City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 9, 2018 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Mayor Brian Blad called the City Council Work Session to order ROLL CALL at 9:03 a.m. Council members present were Heidi Adamson, Roger Bray, Rick Cheatum, Jim Johnston, Linda Leeuwrik and Beena Mannan. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Sandra Shropshire, Chair Person; and Eric Suess, Library LIBRARY BOARD Director and staff liaison; from the Library Board were present UPDATE to discuss the Board’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations. Ms. Shropshire presented highlights of Library Board activities for the past year. The highlights included: Friends group donated new book shelves, annual book sale netted over $2,500.00, Welcome Back Orange and Black event, 611 children participated in the Mayor’s Million Minute Marathon and the Food for Fines drive was a success. Proceeds from the Food for Fines drive were given to the Idaho Food Bank. The 2017 Summer Reading program reached 140 adults, 83 young adults, 520 elementary school children and 104 preschool children. An improved security system was installed and an upgrade to the lighting system has been approved for the library. The Library’s meeting room was improved with a new paint job and décor. Mr. Suess reviewed the lighting upgrade and potential cost savings once the installation is complete. Notable 2017 statistics are: In its category of the 29 largest Idaho public libraries – defined as those serving communities of 10,000 or more—Marshall stands at the top with 85% of its service population holding a library card. Service population: 54,746. Madison and Valley of the Tetons libraries are tied for the next highest rate at 74%. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Suess explained digitizing old and current newspapers and historical documents is not a duplication of efforts done by State Historical Society. The historical information housed at the library is researched by individuals for various reasons. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Jamar Brown, Chair Person; Gloria Mayer, Board member; and HUMAN RELATIONS Laura Jenkins, Human Resources Consultant and Staff Liaison; ADVISORY COMMISSION representing the Human Relations Advisory Commission were UPDATE present to discuss the Commission’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations. Ms. Brown reported that Betty Moore is the recipient of the current Human Rights Award given by the Commission. The background of why Ms. Moore was chosen as a recipient and her involvement in mental health issues was shared. Ms. Brown noted that the Commission’s current goal is based upon ways individuals can build a better community. She noted that individuals can talk about data and issues in the community. But the Commission would like to focus on working toward building better neighborhoods by becoming better neighbors. Ms. Brown shared information about her own personal neighbors and how they interact with each other. She feels that when you get to know your neighbors better, it expands your ability to communicate with others more effectively and be more tolerant of each other. The Committee will try to promote “goodwill” in the community and foster relationships in the coming year. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 2 AUGUST 9, 2018 Mr. Johnston feels there is a lot of good changes are happening in the community. He has seen positive steps moving toward welcoming different life styles in the community and would like to continue open communications with the Commission. Ms. Mayer mentioned Commission members are also learning to share information more effectively. She noted there are community activities for people to participate in each week. Ms. Mayer feels the activities are great for the community and helps individuals to come together. She noted that older members of the gay community are starting a group to support their population and the issues they face. General discussion to improve communication between City Council and the Committee followed. There is always room for improvement and ideas to make the communication better were shared. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Ashley Linton-Welsh, Interim Chief Financial Officer, presented PROPOSED detailed information on proposed Fiscal Year 2018 September FISCAL YEAR 2018 budget amendments. A public hearing to review the proposed BUDGET AMENDMENTS amendments will be held on September 6, 2018. Ms. Welsh explained there are 24 listed amendments affecting 7 funds. The proposed amendments for the General Fund ($971,714.00) are: Mayor and Council Department; Police Department; Fire Department; Animal Services Department and Parks Department. Other Fund Amendments ($167,491.00) include: Street Fund, Science and Environment Fund, Water Fund, Utility Billing Fund, Police Grant Fund and Retirement Savings Fund. General discussion regarding the possible call out of Fire Department staff for area fires was held. In response to questions from Council, David Gates, Fire Chief, gave an overview of the cost for wages if his staff were deployed to fight a fire. The proposed amendment is necessary as a contingency because the potential to be deployed is high based upon the fire season. He clarified the funds will not be used unless staff is actually deployed. AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Ashely Linton-Welsh, Interim Chief Financial Officer, presented FISCAL YEAR 2019 Bannock County property valuation amounts and the overall BUDGET DISCUSSION effect to the proposed property tax and levy rate for Fiscal Year 2019 and reviewed public comments received at the August 2, 2018 Budget Hearing. Ms. Welsh explained she would review the property tax valuation from Bannock Council, Levy Rate and Tax Effect and Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Overview. TAX YEAR 2018 PREOPRTY TAX VALUATIONS – Total estimated property value for Tax Year 2018 (Fiscal Year 2019) is $2,577,156,418.00. This is about a $50 million increase from Tax Year 2017 (Fiscal Year 2018). New Construction Value for Tax Year 2018 is $24,257,364.00. This amounts to $273,670.00 in additional tax. Annexation value for Tax Year 2018 is $316,132.00. This amounts to a $3,567.00 in additional tax. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 3 AUGUST 9, 2018 LEVY RATE AND TAX EFFECT – Due to valuations coming in strong, the Fiscal Year 2019 levy rate will only increase by 1.6%. The Consumer Price Index is 2.041%. All tax funds are under their statutory limit. General fund is now at 0.00836. Last year it was at 0.00876. Annual increase for a median household value is $11.37. FISCAL YEAR 2019 BUDGET OVERVIEW – General Operating/Capital – includes operating expenses, education costs and capital Personnel – includes new positions or part-time hours Capital Plan Revenue Sources for new items – increased fee income, interfund charges, reserves, property taxes and donations were reviewed. Mr. Bray announced he would like to revisit the expenses now that the total anticipated revenue for Fiscal Year 2019 is known. He does not want the levy to go up and asked if the City stayed with last year’s rate (Fiscal Year 2018) what would the revenue be? He feels more comfortable with a flat levy rate. In response to Mr. Bray’s question, Ms. Welsh gave an overview of what the revenue would be at 1% and noted the decreased amount would leave the Fiscal Year 2019 budget flat. Council discussion regarding the amounts to be considered for expenses and revenue amounts followed. It was noted that accurate revenue information is not available until this time each year. Council had tentatively considered additions to personnel and the additions were reviewed. Mr. Bray shared his concerns with the City’s budget process. He feels Council should reevaluate the proposed expenses now that actual revenues are known. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Welsh clarified in previous meetings Council reviewed and approved the tax resolution sheet with the 3% levy increase. She will give an overview of the proposed expenses and revenues to help Council make a final determination for the Fiscal Year 2019 budget. Council debated the costs, needs, and budget process for the City. The large portion of tax exempt property was discussed and how it is unique to Pocatello when compared to other cities. Cutbacks other cities have considered when budgets were negatively affected were discussed. Various resources and expenses were reviewed and debated. Priority of the proposed expenses continued to be reviewed. Possible elimination of various expenses was explored. Many of the Council felt the items have been reviewed in detail. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 4 AUGUST 9, 2018 Mr. Johnston and Mr. Cheatum asked for discussion to insert the Video Services Department back into the Fiscal Year 2019 budget. In response to questions from Council, Logan McDougall, Public Information Officer and Video Services Manager, reported there is an organization that has offered to take over the community access portion of Video Services. The organization recently applied for a 501C3 status. Mr. McDougall explained the League of Women Voters has been aired on the City’s Government Access channel for many years. The proposed changes to Video Services will allow the League of Women Voters to still be shown through a new system. General discussion regarding the transparency of government and the democratic process followed. These issues were the main concerns shared through public testimony at the August 2, 2018 public hearing. The fitness program was also a concern for some of the viewers. It was noted that transparency and the democratic process will still be available to viewers through a different means. Ms. Leeuwrik mentioned limited space in City Hall is an issue. She is concerned if Video Services is put back into the budget, available space for the department will remain an issue. Ms. Leeuwrik agreed that concerns expressed at the August 2, 2018 public hearing regarding programs no longer being offered by Video Services have been addressed. She noted that programs such as the League of Women Voters will continue to be aired through a new system. Mayor Blad explained if Council delays the elimination of Video Services for 12 months, it will cost approximately $171,000.00. In response to questions from Council, Mr. McDougall explained much of Video Services’ programming has been digitized. In addition, storage of old DVDs will need to be determined. A motion was made by Ms. Adamson, seconded by Ms. Mannan, instructing Finance Department staff to prepare a Fiscal Year 2019 appropriation ordinance as presented at the public hearing held on August 2, 2018. General discussion continued and it was felt that the services many people were concerned about at the public hearing have been addressed. The non-profit potential to continue Video Services was discussed. The equipment currently used by Video Services could be used by the non-profit to continue programming. Mayor Blad suggested the Council delay elimination of Video Services for 1 year. The funds could come out of the City’s Capital Contingency for Fiscal Year 2019. Debate continued regarding Video Services and citizens in the community that are struggling financially. In response to questions from Council, Jeff Mansfield, City Engineer and Public Work Director, explained he is looking at the space currently housed by Video Services as part of a reconfiguration of the Planning and Engineering Departments. He noted, if the space is no longer available they will maintain status quo in their area until the space issue can be resolved. Ms. Adamson’s motion was voted upon at this time. Those voting in favor were Adamson, Mannan, Leeuwrik and Johnston. Those voting in opposition to the motion were Bray and Cheatum. The motion passed. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 5 AUGUST 9, 2018 A motion was made by Mr. Johnston, seconded by Mr. Cheatum, instructing Finance Department staff to prepare a Fiscal Year 2019 fee resolution as presented at the public hearing held on August 2, 2018. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Johnston, Cheatum, Adamson, Leeuwrik and Mannan. Mr. Bray voted in opposition to the motion. The motion passed. Mr. Mansfield announced that storage space for Video Services equipment will be provided until an alternate use for the equipment is determined. Mr. Johnston asked Police Department staff to share information about the City’s National Night Out event and donated bullet proof vests for the K9 officers. Scott Marchand, Police Chief introduced Roger Schei, Deputy Police Chief, to the Council. Mr. Schei gave an overview of the National Night Out event held in Pocatello and the bullet proof vests that were donated to the City of Pocatello K9 officers. He shared an incident when a K9 officer was shot and killed in the line of duty. Mr. Schei feels if the K9 officer would have been wearing a similar vest the death could have been prevented. He reported all four of the City’s K9 officers now have a bullet proof vest to wear. Mr. Marchand added that the K9 officers are an excellent outreach in the community. These officers are a real benefit to the Police Department. There being no further business, Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 11:20 a.m. APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST AND PREPARED BY: RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CMC, CITY CLERK