HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014.01.22 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
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January 22, 2014
Mayor Richard Woodland
Council Members:
President Sally Smith Jordan Busby
Donna Benfield Jerry Merrill
Christopher Mann Brad Wolfe 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
6:00 P.M. City Hall – Work Meeting
A. Demonstration of the City Website: “Rexburg.org”
Discussion:
Economic Director Scott Johnson reviewed the new website. It is a work in progress. The new
site is geared towards components that will invite more traffic with more informative areas of
interest from business and public entities. The old website did not allow any changes without
spending extra money. Now, city departments are able to add much more information to the web
without spending extra money. Some of the tiles on the web page are dynamic by changing
according to the traffic on a particular page on the site. The back end of the site is managed by the
Technology Department while the front end of the site can be updated by individual departments to
keep the data fresh.
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
January 22, 2014
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Technology Coordination Services (TCS) Director Kelvin Giles is the manager of the
Technology Department.
Council Member Benfield asked if the site could be fed into an application for the Chamber of
Commerce. The new website does not have an application (app) for the site.
Discussion: The home page scrolling feature on the new website was demonstrated.
Council Member Busby asked to have a compliment form where citizens can submit comments
on anything to do with the city. He also reviewed the possibility of live streaming the City Council
meetings on the web.
Economic Director Scott Johnson reviewed each area of the “rexburg.org” website to show how
dynamic the new website has been constructed. There are more changes in the future.
7:00 P.M. City Hall – Pledge to the Flag
Boy Scout Troop 212 led the pledge.
Kelly McKamey said the prayer.
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council President Smith, Council Member Benfield, Council Member Mann, Council
Member Busby, Council Member Merrill, Council Member Wolfe, and Mayor Woodland.
Public Comment on non-controversial issues: not scheduled on the agenda (limit 3 minutes) - NONE
Presentations:
A. Linx details on the proposed Rexburg – Driggs – Jackson application for a ITD Rural
Development Grant:
Janice Brown
Special Projects Manager
Fremont County Planning and Building
125 North Bridge Street
St. Anthony, ID 83445
Office: 208-624-4643 ext. 2265
Janice Brown from LINX and Fremont County: Jan’s new job is the Special Projects Manager for
Fremont County. She started in that capacity on January 7th and will work four days a week starting
February 1st. Jan reviewed an application for funds to enhance a multi-mobile plan. It consists of an
intercity plan. See Map. Salt Lake Express from Salt Lake connects to West Yellowstone twice per
day; then back to Salt Lake City. She spoke of a gap in the service from Rexburg to Driggs to
Jackson. The Federal Transportation Department has funding to fill this gap. She is applying for a
four county grant to go from Rexburg to Jackson through Driggs during the mid-day. Driggs has a
brand new transportation hub scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2014. This would allow
an all day visit for people from Jackson, Wyoming to come to Rexburg.
There is a summer program that goes through Yellowstone Park for tourists. The bus connections
will allow more choices for people who cannot drive a car. The route to Driggs and Victor would be
a deviated route to pick up passengers within ¾ of a mile off Hwy 20. The trial date for the Driggs
route is planned with a sprinter van for 2015 for 150 days of service. The shared matching cost of
$48,000 for the grant would cost each entity $2,500 per entity.
Ms. Brown reviewed the need to have all entities in the four county area participate in the program
to show support to fill in a gap for major transportation. The grant application goes through ITD.
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Ms. Brown reviewed the regional bus service starting with Salt Lake Express providing service from
Salt Lake City to West Yellowstone, Montana. There is bus service in Jackson, Wyoming, West
Yellowstone Park and Bozeman, Montana.
Ms. Brown talked about the grant proposal to provide bus service to Driggs and Victor, Idaho
connecting to the bus service in Jackson, Wyoming. This service could provide an economic benefit
to the area by bringing tourists from around the world to the Yellowstone Park area through the bus
connector service from Salt Lake City.
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Ms. Brown reviewed the proposed budget she presented showing the estimated ridership and
possible revenue which would be based on vendors bidding to provide the service.
Ms. Brown presented Charles Dickson’s Draft Findings from a previous meeting in Rexburg:
“Linx Transportation is a cooperative: (Linx has almost 70 members from hospitals, to small
businesses to resorts and tourism operators to help enhance quality of life and economic development in the region.
Rexburg recently joined Linx. The Multi-Modal Transportation Assessment and Development
Plan being advanced by Linx is part of the HUD-supported Regional Plan for Sustainable Development.”
“Community Transportation Association of America”
Washington DC
12/4/13 – Meeting with City of Rexburg – Charles Dickson’s DRAFT Findings:
The technical assistance request submitted by Linx identified the following item to be considered in any assistance
provided:
Assist the City of Rexburg, Idaho, with a concept of operations plan that can both attract FTA New
Start funding and leverage private support to operate both an intra-city fixed route system AND the
intercity connections they desire across county and state lines.
Observations
Folks seem to understand there is a need
Decisions will be based on frugality
Town has drastically changed zoning…extremely high density near the school
Envision Madison – looking at countywide development
Following meeting with officials from City of Rexburg, met with representatives of Brigham Young University-
Idaho and toured BYU-I Campus. Campus officials are interested in the possibility of a new fixed-route service
linking the campus with the rest of the community, but remain wary of the costs.
Following the meeting with Rexburg and BYU-I, travelled to towns of Driggs and Victor to meet with their
planners. Both towns are interested in improving connections to Rexburg and Jackson, WY and have taken steps
to improve transit in their communities.
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Proposed Next Steps:
The City of Rexburg has reached a point where it seriously needs to address the mobility challenges of its residents
and the students at Brigham Young University – Idaho. The rapid growth in the student population at the school,
with the attendant increase in population density necessitates the consideration of transportation system for the
town.
Some factors to consider;
A fixed-route, or flexible fixed route system can help to relieve congestion in the town.
Transit systems contribute to a more livable community by reducing traffic accidents, giving people more
choice in mobility and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Due to the presence of BYU-I, the population of the town trends very young (according to the 2010
census almost 70% of the population is under the age of 25). This population group is well disposed to
using public transportation.
The City of Rexburg should seek funding to design a system that fits the needs of the city, maintains local control
over the service and is the best fit for the region. Steps in this process would be:
Review service in towns with similar characteristics (i.e. other small cities with a large college student
population). A sketch of AppalCart is attached. AppalCart serves Watauga County and the City of
Boone, NC. Watauga County has a population of 51,000 and Boone’s population is 17,000.
Begin a process of engaging citizens, BYU-I, students and other stakeholders in a discussion of the need
for and goals of a city transit service.
Begin planning for a service that would:
o Maximize travel speeds
o Serve multiple destinations
o Creates maximum benefit for the lowest possible cost
Begin process of applying for a long-term technical assistance grant from the Community Transportation
Association to accomplish these goals.
Council Member Mann moved to support the grant application with a $2,500 commitment which
can include in-kind funds as discussed after commitment “letters of intent” to support the grant
application are obtained from the other entities including the four counties (Madison, Fremont,
Teton, Counties in Idaho and Teton County, Wyoming) and other boards like hospitals, etc. that will
receive a benefit from the proposal; Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; Discussion:
Council Member Merrill asked about the city being the grant administrator: City Clerk Kay
indicated he would support Community Director Scott Johnson and other city staff to support the
administration of the grant. Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried.
City Clerk Kay explained the bus service would encourage tourists to visit Rexburg as they travel
from Europe, the Middle East and the Far East, to visit Yellowstone National Park.
Council Member Benfield said the bus route would be a huge boon to the tourist trade for the
region.
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Mayor Woodland requested support for the public transportation effort:
Letter requesting donors:
January 23, 2014
Name
Affiliation
Address
City, State, Zip
Dear ______________________:
The City of Rexburg has agreed to serve as the official applicant for an $80,700 public transportation
grant (FTA 5311 program*) to help improve mobility for both residents and visitors in our rural
communities. We are taking this action as one of 11 local governments working together to implement
the Regional Plan for Sustainable Development being prepared for Fremont, Madison and Teton
counties, Idaho, and Teton County, Wyoming, under our HUD Consortium’s $1.5M Sustainable
Communities planning grant.
We would appreciate a matching commitment of ($2,500) from your (organization) to support this 4-
county, 2-state mobility project. Your contribution will help fund a 150-day pilot shuttle demonstration
for summer 2015 that will connect our communities twice each day, carrying passengers who cannot or
would prefer not to drive. There will be a reasonable fare for riders of this small bus service, and we
intend to make riding easy by offering online reservations and ticketing, and use of self-service kiosks.
We will bid out the service to qualified carriers that will be required to operate ADA-compliant vehicles,
interline this route with any of their connecting services, and install bike carriers that will be purchased
with grant funds.
The draft schedule and route map are attached for your information, and we would appreciate your
feedback as we go through the grant process. Please note that the Rexburg departure and arrival times
are set to connect with the Salt Lake Express bus that travels twice daily to/ from West Yellowstone, thus
allowing riders from Yellowstone National Park to access Rexburg, Teton Valley and Jackson twice each
day, seven days a week.
We believe that businesses, local government, and nonprofit organizations from across our four rural
counties will want to share the costs and promotion for this new shuttle service as it is being designed to
carry a diversity of passengers. Your match contribution and the federal subsidy will cover system
management, grant administration, and operating costs for the selected providers. Fare revenue will
offset the federal subsidy and the pool of contributions using a 57.5%/42.5% formula. If the pilot system
succeeds, our consortium will be able to apply for the ITD subsidy each year, and all partners can jointly
decide how to improve the service as it grows.
Because we need your letter by February 10, please email your scanned commitment letter to Rexburg
City Clerk Blair Kay who is coordinating this project application. A template is attached for your use. If
you have any questions on the proposed bus service, please contact Jan Brown at the Fremont County
Planning and Building Dept. at jabrown@co.fremont.id.us or at her office at 208-624-4643 extension
2265. Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
Mayor Richard Woodland
*5311 Formula Grants for Rural Areas: FTA’s 5311 program provides capital, planning, and operating assistance to states to
support public transportation in rural areas with populations less than 50,000, where many residents often rely on public transit
to reach their destinations. The program is administered by the Idaho Transportation Department, and the City of Rexburg will
be a sub-grantee.
==========================================================
B. Civil Service week, the Rexburg H&R Block would like to present a Certificate of Appreciation
to the Rexburg City Council – Thomas Jones <t.lawrence.jones@gmail.com>
Discussion:
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Thomas Jones as manager of the H&R Block office presented City Council members with a token
of appreciation for their service to the community.
Committee Liaison Assignments for 2014:
A. Council Member Christopher Mann: Golf Board · Emergency Services Board · MYAB
Council Member Mann reported that the Golf Board did not meet. Emergency Services met
January 15, 2014 to review the fire station grant for a second story to the Fire Station. They reviewed
each department in the fire department. The call numbers have gone up from 2012. MYAB met
today to work on Snow fest. On Valentine’s Day, Mayor’s Youth will take valentines out to residents
in the nursing homes.
B. Council Member Jordan Busby: GIS Oversight · Airport Board · Traffic & Safety
Council Member Busby reported his committees have not met; however, the 7th South flashing
lights are going off without any pedestrians at the sites. Public Work Director Millar said that wifi
systems set them off. They are getting it corrected.
C. Council Member Donna Benfield: Police · Trails of Madison County · IBC · Teton Flood Museum
Committee
Council Member Benfield reported her committees have not met, except the Police Department
which reviewed their safety comprehensive plan. She asked for a 6:00 work meeting at the next City
Council meeting for their presentation.
D. Council Member Sally Smith: Legacy Flight Museum · Rexburg Arts Council (Romance Theatre &
Tabernacle Civic Center, Orchestra) · M.E.P.I.
Council Member Smith reported her committees have not met, except the Arts Council which met
to elect Lori Hansen as Chairman and Paula Sonderegger as Vice Chairman. They are planning for a
great year. They need scenery and rehearsal space for productions; she suggested they use the
upstairs space at City Hall.
Discussion: Maybe the old Junior High Building could be used; Council Member Merrill will check
with the Madison School District to see if it would be available.
Council Member Busby said they need to understand it is a temporary home for this proposal.
Roger Harris said they just need a flat floor to work with props, etc. It is for plays sponsored by the
city.
Council Member Merrill complimented the Arts Council for the sign at the Romance Theatre.
The new windows at the Romance Theatre are being scheduled.
E. Council Member Jerry Merrill: School Board · Parks & Recreation · Urban Renewal Agency
Council Member Merrill reported his committees have not met; however, the Parks and
Recreation Committee and city staff are working hard on the upcoming Snowfest at Smith Park this
Saturday. Other winter recreation programs are currently underway. The school board met, but
Council Member Merrill was unable attend. Mr. Merrill talked to Superintendent Dr. Geoffrey M.
Thomas. Mr. Thomas indicated on an upcoming levy for the Madison School District. Urban
Renewal will meet in a couple of weeks.
Council Member Merrill asked about bulk oil costs; he questioned a $10.00 per gallon charge for
oil.
F. Council Member Brad Wolfe: Planning & Zoning · Beautification Committee
Council Member Wolfe reported Planning and Zoning met on a Comprehensive Plan Map
Amendment change which will come before City Council February 05, 2014. The Beautification
Committee did not meet.
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Mayor’s Report:
A. Approval of two appointees to the Airport Board:
1. David Taylor to serve his 3rd and final term.
2. Wade Bowman to serve his 2nd term.
Council Member Busby moved to approve the re-appointment of David Taylor for a 3rd and final
term and Wade Bowman for a 2nd term on the Airport Board; Council Member Merrill seconded the
motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried.
Public Hearings – NONE
Items for Consideration:
A. Discuss the fee structure including Planning and Zoning and Comprehensive Plan Fees
Finance Officer Horner indicated the Planning and Zoning direct expenses totaled $147,202 for
FY 2013, not including Val’s time. Fees only brought in $10,292; the rest is subsidized by the
General Fund. The most ever collected was about $35,000 in one year. There is a lot of work in the
background that we don’t charge for. Planning and Zoning is highly subsidized by the General
Fund.
Discussion:
Council President Smith asked for the bare costs for the request for a small parcel to request a
Comprehensive Plan and Zone change. Community Development Director Christensen asked if the
costs should be borne by the public or the requestor. Council Member Smith was concerned with
the high cost for a small parcel to seek a change in the land use options. Community Director
Christensen was concerned with the high cost to amend the Comprehensive Plan; it is somewhat of
a filter to charge for city services for each proposal that comes to him for land use change. Council
Member Wolfe asked if the fee could be marginal for a small parcel. Council President Smith was
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concerned with the costs for a city resident to seek changes to their property. She reviewed the costs
applied per acre for a proposal. Council Member Merrill understood the issue; however, should the
tax payers subsidize the proposal. Mayor Woodland understood the costs are an issue of concern.
Kelly McKamey from Rexburg said public money is used to pay for the Comprehensive Plan.
Community Development Director Christensen said the costs are hard to quantify.
Discussion: Council President Smith was very complimentary to the Planning Department. They
are very good to work with the public. Council Member Merrill suggested having a work meeting to
discuss the details of the issue.
Staff Reports:
A. Public Works: – John Millar
1. Five year street improvement plan
Public Works Director Millar reviewed the Five Year Street Improvement Plan.
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Discussion:
It is a five year plan to be approved annually by City Council. Each year the plan can change based
on new development. He asked for approval on the five year plan.
Council President Smith asked for some work to be done on East 2nd North. It will be addressed
in 2016.
Council Member Mann asked for more information on the Cresthaven Subdivision. Public Works
Director Millar explained the costs will be scaled back somewhat to address other areas of the city.
There is a problem with some residents getting into their driveways due to the curb and gutter
sinking below the street level. There will be an LID in that area.
Council Member Mann asked about Gemini Street and other streets in that area.
Council President Smith asked for a drive around to review the streets.
Council Member Busby asked about the plan to reconstruct the curve to the SE on 2nd West and
1st North by the rail road tracks. The rail road will do the rail crossings.
Council Member Wolfe asked if the projects are planned in the budget. Public Works Director
Millar said that each year there is approximately $1,000,000 in the budget for construction. Funding
is primarily from the State, the County, and Franchise Fees.
Council Member Busby moved to approve the five year street improvement plan; Council
Member Merrill seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried.
2. Approval of the purchase of a sorting table for the recycling program.
Discussion: Public Works Director Millar indicated the University has narrowed the staff down to
about eight employees. The city’s cost savings were about $84,000 plus for the program. This saved
money was to be dedicated to go back into the program. The sorting table bids ran from $87,000 to
$312,000 plus another $50,000 for modifications. The University is running in the red about
$100,000 for the recycling service each year. A local contractor will do the service twice a month for
$3.50 per month; thus limiting the University’s financial exposure in the program. It would cost
about $88,000 per year to have a private carrier to do the service. The garbage rates may be changed
down the road to continue the recycling program. Multi-Family housing projects have not been as
successful due to garbage being included in the recyclables. The ongoing savings for the program
come from fewer charges for the city at the land fill. Every two weeks may be a problem for some
users.
Council Member Wolfe asked about the responsibility of sorting out the regular garbage. It will be
the local contractor’s responsibility. Millar said that roughly 15% in recyclables is just regular
garbage. The costs have been figured and there would be around $6,000 of savings from having the
local contractor sort the garbage.
Public Works Director Millar said the $3.50 per household is a new cost that will have to be dealt
with in the budget. Public Works Director Millar said the increased customer base with the increased
tonnage of garbage is still picked up with three trucks. It will probably be another 2 or 3 years before
they will need a new truck. The last truck cost $200,000.
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Council Member Busby reviewed the garbage costs weekly and bi-weekly. Apartments are charged
by the ton on a daily or weekly schedule. Mayor Woodland said the city is making a change to the
recycling system which will be passed on to the residents. Rexburg is the cheapest around for
recycling costs. The city is divided into four routes to schedule the route pickups.
Council Member Smith moved to approve an amendment to the agenda to include item 3. To
Approve the “RFP Applicant” for an Airport Relocation Study; Council Member Busby seconded
the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried.
3. Approve “RFP Applicant” for Airport Relocation Study
Discussion:
Public Works Director Millar reviewed the process to change the plan to spend money on the
airport taxiway in 2014 and divert some of the funds to do an airport relocation study. $1.5 million
in costs for airport maintenance have been scaled back significantly to do the study.
GDA (Forsgrens) would do the study. Armstrong did the last study 17 or 18 years ago.
Council Member Busby moved to approve GDA as the successful “RFP Applicant” for Airport
Relocation Study as presented; Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; Discussion: Council
Merrill asked it would be money well spent; Public Works Director Millar said it is going to be
money well spent due to the unified feeling that a safer location needs to be found for the Rexburg-
Madison County Airport. Council Member Merrill did want a follow through of the study if it is
done. Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried.
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Projects Report:
Public Works Director Millar indicated that they are finishing up some projects; some work on
the treatment plant. Projects are being planned for this spring. Snow complaints are down.
Council Member Mann asked about a fuel bill of $10,000 to supply a diesel storage tank. Public
Works Director Millar said it allows the city to save money on diesel.
B. Finance Department – Richard Horner
Finance Officer Horner indicated Financial Reports are planned for the next City Council meeting.
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: – 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 January 08, 2014 meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Mann moved to approve the Consent Calendar and pay the bills; Council
Member Merrill seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried.
Council Member Merrill moved to go into Executive Session per Idaho State Statute 67:2345 (e)
To consider preliminary negotiations involving matters of trade or commerce in which the
governing body is in competition with governing bodies in other states or nations; Council Member
Wolfe seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a roll call vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried.
Executive Session: 8:36 P.M.
Executive Session ended. 9:10 P.M.
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Adjourned at 9:10 P.M.
APPROVED:
_______________________________
Richard S. Woodland, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
Blair D. Kay, City Clerk