HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012.08.08 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES1
August 08, 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
Welcome to the meeting by Mayor Woodland.
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council President Mann, Council Member Sutherland, Council Member Busby, Council
Member Benfield, Council Member Merrill, Council Member Smith, and Mayor Woodland.
Brannon Judkins from Scout Troop 56 led the Pledge to the Flag.
Cheryl Gram said the prayer.
Public Comment: on issues not scheduled on the agenda (limit 3 minutes) - NONE
Presentations: - NONE
Committee Liaison Assignments for 2012:
A. Council Member Christopher Mann: Golf Board · Emergency Services Board · MYAB
Council President Mann reported the Golf Board did not have a quorum last night; the other
committees have not met.
B. Council Member Jordan Busby: GIS Oversight · Airport Board
Council Member Busby reported GIS will meet on August 21. The Airport Board joint meeting
will be August 13, 2012. The construction of the front gates will be approved at this meeting.
C. Council Member Donna Benfield: Trails of Madison County · IBC · Teton Flood Museum Committee
· M.E.P.I.
Council Member Benfield reported MEPI has not met; Trails of Madison County is adding Jeff
Brunson. She asked the City Council to ratify Jeff Brunson as a member of the Trails of Madison
County Committee.
Council Member Benfield moved to ratify Jeff Brunson as a new member of the Trails of
Madison County Committee; Council Member Sutherland seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland
asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
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
August 08, 2012
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Council Member Sutherland None
Council President Mann
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
The motion carried.
D. Council Member Sally Smith: Legacy Flight Museum · Rexburg Arts Council (Romance Theatre &
Tabernacle Civic Center, Orchestra)
Council Member Smith reported her committees have not met. The Rexburg Arts Council Meeting is tomorrow night. She reviewed the Tabernacle Centennial Celebration tonight. It was very
nice. Rocky Mountain Power, Rexburg Tabernacle celebrate centennial year Rexburg, Idaho, August 8, 2012 — Rocky Mountain Power and the Rexburg Tabernacle marked their 100th birthdays today in a combined celebration.
Idaho’s Lieutenant Governor Brad Little, former Idaho Senator Mark Ricks, Rexburg Mayor Richard Woodland and Rocky Mountain Power President & CEO Richard Walje addressed citizens as well as
business and community leaders. To honor its customers in Idaho, Rocky Mountain Power contributed to the restoration of the
Tabernacle. The new windows were custom made to match the historical appearance of the old ones, but help prevent transmission of heat in or out, making the building more comfortable year-round and reducing power costs.
Walje thanked the many volunteers who have already donated and continue to donate time and money
to the Tabernacle’s restoration. “Joining those efforts was the right way to commemorate our company’s legacy in Rexburg,” he said. “We are honored to be part of the restoration of this beautiful historic building,”
The Rexburg Tabernacle, constructed by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1912, has been important to Rexburg residents for many years. The Tabernacle was purchased by the City of
Rexburg after the building sustained major damage when the Teton Dam collapsed and flooded the surrounding area in 1976.
The Tabernacle’s basement houses the Upper Snake River Valley Historical Society’s Teton Flood Museum, which has an extensive collection of films, photos, and other memorabilia from the disaster. After the dam collapsed Rocky Mountain Power mobilized more than 400 employees to respond and
rebuild the area’s electric system.
“The building really needed some TLC, and we’re especially proud of the fact we’re helping the tabernacle become more energy efficient,” said Glen Pond, Rocky Mountain Power’s customer and community manager for the area. “We saw this as a great tie-in with our own centennial.”
The Tabernacle is used as a civic auditorium that seats 1,000 people for graduations, plays, concerts
and other community events. This evening’s celebration was held prior to the City of Rexburg Art Council’s Wednesday Night Music Program featuring violinist Shannon Packer.
For additional information, call Rocky Mountain Power toll-free at 1-888-221-7070, or visit
www.rockymoutainpower.net.
# # #
E. Council Member Jerry Merrill: Beautification Committee · Parks & Recreation · Traffic & Safety · Urban Renewal Agency
Council Member Merrill reported Traffic and Safety will meet in September. New street lights are
being added to the city grid. The pool has been busy.
F. Council Member Bruce Sutherland: Planning & Zoning · School Board · Police
Council Member Sutherland reported Planning and Zoning has not met; the school board will meet August 20th in the morning. The police are doing an excellent job. Mayor Woodland thanked
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the police for their good work for the citizenry. Council Member Busby commented on publishing
the emails they receive that comment on the excellent efforts of the Rexburg Police Department.
Public Hearings:
A. 7:20 P.M. Rezone - Low Density Residential 2, Light Industrial and Community
Business Center to Mixed Use 2 at approximately 245 West 1st North
B. 7:40 P.M. Rezone – Light Industrial and Medium Density Residential2 to High
Density Residential 1 at approximately 424 West 2nd South
Council Member Benfield requested to delay the “Rezone” Public Hearings on these two
developments until the City Council can have some work meetings. Council Member Sutherland
offered a suggestion to continue the hearings and delay the decisions.
Discussion on taking more time before having the public hearings.
City Attorney Zollinger explained the need to wait on taking any public input until the city has
formalized city policy with regard to infill; this would require more discussion from everyone in city
government including the citizenry.
Council Member Benfield moved to go forward with work meetings as soon as possible to finalize
the infill policy and table the public hearings until September 19th on #1) Rezone – Low Density
Residential 2, Light Industrial and Community Business Center to Mixed Use 2 at approximately 245
West 1st North and #2) Rezone – Light Industrial and Medium Density Residential 2 to High
Density Residential 1 at approximately 424 West 2nd South; Council Member Sutherland seconded
the motion; Discussion: Council Member Smith concurred to have more discussion on the infill
policy before continuing the public hearings. Council Member Benfield said the 19th of September
would be a better time to continue the public hearings. Council President Mann asked if the public
and the developer were ok with the delay. Johnny Watson said it would give more time for the
public to be educated on the issues. Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Sutherland None
Council President Mann
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
The motion carried.
Frank Hadry asked if the public input would be considered at these work meetings. City Attorney Zollinger explained the work meetings are open to the public and decisions will take
into effect public input. The City Council will prepare a policy to adopt for infill projects and they will present it to the public for public input.
Council Member Sutherland explained an issue in 1986 was to develop 2nd East Street from 24
feet wide to a new width of 42 feet. His neighbors were upset with the decision; however, in the long term it was better for the community to widen the road.
Council Member Benfield asked to have a work meeting on the 15th of August.
Discussion on the topic on being part of a joint meeting on the 16th of August with Planning and
Zoning to discuss the topic of adopting an infill policy which was approved. A question was asked why the public hearings were tabled.
City Attorney Zollinger explained a decision will be made on an infill policy to determine how
infill projects will be addressed before continuing these two public hearings. This will allow the City Council to apply the new infill policy to these two requests.
Frank Hadry agreed with Attorney Zollinger’s comments. He knows the City Council will make the
right decisions.
Discussion on informing everyone to be aware of the continuation of the public hearing to September 19th. The date will be published.
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Public Hearings Continued:
C. 8:00 P.M. – Appropriation Budget 2013 – Ordinance 1088 – Richard Horner
Presentation by staff:
Finance Officer Horner reviewed the proposed budget for 2013 on the overhead screen. The
left column of budget numbers has been published; however, new changes can be reduced but
they can’t go up. There is a $14,500 reduction in the Madison Fire District Budget (Emergency
Services Fund). A large part of the Madison Fire District Budget is for the fire suppression
expenses. The Legacy Flight Museum budget was reduced by $50,000 because the airshow will be
done biannually. Geographic Information Systems was reduced by $10,000 to meet the county’s
budget. The LID Debt Service fund was reviewed and reduced by $10,300. The total funds
reduction amount is $84,800; the total budget is $51,319,600.
Public Testimony in favor of the proposal (5 minute limit): NONE
Public Testimony neutral to the proposal (5 minute limit): NONE
Public Testimony opposed to the proposal (5 minute limit): NONE
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Mayor Woodland closed the public hearing.
Council Member Sutherland moved to approve the Appropriation Budget 2013 for Ordinance
1088; Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; Discussion: Council President Mann asked if
the City Council is comfortable with the proposed budget; Council Member Smith asked for a work
meeting to have more clarification on the budget; Council Member Busby asked for more
clarification on the Legacy Flight Museum fund. Discussion on the approach needed to get specific
questions answered on the budget. Financial Officer Horner explained the budget is very tentative;
needing City Council approval. It will need adjustments throughout the year. Mayor Woodland
asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Sutherland None
Council President Mann
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
The motion carried.
D. 8:15 P.M. – Resolution 2012 – 07 amending the utility fees – Richard Horner
Presentation by staff:
Finance Officer Horner reviewed the proposed utility fee increases for water and sewer.
Mayor Woodland said Rocky Mountain Power has announced a small reduction in power rates.
Finance Officer Horner explained the “customer cost” and the “treatment costs” for the
wastewater plant are separated to develop the proposed rate increase. The customer cost is a flat
fee per customer. The treatment cost is so much per thousand gallons. The treatment plant’s
estimated processed volume is 681,000,000 gallons during the current year for the Rexburg
residents. The volume is expected to increase for next year with new residents and business
coming into town. The projected revenue needed to cover the costs for next year is calculated by
dividing the treatment costs by 681,000,000 gallons to get the treatment costs per unit. The
customer costs are calculated by dividing the customer costs by the equivalent base customers
(basic home is the base customer). Businesses and homes having a larger meter will have a larger
base cost. The University pays a lot more on the flat cost to access the system. There are three
different rates, including the rates for Teton City and Sugar City. The Sugar City and Teton City
treatment costs have increased from $2.15 to $2.20. The Rexburg Treatment costs increased from
$3.37 to $3.51. The customer costs increased from $12.70 to $13.34.
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Public Works Director Millar indicated the staffing levels at the wastewater treatment plant have
been stable over the past few years due to upgrades in the wastewater treatment plant. The power
costs have also reduced from upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant.
Council Member Benfield asked for a review of the wastewater estimating over the winter
months.
Finance Officer Horner explained the process of using the prior season’s usage (by taking a
water meter reading in October and April divided by six) to estimate monthly usage for the next
twelve months for the wastewater bill and the coming winter bills for water. He indicated there
should be some savings on the future power bills for utilities due to upgrades to the sewer plant.
Finance Officer Horner explained the water rate calculation. A per thousand gallon unit rate is
calculated by dividing the costs by an expected usage measured from the previous year. Two rates
are determined: 1) the per gallon rate and 2) a customer rate. The per thousand gallon rate
increased from $0.803 to $0.82. The customer rate also increased from $15.62 to $15.87. The total
water bill rate for 10,000 gallons (average 4 member family usage) increased from $18.83 to $19.15.
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Public Testimony in favor of the proposal (5 minute limit): NONE
Public Testimony neutral to the proposal (5 minute limit): NONE
Public Testimony opposed to the proposal (5 minute limit):
Cheryl Gram was opposed to the utility fees increase proposal. She asked if the 25% increase in a
prior year was enough; did it cover the costs.
Finance Officer Horner explained the approved 25% increase was less than 30% requested; last
year’s increase was for a little bit of new 15 year bond payment, catch-up and inflation. Revenue
and expenses came close to covering the costs for that year. This year’s request is for replacement
of equipment, bond payment, inflation, fuel costs, etc.; added capital items will increase the
depreciation too. The rate structure for new customers allows them to pay their fair share by
paying a connection or capacity fee to buy into the system.
Discussion on inflation and purchasing capacity into the sewer system. Council President Mann
said clean water regulations can cause increases in rates. The changes to the wastewater plant to
get rid of the smell are covered by everyone. New pending regulations from EPA are targeting the
regulation of stormwater which will be an added cost to everyone; therefore some of the costs are
due to government regulations for water and wastewater.
Finance Officer Horner indicated the bond payments are split so the current residents are not
paying for the whole bond payment. He indicated 54% of the bond payment comes from the
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capacity fees charged to new customers; 46% of the cost to upgrade to the wastewater plant (to
clean up the smell and upgrading processes) comes from everyone on the system. The city is careful not
to charge current residents for additional capacity. Whoever needs additional capacity should pay
for that increase in plant capacity.
Mayor Woodland closed the public hearing.
Council President Mann moved to approve Resolution 2012 – 07 amending the utility fees;
Council Member Smith seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Sutherland None
Council President Mann
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
The motion carried.
Items for Consideration: - NONE
Staff Reports: A. Public Works: – John Millar
1. 1st East by the school district offices has been paved.
2. Mountain River Drive to be paved at the end of this week.
3. 2nd South from 1st East to 3rd East will be paved next week. Council Member Southerland
explained there are a couple of areas of side walk that have not been marked to be replaced;
they are in poor condition and need attention.
4. 7th South project is complete from 2nd East to South Yellowstone Hwy.
5. 4th West from 5th to 6th South is paved.
6. The sealcoat project is also completed.
7. Street projects will be completed before the students come back.
8. Crack sealing is being done in cooler weather for better results.
9. Pioneer RR crossing needs replaced.
10. Water line on 5th South between 2nd and 3rd West is being installed.
11. Wastewater Plant bid was rebid and awarded.
City of Rexburg
WRF Phase II Upgrade
12/13/2013
Bidder Amount
Nelson Brothers $2,183,340
D.L. Beck $2,310,200
Depatco, Inc. $2,490,000
Engineers Est. $2,500,000
12. 400 Watt Hospital Generator purchased from the hospital needs a budget adjustment form
for $60,000.
Council Member Busby moved to approve the budget adjustment for the 400 Watt Generator; Council
Member Merrill seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Sutherland None
Council President Mann
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
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The motion carried.
Council Member Smith said it was very dangerous for bicyclists on Millhollow Road and Poleline
Road. The bike lane on Millhollow Road does not go all the way to Poleline Road.
Discussion on educating bicyclists in the Rexburg area.
Economic Development Director Johnson explained that this is a larger issue; many of the
bicyclist’s accidents in the city are a result of bicyclists riding on sidewalks and they are not seen by
drivers. Mayor Woodland asked the Rexburg Police Department to enforce bicycle safety and
educate the public on it.
Council Member Smith reviewed the progress on the recycling bins. The recycling bins are almost
all deployed to the residents. Mayor Woodland said it is possible to have a shared recycling bin.
B. Finance Department – Richard Horner
1. Set hearing for 2012 Budget Amendment
Council Member Merrill moved to set a public hearing for the 2012 Appropriation Budget
Amendment at 8:00 P.M. on August 22, 2012; Council Member Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Sutherland None
Council President Mann
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
The motion carried.
2. 2012 Appropriation Budget Amendment (Ord. 1089)
Finance Officer Horner explained the changes to the 2012 Appropriation Budget.
The budget amendments list each fund and their original budget and the amendment needed. The
Eastern Idaho Business Competition was taken out of the General Fund to create a new fund for
the competition, which reduced the General Fund by $3,500. There was $90,000 in window
donations carried over from last year and it was added to the Tabernacle Operations Fund. The
Emergency Services Fund was increased by $160,000 because of unforeseen purchases on the
ambulance side of the budget. It did not come from the city’s portions of the budget. Emergency
Services purchased vehicles and other equipment to contract out for wild land fires. The Madison
County Fire District had a carryover of expenses from the Sugar City Fire Station; therefore, an
amendment of $120,000 was needed for the fund. There was $45,000 added to the New City Hall
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Fund to finish the 2nd floor of City Hall and other small projects on the 1st floor. Part of the 2nd floor
will be rented to AvantGuard Monitoring Centers for 18 months. Below is a description of
AvantGuard Monitoring Centers:
“AvantGuard Monitoring Centers has been in business since 1977. AvantGuard Monitoring Centers is the
industry leader in providing wholesale alarm monitoring services for security, fire, and PERS dealers across North
America. AvantGuard is among the few elite wholesale monitoring companies that have two fully redundant UL
listed central stations.”
The Romance Theater Fund was increased by $50,000 for remodeling. There was $300,000 added to
the Street Repairs Contracts Fund for projects that have carried over. The Golf Course Fund will
need an additional $30,000 to pay on the construction loan. Revenues from the Golf Course will
also help pay on the loan. The LID Construction Fund had $400,000 carried over from two LID
projects from last year. There was $8,000 added to the Rexburg Arts Council Fund for program
expenses. There was $80,000 added to the Fiber Initiative Fund in order to cover a fiber optic
feasibility study. The City Council approved Design Nine Inc. to do the feasibility study; however,
the final funding has not been approved. The final funding costs for the study will be presented for
approval to the City Council. The Eastern Idaho Business Competition Fund needed $12,000 for
expenses. The Shop-With-a-Cop Fund was created by moving $12,000 from the General Fund to
the new Shop-With-a-Cop Fund to allow the Rexburg Police to carry over donations from year to
year. The Shop-With-a-Cop Fund is funded through donations and fundraisers.
3. 2012 Treasurers Quarterly Report 75%
Finance Officer Horner reviewed the Treasurers Quarterly Report on the overhead screen:
The report shows each fund and how the funds are doing. There are about 50 different funds.
Discussion on budgeted fund balances. Council Member Busby asked about fund 50 and fund 51
for the golf course. The funds are there to pay down the new nine hole golf course addition. Assets
are included in the golf funds. Finance Officer Horner reviewed the Business Competition fund as
an example a fund being over spent at 106%. Council Member Southerland recommended to have a
report to be redlined showing budgets of concern by the Finance Department. Some funds are
budgeted on the basis of a future grant. The Legacy Flight Museum insurance is about $17,000 in
total. The city owns three planes; T6, Steerman and Birddog. The city has a perpetual use agreement
which allows the city to run the museum in the hanger but if the museum where to end the hanger
would be used by John Bagley. The city has two votes on the Legacy Flight Museum Committee.
Council Member Busby was not in favor of insuring a plane to fly because of the liability. Council
President Mann explained the museum provides an airplane venue for the community and the costs
are a very small investment. Finance Officer Horner explained the city does not spend a lot of
money on the museum.
Discussion on the use of the Romance Theatre. City Attorney Zollinger explained the Romance
Theater has phases when it is used constantly. The season is from October to May. Venue Manager
Daniel Torres is developing different ideas to create revenue. The Heritage Foundation of Idaho is
working with the city to complete the front of the Romance Theatre.
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4. 2012 Budget Summary Report
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Finance Officer Horner reviewed the Budget Summary Report.
The Budget Summary Report is the department’s reports of current expenditures. Non-operating
expenditures and offsetting revenues are included in this report.
Discussion on the budget expenditures and revenues.
Calendared Bills and Tabled Items:
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A. “LAND USE ACTION” – BILLS RECOMMENDED/APPROVED IN A LAND USE
B. PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE: NONE
C. BILL Introduction:
1. Ordinance 1089 – Amend Appropriation Budget 2012
D. First Reading: Those items which are being introduced for first reading:
1. Ordinance 1088 – Appropriation Budget
Council Member Sutherland moved to First Read Ordinance 1088; Council President Mann
seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Sutherland None
Council President Mann
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
The motion carried.
E. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read:- NONE
F. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: - NONE
Mayor’s Report:
Discussion on Dare Officer funding with BYU-I.
Discussion on allowing a one year contract for kindergarten students to use a portable class room at
Adam’s School.
Council Member Busby moved to ratify the decision to allow the private kindergarten school in
the portable class room at Adams School for one more year; Council Member Merrill seconded the
motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Sutherland None
Council President Mann
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
The motion carried.
Discussion on the College Avenue Park being installed by BYU-I. It is vacant property with a reduced tax value. The city can require maintenance of the property. It is a short term gesture of
good will to take away some pressure on Porter Park.
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 August 01, 2012 meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Sutherland moved to approve the consent calendar; Council Member Merrill
seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
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Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Sutherland None
Council President Mann
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
The motion carried.
Adjourned at 9:28 P.M.
_____________________________
Richard S. Woodland, Mayor
Attest:
________________________________ Blair D. Kay, City Clerk