City Council—Soda Springs
Last week’s January 21st City Council meeting in Soda Springs was the first to see the full attendance of the newly sworn in mayor and city council members, as well as Director of City Services Dan Squires.
Community Garden
Naccona Gentry, representing the Community Garden (with a primary location east of the Presbyterian Church) spoke to the council about putting out a mailer about upcoming events with the city utility bill. The CG wants people to be aware that there is flower bed availability, and that planting can begin when weather permits.
She also informed the council that they received a grant for a freeze drier. They are thinking about adding theirs to the library to allow for more use of the popular service, but there will need to be a new circuit in the library building to allow for it. The Community Garden would donate the use of the drier, but the circuit would cost $1300 at the library.
Library Director Hope Hansen said that it is likely an additional drier would get used a lot, especially in the fall. The plan would be for Community Garden members to have priority, but otherwise it would be open for everyone.
“I think this is a great idea,” Councilman Ryan Carpenter stated. “This has my full support, and we should upgrade the library with the new circuit.” Director Squires did not see any issues with safety as a result. A motion to fund the cirucuit passed.
Molly Besaris
Besaris serves on 4CASI, which is a group that supports economic growth in local communities. She is devoted to “improving the quality of life for communities,” which he explained can be done in several ways, such as collaboration with officials, businesses, leaders, etc. “I couldn’t do what I do without the input and planning of all of you,” she said.
Besaris is always looking for funding and grant opportunities, which she called “crucial for growth.”
She discussed some of the programs and grants projects that she has worked on and has on her radar, including “Age-Friendly Community” programs, Main Street and Downtown projects, and more. “I would like to see all those storefronts full,” she said, of Main street.
She is currently working on an economic plan in partnership with Bengal Solutions, which is an organization at Idaho State University’s College of Business. Students assigned to the project provide analysis and feedback on issues for local communities. The project is on a semester break, and new students will be reviewing it.
With the School District, she has been talking about Hooper School and the possibilities, hoping to take it from being a mostly unused building.
Some discussion of the potential for light rail to come to town was held. Besaris said that she is working on a committee that is looking at rail options for a potential light rail to SLC from Boise, though it is unlikely it would pass through Caribou County.
Enders
Besaris has also been involved on a committee to discuss the options for the Enders building. She feels that the building is an econ opportunities. The group has hosted tours, including state and agency representatives. “Everyone I’ve talked to has a different idea about what they want it to become,” she stated.
She stated that she thought the recently adopted rental policy for the building was “a great use of the facility.” She also noted that the city needed to move to longer term strategic planning. A feasibility study, and an executable plan where her next-step suggestions. “It is a great idea to turn it into a park, but what does that look like?”
“What I would like to do is continue and assist the community and state leaders who have been involved,” she said. There will have to be public input sessions to discuss the different assets that the city has and how can we use those the best for the community.
She anticipated that it would take at least 6-12 months before an executable plan was likely to be complete. “We want to make sure we have a plan that has the feel of the community.”
Besaris will look for grants to fund a feasibility study to begin the process. A study for Preston’s rec center was granted for $50K and a 10% match.
The local Enders committee also includes mayor Paul Gritton, and has grown over the tenure of the proposal. Senator Harris, Representative Veile, Superintendent Scott Muir, representatives from the BLM and Parks and Rec, as well as Bayer and others, have all taken part.
Friends of the Library
Friends of the Soda Springs Library President Beth Cheirrett reported that they Festival of Trees was very successful, and that they hoped to hold it at the Enders again next year. “I would love to have it there for as long as we’re still making money,” she said. She noted that the space and accommodations were perfect for the event.
Councilman Carpenter stated that, “there was something there for everyone. You guys hit a homerun.”
Cheirrett noted that “The 39 entries were all local. That’s a lot for a town this size. I have to also thank the 4 main sponsors—CMC, Grittons, Lookout, and Soda Smiles. This event takes a lot of preparation and moving parts, but I think we’re figuring it out.” She had spoken to officials involved with Pocatello’s Festival of Trees, who mentioned that Soda’s had as much involvement, which was impressive.
Project Updates
Director Squires reported that the city is still working on gathering information on the highway project. The completion date has been pushed back to October.
Council President Hart stated that he would like to see a number of issues move forward: lease renewals at the industrial park and airport, West-end water users agreement, and the Ledger Creek trail.
Director Squires reported that he and councilmembers have met and gone over the history of the airport and industrial park. He would like to set up a meeting with the Industrial Park lessees to talk about their plans and concerns. Councilman Larsen will be taking on the lease discussions for the IP and the AP.
Councilman Carpenter will be taking charge on the West End water users deal.
Property owners on Highway 30 were discussed. ITD is open to going door to door to explain the project calendar to homeowners.
The council expressed an intention of helping Director Squires out as much as possible as he gets a handle handle on the added responsibilities of his position.
Recreation
Director Jessica Thurman reported that the ribbon cutting for ice rink was a huge success.
They are hoping to implement a new Nerf Gun league. It will be for all ages, kids and adults. They have some inflatable barricades already, and would like to host games at the Hooper school. It will be cosmic, under black lights. All the bullets will get dipped in glow paint. The bullets will be supplied, but participants will have to bring your own nerf guns. Councilman Larsen noted that “The cobwebs just add to the ambience.”
If enough snow comes in, they are still planning for the sled hill.
Fire Department
Chief Squires talked about the fire department turnout purchases. The current ones were purchased in 2012. The money recently donated to the department from Ireland bank was earmarked for that purpose. A top of the line turnout set is $3379 a piece, times 15. The total cost would be $33-35K after the donation from Ireland Bank. President Hart wanted to know if they could push it to next year. Chief Squires said that they would be ok within the budget. “We can make it work,” he said.
Mayor Gritton stated that “I support this because they [SSFD] keep us safe.”
Squires added that “We owe it to them to make sure that everybody is safe. We do get 10 years out of them.”
It was stated that the Fire Department is usually around $20K under the budget, and Squires added that “I’d rather cut something else than cut my guys safety.”
Mayor Gritton stated that “I would like to formally thank Ireland Bank for that tremendous presentation.”
Chief Golightly added that “for perspective, our vests cost $5K, so you’re getting a good deal.”
