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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Twin Falls City Council Meeting - May 4, 2026

City Council — Monday, May 4, 2026

BodyTwin Falls, Idaho

SessionCity Council

DateMonday, May 4, 2026

StatusFILED

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Speaker 1

0:01

Okay, we'll go ahead and call the city council meeting for May 4th, 2026 to order for the city of Twin Falls.

0:09

I will confirm that we have five members uh in chambers tonight, and Councilman Reed and Councilman Murray are excused.

0:18

All those that would like to say the pledge allegiance, please stand if you're able

Unassigned speaker

0:22

to.

Speaker 2

0:30

To the Republic for which it stands one nation, invisible.

Speaker 1

0:40

Thank you.

0:42

Okay, since it's the first uh council meeting of the month, we have an invocation by Reverend Andrew Hamblin.

0:54

We'll make sure that the green lights on if you don't mind, and we're good.

0:59

Thank

Unassigned speaker

1:00

you.

Unassigned speaker

1:01

Speaker 3

1:01

thank you.

1:02

I'm Pastor Andy Hamlin from our Savior Lutheran Church, and let us pray.

1:09

Good and gracious God, you are the source of all wisdom.

1:13

In you, we know the importance of compassion, mercy, grace, and loving kindness.

1:19

Be with us today as we gather with gratitude for this community and for all who serve

Unassigned speaker

1:24

it.

Unassigned speaker

1:25

Speaker 3

1:25

give you thanks for the diversity of people, traditions, and beliefs that make this city strong.

1:31

Help us to listen to one another with respect, to seek understanding across differences, and to work together for the good of

Unassigned speaker

1:38

all.

Speaker 3

1:39

Guide the members of this council in their deliberations.

1:42

Grant them wisdom and decision making, integrity and leadership, and compassion for those whose voices are often unheard.

1:51

Inspire all who serve this city to pursue justice, promote peace, and strengthen the well-being of every neighbor.

Unassigned speaker

1:58

And

Speaker 3

1:58

we pray especially for the first responders who serve the city and all city employees who strive to make Twin Falls a wonderful place to

Unassigned speaker

2:06

live.

Speaker 3

2:07

Bless this meeting and the work done here today.

2:10

May it be marked by honesty, humility, and a shared commitment to the common

Unassigned speaker

2:14

good.

Unassigned speaker

2:15

Speaker 3

2:15

the spirit of unity and hope and the sure knowledge that we abide in you and find our dwelling places in your presence, we pray for your blessing and the movement of your spirit to fill this gathering and all who come before the council this evening.

2:30

Amen.

Speaker 1

2:32

Thank

Unassigned speaker

2:33

you.

Speaker 1

2:35

Okay, we'll move into our next items of business, and that will be uh we've got three proclamations tonight.

2:42

So I'll go ahead and start start reading those and we'll present those.

2:47

The first one is uh public service recognition week, whereas Americans are served every single day by public servants at the federal, state, county, and city levels, and these unsung heroes do the work that keeps our nation working, whereas many public servants, including men military personnel, police officers, firefighters, and others risk their lives each day in service to the people of the United States and around the

Unassigned speaker

3:16

world.

Speaker 1

3:18

Whereas public servants include planners, public works crews, first responders, librarians, parks and recreation staff, IT specialists, engineers, human resource specialists, building inspectors, finance officers, prosecutors, and countless other occupations.

3:37

They provide the diverse services demanded by the American people of their government with efficiency and integrity.

3:44

And whereas without these public servants, at every level, continuity would be impossible in a democracy that regularly changes its leadership and elected officials.

3:55

Therefore, I, Jason Brown, mayor of the city of Twin Falls, do hereby proclaim the week of May 3rd through the 9th as public service recognition week.

4:05

All citizens are encouraged to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of government employees at all levels, federal, state, county, and city.

4:15

And Ancena, I think you're going to receive this, but the request is when we take a picture.

4:20

Any of those that

Unassigned speaker

4:21

are

Speaker 1

4:21

at work for the city or public servants, please come down.

4:25

I will say before that,

Speaker 2

4:26

you

Unassigned speaker

4:26

know,

Speaker 1

4:27

being a former employee of the city of Twin Falls.

4:30

I know how hard everybody works.

4:31

Appreciate this, putting putting this together.

Unassigned speaker

4:34

Um, continue to work with a lot of them on a daily basis and have uh have a lot of great friendships with uh the the city staff.

Speaker 1

4:41

So thank

Unassigned speaker

4:42

you.

Speaker 1

4:51

You gotta come down.

4:58

Better looking people than me, right, Josh.

Speaker 4

5:09

You're gonna have to double row it.

Summary of Proceedings

Twin Falls City Council Meeting - May 4, 2026

The Twin Falls City Council held its regular meeting on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers at 203 Main Ave E. Mayor Jason Brown presided, joined by Vice Mayor Craig Hawkins and Council Members Ruth Pierce, Cherie Vollmer, and Grayson Stone. Council Members Nathan Murray and Christopher Reid were excused. A quorum was present, and all five voting members voted in favor of every action item requiring a vote.

Proclamations

Mayor Brown presented proclamations for Public Service Recognition Week (May 3–9), Peace Officer Memorial/National Police Week (May 10–16), and Idaho Gives Week (May 4–7).
Representatives from the city, the Twin Falls Police Department, and the Idaho Community Foundation accepted the proclamations. The Idaho Gives campaign had raised over $1.1 million in the first few hours of the day.

Consent Calendar

The Council unanimously approved the Consent Calendar (5-0), which included:
- Approval of the April 27, 2026, meeting minutes.
- Accounts Payable for April 23–29, 2026.
- Declaration of city equipment (a 2009 Volvo Roller and a 2019 Sweeper) as surplus for online auction sale.
- Special Event Permits for the Twin Falls Pride Festival, Twin Falls Pride Kickoff Rally, Summer Reading Kickoff 2026, Twin Falls Municipal Band 121st Concert Season, Magic Valley Law Enforcement Memorial, St. Edward’s Catholic School Variety Show, Girls on the Run 5K, and Market on Main.
- Findings of Fact for a rezone to add a Professional Office Overlay (PZ26-0008 ZDC).

Discussion Items & Action Items

Twin Falls School District HVAC Fee Waivers: Building Official Matthew Long presented two fee waiver requests for school HVAC upgrades funded by state modernization funds. Dr. Brady Dickinson of the School District explained that waiving the fees allows the district to reinvest the savings back into the systems.
- Robert Stuart Elementary (644 Caswell Ave W, Permit #26-0878): A fee waiver of $29,042.89 on a $6.31 million project.
- Bickel Elementary (607 2nd Ave E, Permit #26-0886): A fee waiver of $15,403.16 on a $2.97 million project. The building was constructed in 1938.
Crack-Sealing Program Expansion: Street Superintendent Mark Thomson requested approval to purchase two crack-sealing machines and related equipment for a total cost not to exceed $200,000, to be funded from street reserves. He explained that the current single machine is prone to breakdowns, halting the program. Expanding to two crews would provide redundancy and significantly improve preventative roadway maintenance. Council Member Stone asked about the expected lifespan of the equipment, which was stated to be approximately 11 years.
Playground at Elizabeth and Hankins: Parks and Recreation Director Wendy Davis requested approval of a $190,720 quote from Big T Recreation for playground purchase and installation. The park land was the first acquired using park impact fees, and the developer required the entrance to the subdivision to be landscaped and developed promptly. Council Member Stone inquired about a ninja course listed as an exclusion on the quote; Director Davis confirmed it is planned for a future phase.
Vista Bonita Expansion Project: Director Davis requested approval of a $1,643,945 Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) from CORE Construction for the park expansion. The project is supported by $2 million in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). The GMP covers construction of a parking lot, walking trails, a dog park, and other amenities. Council Member Pierce asked about the timeline, confirming a goal of completing the project by the end of October 2026, and about how the public can track progress (online updates provided by CORE Construction).

Public Comments & Testimony

Maria Hernandez, a Twin Falls resident, used the General Public Input period to thank Les Schwab on Blue Lakes and an employee named Wyatt for professionally replacing her flat tire at no cost, which she greatly appreciated given her budget constraints.

Key Outcomes

Robert Stuart Elementary Fee Waiver: Motion by Council Member Pierce, seconded by Hawkins. Approved 5-0.
Bickel Elementary Fee Waiver: Motion by Council Member Pierce, seconded by Vollmer. Approved 5-0.
Crack-Sealing Equipment Purchase: Motion by Council Member Vollmer, seconded by Pierce. Approved 5-0.
Playground Quote Approval: Motion by Council Member Hawkins, seconded by Pierce. Approved 5-0.
Vista Bonita GMP Approval: Motion by Council Member Pierce, seconded by Hawkins. Approved 5-0.
Executive Session: The Council voted unanimously (5-0) to adjourn to Executive Session at 5:42 PM to discuss personnel evaluations, trade negotiations, and legal matters as permitted by Idaho Code § 74-206(1)(b), (e), and (f). The session concluded at 6:45 PM.

Meeting Transcript

Okay, we'll go ahead and call the city council meeting for May 4th, 2026 to order for the city of Twin Falls. I will confirm that we have five members uh in chambers tonight, and Councilman Reed and Councilman Murray are excused. All those that would like to say the pledge allegiance, please stand if you're able to. To the Republic for which it stands one nation, invisible. Thank you. Okay, since it's the first uh council meeting of the month, we have an invocation by Reverend Andrew Hamblin. We'll make sure that the green lights on if you don't mind, and we're good. Thank you. So thank you. I'm Pastor Andy Hamlin from our Savior Lutheran Church, and let us pray. Good and gracious God, you are the source of all wisdom. In you, we know the importance of compassion, mercy, grace, and loving kindness. Be with us today as we gather with gratitude for this community and for all who serve it. We give you thanks for the diversity of people, traditions, and beliefs that make this city strong. Help us to listen to one another with respect, to seek understanding across differences, and to work together for the good of all. Guide the members of this council in their deliberations. Grant them wisdom and decision making, integrity and leadership, and compassion for those whose voices are often unheard. Inspire all who serve this city to pursue justice, promote peace, and strengthen the well-being of every neighbor. And we pray especially for the first responders who serve the city and all city employees who strive to make Twin Falls a wonderful place to live. Bless this meeting and the work done here today. May it be marked by honesty, humility, and a shared commitment to the common good. In the spirit of unity and hope and the sure knowledge that we abide in you and find our dwelling places in your presence, we pray for your blessing and the movement of your spirit to fill this gathering and all who come before the council this evening. Amen. Thank you. Okay, we'll move into our next items of business, and that will be uh we've got three proclamations tonight. So I'll go ahead and start start reading those and we'll present those. The first one is uh public service recognition week, whereas Americans are served every single day by public servants at the federal, state, county, and city levels, and these unsung heroes do the work that keeps our nation working, whereas many public servants, including men military personnel, police officers, firefighters, and others risk their lives each day in service to the people of the United States and around the world. Whereas public servants include planners, public works crews, first responders, librarians, parks and recreation staff, IT specialists, engineers, human resource specialists, building inspectors, finance officers, prosecutors, and countless other occupations. They provide the diverse services demanded by the American people of their government with efficiency and integrity. And whereas without these public servants, at every level, continuity would be impossible in a democracy that regularly changes its leadership and elected officials. Therefore, I, Jason Brown, mayor of the city of Twin Falls, do hereby proclaim the week of May 3rd through the 9th as public service recognition week. All citizens are encouraged to recognize the accomplishments and contributions of government employees at all levels, federal, state, county, and city. And Ancena, I think you're going to receive this, but the request is when we take a picture. Any of those that are at work for the city or public servants, please come down. I will say before that, you

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Twin Falls City Council Meeting - May 4, 2026

Proclamations

Mayor Brown presented proclamations for Public Service Recognition Week (May 3–9), Peace Officer Memorial/National Police Week (May 10–16), and Idaho Gives Week (May 4–7).

Representatives from the city, the Twin Falls Police Department, and the Idaho Community Foundation accepted the proclamations. The Idaho Gives campaign had raised over $1.1 million in the first few hours of the day.

Consent Calendar

The Council unanimously approved the Consent Calendar (5-0), which included:

Approval of the April 27, 2026, meeting minutes.
Accounts Payable for April 23–29, 2026.
Declaration of city equipment (a 2009 Volvo Roller and a 2019 Sweeper) as surplus for online auction sale.
Special Event Permits for the Twin Falls Pride Festival, Twin Falls Pride Kickoff Rally, Summer Reading Kickoff 2026, Twin Falls Municipal Band 121st Concert Season, Magic Valley Law Enforcement Memorial, St. Edward’s Catholic School Variety Show, Girls on the Run 5K, and Market on Main.
Findings of Fact for a rezone to add a Professional Office Overlay (PZ26-0008 ZDC).

Discussion Items & Action Items

Twin Falls School District HVAC Fee Waivers: Building Official Matthew Long presented two fee waiver requests for school HVAC upgrades funded by state modernization funds. Dr. Brady Dickinson of the School District explained that waiving the fees allows the district to reinvest the savings back into the systems.

Robert Stuart Elementary (644 Caswell Ave W, Permit #26-0878): A fee waiver of $29,042.89 on a $6.31 million project.
Bickel Elementary (607 2nd Ave E, Permit #26-0886): A fee waiver of $15,403.16 on a $2.97 million project. The building was constructed in 1938.

Crack-Sealing Program Expansion: Street Superintendent Mark Thomson requested approval to purchase two crack-sealing machines and related equipment for a total cost not to exceed $200,000, to be funded from street reserves. He explained that the current single machine is prone to breakdowns, halting the program. Expanding to two crews would provide redundancy and significantly improve preventative roadway maintenance. Council Member Stone asked about the expected lifespan of the equipment, which was stated to be approximately 11 years.

Playground at Elizabeth and Hankins: Parks and Recreation Director Wendy Davis requested approval of a $190,720 quote from Big T Recreation for playground purchase and installation. The park land was the first acquired using park impact fees, and the developer required the entrance to the subdivision to be landscaped and developed promptly. Council Member Stone inquired about a ninja course listed as an exclusion on the quote; Director Davis confirmed it is planned for a future phase.

Vista Bonita Expansion Project: Director Davis requested approval of a $1,643,945 Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) from CORE Construction for the park expansion. The project is supported by $2 million in State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF). The GMP covers construction of a parking lot, walking trails, a dog park, and other amenities. Council Member Pierce asked about the timeline, confirming a goal of completing the project by the end of October 2026, and about how the public can track progress (online updates provided by CORE Construction).

Public Comments & Testimony

Maria Hernandez, a Twin Falls resident, used the General Public Input period to thank Les Schwab on Blue Lakes and an employee named Wyatt for professionally replacing her flat tire at no cost, which she greatly appreciated given her budget constraints.

Key Outcomes

Robert Stuart Elementary Fee Waiver: Motion by Council Member Pierce, seconded by Hawkins. Approved 5-0.

Bickel Elementary Fee Waiver: Motion by Council Member Pierce, seconded by Vollmer. Approved 5-0.

Crack-Sealing Equipment Purchase: Motion by Council Member Vollmer, seconded by Pierce. Approved 5-0.

Playground Quote Approval: Motion by Council Member Hawkins, seconded by Pierce. Approved 5-0.

Vista Bonita GMP Approval: Motion by Council Member Pierce, seconded by Hawkins. Approved 5-0.

Executive Session: The Council voted unanimously (5-0) to adjourn to Executive Session at 5:42 PM to discuss personnel evaluations, trade negotiations, and legal matters as permitted by Idaho Code § 74-206(1)(b), (e), and (f). The session concluded at 6:45 PM.

Meeting Transcript