City Council

JUNE 29, 2016 The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in Special Council Meeting (Council Work Session – Parks Reports), Wednesday, June 29, 2016, at the Joe Marmo/Wayne Lehto Ice Arena, 390 Rogers Street in Idaho Falls, Idaho at 5:30 p.m. There were present: Mayor Rebecca L. Noah Casper Councilmember Ed Marohn Councilmember Michelle Ziel-Dingman (departed at 6:15 p.m.) Councilmember Barbara Ehardt (departed at 6:35 p.m.) Councilmember John B. Radford Councilmember David M. Smith Absent: Councilmember Thomas Hally Also present: Kerry McCullough, Public Information Officer Greg Weitzel, Parks and Recreation Director Brent Martin, Parks Superintendent Kathy Hampton, City Clerk Mayor Casper called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m. and requested a motion to amend the agenda to include announcements items. It was moved by Councilmember Marohn, seconded by Councilmember Smith, to amend the agenda as requested from Mayor Casper. Motion passed following a unanimous vote. Mayor Casper stated the Councilmembers will be receiving their budget packets in the near future. She indicated the elected officials had been given courtesy passes to attend the Idaho Falls Chukars games, the City Attorney is determining the value of the passes. Mayor Casper also stated elected officials are only able to receive one courtesy pass to the Melaleuca Freedom Celebration and any additional tickets must be purchased. She reminded the Councilmembers of the $50 gift limitations. Tautphaus Park Master Planning Progress Report: Parks and Recreation Director Greg Weitzel introduced Richard Shaw, Michael Tunte, and Jeff Zimmermann, Design Workshop consulting team. Mr. Shaw indicated the purpose of a Master Plan is to visualize the future. He stated Tautphaus Park is an important community asset and this Master Plan should be a guiding factor for the next 10-20 years. Summary of community feedback from February, 2016, included:  the need to create safe pedestrian, bicycle, and automobile access  the park provides recreation areas  entrances, roadways, and parking areas are difficult to maneuver  current programs are a significant investment/asset  trees and landscaping adds to the character of the park  the zoo should be expanded to allow additional educational programs  continuation of legacy of the park Mr. Tunte reviewed two (2) Master Plan options for Tautphaus Park with brief discussion/comments throughout. Option 1 included: multi-use trails (paved and unpaved), relocation of west-side entrances, expansion of Funland and rides to include a splash pad and miniature golf course, expansion of skate park, expansion of zoo, additional sheet of ice for Ice Arena, portable events stage, some softball and/or baseball fields relocated to Old Butte Road to  JUNE 29, 2016 allow adequate parking, Lilac Circle redesigned to allow public art, additional shelters, botanical garden, expansion of fountain to include pond feature with shelters, and improved roadways. Option 2 included: relocation of zoo entrance, splash pad become part of all-access playground, additional sheet of ice for Ice Arena, Sunken Diamond softball field redesigned for amphitheater, Lilac Circle redesigned to allow public art, walking system around the fountain, fountain plaza, canal trail, and improved roadways. Mr. Shaw indicated valuable community feedback will be compiled and a final Master Plan is scheduled to be completed by August, 2016. Heritage Park Concept Plan Report: Heritage Park is Idaho Falls’ newest park and was acquired through land donation. The park is located on the west side of the Snake River with natural vegetation, rock formations, and water falls. The Concept Plan includes a road network, surface storm water/water gardens, ample green space including an amphitheater, kids’ nature play area, and promontory with a spiral walkway to an elevated level that could allow scenic overlook. The Concept Plan could intercept current Riverwalk paths through the park as well as a Heritage Trail Network, offering historical information. There being loss of quorum, the meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m. s/ Kathy Hampton s/ Rebecca L. Noah Casper CITY CLERK MAYOR