City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING FEBRUARY 7, 2019 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: The Regular City Council meeting was called to order at 6:06 p.m. ROLL CALL AND by Mayor Brian Blad. Council members present were Heidi PLEDGE OF Adamson, Roger Bray, Rick Cheatum, Jim Johnston, Linda ALLEGIANCE Leeuwrik and Beena Mannan. Mayor Blad led the audience in the pledge of allegiance. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: The invocation was offered by Pastor Jacqueline Thomas, Praise INVOCATION Temple of God. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Council was asked to consider the following business items: CONSENT AGENDA -MINUTES (a) Waive the oral reading of the minutes and approve the minutes from the Clarification and Regular Council meetings January 3, 2019; the January 10, 2019 Work Session; and the Executive Session and City Council Liaison/Work Session Clarification meetings of January 17, 2019. -PAYROLL AND (b) Consider the payroll and material claims for the month of MATERIAL CLAIMS January 2019 in the amount of $7,114,279.66. -PLANNING AND (c) Confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Richard Larsen to serve as a ZONING member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, replacing Sean COMMISSION Hargraves who resigned. Mr. Larsen’s term will begin February 9, APPOINTMENT 2019 and will expire June 22, 2021. -MOU AMENDMENT (d) Approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) amending the -COLLECTIVE October 6, 2016 Collective Bargaining Agreement for Firefighters BARGAINING Local Union No. 187. The MOU modified Article 16, Section F AGREEMENT FOR changing the population date for Kelly Days from October 1 to FIREFIGHTERS LOCAL January 1. UNION NO. 187 -COUNCIL DECISION (e) Adopt the Council’s decision vacating the public’s interest in a right- -VACATION OF ROW of-way (ROW) at 2771 Bannock Highway, subject to conditions. AT 2771 BANNOCK HIGHWAY -COUNCIL DECISION (f) Adopt the Council’s decision approving the request from Nel’s Bi- -NELS’S BI-LO SIGN Lo, Inc. for an exception to install an electronic message display and APPEAL OF HEARING a new business sign on an existing 16-foot tall pole at 333 North 15th EXAMINER’S DENIAL Avenue, with conditions. -COUNCIL DECISION (g) Adopt the Council’s decision approving a Short Plat for Knoblich -KNOBLICH Townhouse Subdivision which subdivides approximately .25 acres of TOWNHOUSE land into two (2) residential lots, subject to conditions. The property SUBDIVISION is located at 1495 and 1497 East Cedar. SHORT PLAT REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 2 FEBRUARY 7, 2019 -COUNCIL DECISION (h) Adopt the Council’s decision accepting the improvements on an -ACCEPTANCE PUBLIC extension of Surprise Valley Road, Copper Creek Subdivision, of OWNERSHIP OF public ownership and maintenance, subject to conditions. SURPRISE VALLEY ROAD, COPPER CREEK SUBDIVISION A motion was made by Mr. Johnston, seconded by Mr. Cheatum, to approve the items on the consent agenda. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Johnston, Cheatum, Adamson, Bray, Leeuwrik and Mannan. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Mayor Blad announced there were no proclamations COMMUNICATIONS or communications. AND PROCLAMATIONS AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Mayor Blad reminded the Council of the February 14th Work CALENDAR REVIEW Session at 9:00 a.m.; and the following meetings to be held February 21st: Council Liaison/Work Session Clarification Meeting at 3:00 p.m.; Clarification Meeting at 5:30 p.m. and Regular City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. Mayor Blad announced the 41st Annual Simplot Games would be held at Holt Arena February 14 – 16; February 18th City offices will be closed for President’s Day. However, garbage and recycle pick-ups will remain on schedule. Mayor Blad reminded citizens that comments regarding the proposed Ross Park Master Plan will be accepted until May 15th. Individuals may submit a comment to rossparkplan@pocatello.us. AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: This time was set aside for the Council to hear comments from the PUBLIC HEARING public concerning a request by Jonathan Vincent to vacate and -VACATION OF RIGHT abandon the public’s interest in a portion of unused right-of-way in OF WAY-400 BLOCK the 400 block of Poole Avenue. OF POOLE AVENUE Mayor Blad opened the public hearing. Council members announced there had been no ex parte communication. Jonathan Vincent stated he has purchased two parcels of land and a 73 x 25-foot parcel becomes landlocked between the two properties. He is requesting the City vacate and abandon the public’s interest in that portion of unused right-of-way located along the west side of Poole Street. Matthew Lewis, Senior Planner, stated that the applicant has requested that 1,825 square feet be vacated in order to combine separate parcels. He added that the canal reaches across the property but has no impact on the application. Tom Scott, Pocatello resident, spoke uncommitted to the application. He expressed his concerns regarding possible issues with the irrigation canal and asked for those issues to be discussed with affected property owners. Mr. Vincent stated he has visited with neighbors who live on Richland and he has worked with the REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 3 FEBRUARY 7, 2019 Water District to develop a design that works well for the property and surrounding property owners. Mr. Lewis stated Mr. Vincent has shown due diligence to address issues associated with the irrigation canal. He added that the City of Pocatello does not get involved in issues regarding irrigation. Mr. Lewis explained that a condition of the building permit is that the applicant must do his due diligence regarding issues associated with the canal. There being no further public comments, Mayor Blad closed the public hearing. A motion was made by Ms. Adamson, seconded by Ms. Mannan, to approve the vacation and abandonment of the public’s ownership interest in a right-of-way in the 400 Block of Poole Avenue, which right-of-way is approximately 1,825 square feet, and approve conveyance of said vacated right-of- way in its entirety to Jonathan Vincent. Council further approves the 1,8256 square foot area being combined with the larger parcel of Lot 1, Janna Subdivision and that the decision be set out in appropriate Council decision format. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Adamson, Mannan, Bray, Cheatum, Johnston and Leeuwrik. AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: This time was set aside for the Council to hear comments from the PUBLIC HEARING public regarding a zoning map amendment request by Nathan Wells –VACANT LAND of Portneuf Development, LLC (mailing address: 4990 Valenty LOCATED NORTH OF Road, Suite H, Chubbuck, ID 83202) represented by Chris Adams EAST CHUBBUCK ROAD of Creek Hollow & Associates, Inc., (mailing address: 611 Wilson AND WEST OF Avenue, Suite 1A, Pocatello, ID 83201), to rezone two parcels of OLYMPUS DRIVE vacant land located north of East Chubbuck Road and west of Olympus Drive from Commercial General and Residential Medium Density Single Family to Residential Commercial Professional. A Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map change from commercial, residential and public to mixed use is also proposed at this time. A previous public hearing before the Planning and Zoning Commission was held where they recommended approval of this request. Mayor Blad opened the public hearing. Council members announced there had been no ex parte communication. Mr. Johnston recused himself from discussing and voting upon Agenda Item No. 7. Chris Adams, Creek Hollow & Associates, representing Portneuf Development, LLC, gave an overview of the request to rezone two parcels of vacant land from Commercial General and Residential Medium Density Single Family to Residential Commercial Professional. In response to a question from Council, Mr. Adams stated that condominiums and high-density apartment complexes are planned for the high density area and single family homes are planned for residential areas. He added that the uses will match surrounding areas, lending diversity to the development. Carl Anderson, Senior Planner, gave an overview of the request. He stated the request is compliant with City Code and that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. Mayor Blad announced no written comments had been received. There being no public comments, Mayor Blad closed the public hearing. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4 FEBRUARY 7, 2019 A motion was made by Ms. Mannan, seconded by Ms. Leeuwrik, to approve the applicant’s request to rezone an approximate 32.40 acre parcel and an approximate 5.95 acre parcel located in the recent Northgate annexation north of Chubbuck Road and west of Olympus Drive, Pocatello, Idaho to Residential Commercial Professional (RCP) and approve the Applicant’s request to amend the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map for the above-described two (2) parcels to Mixed Use an amend the Public Lands designation of approximately 21.04 acres of land on the Comprehensive Plan Land Use Map in order to be consistent with the existing Mixed Use zoning designation and that the decision be set out in appropriate Council decision format. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Mannan, Leeuwrik, Adamson, Bray and Cheatum. AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: Council was asked to consider a request from Chris and Katie Taylor WATER CONNECTION (mailing address: 1062 El Rancho, Pocatello, ID 83201) to connect a REQUEST-SAMUEL parcel of land east of Stockman Road which will have a Samuel STREET address once assigned, to the City’s water system to allow construction of a home. The Utility Connection Annexation Covenant has been completed and all connection fees have been paid. Outside City utility rates will be assessed until the property is annexed. A motion was made by Mr. Johnston, seconded by Ms. Mannan, to approve a request from Chris and Katie Taylor to connect a parcel of land east of Stockman Road which will have a Samuel address once assigned, to the City’s water system to allow construction of a home and that outside City utility rates will be assessed until the property is annexed. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Johnston, Mannan, Adamson, Bray and Leeuwrik. Cheatum voted in opposition to the motion. The motion passed. AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: Council was asked to accept the recommendations of staff and PIGGY-BACK BID FOR award the piggy-back bid for truckload quantities of 95-gallon trash, SANITATION CARTS recycling and yard waste carts to Rehrig Pacific Company and, if accepted, authorize the Mayor to sign documents related to the bid. The cart costs (includes delivery) are: trash cart $49.97 each; recycle cart $51.95 each; and yard waste cart $51.95 each. Funds are allocated in the Sanitation Department’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget to purchase the carts. A motion was made by Mr. Bray, seconded by Mr. Johnston, to accept the recommendations of staff and award the piggy-back bid for truckload quantities of 95-gallon trash, recycling and yard waste carts to Rehrig Pacific Company and authorize the Mayor to sign documents related to the bid and that the cart costs (including delivery) are: trash cart $49.97 each; recycle cart $51.95 each; and yard waste cart $51.95 each. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Bray, Johnston, Adamson, Cheatum, Leeuwrik and Mannan. AGENDA ITEM NO. 10: Council was asked to consider bids received on January 17, 2019 for 2019 WATER materials used by the Water Department for capital improvement DEPARTMENT projects and replenishing inventory. The bid was separated into MATERIALS BID thirteen separate lots in an effort to guarantee the lowest price for the City. Staff requested that Council award each lot to the lowest responsive bidder as follows: CORE & MAIN LP a) Lots Three, Five, Eleven and Thirteen – total bid $63,020.33; REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 5 FEBRUARY 7, 2019 FERGUSON b) Lots Two, Six, Seven, Eight and Nine – total bid $50,351.50; and WATERWORKS HD FOWLER CO. c) Lots One, Four, Ten and Twelve – total bid $440,764.75. Total cost for the materials bids is $554,136.58. Funds are available in the Water Department’s Fiscal Year 2019 budget. A motion was made by Mr. Bray, seconded by Mr. Johnston, to approve the bids received on January 17, 2019 for materials used by the Water Department for capital improvement projects and replenishing inventory and award each lot to the lowest responsive bidder as outlined in Agenda Item No. 10(a) through 10(c). Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Bray, Johnston, Adamson, Cheatum, Leeuwrik and Mannan. AGENDA ITEM NO. 11: Council was asked to approve a contract with Direct FIBER LINE Communication in the amount of $40,000.00 to install a fiber line INSTALLATION between the City’s Water Pollution Control facility and the Pocatello CONTRACT-AIRPORT Airport, and authorize the Mayor’s signature on documents related to the contract, subject to Legal Department approval. Funds for the installation are available in the City’s Emergency Repair fund. A motion was made by Mr. Cheatum, seconded by Ms. Mannan, to approve a contract with Direct Communication in the amount of $40,000.00 to install a fiber line between the City’s Water Pollution Control facility and the Pocatello Airport, and authorize the Mayor’s signature on documents related to the contract, subject to Legal Department review and contingent upon approval of the necessary easements. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Cheatum, Mannan, Adamson, Bray, Johnston and Leeuwrik. AGENDA ITEM NO. 12: Council was asked to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a T-O ENGINEERS professional services agreement between the City and T-O PROFESSIONAL Engineers for design and bidding of this year’s Airport SERVICES AGREEMENT Improvement Program projects, which include rehabilitate FBO -AIRPORT IMPROVEMENT apron, construction apron hardstand, upgrade electrical vault, and PROJECTS repackage North Taxiway “A” and terminal apron design. The fee is not to exceed $176,765.00 and is eligible for a 93.75% reimbursement from the FAA with the remaining 6.25% funded using airport passenger facility charge funds. The project is contingent upon grant award. A motion was made by Ms. Adamson, seconded by Ms. Leeuwrik, to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a professional services agreement between the City and T-O Engineers for design and bidding of this year’s Airport Improvement Program projects, which include rehabilitate FBO apron, construction apron hardstand, upgrade electrical vault, and repackage North Taxiway “A” and terminal apron design and that the fee is not to exceed $176,765.00, contingent upon grant award. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Adamson, Leeuwrik, Bray, Cheatum, Johnston and Mannan. AGENDA ITEM NO. 13: Council was asked to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 FEBRUARY 7, 2019 CRASH ALARM construction agreement and notice of award between the City and SYSTEM System Tech, Inc. for replacement of the airport crash alarm system. REPLACEMENT The contract price is $123,261.00 with a total contract time of - AIRPORT 160 days. Funding for the project will be 93.75% from budgeted federal grant funds and 6.25% from passenger facility charges. The Notice of Award is contingent upon FAA approval. A motion was made by Ms. Leeuwrik, seconded by Mr. Bray, to approve and authorize the Mayor to sign a construction agreement and notice of award between the City and System Tech, Inc. for replacement of the airport crash alarm system and that the contract price will be $123,261.00 with a total contract time of 160 days, and that the Notice of Award is contingent upon FAA approval. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Leeuwrik, Bray, Adamson, Cheatum, Johnston and Mannan. AGENDA ITEM NO. 14: Council was asked to consider the following ordinances: ORDINANCES -AMENDING (a) An ordinance amending Pocatello Municipal Code 5.06 MUNICIPAL CODE “Commercial Activities in Parks and Other Public Places” as 5.06 “COMMERCIAL presented to Council at the December 13, 2018 Work Session, ACTIVITIES IN PARKS providing guidelines and regulations regarding commercial/for- AND OTHER PUBLIC profit use of City owned, taxpayer supported facilities. PLACES” A motion was made by Mr. Johnston, seconded by Ms. Leeuwrik, that the ordinance, Agenda Item No. 14(a), be read only by title and placed on final passage for publication, and that only the ordinance summary sheet be submitted for publication. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Johnston, Leeuwrik, Adamson, Bray and Mannan. Cheatum voted in opposition to the motion. The motion passed. Jared Johnson, City Attorney, read the ordinance by title. Mayor Blad declared the final reading of the ordinance amending Pocatello Municipal Code 5.06 “Commercial Activities in Parks and Other Public Places” providing guidelines and regulations regarding commercial/for-profit use of City owned, taxpayer supported facilities. Mayor Blad asked, “Shall the ordinance pass?” Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Adamson, Bray, Johnston, Leeuwrik and Mannan. Cheatum voted in opposition to the motion. The motion passed. Mayor Blad declared the ordinance and summary sheet passed, that it be numbered 3020 and be submitted to the Idaho State Journal for publication. -AMENDING (b) An ordinance amending Pocatello Municipal Code 12.36 “Public MUNICIPAL CODE Parks”, as presented to Council at the December 13, 2018 Work 12.36 “PUBLIC PARKS” Session, providing guidelines and regulations regarding commercial/for-profit use of City owned, taxpayer supported facilities. A motion was made by Mr. Bray, seconded by Mr. Johnston, that the ordinance, Agenda Item No. 14(b), be read only by title and placed on final passage for publication, and that only the ordinance summary sheet be submitted for publication. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Bray, Johnston, Adamson, Leeuwrik and Mannan. Cheatum voted in opposition to the motion. The motion passed. Jared Johnson, City Attorney, read the ordinance by title. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7 FEBRUARY 7, 2019 Mayor Blad declared the final reading of the ordinance amending Pocatello Municipal Code 12.36 “Public Parks”, providing guidelines and regulations regarding commercial/for-profit use of City owned, taxpayer supported facilities. Mayor Blad asked, “Shall the ordinance pass?” Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Adamson, Bray, Johnston, Leeuwrik and Mannan. Cheatum voted in opposition to the motion. The motion passed. Mayor Blad declared the ordinance and summary sheet passed, that it be numbered 3021 and be submitted to the Idaho State Journal for publication. AGENDA ITEM NO. 15: Andy Moldenhauer, representing Pocatello Firefighters Local 187, DISCUSSION ITEMS announced a fundraiser on February 8th from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Fred Meyer. The funds collected will be used to help defer costs for representatives participating in the Seattle Stairclimb event. He clarified that firefighters participating in the fundraiser will be off-duty and the public is invited to participate. AGENDA ITEM NO. 16: This time was set aside for the Council to hear comments from the PUBLIC HEARING public regarding a reconsideration request for a conditional use REQUEST permit that was approved by the Hearing Examiner on December – 209 EAST LEWIS 13, 2018. The appellant is Gypsy Holdings, LLC, (mailing address: RECONSIDERATION 518 East Center Street, Pocatello, ID 83201), represented by Racine OF HEARING Olson, PLLP (mailing address: 201 East Center Street, Pocatello, ID EXAMINER’S APPROVAL 83201) The original request was from Idaho Housing and Finance TO ALLOW Association (mailing address: 565 West Myrtle Street, Boise, ID TRANSITIONAL 83707-1899) represented by BJ Stensland of Aid for Friends (mailing HOUSING address: 210 East Center Street, Suite A, Pocatello, ID 83201), for a conditional use permit to allow transitional housing and associated administrative offices at 209 East Lewis Street. Mayor Blad opened the public hearing. Council announced that there had not been any ex parte communication. Fred Lewis, representing Gypsy Holdings, LLC; Gypsy Lines, LLC; Travelers Tavern, LLC; and Hansen Janitorial Supply, thanked the Council and stated he appreciates the work done by Aid For Friends. He stated his clients recognize the need for a homeless shelter in Pocatello, but they oppose the proposed shelter location at 209 East Lewis. Mr. Lewis stated he feels the applicant is not entitled to a Conditional Use Permit (CUP), as it does not meet all seven (7) requirements as listed in the City Code. He feels the homeless shelter is not compatible with existing businesses. Mr. Lewis stated that the Business Improvement District (BID) was formed to beautify the area and improve the infrastructure. He feels that because the proposed shelter location is close to the BID boundary, redevelopment and revitalization of the area would be hindered. Mr. Lewis added that his clients feel the CUP is not consistent with the economic development chapter of the comprehensive plan and is not compatible within a retail business district. He stated he feels having a homeless shelter across from the BID would not encourage development within a walkable retail shopping district and does not encourage redevelopment of established commercial areas. In response to a question from Council, Mr. Lewis stated that Aid For Friends explored six (6) other locations for a possible shelter location and he feels placement of the shelter across the street from the only Business Improvement District in the city is not compatible with the comprehensive plan. BJ Stensland, Aid For Friends Executive Director, gave an overview of the Conditional Use Permit process and stated that the proposed location at 209 East Lewis met all seven (7) criteria for a CUP. She REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 8 FEBRUARY 7, 2019 added that Commercial General zoning allows for a homeless shelter/transitional housing: Ms. Stensland stated Aid For Friends must comply with HUD requirements, including accessibility to education, recreation, health resources and retail establishments. She added that the facility must also be ADA compliant. Ms. Stenland emphasized that a person who is homeless should not be labeled as “bad” or “low life”. Individuals and families who use the homeless shelter are just in need of housing. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Stensland stated that due to space restrictions, expansion of the current Aid For Friends shelter is not a viable option. She added that individuals seeking assistance frequently visit the Aid For Friends administrative office, located at 210 East Center Street. Ms. Stenland stated there have been no complaints at that location. She emphasized that the homeless shelter is not only utilized by individuals, but also houses families and children. In response to questions from Council, Kim Ward, Aid For Friends Shelter Manager, gave a breakdown of the 201 police visits to the shelter over the past two years. He explained that part of the shelter acceptance process includes checking with law enforcement agencies for possible arrest warrants. Mr. Ward stated that the police department is sometimes called in order to diffuse a situation. Terri Neu, Assistant Planner, gave an overview of the request. She stated that it is a reconsideration of the Hearing Examiner’s decision to approve a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow transitional housing at 209 East Lewis. In response to a question from Council, Ms. Neu stated that the proposed use is designated in the Comprehensive Plan. She added that incorporation of various housing needs is specifically addressed in the Comprehensive Plan. Mayor Blad announced that written correspondence received would be entered into the record. Bruce Hanson, Pocatello resident, spoke in support of the appeal. He owns a local retail business and stated that he also owns a business in Boise. Mr. Hanson explained that a homeless shelter is located in the neighborhood of his Boise business. He feels the facility does not meet the Conditional Use Permit requirements and feels a business district is not the appropriate location for a homeless shelter. Mr. Hanson added that he feels business owners are left to clean up litter and garbage left in the area by those who loiter and trespass in the vicinity of the shelter. Jennifer Putnam, Pocatello resident, spoke in support of the appeal. She stated she owns a retail establishment located at 237 East Center Street. Ms. Putnam stated that business owners pay additional property taxes as part of the Business Improvement District to attract customers to the Old Town area. She feels that the addition of the homeless shelter will possibly deter customers from visiting businesses in the neighborhood. Matt Spencer, Pocatello resident, spoke in support of the appeal. He stated he owns several businesses in the vicinity of the proposed Aid For Friends facility and feels that the addition of the shelter will negatively affect the businesses in the area. Mr. Spencer stated he understands that the homeless issue needs to be addressed, but feels it is not appropriate to negatively affect business owners in the process. Debra Zikratch, Pocatello resident, spoke in support of the appeal. She stated she is co-owner of a business located at 335 East Lewis. Ms. Zikratch stated she is not opposed to the services provided by Aid For Friends, but does not feel the proposed location is appropriate. She added she is also concerned that the shelter would be in such close proximity to a number of bars. Ms. Zikratch stated her business has experienced vandalism and robbery and she feels the addition of a nearby homeless shelter would increase the number of difficulties experienced in the area. Rick Bunker, Pocatello resident, spoke in favor of the appeal. He stated he would like to see the Old Town area thrive with businesses but feels development and growth would not happen with the addition REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 9 FEBRUARY 7, 2019 of a large shelter. Tim Zikratch, Pocatello resident, spoke in support of the appeal. He feels revitalization is happening to the Old Town area and feels that if Aid For Friends was allowed to relocate to the neighborhood, the revitalization would stop. Mr. Zikratch added that community parades are staged on 1st Avenue, in the location proposed for the shelter. Frank Nuding, Pocatello resident, spoke in favor of the appeal. He feels the area is unsuitable for the purpose of Aid For Friends, as it is located in the vicinity of a number of bars. Mr. Nuding feels there are other more suitable properties for the shelter. Kathy Rogers, Pocatello resident, spoke in support of the appeal. She stated she owns a business located at 211 South 4th Avenue. Ms. Rogers states she supports Aid For Friends and has organized fundraisers for the shelter in the past. She feels the property value of her business would decline if it is near a homeless shelter. Christine Kordopatis, Pocatello resident, spoke in favor of the appeal. She stated she owns a hair salon located at 246 East Center and frequently has transients visiting her business asking to use her facilities. Ms. Kordopatis feels that is unfair to her clientele and her customers have expressed concerns for safety. She added that business owners pay extra for the beautification of the area. Ms. Kordopatis is concerned that if an individual doesn’t meet the criteria to stay at Aid For Friends, they would ultimately loiter in the area and cause problems with surrounding businesses. Debbie Hansen, Pocatello resident, spoke in support of the appeal. She stated she supports the revitalization of the downtown district. Ms. Hansen stated she feels the addition of a homeless shelter in the area would kill the growth and renewal in the area. She stated she also worries about the safety of individuals visiting businesses in the area. Nathan Palmer, Pocatello resident, spoke in favor of the appeal. He stated he works for Racine Olson Law Firm and feels allowing Aid For Friends to locate in the area is not necessary, as the services and needs are being met in the current Aid For Friends location. In response to a question from Council, Mr. Palmer stated his law firm represents businesses and individuals. Derek Foulkrod, Pocatello resident, spoke in support of the appeal. He stated he lives on 2nd Avenue and works in the Old Town area. Mr. Foulkrod stated he frequently walks for transportation and would like to avoid encounters with individuals who may have been denied access to Aid For Friends but remain in the neighborhood. Samantha Spencer, Pocatello resident, spoke in favor of the appeal. She stated she is part owner of a building on 1st Avenue and feels it is important to protect the businesses and business owners who choose to be in the area. Ms. Spencer stated she is concerned for the safety of her family and the business investments her family has made. Susan Mann, Pocatello resident, spoke uncommitted to the appeal. She stated she feels there is a lot of stereotyping on both sides and would be interested in finding out how many times the police have been called to bars in the area. Ms. Mann stated that Idaho is ranked 14th in homelessness and it is time to deal with the homeless problem. Mike Popovich, Pocatello resident, spoke uncommitted to the appeal. He represents First Baptist Church and is co-founder of Valley Mission. Mr. Popovich stated the homeless problem in Pocatello REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 10 FEBRUARY 7, 2019 will not be solved by one agency or one facility, but is more widespread and must be addressed. Kelly Hopwood, Pocatello resident, spoke uncommitted to the appeal. She stated she is concerned about the individuals who are turned away from the homeless shelter. Ms. Hopwood added that if Aid For Friends is allowed to operate from the facility at 209 East Lewis, the larger facility would allow volunteer opportunities that are not possible at the current location. Tally Thomas, Seattle, Washington resident, spoke uncommitted to the appeal. She stated she grew up in Pocatello and is currently a student at Stanford University. Ms. Thomas stated that two of her friends who are also students at Stanford grew up in homeless shelters which provided them the support necessary to attend the university. She added that homeless individuals are not all bad and that they are able to accomplish many things. Mayor Blad called a recess at 8:21 p.m. Mayor Blad reconvened the meeting at 8:36 p.m. David Doran, Pocatello resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. He stated the current Aid For Friends facility is outdated, in need of renovations and is too small to address the needs of the homeless population. Mr. Doran added that the proposed location would be located within walking distance to many support agencies and assistant services such as the Idaho Foodbank and the Marshall Public Library. John Bulger, Pocatello resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. He stated he also has a business in the Business Improvement District and reminded citizens that Aid For Friends is a place which keeps families and children together in a safe location while looking for permanent housing. Mr. Bulger emphasized that Aid For Friends has met all of the conditions associated with a Conditional Use Permit. Chris Freeburne, Blackfoot resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. He stated he works for Health and Welfare and is in support of Aid For Friends. He shared examples of the need for homeless services and self-sufficiency assistance. Brady Ellis, representing Idaho Housing and Finance, spoke in opposition to the appeal. He stated that the proposed located is not located within the Business Improvement District and that the proposed use of the property is consistent with the comprehensive plan. Mr. Ellis emphasized that homeless problems in other cities are a result of not providing facilities as needed, and that the proposed new facility would alleviate those issues. Terri Bergmeier, McCammon resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. She stated Aid For Friends has been the lead agency providing services to the homeless for 35 years and that the current facility can no longer meet the community’s needs. Ms. Bergmeier feels addition of the shelter would not have a negative effect on revitalization or safety to the area. Debra Hemmert, CEO of Southeast Idaho Community Action Agency (SEICAA), spoke in opposition to the appeal. She feels there is a need for a larger homeless shelter and that Aid For Friends has successfully demonstrated the ability to provide services to individuals in need. Ms. Hemmert stated AFF has stringent policies and processes in order to ensure the safety of citizens. She encouraged the Council to uphold the decision of the Hearing Examiner in order to address homeless issues in the community. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 11 FEBRUARY 7, 2019 Brenda Pollard, Pocatello resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. She feels the proposed location would allow Aid For Fiends to meet the needs of the community and also support the business district Mayor Blad called a recess at 8:58 p.m. Mayor Blad reconvened the meeting at 9:03. Muriel Roberts, Pocatello resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. She feels a new facility is necessary and that the proposed location would allow for additional volunteer opportunities in the community. Sunny Shaw, Executive Director, Housing Alliance and Community Partnerships, spoke in opposition to the appeal. She feels that it is the responsibility of the community to support Aid For Friends in order to provide for the needs of families struggling with homelessness. Ms. Shaw feels the proposed location would increase workforce and economic development in the community. Carey Jennings, Chubbuck resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. She stated she and her three children were former residents of Aid For Friends many years ago. Ms. Jennings emphasized that the shelter has strict criteria for shelter residents. She stated that because she was given a helping hand during a difficult time, she was able to earn a degree at Idaho State University, learn job skills and become a homeowner in the community. Ms. Jennings added that she and her children felt safe during their time living at the shelter and she is grateful for the services she received. Mary Cox, McCammon resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. She stated she has been a member of the Aid For Friends Board of Directors for 12 years and is a frequent visitor to the current facility. Ms. Cox added that she is 84 years old and has never felt uncomfortable or threatened while visiting the shelter. Ginny Acevedo, Bannock Youth Foundation Executive Director, spoke in opposition to the appeal. She stated Aid For Friends provides necessary services to youth who have been residents of Bannock House. Ms. Acevedo feels Aid For Friends can work with the community to provide services successfully at the proposed facility. Michelle Cloward, Family Services Alliance (FSA) representative, spoke in opposition to the appeal. She stated FSA works closely with Aid For Friends to address housing and homeless needs in Pocatello. Ms. Cloward feels the homeless shelter provides invaluable services to residents in need. Andrea Diaz, Pocatello resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. She stated she is an employee at Aid For Friends through the Idaho State University work-study program. Ms. Diaz stated she has never felt unsafe or uncomfortable at the shelter and that residents are grateful and respectful. Sparky Jones, Pocatello resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. She stated she has experienced homelessness and knows the importance of having a shelter in our community. Ms. Jones added that Aid For Friends provides help to those in need and that they are in need of a larger facility. Ann Hunter, Pocatello resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. She encouraged community members to let go of stereotypes surrounding homeless individuals and recognize the necessity to REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 12 FEBRUARY 7, 2019 provide a safe location for children and families. Bob Gehrke, Pocatello resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. He stated he works with individuals at Hope and Recovery Services and supports the application for a new facility. Stephanie Adams, Pocatello resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. She is the owner of Pocatello Pet Lodge locations and feels Aid For Friends has successfully operated for 35 years and will continue to provide necessary services to the community at the proposed location. Ms. Adams added that she feels the Aid For Friends will strive to be a good neighbor in the community. Don Zebe, Pocatello resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. He clarified that the proposed shelter location is not within the Business Improvement District and he feels businesses will not be adversely affected by the shelter. Mr. Zebe feels that the citizens who use the homeless shelter are not criminals, they are in need of help. Alisha Bailey, Pocatello resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. She stated she and her children visit the shelter often to deliver supplies to residents and she feels safe while at the facility. Ms. Bailey feels the need for an ADA compliant facility is necessary and looks forward to increased volunteer opportunities at the proposed larger location. Amy Shelton, Pocatello resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. She stated she has served as a volunteer to Aid For Friends in many capacities and feels welcomed by shelter residents. Ms. Shelton feels that a larger facility would provide additional volunteer opportunities for the community. Samuel Vineyard, Pocatello resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. He stated he is the general manager of Mocha Madness, located two blocks from the current Aid For Friends location. Mr. Vineyard feels that the shelter provides necessary services to those in need who, in turn, become valuable members of the community. Steve Gallafent, Pocatello resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. He stated he owns property located within the Business Improvement District and supports having the shelter move to the proposed location. Mr. Gallafent feels it is important to support Aid For Friends. Jolynn Anderson, Pocatello resident, spoke in opposition to the appeal. She stated she is the founder and director of Portneuf Animal Welfare Society and frequently works with Aid For Friends to provide services to shelter residents and their pets. Ms. Anderson stated she has never felt unsafe while at the facility and it is important to help those in need. In response to questions from Council, Scott Heidi, Aid For Friends Chairman of the Board, stated that expansion of the shelter could alleviate stressful situations often brought on by overcrowding of the facility and also address the needs of the community. He emphasized that Aid For Friends will continue to support the economic development goals of surrounding businesses while providing necessary services to the community. Fred Lewis stated that his clients support the work of Aid For Friends but oppose the location of the proposed shelter. He stated he feels homeless shelters and retail districts are mutually incompatible and that the shelter should be located in an area away from the Old Town Business Improvement District. There being no further public comments, Mayor Blad closed the public hearing. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 13 FEBRUARY 7, 2019 In response to a question from Council, Ms. Stensland gave an overview of other locations considered for the homeless shelter. She stated a feasibility study indicated that the location at 209 East Lewis met all the criteria necessary, including proximity to services and amenities; accessibility to transportation and recreation; and compliance with HUD requirements. Ms. Stensland added that the property which neighbors the largest portion of the proposed facility is the Union Pacific Railroad rail yard. Ms. Leeuwrik stated that she is very supportive of Old Town businesses and the revitalization of the area. She recognizes the need for a new shelter and feels that those needs can be provided at the proposed facility without detracting from the goals of the Business Improvement District. Mr. Bray stated that he feels it is necessary to provide for the needs of the homeless population in Pocatello and reminded citizens that there will always be opposition, no matter the proposed location. In response to a question from Council, Mayor Blad affirmed that the Homeless Coalition continues to operate and meet on a quarterly basis. A motion was made by Mr. Johnston, seconded by Ms. Mannan, to uphold the decision of the Hearing Examiner on December 13, 2018 for a conditional use permit to allow transitional housing and associated administrative offices at 209 East Lewis Street as requested by Idaho Housing and Finance Association and Aid For Friends. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Johnston, Mannan, Adamson, Bray, Cheatum and Leeuwrik. Mayor Blad thanked those in attendance for their professionalism and respect during the public hearing. Mr. Bray emphasized that it is imperative that homeless organizations must continue to grow and work with the community to find positive solutions to Pocatello’s homeless issues. AGENDA ITEM NO. 17: There being no further business, Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting ADJOURN at 10:05 p.m. APPROVED BY: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST: RUTH E. WHITWORTH, CITY CLERK, C.C. PREPARED BY: REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 14 FEBRUARY 7, 2019 KONNI R. KENDELL, DEPUTY CLERK