CHC FOUNDATION CONTRIBUTION

Foundation gives generous grant to Sacajawea Center

The good news of the Salmon City Council’s June 2nd meeting came from Sacajawea Center Director Suzy Avey. She announced that the CHC Foundation based in Idaho Falls has awarded the Center a grant of $4,000. The grant was given on a cash “in-kind” basis with a $1,088 on-site volunteer assembly and installation clause. She said the money will be used to replace the center’s wooden benches. She said the gift came after representatives of the CHC Foundation toured the center grounds and liked what they saw.

Councilor Fred Waidely made a motion to accept the CHC Foundation grant and it passed unanimously, with appreciation.

During the council’s Roundtable Discussion Councilor Waidely said most of the grants awarded to the Sacajawea Center are earmarked for educational or recreational purposes and not for Capital Improvements so Avey has to rely on other means or city departments if she needs money for capital expenditures. He said that needs to be remembered when budget talks begin.

Councilor Robin Phillips said people have complained to her over the condition of South Church Street. She asked Public Works Supervisor Charles Cockrell if the street is on his radar and he said it is. She also said she is working with people trying to solve the affordable housing shortage in Salmon and that there is a concern over the types of structures being offered for shelter. City Administrator Emery Penner said there are issues in other areas with regulating development codes in terms of creating the needed housing. He is researching those problems before making recommendations for Salmon. He said the housing must be controlled and safe and be esthetically pleasing to the rest of the community plus being something that’s according to code.

Councilor Neal James complimented city crews for the way the town looked over Memorial Day and the great ceremonies presented by the local veterans.

Councilor Russ Chinske congratulated the Boys High School Track Team for winning the State Championship and went on to say he appreciates the efforts toward the complicated, affordable housing problem. He said the more discussion about actual ideas the better. Chinske said he would like to keep the discussion going by putting it on the council agenda and inviting input.

Councilor Jim Baker asked Penner if the city is replacing the water lines under one channel of the river or both channels. Penner told him the city will be laying casings under one channel and then the other side will be done in Phase II. He said there will be a long process of designing and permitting and engineering involved before the actual dewatering stage.