Tim Bondy’s Review of the February 8th, 2010 Mountain Home City Council Meeting

There were about 25 citizens attending the 8 Feb 2010 council meeting that began at 6:00 pm.  Overall, the council had some tough decisions to make and there was some minor drama between two of the council members.  The following were some of the subjects cover:

1.  City Fee’s and Permits:  I was a little late to the meeting so I came in on the middle of a spirited discussion between the council and a gentleman I assume is connected with the local home building industry.   The story as I saw it was the gentleman (citizen) was a little annoyed by the high cost of city fee’s and building permits that need to be paid upfront when building a new house in Mountain Home. That cost can be as high as $17,000 on a house that sells for $150,000.  There was also a discussion about the city requirement in place that builders must install in-ground landscaping sprinklers.   It appears that the city council is willing modify when and how these fee’s and permits must be paid. More to come on this subject in the future.

2.  Software for the Public Works Department:  The City will look into buying an $8,500 software package.  According to the department head, the new software will basically modernize Mountain Home’s public works department.  This department currently keeps track of permits and other information the old fashioned way…paper in a filing cabinet.

— The Bondyweb says, why not look into free alternatives that may be available.  I’d be glad to do some research into alternative and free software if the city calls me to explain their needs.  It may be out there and in these hard economic times, all alternative should be explored before spending our tax dollars.

3.  A citizen applied for a small animal kennel Conditional Use Permit (CUP).  This lady currently owns 14 dogs but her neighbors are not happy with either her family or the dogs.  In the past, she had the CUP approved but with the sheer number of complaint/negative letters the city has received the council had no choice but to deny the CUP.  The lady walked out of the meeting in tears knowing she will have to get rid of 10 of her 14 dogs.  But to be fair to the council, this individual also sells dogs so it’s not strictly a love for dogs but a sideline business also.  Gotta to be a good neighbor or else!

4.  Wind Turbine Ordinance:  I think the "Wind Turbine Ordinance" was finally passed.  This gives the city and its citizen some guidance before deciding to build green and alternative energy sources in town.

—  Still wish I had the ability to read the "proposed ordinance" before it became law.  Hopefully the city will post this information on their website in the future.

5.  The Catholic Church and Parking Issue:  The Catholic Church is still looking for approval for building their parish hall next to their church in downtown Mountain Home. While I don’t think there is an issue with the building itself,  parking is a problem.  The council agreed to hold another Public Meeting on this issue in early March 2010.  Council President Russ Anderson wanted to get some more information about this issue from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise before approving/denying the CUP for this project.  Councilwoman Isaac, who I believe doesn’t want this project to go through wanted another Public Hearing so concerned  citizens could voice their opinions again.  Councilman Urquidi was obviously annoyed by Isaac’s wish for another Public Hearing.  In the end, the council unanimously agreed to conduct another Public Hearing.

—  I think holding another Public Hearing is the best thing for the city to do.  It was interesting watching the interaction between Councilpersons Urquidi and Isaac.  With a major disagreement between the two of them on this issue, they certainly handled it well.  In my opinion, Councilman Urquidi needs to step aside on this issue.  I suspect he is a member of this church and may not be able to see this issue from all sides.  I could be and likely am wrong about this and that is why I think another public hearing is a good thing.  

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Tim Bondy
The Bondyweb.Com webmaster