City Council

680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes Thursday, May 9, 2024, 7:30 PM City Council Chambers 1. Call to Order Present: Council President Burtenshaw, Councilor Radford, Councilor Francis; and Councilor Larsen Also present: All available Department Directors Micheal Kirkham, City Attorney Corrin Wilde, City Clerk Absent: Mayor Rebecca L Noah Casper, Councilor Freeman, Councilor Ziel-Dingman. 2. Pledge of Allegiance Councilmember Radford led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Public Comment Dennis Hartmann, an Idaho Falls resident, would like to correct what he sees as a misconception concerning the closing of runway 17/35, that it would negatively affect the services of Air Idaho Rescue and Medevac services. He says, after a lengthy conversation with Air Methods, the operator of these services, he learned that: 1. The helicopter is always their number one choice of transport and that originates from the hospital and takes people as far as Salt Lake City. 2. If we ended up with just one runway and it was out of service temporarily for resurfacing or whatever, they foresee that they would relocate temporarily to the Rexburg airport. He stated that hopefully, this will alleviate some of the questions and concerns about that. 4. Consent Agenda A. Office of the Mayor 1) Appointments to City Boards, Committees, and Commissions New appointments of Sunny Katseanes and Mark Madsen to serve on the Sister Cities Advisory Committee pursuant to Title 2 of Idaho Falls City Code, and to the new appointments of City Councilmember Jim Freeman and Idaho Falls Regional Airport Director Ian Turner to serve on the GIFT Board pursuant to Idaho Statutes § 40-2016. B. Idaho Falls Power 1) IFP Hydropower Generation Insurance Policy Renewal  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes Council approved and ratified the 2024/25 Hydropower Generation Insurance Policy for Idaho Falls Power for a total of $473,738.00. This policy ensures the City's hydropower generation facilities. Starr Technical Risks is providing approximately 75% of the overage with Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Elite, providing approximately 25% for a total premium of $473,738.00. The policy 24SSLDOLD320471, was the best commercially available policy presented to IFP’s generation plant insurance broker, Alliant Insurance Services, Inc. of Houston, Texas. 2) Idaho Falls Power Board Meeting Minutes from April 10, 2024. 3) Altec 60’ Digger Derrick - Model D3050H Purchase of the Altec 60’ Digger Derrick Model No. D3050H for a Sourcewell price of $410,613.00. This purchase will replace unit #3010, a 2009 Digger Derrick that is approaching its useful life and scheduled for replacement. Lead time for this equipment is two to three years and is included in our upcoming planned capital budgets for equipment replacement. C. Public Works 1) Bid Award - Holmes Avenue Reconstruction - Cleveland Street to Elva Street. Council approved plans and specifications, award to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Knife River Corporation-Mountain West, for $509,933.00. On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, bids were received and opened for the Holmes Avenue Reconstruction, Cleveland Street to Elva Street project. A tabulation of bid results is attached. The purpose of the proposed project bid award is to contract with the lowest bidder to reconstruct the roadway on this portion of Holmes Avenue. 2) Bid Award - Calkins Avenue and Rosehill Drive Water Line - 21st Street to 18th Street Council approved plans and specifications; award to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Knife River Corporation -Mountain West, for $666,969.00. On Tuesday, April 30, 2024, bids were received and opened for the Calkins Avenue and Rosehill Drive Water Line from 21st Street to 18th Street project. A tabulation of bid results is attached. The purpose of the proposed project bid award is to contract with the lowest bidder to place a new water line to eliminate several dead-end water main lines. Rosehill Drive and Calkins Avenue will be reconstructed following water line installation. 3) Bid Award - Thermoplastic Citywide 2024. The Council approved the plans and specifications; and awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder, Falls Striping, LLC, in the amount of $76,252.20. On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, bids were received and opened for the Thermoplastic Citywide 2024 project. The tabulation of bid results is attached. The purpose of the proposed bid award is to contract with the lowest bidder to place thermoplastic pavement markings on various streets throughout Idaho Falls. D. Office of the City Clerk 1) Minutes from Council Meetings 2024 0425 City Council Meeting - Executive Session 2024 0422 Work Session - Executive Session 2) License Applications  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes It was moved by Councilor Larsen, seconded by Councilor Francis to approve, ratify, accept, or receive all items on the Consent Agenda according to the recommendations presented. The motion was carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Francis, Larsen, Radford, Burtenshaw. Nay – None 5. Regular Agenda A. Municipal Services 1) Purchase of Police Body Worn Camera and In-Car Video Equipment. Director Alexander presented the purchase of Police Body Worn Camera and In-Car Video Equipment. This purchase will access the National Purchasing Partners Government (NPPGov), a cooperative procurement organization for an all-inclusive, five-year contract with LensLock, Inc., contract #PS22120 to replace Police body-worn camera and in-car video equipment. The LensLock contract will provide 114 Gen 12.5 Body Worn Cameras and 70 Hawk 6 In-Car Video equipment, software, integration, migration, and cloud-based storage support services. Payment for equipment and services for years 2-5 will be fixed at $210,016 annually. The purchase of Police body-worn cameras and in-car video equipment from LensLock, Inc. will be a total of $251,666. Director Alexander stated that 201,666 dollars will be funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the balance is from the Police Department 2023-2024 operating budget. Councilor Francis inquired about the significance of syncing car and body cameras. Chief Johnson clarified that current technology allows these cameras to automatically activate together when the vehicle’s lights are turned on. This feature is crucial during high-stress emergencies, as it eliminates the need for officers to manually turn on their body cameras. Chief Johnson cited an incident where an officer was under gunfire, emphasizing that in such situations, the officer’s priority should be self-defense and public safety, not operating a camera. The synchronized cameras automatically activate with the emergency response light, ensuring comprehensive coverage of emergency situations. This technology enhances transparency, as it allows the public to be informed about police activities. It is particularly beneficial in high-stress situations where the current cameras, which do not communicate with each other, fall short. It was moved by Councilor Larsen, seconded by Councilor Francis to Approve the purchase of Police body-worn cameras and in-car video equipment from LensLock, Inc. for a total of $251,666 and authorize the Mayor to sign the necessary documents. The motion was carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Francis, Larsen, Radford, Burtenshaw. Nay – None B. Public Works 1) Bid Rejection - Sewer Dig & Point Repairs 2024. On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, bids were received and opened for the Sewer Dig & Point Repairs 2024 project. The only bid received was for $89,505.00 which is 299% of the engineer's estimate. Public Works staff reviewed the bid and concluded that awarding this contract was not in the best interest of  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes the city. Council is being asked to consider rejecting the single bid received from Knife River Corporation – Mountain West, for the Sewer Dig & Point Repairs 2024 project, find that these services can be best procured on the open market, and direct staff to solicit the work on the open market. Councilor Radford inquired about the success of procuring items on the open market following several bid rejections. Director Fredericksen confirmed some success but highlighted challenges in obtaining fair bids for underground trench and construction projects due to market conditions. Fredericksen expressed concerns about the trades, particularly the rates and per diems being offered. He anticipates difficulties with all electrical matters next year. However, he doesn’t foresee these impacting bids for underground construction, as contractors for such work typically don't travel far, which could lead to more competitive bids next year. It was moved by Councilor Larsen, seconded by Councilor Francis to reject the single bid received from Knife River Corporation - Mountain West, for the Sewer Dig & Point Repairs 2024 project, 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 was carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Radford, Francis, Burtenshaw, Larsen. Nay – None 2) Microtransit Professional Services Agreement Renewal with Idaho Falls Downtowner LLC. Director Fredricksen says this Agreement provides for the renewal of a turn-key operation to operate, market, and maintain a demand response rideshare service within Idaho Falls city limits. Downtowner has performed the agreed-upon services for the past two years. The Agreement specifies a not-to- exceed cost of $1,680,691.00 to provide scoped services. This cost is budgeted and will be reimbursed, requiring no financial contribution by the City of Idaho Falls. It was moved by Councilor Larsen, seconded by Councilor Radford to approve the Professional Services Agreement between the City of Idaho Falls and Idaho Falls Downtowner LLC and give authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the necessary documents. The motion was carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Radford, Burtenshaw, Francis, Larsen. Nay – None 3) State Local Agreement and Resolution with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) for the Woodruff Avenue - Meppen Canal to Lincoln Road Overlay Project. State Local Agreement for Development and Resolution with ITD for the Woodruff Avenue - Meppen Canal to Lincoln Road Overlay project. The proposed project involves full-width pavement milling followed by an overlay on this portion of Woodruff Avenue. This is a State Local Agreement for Development and Resolution with ITD for the Woodruff Avenue – Meppen Canal to Lincoln Road Overlay project. The proposed project involves full-width pavement milling followed by an overlay on this portion of Woodruff Avenue. The total cost of the project is anticipated to be $1,353,000. The agreement requires City financial contribution toward the project with a match rate of 7.34% for an  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes estimated total of $99,310. The City is required to make an initial deposit before the commencement of design activities of $2,000. Councilor Radford highlighted the efficient use of taxpayers’ money, noting that 93% of it is federally funded. With just $99,000, we can develop miles of canal trail, which is remarkable. He also mentioned that Idaho benefits from a higher federal match. Director Fredericksen clarified that Radford was referring to gas tax allocations. Larger states are donor states, meaning they receive less from the Federal Government than they pay in gas tax. However, more rural communities like Idaho and Wyoming receive more than they contribute. Council President Burtenshaw clarified that this project is not for the canal trail. This is for the overlay from the Meppen Canal up to Lincoln. Director Fredericksen agreed. It was moved by Councilor Larsen, seconded by Councilor Francis to approve the State Local Agreement and Resolution with ITD for the Woodruff Avenue - Meppen Canal to Lincoln Road Overlay project, and authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the documents. The motion was carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Larsen, Burtenshaw, Francis, Radford. Nay -None. RESOLUTION 2024-08 WHEREAS, the Idaho Transportation Department, hereafter called the STATE, has submitted an Agreement stating the obligations of the STATE and the CITY OF IDAHO FALLS, hereafter called the CITY, for Woodruff Ave, Meppen Canal to Lincoln Overlay. C. Community Development Services 1) Public Hearing for CDBG PY 2023 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). Under HUD (United States Department of Housing and Urban Development) requirements, entitlement communities receiving CDBG funds must complete the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). As part of the reporting process, information on projects completed and funds spent must be presented in a public hearing and then posted for public comment. The public hearing has been advertised and scheduled for the May 9, 2024, regular City Council meeting. The meeting will be followed by a 15-day public comment period and then a request for the Council to approve a resolution at the June 13, 2024, meeting. The 2023 CAPER must be submitted to HUD no later than June 30, 2024. The CDBG Program supports many of the City’s goals and priorities including Livable Communities, Economic Growth, Sustainability, and Well-Planned Growth and Development. The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is required for the City to receive its annual CDBG allocation from HUD, which averages approximately $430,000 per year. Director Sanner provided opening remarks about the purpose of the meeting to discuss the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER). Director Sanner explained that as an entitled city, we have the authority to receive and utilize federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. These grants, which are federal dollars, play a crucial role in addressing housing needs, supporting low-income housing, assisting the unhoused  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes population, and facilitating property redevelopment within our community. Being entitled also means that we are obligated to conduct a consolidated annual performance evaluation (CAPER). The CAPER serves as a report detailing how we’ve utilized these funds throughout the year. Additionally, there’s a 15-day public comment process following this presentation. On June 13, the City Council is scheduled to approve the report, and we must submit the resolution to HUD by our June 30 deadline. Grants Administrator Lisa Farris began the presentation. She says this is our 20th year participating in this program, and the city started in 2004 as an entitled community. She presented the 2023 Community CDBG to HUD. Ms. Farris summarized the Criteria for Projects/Activities: National Objectives (HUD): Projects must meet at least one of the following objectives: • Benefit low to moderate-income individuals (e.g., in Bonneville County, a family of four with income less than $68,300). • Prevent or eliminate conditions of slum and blight. • Address an urgent need. HUD Eligible Activities: Projects must fall into one of the following categories: • Construction of public infrastructure. • Handicapped access to public facilities. • Housing rehabilitation, social services, or business rehabilitation. • Acquisition, clearance, and disposition of property. • Relocation costs, economic development, job creation, or training Additional Criteria: • Projects must align with the goals outlined in the City’s 2021-2025 Five-Year Consolidated Plan. • They should also be selected for inclusion in the Annual Action Plan. Ms. Farris says they must meet one of four priorities as defined by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). • Community Development Priority • Economic Development Priority • Housing Development Priority • Public Service Priority Ms. Farris stated that since the program’s inception, our financial expenditure has exceeded $8 million, excluding COVID funds from 2020. We are currently utilizing funds from 2022 and 2023. For 2023, over 61% of the funds are allocated to projects that are nearing completion. We are awaiting invoices to finalize these projects. Ms. Farris stated the majority of the funding is allocated to projects within certain Census Tracts, as shown on the 2023 Census Tract Map. She said we completed 31 projects using 2023 funds. Three of these projects, although located outside the Census Tracts, directly support Low and Moderate Income (LMI) through public service projects. These include the CEI daycare voucher program, Club Incorporated’s homeless case management, and the Senior Center In 2023, she said they utilized just over $166,000 of our funds, leaving a balance of over $267,000. Out of 10 funded projects, 7 have been completed. The Behavioral Health Crisis Center helped 210 low-  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes income clients with abuse recovery. The Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Centers provided rental assistance to three victims of in-home violence. Club Inc. offered case management services for homelessness to 10 LMI individuals. Promise Ridge provided 33 families with emergency shelter and case management. The Senior Center delivered 499 meals to the elderly and disabled using new equipment and managed the CDBG program with one full-time employee. In addition, the 2023 Annual Action Plan was developed and submitted. She said we conducted financial reporting and fair housing training in June with over 55 attendees in Idaho Falls. She said we also supported the Homeless Stand Down on November 4, 2023, and the Point in Time Count in January 2023 Ms. Farris stated that the plan years run 4/1/2023 to 3/31/2024 and there is funding from a previous year that we are using up going into the new plan years. For program year 2023 we spend $166,457.13. Invoices are pending for N Highland Park and starting in June YMCA will start their project. Program Years 2017 - 2022 $195,900.45 Total spent between 4/1/23 & 3/31/24. $24,522.27 Bal. of 2022 façade funds obligated to the lighting project. Ms. Farris reported that the 2022 Public Works funds facilitated 17 curb, gutter, and sidewalk projects for N. Highland. Before and after photos of these and other projects were presented, including: • Community Development Priority/Public Infrastructure Projects on Jefferson Ave. • Two phases of façade improvements for Page Insurance at 365 Park Ave. • A sign project for Lily at 257 A St. • An awning project for Panttaja Properties at 501-549 Park Ave. In 2023, Public Service Priority Activities funded several initiatives: • Case management and services at Promise Ridge Family Shelter. • Legal aid for victims of domestic violence in Idaho. • Treatment at the Behavioral Health Crisis Center. • Daycare vouchers for low-to-moderate income full-time students at CEI. • Rental assistance for victims of in-home violence through DVSAV. • Case management and services for the homeless by CLUB, Inc. Ms. Farris highlighted the need for a summary of the COVID-19 relief funds, received through the CARES Act. The first round of $250,072 was received in November 2020. The second round was for counties and states, while the third round of $257,585 was received by the city in Spring 2021. Out of 22 projects funded, 21 are complete, with only the Utility Assistance project remaining, which has just over $8K left. Ms. Farris noted that the COVID funds offered flexibility, removing the usual 15% cap on public service funds allocation. This allowed many of the COVID-funded projects to be public service activities. The deadline to utilize all funds is September 30, 2026, and we are on track to meet this. Ms. Farris further explained the distribution of funds between the first and second rounds, referred to as CV1 and CV3, and provided details on the funded projects.  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes CV1 funds were allocated to various projects. The Trinity United Methodist Church Day Shelter used the funds to provide laundry, meal preparation, shower facilities, and community services. The Downtown Event Center received a Parklet for social distancing and deliveries. The ARTitorium and Willard Arts Center installed sneeze guards. The Community Food Basket and Citizen Community Center received equipment for their programs, while the Behavioral Health Crisis Center received funding for furniture and supplies. CV3 funds, the "third round", were used for several projects. The Skyline Activity Center repurposed a pharmacy refrigerator to store COVID-19 vaccines for community distribution by the Fire Department. The building was also made ADA-accessible, and sound dampening was installed in the multipurpose room. With the ADA budget, sound upgrades were made to all rooms. The Community Food Bank underwent a Parking Rehab Project. The Idaho Falls Food Basket upgraded counters and storage through a Counter Rehab and a Basket Storage Rehab. The Idaho Falls Symphony received equipment upgrades, and the Behavioral Health Crisis Center received technology equipment. Councilor Francis explained the hearing process. The hearing was officially opened, allowing for immediate public comments or later submissions to Ms. Farris’ office. Ms. Farris confirmed that comments could be made until May 24th, which would be included in the report to HUD. Ms. Farris announced that the HUD allocation for 2024 had been received. The 2024 CDBG funding is set to be $434,123 an increase of $294 from the previous allocation. Council President Burtenshaw opened the hearing and welcomed public comments. However, no one came forward. The hearing will remain open for comments until May 24th. 6. Announcements There were no announcements. 7. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:06 PM s/ Corrin Wilde s/Rebecca L. Noah Casper Corrin Wilde, City Clerk Rebecca L. Noah Casper, Mayor +