City of Jerome | minutes | meeting 2025-09-16 | City Council Regular Meeting source: https://www.ci.jerome.id.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09162025-725 September 16, 2025 This regular meeting of the Jerome City Council was called to order by Mayor Davis at 5:30 p.m. The meeting was also held by video conference. The video conference was conducted via Zoom and was made available to all members of the public in a format that allowed all participants to hear the meeting, including all deliberations by members of the Council and other speakers addressing the council, whether in person or via virtual connection, and to comment if so desired, all of which was noted in the agenda, email, and notices at council chambers and on the city’s website. Present: Mayor David M. Davis, Councilman Chris Barber, Councilman Jason Peterson, Councilman Bryan Craig, and Councilman Dale Ross. Also present were staff members: City Clerk Bernadette Coderniz, Legal Counsel Brian Williams, City Administrator Mike Williams, Staff Engineer Kelly Thomson, Public Works Director Jon Caton, Water Operations Supervisor Danny McCullough, Library Director Linda Mecham, Finance Director Ross Hyatt, Accounting and Budget Manager Lori McCrae, Building Official Kortnie Kent, Planning and Zoning Manager Ida Clark, IS Director Carlos Hernandez, Fire Chief Mike Harrison, and Police Chief Duane Rubink. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Davis led the audience in recitation of the pledge of allegiance. INVOCATION: An invocation was given by Deacon Dean Giese with Life Church of the Magic Valley. PUBLIC HEARING – REZONE: This being the time and place published to consider a request from Centurion Engineers, Inc for Rezone from Light Industrial (M-1) to Residential 3 (R-3), on the property described as parcel ID number RPJ13702340020A, Tax 2 of A-234 (NE-18-16), more commonly known as the bare property on the southwest corner of North Birch and 10th Avenue West in Jerome, Idaho, the Chair called the public hearing open at 5:32 p.m. and briefly reviewed the procedures that will be followed. Staff Presentation: Ms. Clark spoke of the property on the northeast corner of 10th Avenue West and Birch Street and stated the area was once zoned light industrial when zoning was established in 2010. Throughout the years, Jerome Middle School and Summit Elementary were added along with single and multi-family housing, and it was determined that the area was no longer conducive to light industrial uses. Ms. Clark reviewed the surrounding uses (schools and residential zones) and stated the request is to rezone the parcel from light industrial to Residential 3 (R-3). The Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map designates the parcel as residential. Ms. Clark stated the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) reviewed the request and found it to be in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 4. Light industrial zoning uses include contractors yards, food processing, tire shops, vehicle repairs, gas stations, and storage units; with existing zoning these uses would be allowed in the area. The R-3 zoning would allow for single-family up to multi-family housing, public educational facilities, bed and breakfast, and planned unit developments. P&Z held a public hearing on September 9, 2025, and Ms. Clark stated there was no testimony in favor, neutral, nor opposition to the request. They further recommended approval to rezone the parcel from light industrial to R-3. Ms. Clark requested that the Council consider the following: if there any detrimental effects to the City or other public entities with the rezone, and if the proposed amendment is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. Upon inquiry by Councilman Peterson, Ms. Clark identified the parcel in question including the parcels owned by the school district; those parcels are also zoned light industrial and a rezone of those parcels will be required in the future after she has the opportunity to speak with them. Mr. Williams noted that the rezone is long overdue. Applicant Testimony: Anna Canning with Centurion Engineers, 2323 S. Vista Avenue, Boise appeared via Zoom and thanked staff for the opportunity to present the request to Council on behalf of the applicants and Centurion Engineers. She stated it had been a pleasure working with staff, and she reiterated that the request is consistent with the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Canning further stated that the objective is to bring forth a planned unit development that will provide a variety of housing options for the City of Jerome. There was no testimony in favor, neutral, nor in opposition to the request. There being no further testimony to be heard, the Chair declared the public hearing closed at 5:40 p.m. CONSIDER DRAFT RESOLUTION: Councilman Barber made the motion to draft a resolution adopting an ordinance of the Mayor and Council of the City of Jerome to rezone the parcel described in the agenda from Light Industry (M-1) to Residential 3 (R-3). Second to the motion was made by Councilman Craig. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Barber, Councilman Ross, Councilman Craig, and Councilman Peterson. NAYS: None. CONSENT CALENDAR: Those items contained in the consent calendar are as follows: 1. Approve the minutes of the September 2, 2025 regular meeting 2. Approve the following payments: • Holley Construction Inc – trash pen at Southside Park, $4,632.00 • Idaho Site Works LLC – App #2, $100,274.31 • J-U-B Engineers Inc -Water distribution lead project, $42,708.46 • Stanley Associates Inc – App #6 Downtown, $81,103.40 • Winn & Co. Inc – gravel road base, $18,537.00 3. Monthly Department Reports 4. Approve Claims Abel and Veronica Parreira $144.64, Alert-All Corp. $538.50, All Wireless Communications $1,840.91, Amazon Capital Services $2,837.00, Angel's Construction $450.90, B & R Bearing $13.00, Badger Meter $1,701.70, Bailey Homes LLC $309.68, Balbina Tena Cisneros $75.70, Bbl Property Investments LLC $745.85, Black Bear Diesel & Automotive $801.44, Blue to Gold LLC $1,980.00, Bound to Stay Bound Books Inc $79.28, Brenntag Pacific Inc $24,082.10, Ca Homes $712.32, Canyonside Towing Inc. $80.00, Carrol P Harvey $114.70, Cdw Government Inc. $3,863.77, Center Point Large Print $127.10, Century Link $3,134.78, Centurylink Business Services $27.83, Chase Paymenttech $4,458.52, Cintas Corporation $1,016.59, Coen and Maria Hennen $70.21, Column Software Pbc $1,029.16, Con Paulos Inc. $612.94, Consolidated Electrical Dist. $48.70, Cook Realty $338.61, Core & Main Lp $1,645.64, Culligan Soft Water Service $363.10, Curt Spencer $319.88, D & B Supply $6,096.60, Dahlgren Industrial $1,582.28, Dark Horse Companies LLC $1,311.54, David Plew $520.42, Dewitt Diesel Inc $329.60, Dex Imaging LLC $185.59, Dig Line Inc $354.90, Donald Clark $66.39, Don's Irrigation LLC $92.28, Efrain Tellez $629.22, Electrical Contractors of ID $260.00, Element Heating and Cooling Inc $520.90, Elevation Electric LLC $1,000.00, Enviro-Clean Intermountain LLC $590.52, Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions Inc $79,226.00, Eso Solutions Inc. $9,963.00, Farmore of Idaho $3,296.83, Float Magic LLC $2,000.00, Freedom Electric Inc. $6,354.95, Freedom Mailing Services Inc $2,716.37, Gilberto Hurtado $97.42, Go Smart Solutions LLC $4,246.80, Go-Fer It Express $378.00, Greatamerica Financial Services $167.56, H.D.Fowler $479.00, Hach Company $495.89, Haines Auto Electric Inc. $124.95, Hanson Janitorial Supply Inc. $128.41, High Desert Bobcat $996.83, Holley Construction Inc $4,632.00, Homestead Investments Inc. $235.01, Howell Homes $172.74, Hydro Specialties Company $484.87, Icctfoa District Iv $30.00, Idaho Construction Supply $304.67, Idaho Materials and Construction $1,455.00, Idaho Power Co. $104,127.63, Idaho Site Works LLC $100,274.31, Idaho State Police $50.00, Ingram Book Company $1,362.55, Intermountain Gas Company $912.82, Jerome Chamber of Commerce $20.00, Jerome County $13,450.55, Jerome County Sheriff $203.33, Jerome Homes $2,575.07, Jerome Recreation District $300.00, Jimenez Auto Repair LLC $1,737.00, John Kelley $300.00, Jose Fajardo $570.89, Jose Trevino $70.01, Joy Pigman $69.21, J-U-B Engineers Inc. $46,468.36, Keith & Darci Brown $28.00, Keller Associates Inc $7,125.00, Keystone Construction $752.41, L.N. Curtis & Sons $1,013.29, Lammers Truck Center $1,065.30, Lexipol LLC $1,564.00, Libraria $126.65, Lifeloc Technologies $371.81, Luis Montero Homes $1,010.59, Magic Services LLC $350.00, Magic Valley Builders $271.37, Magic Valley Hydraulics & Repair LLC $40.04, Magic Valley Labs $11,043.75, Magic Valley Premier Homes $232.42, Maria Solis $70.99, Mark and Linda Wilkenson $34.02, Metroquip Inc. $1,058.84, Mobile Restoration $125.00, Mount Olympus $22.19, Mountain View Spraying Inc $1,755.00, Mountainland Supply Company $12,305.59, Mower & Sons Construction $289.97, MWI Veterinary Supply $248.96, Napa Auto Parts $1,547.45, New Life Cleaning LLC $2,000.00, Northside Canal Co. $24,064.99, Ortega Construction $116.72, Oxarc, Inc. $348.41, P & G Construction $312.11, Payne Construction Inc $2,331.33, Peace of Mind Pest and Lawn LLC $6,115.00, Phillip Rosen $526.90, Piazza Custom Homes $232.62, Pipeco $513.24, Power Line Industries Inc $99,800.00, Prevent Fire Solutions $620.00, Pro-Flame Inc $208.69, Proforce $1,953.50, Project Mutual Telephone $332.94, PSI Environmental Services Inc $27,753.76, Rain For Rent Inc. $29,574.38, Randall T Tolman Jr. $78.22, Rexel USA Inc $28.05, Ridley's Food & Drug $1,217.84, Rocky Mountain Welding Inc $3,000.00, Ryan Hennessy Wastewater $365.00, Sassy Software Solutions LLC $27.50, Sawtooth Veterinary Services $280.00, Shambaugh & Son $13,310.85, Signed Sealed & Delivered $184.57, Skaggs Companies Inc. $103.60, Southern Idaho Solid Waste $2,962.25, Spring Cleaning $1,120.00, Stanley Associates Inc $81,103.40, Steel-Toe-Shoes.Com $342.34, Suburban Const Management LLC $762.55, Sylvia Hurtado $138.09, Terminix Processing Center $103.58, Terrys Heating & A/C Inc $365.50, Tfd Enterprises LLC $23,680.80, Thatcher Company $19,836.96, The Fire Store $729.96, Times News $946.45, Tjb Homes, LLC $1,000.44, Tko Construction $5,268.08, Tlc Rental $2,280.00, T-Mobile $895.87, Tore Up $30.00, Treasure Valley Coffee Inc. $273.32, Twin Falls Signs $149.88, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance $393.19, Urgent Care of Jerome - Billing Dept $135.00, USA Bluebook $1,129.03, Valley Wide Cooperative $22,211.10, Verizon Wireless $50.04, VLCM $98.21, Western Construction Inc $71,132.37, Western Sky Homes $252.25, Western States Equipment $593.09, Western Waste Services $1,600.34, Wickel Tire Inc $834.89, Williams Meservy & Larsen LLP $12,856.42, Winn & Co. Inc. $18,537.00, Wolverton Homes $1,996.04, Xerox Financial Services LLC $311.06, Xpress Bill Pay $2,511.80. Upon inquiry by Councilman Barber, Mr. Williams stated that the Urban Reenwal Agency will reimburse the City for the trash pen at the new park. Councilman Barber made the motion to approve the consent calendar as presented. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Ross. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Barber, Councilman Ross, Councilman Craig, and Councilman Peterson. NAYS: None. CORRESPONDENCE, CITIZEN ISSUES AND REPORTS: Spencer Ford with B. Jackson Construction addressed the Council regarding the strike upon the water main break on N. Lincoln and claimed full responsibility on behalf of their staff, specifically the drill foreman. He stated his staff is working with City staff to ensure this type of error does not occur again. Upon inquiry by Councilman Craig, Mr. Ford stated the drill foreman had not inquired of the line location prior to the incident and that the matter was being dealt with internally. Additionally, Mr. Ford stated he would continue to work with City staff to ensure that any holes would be refilled and/or repaired. Councilman Barber inquired about indemnification for the damages, and Mr. Williams stated a claim would be submitted to ICRMP. Additionally, Mr. Williams stated the pavement would be restored and pedestrian ramps rebuilt to new standards. Councilman Barber expressed concern for pedestrian traffic at or near the library. PROCLAMATION – FIRE PREVENTION WEEK CITY OF JEROME, IDAHO MAYOR’S 2025 FIRE PREVENTION WEEK PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, the City of Jerome is committed to ensuring the safety and security of all those living in City of Jerome and visiting; and WHEREAS, fire remains a serious public safety concern both locally and nationally, and the presence of lithium-ion batteries in many household devices introduces unique fire risks; and WHEREAS, most of the electronics used in homes daily — including smartphones, tablets, laptops, power tools, e-bikes, e-scooters, and toys — are powered by lithium-ion batteries, which if misused, damaged, or improperly charged, can overheat, start a fire, or explode; and WHEREAS, the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®) reports an increase in battery- related fires, underscoring the need for public education on the safe use of lithium-ion batteries; and WHEREAS, residents should follow three key calls to action: Buy only listed products, charge batteries safely, and recycle them responsibly to prevent battery-related fires; and WHEREAS, lithium-ion batteries store a large amount of energy in a small space, and improper use such as overcharging, using off-brand chargers without safety certification, or exposing batteries to damage can result in fire or explosion; and WHEREAS, the proper disposal and recycling of lithium-ion batteries help prevent environmental hazards and reduce fire risks in the home and community; and WHEREAS, City of Jerome first responders are dedicated to reducing the occurrence of fires through prevention, safety education, and community outreach; and WHEREAS, the 2025 Fire Prevention Week™ theme, “Charge into Fire Safety™: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” serves to remind us of the importance of using, charging, and recycling lithium-ion batteries safely to reduce the risk of fires in homes and communities. THEREFORE, I, David M. Davis, Mayor of Jerome, do hereby proclaim October 5–11, 2025, as Fire Prevention Week throughout the City of Jerome. /s/ David M. Davis David M. Davis, Mayor Council signified support of the proclamation with unanimous “ayes.” ORDINANCE 1245, BILL 730, SECOND READING: The clerk read the bill once by title only: ORDINANCE NO. 1245 BILL NO. 730 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF JEROME, IDAHO, GRANTING TO INTERMOUNTAIN GAS COMPANY A TWENTY (20) YEAR EXTENSION TO ITS FRANCHISE TO CONSTRUCT, MAINTAIN AND OPERATE A GAS TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM; PROVIDING FOR THE USE OF STREETS AND ALLEYS, AND RULES GOVERNING THE SAME, SUBJECTING THE GRANTEE TO ALL POWERS OF THE CITY; SETTING FORTH THE RULES OF THE FRANCHISE AND GRANT; PROVIDING FOR THE RIGHT OF INSPECTION BY THE CITY OF GRANTEE'S PLANS, ACCOUNTS, AND BOOKS; REQUIRING GRANTEE TO FURNISH CERTAIN MAPS; SETTING FORTH THE ANNUAL PAYMENT TO THE CITY, AND THE FILING OF ANNUAL REPORTS WITH THE CITY; REQUIRING GRANTEE TO INDEMNIFY CITY, AND FILE EVIDENCE OF INSURANCE; REQUIRING COMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY REGULATIONS; SETTING FORTH AN AGREEMENT NOT TO COMPETE, RESERVING POWER OF EMINENT DOMAIN; PROVIDING FOR SURRENDER OF FRANCHISE; GRANTING RIGHT TO SALVAGE; REQUIRING WRITTEN ACCEPTANCE; PROVIDING FOR CONSENT TO SALE, ASSIGNMENT OR LEASE; PROVIDING FOR PAYMENT OF PUBLICATION COST; SETTING FORTH PENALTIES AND FORFEITURES, SEPARABILITY AND REPEAL. RESOLUTION NO. 17-25: Mr. Ross spoke of the resolution and proposed amendment to the Jerome Employee Personnel Policy Manual. He stated the amendment addresses compression adjustments discussed during the budget workshop and throughout the budget process. Additionally, the adjustments will compensate employees with longevity who have not been paid in an equitable manner compared to market values. The policy will include a table to compare where employees are based on years of service with comparison to their current median wage range. The clerk read Resolution No. 17-25 in full as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 17-25 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEROME, IDAHO, AMMENDING THE CITY OF JEROME EMPLOYEE PERSONNEL POLICY MANUAL AND PROVIDING AN IMMEDIATE EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City of Jerome Personnel Policy Manual was adopted by the City Council on September 19, 2017; and, WHEREAS, the City of Jerome wishes to make an amendment to the Employee Personnel Policy Manual since it was adopted, Resolution No 15-17; and, WHEREAS, the amending policy has been reviewed by the City Attorney; and, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and City Council of the City of Jerome, Idaho, that: Section 1: Repealing Resolution 15-17. Resolution 15-17 and any other conflicting resolutions passed prior to this date are repealed in their entirety. Section 2: Adoption of City of Jerome Employee Personnel Policy Manual. The attachment to Resolution 17-25 as Exhibit “A” is hereby adopted as the official City of Jerome Employee Personnel Policy Manual. Section 3: Severability. If a part of Resolution 17-25 is invalid, all valid parts that are severable from the invalid part remain in effect. Section 5: Effective Date. The effective date of this resolution shall be September 2, 2025. PASSED BY THE COUNCIL this 16th day of September, 2025. SIGNED BY THE MAYOR this 16th day of September, 2025. By: /s/ David M. Davis David M. Davis, Mayor ATTEST: /s/ Bernadette Coderniz Bernadette Coderniz, City Clerk Councilman Barber made the motion to to pass Resolution No. 17-25. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Peterson. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Barber, Councilman Ross, Councilman Craig, and Councilman Peterson. NAYS: None. DECLARE PUBLIC WORKS ITEMS AS SURPLUS: Mr. Caton spoke of the request to declare Public Works items as surplus and stated most items had been accumulated throughout the years, and noted that the department had been able to purchase newer pieces of equipment as replacements. With the cost of insuring and maintaining the older items, staff determined it was best to declare them as surplus and sell by auction. Upon inquiry by Councilman Peterson, options for selling the items include Magic Valley Auction and publicsurplus.com. Upon inquiry by Councilman Craig, Mr. Caton stated the items to be sold do not have a redundancy value. Mr. Williams also spoke of the older trucks on the streets that are no longer economical to have in the fleet. Councilman Barber made the motion to authorize the sale of surplus vehicles, equipment, and materials, as listed in the attachment, at public auction. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Craig. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Barber, Councilman Ross, Councilman Craig, and Councilman Peterson. NAYS: None. CHANGE ORDER – J-U-B- ENGINEERS: Mr. Caton spoke about the W. Avenue G waterline project that was awarded in May 2025 and stated the line is installed and has been pressure tested. He stated that there are fifty services at that location and several road cuts are anticipated. Mr. Caton noted the poor condition of the road and spoke of repaving the road (full road width paving in select sections and half-width paving for the majority of the road) as the waterline project [funded by the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)] comes to a close. Because the project itself came in under budget due to reduced rock excavation, Mr. Caton stated funds would be available to cover the City’s portion of the change order ($86,147). Upon inquiry by Councilman Barber, Mr. Caton confirmed that contingency funds would still be available. Additionally, Mr. Williams confirmed that the motion to authorize a change order would be sufficient for approval without specific project details. Councilman Barber made the motion to authorize a Change Order in the amount of $265,374.00. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Craig. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Barber, Councilman Ross, Councilman Craig, and Councilman Peterson. NAYS: None. ENGINEERING SERVICES ROSTER: Mr. Thomson spoke of the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) released to consulting and engineering firms to create an Engineering Services Roster for general, non-exclusive on-call services. Twelve responses from the following qualified firms were received: Precision Engineering, LLC; G3 Water Engineers; RH2 Engineering; Great West Engineer; Lumos & Associates; Keller Associates; TD&H Engineering; Ardurra; J-U-B Engineers; HMH Engineering; Civil Science; and, HDR. Mr. Thomson noted that staff had already worked with some of these firms while others are new to the City. Upon inquiry by Councilman Craig, Mr. Williams stated that EHM Engineers did not respond to the RFQ. He further stated that EHM tends to work more with private developers although they have consulted for the City in the past. Councilman Barber made the motion to approve an Engineering Services roster of 12 Idaho State Licensed Engineering Firms that responded to the RFQ for future engineering services that may be required by the city. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Ross. Mr. Williams stated the roster will now be utilized for upcoming projects, and that staff will determine which firm is most qualified for each specific project. Two projects that will be considered in the near future are the E. Yakima project which will include the intersection of Yakima and Lincoln, and the retrofit of the Wastewater Treatment Plant membrane facility to allow for additional flow. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Barber, Councilman Ross, Councilman Craig, and Councilman Peterson. NAYS: None. COUNCIL REPORTS: Councilman Craig inquired about the chip seal process and how other cities utilize water trucks to wash the chips and then have a sweeper remove remaining debris. Mr. Caton stated that the typical process of chip sealing can include a spray of water. Traffic tends to work the chips into the material and then the sweeper follows up; he further explained that the water truck most likely flushes debris to the edge. The city’s street sweepers are currently functioning, he questioned if loose chips had been seen, and noted that staff could do some additional sweeping to remove excess chips from the roads. Regarding trees in downtown, Mr. Caton confirmed that the new watering system downtown will be tied into improvements made on Main Street with old lines replaced. Additionally, the existing system on N. Lincoln will be tied into the new system as well. Councilman Ross thanked the staff members who volunteered at the Healing Field at Crossroads. He spoke of many volunteers including veterans and expressed appreciation for their assistance with a very moving tribute. DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Mr. Williams spoke of the Zoom link normally placed at the top of the agenda and stated that, due to frequent interruptions by unwanted parties, the link would no longer be published but would be made available to anyone upon request. The meeting will still be recorded, although not required by law, and audio recordings will be made available upon request as well. Upon inquiry by Councilman Peterson, Mr. Hernandez stated the Zoom link can be emailed to any staff/Council member upon request prior to the meeting. Mr. Williams added that the Zoom option is convenient for those who wish to participate in the meeting but are unable to attend in person. Mr. Williams also thanked Mr. Ford for visiting with the Council this evening. Mr. Caton stated that Alder and A will be striped this week. ADJOURNMENT: There being nothing further to discuss, Mayor Davis adjourned this September 16, 2025 regular meeting of the Jerome City Council at 6:13 p.m. By: Mayor David M. Davis Attest: Bernadette Coderniz, City Clerk