Post Falls City Council Regular Meeting - September 16, 2026

The Post Falls City Council met on September 16, 2026, to address consent calendar items, two annexation ordinances, a road repair change order, and two items related to the water reclamation facility solids handling improvements project. The council also approved an intergovernmental agreement for prosecution services with Rathdrum and heard public comment regarding the cancellation of the city's utility subsidy program.

Consent Calendar

• Items A–G were approved unanimously. These included: minutes from September 1, 2026 (Item A); payables for September 2–16, 2026 (Item B); June cash and investments (Item C); disposal of parks equipment—a foam stream unit—via auction (Item D); Lucky Larry Subdivision Master Development Agreement (Item E); Prairie Avenue Annexation Acceptance of Rights-of-Way and Easements (Item F); and McKinley Meadows Special Use Permit Reasoned Decision (Item G). Councilmember Stig Leader inquired about the Oasis domestic violence budget amendment and the foam stream unit’s value and disposal method. Parks and Recreation Director Chris Hammerman explained the unit was purchased during COVID for sanitizing playgrounds and is no longer needed, with an estimated value of $4,000.

Unfinished Business

• Hargrave Hathaway Annexation Ordinance (ANX-22-8): Placed on first reading by title only under suspension of the rules. The ordinance annexes approximately 9.63 acres at 1349 and 1421 West Pole Avenue and amends the official zoning map. Approved unanimously.
• Prairie Avenue Annexation Ordinance (ANX-25-5): Placed on first reading by title only under suspension of the rules. The ordinance annexes approximately 20.043 acres north of West Prairie Avenue and amends the official zoning map. Approved unanimously.

Discussion Items

• Westwood Water Distribution Project Phase 1 – Road Repair Change Order (Item C): Project manager Jackson Fleshman presented a change order for road repairs on Ponderosa Boulevard due to undocumented fill discovered during water line replacement. The requested amount was $215,519.02, with $185,902.02 needed beyond remaining contingency. Public Works Director John Beech noted that costs would be split between the water fund (for the road portion the water project would have fixed anyway) and the city’s street reconstruction budget. Councilmembers discussed savings from bundling, contractor pricing safeguards, and the condition of the road. A motion to approve passed unanimously.
• Water Reclamation Facility Solids Handling Improvements – Project 1 Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) with Apollo Inc. (Item D): Project Division Manager Andrew Arbini presented the GMP of approximately $2.4 million (including $32,000 contractor contingency) using a Construction Manager General Contractor (CMGC) delivery method. Councilmembers debated the premium of GMP vs. change-order approaches, the risk register, and cost reconciliation with design engineer JUB. A motion to approve the GMP passed unanimously.
• Water Reclamation Facility Solids Handling Improvements – Construction Management Services Amendment with JUB Engineers (Item E): An amendment of $344,600 for construction management services for Project 1. Arbini clarified this was planned and budgeted. Approved unanimously.
• Fiscal Year 2027 Intergovernmental Agreement for Prosecution Services with Rathdrum (Item A – New Business): City Attorney Field presented the renewal, which increased by 4.4%. Councilmember Stig Leader questioned why the increase did not match the 6.6% wage growth, arguing Post Falls residents may be subsidizing Rathdrum. Field explained the methodology—based on a per-case cost model using three years of data—and noted that contracts are renegotiated annually with a catch-up effect. Councilmembers acknowledged the need for more transparent methodology in future years but approved the current agreement to respect Rathdrum’s already-approved budget. A motion to approve passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Nick Berger, a Post Falls resident, spoke on behalf of his disabled veteran father-in-law regarding the elimination of the city’s utility subsidy program. He stated that the $52/month subsidy was a crucial lifeline for vulnerable seniors and disabled veterans living on fixed incomes, and argued that the city’s decision contradicted its ability to fund federal immigration enforcement (287(g) program). Mayor Stig Leader responded that direct cash transfers are not a proper role of government, and encouraged use of community organizations.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved unanimously (7-0).
• Hargrave Hathaway Annexation Ordinance approved unanimously (7-0).
• Prairie Avenue Annexation Ordinance approved unanimously (7-0).
• Westwood Water Distribution Project Phase 1 Road Repair Change Order approved (7-0) for $215,519.02, funded from water and street reconstruction budgets.
• Water Reclamation Facility Solids Handling GMP with Apollo Inc. approved (7-0).
• JUB Engineers Construction Management Services Amendment approved (7-0).
• IGA for Prosecution Services with Rathdrum approved (7-0) with direction to revisit the methodology for future contracts. Council requested a workshop to refine cost allocation.
• Utility Subsidy Program: Council discussed the abrupt cancellation and short notice (apparently 30 days). Council members expressed concern that notice was insufficient and directed staff to verify the effective date and consider extending the program to allow affected residents time to plan. Councilmember Stig Leader suggested exploring a voluntary “round-up” donation program. The city will follow up with the speaker’s father-in-law.