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Pocatello dissolves childcare advisory committee and repeals local childcare ordinance after state preemption
Summary
Council voted to dissolve the childcare advisory committee and passed an ordinance repealing chapter 5.28 (childcare) of the city's code, citing state-level preemption of local authority.
Pocatello — The City Council adopted a resolution dissolving the city's Child Care Advisory Committee and passed an ordinance repealing chapter 5.28 (childcare) of the city's code, actions council members said were required after the Idaho Legislature preempted local control in this area.
Council Member Mangum moved to approve a resolution dissolving the childcare advisory committee; Council Member Mansfield seconded. During discussion, public speakers and members of the council expressed regret about the committee's dissolution; a resident who addressed the council called the outcome "a travesty." The council approved the resolution; the roll-call vote recorded one "No" from Council Member Paulson and the remainder "Yes."
On a related item the council considered an ordinance to repeal chapter 5.28 of the Revised and Compiled Ordinances of the City of Pocatello (1983). Council Member Mansfield moved that the ordinance be read only by title, placed on final passage and that only the ordinance summary sheet be published. The motion passed on roll call. Jared (city staff) read the ordinance by title; the ordinance's language states that "this ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage, approval and publication according to law." The council's roll-call for the ordinance showed Paulson voting No and the remaining members voting Yes.
Council members said the ordinance repeal and committee dissolution follow changes at the state level that removed local authority to regulate childcare. No new local childcare program or funding was approved at the meeting. One council member asked colleagues and staff to document the committee's work and to express appreciation to volunteers; the approved resolution included language expressing appreciation for committee members' service.
The council's actions were procedural and driven by state preemption language cited in staff materials. The meeting record indicates the city clerk completed the readings and the matter will be published as required by law.
