City of Jerome | minutes | meeting 2026-07-21 | City Council Regular Meeting source: https://www.ci.jerome.id.us/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_07212026-777 July 21, 2026 This regular meeting of the Jerome City Council was called to order by Mayor Barber at 5:30 p.m. The meeting was also held by teleconference, 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 Christopher Barber, Councilman Jason Peterson, Councilman Bryan Craig, and Councilman Dale Ross. Councilwoman Jeri Ahrens was excused. Also present were staff members: City Clerk Bernadette Coderniz, Legal Counsel Ted Larsen, Wastewater Superintendent Brad Henry, City Engineer Tyson Carpenter, Building Official Kortnie Kent, Finance Director Ross Hyatt, Planning and Zoning Manager Ida Clark, Human Resources Director Esmeralda Chavez, IS Director Carlos Hernandez, Fire Chief Mike Harrison, and Police Chief Duane Rubink. City Administrator Mike Williams was excused. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Barber led the audience in recitation of the pledge of allegiance. INVOCATION: An invocation was given by Reverend Harriman Randle with Church. CONSENT CALENDAR: Those items contained in the consent calendar are as follows: 1. Approve the minutes of the July 7, 2026 regular meeting and July 16, 2026 special meeting 2. Approve application of St. Jerome’s Catholic Church for a Parish community event at ICCU Park on July 26, 2026 3. Approve the following payments: • Idaho Materials & Construction – Fir St./Gravity Sewer, $8,514.94, $59,801.44 • Idaho Site Works – Nez Perce to H St. Sewer line, $155,126.11 • Integrity Pump Solutions Inc. – Sulzer Pump Brockman, $54,160.00 • J-U-B Engineers Inc. – Downtown Revitalization, $22,203.87; Water Distribution Lead Project, $9,872.10 • Merrick & Co.- Post Construction/Control Engineer, $12,591.25 • Precision Enginnering, LLC – Lincoln/Yakima & Lincoln, $11,295.00 • Star Sewer & Water District – Kubota membrane cassettes, $100,000.00 • Transmap Corp. – Field Data Collection, $16,073.00 4. Monthly Department Reports 5. Approve Claims 2J Properties & Investments LLC $567.50, Amazon Capital Services $1,118.82, American Backflow Products Co $1,017.83, Analytical Laboratories Inc. $1,934.53, Aracely's Boutique $150.00, Arlo G Lott Trucking Inc $1,400.00, Association of Idaho Cities $1,210.00, Avery Soloaga Music LLC $350.00, Badger Meter $1,986.28, Bound To Stay Bound Books Inc $48.57, Brenntag Pacific Inc $5,324.32, Butte Irrigation Inc $670.80, B-Z Plumbing $23.66, Callen Refrigeration LLC $4,315.00, Cdw Government Inc. $7,201.56, Center Point Large Print $99.48, Century Link $2,804.52, Centurylink Business Services $30.22, Chase Paymenttech $3,096.74, Cintas Corporation $253.33, Column Software Pbc $459.74, Control Engineers Pa $721.25, Core & Main Lp $4,414.84, Counter Strike Supply Company $150.00, Culligan Soft Water Service $293.85, D & B Supply $4,463.16, Dex Imaging LLC $231.42, Deyanira Escalona Trochez $670.00, Dig Line Inc $362.70, Elan Credit Cards $11,665.34, Electrical Contractors of ID $105.00, Element Heating and Cooling Inc $109.00, Elite Details $250.00, Emergency Responders Health $960.00, Evident $104.01, Farmore of Idaho $239.00, Fastenal Company $379.62, Ferguson Enterprises Inc. $114.10, First Due Holdings Inc $11,094.59, Flowpoint Environmental $1,095.00, Floyd Lilly Co $1,246.30, Freedom Mailing Services Inc $2,747.39, Frontier Precision $850.00, Gem State Paper & Supply $254.96, Go-Fer It Express $443.25, Grainger $1,500.02, Greatamerica Financial Services $167.56, Grove Hotel $786.00, H.D.Fowler $2,626.95, Hach Company $419.49, Hanson Janitorial Supply Inc. $207.71, Heglar Creek Electric LLC $294.82, High Desert Bobcat $154.40, Home Depot Credit Services $163.80, Hydro Specialties Company $17,991.20, ID Rural Water Association $710.00, ID State Tax Commission $266.68, Idaho Fire Extinguisher Company $96.00, Idaho Materials and Construction $72,621.89, Idaho Power Co. $102,364.90, Idaho Site Works LLC $155,126.11, Ingram Book Company $325.91, Integrity Pump Solutions Inc $66,736.00, Intermountain Fabrication LLC $325.00, Intermountain Gas Company $726.56, Intnl Institute of Muni Clerks $195.00, Jacobs Engineering Group Inc $4,064.00, Jerome Chamber of Commerce $40.00, Jerome County $14,991.29, Jerome Printshop $139.00, Jerome Rotary Club $750.00, Jimenez Auto Repair LLC $1,269.98, J-U-B Engineers Inc. $32,075.97, Lantis Productions Inc $11,000.00, Larene Morley $65.00, Les Schwab Tire Centers Inc $2,982.32, Libri System $13,354.87, M.S. Industries Inc $963.95, M2 Automation $35.00, Magic Valley Labs $12,950.25, Matthew Bender & Co Inc. $619.52, McHugh Bromley PLLC $3,544.45, Merrick & Company $12,591.25, Meyers Uniforms $48.18, Minert & Associates Inc. $45.00, Miwall Corporation $86.76, Mountainland Supply Company $18,637.35, Mr. Steam Carpet Cleaning $800.00, Munimetrix Systems Corp. $119.97, Napa Auto Parts $1,261.37, New Life Cleaning LLC $1,630.00, New Tech Security Inc. $360.00, Non Utility Refunds $275.00, Oclc Inc. $1,723.09, O'reilly Auto Parts $147.17, Oxarc, Inc. $37.20, Pacific Coast Flag $120.00, Paige Koudelka $350.00, Parkland USA Corporation $3,199.99, People $146.53, Pipeco $287.36, Precision Engineering LLC $11,295.00, Premium LLC $2,050.00, Pro-Flame Inc $570.65, Project Mutual Telephone $332.94, Quadient Leasing USA Inc $987.42, Rain For Rent Inc. $12,665.37, Republic Services Inc $2,194.49, Rexel USA Inc $7,193.81, Ridley's Food & Drug $421.11, Rock Creek Fire Protection $960.00, Sawtooth Veterinary Services $315.00, Sherwin-Williams $1,967.42, Signed Sealed & Delivered $316.73, Skaggs Companies Inc. $237.07, Skm Inc. $3,941.25, Southern Idaho Solid Waste $17,366.70, Star Sewer & Water District $100,000.00, Steel-Toe-Shoes.Com $71.99, Tacoma Screw Products Inc $27.11, Tfd Enterprises LLC $23,680.80, Thatcher Company $6,138.72, T-Mobile $558.13, Tore Up $30.00, Total Scale Service Inc $243.39, Transmap Corporation $16,073.00, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance $393.19, United States Treasury $583.68, Univar Solutions USA Inc. $55,687.42, Urgent Care of Jerome - Billing Dept $105.00, USA Bluebook $362.32, Utility Refunds $1,002.95, Valley View Veterinary Clinic $885.50, Valley Wide Cooperative $35,174.79, Vega Americas Inc $4,594.55, Verizon Wireless $4,430.06, Vermeer Mountain West Inc $558.85, Western States Equipment $189.16, Wickel Tire Inc $2,219.51, Williams Meservy & Larsen LLP $14,142.00, Xpress Bill Pay $2,577.41, Zions First National Bank $1,396,450.06. Councilman Craig made the motion to approve the consent calendar as presented.. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Ross. Upon inquiry by Councilman Craig, Mr. Carpenter confirmed that the payments for the Nez Perce gravity sewer line are to the original contractor for work performed. No other agreements are in place for work yet to be completed. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Peterson, Councilman Craig, and Councilman Ross. NAYS: None. CITIZEN CORRESPONDENCE, ISSUES AND CONCERNS: Nathan York appeared before the council to speak in opposition to Flock cameras. Mr. York stated the community should be allowed to speak up and refuse the installation of Flock cameras, especially given the recent abuse by a Jerome County Sheriff. He further expressed concerns about information shared with other agencies. Mr. York requested that any existing cameras be disconnected and/or removed until the community has the opportunity to consent to their use. Chief Rubink confirmed that the City of Jerome currently does not have any Flock cameras in place. OATH OF OFFICE: Chief Rubink spoke of Officer Derek Rivera who worked for Gooding County and is a current resident of Jerome and a welcome addition to the department. Mayor Barber administered the Oath of Office to Officer Rivera; Officer Rivera was pinned by his wife. HEARTS ACROSS AMERICA, SENIOR PROJECT: Ms. Clark spoke about the Hearts Across the Valley program through CBH Homes that was presented to the Council in 2024 and stated that staff had released a public announcement seeking local artists with no success. She stated that a local high school attendee had reached out recently about a mural for her senior project, and that Ms. Clark had recommended the heart project. The heart will be a cement 5’ by 5’ heart that will be delivered to Jerome and painted by student Ireland. Miss Ireland appeared before the Council and briefly explained her desire to beautify Jerome with a mural as a senior project. She further stated she wanted to do something to share the beauty of Jerome and unify the community. Miss Ireland submitted some designs for the Council’s review, and Ms. Clark stated the base of the heart would have to be painted along with both sides of the heart. She further stated the painted heart would be placed at the pocket park on the northwest corner of Main Street and Tiger Drive. Upon inquiry by Councilman Craig, Miss Ireland stated she preferred the design that included the state flower and a butterfly commonly seen in Jerome. Ms. Clark stated that, once the heart is completely painted, CBH Homes will pick up the heart and apply an anti-graffiti, weather-proof clear coat to protect it. Miss Ireland will be occupying the fire bay at Station 3 to paint the heart after school, and CBH Homes will deliver it to its permanent location once complete. Ms. Clark further stated that CBH Homes will be assisting with the purchase of paint for the project. J-U-B ENGINEERING SERVICES AGREEMENT: Mr. Carpenter spoke of the downtown streetscape construction project and stated a meeting with Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) representatives is scheduled for July 22nd to discuss funding. The project has already begun, and Mr. Carpenter stated the agreement would be for time and materials; he has recommended approval of the full amount of the project. Should ITD fail to provide funding towards the project, the project will be scaled back significantly to fit within the City budget. Upon inquiry by Councilman Craig, Mr. Carpenter confirmed the higher amount proposed for payment includes ITD’s participation. Regarding the scope of work, Justin Scheel with J-U-B appeared before the Council and briefly described the scope of work involved that include ITD requirements of what is constructed and standard engineering practices (staff onsite to cover the project, for example). He reiterated that the agreement is for time and materials, and his staff would only complete work that has been authorized. Upon inquiry by Mayor Barber, Mr. Carpenter stated J-U-B designed the project and the City is responsible for the construction survey needed for the project. Additionally, the lesser amount could be approved although Mr. Carpenter recommended the higher amount to avoid a special Council meeting should ITD agree to participate financially. Upon inquiry by Councilman Craig, Mr. Scheel stated his staff would observe all work as recommended by Mr. Carpenter. Upon inquiry by Mayor Barber, Mr. Carpenter stated a portion of difference in the cost includes construction management (set up meetings, agendas, etc.). Mr. Carpenter further stated that J-U-B did the design for the work on Avenue A and Alder but not the construction. Councilman Ross made the motion to approve an Engineering Services Agreement with J-U-B Engineers, Inc. for construction engineering, surveying and inspection of the Downtown Streetscape project for an amount of $504,800.00. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Peterson. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Peterson, Councilman Craig, and Councilman Ross. NAYS: None. CONTRACT AWARD, FILLMORE STREET REHABILITATION CONSTRUCTION: Mr. Carpenter stated the bid opening for the Fillmore Street Rehabilitation construction project was held on July 1, 2026 and five bids were received. The project will include rebuilding the entire roadway and installing curb, gutter and sidewalk where none exists. Additionally, water services will be replaced. The project will extend from Main Street to Avenue I on Fillmore. Mr. Carpenter stated the bids ranged from $2.2 million to $3.2 million and the lowest bid was submitted by Triple J Excavation, LLC. The bid was reviewed and found to be in compliance, and Mr. Carpenter has recommended the contract be awarded to Triple J Excavation, LLC. Upon inquiry by Councilman Peterson, Mr. Carpenter stated the engineer’s estimate for the project was approximately $2.65 million; two years ago, the project was bid out and one bid was received for approximately $3 million. Additionally, Mr. Carpenter is not aware of work done by Triple J in Jerome, and Mr. Scheel stated limited experience with the company has been positive. Upon inquiry by Mayor Barber, Mr. Carpenter stated he was comfortable with the contract award to Triple J. Councilman Craig made the motion to approve a contract award to Triple J Excavation LLC for construction of the Fillmore Street Rehabilitation construction project for the unit price bid of $2,207,251.50. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Ross. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Peterson, Councilman Craig, and Councilman Ross. NAYS: None. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE RENEWALS AUGUST 1, 2026 – JULY 31, 2027: Ms. Coderniz spoke of the annual alcohol license renewals and stated that all license holders, with the exception of one, have submitted their renewal documents. Several of the businesses are lacking required paperwork and still have minor building and fire code corrections to pass their inspections. No licenses will be issued until such time as all applications, fees, and copies of state and county licenses have been received and inspections passed. Any business not licensed effective midnight July 31, 2026 will not be allowed to sell alcohol until such license procedure is completed. Chief Rubink will be provided a list of those establishments for notification and enforcement purposes. Councilman Craig made the motion to approve the Alcoholic Beverage License renewal applications as presented contingent upon completion of paperwork, payment of fees, proof of obtaining state and county licenses, and passing building and fire inspections. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Peterson. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Peterson, Councilman Craig, and Councilman Ross. NAYS: None. FISCAL YEAR 2027 PRELIMINARY BUDGET PRESENTATION: Mr. Hyatt appeared before the Council to present the Fiscal Year 2027 preliminary budget. The timeline for the budget approval includes setting the tentative budget on August 4th whereby maximum expenditures are set, and public hearing and final adoption of the budget on August 18th. He spoke of the City’s mission statement and reviewed the budget drivers and key priorities listed in the City’s strategic plan. These include providing for public health and safety; maintaining current level of City services; complying with fund balance reserve policy; continuing sidewalk maintenance and funding connectivity initiatives; providing for short- and long- term sustainability; and, prioritizing staffing pay and benefits. A key policy decision of the Council is to consider the property tax levy, and Mr. Hyatt stated the city’s taxable value increased substantially from $1.2 billion to $1.4 billion. Upon inquiry by Mayor Barber, Mr. Hyatt stated staff has requested reports from the assessor to identify the increases in residential or commercial properties with no success, although it is believed that the majority of the increase is from commercial/industrial. Mr. Hyatt spoke of the FY2027 budget including the 3% budget growth of $214,000, $115,000 for new construction, and 1% operating from the forgone in the amount of $75,000. Property tax scenarios were reviewed based on assumptions and the proposed budget, and net levy rate comparisons were shown to compare the City of Jerome to other cities of similar size. The budget includes $7.6 million in salaries and benefits, an increase of 7.6% compared to FY2026; this figure includes payroll taxes and a 4% salary increase for staff. A substantial increase in health insurance premiums of 22% is also included in the budget. Mr. Hyatt noted that the city has 109.25 full time positions including the Mayor and Council; the quarter percent accounts for library positions that fluctuate between full time and part time. Governmental funds were reviewed at length, and Mr. Hyatt noted that the General Fund supports the following city contracts and departments: Mayor and Council, Administration, Finance, Legal, Police, Animal Control, Fire, and Building. The General Fund budget is $7.6 million, an increase of 7.5% from FY2026, and highlights include operations and maintenance costs, savings for future building costs, vehicles and equipment for the departments listed. He noted that the Council discretionary funds are not always spent but do not carry over into the next year. The Street fund was reviewed briefly and Mr. Hyatt noted a 63% decrease due to construction projects expected to be completed this year. Highlights include operations and maintenance, sidewalk projects, equipment lease/purchases, savings for a new public works shop, and significant street projects. The Library fund budget decreased by 7% and includes ebooks, eAudiobooks, books and savings for carpet and hardware (annual budget items). The Parks fund increased by 10% and includes operations and maintenance along with playground equipment savings and vehicle replacement. Mr. Hyatt reviewed Proprietary Funds which include the Wastewater, Water, Irrigation and Sanitation funds. The Wastewater fund decreased 18% compared to FY2026 based on reduced capital and debt service that matured. Highlights include capital asset purchases, sewer line replacements and equipment purchases. Mr. Hyatt spoke of a 5.5% increase in operating usage and capital base rates to address inflation and address future capital needs. Staff continues to see increases in chemical costs and utilities, and therefore recommends incremental increases. He noted that the average sewer bill is approximately $66 per month. Staff proposes an increase in the Water fund of 14% due to significant capital increases and maturing debt service. Highlights include lease/purchases, water rights and shop savings and equipment purchases including flow meters. A rate increase of 5.5% to water operating and capital usage and base rates will be recommended to address inflation and future capital needs. Water rates are lower in comparison to surrounding municipalities. The Irrigation fund budget reflects a capital decrease due to a large purchase in FY2026; highlights include piping replacement, equipment purchases and a 6% rate increase to address inflation and capital needs. The Sanitation fund includes a 4% rate increase per the current contract with PSI; the sanitation rate in Jerome is lower than that of most surround municipalities as well. Internal Service funds include Human Resources, Engineering and the IT departments. Highlights include a salary survey, professional services for surveying/testing, and equipment purchases and replacements Mr. Hyatt reviewed the total budget figures of approximately $29.9 million for FY2027 and the average costs for the average Jerome resident. The preliminary budget books will be provided to Council for extensive review prior to the tentative budget presentation on August 4th. Upon inquiry by Mayor Barber, Mr. Hyatt stated that the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPIU) of 4.2% was projected for the PSI increase. Upon inquiry by Councilman Peterson, Mr. Hyatt stated reserves are healthy with the exception of the Sanitation fund. Additionally, the tentative budget will be presented on August 4th to set maximum expenditures. COUNCIL REPORTS: Councilman Craig inquired about communications with the cemetery sexton regarding the construction situation at the cemetery; the city’s responsibilities at the new interchange in terms of maintenance (plans will be provided); curb replacement downtown based on needs, sloping sidewalks, concerns with the construction and replacement needs should damages occur; trees planted downtown that were not supposed to produce fruit and the need for replacement due to the mess on the sidewalks; and the trees in front of Maverik and near the Family Dollar that need to be trimmed for pedestrian traffic. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Councilman Ross made the motion to enter into executive session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)(c) to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency at 6:30 p.m. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Peterson. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Peterson, Councilman Craig, and Councilman Ross. NAYS: None. ADJOURNMENT: There being nothing further to discuss, Mayor Barber reconvened and adjourned this July 21, 2026 regular meeting of the Jerome City Council at 6:48 p.m. By: Christopher Barber, Mayor Attest: Bernadette Coderniz, City Clerk