City Council

August 16, 2018 The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in Special City Council Meeting, Thursday, August 16, 2018, in the Council Chambers in the City Annex Building located at 680 Park Avenue, Idaho Falls, Idaho at 7:30 p.m. Call to Order: There were present: Mayor Rebecca L. Noah Casper Councilmember Thomas Hally Councilmember John Radford Councilmember Jim Francis Councilmember Michelle Ziel-Dingman Councilmember Shelly Smede Councilmember Jim Freeman Also present: All available department directors Kathy Hampton, City Clerk Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Casper requested Duane Nelson, Deputy Fire Chief, to lead those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Opening Remarks and Presentation: Mayor Casper stated each City has the privilege and responsibility to adopt a budget, the City Council has worked hard to fulfill this law. She expressed her appreciation to those in attendance as she indicated the budget process is larger and more significant than just a vote or hearing. She reviewed the budget process which includes the community Budget Watch, Department Director input, several Council discussions, and, approval of a tentative budget. The tentative budget is then advertised, by law, prior to the public hearing. Follow-up discussions will be held as needed with final budget approval by the Council, as per State Statute. Mayor Casper indicated the Mayor’s Office and the Municipal Services finance team facilitates the entire process. She reiterated the budget process is not complete until the Council hears from the public. Mayor Casper stated the largest portion of funds comes from ratepayers. Funds are also received by the State and Federal governments, private donations, grants, and, fees. Mayor Casper indicated due to the increase of the community population, as well as the surrounding communities, calls for a variety of services have also increased while Federal and State revenues have decreased. She believes the City needs to be more vigilant and more sophisticated to keep the citizens safe. Mayor Casper stated the tentative budget will include funding to design one, or more spray parks, as well as budget capacity for donations to offset construction costs. She indicated the removal of the old structures at Reinhart Park are not actions that put the possibility of a spray park at risk. The removal of the old structures is for safety issues. Mayor Casper then introduced Municipal Services Director Pamela Alexander. Director Alexander acknowledged City staff as well as additional assistance from a variety of departments and the directors. Director Alexander presented the following: Total 2018/19 tentative budget ceiling is $206,598,558 consisting of:  Base property tax certified whole dollar value of $31,481,473  Growth and annexation from the previous year (2016/2017) of $523,113  Statutory 3% property tax levy allowable of $944,444  Grant and donations of $4,783,634 (includes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Civic Center for the Performing Arts, Heritage Park, and, Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS)) 1  August 16, 2018  Forgone allocation of $925,222 Funding priorities:  No monetary increases to City employee contribution for medical and dental benefits  2% wage inflation increase to non-union City employees  Union negotiated wage and benefit packages for Electrical and Fire unions  Maintenance of operating current service levels across departments  Projects that 100% grant and/or donation funded followed by those that have a portion of grant and/or donated funds  Spending that is required for safety or accreditation  Repair and/or replacement of existing equipment and buildings Public Safety Package: Dedicated to staffing, safety and equipment needs for a total of $1,130,431 for budget capacity to accept grant funds of $205,209 for a net total of $925,222. Director Alexander reviewed the staffing, safety and equipment items included in the Public Safety Package. Community Opportunities:  Capital funding to complete funded project phases for Heritage Park, Zoo Education Center, and, Civic Center renovation  Planning and design for splash pad(s)  Human Resources employee supervisor training program  Tautphaus Park Funland appraisal and purchase option  Allocation for Community Development professional services to address an increase in City growth Director Alexander reviewed the Property Tax Budget Overview of Growth, Statutory 3%, and $1.1m forgone. She also reviewed residential and commercial increases. Director Alexander reviewed the 2018/19 Tentative Budget – General Fund ($46,380,570); Special Revenue Funds ($23,451,557); Capital Project Funds ($9,780,000); Enterprise Funds ($117,446,431), and, Projected Revenue ($206,598,558). Director Alexander briefly reviewed proposed new and fee increases greater than 5% of such fees collected. Public Hearings: Mayor Casper opened the public hearing for Notice of Intent to Use Forgone Amount. She requested any public comment. No one appeared. Mayor Casper closed the public hearing. Councilmember Radford read the summary and sections of the Resolution as follows: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, TO COMPLY WITH IDAHO CODE § 63-802(1)(E), TO INDICATE THE INTENT TO USE FORGONE AUTHORITY, TO CERTIFY BY RESOLUTION THE AMOUNT OF FORGONE INCREASE, AND TO IDENTIFY THE SPECIFIC PURPOSE FOR WHICH THE FORGONE INCREASE IS BEING BUDGETED, AND PROVIDING THAT THIS RESOLUTION BE EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE. The City of Idaho Falls intends to use no more than $925,222 of its forgone amount in its 2018-2019 fiscal year budget. These funds shall be used for the specific purpose of public safety projects specifically identified as: four (4) police officer positions; four (4) patrol vehicles, vehicle up fit and technology packages; a new police records 2  August 16, 2018 clerk position; two (2) dispatch/communication specialist positions; two (2) animal control officer positions; an M- Vac System; a mini-scope light source; a smart ray SRV x-ray system; a new crime scene trailer; first year of Fire Department recommended turnout gear, and, a replacement fire vehicle with light and technology package. Councilmember Freeman stated these items have been delayed for several years. He believes now is the time to step up and fund the Idaho Falls Police Department (IFPD). Councilmember Hally stated the budget process is a Federal, State, County, and City budget process. He reiterated the tentative budget is the ceiling amount. Councilmember Dingman concurred with Councilmember Freeman regarding the public safety package as she believes public safety is the number one role of government. Councilmember Francis stated three (3) of the public safety package items will help the IFPD investigate crimes, protect the community, and protect the officers. Councilmember Smede also believes this is the best time to approve the public safety package. It was moved by Councilmember Radford, seconded by Councilmember Smede, to approve the Forgone Resolution and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the necessary documents. Roll call as follows: Aye – Councilmembers Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Hally, Radford, Smede. Nay – none. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 2018-20 Mayor Casper opened the public hearing for the Proposed Fiscal Year 2018-19 Budget. She requested any public comments. Matt Larsen, Idaho Falls, appeared. Mr. Larsen expressed his appreciation for the splash park, the remodel of the Civic Auditorium, working on the purchase of Funland, re-doing Tautphaus Park, and, the fiber project. Mr. Larsen also requested additional bike paths to allow more ways to connect through the City. Lisa Loret, Idaho Falls, appeared. Ms. Loret encouraged the splash pad at Reinhart Park as there is currently no water park access for the west side residents. Richard Boardman, Idaho Falls, appeared. Mr. Boardman is also in favor of a splash park at Reinhart Park. He stated in 2002 the surrounding Reinhart Park neighborhood, along with an Eagle Scout project, rebuilt the Reinhart Park pool. Mr. Boardman expressed his appreciation for the soccer complex and baseball fields on the west side of town. He also agreed with a west side splash park as he believes the park would be well used. Susan Boardman, Idaho Falls, appeared. Ms. Boardman stated she prefers a place, such as Reinhart Park, for children as well as parents to visit. She is grateful for the City. Alan Tucker, Idaho Falls, appeared. Mr. Tucker resides around Reinhart Park. He stated he is supportive of a splash pad as he believes the area is a neighborhood gathering place. He also believes the park area has been underutilized since the pool shut down. Mr. Tucker also supports the Parks and Recreation Department. Gina Waite, Idaho Falls, appeared. Ms. Waite is also supportive of a splash park. She is proud to be a City resident and proud to be parent. She is grateful for the memories of Reinhart Park and is hopeful for amenities to create awareness, growth and development, and progress on the west side. Lisa Keller, owner of Idaho Falls properties, appeared. Ms. Keller expressed her concern for her renters/tenants. She believes the spending belt should stay tight as renters are having a hard time finding affordable living in Idaho Falls. Ms. Keller stated she owns lower income properties and tries to keep the properties nice for renters. She believes Idaho Falls is not booming and there should be affordable living. She stated not everyone is in a better economy. She requested the Council reconsider increasing the taxes every year just because it’s legally allowed. Mayor Casper closed the public hearing. 3  August 16, 2018 Mayor Casper opened the public hearing for the Proposed Fiscal Year 2018-19 New Fees. She requested any public comments. Ms. Keller reappeared. Ms. Keller encouraged savings where possible to keep fees lower for struggling individuals. Ms. Loret reappeared. Ms. Loret expressed her concern for the license fees of altered/unaltered animals. She believes there is a problem with unfixed animals. She also believes the $10 annual fee, versus a one-time fee, for altered animals seems excessive. Ashley Romero, Idaho Falls, appeared. Ms. Romero stated not all individuals receive the newspaper/advertisements for the public hearings. Mayor Casper stated although the advertisement in the newspaper is required by State Code, the public hearing is available by several methods. Ms. Romero requested additional avenues for forms of announcements. She stated it is difficult to add extra fees. Mia Keller, owner of Idaho Falls property, appeared. Ms. Keller stated she is concerned for the disconnection and reconnection fees as these appear to be new fees. She stated she has experienced issues with renters who do not pay the utility bill for several months and then they depart. Therefore, Ms. Keller is responsible for the utility bill prior to reconnection. Mr. Larsen reappeared. He expressed his concerned for the Library non-resident card fee as the fee is doubling. He requested reconsideration of this fee. Rebecca Mitchell, Idaho Falls, appeared. Ms. Mitchell believes the unaltered fee should be increased as she believes it is inappropriate to have unfixed animals. Mayor Casper closed public hearing. Follow-up Discussion: Mayor Casper stated a follow-up meeting will occur on August 20 to allow deliberation for the public hearing input. Councilmember Radford expressed his appreciation for public input. He realizes there are sensitive issues and priorities particularly with public safety. He stated all Councilmembers are available to hear concerns or suggestions. Councilmember Radford believes City government works best with partnering with the citizens. Councilmember Hally stated the City tries to make affordable accommodations. He indicated Idaho Falls was recently recognized as one of the most affordable communities in the nation. Mayor Casper also stated the City’s power rates are some of the lowest rates in nation and the water rates are one of lowest rates in the state. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:36 p.m. s/ Kathy Hampton s/ Rebecca L. Noah Casper CITY CLERK MAYOR 4