City Council

DECEMBER 11, 2015 The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in Special Council Meeting (Council Training Orientation), Friday, December 11, 2015, at the City Council Chambers in the City Annex Building located at 680 Park Avenue in Idaho Falls, Idaho at 7:30 a.m. There were present: Mayor Rebecca L. Noah Casper Councilmember Thomas Hally Councilmember Ed Marohn Councilmember Michael Lehto Councilmember David M. Smith Councilmember Barbara Ehardt Also present: Randy Fife, City Attorney Ida Hardcastle, former Councilmember John Radford, Councilmember Elect Michelle Ziel-Dingman, Councilmember Elect Greg Weitzel, Parks and Recreation Director Dave Hanneman, Fire Chief Melanie Marsh, Human Resources Director Dana Briggs, Economic Development Coordinator Kami Morrison, Executive Assistant Robert Wright, Idaho Falls Library Director Jackie Flowers, Idaho Falls Power Director Kathy Hampton, City Clerk Mayor Casper called the meeting to order at 7:30 a.m. with introductions of Councilmembers Elect and review of the outlined agenda. She stated cities received authority from the State and their City Code. The roles and responsibilities of the Council include passing a balanced budget on an annual basis, policy setting, and City management oversight. She stated teamwork is important to deliver good governance. Mayor Casper then turned the meeting to Ida Hardcastle and Councilmember Lehto for the following agenda item: Orientation for 2016 Council Responsibilities: Ms. Hardcastle believes the Council should be open to the learning process in order to be an effective Councilmember. She distributed information containing the suggested recommendations for the Council: - Do your homework on council issues and utilize department directors. - Know the duties of each department and their overlap. - Arrive at meetings on time. If a meeting is missed follow up with discussion actions. - Listen to opinions of others and be respectful to their opinions, be sensitive to monopolizing discussions. - The mayor is the manager of the employees. The constituents are your boss. - Make no promises to constitutes but be respectful of them. - Understand the difference between revenue and enterprise funds. - Treat employees with respect and appreciation. - Consult the attorney regarding questionable issues (legality, conflicts, morality). 1  DECEMBER 11, 2015 - Understand the open meeting laws. Be thoughtful when responding to the media. - Don’t embarrass yourself or the City. - Don’t push your individual values on someone else. Councilmember Lehto believes the Councilmembers should develop respected relationships with department directors while being sensitive to their time management. He encouraged the Councilmembers to be receptive of their other colleagues and vision(s) while realizing they represent one (1) voice of the six (6) Councilmembers. He recommended travel opportunities be balanced with community benefit based on added value, purpose, and/or educational opportunity. He distributed information to the Council regarding communication and problem-solving, civility and councilmember behavior, and effective public engagement. Discussion of Council 2016 Meeting Schedules: Mayor Casper reviewed meeting schedules for the 2016 calendar year including strategic budget planning, work sessions, regular Council meetings, and any potential training sessions. Director Flowers stated all Councilmembers are designated members of the Idaho Falls Power Board. The 2016 Idaho Falls Power Board Meeting schedule was discussed and reviewed. There being no further business, it was moved by Councilmember Marohn, seconded by Councilmember Hally, that the meeting adjourn at 9:38 a.m., which motion passed following a unanimous vote. CITY CLERK MAYOR 2