Field Trip, Budget Hearing, Ordinance Approvals
The New Meadows City Council meeting on August 12, 2024 began with a field trip to Brown’s Mountain Recycling on South End Road. All council members, two citizens, and six Zoom guests were present. Council members walked the property, specifically taking note of front landscaping, fencing, tires, and items related to the Conditional Use Permit between Brown’s and the City.
Upon returning to City Hall, Mayor Good reported that she attended a site visit at the childcare center earlier that day with representatives from Dalrymple Construction. The old building is scheduled to be raised by two feet the week of August 19 in order to place supports and fittings to begin the remodel. At the time of the meeting the building permit was still in process with the county. Project meetings will occur weekly moving forward.
The mayor noted that the burn ban is still in effect.
Good stated that 25-30 people attended the community skatepark meeting. Additional community meetings will take place and the city council will review the final design before approval. A public hearing will also occur before plans are finalized.
The mayor remarked that the Stibnite Project is still in permitting phases.
The roadwork test recommended by GMCO after the dust abatement problems is still planned, however, the mayor noted that since the city is down a staff member, this may be further delayed.
The 2024-25 Fiscal Year Budget Hearing was opened for public comment and closed as no public comment occurred.
The Council then discussed action items beginning with the 2024 Annual Appropriations Ordinance. The ordinance gives the city the ability to use budgeted money. Good noted that their budget is always higher than may be expected because the city has the possibility of receiving many grants to help cover expenses. All potential income and expenses must be noted in the budget. Good also explained that the $177,951amount is all they will receive in the next fiscal year to cover parks, snow removal, and streets. The City Engineer is working on getting grant funding to add to this spending line. The engineer later explained that finding grants for their clients is a priority for their company and they are generally successful. The 2024 Annual Appropriations Ordinance was unanimously approved.
Discussion regarding the ordinance for 2024 Alley Definition Amendment followed. Changes were made to state that alleys are defined as 20 feet wide, not 30 feet. A line saying alleys are “not for general use” was removed making alleys public areas that will need to be maintained for possible use. After official introduction, the ordinance was unanimously approved.
The Ignite Idaho MOU discussed at last month’s special meeting was re-presented. The MOU gives Ignite conditional access to the city treasurer’s office for counseling services. Traci Jamieson with Ignite added via Zoom that they have a “counselor who lives in New Meadows and she is very excited to get started. There are a lot of families asking for this service, so we’re really grateful that this is even a possibility.” The space would be used for approximately five hours per week to begin. Statements from the council reflected support and hopes that a private space with fuller availability will be found in the future. The MOU was approved unanimously. Shiloh Ryker recused herself from voting since she is part of Ignite Idaho’s administrative team.
The council also approved an MOU presented by Mayor Good to purchase the Active Excavation building behind the Industrial Complex for $250,000 with grant money that the City will apply for. The building is on city owned land. Discussion noted that purchase may occur before the owner’s projected retirement in July 2028.
Councilmember Josh Carr brought up concerns voiced by community members over use of the industrial complex as a whole, as well as spending money on future plans when there are pressing current needs like street improvements. The council discussed the fact that unlike most other businesses, the city is limited on what it can use funds for. For example, money brought in from water use fees must be used for water expenses. In the case of grant money, funds can only be used for the use designated in the grant. The MOU does not list any stipulations on what the building would be used for after purchase, so that will be open for future discussion. The MOU was approved unanimously.
The Council then entered executive session. Upon closure, they unanimously approved an hourly pay increase for two city employees.
The consent agenda for paid & pending claims and July payroll was also approved.
Finally, future meeting topics were discussed. These include the monthly report from Brown’s Mountain Recycling, a presentation on local option taxes, a rate review regarding Planning and Zoning fees, park use ordinance, and an update on interviews for the open city position.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, August 26 at City Hall. If final paperwork from the engineer of the new subdivision is received in time, the meeting will begin at 6:00 p.m. at the future construction site on Peterson Memorial. Updates can be found on the city website.
