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minutes meeting date 2026-01-21 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 11716 characters · official file · plain text
Page 1 of 4 MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SODA SPRINGS, CARIBOU COUNTY, IDAHO, HELD JANUARY 21, 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 Jessica Thurman, Recreation Jeff Young, Director Brandon Hall Amanda Larsen Curtis Keller Brock Byram Beth Cheirrett Kent Loosle Naconna Gentry Molly Berseris 1. Roll call & Additions to Agenda: Mayor Gritton calls the meeting to order, noting that all Council members are present. Beth Cheirrett offers a prayer. Mayor Gritton leads the Pledge of Allegiance 2. Review & Approval: Councilwoman Byram motioned to approve the minutes from the January 14 meeting. Councilman Carpenter seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion carried. Councilman Carpenter motioned to approve the accounts payable for January 1-19, 2026. Councilman Larsen seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion carried. Discussion ensues about the number of bills from Forsgren on Main Street, with Director Squires clarifying the timeline and accrual accounting. Councilman Larsen questions the city's accounting practices, particularly regarding large invoices and accrual accounting. Clerk Haderlie explains that the bills were not given to accounts payable like they should have been. Councilman Hart notes it got lost in the shuffle and that Foresgren has not returned calls, and Councilman Carpenter suggests a breakdown of their billable hours. Mayor Gritton and Councilman Carpenter discuss the possibility of requiring an accounting from Foresgren before any disbursement. Councilman Larsen questioned the Intermountain Gas Bill for the library, suggesting it might be abnormally high. Councilwoman Byram inquired about the ASCAP fee, which Mayor Gritton explained is a yearly licensing fee for playing music in city facilities. Councilwoman Byram also asks about the Rec Department's fuel bill, which the Parks Department manages. 3. Appointments: Naconna Gentry from Soda Springs Community Gardens requests permission to send out mailers for microgreens and available raised beds. The community gardens requested approval to send out mailers for microgreens this month and available raised beds in April. Council approved the mailers for inclusion in the utility bills. Clerk Haderlie will include the Soda Springs Community Gardens mailer in the upcoming utility billing cycle (submit by Friday before meters are read). Mrs. Gentry asked the council to approve a new electrical outlet at the library for another freeze dryer that the community garden will supply to the library. Councilman Carpenter motioned to approve a $1,300 expense for a new electrical circuit at the library for a freeze-dryer. Council asked Director Hansen to obtain additional installation bids for the library freeze dryer circuit (collect at least two more bids for comparison). Councilman Hart seconded the motion. Mayor Gritton and Council members discuss the feasibility of adding a new circuit at the library for a freeze dryer. Page 2 of 4 The Soda Springs High School Student Council canceled its appointment. Molly Berseris introduces herself and her role in economic development for Bear Lake, Caribou, Franklin, and Oneida counties with 4CASI. Molly discusses her services, including supporting small businesses, workforce development, and grant opportunities. She highlights current projects, such as Chamber Champs, age-friendly communities, and Main Street initiatives. Molly mentions her involvement in the Enders project and the need for a feasibility study and strategic planning. Draft an RFP/RFI and pursue feasibility/planning study options for the Enders facility (include cost estimates and public engagement plan). Molly provides an update on the Enders project, including hosting tours and engaging community members. She suggests conducting a feasibility study and public input sessions to plan for the Enders' future. Molly discusses the potential for a state park designation and the need for a detailed plan. Mayor Gritton and Council members express support for Molly's leadership and involvement in the project. Beth Cheirrett reports on the success of the Festival Trees event, with 39 trees, 40 volunteers, and 400 attendees. The event raised $17,000, significantly more than the previous year's $10,000. Beth thanks the council and community for their support and participation. Council members express their appreciation for the event and its positive impact on the community. 4. Citizen Input Mayor Gritton opened the floor for Citizen input. There were no comments from the audience. Mayor Girtton closed the floor. 5. Unfinished Business: Councilman Hart outlines various projects and solicitations, including lease renewals at the industrial park and airport. Councilman Larsen plans to meet with industrial park lessees to discuss lease terms and economic development opportunities. He plans to set up a meeting with industrial park lessees within the next two weeks to solicit input on lease renewals and issues. Councilman Larsen will work with Director Squires and Roger Sorenson on airport lease discussions and aim to present the proposed lease framework to the council by the end of the quarter. Councilman Larsen will take the lead on reviewing and updating industrial park and airport leases and rate structure, engage Tom as needed, and propose lease modifications. Councilman Hart suggests engaging the West End water users for billing and contractual agreements. Councilman Hart will email Councilman Carpenter the information and framework regarding West End water users, along with the proposed steps to formalize billing and establish a point of contact. He will engage with the water users and enter into a contract with them. Councilman Carpenter and Councilman Hart discuss the need for a comprehensive plan for the Ledger Creek project and the Hispanic Access grant. Director of City Services Squires will coordinate outreach with ITD and contractor representatives and plan city/contractor/ITD door‑to‑door visits to inform property owners about the Highway 30 project once a contractor is selected. Councilman Hart will review the maintenance agreement and the substation agreement. He will look into Rocky Mountain Power and Wasatch Electric. Contact Wasatch Electric and Rocky Mountain Power to review current distribution/substation maintenance agreements and explore any needed changes or negotiations. 6. New Business: Chief Golightly reports on the police department's activities, including high-risk traffic stop training and the early arrival of new vehicles. He asked the council if they would allow him to sign vehicle lease agreements for the two leased police vehicles and proceed with upfitting per the budgeted five‑year lease. Council approved Chief Golightly to sign the leases. Director Thurman provides an update on the ice rink's success and on plans for new recreational activities, including a cosmic Nerf gun league and basketball. Restart the Recreation Board (collect Page 3 of 4 candidate names) and reconvene the board to support recreation programming. Director Young provides updates on the decorations and maintenance of the Christmas lights. His crew will install new street signs because several are in poor condition. He is still waiting on the batteries from Bat Electric for Hydro 5. Follow up with Jeremiah Battendorf and arrange delivery of batteries needed for street/park equipment (confirm shipment date) Director Hansen discusses the 50-50 reading challenge at the library and the need for a new bathroom tile, and she is working on bids for the repair. Clerk Haderlie updated that the Accounts Payable and Payroll year-end is complete. Attorney Smith updated on the contact with County Prosecutor Doug Wood to confirm the county is agreeable to the building inspector MOU and resolve any conflict-of-interest concerns between him and Wood. Director Squires explains the need to replace firefighter turnouts purchased in 2012, which are now outdated. The council discusses the cost of new turnouts, with a budget of $3,300 per set, and the funds raised by Ireland Bank. Councilman Carpenter motioned to purchase new firefighter turnout ensembles (replace 2012 gear) using available budget and the Ireland Bank donation, not to exceed $35,000 net to the city. Councilwoman Byram seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion carried. Mayor Gritton supports Director Squires' request, emphasizing the importance of safety for volunteer firefighters. Director Squires highlights the long-term benefits of the equipment, including compliance with NFPA guidelines and the potential for significant savings over 10 years. Councilman Larsen seeks clarification on the fire department's budget status, to which Director Squires responds that they are usually 20 to 40 thousand dollars under budget. Mayor Gritton thanks Ireland Bank for its significant donation to the community. Director Squires explains that the equipment will be custom-fitted for each firefighter, ensuring proper size and length. Councilman Carpenter mentions the strict physical standards at the Soda Springs Fire Department. Director Squires informed the council for the Water Department that he will schedule and conduct PFAS monitoring for both water systems twice in 2026 (first and second halves), per the new monitoring requirements. He mentioned it is expensive, but DEQ is starting to monitor. Mayor Gritton moves to review the fee schedule, noting that it coincides with changes at the industrial park, airport, and recreation areas. Clerk Haderlie explains the need to update building permit and other equipment rental fees. The council also reviewed the fee schedule, noting the need for updates in various areas, including building permits, which were deemed lower than necessary to cover costs. Councilman Hart and Councilman Larsen discuss the need for a detailed review of the fee schedule, possibly divided by area of expertise. Councilman Carpenter suggests involving Director Thurman and the animal control officer in the review process. Councilman Hart explains the difference in building permit fees between the city and the county, noting that the city's lower fees encourage growth. Mayor Gritton raises concerns about whether the current fees cover the cost of commercial inspections, which can be time-consuming. Councilman Hart suggests comparing the city's fees with the county's and possibly adjusting them to better cover costs. Mayor Gritton proposes having Clerk McDowell attend a meeting to provide more detailed information on building permit fees and inspections. 7. Citizen Input: Councilman Carpenter thanks the Rotary for organizing the elected officials' dinner, praising the food and the hospital's role in the event. Mayor Gritton seconds the thanks to the Rotary and the hospital. Councilman Hart motioned to adjourn. Councilwoman Byram seconded the motion. All were in favor, and the motion carried. PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 3, 2026. Page 4 of 4 _________________________ Paul Gritton, Mayor ATTEST _________________________ Andrea Haderlie, Clerk
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