Rob Oates

The council held a special meeting workshop to discuss two primary agenda items. The first item involved the extension of a local disaster emergency declaration following a major weather event, which was approved by the council. The second item focused on a monumental discussion regarding the potential transition of the local fire department to a fire district model. The council reviewed the financial implications, staffing needs, and legislative impacts, including how state bills such as House Bill 389 and House Bill 959 affect budget authority and property tax-based funding models for emergency services.

The meeting featured a presentation from the Caldwell Night Rodeo President regarding the history, economic impact, and future plans for the organization. Key discussion topics included the rodeo's significant charitable giving to local community organizations, the impact of recent and upcoming capital improvements to the arena, and the importance of promoting the city as a destination for rodeo visitors. The presentation highlighted the need for continued partnership between the city council and the rodeo to ensure the facility remains a premier event destination for the next hundred years.

This document outlines strategic goals for the Street, Electrical, and Sanitation Divisions of Caldwell. The Street Division's strategic priorities include creating a Pavement Management Plan with a five-year overlay list, developing a Prioritized Sidewalk Plan to ensure ADA accessibility, implementing a Railroad Quiet Zone by Spring 2026, and fostering staff training and progression. The Electrical Division aims to upgrade its traffic signal detection system, monitor and program traffic signals remotely, construct new traffic signals, install additional pedestrian signals, and enhance key intersection lighting. The Sanitation Division's goals are to monitor its contract with Republic Services, address citizen and commercial issues, and explore the feasibility of a future waste transfer facility for Caldwell.

The council held a budget workshop to review funding requests and operational strategies for various departments, including HR, IT, and Police. Key discussions centered on the police department's proposed budget, which includes a request for 17 new sworn positions, five non-sworn positions, a 3.5% staff raise, and incentive pay. The police chief also presented a proposal to transition from Flock Safety technology to Axon for integrated body camera, Taser, and drone equipment, highlighting the potential for improved efficiency and cost-effectiveness through a bundled service approach.

The hearing examiner meeting involved the review of a new business item, specifically action item SUP 26-03. The examiner decided to table the hearing for this item, with plans to reschedule it for a future date, and subsequently closed the public hearing.