Sentinel Media records · public agendas and minutes, text only, refreshed nightly from each body's own site · not a newspaper
minutes meeting date 2026-06-04 · fetched 2026-10-18 · 25644 characters · read by OCR, check numbers against the source · official file · plain text
CITY OF CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING JUNE 4, 2026 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1: ROLL CALL Mayor Mark Dahlquist called the City Council 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: PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT: Anne Butler, Parks and Recreation Director, and representatives from the Parks and Recreation Department presented an overview of the department's divisions, operations, goals, revenues, expenditures, staffing and capital needs. The presentation included Cemetery, Parks, Parks and Recreation Administration, Golf Courses and Summer Concerts, Fort Hall Replica/Frontier Village, Zoo Idaho, Outdoor Recreation, Team Sports, Ross Park Aquatic Center and the Community Recreation Center. Cemetery Ms. Butler was joined by Brad Haag, Cemetery Supervisor, and reviewed the Cemetery Division, which is operated as Special Revenue Fund 005. She discussed the division's mission, organizational structure, goals, staffing and financial position. Ms. Butler stated that various areas of the city had experienced significant marmot activity in previous years and staff members continue to implement daily control measures to limit damage to cemetery grounds and infrastructure. She stated that the cemetery reported positive results from its cemetery cleanup program, with 12 community groups participating in an Adopt-a-Section cleanup effort prior to Memorial Day. Council members expressed appreciation for the community participation and the improved appearance of the cemetery. Ms. Butler confirmed that additional improvements to the Adopt-a-Section program at the cemetery would be introduced during the upcoming year. She reported that seasonal staffing remains a challenge and the department has incorporated a 20% increase in seasonal wages into the proposed budget in an effort to improve recruitment and retention. Ms. Butler clarified that the proposed entry-level wage would increase from approximately $10.16 per hour to $13.07 per hour, with the increase incorporated into the proposed FY2027 budget. Future cemetery needs include leveling portions of Mountain View Cemetery and preparing Restlawn Cemetery for future development. Ms. Butler indicated that undeveloped areas of Restlawn has been platted and that staff will present a phased development approach, anticipated to include four to five phases progressing toward the north. She confirmed the need to remain aware of potential locations for a future cemetery, although such a need is still several years away. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Butler explained that fee increases adopted approximately one year ago are beginning to build the cemetery's reserve accounts. The department has also seen an increase in cremations, which may help extend available cemetery space. CITY COUNCIL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING 2 JUNE 4, 2026 Mayor Dahlquist thanked the cemetery staff for their work and noted that the improved appearance of the cemetery had received numerous positive comments from the community. Parks Brayden Millward, Parks Superintendent, presented an overview of the Parks Division, which is funded through the General Fund. The division is responsible for parks landscaping, greenspace maintenance, irrigation, mowing, restrooms, garbage collection, playgrounds and other maintenance activities. Mr. Millward reviewed departmental goals and recent accomplishments. Including in-house fabrication and installation of more than 60 facility signs. Significant progress was also made on playground projects and improvements at Alameda Park. In conjunction with the Planning and Development Services Grants Division, Parks participated in a tree grant project resulting in approximately 200 trees planned for planting in the fall, with another 200 anticipated in the spring. Restroom improvements are planned at Pleasureland in Lower Ross Park and at the skate park. Mr. Millward confirmed that seasonal staffing remains a challenge and that the proposed budget includes adjustments to seasonal wages and operational expenditures. He confirmed that the department is also evaluating technology that could improve efficiency. Mr. Millward discussed a demonstration of remote-controlled mowing equipment capable of operating on steep slopes, including slopes of up to approximately 50 percent. The equipment has been tested but has not yet been purchased. Ms. Butler noted that the equipment could be particularly useful for difficult-to-maintain areas such as the steep retention pond at Legacy Park and increase safety for personnel. Council members discussed the potential cost of the equipment and its usefulness in maintaining steep areas along Interstate 15 and other City-maintained properties. Ms. Butler also discussed trail maintenance, urban forestry, irrigation, landscaping and other maintenance responsibilities. Staff has identified a need for a parking lot paving maintenance plan because the City has significant paved and unpaved surfaces within the parks system but does not have the equipment or expertise to complete all paving work within the department. Council members discussed maintenance of areas that are not traditional parks but remain City- maintained property, including interchanges, stormwater areas and strips of land associated with development. In response to a question from Council regarding the possibility of removing maintenance responsibilities from some areas, Ms. Butler explained that staff could prepare a list of such properties for Council review to determine whether they have an intended municipal use or could potentially be sold. She also encouraged consideration of maintenance responsibilities when reviewing future subdivision plats. Mr. Millward reported that the Parks Division is currently fully staffed, although staffing levels fluctuate based on seasonal needs. Seasonal employees are utilized throughout the year, with approximately 25 seasonal employees and are expected to begin work following the close of the school year. CITY COUNCIL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING 3 JUNE 4, 2026 Ms. Butler explained that the proposed seasonal wage increase is approximately 20 percent for Cemetery and Parks positions and approximately 10 percent for the Recreation divisions of the department. In response to Council discussion regarding staffing levels compared with other communities, Ms. Butler noted that Idaho Falls has approximately 67 full-time parks employees, not including its golf course, while Pocatello has approximately 36 total employees associated with Parks and Zoo operations. She emphasized that Pocatello provides services with significantly fewer employees. Parks and Recreation Administration, Golf Courses and Summer Concerts Ms. Butler and Kele Hansen, Executive Assistant, presented an overview of Parks and Recreation Administration, Golf Courses and Summer Concerts. Ms. Butler discussed the use of public- private partnerships and creative approaches to addressing deferred maintenance and staffing challenges. She explained that the golf operation is budgeted within Fund 004, the Recreation Fund. Ms. Butler reported that golf revenues are being set aside to support future capital improvements, irrigation software updates, equipment repairs and other projects. One of the department's goals is to issue a request for bids for golf concessionaire services in 2028. She noted that the current concession arrangement has been in place for approximately 25 years and that it is appropriate to evaluate available options while maintaining a quality golf experience. Ms. Butler discussed completion of the Riverside Golf Course Clubhouse and a potential partnership with a local property owner to provide additional golf parking, subject to completion of the plat and Council approval. Additional trailer parking could provide approximately 30 spaces and help address existing demand. Golf irrigation improvements at Highland and Riverside Golf Courses were identified as major future capital projects. Ms. Butler explained that the irrigation systems would need to be replaced in phases, approximately nine holes at a time, because the work cannot be completed during winter conditions. The estimated cost of the irrigation project is approximately $1 million and although the department does not currently maintain a dedicated reserve specifically for the project, the intention is to continue building the Golf Fund and saving toward the irrigation work while completing the clubhouse. Council members discussed the allocation of water costs between Golf and Water funds. Ms. Butler discussed the Summer Concert program, which has a limited budget supporting approximately six free community performances during July. Performers are paid a small stipend for the performances. Ms. Butler reported that the bandshell in Lower Ross Park is aging and in need of future remodeling and that Parks staff may assist with that work. Mayor Dahlquist complimented Parks and Recreation staff for the work occurring behind the scenes at the Riverside Golf Course and noted that the temporary parking and other accommodations during clubhouse construction were well planned. Fort Hall Replica/Frontier Village Ms. Butler presented an overview of the Fort Hall Replica/Frontier Village, a small division within the Recreation Fund. She reported that discussions have taken place with the Fort Hall Replica Board regarding changes to the existing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and the goal is to continue supporting the site as an important historical and educational resource. Ms. Butler CITY COUNCIL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING 4 JUNE 4, 2026 stated the facility serves approximately 1,800 students and scouts and an additional 300 to 400 visitors during the summer months and that approximately 70 percent of annual visitors are received during the period of May through September. The facility generates approximately $20,000 in revenue and also receives funding from Bannock County for operations. The historical society is responsible for staffing the facility, but the replica and the junction are owned by the City of Pocatello. She explained that the City previously staffed the replica but transferred staffing responsibilities to the Historical Society in 2017, with the understanding that the City would continue to maintain the facilities. The replica was constructed in 1963 and was not originally designed as a permanent structure. Pocatello Junction was constructed in the 1990s. Ms. Butler confirmed that the Fort Hall Replica remains the primary focus because of its historical significance. Ms. Butler reported that there is approximately $11,772 available in the maintenance fund that could be used for utilities associated with the replica and junction, grant matches and related expenses. She added that the Historical Society recently obtained a grant for repairs to the replica's mezzanine and paid for the remaining project costs. The next major priority is roof repair, which is estimated to be approximately $30,000. Ms. Butler indicated that the City may be able to obtain a grant to help cover approximately half of that cost. In response to a question from Council, Ms. Butler explained that the City of Pocatello owns the Fort Hall Replica and Pocatello Junction while Bannock County owns the surrounding property. Council members expressed appreciation for the Historical Society's efforts to address deferred maintenance and for the progress made on the mezzanine project. Zoo Idaho Ms. Butler and Peter Pruett, Zoo Manager, presented an overview of Zoo Idaho. Mr. Pruett explained that Zoo Idaho operates as a rehabilitation facility with a zoo component and focuses heavily on education, wildlife rehabilitation and conservation. Recent projects have included a new badger exhibit funded through donations and the addition of cougar kittens. Educational programming will continue to be offered throughout the year. Mr. Pruett stated that future needs include a black bear exhibit, replacement of portions of the pathway system, additional shaded rest areas for visitors and a vehicle dedicated to educational programming. In response to Council discussion regarding the Zoo’s potential use of a centralized motor pool, Mr. Pruett explained that the Zoo requires a vehicle for daily operations and animal transportation and that a dedicated vehicle is preferable because it remains at the Zoo and is used regularly. Mr. Pruett reported that admission fees have been increased gradually, generally every other year, as improvements are made. Education fees have not increased because of concerns about maintaining access for Idaho school districts. Mr. Pruett reported that Zoo attendance has recovered to pre-pandemic levels over the past two years and is continuing to improve. Summer attendance is approximately 25,000 to 28,000 visitors, while educational programs bring in approximately 36,000 participants annually. Mr. Pruett discussed the Zoo's cooperative relationship with Visit Pocatello and efforts to attract visitors traveling to and from Yellowstone National Park. Zoo Idaho is working with Visit Pocatello on opportunities to increase international tourism. CITY COUNCIL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING 5 JUNE 4, 2026 In response to Council questions regarding opportunities to increase revenue through concessions, memberships, private donations and capital campaigns, Mr. Pruett reported that the Zoological Society has a goal of obtaining 500 new memberships, with membership revenue helping offset capital project costs. Mr. Pruett stated that the Zoo's operating and maintenance costs, excluding salaries and benefits, are approximately $300,000 annually. Food costs remain one of the largest challenges because prices for hay, grass and alfalfa fluctuate and cannot be deferred. Mr. Pruett also discussed wildlife rehabilitation. Animals are rehabilitated with the goal of returning them to the wild when possible. Rehabilitation requires significant staff time and resources, but successful animal rescues also provide educational and community engagement opportunities. Council members discussed the potential for additional private-sector support. Mr. Pruett noted that local businesses have provided significant assistance with Zoo projects, including the gift shop and exhibits. Outdoor Recreation Ms. Butler and Cary Rhoades, Outdoor Recreation Manager, presented an overview of Outdoor Recreation. Ms. Rhoades stated the division coordinates community events such as Poky Paddle and fun runs; oversees trails, climbing areas, disc golf, river access points and natural trail systems; and assists with fire mitigation efforts. Parks maintains paved trails while Outdoor Recreation is responsible for natural trails. Department goals include implementation of the Trails Master Plan, improving river trail access, increasing participation in fun runs and utilizing a community wildfire grant for open-space areas. Ms. Rhoades identified the need for additional full-time staffing and an ATV/UTV for the Nordic Center and identified capital needs not included in the proposed FY2027 budget. She discussed the possibility of relocating ski race events to Upper City Creek. In response to a question from Council regarding the Trails Master Plan and its relationship to the City's Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trails (PROST) Plan, Ms. Rhoades explained that development of a Trails Master Plan was one of the top five recom mendations identified through the PROST planning process. Council members discussed Phase 2 of the trailhead project. Approximately $70,000 remains to be funded, and staff plans to pursue a Recreational Trails Program grant. A private business has already committed some funding. Council members recognized the department's extensive use of volunteers and its efforts to obtain grants and outside funding. Team Sports Ms. Butler and Richard Henderson, Team Sports Manager, presented an overview of the Team Sports division. The division operates primarily from March through October and provides groundskeeping for baseball and softball fields, youth and adult leagues and special events. Mr. Henderson stated the division relies heavily on volunteers and approximately 20 part-time employees. Staff schedules vary, based on program demands and includes evenings and weekends. Mr. Henderson confirmed that Team Sports does not own an indoor gymnasium and relies heavily on agreements with local schools for indoor programming. He added that the division works with surrounding communities to accommodate teams and tournaments. Teams CITY COUNCIL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING 6 JUNE 4, 2026 from Logan, Rexburg, Rigby, Rupert, Malad, Snake River, American Falls and other communities have participated in local programs. The department's goal is to expand programming for older youth, particularly middle school and high school students who may not participate on school teams. Mr. Henderson discussed potential opportunities for volleyball and other sports where there are limited community offerings. Council members discussed demand for youth and adult sports. Ms. Butler reported increases in adult softball and volleyball participation and noted that demand varies by sport and season. Travel teams also compete for available field space. When possible, the City of Pocatello coordinates with the City of Chubbuck to provide additional opportunities and accommodate overflow. Mr. Henderson emphasized that the goal is to complement rather than compete with existing area programs. Council members discussed improvements to the NOP Park parking lots, including potential partnerships with the Pocatello Valley Soccer Club and the School District to assist with funding. The lots are heavily used for soccer, adult softball, youth leagues and tournaments but remain primarily gravel. Ms. Butler reported that staff has estimated approximately $204,000 for asphalt improvements and $73,000 for microseal treatment for three lots. Tom Kirkman, Public Works Director, noted that recycled asphalt and microsurface treatments may provide a more cost-effective alternative to traditional paving. Council members emphasized the need to improve the parking area and provide better organization and markings for tournaments and other events. Ross Park Aquatic Center Ms. Butler and Staci VanKirk, RPAC Manager, presented an overview of the Ross Park Aquatic Center (RPAC), including operations, staffing, attendance, revenues, deferred maintenance and future capital needs. Ms. VanKirk described RPAC as a destination facility that attracts residents as well as visitors from outside the community. Deferred maintenance remains a significant priority. She emphasized that recent improvements have included work supported by ARPA funds, resurfacing of the pool and lazy river and improvements to the facility. Future needs include filtration system replacement for the activity and main pools, additional equipment and replacement of the main pool cover. Ms. VanKirk reported the department has increased the seasonal staffing budget by approximately 10 percent. She emphasized that lifeguard and aquatic positions require specific certifications and that staffing is critical to safely operate the facility. She reported that attendance and revenues are currently exceeding conservative projections. Approximately 65,000 visitors to Ross Park were seen during the previous year and approximately 195,555 waterslide riders. Ms. VanKirk confirmed that the slide fee was increased by $1 from 2025 prices without a noticeable reduction in attendance. She reported that the facility also provides swim lessons, lazy river walking, private parties and other programs. Lazy river walking is particularly popular and generates revenue without requiring the same level of staffing as other aquatic activities. CITY COUNCIL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING 7 JUNE 4, 2026 Council discussed affordability of the facility use. In response to Council discussion regarding affordability, Ms. VanKirk stated current admission rates were identified as $8 for adults, $6 for youth, $4 for children under six and $5 for seniors. The slide fee is $6. A reduced admission period is available Monday through Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., providing a lower-cost option for families. Attendance reports in 2025 estimate approximately 21,000 adult river walkers, 9,000 children, 1,600 seniors and approximately 20,000 youth participants. Council members discussed possible partnerships with schools and community organizations, including programs that allow students to receive passes as recognition for academic achievement. In response to Council comments regarding resurfacing, Ms. VanKirk explained that resurfacing has a shorter useful life than the original pool surface. The current resurfacing is approximately eight years old, while the lazy river resurfacing is approximately one year old. She anticipates that planning for additional resurfacing would occur in approximately three years. Council members expressed appreciation for the facility and its value as a community and regional attraction. Community Recreation Center Ms. VanKirk presented an overview of the Community Recreation Center (CRC). She stated that CRC operates with a lean front-desk staff and identified a future need for additional evening and weekend coverage to ensure adequate supervision when administrative personnel are not present. The facility utilizes approximately 25 variable-hour instructors who provide dance, swimming, fitness and other programs. Instructor hours vary from approximately two to 20 hours per week depending on program demand. Ms. VanKirk reported that deferred maintenance is a significant concern. An architectural study has been completed, and staff is developing a phased approach that would allow the facility to remain open during renovations. Major future projects include plumbing and mechanical upgrades, locker room improvements, additional family locker rooms, pool tile regrouting, improvements to surrounding walls and flooring and improvements to the pool air-handling system. She emphasized the need for additional family locker rooms so that children can use the facility without having to enter adult locker rooms. Council members discussed parking lot expansion, which could improve access during evening fitness programs and help address neighborhood concerns. Ms. Butler explained that previous partnerships with the Portneuf Health Trust helped fund improvements to the weight room, but approximately one-quarter to one-third of the building remains unimproved. She intends to pursue additional grants and partnerships and to phase improvements in order to maintain operations. Ms. VanKirk reported the CRC had approximately 76,000 visits, excluding individuals who may enter for activities such as dance programs without scanning in. Membership has remained around 2,400, with approximately 8,400 day passes sold annually. She explained that Medicare and other medical insurance programs contribute significantly to senior memberships. CITY COUNCIL BUDGET DEVELOPMENT MEETING 8 JUNE 4, 2026 Ms. Butler stated that revenue projections have been intentionally conservative and that staff expects the Recreation Fund to meet or exceed projections. In response to a question from Council regarding funding for various capital needs, Ms. Butler explained that accurate cost estimates have been difficult to obtain and that staff would like to identify specific phases, obtain reliable bids and prioritize projects. She explained that Fund 004 is the Recreation Fund and that excess revenues can be placed into reserves. The department has worked to build the reserve to approximately three months of operating expenses after previously experiencing significant financial pressure. Ms. VanKirk expressed support for moving forward with a formal Capital Improvement Plan so that the department can transition from a reactive approach to a more proactive maintenance strategy. Council Member Bates stated that the current budget discussion demonstrates the need for a City-wide Capital Improvement Plan. He noted that numerous departments have significant unfunded needs, including Parks, Police, and Recreation, and that the City needs a method for identifying, prioritizing and funding those projects. Mayor Dahlquist agreed that a comprehensive Capital Improvement Plan should be considered and noted that procurement and bidding processes may benefit from a coordinated approach rather than requiring individual departments to manage major capital projects independently. Council members discussed the financial performance of the aquatic facilities and acknowledged that pools generally do not cover their full operating costs and that the Community Recreation Center is a significant community amenity. Council members discussed the Recreation Fund's relationship to the City's overall tax structure and the fact that Fund 004 is a separate taxing entity and agreed that the discussion should continue as part of the City's broader budget and capital planning process. Mayor Dahlquist announced that the next Budget Development meeting would be held June 18, 2026 at 9:00 a.m. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: ADJOURN There being no further business, Mayor Dahlquist adjourned the meeting at 11:09 a.m. APPROVED: Wor. MARK DAHLQUIST, MAYOR ATTEST AND PREPARED BY:
Text is extracted by machine from the official file linked on each page; the official file is the record. Sentinel Media, LLC.