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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012.03.07 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES1 March 07, 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 7:00 P.M. City Hall – Pledge to the Flag Council President Mann led the Pledge to the Flag. Richard Horner said the prayer. Roll Call of Council Members: Attending: Council President Mann, Council Member Benfield, Council Member Sutherland, Council Member Merrill, Council Member Busby, and Council Member Smith. Mayor Woodland asked to be excused. Public Comment: on issues not scheduled on the agenda (limit 3 minutes) - NONE Presentations: A. Proclamation 2012 – 01 proclaiming “APRIL” as Fair Housing Month in Rexburg Council President Mann presented Proclamation 2012 – 01 proclaiming “APRIL” as Fair Housing Month; Ms. Vergie Scroughams and Ms. Beth Hanson from the Upper Valley Association of Realtors read a statement concerning the fair housing policy throughout the United States. The Civil Rights Act of 1866 prohibits all racial discrimination in the sale or rental of property. The 1968 Fair Housing Act declares a national policy of fair housing, throughout the United States. The law makes illegal any discrimination in the sale, lease or rental of housing, or making housing unavailable because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. The law also makes it illegal to discriminate against the Disability Act of 1990. The home seeker, home seller and real estate professional all have rights and responsibilities under these laws. Real estate professionals are prohibited by law from discriminating in the sale or rental of property. They hope and pray this will never be an issue. Council President Mann indicated this policy is required to apply for federal grants. He presented them with the proclamation. PROCLAMATION 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 07, 2012 2 No. 2012 - 01 WHEREAS, April 2012 marks the 44th anniversary of the passage of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, commonly known as the Federal Fair Housing Act; and WHEREAS, the Idaho Human Rights Commission Act has prohibited discrimination in housing since 1969; and WHEREAS, equal opportunity for all-regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin-is a fundamental goal of our nation, state and city; and WHEREAS, equal access to housing is an important component of this goal-as fundamental as the right to equal education and employment; and WHEREAS, housing is a critical component of family and community health and stability and WHEREAS, housing choice impacts our children’s access to education, our ability to seek and retain employment options, the cultural benefits we enjoy, the extent of our exposure to crime and drugs, and the quality of health care we receive in emergencies; and WHEREAS, the laws of this nation and our state seek to ensure such equality of choice for all transactions involving housing; and WHEREAS, ongoing education, outreach and monitoring are key to raising awareness of fair housing principles, practices, rights and responsibilities; and WHEREAS, only through continued cooperation, commitment and support of all Idahoans can barriers to fair housing be removed; NOW, THEREFORE, I, Richard S. Woodland, Mayor of City of Rexburg, Madison County, do hereby proclaim April 2012 to be FAIR HOUSING MONTH In the City of Rexburg, Madison County, State of Idaho. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand at the City of Rexburg, Madison County in City Hall on this 7th day of March in the year of our Lord 2012. ATTEST: By___________________________ Richard Woodland, Mayor ______________________________ Blair D. Kay, City Clerk Committee Liaison Assignments for 2012: A. Council Member Christopher Mann: Golf Board · Emergency Services Board · MYAB Council President Mann reported the Golf Board will meet next Tuesday, March 13th. The Emergency Services Board has not met but Council Member Mann attended the Emergency Services cadet graduation last Saturday night. There were seven graduates, who were on-call Firemen and EMTs who have been training for a year. They are a well-trained force. The Bar J Wranglers fundraiser event for the Madison Fire Department is coming up. MYAB met today with plans to volunteer at the Madison Madness; they will be selling concessions at the Upper Valley Idol, and helping with the Farmers Merchant Banquet. Council Member Busby explained the Madison Madness Event; a basketball tournament to help the Madison Education Foundation from three different High Schools. B. Council Member Jordan Busby: Beautification Committee· Airport Board Council Member Busby reported the Airport Board met today to discuss the Air Show on June 16th. Some performers will not be in the air show due to terminal accidents. The Airport Board is making sure the city and county are not held liable in case of any accidents during the show. The board needs to fill a vacancy and is waiting for Mayor Woodland to appoint a new member. The Beautification Committee did not meet. 3 C. Council Member Donna Benfield: Trails of Madison County · IBC · Teton Flood Museum Committee Council Member Benfield reported the Museum Committee and the Trails of Madison County Committee are in the reorganization process, letters of gratitude have been sent to board members for their service. New members have joined the committees. The Trails Committee has submitted a request for a grant; they will know the results in May. They are also in the process of creating usable friendly walking paths, biking paths and maps. D. Council Member Sally Smith: Legacy Flight Museum · Rexburg Arts Council (Romance Theatre & Tabernacle Civic Center) Council Member Smith reported Legacy Flight Museum has been canceled. The Arts Council will meet this week; the Tabernacle Committee is being reorganized. Council Member Smith attended the Madison County Centennial Committee meeting, the centennial will take place in 2013 and there are some wonderful things being planned for the city. The Madison County Centennial Committee is asking the city to do a website. E. Council Member Jerry Merrill: Parks & Recreation · Traffic & Safety · Urban Renewal Agency Council Member Merrill reported Parks and Recreation is doing a report tonight. The parks were watered yesterday. The Traffic and Safety Committee didn’t have anything on the agenda for the month. The Urban Renewal Agency has not met. F. Council Member Bruce Sutherland: Planning & Zoning · School Board · Police · MEPI Council Member Sutherland reported P&Z met late last Thursday, March 1st, concerning some items on tonight’s agenda. He commended the Planning Commission for their exemplary work for the city. The School Board will meet next Thursday night, March 15th. He has met with Superintendent Dr. Thomas concerning joint efforts to economize on public funds. MEPI met last week to discuss community issues. Three members (Sally Smith, Donna Benfield, and Bruce Sutherland) of the City Council are on the MEPI Board. Dan Hanna is the Chairman of the MEPI Board. The Police Chief, Shane Turman, reported on four officers who graduated from the LDS Dignitary Protection Program Academy Training. There was also a program on etiquette. Tomorrow night is the DARE graduation at the high school at 7:00 P.M.; support from the City Council would be great. Public Hearing: – NONE Items for Consideration: A. Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment – 250 West Main & 52 North 3rd West (Input requested by Community Group – Rebekka Hanson) Council President Mann read four letters into the record concerning the proposal to amend the Comprehensive Plan Map. ================================================== 4 5 6 March 6, 2012 To the Mayor and City Council of Rexburg We, as residents of Rexburg who reside at 27 N. 3rd West Street, would like to voice our objection to changing the Comprehensive plan and of the subsequent possibility of rezoning property at 52 N 3rd W and at 250 West Main Street as proposed by Tru North Development. Our reasoning: 1. Increased traffic as a result of 60 apartment units with all ingoing and outgoing on North 3rd West Street. a. Already present difficulty entering Main Street from the above street. b. Road breakup because of increased traffic. 2. Increased population noise. 3. Old city sewer may not be adequate to accommodate all additional waste. 4. Increased property taxes for affected property owners. 5. Decrease of property values for properties near and around apartment complex. 6. Property management? 7. Snow removal could be problematic. 8. No play area designed for the children residing in the complex. 9. Insufficient water supply. 10. Quality of life change for residents in area near the complex. 11. Railroad too close for High Density Residential area. 12. Possibility of a change to include government subsidized units. 14. Height of proposed units could be problematic and out of character with present surroundings. 7 15. Need to preserve some older residences in original part of Rexburg rather than being dominated by apartments. 16. Additional stress caused by more blacktop and concrete associated with the proposed apartment complex to already overloaded city storm drains at the intersection of 1st North and 3rd West. We have seen water back-up many times that nearly flooded residences on those street corners. 17. There has been word circulating that there has been no interest in the purchasing of the property at 52 N 3rd West until the present time. We know, in fact, that there has been interest. Several times during the last few years we have had persons knock at our door and inquire about the lot at 52 N 1st W. Nothing came of it and we assumed that after learning the exorbitant asking price, of which we had heard, the interested persons would not consider the property. Sincerely, Billy D. and Sharon Christensen ==================================================== Natalie Schnieder reviewed the Staff recommendations for the proposal on the overhead screen. She reviewed the surrounding zones; indicated Neighborhood Commercial/Mixed Use is an appropriate use of this property. Land to the East, of Wolfe Lighting, is currently designated neighborhood commercial mixed-use, the land on the West is moderate to high density residential, and the property currently being used, as Wolfe Lighting, is light Industrial which is a commercial use. The applicant is requesting to construct multifamily dwellings on their property; the request is to have the current land use be consistent with the request. The neighborhood commercial mixed use would allow for the following zoning: Neighborhood Commercial, Mixed-Use 1 (MU1), Mixed- Use 2 (MU2), Professional Office, and Open Space. Planning and Zoning had a lengthy discussion on this proposal in a public hearing. They had a tie vote on the proposal without a recommendation to City Council. Council Member Merrill reviewed the zoning currently applied. The Comprehensive Plan Map was reviewed on the overhead screen. The current land use designations would allow apartments. Current Comprehensive Plan Map - Land Use Designations The City Council discussed the proposal to amend the Comprehensive Plan Map from Moderate- High Density Residential (52 North 3rd West) and Light Industrial (250 West Main) to MODERATE TO HIGH DENSITY LIGHT INDUSTRIAL 8 Neighborhood Commercial/Mixed Use. Council Member Sutherland indicated they were grandfathered into the zone. Ownership of the property was discussed. Mr. Cory Sorensen at 154 S 3rd W; representing Tru North Development and Brad Wolfe, the owner of Wolfe Lighting for this request. He reviewed the properties in the proposal. The Current Comprehensive Plan allows up to 48 units per acre. They are seeking fewer units. He indicated city staff recommended seeking to utilize the property in the rear to develop the property behind Wolfe Lighting. They left the homes on the corner of 3rd West and Main Street out of their proposal due to the Professional Overlay on those homes. They are seeking to utilize the properties for an infill project to best use the property. Brad Wolfe and the staff recommended extending the neighborhood commercial mixed use over to include this area. Brad Wolfe is willing to work with Tru North Development. There would be a one-way 16 foot easement to exit onto 1st North. Medium Density Residential would allow them to get 25 units. They are requesting less density than what is currently allowed. It is a great infill sight for the community because it’s a block away from Broulim’s, and Porter Park and the University are close to this development as well. Mr. Sorensen indicated the immediate proximity to shopping, a city park, a museum, and the University, etc.; it is smart growth. He said developments outside the community cost more for the community verses infilling vacant properties. The Comprehensive Plan currently allows 48 units. Council Member Smith asked about the original plan. Now, this proposal would allow a higher density. Residential areas have a height restriction. She was OK with the development of the Industrial property; however, she asked if Mr. Sorensen would be willing to go back to the original proposal. He indicated city staff asked to develop the property to clean up dead space behind Wolfe Lighting. Council Member Smith asked for lesser density on the 3rd West property. Council Member Merrill reviewed the current proposal to seek fewer units than the original proposal. He asked for a more transitional project to transition into the existing neighborhood. Council President Mann asked to keep the discussion to the Comprehensive Plan Amendment proposal. Mr. Sorensen reiterated his intentions. Council Member Sutherland reviewed the proposal and the need to seek future zone changes if the Comprehensive Plan Amendment is approved. Should they change the Light Industrial, and move the High Density Comprehensive Plan overlay, this decision will have nothing to do with zone changes. The issue for tonight is to determine what the best use for the land lock area would be. Should it be left as a Light Industrial or change the comprehensive plan and include it in the residential. Council Member Smith asked if the proposal could be reduced to changing the Light Industrial property. City Attorney Zollinger said the current Land Use designation would allow HDR1 with 48 units per acre. The MU2 Zone is a lower density zone. It allows for onsite retail space. Wolfe Lighting’s empty space in the back could be developed with this proposal. Council President Mann asked representatives from the neighborhood to provide input. Frank Hadry from 23 N 3rd West spoke to the issues concerning their homes. He has lived there for 20 years. Some have lived on the street for 50 years. He asked for some bounds to control the development. He was concerned with additional traffic, train safety, and real estate values and taxes. They have concerns with neighborhood safety and noise at night. Planning and Zoning could not give this proposal an endorsement. He wondered if the proposal would be supplied with water and sewer, etc. It is interesting the prayer given tonight talked about peace and family. There is going to be some change; however, it is a little much to build three stories. It is hard to make a left onto Main Street. These are only some of their concerns. The property would have been sold; however, the owner purchased the property to control how the property was developed. He hoped they could be treated fairly; and think about the people that live on 3rd West. He appreciated the City Council hearing the issues for the neighborhood. Council President Mann asked for City Council discussion. 9 Council Member Sutherland reiterated the comments from Council Member Smith and the need to focus on the Comprehensive Plan Amendment Proposal on Light Industrial. Zoning decisions do not apply at this time. Council Member Merrill asked for clarification. If the comprehensive proposal is approved; other uses could be applied. If the change is not approved the residential lot could be developed at a higher density. This would require a future hearing before Planning and Zoning to change the zoning. Council President Mann stated that the decision was to approve the Comprehensive Plan Map amendment from Moderate to High Residential, and Light Industrial to Neighborhood Commercial Mixed Use. Council Member Benfield indicated her concerns with the proposal without a full discussion of the plans for development. Council Member Sutherland reviewed the reasons for the tie vote at the Planning and Zoning Commission. Planning and Zoning was concerned with losing the Light Industrial area along the railroad track. Planning and Zoning Official Thaine Robinson expressed Planning and Zoning wanted to infill the area and keep it from being landlocked. Council Member Merrill reviewed the right-of-way for the Railroad Spur. The spur has been abandoned; the railroad still controls the property underneath it. It is considered as an encroachment to have the building on the railroad right-of-way. The building is in trespass. The Fence Company owns some of the property as well. Council Member Smith reviewed the one-way 16 foot easement exiting to 1st North. The developer would improve the easement for future use. Council Member Busby was concerned with making a decision today. He would consider tabling the proposal to have time to review the facts. Council Member Sutherland is neutral on the full proposal. He does not understand why Light Industrial is a concern in this area. It is land locked. Council Member Merrill was concerned with making the wrong decision. He indicated the land lock property needs to be developed; plus work out a solution with the developer. He asked to approve the change to use the land locked land. It is definitely a neighborhood. There are houses on both sides of the street. A big apartment complex would be out of place. He wants to make sure to be able to negotiate to work well for all. Council Member Sutherland said future hearings before Planning and Zoning will be required to change zoning and apply conditions to the proposal. The Comprehensive Plan does not lend itself to a very useful area for Light Industrial. Council Member Sutherland moved to approve the proposal to amend the Comprehensive Plan Map from Moderate-High Density Residential (52 North 3rd West) and Light Industrial (250 West Main) to Neighborhood Commercial/Mixed Use; Council Member Merrill seconded the motion; Discussion: Council Member Smith was concerned with changing the residential lot to multiple use. They can ask for a zone change at a later date. City Attorney Zollinger indicated this proposal reduces the density for residential; however, it does allow for additional uses. It is designed to combine uses of space. Council President Mann was concerned with the letter from the railroad. Council Member Merrill was also concerned about the railroad letter; however, he did not understand how it could be used for Industrial. Council Member Benfield said the letter mentions a concern for safety. City Attorney Zollinger said the railroad may want to park train cars in the city. If this proposal is approved, to become a residential area, the railroad would have to park their train cars further down the track. Council President Mann asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann Council Member Busby 10 Council Member Benfield Council Member Smith Council Member Merrill Council Member Sutherland The motion carried. City Attorney Zollinger said another proposal will come before the City Council to change the zoning. B. Rezone – Approximately 424 West 2nd South from the Light Industrial (LI) to Medium Density Residential Two (MDR2). Natalie Schneider reviewed the proposal on the overhead screen. City Staff indicated it is compatible with the surrounding properties. Planning and Zoning recommended the proposal and some of the suggestions. It is a block away from a city park and across the street from a school. It makes more sense to have more residential rather than to expand and keep the Light Industrial in this area. The vote did pass Planning and Zoning. Council Member Merrill indicated his business was across the street from this proposal and it’s a good use of the property. Kent Buie representing Teton River Ranch, LLC from 358 South Rio Grande Salt Lake City, UT appreciated the Planning and Zoning discussion on their proposal. They will seek a rezone on the western half of this property at a later date. They intend to have a Master Planned Community on this site. He mentioned the BUY-I growth patterns is causing the need for additional residential married student and young family growth. They want to appeal to this demographic as well as the community. The parcel is a large 10 acre property with the opportunity to have infill for the city. Utilities are adequate to service the site. He reviewed the surrounding property uses from industrial to residential uses. Council Member Merrill reviewed the possibilities for a Master Planned Community. Mr. Buie said they would develop from west to east. If this proposal is approved, they would return with more detailed plans for development. Industrial use seems to be inconsistent with the residential area close to the BYU-I Campus. It is part of the Urban Core for Rexburg. Council President Mann asked if the Master Planned Community was only for apartments. Mr. Buie said it was for apartments. He said this property would not accommodate a railroad track spur. Council Member Smith asked for entrance locations. Mr. Buie said they would use 2nd South and install a bridge over the canal in the first phase, taking traffic off 1st South and onto 4th West. Council President Mann was concerned the road was too narrow; Mr. Buie said its 99 ft., and it wasn’t narrow. Council Member Smith moved to approve the rezone of approximately 424 West 2nd South from Light Industrial (LI) to Medium Density Residential Two (MDR2); Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; Discussion: Council President Mann asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Busby Council Member Benfield Council Member Merrill Council Member Smith Council Member Sutherland The motion carried. City Attorney Zollinger asked to suspend the rules in order to pass Ordinance 1080. Council Member Merrill moved to suspend the rules to pass Ordinance 1080 to Rezone 424 West 2nd South from Light Industrial (LI) to Medium Density Residential Two (MDR2): Council Member Busby seconded the motion: Council President Mann asked for a roll call vote: 11 Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Busby Council President Mann Council Member Benfield Council Member Merrill Council Member Smith Council Member Sutherland The motion carried. Council Member Merrill moved to third read and approve Ordinance 1080 to rezone 424 West 2nd South from Light Industrial (LI) to Medium Density Residential Two (MDR2): Council Member Smith seconded the motion: Council President Mann asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Busby Council Member Benfield Council Member Merrill Council Member Smith Council Member Sutherland The motion carried. Annual Audit Presentation- Brad Reed Brad Reed from Rudd & Company reported on the audit. The audit went well. The test items are tested on a sample basis to test controls. They test and confirm balances; they then state their opinion on the test items. He reviewed their opinion pages indicating really good controls in the city’s financial controls. He reviewed page three. (NOTE: A complete copy of the 2011 Audit is available at City Hall) 12 City Staff puts the number together. 13 14 Mr. Reed indicated the water, sewer, sanitation, and the golf course funds are a business type. The city needs to look at these activities like a business. These business types need to create profits to make improvements. Governmental activities are special funds. General funds and the recreation funds are a few included in the 60 funds that exist. These are not for profit; they are controlled as budgeted activities. Wastewater Plant upgrades were required to avoid EPA fines. The city has done well to keep out of excess debt. Council Member Merrill reviewed the payback time of 15 years for the sewer bond debt. Mr. Reed continued to review the budget report reviewing the city’s investments. 15 Council President Mann asked about the Risk Management Assessment. The City and the auditing functions set up Risk Management Assessment Policies. The assets are controlled by asset management. He asked for a future meeting to review the city’s risk management policies. Council Member Busby moved to approve the Annual Audit; Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; Discussion: Council President Mann asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Busby Council Member Benfield Council Member Merrill Council Member Smith Council Member Sutherland The motion carried. 16 Staff Reports: A. Public Works: – John Millar Replace employee (Skilled Labor for Water Department) City Engineer Keith Davidson explained the need to replace a full-time skilled laborer for the Water Department. Mr. Scott Thomas left the position. Council Member Sutherland moved to approve the replacement of the skilled laborer for the Water Department; Council Member Busby seconded the motion; Discussion: Duties for the position include rounds at the wells, meter reading and general maintenance at the water facilities. Council President Mann asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Busby Council Member Benfield Council Member Merrill Council Member Smith Council Member Sutherland The motion carried. City Engineer Keith Davidson presented the proposed LID 42 for discussion. 1. LID 42 Engineer’s Estimates: – Keith Davidson a. North 1st East and Valley River Drive b. East 4th South and South 3rd East c. East 2nd South Engineer Davidson explained the 30 year replacement criteria for LID street work. Any sidewalk displacements greater than ½ inch; (i.e. sidewalk sunk against the curb and gutter). Either the curb or sidewalk would be replaced. Sidewalks under consideration are sidewalks with chunks or flaking in excess of 50%; missing pieces of sidewalks; numerous cracks in sidewalks; larger cracks in excess of ½ inch in sidewalks; ponding water on sidewalks; and any major safety hazards. He also reviewed curb and gutter failures. Gutters protect and enhance the life of the streets; it protects the streets from getting water underneath and deteriorating it. The curb and sidewalk replacements will roughly be $168,000. Council Member Busby asked to have these LID assessment criteria’s in the Mayor’s newsletter and the city’s web page to inform the residents and to reduce questions. He suggested the city clean up city sidewalk hazards, too. Engineer Davidson indicated some property owners request to be on an LID list for their own property improvement plans. LID projects are necessary to protect and enhance the life of the city’s streets. The presentation was intended to show the City Council where the sidewalk, curb and gutter problems are planned for replacement this year. Sidewalks are required when the street is repaired. Homeowners are responsible for sidewalk heaves due to their trees encroaching into the sidewalks. Mail boxes are another problem in sidewalks. A letter example was handed out to notice residents of an LID project. A $1,000 LID bill would cost about $13.00 a month on the resident’s utility bill. The total estimated cost for LID 42 is over $1,000,000. 2. LID Sidewalk Reimbursement Fee: The city reimburses residents an amount of $5.00 per linear foot for existing curb and gutter and $0.65 per square foot for existing sidewalk being replaced in an LID. This is a portion of the cost of sidewalk replacement. He wants to increase the rate to help replace the bad sidewalks. He requests the fee be raised to $7.50 per linear foot and $1.75 per square foot for the sidewalk. The city would pay for concrete, and the resident would pay for the labor and the base material. It would be an additional $10,000 off this project, instead of $168,000 it would be $158,000 for residents. 17 3. Chip Seal Bids (HK Contractors $203,203; TMC Contractors $274,274) – Keith Davidson Engineer Davidson reported the low bid for chip seal bid was HK Contractors. The Engineer’s Estimate was $250,000. Chip sealing will seal micro cracks and provide a wearing and friction service. Chip Sealing will be applied to 12th West, Pioneer Road, Sunset Circle, and 4th North. The warranty is for one year. Discussion followed on having a good crack sealing program. Early bids are better because it allows the projects to get done sooner. The cooler weather also affects the project – the cracks are wider and the sealant sets quicker. Every road that is chip sealed is crack sealed first. Council Member Busby asked if the city did their own crack sealing. He suggested having city crews do the crack sealing; the city would have additional labor and labor overhead expenses. Council President Mann asked to have an agenda item to discuss this item. Council President Mann asked for an opening and closing date for the work. Engineer Davidson said the project is coordinated with Universities seven week summer closure in late summer. Council Member Benfield moved to approve and award the low Chip Seal bid to HK Contractors for $203,203; Council Member Smith seconded the motion; Discussion: Council President Mann asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Busby Council Member Benfield Council Member Merrill Council Member Smith Council Member Sutherland The motion carried. Engineer Davidson reported on the Main Street signal project on 1st East and Center Street. The weather is allowing the striping of the street for the new left hand turn lane signals. The state will test the signals next Tuesday and Wednesday, and remove the old signals. A. Finance Department: – Richard Horner (Audit Report) B. Recreation Department: – Bob Yeatman Recreation Director Bob Yeatman reviewed the funding for the Recreation Department. His department is funded out of the General Fund. He reviewed the recreation programs. Madison School District has been really good to coordinate the recreational use of school buildings and recreational fields. He will be getting college students to take part in a waxing program every spring before the pool opens, to take off the dull finish. White vinegar could be used to prevent hard water spotting at Rexburg Rapids and the Splash Park. The Teton Dam Marathon lost $413.00 last year. The Rush Triathlon lost $18,000. He believes there are several factors that contribute to the loss of funds – decrease in registrations and race day competition. The Provo Marathon was on the same day as the Teton Dam Marathon, and the Mothers against Drunk Driving Marathon was the week prior. Last year a race director was hired costing $32,000.00, which covered shirts, marketing, awards and labor costs. A race director will not be used again. Council Member Benfield suggested that grouping events together is sometimes a good factor to consider when people are coming from out of town. Recreation Director Bob Yeatman reported the Recreation Department will not rely on outside sources in the future. They will increase the race rates and marketing strategies. He currently uses North West Runner Magazine, the newspaper and Facebook to market the events. The Teton Dam Marathon was sanctioned as a Boston Marathon Qualifier. Council Member Benfield asked about the $12,000 bill for t-shirts, it covers the new year and both races. Once broken down it’s an average cost to cover 500-600 participants. 18 Recreation Director Bob Yeatman requested putting the SnowFest and Nordic Ice Skating Rink in the General Fund. The SnowFest lost $2,500 and the Nordic Ice Skating Rink lost $5,700. Gym rental fees have impacted the department. Council Member Smith feels it’s great to find ways to bring people to Rexburg. Council Member Benfield asked why the city offers adult classes, like Zumba and Ballroom Dance, when the community offers them. People that offer them run the business; they do it through the city to offer a better deal on the classes. Council President Mann appreciated Bob Yeatman’s hard work, and suggested if there continues to be losses in such events as the Rush Triathlon to use that money on other programs in the future. Calendared Bills and Tabled Items: A. “LAND USE ACTION” – BILLS RECOMMENDED/APPROVED IN A LAND USE PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE: 1. Ordinance 1080 Rezone 424 West 2nd South from Light Industrial (LI) to Medium Density Residential Two (MDR2). – Approved in “Items for Consideration Section” B. BILL Introduction: – NONE C. First Reading: Those items which are being introduced for first reading – NONE C. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read – NONE D. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read – NONE Tabled Items: Those items which have been the subject of an affirmative vote to a motion to table: - NONE Mayor’s Report: A. Replace Two employees in the Police Department (Two Patrol Officers) – Shane Turman City Attorney Zollinger explained two Police Officers resigned for positions outside the area. Council Member Benfield moved to approve the replacement of two patrol officers for the Police Department; Council Member Sutherland seconded the motion; Council President Mann asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Busby Council Member Benfield Council Member Merrill Council Member Smith Council Member Sutherland The motion carried. 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 February 15, 2012 meeting B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills Council Member Busby asked about the Aqua Engineering bill for the wastewater plant. Engineer Davidson explained the billing was for Phase One of the Wastewater upgrade. Employee clothing allowance was reviewed at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Backflow testing training was reviewed. City employees are not allowed to moonlight on backflow testing. The Energy Audit was reviewed, which goes on for two years, the City reimburses the auditors 50% of what they save the city. Council Member Busby moved to approve the Consent Calendar; Council Member Merrill seconded the motion; Discussion: Council President Mann asked for a vote: 19 Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Busby Council Member Smith Council Member Benfield Council Member Merrill Council Member Sutherland The motion carried. Executive Session per Idaho State Statute 67:2345(f) to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. Council Member Merrill moved to go into Executive Session per Idaho State Statute 67:2345(f) to communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated; Council Member Sutherland seconded the motion; Council President Mann asked for a roll call vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Busby Council Member Smith Council Member Benfield Council Member Merrill Council Member Sutherland The motion carried. Executive Session Executive Session Ended Adjournment at 10:50 P.M. _____________________________ Council President Mann, Mayor Attest: ________________________________ Blair D. Kay, City Clerk