In a recent city council meeting, officials discussed the annexation of a 9.9-acre property located just north of the intersection of Woodruff and Yellowstone Highway. The proposed zoning for the property is industrial, aligning with the city’s comprehensive plan. The annexation includes a portion of the right-of-way for North 15th East, which has an unusual shape that sparked some discussion among council members.

The Planning and Zoning Commission previously reviewed the annexation on July 2, resulting in a split recommendation of 3-3. The city purchased the property two years ago, and there were concerns raised during the public hearing regarding the accuracy of the legal description and survey presented at the time of sale. However, city officials confirmed that the documentation matched the current shape of the property.

Council members sought clarification on the concept of \"shoestring annexation,\" which refers to a narrow strip of land connecting a city to a property it wishes to annex. While such annexations are legal in Idaho, they are often viewed as less than ideal. The discussion highlighted that the city’s annexation request does not violate any laws, as the property owner is the city itself.

Public testimony included concerns from local property owner James Boonecrup, who questioned the continuity of the annexation and its alignment with the city’s comprehensive plan. Boonecrup expressed frustration over previous denials of access to city water services for his property, emphasizing the need for the city to adhere to its own principles when expanding services.

The council acknowledged the complexities surrounding utility services, noting that while the city governs land use, water services may be provided by different entities. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further evaluate the implications of the annexation and its impact on local infrastructure and planning.