Minutes – City Council Meeting 9/2/2025
City of Minidoka Council Meeting
City Hall, 402 Cherry Street, Minidoka, Idaho
Tuesday, September 2, 2025
6:00 P.M.
Mayor: Julie Peterson – by phone.
Council Present: Mark Cartwright, Jim Cook, Bulmaro Paz, Bridgett Frost.
Employees Present: Paul Ross.
Welcome & Prayer
Meeting conducted by Council President Mark Cartwright since Mayor was joining by phone, he welcomed everyone to the meeting, Jim Cook led those present in prayer.
Discuss / Consider BPA and Home Energy Management collaboration – ACTION ITEM
Ken Robinette was present from Home Energy Management. He provided updates on all three projects completed through the BPA Direct Funding for the year. These improvements will save each resident substantially in costs. Estimated more than $50k in improvements done through this BPA funding program.
Discuss / Consider Resolution 2025-3 consenting to participation in proposed Minidoka County Ambulance Service District – ACTION ITEM
Mark Phillips of Minidoka Memorial Hospital presented. They were trying to get on the November ballot but have now moved to the May ballot. Timelines were just too short. Tabled until next meeting for Council to review and discuss with residents.
Discuss / Consider Sandra Rodriguez request for food truck at her home, review of zoning, and potential approval – ACTION ITEM
Sandra Rodriguez presented her proposal for a food truck/eatery on her property. Reviewed Zoning Map, her parcels are Residential Low. The city parcels to the north are Commercial General. City Attorney Paul Ross reviewed definition of Residential Low and reviewed scheduled of zoning regulations with Rupert printout. RL does not permit her proposal, but the CG across the street does. Motion to deny approval for the proposed food truck/eatery on her property by Jim Cook. Second by Bridgett. All in favor. Mark Cartwright and Jim Cook will meet with Sandra Rodriguez for proposed sites on City property.
Discuss / Consider – Dedicating roadway under Broadway and Cherry Streets as roadway, Amending City Maps, Discussing other alleys in other blocks – ACTION ITEM
City Attorney Paul Ross reviewed some historical maps for Minidoka. Alley next to state park on assessor’s map does not exist. Desert West and Minidoka Assessor updated the map to more accurately reflect the parcel lines. Discussed roadways, Broadway and Cherry, west of the old town line to dedicate those roads. Merrill survey and old road surveys provide the roads, but none were dedicated. After discussion, Council tabled the matter.
Discuss / Consider the Minutes of the August 5, 2025 City Council Meeting, August 11, 2025 City Council Meeting, August 18, 2025 City Council Meeting – ACTION ITEM
After discussion and no corrections, Motion by Bridgett Frost to approve the minutes of the three meetings, Second by Jim Cook. All in favor.
Discuss / Consider Paying the Bills – ACTION ITEM
Reviewed and discussed bills as received and from the August bills. Council approved payment to Poulsen, VanLeuven, & Catmull for $3,350; ETS for $150; Column for $196.48; Paul Ross Law for $384.41 (in addition to monthly retainer); UAMPS for $30.48; Verizon for $80.42; State Insurance Fund for $1,590; Condie, Stoker, & Brown for $246.99; Idaho Industrial Sales for $210.96; Phillip Cook for $150; and automatic withdrawals for TWM and BPA. ICRMP was held for next month’s meeting. Motion by Jim Cook to approve the bills, Second by Bulmaro Paz. All in favor.
Discuss / Consider Accounting, Billing, Budgeting – ACTION ITEM
Reviewed various options, others are not willing to be of assistance until the City determines where it wishes to move forward with software. Reviewing options, Motion by Bridgett Frost to move forward with the Caselle option through whatever cities are willing to work with Minidoka, Second by Mark Cartwright. All approved.
Discuss / Consider joining Coalition of Cities for groundwater mitigation plan – ACTION ITEM
City Attorney Paul Ross reviewed the IDWR curtailment order, notices to the City, and the failure of the City to show or provide a mitigation plan. City well is at risk of being turned off if no mitigation plan is provided. Generally viewed as extortion by the State. City can join another entity with a mitigation plan, put one in place itself, or face curtailment of its well. Motion by Jim Cook to join Coalition of Cities and their mitigation plan, Second by Bulmaro Paz. All in favor.
Discuss / Consider Removal of Treasurer – ACTION ITEM
Attorney Paul Ross reviewed the process under Idaho Code for appointment and removal of city officers. Last meeting only removed Clerk, but did not remove Treasurer. Cindy Hruza did not believe she was appointed as Treasurer. Recommended removing for a clear record. Mayor requested removal of Cindy Hruza as City Treasurer. Motion by Mark Cartwright to approval Mayor’s removal of Treasurer, Second by Bridgett Frost. Roll-call vote: Mark Cartwright – Aye; Jim Cook – Aye; Bulmaro Paz – Aye; Bridgett Frost – Aye.
Discuss / Consider Appointing City Clerk – ACTION ITEM
Mayor Julie Peterson provided update, many resumes were provided. She is narrowing the list. No formal appointment at this time. Hope to have one for October meeting.
Discuss / Consider Appointing City Treasurer – ACTION ITEM
Mayor Julie Peterson provided update, others not interested until City moves forward with software. No formal appointment at this time. Hope to have one for October meeting.
Discuss / Consider State Park grants – ACTION ITEM
Councilwoman Bridgett Frost is reviewing options, but do not open for application until October. Will bring options to October meeting, tabled until then.
Discuss / Consider Ordinance 2025-4 Reducing Salary for Mayor, Providing Effective Date – ACTION ITEM
City Attorney Paul Ross reviewed the current Mayor salary and why it was raised. Needs to be reduced since Mayor does not fill the repairman role of prior Mayor. Mayor Julie Peterson indicated her support for the Ordinance.
After discussion, Motion by Bridgett Frost to read Ordinance 2025-4 by title only and waive requirement for three readings. Second by Mark Cartwright. Roll-call vote: Mark Cartwright – Aye; Jim Cook – Aye; Bulmaro Paz – Aye; Bridgett Frost – Aye.
City Attorney Paul Ross read Ordinance 2025-4 by title only.
Motion by Jim Cook to adopt Ordinance 2025-4. Second by Mark Cartwright. Roll-call vote: Mark Cartwright – Aye; Jim Cook – Aye; Bulmaro Paz – Aye; Bridgett Frost – Aye.
Ordinance adopted.
Discuss / Consider purchasing mailboxes for City residents – ACTION ITEM
City Attorney Paul Ross reviewed options for City and residents with closing of Post Office. After discussion, item tabled to next meeting to review desires of residents.
Mayors Time & Committee Reports
Mayor Julie Peterson provided updates regarding power pole replacements, Hutching property sold and hasn’t received city invoices.
Comments from the Public: This time is designated for members of the public to address their city officials. Comments related to any Public Hearing(s) and land use items should be made during the public hearing for those specific items(s). Individuals will be limited to a maximum of three (3) minutes.
Aaron Horman asked about migration fees to city software. Also asked about City website.
Eugene Hruza asked for an update on the County line discussion. Attorney Paul Ross provided an update regarding the various taxing districts that this shift will affect.
Sandra Rodriguez spoke regarding ongoing work in the City. Encouraged. Asked to make county line move happen.
Julie Peterson brought up the meter will need to be moved for the JaNiece Jones property. Also a fire flow problem that needs to be looked into.
Teresa Carter asked about fixing signs around town, the Minidoka Sheriff brought up the issue with the issues yesterday with the fire.
Motion to Adjourn – ACTION ITEM Motion to Adjourn by Jim Cook, Second by Mark Cartwright. All approved.