City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION DECEMBER 14, 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, Steve Brown, Jim Johnston, Gary Moore and Michael L. Orr. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Roland Rocha, P.E., from Bowen Collins and Associates, Inc. RIVERSIDE GOLF COURSE and John Banks, Parks and Recreation Director, were in HYDRAULIC EVALUATION attendance to present the findings of their analysis to City -FINAL TECHNICAL Council, as to the causes and recommended solutions for on- MEMORANDUM going water issues at Riverside Golf Course. Following their PRESENTATION presentation, staff is seeking additional Council guidance and direction regarding the findings. Mr. Banks explained FORE Golf, Inc. operates and performs the day-to-day maintenance for the City owned Highland and Riverside Golf Courses, with capital expenditures being the obligation of the City as outlined in the Concession Agreement. During the years of 2013 thru 2017, City staff and FORE Golf representatives met a number of times attempting to evaluate and address continuing concerns regarding the Riverside Golf Course irrigation system, specifically: a) Water Pressure and Delivery; b) Water Hammering (which has weakened the piping system on the golf course and contributed to on-going pipe breaks over the last several years). Mr. Banks gave a brief history of the irrigation system issues. Mr. Rocha, P.E. explained his business is providing a hydraulic evaluation to determine the cause of the pipeline breaks and to provide recommendations to eliminate the cause. He summarized the hydraulic evaluation and the following questions: 1. What is causing the pipeline breaks? 2. Would reprogramming the valves to close more slowly fix it? 3. Would a Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) on the Cree Well transmission line fix the problem? 4. Would a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) on the Cree Well transmission line fix the problem? 5. What would having both a PRV and a VFD do to the system?; and 6. What is the definitive solution to eliminate the cause behind the waterline breaks? Mr. Rocha also gave an overview of the irrigation system which included: a) Pipe diameters and materials; b) Topography; c) Irrigation Demands; d) City Water Supply Connection; and e) Cree Well. He explained that although unrelated to surge issues, but potentially important, is the strong possibility that homes off of Lundberg Lane are connected to the irrigation system. When all golf- course irrigation was off and the Cree Well and Cree Well pre-lube line were off, an intermittent 0-15 gpm flowrate was observed through the bypass connection during testing. This demand is most likely coming from homes located next to the golf course that are connected to the irrigation system and not paying for the usage. City Council instructed staff to research the possibility of home owners that may be receiving irrigation water from this source and to take measures to correct the issue. It was mentioned the Cree Well water or golf course siphonage could be finding its way into the home owner’s drinking water and it was recommended this be investigated as soon as possible. Contributing factors from many sources are causing the irrigation problems at the golf course. Mr. Rocha reviewed possible solutions to the water pressure problem and monitoring the movement within the pipe and water delivered from the Cree Well. The irrigation system is complex. PRV and VFD options were reviewed as the valves try to react to the system changes. A combination of both drives will ensure a smooth and even delivery of water to the golf course despite changing demands on the golf course. However, the VFD and PRV combination will not be able to absorb all of the CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 2 DECEMBER 14, 2017 pressure surges generated in the golf course irrigation system. Installation of a 250-gallon bladder tank was suggested to correct the problem. In response to questions from Council a representative from FORE Golf, Inc. reported sections of irrigation pipes break multiple times per week. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Banks stated the cost for suggested improvements is approximately $155,000.00 and he gave an overview of budgeting challenges. Suggestions were shared of steps that can be taken immediately to help alleviate the problem. Mr. Banks is looking to Council for direction of how to proceed. In response to questions from Council, Justin Armstrong, Water Department Superintendent, agreed that the free irrigation to homes on Lundberg Lane need to be investigated. He has researched this before because he had suspicions of his own there may be additional connections to the irrigation source. Mr. Armstrong explained this is a community irrigation system. All lawns are being watered from one system. The additional connections may be one or two homes. Mr. Moore stated he would like Water Department staff to investigate the possibility of an additional line connection. If staff finds there is a connection, any funds owed to the City should be identified. Council discussion regarding the continued breaking of pipes and possible solutions continued. Mayor Blad and the Council instructed staff to research options and funding ideas to correct the problem. In response to questions from Council Mr. Banks explained neither the Water Department or Parks and Recreation Department have budgeted for this expense. He felt they could budget for the repairs in Fiscal Year 2019 and/or look at making modifications to the projects in Fiscal Year 2018. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Rocha did not feel it would be cost effective to install the proposed tank and then later replace the valves. However, there are some recommendations to correct the system that can be done immediately at a lower cost. City staff can budget for the remaining repairs. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Chief David Gates and Assistant Chief Travis Smith from the FIRE DEPARTMENT Pocatello Fire Department presented a proposed Capital and CAPITAL AND FIRE Fire Engine Purchase Plan. The Plan included the ENGINE PURCHASE PLAN recommendation of a sole source purchase manufacturer for fire engine purchases. Staff is seeking City Council’s guidance regarding the proposed plan. Mr. Gates gave a brief summary of the department’s request explaining why they are asking the Mayor and Council to consider the budget authority to purchase three (3) Type 1 Fire Engines. He noted that the department’s reserve pumper fleet is a 1993 Pierce which is nearing 26 years of age. Mr. Gates mentioned the purchase price for the trucks will increase by $17,000.00 on February 1, 2018. Sole Source Purchase rational and recommendation: a) the Fire Department’s entire Fire Engine Fleet is Pierce. Remaining with Pierce Manufacturer will offer improved efficiencies in maintenance and repairs. It will also reduce the specialty training and tools required to support maintenance and repairs; b) Pierce is the only manufacturer that provides the REPTO, TAK4 and E-Coating. Other CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 3 DECEMBER 14, 2017 manufacturers have verbally indicated that they cannot offer a truly equivalent option because it is cost prohibitive; and c) Legal Department will review all documents. Capital and Apparatus Purchase Plan review: a) Current Capital situation; b) Proposed Capital Purchase Plan; and c) Capital Contingency - While the department will have additional capital needs in the future such as replacing the Tower, Ladder, Rescue and Haz Mat Apparatus, these needs are currently secondary to the fire engines and it is hoped that the City’s and Fire Department’s financial position will improve enough to afford their purchase when the need arises. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Gates explained this topic was not discussed during the Fiscal Year 2018 Budget meetings because a concept was already in place to reserve capital funds to purchase a new fire truck. He clarified the purchase of three trucks is being proposed at this time because of the Fire Department’s aging fleet. Mr. Gates noted this will be an on-going 10-year lease so Fire vehicles are replaced according to industrial standard. Joyce Stroschein, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer explained in Fiscal Year 2016 the Fire Department’s ladder truck was paid off. As a result, monies were left in the debt service to anticipate the purchase of a new truck. She noted the capital reserves are building to accommodate the purchase. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Gates feels the proposed Plan fits into the overall picture to meet the City’s upcoming needs. There are currently 3 fully staffed Fire Stations that receive to approximately 8000 calls a year. As a result, trucks are wearing out more quickly. The new Northgate Development will eventually require an additional fire station which will include all necessary apparatus and staff to equip the fire station. Discussion continued regarding budgeting for future needs and how the department’s annual budget may be affected with the proposed on-going expense. Changes to the Fire Department’s process requiring an ambulance and pumper truck response to calls were suggested. Mr. Gates explained changes to the handling of calls are being reviewed along with the Fire Department’s master plan. Staff will need to identify if a responsive fire call can be completed without sending two trucks. He also suggested that a consolidated call-center would be beneficial to make the changes desired by Council. Mr. Brown would like City staff to research moving forward to consolidate the EMS call-center. He feels bringing the jurisdictions together would make the system better and more cost effective. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Joyce Stroschein, Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer presented DECEMBER BUDGET information and explanations of proposed December budget AMENDMENTS FOR amendments for Fiscal Year 2018. FISCAL YEAR 2018 The 23 proposed amendments include Mayor and Council Department $5,403.00; Police Department $1,855.00; Animal Services $40,000.00; Parks $9,991.00; Cemetery $35,000.00; Airport $2,000.00; Library $88,888.00; Transit Rural $472,500.00; Transit Urban $745,000.00; Sanitation $1,500,000.00; Water Pollution Control $281,242.00; Street Federal Aid Projects $26,000.00; Street Equipment Capital $75,000.00; and Capital Acquisition Fund $629,078.00. Total Budget Amendments $3,911,957.00. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 4 DECEMBER 14, 2017 Ms. Stroschein noted that a public hearing will be held on December 21, 2017 where an ordinance for Council’s consideration will be prepared to adopt the proposed budget amendments. AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Rhett Nicks, Animal Services Director, presented proposed PROPOSED REVISIONS TO revisions to City Codes (6.04.070, 6.04.180, 6.04.150 and “ANIMAL SERVICES” 6.04.155) to bring the codes in-line with nationally CITY CODES-RABIES, recommended standards and create a voucher program to QUARANTINE, facilitate spay and neuter surgeries for pets owned by Pocatello VACCINATIONS, LICENSING citizens. & SPAY/NEUTER PROGRAM Mr. Nicks reported the current City Code for rabies reporting and quarantine is excessively broad with the use of the word “animal” instead of the primary rabies vectors: dog, cat, ferret and wild life rabies vector species (RVS). The broad scope of the word “animal” includes non-rabies vector species or animals for which there is no guideline for quarantine. Mr. Nicks gave an overview of the proposed changes to the City Code which include revisions to Rabies Reporting; Rabies Quarantine and Disease Control. He would like to tie the rabies vaccination of dogs and cats to a new licensing system. The new licensing system would be tied to a voucher system intended to help provide spay/neuter resources to the citizens of Pocatello. Mr. Nicks reviewed the proposed spay and neuter program. He noted that several veterinarians have been contacted and are supportive of the concept. Mr. Nick is not comfortable with untrained individuals selling dog/cat licenses and would prefer the proposed changes for tracking of animals. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Nicks explained if there is a decrease in license sales, as a result of the proposed change, then pet owners are not vaccinating their animals. He added if the current licenses are just to identify animals, then microchipping is a better choice. The microchip has proof of ownership also. County residents are not required to get a city license for their pet. Mr. Nicks feels the monies current used to purchase dog food will help fund the voucher program. The vouchers will reduce the number of animals coming into the shelter and feeding costs will go down. He noted there are several pet owners that bring in a litter of kittens every year instead of paying to have their cat neutered/spayed. Mr. Nicks hopes these pet owners will utilize the voucher program to stop the number of litters coming into the shelter. It was clarified that this is the first of several meetings to be held to discuss the proposed license/voucher plan. Mr. Nicks is still in the process of gathering information and contacting veterinarians regarding the plan. AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: Council discussion regarding the development of a committee to DEVELOPMENT OF review the City’s sign code was held. SIGN CODE COMMITTEE -COUNCIL DISCUSSION Mr. Bray explained it has been a month since Council has discussed the City’s sign code issue. He feels a Sign Code Committee should be established that includes three members from the commercial sign business and three citizens. By establishing a Committee it will show the community the Council is moving forward. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 5 DECEMBER 14, 2017 Mr. Brown mentioned there is not an organized national standard for signs and many of the sign businesses are working on establishing this. He hopes the businesses may have more guidance from the national level in January 2018. Until then, there is no general acceptance for signage guidelines. Mr. Moore feels the lack of a national standard may be the reason sign businesses have not received complaints from the public or been notified that there has been a problem regarding their signs. Suggestions were made during the sign code public hearing held November 16, 2017 that revealed there are still other options to be considered. Mr. Brown added that no complaints may have come forward because people may not have known that they could complain. Mayor Blad explained his office can submit a call asking individuals to complete an application to serve on a Sign Code Committee. He agreed that the committee should be balanced. It was suggested that the committee receive comments from neighborhood groups and citizens. It was also suggested that the committee have an end date to complete their findings and make a suggestion to Council. The required end date will help keep the momentum going. Mayor Blad mentioned that Council President Brown has been working with local sign businesses on this topic and perhaps he could continue the dialog for now. In addition, Mayor Blad will review all committee applications and choose three individuals from the sign community and three residents. Perhaps the committee could be under the direction of Melanie Gygli, Planning and Development Services Director. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Gygli feels too many people serving on the committee will make it more difficult to have all members in attendance. She suggested 7 to 9 members serve on the committee with the addition of a Hearing Examiner or past Planning and Zoning member to help facilitate. Ms. Gygli mentioned there are many model sign ordinances that acknowledge and include the most recent law suits and court cases. Once a committee is identified and general direction on sign regulations are determined, it should take 30 to 60 days to bring recommendations to the Council. General discussion ensued regarding whether a committee is really necessary to accomplish the Council’s goal. If Council determined not to form a Sign Code Committee, different methods to move forward to receive input were shared. Debate on the best process to receive information regarding sign guidelines continued. It was suggested that several tracks to modify the sign code be submitted. Separate tracks will allow more detailed analysis and solutions to the code. It was noted that an immediate response is needed regarding billboards and electronic signs. A majority of the Council decided a Sign Code Committee was not necessary at this time. Council would like staff to research and provide documents for review/consideration during the February 1, 2018 Regular City Council meeting regarding lighting and message transitions on electronic signs. Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 11:05 a.m. At 11:10 a.m. Mayor Blad and Council members Adamson, Brown, Johnston, Moore and Orr left the Council Chambers and met for an “informal lunch” in the Paradice Conference Room. CITY COUNCIL STUDY SESSION 6 DECEMBER 14, 2017 APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST AND PREPARED BY: RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK