Pocatello City Council Work Session 10 08 26

The City of Pocatello City Council work session on October 8, 2026, covered several capital, funding, and operational matters. Parks staff discussed renegotiating Hollowell Park baseball-use agreements to establish city revenue sharing and more equitable access; replacing the aging concession/press-box facility was raised as a possible capital project, with design and cost work still to come. Staff also recommended bringing the City Creek Trails master plan to the full council for approval, with construction expected to proceed in phases as funding becomes available. Architects from VCBO presented a feasibility study for potentially relocating City Hall to the downtown federal building; renovation needs include building systems, accessibility, fire safety, and seismic work, while cost estimates are still being prepared. No purchase or construction decision was made. The Housing Alliance reported acquiring the Thunderbird property and pursuing permanent, lower-cost housing, but described funding constraints; it is weighing local lending and other sources and has unused housing vouchers it cannot fund. Port of Valley Development Corporation proposed considering performance-based local incentives, such as building-permit fee rebates, but council took no action on the proposal.

The Police Department reviewed its existing Flock ALPR system, policies, and safeguards; no new contract award or purchase was considered. Follow-up items include providing the council with the current contract for legal review, an audit, information about individual hot lists, and comparisons of stolen-vehicle recoveries before and after Flock. Staff said they plan monthly audits and public posting. The council also discussed proposed ordinances and administrative changes: a commercial kratom-sales ban and temporary-use permitting changes were directed toward future full-council consideration, with no final votes taken at the work session. Animal Services described a proposed shift to one-year rolling dog and cat licenses; the animal-shelter crematorium project is paused while staff reassess costs, including a new gas line. No procurement awards or spending approvals were identified.