City of Idaho Falls | minutes | meeting 2026-08-24 | City Council Work Session source: https://www.idahofallsidaho.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_08242026-2175 City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes 1 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Monday, August 24, 2026 3:00 PM City Council Chambers Call to Order and Roll Call There were 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: Ian Turner, Airport Director Nathan Cuvala, Project Manager, Ardurra Group Johan Olson, Fire Chief Dale Burnham, Program Manager, Pond Company Cody Roberts, PIO Janet Romanic, Architecture Manager, Pond Company Margaret Wimborne, Chief of Staff Zack Jones, City Attorney Linda Lundquist, City Clerk Mayor Burtenshaw called the meeting to order at 3:02 p.m. with the following items: Mayor, City Council – Discussion: Citywide updates, concerns, questions, reports: Planned Unit Developments (PUDs) Council President Francis initiated a discussion about the City’s PUD ordinance, expressing concern that recent PUD applications have repeatedly created procedural and substantive difficulties. Council considered two options: placing a temporary moratorium on PUD applications or rescinding the existing PUD provisions entirely and later developing a new approach. The general direction of the discussion favored rescinding the existing PUD provisions rather than imposing a moratorium, because a moratorium would require a defined end date and could create uncertainty or encourage applicants to simply wait until it expired. Council discussed allowing projects already sufficiently underway to continue through the process and establishing a clear effective date so applicants would be treated fairly. Staff noted that approximately two or three PUD applications were already in various stages of the process. Council ultimately directed that the proposed code change move through the required Planning and Zoning Commission and public hearing process, with Legal and Community Development Services providing recommendations regarding implementation and timing. Fire Department Deployment Councilor Freeman reported that Idaho Falls Fire Department personnel were deployed or pre-positioned in several locations, including California, Utah, Boise, and Reno, to assist with wildfire-related needs. City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes 2 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Parks Grant Councilor Freeman also reported that the City had submitted a grant application for the park project, noting that it was the City’s first such grant submission in approximately 30 years. Community Event Invitation Council discussed an invitation to attend a community barbecue hosted by the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee, where several state and federal elected officials were expected to attend. Councilors interested in participating were invited to coordinate so they could attend together. Water Tower Lighting Policy Council discussed whether the City should revise or formalize its policy governing the decorative lighting of the water tower. The discussion was prompted by requests to light the tower in recognition of an individual community member facing a terminal illness. Councilor Lee expressed interest in developing parameters that would allow the City to use the tower as a way to recognize significant community causes or events. Other participants expressed concern about the difficulty of determining which individuals or causes should qualify and whether recognizing some requests while denying others could create division or legal concerns. Mayor Burtenshaw explained that the City had previously conducted an informal survey of Councilors and had been operating under an unwritten internal policy. The discussion also addressed First Amendment and government-speech issues. Legal counsel explained that if the City opened the lighting program broadly as a public forum, restrictions would generally need to be viewpoint-neutral, potentially limiting the City’s ability to deny controversial requests. Councilors discussed the existing preferences for: • A standard base lighting scheme; • Federal holidays; • The Christmas/New Year holiday season; • Certain additional holidays such as Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Halloween; and • Limited department-related requests. There was no consensus to broadly open the tower lighting to individual public requests. The Mayor indicated that the existing informal approach would be formalized as a written internal policy, while leaving open the possibility of revisiting the issue in the future. Airport - Discussion: Air Traffic Control Tower Conceptual Design Review Project Background and Site Selection Airport staff and consultants provided an update on the proposed replacement Air Traffic Control Tower. The existing tower was constructed in 1960, is more than 60 years old, and has become both outdated and an obstacle to future terminal expansion. City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes 3 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Beginning in 2023, the Airport evaluated three potential tower locations using a detailed virtual siting process that modeled aircraft movements, existing airport facilities, and anticipated future development. The preferred location, known as Site 3, is on the west side of the airfield. The FAA initially objected to all three potential sites because of interference concerns involving the existing VOR navigational aid. The VOR remains part of the FAA's navigation backup system and serves a broader regional function. After exploring mitigation options, the Airport determined that relocating the VOR off-site was the most practical solution. A feasibility study for relocating the VOR to the Johnson property was completed and accepted by the FAA. Environmental Review and Tower Location The project has entered the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) review process. The environmental review includes both construction of the new tower and relocation of the VOR. Consultants explained that Site 3 offers strong visibility of the airfield and may improve controller operations by reducing the amount of turning required to observe different areas of the airport. The proposed location was also evaluated for potential impacts on nearby residents' views of the Tetons. The analysis indicated that the tower would be visible but would not substantially obstruct mountain views. Tower Design Concepts Architects presented four conceptual design options intended to reflect elements of Idaho Falls and the Airport: 1. Natural/Landscape Concept – Inspired by the surrounding landscape, incorporating stone and materials similar to those proposed for the terminal expansion. 2. Idaho Trace – Featuring an outline or visual reference to the shape of Idaho. 3. Rocky Waterfall – Inspired by Idaho Falls and the movement of water, using flowing vertical design elements. 4. Red Baron/Historic Hangar Concept – Drawing inspiration from the Airport's historic wooden hangar through wood-like materials and structural “X” elements. Council generally responded positively to the concepts, with particular appreciation expressed for the historic hangar-inspired option. They also discussed practical design features, including exterior balconies, window- cleaning access, structural bracing, maintenance, and potential cost differences. The design team emphasized that these were preliminary concepts and that colors, materials, and other architectural details could continue to evolve. Funding and Existing Tower Council discussed the importance of considering the tower design in conjunction with the project's significant funding needs. The existing tower will eventually need to be removed to allow for future terminal work, although the new tower can be constructed before the old tower is removed. City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes 4 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Airport - Discussion: Airport Capital Funding Airport staff then led a broader discussion about the Airport's ability to fund major capital projects. The purpose was to help Council understand the growing gap between the Airport's capital needs and its available revenue and to receive general direction for long-term planning. Staff noted that the Airport has made significant financial progress. Approximately a decade ago, the Airport relied on General Fund support, while today it operates independently and has shown positive growth in its cash position. However, the Airport's rapid growth has also created capital demands that exceed available revenue. The discussion focused primarily on three major projects: Terminal Expansion The terminal expansion is now expected to cost approximately $56 million, down from estimates exceeding $70 million following value engineering. The project includes baggage screening and makeup areas, airline offices, and ticket counters. The project is expected to require approximately $5–7 million in borrowing. Council discussed whether the Airport should proceed with portions of the originally planned project that are not currently considered essential and whether available borrowing capacity should instead be preserved for other critical needs, including the new Air Traffic Control Tower. Air Traffic Control Tower and VOR The proposed tower and VOR relocation represent a significant local funding challenge. Staff explained that federal grants may cover only a portion of the project rather than the full cost. If the City receives only partial funding, the Airport will need to determine whether to accept the grant and identify how to fund the remaining balance. Runway Rehabilitation The primary runway, Runway 3/21, is anticipated to require approximately $20 million in rehabilitation. The project is currently planned for 2030–2031 and is expected to be largely eligible for FAA funding, with the local share expected to come from Airport funds and Passenger Facility Charges. Other Unfunded Capital Needs Staff also identified numerous additional needs that could be difficult to address if the Airport exhausts its borrowing capacity, including parking lot rehabilitation, roadway improvements, terminal apron repairs, taxiway and taxi lane expansion, and additional general aviation hangar capacity. The Airport already has approximately 30 prospective tenants on its hangar waiting list and is approaching demand levels projected much further into the future. City Council Work Session Meeting Minutes 5 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Executive Session: The Council will not reconvene after the executive session. Motion: Called pursuant to Idaho Code § 74-206(1)(f) to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. o Moved by: Councilor Francis o Second: Councilor Lee o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Lee. Nay: none. o Motion carries 5-0. There were present: Mayor Burtenshaw, Council President Francis, Councilor Dingman, Councilor Freeman, Councilor Larsen, Councilor Lee, Attorney Jones, Director Turner. Start: 5:13 pm End: 5:27 pm There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 5:05 PM. /s/ Linda Lundquist_________________ /s/ Lisa Burtenshaw _____________ Linda Lundquist, City Clerk Lisa Burtenshaw, Mayor Water Tower Lighting Questionnaire Francis Radford Dingman Larsen Yes No Yes 1.) Preference for Implementing a Base Lighting Scheme (Every night)? =| aaa 2.) Preference for Implementing a Federal Holiday Lighting Plan? a (New Year's, Martin Luther King, President's, Memorial, Juneteenth, Independence, Labor, Columbus, Veterans, Thanksgiving, & Christmas) 3.) Include Holiday Season Lighting: Christmas Eve thru New Year's? ae 4.) Preference for Implementing non-Federal Holiday Lighting Plan? ie ia (Valentine's Day, St Patrick's, Halloween, & Christmas Eve) Yes No im) ao a i | 6 | a | 7 | 0 | fear aia | 5 | 2 | i as ST Mia ae 5.) Preference for Allowing Citizen/Business/School Requested Individual Lighting Schemes? ies he! a Old Tower: 1.) Flashing Red Strobes on Top Controlled by Daylight Sensor. 2.) Quadrants of the Bowl along the Walkway Had 4 Solid Red Lights New Tower: Strobe on Top CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION AUGUST 24, 2026 NEW AIRPORT TRAFFIC CONTROL TOWER (ATCT) IDAHO FALLS REGIONAL AIRPORT 2140 N SKYLINE DR, IDAHO FALLS, ID 83402 Project Overview 2 ▪Background ▪Existing ATCT ▪New ATCT Siting ▪VOR Relocation ▪FAA National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Process ▪Preliminary Design Existing Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) ee _ gripe ag At a -, So Bas ee @ e- = em >: - ws Air Traffic Control Tower Siting ATCT SITE #3 ++. + ‘eum au cor b= la =n oy ‘f “aa / ATCT SITE #2 al VOR Relocation Ground-based Radio Navigation System FAA NEPA Process 6 ▪Requires an Environmental Assessment ▪ATCT Relocation ▪VOR Relocation ▪Includes Preliminary Design of ATCT Idaho Falls Airport – Contextual Imagery IDAHO FALLS REGIONAL AIRPORT From the Air… Main Entrance Drive… t — Contextual Imagery irpor pice i) | | LT le eee ij | || tH a | HEMET Wy View from 4 ‘. nae OYA : Idaho Falls Airport Next Steps: Terminal Expansion… ** DESIGN & RENDERING BY ALLIIANCE ARCHITECTS Idaho Falls Airport – Current Airport Plan & New Air Traffic Control Tower Location Idaho Falls Airport - Site Context Study Site Context LEGEND Idaho Falls Site @ : Proposed Air Traffic Control Tower location. wy m ' . = : City guidelines and city of Idaho Falls residential neighborhood. : City limits. : Photo perspective. fT : Direction of the Teton Mountains. : Outlines of the Teton mountain range visible from the residential area. Perspective View: View of the proposed ATCT and the mountains from the adjacent residential neighborhood. Idaho Falls ATCT Site - Sightline Study View of the Tetons from the Neighborhood... Perspective Proposed ATCT Teton Mountains Idaho Falls – The Inspiration around us… Grand Teton Mountain Mesa Falls (Winter) Japanese Friendship Garden Craters of the Moon Mesa Falls Idaho Falls River Walk – Greenbelt Trail Façade Option 1: The Mountain Desert Inspired by the surrounding mountains in the region, specifically the Teton Mountains and the Big Southern Butte this concept emphasizes strength, permanence, and connection in place. Textured materials and patterns, with stone-inspired finishes gives the tower the appearance of emerging from the desert landscape. ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT MATERIAL PALETTE BALCONY CURTAINWALL INSTERSECTING TOWER SHAFT EXPOSED X-BRACING BEHIND GLAZING SQUARE BODY TOWER CATWALK ACCESIBLE FROM CAB OCTAGONAL CAB TEXTURED FIBER CEMENT NATURAL STONE HIGH DENSITY FIBER CEMENT Façade Option 2: Idaho Trace A more figurative design approach creates a distinctive and memorable ATCT. The façade incorporates a subtle abstraction of the Idaho state outline through a change in material pattern. The gesture is integrated into the architecture rather than applied as decoration. The contrasting materials enhance visibility and create a recognizable identity from a distance. The tower establishes a strong connection to place while maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic. ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT MATERIAL PALETTE SQUARE BODY TOWER CATWALK ACCESIBLE FROM CAB OCTAGONAL CAB IDAHO STATE BORDER ABSTRACTION MATERIAL BREAK LINE INSTERSECTED WITH TOWER GLAZING COMPLETE DESIGN INTENT HIGH DENSITY FIBER CEMENT HIGH DENSITY FIBER CEMENT CURTAINWALL GLAZING SYSTEM ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT MATERIAL PALETTE SQUARE BODY TOWER CATWALK ACCESIBLE FROM CAB OCTAGONAL CAB IDAHO FALLS ABSTRACTION MATERIAL RESEMBLES THE CURVES AND SUBTLE REFLECTION OF THE FALLS COMPLETE DESIGN INTENT Façade Option 3: The Rocky Waterfall Inspired by the iconic Idaho Falls riverwalk and its rocky bedrock, the tower aims to express a flowing guiding movement while connecting the Earth to the sky. CURVES INTRODUCED BETWEEN TOWER AND CATWALK CURTAINWALL GLAZING SYSTEM METAL PANEL FLUTED FIBER CEMENT PANEL ARCHITECTURAL CONCEPT MATERIAL PALETTE SQUARE TOWER OCTAGONAL CAB RED BARON ACCENTS COMPLETE DESIGN INTENT Façade Option 4: The Red Baron Inspired by the historic Red Baron Hangar, the new control tower features warm, wood-toned accents as a nod to local aviation heritage. Rather than copying the historic structure, the design pairs a sleek operational cab with contemporary, timber-inspired exterior elements. The result is a clean, modern landmark that subtly honors IDA's past through a refined visual palette. SIMULATED WOOD FIBER CEMENT FIBER CEMENT PANEL SPLIT FACE CMU CHAMFERED CORNERS Comments / Questions OPTION #1: MOUNTAIN DESERT OPTION #2: IDAHO TRACE OPTION #3: ROCKY WATERFALL OPTION #4: RED BARON