City Council

680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes Thursday, April 25, 2024, 7:30 PM City Council Chambers 1. Call to Order Present: Mayor Rebecca L Noah Casper, Council President Burtenshaw, Councilor Radford, Councilor Ziel-Dingman, Councilor Freeman, Councilor Francis; and Councilor Larsen Also present: All available Department Directors Colter Hollingshead, Keller Associates Michael Fuss, Stantec Consulting Micheal Kirkham, City Attorney Corrin Wilde, City Clerk 2. Pledge of Allegiance Councilmember John Radford led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Public Comment Logan Quack Pickens is a resident of Idaho Falls, ID. Mr. Pickens shared a letter he wrote with the Mayor and Council. His letter read as follows: Mayor Casper, Quack quack quack quack! Quack quack quack quack quack quack quack quack. Quack Quack! Quack quack quack quack quack. Quack quack. Quack quack quack quack quack quack quack quack quack. quack quack. Quack quack quack quack quack quack quack quack quack. Coo, quack quack quack quack quack. Quack quack quack quack quack, quack quack quack quack. Quack Quack. Quack quack quack quack quack. Respectful, Disgruntled Logan Quack Pickens. Mr. Pickens thanked the Council for their time and submitted his letter to the City Clerk. Dennis Hartmann a resident of Idaho Falls, ID. Mr. Hartmann wanted to make a few comments regarding the Airport Master Plan. He referenced the Airport Board meeting and some notes on that. Mr. Hartmann says that implies that there is a deadline for a preferred alternative to be presented in the next board meeting in May/June He says to clarify there is no deadline determined on this master plan other than it be done in a timely fashion. The May/June date is an artificial deadline. He wanted to make a couple of points. 1. The decision on runway 17/35 is not about repair and maintenance, he said it’s about closure. That will allow for the east side phases of the Master Plan which will meet all protected airport needs forecasted in the Master Plan. 2. Expansion on the west side is more than just the construction of air cargo facilities but a new taxiway and all related infrastructure which will be tens of millions of dollars. The impact of this will be enormous on the local community north of Airway Road. Going from residential to  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes commercial 24 hours 7 days a week, 365 days a year, and the likelihood that the road changing from 2 lanes to 4 lanes with turn lanes included. 3. In closing, there is time in which further fact gathering can be done, concerning the Airport Master Plan options and their impact on the local community. One additional FYI is runway 17/35 closure has been recommended since 2005 including the 2010 Master Plan For almost 20 years due to what has been called shocking influences have forbidden this to be closed. Mr. Hartmann would love to have a seat at the table and has heard there is not a lot of feedback on this project and feels that it is because of the lack of knowledge that people have. Just because there is a public meeting announced doesn't mean that people are aware of it. Mr. Hartmann says his information is factual and not opinionated. He says he has gone down the rabbit hole on this very deep and says his time is available to help check out facts and information. 4. Consent Agenda A. Municipal Services 1) Purchase of Replacement Mower for Parks and Recreation Department The purchase of one Groundsmaster 4000-D (T4) from the Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract #031121-TTC from Turf Equipment & Irrigation, Inc. for a total of $87,269.52. This purchase will replace unit 2036 which has reached its useful life and is scheduled for replacement. 2) Treasurer’s Report for February 2024 A monthly Treasurer's Report is required for City Council review and approval pursuant to Idaho Statute Title 50-208(1). For the month-ending February 2024, cash and investments total $191.4M. Total fiscal year-to-date receipts received and reconciled to the general ledger were reported at $118.3M, which includes revenues of $53.8M for charges for services and taxes and intergovernmental revenues of $44.4M. Total fiscal year-to-date distributions reconciled to the general ledger were reported at $85.6M, which includes salary and benefits of $31.9M and operating costs of $39.6M. B. Office of the City Clerk 1) Minutes from Council Meetings April 11, 2024, City Council Meeting Minutes. 2) License Applications It was moved by Councilor Larsen, seconded by Councilor President Burtenshaw to approve, accept, or receive all items on the Consent Agenda according to the recommendations presented. The motion was carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Larsen, Burtenshaw, Freeman, Francis, Radford. Nay – None 5. Regular Agenda A. Municipal Services  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes 1) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Committee Recommendations The American Rescue Plan Act provides funding to support response to and recovery from the COVID-19 public health emergency and ensures governments have the resources essential to make investments that support long-term growth in areas of public health, public sector revenue, water, sewer, and broadband infrastructure. The committee recommends the funding of projects from the Fire, Police, Municipal Services, Parks & Recreation, Community Development Services, and Public Works as presented during the Monday, April 22, 2024, City Council work session. The American Rescue Plan Act committee has made recommendations for a total of $3,705,936.48. Director Pam Alexander stated that this agenda item is a follow-up to the conversation we had at a work session on Monday, April 22nd. It was a review and recommendation of an application process for remaining ARPA funds. Alexander stated that these items were discussed as a committee and at the Work Session. She says all the projects are listed on the spreadsheet that were recommended for approval. The total requested amount from the various departments was 4.4 million dollars almost 5 million and there was a total of 16 applications received. The recommendation from the committee was to fund a total of $3,705,936.48. Councilor Freeman noted that there has been a lot of in-depth conversation at the Work Session going into these recommendations, line item by line item and so they appear to not have a lot of conversation tonight and that is why. Director Alexander noted that the agenda packet did include the spreadsheet that was presented tonight as well as the presentation that was presented at the Work Session on April 22, 2024, and did include the recommendations with detailed descriptions of each one of the 16 applications. Councilor Francis that this is Federal money that comes as part of the American Rescue Plan Act and pointed out that if you look at this list in Council’s decision there a focus on Public Safety, Public Health, and equitable access to facilities in the city. Those categories helped prioritize this in the long run. Mayor Casper had noted that shortly after the pandemic, two bills were passed to aid local government. The CARES Act provided funding for essentials like masks, shields, and glass partitions. Later, when ARPA funds became available, we conducted a first round of allocations. However, it wasn’t until this year that we reviewed previously funded projects. Some came in under budget, and we identified alternative sources of funding. As a result, we embarked on a second round of initiatives, as Director Alexander pointed out. Councilor Radford wanted to let the taxpayer know that this represents something that we don't get to do very often. After almost a decade on the City Council, we have never had access to dollars to be able to build facilities and infrastructure because largely operating the city takes up all the money and we don't have opportunities to make these decisions. You can look back and be proud that we got a fire station and an elevator in city hall. He highlighted Public Safety and it may just look like an agenda item but it is an opportunity because we don't get these opportunities to spend public funds this way very often.  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes Director Alexander reiterated that these funds need to be committed no later than December 31, 2024, and fully expended by December 31, 2026. Council President Burtenshaw, echoing Councilor Radford, and highlighted the importance of Public Safety and Public Access and is excited to offer this. She said that one of the categories on the list asks, is there any other way to fund this. She says no there is no way we could fund this kind of a thing because even though a Bearcat is important and ADA access is important there is just not that kind of liquidity in our budget to do those kinds of things. It was moved by Council President Burtenshaw, seconded by Councilor Larsen to accept, and approve the American Rescue Plan Act committee recommendations for a total of $3,705,936.48. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Burtenshaw, Larsen, Radford, Freeman, Francis Nay – None B. Public Works 1) Wastewater Facilities Planning Study. In late 2022, the City retained Stantec Consulting Services Inc., and Keller Associates Inc., to conduct a Wastewater Facilities Planning Study. The Study identified capital improvement needs and proposed suggestions for efficient management of the utility spanning 20 years. The study was also submitted to the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality for review. The findings of the Wastewater Facilities Planning Study were presented to the City Council on March 11, 2024. A public meeting regarding the Study was held on April 3, 2024, and public comments were solicited between March 27 and April 10, 2024. No public comments were received, and staff recommended acceptance of the plan and adoption of the recommendations made therein. Director Fredericksen stated that our community is growing and when you look at our wastewater utility, how do we ensure it works today, works tomorrow, and works well into the future? This wastewater facility plan is part of evaluating what we have that works well and what we have that we need to address. Then once we combine all of those needs into a capital improvement plan, how do we go about funding that? The main component as you look through the plan is what projects we need to complete and how we impact the rate analysis for our wastewater utility fund. We have had some discussions at Work Sessions and we have also held public meetings and opened it up to the public to have some feedback. He noted that it is wastewater and is one of those things people don't think a whole lot about until they have a problem. This study is trying to address that we don't have a problem. Tonight, this is being brought forward for the Council to accept and adopt the facility plan as proposed. Director Fredricksen highlighted some key points, that our intended rates based on this study would be that those would increase 5% annually and will continue to increase well into 2043. Our current residential rate is $25 a month for sewer and these are very economical utilities in the City of Idaho Falls and wastewater is no different so when thinking about a 5% increase this is about $1.25 that you would be seeing in an annual increase. Councilor Francis asked about the two companies mentioned in the study: CleanB and Veolia. Specifically, he wanted to know whether these two companies are dealing with the same process or if  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes they are working on different things. Director Fredericksen referred the question to Colter Hollingshead from Keller Associates. Mr. Hollingshead discussed the two companies involved in wastewater treatment: Clean B and Veolia. Clean B focuses on treating the waste-activated sludge (WAS), aiming to clean the solids in the sludge. On the other hand, Veolia uses an MBBR (Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor) process, primarily focusing on nutrient removal and reducing anomaly levels in wastewater. Councilor Francis asked if both companies would be part of the solution. Mr. Hollingshead confirmed referencing the capital improvement plan, that Clean B is scheduled first (within 3 to 5 years), while Veolia’s MBBR process would be considered later (around 7 to 10 years). So, both Clean B and Veolia play distinct roles in the overall wastewater treatment strategy. Council President Burtenshaw emphasized the significance of this plan for our city. She commended the dedicated individuals who crafted and will execute this plan. She feels it’s not just about infrastructure; it’s a plan that directly impacts our health, safety, and overall quality of life. Councilor Francis highlighted one of the goals realized as part of the plan: the protection of the Snake River. When you consider its significance, clean water restoration to the Snake River becomes crucial. This commitment benefits all downstream communities and the agricultural sector that relies on the river. Councilor Francis views this as a collective effort by our communities to improve the state. Councilor Francis offered a summary of the plan, he stated that it is full of options and recommendations for us and will add capacity in an economically affordable way. It has to do with reducing odors from the plant, which is a community service, it has to do with improving the efficiency of the operation, and it has to do with protecting the workers at the plant, all of those are in here and are so important. While it may require additional taxpayer funds, it contributes to building a strong and responsible community. Mayor Casper noted that our rates are still among the lowest of cities in our area and even though this will call for an increase it will not put us out of the league. Councilor Radford emphasized that we often overlook celebrating the achievements of modern life. Before the implementation of these systems, 30 out of 100,000 people would die from cholera annually. These changes have transformed our cities and improved our overall health. It’s essential to pause and recognize that the work related to wastewater is crucial and lifesaving. It was moved by Councilor Francis, seconded by Councilor Larsen to accept the Wastewater Facilities Planning Study and adopt the recommendations made therein. The motion was carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Burtenshaw, Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford. Nay -None. 2) Bid Rejection - Water Service Line Replacement (1st Street & Lincoln Road) On Tuesday, April 16, 2024, bids were received and opened for the Water Service Line Replacement (1st Street & Lincoln Road) project. A tabulation of bid results is attached. The only bid received was for $1,201,894.50 which is 252% of the engineer's estimate. Public Works staff reviewed the bid and concluded that awarding this contract was not in the best interest of the city. The recommendation is to  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes reject the single bid received from Knife River Corporation for the Water Service Line Replacement (1st Street & Lincoln Road), find that these services can be best procured on the open market, and direct staff to solicit the work on the open market. Director Fredricksen stated that this is one that we would have our water division implement a lot of these changes but as part of the Bid Rejection, we are asking the Council to make the determination to go out and hire services as needed on the open market. The reason for that is there are some specialized boring and some things that we don't have the ability to do with our staff and we would still want to go out and try to solicit that on the open market. The last two bids we had that were bid rejections had a tight time frame and some of the projects that are currently out for bid have more duration available for them so the contractor can cater their schedules a little more. Unfortunately, these two just didn't fit the schedule that we have. He thinks with some of these bids that you have seen with Public Works and Power we are seeing a very busy contractor community. Councilor Francis commented that we are not abandoning the project. It gives a pause time to rethink how we approach it. It was moved by Councilor Francis, seconded by Councilor Larsen to reject the single bid received from Knife River Corporation for the Water Service Line Replacement (1st Street & Lincoln Road), find that these services can be best procured on the open market, and direct staff to solicit the work on the open market. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Francis, Freeman, Larsen, Radford, Burtenshaw. Nay -None. 3) State Local Agreement and Resolution with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) for the Elm Street - Yellowstone to South Boulevard Project. State/Local Agreement for Development and a Resolution with ITD for the Elm Street -Yellowstone to South Boulevard project. The proposed project involves reconstructing Elm Street between Yellowstone and South Boulevard. The total cost of the project is anticipated to be $1,285,940. The agreement requires city financial contribution toward the project with a match rate of 7.34% for an estimated total of $94,388. The city is required to make an initial deposit of $5,000 before the commencement of design activities. Director Fredricksen explained that the project aims to reconstruct the roadway between Yellowstone and Boulevard, including Elm Street. However, due to multiple overlays, the edges of the roadway cannot be fully utilized. Our engineers will carefully consider the best use of this corridor, considering various transportation modes. This project connects key roadways like Yellowstone and Broadway to the bike-friendly corridor on Boulevard. We’ll focus on these aspects during the design phase, and construction funding is scheduled for 2026, allowing us a couple of years to work on the design. Mayor Casper asked Director Fredericksen what he anticipated the level of participation the Council would have in being able to weigh in on the design process going forward.  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes Director Fredericksen emphasized that the Public Works department is always available to address questions from the public or the Council. He noted that some of the considerations we have are the schools and the museum. Despite limited right-of-way space, they aim to find the best way to accommodate different transportation modes while addressing our concerns. Director Fredericksen mentioned that once the concept study is complete, he could provide a recommendation to the Council. Additionally, if the Public Works liaisons believe it’s necessary, they can discuss it during a work session. Councilor Francis asked Director Fredericksen to explain the problem with crowning. Director Fredericksen stated that over time these older roadways have continued to be overlayed which raises the road several inches. A lot of times you will have a center of the roadway that is higher than the curb. What that does is at the very edge of the gutter is a very steep slope. When plowing it is hard to get the snow out of there and hard to walk across it and there are several issues associated with that, but the cost of the reconstruction is so expensive, and that is why that has taken place. It was moved by Councilor Francis, seconded by Councilor Larsen to approve the State/Local Agreement and Resolution with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) for the Elm Street-Yellowstone to South Boulevard Project and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the documents. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Burtenshaw, Larsen, Radford, Freeman, Francis. Nay - None. RESOLUTION 2024-07 WHEREAS, the Idaho Transportation Department, hereafter called the STATE, has submitted an Agreement stating obligations of the STATE and the CITY OF IDAHO FALLS, hereafter called the CITY, for construction of A023(023) ELM STREET; YELLOWSTONE TO SOUTH BLVD. 6. Announcements Mayor Casper provided information on an upcoming event this Sunday known as Worker's Memorial Day. In Idaho Falls we will be celebrating it on Saturday and Councilor Freeman will be the speaker for this event it will take place at Freeman Park on Saturday at 10:00 am located on the road closest to the river near the shelter. The Cinco De Mayo celebration will be happening in the city. This third Tuesday in May will be the primary election for state and federal offices. Early voting season starts next week. Tomorrow at 6 PM, the Community Food Basket will distribute plastic bags. The Rotary Club and Just Serv will join forces to attach cards to these bags. Later, letter carriers will collect the bags, which will contain food for the food basket. A total of 40,000 bags will be delivered. 7. Executive Session The Executive Session is being called pursuant to the provisions of Idaho Code Section 74-206 (1)(f) to communicate with legal councel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated, but imminently likely to be litigated. The Council will not reconvene in an open session after the executive session.  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes The City Council of the City of Idaho Falls met in an Executive Session, on Thursday, April 25, 2024, in the City Annex Conference Room in the City Annex Building located at 680 Park Avenue in Idaho Falls at 8:17 p.m. It was then moved by Councilor Francis, seconded by Councilor Larsen, to move into Executive Session (at 8:13 p.m.). The Executive Session was called pursuant to the provisions of Idaho Code Section 74 206(1)(f) to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated, but imminently likely to be litigated. The Council will not reconvene in an open session. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye - Councilors Larsen, Francis, Radford, Burtenshaw, Freeman. Nay – none Call to Order and Roll Call There were present: Mayor Rebecca L. Noah Casper Council President Lisa Burtenshaw Councilor John Radford Councilor Kirk Larsen Councilor Jim Freeman Councilor Jim Francis Also present: Michael Kirkham, City Attorney Jacob Beck, Assistant City Attorney Pam Alexander, Municipal Services Director The Executive Session was called pursuant to the provisions of Idaho Code Section 74-206(1)(f) to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated, but imminently likely to be litigated. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM 8. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:55 PM s/ Corrin Wilde s/Rebecca L. Noah Casper Corrin Wilde, City Clerk Rebecca L. Noah Casper, Mayor  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes +