City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION OCTOBER 10, 2013 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Mayor Brian Blad called the City ROLL CALL Council Study Session to order at 9:04 a.m. Council members present were Craig Cooper, Gary Moore and Eva Johnson Nye. Council member Steve Brown arrived at 9:21 a.m. Council members Roger Bray and Jim Johnston were excused. Mayor Blad announced Agenda Item No. 5 to update the Council on a new Animal Shelter facility had been pulled from the agenda at the request of City staff. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: David Martinez, Chair Person; and LIBRARY BOARD Eric Suess, Marshall Public Library OF TRUSTEES UPDATE Director and staff liaison for Library Board of Trustees; were present to discuss the Board’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations. Mr. Martinez mentioned he is the new Chair Person replacing Anne Smalley who served on the Board for many years. He noted increased signage has helped with the aesthetics in the library. Mr. Martinez acknowledged Mr. Suess’ successful management of the library on a limited budget. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Suess feels the library building is in good condition. He mentioned a new roof for the building was approved in the City’s Budget and he will begin researching bids for the roof. Ms. Nye noted this is her first year serving as Council Liaison on the Board. She feels the library is something the community should be proud of and is pleased with the many outreach programs it provides. In response to questions from Mayor Blad, Mr. Suess explained the future of the bookmobile will be reviewed to determine if it is still plausible. He noted that only 80 books were checked-out during the course of the summer. Mr. Suess feels because the library is centrally located, there may not be a need for the bookmobile. Very few people are actually using the bookmobile. Mr. Martinez added that the Library Board has tried everything they can think of to promote the bookmobile. It is possible that the bookmobile could be refurbished for another use. Mr. Suess added that there is an ADA access lift on the bookmobile so it may of interest to individuals in the  2 CITY OF POCATELLO STUDY SESSION OCTOBER 10, 2013 medical community. He does not feel it is appropriate to invest more money into the vehicle. Mr. Martinez noted the Board will discuss the bookmobile in depth before any action is taken. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Dave Packer, Chair Person; and Sunny HOUSING AUTHORITY OF Shaw, Executive Director/Secretary; POCATELLO UPATE Housing Authority of Pocatello, were present to discuss the Authority’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations. Mr. Packer stated the Authority appreciates the Council’s support. He noted there are multiple challenges for the coming year because Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is scheduled to provide only 83% of their regular funding. As a result, fewer people will be served. Mr. Packer stated the Authority monitors 266 units and described how their programs put money back into Pocatello’s economy by servicing low income and disabled citizens. He mentioned the Authority hired a licensed electrician and licensed plumber to repair and maintain the units and this has resulted in a great cost savings. Ms. Shaw reviewed the Authority’s Annual report ending June 30, 2013. She feels the Loan Program available for landlords to update their property is a good investment for the community. Ms. Shaw mentioned a new Voucher Program for homeless veterans is now available. Her staff has already met with a few veterans to help with deposit expenses. Steve Brown joined the meeting at this time. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Shaw reviewed the streamlining of Housing Authority staff due to Federal cutbacks. She mentioned they are concerned with the dwindling funds anticipated to be received from HUD. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Diana Livingston-Friedly, Chair POCATELLO ARTS Person, Pocatello Arts Council, was COUNCIL UPDATE present to discuss the Arts Council’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations. Ms. Friedley reviewed the Arts Council’s activities over the past year and gave a presentation showing some of the projects that were dedicated. She discussed the Literary Paver Project and noted that over one-half of the authors identified on the pavers were in attendance for the dedication. Ms. Friedley also mentioned the unveiling of a grizzly bear statue at the Zoo. She also reviewed grants  3 CITY OF POCATELLO STUDY SESSION OCTOBER 10, 2013 received by the Arts Council and various activities the funds were used for. Ms. Friedley mentioned a stone symposium is the next project being considered by the Arts Council. The project will include creating benches for placement throughout the city. Each bench would be carved out of stone by a different artist. Mayor Blad and the Council thanked the Arts Council for their dedication and many activities they provide throughout the community. AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: As announced earlier by Mayor Blad, ANIMAL SHELTER the update on the status of the new FACILITY UPDATE animal shelter facility had been pulled from the agenda. Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 9:39 a.m. APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST: RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK