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minutes meeting date 2026-05-19 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 15514 characters · official file · plain text
May 19, 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, Councilman Dale Ross, and Councilwoman Jeri Ahrens. Also present were staff members: Acting Clerk Katie Elliott, City Administrator Mike Williams, City Engineer Tyson Carpenter, Wastewater Superintendent Brad Henry, Building Official Kortnie Kent, Finance Director Ross Hyatt, Accounting and Budget Manager Lori McCrae, Planning and Zoning Manager Ida Clark, Human Services Director Esmeralda Chavez, IS Director Carlos Hernandez, Fire Chief Mike Harrison, and Police Chief Duane Rubink. City Clerk Bernadette Coderniz was excused. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Barber led the audience in recitation of the pledge of allegiance. CONSENT CALENDAR: Those items contained in the consent calendar are as follows: 1. Approve the minutes of the May 5, 2026 regular meeting 2. Approve payment to the following: • Aerzen USA Corp. – 10% upon startup WW MBR blower, $22,983.20 • Any and All LLC – URA Nez Perce to H gravity sewer, $10,084.00 • Ardurra Group Inc. – WW improvements plan, 7,646.25; S. Fillmore, $3,421.25 • Keller Associates Inc. – general engineering services, $2,621.25; sewer modeling for Yakima, $3,836.25 • Magic Valley Restoration – Senior Center interior repairs, antifreeze leak $4,865.28 • Merrick & Co. – MBR blower replacement, $952.50 and $3,889.50 • Precision Engineering LLC – Yakima, Lincoln/Yakima intersection, $89,000.00 3. Monthly Department Reports 4. Approve Claims 20-20 Autoglass $40.00, Aerzen USA Corporation $22,983.20, Alondra Becerra $13.55, Amazon Capital Services $4,845.54, American Legal Publishing Corp. $1,240.77, Analytical Laboratories Inc. $3,439.89, Andersons Inc $2,166.12, Any and All LLC $10,084.00, Applied Control Equipment Lllp $6,469.00, Ardurra Group Inc $11,067.50, Associated Business Forms LLC $1,894.63, Association of Idaho Cities $650.00, Badger Meter $1,941.20, Bdp Industries $1,677.74, Bison Pipe & Supply LLC $81.59, Brenntag Pacific Inc $19,045.50, Bullock Automation and Electric $2,990.00, B-Z Plumbing $277.60, Candlewood Suites $550.00, Canyonside Towing Inc. $475.00, Center Point Large Print $99.48, Century Link $5,754.05, Centurylink Business Services $68.49, Chase Paymenttech $3,095.89, Cintas Corporation $429.79, City of Twin Falls $2,500.00, Cnh Industrial America LLC $48.53, Column Software Pbc $120.13, Con Paulos Inc. $24.99, Copy-It LLC $24.00, Counter Strike Supply Company $647.00, Crossroad Point Owners Assn. $411.28, Culligan Soft Water Service $342.49, Cynthia Mauzerall $280.00, D & B Supply $6,446.84, Dept of Environmental Quality $678,315.55, Dewitt Diesel Inc $585.29, Dex Imaging LLC $282.08, Dig Line Inc $323.70, Ednetics Inc $87.45, Elan Credit Cards $11,684.10, Element Heating and Cooling Inc $240.00, Emergency Responders Health $960.00, Farmore of Idaho $1,804.22, Floyd Lilly Co $416.85, Freedom Mailing Services Inc $2,730.47, Gem State Paper & Supply $60.88, Goble Sampson Associates Inc. $2,660.00, Go-Fer It Express $556.65, Greatamerica Financial Services $167.56, Hach Company $1,073.23, Heglar Creek Electric LLC $138.09, Home Depot Credit Services $59.98, Hub City Building Inc $25.46, Hydro Specialties Company $26,123.42, Idaho Materials and Construction $792.00, Idaho Power Co. $99,430.35, Idaho State Police $2,293.75, Industrial Systems Inc. $2,146.00, Ingram Book Company $1,492.04, Intermountain Gas Company $1,718.17, Jeneal Chapman $1,020.00, Jerome County $14,991.29, Jerome Printshop $105.00, Jimenez Auto Repair LLC $3,447.81, Jim's Repair & Distributing $50.00, Joe Mama's Car Show LLC $2,000.00, J-U-B Engineers Inc. $5,491.80, Kaminsky Sullenberger & Associates Inc $3,500.00, Keller Associates Inc $7,507.50, Kenworth Sales Company $611.41, Landia Inc $8,962.76, Larene Morley $97.00, Laughlin Ricks Architecture LLC $5,750.00, Les Schwab Tire Centers Inc $2,492.29, Lytle Signs Inc $887.88, Magic Valley Hydraulics & Repair LLC $119.02, Magic Valley Labs $14,653.50, Magic Valley Restoration $4,865.28, Marky's Supertow $195.00, Merrick & Company $4,842.00, Metroquip Inc. $798.32, Midland Scientific Inc $501.10, Minert & Associates Inc. $90.00, Mountainland Supply Company $5,927.73, Mwi Veterinary Supply $2,185.04, Napa Auto Parts $1,046.71, New Life Cleaning LLC $2,130.00, Off Road Revivals $600.00, Ovivo USA LLC $1,491.79, Oxarc, Inc. $37.20, Park Place Technologies LLC $50.00, Parkland USA Corporation $899.99, Pinnacle Technologies $9,151.53, Precision Engineering LLC $89,000.00, Prevent Fire Solutions $638.64, Pro-Flame Inc $139.40, Project Mutual Telephone $332.94, Quadient Finance USA Inc $2,085.00, Rain For Rent Inc. $12,183.07, Republic Services Inc $2,428.08, Rexel USA Inc $5,540.58, Ridley's Food & Drug $338.89, Ryan Hennessy Wastewater $365.00, Sawtooth Veterinary Services $350.00, Scales Nw LLC $579.00, Signed Sealed & Delivered $28.39, Silversky Inc - Dept 106071 $2,811.19, Skaggs Companies Inc. $232.25, Southern Idaho Solid Waste $30,085.50, Spring Cleaning $1,400.00, Symbolarts LLC $422.50, Tacoma Screw Products Inc $434.24, Thatcher Company $35,310.40, The Fire Store $1,370.23, The Quikrete Companies $804.00, The Radar Shop $1,475.00, The Riverside Hotel $525.00, T-Mobile $406.41, Tribal Fire Systems LLC $930.00, Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office $195.00, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance $393.19, Underwood Recycling $81.60, Urgent Care of Jerome - Billing Dept $270.00, USA Bluebook $3,079.84, Utility Refunds $215.71, Valley Wide Cooperative $31,821.38, Verizon Wireless $3,398.95, Vermeer Mountain West Inc $519.47, Watts Hydrolic and Steam Store $131.04, Westech Engineering LLC $22,451.67, Western States Equipment $7,558.18, Wickel Tire Inc $216.00, Williams Meservy & Larsen LLP $14,142.00, Winn & Co. Inc. $19,625.60, Xerox Business Solutions LLC $764.27, Xpress Bill Pay $2,519.68, Zoro Tools Inc $7,767.99. 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, Ms. Kent stated there were several areas of the sprinkler system that were leaking below the Senior Center and walls were damaged. The leaks have been repaired. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilwoman Ahrens, Councilman Craig, Councilman Ross, Councilman Peterson. NAYS: None. OATHS OF OFFICE: Chief Rubink spoke of Officer Clifford and stated he came from Twin Falls. He lives in Jerome and is a welcome addition to the department. Mayor Barber administered the Oath of Office, and Officer Clifford was pinned by his wife and son. Chief Rubink spoke of Officer Jones and stated he came from Gooding and has also been a welcome addition to the department. Mayor Barber administered the Oath of Office, and Officer Jones was pinned by wife. Chief Rubink stated that Officer Martin also came from Gooding and is a seasoned officer who will be an asset to the department. Mayor Barber administered the Oath of Office, and Officer Martin was pinned by his fiancé. RESOLUTION NO. 07-26: Ms. Chavez stated the hourly and salary pay tables were originally established in 2015 based on a compensation study conducted by Weaver & Associates. It was recommended that the tables be reviewed and adjusted annually to ensure of alignment with the current market. The tables have been shifted several times throughout the years with the last shift in 2024. The purpose of the shifts were to stay competitive and continue attracting and retaining quality employees. Ms. Chavez spoke of the table shift and some confusion with city-wide salary increases. The tables list every position and the shift may affect some employees, and Ms. Chavez stated that presenting the table shift now will assist with the budgeting process. There was brief discussion on table shifts and the impact to various departments. Mr. Williams stated the shift was not a market-based approach but that a market study could result in further adjustments. He further stated this shift is separate from cost of living and/or merit increases to avoid confusion. Councilman Peterson stated that some departments may require adjustments, and Chief Rubink spoke of bringing on police offices with and without prior experience. The clerk read Resolution No. 07-26 in full as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 07-26 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEROME, IDAHO, AMENDING RESOLUTION NO. 16-22 AND ADOPTING THE SALARY AND HOURLY PAY RANGE TABLES FOR THE EMPLOYEES OF THE CITY OF JEROME; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City of Jerome’s Compensation Plan was originally adopted in 1990 and amended several times thereafter; and WHEREAS, the Salary and Hourly Pay Range Tables were established in 2015 and were shifted 5% on February 1, 2021, 3% on October 1, 2022, 5% on October 1, 2023, and 5% on October 1, 2024; WHEREAS, the Salary and Hourly Pay Range Tables were recently updated to include a 3% shift from the previously amended ones and provide the recommended salary ranges for each position; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Mayor and Council of the City of Jerome, Idaho, that: Section 1: Amending Resolution 16-22. Resolution 16-22 is amended. Section 2. Adoption of Revised Salary and Hourly Pay Range Tables. The Mayor and Council of the City of Jerome, Idaho hereby adopt the City of Jerome’s Salary and Hourly Pay Range Tables attached as Exhibit “A”. Section 3. Effective Date. This Resolution shall be effective on October 1, 2026 and upon its passage and approval by the Jerome City Council. PASSED BY THE COUNCIL this 19th day of May, 2026. SIGNED BY THE MAYOR this 19th day of May, 2026. By: /s/ Christopher J. Barber Christopher J. Barber, Mayor ATTEST: /s/ Katie Elliott for Bernadette Coderniz, City Clerk Councilman Craig made the motion to pass Resolution No. 07-26 – Amending Resolution No. 16-22 and adopting the Salary and Hourly Pay Range Tables for the employees of the City of Jerome; and providing for an effective date. Second to the motion was made by Councilwoman Ahrens. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilwoman Ahrens, Councilman Craig, Councilman Ross, Councilman Peterson. NAYS: None. MEMBRANE CASSETTES PURCHASE: Mr. Henry spoke of the City of Star and an offer to purchase sixty (60) membrane cassettes from their facility as they are upgrading and no longer needing the cassettes. The cassettes are 3-4 years old and from a facility that only treats residential and light commercial waste. The purchase of new membranes would cost over $700,000 while this purchase would cost approximately $100,000. Upon inquiry by Mayor Barber, Mr. Henry stated the Kubota membranes are from Japan. Upon inquiry by Councilwoman Ahrens, Mr. Henry stated the life expectancy of the membranes is approximately 10 years; based on the City’s flow the membranes tend to last approximately 6 years. These membranes are coming a plant with only residential flow, and Mr. Henry stated that staff will physically inspect the membranes prior to the final purchase. Additionally, the membranes will be delivered 20 at a time as they will be phased out of the City of Star during their replacement phase. Those membranes not used will be covered for storage. Mr. Williams stated this type of purchase is uncommon, and the market rate for membranes of their age does not exist. He stated the City of Star is upgrading to newer and more efficient membranes, something the City of Jerome would like to do as well on a gradual basis. The membranes should be in good shape considering their current use, and Mr. Williams stated this purchase will result in significant savings to the department. He reiterated that the membranes will be examined by staff before the final purchase is made. Upon inquiry by Mayor Barber, Mr. Henry stated the department currently has six basins with 20 membranes in each basin, and an additional 10 new membranes are still in storage. Upon inquiry by Councilman Peterson, Mr. Henry stated that 20 membrane cassettes usually cost approximately $708,000. Councilman Ross inquired about a procedure for taking the membranes offline and stored properly, and Mr. Henry stated the membranes could be dried out and revitalized with a specific chemical. Councilman Ross made the motion to approve the funds for the purchase of 60 Kubota Membrane cassettes from The City of Star in the amount of $100,000.00. Second to the motion was made by Councilwoman Peterson. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilwoman Ahrens, Councilman Craig, Councilman Ross, Councilman Peterson. NAYS: None. DISCUSSION REGARDING NUISANCE CODE: Ms. Clark spoke of vacant homes due to fires or other unsafe conditions, and stated that the Jerome Municipal Code (JMC) does not provide clear guidance pertaining to the condition of a building once vacant. The addition of language in the JMC, including the definition of a hazardous and/or dangerous building, is recommended to provide a process for staff to take action as deemed necessary (removal of transients, fines to property owners for violations, etc.). Extensive discussion ensued regarding: The International Code of Best Practices; the processes and codes of other municipalities; other structures besides residential homes i.e. shops, detached garages, etc.; accessory dwelling units (ADU’s) and the new legislation with specific instructions, restrictions, etc. (code will be amended by February 1, 2027); and, legislation pertaining to starter home subdivisions. Ms. Clark stated the JMC will be revised per Council’s direction. COUNCIL REPORTS: Councilman Craig inquired about responsibility for maintenance i.e. weeds, run off ponds, etc. at the interstate interchange (Idaho Transportation Department’s responsibility); an active agreement with ITD for landscaping and maintenance; limited maintenance for the parks department in that area; trees and stakes in front of the tennis courts and R&R Pharmacy that are of concern; Council persons as officials of the City and not employees; and, Council persons spraying weeds with 2,4-D on their own (not recommended due to potential exposure to liability issues). DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Mr. Williams was pleased to be in attendance at the meeting. ADJOURNMENT: There being nothing further to discuss, Mayor Barber adjourned this May 19, 2026 regular meeting of the Jerome City Council at 6:12 p.m. By: Christopher Barber, Mayor Attest: Bernadette Coderniz, City Clerk
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