HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013.02.06 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
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February 06, 2013
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 Benfield, Council Member Smith, Council
Member Busby, Council Member Sutherland, Council Member Merrill, and Mayor Woodland.
Boy Scout Troop 253 led the Pledge to the Flag.
Sandra Affriyie said the prayer.
Public Comment on non-controversial issues: not scheduled on the agenda (limit 3 minutes)
Judd Riley at 3389 South 2000 West indicted he was having an event at the Archer School and his signs
to advertise the event next Thursday and Saturday were taken down. He said the code limited his signs by
size and type plus non-conforming use. He does not plan his events three months in advance; therefore,
it is hard to comply with the sign code requirements. He reviewed Ordinance 1027, which restricts signs
by size and type; however, he was requesting to allow his signs in Rexburg. City Attorney Zollinger
reviewed Mr. Riley’s sign request which is for temporary signs. The temporary signs fall under a separate
application process, verses a permanent sign.
Ordinance 1027: TEMPORARY SIGN:
A sign which is intended to be displayed for no more than thirty (30) days consecutively, and is not permanently
affixed. All devices such as search lights, twirling or sandwich type signs, sidewalk or curb signs and balloons or
other air or gas filled figures are allowed, but may not be used more than sixty(60) days in total during any
calendar year. Temporary signs are only intended for and therefore allowed in non-residential zones.
1. Unless otherwise regulated in this code (such as construction sign or real estate or property for sale, rent or
lease sign) temporary signs must be reviewed by the planning and zoning administrator or designee for
approval before being put up.
2. Temporary signs must be recorded and logged in at the city with the approval of the planning and zoning
administrator or designee.
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
February 06, 2013
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3. In general, temporary signs are reserved for limited activities important to the citizens of the City of Rexburg.
Signs shall be located outside of the City right-of-way, be 32 sq. ft. or less, and in good taste for the
surrounding environment, and must be maintained in good condition as to color, material integrity (fraying,
tearing, etc.), and structural alignment.
4. Examples of uses of temporary signs are for big events such as the International Dance Festival, Rexburg
Rush, close out sales, going out of business sales, or other events held at limited allotted times of year.
5. Signs located within the City right-of-way and authorized by the City are exempt from these regulations.
Mr. Riley was instructed to contact the Code Enforcement Officer at City Hall to comply with the
temporary sign code. The Code Enforcement Officer can help clarify questions about the sign code. City
personnel remove unauthorized signs when they are found inside the city. Mr. Riley’s signs were located
in front of private commercial properties. There were a total of six signs removed. He did contact the
Code Enforcement Officer after his signs had been removed. Attorney Zollinger said craft fairs are an
example of a temporary singular event.
Presentations:
A. KENYA Project – Preston Lindsay
Preston Lindsay at 876 Liberty Lane reviewed the proposal to support the children in Kenya.
Mr. Lindsay is an after school teacher at the Madison Middle School. He indicated “We've been given a wonderful
opportunity as a community to help out about 1000 orphan children in Kakamega, Kenya. All of these children lost
their parents to the AIDS epidemic, and are in destitution. A friend of mine, Kathleen Tucker, visited Kakamega a
few years back and saw the horrible conditions these kids were in and had to help. With her associate Alice, they
founded three schools to see to their various needs. A philanthropic opportunity is now available to us to help these
students get a high school, and more than one meal a day.”
He and the students at the Madison Middle School have been working on the project for a month or
longer. He is an alumnus from BYU-I attending graduate school at Pepperdine University in Social
Entrepreneurship and Change: “Pepperdine University is a Christian university committed to the highest
standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and
leadership”. Mr. Lindsay met Kathleen Tucker through his graduate school experience. She founded a
non-profit organization for the Kenya Project. Kathleen is noted to be one of a hundred most
influential women in the world.
Kathleen Tucker
Vice President
KidsTalk Foundation
Phone (858) 442-6601
Kathleen@KidsTalkAfrica.org
http://www.kidstalkkenya.org/info.htm
They want to provide a high school for 1,000 orphan children whose parents died of Aids. They
either stay in the school or they sleep on a dirt floor that someone in the community will offer
them. It is absolutely awful and the children are in dire need. They are living in abject poverty and
in extreme violence. It is not uncommon for people to be assassinated. A director of the three
schools lost a brother and father-in-law by assassination four months ago. Fund raising is the only
way to help. You cannot send goods or school supplies to them because the goods would be
divided up within corrupt circles; therefore, they are fund raising; seeking a $100,000 to build the
high school for $20,000 and land for $75,000.
The students need to develop a business plan to graduate from the high school. It has to be a
Social Entrepreneurship because of their abject poverty and lack of any infrastructure; this is an
opportunity to lift their community.
Mr. Lindsay indicated that they plan to start the fund raising with a garage sale at Madison
Middle School, donated items that are not used any more from the community will be used for
the event; also, a walkathon is planned to raise money. All of the money will go to the non-profit
organization for the Kenya children. Last year the Madison Middle School students raised
$16,000 for the Japanese Tsunami Relief Fund by themselves.
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The magnitude 9.0 Tohoku-Oki quake was the most powerful earthquake to hit Japan and the fifth-most
powerful quake ever recorded, generating a tsunami that killed thousands and triggered a nuclear crisis.
Research revealed the seafloor moved nearly 165 feet (50 meters) during the temblor.
Mr. Lindsay hoped the events could gain community support. BYU-I book store will provide art
work towards the third effort of an auction in the Hemming Village-Atrium. The orphans will
also provide 150 pieces of art to be auctioned off. The final speaker at the auction will be
Kathleen Tucker. Kathleen’s friend will be showing a documentary video clip on girl’s education
worldwide. LDS Philanthropies locally are very interested in participating in the events. The hope
is to open up a pathway program there to help the people help themselves; currently, it is not safe
enough to begin. The first step is to open up the high school and give the teachers what they
need to teach.
About three months ago, the children were suffering from a vitamin “A” deficiency; they could
only eat once a day due to the meager circumstances. They also could only eat if they came to
school. If they were sick and did not come to school, they did not eat. They are in the process of
buying land to plant sweet potatoes. The sweet potatoes will help with the vitamin “A”
deficiency. The sweet potatoes will also provide other nutrition for the children.
Professors and African Mission Presidents are planning to be at the art auction to support the
children.
Mr. Lindsay gave a couple of examples of students trying to get educated. One young girl wants
to be an aviation engineer. Another boy wants to be a brain surgeon. This boy sleeps on a dirt
floor and he walks two hours to get to the school every morning and every night. He studies at
home for hours on end until about 1:00 a.m. by candle light because there is no electricity.
They really want to give the children a chance to survive and gain an education. Mr. Lindsay
asked the Mayor and City Council to help raise awareness about what is going on with the Kenya
children. Help them make the connections to get the word out about the Kenya Project.
Mr. Lindsay loves Rexburg and he flies out to Rexburg from his schooling. This is an excellent
opportunity to serve together and help these orphan children. They get calls every week
concerning child abuse, rape, etc. This project is geared to making the environment safe for the
children. For more information on the city and children visit www.tucklets.org.
Council President Mann asked to have the MYAB involved to support the effort in mid-
March. Council Member Sutherland suggested using the city sign on East Main Street to advertise
the art auction. He suggested the Bill and Melissa Gates Foundation for some support.
Mr. Lindsay said there are a lot of ways to go get the money; however, this is an opportunity to
bring the community together to have a positive influence on the children in Kenya.
Council Member Merrill suggested Rexburg service clubs need to be involved also.
Committee Liaison Assignments for 2013:
A. Council Member Christopher Mann: Golf Board · Emergency Services Board · MYAB
Council President Mann reported his committees have met; some two times. The
Emergency Services Board met on January 24th to rewrite the rules for dispatching the
Madison Fire Department personnel and equipment to fires outside the Rexburg area to
ensure some definite rules to keep adequate personnel locally to cover any fires. They have
assisted with fires outside the area for the state and regional area including two notable fires:
1. Pocatello fire burned 70 homes
2. Mustang fire in Salmon, Idaho (Sept. 9, 2012 (Reuters) - A massive Idaho wildfire forced
hundreds of people from their homes on Sunday as high winds pushed the blaze to within miles of two
communities. Managers of the 260,000-acre Mustang Complex fire, ignited by lightning in July in
mountainous pine forests dissected by steep, narrow canyons in the Salmon-Challis National Forest,
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prepared to defend threatened houses along a strategic stretch of highway near the two towns in east-
central Idaho.) (Rexburg had a medical trailer and other fire trucks on several fires
outside Madison County.)
The funding revenue from the state received for 24 employees dispatched to fires outside the area
was over $400,000. The Emergency Services Board reviewed the policy for dispatching personnel
and equipment outside the Fire District. Finance Officer Richard Horner proposed changing the
cost allocation between the City and the Madison County Fire District to a 50/50 split. It is
currently a 60/40 split with the fire district at 60%. He suggested changing the formula to have a
50/50 split on all operating costs. It is a difference of about $120,000. The capital costs are
already being split.
MYAB has met two times in the last two weeks; they did signups for the Chamber of Commerce
Dinner; they did some volunteer work and made valentines for people at the Homestead Nursing
Home; they are planning Rexburg Days. They will sell concessions for Upper Valley Idol. The
Golf Board met and they will donate a golf pass to the Chamber Dinner auction event. They
discussed hole number one at the Municipal Golf Course where the trees along West Main Street
were removed. City Attorney Zollinger said a template can be used to check hole location for
liability.
B. Council Member Jordan Busby: GIS Oversight · Airport Board
Council Member Busby reported GIS has not met; the Airport Board met and awarded
Bart Webster a plaque for his years of service on the Airport Board. The Airport Board
recommended an outside consultant to engineer an upcoming project at the airport. They
discussed a letter sent out to the hanger owners on the fuel tax.
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 reviewed their list of
priorities. A couple of curb cuts are needed for the trails. They are seeking public input to
expand the trails system for bike lanes and walking paths. They are seeking a CHC Grant to
expand the trails system. MEPI met to discuss new startup businesses. Syphon Soundwear
and Appible, two businesses who are growing rapidly gave presentations.
Information on Syphon Soundwear:
“Syphon sells flexible, wearable, wireless speakers in the action sports industry. Thin, flexible
speakers can be used in hundreds of applications, like helmets, beanies, jackets, hoodies, and more.
Syphon's first products will be in the motor sports market. If you've ever tried listening to music using
earbuds underneath your helmet, you know just how uncomfortable it can be. They irritate your ear,
fall out easily, and are just a hassle. With Syphon's thin, soft, flexible speakers, you don't have to
worry about annoying earbuds ever again.”
- http://www.syphonsoundwear.com
Information on Appible:
“As one of the top mobile applications publishers, Appible® has created over 1,100 mobile applications
across 5 phone platforms (iPhone, Android, Blackberry, Palm, Nokia) in 15 world languages, with
sales in dozens of countries worldwide. Appible also creates content for other electronics and devices such
as Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation Portable – as well as Windows, Mac and Linux
computers. Appible’s new line of officially licensed wallpapers and themes – dubbed Digital Skins™ –
connects brands and fans with many ways to personalize their smartphones, computers, and gaming
consoles. With over 100 brand partnerships and counting, Digital Skins are proving popular with
brands and fans alike. Appible has had numerous applications reach the #1 position for sales in the
Apple App Store (iPhone/iPod touch) in a dozen countries, in their respective categories. The Digital
Skins application that Appible has created for licensed partner Jordan Outdoor Enterprises – makers of
Realtree® (Realtree.com) hunting camouflage – has enjoyed a top 25 position in sales in the US Apple
App Store for iPhone (Sports category). The iPad Digital Skins application that Appible created for
Mossy Oak® was recently hand-selected by Apple to be included in the US Apple App Store under the
“New & Noteworthy” section of the Sports category. Appible is headquartered in Rexburg, Idaho.”
-http://appible.com
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Madison School District Superintendent Geoffrey Thomas gave a presentation at MEPI.
He presented statistics in Madison School District. The Madison School District has 5,055
students with a 98.7% graduation rate and 85% of students go to post-secondary education.
30 seniors scored over 30 on the ACT’s. The Consolidated Hospitals Corporation trails grant
comes out of Idaho Falls; the grant money is awarded locally. The Rexburg skate park was
built with grant money from CHC. Six students were recognized at the meeting for scoring
over 30 on the ACT. Council Member Busby explained a federal audit of the school district
considered Madison County School District one of the best they have seen in the state.
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 committee has not met. The
Arts council met last week. New windows will be installed in the Romance Theatre. The
Tabernacle is in need of new chairs for performances and events. Twenty-four new chairs for
the Tabernacle will cost $1,700 with an additional $400 freight cost.
Council Member Smith explained the History of Madison County:
“A Board of Education was formed in August of 1888… The Board of Education was established
with the idea of beginning an academy in the town…They also ordered three dozen seats and desks at
a cost of forty dollars per dozen. Immediately there was an effort throughout the area to raise money to
be able to open the school. Rexburg donated $186.10 in cash along with forty bushels of wheat and
two steers. Various other communities donated eggs, potatoes, etc.”
- http://www.madisoncountycentennial.com/pages/history.php
Council Member Smith encouraged the City Council to purchase the chairs and donate
them to the Tabernacle. Finance Officer Richard Horner explained there is enough room in
the Tabernacle supplies budget to purchase the chairs.
Council Member Busby moved to approve the purchase of 24 chairs for the Tabernacle at a
cost of about $2,200 to start the replacement of older chairs; Council Member Benfield
seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Mann None
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Merrill
The motion carried.
Council Member Smith reviewed the web site for the Madison County Centennial at
www.madisoncountycenntianial.com. The event will start with a kickoff event at the Madison
County Court House on Monday February 18th at 1:00 p.m... There has been lots of planning for
the event. There will be an unveiling of pictures and art for sale. Eldred Stephenson is the Grand
Marshal for the Madison County Centennial Parade. Council Member Smith unveiled a
centennial blanket to be sold at the kickoff event. The blankets will sell for $69.00 starting on
February 18th; she asked everyone to support the coming events for the centennial throughout
the year.
E. Council Member Jerry Merrill: Beautification Committee · Parks & Recreation · Traffic & Safety ·
Urban Renewal Agency
Council Member Merrill reported the Recreation Department Snow Fest went well. The
figure 8 race turned out bigger this year. The County Fair Grounds would be a better location
for the race. The spectator seating at the fairgrounds would make the race a larger event. The
Traffic and safety committee was really well attended and a lot of input was given. The
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intersection at the bottom of Millhollow Road by Madison Junior High School was discussed;
in an effort to make the intersection safer they are working with the school district to extend
the sidewalk another 60 feet and put another crosswalk on the west side of the intersection.
The Traffic and Safety Committee reviewed city signage to make sure up to date signage is
posted throughout the city. Snow removal is always an issue and different snow removal
strategies were discussed in the meeting to alleviate issues. They are doing the best they can to
avoid covering sidewalks and driveways. The city has a new snow blower to take snow off
main street, etc. Council Member Busby asked about 7th South traffic going east up the hill.
He asked for signage to warn drivers of the slick roads going up 7th South. Council Member
Merrill indicated sanding would be the best solution.
F. Council Member Bruce Sutherland: Planning & Zoning · School Board · Police
Council Member Sutherland reported Planning & Zoning has not met. Rexburg Police
Chief Turman purchased a new parking attendant car for $9,000. The police continue to work
on the Eastern Idaho Credit Union Bank Robbery and a counterfeiting case out of California.
A nationwide press release was given in California on the bank robber dubbed the AK47
Bandit. The robber is still at large. The police department recently held a four day K9 training
for dogs and handlers from around the state of Idaho and Montana. Six officers from the
department were sent to the field officers training school. The police department is now using
AlertID. AlertID will be available on the 12th of February. Message from Police Chief
Turman:
Dear Rexburg Residents,
The Rexburg Police Department is offering an exciting new program, AlertID, and you are invited
and encouraged to participate. AlertID is a new public safety information and crime prevention tool
that has been providing services in the State of Idaho. AlertID has been proven to help reduce crime
in communities, and it is completely free of charge to citizens and law enforcement agencies.
I am proud to announce that the City of Rexburg Police Department is one of the first agencies in
Idaho to make AlertID available to you, the residents we serve. To ensure the success of this
program, I am requesting your involvement and participation in making our community a safer place
to live.
Sincerely,
Chief Shane Turman
Rexburg Police Department
Chief of Police
Citizens are able to join for free at www.AlertID.com/Rexburg.
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Woodland reported on a trip to Boise for Chamber Days and meetings with the
Association of Idaho Cities. Chamber Days is held by the Idaho Chamber Alliance. “The Idaho
Chamber Alliance was formed to help our local Chambers stay informed of what was happening at the State
Legislature, stay connected with the issues and to help make an impact on the issues that affect our businesses, our
economies and our communities. We represent 10,585 businesses throughout the state, small, medium and large.”
- http://www.idahochamberalliance.com.
Mayor Woodland explained the state legislature consists of 30% new members. They met with
the Idaho State Supreme Court, State Legislators, and Governor Butch Otter. The State
legislation issues were discussed including an issue dealing with personal property tax. Many
cities and counties will be affected by the elimination of personal property tax.
Public Hearings: – NONE
Items for Consideration: – NONE
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Staff Reports:
Public Works: – John Millar
Public Works Director Millar reviewed the need for a backup capacity pump by the elevated water
tower before July. With the new pump the well will have full back up capability. Seven companies
bided for the pump. Agricultural Services was the lowest bidder, however, the bid was not in
compliance with the specifications of the pump. The bid is recommended to be awarded to the
second lowest bidder, Pumptech at a price of $65,425. A building will be completed before July to
secure the pump and well equipment. The cost of the project includes the pump, motor shafting,
pump head, installation of the pump, a water depth measuring device and a one year warranty.
300 HP Pump Bid Results:
Bidder Bid Amount
Agricultural Services $60,834.00
Pumptech $65,425.00
CH Spencer $65,500.00
American Pump $66,865.00
Pumpco $84,851.28
High Plains Drilling $131,263.00
Boartlongyear $186,274.00
Council Member Smith moved to accept pump bid from Pump Tech at $65,425, the 2nd bidder as
presented; Council Member Merrill seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Mann None
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Merrill
The motion carried.
Public Works Director Millar reviewed the Amiad Screen System bid. It is a screen used at the
waste water treatment plant to screen water fine enough to be used as irrigation. It is a capital cost
for about a 20 year life.
Amiad Screen Bid Summary:
Bidder Amount
2M Company $16,460.88
H.D. Fowler $16,960.95
John Deere Landscaping $17,506.63
Falls Plumbing Supply $17,711.16
Ferguson Supply $18,700.00
Council Member Sutherland moved to accept the Amiad screen bid from 2M Company for
$16,460.88; Council Member Merrill seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Mann None
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
Council Member Sutherland
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Council Member Merrill
The motion carried.
Public Works Director Millar indicated the new Street Snow Blower can fill a 25 yard truck in 22
seconds. There have been repairs made to the mounting plate. A complete maintenance review of
the new snow blower will be performed by the manufacturer in Burley, Idaho this coming summer.
It takes about $5,000 a day to clear snow with city crews. It can cost up to $40,000 per day with city
and outside crews. This year’s budget shows about $7,000 of contracted worked to clear the snow.
Finance Department – Richard Horner
Finance Officer Horner explained the auditors will present the City of Rexburg Audit next City
Council meeting on February 20th, 2013. The budget in brief can be found online at
www.rexburg.org.
Calendared Bills and Tabled Items:
A. “LAND USE ACTION” – BILLS RECOMMENDED/APPROVED IN A LAND USE
PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE: – NONE
B. BILL Introduction: – NONE
C. First Reading: Those items which are being introduced for first reading: – NONE
D. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read:
1. BILL 1098 – Creation of LID 43
Council Member Sutherland moved to second read BILL 1098; Council Member Busby
seconded the motion; Discussion: Public Works Director Millar asked to suspend the rules on
this BILL to allow the Staff to begin work on the LID this winter. Council Member Sutherland
withdrew his motion; Council Member Busby withdrew his second.
Council Member Busby moved to suspend the rules for BILL 1098 for the creation of LID 43;
Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a roll call vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Mann None
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Merrill
The motion carried.
Council Member Busby moved to third read and approve BILL 1098 for the creation of LID 43;
Council Member Sutherland seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Mann None
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Merrill
The motion carried.
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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 January 16, 2013 meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Discussion:
Council Member Sutherland moved to approve the Consent Calendar and pay the bills; Council
Member Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Mann None
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Merrill
The motion carried.
Adjourned at 8:11 P.M.
APPROVED:
_____________________________
Richard S. Woodland, Mayor
Attest:
________________________________
Blair D. Kay, City Clerk