City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 8, 2019 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Mayor Brian Blad called the City Council Work Session to order ROLL CALL at 9:04 a.m. Council members present were Heidi Adamson, Roger Bray, Rick Cheatum, Jim Johnston, Linda Leeuwrik and Beena Mannan. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Larry Morton, Chair Person, Greg Albright, Committee GOLF ADVISORY member; and John Banks, Staff Liaison; representing the Golf COMMITTEE UPDATE Advisory Committee were present to discuss the Committee’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations. Mr. Morton gave an update on the Golf Advisory Committee activities. The Committee has been very active working with the golf concessionaire. He noted the number of season passes purchased has been going down. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Albright reported the golfing industry is losing their customer base. Efforts to reach out and introduce golf to a younger group of individuals are being done. He noted the decrease in golfers is a nationwide trend. Mr. Albright noted new golf passes were created such as a family pass and student pass to encourage more play. A new website that has league information and upcoming event information is also available. Mr. Banks gave an overview of the golf concession agreement and what FORE Golf does to stay competitive with other courses. He noted that the City’s courses are in fantastic shape when compared to other golf courses. Mr. Morton agreed and noted that visitors have commented on the great condition of the city’s golf courses. He also mentioned funding for a new clubhouse at Riverside Gold Course is still needed. Mr. Banks gave a brief overview of other updates for the golf course which included resolution of irrigation system concerns at Riverside. It was noted that a presentation was given to Premier Technology to help fund clubhouse renovations. Mr. Banks feels the presentation and meeting went well. Members will continue to reach out to Premier for possible funding for the new clubhouse. General discussion regarding the economic impact of golf courses in communities followed. Efforts to market golf programs to other age groups is needed. In closing, it was noted that outdoor recreation is an asset to our community and golf is a part of this recreation menu. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Fred Belzer, Chair Person; and John Banks, Staff Liaison; PARKS AND representing the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board were RECREATION ADVISORY present to discuss the Board’s goals and projects, as well as BOARD UPDATE Council’s policies and expectations. Mr. Belzer gave an overview of members serving on the Board. Because the members are very diverse, the Board feels they are a great asset to help make various decisions for the park system. Key projects in 2019 include – Portneuf River Visioning process, Zoo Idaho Master Plan, Idaho Gold Star Family Monument and Summer Youth Pass Partnership with Pocatello Transit for transportation to lower Ross Park. A new concession area at Ross Park Aquatic Center has been successful and positive feedback from the public has been received. The Ross Park Master Plan has been a major project for the Board. Public meetings and surveys have provided great input about the Plan. The Board hopes to have a draft plan for Council’s consideration in the fall. It was noted CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 2 AUGUST 8, 2019 that public comments have asked the Board to explore joint ventures for opportunities with City of Chubbuck as appropriate. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Bannock County Commissioner Steve Brown, was present BANNOCK COUNTY to give an update of Bannock County government activities. COMMISSIONER UPDATE Mr. Brown mentioned Mayor Blad comes before the Bannock County Commissioners to give a quarterly update of Pocatello city government activities and the Commissioners asked to give a similar update to City Officials. He clarified that county government is a political subdivision of the state. Mr. Brown explained the dynamics of the County Government system in Idaho. Discussion regarding overlapping responsibilities or services the city and county provides. Mr. Brown noted the dispatch center that serves the area is a duplication of services. He agrees with Mayor Blad this is not cost effective and he would like to research combining the service. The current Ambulance contract with the City of Pocatello was discussed. Mr. Brown suggested that both organizations evaluate the way the ambulance system is ran to identify if there are better ways to run the program. General discussion regarding sign placement within areas of the County and within City limits was held. Also, discussion regarding the Pocatello Free Clinic, mental health issues and the opioid crisis in various areas followed. Mayor Blad announced the City is currently going through the annual budgeting process. He noted that property evaluation figures are still needed from Bannock County so the City can set its Fiscal Year 2020 budget. In response to questions from Mayor Blad and Council, Mr. Brown clarified the State Board of Tax Equalization will review the property assessment numbers. He gave an overview of the process and issues that were encountered this year. They are assessing the process and more efficient outcomes for next year. In closing, Mr. Brown shared information about the County Landfill. He reviewed environmental requirements related to the landfill and noted there are certain responsibilities that entities utilizing the landfill must do. Bannock County is working with the Department of Environmental Quality regarding the landfill. AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Teresa McKnight, Chief Executive Officer, Regional Economic REDI UPDATE Development of Eastern Idaho (REDI) was present to give Council an update of REDI’s activities and achievements. Ms. McKnight was welcomed by Mayor Blad and the Council. It was announced Ms. McKnight is the new Chief Executive Officer for REDI and has been in her position for approximately 30 days. Ms. McKnight shared she has been learning more about the area and gave an overview of her professional background and experience. Ms. McKnight noted that she lives in Pocatello and will have offices in Pocatello and Idaho Falls to serve the area. In response to questions from Council, Ms. McKnight feels student recruitment for area colleges and helping students get attached to a business and/or entity will encourage students to stay here CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 3 AUGUST 8, 2019 after they graduate. How to get students connected in the early stages of their career is important. Getting businesses and retaining them in eastern Idaho were also discussed. In closing, Ms. McKnight shared she is looking forward to working with City of Pocatello representatives to promote the area. AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: Dennis Lyon, representing Utility Service Partners, Inc. was SERVICE LINE WARRANTY present to discuss a homeowner repair protection service. The PROGRAM PRESENTATION service would cover broken, cracked or leaking water and sewer lines from the point of utility connection to the home exterior. Mr. Lyon gave an overview of the program Utility Service Partners, Inc. provides. He explained this program is for homeowners and covers the portion of infrastructure that are the owner’s responsibility. Mr. Lyon mentioned they are also requesting use of the City’s logo on letterhead and also use of official’s signature on promotional literature. Council discussion regarding the proposed marketing program and revenue of 50 cents for each paid policy followed. The warranty service provided by Utility Service Partners, Inc. and history of their business was reviewed. Development of a customer list for marketing was discussed. Under the warranty program, contractors hired for repairs would be through Utility Service Partners. AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: David Maguire, representing Portneuf Valley Partners (formerly VALLEY PRIDE Valley Pride) was present to discuss improvement projects on INTERSECTION State of Idaho property located at the intersection of North IMPROVEMENT PROJECT Main Extension/Garrett Way/Highway 30/Hawthorne Road. Portneuf Valley Partners is requesting City of Pocatello assistance to apply for a grant from the Ifft Foundation and to provide irrigation water for the property. Mr. Maguire explained his organization is involved in beautification projects for the city. In particular, they strive to work toward the beautification of approaches into the City of Pocatello. Mr. Maguire mentioned there is an area in the triangle gravel lot which rests between the following roads: North Main Extension, Garrett Way, Hiway 30 and Hawthorne Road. The triangle is not attractive in its current state but could be improved to make a very attractive cornerstone to that group of intersections. The property is owned by the State of Idaho Department of Transportation. Portneuf Valley Partners has permission from the State to construct a garden area inside the triangle. Bids have been obtained for the architectural block, irrigation system, a connection to city water and plants. Mr. Maguire reported an estimated total cost to improve the lot is $40,000.00. Portneuf Valley Partners is asking the City for the following requests related to the grant: a) authorize Parks and Recreation Department staff to assist in submission of an Ifft grant and b) allow connection to city water in order to provide irrigation to plants placed within the triangle area. Volunteers are available to do the actual construction. Mr. Maguire shared photos and concept drawings of the proposed garden area. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 4 AUGUST 8, 2019 It was mentioned the application is due August 15, 2019. However, due to time constraints, Council cannot consider submission of the application until after the due date. Portneuf Valley Partners is asking for a commitment from the City to fund needed water for the project. This commitment to provide water will be submitted with the application. In response to questions from the Council, Tom Kirkman, Deputy Public Works Director, does not have information regarding the number of accidents at the intersection. He will research their data base and provide the results for Council. Ongoing maintenance once the triangle is established was reviewed. Evergreens and perennials should help keep down weeds. Signage may also be installed to enhance entry into Pocatello. Jared Johnson, City Attorney, reminded the Council that guidance for staff could be determined at this meeting. However, because of application date constraints, authorization to submit the grant application should be considered for ratification at a future City Council meeting. A motion was made by Mr. Johnston, seconded by Ms. Leeuwrik, to: a) authorize the City to be part of an Ifft grant application in the amount of $10,000.00 as presented; 2) authorize connection into the City’s water system to irrigate the garden area as outlined in the grant; and 3) City council will ratify this decision at a future Regular City Council meeting. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Johnston, Leeuwrik, Adamson, Bray, Cheatum and Mannan. Mayor Blad called for a recess at 12:00 p.m. Mayor Blad reconvened the meeting at 12:16 p.m. AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: Ashley Welsh, Deputy Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer, FISCAL YEAR 2020 presented Bannock County property valuation amounts and the BUDGET DISCUSSION overall effect to the proposed property tax and levy rate for Fiscal Year 2020 and review public comments received at the August 1, 2109 Budget Hearing. Ms. Welsh gave an overview of the predicted tax valuations for Fiscal Year 2020 revenue. She noted the tax valuations are still a prediction because Bannock County does not have the valuation amounts available. Other items on the Fiscal Year 2020 Tax Solution Spreadsheet were reviewed. Ms. Welsh announced Pocatello Development Authority (PDA) agreed to pay for staff time to perform administrative duties. $25,000.00 was added to fund administrative expenses for City employee staff time based upon the estimated number of meetings held per month. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Welsh reviewed the proposed increase to salaries for City Council positions and the position of Mayor. Council salaries – raise given January 1, 2018 was based upon the same level as provided to full-time employees. Last Council salary increase prior to 2018 was January 1, 2008. Mayor salary – raise given January 1, 2018 was based upon the same level as provided to full-time employees. Last Mayor salary increase prior to 2018 was January 1, 2014. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 5 AUGUST 8, 2019 Mr. Bray shared his concerns with the proposed raises for Mayor and Council positions. He feels the raises are not justified within the populations that are shown on various reports he has reviewed. Copies of the reports were distributed to Council for their review. Mr. Bray also has concerns with equity between departments and would like to see the budget cut back more. He suggested eliminating the salary increase for Mayor and City Council positions from the budget. Discussion continued regarding the proposed wages for the positions of mayor ($4,067.00) and council ($4,620.00). Ms. Leeuwrik shared that she has spoken to individuals that are interested in running for City Council and does not feel financial limitations should be a reason to deter people from serving. She is concerned that a person wanting to serve on the City Council must be retired or wealthy enough to compensate their earnings while in the positon. Council discussion continued regarding individuals wishing to serve in city government and compensation to individuals that serve. The amount for compensation for the position was reviewed and more options for individuals that wish to run for city office were shared. Mayor Blad suggested $10,000.00 be allotted to the Pocatello Free Clinic in the Fiscal Year 2020 budget. Mr. Bray clarified that Pocatello Free Clinic is asking for $1,800.00 per month which is $21,600.00 per year. He does not want these funds to go to the Portneuf Health Trust for payment of rent. Council debate regarding funding of the Free Clinic continued. A motion was made by Mr. Johnston, seconded by Ms. Leeuwrik, to add a contribution for Pocatello Free Clinic in the amount of $10,000.00 to the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Johnston, Leeuwrik and Mannan. Those voting in opposition to the motion were Adamson, Bray and Cheatum. Due to a tie in the voting, Mayor Blad was asked to cast the deciding vote. Mayor Blad voted in favor of the motion. Therefore, the motion passed. Council announced they would like representatives from the Pocatello Free Clinic to come and give an update to the Council regarding the services they provide. General health care issues in the community were also discussed. A motion was made by Ms. Leeuwrik, seconded by Ms. Adamson, directing staff to prepare an ordinance to increase the position of council member’s salary by $2,500.00 annually and increase the position of mayor’s salary by 6% annually. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Leeuwrik, Adamson and Mannan. Those voting in opposition to the motion were Bray, Cheatum and Johnston. Due to a tie in the voting, Mayor Blad was asked to cast the deciding vote. Mayor Blad voted in favor of the motion. Therefore, the motion passed. A motion was made by Mr. Johnston, seconded by Mr. Cheatum, instructing staff to prepare an ordinance setting out the Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Appropriation as presented. 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. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 6 AUGUST 8, 2019 Ms. Welsh noted that she will provide tax evaluation figures as soon as they are received from Bannock County. The ordinances will be prepared for consideration at the Regular City Council meeting to be held August 15, 2019. Mayor Blad called for a recess at 1:15 p.m. Mayor Blad reconvened the meeting at 1:51 p.m. AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: Roger Schei, Police Chief; and Tracy Marshall, Detective and CAPITAL CONTINGENCY Taser Instructor for Pocatello Police Department are seeking REQUEST permission to use capital contingency funds for the purpose of –POLICE DEPARTMENT procuring replacement tasers. TASER recently informed the Police Department the tasers currently in use would no longer be supported by TASER. Ms. Schei gave an overview of the X26 taser units currently used by the Pocatello Police Department. He explained the X26 series is being phased out. As a result, he is proposing Taser 7 units which is new technology and will serve the officers well. Mr. Marshall gave a review of the process officers must follow once a taser is used. The taser 7 unit has a charge port which downloads any firing data and uploads new information as needed. Data storage is included with the proposed taser unit. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Schei explained the number of incidents in Pocatello during the summer are higher. The mere presence of a taser unit has been useful to stop an individual without using any physical force. However, when needed, the newer unit penetrates clothing more efficiently which is needed during the winter months. If approved, Mr. Schei mentioned the department could give the older taser units to Animal Control for Animal Control officers to use. Staff recommended replacing all of the taser units through the use of capital funds. Additional benefits to the City include reduction in worker’s compensation claims, reduce officer/suspect injuries, safest (less than lethal) option and reduction in excessive force complaints. Council was supportive of the Capital one-time expense request and advised staff to place the request on a future City Council meeting for consideration of the taser units purchase. AGENDA ITEM NO. 10: Travis Smith, Assistant Chief of Operations, for the Fire CAPITAL CONTINGENCY Department is seeking permission to use capital contingency REQUEST funds for the purpose of the following capital purchases and Fire –FIRE DEPARTMENT Department facility repairs: 1) Fire Station No. 5 Roof Repair; 2) Fire Station No. 2. Roof Repair; 3) Fire Station No. 2 Sidewalk repair; 4) Hazmat ID; 5) Truck Hoist Purchase; and 6) Type 6 Wildland Engine Purchase. Mr. Smith gave an overview of the requested repairs/requests. A breakdown of costs are: Fire Station No. 2 Roof Repair $9,450.00; Fire Station No. 2 Sidewalk Repair $2,730.00; Hazmat ID $55,000.00; Truck Hoist $48,500.00; Type 6 Wildland Engine $150,000.00. - $220,000.00; and Radios $403,116.00. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 7 AUGUST 8, 2019 It was noted there is a grant available to assist with the purchase of radios. Staff would like to make another attempt to apply for the grant. The City match would be approximately $40,312.00. Once the grant is applied for there will be a small window to work the process. Staff would like to approach the City of Chubbuck Fire Department to combine the request for radios. Council instructed staff to contact other government agencies to discuss the radios grant. Ms. Welsh clarified the use of Capital Contingency funds for “one time’ expenses. She explained the requests outlined by the Fire Department will not be an on-going expense and qualify for the use of Capital funds. General discussion regarding the requests was held. A motion was made by Ms. Adamson, seconded by Mr. Cheatum, to use $9,450.00 from Capital Contingency funds for Fire Facility roof repairs. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Adamson, Cheatum, Bray, Johnston, Leeuwrik and Mannan. In response to questions from Council, Tom Kirkman, Deputy Public Work Director, clarified that ADA ramps for sidewalks may cost around $3,500.00 because a longer transition at the curb tends to cost more. Mr. Kirkman also clarified that Fire Chief David Gates has indicated that he would like the Fire Department to become a part of the City’s Fleet Management. Discussion regarding the purchase of hoists for fire trucks, best potential use of the hoists and whether the type of hoists purchased could be transportable followed. Discussion regarding asset distribution between departments was held. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Smith explained the HazMat ID is more of a safety concern for citizens. He noted the City does not have a lot of hazmat incidents. However, if staff is going to handle hazmat situations, Council may wish to consider approval of the purchase. Mr. Smith mentioned the Union Pacific Railroad yard located through the middle of Pocatello is a potential hazard. A motion was made by Mr. Bray, seconded by Ms. Mannan, to use $55,000.00 from Capital Contingency funds for the HazMat ID purchase as presented. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Bray, Mannan, Cheatum, Johnston and Leeuwrik. Ms. Adamson voted in opposition to the motion. The motion passed. AGENDA ITEM NO. 11: There being no further business, Mayor Blad adjourned the ADJOURN meeting at 3:14 p.m. APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST AND PREPARED BY: CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 8 AUGUST 8, 2019 RUTH NEWSOM, CITY CLERK