COUNCIL HEARS REQUESTS
Yearly request from LCEDA an vacation request from land owner.’,
‘Lemhi County Economic Development Association (LCEDA) Executive Director Tammy Stringham asked the Salmon City Council for their yearly letter of support that she sends the Idaho Department of Commerce. The Department helps fund LCEDA’s efforts on behalf of the community and the Executive Director’s position.
Last year the city contributed $6,000 to LCEDA for such things as the seed money to operate Lemhi Ride and other efforts the association makes towards the economy of the area. Stringham explained the letter of support. which mentions the $6,000 contributed last year, will be included in this year’s funding application packet to the department. She said it helps to show the city is behind the association efforts, has contributed in the past and will consider her request to contribute this year.
After that is sent, Stringham will make an official fiscal year budget request for $6,000 to the city as it enters its budgeting process. The City Council voted unanimously in favor of writing the letter of support
The city has received an application for the vacation of a portion of 11th Street. The applicants have supplied everything required including letters of support from surrounding neighbors, the Police Department, the City Public Works Supervisor, the Fire Department and Idaho Power. The unused, 7,200 square foot strip of city land backs a portion of Gilmore Avenue.
Councilor Fred Waidely thought the Planning and Zoning Commission should take a look at the proposal. Councilor Jim Baker said he has heart-burn when it comes to the city just giving away a piece of property that might be needed at a future date. The council voted unanimously to send the proposed vacation to P&Z for its evaluation.
During the evening’s Roundtable Discussion Councilor Jim Bockelman said he recommends there be a sign placed at the bridge crosswalk located on the east end of the Main Street Bridge. He said people come out of the restaurant there and jaywalk, not looking for traffic, and the pedestrians are difficult see by the on-coming traffic. He said he also said he is getting a lot of questions about the Pickle Ball Court. He wondered if it should be resurfaced and if so, by whom.
Councilor Fred Waidely mentioned an article in an Idaho Falls newspaper that indicates legislative changes are being discussed that would affect property tax changes due to the influx of people. He said the changes could have adverse effects on local property owners and that council members should become apprised as to what changes are being proposed.
Councilor Robin Phillips introduced the word “gentrification.” It relates to wealthy people buying property at high prices and pushing taxes up to where current residents can’t afford their homes. Phillips said she has seen it happen in other towns like Santa Fe New Mexico, Flagstaff Arizona and Boise. She issued the warning that Salmon doesn’t need to allow itself to become like other places. “Once a community loses its small-town character it loses that quality of life that made it an enjoyable place for the residents to live for years and years.”
Councilor Russ Chinske announced school will let out on June 10th and he said it was great to see that Boys and Girls Track were district champions in Boise last weekend. Councilor Jim Baker thanked both Phillips and Waidely for the legislative information they provided.
The next City Council meeting will begin at 6PM June 2nd in the Salmon Valley Center Meeting Room. The meetings can also be heard by phone. Call City Hall at 208-756-3214 for more information.