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minutes meeting date 2025-10-16 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 18994 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text
CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OCTOBER 16, 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, and Hayden Paulsen. Council member Brent Nichols was excused. Mayor Blad led the audience in the pledge of allegiance. AGENDAITEMNO. — 2: INVOCATION A moment of silence was observed in place of an invocation. 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: Budget Development meeting of June 10, 2025; Work Session meeting of July 10, 2025; Special City Council meetings of September 18, and October 2, 2025; and Special Joint City/County/PDA Meeting of October 2, 2025. (b) MATERIAL CLAIMS Approve the Material Claims for the period of October 1-15, 2025 in the amount of $3,039,692.50. (c) TREASURER’S REPORT Approve the Treasurer’s Report for August 2025 showing cash and investments as of August 31, 2025 in the amount of $113,367,000.39. (d) ANIMAL SHELTER ADVISORY BOARD REAPPOINTMENT Confirm the Mayor’s reappointment of Cassandra Cole to continue serving as a member of the Animal Shelter Advisory Board. Cassandra’s term will begin August 18, 2025 and will expire August 18, 2027. (e) GOLF ADVISORY COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS Confirm the Mayor’s appointments of Bailey Iguchi to serve as a member of the Golf Advisory Committee, replacing Billy Satterfield whose term expired and Delroy Mark representing the High River Men’s Association. Each term will begin October 22, 2025 and expire October 22, 2028. (f) PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION APPOINTMENT Confirm the Mayor’s appointment of Jessica Buckley to serve as a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, replacing Eugene Bartu whose term expired. Jessica’s term will begin October 17, 2025 and expire October 17, 2029. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 2 OCTOBER 16, 2025 (g) POLICE PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION RULES Approve proposed changes to the Pocatello Police Department Personnel Administration Rules (PAR). A motion was made by Ms. Leeuwrik, seconded by Mr. Cheatum, to approve the items on the Consent Agenda. Uponroll call, those voting in favor were Leeuwrik, Cheatum, Bates, Mangum, and Paulsen. AGENDAITEMNO. 4: PROCLAMATIONS Mr. Paulsen, on behalf of Mayor Blad, proclaimed October 19 through October 25, 2025 to be Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and asked citizens to become better educated about lead poisoning and encouraged everyone to have their homes tested for lead hazards. Christine Howe, Grants Manager, accepted the proclamation and thanked the Mayor and Council for the recognition. She highlighted the City’s Lead Safe and Healthy Homes Program, funded by a HUD grant, which helps make older homes, particularly those with lead-based paint, safe for residents. She encouraged homeowners, especially those with young children, to contact the Planning Department or Wendy Prather to see if their home qualifies for the program, emphasizing that it preserves housing and ensures a safe living environment. AGENDAITEMNO. _ 5: CALENDAR REVIEW Mayor Blad reminded Council members of the following meetings: November 6 Clarification meeting at 5:30 p.m. and Regular City Council meeting at 6:00 p.m.; November 13 City Council Work Session at 9:00 a.m. Mayor Blad announced applications for the Pocatello’s Promise of Tomorrow Mayoral Scholarship for Students Program are being accepted through November 14th; Early voting at the Bannock County Elections office began October 14 and will continue through November 1. Election Day is November 4; October 25 is Idaho State University’s Homecoming parade at 10 a.m. and Homecoming game at 4 p.m.; Zoo Idaho will be open on weekends only through October 26. AGENDAITEMNO. 6: TAXICAB LICENSE DENIAL APPEAL - GONZALES Jorge Barragan Gonzales was present to appeal the denial of a taxi driver license, which was denied by the Pocatello Police Department. Jorge Barragan Gonzales, Pocatello resident, appealed the denial of his taxi cab license, which had been previously denied due to two felony DUI convictions. He acknowledged his past mistakes, shared that he completed a life-changing prison program, and reported having no legal issues for seven years. He emphasized his motivation to stay sober, particularly for his young son, and expressed his desire to work in the taxi industry. He provided documentation and letters of recommendation supporting his rehabilitation. Licensing Enforcement Officer Mallarie Bascom explained that the license was denied per City Code 5.56.050(E), which requires applicants to have no felony convictions. She REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 3 OCTOBER 16, 2025 summarized Mr. Gonzalez’s criminal history, noting the two felony DUIs and his successful completion of probation, including early release for good behavior, and confirmed he disclosed all convictions and had no further offenses. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Gonzalez talked about programs and classes he completed, his current employment status, and factors that help him avoid past behaviors. He described his rehabilitation efforts and noted that he was currently between jobs but had employment lined up with a local taxi company. Council members acknowledged his efforts, rehabilitation, and the positive example he sets for his son. A motion was made by Mr. Mangum, seconded by Mr. Cheatum, to overturn the decision of the Police Department and approve the taxicab license for Jorge Barragan Gonzales. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Mangum, Cheatum, Bates, Leeuwrik, and Paulsen. AGENDAITEMNO. 7: PUBLIC HEARING - EXCHANGE OF REAL PROPERTY - 0.11 ACRES LOCATED ADJACENT TO 841 WEST BRIDGER STREET This time was set aside for the Council to hear comments from the public regarding a request for the exchange of real property with John Brennan (mailing address: 12 Cedar Hills Drive, Pocatello, ID 83204), located adjacent to 841 West Bridger Street. The 0.11 acre parcel of City-owned property was declared underutilized and as surplus property at the September 18, 2025 Regular City Council meeting. Council was asked to approve the land exchange pursuant to Idaho Code §50-1403(2) and authorize the Mayor's signature on all pertinent documents, subject to Legal Department review. Mayor Blad opened the public hearing. Council members announced there had been no ex parte communication. Hannah Sanger, Science and Environment Division Manager, explained a proposed land swap between the City and John Brennan. The City has been maintaining a portion of Mr. Brennan's property on the west side of the river for decades. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Sanger explained the swap would transfer ownership that property to the City in exchange for land adjacent to his lot off Bridger Street. The City would gain more property than it gives up, continue to maintain a green strip along the river, and retain a greenway easement for a future trail connecting Raymond Park to Memorial Park. 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 Ms. Leeuwrik, seconded by Mr. Cheatum, to approve the land exchange pursuant to Idaho Code §50-1403(2) and authorize the Mayor’s signature on all pertinent documents, subject to Legal Department review. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Leeuwrik, Cheatum, Bates, Mangum, and Paulsen. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4 OCTOBER 16, 2025 AGENDAITEMNO. _ 8: PUBLIC HEARING - CDBG PY2026 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN NEEDS HEARING AND ICDBG PROJECT UPDATE In accordance with the City’s Citizen Participation Plan, this time was set aside for the Council to hear comments from citizens and receive community input on the Community Development Block Grant Program Year 2026 spending priorities. In addition, this hearing will provide an update on the Idaho CDBG Pocatello Parks for Resiliency project. Comments will be received at the hearing and included in the final Annual Action Plan, to be considered for Council approval at a future Regular City Council meeting. Mayor Blad opened the public hearing. Christine Howe, Grants Manager, stated that as a recipient of U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding, the City is required to maintain a Citizen Participation Plan to guide community engagement for these federal funds. She also provided an update on the Idaho Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Parks for Resiliency project, funded through the CARES Act. Ms. Howe reported that the project includes the construction of ADA-compliant restrooms in park areas serving low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, as defined by HUD. Two single-stall restrooms are under construction at Optimist/Tydeman Park, one at Lower Ross Park near the playground, and a vault toilet is being installed at the Upper City Creek Trailhead. The two park facilities broke ground on October 7 and are expected to be completed in mid- to late November, while the vault toilet installation is scheduled for later this month. The total project cost is approximately $360,000, funded by the ICDBG grant. She explained that the annual Needs Hearing gathers community feedback on priorities related to housing, public services, infrastructure, and public facilities, which guides the City’s CDBG Annual Action Plan for Program Year 2026 (April 1, 2026-March 31, 2027). The City has received statements of intent to apply from 11 local nonprofit agencies requesting funding for various eligible activities. Staff estimates that approximately $367,000 in CDBG funding will be available, with preliminary requests exceeding $575,000. The CDBG Advisory Committee will evaluate and score applications in November and December and present funding recommendations to the Council in January. Ms. Howe concluded by inviting public input, noting that all comments will be included in the Annual Action Plan and considered during project evaluation. She stated that no Council action was required at this time. Mayor Blad announced no written comments had been received. Ruta Casabianca, Pocatello resident, spoke in support of the program. Ms. Casabiancoa spoke on behalf of the Boys and Girls Club of Southeast Idaho, noting the program is now in its fourth year at Syringa Elementary and Indian Hills and serves about 107 children in grades K-5. She explained that while it costs roughly $1,200 per child to participate, families are charged only $300 per year to keep the program accessible, with an emphasis on serving those who need it most. She described the afterschool program’s academics with a focus on STEM activities, physical fitness, wellness, arts, leadership development, social-emotional support, and mentoring, and shared that teachers have reported meaningful improvements in student behavior. She concluded by noting that Pocatello has few true prevention programs and emphasized the Boys and Girls Club's important preventative role for local youth. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 5 OCTOBER 16, 2025 Mareah Makowski, Pocatello resident, spoke in support of the program. Ms. Makowski spoke on behalf of the Salvation Army and explained that the organization would benefit from funding for their winter day shelter, a vital service they have self-funded for several years. She noted that additional funding would allow them to serve more people, extend hours, and operate additional days each week. Julie Nebeker, Pocatello resident, spoke in support of the program. Ms. Nebeker spoke on behalf of Housing Alliance and Community Partnerships (HACP), explaining that several low-income housing properties have recently experienced increased criminal activity, including theft, vandalism, and damage to property. She stated they are requesting a $15,000 grant to install cameras and surveillance equipment at McKinley Manor, Maple West, and 805 North Main. She noted that the total bid is approximately $17,000, and HACP will contribute at least a 10% match. She emphasized that the goal is to deter crime and create a safer environment for approximately 100 residents living in those complexes. Terry Fredrickson, Pocatello resident, spoke in support of the program. Mr. Fredrickson spoke on behalf of New Day Products and Resources, which provides services and employment experiences for over 100 people with disabilities. He explained they are seeking funding to cover costs not reimbursable by state or federal agencies by helping individuals start receiving valuable assistance. He described assistance with accessing programs, benefits, and basic needs like hygiene and dress, sharing an example of a young man who lost all disability documentation in a house fire and received assistance to rebuild records and secure employment and housing support. Mr. Fredrickson emphasized the program is vital to the community and currently receives no CDBG funding. Amy Azizi, Pocatello resident, spoke in support of the application. Ms. Azizi spoke on behalf of the Pocatello Free Clinic, one of the oldest free clinics in the country, which served over 1,300 individuals for medical and dental care last year. She noted that demand has steadily increased and she anticipates it will continue to grow as health care costs rise. She requested CDBG funding to support the clinic’s dental program, which has along waitlist and high costs for both supplies and staff. She emphasized that dental care is a basic need and a vital service for the community. Christine Howe, Grants Manager, reiterated that all comments received during the meeting will be incorporated into the plan, which will be presented to the Council by the CDBG Advisory Committee with the draft plan at the January meeting. In response to questions from Council, Mareah Makowski, Salvation Army representative, clarified that there are no immediate plans for an overnight warming shelter and that she does not know of anyone currently operating one, though meetings are scheduled next week to explore options, with the Salvation Army participating in those discussions. Mayor Blad noted that Karl Pettit from the Baptist Church and Valley Mission is also participating in the meetings. In past years, efforts have focused on fundraising to provide hotel vouchers for those in need, citing a need to cover transportation costs, as staff cannot transport individuals to the hotels. REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6 OCTOBER 16, 2025 Ms. Makowski noted that while the Salvation Army and other organizations have operated day shelters and extended hours during colder months, there has not been a 24-hour warming shelter at this location. Current resources, insurance requirements, and staffing limitations prevent operating an overnight shelter. Mayor Blad closed the public hearing and announced action on the items would be considered at a future Regular City Council Meeting. AGENDAITEMNO. 9: MARATHON COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PROGRAMS SUSTAINABILITY GRANTS FOR UPPER CITY CREEK TRAILHEAD IMPROVEMENTS Council was asked to approve submission of a Marathon Petroleum grant application for Upper City Creek trailhead improvements in the amount of $30,000 and, if awarded, authorize acceptance of the grant and authorize the Mayor’s signature on all applicable documents, subject to Legal Department review. There is no required match. A motion was made by Mr. Mangum, seconded by Mr. Cheatum, to approve submission of a Marathon Petroleum grant application for Upper City Creek trailhead improvements in the amount of $30,000 and, if awarded, authorize acceptance of the grant and authorize the Mayor’s signature on all applicable documents, subject to Legal Department review. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Mangum, Cheatum, Bates, Leeuwrik, and Paulsen. AGENDAITEMNO. 10: DECLARATION OF SURPLUS PROPERTY - SANITATION DEPARTMENT Council was asked to accept the recommendations of staff and declare four (4) refuse trucks as surplus property and authorize the trade-in of the vehicles as part of the remaining FY25 Sanitation fleet procurements per the Rate Study and authorize the Mayor's signature on all applicable documents, subject to Legal Department review. A motion was made by Mr. Mangum, seconded by Mr. Paulsen, to declare four (4) refuse trucks as surplus property and authorize the trade-in of the vehicles as part of the remaining FY25 Sanitation fleet procurements per the Rate Study and authorize the Mayor’s signature on all applicable documents, subject to Legal Department review. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Mangum, Paulsen, Bates, Cheatum, and Leeuwrik. GENDA ITEM NO. Th: PIGGYBACK BID ACCEPTANCE FOR POLICE INTERCEPTORS - POLICE DEPARTMENT Council was asked to accept the recommendations of staff and approve the piggyback bid of the State of Idaho contract via Mountain Home Auto Ranch for the purchase of four (4) 2026 Pursuit-Rated Ford Interceptor SUVs at $50,162.28 each, for a total procurement cost of $200,659.12 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. Mangum, to_ approve the piggyback bid of the State of Idaho contract via Mountain Home Auto Ranch for the REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7 OCTOBER 16, 2025 purchase of four (4) 2026 Pursuit-Rated Ford Interceptor SUVs at $50,162.28 each, for a total procurement cost of $200,659.12 and authorize the Mayor’s signature on all applicable documents, subject to Legal Department review. In response to questions from Council, Captain Tim Dillon, Pocatello Police Department, addressed Council regarding the procurement of four 2026 pursuit-rated Ford Interceptor SUVs. He stated that while the department currently has enough vehicles for existing staffing levels, they are currently short-staffed, and these new vehicles will allow rotation of higher-mileage units once staffing increases. He confirmed that all retrofitting and equipment installation will be handled in-house by the City Fleet Department, which is more efficient and cost-effective than sending vehicles out of state for the service. He noted that the delivery date is not known at this time and that outfitting each vehicle with necessary equipment takes additional time. Ms. Leeuwrik’s motion was voted upon at this time. Upon roll call, those voting in favor were Leeuwrik, Mangum, Bates, Cheatum, and Paulsen. AGENDAITEMNO. 12: ITEMSFROM THE AUDIENCE There were no individuals signed up to speak at this time. AGENDAITEMNO. 13: ADJOURN There being no further business, Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 6:46 p.m. APPROVED BY: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTESTED BY: PREPARED BY: AUBRIANA T. RESENDES, DEPUTY CITY CLERK
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