Twin Falls City Council Meeting - June 29, 2026

The Twin Falls City Council met on Monday, June 29, 2026, at 5:00 PM at 203 Main Ave E., with all seven members present. The council unanimously approved the consent calendar, multiple action items including contracts totaling over $2.8 million for airport equipment and a street repair project, accepted the 2026 All Hazard Mitigation Plan, authorized funding for HVAC units and a brush truck, approved a sewer line change order, and an advertising agreement for Ride TFT. They also received a presentation on the Summer 2026 Odor Update, heard public comments on e-bikes, and adjourned to executive session for real property acquisition.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the June 22, 2026 City Council meeting, accounts payable for June 17-24, 2026, and authorized the Mayor to sign the FBO Car Rental Operating Agreement with Jackson Jet Center and Go Rentals. (Motion by Hawkins, second by Pierce, passed 7-0)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Maria Hernandez (resident): Encouraged city staff to "stay on the yellow brick road" and remain focused on goals, expressing appreciation for city employees.
• Tami Billman (resident of 450 Quincy): Expressed strong concern about e-bikes on the canyon trail, stating they are too fast, motorized, and often ridden recklessly. She reported nearly being hit and requested enforcement and signage prohibiting motorized vehicles. Chief Hicks responded that many such bikes are technically motorcycles and that the council had already set a 15 mph speed limit. He outlined plans for an educational booth at National Night Out, enforcement, and possible ordinance modifications. Council Member Reed asked about speed limit signs; Parks Director Wendy confirmed signage is being updated. The Mayor noted the lack of state law for e-bikes and that the issue is statewide.

Discussion Items

• Acceptance of Twin Falls County 2026 All Hazard Mitigation Plan: Jackie Frey (Office of Emergency Management) presented the plan, which identifies natural and human-caused hazards and mitigation strategies. Council Member Stone asked if fire and police chiefs had signed off; Council Member Murray asked about the most crucial projects. Frey highlighted transportation and infrastructure. (Motion by Pierce, second by Vollmer, passed 7-0)
• Award of Street Repair Project to REG Contracting ($839,445): Assistant Public Works Director Erin Steel requested approval for the first phase of street repairs related to a 2018 transmission line leak. The bid was the only one received; staff added a 10% contingency. Funding from water reserves. No council discussion. (Motion by Stone, second by Pierce, passed 7-0)
• Authorize $65,000 from Water Reserves for Two HVAC Units at Harrison Booster Station: Water Supply Tech Austin Allen explained the need to replace failing units to prevent equipment damage from heat. Funds were reallocated from a previous budget due to an emergency at another station. (Motion by Reid, second by Stone, passed 7-0)
• Appropriate $190,000 from Reserves for Type 6 Brush Truck: Fire Chief Mitchell Brooks requested funds to complete a pre-approved purchase from Cascade Fire. Council Member Murray asked about replacement cycle; Council Member Stone asked about mutual aid agreements (MOUs) for deployment. (Motion by Pierce, second by Vollmer, passed 7-0)
• Airport Equipment Bids (4 items): Airport Manager Matt Barnes presented four bids funded 95% by FAA grants and 5% by Passenger Facility Charges. All motions passed 7-0:
  • $769,000 to Kodiak American LLC for a high-speed rotary plow (replacement). (Motion by Vollmer, second by Reid)
  • $357,037.33 to Coastline Equipment for a wheel loader with ramp plow. (Motion by Hawkins, second by Pierce)
  • $378,122 to Fortbrand for foreign object debris (FOD) equipment. Council Member Stone asked if prolonging would yield more bids; Barnes confirmed proper 30-day advertising. (Motion by Stone, second by Pierce)
  • $696,290 to American Road Maintenance for pavement maintenance (fog seal and repainting). (Motion by Stone, second by Reid)
• Change Order for Rock Creek Sewer Replacement Line ($57,000): City Engineer Troy Vitek requested approval for soil remediation at a property near Addison where the previous work did not revitalize. Funding from sewer reserves. Council Member Pierce asked who would sign; the motion authorized the City Engineer to sign. (Motion by Reid, second by Stone, passed 7-0)
• Summer 2026 Odor Update: Environmental Manager Nathan Erickson presented data showing a significant drop in odor complaints since 2023. He discussed tools including a mobile scrubber, a new fixed scrubber (completion by end of July 2026), and carbon pellet replacement every two years. Council Member Stone asked about posting the data online. Erickson encouraged use of the online odor report form. (No vote; informational)
• Advertising Agreement with Rinard Media for Ride TFT: City Manager Travis Rothweiler presented a two-year agreement for Rinard Media to sell advertising on transit vans to offset local costs. The city previously sold only one ad. No council discussion. (Motion by Pierce, second by Stone, passed 7-0)

Key Outcomes

• All consent calendar and action items approved unanimously (7-0) except the odor update (no vote).
• Total funds authorized: $839,445 for street repair, $65,000 for HVAC, $190,000 for brush truck, $2,200,449.33 for four airport bids, and $57,000 for sewer change order.
• The council directed staff to post odor complaint data online.
• Public input on e-bikes prompted a commitment to enhanced education and enforcement, with possible ordinance modifications.
• City Manager announced City Hall will be closed Friday, July 3, 2026, and the budget will be presented starting Monday, July 6, 2026.
• The council adjourned to executive session at 6:12 PM under Idaho Code § 74-206(1)(c) to acquire real property; session ended at 6:45 PM.