City Council
Regular MeetingIdaho Falls, ID · July 24, 2017
Minutes
July 24, 2017
The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in Special Meeting (Council Work Session), Monday, July 24, 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:
Mayor Rebecca L. Noah Casper
Councilmember David M. Smith
Councilmember Thomas Hally
Councilmember Michelle Ziel-Dingman
Councilmember John B. Radford
Councilmember Barbara Ehardt
Councilmember Ed Marohn
Also present:
Pamela Alexander, Municipal Services Director
Chandra Witt, General Services Administrator
Chris Fredericksen, Public Works Director
Mark Hagedorn, Controller
Kenny McOmber, Treasurer
Greg Wietzel, Parks and Recreation Director
Brent Martin, Parks Superintendent
Scott Davis, Cemetery Sexton
Delbert Lloyd, Horticulturist/Urban Forester
Randy Fife, City Attorney
Kathy Hampton, City Clerk
Mayor Casper called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. with the following agenda items:
Calendar, Announcements and Reports:
Mayor Casper announced Holly Cook is temporarily filling in as the Executive Assistant in the Mayor’s Office. She
stated the recent Blue Thunder Air Show was very successful. She shared acknowledgment of City staff assistance
and recognized assistance from all City divisions. She briefly reviewed additional recent events including: the Great
Race for Education, fundraiser for College of Eastern Idaho (CEI); Guns and Hoses fundraiser; Cady Tucker-Run in
the Spirit fundraiser which also included a presentation of Automated External Defibrillators (AED) and PulsePoint
app demonstration from Fire Department Captain/Paramedic Rob Hall; Art Show, in conjunction with the Farmers
Market; and, Pickle Ball dedication at Lincoln Park.
July 25 and 26, Budget Work Sessions
July 26, public meeting for the Eclipse
July 27, Idaho Falls Power (IFP) Board Meeting and, City Council Meeting
July 28, Sister Cities Youth Delegation welcome picnic
July 28 and 29, POW/MIA rally
August 2, War Bonnet Roundup Kickoff Party in the downtown area
August 3-5, War Bonnet Roundup
August 3, City Benefits Fair at the Ice Arena
August 29, City employee picnic
Mayor Casper stated Police Chief Mark McBride officially announced his retirement day as August 24. The new
Police Chief, Bryce Johnson, will begin working for the City on August 14. Mayor Casper stated a flyer was recently
distributed at the Farmers Market regarding white supremacy and intolerance. She indicated she received a request
from a congregation to take a stance against this action. However, she stated the flyer did not violate any free speech
laws, therefore the City cannot condemn the free speech rights. Any individual can condemn on an individual basis
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but not on behalf of the City. Mr. Fife stated a resolution could be drafted but caution would be required for
appropriate language. Mayor Casper requested any Councilmembers who may be in favor of a resolution contact the
Legal Department. Brief discussion followed.
Councilmember Hally reminded the Council to contact Mindy Moore, Human Resources Analyst, with any input
regarding the benefits package/policy.
Councilmember Marohn expressed his appreciation for those who participated at the veterans VIP day at the Blue
Thunder Air Show. There were an estimated 3000-5000 attendees for this VIP event.
Councilmember Smith stated the July 26 IFP Board Meeting will include additional Strategic Planning presentation.
Councilmember Ehardt had no items to report.
Councilmember Radford stated the Idaho Falls Zoo is anticipating another year of record attendance.
Councilmember Dingman had no items to report.
Acceptance and/or Receipt of Minutes:
It was moved by Councilmember Marohn, seconded by Councilmember Smith, to receive the recommendations from
the Planning and Zoning Commission pursuant to the Local Land Use Planning Act. Roll call as follows: Aye –
Councilmembers Radford, Ehardt, Hally, Smith, Marohn, Dingman. Nay – none. Motion carried.
AssetWorks Professional Services and Software Agreement Follow-up Discussion:
Director Alexander stated the original proposal for funding this agreement was to utilize the Municipal Equipment
Replacement Fund (MERF). Total purchase for the software = $124,987.84; annual software maintenance = $10,660.
She believes this will be a multi-year project which will include funding from FY2016/17 and FY2017/18. Ms. Witt
stated approximately 730 pieces of equipment are being tracked and are currently located in the MERF. She indicated
spreadsheets and HTE are currently being used for this tracking system. She stated the HTE system experienced a
failure, lasting for approximately 18 months, which eliminated any tracking ability. Director Alexander stated the
Fleet Management System will replace the current HTE system. This system will also integrate with the Cayenta
system, will integrate with Fuel Master and NetworkFleet (GPS tracking), will provide accurate data for scheduling
preventative maintenance and repairs, and, will provide departments access to fleet information at any time. She
briefly reviewed the fleet management system proposed funding. She stated recommended funding for this purchase
includes:
Option 1 – MERF
Option 2 – forecasted savings in fuel and lubricants budget
Total budget = $1m
Expended through June = $619,868
Forecast for September 30 = $846,490
Estimated savings = $153,510
Director Alexander briefly reviewed the AssetWorks ownership/depreciation and recurring costs capabilities. Ms.
Witt stated the HTE does not currently have a deprecation capability, therefore an annual review of equipment is
conducted within each Department. She also stated there is not a current maintenance tracking system and each piece
of equipment has to be manually tracked. She believes this software system will be very helpful pertaining to the
preventative maintenance schedules. She stated this Fleet Management System is widely used by other organizations
and companies. General discussion and comments followed. Ms. Witt stated, per the agreement, a license will be
required for each piece of equipment. She does not believe the amount of equipment will exceed the number of
licenses. After further brief comments, it was consensus of the Council to utilize the forecasted savings from the fuel
and lubricants budget. This item will be included on the July 27 Council Meeting agenda.
Quarterly Finance Presentation:
Director Alexander turned the presentation to Mr. Hagedorn for overview of revenue and expenditures for third
quarter as follows with general discussion throughout:
Mr. Hagedorn stated the forecast for revenue projection takes five (5) years of actual with projection of two (2) years.
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Budget to Actual Revenue 2016/17 Budget Year to Date Percentage Expended Year-End Forecast
$154,814,615 $112,973,438 72.97% $143,551,831
Mr. Hagedorn indicated the projected Taxes and Franchise Fees will be less than projected due to timing in
collections. Projected taxes includes Recreational Fund, Library, Municipal Capital Improvement, Streets Fund, and
the General Fund. Intergovernmental Revenue is related to potential grants. Government Charges for Services, as
well as Enterprise Charges for Services, is similar to the previous year. Mr. Hagedorn stated, due to outgoing and
incoming revenues throughout the year, all Non-Revenue Transfers will be grouped together at year end.
Budget to Actual Expenditures 2016/17 Budget Year to Date Percentage Expended Year-End Forecast
$195,194,467 $112,716,488 58% $159,662,956
Mr. Hagedorn stated Wages/Benefits costs have reduced due to the demographic shift of employees. He indicated
Enterprise Funds are situational which affects Operating Benefits and Capital Outlay balances. MERF depreciation
is accurate. Debt Service remains the same amount each year. He stated General Fund expenditures are approximately
75% but has increased approximately 9% from the previous year although revenues have decreased. Director
Alexander stated large expenses from the General Fund have included the construction of Fire Station No. 1 and the
excessive snow removal season.
Mr. McOmber reviewed the Total Fund Balance for the previous ten (10) years. He stated total City reserve funds
have been decreasing and he expressed his concern for the decrease of the General Fund as the trend is continuing
downward. Mayor Casper believes the change of the accounting process over the course of years may contribute to
the decreasing amounts. Mr. Hagedorn stated the spread is approximately $8m. Approximately $4.6m was transferred
to the Street Department, $1.5m was budgeted for capital projects, and the remaining $2m is due to various, more
complicated expenditures. Councilmember Hally believes the General Fund was built up during the recession due to
items being postponed. He believes those items are now being completed, through depreciation or new construction.
Mr. McOmber concurred although he did not anticipate the current low balance. Brief discussion followed. Mr.
McOmber briefly reviewed Total Fund Balance by each Fund. He stated investments are doing well with a general
return at approximately 2%. He indicated the main goal of City (public) funds is preservation, not gains.
Cemetery and Memorial Tree Discussion:
Director Weitzel stated the Parks and Recreation (P&R) Department is currently working to formalize a remembrance
tree and bench program. The draft program would require Remembrance Trees be approximately 2.5-3.0 in diameter
and 5-6 feet tall. Each tree would cost $400 each. Mr. Lloyd stated the City assists the family with the planting and
care of the tree. The tree is then included into the GPS (Global Positioning System) inventory program as it becomes
the property of the City. Tree planting is dependent on weather and seasonal conditions.
Mr. Davis reviewed the current procedure of the cemetery and memorial trees. He indicated the cemetery is trying to
protect the personal property of cemetery decorations but would like a better policy as decorations and other debris
make it difficult for staff clean up. He stated valuable items are retained. Director Weitzel reviewed the current policy
regarding decorations of plots and graves for the observed holidays.
Mr. Fife stated options could include a written inter-departmental policy, a resolution approved by Council, or an
ordinance. He recommended a resolution or a P&R policy. He stated any resolution or policy needs to be fair,
consistent, and fair-minded to inform people of expectations in order to manage individual behaviors. He stated a
resolution could not be changed as easily as a P&R policy. After brief discussion, it was consensus of the Council to
approve a resolution outlining a policy.
Naming Rights Resolution:
Director Weitzel briefly reviewed the purpose and definitions of the proposed resolution. The proposed resolution
also defines three (3) categories of naming requests as Historic Events, People/Group, and Places; Outstanding
Individuals; or Major Donations. Director Weitzel briefly reviewed the procedures including general principles;
renaming a City facility, park or location; or other considerations. He reviewed the application contents, the
application processing steps, and the approval process required by the Council.
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Mr. Fife stated the resolution would be a guideline. Brief discussion followed regarding the use of company logos
and the approval process. Mr. Fife stated a resolution was previously written specifically for Parks and Recreation,
as the majority of requests involve Parks and Recreation facilities, but at that time it was decided by the Council that
the resolution should be broadened to include other City facilities. General brief comments followed. Mayor Casper
stated this item will be included on the July 27 Council Meeting agenda.
There being no further business, it was moved by Councilmember Hally, seconded by Councilmember Marohn, that
the meeting adjourn at 5:38 p.m.
s/ Kathy Hampton s/ Rebecca L. Noah Casper
CITY CLERK MAYOR
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Agenda
RESOLUTION NO. 2017-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO, A MUNICIPAL
CORPORATION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, ESTABLISHING A POLICY
FOR THE NAMING OF CITY FACILITIES, PARKS, AND LOCATIONS; AND
PROVIDING THAT THIS RESOLUTION BE EFFECTIVE UPON ITS
PASSAGE, APPROVAL AND PUBLICATION ACCORDING TO LAW.
WHEREAS, the naming or renaming of City facilities, parks, and locations is sometimes complex
and sometimes emotionally evocative; and
WHEREAS, assigning a name is a powerful and permanent identity for a public place and/or
facility and often requires significant resources in terms of changing names on signs, maps, and
literature; and
WHEREAS, in addition, excessive changing of facility, park, or location names can be the source
of confusion to the public; and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this Resolution is to establish a policy that provides guidance to those
that have an interest in the naming and or renaming of the City’s facilities, parks, or locations; and
WHEREAS, to set out a process for consideration and predictable, appropriate, and orderly naming
of City facilities, parks, or locations that is fair and meets community needs and expectations.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO, AS FOLLOWS:
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this Policy is to provide guidance to those that have an interest in the naming and
or renaming of a City facility, park, or location and to set out an orderly process for consideration
and potential adoption of a City facility name. Nothing in this Policy shall alter the naming of City
subdivisions, streets, or other features within plats.
II. DEFINITIONS
The following definitions apply to this Policy:
Donations. A donation of property, goods, services, or funds generally with no expectation
of return.
Facilities. Major or important physical structures owned or permanently controlled by the
City, such as community centers, aquatic facilities, pavilions, zoos, tennis courts, bridges, kiosks,
gardens, displays, trees, landscaping, water walls, retention ponds, monuments, sculptures,
fountains, and the like.
NAMING OR RENAMING OF A CITY FACILITY PAGE 1 OF 6
Location. Any real property owned or permanently controlled by the City, including but
not limited to parks, sports fields, pathways, undeveloped City properties, fields, walkways, open
spaces, streams, bodies of water, and the like.
Naming. The permanent name given to a facility, City park, or location assigned by the
Council through a Resolution.
Parks. All traditionally designed parks, gardens, natural open spaces, and specialized parks
under the stewardship of the City Parks and Recreation Department or the City.
Parks and Recreation Commission. Commission established by the City to review, advise,
recommend, and promote activities within the Parks and Recreation Department, including
recreational facility, park, and location naming.
Note: For purposes of this Policy, facilities, parks, and locations are not mutually exclusive and
may be combined for consideration.
III. POLICY
It is City policy to reserve the naming or renaming of City facilities or locations for circumstances
that best serve the interests of the City and those that ensure a worthy and enduring legacy.
A. Category
The City supports the consideration by City staff and elected officials of naming requests within
the following categories:
1. Historic Events, People/Group, and Places
a. The history of a major event, people/group, or place may play an important role in
the naming or renaming of a City facility or location because communities often
wish to preserve and honor the history of a neighborhood, the City, its founders,
other historical figures, its heritage, local landmarks, prominent geographical
locations, and natural and geological features.
b. When a City facility is associated with or located near events, people/group, and
places of historic, cultural, or social significance, consideration will be given to
naming that facility after such events, people/group, or place. In considering
proposals, the relationship of the event, people/group or place to the City facility
must be supported and demonstrated through research and documentation.
2. Outstanding Individuals
a. The City has benefited from the contributions (in various forms) made by
outstanding individuals. This category is designed to acknowledge a sustained and
NAMING OR RENAMING OF A CITY FACILITY PAGE 2 OF 6
notable contribution to the community that has been made by such outstanding
individuals.
b. Naming or renaming a facility, park, or location for an outstanding individual is
encouraged only for those who have been deceased for at least three (3) years prior
to first consideration. The individual’s significance and good reputation must be
widely recognized within the City, county, state, or nation’s history.
c. When considering the naming or renaming of a City facility, park, or location after
a deceased individual, priority will be given to those who made a sustained and
lasting contribution to the City of Idaho Falls, Bonneville County, or the east Idaho
region; or the State of Idaho; or the nation.
3. Major Donations
a. The City benefits from the generosity of its residents, businesses, and foundations.
On occasion, the significance of donation may warrant consideration of requests
from either the donor or another party to acknowledge such a gift by the naming of
a City facility, park, or location in an appropriate manner.
b. From time to time, a significant donation may be made to the City that will add
considerable value to the City, the City park and recreation system, or to another
valuable facility, park, location, program, or endeavor. On such occasions,
recognition of a donation by naming a new City facility, park, or location in honor
of or at the request of the donor will be considered.
c. As a guideline, the threshold for considering the naming of a park, recreational
facility, or other City facility will include, but not be limited to the fact that land for
the majority of a park was deeded by the donor; or the contribution by the donor of
compromises a minimum of sixty percent (60%) of the capital construction costs
associated with developing the facility, park, or location; or there is a solid
commitment for a minimum twenty (20) year endowment by the donor for the
continued maintenance and/or programming of the park or recreational facility,
park, or other City facility or location.
d. Donors who seek to name a facility after a particular individual are encouraged to
follow the principles that apply to naming a City facility for an outstanding
individual. See III.A.2 of this Policy. Possible exceptions to this will be considered
on their own merits. The City reserves the right to rename any park or recreational
or other City facility or location, if the person for whom it is named is or becomes
disreputable. Corporate logos, insignias, brands, or direct advertising text shall not
be used in City facility, park, or location naming text unless specifically authorized
by the Council and under such terms as the Council unilaterally determines.
NAMING OR RENAMING OF A CITY FACILITY PAGE 3 OF 6
IV. PROCEDURE
A. General Principles
In considering proposals for the naming or renaming of a City facility, park, or location the
following will be taken into account prior to consideration by Council.
1. When naming a new recreational facility, park, or location, the proposed name
must accomplish one (1) or more of the following:
a. Engender a strong positive image.
b. Be appropriate having regard to the facility’s location.
c. Have historical, cultural, or social significance for future generations.
d. Commemorate places, people, or events that are of continued importance to the
City, County, region, state, or nation.
e. Have symbolic value that transcends ordinary meaning or use or enhance the
character and identity of the facility, park, or location.
f. Have broad public support.
g. Not result in the undue commercialization of the facility, park, or location, if it
accompanies a corporate gift.
B. Renaming a City facility, park, or location
Names that have become widely accepted by the community will not be changed or discontinued
unless there are compelling reasons and strong public sentiment for doing so. Historical or
commonly used place names will be preserved wherever possible.
C. Other Considerations
To minimize confusion, no City facility, park, or location will be subdivided for the purpose of
naming, unless there are readily identifiable physical divisions or distinct features (such as
pathways, roads, or waterways, or physical features in or on structures) that help the public
distinguish between facilities, parks, or locations. Naming of specific major recreational facilities
within parks will be permitted; however, such names should be different from the park name to
avoid confusion, unless otherwise specifically determined by Council.
All signs that indicate the name of a City facility or location shall comply with City’s graphic and
design standards and any applicable sections of the City Code. Specialized naming signage will
not be permitted. All costs associated with purchasing and installation of the sign shall be the
responsibility of the requestor.
V. APPLICATION CONTENTS
All naming and renaming requests will be made first to the Mayor’s office. Upon receipt by the
Mayor’s office, requests for the naming or renaming of a City facility, park, or location for which
NAMING OR RENAMING OF A CITY FACILITY PAGE 4 OF 6
the Parks and Recreation Department is or will be responsible shall be forwarded to the Director
of Parks and Recreation for consideration by the City Parks and Recreation Commission.
Naming and renaming requests should contain the following minimum information (no more than
five (5) pages, typed):
1. The proposed name.
2. Specific reasons for the proposed name and how it adheres to at least one (1) of the
three (3) categories (Historic Events, People/Group, and Places; Outstanding
Individuals; and Major Donations).
3. Written documentation indicating broad-based community support for the proposed
name (e.g. petition, newspaper articles).
4. Description/map showing location and boundaries of the City park or facility or
location to be named.
5. If proposing to name a City facility or part of a facility within a park, include a
description/map showing the location of the facility or part of a facility.
6. If proposing to rename a City facility or part thereof, include justification for changing
an established name.
7. If proposing to name a City facility, park, or location or part thereof after an
outstanding person, include documentation of that person’s significance and good
reputation, as recognized by the City, county, state, or nation.
8. Identify the source amount of funding available to offset costs of a renaming if
applicable. This could include signage or tangible media reprinting costs.
VI. PROCESSING THE APPLICATION
Upon receipt of a naming request by the Mayor (or, subsequently, the Director if the City Parks
and Recreation Department), the relevant neighborhood association(s) should be advised and
invited to share their comments on the proposal.
Local neighborhood associations, where known, will be notified of naming or renaming proposals.
Each proposal will then be considered by the Parks and Recreation Commission (if the City
facility, park, or location is within their care) or it will be considered by the City Department most
likely to be charged with maintenances or control of the facility, park, or location.
Upon referral, the Parks and Recreation Commission (or City Department Director) shall review
the proposed request for its adherence to the purposes and policies of this Resolution; ensure that
supporting information has been authenticated, particularly when an individual’s name is
proposed; and take into consideration the comments of the relevant neighborhood association(s).
The Parks and Recreation Commission, as needed, may convene a public meeting to gain
additional information, prior to making a decision to refer the matter (with a recommendation) to
the Council for a final decision.
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VII. APPROVAL
The Council shall approve any naming or renaming of a City facility, park, or location (or part
thereof) in a duly noticed public meeting. There shall be no appeal from a final decision of the
Council regarding a request for naming or renaming.
THIS RESOLUTION shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by the Council.
ADOPTED and effective this ________ day of ___________, 2017.
CITY OF IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO
Rebecca L. Noah Casper, Mayor
ATTEST:
Kathy Hampton, City Clerk
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