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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - January 18, 2017.pdf 1 January 18, 2017 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 6:00 P.M. City Hall “Work Meeting” A. 74-206. EXECUTIVE SESSIONS (d) To consider record s that are exempt from disclosure as provided in chapter 1, title 74 , Idaho Code. Attending: Council President Smith, Council Member Flora, Council Member Benfield, Council Member Mann, Council Member Busby, and Mayor Merrill. Council Member Wolfe asked to be excused. Mayor Merrill asked for a motion to go into executive session to consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in chapter 1, Title 74 of the Idaho Code. Council Member Busby moved to go into EXECUTIVE SESSIONS per Idaho Statute 74-206 (d) To consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in chapter 1, title 74, Idaho Code. Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a roll call vote; Those voting aye Those voting nay Council President Smith None 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 January 18, 2017 2 Council Member Flora Council Member Benfield Council Member Mann Council Member Busby The motion carried Executive Session; Executive Session ended at 6:28 6:30 P.M. City Hall Council Meeting Rhett Miller said the prayer. Lyle Falkner 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. Council Member Wolfe 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. Presentations: None Committee Liaison Assignments for 2017: A. Council Member Mann: Golf Board · Emergency Services Board · GIS Oversight · Development Workshop Council Member Mann reported the Development Workshop met. They discussed several events that are coming up. He said he was impressed with how many people the Development Workshop employs and is happy to have them in Rexburg. One of the events they discussed is A Date with Chocolate, on March 31st at the Madison Middle School. He said the event is held to promote public awareness and as a fundraiser for the Development Workshop. The funds collected at the fundraiser go towards the many projects they offer. B. Council Member Busby: · Airport Board · Traffic & Safety · Trails of Madison County Council Member Busby reported the Traffic & Safety Committee did not meet. The Airport Board meeting was postponed; the next meeting will be held on January 25th. He encouraged all to attend the meeting to find out what is happening with the airport. 3 Mayor Merrill said the Traffic & Safety is in need of new members to serve on the committee. Community Development Director Christensen asked the Mayor and City Council to keep in mind that several members of the Planning and Zoning Commission, terms will be ending and will need to be replaced. Mayor Merrill replied there are several people in the community who have showed interest in serving on the Planning and Zoning Commission. C. Council Member Benfield: Police · MYAB· Parks & Recreation Council Member Benfield reported the Police Department is doing well! She said she spoke with Police Chief Turman today, he reported that things are quiet and safe. The Recreation Department is busy with the winter sports registrations. The Zone is being rented out quite frequently for many different events. Council Member Benfield commended Mary Flanary for her efforts with the Mayor’s Youth. Mary has been able to keep the youth members active and busy. They toured the Street Shop and the Wastewater Treatment Plant last week. The youth are learning a lot about how the City operates. She said they are planning a mock City Council Meeting for next month. She is pleased that the youth are active and well engaged this year. D. Council Member Smith: Legacy Flight Museum · Beautification Committee · M.E.P.I. Council President Smith reported the Legacy Flight Museum has not met. They will meet next month to discuss the fly in and breakfast held in June. M.E.P.I. met a week ago to discuss the upcoming events. The Startup Weekend will be held on Feb 2nd – 4th at NorthPoint. They also discussed the first annual East Idaho STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) Fair that will be held on March 18th at the Madison Jr. High School. She said the Business Competition will be held in June. Council President Smith reported they are creating a Beautification Committee. She and Melanie Davenport are working on contacting some people to help beautify the city before the visitors are in town to see the eclipse. The committee will also be reviewing the plans for the Center Street Project. E. Council Member Flora: School Board · Rexburg Arts Council/ Museum of Rexburg Council Member Flora reported she met with the Rexburg Arts Council and they are officially turning in a 501c3 Non-Profit Form. They will also be changing their name to Upper Valley Arts Council. They are excited to become their own entity; however, they will still support the City in helping with art events. The Rexburg Arts Council will be helping with The Great Gatsby Valentine Gala fundraiser. The funds collected at the fundraiser will go towards the restoration of the Romance Theater. They will continue to support the Rexburg Orchestra, the weekly summer concerts, and do a fundraiser during the eclipse event this summer. Council Member Flora said she met with Jackie Rawlings. They discussed the many events planned for February. Some of the events include the Rexburg’s Got Talent Auditions on February 4th. She encouraged everyone to visit the Arts Council web-site to find out the details of all the events. 4 Council Member Flora said Mr. Cooley with the Standard Journal Newspaper is looking for monthly articles from the Mayor and City Council to share what is happening in the City. The articles need to be kept under a thousand words and a picture needs to be submitted too. Mayor Merrill stated some of the topics for the newspaper articles will be about the different City departments and what they do. He asked for the articles being turned in to Mr. Cooley be accurate and to check with City Staff to make sure they are. F. Council Member Wolfe: Planning & Zoning · Urban Renewal Agency · IBC Staff Reports: A. Finance: - Matt Nielson 1. Finance Reports Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Treasurer’s Expenditure Report. He explained the reasons why some of the accounts are in the negative. The Airport Construction Account is at a negative $136,000.00. Public Works Director Davidson is in the process of collecting the funds from the FAA; once the funds are collected it will bring the account into a positive balance. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the negative $100,000.00 in the Paramedic Care Account. Several of the paramedics were sent to the east coast to fight some of the fires that were going on there. He said it takes time to collect the money from those entities; however, once the funds are collected the account will be in the positive. Finance Officer Nielson explained the Park Impact Account has about one million dollars in reserves for the ball diamonds. The revolving Loan Fund has about 1.2 million dollars total. He said half of the funds are invested in the small business loans and they will be looking at issuing a small loan in the next thirty days. Finance Officer Nielson reported the sewer plant is at a negative and will take another 1.1 to 1.2 million dollars to complete. After the sewer plant is completed there will only be about two million dollars left in the reserves and zero in the capital reserve. They will probably need to borrow from the operating reserve until the capital is built back up. Finance Officer Nielson said there is about two million dollars in the Streets Account Reserve. Public Works Director Davidson will be discussing a new Local Improvement District where these funds will be used. He explained the Water Capital Reserve has a negative 1.1 million dollars in the Construction Account. They have submitted a loan request to DEQ for the third time. The loan amount requested is for about 1.1 million dollars. Council Member Busby asked about the Community Safety Lighting Fund. He said there was a list of areas in the City that need lighting. Public Works Director Davidson said City Engineer Brett McDermott is working on a bid for the safety lighting. Some of the funds will also be used to relight Center Street. Council Member Flora asked about the Romance Theater being in the negative. Finance Officer Nielson explained it is normal for this account to be in the negative because the funds aren’t 5 transferred until the end of the year; however, they have spent a lot of their capital early on in the year. 6 Finance Officer Nielson explained the operating expenditures should be at 25% for this time of year. Some are slightly higher. The Building Department is slightly higher because they purchased a vehicle. The Legacy Fight Museum is also high at 54% because they purchased a Beechcraft airplane. Finance Officer Nielson said overall the City has spent 23% in operating which equals to about 5.7 million dollars and about four million dollars in capital. The majority of the funds have been spent on the water and wastewater projects. 7 Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Operating Revenues Report. There is a deficit because the City has spent 3.7 million dollars more than what has been collected. The City will be collecting about half a million dollars from streets and about two million dollars from property taxes. Some of the deficit has been cash flowed by the reserves. In the capital section the 1.1 million dollars will be collected from the DEQ Loan in about 60 days. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Cash and Investments Report. The City has dropped about 2.5 million dollars since the beginning of the fiscal year because of the wastewater project. He said as the rates have increased. The City has shifted quite a bit of money from the short term investments 8 into two-year investment terms with Moreton Asset Management Securities and Zions. They have been managing the investments and the City is averaging about 1.4% return instead of a .4% return which is about $60,000.00 more per year. Discussion: B. Public Works and Engineering: Keith Davidson 1. Recommendation of Intent to Create LID47 by Resolution 2017 – 01 Discussion: Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the areas of LID47 that need repaired including sidewalk, curb and gutter. Local Improvement District 47 covers a larger area than pervious LIDs. The blue lines indicate sidewalk and the pink indicate curb and gutter that need to be replaced, starting on 1st South to 4th South. He explained the estimated cost is based on using a handset for the curb and gutter. 9 5th West Overview. 10 Ricks Avenue Overview. 11 Misc. Street Overview for LID47 Council Member Mann asked if development is anticipated on 5th West and if they were to develop that area, shouldn’t the City wait to make any repairs or additions to the sidewalk, curb and gutter. There is a lot of traffic on South 5th West. He questioned the possibility of widening the street in the future. Public Works Director Davidson said the traffic volumes haven’t necessitated the widening of the street. The street is wide enough to add a turn lane to alleviate traffic flows if needed. Public Works Director Davidson explained normally with large construction projects letters are sent out notifying the residents of the Local Improvement District and about the option of hiring their own contractor to install their sidewalks. The street, curb and gutters are installed by the contractor the City hires to avoid any delays or problems. Council Member Flora questioned if the estimated costs are included in the letters sent out to the residents. He mentioned the costs are included in the letters. The costs of installing the curb and gutter have many variables. In LID47 the curb and gutter is mainly against the sidewalk which will require a handset technique to be used to install the curb and gutter, causing the costs to be higher. Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the repairs needed on Ricks Ave. There are water lines, sidewalk, curb and gutters that need replaced. Council President Smith questioned if Ricks Avenue 12 will be the only entrance into the Freddy’s Restaurant. He said most of the traffic going into Freddy’s will come right off of 2nd East. Public Works Director Davidson indicated the road on 4th West will need to be reconstructed due to the widening of the canal last year. Public Works Director Davidson said on North 2nd West David Beck is building apartment complexes on one side of the road, so he will cover that section of the road with sidewalks, curb and gutter. Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the areas on 3rd South without sidewalks. Pioneer Road also has areas that are missing sidewalks in front of the hotel. He explained generally the property owner is responsible for the cost of sidewalk, curb and gutter. He indicated the City realigned the road on Main Street. He asked City Council for direction regarding who would be responsible for the cost to add sidewalk, curb and gutter at that location. The situation is a little unique at that location because City realigned the road; however, it’s generally the property owner’s responsibility to pay for the costs. Council Member Mann questioned if the sidewalk is on the backside with no access or benefit to the property owner, would they still be responsible for the cost. Public Works Director Davidson explained parcels that have a side yard with no access still pay for the sidewalk; however, not for curb and gutter. Council Member Flora questioned if there were sidewalks before the realignment of the road. Public Works Director Davidson explained there were no sidewalks before the realignment of the road; however, there were homes there. The City purchased that ground to realign Pioneer Road onto Main Street. The purchase of the ground and realignment of the road was funded by FAA to clear up the area in front of the runway. Council Member Busby moved to approve Resolution 2017-01 to create LID47; 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 Busby The motion carried 13 Public Works Director Davidson reported the inside of the blue water tower on 5th South needs to be repainted. The project is out to bid with an estimated cost of about $300,000.00. Council Member Busby asked if there is enough water storage in other places to cover the shortage when the blue water tower is drained. There is sufficient water storage. Public Works Director Davidson said there are bypass valves that will open to allow water flow from the upper and middle zones to come through. They may need to expand some of the pipe sizes to allow enough water to flow. BYU- Idaho has been in contact with the City. There are low water flows in that area and they are concerned with what the draining of the water tower will do. Public Works Director Davidson explained some of the issue that could occur with the draining of the water tower. They will need to stay in close contact with the Fire Department to make sure there is enough water pressure in case of a fire in that area. There is another issue that could arise by taking water from the middle zone to the lower zone; the water pressure could be too high for certain pipes in that area to handle. The water tower will need to be off line for 60 days. There are other factors of concern such as weather and irrigation season. Mayor Merrill asked how they determine when the water tower needs repainted. Public Works Director Davidson said the interior of the water tower is showing rust where the epoxy coating has rubbed off. The contractor will sandblast the interior of the water tower to get to the bare surface to start the recoating process. Council Member Busby asked about the longevity of the water tower. The water tower has been operating for about thirty years. Public Works Director Davidson said the longevity varies, the water tower has been there since the 80’s and they have painted since then. Council Member Benfield asked if the businesses on Main Street are encouraged to remove the snow and ice off their sidewalks. Public Works Director Davidson explained using ice melt on new concrete isn’t the best, he recommends sand. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Merrill reported he attended the Idaho Transportation Department Meeting in Rigby. He spoke with Amanda the TRPTA Representative at that meeting and she shared a thank you letter they received. Mayor Merrill reported he met with the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. They asked for an economic development report every quarter to keep them informed of what is going on in the City. He and Scott Johnson will be attending the board meeting every quarter. Public Hearings: - NONE Items for Consideration: A. Rezone approximately 801 West 7th South from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) to High Density Residential 2 (HDR2) - Bron Leatham and Bob Conger (Recommended for approval on January 05, 2017 by the Planning and Zoning Commission) 14 Discussion: Mr. Leathman reviewed the rezone at 801 West 7th South from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) to High Density Residential 2 (HDR2). He is requesting to rezone the property High Density Residential 2 because the surrounding areas are being developed as High Density Residential. The infrastructure such as water, sewer and other utilities are adequate for the rezone. The connectivity to the university is also adequate. There aren’t really any conflicting issues surrounding the rezone. In the Comprehensive Plan Map, the property was zoned commercial; however, High Density Residential is more beneficial. Mr. Leathman said a concern that was brought up with the rezone request was traffic and pedestrian connectivity. He initiated a traffic study; the Urban Renewal Agency is also participating in the study. The traffic study includes the 19 acres he is requesting the rezone on and 60 acres in the surrounding area. Mr. Leathman stated a traffic study is not required prior to a rezone. The traffic study results at this point don’t show anything alarming even with full build out; however, it will require a reworking of the 7th South and Pioneer Road intersection. To the south, where Golden Beauty Drive connects to 15 University Blvd., a traffic signal will need to be added as development increases. There will be more information when the traffic study is complete. Council President Smith asked to view the 60 acres included in the traffic study. The map showing the 60 acres was reviewed on the overhead screen. She questioned if 7th South is the only way in and out of the 19 acres being rezoned. Mr. Leathman said they have master planned how the development will connect to 7th South and Golden Beauty Drive. Council Member Flora moved to approve the rezone at approximately 801 West 7th South from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) to High Density Residential 2 (HDR2); 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 Busby The motion carried B. Continued Development Code Ordinance Amendments (Ordinance No. 1115): (Planning and Zoning Commission recommended changes to the Development Code as itemized in the Working Copy of the Development Code dated 01/05/2017) The more substantive changes are as follows: (1) Add Development Review Committee (2) Add Radon Testing (3) Refine Definitions (4) Change Side Yard Setback (5) Change Minimum Lot Width (6) Contain runoff to your own lot (7) Change Pedestrian Emphasis Overlay setbacks (8) Reduce Mixed Use Zones to one Mixed Use Zone and add eight foot sidewalks to the MU Zone including trees and landscaping, encourage underground parking (9) Blade signs can be allowed between 11 and 16 feet (10) Maximum Dwelling Densities. (11) Amend some conditional uses (12) Parking Lot Connectivity required (13) All buildings require a building permit (14) Modify Commercial Lighting Standards (15) Planned Unit Development – One Acre minimum (16) Add Storage Facilities to Chapter 5. The entire document with the proposed (Substantive and Non-substantive) changes can be viewed on “Rexburg, org /Government/Development Code/WORKING FILE FOR DEVELOPMENT CODE 01/05/2017”. Discussion: Community Development Director Christensen reviewed the items being changed in the Development Code. He referred to these items as clean up items. Community Development Director Christensen explained some of the substantive items for example building heights and design standards will be discussed in Planning and Zoning Meeting. There will be more changes to the Development Code in the future. The items on the agenda have already been discussed with the Task Force Committee and Planning and Zoning Commission. Council Member Busby moved to approve the amendments to the Development Code (Ordinance No. 1115) as presented: The more substantive changes are as follows: (1) Add Development Review Committee (2) Add Radon Testing (3) Refine Definitions (4) Change Side 16 Yard Setback (5) Change Minimum Lot Width (6) Contain runoff to your own lot (7) Change Pedestrian Emphasis Overlay setbacks (8) Reduce Mixed Use Zones to one Mixed Use Zone and add eight foot sidewalks to the MU Zone including trees and landscaping, encourage underground parking (9) Blade signs can be allowed between 11 and 16 feet (10) Maximum Dwelling Densities. (11) Amend some conditional uses (12) Parking Lot Connectivity required (13) All buildings require a building permit (14) Modify Commercial Lighting Standards (15) Planned Unit Development – One Acre minimum (16) Add Storage Facilities to Chapter 5. The entire document with the proposed (Substantive and Non-substantive) changes can be viewed on “Rexburg.org /Government/Development Code/WORKING FILE FOR DEVELOPMENT CODE 01/05/2017”; 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 Busby The motion carried Calendared Bills and Tabled Items: A. “LAND USE ACTION” – Bills Recommended/Approved in a Land Use Public Hearing Procedure (Recommend Suspension of the Rules): – NONE BILL Introduction: – NONE B. First Reading: Those items which are being introduced for first reading: 1. Ordinance 1155 for LID46 Final Assessment Roll 2. Ordinance 1157 amending the Development Code (Ord. 1115) Council Member Mann moved to first read Ordinance 1155 for LID46 Final Assessment Roll and consider it first read; 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 Busby The motion carried C. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: - NONE D. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: NONE Mayor’s Business: 17 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 4th, 2017 meeting; Council President Smith indicated a correction be made to the January 4th meeting minutes. The date of the Airport Board meeting is scheduled for January 25th not 20th. B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills Council Member Busby moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and city bills; 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 Busby The motion carried Adjourned at 8:01 P.M. APPROVED: ____________________________ Jerry Merrill, Mayor Attest: _______________________________ Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk