State of the City Address
January 4, 2019
Dear Sugar City Residents,
I am grateful for the opportunity you have given me to serve as your Mayor. I take this job seriously, and will continue to work to the best of my ability. I have worked along with the City Council to make decisions that we believe are in the best interest of the city and its citizens. I do understand that many of you have been fixed on the one negative issue facing the city, which is the controversy over the re–zone application for Division #3 of Old Farm Estates. However, the purpose of the letter is to show all of the positive things that have been happening in this remarkable city of ours since I have been Mayor. They are as follows:
- We have seen renewed interest in several potential subdivisions. These subdivisions will provide significant growth in the size and complexity of the City. One subdivision is the River Bend Properties, the other is the Tuscano property, both located to the north of the City across Highway 20. These subdivisions will provide growth in both single–family residences and commercial properties, as well as a potential assisted living center. 2. We have been approached by some commercial developers interested in the property surrounding the Highway 20/Highway 33 interchange. They are interested in putting in some commercial properties that would have a significant impact to the city.
- Kelton Larsen and his partner John Pocock built the Pro–Peat industrial building where they are manufacturing a special type of fertilizer. This is a large 50,000 square foot building just north of the business park. They are now open and have created a number of good paying jobs that make this project very beneficial to the city. The city received a $400,000 Block Grant from the State of Idaho to put in the water and sewer lines, the road and other infrastructure to facilitate this project. Pro–Peat put in the remaining amounts to finish the project.
- One of the most exciting things to happen is the recent passage of the Water Bond. The City has long known that it was deficient in certain minimum requirements imposed by both Federal and State agencies tasked with the regulation of all municipal water systems. I am grateful to the citizens of Sugar City for helping to correct those deficiencies. The Bond was passed for $3.7 million dollars. We have completed the transmission lines which connect with the water line on 5th South put in by the Lerwills, and go down 7th West to the Moody Highway and go to the corner where it meets Highway 33. The new water tank is currently under construction, and the new well will begin the drilling process sometime in January. This leaves just the new well house and pumps to bid out and begin construction. At this time, it would appear the project could be finished sometime this summer. The Developers, Jeff and Ryan Lerwill donated the two–acre parcel for the well site.
- The Lerwills have also finished all the infrastructure in division #2 of Old Farm Estates at their own cost, including water, sewer, roads, street lights, street signs, and other infrastructure that will be turned over to the city at no
cost to us.
- The water project has also allowed us to provide a water line down S. 7th W. to the Moody Highway, and around to Highway 33, which will help us to provide water to some of the developments south of town. Those affected have agreed to be annexed into the city, which allows the businesses along Highway 33 north of the Moody highway to become a part of the city. This will benefit those businesses, as well as help Sugar City with its tax base. I am very excited about this turn of events, and am grateful for the help of such a great staff that has made this possible. 7. We had a singular experience with the recent total eclipse of the sun. The staff and I worked hard with the City of Rexburg and Madison County to make sure this did not adversely impact the city. The almost 3,000 people that came to Sugar City were respectful of our way of life, and they did such a great job of cleaning up after themselves. We almost did not need the many volunteers that came out to help the city clean up.
- We have sold eight lots in our Business Park, over the last two–year period. Construction has started on two of
those businesses, and the remaining lots should begin construction in the near future. These new businesses will be of great benefit to the city. We are hoping this is a sign of further business growth in the near future.
- We received over twenty–seven new building permits for the city with most of them in the Old Farm Estates subdivision. This is a sign of significant growth, and should continue in the foreseeable future. The city also approved approximately 8 acres of a new development of four–plex and six–plex residential units providing
approximately 110 units of new housing for families. Some of these are already under construction, and do not look much different than many of our two–story homes.
- We have worked diligently with the City of Rexburg and Madison County to counteract the new floodplain map recommended by FEMA for our area. We have made good progress, and the hope is that we will still be able to take Sugar City and the immediate surrounding area out of the floodplain. Our goal, however, is to make sure the final map is accurate, so the city will be able to assure safety for its citizens.
- We also continue to work with the YMCA in Idaho Falls, who has expressed interest in coming to our community and providing services for a variety of recreational activities. We appreciate all of those who have participated in a survey to determine the needs and wants of our area. The YMCA has just finished conducting a feasibility study to determine if they will be able to meet those needs. We would then enter into the design and fund raising phase of the project. This will be a very family friendly enterprise coming to Sugar City.
- Along with the YMCA there is a large doctor owned clinic that would be located nearby, and provide urgent care, day surgery, sports and family medicine. This business would hire many higher paying jobs, and be another significant impact to our community.
- The Lerwills have also proposed to take an 11–acre parcel in their division #3 and build townhomes and cottage
homes, for smaller or older families. Assuming we can get the zoning resolved this could happen soon.
- The city has authorized and is currently undergoing a facility planning study for our sewer system, just as we did for the water system. It has been initially determined that we still have good capacity in the system, but that we may need to make changes in the near future to replace some very old pipes, and anticipate any future growth that may come. We will make this study public as soon as it is done, and keep you informed as to what we may need to decide.
- We recently sent in two grant proposals to the Idaho Transportation Department through its LHTAC process. The first grant is for $250 thousand dollars, and would be used to begin the construction of a pathway system through the city, with the primary purpose of keeping our students safe as they go to and from school. This system could also be used by other pedestrians. This is part of a master plan adopted by the city council just recently and added to the overall Madison County Transportation Plan. We will be working in conjunction with the one that Rexburg is proposing to make it work together.
- The second grant proposal is in the amount of $400 thousand dollars for a proposed change in the way Highway 33 comes into town. The city and ITD have discussed the possibility of bringing the highway straight into town by using Railroad Avenue instead of Front Street. This would then straighten out front street to contact with 3rd South, eliminating the S curve. A request for comments was sent out to the surrounding residents to solicit any feedback. We should know soon on these grant requests.
- The city has converted to a new software for its city code and other items that it needs to track that makes it possible to make any changes immediately available to its citizens. It is less expensive than the older system, and is more readily available.
- We also tried to expand our annual Sugar Days event this last summer, by expanding our breakfast into events that lasted most of the day. We had over 700 people come to the breakfast, and had about 200 people at any given time during the rest of the day. We feel it was a wonderful success, and are hoping to continue making this a better event.
- The Governor honored Sugar City as Capital for a Day, and we had a good event planned at the High School Auditorium, where citizens could ask questions of the Governor and many of his staff that came. Many people came and there were some good questions and answers.
As you can see it has been a very busy few years. These are just some of the highlights that have happened since I became Mayor, and do not reflect all the good things going on. I am hopeful that the progress we have made on these issues and many others will continue to make a difference in our community. Thanks for your support.
David D. Ogden
David Ogden
Sugar City
Jan 1- New Year’s Day-
City Office Closed
Jan 3–Planning & Zoning Meeting @ 7 p.m.
Jan 10 – City Council Meeting @ 6:30 p.m.
Jan 21- Civil Rights Day
–
City Office Closed
Jan 17 – Planning &
Zoning Meeting @ 7 p.m.
Jan 24–City Council
Meeting @ 6:30 p.m.
DATES TO REMEMBER:
Feb 7 – Planning
& Zoning Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.
JANUARY 2019
David D. Ogden, Mayor
Wendy McLaughlin, Clerk–Treasurer Shelley Jones, Deputy Clerk–Treasurer Arlynn Jacobson, Public Works Director
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
WE EXTEND OUR BEST WISHES TO YOU
AND YOURS IN THIS NEW YEAR
6
5
HOLIDAY CLOSURES: City Hall will close January 1st for New Years and January 21st for Civil Rights Day.
HOLIDAY GARBAGE PICKUP: Garbage will be picked up Saturday, January 5th. Garbage pickup will be normal for the week of Martin Luther King Day. Christmas Trees will not be picked up. You can take them to the Madison County transfer station free of cost if they are a real tree and all decorations are removed.
UTILITY BILLING: The city’s website online payment system is being upgraded. If you pay at our website directly from your checking or savings (not the PSN site) you will now have to create an account with a username and password.
YMCA UPDATE: YMCA National has just completed the feasibility study and approved Sugar City as a future potential location. Go to sugarcityidaho.gov for more information and links to donate towards the project.
CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS & TREE LIGHTING: A special thanks to our city Public Works Department employees for the attractive Christmas lights and decorations in Heritage Park and on Center Street. A special thanks also to our Tree & Beautification Committee and their hard work in putting together our Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony!
OVERNIGHT PARKING & SNOW REMOVAL: Reminder of our snow ordinance – no parking on city streets from 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. December 1st through March 1st. We also ask if it snows during the day and plows are out, to move vehicles off the street. The city only plows when we receive 3 inches or more of snow, because of the cost which is roughly $1500.00 each time. This covers wages, fuel, cutting edges and equipment maintenance. Keep cars uncovered from snow and parked back off of roads and please pull into driveways further to stay clear of the snowplows. The city will not be clearing driveways to avoid damaging property in the process. We cannot assume liability for any damage that occurs.
BUSINESS & DOG LICENSE REMINDER: All dog and business licenses expired on Dec. 31st. Home business licenses are $10. Other business licenses are $20. Dog licenses are $15 per year.
It is very important to license your dog so that if someone finds it we can contact you from the tag information.
STREET LIGHT OUTAGES: To report outages go to: rockymountainpower.net, click “safety & outages” tab, go to “streetlights“, “report streetlight outage” and fill out online form and submit.
**SEWER AND WATER EMERGENCIES** We would like to remind all residents that in case of an emergency such as a water leak or sewer issue that happens after hours or on weekend, you can call city hall and there is an emergency option that will transfer you to our public works director. The sooner you call the better to avoid more complications.
***Please fill out customer contact information slip with this month’s billing and return to City Hall.***
Ph: 208-356-7561
Fax: 208-359-2654
Office Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
P.O. Box 56-10 E. Center
Sugar City, ID 83448
SUGAR CITY CUSTOMER CONTACT INFORMATION
The city is updating customer contact information. Please fill out information and return with your utility bill. Please sign for consent to have emergency information (snow removal, water shut–offs, sewer issues, etc.) sent to you via email or text or phone call and mark the box of your notification preference. If you prefer to be notified of emergencies by text, please list your phone service provider.
Printed Name:
Mailing Address:
Email Address:
Cell phone:
Cell phone provider (Verizon, e.g.):
Signature:
Home phone:
SUGAR CITY CUSTOMER CONTACT INFORMATION
The city is updating customer contact information. Please fill out information and return with your utility bill. Please sign for consent to have emergency information (snow removal, water shut–offs, sewer issues, etc.) sent to you via email or text or phone call and mark the box of your notification preference. If you prefer to be notified of emergencies by text, please list your phone service provider.
Printed Name:
Mailing Address:
Email Address:
Cell phone:
Cell phone provider (Verizon, e.g.):
Signature:
Home phone:
SUGAR CITY CUSTOMER CONTACT INFORMATION
The city is updating customer contact information. Please fill out information and return with your utility bill. Please sign for consent to have emergency information (snow removal, water shut–offs, sewer issues, etc.) sent to you via email or text or phone call and mark the box of your notification preference. If you prefer to be notified of emergencies by text, please list your phone service provider.
Printed Name:
Mailing Address:
Email Address:
Cell phone:
Cell phone provider (Verizon, e.g.):
Signature:
Home phone: