HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014.02.05 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
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February 05, 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 (6:00 PM work meeting Deferred to a future date)
A. Police Department's Comprehensive Safety Plan as well as a "heads up" on a couple of
budget items that will be coming up for our next budget year.
Mayor Woodland welcomed everyone to the meeting. He welcomed a BYU-I student from Parma,
Idaho too.
7:00 P.M. City Hall – Pledge to the Flag
Kyle Harris said the prayer.
Boy Scout Troop 246 led the pledge.
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)
Preston Lindsay from the Standard Journal spoke about having each City Council Member take a
turn writing a note each week in the paper. Council Member Merrill and Council Member Benfield
thought it was a good idea. Council Member Mann asked for a follow up from Mr. Lindsay.
Presentations: - NONE
Committee Liaison Assignments for 2014:
A. Council Member Christopher Mann: Golf Board · Emergency Services Board · MYAB
Council Member Mann reported that the Golf Board canceled as it usually does during January
and February. Emergency Services Board did not meet. MYAB met to plan valentines for assisted
living residents. They are also doing volunteer work for Upper Valley Idol as ushers.
B. Council Member Jordan Busby: GIS Oversight · Airport Board · Traffic & Safety
Council Member Busby reported Traffic and Safety met yesterday; there was some discussion on
the proposal for the new Wal-Mart. They also referred to the new street lights going in around the
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 05, 2014
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City. During that meeting, Mayor Richard Woodland presented a certificate of appreciation to Reed
Nelson for his years of service. Trees are being trimmed at 1st North and 2nd West to prepare for the
construction project there. The Airport Board met, and David Taylor was elected as Chair of the
Airport Board, Randy Sutton as Vice Chairman, and Natalie Powell as Secretary. FAA (Federal
Aviation Administration) has required some trees to be trimmed in the flight path.
C. Council Member Donna Benfield: Police · Trails of Madison County · IBC · Teton Flood Museum
Committee
Council Member Benfield reported that the Police Department report will be held two weeks
from tonight; February 19, 2014. Trails of Madison County met and discussed a grant application for
some trails funds. Council Member Benfield thanked Keith Davidson for all of the work he put in to
the grant application.
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 Legacy Flight Museum is working on the air show for this spring.
It is free entertainment. The Arts Council is doing a lot of great things; including working on having
a booth at the Farmer’s Market. Madison Economic Partners met to review broadband issues
including a broadband study. They had a good presentation on broadband networks. In March
M.E.P.I. will have a luncheon to honor their contributors.
Mayor Woodland mentioned Upper Valley Idol is starting up at the Romance Theatre.
E. Council Member Jerry Merrill: School Board · Parks & Recreation · Urban Renewal Agency
Council Member Merrill reported the School Board did not meet; however, they are working with
the City on recreation activities using school gyms, etc. For Parks & Recreation, Bob Yeatman
(Recreation Director) was asked about SnowFest. Bob’s role is to help bring people to Rexburg and
give them something to do.
Recreation Director Bob Yeatman reviewed the SnowFest activity held last week. They gave out
2,100 drinks of hot chocolate and estimated that there were about 700 people in attendance at the
park, and approximately 400 at the figure eight car race behind K-Mart. They are supported by many
community businesses; Community Care, Walgreens, Bill’s Bike Shop, Edstrom Construction and
Intermountain Draft Horses, Mayor’s Youth, Brady’s Hot Tub, BYU-I student volunteers and Kent
Arnold. Overall it went well except the Polar Bear Swim could have had better participation. Council
Member Merrill suggested the City Council participate in the Polar Bear Swim next year. Tom
Anderson has been hired to assist the Recreation Department in future activities as the Events
Coordinator.
Bob reviewed the upcoming schedule: The next activity (Nordic Ski Race) is at 10 a.m. on Saturday,
February 8th this week at Teton Lakes Golf Course. All winter programs are in progress. Men’s
basketball league will begin next week; February 19, 2014. The Spring/Summer rec. guide will be
coming out soon. The carousel and splash park will open Memorial Day. There is some work that
needs to be done on the Carousel before opening day. Rexburg Rapids opening day is June 14th.
Races this summer will start with the Teton Dam Marathon on June 14th, Main Street Mile still has
the date pending (sometime around the 4th of July), and the Rush Triathlon will be in August.
Council Member Busby asked about having the pace car to race against at the Main Street Mile like
they had done in the past. Bob Yeatman said they talked to Stone’s Town and Country Motors
about that. The truck will lead the race traveling at the pace of the world record mile run. If anyone
beats the truck (the world record mile run time), they will win the truck.
2014 SnowFest / Recreation Council Report
SnowFest
Weather: Sunny, little wind and high around 28
Attendance: Approx. 700+ Based upon cup usage; 35 Participated in Polar Bear
Swim; 400+ Attended Figure 8 Car Race
Area Businesses/Groups Involved: Community Care-Snowbank Treasure Hunt;
Walgreen’s – Sled Hill; Bill’s Bike Shop – Fat Tire Bike Demo; Edstrom
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Construction & Intermountain Draft Horses- Sleigh Rides; Brady’s – Hot Tub;
Mayor’s Youth – Snow Graffiti; BYU-I Volunteers; Kent Arnold – DJ.
Media Coverage: The Scroll, Rexburg Standard Journal, Channel 3 & 8
Activities: Snowball Target Throw
Snow Graffiti
Snowbank Treasure Hunt
Sled Hill
Sleigh Rides
Children’s Fish Pond
Sled Pull
Hot Chocolate Hut
Polar Bear Swim
Fat Tire Bike Rides
Figure 8 Car Race
Cupid Cup Challenge
Nordic Ski Race @ Teton Lakes
Feb. 8th Begins at 10am (Kids), 10:30am (Adults)
$10 Childrens ages 4-15 2K Distance
$25 Adult/Couples 10K Distance
Recreation (Current)
Winter Programs are in Progress
Gymnastics
Tae Kwon Do
Rock Climbing
Gardening
Dance & Tumbling
DSLR Photography
Zumba
Pilates
Youth Ballroom
Boys Basketball – 41 Teams
Men’s Basketball – February 19th
Upcoming
Spring/Summer Rec Guide – April 14th
Carousel/Splash Park – Memorial Day Weekend Opening
Rexburg Rapids – June 14th Opening
Madison Youth Soccer Tournament – June 14th
Races
Teton Dam Marathon June 14th
Main Street Mile TBD
The Rush Triathlon August 16th
Discussion: Council Member Smith asked about a soccer tournament on June 12th-14th. Bob said
that it is with Madison Youth Soccer, and they plan to have enough fields to accommodate for that,
as well as purchase a new set of full size goals. A set of full size goals costs between $2,800 and
$3,200.
Council Member Merrill reported on the Urban Renewal Agency meeting. There is a future
development for senior living housing. There was a request from the developer to get help putting in
a street. The Urban Renewal Board does not participate in street construction. He indicated the
corner of 2nd West and 1st North is going to be remodeled this year. The third item was the new area
of the city being developed for commercial growth including a new Wal-Mart Store.
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F. Council Member Brad Wolfe: Planning & Zoning · Beautification Committee
Council Member Wolfe reported he did not have a report. Planning and Zoning meets tomorrow
night; The Chamber of Commerce has a Rexburg Vision group to work on beautification projects.
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Woodland reviewed the progress on the grant application for a transportation grant
proposal for a bus service from Rexburg to Jackson. Teton County Idaho has sent a letter of intent
to support the grant application for 2015. Mayor Woodland read the letter from Teton County
Idaho supporting the grant application. The City of Rexburg will support the study for a bus route
to Jackson twice a day for 150 days in 2015.
Discussion: Council Member Merrill mentioned private carriers are concerned with this effort
competing with their business. “RPM Ride” is a private carrier in Rexburg for BYU-I Students, and
is concerned that it would be competition. He indicated public transportation is needed in Rexburg
and the area, and he wants to make sure that it will benefit her local business.
Public Hearings – NONE
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Items for Consideration:
A. Appeal Planning and Zoning Commission decision for a Comprehensive Plan Map
Amendment at 1042 West 7th South from Single Family Residential land use to Low-Moderate
Density Residential land use – Lisa Ellis
Lisa Ellis introduced her proposal to change the Comprehensive Plan. She was not sure why
Planning and Zoning decided not to support and recommend the proposal. Her property is adjacent
to another development which is High Density. She has lived on the property for 20 years. She was
annexed in 2003. She is requesting to change the Comprehensive Plan to increase the density of her
property to add value to her property. Her neighbors to the west of her property also have a 2.5 acre
parcel.
She asked if the Comprehensive Plan could be changed by the Planning and Zoning Commission on
their own volition verses having her neighbor request a change too. City Attorney Zollinger
explained that Planning & Zoning has the legal authority to make changes to the Comprehensive
Plan, but it doesn’t happen a lot. If she wants it done in a time frame to suite her needs, it is most
often initiated by the property owner. City Attorney Zollinger did not believe that the rejection of
the re-zoning was an issue of her 2.5 acres vs. the combined 5 acres with her neighbor’s property,
but rather after an analysis of the surrounding property, that it was not right to rezone her property
until after the property to the south develops for commercial purposes.
Ms. Ellis felt she was being penalized by the new developments around her property and not
allowing her to promote her property.
Council Member Merrill explained that road widening would come as the area develops because
the City does not have the funds to build a new road.
Ms. Ellis wants to change the Comprehensive Plan to Low to Moderate Density allowing up to 20
units per acre.
Council Member Merrill was concerned with the current density and adding to that problem.
Ms. Ellis said she and her neighborhood are landlocked. She wanted to maximize her land value
down the road for her future.
Dan Hanna from Rexburg was a Planning and Zoning member involved in the decision from
Planning and Zoning to deny her request in the past. Tonight he is not representing Planning and
Zoning, but is speaking on behalf of himself. He wanted to clarify the buffering issue, and apologize
to Mrs. Ellis for not better understanding the situation. The Meadows has a Comprehensive Plan
designation from Moderate to High Density. He reviewed the Meadows being developed under the
County Planning and Zoning approval process. He reviewed buffering between the neighborhoods
and the Meadows Development.
The Meadows project was developed right up against the neighborhoods. Ms. Ellis and her neighbor
are seeking to be a higher density buffer between the Meadows developed at 13 units per acre and
the single family neighborhoods. He recommended approval of a rezone for Ms. Ellis to be less than
the Meadows development but higher density than she currently has for her property.
Mr. Hanna said the Meadows do buffer the neighborhoods from Hwy 20.
Discussion: Council Member Wolfe asked if Ms. Ellis’s proposed density would be limited based
on the proposal. Mr. Hanna said the next step would be to have a zone change which limits or
determines the density.
Council Member Merrill looked for middle ground to satisfy both sides of the proposal. He
indicated buffering could be applied at a later date on the zone change. Mr. Hanna asked for
approval of the Comprehensive Plan proposal with future buffering being applied through the
zoning phase of the proposal.
Discussion on buffering: City Attorney Zollinger explained Mr. Hanna is acting as a citizen; not a
member of the Planning and Zoning Commission. This is not a zoning hearing; it gives the applicant
the right to ask for a higher density in a future zoning hearing. This is a simple Comprehensive Plan
discussion. Council Member Busby asked for additional options to consider. City Attorney Zollinger
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said this is only a one step proposal. Tonight is a question of allowing the property owner to move
one step up in the Comprehensive Plan.
Commercial development and Higher Density Residential development was discussed.
Council Member Mann reviewed the need for commercial development to the south to improve
the road. Residential development is required to provide right-of-way adjacent to their property for
street development.
Council Member Merrill reviewed the future possibilities for developing this street (7th South) on
out to 12th West. City Attorney Zollinger said developments that cause a reduction in street service
levels must increase service levels to the past levels before their development.
Mr. Hanna said this neighborhood will have increased service levels for street access with new
development.
Community Development Director Christensen said the following information was provided in
the staff report: He read some of the Staff reports. Medium Density is an appropriate buffer from
High Density; however, the Meadows Development was not built to High Density.
Council Member Wolfe said the upgrade in the sewer services and other City services may restrict
additional development.
City Attorney Zollinger reviewed the Public Works concerns with sewer expansion. The sewer line
would need to be extended to 12th West. The same is true with the street. The developer would be
required to improve the street.
Council Member Merrill reviewed the options to approve or deny. Ms. Ellis can ask for a zone
change at Planning and Zoning after this decision is finalized.
Discussion: on the location of water and sewer lines and where they service properties in this area.
Staff Review:
Public Works Review:
Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment Application File #13 00532 and
Rezone Application File # 13 00533– Lisa Ellis
Review Comments From Public Works Department:
1. Water: Access to adequate water for any type of development is not a problem.
2. Wastewater: There is no sewer line in 7th South and an arrangement would be required to access
the sewer lines in Willowbrook or The Meadows. There has been no evaluation done to determine if
there is adequate depth with the existing lines to serve the proposed development.
3. Streets: We are concerned with any significant increase in traffic due to the fact that there is only
one outlet to serve this area and the existing traffic with The Meadows. This 2.5 acres could develop
a significant increase in traffic and additional related problems.
Community Development Review:
SUBJECT: Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment Application
File # 13 00532 – Lisa Ellis
APPLICANT: Lisa Ellis
1042 West 7th South
Rexburg, ID
PROPERTY OWNER: Same as above
PURPOSE: Request to amend the Comprehensive Plan Map - to change property from Single
Family Residential to Low-Moderate Density Residential
PARCEL SIZE: Approximately 2.55 acres
PROPERTY ID: RPRXBCA0255791
PROPERTY LOCATION: 1042 West 7th South
Rexburg, ID 83440
AUTHORITY § 6.13c “Council may adopt or reject an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan.”
REQUEST
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Applicant is requesting a land use map designation change from Single Family Residential to
Low-Moderate Density Residential.
RECOMMENDATION
The applicant wants to change the subject property from Single Family Residential to Low-
Moderate Density Residential on the Comprehensive Plan Map. The applicant feels that the use
is consistent with the use bordering the property on the east. The property to the east is currently
identified as Moderate to High Density Residential. The City Engineer is concerned about the
availability of sewer to the parcel and the addition of traffic onto a street with one outlet.
The Planning and Zoning Commission should take testimony in the public hearing to determine if
this use will adversely impact the adjoining neighborhoods to the north and west.
Planning and Zoning Written Input:
Discussion:
Council Member Smith moved to reject the Planning and Zoning recommendation and approve
the proposal by resolution to change the Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment at 1042 West 7th
South from Single Family Residential land use to Low-Moderate Density Residential land use;
Council Member Wolfe seconded the motion; Discussion: Council Member Wolfe clarified the
buffering questions, sewer, etc. will be at the Planning and Zoning hearing for a zone change; Mayor
Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith Council Member Busby
Council Member Benfield Council Member Mann
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
Staff Reports:
A. Public Works: – John Millar
1. Getting ready for spring work starting on the intersection of 2nd West and 1st North.
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Discussion: on the properties to be torn down and asbestos removal. The asbestos removal will be
done by a certified company.
Council Member Busby was praising the efforts of the street crews.
B. Finance Department – Matt Nielson
1. Budget Reports for 2013 and the first quarter of 2014.
Deputy Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the following financial reports for 2013 and 2014.
The Audit Report will be on the next agenda.
Deputy Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Treasures Expenditure Report by Fund for Fiscal
Budget Year 2013 ending September 30, 2013. The General Fund ended with a balance of
$2,766,234. The City went over on the street fund because there were a lot of street projects last
year. The Police Impact Fees has a deficit. They are continuing to try and pay that down. The Dog
Shelter costing about $480,000 should be paid off next year. Impact Fees are basically expensed out
each year. Golf Course Construction #51 tracks the loan that they owe the city. Overall the City
ended up spending about 72% of budgeted expenses for the year.
Discussion: Council Member Busby asked about #29 – Geographic Information. He just signed a
bill for that and wondered if it was on this report. It would be on next year’s report.
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Deputy Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the 2013 Fiscal Budget Summary Report from October
01, 2012 to September 30, 2013. Overall, operating expenditures for fiscal year 2013 were near a
perfect 100% for what was budgeted and what was actually spent. Parks and Ball diamonds were at
131% due to a contributing asset; by booking a park building. Under Non-Operating Expenditures
there is a General & Street Fund Transfer. Streets received about $528,000 with new projects. 49%
of construction projects were expended including the Wastewater Plan construction project.
Discussion: on street funds and street fund transfers. Revolving Loans comes from City money
originating from grant funds managed by ECIPA.
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Deputy Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the 2013 Operating Revenues report. The City
collected more than what was budgeted for. Fund Transfers In under Non-Operating Revenues was
so high because of zeroing out the 2003 Recreation Fund and $50,000 for Police Impact. Total
Revenues were at 78%. The City collected $3,093,306 more than it spent.
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Deputy Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the 1st Quarter of Fiscal Year 2014 Treasurer’s
Expenditure Report starting October 01, 2013 and ending December 31, 2014. Drug funds were
used to purchase a records management system for the Police Department.
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Deputy Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the 1st Quarter of Budget Summary Report starting
October 01, 2013 and ending December 31, 2014. (2014 - 1st Quarter Operating Expenditures).
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Deputy Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the 2014 Fiscal Budget Summary Report starting
October 01, 2013 and ending December 31, 2014. (2014 - 1st Quarter Operating Revenues).
2. Employee Handbook (change on sick leave bank)
Deputy Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the proposed changes to the Sick Leave Bank Policy:
The goal of the policy is to promote longevity and to restrict the abuse of sick leave. He reviewed
the policy to allow up to 12 weeks sick leave before an employee would qualify for disability.
35% of saved sick leave up to 480 hours is expensed to the employee when the employee retires.
The new policy says that you can only carry over 480 hours of sick leave at the end of the year. An
employee must work 20 years or qualify for one of the three changes noted below to receive the
benefit of saved sick leave. If you worked under 20 years it would be pro-rated.
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Council Member Busby moved to approve the sick leave bank change in the Employee Handbook
as presented; 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 Merrill
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
C. Community Development Department – Val Christensen
Community Development Director Christensen reviewed the report. Many projects are under
construction for the next two years. They received a lot of inspection fees at once that will require
work that will extend over the next couple of years. He reviewed the highs and lows of budgeting
the department as projects come to the City of Rexburg. Impact Fees are collected on new
construction projects.
Discussion on Impact Fees.
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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: : – 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 22, 2014 meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Busby reviewed a couple of invoices. He suggested to surplus items that are in
storage.
Council Member Benfield 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 Merrill
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
Adjourned at 9:05 P.M.
APPROVED:
_______________________________
Richard S. Woodland, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
Blair D. Kay, City Clerk