HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017 23 10CITY OF POCATELLO, IDAHO
JOINT CITIES MEETING
OCTOBER 23, 2017
The Joint Cities meeting was called to order at 12:03 p.m. Mayor Brian Blad and Council members Heidi
Adamson, Steve Brown, Jun Johnston, Gary Moore and Michael L. Orr were present. Council member
Roger Bray was excused.
Also in attendance were: Mayor Kevin England, Council members Annette Baumeister, Josh Ellis, Melanie
Evans and Ryan S. Lewis from the City of Chubbuck.
Mayor Blad announced the meeting was being held to allow the cities to share information. He noted the
agenda would include the following items: 1) Marsh Creek — upstream improvements/grants to help with
the Pormcuf River; 2) Senior Activity Center; 3) Bannock County Crisis Center; and 4) Fireworks
Ordinances.
1) Marsh Creek — Upstream improvements/grants to help with the Portneuf River
Hannah Sanger, Science and Environment Division Manager, gave an overview of the project.
Determining what the most effective avenues to help eliminate sediment in the Portneuf River was
reviewed. Ms. Sanger introduced Dr. Benjamin Crosby, Idaho State University Geosciences. Dr. Crosby
will give a presentation regarding the impact of Marsh Creek flows into the Portneuf River.
In response to questions from Council, Ms. Sanger explained that 90% of the sediment that comes through
the gap and into the Portneuf River is from Marsh Creek.
PHASE ONE — CREATION OF A SETTLING POND
Mr. Crosby gave a brief history of the area surrounding the Portneuf River. He noted that his staff is
working toward improving the water quality in the Portneuf River. They have identified that sediment
from March Creek is the biggest source. Poor water quality in Marsh Creek negatively affects the water
quality downstream. Significant momentum to improve our connection to the river that runs through our
region is an important factor. Dr. Crosbyreviewed how his staff measures sediment in the water.
WHERE DOES THE SEDIMENT COME FROM?
Bank erosion in the lower half of Marsh Creek has been identified. The techniques to determine where the
sediment is coming from was reviewed.
WHERE DOES THE SEDIMENT GO?
Fine bank sediment stays suspended in moving water. The sediment deposits into pools and is remobilized
during storms. Dr. Crosby tracked sediment moving through the water every 15 minutes for a one year
period and gave an overview of his findings.
HOW CAN WE REDUCE INSTREAM SEDIMENT?
Option 1: Reduce bank erosion, exclude cattle from the stream, allow vegetation to return to banks, and
remove levees that constrain flow. Hundreds of landowners along Marsh Creek would need to cooperate
to preserve the river banks.
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Option 2: Trap sediment in wetlands, Marsh Creek was one dominated by wetlands, allow sediment to
settle out, create habitat, reduce flooding, and improve water quality. Concrete retention basins are also an
alternative correction. However, Dr. Crosby did not recommend this alternative.
HOW MIGHT WE ACCOMPLISH THESE PROJECTS?
Educate community on Marsh Creek's history and future options, partner with federal, state and local
agencies to secure funding; and partner with willing landowners to construct wetlands.
What are the funding options? There are a number of options, studies, implementation, purchase of land,
etc.
In response to questions from Council, Mr. Crosby explained that willows and grasses are suggested for
improving the wetlands.
General discussion regarding concerns that the EPA may want to implement strict guidelines if a wetland is
created followed. It was mentioned that mosquitos tend to multiply in wetlands and this was a concern.
Dr. Crosby noted that mosquitos tend to live in standing water such as ponds and not a wetland area that
has water constantly draining through it.
In response to questions from Council Ms. Sanger reviewed the general guidelines for this type of project as
it pertains to rainwater and run-off being controlled by the property owner.
General discussion regarding the retention option and combining the option with a wetland component
followed. A natural solution would be the best option. The more options the better the ultimate result will
be. Taking action upstream instead of in town would potentially be less expensive.
2) Senior Activity Center
Mr. Moore explained several groups have approached the City of Pocatello City Council regarding the
construction of a new Senior Center. He noted that the City of Pocatello would like to seek support from
Chubbuck, and Bannock County for a new Center. If this can be accomplished, then representatives can
take the recommendation to the Portneuf Health Trust. Mr. Moore feels this project meets the Trust's
guidelines to promote a healthy lifestyle for the community.
Ms. Evans explained the City of Chubbuck is in the first stages of researching plans for a new recreation
and Senior Center. She feels the larger component to create a community center should include areas that
are dedicated to senior activities during a certain part of the day and dedicated to youth activities during a
certain part of the day. Chubbuck's proposed center will meet many of the needs that have been discussed.
General discussion outlining the benefits of a new recreation facility in Chubbuck and how the facility will
also benefit Pocatello were shared. It was mentioned a "Recreation District" could be created for this
purpose.
Mayor England explained that once the feasibility study regarding a new recreation and senior center is
complete, staff can begin to look at more possibilities.
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OCTOBER 23, 2017
Mr. Lewis shared there are multiple possibilities to utilize the recreation building throughout the day so itis
not left empty and still needs to be heated/cooled, etc. He noted there is even the possibility of after
school programs being held in the facility.
Mayor England mentioned that the results of the feasibility study should be available in approximately 30
days. He suggested holding off approaching other entities for funding until the results of the study are
known. Mayor England feels more research to identify if the facility can be self-sufficient and not become
a burden to tax payers is needed.
3) Bannock County Crisis Center
Mr. Moore was excused at 1:19 p.m.
Mayor Blad gave an overview of the proposed Bannock County Crisis Center.
Mayor England shared his concerns that the bond will be categorized as just another jail that includes a
crisis transition center. He reviewed the need of a center and feels Pocatello is the next city the State of
Idaho should consider for a crisis center.
General discussion to help educate the public regarding the proposed crisis center followed. Individuals
shared their concerns with the information available and gave ideas of how to get information out to the
community regarding the bond. The crisis facility will give Idaho State University interns an opportunity to
learn in a working environment. Sustainability of the center was also discussed.
Discussion regarding ways to inform voters of the costs, maintenance plan, and benefits to building the
crisis facility continued. In closing, making accurate information available will be crucial to helping voters
make an informed decision.
4) Fireworks Ordinances
Mayor Blad mentioned that it would be beneficial to have similar fireworks ordinances for both cities.
Tom Sanford, Assistant Fire Chief, explained he would prefer the cities of Pocatello, Blackfoot, Chubbuck
and Idaho Falls have fireworks ordinances that are similar. He suggested Pocatello change the sale of
fireworks dates to be more in line with Chubbuck. If Fire staff are able to start inspections on June 1 st it
would give more time for completing thorough inspections of fireworks stands. Ending dates for the sale
of fireworks are all the same.
In response to questions from Council, Mr. Sanford explained staff hopes to have an ordinance for
Council's consideration by December 2017. He noted that it is still going to be difficult to prevent illegal
fireworks in the community. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management agencies are starting to hold
offenders responsible for the costs incurred if an individual has caused a fire in their district.
General discussion regarding possible penalties to help dissuade offenders continued.
Mr. Johnston was excused at 1:55 p.m. at which time a quorum of the City Council was lost.
Ms. Evans was excused at 2:01 p.m.
The meeting was adjourned at 2:03 p.m.
JOINT CITIES MEETING
OCTOBER 23, 2017
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APPROVED::
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BRIAN C. BLAD, MAYOR
3PARED BY AND ATTEST:
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