February 5, 2026 – Council Minutes

MINUTES                                                 

RIGBY CITY COUNCIL

THURSDAY February 5th, 2026

7:00 PM

Mayor Nichole Weight called the meeting to order.

The Pledge of Allegiance was given by Councilwoman Allen.

The prayer by Councilman Espinosa.

ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE:

Councilman Alex Espinosa                 Present

Councilman Timothy Howe                 Present

Councilwoman Melanie Allen             Present

Councilman Reed Stone                        Present

Councilwoman Tonya Hillman            Present

Councilman Kevin Bradshaw               Present

*Councilman Kevin Bradshaw arrived at 7:15pm

ALSO PRESENT-

City Attorney, Sam Angell

Director Of Public Works, Mitch Bradley

Police Chief, Allen Fullmer

Public comment–

Todd Grant spoke about upcoming legislation and elections, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.

Shad Rydalch (AT&T) expressed interest in the communication updates regarding the Water Tank project and stated he was available to answer questions.

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 – January 22^nd, 2026   

Councilman Stone made the motion to Approve the Minutes with the amendment correcting the Accounts Payable Motion from Councilman Wilder to Councilman Espinosa, seconded by Councilman Espinosa. Motion carried unanimously.

• Accounts Payable- February 2026

Councilman Howe made the motion to Approve the Accounts Payable, seconded by Councilman Espinosa,

roll call vote:

Councilman Howe –               Yes  

Councilman Stone –               Yes

Councilman Espinosa –         Yes

Councilwoman Hillman –       Yes 

Councilwoman Allen-              Yes

ACTION ITEM: Latecomers Agreement for Fieldstone Meadows

Mr. Bradley presented the Latecomers Agreement for Fieldstone Meadows, explaining that while the City has approved many latecomers’ agreements for water, this is the first for sewer. He noted that Alturas School intends to connect to the same sewer line and will still pay the required hookup fees. The agreement allows Fieldstone Meadows to recoup a portion of their costs for installing the sewer line.

Councilwoman Hillman made the motion to Approve the Latecomers Agreement for Fieldstone Meadows, seconded by Councilwoman Allen.

roll call vote:

Councilman Stone –               Yes

Councilwoman Hillman –        Yes 

Councilman Bradshaw –         Yes

Councilman Howe –               Yes  

Councilwoman Allen-             Yes

Councilman Espinosa –         Yes

ACTION ITEM: Consider Approval for AT&T Proposal to Install a Monopole in the Area of the old Rigby Water Tank

Jason Harms (AT&T) presented the proposal to install a monopole near the City Hall maintenance garage. He explained that the existing water tower is not structurally sufficient to support upgraded communication equipment. AT&T is requesting to place the new equipment on a monopole within their fenced area. He also noted that AT&T is in discussions with Verizon regarding potential co‑location on the monopole.

Councilman Stone asked about the height discrepancy between the stated 150‑foot pole and the 160‑foot height shown on the drawings. Jason Harms (AT&T) explained that 150 feet is the maximum height allowed under City ordinance and that the pole is engineered to collapse inward on itself to meet setback requirements. Mr. Bradley asked about potential liability given the surrounding residential area and the monopole’s location on City property. Council members asked whether alternative locations had been considered. AT&T stated that no other viable options are available at this time. Councilman Stone stated he would like to hear from Ms. Hansen before approving a proposal that Planning and Zoning has not yet reviewed.

Councilman Stone made the motion to Table the Request from AT&T for a Monopole Adjacent to the Water Tower, seconded by Councilman Bradshaw. Motion carried unanimously.

INFORMATIONAL ITEM: Police Department 2025 Stats Report

Chief Fullmer presented the 2025 Stats Report for Council.

ACTION ITEM: Consider Approval to Allow Sick Leave Transfer Between Employees

Chief Fullmer explained that a newer officer will be undergoing a medical procedure and may require additional time off. The officer has some sick leave accrued but may not have enough to cover the full recovery period. He requested approval to allow other employees to transfer sick leave if they choose to do so.

Councilwoman Hillman made the motion to Approve to Allow Sick Leave Transfer between Employees, seconded by Councilman Stone. Motion carried unanimously.

ACTION ITEM: Consider Approval of Ground Water Purchase

Mr. Bradley explained that the City has had ongoing discussions about the need to acquire additional groundwater rights and has planned to set aside funds annually for future purchases. Water rights rarely become available, but some are currently on the market for $75,000, and he is recommending purchasing them. Councilman Espinosa asked about the buyer fee shown in the documents, noting that it appeared to charge a 10% real estate‑style commission to the buyer. He stated that in his real estate experience he hasn’t seen water sales but requested clarification, as the documents seemed to indicate a cost of $75,000 plus the 10% fee. Mayor Weight and Mr. Bradley stated that the total cost presented to the City was a flat $75,000, but Espinosa requested further confirmation.

Councilwoman Allen made the motion to Approve the Groundwater Purchase, with Direction to Negotiate the Broker Rate but to Accept the Contract as Written if Necessary, seconded by Councilwoman Hillman,

roll call vote:

Councilwoman Hillman –    Yes

Councilwoman Allen-           Yes

Councilman Stone –               Yes

Councilman Bradshaw –       Yes

Councilman Espinosa –         Yes              

Councilman Howe –                Yes                   

ACTION ITEM: Resolution #228-2026 – Authorization of Signatory -New Mayor and Council President

Councilwoman Hillman made the motion to Approve Resolution #228-2026 – Authorization of Signatory -New Mayor and Council President, seconded by Councilman Howe.

roll call vote:

Councilwoman Allen-         Yes

Councilwoman Hillman –    Yes

Councilman Espinosa –       Yes              

Councilman Stone –            Yes

Councilman Howe –             Yes 

Councilman Bradshaw –      Yes

ACTION ITEM: Resolution#229-2026 – Authorization of Signatory – Police Reserve Fund

Councilman Espinosa made the motion to Approve Resolution#229-2026 – Authorization of Signatory – Police Reserve Fund, seconded by Councilwoman Hillman.

roll call vote:

Councilman Espinosa –       Yes              

Councilman Howe –             Yes 

Councilman Bradshaw –      Yes

Councilman Stone –            Yes

Councilwoman Hillman –    Yes

Councilwoman Allen-         Yes

Executive Session: Discussion of potential litigation (Idaho Code § 74‑206(1)(f))

Councilman Stone motioned to Move into Executive Session at: 8:02pm Pursuant to Idaho Code § 74‑206(1)(f), seconded by Councilman Howe.

Councilman Howe motioned to Exit Executive Session at: 8:59pm, seconded by Councilwoman Hillman.

Action Item- Adjournment

Councilman Stone made the motion to Adjournment, seconded by Councilman Howe.

Motion carried unanimously.

APPROVED__________________________________

                       Nichole Weight, Mayor

Attest__________________________

            Kiesha Keller, City Clerk

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