City of Pocatello | minutes | meeting 2025-10-02 | Joint City/County Meeting Agenda (3:00 PM) source: https://pocatello.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_10022025-1811 CITY OF CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JOINT CITY/COUNTY/PDA MEETING OCTOBER 2, 2025 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1 ROLLCALL The Joint City/Bannock County/Pocatello Development Authority(PDA) meeting was called to order at 3:03 p.m. in at Pocatello City Hall in the Council Chambers by City of Pocatello Mayor Brian Blad. Council members Dakota Bates, Rick Cheatum, Linda Leeuwrik, and Brent Nichols were present. Council member Hayden Paulsen arrived at 3:25 p.m. Council member Corey Mangum was excused. In attendance were PDA members Brent McLane, Kirk Lepchenske, and Fred Parrish and also Bannock County Commissioners Ernie Moser, Ken Bullock and Jeff Hough. Feasibility Study Consultant Adam Daniels of SB Friedman attended virtually. Bannock County Board of County Commissioner Chair Jeff Hough announced the BCBCC meeting was back in session at 3:04 PM. AGENDAITEMNO. 2: URBAN RENEWAL PLAN FOR THE SOUTH 5TH URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT (SOUTH 5TH PLAN) Pocatello Development Authority (PDA) Executive Director Brent McLane presented information and received feedback from City Council members and Bannock County Commission members regarding the Urban Renewal Plan for the South 5th Urban Renewal Project (South 5th Plan). Mr. McLane presented a PowerPoint overview of the proposed district and the review and approval process. The plan and presentation were included in the agenda packet provided by PDA. He explained that the South 5th Plan encompasses approximately 2,300 acres, though the map shows a larger area. Agricultural parcels were evaluated, and those owners who declined participation were removed. A feasibility study was completed by consultant Adam Daniels of SB Friedman, whose report was distributed and referenced during the meeting. Mr. McLane reviewed the process to date, noting that the PDA Board had adopted a resolution accepting the eligibility report, and both the City Council and County Commission approved it, allowing the plan to move forward. Upcoming actions include a Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on October 8 to confirm that the plan conforms with the Comprehensive Plan, a Bannock County Board of Commissioners meeting on October 9 to approve and adopt the Intergovernmental Agreement and Transfer of Powers Ordinance, and publication of Notices of Public Hearing in the Idaho State Journal on October 17 and October 31. The City Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing on November 20, 2025, to consider adoption of the plan by ordinance. The goal is to establish the new district by December 31, 2025. Mr. McLane noted that the feasibility study conservatively excluded the Bannock County Ambulance, Pocatello Valley Fire, and Portneuf Free Library Districts from revenue projections because their inclusion would not have a significant impact on the district but could affect those agencies’ operations. In response to a question from Mayor Blad, Mr. McLane confirmed that the North Bannock County Fire District is not affected by the plan. He reviewed the list of proposed projects, noting that they are phased to encourage incremental growth and development. Phase 1 improvements will stimulate new investment and property tax generation, while later phases will support continued development. Projected revenues are anticipated to total approximately $52- $54 million over the 20-year life of the district, to fund infrastructure such as sewer and water improvements, a lift station, roadway and sidewalk projects, and park and trail SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JOINT CITY/COUNTY/PDA MEETING 2 OCTOBER 2, 2025 upgrades. Mr. McLane discussed agricultural participation, referencing maps included as Attachments 1 and 4 to the plan. He explained that some agricultural property owners had chosen not to participate and had been respectfully excluded after discussions. He emphasized that inclusion or exclusion generally occurs only once during initial boundary establishment. Councilmember Brent Nichols asked where the project list could be found. Mr. McLane stated that it was included in the PDA agenda packet. Commissioner Jeff Hough asked about sewer and water connections between Pocatello and Inkom, possible coordination with Public Works, and whether increment funds could be used for improvements outside the district. Mr. McLane clarified that funding must remain within the district boundaries and cannot be used for upgrades beyond the designated area. He noted that a lift station is included in Phase 1 to resolve a gravity feed issue and allow expanded sewer service to areas south of Century High School. Councilmember Linda Leeuwrik asked about previously awarded federal grant projects that were later withdrawn and how those projects affect this plan. Mr. McLane confirmed that those projects were included in the new plan and phased accordingly. Commissioner Ernie Moser asked how long property owners have to opt in or out and whether they can be added later. Mr. McLane explained that the state allows a one-time boundary adjustment of up to 10 percent of the tax increment area, which would be considered jointly by the PDA, City, and County if needed. Councilmember Hayden Paulsen entered the meeting at this time. Mayor Blad explained that tax increment financing does not raise taxes but reallocates new growth revenues to fund infrastructure that supports economic development. Mr. McLane added that landowners who choose not to participate will not be eligible for reimbursement of future improvements. PDA representative Fred Parrish noted that written notice to nonparticipating landowners should clarify what opportunities they are forgoing. Mr. McLane stated that outreach efforts are ongoing and that inclusion opportunities generally occur only during initial boundary establishment. Councilmember Rick Cheatum asked about the potential use of eminent domain for public improvements. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JOINT CITY/COUNTY/PDA MEETING 3 OCTOBER 2, 2025 Mr. McLane responded that eminent domain is not anticipated but that tax increment funds could be used to acquire property if needed for public infrastructure. PDA representative Kirk Lepchenske raised concerns about traffic control and pedestrian safety in the Hildreth Road tunnel area. Mr. McLane stated that improvements would focus on traffic management and safety within the existing tunnel rather than expansion. Councilmember Leeuwrik asked about the timing of bike paths and greenway projects. Mr. McLane explained that such projects are identified as additional improvements that would occur as development proceeds. Councilmember Leeuwrik also expressed support for avoiding eminent domain where possible. Mr. McLane confirmed that he had met with agricultural property owners who chose not to participate and acknowledged their decisions. PDA representative Fred Parrish asked about the potential for interfund transfers between urban renewal districts. Mr. McLane responded that such transfers are legally permissible but uncommon practice for the PDA. Commissioner Hough asked whether the district could be closed early if its goals are achieved ahead of schedule. Mr. McLane stated that the PDA strives to close districts early when possible, noting that the Northgate district has performed exceptionally well and is on track to close sooner than projected. Councilmember Dakota Bates asked about the revenue projections and whether the plan functions as a “pay-as-you-go” model. Mr. McLane explained that projections are based on phased development and conservative growth estimates. The PDA typically enters into owner participation agreements where developers fund initial infrastructure and are reimbursed from increment revenue once development occurs. He emphasized that only public improvements are eligible for reimbursement. Consultant Adam Daniels added that no bond issuance is planned and that revenue growth will increase gradually as development progresses through phases. Commissioner Ken Bullock asked who was driving the process and raised a question about water redundancy south of the river. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING JOINT CITY/COUNTY/PDA MEETING 4 OCTOBER 2, 2025 Mr. McLane explained that both the City and PDA identified the South 5th area as having significant development potential but limited infrastructure. He stated that the plan provides the tools necessary to support development and strengthen the City’s tax base. Mayor Blad added that the plan could help address long-term water redundancy needs in the southern portion of the city. Mr. McLane concluded by summarizing the next steps in the adoption process and reaffirmed the goal of establishing the district by the end of the year. AGENDAITEMNO. _ 3: ADJOURN There being no further business, Mayor Blad adjourned the Special Joint Work Session for the Pocatello Development Authority and City Council at 4:01 p.m. Chair Hough closed the Bannock County Board of Commissioners meeting at 4:01 p.m. APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR ATTESTED BY: PREPARED BY: ulircrana AUBRIANA RESENDES, DEPUTY CITY CLERK