Post Falls City Council Meeting - July 22, 2026

The Post Falls City Council met on July 22, 2026, with all members present except Councilor Molloy (excused). The meeting covered consent calendar approvals, an ordinance vacation, a preliminary budget resolution, a sewer contract amendment, a utility write-off, citizen comments on historic preservation, and scheduling of a future budget workshop. All votes were unanimous.

Consent Calendar

• Item A: Approved minutes from the July 7, 2026, City Council meeting.
• Item B: Approved payables for July 8–22, 2026.
• Item C: Approved the Holstein Avenue Right-of-Way dedication to the City of Post Falls.
• Item D: Approved the North Place East, Fifth Edition subdivision construction improvement agreement.
• Item E: Approved the Iron Vale subdivision final plat.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kim Brown (Post Falls Historical Society) spoke in support of historic preservation. She emphasized the role of comprehensive planning in saving landmarks like the Chapin Building and water tower, and requested the city establish a historic preservation commission or citizens advisory committee to improve communication and ensure the preservation of the city’s identity for future generations. She noted that five-minute citizen comments limit the community’s voice on this issue.

Discussion Items

• Millworks Vacation Ordinance (VAC 26-1): The ordinance vacating three rights-of-way was placed on first and only reading by title under suspension of the rules. It passed unanimously.
• Preliminary Budget Resolution FY2027: The resolution sets the highest possible amount for tax increases for advertising purposes, but does not bind the council to that amount. Councilor Ziegler clarified the "worst-case scenario" language, and the resolution was approved unanimously.
• Pole Line and Highway 41 Gravity Sewer Contract Amendment: Public Works Director Andrew Arbini presented a request to increase the contract with Ardura by $16,000 for additional services required for nighttime and weekend work, offset by a contractor deduct of the same amount, resulting in zero net cost. The contractor (Gritty Lands Development) requested night work to expedite intersection work. Councilor Luca praised the contractor’s collaborative approach. Council comments also addressed investigation of potential causes of sewer issues and potential future recoveries from responsible parties. The amendment was approved unanimously.
• Utility Write-Off: Finance Director Jason Faulkner presented three utility accounts for write-off: one deceased customer with no estate (house sold via tax deed), and two defunct homeowner associations (HOAs) with no board or funds. Council discussed the broader issue of failing HOAs and possible legislative solutions (e.g., allowing cities to take over HOA obligations via property tax). The write-off was approved unanimously.
• Citizens’ Issues: Mayor and council responded to Ms. Brown’s comments, affirming their commitment to preserving historic landmarks and noting they are working on solutions.
• Scheduling Workshop Discussion: Council agreed to hold a budget workshop on August 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM, to prepare for the August 18 public hearing on the budget.
• Council Comments: Councilor Ziegler reported a citizen complaint about low manhole covers on Spokane Street, which create driving hazards. Public Works Director John Beach advised reporting such issues to streetinfo@postfalls.gov for prompt attention.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved unanimously.
• Millworks Vacation Ordinance placed on first reading and approved unanimously.
• Preliminary Budget Resolution FY2027 approved unanimously.
• Pole Line and Highway 41 Gravity Sewer Contract Amendment approved unanimously (zero net cost).
• Utility Write-Off approved unanimously.
• Budget workshop scheduled for August 11, 2026, at 5:00 PM.