City Council

September 26, 2016 The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in Special Meeting (City Council), Monday, September 26, 2016, in the Council Chambers in the City Annex Building located at 680 Park Avenue in Idaho Falls, Idaho at 4:30 p.m. There were present: Mayor Rebecca L. Noah Casper Councilmember Barbara Ehardt Councilmember John B. Radford (by phone until approximately 5:00 p.m.) Councilmember David M. Smith Councilmember Ed Marohn Councilmember Michelle Ziel-Dingman (by phone) Councilmember Thomas Hally Also present: Chris Fredericksen, Public Works Director Jackie Flowers, Idaho Falls Power Director Kerry Hammon, Public Information Officer Kathy Hampton, City Clerk Mayor Casper stated beginning on October 3, 2016, Rocky Mountain Power (RMP) will be relocating power poles located at the 17th Street and 25th East (Hitt Road) intersection. The pole relocation is needed regardless of the intersection project. She then turned the meeting to Director Fredericksen with the following: Discussion and possible approval of 17th Street and 25th East (Hitt Road) Intersection Reconstruction Funding: Director Fredericksen indicated discussion of reconstruction of this intersection has been occurring for several years. He believes this is a major project which has been anticipated with the Public Works Department, the City of Idaho Falls and the City of Ammon. He stated committee members for the 17th Street/Hitt Road intersection include Councilmembers Hally and Radford as well as City of Ammon Councilmembers Brian Powell and Byron Wiscombe. Director Fredericksen reviewed the reconfiguration of the intersection including installation of a median westbound to Ashment Avenue and an extension of a median southbound to Target. He stated the City of Idaho Falls would be solely responsible for any construction costs west of the intersection. Director Fredericksen reviewed crash data at the intersection and stated the reconfigured intersection will increase the level of service and will reduce the number of accidents as adequate timing of the lights cannot be provided due to the over-capacity use. He reviewed estimated construction costs for the City of Idaho Falls stating the overall total cost has been reduced by approximately $377,000 due to administrative costs which would occur regardless of this project or not. He indicated the power pole relocation costs were also reduced due to cost sharing with the City of Ammon. He briefly reviewed the available funding sources and indicated $1.8 million has been allocated in the budget. He stated additional cost savings will continued to be monitored and each City would independently be required to obtain their own Right-of-Way properties. After general discussion, including the City of Ammon’s recently-approved motion, it was moved by Councilmember Smith, seconded by Councilmember Hally, to accept the $1 million proposal from the City of Ammon with inclusion of 50/50 shared cost of power pole relocation and commitment to a public shareholder meeting. There will be no required dedicated right-turn lane for northbound traffic and staff will be directed to prepare a Joint Powers Agreement to capture costs with any cost savings be apportioned based on the $1 million contribution from City of Ammon and on total expected cost of $2,624,607. Roll call as follows: Aye – Councilmembers Marohn, Dingman, Ehardt, Hally, Smith. Nay – none. Motion carried. 1  September 26, 2016 Director Fredericksen stated groundbreaking for this project will begin in spring 2017 with construction scheduled for late summer 2017. He indicated there is anticipated cost sharing to further reduce out-of-pocket costs. There being no further business, it was moved by Councilmember Hally, seconded by Councilmember Marohn, that the meeting adjourn at 5:42 p.m. which motion passed following a unanimous vote. s/ Kathy Hampton s/ Rebecca L. Noah Casper CITY CLERK MAYOR 2