City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL AGENDA CLARIFICATION MEETING AND REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING JUNE 18, 2015 CLARIFICATION The City Council Agenda Clarification Meeting was called to order MEETING at 5:36 p.m. by Mayor Brian Blad. Council members present were Steve Brown, Craig Cooper, Gary Moore, Eva Johnson Nye and Michael L. Orr. Jim Johnston arrived at 5:39 p.m. No motions, resolutions, orders or ordinances were proposed. No vote was taken. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: The Regular City Council meeting was called to order at 6:06 p.m. ROLL CALL AND by Mayor Brian Blad. Council members present were Steve Brown, PLEDGE OF Craig Cooper, Jim Johnston, Gary Moore, Eva Johnson Nye and ALLEGIANCE Michael L. Orr. Mayor Blad led the audience in the pledge of allegiance. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: The invocation was offered by Robert Raschke, Executive Director INVOCATION of Grace Lutheran School. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Council was asked to consider the following business items: CONSENT AGENDA -MINUTES (a) Waive the oral reading of the minutes and approve the minutes from the May 14, 2015 Study Session and Budget Development meeting; May 21, 2015 Clarification and Regular Council meeting; and June 4, 2015 Executive Session. -TREASURER’S (b) Consider the Treasurer’s Report for May 2015 showing cash and REPORT investments as of May 31, 2015 in the amount of $48,728,323.22. -HISTORIC (c) Confirm the Mayor’s reappointment of Nick Nielson to continue his PRESERVATION service as a member of the Historic Preservation Commission. Mr. COMMISSION Nielson’s term will begin July 3, 2015 and will expire July 3, 2018. REAPPOINTMENT -LIBRARY BOARD (d) Confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Jay Bingham to serve as a OF TRUSTEES member of the Library Board of Trustees, replacing David Martinez APPOINTMENT whose term expired. Mr. Bingham’s term will begin July 2, 2015 and will expire July 1, 2020. -ENGINEERING (e) Approve a Volunteer Agreement between the City and Sara Jean INTERNSHIP Ebrahimpour to allow Ms. Ebrahimpour to serve as an intern with AGREEMENT the City Engineering Department. Ms. Ebrahimpour’s position in -EBRAHIMPOUR the Engineering Department will be unpaid and the term will be June 29 to August 31, 2015. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 2 JUNE 18, 2015 -SICOG MOBILITY (f) Consider the Mobility Support Services contract with Southeast SUPPORT SERVICES Idaho Council of Governments (SICOG) to facilitate compliance CONTRACT-TRANSIT with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. SICOG has been awarded the ITD District 5 contract for 2015-2016 to provide mobility support services requested by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act. The City’s annual share of the costs for these district-wide services is $3,170.00. -CONTRACT REZONE (g) Authorize the Mayor to sign a Contract Rezone Agreement with AGREEMENT-HOLIDAY Hotel Developers-Pocatello, LLC, an Idaho Limited Liability ON THE HILL Company, following their adoption by Council Decision on June 4, SUBDIVISION 2015 to rezone by contract approximately 3.07 acres from Residential Commercial Professional to Commercial General for the purpose of allowing commercial lodging (hotel) with 85 guest rooms pursuant to Pocatello Municipal Code 17.02.180(B)(1), subject to conditions. -COUNCIL DECISION (h) Adopt the Council’s decision granting a request by Land Quest -LAND QUEST Development, Inc., an Idaho Corporation, to rezone approximately DEVELOPMENT 0.09 acres of property located ¼ mile east of Philbin Road and south QUINN/PHILBIN of Quinn Road, from Residential Medium Density Single Family REZONE (RMS) to Residential High Density (RH) for the purpose of making the 0.09 acres consistent with the adjacent larger parcel which is proposed to be developed into 18 residential 4-plexes, pursuant to Pocatello Municipal Code 17.02.180, subject to conditions. -COUNCIL DECISION (i) Adopt the Council’s decision granting a request by Land Quest -PLANNED UNIT Development, Inc., an Idaho Corporation, for a Planned Unit DEVELOPMENT-BREEZY Development consisting of 3.7 acres located ¼ mile east of Philbin APARTMENTS Road and south of Quinn Road. The development will include the construction of eighteen (18) residential 4-plexes, eleven (11) of which will be two (2) bedroom units and seven (7) will be three (3) bedroom units, subject to conditions. A motion was made by Mr. Moore, seconded Mr. Johnston, to approve the items on the consent agenda. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Moore, Johnston, Brown, Cooper, Nye and Orr. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Mr. Orr, on behalf of Mayor Blad, proclaimed June 21 through COMMUNICATIONS June 27, 2015 to be Amateur Radio Week in Pocatello. AND PROCLAMATIONS Mayor Blad presented the proclamation to Ronald Edmo. Mr. Edmo accepted the proclamation and thanked the Council for the acknowledgement of the important service provided by radio communication. Mr. Cooper, on behalf of Mayor Blad, proclaimed June 2015 to be General Aviation Appreciation Month in Pocatello. Mayor Blad presented the proclamation to Melvin Wagoner, representing Av-Center, and David Allen, Airport Manager. Mr. Waggoner accepted the proclamation and thanked the Council for the acknowledgement of the importance of general aviation and the Pocatello Regional Airport. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 3 JUNE 18, 2015 AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Mayor Blad reminded the Council of the June 25th Budget Meeting CALENDAR REVIEW at 9:00 a.m.; the July 2nd Regular City Council Meeting at 6:00 p.m.; and the July 9th Study Session with Budget items at 9:00 a.m. Mayor Blad announced there will be a Bear Birthday Bash at the Pocatello Zoo June 20th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.; a presentation “Super Foods: Fad or Fact?” at the Marshall Public Library June 29th at 6:30 p.m.; the Independence Day celebration events for the community will be held at the Bannock County Fairgrounds July 2nd through 4th; the Portneuf Medical Center and Idaho Central Credit Union Independence Day Parade will be held July 4th; the “Biggest Show in Idaho” fireworks display will be held at the Bannock County Fairgrounds on July 4th; the free Ross Park/Zoo Summer Concert Series will be held each Saturday at the Band Shell from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.; and City offices will be closed Friday, July 3rd. However, trash and recycling collection would be on schedule. Mayor Blad encouraged citizens to be careful with fireworks during the Fourth of July holiday and to be aware of areas where fireworks are restricted. Mr. Brown announced June 19th and 20th from 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. will be a Perfect Attendance Spells Success (PASS) celebration and community carnival at the Bannock County Fairgrounds. All are welcome to attend. AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: Council was asked to confirm the appointment of Logan McDougall CONFIRMATION OF as the City’s Public Information Officer/Video Services Director to PUBLIC INFORMATION be effective June 29, 2015. OFFICER-MCDOUGALL A motion was made by Mr. Johnston, seconded by Mr. Cooper, to confirm the appointment of Logan McDougall as the City’s Public Information Officer/Video Services Director to be effective June 29, 2015. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Johnston, Cooper, Brown, Moore and Nye. Orr voted in opposition to the motion. The motion passed. Mr. McDougall thanked the Mayor and City Council for the opportunity to serve Pocatello in this capacity and stated he is looking forward to making the public more aware of all the City does for its citizens. AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: This time was set aside for the Council to hear comments from the PUBLIC HEARING public regarding a request from Ron Dykman of BFBB, LLC -IRON EAGLE ESTATES (mailing address: PO Box 4434, Pocatello, ID 83201) represented by SUBDIVISION OF Rocky Mountain Engineering and Surveying (mailing address: 2043 EASEMENT East Center Street, Pocatello, ID 83201) to vacate the public’s interest in the drainage easement on Lots 8 and 9, Block 1, Iron Eagle Estates subdivision. Planning staff recommended approval of the request with conditions. Mayor Blad opened the public hearing. Mayor Blad announced there had been no ex parte communication by the Council. Mitchell Greer, Rocky Mountain Engineering and Surveying, explained the applicant is proposing to shift an existing easement, which bisects two lots, over to one lot. He added the applicant is planning to combine the two remaining lots into one lot. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4 JUNE 18, 2015 Matthew Lewis, Planning Division Manager, stated staff has recommended the request be granted with the condition that a deed shall be recorded combining Lots 9 and 10, Block 1 for the purpose of constructing a single-family home. Mr. Lewis added that this condition is required because moving the easement leaves only 24 feet of width for building a home on Lot 9, which is insufficient to meet setback requirements. He added the only condition would be that the deed, which will include the new easement, shall be recorded prior to official vacation of the existing easement. Mr. Lewis stated there is no opposition from utility companies or City staff. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Lewis confirmed that Lots 9 and 10 would be combined and no variance would be required later for the combining of the lots. He added a deed restriction would be in place so no further action would need to be taken. Mayor Blad announced no correspondence had been received. Niki Taysom, Chubbuck resident, spoke uncommitted to the application and asked for a definition of a drainage easement. Mr. Greer explained a drainage easement conveys water from the load infrastructure to the stormwater retention facility located behind the lots. There being no further public comments, Mayor Blad closed the public hearing. A motion was made by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Cooper, to approve a request by Ron Dykman of BFBB, LLC, represented by Rocky Mountain Engineering and Surveying, to vacate the public’s interest in the drainage easement on Lots 8 and 9, Block 1, Iron Eagle Estates subdivision, with conditions and that the decision be set out in the appropriate Council decision format. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Moore, Cooper, Brown, Johnston, Nye and Orr. AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: Tuscany Hills Development Co. (mailing address: 2231 East Center PRELIMINARY PLAT Street, Pocatello, ID 83201) represented by Rocky Mountain EXTENSION-TUSCANY Engineering and Surveying, (mailing address: 2043 East Center HILLS 2ND ADDITION Street, Pocatello, ID 83201) requests a six (6) month extension on the preliminary plat approval. The preliminary plat approval is valid for a period of 12 months from the date of Planning and Zoning Commission action per Municipal Code 16.74.070(B). The Commission recommended approval of the preliminary plat with conditions on June 11, 2014. The extension to submit the final plat would end on December 11, 2015. Planning staff recommended approval of the extension request. In response to questions from Council, Matthew Lewis, Planning Division Manager, confirmed a six month extension is allowed with no additional fees. A motion was made by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Johnston, to approve a request by Tuscany Hills Development Co., represented by Rocky Mountain Engineering and Surveying, for a six (6) month extension on the preliminary plat approval for Tuscany Hills 2nd Addition, and that the extension to submit the final plat would end on December 11, 2015 and that the decision be set out in the appropriate Council decision format. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Moore, Johnston, Brown, Cooper, Nye and Orr. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 5 JUNE 18, 2015 AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: This time was set aside for the Council to accept comments PUBLIC HEARING regarding proposed amendments within the Program Year 2014 -PROGRAM YEAR 2014 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action CDBG ACTION PLAN Plan. These amendments were reviewed and recommended for AMENDMENTS approval by the CDBG Advisory Committee at their meeting on May 19, 2015. A 30-day written comment period began May 19, 2015 and concluded June 18, 2015. Following the public hearing, the Council may wish to approve the amendments and authorize their submission, including any public comments. Mayor Blad opened the public hearing. Melanie Gygli, Neighborhood and Community Services Division Manager, gave an overview of the proposed amendments to the Program Year 2014 Action Plan. She stated that program income exceeded anticipated income because of loan payoffs. Ms. Gygli explained that funds were spent on acquisition, demolition, down payment and closing cost assistance, sidewalk repair and rehab programs. Niki Taysom, Chubbuck resident, spoke in opposition to the proposal. Ms. Taysom feels the programs cause unfair taxation to small businesses and homeowners. There being no further public comments, Mayor Blad closed the public hearing. A motion was made by Mrs. Nye, seconded by Mr. Brown, to approve the Program Year 2014 CDBG Action Plan amendments and authorize their submission to HUD, including any public comments. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Nye, Brown, Cooper, Johnston, Moore and Orr. AGENDA ITEM NO. 10: As required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban PUBLIC HEARING Development (HUD), this time was set aside for the Council to -CDBG PROGRAM YEAR consider any comments from the public concerning the 2014 ANNUAL REPORT Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The report was available for public review from May 28, 2015 to June 18, 2015 after review and recommendation of approval by the CDBG Advisory Committee. Following the public hearing, Council may wish to approve the report and authorize its submittal, including a summary of any public input, to HUD on or before June 29, 2015. Mayor Blad opened the public hearing. Melanie Gygli, Neighborhood and Community Services Division Manager, gave an overview of the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the program year which ended March 31, 2015. Ms. Gygli stated it was the 18th year Pocatello qualified as an entitlement city and explained the City and its partners leveraged over $850,000.00 in other funding while using about $409,000.00 in federal funding. She emphasized that contracts resulting from the funds support the community’s economy. Ms. Gygli stated the City remains in compliance with general CDBG standards and regulations, meeting spending timeliness and within spending parameters for program administration and public service. Niki Taysom, Chubbuck resident, spoke in opposition to the proposal. She feels the program is not the proper use of funds. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 JUNE 18, 2015 Idaho Lorax, Pocatello resident, spoke in opposition to the proposal. He feels education is essential for the community. There being no further public comments, Mayor Blad closed the public hearing. A motion was made by Mrs. Nye, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve the CAPER and authorize its submittal, including a summary of any public input, to HUD on or before June 29, 2015. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Nye, Moore, Brown, Cooper, Johnston and Orr. AGENDA ITEM NO. 11: NeighborWorks Pocatello requested an amendment of its NEIGHBORWORKS CDBG contract as it regards to the number of rehab projects POCATELLO CDBG required for program years 2012-2014. CONTRACT AMENDMENT REQUEST A motion was made by Mr. Orr, seconded by Mr. Cooper, to approve an amendment to the NeighborWorks Pocatello CDBG contract as it regards to the number of rehab projects required for program years 2012-2014. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Orr, Cooper, Brown, Johnston, Moore and Nye. AGENDA ITEM NO. 12: Council was asked to consider the recommendations of staff for the BID/AGREEMENT following requests regarding rehabilitation work on the Airport’s -REHABILITATION WORK apron pavements: ON AIRPORT APRON PAVEMENTS BID a) Accept the bid received from Maxwell Asphalt, Inc. in the amount -MAXWELL of $245,610.00 and, if the bid is accepted; ASPHALT, INC. AGREEMENT b) Authorize the execution of a notice of award and agreement -MAXWELL between the City of Pocatello and Maxwell Asphalt, Inc. in the ASPHALT, INC. amount of $245,610.00 for the Airport apron pavement project. The project will be funded 93.75% by FAA grant funds and 6.25% by airport passenger facility charge (PFC) funds. The project is contingent upon the award of grant funds and FAA approval. In response to questions from Council, Joyce Stroschein, City Finance Manager, confirmed that funds are in place to cover the 6.25% match fee and that no additional funds would be required from the City. David Allen, Pocatello Regional Airport Manager, stated he is working closely with Ms. Stroschein on the five-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for the monies required for the local match program. Mr. Allen added that the goal is to have a plan in place to account for upcoming needs. A motion was made by Mr. Johnston, seconded by Mrs. Nye, to accept the recommendations of staff regarding rehabilitation work on the Airport’s apron pavements and a) accept the bid received from Maxwell Asphalt, Inc. in the amount of $245,610.00; and b) authorize the execution of a notice of award and agreement between the City of Pocatello and Maxwell Asphalt, Inc. in the amount of $245,610.00 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7 JUNE 18, 2015 for the Airport apron pavement project. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Johnston, Nye, Brown, Cooper, Moore and Orr. AGENDA ITEM NO. 13: Council was asked to accept the recommendations of staff and PIGGY-BACK BID award the piggy-back bid for truckload quantities of 95 gallon refuse FOR REFUSE/RECYCLING and recycling carts to Rehrig Pacific Company and, if accepted, CARTS-SANITATION authorize the Mayor to sign documents related to the bid. The refuse carts are $49.97 FOB Pocatello and the recycling carts are $51.95 FOB Pocatello. Funds are allocated in the Sanitation Department’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget for the purchase of carts. A motion was made by Mrs. Nye, seconded by Mr. Orr, to accept the recommendations of staff and award the piggy-back bid for truckload quantities of 95 gallon refuse and recycling carts to Rehrig Pacific Company, authorize the Mayor to sign documents related to the bid, that the refuse carts will be $49.97 FOB Pocatello and the recycling carts will be $51.95 FOB Pocatello. In response to questions from Council, Arlyn Rasmussen, Sanitation Superintendent, confirmed that 95 gallons is the size of each cart and a “truckload” is not a fixed measurement as it varies in truck bed size and quantity of carts. He added that the price stated is the price per cart delivered and this price is the same as the previous year. Mrs. Nye’s motion was voted on at this time. Those voting in favor were Nye, Orr, Brown, Cooper, Johnston and Moore. AGENDA ITEM NO. 14: Council was asked to accept a donation from Friends of the FRIENDS OF THE Pocatello Animal Shelter to construct a second dog park to be called POCATELLO ANIMAL “Katie’s Dog Park” for the City of Pocatello. The Dog Park will be SHELTER DONATION located on City property on the south side of the Animal Shelter in -KATIE’S DOG PARK upper level Ross Park. A motion was made by Mrs. Nye, seconded by Mr. Johnston, to accept a donation from Friends of the Pocatello Animal Shelter to construct a second dog park to be called “Katie’s Dog Park” for the City of Pocatello and that the dog park will be located on City property on the south side of the Animal Shelter in upper level Ross Park. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Nye, Johnston, Brown, Cooper, Moore and Orr. AGENDA ITEM NO. 15: Council was asked to consider a request for “Council Select” funds “COUNCIL SELECT” from The Biggest Show In Idaho (mailing address: 324 South Main, FUNDING REQUEST Pocatello, ID 83204) in the amount of $250.00 to assist with -THE BIGGEST expenses related to their July 3 and 4, 2015 event at the Bannock SHOW IN IDAHO County Fairgrounds. (As of June 15, 2015 $3,300.00 remained in the “Council Select” fund.) A motion was made by Mr. Cooper, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve a request for “Council Select” funds from The Biggest Show In Idaho, in the amount of $250.00 to assist with expenses related to their July 3 and 4, 2015 event at the Bannock County Fairgrounds. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 8 JUNE 18, 2015 Cooper, Moore, Johnston, Brown and Nye. Orr voted in opposition to the motion. The motion passed. Loren Azzola, Biggest Show in Idaho, 326 Arabian, gave an overview of the activities planned to take place July 2 through 4, 2015. AGENDA ITEM NO. 16: Council was asked to consider a request from The Biggest Show In TEMPORARY STREET Idaho to temporarily close the following streets: CLOSURE REQUEST -THE BIGGEST SHOW IN IDAHO OLYMPUS ROAD a) Olympus Road between Jerome and Butte Streets for a 3 on 3 basketball tournament and other celebration activities on July 2 and 3 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on July 4 from 1:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.; and FUEL COLOR b) A portion of East Chubbuck Road, Jerome, Hiskey, Fairway, and RUN ROUTE Fairgrounds Road for a Fuel Color Run on June 27, 2015 from 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (noon). Mayor Blad announced that agenda item 16 (b) was pulled from the agenda, as a road closure is not necessary. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Azzola, Biggest Show in Idaho representative, 326 Arabian, confirmed that Highland High School’s parking lot, which would not require road closures, was considered as a location for the basketball tournament. However, this was not a favorable option due to the fact that vendors generating sales to fund the fireworks display would lose their ability to sell products. He stated road closures have been requested for the basketball tournament for Thursday and Friday nights. Mr. Azzola added that in 2014, the road was closed for a basketball tournament and in 2013 the road was closed for a bike race. He clarified that Olympus, between Butte and Jerome, has been closed every year for 23 years on the Fourth of July. Mr. Azzola stated that barricades and a medical trailer will be used to block the street 20 feet from the basketball courts and vendors will be on the fields behind the fence. He explained the basketball courts will be located on the street between Jerome and Butte and, in the case of an emergency, the barriers will be moved to allow emergency vehicles through. Mr. Johnston suggested the request be approved with the assurance that Mr. Azzola meet with the Fire and Police Department chiefs to work out safety concerns. Mr. Azzola and David Gates, Fire Chief, agreed to meet with Scott Marchand, Police Chief. A motion was made by Mr. Johnston, seconded by Mr. Moore, to approve a request from The Biggest Show In Idaho to temporarily close Olympus Road between Jerome Street and Butte Street for a 3 on 3 basketball tournament and other celebration activities on July 2 and 3, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. and on July 4, 2015 from 1:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., upon the condition that organizers meet with emergency officials to have a safety plan in place. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 9 JUNE 18, 2015 Mr. Brown and Mrs. Nye expressed they would feel more comfortable if the motion were to be only for July 4, 2015 for safety reasons. Mr. Johnston stated that changing the motion would ruin the basketball tournament and hinder the Biggest Show in Idaho’s ability to pay for the fireworks. Mr. Azzola reminded Council that the road closures would only be from approximately 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., not the full day. Mr. Johnston’s motion was voted upon at this time. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Johnston, Moore and Nye. Those voting in opposition were Brown, Cooper and Orr. Due to a tie in voting, Mayor Blad was required to cast the deciding vote. Mayor Blad voted in favor of the motion. The motion passed. Mayor Blad reiterated the need for those involved to meet together to formulate a plan to address safety needs. AGENDA ITEM NO. 17: Council was asked to adopt a resolution and approve an agreement RESOLUTION/ between the State of Idaho and City of Pocatello for construction of COOPERATIVE the Benton Street and Second Avenue Intersection project, subject AGREEMENT-BENTON to Legal Department review. This federal aid project consists of the STREET AND SECOND installation of raised islands, improved lighting and lane AVENUE INTERSECTION reconfiguration. $190,000.00 is available for construction which PROJECT includes inspection, materials testing and contingencies. In-house design will offset the local cash match requirement. Construction is expected to be complete this summer. A motion was made by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Brown, to adopt a resolution (2015-07) and approve an agreement between the State of Idaho and City of Pocatello for construction of the Benton Street and Second Avenue Intersection project, subject to Legal Department review and that this federal aid project consists of the installation of raised islands, improved lighting and lane reconfiguration. In response to questions by Council, Deirdre Castillo, City Engineer, stated the cost for a basic stoplight is approximately $400,000.00, whereas a bigger project with right-of-way acquisition and use of federal funds could be $2.1 million. She stated the current project under consideration would be a fairly simple project likely requiring the hiring of an electrical engineer for consultation and would cost more than $400,000.00, but far less than $2.1 million. Ms. Castillo explained the project does not meet the requirements for a traffic signal warrant analysis. She stated, according to Idaho Transportation Department officials, the signal recently installed at Yellowstone Avenue and Pearl Street barely met the standards for a traffic signal warrant analysis, and the proposed project would not meet the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) standards. Ms. Castillo stated this is a small federal aid safety project, which so far has cost $1,000.00 plus in-kind work. Ms. Castillo noted that if this measure is voted down, the City would likely have to purchase property for right-of-way. She explained that currently there is a donation from two homeowners to allow for a preferred radius, which barely meets the space requirements. Ms. Castillo stated installation of larger REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 10 JUNE 18, 2015 poles would require right-of-way purchase. She agreed that there is legitimate concern in regards to sufficient area to stop when roads are wet and icy and there is back-up due to other traffic lights; therefore, this signal will eventually need to be upgraded. Ms. Castillo explained that given the direction from Council, this approach with raised medians seems to be the most cost-effective solution. Ms. Castillo stated that an initial traffic count for South Second Avenue indicates 3,400 cars per day travel this street, many of which will be affected by the re-routing of traffic. She said it is assumed that drivers will find an alternate route, such as traveling to South First Avenue to turn. She stated a future traffic study would be required in order to obtain detailed re-routing information. Mayor Blad added that Old Town merchants are concerned about the perception that the area will be closed off with this new project. He hopes that will not be the public’s perception and expressed his support of the project to alleviate safety issues. Mr. Moore’s motion was voted upon at this time. Those voting in favor were Moore, Brown, Cooper, Johnston, Nye and Orr. AGENDA ITEM NO. 18: Council was asked to authorize execution of an agreement between CONSULTANT Williams Engineering, Inc. and the City of Pocatello for an AGREEMENT engineering study, mapping and submittals to FEMA that will result –RECERTIFICATION OF in the recertification of the north half of Reach 2 of the Portneuf PORTNEUF RIVER River Levee. The cost of the work shall not exceed $45,000.00. LEVEE REACH TWO Funds for the project have been requested as part of the Street Department’s Fiscal Year 2016 budget. Work will begin in October 2015 and will be completed by June 2016. Mayor Blad clarified this is an ongoing process and efforts are being made toward the recertification of the levee. A motion was made by Mr. Brown, seconded by Mr. Cooper, to authorize execution of an agreement between Williams Engineering, Inc. and the City of Pocatello for an engineering study, mapping and submittals to FEMA that will result in the recertification of the north half of Reach 2 of the Portneuf River Levee and that the cost of the work shall not exceed $45,000.00, as requested in the Street Department’s Fiscal Year 2016 budget request. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Brown, Cooper, Johnston, Moore, Nye and Orr. AGENDA ITEM NO. 19: Council was asked to authorize the Mayor to enter into a PROFESSIONAL Professional Service Agreement with the City of Chubbuck wherein SERVICE AGREEMENT/ the City of Pocatello will provide services including equipment and WHITAKER ROAD labor for a road construction project on Whitaker Road. The City of –CITY OF CHUBBUCK Chubbuck has agreed to pay for the services provided upon receipt of an invoice. The work shall be commenced mid-June and shall be completed by July 31, 2015. Mayor Kevin England, City of Chubbuck, responded to questions from Council confirming he had sought bids from private sources. He added it is difficult to find companies willing to bid on small projects such as this one. Mayor England stated he contacted a company which was used in the past REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 11 JUNE 18, 2015 and received an excessively high bid due to the fact that the milling would have to be subcontracted. He confirmed the bid received had been opened and properly acknowledged. Mayor England explained that timing often becomes an issue as many contractors are slow to finish smaller projects, in spite of the City’s need for the road to be rebuilt as soon as possible following the milling. He stated he then looked at the option of hiring the City of Pocatello to do the milling portion of the project. Mayor England confirmed the Chubbuck City Council has approved this cooperative endeavor, which would be a one to two day project with Chubbuck providing the trucks for the removal of milled material. A motion was made by Mr. Moore, seconded by Mr. Cooper, to authorize the Mayor to enter into a Professional Service Agreement with the City of Chubbuck wherein the City of Pocatello will provide services, including equipment and labor for a road construction project on Whitaker Road and that the City of Chubbuck will pay for the services provided upon receipt of an invoice. In response to questions by Council, Tom Kirkman, Street Operations Superintendent, stated the project will be approximately 2,640 feet by 26 feet, equating to .5 miles. He added that all of the costs for this project will be paid by the City of Chubbuck. Mr. Kirkman stated the City of Pocatello has the time and resources to do this project which will take 6 to 12 hours to complete. Mr. Moore’s motion was voted upon at this time. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Moore, Cooper, Brown and Johnston. Nye and Orr voted in opposition to the motion. The motion passed. AGENDA ITEM NO. 20: Council was asked to approve a Conveyance Agreement with Utah BUS CONVEYANCE Transit Authority to transfer seven (7) 2005 29-foot Optima transit AGREEMENT-TRANSIT coaches, subject to Legal Department review, for use by Pocatello Regional Transit. The coaches are medium duty, low floor, ramp- equipped buses which were removed from active service in downtown Salt Lake City on April 30, 2015. The buses have been well maintained and are service ready, with 3 to 5 years expected service life remaining. There is no cost to the City for the transfer. A motion was made by Mr. Johnston, seconded by Mrs. Nye, to approve a Conveyance Agreement with Utah Transit Authority to transfer seven (7) 2005 29-foot Optima transit coaches, subject to Legal Department review, for use by Pocatello Regional Transit and that there is no cost to the City for the transfer. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Johnston, Nye, Brown, and Moore. Cooper and Orr voted in opposition to the motion. The motion passed. AGENDA ITEM NO. 21: Council was asked to approve a contract with Salt Lake Express, SALT LAKE EXPRESS subject to Legal Department review. Salt Lake Express is the CONTRACT-PRT current contractor with Greyhound Lines, Inc. The proposed contract modifies previous agreements to include payments for parking space and terminal use at the new Pocatello Regional Transit (PRT) facility. The increased payment to PRT is $1,000.00 per month, plus the potential for increased commissions for ticket sales. These revenues qualify as local match for federal grants. A motion was made by Mrs. Nye, seconded by Mr. Orr, to approve a contract with Salt Lake Express, subject to Legal Department review, to modify previous agreements to include payments for parking space and terminal use at the new Pocatello Regional Transit (PRT) facility and that the increased payment to PRT will be $1,000.00 per month, plus the potential for increased commissions for ticket sales. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Nye, Orr, Brown, Cooper, Johnston and Moore. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 12 JUNE 18, 2015 AGENDA ITEM NO. 22: Council was asked to authorize the purchase of Bengal Paw Prints BENGAL PAW PRINT for placement on City streets near Idaho State University. The cost PURCHASE-STREET for the prints is $18,940.00 and funds are available in the Street Operations Fiscal Year 2015 budget. Mayor Blad reminded the City Council of the commitment by Idaho State University to provide $9,000.00 towards this cost, which would reduce the total amount paid by the City of Pocatello to $9,940.00. A motion was made by Mr. Johnston, seconded by Mr. Cooper, to authorize the purchase of Bengal Paw Prints for placement on City streets near Idaho State University and that the cost of the prints will be $18,940.00. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Cooper and Johnston. Brown, Moore, Nye and Orr voted in opposition to the motion. The motion failed. AGENDA ITEM NO. 23: Council was asked to consider an ordinance rezoning approximately ORDINANCE 3.07 acres of land in Lot 2, Block 1 of Holiday on the Hill -REZONE-HOLIDAY Subdivision from Residential Commercial Professional to ON THE HILL Commercial General. Public hearings on this matter were held on April 22, 2015 and June 4, 2015. A motion was made by Mrs. Nye, seconded by Mr. Orr, that the ordinance, Agenda Item No. 23, be read only by title and placed on final passage for publication, and that only the ordinance summary sheet be submitted for publication. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Nye, Orr, Brown, Cooper, Johnston and Moore. Dean Tranmer, City Attorney, read the ordinance by title. Mayor Blad declared the final reading of the ordinance rezoning approximately 3.07 acres of land in Lot 2, Block 1 of Holiday on the Hill Subdivision from Residential Commercial Professional to Commercial General. Mayor Blad asked “Shall the ordinance pass?” Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Brown, Cooper, Johnston, Moore, Nye and Orr. Mayor Blad declared the ordinance and summary sheet passed, that it be numbered 2949 and be submitted to the Idaho State Journal for publication. AGENDA ITEM NO. 24: Victor Watts, 633 South Second Avenue, read a statement regarding DISCUSSION ITEMS a variety of safety issues near the intersection of First Avenue and East Halliday and the intersection at Benton Street and Second Avenue near the Idaho Food Bank. He would like this area to be safe and useful for pedestrians and drivers alike. Mike Riley, 930 Delano, presented an idea to improve the efficiency and use of transfer cars used by Pocatello Regional Transit (PRT). Transfer cars, which currently are retired police cars, are vehicles used at the time of a shift change to transport PRT bus drivers between the transit office and their respective routes. Mr. Riley would like to approach automobile dealerships for donations of more economical vehicles to be used as transfer cars. He suggested that wrap-around advertising, for anyone donating cars, to be used on vehicles. Idaho Lorax, Pocatello resident, shared his concerns regarding potential airborne pollutants. He would like leadership to consider a nuclear-free zone around schools. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 13 JUNE 18, 2015 Niki Taysom, Chubbuck resident, clarified she lives in an apartment in Chubbuck. She expressed concerns over cyber security, homosexuality and uneven sidewalks. There being no further business, Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST: RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK PREPARED BY: __________ ________ SHAWNIE S. SUTORIUS, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT  CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL MEETING- BUDGET DEVELOPMENT JUNE 18, 2015 Mayor Brian Blad called the City Council meeting for budget development to order at 9:08 a.m. Council members present were Steve Brown, Craig Cooper, Jim Johnston, Gary Moore, Eva Johnson Nye and Michael L. Orr. Joyce Stroschein, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer, and Ashley Linton, Accountant, overviewed the schedule of the meeting. Ms. Stroschein reminded the Council of the decisions made at the previous meeting on June 4, 2015 for budget development and reviewed the informational handouts available. It was clarified the suggestions made during the Budget Development meeting are not binding and will be discussed at a Public Hearing on August 6, 2015 and an ordinance establishing the budget will be voted upon by Council on August 20, 2015. Ms. Stroschein gave an update on the Transit Funds and anticipated reimbursement from the Federal Government. She is confident that funds will be received and the match amounts will be much less than first anticipated. In response to a question from Council, Dave Hunt, Pocatello Transit Director, explained if the City is not able to provide $250,000.00 in matching funds he must decrease the services of two fixed routes starting October 1, 2015. He reported staffing decreases for the department will only be six positions instead of ten as previously estimated. Mr. Hunt noted the beginning of each school year is a very busy time and Transit is making changes to the route schedule. They are also working different hours to meet the changes and still qualify for grants. Discussion continued regarding public input for Transit issues and that decisions that affect Transit services are made according to need and available resources. Mr. Hunt clarified the budget for Transit Rural programs are completely independent from the rest of the budget and the only thing Pocatello staff is responsible for is administration of the program. Ms. Stroschein reported Finance Department staff is researching the benefits of separating rural and urban funds to provide more clarity. Mr. Hunt was in support of this change. A majority of the Council supported the fund separation concept. Council discussion regarding longevity pay for City employees was reviewed. A longevity comparison report highlighting each department was distributed by staff. It was clarified that longevity pay is a benefit employees receive after five (5) years of step increases (in accordance with the pay plan - Employee Handbook Section C VIII) has ended. Longevity pay is given to full-time employees based upon the following: 1) number of years of service and 2) an annual wage formula. It was noted that increases in longevity pay are no longer received once an employee has been with the City for 25 years. Council discussion regarding property tax adjustments to balance the budget was reviewed. Council continued to consider solution ideas outlined on the Fiscal Year 2015 worksheet and reviewed property tax levy rates/percentages. Council discussed other solutions to help balance the Fiscal Year 2016 budget. The information provided indicated the budget problem before Council will continue unless they can establish an idea of what to do regarding staff positions.  2 CITY COUNCIL MEETING -BUDGET DEVELOPMENT JUNE 18, 2015 Mr. Moore stated Council has already decreased operating and capital budgets. He mentioned everyone wants to cut the services that don’t apply to them at the time. However, a reduction in services will mean a reduction in employees. Ms. Nye added the City cannot be all things to all people. Council needs to look at efficiencies in the departments and services provided. She mentioned The Community Recreation Center comes to mind if Council is looking at closing a City facility. The possibility of closing the Center this has been on her mind for a couple of years. Mayor Blad mentioned citizens want City utilities that work properly and also desire to have parks and a zoo for recreation. He suggested when considering the elimination of services, Council anticipate the reaction from the public. Mr. Johnston feels the City provides essential services and non-essential services. He would like the services more defined while not compromising public safety. Mr. Orr stated he has mentioned a hiring freeze since he started with the Council. He feels employee numbers have outgrown the City’s budget. EMPLOYEE POSITIONS/BENEFITS Further discussion regarding operating costs, employees and available funding to balance the Fiscal Year 2016 budget followed. It was suggested starting October 1, 2015 new employees not participate in the longevity pay plan. Instead, new employees may receive a higher starting wage. Council discussion followed regarding an opportunity to find a temporary solution for the Fiscal Year 2016 budget and move forward to research the elimination of longevity benefits and/or staff positions. It was suggested that a property tax increase be taken at this time to help balance the Fiscal Year 2016 budget and begin eliminating staff positions for Fiscal Year 2017. Ms. Stroschein reported she is willing to publish the proposed Fiscal Year 2016 budget $200,000.00 higher than what is anticipated with the expectation Pocatello Development Authority (PDA) will agree to pay the City $200,000.00 for property related to the Hoku Project. In response to questions from Council, David Gates, Fire Chief, clarified the Fire Department received a funding increase from Bannock County to help with expenses for one of their positions. Upon receipt, he applied the savings from that position to his overtime budget. Mr. Gates gave a brief overview of the staffing shortages causing an increase in his overtime budget. In response to a question from Council, Mr. Gates explained there is no revenue stream for providing fire services. He feels privatization of the Fire Department would not be a good system for the City. Cost Of Living Adjustment (COLA) for employees of 1% and how it will affect the Property Tax Levy was reviewed. It was suggested Council not make any changes to the current Problem Solution Sheet and ask PDA for $200,000.00. If $200,000.00 is received from  3 CITY COUNCIL MEETING -BUDGET DEVELOPMENT JUNE 18, 2015 PDA, Council will consider a one-half percent COLA for employees. Council would like to meet once every month to re-evaluate City employee positions. It was also suggested the $5,000.00 Council Select fund be eliminated. Mr. Orr stated he will call for a special PDA meeting to readdress the request for $200,000.00. It was suggested if $200,000.00 is received and the tax solution sheet is not changed, Council consider a one-half percent COLA increase for employees. In addition, keep medical insurance premiums for employees and longevity pay at current levels. Mr. Orr and Mr. Cooper were not in support of the suggested employee benefits. Mr. Moore, Ms. Nye and Mr. Brown were supportive of the suggested employee benefits. Mr. Johnston shared his concerns regarding VEBA benefits. Mr. Moore feels the increase in employee medical insurance deductibles of $2,000.00 or $4,000.00 is the specific reason VEBA funds are provided. It was clarified if PDA does not approve the $200,000.00 request by Council the one-half percent COLA will not be considered. In response to questions by Council, Lonnie Crowell, PDA Executive Director, clarified if the City can justify that PDA owes the money, approval may be a possibility. He mentioned the funds may be needed for other economic development opportunities. It was announced that a Budget Development meeting will be held June 25, 2015 at 9:00 a.m. to discuss the results of PDA’s decision and review the Tax Fund Solution Fiscal Year budget sheet. The Decision Spreadsheet showing the result of Council’s discussion is attached as a permanent part of the minutes (see Attachment “A”). Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting for budget development at 11:06 a.m. APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST: RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK