Public Meetings - Twin Falls, Idaho

The Twin Falls City Council met at 5:00 PM on Monday, August 17, 2026, in the Council Chambers at 203 Main Avenue East, Twin Falls, Idaho. Mayor Jason Brown presided; Vice Mayor Craig Hawkins and Council Members Christopher Reid, Nathan Murray, Cherie Vollmer, and Ruth Pierce were present. Council Member Grayson Stone was absent, though the mayor noted Stone emailed that he was online but audio was not coming through. A quorum was confirmed. The council approved the consent calendar, several contract and funding actions, one rezone, one annexation, and then entered executive session. The regular meeting recessed into executive session at 6:46 PM and formally adjourned at 7:30 PM per the minutes. Consent Calendar - Council unanimously (6-0) approved the August 10, 2026 City Council minutes; accounts payable for August 6-12, 2026; and special event permits for the Magic Valley Doula Collective Walk for Postpartum Mental Health, the 2026 Youth Highland Games, Rim2Rim Race 4Homes, The Gathering, Latino Fest, the Magic Valley 9/11 Memorial, Bands at the Bridge, and the Dani Bates XC Race. Public Comments & Testimony - Maria Hernandez, a lifelong Twin Falls resident, sang and described her first visit to the In-N-Out restaurant on August 17, where she ordered the 'Ashley burger' to honor shooting victim Ashley Garabay. She praised In-N-Out employees for holding a prayer vigil and for their resilience after the tragedy. - William Losey, a Twin Falls resident, voiced strong concern about current chip-seal street repair work, describing it as 'shoddy work' and saying flying rocks had damaged vehicles. He invited council members to drive streets such as Madrona, Castle Ridge, R Street, and Clearwater, and asked the city to consider an asphalt overlay; he also raised liability and storm-drain debris concerns. Discussion Items - Jacobs Engineering Contract – Rock Creek Watershed: Assistant City Manager Mandi Thompson requested a $140,000, one-year contract with Jacobs Engineering for program management and support of the Rock Creek Watershed Restoration Collaborative. She explained the city adopted the Rock Creek watershed restoration master plan in March 2026, and the contract would support the collaborative steering committee. Council Member Ruth Pierce asked whether the funds would be reimbursed; Thompson confirmed the $140,000 would be paid from the remaining balance of a $5 million direct federal appropriation secured with the help of Congressman Mike Simpson, and that it was 100 percent reimbursable. The council approved the contract 6-0. - Suburban Construction Management Negotiations: Parks and Recreation Director Wendy Davis requested negotiations with Suburban Construction Management for CM/GC services for the new park property at Elizabeth Boulevard and Hankins Road, selected through the CM/GC service roster. The council approved the request 6-0. - Guho Corp Negotiations – Baxter's Park Renovation: Davis requested negotiations with Guho Corp for CM/GC services for the Baxter's Park renovation project. Council Member Reid asked whether it was the project discussed for several years; Davis confirmed it includes improvements to the dog park. Davis apologized for a cut-and-paste error in the staff report. The council approved the request 5-1, with Council Member Reid voting no. - Reserve Fund Reauthorization: Deputy City Manager Mitch Humble requested authorization to use $5,085,917.42 in reserves to finish 12 projects in fiscal year 2026, comprising $899,672.79 from Street Fund reserves, $884,456.88 from Capital Fund reserves, $1,120,300.00 in park impact fees, $1,085,563.07 from Water Fund reserves, $980,924.68 from Wastewater Fund reserves, and $115,000.00 from Library Fund reserves. Humble noted most items were reauthorizations of prior-year encumbrances; the Kimberly Road water line exceeded its original budget by about $85,000 due to railroad crossing costs, and the library needed $115,000 because part-time salaries were omitted from the first full departmental budget. City Manager Travis Rothweiler said unrestricted reserves total about $42.6 million, and more than $70 million when adding back projects not yet directly reappropriated, emphasizing these were not new monies. The council approved the request 6-0. - FY 2027 Budget Recap: City Manager Rothweiler gave an informational recap, described as the 12th of 13 public budget presentations, with no action taken. He reported a median home value of $374,978, a 3.2 percent increase from May's $373,232; city unemployment of 3.7 percent; national unemployment of 4.2 percent; 1,023 unemployed individuals within city boundaries; a daily service population of about 112,000 people; more than 40,000 vehicles crossing the Prine Bridge daily; total taxable city value over $7.5 billion excluding $17 million in urban renewal value; an estimated 28-cent monthly decrease in the median combined property tax and utility bill; a total FY2027 budget of about $102 million, with tax-supported funds around $65 million and enterprise funds around $32 million; 355 employees; personnel costs at 44.5 percent of the budget; capital and operations/maintenance each at 23.5 percent; and the city's only debt being the 2014 wastewater bond. He also noted the city ranks second among comparable full-service Idaho cities and that this is the last budget based on the 2030 strategic plan, with the 2040 plan to be used first in FY2028. Two public hearings and ordinance adoption were scheduled for the following week. Advisory Board Report & Announcements - Vice Mayor Hawkins reminded everyone about the Joining Forces veteran support group meeting on the morning of August 18, 2026, at 7:00 AM at County West. No other advisory board reports were made. Public Hearings - 451 Russet St. Zoning Change: City Planner Kelli Ebersole presented a request by Juan Torres to rezone a vacant 6,000-square-foot lot from Central City (CC) to Town Neighborhood-3 (TN-3). The property near Rock Creek Canyon previously had a home that was demolished earlier in 2026; TN-3 would allow a single-family home or duplex on the lot. The Planning & Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval on July 14, 2026. Applicant representative Javier Beltran said they plan a duplex with a detached garage and alley access, with curb, gutter, and sidewalk improvements to be addressed at the building permit stage. No public testimony was offered; the public hearing was opened at 6:03 PM and closed at 6:04 PM. The council approved the rezone 6-0. Note: The minutes contain an apparent typo describing the request as 'Town Neighborhood-2 (TN-3)'; the agenda and transcript use Town Neighborhood-3. - 857 Hankins Road North Annexation: City Planner Lisa Strickland presented a request by Geoffrey Wardle on behalf of Mountain West Council – Boy Scouts of America to annex 2.42 acres at the southwest corner of Falls Avenue East and Hankins Road North, with proposed Community Market (CMT) zoning. The property contains an office building constructed in 1980 and has been used by Scouting for nearly 50 years; it is currently in the county. The comprehensive plan designates the location as neighborhood commercial. On July 14, 2026, the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended annexation with Town Neighborhood-1 (TN1) plus a professional office overlay rather than CMT, citing concerns about uses allowed under CMT. Staff found CMT consistent with the neighborhood commercial designation but recommended two conditions: deeding the right-of-way for Hankins Road and Falls Avenue to the city before signing the annexation ordinance, and reconstructing Falls Avenue East and Hankins Road North to city arterial standards to the road centerlines upon development or reconstruction. The applicant argued CMT is appropriate because only 15 of more than 450 CMT uses are permitted by right and the rest require review, while a residential/professional overlay would require special use permits for most uses. Four citizens testified: David Walker of 1031 Hankins Road North asked for more restrictive zoning due to foot traffic and nearby school and church uses; Jay Dodds of 3018 Laurel Wood Drive cited the property's history and supported the P&Z recommendation; Robin Shenk of 3046 Laurelwood Drive concurred with the previous speakers; and Nikki Cruz of Princeton Drive asked the council to preserve the area's 'country feeling' and reject high-traffic uses. The public hearing was open from 6:20 PM to 6:36 PM. Council Member Hawkins recused himself from voting because he serves on the Boy Scouts of America board. Council Member Reid moved to approve the annexation with TN1/professional overlay and the two conditions; the motion failed 2-3, with Reid and Vollmer voting yes, Pierce, Brown, and Murray voting no, and Hawkins abstaining. Council Member Pierce then moved to approve the annexation with Community Market zoning and the two conditions; the motion passed 3-2, with Pierce, Brown, and Murray voting yes, Reid and Vollmer voting no, and Hawkins abstaining. Staff said both land-use items will return for ordinances at a later time. Executive Session - The council unanimously (6-0) voted to enter executive session under Idaho Code § 74-206(1)(f) to communicate with legal counsel about the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation or controversies imminently likely to be litigated. The regular meeting recessed into executive session at 6:46 PM and formally adjourned at 7:30 PM without further open-session action. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar approved 6-0. - Jacobs Engineering contract approved 6-0 at $140,000. - Negotiations with Suburban Construction Management approved 6-0. - Negotiations with Guho Corp approved 5-1. - Reserve fund reauthorization of $5,085,917.42 approved 6-0. - FY 2027 Budget Recap was informational; no vote was taken. - Rezone of 451 Russet St. to TN-3 approved 6-0. - Annexation of 857 Hankins Road North approved 3-2 with Community Market zoning and the two staff conditions; the alternative TN1/professional overlay motion failed 2-3. - Executive session authorized 6-0.

The Twin Falls City Council met on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Mayor Jason Brown presided, with all seven council members present. The meeting included a police swearing-in ceremony, employee recognition, approval of wastewater HVAC funding, a comprehensive review of the FY 2027 budget, and public testimony on the city's use of Flock surveillance cameras. Consent Calendar The council unanimously (7-0) approved the Consent Calendar, which included the August 3 meeting minutes, accounts payable from July 30 to August 5, and travel requests from August 5. Public Comments & Testimony Four residents addressed the council: Maria Hernandez expressed profound gratitude to Police Chief Matthew Hicks and Fire Chief Mitchell Brooks for their leadership following a community tragedy on August 1st, affirming community resilience. Kandace Miano urged the council to terminate the Flock camera program and remove the cameras, arguing they represent a threat to civil liberties and the freedoms defended by military members. Ben Miano opposed the Flock system, raising concerns about data security, modifications to Flock's terms of service (specifically the removal of language prohibiting data sales), and the company's control over data access. Blake Coleman also opposed the cameras, citing potential facial recognition capabilities, publicly available live feeds from hacked cameras, and a history of law enforcement misuse. Discussion Items Employee Recognition: City Engineer Troy Vitek and Street Superintendent Mark Thomson, alongside a representative from the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council, presented Road Master certificates to employees Will Fuller and Zakery Hausner. Police Chief Matthew Hicks then swore in three new officers (Kyle Boas, Patrick Jones, and Murad Salvarov) and presented POST emergency communications certificates to dispatchers Justice Larson, Megan Parker-Smith, Emily Hill, Martin Becerra, and Jason Kelly. Wastewater HVAC Funding: Environmental Manager Nathan Erickson requested and received unanimous approval (7-0) for $91,284.34 from wastewater reserve funds to replace corroded HVAC units in the Dewatering and Headworks 2 buildings at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. FY 2027 Budget Recap & Council Capital: City Manager Travis Rothweiler presented the final budget review, noting the city's taxable value has grown to $6.782 billion and highlighting a projected $0.28 decrease in the tax rate for the median household. The council discussed the allocation of $820,000 in Council Capital. Council Capital Discussion Details: The council debated several proposals for the $99,000 in unallocated funds: Arts Council: Council Member Ruth Pierce recommended a seed money allocation of approximately $60,000 to the Arts Council. Staff was directed to work on a resolution for ongoing funding. Shade Structures: Council Member Cherie Vollmer explored permanent shade structures for city parks. City Manager Rothweiler advised that temporary options had failed structurally and permanent solutions require significant engineering and snow load considerations. Meals on Wheels: Council Member Nathan Murray questioned the request for $25,920 (balance of 2026) and $74,880 (2027) for the Meals on Wheels program. City Attorney Bruce Castleton clarified the city could contract for such services. Harmon Park Skate Park: Parks Director Wendi Davis provided an update, confirming designs are complete and the city is seeking community fundraising partners. Key Outcomes HVAC Funding: Authorized $91,284.34 from wastewater reserve funds (7-0). Council Capital Approved: A motion by Council Member Pierce, seconded by Council Member Vollmer, to approve $721,000 in council-directed capital projects while reserving the remaining $99,000 for future decisions passed unanimously (7-0). Staff Directives: Staff was directed to collaborate with the Arts Council on a future funding resolution and to initiate an engineering assessment for park shade structures for FY 2028 consideration. Executive Session: The council voted unanimously (7-0) to adjourn to an executive session at 6:29 PM to discuss personnel matters and pending litigation (Idaho Code § 74-206(1)(b) & (f)). The public meeting did not reconvene. This summary is based on the agenda, official minutes, and transcript of the meeting.

Mayor Jason Brown called the meeting to order at 5:00 PM with six members present (Council Member Grayson Stone excused). The meeting began with a moment of silence for the victims of the August 1st tragedy. The council unanimously approved the consent calendar, several action items, and the preliminary budget for FY 2026-2027. Public input addressed the weekend tragedy, surveillance concerns, and community needs. The meeting adjourned at 6:24 PM. Consent Calendar - Unanimously approved (6-0) the July 27, 2026 minutes, accounts payable for July 23-29, 2026, July 29 travel requests, June 2026 Wells Fargo credit card summary, land dedication from Westpark Properties LLC, and Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law for the South Ridge Subdivision (PZ26-0091 FPLAT). Items of Consideration - Recognition of Public Art Commissioners: Postponed to a future date to ensure the honorees could be present. - Public Art Commission Appointments (5b): The council unanimously (6-0) confirmed Mayor's appointments of Hannah Arthur (one-year term), Cheyenne Lobato and Chris Newbry (three-year terms), and waived the two-term limit to reappoint Melissa Crane. - Animal Shelter Expansion GMP (5c): Unanimously (6-0) approved the Guaranteed Maximum Price of $2,036,926 for the Twin Falls Animal Shelter expansion. The funding combines $750,000 in city reserves and $1,289,020.50 in donations from People for Pets. - Preliminary Budget Adoption (5d): City Manager Travis Rothweiler presented the FY 2026-2027 recommended budget totaling $102,179,406. Key points: a 28-cent-per-month decrease in property tax rate (to $2.23 per $1,000 assessed value), a 3% performance adjustment and 3% table move for employees, two new positions (a project manager and a school resource officer funded 90% by Elevate Academy), and a city capital allocation of $820,000. Councilmember Ruth Pierce requested seed funding for the Public Arts Commission. The council unanimously (6-0) adopted the preliminary budget and set the public hearing for August 24, 2026. Public Comments & Testimony Eight citizens spoke during General Public Input (not including public hearing): - Dan Brizee: Requested the council consider installing shade sails at City Park and Canyon Rim Trail, noting a potential budget of $150,000 for ten sails. - Isaac Reynolds: Addressed the weekend tragedy, condemning the spread of disinformation about the shooter and urging the community to reject hatred toward marginalized groups. - Kelsey Dawson (representing Southern Idaho Democratic Socialists): Opposed police crowd control equipment, arguing it militarizes the department and undermines peaceful protest. - Maria Hernandez: Thanked first responders and grief counselors, encouraged community members to seek support at Rock Creek Elementary. - Layton Dey: Demonstrated security vulnerabilities in Flock cameras, claiming he found dozens of unencrypted camera feeds online and could access live footage. - Dan Miller: Opposed Flock cameras, announced plans to gather signatures for a ballot initiative to regulate surveillance, and noted that if used correctly the system could be beneficial. - Joseph Edgar: Asked what portion of the Harmon Park budget is allocated for a skate park, highlighting its potential community value. - McCoy Peterson: Expressed pride in the community's response to the tragedy and reiterated opposition to Flock cameras as unnecessary. - Dana Jahn: Urged the council to fund Meals on Wheels to restore five-day-a-week service (320 meals/week), noting seniors currently wait 48 hours between deliveries. - William Pettingill: Asked the council to remove Flock cameras and voiced support for Meals on Wheels. Advisory Board Report/Announcements - City Manager Rothweiler praised the community's response to the weekend tragedy. - Police Chief Matt Hicks announced: - National Night Out (scheduled for August 4) is postponed; a new date will be set. - The FBI will release a victim/witness search page for the In-N-Out incident. - Community support resources will be available August 4-5, 10 AM to 8 PM at Sawtooth Elementary School, including mental health providers, spiritual leaders, and victim services. - Urged the public to stop harassing a local individual (Admir Manzik) who has no involvement in the incident. Public Hearings - Master Fee Schedule Resolution R-2026-004: CFO Breanna Howard presented proposed fee changes including a 5% increase to water and wastewater fees (no change to sanitation), airport lease/terminal CPI escalation (2.6%), a new $400 short plat subdivision review fee plus $25 per lot, a new $75 right-of-way permit violation fee, and annual adjustments to water meter/connection fees. The public hearing was opened at 6:22 PM and closed at 6:23 PM with no testimony. Council unanimously (6-0) approved the resolution. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar, Public Art Commission appointments, Animal Shelter GMP, and Preliminary Budget all approved 6-0. - Resolution R-2026-004 (Master Fee Schedule amendments) approved 6-0. - Preliminary budget capped at $102,179,406; public hearing set for August 24, 2026. - National Night Out postponed; community support events scheduled for August 4-5 at Sawtooth Elementary.

The Twin Falls City Council met on July 27, 2026, to approve the consent calendar, authorize $750,000 in reserves for the animal shelter expansion, review the FY 2026-2027 budget recommendations (Focus Areas 2 & 3), and hear extensive public testimony, primarily concerning the Twin Falls Police Department's use of Flock Safety ALPR cameras. The council also voted to enter executive session to discuss pending litigation. Consent Calendar - Approved minutes for July 20, 2026; accounts payable July 15-22; and the final plat for the 10-lot South Ridge Subdivision by a 7-0 vote. Public Comments & Testimony In Favor of Flock Cameras: - Michael Wendler (Twin Falls resident) supported the program and encouraged clearer MoUs and a public explanation from the police. - Craig Kingsbury (former Twin Falls Police Chief) strongly supported the Flock program under Chief Hicks' leadership for enhancing public safety. - Maria Hernandez (Twin Falls resident) expressed support for cameras in catching crime but noted discomfort with personal tracking. - George Dunn promoted National Night Out and community engagement with police. Opposed to Flock Cameras: - Bob Rodowski (Idaho 2A News) argued against warrantless surveillance and warned of recall petitions if cameras are not removed. - Webb Glauner (Southern Idaho DSA) cited corporate overreach and misuse by a former sheriff, arguing funds should be redirected to schools. - Scout Irby (TFHS student) raised concerns about privacy violations and contracts with Flock. - Joshua Van Dyke (business owner) argued the system violates the Fourth Amendment as interpreted in United States v. Jones. - Dan Miller, Steven Ogan, Tyler Cain, Kandace & Ben Miano, Doug Burrow, Tori Wakewood, Cheyenne Labato, Julian Kessel, Brennan Meek, Liyah Babayan, and Jeffery Nielsen all urged the removal of Flock cameras, citing concerns over privacy, data security, constitutional rights, and the lack of individual consent for mass surveillance. Brennan Meek specifically cautioned against using the Capri Drive homicide as a pretext for expanding surveillance. Discussion Items - Animal Shelter Expansion: Assistant City Manager Mandi Thompson requested up to $750,000 in reserves to supplement over $1.3 million raised by People for Pets for an expansion. Council voted 7-0 to approve. - FY 2026-2027 Budget (Focus Areas 2 & 3): - Library: Youth Services Supervisor Erica Littlefield reported 586 daily visitors, 404,000 physical checkouts, and 641 programs attended by over 20,000 people. Requests included $221,000 for materials and $49,000 for carpeting. - Fire Department: Chief Brooks detailed a $1.63 million Station 1 remodel, new equipment (radios, wildland gear, battery fans, thermal imagers), and a new emphasis on Community Risk Reduction. - Police Department & Flock ALPR: Chief Hicks presented a detailed defense and significant concessions regarding the Flock Safety program, including 500+ cases closed and 230 arrests made. Chief Hicks announced three concessions: 1. He will amend the Flock contract to prohibit data usage for company training. 2. The department disabled the national data lookup tool. 3. The $88,400 request for a real-time video center and five additional cameras was withdrawn from the budget. Chief Hicks also detailed the suspension of the Jerome County Sheriff's Office access following misuse of the system by the former sheriff. - Council Directed Funds: Council Member Reid requested staff evaluate radar speed limit signs for pedestrian trails. Key Outcomes - Animal Shelter Reserves: Approved 7-0. - Flock Safety Expansion: The real-time video integration project was proactively withdrawn by the police chief. Two policy changes were announced regarding data sharing and contract clauses. - Budget Timeline: No formal decisions made on the budget. The preliminary budget vote is scheduled for the next meeting (August 3, 2026). - Executive Session: Approved 7-0 to adjourn at 7:48 PM to discuss litigation under Idaho Code, ending at 8:45 PM.

The Twin Falls City Council met on July 20, 2026, at 5:00 PM at 203 Main Ave E. The meeting included unanimous approval of the consent calendar and a hazardous materials vehicle purchase, a detailed presentation of the FY 2026-2027 recommended budget focusing on Focus Areas 4, 5, and 6, and public comments regarding ICE flights at the airport and other topics. The meeting adjourned to executive session at 6:34 PM to discuss acquiring real property, ending at 6:58 PM. Council Member Grayson Stone was absent. Consent Calendar - The consent calendar was approved unanimously (7-0) by motion of Council Member Reid, seconded by Council Member Pierce. Items included: approval of July 13, 2026 minutes; accounts payable July 8–15, 2026; special event permits for St. Edward's Kermes - Hispanic Food Festival, Back to School Bash, Taproot Church Twin Falls Church Picnic, Magic Valley Kid Market, and Summer Reading Finale; and acceptance of a land dedication from the Twin Falls School District. Public Comments & Testimony - Kurt Lindley (MD and research scientist, Magic Valley resident) expressed concern about ICE flights at the Twin Falls Airport, arguing that current ICE practices differ from past years and may involve unconstitutional detentions. He requested the city install cameras at the airport to track due process and offered to discuss further. - John Jacobson (Twin Falls resident) alleged that a Twin Falls Fire Department fire suppression truck was positioned to obstruct public view of ICE detainee loading at the airport. He stated the fire chief's safety explanation appeared inaccurate, as the truck was not present initially nor currently. He asked the council or fire chief for a truthful explanation. - Maria Hernandez (Twin Falls resident) shared a personal testimony about attending a sound bath workshop at Pop Art Studio, describing it as healing for an inner child wound. She expressed gratitude for the community and the Times News article on sound baths. - John Hancock (identified as John, no full name given) criticized Flock cameras as a constitutional violation, calling them a warrantless dragnet and long Terry stop. He urged the council to do better. Discussion Items - Hazardous Materials Vehicle Purchase: Battalion Chief Corey Beam requested approval to sign an agreement with Rush Truck Center of Idaho, Inc. to purchase a hazardous materials vehicle using previously received state grant funds up to $324,000. No discussion ensued. The motion passed unanimously (7-0). - FY 2026-2027 Budget Presentation – Focus Areas 4, 5, and 6: Deputy City Manager Mitch Humble and department heads presented the City Manager's Recommended Budget for FY 2027, focusing on an accessible, environmental, and prosperous community. Key budget highlights: - Total budget: $102 million. Breakdown by expense: 44% personnel, 23% maintenance and operations, 23% capital, 3% debt service, and the remainder transfers. - Tax rate proposed at $5.05 per $1,000 assessed value, a slight decrease from the prior year. The city will take the 3% statutory increase, new construction value, and the full 1% foregone balance (noted as the last year the full 1% can be taken; future foregone will be less than 1%). - Utility rate increases minimized; sanitation rate proposed flat. - Taxable value grew by nearly $360 million; combined with urban renewal areas, total community value is $7.5 billion. - Ride TFT (Mandy): FY 2027 budget $1,831,053.43, transitioning from ITD CARES dollars to FTA funds (5307 and 5310). Community partnership with St. Luke's ($100,000), van wrap advertising revenue, and addition of a ninth ADA van in October. 62,815 rides provided in FY 2026 to date, 56% shared rides, revenue over $100,000. - ADA Transition Plan (Sam): Request to fund update of the ADA transition plan to identify barriers and prioritize improvements, strengthening grant competitiveness and supporting responsible planning. - Street Department (Danny): Proposed FY 2027 chip seal zone and mill-and-inlay projects, including Elm Street North and Addison Avenue to Blue Lakes Boulevard. Equipment replacement requests: sand truck ($265,000), asphalt patch truck ($265,000), and dump truck ($250,000), all approved by fleet steering committee. - Airport (Ken Weigel & Matt): Requests for tractor replacement, conference room furniture, restaurant grill, UTV replacement, HVAC controls, and TSA flooring; all funded through airport revenues and grants. FY 2027 FAA grants pursued for runway design and security enhancements. Air service update: 28,722 enplanements October–June, up from prior year, with growth from Breeze Airways. - Water Department (Austin & Rob): Projects include water main replacements (Tree Streets, Moreland, Buchanan), Blue Lakes Boulevard water study (estimated $30–50 million for future bond), generator at Well 4 ($234,000), and pressurized irrigation station upgrades. Over 55 miles of water pipe are over 100 years old; replacement rate is 1–5 miles per year. - Wastewater Department (Juan Puente): Requests $995,000 for mainline maintenance (sewer/water replacement in alley from Shoshone to Fairfield, CIPP lining of 24,000 linear feet completed, manhole lining), $600,000 for dewatering system belt press replacements, $160,000 for telehandler, and $67,000 for camera head, traffic control trailer, and GPS units. Odor scrub project near Rock Creek Elementary nearing completion. - Economic Development (Sean): No capital requests. Focus on preparing for growth, supporting existing businesses (e.g., Chobani expansion), downtown investment, air service development, event center feasibility, and community development preparedness. - Council Directed Capital: Mitch Humble noted four projects from previous week totaling $586,000 in requests out of $820,000 available. Council will finalize on August 10; additional ideas welcome. - Questions from Council: Mayor Brown asked about Downtowner/VIA name change for Ride TFT. Council Member Reid asked about chip seal zone sizes and pipe source. Council Member Vollmer asked about CIPP liner lifespan (Juan responded 20–25 years minimum). Council Member Reid also questioned a water pipe date (1944). Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (7-0). - Hazardous Materials Vehicle Agreement: Approved unanimously (7-0) to purchase with grant funds up to $324,000. - Budget Presentation: No vote taken; presentation received and noted for future adoption. Next meeting will cover Focus Areas 2 (learning community) and 3 (secure community) on July 27. - Executive Session: Approved unanimously (6-0, with Stone absent) to adjourn to executive session under Idaho Code § 74-206(1)(c) to acquire real property. Session convened at 6:34 PM and ended at 6:58 PM; no return to open session. - Public Input: No formal council action taken on public comments; staff may follow up on concerns regarding ICE flights and fire truck positioning.

The Twin Falls City Council met on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 5:00 PM at 203 Main Ave E., Twin Falls, ID 83301. All seven council members were present: Mayor Jason Brown, Vice Mayor Craig Hawkins, and Council Members Christopher Reid, Grayson Stone, Cherie Vollmer, Ruth Pierce, and Nathan Murray. The agenda included the consent calendar, commission reappointments, the FY 2026-2027 (FY 2027) City Manager's Recommended Budget presentation for Focus Areas 1, 7, and 8, general public input, and a public hearing on the PY 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan. The meeting adjourned at 6:26 PM. Consent Calendar - Items A-C were approved 7-0 (motion by Council Member Stone, seconded by Council Member Pierce): the July 6, 2026 City Council minutes; accounts payable for July 1-8, 2026; and the Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law for the Ashlee Townhomes Subdivision (PZ26-0083 FPLAT). - Item D, amending the In-N-Out Burger special event grand opening from August 2, 2026 to July 20, 2026, was approved (motion by Council Member Reid, seconded by Council Member Pierce). The transcript roll call shows a 6-1 vote, with Council Member Grayson Stone voting no; the official minutes record the vote as 7-0. This discrepancy is noted. - Discussion on Item D: Council Member Murray asked for a "date certain" given impacts on local families and traffic; Council Member Stone suggested a five-day window and said surrounding businesses also need time to prepare; Council Member Vollmer said an exact date could encourage people to camp out and worsen traffic; Council Member Pierce said In-N-Out has handled many similar openings; and Fire Chief Mitchell Brooks raised life-safety concerns about clearing the line wrapping behind the strip mall near Dick's Sporting Goods for fire suppression access, noting the traffic plan includes 12 flaggers. Chief Brooks said moving the date up neither adds to nor eliminates those concerns. Reappointments: Impact Fee and Improvement Reimbursement Commission - Senior Planner William Klaver requested reappointment of Kyndell Madsen, Randall "Cort" Johnson, and Gerardo "Tato" Munoz, noting Munoz completed his second term on July 7, 2026. - Motion by Council Member Pierce, seconded by Council Member Reid, to waive the two-consecutive-term limit for Munoz under Twin Falls City Code 2-1-1: approved 7-0. - Motion by Council Member Pierce, seconded by Council Member Reid, to reappoint Madsen, Johnson, and Munoz: approved 7-0. Budget Presentation: City Manager's Recommended Budget FY 2026-2027 Deputy City Manager Gretchen Scott presented Focus Area 1 (Healthy Community), Focus Area 7 (Responsible Community), and Focus Area 8 (Internal Organization), continuing the budget series begun at the previous council meeting. Key figures: - The total recommended budget is $102.2 million, a 1.1% increase over the prior year, driven largely by one-time capital. Tax-supported (governmental) funds total $65 million; enterprise (fee-based) funds total $37 million. - The property tax rate will reduce slightly, but the average monthly change for citizens would be about $3.51 more; combined with a 5% water and sewer increase and a sanitation reduction, the total average monthly change is about $7.93. - The budget includes the statutorily allowed 3% property tax increase, 90% of new construction value, and a portion of foregone balance equal to 1% of revenue. City Manager Travis Rothweiler noted this is the last year the city can capture that 1% foregone balance. - Staff noted Twin Falls has one of the lowest property tax rates among comparable Idaho cities, and that personnel is the largest cost across all funds. Focus Area 1: Healthy Community (Chance Munns, Parks) - Replace the 1992-era Kubota loader with a more compact skid steer with auger, grapple, and bucket attachments plus a tilt deck trailer; Council Member Pierce asked the cost, and Munns responded approximately $45,000. - Resurface the Cascade courts (last resurfaced in 2020; courts rotate on a seven-year replacement cycle). - Install trash enclosures and replace benches and tables at parks, starting with prominent spaces such as City Park. - Repair golf course stucco and leaks, paint the building, and restain the soffit and balcony; replace a 1991 reel mower that lacks modern safety features. - Priority 2 (council-directed) requests: $356,000 to replace a 30-year-old City Park playground (most playgrounds last 20-25 years) and make accessibility and site improvements; and $40,000 to replace the inoperable walker mower used primarily at the pool. Focus Area 7: Responsible Community (Josh Palmer, Public Information Officer) - tfid.org logged over 460,000 visitors and nearly one million page views last year; top pages include Shoshone Falls and utility services. - The city is working toward WCAG A/AA accessibility compliance ahead of the federal requirement effective April 2027. - The city is expanding its Polco digital survey and engagement platform; up to $60,000 has been allocated for expansion and in-person outreach. About one-third of current poll respondents verify as Twin Falls residents. - Palmer said the goal is a more transparent, responsive, and engaging community, not approving every suggestion. In response to Council Member Stone, Palmer listed eight social media accounts and planned in-person outreach at events such as National Night Out and Latino Fest. Public Safety Communications and Council Chamber (Dee Davidson, Network Administrator) - New antennas are being purchased for the two main public safety towers (police department tower, installed 2002; canyon rim tower, installed 2014). Industry standard is replacement every 10-15 years; tower and zoning approvals are complete, and final installation quotes are pending. - A rolling repeater replacement is planned: four P25 digital repeaters at the primary tower for $112,000 in FY 2026-27, and another $112,000 for the canyon rim stack in FY 2027-28. - A quote has been received to replace the council chamber recording system, which will integrate with Microsoft Teams for remote council participation. In response to Council Member Vollmer, Davidson said the system's original installer (under a different name) provided the quote, and existing speakers and wiring will be retained. Focus Area 8: Internal Organization (HR and Technology) - The $348,000 transition to the BSNA software, approved in 2024, is nearly complete; a staff survey shows 83% positive satisfaction six months into the transition. - HR proposes a 3% performance adjustment and a 3% salary table adjustment to remain competitive, and will maintain health insurance, VEBA, and HSA contributions. The VEBA program allows employees to invest funds for future health care expenses, with annual account growth of 2-8% depending on investment elections. - The renovated city gym has seen a 78% increase in usage, from 180 to 320 door swipes between June 2025 and June 2026. - Health care: Mercer's national survey projects employer health benefit costs rising 6.7% this year, the highest increase in 15 years; the presenter noted some local governments anticipate increases of 50% or more. The city's self-funded health plan remains stable, and a voluntary infertility coverage benefit is being explored at no cost to the city. - Departments requested 10 full-time positions (16 total requests) at an approximate cost of $1.07 million, but these were not funded in the proposed budget. Only two new positions are recommended: a council-requested project manager (starting with park projects) and a school resource officer, 90% funded by Elevate Academy. - Recruitment activity (October 1, 2025-July 6, 2026): 75 recruitments, over 1,000 applications reviewed, 134 new hires (29 full-time, 105 part-time/seasonal), and 19 internal movements. Incentives include a $500 referral bonus for general positions and a $1,000 sign-on bonus for emergency communications officers, police officers, and professional engineers. - A leadership and management development initiative will create structured pathways, communication training for supervisors, and stronger succession planning. - Council Member Stone asked how staffing priorities are determined. Deputy City Manager Scott described the department request, evaluation, and executive leadership team review process; City Manager Rothweiler said the $1.07 million in deferred position requests exceeds the 3% property tax revenue, and the city must prioritize positions it can fund long-term rather than only in the current budget year. Public Comments & Testimony - Maria Hernandez, a Twin Falls native, expressed support for embracing change and growth, saying the city must "roll with the punches" like a UFC fighter and not "tap out." She joked that In-N-Out crowds could go to IHOP and referenced her recent downsizing move as part of her own budgeting journey. - A local resident (addressed as "Don" in the transcript) spoke against Flock cameras, calling them "ridiculous" and "a fourth amendment violation," and said anyone who disagrees "doesn't belong on that side of the dais." He said his 14-year-old son understood the privacy problem immediately. Advisory Board Report/Announcements - City Manager Rothweiler thanked the budget presenters and said the organization functions as a team; he noted "the bar has been set high" for next week's presenters. Public Hearings - PY 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan (PZ26-0086): Planning & Zoning Director Jonathan Spendlove presented the plan. The city will receive $311,413, a decrease from about $340,000 in prior years, with funding projected to fall below $300,000 by the end of the next five-year plan. All funds will be used for the City Park Plaza project, combined with the last COVID-era federal funds, which must be spent by June. The public hearing opened at 6:24 PM and closed at 6:25 PM with no public testimony. Key Outcomes - Approved 7-0: Consent Calendar items A-C (minutes, accounts payable, Ashlee Townhomes findings). - Approved: In-N-Out Burger special event grand opening amendment to July 20, 2026 (6-1 per transcript; 7-0 per minutes; discrepancy noted). - Approved 7-0: Term limit waiver for Gerardo "Tato" Munoz. - Approved 7-0: Reappointment of Kyndell Madsen, Randall "Cort" Johnson, and Gerardo "Tato" Munoz to the Impact Fee and Improvement Reimbursement Commission. - Approved 7-0: PY 2026 CDBG Annual Action Plan (PZ26-0086). - Next step: Budget presentations continue at the July 20, 2026 Council meeting, with additional council-directed capital requests expected.

At the regular meeting on July 6, 2026, the Twin Falls City Council approved routine consent items and a $150,000 water infrastructure investigation, received the City Manager’s recommended FY2027 budget presentation, and adjourned to executive session for a personnel matter. All votes were unanimous (7-0). Consent Calendar - Approved minutes of June 29, 2026 City Council meeting. - Approved accounts payable for June 24–July 1, 2026. - Approved April & May 2026 Wells Fargo credit card summaries. - Approved the final plat for Ashlee Townhomes Subdivision, a ZDA, consisting of 47 lots on approximately 4.35 acres. (Unanimous, 7-0) Public Comments & Testimony - Maria (resident) shared a personal anecdote about attending the July 4th fireworks display and meeting the Mayor. She expressed appreciation for the city’s services and the budget presentation. No other public comments were offered. Discussion Items - Water Reserve Funds for Canyon Springs Pump Station Investigation (Action Item): Public Works Director Josh Baird requested authorization to use up to $150,000 from water reserve funds to hire professional services to investigate the Canyon Springs Pump Station and adjacent water supply corridor. He noted that a similar authorization had expired at the end of the previous fiscal year. The council approved the request unanimously (7-0). - City Manager’s Recommended Budget for FY2026–2027 (Presentation): City Manager Travis Rothweiler presented the recommended $102 million budget, a 1.1% increase over the previous year. Key points included: a proposed 3% property tax revenue increase (using remaining foregone balance), a decrease in the tax rate, two new positions (a project manager for parks and a school resource officer mostly reimbursed by a charter school), continued investment in infrastructure and employee compensation, and an overview of economic indicators (population growth, housing affordability challenges, low unemployment). Council Member Murray inquired about maintenance tracking for city assets. The council took no action on the presentation itself; further detailed presentations are scheduled for subsequent meetings. Advisory Board Reports & Announcements - Vice Mayor Craig Hawkins reported attending a Veterans Appreciation Day event and noted the presentation of Quilts of Valor to six veterans. - Mayor Brown thanked the Fire Department and Police Department for the successful and safe July 4th fireworks display. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved 7-0. - Water Reserve Funds: Approved 7-0 to use up to $150,000 for the Canyon Springs Pump Station investigation. - Budget Presentation: Received; no vote taken. Further discussions planned. - Executive Session: The council unanimously voted (7-0) to adjourn to executive session under Idaho Code § 74-206(1)(b) to discuss personnel matters. The regular meeting ended at 6:16 PM; executive session concluded at 7:11 PM.

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.