HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - October 04, 2017.pdf
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October 4, 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
Samantha Vanderwalker said the prayer
Todd Smith led the pledge
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council President Smith, Council Member Flora, Council Member Mann, Council
Member Wolfe, and Mayor Merrill.
Council Member Benfield joined the meeting via internet.
Council Member Busby 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: (No representative from Tree City USA was present)
A. TREE CITY USA – Gerry Bates at 2445 John Adams Parkway Idaho Falls, ID 83401 208-
681-5964 / plantingidaho@gmail.com (One of the great strengths of the TREE CITY USA
program is that it encourages and recognizes long-term commitment to community forestry.
After becoming a Tree City, annual recertification provides an opportunity for each TREE
CITY USA to review its program and to tell the Arbor Day Foundation and us just how well
your city is doing.)
B. TRPTA’s public transportation system services the Idaho Falls, Rexburg, and Driggs areas
with demand response (door-to-door) service – Amanda Ely
Amanda Ely indicated that back in 2015 they had to submit an application to the Idaho Transportation
Department for 5311 Grant funding to provide transportation in the rural area which includes Rexburg,
Driggs and St. Anthony. Last week, ITD asked her if she needed to do any scope changes and that’s when
she realized that in the grant application she was supposed to be doing fixed routes in the city of Rexburg.
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
October 4, 2017
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They have not started those fixed routes because once you take those buses off line, you lose the Medicaid
match funding which means she would then need to ask the county and city for the funding to close that
gap. This year, anticipating lots of ridership, she would like to close the gap with low fares. Perhaps with
some funding from the City and County they could get a bigger bus by the end of the year. She presented a
plan for a Rexburg Only route that would include 5 buses and 5 employees. It would be door to door
service and reservations. Most passengers are Medicaid funded. She thanked the City for the $7,000 they
provide every year.
Council Member Mann asked what the city would need to do to provide bus stop areas. Mayor Merrill
replied that the City would work with TRPTA and their Public Works Department to figure out where the
bus stops would go. Ms. Ely commented that we would need signage as well. Funds used for signage
would be considered matching funds.
Council President Smith asked what kind of increase she needs from the City and if modifications need to
be made for the bus stops. Ms. Ely indicated that the bus stops could be just a bench bolted to the ground
or a shelter; depending on what the city wants.
Council President Smith asked how many stops would be needed. Ms. Ely replied that in Idaho Falls they
have about 15 stops per route. She would work with the city to decide where the stops should go. As far as
increase on the City’s part, the increase would come from getting a bigger bus sometime in the future.
Ms. Ely would like to meet with council in a work meeting. Mayor Merrill agrees that they should schedule
a time for a work meeting. Ms. Ely will let ITD know that they will keep the scope the way it is now until
something is decided.
Staff Reports:
A. Finance: - Matt Nielson
1. Budget in Brief (October 2017 through September 2018)
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Budget in Brief below.
Total Budget: $57,215,400 down $27,269,700 from the amended 2017 budget due in
large part to fewer construction projects.
Operating Budget is 28,901,600. The General Fund has a $164,700 Contingency for
unforeseen items.
Revenue available for Street maintenance, reconstruction, and new construction totals
$5,452,800, which includes an additional $50,000 from power franchise fees shifted
from the general fund , and $1,627,100 in carryover from prior years.
Major street reconstruction projects: 2nd East: Yellowstone to Stationary Rd; 2nd
North: 2nd West to 4th West; Terra Vista: 4th East to Shoshone; 2nd South: 3rd East to
Shoshone (pg. 2).
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Property tax revenues increased about $242,700 to a total of $4,557,100. The current
City property tax levy rate is at $415 per $100,000 of taxable value, which is still one of
the lowest for most cities in southeast Idaho and other similar size cities (pg. 4).
Five new full-time personnel: Public Works (3), Emergency Services (2).
Utility rates are to be increased in October 2017. Average homes will see about a 7.5%
increase (pg. 4).
Water facilities: funded by operating reserves and a loan from the DEQ;
Wastewater pressure sewer line: funded with current operating reserves;
Airport Relocation Master Study: funded by State & Federal Grants and reserves;
Baseball/softball fields: funded by Rexburg Urban Renewal Agency and Parks Impact
Fees; Street Widening: funded by city revenues and Urban Renewal Agency.
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Debt Service
No General Obligation Bonds
December of 2010- City sold $10 million in Sewer Revenue Bonds
Average 3.2% interest rate
15 year term
Current Balance owed is $5,890,000
2018 or 2019 DEQ Loan for water upgrades
Up to 2.21 Million in Principal Forgiveness
1.75% Interest
Up to 30 year term
B. Public Works and Engineering: - Keith Davidson
Public Works Director Davidson reported 2nd East has curb and gutter in and they will pave this week or
next week. 5th West is paved up past 2nd South and Depatco will finish the curb and gutter next week. They
have also moved over to Ricks Avenue to finish that portion. Center Street is waiting on lights. The
treatment plant had GE come back in and go through the process and fixed some of the bugs. Director
Davidson just had a water kickoff meeting for the next phase to put in the new water reservoir by Burton
Elementary School. They will be doing a test well and some foundation investigation.
Council President Smith asked about the plan for the rest of the stuff at the old Squires homestead in
front of Artco on 2nd East.
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Director Davidson indicated that it would be cleaned up soon. They will dig up the foundation and haul it
off this fall.
C. Technology Coordination Services – Todd Smith
1. New Sound System for the City Council room
CIO Smith reported that his department is looking into a new sound system for the City Council
Chambers. He went through their goals for the new sound system as outlined below.
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D. Community Development – Building Valuation Report – Bret Stoddard
Building Department Manager, Bret Stoddard reviewed the September Building Valuation Report.
He pointed out that there are seven new homes. The houses are picking up; more so than commercial
right now. There are no new projects to report at this time. Building projects are staying steady and
busy over all.
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Mayor’s Report: Resolution 2017 – 10 Supporting the display of the national motto "IN GOD
WE TRUST" in the Rexburg council chambers in a prominent location at city hall.
Mayor Merrill presented a Resolution to display the national motto “In God We Trust” in the City Council
Chambers. He explained that there is a City Council Woman in California that is promoting a drive to have
the national motto displayed in City Council Chambers across the country. He asked City Council for some
discussion on the proposed resolution. He had Council President Smith read a letter written by one
resident.
Council President Smith read the letter written by Jessica Mecham who is from Rexburg.
Letter from Jessica Mecham
I would like to say that I am against it, for the following reasons:
That motto and the phrase “under God” was added in the 50s as a political move to
openly oppose the USSR during the Cold War. We wanted to proclaim ourselves as God
believing people, and morally superior, against the “Ungodly Communists.” I am not
arguing in favor of the USSR, but I am not comfortable with emphasizing a motto born of
war-time terror and the resulting “cultural wars” that took place during the Red Scare
(McCarthyism and such is a very ugly blemish on our past).
I feel that in an already heavily Christian/LDS populated area, adding something like this
would just alienate those who don’t believe the same as us living in the area. They
already feel like outcasts and often have a hard time fitting in as it is—just from being a
minority in this area. As another citizen mentioned on Facebook, perhaps our trust in
God should be manifest in our actions and in how we treat others rather than in
redundant proclamations that can be potentially alienating. Since we are mostly
Christian/LDS, do we really need a plaque to remind us?
The group that is sponsoring this change is more reactionary and “nationalist” than
patriotic. Nationalism is a very scary thing, and as a nation we are already heading
down that path in many ways (for instance, the slogan “Make America Great Again” is
an example). We were just warned against Nationalism in General Conference this last
weekend by Elder Ballard, who called for an end to Racism, Sexism, and Nationalism.
There is a fundamental problem with this motto as it seems to suggest that we are a
Christian nation. We are NOT. We were not founded as such. This is in reference to
Mayor Merrill’s comments in the Newspaper article in the Standard Journal, where he
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references our founding fathers as “god-fearing” and such. We are founded on the
principle of religious freedom—and that is totally different. In fact, there should be a
separation of church and state. That protects those of us who want to worship how our
conscience dictates, and not at the behest of any government organization.
I am attaching an article that I thought might help with my last point. I don’t usually give much
credence to Huffington Post articles, but this author has credentials and quotes from a several
primary sources. In it you can see some of the ideas the founding fathers had on this topic.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/jeff-schweitzer/founding-fathers-we-are-n_b_6761840.html
I think an exciting thing would be for the city and surrounding area to adopt paradigms that
would unite us in our diversity, rather than cater to the majority. As someone who moved here 15
years ago, Rexburg is a hard place to break into. There are families who have been here for
generations….almost Rexburg Royalty, if you will, who all know and do business with each
other. Then you have those families who may have come more recently, but have stayed and
continue mostly to stay within their family groups. Last, you have the dominance of the LDS
church in the area. As a lifelong member, it has taken me a long time to find friends and settle
in. And with few exceptions, my friends are other recent transplants—not “locals.” I can’t even
imagine trying to break in here if I were not LDS or at least Christian. I think the proclamation,
therefore, is unnecessary, redundant, nationalistic, and potentially alienating.
Jessica Mecham
Joelle Nolan of Rexburg is against this resolutoin. She doesn’t feel the reasons stated by the Mayor in the
Standard Journal for having the motto is warranted. Rexburg has lots of patriotism. Perhaps City Council
should consider a quote that fits our area better. The motto isn’t needed to help City Council make good
decisions There are other things that money could be spent on. It bothers her that it comes from an
organization that accepts donations. She is friends with Jessica Mecham who wrote the letter. The phrase,
“In God We Trust” was used during the Civil War as propaganda. She reviewed more history and the use
of the motto on American money. She doesn’t want to make other religions feel unwelcome; we need unity
not division.
Mayor Merrill thinks if we trust in God, hopefully we make better decisions.
Council Member Flora commented that she took it more simply and she doesn’t feel that it excludes
anyone but if this is attaching us to an organization then maybe we should consider that.
Mayor Merrill clarified that he never intended to join this association.
Council Member Flora feels it is a good reminder that most of their decisions do involve God.
Analisa Wiggins of Rexburg thinks passing this resolution would be a feather in this organizations cap.
Mayor Merrill asked if that’s a bad thing. She said just because we can doesn’t mean we should. She has a
neighbor that is Muslim and a teacher in her school that is non LDS. Mayor Merrill asked if we say in God
we trust, does it exclude Muslim people? If it has meaning to us in what we believe, doesn’t it have meaning
to them in what they believe?
Ms. Wiggins continued, saying a lot of people call this patriotism but some call it fear of pluralism. This
motto came at a time when our union people felt threatened and needed to claim a moral superiority. Can’t
people be patriotic without worshiping God? She doesn’t want to see her God used as a bully stick and she
doesn’t want people to feel excluded.
Emily Grover of Rexburg said she trusts in God but she also has concerns about people who may not
believe in God. She suggested using “e pluribus unum” which means, “Out of many, one”. She feels this is
a more American motto because it accounts for and acknowledges the multiplicity and plurilism of our
society and yet we all share this American identity and we are part of one group; whereas, “In God We
Trust” has been used to polarize people politically. The organization pushing for this, called In God We
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Trust – America, Inc. lists the cities that follow suit under a link called Victories which she is uncomfortable
with because it seems like they are using it as a polarizing political maneuver.
Council Member Flora asked if they could table this for now and discuss more later on what would be a
good motto for our city.
Mirium Harchorn of Rexburg said she loves Rexburg but has concerns about appropriateness and
necessity for this motto in the City Council Chambers. Because “In God We Trust” is such a common
phrase, it has lost its meaning. She also has concerns about this organization. The founder stated that her
reasons for founding this organization was because she was offended that another group was offended. If
we want to show our trust in God we can do that in other ways; like by the way we act.
Steve Oakey of Rexburg shared that he agrees with the letter that was read. He suspects that without the
letter and public comments that this resolution would have easily passed. He is not offended by the
propostion but he feels it is misplaced and misguided. He thinks City Council should strongly reconsider
any public display including opening prayers in City Council. A governance should be a governance for all.
Council Member Wolfe is proud to put his name on anything that says “In God We Trust”. He came
here tonight, ready to sign this resolution but after hearing the comments, his mind has changed. He feels
the use of the word God is over used but he doesn’t feel as many people as we think would be offended by
this. He thinks City Council should not act on this tonight.
Council Member Mann said he also thought he would sign this resolution but he appreciates what has
been said here tonight. He looks for motivation behind things. He is always a little uncomfortable with
outward expressions of things he considers sacred. Everyone’s religion or their own personal relationship
with God is personal. Patriotism is not just waving a flag or putting up a motto but its how we live. He
doesn’t like getting into personal religious subjects as a City Council but he is also a God fearing person and
does not want to vote against God.
Mayor Merrill remarked that he had a few reservations himself. If we trust in God we should treat
everyone with love and respect. We should show that we trust in God through our actions rather than just
posting it on a wall. He is fine with tabling this tonight. All the City Council Members agreed.
RESOLUTION FOR SUPPORTING
THE DISPLAY OF THE NATIONAL MOTTO
"IN GOD WE TRUST"
RESOLUTION NO. 2017-10
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IN MADISON
COUNTY, STATE OF IDAHO, SUPPORTING THE DISPLAY OF THE NATIONAL
MOTTO "IN GOD WE TRUST" IN THE REXBURG COUNCIL CHAMBERS IN A
PROMINENT LOCATION AT CITY HALL.
WHEREAS, “In God We Trust" became the United States national motto on
July 30, 1956, shortly after our nation led the world through the trauma of World
War II; and
WHEREAS, the words have been used on U.S. currency since 1864; and
WHEREAS, the same inspiring slogan is engraved above the entrance to the
Senate Chamber as well as above the Speaker's dais in the House of
Representatives; and
WHEREAS, in both war and peace, these words have been a profound source of
strength and guidance to many generations of Americans; and
WHEREAS, the City desires to display this patriotic motto in the Council Chambers
as a way to solemnize public occasions and express confidence in our society.
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NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the City Council of the City of Rexburg does hereby resolve as
follows:
Section 1. That the City Council of the City of Rexburg, Idaho, does hereby determine that the historic and patriotic
words of our national motto, “In God We Trust,” shall be permanently and promi nently displayed in the Rexburg
Council Chambers at City Hall.
Section 2. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution and
enter it into the book of original resolutions.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the
City of Rexburg, Idaho, held on the 4th day of October, 2017.
Public Hearings: – NONE
Items for Consideration:
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: NONE
D. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: NONE
Discussion:
Mayor’s Business: Mayor Merrill is currently participating in the Blue Cross Mayor’s Walking Challenge
and he encouraged everyone to get out and walk more.
Council Member Smith would like better communication with the City Council when issues come up like
with the water situation last week.
Council President Smith would like to set up a meeting with their legislatures. Mayor Merrill said the city
is hosting a legislative forum on Dec. 4th. She would like to not have it before a city council meeting so they
won’t be pressured for time. Mayor Merrill asked her to do some checking and find a date that would work.
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 September 20, 2017 meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
C. Set dates for Fall Clean-up for October 16 to November 13, 2017
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Council Member Wolfe moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and city
bills and fall clean-up dates and to ratify Proclamation 2017-04 Honoring the Victims of the
Tragedy in Las Vegas, Nevada; 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 Benfield
The motion carried
Adjournment 7:50P.M.
APPROVED:
____________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
Attest:
____________________________________
Mary Flanary, Deputy City Clerk