City Council met in regular session on April 21, 2025, at 5:30 P.M. on the sidewalks at City Hall and at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Lester:
Councilmembers present: Scott Winkler
Wyatt Perry
Jared Andrew
Amy Farris
Dylan Canaday
Beryl Grant
City employees present were Public Works Director Mager, City Administrator Kennedy, Attorney Jessup and Chief Newman.
TOUR: Public Works Director Mager walked the Council around the sidewalks at city hall to point out damages and changes that need to occur in the future.
MINUTES: The meeting was called to order and the Council minutes of April 7th were approved as presented by Councilor Canaday, second by Councilor Perry. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
PUBLIC HEARING: Application for a vacation of a portion of street rights-of-way at the intersection of N Mill St and E North 5th St, as submitted by Tanner and Shanna Fogleman.
APPLICANT PRESENTATION: Shanna Fogleman stated they were in the process of selling their house when they discovered a problem with their property lines. At the intersection of N Mill St and E North 5th St a portion of their yard and house is in the circular area platted in the subdivision. This also affects the neighbors on the four corners of the intersection. They are asking for a vacation of the triangular portion on each corner of the properties so they have straight lines. They have signatures of consent from adjoining property owners, had a survey done and sent out certified letters with the notice of hearing. They hope to have the property vacated so they can sell their home.
STAFF PRESENTATION: City Administrator Kennedy showed the council the map of Fogg’s Park Addition with the survey of the triangular portion to be vacated. The vacation will affect six adjacent property owners. When Greg Skinner was asked about the survey, he felt it needed to be cleaned up in its entirety, so the survey includes the entire intersection.
Public Works Director Mager stated the circle at the intersection is non-functional and does not serve any city purpose. All utilities are located in the road. Attorney Jessup asked whether the proposed area to be vacated had been used for public travel within the last five years. Shanna confirmed it had not. Jessup saw no issue with the vacation.
WRITTEN CORRESPONDENCE: None
SUPPORTERS: Susan Harries is a supporter and one of the adjacent property owners. She asked about existing fences in the area to be vacated. Public Works Director Mager responded that typically fences are located on private property. City Administrator Kennedy stated the city could execute a fence agreement for those fences in the right of way as long as they aren’t causing any issues.
NEUTRALS: None
APPLICANT REBUTTAL: None
The hearing was closed.
ORDINANCE #980: Vacation of right of way at the intersection of Mill Street and East North 5th Street.
ORDINANCE NO. 980
(Ordinance No. 980 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE, IDAHO COUNTY, IDAHO, PROVIDING FOR THE VACATION OF PORTIONS OF PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY AT THE INTERSECTION OF MILL STREET AND EAST NORTH 5TH STREET IN FOGG’S PARK ADDITION TO THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE; PROVIDING AUTHORITY FOR THE MAYOR AND CITY CLERK TO SIGN QUITCLAIM DEEDS TO THE ADJACENT OWNERS; PROVIDING FOR THE ORDINANCE BECOMING EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION; AND, PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF EXPENSES RELATING TO SAID VACATION TO BE PAID BY THE PETITIONERS IN RELATION TO SUCH REQUESTED VACATION.
On motion by Councilor Winkler, second by Councilor Farris that the first reading be approved, that the rules be suspended, the second and third readings be waived and the ordinance be approved and adopted and published by summary ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Canaday, Andrews, Grant, Perry. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Lester then declared Ordinance No. 980 duly approved and adopted.
VISITORS: Ted Lindsley was present to ask for a moratorium on buy in fees. In 2019 he was looking at creating multi-person housing but the buy in fees killed the project. He understands there was a moratorium on buy in fees but it was during COVID and the project didn’t happen. He’s looking at future multi-family projects. Councilor Grant stated the waiver of buy ins occurred for 3 years. Ted responded costs increased and supply issues occurred. He’s looking at a project again but based on costs and materials, labor and other expenses, it won’t work if the buy in fees have to be paid. There is a shortage of living spaces in Grangeville. Councilor Winkler stated he was not opposed to putting a moratorium on it. Councilor Farris felt the city needs housing. Mayor Lester stated the current buy in fees for water and sewer are $4,083 per equivalent resident (ER). Councilor Winkler questioned how the resolution worked last time. Mayor Lester stated the resolution would waive buy in fees over one, so every project would pay only one buy in. The consensus was to have a draft resolution at the next meeting.
Mike Johnson stated he received notice that he needed to do something with his backflow. He wasn’t going to use the sprinkler system and the City wanted proof that it was disconnected. He’s trying to understand what is required. He doesn’t want to have everything removed in case he wants to sell the house. Public Works Director Mager stated Mike’s system is unique in that it is under the house. Mike wants to have the system, but not use the system. The city’s ordinance says you are either disconnected or not. The control box is normally in the ground and when a system is discontinued the control box is pulled and the pipe plugged. Mager will meet with Mike at his house to further discuss.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: The following committee reports were presented.
• CLEARWATER WELL PROJECT UPDATE: The well is moving. There is construction on the house and the electrician was there today.
• POLICE AND ANIMAL CONTROL REPORT: Chief Newman reported the city had 95 calls for service and 25 reports taken for March 2025. Last Monday they took over a dozen burglary reports, and 18 hours later they had confessions, recovered property and they were in jail.
• FIRE MINUTES: On motion by Councilor Farris, second by Councilor Canaday to accept the Fire Minutes of 1/13/25, 1/27/25, 2/10/25 and 2/24/25. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
• LIBRARY MINUTES: On motion by Councilor Farris, second by Councilor Canaday to accept the Library Minutes of 3/20/25. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
NAME CHANGE REQUEST FROM SOROPTIMIST PARK TO EAGLES PARK: Joyce Forsmann with the Eagles wasn’t present so Mayor Lester pushed discussion until the May 5th agenda.
BILLS: The bills in total amount of $809,373.77 (Financials $705,783.99, March Payroll $103,589.78) were approved and ordered paid out of their respective funds, on motion by Councilor Canaday, second by Councilor Perry. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
AREA OF IMPACT ADVISORY OPINION – LEGACY BEEF: Attorney Jessup explained the proposed variance request was submitted to Idaho County, but per the area of impact agreement, the city provides an advisory opinion for materially different uses. The property is not within city limits.
Mayor Lester stated the city received four letters from neighbors against the proposal: Randy and Jean Vanderwall, Arie and Wanda Koole, Kim Peterson and Kristi Brooks (Syringa Foundation). Councilor Wyatt noted most concerns submitted in writing relate to slaughtering on location, particularly sight and smell impacts. Miles Hatter, Legacy Beef, clarified it would be a USDA facility with all processing occurring inside. Animals would be unloaded directly into the building with no outdoor holding. They offered to build fences for adjoining property owners and referenced letters they have from adjacent owners near Western Meats showing no smell issues over 20 years of operation. They stated they will have no bad smells; they want to bring value to the area. Councilor Canaday confirmed they would use the existing building with additions. Councilor Grant stated they’ve changed from four different locations and different uses of what they are asking of the city. Miles explained they are four guys trying to get Legacy Beef operating in Grangeville. They aren’t backed by someone with money. The operation would have proper containment systems for blood, nitrates, and refuse. All waste would be captured, contained, and hauled away daily in a dump trailer.
Kristi Brooks stated Western Meats doesn’t slaughter on site and she questioned why Legacy Beef wouldn’t build on their own property since they raise cattle. Miles stated they chose this location as it works best for them and they are trying to create a solution to have it here in Grangeville. Larry Hatter emphasized the facility would be USDA inspected whenever operating. This would mean an inspector is on-site at all times during the process; the building will be very clean.
Kim Peterson expressed concerns whether waste would be removed daily and if not, what type of enforcement is available once the business is on location. She also stated she’s ok with the cutting and wrapping side.
Randy Vanderwall was concerned something would go wrong. There would be live animals on site and a dump trailer that needs dumped daily. Will it really happen? Miles stated yes they will haul every day.
Miles stated they want to work with their neighbors. He stated they plan for 10-15 head per week initially, possibly expanding to 25 head weekly in the future. Animals must be on concrete floors and butchered the same day per regulations and the inspector will be there during that process. If annexed later, the use would be grandfathered as long as it remained continuous. Councilor Andrews questioned if they were using the existing structure and adding on to it, why not use the feed lot property outside of town. They felt this location was the best option. Miles stated currently they are in the city limits of Clarkston. They already operate with a USDA inspector and they know they can keep clean and meet the regulations. Attorney Jessup asked if they currently kill on site in Clarkston. Miles stated no, however they do dump their waste in the sewer. Councilor Farris asked about volume, and Miles stated they would bring 5-8 animals daily for 2-3 days weekly, with summer operations starting at 6 pm.
Councilor Farris asked Miles if they could have an open house in Clarkston to allow people to see their facility. USDA is strict on their requirements. She felt after viewing, it would ease their minds. Several visitors and Councilors Grant and Andrews expressed concerns that a slaughterhouse belongs outside city limits, while Councilors Perry, Canaday and Farris supported the proposal, noting USDA oversight would ensure proper operations. Councilor Perry questioned what happens to the waste in the dump trailer when it’s hot outside in the middle of the summer. Miles stated they could build an extra room in the building to house it. It would remain at the same cool temperatures and then nothing would be outside during the day. Then the only time you’d see animals arriving in a trailer and another trailer of waste driving out at the end of the day. Councilor Perry felt here were ways to address the concerns and over time, people will forget what they are doing there. He felt it was a great thing for Grangeville. If they weren’t USDA inspected, it could be different; however USDA inspectors are difficult to keep happy.
On motion by Councilor Perry, second by Councilor Farris to provide an advisory opinion to the county in favor of the slaughterhouse at the proposed location. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Canaday, Perry NO: Andrews, Grant. Motion carried.
BUDGET HEARING: On motion by Councilor Canaday, second by Councilor Farris to set September 2, 2025 as the budget hearing for 2025-26. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
AVISTA FRANCHISE: Councilor Winkler was opposed to the increase, citing existing bonds and challenges for working families who are already struggling financially. Councilor Farris emphasized the need to carefully review the budget, pointing out that many citizens live paycheck to paycheck while wages remain stagnant. Attorney Jessup stated if the city wanted to place it on the ballet, the language would need to be approved late in the summer. Councilor Farris expressed concern about city increases impacting residents. Councilor Canaday felt they should examine the budget first before making any decision and stated he did not support an increase. Councilor Perry asked Chief Newman if there was flexibility in the budget. Newman responded that while some cuts could be made, they would eventually run out of extra funds, noting that police vehicles are already being used to their maximum lifespan. Mayor Lester suggested putting the decision to voters. Councilor Perry felt they might as well go to the maximum rate if they were going to ask. On motion by Councilor Grant, second by Councilor Perry to go out to vote on a 2% Avista Franchise for a total of 3%. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Canaday, Andrews, Grant NO: Perry. Motion carried.
DRAFT ORDINANCE ON FIRE SUPPRESION COST RECOVERY: Discussion of the draft ordinance occurred with Fire Chief Perry stated he would like the costs to go into general fund rather than fire specific. Under false alarms, 6th and after were deleted and the $100 administration fee was added to 5th and subsequent alarms. Under exemptions, other governmental entities were removed. Attorney Jessup will make sure everything references personal property only and a clean copy will be available for the next meeting.
SURPLUS: Public Works Director Mager stated he has two mowers and the chevy pickup to surplus. On motion by Councilor Andrews, second by Councilor Farris to surplus the following public works items:
• Two Husqvarna zero turn lawn mowers
• 2005 Chevy ½ ton pickup VIN# 1GCEK19V46Z199112
Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CITY HALL SIDEWALKS: Public Works Director Mager explained he could get a quote to apply epoxy on the sidewalks for next year’s budget as explained in the tour. He asked the Council if they wanted a bid for this budget. He didn’t want to waste the contractors time if they weren’t going to consider it this year. Councilor Andrews felt with the current information the Council is reviewing, it needed to be delayed a year. Councilor Grant asked what the lifespan is if the epoxy is applied. Mager stated he wasn’t sure but the University of Idaho has been using it. The sidewalk can probably wait a year but then we need to look at. Mayor Lester stated the city is liable if someone gets hurt. If the Council moves forward out front, it would require removing the brick strip, pouring concrete in the strip and then doing the epoxy. Councilor Perry felt the front walks weren’t too bad.
ITEMS TO NOTE: Spring Clean Up Week: May 12 – 15, 2025
The meeting adjourned at 8:26 P.M.
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Wes Lester – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
