City Council
Regular MeetingIdaho Falls, ID · March 18, 2017
Minutes
March 18, 2017
The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in Special Meeting (Budget Workshop), Saturday, March 18, 2017,
in the Council Chambers in the City Annex Building located at 680 Park Avenue in Idaho Falls, Idaho at 8:00 a.m.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
There were present:
Mayor Rebecca L. Noah Casper
Councilmember David M. Smith
Councilmember Thomas Hally
Councilmember John B. Radford
Councilmember Michelle Ziel-Dingman
Councilmember Barbara Ehardt
Councilmember Ed Marohn
Also present:
Pamela Alexander, Municipal Services Director
Dave Hanneman, Fire Chief
Kathy Hampton, City Clerk
Mayor Casper called the meeting to order at 8:08 a.m. with the following agenda items:
Opening Remarks: 2017-2018 Budget:
Mayor Casper stated the budget function has been a responsibility of the Municipal Services Finance Team due to
the lack of a City manager. She believes the Department Directors function as a specialist/professional in each of
their respective departments. She briefly reviewed budget presentations for the previous years, stating the process is
continually being refined. Mayor Casper reviewed Idaho Statutes – The city council of each city shall, prior to passing
the annual appropriation ordinance, prepare a budget, estimating the probable amount of money necessary for all
purposes for which an appropriation is to be made. She reviewed the budget calendar including dates of the annual
Budget Watch and public hearing which allow citizens to submit any comments/concerns. She indicated two (2)
meetings with Council will occur after that time to allow any follow-up discussions.
Costs Types for the upcoming budget process will be categorized as follows:
Capital Expenditure – money spent by a business or organization on acquiring or maintaining fixed assets,
such as land, buildings, and equipment
Real Estate
Construction labor and supplies
Operations and Maintenance
Equipment and MERF (Municipal Equipment Replacement Fund))
Personnel Costs (new) – wage and benefit costs associated with full and part-time personnel
Donation – donation from a City fund
Other – supplies, consulting, miscellaneous
Councilmember Marohn stated budget discussions are intended for rationale and strategic dialogue by the Council to
determine accomplishments within the budget constraints. He reminded the Council of key points to consider:
1- General Funds revenue and expenditures = estimated at 30%
2- Enterprise Funds revenue and expenditures = estimated at 70%
3- FY2016-17 Budget = $195,194,467, 34.14% of budget expended as of January 2017
4- Levy revenue should be determined by Council’s priorities on expenditures and citizens needs, and should
not be determined by pending reelection in November 2017
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March 18, 2017
Councilmember Marohn presented the following for Fire Department (General Fund) including MERF discussion
and possible options to maintain an adequate MERF schedule:
Cost Type Item FY2017-18 FY2018-19 FY2019-20
Estimated Cost Estimated Cost Estimated Cost
Capital Vehicles Replacement (one staff vehicle, 2 $2,016,826
engines, 1 ladder)
Capital SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) $750,000
Capital Fire Station 5 Remodel $100,000
Capital Fire Station 6 Remodel $75,000
Capital Fire Station 4 Remodel $75,000
Capital Storage Facility TBD
Capital Fire Station 3 Remodel (transfer from Airport $100,000
Enterprise)
Councilmember Marohn presented the following for Municipal Services Department (General Fund):
Cost Type Item FY2017-18 FY2018-19 FY2019-20
Estimated Cost Estimated Cost Estimated Cost
Capital City Building Infrastructure Funding $690,000
Capital City Building Infrastructure Funding $300,000 (ongoing)
Capital IT (Information Technology) Equipment $75,000 (ongoing)
Capital IT Equipment $50,000
Capital IT Equipment $150,000
Capital Replacement Printer $20,000
Capital Cemetery Software $68,000
Personnel IT Technician $55,000
Director Alexander indicated $100,000 was approved in the previous year for City infrastructure to be used for basic
renovations for the vacated Fire Administration section of City Hall. However, these funds were redirected for ADA
(American with Disabilities Act) building needs.
Councilmember Dingman presented the following for Police Department (General Fund):
Cost Type Item FY2017-18 FY2018-19 FY2019-20
Estimated Estimated Estimated
Cost Cost Cost
Other Building Consultant $50,000
Capital Law Enforcement Building $12,000,000
Capital Real Estate $2,000,000
Other Architect $100,000
Capital Parking Facility $250,000
Capital Animal Control/Crematory $50,000
Capital Narcotics Undercover Car $15,000
Capital 2 Patrol Vehicles with Equipment $81,000
Capital Parking Monitor Car $14,000
Capital Crime Scene Trailer $15,645
Capital Negotiations Communications Recorder $7,000
Capital Servers ?
General discussion followed regarding equipment purchases and the need for a new Law Enforcement Building.
Councilmember Dingman presented the following for Community Development Services Department (General
Fund):
Cost Type Item FY2017-18 FY2018-19 FY2019-20
Estimated Cost Estimated Cost Estimated Cost
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March 18, 2017
Personnel Current Code Enforcement Officer (move $80,000
from CDBG (Community Development Block
Grant) funding)
Personnel Code Enforcement Clerk $46,063
Personnel Building Plans Reviewer/Property $59,093
Maintenance Inspector
Personnel Move Assistant Director to Grade 14 ?
Capital Additional TRAKIT licenses/modifications $9,000
Capital Remodeling HR space $15,000-$20,000
General discussion followed including the current Code Enforcement Officer’s duties and the concern that President
Trump’s budget may drastically reduce or eliminate CDBG funding.
Councilmember Smith presented the following for Idaho Falls Power (IFP) (Enterprise Fund):
Cost Type Item FY2017-18 FY2018-19 FY2019-20
Estimated Estimated Estimated
Cost Cost Cost
Capital Bulb Turbine Project $502,901
Capital Gem State Project $281,500
Capital Transmission $3,425,000
Capital Distribution ?
Capital Customer Accounts (Metering) $422,500
Capital Operations Technology $207,000
Capital Street Lights/Traffic Signals $215,000
Personnel Administration & General $300,000
Fiber $149,400
Consulting TEA (The Energy Authority) $1,300,000
Total Amounts $8,466,002 $2,447,600 $10,372,300
General discussion followed regarding in-kind work/transfers, the traffic fund (which is budgeted on an annual basis),
and BPA (Bonneville Power Administration) rates which may incur additional costs to TEA, ~$1.3 million, due to
unforeseen circumstances. Councilmember Smith indicated base salaries and bonus structures for IFP staff may need
to be evaluated.
Councilmember Smith presented the following for BMPO (Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization):
Cost Type Item FY2017-18 FY2018-19 FY2019-20
Estimated Estimated Estimated
Cost Cost Cost
Donation Dues/Assessment ~$16,500
Study $5,000
Councilmember Radford presented the following for TRPTA (Targhee Regional Public Transportation Authority)
stating TRPTA is a separate governmental entity than BMPO and fees are charged to the public accordingly.
Cost Type Item FY2017-18 FY2018-19 FY2019-20
Estimated Estimated Estimated
Cost Cost Cost
Donation Request – Medical Benefit Options to the Board $165,000
TRPTA as a governmental entity does not currently provide medical benefit options to its staff. The amount requested
would create the matching portion for employees benefits in the urbanized area and allow for a $5000/year dedicated
bus replacement fund.
Councilmember Radford presented the following for Idaho Falls Public Library (General Fund) as follows:
Cost Type Item FY2017-18 FY2018-19 FY2019-20
Estimated Cost Estimated Cost Estimated Cost
Capital Makers Space $50,000-$100,000
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March 18, 2017
Capital Bonneville County Contract
Capital Farrell's Building remodeling
It was noted there is a Bonneville County contract with the Library and each household is being charged for the
Library Fund. Brief discussion followed regarding the Levy rate.
Councilmember Radford presented the following for Idaho Falls Airport (Enterprise Fund):
Cost Type Item FY2017-18 FY2018-19 FY2019-20
Estimated Estimated Estimated
Cost Cost Cost
Capital Replace Existing Jetway/Loading Bridge $1,500,000
Capital Terminal North - Improve/Modify/Rehabilitate $3,600,000
Personnel 1.5 FTE's (Full-time Employee) ?
Personnel Deputy Airport Director ?
Capital Taxiway B Relocate $320,000
Capital Land Acquisition $426,667
Capital Taxiway A Safety Area Improvements $426,667
Capital Airport Master Plan Update $426,667
Capital Taxiway B Relocate $2,346,667
Councilmember Radford presented the following for Parks and Recreation (P&R) (General Fund):
Cost Type Item FY2017-18 FY2018-19 FY2019-20
Estimated Estimated Estimated
Cost Cost Cost
Capital Heritage Park Phase I $1,500,000
Capital Tautphaus Park Phase I $1,500,000
Capital Reinhart Spray Park & Parking Lot $300,000
Capital River Walk Trail Renovation (to CAES) $150,000
Capital Playground Replacement $50,000
Capital Sandy Downs Improvements $50,000
It was noted the P&R Capital Improvement Program (CIP) includes more than 150 different projects with more than
$40 million in public and private investments. FY2017/18 has secured more than $1.8 million in funding for capital
projects from grants and private donations. Councilmember Radford believes the top priority for P&R should be a
new Recreation Center. Councilmember Hally reminded the Council that Heritage Park has time constraints due to
the donation agreement.
Councilmember Ehardt presented the following for Public Works:
General Fund
Cost Type Item FY2017-18 FY2018-19 FY2019-20
Estimated Cost Estimated Cost Estimated Cost
Personnel FTE (30% Enterprise Fund/70% General Fund) $88,000 Annual
Capital Pavement Equipment Purchase $125,000 One Time
Capital Snow Removal $75,000 Annual
Enterprise Fund
Cost Type Item FY2017-18 FY2018-19 FY2019-20
Estimated Estimated Estimated
Cost Cost Cost
Capital Wastewater Ongoing
Capital Water Ongoing
Capital Street Improvements ($1,000,000 within the CIP) None
General discussion followed regarding the pavement equipment purchase as well as establishing a Snow Removal
Fund balance.
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March 18, 2017
Councilmember Ehardt presented the following for the City Attorney’s Department (General Fund):
Cost Type Item FY2017-18 FY2018-19 FY2019-20
Estimated Estimated Estimated
Cost Cost Cost
Capital No current requests
Capital Software $75,000
Councilmember Hally presented the following for Human Resources (General Fund):
Cost Type Item FY2017-18 FY2018-19 FY2019-20
Estimated Estimated Estimated
Cost Cost Cost
Capital Proposed Building Lease $2500/month
Councilmember Hally reviewed the IFRdA (Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency) with regard to the Kelsch property.
He indicated this property will include retail business only as there was no interest for housing. It is anticipated an
underground parking project at ~$2.1 million will be constructed at this property.
Councilmember Marohn indicated draft budget packets will be distributed to Mayor and Council by June.
Councilmember Smith stated it may be necessary to take the allowable 3% increase due to State Legislatures and
changes to foregone money. Brief discussion followed regarding Homeowners Exemption, the grocery tax credit,
and Fire Department ISO (Insurance Service Office) rating related to any 3% increase.
Director Alexander indicated she has received the updated spreadsheets from Priority-Based Budgeting, which she
will present in the near future.
General discussion followed regarding building maintenance, Cayenta update, and in-kind departmental services.
There being no further business, it was moved by Councilmember Marohn, seconded by Councilmember Dingman,
that the meeting adjourn at 12:30p.m. which motion passed following a unanimous vote.
s/ Kathy Hampton s/ Rebecca L. Noah Casper
CITY CLERK MAYOR
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