Public Meetings - Nampa, Idaho

The Nampa City Council convened on June 18, 2026, at approximately 12:59 PM (start delayed due to lack of quorum) to discuss and vote on the Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Budget and Grant-Related Capital requests. The meeting included a presentation by Capital and Grants Manager Chris Boaz and Finance Director Doug, followed by department-by-department review and approval. The initial total proposed capital budget was $105,538,388. After council actions, three items were removed and set aside in a special bucket for potential reallocation to infrastructure: the Lakeview Rose Garden Gazebo ($145,000), the Cemetery Scattering Garden ($486,850 from FY27 plus $668,000 from prior years), and the Airport Terminal Building Gen Gov portion ($500,000). The net approved budget was $104,406,538. Discussion centered on balancing capital investments with deferred maintenance needs, staff capacity, and the city's long-term infrastructure priorities. Discussion Items - Budget Process Overview – Doug and Chris Boaz explained that the capital budget approval grants authority to budget, not to spend; individual projects over $50,000 will return to council for formal approval. They noted the city typically completes 50–60% of its capital projects annually and aimed to bring the budget closer to actual capacity. - IH2C Facility Improvements – Facilities department requested $1,368,400, including $850,000+ for stucco repair, HVAC, and roof replacement at the IH2C building. Council expressed urgency to begin work in 2026 rather than waiting until FY27. Direction was given to start the bidding process and bring back an action item to amend the FY26 budget. - Park Projects and Priorities – The Parks and Recreation budget included $5,914,058 for parks and $25,000 for recreation. A motion passed to remove the $145,000 gazebo from the Lakeview Rose Garden, with councilman Griffin arguing the funds should be redirected to deferred maintenance. The motion carried unanimously. - Cemetery Scattering Garden – The third installment of $486,850 (total project $1.1 million) was proposed. Council debated whether to pull this funding for infrastructure. A motion to remove the FY27 funding and reallocate to streets passed 4–1 (Councilman Rodriguez opposed). Prior year commitments of $668,000 remain; staff will continue bidding but spending authority may be redirected via a future budget amendment. - Airport Terminal Building – A request for $500,000 from General Gov Capital Fund was part of a $1.375 million total for terminal remodel/design. Council discussed the airport’s economic impact and whether general government funds should support it. A motion passed to remove the $500,000 Gen Gov portion and place it in the infrastructure bucket; the airport fund portion ($500,000) was retained. - Deferred Maintenance and Capacity – Councilman Griffin and President Bills led a discussion on setting aside funds from lower‑priority items to address critical water and street deficiencies. Public Works Director Tom Points reported that with a new in-house CAD technician, staff could deliver $1–2 million in pavement and water line improvements in FY27. A bucket of approximately $1.3 million (from gazebo, scattering garden, and airport removals) was created, pending a later amendment to reallocate to streets. - Water and Subdivision Obligations – Debate arose over funding water line replacements in enclaves (e.g., M&M subdivision). Councilman Rodriguez raised concerns about city taxpayers subsidizing subdivisions not yet annexed. Staff clarified that the city has a pre‑annexation agreement and that residents pay double rates. The water budget was approved with a request for legal clarification on obligations. - Water Renewal – Purdue Lift Station and Facility Study – $500,000 was approved for planning and initial pump upgrades at the Purdue Lift Station, part of a long‑term regional plan. Councilman Bills questioned the wisdom of repeatedly remodeling existing buildings versus building new; staff confirmed part of the funds would evaluate facility options. Key Outcomes - Department-by-Department Voting – Council approved each department’s capital budget individually, with most votes passing unanimously. Departments approved: Facilities ($1,368,400), Building Safety ($135,000), Development Services/Engineering ($9,387,500 net), CDBG ($575,553), General Government ($2,200,000), IT ($229,100), Parks and Recreation ($5,769,058 after gazebo removal), Recreation Center ($25,000), Cemetery ($15,000 after scattering garden removal), Golf ($992,120), Police ($1,515,462), 911 ($342,120), Nampa Civic Center ($600,000), Fleet ($2,639,177), Streets ($24,184,029), Traffic ($1,193,225), Airport ($875,000 after removing $500,000 Gen Gov), Water ($7,020,618), Irrigation ($12,411,252), Water Renewal ($31,664,737), Stormwater (amount not specified, motion carried). - Creation of Infrastructure Bucket – Funds from the gazebo ($145,000), FY27 scattering garden ($486,850), and airport Gen Gov portion ($500,000) were set aside for potential reallocation to streets/infrastructure, pending a future budget amendment. Prior‑year scattering garden funds ($668,000) will be handled separately through an amendment. - Direction to Start IH2C Bidding – Council directed facilities staff to begin the bidding process for IH2C improvements immediately and bring back an action item for FY26 budget amendment. - Overall Budget Approved – The total approved FY27 capital budget after removals was $104,406,538. The meeting adjourned at approximately 1:11 PM. Note: No public comments were heard during this meeting. The consent calendar was not used; all items were discussed individually.

The Nampa City Council met on June 15, 2026, at 7:00 PM. The meeting included public forums, a presentation from Valley Regional Transit on service changes, staff updates, two public hearings, and numerous action items. Key decisions included approval of a 355-unit subdivision with commercial use restrictions, removal of a comprehensive plan density requirement, and authorization of a drone first-responder program. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was adopted unanimously. Several items were pulled for discussion: impact fee account balances (Item 16A) and two grant acceptances (Items 19B and 19C). After clarification, all three items were approved. Public Comments & Testimony - Melissa Robinson (15 Fifth Street North, Unit 210) proposed holding quarterly district town halls and establishing neighborhood captains to improve civic engagement. Council members noted upcoming town halls and expressed support. - Salvador George and Santiago Nino (Carpenters Union) invited the council to the grand opening of a new training center on July 23, 2026, from 4-7 PM. The center will serve 1,600 members, including 400 in Nampa. - During the High Line Estates public hearing (limited scope on amenities), three residents spoke. Cheryl Higley (12441 South Abbott Downing Way) and Shelley Montclair (1972 Madison Road) opposed the project, citing inadequate usable green space and density concerns. Jim Blake (1959 Madison Road) questioned whether the proposed open space met code requirements. - During the comprehensive plan text amendment hearing, Cheryl Higley asked that the language requiring planned unit developments for densities over 5 du/acre be retained, citing precedent. Discussion Items - Valley Regional Transit (VRT) Presentation: Director Elaine Clegg presented a proposal to reduce Nampa’s budget contribution by 42% while maintaining service. Changes include replacing the current on-demand system with a microtransit/TNC model, eliminating Route 40, and preserving Route 42. The plan is projected to increase ridership by 10.3% (to 34,000 rides in 2027) and cut cost per boarding by nearly half. A public hearing will be held June 22 at the Nampa Civic Center (3:30-7 PM). Councilmembers questioned the feasibility of microtransit-only options and potential private funding from employers. - Staff Communications - Jordan Trevino Receives Award: The wastewater lab operator of the year award for processing over 30,000 samples annually. - Centennial Golf Course Irrigation Update: The $3.8 million project is under budget (original estimate $5.5M) and on schedule for completion by September 30, 2026. Over 125,000 linear feet of pipe and nearly 2,000 irrigation heads are being installed while keeping the course open. - Potential Property Exchange with Nampa School District: The school district’s appraisal valued its 43-acre parcel at $6.025 million. Councilmembers expressed concerns about the appraisal being inflated and the desire to retain the historic barn at Rodeo Park. The consensus was not to spend $4,500 on a city appraisal at this time. - E-Bike Enforcement Update: Police reported 145 calls related to e-bikes/motorcycles from March to June (66 in May alone). Enforcement focuses on education and warnings, with drones used for tracking repeat offenders. No additional resources were requested, but a CommStat project was initiated. - Planning and Zoning/Long-Range Planning: Rodney Ashby reported final plat approvals for Cherry Grove 6 and Middlebury South 1. A comprehensive plan update workshop was held June 8; council input is due by June 18. Councilmember Bills requested removal of “affordable housing” language and specific agency names from the document. - Chief of Staff Update: Clay Long outlined his role as strategic advisor, operational leader, and liaison. Reporting structure is through the chief of staff to the mayor. Discussion affirmed that the mayor retains final authority, preserving the strong-mayor system. - Downtown Banners: 57 banners designed by Vanessa Jimenez were installed for the America 250 celebration, funded by a grant. Key Outcomes - High Line Estates Subdivision (93.75 acres, 355 units, 1 commercial lot): Approved on a 5-0 vote (Councilmember Jangula absent). The motion included a development agreement prohibiting specified commercial uses (alcohol sales, drug paraphernalia, tattoo shops, etc.) and limiting parking lot expansions. The applicant added bocce ball, pickleball, and picnic amenities. - Comprehensive Plan Text Amendment (removing PUD requirement for densities 5 du/acre): Approved 3-2 (Councilmembers Gog and Rodriguez opposed). Staff clarified the language was guidance, not code; council retains authority to condition approvals. - Drone as First Responder Program: Approved unanimously. The 5-year, $560,000 contract with Motorola/BRINC includes three drones, docking stations at the Harvard Rec Center and Boys & Girls Club, and training. Funded from FY25 budget savings; non-appropriation clause protects future councils. - Local Option Registration Fee Resolution: Approved to place a measure on the ballot for Canyon County vehicle registration fees (Idaho Code 40-827). - Other Approved Action Items: - Tyler Intergov and ERP software subscriptions ($283,239.27 and $232,602.66). - Reimbursement agreement with Northwest Pipeline for Eustace Road widening ($241,741). - Coyote Springs domestic well contract with Abundant Water Wells ($380,682). - Authorization to seek operator for the Nampa Public Shooting Range. - Four annexation ordinances passed under suspension of rules: East Canyon Community (0 11th Ave, etc.), Trilogy (2815 N Middleton Rd), Regatta Crossing (0 Eustace Rd), and 1325 Chicago Street.

On June 15, 2026, a pre-council gathering was held at Nampa City Hall. The meeting was informal and served as a ceremonial swearing-in for Darl Bruner as the new mayor, following the passing of former Mayor Rick Hogabohum. City Clerk Shar Tim administered the oath of office. Mayor Bruner, joined by his family, expressed gratitude and emphasized unity, prayer, and continued leadership for the city. A pastor led a prayer for wisdom, courage, and integrity for the new mayor, the city council, staff, and the entire city of Nampa.

The Nampa City Council and Planning Commission held a joint workshop on June 12, 2026 to review draft objectives and strategies from focus groups for the update of the city's comprehensive plan. The discussion focused on transportation connectivity, annexation of enclave properties, incentivizing infill development, infrastructure funding, and legal considerations. No formal votes or decisions were taken; members were asked to submit written feedback within ten days. Discussion Items - Connected & Accessible Theme: The focus group proposed 13 objectives covering safety, transportation choice, financial stewardship, smart technology, and connectivity. Concerns were raised about enclave subdivisions (county pockets within city limits) that hinder pedestrian and roadway connections. Council members debated forced annexation vs. incentivizing infill and discussed the need for a strategy to prioritize connectivity improvements. - Sustainable Infrastructure & Services: Discussion centered on aligning annexation with growth principles, standardizing pre-annexation agreements, and coordinating with adjacent jurisdictions. The challenge of funding infrastructure for both new development and existing gaps was highlighted. - Infill vs. Greenfield Development: Multiple members expressed support for incentivizing development of vacant infill parcels (especially enclaves) rather than continued expansion on the fringe. Ideas included differential impact fees, density bonuses, and clearer code provisions. Caution was urged on property rights and the financial viability of small infill projects. - Property Rights & Litigation Risk: The legal status of the comprehensive plan as a guiding document was discussed. Members noted that the plan could be used to support or oppose zoning decisions, but direct litigation for noncompliance is unlikely. Concerns were raised about specificity when naming agencies (e.g., transit) and the need for more general language. - Housing Terminology: Council President suggested removing the word “affordable” from the “affordable, attainable, and diverse housing” objective, arguing it is an undefined talking point that has not been achieved despite increased supply. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or motions were passed; the workshop was advisory. - Council and Commission members were asked to review the draft objectives and strategies individually and submit written concerns or comments to Rodney Ashby (Planning Director) within ten days. - Staff will incorporate feedback into the draft before presenting it to the public for further input in summer 2026. - A follow-up workshop may be scheduled in August or September 2026 to continue the review if needed. - The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent.

The Planning and Zoning Commission met on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The sole agenda item was the annexation, zoning to RS22, development agreement, and preliminary plat approval for Iseridge Estates, located at 8230 and 8054 E Ustick Road, submitted by Robert Lightfelt. The meeting included roll call, staff communications, a public hearing, and a unanimous vote to recommend approval. Consent Calendar - The consent agenda was adopted by motion (Morgan, second by Turner) without opposition. No items were pulled for separate discussion. Public Comments & Testimony - Three registered speakers and one additional speaker provided testimony: - Scott Fackerel (8294 E Timberlake St) expressed concerns about fencing along the Grove Branch Lateral canal, asking how the development would protect against access from the canal. He did not state a clear for or against position. - David Smith (86 S Bancroft Way) spoke in support after discussing the project with the applicant. - Angela Gibson (address not given) expressed support, preferring larger lots with nicer homes over dense tract housing. - Tyler Bozier (2933 E Snake River Dr) spoke in support, noting that Ustick Road is being improved to a five-lane road and that the project's single entrance and private road maintenance agreement are appropriate. - No other members of the public wished to speak. Discussion Items - Staff Presentation: Principal Planner Christy Watkins presented the application. The 10.5-acre site is currently enclaved within city limits under Canyon County jurisdiction. The proposed RS22 zoning (minimum 22,000 sq ft lots) matches the comprehensive plan's low-density residential designation. The plat includes two existing front lots and seven new lots to the rear, ranging from 34,850 to 51,056 sq ft, with a density of 1.01 dwelling units per acre. No traffic impact study was required. Utilities (sewer, water, pressurized irrigation) will be extended. A 10-foot side path will be installed along Ustick. The development will use a private common driveway with a turnaround, maintained by an HOA. Conditions of approval include commitments for police and fire staffing (0.03 additional officers, 0.01 support staff, 0.03 firefighter positions) and engineering requirements. - Commissioner Kehoe asked about the private road: it will be a common driveway with a street name, owned and maintained by the development. If the owners later request city maintenance, it would need to be brought up to city standards. - Applicant Response: Robert Lightfelt addressed the fencing concern, stating that privacy fencing or three-rail fencing along the canal will be included to prevent unauthorized access. Key Outcomes - Public Hearing: Motion to close public hearing (Turner, second by Morgan) passed unanimously. - Motion to Approve: Commissioner Morgan moved to recommend approval of the annexation, zoning, development agreement, and preliminary plat with the recommended conditions of approval and proposed findings. Commissioner Turner seconded. The roll call vote was unanimous: Garner Miller (yes), Chaffer (yes), Turner (yes), Kehoe (yes), Morgan (yes), Copeland (yes), Bean (yes). The motion carried. - Adjournment: Motion to adjourn (mover/seconder not specified) passed unanimously. Note: The meeting date is confirmed as June 9, 2026, based on the chair's opening statement. No agenda or minutes were available for cross-reference.

The Nampa City Council convened on June 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM (with a slight delay) to address agenda amendments, a resolution to cure potential open meeting violations, and to appoint a new mayor following the departure of Mayor Rick. After a series of votes on multiple candidates, Darrell Bruner was appointed as mayor. A special meeting was scheduled for June 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM to discuss the chief of staff role and conduct the swearing-in. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were identified; all actions were taken as separate agenda items. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were recorded during the meeting. Discussion Items - Resolution to Cure Potential Open Meeting Violations: Council President Bills introduced a resolution to preemptively cure potential violations of Idaho's open meeting law related to communications about the mayoral appointment. The resolution was passed unanimously after a roll call vote (all six council members voted in favor). - Postponement of Chief of Staff Modified Responsibility (Item 1.3): Council President Bills proposed postponing the discussion and vote on modifying the chief of staff's responsibilities to a special meeting on June 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM, citing insufficient time to prepare materials. The motion passed unanimously. - Mayoral Appointment: The council held multiple votes to appoint a new mayor: - Debbie Kling: Motion made by Council President Bills, seconded. Councilwoman Scog, Councilman Rodriguez, and Councilman Griffin voted no; Councilman Reynolds and Councilman Bills voted yes. Motion failed (2-4). - Clay Long: Motion made and seconded. Councilman Reynolds expressed strong support, noting Clay Long's qualifications and mentorship under former Mayor Kling and Mayor Hogabohm. Councilwoman Jungula echoed support, citing staff and community backing. Council President Bills indicated he would vote against Clay Long, favoring a public-facing mayor with Clay Long remaining as chief of staff. The roll call resulted in a failed motion (3-3? Exact tally unclear; transcript shows "Scog, no. Pingula, yes. Rodriguez, no. Griffin, Reynolds. Yes, Bills, yes. Motion fails." — likely 3 yes, 3 no, but motion failed). - Darrell Bruner: Motion made and seconded. Council President Bills argued that Bruner would serve as a public-facing mayor while Clay Long provided operational continuity. Councilman Reynolds stated he could not support Bruner, citing a misalignment of vision. Councilwoman Jungula also expressed respect but felt other candidates were stronger. The roll call passed (majority vote: Scog yes, Pingula no, Reynolds no, Rodriguez yes, Griffin yes, Bills no? Transcript ambiguous: "Scog, yes, pingula, no, reynolds, no, yes." Council President then declared "the majority to appoint Darrell Bruner to mayor." Likely 3-3 tie broken by Council President? Or 4-2? The transcript indicates a majority, so Bruner was appointed. Key Outcomes - Resolution passed to cure potential open meeting law violations. - Item 1.3 postponed to a special meeting on June 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM. - Darrell Bruner appointed mayor of Nampa, effective with swearing-in at the June 15 special meeting. - Special meeting scheduled for June 15, 2026, at 4:00 PM to discuss the chief of staff role and conduct the mayoral swearing-in; the regular council meeting will follow at 5:00 PM. - Council members expressed appreciation for Council President Bills' leadership during a difficult transition period.

The Nampa City Council held its regular meeting on June 1, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included an invocation, pledge of allegiance, a proclamation for Elder Abuse Awareness Month, public comments, staff reports, and several action items including funding allocations, infrastructure contracts, and street naming ordinances. Consent Calendar - Approved the consent agenda, consisting of routine approvals and unanimous actions. Public Comments & Testimony - Melissa Robinson proposed renaming Liberty Park (12th Avenue Road) to Rick Hoganbaum Park, citing his long service to Nampa. Council President Bills responded that discussions are ongoing and the current preference among council members is to name a ballpark (given Mr. Hoganbaum’s involvement in baseball) rather than the entire park. No action was taken. - Tyler Rogers (91 South Sky Drive) raised concerns about insufficient parking at the ballpark near West Middle School during tournaments, with cars parking on grass. He proposed adding a new entrance and parking on the south side, which would increase traffic on Sky Drive, and requested speed bumps. Parks Director Cody Swander explained that parking on grass is prohibited under tournament agreements but acknowledged overflow occurs. No immediate action was taken. Discussion Items - Proclamation – Elder Abuse Awareness Month (June 2026): Council President Bills read the proclamation designating June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Patrice Harris, Elder Project Coordinator at the Nampa Family Justice Center, reported that the center assisted over 300 older adults in the past year and noted that elder abuse cases often involve human trafficking, domestic violence, stalking, and child abuse among elders. The proclamation was adopted. - Staff Communications: Kelly Black (Public Works Communication Manager) presented two videos highlighting water education events: Water Education Days (650 fourth and fifth graders) and a Public Works Activity Fair (115 students). The events focused on water sources, conservation, and career awareness. - Planning and Zoning Report (Rodney): - Denied a conditional use permit for a non-commercial daycare at 17050 North Gwynet Avenue (safety concerns). - Approved a conditional use permit for a duplex conversion at 221 Aries Drive. - Recommended approval of annexation and rezoning for Grace Bible Church (Midway Road and Lake Lowell Avenue) – to come before council on July 20. - Approved a conditional use permit for Amazon Prime Air drone delivery (final unless appealed within 15 days). - CDBG Public Service Funding Allocation (Item 5.1): Staff recommended allocating $97,404 equally to four of eight eligible applicants, with a fifth as alternate. After debate, council voted to allocate as follows: Nampa Family Justice Center $30,000, Meals on Wheels $29,468, Salvation Army $23,460, Jesse Tree $15,000. Motion passed unanimously. - Aura Brandt Park Pickleball Court Lighting (Item 5.2): Approved installation of lighting; installation could begin within weeks. - Annual Waterline Replacement Project (Item 5.3): Awarded bid to Morella Construction for $812,863; approved unanimously. - Right-of-Way Acquisition (Item 5.4): Authorized acquisition for Canada Road/Eustick Road Intersection and Garrety traffic safety improvements up to $1,116,704.92. Approved 5-1 (Councilman Griffin opposed). - Street Naming Ordinances (Items 5.5 & 5.6): First readings passed under suspension of rules for North Genty Lane and West Cherry Tree Lane – both approved unanimously. - Public Hearing – Variance for Monument Sign: The applicant requested a continuance to July 20, 2026; council approved. - Executive Session: Motion to enter executive session under Idaho Code 74-206(1)(j) for labor contract negotiations; approved unanimously. Key Outcomes - Proclamation declared June 2026 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month. - $97,404 in CDBG public service funds allocated to four organizations. - Lighting for pickleball courts at Aura Brandt Park approved. - Waterline replacement contract awarded to Morella Construction ($812,863). - Right-of-way acquisition up to $1,116,704.92 approved (5-1). - Two street naming ordinances approved. - Public hearing continued to July 20, 2026. - Executive session authorized for labor contract negotiations.

The Nampa Planning and Zoning Commission met on May 26, 2026, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a consent calendar, four public hearings, and actions on conditional use permits (CUPs) and an annexation/zoning request. Key decisions included denial of an in-home daycare CUP due to safety concerns, approval of a duplex conversion CUP, recommendation to approve annexation for Grace Bible Church, and approval of an Amazon drone delivery CUP. Consent Calendar - Roll call: 7 commissioners present. - Approved consent agenda (motion by Garner, second by Kirkman, unanimous). - City Council confirmations of prior P&Z recommendations: Fenway 2 subdivision, Happy Valley Industrial project, Seven Maples Ranch subdivision, variance for Pioneer Irrigation easement, Oaks Landing annexation/zoning, and four industrial properties at Iowa Avenue. Public Hearings Item 3-1: Conditional Use Permit for In-Home Daycare (17050 N Ginewit Ave) - Applicant: Kevin Rukimera (representing himself). Requested a CUP to operate a non-commercial daycare for up to 12 children as a home occupation in an RS6 zone. - Staff: Christy Watkins (Principal Planner) reported the property has a private driveway, received neighbor complaints about traffic, parking, and safety, and noted 16 documented police responses at the address since 2022. Fire department prohibits childcare on the second floor. - Public Testimony: Two neighbors opposed, citing CC&R violations, police incidents (aggravated assault, domestic disputes), children locked outside, and safety concerns. Applicant rebutted, stating the problematic individual is gone and has a no-contact order. - Discussion: Commissioners expressed concerns about safety, lack of set operating hours, and ability to enforce conditions. Motion to deny based on non-compliance with comprehensive plan (public safety). Vote: unanimous to deny (7-0). Applicant informed of appeal rights. Item 3-2: Conditional Use Permit for Duplex (2212 Aries Drive) - Applicant: Brandon Naphan. Requested a CUP to convert a non-permitted triplex into a compliant duplex in RS6 zone. - Staff: Candice Fry (Associate Planner) noted the property meets lot size requirements, an existing duplex is nearby, and no public comments were received. - Public Testimony: None. - Discussion: Commissioners quickly supported the conversion to bring the property into compliance. Motion to approve as presented (motion by Garner, second by Kehoe). Vote: unanimous (7-0). Effective 15 days after written decision. Item 3-3: Annexation and Zoning (0 Midway Rd to RA; 0 Iowa Ave to RS7) for Grace Bible Church - Applicant: Becky Azagari (on behalf of Grace Bible Church). Proposed annexation and zoning for a 23.4-acre church site (RA zoning) and a 5-acre residential parcel (RS7 zoning). Church plans an 88,479 sq ft building (1,300 seats, 690 parking stalls, sports fields). - Staff: Terry Friend (Associate Planner) stated parcels are in Canyon County, compatible with comprehensive plan, and will require a traffic impact study. Highway District No. 4 recommended access from Lake Lowell Avenue and noted no roundabouts planned. Two public comments supported with questions about traffic. - Public Testimony: Multiple speakers. Carriage Hill West residents requested traffic improvements and services before development. Church representatives emphasized community benefit and Sunday-only peak use. One resident from Star noted impacts on other jurisdictions. - Discussion: Commissioners favored the project, noting it meets comp plan, provides green space, and Sunday traffic is lighter. Motion to recommend approval with staff conditions (motion by Garner, second by Kehoe). Vote: 5 in favor, motion carried (roll call: Morgan, Copeland, Garner, Miller, Kirkman all yes; Kehoe and others not recorded but motion passed). Item 3-4: Conditional Use Permit for Amazon Drone Delivery (5295 E Franklin Rd) - Applicant: Sam Bailey (Amazon). Requested a CUP to construct a drone delivery center (paddock) in the existing fulfillment center’s parking lot, using 12–15 Mark 30 drones. Drones operate during civil twilight, carry up to 5 lbs, deliver within 7.5 miles, and fly at 200–400 ft. Noise levels cited: 68 dB at delivery, 53–55 dB at 500 ft. Federal FAA approval required separately. - Staff: Rodney Ashby (Planning Director) explained this is an unlisted land use requiring a CUP. Received correspondence from the Nampa Airport Commission (concerns about airspace, safety) and a public petition opposing drone flights. Proposed conditions: FAA approvals, local contact for complaints, fence exception. - Public Testimony: Several residents opposed (noise, wildlife impacts, jurisdictional concerns). Others supported (economic development, traffic reduction). Applicant responded that FAA environmental assessment will address wildlife, and no audio/video surveillance is used. - Discussion: Commissioners debated novelty, noise, traffic benefits, and jurisdictional issues. Most concerns were alleviated. Motion to approve with conditions (motion by Kirkman, second by Kehoe). Roll call: 5 in favor, motion carried (Copeland yes, Kirkman yes, Garner yes, Kehoe aye, Miller yes, Morgan yes after clarification; 2 no or abstain not specified). Effective after 15 days and FAA approvals. Key Outcomes - Denied CUP for in-home daycare (Item 3-1) – unanimous, based on safety and comprehensive plan conflict. - Approved CUP for duplex conversion (Item 3-2) – unanimous, with conditions. - Recommended approval of annexation/zoning for Grace Bible Church (Item 3-3) – 5-0 vote. - Approved CUP for Amazon drone delivery (Item 3-4) – 5-2 vote (per motion carried; precise tally not fully recorded), with conditions: fence exception, local complaint contact, and prior FAA approval.

On May 21, 2026, the Nampa City Council held a work session to discuss transit services, including a proposed partnership with Uber and a new service model from Valley Regional Transit (VRT). The meeting began with an invocation and pledge of allegiance, followed by roll call (Council members Griffin, Reynolds, Bill Stingula, Scog, and others present). Council President announced that Uber had withdrawn from presenting that morning, citing senior leadership decisions and political pressures. After some debate, the council agreed to hear presentations from city staff on Uber's programs in other cities and from VRT on a revised service model. The discussion centered on budget constraints, ridership numbers, safety concerns, and the city's infrastructure needs. Discussion Items - Uber Withdrawal and Council Reaction: Council President expressed disappointment and suspicion about Uber's last-minute withdrawal, speculating it was due to political pressure from VRT or other entities. He apologized for initially trying to cancel VRT's presentation. Council members agreed to hear both presentations despite the curveball. - Staff Presentation on Uber Partnerships: Mark, from development services, presented data on three U.S. cities using Uber for subsidized transit. Bloomington, Indiana (population 120k, 40k students) spent $250k on Uber for late-night service, with an average cost of $8.30 per ride and 30,000 rides. Tolison, Arizona (10k population, part of Phoenix metro) budgeted $450k for a city-wide Uber/Lyft program, averaging $9.15 per ride and exceeding 50,000 rides. Kyle, Texas (65k population, 32 square miles) spent $800k, with a $12.30 average cost per ride and 65,000 rides. All three cities used Uber as a supplement to fixed routes or other services. Mark noted flexibility, challenges (staffing, smartphone requirements, safety), and provided cost estimates for Nampa: a $15 subsidy could provide 26,000–47,000 rides at a cost of $850k–$1.2M. He also showed average Uber trip costs within Nampa (e.g., $12 from north side to St. Luke's, $20 from south side). - VRT Presentation on New Service Model: Elaine from VRT presented a proposed new microtransit model using smaller, non-CDL vehicles that can go curb-to-curb, supplemented by TNCs (Uber) for peaks and edges. She offered three options: 1) maintain current fixed route and on-demand with the new model (projected 118% increase in boardings, 30,000+ trips citywide), 2) only microtransit (new on-demand) at a cost of $353k for service plus $53k admin fee, or 3) a reduced microtransit option at $218k without Saturday service and with limited TNC overflow. She emphasized that the new system would be more efficient and user-friendly, with an estimated cost per boarding of $17.83. She noted that cutting fixed route would eliminate service for 300 unique riders who depend on it to get to work, and that a public hearing would be required before major service changes. She also mentioned a new vanpool service for Canyon County funded through federal grants. - Council Discussion on Ridership and Costs: Council members questioned ridership numbers. Councilman Griffin calculated that current fixed route boardings (21,700 projected after 27% increase) equated to only 83 boardings per day, or 300 unique riders annually. He expressed concern about the low utilization. Councilman Reynolds focused on safety, citing Uber statistics: 36 fatal physical assaults, 153 motor vehicle crash fatalities, 27 serious sexual assault reports, and over 4,000 sexual misconduct complaints over two years. He opposed supplementing a TNC due to liability and safety risks, and suggested partnering with Trazer Valley Transit instead. Councilwoman Scog argued that the city's primary role is public safety and infrastructure, calling transit "necessary fluff." She emphasized $600 million in deferred infrastructure maintenance. Councilman Rodriguez favored a microtransit-only option at $353k, noting it would keep funds local. Councilwoman Scott thanked VRT for the detailed presentation and expressed interest in regional connectivity. - Budget Context and Priorities: Council President noted that the state legislature's property tax caps have reduced revenue, forcing difficult choices. He stated the city is targeting $400k for transit in the upcoming budget, but some members want to go lower. Councilman Reynolds said he would not fund VRT at all, preferring to use the money for police and infrastructure. Councilman Griffin raised the issue of a $534k federal grant for a sidewalk project in design (70k already spent); if VRT funding is cut, the city might lose that grant and need to repay the 70k. He requested immediate clarity from staff. Key Outcomes - The council directed staff to schedule a public hearing in June to hear citizen input on potential changes to VRT funding and service levels, as required by federal law before any major reduction. - The city will seek clarification from VRT on whether cutting the fixed route would jeopardize the federal sidewalk grant and require repayment of design costs. - Council members expressed divergent views on funding levels, with a consensus that final budget decisions will be made in upcoming budget meetings, likely in the range of $300,000–$400,000 for transit services. - Council President apologized for the earlier disruption and reaffirmed a commitment to maintaining a collaborative working relationship with VRT.