Nampa City Council Meeting – March 2, 2026

The Nampa City Council met on March 2, 2026, at 5:02 PM. The meeting included a proclamation, several staff reports, consent agenda actions, and four public hearings. Key votes involved the approval of a sign code update (5‑1), approval of the Regatta Crossing annexation and zoning with conditions (4‑2), and denial of the Summer Breeze assisted living facility annexation and conditional use permit (unanimous). The council also approved multiple consent items, task orders, and ordinances.

Consent Calendar

• Approved consent agenda minus items pulled for discussion: 15C (cooperative agreement with Nampa Development Corporation for 11th Avenue South conversion), 16A (UV replacement bulbs – postponed to next meeting), and 16B (annual purchase of chip and fog seal oils – approved).
• 16A was postponed two weeks to allow staff to research alternative suppliers for UV bulbs (sole source from Trojan Technologies).
• 16B approved the piggyback purchase from Idaho Asphalt Supply at an estimated $741,975.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Regatta Crossing (8‑3): Several residents spoke. Brian Person opposed, citing traffic congestion and inadequate infrastructure. Mark Hess and Jay Snyder supported, noting the need for workforce housing and infrastructure investment. Nicholas Delalow and John Chapman raised concerns about traffic safety, school capacity, and compatibility with existing rural character. Janna Jones (Adler Industrial) supported, emphasizing the need for housing near employment centers.
• Summer Breeze (8‑4): Multiple neighbors spoke in opposition, citing lack of transparency, safety concerns, traffic, and the owner’s criminal record. They questioned the true nature of the facility and requested denial or delay.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation: Mayor declared March 6, 2026 as National Speech and Debate Education Day. Students and coaches from Nampa, Skyview, and Columbia High Schools were recognized.
• Staff Communications:
  • Parks employee recognitions: Tim Zoffren won NRPA Maintenance Management School scholarship; Scott Nichols received PGA Junior League Game Changers Award.
  • Library Director Jared Tolman presented the 2025 annual report: circulation up 6%, attendance up 8%, adult program participation up 34%; 274,000 visitors, 708,000 items circulated, 21,000 public computer users.
  • RAISE grant update (Crystal Craig and Pearson DeWitt): Eight projects underway, 34% of $5M grant spent, 64% complete. Key projects include mobility hub, North Side forestry intersection, 6th Street rehab, Indian Creek pathway, and underpass improvements.
  • Planning & Zoning Director Rodney Ashby presented the annual development report: population 123,220; median home value $430,000; 63% of housing valued between $300,000–$500,000; 5,000 single‑family permits in five years; no triplex permits; multifamily units surged due to one project. Builder John Nielsen added building permit data – FY26 four‑month residential permits valued at $54 million.
• Sign Code Amendment (8‑2): Terry Friend presented repeal and replace of Chapter 23 to clarify and reorganize. Major changes: align height threshold with building code (7 ft), remove number limit on directional signs, allow feather banners with size limits, and fix inconsistencies. Councilman Bills expressed concern about temporary signs becoming nuisances. Approved 5‑1 (Griffin opposed).

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved as amended.
• Sign Code Amendment: Approved 5‑1 (Griffin opposed).
• Regatta Crossing (Annexation & Zoning, 8‑3): Approved 4‑2 (Jingula and Rodriguez opposed). Included conditions: development agreement restricting BC uses (e.g., no homeless shelter, hookah lounge, hotel, etc.), open space park in Phase 1, removal of one lot for green space/pathway along eastern edge, and traffic calming measures.
• Summer Breeze (Annexation & CUP for assisted living, 8‑4): Denied unanimously. Council found it would adversely impact the area’s character and appearance and was not in the public interest.
• Task Orders & MOU: Approved engineering task order for Midland Avenue improvements ($538,744.84); authorized MOU with Nampa Development Corporation for library staff parking ($900/month); approved irrigation district annexation; approved various ordinance readings under suspension of rules.
• Unfinished Business: Approved comprehensive plan amendment from MDR to LDR for three parcels; vacated easements; annexed and rezoned several parcels.
• No executive session was held.