Twin Falls City Council Meeting Summary – August 31, 2026

The Twin Falls City Council met on Monday, August 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Mayor Jason Brown presided with Vice Mayor Craig Hawkins and Council Members Christopher Reid, Cherie Vollmer, Ruth Pierce, and Nathan Murray present; Council Member Grayson Stone was excused. The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and a proclamation declaring September 11-17 as Patriot Week. The council unanimously approved the consent calendar. During items of consideration, the council received an informational update on a proposed amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan for Revenue Allocation Area #4-3, and approved three action items: using $65,000 in savings from the Harmon Park Skatepark infrastructure phase for additional site work, appointing Todd Rambur to the Airport Advisory Board, and authorizing $234,048.99 from Street Fund Reserves for the design of the Washington Street and Filer Avenue intersection. An item regarding Canyon Trail Junction was removed. One member of the public spoke under general public input. The council then adjourned to an executive session at 5:38 PM, which ended at 6:15 PM.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the City Council minutes of August 24, 2026.
• Approved Accounts Payable for August 13-19, 2026.
• Approved Travel Requests for August 26, 2026.
• Approved an Alcohol License for Lucky Fins Twin Falls, LLC.
• Approved the Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law for Zoning District Change PZ26-0057 and Annexation PZ26-0069. (Approved 6-0 on a motion by Council Member Vollmer, second by Council Member Pierce.)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Maria Hernandez, a Twin Falls resident, spoke during General Public Input. She expressed appreciation for community unity, described an interfaith worship event held on August 30 at 1231 Washington Street North, and commended the council for their collaborative spirit. She did not address any specific agenda item.

Discussion Items

• Proclamation – Patriot Week (September 11-17, 2026): Mayor Brown read and presented the proclamation. Representatives from the Magic Valley 9/11 Memorial accepted it, thanking the city for its support and patriotism, especially in light of recent events in Twin Falls.
• Second Amendment to the Urban Renewal Plan for Revenue Allocation Area #4-3 (Informational): Urban Renewal Director Shawn Barigar provided an update. The amendment proposes a 15-year extension (to December 15, 2046) of the revenue allocation area serving Chobani. Key statistics reported: Chobani has invested $1.7 billion in Twin Falls since 2011; the current expansion is valued at $1.5 billion; the company is on track to purchase 2.2 billion pounds of Idaho milk in 2026 (valued at $425 million); it employs 1,553 people with an average wage of $65,000; the facility supports an estimated 18,000 direct and indirect jobs and contributes $2.2 billion to the regional GDP. The amendment lists specific public improvements (road widening, traffic signal, utility upgrades, etc.) with total TIF-supported costs of approximately $53 million, existing debt of $11 million, and a $14 million reimbursement agreement with Chobani. Next steps include review by the Planning and Zoning Commission and a public hearing before the council on November 9, 2026. Council Member Nathan Murray recused himself from the discussion as his employer, Idaho Power, benefits financially from the allocation area. City Manager Travis Rothweiler praised the thoughtful approach and the protections built into the extension.
• Harmon Park Skatepark Additional Site Improvements (Action): Parks and Recreation Director Wendy Davis requested approval to use $65,000 in savings from the skatepark infrastructure phase for additional concrete, a drinking fountain, and other site amenities around the skate bowl. The original phase budget was $385,000, with lighting installation costing $320,000. Council members discussed existing lighting types and reviewed the design layout. The request was approved 6-0.
• Appointment to Airport Advisory Board (Action): Airport Director Matt Barnes presented the recommendation to appoint Todd Rambur to the city seat on the Airport Advisory Board for a three-year term. The vacancy arose after Jim O'Donnell served two terms. A public notice and interview process with five candidates was conducted; the board unanimously selected Rambur, citing his community board experience and Air Force service. Council Member Reid, who served on the interview panel, commended the selection process. The appointment was approved 6-0.
• Washington Street and Filer Avenue Intersection Design (Action): City Engineer Troy Vitek requested authorization to spend $234,048.99 from the Street Fund Reserves for the intersection design. The project is supported by a 92% reimbursement grant from the Local Highway Technical Assistance Committee (LTAC). The design phase will address pavement deterioration and signal issues as a precursor to future construction. The authorization was approved 6-0.
• Removed Item: Agenda item 5E, which would have considered using $79,700 in park impact fee cash reserves for landscaping and a sign at Canyon Trail Junction, was removed from the agenda and will be brought forward at a later date.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved 6-0 (motion by Vollmer, second by Pierce).
• $65,000 Harmon Park Skatepark additional site work: Approved 6-0 (motion by Pierce, second by Hawkins).
• Appointment of Todd Rambur to Airport Advisory Board: Approved 6-0 (motion by Reid, second by Pierce).
• Authorization of $234,048.99 for Washington St and Filer Avenue intersection design: Approved 6-0 (motion by Reid, second by Pierce).
• Adjournment to Executive Session under Idaho Code 74-206(1)(b) and (f): Approved 6-0 (motion by Reid, second by Pierce). The executive session convened at 5:38 PM and concluded at 6:15 PM; the meeting did not reconvene in open session.

Advisory Board Reports & Announcements

• City Manager Travis Rothweiler reminded the council that there will be no meeting on September 7, 2026 due to the Labor Day holiday; the next regular meeting is scheduled for September 14, 2026.
• Council Member Ruth Pierce announced a fundraiser at City Park on Friday, September 2, 2026, hosted by the Refugee Center for victims of a recent tragedy, featuring food from 20 countries. All proceeds go directly to victims.