City Council

CITY OF BLACKFOOT CITY COUNCIL MEETING MINUTES FROM FEBRUARY 6, 2024 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mayor Carroll called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM and led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Those in attendance were: Councilwoman Barlow, Councilman Brown, Councilman Gardner, and Councilman Jensen. AGENDA AMENDMENT Councilman Jensen moved to amend the agenda to add the lease for the café facilities at the golf course, due to just receiving it and the possibility of opening the golf course before out next council meeting. Councilman Gardner seconded the motion; all were in favor, motion carried. SWEARING IN OF CERTIFIED FIREFIGHTERS: Mayor Carroll turned the floor over to Captain Lewis to swear in Cody Anderson and Andy Arroyo as newly certified members of the City of Blackfoot Fire Department. 2023 CITY OF BLACKFOOT AUDIT REVIEW Morgan Hatt, City Auditor, presented the 2023 audit highlights and reviewed the past years operating funds from each department. He explained how the higher interest rates had a big impact on our revenues. He stated the City is in a good financial position and thanked the city and the personnel that he has worked with for the past 34 years. This was his final audit for the City of Blackfoot. Mayor Carroll presented Mr. Hatt with a Mayoral coin thanking him for his many years of service and wished him well with his retirement. STATE OF THE CITY ADDRESS Mayor Carroll gave the State of the City Report as follows: STATE OF THE CITY REPORT CITY OF BLACKFOOT 2023 FEBRUARY 6, 2024 We continue to see the after-effects of COVID in the occasional health issues of employees, but particularly in the economy. Carryover issues are still affecting supply chain parts and equipment timely delivery of orders, and we are also still experiencing cost increases. When we put contracts out for solicitation in the construction community, we do not receive very many bids, and the bids we do receive are not as competitive as in the past. We are paying 25-30% more in project costs than we were pre-COVID. The City has wrestled for several years with employee pay structure and trying to maintain a wage and salary base that is competitive with the local public sector market. In 2022 we put together a group of employees to look at Recruiting and Retention and made some inroads with retention. We were still having trouble retaining employees, especially those who had attained 3-4 years experience with us and then would leave to go work for another city at a higher rate of pay. We evaluated wages and made some adjustments, within approved budgets, and we feel that we have now stabilized our work force. This year we hired 51 replacement employees, including summer hires. The City is still at an employment level of 114 full-time employees, which has been a relatively constant number since 2010. In spite of supply chain delays and cost increases, the respective departments in the City continue to provide excellent service to citizens and to continuously improve work processes which allow us to absorb cost increases. ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND MAJOR ACTIVITIES FOR 2023: *Installed an underground sprinkler system at Grove City Cemetery, saving several hundred labor hours and significantly enhancing appearance of the cemetery. *Passed an Ordinance requiring internment vaults which will prevent burial plot collapse. *Implemented a new online Permit Application and Approval system giving us the ability to automatically track all records and ensure the City and the applicants are following ordinance requirements for every application. *Initiated Downtown Revitalization project to enhance the downtown and attract and retain businesses to provide Blackfoot shoppers with a hometown shopping opportunity. *Organized a volunteer citizen committee to update the City’s Comprehensive Plan for presentation to City Council in the latter part of 2024. *Conducted re-hearing of zone changes affecting 493 parcels which were erroneously made through a 2018 Resolution and not through the code-required public hearing process. The error was discovered during research of a FOIA request for information. *Project awarded for design, fabrication, and installation of automatic chlorination treatment system at each of the City’s 8 active wells. This action is being taken to preclude last year’s outbreaks of e. Coli bacteria in the DEQ required water sample tests. *Policing our community through proactive approaches to addressing crime, enhancing public safety, and fostering positive community relations, we have:  Established a Domestic Violence Investigator within the Joint Detective Division  Strengthened Law Enforcement Agency collaboration with Shelley Police Department by adding a detective-investigator from Shelley PD to the Blackfoot-Bingham Joint Detective Division  Obtained funding for a drone with thermal imaging capabilities though collaboration with Spudnik Equipment and Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). This will aid in suspect apprehension, missing person searches, and traffic/crime scene documentation  Hosted a well attended Fentanyl Awareness Town Hall event featuring a panel consisting of lLaw Enforcement leaders, Fire Department Paramedic, Prosecutors, and Physicians  Achieved officer retention goal through significant investment in a redesigned salary program which is further supported with better procurement of more up to date equipment and training. BPD is fully staffed and currently has the lowest turnover rate in SE Idaho.  Worked with the City’s insurance carrier, IIIA, to provide annual mental health training and counselling services to our First Responders  Blackfoot Police Department public relations and outreach: -Community Dinner Table -Police Fair at Celebrate Blackfoot -Trunk-or-Treat Event -Santa’s Helpers (Shop with a Cop) -Dodgeball at the Elementary Schools -St. Bernard’s Kermes Festival -Social media engagement/digital display at Police Station -Fort Hall sponsored Trunk-or-Treat *Fire Department responded to 3,277 EMS and Fire calls in 2023, 150 more calls than last year *Conducted a highly successful and mutually beneficial negotiation for a new Collective Bargaining Agreement with International Association of Firefighters Local 4454, which has already reflected better retention of Firefighters and Paramedics through a better wage and working conditions agreement. *Successful outreach throughout community includes conducting many Fire Station tours, visits to schools to provide fire safety and fire prevention training, Fire Marshal conducted more than 200 business inspections (required by insurance carriers), and also participating in more than 50 plan reviews for new construction. Paramedics provided training to City personnel in CPR and in use of AEDs. *New volunteer firemen have been oriented and trained and are working on completing task books through a weekly training regimen. *Established a Community Care Fund with $20,000 grant proceeds from Blue Cross of Idaho. The money will be used by First Responders who come in contact with persons in need of food, clothing, or shelter; this fund will be overseen by the Mayor’s Resource Council functioning as a Board of Directors. *Installed new RV Dump Station near the City’s RV Park and closed the dump station at the Fire Station. Many kudos were given to the City for the updated station and for providing a more accessible location. *Leased a robotic turn tank to paint soccer fields, saving significant labor and paint costs, also providing a faster and more consistent application of paint. *Installed a new camera system at Jensen Grove, Parks/Rec Shop, and the Golf Course to help deal with vandalism. *Completed downtown project list which included installing new ADA ramps on N. Broadway, completing repairs to various curbs and gutters, and a complete tear out and rehab of concrete pad at the Senior Center. *Completed Fisher Street rehab project, a complete tear out and rebuild of nearly 1 mile of street and various sidewalk, curb and gutter locations. *Applied more than 200,000 gallons of brine and more than 100 tons of salt to roads and streets to combat icy roads. *Hauled more than 12 tons of solid waste to the Transfer Station. *Library maintains a current collection of 50,909 items available for borrowing or patron use at the Library. Circulated 121,875 items to 9084 card holding Patrons. *Completed Phase 3 of the Drive-up Window project, consisting of canopy installation, park benches, and flower garden. *Installed new carpet throughout the Library, a bottle-fill drinking fountain, and shared the cost of re-surfacing and striping the parking lot. *Waste Treatment Plant implemented new training and cross-training program in order to ensure coverage for all positions. This has resulted in Operators growing as a team and better accomplishment of work and better understanding of why plant equipment responds certain ways. This helps Operators to be better able to predict and identify maintenance issues. *Installed a new roof on the Solids Building which resolved a leaking roof problem that was a few years old. *Installed a storm water infiltrator on Christensen Drive, saving approximately 100 manhours each year in response to flooding issues; cost was $92,000. *Completed many significant wastewater collections projects, such as raising and replacing manhole lids, installing new pumps and generators at lift stations, major clean out and maintenance of storm ponds and storm catch basins, and cleared numerous pump plugs and pipe stoppages. *Administration cut tax levy rate from .012227893 (’21) to .007101308 (’22) to .00695027 (’23), a 43% cut. *Successfully completed Financial Audit of Fiscal Year 2023. *Completed Transition Plan to prepare for next round of retirements of senior staff personnel. Training has started and we have begun to prepare the office for transition. *Administration lost 2 staff members who moved to other employment closer to home, resulting in some re- assignment of personnel and hiring of 2 new employees. This created cross-training opportunities for admin staff to grow in their workplace professional abilities. * Completed upgrade of antiquated fire alarm system in City Hall/Library *Implemented Mayoral Coin recognition for employee anniversary service, employee exemplary achievement, or recognition to a community member who provides exemplary service to the community. PLANS FOR 2024:  Begin expansion of Grove City Cemetery  Hire new P & Z Administrator and new Deputy Treasurer  Complete re-negotiation of Groveland Water and Sewer Agreements  Complete the deployment of radio meters for City water customers  Continue training and certification testing of Water Department employees with goal that all will achieve Class 1 Distribution licenses  Complete design of Pendlebury Lane re-habilitation  Complete design of Meridian Street/Hwy 91 safety improvements  Start Backflow Prevention/Cross Connect Program  Re-build and modernize the City Hall/Library elevator to current technical standards  Purchase and install new screw press in Solids Building at WWTP  Begin design and potentially build new Animal Shelter  Approve plans for Twin Bridges Landing Park and start construction  Complete downtown sewer repair project  Pending EDA grant monies, start Downtown Revitalization construction SIGNIFICANT CONCERNS FOR FUTURE  Water availability and potential for water legislation and curtailment  Deep concern for the economy and the future effect it will have on City business CONSENT AGENDA Councilman Jensen made a motion to approve the Consent Agenda as presented consisting of the minutes from 1/2/2024, and payables. Councilman Brown seconded the motion; all were in favor, motion carried. CITY TREASURER GRAHM ANDERSON Approval of the New Audit Firm City Treasurer, Grahm Anderson, proposed the auditing firm of Quest CPAs PLLC to replace the retiring Morgan Hatt. Their estimated cost for the fiscal year 2024 auditing services is $25,000.00. Councilman Jensen moved to approve the audit firm of Quest CPAs as presented. Councilman Brown seconded the motion; all were in favor, motion carried. Treasurers Report City Treasurer, Grahm Anderson, presented the monthly treasurers report to the council. Mr. Anderson provided a breakdown of the budget through December 31, 2023, which is 25% of the fiscal year. He briefly summarized the monthly expense to budget and the percentages expended year to date for the general fund and each of the departments in the city. He provided the current up to date bank and investment account balances, and calendar items to be completed within the next three months. Preparations for the 2025 fiscal year has begun. Round one budget meetings should begin sometime in March. Round one meetings should be finished in April with round two beginning at the end of April or the first part of May. MAYOR MARC CARROLL Approval of Joint Resolution Supporting Public Libraries Mayor Carroll presented the Joint Resolution No. 2024-01; A Resolution of the City Councils of Blackfoot, Shelley, Aberdeen, Basalt, and the Bingham County Commissioners in Support of Public Libraries in Bingham County. Councilwoman Barlow moved to ratify Joint Resolution No. 2024-01. Councilman Gardner seconded the motion; on a role call vote, all were in favor, motion carried. Appointment to Planning and Zoning Commission Mayor Carroll nominated Audrey Stanfield to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilman Jensen moved to approve the nomination of Audrey Stanfield to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Councilman Brown seconded the motion; all were in favor, motion carried. Lease Agreement Approval for the Golf Course Café Mayor Carroll summarized the lease agreement for the Golf Course Cafe. The owners would be Beau Stoddard and Zach Dalley “Bogey Café” with an initial term of a one year agreement with a lease payment of $600.00 per month. Councilman Jensen moved to approve the lease for the café restaurant as presented. Councilwoman Barlow seconded the motion; all were in favor, motion carried. PLANNING AND ZONING – JULIE CONAN Approval of Airport Townhomes Planned Unit Development Councilwoman Barlow recused herself from the City Council meeting due to the fact she served on the Planning and Zoning Commission before being elected to the City Council, she then exited the Council Chambers. Planning and Zoning Administrator, Julie Conan, presented the 28-unit Airport Townhomes Planned Unit Development located on E Airport Rd near Rose Rd for approval. Councilman Jensen moved to approve the Finding of Facts, Conclusions and Resolution approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission and further to approve the Planned Unit Development as presented. Councilman Brown seconded the motion; all were in favor, motion carried. FINDINGS OF FACT, CONCLUSIONS AND RESOLUTION ADOPTED BY THE PLANNING AND ZONING BOARD OF THE CITY OF BLACKFOOT January 23, 2024 FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS At the regularly scheduled meeting of the Planning and Zoning Board of the City of Blackfoot on December 12, 2023, the Board held a public hearing on the request of the Russell Robinson for a proposed Planned Unit Development located on east end of Airport Road, Blackfoot, Idaho. This request was for 28 units. Site plans were provided. The parcel is currently zoned as LDR2. See the Application attached hereto as Exhibit “A,” and made a part hereof by this reference. A staff report was provided which indicated consent from all department heads of the City. At the public hearing testimony in favor was provided by the Applicant and the applicant’s engineer. No one appeared neutral to the proposal. Several members of the public appeared in opposition to the proposal, testifying about increased traffic and the density of the development. Based on the testimony, documents, relevant ordinances, and evidence presented, the Board finds as follows: Findings and Conclusions: 1. The Applicant has applied for a Planned Unit Development and has provided all necessary information to the City of Blackfoot as required. 2. From the information provided it appears that the development will be below the allowed residential units per acre. The proposal fits within the LDR-2 zoning. 3. From the information presented, it appears from the plat dimensions that there is sufficient private open space as required by our city code. 4. It appears that all department supervisors, including utilities and streets, have recommended approval of the development. No evidence against the proposal was presented that would establish a detriment to the community. 5. It appears all other aspects required in City Code have been met. RESOLUTION AND CONCLUSIONS UPON MOTIONS DULY MADE, SECONDED AND CARRIED, IT WAS RESOLVED THAT: Based upon the above findings, the Board voted to recommend to City Council to approve the request for the preliminary and final plat of the Planned Unit Development proposed with the following requirements to be met: All infrastructure, design and planning aspect shall be reviewed by, and approved by the appropriate City staff members as set forth in the proposed site plan. These findings of fact, conclusions, and resolution formally were adopted by a majority vote of the Planning and Zoning Board on the 23rd day of January, 2024. _______________________________ Secretary of Planning & Zoning Board City of Blackfoot, Idaho Proposed Ordinance Amending Title 11-4B-6 – Home Occupation Planning and Zoning Administrator, Julie Conan, presented the proposed changed to Title 11-4B-6 to match the Schedule of Use District table. The verbiage is being changed to make it so that all Home Occupations will require a Conditional Use Permit. City Attorney Sandow read the proposed Ordinance No. 2251. Councilman Gardner moved to approve Ordinance No. 2251 as presented and waive all further readings. Councilman Brown seconded the motion; on a roll call vote, all were in favor, motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 2251 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BLACKFOOT, IDAHO, AMENDING TITLE 11 CHAPTER 4B, SECTION 6, REGARDING CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS FOR HOME OCCUPATIONS, AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF SAID CHANGE. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLACKFOOT, IDAHO AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1: City code should allow for home occupations in all zones within the city so long as a conditional use permit is applied for, a public hearing is held in due course, and the planning and zoning commission determines it to be an appropriate use for the neighborhood as set forth in city code. SECTION 2: That Title 11 Chapter 4B, Section 6 shall be amended as outlined in Exhibit A attached hereto. SECTION 3: That the effective date of this Ordinance shall be after passage and publication as provided by law. PASSED AND APPROVED by the Mayor and City Council this 6th day of February, 2024. CITY OF BLACKFOOT, IDAHO  By: __________________________ Marc Carroll, Mayor ATTEST: ________________________________ City Clerk 11-4B-6: HOME OCCUPATIONS: A. General: Home occupations shall be permitted in all zones, with the issuance of a Conditional Use Permit. Provided the The home occupation must be clear and obvious that it is clearly and obviously is subordinate to the main use or dwelling unit for residential purposes. Home occupations shall be conducted wholly within the primary structure on the premises. B. Conditions: The following conditions shall apply to home occupations: 1. The home occupation shall not exceed twenty five percent (25%) of the floor area of the primary structure. 2. Other than those related by blood, marriage or adoption, no more than one person may be employed in the home occupation. 3. Inventory and supplies shall not occupy more than fifty percent (50%) of the area permitted to be used as a home occupation. 4. There shall be no exterior display or storage of goods on said premises. 5. The use may not materially change the character of the dwelling or adversely affect the uses permitted in a residential zone. 6. Home occupations that involve beauty shops, barbershops, or other occupations that require city, state or federal licenses to operate, shall require a conditional use permit. 7. Sales and services to patrons shall be arranged by appointment and scheduled so that not more than one patron vehicle is on the premises at the same time. 8. Two (2) additional parking spaces shall be provided on the premises, except only one need be provided if the home occupation does not have an employee. 9. Prior to conducting a home occupation, an application shall be made to the building inspector. The applicant shall be granted a permit if the applicant complies with this and other pertinent city ordinances and regulations. The applicant may appeal a denial of a permit directly to the planning and zoning commission. C. Conditional Use Permit: If an applicant for a home occupation permit wishes to deviate from the requirements listed above, such applicant must apply to the planning and zoning commission for a conditional use permit. (2003 Code § 11-04-16) C. Permits Required: To be approved for a home occupation, applicants must apply to the Planning and Zoning Commission for a Conditional Use Permit. (2003 Code § 11-04-16)  D. Application Fee: All applicants for a home occupation conditional use permit must pay an application fee in such amount as established by resolution of the city council at the time they apply for the permit. (2003 Code § 11-04-16) (2012 Code; amd. Ord. 2208, 7-6-2021) Proposed Ordinance Amending Title 11-3-2A – Applications; Building Permit required Planning and Zoning Administrator, Julie Conan, presented the changed to Title 11-3-2A adding “Multi- Family Residential Site Plan design, for 4-unit dwellings and above, must include an aerial view, legal description showing existing easements and be produced by architecture/engineering software.” to the verbiage. This would assist the Public Works Committee and the Planning and Zoning Commission to be able to read the plans more clearly. City Attorney Sandow read the proposed Ordinance No. 2252. Councilman Brown moved to approve Ordinance No. 2252 as presented and waive all further readings. Councilman Gardner seconded the motion; on a roll call vote, all were in favor, motion carried. ORDINANCE NO. 2252 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BLACKFOOT, IDAHO, AMENDING TITLE 11 CHAPTER 3, SECTION 2(A), REGARDING THE REQUIREMENT FOR AN AERIAL VIEW ON 4 UNIT OR LARGER MULTI-FAMILY RESIDENTIAL APPLICATIONS, AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF SAID CHANGE. BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BLACKFOOT, IDAHO AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1: That Title 11 Chapter 3, Section 2(A) shall be amended as follows: A. Form of Application. Every person desiring to erect or construct a building or other structure and every person seeking zoning approval, as herein defined, shall submit an application to the building director on a prescribed form, accompanied by the appropriate filing fee as approved by the city council. Application forms shall be accompanied by supporting information as defined by the application form and as required by the building director. Multi-family residential site plan design, for 4 unit dwellings and above, must include an aerial view, legal description showing existing easements and be produced by architecture/engineering software. SECTION 2: That the effective date of this Ordinance shall be after passage and publication as provided by law. PASSED AND APPROVED by the Mayor and City Council this 6th day of February, 2024. CITY OF BLACKFOOT, IDAHO By: __________________________ Marc Carroll, Mayor ATTEST: ________________________________ City Clerk Councilwoman Barlow returned to the Council Chambers. ADJOURNMENT The City Council meeting was adjourned at 8:40 P.M. City of Blackfoot _________________________________ Mayor Marc Carroll Attest: ___________________________________ City Clerk Suzanne McNeel Prepared by: Misty Myler