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minutes meeting date 2026-02-03 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 35689 characters · official file · plain text
February 3, 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, and Councilman Dale Ross. Also present were staff members: City Clerk Bernadette Coderniz, Legal Counsel Ted Larsen, City Administrator Mike Williams, 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, IT Staff Technician Andy Newbry, Fire Chief Mike Harrison, and Police Chief Duane Rubink. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Barber led the audience in recitation of the pledge of allegiance. INVOCATION: An invocation was given by Tyler Lott, the Second Counselor in the Spanish Ward in Jerome, Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints. INSTALLATION OF APPOINTMENT OFFICAL: Mayor Barber nominated Jeri Ahrens to the office of Councilmember for the remaining two years of the term. Councilman Ross moved to accept Mayor Barber’s nomination of Jeri Ahrens to the office of Councilmember. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Peterson. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Craig, Councilman Ross, and Councilman Peterson. NAYS: None. Mayor Barber administered the Oath of Office of Councilmember to Ms. Ahrens. COUNCIL PRESIDENT: Councilman Peterson moved to nominate Councilman Dale Ross as Council President. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Craig. No other nominations were presented. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Craig, Councilman Peterson, Councilman Ross, and Councilwoman Ahrens. NAYS: None. PUBLIC HEARING: This being the time and place published to consider a request from Ben Lyda/EHM Engineers, Inc. for a residential final plat of Becker Subdivision No. 2, on the property located at Parcel ID Number RPJ00000086601A (Less Becker Sub No. 1), more commonly known as the farmland east of 20th Ave East, Trae Street, and 18th Ave East for approximately 1,120 feet to the City limits then approximately 1,333 feet south to 16th Ave East, then approximately 840 feet to the west, Jerome, Idaho, containing approximately 30.55 acres, the Chair called the public hearing open at 5:35 p.m. and briefly reviewed the procedures that will be followed. Staff Presentation: Ms. Clark spoke of the property in question and identified the area which sits north of 16th Avenue E. An extension of the Becker Subdivision, the property extends from Becker Park as a donation to the Jerome Recreation District. This next phase of construction will be for Becker Subdivision No. 2 and will extend north to 20th Avenue as well as the northern section of 16th. Curb, gutter and sidewalk will be included as improvements to the site. Ms. Clark stated the total Becker Subdivision consists 180 buildable lots for single family homes, and No. 2 will include 117 buildable lots plus one lot that will provide pedestrian access to the adjacent park. Ms. Clark stated all lots meet the minimum lot size of 6,250 square feet and some are larger than others in nearby subdivisions. All streets are dedicated to the public with curb, gutter and five- foot sidewalks, and water/sewer services will be extended; all lots will also have pressurized irrigation. A public hearing was held before the Planning and Zoning Commission on September 9, 2025. Applicant Testimony: Dave Thibault with EHM Engineering appeared before the Council and commended Ms. Clark on her presentation. He reiterated that the preliminary plat had gone before the Planning and Zoning Commission and that the subdivision will be serviced by water and sewer along with a private pressurized irrigation system. Mr. Thibault noted that plans include homes similar to what currently exists in the subdivision. There being no testimony to be heard, the Chair declared the public hearing closed at 5:43 p.m. BECKER SUBDIVISION NO. 2 FINAL PLAT: Councilman Ross made a motion to approve the final plat for Becker No. 2 Subdivision, and the motion was amended to include conditional approval upon approved construction plans. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Peterson. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Craig, Councilman Ross, and Councilman Peterson. NAYS: None. Councilwoman Ahrens recused herself. CONSENT CALENDAR: Those items contained in the consent calendar are as follows: 1. Approve the minutes of the January 20, 2026 regular meeting 2. Approve Findings and Conclusions for a request from Centurion Engineers, Inc for a Residential Planned Unit Development (PUD) Preliminary Plat/ Final Development Plan, on the property described as follows: Parcel 1: Parcel ID Number RPJ13702340020A, Tax 2 of A-234 Inside acreage (NE18-16), more commonly known as the bare property on the southwest corner of North Birch and 10th Avenue West in Jerome, Idaho; and Parcel 2 and 3: Parcel ID Numbers RPJ13702320090A and RPJ13702320100A Tax 9 &10 Blk 232 Jerome Townsite (NE 13-8-16), more commonly known as 328 8th Ave West, Jerome, Idaho Councilman Craig made the motion to approve the consent calendar as presented.. 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. ORDINANCE 1250, BILL 735, INTRODUCTION: Ms. Kent spoke of the bill in question will update the Jerome Municipal Code by removing sections of the code that have never been used and are not applicable to department practices. She stated the code needed to be updated and maintained to be in full compliance with state codes. Language updates will also align with the Building Code Advisory Board, and Ms. Kent stated language pertaining to fire code will be moved to Title 8 from Title 15. Councilman Craig sponsored the bill. Councilman Ross made the motion to suspend the rules pertaining to the reading of an ordinance on three separate occasions and direct the clerk to read Bill No. 735 once by title only tonight to constitute three readings. 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. The clerk read Bill No. 735 by title only, and the bill in full is as follows: ORDINANCE NO. 1250 BILL NO. 735 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEROME, IDAHO, AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING SECTIONS 15.04.010 (PURPOSE AND CODES ADOPTED), ENACTING 15.04.015 (PERMIT FEES), AMENDING AND RE- ENACTING 15.04.030 (PERMIT REQUIREMENT; MISREPRESENTATION OF COSTS UNLAWFUL), AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING 15.04.035 (PERMIT; APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS), AND 15.04.050 (INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING, AND HVAC EQUIPMENT); REPEALING SECTION 15.04.040 (FLOOD HAZARD REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION); REPEALING CHAPTER 15.12 (PLUMBING REGULATIONS) IN ITS ENTIRETY; REPEALING CHAPTER 15.20 (FIRE LIMITS) IN ITS ENTIRETY; AMENDING SECTION 15.26.020 (PERMIT REQUIRED) BY REPLACING THE TERM “SITING” WITH “BUILDING”; AMENDING AND RE-ENACTING SECTION 15.26.030 (APPLICATION; FEE) BY REPEALING THE SENTENCE REQUIRING A NONREFUNDABLE ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR ($100.00) FEE, WITH ALL REMAINING PROVISIONS TO REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT; AMENDING SECTION 15.26.040 (APPEAL) TO UPDATE APPEAL AUTHORITY, PROCEDURES, AND TIMEFRAMES; AMENDING SECTION 15.26.050 (INSPECTION) TO CLARIFY INSPECTION REQUIREMENTS; ENACTING SECTION 8.20.120 (FIRE LIMITS ESTABLISHED AND DESCRIBED); AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, the City of Jerome has adopted Title 15 of the Jerome Municipal Code governing buildings, construction, and related regulations; and WHEREAS, certain sections of Title 15 contain provisions that are outdated, inconsistent with current administrative practices, or no longer necessary due to changes in state regulation and enforcement authority; and BE IT THEREFORE ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEROME, IDAHO, AS FOLLOWS: Section 1: Title 15.04 of the Jerome Municipal Code is amended as follows: 15.04.010: CODES ADOPTED 1: PURPOSE AND CODES ADOPTED: Purpose The purpose of this title is to provide certain minimum standards and requirements to safeguard life, health, property and public welfare by regulating and controlling the design, construction, erection, alteration, moving, demolition, materials, use, occupancy, location and maintenance of all buildings and structures with in the city limits of Jerome, Idaho. Codes adopted The approved editions of the following nationally recognized codes, as adopted by the state of Idaho, or the Idaho building code board, are adopted as the official building codes of the city of Jerome: A. International building code, including all rules promulgated by the board to provide equivalency with the provisions of the Americans with disabilities act accessibility guidelines; International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC) Parts I, II, III, IV and IX; International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), International Existing Building Code (IEBC), International Fire Code (IFC) B. Federal fair housing act accessibility guidelines, the Idaho international residential code, parts I through I-III and IX; Idaho State Plumbing Code (ISPC); National Electrical Code (NEC), International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), International Mechanical Code (IMC); C. International energy conservation code, pursuant to Title 39, Chapter 97, of Idaho code. The adopted versions of the foregoing codes shall be deemed superseded by successive versions of such codes as they are adopted or approved by the Idaho building code board effective on the date any such codes are made effective by the Idaho building code board. 15.04.015: PERMIT FEES: A. Fees charged for administration and enforcement of this title shall be established by resolution of the city of Jerome. B. Permits required under this title requires fees to be paid at the time of issuance of said permit, unless otherwise specified herein. C. Permit fees for projects started without the required permits, or occupied prior to obtaining a certificate of occupancy, shall be subject to special fees, which shall be assessed at a rate of twice that of the original permit fee, in addition to all other fees associated with penalties unless specified otherwise herein. 15.04.030: PERMITS REQUIREDMENT; MISREPRESENTATION OF COSTS UNLAWFUL: 15.04.035: PERMIT; APPLICATION REQUIREMENT: A. Every application for a building permit shall be accompanied by a drawing indicating provisions for adequate drainage away from the structure sought in the application for building permit. construction documents prepared by a registered design professional. Where special conditions exist, the building official is authorized to require additional construction documents to be prepared by an Idaho licensed engineer or an Idaho licensed architect. 15.04.040: FLOOD HAZARD REQUIREMENTS FOR NEW CONSTRUCTION: A. The public works director shall review all building permit applications for new construction or substantial improvements to determine whether proposed building sites will be reasonably safe from flooding. If a proposed building site is in a location that has a flood hazard, any proposed new construction or substantial improvement, including prefabricated and mobile homes, must: 1. Be designed, or modified, and anchored to prevent flotation, collapse or lateral movement of the structure; 2. Use construction materials and utility equipment that are resistant to flood damage; and 3. Use construction methods and practices that will minimize flood damage; and B. The public works director shall review subdivision proposals and other proposed new developments to assure that: 1. All such proposals are consistent with the need to minimize flood damage; 2. All public utilities and facilities, such as sewer, gas, electrical and water systems are located, elevated and constructed to minimize or eliminate flood damage; and 3. Adequate drainage is provided so as to reduce exposure to flood hazards; and C. The public works director shall require new or replacement water supply systems or sanitary sewage systems to be designed to minimize or eliminate infiltration of floodwaters into the systems and discharges from the systems into floodwaters, and require on site waste disposal systems to be located so as to avoid impairment of them or contamination from them during flooding. (Prior code §6-6.1) 15.04.050: INSTALLATION OF ELECTRICAL WIRING, PLUMBING, AND HVAC EQUIPMENT: A. A state of Idaho permit shall be obtained prior to the installation of electrical wiring, plumbing and HVAC equipment permit shall be obtained prior to the installation of electrical wiring in any building or structure. B. The workmanship and materials used in the installation of electrical wiring, plumbing and HVAC equipment in any structure shall be inspected and approved by a qualified licensed state electrical inspector. Section 2: Jerome Municipal Code Title 15.12 is hereby amended as follows: PLUMBING REGULATIONS 1 15.12.010: Inspections 15.12.020: Plumbers' Licenses; Required 15.12.030: Plumbers' Licenses; Classification 15.12.040: Plumbers' Licenses; Fees And Renewal 15.12.050: Plumbers' Licenses; Eligibility 15.12.060: Permits; Required 15.12.070: Permits; Fees 15.12.080: Violations 15.12.090: Failure To Correct Violations Declared A Nuisance Notes 1 1. IC §59-2601 et seq. 15.12.010: INSPECTIONS: Any authorized plumbing inspector duly appointed by the state plumbing board, department of law enforcement of the state, shall perform all plumbing inspections within the city; provided, however, that the city shall, through its own officers, agents and employees, make inspections and grant approval of sewer lines, sewer connections and water lines and water connections. (Prior code §6-67) 15.12.020: PLUMBERS' LICENSES; REQUIRED: No person, corporation, copartnership, firm or association shall engage in the business, trade, practice or work of plumbing in the city, from and after the passage of this section, unless such person, or a responsible person representing such firm, copartnership, association or corporation, has been first licensed by the city. (Prior code §6-68) 15.12.030: PLUMBERS' LICENSES; CLASSIFICATION: There shall be three (3) classifications of plumbers, namely, plumbing contractor, also known as master plumber, plumbing journeyman and plumbing apprentice, each of whom shall have respectively the qualifications set forth and provided in section 39-2716 of the Idaho Code. (Prior code §6-69) 15.12.040: PLUMBERS' LICENSES; FEES AND RENEWAL: A. Before a license is issued by the city for engaging in one of the classifications of plumbing mentioned in section 15.12.030 of this chapter, the applicant shall pay to the city an original and a renewal fee as follows: Initial Fee Renewal Fee Plumbing contractor $100.00 $15.00 Plumbing journeyman 15.00 3.00 B. All licenses shall expire on January 1 of each year and may be renewed for a period of one year upon payment of the renewal fee above provided for. Licenses which have expired for failure of the holder to pay the renewal fee shall be reinstated upon the payment of the renewal fee and a penalty of ten dollars ($10.00), in addition to such renewal fee. All licenses which have expired for failure to pay such renewal fee and have not been reinstated within one year shall stand revoked and no new license shall be issued except upon the payment of the initial fee above provided for; provided, however, that all persons who were duly licensed under the provisions of the plumbing code of the city preceding the adoption of this chapter may be relicensed under the terms of this section by paying the renewal fee provided for in this section, which such license shall expire on January 1, 1963. (Prior code §6-70) 15.12.050: PLUMBERS' LICENSES; ELIGIBILITY: Any person who has been duly licensed or issued a certificate of competency by the state or by any city of the state, having a plumbing code substantially equivalent to the code adopted by the city, may be licensed by the city without taking any examination, upon the payment of the fees provided for in section 15.12.040 of this chapter. (Prior code §6-71) 15.12.060: PERMITS; REQUIRED: A. It is unlawful for any person whether acting as principal, agent or employee, to do or cause or permit to be done any plumbing or drainage work in the city until a permit is obtained, and no work shall be commenced until such permit has been issued by the city clerk. B. All permits shall be void after sixty (60) days from date of issue of such permit if the work has not been commenced within sixty (60) days after the date of issuance of the permit. C. Permits shall be issued only to a person holding a valid license issued by the city; provided, however, that a permit shall not be required for the clearing of stoppage or repairing of leaks in pipes, valves, fixtures, appliances or appurtenances of any plumbing system when such work does not involve or require any functional rearrangement of pipes, valves or fixtures comprising the plumbing system. (Prior code §6-72) 15.12.070: PERMITS; FEES: The applicant for a permit required by section 15.12.060 of this chapter shall pay to the city clerk at the time of application, a permit fee for each permit issued, and an inspection fee in accordance with the schedule duly fixed and adopted by the commissioner of law enforcement of the state, which shall be kept on file in the office of the city clerk. (Prior code §6-73) 15.12.080: VIOLATIONS: Any person who engages in the business, trade, practice or work of plumbing without a license issued by the city, or performs work without a permit as provided by section 15.12.060 of this chapter, or who violates any provision of this chapter, or the rules or regulations made by both the commissioner of law enforcement and the state plumbing board, or who refuses to perform any duties lawfully enjoined upon him by this chapter, or by the state plumbing inspector within the prescribed time, or who fails, neglects or refuses to obey any lawful order made by the duly authorized officers or agents of the city or the state plumbing inspector, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. (Prior code §6-74) 15.12.090: FAILURE TO CORRECT VIOLATIONS DECLARED A NUISANCE: Any plumbing contractor, plumbing journeyman, or any other person who has had notice from the plumbing inspector, or who has been found guilty of violating this chapter by using materials not in accordance with this chapter, shall remove any such materials or part of plumbing system not complying with this chapter within ten (10) days following notice of such violation and any violation of the provisions of this section are declared to be a nuisance. (Prior code §6-75) Section 3: Jerome Municipal Code Title 15.20 is hereby amended as follows: CHAPTER 15.20 15.20.010 Established And Described 15.20.020: Tracts Excluded 15.20.010: ESTABLISHED AND DESCRIBED: The fire limits of the city, encompassing the area hereinafter known as the fire district, shall be the outside limits of the combined business use district and manufacturing and industrial use district, determined from the intersection of Main Street and Lincoln Avenue in the city, and the fire district shall encompass all of both such use districts as such use districts are presently defined by title 17 of this code, or as such use districts may in the future be altered, revised, or changed by appropriate ordinance of the city council or mayor of the city, such alteration, revision or change in such use districts automatically altering the fire limits and fire district so that the fire limits and fire district shall at all times include all territory, streets, intersections and alleyways included inside the business and manufacturing and industrial use districts. (Prior code §6-7) 15.20.020: TRACTS EXCLUDED: The following tracts are excluded from the fire limits or districts: A. Lots 6 through 12, both inclusive, in Block 49; B. All of Blocks 50, 51 and 52; C. Blocks A-255, A-256, A-259 and A-260; D. Tax One (1) of Block A-261; E. Tax One (1) of Block A-262; F. All Jerome Townsite; and G. That part of the Southeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter (SE 1/4 SE 1/4) of Section Eighteen (18), Township Eight (8) South, Range Seventeen (17) East, Boise Meridian, described as follows: Beginning at a point on the west boundary line of SE 1/4 SE 1/4 of Section 18 which point lies north a distance of 40 feet from the center line of State Highway No. 25 and which point is also a point on the north boundary line of Highway No. 25, thence South 88°37' East along the north boundary line of State Highway No. 25 a distance of 325 feet, thence north parallel with the west boundary line of such SE 1/4 SE 1/4 a distance of 516 feet, thence North 88°37' West a distance of 325 feet to a point on the west boundary of SE 1/4 SE 1/4, thence south on the west boundary line a distance of 516 feet, to the point of beginning. (Prior code §6- 7.1) Section 4: Jerome Municipal Code Title 15.26 is hereby amended as follows: 15.26.020: PERMIT REQUIRED: No mobile home or manufactured home shall be placed on real property within the city without a siting building permit. (Ord. 805 §1, 1996) 15.26.030: APPLICATION; FEE: The application must be accompanied by a nonrefundable one hundred dollar ($100.00) fee. If the application is complete, the building official shall promptly review the application and if it is found compatible with this chapter and all other applicable ordinances of the city, the building official shall issue a building permit to the applicant for the siting of the mobile or manufactured home in accordance with all applicable laws and ordinances. 15.26.040: APPEAL: An applicant denied a building siting permit may appeal the decision of the building official to the building code board of appeals city planning and zoning commission by filing a written notice of appeal with the city clerk within twenty (20) ten (10) days of the receipt of the denial of the building siting permit by the building official. The writing must specify the decision appealed from and state every reason for which the applicant believes the denial of the permit to have been in error. The appeal shall be heard by the building code board of appeals utilizing the procedures found in 15.05 of this code. planning and zoning commission utilizing the procedures found in section 17.48.080 of this code. The decision of the planning and zoning commission on appeal may be appealed further to the city council under the procedures found in section 17.48.080 of this code. (Ord. 805 §3, 1996) 15.26.050: INSPECTION: The building official shall inspect the requirements siting of the mobile home or manufactured home to make certain the terms of the permit have been complied with. (Ord. 805 §4, 1996) Section 5: Jerome Municipal Code Title 8.20 is hereby amended as follows: 8.20.120: FIRE LIMITS ESTABLISHED AND DESCRIBED: The fire limits of the City of Jerome, Idaho encompassing the area hereinafter known as the fire limits, shall be identical to the jurisdictional boundaries of the City of Jerome, Idaho. The fire limits shall include all territory, streets, intersections, and alleyways within the city limits as defined by the city's jurisdictional boundaries, as those boundaries may be altered, revised, or changed by appropriate ordinance of the City Council or Mayor. Any alteration, revision, or change to the city's jurisdictional boundaries shall automatically alter the fire limits and shall always coincide with and include all territory within the city's jurisdiction. (Prior code §6-7) This Ordinance shall become effective upon its passage and publication as provided by law. PASSED BY THE COUNCIL this 3rd day of February, 2026 SIGNED BY THE MAYOR this 3rd day of February, 2026 CITY OF JEROME, IDAHO By: /s/ Christopher J. Barber Christopher J. Barber, Mayor ATTEST: /s/ Bernadette Coderniz Bernadette Coderniz, City Clerk Councilman Ross made the motion to adopt Bill No.735 as Ordinance No. 1250. 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. RESOLUTION NO. 01-26: Mayor Barber noted that he spoke to Trevor Churchman and Guy Stubbs, both who will be reappointed to the Jerome Library Board and the Jerome Housing Authority Board, respectively. The clerk read Resolution No. 01-26 in full as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 01-26 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEROME, IDAHO, APPOINTING MEMBERS TO THE JEROME HOUSING AUTHORITY AND JEROME LIBRARY BOARD; PROVIDING FOR TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS, Title 50-210 of the Idaho Code describes the appointment process and the procedures each municipal corporation is required to follow when considering an individual for an opening on officially recognized boards and commissions, and; WHEREAS, the City of Jerome is organized under the Mayor/Council form of government and the Mayor serves as the City’s Chief Executive Officer, and; WHEREAS, the Mayor is required to make appointments to City-sponsored boards and commissions as terms end and vacancies are created, and; BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the City of Jerome as follows: SECTION 1 JEROME HOUSING AUTHORITY: The following individual is appointed as a member of the Jerome Housing Authority to serve a term effective with the date below-written, in accordance with delineation thereof: Guy Stubbs February 2026 – February 2031 SECTION 2 JEROME LIBRARY BOARD: The following individual is appointed as a member of the Jerome Library Board to serve a term effective with the date below-written, in accordance with delineation thereof: Trevor Churchman February 2026 – February 2031 SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE: Resolution No. 01-26 shall be effective upon its passage as required by law. PASSED BY THE COUNCIL this 3rd day of February, 2026. SIGNED BY THE MAYOR this 3rd day of February, 2026. By: /s/ Christopher J. Barber Christopher J. Barber, Mayor ATTEST: /s/ Bernadette Coderniz Bernadette Coderniz, City Clerk Councilman Craig made the motion to pass Resolution No. 01-26, a resolution by the Mayor and Council of the City of Jerome, Idaho, ratifying mayoral appointment for vacancies on various boards and committees officially recognized by the City of Jerome. 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. RESOLUTION NO. 02-26: Mr. Hyatt appeared before the Council and spoke of Idaho Code and the requirement that Council set funds of annual irrigation assessments prior to the second Wednesday of February. He stated the budget includes the assessments with a 6.5% increase from last year’s rates. Upon inquiry by Mayor Barber, Mr. Hyatt stated the budget is irrigation budget is balanced although reserves are minimal and above the reserves thresholds per City policy. Upon inquiry by Councilman Craig, Mr. Hyatt stated repairs are included in the budget although extensive capital renovations are separate; Mayor Barber confirmed that these irrigation fees are to maintain the irrigation system. The clerk read Resolution No. 02-26 in full as follows: RESOLUTION NO. 02-26 BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF JEROME, STATE OF IDAHO: BE IT RESOLVED pursuant to I.C. 50-1807, that the Mayor and Council of the City of Jerome, County of Jerome, Idaho on this 3rd day of February, 2026, hereby estimates that $225,625.64 are the necessary funds for the expense of maintaining, operating, improving, extending and enlarging the City Irrigation system for the current fiscal year. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Treasurer is directed to immediately carry out the assessment roll and further to give notice that the Mayor and City Council shall meet the 17th day of March 2026 to correct the assessment roll. PASSED BY THE COUNCIL this 3rd day of February, 2026. SIGNED BY THE MAYOR this 3rd day of February, 2026. By: /s/ Christopher J. Barber Christopher J. Barber, Mayor ATTEST: /s/ Bernadette Coderniz Bernadette Coderniz, City Clerk Councilman Craig made the motion to pass Resolution No. 02-26, setting the 2026 Irrigation Assessments. 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. GRUPO NUEVO AMANECER LEASE AGREEMENT: Mr. Williams commended Ms. Kent on her work with the lease agreement , and he stated staff had been approached by a group seeking a meeting space to hold Alcoholics Anonymous meetings several times per week. A local church inquired about the vacant building formerly used for the police department, and Mr. Williams stated the lease agreement will call for an annual lease payment of $1 for the non-profit group (similar to agreements with the senior center and military museum). The organziation will cover utility payments (water, gas, power, internet, etc.) while the City will remain responsible for major capital improvements. Mr. Williams stated a few rooms in the building are still in use but are locked and not accessible to the public. The rent of $157.25 reflects the average monthly cost of utilities, and Mr. Williams anticipates the group to be utilizing the front portion of the building several times per week. The building will be used for a good purpose, and the lease will be on a monthly basis as there are no set plans for the future of the building, and a major capital repair could render the building inhabitable. Upon inquiry by Councilman Craig, Mr. Williams stated meetings will be held in the evenings. Additionally, Ms. Kent stated the group will be given a key to the front door and have access to exit through the rear door. Councilman Peterson commented on earlier plans for demolition of the building, and Mr. Williams stated it could be an option in the future. Additionally, the tower is supported by a structure separate of the builing should it be demolished at a later date. Councilman Craig made the motion to approve the lease agreement between the City of Jerome and Grupo Nuevo Amanecer for use of a portion of the city-owned building located at 124 S. Lincoln Avenue for Alcoholics Anonymous meetings. 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: Councilman Craig inquired about the irrigation boxes on B Street, and Mr. Caton stated the boxes were being replaced. Additionally, the grass removed with the boxes will be replaced as well. Councilman Peterson inquired about the military division moving to the new facility. Mr. Williams stated he toured the facility and that movement would take place in the summer. He noted the contact person had changed and therefore he had not received any updates. He also stated he spoke with Representative Jack Nelson recently and that he could reach out again if no other military division contacts were available. Mr. Williams is still confident that the buildings, once vacant, will still be transferred to the City, and that there had been significant issues with the access road at the new facility. Mayor Barber stated he would be visiting department heads with Councilwoman Ahrens to tour city offices. He thanked staff for assistance with the meetings and welcome Councilwoman Ahrens to the City. DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Mr. Williams stated he attended the City Officials Day at the Capitol with Councilman Craig and Ms. Coderniz and that potential legislation was reviewed. He anticipates decreased amounts in state shared revenues, shared revenue for highways, and less opportunity for grant funds issued by the state due to the large budget deficit. He spoke with the two great legislators who have been reaching out to staff with questions and concerns, and he advised the Council to let him know of any other questions or concerns to forward to them. Mr. Williams addressed Councilwoman Ahrens and stated that times would be scheduled to meet with various departments to become familiar with operations. Additionally, materials would be sent to the Council to review basic Council duties, and Mr. Williams spoke of the series of trainings available through the Association of Idaho Cities. Staff would also be available to answer any questions she may have. Councilman Craig inquired about the next district meeting offered through the Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) and Ms. Chavez stated she would let them know. A workshop will be scheduled within the next few weeks to discuss a proposal submitted to the Jerome Urban Renewal Agency for the redevelopment of the northwest corner of Main and Lincoln. The proposal includes a potential City Hall and Council Chambers, and Mr. Williams would like to review the proposal at length with the Council and discuss funding. He noted the proposal’s design could be modified in any way and that the workshop would be scheduled during the lunch hour. It will be a public meeting. ADJOURNMENT: There being nothing further to discuss, Mayor Barber adjourned this February 3, 2026 regular meeting of the Jerome City Council at 6:15 p.m. By: Christopher Barber, Mayor Attest: Bernadette Coderniz, City Clerk
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