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Council approves hydro revenue contribution, engineering contracts and vehicle lease; moves multiple routine items
Summary
Council approved an Idaho Falls Power contribution for greenbelt maintenance within the FERC project boundary, awarded public‑works design and grant‑application motions (Holmes Avenue and Lincoln Road Bridge), authorized a police vehicle lease program and passed the consent agenda, moving forward multiple procurement and capital steps.
At its Nov. 20 meeting the Idaho Falls City Council approved several infrastructure and procurement items aimed at maintenance and long‑range capital projects.
Consent agenda and procurement highlights The consent agenda — which included appointments, the treasurer’s report, airport concession language, and permits and licenses — passed on a roll‑call vote. The items listed in the clerk’s packet included a bulk ammunition purchase and software services; council approved the full consent agenda by motion.
Hydro contribution for greenbelt maintenance Council approved a resolution authorizing Idaho Falls Power to contribute 10% of its annual gross hydro generation value to the Parks & Recreation Department for greenbelt maintenance and improvements within the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) project boundary, and authorized the mayor and city clerk to execute necessary documents. Council discussion clarified the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission’s licensing role for hydro projects and dam safety. The motion passed with one recorded no vote (Radford).
Public Works projects Public Works Director Chris Frederickson presented two items. First, the council approved a professional services agreement with Horrocks Engineering to design the Holmes Avenue expansion (sidewalks, curb and gutter, lighting), with the negotiated design contract described in the packet (design cost negotiated at $443,874 and a required local match reported in the presentation). Frederickson said construction funding is expected in 2030–2031 and that the estimated construction cost is just under $3.4 million; the design will take about 12 months.
Second, council approved a resolution authorizing submission of a federal funding application seeking $2,600,000 for rehabilitation of the Lincoln Road Bridge over the Idaho Canal; the required local match is $190,840 (7.34%). Staff noted the typical federal timelines for development and potential advanced construction reimbursement options if local funding is available.
Police vehicle lease program Municipal Services Director Pam Alexander presented a lease purchase proposal for police vehicles based on an earlier 2024 resolution. The council authorized a 5‑year lease arrangement covering 14 vehicles; the packet shows the leases fit within the previously approved not‑to‑exceed budget and included forecasting details. The mayor and city clerk were authorized to sign the necessary documents.
What’s next Staff will continue work on design and grant submittals for the identified projects and will report back on grant awards, development of OPAs for the Riverwalk URD, and the informal reimbursement discussions ordered by council in the impact‑fee appeal.
