City Council

August 22, 2016 The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in Special Council Meeting (Council Work Session), Monday, August 22, 2016, in the 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 David M. Smith Councilmember Michelle Ziel-Dingman Councilmember Barbara Ehardt Councilmember Ed Marohn Councilmember John B. Radford Also present: Pamela Alexander, Municipal Services Director Mark Hagedorn, Controller Kenny McOmber, Treasurer Craig Davis, Idaho Falls Airport Director Mark McBride, Police Chief Greg Weitzel, Parks and Recreation Director Jackie Flowers, Idaho Falls Power Director Dana Briggs, Economic Development Coordinator Brad Cramer, Community Development Services Director Richard Malloy, Compliance and Engineering Manager Chris Fredericksen, Public Works Director Kent Fugal, City Engineer Michael Kirkham, Assistant City Attorney Randy Fife, City Attorney Kathy Hampton, City Clerk Mayor Casper called the meeting to order at 3:02 with the following agenda items: Mayor’s Report and Action Items: Mayor Casper indicated efforts are in place to control the Black Creek Fire and there is no concern at this time for any structures. She stated officials from many different entities are involved. Announcements and Calendar Items: August 23, City Benefits Fair at Ice Arena, followed by City picnic August 24, Civic Auditorium Committee meeting, Museum of Idaho is sponsoring a tour of the new exhibit for elected officials August 25, PST (Partnership for Science and Technology) Up and Atom breakfast at EIL (Energy Innovation Laboratory) Building August 26, Regular Council Meeting August 30, Idaho Water Resources Board will be holding a public meeting in the Council Chambers Press conference regarding Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park will be held in the near future Mayor Casper stated due to holidays in September and October, the first work sessions of each month will occur on a Tuesday. She indicated the Sister Cities Youth Delegation has recently returned from Japan. The City will be hosting the Sister Cities Adult Delegation October 3-11 with various events scheduled. Mayor Casper recently 1  August 22, 2016 attended a Senior Citizens Center fund-raiser lunch and has requested Council commitment to volunteer in the future. City Council Reports: Councilmember Hally had no items to report. Councilmember Marohn had no items to report. Councilmember Radford stated Idaho Falls Airport is hosting Flying Legends of Victory Tour August 23-28, rides can be scheduled. Councilmember Ehardt also attended the Senior Citizen fund-raising event and indicated she is willing to volunteer. Councilmember Dingman had no items to report. Councilmember Smith had no items to report. Approval of FY2016/2017 Fee Resolution: Mayor Casper briefly reviewed the State requirements for passage of fees. She indicated the Fee Resolution includes all fees, not just those fees that may be increasing. It was moved by Councilmember Radford, seconded by Councilmember Marohn, to approve the FY2016/2017 Fee Resolution. Councilmember Ehardt expressed her appreciation for clarification of fees. She indicated she supports some of, but not all fees. She prefers to possibly separate fees by departments in the future. Councilmember Hally stated no increase of fees can put undue pressure on the General Fund, he trusts the Department Directors for their direction. He indicated Parks and Recreation Department fees pay for approximately 48% of programs offered. Roll call as follows: Aye – Councilmembers Radford, Ehardt, Smith, Marohn, Dingman, Hally. Nay – none. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 2016-26 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, ADOPTING A SCHEDULE OF REVISED FEES FOR SERVICES PROVIDED AND REGULARLY CHARGED AS SPECIFIED BY CITY CODE; AND PROVIDING THAT THIS RESOLUTION BE EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION ACCORDING TO LAW. Approval of FY2016/2017 Appropriation Ordinance: Mayor Casper stated setting the budget is important, vital, and difficult as resources are life blood of any City. She indicated the Department Directors present their budgets and it is the Councils role to approve the budget although, by State Code, the Mayor has the right to weigh in. She indicated it is a privilege to work for people who care. Councilmember Marohn expressed his appreciation to the Council for their diligence in the budget process. He believes this process has evolved to a more transparent level but believes the budget is always in transition. As a legislative body, the Councilmembers have an important decision to spend or not to spend. He stated the Councilmembers work for the citizens, but are also citizens who expect infrastructure, safety, and security. He believes property levy is one of the more fair taxes and is necessary as an investment. He briefly reviewed foregone of previous years. Councilmember Marohn read a portion of Municipal Services Citizen Review Committee (CRC) evaluation from 2014, as follows: “By not increasing the property tax in prior years, the City has deferred problems to future administrations and the next generation of voters. Presently a fully responsible budget tax levy will solve some of the City problems, increase capacity, and while may not create economic growth, it will not prevent it”. He stated the FY2016/2017 proposed budget includes 3% levy, growth monies, and reserves from General Fund for street fund. The 3% levy will be used to help maintain reserves. Association of Idaho Cities (AIC) recommend reserves be no less than 17%. He stated if the City chooses not to take the 3% 2  August 22, 2016 levy, little revenue will be received. He believes the City should support its investments as it’s important for economic growth. Councilmember Hally stated the budget is not just about streets. He believes the City is going to see inflation and tax dollar expenditures create economic growth. He indicated the partnership with state and federal government is education, including the arts. Councilmember Smith stated he generally votes in a manner which he believes is best for the City, the residents, and the taxpayers. He stated this is his second budget process and believes the department presentations and process were much more informative and helpful than the previous year. He stated the State Legislature increased the homeowner’s exemption last year which cost the City approximately $700,000. If the City does not increase the levy to offset the tax shift, the increased homeowner’s exemption would not be a progressive shift of tax as the legislation intends. It would take an approximate 2.5% increase in the property tax levy to absorb the homeowner’s exemption. He stated he wanted to propose a $190 million budget and not fund $3 million to street repair but believes the backlog needs addressed. He commented that some individuals will say this budget is a typical tax and spend disregard of the taxpayers, but they are wrong. He stated the City is funding many sources, not extravagant items. Priorities have been established and there is effort towards achieving those priorities within the limited funds and available resources. He stated he could not vote no on the budget if he could not specifically identify the dollars that should not be spent. Councilmember Dingman stated this first year has been an interesting process to learn about the budget and find a way to reconcile her personal views on government and its function within the City and the desire to find quality services for the residents. She indicated she has thoroughly reviewed the budget to ensure her support of the proposed budget. She expressed her appreciation to Councilmember Marohn, the Finance Team, and fellow Councilmembers. She believes supporting the budget will result in progress in many areas of the City. She indicated many residents will see a tax decrease and believes the budget is sound and justified. Councilmember Ehardt expressed her appreciation to the Mayor, Department Directors, the Finance Team and Councilmembers with this budget process and stated she’s more confident in this third process. In the future she would prefer the budget process begin with Council. She believes the immediate needs should be addressed first and wants should be secondary. With this process, items which may be important to each Councilmember would be placed before colleagues for discussion. She indicated this is ultimately the Council’s budget and she would like to see increases trimmed that may be passed onto citizens and businesses. Her main concern is for business owners and does not like the continual tax increase. She again expressed her appreciation to staff and fellow Councilmembers. Councilmember Radford expressed his appreciation to the Finance Team for the budget process and also to his liaisons for keeping him informed during the process. In the future he would prefer a priority list of Capital expenditures at different funding levels. It was moved by Councilmember Marohn, seconded by Councilmember Hally, to approve the FY2016/2017 Appropriation Ordinance under the suspension of the rules requiring three complete and separate readings and that it be read by title and published by summary. Roll call as follows: Aye – Councilmembers Smith, Hally, Radford, Dingman, Marohn. Nay – Councilmember Ehardt. Motion carried. At the request of Mayor Casper, the City Clerk read the ordinance by title only: ORDINANCE 3082 THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO, FOR THE PERIOD COMMENCING OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2017, APPROPRIATING 3  August 22, 2016 AND APPORTIONING THE MONIES OF SAID CITY TO AND AMONG THE SEVERAL FUNDS OF SAID CITY AND DESIGNATING THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH SAID MONIES MAY BE EXPENDED; SPECIFYING THE AMOUNT OF MONEY PAID BY PROPERTY TAX TO BE APPROPRIATED TO SAID FUNDS; AND PROVIDING WHEN THE ORDINANCE SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE. Airshow Agreement Discussion: Mayor Casper indicated there is no signed agreement with the Airshow Board to clarify terms. She stated the Airshow Board determined the Airshow could not happen without support of the City. She indicated City leaders declined formal participation for the 2010 Airshow but did participate by use of City safety resources. She stated there are significant benefits by hosting an Airshow although these benefits do not directly benefit the City coffers. Due to Council approval of support, she believes terms of the agreement need to be determined including; what the level of $80,000 sponsorship entails, an escape hatch if Airshow can find reduced or free services elsewhere, the ability to break the agreement with reimbursement for any reasonable costs already incurred, and consideration of reimbursement requirement to the City for some services in the event of excess revenues. Director Davis stated he also believes there should be an agreement between the Airshow Board and the City. Russell Johnson, Airshow Board Chair, reviewed the 2010 Airshow issues and stated Police and Fire Department services were needed due to Interstate-15 being closed for multiple hours. He stated the Airshow Board is requesting use of facilities, equipment, personnel, and services from various City departments, they are not requesting money. The Airshow Committee is also obtaining volunteers and other sponsors. Councilmember Ehardt stated she is in full support of the Airshow but believes if the Airshow is successful, the City should be reimbursed. Mr. Johnson stated the Airshow Board unanimously agreed not to reimburse the City. Nick Gailey, Airshow Board Member, stated the Airshow is a one-time event, not a yearly event similar to Community Support. Brief discussion followed regarding other community events/support. He stated the City is not considered a sponsor, the City would be a partner. He indicated profits from the previous Airshow were contributed to Mayor’s Scholarship Fund as the Airshow Board by-laws require profits be contributed for educational purposes. Councilmember Radford stated no one is receiving any profit as the Airshow Board is considered a non-profit organization. He believes the City should move forward with an agreement. Councilmember Marohn stated the Fire and Police Departments, as part of their duties, are required to support any public safety issues. He also believes the City should move forward with an agreement. Mayor Casper indicated the money being used for the Airshow is being allocated from the community support dollars. She stated following the 2010 Airshow, she believes the City should have established a special event fund for available resources for such events with an annual contribution to prevent a similar situation in the future. Mr. Fife stated an agreement is not necessary if the City is only going to provide support services, although a commitment in next years’ budget to pay for services rendered would be required. He stated if there is no agreement it would be considered a trust relationship, not a contractual relationship. Councilmember Smith stated a partnership has legal terms including liability and believes the agreement should be updated to establish the City as a participant, not a partner. After further brief discussion, there was consensus for a written agreement including changing the wording from partnership and determining terms of in-kind support of services. Mr. Fife and Mr. Gailey will draft an updated agreement for a future consent agenda item. Economic Development Update: Ms. Briggs stated she has categorized Economic Development tools as follows:  Attraction  Retention  Development (Entrepreneurial Activities)  Talent Pipeline Needs  Business Friendly City Processes  Tourism 4  August 22, 2016 She briefly reviewed projects within each category and indicated she is currently assisting with several projects, including the 2017 solar eclipse events. She stated she just completed a project with the Northwest Cosmetic Labs including approval of the Bonneville County Resolution allowing Property Tax Exemption Award at 50% for five (5) years. Northwest Cosmetic Labs is estimated to create in excess of 500 jobs with an estimated Capital Expenditure of $13 million. Ms. Briggs is currently working with REDI (Regional Economic Development Eastern Idaho) for a standard matrix to be used by Bonneville County for decision making of projects. Ms. Briggs reviewed Idaho Falls Economic Development Metrics as follows: Tax Base – $59,184 for 2015; City of Idaho Falls Labor Force – 28,510 for 2015; Average Annual Wage (MSA, which includes Bonneville, Jefferson, and Butte Counties) – $42,820 for 2015; State-wide requests for information from Idaho Department of Commerce – approximately 16 over the course of the previous year; Business Openings/Closings; Employment Effects of Business Openings/Closing; Real Estate (Bonneville County) – approximately 1914 listings for 2015; and Tourism (Bonneville County) – approximately $251.8 million Total Direct Spending for 2014, and 3,100 Total Direct Employment for 2014. Ms. Briggs reviewed the REDI Budget breakdown for FY2016/2017 per previous request from Councilmembers, indicating Idaho Falls’ estimated contribution = $53,699.48. Brief discussion followed. Mayor Casper believes the City should be flexible on funding and participation if the Council believes REDI should be supported. Ms. Briggs stated the Department of Labor/Department of Commerce has been performing State-wide presentations regarding development of economies. She will schedule a joint meeting with the Bonneville County Commissioners for this presentation. Ms. Briggs stated several developers have inquired regarding the criteria for infill, greenfield, or redevelopment project waivers. She indicated Director Cramer and Mr. Malloy developed a matrix for qualifications of community development. Director Cramer defined the following: Infill: Development sited on vacant or undeveloped land that is enclosed or surrounded by other development and is not on the urban fringe. Greenfield: Previously undeveloped sites. Redevelopment: Sites which have or have had development including buildings or infrastructure. Also areas included in an urban renewal district or identified by the City Council as a redevelopment area. Director Cramer reviewed infill or greenfield matrix requirements with appropriate waiver options. Mr. Malloy stated the only economic incentive at this time is for fee waiver of electric line extension. Discussion followed regarding current policy for small business owners as well as developer and taxpayer/ratepayer costs. Mr. Malloy stated approximately $400,000 has been collected for line extension fees for new commercial and residential development. After further discussion, it was decided staff will proceed to update the ordinance with clarifying language to incentivize infill. Director Cramer briefly reviewed the new TRAKiT software system, which was purchased in the previous year, for permitting and project management. He stated TRAKiT reports allow permit review, tracking of code enforcement cases, as well as infill, greenfield, and redevelopment projects. Advanced reports for specific requests can also be created. Director Cramer will distribute a sample of monthly reviews of site plans, permits, and applications for Council review. Review of City Service Delivery Account Write-off Policy: Director Alexander stated there has not been a memorialized process for account write-offs. This draft policy has been coordinated with Public Works and Idaho Falls Power and establishes the uncollectable criteria. Mr. Fife 5  August 22, 2016 indicated this policy will allow city employees to understand their role for collection of monies. Director Alexander indicated the first year of policy write-offs will be presented at the August 25, 2016, Council Meeting. Traffic Signal Removal Study Discussion: Director Fredericksen stated approximately every five (5) years the City re-times traffic signals. During this re- timing process traffic signals are evaluated to keep in place or remove from service. He indicated 12 proposed intersections were studied for possible removal. It was determined four (4) intersections did not meet the warrants and the signals were removed from service. Additional evaluation occurred on six (6) intersections for possible traffic signal removal. Mr. Kent Fugal reviewed recommendations on the following intersections with general discussion throughout:  Broadway and Lindsay Boulevard – remove traffic signal and marked crosswalks across Broadway, install stop sign on Lindsay approach.  Broadway and Shoup Avenue – remove traffic signal and marked crosswalks across Broadway, install stop sign on Shoup approach.  Yellowstone Avenue and A Street/Yellowstone Avenue and B Street – remove signal at A Street, remove signal equipment for minor street approaches at B Street, convert signal equipment controlling Yellowstone traffic at B Street to HAWK signal, remove marked crosswalks across Yellowstone at A Street, install stop signs on minor approaches as both intersections.  17th Street and June Avenue – remove traffic signal and marked crosswalks across 17th Street, install stop signs on the June Avenue and ShopKo parking lot approaches.  17th Street and Ponderosa Drive – remove traffic signal and marked crosswalks across 17th Street, install stop signs on the Ponderosa Drive approaches, mitigate sight distance obstruction due to parked cars on the southwest corner of the intersection. Councilmember Dingman expressed her concern for the two (2) schools within this area. Mayor Casper stated coordination with the school district may be needed for this intersection. Director Fredericksen reviewed an alternative route for residents by using St. Clair Road. He stated money approved in FY2016/2017 budget is being allocated to update the intersection at St. Clair and 17th Street. Mayor Casper believes current traffic signals may have been installed due to commercial development, however, good design and engineering are necessary for appropriate planning. Mr. Fugal indicated the recommendations of traffic signals removal are based on overall perspective of engineering. This item will be placed on the August 25, Council Meeting. There being to further business, it was moved by Councilmember Radford, seconded by Councilmember Marohn, to adjourn the meeting at 6:46 p.m. and move into Executive Session which has been called pursuant to the provision of Idaho Code Section 74-206(1)(c) to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency, and not reconvene into Work Session at the conclusion of the Executive Session. Roll call as follow: Aye – Councilmembers Marohn, Dingman, Ehardt, Hally, Radford, Smith. Nay – none. Motion carried. The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in Special Council Meeting (Executive Session), Monday, August 22, 2016, in the Council Chambers in the City Annex Building located at 680 Park Avenue in Idaho Falls, Idaho at 6:48 p.m. There were present: Mayor Rebecca L. Noah Casper Councilmember David M. Smith Councilmember Barbara Ehardt Councilmember John B. Radford Councilmember Ed Marohn Councilmember Thomas Hally 6  August 22, 2016 Absent: Councilmember Michelle Ziel-Dingman Also present: Pamela Alexander, Municipal Services Director Randy Fife, City Attorney The Executive Session has been called pursuant to the provision of Idaho Code Section 74-206(1)(c) to acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency. There being no further business, it was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Ehardt, that the meeting adjourn at 6:57 p.m. which motion passed following a unanimous vote. s/ Kathy Hampton s/ Rebecca L. Noah Casper CITY CLERK MAYOR 7