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CITY OF CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO ’ SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 7, 2026 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: ROLL CALL Mayor Mark Dahlquist called the City Council Special Budget Development meeting to order at 9:00 a.m. Council members present were Dakota Bates, Corey Mangum, Brent Nichols, Hayden. Paulsen, Stacy Satterfield and Ann Swanson. AGENDA ITEM NO: 2: FISCAL YEAR 2027 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT OVERVIEW: Rich Morgan, Chief Financial Officer, gave an overview of the upcoming agenda items. He explained that this time was set aside for the Council to hear requests from representatives of community agencies requesting budget allocations. Mr. Morgan stated that representatives have submitted required documentation and would present information at this time, but final budget decisions would be made at a future date. Staff will incorporate the funding requests into the FY2027 budget, as directed by Council. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION BUDGET REQUESTS: a) Aid For Friends ~ Michele Poletti, Executive Director, and Jessica Richard, Grants Administrator for Aid For Friends, presented an overview of the organization and its request for City funding. Ms. Richard provided background information on Aid For Friends, noting that the organization was founded in 1984. She highlighted the opening of the new shelter facility in 2021, which doubled the capacity of the previous shelter and provides services to men, women, and families. The presentation included an overview of shelter operations, supportive services, partnerships with community resources, funding sources, community need, shelter utilization, outcomes and future funding challenges. . Ms. Richard explained that while the demand for services has. increased by 57 percent, government funding for the shelter has only increased by approximately four percent. She also discussed the organization's efforts to meet growing community needs through expanded staffing, volunteer support and maximizing available funding. A county-of-origin analysis indicated that approximately 88 percent of shelter clients are from Bannock County. : In response to questions from Council, Ms. Richard explained that the shelter recently revised its intake process to ask clients where they were residing when they became homeless, rather than where they stayed the previous night. Although the updated question captures additional information, the data continues to show that the vast majority of clients are residents of Bannock County. Ms. Richard stated that Aid For Friends has been actively seeking financial support from surrounding counties. She noted that Bannock County has historically provided assistance and that commitments have recently been secured from Bingham and Caribou Counties through opioid settlement funding. She also noted that the organization has not yet received: support from the City of Chubbuck. Ms. Richard explained that families represent a relatively small percentage of the shelter population, with single adult men comprising the majority of clients. The shelter currently has four to six family rooms available, and families account. for approximately ten percent of those served, although the number fluctuates. Ms. Richard stated SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 7, 2026 that the proposed City funding would provide general operational support, particularly for case management services, which are essential to helping clients secure permanent housing. She noted that Aid For Friends also relies on other funding sources, including the United Way, to support operations. Ms. Richard stated that Aid For Friends maintains reserves to help sustain operations during difficult financial periods. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Poletti explained that without additional funding, the shelter would likely. have to reduce the number of individuals served. She emphasized that the organization's mission extends beyond providing temporary shelter by offering case management services that assist clients in. developing housing plans. and connecting with community resources. She noted that this work requires significant staff time and coordination with partner agencies. Ms. Poletti explained that staff members work closely with community partners to identify alternative resources for individuals in need, including referrals to other service providers, the warming shelter, the Crisis Center when appropriate, Valley Mission and temporary lodging through church or hotel voucher programs until shelter space becomes available. b) Family Services Alliance Sarah O'Banion, representing Family Services Alliance (FSA), expressed appreciation to the City for its continued support and outlined the organization's role in providing services to victims of domestic violence, stalking and human trafficking. She emphasized the organization's strong collaboration with local law enforcement, City staff and other nonprofit agencies to ensure services are coordinated rather than duplicated. Ms. O'’Banion explained that Family Services Alliance provides immediate crisis intervention, including response alongside law enforcement to assist victims during incidents of domestic violence. Services include crisis counseling, safety planning, assistance with civil protection orders and helping victims navigate the legal process. She noted that recent legal changes have increased the organization's involvement in assisting victims with civil protection orders. In addition to crisis response, FSA is focused on expanding long-term support services designed to help survivors heal and break cycles of abuse. These services include support groups, community meals and other programs intended to reduce isolation and promote long-term recovery for both adults and children affected by domestic violence. Ms. O'Banion advised that federal funding for victim services remains uncertain, making local government support increasingly important. She noted that while the organization serves victims throughout the region, the majority of its clients reside in Pocatello. In response to questions from Council, Ms. O'Banion explained that many domestic violence offenders participate in court-ordered intervention programs, which focus on addressing beliefs and behaviors that contribute to abusive conduct. She noted that meaningful behavioral change often requires long-term commitment and that voluntary participation generally produces better outcomes than court-mandated participation. She also stated that couples counseling is generally not recommended in situations involving domestic violence because it can place victims at greater risk. Ms. O'Banion stated that recidivism remains a challenge and emphasized that intervention programs seek to address the underlying beliefs and behaviors associated with abuse while continuing to prioritize victim safety through individualized safety planning. Ms. O'Banion explained that Family Services Alliance operates an emergency shelter specifically for individuals fleeing domestic violence. Unlike traditional homeless shelters, the facility provides immediate, confidential shelter at any hour, often in coordination with law enforcement. She SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 7, 2026 stated that the shelter serves as a short-term safety resource while staff assists clients in securing longer-term housing and support. In response to a question regarding the regional Housing Coalition meetings, Ms. O'Banion stated that the coalition meets monthly to discuss housing issues, coordinate available resources and provide training opportunities for service providers. Mayor Dahlquist encouraged interested individuals to attend, noting that the meetings are informative and beneficial to community partners. c) Greater Pocatello Convention and Visitor Bureau Jeff Glissendorf, Director of Tourism for the Greater Pocatello Convention and Visitor Bureau (CVB), presented an overview of the organization's mission, funding and tourism marketing efforts. He shared his background in the hospitality industry and emphasized the importance of tourism as a key economic driver for the Pocatello/Chubbuck area. Mr. Glissendorf shared a handout and explained that the CVB receives funding through the Idaho Department of Commerce and local lodging tax revenues. He stated that the organization's mission is to showcase the region's unique beauty and culture while creating positive visitor experiences that support the local economy. Mr. Glissendorf outlined the CVB's marketing strategies, which include maintaining the Visit Pocatello website, participating in consumer and trade shows, promoting the region to international tourism markets, developing promotional materials and videos for sports facilities, utilizing digital advertising and social media campaigns and producing content for the Visit Pocatello YouTube channel. He highlighted attractions such as local state parks, trails, recreational amenities and other regional assets. He also reported that the CVB sponsored 20 events in Pocatello during the past year and coordinated volunteers to support many of those events. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Glissendorf stated that tourism is primarily measured through hotel occupancy and lodging tax collections and stated he would provide historical data, including approximately five years of tourism and website metrics for the Pocatello/Chubbuck region. Mr. Glissendorf explained that outdoor recreation tourism has remained strong since the COVID-19 pandemic. While tourism growth has leveled off from the dramatic increases experienced immediately following the pandemic, the region continues to experience annual growth of approximately three to five percent. He noted that international tourism has declined due to factors such as global politics, border policies and fuel costs but stated that the local region continues to trend positively. He added that Pocatello benefits from not being overcrowded and continued investments in outdoor recreation amenities, such as trailheads, helps attract visitors. Mr. Glissendorf stated that the Convention and Visitors Bureau office experiences the greatest number of walk-in visitors during the summer months, particularly from May through September, and serves travelers with visitor information and complimentary refreshments. He noted that the office itself is not actively marketed as a destination. Mr. Glissendorf explained that final grant amounts received by the Idaho Department of Commerce tourism grant depend on hotel occupancy through June and indicated he would provide updated information once the final figures are received. Mayor Dahlquist commented on the positive economic impact of the State Wrestling Tournament, noting that hotel accommodations were booked as far as Idaho Falls during the SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 7, 2026 event. He emphasized the importance of exploring solutions to preserve large tournaments and other events that significantly benefit local hotels and tourism. Mr. Glissendorf stated that discussions with Idaho State University are in the early stages and referenced the Ag Expo in January as an example of working collaboratively to accommodate events. He concluded by expressing interest in attracting additional athletic and amateur sporting events to the ICCU Dome and throughout the community to further strengthen tourism and economic development. d) Pocatello Neighborhood Housing Services dba NeighborWorks Pocatello Katie McCarthy, representing Pocatello Neighborhood Housing Services (NeighborWorks Pocatello), provided an overview of the organization's work in partnership with the City's neighborhood associations and highlighted the impact of City funding during Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026. She explained that City funding is leveraged with funds raised by neighborhood associations to maximize community improvements and support projects that enhance neighborhood amenities, such as the addition of park benches and seating areas. Ms. McCarthy reviewed neighborhood events and activities conducted during FY2025 and FY2026, including community home tours, Light Caldwell Park, Movies in the Park and other neighborhood engagement events. She noted that neighborhood associations have shifted focus to proactively building community pride and strengthening neighborhoods through collaborative projects and events. In response to questions from Council, Ms. McCarthy stated that neighborhood associations have continued to build momentum following the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts initially focused on fundraising through activities such as silent auctions and have since expanded to include resident grant-writing training. She stated that neighborhood associations have been highly successful in securing outside grant funding for Pocatello projects, attributing that success to the dedication and volunteer efforts of neighborhood residents. Ms. McCarthy stated that NeighborWorks would welcome the opportunity to assist if neighborhoods, such as the Highland area, were interested in forming a neighborhood association, emphasizing that strengthening neighborhoods and fostering community pride are central to the organization's mission. She noted that NeighborWorks has been working with residents of that area to advance those efforts. Mayor Dahlquist discussed NeighborWorks' organizational structure, noting that the organization currently operates with a small staff and that its Board of Directors continues to evaluate policies and priorities as demographic needs within the community have evolved beyond the organization's historical focus on low-to-moderate income neighborhoods. In response to Council questions regarding fundraising efforts, Ms. McCarthy explained that the six established neighborhood associations have significantly expanded their knowledge of grant Opportunities and continue to seek additional outside funding sources to support neighborhood improvements. Meg Holmes, representing the Historic University Neighborhood Association, shared updates on the Association's recent activities. Ms. Holmes reported that the Association has been working with the City's Planning and Development Services Department on sidewalk and tree improvement projects and expressed appreciation for staff assistance in navigating the planning SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 7, 2026 , process. She also highlighted the Association's recent rebranding efforts, including neighborhood merchandise and partnerships with local businesses to install neighborhood signage during the beginning and end of the school year. In response to questions from Council, Ms. McCarthy explained that City funds are provided to NeighborWorks Pocatello, which administers the funds on behalf of neighborhood associations by issuing payments as approved projects move forward, ensuring appropriate tracking and accountability of expenditures. Ms. McCarthy thanked the Mayor and City Council for their continued partnership and support, stating that the City's investment in neighborhood associations has played a significant role in enhancing community pride, beautification efforts and the overall quality of life throughout Pocatello. e) Pocatello Free Clinic Sherri Joseph, Pocatello Free Clinic Executive Director and Amy Azizi, Director of Program Development, were in attendance. Ms. Joseph provided an overview of the Pocatello Free Clinic, highlighting its 55-year history as one of the oldest free clinics in the nation. Despite funding challenges that have caused many free clinics to close, the organization has remained operational through community support, grants, donations and volunteer service. She explained that the Clinic expanded its mission several years ago to strengthen its partnership with Idaho State University by providing clinical training opportunities for students in medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, dental programs, counseling and other healthcare disciplines. More than 100-students-have_received -hands-on-training through. the-Clinic, helping prepare the-next generation of healthcare providers while expanding services to underserved residents. Ms. Joseph noted that the Free Clinic has significantly expanded behavioral health services in recent years by adding psychiatry and counseling services, which addresses a critical gap in the community where affordable mental health care is difficult to access. She noted that psychiatric services are provided through a partnership with University of Utah residents and that demand for both medical and behavioral health services continues to increase. Ms. Joseph reviewed service statistics demonstrating substantial growth over the past seven years and reported the Clinic is currently operating at full capacity. New medical patients typically wait approximately two months for an appointment, while approximately 450 individuals remain on the dental waiting list. She emphasized that dental services are particularly expensive to provide due to equipment and material costs and that many patients require extensive restorative treatment. Ms. Azizi described the Clinic's outreach efforts, explaining that staff members regularly partner with organizations including Aid For Friends, Extended Stay facilities, Moonlight Recovery and Valley Mission to provide glucose screenings, disease identification and preventive healthcare services. She noted these partnerships help stabilize vulnerable populations by bringing healthcare directly to individuals who might otherwise go without treatment. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Joseph responded that expanded grant writing efforts, additional providers willing to work at reduced rates and an emphasis on continuity of care has enabled the Clinic to increase services while improving overall patient health. She explained that the Clinic generally does not treat children because most qualify for coverage through the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), but noted the Clinic serves many uninsured young adults between the ages of 18 and 26. Ms. Joseph explained that Health West is a federally qualified health center that receives direct federal funding and primarily serves SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 7, 2026 Medicare and Medicaid patients while the Pocatello Free Clinic focuses on uninsured individuals who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but cannot afford private insurance. She added that the Clinic employs a social services coordinator who assists eligible patients with enrolling in Medicaid or Medicare before transitioning their care to Health West when appropriate. Ms. Joseph noted that Health West's recent increases in copays and sliding-scale fees have made some services unaffordable for low-income patients, resulting in additional demand for the Free Clinic. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Azizi stated that the Clinic has experienced increased demand and longer wait times as more individuals have lost Medicaid coverage or chosen to forgo insurance because of cost. The Clinic continues exploring alternatives such as providing blood pressure monitoring equipment and expanding telehealth services to help patients manage chronic conditions. She explained that patients do not pay copays and medications, laboratory services and pharmacy assistance is provided at no cost whenever possible. The Clinic receives substantial laboratory discounts, carefully manages testing expenses, maintains an on- site dispensary and partners with local pharmacies to minimize medication costs. Medication assistance programs have allowed the Clinic to provide hundreds of thousands of dollars in medications while paying only a small fraction of their retail value. In response to a question from Council regarding patient eligibility requirements, Ms. Joseph explained that patients must be uninsured and have household incomes below 300 percent of the federal poverty level, although approximately 99 percent of patients fall below 200 percent of the poverty level. She added that roughly 60 percent of patients are employed but remain unable to afford health insurance or healthcare expenses. Ms. Joseph stated that the Clinic could immediately expand services if additional providers were available. She explained that dental services remain particularly limited because Idaho State University dental residents are only available for evening clinics an overage of twice each week, resulting in seasonal increases to the waiting list. She also expressed concern regarding uncertainty surrounding future grant funding and emphasized the importance of carefully managing resources to avoid overextending the organization. Ms. Joseph stated the Clinic could substantially expand both medical and dental services by hiring additional full-time providers and increasing provider availability. She reported that the Clinic currently relies on approximately 65 volunteers, including nine dentists who each provide one free patient appointment per month, one full-time volunteer dentist, three physicians, a physician assistant and a nurse practitioner who donate clinical time. She emphasized that volunteer support remains essential to keeping operating costs low. Council Member Bates asked about the Clinic's financial relationship with Portneuf Medical Center and the recent grant received from the Portneuf Health Trust. Ms. Joseph explained that the Clinic pays approximately $3,000 per month in rent, totaling roughly $75,000 annually after reimbursements. She acknowledged they have not quantified emergency room visits avoided through Clinic services but estimated only a few patients require emergency department referrals each year because physicians successfully manage most conditions before they become emergencies. Ms. Joseph expressed appreciation for the City's continued financial support following reductions in Bannock County funding, explaining that community investment has allowed the Clinic to expand operations from limited clinic hours to providing healthcare services 40 hours per week with providers available daily. Ms. Joseph noted that although the majority of patients reside in SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 7, 2026 Pocatello and Chubbuck, the Clinic serves individuals throughout approximately five counties and does not turn anyone away based on residency. She noted that Fort Hall operates its own healthcare system. Ms. Joseph reported that the City of Chubbuck has increased its financial support, while funding requests to Power County have been denied. She stated that Bannock County continues to be a strong supporter but acknowledged government funding opportunities remain limited. She added that the Clinic's mobile outreach services currently focus primarily on . Pocatello and Chubbuck while gradually expanding outreach efforts into surrounding communities. Ms. Joseph thanked the Council for its thoughtful questions and the opportunity to explain the Clinic's services and community impact. f) Pocatello lwamizawa Sister City Foundation, Inc. — lwamizawa Relationship Jodi McHugh presented an overview of the Pocatello Iwamizawa Sister City Foundation and its longstanding relationship with lwamizawa, Japan. She explained that the Sister City program was established 41 years ago through the efforts of the mayors of the two cities with the mission of fostering long-term friendship, cultural understanding and goodwill between the communities. Ms. McHugh described the Foundation's annual student exchange program, which selects a delegation of approximately 10 to 12 students, ages 14 to 18, to represent Pocatello in Japan. Students are selected through a competitive application process that includes interviews and letters of recommendation. Prior to traveling, delegates participate in approximately six months of cultural and language instruction provided by Foundation board members to prepare them for the exchange experience. During the summer exchange, students travel to lwamizawa where they serve as ambassadors for the Pocatello community while living with host families. Ms. a McHugh explained that the experience helps students develop self-confidence, gain an appreciation for other cultures and traditions and build lasting international friendships. She reviewed the reciprocal exchange program, during which delegations from lwamizawa visit Pocatello and participate in a variety of educational, cultural and recreational activities hosted by the Foundation and community volunteers. Ms. McHugh outlined the Foundation's funding model, explaining that student delegates are responsible for fundraising to cover the cost of their airfare. Once students arrive in Japan, host families and the exchange program provide lodging, meals and many activity expenses. The Foundation also conducts fundraising efforts to support program activities and offset additional costs. In response to questions from Council regarding funding sources available to the Foundation, Ms. McHugh explained that, in addition to student fundraising efforts, the Foundation receives support from local businesses and community organizations through donations and sponsorships for exchange activities. She noted that local restaurants and other businesses frequently contribute to specific events and activities, although the Foundation receives limited financial support from other public agencies. g) Senior Activity Center Tara Contreras, Senior Activity Center Executive Director, thanked the Mayor and City Council for their continued support of the Senior Activity Center. She reported that the Center is committed to being a good steward of its facility and is currently completing a landscaping beautification project with assistance from the Bonneville Neighborhood Association members. Ms. Contreras explained that the Senior Activity Center's mission extends beyond providing meals by connecting older adults with services that help them maintain their independence while SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 7, 2026 promoting active and healthy lifestyles. She shared that the Center serves approximately 1,800 qualifying meals and also provides meals for the Salvation Army. During the previous month, the Center served 427 unduplicated individuals, demonstrating the growing demand for its services. To illustrate the Center's impact, Ms. Contreras shared the story of a member who began attending after the loss of his wife. Through participation in the Center's lunch program and activities, he developed meaningful friendships and a sense of belonging. After suffering a stroke and undergoing rehabilitation, the individual contacted the Center to let staff know he was working toward returning because of the relationships he had built there. Ms. Contreras noted that he now attends regularly and actively contributes as a volunteer, demonstrating how the Center provides purpose, connection and support that extends well beyond the dining room. Ms. Contreras recognized the Center's volunteers, stating that many consider the Senior Activity Center their second home and another family. She emphasized that their volunteer service provides participants with purpose, value and meaningful opportunities to remain engaged in the community. Mayor Dahlquist shared that his mother is a longtime volunteer at the Senior Activity Center and was recently recognized as Volunteer of the Year. He remarked that even after sustaining an injury, she was concerned about ensuring her volunteer responsibilities were covered, reflecting the dedication of the Center's volunteers. In response to comments from Council, Ms. Contreras explained that most programs are organized and led by the members themselves, with volunteers facilitating activities rather than staff directing them. She stated that approximately 10 to 15 volunteers support the Center's daily operations and activities, which include billiards, line dancing, Fit and Fall classes, crocheting, Mexican Train dominoes, pinochle, mahjong, creative writing, book clubs and numerous other games and social events. She added that volunteers also weave sleeping mats from donated plastic grocery bags for individuals experiencing homelessness. Ms. Contreras further highlighted the addition of seven raised garden beds as part of the landscaping project, allowing seniors to grow vegetables and flowers for their own enjoyment. In response to questions from Council regarding the nutritional value of the meals served, Ms. Contreras responded that the Center strives to prepare meals that are nutritionally balanced, visually appealing and satisfying for participants. She noted that many seniors initially attend because of their nutritional needs but continue participating because of the quality of the meals and the friendships they develop. She added that the Center works diligently to maximize every dollar through donations and partnerships with the local food bank to provide nutritious meals at the lowest possible cost. h) Sister Cities Foundation of Pocatello — Kwaremenguel Relationship Representatives from the Sister Cities Foundation of Pocatello — Kwaremenguel Relationship were not in-attendance. i) Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency - SEICAA (Meals on Wheels) Joe Borich, SEICAA CEO and Erica Farnes, Meals on Wheels Program Manager, were in attendance to provide an overview of the Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency (SEICAA) Meals on Wheels program and its services to homebound seniors throughout the community. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 7, 2026 Mr. Borich explained that Meals on Wheels delivers hot meals four days each week and, through a partnership with the Senior Activity Center, now provides participants with the same meals served at the Senior Activity Center. He stated that the partnership has received overwhelmingly positive feedback regarding the quality of the food. In addition to hot meal deliveries, frozen meals are delivered to participants for Friday and Saturday meals. Mr. Borich emphasized that the program provides more than meals by addressing the social isolation experienced by many homebound seniors. He noted that approximately 35 percent of seniors live alone and that meal delivery drivers are often the only personal contact participants have during the day. The daily visits provide both nutrition and meaningful social interaction for individuals who are unable to leave their homes. Ms. Farnes reviewed the program's operating costs, noting that it costs approximately $15.50 per participant to provide door-to-door meal delivery. Reimbursement from the Area Agency on Aging covers approximately $5.25 per meal, leaving a significant portion of food costs unfunded. She reported that during 2025 the program served 153 clients in Pocatello, Chubbuck, and Inkom, delivering 13,880 meals. Ms. Farnes stated that approximately $70,000 is spent annually on meal costs within the city, emphasizing that the funding is used directly to provide meals to local seniors. Mr. Borich explained that the program receives no direct federal operating funds and is supported primarily through local funding from the cities, county, and United Way, along with private donations. He expressed pride that the program is locally funded, stating that "our people feed our people." In response to a question from Council, Mr. Borich responded that feedback regarding the partnership with the Senior Activity Center was immediate and overwhelmingly positive, noting that participants consistently commented on the improved quality of the meals. He explained that the transition took nearly a year to develop and replaced the previous meal provider. Participants appreciate receiving fresh vegetables and higher- quality, home-style meals. Mr. Borich stated that demand continues to increase both locally and nationally. He explained that with additional funding the program could serve between 50 and 70 more meals per day and noted that during previous years the program had delivered as many as 200 meals daily. He added that staff currently operates with a minimal workforce and maximizes available resources. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Farnes explained that participants are referred through the Area Agency on Aging. She reported that there is currently no waiting list, and individuals who are unable to immediately receive hot meal deliveries are offered frozen meals through HomeStyle Direct until regular Meals on Wheels service becomes available. Mr. Borich reported that within the past two years, delivery drivers had identified four clients requiring immediate medical assistance. Because drivers are trained to recognize signs of distress and unusual circumstances, they were able to summon emergency assistance for those individuals, who otherwise may not have received timely help. In response to a comment from Council, Mr. Borich stated that while the organization actively pursues grants and private donations, it has intentionally avoided dependence on federal operating funds because of their volatility and associated restrictions. He explained that maintaining local funding provides greater flexibility and local control, although the organization has successfully pursued grants for modernization projects and pet food assistance. Mr. Borich SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING MAY 7, 2026 indicated that while no formal sponsorship program currently exists, the organization is exploring opportunities to develop a volunteer program that would allow active seniors to assist by delivering meals to other seniors. Mr. Borich acknowledged that some federal funding opportunities are available through Meals on Wheels America and state pass-through programs. He stated that the organization continues to pursue appropriate grant opportunities while remaining mindful of administrative requirements and ensuring that funding is directed toward serving participants rather than increasing overhead costs. In response to a question from Council regarding the “Giving Machines” initiative, Mr. Borich confirmed that the program received funding equivalent to approximately 2,300 meals through the campaign, noting that the donation represented one of the community's largest charitable contributions. He reiterated that the program remains a locally supported effort focused on serving local residents. Mr. Borich encouraged community members to volunteer, noting that individuals can make a meaningful difference by donating as little as one hour per week to deliver meals. He remarked that the homebound senior population is often unseen but greatly benefits from the personal interaction provided by volunteers. Mayor Dahlquist thanked all of the organizations for their presentations and participation. He emphasized that no funding decisions would be made during the meeting and stated that the information provided would assist the City Council during the upcoming budget deliberations. AGENDA ITEM NO: 4: ADJOURN There being no further business, Mayor Dahlquist adjourned the meeting at 10:59 a.m. APPROVED: MARK DAHLQUIST, MAYOR PREPARED AND ATTESTED BY:
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