This last weekend, Cathy and I began to experience a little bit of cabin fever. So, about noon one day, we hopped in the car and headed north. There is something about seeing the pines covered in snow, that just tends to bring on a peaceful feeling.
Before we turned around, we were all the way into Whitebird. It was fun to see how much this tiny little town decorates for Christmas.
The drive back was just as good as the one going up. The broad expanse of the Salmon River, with the sun low in the sky, was an inspiring sight that did something for the soul. Even though we were in a deep canyon, my outlook was expanded. As much as I love Weiser, it is sometimes good to get out and see some of the other sites that make not only Weiser, but Idaho, such a great place.
We didn’t make it home before sunset like Cathy wanted. But that was OK. The cabin fever was broken.
Since this is a new year, this last week I’ve been reflecting a bit on some of the things that have been accomplished in 2022 and on what is to come in 2023.
The City annexed not one, but two, properties into the City limits in 2022. These were the first annexations since 2007. This was accomplished despite the developer’s desire to change the City’s ordinances to allow for homes to be closer together. With the current housing economy of high building costs and interest rates, it remains to be seen how quickly the development of these properties take place. However, it is a step forward in the goal of achieving modest and controlled growth without sacrificing the desires of residents to development.
Also, an agreement was reached with the Weiser Rural Fire District to consolidate emergency protection for the City. A few of the reasons for consolidation include eliminating the need for purchasing very expensive equipment, eliminating the need to recruit two teams of volunteers from the same population pool (especially given that the number people willing to volunteer is dwindling), and the opportunity to reduce operating costs by economies of scale.
In 2022, the City also received a grant to put in sidewalk from the High School down to Memorial Park, thus extending the City’s bike path and providing safer walking and running conditions for students and cross-country runners. The sidewalks should be in place before the next school year begins.
Another first for 2022, is regarding property clean-ups. The City Council enacted an ordinance in 2021 that, after going through the process of obtaining compliance with the property owner and failing, allows the City to clean up the property. Under the ordinance the expense, is then added on to the following year’s property taxes. After working through the legal hurdles to make sure the City was complying with all the steps, the first, second, and third properties were cleaned up in the last few months of 2022. I anticipate there will be several more in 2023.
The City is also in the process of putting together a Comprehensive Plan for the City, the first since 1999. The basic outline has been formed, but the Planning and Zoning Commission has decided to flesh the document out to truly reflect Weiser’s unique character and to guide future development to maintain that uniqueness to make Weiser an even better place to live, work, and play.
There were several other accomplishments for 2022, too many to list in any one article.
Of course, none of these accomplishments would have happened without the City employees, City Council, Planning and Zoning Commission, various committees, and you, the public all working together to advance the interests of Weiser. I cannot come close to adequately expressing the appreciation I have for the each of you who have made these accomplishments possible. The hard work, teamwork, and lack of selfishness with which each of you does your work makes it a pleasure to serve you and the City of Weiser!
In City business this week, there has been concern with flooding given the amount of snow and fluctuating temperatures we have experienced. In the event you become concerned about your property flooding, the City has set out sandbags and sand at the City property on the southwest corner of W. Commercial and W. First Street for you. If you are concerned but are unable to fill or place the sandbags yourself, please call City Hall at 208-414-1965 and we will assist or arrange for assistance.
Well, that’s it for this week! Thank You Weiser for allowing me to serve you and to work with those who make Weiser a better place to live, work, and play!
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