City of Idaho Falls | minutes | meeting 2026-05-07 | City Council Meeting source: https://www.idahofallsidaho.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05072026-2131 City Council Meeting Minutes 1 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID Thursday, May 7, 2026 6:30 PM City Council Chambers 1. Mayor Pro Tem Francis Called the meeting to Order at 6:30 PM Present: Mayor Pro Tem/Council President Jim Francis Councilor John Radford Councilor Jim Freeman Councilor Kirk Larsen Councilor Brandon Lee (Left at 7:31 pm) Absent: Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw Councilor Michelle Ziel-Dingman Also present: Lisa Farris, Grants Administrator Ian Turner, Airport Director David Pennock, Idaho Falls Zoo Pam Alexander, Municipal Services Director Wade Sanner, CDS Director Zack Jones, City Attorney Jasmine Marroquin, Deputy City Clerk 2. Pledge of Allegiance Councilor Lee led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Public Comment Maria Alvarez – Resident Ms. Alvarez expressed concerns about the City’s sidewalk repair notices being issued at the same time as ongoing waterline replacement work in the neighborhood. She said residents are confused about which sidewalk repairs are legitimate code compliance issues versus damage or replacement related to the City’s infrastructure project. Ms. Alvarez criticized the City’s communication as unclear and overly aggressive, noting that the notices threatened escalating fines, liens on homes, and short compliance deadlines by the end of the month. She said homeowners were not clearly told which sidewalk sections they are responsible for, what conditions specifically violate code, or what portions the City will restore as part of the waterline work. She emphasized that the issue is not only financial, though the repairs could cost homeowners thousands of dollars on short notice, but also touched on transparency, coordination, and fairness. Ms. Alvarez said residents feel pressured into making expensive construction decisions without sufficient explanation and fear being charged for work that may later be impacted by City construction. She asked the City to provide clearer information about how sidewalk replacement decisions are made, how they relate to the waterline project, and whether broader infrastructure improvements are being framed as code enforcement. She also urged the City to reconsider deadlines and improve communication so homeowners can make informed decisions without fear of duplicate costs, fines, or unnecessary repairs. Despite her frustrations, she thanked City staff City Council Meeting Minutes 2 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID who had communicated with her and said she hoped the issue could lead to a more collaborative and transparent process moving forward. Jeremy Wilkerson – Resident Mr. Wilderson said code enforcement officers had visited his property several times over the past four years without ever mentioning sidewalk violations, leading him to question why the issue is now suddenly being enforced. He said residents feel blindsided by the short notice and are asking the City for more time to understand the requirements and work collaboratively toward solutions. Mr. Wilkerson stated that residents had circulated a petition requesting additional time, though not everyone had been able to sign it yet. He argued that the City does not make decisions overnight but is expecting homeowners to make major financial decisions immediately. He emphasized that residents want a cooperative, mutual agreement with the City rather than feeling that directives are being imposed on them without discussion or adequate notice. Erin Burley – Resident A resident from Shelley Street said they had not yet received a sidewalk citation but were concerned they might in the future. They questioned when the sidewalk repair code was enacted and whether it had long existed without enforcement. While acknowledging that some sidewalks in the neighborhood are in poor condition and need repairs, the resident emphasized that the area is economically struggling and many residents could not afford thousands of dollars in concrete work without risking serious financial hardship, including losing their homes or being unable to pay for necessities like daycare and groceries. The resident said they were speaking not just for themselves, but for neighbors throughout the community who may be affected. After learning from City officials that the code is not new, the speaker argued that the City should be willing to work with residents on compliance rather than abruptly imposing costly requirements. They concluded by reiterating concern for neighbors who cannot afford expensive sidewalk repairs even if improvements are needed. Mary Ann Bird – Resident Ms. Bird, an 87-year-old Jefferson Avenue resident, said she was frightened after receiving the sidewalk repair notice and feared she could lose her home. Living on Social Security and having lived in her home since 1962, she questioned why sections of sidewalk that still appear usable are being required to be replaced, particularly when the issue seemed to involve only minor cracks. Ms. Bird said the threatening tone of the letter caused significant stress, especially the escalating fines for noncompliance and the warning that the City could complete the work itself and place an assessment against homeowners’ properties. While concerned about her own situation, she emphasized that she was equally worried about younger families in the neighborhood who are already struggling to afford necessities like food, clothing, and school expenses. She urged the City to consider the financial hardship these repair demands could create for residents. City Council Meeting Minutes 3 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID Brad Foster, Resident Mr. Foster, resident and son of previous speaker Mary Ann Bird, defended his mother as a longtime resident who has always paid her taxes and contributed to the community. He said she was frightened after receiving the sidewalk enforcement letter, especially because it arrived on police department letterhead and felt threatening in tone. Mr. Foster said many Jefferson Avenue residents feel overwhelmed by rising taxes, utility costs, and additional City-imposed expenses, arguing that working-class residents and seniors on fixed incomes cannot easily absorb unexpected sidewalk repair costs. He described the notice as vague, aggressive, and stressful, leaving residents uncertain about what repairs are required, what the City will handle, and how much the work will ultimately cost. He emphasized that residents are not refusing to help improve the City and want Idaho Falls to remain attractive and successful but questioned how much more financial burden can reasonably be placed on homeowners. Mr. Foster urged City leaders to listen to residents’ concerns and understand the economic realities facing the neighborhood, saying people feel they are “crying out” to be heard. He closed with a lighthearted remark that the City itself also has sidewalks in need of repair. 4. Consent Agenda A. Municipal Services 1. 26-162 2026 First Quarter Impact Fee Report B. Public Works 1. 26-157 Bid award for Citywide thermoplastics to Falls Striping for $144,949.48 2. 26-169 Resolution to amend the BMPO Joint Powers Agreement C. Idaho Falls Power 1. 26-170 Purchase of an Altec Digger Derrick for $483,833 2. 26-171 Insurance Policy Renewals for Idaho Falls Power for $467,891.75 D. Airport 1. 26-158 Reimbursable agreement with the FAA E. Office of the City Clerk 1. 26-155 City Council Meeting Minutes (03.30.26, 04.02.26, 04.06.26, 04.09.26) Motion: Approve, accept, or receive all items on the Consent Agenda according to the recommendations presented. o Moved by: Councilor Radford o Second: Councilor Freeman o Vote: Aye: Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. 5. Regular Agenda A. Airport 1. 26-159 Resolution Authorizing the Airport Director to Request a Release from Federal Obligations City Council Meeting Minutes 4 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID Presentation/Discussion (Director Turner): Airport Director Turner presented a resolution concerning City-owned property along North Fifth West that was originally purchased with a Federal Aviation Administration airport improvement grant for airport approach protection. He explained that a roughly 12-acre section located between Rivertown Homes and the Heritage Hills subdivision, north of the INL facility, is now considered an “uneconomic remnant” because it is no longer needed for airport protection purposes. Director Turner said the land has a better future use for the City, including potential widening of North Fifth West and use related to the Idaho Falls Power substation. The resolution would authorize him to request that the FAA release the property from its grant obligations and would allow the City to begin transferring control of the property from the airport to Idaho Falls Power. No questions were raised for Director Turner. Motion: Approve the resolution authorizing the Airport Director to take all actions necessary to obtain a release of federal obligations for land located along N 5th West; and give authorization for the Mayor Pro Tem and City Clerk to execute the resolution. o Moved by: Councilor Radford o Second: Councilor Larsen o Vote: Aye: Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. B. Parks and Recreation 1. 26-112 Professional Services Agreement with Myers Anderson Architects to design a new entrance and gift shop at the Idaho Falls Zoo. Presentation/Discussion (Zoo Director Pennock): Parks and Recreation staff requested approval of a professional services agreement with Myers Anderson Architects for Phase Two of designing a new entrance and gift shop for the Idaho Falls Zoo. Officials explained that Myers Anderson had previously completed Phase One in 2022 after being selected through a qualifications-based RFQ process. That first phase included preliminary information gathering and schematic design work. Phase Two will cover site plan approvals, detailed design development, construction documents, bidding support, construction oversight, and administration. The architectural fee is set at 9.75% of the total project cost, minus the $25,000 already paid for Phase One. Based on the current estimated construction cost of about $1.656 million, the remaining contract amount would not exceed $136,520. All design and construction costs will be funded by the Zoological Society. Council members praised the project and the zoo’s ongoing improvements. Council member Larsen noted the zoo attracts nearly 150,000 visitors annually and reflected on childhood memories of visiting the zoo in the 1960s. Staff highlighted several major improvements underway, new concessions at Funland, and broader upgrades happening at the zoo and throughout Idaho Falls. City Council Meeting Minutes 5 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID Motion: Approve the Professional Services Agreement with Myers Anderson Architects for a not-to-exceed amount of $136,520 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the necessary documents o Moved by: Councilor Freeman o Second: Councilor Lee o Vote: Aye: Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. C. Municipal Services 1. 26-160 Purchase One Ford F-550 HazMat Unit for Fire Department Presentation/Discussion (Director Alexander): Municipal Services Director Alexander presented a request to purchase a Ford F-550 light-duty hazardous materials support vehicle for the Idaho Falls Fire Department. She explained the purchase is part of a larger regional hazmat collaboration involving Idaho Office of Emergency Management and Region 7 in southeast Idaho, with Idaho Falls serving as the lead agency. Director Alexander noted the Council had previously approved the broader grant agreement in October. The grant totals about $2.17 million, and the City has already used part of those funds to purchase a Pierce Enforcer hazmat rescue apparatus. The new F-550 unit will carry specialized hazardous materials equipment needed to support emergency response operations across southeast Idaho. The vehicle would be purchased from Rush Truck Center through the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract for $298,000. Officials said the grant funding has already been received and budgeted, with additional purchases still expected before the grant is fully utilized. Council members expressed pride that Idaho Falls leads Region 7 hazmat operations and appreciated the regional cooperation to secure better pricing and coordinated manufacturing schedules. Staff estimated the vehicle could arrive in about 14 to 16 weeks, depending on manufacturing timelines. Motion: Accept and approve the purchase of one Ford F-550 HazMat unit from Rush Truck Center, accessing the Sourcewell contract, a cooperative government contract 032824- RTG for a total of $298,000.00 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the necessary documents o Moved by: Councilor Radford o Second: Councilor Larsen o Vote: Aye: Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. 2. 26-163 Quote - Wastewater Treatment Plant Lot Pavement City Council Meeting Minutes 6 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID Presentation/Discussion (Director Alexander): Municipal Services staff presented a contract for repaving the wastewater treatment plant parking lot and surrounding pavement areas. The City received three bids, with Knife River submitting the lowest responsive quote at $150,975. The project will include mobilization, removal of existing asphalt, excavation work, installation of new asphalt, seal coating, and striping. Officials noted the project was already budgeted within the Public Works Wastewater Division for the current year. After brief comments, the Council moved on toward a motion for approval. Motion: Accept and approve the lowest of three quotes received from Knife River Corporation for a total of $150,975.00 and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the necessary documents. o Moved by: Councilor Radford o Second: Councilor Larsen o Vote: Aye: Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. 3. 26-164 Resolution - Cost Allocation Policy Presentation/Discussion (Director Alexander): Staff presented a resolution to formally adopt a cost allocation policy for the City. This policy defines how shared support service costs are calculated and distributed among departments, something that has traditionally been discussed during annual budget cycles but not consistently documented in one place. Staff explained the goal is to improve transparency, consistency, and predictability by memorializing the process in a formal policy. The proposed policy uses a five-year average of actual costs but would be locked in for three years at a time, which departments felt struck the right balance between stability and flexibility. Annual changes were viewed as too unpredictable, while five years was considered too long. The policy would take effect starting with the upcoming budget cycle and remain in place for three years, similar to a “living policy” like procurement rules—meaning it can still be revised if needed due to external requirements or agency input (such as from the FAA or other funding sources). Council members supported the effort, noting it improves accountability and helps build trust by clearly documenting formulas and ensuring regular review and adjustment over time. City Council Meeting Minutes 7 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID Motion: Approve the resolution adopting the City of Idaho Falls Cost Allocation Policy dated April 2026 and provide that this resolution be effective upon its passage and approval and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the necessary documents. o Moved by: Councilor Radford o Second: Councilor Larsen o Vote: Aye: Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. D. Community Development Services 1. 26-168 Final Plat, Development Agreement, and Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards, Swire Pacific, Division No. 1 Presentation/Discussion (Director Sanner): Community Development Services presented a final plat for the Swire Pacific, Division One project, a single-lot subdivision covering about 18.31 acres located north of 65th South along 15th West. The site is zoned industrial and manufacturing and is intended for future industrial development. Staff explained the reason for Council consideration is the dedication of right-of- way along 15th West and a public utility easement for a looping water line. The property is currently an open field and is not being actively farmed. The item previously went through the Planning Commission on April 7, 2026, where it received a unanimous recommendation for approval with no public comment. Multiple City departments, including Public Works, Fire, Community Development Services, and Legal, have reviewed and approved the plat. Officials noted that under state land use law, final plats must be approved when requirements are met, and this one complies with those standards. Council discussion confirmed the process and zoning consistency, and no objections were raised. Motion 1: Approve the Development Agreement for the Final Plat for Swire Pacific, Division No. 1 and give authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to sign said agreement o Moved by: Councilor Freeman o Second: Councilor Lee o Vote: Aye: Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. Motion 2: Approve the Final Plat for Swire Pacific, Division No. 1 and give authorization for the Mayor, City Engineer, and City Clerk to sign said Final Plat o Moved by: Councilor Freeman o Second: Councilor Lee o Vote: Aye: Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. City Council Meeting Minutes 8 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID Motion 3: Approve the Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards for the Final Plat for Swire Pacific, Division No. 1 and give authorization for the Mayor to execute the necessary documents o Moved by: Councilor Freeman o Second: Councilor Lee o Vote: Aye: Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries 2. 26-167 Public Hearing for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) PY 2025 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) Presentation/Discussion (Director Sanner, Lisa Farris): The hearing formally opened the public comment period (from now until May 22) for input on how federal housing and community development funds are used. All comments to be included in the final report submitted to U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The CAPER documents how the City spent its prior-year entitlement funds and whether projects met federal requirements. Program overview and funding • The City has participated in the HUD entitlement program since 2004. • Over 22 years, it has received about $8.82 million in total funding. • Current remaining balance across recent program years: roughly $347,000. • The City is expected to receive about $414,000 in 2026, pending approval of its annual plan. Projects must meet HUD eligibility rules, align with the City’s consolidated plan, and fall into priority areas like Community development, Economic development, Housing and Public services. 2025 program accomplishments During the 2025 program year: • 29 projects were completed or underway. • Major service outcomes included: o 894 people served by the behavioral health crisis center o 52 clients assisted by Idaho Legal Aid o 75 families given emergency shelter support o 15 individuals served by prenatal services o 637 meals delivered to seniors o Multiple housing, infrastructure, and accessibility improvements City Council Meeting Minutes 9 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID Examples of completed or ongoing projects: • Sidewalk and curb improvements (over 123 properties since 2019) • YMCA entrance safety upgrades • Daycare and facility accessibility improvements • Habitat for Humanity exterior repairs • Kingston Building façade rehabilitation (phased work) • Public works and signage improvements Spending status (2025 allocation) • Received: about $412,000 • Spent: about $146,000 • Remaining: about $271,000 • 7 of 11 projects completed; others in progress or phased COVID-era (CARES Act) funds update The City also provided a short update on pandemic-related funding: • Most projects are completed (21 of 22) • One remaining utility assistance program still open (~$8,200 remaining) • Funds must be fully used by September 30, or they must be returned Officials noted that remaining COVID funds are harder to spend now because eligibility requires a direct connection to pandemic impacts. Public comment and schedule • Public comment period: now through May 22 • Council review and resolution: June 4 • Final submission to HUD: June 15 • Federal deadline: June 30 Discussion highlights Council members asked: • Whether residents still affected by COVID-related financial hardship (e.g., missed work leading to utility issues) can access remaining funds • How eligibility is verified (typically through partner agencies like EICAP or Salvation Army, with intake screening and documentation requirements) • Timing rules for spending funds (infrastructure projects often span multiple years due to delayed funding cycles) Staff explained that timing delays are common and generally accepted by HUD when properly justified. City Council Meeting Minutes 10 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID Closing remarks Council members praised the program’s impact, especially in lower-income neighborhoods, noting visible improvements in housing safety, sidewalks, and community facilities. 3. 26-165 Legislative Public Hearing for the Annexation and Initial Zoning of LC, Limited Commercial with the Controlled Development Airport Overlay Zone - Annexation and Initial Zoning Ordinances and Reasoned Statements of Relevant Criteria and Standards for approximately 7.692 acres in Part of the SW ¼ of Section 25, Township 2 North, Range 37 East. Presentation/Discussion (Director Sanner): This legislative public hearing covers Annexation Case 26-03A, an applicant-requested annexation of approximately 7.692 acres of land just south of Snake River Parkway and north of Heritage Park (within the Riverside area). Proposal details • The property is currently outside City limits and is being requested for annexation into the City. • Proposed zoning upon annexation is LC (Limited Commercial / Mixed Use corridor zoning). • Surrounding zoning includes: o LC to the north and west o Industrial (I/M) to the south and east o Public land nearby • The site is within the Riverside Urban Renewal District. • It is also subject to an airport-controlled development overlay, which would place some development limitations but not prevent most uses. Planning context • The City’s Comprehensive Plan designates the area as a Mixed-Use Corridor, supporting a combination of commercial and residential uses. • The LC zoning is considered consistent with that mixed-use vision. • If residential development occurs under LC zoning, it would follow R-3A residential standards. Review and recommendation • The proposal was reviewed by the Planning Commission on April 7, 2026. • There was no public comment at that stage. • The Planning Commission gave a unanimous positive recommendation for approval. City Council Meeting Minutes 11 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID Council discussion highlights • A Council member asked how the proposed zoning compares to nearby county zoning (notably I-1 industrial zoning). • Staff explained the key difference is that LC zoning allows more mixed-use flexibility, including potential residential, whereas the county industrial zoning is more restrictive. • A Council member expressed interest in whether annexation could eventually help create a missing pedestrian/pathway connection between lower Taylor’s Crossing and Heritage Park, tying into the broader greenbelt network. • Staff clarified that: o This annexation itself does not determine pathways o Any trail or connection would be addressed later through future site plan or development approvals. Motion 1: Approve the Ordinance annexing approximately 7.692 acres in Part of the SW ¼ of Section 25, Township 2 North, Range 37 East; assign a Comprehensive Plan Designation of “Transect of Mixed-Use Centers and Corridors;” and 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 Freeman o Second: Councilor Larsen o Vote: Aye: 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; PROVIDING FOR THE ANNEXATION OF APPROXIMATELY 7.692 ACRES DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT A OF THIS ORDINANCE, AMENDING THE LEGAL DESCRIPTION OF THE CITY WITH THE APPROPRIATE COUNTY AND STATE AUTHORITIES; AND PROVIDING SEVERABILITY, PUBLICATION BY SUMMARY, AND ESTABLISHING EFFECTIVE DATE. Motion 2: Approve the Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards for the annexation of approximately 7.692 acres in Part of the SW ¼ of Section 25, Township 2 North, Range 37 East and give authorization for the Mayor to execute the necessary documents o Moved by: Councilor Freeman o Second: Councilor Larsen o Vote: Aye: Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. City Council Meeting Minutes 12 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID Motion 3: Approve the Ordinance establishing the initial zoning for LC, Limited Commercial with the Controlled Development Airport Overlay Zone as shown in the Ordinance exhibits under a suspension of the rules requiring three complete and separate readings; and request that it be read by title and published by summary; that the City limits documents be amended to include the area annexed herewith; and that the City Planner be instructed to reflect said annexation, amendment to the Comprehensive Plan, and initial zoning on the Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Maps located in the Planning office o Moved by: Councilor Freeman o Second: Councilor Larsen o Vote: Aye: 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; PROVIDING FOR THE INITIAL ZONING OF APPROXIMATELY 7.692 ACRES DESCRIBED IN EXHIBIT A OF THIS ORDINANCE AS LC, LIMITED COMMERCIAL WITH THE CONTROLLED DEVELOPMENT AIRPORT OVERLAY ZONE; AND PROVIDING SEVERABILITY, PUBLICATION BY SUMMARY, AND ESTABLISHING EFFECTIVE DATE. Motion 4: Approve the Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards for the initial zoning of LC, Limited Commercial with the Controlled Development Airport Overlay Zone and give authorization for the Mayor to execute the necessary documents o Moved by: Councilor Freeman o Second: Councilor Larsen o Vote: Aye: Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. 4. 26-174 Mediation request for Willows Place Townhomes Planned Unit Development. Presentation/Discussion (Attorney Jones): • The developer submitted a formal request for mediation under City ordinance. • The Council is not discussing the merits of the development itself—only whether mediation should occur and who should serve as mediator. Proposed mediation setup • Staff recommends proceeding with mediation. • Proposed mediator: Curt Thomsen, an experienced local mediator and former attorney. • Proposed session: Thursday, May 14 at 8:30 AM City Council Meeting Minutes 13 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID • Estimated cost: $275/hour plus $100/hour travel Council participation plan • Staff suggested two Council members (those who previously supported mediation in a prior vote) participate in mediation discussions. • However, those members would: o Not have final decision-making authority in mediation o Likely need to recuse themselves from the final Council vote to avoid ex parte concerns under the Local Land Use Planning Act (LLUPA) Legal and procedural concerns discussed • Because mediation involves direct discussion with the applicant, it could create ex parte communication issues if not handled carefully. • To avoid legal challenges, options discussed included: o Having Council members recuse themselves later o Having staff represent the City in presenting results o Recording or summarizing mediation discussions for transparency o Ensuring proper disclosure before any final Council vote Key issue raised • The main concern is protecting the process from potential claims that: o Some Council members had private discussions with the applicant o Neighbors were not included in those discussions o This could lead to appeals based on due process violations Outcome • Council moved forward with the idea of ordering mediation and selecting the proposed mediator. • Final procedural details (who participates and how results are presented) are still being refined to reduce legal risk and ensure transparency. Motion: Order mediation and select mediator Curt Thomsen for Willows Place Townhomes Planned Unit Development. o Moved by: Councilor Freeman o Second: Councilor Larsen o Vote: Aye: Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none. o Motion carries. 6. Announcements City Council Meeting Minutes 14 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID • The City received results from a recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) annual inspection, which was completed with zero discrepancies, meaning no issues were found. Staff noted this is a significant accomplishment given the rigor and stress of FAA audits. • A historical observance was noted: May 8 is Victory in Europe (VE) Day, marking the end of World War II in Europe. • A community event was announced: Downtown Cleanup Day is scheduled for Saturday, May 9. Participants can sign up through the Downtown Idaho Falls website. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:52 PM. /s/ Jasmine Marroquin______________ /s/ Jim Francis_____________ Jasmine Marroquin, Deputy City Clerk Jim Francis, Mayor Pro Tem PAGE 1: FORMAL PETITION TO: Idaho Falls City Council and Public Works Department FROM: Residents of the Highland Park-Bon Subdivision DATE: 5/03/2026 SUBJECT: Formal Petition for Extension and Reassessment of Sidewalk Repair Enforcement PREAMBLE We, the undersigned residents of the Highland Park-Bon Subdivision, formally request a modification to the current enforcement of city code regarding sidewalk repairs initiated alongside the current city project. While we support the improvement of our infrastructure, the current 30-day mandate for homeowner-funded repairs is unreasonable and creates an undue burden on the community. POINTS OF CONSIDERATION e Sudden Enforcement: These sidewalk conditions have existed for years without citation. Enforcing them now with only 30 days’ notice creates an immediate and unforeseen financial crisis for many households. e Economic Hardship: The cost of professional concrete work has risen sharply. A 30-day window does not allow residents sufficient time to secure competitive bids, arrange financing, or save for these mandatory repairs. e Contractor Availability: Finding licensed and insured contractors available to complete work within a 30-day timeframe is nearly impossible during the peak construction season. e Safety & Logistics: Forcing multiple homeowners to find independent contractors simultaneously will lead to congested streets and uncoordinated construction in an already active project zone. OUR REQUESTS 1. Immediate Extension: Extend the repair deadline from 30 days to at least 180 days. 2. Payment Options: Implement a deferred payment plan or allow costs to be assessed to property taxes over a multi-year period. 3. City Partnership: Allow residents to opt into the city’s bulk contract rate for the current project to reduce individual costs. ? Next Steps & Resources e Who to Contact: The petition should be delivered to the Idaho Falls City Clerk (308 Constitution Way, Idaho Falls, ID 83402) and Public Works (208-612-8250). e City Council Email: You can email all council members via mayor@idahofalls.gov or contact them individually via the city directory. e Specific Context: The city announced sidewalk improvements specifically in the North Highland Park area (Canyon, Jefferson, Elmore, Fremont Avenues). [1, 2, 3, 4] PETITION REGARDING HIGHLAND PARK-BON SIDEWALK ENFORCEMENTNote: Only Highland Park-Bon property owners/residents, please Name(Print) oe ress Signa WA Date Lu tag Ot ee Wiere. Ch, Z-¢ BLE SuzaleOlsa_( ee eHevSean gil Nor 2 14 Kresfal Clecefeanet Fo Jeflerse Se 2 fen f - rf S174 = SLA =96 Le he rb ted me Ei ae au oe 5-4 ra CL MAAS 47, . 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