I.F. City Council decides on Memorial Falls

The new year will bring about some changes to the Idaho Falls City Council. But that hasn’t stopped the current Council from making one last decision. The council is moving forward on the Memorial Falls project. They approved the construction for the new memorial to honor Iraq and Afghanistan veterans.

Out of all the Council members, Sharon Parry was the only who didn’t approve the project due to location and funding.

“The timing should have been after January for the new Council and mayor to decide this (to approve the project). We have a new City Council and new mayor, because this important decision of location and funding should have been left to the newly-elected leaders,” said Parry.

A statement from the city said “$500,000 was set aside in the 2014 city budget for the project, with $300,000 of that coming from outside sources including Rotary, veterans organizations and private donations. Rotary also agreed to pay back the city with future Snake River Greenbelt Duck Race proceeds.”

Five out of the seven Council members are a part of the Rotary Club, which is why many feel the decision is better suited for later.

“The Rotary has done an amazing job for years, helping the city build the Greenbelt. Nevertheless, the membership in the Rotary Club should have had no bearing on this decision. I’m afraid it had the preponderance of weight on the councilmen’s decisions,” said Parry.

Although a decision has been made, the newly-elected officials do have the opportunity to repeal last week’s decision.