Nampa City Council Meeting - July 20, 2026

This meeting included a public forum heavily focused on opposing cuts to the Nampa Public Library, followed by staff communications on the budget, aquatics programs, and a major infrastructure grant. The council held public hearings on the annual HUD action plan, a comprehensive plan amendment, and a sign variance, and approved several action items including contracts and code amendments.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda as presented.
• Approved the consent agenda (routine approvals).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Ezekiel Garcia (age 10, Malad Drive resident) spoke against cutting library funding, stating books are essential for educated citizens and that the library provides access to materials not available locally. He cited his own reading list requiring interlibrary loans.
• Melinda Parker (District 3 resident) provided statistics: in 2025, the library logged 724,274 physical visits and circulated over 708,000 items; adult program participation increased 34%; youth and family attended 409 programs. She urged full support and increased funding.
• Myra Deonda Hernandez (community school coordinator, Nampa School District) described partnerships with the library, including a reading passport event that brought over 100 families to the library, and summer literacy kits for 500 children. She opposed cutting funds.
• Kristen Tom (Nampa resident and downtown business owner) urged no cut to the library budget, noting over one-third of residents hold library cards. She emphasized the library's role as a community space for her 93-year-old grandfather and its positive impact on downtown businesses. She also supported remaining in the Lynx Consortium.
• Amy Michaels Lichenham (state legislative district chair, precinct committee person, local author) thanked Councilman Rodriguez and Councilman Griffin for outreach, and asked to find funding to maintain library staff.
• Lucy Prebe (Southside Boulevard resident) described using the library's Cricut machine for Science Olympiad t-shirts with staff help. She argued that library programs improve employability, literacy, and reduce crime and healthcare costs. She cited statistics: over 60% of prison inmates are functionally illiterate; higher literacy rates correlate with lower crime and economic stability. She asked council to protect the institution.

Discussion Items

• Library Budget Discussion: Chief of Staff Clay Long clarified that the proposed $12,000 cut was removed (replaced by NDC parking funding), so there is no net cut to the library budget. The discussion is about the increase from FY26 to FY27, not a reduction. The council will consider potential reductions in the library's requested increase at the August workshop.
• Mitigation Fees and Moratorium: Councilman Griffin requested a workshop to discuss mitigation fees and a moratorium on development. Councilman Rodriguez and Councilman Bills expressed interest. Mayor Bruner noted the city attorney had previously advised against mitigation fees, but a workshop could be considered. No immediate decision was made.
• Aquatics Programs: Jessica Vanderpool, Aquatic Supervisor, presented the Safe Swim program (free water safety event in May, partnership with multiple agencies) and the American Red Cross Centennial campaign (five-year partnership providing 175 swim lesson scholarships annually; 82 already issued). She highlighted transportation barriers and a partnership with a daycare to bus children to lessons.
• Infrastructure Update: Crystal Craig, Public Works Director, reported on the June 26, 2026, 100-year storm (1.13 inches in 17 minutes). She proposed the Davis Avenue Corridor project (Midland to Northside) for deferred maintenance, costing $3.5 million, with $2.1 million potentially available from reallocated funds. She also announced a $23 million BUILD grant for the North Side Corridor Community Connectivity and Safety Improvements (NC3), covering three phases: a one-lane bridge replacement, intersection improvements at North Side and 2nd/3rd Streets, and a signal at 7th & 7th. The grant requires no local match and will be implemented over several years, with a consultant to manage the project.
• Comprehensive Plan Update: Doug Kritchfield presented the third and fourth elements of the comprehensive plan: "Vibrant and Social Economic Centers" (business growth, entertainment, mixed-use) and "Enhanced Parks, Open Space, and Natural Areas" (connected pathways, agricultural preservation, equitable access, sustainable maintenance). The plan is expected for adoption summer 2027.

Key Outcomes

• Public Hearing 6.1 (2026 Annual Action Plan): Adopted unanimously. The plan allocates $1,020,240.73 in CDBG funds for administration, public services (rent/utility assistance, domestic violence support, senior services), and non-public services (park improvements, pedestrian crossings, housing affordability).
• Public Hearing 6.2 (Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment – 5601 East Locust Lane): Denied unanimously (6-0). The applicant sought to change from low-density to medium-density residential to allow redevelopment of a mobile home park. Planning and Zoning had recommended denial; public testimony opposed the change citing traffic, character, and inconsistency with the 2040 comp plan.
• Public Hearing 6.3 (Sign Variance – Braven Idaho LLC): Approved 5-1 (Councilman Griffin opposed). The variance allows a 90-foot-tall, 1,149 sq. ft. multi-tenant sign on I-84 (exceeding the 80-foot code limit). Staff recommended conditions to lock in the design. The applicant cited the site's elevation below the freeway grade as a unique hardship.
• Action Item 5.1 (Outside City Services Agreement – Adler Industrial): Approved unanimously.
• Action Item 5.2 (CM/CC Agreement Amendment – Pertham Sewer Trunk Project): Approved unanimously. The amendment is for $11,133,270.95 for work package three, funded from the FY25 budget.
• Action Item 5.3 (First Reading – Irrigation District Expansion): Passed under suspension of rules unanimously.
• Unfinished Business 7.1 (Code Amendments): First reading of numerous code amendments passed under suspension of rules unanimously.
• Executive Session: Approved to consider labor contract matters with NPPPA (Idaho Code 74-206(1)(a)(b)).