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minutes meeting date 2025-11-13 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 13611 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text
cry CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION NOVEMBER 13, 2025 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: ROLL CALL Mayor Brian Blad called the City Council Work Session to order at 9:00 a.m. Council members present were Dakota Bates, Rick Cheatum, Linda Leeuwrik, Corey Mangum, Brent Nichols and Hayden Paulsen. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: COMMUNITY GARDEN PROPOSAL Brittani Hobson and Karl Petit of Portneuf Valley Partners (PVP) and Anne Butler, Parks and Recreation Director, were in attendance to discuss the potential creation of a community garden. Ms. Hobson gave an overview of the history of community gardens in the United States, ranging from the few in the early 1900s fo the thousands that exist today. She referenced the number of gardens in nearby Idaho cities: greater Boise area 40, Twin Falls 14, Idaho Falls 3, and Blackfoot 1, and pointed out that a community garden fulfills priorities in Pocatello’s City Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Hobson highlighted the purposes community gardens serve as follows: e Food security - provide affordable, fresh produce for families and individuals e Education - hands-on learning for children and adults about nutrition, sustainability, and the environment e Health and wellness - promote physical activity and mental well-being e Beautification - vacant or underused land becomes a thriving, green community space e Community building - gardens bring together people of all ages and backgrounds, fostering cooperation, volunteerism, and civic pride She stated that there is a plan for the management of the garden that would ensure accountability, organization, and sustainability through a collaboration between the Parks and Recreation Department.and PVP. The proposal is based on a subleasing model in which the City would provide land and PVP would manage the site according to established rules and bylaws. The site would include a cooperative garden as well as approximately 30 individual plots subleased to residents for their own gardens and would employ pesticide-free, organic growing methods. Ms. Hobson cited three possible locations in order of preference: a lot on North Hayes next to the Water Department, a lot off Gathe Drive near Arthur Avenue, and OK Ward Park. She stated that PVP is asking the City to approve use of city-owned land for a community garden; authorize a partnership agreement with PVP to manage the project; and support startup resources, such as access to water, soil, and fencing. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Butler clarified that the recently abandoned neighborhood garden previously located near Constitution Park was a project started and maintained by a teenager and is a completely different endeavor from the proposed community garden. Ms. Butler clarified that the Parks Department has no fencing or amended soil to offer the project, no funds in the budget to cover the approximately $5,500 irrigation and tap installation needed, and no staff to plant or maintain the proposed garden. Portneuf Valley Partners is aware of this and prepared to manage the project if it were to be approved. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 2 NOVEMBER 13, 2025 Mayor Blad left the meeting at 9:14 a.m. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Petit stated that garden plots would be leased for approximately $30 per plot, each with its own watering timer, and the revenue generated is expected to cover much of the utility and maintenance costs, based on operations of other community gardens. In addition, PVP would seek grants to fund the garden. Classes and training would also be offered to the public. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Butler stated that the Parks Department may be abie to donate wood chips and possibly help with watering costs but had no additional resources to provide. She noted that if a use agreement were approved by Council in early 2026, infrastructure could be installed and land prepared for planting in spring 2027. In response to questions from Council, Justin Armstrong, Water Superintendent, confirmed that access to an 8-inch water line is available through frontage space along City-owned land near the Water Department. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Hobson noted that gardening plots would be in the ground, rather than raised beds, which is more cost effective. She clarified that a committee would be in place to oversee repairs and address any problems in the garden. If the project is approved, PVP plans to have a link on the PVP website and the City of Pocatello website for information related to the community garden. Ms. Hobson emphasized the intent for the community garden to be largely funded by grants and not reliant on City funding. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT (LID) REQUEST - CEDAR HILLS CONDOMINIUMS Molly Beseris, representing Cedar Hills Condominiums Association, Merril Quayle, City Engineer, Jared Johnson, City Attorney, and Justin Armstrong, Water Superintendent were present to discuss a request to create a local improvement district (LID) for replacing the private water main line and services with new infrastructure that meets City standards. Mr. Quayle gave a brief history of the infrastructure serving the Cedar Hills Condominiums citing its annexation by the City in 1976, five years after it was platted. He referenced numerous recent failures in the water system, which, if replaced, would have to be brought up to City standards. He estimated the replacement cost at approximately $2 million for the main line and $1.5 million for the service lines. Mr. Quayle clarified that there are no Department of Environmental Quality violations on the property and the proposal would include water lines only, not sewer lines. Ms. Beseris stated that the water system, which serves 100 condominium units, is nearing the end of its expected life and was not included in the annexation. She noted that while the Association explored grant opportunities, a Local Improvement District was recommended as a way to cover the replacement cost and make repayment feasible for residents. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Quayle explained that the sewer is not included in the petition because it does not follow the right-of-way, but instead runs behind houses and along a creek, in an area not accessible by the City without the addition of roads and manholes that could be reached by City-owned equipment. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 3 NOVEMBER 13, 2025 Mr. Johnson explained that under an LID, the City would allocate funds upfront, with residents repaying the full cost of the improvements over up to 30 years through special- assessment tax cycles or utility fees. He emphasized that property owners are responsible for the entire cost and the City must be fully reimbursed. He stated that the City has received the Association’s petition and will verify whether it meets statutory requirements. If verified, the next step would be issuance of a Notice of Intent, which does not commit the City but provides estimated costs, timelines, and publication requirements, and allows residents the opportunity to review the proposal and file protests, which would later be read during a public hearing at a City Council meeting. The conditions for establishment of an LID include the following: 1) a positive impact to the City, 2) a reasonable probability of repayment, and 3) assessments that do not exceed the value of the benefited property, must be met before Council may choose to proceed and create the LID by ordinance. If adopted, engineering work, assessment calculations, and repayment structure development would follow. Mr. Johnson described the LID process as detailed and involved, noting that administrative and staff costs would be included in the total assessment. He estimated the process would take six months to one year. He also clarified that the special assessment is tied to the property and applies to both current and future owners. Mr. Cheatum and Ms. Leeuwrik disclosed that they had previously discussed this topic with Ms. Beseris and appreciated her efforts to address the issue before it becomes a crisis. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Quayle clarified that if the LID were to be established, each condominium would be required to have its own water meter and utility account, which may result in less water usage. Currently, the Association pays the full utility bill for all units. AGENDAITEMNO.4: PROPERTY PURCHASE DISCUSSION - FIRE DEPARTMENT Ryan O’Hearn, Fire Chief, was present to discuss a potential property purchase which would provide apparatus and equipment storage and training space. This approximately 10,000 square foot building is centrally located, includes 22 parking spaces, and may be purchased for $710,000. It would provide climate-controlled, indoor storage for numerous vehicles and equipment as well as space for cleaning vehicles and inventory of assets. In addition, the showroom could be converted into a classroom for training and public outreach events. He added that a Phase 1 Environmental Site Assessment indicated no history of spills, incidents, or hazardous materials, but there were areas identified for potential further testing. The water oil separator on site appears to be in working order. Chief O’Hearn confirmed that a purchase agreement is in place, contingent upon Council approval and satisfactory due diligence process. In response to questions from Council, Chief O’Hearn stated that no further testing of the facility was planned, and the facility is in similar condition to other Fire Department facilities. He stated that he anticipates this building would address current and anticipated needs for approximately twenty years. Funds from deployment revenue are in place that could cover the cost of the classroom renovation. A professional roofer inspected the roof and confirmed it is in good condition. The purchase price is estimated to be approximately half the cost of new construction of a similar building. Chief O’Hearn stated that a request to purchase the building would be submitted for Council consideration at the November 20, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 4 NOVEMBER 13, 2025 AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: OPENGOV BUDGETING AND GRANT MANAGEMENT SOLUTION PROPOSAL - FINANCE DEPARTMENT AND PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Chantelle Macy, Budget Manager, Theron Hill, Financial Systems Technician, and Christine Howe, Grants Manager, were present to provide information and seek Council feedback regarding the OpenGov Budgeting and Grants Management software solutions. These tools are designed to advance Council priorities for accountable fiscal management of public funds by providing a public transparency dashboard, community feedback tools, and an interactive, GFOA-approved online budget book. The Grants Management module would offer a centralized, cloud-based interface to manage alll phases of grant administration. The software integrates with the City’s existing financial system and enhances functionality without disrupting current workflows. Ms. Macy explained that the City currently manages budgeting and the annual comprehensive financial report (audit) process largely through Word and Excel, which is prone to manual error and is time-consuming. The Finance Department began a months-long search for a software system that would improve efficiency, accuracy, inter-department collaboration, and transparency across all financial functions. After previewing three systems, OpenGov emerged as the strongest option, offering a unified system with trend analysis, forecasting tools, grant tracking and reporting, real-time data visualization, five-year projections, variance analysis, and ADA-compliant budget publishing. She noted that this transition aligns with the Council’s priorities for fiscal responsibility and clearer public communication about City finances. Several Idaho cities already use OpenGov, and she spoke with key staff at those agencies to understand their experience, and none had complaints. She offered examples of how OpenGov would benefit the City as a whole. In response to questions from Council, she clarified that administrative privileges would control access and changes. Ms. Howe stated that grant management requires extensive staff time to track compliance, reconcile project codes, and meet reporting requirements. The OpenGov Grants module centralizes the full life cycle of grant administration, which would reduce staff workload, minimize errors, and improve reporting for the City’s 66 active grants totaling $54 million. Mayor Blad returned to the meeting at 11:31 a.m. In response to questions from Council, Chris Sorensen, Chief Information Officer, stated that the State Controller’s Office uses the OpenGov system, which integrates with the statewide online portal, Transparent Idaho. AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: COUNCIL ADVISORY BOARD UPDATES This time was set aside for the Mayor and Council members to give an update regarding recent advisory board activities. Mayor Blad stated that this item was not visible on the online agenda and would not, therefore, be addressed. He reminded those in attendance that the Pocatello Mayor's Youth Advisory Council would be hosting an Essential Needs Drive Saturday, November 22 at the Police Annex located next to Fred Meyer, 800 Yellowstone Avenue, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 5 NOVEMBER 13, 2025 AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: ADJOURN There being no further business, Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 11:51 a.m. APPROVED: PREPARED BY:
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