Post Falls City Council Meeting: December 3, 2025 – Annexation and Budget Approvals

The Post Falls City Council met on December 3, 2025, at 1:59 AM UTC (meeting held December 2, 2025) to consider a consent calendar, two public hearings, budget amendments, and other items. The meeting drew a large crowd for the McGuire annexation, which prompted extensive public comment both in favor and opposition. The Council approved the annexation with a 4–1 vote and also passed several ordinances and budget amendments.

Consent Calendar

The consent calendar included minutes from November 18, 2025, payables through December 3, 2025, September cash and investments, acceptance of canvassed election results, several annexation-related items (Linger, Painted Rock, G2, Echo Estates), final plat approvals, and a van replacement for Parks and Recreation. Council members asked about the van’s purpose and cost; after explanation, the consent calendar was approved unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• North Place Right-of-Way Vacation (VAC25-3): No public testimony was offered. The applicant, Kevin Schnydmiller, explained the vacation would align with the approved preliminary plat and that the city would receive 2.5 times the right-of-way area in new streets.
• McGuire Annexation (ANX25-4):
  • In Favor: Multiple speakers, including Wade Jacqueline, John Rudabaugh, Darren DeCody, Jason Knox, Chris Meyer, and Andrew Rogers, argued that the project provides much-needed entry-level housing, supports local workforce retention, and aligns with the comprehensive plan. Applicant Ray Kimball emphasized that the R2 zone with a single-family detached restriction would create smaller, more attainable lots (22 lots vs. 16 under R1) and that the developer would pay for road improvements, saving taxpayers over $670,000. A letter from McKenna Snyder was read in support.
  • Opposed: Over a dozen residents, including Patrick Graham, Tamara Dale, Gerald Dale, Michael Gardner, Ashley Tilton, Jacob Zink, and others, raised concerns about traffic congestion, safety near the railroad crossing, loss of rural character, increased taxes, and the misleading use of "affordable housing." They argued that the R2 density (up to 1,425 daily trips vs. 34 currently) would overwhelm infrastructure, jeopardize emergency services, and harm property values. Several noted the recent failure of a fire levy and stated that the annexation does not meet comprehensive plan goals to avoid urban sprawl.

Discussion Items

• McGuire Annexation Deliberation: Council members debated whether the annexation was in the city’s best interest. Councilman Weslin highlighted the need for starter homes and strategic right-of-way acquisition. Councilman Zigler noted the zoning consistency with the transitional future land use map. Councilman Stigleader voted no, citing existing undeveloped R2 parcels and uncertainty about affordability. Councilwoman Blue expressed sympathy for opponents but favored the project for continuity and infrastructure improvements. The mayor (non-voting) acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but emphasized private property rights. The final vote on approval was 4–1 (Weslin aye, Zigler aye, Blue aye, Stigleader no). The zoning (R2 with single-family detached restriction) was also approved 4–1 (same split).
• Budget Amendments: Finance Director Jason presented two budget amendments. The first (carryover of $2.6 million) funded items ordered in 2025 but not yet received, including fleet trucks, trail extensions, and park projects. The second ($703,000) used salary savings for items like a crash attenuator, police body cameras, and facility assessments. Both were approved unanimously.
• Water Reclamation Facility Contract Amendment: Andrew Arbini reported substantial completion of the tertiary upgrades and sought approval for a $1,800 amendment to Panhandle Area Council for wage compliance closeout. Approved unanimously.
• Duck Regulations: Council directed staff to research allowing ducks on smaller parcels (similar to chickens) and to consider increasing the permitted number of hens. The issue will return in May 2026.

Key Outcomes

• McGuire Annexation Approved: The Council approved the annexation of 18.11 acres (R2, single-family detached) with a 4–1 vote, directing staff to prepare a final ordinance and reasoned decision.
• Consent Calendar Approved: All 12 items passed without objection.
• Budget Amendment #1 (Carryover): Approved unanimously.
• Budget Amendment #2 (Salary Savings): Approved unanimously.
• Water Reclamation Contract Amendment: Approved unanimously.
• Ordinances Approved (all unanimously): Warren Field Park Vacation, Painted Rock Annexation, and Linger Annexation were placed on first and only reading and approved.
• Executive Session: Council entered a 15-minute executive session to discuss pending litigation (Idaho Code 74-206F). No action was taken.