City Council
Regular MeetingPocatello, ID · April 10, 2014
Minutes
1
CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
APRIL 10, 2014
AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Mayor Brian Blad called the City Council Study Session to order
ROLL CALL at 9:03 a.m. Council members present were Steve Brown, Craig
Cooper, Jim Johnston, Gary Moore and Michael L. Orr. Council
member Eva Johnson Nye arrived at 9:15 a.m.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Lynn Transtrum, Building Official and Staff Liaison to the
-CONSTRUCTION BOARD Construction Board of Appeals was present to discuss the
OF APPEALS UPDATE Board’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and
expectations.
Mr. Transtrum reviewed responsibilities of the Board which includes interpreting Building and Fire
Codes. He mentioned over the last 15 years one appeal has been heard before the Board. Mr.
Transtrum explained most of the questions received by the Board are regarding fence permits. He
noted the Board meets on an “as needed” basis and sometimes there are six to eight months
between meetings.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Dave Hunt, City ADA Coordinator and Ex-Officio member
-ADA/504 COORDINATING from the Disabled Citizens ADA/504 Coordinating Committee
COMMITTEE UPDATE was present to discuss the Committee’s goals and projects, as
well as Council’s policies and expectations.
Mr. Hunt reported the Committee has not had a regular meeting for several months because they
lack enough members to have a quorum. He explained the big emphasis right now is to identify
ADA barriers/issues that citizens may face. Mr. Hunt mentioned the Committee hopes to complete
a revised ADA plan this year.
In response to questions from Council, Mr. Hunt explained individuals serving on the Committee
represent “all” members of the community. ADA access issues on Idaho State University Campus
have been identified. He noted long strides have been made regarding these issues and the
Committee is looking at possible resources to remove ADA barriers. Mr. Hunt mentioned citizens
may notice the installation of street crossing signals that have audible prompts to help individuals
that are legally blind cross intersections safely.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Sharon Tusi (mailing address: 446 North 7th Avenue Pocatello,
-PROPOSED FIRE HYDRANT ID 83201) was present to discuss a proposal that would allow
PAINTING PROJECT-ISU decorative painting of City owned fire hydrants located on Idaho
State University (ISU) campus.
Ms. Tusi gave a brief history of her proposal noting the project is something she has been thinking
about for a couple of years. She is a senior at ISU and would like to move forward with the project
to earn credits for school. Ms. Tusi hopes to eventually include other fire hydrants across the City
for the decorative paint program.
Council member Nye arrived at 9:15 a.m.
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 2
APRIL 10, 2014
Ms. Tusi would like to start the project with a fire hydrant located in front of the Fine Arts building
and eventually progress across ISU campus. She explained there are quite a few artists that are
interested in participating in the project.
Mr. Orr shared his concerns that correspondence from the Fire Department and Water Department
state they are opposed to the idea of painting fire hydrants. He suggested Ms. Tusi research an
alternate option such as painting city owned bus stop benches and/or shelters.
Ms. Tusi stated most of the concerns she is aware of include citizens taking it upon themselves to
paint fire hydrants without approval from City staff. She noted that she is not in control of the
actions of other citizens. Ms. Tusi explained she is not asking for funding from Council to paint the
hydrants and does not anticipate any financial support for the project.
Council discussion followed regarding the beautification benefits of decorative hydrants as well as
safety issues in an emergency situation. Concerns included decorative painting may hinder the
ability to identify water pressure issues at each hydrant.
In response to a question from Council, Dave Hunt, Pocatello Transit Director, reported the City of
Boise has incorporated great art projects utilizing their transit benches.
Mayor Blad encouraged Ms. Tusi to consider painting transit benches instead of fire hydrants. He
noted it is against City Code to have advertising on Public Transit benches so she could decorate the
entire bench.
Mr. Johnston feels the hydrant project it is a good idea that may help bring the ISU Community and
City together.
Mr. Moore stated fire hydrants are located in certain areas for a purpose and there are legitimate
reasons they are color coded. He explained the hydrants must be found quickly during an
emergency. Mr. Moore shared his concerns if Fire Department staff cannot immediately locate and
are not able to recognize if the hydrant has water source limitations.
Ms. Tusi mentioned there are a lot of fire hydrants that are not painted annually and need to be
painted. She is not looking at having City staff do the maintenance and suggested the hydrants be
painted yellow and returned to their original state when needed. Ms. Tusi suggested starting
decorative painting on ISU campus only and eventually moving into neighborhoods, especially busy
streets for more exposure.
In response to questions from Council, Rich Diehl, Deputy City Attorney, explained the City
provides fire hydrants for emergency use. He reviewed the memos submitted by Fire and Water
departments noting why certain color codes are placed on each hydrant. Mr. Diehl is concerned if
the Council allows departure from the standard painting format, it may open the City up to liability.
Procedures have been established and this includes ISU Campus because the City provides water for
hydrants located there.
After additional discussion, it was the consensus of the Council that Ms. Tusi work with Fire and
Water Department staff to approve her painting diagrams for fire hydrants on ISU campus before
moving forward with the project. It was clarified if City staff does not approve submitted diagrams,
Ms. Tusi is not authorized to move forward with the hydrant project.
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 3
APRIL 10, 2014
AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Shelley Goings, Tim Forhan and David Maguire, representatives
-VALLEY PRIDE UPDATE from Valley Pride, were present to give an update on the status
of various projects they are assisting with in the community.
Ms. Goings gave a brief overview of the organization and their relationship with the City. She
explained members wished to introduce themselves to the newest Council member (Michael L. Orr).
Ms. Goings noted Valley Pride is planning to divide various sections of the city between its members
so they may watch for property violations in designated areas. She reported vandalism continues at
Brooklyn’s playground so they have initiated the installation of a camera/security system at the
playground.
In response to questions from Council, Ms. Goings explained Valley Pride will move forward with
the “War on Weeds Project” and work within the complaint driven City Code. She noted Council
may see the names of several Valley Pride members as they report code violations.
Mr. Maguire explained he is an attorney and tries to use his knowledge and expertise to help solve
legal issues with property violations. He mentioned the property at 960 North Hayes has been an
eyesore for many years. Although the owner has offered to donate the property to Pocatello
Neighborhood Housing Services, there is not clear deed on the property and the lender does not
want to cooperate to make the transition happen. Mr. Maguire would like the City to consider
adopting a provision forcing a lender or property owner to clean up properties that are in violation
of the City Code.
Discussion regarding properties in foreclosure and lack of response from lenders continued.
Suggestions regarding receiving permission to enter the property for clean-up and expense recovery
followed.
Mayor Blad clarified that private organizations do not have the authority to enter private property
and start cleanup endeavors. A process has been established for government agencies to identify
properties in violation. He also reminded Valley Pride members that the City is currently working
on updating the Property Maintenance ordinance.
Mr. Maguire stated Valley Pride would like City Code changed so their organization can move
forward to correct property issues more quickly. He suggested private entities be allowed to take
steps against lenders or individuals who will not take care of their property and thereby force
necessary corrections or the property can be sold to recover costs.
Ms. Goings expressed appreciation for the steps Council is taking to correct some of the City’s
property maintenance issues. She is looking forward to seeing the code updates and their
organization would like to participate in developing the new code.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: Mark Dahlquist, Executive Director of Pocatello Neighborhood
-POCATELLO Housing Services (PNHS) was present to update the Council on
NEIGHBORHOOD the organization’s activities and future plans, including sharing of
HOUSING SERVICES recent results from a survey of North Old Town residents, their
UPDATE upcoming name change to NeighborWorks Pocatello, and
outreach plans to residents of their targeted neighborhoods.
Mr. Dahlquist reviewed the North Old Town Neighborhood Survey Results. He noted 500
households were sent surveys and they received a 40% response. The survey shows that most of the
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 4
APRIL 10, 2014
tenants have lived in the area 5 years or less. An overwhelming majority of respondents show 85%
of people living in the neighborhood are satisfied and 50% are very satisfied with their
neighborhood. Mr. Dahlquist feels this is a reflection of the other neighborhoods in Pocatello.
PNHS has applied for a couple of grants to provide a coach to work with targeted neighborhood
residents to make their neighborhood a better place to live and hopes the next survey will show that
things have improved.
Mr. Dahlquist was pleased to announce a new name for PNHS. They will now be called
NeighborWorks Pocatello. Mr. Dahlquist reported their organization will continue to meet the
community’s needs through training and will now have access to a greater range of grants/capital
programs; national network of NeighborWorks partners; and greater credibility with national
programs and sources of capital. He feels being a part of National NeighborWorks America will
also allow them to receive more grants and benefits to help the community.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: Terry and Erica Fredrickson were present to update the Council
-GATE CITY GRAYS on the Gate City Grays baseball team and discuss a proposal to
SEMI-PRO BASEBALL TEAM use Halliwell Baseball Complex for the 2014 season.
UPDATE
Mr. Fredrickson announced Trent Seamons from Hailey, Idaho (Wood River Legion Ball) has
agreed to be head coach for the Grays team. He mentioned since the time they came before City
Council in 2013 there has been a lot of excitement in the community about the proposed baseball
team. Mr. Fredrickson explained they have received several inquiries about concessions and games.
Mrs. Fredrickson outlined proposed use of Halliwell Field and noted they are willing to work around
game schedules of other users of the field. She would like the Council to consider waiving the fees
to use the field and lighting costs during the first season. Mrs. Fredrickson is also interested in
allowing a concessionaire to sell alcohol at the games and would like these fees waived, as well.
Mr. Fredrickson acknowledged School District No. 25 will need to be involved in discussions
regarding use of the field. He feels the economic advantage of having nine teams and additional
attendees at the games would benefit the City. Mr. Fredrickson added that increased attendees at
the games will create more job opportunities as they expand.
In response to questions from Council, Alan Green, Interim Parks and Recreation Director,
estimated the electrical costs for American Legion night games is around $1,000.00 per month. He
estimated it would be a minimal cost to allow the Grays to use the lights and is currently working on
a contract with American Legion to discuss their electricity fees.
Council discussion regarding the costs of electricity for lighting during night games and possible
scheduling conflicts of the fields followed. It was mentioned it may be in the best interest of both
teams to work together the first year. It was the consensus of Council to have staff prepare
documents for consideration at a future Council meeting.
AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: Melanie Gygli, Neighborhood and Community Services (NCS)
-CDBG POLICY Division Manager, was present to review with the Council the
AND PROCEDURES policies and procedures governing CDBG-funded programs and
MANUAL other loan funds administered by the NCS Division. If directed
by Council, adoption of the policies will be placed on the April
17, 2014 Regular Council meeting.
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 5
APRIL 10, 2014
Mrs. Gygli explained in 1999-2000 a set of policies and procedures were developed and adopted for
the management of the City’s annual allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
funding, as well as other programs such as the Façade Improvement Loan Program. The policies
outline the kinds of programs available and how they operate. Mrs. Gygli clarified the programs,
policies and procedures included in the manual are: 1) Housing rehabilitation; 2) sidewalk repair;
3) homeownership assistance program; and 4) problem property demolition. She noted the manual
contains everything it needs at this time and will be amended as situations change.
In response to questions from Council, Mrs. Gygli explained their programs try not to relocate
individuals already living in a home if at all possible.
Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 11:06 a.m.
APPROVED:
BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK
CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO
CITY COUNCIL MEETING –
SERVICE LEVEL REPORTS
APRIL 10, 2014
Mayor Brian Blad called the City Council meeting to review
Service Level Reports to order at 11:24 a.m. Council members
present were Steve Brown, Craig Cooper, Jim Johnston, Gary
Moore, Eva Johnson Nye and Michael L. Orr.
INTRODUCTION David Swindell, Chief Financial Officer,
overviewed the information that would be
presented in the Service Level Reports and the planned briefing
sequence which included Transportation, Neighborhood Quality and
Environmental Health. He noted that the main components of the
Service Level Reports would be the department’s inputs, outputs,
efficiency, and optional comments. Mr. Swindell mentioned
Council would also hear from Engineering and Finance
departments.
-STREET Randy Ghezzi, Street Superintendent, presented
OPERATIONS the Street Operations Service Level Report.
REPORT Mr. Ghezzi reviewed the department’s inputs
and outputs for Street and Traffic Operations.
He also discussed State and Federal funding information which
continues to decrease. Mr. Ghezzi stated the department is
planning to conduct an assessment of the City’s lane miles. He
feels lane miles have increased and hopes to have the results
next year.
Mr. Swindell overviewed the Special Projects fund noting the
current project is part of the Edson Fichter Nature Area
upgrades. He explained special projects vary from year to year.
Mr. Ghezzi reviewed the Street Operations facilities, fleet and
equipment. He overviewed the Pocatello Traffic Management
Center and cameras that are being used at traffic signals to
help keep traffic moving. Staff is tracking equipment repairs
and pavement management program needs. As a result, the
department is now able to decrease the number of treatment
methods for streets because of the successful processes being
used. Mr. Ghezzi mentioned keeping with the fleet upgrade
schedule has reduced downtime since there are less breakdowns
and repairs for the department.
Mr. Ghezzi reviewed the Portneuf River Levee. His report shows:
1) Section 1 FEMA Certification Complete; 2) August 2012
Periodic Inspection Report Received, January 2013; 3) many noted
deficiencies–rodents, closures, vegetation, shoaling; 4) entire
Levee System is an “Unacceptable” rating per the Army Corps of
Engineers. Mr. Ghezzi mentioned there are some good changes in
the evaluation of the levees by FEMA and this will help the City
to be in a better position regarding the levees.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SERVICE LEVEL REPORT
APRIL 10, 2014
Mr. Ghezzi reviewed functions of the new Traffic Management
Center which includes: assistance to the Idaho Transportation
Department, Cities of Chubbuck and Pocatello; City/State
Agreement on all signals within the City; increased work load
for electricians; and better quality control on signal
maintenance. However, this has resulted in significant
increases to the signal and street light electric utility bill
over the past four years.
Mr. Swindell gave an overview of the cost increase for
electricity and managing the utilities. He noted that State
Highway User Revenue continues to decrease and it is the same
throughout the State. He noted each quarter Mayor Blad sends a
letter to the Legislature as a reminder the amounts continue to
decrease.
In response to questions from Council, Mr. Ghezzi agrees clean
streets give the City a positive image. However, street
sweeping while vehicles are parked on the street is a problem
and his Department does not want to tow vehicles. Staff will
explore options such as door hangers or advertising to notify
residents of street sweeping in their area so vehicles can be
removed. Mr. Ghezzi reported sweepers go out at 4:00 a.m. to
clean the business areas. However, early morning sweeping in
neighborhoods often results in noise complaints.
Discussion was held regarding street pavement needs and
management. It was noted that the City must continue to move
forward with the maintenance program in order to preserve the
streets.
Mr. Ghezzi reported Title II of ADA requirements for curb ramps
came into effect July 2013. He noted if you do anything with
structural integrity to a roadway, you must incorporate ADA
upgrades for sidewalks. Mr. Ghezzi explained staff must now
consider ADA upgrades when evaluating the street maintenance
program. He also updated the Council on street needs at the
Airport. Mr. Ghezzi noted airport roads received updated
treatments, as well as, new signage and striping in 2013.
However, due to heavy loads, he feels road treatments should be
on an annual basis.
Deirdre Castillo, City Engineer, joined Mr. Swindell and Mr.
Ghezzi to discuss Special Street Projects (funds 70 and 71).
Ms. Castillo reviewed the Federal aid projects that fall under
Fund 70 noting there are six active projects. She reviewed how
the projects are coordinated and tracked.
Mr. Swindell explained how the federal aid process works. He
noted once a project is complete and closed out, it is
determined if a refund is due to the City. City staff is
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SERVICE LEVEL REPORT
APRIL 10, 2014
keeping track of the projects and ensuring correct refunding for
in-kind and actual monies. Ms. Castillo reviews the process to
track funding and work completed on federal aid projects. She
currently has a total of $40 million in projects that she is
managing.
-ENGINEERING Deirdre Castillo, City Engineer; and Dennis
DEPARTMENT Hill, Project Engineer, presented the
REPORT Engineering Department Service Level Report.
Ms. Castillo reviewed the organizational chart
noting staffing changes since 2008 show a decrease from 12 to 7
positions. She explained two positions were moved to other
departments within the City. Ms. Castillo noted their
department provides engineering support to 15 other City
departments and manage 10 federal aid projects for a total
budget of $32 million. Other projects included: initial
construction of Cheyenne Overpass project; obtained LOMR from
FEMA which removed 86 properties from the Gibson Jack Creek
floodplain; Lewis Street Bridge replacement design at 75%; Edson
Fichter Nature Area parking lot design and construction;
Assisted WPC with digester mixing project and facility plan;
obtained Federal Highways permission to proceed with early
right-of-way purchase at Alameda/Jefferson; and construction
staking for Water Department’s Spaulding Booster station.
Mr. Hill reviewed the City’s GIS system that serves a number of
departments, realtors and agencies. He noted GIS staff works
closely with the Water Department, Water Pollution Control, and
Science and Environment; GIS support for emergency 911 dispatch
and mapping; provide GIS data for various public works projects;
maintain official city boundaries and street maps.
Ms. Castillo explained all project modeling being done is GIS
based and she feels there is a need to train additional people
in this area because more is being done through GIS programs.
Ms. Castillo noted each municipality uses their engineering
staff in different ways and Pocatello has lower staffing levels
in its Engineering Department than other cities in the region.
Mayor Blad called a recess at 12:59 p.m.
Mayor Blad reconvened the meeting at 1:41 p.m.
-AIRPORT David Allen, Airport Manager, presented the
REPORT Airport Service Level Report. Mr. Allen
informed the Council of a study regarding the
airport showing it has a $39 million impact on the community.
He explained there was a major organizational change at the
airport and the new format is working well.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SERVICE LEVEL REPORT
APRIL 10, 2014
Mr. Swindell reviewed the Measures of Inputs for the Airport.
He noted that the Airport benefited from several Federal Grants
received for various projects and program revenue from rentals,
leases, and landing fees.
Mr. Allen reported staff provides and maintains necessary
infrastructure for the safe and secure operation of commercial
passenger service, general aviation including air cargo and air
tanker operations, and non-aviation industrial uses. The
airport is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Mr. Allen
explained they must stay in compliance with FAA and TSA
regulations. It was noted there are 3400 acres of property
including 1300 acres inside the aviation fence and 700 acres in
the business park; 15 million square feet of aviation pavement
and safety areas; 9 miles of airfield lighting plus precise
marking and signage requirements; and 24 City-owned buildings
including a passenger terminal.
In response to questions from Council, Mr. Allen noted the air
service proximity to Salt Lake and Idaho Falls airports combined
with limited frequency and use of small turbo-prop aircraft is a
concern. There is also a lack of upgraded infrastructure for
land development at the airport. Additional concerns include
increased overtime costs for operations specialist staffing and
aging facilities.
-SANITATION Randy Allen, Sanitation Superintendent,
DEPARTMENT presented the Sanitation Department Service
REPORT Level Report. Mr. Randy Allen reviewed the
department’s mission statement to provide
efficient and cost effective collection, recycling and disposal
of municipal solid waste within the Pocatello city limits.
Mr. Swindell reviewed the Measure of Inputs and Outputs for the
department.
Mr. Allen noted there are 15,577 residential accounts and 1,400
plus commercial and industrial accounts. He feels the
department is doing very well at providing cost effective
service. Mr. Allen reminded the Council that utility
departments are right in the middle of developing a rate study.
He noted the last time this was done was 2010.
Mr. Swindell reviewed how the rate study works and the breakdown
of costs necessary to provide utilities in the city.
Mr. Allen reported the following: 1) zero missed collection
days; 2) requests for service are completed within 24 hours and
many are completed the same day; 3) minimal complaints are
received about service; 4) keeping clean neighborhoods; and
5) clean commercial areas.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SERVICE LEVEL REPORT
APRIL 10, 2014
Discussion regarding the Yard Waste Collection Pilot Project
followed. The Pilot Project has been successful, but processing
needs at the County landfill limit sign-ups for the program to
500.
Mr. Allen mentioned staff may push forward with eliminating the
annual fall leaf pick-up in plastic bags. Staff will encourage
the use of paper bags or a yard waste cart.
Council discussion regarding continued use of Bannock County
landfill for the City’s compost program followed.
-WATER Justin Armstrong, Water Superintendent,
DEPARTMENT presented the Water Department Service Level
REPORT Report. Mr. Armstrong reviewed the
department’s mission statement to provide a
safe, reliable, and adequate supply of drinking water for our
customers at the lowest practical cost. Mr. Armstrong reviewed
the department’s organizational chart and mentioned the average
years of service is 18 years. He reported there will be several
retirements in the next five years so he is trying to prepare
and train new recruits.
Mr. Swindell reviewed the Measures of Inputs and noted the water
infrastructure is a $10 million system.
Mr. Armstrong reported that water rates for Pocatello are very
comparable with other cities in the area. He reviewed the
extensive educational outreach programs by Water Department
staff which include going to various schools and the annual
Environmental Fair. Mr. Armstrong reviewed the department’s
goals to: 1) provide delivery of safe, clean and reliable
drinking water; 2) public health protection; 3) fire protection;
4) support for the Economy and Quality of Life; 5) same day
customer service response; 6) minimal service complaints and
outages; and 7) consumer and public education.
Discussion regarding replacement of the Spaulding Booster
station and other mainline replacement projects followed. The
water meter replacement program was also reviewed and the
estimated cost savings the city would receive by replacing the
meters.
Mr. Swindell reviewed utility rate study findings and what
Council may anticipate from the study.
-WATER POLLUTION Jon Herrick, Water Pollution Control (WPC)
CONTROL REPORT Superintendent, presented the WPC Department
Service Level Report. Mr. Herrick provided
information on the sewer collection system and reviewed their
Mission Statement to collect and treat wastewater at the lowest
practical cost while meeting regulations and providing excellent
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SERVICE LEVEL REPORT
APRIL 10, 2014
customer service. It was noted that 270 miles of sanitary sewer
lines, 23 lift stations and 3500 manholes are maintained by WPC
staff.
Mr. Swindell overviewed the Measures of Inputs and Outputs for
the department.
Mr. Herrick reviewed outputs for the department which included
line inspection of sewer lines and bio-solid land application on
property owned by the City. He also reviewed Measures of
Efficiency showing that the average charge for residential use
did not increase as high as the national average. The plant is
in full compliance with NPDES permits with the exception of a
couple of minor issues. Rate comparisons show Pocatello is 2nd
to Idaho Falls in the amount charged for treatment of sewage.
In response to questions from Council, Mr. Herrick gave an
overview of ammonia nitrogen amounts for the system. He
explained the plant does not see a seasonal influx. Mr. Herrick
shared his concerns with aging infrastructure and phosphorus
processing upgrades. These improvements will cost $16 to $20
million for construction and he feels a bond election or
Judicial Confirmation will be necessary to accomplish this.
-SCIENCE AND Hannah Sanger, Division Manager, presented the
ENVIRONMENT Science and Environment Service Level Report.
REPORT Ms. Sanger displayed pictures of Edson Fichter
Nature Area swales that will correct
stormwater issues in the parking area. She explained Science
and Environment Department manages the Pocatello Urbanized
Area’s Federal NPDES Stormwater permit; serves as the Science &
Environment advisor to the Mayor/Council; implement programs and
policies related to the City’s environmental interests; facility
public outreach; participation in City environmental programs;
and policy decisions.
Mr. Swindell reviewed the Measures of Inputs and Outputs for the
Science and Environment Department. He explained the purchase of
special monitoring equipment drove up costs for the department.
Ms. Sanger reported on the Federal Storm Water Permit
requirements and community involvement. She works with Street
Department staff to monitor areas within the City.
Mr. Swindell explained the connection between Science and
Environment, Street and Water departments. He noted they work
together to monitor the water quality of the Portneuf River.
In response to questions from Council, Ms. Sanger stated new
federal rules and a new federal permit will be forthcoming. She
mentioned some of the rules will be: if it falls on your
property you are required to keep it on your property; do not
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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APRIL 10, 2014
put debris out in the street to wind up in the Portneuf River;
and a new stormwater master plan is needed to address shallow
flooding concerns.
-FINANCE David Swindell, Chief Financial Officer, and
DEPARTMENT Joyce Stroschein, Finance Manager, presented
REPORT the Finance Department Service Level Report.
Ms. Stroschein reviewed the Measures of Outputs for the
department. She reviewed the organizational chart noting one
employee is shared between two departments.
Mr. Swindell also reviewed the Measures of Efficiency and that
the Finance Department works very inexpensively as compared to
other cities.
Ms. Strochein reported the department oversees $100 million plus
revenue and expenses; 800 plus employees payroll administration;
one (1) legacy pension system; $7.3 million in assets; self-
funded worker’s compensation; and decentralized data entry. She
mentioned the Department received a Government Finance Officers
Association Award for excellence in Financial Reporting.
In response to questions from Council, Mr. Swindell stated the
p-card plan allows equipment to be paid for quickly and there is
better transparency. He feels the system works very well and
staff can track purchases more efficiently than an invoice with
a signature method. It was noted each department head is tasked
to review the p-card receipts.
Ms. Strochein thanked the Council for adding an accountant
position in 2013. However, the City treasurer is retiring in
May 2014 with no budgeted overlap of staff. She feels the
training budget for Finance is inadequate for staff that are
required to attend sessions in order to keep their
certifications.
Mr. Swindell reviewed a reorganization/transition plan for the
department. He proposed his position as Chief Financial Officer
become a combined position with the City Treasurer.
-CLOSING REMARKS Mr. Swindell stated that a Service Level
Report summary will soon be available for
review and announced the Budget meeting schedule for 2014.
Mayor Blad adjourned the Service Level meeting at 3:55 p.m. and
the Council immediately entered into an Executive Session to be
held in the Paradice Conference Room.
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SERVICE LEVEL REPORT
APRIL 10, 2014
APPROVED:
BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR
ATTEST:
RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK
Agenda
A G E N D A
CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION
APRIL 10, 2014 - 9:00 AM
COUNCIL CHAMBERS
911 NORTH 7TH AVENUE
City Hall and the Council Chambers are accessible to persons with
disabilities. Interpreters for persons with hearing impairments
and/or taped information for persons with visual impairments can be
provided upon three (3) days notice. For accessibility
arrangements, please contact Dave Hunt, ADA Coordinator, at Voice
Phone: 208-234-6248; TTY: 208-232-5071; Fax: 208-233-5149; E-mail:
dhunt@pocatello.us; Mailing Address: P.O. Box 4169, Pocatello,
Idaho 83205-4169; Physical Address: 215 West Bonneville, Pocatello.
1: ROLL CALL.
2: CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF APPEALS UPDATE: Representatives from the
Construction Board of Appeals will discuss the Board’s goals
and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations.
3: DISABLED CITIZENS ADA/504 COORDINATING COMMITTEE UPDATE:
Representatives from the Disabled Citizens ADA/504
Coordinating Committee will discuss the Committee’s goals and
projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations.
4: PROPOSED HYDRANT PAINTING PROJECT-ISU CAMPUS: Sharon Tusi
(address: 446 North 7th Avenue, Pocatello ID 83201) will be
present to discuss a proposal that would allow decorative
painting of City owned fire hydrants located on Idaho State
University (ISU) campus.
(Pertinent information attached.)
CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 2
APRIL 10, 2014
5: VALLEY PRIDE UPDATE: Representatives from Valley Pride will be
present to give an update on the status of various projects
they are assisting with in the community.
6: POCATELLO NEIGHBORHOOD SERVICES UPDATE: Mark Dahlquist,
Executive Director of Pocatello Neighborhood Housing Services,
will be present to update the Council on the organization’s
activities and future plans, including sharing of recent
results from a survey of North Old Town residents, their
upcoming name change to NeighborWorks Pocatello, and outreach
plans to residents of their targeted neighborhoods.
(Pertinent information attached.)
7: GATE CITY GREYS SEMI-PRO BASEBALL TEAM-UPDATE: Terry and Erica
Fredrickson will be present to update the Council on the Gate
City Greys baseball team and discuss a proposal to use
Halliwell Baseball Complex for the 2014 season.
8: CDBG POLICY AND PROCEDURES MANUAL: Neighborhood and Community
Services (NCS) staff will be present to review with the
Council the policies and procedures governing CDBG-funded
programs and other loan funds administered by the NCS
Division. If directed by Council, adoption of the policies
will be placed on the April 17, 2014 Regular Council meeting
agenda.
(Pertinent information attached.)
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