City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 12, 2020 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Mayor Blad called the City Council Work Session to ROLL CALL order at 9:12 a.m. Council members present were Heidi Adamson, Roger Bray, Rick Cheatum, Linda Leeuwrik and Chris Stevens. Council member Claudia Ortega was excused. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Dana Olson, Sister Cities Foundation of Pocatello President, and SISTER CITIES Peggy Johnson, Sister Cities Foundation representative, were FOUNDATION OF present to discuss the Foundation’s goals and projects regarding POCATELLO Pocatello’s relationship with Kwaremanguel, Burkina Faso, UPDATE Africa. Ms. Olson gave an overview of the changes to the Sister Cities Foundation organization. She stated that in December 2019, the African Sister Cities Subcommittee voted to leave the auspices of the City and join with the non-profit Sister Cities Foundation of Pocatello, Inc. The City must still pay the dues to Sister Cities International and authorized the Foundation to act as its representative in the relationship with Kwaremengel Burkina Faso, Africa per Resolution 2019-13. Ms. Olson emphasized that the Sister Cities Foundation has maintained a good relationship with the City for 21 years and will continue to update the Council on the Foundation’s goals and projects. Ms. Johnson stated that due to COVID-related issues and safety concerns in the country, a delegation trip was not possible during 2020. Fundraising efforts for the year were severely impacted by the pandemic. The Foundation continues to financially support the educational and medical needs of village residents. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Teresa McKnight, Chief Executive Officer, Regional Economic REGIONAL ECONOMIC Development of Eastern Idaho (REDI), was present to give DEVELOPMENT OF Council an update of REDI’s activities and achievements. EASTERN IDAHO (REDI) UPDATE Ms. McKnight gave an overview of REDI’s activities and projects over the last 5 months. She stated that the main goals of REDI are: Workforce development and training; Business retention, expansion and recruitment; Strategic planning and marketing; Growth in research and entrepreneurship; and Regional investment and financial viability. She noted the unemployment rate in southeast Idaho is lower than the state average. Ms. McKnight stated the new REDI website was launched in May 2020 and has seen economic development prospects from around the United States. She added that many companies are looking to leave largely populated areas and are investigating the eastern Idaho region. Ms. McKnight announced the first annual “What’s Up in Eastern Idaho!” economic summit which was held virtually in October 2020, was a success. Ms. McKnight gave an overview of the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs available for eligible small businesses. She announced that last year three grant applications were submitted and received funding in Idaho through the programs. In contrast, businesses in neighboring states have submitted and received funding for as many as 90 grants in a year. She encouraged Councilmembers to direct companies to REDI for education and assistance regarding the grant possibilities and application process. Ms. McKnight highlighted the top producing areas in eastern Idaho as advanced manufacturing; agriculture; banking and finance; energy; healthcare; information technology (cybersecurity); and outdoor products and recreation. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 2 NOVEMBER 12, 2020 Ms. McKnight emphasized that REDI will continue to work on behalf of investors through cooperation wtih the business community, community leaders and university leadership to move forward in united development. She stated REDI is actively marketing the region through a strong entrepreneurship program and will continue to make data-driven decisions to drive regional growth. In response to questions from Council, Ms. McKnight stated that many factors are considered by a company when looking to relocate to an area, including tax rates, timeliness of processes, and overall costs for businesses and employees. She indicated that REDI can ask prospective companies for feedback regarding their relocation decision, but not all companies are willing to give comments. Ms. McKnight encouraged the Council to look at cost comparisons for Pocatello versus other communities in the region and identify areas which may need improvement in order to reduce the overall cost of business in Pocatello. Ms. McKnight emphasized the importance of partnerships between the City of Pocatello, Bannock Development Corporation and REDI to encourage growth in Pocatello. Mayor Blad called a recess at 10:41 a.m. Mayor Blad reconvened the meeting at 10:52 a.m. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: Andy Moldenhauer and Adam Davis, representing the Pocatello FIRE UNION Fire Union, were present to give an update on the Union’s QUARTERLY UPDATE activities. Mr. Moldenhauer reported that many of the Fire Union fundraising activities, such as the annual October pink t-shirt fundraiser, Operation Warm and Pass the Boot fundraisers, were scaled back due to COVID safety procedures. Union members were still able to provide coats for school children through Operation Warm efforts and collaboration with area schools. Union members are encouraged to give to charitable organizations through the City-wide United Way campaign and other giving opportunities. Mr. Moldenhauer thanked the Mayor and Council members for approval of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allow for cooperative efforts with the US Forest Service. AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Carl Anderson, Senior Planner, was present to discuss proposed ZONING ORDINANCE revisions to the Zoning Ordinance, Municipal Code Title 17. MODIFICATIONS Carl Anderson, Senior Planner, gave an overview of proposed revisions to the Zoning Ordinance. He explained that the errors, inconsistencies and revisions were identified and revisions become necessary to adapt to changing conditions. Mr. Anderson stated that the proposed changes would be brought before the Council for their consideration at a future Regular City Council meeting. Council members discussed the proposed amendments and offered input regarding the proposed revisions. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 3 NOVEMBER 12, 2020 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: Janae Mitchell, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) COMMUNITY Program Manager, was present to review with the Council the DEVELOPMENT BLOCK policies and procedures governing the CDBG-funded sidewalk GRANT (CDBG) POLICY program. AND PROCEDURES MANUAL Janae Mitchell, CDBG Program Manager, gave an overview of the CDBG RENEWAL Sidewalk Repair program guidelines for sidewalk replacement in city areas. She explained that regulations are set by Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for use of federal funding. Ms. Mitchell stated that funding for public improvements can only be used in areas that are primarily residential areas. She added that areas are identified through census information, complaint-driven action and safety issue notification. Council discussed ways in which City staff may effectively identify priority areas and possible funding for sidewalk improvements. A motion was made by Ms. Stevens, seconded by Mr. Bray, to direct City staff, in cooperation with the Mayor, to assess the needs regarding sidewalks, curbs, landscaping and safety of Clark Street and Center Street. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Stevens, Bray, Adamson, Cheatum and Leeuwrik. AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: There being no further business, Mayor Blad adjourned the ADJOURN meeting at 12:13 p.m. APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST AND PREPARED BY: KONNI R. KENDELL, CITY CLERK