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City Council Meeting 06/16/2026
Published: Jun 16, 2026
HR Director Nancy Staer Honored for Contributions Ahead of Retirement
The council acknowledged the retirement of Nancy Staer, Director of the HR Department. During her tenure, Staer established several key policies and projects, including merit raises for all departments, streamlined evaluations tied to longevity and merit, and increased starting wages for water and sewer operators. She also initiated employee appreciation events and reinstated the employee holiday party. Her office led a mental health awareness initiative in 2025 and completed an independent wage study that saved the city over $25,000 by utilizing internal resources instead of external consultants. The HR department was also established by integrating it with payroll, making the director position viable as a full-time role. Staer was recognized for her contributions and commitment to the city and its residents.
City Council Discusses Proposed Updates to Development Regulations Code
The council received input on proposed updates to Title 4 Development Regulations Code, which have not seen significant revisions since 2001-2004. The update aims to align administrative policies and design criteria with current local needs specific to Kuna. The proposed changes include designating the city council to act as the building appeals board. Staff anticipates no annual appeals, as none have occurred historically. The current Title 4 did not previously include an appeals section. While larger jurisdictions have separate technical appeals boards, smaller jurisdictions like Eagle were reviewed for their processes, leading to the adoption of a similar approach for Kuna's size. The council's role as the appeals board can be changed in the future through a council vote. This item was presented for discussion, with potential approval at a future meeting.
Council Tables Step and Grade Resolution Discussion Amidst Concerns Over Employee Compensation Caps
The council discussed revisions to employee step and grade resolutions, including updates to the employee handbook, SOPs for directors, and longevity policies. A key point of contention was the 'capping out' of employees, where they reach the maximum pay for their position and can only receive cost-of-living adjustments or bonuses instead of compounding raises. This system is designed to prevent long-tenured employees in entry-level positions from earning significantly more than market rates over time. Public Works Director Adam Munger noted that some employees are already above the cap and would receive bonuses instead of compounding raises. Councilmember Roco expressed concern that this system penalizes long-serving employees and restricts their earning potential. The council agreed to table the discussion for step and grade resolutions (specifically R69, R72, R73, R74, R75) to allow for further review and meetings with staff, while approving R70 concerning SOPs for directors.
Resident Alleges Persistent Sewer Lagoon Odor Issues and Poor City Response
Lane Thornton voiced strong complaints about persistent odor issues emanating from the city's sewer lagoons located near his family's property. He detailed a history of these issues, dating back to the 1980s when the lagoons were built, and the city's assurances that they would not be a problem. Thornton described how the odor has worsened over the years, particularly during the summer and winter, becoming so severe it permeates homes. He expressed frustration with the city's previous responses, which he felt were dismissive or blamed external factors like a nearby dairy. Despite attempts to communicate with city officials and a complaint filed with DEQ, he felt the problem was only addressed after external intervention, and he questioned the city's commitment to resolving the issue and their communication practices.
Citizens Voice Concerns Over Development Processes and Building Code Enforcement
During public comment, Cindy Gon expressed concerns about the city's treatment of citizens regarding development notifications and the fairness of adhering to old rules for new developments. She noted that residents often discover past approvals decades later and feel disadvantaged by outdated regulations. Gon suggested a moratorium on new development until the city can establish better processes to prevent issues related to water rights, space, and sewer capacity. She criticized the city's past approach of simply accepting prior promises and urged them to prioritize current citizens and fix the system. David Wardell raised issues regarding the Building Department's alleged failure to address construction errors, citing ignored complaints and a lack of response to requests for an appeals board hearing. He highlighted a large development with a building envelope in violation of code, which he claims has been ignored.
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The Kuna News archive
Planning and Zoning Meeting 06/23/2026
Kuna School District Board of Trustees Regular Meeting - June 9th, 2026
Planning and Zoning Meeting 06/09/2026
City Council Meeting 06/02/2026
Planning and Zoning Meeting 05/26/2026
City Council Meeting 05/19/2026
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