Public Meetings - Twin Falls, Idaho

The Twin Falls City Council met on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers. The meeting, lasting 32 minutes, focused on the transition of city leadership. Key actions included the swearing-in of newly elected council members, the election of Jason Brown as Mayor and Craig Hawkins as Vice Mayor, and the presentation of an America 250 proclamation. The meeting was called to order by outgoing Mayor Ruth Pierce and adjourned by incoming Mayor Jason Brown at 5:32 PM. Proclamation - America 250 Proclamation: Outgoing Mayor Ruth Pierce presented a proclamation endorsing the America 250 in Idaho commemoration, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and encouraging community engagement and education throughout 2026. Consent Calendar - Motion to Approve: Council Member Spencer Cutler moved, seconded by Council Member Grayson Stone, to approve the Consent Calendar as presented. - Items Approved (Unanimous, 7-0): - City Council December 22, 2025, minutes. - Accounts Payable for December 18-31, 2025. - Landlord’s Release & Consent Agreement with Zions First National Bank and Reeder Airport Properties LLC, along with authorization for the mayor to sign an updated lease agreement with Reeder Flying Service, Inc. Items of Consideration (Organizational Actions) - Oath of Office: City Clerk Amy Luna administered the Oath of Office to newly elected City Council Members Christopher Reid, Jason Brown, and Nathan Murray. Outgoing Mayor Pierce and Council Member Spencer Cutler gave farewell remarks. - Outgoing Mayor's Report: Mayor Ruth Pierce reflected on her four-year term, noting she presided over an estimated 200 meetings, delivered over 75 proclamations and 100 speeches, swore in nearly 100 new positions, and performed over a dozen weddings. She highlighted accomplishments in infrastructure, parks, public safety (including two new fire stations), and economic growth. - Selection of Mayor: City Manager Travis Rothweiler outlined the process. Council Member Jason Brown self-nominated. Following a unanimous roll-call vote (7-0), Jason Brown was elected Mayor of Twin Falls. - Selection of Vice Mayor: Newly elected Mayor Jason Brown nominated Council Member Craig Hawkins for Vice Mayor. The council confirmed the nomination unanimously (7-0). General Public Input - Maria Hernandez (Resident): Expressed optimism about the leadership transition, drawing parallels to themes of change in songs by Sam Cooke and Fleetwood Mac. She offered encouragement to both outgoing and incoming council members. - Cierra Clark (Resident): Announced the creation of a Twin Falls County chapter of Moms for Liberty, a 501(c) organization focused on parental awareness and rights in education. She stated the chapter had gathered approximately 100 local members in a few weeks and emphasized her focus on building local relationships. - Ron Yates (Resident/Property Owner): Proposed using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for a specific sidewalk repair project on 5th Avenue East at 527 Blue Lakes Boulevard. He suggested the city directly contract the work and pay for it with block grant funds, or pay 75% and ask the property owner for 25%, rather than waiting for the property owner to act. He requested reconsideration of funding priorities away from a library plaza project. Key Outcomes - The council unanimously approved the Consent Calendar (7-0). - The America 250 Proclamation was formally endorsed by the city. - New council members were sworn in, marking a transition in the council's composition. - Jason Brown was elected Mayor of Twin Falls (unanimous vote of 7). - Craig Hawkins was elected Vice Mayor (unanimous vote of 7). - The meeting adjourned at 5:32 PM.

The Twin Falls City Council met at 5:00 PM on Monday, December 22, 2025, in Council Chambers, 203 Main Avenue East, Twin Falls, Idaho. All seven council members were present: Mayor Ruth Pierce, Vice Mayor Jason Brown, and Council Members Craig Hawkins, Spencer Cutler, Christopher Reid, Grayson Stone, and Cherie Vollmer. The executive session, originally listed as item 2 on the agenda, was moved to the end of the meeting at the council's request. The council approved the consent calendar and all six items of consideration, with Council Member Cutler abstaining only from the two Starr Corporation contracts. Consent Calendar - Approved 7-0: the December 8, 2025 City Council minutes; Accounts Payable for December 11-17, 2025; December 17, 2025 Travel Requests; the October 2025 Wells Fargo Credit Card Summary; termination of the airport hangar ground lease (Block 13 Lot 1) with Gary Wolverton Jr.; a new airport hangar ground lease (Block 13 Lot 1) with Rebecca L. Jones; and an Alcohol License for St. Luke's. Public Comments & Testimony - Maria Hernandez spoke in support of Parks and Recreation Director Wendy Davis, saying she planned to give her a children's illustrated book titled The Pool. Hernandez also spoke in favor of pickleball, describing a friend who lost 30 pounds playing pickleball and recently won a tournament. - County Commissioner Don Hall announced his recent appointment to fill Lance Clow's remaining term for Legislative Seat 25A and pledged cooperation, collaboration, and an open door to the City of Twin Falls. He initially did not state his name, but later identified himself as a Twin Falls resident. Discussion Items - Animal Shelter Expansion Contract: Assistant City Manager Mandi Thompson requested approval of a CM/GC contract with Starr Corporation (spelled "Star" in some transcript references). The city received nine responses to the September RFQ, interviewed six firms, and ranked Starr Corporation first. The negotiated fee was a 7.5% construction manager fee with no additional pre-construction services fee. The project will use funds raised by People for Pets, with the city managing construction. Council Member Cutler abstained because he has relatives employed at Starr Corporation. Bidding could occur in spring, with possible two-phase construction depending on funding and bids. Approved 6-0, Cutler abstaining. - Fire Station 1 Remodel Contract: Thompson requested approval of a second CM/GC contract with Starr Corporation for the Fire Station 1 remodel under Idaho's additional-phase provisions tied to the 2021 fire facility project. The 2022 bid market forced removal of Station 1 improvements from the original scope. The fee is again 7.5% with no additional pre-construction fees. Planned improvements include restrooms and locker facilities for female firefighters comparable to Stations 2 and 3, kitchen renovations, additional sleep rooms, and a laundry room with clean/dirty separation. Cutler again abstained. Approved 6-0, Cutler abstaining. - HMI Remediation Project: Assistant Public Works Director Erin Steel requested $225,000 from water reserves for design services and temporary stormwater repairs related to the HMI property remediation. A city water line developed a substantial leak on the HMI property in 2019, and design work was underway but the prior appropriation was unbudgeted and needed reauthorization. The request includes $88,000 for contingency and temporary stormwater repair. Council Member Reid thanked staff and said the issue had been ongoing since 2018, while staff background described the leak as developing in 2019. Approved 7-0. - Shoshone Falls/Dierkes Lake Emergency Repairs: Parks and Recreation Director Wendy Davis requested $76,372.03 from Shoshone Falls/Dierkes Lake cash reserves, consisting of approximately $65,000 for emergency road repair and $11,372.03 for dock ramp replacement. The road repair was tied to an emergency declaration made a few weeks earlier. Approved 7-0. - Harmon Park West Tennis Courts: Davis requested authorization to use a cooperative purchase agreement for $351,409 to rebuild the Harmon Park west tennis courts, including pickleball courts. Discussion covered noise-related lawsuits elsewhere, including a Boise case about pickleball noise, and a $20,000 add-on for reinforced posts with sound-dampening material. Vice Mayor Brown spoke against sound dampening but in favor of installing reinforced poles now. The council instead approved a motion authorizing up to $400,000 for the cooperative purchase agreement, with the balance from cash reserves to allow negotiation and reinforced posts, and authorized the director to sign. Council Member Reid also asked about automated lighting; Davis said newer systems can be app-controlled and would be part of the improvements. Approved 7-0. - City Pool Addition and Remodel: Deputy City Manager Mitch Humble requested $70,000 in additional architectural services funding. The original FY24 budget included about $140,000 for architecture, and the contract was signed in September 2024. The project grew from a remodel to an addition, roughly doubling the scope, and the pool staying open during construction extended the timeline. The original architectural contract was spent, with about six months of construction administration remaining. Funding would come first from pool project contingency savings, then from savings on the old Council Chambers capital project, which was about $600,000 under budget, and only then from cash reserves if needed. Approved 7-0. Executive Session - The council voted 7-0 to enter executive session under Idaho Code Section 74-206(1)(B), (C), and (F) to consider personnel matters, acquisition of real property not owned by the city, and communication with legal counsel regarding pending or imminent litigation. The public portion was suspended at 5:39 PM. The regular meeting adjourned at 6:45 PM. Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: approved 7-0. - Animal Shelter contract: approved 6-0, Cutler abstaining. - Fire Station 1 contract: approved 6-0, Cutler abstaining. - HMI remediation funding: approved 7-0. - Shoshone Falls/Dierkes Lake allocation: approved 7-0. - Harmon Park tennis courts cooperative purchase agreement: approved 7-0 at up to $400,000. - City Pool architectural services additional funding: approved 7-0. - Executive session motion: approved 7-0. - The next regular meeting will be January 5, 2026, when the council will elect a mayor. City offices will be closed on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day. Airport Director Bill Carberry will retire on December 30, 2025, with a retirement gathering at Happy Landings. The Twin Falls Chamber of Commerce rescheduled its monthly board meeting.

The Twin Falls City Council met on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers. Mayor Ruth Pierce presided. Five members were present initially; Spencer Cutler arrived later, and Councilman Grayson Stone was excused. The meeting included police swearing-in and POST certification presentations, a solid waste contract negotiation decision, two ordinance adoptions, wastewater bond refunding authorization, and a fourth-quarter FY2024-2025 financial presentation. No members of the public provided General Public Input. Consent Calendar - Council considered approving the consent calendar, including the December 8, 2025 City Council minutes, accounts payable for December 4-10, 2025, December 10, 2025 travel requests, and a trust agreement for Western Horizon Subdivision placing all lots in trust. - The Parks and Recreation Commission recommendation to accept a tree donation from the Twin Falls Parks and Recreation Department for planting at Thomsen Park in memory of Jacob Thompsen was added to the consent calendar (transcript refers to Thompson Park and Jacob Thompson). The transcript does not show a separate roll-call vote on the consent calendar. Public Comments & Testimony - No members of the public provided input during General Public Input. Presentations & Recognitions - Police Chief Matthew Hicks swore in six newest Twin Falls Police Department officers: Malakai Brune, Joshua Gonzalez, Luke Heninger, Colton Michilizzi, Eric Ryan, and Owen Shields. The chief described hires and academy graduation dates; officers signed oaths, with signed oaths to be framed after one year. - Lieutenant Steve Gasper and Emergency Communications Manager Deanne Taylor presented POST certifications: Basic Communications Certification to Jessica Burgess, Hannah Smith, and Logan Wilcox; Intermediate Communications Certification to Jamie Thomas (Quesnell); and Basic Peace Officer Certification to Cesar Cervantes Jr. Discussion Items - Solid Waste Contract: Utility Billing Manager Chelsea Ross requested authorization to enter contract negotiations with PSI Environmental Systems for solid waste hauling and recycling beginning January 1, 2027, for a 10-year term. The current contract expires December 31, 2026. An RFP issued October 23, 2025 and closed November 20, 2025; three vendors submitted bids: Elevate Recycling Disposal (non-responsive), Republic Services, and PSI. PSI was the lowest bidder across all alternatives. Alternatives included unlimited vs. limited solid waste and with or without biweekly recycling; the cost difference between unlimited and limited was 24 cents per month. Staff cited average solid waste cost of 5,646 and average recycling cost per ton of 11,758 based on 16,747 units, and said staff did not believe recycling was economically viable. City staff also cited 23,234 tons of garbage compared with roughly 92 to 99 tons of recycling material. PSI estimated optional subscription recycling at 30 to 35 dollars per month and said cardboard drop-off is currently available. Council Members Chris Reed and Jason Brown supported the base bid: unlimited solid waste without biweekly recycling, allowing residents to pursue subscription recycling separately. Motion by Chris Reed, second by Jason Brown, to enter negotiations with PSI using the base bid; passed 6-0. City staff noted negotiations are not final approval and recycling continues through 2026. - Ordinance O-2025-028: Police Captain Brent Wright presented amendments to city code related to appeals of staff decisions. The change identified 22 code sections and aligns with the city manager form of government; commission and committee decisions and alcohol, beer, and wine decisions would remain with Council. Council voted 6-0 to dispense with reading rules and place the ordinance on third and final reading by title only, then voted 6-0 to adopt O-2025-028. - Ordinance O-2025-030: Council considered vacation of a portion of a waterline easement on property in a portion of Lots 9, 10, and 11 of Block 2 of Sun West Subdivision 2 (PZ25-0110). The item had been continued from the prior week due to lack of five council members. It relates to the Tractor Supply building. Council voted 6-0 to dispense with reading rules and place the ordinance on third and final reading by title only, then voted 6-0 to adopt O-2025-030. - Wastewater Revenue Bond Refunding: CFO Breanna Howard requested authorization to proceed with refunding or refinancing the City's 2014A Wastewater Revenue Bond through the Idaho Bond Bank Authority. Approximately 22.33 million dollars remains, and the bond has been callable since March 15, 2024. Staff proposed a 2,500 dollar bond bank application fee and estimated about 1.045 million dollars in potential savings; no documents would be signed until savings are certain. Motion by Spencer Cutler, second by Chris Reed; passed 6-0. - Fourth-Quarter FY2024-2025 Financial Presentation: CFO Breanna Howard presented national economic context and City finances. The adopted budget was 109 million dollars; amended budget was 132 million dollars (62% tax-supported after amendment). Tax-supported revenues included property taxes of 31 million dollars (43% of tax-supported revenue), grants of 10.3 million dollars, state revenue sharing of 6.8 million dollars, highway revenue of 6.1 million dollars at 137% of budget, and franchise fees of 2.5 million dollars. Property tax revenue grew from 25 million dollars to 31 million dollars over four years. Building permits showed single-family permits down 11% but home values up 15%; commercial permits up 112% and value up 92%, with 2.23 million dollars received against a 1.24 million dollar budget due largely to the Chobani expansion. Personnel spending was 96.9% with 17 open positions and a 4.8% vacancy rate. Capital improvements budgeted 27 million dollars and spent 19 million dollars. Enterprise funds: water and wastewater user fees were about 10 to 11 million dollars each and exceeded budget; water personnel was 97.7% and M and O 98%; major water capital projects included Hankins Pump Station, Eastland, and Kimberly Road water line. Wastewater capital projects included mainline replacement, odor project, Canyon Rim drop line, and heat exchangers, digesters, and boiler. Sanitation remains consistent and contracted with PSI. National indicators noted CPI at 3% year-over-year, core PCE at 2.9%, retail sales up 5%, savings rate down 4.6%, housing starts lowest since 2020, Idaho rent burden over 50% of income at 21.8%, and expected health benefit cost increases of 6.7%. Staff identified risks including inflation, tariffs, health care rule changes, housing affordability, and labor cooling, but noted strong reserves, low turnover, and stable revenue performance. Advisory Board Reports & Announcements - Council Member Craig Hawkins announced one open position on the Arts Commission and encouraged applications. - Announcement of an MPO transportation meeting on Thursday and a ribbon-cutting and tours at the new county courthouse on Wednesday at 8:00 AM. - City Manager's office noted there will be no meeting on December 29; the Council would meet the following week and then next on January 5. Key Outcomes - Approved the purchase of a new 420 CAT backhoe/loader for the Water Department, budgeted in the FY2026 CIP Water Fund, for under the 176,000 dollar budget by about 5,000 dollars, with a five-year/1,500-hour warranty and rock breaker hammer; motion by Jason Brown, second by Cherie Vollmer; passed 6-0. - Authorized contract negotiations with PSI Environmental Systems for solid waste beginning January 1, 2027, using the base bid of unlimited solid waste without biweekly recycling; motion by Chris Reed, second by Jason Brown; passed 6-0. - Adopted Ordinance O-2025-028 amending city code related to appeals of staff decisions; passed 6-0. - Adopted Ordinance O-2025-030 vacating a portion of a waterline easement in Sun West Subdivision 2; passed 6-0. - Authorized proceeding with refunding or refinancing the 2014A Wastewater Revenue Bond through the Idaho Bond Bank Authority; motion by Spencer Cutler, second by Chris Reed; passed 6-0. - Received the fourth-quarter FY2024-2025 financial presentation; no action taken.

The Twin Falls City Council met on Monday, December 8, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Mayor Ruth Pierce presided, with Vice Mayor Jason Brown and Council Members Craig Hawkins, Cherie Vollmer, and Grayson Stone present. Council Members Christopher Reid and Spencer Cutler were absent. The meeting agenda included consent items, several action items, and three public hearings. Key decisions included approval of an impact fee increase, updates to the Master Fee Schedule, and adoption of a comprehensive rewrite of Title 10 (Zoning and Subdivision Regulations). The meeting adjourned at 6:29 PM. Consent Calendar - Approved items A (November 24 minutes), B (accounts payable), C (Knife River Industrial Park improvement agreement), D (Knife River Industrial Park trust agreement), and F (Western Horizon Subdivision final plat) by a 5–0 vote. - Item E (sewer line easement termination at 1594 Sun West Way) was removed from the consent calendar at Council Member Stone’s request due to a conflict of interest. The council then approved item E alone by a 4–0 vote, with Council Member Stone abstaining. Items of Consideration - Library Board Trustee Appointment: Director Tara Bartley requested the appointment of Nicholas Cooley to the Library Board of Trustees. Approved unanimously (5–0). - Waterline Easement Vacation (Ordinance O-2025-030): Planning and Zoning Director Jonathan Spendlove presented the ordinance to vacate a portion of a waterline easement on Lots 9, 10, and 11 of Block 2 of Sun West Subdivision 2. Council Member Stone abstained, being the realtor on the property. With only four eligible voters, the City Manager noted that five votes were needed to place the ordinance on third and final reading. The mayor read the ordinance by title only, but no action was taken. - Impact Fee Annual Report & Rate Increase: Senior Planner William Klaver presented the FY2025 Impact Fee Report, recommending a 2.66% increase. Mayor Pierce expressed satisfaction that fees were catching up to costs. The council approved the report and increase by a 5–0 vote. General Public Input - None. Advisory Board Report/Announcements - City Manager Travis Rothweiler announced that city offices would close mid-morning on Wednesday, December 10, for employee training. Public Hearings - Program Year 2024 CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER): Senior Planner Klaver reported that $544,204.38 in CDBG funds had been spent during the year, with the overall project budget at approximately $900,000. He highlighted public outreach efforts and progress on a City Park bathroom project (construction nearly complete, interior fixtures arriving, but operation delayed until spring 2026 due to water shutoff). The public hearing opened at 5:22 PM and closed at 5:23 PM with no public testimony. The council approved the CAPER (5–0). - Resolution 2025-016 – New Fees and Master Fee Schedule Amendment: Senior Planner Klaver explained that fee adjustments were needed to align with code changes from the Title 10 rewrite, including new fees for zoning use permits ($500) and site plan permits ($1,350, later corrected to a justified amount based on staff analysis). Some fees were increased more than 5% (e.g., annexation/ZDA from $700 to $1,500, home occupation zoning use permits from $100 to $250). Public hearing opened at 6:26 PM and closed at 6:27 PM with no testimony. The resolution was approved (5–0). - Title 10 Zoning and Subdivision Regulations Repeal and Replacement (Ordinance O-2025-029): Jonathan Spendlove and William Klaver presented the final draft of the new zoning code, a seven-year effort. Changes included updated zone names (e.g., R1/R2 combined into Town Neighborhood One), simplified accessory structure regulations, revised drive-through criteria (masonry wall and landscape buffers for residential adjacency), and updated sign regulations. The sign regulations were a focus: the council reaffirmed its August 18th direction to allow 32-square-foot temporary signs on platted vacant lots (with up to 64 square feet by combining two lots). An alternative language offered by a public commenter (the “bubble”) was not adopted. Vice Mayor Brown expressed preference for the staff-written “number three” language. The public hearing opened at 6:09 PM and closed at 6:10 PM. Council Members Grayson Stone, Jason Brown, and Craig Hawkins thanked the planning staff. The council voted 5–0 to approve the ordinance, then voted 5–0 to dispense with rules and place it on third and final reading by title only, and finally voted 5–0 to adopt Ordinance O-2025-029 (effective January 1, 2026) and allow its publication by summary. Key Outcomes - Consent calendar approved with items A–D, F (5–0) and item E (4–0, Stone abstaining). - Nicholas Cooley appointed to Library Board of Trustees (5–0). - Impact Fee Report and 2.66% increase accepted (5–0). - CAPER report approved (5–0). - Resolution 2025-016 (Master Fee Schedule amendments) adopted (5–0). - Title 10 zoning code repeal and replacement enacted via Ordinance O-2025-029 (5–0 on all motions), effective January 1, 2026. - No action on waterline easement vacation (Ordinance O-2025-030) due to insufficient eligible votes.

The Twin Falls City Council met Monday, November 24, 2025, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers at 203 Main Avenue East, Twin Falls, Idaho. Mayor Ruth Pierce, Vice Mayor Jason Brown, and Council Members Craig Hawkins, Spencer Cutler, and Grayson Stone were present; Council Members Cherie Vollmer and Chris Reid were excused. The Council approved the consent calendar and all voting action items by 5-0 votes, heard two public comments, received a local disaster emergency declaration from the Mayor, and adjourned at 6:37 PM. Proclamation - Mayor Pierce read and presented the Thanksgiving Day Proclamation, proclaiming Thursday, November 27, 2025, as Thanksgiving Day and encouraging support for local food pantries and service organizations. Pastor Paul Thompson accepted the proclamation and read an excerpt from the first national Thanksgiving proclamation. Consent Calendar - Approved 5-0: City Council minutes from November 17, 2025. - Approved 5-0: Accounts Payable for November 6-19, 2025. - Approved 5-0: November 19, 2025 Travel Requests. - Approved 5-0: City Council Schedule of Regular Meetings & Public Hearings for 2026. - Approved 5-0: Final Plat for the Western Horizons Subdivision, consisting of 56 residential lots on approximately 20 acres, c/o EHM Engineers, Inc. on behalf of Gary Nelson, Indigo Investments Limited, LLC (PZ25-0137). - Approved 5-0: Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law for PZ25-0110, Vacation of Utility Easement. - Approved 5-0: Special Event Permit for the Festival of Lights Parade. Discussion Items - Election Results: CFO Breanna Howard requested acceptance of Twin Falls County's canvassed results for the November 4, 2025 election. Reported results included Jason Brown receiving 73.5% of 2,592 votes for Council Seat 1 and Nathan Murray receiving 54.08% of 2,609 votes for Council Seat 5. The Council voted to accept the results. - Breeze Airways Airline Use & Lease Agreement: Airport Manager Bill Carberry presented a lease allowing Breeze Airways to use the terminal, parking, aircraft areas, baggage areas, and a small office, with associated rents and fees. Breeze announced service to Twin Falls with planned Monday and Friday flights to Las Vegas and connecting Breeze-through service to Orange County, California, beginning March 6. Council approved the agreement and authorized the Mayor to sign it. - Breeze Airways Air Carrier Incentive Program Agreement: Carberry reviewed the incentive program adopted by resolution on September 29. Breeze Airways was found eligible for two years of marketing support at $30,000 per year plus abatements of landing fees, aircraft rescue and firefighting fees, and terminal rents. Council approved the Memorandum of Understanding and authorized the Airport Manager to sign it. - Wendell-Filer-Martin 38 Lateral Project: Staff Engineer AC Stowe requested award to Extreme Excavation, Inc. The project is an early step toward constructing a roundabout at Wendell, Filer, and Martin and includes piping a large canal on the south side of Filer. Seven bids were received; the low bid was $480,165 versus the engineer's estimate of $552,000. Council approved $480,165 plus 20% contingency, totaling $575,000. - Grandview Odor Control Station Project: Environmental Manager Nathan Erickson requested award to PMF Inc. After an earlier bid above $1 million was rejected, PMF offered a lower amount. Agenda discrepancy: the agenda listed $429,227.70 as the base amount, but the staff presentation and approved motion used $479,227.70; Councilmember Stone noted the staff report error. The total approved was $479,227.70 plus $106,063 for construction engineering/inspection support, new power service, and contingency, for a $585,290.70 total from wastewater reserves. - Irrigation Repair at 3555 N 2900 E: Assistant Public Works Director Erin Steel requested up to $30,000 from water reserves to repair irrigation delivery pipe and structures on city property leased to KC Williams. The work includes replacing 700 feet of 12-inch pipe and 1,000 feet of concrete-lined ditch with gated pipe, plus related valves. The lessee is responsible for 15% of repair costs and has paid over $37,000 in lease payments. Vice Mayor Brown disclosed that Casey Williams is a board member at his place of employment, with no personal benefit. Council approved the request. - Pump Station A/C Reallocation: Water Supply Technician Drew Foster requested reallocation of $47,000 appropriated in FY 2026 for Harrison Pump Station A/C units to instead replace A/C units at the Hankins Pump Station after $6,500 to $8,000 was spent on repairs at Hankins over the past year. Council approved the reallocation. - Ordinance O-2025-025 Zoning Development Agreement Amendment: Senior Planner Will Klaver presented the final ordinance for property at East Park Professional Subdivision No. 3, following the Planning & Zoning Commission recommendation on August 26, 2025, and Council approval on September 29, 2025. Council dispensed with the reading rules and adopted the ordinance on third and final reading by title only. - Hansen Street-City Park Plaza Project: Klaver gave an update and asked for design direction. The project uses Community Development Block Grant funding and includes the rebuilt City Park restroom, sidewalks, playground, and a pedestrian plaza or outdoor learning center between the park and library. A traffic study showed Hanson Street averaged 267 trips per day, with a Friday high of 399 and a Sunday low of 98, compared with 12,000 trips per day on Shoshone Street. Three AI-generated options were shown: a closed pedestrian plaza, a festival street, and a boulevard or pedestrian refuge option. Council discussion covered emergency vehicle access, library access, parking loss, maintenance staffing concerns, hardscape versus landscaping, loitering concerns, and traffic calming on Fourth Avenue. Council directed staff to continue with options one and two and emphasize maintainable design. - Underwater Pool Lights: Aquatics Supervisor John Pauley requested $13,460.59 in contingency funds to replace obsolete underwater lights at the Twin Falls City Pool after aging casings exposed wires. A prototype fixture from Mastercraft Pool and Spa worked well and improved illumination, enabling safer night swimming and later-season bubble use. Council approved the allocation. - Comp Time Cash-Out: City Manager Travis Rothweiler requested authorization for a one-time cash-out of employee compensatory time banks to comply with the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act and overtime reporting changes. Because comp banks can include discretionary and non-FLSA time, the City cannot itemize FLSA overtime as required; 2025 includes a federal grace period, but 2026 penalties could exceed $500,000. The cash-out is expected to cost $162,678.54 across eight funds. Council approved the one-time cash-out; future comp banks will be limited to FLSA-required overtime. - Intermountain Gas Franchise Agreement: Rothweiler presented Ordinance O-2025-019, a 20-year franchise extension with Intermountain Gas Company, with subsequent 10-year terms by mutual agreement. The franchise includes a 3% gross receipts payment, approximately $500,000 annually, and had been published as required by Idaho Code. Council dispensed with the reading rules and adopted the ordinance on third and final reading by title only. Emergency Declaration - Mayor Pierce declared a local disaster emergency under Idaho Code Section 46-1011 for damage at Durke's Lake outlet. Unprecedented high flows overwhelmed the culvert and breached a retaining wall, eroding shoulders, undermining asphalt, and damaging guardrail footings on the newly constructed road. The park road was closed, and continued flows plus freezing temperatures threaten additional damage. Shoshone Falls and Durkey's Cash reserve funds will be used for emergency repairs. The declaration lasts a maximum of seven days and cannot be renewed without City Council consent. Public Comments & Testimony - Ron Yates, a Twin Falls resident since 1992, presented his second letter opposing the permanent closure of Hanson Street. He disputed staff's observation that most children come from the library to the playground, saying his experience since 1988 shows people stop at the playground and let their children play. He criticized relying on about 25 comments from a July open house, urged Council to ask city residents before closing a street, and suggested using remaining grant funds for sidewalks for properties that have never had them. He also argued the traffic survey cited was from 2018, seven years prior, and counted traffic at an intersection one block away rather than in front of the library. - Nathan Murray, a Twin Falls resident speaking on behalf of Idaho Power, requested Council consider a resolution supporting construction of two transmission lines: the Southwest Intertie Project North and the Gateway West extension. He said the lines have been in Idaho Power's integrated resource plan for nearly two decades and would help import power during summer and winter peak demand, including solar and wind from neighboring states. Idaho Power will seek a certificate from the Idaho Public Utilities Commission and considers Twin Falls' support important. Council members indicated willingness to place the item on a future agenda. Advisory Board Report & Announcements - City Manager Rothweiler announced City Hall will be closed for Thanksgiving and the following Friday; there will be no Council meeting on December 1; the annual light parade is December 5; City Hall will close December 10 for the annual employee business meeting; and two strategic planning sessions are scheduled December 11. He also noted a December 8 public hearing on Title 10 improvements. Key Outcomes - All Consent Calendar items were approved unanimously, 5-0. - All voting items of consideration were approved unanimously, 5-0. The Hansen Street-City Park Plaza item was an update and design direction rather than a final award. - Council directed staff to advance the Hansen Street design with options one and two, maintain emergency access, minimize ongoing maintenance through hardscape and limited plantings, and incorporate traffic calming considerations. - Mayor Pierce issued a seven-day local disaster emergency declaration for Durke's Lake outlet repairs. - The meeting was adjourned at 6:37 PM.

The Twin Falls City Council met on Monday, November 17, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers. Mayor Ruth Pierce presided with six members present (Councilman Grayson Stone excused). The meeting included a proclamation, consent calendar, staff presentations, multiple action items, advisory reports, and a public hearing. Nearly all votes were unanimous (6-0), with one abstention on the animal shelter contract. Proclamations - Native American Heritage Recognition Month: Mayor Pierce read and presented a proclamation declaring November as National American Indian Heritage Month. Lorraine Jordan of the Daughters of the American Revolution (Twin Falls chapter) accepted on behalf of the chapter and highlighted educational efforts on Native American contributions. Consent Calendar - Approved unanimously (6-0) by motion of Council Member Hawkins, seconded by Council Member Vollmer. Items included: - Approval of November 3, 2025 City Council minutes. - Accounts payable for Oct 30–Nov 5, 2025. - Airport ground lease termination and new lease agreements with Reeder Flying Service, Reeder Airport Properties, and Reeder Jet Center. - Assignment of ground lease from Estate of Gary Wolverton Sr. to Gary Wolverton Jr. - Improvement Agreement for Two Creeks No. 1 at the Preserve public infrastructure. - Acceptance of public right-of-way. - Authorization for payment of FY2026 Traveler's Insurance premium. Discussion Items - MVMPO & Long-Range Planning Update: Nathan Jerke, Executive Director of the Magic Valley MPO, presented on formation history, the Metropolitan Transportation Plan (MTP) for 2050, growth forecasts, and project lists. He announced three public outreach meetings (Nov 18–20) and encouraged online participation. No action was taken. - Well 5 Project – Water Reserves & Construction Contract: Staff Engineer Trenton Essex requested authorization to use $2,980,000 from Water Reserves and award the construction contract to Suburban Construction for $2,395,826, with Option A (base bid, chain-link fence) recommended over Option B (rock-style fence). Council member questions focused on fencing. Motion by Vice Mayor Brown, seconded by Council Member Reid, approved unanimously (6-0). - Animal Shelter Expansion – Negotiations with Starr Corp: Assistant City Manager Mandi Thompson requested authorization to enter negotiations with Starr Corp for CM/GC services. The expansion includes a cat colony, surgical suite, and separate kennel building. Thompson reported nine responses to an RFQ; Starr Corp ranked first after interviews. Motion by Council Member Reid, seconded by Council Member Vollmer, passed 5-0-1 (Council Member Cutler abstained). - Twin Falls Golf Club – Concession Agreement: Parks and Recreation Director Wendy Davis requested approval of a seven-year concession agreement (with a five-year renewal option) with Travis Hofland Golf, LLC to operate and manage the golf club, starting January 2026. Davis noted the agreement followed negotiations authorized on October 13, 2025. Travis Hofland thanked the council. Motion by Council Member Vollmer, seconded by Vice Mayor Brown, approved unanimously (6-0). - Ordinance 2025-026 – Duty to Identify to Law Enforcement: Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Nicole Swafford presented an ordinance amending City Code 6-2-7 to require suspects to provide name and date of birth upon reasonable suspicion of a law violation. Discussion included definitions of reasonable suspicion and that verbal identification satisfies the requirement. The council dispensed with rules and placed the ordinance on third and final reading by title only, then adopted it (both votes 6-0). Lieutenants from police available for questions. - Ordinance 2025-027 – Public Parks Code Amendment: Parks Director Davis requested adoption of an ordinance amending City Code Title 8, Chapter 3 regarding public parks. The ordinance had been previously reviewed on October 27. Council dispensed with rules and placed it on third and final reading, then adopted it (both votes 6-0). Advisory Board Reports & Announcements - Mayor Pierce announced that the city received a grant of nearly $24,000 from the C Graves Foundation for four sets of rapid flashing beacons to be installed at Hanson Street and 2nd Avenue, near the location of a fatal pedestrian accident in 2024. She thanked city staff for the presentation. - City Manager Rothweiler announced two strategic planning listening sessions on December 11, 2025: 2:30–4:30 PM at the College of Southern Idaho and 6:00–8:00 PM at the First Federal Community Room. - Mayor Pierce reminded the public of the Annual Festival of Lights Parade on December 5, 2025. Public Hearing - Vacate Platted Waterline Easement – Sun West Subdivision No. 2: Planning & Zoning Director Jonathan Spendlove presented a request to vacate a waterline easement at 1594 Sun West Way on behalf of MW Idaho Properties LLC (applicant). The water line had been relocated to accommodate a future Tractor Supply Co. store. Applicant representative Gerald Martins spoke in favor. Public hearing opened at 5:52 PM and closed at 5:53 PM with no public testimony. Motion by Vice Mayor Brown, seconded by Council Member Vollmer, approved unanimously (6-0). Key Outcomes - All action items were approved, with the following votes: - Consent Calendar: 6-0. - Well 5 project (water reserves & contract): 6-0. - Animal shelter CM/GC negotiations: 5-0-1 (Cutler abstained). - Golf club concession agreement: 6-0. - Ordinance 2025-026 (duty to identify): Adopted 6-0. - Ordinance 2025-027 (public parks): Adopted 6-0. - Easement vacation: 6-0. - No general public input was received. - Meeting adjourned at approximately 6:00 PM.

The Twin Falls City Council convened on Monday, November 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM in the Council Chambers with all seven members present. The meeting covered the consent calendar, a swearing-in ceremony, a pathway project update, a pump station change order, and an annexation ordinance. Consent Calendar - Approved the minutes of the October 27, 2025, meeting. - Approved Accounts Payable for October 23-29, 2025. - Approved acceptance of a public right-of-way. - Approved Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law for PZ25-0104 (Vacation) and PZ25-0131 (Final Plat). - Approved the Special Event Permit for the Veterans Day Celebration. Presentations - Swearing-In of Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Meghan Godfrey: City Attorney Bruce Castleton introduced Meghan Godfrey as the new Deputy City Attorney. Mayor Ruth Pierce administered the oath of office. - Twin Falls Gun Club Pathway Project Update: Assistant Public Works Director Erin Steel presented an update. The project was funded by council capital funds to create a 10-foot-wide multi-use path connecting the Canyon Rim Trail. Steel noted positive feedback from the public and the gun club board. Discussion Items - Hankins Pump Station Change Order: City Engineer Lee Glaesemann requested authorization for the City Engineer to sign a change order for installing an additional pump at the Hankins Pump Station, contingent on receiving payment for the pump from the developer of Gemini Business Park. Council discussed the 19-22 month lead time for the pump. - Annexation Ordinance O-2025-024: Planning and Zoning Director Jonathan Spendlove requested the adoption of the ordinance for property at 2521 Stadium Blvd. The council voted to suspend the rules for the third reading by title only before adopting it. Public Comments & Testimony - Maria Hernandez addressed the council to express appreciation for Mayor Ruth Pierce's leadership and dedication, presenting her with a token titled "White Feather". Key Outcomes - Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (7-0). - Hankins Pump Station Change Order: The motion to authorize the change order passed. (Moved by Jason Brown, seconded by Chris Reid. Discrepancy Note: The official minutes record a vote of 7-0, while the raw transcript indicates 6-0 with 1 abstention by Council Member Grayson Stone.) - Annexation Ordinance O-2025-024: The ordinance was adopted unanimously (7-0) for the property at 2521 Stadium Blvd. Announcements - Council Member Chris Reid announced an Airport Advisory Committee meeting and press conference at noon on Tuesday, November 4, regarding positive developments in air service. - Council Members Grayson Stone and Jason Brown encouraged residents to vote in the November 4 election. - City Manager Travis Rothweiler reminded that city offices will be closed on November 11 for Veterans Day and announced community strategic planning open house sessions scheduled for the second week of December.