[{"_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",6146218,"mediaKeyId","5527913-8899a2295ca694f172e6d6adc5769a2e","parentId",5527913,"title","Council approves several planning and zoning items: rezones, preliminary plat and CDBG annual action plan","audioSeconds",4549,"startMs",763000,"endMs",5312000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5527913-8899a2295ca694f172e6d6adc5769a2e&start=763&end=5312","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5527913-8899a2295ca694f172e6d6adc5769a2e/thumbnail_763000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6146218/Nampa/Canyon-County/Idaho/Council-approves-several-planning-and-zoning-items-rezones-preliminary-plat-and-CDBG-annual-action-plan","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6146218-26a7bae2a0ceebcbf4ace440de2f1a94/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198843&Signature=AUFV8TIdQkYXKowe353emsUnrk-GXCddK8i~f-zJTBDS5DFel6KXWbpUNi2pddm6MUBoLWbwg2nEQ7kGUn60sRjf78bRjNtqUoDwCVrmLqtSqp2hfVbe4x5GMe1QvL~-pXlAT-3RzfbYk3N9dkPMZylvSn3kcFg9iO-9YttCJpaexPJT6VHHap~UCN-o2sPnT2PnvfMbIgY2tt9P2r0vPuu9~B6YXtE5cUkrsmO-QHe53v8VJvM1r6DLz57SZUGNDCFKuoFsa-mu6Ai-hldISThq~WvseIaYQlEhyuoArKYFqU~30jZSSRoaexIf22MUnwhTqHVDEOJwH5mHS51Gyw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Nampa ID","date","2025-08-04T22:19:08Z","article","The Nampa City Council approved a package of land‑use and community‑development measures during its Aug. 4 meeting, including a Planning & Zoning Commission appointment, multiple zoning map amendments, one conditional use permit, the city’s 2025 annual action plan for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding, and a preliminary plat for a new single‑family subdivision.

Key approvals and votes
- Planning & Zoning Commission appointment: The council confirmed Mary D. Copeland to finish a term on the Planning & Zoning Commission ending Dec. 31, 2028; roll call recorded unanimous support.
- Zoning map amendment (RA to RD) and related access questions: Council rezoned two 1.09‑acre parcels at 1504 S. Garland Street from RA to RD to align them with surrounding medium‑density zoning. Staff advised the applicants intend to secure cross‑access easements from the front parcel; the council approved the rezone.
- Rezoning and conditional use (contractor/landscape yard): A request to rezone an RS‑22 parcel to BC (community business) and a conditional use permit for outdoor storage for a contractor/landscape operation at Happy Valley Road was approved; staff noted the land fronts the collector roadway and would require frontage improvements and utility hookups when developed.
- Annexation and preliminary plat (Millwood Pines): Hayden Homes’ proposed annexation and preliminary plat for a subdivision on about 9.99 acres (originally shown as 56 lots, revised to 47 lots in response to staff comments) was approved after discussion about lot sizes, irrigation easements and open‑space set‑asides. Councilors discussed density, buffering to adjacent RS‑6 lots and emergency access provisions.
- CDBG 2025 Annual Action Plan: Council adopted the city’s 2025 HUD annual action plan and authorized staff to submit the final plan. The plan funds public services, public facilities improvements and housing activities; parks and public works project buckets were allocated but staff will return with site‑specific capital activity details.

Why it matters
The approvals move several housing, infrastructure and small‑business projects forward, shaping where growth occurs and how HUD CDBG funds are spent. The Millwood Pines subdivision in particular drew debate about density, buffer lots adjacent to existing RS‑6 subdivisions and how irrigation infrastructure and open space will be preserved and integrated.

Questions and clarifications recorded
Council members and staff asked and recorded multiple clarifications: whether back lots would access via Garland or from other streets (applicants said cross‑access easements would be arranged); requirements to abandon on‑site wells prior to connection to city services; Pioneer Irrigation District review and potential canal relocations for the Millwood Pines development; and a Valley View School District comment noting school capacity concerns associated with development.

Votes at a glance (selected items)
- 5.1: Confirm appointment of Mary D. Copeland to Planning & Zoning Commission (term to 12/31/2028) — Approved (unanimous).
- 5.2–5.4: Various public-works and design items including Northside Boulevard Phase 2 design task order with Keller & Associates ($433,363) — Approved.
- Planning cases (rezones/CUPs): Garland Street RA→RD rezoning — Approved; Happy Valley contractor yard (RS‑22→BC plus CUP for exterior storage) — Approved; multiple other zoning map amendments and annexations (Airport Road annexation to IL, lot vacations) were approved as presented.
- 8.1: Adopt 2025 Annual Action Plan (CDBG) and authorize final submission to HUD — Approved.
- 8.4: Millwood Pines annexation and preliminary plat (Hayden Homes, revised to 47 lots) — Approved.

Ending
Staff will return with final site‑specific details for CDBG‑funded parks and infrastructure projects and with required easement/legal descriptions for several newly rezoned parcels. Planning and development conditions (dedication of right‑of‑way, abandonment of wells, Pioneer Irrigation District approvals and required frontage improvements) were included in council motions and will be enforced at the development permit stage.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","August 4, 2025 - Regular Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","Nampa council confirmed a planning and zoning appointment, approved multiple rezones and conditional use permits, adopted the city’s 2025 CDBG annual action plan and approved a preliminary plat for a 47‑lot subdivision. Several items generated questions about access, irrigation and school capacity.","taxTitle","Nampa, Canyon County, Idaho","taxId",2629,"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},6146222,"Nampa council OKs $150,000 for downtown year‑round building-top lights; private donors and Republic Services contribute",440,2920000,3360000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5527913-8899a2295ca694f172e6d6adc5769a2e&start=2920&end=3360","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5527913-8899a2295ca694f172e6d6adc5769a2e/thumbnail_2920000.jpg","/articles/6146222/Nampa/Canyon-County/Idaho/Nampa-council-OKs-150000-for-downtown-yearround-building-top-lights-private-donors-and-Republic-Services-contribute","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6146222-fef86857f4e7223bcbe34b107d65dd21/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198843&Signature=n7-Ql7Lc2AgrWa7WvaqcgTNSITttq3f6qM0ZnRMM0oowo7E7ymrGc-HqrCfFFLkcHx1O6SDsr528s5H0hJS8r4cIF334BsdVdu17HLeOnY-ts5U5pVt~cbYWhyZvPojRMU6VXmCpSZ7lqMxtfbOqcTgyU9Qx8hiJ78omt55j5QsJJGS7N3CIUAIT0ZahQM5lHcbuKd84EVMZON82rqErSdtaHEGiHPvMZJoC2TP6O3h7wJ0qENR6q~u5blztILMHXKkKwnXvuWHPX9cXQ6QQxr6IL-ShBdrM~97~BkKvpSKblqHP3-0fYA038CokqXkASp7YJVBWf9~00OX9dTEEgg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Nampa City Council approved allocating $150,000 to buy and install year‑round decorative lights along building rooftops in Downtown Nampa, pairing a $100,000 gift from the Kevin and Mary Daniels Main Street Fund with a $50,000 contribution from the Republic Services rebate account.

City Economic Development Manager Amber Bothwell told the council staff had contacted all property owners likely to be affected and had heard broad support; no owners told staff they opposed the proposal. Bothwell said the lights are intended to be a year‑round feature, not seasonal. Council members and staff said the project is intended to help downtown revitalization and encourage additional private investment.

Funding and contributions
Mayor Kling said Kevin and Mary Daniels explicitly authorized staff to dedicate their private donation to the project. Republic Services also provided a letter of support and will contribute an additional $2,500. Staff reported the Republic Services rebate fund balance is $287,883.35. The Downtown Nampa Association pledged $12,500 toward the project.

Council discussion
Councilor Griffin voted “no” on both allocations, saying the city budget process is constrained and he would have preferred to see those funds allocated elsewhere. Other council members said the money consists of one‑time funds rather than ongoing tax dollars and called the project a visible investment in downtown. Council approved both allocations (5–1 votes for each action).

What staff said about deployment
Bothwell said the map in the packet covered roughly $165,000 of lighting to line a “good portion” of downtown building rooftops. She said if council only funded $100,000 in this cycle staff would reduce the scope and do a phased installation; with the $150,000 total, the city can cover a larger initial footprint. The lights will be installed along building tops, with owners’ agreement; staff said they had reached out to all affected property owners and received positive responses.

Ending
Council approved the two allocations as requested. Staff will return with procurement and installation details and a schedule for which buildings will be included in the first installation phase.

Votes at a glance
- 5.5: Authorize $100,000 from the Kevin and Mary Daniels Main Street Fund for purchase/installation of building-top lights in Downtown Nampa — Approved 6–0 (roll call recorded Yes by Rodriguez, Tangola, Bills, Aberfield, Griffin, Reynolds).
- 5.6: Authorize $50,000 from the Republic Services rebate account to contribute to the same project — Approved 5–1 (Griffin opposed).","Council authorized $100,000 from the Kevin and Mary Daniels Main Street Fund and $50,000 from the Republic Services rebate to buy and install year-round building-top lights in Downtown Nampa, after staff said property owners were contacted and partners pledged additional funds.",{"_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},6146229,"Nampa council approves lease and demonstration funding for refurbished NRGX bioreactor",1895,817000,2712000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5527913-8899a2295ca694f172e6d6adc5769a2e&start=817&end=2712","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5527913-8899a2295ca694f172e6d6adc5769a2e/thumbnail_817000.jpg","/articles/6146229/Nampa/Canyon-County/Idaho/Nampa-council-approves-lease-and-demonstration-funding-for-refurbished-NRGX-bioreactor","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6146229-d49eeb2ef51f25d61873ef27951440b1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771198843&Signature=XBjxdoeE6HPq8qGQdsPFcx65rwe1SH0AO5~roQ7QhOfTOS9lErXkq7nYa0rJf4pI4~F5qMMg-mOfq0tGBRndBPOdpzHUFhPboSaObjs~wXgxtJD9cjjB5dDodOmWCQ47srTlQtrxl0YQAU8LPKtt8Wo1iflpIsCXsiAcW-V-NcoHfdyRxswWb35WqFmyXTUyjiY7dtA2xzGbqHcExkoDAblc38qU6lTjtH3WIeEK3EE4~VCjhuYeicrf~~FqqszYocHb-9Xc0YZ5aODL8AklbQ1PaCwfRk~RccoQ2CXlWiC2p8TVqhS97zIR1W2ugAdXVHo3K6XuJYiPcoMvUbA8mA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Nampa City Council voted to authorize a lease-purchase agreement and to fund a short demonstration for a refurbished NRGX IE-60 bioreactor that city staff says would convert wastewater biosolids and wood feedstock into fuel, electricity and carbon products.

Senior Public Works Director Tom Points told the council the recommended lease arrangement would require an upfront escrow deposit and a first-month payment that together push initial city commitments to “no more than $1,382,000,” and that the leasing schedule includes monthly rental payments and a balloon payment at the end of the 42-month agreement. Points said the demonstration — a separate, smaller authorization the council approved — will let staff verify actual gas volumes and methane content from Nampa’s feedstock before committing to later phases.

The vote to authorize the mayor to sign the lease-purchase agreement with Commercial Funding Partners passed 4–2 (Mills, Everfield, Anguilla and Reynolds in favor; Rodriguez and Griffin opposed). The separate motion to allow the senior director of public works to proceed with the demonstration project in the amount of $181,418 passed 5–1 (Griffin opposed).

Why it matters: City staff presented the demonstration as a required step before committing to a multi-phase program projected by proponents to cost up to $30 million if fully built. The project is pitched as a way to increase wastewater-plant energy resilience, reduce biosolids volume and produce new revenue streams — power sales, carbon product sales and possibly pipeline-quality methane. But councilors pressed staff on cost, lender terms and vendor stability before approving the initial commitments.

What the council authorized and why staff pushed for a demo
Tom Points told the council that the loan/lease lender required an escrow deposit that would cover roughly the last nine months of payments plus the first-month lease payment; that total escrow-plus-first-month arrangement is the reason the initial cash ask is larger than staff had first expected. Points said staff modeled project revenues under conservative assumptions (using only the plant’s biosolids and no grants) and that those models still showed a payback in about six to eight years, but that the demonstration step is needed to validate actual gas volumes, methane content and carbon yields from Nampa’s feedstock.

Points said: “Return on investment looks pretty good through all the phases of the project,” and stressed the demonstration will test real-world performance rather than rely only on paper modeling.

Finance, risks and safeguards discussed
Council and staff discussed several financial details at length: the lease term is 42 months; monthly rental was presented as $138,200; there is a balloon payment of roughly 12% (about $600,000) due at the end of the lease. Staff and the city’s advisors said the effective initial note rate from the lease provider is relatively high (staff and advisors referenced roughly a 13% rate) because the lender is taking on perceived startup and nonstandard equipment risk. Staff and the city’s financial adviser said the city can refinance later — once the machine has demonstrated performance — and there is no prepayment penalty, although the balloon amount still would be due whether paid early or on schedule.

City staff said money for the initial payment would come from a reallocation of Headworks project funds in the Water Renewal enterprise (about $18 million was allocated to Headworks, roughly $4 million has been spent to date). Staff also reported NRGX offered to put three months of payments into escrow as a good-faith contribution and agreed in concept to a buyback clause: if the equipment does not meet specified performance criteria during the demo, NRGX would repurchase the unit.

Vendor provenance and technical claims
Bobby Yankeney, representing NRGX, told council the underlying thermal-conversion technology has a 20–26 year deployment history and that Integrated Energy (now part of the NRGX holding group) is the original operator of that technology. Yankeney said NRGX is a newly formed holding company consolidating several existing technology firms and that the specific thermal converter technology is well established in other deployments, including some U.S. military installations.

Points and others described the planned technology process as pyrolysis/thermal conversion (operating in a low-oxygen, indirect-heat environment) that would convert dried biosolids and wood into syngas for power generation and carbon byproducts (biochar/granular carbon). Staff said the machine can operate at up to 60 dry tons per day but Nampa would begin testing at a lower feed rate — modeled conservatively at 10 tons per day for initial ROI calculations given current biosolids supply — and that the wastewater plant has the physical capacity to accept higher feed rates later.

Council concerns and conditions
Councilors pressed staff on multiple items before voting: the relatively high effective interest/balloon payment, the need for a binding buyback/repurchase agreement, the lender’s escrow requirement tied to Idaho’s appropriation rules, and vendor longevity. Staff said a draft letter of intent and buyback language had been shared with the vendor but the vendor had only just received those materials and had not fully responded.

Council asked that buyback and performance-language be finalized before moving beyond the demonstration phase; staff said the demonstration authorization is precisely to establish measurable performance metrics (methane percentage, gas volumes, carbon content) and that those metrics would be the basis for any next-phase commitment.

Key financial and technical numbers (clarifying details)
- Initial escrow requested by the lender (to cover roughly last 9 months of payments): approximately $1,200,000 (source: Tom Points)
- First-month lease payment: $138,200 (source: lease rate sheet included in packet)
- Not-to-exceed initial cash commitment cited by staff: $1,382,000 (escrow + first month) (source: staff report)
- Lease term: 42 months (source: staff presentation)
- Monthly lease payment cited: $138,200 (source: rate sheet)
- Balloon payment at lease end: ~12% (about $600,000) (source: staff presentation)
- Effective note/lease rate discussed: ~13% (staff/advisor commentary)
- Demonstration contract authorized: $181,418 (approved separately)
- Full multi‑phase project estimate (all phases combined): about $30,000,000 (staff presentation)
- Machine throughput: up to 60 dry tons/day capacity; staff modeled worst-case at 10 tpd given current biosolids supply; plant could accept more feedstock later (source: Tom Points)
- Conservative modeled ROI (no grants, only Nampa biosolids): 6–8 years (staff analysis)

What’s next
Staff will execute the demo procurement and begin test runs; they said they will pursue permits (air permits, DEQ coordination) and finalize buyback and escrow language with NRGX. Staff and the city’s financial advisers also said they would continue to pursue refinancing and other lower-cost debt options after the demonstration, and would seek additional partners and possible grants before scaling to later phases.

Quotes
Senior Public Works Director Tom Points: “Return on investment looks pretty good through all the phases of the project.”
NRGX owner Bobby Yankeney: “We’ve agreed to buy back the unit. That’s not an issue.”

Ending
Council approved the two distinct authorizations needed to proceed: (1) the lease-purchase authorization that allows the city to take delivery of the refurbished converter under the financial terms presented, and (2) the smaller demonstration authorization that funds the initial, site-specific testing intended to prove throughput, gas quality and carbon yields before the city commits to larger capital phases. Staff will return with finalized performance language, detailed buyback/LOI terms and a timeline for the demonstration and permitting steps.","The Nampa City Council authorized a lease-purchase agreement and a separate demonstration project to test a refurbished NRGX IE-60 bioreactor at the wastewater plant, approving upfront escrow and demonstration-cost funding while members pressed staff on financing, performance guarantees and operational risks.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council approves several planning and zoning items: rezones, preliminary plat and CDBG annual action plan

Nampa council OKs $150,000 for downtown year‑round building-top lights; private donors and Republic Services contribute

Nampa council approves lease and demonstration funding for refurbished NRGX bioreactor