HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013.02.20 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
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February 20, 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 Smith, Council Member Busby, Council
Member Sutherland, Council Member Merrill, and Mayor Woodland.
Council Member Benfield asked to be excused.
Boy Scout Troop 53 from Lincoln School led the Pledge to the Flag.
Bernie Jensen said the prayer.
Public Comment on non-controversial issues: not scheduled on the agenda (limit 3 minutes)
Presentations:
Committee Liaison Assignments for 2013:
A. Council Member Christopher Mann: Golf Board · Emergency Services Board · MYAB
Council President Mann reported MYAB met twice. They made valentines for the
Homestead patrons. The MYAB has sold concessions for the Upper Valley Idol program at
the Romance theater. The Golf Board and the Emergency Services Board have not met.
B. Council Member Jordan Busby: GIS Oversight · Airport Board
Council Member Busby reported his committees have not met. GIS 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 was excused. Council Member Smith said MEPI has been
working on projects.
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 20, 2013
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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.
E. Council Member Jerry Merrill: Beautification Committee · Parks & Recreation · Traffic & Safety ·
Urban Renewal Agency
Council Member Merrill reported on a pedestrian accident on 1st West and 3rd South. The
pedestrian was hit by a car due to inattentive driving. The Urban Renewal Agency has not
met; however, an important Legislative Bill is up for consideration concerning Urban
Renewal. House Bill 135 refers to providing an election for the creation of a revenue
allocation plan in Urban Renewal Districts. Council Member Merrill wrote a letter to
Representative Hancey referring to House Bill 135. Representative Hancey indicated he did
not support the House Bill because it is not good for Idaho.
House Bill 135 link - http://legislature.idaho.gov/legislation/2013/H0135.htm
F. Council Member Bruce Sutherland: Planning & Zoning · School Board · Police
Council Member Sutherland reported P&Z met a week ago to discuss back yard sheds. It
was tabled for more information. They did not have a quorum at the time. The Police
reported they were busy with the usual items. Council Member Sutherland indicated he
received feedback from the public on the Police doing a very good job.
Mayor’s Report:
A. Proclamation 2013 – 02: Recognizing Eldred Stephenson’s 100th Birthday
Mayor Woodland presented Eldred Stephenson with Proclamation 2013 – 02: Recognizing Eldred
Stephenson’s 100th Birthday by proclamation. Mayor Woodland read the proclamation and gave Mr.
Stephenson a KEY to the City of Rexburg. Mr. Stephenson said he was a man of few words; although he
did serve on the Rexburg City Council in the place of Dick Davis who was often out of town.
Discussion:
PROCLAMATION
A PROCLAMATION TO HONOR ELDRED STEPHENSON UPON
THE OCCASION OF HIS “100TH BIRTHDAY”.
WHEREAS, ELDRED STEPHENSON was born in 1913, in Weber
City, Utah; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Stephenson then moved to Pocatello, Idaho, where
he attended elementary and high school, as well as two years at the
Southern Branch of the University of Idaho, now Idaho State University; and
WHEREAS, in 1937, Mr. Stephenson was married to his high school sweetheart and was
hired at Ricks College; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Stephenson retired in 1978 after working 41 years in a variety of positions,
including three years during WWII as a Supply and Dispersing Officer on a destroyer escort
in the Pacific Ocean; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Stephenson spent one year on active duty as a chaplain in the Idaho
National Guard, and 20 years in the Army Reserves, retiring with the rank of Major; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Stephenson has been an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of
Latter-day Saints, and he has held a variety of assignments; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Stephenson’s wife Margaret DeWitt, better known as Peggy, became an
LPN and worked for Dr. Blain Passy for 21 years, before passing away in 1995; and
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WHEREAS, MR. Stephenson serves on the Madison Memorial Hospital Advisory Board;
Now, therefore, I, Richard S. Woodland, Mayor of the City of Rexburg, do hereby
proclaim March 3rd to March 9th as ELDRED STEPHENSON week in the City of
Rexburg, and do hereby urges all citizens to join in congratulating ELDRED
STEPHENSON upon the occasion of his 100th birthday and for his lifetime of
achievements.
Signed this 18th day of February, 2013.
_____________________________
Richard S. Woodland, MAYOR
ATTEST:
___________________________________
Blair D. Kay, CITY CLERK
The City Council expressed their appreciation to Mr. Stephenson for his unwavering service to the
community and our country. Mr. Stephenson has served family, community, and country with many
years of selfless service. His service is very much appreciated by the City of Rexburg.
B. Mayor Woodland appointed Jerry Merrill to the Urban Renewal Board. He requested to have the
appointment ratified by the City Council. Discussion:
Council Member Busby moved to ratify the appointment of Jerry Merrill to the Urban
Renewal Board; Council President Mann seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a
vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Mann None
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Merrill
The motion carried.
C. Mayor Woodland reviewed a request on January 16th from TRPTA for a “Letter of Intent for
the §5311 Rural Grant application process” TRPTA would like to provide fixed route service within the
FY 2014 or FY 2013 funding if possible; for FY 2013, there will be a $60,608 shortfall in matching
funds needed to maintain the current level of service. They are seeking matching funding from Rexburg.
Bert Webster at 3924 Boldercreek Lane, Idaho Falls, representing TRPTA asked for a resolution to
their request on January 16th, 2013. Council Member Busby asked Mr. Webster, how much funding
other stakeholders are contributing. Mr. Webster indicated Madison County has committed to $2,000;
Fremont County has committed to $1,000; City of St. Anthony is under discussion; BYU-I is under
discussion; however, University Attorney, Mr. Phil Packer indicated the University is not in a position to
contribute at this time.
Council Member Smith asked Finance Officer Horner how much the City had contributed in the past.
Finance Officer Horner said the City has donated up to $3,000 in the past.
Mr. Webster explained TRPTA is hoping to implement a fixed route in Rexburg if funding would allow
it. A fixed route in Rexburg would deny some Medicaid recipients of some of the services. They want to
be a public transportation company; which means they would have to change their delivery system to a
public provider. BYU-I is designed to be a walking campus. A fixed route bus system would help
prevent pedestrian accidents. The question is “Does Rexburg want to have a public transportation
system at this time?” Council Member Merrill asked about TRPTA’s system in Logan, Utah. The Cash
Valley’s Chamber of Commerce and the Logan City Council joined to support bringing commerce into
Logan, Utah. Logan created a local option tax in order to support the transportation system in their city.
The City of Idaho Falls contributes about $100,000 and Bonneville County contributes about $85,000 to
TRPTA’s bus system in the Idaho Falls area.
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Council Member Mann explained TRPTA does take care of our most vulnerable citizens. He
recommended contributing to the effort. He also asked to see private businesses contribute (e.g. Wal-
Mart). Finance Officer Horner indicated Madison County and the City should sit down to develop a
plan. Council Member Busby asked to poll the public to see if the route system would be used in
Rexburg. Council Member Sutherland explained contributing a large quantity would be difficult because
the budget has already been set. He would recommend a $5,000 contribution. Mr. Webster referred to a
request in January to have a meeting with all stake-holders in the Rexburg area. Discussion on meeting
with stake-holders to make a united effort and plan for public transportation in the Rexburg area.
Mr. Webster explained TRPTA is in need to present their budget as soon as possible. The route system
has already been designed for Rexburg. He understands the planning that needs to take place in order
for stakeholders to make commitments. His hope is to implement this system completely in the future.
Council Member Busby was amenable in donating a historical amount of $3,000. His concern was the
amount of patrons currently riding the TRPTA system; very few patrons currently ride. Mr. Webster
explained most of those riding the system are Medicaid patrons. It is a demand response system. The
buses pick up patrons that call for rides. Mr. Webster said they would like to purchase a 26 passenger
bus for Rexburg’s fixed route. Discussion on the Rexburg ridership on the fixed route system.
Council Member Busby moved to approve a payment of $3,000 to TRPTA towards matching
funds for the grant application; Council Member Smith seconded the motion; Discussion: Council
Member Merrill said the route system needs to be planned and supported if Rexburg is to decide to
have a fixed route system. He recommended a larger commitment by the City. Council Member
Busby amended his motion to pay $5,000; Council Member Smith amended her second to the
motion for $5,000. Council Member Smith asked to have a report of ridership and effectiveness of
the ridership. Council Member Busby asked to get public input by survey before making a larger
commitment. Council Member Merrill agreed. Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Mann None
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Merrill
The motion carried.
D. 12th Safest City in America – Police Chief Shane Turman
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Police Chief Shane Turman mentioned a new program in Rexburg called “AlertID”. He presented
literature for the website where people can sign up for the program:
http://www.AlertID.com/Rexburg
Rexburg Residents Now Have Access to Critical Crime and Safety Alerts through AlertID.
Rexburg, Idaho and Palo Alto, California (PRWEB) February 12, 2013
AlertID and the Rexburg Police Department announced their partnership to make AlertID’s free online and mobile
public safety information services available to all city residents beginning today. Rexburg Police Department is one of
the first agencies in Idaho to partner with AlertID, allowing residents to receive the full range of AlertID services,
including crime advisories, at no cost to the public or the department.
AlertID has proven to help reduce crime and uses advanced technology to create a communication platform that
connects citizens and federal, state, and local authorities to provide critical information and alerts that can help people
protect their families and communities. Rexburg residents now have universal access to crime and threat advisories, sex
offender alerts, severe weather advisories, online neighborhood safety discussion groups, an interactive crime and
emergency map, and other AlertID services.
“I want to invite all residents to participate in this important program to help reduce crime and improve the quality of
life here in Rexburg,” Rexburg Chief of Police Shane Turman said. “This is a powerful tool to help residents become
more aware of crime and other threats to our community, and to be more proactive in working together to help ensure
the safety of children and families throughout the city.”
Citizens are able to join for free at http://www.AlertID.com/Rexburg. Once signed up, members will be able to view
an interactive crime map, receive alerts about crime, sex offenders, severe weather and other safety threats that affect
locations that are important to them such as their homes, schools, offices, places of worship, parks and even their
current locations. The alerts are sent to members’ computers and mobile devices, and members may choose the types of
alerts they wish to receive. The Chief and other emergency authorities also have the ability to broadcast Amber Alerts
and other urgent community alerts regarding crime emergencies, hazmat incidents, floods, fires, and severe weather,
among others.
“We are very pleased to be working with Chief Turman and his officers, to make Rexburg one of the first AlertID
partners in Idaho. Together we help provide critical information to residents so that they can make informed decisions
about keeping their families and communities safe,” said Keli Wilson, Founder, AlertID.
About AlertID, Inc.:
AlertID is the established leader in making the country's public safety information universally accessible, helping
people protect their families and communities. Alerts are provided by trusted sources including public safety agencies,
local law enforcement, schools, neighborhood groups, neighbors, family members and friends. This first-of-its-kind, fast-
growing network is the leader in helping people protect their families and communities throughout the United States
and is poised to evolve into the world’s go-to public safety and security resource.
Thanks to AlertID, seventy percent of the United States population (more than 224 million residents) can receive Sex
Offender Alerts from State Sex Offender Databases. In addition, the AlertID Secure Social Network provides
everyone concerned about the safety of communicating on social networks a safe and easy way to share important
information quickly. In many communities, AlertID has partnered with law enforcement agencies to deliver local crime
data (CAD) to members. Recent partnerships include the Alameda County (Calif.) Sheriff’s Office, the Las Vegas
Metropolitan Police Department, The Nevada Department of Public Safety, Amber Alert and various counter
terrorism centers, among many others.
Mayor Woodland asked Chief Turman to read the Safest City Award given to the City of Rexburg
by “Neighborhood Scout”. Mayor Woodland said Rexburg is the safest city in Idaho. Chief Turman
read the Certificate and an accompanying statement from “Neighborhood Scout”. Rexburg is the
only Idaho city receiving the safety award. The City Council congratulated Chief Turman and the
Rexburg Police Department for their outstanding service and tireless dedication to the community.
Public Hearings: – NONE
Items for Consideration:
E. 2012 Audit for the City of Rexburg – Rudd & Company
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Brad Reed and Josh Bingham presented the 2012 Audit Report from Rudd & Company. They
recently presented the audit to Mayor Woodland, staff personnel and City Council representatives to
cover any questions. The audit consists of testing the City financial processes by taking samples of
transactions to see if the transactions are done correctly. Mr. Reed went over the audit report and
reviewed some of the audit highlights. He reviewed the General Fund where City officials have the
most control. The audit is available at City Hall and on line for public review. The City was under
budget in the General Fund for 2012. There are about 62 funds to monitor for adequate controls.
Discussion on reviewing individual funds. Over the past years the City has always been in the black
by observing strict accounting controls.
Excerpts from the Auditors Report Management Discussion and Analysis section:
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Discussion:
Council President Mann moved to accept and approve the 2012 Audit for the City of Rexburg;
Council Member Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Mann None
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Merrill
The motion carried.
Staff Reports:
Public Works: – John Millar
Public Works Director Millar reviewed the projects.
1. The streets have been bare of snow recently. Most of the work this season has been snow
plowing and road patching.
2. Additional water rights are being sought. Idaho’s water mitigation law requires water to be
pumped back underground as new water rights are acquired.
3. Street lights are working on 2nd South and Carlson Avenue.
4. 2nd East decorative street lights are not completely installed yet.
5. Citizens are changing their garbage cans from weekly to bi-weekly on a minimal basis at this
time due to the new recycling program. They are reporting that bi-weekly service is adequate.
6. BYU-I is working towards providing commercial recycling to businesses in the near future.
Finance Department – Richard Horner
Finance Officer Horner reviewed the 2012 and 2013 Budget Summary report; also, the 2013
Treasures Quarterly Report for 33% of the fiscal year. The City has spent 30% of the operating
expenses for the same report.
Council Member Smith asked for a review of the 2012 Summary Budget Report. Financial Officer
Horner said the operating revenue was at 96% and operating expense was at 95%.
Council Member Busby asked for the City’s indebtedness. Finance Officer Horner explained the
city has no General Obligation Bonds.
“A general obligation bond is a common type of municipal bond… that is secured by a state or local
government's pledge to use legally available resources, including tax revenues, to repay bond holders.”
-http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/General_obligation_bond
The City has a 10 million dollar sewer bond that has been paid down to 8.3 million. The City also
has $700,000 in LID warrants which are backed by liens on properties. The City is in good financial
condition.
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Below are the reports discussed on the overhead screen:
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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:
1. BILL 1093 AMENDING ORDINANCE 618 for Backflow Devices
Mayor Woodland asked City Attorney Zollinger to review the changes.
Attorney Zollinger reviewed the proposed changes:
PROVIDING FOR TESTING OF BACKFLOW DEVICE(S) AT PROPERTY
OWNER’S EXPENSE IN THE EVENT OF NON-COMPLIANCE;
SECTION IV: USE OF BACKFLOW PREVENTION DEVICES. In the event that
documentation of test and repairs are not received by June 1st of the year when required, the City at the
property owner’s expense, may hire a State of Idaho licensed backflow prevention tester to test the
backflow device(s) and add the cost of the test(s) plus a handling fee of $10.00 to the property owner’s
City of Rexburg utility bill.
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Normally the City has 100% compliance; however, this year there was a significant amount
of customers who were non-compliant. Due to non-compliant customers these changes are
being recommended. Rather than shutting off water, the changes would allow the City to bid
for work to do testing for non-compliant residents. Council Member Merrill said the process
is good for the residents to maintain good clean water. Contaminated water would be a
liability for the City. Sprinkler systems are one of the possible points of contamination.
Public Works Director Millar indicated maintaining strict water controls helps keep
Rexburg’s water clean and free of the need to chlorinate the water. Rexburg is very fortunate
to have clean water without the need to chlorinate. If these standards are not maintained,
chlorination of the City’s water would be a likely possibility.
Council Member Busby moved to first read BILL 1093 to amend Ordinance 618 for
backflow devices; Council President Mann seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for
a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Mann None
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Merrill
The motion carried.
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 February 06, 2013 meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Discussion:
Council Member Merrill moved to approve the Consent Calendar and pay the bills; Council
Member Sutherland seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Mann None
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Merrill
The motion carried.
City Attorney Zollinger requested an 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; and (c) To conduct deliberations concerning labor negotiations or to acquire an interest in
real property which is not owned by a public agency.
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Eldred Stephenson expressed his appreciation to the Mayor and City Council for his Birthday
Recognition award. The City Council congratulated Mr. Stephenson for his long life that has been
full of service. Council Member Merrill was recognized for his birthday too.
Council Member Busby 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; and (c) To conduct deliberations concerning labor negotiations or to acquire an interest in
real property which is not owned by a public agency; Council Member Smith seconded the motion;
Mayor Woodland asked for a roll call vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Mann None
Council Member Smith
Council Member Busby
Council Member Sutherland
Council Member Merrill
The motion carried.
Executive Session:
Executive Session ended.
Resolution 2013-02 to amend the Salary Reduction Plan (401K) – Richard Horner
No action was taken on Resolution 2013-02.
Adjourned at 09:56 P.M.
APPROVED:
_____________________________
Richard S. Woodland, Mayor
Attest:
________________________________
Blair D. Kay, City Clerk