HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012.01.04 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES1
January 04, 2012
Mayor Richard Woodland
Council Members: Christopher Mann Jordan Busby Donna Benfield Jerry Merrill Bruce Sutherland Sally Smith
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
6:30 P.M. City Hall, Pledge to the Flag
Mayor Woodland led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Richard Horner said the prayer.
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council President Mann, Council Member Benfield, Council Member Sutherland, Council
Member Erickson and Mayor Woodland.
Council Member Egbert and Council Member Stout asked to be excused.
Consent Calendar: The consent calendar includes items which require formal
City Council action, however they are typically routine or not of great controversy.
Individual Council members may ask that any specific item be removed from
the consent calendar for discussion in greater detail. Explanatory information is
included in the City Council’s agenda packet regarding these items.
A. Minutes from December 21, 2011 meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Erickson moved to approve the Consent Calendar consisting of the city bills and
City Council meeting on December 21, 2011; Council Member Sutherland seconded the motion;
Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Mann None
Council Member Erickson
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Benfield
The motion carried.
City Council members reviewed the service for the past eight years. Council Member Mann thanked
Council Member Erickson for his service and said he will be missed. Council Member Erickson
expressed gratification for the opportunity and the friendships he made while serving the City of
Rexburg on the City Council. He said it was a great experience.
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
January 04, 2012
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7:00 P.M. (City Clerk Kay) Ceremony to seat the newly elected city officials:
(Certificates of Election)
A. Oath of Office:
1. Swear in Richard S. Woodland as Mayor
2. Swear in Jerry Merrill, Sally Smith, & Jordan Busby as City Council Members
City Clerk Kay swore in Richard S. Woodland as Mayor:
Official Oath
STATE OF IDAHO, } SS
County of Madison
I, Richard S. Woodland do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution
of the United States and the State of Idaho, and the Laws and Ordinances of Rexburg City,
and that I will to the best of my ability, faithfully perform the duties of the office of
Mayor in Rexburg City, Madison County, Idaho, during my continuance
therein, so help me, God.
_____________________________ (Signature of Elected or Appointed Official)
Subscribed and sworn to before me this 4th day of January , 2012.
___________________
Blair D. Kay, City Clerk
Mayor Woodland took the Official Oath of Office for Mayor of Rexburg; followed by Jerry Merrill, Sally Smith, & Jordan Busby taking the same Oath of Office for Councilmembers for the
City of Rexburg.
Introductions:
New City Council Members Jerry Merrill, Sally Smith and Jordan Busby introduced their friends and
family members that were in attendance. Mayor Woodland introduced his wife, Lori Woodland.
(City Clerk Kay) Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council Member Mann, Council Member Benfield, Council Member Sutherland, Council
Member Busby, Council Member Merrill, Council Member Smith and Mayor Woodland.
Mayor Woodland: Selection of City Council President Mayor Woodland accepted nominations to elect a new City Council President.
Council Member Sutherland nominated Christopher Mann to be the City Council President;
Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Mann None
Council Member Busby
Council Member Smith
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Merrill
The motion carried.
Council President Mann thanked the City Council for their support.
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Public Comment: on issues not scheduled on the agenda (limit 3 minutes)
Kristine Bennion at 295 Shoshone Ave reviewed University Permit Parking on city streets around the
campus area. She was concerned with the permit parking fee. She asked for residents to get a reduced
fee from having to pay $35 per semester and $75 per year. Mrs. Bennion would like the City to
consider doing something similar to what the Recreation Department offers – a city fee and
nonresident fee – for University parking for residents. City Attorney Zollinger clarified that the permit
parking wasn’t instituted to generate fees; it was instituted to manage traffic around the University and
pay for the policing of the effort. The traffic management effort was put forth by the city two years
ago, and since then the traffic movement has been significantly reduced and accident rates have gone
down around campus. The city considers all 15,000 students to be residents; therefore, it would not be
possible to charge differently and to discriminate between lifetime and temporary residents. Council
Member Merrill did talk to people concerned with taking money from the students. It’s tough to
differentiate between students and full time residents. Council Member Sutherland explained the city
tried to set the rate a little higher than the University permits to encourage students to park in
University parking lots. The solution is not perfect; however, it was the best option to limit traffic
around the University.
Presentations: - NONE
Mayor Woodland: Committee Liaison Assignments for 2012:
A. Council Member Christopher Mann: Golf Board · Emergency Services Board · MYAB
Council President Mann indicated the Fire Department had a quiet time over the holiday. The MYAB
consists of 40 students from Madison High School. They are outlining projects for the next three or four
months. Christmas for Santa, etc.
Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board 2011/2012
Syllabus
Description: The Mayor's Youth Advisory Board is an official youth organizational council adopted by the City
Council of Rexburg, Idaho. The MYAB was established in the spring of 2004 with the intent to provide the youth of Rexburg an opportunity to voice their opinion, participate in community service and share a role in the decision-making
of our City Issues. The Membership to the MYAB is upon nomination and members are governed by the bylaws ratified by the Rexburg City Council. Each member of the board shares in the responsibilities of the board.
Application: If you are interested in participating with the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board, please fill out the
attached application and return it to the front desk at City Hall before the start of the school year.
Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. The MYAB holds their bi-monthly meetings at the City of Rexburg City
Hall at 4:00 pm. In attendance at the meetings are the current council members, mayor, advisory staff, and any other
community members that would like to join the gathering. Each meeting is vital and the group works jointly with the
mayor to address local current issues and brainstorm how to improve city conditions for the future generations and the
present community. Participation in community service projects, speaking engagements, and various activities is
expected.
Events: The MYAB volunteer many hours of community service and organize their own events and service projects
to promote their council and give back to the community. A major project of the MYAB has been the organization and implementation of Rexburg Days. Other activities include: 4th of July Parade & fundraiser, distribution of trick or
treat bags, Shop with a Cop, speaking engagements, and Association of Idaho Cities Conference. The MYAB also sponsors Rexburg 101, which offers an in-depth look at the operations of city government. The participants will meet
and discuss local issues with the Mayor and City Council Members and learn more about the city’s governmental structure, its budget and finances, public works, utility, police and fire operations through interactive discussions with key
city staff. They will also participate in a Mock City Council Meeting. Rexburg 101 is held in the spring during municipal government month.
Benefits: MYAB is a great way to get involved in your community. Mayor Woodland will write a letter of
recommendation for all members who have sufficiently fulfilled their duties as a Mayors Youth Advisory Board member.
This is a great benefit for college applications and looks great on resumes.
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Info: For additional information contact Mayor Richard Woodland at mayor@rexburg.org or call City Hall at 359-3020.
B. Council Member Jordan Busby: Beautification Committee· Airport Board C. Council Member Donna Benfield: Trails of Madison County · IBC Committee · Museum Committee
D. Council Member Sally Smith: Legacy Flight Museum · Romance Theatre Committee · Tabernacle Civic Center · Rexburg Arts Council
E. Council Member Jerry Merrill: Parks & Recreation · Traffic & Safety · Urban Renewal Agency F. Council Member Bruce Sutherland: Planning & Zoning · School Board · Police · Medco
Mayor Woodland advised all City Council Members to attend those meetings as they exist.
Public Hearing: - NONE
Items for Consideration:
A. Resolution 2011-14 (Council Rules of Procedure)
City Clerk Blair Kay presented the Council Rules of Procedure to solidify the time meetings are held and how the City Council runs the meetings; he advised Council Members to review the
document along with the City Council Manuals. Council President Mann appreciated the City Council Manuals and thanked City Clerk Kay. Council President Mann encouraged other Council
Members to take the time to review the material. Council Member Benfield was grateful to have a Manual with all the information in one place.
Mayor Woodland asked for a motion:
Council Member Sutherland moved to approve Resolution 2011-14 (Council Rules of Procedure)
with the changes suggested; Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Mann None
Council Member Busby
Council Member Smith
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Merrill
The motion carried.
Staff Reports:
A. Public Works: – John Millar Keith Davidson is the Assistant City Engineer under John Millar and supervisor of the Engineering
Department.
1. The installation on the signals poles, on 1st East and Center Street, will be delayed until
mid-February.
2. 7th South Bridge is being extended to five lanes. The bridge is out to bid on the 13th of
January. It is for the bridge construction only. The entire bridge will be replaced but only
½ of the bridge will be done at a time.
3. High pressure sewer line is completed and functioning.
4. Council Member Merrill requested a new project for a street light at 2nd East and 1st
South.
B. Finance Department: - Richard Horner
Finance Officer Horner briefly explained the three budget reports in the City Council Packets.
He reviewed the complicated process to manage city budgets. The city has many budget
categories to manage from year to year. One of the reports was an annual report giving everyone
a 50,000 ft. look at the budget and some highlights. Big projects for 2012 include street repairs,
and other construction and repair projects including $2.4 million of regular operating budgets
funds for the personnel, who do a lot of the smaller maintenance projects. Also, the $350,000
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funding for the downtown turn lanes is currently unfinished. Property taxes were increased by
$171,000. Utility rates were also raised by 2.6%, which is a $2.00 increase. Other new 2012
projects include street repairs, new city water well, sewer plant upgrades, department budgets,
revenues, property tax levy rates, etc. were reviewed.
Council Member Merrill asked about the bid for the new water well being $200,000. Engineer
Davidson explained the costs are higher due to the lava rock, 400 ft. of a 22 inch well casing, etc.
The contractor has to have a public contractor’s license. It does not include the pump and the
backup power system.
Finance Officer Horner explained the total budget for ancillary items total about two million
dollars for the water well. Currently the city doesn’t have any general obligation debt. The only
real debt the city is responsible for is the $10 million sewer bond that was borrowed last year,
which is being paid.
Council President Mann asked for a break down on funds that go through Rexburg’s budget
from other sources. The Fire District is one of those funds because the city pays all of their bills
because they are separate entity; including the Fire District, Madison County and The City of
Rexburg. The Ambulance Budget is part of the package. These three entities run very efficiently
in concert with Madison County and the Fire District. The Legacy Flight Museum, Airport,
Teton Lakes Golf Course, are other funds in the budget; these are self-supporting entities.
Another example of self-funding budgets is the Arts Council’s Budget of $28,000; of which only
$3,000 comes from the city budget. They raise the rest of the funds themselves. Finance Officer
Horner reviewed the total expense budget, total revenue budget, general fund expense budget
and the tax budgets.
Economic Director Scott Johnson reported on his Economic Development efforts. He is
working with other governmental entities on a federal grant the city co-sponsored for 1.5 million
dollars to look at growth-cost modeling because of the rapid growth that has occurred. The City
of Rexburg is a partner in the federal grant.
Yellowstone Business Partnership
News Release from Fremont County: announced meeting with other members of a four-county consortium to discuss details of a $1.5 million regional planning grant that the group was awarded from the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The grant announcement was made in early December and the group met in St. Anthony on December 14th. The consortium members discussed the work described in the
grant and how the consortium would make decisions and process contracts to be awarded under the grant. The purpose of the three-year planning grant is the development of a Regional Plan for the Western Greater
Yellowstone Area, which includes Fremont, Madison and Teton counties in Idaho and Teton County, Wyoming. …
The grant supports area-wide studies in alternative energy and waste management infrastructure, groundwater
treatment systems, public transportation, affordable housing, and year-round employment options for seasonal
workers. The findings and recommendations of all studies will be assembled by Fremont County into one
Comprehensive Resource Plan …
The idea of the regional planning effort is to create voluntary alignment among the counties in ways that will
create more jobs and economic opportunities. At the St. Anthony meeting, consortium members were encouraged to assign a representative to the committees overseeing the various study areas that would be of particular interest
to their community . …
“Part of the goal is to get the different jurisdictions talking to each other and asking the questions we haven’t
had the money to ask before,” said Stephen Loosli, Planning Administrator for Fremont County, Idaho which is the lead applicant and is acting as the grant administrator. …
Additional consortium partners that share this common landscape include the cities of St. Anthony, Ashton, Island Park, Rexburg, Driggs, and Victor; the Idaho Department of Lands, USDA Forest Service, and the
Bureau of Land Management.
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Economic Director Scott Johnson said now that the grant is being awarded, the city can look
at some of the projects that need to be done. Projects could include a ground water study,
transportation studies, etc. The city does not have a major role in the grant. Fremont County is
the lead in the project; however, in order to get the grant, Rexburg, along with Madison County,
had to participate in sponsoring the grant application. It is a reimbursement grant. The
reimbursement process will be about a five day turn around. Mayor Woodland said Fremont
County couldn’t have received the grant without Rexburg’s support because the city is the
micropolitan area for the grant in this area. Jackson is the micropolitan area for the portion of
the federal grant in the Teton County area.
The Natural Gas discussion is ongoing to try to encourage a larger supply of natural gas for the
Upper Snake River Valley. There isn’t enough natural gas to support the industries looking to
come into this area. A meeting took place with important leaders in East Idaho regarding this
matter. Rexburg is at the end of the gas pipeline and it doesn’t have the capacity to support a
large industrial user. The University is shifting from coal to natural gas in their heating plant,
which may take one to two years. The Idaho Public Utility Commission got after Intermountain
Gas, who is now trying to make the change. A loop will be placed on the gas pipeline down in
the Idaho Falls area to allow a larger capacity of gas to be pushed up the main gas line. The time
line has been pushed forward five years on this project.
Council Member Sutherland indicated a customer could not locate here due to the natural gas
supply; they located in Idaho Falls.
Economic Director Johnson explained that we get companies that are interested in coming to
Rexburg; the city submits responses to encourage new business. One company interested in the
Rexburg area was a paper manufacturer who takes wheat straw to produce paper – which would
be good for the agriculture businesses. The business wanted to build a 317,000 sq. ft. facility.
Intermountain Gas explained that Rexburg didn’t have the capacity to support this company. It
would take $16,000,000 and 20 years to get the required natural gas to supply this customer. The
gas company requires new industry to pay for any plant expansion.
The Broad Band Committee is currently working on a feasibility study and they will have a
proposal by the end of this month. The Broad Band Committee is composed of county,
hospital, school district, university, citizens, Madison Economic Partners, etc. They are doing a
feasibility study to determine the costs for engineering, funding opportunities, governance and
operation models to get broad band into Rexburg. Hopefully the study will be done by June.
Council Member Benfield indicated the Chamber of Commerce is getting ready to set-up
meetings for the Chamber Business Day at the legislature and would be willing to set up any
meetings necessary to help facilitate the Broad Band efforts.
Mayor Woodland said Idaho ranks last in Broad Band speed in Rexburg. Iraq and Afghanistan
have better Broad Band speeds.
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
Tabled Items: Those items which have been the subject of an affirmative vote to a motion to table:
- NONE
Mayor’s Report:
A. Craig Rindlisbacher presented a new Precinct Map changing the precinct boundaries.
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County Clerk Kim Muir, County Commissioner Todd Smith and Deputy Clerk Sue Bagley were
present to explain the new precinct maps.
Deputy Clerk Sue Bagley reviewed the new precinct maps for Madison County. She explained
they will be repositioning the boundaries for each of the precincts and removing boundaries around
to better fit the commissioner’s districts and make them more even as required by law. The effort is
to balance the precinct boundaries with the school district boundaries, etc. The county is in charge
of all elections in Idaho; this requires an evening out of the boundaries between taxing entities. They
tried to keep the number of residents per precinct to about 1,200 voters.
One effort will be to accommodate around the University because of the number of students, on
presidential elections they come out to vote, but on a regular election you have almost none. She
wishes to better utilize their resources and redistribute registered voters around the University. The
county commissioner will vote on the proposal January 09, 2012. They will be naming the precincts
to allow better recognition of the areas. Deputy Clerk Sue Bagley will be contacting BYU-I to help
with getting the students registered before the election of 2012. The state deadline for passage by the
county precinct realignment is the middle of January of 2012.
County Commissioner Todd Smith expressed his appreciation to the GIS Department and Craig
Rindlesbacher for their hard work. He explained the rebalance of the county commissioner’s
districts. The commissioner candidate has to live inside his respective district; however, the vote is
county wide for each commissioner seat.
Existing Voter Precinct Population Count 2010
Number
Name
Population
Registered
Voters
1 Plano 590 328
2 Burton 1,733 987
3 Hibbard 2,168 1,081
4 Salem 843 424
5 Rexburg 5 2,250 1,153
6 Sugar 1,958 978
7 Rexburg 7 2,397 1,160
8 Rexburg 8 4,743 1,985
9 Rexburg 9 1,573 543
10 Rexburg 10 2,533 569
11 Rexburg 11 1,262 97
12 Rexburg 12 1,809 55
13 Rexburg 13 1,539 29
14 Rexburg 14 2,131 352
15 Rexburg 15 3,267 1,246
16 Rexburg 16 3,144 1,641
17 Moody 426 215
18 Union-Lyman 1,781 750
19 Archer 1,379 648
Total
Population
37,526 14,241
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Proposed Voter Precinct Population Count
Number
Name
Populatio
n
Registered
Voters
1 Plano 590 325
2 Burton 1,733 982
3 Hibbard 2,168 1,068
4 Salem 839 419
5 Fairgrounds 2,262 1,146
6 Sugar City 1,939 954
7 Adams 2,321 1,104
8 Pioneer West 2,185 993
9 Pioneer East 2,668 1,044
10 Porter Park 1,313 402
11 City Center 2,621 428
12 4th South 3,447 380
13 University 3,553 430
14 Rexburg Hill 2,384 696
15 Poleline 1,906 954
16 Lincoln 1,872 1,083
17 Moody 565 273
18 Union-Lyman 1,781 732
19 Archer 1,379 656
Total
Population
37,526 14,069
No action required by the City of Rexburg on the precinct realignment.
Mayor Woodland presented an over head presentation about the history of Rexburg.
Sources include “The First One Hundred Years 1883-1983” by David L. Crowder
History of Rexburg
Dedicated to the Lord March 16, 1883 under the Direction of Bishop Thomas E. Ricks
Incorporated under the laws of Idaho on July 11, 1893.
Platted in 1883
Rexburg was platted in 1883 and recorded in Blackfoot, Idaho. The county seat was located in
Oneida County in Malad.
On August 6, 1884 the city plat was enlarged with a wider Main Street and re-recorded in Blackfoot,
Idaho.
Utah Northern Railroad
In 1879 John Poole, while employed with the railroad recognized the good farm land in the Rexburg
area. He spread the word to Utah.
In 1882 the Mormon President, John Taylor, instructed W. B. Preston and Thomas E. Ricks to
make a trip to the Upper Snake River Valley to scout out a site for a settlement.
First Homes in Rexburg
A group of young Mormon men from Cache Valley, Utah, was organized to form a settlement in the
area. Among these men was Thomas E. Ricks, founder of both Rexburg, and Ricks College (now
BYU-Idaho). In February 1883, they cut logs for building a community in the spring. In March the
men met at the present town site of Rexburg and constructed the first log house.
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The settlers first decided to call their town Ricksburg after their settlement leader, Thomas E. Ricks.
However, since the German ancestral name of Ricks is Rex the town's name was changed to
Rexburg.
First Expansion
The residents of the village of Rexburg under the direction of Ricks and his associates seemed to
accomplish more in two years building canals, roads, schools and general improvements than was
usually accomplished in five years anywhere else.
Rexburg’s Canal
Ditch and canal work brought much needed irrigation water to the semi-arid desert and bench lands
began in 1883. The Rexburg Irrigation Company was organized in 1884 and by 1900 there were 97
canals in the area.
Bannock Stake Academy
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First Water System
In 1906 construction on the town's first municipal water system began. Since 1913 board sidewalks
began disappearing in favor of paved walkways.
It was said that Rexburg's main street itself was so muddy at times that a horse supposedly drowned
one spring in one of the downtown mud holes.
Paved Streets
Street paving began in 1917 and Rexburg was publicized as having the widest main street in the state.
Rexburg today
Since March 1883, the town has literally been transformed from a sagebrush desert
into the beautiful thriving agricultural community of today.
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Council Member Jerry Merrill moved to adjourn; Council Member Jordan Busby seconded the motion;
Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Mann None
Council Member Busby
Council Member Smith
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Merrill
The motion carried.
Adjournment at 8:37 P.M.
_____________________________
Richard S.Woodland, Mayor
Attest:
________________________________
Blair D. Kay, City Clerk