City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION NOVEMBER 13, 2014 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Mayor Brian Blad called the City Council Study Session to order at 9:02 a.m. Council members present were Steve Brown, Jim Johnston, Gary Moore, Eva Johnson Nye and Michael L. Orr. Council member Craig Cooper arrived at 9:21 a.m. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Dana Olson, Chair Person; and Peggy Johnson, Treasurer; from AFRICAN SISTER CITIES the African Sister Cities Subcommittee were present to discuss SUBCOMMITTEE UPDATE the Committee’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations. Ms. Johnson distributed a brochure to the Council that the Committee uses to educate the public on what they do while Ms. Olson shared the progress of the Committee over the past year. Ms. Johnson reported on a loan program in Kwaremanguel, Burkina Faso, Africa that is funded by the Committee. The program started with $350.00 and has grown to $1,600.00. She explained the funds are used to make small loans to help people in Burkina Faso improve their daily lives. The interest earned from the loans is used to help continue the program. It was mentioned that the number of students sponsored by the Committee has decreased. This is the direct result of government agencies stepping in to assist more students with their educational goals. Because the village is located in such a remote area, the Committee is raising funds to purchase an ambulance for the village to use. It was noted the village is 60 miles from the nearest hospital and villagers have no means of transporting someone to the hospital. Council thanked the Committee for their efforts and continued progress in Burkina Faso. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Daniel Hummel, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Idaho PARTNERSHIP FOR State University (mailing address: 921 South 8th Avenue, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Pocatello ID 83209) shared a presentation inviting local IN JORDAN PRESENTATION governments from the United States, Canada and Europe to share their experience and expertise in local economic development with their counterparts in Jordan during exchange visits in 2015-2017. Mr. Hummel stated he received an invitation from ICMA stating the organization is looking for four (4) different cities to match with two to four Jordanian cities within a governorate. He reviewed the mission of the 10 day visit and feels this is an economic development endeavor. Mr. Hummel explained the program will allow individuals to see the area and businesses of each community and suggested that Lonnie Crowell, Planning and Development Services Director, travel with him to Jordan. Council member Craig Cooper arrived at 9:21 a.m. Mr. Hummel reviewed his ideas for the five year project and explained the City’s commitment would need to continue during that period. He suggested a Committee be established so the City and ISU Political Science representatives can share information. Mr. Hummel stated there is no financial commitment for the project. However, there is a requirement for in-kind service. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Hummel explained the visit will be for 10 days and all travel and travel expenses will be covered by the project. Partners are expected to contribute their  2 CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION NOVEMBER 13, 2014 labor pro bono and cover local expenses such as office space, computer usage, and transportation that can be captured as in-kind “cost share.” Mr. Hummel noted that only four (4) cities will be chosen to participate in the project. It was the consensus of the Council for Mr. Hummel to submit an application for the project with the understanding there will be no cost for the City if the project is awarded. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Scott Stephens, representing Stephens Development (mailing SOUTHEAST IDAHO address: 416 West Lewis, Pocatello ID 83204) gave a BUSINESS COLLABORATION presentation outlining the concept of a Southeast Idaho Business AND INNOVATION CENTER Collaboration and Innovation Center (BCIC) for the greater PRESENTATION Pocatello area. Mr. Stephens provided a brief history of the creation of BCIC. He explained the concept is a co-working center similar to an internet café. Business amenities such as a fiber optic wi-fi workplace, mail drop, conference room access, access to fax and printer/copy machine and other services would be available for BCIC members. Mr. Stephens gave a breakdown of the costs that their organization will need to get the center started and potential revenues from members utilizing the facility. He noted that SICOG has partnered with them and he would like the City to help with some of the center’s startup costs. Mr. Stephens feels the center will be intricate to Southeast Idaho’s economic development. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Stephens estimates there are 16 types of individuals who are currently working without an actual office that could utilize the center. He predicts many students scheduled to graduate will conduct most of their business on-line and not have an actual office. Mr. Stephens anticipates this is the future of doing business and feels the center will be able to meet a need in the community. Mr. Brown stated the center could be beneficial for people just getting started in business and do not know what to do. AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Mayor Blad announced that Agenda Item No. 5 to discuss HILLSIDE DEVELOPMENT proposed changes to the Hillside Development Standards had STANDARDS-PROPOSED been pulled from the agenda at the request of the Planning CHANGES and Development Services Department. The item will be re- scheduled. AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: Merril Quayle, Development Engineer; Justin Armstrong, Water POCATELLO CREEK Superintendent; and Ryan Satterfield, Pocatello Creek DEVELOPMENT COMPANY Development Company; were present as a follow-up to the -WATER ACQUISITION August 14, 2014 Study Session to receive clarification from the CLARIFICATION Council regarding the condition of payment for water acquisition by Pocatello Creek Development Company pursuant to Resolution No. 2006-02. This area was recently annexed by the City under Ordinance No. 2935 and is approximately 25.45 acres of land situated east of Andrew Street and south of Owyhee Street. Mr. Quayle gave a brief overview of the August 14, 2014 Study Session and discussion of the 811 lots discussed at the latter part of the meeting by Mr. Satterfield. Through the addition of this new information, interpretation of the Council’s consensus was not clear to all parties involved.  3 CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION NOVEMBER 13, 2014 In response to questions from Council, Mr. Quayle explained the following options are eing recommended to assist in clarifying the Council’s direction regarding the water rights: 1) Interpretation heard - 811 additional lots would be credited for future development annexations (using the current wet water calculation this amounts to 422 acre-feet of water per year with current estimated costs when annexed of $379,548.00) 2) Interpretation heard – starting with 811 lots then subtracting the 730 lots (Mr. Satterfield’s count) developed in the original place of use would result in 81 additional lots credited (using current wet water calculation this amounts to 42 acre-feet of water per year with current estimated costs when annexed of $37,800.00) 3) Staff’s recommendation would be to use the SRBA Partial Decree limitation of 450 AFY, which governs the quantity available by this water right and the average annual use for a single family residential lot per year in the City of Pocatello. This formula would equate to 865 residential lots, subtracting out 730 lots (Mr. Satterfield’s count) developed in the original place of use resulting in 135 lots credited (using the current wet water calculation this would be 70 acre-feet of water per year with estimated today costs when annexed of $63,000.00). Mr. Satterfield gave a brief background of the history he is familiar with. Although he does not have all of the facts, he shared his interpretation of the number of lots for the area. Mr. Satterfield explained 811 lots is one-half of a larger number of lots because the actual number of lots could not be determined. He feels it was a good compromise and is not supportive of 730 lots being subtracted from this amount. Mr. Satterfield felt he still had a credit of 811 lots and would like to know the Council’s interpretation of the previous meeting. Council discussion followed regarding different interpretations of Council’s intent at the August 14, 2014 Study Session. Mr. Quayle reviewed the Snake River Adjudication guidelines for the water use. He noted the guidelines show the water use was to be for the Highland Golf Course and this is how the rights were determined. Mr. Satterfield noted the 450 acre feet did not come into play until 2007 and when the water rights were sold in 1973 this was not a criteria. He feels there could have been something done differently to utilize the water. Council discussion followed on the interpretation of water use and number of lots outlined by staff and Mr. Satterfield. Dean Tranmer, City Attorney, gave an overview of how the number of 811 lots was determined. He explained in an effort to arrive at a solution, Mr. Satterfield suggested the 811 lots as a mid-way point between zero credits and 2000 plus lots. Mr. Tranmer noted when the necessary documents were being drafted, it was discovered there were different interpretations of Council’s intent from the August 14, 2014 Study Session. As a result, staff is trying to obtain clarification from the Council of how to proceed. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Tranmer reviewed water law and other uses of water when the City has purchased a well.  4 CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION NOVEMBER 13, 2014 In response to questions from Council, Mr. Quayle explained all property annexed into the City since adoption of Resolution No. 2006-02 is required to document the water source. It was the Council’s consensus to move forward with Option No. 3 as outlined and instructed staff to prepare the documents for Council’s consideration. Mayor Blad called a recess at 10:56 a.m. Mayor Blad reconvened the meeting at 11:06 a.m. AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: Lonnie Crowell, Executive Director; and Ryan Ward, member; POCATELLO representing the Pocatello Development Authority (PDA) were DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY present to discuss the Authority’s goals and projects, as well as UPDATE Council’s policies and expectations. Mr. Crowell recognized members of the PDA in attendance and acknowledged that Council member Orr is the new chairperson for PDA. Mr. Crowell highlighted the achievements for 2014 which included: 1) payment of $3.3 million toward the South Valley Connector which was made possible by the closure of Central Corridor TIF/URA District in December 2010; 2) $247,267.00 for rail upgrades at the Naval Ordnance Plant to attract new and retain existing business; 3) continue to uphold PDA’s agreement to pre-fund the demolition of the remaining aged structures at Alameda Plaza development at the price of $250,000.00; 4) helped produce the proposed South 5th Urban Renewal Draft Plan and recommended it to the City Council for adoption; 5) Airport TIF funded up to $25,000.00 for a conceptual study and construction study for needed power at the Airport, a new transformer and distribution lines to meet the needs of incoming business; 6) Airport TIF funded up to $7,500.00 for a conceptual study for rail construction/reconstruction at the Airport; 7) Airport TIF funded up to $1,000.00 for soil studies at the Airport; 8) worked with Bannock Development Corporation, participating and discussing efforts they may be involved in to promote economic development at the airport and other locations throughout Pocatello; 9) paid $450,000.00 from the North Portneuf TIF district to the City of Pocatello for debt owed for the Hoku development; and 10) worked to collect on unpaid debt throughout the year and has been somewhat successful. Mr. Crowell noted he serves on a committee that is working on rewriting urban renewal law for Idaho. He hopes the Committee’s proposed changes will provide more options for economic development in Idaho. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Crowell explained there are additional steps that must take place before the old Albertsons building in Alameda Plaza can be demolished. He noted that the owner’s legal team is in the process of drafting documents for this purpose. Mr. Moore stated PDA has made some remarkable things happen in Pocatello. He feels many of the good things in the community would not have been possible without their involvement. Mr. Orr recognized City staff for their hard work and cooperative efforts to assist the PDA Board. Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 11:20 a.m.  5 CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION NOVEMBER 13, 2014 APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST: RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK