Minutes – City Council Meeting 10/7/2025

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City of Minidoka Council Meeting

City Hall, 402 Cherry Street, Minidoka, Idaho

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

6:00 P.M.

Mayor: Julie Peterson – by phone.

Council Present: Mark Cartwright, Jim Cook, Bulmaro Paz (by phone).  Monique joined the quorum after being sworn in by Mayor.

Employees Present: Paul Ross.

Public Present: Barbara Peterson, Aaron Horman, Cody Creek, Michele McFarlane, Becky Ziebach, Cindy Hruza, Teresa Carter, Jerry Tolivar, Jeannie Olson. 

Welcome & Prayer

Meeting conducted by Mayor Julie Peterson and welcomed everyone to the meeting, Julie Peterson led those present in prayer. 

Discuss / Consider Appointing Councilman – ACTION ITEM

Due to Councilman Paz being by phone and uncertain phone service, appointment of new Councilman moved up on the agenda.  City Attorney reviewed Idaho Code regarding appointments, 50-702 and 704.

Appointment by Mayor Julie Peterson of Monique Hurst.  Motion to affirm appointment by Jim Cook, second by Mark Cartwright.  Roll-call vote: Mark Cartwright – Aye; Jim Cook – Aye; Bulmaro Paz – Aye. 

Mayor Julie Peterson then swore in Councilman Monique Hurst.

Discuss / Consider Frontier Community Resources options – Michele McFarlane – ACTION ITEM

Michele McFarlane introduced Frontier Community Resources to the Mayor and Council.  Providing local assistance since 1975.  Grant writing, administrative assistance, non-profit entity.  Introduced Smiles Grant for $5,000.  Starts April 1, deadline to apply is December 31. 

Council asked some questions, a Comprehensive Plan will be a starting point as it is often required for many Grants. 

Discuss / Consider Resolution 2025-3 consenting to participation in proposed Minidoka County Ambulance Service District – ACTION ITEM

After discussion, Motion by Monique Hurst to table, second by Mark Cartwright.  Motion passed.

Discuss / Consider Bonneville Power Sales Agreement for 1 Oct 2028 to 30 Sep 2044 – ACTION ITEM

Celeste Schwendiman presented the new agreement, some changes from existing contract.  Small customer adjustment benefits Minidoka, more wiggle room for all small cities under Tier 1, more intuitive billing, allowing credits for some customers.  Contract needs signed sooner than later due to due diligence process before BPA can sign.  Implementation steps for new process.  Council asked various questions  Motion by Mark Cartwright to approve the BPA contract, second by Monique Hurst.  Motion passed.  Mayor signed.

Discuss / Consider the Minutes of the September 2, 2025 City Council Meeting – ACTION ITEM

After review, Motion by Jim Cook to accept the minutes, second by Mark Cartwright.  Motion passed.

Discuss / Consider Home Energy Management reimbursement – ACTION ITEM

Since this item was part of the bills, moved to next item. 

Discuss / Consider Paying the Bills – ACTION ITEM

After review of the proposed bills, Motion by Mark Cartwright to pay the bills, second by Monique Hurst.  Motion passed.

Discuss / Consider Appointment of City Clerk – ACTION ITEM

Mayor requested this item be tabled until next meeting.

Discuss / Consider Contract for Certified Water System Operator – ACTION ITEM

Mayor introduced Cody Creek and the work he has already done for the City.  Contract would be with MV Service, his entity.  City Attorney Paul Ross provided the proposed contract vetted already for the City.  He also provided all the update documents Mr. Creek was already proposing based on his working with the City the fast few weeks.  Will work on Letter of Intent and with Frontier Community to push forward with some needed updates. 

After discussion, Motion by Mark Cartwright to approve the contract, second by Jim Cook.  Motion passed.  Mayor and Mr. Creek signed.

Discuss / Consider Idaho Department of Health & Welfare LIHEAP Vendor Agreement PY26 – ACTION ITEM

Tabled until next meeting since paperwork was misplaced.

Discuss / Consider Revised ESPA City Agreement for Allocation of Mitigation Obligations under Final Settlement Agreement – ACTION ITEM

Duplicate from last meeting, no action taken. 

Discuss / Consider purchasing mailboxes for City residents – ACTION ITEM

Council discussed CBUs or just a secure mailbox for the City.  Post Office ends operations on October 24.  Council declined CBU.  Motion by Monique Hurst to purchase a drop/lock box for mail and deposits, second by Jim Cook.  Motion passed.

Discuss / Consider State Park grants – ACTION ITEM

Tabled until November. 

Discuss / Consider enrolling in PERSI for elected officials and employees, defining employees – ACTION ITEM

Tabled until November.

Mayors Time & Committee Reports 

Mayor provided updates, next week will swap out Thursday.  Provided update on transitioning to Caselle, working on getting bills out for August and September, doing all data entry at present, working on credits for resident payments.  No late fees will be assessed.  She will hand deliver the bills when they are available. 

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.

Mark Cartwright brought up complaints regarding the Poteet/Amalgamated dump.  Dust, noisy, late at night.  Need to send letter to property owners to ask them to comply with the Commercial General zoning ordinance for their operations.  Multiple people entered the discussion suggesting that they were here first, needed business for town. 

Motion to Adjourn – ACTION ITEM

Motion to Adjourn by Monique Hurst, Second by Mark Cartwright.  Motion passed.