October 4, 2025 – Council Minutes

REGULAR MEETING

RIGBY CITY COUNCIL

THURSDAY OCTOBER 4^TH, 2025

7:00 PM

CALL TO ORDER: Mayor Richard Datwyler called the meeting to order.

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

ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE:

Councilman Mike Wilder                         Absent

Councilwoman Becky Harrison               Present

Councilman Alex Espinosa                     Present

Councilman Timothy Howe                     Present

Councilman Reed Stone                         Present

Councilwoman Tonya Hillman                Present

ALSO PRESENT-

City Attorney, Sam Angell

Director Of Public Works, Mitch Bradley

Police Chief Allen Fullmer

Planning and Zoning Administrator, Ione Hansen

Public comment –

No Comment

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 – September 18^th, 2025

Councilman Stone made the motion to Approve the Minutes from September 18^th, seconded by Councilman Espinosa, Councilwoman Hillman Abstained.

• Accounts Payable-  September 2025

Councilman Howe made the motion to Approve the Accounts Payable for September for $463095.88, seconded by Councilman Stone,

roll call vote:

Councilman Timothy Howe –       Yes                  

Councilman Alex Espinosa –       Yes                                           

Councilwoman Becky Harrison – Yes

Councilwoman Tonya Hillman –   Yes       

Councilman Reed Stone –           Yes

• Quarterly Transfer for June 2025 Financial Reports

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

Councilwoman Tonya Hillman –   Yes       

Councilman Reed Stone –             Yes

Councilman Alex Espinosa –         Yes             

Councilwoman Becky Harrison –   Yes     

Councilman Timothy Howe –         Yes                  

ACTION ITEM: Consider a Moratorium on Annexation

Councilwoman Harrison presented ten reasons in support of establishing a moratorium on annexation, emphasizing the need to update the City’s ordinances to reflect recent changes in State Code before proceeding with further annexations.

City Attorney Sam Angell explained that a moratorium must be enacted through a formal ordinance, requiring publication and a public hearing consistent with standard legislative procedures.

Following discussion, Council directed Mr. Angell to draft a Moratorium Ordinance. Concurrently, Council and city staff will begin work on revising the Annexation Ordinance to ensure alignment with updated state requirements.

Tabled

ACTION ITEM: Consider Continuance of Current City Employee Health Insurance Plan

The Mayor stated that the current health insurance plan remains the most cost-effective option for both the City and its employees. Alternative plans were reviewed, but all were significantly more expensive, reinforcing the recommendation to maintain the existing coverage.

Councilman Espinosa made the motion to Keep Current City Employee Health Insurance Plan, seconded by Councilman Stone.

All present voted “Aye”. None Opposed. Motion was Adopted.                                       

ACTION ITEM: Consider terminating the awarded bid for the Highway 48 Water Line Replacement Project and awarding the contract to the next lowest responsive and responsible bidder

Mr. Bradley reported that the company originally awarded the bid submitted their paperwork two hours past the deadline and failed to include proof of insurance. Based on this, he recommended rescinding the contract and awarding it to the next lowest bidder, who has agreed to complete the project for the same price.

Due to seasonal weather changes, Mr. Bradley proposed placing the project on hold until spring. The second bidder is amenable to this delay, provided they receive partial upfront funding to secure materials at current pricing.

Council inquired about a start date. Mr. Bradley clarified that while no start date was specified, the contract includes a finish date. The original contractor was given 15 days to submit all required documentation. After the bid was awarded and signed by the Mayor, Mr. Bradley submitted it to Keller Associates but requested they hold off on processing while he consulted Mr. Angell regarding exceptions to the lowest bid requirement.

Councilwoman Harrison suggested confirming with Trico whether they can honor the bid in the spring. If not, the contract may be canceled. Mr. Angell emphasized that the delay in project initiation was due to internal factors, not the contractor’s actions.

Council discussed the potential cost of rebidding in the spring, which Mr. Bradley estimated at approximately $1,500. He also noted that Keller Associates informed him Trico was attempting to secure the bond, which had caused the delay.

Council expressed concern that Trico had still not provided proof of insurance, despite the 15-day deadline, and noted that deteriorating weather conditions made it increasingly impractical to proceed with the project this season. These factors were cited as the primary reasons for reconsidering the contract and exploring alternative options for spring.

Councilman Espinosa made the motion to Cancel the Contract with Trico due to breach of contract by not providing the insurance, seconded by Councilwoman Hillman.

Councilwoman Tonya Hillman –   Yes

Councilman Timothy Howe –         Yes                  

Councilman Alex Espinosa –         Yes             

Councilwoman Becky Harrison –   Yes         

Councilman Reed Stone –             Yes

Action Item- Adjournment

Councilwoman Harrison motioned to Adjourn, seconded by Councilwoman Hillman.

All present voted “Aye”. None Opposed. Motion was Adopted.

APPROVED__________________________________

                       Richard Datwyler, Mayor

Attest__________________________

            Kiesha Keller, City Clerk

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