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minutes meeting date 2025-12-04 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 16816 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text
ITY OF CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO ; > i ea OE CITY COUNCIL REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 4, 2025 AGENDAITEMNO. _ 1: ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Regular City Council meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Mayor Brian Blad. Council members present were Dakota Bates, Rick Cheatum, Linda Leeuwrik, Corey Mangum, Brent Nichols, and Hayden Paulsen. Mayor Blad led the audience in the pledge of allegiance. AGENDAITEMNO. 2: INVOCATION The invocation was offered by Pastor Don Whitecar, representing Mountain Valley Baptist Church. AGENDAITEMNO. 3: CONSENT AGENDA Council was asked to consider the following business items: (a) MINUTES Waive the oral reading of the minutes and approve the minutes from the following meetings: Work Session meeting of September 11, 2025; Clarification and Regular City Council meetings of September 4, September 18, and October 2, 2025; and Special City Council meeting of November 25, 2025. (b) MATERIAL CLAIMS Approve the Material Claims for the period of November 16-30, 2025 in the amount of $847,380.83. (c) CONSTRUCTION BOARD OF APPEALS AND REVIEW REAPPOINTMENT Confirm the Mayor’s reappointment of Robert Jensen to continue serving as a member of the Construction Board of Appeals and Review, representing the gas and mechanical trades. Robert's term will begin December 31, 2025 and expire December 31, 2027. (d) GOLF ADVISORY COMMITTEE REAPPOINTMENT Confirm the Mayor’s reappointment of DJ Mills to continue serving as a member of the Golf Advisory Committee. DJ’s term will begin December 16, 2025 and expire December 16, 2028. (e) POCATELLO REGIONAL AIRPORT COMMISSION REAPPOINTMENT Confirm the Mayor’s reappointment of Patricia Francisco to continue serving asa member of the Pocatello Regional Airport Commission. Patricia’s term will begin December 8, 2025 and expire December 8, 2027. (f) COUNCIL DECISION - SHORT PLAT APPROVAL FOR TITAN CENTER RIGHT-OF-WAY SUBDIVISION Adopt the Council’s decision approving the short plat for Titan Center Right- of-Way Subdivision which subdivides approximately 1.47 acres of parcel RPCPP107205 into two (2) lots, subject to conditions. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 2 DECEMBER 4, 2025 A motion was made by Ms. Leeuwrik, seconded by Mr. Cheatum, to approve the items on the Consent Agenda. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Leeuwrik, Cheatum, Bates, Mangum, Nichols, and Paulsen. AGENDAITEMNO. 4: PROCLAMATIONS Council member Leeuwrik, on behalf of Mayor Blad, proclaimed December 4, 2024 to be Zonta Says No To Violence Against Women Day in Pocatello and urged citizens to work together to eliminate domestic violence from the community. Molly Beseris, President of Zonta Club of Pocatello, accepted the proclamation and thanked the Mayor and Council for the recognition. AGENDAITEMNO. © 5: CALENDAR REVIEW Mayor Blad reminded Council members of the following meetings: December 11 City Council Work Session at 9:00 a.m.; December 18 Clarification meeting at 5:30 p.m. and Regular City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m. Due to the New Year Holiday, City Council meetings scheduled for January 1, 2026 have been canceled and a Special City Council meeting has been scheduled for January 8, 2026. Mayor Blad announced “Food for Fines” at Marshall Public Library through December 13; for every non-perishable food item donated, patrons can have their fines forgiven by $1, and those interested should contact the Library for more information. The Marshall Public Library has shortened service hours in December to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will be closed December 24th and 25th for the Christmas holiday, with regular hours returning January 2nd. City offices will be closed December 25th for the Christmas Holiday and January Ist for the New Year’s Day Holiday, and garbage and recycling pickups will be delayed by one day. The Community Recreation Center will be closed on December 24th and 25th, as well as December 31st and January Ist, for the holidays. City Creek Recreation area gates will be closed to motorized access until approximately May 15, 2026. He reminded citizens to keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice, and when clearing sidewalks and driveways, please do not place snow in the street, as it becomes a driving azard. AGENDAITEMNO. 6: APPOINTMENT CONFIRMATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER/CITY TREASURER Council was asked to confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Rich Morgan as Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer, effective December 8, 2025. A motion was made by Ms. Leeuwrik, seconded by Mr. Cheatum, to confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Rich Morgan as Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer, effective December 8, 2025. In response to questions from Council, Heather Buchanan, Human Resources Director, stated that the Chief Financial Officer position had been open since June, that 25 applications were received, that seven (7) applicants were offered phone interviews with six (6) completed, and that three (3) applicants were offered in-person interviews with two (2) completed. She noted that the interview panel consisted of Mayor Blad, Jared REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 3 DECEMBER 4, 2025 Johnson - City Attorney, Anne Nichols - Chief of Staff, Tom Kirkman - Public Works Director, and herself. Ms. Buchanan explained that three (3) applicants had municipal finance experience, all three (3) had supervisory experience, and one (1) had experience with a budget exceeding $100 million. She further stated that applicant Mr. Morgan submitted his application on November 13 and interviewed on November 17 and 20. Regarding potential conflicts of interest related to Mr. Morgan’s spouse’s employment with Deaton and Company, Ms. Buchanan stated that Deaton and Company’s contract with the City was awarded in March 2024 through a competitive RFP process and includes internal controls to ensure Mr. Morgan’s family member would not be involved in the City’s audit. She noted that Deaton and Company uses the same separation of duties process for the City of Chubbuck. Council Member Dakota Bates shared a statement regarding the appointment and acknowledged that the issue was controversial, noting that controversy alone does not imply the appointment is right or wrong, and he expressed concern about the timing of the appointment and how it may affect public perception of Mr. Morgan while stating that he wants Mr. Morgan to be successful and does not want the timing to overshadow his qualifications. He reported that he had spoken with Chubbuck officials, including Mayor-Elect Burch, who all spoke highly of Mr. Morgan’s work and experience, and he emphasized that although the Mayor makes the appointment, the Chief Financial Officer works for the City as a whole and is accountable to both the Mayor and the City Council. He expressed hope that Mr. Morgan’s experience and reputation would support collaborative opportunities with the City of Chubbuck and also expressed appreciation to the Finance Department for their work over the past six months while operating without a Chief Financial Officer. Mayor Blad reiterated appreciation for Bonny Schroeder, Finance Controller, who had served as the acting CFO. He praised her leadership and the Finance Department's significant accomplishments during a challenging period. Council expressed that the City had a highly qualified candidate and supported hiring Mr. Morgan promptly, noting the difficulty in finding applicants with strong municipal finance experience. They expressed appreciation to the Finance Department for effectively managing operations and committee responsibilities during the vacancy. Ms. Leeuwrik’s motion was voted upon at this time. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Leeuwrik, Cheatum, Bates, Mangum, Nichols, and Paulsen. AGENDAITEMNO. 7: PUBLIC HEARING - ZONING MAP AMENDMENT - 203 WARREN AVENUE This time was set aside for the Council to hear comments from the public regarding a request from Brandi Dyer of Treehouse Daycare and Preschool (mailing address: 203 Warren Avenue, Pocatello, ID 83201) to rezone property located at 203 Warren Avenue from Residential Medium Density Single-Family (RMS) to Residential Commercial Professional (RCP). The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval of the application following a public hearing held November 12, 2025. Mayor Blad opened the public hearing. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING . 4 DECEMBER 4, 2025 Council members announced there had been no ex parte communication. Brandi Dyer, owner of Treehouse Daycare and Preschool, requested the rezoning of a property from residential medium-density single-family to residential commercial professional to provide additional opportunities for the community, noting that the facility has operated as a daycare since 1999 with a conditional use permit and was formerly a church. She stated that the rezoning would allow her to offer an affordable space for family gatherings and craft classes for children. She plans to utilize the sanctuary as a multi-purpose party room after hours and on weekends while maintaining the daycare in its designated area which will allow her to keep daycare prices lower for families. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Dyer explained that the activities would focus on family-oriented programs and would make use of the existing facility and fencing. Becky Babb, Planning Manager, stated that the application aligns with the City’s comprehensive plan future land use map, that staff finds the rezoning appropriate given compatibility with surrounding uses and existing utilities, and that the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on November 12 and recommended approval. Mayor Blad announced no written comments had been received. There being no public comments, Mayor Blad closed the public hearing. A motion was made by Mr. Paulsen, seconded by Mr. Mangum, to approve a request to rezone property located at 203 Warren Avenue from Residential Medium Density Single- Family (RMS) to Residential Commercial Professional (RCP) and that the decision be set out in appropriate Council decision format. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Paulsen, Mangum, Bates, Cheatum, Leeuwrik, and Nichols. AGENDAITEMNO. _ 8: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING - SOUTHEAST IDAHO PUBLIC HEATH (SIPH) - PUBLIC POOL INSPECTIONS Council was asked to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Southeast Idaho Public Health to provide inspection of City of Pocatello swimming pools and authorize the Mayor’s signature on all applicable documents, subject to Legal Department review. A motion was made by Ms. Leeuwrik, seconded by Mr. Cheatum, to approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Southeast Idaho Public Health to provide inspection of City of Pocatello swimming pools and authorize the Mayor’s signature on all applicable documents, subject to Legal Department review. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Leeuwrik, Cheatum, Bates, Mangum, Nichols, and Paulsen. AGENDAITEMNO. 9: AIRPORT LEASE AGREEMENT AND RESOLUTION - ZR2 LLC Council was asked to rescind the previously approved lease with Steve Petersen approved on September 4, 2025 and adopt a resolution and approve a lease agreement between the City and ZR2 LLC for approximately 12 acres of property upon which ZR2 REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 5 DECEMBER 4, 2025 will own and sublease a light industrial/manufacturing facility and authorize the Mayor’s signature on all pertinent documents, subject to Legal Department review. The lease agreement will be for a 30-year term at a rental rate of $30,000.00 per year to be increased annually according to the CPI with full rate review in 2031 and every five (5) years thereafter with a maximum increase of 5% plus CPI. A motion was made by Mr. Mangum, seconded by Mr. Cheatum, to rescind the previously approved lease with Steve Petersen approved on September 4, 2025 and adopt a resolution (2025-44) and approve a lease agreement between the City and ZR2 LLC for approximately 12 acres of property upon which ZR2 will own and sublease ai light industrial/manufacturing facility and authorize the Mayor’s signature on all pertinent documents, subject to Legal Department review. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Mangum, Cheatum, Bates, Leeuwrik, Nichols, and Paulsen. AGENDAITEMNO. 10: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT AMENDMENT - AIRPORT Council was asked to approve an amendment to the work order with Ardurra dated February 8, 2023 increasing Ardurra’s fee from $77,148.40 to $92,125.47 to accommodate a re-bid and procurement of a loader for snow removal and possible amendment of the corresponding FAA grant up to 15% and authorize the Mayor’s signature on all applicable documents, subject to Legal Department review. The additional cost will be funded 93.75% by FAA grant funds and 6.25% by airport passenger facility charge (PFC) funds. A motion was made by Mr. Cheatum, seconded by Ms. Leeuwrik, to approve an amendment to the work order with Ardurra dated February 8, 2023 increasing Ardurra’s fee from $77,148.40 to $92,125.47 to accommodate a re-bid and procurement of a loader for snow removal and possible amendment of the corresponding FAA grant up to 15% and authorize the Mayor’s signature on all applicable documents, subject to Legal Department review. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Cheatum, Leeuwrik, Bates, Mangum, Nichols, and Paulsen. AGENDAITEMNO. © 11: PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WORK ORDER - AIRPORT Council was asked to approve a work order with Ardurra in the amount of $138,786.05 for design, bidding, construction administration and grant administration of utility installation at the new taxilane for hangar development and authorize the Mayor’s signature on all pertinent documents, subject to Legal Department review. Funding for the project will be fully funded by State grant funds. A motion was made by Mr. Paulsen, seconded by Mr. Cheatum, to approve a work order with Ardurra in the amount of $138,786.05 for design, bidding, construction administration and grant administration of utility installation at the new taxilane for hangar development and authorize the Mayor’s signature on all pertinent documents, subject to Legal Department review. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Paulsen, Cheatum, Bates, Leeuwrik, Mangum, and Nichols. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 DECEMBER 4, 2025 AGENDAITEMNO. 12: TASK ORDER #3 FOR INDIAN HILLS FORCE MAIN FINAL DESIGN PROJECT - WATER POLLUTION CONTROL Council was asked to approve Task Order #3 with Consor Engineering in the amount of $823,018.00 to complete the final design of the Indian Hills Force Main project and authorize the Mayor’s signature on all applicable documents, subject to Legal Department review. Funds for the project are available in the WPC FY2026 budget. A motion was made by Mr. Nichols, seconded by Ms. Leeuwrik, to approve Task Order #3 with Consor Engineering in the amount of $823,018.00 to complete the final design of the Indian Hills Force Main project and authorize the Mayor’s signature on alll applicable documents, subject to Legal Department review. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Nichols, Leeuwrik, Bates, Cheatum, Mangum, and Paulsen. AGENDAITEMNO. 13: BID ACCEPTANCE AND CONTRACT FOR WILDFIRE FUELS MITIGATION PROJECT FOR POCATELLO WEST BENCH Council was asked to approve the following requests regarding the Wildfire Fuels Mitigation Project for the Pocatello West Bench: (a) BID ACCEPTANCE - STATON FORESTRY Accept the low responsive bid received on November 7, 2025 from Staton Forestry in the amount of $209,401.50 for Option 10; and if accepted (b) AGREEMENT AUTHORIZATION - STATON FORESTRY Authorize an agreement between the City of Pocatello and Staton Forestry in the amount of $209,401.50 for the Wildfire Fuels Mitigation Project and authorize the Mayor’s signature on all pertinent documents, subject to Legal Department review. The project will be funded through the Phase Il and Phase Ill Western State Fire Managers fuel mitigation grants awarded to the City. The grant funding match has been approved in the FY 26 budget. A motion was made by Ms. Leeuwrik, seconded by Mr. Mangum, to approve the requests as outlined in Agenda Item No. 13(a) and 13(b) regarding the Wildfire Fuels Mitigation Project for the Pocatello West Bench. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Leeuwrik, Mangum, Bates, Cheatum, Nichols, and Paulsen. AGENDAITEMNO. 14: ITEMS FROM THE AUDIENCE There were no individuals signed up to speak at this time. AGENDAITEMNO. 15: ADJOURN There being no further business, Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 6:36 p.m. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING DECEMBER 4, 2025 APPROVED BY: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTESTED BY: PREPARED BY: AUBRIANA T. RESENDES, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
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