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City Council Meeting

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City Council Meeting
Minutes

680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID
Thursday, September 10, 2026
6:30 PM
City Council Chambers

1. Mayor Burtenshaw Called the meeting to Order at 6:30 PM
Present:
Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw

Council President Jim Francis
Councilor Michelle Ziel-Dingman

Councilor Jim Freeman
Councilor Kirk Larsen

Councilor John Radford
Councilor Brandon Lee (Via Teams, left at 7:15 pm)

Also present:
Chris Canfield, PW Director

Pam Alexander, Municipal Services Director
Ian Turner, Airport Director

Chris Fredericksen, GM - IF Power
Mark Hagedorn, Finance Director / Treasurer

Colby Hatton, Stronger IF
Zack Jones, City Attorney

Linda Lundquist, City Clerk

2. Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. Hatton led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. Staff Responses to Prior Public Comment and Other Updates (None)

4. Public Comment

•
Colby Hatton (Idaho Falls resident and representative of Stronger Idaho Falls): Expressed
appreciation for neighborhood street reconstruction, including new asphalt and improved water
and sewer infrastructure, but encouraged the City to incorporate safety improvements while
streets are being rebuilt. He recommended bulb-outs and daylighting at intersections to prevent
parking near crosswalks, shorten pedestrian crossing distances, improve visibility, and encourage
drivers to slow down. He shared a recent near-miss while cycling to work caused by a driver who
could not see him around parked cars. Hatton urged the City to consider all modes of
transportation in every roadway project and prioritize safer, more intentional street design for
pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

5. Consent Agenda

A. Fire Department
1. 26-326 Bonneville County Fire Protection District #1 Service Agreement
B. Public Works
1. 26-341 Bid Award – Tautphaus Park Surface Water Conversion – to B Squared Legacy GC,
LLC for $692,600.
2. 26-340 Bid Award – Yellowstone Ave Sidewalk – Federal Aid 24705 – Galicia’s Concrete,
LLC, for $322,570.80
C. Office of the City Clerk

City Council Meeting
Minutes

680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID
1. 26-338 City Council Meeting Minutes (7.30.2026, 8.6.2026, 8.10.2026, 8.12.2026,
8.13.2026)

Motion: Approve, accept, or receive all items on the Consent Agenda according to the
recommendations presented.
o
Moved by: Councilor Dingman
o
Second: Councilor Larsen
o
Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none.
o
Motion carries 6-0.

6. Regular Agenda

A. Public Works
1. 26-336
Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Section 5307 Small Urban Funding Agreement

Presentation/Discussion (Director Canfield):
•
Director Canfield presented the Section 5307 Small Urban Funding Agreement.
•
The agreement is an annual funding arrangement for transit operations.
•
The funding provides approximately $1.7 million in support.
•
The agreement includes varying local match requirements:
o
20% match for one portion of the funding.
o
50% match for another portion.
o
Overall, the match averages approximately 35%.
•
Director Canfield noted that a separate agreement approved the previous month focused on
ADA and disability accommodations, while this agreement supports operational expenses.

Motion: Approve the FTA 5310 Small Urban Funding Agreement and authorize the Mayor to sign the
necessary document.
o
Moved by: Councilor Larsen
o
Second: Councilor Dingman
o
Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none.
o
Motion carries.

B. Municipal Services
1. 26-321
Approve the Write-off of Unpaid Ambulance Service Accounts

Presentation/Discussion (Director Alexander):
o Director Alexander explained that the write-off request is part of the City's fiscal year-end
closeout process.
o The request covers $3,395,031.25 in unpaid ambulance accounts, including Medicare and
Medicaid contractual adjustments and accounts determined uncollectible.
o Approximately 87% of the write-off represents the difference between published
ambulance rates and Medicare/Medicaid allowable reimbursement rates. The remaining

City Council Meeting
Minutes

680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID
13% includes accounts from 2020 and 2021 involving deceased individuals with no known
estate, bankruptcies, and approved hardships.
o Council discussed the role of the ground transportation fund in helping offset Medicaid-
related costs.
o Director Alexander explained that the City's collection agency is authorized to collect in all
50 states and that the City conducts due diligence before submitting accounts for write-off.
o Councilor Freeman commented on the City's efforts to control ambulance costs and its
role as a public, rather than private, ambulance service.

Motion: Approve the write-off of unpaid ambulance service accounts for the calendar dates of
service 2020, 2021, and 2025 determined as past statute or uncollectible for a total of
$3,395,031.25.
o Moved by: Councilor Dingman
o Second: Councilor Freeman
o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none.
o Motion carries 6-0.

C. Office of the Mayor
1. 26-346
Ordinance amending Title 1, Chapters 7, 9 and 13, Creation of a City Finance
Department

Presentation/Discussion (Mayor Burtenshaw):
•
The Mayor introduced an updated ordinance establishing the City Finance Department and
transferring financial responsibilities from Municipal Services.
•
An amendment clarified the division of responsibilities for City grants. The Finance Department
will provide centralized fiscal oversight, compliance monitoring, and financial reporting, while
individual operating departments will remain responsible for their grants.
•
The Mayor explained that the ordinance primarily formalizes duties that the Finance Division
was already performing.
•
The ordinance also designates the Treasurer as the Finance Department Director and
establishes consistent terminology across the City Code.

Motion: Adopt the Ordinance amending Title 1, Chapters 7, 9 and 13 and other updated titles,
chapters and sections of City ordinance to create a Finance Department, move the financial duties
from the Department of Municipal Services to the Finance Department, and designate the City
Treasurer as the Director of the Finance Department, under a suspension of the rules requiring
three complete readings, and request that it be read by title and published by summary.
o Moved by: Councilor Dingman
o Second: Councilor Freeman
o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none.
o Motion carries 6-0.

City Council Meeting
Minutes

680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID
ORDINANCE 3676: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO, A MUNICIPAL
CORPORATION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, AMENDING TITLE 1, CHAPTERS 7, 9, AND 13; TITLE 2,
CHAPTER 1, SECTION 12; TITLE 3, CHAPTER 3, SECTION 3; TITLE 4, CHAPTER 1, SECTION 2; TITLE
7, CHAPTERS 9 AND 10; TITLE 8, CHAPTERS 5 ,12, AND 13; TITLE 9, CHAPTER 4, SECTION 25; AND
TITLE 10, CHAPTER 1, SECTION 12; AND ADDING A NEW CHAPTER 11 TO TITLE 3 TO CREATE A
NEW FINANCE DEPARTMENT, DELINEATE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT,
DESIGNATE THE CITY FINANCE DIRECTOR/TREASURER AS THE DIRECTOR OF THE FINANCE
DEPARTMENT, CREATE CONSISTENT TERMINOLOGY FOR THE FINANCE DIRECTOR/TREASURER
AND FINANCE DEPARTMENT, AND REMOVE RESPONSIBILITIES FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF
MUNICIPAL SERVICES; CODIFICATION; PUBLICATION BY SUMMARY; AND ESTABLISHING
EFFECTIVE DATE.

2. 26-347
Appointment of Finance Director/Treasurer

Presentation/Discussion (Mayor Burtenshaw):
•
Mayor Burtenshaw recommended Mark Hagedorn for appointment as the City's Finance
Director and Treasurer.
•
She noted his previous experience as Treasurer and head of the Finance Division and
expressed confidence in his financial knowledge and leadership.
•
Councilors commended Hagedorn for his expertise, accessibility in answering budget and
finance questions, and work on the City's Workday ERP software implementation.
•
Hagedorn thanked the Council and City staff for their support and expressed his commitment
to serving City employees and the public. He introduced his wife and daughter.

Motion: Confirm the appointment of Mark Hagedorn as the City’s new Finance Director/Treasurer
o Moved by: Councilor Dingman
o Second: Councilor Freeman
o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none.
o Motion carries 6-0.

3. 26-343
Ordinance Repealing Title 2, Chapter 8, Dissolving the Sister Cities Advisory
Committee and Releasing its Members

Presentation/Discussion (Council President Francis):
•
Council President Francis provided background on the Sister Cities Advisory Committee, which
was established in 2021 to address financial oversight, expand the program's community
presence, and develop economic relationships with Tokai-mura, Japan.
•
He credited the committee with formalizing the financial relationship between the City and the
Sister Cities programs, strengthening community outreach, and laying the groundwork for
future economic partnerships.

City Council Meeting
Minutes

680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID
•
Council President Francis highlighted upcoming exchange activities involving new
departmental and educational relationships.
•
He expressed appreciation for the committee members' work and contributions to the
program.

Motion: Adopt the Ordinance repealing Title 2, Chapter 8, of the Idaho Falls City Code, under a
suspension of the rules requiring three complete readings, and request that it be read by title and
published by summary
o Moved by: Councilor Francis
o Second: Councilor Radford
o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none.
o Motion carries 6-0.

ORDINANCE 3677: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO, A MUNICIPAL
CORPORATION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, REPEALING TITLE 2, CHAPTER 8, SISTER CITIES
ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND RELEASING SISTER CITIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS; AND
PROVIDING SEVERABILITY; CODIFICATION; PUBLICATION BY SUMMARY; AND ESTABLISHING
EFFECTIVE DATE.

D. Airport
1. 26-328
Approve Additional Services Request with T.O. Engineers (Ardurra) for Terminal
Renovation and Expansion Phase 3 (Priority 1A-Phase 1)

Presentation/Discussion (Director Turner):
•
Airport Director Turner presented an amendment to the terminal expansion design contract.
•
The amendment will cover design services for Phase 1 of the terminal renovation & expansion.
•
The total amendment cost is $1,630,000, with a net contract increase of $1,242,969.28 after
accounting for $388,000 in unused contract funds.
•
In response to a Council question, Director Turner explained that the design work is expected
to be completed by early 2027. Construction administration services will be addressed
separately, with construction anticipated to take approximately 24–30 months.

Motion: Approve Additional Services Request 2 to Work Order 24-01 with T.O. Engineers, now
Ardurra, related to the Terminal Renovation and Expansion Phase 3 (Priority 1A - Phase 1).
o Moved by: Councilor Larsen
o Second: Councilor Radford
o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none.
o Motion carries 6-0.

2. 26-330
Approve the Other Transaction Agreement for the Law Enforcement Officer
Reimbursement Program with the Transportation Security Administration

City Council Meeting
Minutes

680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID
Presentation/Discussion (Director Turner):
•
Airport Director Turner explained that the Transportation Security Administration awarded the
City up to $146,000 to reimburse the cost of a law enforcement officer stationed at the airport
security checkpoint.
•
The funding was made available through the reinstated Law Enforcement Officer
Reimbursement Program.
•
The agreement provides reimbursement for a portion of the assigned police officer's wages, up
to $25 per hour.
•
The Director clarified that “Other Transaction Agreement” is the official name of the agreement.

Motion: Approve the Other Transaction Agreement for the Law Enforcement Officer
Reimbursement Program
o Moved by: Councilor Larsen
o Second: Councilor Radford
o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none.
o Motion carries 6-0.

E. Idaho Falls Power
1. 26-333
Kleinschmidt Continuing Relicensing Professional Service Contract - FY2027

Presentation/Discussion (Director Fredericksen):
•
General Manager Fredericksen presented the continuing professional services contract with
Kleinschmidt to support the relicensing process for the Gem State and Idaho Falls projects.
•
The contract has a not-to-exceed amount of $579,100 and will cover services through the post-
final license application filing process.
•
Mayor Burtenshaw identified that the contract was missing the City's required
nondiscrimination ordinance clause.
•
Council agreed to authorize the contract, with execution by the Mayor and City Clerk
conditioned on adding the nondiscrimination clause.

Motion: Approve the contract for fiscal year 2027 Relicensing Services for the Gem State and Idaho
Falls Projects through the Post-Final License Application (FLA) Filing Process for a total of $579,100
and give authorization to the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the necessary documents once the
City’s nondiscrimination clause has been added to the contract.
o Moved by: Councilor Francis
o Second: Councilor Freeman
o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none.
o Motion carries 6-0.

City Council Meeting
Minutes

680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID
2. 26-334
Construction Agreement for South Tourist Park Path Lighting Project

Presentation/Discussion (Director Fredericksen):
•
General Manager Fredericksen explained that the project was rebid after the City rejected
earlier bids in June.
•
Idaho Falls Power staff negotiated a construction agreement with Armstrong Electric, Inc., for
$145,680.06.
•
The project will install lighting along the pathway through South Tourist Park, adjacent to the
river, to improve nighttime visibility and safety.
•
Council discussed the importance of improving Riverwalk amenities, enhancing pathway
safety, and expanding usability during Idaho Falls' darker winter months.
•
The contract includes a contingency for potential rock encountered during construction, which
could affect the project schedule.

Motion: Approve the Construction Agreement with Armstrong Electric, Inc, in the amount of
$145,680.06; and give authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the necessary
documents.
o Moved by: Councilor Freeman
o Second: Councilor Radford
o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none.
o Motion carries 6-0.

3. 26-344
Bid Award - IFP 26-25 Fiber Drop Cable Installation

Presentation/Discussion (Director Fredericksen):
•
General Manager Fredericksen explained that the project supports the continued growth of
Idaho Falls Power's fiber network and the installation of connections for customers enrolled in
the fiber program.
•
Three bids were received, with B. Jackson Construction identified as the lowest responsible,
responsive bidder.
•
The contract award amount is $531,463.
•
Councilors commented positively on the quality of the fiber program and B. Jackson
Construction's previous work and interactions with residents.

Motion: Approve the bid award for the Fiber Drop Cable Installation project(s); award to the lowest
responsive, responsible bidder, B Jackson Construction, for $531,463.00.
o Moved by: Councilor Freeman
o Second: Councilor Francis
o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none.
o Motion carries 6-0.

City Council Meeting
Minutes

680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID

4. 26-345
Bid Award - IFP 26-26 Micro Duct Drop Installation Services

Presentation/Discussion (Director Fredericksen):
•
General Manager Fredericksen presented the second fiber-related installation project, which
supports the expansion of the City's fiber network.
•
B. Jackson Construction was identified as the lowest responsible, responsive bidder.
•
The bid award amount is $208,845.30.
•
The discussion emphasized continued fiber network growth and the benefits of expanding
connectivity for City residents.

Motion: Approve the bid award for the Micro Duct Drop Installation project(s) and award to the
lowest responsive, responsible bidder, B Jackson Construction, for a price of $208,845.30.
o Moved by: Councilor Freeman
o Second: Councilor Francis
o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee, Radford. Nay: none.
o Motion carries 6-0.

7. Announcements
•
Councilor Radford: Announced the America 250 event taking place the following day at the
Bonneville County Fairgrounds. The event will include a presentation, a trivia contest, and the
traveling Liberty Bell.
•
Mayor Burtenshaw: Shared her experience participating in the 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb,
completing 110 flights representing the 110 floors of the World Trade Center. She thanked the
Idaho Falls Police Department for organizing the event and for assisting her during the climb when
she experienced fear of heights. She specifically recognized the support of Chief Johnson, Chief
Olson, and the officers who helped her reach the top.
•
Councilor Francis: Announced a Constitution Day ceremony at the Museum of Idaho on September
17 at 2:00 p.m. The event will commemorate the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17,
1787, and include the ringing of the bell once for each of the 13 original colonies. He also noted
that the Mayor would have a proclamation for the occasion.
•
Councilor Freeman: Reflected on the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001, drawing on his
experience as a retired firefighter. He honored the 343 firefighters who died at the World Trade
Center, referring to them as his brothers in arms, and emphasized the lasting impact of the tragedy
and the importance of remembering those who perished.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:19 PM.

/s/ Linda Lundquist_________________

/s/ Lisa Burtenshaw
_____________
Linda Lundquist, City Clerk

Lisa Burtenshaw, Mayor

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