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Home My WebLink About2011.03.02 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES1 March 02, 2011 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 Scott Johnson – Economic Development Director Blair Kay – City Clerk 7:00 P.M. City Hall – Pledge to the Flag Boy Scout Troop 413 led the Pledge of Allegiance. Robert Franz gave the opening prayer. 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 2011: A. Council Member Adam Stout Trails of Madison County · Traffic & Safety Committee · Airport Board Council Member Stout reported the need to replace Bart Webster, a city resident, on the Airport Board. The nomination would also have to be a city resident. 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. D. Council Member Christopher Mann Emergency Services Board · School Board · MYAB Council President Mann reported Emergency Services Board met twice and the MYAB has met two times. They are working on being a “move-it” community. They will teach Zumba to other high school youth. Rexburg 101 met tonight and held a mock city council meeting. It was interesting. Upper Valley Idol is this Saturday night; MYAB will be selling concessions. E. Council Member Donna Benfield Police Department · Romance Theatre Committee · Rexburg Arts Council · Tabernacle Civic Center · School Board Council Member Benfield reported the Police Department met this afternoon concerning the Police Budget for a full-time safety officer. She feels confident that have a good handle on their budget. It will be reviewed at the end of the year. The Tabernacle Orchestra is playing tonight at 7:30 p.m. The Arts Council is not meeting this month. The Romance Theatre Committee continues to work hard; they are continuing to apply for grants as well. F. Council Member Rex Erickson Golf Board · Planning & Zoning · Rexburg Redevelopment Agency 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Phone: 208.359.3020 x2313 Fax: 208.359.3022 blairk@rexburg.org www.rexburg.org City Council Meeting March 02, 2011 2 Council Member Erickson reported Planning and Zoning met on the 17th with an item on the agenda tonight. The Design Review Committee met today to review the design criteria approved by Planning & Zoning. The Rexburg Development Agency has not met for two weeks. Urban Renewal is facing some changes in Boise the year. Rexburg is in good shape. The Golf Board met last night with a couple of issues. He is proud of the Golf Board; they have made some changes to stay within budget. They reduced the budget this year by $23,200. They proposed a fee increase which will raise about $18,000. All of the fee categories had to be at or less than 5% increase. 1. Resolution 2011 – 04 Golf Board Fee Increase 2011 PROPOSED FEE INCREASES - GOLF (Attachment for Resolution 2011-04) 3/4/11 All Fee Increases 5% or Less Dept. Category Type Current Fee Changed Proposed Fees % Increase Proposed Fee/W Tax Golf Card Replacement Replace Players Golf Card $ 4.72 4/7/10 $ 4.95 4.873% 5.25 Golf Coupons Coupon-Muni Only (12 9-Hole Rounds) $ 94.34 3/18/09 $ 98.82 4.749% 104.75 Golf Coupons Coupons (12 9-Hole Rounds) $ 127.36 3/18/09 $ 133.49 4.813% 141.50 Golf Daily Fees Rexburg Municipal 18 Hole $ 13.21 3/5/08 $ 13.68 3.558% 14.50 Golf Daily Fees Rexburg Municipal 18 Hole Junior $ 8.25 4/7/10 $ 8.49 2.909% 9.00 Golf Daily Fees Rexburg Municipal 9 Hole $ 9.43 3/18/09 $ 9.67 2.545% 10.25 Golf Daily Fees Rexburg Municipal 9 Hole Junior $ 4.72 3/5/08 $ 4.95 4.873% 5.25 Golf Daily Fees Rexburg Municipal Add 9 $ 3.77 4/7/10 $ 3.77 0.000% 4.00 Golf Daily Fees Rexburg Municipal Add 9 Junior $ 3.54 4/7/10 $ 3.54 0.000% 3.75 Golf Daily Fees Rexburg Municipal Misc. Class Round-9 Hole $ 3.77 4/7/10 $ 3.77 0.000% 4.00 Golf Daily Fees Rexburg Municipal under 12 years old with paid adult free 3/5/08 free Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes 18 Hole $ 17.92 3/18/09 $ 18.63 3.962% 19.75 Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes 18 Hole Junior $ 14.15 4/7/10 $ 14.62 3.322% 15.50 Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes 18 Hole-Weekend $ 20.75 3/18/09 $ 21.46 3.422% 22.75 Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes 9 Hole $ 12.74 3/18/09 $ 13.21 3.689% 14.00 Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes 9 Hole Junior $ 9.43 4/7/10 $ 9.67 2.545% 10.25 Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes 9 Hole-Weekend $ 13.68 3/18/09 $ 14.15 3.436% 15.00 Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes Add 9 $ 5.19 4/7/10 $ 5.42 4.432% 5.75 Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes Add 9 Junior $ 4.72 4/7/10 $ 4.95 4.873% 5.25 Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes Add 9 Weekend $ 7.08 4/7/10 $ 7.31 3.249% 7.75 Golf Daily Fees Teton Lakes Misc. Class Round-9 Hole $ 3.77 4/7/10 $ 3.77 0.000% 4.00 Golf Misc. Fee Class Fee $ 141.51 4/7/10 $ 148.35 4.834% 157.25 Golf Passes 2nd Season Pass $ 297.17 3/18/09 $ 311.79 4.920% 330.50 Golf Passes 3 Month Pass $ 306.60 3/18/09 $ 321.93 5.000% 341.25 Golf Passes College Pass $ 306.60 3/18/09 $ 321.93 5.000% 341.25 Golf Passes Family Pass $ 750.00 3/18/09 $ 787.50 5.000% 834.75 Golf Passes Junior Pass $ 150.94 3/18/09 $ 158.25 4.843% 167.75 Golf Passes One Month Pass $ 117.92 4/7/10 $ 123.35 4.605% 130.75 Golf Passes Season Pass $ 400.94 3/18/09 $ 420.75 4.941% 446.00 Golf Passes Senior Pass-Before Noon Monday thru Friday $ 250.00 3/18/09 $ 262.50 5.000% 278.25 Council Member Egbert moved to approve Resolution 2011 – 04 for Golf Board Fee Increases; Council Member Stout seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote: 3 Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Benfield Council Member Erickson Council Member Sutherland Council Member Egbert Council Member Stout The motion carried. Council Member Erickson reviewed the requests to suspend part or all of the golf fees for four golf tournaments. Upper Valley Industries, Chamber of Commerce, the DARE Program, and Madison Memorial Hospital have requested to hold golf tournaments. This year the Golf Board has agreed to waive 50% of the green fees for four tournaments. It will pick up additional revenue. The Dare Tournament is played at night and the fees will be less. There is not a night time fee. Council Member Benfield asked if she could vote on the issue because she is the Director of the Chamber of Commerce; Attorney Zollinger explained she could vote on the issue after declaring her involvement in the Chamber of Commerce. Council Member Mann moved to approve the 50% waiver of golf fees for the four tournaments; Council Member Sutherland seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Benfield Council Member Erickson Council Member Sutherland Council Member Egbert Council Member Stout The motion carried. Public Hearings: NONE Items for Consideration: A. Conditional Use Permit – 208 East 3rd South and 345 South 2nd East – to take advantage of a lowered number of parking spaces through the use of the Pedestrian Emphasis Zone (PEZ), Ordinance No. 1021, and to allow less than a ten (10) plex – David and Lana Chang Community Development Director Christensen explained the zone change approval in a public hearing. The condition of a sight plan review is part of the Conditional Use Permit. The second item is the structure must be harmonious with the neighborhood. PEZ zone requires a CUP to lower the one-to-one parking to resident ratio. They will be at about 60% parking. Community Development Director Christensen reviewed the proposal on the overhead screen. The 8-Plex and the 6-Plex sight plans were reviewed. 4 Planning and Zoning agreed to the proposal with 8 conditions: (1) a sight plan reflecting all conditions of approval, (2) a landscape plan provided and approved by the staff, (3) lighting shall be under 15 feet in height, (4) to encourage alternative transportation bike racks, etc. must be installed, (5) all sidewalks must be cleared of snow, (6) parking contracts to be approved by the city attorney, (7) requirements of PEZ zone to be applied to the project, (8) a design review committee meeting will be held to approve the 3rd South presentation. Planning and Zoning liked the material proposed to build the north face of the building facing 3rd South. The Design Review Committee recommended some changes to break up the symmetry to make it look more like the front of a house. One of the dormers could be smaller and the windows could be different sizes to make it look more like a home. Council Member Egbert indicated it meets the PEZ requirements. They still need to come in with a more detailed site plan before they receive a building permit. Council Member Sutherland stated that there was considerable discussion, according to his study of the Planning & Zoning minutes, to make this fit. They have done a good job going back and redesigning the project to make it work. Council Member Sutherland moved to approve the Conditional Use Permit at 208 East 3rd South and 345 South 2nd East – to take advantage of a lowered number of parking spaces through the use of the Pedestrian Emphasis Zone (PEZ), Ordinance No. 1021, and to allow less than a ten (10) plex as presented; Council Member Ebgert seconded the motion. Mayor Woodland asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Benfield Council President Mann Council Member Erickson Council Member Sutherland Council Member Egbert Council Member Stout The motion carried. Community Development Director Christensen stated there was a lot of effort put in by both the neighborhood and the architect. B. Airport Board requesting to install “pilot operated/mike controlled runway lights.” This cost estimate is for an FAA approved unit, which is “mike” controlled. The cost of the controller came in at $2,746 with approximately another $2,000 for installation which will be donated – David Taylor Public Works Director Millar reviewed the proposal; the Airport Board is proposing to reduce the power bill by installing a control for the lights that can be operated by a pilot as the airplane approaches the runway. The runway lights are currently kept on from dusk to dawn; even when they are only used for one or two operations each night. The annual budget for power is $3,000; this would cut power costs by at least 50%. Their income budget is $19,600; the budgeted expenses are $12,600. The city has carried a negative balance over the last few years since purchasing the land for the runway protection zone. It was at $60,000; it is now paid down to $16,000. It is less than a two-year pay-out to cover the cost on the controller. It would be purchased by airport budgeted funds. It is a two year return on investment. Council Member Mann asked if the airport users could pay more fees to help pay down the carryover expense carried by the city. Public Works Director Millar said one thing that has been discussed is increasing the rental fees for the hangers. Council Member Stout asked who decides the fees for the hangers. The Airport Board votes and then it comes to City Council for approval. Council Member Stout moved to approve the purchase of the “pilot operated/mike controlled runway lights.” for $2,746 as presented; Council Member Egbert seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote: 5 Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Benfield Council Member Erickson Council Member Sutherland Council Member Egbert Council Member Stout The motion carried. C. Resolution 2011 – 03 Intent to create Local Improvement District (LID41) for the purpose of constructing and installing certain public improvements; describing the boundaries of the proposed improvement district and the property proposed to be assessed for the costs of the improvements – Staff Engineer Keith Davidson explained the LID 41 properties discussed at the last meeting. The resolution creates the notice to go to the property owners with estimated costs and to set the public hearing for the LID. The proposal covers Pioneer Road and 7th South. 7th South will be torn up with a sewer pipeline installation this year by the addition of a new sewer line. The sewer line project would help with restoring the street. Council Member Stout moved to approve Resolution 2011–03 indicating the intent to create Local Improvement District (LID41) for the purpose of constructing and installing certain public improvements; describing the boundaries of the proposed improvement district and the property proposed to be assessed for the costs of the improvements; Council Member Egbert seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Benfield Council Member Erickson Council Member Sutherland Council Member Egbert Council Member Stout The motion carried. D. Review Traffic Signals and left turn lanes on Main Street for public input – Staff 6 Robert Franz residing at 1281 Meadow View Avenue, and property owner of 259 North 2nd East, does not have any property on Main Street. He said a lot of business owners on Main Street need the parking for customers and employees. He was concerned business would be lost if parking was taken away. We have a small community and there is a small problem with left turns. He was opposed to losing parking spaces to allow left hand turn lanes. There are already empty buildings. Betty Davenport on 432 Comanche (property owner of 17 and 31 West Main Street) read a statement. She felt the businesses are already struggling due to the economy. The difficulty of parallel parking would push business to a business that is more accessible. Parking behind the building is not an option; they are land locked. Traffic going through town would not stop to eat if parking was not available. She referred to the businesses in the downtown area of Idaho Falls that went out of business when Idaho Falls did a beautification project. Our downtown business support many families and individuals in our community. Blake Thomas at 487 E Menan Lorenzo Hwy in Rigby (owns property at 119 E Main Street) said parallel parking would impact their business. If they lose half of their parking, it would affect their business. He would like to see more parking added off of Main Street. John Barnhill from Sugar City operates Great Harvest at 19 E Main Street, as a business owner he is very concerned about the space for parking. He agrees with the previous comments. The back parking is for the Police Department and the Bank. It is a concern for employee parking. His employees will not come to the store if they have parallel parking. If his employees feel that way, he is very concerned with what customers will think. Zac Hillman, property owner of 131 and 133 East Main Street, worked with heart and soul to dress up his property and Main Street. He did not want to lose parking. Downtown Rexburg has parking issues already. He wanted to develop more parking behind the buildings. David Hanes lives and has a business at 57 East Main Street does see some problems with losing parking. He was concerned with adding parallel parking. Terrie Delyn is the business owner of the Bed Place at 59 E Main Street, which has been on Main Street for 21 years. They have had multiple employees. She struggles to find parking. At times there is no parking in front or back of the store. They have lost customer parking and even customers have been towed by parking in the bank parking. 7 Mike Bingham has a business on 11 W Main Street; he agrees with everyone comments. If you take their parking away, the town pretty much goes away. Shawn Fisher lives at 250 Marianne Drive; he runs two dance studios on two blocks on Main Street. There is a parking challenge in the community. Customers do leave due to a lack of parking. We need to look at other options for parking. Melody Davenport lives at 294 Apache Avenue and works on Main Street. She thanked the city council for their efforts. Parallel parking is a sport; it is entertainment to watch people try. It is a serious problem if customers can’t park. She referred to Idaho Falls shopping. John Weber at 2580 Diamond H Lane owns property downtown. He appreciates the City Council’s position with the debate over many years. He supports the business community in the downtown area. He felt the decision was short sided; he requested the plan be reviewed by Tom Hudson. Look at the different options. We need to create an environment to support the downtown businesses. If you truly want to create a business environment; you need to create an environment for business friendly. Lets make downtown Rexburg a “go to” destination, not a “go through.” Mitch Neibaur owns 127 and 121 East Main and 35 West Main Street. He complimented the City Council and County Commissioners for creating off-street parking. He asked the city, county, and businesses to create additional off-street parking. Main Street is Hwy 33; it is possible that in the future some of these changes could be mandated by the state. The businesses need to get involved and help make solutions. If they do not get involved, they will be subject to reaction and not action. It is a challenge going from one end of Main Street to the other. He is intent on safety verses check out window displays. Lynn Betts on 1st East does not use Main Street to go to the Post Office. He uses 1st North and 1st South. He could not find parking; when going to Fongs’ he had to circle the block three times. He requested to leave Main Street alone. Charles Hill at 221 Georgetown co-owns the Sled Shed. He said less parking is not good. Council Member Stout clarified Main Street would not be turned into parallel parking. Only a few parking spaces would need to be removed near each corner to allow room for left-turn lanes; in those areas there would still be adequate room for parallel parking. The City Council did discuss adding parking off of Main Street at the past city council meeting. Many people mentioned the affects this will have Main Street shopping, however, many people are not aware of the businesses on Main Street because they avoid driving downtown. Improved traffic flow improves visibility of businesses. Council Member Benfield said the City Council does not want to hurt any businesses. She thanked the residents for coming to the meeting and providing more discussion. She asked for more discussion in the future on additional parking for the downtown area. Urban Renewal money could be used to produce more parking. We all need to look at other options. Property owners can work together to build more parking lots. The state would contribute $350,000 to do left hand turn lanes; however, she wanted more planning with Urban Renewal. The old racket club and El Gene TV are possible locations for off-street parking. Discussion on possible areas for additional parking. Council Member Erickson agreed with Council Member Benfield. The City Council has worked on finding additional parking. We can get together with the Urban Renewal District and create more lots. Finding additional parking has been thought about and talked about. John Weber said parking is just one piece of the puzzle. Turning lanes are proposed to move more traffic downtown. It doesn’t necessarily mean it will keep customers downtown. Look at the big picture; it not just parking. We need to create a downtown environment that is more pedestrian friendly. Council Member Erickson mentioned previous discussions on moving Hwy 33. ITD would be willing to give up Hwy 33 through Rexburg. Council President Mann understood the issues. He agreed with the Tom Hudson Report; he is worried about businesses off of Main Street. He reviewed the need to turn left off Main Street. There has to be a long term solution. 8 Council Member Egbert appreciated the input; we are trying to improve Main Street. He also avoids Main Street. More discussion is needed; additional parking is needed. Main Street parking is a pain. We want to come to a solution together. Council Member Sutherland said this has been discussed since 1986. He explained the cost shift from the state to the city for Main Street maintenance would be a problem. Recent street reconstruction for Main Street was about three million dollars financed by the Idaho Department of Transportation. That would have been the city’s cost if we took Hwy 33 away. We need to do as much as we can to improve downtown, but we need to be wise and work with the state so we do not lose what we have. Council Member Benfield referred to business on Main Street before Hwy 20. Hwy 20 made a big change in the downtown area. They lost the Yellowstone Park traffic at that time. As a retailer, you do not want to lose traffic. She wanted to get more solutions and table the issue before making the traffic changes. Council Member Erickson said he agrees with Council Member Benfield; however, the state money expires this year. There is money now committed by the state. If we do not use it, we lose it. That is not a reason to rush into anything, but we need to keep that in mind. Council Member Benfield said we need to decide this year. John Farnhill said it seems we are trying to reinvent the wheel. There are lots of case studies to help on this discussion. We should look into what has worked for other cities. Melanie Davenport said it could come to a great conclusion. Ask for input; there are a lot of people with a lot of experience that will work together to help it come to pass. Council President Mann and Council Member Stout reviewed the Main Street accident report. Council Member Stout stated that over the past nine years 44% of accidents at Center and Main were related to left-hand turns. It is not something we can table indefinitely. It is a safety issue. Council Member Benfield referred to her retail stores on Main Street indicating a back door entry for customers almost doubled her business. Mike Bingham wanted accident numbers on other left hand turning lanes. Engineer Keith Davidson responded there were 18 accidents in the same time period on 1st West and Main and two were from left-hand turns. At Main Street at Center Street there were 39 accidents; 44% were left-turn related. At College Ave and Main there were 6 accidents; 33% were left-turn related. At 1st East and Main there were 27 accidents; 44% were left-turn related. Council Member Stout said there are four times as many accidents where there is not a turn lane. Mayor Woodland drives up and down Main Street everyday. He does not have a problem with Main Street. Maybe slowing the traffic would help. He asked if there are things we can do to make it easier to move in and out. He wanted to preserve downtown Rexburg. It is a viable downtown. You can tell by what took place tonight that public voices are important and the City Council does listen to public input. Don’t give up on us; the city will try to help in any way we can. We will be studying and discussing the issue; the public will be made aware of the next time there is a discussion and a motion on this matter. The City Council agreed to nothing until they can meet with businesses to brainstorm options. Charles Hill said the traffic signals could be better. Council Member Sutherland said 1st East and Main Street has the only signals that are not on the grid. This is a catch 22 until they can get those on the computer system. Public Works Director Millar said the deadline is this year before September 30th. Construction needs to be done this year. Council Member Benfield moved to postpone decision making on Main Street traffic signals until there is more information; Council Member Sutherland seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Benfield Council Member Erickson 9 Council Member Sutherland Council Member Egbert Council Member Stout The motion carried. Staff Reports: A. Economic Development: – Scott Johnson Economic Development Director Johnson was excused. B. Public Works: – John Millar 1. Riverside Park Aquatic Center update Johnny Watson Johnny Watson reported the buildings are way ahead of schedule. He presented photos on the overhead screen. They almost have the east building roofed; they are starting on the structural steel. They are working on plumbing and electrical rough-in, boilers, etc. He showed a photo of the equipment room for City Council to see its complexity. He is anxious to begin work outside. Some snow may have to be removed from the dug-out pool area. Things are coming along great. Discussion on covering the equipment to keep down UV deterioration. Public Works Director Millar said they are working furiously to get the 7th South sewer line project out to bid. They are getting the final documents together for the LID 41 project. 10 There is nothing new started for summer yet. The city bought four truck loads of salt. If they do not use it now they will have it for next year. Council Member Stout asked about priority list discussed last fall. The LID is the holdup. Plans and engineering on LID are 85% complete. C. Finance Department: - Richard Horner Finance Officer Horner asked to be excused. D. Community Development – Val Christensen 1. Request to Annex property adjoining 12th West – JRW & Associates Johnny Watson 1152 Bond Avenue representing the LDS Church. It is a heads up for an annexation request; they will get on the agenda with Planning & Zoning. The LDS Church has agreed to buy 4.5 Acres for a neighborhood church. There will be an interior drive to access the church and the steeple will face 12th West. Calendared Bills and Tabled Items: A. “LAND USE ACTION” – BILLS RECOMMENDED/APPROVED IN A LAND USE PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE: – NONE B. BILL Introduction: – 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 Discussion on the upcoming cell phone ordinance for the March 16th meeting. Tabled Items: Those items which have been the subject of an affirmative vote to a motion to table: - NONE Mayor’s Report: -NONE 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. February 16, 2011 meeting B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills Proposed Church 11 Council Member Stout asked about a replaced windshield. Is it something insurance could have covered? The portion the city paid was the insurance deductable. Council President Sutherland moved to approve the Consent Calendar consisting of the minutes, and the city bills; Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Benfield Council Member Erickson Council Member Sutherland Council Member Egbert Council Member Stout The motion carried. Adjournment __________________________________ Richard Woodland, Mayor Attest: ________________________________ Blair D. Kay, City Clerk