Recycling Christmas Trees

The City of Jerome is recycling Christmas trees! You can drop off your live Christmas tree at the Public Works Facility located at the end of 4th Avenue West. Simply place your tree against the fence to the south of the entrance gate. All trees will be mulched and used for landscaping in City parks throughout the year. Please make sure all ornaments and lights are removed first. Happy New Year!

Second Annual Police Department Citizen's Academy

Police Department and the County Sheriff's Department are hosting their second annual Citizen's Academy beginning in early February 2011. For information and details, click on the image below:

City Park Survey

PARKS/GREENSPACE SURVEY: Please take a minute to fill out this nine question survey concerning parks and greenspace in the City of Jerome. We value your opinion and hope to provide the best access to quality parks in the area. To take the survey, click the link below:

Link to Parks Survey

Christmas Tree Safety Tips

Between 2003 and 2007, U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 250 fires per year started by Christmas trees, and another 170 started by Christmas decorations. Between 2003 and 2006, an estimated 14,800 residential structure fires were started by candles. In that same time period there were 160 civilian deaths, 1,340 civilian injuries, with property damages in excess of $471 million. While these numbers are pretty grim, they could be a lot worse if it were not for the well-trained men and women in fire departments all over this country. To avoid a disastrous holiday season with unnecessary risk, this article provides a few tips that can make this time of year bit safer. We all love our public safety personnel but would rather not see the lights in front of our house on Christmas Eve or Christmas morning.

There are many things to watch for this time of year, and none of them include a corpulent man coming down the chimney, however the chimney is a good place to start. You should have your chimney cleaned on a regular basis to prevent the buildup of creosote. This substance is the cause of many chimney fires every year. Smoke alarms should be checked around the holidays, as half of all home fires occur from December through February. Many of our residents have pets. If you have a pet that likes to chew, be very careful about Christmas tree lights. I had a dog chew up a string of lights one year and, luckily for us, we only had to replace the lights as they were not plugged in at the time. Scented and unscented Candles can be a great way to set a festive mood, but make sure to keep your decorations away from the candles. Many Christmas decorations are flammable.

I love the smell of a fresh cut Christmas tree in my home. If you decide to keep a live tree, like I do, following a few simple safety tips can avoid a house fire. Always keep water in the base because wet trees are simply more difficult to burn. However, even a well hydrated pine tree will burn. Never put lit candles on a tree and always ensure the light strings are in good shape and designed for indoor use. Never place your tree near a heat source. Heating ducts or baseboard heaters can dry out the tree, even if water is in the base. Electricity in wires and fixtures or overloaded electrical outlets causes heat to build up. While it is festive to spruce up your home with many beautiful decorations, remember to never block exits with them. Keep all exits, including windows, free from obstructions. If you are having company, advise your guests of where they might be able to exit should a fire start. Friends and family are a precious gift; property can be replaced.

These are only a few suggestions that the Jerome Fire Department would like passed on for a safe holiday season. There are many more tips that can help you keep this season a safe and happy time of year. If you would like more tips, the Jerome Fire Department has more tips, information, and statistics available and can be reached at 324-2323.

From me, the Police Department, the Fire Department, and the entire City of Jerome, have a safe and happy holiday season.

Winter Driving Tips: Staying Safe in the Snow

With winter making its dramatic entrance last week, the City Police would like to remind all Jerome citizens of a few safe winter driving tips:

• Buckle up always and use your safety belt. This means all passengers and children.
• Be prepared; always carry a First-Aid kit, map, ice scraper, snow brush, matches, candles, flashlight, and warning triangles.
• A blanket and an old pair of boots should always be kept in the car.
• Keep all your car’s windows, mirrors, and lights clear of snow and ice.
• Check that headlamps, turn signals, and tail lights are unobstructed by snow and ice.
• Clear off the entire car when scraping windows in the morning, not just a little peephole in the windshield.
• Add gas line anti-freeze to the fuel-tank when refueling in extremely cold weather.
• Always keep gas tank over half full. If you get stranded, the engine will be your only source of heat.
• Make sure your windshield wipers are in good operating condition.
• Check windshield washer fluid level.
• Check engine oil, cars use more oil in the winter.
• Have a mechanic check the battery charging system and belts.
• Always maintain a safe following distance between your car and the vehicle in front.
• When driving in the snow, do everything cautiously and defensively!
• If you must go out when the conditions are poor, take a friend with you. Four eyes are better than two
• Restrain your pets and don’t forget to provide ventilation for them.

Before beginning your trip, know the current road conditions and weather forecast. You can get information via the phone at 1-888-IDA-ROAD.

Please drive safe and for more Winter Driving Tips, please visit www.isp.state.id.us/winterdriving.html.

The Guns of Jerome: History of Law Enforcement Firearms

Article by Mike Hatfield, Chief of Jerome City Fire Department

The Guns of Jerome

This month’s article is from an interview with Sergeant Duane Rubink with the Jerome Police Department. In our discussion we talked about the evolution of firearms in the Police Department and the logic behind the arsenal maintained by each squad car in an effort to better protect the community. Long gone are the days of a saddle mounted Model 94 lever action rifle and hip holstered Colt six shooters. We now see an evolution of multiuse shotguns, automatic rifles and automatic sidearm’s carried in a multitude of shoulder, hip, leg and waist mounted holsters.

For the most part, the recent innovations in firearms have been derived from military applications and confirmed in the battlefield. Benchmark incidents in the public such as the urban terrorism experience at the Columbine High School and the Hollywood Bank Robbery and subsequent shootouts have created a different environment for law enforcement to consider in their attempts to protect the public. The need to arm law enforcement to meet modern day challenges as well as the need to have more discriminating applications of force have created a radical change in the methods, types, and procedures utilized to create an efficient and practical application of deadly force and non-lethal applications as well.

What was considered the tradition ten or even five years prior is now dated technology. Service revolvers such as the six shot Smith & Wesson in .38 and .357 calibers have now given way to 10 mm and .40, .45 caliber lightweight Glocks and Smith& Wesson automatics with magazine capacities of eighteen rounds. What was once the norm to carry a Remington four round 12 gauge shotgun loaded with slugs and buck shot has now given way to AR-15 and MP-15’s with 223 caliber, large capacity magazines with high velocity rounds designed for various applications of stopping power and penetration. Shotguns are still carried but do not have the capacity, accuracy and reach of the modern long gun and are more suited as a platform for the delivery of less-lethal and non-lethal alternatives such as pepper balls, bean bags and tear gas.

With changes in technology, we also see changes in training and qualifications with each of the firearms utilized in modern law enforcement. Typically, each officer qualifies once a year with all firearms they are expected to use as well as range practice six times a year with at least one night firing drill.

The police department of today is worlds apart from the police department of yesterday with constant changes in all aspects of the profession. Staying abreast of firearm innovations and applications is only one part of the knowledge base required of the officers of the Jerome Police Department.

Holiday Safety Tips for Avoiding Identity Theft

The Real Grinch Who Stole Christmas

Almost everyone knows the story of the odd looking Grinch who set out to stop Christmas in Who-ville by stealing everything right down to the presents, the ribbons, the tags, the tinsel, the trimmings and everything to do with Christmas. Today here in Who-ville, or I mean Jerome, there is a new Grinch that is out to steal your Christmas. Unlike the story, this Grinch is not green and doesn’t come to town on an oversized sled pulled by an undersized dog. This Grinch may look like you or me and may even steal your Christmas from thousands of mile away; for the Grinch of our story is the person that is out to steal your identity. Identity thieves can be particularly active during the holiday season. Here are a few tips to help prevent you from having your Christmas stolen by the Identity Theft Grinch.

Make sure you know who you are dealing with and don’t give out your personal information to others unless you have a reason to trust them.

Never give out personal information over the telephone such as your date of birth, social security number, mother’s maiden name or information that may be used to verify your identity. Your bank of financial institution will not call you and ask for this type of information.

Don’t reply to e-mails requesting your personal information in order to receive a prize or gift.

Be careful about posting too much personal information on social networking sites.

Never send money to someone who promises a cash prize, inheritance, or other large sum of money in return.

If offered a credit card, prize, or other valuable item and asks for your personal information, request that they send you a written application form.

If you are leaving home for more than a few days, arrange for someone to pick up your mail.

Check your bank statements, credit card statements, and financial information regularly and look for any unfamiliar activity.

Always maintain control of your credit cards and financial transaction cards. Never loan them to anyone.

Invest in a shredder and shred any mail or items that have personal information before you dispose of them.

Remember, if a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is too good to be true!

For more information or to report identity theft, go to the Federal Trade Commission web site at http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/edu/microsites/idtheft/.

No Alley Trash Pick Up Through Winter

Due to the snow, there will be no alley trash pick up from December 12-March 31. Please place garbage totes on the curb in front of the residence. For questions, call PSI at 733-4441.

Jerome Animal Shelter Fundraiser

JEROME ANIMAL SHELTER FUNDRAISER - get a digital portrait of any of your pets (dogs/cats/horses/cows/anything) and a portion of the proceeds go to support the Jerome Animal Shelter. This can all be done via email and internet so anyone in any country can have this done for themselves or as a gift. To preview, visit jfmgd.com or go to the link below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ib9OEN0f7GQ

Events at the Senior Center

• Bridge-Mon & Wed 12:30
• Pinochle-Tues, Thurs, Fridays 12:30 Wed nights 7pm
• Energy Assistance-Every Tuesday from 9-3
• Breakfast-Every Wednesday 8-10 AM Cost $1.00
• November 7th and 21st-Dance and Potluck lunch with Music Melody Masters Cost $5.00
• Every Tuesday-Bingo 6:45 Snack Bar opens at 5:00
• Every Thursday evening 7pm-Women's pool league
• November 11th-Free computer classes Please call for an appointment
• November 23rd-Thanksgiving lunch
• November 25th & 26th-Closed for Thanksgiving
• November 5th-Fiddlers to perform during lunch
• November 8th-Free massages courtesy of Jeneal Chapman, owner Lighthouse Massage
• November 12th & November 16th-Gem State Fiddlers to perform
• Every Wednesday-Country Boys Band to perform
• November 15th and November 19th-Last Resort Band to perfrom
• November 19th-Birthday dinner

Stand by Your Pan

Stand By Your Pan

How often has the doorbell rung or a child interrupted you while you were cooking, causing you to forget about the chicken you left sizzling on the stove - until smoke filled the house?

If this sounds familiar, I hope you’ll read on, because you’re running the risk of having a dangerous fire. As chief of the Jerome City Fire Department, I often talk to people about the ways they can stay safe in their homes. Too often, we have that talk after they’ve suffered a damaging fire.

It’s my hope that people reading this article won’t have to learn the hard way. If I could give just one fire warning, I’d say “stand by your pan!”

Why? Because cooking is the leading cause of home fires, according to the nonprofit National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Latest statistics from NFPA say that one out of every three home fires started in the kitchen and more than 100,000 fires a year were related to cooking.

And guess why most of these fires occur? If you said it’s leaving cooking unattended, you got it right.

“Use Candles With Care - When you go out, blow out!” The NFPA theme reminds us that leaving candles unattended is a bad idea, just like leaving cooking unattended. This is the time of year when we remind people of the simple things they can do to make their home safer from fire.

Cooking safety is no exception. Often when we’re called to a cooking-related fire, the residents tell us they only left the kitchen for a few minutes. Sadly, that’s all it takes to go from routine to disaster.

The bottom line is that there’s really no safe period of time for the cook to step away from a hot stove. A few key points to remember:

· Never leave cooking food on the stovetop unattended, and keep a close eye on food cooking inside the oven.

· Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles (e.g. potholders, towels, rags, drapes and food packaging).

· Keep children away from cooking areas by enforcing a “kid-free zone” of three feet (1 meter) around the stove. Keep pets from underfoot so you do not trip while cooking.

· Never use a wet oven mitt, as it presents a scald danger if the moisture in the mitt is heated.

· Always keep a potholder, oven mitt and lid handy. If a small fire starts in a pan on the stove, put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan. Turn off the burner. Don’t remove the lid until it is completely cool. Never pour water on a grease fire and never discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire, as it can spray or shoot burning grease around the kitchen, actually spreading the fire.

· If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from burning you and your clothing.

· If there is a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave. Call the fire department and make sure to have the oven serviced before you use it again. Food cooked in a microwave can be dangerously hot. Remove the lids or other coverings from microwaved food carefully to prevent steam burns.

A cooking fire can quickly turn deadly. I have seen too many homes destroyed and people killed or injured by fires that could have been easily avoided. Please heed these simple safety rules. We firefighters would like to be in your kitchen, but only when you invite us for dinner!

Mayor and City Council in Support of County Jail Bond

The following letter was submitted by the Jerome City Council in support of the County Jail Bond:

October 7, 2010

Jerome County Commissioners

300 North Lincoln, Room 300

Jerome, Idaho 83338

RE: Jerome County Jail Bond Initiative

Dear Commissioners:

On behalf of the City of Jerome, it is my honor to share with you my support and that of Bob Culver, Chris Barber and Dawn Soto of the City Council for your efforts to construct a new jail facility in Jerome County. A new Jerome County Jail will enable our community to provide safe and adequate resources to protect the physical safety and rights of law enforcement personnel and the public we serve.

The Jerome County Sherriff’s office serves an integral role in the City’s efforts to provide public safety and law enforcement services to our respective constituencies within the Jerome City limits. The County Sherriff’s office provides for the processing and housing of persons arrested by the Jerome Police Department in the County Jail. It has been the privilege of the Council and several of our city staff to tour and learn about the current needs, deficiencies and liabilities affecting the County Jail facility. The concern for unsafe conditions, inadequate accommodations to separate women and men, overcrowding, the costs of maintenance and housing prisoners at other facilities are all factors that justify the need and expense of replacing this facility. The City Council realizes that the current facility poses an unacceptable and immediate liability to our tax payers which could potentially cost them more than what the bond would be for building a new and adequate jail facility. It is our hope that the voters in Jerome County will take the time to become fully informed of the facts and issues for the proposed County jail bond and that they will be motivated to participate in the November 2nd election.

We are grateful to the Commissioners for the many hours of thoughtful research and planning that has been put into this effort to ensure that the residents of Jerome County may be protected and safe. Our two law enforcement agencies are frequently required to work together while responding to calls and investigating cases. This positive working relationship is deeply appreciated by the City Council and Police Department staff. We hope that this will continue to be the case as we are supportive of one another’s efforts to provide the best and most affordable law enforcement services to the Jerome community.

Best regards,

John Shine

Mayor

Events at the Jerome Senior Center

• Starting Thursday November 4th the Jerome Senior Center will be sponsoring a Straight 8 Women's pool league. This will be every Thursday night at 7 pm and will last through the winter. This is open to women of all ages. The cost is $12.00 per month. For more information or to sign up contact Kris Shelton at the Jerome Senior Center at 324-5642.

• Starting October 26th representatives from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program will be at the Jerome Senior Center located at 520 North Lincoln every Tuesday from 9-3 to assist individuals in appling for energy and telephone assistance. Please bring your Social Security cards, most recent heating bill and proof of all income received in the household for the last 90 days. For any questions or concerns, please contact the Energy Assistance Office at 736-0676.

• Every Wednesday from 8-10 come join your friends at the Jerome Senior Center located at 520 North Lincoln for coffee and freshly baked donuts.

2010 Precincts and Polling Places for Jerome County

Polling Places: City and County Precincts and Locations

Click here or on the image below for polling places within the City of Jerome:

(magnifying glass tool may be necessary)

Click here or on the image below for polling places in Jerome County:

P&Z to Consider Design Review

The P&Z Commission will hold a public hearing to consider the Design Review Ordinance on October 26 at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers, located at 100 E Avenue A. The Design Review Ordinance addresses architectural and design standards for businesses located along Lincoln and Main Streets in Jerome. To review the draft ordinance, call 324-8189 Planning and Zoning. The meeting is open to the public.

Leaf Pick Up Day: November 19 and 20

LEAF PICK UP DAY: Bagged leaves will be picked up on November 19 and 20. Please place bagged leaves wherever garbage totes are picked up. No limbs or branches will be accepted, only bagged leaves. For questions, call PSI Waste at 733-4441.

City Council Agenda: October 19, 2010

Call to Order – 5:30 PM.

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance

Consent Agenda

The consent calendar consists of items that are considered to be routine in nature and will be enacted in the form of one motion. Any item can be removed from the consent calendar and heard in its regular order at the request of any council member or the mayor.

1. Approve the minutes of the October 5, 2010 regular meeting and executive session; October 7, 2010 special meeting and executive session; and October 12, 2010 special meeting

2. Officer’s reports – Fire, Building, Library, and Law Enforcement

3. Claims

Citizen Correspondence, Issues & Reports

Proclamations

1. National Energy Awareness Month

Contracts/Capital Acquisitions

2. Approve Contract with Keller Associates, Inc. for Wastewater Collection System Master Plan

City Council Discussion & Possible Action Items

3. Discussion regarding draft impact fee ordinance

4. Discussion regarding draft increased utility fees and real property owner’s responsibility for utility accounts

Council Reports

Department Head Reports

Adjourn

Planning and Zoning Commission to Consider Design Review Ordinance

On October 12, the Planning and Zoning Commission will consider the Design Review Ordinance. This ordinance would require all businesses along Lincoln and Main to comply with design guidelines that address the aesthetics of building facades (paint, architecture, signs, etc.). The meeting is at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers, located at 100 E Avenue A. The public is invited. For questions, please call 324-8189 ext 101, Micah Austin.

Help the Jerome Rec District Raise $250,000!

The Rec District needs your help! By voting for the Jerome Recreation District's baseball/softball program, you will be helping Jerome receive $250,000 in grant funds!. To vote, text 103347 to 73774 or vote online by clicking the link below:

http://www.refresheverything.com/jrdbaseball

Town Hall Meeting: October 12 at 7:00 pm

Jerome Officials to Consider Changes to Utility Billing, Penalties

CITY OF JEROME, IDAHO—October 7, 2010
On September 7, 2010, the Jerome City Council met to discuss the problem of a significant rise in the number of delinquent accounts in the city’s utility billing operations. The number of accounts scheduled for shut-off due to non-payment has risen dramatically from forty accounts per month to over 160 accounts, a four-fold increase. This trend is alarming and costly to the operations of the Water Works Department and unfairly burdens everyone else who pays their bills on time with compensating for those who don’t. At this meeting the City Council directed staff to propose changes to the billing policies for utility accounts related to delinquency fees, landlord responsibilities and termination fees.

A number of proposals have been brought forward and will be presented to the public for discussion at a Town Hall meeting to be held on Tuesday, October 12, 2010, at the Jerome Public Library at 7:00 p.m. The City Council is interested in hearing public opinion about how to address this issue. These changes would be accomplished in two separate ordinances. In summary, the first ordinance creates a new section of Jerome Municipal Code, that establishes that only the real property owners served by City services may subscribe to City utility services, including water, sewer, sanitation, and irrigation. This differs from the current practice of allowing tenants to subscribe to said City services. The second ordinance establishes a new delinquent penalty of 20% of the outstanding bill to be placed on all late utility payments (those paid after the 15th of the month) and a termination fee of $100 to be placed on unpaid utility accounts which have been shut off on the last Tuesday of the month.

The City Council will consider these ordinances for adoption in November. All interested persons are invited to attend the council meetings when these ordinances will be discussed or to call City Hall at 324-8189 with any questions. Updates will be posted to the city’s Facebook page (“City of Jerome, Idaho”) and the City Blog (www.cityofjerome.blogspot.com).

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FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST this Saturday, October 9, from 9:00am-noon at Fire Station 2 located at 110 W. Yakima. Firefighters will offer tours of Station 2, fire trucks, and other fire fighting apparatus. Open to the public, completely free of charge. In celebration of Fire Prevention Week 2010. Questions? Call 324-2323.

Below: Elementary students from Jerome receive awards for a coloring contest sponsored by the Fire Department at the October 5, 2010, Council Meeting.

Police Cruiser for Auction

The City is auctioning an unmarked police vehicle that recently broke down, a 2000 Buick Regal with 115,000 miles. The engine threw a rod, which is now protruding from the engine block. The vehicle is located in Lewiston at Rudolph's Auto repair at 502 B Street. The vehicle must be trailered or towed as it does not run. To view pictures or bid on the vehicle, visit the link below.

Auction for Police Vehicle

Council Agenda: October 5, 2010

Call to Order – 5:30 PM.

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance

Consent Agenda

The consent calendar consists of items that are considered to be routine in nature and will be enacted in the form of one motion. Any item can be removed from the consent calendar and heard in its regular order at the request of any council member or the mayor.

1. Approve the minutes of the September 21, 2010 regular meeting, September 21, 2010 executive session, and September 30, 2010 special meeting

Mayor Shine to present Employee of the Month Award

Citizen Correspondence, Issues & Reports

1. LeeAnn Gonzales, Pure Energy Gymnastics, is requesting a road closure on West Avenue A to hold a fundraiser

2. Present Awards to Fire Prevention Week Poster Contest Winners

Ordinances – New Business

3. Bill No. 563 – Suspend the rules and adopt as Ordinance 1078 Summer Sprinkling Service - Finance

Contracts/Capital Acquisitions

4. Approval to allow Advanced Info Systems to prepare utility billing statements free of charge for a 3 month trial period – Finance

City Council Discussion & Possible Action Items

5. Approve a tentative amendment to the 2009-2010 FY Budget – Finance

6. Approve payment to ICRMP in the amount of $125,976.09 - Finance

7. Approve the FY2010-11 Annual Drinking Water Assessment of $10,988 - Finance

8. Approve Pay Estimate #4 to Idaho Sand & Gravel for work completed on the 93 Corridor Tech Park Project in the amount of $21,470.20 – Engineering

9. Approve Pay Estimate #5 to Dan Lafferty Construction for work completed on the 93 Corridor Tech Park Project in the amount of $143,188.32 - Engineering

10. Discussion and Possible Action regarding the purchase of door scanners for City Hall at a cost of $3,956 - IS

Council Reports

City Administrative Report

Department Head Reports

Executive Session

Adjourn

Water Works Department Project Updates

Article posted by John Boyd, Director of Water Works for Jerome City

A major push to complete the Butte project is under way before the weather turns cold and becomes inclement. A team of 10 from Public Works and Water Works are working to complete this project. It is a team effort to get as much done as they can in the quickest time possible. Compaction, pipe installation, service and pipe testing are all the facets being done at the Butte. During the summer, hot, muggy, windy weather was braved by the entire crew, now they are in the race to beat the cold. This project is part of the Economic Development Agency (EDA) grant that the City acquired a few years ago. The goal of the project is to provide saleable lots that concentrate mostly on computer and hi-tech businesses. The other part of the EDA project is the reconstruction of the Brockman’s liftstation to accommodate bigger and more efficient pumps that will pump to the sewer line to be installed down Victory Lane to the H Street pump station.

At no cost to the City, new design membranes are arriving this week for the installation at the Membrane Bioreactor Plant (MBR). This MBR addition will replace the old style membrane which will then be used as backup membranes. These backup membranes will be used to assist staff when they need additional capacity as when they do a chemical clean, or a membrane repair. Currently, there is no easy way to do a chemical clean other than coming in at 2:30 in the morning and to start the process when the levels are low. This still will put the plant in high flows by the end of the workday and on into the night. The City was able to get permission to keep the membranes that are currently in basin 3 and 4 intact and look at installing the new ones in basin 5 and 6. This is a win win situation for the City of Jerome and Enviroquip, as the City will now acquire additional new “older design” membranes to keep basins 3 and 4 operational for years to come.

Irrigation season is coming to a close. October 3^rd will be the last day for water to go down the pipeline. Starting October 4^th the irrigation crew will start preparation of the irrigation system for winter. If you have any repairs that need completed when the water is out, please call 324-8189 and we will add your name to the list and schedule. Water Works Irrigation crew is currently replacing the irrigation pipe on 5^th Ave West from Lincoln St. past the first driveway of St. Benedicts parking lot.

Yes, it is odorous on 100 West. This is the smell of solids being hauled for the Jerome Wastewater Plant. We are currently hauling belt pressed solids to the landfill in an effort to remove the solids from the plants drying beds. The plant has 3-4 big semis hauling to the landfill. We appreciate your patience in this endeavor. Also in preparation for the hauling season, the City of Jerome is looking for 25-40 acres that are available for rent to start composting the belt pressed solids. There are some special qualifications that must be met for the land to be used for composting, so if you have some land for rent please call 324-7122 and John Boyd, Water Works Director or Dennis Gross, Supervisor will be glad to consider your land for rent or answer any questions.

Water Works Water crew has been replacing one service line and repairing several other water leaks in the City. The line at Buchanan and 1^st Street East was closed off the first part of last week for a service leak and repair that started Sunday afternoon. To stop this leak, the corp stop valve in the street had to be dug up and a temporary pipe clamp was put on the line to stop the leak until the crew came. Then on Monday, crew came in and started the complete line replacement from the main line to the meter which was also replaced. Another leak at 408 East 4^th and then on West G kept the water crew quite busy.

The Bio-tower Tank project was completed this past week. The final distributor drive was hoisted to the top of the tank and installed to complete this project. Water Works is now waiting for the arrival of two pumps that will then be installed to complete the 2010 project. This tower will aid in the treatment of approximately 8500 lbs of loadings that come from the City and the Industry. This allows the Wastewater Facility to continue to meet the permit and enhance treatment as the City prepares for growth now and in the future.

The City of Jerome Water Works Department is looking at hiring 2 full time Water Operators-(closes Oct 1^st) and a Class A CDL Truck Driver (closes Oct 8^th ), Interested? Please see the add on the webpage at www.ci.jerome.id.us/city government/human resources/joblistings.

E-Newsletter Sign-up

The September e-Newsletter will be published this Thursday, September 30. If you have not subscribed already, please visit the link below to sign up for the monthly newsletter. It is a great way to keep up with the City of Jerome and various projects within the city.

Sign up for the City Newsletter

City Council Meeting Agenda: September 21, 2010

Call to Order – 5:30 P.M.

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance

Consent Agenda

The consent calendar consists of items that are considered to be routine in nature and will be enacted in the form of one motion. Any item can be removed from the consent calendar and heard in its regular order at the request of any council member or the mayor.

1. Approve the minutes of the September 7, 2010 regular meeting and September 7, 2010 executive session

2. Officer’s reports – Fire, Building, Library, Law Enforcement, & Finance DeptBinder

3. Claims

Oath of Office

1. Mayor Shine to administer Oath of Office to Police Officer Jason Kelly

Citizen Correspondence, Issues & Reports

Contracts/Capital Acquisitions

2. Approval to allow Advanced Info Systems to prepare utility billing statements free of charge for a 3 month trial period – Finance

3. Approve the amended Idaho Milk Products Industrial User Agreement and Industrial Waste Discharge Permit – Waterworks

4. Approve a contract with Montgomery, Inc. to construct the park to the west of the Senior Center at a cost not to exceed $24,509.25 – Engineering

5. Approve a Change Order with Jerry’s Concrete, Inc. to construct additional sidewalk for the park to the west of the Senior Center at a cost not to exceed $10,000 – Engineering

6. Approve a contract with Wabash Valley Manufacturing to provide outdoor furniture for the park to the west of the Senior Center at a cost not to exceed $10,500 – Engineering

City Council Discussion & Possible Action Items

7. Approval to purchase a Dell PowerEdge R510 server at a cost of $7,773.55 – IS

8. Approval to purchase a Hustler lawn mower from Barry Rental at a cost of $21,964 – Parks

Council Reports

Staff Reports

Executive Session

1. Pursuant to Idaho Code 67-2345(a) to considering hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or agent, unless a vacancy in an elective office is being filled.

Adjourn

Live History Days: September 11-12 at the I-Farm

REMINDER: Live History Days will be from September 11-12 at the I-Farm, located at the crossroads of US Highway 93 and I-84, adjacent to Flying J. Admission: Adults $5, under age 12 is free. For more information, click the image below:

City Council Agenda: September 7, 2010

Call to Order – 5:30 P.M.

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance

Consent Agenda

The consent calendar consists of items that are considered to be routine in nature and will be enacted in the form of one motion. Any item can be removed from the consent calendar and heard in its regular order at the request of any council member or the mayor.

1. Approve the minutes of the August 17, 2010 regular meeting, August 18, 2010 and August 23, 2010 special meetings, and August 17, 2010 executive session

2. Approval of Association of Idaho Cities 2011 dues at a cost of $3,837.00

Citizen Correspondence, Issues & Reports

1. Letter from Sheriff Doug McFall asking for a letter of support for the county jail bond

Resolutions

1. Resolution No. 20-10 – Compensation Plan

Ordinances – New Business

1. Bill No. 550, Ordinance No. 1075 – the appropriations ordinance for the ensuing year – introduction, suspension of rules and adoption

Contracts/Capital Acquisitions

1. Approve the Letter of Engagement with Rexroat, Harberd, and Associates, P.A. to perform the audit for the year ended September 30, 2010 at the cost of $12,600 – Finance

2. Approve the contract amendment with Delta Dental to change the eligibility period effective September 1, 2010 – Finance

3. Approve the contract with Brian J. Williams of Williams, Meservy and Lothspeich, LLP, for prosecution services in the amount of $60,000 for the 2010-2011 fiscal year – Finance

4. Approve the contract with Gordon Paving Company, Inc to construct the improvements for 8^th Avenue West from Fir to Date streets for a cost not to exceed $349,971.05 – Engineering

5. Approve an amendment to the Industrial User Agreement with Idaho Milk Products – Waterworks

City Council Discussion & Possible Action Items

1. Approval to purchase nineteen hand-held radios from White Cloud Communication at a cost of $19,953 – Fire

2. Approve Application for Payment #3 to Idaho Sand and Gravel in the amount of $25,478.53 for work completed on the 93 Tech Park Project – Engineering

3. Approve payment of Invoice #6822 to Riedesel Engineering in the amount of $6,930 for services rendered on the 93 The Park Project – Engineering

4. Request direction from council on the policy for the City Dump Truck and Chipper Fees – Admin

5. Utility Revenue Improvement Recommendations – Finance

Council Reports

City Administrative Report

Department Head Reports

Executive Session

Pursuant to Idaho Code 67-2345 (c) to conduct deliberations concerning labor negotiations or to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency; and pursuant to Idaho Code 67-2345 (f) to consider and advise its legal representatives in pending litigation or where there is a general public awareness of probable litigation.

Adjourn

Writer's Workshop: September 18, 10:00-noon at the Library

The Jerome Civic Club will be hosting a writers' workshop Saturday, September 18, 10:00 a.m. to noon.

This is a "kick-off" event for the upcoming Smithsonian "Museum on Main Street" exhibit coming to the Jerome Public Library December 11-January 22.

The theme of the exhibit is "Journey Stories." It focuses on American mobility, from the early days of Europeans crossing the ocean, to westward expansion and current-day travel, and everything in between, and the stories we tell about those memorable experiences. The library and community organizations are planning exhibits and programming to complement the exhibit. We are asking Magic Valley residents to submit their own journey stories to share with exhibit visitors. Write a short story about how you or your ancestors participated in the immigrant experience, or one of the great migrations, a relocation within the United States, or even a legendary vacation trip. Bring a type-written story and a photo if possible (we will scan while you wait) to the library by the end of October. We can arrange for help with the typing.

The writers' workshop will by led by Bonnie Dodge, an award-winning local author with a special interest in Idaho history and historical preservation. If you're not sure how to get started writing down a family story, or need some extra motivation, this is the event for you! There is no charge for this event; just bring your favorite writing materials.

For more information about particpating in the workshop or the Journey Stories project, call Lorna Irwin at 324-7544.

Live History Days!

Mark your Calendars! The 26th Annual Live History Days will take place on Sept 11-12 at the I-Farm, located at Crossroads Point, east of Flying J. The annual event is sponsored and facilitated by the Jerome County Historical Society. For more information, visit the website below.

http://www.historicaljeromecounty.com/

Planning and Zoning Commission Tonight: August 24, 7:00 pm

Below is the agenda for the Planning and Zoning Commission scheduled to meet tonight, August 24, at 7:00 pm in the Council Chambers (100 E Avenue A). If you have any questions concerning any item on the agenda, please call Micah Austin at 324-8189. The public is invited to attend all meetings of the Planning and Zoning Commission.

The agenda for tonight:

City of Jerome Planning and Zoning Agenda

Regular Meeting

August 24, 2010

7:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order & Roll Call

2. Public Hearing: to hear a request from Windswept Kennels (Dan and Rhonda Chatterton, members) for a Special Use Permit allowing relocation of existing business facilities (dog kennel/cat grooming, boarding and pet sales business, and service as operators for U-Haul rental business) on that parcel known as Tax 33 of E1/2SE Section 25, Township 8 South, Range 16 East of the Boise Meridian, more commonly known as 2335 S Lincoln, Jerome, Idaho

3. Approval of August 10, 2010 regular meeting minutes

4. Consider request from Windswept Kennels (Dan and Rhonda Chatterton, members) for a Special Use Permit allowing relocation of existing business facilities (dog kennel/cat grooming, boarding and pet sales business, and service as operators for U-Haul rental business) on that parcel known as Tax 33 of E1/2SE Section 25, Township 8 South, Range 16 East of the Boise Meridian, more commonly known as 2335 S Lincoln, Jerome, Idaho

5. Staff Reports

6. Adjournment

Note: Any person needing special accommodations to participate in the above noticed meeting should contact City Hall (City Administrator 208-324-8189 x 102) seven days prior to the meeting.