HomeMy Public PortalAbout2021.01.28 Regular Meeting Minutes MINUTES
McCall City Council
Regular Meeting
McCall City Hall-- Legion Hall
VIA TEAMS Virtual
January 28, 2021
Call to Order and Roll Call
Pledge of Allegiance
Approve the Agenda
Consent Agenda
Presentation
Annual Report
Public Comment
Public Hearing
Work Session
Business Agenda
Adjournment
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Mayor Giles called the regular meeting of the McCall City Council to order at 5:30 p.m.
Mayor Giles, Council Member Callan, Council Member Holmes, and Council Member
Maciaszek all answered roll call. Council Member Nielsen joined at 5:32 p.m.
City staff members present were Anette Spickard, City Manager; Bill Nichols, City Attorney;
BessieJo Wagner, City Clerk; Erin Greaves, Communications Manager; Linda Stokes, City
Treasurer; Michelle Groenevelt, Community Development Director; Delta James, Economic
Development Planner; Kurt Wolf, Parks and Recreation Director; Rick Stein, Airport Manager;
Meg Lojek, Library Director; Chris Curtin, Information Systems Manager; Vlatko Jovanov,
Network Administrator; Traci Malvich, Human Resources Manager; Justin Williams, Police
Chief;Nathan Stewart, Public Works Director; John Powell, Building Official
Also, in attendance were Dr. Mike Weiss, Airport Advisory Committee; Ryan Montoya, Idaho
Department of Lands; Amy Westover, Westover Artworks LLC; Nellie Baker, McCall Public Art
Advisory Committee Applicant
McCall-Donnelly School District members present were Superintendent Jim Foudy, Board Chair
Laurie Erekson, and Trustee Heidi Galyardt
Library Board Members present were Jacki Rubin, David Gallipoli, Lola Elliot, Dawn Matus
Mayor Giles led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page I of 13
Janumy 28, 2021 Regular Meeting
APPROVE THE AGENDA
Council Member Maciaszek moved to approve the agenda as submitted. Council Member
Holmes seconded the motion. In a voice vote all members voted aye, and the motion carried.
CONSENT AGENDA
Staff recommended approval of the following ACTION ITEMS. All matters which are listed
within the consent section of the agenda have been distributed to each member of the McCall City
Council for reading and study. Items listed are considered routine by the Council and were enacted
with one motion.
1. City Council Special Minutes—July 24, 2020
2. City Council Special Minutes—July 30, 2020
3. City Council Regular Minutes—September 24, 2020
4. City Council Regular Minutes—December 3, 2020
5. City Council Regular Minutes—December 17, 2020
6. Payroll Report for period ending January 8, 2021
7. Warrant Register—GL
8. Warrant Register—Vendor
9. AB 21-019 City Licenses Report to Council Per McCall City Code: Per McCall City
Code Title 4 Chapter 9, the City Council has determined the City Clerk shall be delegated
the authority to process and grant or deny all alcoholic beverage license applications, other
than certain circumstances involving catering permits,which the city clerk shall review the
application for catering permit for completeness and forward said application to the Police
Chief. The Police Chief upon receipt of the application shall make a recommendation to
the City Clerk to approve or deny the application.Whenever the City Clerk shall determine
that an application for alcoholic beverage license transfer or renewal is complete, the City
Clerk shall approve or deny such application. All decisions of the City Clerk shall be
reported to the City Council at the next regularly scheduled City Council meeting after
such decision. The City Clerk is also responsible for all processing of business, taxi, snow
removal, pawnbroker, child daycare licenses, vendor permits, and public event
applications. Activity reflects closed businesses received during the renewal period.
Action: Council review the License report.
10. AB 21- 016 Council's Review of the Treasurer's Report as Required by IC 50-208:
Treasurer's report of accounts and activity of office during the month of December 2020
regarding care, management or disposition of moneys, property or business of the City.
Action: The Council shall examine the report and determine whether additional
information from the Treasurer is required.
11. AB 21-021 Council Review of the Treasurer's Quarterlv Report as Required by IC
50-208: Treasurer's quarterly report of accounts and activity of office during the months
of October,November, and December 2020 regarding care,management, or disposition of
moneys, property, or business of the City. The quarterly report for the period ended
December 31, 2020 will be published on the Finance page of the City's website. Action:
MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 2 of 13
January 28, 2021 Regular Meeting
The Council shall examine the report and determine whether additional information from
the Treasurer is required.
12. AB 21-030 Request approval of the Amended April 23, 2020 City Council Minutes:
During the preparation of the April 23, 2020 City Council Minutes a scrivener's error
occurred. Consent agenda items generally have the Agenda Bill info transcribed to the
minutes giving a brief explanation and the intended action for the item.When these minutes
were prepared a copy paste error occurred repeating the information from item number 15
on the consent agenda to item number 16 of the consent agenda. The Council Agenda and
packet were correct, therefore the Council's action to approve the consent agenda was
accurate.Action:Approve the Amended April 23, 2020 City Council Minutes and authorize
the Mayor to sign the amended minutes.
Council Member Maciaszek moved to approve the Consent Agenda as submitted. Council
Member Nielsen seconded the motion.In a roll call vote Council Member Maciaszek,Council
Member Nielsen, Mayor Giles, Council Member Callan, and Council Member Holmes all
voted aye, and the motion carried.
PRESENTATIONS
AB 21-018 McCall-Donnelly School District Bond Measure for March 9,2021 Election—Jim
Foudy
McCall-Donnelly Schools Superintendent Jim Foudy presented information regarding the school
district's bond measure that will be before voters at the March 9, 2021 election. The bond will be
for expansions at Barbara Morgan Elementary and Payette Lakes Middle School as well as fix
traffic flow at the both the elementary and junior high schools. Trustee Heidi Galyardt and Board
Chair Laurie Erekson explained the reasons for the expansions and safety conditions. Chair
Erekson and Superintendent Foudy went over the bond details and rates. The Council did not have
any questions and thanked the School District for their presentation.
ANNUAL REPORTS
AB 21-017 Airport Advisory Committee's Annual Report to Council
Dr. Mike Weiss, Chair of the McCall Airport Advisory Committee (AAC), provided an annual
report to City Council regarding the accomplishments of 2020 and selected focus items from the
AAC for upcoming years. The Airport Advisory Committee is established pursuant to Idaho Code
Section 50-210, to advise and make recommendations to the McCall City Council on matters
pertaining to the safety, operation, and maintenance of the McCall Municipal Airport.
He shared the year's highlights which included the completion of the taxiway, training for local
pilots, McCall Youth Learning Aviation Foundation— scholarship program for local teenagers —
move into the Pioneer Hangar and shared that the airport had an increase in traffic despite the
pandemic. The Council thanked the AAC for their hard work and efforts.
MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 3 of 13
January 28, 2021 Regular Meeting
PUBLIC COMMENT
Mayor Giles called for public comment at 6:05 p.m.
There were 56 comments received regarding the Endowment Lands. The comments will follow
the minutes as Attachment 1.
Hearing no verbal comments,Mayor Giles closed the comment period at 6:06 p.m.
PUBLIC HEARING
AB 21-022 Update on status of McCall Downtown Lighting Project funded by a Community
Development Block Grant
Mayor Giles opened the public hearing at 6.06 p.m.
Economic Development(ED)Planner Delta James presented McCall Downtown Lighting Project
funded by a Community Development Block Grant status report. In May 2019,the City of McCall
received an Idaho Community Development Block Grant(CDBG)in the amount of$500,000 from
Idaho Commerce. This funding is allocated to the State of Idaho from the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development. These funds are currently being used to purchase and install
streetlights as part of the downtown core revitalization project.
As a condition of grant award, the City is required to hold a public hearing to provide an update
on the status of the project once 75% or more of grant funds have been expended. To date,
streetlighting has been installed along 2nd Street, Lenora Street and Park Street as part of Phases
1 and 2 of the City's downtown project and 93% of the CDBG funds have been expended.
In May 2019,the City of McCall was awarded$500,000 from the Idaho Community Development
Block Grant program via Idaho Commerce to purchase and install street and intersection lighting
as part of the City's multi-year reconstruction of its downtown core which includes replacement
of substandard utilities, undergrounding of overhead utilities, roadway reconstruction, and
installation of sidewalks, streetscape, and lighting throughout the downtown core in three phases:
Phase 1: 2nd Street between E. Lake Street and Park Street/Lenora Street between 3rd Street and
I st Street(completed).
Phase 2: E. Park Street between 3rd Street and 1st Street and Veteran's Alley (completed).
Phase 3: 1st Street between E. Lake Street and Park Street(scheduled 2023/2024).
ED Planner James explained the total cost of each phase above, the amount of CDBG funds
expended in each phase, the percentage of CDBG funds expended in each phase, and the
number/type of lighting installed. To maximize the use of grant funding, each phase of lighting
purchase and installation was bid separately from project construction and independently for each
phase. AME Electric was contracted to purchase and install the lighting for Project Phase 1 and
MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 4 of 13
January 28, 2021 Regular Meeting
Southern Idaho Electric was contracted for Phase 2 lighting purchase and installation. Bidding for
Phase 3 lighting is anticipated to occur early 2024 with project completion Fall, 2024.
Mayor.Giles called for public comments at 6:10 p.m.
No written comments had been received nor any verbal comments given.
Council Member Callan asked for clarification when the final expenditures will happen, and staff
explained it will be at the completion of the Downtown Revitalization project which is project to
be 2024. Council Member Holmes commended staff for a great job.
Mayor Giles closed the public hearing at 6:12 p.m.
Mayor Giles verified that no additional action was required of the Council.
WORK SESSION
AB 21-023 Payette Endowment Lands Strategy proposed by Idaho Department of Lands and
Direction to Staff
City Manager Anette Spickard presented the Payette Endowment Lands Strategy proposed by
Idaho Department of Lands. On December 15,2020 the Idaho Department of Lands(IDL)released
the "Payette Endowment Lands Strategy" for review and public comment regarding future
disposition of certain state-owned lands in the McCall city limits and area of impact around Payette
Lake. Comments are due to IDL by February 12, 2021. In addition to soliciting public comments
on the proposed strategy, IDL has convened a stakeholder focus group to review the strategy and
provide technical feedback to IDL staff for improvements to the strategy. The first meeting of the
focus group met today,January 28, and the group expects to complete their review by early March.
The City was invited to participate, and Community&Economic Development Director Michelle
Groenevelt will be the lead staff person to the focus group with assistance from the Public Works
Director, Parks & Recreation Director, and City Manager.
Ryan Montoya from the Idaho Department of Lands gave a brief history and explained the focus
groups. He then proceeded to review the proposed strategy. The focus is on the acres in the area
of impact, so approximately 5000 of 183,000 acres. He explained the goal is to evaluate the areas
in and near urban areas that make timber management difficult and have potential for higher
revenue generating uses through leasing and disposition. There is a misconception that IDL is
looking to dispose of the lands which is not the case. He explained the State Statues and Land
Board approved directives. He covered transition lands and timber management and explained the
three phases of the plan: short term (1-5 years), medium term (5-10 years), and long term (10+
years). These phases allow revenue generation today while considering potential future
opportunities. IDL would like a collaborative approach with the City on these areas. He shared the
implementation of the phases, closing the gap between revenue generation and asset value
commensurate with timberland, and the next steps schedule.
MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 5 of 13
January 28, 2021 Regular Meeting
Mr. Montoya answered questions regarding the Trident proposal, lease and proposal process, and
infrastructure due diligence.The Council thanked Mr. Montoya and expressed appreciation for the
communication.
The Council shared their thoughts and expressed housing and due diligence as important. Council
directed the City Manager to capture the comments from the Idaho Conservation Group letter in
addition to their comments for the Council's review and approval at the February 11,2021 Council
meeting.
Mayor Giles called for a 5-minute recess and reconvened at 7.15 p.m.
AB 21-024 Library Expansion Project and Parks Relocation Discussion& Direction to Staff
City Manager Anette Spickard presented the Library Expansion Project and Parks Relocation
discussion. She explained the purpose of this work session is to give direction to staff on the
following elements of the Library Expansion Project: revised project budget; whether to prepare
Bond Ordinance materials for the May 18, 2021 election; and the preferred financing method and
terms for the Parks Relocation project. The deadline to file a ballot question with the County Clerk
for the May election is March 29, 2021.
Staff reviewed the following information that was developed based on recent Library Board of
Trustee's work,public feedback, and prior Council direction.
Update on Expansion Project Budget revisions and fundraising by Board of Trustees:
Library Director Meg Lojek presented the budget revisions and fundraising. She shared the
estimation summary showing the construction costs and went over the changes. The bond total
was reduced from $8,189,962 to $6,651,539. She pointed out interest rates and property values
have not been updated.
Summary of pros/cons for a May 18, 2021 election:
Communications Manager Erin Greaves presented the SWOT analysis of a May 2021 vs
November 2021 election and went through the pros/cons of each election date as shown below.
Strengths s May021 — strong, dedicated team; previous election missed by a small %; detailed
design concepts; created deliverables; clear project costs & homeowner impacts; developed
FAQ's; focus group feedback.
Strengths November 2021 —strong,dedicated team;previous election missed by a small%; design
concepts; created deliverables; clear project costs &homeowner impacts; developed FAQ's; focus
group feedback; donor support; time; for more education and outreach; for more fundraising;
additional funding sources in next budget year.
Weaknesses May 2021 — less time to overcome objections; tech only interactions I no in person;
limited advertising market opportunities; improve on "where to learn more";unifying the multiple
support messages causing confusion; unable to raise any more money since ethe last election to
reduce bond amount; other than removal of parks building, small changes to library costs were
identified.
MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 6 of 13
January 28, 2021 Regular Meeting
Weaknesses November 2021 — tech only interactions I no in person; limited advertising market
opportunities; improve on "where to learn more"; may lose momentum of supporters.
Opportunities May 2021 —the removal of parks facility,plaza and some parking in direct response
to public feedback; build upon previous supporters; improved understanding of technology tools;
a list of objections available for planning; developing grassroots support; positive relationships
and check in with stakeholder groups; no primary races on ballot, less "noise" from other
campaigns.
Opportunities November 2021 — the removal of parks facility, plaza and some parking in direct
response to public feedback. other changes could be incorporated before a November election if
needed; build upon previous supporters; improved understanding of technology tools; a list of
objections available for planning; developing grassroots support; positive relationships and check
in with stakeholder groups; possibility of the ability to do more in person outreach; time to reach
more people, overcome objections with repetition, and gather support.
Threats May 2021 —school district bond in March may affect taxpayer interest; pandemic affects
to economy, community morale, election planning/ life uncertainty, and election focus = more
voters; 2020 election transparency/access concerns regarding in recovery rebound mode not yet in
thrive mode and construction costs have risen and may change based on economic climate.
Threats November 2021 —school district bond in March may affect taxpayer interest; more items
on ballot and 3 city council seats up for election;pandemic effects to economy, community morale,
election planning/ life uncertainty, election focus = more voters, 2020 election transparency
concerns; in recovery rebound mode not yet in thrive mode; construction costs have risen and may
change based on economic climate.
Public Outreach Plan for a May 18, 2021 election:
Communications Manager Greaves shared the changes made to the public outreach strategies. The
objectives were changed to address what came out of the focus groups and the strategies to better
answer questions and objections. She felt it very important for the City and City Council to lead
the bond initiative going forward and that all groups have the tools necessary to work cohesively.
City Manager Spickard recapped the importance of Council's advocacy of the bond measure.
Council Discussion
Council Member Holmes stated the feedback she is getting from the community is making her
lean towards a November election because of the School District Bond in March but at the same
time she wants to support the Library Board. She stated if the Library Board feels it is important
to go this soon, she will support the May election. Council Member Maciaszek stated he supports
all the research that has gone into the decision for a May election and thus will stand behind that.
Council Member Callan acknowledged the issue with community fatigue but felt sooner rather
than later was a better decision so chose May. She felt a strong education focus is important for a
May election to be successful. Council Member Nielsen also agreed the effort put forth in the
decision by the Library Board and was supportive of a May election. Mayor Giles felt a November
ballot would have a higher chance for success,but he will work with the majority consensus.
MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 7 of 13
Janua)y 28, 2021 Regular Meeting
The Council consensus was to direct staff to schedule Bond Ordinance adoption process and
prepare materials for May 18, 2021 election.
Funding for the Parks Department Relocation
City Treasurer Linda Stokes presented the analysis of internal borrowing vs. annual non-
appropriation lease financing terms with recommended repayment sources for the Parks
Relocation project. She gave a brief history and went over fund balance policy and budget
stabilization. She answered questions about the fund balance and timeframe for the borrowing.
City Manager Spickard clarified the different borrowing and repayment options, and Local Option
Tax (LOT) process. Staff recommends the internal borrowing option over an external loan and
using the LOT funds is an allowable use according to the State rules.
Council Member Callan struggles with using the LOT funds as she sees it as source for the
community. She would prefer a smaller portion from LOT be used or find other internal funding
sources. Council Member Nielsen asked for clarification on the fund balance amount and made
another push for the combination of the Public Works and Parks departments. Council Member
Maciaszek,-Council Member Holmes and Mayor Giles are in support of the internal borrowing
option using the LOT to repay it.
City Manager Spickard stated that if each year throughout the 5-year repayment plan, there are
budget savings in the Parks Department and with other projects, the Council can reappropriate
those funds to the loan repayment and reduce the amount needed from the LOT funds. This would
be a specific item the Council can address during the budget process each year.
Council Member Nielsen feels the City Departments need to be mindful of the projects they will
be presenting for LOT funds due to the large amount already going to the City with this repayment
plan. City Manager Spickard did point out a major competitor for LOT funds is the sidewalk
maintenance program that the Council had been proponents of in the past which runs at around
$120,000.
The Council consensus was to direct staff to prepare budget amendments for internal borrowing
against General Fund reserve to finance the Parks Relocation over 5-years with repayment by
Tourism Local Option Taxes and to appropriate funds to the CIP for the project to commence in
FY21.
BUSINESS AGENDA
AB 21-029 Request to approve "Mill Whistle" as final design for public artwork by Amy
Westover
Economic Development Planner Delta James presented the final design for public artwork by Amy
Westover.The McCall Redevelopment Agency(MRA)has allocated$85,000 to commission artist
Amy Westover to design, fabricate and install,by September 30,2021, a public artwork within the
existing east downtown urban renewal area. In July 2020, City of McCall, MRA and Westover
Artworks LLC entered into an Artwork Commission Agreement which stipulated that once the
MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 8 of 13
January 28, 2021 Regular Meeting
artwork was installed and inspected, the City would transfer the artwork into its public art
collection and assume responsibility for its maintenance and upkeep.
Amy Westover, Art Consultant, completed a community engagement process to develop the
proposal for a public artwork entitled"Mill Whistle"to be installed in Brown Park as part of park
upgrades currently underway. The "Mill Whistle"project will restore the historic whistle used at
the lumber mill that formerly occupied Brown Park and incorporate it into a public art sculpture.
The whistle will be operational with the use of portable steam generation equipment with the
intention of blowing the whistle 2-4 times per year to mark special events as determined through
public input. MRA has allocated an additional $45,000 to provide portable steam generation
equipment needed to complete the project.
The "Mill Whistle" project has been unanimously approved by the MRA Board, McCall Public
Art Advisory Committee, and a volunteer five-member Artist Selection Committee including
Susan Farber (Public Art Advisory Committee member), Tabatha Martineau (MRA board
member), Nicki Dyson (Mt Java), Dave Petty (Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
member), and Lisa Wood (Bella Kitchen). Parks and Recreation Department staff have reviewed
the artwork proposal and any anticipated long-term maintenance requirements and is supportive
of the project.
Ms. Westover gave a brief overview of the process she has participated in and the history of the
lumber mill that was the inspiration for the art. She gave a background of the whistles, or gongs
as they are called by the lumber industry and went over the look and operation of the art piece. She
had taken into consideration of the area's weather and has addressed preservation of the piece. She
shared the location was chosen in the park as that is close to where it would have been originally
while in the mill. She spoke to the number of times the whistle would be used, winter storage and
maintenance, and what is needed for operation of the whistle. Staff shared they have consulted
professionals regarding the boiler and insurance perspective.
The Council had no questions and thanked the artist.
Council Member Maciaszek moved to approve Amy Westover's "Mill Whistle" design for
public artwork as recommended by the McCall Redevelopment Agency and McCall Public
Art Advisory Committee. Council Member Callan seconded the motion. In a roll call vote
Council Member Maciaszek, Council Member Callan, Mayor Giles, Council Member
Holmes, and Council Member Nielsen all voted aye, and the motion carried.
AB 21-027 Request to approve preparation of a Community Development Block Grant
application to support Senior Center parking and drive access improvements
Economic Development Planner Delta James presented the Community Development Block Grant
application to support Senior Center parking and drive access improvements. Idaho Commerce
administers the Community Development Block Grant(CDBG)program which includes a funding
opportunity of up to $225,000 to support improvements to facilities that primarily provide
programs and services for people aged 65 and older. The McCall Senior(Community) Center has
identified its parking lot as a priority for improvement as current conditions are potholed and
uneven, creating unsafe conditions that do not meet ADA guidelines. The proposed project scope
MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 9 of 13
January 28, 2021 Regular Meeting
of work would include consolidation of the lst Street drive access to the south of the Senior Center
facility and removal of the northly access drive to improve safety. This necessitates a slight
realignment of the pedestrian pathway along the former railroad right of way to the south and
piping of a short section of drainage. The parking lot surrounding the Senior Center would be fully
resurfaced, striped, and properly signed. The City's FY21 CIP budget allocation ($160,000) for
Senior Center building envelope improvements would be leveraged as demonstration of local
match for the CDBG request. If approved, staff will prepare the application and hold a public
hearing, as required, at a future date.
Council Member Nielsen asked about the input from the Seniors at the Senior Center. Economic
Development Planner James explained the current City CIP of$160,000 will be applied to the
building and will not be used for the paving project. City Manager Anette Spickard shared she is
the liaison with the Senior Center and that they have expressed concern about their parking lot and
are in support of this grant.
Council Member Holmes moved to approve preparation of a Community Development
Block Grant application to support Senior Center parking and drive access improvements.
Council Member Maciaszek seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Council Member
Holmes, Council Member Maciaszek, Mayor Giles, Council Member Callan, and Council
Member Nielsen all voted aye, and the motion carried.
AB 21-025 Request to appoint Nellie Baker and Karla Eitel to the McCall Public Art
Advisory Committee
Economic Development Planner Delta James presented the appointment of Nellie Baker and Karla
Eitel to the McCall Public Art Advisory Committee. The mission of the McCall Public Art
Advisory Committee (PAAC) is to make recommendations to City Council regarding public art
projects and policies within the City of McCall. The Public Art Advisory Committee was formed
in 2012 by resolution of City Council (Resolution 12-13), consisting of five members appointed
by City Council. Resolution 19-10, adopted by City Council on June 13, 2019, expanded the
committee size from five (5) to seven (7) members. Members are appointed to three-year terms
and allowed to serve two consecutive terms.
Judy Drake has resigned her position on the committee,thereby creating a vacancy.The committee
vacancy was advertised for two weeks in the Star News and via City social media outlets. One
letter of interest was received from Nellie Baker. Additionally, Karla Eitel has completed her first
three-year term on the committee (two years as committee chair) and would like to be considered
for a second three-year term.At its January 25,2021 regularly scheduled meeting,PAAC members
voted to make the recommendation to Council of Nellie Baker to finish the vacated term and Karla
Eitel to a three-year term.
Nellie Baker gave a brief history of her career and experience and feels privileged to be considered
for the position.
Council Member Maciaszek moved to make the following appointments to the McCall Public
Art Advisory Committee to appoint Nellie Baker to a term to expire July 2022 and appoint
Karla Eitel to a three-year term expiring January 2024. Council Member Callan seconded
MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 10 of 13
January 28, 2021 Regular Meeting
the motion. In a roll call vote Council Member Maciaszek, Council Member Callan, Mayor
Giles, Council Member Holmes, and Council Member Nielsen all voted aye, and the motion
carried.
AB 21-031 Request Member Appointment to the Airport Advisory Committee
Airport Manager Rick Stein presented the appointment to the Airport Advisory Committee. The
Airport Advisory Committee (AAC) is established pursuant to Idaho Code Section 50-210, to
advise and make recommendations to the McCall City Council on matters pertaining to the safety,
operation, and maintenance of the McCall Municipal Airport. The term of Airport .Advisory
Committee Member Charles Jones expired on 12/31/2020. Requests for interested citizens was
advertised in the Star-News for two weeks as required by City Code.Five(5)individuals requested
consideration for the appointment. Charles Jones (incumbent), Mike Chapman, David Robey, Jeff
Edwards, and Tony Moss. Mr. Moss is not a citizen of McCall and per the by-laws, ineligible for
appointment. The AAC unanimously recommend Charles Jones to remain on the Committee.
Council Member Maciaszek recognized the impressive list of people that expressed interest and
asked staff to look for ways for them to be involved if not this committee, one of the many other
City committees. Council Member Nielsen mirrored that sentiment.
Council Member Callan moved to approve the appointment of Charles Jones to the Airport
Advisory Committee. Council Member Nielsen seconded the motion. In a roll can vote
Council Member Callan, Council Member Nielsen, Mayor Giles, Council Member Holmes,
and Council Member Maciaszek all voted aye, and the motion carried.
AB 21-028 Request for Approval of the Tree Advisory Committee Member Appointments -
Nathan Todd,John Lillehaug and Whitey Rehberg
Parks & Recreation Director Kurt Wolf presented the Tree Advisory Committee Member
Appointments.The Tree Advisory Committee(TAC)is responsible for the location, selection, and
identification of any trees, which qualify as a landmark tree or stand, of identifying and
inventorying street trees, of reviewing development proposals that may affect landscaping and
provide comment to the Planning and Zoning Commission and City Council.
An ad was placed in Star News and ran for two weeks requesting letters of interest for the open
positions on the Tree Advisory Committee due to expired terms. Nathan Todd, John Lillehaug,
and Whitey Rehberg all current members expressed interest in remaining on the committee and
submitted letters. No other letters were received. The Tree Committee requests that the Council
appoint the interested applicants each to a three year term on the Tree Advisory Committee.
The Council had no questions.
Council Member Maciaszek moved to approve the reappointment of Nathan Todd, John
Lillehaug and Whitey Rehberg to three year terms to the Tree Advisory Committee.Council
Member Holmes seconded the motion. In a roll call vote Council Member Maciaszek,
Council Member Holmes, Mayor Giles, Council Member Callan, and Council Member
Nielsen all voted aye, and the motion carried.
MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 11 of 13
January 28, 2021 Regular Meeting
AB 21-026 Request for Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Member Appointments-
Dave Petty, Steve Johnson and Paul Christenen
Parks & Recreation Director Kurt Wolf presented the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
appointments. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee (PRAC) is established pursuant to
Idaho Code 50-210 to advise and make recommendations to the McCall City Council on matters
pertaining to the operations, management and programming of the McCall Parks and Recreation
Department. PRAC consists of seven voting members for staggering 3-year terms. The terms of
two committee members have expired and need to be filled. In addition, a resignation letter was
received Dalton Crane as he was moving out of town.
The City recently advertised for two full term positions and one partial term for the PRAC for two
weeks in both the Star News and on the City Website. Staff received letters of interest from Dave
Petty, Steve Johnson, and Paul Christensen. Dave Petty was appointed just over a year ago to a
single year term to fill a vacancy and the advisory committee recommends his reappointment to a
full 3-year term. Steve Johnson has been recommended for the other 3-year term, and Paul
Christensen for the partial term. Staff is amenable to the recommendation.
The Council had no questions.
Council Member Holmes moved to reappoint Dave Petty to a full 3-year term expiring
January 2024; appoint Steve Johnson for a 3-year term expiring January 2024; and appoint
Paul Christensen to a partial term, expiring March 1, 2022 to the Parks and Recreation
Advisory Committee. Council Member Maciaszek seconded the motion. In a roll call vote
Council Member Holmes, Council Member Maciaszek, Mayor Giles, Council Member
Callan, and Council Member Nielsen all voted aye, and the motion carried.
AB 21-020 Request approval of the Building Board of Appeals Appointments — Lisa Beck,
Dave Carter, David Jackson, Wayne Ruemmele, and Luke Vannoy
Building Inspector John Powell presented the Building Board of Appeals appointments. The
International Building Codes and the McCall City Code call for a Building Board of Examiners
and Appeals to hear any appeals of decisions by the Building Official relative to the application
and interpretation of the building codes and MCC Title 2. This appeal provision of the code has
never been used,but this board should be established in the event of an appeal.
Terms are four(4) staggered years, so two members shall start with 2-year terms.After advertising
the committee vacancies in the Star News and staff reaching out personally, five community
members have shown interest and agreed to serve on the board.The following people have applied,
and their recommended terms are below:
2-year term:
Lisa Beck—Architect
David Jackson—General Contractor
4-year term:
Dave Carter—Realtor, former General Contactor
Wayne Ruemmele—Architect
MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 12 of 13
January 28, 2021 Regular Meeting
Luke Vannoy- Architect
There were no questions from Council.
Council Member Holmes moved to appoint the following people to the Building Board of
Examiners and Appeals: Lisa Beck to a 2-year term expiring in Jan. 2023,David Jackson to
a 2-year term expiring in Jan. 2023, Dave Carter to a 4-year term expiring in Jan. 2025,
Wayne Ruemmele to a 4-year term expiring in Jan. 2025, and Luke Vannoy to a 4-year term
expiring in Jan. 2025. Council Member Maciaszek seconded the motion. In a roll can vote
Council Member Holmes, Council Member Maciaszek, Mayor Giles, Council Member
Callan, and Council Member Nielsen all voted aye, and the motion carried.
COVID-19 Update
Police Chief Justin Williams presented the COVID-19 update. He stated the trend is that cases are
going down and hospital capacity has increased but, unfortunately, Valley County cases have not
dropped. He shared the vaccinations schedule. City Manager Anette Spickard shared the
destination counties are still higher than the rest of the State with Valley County ranking at number
four.
Upcoming Meetings Schedule Discussion
Council discussed upcoming meetings. The February 4 special meeting was not needed and was
removed from the schedule.
ADJOURNMENT
Without further business, Mayor Giles adjourned the meeting at 9:16 p.m.
av61
ATTEST: _* s'�A� �! overt S. Giles, Mayor
r � � x -
r � 0
r �
BessieJo Wa er, City Cl Ark "'14tirnma��`'�
MCCALL CITY COUNCIL Page 13 of 13
January 28, 2021 Regular Meeting
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
Establish and maintain a long range stakeholder advisory committee.
This committee would help local governments and citizens have a
voice in considering impacts to our economy, ecology,and the
culture of our community.
For IDL to recognize the value of the land beyond a one time,
5121 N. bottom-line sale price.The Endowment Lands' impact on tourism,
Greyloch local ecology,and the health of the lake has significant
Megan Way, Boise consequences for local economies and tax revenues, including
1 Neve ID 83704 funding for local schools.
Establish and maintain a long range stakeholder advisory committee.
This committee would help local governments and citizens have a
voice in considering impacts to our economy, ecology,and the
culture of our community.
For IDL to recognize the value of the land beyond a one time,
bottom-line sale price.The Endowment Lands' impact on tourism,
local ecology, and the health of the lake has significant
consequences for local economies and tax revenues, including
funding for local schools.
PO Box 628, . Please don't let the dollar signs influence the changes that would
Savilla McCall, impact your local residents that have lived in McCall and valley for
2 Kiely Idaho 83638 50+years.
Dear Council Members.. Please pressure the IDL to do the following:
Establish and maintain a long range stakeholder advisory committee.
1150 This committee would help local governments and citizens have a
heavens voice in considering impacts to our economy, ecology,and the
gate court, culture of our community.
McCall,
Idaho Consider the value of the land beyond a one time, bottom-line sale
83638, P.O. price.The Endowment Lands' impact on tourism, local ecology, and
Ann M. Box 1932, the health of the lake has significant consequences for local
3 Nies McCall economies and tax revenues, including funding for local schools.
My objection is to the process that IDL has undertaken in the
development of this plan. It appears to have been drafted internally
by staff with little or no involvement from others outside the agency.
This process may have worked 100 years ago.when the endowment
lands were created or even a dozen years ago, but times have
changed.
I understand and appreciate the mission of the State Lands Board
1707 W and the purpose of the endowment lands (my father was one of the
Resseguie lucky ones to receive the extraordinary care provided by the State
Street, Veteran's Home,funded in part by revenue from endowment land)
Diane Boise, ID However,the IDL should be required to meet the same best
4 Kushlan 83702 practices for collaborative planning that by state statute is required
Page 1 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
of all local governments in the state.
The process undertaken in development of the plan may have
worked in earlier years when state lands were isolated parcels far
distances from any rural communities, but this is not the case today.
The decisions made on these lands have substantial externalities for
adjoining jurisdictions including,environmental degradation,
transportation impacts, utility capacity, and affordable housing. For
these reasons these adjoining jurisdictions have a stake in the
outcomes of the plan.
And there are good examples of successful collaborative planning
among levels of government in Idaho.Just review the Owyhee
Initiative and the Clearwater Compact,to name a few. Why go
down a road of conflict, controversy and turmoil when collaborative
processes have been demonstrated to be successful without the
strife?
Dear City Council Members,
As a long term investor and financial executive, my belief is that the
Trident proposal before the Idaho Land Board is a pig in a poke. It is
based on half-baked assumptions about value and embroidered with
promises that this one-time trade will produce a mecca in McCall for
homeowners and tourists while leading our State to the promised
land of timber annuities. I believe that it would be reckless for the
Board to succumb to the pleasant assumptions behind this mirage.
Your legacy will be forever influenced by the decision the Land Board
makes regarding this project. I urge you to pressure the Board to do
the following:
• Establish and maintain a long range stakeholder advisory
committee.This committee would help local governments and
citizens have a voice in considering impacts to our economy,
ecology, and the culture of our community.
• Recognize the value of the land beyond a one time, bottom-line
sale price.The Endowment Lands' impact on tourism, local ecology,
and the health of the lake has significant consequences for local
economies and tax revenues, including funding for local schools.
2153 East Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Solitude Ct,
Alan Boise ID Sincerely yours,
5 Shealy 83712 Alan Shealy, Boise
Dear IDL,
As a long time homeowner on Payette Lake and a member of the Big
Payette Water Quality Council board, I support the following with
Laura 2153 E regards to the McCall area Endowment Lands.
6 Shealy Solitude Ct
Page 2 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
Establish and maintain a long range stakeholder advisory committee.
This committee would help local governments and citizens have a
voice in considering impacts to our economy, ecology,and the
culture of our community.
For IDL to recognize the value of the land beyond a one time,
bottom-line sale price.The Endowment Lands' impact on tourism,
local ecology, and the health of the lake has significant
consequences for local economies and tax revenues, including
funding for local schools.
I appreciate the large task at hand and believe that taking the above
steps will serve all of us well.
Thank you, Laura Shealy
It is time to re-consider what best and highest use means.There is
much more value to our community,the environment around the
121 lake and all the wild places of Idaho that so many have come here to
Commerce enjoy,than the monetary potential of state leased land. Please do
Heather St. McCall, not ignore the plea of your citizens to protect the undeveloped lands
7 Susemihl ID 83638 we have left.
195 Concerning the State endowment lands.
Scott J Commerce I will pay more in taxes to keep the land as state property,so all
8 Bowes st people of the State of Idaho can use.
Please establish and maintain a long range stakeholder advisory
committee. This committee would help local governments and
citizens have a voice in considering impacts to our economy,
ecology,and the culture of our community. For IDL to recognize the
value of the land beyond a one time, bottom-line sale price. The
Endowment Lands' impact on tourism, local ecology,and the health
P.O. Box 455 of the lake has significant consequences for local economies and tax
(890 Timber revenues, including funding for local schools. Please don't let the
Ridge Ct), dollar signs influence the changes that would impact your local
Marilyn McCall, ID residents that have lived in McCall and Valley County for 40+years.
9 Olson 83638 Thank you for your time and consideration.
Hi,Valley county resident of 8+years here. I moved from a small
backwater Idaho town to Cascade for work in 2012. 1 immediately
fell in love with the area and decided to put down roots. Even in this
short time I have seen McCall and the outlying towns explode in
popularity. People love it here, and why wouldn't they? However,
the magic and tranquility and beauty of this place is in danger.
Trident Holdings wants to take the best tracts of public land and turn
it into top-tier real estate for profit and profit alone.There's no
"preservation" in their plans, regardless of the clever marketing
Jim 417 Virginia done by their team. I oppose any transfer of public lands to these
10 Baldwin Blvd greedy land grabbers, and I have yet to speak with a single Valley
Page 3 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
County resident that supports said transfer.Your constituents are
DEMANDING that you oppose Trident with all of your might, so
please, listen to them. It's the City Council's duty to represent the
people who voted them into office, and the people do not want this
transfer to take place in any way,shape,or form. PLEASE,for the
sake of the love which we hold for these mountains, lakes, and
byways,oppose them. Say NO to Trident!Thank you
By whatever means and tools at your disposal,the Trident Proposal
and land grab absolutely must be stopped or McCall will turn into a
place so different that none of us here now will value living here.
Consider the threat to our drinking water,affordable housing,
negative impact on small business (eg employee shortage, housing
shortage). Water quality may be the biggest negative,and the City is
the provider of safe drinking water.So there's a direct objection.
I'm not even sure that better and much more expensive water
treatment methods are possible to purify water at a certain point.
Please don't buy their lies about increases in property tax revenues,
PO Box 295, it's never enough to cover all the increased expenditures and long
Sheree McCall, ID term impacts,there are many books and studies on this topic.
11 Sonfield 83638 Thank you for your hard work.
I much prefer to leave development of endowment land to the
State, rather than to a private business. Regarding potential
commercial development in the Deinhard area, I have two concerns.
First,this is a school area so traffic related issues need to consider
664 safety and congestion. For example, a strip mall might result in too
Woodlands much traffic. Second, development should occur only if/when there
Robert Drive, is a real demand/need for additional commercial space so that
12 Bechaud McCall buildings do not sit empty.
Public sentiment on Trident's proposal is a unanimous, No.The land
: board's response was "I wonder whether we should even be
concerned about what the City of McCall thinks" by Secretary of
State Lawrence Denney.And Governor Little admitting, "local goals
rarely align with the state's constitutional mandate to maximize long
term profits from State land." But does the constitutional mandate
say the State is allowed to destroy an ecosystem, destroy wildlife
corridors,wildlife habit, and impact McCall's community?Will the
State enable Trident to maximize profits at the expense of our
ecosystem?At the cost of the beauty that surrounds us? Trident's
slick PR campaign to "Preserve McCall"will do the exact opposite;
Preserve is defined "as maintaining something in its original or
existing state."
Growth is inevitable, but we need to think about the cost to the
200 Scott St ecosystem. Development approval rarely considers the most critical
David J McCall impact on nature's erosion—the damage from human presence.
13 Gallipoli Idaho 83638
Page 4 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
One solution to preserve McCall's ecosystem would be to declare a
one-year moratorium on new residential construction.And I don't
say that lightly because I have been in construction and property
maintenance most of my life. I know there are faces behind every
business that would be affected. I have also experienced boom and
bust cycles in the industry, and a sustainable growth plan would
prevent bust cycles.
One year would give the city council, planning/zoning,wildlife
experts, and ecologists time to formulate a sustainable growth plan
that places the McCall ecosystem first by considering wildlife
corridors, wildlife habitat,forest, and the watershed.The second
goal would consider infrastructure and service needs for a growing
community.A year to think about how we want to leave this special
place to future generations.
There has never been a more urgent time to act,so we must act
boldly. We need only look at how quickly we have destroyed ten-
thousand-year-old ecosystems in less than 200 years, and the world
has lost two-thirds of its wildlife in 50 years.
We have a choice not to become a Boulder, Colorado, a Bozeman,
Montana, or a Jackson Hole, Wyoming,to name a few mountain
resort cities that did not control their growth.
I urge our City Council to think beyond traditional growth policies
and change direction for the environment and our community.
Thank You, David Gallipoli , McCall, M
I urge you to oppose the Trident proposal and ask for additional time
Kristin P.O. Box in moratorium on proposals of sale, exchange or lease for another 6
Hoff 2867 McCall months. The Trident proposal puts too much power in one groups
14 Sinclair ID 83638 hands and too much pressure on the lake/drinking water.
PAGE 1 of 2 -Payette Endowment Lands Alliance
The Payette Endowment Lands Alliance (PELA), a grassroots
conservation organization in McCall working to conserve and protect
the McCall area endowment lands, offers the following comments to
the IDL's draft Payette Endowment Lands Strategy. We sincerely
appreciate the efforts of the McCall City Council in addressing issues
associated with these vulnerable endowment lands, and we are
105 always available to meet/discuss/work with you on this important
Brundage matter. These comments are on the behalf of PELA.
Jeff View Ct, Sincerely,
Moussea McCall, ID, Jeff Mousseau, PELA Board Secretary
15 u 83638
Page 5 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
Provide a Comprehensive Plan:
• The Payette Endowment Lands Strategy should be based on a
comprehensive analysis of the McCall area endowment lands as a
whole and over the long term.A comprehensive approach whereby
all relevant factors are included in the analysis of alternatives and
the cumulative effects of parcel by parcel decision making should be
used. A broad set of goals should be developed for land
preservation, uses, and development.
• Trading or selling these endowment lands and dividing them up
into pieces,would sacrifice their long-term value: as an intact
ecosystem,as a buffer for the watershed, as a crucial wildlife
corridor, as a wildfire barrier,as a refuge for plant and animal
diversity, and as a source of resilience insurance in climate chaos.
Protect the Public Trust:
• Elected officials have a public trust responsibility for water quality.
Payette Lake waters are the source of drinking water for the City of
McCall and degrading the quality of these waters represents a direct
public health issue. Protecting Payette Lake and its watershed must
be a foundation of the Payette Endowment Lands Strategy.
• The critical public trust obligation of Payette Lake and the North
Fork of the Payette River watershed water quality as well as other
factors including wildlife habitat,wildfire prevention, ecological
health, recreational access, angling, and the small mountain town
characteristics of McCall merit full consideration in the current
Payette Endowment Lands Strategy.
Install a Stakeholder Advisory Group
•The Land Board should support the creation of a stakeholder
advisory group to provide input to IDL Payette Lakes Supervisory
Area personnel for the McCall area endowment lands. The
stakeholder advisory group should be a sincere, long-term effort to
engage the community and provide local stakeholders--who know
these lands best--the opportunity to collaborate in finding
appropriate solutions that will also satisfy the Land Board's duties to
the endowment trust.
• The McCall area endowment lands are important to the citizens of
Idaho, and the Payette Endowment Lands Strategy will undoubtedly
serve as a template for endowment lands throughout Idaho.
Therefore, it is important to spend the time and effort necessary to
get it right. The moratorium on transactions involving endowment
lands in the McCall/Valley County area should be extended as
necessary to allow this stakeholder group to be formed and provide
input.
Page 1 of 2
Page 6 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
Page 2 of 2 -Payette Endowment Lands Alliance
Prevent a Wholesale Land Trade
• Any wholesale trade or sale of the McCall area endowment lands
for future private development would harm the endowment fund
beneficiaries and the citizens of Idaho and overwhelm the ecological
capacities of the land and waters in the McCall area,and we oppose
any wholesale trade or sale.
• It has been discussed to trade northern Idaho timber lands
potentially worth around$45 million for the endowment land in
McCall worth more than$1 billion. Clearly, engaging in such a trade
would represent a complete repudiation of the Land Board's
fiduciary duties, be a violation of the Idaho constitution,would not
secure the maximum long term financial return to the endowment
trust and institutions,and represent a huge loss to Idaho education.
• IDL should develop a comprehensive plan in the Payette
Endowment Lands Strategy that IDL and the Land Board can rely
upon and be bound by in evaluating future proposals for
development and transactions related to these lands,and future
proposals outside the boundary of this plan should be rejected.
Implement Land Conservation Solutions
IDL should work with the stakeholder advisory committee to fully
explore creative solutions that will yield revenues from the
endowment lands,which honor the health of the lands,waters, and
ecosystem.
• IDL should continue to evaluate legacy programs such as logging,
grazing,and mining while analyzing new methods of deriving
revenues that are consistent with the 21st century, including the
warming climate, increasing fires and blights in our forests,
population growth,and the growing scarcity of undeveloped land.
• An asset class and business program similar to what has been
developed for forestry and grazing should be developed for
conservation and recreation leases and easements to support
implementation to raise additional revenues on these lands.The
Land Board should provide assurances that leases/easements would
be legally secure.
105
Brundage Perform a Thorough Economic Analysis
Jeff View Ct, • When the Land Board and IDL are making determinations about
Moussea McCall, ID, management and transactions regarding endowment lands,they
16 u 83638 should consider not just the benefits in terms of revenue but also
Page 7 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
the long-term costs that would result from their decisions.
Align Idaho Constitution and Stewardship
• The economic value of Idaho endowment lands are dependent on
sound, long-term stewardship. This stewardship includes protecting
and sustaining the health of the lands and adjacent waters,the
viewsheds,the ecology,open space,and wildlife habitat. The Land
Board should exercise its discretion, and direct IDL to act,to the full
limits of its Constitutional authority so that management of the
endowment lands becomes aligned with these values and with the
IDL's own vision, mission, and values to meet the realities and needs
of the 21st century.
Do Not Exacerbate Economic Divisions
• State-owned lands should be retained to allow access to all and
prevent growing economic divisions in our community and society.
Development of these lands threatens to limit access to only the
wealthy.
Page 2 of 2
As a resident of McCall I urge our leaders to take our voice to the
Idaho Land Trust, Gov. Little and Trident Holdings and ensure that
we truly PRESERVE McCall and her ecosystem,wildlife for future
generations to enjoy. It is the single most important asset of the
area and if we allow it to be traded,sold, developed beyond local
planning and and input-why even have local leadership? I trust you
713 Bridal all will strive to listen to the unanimous voices of our community and
Path Way, block Trident and continue to let our community guide our lands,
Rick McCall schools and businesses. Please take a stand and take control!Thank
17 Puper 83638 you for all your services in this critical time.
I'm writing to you regarding the important issue of strategic planning
for the 5500 acres of endowment land adjacent to Payette Lake and
McCall, as well as for all the endowment lands in Valley County. The
Payette lakes and the surrounding endowment lands are a precious
heritage that must be preserved for all generations to come.There
are several citizens'organizations striving to assure that disposition
of these lands is optimized to preserve the ecosystem and natural
beauty of the lake and land,while also helping the Idaho Dept.of
Lands to fulfill the Idaho constitutional mandate to maximize
financial returns from them for the beneficiaries. These
organizations include the Big Payette Lake Water Quality Council,
the Payette Endowment Lands Alliance, Idaho Conservation League,
939 Flynn Payette Land Trust, Idaho Wildlife Federation, and others that have
Edith R Lane, much citizen input and support and that would like to participate as
Welty, McCall, ID stakeholders and representatives of the citizens as an advisory group
18 MD 83638 to the IDL, as IDL revises and implements their Payette Endowment
Page 8 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
Land Strategy(PELS). There is a fine balance between preserving
this land and lake for their high value as natural resources, while still
fulfilling the public trust to the beneficiaries.
Payette Lake is not only a primary attraction for visitors from all over
the world, but is also a critical watershed and primary drinking water
source for McCall. Any use of land close to the lake shore must be
planned carefully to prevent contamination of the lake,while still
attracting the visitors who contribute to the economy of McCall and
Idaho. The surrounding lands must be preserved for their natural
beauty and critical wildlife habitat by carefully limiting land sale and
allowing ongoing low impact public access as much as possible.
Given that McCall is growing and that the number of visitors has
rapidly increased since onset of the COVID pandemic, it will be
important to expand careful management of these lands to ensure
that public access does not contaminate the lake, damage the
surrounding land, or negatively impact wildlife.
Conservation easements and expanding Ponderosa Park are two
potential strategies for assuring that the maximum natural value of
these lands and lake are protected for their long-term value,as
opposed to land sale for development or for wealthy individuals who
will build large homes and make it more difficult for middle income
families to buy land in this area. Quick sale has only a short-term
value that will degrade the land and lakes and will limit land use to
only the wealthy. Other strategies include continued judicious
timber harvesting,grazing, and other land uses that fulfill the
constitutional mandate.
Please ask IDL to:
1) Extend the moratorium on making decisions on these lands until
the public has time to digest the PELS and provide input,
2) Incorporate local stakeholder organizations as advisory groups in
their decision-making,
3) Not sell parcels or large swaths of this land to wealthy developers
or individuals who will likely block public access to the lakes and land
and further exacerbate wealth inequality.
4) Incorporate strategies such as conservation leases and expansion
of Ponderosa State Park to manage land use and protect water
quality.
Thank you for your consideration and your ongoing work.
This comment is in reference to the Payette Endowment Lands
Strategy. The McCall area endowment lands are special and unique.
I appreciate the time placed into the document and suggest that the
following issues be addressed prior to approval:
1299 1. Payette Lake is held in public trust and it's health must be of
Warren utmost importance and consideration. It is the sole source of
Darby Wagon Rd, drinking water for McCall and this is paramount. We do not want a
19 Webb McCall, ID situation like Lake Coeur d'Alene in the future if development is
Page 9 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
uncontrolled.
2. A large scale transfer of these lands to one group/private party
for development is not responsible.
3. Access to public lands is critical for tourism as well as recreation
for local citizens.
4. An advisory group with citizen and stakeholder input would likely
lead to the best acceptable outcome for all parties.
I oppose the McCall area IDL land exchange proposed by Alec
Williams and his company Trident. Not only will this bring increased
demand to the lake,watershed,wildlife habitat and landscape, it will
also impact our mountain community.
People use these lands to recreate,fish, hunt, hike, bike, motorize
and gather food and wood.This will negatively impact the traditional
use of this land by privatizing and shutting much use off to the
people. It will also put increased demand on the ecosystem with
large scale/unmoderated development.
have heard IDL has used "the constitution" as an excuse not to take
the time and do what is right for the environment and surrounding
communities.This land is only increasing in value, not value that
should be sold or traded but value to our planet and value to current
and future generations.
We must work together to keep this land undeveloped,to keep it for
everyone to use and to survive for future generations. If it requires
the IDL to revise the constitution I see that as a win. If it requires Our
city council members,towns people, activist groups and the land
board to work towards a solution this is a win.
PO Box
Lea 2741, McCall Let us be a positive change that surrounding counties and states can
20 albright ID 83638 take example from. Let us to the right thing and protect this land.
I stand firmly in objection to the land exchange presented by
Trident. I do not trust their motives nor their word. If they're backed
by investors who want a return, I do not believe the land will be
Ian 1640 Forest preserved with the wildlife, ecology and local land users as the top
21 Cruess Trails Ave three priorities.
Re: Critique of the Payette Endowment Lands Strategy submitted by
Idaho Department of Lands to the Land Board on December 15,
2020
PAGE 1
In spite of Secretary of State Denny's statement in the Star News
questioning why the Land Board should even care aDear Members
of the McCall City Council and Staff,
Judy 13775 Nisula bout what the City of McCall thinks, IDL has responded to pressure
22 Anderson Road for public comment on its plan and even set up a short term "focus
Page 10 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
group" inviting the city and other stakeholders. I am writing to ask
you to consider the following critiques of the strategy plan when you
make your comments and participate in the focus group.
1.The most unsettling element of the plan is the total dismissal of
Payette Lake. There is no mention of even considering the health of
the lake and the watershed (much less our drinking water source) in
any of their plans for these lands. These lands form a halo around
the lake and provide a necessary buffer protecting not only Big
Payette, but also the North Fork of the Payette,the mouth of Lake
Fork Creek and Little Lake from over-development, run-off pollution,
and sedimentation.The Lake is not only our water source and our
love, but our economic driver and its health and the health of its
tributaries is fundamental to our community. It is also the driver for
the high revenues IDL hopes to get for its land sales, so it seems that
its protection is a no-brainer.
2. The Lake is another public trust obligation for the State and the
tributaries running into the lake are corollary to that trust.That
public trust obligation should be considered as important as the
state's fiduciary duty to the endowment land beneficiaries.
3.The value of the lands lies in their connectivity.They are
contiguous with the Payette Forest providing a crucial big game
corridor, as well as access to the forest, lakes, river and creek.Their
continuity also provides insurance against the effects of ecological
fragmentation with its proliferation of noxious weeds,increase of
pollution and loss of the resilience of biodiversity.This connectivity
allows open opportunities for recreation as well as opportunities for
IDL to offer long-term conservation/recreation easements and
leases. These opportunities for longterm revenue generation for
beneficiaries would be lost with fractured land parcel development.
4.The IDL plan sets out a 20 year timeline for development/selling
off of 13 parcels of state land.The long timeline and the tiered
arrangement of parcels along the 20 year span are meant to perhaps
explore options or to "participate in city and county processes" or to
"convene a stakeholders group" or to"conduct public outreach".
But nowhere in the plan does it say the needs and concerns of the
comprehensive plans of the city and county would be considered.
And there is no guarantee of adherence to the 20 year schedule. If
someone came in with "a suitcase full of money", could they
completely upend the whole tiered scheme and could blocks of land
in tier IV,for example be sold off immediately?
THIS COMMENT IS CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Page 11 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
PAGE 2 of continued comment
Many of us had hoped one of the ideas of the plan was to give
McCall some stability in planning.Yet the plan seems most
interested in "taking advantage of opportunities for higher revenue
generation." That possibility for higher revenue is completely driven
by the desirability of living in McCall. And that desirability is driven
by the proximity to a healthy Payette Lake,the easy access to quality
outdoor recreation,the character of McCall as a small mountain
town that cares.deeply about the environment and the culture
supported by the city's careful planning. Ironically all these things
could be at risk if the state lands around McCall are sold and
developed.And that it turn could undermine the high revenue
expected for other state land sales. Also if IDL can acknowledge the
debt that it owes to the city and people of McCall for making their
lands way more valuable(in the past few years the state has made
millions off of the sale of the cottage sites), shouldn't IDL at least be
a good neighbor and respect McCall's desires to create a sustainable,
affordable, small town community?And shouldn't IDL try and
further McCall's goals in its plan and implementation?
5. Lastly IDL seems in its plan to be unaware of various infrastructure
limitations most especially the sewer system. It's projections for the
number of residences on its parcels and the worth of the parcels
based on those projections seems out of whack with the present
sewer capacity of the sewer district. With limited present capacity
and pressing need for repairs, priorities for sewer hookups will have
to be established and it is hard to imagine that any of the state lands
would be first in line.Thus the amount of revenue that the state
expects to gain from its lands may be way over estimated if sewer
facilities are unavailable and possible development is curtailed.
Thank you for your attention,
Judy 13775 Nisula Judy Anderson
23 Anderson Road
To those reviewing the use of Idaho endowment lands.
Public open space around the the community of McCall is the best
long term way to preserve Idaho's diminishing resource of open
space. I understand the endowment lands were initially set out to
generate revenue for the state however the benefits of a one time
sale of land is short sided.
Idaho has lost much of the open space from forests to farmland in
49 the past 5 years. If we continue at this pace many of the resources
Thaona Jughandle we have valued since our inception will be lost with privatization.
24 Garber Drive
Page 12 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
We need to keep Idaho Wild so wildlife, or watersheds, salmon and
historic native landscape remains. I'm
I am opposed to the proposed purchase of Idaho endowment lands
and the development of land and resources.
We are strongly opposed to the Trident land development. Please
step back and get local input and do not rush the process.The
910 Yew purported surveys conducted by Trident about community support
Diana Wood are biased and don't reflect the true community sentiment.The long
25 Fields McCall ID term effects of the decisions you make cannot be reversed.
I whole heartedly disapprove selling public land to take away the
211 birch rights of the people to use our forests and lakes. So much of Idaho is
lane covered with multi-million dollar homes.Vote no on trident
Adrienne Donnelly, ID holdings! Keep Idaho wild and affordable for the people that grew
26 , Boland 83615 up here and care about the land.
Dear McCall City Council,
I am writing to express my opposition to the Land Swap/Land Grab
being proposed by Mr.Alec Williams of Trident Holdings. I am also
writing to express my support for a continued dialog between the
Idaho Department of Lands and the Valley County Stakeholders and
local government.
The 28,000 acre Land Swap/Land Grab being proposed by Trident
Holdings would, if it went forward, represent a radical departure
from the historic management of these Public Endowment Lands.
Wildlife depend on these lands for their survival.The lands are
crisscrossed by Elk and Mule Deer in their migrations from the high
country to the lower areas.Shiras Moose make their home in the
upper reaches of the North Fork Payette Watershed. People and
kids depend on these lands also.The schoolchildren (the
beneficiaries of the Endowment Trust) deserve a chance to have
their voices heard.These kids oppose commercial development of
their Public Lands.The schoolchildren represent the next generation
that will roam those lands;they represent our future.
Any decision regarding management of the Endowment Lands is by
nature a Moral Decision. It is neither morally right nor fiscally
prudent to put on blinders and invoke "Constitutional Obligations
regarding maximal financial returns..." Management of this Public
Land has been entrusted to the members of the Land Board;the five
elected officials in whom Idahoans have put their trust via the ballot
2071 box. Idahoans expect their elected officials to possess a strong Moral
Lakeview Compass. Governor Little has the shared responsibility of protecting
Thomas Avenue, Idaho's land and watersheds. Land Board decisions cannot be made
27 Manning McCall in a vacuum, ignoring detrimental effects on the land,the lakes, and
Page 13 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
the rivers. "Long term benefit", as called for in the constitutional
mandate, requires the willingness of elected officials to strive to see
100-300 years or more into the future,to consider what will happen
if ecosystems and watersheds are destroyed. If blinders were the
rule, and morality and wisdom thrown out of the analysis,we could
end up with any of these possibilities and more along the North Fork
Payette Watershed,and along the shore of Payette Lake:
1)A high-end brothel catering to offshore sex tourism.
2) A nuclear waste storage facility leased for a thousand years to the
Federal Government.
3)A fifteen-story Disneyland-style hotel with casino,ten waterslides,
and a fleet of several hundred surf rental boats,just south of
Ponderosa Park North Beach Unit.
Mr.Alec Williams and his newly established Trident Holdings LLC
have galvanized the citizens if Idaho and the residents of Valley
County against his proposal. Mr. Williams is a 34 year-old just out of
law school and business school and whose work experience to date
has included a couple short stints working for New York Private
Equity. He has never developed any project here in Idaho. He has
come from the East Coast to Idaho, intent on using threats of
litigation to try to gain control of 28,000 acres of some of the most
valuable public land in the state to fashion his very own version of
Montana's Yellowstone Club.
Alec Williams refuses to disclose his investors, and says the issue is
too sensitive for the investor's names to be made public. Excuse
me..we are talking about some land that's extremely sensitive and
the investors don't want to be named? When we make decisions
about our public lands...we do it in broad daylight under the light of
public scrutiny with public meetings with involvement of the local
citizenry and the local government entities.
I ask the City Council and the Valley County Commissioners to push
its case with the Land Board,the legislature and the public.This
issue is too important to be left to back room dealings.The Land
Board has invoked flawed interpretation of its constitutional
mandate too often in the past.They owe a duty of stewardship to
the land..."What would Teddy Roosevelt do?"
261 Morgan
Drive I have been a resident of McCall for 13 years. I oppose the land swap
Jan MCCALL to preserve what makes this area valuable both economically and
28 Thorien Idaho environmentally.
Please do not privatize our recreational public lands around McCall.
Bonita 80 Elkhorn Nature's wild lands and our access to them is what makes McCall a
29 Glick Ranch Road, healthy,wholesome community.
Page 14 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
McCall, Id
83638
The selling of the land to Trident seems careless.The problems with
this project are huge. I think of fire problems and people trying to
475 Kemble exit the area and crowd to HWY 55 during a maCjor fire. A
Dixie lane. McCall. catastrophe is waiting with a quick decision leaving the whole area
30 Lewis 83638 vulnerable. Is there any planning in place?
16300 US Allowing the land around McCall to be developed by Trident would
Highway 10 be a mistake.The appeal of McCall and the surrounding area is the
Michaela E, Clinton, remoteness,the wildness.Taking that away takes away the reason
31 Jaquish MT 59825 to visit.
Box 4195,
McCall, ID I want to go on record with my opposition to the land exchange near
32 Jon Glick 83638 McCall.
It is critical for the City of McCall and Valley County to have roles in
any decision making by the Land Board and IDL that would affect
endowment lands in the County.The Land Board should establish a
local stakeholder committee to participate and advise in this
decisionmaking, particularly with regard to the disposition (sale,
lease,swap, etc.) of lands.Any decisions should be based upon the
2071 health of the lake and the watershed, health of the lands, and
Julie Lakeview carrying capacity of the ecosystem (including infrastructure, roads,
33 Manning Ave sewer system).
January 27, 2021
McCall City Council Members
Mr. Bob Giles, Mayor
Mr.Colby Nielsen, Council President
Ms. Melanie Holmes, Councilor
Ms. Cami Callan, Councilor
Mr. Mike Maciaszek, Councilor
216 East Park Street
McCall, ID 83638
(208)634-7142
Submitted Electronically via McCall City Council Comments Portal
RE: Idaho Conservation League's Comments Regarding the Idaho
Department of Lands Payette Endowment Lands Strategy
Idaho Dear McCall City Council Members:
Conservatio
n League, We understand that there is an opportunity for the McCall City
710 N. 6th Council to submit comments to the Idaho Department of Lands(IDL)
Randy St., Boise, ID Payette Endowment Lands Strategy,which centers on State
34 Fox 83701 Endowment Lands in and around McCall,Valley County, Idaho.We
Page 15 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
wanted to share with the McCall City Council the recommendations
that the Idaho Conservation League will be submitting to the Idaho
Department of Lands on behalf of our members who live in or
recreate in the area. Since 1973, Idaho Conservation League (ICL)
has worked to protect and enhance Idaho's clean water,wilderness,
and quality of life through citizen action, public education, and
professional advocacy. Idaho Conservation League has a long history
of involvement in public land management issues.As Idaho's largest
statewide conservation organization, ICL represents over 30,000
supporters who have a deep personal interest in ensuring that public
lands management decisions protect our quality of life,our land,
water,fish, and wildlife,and the communities that depend on these
resources.
The Idaho State Endowment Lands which surround McCall's Payette
and Little Payette Lakes hold a special place in Idahoan's hearts by
providing numerous recreation opportunities for local residents and
visitors, protecting water quality, and supporting an ecosystem rich
with biodiversity which supports numerous wildlife and plant
species.These largely contiguous and undeveloped lands also
contribute to the character of the community and are an integral
part of why this area is so special.
Trident Holdings, LLC is developing a proposal to exchange some
28,000 acres of State Endowment lands in the McCall area for an
unknown number of timberland acres in north Idaho has brought to
light the importance of Idaho State Endowment lands to this
community. Trident promotes their proposal as a mechanism to
"Preserve McCall"through targeted development of highly desirable
residential and commercial sites while promoting"improved public
access" and the ability to conserve undeveloped lands in perpetuity.
We are concerned that the privatization and subsequent
development of these lands will threaten the lands and waters
many Idahoans know and love, adversely impact the quality of life,
recreation opportunities, plant and wildlife populations, and the
water quality which all McCall residents and visitors depend on.This
privatization will diminish opportunities for recreation and
sustainable living such as hunting,fishing,and gathering the
abundant natural yields of the forested State lands.The Idaho
Conservation League believes that meaningful conservation,
recreational access and sustainable economic development need
not depend on luxury homes or resort hotels along the lakeshores.
The following document presents our comments and
recommendations regarding the Payette Endowment Land Strategy,
and includes several potential solutions regarding the management
Page 16 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
of State Endowment Lands for the benefit of all Idahoans and to
ensure the water that McCall and Valley County residents depend on
remains clean and healthy for human and wildlife consumption.
Thank you for considering our comments as the McCall City Council
seeks to find the best path forward for its residents and the rest of
Idaho. Should you have any questions regarding these
recommendations, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Respectfully submitted,
John Robison Randy Fox
Public Lands Director Conservation Associate
Idaho Conservation League Page 1
Idaho Conservation League's Comments on the Idaho Department of
Lands Payette Endowment Lands Strategy
Retain Land Connectivity and Ecological Function
We.have long recognized that the economic health and viability of
rural communities directly correlate with the health of the lands and
water that surround them. Ecosystem health becomes more critical
and tied to economic health when we acknowledge that the
surrounding landscapes and opportunities they offer are the very
attributes that attract people to the region for permanent residency,
as a second home location,or as a vacation destination. Clean,
drinkable water provides the foundation for a strong, healthy,and
economically viable community, and the nation has seen the
negative impacts of unhealthy or contaminated water supplies on
economic health through the situation in Flint, Michigan, and in
other locations throughout the nation. This is especially true for
McCall and the health of Payette and Little Payette Lakes,which
remain the primary drinking water source for the surrounding
communities.
Much of the land surrounding Payette and Little Payette Lakes are
Endowment Lands managed by the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL),
and stand at the center of the current discussion. While we
understand that the State has a constitutional mandate to manage
their lands for maximum long-term financial benefit and gain,we do
Idaho not believe that the State can achieve their long-term financial goals
Conservatio if the proposed actions result in ecosystem degradation.
n League, Development along the lakeshores would likely result in increased
710 N. 6th sediment delivery to the lake waters and fragmented plant and
Randy St., Boise, ID wildlife habitats,which would degrade water quality and adversely
35 Fox 83701 impact wildlife security and habitat health. The 1992 asset
Page 17 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
management plan clearly acknowledges the importance of IDL staff
considering the "needs and concerns" of the citizens of McCall and
greater Valley County regarding the management and/or disposition
of Endowment Lands, and ICL supports McCall and Valley County
residents having the opportunity to shape the trajectory and health
of their own future. We encourage the McCall City Council to seek
out opportunities to work with IDL to conserve lands surrounding
critical water bodies, which are part of IDL's Public Trust, and protect
the foundation of McCall's economic health and security: a
sustainable, healthy, and drinkable water source.We address our
concerns regarding maintenance of the public trust below.
The Endowment Lands in and around McCall contain migration
corridors and habitats for numerous species, including mule deer,
elk, moose, bears, mountain lions, a variety of raptors and migratory
songbirds, amphibians, reptiles, and the numerous plants and
insects these animals depend on. Maintaining these corridors and
habitats is critical to retaining ecosystem health. Further,
maintaining intact migration corridors and habitats ensures the
animals that attract people to the area for wildlife viewing, hunting,
fishing, or gathering remain on the landscape. Having robust wildlife
and plant diversity contributes to the economic success of the region
by attracting wildlife enthusiasts of all descriptions who support
local businesses.
The Payette lakes are also unique in that they are natural bodies of
water, unlike the majority of lower-elevation reservoirs found
throughout the state. Most of Idaho's natural lakes are found at
higher elevations, reducing accessibility for some and limiting
recreation boating opportunities to conveyances that are easily
transported. Prior to the construction of Black Canyon diversion
dam on the Payette River in 1924, salmon regularly made the
journey from the Pacific Ocean to Payette Lake and beyond to
spawn. While salmon and steelhead will not likely return to the
Payette watershed,several game fish species continue to thrive in
the cold waters of Payette and Little Payette Lakes and in the waters
downstream.
ICL Comments, Page 2
Public Access to Endowment Lands
Idaho Recent surveys and questionnaires circulated in the Valley County
Conservatio communities by the Payette Land Trust and the Payette Endowment
n League, Lands Alliance demonstrate the importance of having accessible
710 N. 6th public lands within an easily commutable distance, oftentimes using
Randy St., Boise, ID non-motorized methods. The on-going COVID-19 pandemic
36 Fox 83701 highlights the importance of accessible public lands for maintaining
Page 18 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
physical and mental health. Many local residents and visitors spend
more time enjoying the Payette Endowment Lands than other
portions of the surrounding Payette National Forest. As urban
growth and development inevitably occur, it becomes increasingly
clear that conserving public access to public lands is vital to the
success of rural communities who rely, at least in part, on tourism
trade.
We should not consider land access the sole purview or concern of
land-based development proposals. Many recreationists come to
the area to enjoy the sailing,water-skiing,wake-boarding, paddle
boarding, and kayaking opportunities found at Payette and Little
Payette Lakes. Exploring tucked away coves and islands and relaxing
or picnicking on lakeshore beaches remains a primary attraction for
people who come to the region specifically for water-based
recreation. Increased development along the lakeshore by either
private or commercial ventures could drastically reduce the public
access and aesthetic components that make Payette and Little
Payette Lakes special and unique. We encourage the McCall City
Council to advocate for retaining public access and protecting the
visual aesthetics of these water-based locations.
Public Trust Lands
The waters of Idaho, including Payette and Little Payette Lakes,the
tributaries that feed the lakes, and the North Fork of the Payette
River are protected and held in Public Trust by IDL, and the lands
below the ordinary high water mark are considered public trust
lands.State Public Trust lands are fundamentally different from
State Endowment Lands in terms of management and goals.Title to
these public trust lands remains with the state and the lands are
administered, "for the public benefit rather than for a specific
beneficiary." We are concerned that privatization of these
endowment lands will lead to adverse effects on Public Trust Lands,
including the nearby waterways and lands below the ordinary high
water marks.
As early as 1925, Idaho Statute and Code recognized the importance
of preserving Payette Lake as a "Health Resort(s) and Recreation"
location. Regarding the Appropriation of Waters in Trust for People,
Statute 67-4301 states:
The governor is hereby authorized and directed to appropriate in
trust for the people of the state of Idaho all the unappropriated
water of Big Payette Lake, or so much thereof as may be necessary
to preserve said lake in its present condition. The preservation of
said water in said lake for scenic beauty, health and recreation
Page 19 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
purposes necessary and desirable for all the inhabitants of the state
is hereby declared to be a beneficial use of such water. (emphasis
added)
ICL comments, Page 3
Statute 67-4302 declares that the land between the ordinary high
and low water mark, as well as "all other lands of the state adjacent
to said lake which are not held in trust for the beneficiaries of the
endowed institutions" are to be devoted public access and use"in
connection with the preservation of said lake in its present
condition as a health resort and recreation place" for Idaho citizens.
Further,this public use was found to "be more necessary....than the
use of said lands as a storage reservoir for irrigation or power
purposes." While our leaders in 1925 could not predict the
development value of these lands and waters,they clearly
recognized and acknowledged the value of conserving these natural
resources for recreation and health benefits for all Idahoans. We
believe these early statutes provide the McCall City Council, IDL, and
the diverse stakeholders in the region with the statutory and
codified authority to advocate for continued conservation and
preservation of these lands for future generations.
We understand that Cougar island has been platted and both islands
are zoned for"Rural Residential," allowing for a single residence per
10 acres. Shellworth Island is 13.1 acres and is platted to support a
single residence, and Cougar Island,while only slightly larger at
14.21 acres, is platted in a manner that identifies 5 buildable lots,
which conflicts with the zoning ordinances.
We believe these islands should remain public lands and protected
from development. While the portions above the ordinary high
water may be considered Endowment Lands that are available for
sale or lease to gain "maximum long term financial gain," direct
access and anchorage opportunities remain within the realm of
public trust lands and water. The sale or lease of these islands
would require constructing docks in or on public trust waters and/or
lands,the loss of public access to these islands would clearly benefit
the few rather than the public, and would unfairly impact Public
Trust responsibilities. A related argument for leaving Cougar and
Shellworth Islands undeveloped centers on the City's limited
Idaho capacity for infrastructure and services for island residents, and the
Conservatio potential for contaminants associated with septic infiltration
n League, systems to leach into lake waters. We are also concerned that the
710 N. 6th conversion of Cougar and Shellworth Islands from publicly accessed
Randy St., Boise, ID lands to private property or leased with access restrictions may
37 Fox 83701 widen the gap of social disparity in the community.
Page 20 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
We recommend that these islands be considered public trust land in
their entirety. ICL recommends the City of McCall work with IDL to
find a solution that removes the islands from direct sale or
development consideration. One option would be to incorporate
the islands as part of Ponderosa State Park. A second option to
explore may involve conservation easements that allow for public
use while limiting or removing development from the IDL strategy.
ICL comments, Page 4
Recommended Solutions
ICL believes there are several paths forward that will achieve the
goals of both IDL and the McCall community. First and most obvious
is to maintain the status quo for the time being. According to IDL's
draft Payette Endowment Lands Strategy,the McCall area
Endowment lands continue to earn revenues that are commiserate
with providing long-term financial benefit and gain,suggesting that
an imperative to alter course doesn't exist. While these lands have
and will continue to gain value through time,the increasing
monetary value directly correlates to the social values and amenities
that attract residents and visitors to the area. Moreover, by selling
the Endowment Land properties, IDL contributes to the land's
appreciation. Any proposal should consider whether lands adjacent
to parcels now being considered for sale will be next for
dispensation. While maintaining the status quo may help resolve
immediate concerns,we do see the value in a long term plan to
address the trajectory of growth and IDL management in 5, 10, or 20
years and farther out.Any exchanges,sales or leases for
development should be limited to the smaller, isolated IDL
inholdings adjacent to existing developments that are already
encompassed by the current comprehensive plan. For example,we
agree with the Department of Lands's assessment that the Deinhard
parcels represent opportunities for additional development in areas
already impacted by existing infrastructure. These two parcels are
easily accessed by utility infrastructure and would require minimal
investment for their development. However, rather than selling
these two properties to private developers,we recommend the City
of McCall purchase one or both of these parcels, rezone them for
multi-family housing, and re-sell either individual lots or larger tracts
to developers,with the goal of retaining a certain percentage for
Idaho affordable housing. As numerous small mountain communities from
Conservatio Ketchum to Telluride have discovered, it is difficult to keep a town
n League, running if the people who work in the community cannot afford to
710 N. 6th live in the community. McCall can avoid this quandary through
Randy St., Boise, ID proactive planning and management, and the Deinhard parcels
38 Fox 83701 represent an excellent opportunity to make such an investment in
Page 21 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area -. January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
the community's future.
IDL can also fulfill their constitutional mandate by considering
recreational leases on select portions of the McCall area Endowment
Lands. This would allow the state to continue harvesting timber
from appropriately designated parcels while gaining financial benefit
from the lease price. One potential venue may include yurt or small
cabin rentals,similar to those already operating within Ponderosa
State Park.
Ponderosa State Park is a central attraction for the McCall area, and
both the local community and broader public would benefit from the
park's expansion. There are numerous options available to achieve
this goal, including private fund raising drives, direct donation from
IDL to the State Park, or through acquisition using Land and Water
Conservation Funds (LWCF). The recently passed Great American
Outdoors Act assures permanent funding for LWCF,which provides
funds and grants to states,soil and water conservation districts,and
municipalities to acquire lands for parks and conservation
endeavours.
ICL comments, Page 5
Incorporating lands adjacent to the existing park boundaries makes
sense, allowing park officials to manage the contiguous parcels on a
landscape scale. As we mentioned earlier in these comments,
adding Cougar and Shellworth Islands to the state park system
would provide the greatest benefit to the public, affording
permanent protections and enhancing the intrinsic value of
Ponderosa State Park. ICL believes the incorporation of Endowment
Land parcels into Ponderosa State Park represents a viable solution
that also achieves the goals of both IDL and the McCall community.
IDL would reduce its management responsibilities for isolated or
small parcels,the community would retain full public access to
cherished lands, and the move would retain ecosystem connectivity.
A third potential option to conserve the McCall area Endowment
lands is through conservation easements. IDL can sell the
development rights to organizations, like the Payette Land Trust,yet
retain physical ownership and the ability to continue reaping the
financial benefits associated with managing timberlands. While
Idaho acquiring the funds for the purchase of these development rights
Conservatio often requires a concerted effort on the part of the whole
n League, community,the benefits far outweigh the potential disadvantages.
710 N. 6th ICL recommends that the McCall City Council explore the option of
Randy St., Boise, ID placing conservation easements on select tracts of the Payette
39 Fox 83701 Endowment Lands with IDL.These lands may also be eligible for
Page 22 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
inclusion in the Forest Legacy Program which helps support keeping
private and state lands as working lands while protecting them from
development.
While we believe most Tier 1 parcels and some Tier 2 parcels are
suitable for development,we ask that the McCall City Council
encourage IDL to not discount conservation easements for any
parcels put forth and discussed in the Payette Endowment Lands
Strategy.
A Direct Correlation Between Communities and Ecosystems
ICL believes that both natural ecosystems and human communities
have a carrying capacity that limits the degree to which a system can
support a particular species or characteristic of that community.
While growing communities realize an increased tax base and
commercial opportunities,there are often challenges that are less
known, such as addressing infrastructure capacity like utilities,fire
and medical services, and education resources. However,the most
significant challenge found from Ketchum to Telluride is the
availability of affordable housing for the essential workers who keep
the community operating. One component of the carrying capacity
in this situation is the ability to house workers within the
communities they work.
From our perspective, McCall and surrounding communities may be
approaching this nexus soon. Once this carrying capacity is reached
and housing becomes less affordable for essential workers,the
character and nature of the community often changes. The McCall
City Council and the citizens you represent are likely having difficult,
yet necessary discussions regarding where the limits of growth lie for
the town, and how increased growth may change the character of
the community,for good or ill. ICL encourages the McCall City
Council to continue having these hard discussions to find a path
forward that allows for economic and development growth while
retaining the character of the community, preserving the quality of
life, and conserving the natural resources that make the area special.
ICL Comments, Page 6
Dear McCall City Council Members:
62 Garden
Tracey Lane/P.O. As a 21-year resident of McCall, I am deeply troubled by the
40 Kindall Box 326 potential loss of public Endowment Lands around Payette Lake,
Page 23 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
particularly the loss of public stewardship via a sale to Trident
Holdings or any such private company.
Payette Lakes and its tributaries are precious-they provide clean
drinking water,sustain the health of our lake and the Payette River,
provide significant habitat for both large and small land and water
animals,and provide an important source of recreation.The lands
around the northern part of the lake and river-much of which is
designated Endowment Land-should be protected and held in the
public trust, not only to protect this watershed, but also to protect
the integrity of our ecological and human communities.
As Idaho continues to grow,other communities in our state-and in
other western resort regions-will face increasing pressure to sell off
precious public lands to the highest bidders.This short-sighted
thinking trades short-term gain for funds that cannot replace the
true value of these lands over time.What happens here in McCall
will set a precedent for other similar cases and must be addressed
with gravity.
As elected public officials, I ask that you consider broad public
sentiment, local impact, and philosophical concerns around the
protection of these lands by:
1. Pressuring the Land Board to establish a long-range stakeholder
advisory committee to involve local governments and citizens in
decisions that will dramatically impact our economies,ecological
health,and community cultures.
2. Pressuring the Department of Lands to acknowledge that these
lands have deep value that cannot be bought with a one-time,
bottom-line sale price. Long-term economic impacts must be
included in financial stewardship as the care of these lands directly
and indirectly impacts local economies,tax revenues,tourism,
recreation dollars, and community livability now and into the future.
Thank you for your time and for hearing my concerns.
-Tracey Kindall,full-time resident McCall
Let's be forward-thinking role models in the Western battle to keep
public lands in public hands.
14170
Jefferson Rd
Ragan McCall ID
41 Erickson 83638 We oppose the land exchange)
Page 24 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
49 1 am strongly opposed to Idaho Department of Lands selling or
Jughandle exchanging lands with Trident Holdings. These are public lands that
Ryan Dr, McCall, should be held for the highest and best use of the citizens of Idaho.
42 Garber ID 83638 Once given away,they can never be gotten back.
907 Cottage
Jennifer Court, I am in opposition to the land exchange and would appreciate the
43 Couch McCall, ID presentative support in protecting this precious land.
Dear McCall City Council and City Staff:
Thank you for taking the time to comment on the Idaho Department
of Lands(IDL) Payette Endowment Land Strategy(PELS) plan. In
your comments, please demand that IDL put the health of Payette
Lake and that watershed, our drinking water,at the center of their
decision making. Elected officials have a public trust obligation to
protect and maintain water quality for the health of the ecosystem
and its citizens. Demand that they not divide up those lands into
small segments and sell them off encouraging more development
around the lake which in turn would put our watershed at risk.
Explain to the IDL that the Payette Endowment Lands Strategy must
be based on a comprehensive analysis of McCall area endowment
lands as a whole over the long term. IDL's plans must work in
conjunction and integrate with the City's long-term vision for McCall
and consider issues such as the carrying capacity of the sewer
system; it's likely that rapid development may not be supported by
sewage capacity. Further development will have profound effects
on Payette Lake.
Last summer a framework for Climate Action Planning was adopted
by the City of McCall.As The City of McCall begins its climate action
planning process and begins to think about building resilience in the
face of climate change,the City should consider how to work with
IDL to ensure that our ecosystem remains intact--as a buffer for the
watershed, as a crucial wildlife corridor,as a wildfire barrier, and as
a refuge for plant and animal diversity.
The Payette Endowment Lands Alliance has sent the City it's
comments regarding the Payette Endowment Lands Strategy. Please
consider those comments as you write your letter to IDL.And finally,
I am in full support of a stakeholder advisory group that includes
1109 citizens to provide input on the development and uses of the McCall
Buckboard area endowment lands to the IDL.
Way,
Melissa McCall, Sincerely,
44 Coriell Idaho 83638
Page 25 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
Melissa Coriell
McCall
On December 15, 2020,the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL)
released a draft report entitled, Payette Endowment Lands Strategy
(PELS),which provides a plan for the management of 5500 acres of
endowment lands in the vicinity of the City of McCall. As a retired
family physician with extensive experience in public health, I have
some serious concerns about the plan as written. While I
understand the Constitutional Mandate to manage the Endowment
Lands to maximize income for the beneficiaries, IDL also has a Trust
Responsibility to protect the critical watershed that drains into
Payette Lake so that the sole source of drinking water for McCall is
not contaminated and to preserve the pristine beauty of the lake for
future generations. Note the legal requirement stated in Public Law
67-4301 which was passed in 1925 states:
"BIG PAYETTE LAKE —APPROPRIATION OF WATERS IN TRUST FOR
PEOPLE.The governor is hereby authorized and directed to
appropriate in trust for the people of the state of Idaho all the
unappropriated water of Big Payette Lake, or so much thereof as
may be necessary to preserve said lake in its present condition.The
preservation of said water in said lake for scenic beauty, health and
recreation purposes necessary and desirable for all the inhabitants
of the state is hereby declared to be a beneficial use of such water."
PELS summarizes potential transitions of 13 parcels of land (Parcels
A-M) but does not adequately address the critical need to protect
the Payette Lake watershed. The narrative in the plan states that
sewer services are available for most of the parcels and also states
that the most probable buyer/tenant would be large-scale
developers or private individuals. There is no mention of possibly
adding Cougar(parcel M) and Shellworth (Parcel F) Islands,the
Grove (Parcel G)which includes 3100 feet of shoreline, and the
meanders north of Payette Lake (Parcel 1)to Ponderosa State Park.
These 4 parcels should definitely not be sold to developers or private
individuals and if possible,should be transferred to management by
Ponderosa State Park. Establishing conservation easements is
another alternative that should be considered for a number of the
parcels.
I encourage the McCall City Council to do the following:
1. Assess the capacity of the Payette Lakes Recreational Water&
Sewer System to handle the additional sewage that will be created
939 Flynn by the residences that are included in the draft plan, if the lands are
Thomas Lane, sold to developers or private individuals. The sewer capacity needs
Welty, McCall, ID to be determined in detail for each of the 13 parcels before any are
45 MD 83638 sold. All housing and businesses built on these parcels must be
Page 26 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes `
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
connected to the sewer system to prevent contamination of Payette
Lake,
2. Promote the addition of Parcels M, F, G,and I to Ponderosa State
Park which will then guarantee public access to them in perpetuity.
3. Explore the feasibility of implementing conservation easements in
as many of the other eight parcels as possible to preserve public
access to those lands.
4.Ask IDL to extend the moratorium on sale,trade, or lease of these
lands until 2022 to provide enough time to develop a more
comprehensive plan that puts the protection of Payette Lake and the
watershed front and center as a foundation for its decisions.
5.Ask IDL to develop a stakeholder advisory group that can provide
input and support for potential changes to the lands in the PELS as a
follow up to the focus groups that IDL has already organized.
Thank you for your consideration of these recommendations and for
the good work you are doing for McCall.
I am a lifelong educator and fully understand the original purpose of
the endowment lands to support education.This purpose has
funded education over time with less financial gain for local districts.
This is especially true in the McCall Donally area.This in part due to
the closure of the local lumber mill in 1977-78.The local endowment
lands have become a local gem with some welcomed logging but
even more so with local open and available recreation areas.
I strongly oppose the use of these lands for anything other than fully
William 3306 Shaggy public use to recreation, indefinitely funding of schools and finding
46 Marineau Mane Ct new ways to use these lands to find our schools.
I support preserving the public endowment lands around Payette
Lake and the surrounding area and not selling them off to private
sectors.
I have been a homeowner in McCall since 1999 and pay property
taxes to Valley County. I purchased my home after many years of
visiting and enjoying McCall and the surrounding lakes, rivers, and
mountains. I would like to continue enjoying the lands around
Payette Lake, as well as my children,grandchildren and other family
members.
I oppose the trade that the Trident Holdings company has proposed
for Payette Endowment Lands. This trade will mean the lands
around Payette Lake will no longer be public and will no longer be
405 N. ours to enjoy. I urge the Council to oppose the trade as well.
Samson I believe this trade will negatively affect most residents of McCall, of
Trail, PO Box Idaho, and many visitors,who currently enjoy these lands. By
3042, moving access and putting the land in private hands,the ability to
Leslie McCall, ID use the lake for fishing, boating,swimming and the land for hiking
47 Pierce 83638 and biking will be greatly reduced.These areas are also used for
Page 27 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
gathering wood, huckleberries, and more.Thinking about Payette
Endowment Lands no longer being available breaks my heart.This
would be a huge loss for the community of McCall and its visitors
and would only benefit a select few.
Development occurring on these lands will affect the ecosystem,
including the land,the water and animals. Wildlife corridors will be
negatively impacted, habitat reduced, and our natural lake will be
turned into a private neighborhood. It is true that the south part of
the lake borders the town of McCall and many residences. These
lands are the part of the lake that allow us to "get away." That will
not be possible should it be developed.
Payette Lake, being the sole source of water for McCall,will be
impacted. The northern part of the lake, including the meanders,
provides a buffer and keeps the lake healthy. Developing those
areas will degrade the water quality. We enjoy some of the best
water in the world at the turn of our faucets. This is important for
the health of the ecosystem, plants and animals, but also,our own
health.
I understand that the Idaho Department of Lands (IDL) is taking time
to do what is right for the state, and I hope they listen to residents of
McCall who will be directly impacted. I encourage you to tell the IDL
to include a Stakeholder Advisory Group in their Payette Endowment
Strategy Plan. This will enhance transparency and access for local
residents as they will be able to voice their concerns and provide
details about real local impacts expected by this or future
exchanges. Local residents can also assist in finding solutions for the
IDL to seek other methods of needed revenue while keeping these
lands in the public trust. I encourage you to tell the IDL to conduct
an economic analysis which would bring to light the magnitude of
the many negative impacts to the community of McCall that may not
have been thought about yet. Within that economic analysis,the
environmental concerns (see above) should be addressed as well as
the loss of this public land and its value to McCall and the many
annual visitors. My guess is that many residents would not be able
to put a price on this land, as it is indeed priceless.
Finally, I urge you to keep these lands in the public domain because
of their importance to residents of Idaho,especially those living in
McCall, and the many visitors that come here every year. Many
residents of McCall make their living tied to the visitors that come
here and enjoy these lands. How many people would stop coming
here if the Payette Endowment Lands were no longer public but
were private? A few would pay to use the developed area,while the
rest of us, both residents and visitors,would be locked out. Please
help to keep these lands available to all, and not just a few of the
wealthy.
Thank you for taking the time to consider my concerns.
Page 28 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28,-2021 Council Meeting
I have been blessed to have spent over 60 summers in McCall during
which time,significant growth has occurred.With this growth,the
burden on the land and water is extracting a toll.Aquatic life is
stressed as water, air and noise pollution increase. We must find
244 ways to preserve the gifts the forest, lakes, mountains and rivers
Columbus give to all of us to help us de-stress,find balance and peace.The
Canyon mandate to make money for education is important but preserving
Road Grand nature for our children also offers opportunities to nurture their
Robin Junction CO physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being,the benefits of
48 Gilman 81507 which far out-weigh the temporary monetary gain.
Thank you for addressing the future of the extensive endowment
lands and the role they play in our community. Please place Payette
Lake,and all critical waterways, at the center of all decision making.
The health of our waters is closely tied to the health of our
community. Water quality, and the health of our watershed, should
Teresa be of critical concern. Development around the lake should be
49 Cohn 300 May Rd. prevented and fragmentation of lands avoided.
January 28, 2021
McCall City Council Members,
The Payette Endowment Lands Strategy should be based on a
comprehensive analysis of the McCall area endowment lands as a
whole and over the long term. A comprehensive approach whereby
all relevant factors are included in the analysis of alternatives and
the cumulative effects of parcel by parcel decision making should be
used.A broad set of goals should be developed for land
preservation, uses, and development.
Trading or selling these endowment lands and dividing them up into
pieces,would sacrifice their long-term value: as an intact ecosystem,
as a buffer for the watershed,as a crucial wildlife corridor, as a
wildfire barrier,as a refuge for plant and animal diversity,and as a
source of resilience insurance in climate chaos.
Much of the value of these lands derives from them being
contiguous and positioned between and adjacent to the lake on one
side and the national forest and state park on the other. If the land
around the lake is divided,it would cease to provide the potential
for long-term value as a source of revenue for beneficiaries from
recreation and conservation leases and easements and revenue
from potential transfer or sale to the state park or national forest
1102 system.
Buckboard
Jeff Way, McCall Please encourage IDL to work with a stakeholder advisory
50 Canfield ID 83638 committee to fully explore creative solutions that will yield revenues
Page 29 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
from the endowment lands,which honor the health of the lands,
waters, and ecosystem.Ask them to evaluate legacy programs such
as logging,grazing, and mining while analyzing new methods of
deriving revenues that are consistent with the 21st century,
including the warming climate, increasing fires and blights in our
forests, population growth, and the growing scarcity of undeveloped
land.
Thank you for your time and attention.
Jeff Canfield, McCall
believe a transfer of this kind would negatively impact our local
lands for public use and ecological system.We need to think about
our future and our future generations when deciding on these things
we need to leave them with a place to escape to. Allow them to
enjoy what we have and our families before us have gotten to enjoy.
A true undisturbed forest for recreation.
Allowing a large company to come in privatize and develop the land
3731 West would suck, For everyone except the people to aim to get rich off of
wyatt Mountain it.
51 albright Rd Please keep it just the way it is.
I stridently oppose the sale of endowment lands, particularly for
1406 Club short-sighted gains, because the land should be preserved for public
LYNNE Hill Blvd, use, land preservation,future generations,and in funding public
52 HODGES McCall schools.
The city of McCall should advocate that the Payette Endowment
Lands Strategy"the Plan" be based on a comprehensive analysis of
the McCall area endowment lands as a whole, be evaluated over the
long-term, and be consistent with planning laid out in the McCall
Comprehensive Plan. Once plans are approved and in place, IDL and
the Land Board should support the creation of a standing
stakeholder advisory group that includes a City of McCall
representative to provide input to IDL in decision-making regarding
the McCall area endowment lands parcels following approval of the
Plan. Decisions on a parcel by parcel basis should not be made
without public input. In addition, land trade or sale offers not within
the Plan should not be considered.
Trading or selling the endowment lands and dividing them up into
pieces sacrifices their long-term value as an intact ecosystem,as a
105 buffer for the watershed, as a crucial wildlife corridor,as a wildfire
Brundage barrier, and as a as a refuge for plant and animal diversity. In terms
Jeff and View Ct, of recreational access, imagine riding your mountain bike from one
AJ POB 167, parcel to the next with restrictions at the boundaries,as well as
Moussea McCall, ID, losing access to the Payette National Forest. Solutions such as
53 u 83638 conservation/recreation leases and easements can be used to meet
Page 30 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
revenue goals for these lands and afford IDL the opportunity to
retain the lands as an asset while stacking together revenue bearing
leases and easements.
The Plan should be protective of the public trust,that is the
obligations that elected officials have to protect and maintain
resources, specifically bodies of water such as Payette Lake. Payette
Lake is the sole source of drinking water for the City of McCall, and
further contaminating these waters by more development would be
big problem for our City. In addition to this, consideration must be
given to the limited capacity of the sewage system,which we have
already seen.
The Land Board should consider a constitutional change to the Idaho
constitution that would expand and clarify the importance of the
environment stewardship associated with these lands. Several other
western states have made such changes including Colorado whose
constitution states: Article IX,Section 10..... and (c)that the
economic productivity of all lands held in public trust is dependent
on sound stewardship, including protecting and enhancing the
beauty, natural values,open space and wildlife habitat thereof,for
this and future generations.
Lastly,trading the McCall area endowment lands likely worth more
than $1 billion for northern Idaho timber lands worth around$45
million would represent a complete neglect of the Land Board's
fiduciary duties, be a violation of the Idaho constitution to secure
the maximum long term financial return to the education trust
institutions and fund, and be an enormous loss to Idaho education.
To us, it is unthinkable to trade these McCall area lands away fully
opening them to the greed of development, where only the wealthy
will have the privilege of use, and the children of Idaho are included
in the losers.
Jeff and AJ Mousseau, McCall
I am writing to reaffirm my opposition to the Trident Holdings
proposal which would place State Endowment lands in bulk to
private interests. In the City Council's response to the Idaho
Department of Lands it is imperative to stress that a long range
stakeholder advisory group is formed to represent our citizens. An
independent analysis of how our Endowment Lands impact the
1635 quality of life and the health and direction of the local and State
Lakeridge economy,ecology,the Payette Lake watershed and wildlife should
Toni Drive, also be developed by all stakeholders to provide sound stewardship
Slaymake McCall, ID of these critical resources.
54 r 83638
Page 31 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
Thank you for the opportunity to comment and for your service to
our community.
Page 32 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
A new submission has been received for Report a Compliment or Service Concern at 01/27/2021 8:56
PM
First Name: Michelle
Last Name: Blank
Email Address: michelleblank@mac.com
Phone: 208-340-7501
Address: 744 Deer Forest
City: McCall
State/Province: ID
Zip Code: 83638
Describe Your Concern: Dear City Council Members,Thank you for engaging with the Idaho Department
of Lands on their Payette Lake Endowment Land Proposal. I hope that as you consider the appropriate
input from the city,you will prioritize the health of Payette Lake, as the source of our drinking water,
above all else.The Endowment land's located next to the lake should be left undeveloped as the
degradation of our drinking supply presents a public health issue. It would be remiss to prematurely
develop these lands, especially given the unknown impacts of climate change on a water source so
critical to our small town and others reliant on the watershed.The land board has a public trust
responsibility for water quality. Parcelling up lots along Payette Lake is sure to not only undermine water
quality, but also the public trust to protect resources for all citizens of Idaho. Please remind the Idaho
Department of Lands of their public trust responsibilities that are just as important as their fiduciary
responsibilities. Demand that the lands adjacent to the lake remain undeveloped.This will not only
preserve important wildlife habitat and recreation access, but it will help preserve the quality of the
Payette Lakes Watershed.Thank you! Michelle Blank
Page 33 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes
ATTACHMENT 1
Public Comments regarding IDL Endowment Land Management Plan for McCall
Area - January 28, 2021 Council Meeting
January 23, 2021
Re: Payette Endowment Lands Strategy Plan
Dear City Council and Staff,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the issue of the McCall Area Endowment Lands.
Idaho Department of Lands prepared a Payette Endowment Lands Strategy, (PELS), in an effort to better
manage the Impact Area Lands for the future and presented this plan to the Land Board in December
2020.
My comments are made with a full understanding of the State's obligations to the trust.... according to
Article IX,section 8 of the Idaho Constitution,the state must consider ONLY their"epitomic public
trustee responsibilities", i.e.their fiduciary responsibilities to the beneficiaries.
What a conflict this creates when it comes to working with communities and working with the
challenges that are presented by the 215L century! The way"business" has been done is rapidly
changing—and other western states are facing these same pressures from the energy sector,to the
economy, not to mention challenges brought forward due to climate chaos.
encourage the City to maintain dialogue with IDL,County Commissioners,the Sewer District, and other
stakeholders to follow the Comprehensive Plans established by the City and Valley County.
Paramount in these efforts,we must preserve the water resources—Payette Lake and the streams that
flow into it. This lake is the City's drinking water source. The Lake is only 7.9 square miles and there is a
carrying capacity for development and growth which requires further study and real data.
These are a few of my concerns with the IDL Plan:
1. Provide a comprehensive plan—consider the value of keeping these contiguous lands as
valued assets that if they are fragmented will threaten the health of the ecosystem we
live in and damage our watershed.
2. Ask IDL to maintain a long-range Focus Group with locals who know the land best to
help minimize conflict, foster creative solutions to help with revenue generation as well
as garner widespread support from the general public.
3. Encourage a thorough economic analysis of costs as well as benefits with relation to
transactions of endowment lands.
Sincerely,
Debbie Fereday, 315 Burns Rd. McCall, ID
Page 34 of 34
January 28,2021
Regular Council Meeting Minutes