City Council
Regular MeetingIdaho Falls, ID · November 9, 2015
Minutes
NOVEMBER 9 , 2015
The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in Special Council Meeting (Council Work Session),
Monday, November 9, 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 Thomas Hally
Councilmember Ed Marohn
Councilmember Sharon Parry (arrived at 3:05 p.m.)
Councilmember Michael Lehto (departed at 4:30 p.m.)
Councilmember David M. Smith
Councilmember Barbara Ehardt
Also present:
Randy Fife, City Attorney
Kerry McCullough, Public Information Officer
Dana Briggs, Economic Development Coordinator
Pamela Alexander, Municipal Services Director
Brad Cramer, Community Development Services Director
Greg Weitzel, Parks and Recreation Director
Chris Fredericksen, Public Works Director
Dave Hanneman, Fire Chief
John Radford
Kathy Hampton, City Clerk
Mayor Casper called the meeting to order at 3:03 p.m. with Mayor and Council reports. Mayor Casper
reminded the Councilmembers of the following events: Downtown Focus Groups on November 10 & 11,
2015; Veterans Day on November 11, 2015, with several community events; the Idaho Falls Power
Board Meeting on November 12, 2015; a Police Department briefing regarding school safety on
November 12, 2015; an award ceremony on November 12, 2015, for the Smart Growth award to the City;
Live Well Idaho Falls on November 12, 2015, and the Chamber Gala on November 13, 2015. Mayor
Casper introduced Pamela Alexander, the new Municipal Services Director, to the Councilmembers.
Councilmember Lehto had no items to report.
Councilmember Parry had no items to report.
Councilmember Ehardt expressed appreciation to all those involved with the Target/Hitt Road ribbon-
cutting. She briefly reported on the Targhee Regional Public Transportation Authority (TRPTA) routes
and indicated a draft report will be given to the Council in the near future.
Councilmember Smith had no items to report.
Councilmember Marohn stated the Museum of Idaho and the Idaho Falls Arts Council have received
grant monies from the National Endowment of Humanities.
Councilmember Hally indicated there will be future discussion of several Parks and Recreation plans.
Item from Community Development Services include:
1-Receipt of Recommendations from Planning and Zoning Commission, November 3, 2015, meeting:
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NOVEMBER 9 , 2015
It was moved by Councilmember Lehto, seconded by Councilmember Marohn, to accept the
recommendations received from the Planning and Zoning Commission, November 3, 2015, meeting. Roll
call as follows:
Aye: Councilmember Ehardt
Councilmember Smith
Councilmember Marohn
Councilmember Lehto
Councilmember Hally
Abstain: Councilmember Parry
Nay: None
Motion carried.
Items from the Parks and Recreation Department include:
4Sight Security Presentation/Discussion:
Mayor Casper stated due to the recent homicide in Tautphaus Park the safety issue of all City parks has
become more relevant. Director Weitzel stated the Zoo at Tautphaus Park has been vandalized several
times over the course of the past few years which necessitated the need for a security camera system.
He stated after several quotes were received the committee selected 4Sight Security as the provider.
Director Weitzel introduced Mark Blackburn, owner of 4Sight Security, Homer Creutz, IT Specialist, and
Reed Raymond, Sales Manager. Mr. Blackburn stated 4Sight Security was also concerned with the
recent homicide at Tautphaus Park and therefore is offering to donate a security system, valued at
approximately $30,000.00, which would provide full coverage at the park. Director Weitzel stated Idaho
Falls Power would provide the power pole including fiber network and the Parks and Recreation
Department would assist with installation costs and any utility costs. Mr. Blackburn stated the cameras
could be manually controlled and are equipped with motion detection including night time sensor.
Councilmember Lehto stated the security concerns have been discussed over the course of several
years due to frequent vandalism. The security system could also be used as a deterrent for vandalism as
well as evidence gathering. The Mayor and Council expressed their appreciation to Mr. Blackburn and his
staff.
Alcohol Ordinance Discussion:
Mayor Casper stated there have been inconsistencies regarding alcohol use in the parks which
necessitates the need for policy/procedure. Director Weitzel stated the Parks and Recreation Department
receives several requests for alcohol consumption at special events, therefore, the Legal Department
drafted an Ordinance allowing the sale and consumption of beer and wine through a permit process. He
indicated the Parks and Recreation Department will individually review each requested event for all
specified requirements and each request would also require approval from the Police Department. Mr.
Fife stated this draft ordinance would address three (3) areas; general concessions, special events, and
permitted alcohol events. He indicated the permitted alcohol event would require specific security and
insurance. He stated this ordinance would only apply to the park facilities. Councilmember Lehto briefed
the administration on a street fest event in 2001 which, due to alcohol consumption, injured several law
enforcement personnel, therefore enacting the current permitting process. Councilmember Parry believes
there should be a more comprehensive ordinance. She stated a separation clause should indicate a
specific time and location. Mr. Fife stated the ordinance would specify the hours of consumption. He
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NOVEMBER 9 , 2015
indicated the City Code is not currently comprehensive or consistent with regard to alcohol. Brief
discussion followed regarding one complete ordinance or separate ordinances relating to alcohol in the
parks, streets, or the downtown area. After further discussion, it was decided any comments/concerns
should be submitted to Mr. Fife or Director Weitzel.
Presentation:
Economic Development Update:
Mayor Casper introduced Ms. Briggs to present an economic development update to the Council. Ms.
Briggs presentation included the following information:
Economic Development Vision:
Draft Vision Statement: Idaho Falls is a city with a vibrant business climate and growing business sector
that is accessible, user-friendly and welcoming to all.
Initial Goals:
Idaho Falls First
Foster existing business and industry retention and growth through partnerships with local
businesses.
Idaho Falls Easy
Remove barriers to conducting business within the City of Idaho Falls.
Idaho Falls Attractive
Communicate City of Idaho Falls assets and make the city an attractive place for businesses to
locate.
Idaho Falls Talented
Enable the training and development of high-quality talent pools that match the needs of local
industry.
Activities to Date:
Idaho Falls First
1. Community Involvement (Groups, Organizations, and Target Businesses):
ConnectShare
Rotary
Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
Henry’s Fork Watershed Council
INL/CAES
Partnership for Science and Technology
Idaho Falls Hotelier’s Association
2. City Department Involvement:
Community Development Services
Idaho Falls Power
Public Works
Idaho Falls Regional Airport
3. In-Process Projects:
Developer Roundtable Program
International Business Roundtable
Business Outreach Program
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NOVEMBER 9 , 2015
INL Development Goals
Target Industry Growth List
Economic Development Management Committee
4. Long-term Projects:
City of Idaho Falls Economic Development Strategic Plan (long-term goals, short-term
actions)
“Wish List” of state incentives and development tools (ID2020: Gardner Group)
Idaho Falls Economic Development Benchmarks
o Quantitative, measurable metrics
Idaho Falls Easy
1. Involvement:
Idaho Department of Commerce
Idaho Innovation Center
Idaho Technology Council
o Deal Flow Report
o Hall of Fame
o Capital Connect Series (April)
Small Business Administration
2. In-Process Projects:
North Loop expansion project
Idaho Falls Power fiber network
Urban Renewal Agency
Annexation efforts
3. Long-Term Projects:
Website page: Economic Development
Form “Ready Team”
Idaho Falls Attractive
1. Involvement:
REDI (Regional Economic Development Eastern Idaho)
International Economic Development Council
Idaho Economic Development Association
2. In-Process Projects:
City Marketing Publication
Transportation
o Air Service Development Projects
Development Projects
o Project Coz
o Project Snow
o Project APEX
3. Long-Term Projects
NuScale Power supply chain positioning
Industrial park development
Short-term housing options
Transportation
o Public Transportation
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NOVEMBER 9 , 2015
Idaho Falls Talented
1. Involvement:
Idaho Department of Labor
2. In-Process Projects:
Community College Committee
Workforce training incentives
3. Long-Term Projects
Community College
SMR Training Coordination
Local Role in Site Selection Process:
1. Community “brand” and messaging
2. Infrastructure
3. Fostering partnerships
4. RFP information
5. Site visit
6. Negotiations
7. Closing the deal
Key Factors Companies/Site Selectors Use:
1. Speed to market—how soon can they be up and running?
2. Stability and predictability
3. One-voice for the community
4. Confidentiality
5. Cultural considerations—genuine, honest, ethical
General discussion followed including collaboration with other City departments, Idaho/City property
taxes, education, and coordination with REDI.
Ms. Briggs believes recruitment and retention/expansion are important for City growth. Mayor Casper
requested the Council submit any City benchmarks to Ms. Briggs.
There being no further business it was moved by Councilmember Marohn, seconded by Councilmember
Ehardt, to move into Executive Session at 5:10 p.m., pursuant to the provision of Idaho Code Section 74-
206A(1)(c) to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency and not
reconvene into Work Session. Roll call as follows:
Aye: Councilmember Parry
Councilmember Ehardt
Councilmember Hally
Councilmember Smith
Councilmember Marohn
Nay: None
Motion carried.
The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in Special Council Meeting (Executive Session), Monday,
November 9, 2015, at the City Council Chambers in the City Annex Building located at 680 Park Avenue
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NOVEMBER 9 , 2015
in Idaho Falls, Idaho at 5:10 p.m., pursuant to the provision of Idaho Code Section 74-206A(1)(c) to
acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency.
There were present:
Mayor Rebecca L. Noah Casper
Councilmember Ed Marohn
Councilmember Barbara Ehardt
Councilmember Thomas Hally
Councilmember Sharon Parry
Councilmember David M. Smith
Absent:
Councilmember Michael Lehto
Also present:
Randy Fife, City Attorney
Pamela Alexander, Municipal Services Director
Greg Weitzel, Parks and Recreation Director
Chris Fredericksen, Public Works Director
Kathy Hampton, City Clerk
It was moved by Councilmember Ehardt, seconded by Councilmember Marohn, to move out of Executive
Session and that the meeting adjourn at 5:25 p.m., which motion passed following a unanimous vote.
CITY CLERK MAYOR
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Agenda
CITY OF IDAHO FALLS
City Clerk’s Office
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Idaho Falls will hold a Special Meeting
(Council Work Session) on the 9th of November , 2015, at 3:00 p.m., in the City Council Chambers
located in the City Annex Building at 680 Park Avenue, Idaho Falls, Idaho.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
Mayor and Council: -Mayor and City Council Reports (10)
Community Development: -Receipt of Recommendations from the Planning
and Zoning Commission, November 3, 2015,
meeting
Parks and Recreation: -Alcohol Ordinance Discussion (30)
-4Sight Security Presentation/Discussion (15)
Presentation: -Economic Development Update (30)
Such meeting may be cancelled or recessed to a later time or placed upon resolution by the City
Council at such meeting.
The public is invited to attend.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting (Executive Session) of the City Council will be
held on the 9th day of November , 2015, immediately following the conclusion of the agenda items
listed above, in the City Annex Building, located at 680 Park Avenue, Idaho Falls, Idaho. Such
meeting may be cancelled or recessed to a later time or placed upon resolution at such meeting.
The Executive Session has been called pursuant to the provisions of Idaho Code Section 74-
206A(1)(c) to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency.
DATED this 6th day of November, 2015.
____________________________________
Kathy Hampton
City Clerk
If you need communication aids or services or other physical accommodations to participate or access this meeting or program of the City of
Idaho Falls, you may contact City Clerk Kathy Hampton at Telephone Number 612-8414 or the ADA Coordinator Lisa Farris at Telephone
Number 612-8323 as soon as possible and they will make every effort to adequately meet your needs.
P. O. Box 50220 - 308 Constitution Way - Idaho Falls, Idaho 83405 - (208) 612-8415 - Internet Homepage Address: www.idahofallsidaho.gov
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