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Eagle Scout proposes free community food pantry; council encourages coordination with public works
Summary
Jackson Jensen, an Eagle Scout candidate, asked permission to place a free community pantry on city property; he said a local business pledged to fund the project and the youth city council will help maintain it. Councilmembers recommended specific locations and asked staff to coordinate placement and ADA/access concerns.
At the public‑forum portion of the March 17 meeting, Eagle Scout candidate Jackson Jensen proposed installing a free community food pantry on city property as his Eagle Scout project. Jensen said he had "secured a donor ... who has pledged to fund up to the whole project" and that the youth city council would check and maintain the pantry on a volunteer basis.
Councilmembers and staff asked practical questions about size, anchoring against wind and food spoilage checks. The youth city council mentor, Chelsea Rowley, said similar pantries in nearby Payson are filled and emptied daily and that spoilage has not been a problem there. Councilmembers suggested locations near the library or community garden, advised Jensen to coordinate with public works, and recommended a probationary period and on‑site meeting to confirm placement and ADA accessibility.
Jensen asked only for permission to place the pantry on city property and guidance on siting; staff recommended the applicant meet with the public works director (Jason Callaway) to identify a safe, visible, and accessible location. Councilmembers expressed strong support and encouraged coordination before construction.
Quote: Jensen said, "I'll take care of it all," offering to handle construction and upkeep; he also explained donors and volunteers would provide funding and labor.
What happens next: Jensen will meet with public works to settle exact siting and logistics; staff will advise on anchoring, sprinkler lines and ADA access before permitting or final placement.
