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minutes meeting date 2026-03-20 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 4535 characters · official file · plain text
MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETINGS OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SODA SPRINGS, CARIBOU COUNTY, IDAHO HELD MARCH 20, 2026. MEETING AND AGENDA NOTICES ARE POSTED AT CITY HALL 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE PURSUANT TO THE IDAHO CODE. THE MEETING WAS HELD AT 9:00 AM. ROLL CALL SHOWED THE FOLLOWING PRESENT: Paul Gritton, Mayor Mitch Hart, Pres Paige Byram Daniel Larsen ABSENT: Ryan Carpenter ALSO PRESENT: Andrea Haderlie, City Clerk Dan Squires, Director of City Services CeJay Golightly, Chief of Police Thomas Smith, City Attorney Special Meeting-Emergency Water Line Replacement Meeting Mayor Gritton calls the special meeting to order at 9:00 am, noting the absence of Councilman Ryan Carpenter and the presence of Attorney Tom Smith via Zoom. Director Dan Squires is asked to provide background on the emergency replacement of the main water line. Director Squires explains that the waterline under Union Pacific's railroad tracks, which feeds from the north to the south side of town, has an active leak. The leak was identified a year and a half ago, and a boring permit was done on Main Street and 2nd South to address it. Director Squires mentions that ITD's highway project will affect the water line replacement, freeing up city funds to replace the entire line from the bore to East Hooper Avenue. The project will fix the leak under the tracks and secure a main north-south water line, eliminating the need to dig up Second South Highway after ITD repaves it. The current contractor rate for the bore is $600 a foot, but it will increase to over $900 a foot if done later, adding a significant cost to the city. The new project will use a new plastic pipe from Second Street to East Hooper Avenue, eliminating leaks and facilitating the connection to the old steel line. Councilman Hart makes a motion to adopt resolution number 2026, dash for a resolution of the city of Soda Springs declaring an emergency to replace a water leak under the Union Pacific Rail Road water line and to forego the formal bidding process because of the nature of the project, and in turn authorize the Director of City Services to contract with A+ Contractors, up to $337,932 to move post haste, to replace the 2nd East water line, connect the water line to the new bore under the railroad line, and to integrate and correlate the project with the 2nd South/Highway 30 ITD project. Councilwoman Byram seconded the motion. Mayor Gritton calls for a discussion among council members and Director Squires. Councilman Larsen asks Director Squires to quantify the amount of water leaking, and Director Squires estimates it exceeds 5 gallons per minute. Mayor Gritton inquires whether the leak could worsen, and Director Squires confirms it will continue to worsen if not addressed. Mayor Gritton asks if the leak poses a threat to property or life, and Director Squires confirms it could be devastating if it fails under the railroad tracks. Attorney Smith recommends reviewing the resolution to ensure all findings are addressed and is available to assist. Attorney Smith confirms the water line is approximately 75 years old, installed in 1951. He discusses the potential risks if the water line fails, including loss of potable water, fire protection risks, and the potential for encroachment permit expiration. The current encroachment permit expires on July 9. The process took about 2 years and cost about $25,000 for the permit and $10,000 for expedited review. Attorney Smith notes that the ITD project for Second South is expected to begin soon, and the current bid from A+ Contractors will help prevent future damage to the roadway. Councilman Hart modifies his motion to include all the reasons outlined in the resolution 2026-4, emphasizing the emergency and sole-vendor aspects. Councilwoman Byram seconded the motion, Mayor Gritton noted the modification, and called for a vote. Councilman Hart, yay; Councilman Larson, yay; and Councilwoman Byram, yay. Attorney Smith explains Councilman Carpenter's absence due to his employment with A+ Contactors, ensuring no conflict of interest. The motion carried. Councilman Larsen motioned to adjourn. Councilman Byram seconded the motion. All in favor, motion carried. PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL THIS APRIL 1, 2026. _________________________ Paul Gritton, Mayor ATTEST: _________________________ Andrea Haderlie, Clerk
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