URA Meeting 4.18.23

Last Tuesday, the Mountain Home Urban Renewal Agency held their monthly meeting and discussed a range of projects. They began by approving the minutes of their last meeting, and then approving their monthly expenses which were roughly $6,319 and change. Following this, the board unanimously approved a resolution to dispose of surplus property.

Mayor Sykes then approached the board to discuss the status of the HUB building. Citing communication breakdown with Idaho Power, he explained that Idaho Power is not obligated to cover costs and labor to underground an above ground power line that encroaches on the HUB building’s easement. He explained that the building has to meet a number of specific criteria in order for Idaho Power to shoulder the task. He noted, though, that other options may be available such as relocation of the powerline.

Once again, ideas for the future use of the building were shared and discussed. Once again, discussions of the building being used as the new City Hall resurfaced. Ultimately no decisions were made, but it was noted that the URA would likely sunset in 2027 or 2028 and that because of a finite amount of funding, acting immediately on the building may limit the changes the URA would be able to make, and potentially limit its ability to engage in other community development projects.

Mayor Sykes and City Clerk Tiffany Belt next presented concept images for a proposed Railroad Park Project. More information surrounding their presentation can be found on the front page in “City Staff Presents Railroad Park Project Concepts”.

The board then discussed the MHATA building and its owner Mir Shakoori. It was the board’s understanding that Mr. Shakoori intended to soon pursue acquisition of a certificate of occupancy, though some present noted that the building would have to install ADA compliant ramps prior to being awarded a certificate of occupancy.

It was also announced that the clock in Railroad Park is slated to be removed for repair, seeing as of late it has been, “...correct about twice a day”. Following its repair, the city plans to relocate the clock to an area that faces less weather exposure in order to prevent recurring damages.