LOCAL POSTAL CUSTOMER
Caldwell, Idaho
Edition Twenty-Four
PRSRT STD ECRWSS US POSTAGE PAID EDDM-RETAIL
NOVEMBER 2016
Salvation Army School of Music/Arts
Mauricio Quirante Talented Artist
Rail Slides for Big Prize
Flashback Lucille Stover Randolph
Page 4
Page 8
Page 12
Page 18 by Leora Summers, Editor
photos by Leora Summers
Denial for Special Use Permit for Jail Expansion Upheld
County Commissioner Steve Rule addressed some of the issues of concern that caused the denial and promoted the expansion at the current site, due to the earlier three failed jail bonds for a new facility to house the increasing population needs of the jail.
City council members had these 3 proposed options for consideration in rendering their decision regarding the appeal of the denial of the SUP for the proposed Jail Expansion project.
The appeal to rescind the denial of the SUP (Special Use Permit) by Planning and Zoning for the jail expansion at its current site, located at the intersection of Chicago Street and 12th Avenue, was heard at the October 3rd City Council meeting. It was definitely a hot topic as our council listened to testimony on both sides of the issue. The earlier denial for the SUP was upheld by Caldwell City Council. The biggest proponents for the project were Commissioners Steve Rule and Craig Hansen. They explained the need for the expansion and also addressed the concerns raised by Planning and Zoning regarding the compatibility of the project for the surrounding area, lighting and traffic issues and the ability to expand the facility without raising taxes. They said the expansion would accommodate the population needs for the next 1520 years. They also said that the public was not in favor of bonding a new jail facility based on the three previous failures of bond levies for that purpose. Hanson said that the design meets all the jail standards for the State of Idaho. Numerous opponents including Commissioner Tom Dale, Commissioner-Elect Pam White, City Treasurer Chris Yamamoto and Canyon County Sherriff Kieran Donahue took their turns supporting the P&Z denial, citing that maybe what was once was congruous with the current
neighborhood was no longer compatible for the security and safety of the neighborhood. Also with the direction that our city was going with the revitalization plan for our downtown, a jail does not fit in that vision. What may have been compatible many years ago, no longer is. The ability for future expansion after 20 years did not seem feasible at the current site. As to the finances, though it may appear that an expansion will save taxpayers money in the future, in reality, it may even cost more due to the inefficiency of the operation of a remodeled facility due to the structural layout causing more manpower to be necessary to create the same security measures necessary at a new efficient facility elsewhere. After all testimony was heard, Planning & Zoning Director Brian Billingsley laid out three options for the council to consider. They were as follows: 1. Uphold the Planning & Zoning Commission’s decision if Council feels that the project is not suitable for the neighborhood. 2. Overturn the Planning & Zoning Commission’s decision and adopt Condition 8.14 (The Building Official shall not issue a building permit for the jail expansion until January 10, 2017) if Council feels that the project is suitable
City Council Members listened attentively as pro and con testimonies were given during the meeting regarding the expansion project for the Canyon County Jail.
for the neighborhood, but is concerned about the project being abandoned. 3. Overturn the Planning & Zoning Commission’s decision and eliminate Condition 8.14 if Council feels that the project is suitable for the neighborhood and Council is not concerned about the project being abandoned. THE DECISION… Councilman Rob Hopper moved that the council accept the Comprehensive Plan Analysis for the appeal and to overturn the denial of the SUP by P&Z for the jail expansion, but the motion died due to a lack of a 2nd. Councilman Mike Pollard moved to uphold the denial of the SUP for the jail expansion. It was seconded by Councilman Callsen and the council voted 5 to 1 to uphold the denial, with Councilman Rob Hopper as the lone “no” vote. City Lawyer Mark Hilty said that a written Order for Decision would be submitted at the October 15th city council meeting. The decision was adopted at that time. Now the opponents have 28 days from then to appeal to the district court. So now, let’s wait and see what happens……stay tuned!
Superior Paint & Glass Celebrates 70 Years of Business!
photo by Leora Summers
by Leora Summers, Editor
Superior Paint and Glass at 315 Cleveland Blvd., 70 Years of Business!
It’s pretty impressive when a business has existed in our community for 70 years. Fred and Sherry Heath purchased Superior Paint & Glass in January of 1993 from Bob and Vic Asqueta and co-own it with Andy and Nichole Bower. The Asquetas bought it from the original owner, Wayne Hopper, who started the business in 1946. The Heaths were employees of the Asquetas and when the Asquetas were ready to downsize from 3 to 2 stores, they offered it to the Heaths, who took them up on the offer and the rest is history. The legacy continues as Fred and Sherry’s son, Devin, now works at the store. The business was originally named Superior Auto Glass before being renamed Superior Paint and Glass. The original building was on Blaine and when the interchange for the freeway was created in 1974, the building where the business now resides, 315 Cleveland Blvd., was built. Congratulations to those involved in maintaining this longtime Caldwell business and may they have many more years of service to our community.
Caldwell’s Ferro Receives INDEED Award by Leora Summers, Editor
Melyssa Ferro with her award
Go to page 3 for the story.