Grace City Council Reports

September 3

A regular meeting was held on Sept 3.  Bills in the amount of $40,180.25 and payroll in the amount of $14,824.62 were
approved.  

Superintendent Crookston presented the following permits, which were approved: Wade and Cassie Rigby (2025-12) new commercial building; Ron Coombs (2025-13), cover for generator; Caribou Medical Center (2025-14) Health Care Clinic.

Councilmember Tillotson moved to approve the Grant Administration Agreement with the Southeast Idaho Council of Governments, which passed.

Councilmember Tillotson also moved to authorize to approve  Mayor Barthlome to sign the paperwork for the park grant without a motion from the council, which was approved.

TaNesha Spencer, representing the Black Canyon Elementary Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) asked the city council for a donation to help with various projects throughout the school year.  A discussion was held about the amount, with Councilmember Toone suggesting $1000, and Councilmember Lowe suggesting $1200.  A motion to donate $1200 passed, with Councilmember Toone voting nay.

Councilmember Butikofer moved to approve a small animal permit for Kristy Erickson for chickens, which passed. 

The zoning map amendment was discussed.  It was decided not to pursue changing the block on South Center Street from 1st West to 2nd West to R1 Residential and to leave it as commercial due to there being an apartment and medical/dental clinic on the block.  Mr. Benson also reported that the zoning commission was interested in changing the zoning on North Center Street from 4th East tot the city limits to an Agricultural zone, but leave the mobile home park R2.  Clerk Reeves will check with Attorney Doug Wood to make sure this wouldn’t be considered spot zoning.  Mr. Benson will talk with the zoning commission about it at their next meeting.

Superintendent Crookston reported the following:

The garbage truck is repaired and he is getting a quote to repair the old arm that was taken off, so that there is a spare.

The vac truck was serviced and inspected, and there are some repairs that need to ne made, pending a quote.

GSE is done with the mainline and are testing manholes.  They are hoping to be able to tie into homes next week.  There is a tree that is in the way that the city needs to cut down.  GSE is prepping for asphalt and concrete at the wastewater treatment plant.

Crookston is looking for a deal on building a radio tower.  They trimmed to the tree that was causing the problem with the SCADA system, and it is working better now.

Mayor Barthlome reported that the fall Association of Idaho Cities training meeting for city council will be held on October 22.  City Council members need to let Clerk Reeves know if they can attend.

Homecoming is on October 10, for the
parade.

Sept 17

Bills in the amount of $17,768.50 and payroll in the amount of $15,793.45 were approved.

Zoning commission member Bart Benson reported that the zoning commission had voted to change the zoning on the area from 4th E to 8th E and Center Street to 4th N that is currently used as agricultural from R2 Residential to Agriculture.  They felt that this would be best due to the properties being used for agricultural purposes currently.  The council will discuss this at the next meeting.

Eric Hobson, Caribou County Director of Emergency Services, informed the city council that they are starting a new EMT class and in need of volunteers.  Applicants need to e signed up by September 30th.  The class is 160 hours combined online and in person.  There is no cost for the class, but the volunteers are asked to sign up for 3 years in the county.

Clerk Reeves read the fair housing resolution.  The resolution was approved unanimously.

Councilmember Butikofer moved to approve a small animal permit for Bri Wyss.  The motion passed.

The road to the sewer plant was discussed.  IT was found that Kelly Anderson owns a portion of the road and there were questions about whether the city would be allowed to continue using the road.  The city does have water and sewer lines under the road, so there should be an easement.  Mayor Barthlome will check the county records and see if she can find anything that shows an easement to the city.

Superintendent Crookston reported the following:  Keller and Associates have suggested that the city do a water rate study to get the ball rolling on getting grant money to repair the springs.  There are grants available to help pay for the rate study.

The employees have been flushing sewer lines.

GSE has the service lines done and is prepping for asphalt and landscaping.