Soda Springs City Council held in lamplight
Luckily, there were no emergency items, and Soda Springs City Council was able to hold a short, dark meeting.
Last Wednesday, high winds across southeastern Idaho created any number of headaches. In the city of Soda Springs, one of the effects was a power outage that involved a good deal of the south side of town, including the city hall facilities.
While much of the business was deferred until such time as the power was restored (which took a number of hours for complete restoration of power to the city), a few scheduled agenda items needed to be checked off, so the city council met around its customary table…by lamplight to complete the business of the city.
Similar accommodations were made at other meetings throughout the valley as well, it was informally reported during the meeting. Luckily, preparation and resourcefulness worked to make things possible.
In order to expedite the proceedings, a motion was made to defer the less critical agenda items, including an executive session, department head reports, trail sand discussion, issuing various permits, the second citizens input section, and so on.
The annual audit of city finances was discussed, and it was noted that the audit, which is required by law, for 2024 cost $18K+.
Intermountain Gas Franchise Agreement
Ordinance 721, granting a 10 year extension with IMG the contract for the construction and maintain a gas distribution system, was approved.
Councilmember Rod Worthington, who is also the principal of Thirkill Elementary, stated, “I was just so grateful when I came out the back doors of Thirkill—we had a tree fall on our playground area, and there were the guys there with their equipment. I just want to thank the city guys.” Worthington went on the praise the professionalism and professionalism of the city crew, as well as Officer Mumford, who is currently serving as the district’s Resource Officer, and the other officers who responded to the school during the power outage. Because the outage happened after 2:00, students were kept at the school as the outage was worked on. Officers escorted students through the hallway with flashlights, and generally kept nerves clam throughout the afternoon.
It was noted that the first meeting in January will be the transition meeting from current mayor Austin Robinson to mayor-elect Paul Gritton, and current city councilmember Worthington and councilwoman-elect Paige Byram. Councilman Ryan Carpenter stated “Since I won’t be here for the first meeting in Jan, just wanted to say to the mayor and councilman Worthington that it’s been an honor and a privilege to serve with them.” Carpenter was joined by other members of the city staff and elected officials in the sentiment.
It was reported that the Caribou Medical Center is planning a remodel of the bottom level where labor and delivery services are currently housed. Because it was not an action item, a discussion of the remodels will be discussed at a later time.
It was reported that resident should be getting a flier from the Idaho Transportation Department in the mail soon. A public input meeting is scheduled for January 5, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the middle school to discuss the upcoming Highway 30 project. The project will involve the improvement of the highway from the east to west city limits, and result in new curb and gutter, as well as road surface. Because the road is a state road, the meeting will be hosted by the state entities who will be undertaking the construction, of which the city will be in an advisory capacity. Residents who live or operate businesses along the corridor are especially encouraged to attend the meeting to hear more about the specific calendar for construction, utility issues, parking arrangements, and other aspects of the project. There were a number of businesses who experienced significant consequences as a result of the Main Street Construction project of the prior year, and it is hoped that those who might be similarly affected by this project come into it forewarned.
An O-Reilly’s location is planned for the area west of the new Maverik.
It was an odd evening in a dark city hall lit by small LED lights and one or two headlamps, but the work must go on in any case!
