Michelle Singleton

The meeting agenda was approved unanimously. Bills totaling $39,948.44, including $5,370.99 miscellaneous and $34,577.45 payroll, were approved for payment. A Public Hearing was held regarding the FY 25-26 Open the Budget Ordinance 688, necessitated by early expenditures in Sewer Fund (lining and engineering), General Fund (sign upgrades, generator, fuel line work), and Police Department (K-9 equipment). The total appropriation for FY 2025-2026 was increased to $878,459.00, and Ordinance 688 was subsequently approved. The Council also approved seeking individuals to serve on a Parks and Recreation Board following a request to form a committee to develop plans for city parks. The Council approved the Montpelier Community Foundation's application for the Idaho Department of Commerce Gem State Grant for ADA-accessible restrooms at Heritage Park, contingent upon future formal acceptance and match verification. Concerns were raised by the VFW Post Commander regarding police activity following patrons; in response, the Police Chief provided statistics on patrol activity across all city bars, and the Council agreed to schedule a follow-up meeting with local bar owners. A report from the Bear Lake Regional Commission noted updates on Aquatic Invasive Species stations, strong internet search activity for Bear Lake, and a decrease in lake level compared to the previous year.

The meeting included several key administrative actions. The council unanimously approved the agenda and the bills for payment totaling $396,275.36. A formal declaration was approved, naming Ted Slivinski as Mayor for a four-year term, followed by the administration of the Oath of Office to the Mayor and new councilmembers. Dan Fisher was elected as Council President, and the Mayor's recommendations for councilmember assignments were approved for the upcoming year. Discussions regarding Fire Department expenditures involved tabling a request for cyanide safety equipment pending grant research, and approving $1,999.00 from the City Hall expense account for replacement seals on the eight fire station bay doors. The plan to hold a public auction for surplus items was tabled to allow the police department time to include potential items for a more comprehensive sale. Finally, the council agreed to have the City Attorney draft a mutual agreement with The Church of Jesus Christ/Temple regarding annual snow removal and striping responsibilities.

The meeting included approval of the agenda and bills totaling $46,523.16. The Austin Budge Industrial Park Dispute was tabled until the February 18, 2026 meeting after staff could not locate the lease document from the previous meeting, and the Council requested a detailed plan from Mr. Budge regarding his proposed use of the property. The Council voted to have representation at the Bear Lake County public hearing concerning the City of Montpelier's Impact Area Ordinance changes. Discussions also covered opening the FY 2025-2026 budget numbers for the public hearing scheduled for February 4, 2026. The Fire Chief received approval to apply for the Union Pacific Community Ties Local Grant, up to $30,000, to replace hazmat equipment. The Snow Removal Agreement with the Temple was tabled to allow for further review. Updates were provided regarding the Senior Citizen Center's new refrigerator, the canceled Montpelier Irrigation/Forest Service meeting, the need for park structure improvements beyond ball diamonds, community interest in a recreation center and pickleball courts, and the Montpelier Community Foundation's intent to apply for a grant for Heritage Park restrooms, requesting City assistance with the 10% match.

The City Council meeting addressed several administrative and operational matters. Key discussions included the approval of bills totaling $95,795.52, which comprised miscellaneous bills and payroll. The Council conditionally approved the 2026 liquor license applications, pending fee payment and proper licensing documentation. Significant action was taken regarding infrastructure projects: approval was granted to send the Well #1 waterline replacement project out for bid, with funding sourced from the Water Fund, aiming for a spring start. The Council also approved the purchase of a narcotics detection canine, which will allow for coordinated training with Caribou County to realize cost savings. A dispute concerning the eviction notice for Industrial Park Lot 1, involving Austin Budge's claim of a 25-year lease agreement, was postponed for further review at the January 21, 2026 meeting. Updates were provided on contributions for Allinger Park improvements, repairs needed for fire station garage doors, and the progress of new bathroom installations connecting to electricity and wastewater systems.

The meeting included discussions and actions regarding several key items. The council approved the reappointment of members to the Montpelier Community Foundation. They also decided to terminate a lease for Lot 1 of the Industrial Park due to the tenant's late rent payments and lack of development on the property. Additionally, the council approved the purchase of cemetery plots back from an individual. The election results were canvassed and accepted, and a bid was approved for electrical work at Allinger Park. Councilmembers provided updates on the Senior Center's Thanksgiving dinner invitation, the State of Idaho's participation in a septic system study, an upcoming fire department training, and the Montpelier Community Foundation's meeting and grant application.