Airport Project Progress and Water Fee Increase
The city council meeting was held on Tuesday July 8, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting reports began with Kayla Brown giving the Airport Commission Report. The commission’s Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) was updated since the old plan was made in the 1980’s. The updated plan was approved by the city council members later in the meeting during business. Brown continued her report stating that the grant to repair the runway lights has been received. One of the grants for repaving the airport runway has been released and if the 2nd grant is released before the end of July, it will give the contractors enough time to finish the runway project before winter. Otherwise the project will be put on hold until next summer and the current bid will have to be resubmitted or altered.
Kathy Hughes expanded on the airport report, stating the Airport is getting busier. 3,944 gallon of fuel have been sold so far this year and as the airport grows in popularity the city will need to consider buying a larger tank.
Next, Ashley Scott gave the city clerks report. The highlights were, the first Comprehensive Plan Committee meeting with Great West Engineering happened on June 24th. The Committee had some areas of concern within the city limits such as the city streets and Boise Cascade Park need some attention. On Monday July 14th a special meeting with the Commissioners took place at the Courthouse to talk about the area of impact. Geoff Schroeder the city attorney will be present. The city will close early on Monday August 4th and be closed all day on Tuesday August 5th. The mayor Bruce Gardener, city clerk Ashley Scott and deputy clerk Pepper Jordan will be attending a Community Health Academy class in Boise. Lastly, the final plat for the Industrial Subdivision is waiting to be reviewed and signed by a county surveyor before it can be implemented.
Caleb Shumway gave the public works report about all the work the city did to get ready for the 4th of July celebration. Also, a drinking water monitor has been sent off to test for inorganic and organic compounds within the city’s public water system.
Moving on to business, Courtney Bayuk from McPaws addressed the council members asking for their support. She shared that 1.27% of animals brought to McPaws are from Council which comes out to $4,753.00 yearly. After some discussion Dr. Bruce Gardener shared that he feels like his veterinary clinic handles most of Councils stray animal needs and that the city also has an animal shelter that is rarely used but it is there if needed. He said that the committee will discuss the possibility of supporting McPaws and let her know.
Next on the agenda, the city council discussed the fiscal year budget and approved a rate increase for water and sewer. A proposed increase from $29.30 per edu (equivalent dwelling unit) to $51.00 per edu. The charges for sewer will increase from $72.24 per month to $74.00. Making the total $125.00 per month for the standard user. The money will go to repay the loans incurred for the upcoming water project. The council approved that the proposed increase be publicized. A public hearing will be held in the future to allow for input from local residents.
Lastly, the city council approved an upgrade within their Caselle software system that allows the city and paying customers to receive paperless statements, recurring payments and have the ability to view their account history when paying their water/sewer bill, business licenses and accounts receivable/payable. Adding this feature will cost the city an extra $200 a month as well as a one time implementation fee of $1,200. The city council felt that the benefits of this upgrade were worth the cost and estimated that some of the cost could be offset because the city will be using less stamps.
