HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - August 02, 2017.pdf
1
August 2, 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
6:30 P.M. City Hall
Mike Walker said the prayer.
Trent Vandersloot led the pledge.
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council Member Flora, Council Member Benfield, Council Member Mann, Council
Member Busby, Council President Smith and Council Member Wolfe.
Mayor Merrill 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. None
Presentations:
A. Discussion of expansion on West side of the Highway - Craig Rindlisbacher
Comprehensive Plan Commercial/Neighborhood Core Nodes.
This diagram illustrates the ability to repeat the individual neighborhood cells of the historic grid into a network of
neighborhoods and neighborhood centers connected by arterial roadways.
City Planner Craig Rindlisbacher introduced Bradley Peterson who is the new Madison County
Planner. He previously worked in Planning & Zoning for Madison county. Bradley thanked the
council for their time and he looks forward to working with them. He would like to open up a
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
August 2, 2017
2
better dialogue with the city and other entities within the county. He enjoys working with City
Planner Rindlisbacher. He is here to serve and help any way he can.
Planner Rindlisbacher presented some plans for the expansion of Rexburg. He shared some
concerns that accompany growth such as; providing adequate housing, changing community
character, incompatible land uses, infrastructure costs and traffic impacts. Rexburg growth is a little
different than other major cities. Envision Madison states: “People in Madison County enjoy the
strong values of a small-town, family-friendly place where people look out for and care about each
other. This creates a sense of community and a feeling of security and belonging.”
Planner Rindlisbacher presented the following questions:
• What are the characteristics of a Small-town?
• What do we cherish about our community and want to preserve?
• What are community qualities that we want to improve?
Mr. Rindlisbacher gave one example; he appreciates good tasting, clean water. He opened it up to
council to brainstorm and share other ideas. Council Member Benfield enjoys the safety we have
here. Council Member Flora said we live in a kind and serving community where people help each
other. Council President Smith likes that people are friendly including clerks at the stores. Council
Member Flora said our traffic is good and not as busy as some cities. Council Member Wolfe
appreciates the close proximity to everything. Council Member Benfield likes the recreation, parks
and things for kids to do. Council Member Mann said the growth has not changed the character of
our town. Quality of community doesn’t decrease just because of growth. Council Member
Benfield agrees. She said that all our apartments make people think we lose the small town feel but
we really don’t. Council Member Flora commented that we need to stay ahead of the growth.
Council Member Wolfe believes large cities can still have that small town feel if the quality of the
neighborhoods remains intact. Council Member Benfield said growth brings in bigger businesses
that are essential to a community.
Planner Rindlisbacher talked about planning strategies in the comprehensive plan that include:
• Extension of the Traditional Grid
• Neighborhood Centers (Nodes of Activity)
• Clustered Neighborhood Housing
• Transitioning from higher to lower levels of activity
Mr. Rindlisbacher indicated that the comprehensive plan talks about the plat of Zion or grid line
plats. The patterns of Rexburg show that grid. The county also has one mile grids. Developments
should have a community center so that it connects the neighborhood. Typical suburban
development patterns show separated development; whereas, traditional grid development connects
neighborhoods and accommodates pedestrian circulation.
3
Mr. Rindlisbacher showed the master plan for Summerfield Subdivision which is a traditional grid.
Summerfield also integrated different types of housing; mixing apartments, small homes, and larger
homes. The Rexburg Comprehensive Plan shows areas where clusters were planned to go and it
also shows transitioning between zones so that it doesn’t jump from residential to industrial, for
example. He asked what is working and what isn’t.
Council Member Mann said the problem is when we get to the commercial areas; we can’t force
businesses to move in there. Mr. Rindlisbacher explained that Planning and Zoning’s job is to
regulate and provide a vision or ideas that developers will want to get a hold of and run with. It’s
about encouraging the developer to participate in the community vision.
Council President Smith commented that Summerfield Subdivision doesn’t have any commercial
area. Mr. Rindlisbacher said there are different nodes like the school and church in that subdivision.
Council President Smith said there could be a lot of commercial by the high school which is nearby
to Summerfield. She also commented that it seems like other cities have commercial areas close to
neighborhoods.
Council Member Wolfe pointed out that the dynamics of commercial business is changing because
of on-line businesses like Amazon. Small community stores have a hard time functioning.
Mr. Peterson said that he supports the concept of developers allowing interconnection with future
growth and he believes that we should encourage developers to include community centers in their
development. If you’re not growing you’re dying. The key is concepts and making sure city and
county works together. We should keep the concept as outlined.
Mr. Rindlisbacher concluded his presentation and thanked City Council for their input. He said
this is just the beginning of working toward a plan that will work for the City and the County and
create a future of growth that will be best for everyone.
Staff Reports:
Finance: Financial Reports- Matt Nielson
Finance Officer Nielson did not have a report at this time.
Public Works & Engineering: - Keith Davidson
Director Davidson reported that the traffic signal will be installed at 7th South & University soon. The
slurry seal project will begin next week. The LID work on 2nd West will be finished and paved next week.
Council Member Wolfe asked if Center Street will be paved in time for the eclipse. Director Davidson
indicated that it will not be paved until the first of September and the concrete sidewalks will not be done
for the eclipse. There have been some unexpected problems that have slowed the work.
Council Member Flora asked about 5th West, if it will be done before school starts. Director Davidson
said it will be done before school starts.
Council Member Benfield asked Director Davidson if he could report all the accomplishments that are
going on with the streets and various city projects to the community. Director Davidson said he could do an
end of the year report. He is hesitant to announce what will happen before hand.
Community Development: New Construction Report – Val Christensen
Community Development Director Christensen presented the building valuation report for July.
4
Director Christensen indicated that there are some new projects that will be starting soon.
Mayor’s Report:
Public Hearings:
6:45 P.M. Proposed Utility Rate Increases (Resolution 2017-07) – Matt Nielson
RESOLUTION 2017-07
A resolution of the City of Rexburg, Idaho, adopting a new rate schedule for water, sewer, garbage
fees.
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to maintain the overall quality of life experienced by its
constituents; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to collect from all water, sewer, and garbage users an equitable
user fee that reflects their appropriate share of operating costs, depreciation and debt service;
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Mayor and the Council of the City of Rexb urg, effective
October 1, 2017, the water, sewer, and garbage fees to be charged shall be as follows:
New Monthly Cost:
Garbage 90 Gallon Bin Weekly Pickup $21.34
90 Gallon Bin Every 2nd week Pickup $12.78
90 Gallon Bin Every 4th week Pickup $6.50
1.5 Yard Bin Weekly Pickup $50.12
2.0 Yard Bin Weekly Pickup $59.77
3.0 Yard Bin Weekly Pickup $79.11
Water Base Fee for .75” Equivalent & SF 1” Meter $16.86
Usage Fee per 1,000 Gallons over 6,000 $0.988
Wastewater Base Fee for .75” Equivalent & SF 1” Meter $14.40
Usage Fee per 1,000 Gallons $4.22
Other City Usage Fee per 1,000 Gallon $2.40
Out of City Limits 30% Surcharge for Water or Sewer update all fees 30%
Finance Officer Nielson presented the proposed utility rate increases. The average resident will
see a seven percent increase. Apartments will see an eight percent increase.
5
6
Council President Smith opened the public hearing.
Public Testimony opposed to the proposal (5 minutes’ limit): Layne Dearden of Rexburg said the
increase should be based on fairness. The increase in sewer should be based on the number of
people in the home. He said large housing units pay the same as a single resident. The increase
should be on the large housing units not the single residents. Mr. Dearden doesn’t understand why
the residents who live here and pay taxes, pay more than the apartment complexes. He would like
to see increases be fair.
Officer Nielson explained that apartments do have a larger meter size and pay more. He will go
through some examples with Mr. Dearden later.
Public Testimony neutral to the proposal (5 minutes’ limit): NONE
Public Testimony in favor of the proposal (5 minutes’ limit): NONE
Council President Smith closed the public hearing for deliberations.
Deliberations:
Council Member Mann asked Finance Officer Nielson to share his response to Mr. Dearden with
all the council. Council Member Wolfe believes that the sewer fees are calculated fairly. Officer
Nielson said that base rates for apartments are higher and it is based on actual use. Council Member
Benfield understands that a better explanation is warranted. Mr. Sampson suggested clarification be
printed in the paper. Council Member Mann indicated that it was originally going to be a much
bigger increase but they were able to bring it down.
Council President Smith asked for a motion:
Council Member Busby moved to approve Resolution 2017-07 – Proposed Utility Rate Increase;
Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; Council President Smith asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Mann
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Smith
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
7
Items for Consideration:
A. Resolution 2017 – 09 Comprehensive Plan Map change for the Ringel property
(approximately 25 plus acres less a strip of land 250 feet wide adjacent to 12th West) located at
approximately 20 South 12th West. The proposal is to change the land-use from Commercial to
Low-Moderate Density Residential.
(See Comp. Plan p.13-15: Using and updating the Comprehensive Plan; Dev. Code p.219 6.13c)
RESOLUTION FOR AMENDING
VISION 2020 REXBURG COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MAP
Resolution 2017 - 09
WHEREAS, on the 2nd day of August, 2017, the City Council for the City of Rexburg was duly convened
upon notice properly given and a quorum was duly noted; and
WHEREAS, in a Rexburg Planning and Zoning Commission meeting on the 20th day of July, 2017, the
Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing, taking public comment for and against the proposal
to amend the Comprehensive Plan Map. The public hearing ended with a unanimous vote to recommend the
proposed Comprehensive Plan Map change to City Council; and
WHEREAS, in a subsequent City Council meeting on the 2nd of August, 2017, the City Council reviewed
the findings from the Planning and Zoning Commission’s Public Hearing held on the 20th of July, 2017; and
WHEREAS, a comprehensive plan is a living document; an ongoing planning participation effort by the
citizens of the community is encouraged to ensure changing conditions meet the needs of the community; and
WHEREAS, proposed changes to comprehensive plan map can change land use designations; and
WHEREAS, the following approved Land Use designation changes to the Comprehensive Plan Map from
Commercial to Low-Moderate Density Residential at approximately 20 South 12th West in the City of
Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho and more particularly described as follows:
Legal Description:
Tract 1: Beginning at the Northeast corner of Section 26, Township 6 North, Range 39 East, Boise
Meridian, Madison County, Idaho, thence West along the North boundary line of said section 1612 feet;
thence South 728.5 feet; thence East 1612 feet; thence North along the East Boundary line of said section
728.5 feet to the point of beginning.
LESS: Township 6 North, Range 39 East, Boise Meridian, Madison County, Idaho, Section 26:
Commencing at a point 1612 feet West of the Northeast corner of said Section 26, and running thence South
405 feet; thence East 10 feet; thence North 405 feet; thence West 10 feet to the point of beginning. 2
LESS: Beginning at the Northeast corner of section 26, township 6 North, range 39 East, Boise Meridian,
Madison County, Idaho, thence West along the North boundary line of said section 250 feet; thence South
728.5 feet; thence East 250 feet; thence North along East boundary of said section 728.5 feet; to the point
of beginning; and
City Planner Rindlisbacher explained that the previous annexation that was approved now
needs an approval for a comprehensive plan change. This is recommended by Planning &
Zoning.
Council Member Flora expressed that traffic is a concern at the Main Street and freeway
exits. Director Davidson said ITD (Idaho Transportation Department) has hired Horrocks
Engineers to look at the interchanges. ITD ranks each area in the state to determine which
problem areas to work on first and our interchanges because of non-severe accidents, did
not rank very high. It will be about seven years before the state gets to our interchanges.
Council Member Flora asked how we should proceed. Director Davidson said we need to
talk to our state legislatures. The more we talk to the state and express concerns the faster
they will look at it.
Council Member Flora asked Planner Rindlisbacher if we will implement the traditional
grid system on this Ringel property. Mr. Rindlisbacher said they will encourage it.
8
Council Member Wolfe moved to approve Resolution 2017 – 09 Comprehensive Plan
Map change for the Ringel property (approximately 25 plus acres less a strip of land 250 feet
wide adjacent to 12th West) located at approximately 20 South 12th West; Council Member
Busby seconded the motion; Council President Smith asked for a vote:
Council Member Mann encouraged Director Davidson to lower the speed limit on West
Main Street from 45 MPH to 35 MPH in front of the new Maverick.
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council President Smith None
Council Member Flora
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
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):
B. BILL Introduction: – NONE
C. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: – Amended Budget:
1. BILL 1170 Amendment to the 2017 fiscal year budget by appropriating additional monies
received by the City of Rexburg
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 1146, THE APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2016 AND ENDING
SEPTEMBER 30, 2017: APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL MONIES
THAT HAVE BEEN OR ARE TO BE RECEIVED BY THE CITY OF
REXBURG, IDAHO, AND BUDGET REDUCTIONS IN THE NET SUM
OF $7,583,100 AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Council Member Mann moved to consider BILL 1170 – Amendment to the 2017 fiscal year
budget by appropriating additional monies received by the City of Rexburg second read; Council
Member Busby seconded the motion; Council President Smith 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
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
D. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read:
1. Appropriation Ordinance: BILL 1169 – Appropriation Budget for 2018.
9
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR OCTOBER 1, 2017, TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2018, AND
APPROPRIATING TO THE SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS, OFFICES AND
FUNDS OF THE SAID CITY GOVERNMENT FROM THE REVENUE
DERIVED FROM TAXES LEVIED FOR SAID FISCAL YEAR, AND ALL
OTHER SOURCES, SUCH SUMS AS MAY BE NECESSARY OR DEEMED
NECESSARY BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL TO DEFRAY THE
EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES OF SAID CITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2018; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE
DATE OF ORDINANCE.
Council Member Wolfe moved to consider BILL 1169 – Appropriation Budget for 2018 third
read; Council Member Flora seconded the motion; Council President Smith 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
Council Member Wolfe
The motion carried
2. Delay 3rd Reading for corrected legal: BILL 1160 – 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
Council Member Mann reminded everyone that there is a community meeting on the eclipse next
Wednesday, August 9th at 6:30 p.m. at the Tabernacle.
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 July 19th and July 26, 2017 meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Flora moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and city
bills; Council Member Busby seconded the motion; Council President Smith asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Smith
The motion carried
10
Executive Session: per State Statute 74-206(c) To acquire an interest in real property which is
not owned by a public agency;
Council M ember Busby moved to go into Executive Session per State Statute 74 -206(c) To
acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency; Council Member
Benfield seconded the motion; Council President Smith asked for a roll call vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Benfield
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Smith
The motion carried
Council went into executive session at 7:55. P.M.
Council ended the executive session at 8:30 P.M.
Adjournment 8:30 P.M.
APPROVED:
________________________________
Council President Smith
Attest:
_____________________________
Mary Flanary, Deputy City Clerk