City Council
Regular MeetingIdaho Falls, ID · June 19, 2017
Minutes
June 19, 2017
The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in Special Meeting (Council Work Session), Monday, June 19, 2017,
in the Council Chambers in the City Annex Building located at 680 Park Avenue in Idaho Falls, Idaho at 3:00 p.m.
Call to Order and Roll Call:
There were present:
Councilmember Barbara Ehardt
Councilmember John B. Radford (arrived at 3:04 p.m.)
Councilmember David M. Smith (by telephone)
Councilmember Ed Marohn
Councilmember Michelle Ziel-Dingman
Councilmember Thomas Hally
Absent:
Mayor Rebecca L. Noah Casper
Also present:
Dave Hanneman, Fire Chief
Chris Fredericksen, Public Works Director
Mark McBride, Police Chief
Royce Clements, Police Captain
Randy Fife, City Attorney
Kathy Hampton, City Clerk
Mayor Pro Tem Hally called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. He noted minutes included in the Work Session packet
were accepted by the Council as no formal approval was necessary. He then proceeded with the following agenda
items:
Calendar, Announcements and Reports:
June 21, retirement party for Rick Lords, Fire Department
June 22, Museum of Idaho, grand opening reception for Space A Journey To Our Future exhibit
June 24, Farmers Market, Historical Preservation annual walking tour
June 26, Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park lunch and tour
June 28, Regional Eclipse Meeting
June 28, Suicide Prevention Community Conversation at Eastern Idaho Technical College (EITC)
June 29, Public Works Annual Utilities Meeting
July 4, Independence Day
Mayor Pro Tem Hally reminded the Council that the Association of Idaho Cities (AIC) annual conference will be
held June 21-23, several Department Directors and staff will be attending. Idaho Consumer Owned Utilities
Association (ICUA) annual meeting will be held in July. Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS)
conference will be held in August.
No Councilmember had any items to report.
Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Discussion:
Chief Hanneman indicated this discussion item relates to requested data by the Council regarding motor vehicle
accidents, specifically along 17th Street. He presented the following with general discussion throughout:
Community Risk
Vulnerability for harm or damage – originates from two main sources: naturally-occurring sources and
human-created sources
Risk Prevention and Mitigation – to prevent occurrences from happening and reduce impact
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Risk Sequencing – chain of events that cause accidents, try to stop sequence from happening
As a Process
Many incidents are not accidents as these are preventable
The CRR process – Identify Risks; Prioritize Risks; Develop Strategies and Tactics to Mitigate Risks; Prepare the
CRR Plan; Implement the CRR Plan; Monitor, Evaluate and Modify Plan.
Identify hazards: How often; high-frequency/low-risk events during a specific time period; one (1) year
timeframe.
Captain Clements reviewed Traffic Accident Trends for Idaho Falls (compared to benchmark cities of similar size)
for the previous six (6) years. He indicated reportable traffic accidents are generally lower while injury traffic
accidents are similar in comparison. He reviewed all reportable accidents for the previous ten years by accident,
injury, and, fatality, stating there were no fatalities in 2015.
Captain Clements reviewed High Accident Location Report 2015, stating E. 17th Street/S. 25th E. (Hitt Road) has the
highest accident location as accidents are prone to happen within intersections with high amount of traffic flow.
Director Fredericksen believes the number of accidents at this location will decrease with the change of the
intersection traffic signals and specific turning lanes.
Captain Clements reviewed Number of Accidents on 17th Street from 2006-2015. He stated the number of accidents
has been reduced, even though traffic flow has increased.
Top 5 contributing circumstances by unit (2014 reportable accidents):
2014 Total Accidents: 174
o Following too close - 100
o Inattention - 35
o Improper turn - 34
o Failed to yield - 32
o Failed to obey signal - 13
Brief discussion followed regarding phone usage and fees/fines for traffic infractions.
Top 5 contributing circumstances by unit (2015 reportable accidents):
2015 Total Accidents: 178
o Following too close - 71
o Inattention - 56
o Failed to yield - 47
o Improper turn - 31
o Failed to obey signal - 15
Captain Clements stated current enforcement actions include:
High Visibility
Targeted Enforcement through ITD (Idaho Transportation Department) Grants (main focus on defensive
driving, DUI (Driving Under the Influence), and, seatbelt usage)
Traffic Stops – 2014-2015 involved 2188 stops on 17th Street, 2016 involved 667 stops on 17th Street. Captain
Clements stated the three (3) current traffic officers are also trainers, they are not fully dedicated to patrol.
Chief Hanneman reviewed Strategic Approach: Combined Preventive Interventions – Five E’s as:
Education
Engineering
Enforcement
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Economic Incentives
Emergency Response
Risk Reduction Goal: lower accidents on 17th Street below the 10-year average (184) per year.
Education Interventions influences behavior to include raising awareness and use of education to change the
individual behavior.
Captain Clements stated education includes developing PSA (Public Service Announcements) and news stories
highlighting the 17th Street issues; developing partnerships with 17th Street business owners; periodically displaying
reader boards; developing public education program to address aggressive or distracted driving and following too
close. Education could also include investment in a driving simulator. He indicated the Police Department has applied
for a grant (~$15,900) for a simulator for the previous three (3) years without success. The simulator could be used
as a partnership with school districts and private driving schools.
Chief Hanneman stated Engineering Interventions measures changes in the physical environment (design,
development, safety products).
Director Fredericksen stated project designs for 17th Street, as well as other high volume streets/roads, have changed
over the course of time. He indicated the Engineering Division works closely with developers to make streets as safe
as possible as per current standards. He stated the accident reports, as presented by Captain Clements, are reviewed
by Public Works staff to assist with grant application submittals for highway safety improvement programs. Director
Fredericksen stated the previously performed road safety audit will help identify problems and how to solve those
problems, including corridor recommendations, intersection specific recommendations, and tier 1-3 improvements
(easily implemented, requires small/medium projects, major projects). Key issues include access management, which
is mainly caused by change in speed between vehicles. Access Management would include redevelopment of specific
turn lanes to assist with the change in speed and negotiation of property owners to install said lanes. Director
Fredericksen stated an additional item from the road safety audit included speed analysis. He indicated a generally
accepted practice to establish the appropriate speed limit is determined by the 85% of speeds being traveled by
vehicles. He believes the current speed limits along 17th Street are appropriate. He indicated an additional review will
be conducted once the 17th Street and S. 25th E. (Hitt Road) intersection is completed. Director Fredericksen reviewed
future Development Phase Projects, as determined by the road safety audit, as well as current Construction Phase
Projects.
Chief Hanneman stated Enforcement Interventions involve passing, strengthening, and enforcing laws; enforcing
regulations and standards; and penalties for not following the laws.
Captain Clements stated future enforcement options include continued current strategies (crash analyses, high
visibility, working identified problem areas) and an increase to traffic unit staffing. Captain Clements reviewed
current staff of ticket writers, DUI officers, and traffic enforcement officers. Additional options include a shift of
traffic work load/assignments which could focus more on aggressive enforcement. Brief discussion followed
regarding the priority of assignments for officers. Councilmember Marohn believes any additional staffing requests
should be discussed during the budget presentation. He stated any fines/infractions will help offset the requested
increase for Magistrate Court fees. Councilmember Hally believes all factors need to be considered. Chief Hanneman
stated this discussion is only to present data and risk reduction and discuss options of strategies.
Chief Hanneman stated Economic Incentive Interventions involve measures used to influence behavior either
positively or negatively.
Chief Hanneman stated Emergency Response Interventions include increasing the response time of officers and
paramedics to the scene to prevent more severe injuries. This is focused on mitigation and not prevention.
Next steps include:
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June 19, 2017
Implement education strategies (continue to seek driving simulator)
Continue to implement engineering strategies already approved
Implement enforcement strategies, possibly adding additional traffic officers
Monitor progress of Risk Reduction Plan and report at year end
Councilmember Radford clarified an additional officer may not be necessary as he believes the data shows less
accidents. He also believes the texting issue is more of a problem but indicated the new technology in vehicles could
change the statistics.
There being no further business, it was moved by Councilmember Marohn, seconded by Councilmember Hally, to
adjourn the meeting at 4:15 p.m., which motion passed following a unanimous vote.
s/ Kathy Hampton s/ Rebecca L. Noah Casper
CITY CLERK MAYOR
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Agenda
IDAHO FALLS POLICE DEPARTMENT
Traffic Safety Committee Meeting Minutes
Tuesday March 14 2016
VOTING MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Chairman Capt. Clements IFPD; Bruce Scholes Electric Department; Ralph Frost,
School District 91; Bruce Lawrence, Engineering; Kent Fugal, Engineering; Rick
McMullen Citizen Member at Large; Ben Burke Idaho Transportation Department. Of
these voting members, the Chairman only votes to break a tie vote.
NON-VOTING MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE:
Annake Scholes- IFPD Administrative Assistant
DaNiel Jose- Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization
Nolan Taylor INL Transportation Safety
Greg Smith- TRPTA
Old Business:
October 11, 2016 minutes reviewed and approved with a unanimous motion.
New Business:
Item #1: Possible installation of a four-way stop at Freeman and 4th street.
Citizens that work on or near this intersection are concerned about the number of near
misses that occur.
Per Kent, traffic studies indicate that a four way stop is not needed. However reversing
the location of the current stop signs from Freeman to 4th street should institute a
significant decrease in near misses on this particular intersection. In addition to moving
the stop signs, reflective tape and the word stop will be installed on the pavement leading
up to the stop sign.
A unanimous motion was given for the relocation of the stop signs and the instillation of
the reflective bars and stop.
Item #2:
Speed limit increase on Skyline.
The speed limit of 25mph on Skyline was increased to 35mph after a recent speed survey.
Results from the survey indicated that the area in question met the traffic standards at
85% for a speed increase. In addition to the increase restricted parking was installed to
increase safety in the area.
In addition, the speed limit has not been increased on 25th street or John Adams because
both have been reviewed and studied by the City of Idaho Falls and both were denied a
speed increase by the City of Idaho Falls and the Traffic Safety Committee.
Meeting adjourned March 14 2017
DISTRIBUTION (via e-mail):
MEMBERS:
Voting Members: Non-voting Members:
Chairman: Captain Royce Clements, I.F.P.D. Council Member Ziel- Dingman
Rick McMullen, Citizen Member at Large DaNiel Jose, BMPO
Ralph Frost, School District 91 Nolan Taylor, INL Transportation Safety
Ben Burke, ITD Greg Smith TRPTA
Bruce Lawrence, Engineering
Kent Fugal, Engineering
Bruce Scholes, Electric Department
COPY TO:
Mayor Casper
Kathy Hampton, City Clerk
Jackie Flowers, I.F. Power
Chris Fredericksen, Public Works
Idaho Falls Sister Cities Youth Meeting
May 15, 2017
Attendees:
Jenna Bauer Peter Cebull Victoria Estrada Dallin Peck
Karen Bauer Nicholas Cebull Mario Estrada 2 Brooke Simpson
Elliott Boring Dave Eaton Fawn Molyneux Erik Simpson
Maggie Boring Katie Eaton Kendra Peck Whitney St. Michel
Wendy Boring Kylie Eaton Nathan Peck Anna St.Michel
Business Section of the Meeting
Minutes:
The minutes from the May 3rd meeting and May 9th board meeting were provided to the group by
email. Mario motioned to approve the minutes and Kendra seconded her motion.
Board Meeting Discussion:
Dave provide a handout of the board meeting minutes. The board outlined criteria for going to Japan
and how we plan to select students who will go to Japan. The group can only take 15 students, and we
currently have 22 students in the group. The board wants to make sure the selection process is well
defined. Dave and Katie answered questions from the group. One questions was about points for co-
presidents. They explained they are working together and their family receives the 8 points assigned to
president not 8 per person. The criteria define will go in to affect for the 2018 selection.
Mayor Meeting:
Dave and Katie were asked to attend a meeting with the mayor. People attending were Mayor Capser,
Mike Kirkham (city assistant attorney), Carole Walters (Adult Sister Cities president), Nancy Thorsen
(Adult Sister Cities past president), Dave and Katie Eaton (Youth Sister Cities co-presidents), and Melinda
Cebull (Youth Sister Cities past president). The mayor discussed the path forward for the Sister Cities
groups becoming a city committee. The groups will need to provide meeting notices, meeting minutes,
and possibly a budget to a commission. Members of the commission will be selected by the mayor and
will include one member from the youth and one from the adult group. Additional members will be
selected by the mayor from groups that have an interest in Sister Cities such as the Chamber of
Commerce, INL, and the park and recreation department. Mike will provide a draft of the ordinance to
set up the commission to the Sister Cities groups for comments. The ordinance will be presented the
city council on July 11th.
Hosting:
Whitney told the group she has sent a general outline of the itinerary for the Japanese visit. She will
check with Teton Stage bus line to schedule the buses for Yellowstone and Lagoon. She has reserved
the following parks: 7/27 arrival gathering - Friendship Garden, 7/28 lunch - Freeman Park Shelter #2,
7/28 welcome party – Tautphaus Park Shelter #3, 8/3 dinnner – Tautphaus Park Shelter #1, and 8/6
possibly Ice Rink upstairs or Hope Lutheran church.
Garage Sale: If you would like to help and did not get a chance to sign-up, contact Wendy Boring at 520-
0229 or boringwindy505@gmail.com. Wendy will also arrange for donation pick-ups if needed. If you
can help setup come on Friday night at 4:00 pm.
Friendship Garden:
The youth group will be helping at the Friendship Garden on Wednesday, May 24th at 6:30.
Student Section of the Meeting
The students played a game to help learn hiragana. We would like to get a student spotlight for
everyone in the group. Dallin will send out an email with the spotlight information.
Idaho Falls Sister Cities Youth Board Meeting
June 5, 2017
Attendees:
Wendy Boring Peter Cebull Katie Eaton Whitney St. Michel
Melinda Cebull David Eaton Kendra Peck
Assigned Host Families:
The board reviewed the list of host families from Japan and assigned Idaho families to host each student
based on common interest, similar ages, and allergies. Whitney will let families know who will be
staying with them. Whitney will call some past volunteers to see if they are willing to host chaperones.
Assign Points for Helping with Hosting:
The board reviewed the calendar of events planned for each day of the visit and assigned points for
coordinating activities and dinners. Whitney will bring a sign-up sheet for helping with the different
activities and dinners. The basic assignments were one point for coordinating a day of activities, two
points for planning, shopping, and making a dinner, and one point for shopping and bringing snacks and
drinks for the bus trips, and one point for planning and coordinating a dinner that does not need to be
prepared.
Assigning Groups for Activities:
The board discussed assigning students and parents to different groups for activities. Having groups
decided in advance would be a good way to mix the Idaho and Tokai students and help make sure they
get to know each other better. Kendra mentioned it would be good to split students by ride/swimming
preference at Lagoon so students are with others who enjoy the same activities.
Student Activities to Prepare for Hosting:
Kendra will send out an email to the students asking for design ideas for the group t-shirts. Kendra
would like to have a few evening meetings at her house where the students can have pizza and learn the
songs in Japanese. Kendra and the students will plan games and activities to fill in time during the visit
and help the students to get to know each other better.
Other Items:
Whitney will ask Haruka for t-shirt sizes for all members of the Japanese delegation. She will send host
family addresses, emails, and phone number with the host family information for the Japanese
delegation to use when filling out customs forms. Whitney will check with Carole Walters to see if we
can borrow cloth badge holders for the Japanese delegation to use during the visit.
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