Meeting colors

OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Post Falls City Council Meeting - March 18, 2026

City Council — Wednesday, March 18, 2026

BodyPost Falls, Idaho

SessionCity Council

DateWednesday, March 18, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 4:06:57

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

1:02

All right, we'll call the meeting to order.

1:04

Oh, okay.

1:08

Do I have the invocation here?

1:10

Almighty God send down upon those who hold just who hold office in this city the spirit of wisdom, compassion, and justice.

1:15

Grant that with steadfast purpose we may faithfully serve our community, seeking the common good, protecting the vulnerable, and promoting the well-being and harmony of all who dwell here.

1:23

Amen.

1:24

Amen.

1:25

Pledge.

1:26

Pledge allegiance.

1:33

One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all.

1:47

Okay, clerk will note uh standing clerk will note all uh members are present and accounted for.

1:53

Um for announcements, we have several.

1:57

Uh first of all, if you're here for the um public hearing on the gas station um appeal, that's been withdrawn, so that's not happening tonight.

2:06

Um you don't have to worry about that anymore.

2:08

Um if you're here from uh Little League about the um the fields, there's been no discussions from the city about changing the fees for this.

2:16

I don't know where the rumor started.

2:18

Um and I can't speak for the school district, but we haven't talked about changing those fees at all.

2:22

Um and you're of course you're welcome to speak during public comment uh at the end of the meeting.

2:27

Um there's also going to be a uh a trash pickup day along I-90.

2:31

We've gotten a lot of complaints about that, and it's it's looked pretty bad that there's trash along along the freeway there.

2:37

That is maintained by ITD by the state and not by the city, but they do have a volunteer program for going out there to pick up trash.

2:43

And there will be a group doing that on April 11th, and there'll be more details to follow on the city's website for that.

2:49

Uh the city is accepting applications for a vacancy on the parks and recreation commission.

2:53

Those interested in serving can apply online at Postfalls.gov.

2:56

Application deadline is this Thursday, March 19th.

2:59

Postfalls Parks and Recreation is hosting a recruitment rally job fair on Wednesday, March 25th, from four to six thirty at the Black Bay Depot.

3:06

They are hiring full and part-time seasonal positions.

3:09

Great opportunities for high school students, college students, teachers, and retirees.

3:20

This is a great opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, or simply get to know the officers who help keep our community safe.

3:25

Our newest canine, UNO will also be there.

3:28

Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee, courtesy of the police department.

3:31

And Post Falls Re uh Parks and Recreation is hosting the annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 4th at Cameleon Park.

3:37

Thousands of eggs, golden ticket prizes, and a visit from the Easter bunny will make this one of our favorite spring traditions.

3:43

The egg hunts will have staggering start times based on age starting at 1 p.m.

3:48

More details on these events can be found at Postfalls.gov.

3:54

Okay, I think that's all for the announcements.

3:56

Uh first item up is Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency annual report.

4:17

Good evening, City Councillors, Mayor Westland.

4:20

This annual report is required under Idaho Code 50-20 of Urban Renewal Law.

4:25

Chapter 2006, paragraph five, subparagraph C.

4:29

The purpose is to report annual activities for the preceding calendar year to the city council by March 31st.

4:38

The financial information required as part of the annual report documentation is available in both the city clerk's office and the agency's office, as well as on our website, www.pfur pfur a dot com.

5:03

Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency was created by the city in 1991.

5:08

We occupy office space in the Chamber of Commerce building across the drive.

5:13

We hold commission meetings on the third Thursday of each month in these very chambers.

5:19

We have three specialized subcommittees that meet as necessary.

5:24

We have scheduled workshops as needed, and the public is always welcome to attend.

5:33

The agency's mission statement is to encourage sound economic and community improvement that enhances the overall quality of life in Post Falls by providing an improving infrastructure, attracting jobs, and enhancing citizen safety and health.

5:51

Before we cover our active districts, I'd like to provide you with a brief review of our closed districts and their positive impact on the present.

6:02

This map shows the overall outline of the agency's seven closed urban renewal districts.

6:08

It provides a clear view of how the city of Post Falls and the Urban Renewal Agency have effectively utilized the program to promote sound economic and community improvement in mostly commercial and industrial areas during the past 35 years of growth.

6:26

In our closed districts, urban renewal funded improvement costs have totaled 68.4 million dollars.

6:34

Total district property valuation increase due to development during the term of these districts was 1.08 billion dollars, equating to over 2.64 million in funds to the city of Post Falls, which continues annually as part of the city's expanded property tax base.

6:54

When the these urban renewal districts closed, rebates of unexpended funds to the listed task taxing districts totaled over $2.23 million.

7:05

Additionally, the agent has been proactive to return unobligated funds, increment funds to these taxing entities during the term of an urban renewal districts or during the term of an urban renewal district.

7:19

In 2009 and 2012, funds totaling $5.5 million in the East Post Falls District were rebated to the taxing entities.

8:07

This highlights how urban renewal has significantly expanded Post Falls property tax base, whether the district was created as a deteriorated according to Idaho Code Title 50, Chapter 20, or as a competitively disadvantaged border community area under Title 50, Chapter 29, or both.

8:29

Also, let's not forget about the added jobs and economic opportunity from these urban renewal districts for the citizens of Post Falls.

8:39

Now moving to our current districts, this map shows the locations and names of our three active districts.

8:45

It's important to understand that the district proponents build public infrastructure and pay for it up front.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Zoning And Development████████████████████████████████32%

Procedural███████████████████████████27%

Parks and Recreation██████████10%

Engineering And Infrastructure████████8%

Community Engagement██████6%

Economic Development█████5%

Transportation Safety█████5%

Personnel Matters███3%

Urban Renewal█1%

Summary of Proceedings

Post Falls City Council Meeting - March 18, 2026

The Post Falls City Council met on March 18, 2026, for a regular meeting lasting approximately 4 hours and 20 minutes. The agenda included an annual report from the Urban Renewal Agency, appointment of a planning and zoning commissioner, approval of a consent calendar, a public hearing on the Prairie Avenue annexation, and discussions on personnel policy, public works standards, citizen concerns, and a homeowner association maintenance issue.

Consent Calendar

Approved minutes from the March 3, 2026, City Council meeting.
Approved payables for March 4 through March 18, 2026.
Approved the January 2026 Cash and Investments Report.
Approved the park furnishing surplus to be sold at auction.

Public Comments & Testimony

Shirley Leonard (resident): Expressed concerns about the need for more open spaces, parks, and safe play areas for children, especially near schools. Also noted the closure of a bike path along Prairie Avenue and safety issues at Highway 41 and I-90.
Bill Carlson (representing Little League and American Legion Baseball): Requested relief from the $12,000 annual fee the Little League pays to use city-owned baseball fields. Noted that the league performs maintenance (e.g., repairing scoreboards, purchasing dirt) and that other nearby cities do not charge Little League for field use. Several other speakers (Pansy Baker, Stephen Suji, Beth Vina Milum, Joel Brown, Julie Hensley) supported this position, emphasizing the nonprofit nature of youth baseball and the economic barrier the fee creates for families. Council members expressed surprise at the fee amount and committed to reviewing the issue.
David Leonard (resident): Praised the city engineer's presentation on public works standards and asked how the city enforces compliance, given his experience with road construction.
Nick Bonds (U.S. Senate candidate): Gave notice of his candidacy.

Discussion Items

Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency Annual Report: Director Johns presented the required annual report. Key statistics: closed districts invested $68.4 million, generating $1.08 billion in property valuation increase and over $2.64 million in ongoing annual funds to the city. Three active districts collected $2.257 million in tax increment in 2025. The agency denied requests from fire and ambulance districts to withdraw, citing contractual obligations. Council members praised the agency's work.
Appointment of Planning & Zoning Commissioner Michael Flock: Flock, a longtime resident and building center manager, answered questions about his background, views on growth, and understanding of the role. He expressed support for enforcing existing regulations, encouraging mixed-use development, and balancing private property rights with community concerns. The council voted to confirm the appointment.
Prairie Avenue Annexation (File A&X-25-5): The applicant, Copper Basin Construction, sought to annex ~20 acres with R1 (single-family residential) zoning. Staff reported that the surrounding area is zoned for commercial and higher-density residential. Previous annexation attempts were denied due to traffic and infrastructure concerns. The applicant stated openness to other zones. After discussion, the council voted to continue the zoning matter to allow staff to explore a residential mixed-use (RM) zone with a development agreement addressing traffic mitigation and future road connections (Cecil Road).
Personnel Policy – Animals in the Workplace Exemption: Staff proposed a policy to provide a clear process for requesting exemptions to the no-animals rule (e.g., for bereavement support). Some council members expressed concerns about potential abuse and preference for telework options. The policy was approved.
Standards for Public Works Construction: The city engineer presented updated standards covering water, sewer, transportation, and stormwater. The standards align with national/state requirements and aim to improve infrastructure longevity. The council approved the updated standards.
Harmony Place HOA Maintenance Discussion: Community Development Director Bob Sealer reported that the HOA, established in 1995, is seeking to dissolve and have the city take over maintenance of common areas (landscaped tracts, drainage easements). Staff recommended against city takeover due to precedent concerns. Council members discussed enforcement mechanisms for future developments and considered alternatives like local improvement districts. No action was taken.

Key Outcomes

Urban Renewal Report: Accepted as presented.
Planning & Zoning Appointment: Approved (5-0-1, with one council member opposing but not recorded in roll call).
Prairie Avenue Annexation: Approved; zoning continued to a future meeting for consideration of an RM designation and development agreement.
Consent Calendar: Approved.
Personnel Policy – Animals in Workplace: Approved (majority vote, with one nay).
Public Works Construction Standards: Approved.
Little League Field Fees: Council directed staff to bring back the current fee agreement and explore options for relief.
Executive Session: Motion to enter executive session (purpose not specified) was made and seconded; meeting adjourned before session concluded.

Meeting Transcript

All right, we'll call the meeting to order. Oh, okay. Do I have the invocation here? Almighty God send down upon those who hold just who hold office in this city the spirit of wisdom, compassion, and justice. Grant that with steadfast purpose we may faithfully serve our community, seeking the common good, protecting the vulnerable, and promoting the well-being and harmony of all who dwell here. Amen. Amen. Pledge. Pledge allegiance. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Okay, clerk will note uh standing clerk will note all uh members are present and accounted for. Um for announcements, we have several. Uh first of all, if you're here for the um public hearing on the gas station um appeal, that's been withdrawn, so that's not happening tonight. Um you don't have to worry about that anymore. Um if you're here from uh Little League about the um the fields, there's been no discussions from the city about changing the fees for this. I don't know where the rumor started. Um and I can't speak for the school district, but we haven't talked about changing those fees at all. Um and you're of course you're welcome to speak during public comment uh at the end of the meeting. Um there's also going to be a uh a trash pickup day along I-90. We've gotten a lot of complaints about that, and it's it's looked pretty bad that there's trash along along the freeway there. That is maintained by ITD by the state and not by the city, but they do have a volunteer program for going out there to pick up trash. And there will be a group doing that on April 11th, and there'll be more details to follow on the city's website for that. Uh the city is accepting applications for a vacancy on the parks and recreation commission. Those interested in serving can apply online at Postfalls.gov. Application deadline is this Thursday, March 19th. Postfalls Parks and Recreation is hosting a recruitment rally job fair on Wednesday, March 25th, from four to six thirty at the Black Bay Depot. They are hiring full and part-time seasonal positions. Great opportunities for high school students, college students, teachers, and retirees. This is a great opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, or simply get to know the officers who help keep our community safe. Our newest canine, UNO will also be there. Enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee, courtesy of the police department. And Post Falls Re uh Parks and Recreation is hosting the annual Easter egg hunt on Saturday, April 4th at Cameleon Park. Thousands of eggs, golden ticket prizes, and a visit from the Easter bunny will make this one of our favorite spring traditions. The egg hunts will have staggering start times based on age starting at 1 p.m. More details on these events can be found at Postfalls.gov. Okay, I think that's all for the announcements. Uh first item up is Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency annual report. Good evening, City Councillors, Mayor Westland. This annual report is required under Idaho Code 50-20 of Urban Renewal Law. Chapter 2006, paragraph five, subparagraph C. The purpose is to report annual activities for the preceding calendar year to the city council by March 31st. The financial information required as part of the annual report documentation is available in both the city clerk's office and the agency's office, as well as on our website, www.pfur pfur a dot com. Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency was created by the city in 1991. We occupy office space in the Chamber of Commerce building across the drive. We hold commission meetings on the third Thursday of each month in these very chambers. We have three specialized subcommittees that meet as necessary. We have scheduled workshops as needed, and the public is always welcome to attend. The agency's mission statement is to encourage sound economic and community improvement that enhances the overall quality of life in Post Falls by providing an improving infrastructure, attracting jobs, and enhancing citizen safety and health. Before we cover our active districts, I'd like to provide you with a brief review of our closed districts and their positive impact on the present. This map shows the overall outline of the agency's seven closed urban renewal districts.

SUMMARIZED BY OPENPUBLICA AI

TRANSCRIPT VIA PUBLIC VIDEO
openpublica.com