The Mountain Home City Council heard public comments and discussed golf course merchandise, fees and operations, adopted Ordinance 1825, and advanced an Intermountain Gas franchise ordinance. Council members also discussed plans for a town hall on Nov. 23.

Discussion Points

•A council member proposed Nov. 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Elks Lodge, with a possible Dec. 17 backup at Pioneer.
•Council members clarified that the ordinance was being considered under a two-reading process and asked whether it could be read by title only.
•Council members requested advisory committee input and a more itemized understanding of proposed purchases.
•Members discussed recording, venue capacity, microphones, moderation, question formats and time limits.
•Members questioned rate impacts, merchant-service fees, cart-pass pricing, operating data and liability for damage to carts.
•Mike estimated operating costs at about $38 per round and discussed possible resident and nonresident rates.
•Nixon asked whether the city had recovered a $314,000 snowplow check and suggested holding checks briefly after council meetings.
•The golf professional said the $20,000 request was a budget limit for charge accounts, not a plan to spend that amount entirely on apparel.

Decisions

•The council adopted Ordinance 1825, revising self-service storage definitions and land-use classifications and changing a multifamily definition related to development impact fees.
•The council approved the introduction and first reading of Ordinance 1822 and heard its terms read.
•The council voted to table the request pending a joint recommendation.

Directions

•A council member said he would continue pursuing the venue and logistical arrangements.
•Mike said he would provide additional cart and operating data and bring cart-related information to the golf advisory committee.
•The golf professional agreed to work with the golf advisory committee.

Oct

City Council Regular Meeting - Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Mountain Home City Council considered adding an emergency moratorium on data-center permits amid heavy public comment, swore in Kyle Williams as police chief, approved equipment lease paperwork for a new dump truck after debate over funding and a clerical purchase error, and approved several engineering task orders and zoning revisions.

Discussion Points

•Costs for engineering (~$89,000 task order) debated but considered necessary
•Council considered scheduling and logistics for a town hall
•Council debated legal risk and communication strategy
•Engineering task order will define required scope
•Evidence presented that a payment may have been mailed from impact fees before council approval
•Fleet reliability concerns and justification for replacement
•Mayor read statement on unsolicited proposal and zoning restrictions
•Prior bids lacked core testing and subbase clarification
•Public called for regular town halls and clearer plain‑language explanations of proposals
•Public commenters urged prohibition or moratorium on data centers and more town halls
•Recognition and welcoming of new chief
•Staff explanation of clerical error and steps to recover funds
•Williams' priorities: transparency and community policing

Decisions

•Agenda amended to add moratorium resolution for consideration
•Lease approved and resolution authorized for mayoral signature
•Swearing in completed; chief to assume duties
•Target date: Nov. 18 (to be finalized)
•Task order #038 approved and mayor authorized to sign

Directions

•Approve 5‑year lease option with funding reallocated to capital reserve/repair lines; staff to pursue refund of any mailed check
•Authorize task order to produce core sample data and survey work before rebidding.
•City staff to pursue legal review and prepare formal resolution language and public engagement plan
•Councilman Harjo to coordinate a town hall for mid‑November
•Council to aim for a town hall the week of Nov. 18
•Staff to identify a venue and sound/recording logistics
•Support transition and provide departmental resources as needed

Oct

Planning & Zoning/DIFAC Regular Meeting 10/20/2026

Planning and Zoning Commission and Development Impact Advisory Committee discussed a preliminary plat extension request for Albatross Green, a proposed zoning definition and regulatory approach for data centers and associated energy storage, and a detailed impact-fee study with a proposal to move fees from unit-based to square-footage-based charges.

Discussion Points

•Applicant filed extension timely; engineering delays and existing structure cited as reasons.
•Bitcoin mining may not be exempt and could be regulated depending on size and impacts.
•Energy-storage facilities present fire and toxic-release risks requiring tier-specific thresholds and safety documentation.
•Idaho Power controls electrical capacity; the city can regulate uses but may not control utility service decisions.
•Including Brown Belt segments would raise the fee ceiling; ownership must be confirmed.
•Nexus study provides maximum fee ceilings based on CIP and growth projections.
•Parks acquisition: study models acquiring 5 acres over 10 years at illustrative per‑acre costs ($35,000/acre in presentation).
•Projected impact-fee revenue over 10 years would cover part of CIP; committee discussed bonds and partnerships.
•Proposal to move from unit-type fees to square-footage-based fees to align fee to demand.
•Proposed Station 4: ~10,000 sq ft, estimated ~$5,000,000; growth-related share in example ~ $3,000,000.
•Use comp-plan language to justify performance standards and zoning amendments for data centers; adopted approach should be tiered and metric-based (power/EDU/water).

Decisions

•Committee recommended drafting written comments recommending a move to square-footage fee basis (to be authored by Rob).

Directions

•Advisory committee to prepare written comments recommending square-footage approach and consider phased implementation percentages.
•Department heads to attend a joint meeting to prioritize CIP projects and discuss phasing.
•Include energy-storage tiers and lists of required compliance studies in the draft ordinance.
•Refine fee schedule to reflect feasible funding and equity across benefit areas.
•Staff and counsel will draft tier thresholds and suggested ordinance language; propose permit types by zone for future review.
•Staff to confirm which Brown Belt/pathway segments are city‑owned and include only eligible projects in the fee benefit area.
•Staff to present refined fee schedules and department heads to attend joint meeting for further discussion.
•Staff to record final vote tally in minutes and notify applicant.

Oct

Airport Advisory Meeting - Monday, October 19, 2026 at 6:00 PM

The Mountain Home Airport Advisory Committee met Oct. 19 to receive project updates (hangar closeout, FAA predesign for LED runway/taxiway lighting), discuss whether a city airport-overlay zoning should be pursued, consider lease/ordinance approaches for hangar upkeep, and set the next meeting for Jan. 18, 2027.

Discussion Points

•City owns 273 acres near the runway providing buffer for future expansion.
•Concern that annexation could enable higher-density housing that leads to noise complaints.
•Existing leases sometimes include maintenance and conduct requirements for lessees.
•FAA predesign meeting scheduled for LED runway/taxiway lighting upgrade; benefits include energy efficiency and more durable fixtures.
•Hangar project closeout completed pending paperwork and payment.
•Members discussed electing a new chair at first meeting of the year and frequency of meetings.
•Next meeting date options of Jan. 18 or Jan. 25 considered; committee chose Jan. 18.
•Prior councils relied on the county airport overlay for unannexed properties.
•Retrofitting existing leases with addenda would be administratively difficult.

Decisions

•Next meeting set for Jan. 18; staff will prepare background materials.
•No immediate ordinance proposed; committee will review master-plan/annexation materials before next meeting.

Directions

•Development services should notify the airport advisory committee about land-use applications affecting the airport so the committee can provide aeronautical feedback and coordinate with FAA as needed.
•Staff to circulate master-plan and draft materials before the Jan. 18 meeting.
•Staff to compile lease examples and draft potential ordinance language addressing weed control, taxiway cleanliness and tenant responsibilities; consider onboarding procedure tied to gate-code assignment.
•Staff to notify committee of FAA predesign meeting and provide updates on procurement/timeline.

Oct

Mondays with the Mayor - October 19, 2026

Mayor Sykes answered public questions on transportation safety projects, Railroad Park delays, merchant service fees and proposed ordinances for e-scooters during a Monday, Nov. 19, 2026 online Q&A.

Discussion Points

•Approximate $84,555.19 deficit noted
•Drainage rework for fountain
•Event dates and mechanics (passport/Waldos)
•Federal LTAC funding delays
•FY26 budgeted $112,000 for merchant fees
•Increasing collisions with scooters and bikes
•Infrastructure gaps cited: gas main capacity, Idaho Power interconnection costs
•ITD meeting attendance and topics
•Merchant processors, not city, charge card fees
•Need for clear definitions of devices
•Need for TIS to warrant a full signal
•Passport drop‑off deadline and prize drawing
•Preference for mid‑block HAWK vs crosswalk
•Remaining long‑lead components (grates, light poles)
•Supply‑chain and vendor delays
•Three sample ordinances reviewed
•Tribal trust land reduces property tax revenue and changes funding needs
•Use of impact fees and CDBG grants to offset costs

Decisions

•No council vote recorded; framing for future negotiations and impact fee use.
•No formal action; community announcement.
•No formal vote; continue contractor remediation and testing.
•No formal vote; proceed with study and future council consideration
•No immediate policy change recorded
•No vote; legal review requested

Directions

•City Attorney to draft definitions and revise ordinance
•Commission Traffic Impact Study (Public Works)
•Schedule ITD quarterly coordination meetings and invite council

Oct

City Council Regular Meeting 10/13/2026

Mountain Home City Council met Oct. 13, 2026; council held a public hearing on a proposed merchant services (credit card) consumer fee, handled multiple consent-agenda items (removing a $250,000 snowplow purchase), approved police vehicle leases and airport hangar leases, approved a senior center parking-lot paving, and heard a presentation from tribal leaders about a proposed casino project and related infrastructure needs.

Discussion Points

•20-year terms are common to enable bank financing for hangars.
•Amendment passed and mayor authorized to sign.
•Bid structure (one-phase vs. two-phase) and mobility fee differences influenced preference for the low bid.
•Clarified that only two vehicles would be unmarked to limit cost.
•Council asked if the $316,805 is additional to a prior $380,000 task order; staff to reconcile.
•Council considered using street-reconstruction funds given available balances.
•Council questioned whether all airport leases should use the same term but staff said long terms facilitate financing.
•Public hearing raised questions about impact on seniors and automatic payments; council framed measure as shifting processor costs to card users.
•Staff clarified fund carryover rules and asked for direction about reallocation.
•Staff confirmed alternative payment methods remain available; council asked for customer-facing language.
•Staff to provide lease paperwork when VINs are available.
•Tribe described land-into-trust steps and environmental assessment.
•Tribe requested city cooperation on water/wastewater modeling, EDU assessment and transportation planning.
•Use of $250,000 in impact fees questioned; alternatives (CIP projects) suggested.

Decisions

•Amendment 1 approved; mayor authorized signatory.
•Bills approved with snowplow and lease-purchase equipment removed pending documentation.
•No formal action taken; presenters invited to return with more detailed studies.
•Paving approved at lowest bid, funded from 024312300.
•Resolution 26-2026 adopted to implement merchant services fee.
•Resolution R 207-2026 authorizing lease passed.
•Resolutions to approve land and hangar leases passed.

Directions

•Clerk to finalize lease documentation and record executed lease.
•Public Works to proceed with contracting and report back the executed contract.
•Staff to draft customer disclosure language and operational instructions for the payment portal.
•Staff to furnish final lease documents and payment schedule.
•Staff to prepare memo with invoices, GL lines, and carryover status.
•Staff to record the amendment and report cumulative contract totals.
•Tribal team and city staff to coordinate water/wastewater studies and discuss MOUs for public safety as needed.

Sep

Mondays with the Mayor - September 28, 2026

Mayor Sykes provided updates on staffing at the police department, upcoming State of the City plans, grant awards for sewer lagoon and park/airport projects, municipal infrastructure (broadband LID), and community events during a 'Mondays with the Mayor' livestream for Mountain Home, Idaho.

Discussion Points

•Airport closed Oct. 5 to finalize runway markings funded by FAA grant
•City pitched for Idaho Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to rehab tennis courts
•City preference that citizens own broadband infrastructure to preserve ISP choice
•Contractors delayed due to other jets and a medical emergency
•Council adopted ordinance for hangar fee structures to support rentals
•Council approved opening BMX track
•Festival of Beers is run by Chamber with proceeds for Christmas displays
•Future staffing choices (assistant chief/captain vs. lieutenants) to be decided by new chief
•Grant will enable larger lagoon design and reduce city's direct funding need
•Homecoming on Oct. 6 announced
•LED 2 paperwork expected at the first October council meeting
•Mayor said hookup fees for the second LID are much lower than the first
•OLDCC awarded approximately $5,000,000, with $4,500,000 for sewer lagoon
•Playground installations at Carl Miller and Richard Garrett with high ADA‑compliant costs
•Possible work resumption in weeks or spring
•Potential start date of Nov. 1 contingent on acceptance
•Railroad Park had a successful preview; lighting pole incorrectly sited and fixtures delayed
•Selection of Kyle Wills as leading candidate despite no completed hire
•Work would be scheduled next fiscal year if awarded

Decisions

•BMX track access approved
•Ordinance adopted for hangar fee structure (details not specified)

Sep

City Council Regular Meeting - Tuesday, September 22, 2026 at 5:00 PM

The Mountain Home City Council met Sept. 22, 2026. Public commenters urged safer crossings and better street lighting; council debated a water/wastewater EDU appeal for Grapevine 7 Inc., authorized staff latitude to negotiate lesson-fee splits with golf-pro candidates (up to an 80/20 split), and approved an OLDC grant authorization for the mayor to sign.

Discussion Points

•Budget-session decision earlier favored 100% to the city; some members warned strict policy could deter candidates.
•Candidates indicated industry norms include lesson splits; council members described 80/20 as typical and discussed range-ball allowances.
•Council decided timely submission and mayor signature were necessary to pursue award consideration.
•Interpretation of ordinance subsections a/b/c/d and whether the EDU table or per-gallon approach should control.
•Keller's 5,000-gallons-per-EDU standard and Clearwater's ongoing evaluation of the EDU table.
•Resident asked for either a full traffic signal or a pedestrian hybrid beacon and said they were gathering petition signatures.
•Resident described inadequate lighting in parks and neighborhoods and linked it to public-safety concerns.
•Resident reported multiple near-misses and a non-flashing pedestrian beacon at River Airbase Road.
•Resident suggested white/LED lights and a PSA to parents to improve visibility.
•Staff described the OLDC submission timeline; council noted an apparent discrepancy between a countersign target (Sept. 24) and obligate window to Sept. 30.

Decisions

•Authorize mayor to sign application confirmed
•Motion to authorize negotiation passed
•Motion to table passed unanimously

Directions

•Hiring committee may discuss splits up to 80/20 during interviews and report results to council.
•Staff to confirm dates with grantor and return with any award paperwork.
•Staff to evaluate lighting options and coordination with police and the transportation plan.
•Staff to follow up with ITD and include crossing in master transportation plan coordination.
•Staff to obtain Clearwater\u0019s analysis and perform account audits; return to council for further deliberation.

Sep

City of Mountain Home Council Meeting 09-22-2026

The Mountain Home City Council heard public safety concerns, tabled a water and wastewater EDU appeal pending further information, authorized a golf-instruction fee split for hiring discussions, and approved submission of a grant application. Council members also questioned employee benefit costs and urged follow-up with the Idaho Transportation Department on intersection projects.

Discussion Points

•A speaker identified 5,000 gallons as one EDU; members discussed the EDU table and the 196.5-EDU assessment.
•A staff member said a percentage was needed before an employment offer could be prepared.
•A staff member said the city had emailed ITD with proposed meeting dates and had not received a reply.
•Councilman Harjo raised whether range-ball costs would reduce the professional’s effective share.
•Councilman McCarthy said a meeting with ITD and the design team was needed and described frustration with delays.
•Councilman McCarthy said the packet did not provide cost totals or indicate whether costs were increasing.
•Councilman McCarthy said the prior budget discussion had been to retain 100% of lesson revenue for the city this year and revisit the issue next year.
•Councilman Sanders said candidates treated lesson-fee sharing as important to recruitment and cited discussed splits from 60/40 to 80/20.
•Councilman Sanders said fairness of past applications remained an open question and urged an internal review.
•Councilman Sanders said Sept. 24 was the target date and funds needed to be obligated before the end of the fiscal year.
•McCarthy said Wendy Howell had previously identified a possible IDAPA waiver requirement for Airbase Road and Haskett.
•Members clarified that the city was submitting an application, not receiving a confirmed grant award.
•Members discussed possible indirect course revenue, including range balls and additional rounds.
•Members disputed how the EDU ordinance’s sections applied to the RV park appeal.
•Members said Clearwater was evaluating EDUs as part of a wider process, not specifically rewriting the table.
•Phoenix described vehicles passing while the family waited to cross and said the crossing lights were not flashing on a later day.
•Phoenix proposed a traffic signal or pedestrian hybrid beacon and improved visibility.
•Phoenix said business signs and a full parking lot obstructed the view of oncoming traffic.
•Staff said Delta Dental rose 2%, the city covers that portion, property costs rose slightly, and the city’s $1,000-per-employee contribution was unchanged.
•The application package was described as including lagoon design and environmental materials.
•The commenter expressed concern about a recent fatality; the meeting did not establish that lighting caused or could have prevented it.
•The commenter said street and park lighting was inadequate and raised pedestrian visibility concerns.
•The commenter suggested brighter or white lights, outdoor lights at homes and school safety education.
•The mayor and staff described dependent health-plan cost increases and a Regence credit of about $114,000.
•The mayor said city projects require ITD approvals, permits and funding; Councilman Harjo asked whether Ardera should be involved.
•The mayor said the item arrived that day and needed a signature by Sept. 30; the letter cited Sept. 24 as a countersignature target.

Decisions

•The consent agenda proceeded; Councilman McCarthy stated he would vote no. The transcript does not provide a full vote tally.
•The council approved a fee-sharing discussion cap of 80% to the professional and 20% to the city, seeking the lowest ratio agreeable to both sides.
•The council approved the mayor’s signature on the grant application letter.
•The council voted to table the appeal until additional information from Clearwater is available.

Directions

•The mayor and selected hiring committee were authorized to discuss fee-sharing with candidates within the approved cap.
•The mayor said the city would clarify the meeting status and follow up with Councilman McCarthy.
•The mayor was authorized to sign the application letter.

Sep

City Council Regular Meeting - Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Mountain Home City Council met Sept. 8, 2026. The meeting included public comment on community engagement and surveillance, votes on airport tie-down fees and several facility-use agreements, a lengthy dispute over utility EDU (equivalent dwelling unit) charges for an RV resort, debate over a golf-cart fee waiver request, and direction to draft an e-bike/e-scooter ordinance.

Discussion Points

•Council approved the agreements but asked for clarified language and confirmation of accessibility.
•Council asked staff to compute averages using winter months or 12/24 month windows and to bring engineer oversight.
•Council expressed concern about vague duration term 'a few hours' and liability for fragile populations.
•Councilors worried about liability and equipment use; amended motion added pre‑opening signage condition.
•Council preferred education-first enforcement and asked staff to model language on Boise/Garden City.
•Council preferred having Verizon explain technical aspects and compensation in person.
•Council sought clarification on what a 'fall easement' covers and whether applicant accepted liability.
•Irrigation district offered site visits and information to council.
•Petitioner disputed a large jump from ~29 EDUs to much higher figures; staff pointed to the EDU table and the need to audit.
•Police recommended class-based approach (class 1/2/3) and helmet education for youth.
•Potential revenue and precedent implications for annual tournaments.
•Residents said many feel afraid to speak at council meetings due to social retaliation and limited online feedback.
•Speakers recommended town halls and broader outreach beyond low‑view online videos.
•Staff and legal said cottages provide staff and that the arrangement is a long‑standing stopgap.
•Staff described volunteer maintenance scope: shovel/rake only; no demolition.
•Staff's interim calculation using reported monthly gallons produced roughly 55 EDUs; petitioner suggested 65–67 might be fairer.
•Whether fee waivers are an administrative decision or legislative policy matter.

Decisions

•Approve both emergency‑use agreements with Cottage Investors LLC, authorize mayor and clerk to sign.
•Item tabled.
•Item tabled pending staff data and engineering review.
•Opening approved with signage requirement
•Referral to staff/police to draft ordinance.
•Request to waive fees denied.

Directions

•Police and staff to draft blended ordinance and return for review.
•Staff to clarify waiver procedures and if necessary propose policy to council.
•Staff to install signage and publish rules before opening; coordinate with volunteers for non‑structural maintenance.
•Staff to produce a 12/24‑month consumption average and to consult Keller (engineer) for a formal calculation; tabled until next meeting.
•Staff to refine agreement language and report back; verify buildings' accessibility.
•Table item until Verizon rep can be present; staff to request compensation and liability details.

Sep

City Council Regular Meeting - Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM

City council discussed public comments on community engagement and data centers, approved opening a BMX track with signage, approved emergency-use agreements with Cottage Investors LLC for two city buildings, denied a golf-cart fee waiver request, tabled a water EDU dispute for further staff analysis, and moved to draft an e-bike ordinance.

Discussion Points

•Concerns about fair treatment of other long-standing tournaments and financial impacts were raised.
•Council amended motion to require signage before opening.
•Council questioned the meaning of 'a few hours' and the city's readiness to host medically fragile residents.
•Council requested class-based vehicle definitions (class 1–3) modeled on Boise/Garden City.
•Debate whether waiver authority resides with the mayor or council and whether waiving for one event sets a precedent.
•Need for clear evaluation criteria and potential staff/employee impacts.
•Petitioner disputed the magnitude of EDU increase and suggested alternative calculations used in other cities.
•Police recommended education-first enforcement and helmet guidance for under-18s.
•Staff cited ordinance language permitting initial table use and subsequent adjustment based on average monthly consumption.
•Staff noted operator responsibility for resident care and lack of prior emergency uses.
•Staff recommended limited volunteer maintenance and warned against demolition or renovations.
•Whether to issue an RFP as contingency planning vs. keeping municipal operations in-house.

Decisions

•Both agreements approved; mayor and city clerk authorized to sign.
•Draft ordinance authorized; no ordinance adopted at this meeting.
•Item tabled pending data-driven recalculation.
•Motion to deny waiver passed; no policy change enacted.
•Motion to open BMX track approved with signage requirement.
•No RFP released; continue drafting and evaluation planning.

Directions

•Council members and staff to refine the RFP evaluation plan and return a coordinated draft.
•Police and staff to draft ordinance and an outreach/education plan for schools and youth.
•Return draft for council review before enforcement.
•Staff to clarify duration/terminology and accessibility provisions in future drafts.
•Staff to document rationale and continue treating fee waivers as an administrative issue unless a policy change is proposed.
•Staff to establish and install signage and shared-use procedures before opening.
•Staff to produce 24-month usage data and recalculate EDUs per ordinance; Keller engineering may be consulted.

Sep

City of Mountain Home Council Meeting 09-08-2026

The Mountain Home City Council discussed emergency shelter agreements, water and wastewater billing for an RV resort, golf course operations and fees, a proposed e-bike ordinance, and other city matters. The council took several actions, including tabling a Verizon easement request and directing staff to return with updated utility-use calculations.

Discussion Points

•A council member raised the possibility of asking Verizon for payment for the easement.
•A council member referred to an email from a business expressing possible interest; the mayor said the email would be located and shared.
•A police representative said an officer had been assigned to develop training; members discussed an education-first approach to enforcement.
•Councilman Sanders raised liability, emergency-response and city-equipment concerns.
•Council members discussed the ordinance’s account-review provisions, consumption-based calculations, differences among estimated EDU counts, and possible review of the EDU table.
•Friedman disputed an increase from 29 to approximately 196 EDUs and said the resort’s expansion and added facilities should be accounted for.
•Harjo noted that tie-down fees are waived for operable Civil Air Patrol aircraft.
•Horvath raised concerns about public participation, communication, water conservation, data centers and surveillance cameras.
•McCarthy said he supported the Civil Air Patrol but opposed the proposed fees.
•Members disagreed about the value of preparing an RFP while the city’s current golf-course operating model continued.
•Members raised sidewalk and road-use concerns, helmet safety, public education and distinctions among e-bike and e-motorcycle types.
•Members said the request materials were difficult to understand and asked what a fall-zone easement would cover.
•One council member argued the tournament’s history, 180 projected players and 40 additional carts supported a one-time waiver; the member estimated $13,000-plus in cart rentals and an additional $880 fee.
•One member described an RFP as contingency planning and due diligence; others opposed outsourcing or did not intend to draft the RFP.
•Other council members argued that fee policy should be applied consistently and raised concern about preferential treatment.
•Sanders questioned the undefined duration of “a few hours,” the possibility of overnight use and the city’s ability to accommodate residents needing specialized care.
•Sanders said the matter was an administrative decision for the mayor; a legal adviser said the mayor was not bound by the council’s vote on that decision.
•Staff described public access as the goal and said anticipated volunteer maintenance was limited to raking and weed control; property demolition or renovation was not allowed.
•Staff described the facilities as temporary relocation points and said the Cottages would provide care staff.
•Staff said the approximate 55-EDU calculation used a stated monthly consumption figure that should be checked against official records.
•The mayor said camera purchases were not budgeted and the city was awaiting state legislation; the mayor also cited prior city discussions of data centers and water.

Decisions

•The council approved public access, conditional on proper signage being in place before opening.
•The council approved Resolution 24-2026R.
•The council approved the Discovery building agreement as a second location 3-1.
•The council approved the Parks and Recreation building agreement 3-1.
•The council tabled the request.
•The council voted unanimously to move forward with drafting an ordinance; it did not adopt an ordinance at this meeting.
•The first motion to deny the waiver failed on a 2-2 recorded vote.
•The matter was tabled until the next council meeting; no new billing amount was approved.
•The transcript says a later motion to deny was made and that a council member said the request had been denied, but the final tally is unclear.

Directions

•A Verizon representative was asked to attend and answer questions before the request returns.
•One council member said they would continue working on an evaluation plan and draft documents.
•Staff and police representatives were asked to prepare ordinance language for a later council review.
•Staff was asked to produce an average based on 24 months of usage records and bring a calculation back to the council.
•Staff was authorized to establish shared-use rules, signage and procedures.

Aug

City Council Regular Meeting - Tuesday, August 25, 2026 at 5:00 PM

Mountain Home City Council met on 2026-08-25 to hear public comment, consider the 10th Street East rehabilitation bids (council moved to reject all bids and directed a new, engineered RFP), adopt a tentative FY2027 budget and associated levy certification, approve airport tie-down fees based on propulsion type, and approve several consent items including water/wastewater rate-study addenda.

Discussion Points

•Airport manager Tom Hogue preferred propulsion model but was unavailable to speak (on a refueling task).
•Bid lacked core-testing and contained uncapped allowances for soft-spot repair.
•Clarified that current noncompliant bleachers will be removed and replaced on existing concrete slabs with parks staff assembling.
•Confirmed this is a materials purchase; parks staff time is part of regular duties.
•Cost estimates for connection-fee studies (~$17,000–$20,000 each).
•Levy calculation components and method of computation.
•Resident disputed prior staff statement that the city does not provide sandbags.
•Resident reported repeated flooding and requested city mitigation (speed bumps, sandbags).
•Staff clarified a staffing question about water department job postings.
•Tradeoffs of propulsion vs. weight/space models: administrative burden and staffing.
•Unclear whether city or contractor would bear variable work quantities.
•Whether connection-fee (availability/hookup) analyses should be added to the rate study.

Decisions

•Addenda approved; staff to follow up with consultant and bring connection study options back to council.
•No immediate capital commitment; issue to be considered during engineered RFP for street project.
•Propulsion-based fee model adopted (3–2).
•Purchase approved on consent agenda.
•Rejected all bids; staff to return with engineered RFP.
•Tentative budget adopted; levy L2 certified.

Directions

•Adopt propulsion-based model and draft a resolution including Civil Air Patrol tie-downs.
•Approve rate-study addenda and bring connection-fee analyses back as an amendment or coordinate methodology with the consultant.
•Proceed with ordinance readings and submission of certified levy to county.
•Proceed with purchase and assembly; bring back any significant changes if needed.
•Residents to provide photos/videos to city staff for follow-up.
•Staff to engage an engineering firm (e.g., Keller) to prepare engineered specs before rebid.
•Staff to provide accounting showing what work city crews can perform in-house.

Aug

City of Mountain Home Council Meeting 08-25-2026

The Mountain Home City Council heard public comments on flooding, public engagement and traffic cameras, then considered road, airport, parks, utility-study and golf-credit items. It approved a $62.85 million fiscal 2027 budget ordinance and several other actions.

Discussion Points

•A city representative said the airport manager favored propulsion-based fees and was away refueling a firefighting aircraft.
•A council member said state-level action might address the matter and local council could consider remaining gaps.
•A staff member clarified that the water-operator job posting was to replace an employee who resigned, not fill a position that was not funded.
•Corvis criticized notice and format, said online platforms did not allow public comments and urged face-to-face dialogue.
•Corvis urged council to consider a local policy and characterized the issue as controversial and constitutionally problematic.
•Council members approved a tentative fiscal 2027 budget and L2 levy certification before considering Ordinance 1824.
•McCarthy cited a Keller and Associates letter and asked that connection-fee studies be considered alongside rate studies.
•Members debated propulsion-based fees versus weight- or space-based approaches, staffing and limited tie-down capacity.
•Members debated the Dec. 31 expiration date, bookkeeping and tournament credits earned near fiscal year-end.
•Members discussed an engineered scope, detailed cost allowances and work city crews could perform.
•Members questioned core testing, repair depth, utility conflicts, undefined quantities and responsibility for extra costs.
•Nixon described recurring driveway flooding, the route of runoff and disagreement over the city’s sandbag response.
•Nixon said a Monday 9 a.m. town hall did not work for her.
•She said a prior statement about FEMA funding to fix the road had not come to pass, according to what she had since heard.
•Staff clarified that the budget assignment covered rate studies, while connection studies would have an additional cost.
•Staff clarified that the policy governs credits within the golf course system and did not determine whether tournament organizers can provide outside prizes.
•Staff described the existing bleachers as old and noncompliant and said they would be replaced on existing slabs.
•Staff estimated assembly would likely occur in winter.
•Staff said about $1,100 in credits was in the system.
•Staff said Clearwater Financial could help consider how connection fees relate to impact fees.

Decisions

•Council approved addendum No. 1 and addendum No. 2 in separate votes, each with four recorded ayes.
•Council approved Resolution 25-2026 R with four recorded ayes.
•Council approved the Parks Department purchase and allocation by four recorded ayes.
•Council approved the tentative FY 2027 budget, the L2 certification and Ordinance 1824 with four recorded ayes on each action.
•Council voted to reject all bids.

Directions

•A city representative said an engineering cost estimate would be brought to council before the revised request for proposals.
•Staff said a resolution, including a Civil Air Patrol waiver, would follow once council selected a charging method.
•The Mayor said connection-fee study proposals would return at the next meeting, identified in discussion as September.
•The policy was to be sent to the Golf Advisory Committee for feedback; possible edits could return to council.

Aug

Mondays with the Mayor - August 24, 2026

Mayor Sykes hosted the "Mondays with the Mayor" town-hall-style livestream for Mountain Home, answering resident questions about restoration of the park F‑111, fiber/LID timing, pool closure, street projects, a $2,000,000 donation from Pioneer, and community events; he provided timelines and next steps for fiber and aircraft restoration.

Discussion Points

•10th Street delayed; maintenance to follow at Railroad Park.
•Completed milling on Jackson Street and Tyndall subdivision street rebuilds; asbestos waterline removed and replaced.
•Council approved moving the fiber project to public hearing; attorney must draft narrative to submit to judge; preliminary numbers show lower hookup fees.
•Dispatch agreement reported signed by county commissioners; mayor clarified funding sources include E‑911 fees and county tax revenue.
•Flag clip repaired by city staff; restoration budgeted; contractor Ponds 4th LTD is finishing work at Mountain Home AFB; mayor has asked contractor to begin park work before Air Force Appreciation Day.
•Launched street sweeper photo contest; prize gift cards donated by citizens.
•Mayor said prior understanding that agreement applied only to non‑emergency services was in error and county action resolved the question.
•Pioneer donated $2,000,000 to the city and was publicly thanked by the mayor.
•Pool season ends this weekend due to staffing and funding constraints; city exploring revenue events to offset costs.
•Residents in older neighborhoods encouraged to organize to meet LID opt‑in thresholds.

Aug

Planning & Zoning/DIFAC Regular Meeting with City Council - Tuesday, August 18, 2026 at 5:30 PM

Joint Planning & Zoning Commission and Mountain Home City Council meeting focused on drafting a definition and zoning approach for data centers, a preliminary plat extension request for Blue Yonder West, and routine department reports.

Discussion Points

•Applicant requested one-year extension citing plan approval delays for a sewer lift station.
•City code lacks a data‑center definition; recent state code affects consumptive water use for data centers.
•Municipal water and wastewater capacity constrain permitting of data centers; battery storage poses fire hazards; decommissioning and bonding were recommended.
•Resident Sylvia Nixon urged opposition to local data centers citing water use, noise, and limited local employment.
•Staff and counsel to draft a definition with tiers and conditions for the land‑use chart.

Decisions

•Agreement to proceed with drafting an ordinance.
•Preliminary plat extension approved (motion passed).

Directions

•Brenda and legal counsel to draft ordinance language and return for commission review and a joint public hearing.
•Extension approved; applicant to finish development plans and meet infrastructure/bonding requirements before final plat approval.
•Include technical studies, fire protection standards, and decommissioning bond requirements in the ordinance draft.
•Staff to draft data‑center definitions and ordinance language for future review and public hearing.

Aug

City of Mountain Home Planning and Zoning Meeting 08-18-2026

The City of Mountain Home Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council held a joint discussion about possible data-center regulations, including water, power, land-use, fire-safety and decommissioning concerns. The meeting also approved a preliminary plat extension for Blue Yonder West and received an update on impact fees and development activity.

Discussion Points

•Officials discussed possible data-center and energy-storage definitions, zoning categories, water use, wastewater discharge, noise, power capacity, fire risk, technical studies and decommissioning.
•Participants disagreed over whether facility size, potential effects or both should guide regulation, and whether a blanket prohibition would capture facilities officials might want to allow.
•Staff reported the year-to-date education-unit count, compared it with the same point in the previous year and noted pending multifamily development.
•Staff said emergency medical services impact fees were being collected despite a few initial problems.
•Staff said infrastructure must be installed or bonded before final plat approval.
•Staff said the development plans and infrastructure, including plans for a sewer lift station, remained under review.

Decisions

•The commission approved a one-year extension of the Blue Yonder West preliminary plat.

Directions

•A participant proposed that the city attorney work with Brenda on draft definitions for data centers and energy-storage facilities and bring them back for discussion. The meeting did not record a formal assignment or vote.

Aug

City Council Special Meeting - Friday, August 14, 2026 at 9:00 AM

County commissioners and Mountain Home officials debated a proposed increase to a city-county dispatch agreement, raising questions about staffing costs, budget timing and contract language; commissioners agreed to delay final action to allow more discussion and a possible special meeting.

Discussion Points

•Desire to maintain intergovernmental partnership
•Distinction between service fee and staffing cost
•How the proposed increase would affect closed municipal budgets
•Need for call-volume data and clearer accounting
•Projected percentage of city general fund affected (1.58%)
•Whether contract language ('labor and other costs') legally requires payment for staffing
•Whether the dispatch agreement should be priced by headcount (a dispatcher's salary) or by service level

Decisions

•Formal decision postponed; no motion passed
•No action taken; deferred pending further data
•No action taken; item deferred

Directions

•City and county staff to return with cost justification and term protections
•Staff to produce updated cost breakdowns and call‑volume data; county legal counsel to clarify contract language
•Staff to provide cost breakdown and nonemergency call statistics

Aug

City of Mountain Home Council Meeting 08-14-2026

County and City of Mountain Home representatives discussed the price and terms of a dispatch agreement, including competing cost estimates and the city’s already-adopted budget. No agreement or vote was reached; participants discussed returning to the issue after exchanging more information.

Discussion Points

•Participants debated whether the agreement funds a dispatch service or staffing, the proposed cost increase, fairness to city and county residents, call-volume information and budget constraints.
•Participants offered differing cost figures and increase proposals; the transcript does not reconcile the figures.

Decisions

•No motion or vote was taken, and no agreement was reached in the transcript.

Directions

•Participants discussed exchanging more information and potentially meeting again; no specific date or formal assignment was established.

Aug

City Council Regular Meeting - Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at 5:00 PM

City council on 2026-08-11 heard public comment on proposed pool fee increases and airport tie-down fees, tabled a Summit Construction street-rehabilitation contract for further review, and approved a resolution to keep the single-day public swim fee at $2 while directing further review of other pool fees.

Discussion Points

•Airport advisory committee supported modest increases to tie-down fees to amortize airport costs.
•Council discussed fairness of propulsion-based fees and practical administration of square-footage pricing.
•Council discussed preserving $2 single-day fee while increasing party and specialized service fees.
•Councilman Sanders argued the bid lacked fixed pricing for soft-spot repairs and that in-kind city work could hide true costs; he estimated a $113,072.64 difference between bid types.
•Council urged attendance at the county meeting and public monitoring.
•County packet included a higher starting number (~$114,445) than the city’s $90,000 + $10,000 structure the city expected.
•Public commenters said low-income families would be disproportionately affected (cited eligibility percentages).
•Public works staff said the current contract is a full road construction project including density testing and certifications.
•Speakers argued local action is needed to prevent LPR-style surveillance and that banning one vendor may only invite substitution by others.
•Speakers requested a town hall for public education and Q&A.
•Staff reported city net pool cost approx. $95,000; rec budget includes state revenue sharing.
•Ted Thompson and Will Marshall outlined CAP missions and requested continued tie-down fee waiver; CAP fundraising approx. $500–$800 annually.

Decisions

•Approved resolution 23-20-26 to keep one-day public swim and lap swim at $2; other fees left as printed.
•Item tabled until next meeting.
•No action tonight; staff to prepare proposal; CAP waiver reinstated as interim measure.

Directions

•Councilmembers and public-safety leadership asked to attend the county commission meeting at 09:15 to observe and report back.
•Council to consider further public engagement; no immediate policy action recorded.
•Staff to prepare post-season review of pool operations, days open, lifeguard staffing, and detailed operating costs.
•Staff to prepare square-footage fee options and reinstate CAP waiver until council acts on fee structure.
•Staff to provide full bid package and documentation prior to the next council meeting.

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