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City Council Meeting

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City Council Meeting
Minutes

680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID
Thursday, April 9, 2026
6:30 PM
City Council Chambers

1. Mayor Burtenshaw Called the meeting to Order at 6:33 PM
Present:
Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw

Council President Jim Francis
Councilor Michelle Ziel-Dingman

Councilor Jim Freeman
Councilor Kirk Larsen

Councilor Brandon Lee

Absent:
Councilor John Radford

Also present:
Stephen Boorman, Interim GM - IF Power

Wade Sanner, CDS Director
Chris Fredericksen, Public Works Director

Zack Jones, City Attorney
Brad Cramer, Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency
Sarah Wheeler, IF Power External Affairs
Jasmine Marroquin, Deputy City Clerk

2. Pledge of Allegiance
A member of the public led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

3. Special Check Presentation (Ms. Wheeler)
The presentation highlighted a partnership between Idaho Falls Power, the Bonneville Power
Administration (BPA), and the City of Idaho Falls Public Works/Wastewater Treatment Plant
focused on energy efficiency improvements.
Ms. Wheeler explained that the City continues to be recognized as a leader in BPA energy
efficiency programs, thanks in large part to staff-led efforts (notably the City’s energy efficiency
specialist and Public Works staff). These collaborations help residents and commercial customers
reduce energy use and costs while advancing environmental goals.

Nash Nakajima from BPA then described two major wastewater treatment upgrades:
•
A shift from a lagoon-based dewatering system to a filter press instead of a more energy-
intensive centrifuge system, resulting in lower electricity use.
•
Installation of variable frequency drives (VFDs) on two 75-horsepower mixer pumps, which
improved motor efficiency by allowing speed control instead of constant full-power
operation.

Together, these projects—completed between mid-2023 and late summer 2025—produced
significant energy savings of about 472,191 kilowatt-hours in one year. As a result of the verified
savings, Idaho Falls Power and BPA presented the City a $128,000 incentive check. The speakers
emphasized both the financial savings and the broader benefits of innovation, efficiency, and

City Council Meeting
Minutes

680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID
teamwork across City departments. The City Council expressed appreciation for the staff and
partners involved.

4. Public Comment

Matt Jacobson
Mr. Jacobson, a downtown business owner, proposed creating a downtown delivery
ordinance aimed at improving safety and reducing street congestion caused by delivery trucks
during peak hours.
He suggested restricting local distributor deliveries between roughly 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. in
the core downtown area (generally north of Broadway, south of Constitution, west of Yellowstone),
while allowing exceptions for express carriers like UPS, FedEx, and Amazon. During restricted
hours, deliveries would need to use alleys or parking lots with approval rather than blocking
streets.
Mr. Jacobson cited recent examples (providing a handout) he observed of delivery trucks
blocking lanes, obstructing visibility at stop signs, encroaching on accessible parking spaces, and
preventing other vehicles from exiting. He argued these conditions create safety hazards and
reduce the overall experience for downtown visitors and patrons.
City officials responded that the idea would be brought forward for discussion in a future
work session and thanked him for his input.

Terri Ireland -
Ms. Ireland, speaking on behalf of the Downtown Merchants Association, expressed full
support for the proposed downtown delivery ordinance previously described by Matt Jacobson. She
echoed his concerns and emphasized that the business community wants to work with the City to
improve downtown safety and overall visitor experience.
She thanked the Council for their attention and encouraged continued collaboration to help
make downtown more pleasant and functional.

5. Consent Agenda

A. Airport
1. 26-137 Resolution for a $50,000 grant with ITD Division of Aeronautics
2. 26-138 Second Amendment of the Concession Lease with Tailwind IDA, Inc.
B. Police Department
1. 26-135 Memorandum of Acknowledgement with Aurelian for a 911 AI system.

Motion: Approve, accept, or receive all items on the Consent Agenda according to the
recommendations presented.
o
Moved by: Councilor Dingman
o
Second: Councilor Freeman
o
Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee. Nay: none.
o
Motion carries.

City Council Meeting
Minutes

680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID

6. Regular Agenda

A. Community Development Services
1. 26-134
Final Plat, Development Agreement, and Reasoned Statement of Relevant
Criteria and Standards, Creekside Village Division No. 1

Presentation/Discussion (Director Sanner):
Director Sanner presented a final plat for a proposed five-lot subdivision located at
the southeast corner of 33rd North and North 5th West. The property is currently zoned R-3
and is in agricultural use, with a canal running through the site.
The subdivision plan includes two internal 60-foot public streets for circulation,
along with required right-of-way dedications along 33rd North, North 5th West, and the
existing canal corridor. The proposal meets minimum lot size requirements and follows
standard subdivision design expectations.
The item had already been reviewed by the Planning Commission on July 1 and
received unanimous approval with no public comment.
A minor clarification was raised regarding a developer agreement condition tied to
installation timelines for fiber and power trenching. While there had been discussion about
a longer timeframe, the final agreement reflected a one-year term, which was confirmed as
acceptable to the utility provider and consistent with the executed agreement.
Council members asked about future roadway alignment at the M.K. Simpson
Boulevard corner, and staff explained it is part of a planned future extension/realignment
that will shape that corner over time.
With no further questions, the item moved forward for Council action.

Motion 1: Approve the Development Agreement for the Final Plat for Creekside Village
Division No. 1 and give authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to sign said agreement.
o
Moved by: Councilor Francis
o
Second: Councilor Lee
o
Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee. Nay: none.
o
Motion carries.

Motion 2: Approve the Final Plat for Creekside Village Division No. 1 and give authorization
for the Mayor, City Engineer, and City Clerk to sign said Final Plat.
o
Moved by: Councilor Francis
o
Second: Councilor Lee
o
Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee. Nay: none.
o
Motion carries.

Motion 3: Approve the Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards for the Final
Plat for Creekside Village Division No. 1 and give authorization for the Mayor to execute the
necessary documents.

City Council Meeting
Minutes

680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID
o
Moved by: Councilor Francis
o
Second: Councilor Lee
o
Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee. Nay: none.
o
Motion carries.

B. Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency (IFRA)
1. 26-109
Resolution approving the Eligibility Report for the Skyline-Broadway Urban
Renewal District.

Presentation/Discussion (Mr. Cramer):
The study area, about 90 acres located south of Broadway, east of Skyline, west of I-15 was
expanded from an original smaller boundary to better align with City plans, including future
walkable mixed-use development envisioned in the Comprehensive Plan and Walkable
Centers Plan.

The report evaluated 15 statutory criteria for urban renewal eligibility. Mr. Cramer found
that 8 of the 15 criteria were met. Key qualifying factors included:
•
Deteriorating infrastructure and aging or obsolete buildings
•
Some faulty and inefficient lot layouts
•
Significant access management problems, with many closely spaced driveway
connections creating traffic safety conflicts
•
Topographical challenges, including elevation changes and shallow basalt rock that
limits development
•
Evidence of underdevelopment and physical/economic constraints that hinder
redevelopment within the area

He noted that some criteria were not met, including overall street connectivity (which is
actually strong), lack of evidence that the area is harming growth elsewhere in the City, and
insufficient evidence of widespread unsafe or unsanitary conditions in the stricter statutory
sense.
However, he concluded that the area clearly meets the legal threshold for eligibility,
since only one criterion is required under state law.
Finally, he reported that even with this district included, the City’s total urban
renewal base value remains well under the 10% statutory cap (about 1.87%), meaning it
complies with state limitations. He also noted that developers are already interested in at
least part of the area, particularly near the Skyline and Broadway corner, with feasibility
analysis to come later.

Motion: Approve the Resolution approving the Eligibility Report for the Skyline-Broadway
Urban Renewal District and give authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the
necessary documents.
o Moved by: Councilor Larsen
o Second: Councilor Dingman
o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee. Nay: none.

City Council Meeting
Minutes

680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID
o Motion carries.

C. Public Works
1. 26-128
Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services to
Complete an Assessment of the Headwork Facility at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Presentation/Discussion (Director Fredericksen):
Director Fredericksen presented a request for approval of a professional services
agreement with Stantec Consulting to assess the headworks facility at the City’s
wastewater treatment plant.
The headworks facility, which is about 25 years old, serves as the initial screening
point for incoming sewage, removing debris before it reaches downstream equipment.
Director Fredericksen emphasized that this is a critical process, as inadequate screening
can damage pumps and increase maintenance demands.

The proposed assessment will focus on four main areas:
•
Evaluating and improving the building’s HVAC and air handling system, particularly for
managing odors and air quality from screened waste
•
Analyzing how to better isolate the two screening channels so one can be taken offline
more easily for maintenance
•
Determining optimal locations for influent flow metering
•
Assessing options to retrofit or replace the existing screening equipment

The total cost for the assessment is not to exceed $108,975. Fredericksen noted this work
is part of the City’s broader wastewater facility planning and long-term capital improvement
strategy to maintain regulatory compliance and system efficiency.
Council discussion included minor clarification questions, and the item moved
forward for consideration.

Motion: Approve the Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services
Inc., and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the document.
o Moved by: Councilor Larsen
o Second: Councilor Dingman
o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee. Nay: none.
o Motion carries.

D. Idaho Falls Power
1. 26-132
2026-27 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local #57
Contract

Presentation/Discussion (Interim GM Boorman):
Mr. Boorman explained that the agreement covers over half of the utility’s workforce
and is negotiated each year with support from Human Resources. This year’s negotiations

City Council Meeting
Minutes

680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID
were straightforward, with no major changes, reflecting a smooth process and strong
working relationship between the utility and the union.
Mr. Boorman emphasized the positive partnership with IBEW, noting their
cooperation in addressing employee matters and their role in helping ensure a skilled
workforce.
The contract had already been discussed in a prior utilities meeting, and the item
was brought forward for Council approval.

Motion: Approve the 2026-27 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local #57
Contract and give the Mayor and City Clerk authorization to execute the necessary
documents.
o Moved by: Councilor Freeman
o Second: Councilor Francis
o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee. Nay: none.
o Motion carries.

2. 26-139
UAMPS Amended and Restated Power Pooling Agreement

Presentation/Discussion (Interim GM Boorman):
Interim GM Boorman presented an updated and restated power agreement tied to Idaho
Falls Power’s participation in the Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS).
He explained that the contract is a comprehensive rewrite of a longstanding
agreement, updated to reflect changes in the regional energy market—particularly evolving
ISO (Independent System Operator) energy markets. UAMPS continues to play a key role in
coordinating power purchasing and sales, as well as managing transmission arrangements
through the regional balancing authority.
Mr. Boorman noted the agreement is complex and the result of significant time and
effort, but emphasized it maintains and modernizes a long-standing relationship—over 40
years—with UAMPS.
Council acknowledged both the complexity of the power system and the
importance of these agreements, and the item was brought forward for approval.

Motion: A resolution authorizing and approving the Amended and Restated Power Pooling
Agreement with Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) and giving
authorization to the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the necessary documents.
o Moved by: Councilor Freeman
o Second: Councilor Francis
o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee. Nay: none.
o Motion carries.

City Council Meeting
Minutes

680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID

E. City Attorney
1. 26-102
Ordinance Amending Title 5, Chapter 5, Sections 3, 4, and 14, Animals

Presentation/Discussion (Attorney Jones): The City Attorney presented proposed
amendments to City code (Title 5) to resolve inconsistencies regarding the display and sale
of animals.
He explained that the current code contained a conflict: one section prohibited
commercial display of cats and dogs, while another allowed exhibition of domestic animals
with a permit—yet no such permit process actually existed.

To fix this, the proposal:
•
Eliminates the nonexistent licensing requirement rather than creating a new process
•
Clarifies rules for both domestic and wild animals, including limited exceptions (e.g.,
public zoos for wild animals)
•
Removes conflicting language that previously allowed exhibition of domestic animals
•
Strengthens prohibitions by explicitly banning commercial establishments from
displaying, selling, or raffling cats and dogs

An exception remains for animals from approved sources such as humane societies,
shelters, or nonprofit rescue organizations.
The changes are largely a code cleanup but also aim to prevent past issues where
commercially displayed animals were unhealthy and contributed to disease spread. Staff
and Council members emphasized the importance of consistency and clarity in the
ordinance, and the item moved forward for approval.

Motion: Adopt the Ordinance amending Title 5, Chapter 5, Sections 3, 4, and 14 of the City
Code to remove the license requirement to keep certain domestic and wild animals, alter
the list of who is permitted to keep certain domestic or wild animals, and prohibit the
raffling off of cats and dogs under a suspension of the rules requiring three complete and
separate readings, request that it be read by title and published by summary.
o Moved by: Councilor Dingman
o Second: Councilor Francis
o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee. Nay: none.
o Motion carries.

ORDINANCE TITLE READ: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO, A
MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, AMENDING TITLE 5, CHAPTER 5,
SECTIONS 3, 4, AND 14, TO REMOVE THE LICENSE REQUIREMENT FOR KEEPING
DOMESTIC OR WILD ANIMALS, ALTER THE LIST OF WHO IS PERMITTED TO KEEP
DOMESTIC OR WILD ANIMALS, AND PROHIBIT THE RAFFLING OFF OF DOGS OR CATS AT

City Council Meeting
Minutes

680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID
RETAIL BUSINESSES OR OTHER COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS UNLESS OBTAINED
FROM APPROVED SOURCES; CODIFICATION; PUBLICATION BY SUMMARY; AND
ESTABLISHING EFFECTIVE DATE.

7. Announcements
o A police officer swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for April 23 at 4:00 p.m., ahead of that
evening’s Council meeting, and Officer Deede will also be recognized for retirement that
same night.
o Cinco de Mayo will be celebrated on May 2.
o Council members added appreciation for City staff:
o One Council member thanked Idaho Falls Power staff for helping educate the
Council on complex energy issues, noting it improved their understanding of recent
contract discussions.
o Another expressed gratitude to City employees working on the ERP (Enterprise
Resource Planning) system, highlighting the intense workload leading up to its June
go-live date. They noted temporary service limitations during the transition but
emphasized the long-term benefits for financial transparency, data, and City
operations.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:27 PM.

/s/ Jasmine Marroquin______________

/s/ Lisa Burtenshaw
_____________
Jasmine Marroquin, Deputy City Clerk

Lisa Burtenshaw, Mayor

DOWNTOWN DELIVERY ORDINANCE

Proposal Summary for Idaho Falls City Council
Prepared by: Matt Jacobsen | 100 Proof Hospitality | Downtown Idaho Falls Business Owner

OVERVIEW

This proposal seeks to reduce on-street congestion, improve pedestrian and driver safety, and enhance the
overall experience of downtown Idaho Falls by regulating the hours during which large commercial deliveries may
occupy public streets within the core district.

PROPOSED DISTRICT BOUNDARIES

The ordinance would apply to the core downtown corridor:
* North of Broadway to South of Constitution
* West of Yellowstone to East of Memorial

PROPOSED ORDINANCE FRAMEWORK

¢ Large deliveries and local distributors requiring on-street access must schedule deliveries outside of peak
hours: 10:00 AM — 10:00 PM.

¢ When a peak-hour delivery is operationally necessary, vendors must utilize available alleyways or obtain
prior written permission from a private parking lot owner. If using alleyways, minimize blocking of business
and parking access.

* Express carriers (Amazon, UPS, FedEx, and similar services) are explicitly excluded. These carriers utilize
designated loading zones and complete stops efficiently.

PROBLEMS BEING ADDRESSED

On-Street Congestion Intersection Safety Hazards Blocked Parking Access

Large delivery trucks routinely occupy Vehicles staged near or at stop signs Customer parking — including ADA-

full traffic lanes for extended periods obstruct sightlines for both motorists designated spaces — is routinely

during peak business hours, backing and pedestrians — creating blocked by delivery vehicles,

up traffic and frustrating customers. documented near-miss incidents. preventing access for patrons who
need it most.

GOALS & EXPECTED OUTCOMES

* Improved pedestrian and traffic safety throughout the core district.

* Reduced congestion during peak business and tourism hours.

* Increased customer parking availability, including ADA compliance.

« Amore welcoming, accessible downtown experience that drives foot traffic and retail sales.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

This proposal has been shared with the downtown community for feedback prior to formal submission. Input from
business owners is being actively collected and will be incorporated into any refined draft. The goal is a
framework that works for vendors, merchants, and the public alike.

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