Pocatello council approves land exchanges, pathway contract, sewer and park agreements; suspends childcare licensing fees pending state action

The Pocatello City Council approved a series of land exchanges, contracts and agreements and moved to suspend city childcare licensing fees while the state implements a recently enacted law.

Key actions approved at the meeting included: a pair of land exchanges for small city parcels, an award of the Monte Vista to Pocatello Creek Road pathway contract, a task order for wastewater work tied to the Indian Hills Lift Station, and professional services for the South Fifth Complete Streets and sewer project. The council also approved use agreements for Idaho State University’s Outdoor Adventure Center and for Southeast Idaho (SEI) Volleyball LLC and confirmed two mayoral appointments.

Land exchanges and parks - The council approved an exchange of a 0.113‑acre city parcel behind 2672 Hartford Drive to Creek Hollow/Pat Pappy in return for a different parcel, with staff recommending the trade to tidy lot lines and provide access to a walk path. Public‑works staff confirmed no written public comments were received. The motion carried on roll call with multiple council members voting yes. - The council approved a 0.35‑acre exchange south of 3920 South Second Avenue that will transfer path and access areas to the city. Senior planner Matthew Lewis told the council the swap would put a path and a triangular parcel under city ownership, resolving a long‑standing encumbrance and community concern about climbing‑area access.

Contracts, grants and projects - The council accepted the low bid for the Monte Vista to Pocatello Creek Road pathway from RS Jobbers, Inc., in the amount of $1,466,663 and authorized a contract. Staff said the project is funded by a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant; the 7.34% local match will be provided by local nonprofit partners Portneuf Health Trust and the Portneuf Greenway Foundation, leaving no direct cost to the city. - The council approved a task order (Task Order No. 5) with Consort for design and construction engineering for the South Valley Bridge casings connected to the Indian Hills Lift Station force main project for $199,928, funded by an EPA Community Change Grant. - The council approved a professional services agreement with Keller Associates for design and construction engineering and inspection for the South Fifth Avenue Complete Streets and sewer project; that project is also funded by an EPA Community Change Grant.

Licensing and policy - The council voted to immediately suspend city childcare licensing fees administered by the Police Department until state implementation of House Bill 243 is clarified. Council members discussed communication with the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and staff reported the state will start accepting applications and is expected to honor existing local licenses until the state’s process takes effect. The motion passed on roll call with one protest/no vote recorded.

Appointments and consent items - As part of the consent agenda the council confirmed Bridal Hobson to the Historic Preservation Commission (term to begin 04/04/2025 and expire 09/05/2027) and Scott Turner to the Pocatello Development Authority (term to begin 04/04/2025 and expire 05/01/2029). The council also declared certain city equipment surplus for the city’s annual auction on 05/10/2025, removing one PRT bus from the auction list because an insurer retains title.

Other agreements - The council approved a use agreement with the ISU Outdoor Adventure Center for portions of City Creek Management Area, Ross Park climbing area and the Meek Creek Nordic Center, and approved a use agreement with SEI Volleyball LLC to stage adult volleyball tournaments at Hawthorne Park green space. - The council approved a memorandum of understanding with Ridge at High Terrace LLC resolving nonconforming easement language related to water fees.

Votes and funding details noted in staff presentations included the pathway bid of $1,466,663, the wastewater task order of $199,928, and that local nonprofit partners would supply the pathway match.

The meeting also included a calendar review and proclamations but those items were ceremonial; staff asked any residents interested in the city's Lehi Safe and Healthy Homes grant to contact the Planning Department for assistance.