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City Council Meeting Minutes 1 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID Thursday, June 4, 2026 6:30 PM City Council Chambers 1. Mayor Burtenshaw Called the meeting to Order at 6:31 PM Present: Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw Council President Jim Francis Councilor Michelle Ziel-Dingman Councilor Jim Freeman Councilor Kirk Larsen Councilor John Radford Absent: Councilor Brandon Lee Also present: Johan Olson, Fire Chief Bryce Johnson, Police Chief Chris Canfield, PW Director PJ Holm, Parks and Rec Director Kerry Beutler, Assistant Planning Director Lisa Ferris, Grants Administrator Travis Payne, Connect Engineering Zack Jones, City Attorney Linda Lundquist, City Clerk Alan Cunningham, IF Power 2. Pledge of Allegiance Alan Cunningham led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Quick Announcement - Mayor Burtenshaw – INL Reactor Milestone Before opening public comment, Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw shared a significant achievement for the community and the Idaho National Laboratory. Key points: • A new reactor at INL successfully reached criticality, meaning it achieved a sustained nuclear fission reaction. • This marks the 53rd reactor developed at INL. • It is the first new reactor technology at INL to go critical in approximately 40 years, making it a major milestone for nuclear research and development. • The Mayor emphasized that this achievement is important not only for INL but also for the City of Idaho Falls and the region's role in advancing nuclear energy technology. Mayor Burtenshaw described the event as a historic accomplishment and congratulated those involved in the project. City Council Meeting Minutes 2 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 3. Public Comment Erin Bingham — Bonneville County Resident (Outside Idaho Falls) Position: Supports banning kratom. • Said Bonneville County has experienced six confirmed kratom-related deaths, with additional cases under review. • Argued that concerns raised by coroners and medical examiners should be trusted. • Claimed Utah's regulation approach through the Kratom Consumer Protection Act increased problems rather than solving them. • Contended that both natural-leaf kratom and concentrated products containing 7- hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) can be dangerous. • Expressed concern about inconsistent labeling, potency, and addiction risks. • Urged the City to ban kratom to protect public safety. Stacy (Tiara) Cici — Meridian Resident Position: Supports banning kratom. • Shared that her 23-year-old daughter, Kylie, died in March 2025 from what toxicology reports determined was a mitragynine overdose. • Stated her daughter used powdered leaf kratom, not extracts or synthetic products. • Challenged claims that natural-leaf kratom is inherently safe. • Said families often assume products sold openly in stores are safe. • Referenced multiple kratom-related deaths in Bonneville County. • Asked the Council to ban kratom to prevent other families from experiencing similar losses. Christopher Doudes (Happy Hippo, online kratom company) - Meridian Resident Position: Opposes banning natural-leaf kratom. • Identified himself as the founder of an online kratom business. • Said kratom significantly improves his quality of life and helps him manage a recurring back injury. • Argued many people use natural-leaf kratom to manage chronic pain and remain productive. • Distinguished natural-leaf kratom from highly concentrated products sold in some smoke shops. • Requested additional study and expert testimony before a ban is adopted. • Supported removing dangerous products but opposed banning traditional kratom. Matty Hererra (Son's Grandmother Recently Died) – Bonneville County Resident Position: Undecided; urges further investigation. • Said the woman believed to be a recent kratom-related fatality was his son's grandmother. • Described the circumstances surrounding her collapse and death. • Acknowledged hearing both positive and negative reports about kratom. • Said he personally tried kratom but did not continue using it. • Believes the issue requires additional investigation rather than immediate conclusions. • Suggested there may be dangerous products or sellers contributing to the problem. City Council Meeting Minutes 3 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID Finn Garrin - Idaho Falls Resident Position: Opposes the City's Flock camera system. • Thanked Council members, the Mayor, and police chief for meeting with him. • Criticized Flock Safety and statements made by the company's CEO. • Raised concerns about privacy, surveillance, data sharing, and nationwide database access. • Claimed Idaho Falls lacks data-sharing agreements with many agencies accessing the information. • Referenced misuse incidents involving license-plate-reader systems elsewhere. • Raised cybersecurity concerns, including authentication and software vulnerabilities. • Asked the City to reconsider its relationship with Flock and the deployment of the cameras. Dan Garrin — Non-Resident Position: Wants greater public discussion and oversight of Flock cameras. • Visits Idaho Falls frequently for family, shopping, and recreation. • Said most residents likely do not know the cameras exist. • Expressed concerns about data security and potential misuse. • Criticized the lack of public discussion before installation. • Argued the cameras collect much more than license plate numbers. • Requested a public conversation about surveillance, privacy, and oversight. • Suggested stronger policies, audits, and accountability if the system remains in use. Morgan Walton - Meridian Resident Position: Opposes banning natural-leaf kratom. • Said kratom has personally improved his focus, energy, and recovery. • Described it as a natural plant that has helped many users. • Believes highly concentrated 7-OH products are the real concern. • Favored regulation of problematic products rather than prohibition. • Asked the Council to reject a ban on natural-leaf kratom. Danay Jones — Pocatello Resident Position: Supports banning kratom. • Shared that his niece died in Idaho Falls after using kratom. • Spoke about the emotional impact of losing a family member. • Argued that products marketed as natural create a false sense of safety. • Referenced kratom-related deaths in Bonneville County and warnings from public health agencies. • Questioned claims that kratom is beneficial and safe. • Expressed concern about young people purchasing kratom from retail stores. • Urged the Council to approve a ban. Patrick Soulliere — Meridian Resident Position: Opposes banning kratom. • Identified himself as working in government affairs for Happy Hippo, a kratom company. • Recently met with members of Congress regarding kratom policy. City Council Meeting Minutes 4 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID • Argued many people use kratom safely and report substantial benefits. • Warned that a ban could push users toward black-market alternatives. • Encouraged regulation and consumer protections rather than prohibition. • Asked the council to delay action until all viewpoints are heard. • Clarified that Utah regulates kratom but has not banned natural-leaf products. Jeremy Walker — Idaho Falls Resident Position: Addressed Jefferson Street construction concerns. • Criticized what he viewed as waste and inefficiency on the Jefferson Street project. • Raised concerns about damaged yards and property impacts. • Questioned why some neighborhoods are not being charged for sidewalks while Jefferson residents are. • Reported excessive speeding in the area during construction. • Requested solutions to improve traffic safety before someone is injured. • Asked whether residents could receive relief from sidewalk assessment costs. Holly Niyasaki — Shelley Resident (Works in Idaho Falls; Former Idaho Falls Resident) Position: Opposes the Flock camera system and seeks greater transparency. • Said she has strong ties to Idaho Falls through work, family, and upbringing. • Described the cameras as a form of "spyware." • Asked the City to better educate the public about the technology. • Requested transparency regarding data collection, storage, and use. • Encouraged City leaders to allow residents to make informed decisions about the system. Brian McKellar — Bonneville County Resident Position: Opposes a full kratom ban. • Said community members asked him to hear their concerns during his legislative campaign. • Reported hearing from residents who rely on traditional kratom for pain, anxiety, and depression management. • Supported restrictions on synthetic compounds, high-potency extracts, age limits, labeling requirements, and quality standards. • Said many kratom users are reluctant to speak publicly because of stigma. • Warned that a complete ban could harm responsible users and drive them toward unregulated sources. • Praised the Council for delaying action until after the election and encouraged a balanced approach. 4. Consent Agenda A. Municipal Services 1. 26-204 March 2026 Treasurer’s Report B. Idaho Falls Power 1. 26-202 IFP 26-17 Poles and Pupi Arms - Irby and D&S Electric. C. Office of the City Clerk 1. 26-196 City Council Meeting Minutes (04.20.26, 04.23.26, 05.04.26, 05.07.26) City Council Meeting Minutes 5 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID Motion: Approve, accept, or receive all items on the Consent Agenda according to the recommendations presented. o Moved by: Councilor Dingman o Second: Councilor Radford o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. 5. Regular Agenda A. Office of the Mayor 1. 26-205 Confirm the selection of Chris Canfield as Public Works Director Presentation/Discussion (Mayor Burtenshaw): Mayor Burtenshaw formally recommended Chris Canfield for appointment as the City of Idaho Falls' new Public Works Director. She praised his many years of service as Assistant Public Works Director and highlighted his strong record of delivering infrastructure projects efficiently, maximizing taxpayer dollars, and focusing on community needs. The Mayor noted his involvement in projects ranging from major infrastructure improvements to smaller neighborhood connections such as sidewalks and trails near schools, describing him as highly knowledgeable and effective in public works management. Councilor Dingman spoke in support of the appointment, citing her 11 years of working with Canfield. She emphasized Canfield's deep understanding of the City's infrastructure, operations, and long-term needs, along with his strong leadership, technical expertise, and commitment to public service. Dingman said Canfield's ability to manage resources effectively and deliver value for taxpayers makes him well-suited to oversee critical services such as streets, sanitation, and capital projects. Before the vote, the Mayor added that the Public Works Director job description had been modified to reflect Canfield's unique expertise in managing large vertical construction projects. She noted his successful oversight of major City projects, including the police complex, fire station, and Frontier Center, and said those project-management responsibilities were specifically incorporated into the position because of his proven abilities. Motion: Confirm the selection of Chris Canfield as the Public Works Director for the City of Idaho Falls o Moved by: Councilor Dingman o Second: Councilor Radford o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. B. Fire Department City Council Meeting Minutes 6 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 1. 26-199 Resolution giving Fire Chief Johan Olson authority to negotiate and execute a contract with Bonneville County Fire Protection District No. 1 Presentation/Discussion (Director Olson): Fire Chief Olson presented a resolution seeking authority to negotiate and execute a new joint fire protection services agreement with the fire district on behalf of the City. He explained that the request was driven by unusual timing constraints: the negotiation deadlines and the fire district's budget schedule would not allow enough time for the agreement to be finalized and then brought back to the City Council for approval before required deadlines. Chief Olson emphasized that his negotiating authority would be limited by specific conditions outlined in the resolution and that the agreement would largely mirror the existing contract, with updates primarily related to funding amounts and a few language changes. Council Discussion Councilor Radford expressed concern about granting a department director authority to both negotiate and execute a contract, noting that in his 11 years on the Council he had never seen such authority delegated. He stressed that contract approval is typically a Council responsibility and wanted assurance that the agreement would still be presented to the Council for review and transparency. Chief Olson acknowledged that the request was unusual and said it was solely a result of the compressed timeline. He assured Council members that the finalized agreement and negotiation details would be shared with the Council and that this was not intended to become a standard practice. Clarification on Resolution Versions A Council member asked about two versions of the resolution that had been distributed. Staff clarified that the documents were substantively identical; one simply highlighted the new language added to the resolution, particularly provisions related to feasibility studies, evaluations, and professional consultation. Mayor's Explanation Mayor Burtenshaw explained that City staff and the fire district had already been negotiating for some time and had delayed the process once before. The fire district also faced budget deadlines, creating pressure to keep negotiations moving. She noted that the resolution included clear "sideboards" or limits on the scope of negotiations and was intended to keep the process on schedule. Additional Discussion Councilor Radford observed that negotiating a replacement agreement was a normal process because the current contract expires at the end of September. Chief Olson agreed, explaining that the only unusual aspect was the timing mismatch between negotiation deadlines and the Council's meeting schedule. Councilors generally agreed that while this one-time delegation might be necessary to meet deadlines, they did not want it to become a precedent. The consensus was that the City Council Meeting Minutes 7 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID authority was acceptable as a temporary exception, provided the final agreement would still be brought back to the Council and the practice would not become routine. Motion: Approve the Resolution authorizing Fire Chief Johan Olson to negotiate and execute a fire protection joint services agreement with Bonneville County Fire Protection District No. 1. o Moved by: Councilor Freeman o Second: Councilor Radford o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. C. Municipal Services 1. 26-184 Sale of Used Law Enforcement Vehicle to Boundary County Probation Presentation/Discussion (Chief Johnson): Chief Johnson presented on behalf of Municipal Services and the Police Department, noting that Director Alexander was unavailable. He began by briefly praising leadership and the work done on the police complex, crediting good collaboration during the budget process. The main action item was the proposed surplus sale of a law enforcement K-9 vehicle, a Ford Explorer listed as surplus and described as approximately 12 years old, to Boundary County Probation for $3,500, which matches its listed surplus value. Municipal Services confirmed that all required surplus property procedures were followed. The Council was then given the opportunity to ask questions or comment. Motion: Approve the sale of a used Police K-9 vehicle to Boundary County Probation, located in Bonners Ferry, Idaho for a total of $3,500.00 and give authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the necessary documents. o Moved by: Councilor Dingman o Second: Councilor Radford o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. D. Public Works 1. 26-203 State Local Design/Construction Agreement and Resolution with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) for the Tautphaus Park East Loop Path project. Presentation/Discussion (Director Holm, Director Canfield): Public Works presented a State Local Agreement resolution with the Idaho Transportation Department for the Office Park East Loop Path project. The speaker began with brief remarks thanking leadership in Public Works and acknowledging past collaboration on successful projects. City Council Meeting Minutes 8 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID The project would construct a new pedestrian loop trail in the eastern portion of Tautphaus Park, near the tennis courts and ball fields, connecting to existing pathways and improving circulation through the park. It is part of a broader trail system that includes existing Boulevard and sidewalk connections and a planned west-side loop expansion. Council discussion highlighted that construction funding is scheduled for 2028, with design currently underway and additional federal requirements still being addressed. Staff emphasized efforts to preserve mature trees and adjust the trail alignment to minimize environmental impact. Funding comes primarily from a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant, with approximately $40,000 in City funds leveraged into roughly $550,000 in construction. The TAP program supports pedestrian and alternative transportation projects to improve safety, connectivity, and non-vehicle travel. Council members discussed the inclusion of a future pedestrian bridge over a canal as part of the west loop expansion, and noted the strong value of grant funding for building the City’s trail system. A final note addressed winter use: the asphalt path will be plowed so it can remain usable year-round, while cross-country skiing trails will be groomed alongside it, allowing both uses to coexist. Motion: Approve the State Local Agreement and Resolution with ITD for the Tautphaus Park East Loop Path project and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the documents. o Moved by: Councilor Dingman o Second: Councilor Larsen o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. 2. 26-154 City of Idaho Falls Lighting Upgrade Bid Rejection. Presentation/Discussion (Director Canfield): The first solicitation received no bidders. After contractors indicated the bidding window was too short, the City revised the timeline and rebid the project. That second round did produce bids, but they were deemed non-responsive—one was submitted late, and others failed to include required electrical work documentation under state code. After consulting with legal staff, the department determined that in this situation the state law allows for the rejection of all bids and may proceed to an open-market approach. The plan is to re-engage the original bidders and other qualified contractors to identify a compliant path forward. Council members expressed concern about the increasing number of bid rejections and emphasized the importance of maintaining proper procurement standards and City Council Meeting Minutes 9 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID minimizing reliance on open negotiations. Staff clarified that in this case, the City was legally unable to accept any of the submitted bids and that the project has also received coordination and support with state transportation officials. The item was ultimately discussed as an unusual but necessary procurement reset, with staff noting an intent to improve communication and avoid similar issues in future solicitations. Motion: To reject all bids for the City of Idaho Falls Lighting Upgrade project on the basis that all bids were non-responsive, find and declare by Resolution that the project can be performed more economically by purchasing goods and services on the open market, and authorize Public Works to acquire the work from a qualified public works contractor(s) on the open market, as permitted by Idaho Code § 67-2805. o Moved by: Councilor Dingman o Second: Councilor Larsen o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. E. City Attorney 1. 26-061 Ordinance Adding Title 5, Chapter 4, Section 13, to the City Code, Sale of Kratom Prohibited Within City Limits. Presentation/Discussion (Attorney Jones): The City Council considered an ordinance, introduced by the City Attorney, to add a new section to City Code prohibiting the sale of kratom within Idaho Falls City limits. The proposal would ban retail sales of natural, synthetic, and kratom-infused products, but would not prohibit possession. Staff presentation and scope • The ordinance targets sales only within City boundaries, not personal possession. • It covers all forms of kratom products, including blends and synthetic variants. • The ordinance left the effective date open for Council determination, with discussion of a possible delayed start (suggested around July 1, 2026) to give businesses time to adjust. Council discussion (policy considerations) 1. Public health and safety concerns - Several members emphasized testimony from the county coroner, sheriff, and police leadership, citing: • Reported deaths and injuries associated with kratom • Poison control data and uncertainty about product contents • Lack of regulation, labeling standards, and youth access controls in retail settings City Council Meeting Minutes 10 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 2. Limits of local regulation - Multiple members noted the City’s limited ability to regulate product safety, arguing that: • The City cannot effectively oversee product potency, contamination, or labeling • Regulation would require resources and systems better suited to state or federal agencies • A sales ban was described as one of the few enforceable local tools available 3. Regulation vs. prohibition - Some Councilors expressed interest in regulating rather than banning, but others responded that: • The City lacks infrastructure for effective regulation • A ban was seen as a clearer, more enforceable approach under current constraints 4. Sunset / review idea - Councilor Radford raised the idea of building in a review mechanism or sunset clause so the ordinance would be revisited with outcome data. The City attorney explained options: • A true sunset clause would automatically expire the ban unless reauthorized • A nonbinding “revisit” clause could be included but would have no enforcement power • Alternatively, Council could instruct staff to track and return with data later Councilors discussed the practicality of tracking outcomes under existing administrative systems. 5. Broader policy arguments - Councilors supporting the ban argued: • The City should act proactively given available health data • Retail availability near schools was a concern • Even if controversial, local action could encourage state-level attention Opposing or cautious viewpoints emphasized: • Interest in more nuanced regulation if resources allowed • Concern about long-term policy effectiveness and data feedback Each Councilor explained their final thoughts/perspective before the vote. Closing remarks - After passage, City leadership noted plans to: • Coordinate an awareness campaign about the new law • Work with police and the Mayor’s office to inform schools and the public about the change and associated health concerns Motion: Adopt the Ordinance adding a new Section 13 to Title 5, Chapter 4, of the City Code to ban the sale of kratom within City limits under a suspension of the rules requiring three complete and separate readings, establish effective date, and request that it be read by title and published by summary. City Council Meeting Minutes 11 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID o Moved by: Councilor Dingman o Second: Councilor Francis o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. ORDINANCE: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, AMENDING TITLE 5, CHAPTER 4, TO ADD A NEW SECTION PROHIBITING THE SALE OF KRATOM WITHIN THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS AND PROVIDE PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS; CODIFICATION; PUBLICATION BY SUMMARY; AND ESTABLISHING EFFECTIVE DATE OF JULY 1, 2026. F. Community Development Services 1. 26-200 Final Plat and Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards, Anderson Townhomes Division No. 2. Presentation/Discussion (Assistant Director Beutler): Councilor Francis raised two main issues: • Clarification on whether there was a second access point off Science Center Drive (which had caused some confusion) • A reference in Planning and Zoning minutes suggesting a modification to Science Center Drive Staff confirmed that: • There is no modification to Science Center Drive • The development (Anderson Townhomes Division 2) includes a secondary/emergency access and cross-access easement, not a public roadway change Assistant Director Beutler explained that: • The site includes an internal drive aisle and emergency access easement connecting Division 2 to Division 1 and Anderson Drive • The primary access is on the northwest end off Science Center Drive • The internal connections are designed for fire access and circulation between phases, not as a public cut-through route On traffic concerns, staff noted: • It is unlikely the internal roads would be used as a cut-through due to the efficiency of nearby intersections like North Boulevard • The design naturally discourages through-traffic since it requires slower navigation through internal drive aisles • A traffic barrier is not considered necessary, and the existing center turn lane configuration on Science Center Drive supports safe access City Council Meeting Minutes 12 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID • The project is expected to generate low traffic volumes, not enough to justify additional restrictions Staff concluded by confirming that all relevant departments have reviewed the final plat and it is ready for approval. Motion 1: Approve the Final Plat for Anderson Townhomes Division No. 2 and give authorization for the Mayor, City Engineer, and City Clerk to sign said Final Plat. o Moved by: Councilor Francis o Second: Councilor Freeman o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. Motion 2: Approve the Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards for the Final Plat for Anderson Townhomes Division No. 2 and give authorization for the Mayor to execute the necessary documents. o Moved by: Councilor Francis o Second: Councilor Freeman o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. 2. 26-185 Resolution -Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) PY 2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). Presentation/Discussion (Grants Administrator Farris): Farris presented a resolution approving the City's 2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). She explained that: • The CAPER is the annual report required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for federally funded community development programs. • A public hearing was held on May 7, followed by a required 15-day public comment period. • No public comments were received during that period. • Council approval was needed so the report could be submitted to HUD for review and approval. Motion: Approve the Resolution for the 2025 CAPER. o Moved by: Councilor Francis o Second: Councilor Freeman o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. City Council Meeting Minutes 13 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 3. 26-179 Legislative Public Hearing for the Annexation and Initial Zoning of I&M, Industrial and Manufacturing - Annexation and Initial Zoning Ordinances and Reasoned Statements of Relevant Criteria and Standards for approximately 10.7 acres in the NE ¼ of Section 8, Township 2 North, Range 38 East. Presentation/Discussion (Assistant Director Beutler, Mr. Payne) Mr. Payne, speaking on behalf of the property owner, requested that the public hearing be postponed because the owner wanted to attend in person and was unable to make the meeting. Payne explained that the owner wished to personally address the Council but did not provide specific details about what the owner intended to discuss. This led to a lengthy discussion among Councilors and staff regarding whether the hearing should be tabled again, postponed indefinitely, or withdrawn entirely. Council members expressed concern because: • The item had already been postponed once. • The request to delay came as a surprise and was not submitted in time to alter the published agenda. • Additional public noticing could create extra costs for the City. • The Council did not have a clear explanation for why the owner wanted another delay. Discussion About the Annexation - Councilor Radford questioned whether the property owner still wanted to annex into the City, stating that he was reluctant to force annexation on someone who might not support it. Payne clarified that annexation was effectively necessary because: • The owner had already constructed buildings on the property. • The development requires City water service. • Bonneville County had previously issued shell building permits with the understanding that annexation into Idaho Falls would follow. Staff noted that the City and County had spent considerable time coordinating the project and accommodating the development through a cooperative planning process. Legal and Procedural Discussion - The legal department explained that: • The applicant could withdraw the annexation request at any time. • If the hearing were tabled to a specific future date, the City could rely on the existing public notice and avoid additional noticing costs. • If the matter were tabled indefinitely or removed without a date certain, new public notice would likely be required before a future hearing. Staff indicated that if a new notice were required, the matter could not return on June 25 and would likely need to wait until July. City Council Meeting Minutes 14 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID Closing Comments - Following the vote, Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw remarked that the City and Bonneville County had worked together for a long time to accommodate development on the property and expressed appreciation for the extensive effort that had gone into the project by all parties involved. Motion: Table to the date certain of 6/25/2026, the action on the ordinance, annexing only 10.7 acres in the NE ¼ of Section 8, Township 2 North, Range 38 East. o Moved by: Councilor Francis o Second: Councilor Larsen o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. 6. Announcements City Council Announcements Summary Council Member Larsen • Joked that one of Public Works Director Chris Canfield’s biggest current challenges may be finding his own replacement. • Expressed appreciation for Canfield’s work and noted that a job announcement is available for the position. Council Member Radford • Announced a community walk at the Recreation Center on Saturday morning and invited residents to join. • Encouraged attendance at the upcoming Alive After Five event the following Wednesday, highlighting live music, local food, community engagement, and support for the local symphony. Council President Francis: Music and Heritage Festival – June 13 • Features a variety of musical genres designed to celebrate diversity and shared community values. • Special recognition was given to Michelle Dingman, who will perform the National Anthem. • Event begins at 9:30 a.m. Juneteenth Celebration – June 19 • Will be held at the Colonial Theater at 7:00 p.m. • Features a collaborative performance between a jazz ensemble and a symphony ensemble. • Includes presentations by local youth sharing the history and significance of Juneteenth. Beer Fest • A council member announced they would be volunteering at The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho booth during the upcoming Beer Fest and invited residents to stop by. City Council Meeting Minutes 15 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID Mayor’s Announcement – Teton Dam Anniversary and Community Service Project • Marked the 50th anniversary of the Teton Dam Failure. • Reflected on how the community has transformed since the disaster and noted the positive growth of Idaho Falls, including expansion of the Greenbelt and River Walk. • Invited residents to participate in a community service project at Ryder Park on June 9 from 6:00–8:00 p.m. • Volunteers will help install four acres of sod as part of a park improvement effort, allowing residents to contribute directly to building and enhancing community park space. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:13 PM. /s/ Linda Lundquist_________________ /s/ Lisa Burtenshaw _____________ Linda Lundquist, City Clerk Lisa Burtenshaw, Mayor cthinnes@idahofalis.gov From: DeNae Jones Sent: Monday, June 1, 2026 10:39 PM To: Office of the Mayor <Mayor@idahofalls.gov> Subject: kratom cause of death in Idaho Falls Caution: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Mayor Burtenshaw, | want to thank you for considering a ban on kratom products in Idaho Falls. My niece, died from acute mitrogynine intoxication (kratom) in Idaho Falls. No family should have to go through what ours has experienced. Since losing her, | have become increasingly concerned about how easily these products are available and how often | see them being sold throughout our communities. It is alarming to walk into gas stations and stores and see kratom products being marketed and sold so openly. Many people have no idea these products can carry risks of addiction and death. Young people are being exposed to them every day in forms of energy drinks, pre-workouts and candies, and | worry about the message that sends. | believe this has become a public safety issue. Families deserve to know the risks, and communities deserve protection from products that have already taken lives. My hope is that Idaho Falls will lead the way and be an example for the rest of Idaho. The decisions you make today could help prevent another family from experiencing the heartbreak that mine has endured. Thank you for your time, your consideration, and your willingness to address this issue. Sincerely, DeNae Jones Pocatello Idaho Yahoo Mail: Search, Organize, Conquer Linda Lundquist From: Carla Thinnes Sent: Tuesday, June 2, 2026 11:54 AM To: DeNae Jones Cc: Linda Lundquist; Emily Geisler; Margaret Wimborne Subject: RE: kratom cause of death in Idaho Falls Follow Up Flag: Follow up Flag Status: Flagged Hello DeNae— Thank you for your email to Mayor Burtenshaw. We realize you are writing from Pocatello, but please know your email will be shared with the Idaho Falls City Council, so they too know your thoughts on kratom and your family’s personal experience. During yesterday's Work Session, City Council reviewed the proposed ordinance banning the sale of kratom in Idaho Falls. After hearing from the Bonneville County Coroner, Bonneville County Sheriff, and Idaho Falls Police Chief, the Council is planning to vote on the proposed ordinance during the June 4 City Council Meeting. The public will have a chance to provide comments on the proposed ordinance at the beginning of the June 4 City Council meeting during the public comment section. Those who want to provide in-person input should: o Limit their comments to 3 minutes o Provide clear reasons for their position o Offer new points and perspective rather than simply repeating a previously shared concern The City Council meeting starts at 6:30 pm in the Council Chambers, 680 Park Ave., Idaho Falls, ID. Again, public comments on this issue will be accepted at the meeting during the general public comment part of the meeting. (There will be no public hearing on this matter during the meeting itself.) The agenda packet for this Thursday’s City Council meeting will be available in the Agenda Center by end of day today, June 2. https://www.idahofallsidaho.gov/AgendaCenter And for those not able to attend the meeting in person, Idaho Falls City Council meetings are livestreamed, and can be viewed at: https://www.idahofallsidaho.gov/429/Live-Stream Thank you again for sharing your family’s personal experience, and your perspective. Sincerely, Carla IDAHO FALLS Office of the Mayor Carla Thinnes | Executive Assistant to the Mayor 308 Constitution Way Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402 Work: (208) 612-8235 Linda Lundquist From: Holly Trouville Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 6:39 AM To: City Clerk Subject: Kratom death Attachments: death ceritficate ty (3) mark (1) (3).jpg Caution: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear City Council Members, My name is Holly Trouville and | am writing in the hopes that you ban all Kratom, natural and synthetic. | lost my only child, my 25-year-old son Tyrell to Mitragynine toxicity on Feb. 6th, 2024. Tyrell was my best friend and the love of my life. Mitragynine toxicity was his sole cause of death, and was ruled only an accident. He had no opioids in his system and nothing else contributed to his death (see attached death certificate). He died from drinking a Kratom seltzer marketed as alcohol free, caffeine free, sugar free, and had less than 2 % 7OH that Kratom advocates claim is safe. | am not making money, | am not a lobbyist in the billion-dollar Kratom industry, and | am not a user. My only goal is to prevent another parent to have to feel the complete and utter devastation that | feel on a daily basis. To determine the safety of Kratom, the AKA(American Kratom Association) Is entrusted to determine which vendors pass GMP standards. However, The AKA GMP (Good Manufacturing Standards) program focuses on ONLY validating that the manufacturing process ensures consistency and safety, rather than inspecting each individual item produced. The people determining dosage are the vendors and the consumers themselves. 1)Do you actually know how it is used in the SE Asian countries naturally? It is plucked from the tree itself and put in either a water or tea. it has 50 different alkaloids in it and, when used correctly, it balances the leaf out. | am not saying that the Kratom leaf itself may not have some benefits but, that is not happening in the US. Extracts like seltzers, capsules, gummies ,etc.. are not the natural leaf. The alkaloids are separated and more mitragynine is extracted. You are changing the "natural" of the leaf. Since there is an FDA import alert to seize, no one knows what is being mixed in it when it is brought here. "Natural" cannot be determined. What You Need to Know? 1) There is an FDA import alert, into the US, so it is being smuggled under the guise of seaweed or soap 2) There is no oversight or regulation 3) Are you aware that it is the vendor and consumer determining the right dosage amount? When have we ever allowed people to determine the own dosage for something that attaches to mu-opioid receptors? 4)The alkaloid percentage in the Kratom leaf is dependent on climate, harvesting, plant age. environmental stress, and soil composition. 5) 7OH increases in post-harvest drying, which again makes my point of it being safer pulling it from the living plant itself, which is only indigenous to SE Asian countries. e Lighting Conditions: Shade-grown kratom (inside a greenhouse or under forest canopy) can produce up to \(40\%\) higher mitragynine and over \(100\%\) higher corynoxine concentrations compared to full-sun, open-field conditions.--since the US cannot grow it naturally the percentage of mitragynine greatly increases. e Plant Maturity: Alkaloid production is most active in younger, developing tissue. e Environmental Stress: Higher salinity or, in some cases, drought stress can stimulate higher alkaloid concentrations as a defense mechanism. e Soil Nutrient Levels: Abundant nitrogen in the soil has been linked to a greater variety and amount of alkaloids synthesized. e 7-Hydroxymitragynine: Usually very low in living plants (\(<0.01\%\)), often increasing during post-harvest drying. e And aperson's specific metabolism can also be a reason for how Kratom reacts in your body. Due to lack of human testing, how can someone regulate this? e inthe U.S., Kratom is marketed primarily through online vendors, convenience stores, and specialty shops. Its products now include powders, capsules, tablets, concentrated extracts, gummies, and energy drinks. These formulations contrast sharply with traditional Southeast Asian use and enable higher, more concentrated, and more frequent dosing. What this means, and is of utmost importance, is that the AKA cannot determine the alkaloid profile and concentration of Kratom plants NOR the plants potency and its effects. WHY SHOULD IDAHO FALLS BAN ALL KRATOM, INSTEAD OF REGULATE? 1)Kratom Mees to mu-opioid receptors 2)Pharmacology does not change-Mitragynine converts some into 7OH within the liver using enzyme CYP3A4 3)Alkaloid percentage is also dependent on climate, soil, harvesting, environment and more(which can affect how body metabolizes and if other things are in the system) 4)Turning 21 does not magically make it safe. EX: We performed a descriptive analysis of the Kratom reports CAERS received in 2021 (Table 1). All reports were related to ay with a mean age of 36, a media age of 39, and an age range of 21 to 69 years id. The majority of the reports involve males 72 6%) https://www.fda.gov/media/169066/download 5)The minimal human studies conducted(one only FDA certified) have been controlled- not real world use and the dosages controlled (data to support this FDA website) 6)Kratom is expensive ranging from 10 dollars and up. Some have resorted to stealing for it 7)There is not enough research nor trials completed; and per the FDA, their current human abuse study will not be completed until September 2027. 2 8)When someone says they use Kratom to get of off opioids, that in and of itself should be concerning 9)Natural does not equate to safety 10) Back of some AKA GMP stamped natural powder bags say only for use as a botanical specimen- It implies the material is not to be consumed, cultivated, used for medicinal purposes, or sold as a decorative item (see attached) 11) There is an import alert on Kratom by the FDA. If caught importing, it is confiscated. 12) Synthetic Kratom(7OH) is made by extracting mitragynine and adding chemicals to it. Therefore, mitragynine is dangerous too. 13) Synthetic Kratom did not come into effect until the end of 2023. All deaths prior were from Mitragynine (natural Kratom) 14) CDC data shows Kratom calls to poison control, in the last ten years has risen 1200 percent I implore you to ban all Kratom. Thank you and with much respect, Holly ioophole/ Senators letters to FDA https://antikratom.or Full of evidence of Kratom dangers(please look at the denial letter to Johnson foods by the . The underbelly of the kratom world https://www.nccih.nih.gov/training/videolectures/22/3 Dr. McCurdy who advocates for Kratom yet here states how it is Negal and can be contaminated hte iow, wal Se one 04/7 catom “safe- -or- “self. induce |-death- -sentence/ Safe or self- induced death sentence https://pme.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12799471/ Unregulated rise of kratom drinks hups: we atonimcetlngs. com/ Kratom suppor meetings-thousands strong f/10.1111/add.70416 Association between bans and state level regulations Linda Lundquist From: Jeremy DeLuca Sent: Wednesday, June 3, 2026 10:39 AM Subject: Please Oppose a Kratom Ban and Support Responsible Regulation Caution: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Idaho Falls City Council Members, | recently listened to the City Council meeting regarding kratom, and | wanted to respectfully share my concerns about the direction of the discussion and the possibility of a citywide kratom ban. Several statements made during the meeting contained information that is inconsistent with the current body of research available on kratom. Today, there are studies and research efforts from institutions such as the University of Florida and Johns Hopkins University, along with recent federal research initiatives, that provide a far more balanced understanding of kratom's risks and benefits than what was presented during the meeting. Kratom is used by millions of responsible adults, including many residents of Idaho Falls. For many individuals, kratom has become an important part of their daily lives. Many consumers have previously tried prescription medications or other alternatives and found those options less effective or accompanied by undesirable side effects. To simply suggest that individuals can "find something else" overlooks the experiences of many people who have already explored those alternatives. Another concern | have is that the discussion appeared heavily one-sided. The Council heard from individuals who oppose kratom, but there was little to no representation from researchers, healthcare professionals, law enforcement officials, policymakers from regulated states, or consumers who have had positive experiences with kratom. Before making a decision that could affect thousands of residents, | encourage the Council to hear from all sides and review the available scientific evidence. | fully support reasonable regulations designed to protect consumers. In fact, many responsible kratom advocates support measures such as: ¢ Restricting sales to adults 21 and older ¢ Banning synthetic and chemically altered products, including concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine products marketed as "7-OH" ¢ Requiring product testing and labeling standards ¢ Prohibiting adulterated or contaminated products ¢ Establishing enforcement mechanisms for non-compliant businesses These types of regulations are commonly known as the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) and have been adopted in numerous states across the country. What | do not support is a complete ban on natural kratom. History has shown that prohibition often drives consumers toward unregulated markets rather than eliminating demand. A regulatory 1 framework protects consumers while allowing law-abiding adults continued access to products they rely on. | would also encourage the Council to review the experience of states that initially pursued prohibition but later moved toward regulation. Policymakers across the country have increasingly recognized that responsible regulation is more effective than outright bans. | respectfully ask the Idaho Falls City Council to reject a full ban on natural kratom and instead pursue sensible regulations that protect consumers, remove synthetic products from the market, and ensure that responsible adults maintain access to legal, tested products. Thank you for your time, consideration, and service to the citizens of Idaho Falls. Thank you! Jeremy DeLuca Co-Founder of Bodybuilding.com Linda Lundquist From: Christopher Deaney Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2026 12:59 PM To: City Clerk Subject: My Kratom Story Caution: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Good morning, | wanted to share science and facts with you about kratom. There seems to be confusion about what kratom truly is to begin with. Kratom is a tree leaf from Southeast Asia with over 50 alkaloids, related to coffee. NIH is currently working on human clinical trials to use kratom for opioid disorders. \t+iTQV0° VANANAL AIK ony A OVA SC LLUS VWW.nInN.gOVv/n ton Acie W-OPlOla-us My Story and Do Not Ban Natural Kratom My name is Christopher Deaney. | ama lifelong American, a small business owner, and someone who has lived with chronic pain since childhood after being struck by a car at the age of eight. lam aresident of New Jersey, but | have friends all over the country who utilize natural kratom tea for their own well-being. For many years, | followed the traditional medical path and was prescribed opioid pain medications long- term. While legal and doctor-prescribed, those medications came with escalating risks. Over time, | experienced tolerance, dependence, mental fog, and a reduced quality of life. In 2015, after careful research and consideration, | transitioned away from that path and began using plain, natural kratom leaf prepared as a traditional tea. That decision was deliberate. | was looking for stability and functionality, not intoxication. | reached out to the farmers and the people who have used this plant for hundreds of years. | was so curious about this plant. | was amazed how much a cup of tea helped me, so in 2015 | dedicated my life to studying and understanding this wonderful leaf. | started an online company in 2016 that is dedicated to education and the sales of natural kratom leaf tea. | have numerous binders of analytical testing dating back to 2018, which show the natural balance of alkaloids in kratom. 7-oh is NOT found in the raw kratom leaf and only appears once dried. The dried leaf contains roughly 0.00500% 7-oh, which would equate to about 20-30 pounds of kratom powder for one commercially sold package of 200 mg 7-oh tablets. There aren’t enough 7-oh in the natural leaf, or enough trees on Earth to make commercial 7-oh products. Some of these 7-oh products are being made from synthetic Mitragynine from China and not natural kratom leaf from Indonesia. Please don’t confuse the two. ter -/ “hy; y YA soraia ro nnm ~\itre Vr rn nr iar ittps://Cninarawpowders.com/mitragynine-powdel ’ve worked with scientists, including Christopher McCurdy, who has studied kratom since 2005. Kratom is Currently under investigation as a treatment for opioid withdrawal syndrome and alcohol cessation. | want to be very clear about what | am speaking about. | am not here to defend synthetic products, isolated alkaloids, or highly concentrated substances being sold under the name “kratom.” | share concerns about those products and believe they should be addressed directly through regulation or by removing them. What | am asking you not to ban is the natural kratom leaf, or its tinctures. Please check out the following |'n\ for all available scient This distinction is supported by the American Herbal Products Association (AHPA), the national trade organization representing the herbal products industry. ¢ The AHPA published a new entry in its online Botanical Safety Handbook recognizing Mitragyna speciosa leaf as a traditional herbal material and clearly distinguishing it from concentrated extracts and synthetic alkaloids. You can view that handbook entry here: AHPA publis try f t n the Botanical Safety Handbook (AHPA blog, Jul 18, 2024) (ahpa.org) ¢ AHPA has also issued euidange wamIne against labeling or marketing synthesized kratom alkaloids — like concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as kratom, because those products are not representative of the botanical leaf and raise distinct safety concerns. See that guidance here: FDA recommends scheduling of 7 OH, distinguishes kratom leaf from illicit products (AHPA blog, Jul 29, 2025) (ahpa.org) This regulatory distinction is not theoretical. Even the FDA’s current focus is not on traditional dried leaf kratom, but on concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products that are being marketed in high- potency formats. For additional perspective on this distinction, including discussion of FDA concerns and how 7-OH differs from natural leaf kratom, please see: The core scientific issue is chemical differentiation. Mitragyna speciosa is a botanical in the coffee family, related to Coffea arabica. The primary naturally occurring alkaloid in the leaf is Mitragynine. 7-hydroxymitragynine exists in raw leaf only in trace amounts. It becomes a regulatory concern when concentrated, isolated, or synthesized into high- potency products. There aren’t enough kratom trees in the world to produce 7-oh the way it is being sold. This is where the Controlled Substances Act's 8-factor analysis becomes critical. Two separate 8-factor analyses help clarify the difference: ¢ Henningfield / Fant — 8-factor review of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa / Mitragynine) This analysis evaluated kratom and Mitragynine under the eight statutory factors required by the Controlled Substances Act. The soneluatar was that Mitragynine and natural kratom leaf do not meet the criteria for federal scheduling based on abuse potential, dependence liability, public health impact, and pharmacological profile. ¢ The Abuse Potential of 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) According to the 8 Factors of the Controlled Substances Act In contrast, the 8-factor analysis of concentrated 7-OH indicates that it does meet scheduling criteria due to its signineanitly higher potency at opioid receptors and greater abuse liability when isolated and marketed in concentrated forms. In simple terms: The mitragynine in natural leaf and extracts does not fit the scheduling criteria. Concentrated 7-OH does. Treating them as the same substance ignores pharmacology, chemistry, and federal statutory standards. Policy works best when it is evidence-based and proportional. If the FDA or DEA determines that concentrated 7-OH meets scheduling criteria under the 8 factors, that is a targeted and scientifically defensible action. But extending that classification to unaltered plant material would be a category error. There is also ongoing clinical research into kratom’s pharmacology. A registered U.S. clinical trial titled “Single Ascending Doses of Kratom in Healthy Subjects” is listed on ClinicalTrials.gov, which evaluates the safety and pharmacokinetics of kratom leaf preparations: Single Ascending Doses of Kratom in Healthy Subjects (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT060721 70) Full study record: This type of structured clinical research should inform regulation, not be preempted by broad prohibitions. History consistently shows that blanket bans do not eliminate demand. They shift it into unregulated channels. That increases consumer risk rather than reducing it. 3 If the goalis public safety, the path forward is targeted regulation: ¢ Distinguish natural leaf from synthetic or concentrated alkaloids e Regulate or remove high-potency 7-OH products if warranted e Require labeling and third-party testing e Enforce age restrictions ¢ Hold bad actors accountable | am also a father. | support responsible regulations. | do not support conflating a traditional botanical leaf with a laboratory-concentrated derivative. Natural kratom leaves are not the problem. Please listen to the Congressional Briefing on Kratom Science and Failure to distinguish between the Mitragynine-containing leaf and the concentrated 7-OH is. Public policy should reflect chemistry, statutory criteria, and clinical evidence, not headlines. Please know that | lost my son in 2023 to a fentanyl and xylazine overdose. He tried kratom in 2017 and told me it didn’t get him high, so he wasn’t interested. That was his demon he dealt with. We have had issues with Elevated 7-Hydroxymitragynine Levels Found in Products Misbranded as Mislabeled products masquerading as kratom are the real issues, not the kratom itself. In 2009, a product called Krypton was sold in Sweden. People thought this was kratom, but it was not. [his p al ago oS RE SES O It was the O-Desmethyltramadol that was the culprit, not kratom. If kratom inherently produced a “High” effect, there would be no reason for companies to spike it. Natural kratom does not produce a high at all. Kratom gives a sense of calm and a bit of energy, like coffee. Natural kratom isn't the problem, but these other substances masquerading as kratom products are the issue. Natural kratom is saving millions of lives, and it saved mine. Thank you for your time and consideration. | would love to speak to you further and share analytical data that shows 7-oh is only found in trace amounts in the natural kratom leaf. Respectfully, Christopher Deaney Salem County, New Jersey Linda Lundquist From: Liam Reagan Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2026 1:24 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Please Keep Natural Leaf Kratom Legal Attachments: FDA%20U.S.%20FOOD%20&%20DRUG.pdf Caution: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Idaho Falls City Council Members, My father served as a USAF fighter pilot and drinking was part of a pilot’s persona, and an acceptable activity for most in the 1960s and 70s. | followed in my parent’s footsteps, but after decades of drinking, it accelerated into full blown (albeit semi-functioning) alcoholism. | served my country building nuclear submarines in an outside machinist capacity, but after decades of wear and tear on my body, my back broke down very painfully (degenerative disc disease, osteoarthritis, spinal stenosis and sciatica.) | was eventually forcefully retired at full disability. | needed a walker to get to the bathroom and could not help my wonderful dutiful wife do household activities. | say all of that to tell you that by just taking two or three teaspoons of lab tested unadulterated kratom leaf powder per day, | was able to stop the cravings of alcohol (six years sober) and relieve my pain enough to drive, do household chores and not use my walker. | can help my wife once again. | cannot tell you how glad that makes me feel. lam only one of millions of people to whom kratom has returned some semblance of normalcy; many have much worse ailments than | have, and their stories are desperate and heartbreaking. You likely have enough life experience and know what addiction can do to an individual and/or a family. Kratom brought me back to my Lord, my wife and family, and continues to help me live a life | thought was behind me. | don’t get drunk or high. Only synthetic or concentrated unnatural substances in this arena, such as 7OH (7-Hydroxy Mitragynine) or MGM-15 & 16 (semi-synthetic derivatives known for their higher potencies as agonists of opioid receptors) make people high, and not natural leaf kratom. Many folks with an addictive personality and people experiencing chronic pain take kratom responsibly to live normal lives. It doesn’t cure life’s ills, but it sure helps the multitudes of folks like me; some estimates ranging into the tens of millions. | humbly ask that you allow people to make the choice to buy natural kratom unadulterated, properly examined and labeled, kept away from those under 21, available to good people who don’t want to get high, and only want to live without excruciating pain or addiction. W. Jef Reagan Gloucester, VA You are wondering why a person from a different municipality is concerned with this legislation. Let me tell you why | advocate for natural leaf kratom users out-of-state: When | first started drinking kratom, | had no idea that it was under attack. | relied on other people who were aware of the actions taking place in non-local governments standing up for me to keep kratom legal. Work and family kept me from following how kratom was targeted, even in my state. We do have professional lobbyists to represent us also, but there are many caring volunteers. | have since retired and have become aware of people throughout the country who are even worse off than | was in regards to chronic pain and addiction. There are groups of us volunteer kratom advocates who try to keep an eye out for our fellow kratom users in need throughout the country, many of whom don’t realize the leaf that they rely on is becoming endangered. We don’t get paid, and try to keep fellow advocates apprised of hurtful legislation. We then, with as much tact as we can muster, try to educate good people in government, such as yourself, about the pros and cons of kratom; many of whom are glad they became more aware, as they were previously unsuspecting of what some of us pain or addiction victims endure. | spend much of my time in retirement researching various fields of interest, and hope that | have cleared up some of why we volunteers support desperate sufferers in widespread communities. If you have an extra minute, please skip to timestamp 09:30 for a short segment clearly showing the difference between natural leaf kratom and addictive synthetic 7OH: https://youtu.be/sBWkK9ORsqlw | wish you well. Thank you so much for your time. Sincerely, Jef Reagan Gloucester, Virginia ADMINISTRATION m il U.S. FOOD & DRUG July 29, 2025 Dear Colleague, I am writing to war you about an opioid that few physicians may be aware of. It’s called 7- hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). 7-OH is found in trace amounts in the kratom plant leaf. But this is not our focus. Our primary concern is the concentrated form of 7-OH. This is an important distinction. These concentrated 7-OH opioid products are far more dangerous than traditional kratom leaf products. Concentrated 7-OH products have exploded in popularity in recent years, with vape shops, gas stations and comer stores selling pills, gummies, candies, and even eye-catching products like ice cream cones containing 7-OH. You may also see 7-OH referred to as 7-OHMG, 7-Hydroxy, 7- HMG, or 7. Additionally, some kratom leaf products marketed as “spiked” or “enhanced” may contain 7-OH at a level 500% higher than would be naturally expected in kratom leaf. Notably, one study in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry found 7-OH to be 13 times more potent than morphine. Aside from addiction, 7-OH side effects include withdrawal symptoms, insomnia and anxiety, seizures, and fatal respiratory depression. The FDA is seeing increases in adverse events and related reports to poison control and is concerned about the growth of 7-OH product sales nationwide. We have already issued waming letters to several firms for illegally distributing 7-OH products and are working alongside our partners at the DEA to move forward with adding certain 7-OH products to the controlled substances schedules. Like many physicians, | find it painful to recall the many opioid prescriptions [| wrote in the early 2000s for routine procedures, unaware of the high potential for abuse. Our recognition of the abuse potential and our delayed response as a medical community resulted in a national health crisis. Let’s not get caught flat footed again. In addition to the FDA’s ongoing regulatory activities and education efforts, | appreciate your vigilance on this issue. For more information, please refer to our new report and educational resources, which can be found at www.fda.gov/7-OH. Sincerely, Jt uit tla Martin A. Makary, M.D., M.P.H Commissioner of Food and Drugs U.S. Food & Drug Administration 10903 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20903 www.fda.gov FDA Article on 7OH: iding in Plain Sight: 7-OH Products | FDA Linda Lundquist From: Carla Thinnes Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2026 1:58 PM To: BC Cc: City Clerk Subject: RE: Idaho Falls Resident: Kratom Access Matters to Me Hello Ben— Thank you for your outreach today and for sharing your perspective. Your email will be printed and provided to the City’s elected officials for today’s City Council Meeting. Sincerely, Carla IDAHO FALLS Office of the Mayor Carla Thinnes | Executive Assistant to the Mayor 308 Constitution Way Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402 Work: (208) 612-8235 cthinnes@idahofalls.gov From: BC Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2026 12:30 PM To: Office of the Mayor <Mayor@idahofalls.gov>; Michelle Ziel-Dingman <MDingman@idahofalls.gov>; Jim Freeman <JFreeman@idahofalls.gov>; Jim Francis <JFrancis@idahofalls.gov>; John Radford <JRadford@idahofalls.gov>; Brandon Lee <blee@idahofalls.gov>; Kirk Larsen <klarsen@idahofalls.gov> Subject: Idaho Falls Resident: Kratom Access Matters to Me Caution: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Idaho Falls City Council, |ama Idaho Falls resident and wanted to reach out to share how important continued access to kratom is for me and many others in our community. | understand there may be internal conversations around kratom, and | simply wanted to make sure it’s clear that there are a large number of responsible adult consumers in Idaho Falls who value having access to it. It is also extremely important to understand the difference between natural kratom (the leaf itself, sometimes dried and in various forms, but not mixed with anything else) and the widely 1 varying products sold in gas stations and smoke shops that use the name "kratom." The latter products are in no way a natural product and generally consist of lab extracted chemicals and are mixed with various other substances like Kava. These gas station cocktails can absolutely be dangerous and should be regulated. They also can cause physical dependence and a host of other problems. Natural kratom leaf, however, is not dangerous nor carries the host of negative side effects or dependency risks. Lumping it in with those other products and regulating or banning it will actually cause real harm to responsible consumers of the natural product, and also demonstrates a lack of education on the difference between natural kratom and the derived or extract products that may use the name "kratom." For many of us, kratom is something we rely on as part of our daily routine. Losing access through a citywide ban would have a real impact on people here locally. | fully support reasonable regulations that protect consumers. It’s vitally important to distinguish between natural kratom leaf and newer synthetic or chemically altered products (such as 7-oh) that are sometimes mislabeled as kratom. | would strongly support efforts to address those products specifically, rather than banning kratom altogether. My hope is that Idaho Falls takes a thoughtful approach that protects consumer access while addressing legitimate concerns in the market. Thank you for your time and for considering the perspective of local residents, Ben Linda Lundquist From: David Woolf Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2026 2:11 PM To: City Clerk Subject: Public Testimony re: Kratom sales ordinance Attachments: Melody at HHS Podium.jpg Caution: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Members of the City Council, Thank you for allowing me to add my voice to this very important issue. | am writing to you to ask that you please protect adult access to plain leaf kratom for individuals who take it as a drug-free way to mitigate chronic pain. | bring with me 12 years of positive lived experience with plain leaf Kratom. | was mentioned in a recent Reuters news article, and last July, | personally had the privilege of being welcomed to the HHS press briefing stage by FDA Commissioner Makary, where | spoke about the benefits of plain leaf kratom and to distinguish it from the dangerous 7OH. | have attended the International Kratom Science Symposium at the University of Florida for the second time this year, and was able to again discuss safe Kratom use and benefits with leading scientists in person. Not one of the researchers or regulators called for a Kratom ban; in fact, not one peer-reviewed paper calls for a ban. For over 20 years, | lived with chronic pain from fibromyalgia, arthritis, sciatica, and other conditions. Before consuming kratom, | was often bedridden and required assistance, which affected my ability to participate fully in family life. Twelve years ago, | began consuming plain-leaf kratom, and it gave me back my mobility and ability to fully engage with my family. In 2022, when my daughter and son-in-law’s childcare closed unexpectedly, | provided full-time care for my granddaughter, saving them approximately $50,000. This past summer, with major home repairs and high childcare costs, | again cared for my 31-year-old granddaughter for four months, chasing her all over town — weekly trips to the zoo, the library, and every nearby splash pad. | participate in local and state-level meetings on kratom regulation and spoke one-on-one with roughly 200 state legislators at the NCSL conference. | am currently in Washington DC to share my story with federal regulators and legislators. Outside of advocacy, | sing in a chorus, performing for nursing homes and assisted living facilities as a form of community service, helping bring joy and connection to others. My personal experience demonstrates the profound impact kratom has on function, family life, and community engagement, and underscores the importance of consumer perspectives in informing science-based policy. Please protect access to plain leaf Kratom for adults using it to manage chronic pain as | have. Please regulate it using common sense measures such as an age gate, and truthful packaging, while prohibiting products where the package shows that it contains over 2% of the metabolite 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine) as well as banning all other synthetics. Bans and prohibitions invite a black market where bad actors are certain to adulterate their products with addictive and dangerous substances. My number is 269 873-9592. More information and the science is found on my LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melody-woolf- 366a7b146?utm source=share&utm campaign=share via&utm_content=profile&utm mediu m=ios app Best regards, Melody Woolf
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