HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015.12.16 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
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December 16, 2015
Mayor Richard Woodland
Council Members:
President Sally Smith Jordan Busby
Donna Benfield Jerry Merrill
Christopher Mann Brad Wolfe City Staff:
Stephen Zollinger – City Attorney
Matt Nielson – Finance Officer
Blair D. Kay – City Clerk
John Millar – Public Works Director
Val Christensen – Community Development Director
Scott Johnson – Economic Development Director
7:00 P.M. City Hall – Pledge to the Flag
Troop 172 led the pledge.
Tisha Flora said the prayer.
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council President Smith, Council Member Merrill, Council Member Mann,
Council Member Wolfe, Council Member Busby and Mayor Woodland.
Council Member Benfield asked to be excused.
Public Comment on non-controversial issues: not scheduled on the agenda (limit 3 minutes):
Presentation from the Police Department on recent activities:
A. “Shop with a Cop” – Lieutenant Colin Erickson presented the Shop with a Cop video to
council. He asked them to listen to the lyrics of the songs and how it ties in with the video.
When the video was over, he said that is what Christmas is all about. It’s a chance for the
officers to give back to the community. They had about 100 different officers from 11 law
enforcement agencies throughout south eastern Idaho. Shop with a Cop serves five counties
and approximately 300 people. They invite 75 to 80 kids to come shop that morning.
Lieutenant Erickson shared some touching stories. He said one little boy did not want to
shop. He has dealt with law enforcement a lot because his mother is addicted to meth, so he
has seen her get arrested. His dad talked him into coming and he shopped with one of our
officers. When they finished, he went back to the car in tears because he did not want to
leave that officer. He connected with the officer so good that he did not want to leave.
Another little girl bought a bike and once she got through the checkout, she put the helmet
on and rode the bike through the store to the back and through the wrapping area and then
out to her car. They couldn’t get her off. She was so excited to get that bike.
A great thing that happened this year was a Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board member from St.
Anthony had shopped with a cop a few years ago because their family could not have
Christmas. It touched his life so much that now he is in the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board
and has pushed and pushed to get the St. Anthony community to get involved and bring a
bunch of presents down to Shop with a Cop in Rexburg. He said this is the best program
and it changed his life.
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
December 16, 2015
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Lieutenant Erickson said that these 100 officers that participate do it voluntarily because
they want to be there. They wake up the town that morning.
Mayor Woodland asked about the monetary value on the gifts. Lieutenant Erickson said
every kid gets coats, hats, gloves, boots, etc. if needed. One little girl this year who’s foot is a
size 6 was still wearing size 4 shoes. They had to talk her into getting new shoes because she
said, “I don’t need them; these will work”.
Lieutenant Erickson said that the Shop with a Cop program keeps getting bigger. Mayor
Woodland said he’s been told that it is the biggest in the state. Idaho Falls shops for about
20 kids. The last 15 years, the Rexburg Shop with a Cop has grown to be a five county area
and they are getting a lot of funding from all those counties as well. It has become a South
East Idaho area.
Council Member Merrill said he was privileged to go with Officer Scott in his car with a
little boy named Ethan from Rigby. He said it was so much fun. The whole Main Street is
alive with lights and sirens. At the wrapping station there were 50 or 60 people who
volunteer from various businesses along with officer’s wives and the Mayor’s Youth
Advisory Board. He said it is so cool to see everyone pitching in, smiling, laughing and
having a great time. It’s just an awesome thing.
Lieutenant Erickson said this year there were a lot of people parked on the side of the
road watching the parade and honking and waving. It’s quite an amazing thing to see so
many police cars with sirens and lights going. Kids were using the loud speakers to sing
Jingle Bells and say Merry Christmas.
Lieutenant Erickson said there were a couple of ladies in the wrapping area who asked to
please be involved next year. They broke down in tears and said it really touched their heart.
He said it’s a great program and he loves doing it. It’s one of their highlights each year to
watch those kids and be able to give Christmas to some of those less fortunate.
Council Member Merrill said it is very well organized thanks to Sargent Colette Davison
and Lieutenant Colin Erickson. They work very hard on this and it is very impressive.
Discussion:
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B. Replace a Parking Attendant – Chief Shane Turman said one of the parking attendants
has had personal family problems and may need to resign by the end of December. He
would like to prepare for replacing her in January if necessary.
Discussion:
Council Member Busby moved to approve replacing the Parking Attendant as discussed; Council
Member Smith seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
Chief Turman added that one of the reasons Shop with a Cop is so successful is because of the
hours that Lieutenant Colin Erickson and Sargent Colette Davison put into it. Without them, this
program would dwindle and die. One little girl this year, whose parents are going through a divorce,
when asked what she wanted from Santa Claus, said she just wanted her family to be together and a
chocolate orange. He said that keeps the officers very humbled.
Mayor Woodland said that it also helps our police officers build a rapport and connection with
those kids that come from less advantaged families. Sometimes it is those kids from less advantaged
homes that end up in trouble. Chief Turman said that is does more for the officers than it ever does
for the kids.
Council Member Busby asked about accidents with the snow fall. Chief Turman said it wasn’t too
bad. He remembers previous years when it was so much worse. The streets department is getting
things plowed and sanded down quicker. That has been a huge help. They have done a good job.
Council Member Busby said the police reports are confusing sometimes. Chief said the print out
has added marks that are not words that make it confusing.
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Committee Liaison Assignments for 2015:
A. Council Member Christopher Mann: Golf Board · Emergency Services Board · MYAB
Council Member Mann reported the Golf Board has not met. Emergency Services did not
meet but they did have a nice Christmas dinner and heard from the chief and saw pictures of
their yearend review. Council Member Mann also wanted to give a shout out to Lieutenant
Colin Erickson and all the time he puts into Shop with a Cop. It’s a wonderful program and
it’s what makes Rexburg, Rexburg. The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board sponsored Santa at
the Carousel on December 7th. It was a great night with about 500 people attending. He
appreciates all that Mary Flanary does and her efforts with that.
B. Council Member Jordan Busby: GIS Oversight · Airport Board · Traffic & Safety
Council Member Busby reported his committees have not met.
C. Council Member Donna Benfield: Police · Trails of Madison County · IBC · Teton Flood
Museum Committee
Council Member Benfield was excused.
D. Council Member Smith: Legacy Flight Museum · Rexburg Arts Council (Romance Theatre &
Tabernacle Civic Center, Orchestra) · M.E.P.I.
Council President Smith reported the Legacy Flight Museum did meet and they are
preparing for the air show. They are also talking about renovations that are being done to
put in a lift to the upstairs. Donations have been coming in which is always helpful. The
Arts Council has a new director, Jackie Rawlins. She is putting in a lot of hours. A
Christmas Carol at the Romance is doing great and getting a lot of praise from the
community. Jackie is really enthusiastic and with her and the new arts council, things are
going to be going very well.
E. Council Member Jerry Merrill: School Board · Parks & Recreation · Urban Renewal Agency
Council Member Merrill reported that he met with Superintendent Jeffery Thomas and
Varr Snedaker from the school district to get the last details taken care of on the land
agreement for the baseball complex. He also talked to them about doing the figure eight
race on that property for Snow Fest. We used to have it behind the old Kmart but now that
the soccer/football fields are going in, it will be moved to the area by the community fields
where the baseball quad will be. He is also working with the school district to purchase land
for the water tank on their property. Public Works Director Millar would like to start
drilling a well for water there. Recreation registration is open to December 31st with
activities beginning in early January. Parks & Recreation will be working on the Carousel
this winter to repair bridals, reigns and pull sleeves. They are also getting ready for Snow
Fest.
Council Member Busby asked about using the school property for the figure eight race
and where the legal liability lies. Council Member Merrill said the operator of the race carries
the policy for that and he will put the city and school district on the insurance policy.
Council Member Merrill said they are advertising for new members for the Recreation
Advisory Board. We have not had one for a while but are looking to form one again.
Members would help with input on the races and make it even more successful. If anyone
knows someone who would like to be involved let us know.
Council Member Merrill said he attended the East Idaho Legislative Forum in Pocatello
yesterday. There are some interesting things coming up in the legislature. Water is getting to
be a bigger deal all the time. The aquifer is getting smaller all the time. The water level is so
low that there isn’t enough water going over the Milner Dam in the Magic Valley to meet the
quota.
F. Council Member Brad Wolfe: Planning & Zoning · Beautification Committee
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Council Member Wolfe reported that he just signed the bill for the plans for the beautification
project on Center Street.
Council Member Merrill would like to have a work meeting before the next council meeting to
discuss goals for the next four years. He would like council members and city staff and even citizens
to fill out a survey that he has prepared of things they want to see happen over the next four years.
He handed out a survey that he would like filled out with short term and long range goals.
The next council meeting on January 6th will start with a work meeting at 5:30. Mary Flanary
announced that there will also be a retirement party for Mayor Woodland that day from 2 to 4 p.m.
in the Council Chambers.
Mayor’s Report:
A. Resolution 2015 – 16 Legislative Support for Urban Renewal
RESOLUTION NO: 2015 – 16
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, A MUNICIPAL CORPORATION OF
IDAHO, EXPRESSING THE REXBURG CITY COUNCIL'S SUPPORT FOR URBAN
RENEWAL AND REQUESTING THAT ACTION BE TAKEN BY THE IDAHO
LEGISLATORS AND INTERIM COMMITTEE MEMBERS TO PROVIDE THEIR FULL
SUPPORT BY CONSIDERING AND ADOPTING MORE FLEXIBLE AND EFFECTIVE
TOOLS AND SOLUTIONS THAT ALLOW FOR SUCCESSFUL ADMINISTRATION
AND EXECUTION OF URBAN RENEWAL IN IDAHO.
WHEREAS, the City of Rexburg and its Council Members extend their gratitude for the service
heretofore provided by the Idaho Legislators and Interim Committee Members for their support of urban
renewal and economic development; and
WHEREAS, the City of Rexburg and its Council Members respectfully request increased support
by the Idaho Legislators and Interim Committee Members as urban renewal is a topic discussed annually
and is presently being considered for significant amendment; and
WHEREAS, the City of Rexburg and its Council Members wish to provide the following
recommendations which provide more flexibility and effectiveness to be considered in preparation of
future legislative sessions and code adoption:
1. Urban renewal law should be more flexible with more options and more opportunity, not less;
2. Urban renewal law should be reformed to help Idaho be more competitive by expanding its purpose and
ability as a fully functional and streamlined economic development tool;
3. Urban Renewal law should allow greater local decision making and be more user- friendly with less
bureaucracy and less impediments; and
4. Urban Renewal Boards should not be elected for various and significant reasons. Requiring the election of
urban renewal board members could change an independent public body, corporate and politic, into a
political subdivision of the State of Idaho. This would make said governing body subject to Article VIII
Section 3 of the Idaho Constitution which would require a 2/3 vote of the electors, of the political
subdivision, to vote on any debt that exceeds the income and revenue of the agency for that year. Such a
change may not be legal under the current laws of the State of Idaho. Therefore, Urban Renewal Agencies
should be appointed by the local legislative body; and
5. Due to the currently required public process, Urban Renewal Plans and Agencies should be officially
acknowledged by the Legislature as plans and bodies that do have representation and oversight by the
locally elected officials; and
6. There should be a minimum number of years set by law restricting any considerations to make changes to
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the urban renewal laws at the legislative level. The annual visitation of the urban renewal laws hinders our
ability to convince potential investors that Idaho is not a risk. Additionally, a bill should be specifically
written to protect existing urban renewal plans, TIF increment and debt payment assurance from legislative
change.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF REXBURG, that the City of Rexburg and its Council Members hereby support and encourage the
Idaho Legislators and Interim Committee Members to fully support urban renewal in Idaho and carefully
consider ways to make this tool broader, easier to use, and more effective in future legislative sessions and
potential code adoption.
RESOLVED this 16th day of December, 2015.
CITY OF REXBURG
____________________________
Richard S. Woodland, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________________
Blair D. Kay, City Clerk
Urban Renewal Support Letter
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Discussion:
Council Member Mann moved to approve Resolution 2015 – 16 demonstrating Legislative
Support for Urban Renewal at the state legislature; Council Member Merrill seconded the motion;
Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Council Member Merrill mentioned that in the legislative meeting he went to yesterday,
they proposed to change the basis on Urban Renewal every ten years. They want to raise the
base from what is was to what it is at that point and time. He said this is a really bad idea
because then all the increment that you’re using to pay off the bond goes away.
Council Member Mann said they are trying to stop urban renewal. Mayor Woodland
agreed that they are trying to destroy it. Council Member Merrill said we need to support
leaving it alone and prove that we are using the money wisely.
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
Public Hearings: - NONE
Items for Consideration:
A. Approve a donation to cloud seeding to increase the snowpack
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Discussion: Council Member Busby said that this same bill came before them in November.
He wants to make sure they are not paying it twice. Chief Financial Officer Neilson said that
it was not paid in November.
Council Member Busby moved to approve a donation for cloud seeding to increase the snowpack
as discussed; Council Member Merrill seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
B. Approve Retail Alcoholic Beverage Licenses: Walmart Store #1878 and Gas Station
Discussion:
Council Member Busby asked about the current license at the current Walmart. It will be
suspended.
Council Member Merrill moved to approve the retail Alcoholic Beverage Licenses for Walmart
Store #1878 and the adjoining Walmart Gas Station; Council Member Smith seconded the motion;
Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
Staff Reports:
A. Public Works: - Keith Davidson
1. FAA Airport Grant Application – City Engineer Keith Davidson reported that they will be
submitting a Federal Grant Application for the airport that will cover crack sealing the
runway and the northern taxi way as well as doing a slurry seal and repainting. It would be a
little over $171,000. Our match with our split with the county would be $11,000.
Council Member Busby asked if this is the same one we applied for. City Engineer
Davidson said no, each year we get $150,000 grant so that’s what we go after.
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Discussion:
Council Member Busby moved to approve the FAA Airport Grant Application; Council Member
Merrill seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
Council Member Smith asked about sight selections for a new airport. Engineer Davidson said
they should hear something early next year about different sights they have found.
B. Finance Department: – Finance Officer Matthew Nielson
1. Review Quarterly and Monthly Finance Reports
Finance Officer Nielson reported on the 4th quarter fiscal year 2015 report that ended in
September. This covers the whole year. Total operating expenditures was 22.6 million,
which was about 86 percent of the budget. Total capital expenditures were about 26
percent. There was some construction projects that were budgeted for that we didn’t get to,
mainly the water and sewer projects. He created a new section that pulls out the internal
transfers between funds. Total expenditures were 37.1 million or 54 percent of budget.
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Revenues were 25.5 million or 93 percent of budget and the capital revenues were 27 percent
of budget but overall revenues were 58 percent of budget or 40 million. Investment wise,
we ended the year at 21.7 million.
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CFO Neilson pointed out that the following report is very informative because it shows
where we ended up in each of the funds. The airport construction had extra in there that
will go towards projects for next year. The operations are in the negative $24,000 because
we bought a new snow truck. The airport reserve shows $185,000. The general fund ended
about 3.2 million in reserve.
CFO Neilson reported that the 2016 fiscal year for the first two months should be at about
17 percent on expenses. We are actually at about 11 percent on operating expenses so far.
Capital expenditures are only at about 2 percent so we have spent about 3.5 million so far.
Revenues show we have brought in about 1.6 million. CFO Neilson said that this is
important to look at because obviously we have spent a lot more than we’ve brought in.
That is normal because we don’t get our property tax check until the third week of January.
We always have to have several million in reserve to cash flow.
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There are still some adjustments that need to be done. The treasurer’s report shows where
we’re at through November.
Council Member Busby asked if we have re-bid the waste water stuff. Engineer Davidson
said that the bid opening is scheduled for this Friday.
Council Member Merrill asked about the big minus in airport construction. CFO Neilson
said we have to book as receivable what we will be getting from the FAA and then later we
reverse it.
Council Member Smith asked about the computer program maintenance. CFO Neilson
said it is for Microsoft and it is an annual $40,000 fee we pay every year.
Council Member Mann asked about human resources where it shows $75.00 spent so far
this year. CFO Neilson pointed out that that line is actually blank.
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: - NONE
D. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: - NONE
E. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: - NONE
Mayor’s Business:
A. Ratify new members to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission to replace Tisha Flora
and Cory Sorensen.
Mayor Woodland reported that they have not heard back on a couple of people that are
considering serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission so that ratification will be postponed
until the next meeting.
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
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discussion in greater detail. Explanatory information is included in the City Council’s agenda
packet regarding these items.
A. Minutes from December 2, 2015 meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Smith moved to approve the Consent Calendar and pay the bills; Council
Member Mann seconded the motion; Mayor Woodland asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Merrill
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
Chief Turman said that last year they budgeted to purchase a solar speed sign at Kennedy
Elementary. He did get the Madison School District to partner with them in purchasing one of
those signs each year. He reported that the school district just bought two of those signs so there
will be three new signs going up in three school zones and they will be getting two more so,
eventually, all the schools will have solar powered speed signs that will stay at each school.
Council Member Busby asked if we are now enforcing off street parking between 2 and 7 a.m.
Chief Turman said they put warnings on vehicles for one month prior to December 15th and then
they start issuing citations on December 15th. If it snows and the plows are out, they start towing.
The only complaint so far was a college student whose parents got a ticket.
Adjourned at 7:58 P.M.
APPROVED:
____________________________
Richard S. Woodland, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
Mary Flanary, Deputy City Clerk