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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012.05.16 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES1 May 16, 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 6:00 P.M. “JOINT CITY COUNCIL & PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION” Cont’d planning meeting. Mayor Woodland thanked the City Council and Planning and Zoning members for taking time to attend this planning meeting. Phil Packer offered the prayer. City Council Members Attending: Council President Mann, Council Member Benfield, Council Member Sutherland, Council Member Merrill, Council Member Busby, Council Member Smith and Mayor Woodland. Planning and Zoning Commissioners attending: Winston Dyer, Scott Ferguson, Dan Hanna, Marilyn Rasmussen, and Cory Sorensen. Excused Planning and Zoning Commissioners: Thaine Robinson, Jedd Walker, Gil Shirley, Nephi Allen, Richie Webb and Mary Ann Mounts. Economic Development Director Scott Johnson briefly reviewed the past planning discussions on planning for future infill in the area between 2nd North and 7th South. He reviewed some overhead slides to demonstrate the need to plan for the future: Creating the Vision for quality growth Preparing for 2030 and Beyond A Vision for Quality Growth Vision Statement Residents of Rexburg have chosen to live here because they enjoy a current quality of life. This quality of life embodies the cultural values of family, community, frugality and independence. We seek to maximize opportunities that come with rapid growth in order to maintain, preserve and enhance the Rexburg community. A Vision for Quality Growth Challenges to Growth 1. The need to financially plan for the future in a resource limited environment (EX: roads, sewer, water). 2. The need to educate and engage the public in a vision that improves the quality of the community Protecting Community Values. 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 May16, 2012 2 Infill-redevelopment Sketch plans for the Salt Lake City - Cottonwood Mall mixed-use redevelopment project. Mixed-Use A return to the planning principles of Rexburg’s founders. Rexburg redevelopment area The area within the red boundary is proposed by the “Ready Team” as an area of focus for higher density, infill and redevelopment. “We express our values by what we build” – James Moeser, Chancellor, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 3 Decisions to be made 1. Infill/Redevelopment Focus Area 2. Where? 3. Infill/Redevelopment Focus Area  How? Zoning incentives, other incentives.  What level of higher densities?  Pedestrian Emphasis Overlay.  Mixed use. Define Proximity. Economic Development Director Scott Johnson led the discussion to reach consensus. He asked if the question concerning infill was valid. There was consensus on the need to pursue “infill” to conserve city resources allowing the growth to be maximized around the core of the city. The next question to be answered was “Where” to increase density. Community Development Director Christensen indicated a map showing where infill could be pursued would be created for the next meeting. He will request a map from the GIS Department showing the under development properties within the proposed infill area previously discussed. Next planning meeting: June 07th at 6:00 P.M. before the Planning and Zoning meeting. 7:00 P.M. City Hall – Pledge to the Flag Roll Call of Council Members: Attending: Council President Mann, Council Member Benfield, Council Member Sutherland, Council Member Merrill, Council Member Busby, Council Member Smith and Mayor Woodland. Shane Turman led the Pledge to the Flag. Josh Shumway said the prayer. Mayor Woodland welcomed a student from England. Public Comment: on issues not scheduled on the agenda (limit 3 minutes) Cheryl Gram, 510 London Ave, encouraged Mayor Woodland to include the Mayor’s Report on the City Council agenda. Kristen Jorgensen asked about the Parks and Recreation scholarship program. She said it took weeks to get the correct information and to get her kids enrolled in the programs. She was also unable to enroll her children in more activities because she was unaware to the $30.00 limit per child. She recommended the website be updated with the accurate scholarship information. She asked the employees to return phone calls. She read a statement with her concerns. She moved to 4 Rexburg from Austin, Texas. Council Member Merrill thanked Ms. Jorgensen for her recommendations to be implemented by the city. Presentations: - NONE Committee Liaison Assignments for 2012: A. Council Member Christopher Mann: Golf Board · Emergency Services Board · MYAB Council President Mann reported Emergency Services met and reviewed the budget. MYAB met today to plan for concessions at the Romance Theatre this Friday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The community teen event is coming up on May 25th at 9:00 p.m. It will be on the tennis courts at the junior high school. B. Council Member Jordan Busby: GIS Oversight · Airport Board Council Member Busby reported the GIS Oversight Committee met to discuss why they needed the committee; the budget meeting is coming up soon. The Airport Board did not meet. C. Council Member Donna Benfield: Trails of Madison County · IBC · Teton Flood Museum Committee · M.E.P.I. Council Member Benfield reported Trails of Madison County and The Teton Flood Museum Committee did not meet. Council Member Sally Smith reported on the MEPI meeting. The District Attorney, Tim Solomon, Executive Director at Regional Development Alliance, Inc. & Community Reuse Organization, Inc. gave the program. He introduced a new program they will be implementing, The Growth Wheel, which will allow entrepreneurs and businesses to apply for money from the Regional Development Alliance, Inc. located in Idaho Falls. It dwells more on a business model rather than a business plan. Council Member Benfield reported on a presentation she attended at Madison High School. The presentation was given on an overview of the Nature Park. It was a real eye-opener, and she would like to have the presentation given at the next City Council meeting. D. Council Member Sally Smith: Legacy Flight Museum · Rexburg Arts Council (Romance Theatre & Tabernacle Civic Center, Orchestra) Council Member Smith reported the Legacy Flight Museum is preparing for the Air Show on June 16th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. It is a great free event bringing in a lot of visitors. The Arts Council met, the Tabernacle windows should be installed by July. The Orchestra has a concert on June 13th. The Upper Valley Women’s Choir performed May14th. The Summer Concert Series begins May 30th. The Library Board elected seven new foundation members, and the summer reading program begins June 4th. The Romance Theatre’s renovations will be done soon. Glen Templeton, a country music star, will be performing at the Romance June 29th. Spanish Dancers have been performing at the schools with a wonderful response. African dancers will be at the first summer concert on May 30th. E. Council Member Jerry Merrill: Beautification Committee · Parks & Recreation · Traffic & Safety · Urban Renewal Agency Council Member Merrill reported Parks and Recreation has some recommendations to implement to the website, thanks to Kristen Jorgensen. Rexburg Rapids had broken pipes from the winter. Traffic and Safety crosswalks are being painted. No report from Urban Renewal. Public Works Director Millar reported the lighting fund is ready to be spent on new street lighting. They will have a report for the next City Council meeting. F. Council Member Bruce Sutherland: Planning & Zoning · School Board · Police Council Member Sutherland reported Planning and Zoning met, several items from the Planning and Zoning agenda will be discussed tonight - the home business application and Ordinance 1087. The Madison School Board meets tomorrow. They discussed the need to meet with the School Board and the superintendent’s need to talk about the shared costs of the resource officers in the junior high and high schools. The police department had a few items to discuss. Police Chief Shane Turman reported on vehicles to surplus. He reviewed the list and he asked for permission to surplus four vehicles. They will be traded into a dealer for credit on a future vehicle. Surplus Police Vehicles 5 Unit #110 For Disposal Chevrolet Impala 2003 2G1WF55K039368813 Unit # 117 For Disposal Chevrolet Van 1987 2GCGG31J9G4153539 Unit #121 For Disposal Chrysler PT Cruise 2001 3C4FY4BB21T253107 Unit #158 For Disposal Ford Expedition 2005 1FMPU16515LA13420 Council Member Sutherland moved to approve the list of vehicles to surplus for the Police Department; 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 Benfield Council Member Merrill Council Member Smith Council Member Sutherland The motion carried. Police Chief Turman reviewed the Community Policing Division consisting of one lieutenant and four officers who work in the schools, and in the D.A.R.E program. The current D.A.R.E Officer would like to be replaced; he has been in the program for seven years. He would like to bring in a new D.A.R.E officer, not as a sergeant but as a community policing officer. The Community Policing Division is one of his most important divisions. They are the face of the Rexburg Police Department. They work closely with students at the schools and issues they face, like bullying and violence. Police Chief Turman would like to improve the Community Policing Division to make it more desirable to police officers. Police Chief Turman asked to move the Community Policing Division up one pay grade to allow the officers to top out at a 4% higher pay scale. They require more training than patrol officers. He reviewed their requirements. It would require a three year commitment to the program. The pay would drop back down to a patrol officer’s pay when they leave the program. Council President Mann indicated it would be a budget adjustment. Police Chief Turman said the proposed change would need to start immediately to get the new officer into the D.A.R.E training program. The current change would only affect one officer. The change for three officers would be about $7,300. Council Member Benfield said the Community Policing Division is very important, and they are the face of Rexburg. She is in favor of the one-step raise. Council Member Benfield moved to approve a one-step increase for the Community Policing Division in the Police Department; Council Member Merrill seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland 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. Public Hearing: - NONE Items for Consideration: A. Ordinance 1086 amending the Development Code Ordinance No. 1026 Amendment: 1. Chapter 4 – add subsection b. to 4.10 Home Occupations. b. Home Business Requirements – Home businesses must meet all the requirements of the previous Home Occupations subsection with the following exceptions: 6 1. All Home Business applications require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). 2. Home businesses are allowed only in the following zones: Rural Residential 1 (RR1), Rural Residential 2 (RR2), Transitional Agriculture 1 (TAG1), and Transitional Agriculture 2 (TAG2). 3. A home business may be allowed in up to 25% of the primary residence or 100% of an accessory structure, but in no case larger than 5,000 total square feet of all floors. 4. Up to 4 non-related employees may be allowed. (NOTE: Subsection (a) in Chapter 4 still allows “Home Occupation” in other residential zones.) Mayor Woodland proposed a motion to first read Ordinance 1086 amending Ordinance No. 1026 to add subsection B. to 4.10, or suspend the rules and combine it with the third reading of Ordinance 1084. Community Development Director Christensen gave a history of the request. The Impact Area is required to follow the city’s Development Code. There are a lot of areas in the city that are still Rural Residential 1 (RR1), Rural Residential 2 (RR2), Transitional Agriculture 1 (TAG1) and Transitional Agriculture 2 (TAG2). Requests were made to allow a little more than what is allowed in a typical subdivision. The Home Occupation section 4.10, in the Development Code, has a list of requirements. The section is very limited; only family living at the occupation can be involved in home occupation and 25% of the home is allowed for business use. The change would allow rural areas some uses that are more close to what the county allows. It would not be a true commercial operation. One request came from a cabinet shop in the Impact Area. He reviewed the four exceptions noted above. A CUP request would have to be approved by City Council in the four rural zones. Council Member Merrill was concerned with putting a limit on the square footage. The square footage of 5,000 would be too small in the event someone wanted to have a green house, which is about 6,000 square feet. He would like to look at each project on an individual basis without a square foot limit. Community Development Director Christensen is concerned a commercial entity may show up. Council President Mann indicated past requests were more concerned with traffic instead of the size of the building. He is willing to consider projects on an individual basis. Council Member Merrill moved to approve the amendment to the Development Code Ordinance No. 1026 by adding to Chapter 4 subsection b. (4.10 Home Occupations for (b) Home Business Requirements without any square footage limits;) each project would be decided on an individual basis; Council President Mann seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland 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 Clerk Blair Kay recommended the City Council move to suspend the rules for amending Ordinance 1026 to add subsection b. (Home Business) to Chapter 4.10 and include the language in Ordinance 1084 for a third reading. Suspending the rules will expedite the builder who is waiting for this project. He would like to combine the two ordinances. Council Member Sutherland moved to suspend the rules for amending Ordinance 1026 to add subsection b. (Home Business) to Chapter 4.10 and include the language in Ordinance 1084 for a third reading; Council Member Merrill seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a roll call vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Busby 7 Council Member Benfield Council Member Merrill Council Member Smith Council Member Sutherland The motion carried. B. Ordinance 1087 to rezone property at approximately 900 South 5th West from Rural Residential 1 (RR1) to Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2). Kurt Roland with Eagle Engineering, 310 N. 2nd E Suite 153, representing Kartchner Homes presented the project. He reviewed the project on the overhead screen. They would like to rezone a 20 acre parcel from RR1 to MDR2. It will have access off 5th West and University Blvd. Construction will begin in a week to put in water and sewer lines and two stub roads. Public Works Director Millar explained the location of sewer and water services to this development which will be paid by the developer. Council Member Sutherland said there was no opposition in the Public Hearing in the Planning and Zoning Commission Hearing. Council President Mann moved to approve the rezoning of property at approximately 900 South 5th West from Rural Residential 1 (RR1) to Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2) and first read Ordinance 1087 to rezone property at approximately 900 South 5th West from Rural Residential 1 (RR1) to Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2); Council Member Smith seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland 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. Staff Reports: 1. Public Works: – John Millar Public Works Director Millar presented the results of the bid opening for 7th South widening. a. 7th South Widening Project No. STR-01-12 The project will require the closure of 7th South between 4th West to 5th West, and widen the area from 2nd West to 4th West. There were eight bidders on the project. The lowest bidder was DePatco. Public Works Director Millar requested the authority to award the bid to DePatco at $328,345.00. Council Member Busy asked about the engineers estimate, it was $386,295.00. Project Bids Company Bid Amount Ferguson Enterprises $000,000.00 DePatco $328,345.00 Jerome Bowen Construction $341,280.05 Edstrom Construction $356,892.20 Zollinger Construction $365,988.80 TMC Construction $376,021.00 HK Contractors $399,669.00 Hill and Sons Excavating $403,745.17 3H Construction $413,187.00 Council Member Busby moved to approve the low bid for DePatco at $328,345 for the 7th South Widening Project No. STR-01-12; Council Member Sutherland seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay 8 Council President Mann None Council Member Busby Council Member Benfield Council Member Merrill Council Member Smith Council Member Sutherland The motion carried. b. 7th South Bridge The original bid went to R.W. Beck Construction for $99,836, with one change order to fix a broken gas line for $14,063. A decrease in work items allowed the final closeout cost to be $97,361. c. Main Street Traffic Signals and 1st East Parking Lot Projects are near completion. The sidewalk around traffic signals need to be removed due to minor nonconformance’s with ADA. Some of the cost will be a city expense; the majority will be the contractor’s expense. Council Member Benfield asked about the completion of the parking lot on 1st East. Public Works Director Millar would like to have it completed by the end of the month. d. New Well on the Hill The well is near the completion depth of about 400 feet. It will provide 2,200 gallons per minute. e. Grant from Idaho Environmental Equality A water system grant was received for $35,000 for a water study. They will be looking at a computerized analysis of the distribution system. The city needs to provide matching monies to get an up-to-date computer model as the city grows. Options have been explored to pay the remainder of the study. The options include: 1. Grants – Freemont County received a grant to look at growth capabilities in North and Eastern Idaho, they have been approached about sharing the cost. 2. BYU-Idaho – They are willing to share in the cost. 3. Water Fund Council Member Smith appreciated the report on the 7th South Bridge project. She feels it’s important to hear the outcome of projects. Council Member Sutherland moved to approve the RFP for a water study; 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 Benfield Council Member Merrill Council Member Smith Council Member Sutherland The motion carried. f. Wastewater Plant Project The plant will be upgraded with stainless steel equipment, made in Germany. The equipment will decrease the need for chlorination, and will allow them to switch to ultra violet disinfection. The switch will save money. There will also be a new solids thickening system. They expect the life of the equipment to be about 30 to 40 years. The bid will go out June 12th. 2. Finance Department: - Richard Horner Finance Officer Horner reported the budgeting process is moving forward for the 2013 city budget. Calendared Bills and Tabled Items: A. “LAND USE ACTION” – BILLS RECOMMENDED/APPROVED IN A LAND USE 9 PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE: – Consider rules suspension for Ordinance 1086 B. BILL Introduction: – NONE C. First Reading: Those items which are being introduced for first reading: 1. Ordinance 1086 Amending Ordinance 1026 to add subsection b. to 4.10 (Home Business) (NOTE: The rules were suspended to add subsection b. 4.10 (Home Business) to Ordinance 1084 for a third reading.) “Council Member Sutherland moved to suspend the rules for amending Ordinance 1026 to add subsection b. (Home Business) to Chapter 4.10 and include the language in Ordinance 1084 for a third reading; Council Member Merrill seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a roll call 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.” 2. Ordinance 1087 to rezone property at approximately 900 South 5th West from Rural Residential 1 (RR1) to Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2). “Council President Mann moved to approve the rezoning of property at approximately 900 South 5th West from Rural Residential 1 (RR1) to Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2) and first read Ordinance 1087 to rezone property at approximately 900 South 5th West from Rural Residential 1 (RR1) to Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2); Council Member Smith seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland 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.” D. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: – NONE E. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: 1. Ordinance 1084 – Amend Ordinance 1026 for larger buildings in MDR1 Discussion: Council Member Smith moved to third read Ordinance 1084 amending Ordinance 1026 for larger buildings in MDR1 and allowing for subsection b. 4.10 (Home Business); Council Member Merrill seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland 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. Mayor’s Report: 10 Mayor Woodland reported on a trip to Germany to a plant that produces wastewater equipment. They visited two cities’ waste water plants. One plant was in operation for 12 years. The new equipment will eliminate the need to haul bio-solids offsite to a farm west of Rexburg. The byproduct is silica sand, similar to beach sand. It’s completely sterile and inert. It’s neutral without taste of chemical. The costs will be brought back to City Council at a later date. The budget process is going smoothly. 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 May 02, 2012 meeting B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills Council Member Sutherland moved to approve the consent calendar; 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 Benfield Council Member Merrill Council Member Smith Council Member Sutherland The motion carried. City Council “Meeting Rules” – Attorney Zollinger & City Clerk Kay Deferred to a future meeting. Council Member Merrill moved to adjourn; Council Member Smith seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland 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. Adjournment at 8:28 P.M. _____________________________ Richard S. Woodland, Mayor Attest: ________________________________ Blair D. Kay, City Clerk