City Council

Honorable Mayor and Council Brad Cramer, Community Development Services Director September 16, 2020 September 15, 2020, Planning Commission Action Planning Commission took the following action during the September 15, 2020 meeting. 1. ANNX20-011: ANNEXATION/INITIAL ZONING. Annexation and Initial Zoning of LC, Limited Commercial for 1.677 acres in the SW1/4 of Section 25, Township 2 North, Range 37 East, a portion of Milligan Road. Generally located north of Sunnyside, east of Snake River Parkway, south of Pancheri Dr, west of Snake River. On September 15, 2020, the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the annexation and initial zoning to the Mayor and City Council as presented. 2. ANNX20-014: ANNEXATION/INITIAL ZONING. Annexation and Initial Zoning of LM, Light Manufacturing and Heavy Commercial for approximately 5.496 acres in the SW1/4 of Section 1, Township 2 North, Range 37 East.. Generally located north of 33rd N, east of 26th W, south of 49th N, west of Interstate 15. On September 15, 2020, the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the annexation and initial zoning to the Mayor and City Council as presented. 3. RZON20-011: REZONE. Rezone from HC, Highway Commercial to LC, Limited Commercial for a portion of Lot 19 and Lots 20, 21, 22, Block 1 of Jackson Hole Junction Subdivision 1st Amended. Generally located south and east of Interstate 15, west of Pioneer Rd., and north of W Sunnyside Rd. On September 15, 2020, the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Rezone to the Mayor and City Council as presented. 4. RZON20-013: REZONE. Amendment of Title 10, Chapter 7, Form Based Code, residential requirements and uses, specifically allowing residential uses on the ground floor in some instances. On September 15, 2020, the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Rezone to the Mayor and City Council as presented. 5. PLAT20-033: FINAL PLAT. Fairway Estate Division 28. Generally located north of W 33rd N, east of N 5th W, south of W 65th N, west of N 5th E. On September 15, 2020, the Planning & Zoning Commission recommended approval of the Final Plat to the Mayor and City Council as presented. RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION: To receive recommendation(s) from the Planning and Zoning Commission pursuant to the Local Land Use Planning Act (LLUPA).  PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MAY 4TH, 2020 WEBEX MEETING 12:00 Noon Members in Attendance: B. Lee, J. Forbes, B. Combo, M. Hill, K. Hope, T. Hersh, C. White, P. Lloyd, S. Smede, J. Frances, T. Reinke, D. Pennock, C. Horsley, P. Holm, R. Campbell, Members Not In Attendance: J. Hammon, J. LoBuono, D. Radford, W. Johnson CALL TO ORDER – B. COMBO B. Combo called the meeting to order at 12:12. APPROVAL OF MINUTES C. White motioned to approve the February and March 2020 minutes. K. Hope seconded. All in favor. DIRECTOR’S REPORT – P. Holm P. Holm reported on the following: Covid 19 Update:  The department was taxed with cutting the budget by $744,000.  All Parks and Recreation Divisions have been asked to halt all non-essential spending.  We are dealing with staff reductions and devising management plans to do more with less staff.  Last year the Parks division had hired about fifty-five seasonal employees, and this year we have twenty-four. During the peak of last year’s season we had nine-one Parks Division seasonal employees, whereas this year we expect to cap at forty.  The Parks Division will focus on high visibility areas this year and have reduced maintenance in low visibility areas such as storm ponds.  We will be closing the Sandy Downs track and stall rental facility.  We are closing Noise Park for the season which will save us approximately $100,000. We will keep the OHV riding trail open to the public.  The Downtown Association gave us a bid to maintain the downtown planters and watering which will save us approximately $60,000.   The Horticulture Division will purchase no additional flowers and all beds will be planted and maintained by volunteers.  The playgrounds and skate park are closed until further notice.  We have opened up fourteen restrooms after large amounts of human feces were found in park locations. Restrooms will operate under modified hours and be cleaned often.  We will be laying off one full time position out of Recreation.  We closed the facilities on March 16th and will reopen the Recreation Center at the end of June. The reopening of the Aquatic Center is still to be determined.  The Aquatic Center pool has been drained and the staff have been relocated to help in the Parks Dept.  We will open some modified youth sports in June during Stage 3.  We will maintain ball fields and not charge user groups. Some groups may have to line the fields themselves.  We have cancelled sports that we are unable to maintain social distancing such as soccer, basketball, and some of our other smaller programs.  The Splash Pad has been delayed until further notice. We have however picked the company who will build it.  We have reduced the work force at the Zoo.  The Zoo will open May 16th with modified hours and social distancing protocols.  There will be no zoo events this summer.  The War Bonnet has been cancelled.  Budget Implications of Covid were outlined. Comp Plan Update:  There have been several teleconferences with Pro’s Consulting.  We are doing internal research on items they need to save money on the contract.  Pro’s Consulting expects to have the plan finished by the end of July.  They are currently working on the environmental plan and benchmarks for us. Soccer Fields:  The Old Butte Soccer Complex FAA issues were discussed. At this point the fee to use the fields won’t be as high as we originally expected.  We should not have to remove the soccer field lights at this time. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – C. Horsley C. Horsley reported on the following: Grants Update:  He contacted a firm called Resource Associates who can assist with researching grants. They offer several packages at different prices. They can identify what our goals are and then they have a grant researcher find at least twenty grants that might work for our department. For an additional cost, they can write the grants themselves or assist us in writing them. Aquatic Center Structural Assessment  We are moving forward with the assessment. We got the quote down to 26k. We have currently been in a holding stage because of the Covid but we will move forward when the assessment team can travel. Motion to Adjourn: M. Hill motioned to adjourn at 1:45pm. All in favor. Next meeting will be held June 1, 2020. Recorded by: Tracy Sessions, Clerk, Parks & Recreation  PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING JUNE 1, 2020 WEBEX MEETING 12:00 Noon Members in Attendance: B. Lee, J. Forbes, B. Combo, M. Hill, C. White, J. Hammon, S. Smede, D. Pennock, P. Holm, R. Campbell, C. Horsley Members Not In Attendance: K. Hope, T. Hersh, J. LoBuono, D. Radford, P. Lloyd, W. Johnson CALL TO ORDER – B. COMBO B. Combo called the meeting to order at 12:06. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The May 2020 were minutes tabled. No quorum. DIRECTOR’S REPORT – P. Holm P. Holm reported on the following:  He advised the Commission of the Snake River Ferry business that will begin operating a ferry on the Snake River this summer giving rides to patrons.  The 20/21 proposed budget was submitted. He discussed the many cuts and need to do the absolute minimum this year. The only budget request will be for the Aquatic Center. We will be cutting our planned roadway repairs for Tautphaus Park, closing Noise Park for the season, vacating the Sandy Downs stalls, and temporarily ending the maintenance of Sandy Downs.  The Aquatic Center structural assessment was discussed. The assessment team will arrive June 16th.  The plan by Pro’s Consulting should be finished by the beginning of the fiscal year.  The Sandcreek caretaker house inspection was conducted. The house is in bad shape and Building Maintenance will get an appraisal to help us decide if it is worth saving.  He advised the board that the Youth Hockey organization has offered to collaborate with Parks and Recreation very early in the season to make the upcoming hockey season better and safer for the participants COVID Updates   Revenue projections being down were discussed. He explained that the controller’s office asked Parks and Recreation to cut the budget for this reason. Recreation will take a huge hit and it’s hard to predict how many people will feel comfortable coming back to the Aquatic Center or the Recreation Center when the facilities open.  Playgrounds, shelters, and the skate park opened May 23rd.  The Aquatic Center and Recreation Center will open on June 13th.  We had some layoffs, including a Recreation Center front desk position, the Sponsorship Coordinator position, one position at the Parks, and the elimination of a Parks Operator position.  He advised that the Aquatic Center staff and one Recreation Center staff member continue to be working with the Parks crews until those facilities open back up.  The golf courses were discussed. The tee times are selling out daily and they have a ten minute gap between tee offs. Green fee sales are up, but year passes are down a bit. They will begin opening the ball washers and taking the benches back out the last week of May. They will keep the flag poles as a non-touch item for Covid concerns.  He advised that we will be planning on constructing a restroom at Pinecrest out by the maintenance building. This will be constructed so that the maintenance staff will have somewhere to wash off chemicals as well as better follow sanitation guidelines for Covid. This will be paid for by the General Fund, and we will send in a reimbursement request to FEMA. PARK UPDATE  The Parks Department staff had the cemeteries looking fantastic for Memorial Day weekend, however the big snow storm on Memorial Day broke trees branches at the cemeteries as well as several other parks.  Two ping pong tables were installed on cement pads across from the Recreation Center on the greenbelt. The Recreation Center will rent equipment for one dollar.  The north park road in Tautphaus Park is under construction. A pathway into Rosehill Cemetery from Tautphaus will be added.  Construction has begun at the dog park.  We are adding a playground in the Dunes Addition, which will be paid for by the addition’s home owner association. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – C. Horsley C. Horsley reported on the following:  He discussed the safety guidelines upon reopening the pool. He advised they will have a separate entrance and exit for patrons to better adhere to social distancing guidelines. They will also close the locker rooms to changing, and have patrons come and leave in their swimming attire. They will have modified pool hours and ask parents to drop off  students for lessons instead of staying to watch. There will be a “no touch” policy for instructors while giving lessons.  Recreation league numbers were updated. Girls fastpitch numbers are the same as last year, however adult softball numbers are down about half. Youth baseball is slightly down.  He advised the Southeast Idaho Umpire Association put on a spectacular training seminar to local umpires. ZOO OPERATIONS MANAGER – D. Pennock D. Pennock reported on the following:  The zoo opened on May 16th. They had a very successful first week. Attendance has been good, but zoo memberships have decreased by 60%. They hope to make that up as the season continues.  They have taken Covid precautions for social distancing. Most of the time it seems to be working unless people crowd up to an exhibit.  He discussed the dilemma of fundraising during the pandemic as events are too large to adhere to social distancing.  They are still not holding any educational programs, so those staff members are now working elsewhere within the zoo.  He advised that Funland will not open this year. They are putting together a group of people to help come up with ideas for the direction they want to take. Motion to Adjourn: M. Hill motioned to adjourn at 1:00pm. B. Combo seconded. All in favor. Next meeting will be held July 6, 2020. Recorded by: Tracy Sessions, Clerk, Parks & Recreation  PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING JULY 6, 2020 WEBEX MEETING 12:00 Noon Members in Attendance: P. Lloyd, C. White, J. Forbes, P. Holm, M. Hill, S. Smede, B. Combo, D. Pennock, K. Hope, J. Francis, C. Horsley, B. Lee Members Not In Attendance: D. Radford, T. Hersh, J. Hammon, J. LoBuono, W. Johnson CALL TO ORDER – B. COMBO B. Combo called the meeting to order at 12:02. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The May and June 2020 minutes were tabled. No quorum. DIRECTOR’S REPORT – P. Holm  P. Holm advised the Commission that Parks and Recreation is moving forward with the Master Plan and they have had several meetings with the Pro’s Consulting team. The firm is currently working on bench marking. They are using population comparisons from communities such as Bend Oregon, Medford Oregon, and Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Thursday, July 9th there will be a staff meeting with tier one employees and Pro’s Consulting to focus on our department vision. We would like to have this Master Plan project wrapped up by August.  The budget will be presented on Monday, July 13th. We have cut approximately six hundred thousand from 20/21 budget.  The only budget “ask item” we will have, will be for funds for the Aquatic Center to replace the dehumidification system. He advised the Commission that regarding the Aquatic Center we are still waiting for our structural assessment report on that facility. We did get some comments from the team, thus far, that there are no significant structural concerns. It is more of a cosmetic issue regarding the chipping and cracking of walls. The main consensus from the team is the lack of air flow and quality of the facility is causing the cosmetic concerns. They also feel that the facility is safe. However the ducts that overhang the deep end of the pool needs to be addressed. They also mentioned that under the pool we have all cast iron piping, so they are recommending  that we try to switch that out to a non-conductive material like flex piping or PVC. The dehumidification system is the most significant concern at the pool.  P. Holm advised he is attending the next Council Work session to discuss the following: the Pinecrest Irrigation loan from the Idaho Water Resource Board (which it is now looking like that in order to get a loan, which would entail taking on long term debt for the City, might have to go through an election process where we would have to get a super majority from the public). The Funland Capital Improvement Plan. We started an internal committee where we are trying to look at what the future of Funland will look like. The Splash Pad. We have not moved forward since our RFQ’s. Once Covid hit, we thought it might not be good to build it now while no one can visit it and the fact we are laying on the staff. Now we are looking at working on some other areas of the pad, like the bathrooms or the parking lot. Sandy Downs. We’ve closed our track and stalls due to cuts in staff. We are trying to decide on the best use for this facility moving forward. The stalls have been emptied out. It’s required a lot of man hours to maintain the stalls. He advised he also met with Bryon Reed (Commissioner) on ways to partner with the County on this facility. D. Pennock – Zoo Operations Manager  D. Pennock further discussed Funland and the committee’s plan to develop how this amusement park will go forward and what a huge potential the park has. There was board discussion. C. Horsley – Recreation Superintendent  He updated the Commission on the status of programs being run during this Covid pandemic. He advised the Aquatic Center will begin swimming lessons starting July 13. The adult softball leagues had half the number of teams from last year, yet the girls fastpitch league had the same numbers as last year. Youth Baseball had more players than predicted. The day league is a bit down. We started running parent & child introductory classes, and they filled to capacity. DEPARTMENT REPORTS Bonneville County – Dave Radford (Absent) Golf Advisory Committee – T. Hersh (Absent) School Dist. 91 – P. Lloyd  No updates as of yet. Everything still up in the air with sports and school due to Covid. Many things will depend on what the school districts individually decide versus a statewide directive. He is cautiously optimistic that there will be fall sports in school. School Dist. 93 – W. Johnson (Absent) Shade Tree Committee – M. Hill  No updates at this time. Motion to Adjourn: B. Lee motioned to adjourn at 12:51pm. All in favor. Next meeting will be held August 3, 2020. Recorded by: Tracy Sessions, Clerk, Parks & Recreation  PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING August 3, 2020 WEBEX MEETING 12:00 Noon Members in Attendance: B. Combo, M. Hill, T. Hersh, B. Lee, J. Forbes, J. Hammon, D. Pennock, R. Campbell, P. Holm, C. Horsley Members Not In Attendance: K. Hope, C. White, J. LoBuono, D. Radford, P. Lloyd, W. Johnson CALL TO ORDER – B. COMBO B. Combo called the meeting to order at 12:10. APPROVAL OF MINUTES The May, June and July 2020 minutes were tabled as we had no quorum. DIRECTOR’S REPORT – P. Holm  Master Plan update. He is waiting for draft report expected from Pro’s Consulting in the next few days. The draft plan will be e-mailed out to all the Commissioners. They will then do the presentation at our next meeting on September 14 th.  He advised he doesn’t see us moving forward with a Community Center in the next five years, so he asked Pro’s Consulting not to include that on the five year plan. Instead, we want a community center to be our recommendation whenever the funding becomes available.  The budget regarding the Aquatic Center was discussed. He advised that the City Council approved the cost of the dehumidification system.  Other budget items were discussed including the cuts in our man power, projects and the possibility of selling property or doing a trade with the county in exchange for the Zoo admin building.  There will be fee increases for Recreation to help offset some of the negative numbers.  He explained the increases for General Fund Administrative Transfers (all department are paying toward general city services like HR, IT, Legal), and the amount has gone up. In Recreation we paid 58K, but this upcoming year it will be 176k. Golf went from 48K to 155K. C. Horsley – Recreation Superintendent – Aquatic Center Assessment  The biggest findings from the assessment, the structure such as the roof are sound. It’s more of an environmental problem with the air quality is the biggest concern. The dehumidification system is a sound investment to keep this facility going for several more years. The assessment was broken down into three categories: life safety, short term, and long term. There were recommendations for each category.  In conclusion, this facility has not had continuous upkeep since it’s construction to keep ahead of the damage caused from the humidity. DEPARTMENT REPORTS Bonneville County – Dave Radford (absent) Golf Advisory Committee – T. Hersh  Golf budget was discussed.  P. Holm, discussed the irrigation loan that they intended to do with the Idaho Water Resource Board. Now we are looking at doing an internal loan (possibly with the water department). We have an upcoming meeting to discuss that to find some options for funding for that. School Dist. 91 – P. Lloyd (absent) School Dist. 93 – W. Johnson (absent) Shade Tree Committee – M. Hill (no report) Motion to Adjourn: B. Combo motioned to adjourn at 1:20pm. All in favor. Next meeting will be held September 14, 2020. Recorded by: Tracy Sessions, Clerk, Parks & Recreation  Idaho Falls Sister City Youth Approved Meeting-Minutes This meeting was conducted using the platform Zoom ​August 17, 2020 Attendees Nicholas Cebull Melinda Cebull Jackie Sugai Kylie Eaton Katie Eaton David Eaton Izabel Kelley Laura Kelley Charlie Medema Max Medema Heather Medema Mike Medema Gabe Padron Jorge Padron Stephanie Whitney St Michel VanAusdeln Jo Gallegos Approval of minutes ​A motion by Stephanie VanAusdeln was made to approve the August 5, 2020 meeting minutes after correcting the dates of the community project for volunteers to work at the Community Garden from July 11 and July 18 to August 11 and August 18. It was seconded by Max Medema. Passed. Fundraiser Garage Sale ​Heather Medema called Big Horn Auction. She will need to call them back with the list of items IFSCY has to find out whether or not Big Horn will Auction them off. ​The group will make a decision at the next meeting to delay the yard sale until next spring or put them up for auction. If the group decides to wait until the spring of 2021 Judy Seydel will rent a storage unit for our group for all the donated items until we have the yard sale next year. Community Projects ​Volunteers at the August 11 Community Garden were Heather Medema, Charlie Medema, Nathan Peck, Kendra Peck, Spencer Peck, Stephanie VanAusdeln​ ​and Katie Eaton. A reminder to those who signed up for Tuesday, August 18 beginning at 7:00 am to 10:00 am to work at the Happyville Farm Community. Those who signed up were Laura Kelley, Izzy Kelley, Kendra Peck, Nathan Peck, Whitney St. Michel, Kylie Eaton and Katie Eaton. Each person is asked to bring their mask, hat, sunscreen, and water bottle. . Laura Kelley stated that the Community Distribution Center does not need volunteers at this time because they do not have enough food to sort. There is a need to help out at the Idaho Falls Soup Kitchen on Thursday, August 20 from 11:00 to 1:30 to work at the Community Distribution Center which is near the IRC building. Do the same twelve people who had signed up to work at the distribution center want to work at the food kitchen? An email will go to the group requesting volunteers for August 20 at the Food Kitchen. Skyping A student asked if IFSCY group could arrange a Skype call with our Sister City group in Japan. David Eaton will email a note to Mona to ask if a Skype meeting can be scheduled. Recruiting New Members ​ The group needs to discuss ways to recruit new students to join the IFSCY. This will be put on the next meetings topics. In the meantime will students please invite interested friends to participate in IFSCY group. Reminder The next meeting is on September 2, 2020 at 7:00. Please put this on your calendar. A reminder email notice will be sent out before the meeting. Upcoming meetings: September: 2nd and the 14th, October: 7th and the 19th, November: 4th and 16th, and December meetings: 2nd and 14th. ​ Student Activity Student Presentation ​Tonight's lesson was taught by Nicholas Cebull. He spoke on “Japanese Cruisine” Need powerpoint presentation here Student Presentation​ ​Volunteer A student volunteer is needed to present for the September 2, meeting. Meeting Adjourned Stephanie VanAusdlen motioned to adjourn the meeting. It was seconded by Kylie Eaton.  Idaho Falls Sister City Youth Approved Meeting-Minutes This meeting was conducted using the platform Zoom ​September 2, 2020 Maggie Boring Nicholas Cebull Melinda Cebull Charlotte Combs Laura Combs Kylie Eaton Katie Eaton David Eaton Abby Gallegos Izabel Kelley Laura Kelley Sam Hawker Lori Kidwell Max Medema Heather Medema Mike Medema Charlie Medema Jorge Padron Nathan Peck Kendra Peck Stephanie VanAusdeln Rebecca Smith Anna St. Michel Whitney St. Michel Carter Thompson Approval of minutes ​A motion by Lori Kidwell was made to approve the August 17, 2020 meeting minutes. It was seconded by Whitney St. Michel. Passed. Reminder The next meeting will be ​September 14, 2020 at 7:00.​ Please put this on your calendar. A reminder email notice will be sent out before the meeting. Upcoming meetings: October: 7th and 19th, November: 4th and 16th and December meetings: 2nd and 14th. Students asked when the meetings will once again take place at the Idaho Falls Public Library. The group discussed the options. The members agreed that if the number of covid cases decreases in the next month then the group should consider meeting at the library once again. Friendship Garden ​David Eaton will contact Judy Seydel about scheduling a date to rake leaves at the Friendship Garden. He will let us know at the ​September 14th​ meeting. Fundraiser Yard Sale/Virtual Auction ​Donated items are visible on website for those who haven’t viewed the donations. A link will be sent to members for bidding. A decision will be made at the next meeting as to what to do with all unsold items. Recruiting Members for IFSCY Ideas for recruiting new members were discussed by the group. There were no definitive solutions. Recruiting for new members was tabled for now and will be discussed again at the September 14th​ meeting. Library Display: ​The airport has been remodeled and the Sister City display case was taken down. The two display cases in the airport are being used to display items from the veterans group. David will keep us informed on when and where the Idaho Falls Sister City displays will be. City Councils’ Discussion on the Sister Cities Idaho Falls and Tokai-Mura David Eaton reported on the Idaho Falls Council’s discussion on optimal organization for Sister Cities. There are three proposals: 1) City Sponsored Committee 2) Private/Independent Organization and 3) Hybrid. Members discussed all three. David Eaton explained that the decision made will be for both the IFSCY and the adult organization. As David gets more information he will pass that information along to our group. ​Student Activity Today's Lesson: ​Today's lesson was taught by Nathan Peck, about Silver Week, in Japan. For additional information, the slides are attached below, or at the link below. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1JuzltxcOf-93O4a88KfmYHHipF9wqcyjqIR1F52CdwA/e dit?usp=sharing Next Meeting: ​Next meeting will be taught by Maggie Boring. Future Meetings: ​Signed up for the second meeting of October, is Izzy. Silver Week  Pam Alexander, Municipal Services Director Monday, September 14, 2020 Transfer of Ambulance to Clark County Emergency Medical Services Council Action Desired ☐ Ordinance ☐ Resolution ☐ Public Hearing ☒ Other Action (Approval, Authorization, Ratification, etc) Approve transfer of City property pursuant to Idaho Statute §67-2322 one 2012 Ford F450 ambulance to Clark County Emergency Medical Services. Idaho Statute §67-2322 provides guidelines for the transfer of property by a local unit of government to another government entity. Description, Background Information & Purpose In 2012, the Idaho Falls Fire department acquired through Municipal Equipment Replacement Fund (MERF) an ambulance to provide advanced life support services to the residents of the City of Idaho Falls and surrounding counties. This ambulance was scheduled for replacement this fiscal year as recommended. Based on years of service and mileage it is estimated the ambulance will receive approximately $5,000 through public surplus. Relevant PBB Results & Department Strategic Plan ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ The transfer of the equipment supports the reliable public infrastructure and transportation community-oriented result by transferring use of City equipment no longer needed to another community. Interdepartmental Coordination The Fire Department concurs with the transfer of equipment pursuant to Idaho Statute §67- 2322. Fiscal Impact By transferring the ambulance to Clark County EMS, the surplus amount estimated at $5,000 will not replenish the Municipal Equipment Replacement fund. Legal Review Legal has reviewed the transfer request and concurs the Council action desired is within State Statute. 2