Friday, October 30, 2009

November e-Newsletter Now Available!

The November issue of the City of Jerome's electronic newsletter is now available on our website: www.ci.jerome.id.us. Click on the "Newsletter" link and choose which resolution you prefer. In this issue, the City Administrator discusses revitalizing downtown Jerome, we provide an update on the wastewater treatment plant, and there are several other articles detailing City projects and updates.

If you would like to sign-up for the City e-Newsletter, simply send an email to enews@ci.jerome.id.us and you will automatically receive the monthly newsletter on or before the first of each month.

As always, your feedback is appreciated and valued. Thank you!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Design Review: Article in Times News

The article below appeared this morning in the Times News. In summary, the Design Review process is a proactive approach to revitilizing downtown Jerome and ensuring that quality workmanship is used when improving or altering business storefronts and facades. Public input is appreciated as we fine tune and revise the Design Review process. Please leave an anonymous comment if interested. Here's the article:

"The city of Jerome is preparing a new city code that will require downtown property owners to have city approval before making changes to their buildings and signs.

Micah Austin, assistant to the city administrator, said the code is commonly used in small communities to protect the value of older buildings.

He cited McCall and Ketchum as a few examples.

If passed by the city council, the code would require property owners to bring some form of design plan before the city planning and zoning committee for review.

The volunteer committee would have the authority to approve or deny requests.

"The purpose of the design and review process is to ensure that buildings follow the theme of Jerome," Austin said. "Currently, we have little or no standards for building design and improvements."

Austin said there will be no cost or fees associated with the design and review process.

Two business owners contacted by the Times-News said they support the proposal, saying down-town Jerome looks rundown because of shoddywork on storefronts andtemporary signs.

They asked not to be identified because they feared offending neighboring businesses.

If approved, the code will be applied to commercial and residential properties within the business district on Main Street and Lincoln Street.

Austin said the proposal is being reviewed by the city attorney, who will send it to the planning and zoning committee for review.

There will be a public comment period before it is voted on by the city council.

"We don't want this to be a unilateral decision," Austin said. "We want to people to make comments and suggestions because it affects them."

Joshua Palmer may be reached at jpalmer@magicvalley.com."

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Planning Zoning Commission Meets Tonight

The City of Jerome Planning and Zoning Commission will meet tonight at 7:00 pm in the City Council Chambers located at 100 East Ave A.

The agenda is posted below. Please come with questions and comments for the commission.

City of Jerome Planning & Zoning Agenda

Board Members: Chairman Rod Mink and Commissioners Ray Taylor, Ken Hall, Nicole Spencer, George Christodoulou and Carl McEntarffer.



City Council Chambers
100 East Avenue A Jerome, ID 83338

Regular Meeting
October 27, 2009
7:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order & Roll Call

2. Approve minutes from October 15, 2009 special meeting

3. Board’s recommendation/denial of sending revised edition of Title 17 to City
Council for approval

4. Review/discussion of proposed “Design Review” ordinance

5. Discussion of proposed Business License ordinance

6. Staff Reports

7. Adjournment

Monday, October 26, 2009

Two Fire Trucks Available for Public Purchase

The City is auctioning two outdated fire trucks that have served the residents of Jerome for over 40 years. These trucks are now available for purchase at on online auction. Click the address below to see the items or to make a bid. The bidding is open to anyone:

http://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/jerome,id/list/current?orgid=86695

Pictures of the trucks are below. The first is a 1963 America LaFrance and the second is a 1962 Seagrave Ladder Truck .



To learn more about these trucks or to bid on them, visit: http://www.publicsurplus.com/sms/jerome,id/list/current?orgid=86695

Friday, October 23, 2009

Update on City Projects

The following project updates were posted by the Director of the Public Works Department, Walt Appell:

 Project Updates

West 8th and Date:
The Public Works portion of this project is complete until the actual construction gets underway. There have been some delays in getting this project started due to minor paperwork processing at the state level. We expect to begin work in December.

Traffic Signal on South Lincoln @ I-84:
I contacted ITD and they informed me that the bid opening was on the 20th of October at 2 PM. The traffic signal project is supposed to be scheduled for November weather permitting. This project is not Public Works but we have kept involved since it is within our city limits and it involves the area that we maintain the grass and sprinkler system in.

Safe Routes to School:
The PS&E package has started being put together now due to the change in dates that was sent out by the state. The new date is 01/2010 instead of 07/2010. This project looks like it will be started in the early spring and completed before school starts in 2010. The second application for another project involving North Birch is on hold until they see how the first one is completed.

93 Tech Park:
The crews have been out on site unloading sewer manholes and some water supplies. And yes, we are now starting to receive pipe for the sewer line installation. We will have part of the Infrastructure crew on site and starting work on 10/26/2009 at 8 AM. Since it took awhile for pipe to start arriving the trenches have weeds in them that the wind has blown into them. This means that they will burn them out before they start of installing the pipe.

Senior Center:
The big hole in the Southwest corner of the property has been dug for the installation of a French drain that will dispose of the storm water and snow melt per the storm water management requirements. Some pipe repair for the irrigation system will have to be completed before we can construct the French drain. As for the old rock wall no funding has been found for the restoration which may cause it to be removed due to the safety of our citizens.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Youth City Council

The question below was posted today on our Facebook page. Please comment if you have any suggestions for such a program or if you know any high school or middle school students who would be interested in participating:

The City is considering a Youth Council program where high school and middle school students would "serve" as honorary council members. Would any of you be interested in participating in such a program?

If you haven't already, consider becoming a fan of our Facebook page where we post weekly questions like the one above to generate feedback from our citizenry. We value two-way communication in all decision made for Jerome. Click the Facebook link to the right if interested.

Thank you!

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Meet the Candidates for City Council

The Jerome Civic Club is hosting an evening to Meet the Candidates for City Council. This will be held on October 26th, 7:00-9:00 pm at the Jerome Senior Center (old), located next to the post office (Train Depot).

Candidates:
- Chris Barber
- Bob Culver
- Senate Eskridge
- Dale Ross
- Larry Webb

When: October 26, 2009 (Monday)
Where: Jerome Senior Center (Train Depot), located next to the post office
Time: 7:00 - 9:00 pm

Bring questions to ask the candidates. All questions will be submitted to the moderator for consideration.

Friday, October 16, 2009

Council Agenda for Oct. 20 meeting

Below is the agenda for the Oct. 20 meeting of City Council. Council will meet at 5:30 pm at Council Chambers, located at 100 East Ave A in Jerome.

CALL TO ORDER: 5:30 PM.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

PRESENTATIONS

1. Presentation and pinning of Badge for Fire Chief Mike Hatfield
2. Mayor to announce Dave Richey as Employee of the Month for October

CONSENT AGENDA


3. Approve the regular and executive meeting minutes for October 6, 2009
4. Officer Reports: Fire, Law Enforcement, Treasurer, Library
5. Claims
6. Approve blanket purchase order to purchase polymer – Waterworks
7. Approve blanket purchase order to purchase alum - Waterworks

CITIZEN CORRESPONDENCE, ISSUES & REPORTS


8. Letter from Max and Sheila Coy

ORDINANCES – NEW BUSINESS


9. Bill No 543, Ordinance No 1068 – Introduction, suspension of rules, and adoption
10. Bill No 544, Ordinance No 1069 – Introduction, suspension of rules, and adoption

CONTRACTS, CAPITAL ACQUISITIONS

11. Discussion and possible action regarding the Sanitation contract.


CITY COUNCIL DISCUSSION & POSSIBLE ACTION ITEMS
12. Authorization for City Administrator to attend the Solar Power International Conference in Anaheim, CA. - Administration
13. Approve payment to ICRMP in the amount of $104,012 for the liability insurance policy renewal - Finance
14. Approval to offer 1963 LaFrance fire engine and 1963 Seagraves ladder truck at auction as surplus equipment - Fire

COUNCIL REPORTS

CITY ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

EXECUTIVE SESSION

ADJOURN

Council Meeting: October 20, 5:30 pm

City Council will hold a regular session on October 20 at 5:30 pm at Council Chambers. Council Chambers are located at 100 East Ave A, Jerome ID, 83338.

A copy of the agenda will be posted this afternoon (Friday) on this blog. If you have any questions about this Council Meeting, please email Shonna Fraser at sfraser@ci.jerome.id.us or call 208-324-8189 ext 105.

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Road Closures and Irrigation

A road closure is scheduled next week due to construction on the Force Main project. The road will be closed Monday, October 19 and continuing through the week until October 26. The streets to be closed will be from West Ave. I and Fir Street to W. Boulevard along Ave H. Detours will be provided with signs posted directing traffic around the closures.

Also, City irrigation water has been discontinued for the season. Irrigation will continue in Spring 2010 in time for planting gardens and watering lawns. Now is the best time to winterize automated sprinkler systems for the winter to ensure sprinkling pipes from bursting.

If you have any questions about the road closures or irrigation related issues, please call the Department of Water Works at 324-7122.

Monday, October 12, 2009

The City's Five Strategic Priorities

In carrying out the daily operations of the City of Jerome, employees keep in mind five strategic priorities. The priorities are focused on continual improvement of the community, infrastructure, safety, planning, and well-being of Jerome. When City department heads post their bi-weekly progress reports, they reference these five areas in order to detail the accomplishments and progress in the their department during the previous two weeks.

The City of Jerome's Five Strategic Priorities:
1. Inspire an inviting and friendly atmosphere
2. Promote balanced, diversified, and sustained economic growth
3. Provide professional and quality health and safety services
4. Provide prudent management and planning of our capital assets and fiscal resources
5. Attract and retain talented, motivated, and skilled professionals

To get an idea of how these work into our overall mission, below is an excerpt from the Department of Administration's Bi-Weekly Report. Ross Hyatt is the Finance Director and Department Head for the Administration Department:

Activities:

 Worked with Kathy and created PowerPoint Presentation for Department Head Meeting. Focused Training on Purchase Management.
Priority# 4

 Met with Anita from the Jerome School District to go over roles for Safe Routes to School grant. City has agreed to act as
sponsor for this project. Finance Department is in charge of administrator of non-infrastructure portion of grant, while public
works in charge of infrastructure. Priority# 1

 Met with Representatives of Premier Insurance to go over viable insurance options for future coverage. Determined will gather needed
information for future quotes through HR. Priority#4

 Met with Kathy and Martie to go over Hazmat pay issue. Priority#4

 Met with Kathy Markus and Monica to go over Pay for Performance issues. Priority#5

 Attended council meeting and presented fund balance policy along with proposed transfer of funds within Water fund. Priority#4

 Met with Fire Chief Hatfield, Paula, Kathy, and Martie for Hazmat Reimbursement. Felt that additional time was needed to gather
information for more efficient and informative meeting. Priority#4

 Met with Representatives from Nexgen to go over options for credit card machines as well as billing processing and web-based
pay options. Nexgen is preparing a proposal for the library for a credit card machine, and are signing us to utility bill rate. Priority#4

 Attended HR training – gathered relevant information in becoming better managers as well as FLSA standards. Priority#5

 Met with Pat to go over ZGA Architects Space Needs analysis. Priority#4

 Met with Monica to work through Pay for Performance Spreadsheet. Priority#5

 Continued work with Kathy in learning new tasks, learning backgrounds of relevant issues at hand in department, and performed
other responsibilities of position. Priority#4

 Attended the final Citizens Academy. Priority 5

 Kathy began sharing w/Shonna duties related to Office of the City Clerk. Priority 5

Monday, October 5, 2009

First Snowfall of the Year

The weekend was busy for several City departments. An early snow storm blew in on Saturday night and by Sunday morning, three inches of soggy snow had brought down hundreds of leafy branches all over Jerome, calling the Public Works crews to clear away broken limbs from city sidewalks and streets. By 8:00 am this morning, the PW crews were scouring the parks clearing the branchs and debris.

The Fire Department and Police Departments answered several calls related to the storm over the weekend, including 20 calls for service for Fire Department alone. Most of the calls for service were utility related, with branches and limbs bringing down telephone lines, cable lines, and power lines.

If you have a concerns or question for the Public Works Department, Fire Department, or Police Department, their numbers are listed below. For emergencies, call 911.

Public Works: 324-9669
Fire Department: 324-2323
Police Department: 324-4328
City Hall: 324-8189

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Fall in Library Land!

Happy National Family Day! for more information check out this link http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20090927/NEWS02/909270335

The past two weeks have been busy and productive for in library-land! Luckily the kids have gotten back into their routine and have settled down a notch, all computers have been functioning well, and the hiring process for both open positions went like clock-work.

We successfully completed two rounds of interviews and made offers to two fabulous women. Our circulation desk clerk should be starting this week and our new children's programmer will start after completing her two weeks notice with her current employer. We are all very excited with the level of quality and experience both of these people will bring to the library. Watch for new faces and welcome them to the City!

Laura and team sat down for performance evaluations and goal setting for the coming year. Edie will be making improvements to the Sci-Fi/Fantasy collection as well as attending Library courses at CSI, Vicki will be making many improvements to the children's collection, and Angie will be adding an academic emphasis to teen services. We are all looking forward to a great FY10.

Vicki and Edie have cataloged many new adult and children's materials for the collection.

Patrons have caught on quickly to the new on-line catalog and all of its features. The "hold" function is quite popular and the use of books from Burley and DeMary has been a welcome addition to our services.

Laura, Angie, and Edie will be attending the Idaho Library Association conference in Burley this week, leaving Vicki to run things with Cliff and Charlie. Due to staffing issues caused by conference attendance, the library will close at 5pm on Wednesday vs. 8pm. Come early if Wednesday is your usual night to shop.

1,200 children's books arrived for distribution through our "Spoonful of Stories" program that will kick of on October 15 at 6pm. If you know of a family with children ages 4-8, please have them call to sign up to participate. Every family will receive a book a month for 12 months with the goal of creating home libraries throughout Jerome for 100+ families.

Happy Autumn,
Laura Burnett
Director of Jerome Public Library
324-5427