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CITY OF CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO CITY COUNCIL CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION AUGUST 13, 2026 AGENDA ITEM NO. 1; ROLL CALL Council President Corey Mangum called the City Council Work Session to order at 9:00 a.m. Other council members present were Dakota Bates, Brent Nichols, Hayden Paulsen, Stacy Satterfield, and Ann Swanson. Mayor Mark Dahlquist was excused. AGENDA ITEM NO. 2: HUMAN RELATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE UPDATE Representatives from the Human Relations Advisory Committee (HRAC) were in attendance to update the Council on the Committee’s goals and projects. JD Wardell, Committee Chair, reported that the Committee is in the process of selecting the Human and Civil Rights Award recipient. He requested that the City Council consider changing the committee’s name from the Human Relations Advisory Committee to the Human Rights Advisory Committee, citing the committee’s desire for greater opportunity to advise the Council on human rights issues and take action. Mr. Wardell stated that the Committee has had difficulty finding ways to serve within the legal parameters of its role as an advisory board. In response to questions from Council for examples of tangible things the committee wanted but had not been able to do, Mr. Wardell referenced frustrations surrounding the requirement to comply with State open meetings law in relation to planning, attending, and hosting events as a committee, as well as limitations on discussing pending legal action. He added that the committee would like to host a town hall meeting for the public to bring forward human rights matters, even though they recognize it may be difficult to keep comments on topic. Mr. Mangum emphasized that human rights and human relations are two completely different ideas, and HRAC is tasked primarily with improving human relations within the community through education and partnerships. He clarified that human rights matters are related to legal issues. — Ms. Swanson acknowledged that legal restrictions may result in Committee members who are passionate about human rights feeling they are ineffectual in their roles on the committee. She put forth the option of dissolving the Committee and allowing members to pursue human rights matters in a less restrictive environment. Mr. Wardell admitted that their committee has had difficulty establishing a quorum for many meetings and is concerned that individuals would be less likely to attend meetings unless it was part of an official committee. Mr. Bates drew the distinction between advising and advocacy, emphasizing that advocacy is not the purpose of an advisory committee, and reiterated the description of CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 2 AUGUST 13, 2026 the Committee’s purpose to create an informal forum to present concerns and proposals, as well as to promote positive relations among members of the community. He cautioned against advocating for a particular view or agenda that may create division in the community and alienate certain segments of the population. He cited awarding Reading Time with the Queens with the 2023 Human and Civil Rights Award as an example of creating discord amongst local taxpayers. Mr. Bates suggested that the Committee members consider whether they would be more effective in their current role or in an organization outside the City. Holli Harnsberger, HRAC Staff Liaison, stated that HRAC originally had a dedicated phone line and form for members of the public to submit concerns. She explained that when HRAC brought the non-discrimination ordinance forward and it was passed by the City Council, responsibility for handling complaints shifted from HRAC to the Police Department, as complaints were then considered violations of a City ordinance. Ms. Harnsberger noted that HRAC’s ability to take action was significantly reduced by the ordinance. Council discussed HRAC’s role in advising the Council, noting that HRAC may request to be placed on a City Council agenda whenever they wish to advise the Council about a matter within their purview. Council also emphasized that HRAC’s role includes communicating to citizens that they are welcome in the community and encouraged to submit concerns to the Committee, including various methods of submitting concerns that do not require attending an HRAC meeting. Council emphasized that the Committee’s role does not include advocacy and the Committee’s role is outlined on the website. AGENDA ITEM NO. 3: POCATELLO ARTS COUNCIL UPDATE Representatives from the Pocatello Arts Council (PAC) were in attendance to update the Council on the Committee’s goals and projects. Dale Spencer, Committee Chair, stated that PAC’s mission is to support the arts and foster community participation through advocacy, grants, networking, promotion, and event sponsorship. He explained that PAC was established in 1991 with a $100,000 fund from the Chief Theater settlement and receives an annual allocation of $10,000. Approximately $40,000 remains available in the fund. Jake Knievel, PAC member, and Mr. Spencer reviewed PAC’s recent activities, including the Empty Bowls event, which raised approximately $6,000 for the Idaho Foodbank; sponsorship of Montana Shakespeare in the Park, which attracted more than 1,000 attendees; participation in the Festival of Trees; the Golden Pumpkin Award, recognizing local Halloween decorations; and grants to local artists and arts organizations. Council expressed appreciation for PAC’s activities and the value of arts programming in bringing the community together. Council asked whether additional grant funding could be pursued and discussed the importance of continuing to support the arts. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 3 AUGUST 13, 2026 Mr. Spencer stated that the remaining PAC funds are expected to last approximately three to four years and that the Committee is beginning to explore future funding options, including corporate sponsorships. He noted that fundraising varies and that PAC has received co-sponsorships for Montana Shakespeare in the Park, reducing the amount PAC must contribute toward the approximately $5,000 cost of the event. He added that PAC is committed to ensuring the event is funded each year. AGENDA ITEM NO. 4: STREET RENAMING AD HOC COMMITTEE REPORT The Street Renaming Ad Hoc Committee Chair Person was present to give the Committee’s recommendation for renaming the honorary stretch of South 8th Avenue between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and East Humbolt Street. Adam Velasquez, Chair, presented the Committee’s unanimous recommendation to rename the honorary stretch of South 8th Avenue between Martin Luther King Jr. Way and East Humbolt Street in honor of Judge Sergio Roberto Gutierrez. Mr. Velasquez highlighted Judge Gutierrez’s distinction as Idaho's first Latino district judge and first Latino judge on the Idaho Court of Appeals, his appointments by governors of both political parties, his advocacy for migrant workers, and his work promoting fairness and equal access within the judicial system. He noted Judge Gutierrez’s efforts to establish standards for court interpreters and his work mentoring and encouraging educational achievement among Idaho youth. Mr. Velasquez stated that the Committee believed Judge Gutierrez’s accomplishments and nonpartisan legacy made him a positive representation of Idaho and Pocatello, particularly given the street’s location near Idaho State University. In response to a question from Council regarding the other finalist, Mr. Velasquez identified Art Paz as a local business owner who supported employees pursuing higher education. He explained that the Committee selected Judge Gutierrez because of his documented record of public service, advocacy for equal rights, Hispanic representation, and the strength of his professional accomplishments. He stated that the recommendation was not intended to advance a political agenda, but rather to recognize an individual who could serve as a positive example to the community. Mr. Velasquez also noted that Judge Gutierrez had been informed of the recommendation and expressed that he would be honored to participate if the renaming is approved. Council indicated support for moving forward with the recommendation. The item is expected to be placed on a future City Council agenda for formal consideration. AGENDA ITEM NO. 5: PROPOSED CHANGES TO CITY CODE TITLE 5.04 GENERAL LICENSE REGULATIONS AND 5.56 TAXICABS - POLICE DEPARTMENT A member of Pocatello Police Department staff was in attendance to discuss proposed updates to Pocatello City Code Title 5.04 General License Regulations and 5.56 Taxicabs to modernize and streamline codes for consistency as follows: CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 4 AUGUST 13, 2026 a) City Code 5.04 “General License Regulations” revisions; and b) City Code 5.56 “Taxicabs” revisions; and c) City Code 5.04 “School Crossing Guards” addition; and d) City Code 5.04 “Traveling Carnival or Circus” addition; and e) City Code 5.04 “Christmas Tree Sales” addition. Mallarie Bascom, Licensing Officer, presented proposed revisions to City Code Title 5.04, General License Regulations, and Title 5.56, Taxicabs, intended to modernize and streamline licensing requirements. She explained that the General License Regulations had not been updated since 2013 and the Taxicab regulations since 1990. The revisions consolidate redundant provisions, clarify definitions and licensing procedures, update fees to reference the annual fee resolution, and establish more consistent requirements for issuance, denial, suspension, revocation, appeals, and penalties. Ms. Bascom explained that the proposed taxicab revisions distinguish traditional taxi services from transportation network companies and non-emergency medical transportation. The revisions would also move taxi licenses to a rolling one-year renewal period, clarify disqualifying convictions and consideration periods, require licenses to be associated with a licensed taxi business, and require insurance to remain in effect. She noted that the changes would provide more reasonable consideration for older convictions while retaining an appeal process. Ms. Bascom reviewed proposed provisions for school crossing guards, traveling carnivals and circuses, and Christmas tree sales. Crossing guard requirements would be streamlined while retaining the requirement for background checks and identification badges. Carnival and circus permits would clarify applicable uses and provide additional lead time for applications. Christmas tree sales requirements would address temporary electrical installations and other structures while exempting retail establishments selling trees as part of their regular merchandise. In response to questions from Council, Ms. Bascom explained the distinction between licenses, which generally remain valid for a year, and permits, which are issued for a specified period. She also stated that the proposed changes would not create a significant administrative burden and that taxi businesses are required to maintain a business license. She noted that the City’s licensing requirements for school crossing guards were established to ensure background checks are completed for individuals working with children. Council discussed whether the proposed Christmas tree and carnival/circus requirements should instead be consolidated into a general temporary-use licensing or permitting process. Council members expressed concern about creating separate licensing requirements for individual temporary businesses and emphasized the importance of consistency, equity, and limiting licensing requirements where possible. Staff noted that few Christmas tree and carnival/circus permits are issued annually and that other Idaho CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 5 AUGUST 13, 2026 cities generally address similar activities through temporary-use requirements based on factors such as electrical installations, structures, tents, and other safety considerations. Council reached consensus to move forward with the proposed revisions to General License Regulations, Taxicabs, and School Crossing Guards as presented. Council requested that the provisions for Traveling Carnivals or Circuses and Christmas Tree - Sales be revised to consider consolidation into a more general temporary licensing or permitting process, with the revised provisions to return to Council for consideration. AGENDA ITEM NO. 6: CITY INITIATED TEXT AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 17: ZONING REGULATIONS—PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT SERVICES Planning and Development Services staff were in attendance to discuss proposed updates to Pocatello City Code Title 17, Zoning Regulations, in response to State preemption legislation. Jim Anglesey, Long Range Planner, explained that the proposed amendments continue the prior month's discussion and primarily clarify existing language, with the addition of provisions required by Senate Bill 1352 for starter home subdivisions. The legislation requires cities to allow starter home subdivisions in residential zones on developments of at least four acres, with lots of 1,500 square feet or smaller. Based on legal counsel's clarification, 1,500 square feet is a maximum lot size. Qualifying developments must still complete the subdivision application process and would not qualify for existing infill provisions or the 10% adjustment due to the additional density allowed under State law. Mr. Anglesey explained that the State requirements would significantly reduce lot sizes and setbacks. Approximately 264 city parcels contain four acres or more, primarily in foothill areas, and adjacent parcels owned by a developer could potentially be combined to meet the four-acre requirement. Conceptual layouts showed that a four-acre development could accommodate approximately 116 units under maximum configurations, or about 76 units after accounting for roadway right-of-way. A 1,500- square-foot lot could support a footprint of approximately 400 square feet and, with a basement and two additional stories, potentially a 1,200-square-foot home. Mr. Anglesey noted that such development could create significant challenges for parking, utilities, landscaping, sanitation, and open space. He noted that the current code provides limited authority to regulate architectural style outside the Historic District, but the upcoming comprehensive zoning rewrite could consider form-based or other architectural standards. Mr. Anglesey raised concerns about "backwards density," where high-density development could occur on the City's urban fringe rather than in the urban core. To encourage development more consistent with the City's growth objectives, staff proposed alternative infill standards for areas bordered on at least two sides by existing development, below 4,600 feet in elevation, platted in their current configuration for at least five years, and containing less than four acres. These areas would have no minimum lot size or 1,500-square-foot maximum, while proposed setbacks and existing height CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 6 AUGUST 13, 2026 standards would apply. Townhomes and multifamily housing could also be developed in zones where those uses are permitted. Mr. Anglesey presented an overview of cottage courts, which would allow smaller setbacks and shared front-yard/open-space areas with consolidated parking. He highlighted their potential to provide greater housing diversity and community-oriented development while addressing some concerns associated with maximum-density starter home subdivisions. Utility and sanitation concerns were discussed, particularly on very small lots. Tom Kirkman, Public Works Director, noted that 30-foot-wide lots would not provide sufficient frontage for individual garbage, recycling, and compost carts, potentially requiring centralized dumpsters. He explained that centralized waste service could create billing and responsibility issues based on problems experienced with similar arrangements. Council also discussed whether incentives such as reduced fees or garbage services could encourage cottage courts or other preferred development types, but Mr. Kirkman cautioned against creating inequitable treatment between development types and problematic billing procedures. Council discussed whether to reduce minimum lot sizes in the City's two lowest-density residential zones to increase housing opportunities. They noted the need for additional housing and more diverse housing types but also expressed concerns about excessive density in foothill and fringe areas and the importance of maintaining quality of life, open space, and orderly growth. Council discussed potentially allowing more moderate densities in appropriate areas rather than encouraging maximum-density development. Mr. Anglesey explained that the amendments will require an addendum to Comprehensive Plan 2040 incorporating the State requirements. The earliest anticipated Planning and Zoning Commission hearing is September 9, 2026, followed by a City Council hearing on October 1, 2026. The State requirements must be implemented by February 1, 2027. Council requested that staff proceed with the proposed subdivision-related amendments and bring potential changes to minimum lot sizes back for separate discussion at the next work session. Council reached consensus to move forward with the current Title 17 amendments to meet State requirements while considering minimum lot size changes separately. Council President Mangum called a recess at 10:52 a.m. Council President Mangum resumed the meeting at 11:01. a.m. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 7. AUGUST 13, 2026 AGENDA ITEM NO. 7: PAY SCALE CHANGES FOR POLICE MANAGEMENT AND FIRE MANAGEMENT—HUMAN RESOURCES Jay Seedall, Human Resources Director, presented a proposal to expand the Police and Fire management compensation pay scales from 10 to 12 steps. He explained that the City had previously updated the pay scales for general employees, temporary/seasonal employees, and non-management Police and Fire positions, but management scales had not yet been addressed. The proposal is intended to align management scales with the City's existing 12-step structures, provide additional compensation growth, and address salary compression between frontline and management positions. Mr. Seedall explained that the current Police management scale has 10 steps, with 2.5% increases between the initial steps and 1.5% increases thereafter. The proposal would add two steps and modestly adjust the progression. He emphasized that the change is not a comprehensive compensation study, but an effort to improve internal consistency and encourage employees to pursue management positions. He explained that salary compression occurs when overtime, holiday pay, and other compensation allow frontline employees to earn compensation comparable to or greater than salaried managers. Police Chief Roger Schei noted that a detective sergeant who has reached step 10 on the scale and a lieutenant currently earn within approximately 40 cents of one another despite the lieutenant's greater responsibilities. He also noted that only two sergeants applied for two recent lieutenant openings, highlighting the challenge of attracting employees to management roles. For Fire management, approximately four positions would be affected. Mr. Seedall explained that the Fire scale has a different historical progression, so directly applying the same structure as Police could negatively affect Fire compensation. The proposal therefore retains the Fire scale's existing compensation philosophy while making modest adjustments to provide for additional growth and greater consistency between Police and Fire management scales. Mr. Seedall clarified that management positions are outside the Police and Fire Collective Bargaining Agreements, so the proposal would not affect those contracts. Chief Schei stated that the union president supports the proposal because it would strengthen succession planning by encouraging employees to pursue management positions and develop future department leaders. The estimated annual cost is approximately $22,492 for Police management and $8,047 for Fire management, which departments indicated could be absorbed within existing budgets. Human Resources is also continuing to collect compensation data from other cities for a future comprehensive compensation review. Council expressed support for addressing salary compression, management recruitment, and succession planning. Council discussed making the Fire scale fully consistent with the Police scale, but Mr. Seedall explained that this would be better CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 8 AUGUST 13, 2026 addressed through the future comprehensive review. Council reached consensus to expand the Police and Fire management pay scales from 10 to 12 steps, with implementation targeted for the beginning of the fiscal year. AGENDA ITEM NO. 8: JOHNNY CREEK SEWER CONNECTION FEES DISCUSSION—WATER POLLUTION CONTROL Water Pollution Control staff was in attendance to discuss the Johnny Creek mainline project and receive Council feedback regarding possible reduction or elimination of capacity fees for residents who connect to the new sewer line. Levi Adams, Water Pollution Control Superintendent, explained that the City charges capacity fees, rather than connection fees, to new sewer users. The one-time fees represent a user’s share of existing treatment and collection system infrastructure and may be used for limited purposes, primarily repayment of existing debt. The current residential capacity fee is approximately $5,000. The proposed Johnny Creek project is the first phase of a larger effort to extend sanitary sewer service through an area with approximately 180 homes currently served by septic systems. The first phase includes nearly one mile of sewer mainline and was funded through approximately $1 million in federal funds. Mr. Adams explained that the City cannot generally require residents to connect to the sewer system. However, if a septic system fails within 300 feet of an available sewer line, the Health Department will not permit the septic system to be repaired and the property must connect to the sewer. Staff was seeking Council direction on whether reducing or eliminating capacity fees could encourage residents to connect voluntarily as the sewer becomes available. Mr. Adams noted that eliminating the capacity fee would not affect sewer operations or maintenance, but would reduce funds available for repayment of existing infrastructure debt and potentially free other funds for future system expansions. Council discussed the financial burden on homeowners, noting that eliminating the capacity fee would not eliminate the significant cost of connecting to the sewer system. Mr. Adams estimated that a private contractor could charge approximately $15,000 to $20,000 for the connection, in addition to applicable permits and other costs. He also explained that homeowners must currently pay the full capacity fee when connecting after annexation, as well as the cost of the private connection. Council discussed the potential environmental benefits of moving residents from septic systems to sanitary sewer, particularly because of the density of development in the Johnny Creek area. Justin Armstrong, Water Superintendent, stated that the City frequently monitors nitrate levels in the area as an indicator of potential impacts from failing septic systems. He CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 9 AUGUST 13, 2026 reported that no particular impact to City wells had been identified to date, but acknowledged that failing septic systems could present a concern for groundwater quality in the future. Council expressed concern about establishing a precedent by providing a financial incentive to Johnny Creek residents when similar incentives had not been provided to residents in other areas. Council members noted that any reduction or waiver would need to be considered fairly for future annexations, sewer extensions, and new development. Council also noted that the Johnny Creek mainline was constructed with federal funding rather than ratepayer funds, but concluded that this did not justify waiving capacity fees. Council reached consensus that the capacity fees should not be waived or reduced for Johnny Creek residents and that residents should connect to the sewer system as their septic systems fail or when they otherwise determine connection is necessary. AGENDA ITEM NO. 9: FLOCK CAMERA POLICIES AND USAGE—POLICE DEPARTMENT Representatives from the Pocatello Police Department (PPD), including Chief Roger Schei, Captain Zac Bartschi, and Assistant Chief Eric Anderson, were in attendance to discuss and receive Council feedback about the Pocatello Police Department's Flock camera policies, procedures, and usage. Captain Bartschi stated that PPD began researching automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology in 2024 and evaluated several vendors based on cost, whether the system would be purchased or leased, technology updates, installation and relocation, IT requirements, and overall value. He explained that PPD selected Flock because its lease- based model included camera installation and technology updates and was determined to best meet the Department’s needs. Mr. Mangum stated that this presentation was intended to be informational regarding Flock camera policies, procedures, and usage, and that no decisions would be made at this time. Captain Bartschi explained that the Flock system does not use facial recognition, identify vehicle drivers, track cell phones, issue traffic citations, record conversations, or replace police officers or their discretion. He described the system as an investigative tool and force multiplier that provides information and investigative leads to officers. Chief Schei stated that the technology allows the Department to improve efficiency and maintain staffing levels as the City grows by allowing officers to identify vehicle locations without physically searching multiple locations. Captain Bartschi stated that the system can assist investigations by identifying vehicle characteristics, including make, model, color, roof racks, rear tags, and certain stickers or other distinguishing features. He explained that officers can search using vehicle CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 10 AUGUST 13, 2026 characteristics when a license plate is unavailable, although a plate, date, and time provide more precise search results. He cited a 2024 hit-and-run investigation in which a Flock camera captured both the vehicle and the incident itself; he noted that existing City traffic cameras did not capture the incident. Captain Bartschi explained that investigative alerts can be generated when law enforcement enters a vehicle of interest into appropriate law enforcement databases, such as a stolen vehicle or an endangered or missing person associated with an alert. The system can notify trained personnel when the vehicle passes a reader, allowing officers to respond and confirm the circumstances. Captain Bartschi stated that Pocatello owns the data generated by its cameras and that the system is limited to images captured on public streets. He explained that Flock data is automatically deleted after 30 days and cannot be searched after that period. If a read is relevant to an investigation, officers can download it and attach it to the Department's records as evidence, where it is retained as part of the case. In response to a question by Council, Captain Bartschi explained that officers may run a license plate when it is visible in public, similar to an officer observing and checking a plate while driving, and that a specific suspicious activity is not required for the plate to be checked. In response to questions from Council, Chief Schei explained that PPD had disabled nationwide access to its camera data and limited access to regional law enforcement partners, which included the western states. He stated that the Department had recently changed its access procedures in response to technology developments and community feedback. Regional partners may access Pocatello’s cameras without calling for permission, but PPD is implementing requirements that a search must include a qualifying criminal purpose, a reason, and a report number consistent with PPD policies. Agencies outside the regional network must contact PPD and provide a specific law enforcement reason before information is shared. Chief Schei cited a recent ATM burglary in which PPD officers used Idaho Falls cameras to locate a suspect vehicle and then notified Idaho Falls officers of the vehicle’s location and direction of travel. He stated that regional access was established because of Pocatello’s location along major transportation corridors, including Interstate 15, Interstate 86, and Highway 30, and the area’s exposure to drug and human trafficking. He noted that the system has been used in human trafficking investigations with regional law enforcement agencies. In response to questions from Council regarding earlier audit materials indicating that Pocatello cameras were being queried by agencies nationwide, Chief Schei explained that nationwide access had been disabled within approximately the previous two months as PPD continued to evaluate and modify its policies and procedures. He stated that the Department had consulted with other Idaho law enforcement agencies and was continuing to narrow access based on law enforcement purpose and community concerns. In response to questions from Council regarding whether Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) could access or request information from PPD’s Flock system for immigration purposes, Chief Schei stated that PPD has conducted zero searches solely for immigration purposes. He explained that when ICE contacts PPD, the request generally involves a criminal matter, such as a person with a warrant for arrest for aggravated battery or domestic battery. In those circumstances, PPD may conduct a search related to the criminal matter. Chief Schei stated that ICE’s access to PPD’s CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION NN AUGUST 13, 2026 system has been completely disabled and that ICE would have to contact PPD and submit an agency-assist request identifying the reason for the request. PPD would then document the agency assist and the criminal matter supporting the search. In response to questions from Council regarding whether Flock employees could access Pocatello’s data because the live data is hosted through Flock’s cloud infrastructure, Sheerica Wilkins, Flock Safety Public Affairs Manager for Idaho and the greater Pacific Northwest, stated that Flock uses Amazon Web Services GovCloud and that access by Flock personnel is limited to employees meeting Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) requirements. She explained that such access is intended for technical_and software updates and that an audit trail is maintained. She offered to provide written information identifying the applicable personnel and access controls. Ms. Wilkins stated that Flock personnel do not generally access individual license plate information as part of technical support and that access is limited by contractual obligations. Council expressed concern that the contract appeared to permit Flock to use customer- generated data and potentially disclose footage to third parties under certain circumstances. In response to questions from Council regarding Section 4.2 of the Flock contract concerning customer-generated data, Ms. Wilkins stated that Flock uses aggregate, de- identified data to improve its technology and that individual vehicle or City-specific information is not used for that purpose. She acknowledged that the contract language could be clearer and stated that Flock was working toward more plain-language terms. Ms. Wilkins offered to provide written clarification and stated that Flock was willing to amend its contracts if a City desired different language. In response to questions from Council regarding Section 5.3 concerning disclosure of footage, Ms. Wilkins explained that Flock reviews legal requests to determine whether they are valid, properly served, appropriately scoped, and legally enforceable, and that the City is notified when legally permitted. She stated that a court order or other legally enforceable process would control and that Flock has an emergency procedure for situations involving an immediate threat of death or serious physical injury. In response to questions from Council regarding how Flock determines that an emergency justifies disclosure without prior City approval, Ms. Wilkins described Flock’s emergency process and stated that it is based on a credible risk of serious physical injury or death and whether the requested information could help prevent that harm. She agreed to provide the process in writing. Council expressed a preference for amending the contract so that Flock could not disclose Pocatello footage to a third party without the City’s express permission, except when disclosure was legally. required. Ms. Wilkins stated that Flock was willing to discuss such an amendment with its legal team. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 12 AUGUST 13, 2026 Chief Schei stated that law enforcement requests involving Pocatello data should be routed through PPD rather than directly through Flock, particularly in situations where another agency may need information concerning a suspect traveling through the area. In response to questions from Council regarding whether any Flock employee, including corporate personnel, could view Pocatello’s cameras, Ms. Wilkins stated that access is restricted to CJIS-compliant personnel and that she personally does not have access. Chief Schei explained that CJIS requirements restrict access to sensitive law enforcement systems and provide auditability of system activity. Captain Bartschi stated that PPD employees who access the Flock system must be trained and that access is limited to sworn officers, dispatch personnel, and crime analysts. Access is immediately terminated when an employee separates from the Department. Each search is required to include a reason and report number, and employees must follow PPD policy and applicable state law. Captain Bartschi stated that PPD conducts audits of system use and plans to conduct them quarterly rather than only at the minimum frequency required by state law. He explained that the Department reviews system activity, including searches, reasons for searches, and report numbers, and that regional partner activity is included in the audit process. PPD uses a crime analyst and administrators to provide additional checks and balances. Misuse is subject to the Department's disciplinary policies. Captain Bartschi stated that an audit had identified an instance in which an officer failed to enter the reason for a search, and the Department corrected the issue. Ms. Wilkins stated that Flock had recently made entering a search reason mandatory for all agencies using the system. The importance of auditing all activity rather than relying solely on asample and ensuring that misuse is identified and addressed was discussed. In response to questions from Council regarding Flock’s Nova system and whether Pocatello’s data was being used to create detailed profiles of individuals, Chief Schei stated that Pocatello does not have Flock Nova and has no intention of moving in that direction. Captain Bartschi demonstrated the type of information generated by a Flock camera, explaining that a read generally provides an image of the rear of a vehicle, its license plate, location, date, and time. He explained that multiple reads may be available when a vehicle passes several cameras and that relevant images can be preserved as part of an investigation. Captain Bartschi described PPD’s ALPR transparency portal, which provides information regarding the program, applicable state law and Department policy, and examples of successful uses of the system. He stated that PPD intends to continue updating the portal as additional information and successes become available. Chief Schei and Captain Bartschi reviewed several examples in which Flock had assisted PPD investigations, including locating a 71-year-old man arrested for sexual abuse of a CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 13° AUGUST 13, 2026 child under 16, locating a kidnapped 13-year-old who was returned to her family, and locating a dementia patient who had traveled to Nevada. They also discussed the use of ALPR technology in the investigation of Skylar Meade after he traveled through the region. Chief Schei discussed the University of Idaho student murders in Moscow and stated that license plate readers could have assisted investigators in identifying the suspect vehicle more quickly. He also referenced the McKinley stabbing case and stated that ALPR technology could have helped establish the vehicle’s route and movements. Chief Schei stated that Flock is a tool that can assist officers but does not independently solve crimes. He acknowledged public concerns regarding surveillance technology and stated that PPD can control its local use through policies, procedures, and access restrictions. He emphasized that the Department intends to continue adapting its policies as technology and community expectations change. In response to questions from Council regarding the annual cost of the Flock system, Chief Schei stated that the ewoooe currently has two contracts with a combined annual cost of approximately 120,000. Council discussed the effectiveness of the system in relation to its cost and the community’s concerns about surveillance. Council members asked whether Flock technology has resulted in measurable reductions in crime, increased warrants, arrests, or prosecutions, and which categories of crime have benefited most. They noted that available independent academic research appears limited and that the clearest documented benefits identified to date involve vehicle-related crimes, including stolen vehicles and hit-and-run investigations. Council expressed interest in independent, non- law-enforcement and non-Flock academic research to evaluate the effectiveness and trade-offs of ALPR technology. Chief Schei stated that he would research available information from organizations such as the National Academy and the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Council members emphasized that independent academic studies, rather than studies conducted by Flock or law enforcement organizations, would be particularly useful in evaluating the technology. They discussed the difficulty of measuring the monetary value of the system against the benefits of solving serious crimes, particularly crimes involving children. Council members also noted the difficulty of measuring the deterrent effect of the cameras because it is impossible to know how many crimes may not have occurred because offenders were aware of the technology. In response to questions from Council regarding how PPD measures the effectiveness of Flock, Chief Schei stated that the transparency portal could provide more specific statistics regarding the number of criminal investigations materially assisted, stolen vehicles recovered, wanted persons arrested, missing or endangered persons located, hit-and-run cases solved, and other cases materially advanced through the use of Flock. Chief Schei stated that officers have been instructed to report successful uses of the system to their supervisors and acknowledged that the existing list of successes is not CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION 14 AUGUST 13, 2026 exhaustive. He indicated that it would work toward creating a more consistent method of documenting such outcomes. Chief Schei discussed the deterrent effect of the technology and noted that the locations of the cameras are publicly known. He stated that PPD has become aware of information being shared on social media showing the locations of Flock cameras, which may allow individuals involved in criminal activity to avoid monitored routes. He noted that this demonstrates both the visibility of the system and the difficulty of measuring deterrence. In response to questions from Council regarding whether copies of system audits could be provided to Council, Chief Schei agreed to provide future quarterly audits and stated that audit information could also be included on the transparency portal. Council members requested additional information regarding Flock access logs, including when and where Flock employees may access data; the contract provisions concerning customer-generated data; the extent of Flock employee access to cameras; independent academic studies regarding ALPR effectiveness; and additional statistics regarding the system's effectiveness. They also requested additional information regarding custom hot lists, including who has authority to place a vehicle on a hot list and the standards governing that process. Council members requested that the subject be placed on the agenda of another Work Session to further discuss the Flock system and potential contract amendments, specifically section 4.2 and 5.3. Council members also requested that independent academic studies be compiled and presented as they become available. Captain Bartschi agreed to work with Flock on the requested changes and return to Council with an update regarding the steps taken. Ms. Wilkins stated that Flock was willing to work with the City on contract amendments and provide written clarification regarding its data-use and emergency disclosure provisions. AGENDA ITEM NO. 10: FISCAL YEAR 2027 BUDGET DISCUSSION—FINANCE DEPARTMENT Council reviewed public comments and Council discussion from the August 6, 2026 Public Hearing. Rich Morgan, Chief Financial Officer, stated that only one comment had been received regarding the budget during the public hearing which was addressed at that time. In response to a question from Council, Mr. Morgan confirmed that the Fiscal Year 2027 budget appropriation ordinance, Fiscal Year 2027 forgone levy resolution, and Fiscal Year 2027 departmental fee schedule resolution would be brought before Council at the August 20, 2026 Regular City Council meeting and reviewed the remaining steps for finalizing the budget process. CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION ibs) AUGUST 13, 2026 Council members referenced topics from previous budget discussions, including salary savings, which they would like to discuss further at a future Work Session, the possibility of holding regular budget discussions on a monthly or quarterly basis, and introducing formal financial policies for procurement and bid processing. Mr. Morgan stated that there has been discussion about a formal procurement policy and a quote had been secured from Central Square for adding a module to the Naviline system. Inresponse to a question from Council, he stated that the total amount published for the Fiscal Year 2027 budget is $186, 698, 370. AGENDA ITEM NO. Tl: COUNCIL ADVISORY BOARD UPDATES Council President Mangum announced that this item had been pulled from the agenda. AGENDA ITEM NO. 12: ADJOURN There being no further business, Council President Mangum adjourned the meeting at 1:00 p.m. APPROVED: “Wye Oath MARK DAHLQUIST, MAYOR PREPARED BY:
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