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minutes meeting date 2025-11-13 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 15979 characters · official file · plain text
City Council Meeting Minutes 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID I DAHO FALLS Thursday, November 13, 2025 7:30 PM City Council Chambers 1. Call to Order Present: Council President Lisa Burtenshaw Councilor John Radford Councilor Jim Freeman Councilor Kirk Larsen Councilor Michelle Ziel-Dingman Councilor Jim Francis Absent: Mayor Rebecca L. Noah Casper Also present: Stephen Boorman. iFPower ActingGeneral Mgr PJ Holm, Parks & Recreation Director Emily Geisler, City Clerk Pam Alexander. Municipal Services Director ZackJones. Interim City Attorney 2. Pledge of Allegiance Councilor Freeman led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Public Comment No one appeared. 4. Consent Agenda A. Municipal Services 1. 25-432 Annual purchase of required City-wide Microsoft software product licenses via the State contract with SHI International Corporation for a total of $257,029.67 2. 25-438 Bid award for chemicalpurchaseswith ThatcherCompany,Inc for $384,216.30 and Univar Solutions USA for $163,200.00 B. PublicWorks 1. 25-445 Bid award for storm upgrades at 19'" & Lee Avenue to Knife River Corporation for $527,855.00 C. Idaho Falls Power 1. 25-410 Board Meeting Minutes from September 10'^’ and October 8'^ 2025 2. 25-443 Sole Source Purchase of Electric Meters from Honeywell Corporation for $284,864.07 D. Airport 1. 25-426 Board of Director meeting minutes from October 22, 2025 1 City Council Meeting Minutes 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID I DAHO FALLS E. Fire 1. 25-439 Service agreement with SiteMed for personnel physicals in the amount of $94,004.00 F. Office of the City Clerk 1. 25-425 City Council Meeting Minutes (12/16/2024,6/24/2025,8/1 4/2025, 8/25/2025,8/28/2025, 9/8/2025,9/11/2025, 9/22/2025, 9/25/2025) Motion 1: Approve, accept, or receive all items on the Consent Agenda according to the recommendations presented, o Moved by: Councilor Larsen o Second: Councilor Dingman o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. 5. Regular Agenda A. Community Development Services Final Plat, Development Agreement, and Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards, Lincoln Parkway, Division No. 2 1. 25-428 Presentation/Discussion: The Planning and Zoning Commission considered this item at its June 03,2025, meeting and unanimously voted to recommend approval of the final plat to the Mayor and City Council as presented. Motion 1: Approve the Development Agreement for the Final Plat for Lincoln Parkway, Division No. 2 and give authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to sign said agreement, o Moved by: Councilor Radford o Second: Councilor Larsen o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. Motion 2: Accept or Approve the Final Plat for Lincoln Parkway, Division No. 2 and give authorization for the Mayor, City Engineer, and City Clerk to sign said Final Plat, o Moved by: Councilor Radford o Second: Councilor Larsen o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. Motion 3: Approve the Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards for the Final Plat for Lincoln Parkway, Division No. 2 and give authorization for the Mayor to execute the necessary documents, o Moved by: Councilor Radford o Second: Councilor Larsen 2 City Council Meeting Minutes 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID I DAHO FALLS o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. Final Plat and Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards, 2. 25-429 Donner Town homes. Presentation/Discussion: On July 1,2025, The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the final plat to the Mayor and City Council as presented. Motion 1: Accept or Approve the Final Plat for Donner Townhomes and give authorization for the Mayor, City Engineer, and City Clerk to sign said Final Plat. Moved by: Councilor Radford Second: Councilor Larsen Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none Motion carries. o o o o Motion 2: Approve the Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards for the Final Plat for Donner Townhomes and give authorization for the Mayor to execute the necessary documents, o Moved by: Councilor Radford o Second: Councilor Larsen o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. Final Plat and Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards, Idaho Steel Products, Division No. 1. 3. 25-430 Presentation/Discussion: On July 1,2025, The Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously voted to recommend approval of the final plat to the Mayor and City Council as presented. Motion 1: Accept or Approve the Final Plat for Idaho Steel Products, Division No. 1 and give authorization for the Mayor, City Engineer, and City Clerk to sign said Final Plat, o Moved by: Councilor Radford o Second: Councilor Larsen o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. Motion 2: Approve the Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards for the Final Plat for Idaho Steel Products, Division No. 1 and give authorization for the Mayor to execute the necessary documents. 3 City Council Meeting Minutes 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID I DAHO FALLS Moved by: Councilor Radford Second: Councilor Larsen Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none Motion carries. o o o o B. Idaho Falls Power 1. 25-444 No. 26PS-25043 PowerSales Agreement - Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) Contract Presentation/Discussion(Acting General Manager Boorman): Mr. Boorman presented the new 20-year power contract between the City of Idaho Falls and the Bonneville Power Administration(BPA), a relationshipthat has existed for more than 60 years. He explained that the agreement, worth roughly three-quarters of a billion dollars in net present value, will take effect in three years and is expected to save Idaho Falls residents millions while maintaining reliable, mostly carbon-free electricity. After extensive data modeling, staff recommended the “slice” product, which lets the City share in both the risks and benefits of real-time Columbia River system operations and integrates well with Idaho Falls’ own generation resources and future peaking plant. Boorman highlighted the complexity of Idaho Falls Power’ssystem,its dual transmissionaccess,and the high skill Level of staff that makes sophisticated power management possible. Council members praised the legacy of earlier City leaders, especially the decision to rebuild hydro facilities after the Teton Dam failure, which preserved in-house generation expertise. Multiple Councilors commended staff for three years of negotiations and the enormous technical work behind the 280-page contract, noting that Idaho Falls Power continues to be recognized nationally for performing“above its weight.” Motion: Approve the Power Sales AgreementContract No. 26PS-25043 with the Bonneville Power Administrationto deliver the Slice/Block product and give the Mayor and City Clerk the authorityto execute the necessary documents o Moved by: Councilor Freeman o Second: Councilor Dingman o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. Authorization to Pre-Order a (Replacement) Bucket Truck from Altec 2. 25-447 Industries Presentation/Discussion (Acting General Manager Boorman): Staff requested approval to place an order for a new bucket truck, which will take about 18-24 months to receive. The approval simply secures the City's spot in the manufacturer’s production line, and a future Council could still cancel the purchase before delivery if desired. The truck is intended as a replacement vehicle for the active fleet. 4 City Council Meeting Minutes 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID I DAHO FALLS Motion: Authorize Idaho Falls Power to pre-order a bucket truck from the Sourcewell contract with Altec Industries, Inc. for a total of $280,296.00. o Moved by: Councilor Freeman o Second: Councilor Dingman o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. C. Parks and Recreation 1. 25-440 Ordinance Amending Title 2, Chapter 6, Section 1, Golf Advisory Board Presentation/Dlscussion(Director Holm): Director Holm explained that the Parks & Recreation Department is requesting an ordinance amendment to correct the Golf Advisory Board’s membership count from 13 to 12 members, since the existing breakdown already totals 12 voting members plus one non-voting Council representative. The change ensures the board maintains an odd number of voting members for tie-breaking purposes. Council members then discussed how the ex officio Council member should be formally appointed. While one Councilor suggested specifying that the Council president assign the representative, others clarified that City code already states all board members—including the Council member—are appointed by the Mayor with Council approval. The group agreed the language is adequate but noted the need to follow the appointment process consistentlyin practice. The item concluded with light-hearted comments about improving golf “luck” by avoiding a 13-member board. Motion: Approve the Ordinance amendingTitle 2, Chapter 6, Section 1 of the City Code to clarify the number of members on the Golf Advisory Board under a suspension of the rules requiring three complete and separate readings, request that it be read by title and published by summary, o Moved by: Councilor Dingman o Second: Councilor Francis o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. Ordinance Title Read: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO. A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO; AMENDING TITLE 2, CHAPTER 6. SECTION 1 OF THE CITY CODE TO CLARIFY THE NUMBER OF GOLF ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS, PROVIDING SEVERABILITY, CODIFICATION, PUBLICATION BY SUMMARY, AND ESTABLISHING EFFECTIVE DATE. Ordinance Amending Title 8, Chapter 11, Cemetery Regulations 2. 25-442 Presentation/Dlscussion (Director Holm): Director Holm presented proposed updates to the City’s cemetery regulations, largely focused on formatting clean-up and clarifying language. Substantive changes included moving the dates for removing winter and artificial decorationsfrom April to March 1 to give staff more time to prepare cemeteries for 5 City Council Meeting Minutes 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID I DAHO FALLS Memorial Day and adding a new rule prohibiting burials from the Friday before Memorial Day until noon the following Tuesday to avoid congestion, equipment conflicts, and disruptions during the high-traffic holiday weekend. Council members expressed concern about making the burial blackout period a strict ordinance rather than a department policy, noting it removes flexibility for exceptional situations and may create emotional or financial burdens for grieving families. Some questioned how common the practice is elsewhere and whether a shorter blackoutwindow would be sufficient. After discussingthe intent behind the restriction and the operational challenges it addresses, the Council agreed the concept makes sense but should be revisited and brought back to Council with more information. Motion: Move to table this amendment, o Moved by: Councilor Radford o Second: Councilor Freeman o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. D. Municipal Services 1. 25-433 District 93 Donation of Fire Department Surplus Ambulance to Bonneville School Presentation/Discussion(Director Alexander): Municipal Services presented a request to declare certain Fire Department equipment as surplus, focusing on an ambulance (Unit 8000) with significant engine issues that make it impractical to sell. Bonneville School District 93 asked whetherthe City could donate an ambulance for use in its technical career program, and staff determinedthis unit is ideal for students to learn repair and maintenance skills. Since the ambulance has little resale value and fits the school’s needs, Municipal Services requested Council approval to donate the surplus ambulance to School District 93. Motion: Approve the donation of a surplus ambulance to Bonneville School District 93 and give authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the necessary documents, o Moved by: Councilor Larsen o Second: Councilor Dingman o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. Donation of Harris Tait 9100 Handheld Radios to Lost River Fire Protection 2. 25-434 District Presentation/Discussion (Director Alexander): Municipal Services requested approval to donate eight outdated handheld radios (Tait Harris 9100), which were replaced through 6 City Council Meeting Minutes 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID I DAHO FALLS CARES funding and have little resale value (about $50 each), to the Lost River Fire Protection District. The radios are otherwise unused and in storage, so the donation allows them to be put to practical use. Motion: Approve the donation of 8 Harris Tait handheld radios to the Lost River Fire Protection District and give authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the necessary documents, o Moved by: Councilor Larsen o Second: Councilor Freeman o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. Donation of Surplus Narcotic Safes to Central Fire District 3. 25-435 Presentation/Discussion (Director Alexander): Municipal Services requested approval to donate four surplus narcotic safes, removed from old ambulances and valued at approximately $100 each, to the Central Fire District. The safes have had little resale interest, and the donation supports a neighboringagency by putting the equipment to practical use. Motion: Approve the donation of 4 narcotic safes to Central Fire District and give authorization to the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the necessary documents. Moved by: Councilor Larsen Second: Councilor Freeman Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none Motion carries. o o o o Purchase Replacement Sweeper for Public Works 4. 25-446 Presentation/Discussion (Director Alexander): Director Alexander presented a request to replace an aging street sweeper (Unit 1547, a 2018 Peterbilt220 674 wheel-drive) for Public Works through the Municipal Equipment Replacement Program (MERF). The unit has reached the end of its useful life. A suitable replacement was identified via a cooperative purchasing agreement with Schwartz Industries for $397,703.60. Motion: Approve the purchase of a replacement sweeper accessing the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchasing Agreement contract #093021 -SWZ from Schwarze Industries for a total of $397,703.60and authorizethe Mayorand City Clerkto sign the necessary documents. Moved by: Councilor Larsen o 7 City Council Meeting Minutes 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID I DAHO FALLS Second: Councilor Dingman Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none Motion carries. o o o 6. Announcements Tree Lighting Ceremony - November 22nd downtown; kicks off the holiday season; Santa will be there; includes the Farmer’s Market. Reed’s Dairy Ribbon Cutting-Tomorrow at 2 p.m.; celebrating new equipment and updates. Early Voting- November 13th-26th, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Bonneville County Elections Office on CapitalAvenue. “Light the World” Campaign - Launching December 15th at the mall; vending machine fundraiser benefiting local charities including the Food Basket; open daily except Christmas and January 1 st. Special Olympics Fundraiser- November 20th, 5-9 p.m. at Texas Roadhouse; police officers will serve as wait staff and tips go to Special Olympics. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:22 PM Emily Geisler^^ty Clerk Rebect 8
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