Rigby tables wastewater headworks design pending cost updates; council approves elevator contract, a planning appointment and bond counsel services

Rigby City Council on Thursday delayed further work on a proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant headworks project until June 18, approved a library elevator maintenance contract, confirmed a Planning and Zoning appointment, approved surplus property for auction, and authorized bond counsel services tied to a judicial confirmation review.

Wastewater update and tabling: Wastewater Treatment Plant Supervisor Scott Humpherys updated the council on the headworks project and said Keller Engineering indicated the city would rank well for upcoming U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development and Idaho Department of Commerce grants. Humpherys said the estimated cost for the headgates was approximately $5 million but that updated figures and design cost estimates were needed; he could not recall prior design costs. Council members said they were hesitant to proceed without firmer numbers. Councilman Timothy Howe moved to table the item to the June 18 meeting; the motion was seconded by Councilman Reed Stone and carried.

Library elevator contract: Library Director Brittney Fielding presented quotes from three elevator companies for required quarterly maintenance and annual inspections and said Young Elevator submitted the lowest quote and indicated negotiable terms, including a 30-day termination clause. Councilwoman Melanie Allen moved to approve the contract with a required 30-day termination clause; the motion passed on a roll call vote.

Appointment to Planning and Zoning: Mayor Nichole Weight recommended Matthew Matherly to fill a vacancy on the Rigby City Planning and Zoning Board. Councilwoman Melanie Allen moved to approve the appointment, seconded by Councilman Reed Stone; the council approved the appointment and the mayor administered the oath of office.

Surplus resolution and bond counsel: Councilman Reed Stone moved to read Resolution 236-2026 in summary and title only and later moved to approve the resolution to send surplus items to auction; the motion passed as recorded. Public Works Director Mitch Bradley explained the city needs to engage legal counsel to begin the Judicial Confirmation process, citing an estimated $8,000 cost for the required legal work and saying funding was available in the Water Fund. Bradley said the federal grant allocations had recently been reduced from $5 million to $2.5 million, which increases the importance of demonstrating financial readiness for matching funds. Council approved entering an agreement for bond counsel services with MSBT Law; Councilman Alex Espinosa moved approval and Councilman Kevin Bradshaw seconded.

Why it matters: tabling the wastewater item delays procurement and design until staff produce updated cost and grant information, potentially affecting project timing and grant competitiveness. Approving elevator maintenance, appointing a Planning and Zoning member, declaring surplus property for auction, and securing bond counsel services are routine governance steps that clear the way for operational continuity and future financing options.

Next steps: the wastewater headworks item will return to the June 18 agenda with updated figures from staff and Keller Engineering. The bond counsel work and judicial confirmation process will proceed according to the agreement with MSBT Law.