Members of the public used the council’s comment period to highlight three concerns: transit access and paratransit cost, regulatory and permitting hurdles facing a local arts venue, and safety concerns at the Idaho Falls Zoo.

Faith (last name given as Niobrut) praised the city’s public transportation service, saying it “really is a gift” and describing tokens and coordination efforts intended to expand access. She asked the council to consider reduced fares for disabled riders, telling the council that a $4 on‑demand fare and a $6 scheduling fee “adds up” for frequent users and asked the city to explore partnerships and subsidies to lower costs for riders with disabilities.

A second commenter identified as Mosie, speaking for a local venue called the Heart, described the business as an inclusive space for local music and art and said permitting and city processes had been slow and at times inconsistent. Mosie said the delays had produced financial strain and threatened the venue’s ability to operate, calling the issue broader than permitting: “It’s about saving lives and fostering connections,” Mosie said, adding that local arts spaces provide critical social support for young people and other residents. The speaker asked the council to prioritize clearer communication and faster, more navigable processes for small, community‑oriented businesses.

Longtime public speaker Bob Nitschke said he completed a report titled Idaho Falls Zoo, None Dare Call It Safe, documenting volunteers’ experiences and alleging management and safety failures at the zoo; he told the council he will provide an electronic copy of the report. Nitschke said the report covers incidents involving lions and broader concerns about animal welfare and management oversight.

Council members responded to the comments. A council speaker acknowledged the transit praise and said discussions about improvements and disability fares were “actively being discussed.” Another councilor thanked Mosie for the account and said staff and council had been working to improve permitting processes and that the speaker’s story “helps to put a face” on those issues. The council president thanked Nitschke for the report and said citizen input helps city officials identify issues to improve.

No formal council action followed during the meeting’s public comment period; councilors noted the topics for possible follow‑up with staff.