Soda Springs City Council Highlights

District 6 judicial candidate Aaron Thompson introduced himself to the council and guests.  “I promise to stay on schedule despite my reputation for being verbose,” Magistrate Judge Thompson said, and recounted his background and qualifications. Thompson noted that he has worked at every level of law, and in 2018, he was appointed a magistrate judge by a magistrate commission, and he has served in Bannock County in that position since.  In that time, he has presided over Bannock county’s mental health court and treatment courts.  Thompson stated that he sees enormous value in those venues, as participants become better parents, citizens, and people.

He also became the chair of the statewide board of guardians, and leads a lobbying organization to promote the cause to the legislature.  

Thompson is running against current District 6 Judge Cody Brower for the seat.

Thompson has a cabin in Star Valley.  “I love this area, and I would treasure the chance to live here.”

Thompson recounted some experiences that reinforced his belief in treatment court, and explained that another benefit to the reduction in recidivism is the decreased number of contacts with law enforcement by participants, which saves tax payers money.

Open mic night request

Cousins Amber and David Torgesen spoke to the council regarding the Open Mic night, which has been running at Enders since January.  They requested permission to use the location of the city parks for the summer, and then the Enders again when the weather turns.  They are requesting to keep the momentum going by using the park and Enders without cost and use the equipment that was purchased for the open mic.  

They want to keep it the same as it had been in terms of rules and the overall family-friendly nature.   

The two plan to hod events the 2nd and 4th Thursday.  “It’s just a passion.  It’s brought a neat little piece to our town,” Amber Torgesen said.

Councilman Carpenter said, “I don’t have heartburn over them being responsible for the equipment.  Whatever we can do to get people downtown and outside.  That’s what parks are for—to get people out and enjoy.”

Issues like noise from nearby places in the park, sprinklers, etc. were discussed.

The two would like to invite food trucks to the events in order to provide refreshments and encourage local business involvement.

“We want people eating and enjoying Jeff’s [Jeff Young- Parks Director] work,” Councilman Carpenter said.

“My hope is that the whole thing continues to grow.  The whole thing is about community,” Amber Torgesen stated.  The plan was appoved.

Trevor Robbins - Arborist

Robbins, who lives in Malad, is an arborist who has been contracted by the city to help execute the grant that is being used for the newly opened Ledger Creek trails (the Watershed is Ledge Creek, but the trails specifically have been referred to as Ledger Creek).

Robbins explained a bit about his background and qualifications.  He has been in the filed for a number of years, and is currently the city Arborist in Malad.  “Sometimes these little towns get overlooked, and I’m glad to be a part of it,” Robbins said.

Robbins stated that he had toured the trail site, and “gone through the upper loop looking for compaction and testing the soil.”  He noted that the soil is hard and has some lava rock, but is a silty loam that has decent drainage.   

“I feel good having got those soil samples back,” he stated, and noted that he will be talking to the tree vendor this week.

Friday at noon is the trail opening.

Robbins applauded the city’s enthusiasm, saying “It quite literally takes an entire community to get these trees going.”

Councilman Carpenter and Robbins held a discussion on their mutual appreciation for trees.

Friends of the Library

Representatives of the Friends of the Library spoke to the council about phase 4 of the construction at the library.  

“Our main purpose is to give you an update on the library,” Beth Cheirrett stated, and explained the progress made so far on construction.  

Phase 1 was the furniture.  They will be in contact soon and it will soon be sent on an 18 wheeler.  

Phase 2 is the study room upstairs.  They are waiting on the door to arrive.  Kate Lauck noted that “even though it’s not finished, there is a demand for it.”

Phase 3 was replacing the old window, which should make it more efficient.

Phase 4 – will involve a few different items, including blinds, railings, seating, and storage additions.  Seating and storage will be added between railing and study room, where there is a space that they would like to add some storage capacity, outlets, and other things to an otherwise awkward space.

Dan Squires stated that “What’s been done so far is amazing.”

“We’re trying to get the bulk of this done before summer reading starts,” the Friends added.

“What we are getting is a bargain.  We’re addressing some needs of the community, and safety issues. We’re getting a steal.  Let’s let the friends bring their vision to fruition,” Councilman Carpenter said.

Fiona Katrine

Fiona Katrine (Benson) has a BFA from Juliard.  She and her husband and kids moved here a few years ago.  She works with Samantha Daniels at the Dance studio.  “I am especially inspired by the hunger for art and expression in this community,” she said. 

She discussed her idea for an “immersive dance project” at Kelly Park.  

Her proposal is to do the project at Kelly Park at the Spring Loop near the bridge.  She would start it there.  There would be 4 different performances.  Each group of younger actor-dancers would follow Alice along the path.  As they went through the path they would stop every now and then to dance.  She would like permission to place set pieces along the path, along with signage and notices.  Things like arches, teacups, etc.

This would be a one day event, with the setup a week before hand.

Rehearsals Aug 10-14, show on 15.  

They will pick everything up afterward.

She will be advertising broadly.  She hopes for 25 performers.  “I think this is something I’m going to do, whether anyone wants to or not.”

Councilman Carpenter said, “I think it’s a great idea.  Like I said, we want people in the park. We could supply the porta potties.”

Mosquito abatement was discussed.

Council President Hart suggested the city donate $500, along with in-kind donations. For a total of 1.5k$ with abatement, staff, portapotties, etc.

Conditional Use Permit

A CUP to allow a storage container at Kelly Park for Ice Rink storage was recommended by Planning and Zoning, and approved by the city.