City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION FEBRUARY 9, 2012 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1:Mayor Brian Blad called the City Council ROLL CALL Study Session to order at 9:00 A.M. Council members present were Roger Bray, Steve Brown, Craig Cooper, Gary Moore, and Eva Johnson Nye. Council member Jim Johnston was excused. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Dwayne Sudweeks, Airport Commission AIRPORT COMMISSION member and David Allen, Airport Manager, UPDATE discussed the Commission’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations. Mr. Sudweeks stated that the Commission is very proud of progress being made at the Airport and where it is today. He read the Airport’s Mission Statement and reviewed an economic study about the Airport. The Commission is very encouraged about possible jet service to Salt Lake City, Utah. Mr. Sudweeks invited citizens to visit the Airport’s Kizuna Gardens and to participate in Airport Appreciation Days scheduled for June 23, 2012. Mr. Allen reviewed some challenges that are coming up at the Airport in the near future. He explained that Police Department staff is being utilized to meet certain tasks. Mr. Allen noted that this can be a problem in winter and summer months depending on the Airport’s need. He reminded the Council that Airport property and equipment must comply with FAA requirements. However, some of the required equipment is no longer funded by FAA. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Allen confirmed an Airport Master Plan Update Community meeting is scheduled at City Hall to receive comments from the public on current and future plans for the Airport. Mr. Allen also noted that the contractor chosen to provide jet service at the Airport is still working toward obtaining the necessary equipment. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Barbara Stone, Animal Shelter Advisory ANIMAL SHELTER Board, Chair Person; Eileen Jackson and ADVISORY BOARD Judy Cantrill, Animal Shelter Advisory UPDATE Board Members; and Mary Remer, Animal Shelter Director, discussed the Board’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations. Ms. Jackson shared her concerns with the poor condition of the current Animal Shelter facility. She feels there is a high turnover of employees at the shelter because of the poor condition of the facility. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 2 FEBRUARY 9, 2012 Ms. Stone stated that she has presented the idea of constructing a new Animal Shelter to the Council for approximately four years. She mentioned that a General Obligation Bond could be used to fund the shelter and according to comments received on a recent survey, the community may be supportive of this. Mrs. Nye stated that she has been concerned about the Animal Shelter issue for many years. She acknowledged the hard work done by the Board to promote the Animal Shelter and feels it is time to make a decision of how to move forward. Mrs. Nye shared her concerns that a bond election may delay the project another two years. Council discussion followed regarding funding of the Animal Shelter through the City’s budget process or a General Obligation Bond. Mr. Brown stated that he supports putting a bond election before the citizens but does not feel a $3 million bond would pass. It was noted that the Board has invested $140,000.00 to research the project and before proceeding any further, would like direction from the Council. Mr. Moore explained that he and the Council have supported the Animal Shelter and the need for a new facility. He must be convinced at budget time of how this project fits in with the other needs in the community. Mr. Moore feels it is not fair to the other departments if one if favored over another. Mr. Bray agreed that a new facility is needed but determining financing will be difficult. He feels it is still unclear what phase is the most critical although it appears that the current facility will be utilized while the new facility is being constructed. Mr. Cooper noted that he is in support of building a new shelter, but is also skeptical of getting such a large bond to fund the expense. He feels more discussion and planning sessions need to take place before a decision can be made. Ms. Cantrill stated she has served on the Board for 10 years and would like to see a new shelter constructed. She asked the Council to help promote the Bond Election if it goes before the voters. Mayor Blad reminded the Board that it took two (2) years before a Bond was approved by the voters for a new ambulance. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 3 FEBRUARY 9, 2012 Discussion regarding the General Obligation Bond process and the initial construction and maintenance costs of the proposed shelter followed. Mayor Blad is optimistic that a bond for the Animal Shelter would be approved if it came before the community. He welcomes the discussion of looking at this during the budget meetings. Mayor Blad referred to the recent City survey showing that citizens support the Animal Shelter. David Swindell, Chief Financial Officer, gave a brief history of bonds in Idaho. He noted that the City currently has the Ross Park Aquatic Center Bond which will be paid off in 2013. Council directed the Advisory Board to research the possibility of a General Obligation Bond to finance the proposed shelter and bring their findings to a future Study Session. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Mark Dahlquist, Pocatello Neighborhood CDBG GREATER Housing Services (PNHS), Executive EAST STREET PROJECT Director, Melanie Gygli, Neighborhood and Community Services Division Manager, were present to discuss aspects of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded Greater East Street project. Ms. Gygli gave an overview of the project and proposed vacation of the East Street right-of-way. She noted that PNHS has been working to acquire five separate, irregularly-shaped parcels in the 1500 block of North Hayes and create usable lots for infill housing. Ms. Gygli explained that Street Department staff will provide labor and PNHS will provide materials. She stated that the streets in that area do not line up because this is where the old town site and City limits meet. This has caused the parcel’s irregular shapes making infill projects difficult. Mr. Moore noted he worked in that area for many years and feels this project will help clean up and enhance the area. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Gygli reviewed the size of the parcels adding that PNHS will donate a portion of the land to the City for a right-of-way in exchange for the vacation costs. Mr. Dahlquist explained that there were multiple owners of the parcels and now all five parcels are together and this infill project is ready to move forward. Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 10:24 A.M. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 4 FEBRUARY 9, 2012 APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST: RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK