Natasha McDaniel

Key discussions during the meeting included updates from various committees. The Design Review Committee is working on sign and lighting regulations. The Architectural Preservation Commission plans to petition to amend its ordinance for a seven-member commission and will apply for a CLG Grant to survey downtown properties for a potential Historic District. The S.R.E.D.A. reported on its new Executive Director. A major action item involved tabling the Solar Feasibility Study until a separate Rate Study, estimated at $40,000.00 to $50,000.00, could be completed, as the Council favored exploring all alternatives first. New business featured the swearing-in of three new Council Members and the election of Herb Haun as the 2026 Council President. The Council approved the Mayor's committee and board/commission appointments. Police Chief Krahn presented Life Saving Awards to officers recognized for extraordinary actions in separate incidents involving life-saving CPR and intervention on a bridge crisis. The Council also recognized Nick Edwards for completing Northwest Lineman's College after 8,000 hours of training. Action items included tabling the Mutual Assistance Agreement update and tabling the consideration to transfer an ambulance to the Fire Department. The Council approved the purchase of Camera Truck Equipment for Wastewater services for $5,493.33 and authorized the Mayor to sign a Local Professional Services Agreement with Kimley-Horn to oversee the city's traffic master plan related to an LHTAC Grant. Finally, pawn licenses for Idaho Coin and Exchange and Hammer Down Arsenal were approved.

The meeting commenced with committee and commission reports, including updates from the Design Review Committee regarding sign ordinances, the Planning & Zoning Committee, and the Public Facilities Committee concerning Fry Foods. The Historical Preservation Commission reported on efforts to secure grants for restoring the People's Furniture building exterior and conducting a downtown historic survey. Library statistics were presented, and a suggestion was made regarding future library expansion. The Weiser River Animal Shelter & Rescue added a gazebo at the Dog Park. The S.R.E.D.A. report noted an upcoming annual meeting. Fire department activity for October was reviewed. Key actions included the passage of Ordinance #1275, establishing conditional use for non-temporary storage containers on commercial and industrial property following a public hearing. The Council approved Resolution #704 establishing a new fee structure for Fry Foods wastewater treatment and authorized the signing of the Annual Fry Food Permit. Furthermore, the purchase of a backup generator for the Water Department was approved, as well as the purchase of a new John Deere tractor for the Street Department and the allocation of remaining spending authority for a Street Department truck. The replacement of sewer main sections was approved, and a request regarding a Rolling Hills Irrigation rebate was tabled. Discussion also took place regarding proposed setback changes by Agile Homes, with concerns raised about safety and community vision.

The meeting involved committee reports highlighting the need for more Design Review Committee members, plans for the Architectural Preservation Committee's 'Christmas at the Depot', and an update on the S.R.E.D.A. executive director resignation. Department reports included discussion regarding discrepancies in electric usage and wastewater volume figures. Key actions included the approval of bills reviewed by the Finance Committee. Under Unfinished Business, the Council approved the Beer and Wine License for Smokin Franny's. New Business saw the approval and authorization for the Mayor to sign a new contract with the Bonneville Power Administration concerning low-cost Preference Power, the adoption of the Historical Preservation Plan, and approval for the purchase of a Police Vehicle not to exceed $70,000.00. The Council also approved the appointment of Rebecca Hale and Thomas Moore to the Design Review Committee, authorized the purchase of an LS Tractor for the Wastewater Department, and approved a contract with Keller to study the Main Lift Station. Finally, the Council approved an agreement for stormwater mitigation via a 'Sand Window' related to the Weiser River Trail and granted permission for a Disc Golf Course Proposal at Mortimer Island (Laird Property). The session concluded with an Executive Session concerning preliminary negotiations and pending litigation.

The meeting commenced with an amendment to the agenda, removing the discussion on the annual 3% rate increase for wastewater this year (though 5% was noted separately). Reports from various committees included updates on the Weiser Animal Shelter Duck Derby fundraising, the Design Review Committee seeking new members, and the Economic Development Committee financially supporting Main Street projects. The CIP Program is seeking community partners with a scholarship incentive. The Library reported on August usage statistics, and the Historical Preservation Commission presented an approved plan pending Council review. The Zoning Committee continues to review the Storage Container Ordinance, and S.R.E.D.A. minutes will be distributed. Following department reports, the Council approved the minutes from one Special City Council Meeting (June 30, 2025), one Regular City Council Meeting (August 11, 2025), and another Special City Council Meeting (August 25, 2025), and approved the payment of bills. New business involved two public hearings. The first was for the Panike 1 Lot Subdivision in the Impact Area, where the Council recommended approval to the County P&Z and Commissioners. The second public hearing concerned the Roberts Conditional Use for townhouses; following discussion on density, safety, and property values, the Council recommended approval of the conditional use. The Council tabled the consideration of Smokin Franny's Beer and Wine License until the October meeting. Approvals were granted for Resolution #703 to secure FAA grants for taxiway rebuild, the purchase of two chlorine tanks from Misco for the Wastewater Plant (to be budgeted in FY2026), the Pole Yard sidewalk quote from Custom Concrete and Fabrication, and approval for a continuous curb cut at the Pole Yard. The Council approved paying an $8,500.00 LOR Grant to Historical Preservation to finalize a Planning and Zoning Plan, and extended the School District's container permit by ninety days past its current expiration. The meeting concluded after an Executive Session regarding preliminary negotiations and pending litigation.

During the New Business portion of the meeting, the Council discussed and subsequently approved an updated Non-Discrimination Policy Statement, including the addition of sexual orientation. The Council also reviewed and approved the 2025 Roadway Capital Improvement Plan Update, which prioritized the E. Commercial Project and the Indianhead Pathway Phase 3 for the Small Urban Grant. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an Executive Session concerning preliminary negotiations and communication with legal counsel regarding pending litigation.