City Council

680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes Thursday, August 22, 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 Jacob Beck, Assistant City Attorney Corrin Wilde, City Clerk 2. Pledge of Allegiance Mayor Casper led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. 3. Public Comment Mr. Richard Wisner a resident of Home Ranch, spoke about the persistent noise from motorcycle racing in Idaho Falls. He believes the city needs to devise creative and effective solutions to control the racing and urges the Council to allocate funds toward these efforts. Bob Nitschke, a resident of Idaho Falls, recounted a June 9th incident where he encountered a lioness at the Idaho Falls Zoo. He expressed concerns about the zoo's safety, stating that the mistake should have been publicly reported. Nitschke believes the zoo has lost trust and credibility, and that extensive efforts are needed to ensure it is safe for everyone. 4. Consent Agenda A. Airport Lease amendment with the General Services Administration for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) office space. The current General Services Administration lease for Transportation Security Administration office space at the airport began in September 2014 with a ten-year term. The lease has been amended seven times to address terminal building alterations and additional lease space. The initial term included two five-year extensions which this lease amendment exercises. Additionally, it adjusts rent and adds additional terms to the lease to conform with changes in Federal law. The agreement will expire on September 13, 2034, and is necessary to ensure adequate workspace is available to TSA personnel at the airport. B. Police Department 1) Appointment to the Idaho Falls Police Department Use of Force Review Board.  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes The Use of Force Review Board is expanding to ensure at least three civilian members attend each meeting. Board members serve three-year terms and can be reappointed. Chief Johnson of the Idaho Falls Police Department recommends the appointment of Shelly Smede to the Board from September 2024 to September 2027, subject to Mayor and City Council approval. Ms. Smede, a retired Director from School District 91 and former City Council member, brings great integrity and extensive experience to this role. C. Public Works 1) Minutes from Annual Meeting of Public Works Department Utilities-10 July 2024 2) State Local Agreement and Resolution with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) for the 15th East and 49th South Intersection Safety Improvement Project. State Local Agreement for Development and a Resolution with ITD for the 15th East and 49th South Intersection Safety Improvements project. The proposed project involves providing signalized safety improvements at the intersection. D. Office of the City Clerk 1) License Applications It was moved by Councilor Larsen, seconded by Councilor Burtenshaw to approve, and accept, the Consent Agenda according to the recommendations presented. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Radford, Freeman, Burtenshaw, Francis, Dingman, Larsen. Nay – None 5. Regular Agenda A. Municipal Services 1) 2024/25 Fee Resolution Including New Fees and Fee Increases Director Alexander noted that these are new fees or fee increases exceeding 5%, mandated by state law to be included in the tentative budget. They were presented on July 25th and discussed at the public hearing on August 8th. It was moved by Council President Burtenshaw, seconded by Councilor Larsen to adopt the 2024/25 fee resolution. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Larsen, Burtenshaw, Dingman, Freeman, Francis, Radford. Nay – None RESOLUTION NO. 2024 - 15 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, ADOPTING A SCHEDULE OF REVISED FEES FOR SERVICES PROVIDED AND REGULARLY CHARGED AS SPECIFIED BY CITY CODE; AND PROVIDING THAT THIS RESOLUTION BE EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION ACCORDING TO LAW. 2) The Resolution adopting a 1% Levy of Forgone Revenue for Fiscal Year 2024/25 Director Alexander stated that state statute requires public notice similar to our public hearings. She mentioned one change: initially, we estimated up to $491,000 in early July, but since the tentative budget on July 25th and the public hearing on August 8th, this number has decreased. It will still cover  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes all identified forgone items, which is an ongoing 1%. The statute also mandates specifying the use of the 1% forgone in the budget year it is levied. We publicly noted the amount of up to $491,000 for public safety needs such as community policing, firefighter gear, and related operations. The revised total for the 2024/2025 fiscal year budget is $478,281. It was moved by Councilor Larsen, seconded by Councilor Burtenshaw to approve the resolution adopting the 1% levy of the 2024/25 forgone amount of $478,281.00. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Burtenshaw, Larsen, Radford, Dingman, Freeman, Francis. Nay -None. RESOLUTION NO. 2024 - 16 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS, IDAHO, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF THE STATE OF IDAHO, CERTIFYING THE LEVY OF ONE PERCENT (1 %) OF THE CITY'S FORGONE BALANCE, IN THE AMOUNT OF FOUR HUNDRED SEVENTY-EIGHT THOUSAND TWO HUNDRED EIGHTY-ONE DOLLARS ($478,281.00), TO BE INCLUDED IN THE CITY 2024-2025 BUDGET FOR THE SPECIFIC PURPOSE OF FUNDING THE MAINTENANCE AND OPERATION NEEDS OF THE CITY'S POLICE, FIRE AND LEGAL DEPARTMENTS, AND PROVIDING THAT THIS RESOLUTION BE EFFECTIVE UPON ITS PASSAGE, APPROVAL, AND PUBLICATION ACCORDING TO LAW. 3) The 2024/25 Fiscal Year Budget Ordinance The total of $372,670,680 is $1,000,000 less than the tentative not-to-exceed amount of $373,670,680 stated in the published tentative budget on July 25, 2024, and the public hearing on August 8, 2024, pursuant to Idaho Code §50-1002. The original not-to-exceed amount included a $1M placeholder to ensure sufficient budget capacity while project funding sources for the North Fire Station were confirmed. Director Alexander explained that the tentative budget included a duplicated $1M to allow for analysis of funding for the North Fire Station. Due to the timing of submitting the not-to-exceed budget and required publishing, it was later determined that the budget amount could be reduced by $1M, resulting in a total proposed not-to-exceed budget of $372,670,680 for the 2024/2025 fiscal year. Councilor Burtenshaw thanked city employees as the budget was adopted, expressing her satisfaction that it aligns with the Council's priorities for a city that she is proud to live in. Mayor Casper acknowledged the Council members for their efforts in the budget process. Councilor Francis urged the community to read page 105 of the agenda packet and the budget report to understand the city's finances and operations. Councilor Radford expressed pleasure with the positive budget, noting the growth in property tax revenues from $20-30 million to $30-40 million over the years. He highlighted the $300 million budget's impact, covering services, utilities, and the airport, and praised the professionals managing these funds. He emphasized the city's ongoing efforts to leverage dollars for community resilience and improvement. It was moved by Councilor Larsen, seconded by Councilor Burtenshaw to adopt the 2024/25 fiscal year budget in the amount of $372,670,680 and approve the attached appropriations ordinance appropriating monies to and among various funds, under a suspension of the rule requiring three complete and separate readings and request that it be read by title and published by summary. The  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes motion carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Radford, Burtenshaw. Nay -None. ORDINANCE NO. 3581 AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2024, APPROPRIATING THE SUM OF $372,670,680 TO DEFRAY THE EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES OF THE CITY OF IDAHO FALLS FOR SAID FISCAL YEAR, SPECIFYING THE OBJECTS AND PURPOSES FOR WHICH SAID APPROPRIATION IS MADE, AUTHORIZING A LEVY OF A SUFFICIENT TAX UPON THE TAXABLE PROPERTY, PROVIDING FOR REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES, DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO FILE CERTIFIED COPIES OF THIS ORDINANCE WITH THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS AND IDAHO SECRETARY OF STATE, AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. 4) Ratification of Payment to Resin Architecture Director Alexander reported that on August 9, 2024, expenditures to Resin Architecture exceeded Resolution 2020-26 by $11,997.37 due to a staff error in interpreting the change order threshold as 25% instead of 15%. The contract, awarded on July 1, 2022, was for a $48,700 elevator preservation proposal in the 90-year-old City Hall. A change order of $32,910 was approved on March 30, 2023, raising the total to $81,610. Resin's billing reached $105,050.87 due to unforeseen infrastructure issues, exceeding the 15% threshold. The project is 30% complete, with expected completion by December 31, 2024, and additional consultation services anticipated. Councilor Freeman highlighted that this is a 90-year-old building and he is not surprised to have found some unforeseen infrastructure issues and feels we are doing pretty good with this amount. It was moved by Councilor Larsen, seconded by Councilor Burtenshaw to ratify the payment to Resin Architecture in the amount of $11,199.37 and authorize an additional not-to-exceed amount of $10,000 for change orders for architect services that may be needed to complete the City Hall Elevator project. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Burtenshaw, Larsen, Dingman, Radford, Freeman, Francis. Nay -None. B. Idaho Falls Power 1) FHWA Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant - Idaho Falls Charging Stations. Idaho Falls Power received a $3,002,856 federal grant with a $750,714 recipient share to fund four corridor charging stations supporting clean energy initiatives. Construction, expected to last five years, will begin with a request for proposals in fall 2024. Chief Financial Officer Josh Roos stated that last year, Idaho Falls Power applied for the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure (CFI) Grant. This year, they were awarded a portion of the $622 million in grant funding given to 47 participants across 22 states. Idaho Falls Power was one of the two recipients in Idaho, alongside Boise. Currently, they are working with the Federal Highway Administration on the grant agreement. Mr. Roos highlighted that the project includes EV infrastructure in four locations in Idaho Falls: Freeman Park,  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes Memorial Park, Idaho Falls Power, and Johns Hole Park. These locations are near the highway, allowing convenient charging for travelers. Each site will have DC fast chargers and two Level 2 chargers, each with two ports, totaling 24 charging stations. The project is estimated to cost $3.7 million, with federal funding covering $3,002,856 and Idaho Falls Power contributing $750,714 (20% of the cost). Once the agreement is signed, the RFP process will begin, with construction expected to start in spring 2025 and complete by the end of next year. They have five years from approval to finish the project. It was moved by Councilor Freeman, seconded by Councilor Dingman to approve the City’s receipt of the Charging and Fueling Infrastructure Grant with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for the Idaho Falls Charging Infrastructure project with a total cost of $3,753,570.00 and give authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to execute the necessary documents. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Larsen, Francis, Radford, Dingman, Burtenshaw, Freeman. Nay -None. C. Fire Department 1) Bonneville County Fire Protection District #1 Service Agreement The City of Idaho Falls will receive Inter-governmental revenue through this Service Agreement to provide Fire Protection Services to the residents of Bonneville County. This two (2) year service agreement underscores the importance of collaborative efforts between government entities working together to better serve our entire community. Chief Nelson explained that the professional services agreement with the Bonneville County Fire District enables us to extend fire protection services to residents living outside the city. This area spans from the North to South County Lines, west of Noise Park to around the Ririe Reservoir, covering approximately 300 square miles, thereby increasing our response area. The budget for the next two years reflects this continued partnership with the Fire District and its elected officials, including the fire district commissioners. This collaboration allows us to provide services for all residents in the Fire District by leveraging their tax dollars. These funds constitute about 15% of our operating budget, which corresponds to the call volume for services provided within the County. This agreement would take us to 35 years of partnership with the district. Councilor Freeman commended Chief Nelson for his leadership and efforts in enhancing community safety. Freeman remarked that the agreement is advantageous for both the city and the County, allowing for a greater availability of firefighters and an improved level of service in the County beyond their capabilities. Councilor Radford stated that taxpayers don't need to replicate efforts and is a great example of how we can save money and provide the training and professional work that we do. Councilor Francis appreciates the formula that provides the basis for figuring out what the proper cost is and helps to make it transparent and is important.  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes It was moved by Councilor Freeman, seconded by Councilor Francis to approve the two (2) year Fire Protection Service Agreement between the CITY and Bonneville County Fire Protection District #1 and give authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to sign necessary documents. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Freeman, Radford, Burtenshaw, Francis, Dingman, Larsen. Nay -None. D. Public Works 1) Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Formula Grant Program Funding Agreement. This funding Agreement will allow for the use of FY 2021 Section 5307 funds for operating and capital costs for GIFT microtransit services. Director Fredericksen stated that this is an exciting night for the GIFT program as we are moving from 100% funding from ARPA to fund this pilot program for the long term. The Agreement is for $1,024,000.00 and requires a $367,250.00 (35%) match in local contribution that will be met through in- kind match and existing fund balance. Councilor Larsen noted that he once needed to use GIFT services and he was very happy with the service as they arrived on time and it was a pleasant experience. Councilor Radford noted that he will abstain from voting on this because some funding that his organization provides may be used for this program. Councilor Francis believes we are at the forefront of this initiative. Dingman mentioned that shortly after the program started, we began receiving inquiries from other cities eager to replicate our process. She highlighted that the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) hosts an annual transportation summit, where she will represent us as a member of the Public Transportation Advisory Committee (PTAC) next month. She also shared that a fellow Mayor recently approached her, expressing the need for this program and seeking guidance on implementation. She noted that It's rewarding to be recognized for our efforts in this area. Mayor Casper acknowledged Councilor Freeman for his role as chair of the GIFT board and his efforts in guiding the board to proficiency. She commended his dedication and contributions. Councilor Freeman expressed that the GIFT board's success is largely due to Director Kade Marquez, whose leadership has been instrumental. He noted that they are fortunate to have Director Marquez, making his role on the board much easier. It was moved by Councilor Larsen, seconded by Councilor Francis to approve the FTA 5307 Formula Grant Program Funding Agreement and authorize the Mayor to sign the necessary document. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Larsen, Francis, Dingman, Burtenshaw, Freeman, Nay - None. Abstained – Councilor Radford. Mayor Casper noted that Director Fredericksen could present the next two items in one presentation. 2) State Local Agreement and Resolution with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) for the 5th Street and Holmes Avenue Intersection Improvement Project.  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes Director Fredericksen presented the State Local Agreement for construction and a Resolution with ITD for the 5th Street and Holmes Avenue Intersection Improvement project. The proposed project involves constructing a new traffic signal to replace the existing span wire system at this intersection. The total cost of the project is anticipated to be $904,329.00. The total Federal funding available for this project is $766,852.00. This agreement requires a city financial contribution toward the project estimated to be $207,661.00. The city was credited $27,750.00 for in-kind services leaving $179,911.00 in financial match. 3) State Local Agreement and Resolution with the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) for the 15th East and 49th South Intersection Safety Improvement Project. Director Fredericksen mentioned that, while the intersection currently has stop control, it is not signalized. This project aims to install a full traffic signal, create turn lanes for future projected traffic, and improve overall safety at this location. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027 and will align with another project we are partnering on with Bonneville County at Holms and 49th. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $1,500,000, with the city required to contribute 7.34% of this amount, approximately $110,100. It was moved by Councilor Larsen, seconded by Councilor Francis to approval of the State Local Agreement and Resolution with ITD for the intersection of the 5th & Holmes Signal Improvement Project and authorization for the Mayor and City Clerk to sign documents or take other action deemed appropriate. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Francis, Dingman, Freeman, Larsen, Radford, Burtenshaw. Nay - None. RESOLUTION 2024-13 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 A020(461) INT 5TH & HOLMES SIGNAL, IDAHO FALLS It was moved by Councilor Francis, seconded by Councilor Larsen to approve the State Local Agreement and Resolution with the ITD for the 15th East and 49th South Intersection Safety Improvements project and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to sign the necessary documents. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye – Councilors Larsen, Francis, Radford, Dingman, Burtenshaw, Freeman. Nay - None. RESOLUTION 2024 – 14 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 the Int 15th E and 49th S Safety Improvement.  680 Park Avenue City Council Meeting Idaho Falls, ID 83402 Minutes 6. Announcements Tomorrow: Join us for a bike tour showcasing urban renewal success stories in Idaho Falls. Meet outside the Chamber of Commerce office at 8 am. Tomorrow, Afternoon: Tenant and family cookout at the Airport. Next Week (August 28th): Ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Meppen Canal Trail at 1:30 PM. September 1st-11th: Fundraiser for first responders. Participate in the stair climb at the Budweiser plant. September 9th: Work Session. August 23-24: Idaho Falls High School and Skyline High School are celebrating their 50th class reunion. The first night will be at the Museum of Idaho, and the second night at the Colonial Theater. 7. Adjournment. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:48 PM. s/ Corrin Wilde s/Rebecca L. Noah Casper Corrin Wilde, City Clerk Rebecca L. Noah Casper, Mayor +