Steve Castenada

The board discussed the status of the 6th Street water system project, including design completion, DEQ approval requirements, and bidding strategies. A Task Order EJCDC Agreement was approved for consultant services regarding the construction phase. Additionally, the board reviewed the status of the downtown project, specifically focusing on the stalled SWOT analysis, potential participation in the Main Street USA program, and the initiative to declare the downtown area a competitively disadvantaged border community. The board also reviewed the 2025 draft Annual Report, including income and expenditures, and addressed a legislative update regarding fire departments and urban renewal districts.

The agenda for the Urban Renewal Agency meeting includes action items such as a discussion on the status of the HECO 6th St Project and a review of the SWOT analysis and general status of the downtown project. It also lists the Week Two Idaho Legislative Update for a specified period and the setting of the next meeting date. The minutes from the previous meeting on January 7, 2026, indicate that discussions included moving forward with the HECO 6th St Project using the original contract with added liability language, setting the next meeting date for February 11, 2026, approving membership in the Redevelopment Association of Idaho, and discussing the SWOT analysis for the Competitively Disadvantaged Border Community Area.

This ordinance adopts the Comprehensive Plan for the City of Payette, Idaho, and its surrounding impact area. The plan, developed with substantial citizen input and public hearings, incorporates a map for future land use and defines the boundaries of the Payette City Impact Area. It emphasizes establishing an effective date, severability, and a repealer for conflicting ordinances.

The committee decided not to inspect sidewalks that had received complaints due to heavy snow coverage. A report indicated that the Payette School District contacted the committee regarding applying for another safe routes to school grant, and follow-up actions will be taken to determine potential projects. Additionally, a standardized letter will be drafted to educate property owners about sidewalk complaints, the relevant sidewalk ordinance, and the available sidewalk grant program.

The agenda for the City Council meeting included several items for action and discussion. Key agenda items involved updates from ROSE Advocates regarding the Maple Tree House and the Community Serve Day. The Council was scheduled to appoint Amber Paz and Lauri Ovitt to the Planning & Zoning Commission with specific terms expiring in 2027 and 2031, respectively. Furthermore, the Council planned to hold the first reading for Ordinance No. 1573, which proposes amending the municipal code to change regular meeting days to the first and third Tuesdays of each month, effective February 3rd, 2026. Other discussions included updates on the 2026 Council Calendar Dates and an appraisal report concerning property on N 16th St. The meeting was also set to review payables and included time reserved for citizen comments.