City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO JOINT CITIES/COUNTY MEETING APRIL 17, 2017 The Joint Cities meeting was called to order at 2:01 p.m. Mayor Brian Blad and Council members Heidi Adamson, Steve Brown, Jim Johnston, and Gary Moore were present. Council member Roger Bray arrived at 2:09 p.m. Council member Michael L. Orr was excused. Also in attendance were: Mayor Kevin England, Council members Annette Baumeister, Josh Ellis, Melanie Evans and Ryan S. Lewis from the City of Chubbuck; and Ken Bullock, Evan Frasure and Terrel Tovey, Bannock County Commissioners. Mayor Blad announced the meeting was being held to allow the cities and Bannock County officials to provide feedback regarding working together for the benefit of the surrounding community. Mr. England shared his concerns with not having a specific agenda for the meeting and reported that he has taken an opportunity to speak with others that have been in similar meetings in the past. He noted that sometimes issues confronting cities and the County would be better solved if the mayors, city councils and commissioners could be together in a meeting. Mr. England feels the meetings in the past have been beneficial. If the group decides to move forward with quarterly meetings, he suggested a very specific agenda for each meeting. Mr. Frasure mentioned that no policy decisions are being made at this meeting and he would like to keep the meetings open. He noted that the media is notified and welcome to come and participate. Mr. Bray joined the meeting at this time. Mr. Brown would like city and county officials to know each other better so they know who to contact when help is needed. He feels knowing each other better will help making decisions moving forward. Mr. England reiterated the restrictions regarding open meeting law and the group cannot make decisions. Personally he does not want to be accused of violating the open meeting law. Mr. Ellis stated the Chubbuck City Council is comprised of the youngest members in the City’s history. He explained the Chubbuck City Council is fairly aggressive and does not always agree. However, they are able to look at situations with an open mind. Mr. Ellis gave a quick overview of each Council member’s background and what they bring to the City. Mr. Brown stated the Pocatello City Council is very diverse. Although they are diverse, members can still come to a consensus on City matters. Mr. Brown gave a quick overview of each Council member’s background and what they bring to the City. Mr. Frasure stated that all three Commissioners are serving their first term in Bannock County and have much to learn and do. Mr. Frasure gave a quick overview of each Commissioner’s background and what they bring to the County. Mr. Frasure noted that 90% of the County’s population is represented in Pocatello and Chubbuck. He is looking forward to sharing knowledge and ideas. General discussion followed regarding economic development in the area, a possible interchange near Siphon Road and other projects that will need a source of funding. Mayor Blad called for a recess at 3:04 p.m. JOINT CITIES MEETING 2 APRIL 20, 2015 Mayor Blad reconvened the meeting at 3:17 p.m. Mr. Bullock shared that there is a very serious issue regarding the need for a jail expansion. They are working to determine what the costs to expand the jail will be and he invited officials to a Jail Task Force meeting to discuss the issue. He feels there is a direct need to tie mental health programs and drug rehabilitation into the jail project. Mr. Bullock would like a representative from each city to be on the task force. General discussion continued regarding the jail expansion project and funding sources for the concept of providing alternate programs at the improved facility. Mr. Bullock was excused from the meeting at 3:34 p.m. Mr. Brown explained the City’s budget timelines and the need to have property tax information from the County as quickly as possible. He mentioned the property tax information is not available until after the City budget is published. An estimate of figures from the Bannock County Property Assessor would be helpful so City staff can anticipate revenue for their future budget. He understands that the appeal process is still going on during that time. However, City Council would like to have the property tax figures earlier to anticipate revenue. Mr. Frasure will check with the Bannock County Property Assessor to verify if the dates can be adjusted to accommodate Mr. Brown’s request. Mr. Frasure suggested the Joint Cities County meeting be held quarterly. It was also suggested that once the meetings are established, other entities be invited to join them depending what is going on in the community. General discussion regarding a possible schedule and context of the meetings continued. It was mentioned that members have respect for each other’s time by having a detailed agenda. It was suggested to continue meeting quarterly and rotate the location of the meeting. It was determined that Bannock County will host the next meeting. Mr. Frasure stated the next meeting will be scheduled for July. (Monday, July 17th is a tentative date.) Mr. Lewis suggested that whoever is hosting the meeting do the following: 1) act as Chair of the meeting and 2) limit the meeting to 60 minutes. The meeting was adjourned at 3:53 p.m. APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR PREPARED BY AND ATTEST: RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK