May 2011 e-Newsletter Now Available for Download!

New! The May 2011 e-Newsletter is now available by clicking the link below! In this issue, the City discusses its Strategic Priorities, Jerome's 2010 crime statistics are published, and we launch Operation Facelift for renovating Jerome's downtown. To read these and other articles, please click the link below:

http://www.ci.jerome.id.us/wwwroot/userfiles/files/e-newsletter/2011-05_(large).pdf

Capital Infrastructure in the City of Jerome

The mayor's message in April:

Last month we received the latest figures from the U.S. Census Bureau concerning the population of Jerome. As of April 1, 2010, the City of Jerome's population had grown to 10,890 inhabitants. This is a 40% increase over the 2000 Census count of 7,780 for the city. We attribute this growth to the success the City has had in attracting many new businesses and hundreds of jobs to the local economy in that time. And this growth was only possible because we have the infrastructure to maintain it, which has a direct impact on the city budget. There are three pillars to the city budget: operating supplies, personnel, and capital infrastructure. This month it is my intent to explain how infrastructure impacts the budget so that you can better understand the policy and priorities that determine how your tax dollars are spent in the City of Jerome.

Capital infrastructure makes up 40.14% of the budget (7.35% of it is for debt service payments). Infrastructure investments are very expensive and not very attractive to consider. Although it costs a lot up front, over time these projects can save the City millions of dollars. Infrastructure includes all city land and building facilities, the entire road system, the entire water distribution system, the entire sewer system, and the entire fleet of City vehicles and heavy equipment for Police, Fire, Public Works and Water Works Departments.

Just like when you buy a new car or truck, the initial cost is large, but then it becomes very affordable to run and maintain for a long time. Conversely, the older it gets, the more it costs to maintain and the less it performs the way it is supposed to. Sooner or later you are faced with the need to either completely rebuild what you have or replace it altogether. Today the City of Jerome finds itself in the unenviable position of having very old and deteriorated infrastructure that costs a lot to maintain. In fact, in certain areas, the City cannot even keep up on basic maintenance because it is in a constant state of crisis just trying to "put out fires" that crop up throughout the system. This is especially true of the water system, but also affects roads, sewers and buildings that the City is also trying to maintain.

So what can the City do about all this? The policy options are: 1) Status quo; throw more money, personnel, and resources at maintaining the existing systems as they are. 2) Invest in new infrastructure to replace broken, inadequate and obsolete portions of the systems and get back to a basic maintenance schedule. 3) Reduce services to match available resources, requiring the city to abandon certain performance standards based criteria that could impact public health, the quality and level of public safety, transportation, and other basic services. Those are the three choices facing your elected officials. In my opinion, option #2 is inevitible and option #3 is distressing to consider. What do you think? I welcome your thoughts and ideas on this important issue to our community. The City Council will be meeting next month for its annual strategic planning retreat to address how we are going to deal with these critical issues in the coming year.

Council Agenda: April 19, 2011

Call to Order – 5:30 PM.

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance

Amendments to the Agenda

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 April 5, 2011 regular meeting and April 14, 2011 special meeting

2. Officer’s reports – Fire, Building, Library, Law Enforcement, & Treasurer’s Quarterly

3. Claims

Employee Recognition

4. Mayor to recognize Officer Jim Baker as Employee of the Quarter

Citizen Correspondence, Issues & Reports

5. Rosa Paiz and Wendy Florence to discuss parking on Alder and Main Street.
6. Deborah Gabardi and Patty Clark from the Crisis Center of Magic Valley to request program support

City Council Discussion & Possible Action Items

1. PSI to discuss single stream recycle program Les Reitz – Ben Marchant
2. Approve the purchase of a John Deere XUV 825i for weed spraying and fertilizer application in the Parks and Streets for the amount of $10,076.41 – Walt Appell

Council Reports

City Administrative Report

Adjourn

Fundraiser for the Jerome Skate Park!

Click the image below for details:

Regular Meeting of the City Council: April 7, 2011 at 5:30 p.m.

Call to Order – 5:30 PM.

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance

Public Hearings

1. For consideration of an amendment to the budget for the fiscal period October 1, 2010 through September 30, 2011

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.

A. Approve the minutes of the March 15, 2011 regular meeting; March 14, 2011, March 29, 2011, and March 31, 2011 special meetings

Citizen Correspondence, Issues & Reports

2. Deborah Gabardi and Patty Clark from the Crisis Center of Magic Valley to request program support

Proclamations

1. Declaring April 28th as Arbor Day

Ordinances – New Business

1. Bill No. 566, Ordinance No. 1082, amending Ordinance 1075, the appropriations ordinance for FY 2010-11 – Introduction, suspension of rules, adoption – Ross Hyatt

Resolutions – New Business

1. Resolution No. 7-11 – amend the City of Jerome Compensation Plan – Monica Harrison

City Council Discussion & Possible Action Items

1. PSI to discuss single stream recycle program Les Reitz – Ben Marchant
2. Approval to purchase 2 Panasonic CF-31 Rugged computers and docking stations for the patrol vehicles for a total cost of $9,764 – Kathy Markus
3. Approval to purchase two workstations and five notebook computers for a total of $13,929 – Kathy Markus
4. Authorize the City Treasurer to transfer restricted cash for operating and capital reserve to pooled cash to offset the negative operating cash balance as of the end of February 2011 – Ross Hyatt
5. Approve waiver of building permit application and fees to place training trailer at fire training grounds – Chief Hatfield
6. Authorization for the Jerome City Fire Department to assume responsibility for managing the Magic Valley Emergency Response Team (MVERT) – Chief Hatfield

Council Reports

City Administrative Report

Department Head Reports

Adjourn

Special Meeting of the City Council: March 31, 6:00 pm

Please Note:

The City Council agenda format allows citizens to speak on each issue prior to Commission discussion.

Jerome’s elected Leaders are:

Mayor John Shine and Councilpersons Marjorie Schmidt, Chris Barber, Robert Culver, and Dawn Soto

Call to Order – 6:00 p.m.

Workshop to discuss the water and sewer rate study and the recommendations from Aqua Engineers

Adjournment

Special Meeting of the City Council: March 31, 6:00 pm

Please Note:

The City Council agenda format allows citizens to speak on each issue prior to Commission discussion.

Jerome’s elected Leaders are:

Mayor John Shine and Councilpersons Marjorie Schmidt, Chris Barber, Robert Culver, and Dawn Soto

Call to Order – 6:00 p.m.

Workshop to discuss the water and sewer rate study and the recommendations from Aqua Engineers

Adjournment

Special Meeting of the City Council: March 29, 6:00 pm

Please Note:

The City Council agenda format allows citizens to speak on each issue prior to Commission discussion.

Jerome’s elected Leaders are:

Mayor John Shine and Councilpersons Marjorie Schmidt, Chris Barber, Robert Culver, and Dawn Soto

Call to Order – 6:00 p.m.

Workshop to discuss the new facilities development plan

Adjournment

City Council Agenda: March 15, 2011

Call to Order – 5:30 PM.

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance

Board of Corrections (to make corrections to 2011 Irrigation Assessments)

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 March 1, 2011 regular meeting, March 1, 2011 executive session

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

3. Claims

4. Caselle annual support conract payment in the amount of $10,652

Employee Recognition

1. Mayor to present Officer Bryan Clayton with 2010 Employee of the Year Award

Citizen Correspondence, Issues & Reports

1. Julisa Blight to discuss her daycare building located at 101 North Tiger Drive

Ordinances – New Business

1. Bill No., Ordinance No. – Rezone of Glen Eagle

Proclamations

1. Proclaim April Fair Housing Month

City Council Discussion & Possible Action Items

1. Approve application of Gregory Dodson to transfer liquor license for Diamondz Bar and Grill L.L.C.

2. Approve the tentative amendment to the 2010-2011 FY Budget and approve publications of the notice setting the public hearing for April 5, 2011.

3. Finance – Approval for Assistant Finance Director Kathy Cone to attend the GFOA Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX on May 22-25 at a cost of $1,808 –

4. Treasurer’s Report – Mr. Hyatt

Council Reports

City Administrative Report

Adjourn

Special Meeting of the City Council: March 14, 5:30 pm

Call to Order – 5:30 PM.

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance

Board of Corrections (to make corrections to 2011 Irrigation Assessments)

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 March 1, 2011 regular meeting, March 1, 2011 executive session

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

3. Claims

4. Caselle annual support conract payment in the amount of $10,652

Employee Recognition

1. Mayor to present Officer Bryan Clayton with 2010 Employee of the Year Award

Citizen Correspondence, Issues & Reports

1. Julisa Blight to discuss her daycare building located at 101 North Tiger Drive

Ordinances – New Business

1. Bill No., Ordinance No. – Rezone of Glen Eagle

Proclamations

1. Proclaim April Fair Housing Month

City Council Discussion & Possible Action Items

1. Approve application of Gregory Dodson to transfer liquor license for Diamondz Bar and Grill L.L.C.

2. Approve the tentative amendment to the 2010-2011 FY Budget and approve publications of the notice setting the public hearing for April 5, 2011.

3. Finance – Approval for Assistant Finance Director Kathy Cone to attend the GFOA Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX on May 22-25 at a cost of $1,808 –

4. Treasurer’s Report – Mr. Hyatt

Council Reports

City Administrative Report

Adjourn

Planning Zoning Commission Agenda: March 8, 2011

Regular Meeting

March 8, 2011

7:00 p.m.

1. Call to Order & Roll Call

2. Approval of February 22, 2011 regular meeting minutes

3. Public Hearing: to consider an ordinance amending and allowing in-home

occupation businesses by Special Use Permit in the R-1, R-2, and R-3 zones

4. Approve/recommend proposed ordinance amending in-home occupation businesses

by Special Use Permit in R-1, R-2, and R-3 zones

5. Ex Parte Discussions

6. Staff Reports

7. 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.

St. Benedicts to Host Its Annual Health Fair

Click on the image below for details on the Annual Health Fair:

March 2011 e-Newsletter Now Available!

The March e-Newsletter is now available by clicking the link below. In this issue, the sewer plant issues are explained, the Police Department provides advice on recent crime trends, we launch our 2011 Citizen Survey, and several other articles. To subscribe to the e-Newsletter, please visit our website.

Link to March 2011 Issue

Agenda for March 1st Council Meeting

Call to Order – 5:30 PM.

Roll Call

Pledge of Allegiance

Public Hearings

1. To hear a rezone request from Eastside Group, from Commercial 2 (C-2) to Mixed Use (MU) for a portion of Glen Eagle Commercial Subdivision

2. To hear a rezone request from Colby Walter, representing Keystone Construction and Development, Inc. from Residential 1 (R-1) to Residential Multi-Family (R-M) for Phase 2 in Maple Ridge Subdivision

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.

A. Approve the minutes of the February 15 2011 regular meeting; minutes of the February 15, 2011 executive session; and February 18, 2011 special meeting

Mayor to present Officer Bryan Clayton with the 2010 Employee of the Year Award

Mayor to present Sonny Henry with the February 2011 Employee of the Month Award

Citizen Correspondence, Issues & Reports

Proclamations

3. Proclaim March 7, 2011 as Girl Scout Week

Resolutions – New Business

4. Resolution 6-11 Mayoral annual board appointments

City Council Discussion & Possible Action Items

1. Approve the rezone request from Eastside Group, representing Glen Eagle Commercial Subdivision, from Commercial 2 (C-2) to Mixed Use (MU)

2. Approve the rezone request from Colby Walter, representing Keystone Construction and Development, Inc. from Residential 1 (R-1) to Residential Multi-Family (R-M) for Phase 2 in Maple Ridge Subdivision

3. Approve the transfer of a beer license for consumption off premises from Bonifacio Diaz Campos d.b.a. Campos Plaza located at 501 S Lincoln

4. Approve the application for a beer license for consumption off premises from Florencio Tellez d.b.a. Panaderia la Michoacana #2 located at 236 S Lincoln

5. Discussion and request for support for the police department’s application for an enhanced data systems grant through the Idaho Transportation Department, Office of Highway Safety

6. Discussion and possible action on the status of the EDA project on the Butte and in town

7. Adoption of a development plan for meeting the current and future needs of facilities for municipal government in the City of Jerome

8. Approval for an executive session pursuant to I.C. 67-2345(1) (b) To consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against an employee

Council Reports

City Administrative Report

Department Head Reports

Executive Session pursuant to Idaho Code 67-2345(1) (b) To consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against an employee

Adjourn

Snow Removal in City of Jerome

Snowstorms pose challenges for Jerome drivers, as current policy allows snow to accumulate up to three inches prior to city plow crews being called out. Main routes are always plowed and sanded first, followed by arterial and collector streets. Only after the most critical and highly traveled roads are plowed and sanded can city crews begin plowing residential streets. Often we hear complaints from residents when their streets are not plowed immediately after a snow storm. While we understand this can be frustrating, the City must clear the main thoroughfares first, such as Main and Lincoln Streets, to ensure these well traveled roads are safe and passable.

Depending upon the amount of snow-fall, it may take more than 76 hours for the intial plowing to be completed. City crews may not operate equipment beyond the limits of fatigue and safety.

Side street clean-up is sometimes not completed until the second day following a large snowfall. Business area sidewalks and parking lot cleanup is the responsibility of the property owners. Residential and business parking should be as far out of the right of way as possible so that snow removal can be done in an efficient and safe manner. Even after the weather clears and the plowing is completed, city crews must then begin removing piles of snow that have accumulated in streets and corners.

It is always a pleasure in the morning to find the streets cleared of snow, and the snow hauled off of Main Street. Unfortunately, along with that, residents often find their driveways filled with snow. City crews are unable to clean driveways for private residents and pushing, blowing, or plowing snow back into the street after city plows have gone by poses a danger to motorists by causing ice build-up onto the street.

More than a dozen pieces of heavy equipment are needed to clear snow from Jerome’s streets, such as plows, backhoes, sanders, graders, and other equipment. With the large snowstorm in November, the City spent $43,608 in snow removal which includes 1564 man-hours at a cost of $23,463. Equipment costs have totaled approximately $10,255 (fuel, supplies, and repairs to equipment) with 230 tons of sand/salt distributed totaling $3,890.

Jerome Water Exceeds All Standards for Quality

NOTICE: The City of Jerome water meets or exceeds all water quality standards and has never, at any time, been unsafe or unclean to drink. In recent years, the City water has won several national awards for water quality standards including the winner of the IRWA Best Drinking Water Award. All claims contrary to this are false. For any questions, please call the Water Works Department at 208-324-7122.

PRESS RELEASE: Sewer Clean Up Continues for Jerome

The Jerome City Council held a Special Meeting on Friday afternoon of February the 18th to discuss the crisis at the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Due to the appearance of a foreign substance consisting of a calcium slime, the Treatment Plant’s membrane filtration system has been compromised since December 30th, 2010. With the failure of the filtration system, the WWTP is only able to separate and treat the solids portion of the in‐coming flows from the sewer system. Staff immediately began working with its membrane consulting firm Enviroquip to determine a workable chemical cleaning regimen, which did not produce results until the third attempt. The WWTP operators have been working long hours trying to clean the sticky substance from the membranes and were only able to bring the plant back on line in the last week.

At this time there are many more questions than answers and it has not yet been determined where this substance is coming from. Staff is investigating to determine the origin of the liquid calcium slime and has sent samples to the lab for testing. The Jerome City Council has directed staff to begin putting together proposals for systems that can be put in place to prevent uncontrolled overflows of only partially treated sewage into the Northside Canal system. A specific remedy for this incident will be dependent on the results of this investigation.

From the moment the WWTP failed and began overflowing the partially treated wastewater into the canal, the City has been working closely with the Canal Company, the Department of Environmental Quality and the Environmental Protection Agency to inform them of the situation. The City Council and Staff share their frustration and regrets for this very unpleasant situation that is impacting the environment, the community and the county residents “down‐stream” in such an adverse way. The City is committed to doing everything possible to correct the problem and take measures to ensure that it does not happen again.

Contact City Administrator Ben Marchant with your questions, 324‐8189.

UPDATE on Wastewater Plant Overflows and Odor: February 17, 2011

February 17^th, 2011

JEROME, ID— We are pleased to announce that as of yesterday, we were able to treat 2.5 million gallons and discharge clean, treated water into the canal. As of Tuesday the 15^th, we were discharging about 300K gallons of untreated wastewater, however we are now containing excess flows in a tank to be heavily chlorinated before discharging into the canal.

In addition to this process, the next step in our recovery is to bring the MBR Plant back online. In order to do this, we need to build solids to a consistent 8,000-12,000 mg/l in the #1 Aeration Basin. We are currently at 11,000 mg/l. The goal is to bring the membrane facility back to full capacity so it can take the high flow levels without fouling. If the solids are not at this concentration level, the membranes have a greater opportunity of fouling (plugging) and will not operate as designed. The membrane is a sophisticated process, but very delicate and based on precise scientific calculations. Not only do we need to build the solids up to the correct concentration, but filterability is also a major factor. Currently our filterability is a 3 and we cannot operate the membranes at full capacity until we are above 10. We will be utilizing all chemical means to improve our filterability, however the chemical shipments have not arrived yet. They are scheduled to arrive on Saturday with another load arriving next Tuesday. This chemical should help “speed up” the filterability and allow the membranes to operate at a full 100% flow. We are also applying odor suppressant enzymes on the affected area to help prevent odor. Plant cleanup will then ensue, and we have a lot to clean up.

Fortunately, we are making significant progress. We have both of our bio-towers operating at full capacity, which will help reduce the incoming loadings. In addition, we now have MBR basin #4 operable. In the meantime, the odor is predominantly coming from the area saturated by the spills and overflows. To abate this, we have heavily chlorinated the grounds at the Wastewater Treatment Plant to start reducing the odors and mitigate health issues caused by the plant overflows.

Please be aware that DEQ, EPA, and the Northside Canal are aware of our situation and have been kept apprised of our issues and the progress being made. For any questions, please call 324-7122.

Thank You

John Boyd, Director of the Water Works Department

John Lothspeich Appointed as City Attorney

In our last newsletter we let you know a little bit about Rob Williams and his retirement as the City Attorney for the City of Jerome. The reins have officially been now handed over to John Lothspeich and he is ready to “take command”. We spoke to John about this added responsibility and got to hear his thoughts on this transition.

Q: Please tell our readers a little about yourself and your professional history.

I graduated with my Law Degree from the University of Idaho. I commenced the practice of law as a Deputy Prosecutor in Jerome County for approx. 2 years. I was appointed Chief Deputy Prosecutor in Twin Falls County where I served for almost four years when elected Prosecuting Attorney in Jerome County and took office in 1996. I served as Prosecuting Attorney until June, 2000, when I joined the present law firm. I have enjoyed working with so many excellent and professional public servants in the Magic Valley for the last 20 years.

Q: What do you foresee as one of the greatest challenges you will face as the Attorney for the City of Jerome?

The challenges ahead will be to assist the City with strained resources and ensuring all needs are met for city residents.

Q: What are you looking forward to the most now that you are our Attorney?

I look forward to working daily with all staff to provide the best service possible to the city we call our home.

Q: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Our law offices are dedicated to provide the best legal services available to the City. Fortunately, Rob Williams remains our senior partner whose wise counsel I will seek often. I will endeavor to meet all legal needs for Staff, the Mayor and Council timely and with excellence.

So it appears that the City is now in the more than capable hands of John Lothspeich. We as City employees look forward to working with John. You can see by John’s responses that he takes this appointment very seriously and has what is in the best interest for Jerome at heart. We are very fortunate to have such a capable attorney to work alongside with.

UPDATE on WWTP Odor

It is very much appreciated that the Citizens of Jerome have been very patient and understanding to the issues that we have been dealing with this past month and a half. Your odor complaints have not been ignored, but definitely noted and this blog is to let you, the individual know what is going on and the progress that is being made at the Jerome Wastewater Treatment Facility. I would like to take this time to let all know that everything is being done to get the Plant back online and processing the wastewater as it was designed to do.

Steps are also being taken to prevent this calcium fouling from being a issue again. Below is a rundown of what has been going on for the past two weeks.

February 11, 2011 Update: These past two weeks we did the extensive chemical cleaning as described above and then for the next week and a half built up the solids concentration. The cleaning lasted longer than just a routine hypochlorite cleaning 16 hour cleaning regiment We are currently out of compliance and overflowing again. Steps taken to expedite the process have been taken as follows.

1. A piece of the fouled membrane has been sent back East to Enviroquip’s chemist and head membrane guru to examine the membrane to see if a different chemical is needed to bring the membranes back to 80-100% capacity.

2. We have also sent samples out to Analytical lab in Boise for examination of what the slime layer is that has plugged up the membranes…………Calcium was the test result.

3. Previously operators took down basin #1 and emptied it completely, and refilled it with clean water. We pulled a membrane and checked them and found that the membranes on the outside were not getting cleaned after we did a complete chemical cleaning. The plan was to take down a basin, soak it in sodium hydroxide and aerate at the same time. This was followed by a acid clean, followed by a strong bleach clean and soak overnight. In our testing phase this cleaning regiment worked great, the membranes were clean, slime was gone and they permeated as if they were new.

4. Jan 28- Feb 11 The above process was started. A clean water chemical clean of the inside and outside of the membrane. We are soaking the membranes in Sodium Hydroxide inside and out, then going to do a hydrochloric acid clean on the inside of the membranes, then do a clean water rinse and then finish it off with a Sodium Hypochlorite clean. This should loosen and clean both the organics as in proteins, and fats, and inorganics such as calcium, scale etc. We have just completed the cleaning of the final basin #4. It will be filled and then brought online. The next step is to continue to build solids to 8000 mg/l in the #1 Aeration Basin. If the solids are not at this concentration the membranes have a greater opportunity of fouling with solids and not operate as designed. Once the membrane Plant can take full flow, we will bring the bio-towers on at full capacity. This will help cut down the incoming loadings. Plant cleanup will then ensue, and we have a lot of stuff to clean up.

The Water Works team has been working very hard figuring out the chemical combination to bring the membranes back to their original capacity. We have completed several chemical cleaning cycles, This is now taking all night and into the next day to do a chemical restoration. With the basins at the maximum flow and levels, this is not an easy feat, but we are continuing non-stop doing what we need to get this Plant back in compliance and operational. DEQ and EPA, and the Northside Canal are aware of our situation and have been kept apprised of our progress.

John Boyd, Water Works Director

Water Work to Perform Routine Maintenance on Water Valves

Waterworks crews will be starting a water valve exercising program next week, this programs involves visiting each water control valve in the system, to open and close it a few times to make sure it is functioning and keep it easy to operate when it is called upon. Over time sediment and scale will accumulate in the grooves in the valve and prevent the gate from closing all the way.

The program is expected to take until the middle of May to complete, during this time you may experience some or all of the following conditions, as crews move throughout the city. Each condition is followed by a suggested remedy.

Note; crews will do their best to flush any sediment out of the lines as they proceed, however if you experience any of the following…

• Low water pressure; wait for crews to finish your area, if your problem persists please report.
• Discolored water; Do not run your hot water, as this will draw the dirty water into your hot water system, instead, run your cold water tap for 5 minutes, if it does not clear up please report
• Air in the lines; turn on your cold tap and run until clear water flows from the faucet.

In the event you experience some or all of these conditions try the suggested remedy and if it doesn’t get better please call 208-324 8189 or after hours 208-324-1911

Thank you for your patience, some of the benefits of this program are;

• A more reliable, water system.
• Making sure lost valves are found and ensuring found vales don’t get lost!
• Quicker shut downs in the event of emergencies.
• Lowering of operational cost associated with premature replacement of equipment.
• Overall improved customer service.

This program combined with a flushing program will make sure you are being served our finest product.

PRESS RELEASE: Jerome City Police Officer Shot in High Speed Chase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

JEROME POLICE DEPARTMENT

JEROME COUNTY SHERIFF

On 07 February, 2011 at 5:03 pm a Jerome man lead police on a five mile pursuit which resulted in shots fired by the suspect and police.

Chris Taylor, 29 YOA, failed to stop for Jerome Police Office Dennis Clark, after Clark attempted to stop him for traffic violations. The Pursuit began in east side of the City of Jerome and proceeded into the county southeast of the city. Taylor lost control of his car and the car rolled over coming to rest in a farm field.

The pursuit involved Three Jerome Police Officers and one Jerome County Deputy. During the pursuit gunfire was exchanged between Taylor and two police officers. Both Taylor and Officer Clark received non-life threatening gun shot wounds.

Taylor was on probation with Idaho DOC and upon release from the hospital will be held in the Twin Falls County Jail on an agents warrant for probation violation.

Officer Clark is currently at St. Al. hospital in Boise where he is being treated for a gunshot wound to the face. Officer Clark, 35 YOA is an 11-year veteran officer for the City of Jerome, and also a Reserve Deputy for the Jerome County Sheriff. Clark has dedicated his life to public safety, a long time member of the Jerome County Rural Fire Department as well.

The Magic Valley Critical Incident Task Force, with a Cassia County Sheriff Investigator as the lead Investigator, is investigating the incident. Detectives from several Magic Valley Police and Sheriff agencies as well as Idaho State Police Investigators are involved in the investigation.

The prosecution in this case is being handled by the Jerome County Prosecuting Attorney’s office and the Twin Falls Prosecuting Attorney’s office will conduct a separate investigation and review of the officer involved shooting.

All inquiries as to Taylor’s probation status should be routed through the Idaho Department of Corrections.

All other inquiries should be routed to either the Jerome or Twin Falls County Prosecuting Attorneys.

Dan Hall, Jerome Police Chief (208-324-4328)

Doug McFall, Jerome County Sheriff (208-644-2770)

A Paw in the Right Direction

Things are going to change a little for the adoption processes at the Jerome Animal Shelter come February 1, 2011.

Presently, the adoption fee for a dog is $5.00. Once the dog is adopted, the new owners are given a coupon for a discounted rate for the spay/neuter. However, we have found that compliance with spaying or neutering a new pet is low. Many adopting families have told the veterinarians that they “just want one litter of puppies” and then they will have their pet altered. Given that one of the purposes of the shelter is to help control the animal population, this is obviously not acceptable. At any given time in a shelter roughly 90% of the population are dogs that are not spayed or neutered.

Another problem with having such a low adoption fee is that the dogs then become disposable items. We worry about dogs being abandoned when the novelty of adopting a puppy has worn off. Most people easily find $5.00 for the adoption. Also, there are significant and real concerns of abuse for dogs that is perceived as being of no financial value.

To correct this problem, the Animal Shelter, along with the help of the local veterinarians, is establishing a $50.00 adoption fee. This new fee will include the cost of the spay/neuter, rabies vaccines, and City license. In addition, the shelter staff and volunteers will then take the dog directly to the veterinarian of choice of the adopting family and, once the spay/neuter is complete, the new family will pick up the new pet from the veterinarian. This will allow us to ensure that the dogs receive all the vaccinations he or she needs and that there will be proper care for the dog after the procedure where the new pet owners will receive some education on proper dog health care, nutrition, and so forth.

Some may say “Will this increased fee decrease the odds of a dog being adopted?” The answer to this is twofold. First, it is true that a $50.00 fee will be more restrictive for some people than a $5.00 fee. However, if someone is unable to afford $50.00, our concern is that they truly cannot afford the all the financial implications of a pet such as food, healthcare, etc.

Also, due to our volunteer program, we have managed to develop wonderful relationships with the Humane Societies and rescue organizations. We are now able to move dogs to other places where they are in demand. That helps us control the population in the shelter so that we can make sure the right dog goes into the right home with the right kind of care.

This endeavor would not be possible without the support and assistance from the veterinarians in the City of Jerome. They are supporting this program and providing the much needed service at a very reasonable rate. The next time you see your veterinarian here in Jerome, thank him or her for assisting the Jerome Animal Shelter in controlling the canine population.

City of Jerome Finances for 2011

When I was sworn into office as Mayor on January 3rd, 2010, I pledged to do my best to make sure the City would maintain services without raising taxes. I am pleased to report that after one year of office I can say that we have achieved this goal. I wish this could always be the case, but I have also learned that the City does not have unlimited resources to maintain the same levels of service indefinitely. Indeed, I have received many calls and have read many letters, emails and postings on the City’s Facebook page from concerned citizens that are not satisfied with the level of service the City is providing in certain areas. I share their frustration on a number of issues including snow removal, irrigation, community “eye-sores”, loose dogs, feral cats, rough roads, and more. It is quite possible to overcome any of these issues with the right investment of time, labor and equipment. Unfortunately, the City can’t fix these problems without taking away some of our ability to respond to calls for police or fire service or even to maintain the roads the way they are today.

As you can see from the chart to the right, this year’s budget was unusually tight for the City and we have had to make do with less than what our needs are in each department. The Police Department didn’t get a new cruiser in our fleet replacement schedule, the Fire Department will not be getting specialized equipment for confined space rescues and the Streets Department will have to scale back its plans for the road maintenance that was scheduled. Even with these cuts, the city needed to use some of its small reserve balance. These reductions may not amount to anything the public will notice this year, but over the years these needs will outpace our ability to keep up and then the problem will be obvious to everyone. Unfortunately, the reality is that the current level of service is not sustainable, despite the remarkable efforts made by those employed in public service.

During this year’s budgeting process, it became clear to me that the City has fallen behind the curve on staying abreast of the cost of providing services. In an effort to do more with less and stretch the tax dollar to the limit we are now at a point that we can only do less with less. Our equipment is wearing out and we frequently buy replacement equipment used instead of new. We have spent down the city’s reserves (savings) the past two years to maintain services and balance the budget without raising taxes. Without a lot of money in reserves or a new source of revenue, we are going to have to take a hard look at what level of municipal services we are going to maintain in the future. This is going to be a major issue that the City and its citizens must deal with over the next five years or we will begin to see City services decline sharply. Over the next few issues of the City Newsletter I will share my observations on some of the challenges, including the City’s budget process, that we are faced with. And I invite you to share any feedback that you, our reader, would be willing to provide.

Mayor John Shine

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.