City Council
Regular MeetingIdaho Falls, ID · December 10, 2018
Minutes
December 10, 2018
The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in Special Meeting (Council Work Session), Monday, December 10,
2018, 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:
Mayor Rebecca L. Noah Casper
Councilmember Thomas Hally
Councilmember Jim Francis
Councilmember Michelle Ziel-Dingman (departed at 6:09 p.m.)
Councilmember Shelly Smede
Councilmember Jim Freeman
Councilmember John Radford (arrived at 3:12 p.m.)
Also present:
Pamela Alexander, Municipal Services Director
Brad Cramer, Community Development Services Director
Brent McLane, Planner
Lee Radford, Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency Chair
Randy Fife, City Attorney
Kathy Hampton, City Clerk
Mayor Casper called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. with the following:
Acceptance and/or Receipt of Minutes:
It was moved by Councilmember Smede, seconded by Councilmember Freeman, to receive the minutes from the
Planning and Zoning Commission. Roll call as follows: Aye – Councilmembers Freeman, Smede, Francis, Dingman,
Hally. Nay – none. Motion carried.
Calendar, Announcements and Reports:
Mayor Casper stated a number of holiday parties will be forthcoming within City departments. She distributed
information received from the Association of Idaho Cities (AIC) regarding Why Cities Matter.
December 13, Idaho Falls Power (IFP) Board Meeting; and, City Council Meeting
December 17, City Council Work Session; and, Comprehensive Care Clinic Ribbon Cutting
December 18-19, Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (UAMPS) Annual Meeting
December 20, City Council Meeting
December 21, City Holiday Party
December 24, Christmas Eve, City offices closed
December 25, Christmas Day, City offices closed
December 31, New Year’s Eve
Liaison Reports and Concerns:
Councilmember Hally had no items to report.
Councilmember Smede stated the Library has been interviewing for positions. She briefly reviewed statistics for the
Library.
Councilmember Freeman stated all positions within the Idaho Falls Police Department (IFPD) have been filled,
although there are currently four (4) dispatch positions open; the saturation patrol for the new distracted driving
ordinance will begin December 19; and, the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant has been put on
hold due a federal court action regarding sanctuary cities. Councilmember Freeman also stated the glass recycling
bins will be available in January.
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December 10, 2018
Councilmember Francis stated Fire Union negotiations have begun. The cities of Blackfoot and Pocatello are
reviewing the City of Idaho Falls distracted driving ordinance for similar regulations.
Councilmember Dingman stated the Airport Open House was recently held. There is belief an increase of travel will
be occurring at the Idaho Falls Airport. Councilmember Dingman also stated winter break classes will be occurring
at the zoo.
Councilmember Radford had no items to report.
2019 Council Calendar Review:
Director Alexander reviewed the proposed 2019 budget calendar with general discussion throughout including
resident/public participation; Mayor, Director and City Council Liaison activities; Mayor and City Council activity
dates; UAMPS; and, Municipal Services Department activity dates. Mayor Casper requested any changes be
submitted to Director Alexander.
Mayor Casper reviewed proposed 2019 Council Work Sessions, Council Meetings, IFP Board Meetings, and,
additional meetings with general discussion throughout. January will also include Idaho Consumer Owned Utilities
Association (ICUA), and AIC; June will include AIC; July will include ICUA; August will include UAMPS;
November will include City elections; and, December will include UAMPS.
Downtown Parklet Standards Discussion:
Director Cramer stated, as part of the implementation strategy for the downtown plan, a concept has been discussed
regarding parklets. A parklet is the opportunity to use the adjacent right-of-way next to a business to expand/provide
additional service. This allows the business to expand where there is no other space to grow. Director Cramer
reviewed pictures of examples of parklets. He stated the downtown plan, approved in the previous year, addressed
parklets. He indicated there are currently three (3) downtown businesses interested in a parklet. Director Cramer
stated the National Association of City Transportation Official (NACTO) has designed parklets that are standardized
and safe. He briefly reviewed NACTO recommended standards. Mr. McLane stated conversation has occurred with
the Public Works Department regarding parklets including utilities, speed limits, locations, and size, to ensure safety
as well as functionality. Mayor Casper questioned the current practice of sidewalk dining. Mr. McLane stated
restaurant sidewalk dining is allowed as long as there is the required sidewalk space around the seating. He reiterated
the purpose of a parklet, which can help maintain a vibrant community. Parklets are temporary in nature which can
easily be removed. The majority of parklets cannot be anchored to the road and/or sidewalk. Councilmember
Dingman expressed her concern for outdoor smoking in the vicinity of the parklets as well as the current limited
downtown parking spaces. She is in favor of utilizing sidewalks for outdoor dining space. Mr. McLane stated due to
the narrowness of the sidewalks, this may not be feasible. Director Cramer believes not all downtown businesses may
be interested in parklets. He stated there would be a partnership with the Idaho Falls Downtown Development
Corporation (IFDDC). Councilmember Hally is in favor of the parklets, although he concurred with the concern of
outdoor smoking. Councilmember Francis believes the parklets would create a nice downtown atmosphere although
he expressed his concern for the parking. General comments followed.
How Urban Renewal Districts Operate:
Mr. Radford stated the Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency (IFRA) has been operating for approximately 29 years.
He reviewed the following with general discussion throughout:
Administration – Brad Cramer, Executive Director; Mark Hagedorn, Controller; Kerry Beutler, Assistant Planning
Director; Ryan Armbruster, Legal Counsel
Current Board Members (members with a variety of expertise) – Brent Thompson, Tom Hally, Dave Radford, Teri
Gazdik, Chris Harvey, Lee Radford, Kirk Larsen. Past members were recognized.
Emphasis has been to use the urban renewal tool to revitalize the core of the City.
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December 10, 2018
Idaho Urban Renewal Law of 1985 (Idaho Code 50-2001) – creation of Urban Renewal Agency; formation of Urban
Renewal Plan; authority to issue bonds; definition of deteriorated or deteriorating area.
Local Economic Development Act (Idaho Code 50-2901) – revenue allocation area; base assessment roll and
increment value; public hearings and ordinances.
Tax Increment Financing – Mr. Radford explained the financing process. He stated the area must be defined as
deteriorated, blighted, or cannot economically prosper. Any money taken must be reinvested to increase the property
value.
Examples of Urban Renewal Areas (URA)
Urban Renewal District Year Created Year of Termination Base Value, 2017 Tax Increment
Value, 2017
Amended Snake River District 1988 2018 $58,831,764 $165,471,839
River Commons 2004 2028 $301,123 $78,964,129
Pancheri-Yellowstone 2007 2019 $4,817,731 $6,387,425
Eagle Ridge 2014 2034 $7,384,442 $2,841,359
Jackson Hole Junction 2017 2030 No data available No data available
Limitations on Urban Renewal:
Percent of total valuation – base assessment roll cannot exceed 10% of all taxable property within the municipality
Time – revenue allocation authority limited to 20-year period
Character of Area – must be a deteriorated or deteriorating area
Key Developers: McNeil Development; Renaissance Partners; Ball Ventures; Oppenheimer Corporation
Urban Renewal Areas:
Generally focused on inner core, divided into different areas. The IFRA has built a large portion of roads within the
downtown area.
Mr. Radford reviewed several photos of the five (5) Urban Renewal Areas and assistance with projects:
Snake River URA - Lindsay Boulevard (street and gutter to attract businesses along I-15, improve Utah Avenue and
Lindsay Boulevard to attract hotels and restaurants, clean-up of entry to City, Broadway Ford)
Snake River URA - Taylor Crossing (excavation of basalt throughout, improved street pattern, improvement of
greenbelt)
Snake River URA - Downtown (rebuilding of street and infrastructure)
Snake River URA - Renaissance (Walmart)
Snake River URA - Public Infrastructure
River Commons URA - Snake River Landing (entrance to development, construction of road from Pancheri Drive to
Sunnyside Road, extensive grading throughout project)
Pancheri Yellowstone URA - Candlewood Suites
Eagle Ridge URA - roads have been developed, waiting for development
Jackson Hole Junction URA - construction is moving well
Mr. Radford stated there are several additional projects occurring in the downtown area. Brief comments followed
regarding development on new land versus re-use of existing land. Mayor Casper indicated as the agency rebuilds or
adds infrastructure it becomes public infrastructure with City responsibility for maintenance. She believes this is
property that is more valuable that can provide quality of life. Director Cramer stated assets from the IFRA will be
turned over to the City when the district closes. He believes there may also be a substantial amount of funding when
the district closes which will be turned over to the County and/or City.
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December 10, 2018
The Council then recessed at 5:06 p.m. to travel to Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park for a tour of construction
progress. The tour/meeting reconvened at 5:28 p.m.
Also present:
David Pennock, Idaho Falls Zoo Executive Director
Linda Beard, Idaho Falls Zoo Operations Manager
Sunny Katseanes, Idaho Falls Zoo Curator of Education
Tim McCammon, Idaho Falls Zoo Facilities Services Supervisor
Richard Creason, Meyers Anderson Architect
Mike Tracy, Petra Construction Superintendent
PJ Holmes, Parks and Recreation Superintendent
Tyler Gravatt, Tautphaus Park Zoological Society (TPZS) President
Laurie Gravatt, TPZS Executive Director
Terri Frickey, William J. Maeck Foundation
Lizette Fife, Interested Citizen
Mr. Pennock stated the Maeck Education Center (MEC) is completely funded by the Maeck Family Foundation and
proceeds from the TPZS, including operations funding in the amount of $100,000 from the TPZS. The zoo focuses
on conservation, including wildlife, resources, water, etc. Mr. Pennock stated 50 cents of each admission ticket is
used for conservation efforts with 25 cents staying locally for two (2) projects (St. Anthony Dunes tiger beetle and
Idaho bats) and the remaining 25 cents being directed to three (3) national projects (snow leopards in central Asia,
black-footed penguins in South Africa, and, Gorongosa National Park in Mozambique, Africa). Ms. Katseanes then
provided a tour of the facility. She stated the grand opening for the MEC will be held February 22, 2019 with programs
to follow shortly thereafter. Mr. Tracy briefly reviewed the construction project, including the unexpected delay due
to relocation of the storm drain system. He indicated Petra Construction has been involved with the adjacent Parks
and Recreation buildings/renovations.
There being no further business, the tour concluded and the meeting adjourned at 6:09 p.m.
s/ Kathy Hampton s/ Rebecca L. Noah Casper
CITY CLERK MAYOR
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Agenda
Honorable Mayor and Council
Brad Cramer, Director
December 6, 2018
December 4, 2018, Planning Commission Action
Planning Commission took the following action during the December 4, 2018 meeting.
1. ANNX18-016: ANNEXATION/INITIAL ZONING OF RE, RP, R1, R3, R3A, LC, AND HC.
Generally south of Pancheri Dr., west of the Snake River, north of W Sunnyside Rd., and
east of S 35th W. On December 4, 2018 the Planning and Zoning Commission
recommended to the Mayor and City Council approval of the annexation and initial zoning
as presented by a vote of 4 to 3.
2. PLAT17-016. FINAL PLAT. Television Park Addition 1st Amended. Generally south of E 12th St.,
west of St. Clair Rd., north of E 17th St., and east of S Holmes Ave. On December 4, 2018, the
Planning and Zoning Commission recommended to the Mayor and City Council approval of the final
plat as presented.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION: To receive recommendation(s) from the Planning and
Zoning Commission pursuant to the Local Land Use Planning Act (LLUPA).
PC Action 12/4/2018
Idaho Falls Sister Cities Youth Meeting
November 7, 2018
Attendees:
Cameron Archer Laura Combs Kylie Eaton Lori Kidwell Dallin Peck
David Archer Tate Corbridge Mario Estrada Aurora Mahoney Nathan Peck
Noah Carter Jackson Corbridge Jo Gallegos Chad Mahoney Rebecca Smith
Aaron Carter Brennan Corbridge Abby Gallegos Heather Medema Anna St. Michel
Melinda Cebull Aaron Doyle Aidan Gallegos Charlie Medema Whitney St. Michel
Nicholas Cebull Able Doyle Aliyah Gamino Gabe Padron Jackie Sugai
Peter Cebull David Eaton Vina Gamino Jorge Padron Charlotte Sun
Charlotte Combs Katherine Eaton Sam Hawker Kendra Peck Stephanie Van Ausdeln
Note: Action items are in red.
Member Studying Abroad in Japan:
David Eaton told the group Aliyah Gamino plans to study for a year in Japan starting in March. Aliyah
needs to earn the money to travel to Japan. One of the fundraisers she is doing is selling Fat Boys ice
cream sandwiches. A box of thirty sandwiches is $26.50 and $10 goes to her travel expenses. Orders
are due by November 9th. If you would like to order, please contact Aliyah.
Next Meeting Date:
Our next meeting is scheduled for the Monday before Thanksgivings when many of the students are on
break. The group decide it would be better to reschedule the meeting until 11/28. The plan is to have
the meeting at the library at 7 p.m. if the room is available. If not, we will email the new meeting
location.
Minutes:
The October 15rd meeting minutes were provided to the group by email. Kendra motioned to approve
the meeting minutes and Lori seconded the motion.
Friendship Garden:
We will have a Friendship Garden work day at 2:30 p.m. on November 10th. We will be raking leaves.
Please bring gloves and leaf rakes.
Taiko:
Janet Youngblood (sanshi5@aol.com) is teaching a beginning Taiko class from 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. on
Saturdays. If you would like to take lessons or find out more email Janet or stop by the Park and Rec
building on Memorial Drive on a Saturday. She will take new students to start on or after November
30th.
Winter Carnival:
The winter carnival ice skating will be on December 29th this year. The city may let us have an ice bocce
tournament during the day. Dave will set up a meeting to find out more. Heather Medema will organize
the carnival for the group. Whitney will get information from last year to Heather.
Japanese Language Lessons:
Junko Flynn (junko3cool@gmail.com) has been teaching some students Japanese. The lessons are $10
for group lessons or $15 for a private lesson for each hour. Contact Junko if you are interested.
Officer Election:
We elected new officers during the meeting. The new officers are:
Office Adult Student
President Dave Eaton Nicholas Cebull
Vice President Whitney St. Michel Anna St. Michel
Secretary Katie Eaton Nathan Peck
Treasurer Lori Kidwell
Historian Jorge Padron
Student Advisor Kendra Peck
Student Meeting
Skype Meeting in January – Students came up with some phrases to teach the Japanese. The students
will work on planning the meeting.
Christmas Cards – We will be sending Christmas cards to the Tokai student group members. Please
bring Christmas cards to the next meeting.
New Year’s Party – We will have a New Year’s party instead of the first meeting in January. It was
suggested that we have it over the school break. Dave will check with the city for available dates we
could use the Park and Rec building on Skyline Drive.
A motion to adjourn was made by Katie and seconded by Mario.
Idaho Falls Sister Cities Youth Special Meeting
November 14, 2018
Attendees:
Kendra Peck Jo Gallegos David Eaton Whitney St. Michel
Melinda Cebull Heather Medema
We met to discuss the upcoming winter carnival fundraiser. The winter carnival will be from 11 a.m. to 4
p.m. on December 29th.
SlitherFest Ice Bocce Tournament
Tracy from the Park and Rec Department suggested having an ice bocce tournament during the winter
carnival. Melinda and Dave will meet with Tracy to find out more about how past tournaments were
organized. Melinda will organize the tournament teams in advance and Dave will run it the day of the
tournament. After meeting with Tracy, we will have a better idea of the number of teams and what to
charge. Melinda will get the information to Heather for the flyer.
Melinda will figure out prizes for the tournament winners. Whitney and Dave have offered some gift
certificates. We will check with other members of the group, and Melinda will contact local businesses
for additional prizes if needed.
We will put a url on the flyer with information about ice bocce. We will advertise on our website and
the city website.
Marketing
Aliyah has volunteered to make a flyer to advertise our fundraiser. Heather will get the information for
the flyer to her after she has gathered all of the information. At the next meeting we will see if anyone
is willing to request permission from the D91 & D93 offices, and we will get the flyers to each school. We
hope to have the flyers ready at the November 28th meeting. Whitney or Melinda can help with
advertising in the community calendars if needed.
Music
Abby Gallegos and Max Medema will put together a music mix of Japanese and American music to play
during the skating.
Concessions
We decided we want to sell food at the event. We will ask at the next meeting for someone to
coordinate concessions.
Coordinating Volunteers
Whitney will put together a sign-up list for volunteers. We will have two shifts one from 10:30-1:30 and
another from 1:30-4:30. We will new two people at the ticket sales table, two people at concessions,
and 8 students to help with ice bocce.
Charges
The price for admission will be $3.50 for seniors and children 3-12 years old and $4.25 for everyone else.
Whitney has a list of food prices from last year, and the plan is to use similar prices this year. We will
have two money boxes for change, one for admission and one for skating. Peter will need to get seed
money for both. Heather will check with her mom to see if we can use her square for credit card
transactions.
.
Ice Skating Lessons
We would like to have free ice-skating lessons from 11:00 to noon. We will talk to Tracy to see if any of
the city instructor are willing to teach lessons. We could also check with the figure skating club to see if
any of their members are available to help.
Points
The board members present agreed to give a point for each of the following positions: coordinating
fundraiser, coordinating bocce tournament, marketing, music, and concessions. Points will be given for
volunteering the day of the event and for other family members who help with the event.
Draft 2019 Calendar
Month Work Sessions Council Meetings IFP Board Meetings Special Meetings Travel Absenses
January 14 10 10
28 31 (Special Meeting)
February 11 14 14
25 28
March 11 14 14
25 28
April 8 11 11
22 25
May 6 9 9
20 23
June 10 13 13
24 27
July 8 11 11
22 25
August 5 8 8
22
September 9 12 12
23 26
October 7 10 10
21 24
November 12 14 14
25 26 (Special Meeting)
December 9 12 12
19 (Special Meeting)
CITY OF IDAHO FALLS
2019/20 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET ACTIVITY CALENDAR
RESIDENT/PUBLIC PARTICIPATION DATES
Budget Watch Tuesday, May 7 6:00 – 7:30 pm Public 457 W. Broadway
Library
City Council 2019/20 Monday, July 1 Friday, July 26 City Council 680 Park Avenue
budget and fees work Chambers
sessions
Department 2019/20 Monday, July 8 Friday, July 12 City Council 680 Park Avenue
budget and fees Chambers
presentations
Public hearing for 2019/20 Thursday, August 15 7:30 pm City Council 680 Park Avenue
tentative budget and fees Chambers
MAYOR, DIRECTOR AND CITY COUNCIL LIAISON ACTIVITY DATES
Mayor and Director Thursday, April 18 2:30-5:00 pm City Council
budget discussion Chambers
Proposed budget Monday, May 8 Friday, May 24 Municipal Services
meetings with Director’s Office
departments
Final proposed 2019/20 Tuesday, May 28 Friday, May 31 Director’s shared
budget due to MSD drive
Final proposed 2019/20 Tuesday, May 28 Friday, May 31 Michael Kirkham,
fees due to Assistant City copy in Director’s
Attorney shared drive
MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL ACTIVITY DATES
Budget kick-off priorities Saturday, March 30 City Council 680 Park Avenue
discussion and priority (Tentative) Chambers
base budgeting (PBB)
overview
City budget discussion: Monday, July 1 3:00 pm City Council 680 Park Avenue
Overview of proposed Chambers
2019/20 budget submittals
City employee wages and Monday, May 6 3:00 pm City Council 680 Park Avenue
benefits discussion Chambers
City department proposed Monday, July 8 Friday, July 12 City Council 680 Park Avenue
budget and fees Chambers
presentations
City Council budget Monday, July 8 Friday, July 12 City Council 680 Park Avenue
discussion: proposed Chambers
Fees
City budget discussion: Monday, July 15 Friday, July 19 City Council 680 Park Avenue
Overview of 2019/20 Chambers
administration’s balance
budget
City Council directed Thursday, July 25 Friday, July 26 City Council 680 Park Avenue
budget discussion Chambers
City Council approval of Monday, July 29 7:30 m City Council 680 Park Avenue
tentative 2019/20 Chambers
UAMPS August 18-21
City Council conducts Thursday, August 15 7:30 pm City Council 680 Park Avenue
public hearing for 2019/20 Chambers
budget and fees
City Council discussion of Monday, August 12 TBA City Council 680 Park Avenue
public hearing comments Chambers
and proposed revisions to
the 2019/20 budget and
fees
City Council deliberations Tuesday, August 13 TBA City Council 680 Park Avenue
(as needed) Chambers
City Council adopt Thursday, August 22 7:30 pm City Council 680 Park Avenue
2019/20 budget and fee Chambers
resolutions
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MUNICIPAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY DATES
MSD to distribute Monday, March 25 Friday, March 29
2019/20 budget
worksheets to
departments
MSD to upload Monday, June 10 Friday, June 14
2019/20 City budget
worksheets for Mayor
and City Council
review
City Clerk to publish Sunday, July 28
Notice of 2019/20
budget and fees notice
of public hearings (first
Sunday)
City Clerk to publish Sunday, August 4
Notice of 2019/20
budget and fees notice
of public hearings
(second Sunday)
MSD to submit Monday, August 26
certified tax dollars to
County (L-2 form)
City Clerk to publish Monday, August 26
2019/20 budget and
fee ordinances in
newspaper (by 12
noon)
City Clerk to publish Wednesday, August 28
2019/20 budget and
fee ordinances
adopted by Mayor and
City Council
MSD to send copy of Thursday, January 2
2019/20 budget and
fee ordinance to
Secretary of State
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