City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MAY 11, 2017 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Mayor Brian Blad called the City Council Study Session to order ROLL CALL at 9:05 a.m. Council members present were Heidi Adamson, Roger Bray, Jim Johnston, Gary Moore and Michael L. Orr. Council member Steve Brown was excused. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Lynn Transtrum, Building Official and staff liaison for the CONSTRUCTION BOARD Construction Board of Appeals and Review was present to OF APPEALS AND discuss the Board’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s REVIEW UPDATE policies and expectations. Mr. Transtrum gave an overview of the purpose of the Construction Board of Appeals. He explained what type of items the Board reviews. Mr. Transtrum mentioned that all of the Board members represent different construction occupations. In response to a question from Council, Mr. Transtrum explained they have had one (1) Board meeting in the past year to discuss issues. The Board only meets if there is an item that is to be discussed and most of the items are fence issues. Mr. Transtrum feels this indicates the City’s permit process is working well. Mayor Blad announced that Agenda Item No. 3 has been rescheduled to the June 8, 2017 Study Session at the request of Mr. Millward. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: As mentioned earlier by Mayor Blad, Nathan Millward (address: POCATELLO CENTRAL P.O. Box 546, Pocatello, ID 83204) representing the Pocatello LABOR COUNCIL WORKERS Central Labor Council was not available to give his presentation MEMORIAL MONUMENT regarding a proposed Workers Memorial Monument. His PROPOSAL presentation is scheduled for the June 8, 2017 Study Session. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Christopher K. Daniels (address: 210 East Center Street, Suite HOPE AND RECOVERY D Pocatello, ID 83201), representing Hope and Recovery RESOURCE CENTER Resource Center (HHRC) gave a presentation about the Center’s UPDATE involvement in the community and answer questions Council may have regarding the Center. Mr. Daniels gave an overview of the Center. The Center opened in July 2016. Eight Centers are organized through the Idaho Association of Recovery Community Centers. The services and support they provide were reviewed. They provide: Recovery coaching; PEER Support; IDOC Mentor program; health care and wellness education; transportation program; treatment referral; assistance seeking employment/housing; recovery support groups; volunteer opportunities; access to technology; exercise equipment; and skill groups. Mr. Daniels noted that all of the services they provide are free to the patrons utilizing their programs. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Daniels explained they are working with Pocatello Police (PPD), but there is not a lot of involvement/interaction at this time. He would like to make better connections in order to help PPD with individuals so they can take these individuals to HRRC instead of the hospital. Mr. Daniels noted that many communities do not have a place to take individuals with drug abuse issues. The hospital is very expensive and only temporary. The Crisis Center is for one day. However, HRRC is for long-term assistance. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 2 MAY 11, 2017 AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Heather Buchanan, Human Resources Director; and Nicole RFP OVERVIEW Harms, Benefit Coordinator; were available to present the -BENEFIT CONSULTING formal submission of the Request for Proposal (RFP) that was SERVICES put out in April 2017 for the City’s Benefits and Insurance Consulting Services. Staff is seeking Council’s guidance on what consulting group is preferred. Ms. Harms gave a brief history of the City’s involvement with Mercer Health and Benefits and the request for a current RFP by City Council. She explained the guidelines staff is looking for are: ability to provide consultation on benefit and insurance matters; in-house underwriting; Tele-doc; ability to be on-site for meetings; local Idaho presence; and compliance capabilities. Ms. Harms reported that 7 formal responses to the RFP were received. The responses were reviewed and Human Resources staff top picks are: a) Mercer, b) Leavitt Group and c) The Murray Group. General discussion regarding the pros and cons of benefits through Tele-doc followed. The on- going costs for health care were also discussed. Many felt the Tele-doc option will be a great benefit for employees. It was the consensus of the Council to ask the Leavitt Group to provide a presentation regarding their services and invite City employees to attend the presentation. Ms. Buchanan will ask the Leavitt group to come before Council to present their programs at the June 8, 2017 Study Session. Notice will go out to City employees inviting them to the presentation prior to the Study Session. AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: John Banks, Parks and Recreation Director; and Peter Pruett, ZOO IDAHO-ENTRANCE Zoo Superintendent; were present to update the Council BUILDING AND PROJECTS regarding various current and up-coming projects at the Zoo. UPDATE Staff is also seeking City Council input and direction regarding the Zoo Entrance Building specifically, and requests that Council consider supporting and granting permission for the following: a) Support of the preferred log cabin Zoo Entrance building and Gift Shop design, as submitted by Lodge Log and Timber based in Boise, Idaho for the quoted price of $90,535.50: b) Grant permission to proceed with Zoological Society purchase of the structure in support of the City and Zoo Idaho; c) Grant staff permission to solicit a Professional Services contract for construction of the Zoo Entrance stairway and building concrete pad for Council consideration at a future meeting; and d) Grant staff permission to bring the Zoo Entrance Building Architect/Engineer Fee Proposal of JHS Architects in the amount of $20,150.00 forward to Council for further consideration and recommended approval at a future meeting. Mr. Banks shared that staff is very excited to share the information update about the Zoo. Mr. Pruett reported that the Pocatello Zoological Society has changed their name to Zoo Idaho Zoological Society and reviewed what the Society is doing to the community. He also reviewed the Zoo’s Master Plan. Mr. Pruett feels the Zoo’s current projects will not “break the bank” for CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 3 MAY 11, 2017 Pocatello and the community. Two big projects will be the gift shop building and trumpeter swan projects. He explained that putting the building together when the zoo is open will be very difficult. As a result, construction will be completed once the Zoo is closed for the season. The rain events and snow events this spring have delayed some of the projects scheduled for 2017. Zoological Society will purchase the gift shop building and donate it to the City. The building will have two unisex bathrooms. Construction of the wetland exhibit was reviewed. Mr. Pruett noted that trees will not be planted around the exhibit so predatory birds are not attracted to the wetland. General discussion regarding water evaporation in the wetland area and if there will be adequate water retention followed. It was mentioned that birds are attracted to fluctuations in the water over the period of summer for nesting purposes. Soil testing is being done so the water seepage will be known prior to filling the designated area with water. Donation of equipment use by Komatsu for the project is a $300,000.00 value. This will include grading the south slope for an ADA path, and the final pathway grading and asphalt installation as resources permit. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Pruett explained a log cabin for the entrance/gift shop will be consistent with Ross Park Aquatic Complex and other areas of the Park. Staff feels the log cabin feel will make a statement of what type of animals are housed in the zoo. A majority of the Council was supportive of the Zoo entrance projects as presented; the log cabin building concept; and to receive the building as a donation from the Zoo Idaho Zoological Society. Mr. Banks thanked the Council for their support to change the initial zoo entrance design. Staff feels this design will meet the Zoo’s need and is much more feasible. It was mentioned that Idaho State University students will have opportunities to help with the wetland project. Staff is looking forward to involvement with students from area schools, etc. Idaho Fish and Game’s involvement in the wetland will provide numerous educational opportunities for members of the community. AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: John Banks, Parks and Recreation Director; and Peter Pruett, ZOO IDAHO-FREE DAY Zoo Superintendent; were present to review a request received SPONSORSHIP from Connections Credit Union to provide a “Zoo Free Day” to the community on July 8, 2017 as part of their 80th anniversary celebrations. Mr. Banks gave an overview of the Free Day Sponsorship concept. He explained the City offered a Free Day in 2016 and 2,340 guests came to the Zoo that day. Mr. Banks feels the sponsorship exposure promotes the Zoo and will be a solid resource for the City. He reviewed the proposal with Connections Credit Union for their event which included other events at Ross Park to celebrate their anniversary. A majority of the Council was supportive of the Idaho Zoo Free Day Sponsorship concept. Mr. Moore shared that he is glad Connections Credit Union is the first to be a Free Day Sponsor because of their history of working with the City. Mayor Blad called for a recess at 11:07 a.m. Mayor Blad reconvened the meeting at 11:23 a.m. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 4 MAY 11, 2017 AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: Terri Neu, Assistant Planner; and Rich Diehl, Deputy City ELECTRONIC BILLBOARDS Attorney; were present to discuss with Council safety concerns UPDATE/GUIDANCE regarding electronic billboards in the City of Pocatello. Under the current Pocatello Municipal Code, there are no standards for this type of sign. Council may wish to implement a moratorium on electronic billboards, pursuant to Idaho Code 67-6523, while staff develops the appropriate safety standards for this type of sign. Once developed, these standards would be incorporated into the Pocatello Municipal Sign Code. Mr. Diehl gave an overview of the process if Council wishes to establish a moratorium for electronic billboards. He noted that the moratorium would be for 182 days. It was mentioned that over the last couple of months there have been requests to change static billboards to electronic. Staff shared their concerns and feels more research needs to be done to establish a code to address these concerns. The Pocatello Street Operations and Idaho Transportation Department have expressed their concerns with lights from signs interfering with traffic signals and causing a visual distraction for drivers. It was noted that parking lot lighting must be pointed down to limit light exposure to adjoining neighbors. Nothing is in place at this time for addressing electronic sign concerns. Mr. Moore shared that he feels communities look better if they do not allow multiple signage. He was interested in what other communities are doing about electronic signs. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Neu explained the process called “cap and trade” means a limited number of billboards are allowed within a city. If a new billboard is wanted an existing billboard must be taken down. Ms. Neu noted that if a billboard is in disrepair or in need of maintenance, the billboard must come down. She reported that the city of Idaho Falls has 3 zoning districts that allow billboards. Mr. Moore shared that he does not want billboards to be everywhere within city limits. He suggested that a moratorium for all billboards and not just electronic be considered. Mr. Moore understands billboards are a form of business. However, he feels they give a cluttered look in the community. Mr. Orr shared his concerns with the City’s requirement of a 250 feet radius for notification of a potential billboard. He feels this is too small of a radius to notify the neighborhood and shared his thoughts regarding a billboard application that was recently denied. Council discussion regarding billboard applications and the process to approve/appeal followed. Mayor Blad clarified that there is a suggestion to have a moratorium on all billboards. Council debated the use of signage in the City. The placement of signage may negatively affect businesses wanting to locate in the City. Council would like to see the process clarified. A majority of the Council supported placing a moratorium on all billboard signs. A final decision will be voted upon at a later date. Mr. Diehl clarified the proposed moratorium will be noticed and the necessary process followed. Staff will also provide a clarification of the City’s sign process for the Council. If possible, the proposed moratorium will be prepared for the first Regular City Council meeting in June. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 5 MAY 11, 2017 AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: Hannah Sanger, Science and Environment Division Manager, STORMWATER FUNDING was present to discuss possible avenues for funding to support UPDATE City costs related to the installation, operations and maintenance of stormwater facilities for new and existing development on public and private land. Ms. Sanger would like the Council to give direction regarding a vision for stormwater needs for the City. She explained the Comprehensive Plan is to protect and enhance the quality and quantity of surface water and ground water resources in the Portneuf Valley and the Portneuf River Vision is to restore the river corridor in order to revitalize environmental, recreational, and economic opportunities while increasing community pride, connective and quality of life. She feels that stormwater facilities must be properly designed and constructed because they will be operated and maintained forever. General discussion followed and current funding sources for stormwater issues were reviewed. It was noted that stormwater needs compete for funding with other services offered by the City. Stormwater responsibilities are distributed across multiple City departments. Improperly designed and/or constructed facilities flood homes and property; send contaminated water to other stormwater facilities and/or the Portneuf River. Good facility design and construction by developers relies on: clear and appropriate City Standards; adequate City Equipment; and adequate City staffing. Funding for the oversight of stormwater needs/improvements was reviewed. Council discussion continued regarding resources in the community coming together to discuss suggested approaches regarding stormwater. This is the first of many discussions regarding the stormwater topic. Stormwater management is a very controversial topic and more discussion is needed. Mayor Blad announced that Council will continue conversations regarding funding for stormwater needs after the annual budget meetings are held. Mayor Blad called for a recess at 12:49 p.m. Mayor Blad reconvened the meeting at 1:53 p.m. Mayor Blad announced that Agenda Item No. 11 would be considered at this time. AGENDA ITEM NO. 11: Tom Sanford, Assistant Fire Chief, was present to seek Council’s USE OF CAPITAL guidance regarding the use of Capital contingency funds in the CONTINGENCY FUNDS amount of $42,025.00 to purchase a vehicle to replace the TO PURCHASE Assistant Chief Public Safety vehicle. FIRE EQUIPMENT It was clarified that the vehicle request is for the use of current Fiscal Year 2017 funds and not Capital funds. Mr. Sanford gave an overview of the department’s purchase request. He explained that Battalion Chiefs are covering more and the additional vehicle is needed as a result. Mr. Sanford noted that in order to get the state piggy-back bid price, the vehicle must be ordered by May 25, 2017. This item is scheduled for consideration at the May 18, 2017 Regular Council meeting. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 6 MAY 11, 2017 Joyce Stroschein, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer confirmed that funds for the purchase are available. A majority of the Council supported the vehicle purchase. A final decision will be voted upon at a later date. Mayor Blad announced that Agenda Item No. 10 would be considered at this time. AGENDA ITEM NO. 10: David Gates, Fire Chief; and Jim Peterson, Deputy Police Chief; 2017 GREAT AMERICAN were present to review with Council items related to the “Great ECLIPSE-PLANNING AND American Eclipse” such as: response expectations, concerns and DELEGATION OF plans, both locally and regionally. The items are: AUTHORITY UPDATE a) Increased staffing leading up to and during the eclipse event (August 20 – 22, 2017); and b) Desire to participate in a regional planning effort to provide and/or receive assistance to/from signatory jurisdictions should a jurisdiction experience a situation during the eclipse event that overwhelms their local resources. Mr. Gates gave an overview of the possible situations that could occur as a result of the event. The problems that could arise include: potential for riots because of the high volume of individuals in a small area; wildland fire; and traffic congestion, etc. Mr. Johnston feels the traffic issues and possible local issues are a great concern and the City should educate the public about the potential problems. Logan McDougall, Public Information Officer, explained that town hall meetings with local businesses and the public will be held so they know what to expect before, during and after the event. The general public may not be able to go about their regular routine during these dates. Mr. McDougall will encourage the use of media sources to get the word out about the eclipse and associated events. Mr. Gates shared that there will be good economic benefits to the community as a result of the eclipse activities. However, the activities and large volume of people in the area will require more staffing during the event. Mr. Gates noted that Idaho State Public Health is preparing for the event. Mass casualty trainings are being done. Traffic counts for the area and interstate are expected to rise dramatically. Idaho Transportation Department plans to have all 4 lanes open on Interstate 15 during the date of the eclipse. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Gates identified the individuals on the Incident Management and Support Team (IMAST) and noted that the delegation of authority is for planning only. He clarified that the City will provide resources that are available to assist in other communities it is needed. Mr. Gates mentioned that Idaho State University’s first day of classes is scheduled for August 21, 2017. This date may be changed to avoid potential problems with traffic. Mr. Gates feels it is appropriate as a region to develop a cooperative effort in the event there is an emergency. The possible resources to help were reviewed. An agreement will be prepared for the May 18, 2017 meeting for consideration by Council. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 7 MAY 11, 2017 Mayor Blad announced a few meetings have already been held informing businesses of the event and potential for issues. The main focus of the meetings is emergency response and keeping traffic moving. A majority of the Council supported the IMAST agreement for the Great American Eclipse event. Council will vote on the agreement at a later date. Council would like staff to keep them informed of what is happening in the community as a result of the eclipse event. AGENDA ITEM NO. 12: Removal of a standing agenda item from the City Council’s PROPOSED FORMAT Regular Council meeting has been proposed. Remove CHANGE TO CITY COUNCIL “Discussion Items” from the agenda. Council has requested REGULAR MEETING removal of the agenda item to simplify the meeting. AGENDA Mr. Johnston feels there seems to be so few people offended by the discussion agenda item. He would like to keep the item on the agenda. Mayor Blad mentioned it could be formatted to limit a person from saying the same thing over and over again at each meeting. Mr. Moore agreed that there have been a couple of difficult situations in connection with the agenda item. However, he feels it would be difficult to completely eliminate the item. Perhaps Council should minimize duplicate information being shared at every meeting. Mr. Bray announced that a lot of cities across Idaho have had problems with allowing open discussion sessions and many cities have removed it from their agenda. Ms. Adamson suggested if the item is removed, a process that will allow individuals to make arrangements to speak to the Council in another format be set. It was noted that some people have mentioned that they admire the Council for enduring the negative comments shared during many of the Discussion Item sessions. A majority of the Council supported leaving the Discussion Item on the agenda. It will also remain as the last item to be heard on the agenda. Mr. Bray suggested that Council consider limiting the number of times a person can speak per month and/or speaking on a repetitive topic. Mayor Blad announced that the Budget Development meeting scheduled to immediately follow the Study Session will not be held. A quorum of the City Council will not be available. The departments scheduled for the May 11, 2017 Budget Development meeting will be rescheduled to May 25, 2017. Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 2:36 p.m. APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 8 MAY 11, 2017 ATTEST AND PREPARED BY: RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK