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minutes meeting date 2026-04-09 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 21168 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text
CITY OF CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION APRIL 9, 2026 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: ROLL CALL Mayor Mark Dahlquist called the City Council Work Session 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: LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES UPDATE Representatives from the Library Board of Trustees were in attendance to discuss the Board’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations. Sandra Shropshire, Library Board of Trustees Chair, distributed a report and stated the Library remains active year-round with programs for adults, teens, and children. She announced that the Board has begun development of a strategic plan with assistance from City staff and that the Library plans to use a $10,000 Carnegie gift for beautification of the library grounds, the entryway on Garfield Avenue, and areas within the Carnegie portion of the building. Ms. Shropshire highlighted increased usage of library services, including a notable rise in eBook checkouts. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Shropshire stated policies are reviewed regularly. She explained that the gift policy was expanded to include non-book items following receipt of an artwork donation. She clarified updates to the distribution policy, limiting bulletin board postings to nonprofit and public service organizations, and noted routine updates to the exhibits and displays policies. Eric Suess, Library Director, stated that policy updates are typically for clarity and consistency in language rather than substantive changes. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Suess stated the Library may pursue an Ifft Foundation grant later in the year depending on project needs. He reported that the elevator is functioning well and that no other major repairs are anticipated at the building, with the exception of restroom improvements needed due to aging infrastructure. He further discussed the pros and cons of potential radio frequency identification implementation for self-checkout, stating that it would require tagging approximately 100,000 items and installing security systems, with an estimated cost of $100,000 to $125,000. AGENDAITEMNO. 3: SISTER CITIES FOUNDATION OF POCATELLO Dana Olson, Sister Cities Foundation representative, provided an overview of the Foundation’s work with a sister city relationship in Burkina Faso. She stated the Foundation has supported the village for over 20 years, focusing primarily on education and basic needs. Ms. Olson noted the community is in a remote area with limited CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 2 APRIL 9, 2026 infrastructure and that regional instability has disrupted local schooling, requiring students to travel elsewhere for education. She stated the Foundation continues to support educational access and basic needs through fundraising efforts, including donations and craft sales. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Olson stated she was unsure of any limit on the number of sister city relationships and referenced Sister Cities International as the overseeing organization. She distinguished between cultural exchange sister city programs and the Foundation’s humanitarian-focused efforts. In response to Ms. Olson’s question about City funding, Mayor Dahlquist clarified that funding requests are generally considered during the City’s budget process and encouraged participation in a meeting to receive such requests scheduled later in the month. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: CDBG ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATE Representatives from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory Committee were in attendance to discuss the Committee’s goals and projects, as well as Council’s policies and expectations. Christine Howe, Grants Manager and Staff Liaison, and Emma lannicone, Chair of the CDBG Advisory Committee, provided an overview of the Committee’s structure and operations. Ms. Howe stated the Committee consists of seven members representing core neighborhood associations and at-large positions, and reported all positions are currently filled. She explained the Committee meets monthly and reviews applications for CDBG funding, with recommendations forwarded to Council for approval. Ms. lannicone described the annual funding cycle, noting applications are submitted by nonprofit organizations and reviewed and ranked based on need and available funding. She stated demand consistently exceeds available resources and that the Committee also contributes to development of a five-year consolidated plan establishing funding priorities. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Howe reported funding gaps across program areas, including social services, housing rehabilitation, and infrastructure, with demand exceeding available allocations. She noted sidewalk projects in particular represent millions of dollars in unmet needs. Ms. Howe explained that CDBG funds are governed by HUD requirements, including income eligibility and census-based geographic targeting. She stated the City qualifies as an entitlement community and distributes funds across five primary categories, with housing and public services as key priorities. Ms. Howe reported the City is transitioning from Program Year 2025 to Program Year 2026, with HUD allocations consistent with projections. She summarized Program Year 25° CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 3 APRIL 9, 2026 accomplishments, including housing rehabilitation, lead hazard abatement matching funds, public service grants, and sidewalk improvements. AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: FIRE UNION UPDATE Members of the Pocatello Fire Union were in attendance to give the Council an update on their activities. Brian Christiansen, Pocatello Firefighters Union Vice President, reported that members recently attended the Idaho Professional Firefighters State Convention and a national “Strive for Excellence” conference focused on training and networking with fire service and elected officials. He outlined several community service efforts, including participation in a Sock Hop at Lincoln Early Intervention Center with a donation of approximately $500 in socks, a charity basketball game against the Police Department benefiting The Gathering Place raising approximately $1,500, participation in the Seattle Stair Climb raising over $5,000 for Blood Cancer United, and involvement in a chili cookoff benefiting Court Appointed Special Advocates. He further noted the Union’s designation as a “Fab 15” United Way participant, with a commitment to raise over $15,000 for local nonprofit support, and emphasized the Union's ongoing commitment to community engagement and charitable fundraising. AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: PORTNEUF GREENWAY FOUNDATION UPDATE Representatives from Portneuf Greenway Foundation were present to discuss their goals and projects and receive Council feedback. Dan Harrelson, Portneuf Greenway Foundation, updated Council on recent trail projects, including the Brennan Trail extension, with a planned 2026 bridge connection to Sacajawea Park; the Connecting Communities Trail, adding roughly 7,000 feet in partnership with Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), the City of Pocatello, and Bannock County; and the Outback Trail, linking Pocatello Creek Road to the Portneuf Wellness Complex, supported by ITD funds, maintenance management by the City, and a donated easement from Outback Golf. He emphasized priorities to complete these projects, install trail amenities, and advance the Abraszewski extension, which would ultimately connect Historic Downtown to the Simplot area. Because this project is depends on securing easements and grant funding, completion is several years away. In response to questions from Council, Mr. Harrelson addressed long-term maintenance of roughly 20+ miles of existing trails, with estimates of about $100,000 annually for baseline upkeep and significantly higher costs for resurfacing, as well as existing maintenance backlogs, especially on the AMI trail, which is approximately 20 years old. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 4 APRIL 9, 2026 Tom Kirkman, Public Works Director, estimated the cost for seal coating trails to be approximately $15,000 per mile and approximately $50,000-60,000 per mile for areas requiring heavier rehabilitation. Pat Fransisco, Portneuf Greenway Foundation, outlined fundraising efforts. She noted that the Foundation and Portneuf Health Trust (PHT) are working together to establish a sustainable maintenance fund through the Idaho Gives campaign, private donations, and a proposed matching structure up to $1 million, aiming to build a long-term, potentially self-sustaining fund that distributes maintenance grants to local governments. Council discussed cost estimates, grant structure, easement strategy for future expansion, and coordination with Bannock Transportation Planning Organization and Public Works departments to develop a formal pavement condition and maintenance plan. Council members expressed support for prioritizing maintenance, acknowledged growing community use of the trails, and discussed forming a small working group or liaison structure to improve coordination among the Foundation, PHT, and the City. AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: FORT HALL REPLICA AND POCATELLO JUNCTION Anne Butler, Parks and Recreation Director, and Randy Dixon, Bannock County Historical Society, were present to discuss the Fort Hall Replica and Pocatello Junction, including the facility’s current condition and the possibility of pursuing grant opportunities. Mr. Dixon provided a brief history of the site which includes the Fort Hall Replica, built in 1963, and the Pocatello Junction townsite, which consists of nine buildings built in 1989- 1990. He described the current condition of the buildings, noting significant deterioration, including roof failures, rotting logs, marmot damage, and general decline. Mr. Dixon reported estimated restoration costs of approximately $39,074 for the Fort’s mezzanine and log repairs as well as approximately $41,000 to address needs of the other Junction buildings. He noted that some emergency roof repairs had been completed through donated in-kind services. Mr. Dixon emphasized the need for a building maintenance plan and funding, likely from grants or external donations, adding that the mezzanine on the Fort has been closed due to safety concerns. Anne Butler, Parks and Recreation Director, outlined the City’s obligations under the memorandum of agreement signed in 2017, which assigns maintenance responsibility to the City. She reported the annual funding of approximately $11,772 designated for the Replica/Junction fund allows for basic maintenance of grounds but is insufficient to address accumulated deferred maintenance, which now requires a building-by-building approach. Ms. Butler noted that no significant capital investment has occurred in approximately eight years and that deferred maintenance continues to grow. Council discussion focused on the imbalance between maintenance responsibility and revenue authority. Members questioned the sustainability of the agreement, with some CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 5 APRIL 9, 2026 suggesting revision or termination, while others emphasized the historic and educational value of the site. Concerns were raised that revisions alone would not resolve the funding gap. Council requested clarification on deferred maintenance totals, visitation, and revenue data; and asked for recommendations for revisions to the memorandum of understanding. In addition, they asked that a proposal be created that funnels maintenance and/or rehabilitation needs into a specific project and funding request for - Council consideration. AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: CODE FOUR IMPLEMENTATION PROPOSAL - POCATELLO POLICE DEPARTMENT Chief Roger Schei, Pocatello Police Department, and Captain Zac Bartschi, Pocatello Police Department, were in attendance to present information regarding Code Four, an Al-powered report writing and video analysis platform designed specifically for law enforcement. Captain Bartschi presented a proposed one-year, $33,600 contract for the Code Four Al report-writing and video analysis platform, to be funded within the department's budget and contingent upon proper licensing and Legal Department approval. He explained the platform uses Al to analyze body camera footage and generate draft reports for officer review, significantly reducing time-consuming administrative tasks allowing officers to spend more time in the field. He emphasized benefits including improved efficiency, enhanced detail and accuracy, stronger investigative support, audit trails, and value for recruitment and retention through appropriate use of emerging technology. . In response to questions from Council, Capt. Bartschi explained that all data is maintained on-site, secured with controlled access, reviewed by officers for accuracy and relevance before submission, and retained within the Code Four System for 60 days before deletion. He indicated the vendor is a relatively new company founded by an MIT student with operations in multiple states, and reiterated the significant time savings, with most effort shifting to officer review. Chief Schei stated the system would not reduce current staffing but would help offset prior reductions of two positions and may reduce the need for additional personnel, depending upon call volumes and workload demands. In response to additional questions from Council, Capt. Bartschi clarified the system supports, but does not replace, all reporting functions and would be used by sworn personnel, including Ordinance Enforcement officers. He confirmed the department is currently in a pilot phase with daily use and seeing positive results, particularly in complex and detail-intensive investigations. Capt. Bartschi added that officers receive in-person training to produce reports that include a brief synopsis and full narrative. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 6 APRIL 9, 2026 Chief Schei stated that the technology enhances the level of detail captured in reports, particularly in lengthy investigations. In response to questions from Council, Chief Schei explained that the system operates within a secure environment with no external access r “back door,” requires multi-factor authentication, and all reports are human- reviewed before being entered into the Spillman CAD system, which serves as the official record. He confirmed Al-assisted reports are admissible in court with proper disclosure and noted similar systems are being adopted by other agencies statewide. Capt. Bartschi clarified that interagency data sharing occurs through the Spillman system rather than the Al platform, and that supervisory review by sergeants ensures accuracy. Council discussion reflected general support, with acknowledgment of the time burden associated with report writing and the importance of maintaining local data control and human verification. Mayor Dahlquist indicated consensus to bring the item forward for Council consideration. AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE Planning and Development Services staff members were in attendance to present and discuss the status of Comprehensive Plan 2040 implementation. Jim Anglesey, Long Range Planner, explained that the Comprehensive Plan reflects a “bird’s-eye view” of community-driven priorities developed through extensive public engagement and guided by smart growth principles, with seven vision elements framing implementation. He emphasized alignment between the comprehensive plan and other adopted plans, describing the effort as connecting “all the puzzle pieces” of community vision and Council priorities. He outlined progress on initiatives such as the greenway system, river vision, regional economic collaboration, and transportation planning, including projects like the Alameda transfer station and Safe Streets action planning. He further noted that many efforts are ongoing, iterative, and dependent on interdepartmental and regional coordination. Becky Babb, Planning Manager, addressed goals and neighborhood-focused efforts, including active planning work in the Alameda and university areas, advancement of the housing plan, and preparation for a full zoning code rewrite. She discussed additional priorities such as historic preservation updates, public safety training facilities, and creative community initiatives including public art and beautification, noting that several of these are long-term goals requiring continued Council direction. Ms. Babb added that other cities are using Pocatello’s Comprehensive Plan as a guide to build their own plans. She indicated that implementation is ongoing and adaptive, with many projects progressing incrementally based on funding and collaboration. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 7 APRIL 9, 2026 AGENDA ITEM NO. 10: EMERGENCY SERVICES POTENTIAL PARTNERSHIPS DISCUSSION Pocatello Fire Department and Pocatello Police Department members were in attendance to discuss potential emergency services consolidation. Discussion was informational and exploratory regarding potential consolidation or. increased coordination of emergency services between the City of Pocatello, the City of Chubbuck, and Bannock County in the interest of increased efficiency. Shane Grow, Interim Pocatello Fire Chief, described existing and proposed “automatic aid” agreements with neighboring jurisdictions, particularly Chubbuck, which would allow for automatic deployment of fire and EMS resources across city boundaries when incidents occur. He also noted ongoing coordination in fire prevention and inspection standards as a way to improve consistency and interoperability between agencies. He emphasized that potential benefits of greater consolidation could include improved response times, increased safety, economies of scale, and reduced administrative duplication, while acknowledging key structural challenges such as differing governance, funding mechanisms, and jurisdictional limitations. Chief Roger Schei, Pocatello Police Department, identified dispatch system fragmentation, currently operating through three separate dispatch centers, as a major operational challenge, particularly in coordination and resource deployment across jurisdictions. He noted that consolidation of dispatch services between Pocatello and Chubbuck could be a more feasible initial step than broader structural consolidation, while Bannock County would likely remain a separate redundant dispatch center due to the critical necessity of having a redundant center in close proximity. He further raised concerns regarding funding inequities, estimating that the City of Pocatello currently subsidizes county-related EMS dispatch services at approximately $400,000 annually, and indicated that renewal and clarification of the ambulance services contract would be a key priority moving forward. In response to a question from Council, Chief Schei reiterated the importance of maintaining redundancy and proximity in emergency dispatch operations, emphasizing that any regional dispatch consolidation would require careful consideration of staffing capacity, facility location, and continuity of operations during emergencies. He noted that Pocatello currently serves as a regional EMS dispatch hub due to its staffing levels, training requirements, and call volume capacity. Interim Chief Grow outlined additional structural questions related to the feasibility of a regional fire district model, funding mechanisms, and whether administrative consolidation (such as reducing duplicated leadership positions) could provide efficiencies without reducing frontline staffing levels. Council discussion focused on identifying a practical starting point for potential consolidation efforts. A proposed independent study, potentially through Idaho State University or an external consultant, is needed to assess cost savings, service impacts, and feasibility to consider the following consolidation options: full municipal CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 8 APRIL 9, 2026 consolidation, consolidation of first responder services, or selective service consolidation while maintaining separate governance. Council members also emphasized initiating elected official discussions between Pocatello and Chubbuck to evaluate political feasibility and willingness to proceed. Initial priorities identified included resolving EMS dispatch funding agreements with the county and exploring consolidation of Pocatello and Chubbuck dispatch services. The Mayor indicated that next steps should include direct discussions between the Mayor of Pocatello and the Mayor of Chubbuck, followed by potential development of a targeted study scope to evaluate one defined consolidation option. AGENDA ITEM NO. Th: COUNCIL ADVISORY BOARD UPDATES Mayor Dahlquist announced that Agenda Item No. 11 had been pulled due to time constraints. AGENDA ITEM NO. 12: ADJOURN There being no further business, Mayor Dahlquist adjourned the meeting at 12:48 p.m. APPROVED: Wire. ba MARK DAHLQUIST, MAYOR ATTESTED BY:
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