August 7, 2025 – Council Minutes

REGULAR MEETING

RIGBY CITY COUNCIL

THURSDAY AUGUST 7^TH, 2025

7:00 PM

CALL TO ORDER: Councilwoman Harrison called the meeting to order. 

The Pledge of Allegiance was given by Councilman Espinosa and the prayer by Councilwoman Harrison.

ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE:

Mayor Richard Datwyler         Absent

Councilman Mike Wilder                         Present

Councilwoman Becky Harrison               Present

Councilman Alex Espinosa                     Present

Councilman Timothy Howe                     Absent 

Councilman Reed Stone                         Present

Councilwoman Tonya Hillman       Absent 

ALSO PRESENT- 

City Attorney, Sam Angell

Director Of Public Works, Mitch Bradley

Police Chief Allen Fullmer

Planning and Zoning Administrator, Ione Hansen

PUBLIC COMMENT – 

Wayne Rogers – Concerned about the need for a stoplight at 4000.

Cody Keller – He requested that the Council explore available grants and funding opportunities to install additional wheelchair-accessible curb ramps throughout the community. Additionally, he urged the Council to strengthen enforcement of sidewalk snow removal during the winter months to ensure safe and consistent accessibility for individuals using wheelchairs.

Barbara Monroe – She expressed concern regarding the same ADA compliance issues previously raised by Cody Keller, emphasizing the need for improved accessibility throughout the community. Additionally, she urged the Council to address the use of fireworks during the July 4th celebrations, noting that such activity poses a significant safety risk when a county-wide Burn Ban is in effect across Jefferson County.

ACTION ITEM – CONSENT AGENDA

The following business items may be approved by one motion and a vote.  If any one member of the Council so desires, any matter listed can be moved to a separate agenda item. 

1. Council Minutes – July 17^tht, 2025

Councilman Wilder made the motion to Approve the Minutes for July 17^th,2025, seconded by Councilman Stone, Councilman Espinosa abstained

2. Accounts Payable- July 2025

Councilwoman Harrison made the motion to Approve the Accounts Payable for July 2025, seconded by Councilman Espinosa,

roll call vote:

Councilman Mike Wilder –              Yes                   

Councilwoman Becky Harrison –    Yes     

Councilman Alex Espinosa –          Yes             

Councilman Reed Stone –             Yes

3. Quarterly Transfer for March 2025/ Financial Reports 

Councilman Wilder made the motion to Approve the Quarterly Transfers from March 2025 out of Water, Sanitation and Sewer in the amount totaling $18,750 to General Fund for Administration costs, seconded by Councilman Harrison,

Councilman Mike Wilder –              Yes                   

Councilwoman Becky Harrison –    Yes     

Councilman Alex Espinosa –          Yes             

Councilman Reed Stone –             Yes

 Presentation: Plaque Recognition Honoring City of Rigby as an Official JustServe City 

Eric and Nicky Andreason, accompanied by Jill Taylor—a local resident and the JustServe Coordinator—attended the meeting to formally present the plaque recognizing the city’s designation as a JustServe City.

 Presentation: Hot Classic Nights Presenting a Check for Rigby Senior Center 

Adam Hall and Todd Stowell presented a $15,000 check on behalf of the Rigby Senior Center to Lisa Rolland, the newly appointed Director of the Senior Center. The donation was made in support of the Meals on Wheels program, reinforcing the Center’s commitment to serving seniors in the community. 

Ms. Rolland extended her gratitude to the City for its ongoing support, specifically acknowledging the winter maintenance of the Senior Center parking lot, regular garbage services, and the annual financial contribution. She also shared that the Meals on Wheels program currently serves 47 households, delivering approximately 975 meals each month and covering 82 miles monthly – including service to residents in Roberts.

ACTION ITEM: Consider Authorization for Thompson Engineering to Review and Correct Property Ownership Boundaries Along N 3^rd W

Mr. Bradley reported that Thompson Engineering had raised concerns regarding property deeds indicating ownership extending to the centerline of the roadway. He expressed apprehension that this could potentially require the City to purchase rights-of-way in order to perform maintenance on water and sewer infrastructure located beneath the road.

In response, Sam Angell clarified that while roads annexed from the County may reflect private ownership to the center of the roadway, once annexed into the City, the municipality assumes the right-of-way, thereby granting the City authority to maintain public utilities without the need for additional property acquisition.

No Motion Needed

ACTION ITEM: Consider Approval to Waive Building Fee for Jefferson County Fair

Carl Anderson, representing the Jefferson County Fair, requested that the City waive the building permit fee associated with placing Connex boxes on-site for storage purposes. He noted that while the property belongs to Jefferson County, it is located within the Rigby city limits and therefore requires City approval for the permit.

Councilman Wilder made the motion to Approve the to Waive the Building Fee for Jefferson County Fair, seconded by Councilman Stone, unanimously approved.

Motion Passed 

ACTION ITEM: Consider Approval to Move Noise Ordinance to Public Hearing  

The Council agreed to eliminate the decimal requirements and the mandate for backup beepers from the proposed ordinance. The final draft will be presented at the next Council meeting, allowing additional time for members to consider final amendments and establish an appropriate fee schedule.

Tabled 

ACTION ITEM: Consider Approval of 50% Upfront Payment to Seal Coat the Rodeo Grounds Parking Lot

Mr. Bradley presented to the Council a five-year bid he originally received in 2020 for crack sealing at the Rigby Rodeo Grounds, totaling $37,730. In 2024, he negotiated a reduced rate of $30,000 with Donny Wheeler. After Donny’s passing, his son Tate—now operating Rocky Mountain Sealers—expressed interest in honoring the original agreement made with Mr. Bradley.

Mr. Bradley stated that if the $30,000 rate was maintained, he would request that the City pay the material costs to the company upfront. The Council discussed the anticipated timeline for project completion and emphasized the importance of formalizing the arrangement. Mr. Bradley confirmed that a contract will be drafted and signed, and proof of insurance will be provided prior to any disbursement of funds.

Councilman Stone made a motion to approve the drafting of a contract and to authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement with Rocky Mountain Sealers. The contract will include a payment of $15,000 upfront for materials and an additional $15,000 upon project completion. The motion was seconded by Councilman Wilder.

roll call vote:

Councilman Mike Wilder –             Yes                   

Councilwoman Becky Harrison –   Yes      

Councilman Alex Espinosa –          Yes             

Councilman Reed Stone –              Yes

 ACTION ITEM: Consider Approval of Mountain River Vet Contract

Chief Fullmer confirmed the contract is a renewal. However, they have increased their prices and there is a cap on how many days they will charge us for boarding. 

Councilman Wilder made the motion to Approve the Contract with Mountain River Vet, seconded by Councilman Espinosa, unanimously approved.

Motion Passed

  ACTION ITEM: Consider Bids for Highway 48 Water Line Replacement Project 

Mr. Bradley expressed concern regarding the selected contractor, noting that they are not based in Idaho and have not previously worked with the City. He referenced past experiences with unfamiliar contractors, which have generally yielded unfavorable outcomes. Additionally, feedback from other municipalities indicated that the contractor has a history of struggling to meet project timelines. Following a discussion with Mr. Angell, it was clarified that, under current procurement regulations, there is no legal basis to reject the winning bid..  

Councilman Espinosa made the motion to Approve the Bid for Trico for the Highway 48 Water Line Replacement Project for the amount $906,278.05, seconded by Councilwoman Harrison,

roll call vote:

Councilman Mike Wilder –              Yes                  

Councilwoman Becky Harrison –    Yes     

Councilman Alex Espinosa –           Yes             

Councilman Reed Stone –               Yes

  ACTION ITEM: Consider Bids for Maintenance Building

Mr. Bradley outlined several concerns with the current bidding process. The first contractor submitted their bid via email rather than in a sealed envelope, which did not comply with standard procedures. Additionally, multiple contractors contacted the City after the bid deadline, stating they had not been aware of the opportunity and requesting a chance to submit proposals. At present, only one bid meets the criteria for legitimacy. In light of these issues, Mr. Bradley recommended that the City repost the bid to allow for broader participation and ensure a fair and competitive process.

Councilwoman Harrison made the motion to Reject All Bids because the process did not seem to work properly, seconded by Councilman Stone, unanimously approved.

  ACTION ITEM: Consider Approval of Verizon Contract

Ms. Keller informed the Council that the proposed new contract includes two service options, both of which offer lower benefits or coverage compared to the current agreement. In response, the Council requested that Ms. Keller schedule a meeting with Verizon to clarify the reasons behind the reduced offerings. She was asked to report back with findings at a future Council meeting.

Tabled. 

  ACTION ITEM: Consider Approval of the Purchase of Public Works Vehicle 

Mr. Bradley informed the Council that funding for a new Public Works vehicle had already been allocated in the 2024–2025 budget. He has identified a 2025 model that falls within the approved budget and requested Council approval to proceed with the purchase.

Councilman Espinosa made the motion to Approve the Purchase of the Public Works Vehicle, a 2025 White Chevrolet Colorado for the price of 44,455.85, seconded by Councilwoman Harrison,

roll call vote:

Councilman Mike Wilder –             Yes                   

Councilwoman Becky Harrison –   Yes      

Councilman Alex Espinosa –      Yes                 

Councilman Reed Stone –          Yes                                   

ACTION ITEM: PUBLIC HEARING: 2025-26 Budget Hearing

 Public Comment; No Public Comments

Council Discussion/Decision: Total Proposed Budget $22,118,259.28. Current years Budget was $19,591,943.27. There was an increase in Infrastructure, Essential Services, and Maintenance Support.  Property taxes are coming in at $2,559,579.95, Water Revenue will be over a million, Sewer Income will be over two million. Additionally, there will be $6,000,000 for a Water Line Project. Council discussed he Airport Budget. 

Councilwoman Harrison made the motion to Approve the 2025-26 Budget as Presented, seconded by Councilman Wilder,

roll call vote:

Councilman Mike Wilder –              Yes                  

Councilwoman Becky Harrison –    Yes     

Councilman Alex Espinosa –          Yes              

Councilman Reed Stone –             Yes

  ACTION ITEM: Executive session under Idaho Code §74-206(1)(f).

 Councilwoman Harrison made the motion go into Executive Session.

Executive Session began at 8:44PM

Executive Session ended at 9:12PM 

Action Item- Adjournment 

Councilman Wilder motioned to Adjourn, seconded by Councilman Stone, motion carried. All in favor say aye. 

MOTION GRANTED

APPROVED__________________________________ 

                       Richard Datwyler, Mayor

Attest__________________________

            Kiesha Keller, City Clerk

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