City Council

January 30, 2020 The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in Regular Council Meeting, Thursday, January 30, 2020, in the Council Chambers in the City Annex Building located at 680 Park Avenue in Idaho Falls, Idaho at 7:30 p.m. Call to Order: There were present: Councilmember Michelle Ziel-Dingman Councilmember Shelly Smede Councilmember Jim Francis Councilmember Jim Freeman Councilmember Thomas Hally Councilmember John Radford Absent: Mayor Rebecca L. Noah Casper Also present: All available Department Directors Randy Fife, City Attorney Kathy Hampton, City Clerk Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Pro Tem Dingman requested Duane Nelson, Fire Chief, to lead those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment: Mayor Pro Tem Dingman requested any public comment not related to items currently listed on the agenda or not related to a pending matter. No one appeared. Consent Agenda: The Office of the Mayor requested reappointment of Lee Radford to the Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency. Human Resources requested approval of Proposed Changes to the City’s Personnel Manual. The Fire Department requested approval of quote from Weidner Fire for Exhaust System at Fire Station #3. Municipal Services requested approval of Bid IF-20-07, Purchase of 30-yard Steel Refuse Containers; Purchase Meter Inventory for Idaho Falls Power; Quote IF-20-016, Load Bank Rental for Idaho Falls Power; Quote IF-20- 017, Generators for Idaho Falls Power; minutes from the January 9, 2020 Council Meeting and Executive Session; and, license applications, all carrying the required approvals. It was moved by Councilmember Smede, seconded by Councilmember Freeman, to accept all items on the Consent Agenda according to the recommendations presented. Roll call as follows: Aye – Councilmembers Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Hally, Radford, Smede. Nay – none. Motion carried. Regular Agenda: Public Works Subject: State/Local Agreement with ITD and the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council for the S. Higbee Avenue Bridge over Butte Arm Canal Replacement Project 1  January 30, 2020 For your consideration is a State/Local Agreement with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) for the S Higbee Avenue Bridge over Butte Arm Canal. The purpose of this project is to replace an aging bridge on S Higbee Avenue between E 15th Street and E 16th Street over the Butte Arm Canal. Councilmember Freeman stated the current bridge condition has prompted bus weight limitations. He stated this project was set for a future date although the funding has come forward and it will be completed earlier than anticipated. The City contributed 7.34% of the project, or, $85,241. It was moved by Councilmember Freeman, seconded by Councilmember Radford, to approve the agreement with the Idaho Transportation Department and the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council for the S Higbee Avenue Bridge over Butte Arm Canal project and give authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the necessary documents. Roll call as follows: Aye – Councilmembers Smede, Hally, Dingman, Radford, Freeman, Francis. Nay – none. Motion carried. Subject: Access Easement – Lots 1-2, Block 7 of the Yellowstone Addition Division No. 5 For consideration is an Access Easement for Lots 1-2, Block 7 of the Yellowstone Addition Division No. 5. The easement is being requested by Roy Cole (Executor of the Naomi J. Cole Estate) for a property access needed to accommodate a recent lot split. Councilmember Freeman stated the lots are located near the intersection of Albany Street and Saturn Avenue and the easement has been requested to accommodate a recent lot split. He stated there is currently no access into the second lot. Director Fredericksen reiterated the area was a large single-lot and was split into two (2) lots. Due to the split, there is no access to Albany Street. He stated the intent is to grant an access easement through City property. It was moved by Councilmember Freeman, seconded by Councilmember Radford, to approve the Access Easement and give authorization for the Mayor to execute the necessary documents. Roll call as follows: Aye – Councilmembers Hally, Francis, Radford, Dingman, Smede, Freeman. Nay – none. Motion carried. Community Development Services Subject: Final Plat and Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards, Eagle Rock Town Center Division 4 For consideration is the Final Plat and Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards for Eagle Rock Town Center Division 4. The Planning and Zoning Commission considered this plat at its September 5, 2017, meeting and again at its April 4 2019, meeting and recommended approval by unanimous vote. Staff concurs with this recommendation. It was moved by Councilmember Radford, seconded by Councilmember Francis, to accept the Final Plat for Eagle Rock Town Center Division 4, and give authorization for the Mayor, City Engineer, and City Clerk to sign said Final Plat. Roll call as follows: Aye – Councilmembers Freeman, Radford, Smede, Francis, Dingman, Hally. Nay – none. Motion carried. It was moved by Councilmember Radford, seconded by Councilmember Francis, to approve the Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards for the Final Plat for Eagle Rock Town Center Division 4, and give authorization for the Mayor to execute the necessary documents. Roll call as follows: Aye – Councilmembers Hally, Radford, Francis, Dingman, Smede, Freeman. Nay – none. Motion carried. Subject: Final Plat and Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards, Rose Nielsen Addition, Division 101, Fourth Amended 2  January 30, 2020 For consideration is the Final Plat and Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards for Rose Nielsen Addition, Division 101, Fourth Amended. The Planning and Zoning Commission considered this plat at its November 12, 2019 and recommended approval by unanimous vote. Staff concurs with this recommendation. It was moved by Councilmember Radford, seconded by Councilmember Francis, to accept the Final Plat for Rose Nielsen Addition, Division 101, Fourth Amended, and give authorization for the Mayor, City Engineer, and City Clerk to sign said Final Plat. Roll call as follows: Aye – Councilmembers Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Hally, Radford, Smede. Nay – none. Motion carried. It was moved by Councilmember Radford, seconded by Councilmember Francis, to approve the Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards for the Final Plat for Rose Nielsen Addition, Division 101, Fourth Amended, and give authorization for the Mayor to execute the necessary documents. Roll call as follows: Aye – Councilmembers Freeman, Francis, Hally, Radford, Smede, Dingman. Nay – none. Motion carried. Subject: Final Plat and Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards, Rose Nielsen Addition, Division 101, Fifth Amended For consideration is the Final Plat and Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards for Rose Nielsen Addition, Division 101, Fifth Amended. The Planning and Zoning Commission considered this plat at its November 12, 2019 and recommended approval by unanimous vote. Staff concurs with this recommendation. It was moved by Councilmember Radford, seconded by Councilmember Francis, to accept the Final Plat for Rose Nielsen Addition, Division 101, Fifth Amended, and give authorization for the Mayor, City Engineer, and City Clerk to sign said Final Plat. Roll call as follows: Aye – Councilmembers Dingman, Radford, Francis, Smede, Hally, Freeman. Nay – none. Motion carried. It was moved by Councilmember Radford, seconded by Councilmember Francis, to approve the Reasoned Statement of Relevant Criteria and Standards for the Final Plat for Rose Nielsen Addition, Division 101, Fifth Amended, and give authorization for the Mayor to execute the necessary documents. Roll call as follows: Aye – Councilmembers Radford, Freeman, Smede, Francis, Dingman, Hally. Nay – none. Motion carried. Subject: Public Hearing – Resolution adopting the City Core Master Plan and Implementation Strategy For consideration is a Resolution adopting the City Core Master Plan and Implementation Strategy. This document replaces the Downtown Master Plan and includes the full text of that plan as well as a new section covering the South Downtown area. Though completed as separate projects, the staff and steering committee felt the documents should be combined to reduce confusion and emphasize the interrelatedness of the various districts that make up the City’s geographic core. The final product is the result of many hours of work completed in partnership between the City and community members, the project’s steering committee, the Greater Idaho Falls Association of Realtors, Idaho Smart Growth, and Compass Academy. The Planning and Zoning Commission considered this plan at its November 12, 2019, meeting and recommended approval by a 5-1 vote. Staff concurs with this recommendation. Mayor Pro Tem Dingman opened the public hearing and ordered all items presented be included in the record. Community Development Services (CDS) Director Brad Cramer stated this document is new but it incorporates the previously adopted Downtown Master Plan. The two (2) documents are being combined to recognize downtown is not an island but rather the City’s geographic core, it has historic and geographic connections to the roadway network, and, it should not be considered in isolation. Director Cramer expects the document to grow as the infrastructure grows. He stated a lot of work was put into the document and he commended staff and community partners for their effort. Director Cramer highlighted the following: many sections were unified as possible – Chapters One (1), Four (4), and, Five (5) are remnants of the Downtown Plan; Chapters Two (2), Three (3), and, the appendix are South Downtown specifics. He also noted the key initiatives to carry on the Downtown Plan. He stated community members were concerned with connectivity, economic conditions, and, urban design. These three 3  January 30, 2020 (3) initiatives are focused within the projects. Previous attempts have been made to try things in a smaller, more inexpensive way versus investing millions of dollars. Director Cramer stated the conceptual plan will give principle and, provides form-based code when promoting to developers or revitalization. He noted the last few pages identify place types which will later become sub-districts which will have their own set of standards so as development occurs the important things are preserved. Councilmember Radford stated he is amazed how much has been implemented from the core Downtown Plan. He also recognized students from Compass Academy for their work. Director Cramer stated the two (2) things to remember in terms of implementation: 1-this happens slowly over time with the Idaho Falls Redevelopment Agency (IFRdA) and, it’s important to have partners. He stated they will continue to talk with developers. 2-one (1) of the projects will set up a neighborhood association plan. The City has a role, which plays well, but for the neighborhood plan those who live and do business there know better. The downtown framework works well due to the Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation (IFDDC) and, a similar plan would work well for the South Downtown Plan. To the response of Councilmember Smede, Director Cramer stated pre-meetings were held with the neighborhood prior to the open house to focus on the neighborhood. He noted those were the best attended meetings. He believes individuals were listened to after attending the pre-meetings. He also noted the steering committee included residents and businesses from the neighborhood who were involved more than normal. Councilmember Hally stated this is a vision and indication for future implementation without using tax dollars. He also stated the IFRdA just closed a district and the downtown area was included in the district in 2005. He noted the Bonneville Hotel is also part of the downtown district. Councilmember Hally stated the closure of districts frees up taxation revenue to different entities. He also stated the IFRdA Board will look at other areas to implement changes and development with partners. He believes this would be a high-priority area. Councilmember Francis believes this plan is flexible and creative. He applauds how it synthesizes previous planning, he is pleased it was not rejected or ignored, it identities obstacles, and, he is impressed by the amount of work. Councilmember Freeman congratulated CDS staff and noted the community should be proud of the quality of the work and the consideration for keeping the historic nature of this neighborhood. Councilmember Dingman believes this is an inspiring document with character and vision as it provides ideas that developers have not previously seen. Mayor Pro Tem Dingman requested any public comment. No one appeared. Mayor Pro Tem Dingman closed the public hearing. Councilmember Radford stated he is proud of CDS and the relevant partners without using taxpayer money. He noted a social infrastructure piece is included in the South Downtown Plan. It was moved by Councilmember Radford, seconded by Councilmember Francis, to approve the Resolution adopting the City Core Master Plan and Implementation Strategy, and give authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the necessary documents. Roll call as follows: Aye – Councilmembers Hally, Smede, Dingman, Freeman, Francis, Radford. Nay – none. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-01 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, ADOPTING A CITY CORE MASTER PLAN AND IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY; AND PROVIDING THAT THIS RESOLUTION BE EFFECTNE UPON ITS PASSAGE AND APPROVAL ACCORDING TO LAW. Announcements: There were no announcements. Adjournment: There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:03 p.m. s/ Kathy Hampton s/ Rebecca L. Noah Casper CITY CLERK MAYOR 4