City of Kimberly | minutes | meeting 2026-06-23 | City Council Meeting source: https://www.cityofkimberly.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06232026-215 City of Kimberly minutes City Council June 23, 2026 MEETING minutes 6:00 pm 242 Hwy 30 E., Kimberly, ID 83341 Provisions are being made to support Council, Staff and Public participation, in this public meeting, via a telephone conference call option, or you may attend in person. TO PARTICIPATE BY PHONE, call in at approximately 5:55 p.m. to the conference call number 1-321-209-6731 Enter the Pin number 245 166 236 followed by the pound # sign. CALL TO ORDER & PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE WELCOME – PLEASE TURN OFF CELL PHONES – THANK YOU ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS City Administrator Craig Eckles took roll call: Richman- Yes Ahlm-Yes Holmgren- Yes Snarr-Yes CEREMONIES, ANNOUNCEMENTS, PRESENTATIONS None AMENDMENTS TO THE AGENDA None DECLARATION OF CONFLICT None 1. CITIZEN ISSUES – PUBLIC INPUT –No person shall be permitted to speak from a location other than the public podium. This section of the agenda is reserved for citizens wishing to address the Council regarding a City-related issue. In order to ensure adequate public notice, Idaho Law provides that any item requiring Council action must be placed on the agenda of an upcoming Council meeting, except for emergency circumstances. Comments related to future public hearings should be held for that public hearing. Persons wishing to speak will have 3 minutes. Comments regarding performance by city employees are inappropriate at this time and should be directed to the Mayor, either by subsequent appointment or after tonight’s meeting if time permitting. Public participation at a Kimberly City Council meeting is limited to participation in the public comment portion of the meeting. The City Council does not take any action or make any decisions during public comment. Debbie Steiner, 1202 Gem Ave. Kimberly ID 83341- “I got concerns about the letter we got about the water, and I’ll tell ya why I have concerns. I have driven by that ball field that was planted. Every day we go by, and including on a Monday, and that water is just goin and goin. We go back later in the day, same dang thing. So, I, my concern is, if its good for the goose, it’s good for the gander. And, I’m ya know, this is a new ball field, but people have yards, and we got gardens. But they don’t want us using too much irrigation water, but what about eh stuff we watch going down the road because it’s over watered. And I think the city needs to address that, because it’s not right to tell people that you have conserve, but the city doesn’t have to conserve. And so, I’m havin an issue with that, because you go by there and its constantly going. Why they didn’t just do the roll out grass instead of planting, because it’s going to take a lot more water, and I just don’t agree with it. If we’re gonna have to watch our water, then I think the city needs to do the same. I think the same for the School District. I know they wanna water their fields and everything, and that’s fine. But hold them to the same standards that the people are following. Joe and I have done the watering. We did the even days only, cuz the even number on our address. We only sis it in the morning for a certain amount of time. Not an over length of time. But you walk around and you see the schools, the ball fields watering constantly. So, I think they should be on a schedule too. I don’t think the city should be on a different schedule then what you’re asking us to be on. That’s my concern. I’m sorry. My grass is gonna have to go brown, then so is everybody else’s. Including the cities and including the schools. Its only fair. So, that’s my concern, ya know everyone can address it, but I’m not the only one that upset about it. All of our neighbors are too, and I know a lot of times with conserving water, we had friends, and this is not in this city, that conserved their water, and guess what happened to their water bills, the water company couldn’t pay their bill, because they weren’t getting paid for their water, so they jacked up the prices. I don’t wanna see that happen here. So, just so you know, I’m not the only one concerned. Our neighbors are concerned. Some of them just couldn’t make it tonight. I said well, I’ll go. I don’t care. So please check it, and I’d like an update on it to know what’s gonna happen, because I don’t like driving by and the waters being wasted. Especially if you’re asking us to not waste the water” Bill Hetrick, 824 Elk Butte Ave. Kimberly, ID 83341- “Well first of all, it’s the same idea of what Debbie was saying. But the biggest issue is, and there’s a lot of community issues coming up with this water issue that’s been put out to everybody. Not just, even in our own HOA, we have the same issues there. Something has to be done. Checking, making sure that people are not using, people are out washing their cars today! That’s not part of that. The water is running down the gutter, and for what. But nobody’s checking, and if they are we aren’t hearing anything about it. People are very decussated when they have, I have to get up and make sure my water is one at 4 o’clock in the morning, okay, but all the fields out here are irrigating and the farmers are running 24-7. Now how much of that water is evaporating when its 100* outside. And the same with the school. The water is running all over the sidewalk. They’re not keeping track of what is going on, and that needs to happen. I mean for everybody. If we are going to conserve water, then everyone needs to be involved, and somehow, we need to check this. And, so, I’m pretty irritated, cuz when I try to do all the stuff we’re tryin to do, keeping in the guidelines you folks put out, ya know, and everybody. Cuz there are a lot of people that do exactly what, they take care of their water. They do the right thing, but there are a lot of people out there that are not. And I don’t know what you’re doing about it, but something needs to be done. If your gonna have a letter and tell people they can’t use their water, something has to be done. They should make sure those other people are following those same rules. So, fairness is ya know, right, you need to be fair. It’s not, I’m not blaming you folks, but what I’m telling you is, nobody’s keeping an eye on what’s going on. Because when people are out watering, and washing their cars, and we’re telling them we got a drought going on. Well, somethings wrong with that. So, ya need, I don’t know who, I don’t know who handles this, does someone in the city do that, keep track of people inside the city limits, cuz we’re on the canal water. We don’t have a choice; we have to stay within those means. Odd days, we got a letter from you folks telling us what we need to do. That’s not what’s really happening. So, it needs to be checked. And there are a lot of people coming to me, uh I’m Vice President of the association. I can’t do anything about it. Uhm, ya know, but who do they call. Calling the city and saying hey, these people are all using their water 24-7. A lot of people are turning their water on at night time when they don’t think anyone is driving around. And, so, so, there ya go. What’s going to be done about it, ya know. I don’t want to use up all of our water. We know the Snake River is low, ya know, and but we get all our water from the home owners. Water, we get from the wells here is our home water. We aren’t allowed to use that for anything but drinking and ya know things like that, but that’s not what’s happening here. So, I’m sure a lot of people are using their house water to do their irrigation. So, I don’t know how your gonna do it, but it needs to be checked somehow. Thanks” Mayor- Asked both residents to leave their email address with the City Clerk Carrie. 2. PUBLIC HEARINGS RULES - Prior to the start of the scheduled meeting, please place your cell phones in the silent mode, texting is not allowed during the meeting, due to interference with the Wi-Fi signal for call in participation. Once the meeting has been called to order, please refrain from side talking in order to allow everyone the ability to hear the governing board, applicants presenting, staff, public testimony, in-conjunction with audio recording clarity of the meeting. Public testimony shall only be permitted at the public podium, unless ADA accommodations are requested. A testimony sign-up sheet shall be provided at the podium, upon entering the chambers. The public testimony sign-up sheet shall depict those persons wishing to speak, name, address and e-mail address. The sign-up sheet shall be handed to the Mayor, or Council President, following the call to order section of the agenda. No changes to the sign-up sheet at this time will be allowed. Only those that have signed, to offer public hearing testimony will be called on. There shall be no public testimony allowed after the Mayor has closed the public hearing, testimony allowance time period. Persons who have signed the request to speak regarding a noticed public hearing item, shall be called on by the Mayor or Council Chairman to approach the podium. Each person wishing to speak shall state their name and address, as depicted on the sign-up sheet. This section of the agenda is reserved for citizens wishing to address the Mayor and Council, regarding a noticed public hearing item on the agenda. Any item requiring Council action must be placed on an agenda as DISCUSSION ACTION. Persons wishing to offer public hearing testimony, will have 3 minutes to speak, at such time the 3- minute time frame is over, the Mayor or Council President shall inform the person speaking, that their time is up, the person speaking shall stop and return back to the chamber seating. The City Council, does not take any action or make any decisions during public comment. Public input is strictly for comments, it is not a question / answer / debate time. Following the public hearing testimony, the Mayor may call on the applicant or staff, for follow up information regarding the public hearing presentation and provide for Council deliberations and action. PUBLIC HEARINGS: None 3. NEW BUSINESS: A. DISCUSSION -ACTION ITEM – Notice of Endorsement and Participation in the 2026 Twin Falls County Hazard Mitigation Plan. Craig - Jackie Frey Jackie Frey- Went over the packet (see insert) that was sent out recognizing all aspects of the TFC hazard Mitigation Plan. Jackie has been with the County for 29+ years and considers all 8 cities within the County near and dear to her. She thanked the Mayor and Council for always endorsing the plan. She appreciates everyone in the County for their support of her and her position over the years, and loves educating and helping where needed. This is information can be found online on the Twin Falls County page. Richman- Questioned what the Great Idaho shakedown was. Jackie- It’s for school students and earthquakes. They do it once a year, and it’s a national program. Its to educate children on safety. Mayor Davidson called for a motion: Council Member Snarr motioned to approve the Notice of Endorsement and Participation in the 2026 Twin Falls County Hazard Mitigation Plan as presented. Council Member Ahlm seconded the motion. Roll Call: Richman- Yes Ahlm-Yes Holmgren- Yes Snarr- Yes B. DISCUSSION ACTION ITEM – Approval of Beer, Wine, and or Liquor licenses. Applicants have received necessary approvals from the State of Idaho, Twin Falls County and have paid all applicable Kimberly City license fees for the 2026/2027 year. - City Clerk, Carrie Kimball – Council action required. Carrie Kimball- Presented and confirmed that all 9 establishments turned in their State, County, and City approved applications. All fees have been paid, and were turned in on time. She asked that the Council acknowledge and approve the 2026-2027 Licenses. 1. Anita’s Buck-N-Bar Liquor License Application for the 2026/2027 year. This License includes Beer, Wine, and Liquor sales. 2. Gupps, LLC DBA Guppies Hot Rod Grille Liquor License Application for the 2026/2027 year. This License includes Beer, Wine, and Liquor. 3. Monterey Jacks Pizza of Kimberly Beer License Application for the 2026/2027 year. This License includes Beer. 4. Maverik Group, LLC Beer and Wine License Application for the 2026/2027 year. This License includes Beer, Wine. 5. Oasis Stop-N-Go Beer and Wine License Application for the 2026/2027 year. This License includes Beer, Wine. 6. Second Time, LLC DBA Stevo’s Beer, Wine, and Liquor licenses Application for the 2026/2027 year. This includes Beer, Wine, and Liquor. 7. Family Dollar Beer and Wine License Application for the 2026/2027 year. This License includes Beer, Wine. 8. Ridley’s Food and Drug Beer and Wine License Application for the 2026/2027 year. This License includes Beer, Wine. 9. Mrs. Fox’s Teahouse, LLC Beer and Wine License Application for the 2026/2027 year. This License includes Beer, Wine. Ahlm- Questioned why Ridley’s wasn’t listed for liquor. Craig/Carrie- Both stated Ridley’s is a State Liquor location. Mayor Davidson called for a motion: Council Member Snarr motioned to approve the above nine (9) establishment licenses, read each individually, for their documented individualized sale of Beer, Wine, and/or Liquor as presented. Council Member Holmgren seconded the motion. Roll Call: Richman- Yes Ahlm-Yes Holmgren- Yes Snarr- Yes C. DISCUSSION ACTION ITEM – Resolution NO. 391 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KIMBERLY AMENDING THE CITY OF KIMBERLY PERSONNEL POLICY MANUAL, ADDING APPENCIX “F” REGARDING LEAVE DONATION OF ACCRUED VACATION HOURS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. -Craig Eckles, Council Action Needed Craig- Presented to the Mayor and Council a formal Appendix (F) to be added to the current Personnel Policy. Craig stated many years back he started the “donation pool” for any employees wishing to add “X” number of hours to a bank that could be utilized by an employee in need of time to help get them a full paycheck. It then changed to each department having their own bank of hours to utilize in their department as needed. As of to date, if an employee chooses to donate any time to another employee in their department, then a form would be filled out and handed into the Mayor for approval. The Mayor would then confirm that the recipient of the needed hours had indeed exhausted all of their time and truly needed the help. Tonight its being asked of the Council to adopt “Appendix F” to the Personnel Policy which will state that Any employee may donate hours to ANY employee city wide from their Vacation Bank, upon approval. As we all know the Vacation time is a liability and Sick leave is not. As it stands, if an employee leaves the city they are paid out any remaining Vacation time they may have. Sick Leave is not paid out at time of separation of employment. Carrie- Agreed with Craigs statements, and broke down the timeline as Craig did on how this all came about. Holmgren- Asked for clarification that it is only Vacation time that will be allowed to be gifted. Craig/Carrie- Confirmed this. Mayor Davidson- Stated this has been gone over in staff meetings and the Department Heads agree with it. Mayor Davidson called for a motion: Council President Richman motioned to approve Resolution NO. 391 A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KIMBERLY AMENDING THE CITY OF KIMBERLY PERSONNEL POLICY MANUAL, ADDING APPENCIX “F” REGARDING LEAVE DONATION OF ACCRUED VACATION HOURS; AND PROVIDING FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Council Member Ahlm seconded the motion. Roll Call: Richman- Yes Ahlm-Yes Holmgren- Yes Snarr- Yes 4. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: None A. DISCUSSION- ACTION- Update on PI irrigation compliance. Brian Reed Brian- Stated that over the last few weeks they have had some issues with the pumps that the city maintains. He reports Ballard’s seems to be doing well now, no faults for a few days now. Kimberly Meadows still has faults. There are three stations that are faultless, Kimberly Meadows is not one of them. The issue is the same as years past; folks are not following the Ordinance regarding their watering days. Again, when you have everyone watering everyday it’s going to cause these issues. Richman- Questioned what Brain meant by “faults”, does it shut everything down? Brian- Stated yes, it does cause shut downs, not always but often yes it does. It mainly tells us the pressures are low, and it keeps trying to restart up to 10-times. If there is too much demand after 10 attempts it shuts down for safety issues. Richman- Questioned if the city is having to send on-call out to restart them. Brian- Stated yes, and then the calls start coming in that they have no water to use. I encourage residents to look at their neighbor’s schedule and maybe off set the times so it is not all at once. Mayor- Stated that is what he is doing. He is watching what the rest of the neighbors are doing and adjusts his to offset it. Snarr- Stated she knew this has been gone over several times, but hearing from public comment this evening it seems there is still some confusion on the watering days. She heard tonight that they are an even numbered house so they water on the even days. But that is not correct. She asked to restate what the watering days were. Carrie- Stated odd numbered houses water on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday. Even numbered houses water on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday. There is no watering on Mondays. Mayor- Stated some people use the days of the week as odd or even day, example he uses Monday as an even day. Snarr- Stated she maybe, she appreciates the city getting the information out to residents about this topic. She thanked him for all of his efforts and the update. Brian- Stated when faults happen, he does notify the HOA’s, and hopes it helps them get the word out even more to the home owners in those said Subdivisions. Ahlm- Questioned what is happening with keeping folks in compliance and enforcing this. Is it with warnings or citations. Brian- Stated there are a few different ways that the staff tries to stay on top of it. Most of the time it is a neighbor calling in to report others not being compliant. As the staff drives around doing their tasks for the day, they keep an eye out. Carrie and Melissa can actually see ever meters water usage hour by hour. If they get alerted of an unusual water usage amount then they call on call to have a drive by or call them. People have been getting creative and watering in the middle of the night. He encourages those calling in to report take pictures so the CSO officer can make contact. He has given tree warnings so far this year. Craig- Stated that what we heard here tonight is not news to the city. Just about three years ago, new residents moved in and were demanding we take down the fencing that encloses the storm water retention pond in Heritage Farms, to make it a Victory Garden. The park situation, our city parks have more than one address. The reservations for the park are a big reason why the watering is done in the fashion that we do it. It can’t be watered before an event, or during it. If you drive down by the main park you can clearly see it is getting less water this year, and is not as green as it usually is. What people don’t realize is our new park has 7.5 shares of water for approximately 2 planted acres. The city was blessed to keep those shares. This is not a subdivision. It does give that park a huge leg up on watering. It can’t be used anywhere else. When it’s not being used, its going right down the ditch and under the road to the farm next door. It’s called tail water and the farmer loves that, because he gets to use it if we are not utilizing our full shares. If the water drops again, and there’s a very good chance it will, there will still be ample water for that ground, the new city park. People that have never delt with that, it is very hard to explain it to them. That water isn’t going to just sit and wait for us to use it. Craig thanked the folks who are being compliant with their watering. The entire East side of the city’s storm water retention goes right to Heritage Farms. That took away from buildable land. It’s a learning curve. We are not from other states, we are Idaho. Folks can wash their cars from their house. Kimberly is not the only area under water restrictions. We have a very good system when it comes to metering water, and Carrie and Melissa watch it very well. If there is a spike, they will be right on it. He wishes the folks giving comment tonight would have stayed. Brain and Craig both have gone over it with them. There is building going on left and right. The city gets beat up on it on social media. What folks need to realize is all these subdivisions have been platted for years. The water has always been there for these new homes. If you take out all of the roads, houses, parking lots, and all other non-watered areas, there’s more than enough water for each subdivision. There will be a learning curve for Stone Gate once it develops all the way out. But again, there is plenty of water. He reminded everyone that there is no actual time of day rule. You can water whatever time of day you want as long as you water on your designated days. Craig feels the majority of the citizens understand this. Snarr- Spoke about the time they received a phone call because their water usage spiked. She was extremely grateful for that. It saved their house from flooding and other issues. They had not quite moved in the house yet. It’s not only over watering that they watch. They have saved homes by watching. Craig- Stated in concluding, as the Mayor has stated, we have plenty of potable water and irrigation – PI water when its utilized correctly. 5. CONSENT CALENDAR- DISCUSSION- ACTION-The consent calendar includes items which require formal Council action, but which are typically routine or not of great controversy. Individual Council members may ask that any specific item be removed from the consent calendar in order that it is discussed in greater detail. Explanatory information is included in the Council agenda packet regarding these items and any contingencies are part of the approval. A. Approve Minutes for June 9, 2026 B. Accounts Payable for June 10, 2026 – June 23, 2026 General Fund $ 35,549.15 Water Fund $ 24,042.67 Sewer Fund $ 454.86 Library $ 39.25 TOTAL $ 60,085.93 6. ADMINISTRATIVE / STAFF REPORTS - Chief Bunderson- Not present. Craig Eckles City/P&Z Administrator- Reminded everyone about the America 250 celebration taking place on July 4th from 12-2pm. He is excited to celebrate those who have served our country. RCFD will be hosting a free lunch. Mr. A’s will be performing several patriotic tributes. A representative from most of the 7 branches of service will be in attendance, and giving some history of the branches. Craig is looking forward to a great event honoring great people. He is encouraging all to attend. Carrie has designed some pretty amazing challenge coins with the help of Craig getting the America 250 logo approved, and to have Kimberly as an official Ambassador City. Following the next weekend is KGND. Brain Reed City Engineer/Public Works Director- Brian briefed the Council on the crew being busy with pot hole repair and finishing up the city of side of the Sierra speed dip. Signs should be up this week. The crew is gearing up for America 250 and Kimberly Good Neighbor Days as well. Big Sky Subdivision is doing sewer testing this week. Canyon Glenn beginning next week. Ahlm- Complimented how great the intersection of Gem and Emerald looks. Snarr- Agreed, Emerald looks great. Carrie Kimball City Clerk- Nothing further. 7. COUNCIL COMMENTS - None 8. MAYOR COMMENTS – None 9. EXECUTIVE SESSION – DISCUSSION-ACTION ITEM- None ADJOURNMENT: ______________________ ___________________________ City Clerk, Carrie Kimball Mayor Burke Davidson