City Council

1 CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MAY 8, 2014 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Mayor Brian Blad called the City Council Study Session to order ROLL CALL at 9:06 a.m. Council members present were Steve Brown, Craig Cooper, Jim Johnston, Gary Moore and Eva Johnson Nye. Council member Michael L. Orr was excused. Mayor Blad announced that Agenda Item No. 2, Fort Hall Replica Commission update, has been moved to the end of the Study Session at the request of the Commission. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Sean McCoy, Student Advisor from the Mayor’s Youth Advisory MAYOR’S YOUTH Council was present to discuss the Youth Advisory Council’s ADVISORY COUNCIL goals and projects, as well as Council policies and expectations. UPDATE Mr. McCoy stated over the last year there has been a decline in the number of members. However, the first applications from 8th grade students have come in and this is encouraging. Mr. McCoy explained the students have an upcoming event to celebrate the end of the School Year. Mayor Blad noted although the Advisory Council has small numbers, they have been a great group. Mr. McCoy noted there are many Century High School students on the Council. He cannot explain why they have difficulty recruiting students from Pocatello High School and Highland High School. In response to a question from Council, Mr. McCoy noted the goal of the Youth Advisory Council is to get kids involved in the community and prepare them to be the City’s future leaders. He explained mock council meetings have been held so students may learn about compromise and city codes. Some of the students have attended Regular Council meetings to state their concerns regarding issues going on in the community. Mr. Moore feels by bringing area high schools together, our future leaders will learn to work together. Mayor Blad noted the Mayor of Chubbuck is also involved with the Youth Advisory Council since the students representing all three area high schools are from both cities. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Zachary Welcher (mailing address: 1147 East Clark, Pocatello MOVIES IN THE PARK ID) and Alan Green, Interim Parks Director, were present to PROPOSAL discuss a proposal to use Fort Hall Replica during summer evenings for “Movies In The Park” events. The Fort Hall Replica Commission and the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board have reviewed the proposal and support the concept. Mr. Welcher gave a presentation regarding his proposal and noted the movie schedule for all movies will be rated PG or PG-13. He explained the movies are not new releases but will be “good family entertainment.” Mr. Welcher plans to donate part of the proceeds to Friends of Veterans Court. He explained there is a history of veterans turning to drugs or alcohol after returning from war and the Veterans Court helps them get back on track to be successful. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 2 MAY 8, 2014 In response to questions from Council, Mr. Welcher gave a brief history of his involvement with Movies in the Park events that were held in California. He feels it will be a fun and inexpensive activity for families and gave an overview of the proposed area to be used for the events at the Fort Hall Replica. AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Members of the Portneuf Greenway Foundation and Trails PORTNEUF GREENWAY Working Group were present to discuss the Portneuf Greenway 2014-2019 CAPITAL Capital Improvement Plan. Discussion of five (5) IMPROVEMENT PLAN short-term priorities were identified by the Portneuf Greenway Board of Directors that they feel have a high probability of construction in the next two years. Dan Harelson, Idaho Transportation Department, gave an overview of the Master Plan from 2008 and acknowledged that Mori Byington, Bannock Transportation and Planning Organization; and Tamara Code, Portneuf Greenway Executive Director; were in the audience and available if Council had a question for them. Mr. Harelson explained short term projects include the following trails: a) 1-15 to Bannock County Fairgrounds will improve access to the new Wellness Complex; b) Olympus to Satterfield will be built on existing public right-of-way and their organization has applied for a grant. Members hope to have the trail built in the Summer of 2014; c) Chubbuck Road to Lois Lane, this is a new subdivision and the developer is working with them. Completion in the summer of 2015 is anticipated; d) Pacific Recycling Trailhead, would connect the Abrazewski and Millward Mile segments; e) widening of sidewalk to connect Sacajawea Park to Raymond Park from 5 feet to 10 feet; and f) temporary trail in Raymond Park to connect missing link to Old Town area. Mr. Harelson noted the Greenway is asking the City help with these endeavors. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Harelson clarified their organization would like the City to include these projects in the annual budget process. Council discussion followed regarding building of trails and their maintenance. It was mentioned the City could consider maintenance costs of trails like budgeting for city parks. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Harelson explained their efforts to continue the Greenway trail located south of town is still being planned. The new South Valley Road connector will provide a trail from Bannock Highway to South 5th. However, there are still a couple of properties that are not available. As a result, Greenway representatives are researching areas where trails can be built immediately. Mayor Blad mentioned as more trails are developed in Pocatello, other areas in the community will benefit. He feels as people see the increased use of maintained trails, landowners will acknowledge the benefits and consider allowing trails on their property. Mr. Byington mentioned a capital improvement program will give a focus over the next 3 to 5 years. He noted they are not currently looking at pushing forward with trail projects south of Pocatello. Mr. Byington feels looking for opportunities to develop trails in other areas will continue to increase the number of trails in the community until property south of Pocatello becomes available. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 3 MAY 8, 2014 Council mentioned further discussion about trails and a better guideline will be needed to determine maintenance costs. It was also mentioned that by identifying trails while they are being developed, the Council is able to plan ahead instead of trying to catch up with maintenance needs. AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: David Swindell, Chief Financial Officer, and Joyce Strochein, FISCAL YEAR 2014 Finance Manager, were present to review proposed May PROPOSED MAY amendments to the City’s Fiscal year 2014 budget. BUDGET AMENDMENTS Mr. Swindell explained every year the City finds it necessary to amend the budget to account for unanticipated grants or other situations. Although the City may have won a grant, the government must still authorize the new expenditures in the budget. The amendments are for the following departments: Planning and Development Services, Engineering, Police, Fire, Animal Control, Parks and Recreation, Street, Library, Sanitation, Ambulance, Animal Shelter and Transit. Mr. Swindell explained each amendment in detail. He noted that a public hearing will be held on May 15, 2014 and Council will be asked to adopt an Ordinance for the amendments. Total amendment being proposed is $1,689,957.00. It was the consensus of the Council to proceed with the proposed amendments to the budget. As stated earlier by Mayor Blad, Agenda Item No. 2 was heard at this time. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Larry Wilde, Chair Person, Fort Hall Replica Commission was FORT HALL REPLICA present to discuss the Commission’s goals and projects, as well COMMISSION UPDATE as Council’s policies and expectations. Mr. Wilde explained there are currently 11 members serving on the Commission. He gave a special thanks to Jim Johnston for his involvement on the Commission. Mr. Wilde announced the Replica will open on May 31 and special activities are planned. He noted upgrades to Pocatello Junction are being considered and the Commission hopes to have volunteers assist with the upgrades. Mr. Wilde explained plans for an indigenous nature walk along the Replica that will include plants and a plaque describing the historical Lewis and Clark aspect of each plant. Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 10:06 a.m. APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST: RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK  CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL MEETING - BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MAY 8, 2014 Mayor Brian Blad called the City Council meeting for budget development to order at 10:17 a.m. Council members present were Steve Brown, Craig Cooper and Gary Moore. Council members Jim Johnston and Eva Johnson Nye joined the meeting at 10:20 a.m. Council member Michael L. Orr was excused. David Swindell, Chief Financial Officer, stated that information regarding budgets for City departments would be presented. He gave an overview of the material that would be discussed to determine the Fiscal Year 2015 budget and announced that department briefings would be held at this time. -POLICE Scott Marchand, Police Chief; Jim Peterson, Deputy Chief; and David DEPARTMENT Swindell, Chief Financial Officer; gave an overview of the estimated BUDGET OVERVIEW Police Department budget for Fiscal Year 2015. Mr. Swindell gave an overview of the new process staff will follow to give their budget presentations. He reviewed the Police Department’s 2015 budget request and noted Police staff would be available to answer questions. Mr. Marchand stated there are no large increases in their budget except for new costs that have been implemented by the State of Idaho. Mr. Peterson reported that the number of call out requests has increased. This expense is separate from the regular overtime budget. Mr. Peterson explained when there is a special circumstance and additional officers are needed, this call out cost is incurred. He reviewed the department’s needs for Fiscal Year 2015. Mr. Peterson explained professional services to provide information needed to process police reports; finger printing requirements; and testing costs have increased. -FIRE David Gates, Fire Chief, and David Swindell, Chief Financial Officer, DEPARTMENT gave an overview of the estimated Fire Department budget for Fiscal BUDGET OVERVIEW Year 2015. Mr. Gates reviewed vehicles, staff and equipment needs for his department. He explained the proposed personnel requests are part of a reorganization plan and are supported by the Fire Union. Mr. Gates clarified that Fiscal Year 2015 personnel requests are part of a two-thirds/one-third cost share with Bannock County Ambulance District for command and support staff. In response to a question from Council, Mr. Swindell noted the meeting with Bannock County Ambulance had not taken place when Mr. Gates’ previous request for additional staff was made. Mr. Gates reviewed the request for an emergency vehicle technician and Assistant to the Fire Chief as a part of the department’s reorganization. He reviewed the personnel requests and the cost savings he feels will result from hiring an extra individual. Mr. Gates outlined his request for a training facility. He feels the training facility could be used by other cities because it is a mobile unit and can also be used by Police staff to help with their training as well.  2 CITY COUNCIL MEETING -BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MAY 8, 2014 In response to questions from Council, Mr. Gates shared his concerns regarding equipment according to priority for the department. He mentioned the three (3) firefighter positions that were approved by Council in 2013 have been a great success. -PLANNING AND Lonnie Crowell, Planning and Development Services Director, and DEVELOPMENT David Swindell, Chief Financial Officer, gave an overview of the BUDGET OVERVIEW estimated Planning and Development Services budget for Fiscal Year 2015. Mr. Crowell noted most of the increases in his budget are for travel and training needs. He feels training opportunities for staff help them to be better prepared for future planning needs. Mr. Crowell stated a newer vehicle is needed for the department and he has requested this in the budget. -ENGINEERING/GIS Deirdre Castillo, City Engineer; Dennis Hill, GIS Coordinator; and BUDGET OVERVIEW David Swindell, Chief Financial Officer; gave an overview of the estimated Engineering and GIS budget for Fiscal Year 2015. Ms. Castillo reviewed the differences in wages and noted the decrease in professional services costs. She is requesting extra funds for staff training in preparation of filling the GIS Coordinator position when Mr. Hill retires. Mr. Hill explained his budget is basically a maintenance budget. He does a lot of work with GIS and provides many maps for City staff. Mr. Hill would like to create new models of the community because multiple slopes around the city have been altered by construction. -HUMAN RESOUCES Kim Smith, Human Resources Director, and David Swindell, Chief BUDGET OVERVIEW Financial Officer, gave an overview of the estimated Human Resources Department budget for Fiscal Year 2015. Ms. Smith noted the proposed Fiscal Year 2015 budget is less because one of their staff retired in 2014 and was replaced by new employee. She mentioned their office is still waiting for the City’s compensation analysis of staff to be completed before they can provide a report to the Council. -ANIMAL SERVICES Mary Remer, Animal Services Director, and David Swindell, Chief BUDGET OVERVIEW Financial Officer, gave an overview of the estimated Animal Services budget for Fiscal Year 2015. Ms. Remer reviewed moving expenses in connection with the new animal shelter. She explained this will be an expense for Fiscal Year 2015 because new office furniture is needed and animals must be moved. Ms. Remer reviewed the request for additional overtime costs in the Fiscal Year 2015 budget. -LEGAL Dean Tranmer, City Attorney; and David Swindell, Chief Financial DEPARTMENT Officer, gave an overview of the estimated Legal Department budget for BUDGET OVERVIEW Fiscal Year 2015.  3 CITY COUNCIL MEETING -BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MAY 8, 2014 Mr. Tranmer stated items being asked for in Fiscal Year 2015 were items that were removed from the Fiscal Year 2014 budget due to cutbacks. He clarified that on-going training is necessary in order for attorney certifications to be kept current. As a result, travel and training costs in the budget have been increased. -CITY PARKS Alan Green, Interim Parks and Recreation Director, and David Swindell, AND ZOO Chief Financial Officer, gave an overview of the estimated Parks and BUDGET OVERVIEW Zoo budgets for Fiscal Year 2015. Mr. Green noted properties located at the end of Ross Park will be demolished after the asbestos abatement is complete. Mr. Green mentioned permanent picnic tables are being asked for, as well as, repairs to the Ammon Park access road and parking area. Mr. Moore feels there is a need to do a better job to maintain and put aside funds for future park maintenance. Mr. Green reviewed the need for a wood chipper that will always be available for Park staff use and the replacement of a wide area mower. He explained the manufacturer recommends replacing mowers at 4,000 hours and the current mower has 6,400 hours. Mr. Green was told a large increase in the price is anticipated in January 2015 and he feels it would be beneficial to purchase the mower at this time. Mr. Swindell reminded the Council two key positions in the parks fund have not been filled. He suggested the cost savings from these vacant positions could be used to purchase part of the equipment being requested by the Parks Department. In response to a question from Council, Mr. Green stated the wood chipper is a main priority at this time because the department does not have one. However, the City will save approximately $12,000.00 if the mower is purchased at this time. Mr. Green reviewed the Administration Department for Park and Recreation and noted the expense for this budget is primarily wages. He thanked the Council for allowing the administrative assistant position to be filled and stated it has been very beneficial for the department. Matthew Rich, Interim Zoo Director, explained the Fiscal Year 2015 Budget request for the Zoo is down from Fiscal Year 2014. This is the result of the previous Zoo Director’s retirement. Mr. Rich has kept the budget mostly the same except for an increase for asphalt repairs. He explained the Zoo pathway was getting difficult to walk on and his department spent $3,000.00 to correct one section. Mr. Rich feels that sealing the asphalt will help extend the life of each section. In closing, Mr. Swindell reviewed the upcoming budget meeting schedule and gave an overview of information that will be available on the City’s website. Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 12:19 p.m.  4 CITY COUNCIL MEETING -BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MAY 8, 2014 APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST: RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK