HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - February 15, 2017.doc
February 15, 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
6:30 P.M. City Hall Council Meeting
__said the prayer.
____Kaylet Tibbetts 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.
Mayor Merrill congratulated the girls basketball; also, the boys basketball team is hosting the district tournament next week.
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.
Mr. Davis reported on a news article on Airbnb. He was to try this for a year. A couple of weeks on anything will be enough time to see if it works. This is a bad thing. We can not do
this. Lets look at other places. California has had airbnb for nine years; now they are pulling the plug. He said it would be ignoring the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Mrs. Betty Davis said the city is proposing to turn over the city to a 20 billion dollar budget. We pay higher taxes to be in a city. A city official has reported only one incident has
occurred which may take years to heal. Is it the way Rexburg is going to be in the future.
Presentations:
Introduce and swear in new Officer Branson Devey in the Police Department.
Officer Branson Devey moved here from Southern California working in a jail. His brothers and farther are police officers.
Mayor Merrill introduced Officer Branson Devey; He asked City Attorney Zollinger to do the swearing in cerimony for Officer Devey as a new Rexburg Police Officer.
Introduce David Lindsey as a new employee in the Streets Department.
David Lindsey was not available. He is a new Street Department Employee.
Introduce Todd Smith as the new Chief Information Officer (CIO) in the TCS Department.
Todd Smith introduced himself as the new Chief Information Officer (CIO) in the TCS Department.
His family has been in the area for 30 years. He has been working for BYU-I.
Mayor Merrill introduce new employee Amanda Williams in the Customer Services Department.
Amanda Williams introduced herself as the new Customer Services employee working at the front desk.
She lives in Sugar City with a husband and 8 children. Her husband is Travis Williams.
Mayor Merrill introduce Trevin Rick as the new “Madison County Emergency Manager” - the position is being moved from Madison County to the Madison Fire Department.
Trevin Ricks introduced himself as the new Madison County Emergency Manager working at the Madison Fire Department. He lives in Sugar City and still works for the fire department. Thomas
E. Rick is his Great Grandfather.
Jon ?? Ice Rinck
Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho (REDI) recognition and the media success of the announcement of Rexburg joining REDI – Jan Rogers (Chief Executive Officer of the Regional
Economic Development Corporation for East Idaho)
Jan Rogers from REDI explained the recent addition of Rexburg to the REDI (Regional Economic Development Corporation for East Idaho). She is from Dalas Texas. She thanked the Mayor and
City Council for their support becoming Millenial City USA. There was a lot of midia play after the announcement. It has been an amazing opportunity to bring business to Rexburg. They
are promoting 78 miles of Southeastern Idaho from Pocatello to Rexburg. The Washington Post is doing a followup story in the near future.
Committee Liaison Assignments for 2017:
A. Council Member Mann: Golf Board · Emergency Services Board · GIS Oversight · Development Workshop
Council Member Mann reported the Golf Board has not met; Emergency Services takes over … GIS is doing well; Developmental Workshop is doing well; they are 16 ,17, and 18 year olds.
B. Council Member Busby: · Airport Board · Traffic & Safety · Trails of Madison County
Council Member Busby reported the Airport Board is meeting tomorrow at noon. They are looking for another member of the Airport Board. The Traffic and Safety Committee is looking for
a new member from the NW quadrant of Rexburg. He recognized the Madison High School Students in attendance.
C. Council Member Benfield: Police · MYAB· Parks & Recreation
Council Member Benfield reportedthe MYAB is busy with at least 20 participating at each meeting or event. They are going to do a mock City Council meeting. The Police Department is
really, really busy with day to day things. They are preparing for the Solar Eclipse; prepare for the worst and hope for the best. 200,000 to 500,000 visitors could come to the area
for the eclipse. She promoted the new Recreation Committee with a lot of people from different sports. We are the number one youngest community in the country.
D. Council Member Smith: Legacy Flight Museum · Beautification Committee · M.E.P.I.
Council President Smith reported MEPI on the business promotion last weekend at North Point with 66 participants going down to 22 then down to 8. The ideas were all viable for a business
development. The judges were interested in some of the new business for an investment. Some come from northern Utah.
E. Council Member Flora: School Board · Rexburg Arts Council/ Museum of Rexburg
Council Member Flora reported the School District is extremely busy becoming a friendly community. They have a Madison Hall of Fame now. They are accepting nominations fo the Hall of
Fame. The Bretts Family Show is coming to Madison High School soon. She mentioned Project Citizen. The last event was at the Tabernacle for a Gala in the 20’s attmosphere; good food,
dancing, etc. A brand new event is “Rexburg’s Got Talent” on February 23rd February 25th. The final show will be March 10th.
F. Council Member Wolfe: Planning & Zoning · Urban Renewal Agency · IBC
Council Member Wolfe reported Planning and Zoning is continuing to process new projects for housing and businesses. The eclipes meeting today had lots of people from different organizations
working together to be ready for the eclipes.
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Merrill talked about the trees in the City …
Mayor Merrill talked about a new Dog Park location at Mesa Falls off South 5th West.
Mayor Merrill talked about Project Citizen being a great effort to work on problems to make Rexburg better. He was interviewed by Kyle Raywson concering Social Media. The High Five grant
committee is working a $250,000 grant to promote a healthy life style. The remodel of Center Street from Main Street to 2nd South will start this year. It will become more pedestrial
friendly, funded by the water project and the Rexburg Redevelopment Agency. Itermountain Gas met with the city to coordinate growth to help save money on new projects.
Mayor Merrill met with two Cub Scout groups to show them City Hall.
Staff Reports:
Finance: - Matt Nielson
Audit Presentation for Fiscal Year 2016 by Rudd & Company – Brad Reed
Brad Reed and Jen Kennedy from Rudd & Company reviewed the recent audit of the City of Rexburg for Fiscal Year 2016. They look at cash balances and reserve balances. They look at controls
on a test basis. They are giving a clean opinion with good controls on this audit.
Mayor Merrill said losing a receipt can disrupt your day.
Brad reviewed pages 4, with a net position of $5,306,571.00. The reserve is at 39.91% for about 5 months of expenses.
Discussion:
Mann moved to approve the audit; Flora seconded; all aye
Financial Reports – Deborah Lovejoy
She said the city’s expenses are right on target.
Council Member Busby asked about overtime for streets, etc. Tisha said the expenses are up from 350000 to 500000.
Revenues are on target.
Council Member Busby asked about having the city finance the LID instead of selling bonds. Mayor Merrill said if it is a large LID; it may tie up too much capital.
Budget Summary Report ending 01/31/2017
Quarterly Report ending 01/31/2017
Public Works and Engineering: Keith Davidson
Public Works Director Davidson indicated the sewer line between Rexburg and Sugar City is nearing capacity. They are doing a study to determine the remaining line capacity of the 12
inch line for both Rexburg and Sugar City . They will form a committee to review the findings.
Council President Smith reviewed possible funding options inclunding a federal grant. Public
Works Director Davidson said a pressure line between Rexburg and Sugar City would help solve some wastewater line problems.
Discussion:
Mayor Merrill announced a new committee for a review of the sewer lines between Rexburg and Sugar City. Sally Smith and Keith Davidson will serve on the Committee for Rexburg.
Community Development: Val Christensen
Pre-Annexation Heads-up: 36 Acres at Approximately 950 Barney Dairy Road –
JRW & Associates – Johnny Watson and Brian Ball
Community Development Director Christensen reviewed the proposal. It is a 36 acre project. Keith said there is an 8 inch sewer line just west of this acreage. Discussion about flooding
on Quail Hollow.
Council Member Flora asked about other locations that should be annexed.
Discussion:
Johnny Watson from JRW & Associates reviewed the location of the future connector road going to Sugar City passes on the west of the proposal.
Community Development Director Christensen said annexing these lands next to the city will preserve the quality of the ground water for the City of Rexburg.
Public Hearings:
7:00 P.M. Ordinance 1156 - Pursuant to Resolution No. 2017-01 for a public hearing at which the owners of property to be assessed within proposed Local Improvement District No. 47, ("L.I.D.
No. 47") may appear before the City Council (the "Council") of the City of Rexburg, (the "City") and be heard as to the propriety and advisability of creating L.I.D. No. 47 and acquiring
and constructing the Improvements, as hereinafter described, and as the time and place when and where the Council will consider the creating of the proposed L.I.D. No. 47 and
the acquisition and construction of the proposed improvements, and hear all complaints, protests, and objections which may be made in writing and filed with the City Clerk on or before
said time by any owner of any parcel of land to be assessed.
Mayor Merrill opened the public hearing.
Written correspondence:
#1 Letter
#2 Letter
#3 Letter
Public Works Director Keith Davidson reviewed the proposed LID47 by reviewing the following map:
Public Works Director Keith Davidson indicated 11 people have called or come into City Hall; Three residents submitted letters. Staff will work with the citizens to resolve any questions
or concerns. They will take a better look when the snow melts in March. The ADA transition plan is a part of these LID’s to allow the … good concrete replacements will be done at the
city’s cost; however, bad concrete will be billed to the property owner. The engineering cost is 12%. Existing curb and gutter is paraticipated with the city. The Lerwill property sidewalk
will be delay a year to allow for a proposed development. The payback option will allow the property owner to include the monthly payment in the water bill over a 10 year period.
Mayor Merrill delared the Public Hearing Open.
Public Testimony in favor of the proposal (5-minute limit): NONE
Public Testimony neutral to the proposal (5-minute limit): NONE
Public Testimony opposed to the proposal (5-minute limit): NONE
Bre Hepworth said they have a gravel road with new appartments across the road. Keith said … David Beck promised to pay for the road on April, 2012. Her portion is $12,300 for her side
of the new road, curb, gutter, and sidewalk. She was concerned with the 5.5% interest rate. Mayor Merrill said he has a part in this LID too. The 10 year repayment plan will be possible
to spread the
payment out. The funding comes from the sale of bonds. The property owner can do the work themselves if done by the city’s specifications.
Bill Cook at 229 Ricks Avenue said part of his curb is in good shape. Keith explained if the curb and gutter is in good shape the city will pay; if it is in bad shape the city will contribute
$7.70 per foot towards replacement.
David Greer representing his mother asked to the same question about replacement costs. Keith explained if the curb will last, they will … The city is in the process of videoing the
lines to see about their condition. They will visit will with Mr. Greer on site to get more information to the property owner.
Arc Handcock on Ricks Avenue would like to keep his lot open without curb and gutter. There is drainage problems along Ricks Avenue. He asked if the City will install drains to aleviate
flooding.
Keith said an infilltraion system may be possible.
Leo Constano on 2nd West reviewed the requirement for sidewalks on his property. It would limit their access to their building. He questioned having sidewalks on both side of the street
in an industrial zone. Keith reviewed the location of the sewer lines in the area. Staff will verify if a new sewer line is needed.
Mr. Busby thanked Leo for the park benches, etc.
Mayor Merrill closed the public hearing.
Deliberations:
Council Member Flora thanked the public for their concerns and being polite. She thanked them for being so kind. She has paid for two LID’s on homes and a sidewalk on another home.
Council Member Mann ….
Council Member Benfield moved to first read Ordinance 1156 to create Local Improvement District No. 47; 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
Items for Consideration:
Preliminary Plat for Stonebridge Subdivision Division 2 & 5 located approximately south of Woodbridge Street in the current Stonebridge Subdivision – Kevin Allcott and Daryl Kofoed
Kevin Allcott reviewed the proposal to add Division 2 and Division 5 to the Stonebridge Subdivision. He reviewed the location of the flood plain line. They have provided public access
to the river area for the green belt. Also, a sewer lift station will be locted in the area for the subdivision.
Council Member Busby asked about road right-of-way and the green strip area. Keith said it will be a sidewalk with a 7 foot green strip area.
Discussion on traffic flow on loraine and 2nd East: Keith said they will take one signal out of 2nd East to help with traffic flow.
Council Member Busby asked about CCR’s for the subdivisions. City Attorney Zollinger said CCR’s are a private manner separate from the city.
Council Member Mann reviewed the need for communicating with the current property onwers on green space issues.
Council Member Busby thanked the developer for taking the time to address the concerns for this development.
Kevin Allcott
Council Member Smith moved to approve the Preliminary Plat for Stonebridge Subdivision Division 2 & 5 south of Woodbridge Street in the current Stonebridge Subdivision; 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
Discussion:
Calendared Bills and Tabled Items:
“LAND USE ACTION” – Bills Recommended/Approved in a Land Use Public Hearing Procedure (Recommend Suspension of the Rules):
1. Ordinance 1158 Rezone Approx. 801 N. 7th S. to from Low Density Residential Two (LDR2) to High Density Residential Two (2) HDR2.
Discussion:
Council Member Wolfe asked a question on the pending Traffic Study. Keith explained …round-a-bout possible.
Council Member Smith moved to suspend the rules for Ordinance 1158 to Rezone of Approx. 801 N. 7th S. from Low Density Residential Two (LDR2Z) to High Density Residential Two (2) HDR2;
Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a roll call vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith Council Member Mann
Council Member Flora
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
Council Member Wolfe moved to approve Ordinance 1158 and consider it 3rd read to Rezone of Approx. 801 N. 7th S. from Low Density Residential Two (LDR2) to High Density Residential Two
(2) HDR2; Council Member Smith seconded the motion; Discussion: Council Member Busby was still concerned with completeing the traffic study for 7th South. 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
BILL Introduction: – NONE
First Reading: Those items which are being introduced for first reading:
Ordinance 1156 Creating LID47
Discussion:
Council Member Flora moved to 1st Read Ordinance 1156 Creating LID47; Council Member Mann 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
Second Reading: Those items which have been first read:
1. Ordinance 1157 Amendments to the Development Code (Ordinance 1115).
Council Member Busby moved to 2nd read Ordinance 1157 amending the Development Code (Ordinance 1115); Council Member 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
Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: NONE
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.
Minutes from February 01, 2017 meeting
Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Busby moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and city bills; 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
Council Member Busby asked for an Executive Session for to review a legal issue.
Council Member Busby moved to go into executive session for legal reasons; Council Member Smith 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
Executive Session at 9:00 P.M.
Executive Session ended at 9:28 P.M.
Adjourned at 9:28 P.M.
APPROVED:
____________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
Blair D. Kay, City Clerk