City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1:Mayor Brian Blad called the City Council ROLL CALL Study Session to order at 9:01 a.m. Council members present were Roger Bray, Steve Brown, Craig Cooper, Jim Johnston, Gary Moore and Eva Johnson Nye. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Kathleen Lewis, Planning and Zoning PLANNING AND ZONING Commission Chair Person, and Matthew COMMISSION UPDATE Lewis, Staff Liaison, were present to discuss the Commission’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations. Ms. Lewis reviewed the Commission’s activities and work sessions over the past year. She noted that three work sessions were designated to update the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Lewis reported there are several new members on the Commission and training for the new members has been planned. The Commission’s goals for the next 12 months included updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan and a portion of the Zoning Ordinance by holding public meetings and hearings. The Commission will also work with Bannock Transportation Planning Organization to combine efforts at public hearings to update information. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Lewis reported there have not been as many requests for new subdivisions as in past years and he did not have an estimate of anticipated residential and commercial growth in the community. Mr. Lewis mentioned the City’s Comprehensive Plan will be updated at the same time as Bannock Transportation Planning Organization from information received at the same public meetings. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3:Clifford Olsen, Secretary, and Brian OPEN SPACE ADVISORY Holmes, Committee member, from the Open COMMITTEE UPDATE Space Advisory Committee were present to discuss the Committee’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations. Representatives also reviewed their report on the South Valley Connector area. Mr. Olsen gave a brief report of the Committee’s activities over the past 12 months. He mentioned that Rocky Point Subdivision was evaluated by the Committee for its open space needs. Mr. Olsen noted that the property owner originally wanted to donate a portion of the land to the City but was not able to. The Committee would like the Council to research acquisition of the property. He reported several special speakers gave presentations at their meetings regarding open space opportunities in place within their communities. Guest speakers also told the Committee that they will need strong support from CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 2 SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 their local government. In closing, Mr. Olsen stated the Committee met with City staff about mapping open space areas in the community and the Committee was asked to assess the South Valley Connector area. Mr. Holmes gave a power point presentation regarding open space in the South Valley Connector area. He overviewed direct and indirect effects of the proposed connector noting the basalt cliffs and plateau area raised some concerns with the scenic view being hindered and negative effects on plant life. The AMI-Kirkham trail will be affected as the connection of the proposed bridge and road passes through the area to connect the interstate. Mayor Blad clarified that a bridge going over the freeway is no longer in the South Valley Connector plans. The proposed road is now going under the freeway so the view from the trail will not be as hindered. He explained that this new concept/change for the connector was decided in the last few weeks. Mr. Holmes gave quick highlights from the Committee’s report. He noted that plans show barricading travel from the west side of the Portneuf River and feels users such as bicyclists and joggers will be impacted. Since this is a connectivity issue, it was suggested access be allowed for these users. In conclusion, the Committee recommended the following for the South Valley Connector area: a) Preserve the remaining area of the plateau as open space. (15 acres estimated to be lost from connector project). b) Culvert be replaced with a bridge that would span the AMI- Kirkham trail canyon view. c) Construction foot print be minimized and re-vegetation completed with placement of native plants. d) City budget developed to include a new fund for future acquisition and maintenance of open space. Mayor Bland thanked the Committee for their work and dedication to open space issues. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Joyce Stroschein, City Finance Manager, FISCAL YEAR 2012 presented information regarding proposed PROPOSED SEPTEMBER Fiscal Year 2012 September budget BUDGET AMENDMENTS amendments. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 3 SEPTEMBER 13, 2012 Mrs. Strochein reviewed the proposed amendments one through twelve. She mentioned that six of the amendments were in connection with the recent Charlotte fire. Mayor Blad clarified that during the first 12 hours of the Charlotte fire the City was not billed by other fire departments who responded. Mrs. Strochein confirmed the Mayor’s remarks and noted that the expenses being considered in the budget amendment are what accumulated after the 12 hour period was exceeded. She explained it is possible that Bannock County may reimburse the City for this expense. Mr. Moore clarified that Bannock County is planning to approach Governor Otter’s office for emergency funds to meet these expenses. In response to questions from Council, Mrs. Stroschein reported the budget amendment is necessary at the end of the year for finance reporting purposes. She explained each City Department does what they can to absorb unexpected costs to avoid an amendment. However, the cost of the Charlotte fire was so large an amendment was necessary. It was noted that a public hearing regarding the proposed September Budget amendments will be held on September 20, 2012 and an Ordinance will be prepared for consideration by the Council. Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 9:39 a.m. APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST: RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK