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minutes meeting date 2026-04-07 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 23792 characters · official file · plain text
April 7, 2026
This regular meeting of the Jerome City Council was called to order by Mayor Barber at
5:30 p.m. While council chambers were open to the public, the meeting was also held by
teleconference and the public was encouraged to continue with social distancing. 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 Christopher Barber, Councilman Jason Peterson, Councilman Bryan
Craig, Councilman Dale Ross, and Councilwoman Jeri Ahrens.
Also present were staff members: City Clerk Bernadette Coderniz, Legal Counsel Ted
Larsen, City Engineer Tyson Carpenter, Public Works Director Jon Caton, Wastewater
Superintendent Brad Henry, Building Official Kortnie Kent, Finance Director Ross Hyatt,
Accounting and Budget Manager Lori McCrae, Library Directory Linda Mecham, Planning and
Zoning Manager Ida Clark, Human Resources Director Esmeralda Chavez, IS Director Carlos
Hernandez, Deputy Fire Chief Lane Sickles, 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 Deacon Jeff Powers with St. Jerome Catholic Church.
FRONTIER COMMUNITY RESOURCES CHECK PRESENTATION:
Mayor Barber thanked Ms. Clark for her efforts in seeking the SMILES grant, and Ms.
Clark thanked Frontier Community Resources for the grant and the opportunity to improve
downtown Jerome. The grant funds will be utilized for the purchase of planters at the
intersection of Main and Lincoln. The planters will be custom-ordered for their quality and Ms.
Clark noted they will be able to withstand salt and freezing temperatures in the winter months. It
is anticipated that the planters will be utilized year-round with plants in the spring/summer
months and decorations in the winter months, and they will be monogrammed with “Jerome.”
The planters will be placed at the intersection of Main and Lincoln and placed throughout
downtown. Dr. Michelle McFarlane with Frontier Community Resources presented a $5,000
check to the City.
PUBLIC HEARING 1:
This being the time and place published to consider an ordinance of the Mayor and City
Council of the City of Jerome, Idaho, repealing Chapter 17.110 of the Jerome Municipal Code in
its entirety; declaring that the subject matter of said chapter is within the jurisdiction of Jerome
County; providing for severability; and providing an effective date, the Chair called the public
hearing open at 5:36 p.m. and briefly reviewed the procedures that will be followed.
Staff Presentation:
Ms. Clark spoke of Idaho Code 67-6526 updated effective July 1, 2024 pertaining to
Areas of City Impact. She stated the City was required to renegotiate the Areas of Impact in
conformance with the new language in the code and establish the areas by December 31, 2025.
City staff met with the Jerome County Commissioners who approved and adopted the new area.
Ms. Clark noted that the new language in Idaho Code clearly defines the area of impact as within
the County’s control. Edits were made to the County’s Area of City Impact ordinance including
uses and how development occurs, and Ms. Clark stated the County adopted “Chapter 10” that
outlines requirements in the ordinance (i.e. the County is still required to send applications for
special use permits and lot line adjustments in the Area of Impact to the City for review) and that
they will still work with the City on roads and setbacks. Ms. Clark stated that the existing
Jerome Municipal Code pertaining to Areas of City Impact are no longer needed nor compliant.
A public hearing was held before the Planning and Zoning Commission, and the commission
recommended that Title 17.110 of the Jerome Municipal Code be repealed.
There being no testimony to be heard, the Chair declared the public hearing closed at
5:39 p.m.
ORDINANCE 1252, BILL 737 REPEAL JMC 17.110, INTRODUCTION:
Councilman Craig sponsored the bill.
Councilman Ross moved to suspend the rules pertaining to the reading of the bill on three
separate occasions and have the clerk read once by title only to constitute the three readings.
Second to the motion was made by Councilman Craig. After consideration, the motion passed
unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Craig, Councilman Ross, Councilman
Peterson, and Councilwoman Ahrens. NAYS: None.
The clerk read Bill No. 737 by title only; the ordinance in full is as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 1252
BILL NO. 737
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
JEROME, IDAHO, REPEALING CHAPTER 17.110 OF THE JEROME MUNICIPAL
CODE IN ITS ENTIRETY; DECLARING THAT THE SUBJECT MATTER OF SAID
CHAPTER IS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF JEROME COUNTY; PROVIDING
FOR SEVERABILITY; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS: Idaho Code § 67‑6526(a) finds that the areas of impact are properly under the
jurisdiction of the county.
WHEREAS: The City of Jerome and Jerome County have established an Area of Impact and
Jerome County has adopted code for development and uses within the Area of Impact; and
WHEREAS: The provisions of Chapter 17.110 of the Jerome Municipal Code pertain to matters
now administered and enforced under the jurisdiction of Jerome County pursuant to Idaho Code
§ 67‑6526; and
WHEREAS: It is appropriate to repeal Chapter 17.110 to eliminate duplicative or conflicting
regulations and to ensure consistent administration of land use controls within the proper
jurisdiction.
BE IT THEREFORE ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
JEROME AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. Purpose.
The Mayor and City Council of the City of Jerome find that Chapter 17.110 of the Jerome
Municipal Code addresses matters now determined to fall under the regulatory and
administrative jurisdiction of Jerome County. To avoid duplication of authority, inconsistency in
enforcement, and unnecessary regulation, the City of Jerome hereby repeals Chapter 17.110 in its
entirety.
Section 2. Repeal.
Chapter 17.110 of the Jerome Municipal Code is hereby repealed in its entirety. All provisions
contained therein shall be of no further force or effect within the City of Jerome.
Section 3. Severability.
If a part of this ordinance is ruled invalid, all valid parts that are severable from the invalid part
remain in effect. If a part of the ordinance is ruled invalid in one or more of its applications, the
part remains in effect for all valid applications that are separate from the invalid applications.
Section 4. Effective Date.
This ordinance shall be in full force and effect upon its passage, approval, and publication as
provided by law.
PASSED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL of the City of Jerome, Idaho, this 7th day of April,
2026.
CITY OF JEROME, IDAHO
By:
/s/ Christopher J. Barber
Christopher J. Barber, Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Bernadette Coderniz
Bernadette Coderniz, City Clerk
Councilman Ross moved to adopt Bill No. 737, Ordinance No. 1252. Second to the
motion was made by Councilman Ahrens. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously
by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Craig, Councilman Ross, Councilman Peterson, and
Councilwoman Ahrens. NAYS: None.
PUBLIC HEARING 2:
This being the time and place published to consider an ordinance of the Mayor and City
Council of Jerome, Idaho, amending Jerome Municipal Code Sections: 17.03.005, adding to the
accessory use or structure definition; 17.14.020, adding setbacks for front porches and minimum
front lot width; 17.18.020, requiring front entrances; and providing for an effective date, the
Chair called the public hearing open at 5:42 p.m. and briefly reviewed the procedures that will be
followed.
Staff Presentation:
Ms. Clark spoke of the proposed amendments to Title 17 and advised that additional
amendments would be presented to the Council at a future date. She stated the Planning and
Zoning Commission had previously discussed language changes to the Jerome Municipal Code
and reviewed a variety of changes. The commission questioned storage containers, railroad cars,
etc. being used as accessory structures, and new language defined where they would or not be
allowed. Upon inquiry by Councilwoman Ahrens, Ms. Clark stated they would not be allowed in
a residential front yard unless they were placed there temporarily during remodeling.
Councilman Craig confirmed that they could be placed in a backyard as the code does not
disallow them. Ms. Clark stated the purpose of the new language is to allow commercial zones
to have them during construction, or as a permanent structure if they meet design guidelines (i.e.
neutral colors). Regarding front porches, Ms. Clark stated the commission heard three variance
requests and discovered that the existing code does not address porch placement. Language is
proposed to include porches so that a variance request would no longer be required. Other
proposed additions to the code include a minimum lot front width required for new subdivisions,
and for single family homes to have a front door and porch facing a street. It is believed that this
requirement would prevent “crowding” of homes on narrow lots. Ms. Clark reached out to other
local municipalities and found that others also have this requirement in their respective codes.
Upon inquiry by Councilman Craig, Ms. Clark stated there are homes still being built on narrow
lots that do not meet this requirement. Upon inquiry by Mayor Barber, Mr. Larsen stated the
City has the ability to approve or disapprove a subdivision and/or design before the issuance of a
building permit. Councilman Craig confirmed that additional language changes would be
presented to the Council at a future date, and Ms. Clark stated the majority of subdivisions have
lots and designs that are aesthetically pleasing. The existing code addresses minimum lot widths
of twenty-five feet, and this has allowed for narrow subdivisions to be approved although the
overall design was not desirable. Councilman Peterson spoke of a recent subdivision approval
and mandates from the legislature regarding smaller lots; House Bill 800 references
manufactured homes and ‘starter home’ subdivisions. Ms. Clark stated the City’s
Comprehensive Plan must be amended by February 1, 2027, and that the Planning Chapter will
be meeting to review new legislation.
There being no testimony to be heard, the Chair declared the public hearing closed at
5:55 p.m.
ORDINANCE 1253, BILL 738 TITLE 17 AMENDMENTS, INTRODUCTION:
Councilman Craig sponsored the bill.
Councilman Peterson moved to suspend the rules pertaining to the reading of the bill on
three separate occasions and have the clerk read once by title only to constitute the three
readings. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Ross. After consideration, the motion
passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Craig, Councilman Ross,
Councilman Peterson, and Councilwoman Ahrens. NAYS: None.
The clerk read Bill No. 738 by title only, and the ordinance in full is as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 1253
BILL NO. 738
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF JEROME, IDAHO,
AMENDING JEROME MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS: 17.03.005, ADDING TO THE
ACCESSORY USE OR STRUCTURE DEFINITION; 17.14.020, ADDING SETBACKS
FOR FRONT PORCHES, MINIMUM FRONT LOT WIDTH, AND REQUIRING FRONT
ENTRANCES; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the Accessory Use definition needs to be amended to include cargo and shipping
containers in residential and commercial zones; and
WHEREAS, clarification is necessary for setbacks for open front porches; and
WHEREAS, a minimum front lot width for subdivision is needed along with primary entrances
for single-family housing; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held before the Planning and Zoning Commission pursuant to
notice on the 10th day of February 2026; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held before the City Council pursuant to notice on the 7th day
of April 2026;
BE IT THEREFORE ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
JEROME AS FOLLOWS:
I.
Section 17.03.005 of the Jerome Municipal Code shall be amended as follows:
17.03.005: ACCESSORY USE OR STRUCTURE:
A use or structure on the same lot with, and of a nature customarily incidental and
subordinate to, the principal use or structure. In residential zones, accessory
uses/structures include, but are not limited to, detached carports and garages, pool houses
and cabanas, amateur radio and satellite dish antennas, barns, corrals, stables, and similar
uses and structures. In nonresidential zones, accessory uses/structures include, but are not
limited to, detached carports and garages, caretaker's quarters, guardhouses, storage
sheds, outdoor storage structures, microwave and satellite dish antennas, and similar uses
and structures.
Cargo or shipping containers may be used as temporary storage structures in any zoning
district during active construction or remodeling on a permitted site. Such containers
shall be removed within thirty (30) days of the issuance of a certificate of occupancy or
the completion of the construction project, whichever occurs first. In Commercial and
Industrial zoning districts, cargo or shipping containers may be used or maintained as
permanent accessory structures, provided they are neutral in color, well maintained, and
do not pose a safety hazard. Additional screening or placement standards may be required
as specified elsewhere in this title.
II.
Section 17.14.020 of the Jerome Municipal Code shall be amended as follows:
17.14.020 Schedule of Building Height and Lot Area Regulations
B. Note Conditions:
1. Setback reductions (to be measured from the foundation to the property line):
a. No portion of the structure may extend more than three feet (3') into the side
yard setback;
b. Open structures such as porches, canopies, balconies, platforms, carports,
covered patios and similar architectural projections shall be considered part of the
building to which it is attached and shall not project more than fifteen feet (15') into the
required rear yard setback and shall not encroach more than ten feet (10’) into the front
yard setback or easement, whichever is greater. Visibility shall not be impeded on corner
lots;
c. A garage, carport, or other accessory building detached from a residential
structure may be constructed within three feet (3') from the rear and side property line
within the zones and for the yards indicated.
…
F. Any lots within the residential zones shall have a minimum front lot width of fifty feet
(50’). Flag or cul-de-sac lots shall be a minimum of 30 feet (30’). It is not the intent of
the minimum front lot width to restrict old townsite lots, 25 feet (25’), zoned Central
Business District, when building, rebuilding, or promoting infill. Old townsite lots, 25
feet (25’), not zoned Central Business District, shall meet the standard unless a pre-
existing permanent building exists. If no other options are available, 25 feet (25’) shall be
allowed. All other applicable code shall apply.
G. Each single-family dwelling must have a primary entrance facing the street with a
porch or a landing.
III.
This ordinance shall be effective upon its approval, passage, and publication as provided
by law.
PASSED BY THE COUNCIL this 7th day of April, 2026.
SIGNED BY THE MAYOR this 7th day of April, 2026.
CITY OF JEROME, IDAHO
By:
/s/ Christopher J. Barber
Christopher J. Barber, Mayor
ATTEST:
/s/ Bernadette Coderniz
Bernadette Coderniz, City Clerk
Councilman Peterson moved to adopt Bill No. 738, Ordinance No. 1253. Second to the
motion was made by Councilman Craig. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by
the following vote: AYES: Councilman Craig, Councilman Ross, Councilman Peterson, and
Councilwoman Ahrens. NAYS: None.
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Those items contained in the consent calendar are as follows:
1. Approve the minutes of the March 17, 2026 regular meeting
2. Approve application of the LDS Mormon Tabernacle for choir video presentation of
America Celebration at ICCU Park on June 26th
3. Approve Findings and Conclusions for a request from Tyler Davis-Jeffers, Summit
Creek Development for approval of a final plat for a Light Industrial Subdivision of
the property described as RPJ00000243029A, Tax 2204783 of SEC 24 T8 R16,
more commonly known as the cultivated field on the south side of West Main Street
between Producers Livestock Auction 11 S 100 W and 961 West Main Street,
Jerome, Idaho, containing approximately 46.15 acres
Councilman Ross made the motion to approve the consent calendar as presented. Second
to the motion was made by Councilman Peterson. Mayor Barber spoke of Collin Sharp’s
attendance at the meeting and thanked him for their efforts. After consideration, the motion
passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Craig, Councilman Ross,
Councilman Peterson, and Councilwoman Ahrens. NAYS: None.
PROCLAMATION – FAIR HOUSING MONTH, APRIL 2026:
The clerk read the proclamation in full as follows:
Jerome Fair Housing Proclamation
FAIR HOUSING MONTH
WHEREAS, April marks the anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act of 1968,
which sought to eliminate discrimination in housing opportunities and to
affirmatively further housing choices for all Americans; and
WHEREAS, the ongoing struggle for dignity and housing opportunity for all is not the
exclusive province of the Federal government; and
WHEREAS, vigorous local efforts to combat discrimination can be as effective, if not more so,
than Federal efforts; and
WHEREAS, illegal barriers to equal opportunity in housing, no matter how subtle, diminish the
rights of all;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,
that in the pursuit of the shared goal and responsibility of providing equal housing
opportunities for all men and women, the Jerome City Council of Jerome, Idaho,
does hereby join in the national celebration by proclaiming
APRIL, 2026
as
FAIR HOUSING MONTH
and encourages all agencies, institutions and individuals, public and private, in
Jerome to abide by the letter and the spirit of the Fair Housing law.
Signed and sealed this 7th day of April, 2026.
/s/ Christopher J. Barber
Christopher J. Barber, Mayor
The Council signified support of the proclamation with unanimous “ayes.”
CONTRACT AWARD – JEROME DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION PROJECT:
Mr. Carpenter stated one bid was received on April 1st for the downtown revitalization
project on Main and Lincoln, and he noted there was a slight discrepancy with the amount
provided in the bid. The project was bid due to the anticipated cost overrun on the project, and
different bid amounts were requested based on location of each section of the project. The base
bid for the Main Street portion came in at $5,420,992.35, and the next section on Avenue A was
$358,756.30. Three additive items were also included in the bid and varied in price but within
the $300,000-$400,000 range. Based on available funding, Mr. Carpenter excluded the additive
items. Extensive discussion ensued, and topics included: the exact location of the work with this
bid; the ability to award the base bid at minimum and then add other sections via change order to
the project; Schedule A identified as the section of Lincoln from Main Street to Avenue A to tie
in to the recent project on W. Avenue A; the budgeted amount of $5.5 million; overage funds to
come from the Street Department funds; $3.2 in URA bonds plus $2.7 in Idaho Department
Transportation funds; additional project costs aside from the total; the best approach for
approving the project based on funding; providing for unanticipated expenses; URA funding and
potential reimbursement from the URA should the board approve, taking into consideration bond
repayment and increment revenues coming in; the potential project previously discussed at the
corner of Main and Lincoln and how this project would tie into it; leaving some of the current
project elements out for additions at a future date; infrastructure needs and placement (sewer line
and water line placement); pursuing the section on Lincoln from Main to Avenue A; the Fillmore
Street project that will be bid out soon; the Yakima project in design and funded by the URA;
approval of this bid at Council’s discretion; and, the timeline for the beginning of construction
based on Council approval (10-14 days to get contracts in place, submittal reviews in May, etc.).
Mr. Carpenter stated the price is “locked in” if the bid is accepted within the next 30 days.
Councilman Craig made the motion to approve a contract award to Idaho Materials and
Construction for construction of the Jerome Downtown Revitalization project base bid and
Schedule A for an amount of $5,779,748.65. Second to the motion was made by Councilman
Peterson. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES:
Councilman Craig, Councilman Ross, Councilman Peterson, and Councilwoman Ahrens.
NAYS: None.
COUNCIL REPORTS:
Councilwoman Ahrens thanked the public works staff and Jerome Recreation District for
the repairs along the bike path and removing the trip hazards. She also thanked the Community
Spirit Committee and the Easter Bunny for their participation in this year’s breakfast.
Councilman Craig inquired about the sewer line project at the cemetery (making slow
progress but still moving forward); an update on weed control (staff will begin spraying and
sterilization efforts soon); an update on the generator issue brought before the Council a few
meetings back (application will go before the Planning and Zoning Commission and there are
plans for a presentation at the April 21st City Council meeting); the responsibility of the portions
of sidewalk broken off along Main Street (most likely property owners if identified in the Jerome
Municipal Code, but public works staff could assist with removal); lighting at Founder’s Park
(options for solar lighting have been explored but funding will not be available until next year);
insurance coverage of the playground at Founder’s Park [misunderstanding regarding ownership
of the park, and the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program staff (ICRMP) will be contacted];
an update on the “heart” program introduced to the Council last year (no updates as there was not
enough interest in the program to continue); the crosswalk light at Fillmore and Main (design is
done); and an understanding on how the new asphalt zipper works (Mr. Caton will give a
presentation at the next City Council meeting).
DEPARTMENT REPORTS:
Mayor Barber thanked the police department staff for their participation in the Child
Abuse Prevention walk on April 6th.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being nothing further to discuss, Mayor Barber adjourned this April 7, 2026
regular meeting of the Jerome City Council at 6:23p.m.
By:
Christopher Barber, Mayor
Attest:
Bernadette Coderniz, City Clerk
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