HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010.02.17 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES1
February 17, 2010
Mayor Richard Woodland Council Members: Christopher Mann – Council President Rex Erickson Donna Benfield Bruce Sutherland Brad Egbert Vacancy City Staff: Stephen Zollinger – City Attorney Richard Horner – Finance Officer Public Works Director Millar – Public Works Director Val Christensen – Building Official Blair Kay – City Clerk
Mayor Woodland asked Mr. Thompson to give the opening prayer.
Mayor Woodland asked a boy scout to lead the pledge. He welcomed the scouts to the meeting.
7:00 P.M. City Hall – Pledge to the Flag
Roll Call of Council Members:
Mayor Woodland explained the resignation of Adam Stout to apply for a city position. By applying
for a city position, he had to relinquish his position as a City Council Member. The Mayor stated
that he was a great City Councilman.
The interview process is still in progress. Mayor Woodland, Council Member Benfield, Finance
Officer Richard Horner, and City Attorney Zollinger have ranked the possible candidates. They
have narrowed down the interviewees to 12 names. They will conduct phone interviews which
would narrow the candidates down to 4 or 5 people. Someone from the University and other
people who are familiar with city government and the types of tasks associated with the position will
be on the final committee. This committee will then make the final recommendation of the top
three to the Mayor and he will make the final decision.
Roll Call: Council Member Sutherland, Council Member Benfield, Council President Mann, Council
Member Erickson, Council Member Egbert, and Mayor Woodland.
Public Comment: on issues not scheduled on the agenda (limit 3 minutes)
Cheryl Graham at 510 Linden Avenue thanked the City, City Council, and Finance Officer Horner
for putting the budget on line. It is great for transparency in city government.
Presentations:
Committee Liaison Assignments for 2009:
A. Council Member (Vacancy) Trails of Madison County · Traffic & Safety Committee · Airport Board
The committees have not met.
B. Council Member Brad Egbert Legacy Flight Museum · Parks & Recreation · IBC Committee
Council Member Egbert did not have a report.
C. Council Member Bruce Sutherland Museum Committee · Beautification Committee · Traffic & Safety Committee
Council Member Sutherland did not have a report. He will bring some names to the City
Council in the future who are interested in serving on city committees. Mayor Woodland invited anyone who would be interested in volunteering for any city committee to apply; the city is
always looking for good people to work on the city committees.
35 North 1st East
Rexburg, ID 83440
Phone: 208.359.3020 x313
Fax: 208.359.3022
blairk@rexburg.org
www.rexburg.org
City Council Meeting
February 17, 2010
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D. Council Member Christopher Mann Emergency Services Board · School Board · MYAB
Council President Mann reported that the MYAB (Mayors Youth Advisory Board) meets
every Wednesday night. They are preparing to report on the teen center by March 17. They plan
to discuss issues dealing with the budget for the teen center. The Emergency Services Board
met to review issues concerning the collective bargaining agreement which will be discussed later
tonight. There was a picture and article in the paper concerning the Emergency Services “Oath
Ceremony” conducted for many members of Emergency Services. It was a very moving
ceremony, with a professional honor guard posting the colors. Council President Mann
congratulated Fire Chief Corey Child and the Fire Department for the progress being made with
the Emergency Services staff.
E. Council Member Donna Benfield Police Department · Romance Theatre Committee · Rexburg Arts
Council · Tabernacle Civic Center · School Board
Council Member Benfield reported on the Police Department and her ride-along experience
for two hours last Friday night. She is always impressed by their professionalism. She invited
any other City Council Member to do the same. Our Rexburg officers are very professional and
are very good representatives for Rexburg.
The Romance Theatre met Thursday, February 4th and had an excellent meeting. City Attorney
Zollinger is the city liaison with the Romance Theatre Committee. He is acting as chair in lieu of
a volunteer chairperson at this time. They are currently looking for someone to fill that
position. They are regrouping and laying out their short and long term goals. Ronalee
Flansburg was there to give a short presentation on a grant application.
Ronalee Flansburg spoke concerning the grant application for the Arts Council. They are
working on the grant in conjunction with the Upper Valley Arts Guild. The recent “Nut
Cracker Ballet” performance was sponsored by Arts Council. Ticket sales grossed over $10,000.
The revenue was split between the professionals and the Arts Council. Around $2,000 came
back to the Arts Council. They are in need of some backdrops; so she is working on a grant
from the Idaho Arts Commission for $1,500.00 which requires matching funds. They have an
in-kind labor match of $750 and she requested a half match of ($750) cash from the $2,000
proceeds of the Arts Council portion, from the City Council. It will be the fourth year for the
annual youth performance. This year there were 375 dancers that participated.
Council Member Benfield added that the Arts Council and Tabernacle Committee met last
week to work on shared goals for the organizations.
Roger Harris at 19 East 2nd North presented some long term goals for the Tabernacle. The
Tabernacle Committee is planning to make two dressing rooms downstairs below the stage area.
There are pageants planned from Sugar City and the Junior Miss Pageant. There are many items
that need to be cleared out. Mr. Harris has a floor plan, and at some point would like to take
Mayor Woodland and Council Member Benfield over to the Tabernacle and show them. It will
take some money at some point. Donated money and volunteers are required to do the work.
The Tabernacle Committee is on schedule to replace 24 lights on the overhead area above the
audience on the 8th of March. The new lights will have 750 Watt bulbs verses the current 1,000
watt bulbs in the old fixtures. The Westwood Theatre Committee has some ideas concerning
the upcoming “Upper Valley Idol” event. They want to make a functioning stage clear back to
the back wall. This will allow for more ballet, dance, and other performances.
Council Member Benfield asked the City Council to grant Ronalee Flansburg access to grant
files at City Hall. Mayor Woodland agreed to allow Ronalee access to grant files to gather
information for grant applications. The Arts Council is also seeking a four drawer file. Council
Member Sutherland offered them one of his four drawer files. The handicap chair lift at the
Tabernacle is broken. They are seeking some help to fix the handicap lift. Council Member
Benfield said they are seeking a list of donor’s pledges for the seats. Bids for the Tabernacle
windows are needed for the grant application.
Public Works Director Millar explained the Tabernacle windows will cost about $40,000 to
$50,000.
Council President Mann moved to approve the $750.00 matching funds requested for the
grant application to the Idaho Arts Commission; Council Member Benfield seconded the
motion; all voted aye. The motion carried.
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F. Council Member Rex Erickson Golf Board · Planning & Zoning · Rexburg Redevelopment Agency
Council Member Erickson reported Planning Zoning met twice since he attended their
meetings. They will be presenting more land use actions in future meetings. Urban Renewal
met this morning at 7:00 A.M.; another meeting was held with Urban Renewal around the 20th of
January to hear a proposal from Hemming Properties. He asked Hemming’s to bring their
proposal update to City Council tonight. The Riverside Park project was discussed at the Urban
Renewal meeting too. It needs discussed at City Council. He has four questions concerning
Riverside Park that he will bring forward at the next City Council meeting. The Golf Board has
asked for a discussion on tournament green fee waivers at the golf course. He asked Golf Board
President Brian Thompson to make a presentation on tournament green fee waiver requests.
Brian Thompson at 334 South 3000 West presented a proposal on the green fee waiver issues.
Golf Professional Duffy McFarland said historically there are three tournaments year in and year
out. They are seeking to share the fee waiver with other organizations. Three fee waivers this
year will be allowed at a 100% of the fees; however, in 2011 the waivers would be restricted to
50% of the fees. The waivers requested for 2011 need to be submitted by April 01, 2010. Next
year the waiver deadline will be March 01, 2011.
Council Member Erickson said the Golf Board is doing a very good job to make the golf
course pay its way without subsidy. They will have to shuffle future tournament waivers around
to share the wealth. The same tournament may not get the same waiver each year. This is
another way to help the golf course continue to pay their way. Mr. Thompson said we are the
only community in the area that offers green fee waivers. Council Member Erickson asked for
the City Council to approve the policy change request. He indicated the Golf Board needs the
city’s approval of the recommended changes before making the same request to the county
commissioners. They are recommending the following selection criteria for tournament green
fee waivers with a maximum of three tournament green fee waivers awarded each year:
1. Requesting organization’s community involvement and contribution.
2. Non-profit organizations given preference.
3. Demonstration of adequate organization and management of tournament.
4. Golf course manager involvement is essential.
5. Beginning in 2011, a waiver of 50% rather than 100%.
6. Beginning in 2011, the submission date for the application/request moved from
April 1st to March 1st of the year in which the waiver is requested.
Council Member Erickson moved to approve the Green fee waivers recommendation as
presented; Council Member Egbert seconded the motion; Discussion: Mayor Woodland said this
golf course is a rarity in the State of Idaho or any other location. It actually makes money. All
voted aye, the motion carried.
Council Member Benfield thanked Mr. Thompson for all the help given to the Chamber of
Commerce over the years. Mr. Thompson said they have enjoyed supporting the Chamber of
Commerce. He said they would be having a grand opening for the new nine hole section of the
golf course and they would coordinate the event with the Chamber of Commerce.
Public Hearings: - None
Items for Consideration:
A. Resolution 2010 – 2 “Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention” – Month of February
Mayor Woodland explained Resolution 2010 – 2 and the support rendered for the campaign from the United States Congress. The month of February is to be set aside for “Teen Dating
Violence Awareness & Prevention Month.”
Resolution 2010 – 2
WHEREAS, the youth of Rexburg are Rexburg’s most precious resource and greatest hope for the
future, and ensuring their safety, well being, positive development, and growth into healthy citizens and a responsibility that we all share; and
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WHEREAS, nationwide surveys conducted in 2006 and 2007 examined teen dating relationships and
experiences, and findings show that a high incidence of violence and abuse occurs among teens- including verbal, emotional, sexual, and physical violence; and
WHEREAS, the 2009 Idaho Youth Risk Behavior Survey reports that 10.6% of Idaho high school students have been hit, slapped, or physically hurt by their boyfriends or girlfriends during the past year
and 9.6% of Idaho high school students have been forced to have unwanted sexual intercourse; WHEREAS, digital abuse and “sexting” are becoming a new frontier for teen dating abuse and 17.7% of
Idaho high school students report being electronically bullied in the last 12 months; and
WHEREAS, teen dating violence is a reality for many teenagers and an issue that many parents are unaware of; and
WHEREAS, violent relationships in adolescence can have serious ramifications for victims, who are at higher risk for alcohol and drug abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior, suicide, and adult re-
victimization; and
WHEREAS, the Idaho Teen Dating Violence Awareness & Prevention Project provides free
presentations on teen dating violence and Start Strong Idaho provides free presentations on building healthy teen relationships at our secondary schools and in our communities and it is critical that we inform Idaho teens on the warning signs of an abusive relationship, where to find help, the importance of
healthy relationships; and
WHEREAS, Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month provides an excellent opportunity
for citizens to learn more about the importance of healthy teen relationships and preventing teen dating violence and to show support for the organizations and individuals who provide critical prevention work
and advocacy services, and assistance to victims; NOW, THEREFORE, I Richard Woodland, Mayor of Rexburg, Idaho, do hereby proclaim February
2010 to be: TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS & PREVENTION MONTH
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND APPROVED BY THE MAYOR THIS 17th DAY OF
FEBRUARY, 2010. __________________________________ RICHARD WOODLAND, MAYOR
ATTEST: _________________________________
BLAIR D. KAY, CITY CLERK
Council Member Sutherland moved to approve Resolution 2010 – 2 “Teen Dating Violence
Awareness & Prevention Month;” Council Member Erickson seconded the motion; Discussion:
Council President Mann explained at the Westwood Theatre this Friday, February 19, the MYAB
will be involved in holding “Romance at the Romance”. The event will include a panel to discuss
teen violence. He is very proud of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board. Mayor Woodland called for
a vote: all voted aye, the motion carried.
B. City of Rexburg “Independent Audit Report” by RUDD & COMPANY PLLC
Brad Reed from Rudd and Company explained the audit summary to the City Council. He referred
to the Table of Contents, with their report being on Pages 1-2. This section contains their opinions
on the overall financial statement. They do “test and controls” and interviews. The controls are in
place for the city. Pages 3-16 cover the Management’s Discussion and Analysis. This does not
contain their opinions; Finance Officer Horner and Management prepared this section. These are
executive summaries, containing highlights and comparisons from the previous year. There are
some pages showing graphs, and parts of the city budget demonstrating the source of the revenue.
This should eventually be on the city’s website.
Pages 17-19 cover financial statements, which is broken down between governmental activities and
business type activities. The governmental activity is made up of the General Fund, and it is the
main one that we have control. There are also business type funds like the water utility, wastewater
utility and the golf course. The cash, at the end of the year was $7 million in cash and investments
between the several funds. Looking at the Council Table, there aren’t any long term debts. The $7
million includes funds in banks and state investments.
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Council Member Sutherland asked if this included the reserved funds. Mr. Reed responded yes.
The reserve fund percentage is held at 28% for the General Fund budget.
The debt for the city is low compared to other cities. There is a little under $1 million in the
governmental funds; that is mainly through the LID process financing property owners. Business
type debt is at $225,000, which is pretty good. He commended the city for not going into so much
debt, especially with the recent growth of the city. The Net Fund of the governmental assets is $35
million with $4 million in unreserved, which money is accessible by the city.
Relating to the business type activities, there is $1.9 million that is unreserved. Page 18 has the
Statement of Activities. This is the Income Statement; this is counted as fixed assets and long term
debt. The Business types ended with a new net profit of $2.4 million.
Council Member Sutherland clarified it is a net increase in city assets, not a profit. Mr. Reed said
25% to 33% of the General Fund Budget is recommended for a reserve. He reviewed fund
balances; it looks good in the General Fund. The Statement of Revenues, Expenditures and
Changes in Fund Balances, show an increase from the General Fund of about $150,000. The Street
Fund had a net increase of $634,000.
Pages 23-26 cover the Utility Funds. The Golf Course funds went down to $570,000.
Council Member Egbert asked about the funds. Finance Officer Horner explained the pay down is
for a new nine hole golf course; the construction costing less than anticipated. Donated items
helped keep the costs down.
Page 24 shows the Utility Funds, which pay for depreciation. This is tough for many cities to attain.
The city is doing a good job as a council and as management.
Page 25 is the Statement of Cash Flow. Operation funds had a positive cash flow of 1.7 Million and
the Golf Course had a positive cash flow of $62,000. Plant expense, property expense and paying
off debt were on the expense side which was about break-even on the golf course fund.
Council Member Erickson reviewed the golf fund balance. They paid down all but about $16,000
- $17,000. Finance Officer Horner concurred that the $72,000 was created by Operations and was
later transferred out. Mr. Reed said the balance was paid out to loans, interest, etc. Mr. Reed said
Rudd and Company is available for further review of the audit.
Page 50 on back covers the individual fund balances.
Council Member Erickson asked what funds were reviewed. He indicated an audit should take
specific funds and trace them from top to bottom. Mr. Reed explained the bank balances for the
city are audited to verify the account balances and they randomly test transactions in the city
accounts. Some funds like the Tabernacle fund, the Romance Theatre fund and the Carousel fund
are checked. He did mention the lack controls on the front end of the funds where the money is
collected. Additional controls would be cost prohibitive for the Carousel Fund because the
additional cost (more people) would not be supported by the revenue collected.
Mr. Reed indicated the audit this year reviewed the Police Department Fund, Carousel Fund, and
the Golf Fund. They do tests of specific transactions along with checking the cash balances in
banks and state fund accounts. Two or three funds are tested each audit. No errors were found in
the transaction tests conducted in this audit.
Council Member Sutherland thanked Mr. Reed, Rudd and Company, City Council and
Department Heads for diligent oversight of city funds. He thanked Finance Officer Horner for
overseeing things. There are cost sensitive employees and Department Heads in the city. It is
heartwarming to see how careful they are in caring for the budget. Rudd and Company has their
name on the line in conducting city audits. Mr. Reed commended the city for the work they have
done to manage city’s funds compared to other cities. He referred to Los Angeles and their billion
dollar debt. The City of Rexburg is doing wonderful.
Mayor Woodland asked for a motion.
Council Member Egbert moved to accept the audit and approve the “Independent Audit Report”
by RUDD & COMPANY PLLC for the City of Rexburg; Council Member Benfield seconded the
motion; all voted aye, the motion carried.
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C. “Teen Center” – review June 03, 2009 approval of handicap lift for 2nd floor and youth center at City Hall – Staff
Building Official Val Christensen mentioned the meeting two weeks ago. He referred to the June
03, 2009 minutes on the motion approving improvements to the New City Hall including the teen
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center and a handicap lift for the upstairs area. He asked the City Council to approve the handicap
lift for the teen center. He said the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board is ready to move on the
improvements needed for the teen center. He provided and old bid on the handicap lift to City
Council. The low bid is out of Utah. Only three companies could meet the state requirements.
Should he move forward on the lift? Council Member Sutherland reviewed the June 09, 2009
minutes approving the lift.
Council Member Erickson said the intent was not just to put in a lift; he reviewed the motion:
approve the requested improvements to City Hall at 35 North 1st East (sidewalk, security system, handicap lift for 2nd floor, youth center, and parking lot); we were told $43,000 was going to be used for a lift, sheet rock and
rough in for the teen center. It will not be a finished product. He did not know why the work was
not done at that time. Now it will cost another $3,000 over the original cost of the lift of $17,000.
Building Official Christensen said cost numbers were the engineer’s estimates July 28th, 2009 as
noted below:
Building Official Christensen said they did not follow up on the bids because he was specifically told to hold off on the construction last year. The $17,000 amount is what the City Council agreed
on at the time prior to any bids being received. The most inexpensive lift Building Official Christensen could find on line was an estimate amount of $15,000 without allowing for state
requirements. Bids with state requirements added additional costs to the proposal.
Council Member Erickson agreed with the historical review. He followed up with more discussion at the meeting in June, 2009.
Finance Officer Horner explained the funding sheet passed out to the City Council.
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…The funding would come from the revolving loan fund. He recommended doing all of the remodeling at this time due to added cost by waiting. The total additions to the remodel the new city hall project are
estimated to be about $143,000.
Council Member Erickson asked if all the expense came in at $143,000 as approved for the (sidewalk, security system, handicap lift for 2nd floor, youth center, and parking lot). Finance Officer Horner
said the parking lot was slightly under budget; $43,000 is still there in the budget; the $100,000 is
close or slightly under budget. The $43,000 is still there in the budget for the teen center budget.
Building Official Christensen did not expect to go over the $43,000 amount. They should come
in under that amount.
Council Member Erickson said as long as the expense was under the agreed upon amount, he
was agreeable with the proposal. Finance Officer Horner explained the sheetrock was done to
finish the building providing a barrier for security to the rest of the building; not for the youth
center. It cost $8,100 for the sheet rock which was not part of teen center or the remaining
$43,000 budget.
Council Member Erickson moved to accept the bid for $18,105 for the handicapped lift; Council
Member Egbert seconded the motion; Discussion: Council Member Egbert expressed the need to
move forward with the lift. Council President Mann explained his support; he supports the idea
and concept of it. The MYAB is planning on coming to City Council on the 17th of March to talk
about the proposal. It would be good to have a mixed use facility; the marathon could use the area
to distribute T-shirts, he wanted to send the message the City Council stands behind the youth on
the teen center. Council Member Erickson said we are not budgeting money for a teen center. The
youth will get volunteer materials and labor. Council Member Mann said he would not oppose
providing some amenities (furnishings) if there is money left over.
Council Member Erickson said the teens need to come to City Council with a proposal for
security and supervision including how many days the teen center would be open. After further
discussion on the lack of current costs or bids Council Member Erickson withdrew his motion;
thus requesting solid bids before committing city funds to the teen center.
Discussion on changing the amount to allow room for a bid higher than the current estimate of
$18,105. Building Official Christensen explained he came to the City Council to see if the project
should move forward. He cannot work on the upstairs area without a lift. Council Member Egbert
explained the prior City Council already approved the $43,000 project. This City Council does not
have to go back and re-approve it.
Council Member Egbert moved to reaffirm the action of the prior City Council approving the
project for $43,000 allow Building Official Christensen to move forward on project including the
handicapped lift; Council President Mann seconded the motion; Discussion: Council Member
Erickson said the city can’t give authorization for the work without a bid. He asked to have staff
get some bids that are within reason. Council Member Egbert modified his motion to move
forward with the previous approval given in June 03, 2009 with the caveat of the City Council
needing to approve the bids; Council President Mann seconded the motion; all voted aye. The
motion carried.
D. Collective Bargaining Agreement – Rexburg/Madison County Emergency Services
and Madison Firefighters Union No. 4113 – Fire Chief Corey Child
Fire Chief Corey Child said both the Fire District and the Emergency Services Board have
approved the bargaining agreement.
Council Member Sutherland asked about the changes; Council President Mann asked about
certification raises to know the difference between merit and certification.
Fire Chief Corey Child reviewed the highlights of the things that cost money including Article 12:
Callback and Extra Duty. The contract expired last September; so, they have been operating under
an extension of the old contract. The bargaining discussions have been agreeable. City Attorney
Zollinger, Fire Chief Child, and Finance Officer Horner have represented the city in the bargaining
discussions. Item four was added to Article 12 concerning full time employees being on the same
list for callouts as Paid-Call members. Fire Chief Child said those persons whose positions are full
time wanted to be included in the pool of people available to cover full time shifts. Under Item
four, it states full time positions are given the same opportunity. Mayor Woodland asked if this
would affect the amount of overtime paid. Fire Chief Child responded that it very well could affect
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overtime. They have weighed out the options in mathematical equations. Full time options increase
by 1/3; however, the full time employees do have restrictions.
Article 22 Physical training, Recreation: Fire Chief Child explained the required physical fitness
standards which covers the requirements for the Physical Fit test. This includes a “Pack” test where
a person carries 45 pounds on their back while walking three miles in 45 minutes. This sounds fairly
simple; however, it is not easy. City Attorney Zollinger said this is the 2nd required physical fitness
test. This is well within the parameters of what they are expected to do in a daily task. These are
applicable certifications for our community and our Fire fighters. The “Aerial Certification” is
measured on the handout. Council President Mann explained to the City Council that last year, they
voted to curtail merit raises and cost of living increases; however, they did not vote to curtail
certification raises.
Finance Officer Horner stated these people can get a certification or re-classification raise; but no
merit raises or classification raises. Also, there are certification raises available in the Police
Department. Discussion of Appendix “A” and Appendix “B”.
Appendix B Rank Structure:
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Appendix B has changed. All of the paid call staff has been divided into platoons. Lieutenants are
responsible over the platoons; thus, every paid call person reports to a lieutenant.
Appendix B Rank Structure
Council Member Sutherland moved to approve the Collective Bargaining Agreement with
Rexburg/Madison County Emergency Services and Madison Firefighters Union No. 4113; Council
Member Benfield seconded the motion; all voted aye. The motion carried.
E. Cloud Seeding assistance – Staff
Council Member Benfield had been asked to sit on a multi-county committee (High Country
RC&D) for cloud seeding. She has participated in the cloud seeding discussions in the past;
Rexburg has donated $2,500 to do cloud seeding in recent years. The city donated $2,500 to cloud
seeding in 2007 and 2008. A 1% increase in moisture would provide payback. They have been
getting 12% to 15 % increase in snowpack. She asked for the city’s participation in cloud seeding.
About 50 adjoining counties and cities participate including Madison County. They are asking for
$2,500. In 2009 the city lost the liaison to the cloud seeding organization. As Chairman of the
organization, Paul Romrell has visited with the City Council to promote the cloud seeding effort.
Council Member Erickson reviewed the history of cloud seeding. He asked who gets the benefit.
He asked to have Mr. Romrell present a report on the cloud seeding activities.
Discussion on the merits of cloud seeding.
Council Member Sutherland moved to approve a $2,500 payment to “High Country RC&D” now
for cloud seeding; Council President Mann seconded the motion: Discussion on the effects of cloud
seeding for Rexburg. The moisture will provide additional help to the farmers. Mayor Woodland
called for a vote: all voted aye. The motion carried.
Break
Staff Reports:
A. Public Works: – John Millar
1. Bid Opening on 12th West Bridge: The estimate was $65,000 to widen the bridge. The
low bid to replace the bridge was from DL Beck at $52,959. The high bid was $74,275.
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Council Member Sutherland moved to authorize acceptance of the low bid from DL
Beck to replace the bridge on 12th West; Council Member Egbert seconded the motion;
Discussion: The completion date is April 1st to avoid water in the canal. All voted aye,
the motion carried.
2. Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade: Bid the pump portion with bids ranging from
$142,110 to $80,920 from the low bidder W-Cubed out of Salt Lake. This is for three
100 HP Pumps. There are savings going submersible verses mixed flow.
Council Member Egbert moved to approve and accept the low bid for the three
submersible pumps from W-Cubed; Council Member Sutherland seconded the motion;
all voted aye. The motion carried.
3. Bio-tower distribution mechanism: The distributer bid for the bio filter and specialty
equipment plus operation cost from WesTech was $193,068 for the Biodoc and
$200,479 for the Hydrodoc. EIMCO bid $188,265 for their unit, which is not a stainless
steel unit. Input from a consultant indicated a stainless steel unit would be a trouble free
option costing about $12,000 more. It would be a better investment.
Council Member Egbert moved to purchase the stainless steel Hydrodoc “Distributer”
from WesTech for $200,479; Council Member Benfield seconded the motion;
Discussion: The stainless steel material would have less maintenance. You can’t paint
the item and do it right. All voted aye, the motion carried.
4. Upgrade project at the Wastewater Plant: (blower went out). The plant has been using a
smaller unit which has been outgrown. The larger blowers set aside for replacement
need a generator to run. Public Works Director Millar asked the City Council for a
generator replacement on an emergency basis. He has located a nine year old generator
unit with 150 hours at a cost of $85,000. He wanted to purchase the backup generator
and a transfer switch. The transfer switch new, would cost $24,000; Council Member
Erickson said the money is budgeted; however, the city needs to do it now instead of
later in the year. It is another back-up generator in a short period of time. The city
needs it for the Wastewater Plant.
Council Member Sutherland declared the purchase of a backup generator for the
Wastewater Plant blower is an emergency; He moved to approve the emergency
purchase of a backup generator for $85,000 and the transfer switch for $24,000 for the
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wastewater blower; Council Member Erickson seconded the motion; all voted aye, the motion carried.
NOTE: Public Works Director Millar purchased a used transfer switch for $8,000;
the generator and transfer switch came to $93,000.
5. Generators for City Hall, Police, and Fire are here ready to be installed. All good units
should last for a long time. Finance Officer Horner said the Hospital will pay for 1/5 of
the cost of the generator.
Council President Mann asked about the recycling survey. There are BYU-Idaho
students who want to be involved. That way, they may get BYU-I students incorporated
into that survey. Public Works Director Millar will provide a copy to Council President
Mann. He asked if BYU-Idaho can also be a part of the survey. City Attorney Zollinger
said BYU-Idaho does have a committee. Council President Mann said it was SIC
Officers.
He asked about the audit; it shows $21,000 was spent on community lighting. Where
have we spent that money? Finance Officer Horner said it was with Rocky Mountain
Power. $70,000 is available for new lighting on 2nd East. City Attorney Zollinger said
payments are for lighting maintenance too.
Council Member Benfield asked about the grant project for the corner parking lot
with county. Public Works Director Millar said that he does not know, and he will talk
to the Development Company. But, that it is moving forward with the county. It is all
one grant. She asked about road projects. Has it been done? Public Works Director
Millar responded that it has been done. The primary project that they are working on
this year is 12th West. Three other roads are to be worked on in the Comanche area.
These roads were due for an overlay of last year; however, they are carried into this year.
Also crack sealing and seal coating. Seal coating for University Boulevard is scheduled
for this year.
B. Finance Department: – Richard Horner
1. Monthly Budget Report
Finance Officer Horner reviewed the Monthly Budget Report and the Treasures
Quarterly Report. The Budget Summary Report was shown up on the screen.
The quarterly report showed four months ending (33% of the year). Some
departments have more expense than others due to once a year costs. These are all
on the web now, which are updated monthly.
Treasures Quarterly Report shows revenues and expenditures which were reviewed
from the packet. A lot of revenues are received in January. The balance now is at
$1.9 million. This is due to the property tax receipts in January.
Council Member Erickson asked about the Riverside Park grant of $450,000; has it
been spent. $48,000 is the balance at this point; $150,000 has been spent already.
He asked to get a report for next meeting. The grant money needs to be spent on
that project, or else we will lose it.
Public Works Director Millar said $350,000 should be left. What does the City
Council want to do?
Council Member Benfield asked about beautification funds of $6,500 budgeted.
Council President Mann remarked that perhaps the sign and flowers at the end of
Main Street were most of that expense.
Calendared Bills and Tabled Items:
A. BILL Introductions:
1. BILL 1041 Open Burning Guide - Fire Chief Corey Child
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Fire Chief Child presented BILL 1041. There have been many false alarms due to
burning clippings in ditch banks. He is presenting a proposal with this BILL to be
approved. This BILL does not grant permission to burn, it asks for a registration. This
will limit false alarms. There are three ways to register:
1. Online, with Madison Emergency Services.
2. Calling the station.
3. Personally visiting the station.
In the BILL the second statement acknowledges the state statute for open burning. The
third statement indicates DEQ (Department of Environmental Quality) is involved. He
reviewed the process on the overhead screen off of the website. The date, time, and
location of burn would be submitted on the form with contact information. This is the
first web-based registration in the state of Idaho. Hopefully this will be a model because
it is a problem in every county in the state.
Council Member Egbert moved to schedule BILL 1041 for a first reading; Council
Member Benfield seconded the motion; Discussion: The Burning Guide will need the
county’s approval. The other two boards (the Fire District and the city’s oversight
committee) have given approval. Mayor Woodland called for a vote: all voted aye, the
motion carried.
2. BILL 1042 Amending Ordinance 918 adding additional lock boxes for structures in
excess of 20,000 square feet. - Fire Chief Corey Child
Council Member Erickson asked how many lock boxes. Fire Chief Child indicated
every building with a minimum of 20,000 square feet should have a minimum of two
lock boxes.
Fire Chief Child said that if there is a 40,000 square foot building, it may need three or
four lock boxes (based on best need). Many buildings on campus are larger than 20,000
square feet. These buildings have lock boxes identified with a specific color (brown with
a red stripe.) These lock boxes are mounted from 5 to 10 feet above ground level.
Council Member Erickson moved to schedule BILL 1042 for a first reading; Council
Member Egbert seconded the motion; all voted aye, the motion carried.
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.
1. BILL 1027 – Amend Ordinance 908 Temporary Sign Sections – Staff
City Attorney Zollinger presented the changes made to BILL 1027 as requested by the
City Council.
Council Member Benfield moved to third read and approve BILL 1027 as amended; Council
Member Erickson seconded the motion; Discussion: all voted aye, the motion carried.
Tabled Items: Those items which have been the subject of an affirmative vote to a motion to table: -
NONE
Mayor’s Report:
A. Hemming Village update
Richie Webb provided an update of the Hemming Village Project to City Council. He introduced his group from Salt Lake (Mr. Smith, Mr. Hawkins, and Mr. Richards.) He wanted to give an update
on where they have been since the first proposal. He reviewed the project on the overhead screen getting to a final discussion on Urban Renewal. The Downtown Urban Renewal District was
recently expanded to include the Hemming Project.
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Mixed Use retail and housing building currently under construction
They are close the BYU-Idaho. The large building is a mixed use building, which is currently under construction.
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Jimmy John’s
Jimmy John’s opened yesterday, which is located on the corner. Other business space is available next to Jimmy John’s.
Bambino Building
The Bambino Building is under construction. He continued to review slides of the project on the overhead screen. They will continue to present new development to the City Council as the project
progresses. The street is critical due to the added density planned. There are other building plans which entail offices on the top level and retail on the first level, with a possible basement below.
Student Housing
Future student housing is planned with a four level building to include 60 units with 360 beds
incorporating some underground parking possibly. The total Hemming Project is planned to be a
$25 million investment. He reviewed an overall sight plan. He wanted to focus on the street issues
needing Urban Renewal money. They have looked at parking structures in Boise built with Urban
Renewal funds. Rexburg Urban Renewal would not work for infrastructure on private property.
Williams Engineering and Headwaters provided some street improvement estimates for West 2nd
South. They included storm drainage, sewer, water, and street surface improvements. All
infrastructure improvements are underground.
Above ground improvements on their property include sidewalk and landscape on city right of way.
The question is will other developers pay for sidewalks, etc. His response was Urban Renewal
Districts are designed with the incentive to provide these areas that would otherwise not be
developed, because of the cost, etc. He used Broulim’s sidewalks as an example. He sees their
situation as being very similar. They are staying non-elaborate. To do “bulb-outs” is at the request
of the city to slow traffic.
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Mr. Webb asked the City Council to approve the scope of the project using Urban Renewal
funding.
Council Member Mann asked about parking places. Will they be used for apartments? Mr. Webb
indicated the parking is designed for commercial use not residential use. Lane Hemming responded the parking lot will be patrolled to restrict students.
Council President Mann asked to validate Urban Renewal, to state that it is for retail, not
apartments. There was some discussion on reverse angle parking. There were remarks on the town of Victor, converting to reverse angle parking as their parking structure. Many voiced concerns with
reverse angle parking and that they do not like that idea for Rexburg; at least for now.
Council Member Benfield compared this development to the Broulim’s Development; Finance Officer Horner concurred.
Council Member Erickson discussed the narrowed street in the proposal. The 65 foot street
would be narrowed for slowing traffic and other safety concerns. This is the only through street between 1st South and 7th South, going east and west in Rexburg.
Council Member Sutherland said 2nd South is already impeded with pedestrian traffic.
Council Member Erickson referred to Kartchner’s development, where narrow streets were
disallowed. It is a possibility.
Council President Mann concurred—except there is a difference. This is one of the most highly populated places, across from the University of BYU-Idaho, whereas Kartchner’s is two miles west
of town.
Council Member Erickson said narrow streets were proposed for Kartchner’s to slow traffic, and the request was denied.
Council Member Benfield said it is a pedestrian zone. She asked for bulb-outs, asking if that was
their plan, or if it was being done because of the city.
Lane Hemming said traffic drives down 2nd South at 35 mph. He would do what the city preferred. Discussion arose on bulb-outs, the difficulties for snow removal.
Council Member Erickson said that the bulb-outs make it safer for pedestrians to cross the street.
This is a point that would need to be talked about a little more.
A question about snow removal came forth. Council Member Erickson said there needs to be no parking between 2:00 A.M. and 7:00 A.M. Snow removal is tough as it is; bulb-outs make snow
removal difficult.
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Council Member Egbert asked for their plans for snow removal. They would help clean the snow
with smaller equipment for sidewalks etc. The street has no parking from 2:00 A.M. to 7:00 A.M.
between December 15th and March 1st.
Public Works Director Millar explained the bulb-outs consume the right-of-way causing the need
to haul the snow for increased long term expense. He said the amount of area the city hauls snow
increases every year. He gave examples of snow being hauled off Main Street, 2nd East, College
Avenue, and 2nd West, etc.
Finance Officer Horner commented snow removal is tougher for 10-15 days per year; however,
pedestrians are here all year.
Council Member Erickson thanked Mr. Webb for showing the Hemming Project plan.
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.
Minutes:
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A. February 03, 2010 meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Benfield asked for a correction on the spelling of the “The Craze” on page one.
Council Member Sutherland moved to approve the Consent Calendar; Council President Mann
seconded the motion; all voted aye. The motion carried.
Council Member Benfield moved to go into executive session per Idaho Code 67-2345 (F) to
consider legal issues; Council Member Egbert seconded the motion;
Mayor Woodland called for a roll call vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Sutherland NONE
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Erickson
Council President Mann
Council Member Egbert
The motion carried.
Executive Session: Executive Session ended.
Adjournment
__________________________________
Attest: Richard Woodland
Mayor
________________________________
Blair D. Kay
City Clerk