HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 07 2018 CM Study SessionCITY OF CHUBBUCK
COUNCIL STUDY SESSION MINUTES
MARCH 7, 2018 — 4:00PNI
CALL TO ORDER: Mayor England
COUNCIL PRESENT: Roger Hernandez, Annette Baumeister, Ryan Lewis, and Melanie Evans
STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Kevin England, Public Works Director Rodney Burch,
Planning and Development Director Devin Hillam, City Engineer Bridger Morrison, City
Attorney Tom Holmes, Police Chief Bill Guiberson, City Clerk Rich Morgan, and Deputy Clerk
Joey Bowers.
GENERAL BUSINESS:
1. Review requests for funding for fiscal year 2018.
1 a. Zoo Director Peter Pruett and the Zoo Society Chair President Jennifer Erchul
represented Zoo Idaho. Zoo Idaho wanted to discuss a $30,000 sponsorship opportunity
for the City. Mr. Pruett gave an update on what the zoo has done and is planning on
doing. Mrs. Erchul talked about what the society has done to support the zoo and the
community. This sponsorship would allow for a full time education coordinator to
expand the zoos education outreach in the community and the surrounding areas up to a
250 mile radius.
Councilmember Evans was concerned about using local money to fund a program that
educates outside of school district 25. Councilmember Baumeister wanted to know if the
zoo was receiving any funds from the school district. Councilmember Baumeister was
also concerned about sponsoring a full time position at the zoo when the City was already
short staffed in other departments. Mr. Pruett stated that most travel expenses would be
covered by grants. Mr. Pruett also stated that the zoo does not currently receive any funds
from the school district. Councilmember Lewis asked to see the zoos current budget, and
the efforts that the zoo has made for grants, and private sponsors.
lb. Bannock County Commissioner Terrell N. Tovey represented the biggest show in
Idaho. Mr. Tovey presented the changes to this event and stated that the County had
found a sponsor for the next three years, and will not need to come before the City for
funding of this event moving forward. Mr. Tovey stated that they are asking the City of
Pocatello and the City of Chubbuck to help pay off last year's remaining deficit of
$12,878.40.
Councilmember Lewis stated that even though this request was higher than what the
City had done in the past, if this was the last year that the County would becoming before
the City for funding it would be worth the little extra expense.
lc. Executive Director Sarah O'Banion represented Family Services Alliance. Mrs.
O'Banion thanked the City for their support and gave a history of what Family Services
Alliance does and how they help the victims of these crimes. Mrs. O'Banion stated that
all their services are free and confidential. These services include providing shelter,
finding permanent housing, assist with Bannock County court processes, long term
support for families, therapy for children, and improve parent/child attachment with the
non-violent parent.
Councilmember Lewis and Councilmember Evans thanked them for the services that
they provide. Councilmember Hernandez wanted to know if they worked with Health and
Welfare. Mrs. O'Banion stated that they have received grants from Health and Welfare in
the past.
1 d. Andrea DeMartines represented meals on wheels. Mrs. DeMartines stated that
meals on wheels provides ready to eat meals to elderly and disabled individuals Monday
through Friday with the availability to get frozen meals for the weekend. Mrs.
DeMartines stated that they had 346 clients last year with 60 of those clients in the City
of Chubbuck. Last year in the City of Chubbuck meals on wheels delivered 9,194 meals
at a total cost of about $72,000. Mrs. DeMartines went over where meals on wheels gets
its current funding.
Mayor Kevin England stated that meals on wheels is more than just nutritional food, it
is friendship, help, companionship, and that this is the only contact some of our residents
get in any given day. Mayor England felt like this was one program that would be a big
mistake for the Council to not support and help fund.
1 e. BJ Stensland represented Aide for friends. Mrs. Stensland gave a history of what
Aide for Friends does and how they help to make sure that the community is taken care
of 24/7/365 days a year. Mrs. Stensland stated that last year they served 469 people and
have seen an increase in families this year, they currently have 11 children living with a
parent/guardian at their facility. Mrs. Stensland stated that those in need can only live at
the facility for 90 days, so Aide for Friends gets them the help that they need to live on
their own.
Mayor England felt like Family Services Alliance, Meals on Wheels, and Aide for
Friends are very important and valuable programs for our community, and recommended
the Council to approve funding for these programs.
Councilmember Lewis asked about the increase in funding requested from last year.
Mrs. Stensland stated that they have had an increase in staffing costs due to the lack of
ISU work study students that they have had in the past.
If. Birgitta Bright represented Visit Pocatello. Mrs. Bright presented a progress report,
and the most recent tourism statistics. Mrs. Bright stated that visit Pocatello received a
grant for $175,192 to promote tourism in our area. The grant does not allow
administration cost so the support from the local entities allows them to administer,
apply, and to maintain and update the visit Pocatello website.
2. Discussion and Update on Connor Academy.
Councilmember Baumeister wanted to let the Council know that she had been
working with the dean, teachers, and parents at Connor Academy, and wanted to give
them an update on what Connor Academy had done to help with the congestion issue.
Councilmember Baumeister stated that they have encouraged students/parents to use the
PRT bus system, they currently are filling up two buses and are in talks with PRT to add
a third bus, they have raised the funds to complete their portion of Alpine Rd for more
parking and a larger drop off area., and they strongly encourage no walking on Philbin
Rd. Connor Academy did suggest for the City to install a three way stop sign to help the
flow of traffic. Councilmember Baumeister wanted to know if the City could put up
caution school zone signs up to help bring more awareness to drivers.
Mayor England stated that he hasn't had any complaints about congestion at Connor
Academy for the last 8 months, and wanted to recognize the school, and parents that have
worked together to help resolve this issue. Mayor England made the suggestion to have
different start/drop off times for different grades. Councilmember Baumeister felt like
that created an even bigger issue for the parents that have to work to try and figure out
how to get their kids to school at different times. She did suggest and Connor Academy is
considering a bigger drop off window to allow more time for parents to come and go.
Councilmember Lewis wanted to get input from Police Chief Bill Guiberson on the
three way stop sign suggestion. Chief Guiberson stated the signs might be beneficial for
fifteen minutes twice a day, but wouldn't recommend it. He suggested having the parents
only make a right hand turn out of the parking lot. Councilmember Lewis was concerned
about forcing a right hand turn, and increasing traffic congestion on Chubbuck road.
Public Works Director Rodney Burch stated that the City would want to receive the
opinion from the Cities traffic advisors before putting up signs, so they don't
inadvertently create a liability issue for the City. Mr. Burch stated that the last opinion the
City received from it advisors about this area was that school zone signs, and stop signs
were not warranted, because in their opinion there is not a traffic issue to resolve, and
there is no reason for the signage because the school is not located on Philbin road. Mr.
Burch stated that in 2015 the City Council decided to not spend $10,000 for a traffic
study in this area. Mr. Burch wanted the Council to know that City engineering has
looked at this area and has indicated that the City could put in a left hand turning lane to
help traffic flow, but due to the available space it would only hold about three-four cars
and then it would back up into Philbin road again. Preliminary estimated cost for that
project is about $75,000, and would just be a temporary fix. Mr. Burch does not
recommend a three way stop, and said that this is about the same cost as a four way stop
at an estimated cost of over $200,000.
3. Discussion on Council Procedures.
Mayor Kevin England wanted to talk to the Council about procedures and how to get
more involvement from all the members of the Council. Mayor England also wanted to
make a few suggestion to help the Council from getting off topic, and having more
smooth presentations for applicants. Mayor England wanted the Council to know that as
elected representatives that they do not need his permission to talk to the media. But also
suggested that touching base with the Mayor before talking to the media would be
beneficial, so that everyone is on the same page with correct information.
Councilmember Lewis felt like every application is unique and was worried about
being to formalistic that it will cut off thought process, and was also concerned that the
Council would not be able to address the questions and concerns of the public.
Councilmember Lewis asked city staff to make sure that the applicants know what
requirements they needed to present to the Council for approval.
Councilmember Baumeister stated that the Council needed to be careful not to derail a
presentation, and wait to ask city staff questions after the presenter is done.
Councilmember Evans agreed with Councilmember Baumeister and that the Council
needed to make sure to give the presenter the appropriate time and attention to present
their application.
4. Discussion and Update to the Strategic Plan.
Planning and Zoning Director Devin Hillam presented that the strategic plan survey
had been closed and is being analyzed by city staff. 409 completed surveys were received
with 332 of those responses from individuals within the City of Chubbuck's boundaries.
Mr. Hillam felt like that the survey presented sufficient data to draw conclusions and
draft the Plan. Mr. Hillam asked the Council what themes they would like city staff to
focus as they draft the strategic plan. Some of the themes that Mr. Hillam presented was
vibrant neighborhoods, diverse/inclusive city, well-managed government, safe and
resilient community, strong economy, healthy residents, thriving youth, multi -modal
transportation, and growing arts, cultural, and recreational opportunities.
City Council was comfortable with the themes that Mr. Hillam presented and asked
city staff to move forward with these themes as they draft the strategic plan.
Councilmember Baumeister also wanted to add clean/esthetically pleasing neighborhoods
as a theme.
ADJOURN: Mayor Kevin England adjourned at 5:55.
EPUTY CLERK KEVIN ENGLAN -MAYOR