City Council

I DAHO City Council Meeting 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID FALLS Minutes Thursday, October 23, 2025 7:30 PM City Council Chambers 1. Call to Order Present: Mayor Rebecca L. Noah Casper Council President Lisa Burtenshaw Councilor John Radford Councilor Michelle Ziel-Dingman Councilor Jim Freeman Councilor Jim Francis Councilor Kirk Larsen Also present: Stephen Boorman, Interim Manager IF Po\A/er Paul Radford, Interim Fire Chief Chris Fredericksen,Public Works Director Pam Alexander, Municipal Services Director Wade Sanner, CDS Director Zach Jones, interim City Attorney Emily Geisler, City Clerk 2. Pledge of Allegiance Chief Radford led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Public Comment No one appeared. 4. Consent Agenda A. Municipal Services 1. Impact Fee Quarterly Report 2. Treasurer’s Report for August 2025 B. Public Works 1. Bid Award for Sewer Line Rehab with National Power Rodding Corp in the amount of $956,995. C. Idaho Falls Power 1. Purchase approval for a 60’ Digger Derrick in the amount of $445,729. D. Fire Department 1. Ambulance Service Agreement between the City of Idaho Falls and Bonneville County 2. Interagency Agreement between the City of Idaho Falls & the State Military Division to Establish the Region 7 Type 2 Hazardous Substance Emergency Response Team —Purchase US Digital Designs-Phoenix G2 Alerting System for Fire Department for $1^5,QQ9:95-f'Movec/ to Regular Agenda item 5.A) 4. Authorization to pre-order two 2019 Ambulance Remounts and Refurbishments from Braun Northwest for a total of $370,720. E. Office of the City Clerk 1. September license reports, which included 1 approved NOV 15 7^''^ I DAHO City Council Meeting 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID FALLS Minutes a. 55 New b. 106 Renewed c. 14 New and Renewed Contractors 2. City Council Minutes (08.11.2025) Motion 1; Approve, accept, or receive all items on the Consent Agenda according to the recommendations presented. o Moved by: Council President Burtenshaw o Second; Councilor Larsen o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. 5. Regular Agenda A. Fire Department 1. 25-414 Purchase US Digital Designs Phoenix G2 Alerting System for Fire Department for $145,009.95 (item moved from Consent Agenda) Presentation/Discussion (Chief Radford): ● The system will be installed at Station 6, bringing it in line with other stations. ● Station 6 will also receive remotes, allowing different units (like ambulances and engines) to receive separate alerts so one isn't disturbed when the other is dispatched. ● Stations 1 and 4 will be retrofitted with the same remotes for consistency. A Council member noted they requested this item be discussed publicly (not left on consent) to highlight its importance for the health and well-being of firefighters, since national data shows the system reduces stress and improves safety. Motion: Approve the purchase of the US Digital Designs Phoenix G2 Fire Station Alerting System equipment accessing the National Purchasing Partners cooperative purchasing contract PS20350 for $111,698.95; and approve the installation of the alerting system by the authorized installer. Elite Surveillance, LLC for $33,311.00, for a total project amount of $149,009.95 and give authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the necessary documents. o Moved by; Councilor Freeman o Second: Councilor Francis o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. B. Idaho Falls Power 1. 25-422 Service Allocation Agreement - PacifiCorp dba Rocky Mountain Power Presentation/Discussion (Interim Manager Boorman): Background 2 I DAHO City Council Meeting 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls. ID FALLS Minutes Idaho’s Electric Supplier Stabilization Act (ESSA) defines which utilities serve specific territories. Idaho Falls Power (IFP) is legally allowed to serve only within City limits. When the City annexes new areas, IFP must purchase existing customers from the adjacent investor-owned utility, usually Rocky Mountain Power (PacifiCorp). This buyout process has long required Public Utilities Commission (IPUC) approval before service could begin. Purpose of the New Agreement ● The updated service allocation agreement allows IFP to begin serving new customers before IPUC approval, as long as the transfer is pending. ● If the IPUC later disapproves, service and assets would revert to Rocky Mountain Power, and compensation adjustments would be made. ● This shortens delays that typically lasted 6-12 months and helps new developments (like subdivisions) start construction sooner. Key Details ● IPUC approval is still ultimately required for the agreement to become valid. ● The signed copy from IFP will accompany PacifiCorp’s submission to the IPUC. ● Legacy exceptions: A few customers outside City limits have historically been served by IFP; these are grandfathered cases. ● Cost-sharing: o When IFP buys out a customer, it pays for infrastructure (wires, transformers, etc.). o The customer shares part of the ‘‘service value” cost, usually repaid gradually through the power bill. o Even with this cost recovery, customers immediately pay lower rates than under Rocky Mountain Power. No change is being made to this rate or buyout formula under the new agreement. The ‘'167%” payment mentioned reflects an IPUC-estabtished compensation factor meant to offset revenue loss for Rocky Mountain Power when it loses a customer. Motion: Approve the Service Allocation Agreement with PacifiCorp dba Rocky Mountain Power to better expedite the transfer of service to new customers and give the Mayor and City Clerk authorization to execute the necessary documents o Moved by: Councilor Freeman o Second: Councilor Dingman o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. C. Public Works 1. 25-421 Resolution to Adopt a Revised Snow and Ice Control Policies and Procedures Manual Presentation/Discussion (Director Fredericksen): Key Changes in the 2025 Manual 3 I DAHO City Council Meeting 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID FALLS Minutes 1. Priority Map Updates o Lindsay Boulevard and the northbound US-20 off-ramp to City limits added as Priority 1 for plowing (City or county—whoever arrives first), o Elva Street and Main Street (adjacent to the police station) designated Priority 2 for quicker service, o South Emerson Avenue (24th-25th Streets) adjusted to show plowing on one side. 2. Lane miles and infrastructure o Only minor mileage changes since last year, o One fewer bridge identified after CIS boundary refinements. Council Discussion & Follow-Up ● Councilor Francis raised concern about the JustServe.org reference in the manual, meant to help residents who can't shovel sidewalks, o The link currently doesn’t show an active project, o Mayor Casper stated that could be an action item for the Public Information Officer - to verify and create clear instructions (possibly a web “how-to” guide). ● Councilor Dingman and others discussed sidewalk clearance enforcement— especially along 17th Street, where property owners often clear parking lots but not sidewalks. o Code Enforcement follows up on these complaints: reminders typically solve repeat issues. Operations and Performance ● Idaho Falls follows a priority-based plowing system (arterials first, cul-de-sacs last) to maximize safety and efficiency. ● Goal: all City streets cleared within 72 hours after a 2+ inch snow event. ● A visible “storm clock” at the Street Division tracks this timeline. ● Improved turnaround time—now under 6 hours for full City coverage—thanks to better equipment and planning. ● Recent upgrades include an “ice breaker” attachment that grinds compacted ice, solving a long-standing issue. ● The City’s snow fund allows equipment purchases and long-term savings, reducing contractor costs. Public Communication & Misconceptions ● The Mayor emphasized that snow routes are determined by data and safety—not favoritism. ● The full manual is available online for public viewing and comment. ● Residents can use an interactive snow map on the City website to see when plows will reach their street. Snow Map Link: https://experience,arcqis.com/experience/ccd62ffa249143098838f87 30abf9953) ● The City uniquely clears driveway entrances (not full driveways), a service uncommon in other snowy regions. 4 I DAHO City Council Meeting 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID FALLS Minutes Motion: Adopt the Resolution to revise the City of Idaho Fails Snow and Ice Control Policies and Procedures Manual which has been updated to reflect current snow removal practices, o Moved by: Councilor Francis o Second: Councilor Larsen o Vote; Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. D. Municipal Services 1. 25-406 Purchase of two (2) 2025 North Star Ambulances for the Fire Department Presentation/Discussion (Director Alexander): Director Pam Alexander from Municipal Services presented a request for final approval to purchase two new ambulances (Units 8001 and 8004) through a Sourcewell contract, totaling $566,202. These vehicles were pre-authorized during the FY 2024-2025 budget process due to their long production lead times of up to 18 months. The purchase is funded through the Municipal Equipment Replacement Program, and the invoices are ready for payment. The Mayor noted the need for a future work session discussion to clarify the City’s process and language for pre-ordering long-lead equipment—ensuring consistency between departments when items are pre-approved and later formally purchased. Council had no questions, and members expressed appreciation and excitement that the ambulances have arrived. Motion: Approve the final purchase of two (2) 2025 North Star ambulances from Braun Northwest, Inc., for a total of $566,202 and authorize the Mayor to sign the necessary documents. o Moved by: Council President Burtenshaw o Second: Councilor Larsen o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none Motion carries. E. Community Development Services 1. 25-416 Final Plat and Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards, Highland Park Addition, Second Amended. The City Council approved the final plat for the Highland Park Addition, Second Amended, brought forward by Community Development Services (CDS). Councilor Freeman noted that the developer is working on infill housing near Anderson and Bear Streets on the north side—an area with previously neglected lots that are now being developed for housing. 5 I DAHO City Council Meeting 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls. ID FALLS Minutes The Planning and Zoning Commission had unanimously approved the project without controversy. It was also clarified that, under Idaho state law, the City Council must approve final plats if all legal and procedural requirements are met, meaning the Council does not have discretion to deny such plats once compliant. Motion 1: Accept or Approve the Final Plat for Highland Park Addition, Second Amended and give authorization for the Mayor, City Engineer, and City Clerk to sign said Final Plat, o Moved by: Councilor Larsen o Second: Councilor Radford o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. Motion 2: Approve the Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards for the Final Plat for Highland Park Addition, Second Amended and give authorization for the Mayor to execute the necessary documents o Moved by: Councilor Larsen o Second: Councilor Radford o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. 2. 25-417 Final Plat, Development Agreement, and Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards,The Reserve at Snake River Landing, Division No. 2 Presentation/Discussion (Director Sanner): The City Council reviewed and approved the final plat, development agreement, and reasoned statement for The Reserve at Snake River Landing, Division No. 2. This project is located just north of Sunnyside Road near the car dealerships and represents the first phase of a larger 13-phase residential development. The portion under consideration covers six phases and includes the dedication of Battle Creek Way and connections along Pioneer Road. During discussion, a map in the packet showing red-colored areas led to questions. Staff clarified that the red areas represented road and utility networks, not zoning boundaries, and some of that material was extraneous to the final plat. The relevant focus was the specific subdivision area presented in the updated slides. Motion 1: Approve the Development Agreement for the Final Plat for The Reserve at Snake River Landing, Division No. 2 and give authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to sign said agreement, o Moved by: Councilor Larsen 6 I DAHO City Council Meeting 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID FALLS Minutes o Second: Councilor Radford o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. Motion 2: Accept or Approve the Final Plat for The Reserve at Snake River Landing, Division No. 2 and give authorization for the Mayor, City Engineer, and City Clerk to sign said Final Plat. o Moved by: Councilor Larsen o Second: Councilor Radford o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. Motion 3: Approve the Reasoned Statement of Relative Criteria and Standards for the Final Plat for The Reserve at Snake River Landing, Division No. 2 and give authorization for the Mayor to execute the necessary documents, o Moved by: Councilor Larsen o Second: Councilor Radford o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none 3. 25-418 Amendment to Title 11, Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Sections 11 - 2-5, Allowed Uses in Industrial and Special Purpose Zones; 11-2-6, Standards for Allowed Uses; 11-3-9, Purpose of Industrial Zones; 11-7-1, Definitions of Title 11 Presentation/Discussion (Director Sanner): ● The amendments modify Sections 11 -2-5, 11 -2-6, 11 -3-9, and 11 -7-1 to formally allow salvage yards in industrial zones (IM zones) and define their operations. ● The changes were prompted by property owners north of the City who requested annexation and needed zoning allowances for existing salvage operations; otherwise, they would be restricted as legal nonconforming uses. ● The code now includes a 750-foot buffer from residential areas and the Snake River to mitigate environmental and safety impacts. ● Salvage yard operations, including tire storage and car crushing, must comply with DEQ and county fire regulations, which monitor safety, stacking, and density. ● Council discussion highlighted the balance between landowner rights, community safety, and future development. Members acknowledged that salvage yards can serve as a temporary “highest and best use” of land while the City grows. ● Minor scrivener errors in the draft were noted but did not affect intent. ● Council members expressed support, appreciating the community-responsive process, fencing requirements, and the environmental protections built into the ordinance. 7 I DAHO City Council Meeting 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls. ID FALLS Minutes Motion 1: Approve the Ordinance amending Title 11, Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, Sections 11-2-5, Allowed Uses in Industrial and Special Purpose Zones; 11- 2-6, Standards for Allowed Uses; 11-3-9, Purpose of Industrial Zones; 11-7-1, Definitions of Title 11 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 Larsen o Second: Councilor Radford o Vote: Aye: Burtenshaw, Dingman, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none o Motion carries. ORDINANCE: AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS. IDAHO, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO; AMENDING TITLE 11 COMPREHENSIVE ZONING CODE, SECTION 11-2-5, ALLOWED USES IN INDUSTRIAL AND SPECIAL PURPOSE ZONES; SECTION 11-2-6 STANDARDS FOR ALLOWED USES; 11-3-9, PURPOSE OF INDUSTRIAL ZONES; 11-7-1, DEFINITIONS, PUBLICATION BY SUMMARY, AND ESTABLISHING EFFECTIVE DATE. 6. Announcements Upcoming Events: ● Saturday, Oct. 25: o Final Farmers Market of the season, o Real Heroes Trick-or-Treat event on Memorial Drive {3-6 p.m.) with first responders, safe Halloween activity for children. ● Saturday, Nov. 1: o Dia de los Muertos Celebration sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce at the Westbank Event Center, o Features food, music, crafts, and a community altar for photos of loved ones, o FamilySearch will offer family history services. Event celebrates both LDS and Latino cultural traditions and drew thousands last year. ● Tuesday, Nov. 4: o Idaho Municipal Election Day. Polls open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. o Same-day registration is available with proper ID; early voting is open now at the downtown election office, o Citizens are encouraged to participate thoughtfully. ● Monday, Nov. 10: Next City Council work session. ● Thursday, Nov. 13: Next regular City Council meeting. Council and Department Updates: ● Councilor Freeman: Praised Idaho Falls Fire Department for being named the Region 7 Hazardous Materials Response Team, noting their professionalism and preparedness to serve the region. ● Councilor Francis: Will attend the Association of Idaho Cities Board Meeting in Boise to discuss legislative priorities for Idaho cities. Community News: 8 I DAHO City Council Meeting 680 Park Avenue Idaho Falls, ID FALLS Minutes ● Councilor Ziel-Dingman: Announced the passing of Carrie Scheid, a well-known community volunteer, o Celebration of Life: Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2-5 p.m., at the Colonial Theater, o Recognized for extensive service in arts, animal rescue, CEI, and community initiatives, o Scheid was also selected as the Idaho Community Foundation's Cecil D. Andrus Volunteer of the Year, o At a recent Colonial Theater event, the audience gave a two-minute standing ovation in her honor. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:39 PM. 9