Nampa City Council Meeting - August 3, 2026

The Nampa City Council met on August 3, 2026, at 22:59 UTC. The meeting included a public forum, updates on transportation and infrastructure projects, discussion of an e-bike ordinance, action on several contracts and land-use items, and a public hearing on a Burger King variance. The council also approved a consent agenda and adjourned into executive session to discuss a legal memorandum on a permanent levy override for public safety.

Consent Calendar

• The council unanimously approved the consent agenda, which included routine approvals.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nancy Hovey (888 West Corporate Lane, Apt 410, Nampa) spoke in support of preserving Valley Regional Transit (VRT) services, stating she has used Access for 15 years and relies on it for medical appointments, errands, and social activities. She provided a list of 34 destinations she uses VRT to reach.
• Melinda Parker (816 17th Avenue South) advocated for full funding of the Nampa Public Library for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, highlighting programs such as TRIO (GED prep), Idaho Department of Labor assistance, Women and Children's Alliance services, and the Idaho Volunteer Lawyers Program. She argued that a flat budget effectively constitutes a cut given rising costs.
• Scott Pearl (427 River Valley Street) requested continued funding for VRT, explaining that he has used it daily since 2009 to commute to his job at the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired and that many clients also rely on it.
• Justin Reynolds (co-owner, Club Storage Condos, 4751 West Ustick Road) reported that road design changes on Ustick Road have created a solid curb that blocks access to his business, causing customers to drive four miles out of the way. He stated that the design changed three times without notification, negatively impacting his small business.
• Melissa Sue Robinson (15 5th Street North, Unit 210) proposed that the city create a televised government channel via Idaho Public Television or a cable provider to broadcast meetings, along with a public awareness campaign to increase civic engagement, especially for seniors and those without internet access.

Discussion Items

• Ustick Corridor Project Update (Crystal Craig, Transportation Director): The 1.7-mile widening project from Phyllis Canal to State Highway 16 will transform the road from two lanes to five lanes, with a center median, multi-use paths, and loons (U-turn sections). Traffic is projected to increase by 632% due to the new highway. The project is expected to be completed by July 2027. A phasing approach will keep one lane open in each direction during construction.
• Water and Sewer Update (John Spencer, Water Resources Director): Work package 1 (deep sewer, 30-35 feet deep) and package 2 (water and pressure irrigation) are ongoing. The full project, including paving, is scheduled for completion by April 2028.
• Planning and Zoning Report (Rodney, Planning Director):
  • Density Report: In the past year, 1,267 single-family units and 26 multifamily units were approved (preliminary plats); 1,656 single-family and 146 multifamily units received final plat approval. Many of these are infill developments.
  • Comprehensive Plan Update: 25 outreach events are scheduled; surveys are being collected. The seven vision themes were discussed, with a focus on sustainable infrastructure and a safe, engaged community. The updated future land use map is expected by fall 2026.
• E-Bike Ordinance (Preston Rutter, City Attorney, and Ben Gardiner, Law Clerk): A proposed ordinance would define e-bikes, e-scooters, and e-motos; set a 15 mph speed limit on multi-use paths; prohibit e-motos from paths, bike lanes, and sidewalks; and establish a $300 infraction for violations. It includes an optional registration program. Council discussed enforcement challenges, parent accountability, and concerns about commercial e-scooter programs. Some council members expressed hesitation about the ordinance's breadth, while others stressed the need for regulation due to safety incidents.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Action Item 5-1 (Nampa Meridian Irrigation District Agreement): Approved unanimously.
• Action Item 5-2 (Harwood Recreation Center Flooring): Motion failed on a tie vote (Gog, Jangula, Rodriguez in favor; Bills, Reynolds, Griffin opposed; Mayor voted no, resulting in 4-3 against). The contract was for $103,686 to replace carpet with rubber flooring. Concerns were raised about a sole-source specification, lack of competitive bidding, and no retainage or liquidated damages.
• Public Hearing 6-3 (Vacation of Utility Easement): Approved unanimously.
• Public Hearing 6-1 (Lake Lowell Estates Annexation/Zoning): Approved 5-1 (Griffin opposed) with a condition that lots 16 and 17 be combined into one lot (to meet the one-acre minimum). The approval is contingent on the prior annexation of the adjacent Grace Bible Church property, which is scheduled for a September 8 hearing.
• Public Hearing 6-2 (Burger King Variance): Approved unanimously, subject to resolution of storm drainage issues (relocation of a drain within the public right-of-way).
• Public Hearing 6-4 (Issa Ridge Estates Annexation/Preliminary Plat): Approved unanimously.
• Executive Session: The council voted (6-0) to adjourn into executive session under Idaho Code 74-2061 to discuss a legal memorandum on a permanent levy override for public safety.