Minutes – City Council Meeting 11/4/2025

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City of Minidoka Council Meeting

City Hall, 402 Cherry Street, Minidoka, Idaho

Tuesday, November 4, 2025

6:00 P.M.

Mayor: Julie Peterson

Council Present: Mark Cartwright, Jim Cook, Bulmaro Paz, Monique Hurst.

Employees Present: Paul Ross, Jennifer Walker after appointment.

Public Present: Cody Creek, Aaron Horman, Cindy Hruza, Teresa Carter.

Welcome & Prayer

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

Discuss / Consider the Minutes of the October 7, 2025 City Council Meeting – ACTION ITEM

After discussion and correction of Mayor being present in person, Motion by Jim Cook to approve minutes, second by Mark Cartwright.  All in favor.

Discuss / Consider Paying the Bills – ACTION ITEM

City Attorney Paul Ross reviewed the list of bills indicating still working through kinks on the system for creating the list.  Talked about new bills that came in that were not on the list, some may already be paid but overpayment will not hurt.  Motion by Mark Cartwright to pay the bills, second by Monique Hurst.  Motion passed.

Discuss / Consider Audit Engagement Letter with Poulsen, Vanleuven, & Catmull – ACTION ITEM

City Attorney Paul Ross reviewed the engagement letter with Council.  While the City is on a biannual audit schedule, with all the changes for fiscal year 2024-2025, an annual audit is recommended.  Motion by Monique Hurst approving the audit engagement letter, second by Jim Cook.  Motion passed.  Mayor signed.

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

City Attorney Paul Ross reviewed the updated LIHEAP agreement.  Council asked about the changes from the last version, reviewed.  Motion by Mark Cartwright to approve the agreement, second by Bulmaro Paz.  Motion passed.  Mayor signed.

Discuss / Consider Frontier Community Smile Grant – ACTION ITEM

Frontier could not attend.  Reviewed potential options; paving, playground equipment, variable frequency drive.  Tabled until next meeting.

Discuss / Consider Clean Water Solutions Demonstration at Heyburn Wastewater Plant – ACTION ITEM

Discussed potential dates for Mayor and Council to attend.  Will RSVP for the different dates, no quorum will be created.  Mayor, Councilman Hurst, Cook, and Cartwright will all attend.

Mayors Time & Committee Reports 

Mayor brought up ongoing conversion to Caselle.  Invoices, bills, payroll are all being worked on. 

Updated regarding new move-ins to the City.

Reviewed Bonneville Power Administration ceremonial signing.  Mayor, Councilman Cook, and Attorney will all attend.

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.

Cindy Hruza brought up sanitation administration fee of $1.  That was added by Council to the Rate Resolution, it was not Cindy acting on her own.

Teresa Carter indicates she was overcharged on her bill.  Discussion included confusion from the old bills to the new bills, particularly that the $10 is broke out on the new bills where combined on old bills.  Ms. Carter expressed her disappointment in the billing mess and it is not appreciated.

Mayor brought up the intent to piggy back off of Burley for an electrical rate study.  Participation with DEQ will also require a facilities plan for water and should also include a water rate study. 

Executive Session – Pursuant to Idaho Code 74-206(1)(a) to consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, wherein the respective qualities of individuals are to be evaluated in order to fill a particular vacancy or need.  This paragraph does not apply to filling a vacancy in an elective office or deliberations about staffing needs in general. – ACTION ITEM

No executive session held.

Discuss / Consider Appointing City Clerk – ACTION ITEM

Mayor appointed Jennifer Walker as City Clerk.  Motion by Mark Cartwright to affirm the appointment of Jennifer Walker as City Clerk, second by Monique Hurst.  Roll-call vote: Mark Cartwright – Aye; Jim Cook – Aye; Bulmaro Paz – Aye; Monique Hurst – Aye. 

Motion to Adjourn – ACTION ITEM

Motion by Jim Cook to adjourn, second by Bulmaro Paz.  Motion passed.