City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION NOVEMBER 14, 2013 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Council President Roger Bray called the ROLL CALL City Council Study Session to order at 9:03 a.m. Council members present were Jim Johnston, and Gary Moore. Council member Eva Johnson Nye arrived at 9:05 a.m. Council member Craig Cooper arrived at 9:23 a.m. Mayor Brian Blad and Council member Steve Brown were excused. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Dana Olson, Chair Person and Peggy AFRICAN SISTER Johnson, Secretary; from the African CITIES SUBCOMMITTEE Sister Cities Subcommittee were present UPDATE to discuss the Subcommittee’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations. Ms. Olson distributed brochures to the Council that outline the history of the African Sister Cities Subcommittee. Ms. Johnson reviewed projects that have been completed in the Kwaremanguel Burkino Faso village. She mentioned as a result of the Subcommittee’s involvement, the African government recently erected a school near the village. Mrs. Nye arrived at 9:05 a.m. Ms. Johnson also reviewed the sponsorship of students by the citizens of Pocatello. As a result of these sponsorships, many of the students can now attend college. In response to questions from Mr. Bray, Ms. Johnson explained the sponsorship program and the funding needed to continue the program. Other programs also provide equipment and resources to allow crop production for the village so they can have nutritious foods year around. Ms. Olson reviewed the fund raising efforts the Subcommittee has accomplished over the past year. It was mentioned the Subcommittee plans to send a request to the Mayor and Council asking that Martin Jam be allowed to serve on the Subcommittee. Mr. Jam has been active with the Subcommittee for a long period and the members feel he is an asset to their endeavors. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 2 NOVEMBER 14, 2013 AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Ryan Ward, Chairperson; and Lonnie POCATELLO Crowell, Executive Director; representing DEVELOPMENT the Pocatello Development Authority (PDA) AUTHORITY UPDATE were present to discuss the PDA’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations. Mr. Ward gave a brief overview of the PDA’s achievements for 2013. Mr. Crowell noted that improvements at the airport will be the PDA’s main focus in 2014. He outlined projects such as the North Yellowstone Tax Increment Financing District and Urban Renewal Area closing approximately 4 years early; loan fulfillment for Petersen Incorporated; demolition of aged structures at the Alameda Plaza development and a proposed Alameda Plaza Urban Renewal area. Mr. Cooper arrived at 9:23 a.m. Mr. Ward clarified the demolition costs PDA committed for the Alameda Plaza Project. It was noted that it is difficult to find financing for demolition of property. This is why PDA determined it was in the best interest of the community to assist with demolishing the old Fred Meyer building. In response to questions from Mr. Bray, Mr. Crowell compared the Fred Meyer project with the proposal from Winco Foods in relation to job commitment. Mr. Moore shared that he feels the South Valley Connector Project is going to be amazing for the community and those living in that area. Mr. Ward stated the Hoku bankruptcy situation is still in progress. He noted that PDA has been active monitoring the situation and Hoku representatives have been in contact with PDA representatives. Mr. Ward mentioned another auction is scheduled for the facilities because of issues with the original bid process and he anticipates clarity for the second auction. He also clarified that PDA only contributed $48,000.00 to the Hoku project to help with emergency access. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Crowell feels more investment needs to be implemented at the Naval Ordnance Plant before it can be properly marketed. He has been told by potential companies the facility’s entrance is unattractive and there are also utility issues. Mr. Crowell noted the current owner is in the process of transferring the facility to his children. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 3 NOVEMBER 14, 2013 The Council thanked members of the PDA for their efforts and the good example they have set for economic development in the State of Idaho. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Tari Jensen, Chair Person; and Matthew OPEN SPACE ADVISORY Lewis, Planning Division Manager; from COMMITTEE UPDATE the Open Space Advisory Committee were present to discuss the Committee’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations. Mr. Lewis stated he is City staff liaison for the Committee. He explained the Committee is very dedicated and passionate to keep open space in the community. Ms. Jensen reported approximately nine members currently serve on the Committee. She reviewed the Committee’s Annual Report for 2013 which included looking at connectivity between parks, green and open spaces, and bike trails, etc. Ms. Jensen explained City maps were reviewed by the Committee as instructed by Mayor Blad to research possible paths for biking across the area. Committee members were very pleased with the Lupine property purchase. Ms. Jensen noted the Lupine area is heavily used and a parking lot would be a great addition to the area. She outlined open space ideas implemented by the City of Boise. Ms. Jensen stated the Committee would like to recommend the following projects: a) Share the Road Project involving educational components so people are more aware of bike lanes and that drivers should not park their vehicles inside the lanes. Also, asking the Street Department to sweep inside the bike lane areas. It has been reported that riders cannot travel within the striped areas due to debris on the road; and b) have one meeting a year that would include Parks and Recreation, Portneuf Greenway and Valley Pride to review open space needs in the community. Ms. Jensen also mentioned that new developments in the City of Chubbuck require a park. This is not a requirement in Pocatello and the Committee would like Council to consider this type of requirement. Mrs. Nye shared her concerns with park maintenance once a small neighborhood park is created. AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Tom Daniels (mailing address: 1895 Taghee RENAME PROPOSAL Pl., Pocatello ID 83204) Historian for -POCATELLO REGIONAL Bannock County Memorial Association, was AIRPORT present to discuss a proposal to rename Pocatello Regional Airport. Mr. Daniels proposed the name of “Pocatello Regional Airport, Sgt. James Edmund Johnson Field” in honor of Medal of Honor recipient James Edmund Johnson. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 4 NOVEMBER 14, 2013 Mr. Daniels gave a brief description of Sergeant Johnson’s military history. He explained Sergeant Johnson was listed as Missing in Action on December 2, 1950. Three years later on November 2, 1953 Sergeant Johnson was declared Killed in Action/ Body Not Recovered. The Bannock County Veterans Memorial Association would like to remember the efforts of Sergeant Johnson through renaming the Airport. It was noted the Airport Advisory Board had concerns with the proposal. Mr. Daniels addressed some of the concerns which included honoring other individuals that are also deserving of recognition, but would be left out; and that Sgt. Johnson did not serve in the Air Force. He mentioned that other airports are named after individuals that did not serve in the Air Force. In response to questions from Mr. Johnston, Mr. Daniels explained the State of Idaho has 15 Medal of Honor recipients. He feels the odds of someone receiving another one in this part of the state are very slim. Mr. Daniels noted that Pocatello has always been a military town and has a large veterans association. He mentioned other military organizations in the community support the proposal. Mr. Bray mentioned there has been discussion of establishing a cemetery for veterans in the community. He noted that several areas have been considered and he felt a cemetery would be a great tribute to the many veterans that live in southeast Idaho. AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: David Gates, Fire Chief, was present to ORDINANCE discuss a proposed ordinance establishing ESTABLISHING the Pocatello Fire Department as required POCATELLO FIRE by Idaho Statute 50-309. The proposed DEPARTMENT ordinance includes information used by the cities of Boise, Coeur d’ Alene and Idaho Falls to establish their Fire Departments. The final ordinance will include input from Council, Human Resources and the Legal Department. Mr. Gates explained that while researching information to create a Strategic Plan for the department, it was found that an ordinance could not be located establishing the City’s Fire Department. As a result, he researched other cities to see how they had adopted their Fire Departments which included the following: Powers and Duties of the Fire Chief; Management; Organization; and Core Duties of the Department. Mr. Gates also noted that an established ordinance gives Fire Department staff the “Right of Entry” and authority to access property. In response to a question from Mr. Cooper, Mr. Gates clarified that none of the current functions of the Fire Department will CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 5 NOVEMBER 14, 2013 change. He explained the proposed ordinance will just bring the Department into compliance under the State Statute. It was the consensus of the Council to move forward with creating an ordinance to establish a Fire Department according to State Statute. AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: David Gates, Fire Chief, was present to FIRE DEPARTMENT discuss a proposed Strategic Plan for the STRATEGIC PLAN Fire Department. Fire Department staff PROPOSAL is seeking Council’s support regarding strategic issues, strategies and future goals of the Department. A resolution will be prepared for adoption by the Council at a later date. Mr. Gates reviewed what a strategic plan includes and the process taken to develop a plan for the Department. The proposed plan includes sections outlining topics such as the Department’s vision; mission; values; and philosophy of operations. Mr. Gates gave a breakdown of each section of the proposed Plan and the key stakeholders in the process. The Plan takes the concepts developed by the Department and puts it into action. He feels this will allow consistency of operations and capitalize on individual skills of staff. Mr. Gates explained the Department is seeking Council’s support and noted the Fire Union is supportive of the plan and has voted to adopt it if approved by Council. Council discussion regarding the benefits citizens would receive as a result of the plan followed. As a result, it was the consensus of the Council to support the proposed Strategic Plan for the Fire Department and instructed staff to develop a resolution for consideration. Council President Bray adjourned the meeting at 10:34 a.m. APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST: RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK