Youth Center Updates, Ordinances
The July 14th New Meadows City Council meeting began with a field trip to the New Meadows Youth Center. The walk through was led by Joe and Kimberly Dalrymple of Dalrymple Construction, the Construction Manager. Throughout the tour, the Dalrymples provided insight to project details, donations of work, time, money, and valued items as well as project progress and the work still ahead.
The building features a secure two layer entry, classrooms for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, as well as meeting or counseling space, a full kitchen, and a community room. A covered playground area will offer year round outdoor space for preschool and daycare children.
As the tour moved into the large community room, J. Dalrymple pointed out the vaulted ceiling and exposed wood saying the beams above were kept from the old Recycling Center. He said they wanted to “do their best to leave something of the old building shown and tie things together.” The beams will be reinforced and remain exposed to display some history of the building.
Dalrymple went on noting the expanse of community involvement including no less than 26 contractors working on this project since its beginning. Contractors and community members have offered time between jobs and reached out with specialized assistance.
Kimberly and Joe expressed their thanks to the City Council, Mayor Julie Good, and City Clerk Kyla Gardner stating, “We can’t thank you enough for choosing us to do this project...this is the most special job we have ever done… All of this is for the kids.”
Upon return to the former City Hall building, the well attended meeting began with audience questions regarding weeds, speeding, and noise ordinances. The Mayor’s Report stated that Ziply Fiber project paperwork has still not been received and will not move forward until it has been submitted and approved. Once approved, Ziply’s stated timeline is six weeks.
The Mayor’s report noted construction on the Mehen Memorial Skatepark is in process and that the group is sending weekly progress reports and updates to the City.
Other updates included May Hardware’s work on installing new but historically accurate locks and hardware at The Depot.
A Grand Opening of The Depot Museum and new City Hall is scheduled for Thursday, July 31 from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m. in an open house format.
Adams County Prosecuting Attorney Peter Donovan gave an update on current cases saying there are 18 open crime cases, all misdemeanors. He has noticed an uptick in crime with the warmer weather months.
Shadyn Wallace was in attendance to address a concern over sheds in his yard related to the City’s side yard setback ordinance. The Council and Wallace discussed the ordinance language and ideas to honor citizens who are trying to make their yards look tidier. After much back and forth, the Council tabled the discussion to pursue further research on language and any possible ordinance changes.
Many others in attendance voiced concerns and ideas related to speeding on South Heigho Street especially, but also on North Miller and Peterson Memorial. Solution options were discussed with community input. Ideas included increased policing by the Sheriffs department, solar lights that flash when cars drive by, temporary speed bumps, humps, or dips, and possible detriment to the roads because of these types of temporary speed deterrents. The discussion concluded with a plan to address the subject at the Roads & Streets Committee meeting that week and in subsequent meetings as well as to research equipment rental options with ITD or LHTAC.
A Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Meadows Valley School regarding use of the new Youth Center for half day preschool was discussed. The school board had recently reviewed the MOU and sent initial change requests. The Council talked through potential additions and the Mayor will send the new draft to the school for review and comment. Both parties want to ensure the MOU covers safety factors including who should be in the building at specific times and ensuring anyone interacting or in the building while children are present is vetted. The Council also discussed the related costs to the new center and considered what the school might offer to supplement those costs or add care to the building.
A proposed mural project for the old city hall building was being sponsored by the New Meadows Youth Advocacy Coalition. With the move to City Hall and as yet unknown next steps for the former City Hall building, the Council discussed recommendations for moving forward or YAC redirecting the mural project.
Stacy Loper was in attendance representing Meadows Valley Days. Discussion at a previous meeting addressed a request for power and water for some event vendors. Loper provided clarity and details for the requests and the Council said they maintained approval with no changes for this request so the event will be able to access power and water.
Two bids were received for the surplus tin from the old recycling center and none for the wood. A bid from Ken Crogh was accepted by the Council and an offer of the wood was made by the Council to Crogh.
A lease agreement with Dalrymple Construction for a City Industrial Park Complex unit was approved unanimously. The agreement includes improvement plans an specific guidelines for related payments and reimbursements.
A previously discussed ordinance regarding Rear Setbacks was finalized and approved for residential zones.
Future meeting topics may include outbuildings and setbacks, the City’s contract with Adams County Sheriffs, future use of the old city hall building, speedbumps and any comment from the Roads & Streets committee, an update from the West Central Mountains Economic Development Council, a possible Ziply update, City of Impact ordinance, a budget workshop, and the budget hearing.
The next City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, July 28 at 6:30 p.m..
