City of Pocatello | minutes | meeting 2025-10-16 | Regular City Council Meeting Agenda (6:00 PM)
source: https://pocatello.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10162025-1815

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.

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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

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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