City of Pocatello | minutes | meeting 2026-05-07 | Budget Development Meeting Agenda (9:00 AM)
source: https://pocatello.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_05072026-1898

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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: