HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010.04.07 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES1
April 07, 2010
Mayor Richard Woodland Council Members: Christopher Mann – Council President Rex Erickson Donna Benfield Bruce Sutherland Brad Egbert Adam Stout
City Staff: Stephen Zollinger – City Attorney Richard Horner – Finance Officer John Millar – Public Works Director Val Christensen – Community Development Director Blair Kay – City Clerk
Officer Cory Foster gave the Prayer.
7:00 P.M. City Hall – Pledge to the Flag
Mayor Woodland asked a boy scout to lead the pledge.
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council President Mann, Council Member Erickson, Council Member Benfield,
Council Member Sutherland, Council Member Egbert, Council Member Stout and Mayor
Woodland.
Public Comment: on issues not scheduled on the agenda (limit 3 minutes) - None
Presentations: None
Committee Liaison Assignments for 2010:
A. Council Member Adam Stout Trails of Madison County · Traffic & Safety Committee · Airport
Board
Council Member Stout reported the Trails of Madison County Committee did not meet. The
Traffic and Safety Committee did not meet. The Airport Board has two vacancies. They will
provide possible replacements to the Mayor for city/county approval.
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. Council Member Stout asked if The Traffic and
Safety Committee rescheduled their meeting. It was not scheduled at this time.
D. Council Member Christopher Mann Emergency Services Board · School Board · MYAB
Council Member Mann shared an Emergency Services report about the house fire on Hwy 33
west of Rexburg. He has a copy of the official fire report. First responders were at the scene
within four minutes after call. They did a wonderful job of responding this week to many calls.
He commended the Fire Department for their efforts. Council Member Stout said a bank account
to help the Bone’s has been set up at the Beehive Credit Union.
Council Member Mann reported the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board meets every week on
Wednesday’s after school. He reported on some upcoming projects for the group including Pride
Days and the Masquerade event. He will be at the next meeting for the Dance Festival. He
supports the Dance Festival 100%. The MYAB is working on a “DARE” golf tournament.
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
April 07, 2010
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Upper Valley Idol raised $6,000 at the recent event at the Westwood Theatre. Roger Harris
reported on a fund raiser planned on the 24th of April for the Bone Family and to purchase a piano
at Madison High School. On Monday, the 19th of April, the Air force Band will perform at the
Tabernacle at 7:30 P.M.
E. Council Member Donna Benfield Police Department · Romance Theatre Committee · Rexburg Arts
Council · Tabernacle Civic Center · School Board
Council Member Benfield gave a report on Idaho Police Association. Police Chief Lynn
Archibald reported two of the city’s police officers went to Belgrade and Bozeman, Montana to
collect evidence and file charges on an individual for a recent bank robbery at Zion’s Bank in
Rexburg. The individual is a resident of Montana. They brought the individual back with them
and he is currently in the Madison County Jail. The police officers worked very hard to put the
case together in order to file charges against the Montana resident. The backup generator at for
the Fire Department and the Police Department is being installed. She reported some great news
concerning the Rexburg Arts Council’s work in the Community including sponsoring the Air
Force Band on the 19th of April at the Tabernacle. The Tabernacle Committee did not meet. The
School Board is working on their fees at their next meeting.
F. Council Member Rex Erickson Golf Board · Planning & Zoning · Rexburg Redevelopment Agency
Council Member Erickson reported that the RDA has not met; Planning and Zoning met two
times since his last report. He was present at the meeting on 18th of March; however, he has
missed the last two meetings. They had two busy meetings. The Golf Board met and dedicated
the new nine hole golf course. Finances for the Golf Course were reviewed and he will report on
golf course finances at the next meeting. Golf is getting off to a slow start this year due to the
weather. The golf course is not yet at 100%. He said the new billing system for Teton Lakes Golf
Course is not working yet.
Public Hearings:
A. 7:30 P.M. Zone Change from Community Business Center (CBC) to High Density
Residential One (HDR1) at 431 West 4th South – Jared Sommer
Jared Sommer at 3614 North 3000 West in Rexburg reviewed the property on the overhead
screen. His last visit was to change the front parcel to HDR on the Comprehensive Plan.
This proposal is to change the zoning for their property only. He is planning a married
housing complex. The lot will be cleared of every residence for the new complex. They are
installing a 36 foot wide bridge over the canal for access. They will have ingress off 4th South
and egress only on South 4th West. They have the Fire Department’s approval for the required
fire truck turning radius, etc. It will be a very appealing exit for the residences onto 4th West.
It will be better for the vehicles heading to BYU-I to exit onto 4th West and go south to 5th
South before heading east to the University.
Community Development Director Val Christensen gave a staff report on the proposal.
The Staff recommended approval along with Planning and Zoning. The zoning is changing
from Mixed Use to Residential.
Mayor Woodland opened the public hearing.
Those in favor of the proposal: None
Those Neutral: None
Those Opposed: None
Discussion:
Council Member Sutherland said the development makes sense.
Council Member Erickson said Planning and Zoning worked with Mr. Sommer to bring the
project to this point.
Council Member Erickson moved to approve the zone change from Community Business
Center (CBC) to High Density Residential One (HDR1) at 431 West 4th South; Council
Member Sutherland seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland called for a vote:
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Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Egbert None
Council Member Erickson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Stout
The motion carried.
B. 7:40 P.M. Zone Change from Community Business Center (CBC) to Medium Density
Residential One (MDR1) – Ray Peterson
Kyle Baldwin from Ashton reviewed the proposal on the overhead screen. It is a 3.3 acre
parcel. Mayor Woodland asked if there is an existing road in that area. There is not.
Council Member Erickson asked if the property was being developed with an adjoining
property. Blue Ox Development is working with Ray Peterson to do a development with a
proposed road through the center of it.
Mayor Woodland opened the public hearing.
Those in Favor of the Zone Change: None
Those Neutral: None
Those opposed: None
The Public Hearing was closed.
Discussion:
Council President Mann said it was discussed a few weeks ago and it seems to be a
legitimate zone change to him.
Council President Mann moved to approve the zone change from Community Business
Center (CBC) to Medium Density Residential One (MDR1); Council Member Egbert
seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland called for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Egbert None
Council Member Erickson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Stout
The motion carried.
C. 8:00 P.M. Master Fee List changes for city fees – Staff
Finance Officer Horner reported the fee resolution needed approval to adopt the new city
fees.
RESOLUTION NO. 2010 - 04
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, ADOPTING A NEW RATE
SCHEDULE FOR CERTAIN FEES.
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to maintain the overall quality of life experienced by its constituents; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to set certain fees so that they cover the cost of
the services provided through the payment of those fees;
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NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Mayor and the Council of the City of
Rexburg, effective April 8th, 2010, that the fees in attached list shall be charged as specified:
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND APPROVED BY THE MAYOR THIS
7th DAY OF APRIL, 2010.
CITY OF REXBURG
Madison County, Idaho
By _______________________________
Richard Woodland, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Blair D. Kay, City Clerk
Finance Officer Horner indicated the golf fees were splitting into different categories due to
billing an extra nine holes. Council Member Benfield asked about billing for 9 verses 18 holes;
also, for junior golfers 9 verses 18 holes. Finance Officer Horner explained the fees do not
include Idaho Sales Tax of 6%; otherwise they are as stated. Council Member Erickson said
there are new fees for junior golfers at the Rexburg Municipal Golf Course and some new
junior fees at Teton Lakes Golf Course plus new fees for the new nine holes at Teton Lakes
Golf Course:
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here is a reduction in Rexburg Municipal Golf Fees to encourage more Municipal Golf Course
use by junior golfers. Council Member Benfield requested a copy for the Chamber of
Commerce. Note: The city fee schedule is available at City Hall.
Golf Card Replacement Replace Players Golf Card $ 4.72 4/7/10
Golf Coupons Coupon-Muni Only (12 9-Hole Rounds) $ 94.34 3/18/09
Golf Coupons Coupons (12 9-Hole Rounds) $ 127.36 3/18/09
Golf Daily Fees Rexburg Municipal 18 Hole $ 13.21 3/5/08
Golf Daily Fees Rexburg Municipal 18 Hole Junior $ 8.25 4/7/10
Golf Daily Fees Rexburg Municipal 9 Hole $ 9.43 3/18/09
Golf Daily Fees Rexburg Municipal 9 Hole Junior $ 4.72 3/5/08
Golf Daily Fees Rexburg Municipal Add 9 $ 3.77 4/7/10
Golf Daily Fees Rexburg Municipal Add 9 Junior $ 3.14 4/7/10
Golf Daily Fees Rexburg Municipal Misc. Class Round-9 Hole $ 3.77 4/7/10
Golf Daily Fees Rexburg Municipal under 13 years old with paid adult free 3/5/08
Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes 18 Hole $ 17.92 3/18/09
Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes 18 Hole Junior $ 14.15 4/7/10
Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes 18 Hole-Weekend $ 20.75 3/18/09
Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes 9 Hole $ 12.74 3/18/09
Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes 9 Hole Junior $ 9.43 4/7/10
Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes 9 Hole-Weekend $ 13.68 3/18/09
Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes Add 9 $ 5.19 4/7/10
Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes Add 9 Junior $ 4.72 4/7/10
Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes Add 9 Weekend $ 7.08 4/7/10
Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes Misc. Class Round-9 Hole $ 3.77 4/7/10
Golf Misc. Fee Class Fee $ 141.51 4/7/10
Golf Passes 2nd Season Pass $ 297.17 3/18/09
Golf Passes 3 Month Pass $ 306.60 3/18/09
Golf Passes College Pass $ 306.60 3/18/09
Golf Passes Family Pass $ 750.00 3/18/09
Golf Passes Junior Pass $ 150.94 3/18/09
Golf Passes One Month Pass $ 117.92 4/7/10
Golf Passes Season Pass $ 400.94 3/18/09
Golf Passes Senior Pass-Before Noon Monday thru Friday $ 250.00 3/18/09
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Mayor Woodland referred to the Westwood Theatre fees being separated to show the
cleaning fee. The fees were reduced in total. Cheryl Graham asked about fees for street
vacations with her example. The 6th South partial street vacation was reviewed by the City
Clerk as an example of the city vacating a portion of a street to make the street width
consistent with the street width in the next block. The extra street width is vacated and
deeded to adjoining property owners. Council Member Benfield explained the city side streets
off Millhollow Road in her neighborhood were vacated by the city because they were not
going to be developed into usable streets. They were simply dead end city right-of-ways
between lots that were not maintained. Council Member Erickson said the latest vacation was
the 6th South street alignment project for a recent development. Mayor Woodland opened the
public hearing.
Those in favor: None
Those neutral: None
Those opposed: None
The Public Hearing was closed.
Council Member Erickson moved to approve the additions and changes to the Master Fee
List as presented by approving Resolution 2010 – 04; Council Member Benfield seconded the
motion. Discussion: Council President Mann said it was the first year in five years that city
fees have not gone up. He thanked the city staff for holding the line on expenses. Mayor
Woodland called for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Egbert None
Council Member Erickson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Stout
The motion carried.
Items for Consideration: A. Proposal to rename 4th East by Smith Park to “Veterans Memorial Drive” – Fred L. Scoresby
City Attorney Zollinger reported Mr. Scoresby thought it would be appropriate to change the
name of a portion of 4th East to Veterans Memorial Drive. Mr. Scoresby’s reasoning was to give more recognition to the Veterans Memorial. Four homes would be affected by the
address change.
Council Member Erickson suggested checking with the four residences for approval first. City Clerk Blair Kay mentioned the home’s addresses would not have to change if the street
signs had both names included. Council Member Sutherland said including both street names would be a good thing; however, it would still be beneficial to talk with the residents first.
Council President Mann worries about changing the addresses. Residents use the street
names to find their way around town. He does appreciate the Veteran’s Memorial.
Public Works Director Millar suggested changing the Smith Park name to Smith’s Veterans Memorial Park. The City Council discussed checking with the Smith Family first.
Gary Fisher at 314 East 3rd South mentioned the importance of maintaining the street,
keeping it in good condition as a fitting tribute to veterans.
Council Member Benfield asked if the winter sledding would continue. There are piles of snow and it is hard to get around in the winter. Everyone loves to play on the snow piles at
Smith Park. She thought it should be a consideration when requiring a clear street in good condition to honor the veterans.
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B. Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for 5-story apartment building (77 units) in one building
for student housing at 357 & 371 West 4th South; with a minimum of 10% visitor parking and
50% residential parking – Trent Birch
Trent Birch at 4148 West Homestead Drive reviewed the proposal on the overhead screen.
The PEZ Zone is still under construction. In the PEZ this proposal is allowed. He wants to
build a five-story apartment complex on the property. He meets the PEZ Zone parking ratio
requirement of .6 or 278 parking stalls; he has 292 parking spots in the plan with underground
parking. He is proposing underground parking for compact parking only in a controlled
environment. He reviewed other apartments to get their ratio of compact verses oversized
cars. He would like to have 40/60 ratio of 52 over-sized vehicle spots available.
The parking spots will be numbered for 24/7 availability to the tenants. The site plan was
reviewed; it is located 130 feet away from the street; which complies with the city’s preference
for a minimum of 100 feet from an intersection. Mayor Woodland asked if the underground
parking would have a gate. Mr. Birch said no. The parking will be by permit only. He
presented a visual of the type of five story building he was proposing.
Community Development Director Val Christensen reported on staff concerns. Mr. Birch
is looking to see if he can take advantage of the PEZ Zone, which allows higher density and
fewer parking spaces. This location is in the PEZ Two Zone. PEZ Two Zone allows a
minimum of 50% parking for students and 10% for visitors. PEZ Zone One allows for zero
parking for students and 10% for visitors. The final percentage for this plan is 68% parking.
Planning and Zoning struggled with looking at the detail of the drawings, but it is not required
at this time. The bankers want to know if the proposal for less parking is approvable. It was
agreed to recommend to City Council, based on the fact that it is preliminary and it is a CUP
that would take advantage of PEZ Zone Two in this location. Mayor Woodland asked if
everyone had to get a CUP in a PEZ Zone. Community Development Director Val
Christensen said it is only required if lower numbers for parking are requested.
Council Member Stout asked when the public hearing will be held. It was already held
during the recent Planning and Zoning meeting.
Council Member Sutherland moved to approve the CUP. No second. The motion died.
Council Member Erickson indicated eight conditions were applied at Planning and Zoning
to the project. Condition #2 states the site plan must reflect all conditions of approval and
incorporate all city standards. If he meets all conditions of PEZ Two and City Council
approves he can receive funding “if” all conditions have been met. It protects the city from
giving a blanket Conditional Use Permit. This permit does have the conditions plus
compliance to PEZ requirements. This plan will be presented again to Planning and Zoning
when a formal application is prepared. Council Member Erickson pointed out the motion is
stating that if the plan meets all standards and conditions then City Council would approve the
CUP for Mr. Birch.
Conditional Use Permit
Trent Birch #10 00052
Proposed Conditions of Approval 1. Trash dumpsters/receptacles shall be located within the interior (behind front building
line, but in required setbacks) of the lot and shall be enclosed.
2. A site plan reflecting all conditions of approval and incorporating all City standards, e.g. landscaping, parking, snow storage, drainage, pedestrian amenities, etc. shall be submitted and approved by the City prior to the issuance of a building permit. 3. Lighting shall be low (under 15-feet in height) and not create glare, and as a minimum
shall adhere to the City’s lighting ordinance.
4. To encourage alternative travel options, i.e. bicycling, bike racks and hard surface must be provided. Location of racks needs to be shown on revised site plan. This requirement is identified in the PEZ Ordinance. 5. Sidewalk and pathway maintenance to be performed as per the PEZ Ordinance.
6. Parking Contracts to be approved by the City Attorney.
7. Requirements of the PEZ Zone Ordinance to be applied to this project. 8. Storm drainage and other Engineering considerations to be reviewed and approved by the City Engineer.
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Discussion on the conditions. The city does have adequate fire equipment to service a
building of that height. Council Member Erickson explained the applicant is planning to do
eight foot sidewalks which are beyond city standards except for the PEZ Zone requirements.
Council Member Sutherland moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a 5-
story apartment building (77 units) in one building for student housing at 357 & 371 West 4th
South; with a minimum of 10% visitor parking and 50% residential parking; Council Member
Egbert seconded the motion: Discussion: Council President Mann thanked Val for the
presentation; He said the building would stand out and be very visible. It is a big deal. The
city will have a lot of review during the process. Mr. Birch said they have full intentions of
landscaping and making an entryway into Rexburg. Council Member Benfield said some
people think it is the Main Street when they come into the city from the south. Mayor
Woodland called for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Egbert None
Council Member Erickson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Stout
The motion carried.
C. Discussion on construction fees for “Temple View LLC” at 431 West 4th South –
Jared Sommer
Jared Sommer said the discussion is not to highlight their specific project. He appreciated the staff for their help to get his project to this point. His project almost fell apart due to the
impact fees. His goal was to present the fees from the builder’s side of the fence. He reviewed square foot cost for his development with only two people in an apartment. They
are constructing 450 sq foot apartments. He represented to the City Council that a single apartment based on 5.6 people per apartment would cost $3,633.47 in impact fees and fees
associated with construction. If you go on square footage with six students in a 1,200 square foot apartment, the cost is $3.00 per square foot. The family apartment costs $2,608.78 in fees
or 72% of the single apartment cost in fees. His 450 square foot family apartments are only 38% of the size of the single student apartments or $5.90 per square foot for his family
apartments. The numbers don’t work well. He asked for equity on the fees. There needs to be equity in the fees. He quoted Richard Horner stating the single student apartment impact
fees are based on 5.6 occupants. Married apartments are based on 2.3 occupants. If you do the math 2.3 is 41% of 5.6. He suggested charging his units at the rate of 41% of the single
student housing rate or a rate of $1,492.32 per unit for his married housing units. He said the fees are onerous. The single largest expense item was the impact fees for family housing. His
next project is a 22 unit complex. The cost difference is an additional $30,000 for family housing on 22 units. The income is less per square foot. He said there is an inequity between
single and family style housings. He said the other component is one to three bedroom apartments. If you charge the same fee for a one bed room as a three bedroom; it is the same
thing that is happening here. He wants a win/win discussion with the city to have equity for impact fees.
Council Member Erickson said the process was designed by a committee with examples
around the state. It would take an advisory committee to start over to review the inequities. It is a point well taken. Council Member Erickson said the City Council could not make changes
to the impact fees. It would have to go back through the process with a new committee. The city is competitive with other communities in the area.
Mr. Sommer wants to get to an equitable state. He asked how you can equitably administer
the fees. Council Member Benfield agreed with Council Member Erickson; however, maybe it is time to look back for a review and possible adjustments. She would like the discussion to go
a little bit further. Council Member Egbert agreed with Mr. Sommer that it might be good to review the process because Mr. Sommer is making a good point for reconsideration. Council
Member Benfield said it was done as good as it could be done at the time. Council Member Mann said impact fees were reviewed 12 months ago.
City Attorney Zollinger said the current fees are proportionately based on actual collected
data – not guesses. Single student apartments do use less water than married apartments. It is
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not clear if it is due to grass scape, etc. The data is based on a statistical history of actual
usage. The usage for six girls in an apartment is less than a married couple with a baby.
Mayor Woodland reviewed the committee members that reviewed the data to establish the
fees. Member of the committee included Troy Kartchner, Johnny Watson, Bart Stevens, and
Howard Egan; who are contractors, lay persons, and apartment owners. Mayor Woodland
said it is based on consumption. City Attorney Zollinger said Carriage Apartments are 450
square foot units and other apartments are 1,200 square feet which could skew the data. He
said the numbers are based on the actual statistical median (consumption) using number of
beds in married and single housing units; not square feet. The standard is very strict at the
state level. Very little is done internally; it is done at the committee level to evaluate the
numbers.
Public Works Director Millar said one of the anomalies skewing the data is Carriage House
which has 450 square foot units and recently constructed units range in the 1,000 to 1,100
square foot area. The size differential in units does tend to skew the data. City Attorney
Zollinger indicated none of the impact fees are related to square footage. They are all related
to use. The parks impact fee is related to anticipate use of the parks, police impact fees are
driven by the singular unit, not the size of the unit, etc. One could argue that a 450 square
foot unit may cause more police activity than a larger unit. The standard to evaluate is a very
strict closely monitored standard at the state level. The committee acts independently of the
city to evaluate the numbers by a strict standard set up by the state.
Community Development Director Val Christensen agreed with the city attorney. He said
there is one area to look at which is a one bedroom with less use verses a two or three
bedroom unit with more use. City Attorney Zollinger said it was a safe assumption but not a
valid assumption. He was not aware of the average norm for a married apartment. It might
be 2 ½; he was not sure. Mayor Woodland said more square footage does not indicate less
water would be used. City Attorney Zollinger said a three bedroom apartment could
accommodate six children. It would be another wildly assuming guess to assume usage base
on the number of rooms. He indicated the committee based their analysis on the historical
statistical data for apartments. He said Matt Nielsen and Richard Horner (Finance
Department) could look at the data for validation.
Council Member Benfield wanted a 30 minute presentation on the data during Rexburg 101.
Mr. Sommer wanted to look at data too. He wanted to look at the specific data behind the
city’s impact fees. He said Richard Horner said there would be a difference based on size of
the units. Mr. Sommer was concerned with the across the board levy approach. There is
something amiss. It is a little bit of penalization for our design. Their land and building layout
lends itself to smaller apartments. He appreciated getting time on the agenda for this
discussion. He immensely appreciated everyone at the city helping him take a look at the
process.
Council Member Stout thanked Mr. Sommer for coming in to discuss the issue.
Break.
D. Sidewalk issues – Mark Beck
Mark Beck at 48 West 2nd South reported on sidewalk issues at 1st South and 2nd South. Snow
and precipitation causes standing water for several days. He asked to have the snow and water
cleared off for job creation and increased home value. Council Member Mann said the residences
are responsible for the sidewalks at their residences. Discussion on responsibilities of home
owners to repair sidewalks.
Public Works Director Millar said Snowview Apartments is replacing their sidewalks this
summer. Grass buildup does trap water on the sidewalks. Lawn re-grading is one answer.
E. Budget issues for “COLA” & Employee Insurance – Richard Horner
Finance Officer Richard Horner passed out a budget calendar for approval. The public hearing
date could be August 4, 2010 which he has to report to Madison County Clerk by end of the
month. He needs a starting point for the budget process. He reviewed the proposed budget
calendar. The following budget calendar timeline was discussed and recommended.
CITY OF REXBURG 4/12/2010 2010 BUDGET PREPARATION CALENDAR
FOR 2011 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET
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March 26 Fri. 5:00 PM Capital Requests Due
April 7 Wed. 7:00 PM Regular Council Meeting
Review Budget Calendar Set Public Hearing date (by motion) for Budget (July 21, 2010)
Set Employee Cost of Living Adjustment Set Maximum Cost Sharing on Health and Dental
Set Mayor & Council Salaries on even years April 16 Fri. Budget screen &
printouts available for year-to-date expenditures vs. budget as of March 31 (1st
6 months) and forecast of year end totals
May 13 Wed. 9:00 AM City Council Budget Review and Drive-around May 17-21 by appt. Departmental Meetings by appointment including Councilman, Mayor,
Financial Officer, Department Head & Foreman May 27 Thurs. 9:00 AM Dept. Head review of budgets supported by the General Fund to review and
recommend capital requests to council and balance the General Fund budget
June ? ? Council Budget Work Meetings
Special Budget Review Meeting for Council Balance the General Fund Budget with Dept. Heads
July 1st Week Meet with Sugar & Teton on sewer rates July 7 Wed. 7:00 PM Regular Council Meeting Set Tentative Budget
Add Utility Rate Increases to Public Hearing Ads July 21 Wed. 7:00 PM Regular Council Meeting 8:00 PM Public Hearing on Budget & Utility Rate Increases
1st Reading of Appropriation Ordinance Approve Utility Rate Increases, if any
August 4 Wed. 7:00 PM Regular Council Meeting
August 18 Wed. 7:00 PM Regular Council Meeting
2nd Reading of Appropriation Ordinance
Sept 1 Wed. 7:00 PM Regular Council Meeting
3rd Reading & Adoption of Appropriation Ordinance --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Discussion on the City Council drive-around to review budget items. May 13th at 9:00 A.M. for
the drive-around (Rexburg 101). July 7th, to set tentative budget; July 21st, Public Hearing; skip
August 4th, no budget hearing. August 18th for 2nd Reading and final reading in September.
Council Member Stout moved to set a Public Hearing on the Budget & Utility Rate Increases on
July 21st; Council Member Sutherland seconded the motion; all voted aye, the motion carried.
Discussion on the “Cost of Living Allowance”. Council Member Stout said to wait because he
has not made up his mind yet; Council Member Mann said to include a COLA of 3.5%. Finance
Officer Horner said the 21st of April will have revenue projections updated from the state.
Council Member Sutherland said to project and set COLA in the budget. Council Member
Erickson asked if last year was comparable with this year. Finance Officer Horner explained it is a
12 month review. If last year was 100 then this year is 103.5. Council Member Erickson asked
about the Producer price Index; was it going down 4% for buildings etc. The Municipal Cost
Index went up 2.5% for municipalities. Finance Officer Horner said the city uses the Consumer
Price Index. Council Member Erickson said Council Member Stout has a point to take a close
look at it. Businesses are not getting this raise. The city needs to treat employee’s right if money
is available. He did not want to cut services to allow for COLA. Taxes from the state and other
revenues are at breakeven. Where do we pick up the 3.5% for COLA?
NOTE: This chart has been updated with the corrected March, 2010 data showing a 3.1 CPI instead of 3.5 CPI discussed in the meeting.
Council Member Erickson said we need to know the revenue stream. Finance Officer Horner
said revenues were going to break even. Council Member Egbert asked for the 3.5% dollar
amount. Council Member Egbert and Council Member Sutherland said to go with COLA
projections and pull back COLA if needed. Council Member Erickson said to allow the 3.5%
COLA for projections only; not sending the wrong signal to the employees. Finance Officer
Horner recommended figuring the budget both ways; one-way with COLA and one-way without
COLA. Council Member Erickson indicated it could go from 0 to 3.5%. Council Member Stout
said to keep in mind it is only tentative. Council Member Egbert said to do it if we can afford it.
Finance Officer Horner said merit raises and COLA raises were suspended for one year last year.
Mayor Woodland said two years ago employees were told prematurely of a COLA raise. At this
point it is only under consideration. Council Member Stout indicated a letter was sent out on city
letter head projecting the COLA increase in wages prematurely at that time. More discussion: The
COLA increase as an item for discussion only at this point; however, Mayor Woodland indicated
the city would like to give the employees what they deserve for wages.
Council Member Mann was concerned about changing the rules from a historical perspective.
He wanted to use the Consumer Price Index. Council Member Erickson said the economy has
changed in the middle. Finance Officer Horner explained the CPI does add stability to employee
wages. Council Member Erickson said it hasn’t happened but a wage index could go negative
causing a wage cut. Mayor Woodland said the COLA was one thing and the state revenue
allocation is another thing. We have to be very careful. A raise may cause a need to reduce forces.
Council Member Mann said employee benefits may be changed. He reviewed a cost benefit sheet
for staff. Council Member Erickson said to be careful where we go. Finance Officer Horner said
inflation is predicted in the near future. He will show the projected budget for 2011 both ways
with and without COLA.
Cost of Living Raises -- COLA Effective October 1 of each year
March Approved Salary
Oct 1, CPI Index CPI Rate COLA Base
2010 217.6 3.1%
2009 211.1 0.0% 0.0% 1737
2008 211.1 4.3% 4.3% 1737 2007 202.4 2.1% 2.1% 1666 2006 198.3 4.0% 4.0% 1631
2005 190.7 3.0% 3.0% 1568
2004 185.2 1.9% 1.9% 1522
2003 181.7 2.6% 2.6% 1493 2002 177.1 1.1% 1.1% 1455
2001 175.1 3.8% 3.8% 1439
2000 168.7
1386
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Council Member Stout said the CPI has never gone negative. He has seen other indexes go
negative. Finance Officer Horner said a negative could be subtracted out the following year.
Heavy inflation is predicted by the end of the year or next year. City participation in health and
dental insurance was limited to 10%. At the ¾ year point, it was only a 7% cost to the city. The
year before this year, it was an 11% cost to the city.
The City Council agreed with the proposal to show the COLA both ways (COLA equal to zero
and COLA equal to 3.5%) in the budget.
Staff Reports:
Public Works: – John Millar
John Millar reviewed the following projects:
1. 12th West Bridge complete and open for traffic. It has been inspected by the canal company.
The utility extensions including water and sewer lines and culverts are out to bid for
extensions. The idea is to prevent street cuts in the future. He referred to a no-cut street
ordinance he drafted a few years ago. Mayor Woodland suggested bringing it before the City
Council for consideration. The ordinance is needed to preserve new road improvements.
The city is working closely with the gas and phone company. Conduit and pipe can be
installed before the street is rebuilt. Deposits for street cuts have done a lot better.
Trenchless technology has worked well. There was only 20% of the street cuts compared to
20 years ago.
2. The bridge connecting Henderson Subdivision and Oak trail Subdivision (Mariah) is under
construction.
3. Wastewater Treatment Plant “biotopes” material is being installed. It is moving along well.
4. A generator for the Police Department and the Fire Department is being installed. It
should be complete in a week to 10 days.
5. Water rights status with three new well applications: It is a first step towards getting a new well.
The wells can’t pump simultaneously. A consultant is putting together a mitigation plan
for replacement water from the Rexburg Canal using city water shares. The city is looking
to get 5-10 CFS additional underground water by exchanging surface water from the
Rexburg Canal channeled into the Nature Park. The water would make up for the
underground water the city is pumping while enhancing the ponds at the Nature Park.
Mayor Woodland is working with Governor Otter on getting a well permit for
underground water. Council Member Sutherland asked if any progress has been made on
adjudication. City Attorney Zollinger said the surface water rights are formalized by the
judiciary process. There is work needed on adjudication standards (conjunctive
management) allowing the city to put surface water into the aquifer to replace water
pumped out of the aquifer. It is currently managed on a case by case basis. Public Works
Director Millar explained the City of Shelley, Idaho acquired surface water rights for
diversion into Jensen’s Grove at Blackfoot, Idaho allowing Shelley to drill a water well.
This permit sets a precedent for others to follow through the court system.
6. Waste recycling questionnaire indicates the community pulse. Age grouping of 200
responders showed some want to recycle and some don’t want to recycle.
7. Lighting contract around the University is under review including crosswalk safety.
Council Member Egbert asked if the city was improving lighting at crosswalks. Public
Works Director Millar indicated the city is working to improve lighting at crosswalks.
Council Member Mann asked for information to be presented at the next City Council
meeting concerning lighting funding for crosswalk safety.
8. 7th South/2nd East street light is weather driven. When the ground dries, the work will start.
9. Council Member Mann asked the city to address Pioneer Road weeds and pot holes.
10. Formation of LID40 is underway for 6th South; South end of 2nd West; Millhollow Road; etc.
11. Police Department roof repair scheduled.
12. Seal coating warranty is being reviewed with the contractor. Council Member Erickson
said low bids may not be effective for seal coating bids.
A. Building Department – Val Christensen
1. ADA Lift for the 2nd Floor of City Hall – Val Christensen
Community Development Director Val Christensen reviewed the low “installed” bid on an
ADA lift for the 2nd floor at City Hall. Discussion on the bids:
Able access elevator $22,655.60 (Salt Lake)
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Northwest elevator $24,482.63
Schindler $47,946.00
Mayor Woodland said the funds are allocated in the budget. Val said a stair-well will need to be
constructed.
Council Member Mann moved to accept the low bid from Able Access Elevator for $22,655.60;
Council Member Egbert seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Egbert None
Council Member Erickson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Stout
The motion carried.
Calendared Bills and Tabled Items:
B. BILL Introductions: NONE
C. First Reading: Those items which are being introduced for first reading. – NONE
D. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read. – NONE
E. 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
Mayor’s Report: 1. Discuss Riverside Park project.
Public Works Director Millar reviewed an impromptu meeting with Recreation and Parks Staff
today to review the 1st Phase of Riverside Park. The canal may be used for irrigation. There are three funding phases.
1) Urban Renewal funds to construct the pool.
2) $350,000 from congressional line items. 3) Grants.
Public Works Director Millar asked what will be done by Urban Renewal funds and who will
administer those funds? Grant funding must use federal Davis Bacon wage rates. He asked to have the expectations defined. What can be done with city crews and equipment? An example is
the Wastewater Treatment Plant needed 4-5,000 yard of fill; City crews did the work for $4-$5,000 saving about $15,000. They used reject material from Walters Concrete for $1.00 per yard.
The recreational facility needs to be above flood zone. Should the city use Urban Renewal
resources or do it with city crews and material at $1.00 per yard loaded? Money saved (i.e. $50,000) on site preparation can be used towards the facility. He asked for direction from City
Council. There are areas to be maintained as city parks in the overall site plan. Do we use City Park Impact Funds to get started?
Council Member Erickson explained the Urban Renewal District will have to make the
recommendation. The city has provided input to Urban Renewal for 1 ½ years. He said don’t mix funds with Urban Renewal Funds. The $350,000 has been decided by the City Council to do
projects close to 2nd North (the street presentation). Public Works Director Millar was looking for the line of demarcation for Urban Renewal. At what level does the professional city staff get
involved with the turn-key design? At this point the city does not have the details. Discussion on the bonding amount between $5.2 million and $4.8 million if the $350,000 was used in the turn-
key facility. Council Member Erickson said they are going to bond for a turn-key operation as shown in their presentation. The $350,000 was to be used for areas outside the turn-key facility
for ball fields, sprinkling system, etc. Council Member Erickson asked Public Works Director Millar to verify with JRW and Associates that the $350,000 will not be a part of the cost of the
turn-key facility. Public Works Director wanted to ensure the city was involved in the design of the facility if the city is going to take over the facility in perpetuity. The devil is in the detail. The
city wants to know what is being built before the keys are handed over to the city. Council
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Member Egbert indicated the Parks Department, Recreation Department, Madison Baseball
Association, etc. should have some say in the development of the project; especially the design of
the grounds falling under their area.
Discussion on Rexburg Redevelopment Agency staying within the $5.2 million bond for the
project.
The City Council asked for a monthly progress report from JRW and Associates to City Council.
Public Works Director Millar said the city will focus outside the fence and JRW and Associates
will be on the inside of the fence.
Council Member Mann mentioned the AIC Conference coming in June for training.
Discussion on AIC support. The AIC did not respond to the city’s request for support
concerning recent opinions on Urban Renewal issues and other events.
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: A. March 17, 2010 and March 25, 2010 meetings
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills C. Proclamation 2010 – 01 Fair Housing Month of April
D. Resolution 2010 – 06 Intent to create LID 40; Approve notice to proceed for publication of a public hearing on April 21, 2010 at 8:00 P.M. – DEFERRED to April 21st.
E. Proclamation 2010 – 02 Disability Awareness Week April 19th through April 24th.
Council Member Sutherland moved to approve the Consent Calendar; Council Member Stout seconded the motion; Discussion: Council Member Benfield asked to add a sentence to March 25th
meeting explaining the city would not be liable for the bond if it was not paid at the end of its term. The city will not be liable if the bond is not paid in 12 years. Council Member Erickson
asked to add on #2 about the yearly lease for extensions. The city would have first right of refusal on the annual lease. The Redevelopment Agency owns the property north of 2nd North (7 acres)
against the road. The property under the facility will be traded for part of the 7 acre parcel. Mayor Woodland called for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Egbert None
Council Member Erickson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Stout
The motion carried.
Adjournment
__________________________________ Attest: Richard Woodland
Mayor ________________________________
Blair D. Kay City Clerk