Nampa City Council Workshop on Legal Roles, Internal Operations, and Code of Conduct – January 15, 2026

The Nampa City Council convened on January 15, 2026, for a workshop addressing legal foundations of city government, internal operations, and proposed governance documents. The meeting began with a prayer and pledge, followed by roll call confirming all six council members present. The mayor proposed swapping agenda items 1.5 (code of conduct) and 1.4 (discussion on rules of decorum) to allow the code of conduct discussion to occur first; no objections were raised.

Discussion Items

Legal Training on Roles, Powers, and Responsibilities City Attorney Preston delivered a comprehensive presentation on the separation of powers at the local level, covering the legislative, executive, and quasi-judicial roles of the council and mayor. He emphasized that Idaho is a Dillon's Rule state, meaning cities derive authority from the state, and highlighted the council's police power, land use authority, budget approval, and appointment confirmation powers. Key points included:

• The council's legislative hat includes adopting ordinances, zoning, and setting fees; the fiscal hat includes budget and property tax levy; the judicial hat (quasi-judicial) applies to land use decisions like CUPs and variances.
• The mayor's executive powers include supervising employees, enforcing laws, declaring emergencies (up to 7 days), vetoing ordinances (subject to council override), and breaking tie votes except where majority required (e.g., confirming appointments, entering executive session).
• Conflict of interest rules: mandatory recusal for economic interests within the second degree of relationship; disclosure does not cure the conflict. Ex parte communications are prohibited in quasi-judicial matters; if they occur, they must be fully disclosed on the record.
• Executive session requires a two-thirds council vote and is limited to specific statutory categories; no final decisions may be made in executive session. The council holds the attorney-client privilege.

Internal Operations and Organizational Structure Chief of Staff Clay Long reviewed the city's organizational structure, noting 811 employees (650 full-time, 161 part-time) across 35 departments and divisions. He highlighted the five operational functions: internal services, public safety, community enrichment, development services, and public works. He encouraged council members to direct department inquiries through the mayor's office and to bring budget ideas during the upcoming workshop process.

Boards and Commissions

• Venue Management Commission: Following the transfer of the Ford Idaho Center to the College of Western Idaho, the commission's purpose was questioned. Council members expressed support for dissolving the venue management commission and creating a Civic Center advisory commission to oversee the Nampa Civic Center. Councilman Bills suggested a downsized committee with community input. The mayor noted existing zombie commissions (e.g., Civic Center Auxiliary) and directed staff to review and clean up ordinances.
• Animal Advisory Council: A proposal to establish an advisory council for animal services was discussed. The city currently pays approximately $458,000 per year for animal control services through a contract with the county. The new provider (Copper Quail Haven) is expected to begin operations by April 1, 2026, with a monthly cost of about $40,000. Council members expressed interest in creating an advisory council to recommend code changes and contract oversight. Councilman Rodriguez indicated interest in serving on the council. The mayor committed to bringing a formal proposal forward.
• Council Liaison Assignments: Council members were asked to email their preferences for board/commission liaison roles to the mayor's office.

Code of Conduct Discussion The council debated a proposed code of conduct (bylaws) document. Key points of contention:

• Councilman Griffin proposed changing "unexcused" absences to "unnotified" and recommended removing language requiring mayoral approval for remote participation, suggesting instead that council members simply notify the mayor. He also suggested changing "shall" to "should" in the duty to report violations (Section 204).
• Councilwoman Scog raised concerns about the code being used punitively, especially regarding titles, remote participation, and reporting violations. She opposed the mandatory reporting requirement and preferred a "may" or "process" approach.
• Councilman Bills supported softening the language to reflect courtesy rather than mandates, and suggested renaming Section 204 to "Process to Report Violations."
• Councilman Reynolds advocated for a 24-hour notice for absences and emphasized the importance of decorum for public perception.
• Councilman Rodriguez raised concerns about staffing and family security when texting during meetings, but acknowledged the need for transparency.
• The mayor stressed the importance of video participation for quasi-judicial public hearings, in contrast to general legislative items.
• There was discussion about sunsetting the code after each election cycle vs. keeping it permanent with amendment provisions. No consensus was reached on that point.

Key Outcomes

• The code of conduct discussion did not result in a vote; the mayor directed staff to incorporate the feedback (softened language, 24-hour notice, removal of mandatory reporting, and clarification on remote participation requirements) and bring a revised draft for formal action at a future meeting.
• The venue management commission will be considered for dissolution, with a new Civic Center advisory commission to be proposed. Staff will review existing zombie commissions and bring recommendations.
• An animal advisory council will be formally proposed for council consideration, with a future agenda item to establish its structure and purpose.
• Council members were reminded to submit their liaison preferences by email to the mayor's office.
• The meeting was adjourned shortly after 9:15 a.m. without a formal vote on any item.