Big night for Pocatello city council
A large billboard will not be coming to Pocatello – at least not right now.
Thursday night, the Pocatello city council voted not to allow a large billboard set to go in at 978 Hiline Road. The city’s hearing examiner had previously approved the billboard.
Thursday night was a public hearing on the billboard. Neighbors who lived in and around the area appealed the hearing examiner’s decision to allow the billboard. Several people spoke out against the billboard, saying they did not want it in their neighborhood. Some of the reasons they didn’t want it are because they believe it would devalue their property, ruin the view, and it would be a major distraction at the already dangerous Jefferson-Hiline-Alameda intersection. They also felt the bright lights on the board would be a nuisance to those who live near it. Some also worried a billboard would ruin the beauty of the area and give Pocatello an image the community doesn’t want. People worried Pocatello could start to look “Vegas-like,” meaning too many signs and billboards, rather than a community feel.
Some of the neighbors also said that the Idaho Transportation Department was not in support of the billboard either.
Many spoke against the sign and all had their own reason for not wanting it.
“I travel down Hiline Road quite often in the evening hours as well and just am not thrilled about having bright lights flashing in my face,” said Amanda Moon, one who spoke against the billboard. “I think that we have plenty of signs already, plenty of opportunities for businesses to advertise, I don’t think we need a bright billboard for that.”
After much discussion and questions, the city council upheld the appeal to not allow the sign. So the billboard will not be allowed. The council also issued a moratorium on large digital signs until more research can be done on the possible effects they have on a city.
Also at Thursday’s city council meeting, Pocatello appointed a new public works director. Mayor Brian Blad appointed Jeff Mansfield and the city council approved that decision.
The council also decided to combine two city positions from here on out: public works director and city engineer. Mansfield will fill both positions.
Mansfield said he has a long background of contract work and engineering experience. He served as an engineer in the military for several years. He is also already working as a project manager for several road projects in Pocatello. He said he loves Pocatello and he’s excited for the job. He said he’s excited to bring a fresh attitude and perspective to public works.
“Some of the things I want to accomplish is I really want to improve the image of public works,” Mansfield said. “I want people to recognize the great things that we’re doing for the community. I really want to enhance our community and just try to make things better for everybody.”
“Jeffrey is a dedicated employee of the City of Pocatello and is well qualified for the position with his experience in the military and private sectors,” Blad said. “He has put a lot of thought into the job and has some good ideas on the direction he’d like to see the Public Works Departments move in.”
“During my first few months, I plan to meet with each department and figure out their needs as well as any issues they are currently facing,” Mansfield said. “We’ll also be creating short and long-term plans for each department with a focus on being efficient and effective.”
Mansfield’s appointment is effective starting Friday.
Another item up for the city council’s approval was the purchase and donation of equipment for the poilce department.
The Pocatello police department is buying 11 updated, new evidence lockers. The cost is $26,451. The old lockers will be donated to the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office in “as is” condition.
The city said the money for the lockers was previously authorized through the Capital Acquisition Fund for the police department.
The city council approved both the purchase of new equipment and the donation of the old to Oneida County.
