Speaker numbers apply only to this recording. Names come from transcript evidence. “Possibly” marks uncertain attribution.
The Twin Falls City Council met on May 18, 2026 at 5:00 PM at 203 Main Ave E, with Mayor Jason Brown presiding and six council members present (Councilwoman Cherie Vollmer excused). The council approved consent items, conducted swearing-in and certification ceremonies for police officers, recognized an emergency vehicle technician certification, debated and approved adding delineators to Washington Street North for traffic safety, approved construction and lighting contracts, allocated funds for a signage plan at Shoshone Falls, authorized a lease of water shares, heard public comments, and held a public hearing on zoning title amendments. All actions were passed with most votes being unanimous.
Proposal: Approve adding delineators on Washington Street between Addison and Shoup to prevent illegal left turns and reduce crashes. Discussion: Officer Ryan Howe presented data showing high crash rates, including a video of 21 violations in 20 minutes. Business owners Ben Swensen (Swensen's) and Darren Kyle (McDonald's) spoke against the delineators, citing negative impacts on deliveries and customer access, and asked for alternative solutions. Citizen Matt Stearns submitted a letter describing a motorcycle accident at the location. Council members debated balancing public safety and business impacts. City Attorney Castleton clarified that the decision falls under discretionary immunity of the Tort Claims Act, protecting the council if they make a policy decision. Vote: A motion to table for further study failed 2-4. A motion by Council Member Murray to approve the delineators for a minimum of one year after installation, with a report back to council, passed 5-1 (Council Member Reid dissenting).
Okay, we'll go ahead and call the uh Twin Falls City Council meeting for May 18th, 2026 to order. I will confirm that we have six council members in chambers and councilwoman Vollmer is excused. Well, our next item is the Pledge of Allegiance. All those that would like to participate, please stand and follow. Pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. Thank you. Our next item on the agenda tonight is the consent calendar. What are council's wishes? Mayor, I'd like to make a motion to approve the consent calendar is written. Second. Any discussion. Kay, Rachel, roll call vote. Nathan Murray. Yes. Yes. Jason Brown. Yes. Craig Hawkins. Yes. Chris Reed. Yes. And Ruth Pierce. Yes. Okay. Motion carries six to zero. That takes us to our items of consideration tonight. And we have uh the first two will be uh by the the police department, a formal ceremony swearing in three new Twin Falls Police Department. Um the oath of office to Alex Baez, Efrain DeLeon, and Colin Jensen, and then uh Chief Hicks will also do the post basic certificate for Malachi Bruni, Luke Henninger, and Sebastian Kondraki, Eric Ryan, and Austin Titus, and then the post-advanced certificate for Aaron Ash and Officer Javid Mandez. You were doing really great to the last one. You were uh you were on a roll. Sorry. I was trying to get through it because I it was in my mind. I was very, very impressed, but that's okay. We struggle with Chivad's name sometimes ourselves too. Thank you, Mr. Mayor and members of the council for allowing us to take some of your valuable time tonight to recognize some of our newest officers as they start their journey, and for being able to recognize some other great employees for obtaining a career milestone. Our ceremony to swear on our newest police officers will consist of three parts a brief introduction, a badge pinning by a loved one, and finally a formal oath of office to minister by Mayor Brown. I sorry I wasn't able to make that. The long nights, the difficult calls, and the moments that will test your patience's judgment and your resilience.