HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes -September 07, 2016.pdf
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September 7, 2016
Mayor Jerry Merrill
Council Members:
Christopher Mann Jordan Busby
Donna Benfield Tisha Flora
Brad Wolfe Sally Smith
City Staff:
Stephen Zollinger – City Attorney
Matt Nielson – Finance Officer
John Millar – Public Works Director
Val Christensen – Community Development Director
Scott Johnson – Economic Development Director
Blair Kay – City Clerk
6:30 P.M. City Hall Council Meeting
Bryce Darnaski said the prayer.
John Snell led the pledge.
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council President Smith, Council Member Flora, Council Member Benfield, Council
Member Mann, Council Member Wolfe, Council Member Busby and Mayor Merrill.
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.
Mayor Merrill said he wanted to do things a little different tonight. He went into the audience and
proposed that everyone take an information sheet that he prepared with some ideas, questions and
problems associated with Airbnb rentals. He would like to schedule a regular public hearing for
discussion on the matter. He said he is not trying to squash the Airbnb issue; he is just trying to get
all the facts and give everyone the opportunity to share their ideas. He would like everyone to
consider all the various factors involved, like insurance. He said that he and the council members
are not pro or con they are just looking for a balance.
Mayor Merrill invited everyone to come to the public hearing. They are welcome to send an email
to him. One lady said that she prepared a three minute comment for tonight and another gentleman
said he heard on the radio that the Mayor was taking public comment tonight. The Mayor clarified
that he has gotten into trouble letting opposing views be heard when it wasn’t on the agenda. John
Snell said he understands that they have the right to give public comment and excercise their
freedom of speech and now the Mayor is saying that they can’t comment. Mayor Merrill said he is
simply asking that they wait to give everyone a fair chance. Mr. Snell said he drove three hours to
get here and present and anyone who is opposed also has a right to be here and speak their mind as
well. Mayor said he would go ahead and allow comments but he would like to move it to later on
the agenda. Mr. Snell would like his voice to be heard and put on the record. Mayor Merrill said
that all letters also go into the minutes.
35 North 1st East
Rexburg, ID 83440
Phone: 208.359.3020 x2313
Fax: 208.359.3022
blairk@rexburg.org
www.rexburg.org
City Council Minutes
September 7, 2016
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Council Member Busby indicated that he would like to hear the public comments from the
people. He appreciates their efforts to be here and would like to move ahead with the public
comments. He feels that they owe it to the patrons. When they do have a public hearing they will
probably rehash many of the same things, but he would still like to move ahead with public
comment right now.
Mayor Merrill said that is fine, if they want to wait and speak at the public hearing they can, but if
they would like to speak tonight, that’s fine, too. He doesn’t want anyone to feel like their rights are
violated.
Council Member Busby said he appreciates the Mayor’s efforts as well, for putting this
information together. He also wanted the people to know that it is better to hear comments in
public forum rather than people coming to council members in private.
Mayor Merrill asked Attorney Zollinger for clarification on discussing an issue once a public
hearing has been set. Attorney Zollinger indicated that things discussed here tonight cannot be
legally considered at the public hearing. Once a public hearing has been set, the matter cannot be
discussed in private or public comments. Anything said tonight will be in the minutes but will not be
used in the public hearing unless it is presented again at the public hearing.
Mayor Merrill invited anyone who wanted to make a public comment to do so now and reminded
them that their comments must be kept to three minutes and there will be no discussion from
council on their comments at this time.
Hilary Jensen said Airbnb has a million dollar insurance policy that you use as a primary insurance
not your home owners insurance. She has an Airbnb where she shares a room out of her home.
She received a letter from the City and called the Zoning Compliance office. She said that sharing
one room in your home does not classify it as a bed and breakfast or a boarding house according to
the City of Rexburg Development Code. She was told not to look at the words of the definition, but
to try to think about what is meant. She was also told that they don’t want strangers in their
neighborhood. She decided to dig deeper into the Development Code.
Ms. Jensen found that home occupations are allowed in the LDR1 zones as long as they follow the
stipulations of chapter 4.10.a. Home sharing one to two rooms nightly in your home is exempt
from bed and breakfast and boarding house definitions and therefore should be allowed with a
business license in a home occupation form. The push back felt from the zoning office is unwanted
under the development code. She believes such opinions will bias the approval of such forms.
LDR1 wants to protect neighborhood environments yet understands that home occupations such as
day cares, home accounting offices, etc. are part of our community. Home sharing is similar to
daycares. She compared daycares to bed and breakfasts. She actually has less traffic than a daycare.
People using Airbnb go through a detailed information sheet. They should be allowed to visit this
area and enjoy some time here while bringing their kids to BYU-I. The hotels have to turn people
away because they are full.
Brian Lemon believes anyone should be able to apply for a license through the city to host with
Airbnb. Requiring hosts to apply for a license could help avoid an “anything goes free for all”
approach to hosting. This application process could include inspection of the property. This
licensing process would hold owners to a higher standard. The license could be revoked if the
owner gets three strikes. There are benefits to this for the economy. The Chamber of Commerce
could provide brochures to be placed in the rooms that advertise local shops, restaurants, etc. The
income the owners receive helps the community as they make improvements to their home and
spend their money locally.
John Snell is aware that people who have a business like this usually spend the money they earn
right here in this economy. The term family says that everyone in the home must be related but that
doesn’t always fit like with foreign exchange students and hosting dancers or missionaries. He will
send an email with more detail.
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Paul Mead doesn’t run an Airbnb but has stayed at them a lot. It’s a whole new phenomenon. This
brings a different kind of tourist to the area. By not allowing Airbnb, there is a whole group of
tourists that we are closing the door on. When they were looking for a home here they had to stay
in Idaho Falls because there were no rooms in Rexburg. He sees that we are turning away money by
banning Airbnb. Airbnb is in every community worldwide. Don’t try to re-invent the wheel. Look
at what other communities are doing.
Sue Robinson who lives in the house on Shoshone that has become well known from its picture on
the VRBO site, said she immediately shut it down when she found out the city didn’t like it. She
came in and talked to some city officials and had a wonderful visit. She understood and shut it
down. She wants everyone to know that the people who stayed in her home paid top dollar and
were highly screened. It’s a beautiful home that is currently on the market right now for $485,000
because she is selling and moving. Her home is bringing up the value of the homes in her
neighborhood. She is offended by the attack on her home. She supports the Airbnb. She quit
doing it, but she supports those who do. Family cannot be just blood related. She feels their rights
are being violated. It’s a wonderful experience to meet all these people who come into her home.
As a single woman she feels safer staying in a VRBO or Airbnb when she travels.
Mary Johnson supports using Airbnb and feels like the items on the Mayor’s list or more cons than
pros. There are a lot of pros and she would like to see more of that on the list.
Presentations: New Positions
A. Todd Shannon – Media Relations/Marketing Coordinator
Todd introduced himself. He has been with the city for a few years as an intern. He is from
Kennewick Washington. He is married with two little girls. He graduated from BYU-I in April
in business management with an emphasis in marketing. Council Member Flora had him
introduce his family.
B. Max Egbert – Building Maintenance Coordinator
Max was unable to be here tonight.
Committee Liaison Assignments for 2016:
A. Council Member Mann: Golf Board · Emergency Services Board · GIS Oversight · Development
Workshop
Council Member Mann reported the Golf Board met but did not have a full quorum. Mike
Farnsworth is doing a great job. Sales were up for August. It’s great to have Mary Ivy back; she has
been battling cancer. They have started an end of season pass for $150 that is good through the end
of the year. Emergency Services met last week. They discussed the Paid Call positions and 401K.
They would like to be able to allow Paid Call employees to participate in the 401K plan. It would
cost the city about $3,000 per year. The Development Workshop met. It’s a great facility. The City
now rents The Zone from them. They do a great job of working with disabled people in the
community and placing them in paying jobs.
B. Council Member Busby: · Airport Board · Traffic & Safety · Trails of Madison County
Council Member Busby reporter the Airport Board met today. They still have GDA doing more
studies and hope to have some results soon. Traffic & Safety met. They are going to have Public
Works Director John Millar talk about signage and traffic study patterns. They would like to put a
Snow Removal 101 in the utility newsletter and also educate the public on what not to put on
sidewalks.
C. Council Member Benfield: Police · MYAB· Parks & Recreation
Council Member Benfield asked what happens to people who don’t remove snow from their
sidewalks. Attorney Zollinger said they get a ticket. He wasn’t sure the amount. Council Member
Benfield said it might help to mention that in the newsletter.
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Council Member Benfield reported the Police Department held a joint active shooter training with
BYU-I. It went well. This Friday there will be 18,200 students coming back into town. The Police
Department will be stationing officers at the South and Middle exits from 6 am to 10 am.
Council Member Busby said they are having a late start at the high school on Friday to help
alleviate traffic.
Council Member Benfield reported that Officer Darrik Farmer is leaving Sunday for 10 weeks for
Post Academy training in Boise. The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board met today. They had an
opening social at The Craze. There are 50 members and the new chairman wants more social and
fun things this year to keep the kids coming. The Recreation Department is having their grand kick
off for The Zone with free lunch and games on Saturday, September 10th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00
p.m. The Zone will be holding open gym nights on Mondays and Thursdays where people can play
Volleyball, Soccer, Basketball, etc. The Duathlon, sponsored by Wolfe Lighting, will by Saturday,
September 24th in conjunction with the Heritage Festival. Rexburg Rapids closed on August 27th
and the Carousel closed on Labor Day. Council Member Benfield attended a reception at the
Carousel and said it was fabulous. People can rent it exclusively for two hours in the summer time.
It was the first reception, to her knowledge, that has been held there.
Council Member Benfield also reported that Parks Director, Greg McInnes said the parks had a
typical summer but less vandalism this year. The Nature Park has been used more this year.
Director McInnes believes it’s because of the frisby golf that has grown more popular. The grass at
Riverside Park is in but they have had 9 water line breaks so they may not be ready for soccer next
spring.
Council Member Busby asked if the water lines are under warranty. Mayor Merrill said it should
be and they will need to follow up on that.
Council Member Benfield reported that Parks Director McInnes ordered 10,000 bulbs to plant
this fall. It should be beautiful next spring. Council Member Benfield went to a cloud seeding
meeting. She sits on the Cloud Seeding Committee. She said that the City pays $2,500 per year to be
a part of it. Over the last 20 years, the program has presented a nine percent increase of water. The
whole region benefits from this moisture.
D. Council Member Smith: Legacy Flight Museum · Beautification Committee · M.E.P.I.
Council President Smith reported the Legacy Flight Museum will meet in September. MEPI will
meet next week. They will be reorganizing the officers. October 20 to 22 is the Business Start-up
Weekend. This is a great thing with so many great ideas. A proclamation will be presented on that
tonight. The Beautification Committee that is working on the Center Street plans is putting it on
hold until spring.
E. Council Member Flora: School Board · Rexburg Arts Council/ Museum of Rexburg
Council Member Flora reported The Arts Council meets tomorrow. Madison School District had
a successful start to the school year and they send a big thank you to the community for voting to
extend the operational levy. It won by an 81 percent margin. Homecoming will be September 16th
with parade down Main Street at noon and the homecoming game that night. The Arts Council has
had more volunteers and four of those people have spent 80 to 100 hours each, re-painting parts of
the Romance, bringing it back to the original design. Those volunteers are: Kirk Rawlins, Bill Hall,
Gary Benson and Rob McKay.
F. Council Member Wolfe: Planning & Zoning · Urban Renewal Agency · IBC
Council Member Wolfe commented on the duathlon; he has been asked to participate and invited
the council to join also. His company, Wolfe Lighting is sponsoring it. Planning & Zoning has met
twice. They did a zone change for 3rd S 2nd E and approved a conditional use permit for some
apartments there. Last week they had a public hearing for a rezone at 255 W 2nd N from LDR2 to
HDR1. It was recommended to council.
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Council Member Benfield said the Chamber of Commerce is taking booth applications for
Heritage Festival. It’s free so please call the Chamber to sign up.
Mayor Merrill announced that the 23rd will be the opening ceremonies for Heritage Festival and
there will be lots of great activities on the 24th.
Staff Reports:
A. Finance: - Matt Nielson
1. Monthly Finance Reports – CFO Nielson presented the dashboard report. He showed the graphs
on the screen. The graphs show a comparison over the years. They also show the reserves over the
years and the operating expenses and revenues. One graph shows the various fees and what we
have collected. Officer Nielson showed what the CPI does over the years and some major
construction projects.
CASH, INVESTMENTS AND RESERVES
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OPERATING EXPENSES AND REVENUES
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B. Public Works: John Millar
Public Works Director Millar said 4th South will be open tomorrow. It is almost complete. Mayor
Merrill encouraged everyone to seek out those businesses as they have been way down. The Waste
Water Project is on schedule and about 50 percent complete. The Water Project is behind schedule.
They will be paving as they get each block done and should catch up through September. The new
street shop is getting framing for new offices done now and should be done in 4 to 6 weeks.
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Council Member Wolfe asked about the retention pond at the Eagle Subdivision area. Ted White said
that the D.I.’s are covered and will need to be cleared.
Council Member Busby asked if the traffic lights are ready for all the traffic coming. Director Millar
indicated that the lights can go into a flash mode and let police control traffic if needed. Chief Turman
reported that the Idaho State Police will be patrolling Highway 20 and the Rexburg Police Officers will
be at the off-ramps allowing right turn only. There will be two officers at the intersection of University
and Yellowstone to override lights as needed. They will also stop traffic to help trucks and cars get out
of Wilcox’s and Burger King. Every business has been contacted to consider not scheduling deliveries
that day if possible. Everyone is hoping for no accidents.
C. Engineering: Keith Davidson did not have anything.
D. Community Development: Compliance Officer Natalie Powell reported Sonic finished on
schedule. Some projects are waiting valuation. Panda Express has been put on hold until spring due
to high bids coming back. Freddie’s has been approved to go into the lot at Ricks Ave and 2nd East
just north of Mountain America Credit Union.
Mayor’s Report:
A. Ratify Proclamation 2016-04 for “Startup Weekend” for a robust entrepreneurial community.
PROCLAMATION No. 2016 – 04
WHEREAS, as Mayor of the City of Rexburg, it is my privilege and responsibility to recognize those groups and citizens
who have made outstanding achievements that reflect on the wellbeing and growth of the Rexburg community and its
citizens; and
WHEREAS, Startup Weekend Rexburg will be held October 20th to October 22nd at Shops at North Point. Startup
Weekend is a 54-hour long event where developers, designers, marketers, product managers, and startup enthusiasts come
together to share ideas, form teams, build products, and launch startups.
WHEREAS, since 2007, over 200 Startup events have been held in 120 cities in 35 countries, Startup Weekend here
in Rexburg was organized by the City of Rexburg, the Research and Business Development Center, the BYU-Idaho
Entrepreneur Society, Madison Economic Partners, and many other local businesses; and
WHEREAS, the weekend’s speakers and judging panel will be comprised of area entrepreneurs and educators.
NOW THEREFORE, I, JERRY MERRILL, the Honorable Mayor of the City of Rexburg, Idaho do hereby
declare October 17th thru October 22nd as,
“Startup Weekend”
In Rexburg and do urge all citizens to join me in recognizing Startup Weekend Rexburg’s organizers, judges, speakers,
and participants for helping to build a robust entrepreneurial community in the City of Rexburg that will continue
attracting jobs and new residents from around the globe.
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Mayor Merrill mentioned that he went to a business startup weekend in Ogden last year. It was
very interesting and it would be great if we could get a couple of ongoing businesses out of this
startup weekend.
Council Member Busby moved to ratify Proclamation 2016-04 and declare October 17th thru
October 22nd as “Startup Weekend” for a robust entrepreneurial community; Council President
Smith seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Flora
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Mann
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
Public Hearings: none
Items for Consideration:
A. Ordinance 1150 amending the City of Rexburg Impact Area (Ordinance 880 approved
July 17, 2002); Madison County adopted the new Impact Area for Rexburg on September
06, 2016. County Ordinance 409 to be approved in September, 2016 – Staff
A public hearing for this Ordinance was held at the county and Planning and Zoning.
B. First Read: Those items which are being introduced for first reading:
1. Ordinance 1150 Amending the City of Rexburg Impact Area
Council Member Mann motioned to approve Ordinance 1150 amending the City of Rexburg
Impact Area (Ordinance 880 approved July 17, 2002); and consider it first read; Council Member
Flora seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Flora
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Mann
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
C. Ordinance 1152 – Approve the rezone of property at 255 and 259 West 2nd North from
Low Density Residential Two (LDR2) to High Density Residential One (HDR1) – Wesley
Haws
(Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended this rezone application to City Council for
approval)
Wesley Haws presented the zone change that he is asking for. He feels that this property
would work for the small apartment complex that he wants to build. He indicated that this
property is designated for HDR2 in the Comprehensive Plan. The property has an
abandoned mobile home on it that the city condemned. The block has been Low Density
Residential but half of the block is Light Industrial where the power station is located. The
southern half of the block has been rezoned and some new apartments have recently been
built there. Many of the houses around there are already duplexes and rentals. He said it fits
into the plan to have a buffer between Light Industrial and High Density.
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Council Member Smith commented that this is one that maybe should be looked at closer
because LDR2 to High Density is a big jump. This may be an area where council should be
proactive.
Community Development Department
STAFF REPORT
I. BACKGROUND
The lot adjacent to the Rocky Mountain Power substation has been in a state of condemnation by
the Fire Department for the last few years. The mobile home that was moved onto the parcel was
done so without city approval. There were other issues with the trailer and the utility hook ups.
The Rexburg Development Code allows for the Commission to make recommendations to the City
Council regarding whether or not the property should or should not be rezoned based on the
criteria found in section §6.13. Case No. 16 00533 Page 2
II. SITE DESCRIPTION
The total area involved in this re-zoning request is identified as approximately .8 acres, which if
approved will result in changing the zone from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) to High Density
Residential 1 (HDR1).
III. ANALYSIS
If approved, this rezone will result in changing the zone from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) to
High Density Residential 1 (HDR1). The request would require the Commission and City Council
to review the proposal against a set of criteria established for the request to rezone. Below, staff
has provided all the criteria listed by Ordinance No. 1115 (Development Code) that are required
to be addressed, followed by staff’s analysis of each criterion.
Criteria Rezone Requests (§6.13):
a. Be in conformance with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and the City Development Code.
The Comprehensive Plan identifies the land use designation for the property as Moderate - High
Density Residential. The HDR1 zone is allowed under this designation.
b. The capacity of existing public streets, water and sewer facilities, storm drainage facilities,
solid waste collection and disposal, and other utilities.
The City Engineer concerns are as set forth in the Staff review below.
c. The capacity of existing public services, including but not limited to, public safety services,
public emergency services, schools, and parks and recreational services.
The City Engineer did not have concerns.
d. The potential for nuisances or health and safety hazards that may adversely affect adjoining
properties.
In most cases medium density residential is recommended as a buffer between low density
residential and high density residential. High density residential has already been allowed in this
block in a recent zoning change. Also the Council and the Commission recently changed the
Comprehensive Plan land use from Moderate-High to Low-Moderate in the blocks surrounding
this block. Considering these recent changes, Staff feels that the request should be allowed.
e. Recent changes in land use on adjoining properties or in the neighborhood of the map
revision.
The Comprehensive Plan was changed in the surrounding blocks from Moderate - High to Low-
Moderate Density. On the southwest corner of this block, the zoning was changed to High Density
Residential.
f. Meets the requirements of the Comprehensive Plan.
See paragraph a.
IV. STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff continues to see this area as one where demand for increased density growth exists, and
where single family residential remains viable, but not as desirable as in the past. With respect to
this particular property, it Case No. 16 00533 Page 3
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is the opinion of staff that with appropriate buffering to protect the interests of the single family
uses to the west, the property can be developed at a higher density than is currently allowed. Any
such increase should take into account ongoing single family uses.
If the Commission determines that High Density is appropriate, Staff recommends that they take
into consideration changing the whole block to High Density Residential. This would have to take
place in other meetings and would be handled by City Staff.
If the Planning and Zoning Commission determines that the change is in the best interest of the
City of Rexburg and the adjoining neighborhoods are not adversely affected, Staff requests that
the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend that the City Council process the requested
zone change.
Staff Report: Natalie Powell
Compliance Officer Powell reported that the property is .88 acres and is located next to the Rocky
Mountain Power substation and the Cable One building. She indicated that it is a big jump from
Low Density Residential but they may consider a Medium Density Residential zone. Medium
Density zoning would not affect Mr. Haws’ plans.
Council Member Smith asked about the difference between the High Density and Medium
Density zoning. Officer Powell explained that the current zoning of Low Density Residential would
allow a duplex with a Conditional Use Permit. With Medium Density, it would allow 20 units per
acre and High Density would allow 30 units per acre. Mr. Haws only wants 10 units.
Mayor Merrill asked why the applicant is requesting High Density. Officer Powell said that he
wants High Density for apartment reasons. Mr. Haws would like to add more apartments later so
he would prefer high density. Officer Powell indicated that the parking regulations would limit the
number of units as well.
Council Member Wolfe likes the Medium Density idea but it’s been recommended already from
Planning and Zoning to go to High Density. Councilman Wolfe asked Mr. Haws if Medium
Density would work. Mr. Haws doesn’t think that would work but he has not thought about it.
Council President Smith reminded council that zoning does not necessarily tie to the project.
Attorney Zollinger said that staff was split on this but public works was not in favor of the jump in
density. He believes this is stretching High Density too far out into residential areas. It is not
continuous as the applicant indicated.
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Mr. Haws doesn’t believe that was taken into consideration when the southern part of the block
was rezoned High Density.
Discussion about Medium Density 1 verses Medium Density 2 and about buffering.
Council Member Flora stated that High Density Residential can go up to 55 feet and she thinks
that should be taken into consideration.
Mr. Haws showed council that additional property that he would like to buy.
Attorney Zollinger said this is High Density Residential jumping over Low Density Residential no
matter how you slice it. Public Works is concerned with stretching High Density Residential further
onto Low Density Residential roads. If council approves this then Public Works will have to start
making adjustment.
Mr. Haws indicated that this is the first he had heard of it.
Council Member Wolfe said after the public hearing there was no opposition or comments against
this rezone.
Attorney Zollinger explained the consequence of zoning this property High Density Residential
and what can be built. If this parcel gets bigger, a large high rise apartment could be built.
Council Member Flora asked if two separate lots owned by one person, can be merged into one
property. Attorney Zollinger said yes the properties can become one.
Council Member Busby asked why staff concerns were not addressed in the minutes. Attorney
Zollinger would like to know as well since that meeting was very contentious. Public Works and
Legal were concerned.
Council Member Smith moved to approve Ordinance 1152 to rezone property at 255 and 259
West 2nd North from Low Density Residential Two (LDR2) to Medium Density Residential Two
(MDR2).; Council Member Flora seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Flora
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Mann
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
Mr. Haws has the option of declining this or coming forward with a Conditional Use Permit.
D. “LAND USE ACTION” – Bills Recommended/Approved in a Land Use Public Hearing
Procedure (Recommend Suspension of the Rules):
1. Read Ordinance 1152
Council Member Busby moved to consider Ordinance 1152 to rezone property at 255 and 259
West 2nd North from Low Density Residential Two (LDR2) to Medium Density Residential Two
(MDR2) first read; Council Member Benfield seconded the motion: Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
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Council Member Flora
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Mann
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
Calendared Bills and Tabled Items:
A. BILL Introduction: – NONE
B. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: – NONE
C. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: - NONE
1. BILL 1147 amending Appropriation Budget 2016
Council Member Flora moved to consider Bill 1147 for Appropriation Budget 2016 third read;
Council Member Wolfe seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Flora
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Mann
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
Mayor’s Business: Mayor Merrill appreciated Eric Conrad for setting up the lunch with President
Gilbert. They talked about things happening at BYU-I. They are coordinating on many items. The
Heritage Festival coming up is all about growing together. Council Member Mann thought it was
interesting about the coming housing shortage. Council Member Busby thanked Eric Conrad for
setting it up and their partnership.
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 August 17th, 2016 meeting;
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Benfield moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and
the city bills; Council Member Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Flora
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Mann
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
Council Member Benfield motioned to go into executive session per Idaho State Code 74-206 (F)
To communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for
pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. The mere presence of
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legal counsel at an executive session does not satisfy this requirement; Council Member Wolfe seconded the
motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a roll call vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Flora
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Mann
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
Council moved into executive session at 8:40.
Executive session ended at 9:30.
Events Manager, Jeff Crowther asked council for a few minutes to consider setting up a policy for
renting or loaning out city facilities and equipment and providing assistance. He gets a lot of private
groups that want to put on races or other events and request assistance from the City Recreation
Department. His idea is to set up an application process and limit the number of events they can
do. He would also like to set forth a designated 5K race route that everyone uses instead of each
group mapping out their own route.
Adjourned at 9:40 P.M.
APPROVED:
____________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
Mary Flanary, Deputy City Clerk