HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-04-28 City Council MinutesBOOK 55 PAGE 48
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
BUDGET VISIONING WORKSHOP
April 28, 2015
6:00 p.m.
The Mayor called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
Attendance: Mayor Nancolas, Jeremy Feucht, Shannon Ozuna, Rob Hopper, Mike Pollard, Terrence Biggers, Dennis
Callsen, Mark Wendelsdorf, Brent Orton, Robb MacDonald, Brian Billingsley, Monica Jones, Debbie Geyer, Chris
Allgood, ElJay Waite, and Steve Fultz.
(AGENDA APPROVAL OR AMENDMENT)
MOVED by Hopper, SECONDED by Biggers to amend the agenda by adding an Executive Session pursuant to Idaho
Code, Section 67-2345, Subsection (c) for the purpose of discussing acquisition of real property not owned by a public
agency.
MOTION CARRIED
(DISCUSSION ITEMS CONCERNING FORECASTING BUDGET MATTERS)
BRIAN BILLINGSLEY – PLANNING & ZONING DIRECTOR:
There has been an increase in land use issues for both commercial and residential matters with the Planning &
Zoning Department.
o Need additional staff member for assisting with the increased work load.
Need a second car to assist with code enforce ment and on-site inspections by staff.
A salary survey was conducted by the Human Resource Director concerning comparison of salaries with other
code enforcement positions within Idaho. It was recommended that the Planning &Zoning code enforcement
position be upgraded from grade six to grade seven.
Research is underway concerning the mandated requirements to apply for the Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) entitlement funding based on a population of 50,000 or more residents. In light of a recent
independent census conducted by COMPASS, it appears that the City should move forward in making
application for the entitlement funding. The Mayor noted that Holly Cook is also researching the possibility of
a waiver of the census requirement conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau.
MARK WENDELSDORF - FIRE DEPARTMENT:
Fire crew staff members have decreased by approximately twenty percent.
o Overtime has been used to cover the need.
Labor matters are being reviewed with the Human Resource Director for the 2016 negotiations.
o Labor union officers are desirous of conducting discussions with City Council.
Capital equipment needs:
o Purchase of two fire engines.
Both engines will soon exceed 100,000 in miles.
o Working with paramedics to promote a paperless system.
o Replacement of the exhaust system for Station No. 2.
Personnel needs:
o Hiring of a fire prevention o fficer
Proposed location for Station No. 3 is still being researched.
Discussion followed concerning the increased number of injuries by firefighters and Workman’s Comp Insurance
claims.
Councilman Hopper expressed his concern with the use of the fire engines being seen at non-firefighting happenings.
CHRIS ALLGOOD – POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Chief Allgood provided a comparison of how the city has progressed in a period of ten years.
o City employees have made the difference in what Caldwell looks like today due to the exceptional,
dedicated employees
Personnel Needs:
o An additional community service officer (CSO) is needed to assist with video redactions associated
with body cameras worn by police officers and public record requests.
Consideration should be given to hiring an additional IT staff person for the City.
Capital equipment needs:
o Additional police vehicles.
Discussion followed concerning the method used for employee evaluations and potential salary increases.
BOOK 55 PAGE 49
BRENT ORTON – PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR:
Discussion held concerning how to keep departmental spending low and still continue with the same level of
services:
o Increase technology available on the City’s website.
o Increase automation methods to improve services and thus reduce the need for manpower.
Consistent employee reviews will be necessary to keep automation levels balanced.
A report was provided on upgrades at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Building permits have increased in the areas of both residential and commercial.
o Staffing in the Building Department will need to be reviewed.
Drain Maintenance Issues:
o Discussion held concerning potential repairs with the drains acquired through the recent Pioneer
Irrigation settlement. Ideas were discussed on how to recover the expenses associated with the repairs.
The water meter project will be completed at the end of the summer.
ROBB MACDONALD - ENGINEERING DEPARTME NT:
Personnel Needs:
o Tech #1 staff member.
o Project engineer.
DEBBIE GEYER – CITY CLERK DEPARTMENT
The cemetery records project is underway.
o A meeting has been scheduled with appropriate staff to discuss the details of the project.
o An intern to assist with archiving documents will be needed.
MAYOR NANCOLAS – UPDATES
The Mayor provided an update on discussions with the Canyon County Commissioners and Fair Board
Members about previous property deeds executed for parcels at the Caldwell Event Center. Steps are being
taken concerning the dissolution of the 2003 agreement with Can yon County.
Upgrades to the recently acquired parcel abutting the Caldwell Police Department were discussed. The
estimated cost will be $55,000 for construction of a parking lot at the site.
The Mayor provided an update on the Downtown Plaza Project:
o No funding was appropriated within the current budget year for development of a plaza within the
downtown core.
o The City Attorney is working on a zero interest or low interest loan program which could be available
to downtown business owners for façade upgrades.
o The Mayor is working with Kari Sigman and John McGee about establishing a Business Improvement
District (BID) with downtown business owners. The City Attorney has been assisting in outlining the
process and drafting necessary documents. He noted that City Council must approve the BID model
before it is implemented.
MONICA JONES - HUMAN RESOURCES:
Monica expressed the need for Council to consider possible employee wage increases.
o She is currently reviewing all potential revenue sources.
o The performance evaluation process is being revamped for potential implementation this fall.
Job descriptions must constantly be reviewed for correctness and accuracy as it relates to the
current duties being performed.
o Training regarding workman’s comp issues will be provided to all supervisors.
o Technology training is needed for employees to fully utilize computer software.
ELJAY WAITE - FINANCE DIRECTOR:
Reported on the history of the financial assistance programs available through the YMCA. The YMCA is
putting together a capital campaign plan revealing new revenue resources vs. expenses of the facility. They are
working with the City concerning this process.
Discussion was held concerning the availability of local College of Idaho students and to provide instruction to
City staff members regarding the aspects of social media and possible upgrades to the website.
The City Wellness Program is showing a decline in fit employees in comparison to previous years. This
program is under review.
The meeting adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
(EXECUTIVE SESSION PURSUANT TO IDAHO CODE, SECTION 67-2345, SUBSECTION (C) FOR THE
PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING ACQUIRING AN INTEREST IN REAL PROPERTY NOT OWNED BY A
PUBLIC AGENCY)
MOVED by Hopper, SECONDED by Feucht to convene into Executive Session pursuant to Idaho Code, Section 67-
2345, Subsection (c) for the purpose of discussing acquiring an interest in real property not owned by a public agency at
8:50 p.m.
BOOK 55 PAGE 50
Roll call vote. Those voting yes: Hopper, Callsen, Pollard, Biggers, Feucht, and Ozuna. Those voting no: none.
Absent and/or not voting: none.
MOTION CARRIED
MOVED by Hopper, SECONDED by Callsen to reconvene into Regular Session at 9:10 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
Mayor Nancolas expressed appreciation of the appointed officials for their outstanding achievements and work ethics in
serving this community.
(ADJOURNMENT)
MOVED by Callsen, SECONDED by Biggers to adjourn at 9:14 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
APPROVED AS written THIS 18th DAY OF MAY , 2015.
Mayor
Councilperson Councilperson
Councilperson Councilperson
Councilperson Councilperson
ATTEST:
City Clerk