[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6641601,"mediaKeyId","3795808-b8aa20e59cd765c7bcafb5d7497ecb36","parentId",3795808,"title","Pocatello CIO proposes brief employee AI policy; council urges coordination with state","audioSeconds",1850,"startMs",26000,"endMs",1876000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3795808-b8aa20e59cd765c7bcafb5d7497ecb36&start=26&end=1876","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3795808-b8aa20e59cd765c7bcafb5d7497ecb36/thumbnail_26000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6641601/Pocatello-City/Bannock-County/Idaho/Pocatello-CIO-proposes-brief-employee-AI-policy-council-urges-coordination-with-state","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641601-f10ffbbdf4c120d42b5251b5403d6e01/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164399&Signature=HVoZFOO6Rkib6JhIm6W4xRdpXf542MsObuO41fnhniK7xHTnoOoqeImdV6XpqVodnZmcggCdmCFaSlSRBvHKzWoxIU6lGkHiZMZzwaEcX2fsFjePxiOfPZfvU0XWJ4IhdqThe7Vts5V3DW7IV6A-EEe-r2zTeuP0ads~kUYsu9bgyD2~Bo6pC45OTKoiqmMsP92bxusXbXKU3waQ7WdU0yPKYIP9Xa82DB7vfWMmI-yUA32WArtyxhabdfFC66fVIFRQVR3T7p~bbw2ZPKE3YN15ixqbIIDZFHX772ci1LVYu40Zuy80WdioKXDmMhoHlagACdyccK98OIDv1XbVsg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pocatello","date","2025-06-12T17:41:52Z","article","Chris Sorensen, the city’s chief information officer, presented a short draft artificial intelligence policy at a Pocatello City Council work session and asked the council for direction on adding it to the employee handbook.

Sorensen told the council the draft is deliberately small — three bullets that authorize generative AI for employees, require validation of AI output before use in city decision-making, and direct IT to develop an operational guidance directive. “Generative artificial intelligence is authorized for use by city employees to aid in the accomplishment of their assigned duty and mission,” Sorensen read from the draft. He added that employees “must always validate the accuracy of the AI output” before publishing or relying on it.

The policy is intended as a baseline while the city develops department-level guidance. Sorensen said the city has received departmental requests to use AI tools ranging from generative chat engines to biometric and surveillance technologies. He also warned of risks such as deepfakes, phishing and “data hallucination,” citing recent national stories in which AI-produced citations or facts were fabricated. “The onus of the responsibility for using that goes back to the user,” he told the council.

Why this matters: council members said a brief, enforceable policy would give staff guardrails while technology evolves, but they pressed for more clarity about platform choices, cybersecurity and state law. Councilmember Cheatham pressed a procedural point: “I think if we’re gonna adopt public policy for the city, any changes in a policy needs to come before this council at every step.” Other council members asked staff to contact state officials and confirm whether the state intends to mandate a single AI platform for agencies.

Council reaction and points of debate

- Platform standardization: Several council members raised the possibility of standardizing on a single AI platform so IT staff can become experts and departments have consistent training. One council member reported receiving a notice that the state legislative services office is considering choosing a single AI platform for state use. Other members warned that over‑restricting platform choice could hinder the city’s ability to procure software that includes AI features built into new products.

- Scope and enforcement: Sorensen and members agreed the draft should not attempt to regulate all uses of AI at the outset. Instead, they described a two‑tier approach: a short handbook policy to assign responsibility to employees, and a living operational‑guidance directive developed by IT (to be updated as technology and standards evolve). The operational guidance would cover acceptable practices, training and security measures and would be updated without returning to council monthly.

- Verification and ethics: Council members discussed how employees should document use of AI and whether AI‑generated creative work should be labeled. Sorensen noted legal and ethical issues are evolving and that guidance will address when crediting or disclosure is appropriate.

What staff will do next

Sorensen said staff will revise the draft based on council feedback, reach out to state contacts for clarity about any statewide platform decisions, and develop the operational guidance directive. If the council directs staff to proceed, IT and human resources will bring a final handbook amendment to a formal council meeting through HR for adoption.

Ending

Council members signaled general support for a short, enforceable policy that places responsibility on employees to verify AI output and for a separate, flexible operational guidance document. Staff will return with a revised draft and more information about the state’s intent on platform choices before a formal adoption step.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Pocatello City Council Work Session 06 12 25","oneSentenceSummary","Chris Sorensen, the city’s chief information officer, presented a short draft artificial intelligence policy at a Pocatello City Council work session and asked the council for direction on adding it to the employee handbook.","taxTitle","Pocatello City, Bannock County, Idaho","taxId",5619,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6641597,"City advances plan to seek IHFA housing trust funds for 429 Washington Ave. redevelopment",1674,1843000,3517000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3795808-b8aa20e59cd765c7bcafb5d7497ecb36&start=1843&end=3517","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3795808-b8aa20e59cd765c7bcafb5d7497ecb36/thumbnail_1843000.jpg","/articles/6641597/Pocatello-City/Bannock-County/Idaho/City-advances-plan-to-seek-IHFA-housing-trust-funds-for-429-Washington-Ave-redevelopment","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641597-79ce427a8ee37efb54a6bde1e630740b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164399&Signature=Ntl6fY~PJuRrEa8846ZNh7cPjWw0HgHUDuSuzaCpwUoZ9t3svsEqe7q0-o7yewzoluNBxS-AZUcu5ga6BzWxsDiiSni0e~dmbdVgl5Yd4uaUvsHDKxoCKBIXXQ3EABrL7u~FoIPj5LDm8S6ArB~fRv4ME1LxytnSvQKfYVp-ZEx-q5mjJ8uSCeNJSh7ix-mgT8pg1bDUxa68SMPBrhHr0Bb~7MSOLhcVdHEo-bmBCno~NALoMUz-atSYhNlW1-otmTcWXIPtH3IPUtR-UXrfv4dqbnshQPfziLK5PCGVzYEVUgpTISaMi5bNs1kPvXNteVk9I2w6MoBLFWhJ-QgruA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Planning and grants staff told the Pocatello City Council work session they will pursue a Housing Trust Fund opportunity through the Idaho Housing and Finance Association to build affordable rental housing on the city-owned property at 429 Washington Avenue.

Christine Howe, grants manager, and Brett McLean, planning director, said the funds — described during the presentation as “just over a million dollars” available from the state’s Housing Trust Fund — could be used for demolition or site clearance, environmental remediation and construction of housing for households earning 30% of area median income or below. “The funds available through the Housing Trust Fund program are just over a million dollars, and they can be used toward site clearance demolition, developing those engineering or architectural plans for the housing, and then construction of those units on the property,” Howe told the council.

The city acquired the building as part of a larger block associated with the historic Alameda town site. Staff said 429 Washington has been vacant since 2022 and environmental testing identified regulated building materials — including asbestos and lead‑based paint — and interior water and mold damage after a burst pipe. Because of those conditions staff presented demolition and redevelopment as the most feasible option.

A concept plan produced by the city’s long‑range planner sketches three single‑family units facing Washington plus an accessory dwelling unit above a rear garage, a layout that could yield up to six rentable units. Staff and council members, however, said the available $1 million‑plus would most likely cover full construction for fewer units; staff said they are “pretty confident” four units could be delivered with the current allocation and that additional units could be added later as funding allows.

Ownership, compliance and management

Rhiannon (IHFA) explained the funding is administered from federal sources and carries compliance documents that look like a loan and regulatory agreement to enforce 30 years of affordability. “The reason that we’re saying a promissory note is because we do have that long term relationship for 30 years with each other,” she said, adding that IHFA intends to forgive portions of the note each year so long as units remain compliant.

Staff said the city would own the property and would not be on the tax roll while the city holds it. The city would contract property management rather than operate as landlord; staff have reached out to Housing Alliance Community Partnership (the local housing authority) and to other nonprofits such as NeighborWorks or Habitat for Humanity as potential partners. Councilman Romagna noted the housing authority’s experience with project‑based vouchers could help fill units.

Other practical matters

- No local match: staff said the Housing Trust Fund program at this income level does not require a local match.

- CDBG amendment: the application requires amending the city’s Consolidated Plan/CDBG to add the trust‑fund allocation; staff said they already have an amendment in process.

- Historic and neighborhood sensitivity: several councilmembers emphasized design sensitivity and preserving Alameda history. Councilmember Nichols asked staff to prioritize designs that fit the neighborhood; the mayor suggested preserving an architectural element from the old Alameda facility in any redevelopment.

Next steps and timeline

Staff asked for general direction to proceed with the application and said their target is to bring a final application or formal request before the council at the July 3 meeting to meet IHFA deadlines. If awarded, staff said they would complete final environmental review, execute legal documents with IHFA, and begin demolition/site clearance followed by design and construction.

Ending

Council members signaled support to move forward with the application and asked staff to return to a public council meeting with the final package; staff noted construction timing and available contractor capacity could affect the schedule and the final unit count.","Planning and grants staff told the Pocatello City Council work session they will pursue a Housing Trust Fund opportunity through the Idaho Housing and Finance Association to build affordable rental housing on the city-owned property at 429 Washington Avenue.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6641592,"Fire chief seeks First Due software to meet new national reporting standard; county cost share discussed",604,3494000,4098000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3795808-b8aa20e59cd765c7bcafb5d7497ecb36&start=3494&end=4098","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3795808-b8aa20e59cd765c7bcafb5d7497ecb36/thumbnail_3494000.jpg","/articles/6641592/Pocatello-City/Bannock-County/Idaho/Fire-chief-seeks-First-Due-software-to-meet-new-national-reporting-standard-county-cost-share-discussed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6641592-32520f0d45ce37e954afb6209e522362/orig.mp4?Expires=1771164399&Signature=HikA14qeDNglExH1TJKWO8qxn~caiqx9BllyCAtybdtRgh7P6xYnBszvOd4KL-jgej4cp0bGwi2W3txS7hn3XuZ~jo7fYxbRpM8YMRksbJtlMc~Yb4iIYtie~6I~Bf2EqEV4K1yGHUupLlN~-dzjyKPkoUdQsk7hlRMt9QkhGreQSX4g9oqtbi3whCBBjmJmrZRjmWpEUcveMRY30g0Kn9v-iMblJVunwV~JbvV82lOCuPo7iZ8rePsqN~9shJDcNvEW18QjIy8AzmbVWlz0Vx4SUNOUZ8z-xLvllj9tG~Sz0ExrdD8niIialRANAS6ZvpPCJS5LECa~W6p8Jm0IIw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Fire Chief Ryan O’Hearn told the Pocatello City Council work session the department must replace legacy reporting tools to comply with an upgraded national incident reporting standard and proposed contracting with First Due for a consolidated software platform.

O’Hearn said the older National Fire Incident Reporting System (NFIRS) is being replaced by a broader National Emergency Response Information System and that the region’s scheduled transition starts in October; reporting to the legacy system will end Jan. 1, 2026. “The system that we’re currently using is not going to be compliant with new standards, and so that necessitates a new fire incident reporting system,” O’Hearn said.

The department currently uses multiple separate platforms for functions such as scheduling, patient care reporting, training, fire investigations and pre‑incident planning; that causes duplicate data entry and requires custom APIs to share data. O’Hearn said First Due was selected after review because it offers single sign‑on, cross‑module data sharing, incident management, personnel tracking on‑scene, and asset management for protective equipment.

Budget and implementation

O’Hearn said the FY25 operating budget for multiple platforms is just over $53,000; the First Due subscription would be about $52,000 in FY26, producing an estimated annual savings of roughly $1,400. He reported an upfront implementation cost of about $24,000 that would include a quarter of subscription access (July–September) to run both systems concurrently for training and data migration; the chief also described an additional training and data‑migration fee during the presentation.

The chief said the city plans to split ongoing costs with Bannock County (50/50) and that the county would also share implementation costs. Council members asked whether the county had committed funding; O’Hearn said the city will bring a contract to the council in July and manage operating‑line adjustments in the FY25 budget, and he offered to notify county partners.

Operational questions and integration

Council members asked about integration with the county’s computer-aided dispatch (CAD) system and whether First Due would feed data back to CAD. O’Hearn said CAD will provide call information to First Due, but First Due will not write back into the CAD system for security reasons. Council members also confirmed the contract contains an annual cap on price increases (chief said there is a 5% annual limit).

Next steps

O’Hearn said staff will prepare the contract with First Due and bring it to a regular council meeting for execution, likely in July. He and council members stressed the transition is mandatory; the chief said readiness and data migration are the immediate priorities.

Ending

Council members indicated support for proceeding to contract review. Staff will finalize contract language, coordinate with county partners on cost sharing, and return with the contract for formal council action.","Fire Chief Ryan O’Hearn recommended replacing multiple legacy platforms with First Due to comply with the National Emergency Response Information System and to consolidate incident reporting, patient care, training and asset tracking. Chief said regional transition is mandatory this fall and full legacy-phaseout is scheduled for Jan. 1, 2026. The","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Pocatello CIO proposes brief employee AI policy; council urges coordination with state

City advances plan to seek IHFA housing trust funds for 429 Washington Ave. redevelopment

Fire chief seeks First Due software to meet new national reporting standard; county cost share discussed