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minutes meeting date 2026-03-04 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 16531 characters · official file · plain text
Page 1 of 5 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SODA SPRINGS, CARIBOU COUNTY, IDAHO, HELD MARCH 4, 2026. ROLL CALL SHOWED THE FOLLOWING PRESENT: Paul Gritton, Mayor Mitchell J. Hart, Council President Ryan Carpenter Paige Byram Daniel Larsen EXCUSED: ALSO PRESENT: Dan Squires, Director of City Services Andrea Haderlie, City Clerk Thomas Smith, City Attorney CeJay Golightly, Chief of Police Hope Hansen, Librarian Jeff Young, Director James Hughes Brandon Hall Chris Gonzalez Jim McCulloch Curtis Keller Brock Byram Barry Oats Austin E. Robinson 1. Roll call & Additions to Agenda: Mayor Gritton opens the meeting, noting the attendance of all council members. Jim McCulloch offers a prayer, and Mayor Gritton leads the Pledge of Allegiance. Councilman Carpenter moves that this governing body, pursuant to Idaho Code 74-204, amend the agenda for this meeting as follows: to add Idaho Code 74-206(1)(f) to the executive session agenda, which is seconded by Councilwoman Byram. All were in favor, and the motion carried. 2. Review & Approval: Mayor Gritton calls for a review of the minutes from February 18, 2026. Councilman Larsen motioned to approve the minutes as written. Councilman Carpenter seconded the motion, and the motion carried. Councilman Hart motions to approve the payables February 17-28, 2028, and payroll for February 2026, which is seconded by Councilman Carpenter. All were in favor, and the motion carried. 3. Appointments: Barry Oats requests approval for the Park Ridge subdivision phase two, which includes five twin home lots instead of the original six. The new homes will have 20-foot-wide garages, up from the original 12-foot garages, to accommodate larger vehicles. Barry Oats will prepare updated Park Ridge subdivision Phase 2 plats reflecting five twin home lots per side of the road instead of six, expanded 20-foot garages, and the agreed 40-foot asphalt roadway, and submit them to the city for final review and approval. Councilman Hart confirms that the new lots will be evenly divided along the street and that the city will adopt the street once it is constructed. Councilman Hart motions to approve the plat adjustments, which are seconded by Councilman Larsen. Attorney Smith clarifies the need for a replat for the final plat of phase two, and Councilman Hart amends his motion to include the garage size adjustment, expanded to 20-foot garages. All were in favor, and the motion carried. Get Outside and Live (GOAL) Jim McCulloch and Chris Gonzales discuss the initiative to improve river access for kayakers and tubers. The group has received quotes for a kayak launch dock at around $16,000 and is seeking support from the city. Develop a plan and funding strategy for the proposed Bailey Creek kayak launch dock at location #2, including obtaining Army Corps of Engineers, Idaho Department of Water Resources, and Idaho Department of Lands permits, coordinating with county commissioners on gravel needs, and identifying sponsors for the roughly $16,000 project cost. They will provide an annual report to the council on progress toward securing sponsors for the Bailey Creek kayak launch dock, as well as on any resulting permit applications and construction plans. Jim McCulloch adds that the city could Page 2 of 5 contribute to a sign indicating the river path and potential hazards. Councilman Hart suggests keeping the city in the loop and mentions the city's kayaks and paddleboards that could be used for the initiative. The council supports the initiative and encourages the group to pursue funding and permits. Distinguished Young Women Program Donation – Soda Springs Lions Club representative Austin E. Robinson requests a $550 donation to support the Distinguished Young Women program, which awards scholarships to local high school girls. Councilman Hart motions to approve the donation, noting the program's long history and positive impact on the community. Councilman Carpenter seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion carried. Mayor Gritton asks Austin Robinson about his involvement in the program, and he shares that it started in 1985. The council appreciates the program's efforts and the positive impact on the young ladies involved. 4. Citizen Input There was no audience input. 5. Unfinished Business: Director Squires provides updates on the city's infrastructure replacement project, funded by ITD, and the lead removal grant on Second South. The project came in below budget, and the city is considering using the lead removal grant funds for other projects. The council discusses the potential need for curb and gutter replacement and the benefits of having an engineer on-site for oversight. Director Squires will work with DEQ to determine whether the half-million-dollar lead service line replacement loan can be moved to another city project, evaluate options for using those funds on Second South or other infrastructure, and prepare recommendations for the council on how best to deploy this principal-forgiveness loan. Director Squires mentioned that at the upcoming ITD preconstruction meetings for the Highway utility replacement project, discuss with ITD and the contractor replacing water and sewer mains whether curb and gutter repairs can be funded from the project budget, and coordinate on which sections of curb and gutter should be replaced. Once the ITD contractor is on board, hold preconstruction meetings with ITD and the utility contractor to address trenching constraints, shared pipe trenches, and any needed adjustments to the work scope and sequencing for the Highway utility replacement project. After receiving the engineering firm's proposal and cost estimate for oversight and as-built surveys on the Highway utility replacement project, bring the proposal to the council for review and approval before authorizing the engineer to begin work. Director Squires mentions the need for GIS mapping of the city's water and sewer systems and the potential use of funds for this project. The council supports the updates and the potential use of funds for additional projects. Shipping Container for Ice Rink Storage Director Squires proposes purchasing a 20-foot shipping container for storing ice rink equipment at Kelly Park. The container would provide a secure and waterproof storage solution, reducing the need to transport equipment annually. The council supports the proposal and suggests considering a 40-foot container for additional space. Director Squires will look into the availability and cost of larger containers and proceed with the planning and zoning process. Director Squires and Clerk McDowell will pursue and obtain the necessary Planning and Zoning approval for installing a 20-foot shipping container at Kelly Park to store the ice rink equipment and Zamboni, including completing the standard P&Z process, such as notice to affected property owners. Director Squires will obtain pricing and availability information for larger (e.g., 40-foot) shipping containers suitable for storing the ice rink and Zamboni at Kelly Park, and compare these options against the initially identified 20-foot container before deciding on a size. Director Squires will complete the purchase and installation of the selected Kelly Park shipping container once Planning and Zoning approval is obtained, ensuring the unit is securely sited and ready to store the ice rink and related equipment. Brownfield Cleanup Alternatives for the Enders Building Councilman Hart requests approval to proceed with the analysis of Brownfield cleanup alternatives for the Enders Building. The EPA grant will fund the assessment and identification of challenges, with no cost to the city. Councilman Larsen motioned to approve the step forward, and the report will include potential mitigation steps and funding Page 3 of 5 sources. Councilman Carpenter seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion carried. USS Idaho Commissioning Councilman Hart mentions the city's donation to the commissioning of the USS Idaho submarine and offers two tickets to the ceremony. The council discusses potential attendees, including a Navy veteran who served on a submarine. Councilman Hart will coordinate with the commissioning committee and inform interested parties about the tickets. Councilman Hart will coordinate with the USS Idaho commissioning committee and VFW contacts to confirm attendance and travel logistics for the two council tickets to the April commissioning ceremony, including any associated costs. Facilities Planning Study for Wastewater Collection System Director Squires updates the council on the facilities planning study for the wastewater collection system. The study identifies areas with high infiltration (I&I) rates, which need to be addressed to avoid costly upgrades to the treatment plant. The council discusses potential funding sources, including grants and local funds, and the need for engineering to prioritize repairs. Director Squires mentions using cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) technology for some repairs, reducing the need for open trenching. Director Squires will use the remaining facilities planning study funds to prioritize, design, and engineer targeted wastewater collection system improvements (including potential cured-in-place liner options) and produce shovel-ready projects that could be used to pursue external grants. 2026-2 Fee Schedule Resolution Update: The council discusses the 2026 fee schedule resolution, including potential updates to airport fees and industrial park fees. Councilman Larsen suggests increasing airport fees slightly, noting that the current fees are lower than those in other parts of the state. The council agrees to proceed with the resolution and discusses the potential need for future adjustments, including changes to building permit fees. The council discusses the valuation of building projects and the need for accurate assessments. The update includes clarifications on the value of farmland leases and the calculation of building permit fees. The council supports the updates and plans to hold a public hearing on the proposed changes in the next meeting. Clerk Haderlie will finalize the 2026-2 fee schedule resolution by incorporating council feedback, and schedule and conduct the public hearing on the 2026-2 fee schedule resolution at the next regular council meeting. Business Licenses and Regulations Code Update: Councilman Larsen introduces the code update. Councilman Larsen suggests broadening the classification of circuses to include carnivals, regardless of size, noting that they don't make much money from them. Councilman Hart and Councilman Carpenter discuss the historical significance of the number of rings in circuses, with Councilman Carpenter humorously mentioning the inclusion of "he/she" for political correctness. Mayor Gritton asks for further discussion, and Attorney Smith suggests updating the classification to include various types of tent-based entertainment venues. Councilman Hart mentions a provision in the license fee for failure to obtain a license, which Mayor Gritton notes. 6. New Business: Director Young reports that barricades are finally done, with 50 new ones painted and new reflective tape added. He mentions ongoing issues with a beaver causing damage, including filling a 55- gallon trash bag with garbage twice in the past two months. Director Young discusses the need for a trapper to evict the beaver and the ongoing issue of beavers damaging gates at the hydro plant and other structures. He also mentions the ordering of oil for chip and seal operations and piggybacking on Bonneville County's order. Librarian Hansen reports 46 kids attended Storytime, one of the highest numbers, and mentions ongoing construction at the library. She thanks sponsors for their support and mentions the removal of walls and windows for phase three of the construction. Librarian Hansen discusses installing a freeze- dryer for community gardens and the wiring required. She explains the process for using the freeze-dryer, which is free to use except for packaging materials, and mentions upcoming events like mini golf night and the need for donations. Page 4 of 5 Chief Golightly thanks the Soda Springs School District for allowing the police to use their facilities for canine training. He mentions the installation of an exhaust system in the evidence room to alleviate the smell of marijuana. Chief Golightly discusses the purchase of graphics for police vehicles and the plan to turn one vehicle into a pit vehicle for training. He mentions the upcoming aggressive-driving grant from ITD and the importance of safe driving behaviors. Clerk Haderlie mentions that the March pet licensing was sent with the bills. Attorney Smith mentions sending out records requests and responding to daily calls from the mayor. Mayor Gritton introduces the 2026-3 resolution and statement of contribution for the Gem Grant feasibility study at Enders. Prepare and submit the completed Idaho Gem grant application and supporting materials for the Enders building feasibility study, using Resolution 2026-03 and the required signed statement of contribution. Councilman Hart makes a motion to adopt and approve the 2026-3 resolution, which is seconded by Councilman Carpenter. All were in favor, and the motion carried. Councilman Hart moved to approve the $ 6,000.00 contribution for the Gem Grant. Councilwoman Byram and Councilman Carpenter seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion carried. Regional Travel Grant Mayor Gritton introduced the Idaho Regional Travel grant letter of support, explaining its purpose and the city's potential contribution of up to $2,000. Councilman Larsen makes a motion to allow the mayor to sign the letter and approve the spending, which is seconded by Councilman Carpenter. All were in favor, and the motion carried. Mayor Gritton introduces a proclamation declaring April 11-17, 2026, as the Week of the Young Child. Councilman Hart motioned to approve the Mayor's signing the proclamation. Councilman Larsen seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion carried. Area of Impact Discussion Councilman Hart discusses the area of impact between the city and county, noting the county's recent control over establishing the boundary. He raises concerns about the inclusion of certain areas, such as Cedar View subdivision, and the potential for growth in other areas. Councilwoman Byram expresses concerns about the enforcement of existing impact zones within the county. Attorney Smith clarifies that the area of impact is under county jurisdiction, and the city can provide input but has no direct control. Councilman Larsen will attend tomorrow night's Area of Impact city-county meeting at 6:00 p.m. and verbally present the council's concerns regarding the proposed boundary expansion (e.g., Cedar View versus Wood Canyon/Bear Meadows, inclusion of productive agricultural land, and enforcement of impact zone standards). 7. Citizen Input: Brock Byram asks about the storage and heating requirements for a Zamboni in a shipping container, and Director Squires clarifies that it would be stored in the summer and moved to a heated area in the winter. 8. Executive Session 7:02 PM Councilman Carpenter moved that the board, pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206, convene in executive session to consider personnel matters, Idaho Code 74-206 (1)(a) & (b), and communicate with legal counsel (1)(f). Councilwoman Byram seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Councilman Hart, Yay, Councilman Larsen, Yay, Councilman Carpenter, Yay, and Councilwoman Byram, Yay. 8:06 PM Councilwoman Byram motioned to adjourn the Executive Session. Councilman Carpeneter seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion carried. Councilman Hart motioned to adjourn the meeting. Councilman Carpenter seconded. All were in favor, and the motion carried. Mayor Gritton thanks everyone for attending the meeting. PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL ON MARCH 18, 2026. Page 5 of 5 _________________________ Paul Gritton, Mayor ATTEST _________________________ Andrea Haderlie, Clerk
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