City Council

CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION MARCH 11, 2021 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: Mayor Brian Blad called the City Council Work Session ROLL CALL to order at 9:01 a.m. Council members present were Heidi Adamson, Roger Bray, Rick Cheatum, Linda Leeuwrik, Claudia Ortega and Chris Stevens. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: Kelly Boodry, representing the Animal Shelter Advisory Board ANIMAL SHELTER and Josh Heinz, Animal Shelter Director, were present to discuss ADVISORY BOARD the Board’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and UPDATE expectations. Ms. Boodry shared the following goals for the Board: educating the public on Animal Shelter issues and development of a 5-year strategic plan. Mr. Heinz stated that the Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) program has been successful, and the shelter has reached the goal for number of cats neutered. He added that there is funding still available to continue the program, but due to COVID-19 restrictions, active trapping by shelter staff has stopped. The shelter is still accepting cats trapped by residents for the TNR program. Ms. Boodry reported that the Board is considering to discussing the possibility of increasing the number of dogs allowed per household. Mr. Heinz clarified that according to City Code, when a household has three (3) dogs, a multiple housing permit is necessary. Council members discussed the pros and cons of changes to the animal ordinance. Mayor Blad announced that the Board would address the topic with the Council at a future Work Session. Council members thanked the representatives for the work they do on behalf of animals. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: Corey Lewis, representing the Child Care Advisory Committee, CHILD CARE Care Advisory Committee, and Tori Eldridge, Licensing Officer, ADVISORY COMMITTEE were present to discuss the Committee’s goals and projects, as UPDATE well as Council’s policies and expectations. Ms. Lewis reported that the Committee focuses on providing reliable information regarding code changes for child care facilities. Early education is important for children and online trainings have been beneficial to provide information for providers. She stated that many facilities are struggling to maintain qualified staff and approximately 10 percent of child care facilities closed their business due to COVID-19 restrictions. Council members thanked Ms. Lewis and Ms. Eldridge for the work they do on behalf of children and child care providers. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 2 MARCH 11, 2021 AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: David Villareal, representing the Pocatello Development POCATELLO Authority (PDA), and Brent McLane, Planning and DEVELOPMENT Development Services Director, were present to discuss the AUTHORITY UPDATE PDA’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations. Mr. McLane distributed information to Council members that outlined the goals and projects currently underway. He gave a brief review of Urban Renewal Projects in Pocatello. He noted the purpose of the PDA is to undertake urban renewal projects in areas designated by the City of Pocatello. Council debate regarding PDA functions as a whole was held. General discussion related to PDA goals and projects followed. Council discussed ways to improve communication regarding actions of the PDA. They were reminded that agendas and minutes of all advisory board meetings, including PDA, are available on the City website. Mayor Blad clarified that when a TIF district is closed, reimbursements are paid back in the following order: City of Pocatello, PDA, Bannock County and then the developer. Mr. McLane added that it typically takes about three (3) years for taxes to be generated and reimbursements to be distributed to entities. Mayor Blad clarified that the City of Pocatello provided a $500,000 reimbursable investment into the Northgate TIF District for the construction of the interchange. Mayor Blad called a recess at 10:09 a.m. Mayor Blad reconvened the meeting at 10:21 a.m. AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: Val Wadsworth and Akilah Lacey, representing the Pocatello POLICE UNION Police Union, were present to discuss the Union’s activities for QUARTERLY UPDATE the past quarter. Mr. Wadsworth stated that COVID restrictions caused a decline in many annual events. Union members were able to participate in “Give the Cops a Bird” fundraiser for the Idaho Foodbank. Over $13,000 was donated and 1,000 turkeys were donated to feed needy families in the community. He reported that union members frequently take steps to fill citizen needs as opportunities arise. Mr. Lacey stated that public involvement is encouraged for Police Department personnel and to be visible to create a positive impact upon the community. In response to a question from Council, he added that the improvement in the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is an important tool for personnel to have the ability to make good decisions. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 3 MARCH 11, 2021 AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: Teresa McKnight, Chief Executive Officer for REDI, was REGIONAL present to give Council an update of REDI’s activities and ECONOMIC achievements. DEVELOPMENT OF EASTERN IDAHO (REDI) UPDATE Ms. McKnight gave an update on and overview of REDI’s activities and projects over the past few months. She shared that although 2020 was a challenging year, positive steps were taken to adjust and adapt to changes occurring due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She shared the following new REDI programs and accomplishments for 2020: Shovel Ready Sites; Eastern Idaho Roots; Eastern Idaho Entrepreneurship & Incubation Alliance (EI2); Economic Development Roundtable; “What’s Up In Eastern Idaho!”; Formed the Nuclear Consortium; Launched REDI’s new website and developed county profiles for regional counties; Assisted 81 businesses; 24 new Prospects/Interested companies; and Formation of 33 new partnerships across the region. General discussion regarding development at the Airport and comprehensive plan for the Airport followed. Ms. McKnight stated that REDI’s priorities continue to be the following: Increased business retention, expansion and recruitment; increased workforce and talent development, training and education; increased cluster development among the 7 sectors of the region; increased entrepreneurship and start-ups; increased public/private partnerships; increased university and federal research, technology transfer and commercialization activities ; and preparation for growth including workforce, housing, infrastructure (including broadband) and transportation. AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: Mindi Anderson, representing the Police Department, was NUISANCE CODE present to discuss proposed revisions to Municipal Code MODIFICATIONS 8.14.130 – Abatement of Nuisances. -POLICE DEPARTMENT Ms. Anderson gave an overview of the current City code pertaining to abatement of nuisances. She stated that the current ordinance does not address the necessary steps to abate a nuisance property. Ms. Anderson stated that the Police Department, Code Enforcement Division has proposed ordinance changes to address properties and help residents bring their properties into compliance through a defined process. She offered several examples of code enforcement cases which could be resolved through an alternate process, if the proposed changes were approved. Lieutenant John Walker, Police Department, stated that the officers strive to work with property owners while respecting property owners’ rights. He explained that criminalizing is not always the best solution for code enforcement. Working together with residents and available community groups have proven to be successful. Mr. Walker added that the solution-based process is more effective than a punishment. A clear policy with a defined timeline is an important step towards institutionalizing a successful solution. Mayor Blad clarified that City departments address ordinance issues pertaining to their respective departments as they arise. Council expressed support for staff to move forward with proposed updates to the abatement ordinance CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 4 MARCH 11, 2021 Mayor Blad called a recess at 12:52 p.m. Mayor Blad reconvened the meeting at 1:36 p.m. AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: As announced earlier, the presentation by Michael Covato, ELECTRIC SCOOTER representing Bird Rides, Inc., to discuss a proposed stand-up SHARING SYSTEM scooter launch in specific areas of the city was pulled from the BIRD RIDES, INC. agenda at the request of the applicant. AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: John Banks, Parks and Recreation Department Director, was PARTNERSHIP present to provide the Council a presentation regarding the OPPORTUNITIES Parks and Recreation Department’s Partnership Opportunities PROGRAM – PARKS AND Program and brochure and is seeking Council input and RECREATION direction. DEPARTMENT Council was asked to consider granting staff permission to distribute the Partnership Opportunities brochure to the community and begin actively seeking additional potential partnerships to accomplish significant parks system improvements for community use and enjoyment. Mr. Banks distributed brochures to Council members which outlines partnership opportunities within the Parks and Recreation Department. He added that the brochure identifies needs within the parks system and the various opportunities for partnerships to fulfill those needs. Mr. Banks gave an overview of past partnerships such as the Connections Credit Union zoo entrance and gift shop that has been very successful. He feels continuing the partnership opportunity program in a more formal manner could lead to additional development within the parks system. The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board made the recommendation to move forward with the distribution of the brochure. A motion was made by Ms. Adamson, seconded by Ms. Stevens, to grant staff permission to distribute the Partnership Opportunities brochure to the community and to begin actively seek additional potential partnerships to accomplish parks system improvements for community use and enjoyment. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Adamson, Stevens, Bray, Cheatum, Leeuwrik and Ortega AGENDA ITEM NO. 10: John Banks, Parks and Recreation Director, was present to EAST BENCH provide City Council with a presentation regarding the BLM’s RECREATION East Bench Recreation Management Zone plan and Pioneer MANAGEMENT ZONE Ridge Trail System. Staff is seeing Council input and direction AND PIONEER RIDGE regarding the potential future development and maintenance of TRAIL SYSTEM trailhead and parking locations through and on City property ACCESS – PARKS AND located at the old Alameda Landfill to provide access to RECREATION landlocked BLM property and trails. DEPARTMENT Council may wish to consider directing staff to prepare an agreement between the City and BLM, allowing access through the property and development of trailhead and parking area at the Alameda Landfill site for future Council consideration. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 5 MARCH 11, 2021 Lance Clark, Outdoor Recreation Supervisor and Bruce Olenik, DEQ representative, were also present to address the proposal. Mr. Banks stated that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has been developing a Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for the East Bench Recreation Management Zone, which includes the Pioneer Ridge Trail System (PRTS), which consists of 1,300 acres of multi-use recreational areas for biking, hiking, limited ATV use and horseback riding. The goal of the plan is to create a quality trail system on the east bench of the city by providing for use of public lands, similar to the City Creek Trail System on the west side. The plan’s adoption is contingent upon establishment of access points to BLM property via development of trailheads and/or securing of easements, since the BLM parcels are landlocked. Staff has identified that the City-owned property at the old Alameda Landfill, adjacent to Pocatello Creek Road is a potentially viable trailhead location and access point and parking location. Mr. Olenik stated that remediation of the Alameda Landfill will continue to be monitored by the DEQ and has responded positively and redevelopment is encouraged for the benefit of the community. Mr. Banks added that the maintenance of the trailhead and parking locations would be managed by Outdoor Recreation staff members. He stated that further public input would be necessary for successful development of the area. Mr. Clark stated that if implementation of an agreement with BLM is achieved, seasonal gates would be installed to limit motorized access, similar to other trails in the area. He added that providing an access point to the trail system could allow organized access and may minimize disturbance on private properties. Council members encouraged staff to communicate with the North Bannock Fire Department to address concerns prior to the potential increase in vehicles. A motion was made by Ms. Stevens, seconded by Ms. Adamson, to direct staff to prepare an agreement between the City and BLM, allowing access through the property and development of a trailhead and parking area at the Alameda Landfill site for future Council consideration. In response to a question from Council, Mr. Olenik stated that the landfill cap is designed to be in place as long as necessary and that the proposal would not affect the cap. Mr. Clark stated that the plan is proposed to be completed in phases and may be adjusted to allow for usage, as appropriate. Ms. Stevens’ motion was voted upon at this time. Upon roll call, those voting in favor of the motion were Stevens, Adamson, Bray, Leeuwrik and Ortega. Cheatum voted in opposition to the motion. The motion passed. AGENDA ITEM NO. 10: There being no further business, Mayor Blad adjourned the ADJOURN meeting at 2:38 p.m. APPROVED: CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 6 MARCH 11, 2021 BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTEST AND PREPARED BY: KONNI R. KENDELL, CITY CLERK