City Council met in regular session on October 6, 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 September 15th were approved as presented by Councilor Canaday, second by Councilor Farris. Motion carried by a unanimous vote of the Council present.
VISITOR: Dave Wimer, Lions Member, was present to discuss shifting the softball field. Other representatives present were Lions members Abner King and Cody Edwards, Jerime Zimmerman, GHS girls’ softball coach and youth baseball members. Dave explained the Lions want to help with projects at the Lions Park. They have been working with Mager on a proposal to move the backstop fence 15’ to the west and 25’ to the south. This would allow for sidewalk access to bleachers. They are not asking for funds at this time, but they want to see if the Council is on board. They are getting quotes on moving the backstop. The drawing Dave handed out also shows new dugouts. They are trying to make it a legitimate softball field. Another priority is the dirt for the field. Jeremie is getting soil samples and they have penciled in drain tile on their drawing. Jerime Zimmerman stated there are opportunities to use the facility to bring money into community. They are looking to bring in state tournaments which also generate funds for the program. They do have safety concerns with the uneven ground and the dirt isn’t the greatest. Public Works Director Mager stated Dave did a great job explaining the project. Mager is still trying to get ADA sidewalks from the ADA parking spot to the field. The existing light poles can stay with the current setup. The sprinklers are older than his work career and may need upgrading. Dave Wimer stated some city work may need to happen and questioned if the city was committing to the sprinklers? Mager stated he couldn’t commit to funds; the council would need to determine that when budgeting. Councilor Grant questioned if all organizations are on board that use the field? Jeramie stated yes, Grangeville youth baseball is here but he was unsure about soccer. Councilor Perry asked about the time frame. Jerime stated it depends on the quotes that come back. He’d love to have it done for the 2026 season. Councilor Andrews felt it was a much-needed upgrade. District and State tournaments could be held in Grangeville but they don’t recognize our field as they don’t have dugouts. The Council was generally in favor of the proposed plan.
COMMITTEE REPORTS: The following committee reports were presented.
• POLICE REPORT: Chief Newman reported the city had 115 calls for service and 35 reports taken for September 2025. The department has been busy with training, legal updates and emergency vehicle operations training. They are looking forward to Halloween Trick or Trunk.
SNOWHAVEN SEPTIC SYSTEM: Mayor Lester explained after last meeting, Snowhaven Manager Wasem had the idea for a new gravity location for the septic system which would be on the edge of the parking lot by the bank. Wasem met with the health department to do the new perk and upon passing, received a new permit for a basic system at the new location. We are currently moving forward with quotes to get the system installed before winter. The septic tanks will be traffic rated tanks so if someone drives on it it’s not a problem. The tanks are two weeks out. Gabe Forsmann is the assistant manager. They have deconstructed all the Ts and are using proper grease to rebuild. During the rebuilding process, they will number the Ts and so they can track maintenance better. Public Works Director Mager stated the surface seal on the well is done. They can’t do much on the well until the sewer is up and running. They don’t see any problems with the water for the building. The city also thanks the Lion’s Club for donating the tubes. It was approximately $12,000.
PLAY CREATION INVOICE: City Administrator Kennedy asked for permission to pay Play Creation prior to bills as the invoice was due upon completion of project. On motion by Councilor Farris, second by Councilor Perry to pay the Play Creation invoice for $191,418.46.
ROLL CALL VOTE: YES: Canaday, Farris, Winkler, Grant, Perry, Andrews. NO: none. ABSTAIN: none. The motion passed.
AREA OF IMPACT CHANGES: Attorney Jessup explained the City and County have jointly adopted an ordinance on the area of impact. A new law was passed in 2024 to have them updated or lose them. If we lose them, we’d have to renegotiate with the county; we need to update our current ordinances. If we want to amend the map, we need to look at changing it. The city can’t extend out more than 2 miles. The Council needs to look at what changes they may need. They will look at commercial and residential growth, where city water and sewer are located and available and what could happen in the next five years. The City has to acknowledge the county has jurisdiction in area of impact. Councilor Grant would like an area of impact map to review. Councilor Perry asked if there were negatives to extending the full 2 miles.
CAMERAS IN CITY PARKS: The city recently had bathroom vandalism at the Pioneer Park bathroom with damages just under $1,000. This incident prompted discussion on installing cameras for security. Mayor Lester, Administrator Kennedy, Sgt. Quintal and Josh Friebes with Airbridge went to Lions and Pioneer Park to look at camera options. Airbridge will donate most items except power. Josh mentioned an antenna on the public works building, but Public Works Director Mager doesn’t want anything on the rubberized roof. It could be an option to have a tower by the shop. Councilor Andrews asked if the cameras were just for the parks or what about Heritage Square, fire station or city hall? He felt it would be good for all city facilities. Attorney Jessup stated a suspect was identified for a portion of the Pioneer Park bathroom vandalism and he is reviewing the information provided by the police department.
The meeting adjourned at 6:45 P.M.
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Wes Lester – Mayor
ATTEST:
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Tonya Kennedy – Clerk
