City Council

October 21, 2019 The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in Council Work Session, Monday, October 21, 2019, 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 Thomas Hally Councilmember Shelly Smede Councilmember Jim Francis Councilmember Jim Freeman Councilmember Michelle Ziel-Dingman (departed at 5:15 p.m.) Councilmember John Radford Also present: Bryce Johnson, Police Chief Steve Hunt, Police Captain Bill Squires, Police Captain Jeremy Galbreaith, Police Captain Jessica Clements, Police Department Public Information Officer Brad Cramer, Community Development Services Director Duane Nelson, Fire Chief Dana Briggs, Economic Development Coordinator Angie Lee, Committee Member Ellie Hampton, Committee Member Sunny Katseanes, Committee Member Michael Kirkham, Assistant City Attorney Kathy Hampton, City Clerk Mayor Casper called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Mayor Casper stated the Idaho Falls Police Department (IFPD) is scheduled to hold a press conference following the officer-involved shooting on October 18. Due to the current agenda being posted prior to the shooting incident it is necessary to amend the order of the Work Session agenda to accommodate the press conference. It was then moved by Councilmember Freeman, seconded by Councilmember Smede, to switch Community Development Services agenda items with the IFPD agenda items. Roll call as follows: Aye – Councilmembers Dingman, Smede, Francis, Freeman, Hally, Radford. Nay – none. Motion carried. Acceptance and/or Receipt of Minutes: It was moved by Councilmember Smede, seconded by Councilmember Freeman, to receive recommendations from the Planning and Zoning Commission pursuant to the Local Land Use Planning Act (LLUPA). Roll call as follows: Aye – Councilmembers Freeman, Francis, Hally, Radford, Smede, Dingman. Nay – none. Motion carried. Calendars, Announcements and Reports: October 22, Idaho Falls Regional Airport (IDA) Baggage Claim Ribbon Cutting October 23, Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization (BMPO) (tentative) October 24, Idaho Falls Power (IFP) Board Meeting; and, City Council Meeting October 24-26, Boo at the Zoo October 25, Idaho Falls Arts Council (IFAC) Event October 26, Suicide Prevention Community Q&A; and, Real Heroes Trunk or Treat November 1, Chamber of Commerce Gala November 2, IDA Board Meeting November 7, City Club; and, Lincoln Court Centenarian Gala 1  October 21, 2019 November 8, Idaho Falls Civic Center for the Performing Arts Open House November 12, City Council Work Session November 14, IFP Board Meeting; and, City Council Meeting November 22, Centennial Ball November 25, City Council Work Session November 26, City Council Meeting November 28, Thanksgiving November 29, City Offices Closed Mayor Casper stated an Idaho Counties Risk Management Program (ICRMP) board member is up for nomination, City of Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad is currently the only nomination. She also stated she recently attended the Association of Idaho Cities (AIC) Board Meeting. AIC is currently in the process of hiring a new executive director; the legislators have a property tax working group, additional information will be forthcoming; the AIC Fall Academy for the Idaho Falls area will be occurring on December 12, therefore, the legislative committee will not be occurring in Boise on December 12; City Officials Day will be occurring on January 23; Water Summit will be occurring on January 22; and, Building Code Legislative Luncheon will be occurring on November 13. Mayor Casper briefly reviewed additional AIC topics including police arrests, the grocery tax, hands-free for the greater Boise area, Mayor’s task force on broadband, water quality legislation, transportation funding study, and, proposed changes in revenue sharing. Liaison Reports and Concerns: Councilmember Hally stated Idaho Consumer Owned Utilities Association (ICUA) will be occurring in January. Councilmember Smede expressed her appreciation to Mayor Casper for participating in a recent forum. Councilmember Freeman stated the leaf collection schedule is posted on the website. He also stated Zoo Lights will be occurring October 28-29 and, he reiterated the Idaho Falls Civic Center for the Performing Arts Open House. Councilmember Francis stated the Idaho Commission on Aging recently presented at the Idaho Falls Senior Center. He noted Governor Brad Little has given the Commission the responsibility/goal for safe and healthy senior citizens. Councilmember Radford stated several national legislative items are proposed with the American Public Power Association (APPA) Policymakers Board, however, not a lot is happening due to the pending impeachment. He noted the property tax, as previously referenced by Mayor Casper, slides and audio are available on the website. Councilmember Dingman had no items to report. Police: Chief Johnson reiterated the press conference related to the officer-involved shooting on October 18. He stated a suicidal call was received with several law enforcement agencies and officers responding. After a lengthy amount of time passed, a gun was discharged inside a vehicle, followed by three (3) IFPD officers discharging their weapons. Life safety procedures were performed, however the person was deceased. Chief Johnson stated per protocol, the IFPD has turned the scene to the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force. The task force includes 15-20 detectives from other agencies, with the Idaho State Police (ISP) as the lead agency. Chief Johnson stated the IFPD fully cooperates but does not participate in the investigation. The investigation, once completed, will then be turned to Bonneville County Prosecutor Danny Clark, an internal review will then be performed by the IFPD, followed by a presentation to a citizen review committee for recommendation. The IFPD will then release information at that time. Chief Johnson indicated this will be a lengthy process. He commended the ISP for the previous officer-involved shooting process. Annual report: Chief Johnson noted this report includes 2018 data. He indicated there was a 5% drop in crime from 2017 to 2018. He stated Unified Crime Reporting (UCR), developed in the 1930’s, has previously been used. Since the 1990’s, the FBI has been working to implement the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS). The IFPD has recently switched to the NIBRS. NIBRS includes four (4) categories: Group A – Crimes Against People; Crimes Against Property; Crimes Against Society; and, Group B – Offenses. Chief Johnson reviewed the following with general discussion throughout: 2  October 21, 2019 Group A – Person Offenses (aggravated and simple battery, assault, sex crimes, kidnapping, and, murder): 2017=653, 2018=670 Group A – Property Offenses (arson, bribery, burglary, forgery, embezzlement, fraud, larceny, motor vehicle theft, robbery, vandalism, and, other similar crimes): 2017=1991, 2018=1729 Chief Johnson reviewed comparison of property crimes by charge. Group A – Society Offenses (drug offenses, prostitution, gambling, pornography, and, weapons law violations): 2017=49, 2018=63 Chief Johnson reviewed comparison of society crimes by charge. Group A – Society Drug Offenses: 2017=592, 2018=567 Chief Johnson reviewed comparison of drug seizures for cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and, methamphetamines, measured in grams. He stated there is a home-grown marijuana users issue. Mayor Casper stated the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney (SAUSA) program, consisting of more than 30 jurisdictions, was established to hire a Federal investigator for marijuana issues. Group B – Reported Offenses (disorderly conduct, drunkenness, non-violent family offenses, and, liquor law violations): 2017=1801, 2018=1657 Chief Johnson reviewed comparison of Group B offenses by category and number of arrests. Chief Johnson stated, following the adoption of the hands-free ordinance in January 2019, 81 citations have been issued for cell phone violation. 50 citations were written during a recent cell phone violation operation, although these citations may not be captured in the overall number of citations. Chief Johnson stated mental health calls are a continual issue. He reviewed the number of mental health calls for psychiatry problems, suicide investigations, and, welfare checks as well as sexual assault calls. He stated these calls require a tremendous amount of officer time. Brief general comments followed. Chief Johnson indicated the biggest challenge is staffing. There are currently ten (10) vacant positions. These positions are difficult and challenging to fill. To the response of Councilmember Radford, Chief Johnson believes there is tremendous support from the elected officials. He indicated this is not a City issue only as other agencies are also attempting to fill positions. General discussion and comments followed including the number of calls for service (approximately 47,000 calls). Chief Johnson stated the IFPD is approximately 2½ years through the 5-year Strategic Plan. Chief Johnson reviewed the heat map (crimes) for Idaho Falls. He stated the major impact is the numbered and lettered streets with the ‘bulls-eye’ extending outward. The neighborhood officers have recently begun focusing in these higher-crime areas. He noted the geographic center for crimes is not necessarily the geographic center of the City. Brief discussion followed regarding future data with potential new software. Ballistic Vest Grant Discussion: Chief Johnson stated the IFPD has received a grant in the amount of $8000.00 from the Bureau of Justice Assistance for ballistic vests. He noted these vests will stop most handgun rounds. He also stated the IFPD applies for this grant every year as a partnership with the federal government. The grant typically pays for half of the cost of a vest. The vests are warrantied and will be replaced every five (5) years. The IFPD requires, and the grant mandates, that vests are to be worn by all officers. To the response of Councilmember Freeman, Captain Hunt stated a ballistic vest costs approximately $1300.00. Street Name Ordinance Discussion: Director Cramer stated an ordinance regarding street names was approved at a recently Council Meeting. He noted there was intent to change Yukatan from the correct spelling of a ‘c’ to a ‘k’ for the specific/unusual spelling. He also noted there were odd spellings of Cassiopeia and Lapaloma. He stated these odd spellings were submitted and accepted on the original plats. As future developments came forward the odd spellings were attempted to be corrected, thereby causing confusion of the spellings. Director Cramer stated there is a hassle for a resident to change a mailing address, there is also less impact to change to the odd spelling. He indicated changes to the correct spellings will impact 44 houses. Councilmember Freeman noted the Public Works signs are generally $150 each to replace. He indicated these signs will also need to be corrected. Director Cramer emphasized City staff does not name the streets. The developer submits street names when the plat is submitted which can include family name, etc. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) then reviews the names to ensure there is no duplication. Director Cramer noted there are approximately 20 reviewers of a plat. Mayor Casper believes the correct spellings will add simplicity for emergency vehicles. She questioned the process/dialogue for future naming and continuity of street names. Councilmember 3  October 21, 2019 Francis suggested standard spelling although the developer would need to indicate a reason for an unusual name. Councilmember Radford questioned any potential unfavorable street names. Mayor Casper believes public safety needs to be more important than developer ‘fun’. General comments followed. This item will be included on the October 24 Council Meeting agenda. Code Enforcement Review: Director Cramer stated the proposed ordinance would clean up litter definitions to include garbage or rubbish and would eliminate ‘waste’ as value/resale of material or items was difficult to assess. There would also be a separate definition for bulky waste. Director Cramer stated these changes would make the ordinance more clear for enforcement of violations. Director Cramer reviewed the number of inspections completed by Code Enforcement over the course of the previous three (3) years: 2016-2017 = 2866; 2017-2018 = 7106; and, 2018-2019 = 9896. He stated the increase of inspections is mainly due to the addition of the Code Enforcement Clerk who manages paperwork, phone calls, citations, and, mailings. This addition has allowed the officers to be out in the field the majority of the day. Director Cramer also stated the increase of inspections is due to certain types of violations being handled more quickly, such as blocking a sidewalk. Director Cramer reviewed violations by type and tickets/citations issued over the course of the previous three (3) years. He believes the number of violations are due to the efficiency of enforcement and process. He noted weed violations have declined. He also stated changing violations from a misdemeanor to an infraction have increased the number of tickets/citations. Director Cramer reviewed inspections per case over the course of the previous three (3) years. He noted there is a 10% decrease overall. He expressed his appreciation to the Code Enforcement staff. This item will be included on the October 24 Council Meeting agenda. Ladder Truck Lease Option Discussion: Chief Nelson believes this one-time lease purchase is a good opportunity to replace the current ladder truck, a 2006 Smeal 100’ Platform, which has reached its 15-year in-service date. He stated the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1901 Standards allows an apparatus to be front-line for 15 years and placed in reserve status for 10 years. Chief Nelson stated the Idaho Falls Fire Department (IFFD) works hard to stay within this NFPA Standard. The one- time lease purchase option will keep the IFFD within this Standard and, the IFFD will not run into this problem again. Chief Nelson reiterated the current ladder truck will go into reserve for another ten (10) years as a secondary platform, although maintenance will still be required. Chief Nelson reviewed the Pierce Ascendant 100’ Platform truck. He noted this truck is a mid-mount ladder platform. There have been challenges with the current ladder truck and the ‘D’ Street underpass. This new ladder truck would be allowed in the ‘D’ underpass due to the shortened length and height. Chief Nelson reviewed the following options with general discussion throughout: Option #1 – Purchase Purchase price: $1,402,773 ($68,136 prepayment) Total investment = $1,334,637 Chief Nelson stated the IFFD does not have this amount in the Municipal Equipment Replacement Fund (MERF). An engine purchase, to stay within the NFPA Standard, will be purchased this year with funds in the MERF. Option #2 – MERF (Delay purchase until 2022 when the MERF funds catch up to the purchase price) Purchase prices: $1,532,847.93 ($70,000 prepayment) Total investment = $1,462,847.93 ($128,210.93 more than Option #1) Option #3 – One-time lease/purchase program (would be a 14-18 month build) Five (5) annual payments of $292,709.89 (first payment would be due October 2020, this would be a locked-in price) Total investment = $1,463,549.45 ($128,912.45 more than purchasing, $701.52 more than delaying until MERF funds catch up) Chief Nelson reviewed the annual total cost of vehicles and the MERF. He stated the IFFD contributes $450,000 into the MERF on an annual basis. $557,000 was spent from the MERF on the new engine referenced above which decreased the MERF. The current MERF balance is $614,837. Chief Nelson stated future purchases will continue to spend more from the MERF than what is being contributed. He noted the IFFD was aware of the ladder truck situation 4  October 21, 2019 and has been looking for a solution for several years. The IFFD believes this option is that solution for the NFPA Standard. Another apparatus would not need to be purchased until FY2024/2025. Due to money still being contributed into the MERF, money would be saved for the 2024/2025 purchase and another lease option would not be needed. Chief Nelson reviewed the MERF for the next 12 years, indicating approximately $2.3M in savings. He stated lease payments for the ladder truck would begin in FY2021. Chief Nelson reiterated the lease/purchase advantages:  Fleet compliant with NFPA 1901 standards.  IFFD’s MERF account will continue to grow annually by approximately $200,000 to fund future fleet purchases.  An additional front-line truck will be into service sooner (by approximately three (3) years). Chief Nelson stated there was a debt issue clause in a previous lease contract discussion. He noted this debt issue has been stricken in the current contract. He reviewed additional Idaho agencies that utilize the lease/purchase program. He indicated the City would own the ladder truck at the end of the lease. Councilmember Freeman questioned the amount of MERF contribution. Mayor Casper stated, per the information provided by Chief Nelson, the MERF is comfortable for future years. Brief discussion followed regarding the use of the one-ton vehicle, Chief Nelson stated future use of the one-ton vehicle is unknown at this time. He also noted the IFFD is trying to decrease the fleet. General discussion followed regarding technology of vehicles, equipment for the vehicles, and, the Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF) vehicle at the Airport. This item will be included on the November 14 Council Meeting agenda. Community Partnership Grant and Discussion: Mayor Casper stated the Community Partnership Grant is an annual grant. She also stated previous Council suggestions have been incorporated into the current year eligibility. Ms. Briggs noted, per the Council suggestions, the grant will not support agencies funded by the State or Federal government, public schools, or, agencies within a taxing district. Councilmember Francis disclosed he is a member of several boards although he does not receive any financial benefit. Committee members Angie Lee, Ellie Hampton, and, Sunny Katseanes were introduced. Ms. Briggs also recognized committee member Eric Liester. Ms. Hampton reviewed the process for the partnership grant stating each committee member performed research for specific applicants. Ms. Briggs reviewed the annual grant timeline. Ms. Hampton reviewed the FY2019/20 applicants, amount requested, amount recommended, and, project description with general discussion throughout as follows: Amount Amount FY2019/20 Applicants Project Description Requested Recommended Assist with case management assessments and Behavioral Health Crisis Center $10,000.00 $- referrals for detoxing individuals Bonneville County Heritage $5,000.00 $- Various items related to operations Association Community Food Basket $35,000.00 $17,500.00 Hunger and Food Insecurity Relief Program Eastern Idaho Spay/Neuter $25,000.00 $15,000.00 Spay/Neuter cats Coalition FreeMed $15,000.00 $15,000.00 Salary for two part-time employees Habitat for Humanity $35,000.00 $5,000.00 New home construction project Idaho Falls Area Humanitarian Purchase table saw, circular saw, sliding miter $2,041.37 $1,300.00 Center saw, and two laminators $25,000 towards Colonial and Willard Idaho Falls Arts Council $35,000.00 $10,000.00 endowment; $10,000 for 2020 Roaring Youth Jam 5  October 21, 2019 Idaho Falls Community Garden $356.00 $- Water service fees Association Idaho Falls Downtown $12,000.00 $11,000.00 Update Riverwalk kiosk sign Development Corporation Idaho Falls Historic Downtown Purchase of additional trash receptacles for $6,000.00 $6,000.00 Foundation downtown Idaho Falls Rescue Mission $13,685.00 $- Parking lot improvement project Idaho Falls Symphony $17,427.00 $- Education and outreach programs support Development and implementation of Liiingo Liiingo $5,500.00 $5,500.00 Experience Idaho Falls Museum of Idaho $20,000.00 $6,000.00 Student Ticket Initiative Promise Ridge $6,000.00 $6,000.00 Night security staff annual wages Senior Citizens Community $35,000.00 $21,275.00 Food expense shortage, utilities, wages, and fuel Center, Inc. Humane education program assistance Snake River Animal Shelter $4,500.00 $- (transportation, marketing) Client expenses (birth certificates, glasses/eye The Haven Shelter $10,425.00 $10,425.00 exams, cell phones, mattresses) Total $292,934.37 $130,000.00 Ms. Katseances stated there were several organizations that did not qualify for a grant due to the eligibility requirements. She also stated there were organizations who failed to submit the required grant report which resulted in disqualification for future grant funding. Discussion followed regarding requested amounts and project description for Eastern Idaho Spay/Neuter Coalition, FreeMed, Habitat for Humanity, Idaho Falls Historic Downtown Foundation, and, Senior Citizens Community Center as well as providing services for residents with Idaho Falls tax dollars. Discussion also followed regarding the Behavioral Health Crisis Center. Mayor Casper believes mental health care should be State funded. General comments followed. This item will be included on the October 24 Council Meeting agenda. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:26 p.m. s/ Kathy Hampton s/ Rebecca L. Noah Casper CITY CLERK MAYOR 6