May 01, 2025 – Council Minutes

MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
RIGBY CITY COUNCIL
THURSDAY May 1st, 2025
7:00 PM

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

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

ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE:

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 – 

No Comments

*Councilman Espinosa asked that the Farmers Market, Rigby Market and Harvest Market items be moved under the Consent Agenda. 

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 – April 17^th, 2025

Councilman Stone made the motion to Approve the Council Minutes for April 17^th, 2025, seconded by Councilman Espinosa,

2. Accounts Payable- March 2025

Councilman Espinosa made the motion to Approve the Accounts Payable for April 2025, seconded by Councilman Stone,

roll call vote:

Councilman Mike Wilder –             Yes                  

Councilwoman Becky Harrison –    Yes     

Councilman Alex Espinosa –          Yes             

Councilman Reed Stone –              Yes

ACTION ITEM: Consider Approval for the Farmer’s Market at South Park

Carrie Monson requested permission to use South Park for the Farmer’s Market on Wednesdays from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM throughout the summer months.

Council Discussion: The council discussed whether the Farmer’s Market should be subject to Resolution #223-2025, which regulates food truck operations. Since the food trucks would only operate within the market and are not independently stationed in the park, they are charged $10 to help cover banner costs, with no profit made by the market from food truck participation.

Councilman Harrison made the motion to Approve the Farmer’s Market to us the South Park from 4p-7p during the summer months, seconded by Councilman Stone,

ACTION ITEM: Consider Approval for the Rigby Market at South Park

Carrie Monson requested to use the same South Park location for the Rigby City Market on select Saturdays, though with less vegetable vendors compared to Wednesday markets.

Council Discussion:

• Councilwoman Harrison advised that Ms. Monson should contact Mr. Bradley to confirm that no other events are already scheduled at the park on those Saturdays.
• Mr. Bradley expressed support for the Rigby Market’s presence, stating that it would likely increase attendance for other scheduled events at South Park.

Councilman Espinosa made the motion to Approve the Rigby Market not to exceed 6 Saturdays for the summer months, seconded by Councilwoman Harrison,

ACTION ITEM: Consider Approval for the Harvest Market at South Park

Carrie Monson proposed hosting the first-ever Harvest Market in September on a Saturday, providing an opportunity for community members to bring and sell their fruits and vegetables.

Councilman Espinosa made the motion to Approve the Harvest Market in September if it doesn’t conflict with a planned activity, seconded by Councilwoman Harrison,

ACTION ITEM: PUBLIC HEARING: Conditional Use Permit from Rockwell Homes at Fieldstone Meadows Rigby, Idaho to allow for the development of Alturas Academy, located on 8 acres of Fieldstone Meadows

Mayor Datwyler stated that the public hearing was being reopened from the last council meeting to allow for additional written comments through April 24, as noted in letters sent to residents. He invited Eagle Rock Engineering to provide any new comments.

Applicant Presentation: Caden Fuhriman reiterated the request for a Conditional Use Permit to establish Alturas Academy. He emphasized that local schools are over capacity and that this tax-exempt school would help ease the burden on the district. He also noted cooperation between the County and City throughout the process.

Public Comments:

• In Favor:
  • Jorelle McClellan supported the school, arguing that placing it within a subdivision enhances pedestrian safety. She noted that traffic concerns exist whether the area hosts a school or additional residential development and shared her experience near Cottonwood Elementary, which has had minimal traffic impact.
• Neutral:
  • Tucker Jorgensen referenced the 2023 Rigby Master Plan, highlighting the tension between maintaining a rural feel while accommodating growth. He expressed concerns about road infrastructure, particularly if the charter school draws students from outside the city.
  • Jessica Jorgensen urged consideration of long-term growth impacts, sharing her experience leaving Utah due to unchecked expansion. She prioritized safety and disaster preparedness when evaluating large developments.
• Opposed:
  • No opposing comments were submitted.

Council Discussion:

• Mayor Datwyler confirmed that councilmen reviewed all written public comments included in their meeting packets.
• Traffic & Infrastructure Considerations:
  • Councilman Stone emphasized congestion issues, particularly on Highway 48, which motivated him to join the council.
  • Mr. Bradley clarified that ITD controls Highway 48, limiting the city’s authority.
  • Mayor Datwyler noted that efforts have been made to address traffic concerns, including lowering speed limits east of Highway 48 and adding turn lanes to improve flow. He acknowledged that traffic management remains an ongoing challenge but emphasized the city’s proactive approach.
  • Councilwoman Harrison asked Mr. Bradley about infrastructure planning, to which he explained that he has worked on updating city codes and has pushed developers to take responsibility for infrastructure costs when building. This reduces the burden on city residents and ensures sustainable growth.
• Growth Considerations:
  • Harrison noted that property owners have the right to develop as long as they comply with zoning laws. The only way to stop growth is to purchase land and keep it undeveloped.
  • Stone reviewed elementary school locations in other counties, finding that they are typically situated within residential areas, consistent with this proposal.
  • Harrison pointed out that growth from the new subdivision would be even more overwhelming without the school.

Site Visits & Observations:

• Councilman Espinosa toured the Alturas school in Idaho Falls, describing its learning environment as notably different from traditional public schools.
• Councilwoman Harrison observed traffic patterns outside Alturas Academy in Idaho Falls and was impressed by how minimal the congestion was during school dismissal.

Hearing Closed.

Councilwoman Harrison made the motion to Approve the Conditional Use Permit for Alturas Academy on the eight acres in this development, seconded by Councilman Stone,

roll call vote:

Councilman Mike Wilder –           Yes                     

Councilwoman Becky Harrison – Yes        

Councilman Alex Espinosa –        Yes                

Councilman Reed Stone –           Yes

ACTION ITEM: Resolution #223-2025: A Resolution Allowing for Rented Space in the Rigby City Park for Food Trucks During the Summer Season and Establishing Monthly Reservation and Electricity Fees  

Mayor Datwyler asked if any changes were needed to the proposed resolution.

No modifications were requested by the council, and no further discussion was needed.

Councilman Stone made the motion to Approve Resolution #223-2025 as written, seconded by Councilman Espinosa,

ACTION ITEM: Ordinance #2025-651 Annexation and Zone Change – Approximately 4100 E Hwy 48, Rigby, ID

Older Annexation and Zone Change from 2020 that wasn’t signed in as an Ordinance when it was approved. 

Councilwoman Harrison asked that it just be read in Title and Summary only, seconded by Councilman Stone,

Mayor read, “City Ordinance #2025-651 of the City of Rigby, Jefferson County, Idaho. An ordinance amending the zoning map of the city of Rigby and annexing certain property into the city limits in compliance with Idaho code and Rigby Planning and Zoning ordinance.”

Councilwoman Harrison Motioned to Approve Ordinance #2025-651 and wave the second and third reading, seconded by Councilman Stone.

roll call vote:

Councilman Mike Wilder –               Yes                    

Councilwoman Becky Harrison –  Yes       

Councilman Alex Espinosa –           Yes               

Councilman Reed Stone –                Yes

ACTION ITEM: Ordinance #2025-652 Zone Change – Approximately 299 S 5^th W, Rigby, ID

Councilwoman Harrison asked that it just be read in Title and Summary only, seconded by Councilman Espinosa,

Mayor read “City Ordinance # 2025-652 of the City of Rigby, Jefferson County, Idaho. An ordinance amending the zoning map of the city of Riby by rezoning certain property located at 299 south 5^th west, Rigby, Idaho and declaring that this property be zoned residential R-2, in conformance with the Planning and Zoning ordinance of the City of Rigby.”

Councilman Stone made the motion to Approve Ordinance #2025-651 and wave the second and third reading, seconded by Councilman Espinosa,

roll call vote:

Councilman Mike Wilder –               Yes                    

Councilwoman Becky Harrison –  Yes       

Councilman Alex Espinosa –           Yes                    

Councilman Reed Stone –                Yes    

ACTION ITEM: Ordinance #2025-653 Zone Change and Annexation – Approximately 750 Meadow Ave, Rigby, ID 

Councilwoman Harrison asked that it just be read in Title and Summary only, seconded by Councilman Stone,

Mayor read, “City Ordinance #2025-653 of the City of Rigby, Jefferson County, Idaho. An ordinance amending the zoning map of the City of Rigby and annexing certain property into the city limits in compliance with Idaho Cod and the Rigby Planning and Zoning Ordinance. “

Ms. Hansen advised us to read it a second time at the next Council Meeting. 

Council Agreed. 

ACTION ITEM: Ordinance #2025-654 Zone Change – Fieldstone Meadows, Rigby, ID

Councilman Stone asked that it just be read in Title and Summary only, seconded by Councilwoman Harrison,

Mayor read, “City Ordinance # 2025-654 of the City of Rigby, Jefferson County, Idaho. An ordinance amending the zoning map of the city of Riby to change the zoning designation of certain property from R-1 to R-2 in compliance with Idaho Code and the Rigby Planning and Zoning ordinance. “

Councilwoman Harrison made the motion wave the second and third reading and Adopt the Ordinance #2025-654 and, seconded by Councilman Espinosa,

roll call vote:

Councilman Mike Wilder –             Yes                   

Councilwoman Becky Harrison –   Yes      

Councilman Alex Espinosa –         Yes              

Councilman Reed Stone –            Yes

ACTION ITEM: Consider Contract with Keller Associates for Risk and Resilience Assessments and Emergency Response Plan Update

Mayor Datwyler invited a representative from Keller Associates to present. Tyrell informed the council that the Wastewater Treatment Plant project won first place in the water and stormwater category from the American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC). He presented the plaque. The project also received recognition from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) for its achievements in engineering.

Mr. Bradley presented the contract and requested approval to negotiate a $2,000 reduction in cost. The assessment and emergency response plan must be completed every five years. Keller Associates agreed to work with Mr. Bradley on the cost adjustment.

No further discussion or objections were raised.

Councilman Stone made the motion to Approve the Professional Services with Keller Associates for Risk and Resilience Assessments and Emergency Response Plan Update not to exceed $26,200.00, seconded by Councilman Espinosa,

roll call vote:

Councilman Mike Wilder –             Yes                   

Councilwoman Becky Harrison –   Yes       

Councilman Alex Espinosa –         Yes             

Councilman Reed Stone –             Ye        

ACTION ITEM: Consider Contract with Keller Associates for 2025 Sewer Improvements

Mr. Bradley presented a contract for the sewer collections project.  

Councilwoman Harrison made the motion to Approve the Agreement for 2025 Sewer Improvements with Keller and Associates, 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 Repainting Crosswalks

Mitch asked it to be Removed. 

ACTION ITEM: Consider Bid for Repainting Tennis Courts

Mitch presented two bids for court painting:

1. Rocky Mountain: $21,600 to paint the entire court green with lines.
2. Final Cut Turf & Recreation: $2,070 for line painting only, without full court coverage.

The council reviewed both options, considering cost differences and project scope.

Councilman Stone made the motion to Accept the Bid for the Tennis Courts in the amount of $2070.00, seconded by Councilman Espinosa,

roll call vote:

Councilman Mike Wilder –   Yes                             

Councilwoman Becky Harrison –   Yes      

Councilman Alex Espinosa –         Yes              

Councilman Reed Stone –             Yes

ACTION ITEM: Consider Blue Cross of Idaho 2025 Community Health Academy

Mayor Datwyler explained that Blue Cross offers a grant for $20,000 for a project, contingent on completing five different training events that would qualify Rigby as a Health-Friendly City. The grant deadline is tomorrow, making it impractical for this year, but the council may consider planning for next year to participate.

Councilwoman Harrison suggested that city employees, including officers and Parks & Recreation staff, should handle the training events rather than the city council.

No further decisions were made regarding the grant application.

No Motion Made  

  ACTION ITEM: Consider 3 Options for Harwood School Signs

Mr. Bradley proposed 3 options. 

Tabled 

DISCUSSION ITEM: Explore Additional Methods to Notify Residents of Public Hearings Beyond State Requirements

Council discussed using Facebook, the City Website and Textmygov.com to go over State Statute with getting notifications for Hearings out. 

Action Item- Adjournment 

Councilwoman Harrison motioned to Adjourn, seconded by Councilman Espinosa, motion carried. All in favor say aye. 

MOTION GRANTED

APPROVED__________________________________ 

                       Richard Datwyler, Mayor

Attest__________________________

            Kiesha Keller, City Clerk

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