City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL MEETING - BUDGET DEVELOPMENT May 25, 2017 Council President Steve Brown called the City Council meeting for budget development to order at 9:01 a.m. Council members present were Roger Bray, Steve Brown, Jim Johnston and Gary Moore. Council member Heidi Adamson arrived at 9:07 a.m. Mayor Brian Blad arrived at 9:12 a.m. Council member Michael L. Orr arrived at 10:43 a.m. Council President Brown announced the Council would review various topics regarding development of the proposed Fiscal Year 2018 Budget. Joyce Stroschein, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer, stated that information regarding budgets for City departments would be presented. She gave an overview of the material that would be discussed to determine the Fiscal Year 2018 budget and announced that department briefings would be held at this time. Ms. Stroschein noted that personnel wages have increased in most departments because of the new pay plan and change in health benefit provider. -PUBLIC TRANSIT Dave Hunt, Public Transit Director, and Skyler Beebe, Operations FISCAL YEAR 2018 Manager; and Joyce Stroschein, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer, BUDGET OVERVIEW and Ashley Linton, Accountant; gave an overview of the estimated Public Transit Department budget for Fiscal Year 2018. Mr. Hunt shared the department’s Mission Statement. Mission: To provide safe, reliable, efficient and coordinated public transit to our customers while being responsive to user needs and careful stewards of our limited resources and of the natural environment. Mr. Hunt gave an overview of the output of staff, Measures of Effectiveness, Key accomplishments and issues/concerns. Key accomplishments include: reduced dependence on City match, more Capital funding and more program income. Issues/concerns include: reliance on grant funding, fuel – concern on changing prices of fuel, and future Capital needs. (Additional buses, 7th/Sherman and other bus stop improvements, radio upgrade and shop equipment.) Mr. Hunt shared that open bus events have helped promote more riders to utilize the transit system. Ms. Stroschein reviewed the department’s proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget. She shared that the overall budget for the Urban Route is positive and the Rural Route actually has a decrease in expenses. This is because labor expenses are tied to the route being worked throughout the year. Ms. Stroschein clarified that no City funds are used to pay for the Rural Routes. Mr. Hunt clarified that the department is not asking for additional City Match funds. However, additional operating and capital funds for Urban services are needed.  2 CITY OF POCATELLO BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 25, 2017 -POLICE Scott Marchand, Police Chief; Jim Peterson, Deputy Police Chief; DEPARTMENT and Police Captains Cliff Kelley, Roger Schei, and Ron Knapp; Joyce FISCAL YEAR 2018 Strochein, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer, and Ashley Linton, BUDGET REVIEW Accountant; gave an overview of the estimated Police Department Budget for Fiscal Year 2018. Mr. Marchand shared the Police Department’s Mission Statement. Mission: The mission of the Pocatello Police Department is to enhance the quality of life in the City of Pocatello by working cooperatively with the community and within the framework of the U.S. Constitution to equally enforce the law, preserve the peace, reduce fear and provide for a safe community environment. Mr. Marchand explained the department Police Captains will give an overview of the output of staff, Measures of Effectiveness, Key accomplishments and issues/concerns for their department. He noted that Police Department staff cannot continue the way they have the past 5 years because of multiple changes in the public safety environment. Mr. Marchand places a great emphasis on the future needs of officers to perform their jobs well and return home safely. PATROL DIVISION – Mr. Kelley gave an overview of Patrol Division personnel. He noted that there has been an increase in multiple officer calls (increase of 67 calls compared to previous year). Mr. Kelley explained it takes more officers to complete a call because of the adverse public environment that is a national trend. He reported that the K9 Unit is doing a tremendous job and the benefits through restitution and confiscated items gained from the District Court was has helped the Division. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Kelley reviewed training schedules and explained staff is doing some of the training in-house. He explained the division has one officer per car because they are stretched to cover so many places within the City. INVESTIGATION DIVISION – Mr. Schei gave an overview of Investigation Division personnel. The types of investigations were reviewed and he reported that the number of investigated cases for 2016 was 1,594. Mr. Schei explained that many of the crimes committed are connected to getting money for drugs. He noted that 128 drug-related arrests and 75 warrant arrests from June through December 2016 were completed. Mr. Schei explained many drugs are being transferred through our community because of the interstate system. SUPPORT SERVICES – Mr. Knapp reviewed the Division’s mission. – Mission: The Support Services Division consists of various departments, staffed by both sworn and non-sworn, that provide logistical and personnel  3 CITY OF POCATELLO BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 25, 2017 services and support for the other division of the Police Department. They also provide support and assistance to City departments, as well as provide police services to the community abroad. Mr. Knapp reviewed various departments and their functions under his supervision. He noted that training hours are down because of the lack of officers. However, the training hours are still above average when compared to other cities. FUTURE NEEDS - Future Needs were reviewed by Mr. Peterson. The following needs are: 1) increase personnel in the Records Bureau, Communications Center, and Code Enforcement to help with increasing work load and demands and calls for service; 2) increase stenographer staffing levels to keep up with report dictation demands; 3) new patrol vehicles, fully equipped, with a goal to reach one car per officer; 4) patrol rifles with goal to acquire one per officer; additional officers to keep up with increased work load and population increases; 5) shooting simulator; 6) increase community involvement in areas of crime prevention and education; and 7) improve current school threat assessment and safety plan, and training and educate all school district staff. Ms. Stroschein reviewed the department’s proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget. She noted they are in the middle of Police Union negotiations so the personnel budget may change. Funds put aside for Police staff retirements are reflected in the budget. Mr. Orr joined the meeting at 10:43 a.m. Mr. Peterson asked for $25,000.00 for a “needs assessment” to research a new building for the department. He explained the department has outgrown their current building. There are new requirements for the retention of Police records. As a result, a larger area will be needed in order to adequately store records under the new requirements. Mayor Blad called for a recess at 11:01 a.m. Mayor Blad reconvened the meeting at 11:19 a.m. -ENGINEERING/GIS Jeff Mansfield, Public Works Director/City Engineer; Merril Quayle, DEPARTMENT Development Engineer, Dennis Hill, Geographic Information FISCAL YEAR 2018 Systems (GIS) Engineer; and Joyce Stroschein, Chief Financial BUDGET REVIEW Officer/Treasurer, and Ashley Linton, Accountant; gave an overview of the estimated Engineering/GIS Department budget for Fiscal Year 2018.  4 CITY OF POCATELLO BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 25, 2017 Mr. Mansfield shared the department’s Mission Statement. Mission: To provide excellent municipal engineering, surveying, environmental, and mapping services to help ensure quality and sustainable construction and lasting infrastructure. Mr. Mansfield gave an overview of the output of staff, Measures of Effectiveness, Key accomplishments and issues/concerns. Key accomplishments include: WPC Plant Improvements, Highland Boulevard sewer improvements, Alameda/Jefferson intersection, Center Street Railroad Underpass, and several more projects. Ms. Stroschein reviewed the Engineering Department’s proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget. It was noted that there is no change to the total budget at this time. Merril Quayle, Development Engineer, gave an overview of the comparison of subdivision construction costs in Pocatello and other areas. It was noted that it cost much less to construct and develop an area in Pocatello when compared to Idaho Falls and Logan, Utah. Proposed fee increases for multiple Engineering services were reviewed. Mr. Mansfield mentioned that the proposed fee changes would provide additional revenues in the amount of approximately $1,200.00. The General Fund is rebuilding reserves and does not have excess reserves at this time for one-time capital needs. General discussion continued regarding actual costs to develop in Pocatello as compared to other areas. The cost to develop in Pocatello is less than other areas and additional information to confirm the numbers was discussed. GIS - Mr. Hill mentioned that he believes the old perception of Pocatello’s image has started to change for the good. He feels it is a beautiful area to live and encouraged the Council to continue working toward creating positive perceptions of the community. Mr. Hill reviewed the services provided by the GIS Department. He manages and maintains the Citywide GIS database; manages the GIS system to provide Public Works with real time spatial data in both desktop and mobile field access; 2020 Census – planning and implementation; provide access to general public of appropriate spatial data in an online format; and updates mobile applications for cell phones and tablets as well as mapping. Ms. Stroschein reviewed the GIS department’s proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget. The overall budget is flat as required by Council. A request was made to upgrade computer hardware for the GIS and Asset Management System. Estimated cost is $10,000.00. She noted that funds for this request would be spread over multiple departments.  5 CITY OF POCATELLO BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 25, 2017 -POCATELLO David Allen, Airport Manager, and Joyce Stroschein, Chief REGIONAL AIRPORT Financial Officer/Treasurer, gave an overview of the estimated FISCAL YEAR 2018 Pocatello Regional Airport’s budget for Fiscal Year 2018. BUDGET REVIEW Mr. Allen shared the Airport’s Mission Statement. Mission: To be a significant economic engine and vital source for transportation services for southeastern Idaho through the development of air service, general aviation and non-aviation land development. Mr. Allen gave an overview of the output of staff, Measures of Effectiveness, Key accomplishments and issues/concerns. He listed the large areas that maintenance staff cares for. Administrative staff oversees the following: a) over 60 tenants and development of new tenants, b) vetting, badging, training, and oversight of over 300 airport users, c) compliance with all FAA and TSA regulations to provide for a safe and secure airport, d) annual grant program for airport improvement projects, and e) marketing of the airport. Accomplishments include: satisfactory FAA Certification inspection of facilities, TSA Security program, and the passenger traffic count for 2016 was the highest count in 10 years. Ms. Stroschein reviewed the Airport Department’s proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget. The staff retirement planned in Fiscal Year 2018 has caused an increase in labor costs. Airport construction costs were reviewed and it was noted the remaining PFC monies will cover execution of a Fiscal Year 2017 major project wrap-up. Mr. Allen reviewed the following requests for the department: a) Lead Airport Operations Specialist, b) terminal upper roof replacement, c) training (advanced airport safety and operations school), and d) basic operation costs. An overview of proposed fees increases was presented. Council asked Finance Staff to research using round figures for fees, guided by the Consumer Price Index. Mayor Blad called a recess at 12:27 p.m. Mayor Blad reconvened the meeting at 1:47 p.m. -PARKS AND John Banks, Parks and Recreation Director; and Joyce Stroschein, RECREATION Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer, gave an overview of the estimated FISCAL YEAR 2018 Parks and Recreation Division budget for Fiscal Year 2018. BUDGET REVIEW  6 CITY OF POCATELLO BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 25, 2017 PARKS DIVISION - Alan Green, Parks Superintendent, shared the Division’s Mission Statement. Mission: To enhance quality of life by providing and maintaining parks, beautification areas and recreational facilities. Mr. Green gave an overview of services the Parks Division provides. Mr. Banks noted Parks are now being reimbursed from the Library, Animal Control and Sanitation departments for providing lawn mowing services. He explained the Parks Division is operating at a very efficient level. Mr. Green reviewed accomplishments: a) Caldwell Park ADA Restroom and Sidewalk, b) Ross Park east side ADA Restroom remodel, c) Zoo Idaho entrance landscaping, d) NOP Park material storage bin, and e) Chief Pocatello statue hardscape improvements. Mr. Green shared the division needs the following: a) large area/gang mower; b) permanent restroom in Ross Park Lower, and c) flood damage repair at Sacajawea Park. Portneuf Greenway will provide funding to overlay asphalt pathways/trails in the Park. Ms. Stroschein reviewed the Parks Department’s proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget. She shared that Capital funds not utilized in a current budget year could be moved into the next year to start building the budget for the needs described by Mr. Green. It was suggested that staff start saving $20,000.00 per year in capital reserves so a new mower purchase could occur approximately every 4 years. General discussion regarding needs at City Parks for public events and costs for water connection/capacity fee for upgrades followed. Council stressed their appreciation toward staff for getting so much done with limited funds. ADMINISTRATION - Mission: To provide administration and oversight for the Parks, Recreation, Zoo and Cemetery divisions of the Parks and Recreation Department. Serve as a central information contact for all divisions, their operations and activities. Provide long-range planning, direction and vision. Mr. Banks gave an overview of the output of staff, Measures of Effectiveness, Key Accomplishments and issues/concerns. Key accomplishments include: a) new branding slogan and logo –“Play Often, Live Better!”, b) development and implementation of “Park Prescriptions” Campaign, c) re-negotiation of Golf Course concessionaire agreement, and d) serve as City representative on multiple organizations. Concern with aging parks system infrastructure, comprehensive inventory of the entire parks system was completed in Fiscal Year 2016, evaluating  7 CITY OF POCATELLO BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 25, 2017 the conditions and status of all park amenities. Using this information, a long-range CIP repair and/or replacement program will be discussed and developed. Ms. Stroschein reviewed the department’s proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget. She noted the budget increases are the result of compensation plan and health benefit increases. General discussion regarding 100 acres of undeveloped park property and how it could be developed followed. Perhaps an ISU student would like to have an opportunity to develop a plan for the property. RECREATION PROGRAMS - Lance Clark, Outdoor Recreation Programs, gave an overview of the output of staff, Measures of Effectiveness, Key accomplishments and issues/concerns. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Clark stated approximately 700 people are involved in a City Fun Run. He noted that approximately 3,600 Fun Run participants were registered in 2016. Brian Lowman, Team Sports Division, gave an overview of Youth Programs and Adult Programs that are offered. Ms. Stroschein reviewed the Recreation Department’s proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget. COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTER - Staci VanKirk, Community Recreation Center (CRC) Manager, gave an overview of services provided at CRC. She reported that 65,689 scans of membership cards were completed in 2016. Daily admission and punch cards use were reviewed. ROSS PARK ACQUATIC COMPLEX (RPAC) - Ms. VanKirk reported that 2016 attendance was 45,202. Facility amenities, Teen Splash Dances, and Family Nights were reviewed. GOLF COURSES - Highland and Riverside Golf Courses had 56,921 rounds played and 791 season pass holders in Fiscal Year 2016. Mr. Banks gave an overview of the output of staff, Measures of Effectiveness, Key accomplishments and issues/concerns. He is very proud of his staff and how hard they work. Cost recovery is at  8 CITY OF POCATELLO BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 25, 2017 69.4% and this is above the upper quartile national average. Mr. Banks feels this shows the City’s programs are popular and very streamlined for costs. Needed improvements were reviewed. Ms. Stroschein reviewed the department’s proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget. ZOO IDAHO - Peter Pruett, Zoo Idaho Superintendent, reviewed the Zoo’s Mission Statement. Mission: Preserving Intermountain West wildlife and habitat through conservation and education. Mr. Pruett explained the Zoo strives to accomplish its Mission by providing the following services: a) exhibiting indigenous animals, b) education programs and c) volunteer programs. He reviewed special events which included: Endangered Species Day, Enrichment Day, Zoo Boo, Holiday Zoolights, Military Family Appreciation Day, Community Free Day, and Zoofari. Conservation partnerships were also discussed. Mr. Pruett feels the Zoo budget is appropriate for its size and animal collection. Mr. Banks shared that the cost recovery of 13% for the Zoo is not adequate. They are working toward increasing this. He feels the wetland project and gift shops will move the zoo forward. Mr. Banks gave an overview of concerns for the Parks and Recreation Department: a) Ross Park Aquatic Complex replacement of water slide – estimated replacement is $600,000.00 and replacement two water heaters will be $24,000.00 (2); Zoo Idaho - renovation of black bear exhibit, significant path repair, and quarantine facilities. Staff will continue to work with the Zoological Society for funding to help with the black bear exhibit. Ms. Stroschein reviewed the Zoo Department’s proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget. Mr. Banks explained he would like to get more detailed information to evaluate the water slide. The estimated cost to obtain this information is $15,000.00; Team sports supplies could be off-set with an increase in fees. Proposed rate/fee increases were reviewed. General discussion followed regarding CRC and restoring the hours that were reduced as a result of previous budget cutbacks. The increased hours would be funded from cost savings as a result of Bannock County Historical Society managing the Fort Hall Replica. -WATER DEPARTMENT Justin Armstrong, Water Superintendent, and Joyce Stroschein, Chief DEPARTMENT Financial Officer/Treasurer gave an overview of the estimated Water FISCAL YEAR 2018 Department’s Budget for Fiscal Year 2018. BUDGET REVIEW Mr. Armstrong shared the Water Department’s Mission Statement. Mission: Provide a safe, reliable, and adequate supply of drinking water for our customers at the lowest practical cost.  9 CITY OF POCATELLO BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 25, 2017 Mr. Armstrong gave an overview of the output of staff, Measures of Effectiveness, Key accomplishments and issues/concerns. Accomplishments include – consumer confidence report – no violations of drinking water quality standards, minimal interruptions in water service, integrity of the water system leaks maintained, reasonable water rates when compared locally. Completed the Airport Water Tank, booster and well; water facility planning Study, water main replacement projects, Fairway pressure regulating valve replacement, meter replacement/upgrade program. Issues/concerns: aging infrastructure, development of north Highlands well, Johnny Creek pressure/fire flow improvements, aquifer sensitivity – nitrate concerns, employee turnover – 10% (4 employee retirements are scheduled in Fiscal Year 2018). Ms. Stroschein reviewed the Water Department’s proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget. She noted that $227,424.00 difference in labor is for the 4 retirements reported by Mr. Armstrong. Mr. Armstrong summarized the budget and proposed fee increases. A 4% fee increase is suggested and the proposed fee amounts were broken down and discussed.. Mayor Blad called for a recess at 3:54 p.m. Mayor Blad reconvened the meeting at 4:07 p.m. -FIRE DEPARTMENT David Gates, Fire Chief; and Joyce Stroschein, Chief Financial AMBULANCE Officer/Treasurer; gave an overview of the estimated Fire FISCAL YEAR 2018 Department budget for Fiscal Year 2018. Travis Smith and Tom BUDGET REVIEW Sanford, Assistant Fire Chiefs, were also in attendance. Mr. Gates shared the Fire Department’s Mission Statement. Mission: Our mission is to help people. We are dedicated to preserving life and property through prevention and professional, compassionate response. Mr. Gates gave an overview of the output of staff, Measures of Effectiveness, Key accomplishments and issues/concerns. Emergency Preparedness was reviewed which include: training, pre-fire planning, apparatus maintenance and repair, equipment readiness, emergency operations plans and joint operations and disaster drills. Fire prevention includes – inspections of businesses and code enforcement for Fire Code Compliance. Community Outreach – public education, facebook, twitter & Nixle communications, juvenile fire setter program, life safety initiatives (smoke alarm and carbon monoxide, wildland urban interface, fall prevention, CPR & AED). Accomplishments – Fire Officer Certification, Assisted Living Protocols, Mission Life Award, Real Hero’s Award, and Remembering When – Fall Prevention program. Concerns – increasing call volume, call overlap (equals increased staffing for demand and safety), increasing complexity of calls, and Training  10 CITY OF POCATELLO BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 25, 2017 Facility needed. Capital replacement needs and concerns for Fire and EMS divisions were reviewed. Expansion and a Fire Station Placement Plan was shared. Ms. Stroschein reviewed the Fire Department’s proposed Fiscal Year 2018 Budget. She noted that increases in personnel costs are the result of advancements and health benefit expenses. The proposed budget is flat as required by Council. Ms. Stroschein noted that 5 retirements are scheduled for the Fire Department. General discussion regarding capital funds to allow the eventual lease/purchase of 3 fire engines followed. Hazmat situations and the difficultly identifying the materials being handled were reviewed. Overtime costs in the amount of $48,000.00 were discussed. It was noted that the increased cost is a result of an on-going high call volume. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Smith shared that many fire fighters are facing injuries received while on the job and are not available to come in. As a result, this creates more overtime to provide coverage. Council discussion regarding personnel and on-going overtime in the Fire department was debated. Council feels the overtime issue must be researched to try and determine what a possible solution might be. It was suggested that a chase truck be used to follow an ambulance instead of a fire engine. This suggested process was discussed in detail. The EMS procedure and concerns were shared. Council feels the continued way of doing things in the Fire Department is not sustainable. Mr. Smith shared other programs staff are researching to evaluate resources when going out on a call. He clarified that staff is working toward changing the process. Council shared their frustration with the same budget being presented each year and they are asking for other ideas. More discussion continued. Council does not wish to expend any capital monies until the budget is reviewed in order to know what all of the needs are. The budget needs must be addressed and Council priorities need to be identified and set before moving forward. Mr. Gates agreed that there is a high overtime budget. However, he is not able to make sweeping changes without making a large impact in the department. Mr. Smith reviewed costs for department physicals, increasing costs of safety equipment, operating equipment, and education benefits. Mr. Sanford explained the cost of electric utilities has increased. He reviewed proposed fee increases for services.  11 CITY OF POCATELLO BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 25, 2017 EMS/AMBULANCE - Ms. Stroschein reviewed the EMS department’s proposed Fiscal Year 2018 budget. Mr. Gates explained that the costs for overtime are even higher for EMS/Ambulance. Mr. Gates noted that EMS/Ambulance calls must meet a minimum requirement for staffing. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Gates addressed the suggestion to run some ambulance calls as a reduced response only. He noted that the City’s contract with Bannock County has guidelines that must be met. Mr. Gates is looking at changing the response process, but it will take time. Mr. Smith reviewed medical supply needs. He noted that an increase in call volume has caused the amount of needed medical supplies to increase. Mr. Sanford reviewed an ambulance replacement plan. He shared that ambulances have high mileage because they cover all of Bannock County. Mr. Sanford clarified the ambulances are purchased and owned by Bannock County. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Smith explained that a Power Cot is used to help transport large patients. The cots will reduce back injuries. ESO billing software and the software’s ability to work with other software was reviewed. Proposed fee increases for ambulance service were reviewed. It was noted that if an increase is less than 3%, it does not need to go before the Bannock County Commissioners for approval. Ms. Stroschein gave an overview of City departments scheduled to give presentations at the June 1, 2017 Budget meeting which will begin at 9:00 a.m. There being no further business, Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 5:52 p.m. APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR PREPARED BY AND ATTEST: RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK