Project Warmth Report, Hockey Rink arrival, and more Soda Springs City Council 10/1
Joe Borich
Representing SEICAA, Joe Borich spoke to the City Council about some of what SEICAA does, following on the recent Project Warmth Golf Tournament, held at the Oregon Trail venue. “We provide services and resources to combat low income and poverty. We aren’t giving out handouts, but hand-ups. Project Warmth is there to help with energy assistance and weather. This community has been one of the most active that we have. We serve seven counties, and this county has the best volunteers that we have, hands down. I walked in [to the SEICAA office] one time and there were five or so ladies who had everything going in the food pantry an just wondered when I was leaving so they could get back to work, and that’s how you know you have a strong community.”
Borich explained that SEICAA performed needs assessments, and that they wanted to respond to what the city and others saw as those needs. “This community—whatever those needs are, we rise to the needs of that community. Let us know, communicate with us. That’s what we’re here for,” Borich said.
“We all know the biggest need right now, no matter where you are, is affordable housing. We just built our hundredth home [as part of the larger organization]. We’re looking to go back rural again. If you have property you want to get developed, let us know. We want to come back to rural projects. Our population that we are serving are people that are working every day that just need a little bit of help.”
Borich introduced local SEICAA director Renae Lynch to the council, and advised them to be in contact with her.
Lynch spoke on behalf of SEICAA, saying, “I am relatively new here, both in my role and the community.” She noted that in her time so far, she had been impressed by the community. “Even our own participants who come and see us—if they can’t volunteer items they always want to volunteer time. When I first came on, I didn’t know how many programs we have—veterans, energy, foodbank, etc. I’ve been graced with being chosen as the prog manager. I feel very grateful and very blessed. Local businesses have been great. When we get low, I don’t even have to ask. Without a community like this, the supplies would be much lower.”
Joe Borich spoke about the tradition of Project Warmth. “We rise to whatever is needed in the community. I don’t think we’ve missed a year in 30 years, other than COVID for Project Warmth. Every dollar that is raised in this community stays in this community right here.”
Councilmember Ryan Carpenter asked how much the funds raised will help.
“A lot,” Borich said. “We are funded by grants, but that money raised can be used for all kinds of things.”
Lynch added that “I will give a huge shoutout to Family Dollar. They are a huge supporter of our community. It’s very much needed. Businesses like that, and the dealerships here in town, and many others, have been amazing. And just residents who drop off checks. It’s wonderful to see the support here in this community.”
Borich reiterated that SEICAA is a 501c3, which raises funds only as a non-profit for use in programs.
Bayer Update
Chris Leatherman. You should have received an invite to a community advisory panel. Nov 20 at 11.
Bayer notified the city about a change in contract for mining services for Bayer. Turner mining services is going to be the new mine contractor.
The Caldwell mine was vacated, but they are within a few signatures to be reapproved. Dept of Interior is one of the ones left. “The good news is we are really close to getting that mine re-approved.”
Actual mining activities should begin in 2028. “We’re in a really good place. We’ve had a chance to test the ore equipment.
Councilmember Worthington asked how many people there were plans to bring in.
Leatherman noted that it would be a smaller contingent than last phase. “ The big thing in play is the litigation out there with glyphosate. “It’s important that people know that Bayer believes in the right for everyone to go through the process of litigation.”
Councilmember Carpenter stated that “I don’t think people realize how much Round-Up we use. If Bayer doesn’t make it here, and we get our glyphosate from China, that opens up security problems.”
Annexation—Marshe, LLC
Marsha Baker spoke to the council about property on the north west side of town. “We came here about five years ago. As we were coming into town to the east, we passed one of our properties. A goal we made was to clean up that property. We took out 2000 pounds of trash. We were so proud to be able to see that beautiful parcel of land we grew up in. We recognized that this property is in a prime location. We really love the city of Soda. We grew up here. Soda has a very soft place in our hearts. We want to strengthen the city’s economic base. My parents always wanted to help, we want to do the same thing. We want this to be a good place to grow and develop.”
“As we look at the parcel, it is in the impact zone. We’ve had so many city people come after we cleaned it up and tell us it’s a beautiful lot. Formal annexation allows pro-active planning. It will need a road and an easement put into it. We think the city would be the right place for it to be annexed. The parcel is positioned for commercial, hospitality, etc.”
“One of the things I noticed as I’ve looked at zoning is that it was once listed as commercial. We can’t see a housing dev go up on that property anymore, but we can see commercial development. We would like to really help the city of Soda get something in there that will really help the growth.”
The 21 acres are near Bowman’s and the Idan-ha Drive-In.
Attorney Tom Smith doesn’t think annexation will affect anything. He says that since the property owners are requesting annexation, it is really just up to the city’s discretion.
This piece of property is in the impact zone. It was R2, and they would like it to be zoned Commercial.
The council rewuested some time to look into some of the issues related.
“Give us a month at least,” President Mitch Hart said.
Hope Hansen
In 2 weeks, storytime for the library will go to the fire station. The Library got first for decorating business for homecoming.
The Festival of Trees is in the process of gathering sponsors and donations. As of this morning, about 7 people who are bringing trees. “Full force ahead,” Hansen said.
Misc
Councilmember Worthington stated that he was impressed by the Homecoming events at Enders. “We had two councilmen there that ensured it was clean. Paul Gritton and Ryan Carpenter did a lot of sweeping and straightening. That night, at the dance, I went just to see what it would look like with 150 people, and the SSHS staff that did that…it was just awesome. The way they stationed everything…Soda Sip was there. We had a great DJ, who even got a chance to dance with his daughter. I’ll just say Sherlene Kirby was over that student council and watching everything that was happening over the week. I was asked what I thought. I thought the whole evening was a success, and I’m really grateful they were able to use the Enders bldg.. It was obvious to me the city staff had done a lot to prepare the bldg. and they did a great job.”
Alan Skinner
Boring will start for pits next Monday and Tuesday at the train tracks on Main Street. Access will be blocked to parking on the roadway. It will shut down the entrance to one of the bldgs there, but Skinner didn’t think it should affect anyone too much. Parking for the senior center and Enders will be impacted.
Jessica Thurman
“There’s a lot. We hired [assistant director] Amber Torgesen, who started with us last week.
Flag football is over for the year. “It was a huge success, and we couldn’t do it without our coaches. They were amazing. A lot of growth.” Some sportsmanship problems with the other teams was noted. Thurman will reach out about expectations to the team.
Last VB game is on Saturday in Bancroft and Marsh Valley. “I was blown away by the amount of growth by the girls. They’re doing awesome.”
Ice rink is going to be arriving the end of this week or start of next on 7 palettes. It will be directed to the animal control building near the school.
Fall Festival was a success. There were 27 vendors and 8 food vendors signed up. Events were fun and kids were happy.
Basketball registration is open. For 3-4th grade boys and girls, and then switch in Jan. Reg closes on 17th.
A Tai Chi workshop is being planned, hopefully at Enders. Or at the City Council room or school gym if Enders is not available.
Plans for “Cosmic Co-Ed adult volleyball” in March are also underway. This would involve “Black shirt and glitter, paint on it. Black light, glow in the dark. Volleyball.” The ball will be glow in the dark.
“We’ve gotten a lot of questions about adult leagues,” Thurman said. “ We do a lot for kids, so we’re trying to get adults involved.”
Clerk Haderlie
Heater and AC replacement for the city hall offices will be necessary. They were thinking about $15k to replace both, but $ 24,280 was the lowest quote. “There’s no saving them—it’s time,” said Alan Skinner.
Ryan Carpenter noted, “This is a safety issue.” Fire Chief Dan Squires agreed, “They need to be done.”
