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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil -September 15, 2004 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CITY OF REXBURG September 15, 2004 Draft 7:30 P.M. STATE OF IDAHO ) : ss. County of Madison ) Present were the following: Mayor: Mayor Shawn Larsen Council Members: Paul Pugmire Donna Benfield Nyle Fullmer Rex Erickson G. Farrell Young Irma Anderson Financial Officer Richard Horner P&Z Administrator: Kurt Hibbert City Clerk: Blair D. Kay PFC: John Millar City Attorney: Stephen Zollinger Pledge to the Flag Mayor Larsen welcomed the scouts to the meeting. Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge They were provided Copies of the City Budget. Roll Call of Council Members: 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 the September 01, 2004 meeting B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills 1 Council Member Erickson moved to approve the Consent Calendar; Council Member The motion carried. Young seconded the motion; all voted aye, none opposed. Public Comment: on issues not scheduled on the agenda (limit 3 minutes) Dwight Wray explained that he approached the Community Development Office concerning possible site plan reviews for a site plan. They sold the home in June and was bill by the City 680.00 for a site plan review. The review cost was reduced to $200.00. He was asked to appear before Council to waive the fee. Mayor Larsen asked the Council if he could review the request with Kurt Hibbert before making a decision. Public Hearings: A.7:30 p.m. - Idaho Community Development Grant (ICDBG) in the amount of – Stacey Garitone $500,000 Mayor asked Stacey to review the grant application. It is for a 1.5 mill water tank booster pump and water lines. The public hearing was opened. No public comment. The public hearing was closed. The grant is due this coming Monday. There is 1.7 mil of grant money available. The main ingreiant is job creation the City needed a min of 56 jobs to apply. Farrell asked where the well would be located. John said on the west side of town. Mayor asked about the timing of the grants. They are available on a quarterly basis if the job creation She reviewed the job list of 68 proposed jobs. Paul asked if there were any other Council actions needed at this time. The resolutions were approved in the June council meeting. B.8:00 p.m. – New Connection hookup fees for water service and sewer service – John Millar & Richard Horner 2 Richared Horner passed out a resolution for the approval of the proposed fees. The fees were reviewed at the last Council meeting. The new construction ratio are asked to pay into the water systems. Mayor Larsen opened the Public Hearing No Public Hearing was given. The Hearing was closed and the Council began deliberations. Nyle asked for the out of town connection fees being included ; They are included incase the City needed to serve someone on an emergency basis. Rex reviewed the subdivisions that have been hooked up outside the City Limits. They pay less than 1.5 percent. Nyle asked to have the out of City rate removed unless there was an emergency. It raises the question of raising the rates for Rexburg heights. Mayor offered to amend the resolution and remove the out of city rate. Paul agreed with Nyle that the out of town rate should be removed. Nyle indicated that he was not in favor of extending services outside of the City Donna and Farrell asked about the retroactive charge because the customer is new. Richard previous owners made the initial investment and the cost of replacement has gone up. They need to pay the current market value of the asset. Rex indicated that it makes good business sense. He was concerned with the amount of the increase. It may drive development into the County. It the price negotiable. Richard indicated that the fees are needed for expansion of the water system. Richard explained that if the system becomes overloaded where will the City get the money for expansion. Rex asked about the calculations that created the new fee. Richard explained the formula that was reviewed in the last meeting. 1667 gpd = 1334 for a new connect. Nyle asked for a City comparison to other Cities. Richard indicated that the City is a little bit above average; Mayor Larsen mentioned that the City was well prepared for the growth that has been experienced in the past few years. Council Member Benfield asked where would we be now if we were not prepared. Council Member Fullmer mentioned that is was wisdom to raise the fees to a fair cost 3 Nyle moved to approved the resolution to exclude the out of city rates and andy phrase Paul second all voted aye none opposed the motion carried. New Business: A. Appointment of a City Council seat vacated by Garth Oakey – Mayor Larsen Mayor Larsen explained that it has been a good process to seek an appointment to the City Council. There were close to 20 letters of intent to serve on the City Council. He asked the Council to review the list and submit recommendations. He asked the Council to ratify Irma Anderson Paul moved to ratify Irma for the remainder of Oakeys term; Benfield seconded the motion; a Discussion: Paul indicated it was a good choice. Roll Call Vote. The City Clerk sworn Irma into office. Rex Paul Donna welcomed her to the Council. Irma came to Rexburg in 1969 after teaching in Bus Elm and master in Bus retired 3 years ago from Ricks college in business and information classes and was dean of the School of Business for 11.5 years. She is anxious to do what she can to support the Community. B. Final Plat Cedar Falls Subdivision Chairman Dyer reviewed the final plat for the Cedar Falls Subdivision on the overhead screen. It is a 21 acre parcel. It is proposed to have 20 commercial properties with an interier road system. He reviewed the City services connection locations. Rex asked about the entrances for the lots. Lots 2,3, and 4 will have entrances onto the Airport Road. Mayor Larsen asked the applicant about the issue of the Hwy 20 Cooridor. The applicant plans to voluntarily put covenants that would require landscaping similar to Pioneer Equipment. The Planning group recommned approval of the Plat on September 02, 2004. Paul asked about any planning commitment for a berm. He recommended the motion include the berm requirement. Dyer asked the Coucil to state their intent. Paul moved contingent upon a site plan acceptable to council which include asthecic mitigation on the west boundary adjacent to the boundary. Nyle seconded the motion; 4 Discussion all voted aye none opposed the motion carried. C. Final Plat Walker Subdivision Winston Dyer The Dyer Group authorized representative of the owner: It is located just north of the High School ball fields. They have met with the City Staff to address roadway issues. They moved the point of departure further west to avoid disturbing the High School ball fields. nd The road would connect to 2 East. Winston disclosed that the original Barney Dairy Road easment was never recorded; however they could record it with this plat. The proposed some options for road width of 68 feet and other options. They are planning to negotiate a river parcel rdnd with the City. Barney Dairy Road easement extended from 3 East over to 2 East. Ask Kurt? Paul asked why they were not developing the whole property at this time. Dyer indicated that it was a financial decision. He appreciated the willingness to sqaure up the access and the river lot for public access. Dyer indicated that they are providing the master plan for good planning. th Rex asked Kurt about the exit on 4 North. It takes a portion of the equipement dealers lot and Cal Ranches lot. Kurt reviewed the row on the overhead screen that is adjacent to Cal Ranch and the John Deere business. Rex was concerned with approvals with property onwer agreements. Kurt indicated that the property agreements were in place. The road will curve slightly and will remain within City right of way. Rex did not want to mislead anyone on the continuance of Barney Dairy Road. He thought the School District would prefer to keep that property. Kurt continued to review the plans for the subdivision. John Millar mentioned that the drawing was conceptual and would not be recorded on the final plat. th Council Member Pugmire asked if 4 North would be the only access to Barney Dairy Road, Kurt indicated that was correct. Council Member Erickson asked who approved the bridge over the canal. John said mayor Boyle and coucil Pual moved to approve the final Plat for Walker Division 2 as presented Paul amended the final contingent upon proper recording of the Barney Dairy row. Rex seconded all voted aye none opposed the motion carried. Mr. Walker indicated that they want the City to have the Barney Dairy Road. Council Member Young asked about the cost of a bridge across the canal. 5 thth D. Set Time for Fall Clean Up (September 20 to October 29) – John John proposed to have the Fall cleanup from 9-20 to 10-29 John explained what could be picked up less than 50 pounds. Donna moved to approve the dates Farrell seconded all voted aye none opposed the motion carried. E. Refund Sewer Bonds information (Pass Resolution at the next meeting) - Richard Horner DEQ purchased our sewer bonds and they need to refinance. At no cost to the City Teamed with State Treasure to create a State Bond Bank to get a lower rate and better bond rating. 2184910 at 4 percent DEQ reserve requirement is 446499 the City would save over 11,000 to refinance. The Bond Bank is fairly new the join Cities together. If we defalt on our chair of the bond sales tax revenues would be used to make the payments. They can be prepaid with no penalty. It is based on the current interest rate before November. Higher interest would kill the deal. Farrell asked if the State was requesting this . Richard said this would free up 17mil for reloaning to other cities. Pual talked about the legislature needing 20 mil to make it work. Mayor Larsen aslked to have it on the agenda in the near futrue. T Old Business: nd 2 East (Redevelopment Area) A. – Planning and Zoning’s recommendation to handle “Overlay” proposals on the zoning level and the redevelopment proposals on the Ordinance level. – Kurt and Chairman Dyer reviewed the reasoning to avoid having a Redevelopment Area in the Comprehensive Plan. They are Zoning or Ordinance issues. It should be reviewed in a Public Hearing process under the Zoning Ordinance. He nd reviewed Neighborhood Character and issues with single family homes along 2 East. nd Townhomes may contribute to the nature of Neighborhoods on 2 East. Transportation nd issues and alleys were discussed thus avoiding using 2 East as an access. The Commission will address the issues in a Zoning Ordinance Hearing process. The new Ordinance will include recent additions to the zoning Ordinance maybe completed in March of 2005. Council Member Young asked about the proposed changes and if it would go through the Public Process. Kurt indicated that it would go through a public Hearing process. He reviewed the redevelopment options that could be included in the changes proposed to the Zoning Ordinance. Winston indicated that the Planning Group want to create the 6 tools for code change before presenting the redevelopment plans in the Public Hearing Process. Cornell was left single family nd Rex reviewed the wide variety of uses that are on 2 East. It is going to be evolving into choices that the neighbors will approve. Kurt mentioned that a propertly crafted zone will protect the neighbors with alley access options. He applauded the actions of the Planning Commission to use alley way access for areas that may be incumbered by street nd access. He recommended changing the 2 East block by the Kirkham to something (multifamily) besides single family. Nyle Fullmer agreed with Rex to have cornell single family and have part of blocks for other uses where applicable. It puts the potential buyer on notice to go through the public hearing process to change the zoning. Winston Dyer indicated that the Planning Commission was not willing to make changes before the proper tools are in place. He asked Council to make changes where necessary Pual asked about the tools for he agreed tools to few and too broad Mr. Williams something needs to be done before the comp plan is approved. He was concerned with the depressed prices that his property would bring with an LDR1 zone. Mayor Larsen reviewed the issue of changing and the opportunity to come to the Public Hearing on October 06, 2004. Council Member Fullmer does not intend to turn his property to multifamily housing they plan to stay in their home for years. He wants to protect the neighborhood from rentals that are not owner occupied. nd Discussion on the issues that will impact property owners on 2 East. nd Judy Taylor 203 East 2 South discussed the issues. City Attorney Zollinger mentioned that the City can not refer to single family or multifamily designations instead it should be low density, medium density, and high density. Paul the Council regulates density not families. Kurt The City will try to model different types of model build out for neighborhood reviews. Mayor Larsen The redevelopment definition has not been determined neighborhoods need to be involved. 7 B.Report on the “Community Review” – Mayor Larsen (Kurt, Craig, Blair) Kurt: Reviewed news coverage of the event. He reviewed the Land Use Planning discussions. The visiting team was complimentary with City planning. Housing, greenways, and rivers were reviewed. The river is an asset to the Community. They were impressed with bike lanes on the streets. Certain areas of town were under served with City Parks. As land uses have changed the city has not provided adequate industrial Zones. Mayor mentioned that two BYU-Idaho students have been inputting survey results into the database for compilation. Craig Rindlisbacher reviewed the Community Meeting on Thursday evening. Rexburg’s Image and entry points into the City was part of the review. Rexburg lacks a reason to gather in the Downtown area. 20% of the Students are married. The City needs to redefine the market for downtown. We need to overcome our fear of what downtown could become and focus on what it can become. Start with small successes and others will come. Find forms that will build trust. Find common ground. Community building not just the beautification of downtown. There is a real need for policy leaders taking political risk. Blair Kay reviewed the process. Donna mentioned that it was an exceptional event she was proud of the City of Rexburg Mayor Larsen reviewed the application process for getting the Community Review completed in Rexburg. The visiting team came to Rexburg at their own expense. Donna mentioned that the event was exceptional. Paul was unable to attend all of the events because he was out of town. Dewight Johnson was very complimentary to the event Paul thanked the Mayor and Staff. Mayor mentioned Stacey and Natilyn and Richards invlovement. C.Report on the Temple Architects meeting with the City Staff – John Reviewed the NEXIS Group not a lot of decisions have be made on the facility only a possible location and footprint Jacobson Construction will the Contractor. He reviewed the access points and the height of the building. 8 Mayor Larsen indicated that the Fire Department does not have the ability to fight fires over 35 feet. Richard Horner cant rescue either Rex talked about hospital expansion and the need to have a community ladder truck. All three entities should be involved to solve the problem. We are no longer a community that does not need a ladder truck. If the Hospital grows up instead of out, the City will need a ladder truck. Council Member Pugmire agreed that the City, University needs to get a ladder truck. Mayor Larsen the funds would come from property taxes. He anticipates a secondary discussion with the University. Rex Richard Smith represents the Hospital and the University. He is on the Community’s side as well as the University’s Mayor Larsen will involve Nyle in a second meeting. Nyle asked about curb gutter and side walk As the properties develop per John th D.Report on the Triathlon held September 11, 2004 - Jack Reviewed the number on the 21 42 the 64 the third year. One from Pennsylvania and won the sprint race. Committee Members worked very hard to make it a success. It was a good event and the results are on the Web: www.rexburg.org. The Committees are planning the race for next year. Lucy Stohl is the chairman for next year they plan to have over 100 participants. E.Kiwanis Club proposal for the naming of the Evergreen Subdivision City Park Jerry Merrill representing the Kiwanis Club asked to name the Park the Evergreen Kiwanis Park and purchase sign and provide service hours. Continuing basis service hours for cleanup and improvements up to $1000 per year for improvements. Donna Benfield asked if the sign has been designed Jerry said no Donna Benfield mentioned that the University students help work on the project. Council Member Pugmire asked if the Club had an amount budgeted for the sign. Jerry did not have that information. Richard Horner mentioned their budget for the sign is probably under $2,000 Richard said the service clubs are doing Community projects for the City. Mayor disclosed that he is a member of the Kiwanis Club. 9 Rex asked for the type of design that will be used for the sign. Irma asked if other service clubs have asked to be included in this process. Paul mentioned that this process needs more time for review Does this set a precedent. Farrell did not want to slam the door on clubs that are willing to help improve the City. Mayor Larsen mentioned that the Kiwanis Club provides 100 of service hours per year Stephen Zollinger speaking as a resident of the neighborhood indicated that 200 of the members were in favor of the offer of the Kiwanis Club to participate in the parks ongoing maintenance. The City owns 11,000 square feet of property across the canal from the Evergreen Subdivision. Donna it shows more of that neighborhood association feeling in the City. Paul does not find that offensive He is pleased with the Kiwanis Club’s offer. He asked the Council for a Policy to keep this process Zollinger The rotarty Park was donated with the intent of the owner (rotary park) having the nameu if the name is changed the ownership defaults to the owner. Paul is correct we need parameters. Paul is very concerned the process without a policy Irma asked if the commitment could be in writing. Mayor Larsen indicated that the commitment has been given to the City in writing. Paul indicated that the process should have a written contract. It should be tabled until the next meeting. And adopt the context by resolution Paul moved to have a council member negitiate a policy and table until Oct 6 Nyle seconded. What changed from a month ago to approve this action. Garth negotiated this offer on behalf of the council Change to table to Oct have councilmember bring back paramaters for naming rights for city parks Nyle seconded Discussion asked for City attorney be involved. Zollinger Guard against first amendment rights. Mayor would like to see a contract(irma and Stephen) formalizing the action. Contract requirements were discussed. All voted aye none opposed the motion to table passed. Jerry said club would be ok with the wait Mayors Report: mentioned Gordon Harrops retirement party tomorrow from 4 to 6 Mayor Larsen 10 County Commissioner meeting tomorrow at 6:00 p.m. Student Housing meeting for Rexburg Student Housing. Department Project update form announced Customer Service Work Order List Projects: John Millar grant offer for 5850 shared cost of faa 387000 for state and faa grants for airport. Inkind match faa 90 state 5 county and city 5% cash or inkind work asphalt stripping was part of match. Paul asked for FAA requirements operation of Airport for 20 years fair practice non discrimination Paul moved to adopt resolution 2004-17 project #________ Nyle seconded all voted aye none opposed the motion carried. st John reported on 1 North project Control and Scada is 60 % complete Water tank is 90 percentcompletet Airprot tarmack has been stripped Light ing project th LP property bike path project bidding on the 29 Keller and Associates on the South Arterial with Fujimotos input. John Deere needs sewer and water service John asked for numbers authorization to proceed to expand services into the South interchange area. Airport Road will need a lift Station Rex asked if the City was going to increase impact fees Richard mentioned that the City will review the Impact Fees in a couple of months. He was concerned with the fence along hwy 20 He asked about the fence at evergreen park grass landscaping and lighting is planned. Smith park is sprinkling walkers every morning at 7:00 am thth 7 South and 5 West culvert has not been fixed. John planned future nd developments to have bonding to ensure proper completion of projects. 2 North clements home neighbor ruined a mower by cutting front yard. Mayor Larsen mentioned that the City is in need of an Zoning Ordinance Officer. Executive Resolution issues dealing with the daycare Mayors wife is co-manager of daycare facility John Uniform signs for City Parks 11 City Council Report: A. Council Member Young – received an offer to pay for the election costs if the City would hold another election. B. Council Member Benfield – Traffic and Safety meet without a quorum Beautifcation met last week and elected officiers. Received 250 from walmart for fall banners. Ordering flowers is the thing to do for 16 inch hanging baskets for next may or June they want to work on the on and off ramps Stacey Garitone is working on a 15,000 grant main and south exits first. Main Street would be first with University Departmental help. Signage Civic Club needs flowers for the tabernacle. Craig mentioned that the City has base map designing that would be helpful in drawings. Mayor Larsen mentioned that a grant will go in on Friday that is offered quarterly thth Craig mentioned that Tom Hudson will have workshops on Signage on the 27 28 and th 29 of September. Mayor Larsen mentioned that the City Staff has been given a presentation on Round a Bouts that the Council would need to see at a future Council Meeting. C. Council Member Erickson – None D. Council Member Pugmire – None E. Council Member Fullmer – United Way had a kickoff luncheon Better Communication to employees needed Marathon could be part of the United way or walking events. Like the 24 hour cancer walk. F. Council Member Anderson - Report on Projects: Tabled requests: Adjournment 12