Crouch Water Project Moves Ahead

      At the June 12 Crouch City Council meeting, Crouch City Planner, Jerome Mapp, announced that a public hearing will be held on a requested lot split for the City’s new  water tower site. The one-acre split from the Bortles’ property off of Packer John Road will be considered by the Boise County Board of Commissioners on July 9, 2013, at 2:00 p.m., in the Commissioners Chambers in the Miners Exchange Building, Idaho City.

  The public is invited to comment in writing by July 2, 5:00 p.m., and oral testimony will be accepted at the hearing. The council hopes to have a meeting with the public before July 9, to discuss the Crouch water project, which has been in planning for five years. Forsgren and Associates will present a readable map so residents may see where the water lines run.

  Forsgren engineer, Gary Ashby, says the project is targeted to go to bid in July, 2013, and will be announced in the Idaho World.

  City Clerk, Vickie Chandler, has completed her notary work, so as soon as she receives her stamp, she will be available as a notary.

  The Crouch Museum has not only gotten a facelift after its fire, it is receiving a makeover too. Exterior blemishes are being removed and loose boards tightened on. If you are looking for a volunteer project to work on and would like to be a part of the painting brigade, contact Vickie Chandler.

  The inside of the building is filling with glass-fronted cases, re-upholstered chairs, and the pictures and photos have been organized by the men of the museum board. Long time resident, John Tucker, has supplied stories for most of them, which will be attached. The city owns works by local, acclaimed artist, James Castle, and there are a few mementos. The board will welcome any donation or loan of historical items.

  Mary Wilson, president of the GV Center for the Arts, presented a design for their new sign, and asked for approval of it and waiver of the $150 fee for the 5-foot by 6 ½ foot sign. In her update on the center, she said they are receiving a donation from Treasure Valley Community College, of $20K worth of pottery equipment, including eight potter’s wheels and two kilns. Potter, Gail White, will hold classes in the back area of the building, which is designated to be the pottery studio.

  The council re-approved and adopted Ordinance 2013-01, which provides for a City Arts Commission, and Ordinance 2013-02, which provides for the creation of a Museum Board.

  Clerk Chandler was pleased to announce that almost all City businesses (99) have paid their license fees. She explained that the Old Crouch Mercantile Exchange Crafts Mall significantly raised the number and that the numbers include businesses and vendors.

  Syringa Club purchased two hanging baskets for the building and Chandler is very happy with the watering and gardening assistance she has gotten from GV High School junior, Gus Hinson. She says, “When he is ready to apply for college scholarships, we can write a recommendation.”

  The next Council meeting will be on July 10, at 6:30 p.m. The Amended Budget Hearing will take place on this date. Contact the City Clerk at 462-4687, for information.