The McCall City Council voted to approve a letter requesting that Idaho State Parks consider annexing the Ponderosa State Park peninsula into the city’s limits.

Michelle Greeneville, the city’s community and economic development director, told the council the park is directly adjacent to city boundaries, is widely used by local residents and visitors, and currently has mixed emergency-response coverage: parts of the peninsula are served by the McCall Police Department and other parts by the Valley County Sheriff’s Office. Greeneville said Idaho State Parks has previously taken the position that park lands are not subject to local land‑use regulation, and that a full annexation would allow the city and state to clearly document roles, responsibilities and infrastructure obligations.

Greeneville said the park had recently requested city waterline service for Kokanee Cove as part of a project, and one of the conditions of that service request was that the property be annexed. She said Idaho State Parks indicated there is only one remaining sewer connection capacity for the park. The parks staff asked the council to provide a formal request letter as a first step prior to seeking a board decision at the state level.

Council member Mike moved to approve the request letter and authorize the mayor to sign necessary documents; Council member Lyle seconded. The council conducted a roll-call vote and the motion carried (recorded votes: Council member Machese — yes; Council member Nelson — yes; Mayor Bob Giles — yes). Greeneville said the annexation request mirrors a process used successfully in other communities, including Eagle.

Greeneville said a completed annexation would address jurisdiction for emergency response and clarify whether state park projects must run through local land‑use review; she noted Idaho State Parks’ past stance that park projects have not been processed through the city’s land‑use system. The motion directs only that the city send the requested letter; annexation itself would require subsequent steps and negotiation with Idaho State Parks and any necessary intergovernmental agreements.

Mayor Bob Giles and council members expressed support for continuing the partnership with the state park and for the staff to work on the next steps in the annexation process.