeling in anticipation of a new well and increased system pressure demands. Councilman Jensen
motioned to approve the agreement and authorize the Mayor’s signature; Councilwoman Barlow
seconded; all were in favor; motion carried.
Jensen Grove Levy Report and Increase in Funding for Repairs
Mr. Anderson provided an update on the Jensen’s Grove levy repair project and discussed increased
costs due to site conditions and erosion. Councilman Jensen motioned to approve the requested
increase in project funding; Councilwoman Barlow seconded; all were in favor; motion carried.
MAYOR SCOTT STUFFLEBEAM
Records Destruction Resolution
Council considered Resolution 434 authorizing destruction of records in accordance with Idaho Code
and the City’s records retention schedule. Councilman Jensen motioned to approve Resolution 434;
Councilman Gardner seconded; all were in favor; motion carried.
Chief of Police Nominee
Mayor Stufflebeam recommended the appointment of Wes Wheatley as Chief of Police effective upon
Chief Croft’s retirement on April 20, 2026. Councilwoman Barlow motioned to approve the appointment
and procedures outlined by the Mayor; Councilman Brown seconded; all were in favor; motion carried.
Sponsor CDBG Grant for Bingham County Senior Center – Sunset Manor
Council considered a request to sponsor a Community Development Block Grant application for
replacement of the Sunset Manor elevator. Councilwoman Barlow motioned to authorize the Mayor to
act as sponsor; Councilman Gardner seconded; all were in favor; motion carried.
Update on Sale of Old Animal Shelter Building
Mayor Stufflebeam provided an update on the sale of the former animal shelter property, noting that
closing documents had been signed and funds were expected.
Airport Road Closure for America 250 Celebration on April 18, 2026
Council approved a temporary closure of Airport Road on April 18, 2026, to accommodate scheduled
America 250 reenactment activities. Councilman Jensen motioned to approve the closure; Councilman
Brown seconded; all were in favor; motion carried.
Liquor Sales at Golf Course Café – Preston Hafer
Preston Hafer proposed the approval for selling liquor at the golf course café in addition to beer and
wine sales. Councilman Jensen motioned to approve as presented; Councilman Gardner seconded; all
were in favor; motion carried.
PLANNING & ZONING TRAVIS ALLEN
Highland Heights Planned Unit Development
Planning and Zoning Administrator Travis Allen presented the Highland Heights PUD. Council approved
the Planning and Zoning findings of fact and conclusions without requiring a water model study or
physical traffic count. Councilman Brown motioned to approve the Findings of Facts, Councilman Jensen
seconded; Councilman Brown and Councilman Jensen voted in favor, Councilman Gardner and
Councilwoman Barlow voted in opposition, Mayor Stufflebeam voted in favor to break the tie, motion
carried. Councilman Brown motioned to approve the Highland Heights Planned Unit Development,
Councilman Jensen seconded; Councilman Brown and Councilman Jensen voted in favor, Councilman
Gardner and Councilwoman Barlow voted in opposition, Mayor Stufflebeam voted in favor to break the
tie, motion carried.
FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS
AND RESOLUTION (REASONED STATEMENT) ADOPTED
BY THE
PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
OF THE
CITY OF BLACKFOOT
March 24, 2026
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning and Zoning Board of the City of Blackfoot on
February 24, 2026, the Board held a public hearing on the request of Elias Trejo and Steve VanOrden,
VO1, LLC, for the proposed Highland Heights Planned Unit Development located on the western side of
Highland Drive, Blackfoot, Idaho, more accurately defined in the documents provided. Site plans and a
traffic study completed by Focus Consulting were provided. The parcel is currently zoned as LDR –1 and
MDR-1. See the Application attached hereto as Exhibit “A,” and made a part hereof by this reference. A
staff report was provided which indicated consent and approval from all department heads of the City,
as well as all other governmental agencies, including School District #55. At the public hearing
testimony in favor was provided by the Applicant and the applicant’s engineer. No one appeared
neutral to the proposal. Approximately nineteen patrons appeared against the proposal primarily
concerned with density, traffic, water rights, utilities, affordability, school crowding and impact fees.
Based on the testimony, documents, relevant ordinances, and evidence presented, the Board
finds as follows:
Findings and Conclusions:
1.
The Applicant has applied for a Planned Unit Development and has provided all necessary
information to the City of Blackfoot as required.
This information is largely identical to the
information required for a Conditional Use Permit.
2.
From the information provided it appears that the development will be below the allowed
residential units per acre. The applicable zoning allows more residential units than has been
requested and so the proposal fits within the required zoning. The density is actually about one-
half of what could be constructed in this particular zoning.
3.
From the information presented, it appears from the plat dimensions that there is sufficient
private open space as required by our city code.
4.
Most of the patrons were concerned about issues with the infrastructure, such as roads, water
and sewer systems, and traffic. However, based upon the staff report, all department supervisors,
including utilities and streets, have recommended approval of the development. No studies, data,
or analyses were provided by patrons that would show traffic, streets, water or sewer will be
adversely affected. In fact, the only traffic study presented indicates traffic will not be a concern.
Further, the Board determines if certain conditions are met, as set forth below, these issues will
be appropriately addressed. No evidence was provided regarding the effect on housing values or
affordability.
5.
Currently, the City of Blackfoot does not charge impact fees for this type of development. The
City does charge “hook up” fees for both water and sewer services.
6.
A concern was raised regarding school over-crowing without evidence supporting that concern.
The School District Superintendent submitted a letter indicating this was not an issue. Thus, the
Board finds there is no issue with school crowding.
7.
Other testimony to the proposal focused on the open canal. The Board determines that Idaho
law protects the provision of water to users and this is not a concern for this development or
something this Board can control.
8.
It appears all other aspects required in City Code have been met.
9.
There were some concerns raised on the Conditional Use Permit aspects of the application. The
information provided in the application is largely the same for the Planned Unit Development and
the Conditional Use Permit. The considerations for the Board are also nearly identical. Based upon
those concerns, the Board also finds that based upon the information presented by each of the
department heads in the Staff Report, the proposed uses are compatible to the general
neighborhood and will not place an undue burden on the existing transportation or facilities in
the vicinity.
10. After reviewing the site plan, the site is large enough to comply with all features of city code.
11. No evidence has been presented that would indicate any concerns with the public health, safety
or welfare. Further, based upon the staff report provided there are adequate public facilities to
service the proposed development. And it does not appear there will be any adverse effects on
the environment.
RESOLUTION AND CONCLUSIONS
UPON MOTIONS DULY MADE, SECONDED AND CARRIED,
IT WAS RESOLVED THAT:
Based upon the above findings, the Board voted to recommend to City Council to approve the
request for the Planned Unit Development proposed with the following requirements to be met:
All infrastructure, design and planning aspects shall be reviewed by, and approved by the
appropriate City staff members as set forth in the proposed site plan.
The Board recommends that a water study be completed “at the tap” and that a physical traffic
study be completed.
These findings of fact, conclusions, and resolution formally were adopted by a majority vote of
the Planning and Zoning Board on the 24th day of March, 2026.
_______________________________
Secretary of Planning & Zoning Board
City of Blackfoot, Idaho
Ordinance Amendment Title 11 Ch 4A Sec 7 Parking, Loading and Access
City Attorney Sandow presented Ordinance No. 2287, Council discussed and amended. Councilman
Gardner motioned to approve the amendment Councilwoman Barlow seconded. Councilman Brown
motioned to approve Ordinance 2287 revising off-street parking requirements for certain multifamily
residential developments; Councilman Jensen seconded; on a roll call vote, all were in favor; motion
carried.
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 2287
Ordinance number 2287 amends Title 8, Chapter 8, Title 9, Chapter 4A, Section 14, Title 11, Chapter
1, Section 3, Title 11 Chapter 4B, Section 5, Title 11, Chapter 5, and Title 12, Chapter 7, Section 8,
of the Blackfoot City Code, updating the city ordinances on the definitions and usage of the terms
recreational vehicle, manufactured home, tiny homes, modular homes, and other related provisions.
The effective date shall be after April 7, 2026, and after publication as required by law.
The full text of Ordinance No. 2287 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. 2287 and find the summary to be true and correct and that it provides adequate
notice to the public.
________/s/______________________
Garrett H. Sandow
Ordinance Amendment Title 11 Ch 9 Sec 4, Sec 6 and Title 11 Ch 10 Sec 8 Landscaping and Tree Species
Regulations
Travis Allen presented Ordinance 2288 adopting landscaping and tree specifications as recommended by
Planning and Zoning. Councilwoman Barlow motioned to approve the updates to the landscaping
requirements and findings of facts and waive further readings; Councilman Gardner seconded; all were
in favor; motion carried.
SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE NO. 2288
Ordinance number 2288 amends Title 11, Chapter 9, Section 4 and Section 6, and Title 11, Chapter
10, Section 8, of the Blackfoot City Code, updating the city ordinances on the permitted species of
trees and adoption of the master list of trees allowed in the city. The effective date shall be after April
7, 2026, and after publication as required by law.
The full text of Ordinance No. 2288 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. 2288 and find the summary to be true and correct and that it provides adequate
notice to the public.
________/s/______________________
Garrett H. Sandow
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Councilman Jensen motioned to move into Executive Session: pursuant to provisions of Idaho Code 74-
206, subsection (1) (c) To consider the evaluation of dismissal or discipling of or to hear complaints or
charges brought against a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent for public school
student. Councilman Brown seconded the motion; on a roll call vote all were in favor, moved into
Executive Session at 9:03 PM.
Councilman Brown motioned to return to regular session at 9:13 pm, Councilwoman Barlow seconded,
all were in favor, council return to regular session.
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council meeting was adjourned at 9:14 P.M.
City of Blackfoot
_________________________________
Mayor Scott Stufflebeam
Attest:
___________________________________
City Clerk Julie Conan
Prepared by: Adriana Pelayo
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