City Council
Regular MeetingIdaho Falls, ID · January 20, 2026
Minutes
City Council Work Session 680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, January 20, 2026 3:00 PM City Council Chambers
Call to Order and Roll Call
Present:
Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw Council President Jim Francis
Councilor Michelle Ziel-Dingman Councilor Jim Freeman
Councilor Kirk Larsen Councilor John Radford
Absent:
Councilor Brandon Lee
Also present:
Darin Jones, Human Resources Director Jon Knowles, Public Works
Pam Alexander, Municipal Services Director Wade Sanner, CDS Director
Chris Fredericksen, PW Director Chris Canfield, Assistant PW Director
TJ Nottestad, Committee member Zack Jones, City Attorney
Emily Geisler, City Clerk
Mayor Burtenshaw called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. with the following items:
Human Resources, City Attorney – Discussion: First Reading – Policy 410 & 440 Changes (Director Darin Jones)
• Sick Leave Conversion Policy:
o Clarifies that employees must still be employed at the time of the November payout to receive a
sick leave conversion, even if they elected to convert leave in April.
o Addresses prior ambiguity for employees who separate between April and November.
o Proposes increasing the maximum sick leave conversion payout from $2,500 to $3,000 to better
reflect rising wages.
o Benefits employees by allowing higher conversion value and benefits the City by gradually
reducing large sick leave balances instead of paying them out at separation.
• Shared Leave Policy:
o Adds clear definitions (based on IRS guidance) to establish eligibility for shared leave.
o Clarifies that the 240-hour limit applies on a calendar-year basis.
o Confirms shared leave operates through a central bank funded by employee donations (vacation
leave only).
o Donations can be made at any time and remain in the bank; HR typically solicits donations only
when approved requests exceed available hours.
o Clarifies how hours are allocated when multiple employees request shared leave at the same time
and the bank does not have enough hours.
o Confirms shared leave is transferred hour-for-hour, regardless of differences in employee pay
rates.
• Library Holiday Language:
o Council raised questions about language referencing Saturdays/Sundays and library holiday
schedules.
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City Council Work Session 680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Meeting Minutes
o HR acknowledged the language may be outdated or unclear and committed to follow up with
library leadership to confirm current practice and make corrections if needed.
• Safety and Workers’ Compensation Policy:
o Updates clarify application of the waiting period, use of leave for medical appointments, how
FMLA runs concurrently with workers’ compensation, and transitions after 50 calendar days.
o Changes are intended solely to reduce confusion, not to alter how the policy is applied in practice.
o Minor grammar and formatting issues were noted and will be corrected.
• Next Steps:
o Policies will be distributed to all employees for a 30-day comment period.
o HR will incorporate appropriate feedback and correct grammar or flow issues.
o Policies will return to City Council for approval after the comment period; substantive changes
would come back to a work session if needed.
Public Works – Discussion: Project Development – Elm Street (Director Fredericksen, Chris Canfield, Jon Knowles)
• Project timeline:
o Federal-aid project with a long lead time (initiated ~10 years ago).
o Design underway; completion expected summer 2026.
o Construction anticipated summer 2027.
• Project scope and goals:
o Reconstruct pavement and correct steep roadway crown.
o Improve ADA accessibility.
o Add pedestrian safety features such as bulb-outs to reduce crossing distances.
o Enhance the overall pedestrian experience.
• Public outreach:
o A “Story Map” website will explain the project, show maps and design concepts, outline the
schedule, and collect public feedback via a short survey.
o Mailers with QR codes will direct residents to the site.
o Public comment period proposed through mid-February.
• Stakeholder coordination:
o Meetings held with the school district (Alturas School) and the Museum of Idaho.
o School concerns focused on construction timing (preferably summer) and pedestrian safety.
o Museum concerns included sight distance and signage.
• Speed limit and school zone discussion:
o Elm Street currently posted at 25 mph.
o A speed study showed an 85th percentile speed of ~30 mph.
o Staff recommended increasing the posted speed to 30 mph and adding a flashing school zone
near Alturas School during pickup/drop-off times.
o Council agreed this proposal should be included in the public outreach, as it is likely to generate
the most feedback.
South Boulevard & Birch Street Roundabout
• Project description:
o Proposed single-lane roundabout, similar to the existing Elm & South Boulevard roundabout.
o Intended to improve traffic flow, reduce conflicts, and align with the broader Boulevard corridor.
• Funding and timing:
o Locally funded through the CIP.
o Targeted for construction summer 2026, likely after July 4.
o Scheduled ahead of Elm Street construction to avoid overlapping disruptions.
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City Council Work Session 680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Meeting Minutes
• Key considerations and concerns:
o Changes in traffic patterns, including restricted left turns and some right-turn-only movements.
o Potential loss or relocation of on-street parking on Birch Street and nearby areas.
o Access impacts to adjacent businesses and residences.
o Design includes a mountable center apron to accommodate trucks, emergency vehicles, and
parade traffic.
• Public engagement:
o Staff recommended a neighborhood public meeting near the project area.
o Council emphasized the importance of addressing parking impacts and clearly explaining access
changes and detours.
o Staff noted the design is advanced but still flexible enough to incorporate feedback.
Council Direction and Next Steps
• Proceed with public outreach on both projects, including the Elm Street speed/school zone proposal.
• Launch the Elm Street Story Map and mailers promptly.
• Schedule a public meeting for the South Boulevard & Birch roundabout.
• Continue coordination with schools, nearby businesses, and property owners to address access, parking,
and safety concerns before finalizing designs.
Municipal Services, City Attorney, Mayor’s Office, Community Development Services – Discussion: Impact Fee
Study Update (Director Alexander, TJ Nottestad, Director Sanner)
• For reviewing proposed impact fee updates, discussing policy direction, and identifying remaining
information needed before the Impact Fee Advisory Committee (IFAC) makes a recommendation. The
discussion emphasized clarity, defensibility, and ensuring growth pays for growth.
• Timeline and process:
o Public hearings held November 5 (Planning Commission) and December 11 (City Council).
o IFAC meeting delayed from January 5 to January 13 due to lack of quorum.
o Next IFAC meeting scheduled for February 10, with the expectation that a recommendation will
come back from that meeting.
o Potential Planning Commission hearing in early March if capital plan changes are significant,
followed by a City Council public hearing in April and possible adoption by late May.
• Development activity and trends:
o Staff reported approximately 800+ single-family permits issued in the most recent annual data
set, prompting discussion about whether multifamily growth may be slowing or plateauing.
o The data referenced is a permit count, not valuation or square footage, and aligns with a longer-
term trend suggesting growth may level off over a five-year horizon.
o If multifamily growth has in fact slowed, members noted this would be a significant policy
consideration and warrants close review.
• Quarterly reporting and transparency:
o Impact fees are reported quarterly, with improved data quality since implementation of the new
permitting system in April 2024.
o Reports now include permit activity, unpaid or “in-process” development, cash balances, and a list
of projects funded by impact fees.
o Council expressed concern that the term “unpaid permits” could be misleading and supported
renaming it to better reflect development in progress.
• Square footage vs. per-door methodology:
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City Council Work Session 680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Meeting Minutes
o Extensive discussion focused on whether residential impact fees should be assessed by square
footage or per dwelling unit (“per door”).
o Square-footage-based fees were criticized for introducing complexity, assumptions about
household size, definitional disputes (finished vs. unfinished space), and increased administrative
burden for staff and builders.
o Data showing roughly 86% of basements are eventually finished undermined the assumption that
excluding unfinished space meaningfully improves affordability.
o Several participants stated their thinking had shifted back toward a per-door approach due to its
simplicity, clarity, and defensibility.
• Equity, assumptions, and unintended consequences:
o Participants acknowledged that both methods involve assumptions, but per-door fees avoid
speculative projections about future household size or use of space.
o Concerns were raised that overly complex fee structures can discourage smaller footprints,
walkable neighborhoods, and mixed-use development, reinforcing sprawl and single-use zoning
patterns.
o The group emphasized that impact fee policy decisions can have long-term land-use and
affordability consequences beyond their immediate fiscal effects.
• Developer vs. homeowner understanding:
o Consensus emerged that builders and developers—not homebuyers—are the primary audience
for understanding impact fee calculations.
o While builders can learn either system, repeated application of square-footage rules and evolving
definitions increases friction compared to a straightforward per-door model.
• One-time fee principle:
o Broad agreement that impact fees should be one-time charges per dwelling, not triggered again
by later events such as finishing basements.
o Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) were generally viewed as separate structures that could
appropriately trigger additional fees, subject to Council policy decisions.
• Percent-of-cost policy (75% vs. 100%):
o Council questioned why some categories collect only 75% of maximum supportable fees while
others collect 100%, noting the original intent was phased implementation.
o Interest was expressed in evaluating:
Incremental increases over time (e.g., 5% per update cycle)
A uniform percentage across all categories
Modeling based on total dollar needs rather than fixed percentages
o Concerns were raised that current policy results in growth being partially subsidized by the
general fund.
• Public safety and transportation funding:
o Some members questioned why transportation is funded at 100% while police and fire remain at
75%, given public safety priorities.
o Staff explained that impact fee limitations, capital vs. labor costs, and asset lifespan requirements
constrain how police and fire can use impact fee revenues, whereas roads have large, eligible
capital needs.
• Data requests and next steps:
IFAC and Council requested additional information before final recommendations, including:
o Historical comparisons of projected vs. actual impact fee collections
o Modeling showing what prior-year permit activity would have generated under different fee
structures
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City Council Work Session 680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Meeting Minutes
o Clear identification of target funding levels tied to level-of-service impacts
o Confirmation of development trends, particularly single-family vs. multifamily activity
• Council emphasized the importance of receiving a clear recommendation from IFAC at its next meeting,
supported by the requested data. There was visible momentum toward a per-door impact fee approach,
reaffirmation of the one-time fee principle, and continued interest in refining percentage policies to
better align with the City’s long-term infrastructure and service needs.
Municipal Services, Public Works – Discussion: Auction of City Property (Director Alexander, Director
Fredericksen)
Background: The City owns a gravel lot at 610 Water Avenue, purchased in 1974 for $7,000 along with the former
Serenity Hall property. The lot was intended to serve as an overflow parking area for Serenity Hall, which
previously hosted community and support programs.
• Current conditions and use:
o The parcel remains a gravel parking lot and is informally used for parking, with signage still
indicating Serenity Hall parking.
o The City performs minimal maintenance, costing less than $2,000 annually.
o There is water service available, but no direct sewer connection; sewer exists in nearby streets
and would require connection at the buyer’s expense.
o The lot does not have alley access.
• Planning context:
o The City previously considered acquiring nearby parcels to realign Birch Street with Fifth Street,
but that concept was abandoned after the roundabout project moved forward.
o With no future City use identified and increasing infill development in the area, staff determined
the parcel is no longer needed for municipal purposes.
• Zoning and buildability:
o Community Development review confirmed the lot is a legal, separate parcel and likely buildable.
o It exceeds the minimum 3,000 sq. ft. lot size in the Traditional Neighborhood zone.
o Staff concluded the highest and best use is private development rather than continued use as a
parking lot.
• Appraisal and value:
o A November appraisal by Brett Burton valued the property’s highest and best use between
$53,500 and $70,000, based on comparable sales.
o Due to site limitations (notably sewer access and lack of alley), staff believe a value near the lower
end of the range is more realistic.
• Proposed action:
o Staff are requesting Council authorization to proceed with a public hearing to declare the
property surplus and make it available for sale.
o Following the hearing, the City would conduct a public auction, as required by law.
o A recommended minimum bid of approximately $53,000 is proposed.
• Additional considerations:
o Historical aerial photos show a residence existed on the lot prior to City acquisition, supporting its
buildable status.
o Sale and redevelopment would return the property to the tax rolls, creating a long-term tax
benefit for the City.
• Council response:
o Council expressed general support for moving forward with a public hearing and auction process.
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City Council Work Session 680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Meeting Minutes
o No major objections were raised, and staff were encouraged to proceed with required
notifications and scheduling.
Mayor and Council: Calendars, Announcements, Events, Reports, Updates, Concerns, Questions, Discussion,
Proclamations, Notes/Minutes from Boards and Commissions:
1. Liaison System, Work Sessions, and Decision-Making Processes:
• Council discussed the limitations and risks of the liaison system, particularly the potential for “groupthink”
if decisions are effectively advanced by too few people without full Council input.
• Members emphasized the importance of public transparency and ensuring that legal requirements are
met, while still allowing effective interdepartmental coordination and communication.
• Past practices, such as the committee system, required multiple votes to get items on the agenda,
providing some checks on control. The liaison system centralizes agenda control with fewer members,
prompting discussion on how to maintain balance.
• Work sessions are seen as essential for meaningful discussion before Thursday night votes, especially for
complex items like zoning, budget items, impact fees, or PUDs (Planned Unit Developments). Council
agreed to identify topics that require pre-meeting discussion to avoid last-minute surprises.
• Members explored ways to receive input from the public legally, including attending public events,
farmer’s markets, or setting agenda items for work sessions, while avoiding serial meetings or violating
open meetings laws.
2. Department Updates and Operational Issues:
• Police Department:
o Increased enforcement observed, including traffic stops, DUI patrols, and visibility downtown.
Anecdotal reports indicate residents are responding to the increased enforcement.
o Crime statistics show modest changes: violent crime down slightly, property crimes down, and
clearance rates improving, partly due to increased online reporting.
• Parks and Recreation:
o The sled hill is closed due to contractor exit, not snow conditions; equipment has been removed.
o Draft time-allocation policy for facilities is under review, with input sought from the hockey
community. Council will later decide whether to formalize it.
o Discussion included Heritage Park planning and neighborhood responses.
• Alcohol Policy and Multi-Department Coordination:
o Staff are reviewing alcohol regulations to address inconsistencies (e.g., public vs. private events).
o Coordination involves Legal, Police, Fire, Community Development, and the City Clerk. Council
members are asked to direct input to Legal.
o The Chief of Staff will act as the central coordinator for interdepartmental issues to streamline
operations and reduce reliance on individual Council members.
*An aside from Mayor Burtenshaw: Role of the Chief of Staff (COS Wimborne)
o Positioned as the central interdepartmental coordinator in the Mayor’s Office whose
responsibilities include:
Ensuring coordination among departments.
Organizing meetings, tracking topics, and maintaining a central calendar for
interdepartmental discussions.
Acting as a liaison so council members do not need to meet individually with multiple
departments to gather information.
Overseeing multi-departmental issues such as procurement, alcohol policy, and
operational coordination.
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City Council Work Session 680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Meeting Minutes
• Public Works Updates:
o An unusual development agreement related to sewer and water extensions will appear on the
agenda from Public Works, rather than CDS.
o Retirement of Carl Utter scheduled for January 22 at the wastewater plant.
o Multiple pathway and trail projects in progress (Tautphaus Park, Idaho Canal Trail, Sand Creek
Pathway), some tied to long-term planning.
o Traffic considerations include potential signalization for roundabouts, with single-lane
roundabouts preferred for public comprehension.
• ERP System Rollout:
o The June ERP launch is a top City priority.
o Smooth implementation is critical for payroll, asset management, auditing, and overall City
operations. Council and staff are cautioned not to add conflicting priorities that could disrupt
rollout.
• Utility Board Schedule Change:
o The meeting time has changed to 8:00–11:00 a.m., once monthly, on the Wednesday of the first
Council week.
Mayor and Council: Acceptance or Receipt of Minutes
Motion: Receive recommendation(s) from the January 6, 2026, meeting of the Planning and Zoning
Commission pursuant to the Local Land Use Planning Act.
o Moved by: Councilor Francis
o Second: Councilor Radford
o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none.
o Motion carries.
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. The mere presence of legal counsel at an
executive session does not satisfy this requirement.
o Moved by: Councilor Francis
o Second: Councilor Dingman
o Vote: Aye: Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay: none.
o Motion carries.
Litigation Topic 1
There were present: Mayor Burtenshaw, Council President Francis, Councilor Dingman, Councilor Freeman,
Councilor Larsen, Councilor Radford, Zachary Jones, Chris Fredericksen and Margaret Wimborne.
Start: 5:54 PM
End: 6:09 PM
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City Council Work Session 680 Park Avenue
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Meeting Minutes
Litigation Topic 2
There were present: Mayor Burtenshaw, Council President Francis, Councilor Dingman, Councilor Freeman,
Councilor Larsen, Councilor Radford, Zachary Jones and Margaret Wimborne.
Start: 6:09 PM
End: 6:17 PM
There being no further business, the regular meeting adjourned at 5:48 PM
/s/ Emily Geisler___________________ /s/ Lisa Burtenshaw _____________
Emily Geisler, City Clerk Lisa Burtenshaw, Mayor
8
CITY OF IDAHO
FALLS
Elm Street
Reconstruction
Project Update
01/20/26
Chris Fredericksen, P.E., Public Works Director
Jon Knowles, P.E., City Engineer
Chris Canfield, P.E., Assistant Public Works Director
• State Local Agreement with ITD
completed in April 2024
• Design Agreement completed in
June 2025
• Projected Design Completion
Summer 2026
Project • Construction – Summer 2027
Schedule
• Design Elements
• Public Involvement Outreach Effort
Elm Street • Public Involvement Plan for this Project
Project • POP Level 2
• Projected mailer/website outreach
Update • https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/20bb5b5
deb504a0b9798feba021b3878
• Held Stakeholder Meetings with the School
(Construction Coordination) and the Museum of
Idaho (Sign Sight distance)
• Speed Limit Evaluation (Request for a School Zone)
• Study conducted
• Tuesday, December 9 - Tuesday, December 16,
2025
Elm Street • 85th percentile speed was 30 mph
Speed Study • Recommendations
• Increase posted speed from 25 to 30 mph
• Implement a reduced speed school zone (20 mph)
• Upcoming Actions
• Provide recommended Public Outreach
• Continue with the Design Process
Elm Street • Coordinate with the Museum of Idaho to Address
Project Update Sight Distance Concerns expressed/evaluated
• Execute State Local Construction Agreement
• Coordinate with Adjacent Property Owners during
Construction
Birch / S Blvd
Roundabout
• New single lane
roundabout
• Similar design as
roundabout at
Elm / S Blvd
• Reduces street
parking on Birch
• Outreach to include
a public meeting
Development Impact Fee Capital Improvement
Plan, Impact Fee Study Update, and
Amendments to City Code
Update
Tuesday, January 21, 2026
Impact Fee Study Update Timeline
• December 11, 2025 - Public Hearing
• January 5, 2026 - Impact Fee Advisory Committee Meeting (no quorum)
• January 13, 2026 - Impact Fee Advisory Committee Meeting
• February 10, 2026 - Impact Fee Advisory Committee Meeting (scheduled)
• February 23, 2026 - Council Work Session (committee recommendations)
• March 3, 2026 - Planning Commission (if significant changes to capital plans)
• April 2, 2026 - Public Hearing
• By the end of May (adoption)
Impact Fee Study Update Comparison Table By Land Use
Impact Fee Comparison Table By Land Use
Residential
Impact Fee: 75% Fire, Difference between Per Housing Unit By
Police, Parks; 100% Difference between Maximum Impact Fee 100% Square Footage Difference between Difference between Difference between
Transportation Maximum Supportable Impact Fee (Current Supportable (2025 all fees (2025 & Maximum Supportable Impact Fee (current Impact Fee (2021 100% Impact Fee (2025 100%
Category (Current) (100% all fees ) and 100% all fees) Study) 2021) Square Footage (100% all Fees) 75% and square footage and square footage) and square footage)
Single-Family $ 5,273.50 $ 6,027.00 $ (753.50) $ 5,822.00 - $ 6,027.00 $ 5,822.00
Multi-Family 2,943.25 3,479.00 $ (535.75) $ 3,219.00 - 3,479.00 $ 3,219.00
$ 2,943.25 $ 3,479.00 $ (535.75) $ 3,219.00 (260.00) Under 1,000 $ 2,177.00 $ (766.25) $ (1,302.00) $ (1,042.00)
5,273.50 6,027.00 $ (753.50) 5,822.00 (205.00) 1,000 to 1,499 3,209.00 $ (2,064.50) $ (2,818.00) $ (2,613.00)
5,273.50 6,027.00 $ (753.50) 5,822.00 (205.00) 1,500 to 1,999 4,278.00 $ (995.50) $ (1,749.00) $ (1,544.00)
5,273.50 6,027.00 $ (753.50) 5,822.00 (205.00) 2,000 to 2,499 5,064.00 $ (209.50) $ (963.00) $ (758.00)
5,273.50 6,027.00 $ (753.50) 5,822.00 (205.00) 2,500 to 2,999 5,699.00 $ 425.50 $ (328.00) $ (123.00)
5,273.50 6,027.00 $ (753.50) 5,822.00 (205.00) 3,000 to 3,499 6,230.00 $ 956.50 $ 203.00 $ 408.00
5,273.50 6,027.00 $ (753.50) 5,822.00 (205.00) 3,500 to 3,999 6,676.00 $ 1,402.50 $ 649.00 $ 854.00
5,273.50 6,027.00 $ (753.50) 5,822.00 (205.00) 4,000 to 4,499 7,073.00 $ 1,799.50 $ 1,046.00 $ 1,251.00
5,273.50 6,027.00 $ (753.50) 5,822.00 (205.00) 4,500 to 4,999 7,425.00 $ 2,151.50 $ 1,398.00 $ 1,603.00
5,273.50 6,027.00 $ (753.50) 5,822.00 (205.00) 5,000 or more 7,731.00 $ 2,457.50 $ 1,704.00 $ 1,909.00
Non-Residential
Impact Fee (Current)
75% Fire, Police; Maximum Supportable Per 1,000 Square
100% Transportation (Current) Footage (100% All Fees)
Retail $ 5,548.00 $ 6,119.00 $ 4,930.00
Office 1,961.25 2,135.00 2,445.00
Industrial 997.00 1,085.00 1,106.00
Institutional 3,347.50 3,935.00 4,316.00
Source Documentation: Page 13, Capital Improvement Plans and Development Impact Fee Study 10-7-25 and Current Impact Fee Schedule.
Impact Fee Reporting
• Impact Fee Reporting Dates
• March 20, 2025
• July 31, 2025
• October 23, 2025
• January 22, 2026
• Quarterly Summary Report
• 2025 Calendar Summary Report
• Approved Impact Fee projects
• Cash Balances
Impact Fee Reporting
Impact Fee Activity (October 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025)
Impact Fees Paid by Category (Permits Issued)
Percent
Multi-Family Single-Family Industrial Institutional Office Retail Received
Police $ 37,212.00 $ 32,691.00 1,181.25 5,107.50 - 2,733.00 11%
Fire 35,112.00 26,469.00 138.75 12,517.50 - 693.00 10%
Parks and Recreation 107,688.00 94,554.00 - - - - 27%
Transportation 149,632.00 204,884.01 3,665.00 15,850.00 - 7,670.00 52%
$ 329,644.00 $ 358,598.01 4,985.00 33,475.00 - 11,096.00 100%
Percentage by Category 45% 49% 0.7% 5% 0% 2% 100%
Total Impact Fees Received $ 737,798.01 22%
Impact Fees Unpaid By Category (Permits Not Issued)
Multi-Family Single-Family Industrial Institutional Office Retail Percent Unpaid
Police $ 179,415.00 $ 60,093.75 25,987.50 1,623.16 1,390.50 36,432.10 12%
Fire 169,290.00 48,656.25 3,052.50 3,978.06 173.25 62,265.31 11%
Parks and Recreation 519,210.00 173,812.50 - - - - 27%
Transportation 721,440.00 376,625.00 80,630.00 5,037.13 4,320.00 109,408.31 50%
1,589,355.00 $ 659,187.50 109,670.00 10,638.35 5,883.75 208,105.72 100%
Percentage by Category 61.5% 26% 4.2% 0% 0% 8% 100%
Total Impact Fees Outstanding $ 2,582,840.32 78%
Total Impact Fee Activity (October 1, 2025 - December 31, 2025) $ 3,320,638.33
Cash Balances as of September 30, 2025 $ 11,159,786.31
Police Fire Parks Transportation
$ 1,058,633.66 $ 399,100.33 $ 3,124,525.21 $ 6,577,527.11
Impact Fee Reporting
Approved Impact Fee Funded Projects To Date June 1, 2022 - September 30, 2025
Police Police Facility (portion repayment of COP); Impact Fee Study Update (portion); Legal professional services $ 1,434,788.35
Fire New Fire Station 6 (portion); Impact Fee Study Update (portion); Legal professional services 1,006,974.36
Parks Pedestrian Safety Connection Pathway; Heritage Park; Impact Fee Study Update (portion); Caribou Dog Park 259,081.57
(portion); Legal professional services
Transportation 49th Street Intersection Expansion; Pancheri Drive& Utah Right Turn Lane; 49th South, Providence Point to 959,226.05
Stanfield Lane Expansion; 49th South Expansion; Eagle Ridge Development Reimbursement/Agreement;
Taylorview Homes Development Reimbursement/Agreement
Total as of September 30, 2025 $ 3,660,070.33
Questions
Council Direction to Staff
City of Idaho Falls
City Property Discussion
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Property Description
• 610 Water Avenue.
• Purchased in 1974 for $7,000.
• Gravel Lot.
• Parking lot for Serenity Hall (600 S.
Boulevard) patron use.
• Survey conducted March 2024.
• Received an inquiry call from
resident October 9, 2025 (sale or
lease options)
• Consulted with Public Works and
Community Development Services.
• Residential appraisal in November
2025.
Staff Recommendation
• Comparable properties
• $53,500-$70,000
• Highest and best use for existing
conditions
• Next Steps
Questions
Council Direction to Staff
Agenda
NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
City Council Chambers
City Clerk’s Office 680 Park Avenue, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
3:00 p.m.
The public is invited to attend in-person or watch via the livestream at https://www.idahofallsidaho.gov/429/Live-Stream. This meeting may be cancelled or
recessed to a later time in accordance with law. If you need communication aids or other physical accommodation to attend or access this meeting, please
contact Emily Geisler, City Clerk, at (208) 612-8414 or Lisa Farris, ADA Coordinator, at (208) 612-8323 prior to the meeting.
CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION
Estimated times listed in parentheses.
Call to Order & Roll Call
Human Resources, City Attorney Discussion: First Reading – Policy 410 & 440 Changes (20)
Action: Council Direction to Staff (or take other appropriate action)
Public Works Discussion: Project Development – Elm Street, Yellowstone Ave to
S Boulevard and Roundabout, S Boulevard & Birch St (30)
Action: Council Direction to Staff (or take other appropriate action)
Municipal Services, Public Works Discussion: Auction of City Property (15)
Action: Council Direction to Staff (or take other appropriate action)
Municipal Services, City Attorney, Discussion: Impact Fee Study Update (45)
Mayor’s Office, Community Action: Council Direction to Staff (or take other appropriate action)
Development Services
Mayor, City Council Acceptance or Receipt of Minutes (5)
Action: Receive recommendation(s) from the January 6, 2026,
meeting of the Planning and Zoning Commission pursuant to the
Local Land Use Planning Act (LLUPA)
Mayor and Council Reports: Calendars; Announcements; Events;
Reports; Updates; Concerns; Questions; Discussion;
Proclamations; Notes/Minutes from Boards and Commissions (15)
Action: Council Direction to Staff (or take other appropriate action)
Executive Session 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. The mere presence of legal counsel at an executive
session does not satisfy this requirement. (15)
Council will not reconvene after the executive session.
Dated this 16th day of January 2026
_________________________
Emily Geisler, City Clerk
P. O. Box 50220 - Idaho Falls, Idaho 83405 - (208) 612-8414 - www.idahofallsidaho.gov
POLICY NUMBER AND TITLE SUMMARY OF CHANGES
Updated "VOLUNTARY SHARED LEAVE" section to clarify confusion
around current application of policy including adding sections for
eligibility and definitions and a calendar year basis for calculating
the maximum amount of shared leave an employee can use. We
also clarified the section for "Sick Leave Conversion". We clarified
that an employee must meet the criteria when submitting the
conversion request in April and when receiving payment in
November. We also increased the sick leave conversion payout
410. LEAVES PRACTICES amount to from $2,500 to $3.000.
Updating the language to clarify some confusion on the application
of the waiting period, doctor appointments, FMLA running
440. Safety and Workers Compensation concurrently, and the transition after 50 calendar days.
ELM ST; YELLOWSTONE TO SOUTH BLVD
CONCEPT DISPLAY
LEGEND
PEDESTRIAN RAMPS ASPHALT PAVEMENT
EDGE OF PAVEMENT EXISTING PROPERTY LINE
CURB AND GUTTER SAWCUT PAVEMENT
CONCRETE SIDEWALK
CONCRETE DRIVEWAY
APPROACH
ONLY
ONLY ONLY
0 50 HORIZONTAL FEET 100
Brett Burton Appraisals
LAND APPRAISAL REPORT water610
File No. water610
Borrower City of Idaho Falls Census Tract 9711.00 Map Reference 26820
Property Address 610 N Water Ave
City Idaho Falls County Bonneville State ID Zip Code 83402
SUBJECT
Legal Description W1/2 lot 6, block 31, Original Town
Sale Price $ Date of Sale Loan Term yrs. Property Rights Appraised Fee Leasehold De Minimis PUD
Actual Real Estate Taxes $ 200 (yr) Loan charges to be paid by seller $ 0 Other sales concessions
Lender/Client The City of Idaho Falls Address 308 Constitution Way, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Occupant vacant Appraiser Brett Daniel Burton Instructions to Appraiser N/A
Location Urban Suburban Rural Good Avg. Fair Poor
Built Up Over 75% 25% to 75% Under 25% Employment Stability
Growth Rate Fully Dev. Rapid Steady Slow Convenience to Employment
Property Values Increasing Stable Declining Convenience to Shopping
Demand/Supply Shortage In Balance Oversupply Convenience to Schools
Marketing Time Under 3 Mos. 4-6 Mos. Over 6 Mos. Adequacy of Public Transportation
NEIGHBORHOOD
Present 75 % One-Unit 0 % 2-4 Unit 0 % Apts. % Condo 0 % Commercial Recreational Facilities
Land Use % Industrial % Vacant 25 % Adequacy of Utilities
Change in Present Not Likely Likely (*) Taking Place (*) Property Compatibility
Land Use (*) From To Protection from Detrimental Conditions
Predominant Occupancy Owner Tenant 25 % Vacant Police and Fire Protection
One-Unit Price Range $ 150 to $ 650 Predominant Value $ 300 General Appearance of Properties
One-Unit Age Range 0 yrs. to 75 yrs. Predominant Age 50 yrs. Appeal to Market
Comments including those factors, favorable or unfavorable, affecting marketability (e.g. public parks, schools, view, noise) The subject property is located in the
townsite of Idaho Falls. The area consists of single family residences similar in age and construction to subject, with 25% undeveloped
agricultural land. Good access to schools, shopping and employment. No adverse conditions noted.
Dimensions 49.99 x 70.02 = 3,500 sf Corner Lot
Zoning Classification Residential 1 Present Improvements Do Do Not Conform to Zoning Regulations
Highest and Best Use Present Use Other (specify)
Public Other (Describe) OFF SITE IMPROVEMENTS Topo typical
Elec. Street Access Public Private Size 3500 sf
Gas Surface asphalt Shape rectangular
SITE Water Maintenance Public Private View N;Res;
San. Sewer Storm Sewer Curb/Gutter Drainage typical
Underground Elect. & Tel. Sidewalk Street Lights Is the property located in a FEMA Special Flood Hazard Area? Yes No
Comments (favorable or unfavorable including any apparent adverse easements, encroachments, or other adverse conditions) Adequate room for subject
improvements.
The undersigned has recited the following recent sales of properties most similar and proximate to subject and has considered these in the market analysis. The description
includes a dollar adjustment reflecting market reaction to those items of significant variation between the subject and comparable properties. If a significant item in the
comparable property is superior to or more favorable than the subject property, a minus (–) adjustment is made, thus reducing the indicated value of subject; if a
significant item in the comparable is inferior to or less favorable than the subject property, a plus (+) adjustment is made thus increasing the indicated value of the subject.
ITEM SUBJECT PROPERTY COMPARABLE NO. 1 COMPARABLE NO. 2 COMPARABLE NO. 3
Address 610 N Water Ave TBD Emerson Ave 790 Lakewood Ave 824 Dalmation Dr
Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Idaho Falls, ID 83401 Idaho Falls, ID 83401 Idaho Falls, ID 83402
Proximity to Subject 0.30 miles E 3.60 miles E 1.90 miles W
Sales Price $ $ 60,000 $ 70,000 $ 105,000
Price $/Sq. Ft. $ $ $ $
MARKET DATA ANALYSIS
Data Source(s) srmls #2175256;DOM 15 srmls #2178297;DOM 7 srmls #2174984;DOM 32
ITEM DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION +(– )$ Adjust. DESCRIPTION +(– )$ Adjust. DESCRIPTION +(– )$ Adjust.
Date of Sale/Time Adj. s05/25;c04/25 s09/25;c08/25 s04/25;c03/25
Location N;Res; N;Res; N;Res; N;Res;
Site/View 3,500 sf 4,704 sf 0 6,970 sf 0 8,712 sf 0
Outbuilding none none none outbuilding -25,000
Sales or Financing ArmLth ArmLth ArmLth ArmLth
Concessions 0 Conv;0 Cash;0 Cash;0
Net Adj. (Total) + – $ 0 + – $ 0 + – $ -25,000
Indicated Value
of Subject $
60,000 $ 70,000 $ 80,000
Comments on Market Data The comparables used in the report are a good indication of the market.
Comments and Conditions of Appraisal N/A
Final Reconciliation Due to the lack of rental data, the income approach is not applicable.
RECONCILIATION
I (WE) ESTIMATE THE MARKET VALUE, AS DEFINED, OF THE SUBJECT PROPERTY AS OF 11/25/2025 TO BE $ 70,000
Appraiser Brett Daniel Burton Supervisory Appraiser (if applicable)
Date of Signature and Report 11/28/2025 Date of Signature
Title Title
State Certification # CRA-3451 ST ID State Certification # ST
Or State License # ST Or State License # ST
Expiration Date of State Certification or License 03/04/2026 Expiration Date of State Certification or License
Date of Inspection (if applicable) Did Did Not Inspect Property Date of Inspection
Form LAND - "TOTAL" appraisal software by a la mode, inc. - 1-800-ALAMODE 08/11
ADDITIONAL COMPARABLE SALES water610
File No.
water610
ITEM SUBJECT PROPERTY COMPARABLE NO. 4 COMPARABLE NO. 5 COMPARABLE NO. 6
Address 610 N Water Ave 491 W 19th St TBD Elmore 1520 S Emerson Ave
Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Idaho Falls, ID 83404
Proximity to Subject 0.97 miles SW 1.29 miles NW 0.69 miles SE
Sales Price $ $ 53,500 $ 90,000 $ 74,000
Price $/Sq. Ft. $ $ $ $
Data Source(s) srmls #2170726;DOM 42 srmls #2163275;DOM 307 srmls #2179678;DOM 61
ITEM DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION +(– )$ Adjust. DESCRIPTION +(– )$ Adjust. DESCRIPTION +(– )$ Adjust.
Date of Sale/Time Adj. s12/24;c11/24 s12/24;c11/24 listing -1,480
Location N;Res; N;Res; N;Res; N;Res;
Site/View 3,500 sf 5,227 sf 0 6,098 sf 0 4,792 sf 0
Outbuilding none none none none
Sales or Financing ArmLth ArmLth ArmLth Listing
Concessions 0 Cash;0 Cash;0 listing;0
Net Adj. (Total) + – $ + – $ + – $ -1,480
Indicated Value
of Subject $ 53,500 $ 90,000 $ 72,520
Comments on Market Data The subject property is a parcel of land located in the townsite of Idaho Falls. All of the comparables used in the
report are similar in location and size to the subject property and are a good indication of value.
MARKET DATA ANALYSIS
08/11
Form LAND.(AC) - "TOTAL" appraisal software by a la mode, inc. - 1-800-ALAMODE
Subject Photo Page
Borrower City of Idaho Falls
Property Address 610 N Water Ave
City Idaho Falls County Bonneville State ID Zip Code 83402
Lender/Client The City of Idaho Falls
Subject Front
610 N Water Ave
Sales Price
Gross Living Area 1,541
Total Rooms 5
Total Bedrooms 3
Total Bathrooms 2.0
Location N;Res;
View 3,500 sf
Site 12001 sf
Quality Q3
Age
Subject Side
Subject Street
Form PICPIX.SR - "TOTAL" appraisal software by a la mode, inc. - 1-800-ALAMODE
Comparable Photo Page
Borrower City of Idaho Falls
Property Address 610 N Water Ave
City Idaho Falls County Bonneville State ID Zip Code 83402
Lender/Client The City of Idaho Falls
Comparable 1
TBD Emerson Ave
Prox. to Subject 0.30 miles E
Sale Price 60,000
Gross Living Area 1,318
Total Rooms 5
Total Bedrooms 3
Total Bathrooms 2.0
Location N;Res;
View 4,704 sf
Site 10890 sf
Quality Q3
Age 0
Comparable 2
790 Lakewood Ave
Prox. to Subject 3.60 miles E
Sale Price 70,000
Gross Living Area 1,442
Total Rooms 5
Total Bedrooms 3
Total Bathrooms 2.0
Location N;Res;
View 6,970 sf
Site 9583 sf
Quality Q3
Age 0
Comparable 3
824 Dalmation Dr
Prox. to Subject 1.90 miles W
Sale Price 105,000
Gross Living Area 1,578
Total Rooms 5
Total Bedrooms 3
Total Bathrooms 2.0
Location N;Res;
View 8,712 sf
Site 13504 sf
Quality Q3
Age 0
Form PICPIX.CR - "TOTAL" appraisal software by a la mode, inc. - 1-800-ALAMODE
Comparable Photo Page
Borrower City of Idaho Falls
Property Address 610 N Water Ave
City Idaho Falls County Bonneville State ID Zip Code 83402
Lender/Client The City of Idaho Falls
Comparable 4
491 W 19th St
Prox. to Subject 0.97 miles SW
Sale Price 53,500
Gross Living Area 1,435
Total Rooms 5
Total Bedrooms 3
Total Bathrooms 2.0
Location N;Res;
View 5,227 sf
Site 11186 sf
Quality Q3
Age 0
Comparable 5
TBD Elmore
Prox. to Subject 1.29 miles NW
Sale Price 90,000
Gross Living Area 1,403
Total Rooms 5
Total Bedrooms 3
Total Bathrooms 2.0
Location N;Res;
View 6,098 sf
Site 8276 sf
Quality Q3
Age 0
Comparable 6
1520 S Emerson Ave
Prox. to Subject 0.69 miles SE
Sale Price 74,000
Gross Living Area 1,375
Total Rooms 5
Total Bedrooms 3
Total Bathrooms 2.0
Location N;Res;
View 4,792 sf
Site 10454 sf
Quality Q3
Age 3
Form PICPIX.CR - "TOTAL" appraisal software by a la mode, inc. - 1-800-ALAMODE
Location Map
Borrower City of Idaho Falls
Property Address 610 N Water Ave
City Idaho Falls County Bonneville State ID Zip Code 83402
Lender/Client The City of Idaho Falls
Form MAP.LOC - "TOTAL" appraisal software by a la mode, inc. - 1-800-ALAMODE
License
Form SCNLGL - "TOTAL" appraisal software by a la mode, inc. - 1-800-ALAMODE
E&O Insurance - Page 1
Form SCNLGL - "TOTAL" appraisal software by a la mode, inc. - 1-800-ALAMODE
Honorable Mayor and Council
Wade Sanner, Community Development Services Director
January 7, 2026
January 6, 2026, Planning Commission Action
Planning Commission took the following action during the January 6, 2026, meeting.
1. ANX25-004: ANNEXATION and INITIAL ZONING of LM, Light Manufacturing and Heavy
Commercial for approximately 127.603 acres for a portion of Section 1, Township 2
North, Range 37 East. Located north of W 33rd North, east of the Snake River, south of W
49th North, and west of N 5th West. On January 6, 2025, the Planning Commission
unanimously recommended approval of the annexation and initial zoning of LM with the
Limited Development Approach Surface Airport Overlay Zone to the Mayor and City
Council as presented.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION: To receive recommendation(s) from the Planning and Zoning
Commission pursuant to the Local Land Use Planning Act (LLUPA).
Board of Directors Meeting Minutes
December 9, 2025 | 9:00am | Willard Arts Center
Board of Directors Attendees: Chip Langerak, Jill Hansen, Matt Jacobson, Kevin Cutler,
Mark Cornelison, Justin Morris, Terri Ireland | IFDDC Staff: Kerry Hammon, Juan
Hernandaz City of Idaho Falls: Councilwoman Michelle Ziel-Dingman, Caitlyn Long,
Catherine McClure | Guests: Kade Marquez, Georgina Goodlander, Kent Lott
Topics Discussed:
• Chip Langerak: Welcome & introductions
• Chip Langerak: Reviewed November 4, 2025, minutes. Matt motioned to approve,
and Jill seconded. No one opposed.
• Chip Langerak: Reviewed September and October financials. Kevin made a motion
to approve, and Mark seconded. No one opposed.
Director’s Report:
• Project update:
o The new website is up and running. They added ADA parking information to
the website which includes a map.
o Events: Tree lighting event was successful. Very well attended.
o Finding Santa’s puppy was well attended. 125 cards filled out.
o Bad Santa Pub Crawl was new this year. There were about 26 people that
attended. It was a fun event that we will bring back next year.
• Annual renewal of Agreements with the City of Idaho Falls
o Downtown Parking agreement – IFDDC and the City of Idaho Falls are
reviewing and making edits to the agreement. Once the new agreement is
signed by both entities, IFDDC will receive the FY25-26 parking funds. Terri
Ireland requested that the updated Parking Agreement be added to IFDDC’s
website. This will be done after Council approval and signatures. The BID
Management Agreement is also currently being reviewed by the City and
IFDDC. Once that document is signed by both entities, the City will send the
1st Quarter BID payment to IFDDC.
o Kerry is looking for someone to take the lead on a BID Renewal Committee
and recruit members to assist with the BID renewal process. For now, no one
committed to be the lead. Chip will reach out to a few people to recruit those
that may be interested. We have a little time to form the committee.
• Budget Update: The budget was updated with the updated FY25-26 BID amount. No
other budget numbers were updated. A motion was made by Jill Hansen to approve
the updated FY25-26 budget. Matt Jacobsen seconded. No opposed.
Merchant Association Update:
• Terri Irland announced that the next Merchant Association meeting is on Jan 5, 2026, at
10am in the conference room next to MarCellar’s.
City of Idaho Falls Update:
• Caityln Long: They are updating their website as well. They send out a newsletter
every other month for building and planning information.
• Michelle Ziel-Dingman: Brandon Lee is new to Idaho Falls City Council. All other
Council members retained their original positions.
• Catherine McClure: There will be a public hearing Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in
the City Council Chambers, 680 Park Ave. regarding impact fees. Also, the city is
having an UTV Holiday Light Parade on Dec. 19th at 7pm.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 a.m. The next board meeting will be on Tuesday
January 13, 2026, at 9am.
These meeting minutes were reviewed and approved by the IFDDC Executive Director
and Board of Directors on January 13, 2026. The minutes were emailed to the Idaho
Falls City Clerk’s office on January 13, 2026.
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