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minutes meeting date 2026-03-03 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 15318 characters · official file · plain text
CITY OF BLACKFOOT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES FROM MARCH 3, 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.
AMENDA AGENDA
Mayor Stufflebeam requested to amend the agenda to add two proclamations. Councilwoman Barlow
motioned to amend the agenda to add the proclamations; Councilman Gardner seconded the motion; all
were in favor; motion carried.
PROCLAMATION – NATIONAL SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM PROCLAMATION
Mayor Stufflebeam proclaimed March 2026 as the 54th Anniversary of the National Senior Nutrition
Program, recognizing the program’s long‑standing service to seniors and its role in supporting nutrition,
independence, and community wellbeing. Councilman Jensen motioned to adopt the proclamation;
Councilwoman Barlow seconded the motion; all were in favor; motion carried.
PROCLAMATION – ARBOR DAY PROCLAMATION – RETROACTIVE APPROVAL
Mayor Stufflebeam explained that although a tree was planted in November 2025, the Arbor Day
Proclamation for 2025 was not formally approved at that time. Retroactive approval was required to
maintain the City’s Tree City USA status. Councilman Brown motioned to retroactively approve the Arbor
Day Proclamation effective November 2025; Councilman Jensen seconded the motion; all were in favor;
motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilman Brown motioned to approve the Consent Agenda as outlined; Councilman Jensen seconded
the motion; all were in favor; motion carried.
CITY ADMINISTRATOR/CFO GRAHM ANDERSON
FY2025 Audit Report
City Administrator Grahm Anderson presented the FY2025 Audit Report and introduced Dan Coleman of
Quest CPAs, who participated via Zoom. Mr. Coleman reported that the City received three clean audit
opinions, including the financial audit, an internal controls review, and a federal single audit required
due to federal expenditures exceeding $2.5 million. He reviewed major fund balances and noted that the
General Fund maintained approximately a seven‑and‑a‑half‑month operating reserve, exceeding
recommended minimum levels. He further reported that enterprise funds, including water and sewer,
were performing well, with sanitation operating as expected after indirect cost transfers. No action was
taken. (Complete Audit Report is available at City Hall, 157 N Broadway, Blackfoot ID)
Treasurers Report
Mr. Anderson presented the Treasurer’s Report for January 2026 and reviewed year‑to‑date
expenditures, noting that 34% of FY26 had elapsed and most departments were tracking within budget.
He highlighted investment balances, bank account totals, and provided a three‑month budget outlook.
Mr. Anderson also reviewed updates on ARPA closeout activities and capital projects including Highway
91, West Bridge Street Bridge, Pendlebury Lane, Well #14, Downtown Revitalization, and Twin Bridges
Landing. No action was taken.
South Broadway Construction Award to HK Contractors
Mr. Anderson provided an update on the South Broadway Sewer Improvement Project, explaining that
the existing sewer alignment created long‑term maintenance challenges. The project was designed, bid,
and awarded to HK Contractors as the low bidder at $878,888, significantly below the original $1.5
million estimate. Construction is anticipated to begin on or after June 1, 2026. No action was required.
Turf Tank Lease Agreement
Mr. Anderson presented a renewal lease agreement for the Turf Tank athletic field striping equipment,
noting improved efficiency, reduced labor hours, and updated software. Councilman Jensen motioned to
approve the lease renewal and authorize the Mayor to sign; Councilman Gardner seconded the motion;
all were in favor; motion carried.
MAYOR SCOTT STUFFLEBEAM
North Broadway Street Closure – June 13, July 11 and August 8, 2026, for Chamber Street Fairs
Staff requested approval for temporary closures of North Broadway Street on June 13, July 11, and
August 8, 2026, to accommodate Chamber‑sponsored street fairs. Councilman Jensen motioned to
approve the street closures as presented; Councilman Brown seconded the motion; all were in favor;
motion carried.
Sale of Old Animal Shelter Building
Mayor Stufflebeam presented an offer from Doug and Shelley Sayer to purchase the former animal
shelter building for $150,000. He explained that the buyers would be responsible for demolition, septic
removal, and associated costs, returning the property to the tax rolls. Councilman Jensen motioned to
approve the sale as presented; Councilman Gardner seconded the motion; all were in favor; motion
carried.
Discussion on Judicial Confirmation Decision for Financing for the WWTP Improvements
The City Attorney addressed the Council regarding the WWTP matters involving two separate lawsuits. O
ne with DEQ and one for judicial confirmation of the need to bond for improvements. He reported that
the City had been involved in litigation with DEQ that required certain updates to be completed to
maintain compliance. The DEQ lawsuit was resolved several months prior. A separate judgment for
judicial confirmation that allows for financing the WWTP improvements had been filed and was signed
by the Court and dated February 23, 2026. He explained that the outcome for the judicial confirmation
proceeded as planned. Although the approach on the DEQ lawsuit was somewhat unusual, he stated it
was the most appropriate course of action given the facts previously discussed by the Council. The City
Attorney advised that the judgment for judicial confirmation has now been finalized and that the City
will need to proceed to identify funding to cover the associated and required improvements necessary
to maintain compliance with the DEQ. Both litigation issues were resolved in a positive manner for the
City.
PLANNING & ZONING TRAVIS ALLEN
Legacy Pointe Final Plat
Planning and Zoning staff presented the Legacy Point Final Plat, a commercial subdivision including
hotel, restaurant, and event center. Councilman Brown motioned to approve the Legacy Point Final Plat
which is substantially similar to the preliminary plat; Councilwoman Barlow seconded the motion; all
were in favor; motion carried.
Proposed Street Name Change – 1300 Block of South Fisher
Planning and Zoning Commission recommended renaming the 1300 block of South Fisher Avenue to
South Elderberry Avenue due to its lack of alignment with the remainder of the street system.
Councilman Jensen motioned to approve the street name change as presented; Councilman Brown
seconded the motion; all were in favor; motion carried.
Finding of Facts – Confirmation of Honeybrook 3
City Attorney Garrett Sandow presented the Findings of Fact and Reason Statement for Honeybrook
Phase 3, summarizing how traffic, water, and infrastructure studies supported the project’s approval.
Councilman Jensen motioned to approve the Findings of Fact and Reason Statement; Councilman Brown
seconded the motion; all were in favor; motion carried.
REASONED STATEMENT
AND RESOLUTION ADOPTED
BY THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF BLACKFOOT
March 3, 2026
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS:
At the duly scheduled meeting of the City Council of the City of Blackfoot on November 4, 2025,
the Council considered the request on a Motion to Reconsider filed by Ken Siever regarding the approval
of the Honeybrook 3 PUD located south of Lawrence Lane. The Motion to Reconsider was denied and
the approval of Honeybrook 3 was affirmed. Thereafter, on December 2, 2025, Councilwoman Debbie
Barlow requested a reconsideration of the matter due to issues regarding the traffic study, or lack
thereof, on the impact Honeybrook 3 would have on the surrounding areas. This motion to request a
traffic study was approved on a 3 to 1 vote. Councilwoman Barlows’ Motion to Reconsider was tabled
pending the results of the traffic study. Then, on February 3, 2026, a traffic study was provided to the
Council. After hearing the staff report of the Planning Administrator, reviewing the relevant City Code,
reviewing the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning Commission, and reviewing documents
submitted by the applicant and by any other interested parties, the City Council hereby adopts the
following Reasoned Statement and Resolution:
1.
The current zone of the property for Honeybrook 3 is appropriate for the proposed PUD.
There was some concern from patrons that the PUD does not comply with the
comprehensive plan, but Council has reviewed the comprehensive plan and determines
that it does fit with the overall framework of the City’s growth plan.
2.
Based upon the Staff Report provided, all City Department Supervisors concur that the
city infrastructure and transportation facilities can handle the increased density of the
proposed PUD. Specifically, the Streets Superintendent did not have any concerns with
the increased traffic. Furthermore, the traffic study provided to Council does support the
fact the increased traffic will not adversely affect the surrounding community.
Also,
Pendlebury Lane will be rehabilitated completely in fiscal year 2026, which will alleviate
concerns regarding its’ deteriorated condition.
3.
It also appears from the testimony provided that there were no other significant potential
adverse effects with the proposed development. Water service was the primary concern
raised, and the City is in the process of drilling a new well nearby on Pendlebury Lane
which will alleviate this concern. The Water Superintendent confirmed water capacity is
sufficient to supply the new PUD as well as surrounding areas.
4.
Based upon the information provided by the City officials, adequate water and sewer
services, in both quantity and quality, are available for the property. It appears that the
City would be able to provide and maintain existing and future required capabilities of
public utilities.
5.
The Council determines that adequate transportation exists for a density of the PUD.
6.
It does not appear the local school district will be adversely affected, and no complaints
or issues were raised by the School District.
7.
The proposed PUD is consistent with the comprehensive plan and complies with current
city codes.
8.
The proposed PUD will maintain and preserve compatibility of surrounding zoning and
development.
RESOLUTION AND CONCLUSIONS
UPON MOTIONS DULY MADE, SECONDED AND CARRIED,
IT WAS RESOLVED THAT:
The City Council does hereby approve the Honeybrook 3 PUD as presented.
This Reasoned Statement and resolution formally were adopted by a majority vote of the City
Council on March 3, 2026.
______________________________
City Clerk
Annexation of a Portion of RP0350205 N of Rich Ln and East of Animal Health Clinic; Rezone from LDRI
to M1
Mr. Allen presented the Annexation of a Portion of RP0350205 N of Rich Ln and East of Animal Health
Clinic; Rezone from LDR1 to M1. Attorney Sandow read into the record Ordinance 2286 Annexing
Property at 301 Rich Lane for a veterinary and equine center expansion and establishing zoning
designations of LDR1 and M1. Councilwoman Barlow motioned to adopt the Findings of Fact and
approve Ordinance 2286 and waive further readings; Councilman Gardner seconded the motion; on a
roll call vote, all were in favor; motion carried.
FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS
AND RESOLUTION ADOPTED
BY THE
PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD
OF THE
CITY OF BLACKFOOT
February 24, 2026
FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS
At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning and Zoning Board of the City of Blackfoot on
January 27, 2026, the Board held a public hearing on the request of Jason Moulton for annexation and
zone designations of the involved property lying north of Rich Lane and east of the Animal Health Clinic.
All owners of the property have consented to the annexation. The property is enclaved by the city. The
Applicant requested a M1 zone for the western portion of the property and LDR 1 for the remaining
portion. A staff report was provided to the commission. The applicant presented testimony to the
Board. One patrons testified neutral to the proposal. No one testified against the proposal. During the
public hearing, additional testimony was heard and evaluated by the Board.
Based on the testimony, documents, relevant ordinances, and evidence presented, the Board
finds as follows:
Findings and Conclusions:
1.
A public hearing was scheduled and held on January 27, 2026, wherein public testimony was taken
and evaluated by the Board.
2.
The lands are proper for annexation as consent has been given by all owners and the lands are
enclaved by city limits and within the area of impact.
3.
The subject properties meet the requirements of annexation under Idaho Code §50-222.
4.
Proper notice was given pursuant to Idaho Code §50-222.
5.
The use of the property appears consistent with nearby uses and would be acceptable.
6.
The Board finds that the proposed zone designation of M-1 is consistent with neighboring properties
to the west, and the LDR-1 zone is consistent with the properties to the east.
7.
City emergency services will be provided to the properties without the need of additional
cost or
personnel. City water, sewer and other services are being utilized and/or are available to the proposed
annexed properties.
8.
The proposed annexations and zone designations comply with and support the goals and objectives
of the Blackfoot Comprehensive Plan.
9.
The land to be annexed meets the applicable requirements of Idaho Code §50-222 and does not fall
within the exceptions or conditional exceptions contained in §50-222.
10. The Applicant addressed the need to have City zoning regulations for the orderly development of the
properties at issue. It does appear that the annexations are reasonably necessary for the orderly
development of the City and will provide economically viable provision of tax supported municipal
services to enable the orderly development of the private lands.
11. The tax burden for City services need to be spread among more patrons that utilize the City’s
amenities. These annexations will allow efficient development of the properties at issue and equitably
allocate the costs of public services in those areas.
12. Adequate water and sewer services are available for the properties.
RESOLUTION AND CONCLUSIONS
UPON MOTIONS DULY MADE, SECONDED AND CARRIED,
IT WAS RESOLVED THAT:
The Board concludes, by a unanimous vote, that the proposed annexation fits within Idaho
Code, and therefore, recommends that the City Council approve the annexation of the properties as
presented.
The Board further recommends that a zoning designations of M-1 and LDR-1 be applied to the
property as presented.
These findings of fact, conclusions, and resolution formally were adopted unanimously by the
Planning and Zoning Board on February 24, 2026.
_______________________________
Secretary of Planning & Zoning Board
City of Blackfoot, Idaho
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council meeting was adjourned at 7:53 P.M.
City of Blackfoot
_________________________________
Mayor Scott D. Stufflebeam
Attest:
___________________________________
City Clerk Julie Conan
Prepared by: Adriana Pelayo
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