City of Soda Springs | minutes | meeting 2026-02-04 | 02/04/26 Agenda Minutes
source: https://sodaspringsid.com/City Council Minutes 2.4.2026.pdf?t=202602201650120

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MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SODA SPRINGS, 
CARIBOU COUNTY, IDAHO, HELD FEBRUARY 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 
Celeste Schneider, Deputy Clerk  
Thomas Smith, City Attorney 
CeJay Golightly, Chief of Police 
Hope Hansen, Librarian 
Jessica Thurman, Recreation 
Jeff Young, Director 
Melissa McDowell, Deputy Clerk 
Brandon Hall 
Kristen and Aspen Skinner 
Dallin Skinner 
Coulter and Anna Skinner 
Darlene Gunnell 
Curtis Keller 
Brock Byram  
Alana Burns 
Laura and Angela Lind 
Kate Lauck
1. Roll call & Additions to Agenda: 
 
Mayor Gritton opens the meeting, asks for a prayer from Councilman Larsen, and Mayor Gritton 
leads the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Gritton confirms the presence of all council members, with Deputy 
Clerk Schneider filling in for Clerk Haderlie. Mayor Gritton reminds attendees to keep conversations to a 
minimum and to use the podium to speak during the meeting. 
 
2. Review & Approval: 
 
Councilman Hart moves to dispense with the reading of the January 21, 2026, meeting minutes, 
seconded by Councilman Carpenter. All were in favor, and the motion carried. 
 
Councilman Carpenter moves to approve the accounts payable January 19-31, 2026, and payroll 
for January 2026, seconded by Councilwoman Byram. Councilman Hart inquired about a specific line item 
and explained the background of a $5,000 economic assessment from Bengal Solutions. All were in favor, 
and the motion carried. Councilman Larsen asks how many street signs were replaced, and Director Young 
confirms approximately 60 were replaced. Mayor Gritton and Councilman Larsen discuss the quality and 
appearance of the new street signs. Councilman Hart and Mayor Gritton discuss the lack of snow-removal 
overtime and the positive feedback received. 
3. Appointments: 
 
 
Laura Lind requests a deferment for the Friends of the Park update due to a tardy member. Mayor 
Gritton moves to the Friends of the Library proposal. 
 
Librarian Hansen explains the plans for new shelving, temperature control, and light switches in 
the upstairs room. Librarian Hansen and Kate Lauck discuss the project phases, including furniture, 
window, and additional shelving replacements. Councilman Hart suggests exploring energy-efficiency 
grants to offset costs. Librarian Hansen mentions a prior grant application that was not approved due to 
heating-system requirements. Councilman Hart offers to contact the Idaho Consumer-Owned Utility 
Association regarding potential grant opportunities. Librarian Hansen and Kate Lauck discuss the Friends' 
account balance and the possibility of using city funds if necessary. When Friends of the Library have 
concrete, finalized plans (contracts and detailed scope) for the upstairs refresh, present those plans 
publicly to the city council for official approval and advise the Mayor/Council in advance. Council asked 
them to collect the remaining contractor bids for the upstairs library refresh phases (furniture, conference 
room wall, window/shelving work) and provide the full set of bids to the Friends and the library board for

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vendor selection. 
 
Alana Burns and Laura Lind present a proposal to resurface the basketball courts, with a $9,443 
contribution and a $7,000 donation from Degerstrom. The proposal includes a 50-50 split with the city for 
the remaining balance and for additional improvements, such as painting and new equipment. Mayor 
Gritton and Councilman Carpenter discuss the project's timeline and the potential for in-house labor 
savings. Obtain a professional striping bid for the newly resurfaced basketball courts and evaluate 
in‑house striping vs. contractor cost, then report back to the council or project lead. Coordinate and start 
the basketball court resurfacing project with Friends of the Park following council approval (city 
contribution up to $12,000): arrange pole removal/painting, oversee in‑house work, and contractor 
scheduling so resurfacing can proceed when weather permits. Councilman Carpenter moved to proceed 
with the $12,000 Basketball court project, with a 50/50 split between the City and Friends of the Park, 
with the goal of completing it by the Fourth of July. Councilwoman Byram seconded the motion. All were 
in favor, and the motion carried. 
4. Citizen Input 
 
Kristen Skinner presented to the mayor, council members, and citizens of Soda Springs. A picture 
of my great-grandfather, Henry L. Finch, the first mayor of Soda Springs. My father, Robert Torgeson, was 
a Council Member for many years. My husband, Alan Skinner, is the Director of City Services and was the 
city engineer and planner for 17 years. In their honor, I want to ensure that Soda Springs' records are 
accurate and that Alan did not resign from the city under a peaceful resignation. On January 8, 2026, the 
newly sworn-in mayor, accompanied by the chief of police, entered Alan's office and said, "Your time at 
the city is done." Allen was presented with two pre-drafted letters, required to sign one, and denied time 
to consider his options and the consequences of his choice. One letter mysteriously drafted by Alan 
himself, the resignation letter states, Dear Mayor Gritton, after due and appropriate consideration for 
personal reasons, I have chosen to voluntarily resign from my position as city engineer and planner 
effective January 8, 2026 the letter continues with words such as, agree, immediately, surrender, delete, 
destruct, criminal violation, followed by sincerely, Alan Skinner. If Alan had truly submitted his own 
resignation letter, I'm sure it would have included a "thank you." It's been an honor to work under Council 
direction, the gratitude and appreciation of coworkers, and the love of the city. He would have shaken 
everyone's hands and said goodbye. Instead, he was forced, under guard, out of his office and into a truck 
within one hour. No discussion for reason, no reading of the employee handbook, no public or Council 
Review of his employment record or file, just the words. It's happening now. I can't imagine the wording 
or what would have happened under the second pre-drafted "you are fired" letter. So, as you drive down 
Main Street with its beautiful white sidewalks and brightly lit path, play on the city playground 
equipment, walk the paths at Hooper and Kelly parks, Nutrient, and Bear River, drinking fresh water from 
formation and Ledge Creek that runs through multiple underground pipe systems to a wastewater 
treatment plant. Enjoy electricity from substations and overhead power lines cross town and state 
highways with flashing pedestrian lights camera systems to protect multiple city investments, chilling at 
the airport, Senior Center elevator, added extension room at the library, Fourth of July and evening 
entertainment grants written yearly for millions of dollars received, attending P and Z, Greater Soda 
Springs Development, Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce and other city required meetings, checking 
projects or unexpected emergencies, all after work, hours at night, plus the always and ongoing, regular 
day to day engineering and planning for future projects and current home inspections. Alan was a vital 
part of all of that and more to the many citizens who reached out over the years to express appreciation 
for improvement projects and emergencies handled by your services, while city crews worked hard. Thank 
you to the citizens who reached out by phone and text, using vulgar language from A to F. It's 
understandable your life was under stress, but bad character did not have to shine while Alan contractors 
and city crews work hard to make your life comfortable again. Council members should not give ear to 
that kind of backstabbing talk and behavior. Still, they should have the backs of their employees,

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especially a mayor who, in the first hour of business, has an obvious, preconceived agenda and an ax to 
grind, and a council that was not present or fully sworn in on January 7. You all sit at this table, may your 
efforts and timeless service be as unappreciated and as deciduous as you have shown. May your 
leadership demonstrate stronger professional administrative oversight and integrity in your interactions 
with the staff and citizens of Soda Springs. Your actions were dishonorable. You know what they say about 
karma. God help our city. Thanks. 
 
 
Alana Burns expresses excitement about the new leadership team we have in place. We had past 
leadership, but the relationship we're seeing on display has been greatly appreciated. I have had people 
reach out to me and proactively try to coordinate and facilitate good things on behalf of the city with a 
vision that I haven't encountered before. I am so appreciative of the spirit I'm feeling in this new 
leadership. I'm excited, inspired, and motivated as a citizen of the area, an investor, and a business owner 
to work in partnership with this leadership team, because I believe we will accomplish great things in the 
future. 
5. Unfinished Business: 
 
Director Squires provides updates on various projects, including the second South reconstruction, 
DEQ RFPs, and the lead service line project. He has sent the mixer bearing cartridge to the manufacturer 
for rebuild/repair, coordinated the rebuild and reinstallation schedule, and managed crane/contractor 
logistics to return the mixer to service. 
 
Employee Handbook update. Councilman Larsen commented he thinks, just as a matter of point, 
reading through the final edition, they think, no matter how detailed you get, there will always be 
something that someone will find some nuance of something that we didn't anticipate. But he was very 
impressed with the breadth and depth of the employee handbook. He thought it was very good and will 
cover 98% of what comes up. Real kudos to all the people who put in the effort. He knows Clerk Haderlie 
put in quite a bit of effort, as did the other departments and the chief, so a big thank you to everyone. 
And it was very good. I think it is very good. Councilman Larsen motioned to approve and adopt the City 
of Soda Springs Employee Handbook dated February 4, 2026. Councilman Carpenter seconded the 
motion. All were in favor, and the motion carried. 
6. New Business: 
 
Librarian Hansen reports on successful programming, upcoming events, mini golf, and the 
community read initiative. 
 
Director Young updates on street sign replacements, barricade repairs, and the status of hydro 
batteries. 
 
Chief Golightly reminds the public to contact the police directly rather than through social media 
for non-emergencies. 
 
Director Thurman provides updates on youth and adult basketball, the ice rink closure, and the 
success of open mic night. 
 
Director Squires provided information that the Fire Department turnouts have been ordered, the 
firefighters have been measured, and delivery is 100 days out. The mixer bearing shipped out today for a 
rebuild. It will cost 24,000. The last one installed was in 2008. It will always be a rebuild because they 
differ in temperature, mixing, size, and other parameters. There was a sizable leak on Donahue that was 
repaired. 
 
Attorney Smith had no update to report. 
 
Submit the Idaho Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant application (up to $50,000) to 
the Governor's Office of Energy and Mineral Resources before the deadline and handle submission 
logistics. Councilman Larsen motioned to ratify the application for the Idaho Energy Efficiency 
Conservation Block Grant. Councilman Carpenter seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion 
carried.  
 
Finalize and prettify the letter of support for the ITAFOS Dry Ridge Extension Exploration Project,

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then coordinate with the mayor to obtain signature(s) and submit the letter to the appropriate agencies. 
Councilman Carpenter motioned to approve the letter of support to the Environmental Assessment for 
the ITAFOS Dry Ridge Extension Exploration Project. Councilman Larsen seconded the motion. All were in 
favor, and the motion carried.  
 
Mayor Gritton and Councilman Hart discuss the need for a resolution to update building permit 
fees. Deputy Clerk McDowell presents a proposal for separate residential and commercial building permit 
fees, based on research from other cities and counties. The council discusses the potential impact of 
increased fees and the importance of consistent and fair pricing. Councilman Hart emphasizes the 
importance of proper setbacks and roof positioning for home construction. Councilman Larsen confirms 
that the proposal covers the cost of the inspection. Councilman Hart estimates the cost of using a city 
employee as a building inspector at approximately 15 hours to review the plans. Mayor Gritton and 
Director Squires discuss the complexity and time-consuming nature of commercial building inspections, 
justifying higher fees. Councilman Larsen mentions a conversation with a member of the planning and 
zoning committee, who intended to save $1,000 by coming into town. Council asked Deputy Clerk 
McDowell to collaborate with Clerk Haderlie on the Fee Schedule Resolution for adoption. 
 
Councilwoman Byram seeks council approval to send in a grant application for an AARP Age-
Friendly Community Project for benches. Mayor Gritton asks whether there is a match for the $15,000 
grant and whether Councilwoman Byram has any questions regarding the application. Submit the AARP 
age-friendly community benches grant application (up to $15,000) and coordinate any required city match 
or installation planning. Councilman Carpenter motioned for approval for Councilwoman Byram to apply 
for the AARP Age-Friendly Community Project Grant. Councilman Hart seconded the motion. All were in 
favor, and the motion carried. 
 
7. Citizen Input:  
 
Mayor Gritton opens the floor for citizen input. Kristen Skinner stated that she told you, my 
grandfather, my great-grandfather, and my family that we have children. We love Soda Springs. We love 
the things that have happened here. That's why we're here. We love to do you know, change is good, as 
you all know, though, I'm going to tell you, you're going to do things, all of you. You can be funny, be 
popular, be smart, and be whatever. But there are going to be people who tear you apart for the things 
that you do. No matter how good you think you're going to be, you're going to have people who can tell 
you you're wrong or how bad you are when you're doing nothing but trying your hardest and your best. 
For my family, my grandkids, and those coming up, I want Soda Springs to blossom. I want it to bloom. So 
does Alan, so does my family, so does everybody. But don't forget to thank those who helped us get 
where we are today. Mayor Gritton closes the floor for citizen input. 
 
 
 
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 FEBRUARY 18, 2026. 
 
_________________________ 
Paul Gritton, Mayor 
 
ATTEST
 
_________________________                                                      
Andrea Haderlie, Clerk