HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - May 03, 2017.pdf
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May 03, 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
Keith Davidson – Public Works Director
Val Christensen – Community Development Director
Scott Johnson – Economic Development Director
Blair Kay – City Clerk
City Council Drive Around
May 3, 2017
1. 8:30 Fire Station-Breakfast (Chief Childs) - Chief Childs reviewed the financial status of the
fire department. He suggested the City expand the fire district to cover all of Rexburg. This
would release the city financially from paying for fires within the city. Chief Child indicated
that the fire department brought in over $600,000 from the wildland fires last year. They use
this money internally to pay crewmembers, repair and maintain equipment and continued
training. The fire department builds their own wildland fire trucks which saves the city
thousands of dollars. Chief Child also indicated that he would like to build a tower training
complex behind the fire station to help better train the fire fighters for tall structure fires.
This would cost about $750,000. Chief Child said the biggest need right now is more full-
time employees.
9:30 Rexburg Museum (Jackie Rawlins) – Cultural Arts Director/Museum Curator
Rawlins showed the council new features they have installed at the museum, including a
sand terrain feature that projects light onto a sandbox and allows users to recreate their own
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
May 03, 2017
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flood scenarios. She showed council the recent improvements to the tabernacle. They have
added a permanent addition to the front of the stage. One problem they have is being able
to access the lights above the balcony and above the stage without scaffolding. Council will
work with Director Rawlins to find a solution to this problem. They praised her for the
work that has been done in the museum and tabernacle.
2. 10:00 Wastewater Project (Keith Davidson) – Public Works Director Davidson showed
council members the new building that houses a sludge pasteurizer. Director Davidson
explained that the goal is to have class-A sludge. The City currently produces Class-B
sludge, which has to be regulated due to bacteria that live in the waste. Class-A sludge can
be used as a lawn fertilizer and other public uses. The pasteurization happens when methane
captured from waste is used to heat up sludge until the bacteria is eliminated. Director
Davidson said the pasteurizer should be online by next week.
10:45 Flight Museum (John Bagley) – Legacy Flight Museum Owner, John Bagley,
showed council members around the flight museum. He shared information about the
different aircraft and how almost all of them are airworthy. He indicated that the museum is
doing well but could use more space if it comes available.
3. 11:15 New Airport Site and Update (Keith Davidson) – Director Davidson shared an
update on the process of building the airport. He is waiting on a grant from the Federal
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Aviation Administration to pay for an environmental study of the airport’s proposed
location.
4. 12:00 Lunch at Fresco’s (Matt Nielsen) - Understanding Funds, Budget Prep; discuss new
personnel requests and elected official compensation. CFO Nielson reviewed the City
budget. The City has made plans for next year’s budget and has money in reserve.
5. 1:30 - 2:30 Rexburg Business Park- Tour AMET (Scott Johnson) Council toured the AMET
building. AMET is a business that builds automated welding machines.
6. 2:30 - 3:15 Drive around, Road Projects, Annexation Islands, (Keith Davidson)
7. 3:30 City Hall - Center Conference Room Center St Project, Downtown Strategic Plan, Any
Eclipse Updates (Scott Johnson) – Economic Development Director Johnson informed
council that the top three factors inhibiting growth in Rexburg are; a low population, a low
average income and local regulations on alcohol sales. He also gave an update on the
downtown area. Center Street is getting ready for a new water project after which, it will be
put back together better with new trees, lighting, benches, and gathering areas to make that
area more pedestrian friendly.
Adjournment
6:30 P.M. City Hall Council Meeting
Heidi Thieves said the prayer.
Barrett Flamm from Troop 420 led the pledge.
Mayor Merrill informed the audience that the City Council had their annual drive around today to
see the various projects being done in the city. He thanked Council President Smith for arranging
the drive around.
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Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council President Smith, Council Member Flora, Council Member Mann, and Mayor
Merrill.
Council Member Benfield joined via internet
Council Member Busby and 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.
Lisa Smith from the Standard Journal is trying to get a community band together. She now has a
conductor but no band members. If anyone is interested they should contact her.
Abel Garmon of Rexburg wanted to know if there is any representation from the university on the
City Council. Mayor Merrill explained that BYU-I students can run for city council.
Presentations:
1. Introduce Jordan Schall, new employee in the Waste Water Department
Jordan was not in attendance.
Staff Reports:
A. Finance: Matt Nielson
1. Monthly Finance Reports (Dashboard Report)
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the dashboard report that covers the current fiscal year
through March. He went through each of the slides below.
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B. Public Works and Engineering: - Keith Davidson
1. Approve Rexburg’s Aerial Photos bid for GIS Mapping:
a. The City of Rexburg incorporates 9.75 square-miles of land into its boundaries
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b. There are approximately 75 miles of road in the City of Rexburg
c. Over 396 acres of parks and open space are maintained in Rexburg and Madison County
Public Works Director Davidson showed council the three bids that were turned in for the Aerial Photos
for GIS Mapping. He explained that they bid the project with two different options. Option #1 is what
they flew two years ago and Option #2 is the entire county. He will need to talk to the county and see
which option they want to go with. Aero Graphics came in with the lowest bid for both options; $17,985.00
for Option 1 and $43,270.00 for Option 2.
Public Works Director Davidson indicated that they have used Aero Graphics before as well as the other
bidders. He asked council for approval to award the low bid to Aero Graphics.
Council Member Flora moved to approve the low bid to Aero Graphics for City of Rexburg
Aerial Photos for GIS Mapping; 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 Mann
Council Member Benfield
The motion carried
2. Approve Seal Coating bid for Rexburg City Street maintenance
a. This covering is a type 3 slurry seal, which is different from a chip seal. With a slurry seal, the asphalt and
fine aggregate material is all blended together and then laid down. This is why is looks black, as opposed to
the lighter appearance of a chip seal, where a layer of asphalt is covered in coarse aggregate material.
Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the bids for City of Rexburg Seal Coating. The only bid came
in at $103,631.00 from Morgan Paving. He asked council for approval to reward the low bid to Morgan
Paving.
Council Member Smith moved to approve the low bid of $103,631.00 to Morgan Paving for City
of Rexburg Seal Coating; Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a
vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Flora
Council Member Mann
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Council Member Benfield
The motion carried
C. Community Development: New Construction Report - Natalie Powell
Compliance Officer Powell reviewed the Building Valuation Report for April. The total
project valuation for April is 7.3 million with Falls Pointe Apartments being the largest amount
with 3.2 million and Rock Creek Townhomes with 2.1 million.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Merrill shared a brochure with council from the Idaho Office of Emergency
Management. It talks about the preparations that the state department is making for different kinds of
calamities that can happen. He said they visited the Fire Department today. Chief Child feels they have
done everything they can to prepare for the eclipse. They have extra ambulances and helicopters coming in.
Mayor Merrill expressed his appreciation for the Emergency Services Department. He and several of the
council members attended the AIC district meeting in Idaho Falls last week. He is grateful that the previous
mayors and councils have raised the utilities gradually because if they hadn’t, they would have to drastically
raise them now to meet the needs.
Public Hearings: – NONE
Items for Consideration:
A. Conditional Use Permit at 707 South 5th West, Apt.#3902 for a Conditional Use Permit to allow a
short-term rental in the MDR1(Medium Density Residential 1) Zone, per the Rexburg Development
Code Ordinance No. 1115 - Quaker Ridge Rentals
Julie Wilcox of Rexburg has three four-plexes in the Hyde Park Apartment Complex. She would like to
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turn one of those apartments into a short term rental. The apartment has five beds so it would be rented to
groups of five or less with a three-night minimum. Mrs. Wilcox has a lot of experience with managing short
term rentals.
Mayor Merrill asked about upkeep of the property. Mrs. Wilcox said she has a maintenance person here in
town and she lives here as well. The apartment has new appliances and flooring.
Council President Smith asked about a management plan for those owners of short term rentals who are
not on site. Compliance Officer Powell explained that one of the tenants in the same four-plex will act as a
manager. This apartment is in the high density zone which is where the City would like to keep short term
rentals. There will be a management plan as well.
Council Member Mann moved to approve Conditional Use Permit at 707 South 5th West,
Apt.#3902 to allow a short-term rental in the MDR1(Medium Density Residential 1) Zone, per the
Rexburg Development Code Ordinance No. 1115; 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 Mann
Council Member Benfield
The motion carried
B. Resolution 2017 – 06 for a Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment at 703 West 7th
South from Commercial to Moderate-High Density Residential – Bron Leatham (Cook
property)
Bron Leatham of Rexburg presented the area on 7th South, which is adjacent to the new Juniper
Sands Development and would be an extension of that development. The Cooks have agreed to
join his project.
SUBJECT: Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment Application
File # 17 00104- Bron Leatham (Cook property)
APPLICANT: Bron Leatham
PROPERTY OWNER: Karl & Molly Cook
PURPOSE: Requesting to amend the Comprehensive Plan Map - to change property from
Commercial to Moderate-High Density Residential
PARCEL SIZE: 2.13 acres
PROPERTY ID: RPRXBCA0360603
PROPERTY LOCATION: 703 West 7th South
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 Commercial to Moderate -
High Density Residential.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that this Comprehensive Map change be considered. The Planning and Zoning
Commission should take testimony in the public hearing to determine if this change to the
comprehensive plan map will be in the best interest of the community and make recommendation
to the City Council.
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Public Works Staff Review Comments
Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment Application
File #17 00104 – Bron Leatham (Cook property)
The Public Works Department has no issues with the comprehensive plan change. The property
will need to have access off of the new road to the west.
Council Member Flora moved to approve Resolution 2017 – 06 for a Comprehensive Plan
Map Amendment at 703 West 7th South from Commercial to Moderate-High Density Residential;
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 Mann
Council Member Benfield
The motion carried
C. BILL 1162 to Rezone approximately 1100 South 12th West from Low Density Residential 2
(LDR2) and Community Business Center (CBC) To Community Business Center (CBC) –
Douglas S. Kauer
Dennis Stevens from Ammon spoke for Doug and Holly Kauer. They are asking to have the
rest of their property zoned commercial. The first half is already zoned commercial.
Public Works Staff Review Comments
Rezone Application
File #17 00108 – Douglas S. Kauer
Property Location: Approximately 1100 South 12th West
Requesting to change the zoning from LDR2 and CBC to CBC
Water:
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-Existing 14” water line along north edge in University Blvd. Water line appears to end about 218
feet before west edge of zone change. Water line would need to be extended before University Blvd
is extended.
Sewer:
-Existing 10” gravity sewer line runs N/S through property, and along north edge of property, and
flows to the high school lift station which is located just north of the property. Based on our
discussion, high school lift station will have sufficient capacity for this development. Future upgrades
to lift station will be necessary at some point when other development occurs.
Streets:
-Width of University Blvd. City currently owns north 50’ of required right-of-way (based on GIS)
from high school property. When developed, will need additional 50’ from Kauer property all the
way from 12th West.
-Transportation Plan plans for University Blvd to be extended west. University Blvd is planned as a
major arterial street. Therefore, access to the property will be limited and any entrances will be
required to align with high school entrances. (The University Blvd Extension drawing in the
transportation plan is attached).
-Transportation plan recommends interchange reconfiguration and installation of signal at University
Blvd and US 20 now since LOS is already at F. Development will make LOS worse.
-Transportation plan recommends installation of a traffic light at 12th West and University Blvd by
2040 to maintain acceptable traffic flow. A traffic study will be required for the development. If
traffic study shows that signal is warranted, development will need to participate in cost of installing
light. Construction of proposed frontage road on west of US 20, will also increase traffic to this
intersection.
Sidewalks/pedestrian:
-Depending on type of development on property (e.g. restaurants), will create additional pedestrian
traffic across University Blvd. Development will require sidewalk(s) along south side of University
Blvd and cross walks aligned with high school sidewalks.
Water Rights:
-City needs irrigation water rights from parcel prior to development.
Stormwater:
-All stormwater will need to be retained onsite.
SUBJECT: Rezone Application - File #17 00108
APPLICANT: Douglas S. Kauer
2227 North 4000 West
Rexburg, ID
PROPERTY OWNER(S): EDK Properties – Douglas S. Kauer
PURPOSE: The request is to rezone from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2)
and Community Business Center (CBC) to Community
Business Center (CBC)
PROPERTY LOCATION: Approximately 1100 South 12th West
PROPERTY ID: RPRXBCA0357205
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN: Commercial
CURRENT ZONING: LDR2 and CBC
PROPOSED ZONING: CBC
SURROUNDING LAND USES School, homes, businesses, farmland
AND ZONING: LDR2, CBC, Transitional Agriculture 1
APPLICABLE CRITERIA: City of Rexburg Development Code (Ordinance No.1115)
§ 6.13 Amendments to this Ordinance
AUTHORITY: § 6.13 (E) “The Commission may recommend that the amendment be granted as
requested, that it be modified, or that it be denied”
I. BACKGROUND
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. 17 00108 Page 2
II. SITE DESCRIPTION
This project includes the farmland that is south of the Madison High School Complex. The total area
involved in this re-zoning request is approximately 77 acres, which if approved will result in
changing the zone from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) to Community Business Center (CBC).
III. ANALYSIS
If approved, this rezone will result in changing Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) to Community
Business Center (CBC. The request would require the Commission and City Council to review the
proposal against one set of criteria, 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 Commercial. The
CBC 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.
See Public Works Review.
c. The capacity of existing public services, including but not limited to, public safety services,
public emergency services, schools, and parks and recreational services.
See Public Works Review.
d. The potential for nuisances or health and safety hazards that may adversely affect adjoining
properties.
A large commercial project adjacent to the High School could be problematic depending on how it is
developed and what uses are allowed. These issues will be resolved at project and subdivision stages
with development agreements.
e. Recent changes in land use on adjoining properties or in the neighborhood o f the map revision.
None.
f. Meets the requirements of the Comprehensive Plan.
See paragraph a.
IV. STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff requests that Planning and Zoning recommend to City Council to change the above
described property from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) to Community Business Center
(CBC).
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Council Member Mann moved to suspend the rules for BILL 1162 to Rezone approximately
1100 South 12th West from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) and Community Business Center
(CBC) To Community Business Center (CBC); Council Member Flora 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 Mann
Council Member Benfield
The motion carried
Council Member Mann moved to approve and consider BILL 1162 to Rezone approximately
1100 South 12th West from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) and Community Business Center
(CBC) To Community Business Center (CBC) third read; 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 Mann
Council Member Benfield
The motion carried
D. BILL 1163 to Rezone property at:
Area 1 - South Yellowstone Hwy - Requesting a zone change, from Community Business Center
(CBC) and Light Industrial (LI) and Mixed Use (MU) To High Density Residential 1(HDR1)
Area 2 - West Main - Requesting a zone change, from Medium Density Residential
1/Professional Office Overlay and High Density Residential 1 (HDR1) and High Density
Residential 2 (HDR2) To Mixed Use (MU)
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Public Works Staff Review Comments
Rezone Application
File #17 00137 – City of Rexburg
Property Location: see Map with hearing notice and with application
Requesting the following:
Area 1 - South Yellowstone Hwy - Requesting a zone change, from Community Business Center (CBC) and Light
Industrial (LI) and Mixed Use (MU) To High Density Residential 1(HDR1)
Area 2 - West Main - Requesting a zone change, from Medium Density Residential 1/Professional Office Overlay
and High Density Residential 1 (HDR1) and High Density Residential 2 (HDR2) To Mixed Use (MU)
Area 1
Transportation:
A Roundabout will need to be constructed in the future to accommodate the increased traffic loads on
Pioneer Rd.
A City street will need to be installed through the area to allow for full build out of the area.
Water:
The City has sufficient capacity to handle the increased load. As development occurs a water line will
need to be installed from Pioneer Rd. to Trejo.
Sewer:
The City has sufficient capacity currently to handle the future growth. Sewer will need to be accessed
from Pioneer Rd. for the entire area.
Area 2
Public Works has no comments on the Area 2 zone change.
Council Member Flora moved to suspend the rules for BILL 1163 to Rezone property at:
Area 1 - South Yellowstone Hwy - Requesting a zone change, from Community Business Center
(CBC) and Light Industrial (LI) and Mixed Use (MU) To High Density Residential 1(HDR1)
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Area 2 - West Main - Requesting a zone change, from Medium Density Residential 1/Professional
Office Overlay and High Density Residential 1 (HDR1) and High Density Residential 2 (HDR2) To
Mixed Use (MU); Council President 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 Mann
Council Member Benfield
The motion carried
Council Member Smith moved to approve BILL 1163 to Rezone property at:
Area 1 - South Yellowstone Hwy - Requesting a zone change, from Community Business Center
(CBC) and Light Industrial (LI) and Mixed Use (MU) To High Density Residential 1(HDR1)
Area 2 - West Main - Requesting a zone change, from Medium Density Residential 1/Professional
Office Overlay and High Density Residential 1 (HDR1) and High Density Residential 2 (HDR2) To
Mixed Use (MU) and consider it third read; Council Member Flora 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 Mann
Council Member Benfield
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
B. BILL Introduction: – NONE
C. First Read: Those items which are being introduced for first reading: – NONE
D. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read:
1. BILL 1161 to rezone 278 North 2nd West from Light Industrial (LI) to Medium Density
Residential Two (MDR2).
Council Member Mann moved to consider BILL 1161 to rezone 278 North 2nd West from Light
Industrial (LI) to Medium Density Residential Two (MDR2) second read; 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 Mann
Council Member Benfield
The motion carried
E. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read:
1. BILL 1159 to amend Ordinance 1115 (Development Code)
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Council Member Smith moved to approve BILL 1159 to amend Ordinance 1115 (Development
Code) and consider it third 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 Mann
Council Member Benfield
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 April 19, 2017 meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Benfield 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 Mann
Council Member Benfield
The motion carried
Adjournment 7:21
APPROVED:
____________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
Mary Flanary, Deputy City Clerk