[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6560495,"mediaKeyId","3335854-eec0e56eb3790c7358f7f0a9fdece5ba","parentId",3335854,"title","Engineers: McCall public‑works building can be retrofitted; cost estimates remain rough","audioSeconds",3535,"startMs",98000,"endMs",3633000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3335854-eec0e56eb3790c7358f7f0a9fdece5ba&start=98&end=3633","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3335854-eec0e56eb3790c7358f7f0a9fdece5ba/thumbnail_98000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6560495/McCall/Valley-County/Idaho/Engineers-McCall-publicworks-building-can-be-retrofitted-cost-estimates-remain-rough","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560495-58dad822771d63c01d5a8257e4ae1860/orig.mp4?Expires=1770689521&Signature=A~IlOQfy95tCr3cuBBv9YDA9kHl01nRAmb5SMBSMDhCLvHu0HSqKcmBzDkcMxzy6s3DwyIRQt0-UTBxAFrZ1t8L62D8~01kkDAQkiRT7zLPhkPqvgqN8K6K267l8DIN~wXPumcL~YT7FPhwVQwV2pdx8s08HM-zB1tlh~83Ws9tfiq1ORmp4lSOmz0RJZS0KSJGYxsE4xvjk8iJpEb-4f3Q2uoQ9vm7ks8xmTPo~ShLCBbBjyLSU4hSXVP0WnetHGrVV2zyMmevKptd3D7bsDTldXQPiQpEusNVHcgv8FaZM25Zj3FEB-3LlwawgXVVkLbytG5OgbRtFJVQJo1yVKw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","McCall","date","2025-05-13T16:49:00Z","article","Jacobs engineers presented a tier‑1 seismic evaluation of the City of McCall’s public‑works facility, outlining structural deficiencies, retrofit approaches and a rough order‑of‑magnitude cost estimate. The screening was funded by a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant administered through the Idaho Office of Emergency Management.

The evaluation found that the building’s roof diaphragm and vertical concrete‑masonry‑unit (CMU) walls “are there, as a diaphragm to spread that load,” but several crucial connections are missing, Jeremy (Jacobs) said: “the roof and the walls aren't properly connected, and the mezzanine and the walls are not properly connected.” The engineers flagged unreinforced, ungrouted CMU walls and the building’s reuse of railroad‑car frame members as important issues to resolve before design‑level seismic events.

Why it matters: councilors said the study gives the city a ballpark for planning, and staff noted the grant money covers planning work while larger federal construction grants could help pay for retrofits. Michelle Grunewelt, community and economic development director, reminded the council that the FEMA program typically requires a planning step before construction funding and that the initial grant covered the study work.

Key findings and next steps
- Tier‑1 scope: Jacobs performed a screening visit (site visit Feb. 10) and a checklist‑style review to identify “red flags” that would require deeper study. The firm said it had no original structural drawings other than light floor plans and relied on visible as‑built conditions.
- Load‑path concerns: Engineers said the primary lateral load path — roof diaphragm to CMU shear walls to foundation — is incomplete in places because rafters or mezzanine framing do not have mechanical connections into the CMU or ledger; some rafters simply sit on ledgers without connectors.
- Unreinforced CMU: Walls are largely ungrouted and unreinforced, a condition that current seismic design practice would treat as inadequate; Jacobs proposed external “strongback” steel channels or intrusive grouting as retrofit strategies.
- Unconventional framing: The building uses reused railroad‑car frame girders as primary roof supports. Jacobs said conservative analysis indicates the beams can carry gravity and snow loads but recommended destructive steel sampling (coupons) to verify material grade and rivet condition.
- Retrofit options: Jacobs presented two conceptual retrofit approaches: (1) external steel channels/strongbacks and mechanical connectors at the roof line and mezzanine line (more visible but lower labor cost); (2) intrusive grouting/bond beams that are more labor‑intensive and costlier but less visible on the exterior.
- Cost estimate: Jacobs supplied a Level‑5, very‑rough order‑of‑magnitude cost estimate with a stated contingency of approximately ±100% typical of a tier‑1 study. The firm stressed the numbers are conceptual and a tier‑2/3 design would be required to produce construction documents and refined pricing.

Funding and planning context
Nathan (city staff) said the study was funded by a FEMA hazard mitigation planning grant of roughly $67,000, paid at 90% for the planning portion. Michelle Grunewelt and city staff said hazard‑mitigation grant programs generally require the planning phase before construction funding is sought and that some FEMA programs have provided up to 80% construction funding in past cycles. The council also reviewed the city’s existing capital allocation: staff reported about $350,000 in the current budget dedicated to the facility project as a placeholder for future work.

Longer‑range options discussed
Councilors and staff discussed three broad paths: (1) retrofit the existing building and add bays; (2) expand with a seismically independent addition that does not rely on the existing structure; or (3) replace the facility on this or another site. Nathan and staff referenced the 2020–21 facility master plan cost estimates (the master plan projected $10–15 million at that time) and later cost updates: a 2023 concept cost estimate for an expanded facility was cited at about $16 million (2023 dollars) and staff noted inflation could push similar projects above $20 million in later years. Council members asked the city to evaluate alternative sites and financing options, including partnership or urban‑renewal approaches, if they choose to replace rather than retrofit.

What was not decided
The council did not take formal action to authorize retrofit design or construction funding at the meeting. Staff said the next technical steps would be a tier‑2/3 evaluation for detailed retrofit design, destructive testing for steel sample verification, and production of construction documents for competitive bidding if the council directs that work.

Selected direct quotes
“A tier‑1 evaluation is a screening phase,” Amanda Thompson, Jacobs project manager, said, describing the scope. Jeremy (Jacobs) said of the structural condition: “there is a lot of locations for load to transfer without having every single piece of the load path… but the problem with this building is it’s missing a link in there.” Nathan said the study gives the council a ballpark figure to compare the value of retrofit versus replacement.

Ending
Councilors said the presentation helped them picture the issues and framed follow‑up work: staff will use the study in the capital‑improvement plan discussion, consider whether to pursue additional grant funding, and can return with a proposal for next design or site‑analysis steps if the council wants to pursue retrofit or replacement.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Special City Council Meeting 5.15.2025","oneSentenceSummary","Jacobs engineers presented a tier‑1 seismic screening of McCall’s public‑works facility and identified missing connections between roof, mezzanine and vertical CMU walls, unreinforced masonry and reused railroad‑car girders; engineers proposed two retrofit strategies and gave a very rough cost estimate funded by a FEMA planning grant.","taxTitle","McCall, Valley County, Idaho","taxId",51057,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6560485,"Council approves lease of 1614 Davis Avenue (\"Toaster House\") to Yormont Health",154,4286000,4440000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3335854-eec0e56eb3790c7358f7f0a9fdece5ba&start=4286&end=4440","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3335854-eec0e56eb3790c7358f7f0a9fdece5ba/thumbnail_4286000.jpg","/articles/6560485/McCall/Valley-County/Idaho/Council-approves-lease-of-1614-Davis-Avenue-Toaster-House-to-Yormont-Health","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560485-9cdd5c08bcf3f5c340f52fb9006b2a3e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770689521&Signature=be1woMkEmI77YL7uMuwTmu~~FDjsW09HRS5X7mbHoKfDPYCSafK0TfcDAQn4c1~G-JPZn~7IVn60Xt5GyHSFxdcSC10~WseS6eOEazF~V1tMK8gLDUgyqRkkr9VM6XaAfdCLAWOo4ssD7tLGhVXllK58lBMVDTuhaVk4TONDxURqGagBrZg9r-9U19QoDb37hXm~yTctfKQxa46PQ~Rir37TLWc98V1FAG6py~jV0NePWOcWc3eZR4mSXpZsgFWAShATQUEGzkIRPqYGbEOPlkV4biEfTcyOYruOM7-anaqXnFV-TAPMbLYu7HwLyLRA~v2cwXAhQnDR4feSt78NGQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The McCall City Council approved a lease for the city‑owned property at 1614 Davis Avenue (commonly called the Toaster House) to Yormont Health and authorized the mayor to sign the necessary documents.

Michelle Grunewelt, community and economic development director, said the unit had been remodeled to serve as recruitment and transitional housing and described the unit as “technically… converted into 1 bedroom, 1 bath” with living area and kitchen improvements. The proposed lease is intended to provide a short‑term landing spot; staff said the agreement can be extended on a month‑to‑month basis depending on demand.

Motion and vote
A council member moved to approve the lease between the City of McCall and Yormont Health and to authorize the mayor to sign all necessary documents. The motion was seconded and passed by roll call: Council Member Nelson — yes; Council Member Machesek — yes; Mayor Giles — yes; Council Member Nielsen — yes. Council Member Thrower was absent.

What was not decided
The council did not set a long‑term occupancy period at the meeting; staff said the lease can be extended month to month as needed and would report or provide documents to council as required by policy.

Ending
The lease vote was recorded as approved and staff will finalize the agreement and implement occupancy steps with Yormont Health.","The council approved a lease for city‑owned 1614 Davis Avenue, commonly called the Toaster House, to Yormont Health on a short‑term basis with authorization for the mayor to sign necessary documents.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6560490,"McCall council directs staff to send revised impact‑area map, citing state code",630,3658000,4288000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3335854-eec0e56eb3790c7358f7f0a9fdece5ba&start=3658&end=4288","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3335854-eec0e56eb3790c7358f7f0a9fdece5ba/thumbnail_3658000.jpg","/articles/6560490/McCall/Valley-County/Idaho/McCall-council-directs-staff-to-send-revised-impactarea-map-citing-state-code","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6560490-9bd5ca07f96fd41e4b68444264ab60f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1770689521&Signature=Tl0oN~24jbs7SzlL2TbIblHzhrpCs0DBkC~yEWU1Cu0eelOHHt8U3j0ziTS58q5jp5nJfVqcB0ZLXEdnLGv~h0Sca0wrsc0ctXp9Oz7mXLbvxSMEPvI-iSDBf5-AFBdUvc4lwxj49hFtDgBGABgSX9kU6EIazyUvBN8tW2Doby54j3LAulEJ6OpcpDy5O3js3yW8l21Ih8AN3zSB1pn9eqGESi9gFzqTXcKAt9mgITu4~Q89y~C5C3Dep~MEBy8d7b0u4BubkCI9XsuSzB4JOWNtP9V0nepEG9QiKpM6LgfPCfdqTYHO~1zKIHqJtXNaFqEK4y6mnTm-hegF3WTYFg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The McCall City Council voted to direct city staff to send a draft letter and revised map to the County concerning a city‑initiated modification of the McCall area of impact boundary, citing Idaho state statutory requirements.

Why it matters: city and county planning officials must keep the statutory “area of impact” in compliance with state law; the map change trims a previously proposed southern expansion and aligns the boundary with parcel lines where possible to avoid splitting subdivisions.

What the council approved
Michelle Grunewelt, the city’s community and economic development director, presented a draft letter and a revised map that largely follows the existing impact area with a few adjustments: the map excludes a portion of the White Cloud Subdivision to avoid splitting lots; it includes River Ranch (already in city limits) so the boundary does not cut through parcels; and it adds portions of larger Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) parcels at the northern edge so the boundary follows parcel edges rather than bisect parcels.

Grunewelt said the city plans a comprehensive‑plan update in 2026 and intends that any major future changes to the land‑use map be addressed with broad public involvement. She told councilors the proposed map is intended to meet the timeline for state code 67‑6526.

Council motion and vote
Bill Punkenny (consultant with White Peterson) advised on the motion language. The council moved “to approve or direct city staff to send the letter as presented to the county.” The roll‑call vote was recorded as follows: Council Member Nielsen — yes; Council Member Machesek — yes; Mayor Giles — yes; Council Member Nelson — yes. Council Member Thrower was absent. The motion carried.

What was said
Grunewelt said the city removed the previously suggested southern expansion area and would revisit broader changes in the 2026 comprehensive‑plan update, allowing more public outreach before any large land‑use changes. She also said city staff had heard from some property owners inside the proposed boundary who want to remain in the impact area.

Ending
The council’s direction starts the formal step of transmitting the draft letter and map to the county for further review under state statute; staff did not present a final adoption ordinance at the meeting. The city said it can revisit the boundary later if parcel ownership or federal land status changes.","The council approved a city‑initiated modification to the McCall area of impact boundary and directed staff to send a draft letter and map to Valley County; the motion passed by roll call.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Engineers: McCall public‑works building can be retrofitted; cost estimates remain rough

Council approves lease of 1614 Davis Avenue ("Toaster House") to Yormont Health

McCall council directs staff to send revised impact‑area map, citing state code