City Council

May 21, 2020 The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in Regular Council Meeting, Thursday, May 21, 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: Mayor Rebecca L. Noah Casper Councilmember Michelle Ziel-Dingman (by WebEx) Councilmember John Radford (by WebEx) Councilmember Thomas Hally (by WebEx) Councilmember Jim Freeman (by WebEx) Councilmember Jim Francis (by WebEx) Councilmember Shelly Smede (by WebEx) Also present: All available Department Directors Michael Kirkham, Assistant City Attorney Kathy Hampton, City Clerk Pledge of Allegiance: Mayor Casper requested Finn Freeman, 8-year old grandson of Councilmember Jim Freeman, to lead those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. Public Comment: Public Comment has been temporarily suspended due to coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update: Mayor Casper stated Idaho is currently in Stage 2 (of the Idaho Rebound plan) and the City is in the middle of its implementation plan. Consent Agenda: Public Works requested approval of Bid Award – Water Line Replacements – 2020 Phase 2. Municipal Services requested approval of Quote 20-028, Purchase of Fuse Inventory for Idaho Falls Power; Quote 20-030, Purchase of Transmission Meters for Idaho Falls Power; minutes from the May 11, 2020 Council Work Session and May 14, 2020 Council Meeting; and, license applications, all carrying the required approvals. It was moved by Councilmember Smede, seconded by Councilmember Radford, to approve, accept, or receive 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: Municipal Services Subject: City Utility Disconnect Policy Resolution On March 25, 2020, similar to other Idaho utilities, the City Council approved the suspension of disconnects for non-payment as a result of the COVID-19 public health crisis. This resolution would authorize the current utility 1  May 21, 2020 disconnect policy to be revised to permanently set the amount for disconnect from a balance of $25.00 to $50.00 and temporarily change the past due status on July 1 (195 days past due); August 1 (145 days past due); September 1 (95 days past due). Beginning September 1, 2020, the late fee for past due accounts will resume. Mayor Casper stated this item has implications for three (3) departments – Public Works, Idaho Falls Power (IFP), and, Municipal Services. Councilmember Smede stated this item was discussed at the May 14 IFP Board Meeting. She noted several accounts were already delinquent prior to COVID-19 crisis. IFP Director Bear Prairie expressed his appreciation to the elected officials in finding this balance. He encouraged individuals to take advantage of potential Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership (EICAP) funds received from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the Small Business Administration (SBA) loans. He stated 25% of these funds are dedicated to paying rent and utilities. It was moved by Councilmember Smede, seconded by Councilmember Dingman, to adopt the resolution providing for a revision to the current utility services (electric, water, wastewater and sanitation) disconnect policy due to the current COVID-19 public health crisis, and give authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the necessary documents. Roll call as follows: Aye – Councilmembers Freeman, Francis, Hally, Radford, Smede, Dingman. Nay – none. Motion carried. RESOLUTION NO. 2020-12 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, ADOPTING THE RESIDENTIAL SERVICE DISCONNECT (2020) AND NON- RESIDENTIAL SERVICE DISCONNECT (2020) POLICIES AS MODIFIED, AND PROVIDING THAT THIS RESOLUTION BE EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION ACCORDING TO LAW. Announcements: Mayor Casper announced several unique graduation celebrations will be occurring; the Exchange Club is sponsoring the Field of Honor over the course of the Memorial weekend at Freeman Park with a drive-through version and a radio narrative; and, flags across the State are at half-staff in honor of Deputy Wyatt Maser from the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office who was killed in the line of duty on May 18. The graveside service for Deputy Maser will be held on May 22. Councilmember Freeman reviewed the procession route through the City. He noted individuals can stand along the procession route and can wear blue in his honor. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m. s/ Kathy Hampton s/ Rebecca L. Noah Casper CITY CLERK MAYOR 2