City Council

JULY 6, 2015 The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in Special Council Meeting (Council Work Session), Monday, July 6, 2015, at the City Council Chambers in the City Annex Building located at 680 Park Avenue in Idaho Falls, Idaho at 3:00 p.m. There were present: Mayor Rebecca L. Noah Casper Councilmember Michael Lehto Councilmember Davis Smith Councilmember Ed Marohn Councilmember Barbara Ehardt Councilmember Tom Hally Absent: Councilmember Sharon Parry Also present: Randy Fife, City Attorney Kerry McCullough, Public Information Officer Kami Morrison, Mayor’s Executive Assistant Mark McBride, Police Chief Chris Fredericksen, Public Works Director Dave Hanneman, Fire Chief Brad Cramer, Community Development Services Director Kerry Beutler, Assistant Community Development Services Director Kenny Roberts, Survey Chief Kent Fugal, City Engineer David Richards, Water Superintendent Kathy Hampton, City Clerk Mayor Casper called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. and invited Butte County Commissioner Rose Bernal for a presentation. Commissioner Bernal appeared to request support to change Craters of the Moon National Monument to National Park Designation. Her presentation included the following slides: 1- Craters of the Moon National Monument to Craters of the Moon National Park 2- How it all started….In 1924 the National Park Service (NPS) took an interest in the Craters area and began welcoming people to experience the wonders 3- 200,000 yearly visitors 4- What EXACTLY is being proposed?  Go from “National Monument” to “National Park”  National Park “status” can only be granted by Congress 5- Today, Craters covers more than 750,000 acres – sections of the NPS include; no hunting or grazing, hunting permitted but no grazing, hunting and grazing permitted 6- The name change is ONLY affecting the ORIGINAL Craters of the Moon National Monument 7- Will the name change affect hunting/grazing? NO. Remember, NPS hasn’t allowed for hunting or grazing here for the past 90 years. 8- Will the name change affect the park’s management/funding? NO. National Parks and National Monuments are both administered under the NPS. 9- Will the name change affect the park’s boundaries? NO. Boundary lines will not change. 1  JULY 6, 2015 10- Will the name change affect the park’s fees? NO. However, the NPS is currently assessing the fees of ALL National Parks. If fees increase, it will not be a result of the name change. 11- So, WHY a name change?  Raise the profile of the Parks and thereby increase visitation to the Park and surrounding areas. o Other National Monuments that have recently changed to National Parks have seen an increase of up to 30% o Considering our proximity to Yellowstone, Craters could be even more 12- Economic Development Opportunities:  Many people build vacations around National Parks, and many people build vacations on the Internet  Puts a national spotlight on our region which we’ve never had before  Increase in Park traffic will lead to increase in local tourism Increase in tourism = increase in jobs! 13- 49% of people in one poll report that living near and recreating on public lands (such as national parks & forests) plays an important role in deciding where they live 14- Idaho DESERVES a National Park of its own!  Idaho is the only western state without a National Park of its own o Yellowstone have a very small portion (<1%) in Idaho. Major entrances are in Montana & Wyoming 15- What can I do to help?  Voice your support  Sign the “Change the Name” Petition  Follow us on Facebook for progress updates Item from Community Development Services Department – Discussion of Proposed Amended Subdivision Ordinance: MEMORANDUM To: Honorable Mayor and City Council From: Brad Cramer, Community Development Services Director Subject: Proposed amended Subdivision Ordinance Below is a summary of the significant policy and text changes that result from the proposed ordinance amendment. Staff conducted an informational meeting with the development community regarding the proposed Subdivision Ordinance changes on May 27, 2015. The ordinance language has also been posted on the City website and was open for public comment through June 5, 2015. Since sending the proposed ordinance out for review in mid-May the Planning Division has received one written comment from Tammie Whyte, a local attorney. Her comments dealt specifically with the proposed language adding a requirement for a title report and policy. She voiced concerns about ensuring the language is consistent with what the title industry can provide and specific products that are available within the state. Our office, along with the City Surveyor worked with her, local title companies and the City Attorney to modify the language. The result is broader language that will be more suitable for an ordinance and flexible to the City and the development community. The Planning and Zoning Commission considered the ordinance and revised applications at its June 16th meeting and recommended approval. 2  JULY 6, 2015 Policy Changes: Subdivision Ordinance Amendment Outline • Subdivision application fees to be paid at the time of application instead of at the time of recordation of the plat. • Engineering Improvement Drawings to be submitted at the time of final plat application. • Approval of Improvement Drawings required prior to the plat proceeding to Council for approval. Text Amendments: • Subdivision policy document combined with ordinance language and applications. • Entire subdivision ordinance re-ordered and formatted for clarity. • Added definitions and specifications for consistency with other ordinances and regulatory documents. • Record of Survey document required to be submitted to the City Surveyor for property line boundary adjustments. • Incorporation of standards and criteria set forth within the Access Management Plan. • Further specification defining when a preliminary plat is required prior to a final plat. • Preliminary plat appeal procedure to Council outlined. • Expiration of preliminary plat increased from 12 months to 18 months. • Amended preliminary plat required when the number of buildable lots has increased or if roadway patterns have been modified. • Survey measurement standards updated with current State standards. • Subdivision Guarantee and Report, required with a final plat. • Engineering Improvement Drawing specifications. • Financial Guarantees for all public improvements. Director Cramer appeared and stated Community Development Services Department and Public Works Department are in approval of the amendments, however, there is one recommendation: Currently Proposed: If the number of residential buildable lots has increased or if roadway patterns have been modified within the preliminary plat, the Final Plat shall be determined not to be consistent with the Preliminary Plat. If the Director determines that the Final Plat is not consistent with the Preliminary Plat or that conditions of the Preliminary Plat approval have not been met, a new Preliminary Plat shall be submitted and processed according to the requirements of this Chapter Recommended Language: If the number of residential buildable lots has increased more than five percent (5%) within any proposed division of the approved Preliminary Plat, or if roadway patterns have been modified within the preliminary plat, the Final Plat shall be determined not to be consistent with the Preliminary Plat. If the Director determines that the Final Plat is not consistent with the Preliminary Plat or that conditions of the Preliminary Plat approval have not been met, a new Preliminary Plat shall be submitted and processed according to the requirements of this Chapter. Director Cramer stated due to previous issues with sidewalks and curbs being installed the Certificate of Occupancy (CO) will be held until sidewalks are completed and any temporary CO would not be issued until money is deposited in escrow. This amended ordinance is tentatively scheduled to be approved by Council in August, 2015. Item from Police Department – Discussion of Special Assistant United States Attorney Program and MOU: 3  JULY 6, 2015 MEMORANDUM To: Mayor Rebecca Casper From: Mark McBride, Chief of Police Subject: Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) This MOU creates an Eastern Idaho Partnership to provide funds to hire a Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) to prosecute federal matters within the federal court system. Chief McBride indicated this proposal has been in discussion with various agencies over the course of the past year. The SAUSA position would be located at the federal building in Pocatello. The State would provide 70% of the funding and the Eastern Idaho Partnership would fund the remaining 30% with cost for each city/county based on population. After a brief discussion, it was decided the MOU would be placed on the July 9, 2015 Regular Council Meeting agenda for approval. Item from Public Works Department – Discussion of Draft Water Facility Plan: Director Fredericksen gave an update regarding the status of the Draft Water Facility Plan and requested any further questions from Council. A brief discussion was held regarding the metering/consumption of water and storm ponds. The Water Facility Plan will receive public comment on July 20, 2015, followed by a review of the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The Water Facility Plan will require Council action once DEQ review is completed. Mr. Richards indicated a water study has not been performed since 1989 and the last fee increase took place in 2008. Director Fredericksen indicated the Water Facility Plan and any related fees are included in the proposed FY2015-16 Public Works budget. Mayor and Council reports as follows: Mayor Casper reported: -There were no major issues regarding the July 4th events and she, along with the Parks Department, received several positive comments regarding the cleared vegetation surrounding the river. She described the Running With the Bulls event at Sandy Downs and stated there were no serious injuries. -The IF150 night at the Chukars was not well promoted but still successful. -A two-day Energy IQ Camp was recently held for local youth groups with the majority of sponsorship from the National Energy Foundation based out of Salt Lake City. Idaho Falls Power was also a contributing sponsor and provided tours of facilities. -The Department of Energy (DOE) officials and several state elected officials recently met regarding the relationship with the business community. -The Special Olympics torch recently passed through our community. -Rick Aman is replacing Steve Albiston as the new president of Eastern Idaho Technical College (EITC) effective July 1, 2015. -The Idaho Innovation Center (IIC) announced Brian Magleby as the new director. -Bonneville County will be holding Emergency Operations Center workshops on July 7, 2015. -Live Well Idaho Falls will be held on July 9, 2015. -Idaho Consumer-Owned Utilities Association (ICUA) is scheduled for July 24, 2015. Due to Council attendance at this event, it was determined the regular Council Meeting scheduled for July 23, 2015, will be cancelled. Councilmember Lehto had no items to report. 4  JULY 6, 2015 Councilmember Ehardt had no items to report. Councilmember Smith had no items to report. Councilmember Marohn had no items to report. Councilmember Hally reported: -The Boy Scouts of America have received a substantial donation from Melaleuca for a new building. -A grant from Greg Carr was received for children’s education at the zoo. -An ordinance may need to be drafted allowing limited camping within city limits. -The golf courses are increasing in revenues. -Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is allowing the city to oversee the grant (issued by ITD) for the project on the west side of river. Item from Office of the Mayor – Discussion of Proposed Letter of Support for DOE’s Environmental Impact Statements Sufficiency: Mayor Casper indicated DOE is requesting statements to support the storage of spent nuclear fuel. The amount of fuel being considered is so small it is not reasonable to proceed with an Environmental Impact Statement Process. She believes this fuel is vital to the current laboratories as well as the future research laboratories. Mayor Casper also believes our community will suffer economically without the support of this research mission. After a brief discussion, it was decided the Mayor’s office would prepare a letter of support. Item from Office of the Mayor – Designation and Approval of City Labor negotiations Representative(s) for Negotiations with Idaho Falls Fire Department Local 1565: Mayor Casper requested the City Attorney to clarify this item. Mr. Fife explained the State Legislature has made recent changes regarding executive sessions during labor negotiations. Therefore, it is necessary to designate a governing body or representatives to be present during such negotiations. Due to this item being time sensitive, it is crucial to approve representatives at this Work Session. Chief Hanneman recommended Craig Rockwood, Melanie Marsh, and himself be designated as representatives. He stated the attorney’s office will continue to assist with any proposals and would provide legal advice but would not be present during the executive session. It was moved by Councilmember Lehto, seconded by Councilmember Marohn, to designate Fire Chief Dave Hanneman, Municipal Services Director Craig Rockwood and Human Resources Director Melanie Marsh as City Labor Negotiation Representatives for negotiations with Idaho Falls Fire Department Local 1565 per Idaho Code. Roll call as follows: Aye: Councilmember Ehardt Councilmember Smith Councilmember Marohn Councilmember Lehto Councilmember Hally Nay: None Motion carried. Item from Council – Preview of Budget Process: 5  JULY 6, 2015 Councilmember Marohn distributed a binder to each councilmember outlining the budget calendar, the preliminary budget proposed by Mayor Casper, and a workbook with term definitions, graphs and frequently-asked questions. Councilmember Lehto strongly encouraged each councilmember thoroughly review the proposed budget, especially as liaisons for each department. Mayor Casper stated the Council will be presenting each department’s budget however, directors will be available if needed. Councilmember Lehto indicated he will be presenting the Idaho Falls Power budget at the July 9, 2015 Power Board Meeting. Councilmember Marohn stated per Idaho Code 50-1002, the City Council is responsible for preparation and passage of a budget and the Council should be most concerned with translating policy into reality during the budget process. The following questions should be considered during the budget process:  What new services should the city provide and how should services be funded?  Should any services be curtailed or eliminated?  What levels of service is important to the city?  What expenditures are necessary? Mayor Casper stated upcoming budget sessions are scheduled for July 13, July 15, and July 31, 2015. There being no further business, it was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Marohn, that the meeting adjourn at 5:10 p.m. which motion passed by the following: Aye: Councilmember Smith Councilmember Hally Councilmember Lehto Councilmember Ehardt Councilmember Marohn Nay: None Motion carried. _____________________________________ _______________________________________ CITY CLERK MAYOR 6