City of Blackfoot | minutes | meeting 2026-04-07 | City Council Agenda 4/07/2026 source: https://www.cityofblackfoot.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_04072026-740 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