HomeMy WebLinkAbout01 20 2016 CM Study SessionCITY OF CHUBBUCK
COUNCIL STUDY SESSION AGENDA
JANUARY 20, 2016 — 4:00PNI
CALL TO ORDER
GENERAL BUSINESS:
I. Update on Hockey Rink, Jim DeSanza.
Jim explained that this is the only refrigerated Ice in Southeast Idaho. Jim went through
the history of the cement and ice rinks starting in 2006. Jim explained open skates, the
associations planned schedules. The Hockey Association is grateful for the City's
contributions and support to make this happen.
The Mayor mentioned that the Hockey Association has asked the City to pay for the cost
of running the compressor for the refrigerated ice. Council Member Lewis asked for the
Association to put up an informational sign.
2. Discussion on Hoops Academy.
Paul Andrus explained the history of Hoops Academy including the city's requirement
for a paved parking lot, landscaping and water retention, Hoops non-compliance and their
request for time to become compliant. At the time of the initial request for more time, the
city agreed to review the following year. Reviews happened in 2011, 2012 and 2013.
There were some improvements they agreed to do in the last design review that have not
been done. The City has been trying to contact Hoops for 2014 and 2015 and Hoops has
not responded. There is some indication Hoops would like to ask for a permanent waiver
of the requirements. Paul mentioned the problems with emergency vehicles access and
his concern that they have not responded to the City's requests. Tom Holmes mentioned
his concern with granting the waiver. Councilmember Lewis stated that this is an
executive issue.
3. Review the request for a contract to place bus stop benches in Chubbuck.
Paul Andrus explained the history of the bus stop benches in Chubbuck. The last time
this was in front of the council was 2005. The company running the benches does have a
business license. There is no current contract between the company and the City. In
reviewing the benches current locations, it does look like they are more advertising than
bench. Rodney Burch explained that the benches are a violation of City code in two
instances; they are off premise signs and they are in the right of way. Councilmember
Lewis stated that this is an executive issue. Councilmember Lewis is suggest that the
City get pictures of the current benches and locations.
4. Presentation on Buxton Company as an economic development tool.
Rodney Burch explained to the council the services Buxton Company would provide to
the City. They are an economic development company that matches up Cities with
expanding retail business. In the City's initial review of the company it appears they are
legitimate and do a good job at what they are offering. Buxton is asking for a three year
commitment at $50,000 per year. Councilmember Lewis asked if we could find the
same kind of company that represents expanding manufacturing and industrial business.
Councilmember Baumeister likes the idea but would like to be commission based. She
also asked for references from prior or current clients of Buxton.
5. Discussion on how to educate the public about City issues.
The Mayor believes that getting the word out is a good idea. He believes most of the
citizens of Chubbuck trust their elected officials and want the business of government
taken care of by their elected officials. He also sees some real challenges in giving the
citizens the same understanding of the issues that an elected official has. He believes the
City needs to be careful with the information that is provided.
The Mayor explained that the City has a new web site that is functioning well. We have
just started a Facebook page and are instituting a quarterly newsletter for inclusion in the
utility bill. We do try to get information out on the reader board in front of City Hall.
Councilmember Evans is worried about some of the issues with Facebook and thinks the
website should be the City's focus.
Councilmember Baumeister stated that the conversation is happening with or without us
and she believes we should not only join the conversation but strive to direct the
conversation. The City needs to be forthcoming and we need to be first.
Mayor England explained that he has asked for all communication with the media to go
through his office. He believes this has served the City well.
Councilmember Ellis thinks it's appropriate to educate the public with the details. He
believes when he gets 1,100 hits on a Facebook post that the public is interested.
Councilmember Ellis wants the City to be positive and proactive about the things the City
is doing. He apologized if his last input on this subject was offended anyone.
Councilmember Baumeister stated that the water project is a positive thing. We should
be posting about it so we can say we tried to educate the citizens and asked "should we
hire a Public Relations service?
Councilmember Lewis stated that he is hearing several common threads; get information
out, educate the public, control how the information gets out and then asked; do we need
a policy?
The Mayor stated that he would draft a policy.
ADJOURN
The Mayor adjourned the meeting.
Kevin Englan, Mayor Rich Morgan -City Clerk