City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION JUNE 12, 2014 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Council President Craig Cooper called the City Council ROLL CALL Study Session to order at 9:02 a.m. Council members present were Steve Brown, Craig Cooper, Gary Moore, Eva Johnson Nye and Michael L. Orr. Mayor Brian Blad and Council member Jim Johnston were excused. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Harlow Anderson, Chair Person; and Martin Peace, Cemetery FRIENDS OF THE Sexton; representing Friends of the Cemetery Committee were CEMETERY COMMITTEE present to discuss the Committee’s goals and projects, as well as UPDATE Council’s policies and expectations. Mr. Anderson explained he is new to the position of Chair Person for the Committee. He noted the Committee’s goal the last couple of years is to be more of a working committee and reviewed work projects they have completed at the City’s cemeteries. Mr. Anderson reviewed the Memorial Day open house at Brady Chapel and noted an average of 500 people attend each year. He explained it is a lengthy process to clean the Chapel and provide hosts and hostesses at the open house. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Harlow will have the Committee discuss the Council’s suggestion to extend the Chapel’s open house over the 3-day Memorial Weekend. It was noted how important the Committee is to the community. They help identify concerns and work with citizens and staff regarding cemetery matters. It was also mentioned both cemeteries look great. Mr. Peace reported crowns for placement around outer edge of the Chapel’s roof are almost done and should be set in place by Memorial Day 2015. He noted staff will propose a 4% fee increase for cemetery spaces in Fiscal Year 2015 and to allow an additional ash burial in each space. Mr. Peace explained the proposed addition of ash burials will need to go through the regular ordinance process before it can be implemented. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Glen Lattin, Chair Person and Greg Albright, Fore Golf GOLF ADVISORY Concessionaire and Committee member; representing the Golf COMMITTEE UPDATE Advisory Committee were present to discuss the Committee’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations. Mr. Lattin reported the Committee has been very active planning improvements at the golf courses and thanked the Council for a new maintenance building at Highland Golf Course. Mr. Lattin described the new maintenance building and other enhancements that have been made at the golf course over the past year. It was mentioned the Committee would like the installation of permanent restrooms in specific areas at each golf course. The proposal and estimated costs were outlined. Additional suggestions for improvements at the City’s golf courses were listed for Council to consider. Mr. Moore mentioned he has seen a positive transition of the golf course and feels it is very beneficial to have a group of volunteers monitor needs for the courses.  2 CITY OF POCATELLO STUDY SESSION JUNE 12, 2014 AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Karen Frasure and Shannon Koch, representatives from the GOOD NEIGHBOR DAYS Good Neighbor Days Committee were present to discuss an IN POCATELLO event to be held in July 2014. Some of the planned events will take place in Lower Ross Park, Zoo and Ross Park Aquatic Complex. The Committee would like special use of these facilities for free or at a discounted rate. Mrs. Koch reviewed their idea for Good Neighbor Days July 18 thru 19, 2014. The Committee hopes the concept will become an annual event to bring the community together. She highlighted the multiple events that include free food and free concerts. Everyone in the community will be encouraged to participate. Mrs. Koch explained their Committee has a 300 person tent that will be used to hold meetings during these events. She reviewed their request for a free Swim Day and a free Zoo Day on July 19, 2014. Mrs. Frasure mentioned they are waiting to apply for a parade permit until they receive direction from the Council regarding the use of Ross Park. She described the parade route. Council discussion regarding the loss of revenue by allowing free entry to the Aquatic Complex on a Saturday followed. It was noted Saturday is usually a high attendance day and there are concerns that people who have purchased a season pass will not be able to access the pool. (Admittance/capacity at the Complex is limited due to safety requirements.) In response to questions from Council, Alan Green, Interim Parks and Recreation Director, mentioned he discourages parking on the baseball field where the tent will be placed for the events. In response to questions from Council, Mrs. Koch explained no alcohol will be allowed at the events and their representatives will provide clean-up after the event. Mr. Brown shared he feels the idea is a worthy effort. However, Council will need to receive more information regarding the event before making a decision. It was the consensus of the Council that organizers move forward with the concept for Good Neighbor Days and work with City staff for placement of their request on a future Council meeting. AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Kim Stouse, Licensing Enforcement, and Rich Diehl, Deputy PROPOSED CHILD CARE City Attorney, were present to update the Council on proposed CODE AMENDMENTS amendments to the City’s Child Care Code 5.58. Mr. Diehl reviewed the Child Care amendments being proposed. He explained major changes to the code includes the following: 1) exemptions from licensing for after school programs, music lessons, recreation sporting programs offered to all youth, live-in nannies, students doing job shadowing or internships under the State Board of Education; 2) adding the building department to sign off on all new business licenses; 3) require there be a restraint system for each child in the vehicle and require children six (6) years of age and younger to be secured in a child safety restraint that meets the requirements of the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213; 4) require all vehicles being used to transport child care kids to have commercial liability insurance; 5) require that no child care provider and/or employee leave any children unattended in a vehicle; 6) require that no child under thirteen (13) to be allowed to sit in the front seat passenger side if it has an enabled passenger air  3 CITY OF POCATELLO STUDY SESSION JUNE 12, 2014 bag; 7) require all child care businesses to maintain commercial insurance for their facilities (both commercial and residential); 8) if the facility is being rented (commercial or residential) the provider would be required to obtain approval from the landlord; 8) require a carbon monoxide detector on each level if there is any flame source in the facility; 9) prohibit the use of tobacco products and electronic cigarettes in the presence of children; 10) require drinking water outside and available to all child care children if temperature is over 75 degrees; 11) require all hot water that is accessible to children not to exceed 120 degrees; 12) require shade for the children to take refuge when outside; 13) require all flame sources and tools be inaccessible to children; 14) require all dogs and cats to have proper vaccination and licenses as is required by City Code; 15) require all furniture over 4 feet in height that is located in the area where child care is provided must be secured to the wall; 16) require a basic first aid kit on the premise; 17) add civil money penalties as a tool for compliance, and a $25.00 re-inspect fee; 18) require all providers and employees to report child abuse/neglect when they are made aware of it; and 19) allow the Police Department to deny, suspend, or revoke a license and the licensee/applicant the ability to appeal the decision before the City Council. Mr. Diehl reviewed the process for moving forward with the proposed amendments to the Child Care Code. Council discussion regarding the proposed amendments and response from child care providers in Pocatello as a result of the changes followed. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Stouse explained the Child Care Advisory Committee has been working on this since March 2014 and providers have been notified of the proposed amendments. Most of the child care providers have been supportive of the changes. Ms. Stouse hopes the civil penalty of $25.00 will motivate some providers to come into compliance. Each time she must re-inspect the facility for compliance issues the penalty will be imposed. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Diehl noted staff will move forward with the proposed amendments and a public hearing followed by an ordinance will be prepared for Council’s consideration in the fall of 2014. AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: Kim Stouse, Licensing Enforcement, and Rich Diehl, Deputy PROPOSED TAXICAB City Attorney were present to update the Council on proposed CODE AMENDMENTS amendments to the City’s Taxicab Code 5.56. Mr. Diehl gave a brief review of a previous presentation before Council to discuss proposed amendments to the City’s Taxicab Code. Since that time, staff has been in contact with insurance providers that suggested not less than $1 million coverage is needed to cover the taxi company and passenger. Ms. Stouse reviewed the major list of items staff would like to include in the amended Code. The items include: 1) updating the insurance requirement to require all taxicab businesses carry commercial liability insurance to cover the passengers in the taxi; 2) require annual inspections of all taxicab vehicles by a Certified Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) technician to ensure the taxicabs are in safe working order; 3) require meters in the taxicabs to ensure all patrons are receiving fair prices; 4) prohibit the use of alcohol and tobacco products within the taxicab as is required by the Clean Air Act; 5) update the background requirement to match those of the City of  4 CITY OF POCATELLO STUDY SESSION JUNE 12, 2014 Pocatello Child Care Code; 6) add civil money penalties for violations of the code as a means to gain compliance; 7) allow the Police Department the ability to deny, suspend or revoke a license; and 8) the licensee/applicant has the ability to appeal the Police Department’s decision before Council. Staff requested taxicab fees be removed from the ordinance and placed in the regular Fee Resolution process. Council discussion continued and the types of services provided by taxicab services were reviewed. It was noted that meters are not required for companies that have a contract with a business to provide transport at a flat rate. It was mentioned that all taxicab services should be held to the same standard. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Stouse explained taxicabs are not inspected at this time. Under the proposed code, each taxicab owner will provide a completed form and police staff will review the form for compliance. Ms. Stouse reviewed some of the complaints Police staff have received from citizens regarding their experience hiring a local taxi. Concerns include different rates being charged based upon the customer and not mileage. Council shared their concerns with reports of large differences in fees for fares such as commuting to and from the Pocatello Airport. Additional discussion regarding other fee fluctuations followed. Charlie Potter, owner of Yellow Cab, shared his concerns with maximum and flat rates being imposed by the City Council. He explained students have tied-up one of his drivers for up to 8 hours wanting to tour the area. Mr. Potter has a flat rate his company charges for transporting passengers to the airport and this is based upon a contract he has with hotels in the area. He does not feel the City should determine what these rates should be. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Potter explained there are different types of cabs used to transport passengers. Some passengers prefer an executive type vehicle while another may want a regular taxi. The amount charged for each fare will be different based upon the vehicle type and not only the distance driven. Frank Romero, previous owner of Checker Cab, reviewed the costs of running taxis in different areas of the United States. He noted changes in the amounts charged for gas and auto insurance costs fluctuate and fares are charged based upon these costs. Mr. Romero is concerned if Council determines the maximum rate that can be charged, taxi owners will need to come before Council when these changes occur to increase the maximum. He feels quality taxi cab service will reflect a positive the image of the community. Mr. Romero suggested cab companies be required to post their prices and a list of Passenger Rights in each taxi cab. It was clarified that ideas and concerns will be taken during the public hearing process for the ordinance. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Diehl noted staff will move forward with the proposed changes and an ordinance will be prepared for Council’s consideration in the fall of 2014. Council President Cooper adjourned the meeting at 10:15 a.m. APPROVED:  5 CITY OF POCATELLO STUDY SESSION JUNE 12, 2014 BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST: RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK