Council approves consent items, hears community updates; executive session approved for possible litigation

The Preston City Council approved most items on the consent calendar and heard several community updates before moving to an executive session on possible litigation.

Consent votes: The council approved the consent calendar items excluding the council minutes, which were removed for separate consideration. After separating the minutes, the council approved the remaining consent items by voice vote. The council later approved the September 8 council minutes in a separate vote; one council member abstained on the minutes.

Community updates: In public comment, Todd Thomas said public works and Westside High School students spread rubber chips under equipment at the city park’s original playground to improve safety. Thomas also said he had applied for a $2,500 grant from the national America250 group to support local 2026 celebrations and asked residents to watch for announcements if the grant is awarded.

Thomas announced a new 24/7 secure drug drop box installed by public works for disposal of expired or unwanted prescription medications, in addition to the existing in-department drop box available during business hours. He encouraged residents to use it for medications rather than storing them at home.

County Commissioner Robert Swainston provided a brief update on the Franklin County community center project, saying paving of the parking lot is expected mid-October and that electrical work and installation of basketball standards remain to be finished. He said the court surface should be playable by January and that an MOU for use could be developed.

Chamber of Commerce: Chamber director Steve Emerson reported on recent and upcoming chamber activities, including a business summit held Sept. 18, outreach to service clubs and a planned “lunch and learn” on Oct. 16 inviting municipal candidates to speak briefly. Emerson said the chamber is working with the county on livestreaming and archiving county meetings once the county’s new website is launched.

Executive session: Council members voted to go into executive session for possible litigation under Idaho statute cited in the meeting; a roll-call vote recorded ayes from council members present and the council recessed into executive session.

No formal actions altering city policy or spending beyond consent calendar approvals were taken in the public portion of the meeting.