Soda Springs City Council Meets
The Soda Springs City Council met for its regularly scheduled meeting on January 17. This report reflects the meeting events, but not the full minutes, which will be approved at the next meeting, on February 7.
Present were Concilmembers Mitchell J. Hart, Rodney Worthington, Ryan Carpenter, and Paul Gritton. Mayor Robinson was excused.
After an invocation by Justin Hansen and the Pledge led by Council President Hart, the minutes and agenda were approved.
Public hearing for rezone change
Council President Hart declared a public hearing open for the consideration of a rezoning change from R1 to C1. Clerk Hannah Beer acknowledged the two public comments received addressing the zone change, one from Taeya Mumford and the other from Scott and Betty Watson. Councilmember Worthington wanted to ensure the privacy fence would be six feet, as stated in City code. Councilmember Gritton inquired about the lot purchased by Morco and asked if the property would remain R1. Engineer Skinner said the lot would remain R1 and the privacy fence would be in accordance with City code.
Councilmember Carpenter asked the record to reflect the property to the South is also owned by Mr. Davis and is already zoned C1. Council President Hart declared the public meeting closed. Councilmember Worthington made a motion to approve Lot 7 in Block 47, seconded by Councilmember Gritton. Councilmember Carpenter thanked the Planning and Zoning Committee for their efforts and due diligence with the property. Councilmember Carpenter thanked PZ for their efforts and the public hearing a closed.
A motion to approve the zone change was passed unanimously.
Conditional Use
Permit
Rod Davis submitted a request for a Conditional Use Permit to allow for dome shaped shipping containers on 2945 Trail Canyon Road. Mr. Davis is planning to use the property for 40-foot shipping cargo containers, boat, and RV storage. Councilmember Carpenter motioned to accept Planning and Zoning recommendation to approve a Conditional Use permit for Rod Davis on behalf of Twisted Metal to include the conditions established by Planning and Zoning and the City Ordinant 683. A motion to grant the permit was approved by the council.
Bryan Scott
Bryan Scott from the Idaho Enterprise spoke to the council after being welcomed by Councilmember Paul Gritton. Scott explained that the Enterprise would be publishing its first issue in February, covering Caribou County news. Offices are being pursued inside Enders Hotel, pending a City Council decision on the matter. Subscription rates will be $10 higher than the Caribou County Sun’s final rates.
Citizen Input
Kathy Robinson addressed the Council about the attendance policy/ code for elected officials (which had been removed from the night’s agenda). Mrs. Robinson said the City code only states the Council attendance is important for Council members and the Mayor can be exempt because the Council President has authority while the Mayor is away. She stated Mayor Robinson loves his job and would be there at every meeting if possible. Mrs. Robinson said she is sick and he has to pay the bills. Mrs. Robinson suggested that the Council needs to follow the code that has already been written, and inquired as to how broadly the attendance policy was to be interpreted for other elected officials at city meetings of various types.
Unfinished Business
Engineer Skinner spoke with the Council about the project list updates. He acknowledged ongoing and completed projects, including numerous finished projects and projects that are projected to be completed this summer. The City is waiting on two new snow plows, the trucks will start assembly in January of 2024. There are currently five different housing developments in progress. The immediate concerns at the fire station are finalized but there are a few minor issues that will be addressed at a future date. In addition, there is a grant out for Hooper Parking Lot, and the City is still waiting to hear back about approval for these grants. An agreement with Nutrien is being written and is predicted to be finished at the end of March 2024. Nutrien will be gifting the City 600 acres, with water rights, and funds to help develop the land. Eventually, Councilmember Hart hopes to connect this land with trails at Kelly Park. Councilmember Worthington thanked Engineer Skinner and Councilmember Hart for their hard work on this project.
Engineer Skinner updated the council on the Main Street project. He stated the sidewalk, curb and gutter, and utilities are finished. Lighting and storm drains are still to be determined. Councilmember Hart wants to engage and partner with local businesses along with the County to ensure a successful project. Engineer Skinner stated he would like to see bid packages out by the end of March. Councilmember Worthington inquired about the timeline on the Pressure Release Valve (PRV) project. Engineer Skinner stated the timeline for the study will be done by summer but the City will need to first find money for construction for the project.
The current wastewater operator at Rural Water has resigned; therefore, the City will be entering into a contract to fill the void. The backup operator will need level four credentials to fulfill the position.
The Council was also updated on issues related to a number of grants and projects including wastewater, and an Urban Renewal District, which will be covered more fully as the projects eveolve.
