Nampa City Council Meeting - August 4, 2025

The Nampa City Council met on August 4, 2025, at 7:00 PM (presumed) to address a variety of agenda items including a major bioreactor lease-purchase agreement, funding for downtown Christmas lights, public comments on the proposed conveyance of the Ford Idaho Center to CWI, and several zoning and annexation requests. The meeting opened with a moment of silence for a recent airplane crash victim, followed by a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll call indicated all council members present.

Consent Calendar

• Approved consent agenda as submitted (motion carried unanimously).
• Approved consent agenda items including routine approvals (no specific items contested).

Staff Communications

• Christy reported on Planning and Zoning Commission actions from July 29, 2025: conditional use permits approved for Lowe's (nursery display), firearm services/document storage, and a daycare on Florida Avenue. None appealed to council.
• Provided an update on the Nampa 2050 Comp Plan outreach: 113 survey responses, 200 postcards distributed, upcoming events at National Night Out and Nampa Festival of the Arts.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Cheryl Hickley (12441 S. Abbott Downing Way) spoke against the proposed conveyance of the Ford Idaho Center to CWI. She questioned the underutilization basis, lack of independent appraisal, and suggested alternatives such as adding commercial uses or leasing. She expressed distrust of the process and concern about a potential levy override.
• David Taney (12232 S. Hunters Point Drive, president of Red Hawk Ridge Owners Association) expressed concerns about the compressed timeline for the Ford Idaho Center decision, lack of transparency, and potential fiduciary risk. He requested a longer public comment period and noted that legal documents are missing key exhibits. He stated the asset is worth $100-125 million based on hearsay, and argued the process is too hasty. Mayor Kling clarified that the next decision point is August 18 for a levy override deadline, not a conveyance date.

Discussion Items

• 5-2: NRGX IE60 Bioreactor Lease-Purchase Agreement – Public Works Director Tom Points presented the project: a $5 million refurbished pyrolysis unit to convert biosolids into syngas and electricity, with a 42-month lease-to-own at 13.3% interest, total cost $1,382,000 (including $138,200 first payment and escrow). The project aims for sustainability, PFOS destruction, and new revenue. Council discussed the high interest rate, buyback clause, and company longevity. Vote: 5-2 (Rodriguez and Griffin opposed, citing concerns about the letter of intent and overall cost/risk).
• 5-3: Resource Recovery Demonstration Project – $181,418 to ship and assemble the equipment. Vote: 5-1 (Griffin opposed for same reasons).
• 5-4: Northside Boulevard Phase 2 Design – $433,363 task order with Calorin Associates. Approved unanimously.
• 5-5 & 5-6: Downtown Christmas Lights – Two allocations: $100,000 from Kevin and Mary Daniels Main Street Fund and $50,000 from Republic Services Rebate (total $150,000) to purchase and install year-round Christmas lights on building tops in downtown. Amber Bothwell reported outreach to all property owners, with positive response. Item 5-5 approved unanimously; 5-6 approved 5-1 (Griffin opposed, preferring to use funds elsewhere).
• 5-7: Mayor's Compensation Ordinance – Amended code to set mayor salary and adjustments, effective January 2026. Approved 5-1 (Rodriguez opposed).
• 5-8: Council Member Compensation Ordinance – Similar amendment for council members. Vote tied 3-3 (Rodriguez, Haverfield, Griffin no; Reynolds, Bills, Jangula yes). Mayor Kling broke the tie in favor, passing 4-3. Council members expressed discomfort with self-voting; some argued it was politically motivated.
• 5-9: Pool Licensing and Inspection Ordinance – Requires all public and commercial pools, hot tubs, splash pads to be licensed and inspected by Southwest District Health. Council discussed whether HOAs should be included; decided to pass the ordinance as is and revisit later. Approved 5-1 (Griffin opposed).
• 8-1: 2025 Annual Action Plan (HUD CDBG) – $925,168 allocation for public services (CATCH, Family Justice Center, Salvation Army), public facilities (Lions Park shelter/basketball court), and home repair loans. Approved with direction to use $100,000 for housing affordability and $125,000 for public works infrastructure. Approved unanimously.
• 8-2: Zoning Map Amendment (RA to RD) – 1.09 acres at 1504 S. Garland Street to allow future development. The applicant explained access via easement. Approved 5-1 (Rodriguez opposed).
• 8-3: Zoning Map Amendment (RS22 to BC) + Conditional Use Permit – 3.03 acres at Happy Valley Road for contractor/landscaping office with outdoor storage. The property had been used without proper zoning. Council discussed code enforcement and fencing. Approved 5-1 (Reynolds opposed).
• 8-4: Annexation and Zoning to RS4 + Preliminary Plat (Millwood Pines) – 9.99 acres at 7161 Cherry Lane for 47 single-family homes (down from 56). Hayden Homes presented. Council debated density and compatibility with adjacent neighborhoods. Approved 5-2 (Rodriguez and Griffin opposed).
• 9-1: Vacation of Alley Right-of-Way – 500 sq ft portion at 7th Avenue North. Approved unanimously.
• 9-2: Annexation and Zoning to Light Industrial – 0.787 acres at 4717 Airport Road. Approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Bioreactor project: Approved lease-purchase and demonstration project (5-2 and 5-1 votes). Next steps: execute agreements, begin demo to verify gas volumes and methane content.
• Christmas lights: $150,000 allocated for downtown building-top lights, with installation expected before holiday season.
• Council compensation increase: Passed (4-3) effective January 2026, tying future adjustments to employee salary increases.
• Pool licensing: Ordinance effective immediately; Southwest District Health will inspect public and commercial pools. HOAs not included but may be considered later.
• Ford Idaho Center: No decision made; public hearing scheduled for August 7 (facilitated discussion) and August 11 (listening session). Council will vote on levy override by August 18 if needed.
• Zoning and annexation: All requested changes approved, with several votes split. Code enforcement will address outstanding violations on the Happy Valley property.
• 2025 Annual Action Plan: Approved and will be submitted to HUD by August 16.