HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - May 21, 20081
May 21, 2008
Mayor Shawn Larsen
Council Members:
Christopher Mann – Council President
Rex Erickson Randy Schwendiman
Bart Steven Richard Woodland
Adam Stout
City Staff:
Stephen Zollinger — City Attorney
Richard Horner – Finance Officer
John Millar — Public Works Director
Val Christensen – Building Official
Gary Leikness — Planning & Zoning Administrator
Blair Kay — City Clerk
5:00 P.M. Work Meeting with Joint Planners (Cooper, Roberts, Simonsen Associates
700 North 200 West, SLC, UT) CANCELLED—RESCHEDULED FOR JUNE 4, 2008
7:00 P.M. City Hall – Pledge to the Flag
Mayor Larsen welcomed the scouts to the meeting.
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Mayor Shawn Larsen, Council Members Chris Mann, Richard Woodland, Randy
Schwendiman and Adam Stout. Excused: Council Members Bart Stevens and Rex Erickson.
Public Comment: on issues not scheduled on the agenda (limit 3 minutes) – None
Presentations – None
Committee Liaison Assignments for 2007:
A. Council Member Chris Mann Museum Committee · Beautification Committee · Emergency Services Board
Council Member Mann reported the Beautification Committee met Monday night and planted
flowers at the island on Main Street and 2nd East. No other committees have met.
B. Council Member Rex Erickson Golf Board · Planning & Zoning · Rexburg Redevelopment Agency
C. Council Member Bart Stevens Airport Board · Romance Theatre Committee · MYAB · School Board
D. Council Member Randy Schwendiman Parks & Recreation · Traffic & Safety Committee
Nothing to report
12 North Center Rexburg, ID 83440 Phone: 208.359.3020 x313 Fax: 208.359.3022 blairk@rexburg.org
www.rexburg.org
City Council Meeting
May 21, 2008
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Mayor Larsen asked the council to ratify the name of Kevin Moss to serve on the Parks and
Recreation Committee.
Council Member Schwendiman moved to ratify Kevin Moss to the Parks and Recreation
Committee. Council Member Woodland seconded the motion. All voted aye, none opposed. The
motion carried.
E. Council Member Richard Woodland Rexburg Arts Council · IBC Committee · Tabernacle Civic Center
Nothing to report
F. Council Member Adam Stout Legacy Flight Museum · Trails of Madison County
Nothing to report
Mayor Larsen reported the Redevelopment Agency will meet tomorrow to discuss the Hemming
project.
Public Hearings: - None
New Business:
A. Preliminary Plat for Pine Brook Estates Division 2 – Curtis Ferney
Kurt Rowland representing Scheiss and Associates for Pine Brook Estates Division No. 2 discussed
the development. They have met the conditions laid down by the Planning and Zoning
Commission. They have connected the two cul-de-sacs as requested by Planning and Zoning. They
are working with Public Works Director Millar on water and sewer issues. The development is
adjacent to Teton Lakes Golf Course.
Mayor Larsen read a neighborhood letter from concerned neighbors concerning the connection of
the cul-de-sacs. The neighbors in the existing subdivision want the cul-de-sacs to remain separated.
The letter asked the City to keep the neighbors existing subdivision separated from the new
development as agreed in the annexation hearings. Mayor Larsen asked about the recommendation
from Planning and Zoning to connect the cul-de-sacs. Public Works Director Millar explained the
Subdivision Ordinance restricts cul-de-sac streets to less than 600 feet. The second issue is only a
few lots have access to the cul-de-sac and there is an increased cost for snow removal.
City Attorney Zollinger explained some of Planning and Zoning’s reasoning is only 2-3 lots would
use the connection between the cul-de-sacs. Public Works Director Millar mentioned a couple of
lots have been dedicated as open space. Four or five lots would probably have access to the cul-de-
sacs.
Mayor Larsen explained the neighbors understood their agreement to annex was conditioned on
the cul-de-sac remaining a dead end to their street. There is not a good understanding between the
City, the developer and the home owners. The possibilities for compromise need to be explored.
Public Works Director Millar indicated the new drawing of the plat was received yesterday;
therefore, it has not been widely distributed for discussion. Doug Smith said the neighbors have
seen the new drawing and it upsets them very much.
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Mike Mitchell at 1070 McJon Lane was concerned with traffic heading to McJon Lane for access to
12th West if the cul-de-sacs are not connected. He was concerned this neighborhood would be
keeping their cul-de-sac and the other neighborhood would be giving up a cul-de-sac. The other idea
from Planning and Zoning was a continuous street to accommodate emergency vehicles and school
buses. City Attorney Zollinger explained school buses may be restricted from entering cul-de-sac
streets; however, emergency vehicles will go where they are needed.
Mayor Larsen reviewed the annexation letter from the neighbors. In the annexation letter to
“Rexburg Planning and Zoning Commission and City of Rexburg” dated November 12, 2007, the
signers: (Ted L. Hendricks, Beth R. Hendricks, David Taylor, Linda Taylor, Doug Smith, Earlene
Smith, Joan Avenius, Donna Thueson, Jack Chiles, and Cherrol Chiles) “agreed that the remaining four
one-acre single family residential lots along with the plated cul-de-sac located in the Pine Brook Subdivision 1, on the
east end of Larch Drive, be kept as it is currently platted which are one acre lots.” Continuing in the letter: “We
discussed that the remaining adjacent property described above be developed in no less than one-half acre single family
lots.” Mayor Larsen reiterated their condition for annexation was to honor the existing subdivision
called “Pine Brook Subdivision 1” including the existing cul-de-sac.
City Attorney Zollinger referred to Mr. Mitchell’s comments about the Planning and Zoning
discussion. The city cannot be bound by an agreement between a developer and these property
owners; however, the property owners did have an expectation and understanding with the
developer that their cul-de-sac would remain unaffected the new development. Mr. Ferney’s original
preliminary plat did honor the neighbor’s expectations. The City Council may be honor bound “not
legally bound” to comply with the representations given the night of the annexation to maintain the
integrity of the existing subdivision.
Council Member Schwendiman reviewed the city’s acceptance of the long cul-de-sacs when
annexed. City Attorney Zollinger explained the long cul-de-sac was not on the city’s radar because it
was an existing subdivision. Pre-existing roads are not reviewed for compliance to the city’s existing
design standards; they annex the road as is built. The staff missed the long cul-de-sac in the
annexation hearing because the primary discussion was on density issues along Hwy 20. The new
development will cut the length of the existing cul-de-sac in half. New developments would have to
be designed to the city’s current design standards. Only four or five lots are affected with this cul-
de-sac.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness explained it would be more costly to the City to
plow cul-de-sacs instead of plowing through on a connected street.
City Attorney Zollinger explained the city spends 30 to 40 minutes on each cul-de-sac for snow
plowing. It wasn’t without significant discussion or thought that the Planning and Zoning
Commission decided to recommend the road to go through the cul-de-sacs. It is in conflict with the
understanding of Pine Brook Subdivision 1 residents when the annexation took place.
Council Member Mann reviewed his thoughts when agreeing to vote for the annexation. He
agreed to vote for annexation because the home owners were agreeable to be annexed with
conditions. He requested to maintain the original agreement with the homeowners to maintain the
cul-de-sacs.
Neighbor Doug Smith explained the neighbor’s feelings to maintain the cul-de-sac. Some of the
comments tonight make sense; however, other comments don’t make sense. He wished other
neighbors were at the meeting to provide input. It is nice to be cut off from circular traffic; that is
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what the neighbors expect; however, the neighborhood will have to drive out of the cul-de-sac area
to get to other locations in the new development like a pocket park. He understands it is more
efficient to plow the street through instead of ending in a cul-de-sac. Mayor Larsen suggested a
meeting to iron out the differences.
Mrs. Beth Hendricks explained her feelings. She agreed with Council Member Mann’s assessment.
They really were opposed to the annexation. They wanted to maintain their little community as it
has been in the past.
Mike Mitchell asked the City Council to be fair all the way around. He requested the developer to
avoid McJon Lane with additional traffic. We would all like to be out in the country; we all would
like to have our own cul-de-sac. He has lived on his cul-de-sac for 22 years and he loves it. The new
development will add two connector roads to McJon Lane. City Attorney Zollinger explained the
majority of the new traffic will tie into Larch Drive out to 12th West.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness explained it doesn’t make sense to have bike, car,
and other traffic travel out of the cul-de-sac area to access other parts of the development. It is a
tremendous amount of distance, up to two or three city blocks to get from point A to point B.
Mayor Larsen explained it does make planning sense to connect the cul-de-sacs; however, the city
made an annexation agreement with the homeowners to maintain their cul-de-sac. It is not the
developer pushing this plan, it is the city. He recommended following the agreement to maintain the
cul-de-sac.
Curtis Ferney explained some of the reasons to connect the cul-de-sacs; however, as a developer he
would like to keep the cul-de-sacs.
Council Member Schwendiman appreciated the feelings from the neighbors; he asked the
neighborhood to seek a compromise.
An outsider’s view (visitor from Utah) suggested a pocket park between the cul-de-sacs. The area
could be used for snow removal.
Mayor Larsen suggested a meeting between the developer, city staff, and the homeowners to
resolve the issue.
Council Member Woodland agreed with the idea of a little park in the center between the cul-de-
sacs allowing the original agreement to be maintained.
City Attorney Zollinger explained the discussion is for a preliminary plat. Changes can be
addressed on the final plat. The park between the cul-de-sacs would allow a future discussion for a
road if conditions change.
Council Member Mann asked about the water line. Kurt Rowland explained they are working
with City engineers to install a 14 inch water line on 12th West.
Council Member Schwendiman asked if further discussions would cause increased costs to the
developer. Mr. Ferney said yes, they are already one month behind. The subsurface water will be a
problem in a 17 foot deep trench for sewer. It will cost an additional ($150,000 to $200,000 per each
foot of water in the trench) to wait an additional two or three weeks. They will have to deal with sub
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water for a third of the project at this time. If they wait two or three weeks, 70% or 80% of the
trench will be in sub water. It will put us to a point where we will have to decide if it is feasible to
deal with that much sub water.
City Attorney Zollinger explained the preliminary plat can be moved forward at the same time
some discussion is being held with the neighborhood. The plat is ready for approval with the
exception of the cul-de-sac areas. They can engineer everything except the two cul-de-sac areas.
At this point, the developer and the homeowners want to keep the cul-de-sacs; the city would prefer
a through street.
Council Member Mann asked to vote for a cul-de-sac approval as was initially presented.
City Attorney Zollinger explained the City Council can vote on the original proposal.
Curtis Ferney reviewed the open space planned for the subdivision on the overhead screen. He
reviewed the location of the twin homes adjacent to Hwy 20. There will be one building (twin
home) for every two lots along Hwy 20. He would prefer clustering the twin homes to allow more
open space; however, the city code does not allow that density under the current zoning.
Council Member Stout reviewed the original annexation discussion; however, the neighbors on
McJon Lane are not getting the same consideration as the residents in Pine Brook Subdivision 1.
Council Member Mann moved to approve the Preliminary Plat for Pine Brook Estates Division 2
as shown tonight with the original concept of two cul-de-sacs as presented April 14, 2008. The
motion failed for lack of a second.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness reviewed some issues on the overhead screen.
Kurt Rowland adjusted the lot lines as requested to 102 feet at the set back lines. City Attorney
Zollinger said there were up to eight lots under sized for the required width at the setback. Lots
designated for a park need to be labeled as parks. Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness
pointed out some lots that would not be allowed to get access onto 12th West. He reviewed some
large lots to the north that may seek to subdivide down to 10,000 square feet in the future as
property changes hands. He was concerned with some roads dead ending into the middle of a lot
where car headlights would shine into the window of a home.
Curtis Ferney explained he was asked to redo the streets to the current alignment by city staff.
This is the third time the streets have been changed.
Council Member Woodland asked if there was room for compromise to move the proposal
forward so the developer is not delayed.
City Attorney Zollinger explained both proposals have been engineered. The City Council can
vote on the proposal showing the cul-de-sacs separated. This will allow the project to move forward
with the understanding the City Council must be prepared to make the final decision when the Final
Plat is presented for review.
Mayor Larsen asked how difficult it would be to put the road back into alignment.
City Attorney Zollinger and Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness reviewed some of
the history indicating the road alignment was not decided in the discussions; however, the developer
was asked to connect the streets to avoid the cul-de-sac due to snow removal issues. This particular
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cul-de-sac was removed and the road was moved to a different location causing a change in the road
alignment.
Council Member Schwendiman reviewed the two possibilities for Block 7 and Block 6 and how
they interface with Pine Brook No. 1.
Council Member Mann moved to approve Pine Brook Estates Division 2 as originally shown
tonight with the double cul-de-sac option submitted in the original Preliminary Plat drawings dated
April 14, 2008; Council Member Schwendiman seconded the motion; Discussion: City Attorney
Zollinger explained the developer needs to meet with the homeowners to clear up the concerns with
the cul-de-sacs. Mayor Larsen suggested having the homeowners, neighbors from McJon Lane, the
developer and City Staff meet outside city influence to resolve the issues surrounding the cul-de-sacs
and street alignment.
Mike Mitchell from McJon Lane voiced a desire to be part of the meeting. He wanted to discuss
the issue of the additional traffic on McJon Lane. He asked about the length of street on the
northeast corner. City Attorney Zollinger said it is not a cul-de-sac according to city standards.
City Attorney Zollinger explained he did not think traffic would impact McJon Lane because
people take the course of least resistance. Some traffic will go down McJon Lane. Public Works
Director John Millar said curbing and widening of the south side of the road to 34 feet would be
added by the developer on McJon Lane.
Council Member Mann reiterated the City’s commitment to the neighbors to maintain the two cul-
de-sacs.
Council Member Stout gave an example of going into Wal-Mart with one car turning left off of
McJon Lane and the other car turning right going around the City. It was about the same amount of
time to get to Wal-Mart. He was not OK with treating people differently. He recommended
connecting the cul-de-sacs to allow traffic flow which would help minimize the traffic flow towards
McJon Lane. It is giving something to one group of people and not extending the same courtesy to
another group that could be affected by this development. Kurt Rowland referred to the cul-de-sac
at the end of McJon Lane as being outside the City’s specifications concerning the length of the
street. City Attorney Zollinger explained it was a pre-existing condition. He referred to the two cul-
de-sacs being discussed as having no effect on McJon Lane. People will take the course of least
resistance when exiting the subdivision. It is not a matter on treating one neighborhood differently
than another neighborhood; it is a change because some of the residence on the northeast section of
the subdivision will probably choose McJon Lane to exit the subdivision. Most residences will
choose the south exit until that intersection becomes overloaded. He did not think 100 houses
would overload the south intersection unless it was at 7:45 A.M. Mayor Larsen asked about the
width of McJon Lane. Public Works Director Millar indicated McJon Lane would have some
widening to 34 feet and an upgrade of ribbon curbing on the south side.
Council Member Mann referenced his decision to vote for the annexation of this development
based on the existing residence conditions being met. Other county residents in the area are
watching this development to make sure it is developed as agreed in the annexation hearings. He is
not ready to vote for this proposal unless the commitments are honored which the City Council
made four or five months ago.
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Council Member Stout said two of the City Council Members were not part of the City Council
when the annexation hearings were conducted. Mayor Larsen called for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Richard Woodland Adam Stout
Chris Mann
Randy Schwendiman
The motion carried.
Mayor Larsen asked the developer to schedule a meeting with the city staff, the homeowners and
the developer to meet to work out an acceptable solution. The meeting could be held at City Hall.
Mayor Larsen asked the minutes to reflect the City Council accepts the preliminary plat condition for
this development from Planning and Zoning. City Attorney Zollinger suggested the conditions be
interjected on the motion to approve the final plat. Mayor Larsen asked the developer to take a close
look at those lots impacted by car headlights to see if some changes could be made to avoid the
problem.
Doug Smith asked about the twin homes on the east end of the development. He asked if they
could be clustered to allow more green space. Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness
indicated a Planned Unit Development would allow clustering. It is meant to be an arduous process
to get an acceptable final product. Curtis Ferney indicated he is open to clustering for more open
space. He said twin home owners do not want a large yard to tend. They plan to move forward with
the infrastructure for the whole project with the twin homes being the first phase due to market
demand.
B. Final Plat for Lincoln Park Townhomes:
Trevor Einerson at 1105 Coyote Willow Way in Rexburg explained the development on the
overhead screen. He discussed joint road use with the neighbors. By sharing road space, this will
allow more green space. The outside area will be maintained by the homeowners association. The
buildings have bump outs in the architectural design plan. The units will be numbered 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.
Ownership will be under the same name. Landscaping will be done in phases to prevent waiting to
the end of the development process to do the landscaping. They kept the roofline shorter than
required by the design standards. Buildings were moved to the north four feet in order to maintain
the required setbacks in the rear of the units on 6th South.
Council Member Mann reviewed the two rail fencing for the development in the back. Mr.
Einerson showed a chain link fence to buffer the canal for safety. They are fine with adding
additional rock, etc. to meet design standards for the building next to 6th South. They have plans to
provide locked commons areas for bikes, grills, etc.
Council Member Woodland moved to approve Lincoln Park Townhomes Final Plat with staff
recommendations. Council Member Schwendiman seconded the motion. All voted aye, none
opposed. The motion carried.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness asked the City Council to commend the
developer for such a nice infill project in the City.
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C. Preliminary Plat for 7th South Church Subdivision – Richard Smith
Attorney Richard Smith representing the Corporation of the Presiding Bishopric of The Church of
Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The 80 acre area consists of the new Temple (Lot 1), Stake Center
& Quad area (Lot 2), agricultural (Lot 3) and BYU-I ball diamonds with two BYU-I family housing
buildings (Lot 4). They are coming before the City to comply with the City’s Subdivision Ordinance
by filing a plat when the property is subdivided into three pieces or more. The original 160 acres was
deeded to the Rexburg Stake in 1950. In 2003 the parcel was split in half with the south parcel
deeded to the Corporation of the Presiding Bishopric. He reviewed the proposal to further
subdivide the area into separate ownership in the organization of the Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints. Most of the property is already developed. There are no plans to develop Lot 3.
The Corporation of the President of the Presiding Bishopric will continue to hold Lot 2 and Lot 3.
Council Member Woodland asked why the area had to be subdivided. Attorney Richard Smith
said it is to comply with the City’s Subdivision Ordinance. Lot 4 will be deeded to BYU-Idaho.
They have been working to clean up the deeds to have the Corporation of the Presiding Bishopric
continue to own Lot 2 and Lot 3. Mayor Larsen asked about the Planning and Zoning motion
concerning access to 7th South. Attorney Richard Smith responded to the discussion to access Lot 3.
The Planning Commission asked for a condition on Lot 3. If the property ever transferred, access
would be required for Lot 3.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness explained the concern for Lot 3 was due to the
size of the lot. It is 13 acres of developable land if the parcel is ever sold. The lot will need to have
access to 7th South and University Boulevard. Planning and Zoning wanted an agreement between
the lots to have access for Lot 3 through Lot 4 if Lot 3 ever left church ownership. They did not
want to have 13 acres of traffic dumping onto 2nd East. It is in the Planning and Zoning motion.
Attorney Richard Smith said the church does not have any problem with those conditions. City
Attorney Zollinger explained the transfer conditions noted on the plat.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness noted examples of this possibility all over town.
He is concerned for this access issue coming forward at a later date.
City Attorney Zollinger explained the language stating “Prior to transfer out of church ownership”
needs to be on the plat. Attorney Richard Smith indicated current easements have been added to the
plat. Craig Rindlisbacher asked about the ROW easements for the deed on the east side of the
property against 2nd East. Attorney Richard Smith said the church did not own the property; the
City owns 2nd East and the associated Right-of-Way.
Council Member Schwendiman moved to accept the Preliminary Plat for 7th South Church
Subdivision with the condition to get the wording on the plat corrected and approved by City
Attorney Zollinger. Council Member Woodland seconded the motion. Discussion: Council
Member Mann disclosed he is employed by the church. All voted aye, none opposed. The motion
carried.
D. Amend Ordinance 926 Section 5.5 A “Off-street parking space – size of spaces” – Staff
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Council Member Mann wanted to have a full City Council for this discussion. Planning and
Zoning Administrator Leikness said the same concern was noted in Planning and Zoning. The
issue was initiated by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Issue One: parking lot stalls sizes and aisle design;
Amendments to Chapter 5- Parking Regulations
Section 5.5(A)(1).
Each Required off-street parking space shall be at least nine (9) feet in width and
at least twenty (20) feet in length, exclusive of access drive and aisles. Up to
twenty-five (25) percent of the spaces may be allocated for compact cars with a
minimum stall width of eight (8) feet and length of sixteen (16) feet. Spaces for
compact cars shall be signed or otherwise designated and shall be located in rows
separate from parking for larger vehicles. For student housing, up to forty (40)
percent of the parking spaces provided may be allocated to compact cars.
5.5(A)(2).
All aisles designed for two-way circulation and aisle designed to serve 90 degree
parking shall be at least twenty-four (24) feet in width. Aisles designed for one-
way circulation shall be thirteen (13) feet wide when serving thirty (30) degree
parking, fifteen (15) feet wide when serving forty-five (45) degree parking, and
eighteen (18) feet wide when serving sixty (60) degree parking.
Issue two: storage units.
Amendments to all Commercial Zones and Industrial Zones.
Sections 3.13 (Neighborhood Business District NBD), 3.14 (General Business
District GBD), 3.15 (Central Business District CBD), 3.16 (Local Business
Center LBC), 3.17 (Community Business Center CBC), 3.18 (Regional Business
Center RBC). 3.22 (Professional Office Zone POZ), 3.23 Technology and Office
Zone TOZ), 3.24 Airport District (AP), 3.25 (Public Facilities Zone PF), 3.30
(Project Redevelopment Option PRO).
Each of the above listed zones, which are generally commercial, shall not allow as
a permitted use or conditionally permitted use, “mini-warehouses,” “storage
units,” “household goods warehousing and storage,” and any similar use, as
these uses and buildings are found to be more consistent with the uses and
architectural standards in industrial zones.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness indicated the Planning and Zoning Commission
asked for no action to be taken on Issue two. Issue two was initiated because storage units are
commonly found in industrial areas. The City struggles to apply design standards to storage units
because of the nature of the business. One idea would be to locate storage units behind a storefront
business to minimize their street front exposure. Commercial Zones are not intended to be places
where you can store property for a year at a time. There are locations in the city where large
underutilized areas exist behind commercial businesses.
Council Member Mann explained the idea is to preserve the street-scape for commercial business
and utilize the back of the lot for storage units. Planning and Zoning wants to rework the Zoning
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Ordinance to maintain the storage business in a commercial area with the intent to locate storage
units in an un-intrusive manner behind the storefront businesses.
Discussion from a developer in the audience: He has discovered from attending national storage
convention training meetings in the last few months. The trend is to move storage from industrial
zones to commercial or neighborhood locations that are cleaner, nicer, better laid out, better
landscaped and better built storage units. They could be approved with a conditional use permit in
commercial zones. The new units built to (CUP) design standards in commercial or residential zones
have about a 90% occupancy rate verses the traditional storage units in industrial zones which have
fallen to 40% to 60% occupancy.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness commented on being hammered by applicants due
to the design standards applied to storage units; however, there is a storage unit facility being built in
the Airport Industrial Business Park by choice. Rexburg has a healthy mix of industrial zones in the
City. Mayor Larsen asked about the new code language “All aisles designed for two-way
circulation and aisle designed to serve 90 degree parking shall be at least twenty-four (24) feet in
width”. It would require larger parking lots.
Mayor Larsen asked that this discussion be put on a future work meeting where all City Council
members could attend due to the importance of the discussion.
Staff Reports:
Public Works: John Millar
Report on Projects
Public Works Director Millar said the last two weeks have been devoted to cleanup projects. They
have landscaped the area behind City Hall which looks very nice. The Animal Shelter has been
paved and sprinklers and sod will be put in to complete the project. Part of 7th South from 4th East
to Harvest Heights has also been paved.
Public Works Director Millar requested a budget adjustment for the heating and ventilating system
and equipment in the Police Department. The request is for $17,000 from the contingency fund.
The cost for the new system was $42,000 but they are still having problems. These additional funds
would be to replace the electric furnaces as well as the condensing units on the roof. Contingency
monies are at $189,000 prior to this request.
Mayor Larsen explained the problems with this system. The duct work was recently upgraded;
however, the electric furnaces are failing and need to be replaced.
Council Member Woodland asked if heat pumps would be more efficient. Public Works Director
Millar explained the concept of a heat pump. He will take a look into this before any purchases are
made. Council Member Schwendiman agreed with the idea to look at heat pumps. Even if they cost
a little more, if the efficiency is there the additional cost would be offset.
Council Member Mann moved to approve the budget adjustment request for $17,000 out of the
contingency fund to replace the furnaces and condensing units for the Police Department. Council
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Member Schwendiman seconded the motion. Discussion: Public Works Director Millar said he will
do a pay back analysis. All voted aye, none opposed. The motion carried.
Finance Department: Chief Financial Officer Horner
Monthly Budget Summary Report
Finance Officer Horner reviewed the budget report through the end of April 2008. Council
Member Schwendiman reviewed overages. Any overages will be out of the general fund reserves.
Mayor Larsen has asked department heads to stay under budget. Finance Officer Horner explained
his department should be about $20,000 under budget. The Police Department will be over budget
which will have to come out of the general fund. Mayor Larsen explained all departments should
know where they stand.
Council Member Schwendiman moved to approve the budget summary for the period ending
April 30, 2008. Council Member Woodland seconded the motion. All voted aye, none opposed.
The motion carried.
Finance Officer Horner passed out a budget report for the proposed 2009 budget. Property tax
revenue is increasing; however, other revenues from the state (sales tax, fuel tax, etc.) are coming in
flat. The franchise revenue from Intermountain Gas has flattened. The franchise revenue for Rocky
Mountain Power has increased. The department heads met today to balance the proposed 2009
Budget. They cut $385,000 out of budget requests to balance the budget. Mayor Larsen said
contingency funds are set up for extreme emergencies. The Tabernacle Committee was asked to
raise $110,000 towards improvements. The City agreed to contribute $30,000 if the Tabernacle
Committee could raise $110,000. Monies from street repairs were not cut to reach the necessary cuts
in the 2009 proposed budget.
Mayor Larsen reviewed some of the cuts. An additional patrol office for the police was one of the
many cuts. The City Council discussed other possible cuts to increase the 2009 contingency fund.
Council Member Schwendiman asked if the revenue is short a couple of hundred thousand what
the next move would be. Finance Officer Horner explained a seconded look at the budget later in
the year may cause further budget cuts. Mayor Larsen concurred additional budgets would be
required if the revenue falls off.
Council Member Schwendiman asked if there was anything else to look at to trim the budget.
Mayor Larsen recommended looking at reducing the employee overheads by joining other
organizations in a cooperative effort with insurance premiums. He explained the goal of the new
wellness program is to help reduce claims. Recent claims have increased the insurance premiums
$110,000. He suggested looking at prorated rates based on life style choices or getting yearly
wellness physicals.
Finance Officer Horner indicated he has maintained the reserve at 25%. Council Member
Schwendiman asked how the City would react to 12% inflation. Mayor Larsen mentioned
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compressed natural gas for auto fuel is being explored in Utah. IT Manager Steve Christensen said a
four day work week may cut some costs.
Calendared Bills and Tabled Items:
A. BILL Introductions:
1. BILL 1006 Amend Ordinance 926 (Parking regulations) – Staff
Mayor Larsen suggested postponing this item for a future work meeting when all Council Members
could attend.
B. First Reading: Those items which are being introduced for first reading. - NONE
C. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read. - NONE
D. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read. – NONE
Tabled Items: Those items which have been the subject of an affirmative vote to a motion
to table: - NONE
Old Business:
Mayor’s Report:
Department Report from “GIS” – Craig Rindlisbacher
GIS Manager Craig Rindlisbacher explained GIS is a joint city/county department which consists
of five positions:
1. Craig Rindlisbacher
2. Talsan Schulzke
3. Kade Smith
4. Chad Hinckley
5. Sandy Briggs
Craig explained because this is a joint city/county department, all salaries and expenses are split
50/50 except Sandy who is funded 100% by the county.
He talked from a philosophical point of view. He showed the explained the “Value Pyramid” is a
good example of how GIS works because each step on the pyramid is based on an element common
to surveying processes. When this pyramid is followed, it helps GIS make wise decisions.
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Craig also showed an example of a Warranty Deed which is a document that is given when a
property changes ownership and helps the GIS Department keep parcel information accurate in their
database system.
Craig explained GIS works with local governments and helps them get accurate, complete, current
and integrated information. GIS is a vehicle to help cross organizational boundaries. They work
with addressing, mapping, tracking recorded documents, etc.
Craig went over the goals they would like to accomplish for 2009. They include:
Effective Data Maintenance
o A functioning geo-database property parcel model
o A complete drinking water layer
o Census 2010 support (LUCA)
GIS available to the public
o A public form of the data
o Understandable metadata
o An interactive internet tool
Paper maps available on demand (online and in the office)
o Improve QA/QC
o Available and in stock
o Standardize presentation
Establish and streamline EMS(911) updates
o Produce an EMS model
Develop a linear transportation model
Improve the accuracy of the county’s survey control network
Complete the digital county assessment map series
Council Member Mann asked Craig what the city could do (that didn’t cost any money) to help in
their efforts. Craig explained he feels it is a real benefit for the city/county to have a joint
department. He explained it is very important to have good relations and good communication
between the city and county. It makes their jobs harder to communicate with each entity of
government when they aren’t on the same page.
Mayor Larsen thanked Craig for their hard work.
Consent Calendar: The consent calendar includes items which require formal
City Council action, however they are typically routine or not of great controversy.
Individual Council members may ask that any specific item be removed from
the consent calendar for discussion in greater detail. Explanatory information is
included in the City Council’s agenda packet regarding these items.
A. Minutes from May 07, 2008 meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Schwendiman moved to approve the Consent Calendar. Council Member
Woodland seconded the motion. Discussion: Council Member Stout had a correction on page 17;
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the minutes should read Doug Smith instead of Craig Smith. All voted aye, none opposed. The
motion carried.
Adjournment
__________________________________
Shawn Larsen
Mayor
Attest:
______________________________
Blair D. Kay
City Clerk