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minutes meeting date 2026-01-20 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 24509 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text
January 20, 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, Library Director Linda Mecham, Finance Director Ross Hyatt, 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. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Mayor Barber led the audience in recitation of the pledge of allegiance. INVOCATION: An invocation was given by Police Chaplin Baldwin Camin. COUNCIL PRESIDENT: Mayor Barber announced that the appointment of a Council President would take place after the current Council vacancy is filled. PUBLIC HEARING – PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN: This being the time and place published to consider a request from Centurion Engineers, Inc. for a Residential Planned Unit Development (PUD) Final Development Plan, on the property described as follows: Parcel 1: Parcel ID Number RPJ13702340020A, Tax 2 of A-234 Inside acreage (NE-18-16), 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, the Chair called the public hearing open at 5:34 p.m. and briefly reviewed the procedures that will be followed. Staff Presentation: Ms. Clark spoke of the request and identified the parcels in question. She stated the bare parcel at the corner of 10th Avenue W and Birch was rezoned recently to Residential 3 from Light Industrial in October 2025, and the applicant submitted a request for a Planned Unit Development (PUD). A special use permit was issued by the Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z), and Ms. Clark explained that the PUD allows for a variety of housing, permits reduced lot dimensions, yards and building setbacks with an increase in open space and landscaping. The application request is for single family townhomes and single family traditional homes on reduced lots and building setbacks to allow for a unique variety of housing. Ms. Clark stated the Jerome Municipal Code (JMC) requires a minimum acreage of three acres for a PUD; this property includes 3.68 acres. Additionally, 10% of the gross land is required for common space; Ms. Clark stated that 22.6% of this property will be open space. There will be 27 new units with clustered townhomes along 10th Avenue W and single family homes to the south, and Ms. Clark noted the application requests reduced lots sizes and setbacks. She showed plans to the Council describing the location of the townhomes and single family homes in the proposed development. Extensive discussion included the following topics: a common drive and private roads within the development; access through the common drive and not on 10th Avenue W for safety purposes; the roads to be maintained privately; no parking on 10th Avenue W; each townhome will have a garage and two parking spaces; the field to the west owned by the school district and used as a retention pond; minimum lot size of 5,000 square feet in the R-3 zone; open green space part of the Homeowner’s Association; and, pressurized irrigation. Ms. Clark stated P&Z approved a special use permit on October 14, 2025 and the preliminary plans while JMC requires City Council approval of the final development plan. Ms. Clark summarized the request and spoke of concerns expressed at the P&Z hearing i.e. apartments coming in, increased traffic, and flooding. Ms. Clark reviewed the design and lot requirements, and stated that Council had the option of approving the request, denying the request, or approving the request with conditions. Mayor Barber inquired about sidewalks, and Ms. Clark stated plans include curb, gutter and sidewalk on Birch. Applicant Testimony: Anna Canning, with Centurion Engineering, appeared before Council to describe the development plan and answer questions for the Council. She described the frontage along 10th Avenue W with three buildings that would house four units i.e. townhomes in each building; front doors will face 10th with garages in the back. The development will include heavy landscaping i.e. trees and bushes. The private road will include a turnaround area for the fire department and for recreational purposes, and the units on both sides of the common drive will each have a parking pad and a two-car garage. Ms. Canning noted that the townhomes with attached walls will all be sold as individual homes, and that all landscaping will be maintained by a Homeowner’s Association (HOA). Arbor Lane will be a private 25-foot-wide road with single family homes on both sides of the road, all homes 50 feet wide. They will have a parking pad, two-car garage and a backyard that will be maintained by the individual homeowners and not an HOA. Storm water will be collected, and Arbor Lane heading south will include three single family homes and landscaping; the existing home on the end will change their access from 8th Avenue W to Arbor Lane. Ms. Canning stated they made attempts to maintain required setbacks with the exception of the setbacks towards the school field. Upon inquiry by Councilman Craig, Ms. Canning described the areas where the storm water will go. Additionally, homeowners will be obligated to maintain their backyards only. Regarding fencing along the school property, Ms. Canning stated their firm can work with the school district on fencing options. Mayor Barber stated the practice fields use the fence for protective reasons and that homeowners may want privacy slats in their backyards. Upon inquiry by Councilman Peterson, Ms. Canning stated the subdivision will be developed in phases and that the infrastructure will be done before the buildings are in place. Councilman Peterson also inquired about the sale of the property and where visitors would park. Brief discussion ensued regarding parking and potential issues if people choose to park along 10th or the private road or block fire access. Councilman Craig commented on the number of vehicles per unit based on the number of drivers, and he also questioned the availability of parking. Ms. Canning confirmed that irrigation would be pressurized. Neutral testimony: Jerry Holton, resident of Jerome, appeared before Council and expressed concerns about the nearby roads. He spoke of N. Lincoln, the current condition of the road and spoke of congestion near the schools which already causes delays during drop off and pick up times. Mr. Holton stated that N. Lincoln should be fixed and/or widened before considering a new housing project in that area. Extensive discussion ensued and topics included: heavy traffic on N. Lincoln between 10th and Mountain View; the need for road modifications before adding housing; congestion outside of the usual drop off and pick up times at the schools; the need for roads to handle increased traffic; parking on 10th although it is prohibited; adding lanes on N. Lincoln; monies appropriated for improvements on N. Lincoln; the process of identifying roads in the streets Master Plan in need of improvements based on projected growth including N. Lincoln between 4th Avenue and 16th; the area needing to be widened out at N. Lincoln and 8th where the road changes from two lanes to one; the engineering required for this work, and sources of the funds for these services and improvements (i.e. cash savings, restricted funds from the closure of Urban Renewal Area District 2, and the potential for state or federal grants); the need to widen the road from 8th to Mountain View; the lots to be developed in phases; the road to be maintained and repaved as designed and engineered when funds are available; issues with traffic and congestion over the last 7-8 years due to growth; the Public Works Director identifying roads in the Master Plan needing improvements; understanding the issue with congestion, specifically during drop off and pick up times; and, appearing before City Council to request changes to the plan should the PUD plans change. Applicant rebuttal: Ms. Canning expressed appreciation to Mr. Holton for his comments and to Mr. Williams for identifying the road improvement plans in place. She noted that additional traffic at the schools is not anticipated considering the new subdivision would be in front of both the elementary and middle schools. There was no testimony in opposition to the request. There being no further testimony to be heard, the Chair declared the public hearing closed at 6:20 p.m. ELLIE’S LANDING FINAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN: Councilman Craig made the motion to approve the Final Development Plan. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Ross. Councilman Craig spoke about plans for fencing, and Councilman Peterson spoke about parking concerns although he was not objecting to the development plan understanding that the parking would be the responsibility of the HOA. He noted that another entrance to the school should be considered as parking on the private roads may occur. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Ross, Councilman Peterson, and Councilman Craig. NAYS: None Mayor Barber thanked everyone for their comments. CONSENT CALENDAR: Those items contained in the consent calendar are as follows: 1. Approve the minutes of the January 6, 2026 regular meeting 2. Approve payment to the following: • 5J Excavation – S. Lincoln/ID Gem Grant project, $84,488.00 • Aerzen USA Corp. – Wastewater MBR Blower, $160,880.20 • Idaho Materials and Construction – Fir St. Gravity Sewer, $101,982.50 • Idaho Site Works LLC – App. #5 Nez Perce to H St. Sewer line project, $360,075.25 • Precision Engineering LLC – Lincoln/Yakima and Yakima project, $11,860.00 3. Approve purchase of two (2) Police Department patrol vehicles from Auto Ranch Group at a cost of $89,954.54 4. Monthly Department Reports 5. Approve Claims 5J Excavation $84,488.00, Abelardo Coronado Guillen $48.94, Aerzen USA Corporation $160,880.20, All Wireless Communications $1,224.32, Amazon Capital Services $4,175.48, American Construction Supply & Rental $55.70, American Water Works Assn $443.00, Associated Taxpayers of Idaho $550.00, Association of Idaho Cities $231.00, B & R Bearing $173.66, Boot Barn $150.00, Brenntag Pacific Inc $5,932.50, B-Z Plumbing $522.04, CDW Government Inc. $24,609.04, Century Link $3,164.27, Centurylink Business Services $24.72, Chase Paymenttech $7,135.82, Christensen Inc Dba United Oil $136.35, Cintas Corporation $182.21, Coastline Equipment Company $234.81, Column Software Pbc $642.32, Con Paulos Inc. $2,911.15, Core & Main Lp $273.04, Counter Strike Supply Company $68.50, Crozier Coachworks $1,500.00, Culligan Soft Water Service $235.20, Cynthia Mauzerall $560.00, D & B Supply $2,597.14, Dell $29,818.14, Dex Imaging LLC $383.84, Easydrift Technology LLC $1,911.77, Ednetics Inc $87.05, Elan Credit Cards $35,174.09, Electrical Contractors of ID $723.97, Enviro-Clean Intermountain LLC $1,235.49, Ergometrics & Applied Personnel Research $181.64, Evident Inc $559.78, Farmore of Idaho $1,875.78, Fastenal Company $2,714.62, Fleetpride Inc $1,072.02, Flexim Americas Corporation $5,301.59, Freedom Electric Inc. $420.00, Freedom Mailing Services Inc $2,722.71, Frontier Community Resources $500.00, Gem State Paper & Supply $167.93, Goble Sampson Associates Inc. $19,663.41, Go-Fer It Express $360.00, Grainger $952.18, Greatamerica Financial Services $177.56, Grover Electric & Plumbing $13.35, H.D.Fowler $437.82, Hach Company $1,427.89, Hanson Janitorial Supply Inc. $195.00, Heglar Creek Electric LLC $60.00, Home Depot Credit Services $857.01, Homestead Investments Inc. $46.29, Hub City Building Inc $177.18, Hydro Specialties Company $10,211.00, ID Rural Water Association $2,900.00, Idaho Materials and Construction $101,982.50, Idaho Power Co. $85,020.20, Idaho Site Works LLC $360,075.25, Idaho State Police $2,293.75, Ingram Book Company $1,267.33, Integrity Pump Solutions Inc $334.00, Intermountain Gas Company $3,112.17, Jerome Chamber of Commerce $650.00, Jerome City Fire Fighters Assoc $60.00, Jerome County $14,991.29, Jerome Printshop $246.20, Jimenez Auto Repair LLC $3,162.03, J-U-B Engineers Inc. $57,511.17, Keller Associates Inc $950.00, Kloepfer Inc. $735.00, Larene Morley $25.00, Les Schwab Tire Centers Inc $1,269.92, Libraria $829.25, M&M Construction - Roofing $5,250.00, Magic Valley Hydraulics & Repair LLC $626.27, Magic Valley Labs $13,246.50, Magic Valley Pipe $624.95, Mason's Trophies & Gifts $201.68, McHugh Bromley PLLC $3,290.30, Mount Olympus $31.97, Mountainland Supply Company $5,352.92, Munimetrix Systems Corp. $319.92, Napa Auto Parts $2,149.12, New Life Cleaning LLC $1,315.00, New Tech Security Inc. $240.00, Northside Canal Co. $34,005.85, Off Road Revivals $2,900.00, O'reilly Auto Parts $143.21, Oscar Cano Tinoca $167.53, Overdrive $1,800.00, Oxarc, Inc. $691.29, Park Place Technologies LLC $1,017.72, Parkland USA Corporation $3,103.65, Pat Bermingham $350.00, Pipeco $390.00, Precision Engineering LLC $11,860.00, Premier Truck Group $855.87, Prescott & Craig $38.75, Prevent Fire Solutions $581.60, Professional Training Association $2,500.00, Pro-Flame Inc $132.97, Project Mutual Telephone $332.94, Psi Environmental Services Inc $29,222.00, Quadient Leasing USA Inc $899.58, Rain For Rent Inc. $23,014.87, Republic Services Inc $1,313.99, Rexel USA Inc $4,829.72, Ridley's Food & Drug $140.58, Riverside Inc $12,112.06, Road Work Ahead Traffic Service Inc $985.86, Rocky Mountain Valves & Auto Inc $16,413.70, Roger Mansecidor $520.13, Sawtooth Veterinary Services $200.00, Signed Sealed & Delivered $292.28, Silversky Inc - Dept 106071 $2,677.18, Skaggs Companies Inc. $103.60, Skm Inc. $2,267.50, Southern Idaho Solid Waste $26,910.90, Spring Cleaning $1,400.00, Summit Polygraph LLC $400.00, System Tech Inc $943.35, Tacoma Screw Products Inc $121.47, Texas Roadhouse $1,825.05, Thatcher Company $39,078.24, The Fire Store $1,604.68, The Riverside Hotel $668.00, The Rock Yard $2,540.00, Tlc Rental $70.00, T-Mobile $616.80, Tore Up $65.00, Traffic Safety Supply Co Inc $1,037.50, Treasure Valley Coffee Inc. $106.91, Tribal Fire Systems LLC $5,519.06, Trojan Technologies Corp $20,559.88, U.S. Bank Equipment Finance $556.59, Upper Case Printing Ink. $4,680.26, Urgent Care of Jerome - Billing Dept $105.00, USA Bluebook $984.65, Valley Wide Cooperative $13,054.88, Vega Americas Inc $11,293.79, Verizon Wireless $3,754.97, Western States Equipment $2,882.38, Wickel Tire Inc $890.04, Williams Meservy & Larsen LLP $14,142.00, Winn & Co. Inc. $14,784.00, Winter Equipment Company Inc $1,234.34, Xerox Financial Services LLC $311.05, Xpress Bill Pay $2,376.56, Zions Bank Corporate Trust $1,500.00. Councilman Ross made the motion to approve the consent calendar as presented.. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Craig. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Ross, Councilman Peterson, and Councilman Craig. NAYS: None. CITIZEN CONCERN: Ms. Coderniz read an anonymous letter addressed to the Council regarding health and safety concerns as they relate to “uncontrolled free-roaming cats and related wildlife activity within the city.” Brief discussion ensued regarding the letter, and topics included: if other local municipalities have a leash law for cats; establishing ownership of a roaming cat to enforce a leash law; animal shelters that take cats; partnerships with local veterinarians to spay and neuter cats; the option of requiring owners to license their cats; a cat leash law in Moab, UT and issues with enforcing an ordinance; no section in the Jerome Municipal Code requiring that cats be picked up by animal control; the inability to keep cats confined to a backyard unlike dogs; spaying and neutering as a society; an ordinance that would require a cat be spayed or neutered for law enforcement purposes; and, an ordinance that is only effective when enforced. ANNEXATION REQUEST: Ms. Clark spoke of annexation laws in Idaho Code and an annexation request from the Jerome Recreation District (JRD) for property owned near the new park. She also spoke of public hearings to be held for the annexation request before the P&Z and City Council, and she noted that zoning would also be assigned upon annexation. Ms. Clark described the property in question and stated it was a section of the former Candlelight Park where the new road has been built. Upon annexation, the lot lines would be adjusted and the park would ultimately be turned over to the JRD. Ms. Clark stated the zoning proposed would be public/semi-public to match the zoning of the park. The property is surrounded by City property and a privately-owned parcel that has not yet been annexed into the City. Upon inquiry by Councilman Peterson, Ms. Clark stated that Idaho Code specifies that property can be annexed without permission of the property owner if it is completely surrounded by City property. At this time, only the JRD property is in question for annexation. JRD Executive Director Gary Warr appeared before Council and stated that the original Candlelight Park was partially inside City limits and that this action allows for their property to be fully within City limits. Additionally, certain right of way issues with the new road could be resolved with this annexation, and Mr. Warr stated that the existing shop on the property may be connected to City services in the future. Councilman Craig made the motion to approve to start the public hearing process to annex approximately 1.27 acres into the city limits. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Ross. Councilman Peterson inquired if the other property owner should be approached for annexation. Ms. Clark stated she spoke to them and they respectfully refused to sign the application for annexation of their property. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Ross, Councilman Peterson, and Councilman Craig. NAYS: None. ASPHALT ZIPPER FIVE-YEAR LEASE-PURCHASE AGREEMENT: Mr. Caton spoke of the request and presented the five-year lease/purchase agreement for an asphalt zipper in the Public Works department. He stated the agreement was reviewed by staff and legal counsel and that the agreement is a budgeted item. Upon inquiry by Mayor Barber, Mr. Caton stated the asphalt zipper is an attachment placed on the end of a loader and used to recycle pulverized asphalt pavement. He further stated the asphalt zipper could be used for a variety of road repairs and rehabilitation. Upon inquiry by Mayor Barber, Mr. Caton stated the asphalt zipper is 4 feet wide. Mayor Barber spoke highly of the new equipment, and Mr. Caton stated the Streets supervisor already has expereince with this type of equipment. Councilman Craig made the motion to approve the 5-year lease-purchase of an Asphalt Zipper with an annual payment of $81,318.42. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Ross. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Ross, Councilman Peterson, and Councilman Craig. NAYS: None. JET VAC TRUCK FINANCING VENDOR: Mr. Hyatt spoke of the jet vac truck purchase budgeted in this fiscal year for the Wastewater department in the amount of $615,000, and stated a lease/purchase agreement is desired. A Request for Proposals was issued to several banks: D.L. Evans Bank, Zion’s Bank, Public Finance Community Leasing Partners, Farmer’s Bank, and First Federal Bank. Mr. Hyatt stated the lowest total interest financing came from Zion’s Bank, and he recommended that staff move forward with Zion’s Bank for financing. A down payment of $100,000 was budgeted in this fiscal year, and payments for the next seven years would be approximately $87,000 beginning in November 2026. Upon inquiry by Mayor Barber, Mr. Henry confirmed the truck would be used primarily in the Wastewater department as the existing jet vac truck has not functioned well recently and the department has had to rent trucks locally. Mr. Henry stated the jet vac truck service is used on a weekly basis. Councilman Craig made the motion to approve Zion’s Public Finance as the City financing vendor for the purchase of One (1) Jet Vac Truck. Second to the motion was made by Councilman Peterson. After consideration, the motion passed unanimously by the following vote: AYES: Councilman Ross, Councilman Peterson, and Councilman Craig. NAYS: None. BUILDING PERMIT FEES WAIVER REQUEST: Ms. Kent spoke of a recent request to waive building permit fees for a local non-profit. The group had applied to build a new 4H booth at the Jerome Fairgrounds. In researching through the Jerome Municipal Code Ms. Kent stated there was no specific code related to fee waivers. She inquired if Council would recommend an ordinance pertaining to fee waivers or consider discussions as requests are made. Extensive discussion ensued and topics included: other cities that waive fees for non-profits i.e. schools, churches, etc.; an ordinance requiring certain standards for a waiver; the work required in plan reviews, building inspections and life safety standards enforcement; setting a cap on fees; treating all non-profits equally; small projects versus larger, more costly projects; the difference between building permit fees and plan review fees, and the option of waiving building permit fees only; the idea of not collecting fees but still providing the service; fees that fund City services; setting a precedence for other non- profits to follow; deciding what projects would get a permit fee waiver and treating all non- profits equally; and, the discussion regarding park fee waivers. Council agreed to not move forward with a fee waiver process at this time. COUNCIL REPORTS: Councilman Craig expressed appreciation to Mr. Williams for the update regarding recent inquiries, and he inquired about potential weed issues, irrigation box flooding, etc. and if they would be addressed before the spring. Mr. Caton stated a strategy is needed and will be explored. Mayor Barber thanked staff members for assisting with the meeting. DEPARTMENT REPORTS: Mr. Williams stated he would continue to send updates to the Council regarding current projects, current initiatives, etc. to keep them informed. The Chamber of Commerce will be removing Christmas lights at the park on Friday, and Mr. Williams stated all volunteers were welcome to assist. Additionally, renovations to Veteran’s Memorial Park may help with the electrical connections and issues that occurred this winter with the lights turning off and back on periodically. ADJOURNMENT: There being nothing further to discuss, Mayor Barber adjourned this January 20, 2026 regular meeting of the Jerome City Council at 6:55 p.m. By: Christopher Barber, Mayor Attest: Bernadette Coderniz, City Clerk
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