OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Post Falls City Council Meeting Summary – November 19, 2025

City Council — Wednesday, November 19, 2025
BodyPost Falls, Idaho
SessionCity Council
DateWednesday, November 19, 2025
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 2:42:24

Transcript — Verbatim
0:38

Call the meeting to order, please rise for the pledge.

0:42

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands.

0:49

One nation under God.

0:51

Indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

0:58

Welcome to the November 18th, 2025 Pulse Falls City Council meeting.

1:03

Uh Shannon, please note that all council members are present.

1:06

I will announce that we do have three public hearings tonight.

1:09

And if anybody wishes to speak during those public hearings that are forms in the back of the chambers, please fill them out with your uh name and whether or not you wish to testify and turn them into our clerk Shannon up here.

1:20

Um ceremonies, appointments, announcements.

1:23

We do have an announcement.

1:25

First of all, though, before I start, I'd just like to congratulate those who uh were in the past election and won the position.

1:31

So congratulations to you, and I hope that wish you nothing but the best of luck and good success in the future.

1:36

City Hall and City Business Office will be closed Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th, and observance of Thanksgiving.

1:43

Police, fire, and rescue services for emergencies may be reached by calling 911.

1:47

The police department will remain open for walk-in emergencies.

1:51

For water related emergencies, please call 208-773-3517.

1:57

Are there any amendments to the agenda tonight?

2:00

Are there any declarations of conflict?

2:03

Please present the consent calendar.

2:07

So item A is minutes for the November 3rd, 2025 City Council meeting.

2:11

Item B as accounts payable, November 5th through November 18th, 2025.

2:16

Item C is the ARC subdivision, final plat approval.

2:19

And item D is early dawn in Zeroth annexation grant of rights of way and easements.

2:24

A N N X-24-1.

2:27

Are there any questions on the shortest consent calendar in recent history?

2:33

See not an entertainment motion.

2:34

I move to approve the consent calendar as presented.

2:37

Second.

2:37

Motion seconds further discussions.

2:40

Shannon, please take the roll.

2:43

Davis.

2:44

Hi.

2:44

Blue?

2:45

Aye.

2:45

Westlin.

2:46

Hi.

2:47

Ziglar?

2:47

Hi.

2:48

Mulloy?

2:48

Hi.

2:49

Motion passes.

2:50

Thank you.

2:50

We are now at public hearings, and the first uh public hearing tonight is the Echo Estates Annexation A and A N X-24-5.

2:59

And with that, I'll open the public hearing.

3:13

Good evening, Mayor Jacobson and City Council.

3:16

My name is Justin Souter.

3:18

And as you said, the item before you this evening is Echo State's annexation, file number A and an X-24-5.

3:26

The applicant is requesting the City Council to approve the annexation request for approximately 9.72 acres with uh medium density residential zoning designation into the city.

3:40

You can see the site here in the red hatched lines.

3:44

It's located generally west of the Gabriel State Subdivision at the terminus of Okanagan Avenue, and it is north of Echo Drive.

3:53

It's on Echo Drive.

3:56

And west of Meguiar Road.

5:00

The city has capacity to provide service and is willing to who willing to serve the property at the requested density, and any existing septic systems would be removed and a new subdivision would be required to connect to City Sewer.

5:11

Echo Drive is a local residential roadway, and additional rights of way and easements would need to be provided as part of the annexation request.

5:21

Now we will get into the zone change criteria.

5:24

The first is the proposed zoning district consistent with the future land use map and focus area contained in the currently adopted post falls comprehensive plan.

5:34

The future land use designation classifies the subject property with the land use designation of medium density, which is the same zone designation that is being requested by the applicant.

5:44

And the proposed annexation is also within the West Prairie Focus Area.

5:49

This area is expected to develop as partially residential, and R2 is an implementing zone district for the focus area.

5:59

Looking at the site within the context of the larger area, you can see that there are a lot of different uses going on in this area.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Zoning And Development█████████████████████████████████████████████48%
Water And Wastewater Management██████████11%
Procedural████████8%
Procurement And Contracting████████8%
Transportation Safety███████7%
Budget Equity Analysis██████6%
Engineering And Infrastructure█████5%
Public Engagement███3%
Affordable Housing██2%
Summary of Proceedings

Post Falls City Council Meeting Summary – November 19, 2025

The Post Falls City Council met on November 19, 2025 (meeting began the evening of November 18, 2025) to consider three public hearings, three ordinances, and several new business items. Key actions included approval of two annexations with zoning designations, a budget amendment continuation, a water treatment service contract, and a lift station power upgrade award.

Consent Calendar

  • November 3, 2025 City Council Meeting Minutes – Approved.
  • Accounts Payable (November 5–18, 2025) – Approved.
  • ARC Subdivision Final Plat – Approved.
  • Early Dawn and Zeroth Annexation Grant of Rights of Way and Easements (ANNX-24-1) – Approved.

Public Hearings

1. Echo Estates Annexation (ANNX-24-5) & Zone Change to R2

  • Applicant (Justin Souter, City Planner): The request is to annex approximately 9.72 acres west of Gabriel State Subdivision, north of Echo Drive, with medium density residential (R2) zoning. The site is within the West Prairie Focus Area, consistent with the comprehensive plan. The city can provide services; existing septic must be replaced with city sewer. A future subdivision would require improvements to Echo Drive.
  • Developer (Jeremy Turzuli, land use consultant, and Ryan Stoker, developer): Presented three development options: small lots (4,800–8,000 sq ft), larger quarter‑acre lots, and a preferred twin‑home layout (each half fee‑simple, with attached shop). They emphasized the twin‑home concept as a diverse housing option not previously built in the area. The developer is willing to enter a development agreement restricting multifamily and improving Echo Drive to city and highway district standards, including a pedestrian connection on McGuire Road. They requested annexation first to have certainty before investing further.
  • Public Testimony – In Favor: Ryan Stoker (developer) summarized neighborhood outreach; most neighbors opposed any development but some accepted larger lots. Jeremy Voller (Anthem Pacific Homes) supported the twin‑home concept, noting it would provide affordable entry‑level homes with shops, filling a market gap.
  • Public Testimony – Opposed:
    • Kathy Bleasner (2931 West Echo Drive): Opposed due to road inadequacy, traffic safety, sewer odor, and desire to preserve agricultural character. Developer initially said Echo Drive was not his problem.
    • Debbie Volka (Echo Drive): Opposed R2 zoning; cited outdated comp plan, loss of rural feel, property value concerns, and inadequate road infrastructure. Requested R1 zoning instead.
    • Stephanie Johnson (Okanagan Avenue): Opposed, noting the developer did not contact many residents. Expressed concerns about construction traffic on narrow Okanagan Avenue and preferred larger lots. Asked for clarification on whether Okanagan would be used for construction access.
  • Council Deliberation & Vote:
    • On whether annexation is in the city’s best interest: Council members Westlin, Blue, and Zigler expressed concerns about the “peninsula” of county land, lack of direct connectivity, and the road hurdles. Mulloy and Davis supported annexation, citing proximity to Seltice Way, potential connectivity improvements, and the twin‑home concept’s benefits. Mayor Jacobson cast the deciding vote in favor (4–2: Davis, Westlin, Mulloy, Mayor did? Actually roll call: Davis? I (aye); Blue? Aye; Westlin? Aye; Ziglar? Nay; Mulloy? Aye; Stigleader? Nay. So 4–2. Motion passed.
    • On R2 zoning: Council discussed consistency with comprehensive plan, goals, and policies. Zigler and Stigleader opposed, citing density and impact concerns. Others supported subject to a development agreement requiring Echo Drive upgrades from McGuire to Corbyn, sidewalk on McGuire, and a restriction on multifamily. Motion passed 5–2 (Davis, Blue, Westlin, Mulloy, Mayor; Zigler and Stigleader opposed).

2. G2 Development Annexation (ANNX-25-2) & Zone Change to Residential Mixed (ZC-25-1)

  • Staff (John Manley, Planning Manager): The applicant (G2 Real Property Holdings, represented by Scott MacArthur) requests annexation of ~10 acres and rezone of an adjacent 8.3 acres from R1 to Residential Mixed (RM). The site is at the southeast corner of Horsehaven and North Serena Street, a county island. The proposed subdivision includes single‑family detached homes, cottage lots, and open space. Planning & Zoning recommended approval. The development agreement restricts commercial uses and limits multifamily.
  • Applicant (Scott MacArthur, Macarthur Engineering): Explained the RM zone allows up to 8 units/acre; the concept plan shows ~6 units/acre with a mix of lot sizes. The development will provide needed pedestrian and road improvements on Horsehaven and Syringa, completing key city connections. Emphasized homeownership and attainable housing.
  • Public Testimony: None.
  • Council Deliberation & Vote: All members expressed support, citing connectivity, filling a county island, housing diversity, and consistency with the comprehensive plan. Council approved the annexation and zoning unanimously (7–0).

3. Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Amendment #1

  • Staff (Jason, Finance Director): Presented a budget amendment covering items ordered but not received in FY2025 (e.g., dump trucks, Christmas tree, park equipment) and new requests (e.g., crash attenuator, Chase restroom repairs, city building condition assessment). Total impact across funds is ~$3.3 million.
  • Discussion: Council members raised concerns about mixing rollover items with new requests. Zigler noted the presentation language was unclear; Malloy suggested splitting the items into separate categories. Jacobsen and others agreed to complete the public hearing and bring back a parsed version for further deliberation at the next meeting.
  • Outcome: Motion to continue consideration to the next meeting, directing staff to break out the items, passed unanimously.

Unfinished Business – Ordinances (First & Only Reading)

  • Idaho Ranch Annexation (ANNX-24-8): Approved (7–0).
  • Early Dawn and Zeroth Annexation (ANNX-24-1): Approved (7–0).
  • O'Brien Vacation (VAC-25-1): Approved (7–0).

Discussion Items

Water Reclamation Facility Tertiary Treatment Project – Service Contract & Warranty Terms with Wigen Water Technologies

  • Staff (John Beach, Public Works Director): Requested approval of a service contract with Wigen for post‑construction technical support at no cost for a set number of hours, and acceptance of modified warranty terms on membrane modules. The standard 1‑year full / 6‑year pro‑rated warranty would be reduced because the manufacturer (DuPont) based its warranty on the ship date (2019), not the in‑service date (March 31, 2025), resulting in a ~22‑month gap. Wigen proposed a service contract to compensate for the reduced warranty, providing remote and on‑site support for four hours per month, valued at $14,000/year. Staff analysis estimated the warranty risk at ~$41,000, while the service contract could extend membrane life and save ~$143,000 per year of extended use. Council discussed the value and fairness; Nathan and others supported the recommendation.
  • Outcome: Motion to approve the service contract and modified warranty terms passed (7–0).

Highlands and Montrose Lift Station Standby Power Upgrades – Award to Valley Electric

  • Staff (Andrew Arbini, Projects Division Manager): Presented the low bid of $175,079 from Valley Electric (engineer’s estimate $212,000). Total with 10% contingency is $192,587, funded from the annual lift station replacement budget. The project includes new generators at two lift stations.
  • Outcome: Motion to award the contract passed (7–0).

Key Outcomes

  • Echo Estates Annexation: Approved 4–2; R2 zoning approved 5–2 with a development agreement requiring Echo Drive upgrades to city and highway district standards, a sidewalk on McGuire, and a restriction on multifamily.
  • G2 Development Annexation and Rezone: Approved unanimously.
  • FY2026 Budget Amendment #1: Public hearing closed; continuation to next meeting with itemized breakdown.
  • Three Ordinances (Idaho Ranch, Early Dawn/Zeroth annexations, O'Brien vacation): All approved on first reading and adopted.
  • Water Reclamation Service Contract: Approved.
  • Lift Station Power Upgrades: Awarded to Valley Electric.

Meeting Transcript

Call the meeting to order, please rise for the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God. Indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Welcome to the November 18th, 2025 Pulse Falls City Council meeting. Uh Shannon, please note that all council members are present. I will announce that we do have three public hearings tonight. And if anybody wishes to speak during those public hearings that are forms in the back of the chambers, please fill them out with your uh name and whether or not you wish to testify and turn them into our clerk Shannon up here. Um ceremonies, appointments, announcements. We do have an announcement. First of all, though, before I start, I'd just like to congratulate those who uh were in the past election and won the position. So congratulations to you, and I hope that wish you nothing but the best of luck and good success in the future. City Hall and City Business Office will be closed Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th, and observance of Thanksgiving. Police, fire, and rescue services for emergencies may be reached by calling 911. The police department will remain open for walk-in emergencies. For water related emergencies, please call 208-773-3517. Are there any amendments to the agenda tonight? Are there any declarations of conflict? Please present the consent calendar. So item A is minutes for the November 3rd, 2025 City Council meeting. Item B as accounts payable, November 5th through November 18th, 2025. Item C is the ARC subdivision, final plat approval. And item D is early dawn in Zeroth annexation grant of rights of way and easements. A N N X-24-1. Are there any questions on the shortest consent calendar in recent history? See not an entertainment motion. I move to approve the consent calendar as presented. Second. Motion seconds further discussions. Shannon, please take the roll. Davis. Hi. Blue? Aye. Westlin. Hi. Ziglar? Hi. Mulloy? Hi. Motion passes. Thank you. We are now at public hearings, and the first uh public hearing tonight is the Echo Estates Annexation A and A N X-24-5. And with that, I'll open the public hearing. Good evening, Mayor Jacobson and City Council. My name is Justin Souter. And as you said, the item before you this evening is Echo State's annexation, file number A and an X-24-5. The applicant is requesting the City Council to approve the annexation request for approximately 9.72 acres with uh medium density residential zoning designation into the city. You can see the site here in the red hatched lines. It's located generally west of the Gabriel State Subdivision at the terminus of Okanagan Avenue, and it is north of Echo Drive.

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