Sugar City, Idaho: The Dayley Report

There's an issue I've heard come up in town and on social media that I figure I might address. It is in part regarding the layout of the new jr high and how the property fits into the city's transportation and access plan, which is part of the comprehensive plan. To be frank, there is some history of strong disagreement between the city and the school district in Sugar City. I haven't been privy to all the information regarding things that may have gone on in the past, so I'll let sleeping dogs and rumors lie. I'm confident that in any cases of disagreement, past, present, or future, the school board and superintendent and the city council, staff, and mayor all have the best intentions and are trying to maintain and follow the law and the wishes of our overlapping-constituents. In any case, I think it's best to talk in person, rather than on social media, about such things and figure out what can or has to happen that will be productive for everyone involved...

Tennis Courts The city's tennis courts in Neibaur/Veterans Park and Smith Park are in serious disrepair. The city will be removing the tennis courts and skate park facility in Smith Park in the near future. And, for now, the gate to the courts in Veterans Park is locked. Last city council meeting, we had a packed house. Most of the residents were there to discuss their desire to have new tennis courts in the city. Most of those in attendance were connected in someway to the tennis program at Sugar-Salem High School. Their goal is to figure out a way to get six tennis courts built in Sugar City. Six courts is apparently the minimum needed for the high school team to host a tournament. Jason Flaig has been appointed by the mayor and approved by the city council to lead a committee to research possible options for getting new tennis courts, including location, types of courts, and short-term and long-term funding. The school district will, of course, need to get involved with this pro...

2024 City Budget After much discussion, analysis, and the public hearing, the city council passed the 2024 budget.  The mayor, city staff, and the council take seriously their responsibility to use wisely the money the city receives from residents and other sources.  Here is a summary of the budget. And speaking of money, here is news that always pinches a little: the utility rate increases for the year. Utility Rate Adjustments The utility rates haven't been keeping pace with actual costs and inflation for a number of years, and, as I'll mention in the next section below, the rates haven't been building up enough reserve for future maintenance or projects. It's tempting to want to be able to tell residents "no utility rate increases again this year!" But, if the rates don't keep up, then at some point in the future the city will get hit with a need for a big rate increase or major bond or similar funding process to pay for needed maintenance. It's a b...

5th South Like a kid on a long car ride asking "Are we there yet?", we're all asking about 5th South: "Is it done yet?" And the answer is similar to the one the kid gets: "Almost." 5th South is a nice wide road that will allow much better access for residents of Old Farm Estates. It will be paved soon, but it still won't be quite ready, even once that is done.  In order for the intersection at 5th South and Railroad Ave, including turn lanes, to be usable, the intersection of 7th West and Railroad Ave (Hwy 33) will need to be closed.    7th West will be accessed using 5th South, as you can see in the map here.  We need to wait for the connection of 7th West to 5th South to be completed. That involves moving a power pole, which will add some additional time on the project.  So like the kid in the car on a long road trip, we have to be patient. It will be great when the project is finally completed. We're almost there.

  It's been a month or so since I last posted, and there are quite a few topics or bits of info to get out. Treats in the Streets 2023 : We're looking for someone to put together and head up a committee for our 2nd annual Treats in the Streets. After the great success of the event last year, we'd like to try it again. If you and some others are willing to make it happen, please stop by city hall and volunteer. Ice Rink in Neibaur/Veterans Park : We have a business that is planning to open an ice rink on the old tennis courts during the winter months. The plan is to have two rinks, a larger 55x105' and a smaller 20x40', along with a warming/skate rental tent and a tent for the Zamboni. The city approved the special use permit for the business, and we hope it goes well with this first winter. Road Maintenance : The city public works director, Arlynn Jacobson, and his crew have been patching some of the roads throughout town. There are also some streets that are gettin...

Sidewalk on 3rd South Several people who live along 3rd South came in to city council during public comment and asked a number of questions and expressed concerns about the plan for the walking path along the city right of way on the north side of 3rd South. We appreciate public involvement and comment. We are grateful when residents take the time to come in and speak to the Mayor and the City Council.  Public comment time during regular city council meetings is not normally a time for back-and-forth conversation with the mayor and the city council. But it is great for residents to come in and present their thoughts on topics they are interested in or concerned about. I also appreciate the conversations I have with city residents outside of council meetings. One of the concerns regarding the path was the width of the path. The city was able to secure a deal with the company that has been putting in the other sidewalks around town as shown in the map. So, late summer or into Septemb...

New Sidewalks! I'm sure we've all noticed the new sidewalks going in around town. the sidewalks, along with some new "hot" light crosswalk poles are making it much safer to walk around town, especially for kids going to and from the schools. The city was able to get a grant to pay for the new sidewalks and lights. We still have a final piece of the plan to complete with a walking path along 3rd south, as we announced and sought public comment on back in July 2022:  blog post on new sidewalk plan   We recognize and appreciate the adjustments that will have to be made by those living along 3rd South as the new walking path is constructed along the city right of way. We will do all we can to minimize the inconvenience to property owners along the route. The new walking path will be a great help to the residents on the south side of town, especially to kids heading to school. The path is also part of our alternate transportation plan and comprehensive plan.  New Date and ...