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minutes meeting date 2025-09-11 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 11955 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text
CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION SEPTEMBER Tl, 2025 AGENDA ITEM NO. — I ROLL CALL Mayor Brian Blad called the City Council Work Session to order at 9:00 a.m. Council members present were Dakota Bates, Linda Leeuwrik, Corey Mangum, Brent Nichols and Hayden Paulsen. Council member Rick Cheatum was excused. AGENDAITEM NO: 2: MOMENT OF SILENCE RECOGNIZING PATRIOT DAY Mayor Blad led the audience in a moment of silence. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION UPDATE Becky Babb, Planning Manager, and Marty Viscarra, Historic Preservation Commission (HPC) Chair, presented an update on recent HPC accomplishments. Mr. Viscarra highlighted the following accomplishments: Historic Preservation Plan adopted by City Council in May; goals and objectives identified for implementation; one Certificate of Appropriateness application was reviewed, and three were administratively approved; Recent projects included the Idaho Motel sign, mural at Dudes Market, the North Building, and mural at Mind Your Body. Mr. Viscarra gave an overview of the following ongoing projects: New survey of the Downtown Historic District funded by a $17,000 Certified Local Government grant. The survey will evaluate approximately 200 properties for honorary historic status and rehabilitation eligibility; Continued work on Brady Chapel restoration. The next phase includes roof and window repairs estimated at $80,000-$100,000, with total costs potentially reaching $200,000-$300,000. A nonprofit partner, Friends of Brady Chapel, is assisting with fundraising. Mr. Viscarra described the following future initiatives: Historic marker plaque program to highlight local history, improve downtown walkability, and provide educational opportunities. Cost estimated at $2,000-$3,000 per plaque, with overall project costs projected under $20,000. He added that there is potential for grant funding for the project; Partnerships with schools to incorporate preservation topics into curriculum; Community outreach to simplify public access to preservation information and encourage participation. Council members discussed project costs, public perception of HPC, potential funding sources, and the long-term use of Brady Chapel as a restored and revenue-generating community facility. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION UPDATE Rich Phillips, Planning and Zoning (P & Z) Commission Chair, reported that the Commission has reviewed eight preliminary plats, considered three Planned Unit Developments and reviewed six annexation applications. He highlighted that a training session for Commission members was held in February and will continue, as needed. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION | 2 SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 Council members inquired about the number of housing units approved during the last fiscal year. Becky Babb, Planning Manager, confirmed that staff would follow up and provide the requested information to Council members. AGENDAITEM NO. 5: PROPOSED SEPTEMBER FISCAL YEAR 2025 BUDGET AMENDMENTS Bonny Schroeder, Controller, and Chantelle Macy, Budget Manager, reviewed 32 proposed amendments affecting 17 funds. They are: General Fund $763,741; Liability Insurance Fund $12,453; Street Fund $1,069,152; Parks and Recreation Fund $1,038; Cemetery Fund $11,021; Emergency Repair $42,900; Transit Urban Fund $2,625; Sanitation Fund $1,496,535; Water Fund $4,193; Ambulance Fund $73,503; WPC Fund $7,811]; Information Technology Fund $1,130; Fleet Fund $283,366; Public Works Fund $60,249; Alternate Transportation $1,200,000; Stimulus Grant $360,000; and Police Grant Fund $10,000. Proposed amendments total $5,399,717. Ms. Schroeder explained no action would be taken at this time. A public hearing would be held on September 18, 2025 during the Regular City Council meeting. An ordinance to adopt the proposed amendments would be prepared for Council consideration. Ms. Schroeder clarified information for Council members. She emphasized that amendments ensure the financial plan reflects actual funding, expenditures and unanticipated revenue. Anne Nichols, Chief of Staff, answered Council questions clarifying rebranding project costs, accounting between design and implementation phases and use of local vendors. AGENDAITEM NO. 6: AREA OF CITY IMPACT DRAFT AGREEMENT - PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Becky Babb, Planning Manager, and Brent McLane, Planning and Development Services Director, presented a draft Area of City Impact (ACI) agreement with Bannock County. The proposal includes requiring City standards for development within the ACI. Mr. McLane reviewed the ACI map and discussed inspection authority and higher development standards. Council members acknowledged limited authority, with jurisdiction ultimately residing with Bannock County. They discussed the importance of cooperation with the County and maintaining high development standards in anticipation of future annexations. AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS - PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Becky Babb, Planning Manager, and Christine Howe, Grants Manager, gave an overview of the aspects of a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), aimed to improve services and make communities stronger through long-term planning. Capital expenditures are significant investments in long-term assets and are typically one-time expenditures, such as property, equipment or machinery. Ms. Babb emphasized that creation of a Capital Plan CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 3 SEPTEMBER 1], 2025 helps prioritize funding needs, anticipates future expenses, improves long-term debt management and can help project investment income and revenue needs. Ms. Howe added that a CIP aligns with other City plans, such as Comprehensive Plan 2040: Our Valley Our Vision, which identifies the City’s priority goals as well as strategies to achieve those goals. She stated that Council has identified and prioritized specific projects that align with the Comprehensive Plan. Ms. Howe explained that a Request for Proposals (RFP) was published in March 2025, which did not receive any responses. Feedback received indicated that a revised RFP would extend the timeframe and contract term and would include an investment strategy portion as an option. She added that the revised RFP would solicit proposals for a longer period than the first, allowing 45 days for responses. Ms. Babb proposed that the revised RFP be solicited in mid-September, allowing for submission in October/November to be presented to Council for consideration in December. This timeline would allow the completed Plan to be available for use during the City’s FY2027/FY2028 budget development. AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: US DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (US DOT) - INNOVATIVE FINANCE AND ASSET CONCESSION GRANT APPLICATION Becky Babb, Planning Manager, and Christine Howe, Grants Manager, were present to discuss and receive Council feedback regarding submission of the US DOT Innovative Finance and Asset Concession (IFAC) Grant application to complete a comprehensive feasibility analysis for the development of a transload facility at the Pocatello Regional Airport. The grant application would be for up to $1,000,000 and there is no required match. The application and acceptance of the grant, if awarded, would be considered at the September 18, 2025 Regular City Council meeting. Ms. Babb gave background information regarding the grant application. She stated that in 2023, all states received EPA funding to complete Climate Action Plans and Idaho developed a plan to be eligible for additional EPA funding. City staff members were tasked with developing a plan for the Pocatello Transload Facility at the airport. The facility was included in the Gem State Air Quality Initiative (GSAQI) as a transportation goal. Staff reviewed potential EPA funding for the facility, however, sufficient data was not available to support a grant application at that time. Ms. Babb reported that the proposed grant application would provide necessary funding for the feasibility analysis necessary to gather information pertaining to Pocatello’s readiness to move forward with the project. Ms. Howe explained that a transload facility provides a location for the transfer of freight delivery modes to more efficiently move goods between truck, rail and air freight allowing for more efficient movement of goods resulting in fewer emissions, less demand on transportation infrastructure and improved traffic flows. The feasibility study would evaluate economic viability, infrastructure needs and potential partners, such as railroad providers. In response to a question from Council, Ms. Howe confirmed that a similar study was completed in Spokane for an inland port. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 4 SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 Mayor Blad commented that many years ago, a transload company desired to locate at the airport but ultimately built a smaller facility elsewhere in the community. The company is still very interested in airport property for expansion, as the demand for this service is great. Ms. Babb gave an overview of the benefits of a transload facility includingthe following: improved and efficient transportation of goods; alleviates burden on_ public transportation infrastructure; economic opportunities; improved quality of life; and alignment with other plans and goals. Ms. Babb clarified that the propsed project is designated for freight services and would not include passenger rail services, but that the information gathered through the study may be beneficial in future planning endeavors. Ms. Howe emphasized that the grant application requires no matching funds and would allow for completion of a feasibility study by an outside consultant. Council discussion highlighted opportunities for regional economic development, environmental benefits and potential designation as an inland port. Staff was asked to bring the grant application to Council for consideration at the September 18, 2025 Regular City Council meeting. AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: COUNCIL ADVISORY BOARD UPDATES This time was set aside for the Mayor and Council members to give an update regarding recent advisory board activities. Council member Mangum announced that there were no new reports. Council member Paulsen reported that SEICAA does not meet through the summer months and regular meetings would resume next week. He added that CDBG has started the process for grant allocations for non-profits and held a technical assistance workshop for applicants. Council member Bates stated the Pocatello Arts Council sponsored two presentations of Montana Shakespeare in the Park and will start preparations for the Festival of Trees submission. SICOG will meet on September 25. Council member Nichols reported that there were no updates as no meetings have been held. Council President Leeuwrik reported the Investment and Audit Committee will meet in October. Historic Downtown Pocatello held a brief meeting wrapping up summer events and updates on available commercial space in the downtown area. Downtown business owners are working on a cooperative plan for snow removal on sidewalks in the downtown area. Mayor Blad announced that Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) held their first meeting of the school year and are working on projects for the upcoming year. Pocatello Development Authority (PDA) is focused on an Urban Renewal plan for the South 5* CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 5 SEPTEMBER 11, 2025 Avenue area and will present the plan to Bannock County in October. A TIF district in the downtown area may be considered next year. Bannock Transportation Planning Organization (BTPO) has hired Devin Hillam as the new Executive Director and she will transition to the new position following Mori Byington’ s retirement. AGENDA ITEM NO. 10: ADJOURN There being no further business, Mayor Blad adjourned the meeting at 10:34 a.m. APPROVED: BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR
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