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minutes meeting date 2026-02-03 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 19095 characters · official file · plain text
CITY OF BLACKFOOT
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 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.
PINNING CEREMONY – FIREFIGHTER JUSTIN JEFFERSON
Mayor Stufflebeam turned the floor over to Fire Chief Howell to swear in Justin Jefferson for completing his
probationary period and all assigned tasks with great enthusiasm and success. He was congratulated by
councilmembers then had his pin placed by his loved one.
AMENDA AGENDA
Mayor Stufflebeam requested to amend the agenda to add a proclamation recognizing Career and Technical
Education Month. Councilman Jensen motioned to amend the agenda to add the proclamation as item D;
Councilman Brown seconded the motion; all were in favor; motion carried.
PROCLAMATION – CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH
Mayor Stufflebeam presented a proclamation designating February 2026 as Career and Technical Education
Month in Blackfoot and urged citizens to become familiar with and support Career and Technical Education
programs. Councilman Jensen motioned to approve the proclamation as presented; Councilwoman Barlow
seconded the motion; all were in favor; motion carried.
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION MONTH
A Proclamation
WHEREAS: the month of February 2026 has been designated Career Technical Education (CTE) month by the
Association of Career Technical Education; and
WHEREAS: CTE offers students the opportunity to gain the academic, technical and employability skills necessary
for true career readiness; and
WHEREAS: Students in CTE programs participate in authentic, meaningful experiences that improve the quality of
their education and increase their engagement and achieve event; and
WHEREAS: CTE provides students with career exploration opportunities early in their educational experience
which enables them to make informed and benifical decisions about their academic coursework and pursue
established programs of study and career pathways; and
WHEREAS: Leaders from business and industry nationwide report increasing challenges related to addressing the
skills gap and connecting qualified professionals with careers in critical and growing CTE-related fields, and
recognize the Career technical Student Organizations such as, FFA, FCCLA, HOSANNA, BPA, DECA, TSA, SKILLSUSA.
Providing the leadership skills needed in industry that support CTE programs, and
WHEREAS: CTE prepares students for these and other fulfilling careers by offering integrated programs of study
that like secondary and post secondary education and lead to the attainment of industry-recognized credentials;
and
WHEREAS: CTE programs ensure that employers have access to a qualified and thriving workforce, ensuring our
nation is a strong and competing economy.
NOW THEREFORE: I Scott D. Stufflebeam Mayor of the city of Blackfoot, Idaho do hereby proclaim the month of
February 2026, as
Career And Technical Education Month
In Blackfoot and urge all citizens to become familiar with the services and benefits offered by CTE programs in this
community and to support and participate in these programs to enhance their individual skills and productivity.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF: I have hereto set my hand and caused to be affixed the great seal of the City of
Blackfoot this 3rd day of February 2026.
__________________________
Scott D. Stufflebeam, Mayor
CONSENT AGENDA
Councilman Brown made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda including minutes from 01/06/2026 and
payables, Councilman Jensen 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 December 31, 2025, which is 25% of the 2026 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 February prep work for FY 2027 will begin
with preliminary budget worksheets. He also said the audit presentation was postponed due to a second layer
being added to the audit for federal grant monies the city received in FY 2025. The results should be ready to
present for March City Council. Mr. Anderson stated that in March, first round of budget meetings will begin with
department heads. Mr. Anderson provided project updates including ARPA radio meter installation progress,
West Bridge Street Bridge final design work, Pendlebury project final design review and bid preparation, Well #14
reaching maximum depth and moving toward pump testing, and Twin Bridges Landing phased concept design.
Council discussion included questions regarding Well #13 and potential salvage of components; Mr. Anderson
stated there is not expected to be much salvageable parts due to age and prior issues.
Resolution 433 – Build Capital Construction Grant (West Bridge Street Bridge)
City Administrator/CFO Anderson presented Resolution 433 authorizing LHTAC to serve as the lead applicant for
the FY 2026 BUILD Capital Construction Grant for the West Bridge Street Bridge project. City Attorney Garrett
Sandow read Resolution 433 into the record. Councilman Jensen motioned to approve Resolution 433 as
presented; Councilman Brown seconded the motion; on a roll call vote, all were in favor; motion carried.
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BLACKFOOT
NUMBER 433
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BLACKFOOT, IDAHO, SUPPORTING THE SUBMITTAL OF A FY 2026 BETTER UTILIZING
INVESTMENTS TO LEVERAGE DEVELOPMENT (BUILD) CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION GRANT OPPORTUNITY.
WHEREAS, the City of Blackfoot is committed to providing safe, sustainable, and efficient transportation to
our residents, businesses and visitors; and
WHEREAS, the City of Blackfoot recognizes a need for funding to improve and maintain the West Bridge
Street Bridge spanning the Snake River in order to maintain a roadway that is essential for access to schools, parks,
employment, recreation and regional connectivity; and
WHEREAS, the City of Blackfoot’s Bridge Street Multimodal Safety & Connectivity Project as outlined will
provide the improvements necessary for said bridge construction; and
WHEREAS, the City of Blackfoot seeks to apply for a FY 2026 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage
Development (BUILD) Capital Construction Grant; and
WHEREAS, the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) is willing to serve as the lead applicant
for such BUILD grant; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1.
That LHTAC is hereby authorized to serve as the lead applicant for the BUILD 2026 Capital Construction
Grant as referenced herein and the City hereby expresses its full support for said grant.
2.
The City shall participate as the local project sponsor.
3.
The City of Blackfoot hereby accepts responsibility for any project cost overruns beyond the awarded
grant funds.
4.
That the Mayor is hereby authorized to execute such documents as may be necessary to complete and
submit the grant documents.
PASSED BY THE COUNCIL AND APPROVED BY THE MAYOR this _3rd____ day of February, 2026.
___________________________________________
Mayor Scott D. Stufflebeam
ATTEST:
_________________________________________
Julie Conan, City Clerk
MAYOR SCOTT STUFFLEBEAM
Board Appointment – Planning & Zoning Commission
Mayor Stufflebeam requested approval of the appointment of Steve Jackman to the Planning and Zoning
Commission. Councilwoman Barlow motioned to approve the appointment; Councilman Gardner seconded the
motion; all were in favor; motion carried.
State of the City Address
Mayor Stufflebeam presented the State of the City Address and discussed City accomplishments, budget
considerations, infrastructure and service challenges, water supply and water quality, unfunded mandates,
annexation limitations, and grant opportunities, and encouraged residents to stay informed through the City
website and upcoming informational podcasts.
STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS
Mayor, City of Blackfoot, Idaho
Good evening, friends and neighbors,
Thank you for being here. One of my campaign pledges was simple—but important: to have candid conversations,
so every resident understands how our city works, the challenges we face, and why certain decisions are harder
than they may appear.
Tonight is about keeping that promise.
I love this city. Many of us were raised here. Our families are here. We shop here, worship here, recreate here,
and serve here.
That is why honesty matters.
You deserve straight answers—not slogans or talking points.
City Accomplishments
Before I talk about our challenges, it is important to recognize what this City has accomplished over the past year.
We maintained a balanced budget, despite inflationary pressures and rising costs.
We have retained excellent city employees, which is increasingly difficult as surrounding cities actively try
to recruit them away.
Our Fire Department—also our Ambulance Department—serves a vast area, from Wolverine in the north
to Springfield in the south, and a large area to the west.
Last year they responded to nearly 3,400 calls—about 9 calls every single day.
Our Police Department increased community engagement, strengthening trust and visibility throughout
the city.
o
Our K-9 units are now certified in fentanyl detection, improving officer safety.
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DARE programs have been added to our School Resource Officer duties.
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And we increased detective coverage on night shifts to address major crimes, gangs, graffiti, and
narcotics activity.
We built a new animal shelter.
We expanded the cemetery, including a new online map and grave locator.
Phase One of the Broadway Street renovation was completed.
Part One of the Twin Bridges improvements was completed, including new docks and restrooms.
And our Sewer Department made major improvements, while implementing new State-mandated
processes—without missing a beat.
These accomplishments matter. They reflect responsible management, dedicated employees, and steady
progress—even within serious constraints.
Structural Financial Reality
Let me now turn to a reality that affects nearly every decision your city makes.
Approximately 45% of the land within Blackfoot is not taxable. Why is that? Property owned by the State, the
county, schools, churches, and nonprofit organizations is not taxable.
These institutions provide value—but the reality is this:
Nearly half of our city cannot generate property tax revenue, even though city services still support those
properties and the people who use them.
Property tax is one of the primary tools’ cities rely on to maintain streets, repair water and sewer lines, fund
police and fire protection, and keep parks safe and usable.
When nearly half the land base is off the tax rolls, that limitation is real—and permanent.
Don’t worry. The city cannot increase your taxes more than 3% - this is to help cover inflation.
Annexation & State Action
Historically, cities had one responsible way to address this imbalance: annexation—so growth helps pay for
growth and in return lowers your taxes.
That tool has now been largely taken away.
Legislation authored by Julie VanOrden, JulieAnn Young, supported by Speaker Mike Moyle, passed only after
intense pressure was placed on nearly all legislators who voted for it by the Idaho Freedom Foundation.
That pressure was real—and it mattered.
Before the bill passed, the Idaho Association of Cities asked that it be amended.
Not repealed.
Not blocked.
Amended—so it would be reasonable for cities, counties, and residents alike. So, we could help lower taxes for
our residents.
Those requests were flatly refused.
No amendments.
No compromise.
Despite clear warnings that this law would cripple cities across Idaho, it was pushed forward as written.
In my opinion, the hostility toward cities by Representative Van Orden, Young, Speaker Moyle, and the Idaho
Freedom Foundation is real.
I met Representative Young for the first time this past January. She was polite and personable.
But knowing her role in advancing legislation that will harm every city in Idaho—
I could not separate the demeanor from the outcome.
One thought kept going through my mind, from the Bible in Matthew 7:
“You will know them by their fruits”—or in this case, by their works.
And those works speak for themselves.
For that reason, I cannot, in good conscience, support this lack of leadership or the foundation that drove this
effort.
Why This Matters Locally
Why does this matter to Blackfoot?
Because without annexation and without revenue growth, cities are expected to do more—with fewer tools.
That affects infrastructure, public safety, and the services you rely on every day.
County Use of City Services & Fire Reality
Blackfoot does not exist in isolation.
County residents shop here, recreate here, and rely on our police, fire, and ambulance services.
But poor county infrastructure decisions have consequences.
There are subdivisions with no fire hydrants at all.
In other areas, hydrants exist but lack sufficient water pressure to fight a structure fire.
In those situations, fires must be fought using water carried on fire engines or tanker trucks.
Here is the hard reality:
A fire engine’s onboard water tank can sustain firefighting operations for only 7½ to 15 minutes—using the
smallest hose available.
Once that water is gone, the engine must leave the scene and return to Blackfoot to refill from a working hydrant,
or hope we have an available water truck at the fire, with enough water to put the fire out.
Having to leave and return takes time.
Time we do not have if we are trying to save someone’s home.
Blackfoot has very few tanker trucks—and limited personnel to staff them.
In a major county fire, effective response will be difficult—and in some cases impossible.
This is not political rhetoric.
This is operational reality.
And it is why insurance rates outside the city are significantly higher.
Water: Pressure, Supply, Taste, Smell
That brings me directly to water.
Groundwater levels in Idaho have been declining since the 1950s and are now near historic lows, dating back to
measurements around 1913.
Because of this, the State strictly limits cities from drilling new wells.
After significant effort, Blackfoot was finally allowed to drill Well Number 14, at Cromwell and Pendlebury.
It will take about nine months to complete—but it will help significantly with summer water pressure.
In winter, Blackfoot uses about 1.5 million gallons per day.
In summer, that jumps to 5–6 million.
On very hot days, 8–9 million, and once—even 11 million gallons.
Our system simply was not designed for that peak demand.
Water Quality Explanation
The State requires bi-monthly water testing.
When bacteria levels reach certain thresholds, we must add chlorine to keep chloroform and other bacteria out of
the system—and Blackfoot always uses the minimum amount required by law.
Chlorine is added at the well to kill that bacteria.
If a well is offline and has been treated with Chlorine (for your information wells throughout Blackfoot turn on and
off as use demands), the smell may be briefly noticeable.
Here’s the key fact:
Chlorine only smells when it comes into contact with bacteria-that is a good thing. It tells you that bacteria has
been found and is being killed.
Remember this not all smell comes from your pipes, odors also occur near sinks or drains and that indicates
bacteria at that location—not unsafe city water.
You might wonder why groundwater has bacteria.
Remember: water flows downhill.
Over decades, bacteria from homes on septic systems and other sources eventually migrate into groundwater.
Conservation, Mandates, Jensen’s Grove, Grants
This year, depending on snowpack, water conservation may be required.
If implemented, it will be enforced—because public safety comes first. Please log on to CityofBlackfoot.org for
notices now and in the future.
In addition, We will be doing short podcasts on those and other issues so that everyone can be informed and have
their questions answered.
Unfunded mandates continue to grow.
An unfunded mandate is a new regulation or law by the State or Federal Government which we must spend
money on and get no monetary support from the Government who requires compliance. For example, we were
required to comply with new phosphate treatment requirements, which cost tens of thousands of dollars, and
today we now face new mandates involving Teflon-related chemicals.
We comply—but every mandate costs more. I once asked a local representative to introduce and pass a law that
there could be no more unfunded mandates. All I got was a smile telling me that that will never happen.
At Jensen’s Grove, we’ve reached a new agreement with the Snake River Valley Irrigation District, and pending
approval from the Army Corps of Engineers, we will build a new dike.
Let’s hope spring runoff cooperates this year, and that we have enough water to keep the lake full. Remember,
farmers come first and our lake second.
Finally—government grants help cities with their infrastructure, but they are not free money.
They require local matches, they have strict limitations, and there is intense competition with other cities.
More importantly, they do not replace a stable tax base.
Closing
Despite all of this, I remain optimistic.
Blackfoot has exceptional employees, dedicated first responders, thoughtful council members, and residents who
care deeply about this city.
I promised candor.
Tonight is part of keeping that promise.
Thank you for your trust, your engagement, and your commitment to the community we all call home.
PLANNING & ZONING TRAVIS ALLEN
Honeybrook 3 PUD – Traffic Study / Confirmation of Prior Decision
Planning and Zoning Administrator Travis Allen presented the traffic study for Honeybrook 3 and stated the
analysis projected acceptable levels of service and remained at an “A” rating. City Attorney Garrett Sandow
explained options available to Council. Council confirmed the prior approval decision. Councilman Brown
motioned to confirm the original decision; Councilman Jensen seconded; on a roll call vote, Councilwoman Barlow,
Councilman Brown, Councilman Jensen were in favor, Councilman Gardner not in favor; by majority vote, motion
carried. Staff will prepare findings of fact for Council consideration at the next meeting. (The full traffic study can
be viewed at City Hall, 157 N Broadway, Blackfoot, ID 83221)
ADJOURNMENT
The City Council meeting was adjourned at 7:47 P.M.
City of Blackfoot
_________________________________
Mayor Scott D. Stufflebeam
Attest:
___________________________________
City Clerk Julie Conan
Prepared by: Adriana Pelayo
Text is extracted by machine from the official file linked on each page; the official file is the record. Sentinel Media, LLC.