HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - March 2, 2016.pdf
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March 2, 2016
Mayor Jerry Merrill
Council Members:
President Sally Smith Jordan Busby
Donna Benfield Tisha Flora
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
6:30 P.M. City Hall – Pledge to the Flag
Moroni Dummar led the pledge.
Richie Webb said the prayer.
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council President Smith, Council Member Benfield, Council Member Flora,
Council Member Busby, and Council Member Wolfe.
Mayor Merrill and Council Member Mann asked to be excused.
Public Comment: not scheduled on the agenda (limit 3 minutes); issues may be considered for
discussion on a future agenda. Please keep comments on point and respectful.
Richie Webb referred to the new project they are working on at Hemming Village. They are
updating the Hemming Pro Zone and will bring those changes to council later. They are building
right to the property line, similar to what they did on the other side of the street, and wanted to
know if they can extend beyond that line in the air up above, like with a canopy, balcony, etc. They
are looking at doing 13 inch balconies on this new project. Code does not allow that and maybe it is
something the city would like to consider and add to the Pro Zone language.
Council Member Flora asked if it would go over the street or just the sidewalk. Mr. Webb said
just over the sidewalk about 13 inches.
Council Member Smith said there will be a zoning task force meeting and maybe he could bring it
up at that meeting.
Council Member Wolfe indicated the Hemming Pro Zone is one in itself and they should present
those changes when they have all the changes ready. Mr. Webb will present the changes when they
are completed.
Presentation:
A. 2015 Fiscal Year Annual Audit Report – Brad Reed from Rudd and Company
Brad Reed indicated he has already presented their findings to two of the City Council
Members last Friday. He gave each Council Member a booklet with all the details of their audit.
Very few adjustments were made. The main adjustment that was made is due to the GASB 68,
which is the new pension requirement. It’s nothing the city incurred; it’s just an adjustment in
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
March 2, 2016
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accounting standards. From page 5 to 21 is the MDA (Management Discussion Analysis); this is
the easier part to understand. He reviewed some positive and negative adjustments. Net
income for the City as a whole was about 7.5 million; of that, about 5.2 million was in the
governmental fund type and about 3.2 million in the business type. They look at assets, cash
balances, invoices, liabilities, etc.
Rudd and Company is also test transactions to make sure they are being done correctly. They
check Rexburg Rapids and the Golf Courses during the summer to make sure funds are being
properly recorded. The controls are there for everyone’s benefit and protection. The City has
done well. The General Fund had a net balance of 3.2 million. Committed is 2.5 million; this is
the percentage that will be used for future operations. He recommends 3 to 4 months of
expenditures in the fund balance. Street Fund is in the positive. All the major funds have good
balances. The various department funds start on page 78 of the booklet. Mr. Reed indicated the
City had a single audit this year which means we received over $500,000 in federal grants. They
have to go in and make sure that we are in compliance. This year we had 1.1 million in federal
grants due to the airport project and the community block grant that went into the Fire
Department remodel. They tested those and made sure they were being spent according to
standards. Mr. Reed indicated he appreciates working with the City. They are independent from
the City but the City has always been very responsive to their suggestions.
Committee Liaison Assignments for 2016:
A. Council Member Mann: Golf Board · Emergency Services Board · GIS Oversight. Development Workshop Board
Council Member Mann was excused.
B. Council Member Busby: · Airport Board · Traffic & Safety · Trails of Madison County
Council Member Busby reported the Airport Board meeting was cancelled but they will be
meeting with GDA soon. Traffic & Safety met today and went over several things. Public
Works has filled most of the pot holes. During the City Council Drive Around, he would
like to assess South 5th West corridor between 7th South and University. There is a lot of
traffic there and some safety concerns. Trails of Madison County did not meet.
C. Council Member Benfield: Police · MYAB· Parks & Recreation
Council Member Benfield reported the Recreation Department has raised $30,000 in
sponsorship money for the races. They are finalizing the baseball hats and shirts and have
also made some decisions on medals and t-shirts for the Teton Dam Marathon. The
Recreation Department is working on a sponsorship with the Dealio; trying to target college
students. The spring and summer recreation guide will be coming out soon. Advertising for
the marathon is underway. The Teton Dam Marathon was featured in Trip Advisor
Magazine in an article entitled “50 U.S. Road Races to Attempt in Your Lifetime”. The
Teton Dam Marathon has recognition in all 50 states.
D. Council Member Smith: Legacy Flight Museum · Beautification Committee · M.E.P.I.
Council President Smith reported Legacy Flight Museum will meet next week. They still
don’t have a Beautification Committee. The Business Competition will be May 12th.
E. Council Member Flora: School Board · Rexburg Arts Council/Museum of Rexburg
Council Member Flora reported the Arts Council sponsored a Russian Tabernacle
Orchestra Concert and it was almost full to capacity. The Madison School District is proud
of their boys’ basketball team that won the District title and is going to state in Boise this
week. The school district is also very excited about the eight debate team members that
qualified for nationals. The Arts Council has had a very successful week. They have a lot of
great things going on at the Romance Theater and the Tabernacle.
Council Member Busby mentioned that the Madison Basketball Team was featured in the
on line Sports Illustrated and on line FOX News. (This was because of the altercation among the
student fans that occurred during the game against Highland)
F. Council Member Wolfe: Planning & Zoning · Urban Renewal Agency · IBC
Council Member Wolfe reported Planning & Zoning met two weeks ago for a public hearing
about the David Thueson property on 1st N. There was some concern about parking, but Mr.
Thueson has purchased extra property in order to provide more parking. The Planning & Zoning
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Commission recommends approval on the Comprehensive Plan Change that will be presented by
Mr. Thueson tonight. There will be training for new members to the Planning & Zoning
Commission starting tomorrow night. Urban Renewal Agency met last week. They reviewed their
budget. They discussed the Washington Renewal District and some property on 1st North. They are
also working on the North Interchange District.
Staff Reports:
A. Finance: Matt Nielson
1. Review Budget Calendar for Fiscal Year 2017
Chief Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the budget calendar. He showed the upcoming dates that
have been set for budget reviews and the drive around. He would like to finalize these dates by the
next meeting. He has set the Public Hearing for July 6th and needs to know if that works for
everyone. He has to notify the County Clerk of that date by April 30th because it has to go into the
property tax notices. May 4th has been set for the Drive-Around from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May
3rd through May 20th will be the dates for individual department budget reviews. He will work with
the Mayor to take a close look at each Department Budget before the meetings. CFO Nielson
would also like to set June 1st at 5:30 p.m. for a budget work meeting.
Council Member Busby asked if there are a total of two public hearings. Officer Nielson replied
that there would be three total public hearings.
Council Member Smith asked if May 4th works for everyone for the drive around. Council
Member Benfield will not be here. She reviewed the times. She asked about having a lunch with
President Gilbert. Eric Conrad said June some time. She asked City Council for input on where to
go on the drive around. The Animal Shelter would like them to come there. She asked Council
Member Flora if the Museum will be put together by then. It would be great to tour the museum.
Council Member Busby asked about the street shop. Engineer Davidson said the shell is up and
they are working on the floor and the interior.
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B. Public Works: John Millar
Public Works Director Millar indicated he has no expenditures at this time. The canal adjacent to
Homestead Assisted Living along 4th West is being moved to the West. Over the years it has drifted
to the East and made 4th West one lane so they are realigning that.
Council Member Busby asked if they are culverting it. Public Works Director Millar said no.
Council Member Busby asked how they will keep it from moving again. Director Millar indicated
that they are going to mix some bentonite in with it (Bentonite is an absorbent aluminum phyllosilicate
clay consisting mostly of montmorillonite); plus, they are getting some good clay soil from Mesa Falls
Apartment complex.
Council Member Smith asked about the utility work being done around town. Director Millar said
it is fiber optics being laid by Silverstar out of Alpine, Wyoming.
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Council Member Busby said that several people are complaining about Silverstar and how they are
just doing their own thing and expecting people to work around them. Director Millar indicated
that he is meeting with the installation crew in the morning.
Council Member Busby asked about having a basement by that canal. Can we be extra careful and
pro-active on that to insure that nothing gets flooded? Director Millar said they are adding an extra
load of bentonite which will help it set up firmer.
Council Member Benfield said the 2nd E and Main cross walk indicator is not working. Public
Works Director Millar said they are aware of it and are working with ITD on it. He indicated that
there are fourteen cross walk touch pads that do not work and ITD will be helping to correct the
problem.
C. Engineering: Keith Davidson - Agreement for Rexburg Apron Rehabilitation Crack Seal
and Seal Coat Project between City of Rexburg Madison County and GDA Engineers
City Engineer Keith Davidson reported the airport will be doing a slurry and crack seal on the
runway. They have a contract with GDA to do the design and oversight. That contract amount
would be for $32,094.
Council Member Busby moved to approve the Agreement for Rexburg Apron Rehabilitation
Crack Seal and Seal Coat Project between City of Rexburg Madison County and GDA Engineers
for the amount of $32,094.00; Council Member Wolfe seconded the motion; Council President
Smith asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Flora
Council Member Busby
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
Community Development: Val Christensen
Community Development Director Christensen reviewed the February building report. It came
in at just under one million on valuation. Building Fees are right around $15,000 and impact fees are
around $20,000.
Council Member Smith asked about anything coming up. Director Christensen said there may be
a restaurant coming but nothing is final, yet.
Council Member Busby asked if good weather brings up construction. Director Christensen said
it usually picks up in April.
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Mayor’s Report:
Council President Smith asked Council Member Wolfe to share what was discussed in the RPO
meeting.
Council Member Wolfe reported that in RPO they discussed the Thornton interchange closure
and what exits will be closed and how it will affect us. He asked Economic Development Director,
Scott Johnson, to report. Director Johnson said on March 15th they will close 6800 South, which is
by the Lorenzo Bridge, and the Thornton exit. The Bear World exit will be a right in and right out
only. Also, 3800 South by Lone Pine Nursery will be right in, right out only. The RPO organization
has created a story map that they will be putting out to help people be aware of the closures.
Council Member Busby asked if the right turn only exits will remain that way or if it is temporary.
Director Johnson replied that 3800 will be closed completely at the end of the project and they are
still not sure about the Bear World exit.
Public Hearings: None
Items for Consideration:
A. Resolution 2016-04 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment from Low-Moderate Density
Residential to Neighborhood Commercial/Mixed Use at 419, 447, and 451 West 1st North -
David Thueson (Planning and Zoning recommended this proposal to the City Council for
approval)
Mr. Thueson showed the property at Homestead Assisted Living and Madison Carriage Cove.
Madison Carriage Cove is doing very well. They are currently at 100 percent occupancy. He is
asking for a Comprehensive Plan Map change to 419, 447 and 451 West 1st North from Low-
Moderate Density Residential to Neighborhood Commercial/Mixed Use. He is trying to fill
every piece of the puzzle for health care for the elderly. He has short stay rehab for people
recovering from surgery or stokes where they get lots of physical therapy and go home. The next
step would be the project he is currently working on which would be independent living. This
would be small 1,000 square foot condominiums all on one level with two bedrooms, a living
room, kitchen, and one car garage. There would be 13 units. They will provide all maintenance
and meals but not a full time care giver. There is a need for this because many elderly people
don’t need or want full time care.
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Council Member Smith asked where the new parking will be. Mr. Thueson pointed to the area
west of Madison Carriage Cove. They found they need more parking at Carriage Cove because
it is short term. The new project will have single car parking for each unit.
Council Member Busby appreciates the buildings that have been done. He asked how the
neighbors feel. Mr. Thueson said they are in favor of it. He has talked to everyone. Most are in
favor of the project. He has not had any negative comments.
Council Member Wolfe said the change will actually be less dense than what it is. Council
Member Smith said we need to keep in mind that it is a Comprehensive Plan Map change, not a
zone change.
RESOLUTION FOR AMENDING
VISION 2020 REXBURG COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAP
Resolution 2016 - 04
WHEREAS, on the 2nd day of March, 2016, the City Council for the City of Rexburg was duly
convened upon notice properly given and a quorum was duly noted; and
WHEREAS, in a Rexburg Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on the 18th day of February,
2016, the Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing, taking public comment for and against the
proposal to amend the Comprehensive Plan Map. The public hearing ended with a unanimous vote to approve the
proposed Comprehensive Plan Map change to City Council; and
WHEREAS, in a subsequent City Council meeting on March 2nd , 2016, the City Council reviewed the
findings from the Planning and Zoning Commission’s Public Hearing held on the 18th of February, 2016; and
WHEREAS, a comprehensive plan is a living document; an ongoing planning participation effort by the
citizens of the community is encouraged to ensure changing conditions meet the needs of the community; and
WHEREAS, proposed changes to comprehensive plan map can change land use designations; and
WHEREAS, the following approved Land Use designation changes to the Comprehensive Plan Map are
hereby set forth for 419, 447, and 451 West 1st North to change the land use designation from Low-Moderate
Density Residential to Neighborhood-Commercial/Mixed Use. The Legal Description at 419, 447, and 451 West
1st North is as follows: Boundary Description:
Commencing at a point 181.5 feet West of the Northeast Corner of Lot 1 in Block 28 of the Original Rexburg
Townsite, Madison County, Idaho, as per the recorded plat thereof; and running thence South 129 feet; thence
West 181.5 feet; thence South 26 feet; thence West 66 feet; thence North 155 feet; thence East 247.5 feet to the
point of beginning.
WHEREAS, the changes shown on the Comprehensive Plan Map dated February 18th, 2016 have been approved
by the City Council;
NOW THEREFORE, by resolution duly adopted on the date first above written, be it resolved by the
Mayor and the City Council the following:
The City of Rexburg does hereby accept and adopt the said Comprehensive Plan Map Land Use Designations in the
City of Rexburg Vision 2020 Comprehensive Plan.
RESOLVED this 2nd day of March, 2016; City Council, City of Rexburg, Idaho.
Staff Report:
Community Development Department
SUBJECT: Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment Application
File # 16 00042 David Thueson
APPLICANT: David Thueson
360 West 3500 North
Rexburg, ID
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PROPERTY OWNER: DJT and Company, LLC
PURPOSE: Request to amend the Comprehensive Plan Map - to change property
from Low-Moderate Density Residential to Neighborhood Commercial/
Mixed Use
PARCEL SIZE: Approximately .76 acres
PROPERTY ID: RPR0000028001A, RPRRXB10280111, RPRXB10280141
PROPERTY LOCATION: 419, 447, and 451 West 1st North
Rexburg, ID 83440
AUTHORITY § 6.13c “Council may adopt or reject an amendment to the
Comprehensive Plan.”
REQUEST
Applicant is requesting a land use map designation change from Low-Moderate
Density Residential to Neighborhood Commercial/Mixed Use.
RECOMMENDATION
The applicant wants to change the subject property from Low-Moderate Density
Residential to Neighborhood Commercial/Mixed Use on the Comprehensive Plan
Map. The applicant feels that the use is compatible with the surrounding uses.
The property to the south and east is currently identified as Moderate to High
Density Residential.
The Planning and Zoning Commission should take testimony in the public
hearing to determine if this use will be in the best interest of the community.
Council Member Busby moved to approve Resolution 2016-04 Comprehensive Plan Map
Amendment from Low-Moderate Density Residential to Neighborhood Commercial/Mixed Use at
419, 447, and 451 West 1st North; Council Member Flora seconded the motion; Council President
Smith asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Flora
Council Member Busby
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
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:
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1. BILL 1141 Creation of LID 46
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, CREATING LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
NO. 46; DESCRIBING AND SETTING FORTH THE BOUNDARIES OF SAID LOCAL IMPROVEMENT
DISTRICT; PROVIDING FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE THEREIN; APPOINTING AN
ENGINEER TO PREPARE THE NECESSARY PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE WORK;
AUTHORIZING THE ADVERTISING FOR BIDS FOR SAID WORK AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW; PROVIDING
FOR THE PAYMENT OF COSTS AND EXPENSES OF SAID IMPROVEMENTS TO BE ASSESSED AGAINST
THE PROPERTY WITHIN THE DISTRICT BENEFITTED THEREBY AND THE METHOD OF
ASSESSMENTS; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BONDS AND
WARRANTS; PROVIDING FOR RELATED MATTERS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Discussion:
Council Member Wolfe moved to consider BILL 1141 for the Creation of LID 46
third read; Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; Council President Smith asked for a
vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Flora
Council Member Busby
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
Mayor’s Business:
Consent Calendar: The consent calendar includes items which require formal City Council
Action; however they are typically routine or not of great controversy. Individual Council members
may ask that any specific item be removed from the consent calendar for discussion in greater detail.
Explanatory information is included in the City Council’s agenda packet regarding these items.
a. Minutes from February 17, 2016 meeting
b. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Busby moved to approve the Consent Calendar and pay the bills; Council
Member Wolfe seconded the motion; Council President Smith asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Flora
Council Member Busby
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
Adjourned at 7:35 P.M.
APPROVED:
____________________________
Council President Smith, Acting Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
Mary Flanary, Deputy City Clerk