HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - June 07, 2017.pdf
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June 07, 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
5:00 p.m. City Council Work Meeting
Those in attendance: Council President Smith, Council Member Busby, Council Member Wolfe,
Council Member Flora, Council Member Mann and Mayor Merrill.
Council Member Benfield asked to be excused.
Mayor Merrill called the meeting to order.
Council President Smith moved to amend the City Council Agenda to include Item #9 – Final
Plat for Kenneth Square; 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 Mann
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
A. Introduce new Employees: P&Z Administrative Assistant, Tawnya Grover; Building Inspector,
Larry Beesley; GIS Technician, Daniel Carey; Fire Fighter/EMT, Sarah Orr.
Mayor Merrill had the new employees come forward and introduce themselves.
Tawnya Grover is the new Planning & Zoning Administrative Assistant. She has been a teacher
and has background in design and drafting. She has lived in Rigby for twenty years and has 3 kids.
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
June 07, 2017
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Larry Beesley is the new Building Inspector. He has been a contractor in Rexburg for over 30
years. Due to a shoulder injury, he felt that it was time to look for something different. He helped
remodel the city hall building.
Daniel Carey is the new GIS Technician. He has lived here 4 years and has been married for one
year. He recently graduated with a degree in Geo Special Computing. He is excited to work here.
Sarah Orr is a new full time Fire Fighter/Paramedic. She has been working as a paid call employee
for the Fire Department. She has been married 15 years has 4 kids. She loves being a paramedic.
Her husband is retired from the military.
Council Member Busby asked the Fire Department about the South family whose house burned
down last night. Chief Miskin said it was devastating. The best thing we can do is let them know we
are there to support them. It will take a while to get back on their feet. No valuables were salvaged.
B. Council Discussion –Traffic Study for a Rezoning Proposal at 154 S 3rd W (Bill 1166)
Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the traffic study of 154 S 3rd W done by Horrocks
Engineers. He went over the Buildout Analysis that shows what the density would look like if it
were zoned HDR2, dormitory housing. The study allowed for 5 percent growth and included future
development at the Squires brick area. The study shows that the increased traffic would not take
any of the intersections to lower than a level D, which indicates the amount of delays. D is
acceptable but borderline for needing changes such as signals, etc., but it depends on cross traffic
delays. That is for 3 units with 5 percent per year growth factor.
Public Works Director Davidson indicated that the engineers put out counters on 2nd South and
the counts came back lower than Horrock’s counts done in April. He also has the counts from
before speed bumps were used and after speed bumps were used and the traffic count has dropped
since the speed bumps were used. The average speed with speed bumps is 17 miles per hour.
Director Davidson concluded that there would not be a huge increase in traffic according to the
studies.
Council Member Wolfe asked which direction was more of a concern at the 2nd South and 3rd West
intersection, the north/south traffic or the east/west traffic. Director Davidson indicated that there
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are already stop signs for the north/south traffic but over time there may need to be a 4-way stop or
signal at that intersection.
Mayor Merrill counted students leaving Mountain Lofts apartments one morning. He said there
were 36 pedestrians walking or biking and 7 cars. Mountain Lofts is about the same distance from
campus as the proposed development would be and according to what he saw that morning, most
students walk.
Council Member Flora asked about the difference in traffic being affected by the different
semesters of school. She is concerned with safety for the kids and parking at Porter Park. Director
Davidson agreed that parking is a concern because they see students parking on the streets around
other apartments all the time so they would most likely do the same at this development.
Council Member Mann suggested that maybe they should think about parking inside the park or
limiting the time for parking.
Discussion about parking around the park.
Kevin with Horrocks addressed the safety concerns. He explained that this project will reduce the
accesses onto the street from 14 to 2 so that will slow traffic down.
Council President Smith said that her concern is with 2nd South and she wonders how accurate a
traffic study really is.
Kevin said they do a whole range of studies. They look at worst case scenarios. He suggested
marking sure cross walks are clearly marked.
Council Member Busby asked if they would have to get a Conditional Use Permit to go higher
density later.
Community Development Director Christensen explained some ways they could alleviate traffic
on 2nd South. There should be some conditions that the property owner work with the city on
solutions to alleviate any traffic issues.
Corey Sorensen, the developer for this project, is willing to work with the City. He does not want
to have to get a Conditional Use Permit. Director Christensen said he doesn’t want to require a
Conditional Use Permit, just a condition that they work with the city.
Council Member Mann would like to consider all the potential growth in that area as well. He
believes many people will be watching to see what happens because if you approve one you may
have to approve them all.
Mr. Sorensen clarified that there could never be 1500 beds on that 4 acres. HDR1 would only
allow 800 to 900 beds maximum unless the Pedestrian Emphasis Zone is expanded. Director
Christensen agreed that the area, not being in the PEZ, should be 34 units per acre instead of 48
units per acre.
Mr. Sorensen indicated that he can’t afford to build parking structures any more like he did with
North Pointe. Constructions costs have gone up 20 percent. He will save 12 million dollars by
eliminating a parking garage.
Council Member Busby asked how many stories are allowed in the HDR2 zone. Five stories are
allowed or six if the top floor looks like a roof. Director Christensen explained that they need to
redefine the roof pitch and dormers.
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Council Member Flora again said that she is concerned with parking and safety. She does not want
this development to get a reduction in parking.
Mayor Merrill thinks they should add more parking along 3rd West to reduce pedestrians from
crossing 2nd South.
Council Member Flora explained that there is already a problem with safety and parking. She
thinks they can work together with the developer to find the solutions.
Council Member Wolfe thinks they should make a motion to approve the zone change with a
condition that any project be approved with staff and council.
Council President Smith does not want to condition people out of being able to make their
project work.
Mayor Merrill pointed out that most students will take a different route to avoid all the people and
speed bumps on 2nd South.
Director Christensen believes they need to consider 2nd South as a main arterial whether this
project goes in or not. He agrees that the developer needs to work with the planning staff on any
development.
Discussion about parking.
Director Davidson indicated that the sewer infrastructure still needs to be addressed but that does
not affect the zone change.
Adjournment 6:19 p.m.
6:30 P.M. City Hall Council Meeting
Bob Canning led the pledge.
Doyle Barney said the prayer.
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council President Smith, Council Member Flora, Council Member Mann, Council
Member Busby, Council Member Wolfe and Mayor Merrill.
Council Member Benfield 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:
Judy Hobbs with Realty Quest in Rexburg is here with interest for the zone change by Porter Park.
She has a client interested in the south west block of that property. She would like to be able to visit
with council about their thoughts for that neighborhood.
Mayor Merrill said they had a great carousel opening day and Pat Burton Day. He showed a video
of Pat Burton Day. Pat’s husband, Grayden Burton spoke at the event. He said the carousel was
badly damaged and his wife decided to organize a group and save the carousel. Many people joined
that committee to help restore the carousel. There were some who didn’t think it could be saved
but the committee raised nearly $200,000 and worked very hard. On July 3, 1990 it was dedicated as
the Idaho Centennial Carousel. The carousel was actually made in New York in 1926 by the
Spillman Company and then moved to Salt Lake City and later to Ogden, Utah. One gentleman
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heard about the carousel for sale in Ogden and when the carnival ended up not being able to come
for the 4th of July, this man and many residents raised the money and several men went to Ogden
and bought it and hauled it back in their farm trucks and put it together.
Mayor Merrill said that Pat and Grayden Burton’s daughter is the one that approached him and
asked if we could do a Pat Burton day. He told her that the opening day of the carousel would be a
good time to do that. The Burton family agreed to pay for staff to run the carousel that day and the
City gave free rides.
Staff Reports:
A. Finance: - Matt Nielson
1. Bill 1165 - Proposal to amend the Compensation and Benefits Package for Mayor and Council
Chief Financial Officer Nielson reviewed the proposed Cost of Living increase for the Mayor and City
Council. The last increase was in 2013. The cost of living increase since then is around 5.5 percent so they
used that as the basis for this increase. Instead of having a separate wage and travel allowance it will be just
one wage and payments will be given semi-monthly instead of monthly. This Ordinance would become
effective January 1, 2018. He asked Council for their approval.
Council Member Flora commented that this is very awkward voting for their own pay raise.
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Council Member Busby moved to approve Bill 1165 Salary Increase for the Mayor and City
Council; 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 Mann
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
Council Member Busby moved to consider Bill 1165 Salary Increase for the Mayor and City Council
first read; 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 Wolfe
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
Draft Budget Review for 2018
Finance Officer Nielson indicated that they need to have a public hearing to set the tentative budget for
2018 on July 5th at 6:45 p.m... He went through the budget proposals.
Council Member Busby reminded everyone that council and staff has spent a lot of time going through
the budget items already.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed some key points on the budget. The General Fund carryover is 36%
which is an excess of about $346,000 so that will be carried over into the new year as revenue. He went
over the various general fund transfers. The total budget for fiscal year 2018 is 57 million which is down 21
million from last year which is substantially because of the water and wastewater projects. The Operating
budget is up about 3.5 million dollars. The General Fund contingency will have about $185,000.
Reconstruction projects will include 2nd East going out toward Walmart, 2nd North from 2nd West to 4th
West, Terra Vista Drive from 4th East to Shoshone, 2nd South from 3rd East to Shoshone.
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Property taxes will have an increase of about $242,000. There have been requests for five additional
personnel; two in Emergency Services, one combined Streets and Sanitation, one in the Water Department
and one in the Shop. There will also be two replacement positions; one to replace Blair Kay who will be
retiring so they will hire a replacement early to be trained for about 6 months and one for recreation which
is in contingency.
Utility rates will probably have to be raised next year. Major construction will continue on the water
upgrade and a pressure line will need to be added to the North West side of the city. We will continue to
save for the airport relocation which will have about $708,000 set aside by the end of 2018. Recreation will
have 1.6 million still set aside for the fourth year to construct a baseball quad. New restrooms will be added
at Evergreen Park. New playground equipment will be added at Park Street Park and the Nature Park.
Other big items will be the rebuild of the Millhollow Lift Station, a new street sweeper, and a new garbage
truck.
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Finance Officer Nielson went over the possible utility increases. He asked council for a motion
to adopt the tentative budget and set a public hearing.
Council Member Mann moved to accept the tentative budget and set the date for public hearing on July
5th, 2017 at 6:45 p.m.; 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 Wolfe
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
B. Public Works and Engineering: - Keith Davidson
1. Approve low bid for Center Street Project
Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the bids for the Center Street Project. He would like to find
some areas where they can cut costs and postpone the awarding of the bid for now.
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2. Ratify the proposal to add night lighting to the “Riverside Park Activity Fields” east of
Rexburg Rapids and continue with ordering the Lighting Equipment for the night lighting. This
proposal will increase the Parks Construction Budget of $170,000 to $300,000 to add night lighting
to both sides of these activity fields.
Council Member Flora moved to ratify the budget adjustment to add night lighting to the “Riverside
Park Activity Fields” east of Rexburg Rapids and continue with ordering the Lighting Equipment for the
night lighting; Council Member Smith seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Council Member Flora explained that to do the lighting project around the whole outside of the
field instead of just down the middle was a much better deal and a better project.
Those voting aye Those voting nay
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Council President Smith None
Council Member Flora
Council Member Mann
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
C. Community Development: New Construction Report - Natalie Powell
Compliance Officer Powell reviewed the building valuation report for May.
Mayor’s Report: Mayor Merrill reported that he attended new business openings at Gravity Factory and
some restaurants.
Public Hearings:
6:45 Public Hearing: – (Bill 1160) Proposed Annexation and zone change from Rural
Residential One (RR1) and Transitional Agriculture One (TAG1) to Low Density Residential
Two (LDR2) for property in the Impact Area for the City of Rexburg. This property is located at
approximately 950 Barney Dairy Road, Madison County, Idaho
Staff Report
I. BACKGROUND
The subject property is an area of unincorporated property adjacent to the City of Rexburg. The
applicant is asking to have the property annexed to the City of Rexburg. The parcel being requested
for annexation is approximately 55 acres.
II. SITE DESCRIPTION
The site is located at approximately 950 Barney Dairy Road. The subject property is approximately
55 acres. The surrounding neighborhood is predominantly single family residential to the north and
west and agricultural to the south and the east.
III. STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Commission take public testimony, and determine if the proposed
annexation can be approved, denied, or approved with conditions. The Comprehensive Plan
identifies the use as Single family and Agriculture/Rural Cluster. The current zoning is compatible
with the Comp Plan. Staff recommends that the Planning and Zoning Commission recommend to the
City Council to approve the annexation of this property.
Public Works Staff Review Comments
Annexation & Rezone Application
File #17 00147 – WR Holdings, LLC
Requesting Annexation and Rezone ( to LDR2) of specified property.
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Property Location: Approximately 950 Barney Dairy Road
Streets: The street connections to Barney Dairy Rd will need to be looked for site visibility.
Water: Water would need to be extended from North Hill Road.
Sewer: There is no sewer in the area, and a lift station would most likely need to be installed to
connect into the City sewer system.
Mayor Merrill opened the public hearing:
Johnny Watson of Rexburg presented the proposal. There are 53 acres being annexed. The area to
be developed is 35 acres. In order to be contiguous with city boundaries they included the area to
the west. This area fits in with the center of development and has less traffic. Future development
will work well with this development. Low Density Residential 2 allows the developer flexibility.
Ideal lots are in the .2 to .3 acre range. The trend is for small lots. Mr. Watson referred to the
Comprehensive Plan definition of Low Density Residential which allows for lots as small as .14 acre
lot up to about .33 acre lot. He showed an example of where a subdivision has gone in behind
larger lots. Hidden Valley has one quarter to one third acre lots and they have a nice feel. This
property has an opportunity to do various sizes of lots.
Council President Smith commented that you can get a lot of houses in LDR1 and there is
minimal difference between LDR1 and LDR2.
Testimony of those in favor:
Bryan Ball lives on Partridge Lane and is the developer of the proposed project. He grew up in
Rexburg and moved to Partridge Lane because he likes the feel of it. He approached the land
owner, Charlotte Walker, to develop the property so that he has control over the way it is
developed.
Charlotte Walker lives on Barney Dairy Road and is the owner of the property being developed.
She and her husband farmed the land for many years. When they decided to develop the land, they
started with the south side of Barney Dairy Road. They were very careful about the lot size and who
built there. It is a lovely neighborhood and she is glad to be a part of it. That was the first phase and
her husband, had his health not failed, would have developed the rest of the land by now. Bryan is
going to develop the rest of the land comparable to what it is now.
Doyle Barney said change is going to happen regardless. He has lived on Barney Dairy Road since
1963 and has seen a lot of change. He has come to realize that we are not going to stop Rexburg
from growing. He has struggled with all the changes but it has been okay. He gets a lot of nice
neighbors. Some neighbors come and go and some stay but there is always change. If we embrace
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it, we’ll be alright. He is totally in favor of the development. The land owner should have the right
to do what he wants with his property. No one should tell someone what they can and cannot do
with their property. He remembers talking years ago with his dad and Snuffy Smith who was a
County Commissioner and had a farm on the hill and Snuffy said one day Rexburg will consume us
all. We need to plan for that. Mr. Barney thinks the time has come. With the passing of his
parents, his own property will also someday be developed.
Bob Canning lives on Partridge Lane. He has lived here for two years. He loves Rexburg and he is
for development. If you don’t control your destiny, destiny will control you. His only concern is
the curve on that road where traffic accidents can happen. He also knows there are ways for
developers to create areas between dissimilar styles of housing that can alleviate any issues.
Tracey Ball lives on Partridge Lane. She loves change and she wants to develop this property so
that they have control of what happens. Her neighbor’s ideas and concerns are always a priority.
Gaylene Harris lives on the Salem Highway now but she used to live on Barney Dairy Road and
she is representing another resident on Barney Dairy Road. She has lived at that farm and she
doesn’t want it to be ugly or dangerous. She compared some other subdivisions that look nice and
have wide roads. There will always be dangers but someday the roads will be wider and safer. She
believes the City and the County will make good options. Nobody wants neighbors in their back
yard but it happens. We have to do what is necessary to make our own families safe and not expect
the City or the County to do it for us. We need all people, all housing and all walks of life. This will
be a wonderful project but it will take years to make it perfect.
Testimony of those neutral:
Robert Parkinson lives on Barney Dairy Road. He supports development and the rights of
property owners. He had a feeling that there would be homes behind him some day. He grew up
on Barney Dairy Road. He has 3 concerns: zoning, traffic and flooding. The proposed zone has no
transitional phase. Cities usually go gradually from High Density to Low Density. He thinks that
the city should set those zones. He pointed out that the Barney property will most likely be LDR2
since the property south and north of it is already LDR2. The flow of traffic through the S curve has
high and low spots and blind spots. More traffic means more danger on that S curve. He would
like to see something done with that section of road before all those houses go in. There are also a
lot of bicyclists and runners on that road. It would be nice to have a bike path since it is used so
much for walking and biking. Mr. Parkinson explained that there is a canal that goes through the
property and there is a swell that runs north and south. Water comes off of the farm lands and goes
into that swell. To have an escape for the water and an access road will be a challenge. The canal is
a major flow for farm run-off and melting snow. It has been known to wash out. A small lake
forms in the spring. The City will be the ones to have to deal with these issues.
Jolene Hansen lives on Barney Dairy Road. She wants to know who maintains that canal behind
her house. She has been told that the canal company does not take responsibility for it until mid-
May. Doyle Barney is on the board of directors for that canal and he said that spring runoff is not
the canal company’s responsibility. This canal is prone to issues.
Kristy Anderson lives on Barney Dairy Road. She said in the beginning she was opposed but after
talking to the developer she feels better. The whole neighborhood has the same concerns as Rob
Parkinson. She is concerned with flooding and safety. She feels that having a cul-de-sac at the top
of the S curve would help.
Terry Anderson lives on Barney Dairy Road. He pointed out that the flooding problem would also
affect development further south.
Nancy Prescott lives on Barney Dairy Road. She supports growth but she chose this property
because of the acreage and space. They knew there would be development eventually but she is also
concerned about flooding, traffic and the zoning. She feels that the shift from Rural Residential 1 to
Low Density Residential 2 is too drastic. The lot next to her was supposed to be for a home not an
access to a subdivision. She thinks there should be consideration for those who purchased land with
dreams of having the room. She thinks the zone is too high density with too small of lots.
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Bruce Ard from Island Park has a lot in Ammon with this issue of having small lots behind it. He
said fences make good neighbors. He feels there is enough space between the existing lots and the
soon to be developed lots. These concerns don’t have anything to do with the annexation.
Doug Ladle lives on Barney Dairy Road. He is concerned about the proposed access onto Barney
Dairy Road. There is a blind spot coming out onto that road. He worries about waiting to resolve
traffic issues until it’s too late. He is also concerned with increased traffic going past the baseball
diamonds where people have to park on the road. Mayor Merrill hopes that the problem at the
baseball diamonds will be resolved with the new quad going in next year.
Testimony of those opposed:
Kevin Bell lives on Barney Dairy Road. He is against it because he doesn’t see a reason to change
the zoning. If the development is going to be the same as the existing lots like Charlotte Walker
said, then there is no need to change the zoning. Having one to five acre lots has not been a
problem but to try to fit a lot of houses in this particular area doesn’t make sense.
Rebuttal:
Johnny Watson appreciates the neighbor’s comments. Many of the people involved with the
decision making live in this area including the developer. Mr. Watson believes Bryan Ball will want
to develop the property in a way that pleases the neighbors. It’s good to provide housing for all
phases of life. There are ways to create buffering. The existing homes will have extensive distance,
about 200 feet, between their home and the future development homes. Mr. Watson said his hope
is that Bryan will listen to the neighbors and come back with a plat that resolves the concerns that
have been voiced.
Mayor Merrill asked about the problems with flooding and traffic. Johnny disagrees that the city
should be responsible for flood mitigation. The designer and engineer should be responsible and
they should have a very distinct plan for those issues. He sees this as a vehicle to help resolve the
issues with the S curve. He is confident that Public Works Director Davidson will not allow a plat
that doesn’t address all the concerns.
Mayor Merrill closed the public hearing.
Discussion
Public Works Director Davidson indicated that the connections to Barney Dairy Road will need
to be looked at as well as the water and sewer connections. The main thing is safety.
Council Member Wolfe pointed out that the city will only assume responsibility of the road where
the S curve is. Perhaps the residents along Barney Dairy Road would consider annexation as well.
Discussion about storm water.
Council President Smith thinks that the zoning is too much of a jump. She can’t see why LDR1
wouldn’t be sufficient. Once the zone is changed, we’re stuck with it.
Council Member Flora is concerned that just because we say it will be beautiful doesn’t mean that
another developer couldn’t come in and put all twin homes. She would like to condition the zone
and make anything touching the existing homes to be LDR1 and then LDR 2 in the rest. Also, she
would like to make sure that the traffic and flooding is addressed.
Discussion about zoning part of the lots LDR1 and presenting a plat.
Council Member Flora moved to approve BILL 1160 - Annexing approximately 950 Barney Dairy
Road with the recommendation that all lots bordering the existing lots be LDR1 and the rest of the
lots will be LDR2 zone, and that an agreement to address the issues be met, and consider it first
read; Council Member Mann seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
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Council Member Flora Council President Smith
Council Member Mann
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
Items for Consideration:
A. Final Plat – Kenneth Square – Approximately 814 North Yellowstone Highway – Bryce
Dorion and Eagle Rock Engineering
GIS Director Rindlisbacher reviewed the plat for Kenneth Square. This is for a Medium
Density condominium development just north of Paradise Nursery on Yellowstone Highway.
The property underneath the buildings will be owned by a home owners association and the
owners will own just the space inside the building, paint to paint. Because it’s a home owners
association, the City reviews the CC&R’s and the set up for the home owners association. This
plat has been through a number of revisions and has now resolved the access issue.
Planning & Zoning Staff Review Comments
Final Plat Application
File #17 00226 – Kenneth Square
Property is located at approximately 814 North Yellowstone Hwy
1. The plans do not show the 3-dimensional view required to identify a condominium project.
2. Because this is a condominium project, Covenants, Conditions and Restrictions (CC&R’s)
and a landscape plan are required for review by City Staff.
3. Dumpsters on the south parking lot need to be moved to the south aisle.
Public Works Staff Review Comments
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Final Plat Application
File #17 00226 – Kenneth Square
Property is located approximately 814 North Yellowstone Highway
Streets:
Has the applicant received approval from ITD (Idaho Transportation Department) for access onto
HWY 33?
GIS Staff Review Comments
Final Plat Application
File #17 00226– Kenneth Square
Property is located at approximately 814 North Yellowstone Highway
1. Boundary description does not close. Curve data doesn't match the drawing.
2. Boundary description for lot 1 block 2 is the same as lot 1 block 1 needs correct description.
Council President Smith moved to approve the Final Plat for Kenneth Square – at
Approximately 814 North Yellowstone Highway; 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 Mann
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
Tabled Items:
A. BILL 1166 to Rezone approximately 154 South 3rd West from Medium Density 1 (MDR1) to
High Density Residential 2 (HDR2). (Recommend approval by the Planning and Zoning Commission with two
Public Works staff recommendations on April 06, 2017) #1 The existing sewer system would need to be evaluated to
determine if it would be able to handle the increased flow from the higher densities of the new zone; and #3 If the zone
change is approved a traffic impact study would be required from any future development to determine street
improvements needed; and with a strong recommendation against Public Works staff recommendation #2 which
states: Increased density in the area would increase the traffic by the Splash Park and Carousel in Porter Park. With
safety being the primary concern, the City currently installs speed bumps along 2nd South during the summer months to
slow traffic down in this area. If the Zone change was approved, Public Works would recommend relocation of the
Splash Park and Carousel.” NOTE: PUBLIC WORKS WILL REVIEW THE TRAFFIC STUDY
AT THE 5:00 P.M. WORK MEETING ON JUNE 07, 2017.
Council Member Flora motioned to un-table BILL 1166 to Rezone approximately 154 South 3rd
West from Medium Density 1 (MDR1) to High Density Residential 2 (HDR2); 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 Mann
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
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Cory Sorenson previously presented his reasons for requesting a zone change at 154 S 3rd W (across
from Porter Park to the west).
City Council met in a Work Meeting at 5:00 to discuss the traffic study. (see minutes above)
Why change to a High Density Zone?
• Meets every goal stated in the Infill redevelopment ordinance
– Densification near the city core
– Close to BYU-Idaho, job centers, and other amenities (parks, theaters, etc.)
– Within the Identified focus area for Rexburg infill redevelopment
– Saves tax dollars by reducing infrastructure costs
– Walkability benefits (health, economic, etc.)
– Encourage development through zone change
– Clean up vacant and underutilized properties
– Levels playing field
• Weighting (as per ordinance)
– Scores high on all criteria
– Block is fragmented
– Neighboring blocks - unstable and Fragmented
• Lack of feasible development opportunity within the PEZ area
– Cap Rate 101 (see spreadsheet)
Public Works Concerns Addressed:
• Sewer
– Study will be done and issues addressed before building permit is issued
• Relocate Splash Park and Historic Carousel
– Traffic safety issues can be mitigated without the need to spend millions relocating
popular amenities
– Knee jerk reaction to relocate just for a zone change seems unwarranted
– Many negative consequences of relocating
• Traffic
– Study will be done and issues addressed before building permit is issued
Staff Concerns Addressed:
• Overcrowding of park is relative
• Parks are self-regulating
• Pedestrian Safety at 2nd West Crossing can be mitigated with intersection modifications if
required by traffic study
17
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Public Works Staff Review Comments
Rezone Application
File #17 00064 – Park View
Requesting to change the zoning from MDR1 to HDR2
Property Location: Approximately 154 South 3rd West
1. The existing sewer system would need to be evaluated to determine if it would be able to
handle the increased flow from the higher densities of the new zone.
2. Increased density in the area would increase the traffic by the Splash Park and Carousel in
Porter Park. With safety being the primary concern, the City currently installs speed bumps
along 2nd South during the summer months to slow traffic down in this area. If the Zone
change was approved, Public Works would recommend relocation of the Splash Park and
Carousel.
3. If the zone change is approved a traffic impact study would be required from any future
development to determine street improvements needed.
Council President Smith wanted to be sure that the concerns are addressed that were talked about
in work meeting.
Council Member Busby is concerned about that area becoming way over crowded. Each proposal
will have to stand on its own merits.
Council Member Wolfe moved to approve BILL 1166 to Rezone approximately 154 South 3rd
West from Medium Density 1 (MDR1) to High Density Residential 2 (HDR2) with the condition that
prior to any construction, all concerns with regards to traffic, safety and parking be approved by the
planning committee and that it applies to not only the current owner but any future owners, 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 Mann
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
Calendared Bills
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. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read:
1. Bill 1164 - Changing Misdemeanor violations to infractions in the City of Rexburg.
Council Member Smith moved to consider BILL 1164 - Changing Misdemeanor violations to
infractions in the City of Rexburg, second 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 Mann
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
20
D. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: NONE
Mayor’s Business:
Council President Smith brought up the parade. Council Member Flora and Council
Member Wolfe will be out of town. She suggested that they wear red, white or blue polo
shirts with the City logo.
Mayor Merrill asked who would be here for the June 14th meeting. Council Member Mann
will not be here.
Council President Smith reminded council that they have a work meeting with Planning &
Zoning July 15th at 5:30 p.m.
Everyone except Council Member Wolfe will be at the July 5th City Council meeting.
Mayor Merrill thanked Council Member Mann for nominating him to be on the Board of
Directors for AIC.
The Fly-In will be on July 17th. Council needs to be there early to serve breakfast.
Council Member Busby gave council a heads up that the Traffic & Safety Committee
motioned to remove the cross walk from the College Avenue and Main Street intersection.
Pedestrians would have to go to the corners where the stop lights are. This recommendation
will be brought before council at a later date.
Council Member Wolfe asked Public Works Director Davidson about digging out the storm
drain ponds in the Eaglewood Subdivision. This was supposed to be done as part of the
flood mitigation.
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 May 17, 2017 meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
C. Approve Fireworks Stands
Council Member Mann moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes, city bills
and approval of the Fireworks Stands; 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 Busby
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
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Council Member Wolfe moved to go into Executive Session per Idaho State Statute #74-
206(b) To consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges
brought against a public office, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school
student; 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 Busby
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
Executive Session started at 9:13 P.M.
Council Member Mann moved to go out of executive session; 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 Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
Executive Session ended at 9:28 P.M.
Council Member Wolfe moved to approve the hiring of an Assistant Recreation Director full time
and make the necessary adjustments to the budget; 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 Busby
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
Adjournment 9:30 P.M.
APPROVED:
____________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
Mary Flanary, Deputy City Clerk