Soda Springs City Council 2/4

The City Council of Soda Springs met for a regular meeting on Feb 4.  The meeting included an agreement regarding the basketball courts at the City Park, a discussion of proposed work for the library building, citizen input on recent city actions, and department reports.

Library Remodel

Hope Hansen spoke on behalf of the Library, and noted that Friends of the Library president Beth Cheirett could not make it to the meeting.  Hansen presented plans for a library remodel to the council.  With the money the Friends have raised through their various endeavors, including the Festival of Trees, the group has been discussing the best ways to use it.  Some of the primary ideas involved creating a conference room or meeting room area upstairs, and expanding accessibility.  Cheirett had created a proposal for an “upper floor refresh,” which Hansen presented to the council. 

The refresh would involve a phased plan, which would start with the purchase of quality, long-lasting furniture.  From there, a wall off a corner upstairs to use as a meeting room for test takers and groups that need to meet quietly would be pursued.  From that point forward, bookshelves, windows, accessibility, and other upgrades would be sought.

Councilman Larsen asked whether the library will have any problems with asbestos once they get around to remodeling, but it was not believed likely.  

Council president Hart advised the library to look for any energy efficiency grants that could offset costs for windows and other items.

Friend of the Library member Kate Lauck noted that “We have enough money in the account to pay outright, so we’re not anticipating using city funds or library funds.  The funds have been approved for use by the board.”

Paige Byram is the new library representative from the council and will keep in contact as the process moves forward.  

The Library also announced that they will be holding Mini Golf night again, sponsored by Ireland Bank, March 9, from 3-7.  Last year’s event was a fun day on which residents made their way through nine sponsored holes inside the library, with admission by donation.  “It was really fun last year—really successful,” Hansen said.  Sponsorships are still being taken and the library can be contacted by interested parties. 

Friends of the Park 

The Friends of the Library were followed by the Friends of the Park, who discussed a cost-sharing improvement to the Park’s basketball courts.  

As a result of a donation from N.A. Degerstrom, the Friends were in a position of being close to initiating a project to restore the basketball court surfaces, provided the city would be willing to contribute along with them.

A report on the process and successful result of the meeting can be read in this edition.

The city suggested that it would be ready to start when the weather broke by pulling up the poles and backboards for work, and as of Monday, the poles had been pulled.

Public Input

During the public input session of the meeting, Kristen Skinner spoke on behalf of herself and her family.  Her husband Alan Skinner served for nearly two decades in various capacities with the city of Soda Springs, up until the beginning of this year. 

Kristen read from prepared remarks when she spoke to the council, expressing concerns about the way in which Alan’s tenure with the city was ended.  She expressed the opinion that Alan had not resigned, but essentially been forced out by the new city administration.  “He would have shook everyone’s hand and said goodbye,” Kristen said.

She listed the many projects and facets of the city that Alan had been involved with over the years, and reiterated his and her family’s love for the city.  

“To the many citizens who reached out to him, thank you,” Kristen Skinner said.  She expressed frustration, on the other hand, with many of the negative complaints about city projects that she felt had been unwarranted and perhaps influenced the decision to end Skinner’s service with the city.  

“Councilmembers should not give ear to that kind of talk…To all of you, may your leadership show more oversight and integrity.  Your actions were dishonorable,” she said.  “As I told you, my family loves Soda Springs.  We love it here.  We know that change is good.  There are going to be people tear you apart when you’re doing nothing but trying your hardest and best.  I want Soda Springs to blossom and bloom.  But don’t ever forget to say thank you to those who got us to where we are today.”

Department Reports

The Employee Handbook revision was approved and adopted.  A n updated version of the document has been in the works by city staff.

Newly appointed councilmember Daniel Larsen noted with a smile that he “was impressed with the breadth and depth of the emp handbook.”

PG: The roadside safety audit is coming up.  Concerns were brought by a citizen about being hit at a crosswalk by Subway.  ITD is going to do a roadside safety audit.  

911 texts do go through

Recreation

Director Thurman noted that there are “a lot of awesome things going on,”  including the last games for boys and girls basketball for the season.  “It felt like Basketball went on for a very long time,” she laughed.

Less awesome was the announcement that the ice rink has been closed due to weather.  Thurman and her team were concerned about safety and cutting up the liner below during warm weather.  “For now, it is closed.  That’s not something we wanted to do, close it right after it opened,” she said.

Back to awesome, they filled 40 of 44 chairs at the most recent open mic night at Enders.  “Everyone loves the venue—we had people coming from Thatcher and Bancroft.”  The next one will be on February 13 rather than 12, due to scheduling.

They are still trying to figure out adult NERF league,but will keep the public notified of its progress.  

Chief Dan Squires

Fire turnouts have been ordered.  They are on their way.  

Bearing for the mixer shipped today.  One went out on a second mixer.  

Melissa McDowell—Permit Fees

Clerk McDowell spoke to the council about the city’s building permit fees.  There was some concern that they were out of step with the county fees.  

She proposed separate fees for residential and commercial permitting.  

The city fees are higher than Grace or Bancroft.  Most counties follow the state regulations.  

“From my research, we are far below.”  “The only other city that doesn’t go by valuation is Preston.  “I’ve noticed a lot of inconsistencies with the building permit process,” McDowell said.  

She noted that 21 permits were issued last year.  3 were sign permits.  

President Hart said, “From a philosophy perspective, counties use high fees and lot size to prohibit growth.  That may be one reason why the county fees are higher.  Bigger cities will use a higher permit fee to rein in accelerated growth.  Smaller cities keep them lower to encourage growth—that’s what we’ve done in the past.  What Melissa presents is acceptable and not a huge jump.  I would support her proposal.”

The council will need a resolution in order to pass such a thing, and will begin working on it.