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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012.10.17 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES 1 October 17, 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 Mayor Woodland welcomed everyone to the meeting. Roll Call of Council Members: Attending: Council President Mann, Council Member Sutherland, Council Member Benfield, Council Member Busby, Council Member Merrill, Council Member Smith and Mayor Woodland. Boy Scout Troop 118 led the Pledge to the Flag. Shane Turman said the prayer. Public Comment on non-controversial issues: not scheduled on the agenda (limit 3 minutes) " Mr. Weber recommended to continue narrowing the sidewalk and straighten the traffic lines on Main street" Jon Weber at 64 East Main Street invited the youth in this meeting to come to County Commissioner’s meetings held on Mondays. Mr. Weber discussed the need to revive the beautification of Main Street. He referred to recent newspaper script on additional lighting being added to streets in Rexburg. He asked the City Council to put some emphasis on Main Street. He referred to some good things being added to downtown. He liked the new lighting in the new parking lot east of City Hall. He requested to have new decorative lighting and trees added to Downtown Main Street. He liked the new turn lanes on Main Street; however, “Mr. Weber recommended continuing narrowing the sidewalk and straightening the traffic lines on Main Street” and increasing the center island all the way down Main Street. The Urban Renewal District may have some funds available to improve the Downtown Main Street sooner than later. Mr. Weber requested a 2013 spring beautification project for Main Street. Council Member Merrill said they were planning to do some trees downtown next year. He was not sure about adding trees at this time due to the type of trees to add. Mr. Weber said both Rigby and St. Anthony have decorative lighting; Rexburg sits in the middle without any decorative lighting on Main Street. The Urban Renewal project on Second South was discussed. Mr. Weber asked to do similar lighting on Downtown Main Street. Public Works Director Millar said new lighting could be added if the budget can be approved for the lighting on Main Street. Council President Mann mentioned the Urban Renewal money should be used for the old coop property on Main Street to make a town square or a gathering place on Main Street. 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 October 17, 2012 2 Mr. Webber reiterated three requests: 1. New Lighting on Main Street; 2. A uniform island for turn lanes all the way through Main Street; and 3. New Trees on Main Street. 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 met last Tuesday and discussed the revenue report from the Teton Lakes Golf Course. Historically, the Rexburg Municipal Golf Course has maded a profit; however, it has not been as profitable as former years. Marketing improvements need to be implemented. He thanked the Golf Board for all the work they do. The Mayors Youth Advisory Board will be holding a masquerade ball at the carousel on October 27th. The Emergency Services Board has not met. Discussion on the Municipal Golf Course losing revenue. Different marketing examples were presented. Council Member Merrill passed along a suggestion to change the first two holes to mini-put; the course would have more variety. B. Council Member Jordan Busby: GIS Oversight · Airport Board Council Member Busby reported a planned joint Airport Board meeting November 07, 2012. The GIS Oversight committee will meet next Tuesday. C. Council Member Donna Benfield: Trails of Madison County · IBC · Teton Flood Museum Committee · M.E.P.I. Council Member Benfield reported the Teton Flood Museum will stay open until 9 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Trails of Madison County will meet tomorrow at 5:15 p.m. The Rexburg Business competition will be held November 15th. M.E.P.I. will meet next Monday at 12 p.m. in the City Council chambers. Robert Grow, President and CEO of Envision Utah, will be the speaker at the meeting. “Envision Utah engages people to create and sustain communities that are beautiful, prosperous, healthy and neighborly for current and future residents. In 1997, Envision Utah launched an unprecedented public effort aimed to keep Utah beautiful, prosperous, and neighborly for future generations. As a neutral facilitator, Envision Utah brought together residents, elected officials, developers, conservationists, business leaders, and other interested parties to make informed decisions about how we should grow. Empowering people to create the communities they want is still our goal. Envision Utah has partnered with more than 100 communities in Utah. The Envision Utah approach of civic engagement has been replicated by dozens of regions around the country. In 1999 we created the Quality Growth Strategy, which provides voluntary, locally-implemented, market-based solutions. It’s a strategy developed by the people of Utah to make our lives better – that provides more choices for how we, and the next generation, would like to live.” -http://www.envisionutah.org/eu_about_eumission.html 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 did not meet. The Arts Council met last week to work on the new season calendar. The designated season for the arts is from October through April. There is a planned orchestra concert on November 07, 2012. The Turkey Choir is starting to practice. The Women’s Choir will hold their concert on the 10th of December. The Romance Theater is currently showing the Haunted Romance. The Tabernacle Committee is working on the chairs at the Tabernacle by replacing the rivets. Roger Harris received an award for the service he has provided to the City. 3 E. Council Member Jerry Merrill: Beautification Committee · Parks & Recreation · Traffic & Safety · Urban Renewal Agency Council Member Merrill reported Parks and Recreation is looking at lighting and trees on Main Street. Rexburg Rapids has replaced a boiler at the pool. It looks close to a revenue neutral year for the pool. The Madison High School football team is going to Pocatello this Friday night; he requested community support to go down and support the football team with a current record of 7- 0. He requested new applications for the Traffic and Safety Committee. The Traffic and Safety Committee is losing members. Council Member Merrill referred to a recent traffic accident in a crosswalk on 2nd West and 5th or 6th South involving a pedestrian. Public Works Director Millar explained some traffic safety actions completed since the accident. Council Member Merrill thanked city staff for implementing safety actions in that area. He asked to encourage the public to wear reflective clothing at night. Council Member Sutherland asked the public to use the crosswalks to prevent unnecessary accidents and he asked pedestrians to be extra cautious when crossing the streets. Council Member Busby added students should be encouraged to look both ways for traffic before crossing a street. Many times a pedestrian won’t even look for traffic and may expect traffic to stop for them. Pedestrians also do not activate the crosswalk safety lights while crossing the street. Police Chief Turman explained sometimes the safety equipment is not utilized by the public. Mayor Woodland said the most important thing to do when crossing the street is to make eye contact with the driver; especially when the road is slick. F. Council Member Bruce Sutherland: Planning & Zoning · School Board · Police Council Member Sutherland reported Planning and Zoning Design Review Committee reported on two developments. 1. North Pointe Apartments - Design Review meeting 10/9/12: • The meeting was for the residential building; the commercial building and parking structure review to come at later date. • Facilitation of pedestrian traffic during construction phase is currently being done and will continue to be in place throughout this project. • Attractive visually friendly "urban entrances" on the west street side, with planters, landscaping, and awnings. • Roof cornices will help to break up the visual line. • Pedestrian connectivity to the east (Sunrise Apts) continues to be worked on. • Snow removal - the developer will haul snow away as needed. The committee determined this project meets the required Design Standards and felt it will look great. 2. BYU-Idaho Asri science project - Design Review meeting 10/11/12: • Detailed, informative PowerPoint presentation was given of this major project. • The buildings are particularly tailored to the campus and to the city. • The importance of agriculture in this community was taken into consideration in project design. • BYU-I continuing to work on odor control management. • BYU-I continuing to work with City Engineer on waste management. • Committee thanked the University and appreciates them keeping the City fully informed. They feel the project will be a beautiful addition to the University and this community. • Completion date of Fall, 2014. Council Member Sutherland reported the Police Department is doing a great job. Chief Turman has been elected as the First Vice President of the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association. Mayor’s Report: A. Proclamation 2012 – 06 Credit Union Day for Beehive Federal Credit Union INTERNATIONAL CREDIT UNION DAY PROCLAMATION 2012 4 INTERNATIONAL CREDIT UNION DAY PROCLAMATION WHEREAS, credit unions are not-for-profit financial cooperatives, democratically owned and operated and founded by people working together toward economic advancement; and WHEREAS, credit unions embrace a “people-helping-people” philosophy through the pooling of personal resources and leadership abilities for the good of the cooperative, empowering members to improve their financial futures and uniting to help those in need; and WHEREAS, credit unions have demonstrated outstanding leadership throughout the communities in which they have served since they were founded more than 150 years ago; and WHEREAS, credit unions have championed the idea that people from all walks of life should have access to affordable financial services offered by credit unions; and WHEREAS, credit unions empower people to improve their economic situations in 100 nations around the world at more than 51,000 credit unions that serve the financial needs of 196 million people, including those associated through local, state, regional and international organizations sharing the same commitment to serving credit union members; and WHEREAS, credit unions are developing strong alliances that make financial democracy possible in many countries throughout the world. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Thursday, October 18, 2012, be proclaimed as International Credit Union Day in REXBURG, IDAHO and that all citizens recognize the many contributions credit unions have made to the communities in this city both tangible and intangible, through the years, and honor and express appreciation for the service and commitment of credit unions. SIGNED: ___________________________ Richard Woodland, Mayor ATTEST: __________________________ Blair D. Kay, City Clerk DATED: October 18, 2012 Council Member Sutherland moved to ratify the Proclamation 2012 – 06, Credit Union Day for Beehive Federal Credit Union; Council Member Smith seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Merrill Council Member Sutherland Council Member Benfield Council Member Busby Council Member Smith The motion carried. Mayor Woodland referred to a recent trip to Texas to attend an Economic Development Conference. Rexburg is doing very well as far as Economic Development compared to other municipalities. Council Member Merrill asked about the broad band project. Mayor Woodland explained the city met with broad band people yesterday. The proposals have been finalized and the city will be moving forward on the project next week. Discussion on broadband in Idaho. 5 Public Hearings: – NONE Items for Consideration: A. Infill Policy for the City of Rexburg – Val Christensen Council Member Sutherland referred to the discussion on infill in the last City Council meeting. The discussion tonight on infill is a continuation of that meeting. Community Development Director Christensen presented the changes to the draft Infill Policy. He reviewed the infill policy statement change, weighting changes, and the changes to the historic preservation section. Community Development Director Christensen explained it would be important to adopt this infill policy into the City of Rexburg Development Code. The weighting system allows for City Council to compare the infill areas and it can be used as a tool to make informative decisions. Council Member Sutherland said the City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission do not have the expertise to determine if a building has historical status. Council Member Busby was concerned with having the Department of Interior involved in the process. Council President Mann said he would like to have the City Council be part of the decision to determine whether or not the structure is of historical significance. Community Development Director Christensen said the City Council would not be certifiers of the historical building determination. If City Council determined a structure was historical then they would get the structure certified by the Department of Interior. This only affects the weighted score of the infill area. The draft weighting system is a tool to compare infill areas mathematically instead of emotionally. Council Member Benfield asked for a walk through of the chart and the scores. Community Development Director Christensen reviewed an example of the scoring process for comparing different infill projects. Weighting Comparison Chart for Infill Projects: Community Development Director Christensen explained the chart. The scoring process begins by assigning a score to the infill area with respect to 6 categories including: 1. Protect Stable Non-Fragmented Single Family Neighborhoods (9 out of 10 Importance); 2. Identify Vacant Lots and Underutilized Properties (8.3 out of 10 Importance); 3. Location of Existing Utility Infrastructure (7 out of 10 Importance); 4. Distance From Significant Locations and Amenities (6.9 out of 10 Importance); 5. Street Access (6.9 out of 10 Importance); and 6. Historic Preservation (5.3 out of 10 Importance) The score given for each category is then multiplied by an importance score assigned to each category equaling the final weighted score. For example infill area No. 1 (Zollinger) scored 2.9 out of 10 in the first category. The low 2.9 score was given because of the several neighborhoods adjacent to the infill area. This 2.9 is then multiplied by the .9 out of 1 or 9 out of 10 importance score equaling a 2.6 weighted No. Description Location Acre age Current Zoning Units/ Acre Camp Plan Max Units per Acre Sugg. Zoning Units/ Acre 120' from Neighborhoods *.9 % Vacant or Under *.83 Infrastructure *.7 GIS Walk Score *.69 Street Access *.69 Hist *.53 Size Rank 1 Zollinger 41 E 1st N 2.8 LDR2 8.7 Nei/Com/MU 42 MU2 30 2.9 2.6 9 7.5 8 5.6 8 5.5 2 1.4 10 5.3 2.8 31 2 Mickelson 156 N 1st W 1.3 HDR1 30 Mod-High Res 42 HDR2 42 8.7 7.8 5 4.2 7.5 5.3 8 5.5 5 3.5 10 5.3 1.3 33 3 Old Junior High Main 5.7 CBD 40 DTC/MU 42 CBD 40 9.3 8.4 2 1.7 10 7.0 9 6.2 10 6.9 5 2.7 5.7 39 4 Kingston/ Eckersel 155 N 1st W 1.8 Ll 0 LI 0 MU2 30 10.0 9.0 2 1.7 9.5 6.7 7 4.8 5 3.5 5 2.7 1.8 30 5 Boise/ Robertson 420 W 2nd N 1.8 HDR1 30 Mod-High Res 42 HDR2 42 9.7 8.7 10 8.3 7 4.9 5 3.5 5 3.5 10 5.3 1.8 36 6 Wight 336 W Main 0.5 MDR1 16 Mod-High Res 42 HDR1 30 2.5 2.3 10 8.3 5.5 3.9 7 4.8 5 3.5 10 5.3 0.5 28 7 Snell 17 S 4th W 1.1 MDR1 16 Mod-High Res 42 HDR1 30 6.2 5.6 5 4.2 7.5 5.3 7 4.8 8 5.5 10 5.3 1.1 32 8 Loveland 249 S 3rd W 1.5 MDR2 20 Mod-High Res 42 HDR1 30 6.5 5.9 3 2.5 6.5 4.6 9 6.2 10 6.9 10 5.3 1.5 33 9 Nelson 211W 3rd S 2.2 MDR1 16 Nei/Com/MU 42 MU2 42 8.2 7.4 8 6.6 9.5 6.7 8 5.5 10 6.9 3 1.6 2.2 37 10 Scott/Clay 415 W 6th S 1.3 HDR2 42 Mod-High Res 42 HDR2 42 7.5 6.8 5 4.2 8.5 6.0 5 3.5 10 6.9 10 5.3 1.3 34 11 Anderson/ Barrick 117S 2nd E 2.1 LDR3 10.89 Low-Mod/Single 20 MDR2 20 4.5 4.1 9 7.5 7.5 5.3 9 6.2 10 6.9 10 5.3 2.1 37 6 score. The rank is determined by added the weighted scores from each category. The map below shows each infill area numbered to correlate with the chart above. Numbered Infill Area Map: Community Development Director Christensen explained the most important part of the infill policy is the buffering or mitigation requirements. These requirements will help protect neighborhoods. Council Member Merrill was pleased with the stricter buffering components of the infill policy. Council Member Merrill moved to adopt the Infill Policy into the Rexburg Development Code; Council Member Sutherland seconded the motion; Discussion: Council Member Smith reiterated it was only a guideline for making decisions. This may not be for every project. Community Development Director Christensen said the stricter buffering would be applied. Council President Mann explained if a development meets these criteria; however, is not considered a good development project, it can still be rejected. Community Development Director Christensen agreed. Mayor Woodland asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Merrill Council Member Sutherland Council Member Benfield Council Member Busby Council Member Smith The motion carried. Staff Reports: A. Public Works: – John Millar 7 1. Approve 2013 Street Project priority list Engineer Keith Davidson reviewed the proposed street projects. The budget for street projects is about one million dollars every year. The next five years will divide the budgets to compensate for carryovers. Next year’s budget will be about 1.5 million dollars. Below are the projected costs for the next 5 year. Street Project Costs for the next 5 years: Year Reconstruction Costs: Chip Seal Costs: Crack Seal Costs: Total: (1) 2013 $1,440,000.00 $100,000.00 $20,000.00 $1,560,000.00 (2) 2014 $560,000.00 $100,000.00 $20,000.00 $680,000.00 (3) 2015 $430,000.00 $300,000.00 $20,000.00 $750,000.00 (4) 2016 $340,000.00 $300,000.00 $20,000.00 $560,000.00 (5) 2017 $923,000.00 $200,000.00 $20,000.00 $1,140,000.00 Engineer Davidson reviewed the street map indicating 5th West would be the primary project from 1st South to 4th North. Council Member Busby asked when 5th West was last reconstructed. Engineer Davidson did not know the last time 5th West was reconstructed; however, the street is in poor condition. Truck traffic is common on this street, for city and private trucks. The street will be rebuilt to support trucks and large loads. A storm-water line upgrade will be done at the same time. Mayor Woodland asked if grants were available to help with the costs. Finance Officer Horner explained legislation may change concerning storm-water fees. The city may add a storm-water utility fee to help pay for storm-water discharge. Council President Mann expressed his appreciation for the five year plan and the streets selected for the plan. He encouraged Engineer Davidson to add a year to the plan after every year. Discussion on having more funds spent in 2013 verses 2014. The construction season goes beyond September 30th which would bridge the budget years. Discussion on the type of pipe used for storm-water discharge. Council Member Sutherland moved to approve the 5 year plan for Street Projects; Council Member Merrill seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Merrill Council Member Sutherland Council Member Benfield Council Member Busby Council Member Smith The motion carried. 2. Approve bid for new loader mounted snow blower Public Works Director Millar reviewed the only bid for the snow blower from Kodiak America out of Burly, ID. The snow blower has a 30 year life. The budget for the snow blower was $120,000; however, the bid was $140,000. An under budget purchase by $35,000 for a dump truck will provide the offset. The other bidders manufacture snow blowers too large or too small for the CAT loader. Bidding Report: Plan holders for the purchase of a loader mounted snow blower listed below: Kent Pilling Kodiak America 1350 Pomerelle avenue Burley,Idaho 83318 brek@kodiakamerica.us Cynthia Cowper cynthia.cowper@grouperpmtech 2220 Michelin St Laval,Quebec H7L 5C3 1-800-631-9297 Steve Mueller steve.mueller@m-bco.com 1200 Park Street Chilton, WI 53014 920-898-1077 Bid Item Bidder Bid Price Loader Mounted Snow Blower Kodiak America $140,000 8 Council President Mann moved to approve the only bid for the new loader mounted snow blower; Council Member Merrill seconded the motion; Discussion: Council Member Busby asked if State Surplus was checked. Public Works Director Millar explained they did have a thoroughly used snow blower needing to be rebuilt. He felt the purchase would not be worth costs incurred over time. This snow blower will blow snow off the road or into a truck. Mayor Woodland asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Merrill Council Member Sutherland Council Member Benfield Council Member Busby Council Member Smith The motion carried. Public Works Director Millar asked for permission to surplus the old snow blower. Council Member Busby moved to surplus the old snow blower; Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; Discussion: Mayor Woodland asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Merrill Council Member Sutherland Council Member Benfield Council Member Busby Council Member Smith The motion carried. 3. Discussion on replacing the Main Street trees. 4. 7th South and Millhollow intersection was changed to a stop north and south on Millhollow Road; instead of a yield sign. 5. Harvard and Yale crosswalks were discussed. Council Member Smith asked about the foliage that falls on Main Street. Public Works Director Millar explained the city sweeps the leaves. There are about 80 miles of road to sweep. Council Member Benfield asked about educating the public on contract awards requiring the lowest bid. Public Works Director Millar said many residents do not know the city is bound by state statute to accept the lowest bid even though a local vendor may have bid. Council Member Benfield asked to publicize the requirement to accept the lowest bid. Public Works Director Millar will ask the local newspaper to publicize the information and help educate the local residents. 6. Discussion on 7th South Railroad crossing B. Finance Department – Richard Horner Council President Mann asked for a report on Rexburg Rapids. Discussion on water circulation during the winter. The water would only be heated on an as needed basis. Discussion on the gas and power bills for Rexburg Rapids. 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 9 D. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: – NONE E. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: – NONE Consent Calendar: The consent calendar includes items which require formal City Council action, however they are typically routine or not of great controversy. Individual Council members may ask that any specific item be removed from the consent calendar for discussion in greater detail. Explanatory information is included in the City Council’s agenda packet regarding these items. A. Minutes from October 03, 2012 meeting B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills Council Member Sutherland moved to approve the Consent Calendar and pay the bills; Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Merrill Council Member Sutherland Council Member Benfield Council Member Busby Council Member Smith The motion carried. City Attorney Zollinger asked to go into Executive Session for legal consultations. Council Member Benfield 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 Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a roll call vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Mann None Council Member Merrill Council Member Sutherland Council Member Benfield Council Member Busby Council Member Smith The motion carried. Executive Session Executive Session ended at 9:10 P.M. Council Member Busby suggested having a spud box derby on 7th South in conjunction with other summer activities. The event could be a fun event allowing anything to compete including skateboards, etc. Discussion on using the idea in the future. _____________________________ Richard S. Woodland, Mayor Attest: ________________________________ Blair D. Kay, City Clerk