City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL LIAISON WORKING LUNCH DECEMBER 7, 2017 Council President Steve Brown called the City Council Liaison Working Lunch to order at 1:00 p.m. Council members present were Heidi Adamson, Roger Bray, Jim Johnston, Gary Moore and Michael L. Orr. Also in attendance were Ruth Whitworth, City Clerk; Jared Johnson, City Attorney; and Council member elect Linda Leeuwrik. Mayor Brian Blad arrived at 1:32 p.m. Discussion centered on Boards/Committees the Council are liaison to and general City topics. No formal action was taken. Mr. Bray gave an update on Bannock Transportation Organization activities. He noted a decision was made to delay the Hawthorne Road project so the funds could be used toward the Siphon Interchange project. Mr. Bray added that as part of the Center Street Underpass Project, he would like a parking lot to be considered on the south side of the Center Street Underpass where the Railroad Infirmary building used to be. Mr. Moore noted management of the food served at the Senior Citizen Center has improved. Updates for the facility and options for a new building were discussed. Mr. Moore reported the Child Care Advisory Committee is doing a good job of supporting and providing outreach programs to local child care providers. Mr. Moore gave an update on Golf Advisory Board activities and noted donations are needed to move forward with a new club house. He suggested private entities be contacted and asked to donate to the project. Mr. Orr gave an update on Historic Preservation Commission activities. He gave an update on the Airport Commission and noted that Driscoll Top Hay is doing well. Mr. Orr would like staff to look at the availability of airport hangars located at the airport. He is concerned that rentals appear to be limited to a few individuals that currently hold a lease. Mayor Blad joined the meeting at this time. Mr. Orr reported the Commission will meet with representatives to discuss increasing the number flights available at the airport. He would like to see lower airfares for family vacation destinations become available. Mr. Johnston gave an update on the Pocatello Arts Council and shared his concerns with monitoring funds being used by the Arts Council. Council asked that staff provide clarification of the City’s policy related to Boards/Committees that receive and spend funds. Mr. Orr was excused at 1:43 p.m. Ms. Adamson mentioned the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board did not meet in November so an update was not available. She gave an update on NeighborWorks Pocatello activities and noted they are looking at creative ways to generate revenues in anticipation of decreased federal funding. One of the ideas included a “check and loan” concept at a lower interest rate than standard Check and Loan businesses. Ms. Adamson asked for Council’s input regarding the proposed concept. Council shared CITY COUNCIL WORKING LUNCH 2 DECEMBER 7, 2017 they are very concerned with this practice and did not support the idea. Ms. Adamson reported the Japanese Sister Cities Subcommittee’s fundraising event with Idaho State University was successful. She shared her concerns with African Sister Cities Subcommittee’s continued lack of a quorum. Council agreed the quorum issue should be addressed. If a committee cannot maintain a quorum, then Council should evaluate if the committee should continue. Mr. Brown gave an update on Pocatello Development Authority activities. He noted that Bannock Development Corporation gave an update on Department of Labor workforce availability. Mayor Blad announced that two individuals need to be identified to serve on the REDI Board to represent Pocatello. He reminded the Council the individuals should serve as a broad representation of Pocatello and not business related only. The following city activities were discussed: Christmas light displays on City property represent multi-cultural topics. Texting while driving is a concern and Legal staff is working on an ordinance to address this. Sign Code/Billboard update – size and brightness standards for billboards vary from city to city. Council will discuss the creation of a Sign Code Committee at the December 14, 2017 Study Session. Mayor Blad adjourned the working lunch at 3:05 p.m. APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR PREPARED AND ATTEST BY: RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK