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minutes meeting date 2026-03-02 · fetched 2026-09-17 · 6501 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text
CITY OF CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO 1. 2, SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING GOAL SETTING MEETING MARCH 2, 2026 I Re AGENDAITEM NO. 1H ROLL CALL Mayor Mark Dahlquist called the City Council Special Goal Setting meeting to order at 12:12 p.m. Council members present were Dakota Bates, Corey Mangum, Brent Nichols, Hayden Paulsen, Stacy Satterfield and Ann Swanson. John Gribas and Jim DeSanza from Idaho State University served as facilitators. Staff members and members of the public were also present. AGENDAITEMNO: _—_2: COUNCIL DISCUSSION - GOALS FOR THE CITY Facilitators John Gribas and Jim DeSanza provided an overview of the purpose and process for the meeting. Mr. Gribas noted the session would focus on reviewing and evaluating existing City priorities, with goal setting to occur ata future meeting. Council Members were asked to rate each existing priority on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest priority and 5 being the highest priority. Rankings would be based on the degree in which each item had been emphasized over the past year. The list of priorities, as identified in 2025, are as follows: 1. Proper management of money/budget (keeping investments in projects, equipment and items necessary for security and quality of life, pursuing non-tax- based revenue enhancements, etc.) Business development (community seen as business-friendly, increase in business development and new businesses, etc.) Walkable community (friendly to bikes/scooters/pedestrians, good walking/biking trail system, etc.) Environmental health and safety (clean water/aquifer/reuse/sewer, clean air, clean energy, etc.) Community beautification Community recreation opportunities Community recognition/reputation (considered a sports tourism destination, considered destination for visitors/vacationers, considered a “college town,” more graduating university students choose to remain in the community, etc.) 8. Community partnerships/relationships (positive and engaged relationship between community and law enforcement, expanding mutually beneficial partnerships with Idaho State University, strong relationship with neighborhood associations, listening to the community throughout all changes, etc.) NOU Pp WON Proper management of money/budget revealed generally high ratings among veteran Council members and moderate ratings among newer members. Council discussed maintaining services, pursuing grant funding, and responsible decision-making. Concerns were raised regarding transparency, deferred maintenance and the need for greater Council involvement in financial planning. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING . GOAL SETTING MEETING 2 MARCH 2, 2026 The priority regarding business development resulted in generally low to moderate ratings. Council expressed concerns regarding lack of coordination, limited support for new and existing businesses and public perception that the City is not business-friendly. The need for improved partnerships, clearer processes and enhanced coordination among departments was discussed. The priority pertaining to Pocatello being a walkable community was discussed. Council noted progress with trails, sidewalks and identification of grant funding to achieve progress in the area. Council members identified challenges, including incomplete sidewalk infrastructure, maintenance issues and policy limitations. They noted that while the priority exists, execution has been inconsistent. Council members discussed environmental health and safety, which was highly rated. Mayor Dahlquist and Council members recognized strong performance in utilities and infrastructure and noted compliance with regulatory requirements. Opportunities for additional environmental initiatives were also discussed. Council members discussed community beautification and discussed challenges related to code enforcement, funding limitations and property maintenance issues. The need for more proactive enforcement and alignment with economic development efforts was noted. Council members highlighted strong programs regarding community recreation - opportunities, including facilities, and partnerships. Concerns were expressed regarding long-term maintenance and sustainability of recreational assets. The priority of community recognition and reputation resulted in low to moderate ratings. Council members discussed the need for improved communication, public relations efforts and promotion of City accomplishments. The importance of aligning projects with the Comprehensive Plan and improving community perception was emphasized. Council members discussed strength in community events and volunteerism, while identifying gaps in coordination with key partners, including Idaho State University, as it relates to community partnerships/relationships. Concerns were raised regarding public perception, communication, and managing expectations. Mayor Dahlquist called a recess at 1:37 p.m. Mayor Dahlquist reconvened the meeting at 1:49 p.m. Mr. Gribas and Mr. DiSanza led the Mayor and Council in a future-oriented discussion focused on envisioning the City over the next ten years. Topics discussed included economic growth, expansion of the tax base, regional collaboration, workforce retention, housing availability and improved communication strategies. Council members identified additional priorities for consideration including retention of young, career-minded individuals and development of an adequate and diverse housing mix. SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING GOAL SETTING MEETING 3 MARCH 2, 2026 Council members then completed a ranking exercise of revised priorities. After removal of outliers, the priorities were ranked as follows: New business development Proper management of money/budget Support for development and maintenance of appropriate housing mix Community beautification Support for local business Community recognition/reputation Community partnerships/relationships Walkable community Retention of young, career-minded individuals . Environmental health and safety Community recreation opportunities AG CON OU RUNS Mr. Gribas and Mr. DiSanza noted that the results of this discussion would be used to guide future goal-setting sessions. AGENDAITEM NO. 3: ADJOURN There being no further business, Mayor Dahlquist announced that the next Special City Council Goal Setting meeting would be held March 13, 2026 and adjourned the meeting at 3:38 p.m. APPROVED: Wer. Ob — MARK DAHLQUIST, MAYOR ATTEST AND PREPARED BY:
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