City Council met in regular session on July 7, 2025, at 6:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers of City Hall.
Mayor Lester presided:
Councilmembers present:
Dylan Canaday
Scott Winkler
Jared Andrews
Wyatt Perry
Amy Farris
Beryl Grant
City employees present were Public Works Director Mager, Chief Newman, City Administrator Kennedy and Attorney Jessup.
MINUTES: The meeting was called to order and the Council minutes of June 16th were approved as presented by Councilor Canaday, second by Councilor Perry. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
PUBLIC HEARING: City Administrator Kennedy outlined the proposed new fees and fee increases. No comments were received from the public. The hearing was closed at 6:04 pm.
VISITOR: Jerry May, 214 N Florence was present asking the Council to reconsider their split zone decision on his property since he didn’t know the request came to the Council. He felt most of the property was zoned commercial and a lot of commercial activity is close to his property. His house is zoned commercial and the shop is mostly commercial. The shop could potentially be a cabinet or mechanic’s shop. He ran a commercial business out of the building when he lived there. Jim Moody, realtor, said it’s surrounded by commercial type businesses and he felt it should follow the same. Jerry’s son stated businesses are all around the property, including Kingdom Hall, Nursing home and Les Schwab.
Attorney Jessup explained the property is actually two different lots combined into one parcel. The south lot is zoned commercial and the north lot is commercial and residential. This decision only affects the north lot. The Council can choose to change their mind on this decision. Councilor Farris asked if he had a potential buyer who backed out. Jim Moody stated yes. Councilor Grant questioned who asked for the request. Jim Moody stated in passing he mentioned it to the city and then the request went to the council. Jerry May stated this affects the value of his property and makes it worth less. Councilor Grant stated this was questioned last time but no one was here when we discussed it to answer questions. Mayor Lester asked if the council doesn’t change their mind, what process is needed to get a rezone. Attorney Jessup explained the process.
Jim Moody questioned why the Council chose the most restrictive option. Mayor Lester stated allowing commercial use would be infringing upon the adjacent residential zone. Councilor Perry stated the nursing home being adjacent was one of the reasons he said residential. Residents need to live there. Jim Moody felt Les Schwab makes more noise than someone would in the shop building. Councilor Farris stated Les Schwab is open 7am – 6pm. Most people that live in facility are up about 6 go to bed at 8. Anything that disrupts their sleep patterns affects other residents and those that work there. She stated she wouldn’t be opposed if they held regular hours, but there is no guarantee when the property is sold what it will be used for. Jerry May stated the shop is well insulated, so it is quiet outside. Jim Moody suggested adding specific criteria which would limit hours of work on the property. Attorney Jessup stated if there was a specific buyer that wanted to operate, they could apply for a conditional use permit and then hours and other criteria could be added. They could go through the public hearing process. Councilor Andrews stated he is struggling with changing the decision because there is no notice to owners to be able to voice their opinion and they live there. Councilor Winkler stated the cleanest process is to go through the rezone process.
Councilor Farris felt a decision couldn’t be based upon what ifs. She felt you need to look at what you are purchasing and what zone it is in before making a decision to buy it. It’s unfortunate you weren’t aware of the meeting. That was poor communication on your realtor’s part that he didn’t relay the information to you. Councilor Canaday wanted to leave the decision as is. Councilor Grant felt if someone was interested, they could go through the process. Jim Moody stated he knows there is a neighbor that doesn’t want it to be commercial. Councilor Winkler felt it was the right way to clear up the zone correctly. Kennedy stated if they are interested in the rezone, to get with her to go through the process.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: The following committee reports were presented.
• CITY ADMINISTRATOR: City Administrator Kennedy stated Snowhaven was a top 3 finalist in the Best of Inland NW Community Choice Awards in the Ski Resort / Hill category. Snowhaven ended up placing 3rd, after Brundage Mountain and Silver Mountain. Ed and Linda Hinds requested a new address that did not affect their neighbors as they wanted to make sure they were correctly listed for e911 services. They agreed to a new address without a fraction: 204A E South 7th Street. The office has been working on Border days items and budget.
• POLICE REPORT: Chief Newman reported the city had 116 calls for service and 26 reports taken for May 2025 and 99 calls for service and 27 reports taken for June 2025. Border days went well; a few people went to jail but they had a lot of crashes. Cottonwood police department came over to help with traffic control.
• PLANNING AND ZONING MINUTES: On motion by Councilor Canaday, second by Councilor Farris to accept the Planning and Zoning Minutes of June 24, 2025. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
o Attorney Jessup raised a procedural issue and asked Councilor Winkler about a Facebook poll created by one of the adjacent property owners. Did you comment or read the post and if so, what was said? Councilor Winkler stated yes, he did. It was over a month ago but generally he said billboards are all over various communities and if they meet all the state and local governments setbacks and rules, then free market should dictate. The post is no longer available and it did not say who or which property may have an application. He didn’t know about the proposed variance application. Attorney Jessup explained Winkler could recuse himself from the decision if he chooses, based upon the interaction with the adjacent property owner and whether he thought he could be impartial. Councilor Winkler felt he should recuse himself and abstain. Attorney Jessup stated it was appropriate for Councilor Winkler to abstain even though he didn’t know it was coming to the Council at that time.
o Angela Poxleitner Variance Request: Mayor Lester stated the Planning and Zoning Minutes recommended not approving the application with a 3 to 2 vote. Councilor Grant understood the reasoning for the one on the highway as there is lots going on and lots of light, but on the east side of the town it seems more rural. What are they going to advertise to improve things in town? Councilor Canaday stated they could be advertising businesses for those coming into town. Mayor Lester reminded the council they can’t ask new questions of the applicant, just make their decision based upon the information presented at the hearing. City Administrator Kennedy brought up the zoning map, so the Council could view the same image and information the commission received. She showed the city limit and area of impact line along with adjacent property owners. Councilor Canaday questioned if Greenco’s main concern was decreasing their property values and Councilor Farris added the ability to build and sell homes. Councilor Farris asked where the closest home was located? In the minutes it was stated the glow of the sign may be visible from 800’-1000’. The Council talked about where businesses were located compared to residential properties, as businesses aren’t affected by the glow of the sign at night. Kennedy stated the minutes state from the proposed sign to the truck route is 965’. There are houses on the truck route. It was questioned which property Greenco may want to develop as residential. Kennedy stated it was never specifically stated which property but showed the map to illustrate the property Greenco owned.
Attorney Jessup stated from looking at the minutes, part of the variance request is that it is not along the Highway 95 corridor, where it is allowed. City Administrator Kennedy stated the public notice stated it was in the Main Street corridor. Councilors Canaday, Farris and Andrews stated they didn’t see the issue. Councilor Andrew stated he struggled to see why we would deny this application when one was approved on the west side of town. Councilor Perry agreed, especially based on possibly building houses in the future. Councilor Canaday felt if they were looking at building homes, they could be advertising for future home sites. Councilor Farris felt the billboard on Highway 95 has been beneficial to those traveling through. Councilor Andrews stated he noticed it early on but not much now. Councilor Perry thought it was bright at night at first but the brightness has been turned down. Council Farris stated they have the ability to do the same on the proposed sign. Mayor Lester asked if there have been any complaints about the billboard on Highway 95. Kennedy responded none. Councilor Farris asked Chief Newman how many accidents have occurred due to the new billboard. Newman responded none.
On motion by Councilor Farris, second by Councilor Grant to approve the variance application submitted by Angela Poxleitner for a digital-LED sign for premise and outdoor advertising at 1027 Highway 13. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Canaday, Farris, Grant, Perry, Andrews. NO: none. ABSTAIN: Winkler. The motion passed.
CHARGING GATE FOR HIGH SCHOOL SOFTBALL GAMES AT LIONS PARK: Attorney Jessup stated the City has authority to have an agreement with the school district to allow them to charge for games. No ordinance is necessary. The Council can choose to do a multi-year or 1-year. Mayor Lester suggested a 1-year agreement to make sure it goes well. The Council consensus was to have Attorney Jessup draw up a one-year agreement, through June 30, 2026 for adoption at the next meeting.
ORDINANCE TO PROHIBIT CAMPING ON CITY PROPRETY OR PUBLIC WAYS:
ORDINANCE NO. 982
(Ordinance No. 982 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE, IDAHO COUNTY, STATE OF IDAHO, ADDING CHAPTER 7 OF TITLE 6 TO THE GRANGEVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY; PROVIDING A STATEMENT OF FINDINGS AND AUTHORITY; PROVIDING THAT UNLESS OTHERWISE PROVIDED UNDER SAID CHAPTER 7 OR AUTHORIZED THE CITY OR BY LAW, IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL TO CAMP ON PUBLIC PROPERTY; PROVIDING FOR PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF SAID CHAPTER 7; PROVIDING THAT ANY PERSON VIOLATING SAID CHAPTER 7 SHALL BE GUILTY OF A MISDEMEANOR; PROVIDING THAT VIOLATIONS OF SAID CHAPTER 7 SHALL BE PUNISHED BY A FINE AS ESTABLISHED IN THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE OR 6 MONTHS IN THE COUNTY JAIL, OR BOTH; DECLARING THAT VIOLATION OF SAID CHAPTER 7 OF TITLE 6 SHALL CONSTITUTE A PUBLIC NUISANCE; PROVIDING THAT SAID CHAPTER 7 OF TITLE 6 DOES NOT SUPERSEDE OR REVOKE ANY OTHER APPLICABLE LAWS, REGULATIONS, CODES OR ORDINANCES PERTAINING TO CAMPING ON PUBLIC PROPERTY EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN THIS ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR DESIGNATION OF SPECIAL CAMPING ZONES; PROVIDING THAT IT IS UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO KNOWINGLY REFUSE OR FAIL TO VACATE OR CEASE CAMPING WITH A SPECIAL CAMPING ZONE UPON EXPIRATION OR TERMINATION OF THE SPECIAL CAMPING ZONE DESIGNATION, OR TO VIOLATE ANY TERM OR CONDITION OF A SPECIAL CAMPING ZONE DESIGNATION; PROVIDING DEFINITIONS; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; PROVIDING THAT THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BE EFFECTIVE UPON ADOPTION AND PUBLICATION AS PROVIDED BY LAW.
On motion by Councilor Winkler, second by Councilor Perry 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. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Canaday, Andrews, Grant, Perry. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Lester then declared Ordinance No. 982 duly approved and adopted.
RESOLUTION TO ESTABLISH CAMPING AREAS ON CITY PROPERTY:
RESOLUTION NO. 302
(Resolution No. 302 in its entirety on file in the City’s Resolution File)
The following resolution was introduced by Councilor Winkler who moved for its adoption. Second by Councilor Perry.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE, IDAHO, DESIGNATING A PORTION OF LIONS PARK AS A SPECIAL CAMPING ZONE AND ALLOWING CAMPING AT SNOWHAVEN WITH PRIOR WRITTEN PERMISSION.
ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Canaday, Andrews, Grant, Perry. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Lester then declared Resolution No. 302 duly approved and adopted.
ORDINANCE FOR FIRE SUPPRESSION ON PERSONAL PROPERTY:
ORDINANCE NO. 983
(Ordinance No. 983 in its entirety on file in the City’s Ordinance File)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE, IDAHO, ADDING SECTION 6 TO CHAPTER 2 TO TITLE 3 OF THE GRANGEVILLE MUNICIPAL CODE, PROVIDING FOR THE RECOVERY OF COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH FIRE SUPPRESSION AND PROTECTION SERVICES; ESTABLISHING PROCEDURES FOR BILLING AND COLLECTION; PROVIDING FOR SEVERABILITY; PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
On motion by Councilor Winkler, second by Councilor Perry 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. ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Andrews, Grant, Perry. NO: Canaday. The motion passed. Mayor Lester then declared Ordinance No. 983 duly approved and adopted.
SIDEWALK WAIVER 421 E NORTH STREET: Kennedy explained Adam Linabary, 421 E North Street, asked for an additional 50’ of sidewalk, including the corner ramp, on North Street to be waived. He plans to split the lot and build an additional house and felt this section of sidewalk would be in the way of the manlift. Councilor Grant asked if he already split the lot. Kennedy stated no. Councilor Grant stated then he could choose not to build the second house and then the sidewalk would not be completed to the corner. Councilor Perry stated he would like to specify a timeframe in which it needed to be completed. Mager stated tracking a future date is difficult. If Linabary chose to split the property now, then he wouldn’t have to install the additional sidewalk. On motion by Councilor Winkler, second by Councilor Perry to deny the amended waiver recommendation from Public Works Director Mager to waive the additional 50’ of sidewalk for Adam Linabary, 421 E North Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
CURB AND GUTTER WAIVER 915 CROOKS STREET: Public Works Director Mager stated curb and gutter don’t fit or make sense with the ditching along Crooks Street. In addition, Crooks Street is in the wrong location. The existing curb and gutter end at 4th Street. She is installing sidewalks with her building permit. On motion by Councilor Andrews, second by Councilor Winkler to accept the recommendation from Public Works Director Mager to waive curb and gutter for Lori MacGregor at 915 Crooks Street. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
RESOLUTION TO ADOPT MASTER FEE SCHEDULE EFFECTIVE JULY 8, 2025:
RESOLUTION NO. 303
(Resolution No. 303 in its entirety on file in the City’s Resolution File)
The following resolution was introduced by Councilor Winkler who moved for its adoption. Second by Councilor Perry.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF GRANGEVILLE ADOPTING THE AMENDED MASTER FEE SCHEDULE.
ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Canaday, Andrews, Grant, Perry. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Lester then declared Resolution No. 303 duly approved and adopted.
RESOLUTION TO ADOPT UPPER CLEARWATER-SOUTH TRANSPORTATION PLAN UPDATE 2025:
RESOLUTION NO. 304
(Resolution No. 304 in its entirety on file in the City’s Resolution File)
The following resolution was introduced by Councilor Winkler who moved for its adoption. Second by Councilor Canaday.
RESOLUTION FOR ADOPTION OF THE UPPER CLEARWATER-SOUTH TRANSPORTION PLAN UPDATE 2025
ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Canaday, Andrews, Grant, Perry. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Lester then declared Resolution No. 304 duly approved and adopted.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDING FOR THE INCURRENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS TO IMPROVE THE SEWER SYSTEM $3,400,000:
RESOLUTION NO. 305
(Resolution No. 305 in its entirety on file in the City’s Resolution File)
The following resolution was introduced by Councilor Winkler who moved for its adoption. Second by Councilor Andrews.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE GRANGEVILLE, CITY OF AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDING FOR THE INCURRENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING A PORTION OF THE COST OF ACQUIRING, CONSTRUCTING, ENLARGING, IMPROVING, AND/OR EXTENDING ITS MUNICIPAL SEWER SYSTEM FACILITY TO SERVE AN AREA LAWFULLY WITHIN ITS JURISDICTION TO SERVE.
ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Canaday, Andrews, Grant, Perry. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Lester then declared Resolution No. 305 duly approved and adopted.
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDING FOR THE INCURRENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS TO IMPROVE THE WATER SYSTEM $5,400,000:
RESOLUTION NO. 306
(Resolution No. 306 in its entirety on file in the City’s Resolution File)
The following resolution was introduced by Councilor Winkler who moved for its adoption. Second by Councilor Canaday.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE GRANGEVILLE, CITY OF AUTHORIZING AND PROVIDING FOR THE INCURRENCE OF INDEBTEDNESS FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING A PORTION OF THE COST OF ACQUIRING, CONSTRUCTING, ENLARGING, IMPROVING, AND/OR EXTENDING ITS MUNICIPAL WATER SYSTEM FACILITY TO SERVE AN AREA LAWFULLY WITHIN ITS JURISDICTION TO SERVE.
ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Farris, Winkler, Canaday, Andrews, Grant, Perry. NO: none. The motion passed. Mayor Lester then declared Resolution No. 306 duly approved and adopted.
TOWERCO OFFER FOR 99 YEAR EASEMENT: Kennedy explained the city received a 99-year easement offer from TowerCo for $175,000. She asked if the city had a dollar amount in mind that if it’s under then the council doesn’t need to see the offer? Councilor Winkler stated he didn’t like the idea of 99-year lease. Attorney Jessup recommended bringing it to the council every time. The Council was not interested in the offer.
ITEMS TO NOTE: Budget Meetings: July 14, 15 and 16, 2025 at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting adjourned at 7:45 P.M.
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Wes Lester – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
