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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - December 20, 2017_ soundpdf 1 December 20, 2017 Mayor Jerry Merrill Council Members: Christopher Mann Jordan Busby Mikel Walker 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. “WORK MEETING” at City Hall A. Discuss City Council Goals for 2018. Attending: Christopher Mann, Jordan Busby, Mikel Walker, Tisha Flora, Brad Wolfe, and Sally Smith. Mayor Merrill opened the meeting and asked Council Member Mann to say a prayer. There was discussion on the need for a parking garage in the downtown area. Council President Smith began the goal discussion and asked for input from the City Council Members. Council Member Busby asked about the plans to widen 2nd East in the future. He also mentioned the widening of University Blvd. and the traffic congestion that is coming from the new developments on Pioneer Road where a round-about is planned. Council Member Busby indicated the school in that area will compound the issues with the proposed round-about. Mayor Merrill indicated an overhead or underground pedestrian bridge may be needed. Discussion on school children avoiding these types of structures by just crossing the street. Mayor Merrill talked about the goals; he thanked the City Council for all there work and support this year. 1. Center Street redevelopment with parking. 2. Tourism through private industry. 3. Make development an easier process. A. Council Member Busby asked about Rexburg being accused of being a place where the process is difficult. B. Mayor Merrill gave examples of miss-communications in the inspection area. C. Council President Smith reviewed a 6 week time period to get a building permit. D. Discussion on the need for one point of contact. 4. Leverage marketing news about Rexburg being one of the safest college towns. 5. Form an event group to coordinate the city and private events. 6. Complete the parks and trails plan and get started on the process. Council Member Wolfe preferred to offset the apartment growth with amenities like rolling grass hills with picnic tables, enhance the parks and the river frontage, etc. He would like to see a plan be put in place to make that happen. Show that the money received for parks is going somewhere. 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 December 20, 2017 2 Mayor Merrill referred to Boise’s park that was funded and development by a private donor. He referenced future park expansion possibilities. Council Member Wolfe said a future bridge across the Teton River should be in the planning stage. Council President Smith mentioned a meeting on the East Parkway Corridor is being held tomorrow. Discussion on a future bridge on 5th West over the Teton River. Council Member Mann said his goals were in line with Mayor Merrill’s. He asked for better signage on the streets. 1. Training Tower for the Fire Department. 2. Create a historic downtown area. 3. Build new restrooms at the city parks. 4. Build up playground equipment. 5. Be involved with the new parks plan. Council Member Flora asked for a plan to maintain our streets. A lift is also needed at the Tabernacle for people to use instead of using the stairs. The Parks have a lot of open space with a lot of outdated playground equipment. The children don’t play like they use to. The equipment needs to be updated. The city parks are beautiful; however, they do not meet the community’s needs. She said there are several grants the city can apply for to help with the updating of the playground equipment. Council Member Busby said a new Police Department building is needed. He said eventually a new station will be needed on the south-west part of town. Council President Smith requested the ball fields that were budget for years ago. The communication between city hall and city council needs to continue, so that city council has the information to answer any questions they receive from the public. Council Member Walker said he agrees the city buildings need to be addressed and so do the ball fields. They will be a great economic driver for the city. Council Member Busby explained the baseball diamonds need to be built before the market moves them to Idaho Falls because they are building the baseball diamonds there. Discussion on working with other entities to coordinate information. 6:30 P.M. City Hall Council Member Busby said the prayer Officer Joseph Haeberle led the pledge Roll Call of Council Members: Attending: Council Member Flora, Council Member Mann, Council Member Wolfe, Council Member Busby, Council Member Walker, Council President Smith and Mayor Merrill. 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. Introduction of new EMT/Firefighter - Matt Bitter Mayor Merrill asked Matt Bitter to introduce himself. Matt said he has lived in Rexburg for the last couple of years. He and his wife both graduated for BYU-Idaho. He grew up in Mud Lake on a farm where they raised potatoes, wheat, barley and alfalfa. He has been involved with Emergency Medical 3 Services for four years; he started as a paid call fire fighter and EMT for Madison County about a year ago. He had the opportunity to be sent out to fight wildland fires this past summer. He is grateful for the opportunity to work for the City of Rexburg full time. B. Introduction of new Water Operator – Jason Steiner Jason Steiner was not present at the meeting. C. Raising the minimum age to buy Tobacco Products in Rexburg from 18 to 21 – Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board. Kelly Pyper the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board Chairman introduced the other members of the executive board. Mason Cameron is the board’s historian, Olivia Clifford is the publicity manager and Claire Bird is the vice chairman. She said they are here tonight to help make City Council aware of a cause they as a group have adopted and are advocating for. Kelly Pyper stated all over the United States, various groups and communities are advocating for legislators to pass city ordinances and state laws that raise the legal sales age of tobacco products from 18 up to 21. This initiative is called Tobacco 21. Maine, New Jersey, California, Oregon, and Hawaii have passed this legislation as a state law and 278 other cities and counties in the United States have chosen to adopt it. Kelly Pyper said as a youth group involved with the City of Rexburg, they have chosen to advocate for this cause in Idaho. They applied for and received a grant of $750.00 from the American Lung Association. She and a few other MYAB members attended a workshop in Boise. They had an amazing experience at the workshop and have chosen to join the American Lung Association in advocating for the legislation here in Idaho on a local and statewide level. They believe raising the legal sales age for tobacco products up to 21 is a major step in reducing nicotine and tobacco addiction in the United States. This will improve the overall health and wellness of our state and country. A video from the Tobacco 21 initiative was shown on the overhead screen. Olivia Clifford said there are many reasons to advocate for the raising of the age of tobacco sales. One of the main reasons is for the health of the youth in our country. Tobacco sales have a huge impact on 18 to 21 year olds. The sooner in age that you can buy tobacco products, there is a greater risk of sharing these products with youth under 18 years of age. Mason Cameron said the MYAB has been working on spreading the word to raise the age of tobacco sales to 21. They have started some social media campaigns; one of them is a video called “21 Reasons” why the age should be raised to 21. They are also going to send postcards to the Governor of Idaho and the Legislators to see if they can get the bill enacted in April. This initiative is really important to the MYAB because they have personally witnessed other students’ vaping. He said vaping is regulated in the same form as tobacco. The MYAB will be working with the school district to inform the students. They hope to have both the parents and students involved in advocating to raise the age so that in April the legislators will vote to raise the age to 21. Olivia Clifford explained the main goal is to have the Tobacco 21 initiative pass on a state level; however, their first step is to act locally. The MYAB recommended the initiative be enacted as a city ordinance by the City Council. Council Member Mann questioned if the Tobacco 21 initiative should be passed on a city and county level. Mason replied yes, it should be passed by the city and county. They are starting with the city first and then they will go to the county. Mayor Merrill asked what type of opposition the MYAB has experienced in pushing this type of legislation. Kelly Pyper explained the major opposition is that it’s a rights issue. The opposition also argues if a person is old enough to vote and be drafted into the military, they are old enough to purchase tobacco. The military is in favor of raising the age and doesn’t agree with people using 4 them as an excuse not to raise the age. She said it is a lot easier for 18 year olds to become addicted to nicotine because a person’s brain function has not fully developed at that age compared to a 21 year old. Kelly Pyper said one of the reasons they as a youth have chosen to take up the initiative is because it effects the youth directly. The opposition says that it takes the rights of the youth away; however, that is not the case when it’s the youth standing up to say they are in support of raising the age to purchase tobacco to 21 years. Mayor Merrill said he is aware of some opposition that will show up to make their argument. Council Member Flora indicated she is aware of eighteen year olds that started vaping with the zero percent nicotine flavors. The zero percent labeling was incorrect the vaping flavor actually had nicotine in them because vaping was not regulated by the Federal Drug Administration. She is in support of the initiative. Mason Cameron said even though it may not appear to be a big problem here in Rexburg; it is in other cities throughout the state. Council Member Walker said he commends the MYAB for pursuing something they are so passionate about. He thanked them for their time and effort put into this initiative; it will help many youth. Mayor Merrill said the proposed ordinance to raise the age of purchasing tobacco will be before City Council on the first meeting in January. Kelly Pyper mentioned there is a website called Tobacco 21 where more information can be found. Committee Liaison Assignments for 2017: A. Council Member Mann: Golf Board · Emergency Services Board · Development Workshop Council Member Mann reported the Golf Board met to review the problems with the ponds, pumps, and screens. The Development Workshop did not meet. Emergency Services Board has not met; however, they reported sending two brush fire trucks to California to help with the wildfires happening there. B. Council Member Busby: · Airport Board · Traffic & Safety · GIS Oversight Council Member Busby reported his committees have not met. C. Council Member Walker: MYAB· Parks & Recreation . Trails of Madison County Council Member Walker reported the MYAB met and is working on the Tobacco 21 initiative. Parks and Recreation is working on the Parks Plan. Trails of Madison County have not met. D. Council President Smith: Legacy Flight Museum · Beautification Committee · M.E.P.I. Council President Smith reported Madison Economic Partners met a week ago Monday to review their accomplishments. They also set some goals for the coming year. The Legacy Flight Museum has not met; however, Mr. John Bagley has concerns about the ownership of the old fire engine at the museum. The museum is looking to keep it without any issues as to who the owner is. Discussion regarding the ownership of the old fire engine. E. Council Member Flora: School Board · Rexburg Arts Council/ Museum of Rexburg Council Member Flora reported the Rexburg Arts Council met. They meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month; she encouraged all interested in the arts to attend the meetings. The Handel’s Messiah will be presented this weekend at the Tabernacle. She attended one the rehearsals and was impressed by the performance. They have about 100 local volunteers participating in the event. She encouraged everyone to attend the event. Council Member Flora commended the Festival of Trees Event. The event was fun for the entire family. They had entertainment, a hot chocolate bar, a Christmas Movie showing, crafts and a table 5 where the children could write a letter to Santa Clause. There was also a Legos contest with prizes for the winners. F. Council Member Wolfe: Planning & Zoning · Urban Renewal Agency · Police Council Member Wolfe reported the Police Department hosted the Shop with a Cop event. The event helped about 80 children form the surrounding areas. The parade to take the Shop with a Cop Children to Wal-Mart was lighted up very well. Mayor Merrill said he attended the parade and the children looked like they had a great time. Mayor Merrill thanked everyone that participated in the event. Council Member Wolfe mentioned he has completed his first term as a City Council Member. He thanked the city’s staff for all they do. The city has some of the best employees. He also thanked the City Council Members for the opportunity to work with them. He looks forward to the next four years. Staff Reports: A. Finance – Matt Nielson Chief Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the changes to the employee recreation benefits. The changes will begin January 1st. The onsite audit was completed on December 10th; things are looking well. They will also need to do a single audit for the City Water Department due to the Environmental Protection Agency Loan. The cost of a single audit is about $5,000 and will begin in about six weeks. The reason for audit is that the auditors consider the EPA loan a grant and anytime it is over $750,000.00 in a year a single audit is required. Chief Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the treasure’s report. The city is at about 17% into the fiscal year and has spent about 9%. The cash balance and fund balance have not been closed out of the prior year. Since they haven’t been closed out, City Council should look at the percentage spent in each fund. There isn’t anything out of the ordinary. The Fire Paramedic Care Unit Wildland Trailer has spent 36% because they deployed late into the fall and last week to California. They haven’t gone that late into the season before. The downtown revitalization project is at 179% spent due to no spending last year. A budget adjustment will be needed as the project is finished. Mayor Merrill questioned if the 36% spent on the Wildland Trailer will be reimbursed later. Chief Finance Officer Nielson said yes the funds will be reimbursed later; however, the billing process is quite long. Council Member Busby asked about Fund #51- Golf Course Construction on the report; it shows 0% spent with a negative balance. Chief Finance Officer Nielson replied the fund is the loan for the new nine. Typically, the only expense shown is the interest that the city charges. The city hasn’t charged out the interest yet. There will be a drop in the cost once the city rolls over the account because the city and county will pay their portions of the cost. Chief Finance Officer Nielson said the Budget Summary Report indicates 17% spent. The Police Department is at about 16%, Public Works is at 14%, and Total Operating Expenditures are at 16%. The city is on target. The Total Expenditures with capital is at 9% and the city has spent about five million dollars. On the revenue side in operations, the city has brought in about 12%, in capital 6%, and in total revenues the city has brought in about 4.6 million dollars. On the investment side the city is investing about 21 million dollars. He said the funds are invested laddered and about 36% of the funds are in the diversified bond fund. This is a three year plus investment at a two to three percent return. The city has about 30% in managed accounts between Moreton and Zions investments with a return of about 1.8 to two percent. The short term investments are predicted to go up in returns. Chief Finance Officer Nielson said in the short term 30 day liquid cash there is about 34% of the city’s investments. Council Member Busby questioned the negative balance in the Zions Bank Payroll Checking. Chief Finance Officer Nielson said the negative is due to the November adjustment not being submitted. 6 7 8 Council Member Busby said there is confusion as to who owns the old fire engine at the Legacy Flight Museum. City Attorney Zollinger indicated the old fire truck is owned by the city. Discussion regarding the ownership of the old fire engine. B. Public Works and Engineering: - Keith Davidson Public Works Director Davidson reported the city has applied for three different grants from the state. The first one is a Cement Recycled Asphalt Base Stabilization (CRABS) grant for 7th South to 2nd East. The second grant is for a pathway. They looked at different areas that are missing sidewalk in the city’s parks. The third grant is for a trail behind the Madison Junior High School. Council Member Busby asked about the 7th South grant. Public Works Director Davidson said the grant is a surplus eliminator from the state. The grant is for road maintenance projects only. Council Member Busby asked about the status of the new adjustable speed limit signs that are to be installed in front of the Madison Middle School. Public Works Director said the new signs have been received and will be installed as soon as possible. The signs are solar powered. Discussion regarding the 7th South CRABS grant project. Council President Smith asked about the completion of the Local Improvement District projects. Public Works Director Davidson replied there are still sidewalks that need to be completed; however, they are getting closer to completing the LID’s. Council Member Busby asked about the Squire Brick property; there is discussion about starting the project. There is concern with digging up the new road in front of the Squire’s Brick Property. Public Works Director Davidson said the city has stubbed out some utilities prior to repaving the road. Council Member Busby asked if the contractor needs to receive the city’s permission before cutting into the street. Public Works Director replied yes the contractor needs to receive the city’s permission. The street cut is inspected to make sure it is repaired correctly. C. Community Development: - City Attorney Zollinger City Attorney Zollinger reported the Community Development Department has been working on outlining the department’s needs and which personnel handles certain work assignments. 9 Mayor’s Report: Mayor Merrill reported he has exciting news, Rexburg was named the number one safest city in Idaho and the Forbes Magazine named Rexburg as the third best college town in the country. They based their study on three different categories: affordability of tuition cost and housing, economic opportunity, and lastly social life atmosphere. Mayor Merrill reported the Museum of Rexburg will be closed for the month of January for reorganization and maintenance. If the work is done quickly it may open sooner. Public Hearings: – NONE Items for Consideration: A. ORDINANCE 1177 to amend the Development Code for Short-term Rentals, Bed and Breakfast Inns, and Boarding Houses – Short Term Rental Task Force – Rory Kunz or Greg Blacker Planning and Zoning Commissioner Kunz presented the amendment to the Development Code regarding Short-term Rentals. The Short-Term Task Force was formed in response to House Bill 216. The House Bill determined that Short-term Rentals would be allowed throughout all zones. Commissioner Kunz explained some of the regulations the task force came up with for short-term rentals in the low density residential zones as follows:  A business license would need to be applied for.  The business license would be regulated by the city.  The cost of the initial business license would be set at $100.00.  The home would need to go through an inspection to make sure they comply with life safety codes.  The owner/agent would need to live in the house being used as a short-term rental.  The rental will need to have adequate parking for their tenants of at least one parking stall per bedroom being rented.  It would be the owner’s responsibility to abide with all zoning laws.  The owner will be responsible for making sure guests comply with Home Owner Association rules. Council Member Flora questioned the reason why Commissioner Kunz voted against the second motion in the Planning and Zoning meeting. Commissioner Kunz said he was more against the manner in which the proposal came about than the actual proposal made. Council Member Mann asked Commissioner Kunz if allowing short-term rentals in the low density residential zones would open the door for other uses such as duplexes. Commissioner Kunz replied the Development Code supersedes any other uses for the property. City Attorney Zollinger clarified the City’s Development Code would not allow a structural transition into a duplex. He said nothing that was written in the short-term rental provision would be construed as an enabling statute for anything other than a short- term rental. Mayor Merrill questioned the renewal cost of the business license. He believes the $100.00 for the initial fee is a good idea because it will cover the cost of the inspections. He is concerned with $50.00 renewal fee where other businesses only pay a $25.00 renewal fee. Council Member Flora said she agrees with renewal fee only being $25.00 for short-term rentals. City Attorney Zollinger clarified there are multiple fees for various businesses depending on the intensity that the business drives such as inspections, supervision and observation. There are a vast number of the businesses that the renewal fee is $25.00; however, depending on the nature of the business, it may require more inspection and visits from the compliance office. Council Member Wolfe said the task force took into consideration the nature of the short-term rental businesses and the possibility for future compliance and inspections when they came up with the $50.00 renewal fee. Commissioner Kunz explained the renewal fee would need to be a slightly higher than the general renewal fee to cover the oversight by city staff. Council Member Flora said she disagrees with that point because once the short-term rental starts up there shouldn’t be any issues that arise. She believes the $25.00 renewal fee is reasonable. Council President Smith questioned if other home based businesses are required to obtain a business license and inspection. City Attorney Zollinger said the city does randomized inspections. Commissioner 10 Kunz clarified it wasn’t the intent of the task force to have a short-term rental business be inspected every year. Council Member Wolfe said any complaints regarding the short-term rental businesses would drive up the cost. Mayor Merrill indicated he would like the fee to start at a lower cost and go up as needed. Mayor Merrill questioned the reason for the one parking stall per bedroom being rented. Council Member Flora asked if the rule for the one parking stall per bedroom being rented could read as “everyone living or renting a room must park on the premises and not the street”. Council Member Wolfe clarified the reason for having the one parking stall for each bedroom being rented is to keep parking off the street. He explained another reason for the one parking stall per bedroom being rented was to help with the inspection process to see if the property meets the requirements for the short-term rental business. Council Member Busby asked if the Home Owners Association prohibits short-term rentals would the home owner still be allowed to rent out their home as a short-term rental. Mayor Merrill said if the HOA’s covenants prohibit short-term rentals, they would not be allowed in that neighborhood. Council Member Busby asked about the letter written to Ilene Olsen from the city; it has a statement made by Senator Nate saying that the legislators need to tighten down the statute. Mayor Merrill said there is a possibility the legislators may change House Bill 216. Council Member Busby asked about the Association of Idaho Cities position on House Bill 216. City Attorney Zollinger said AIC’s position remains unchanged the bill as drafted does not require short-term rentals in all zones. There are other cities waiting to see if the State of Idaho will fix the language in the statute because the word “throughout” does not mean everywhere. Council President Smith expressed her concerns with adopting a city ordinance that allows short-term rentals in low density residential zones because there is a possibility that the state may not change the statute to read that short-term rentals are allowed in every zone. She believes this isn’t something the city prefers to do. Council President Smith said she reviewed several covenants for some of the subdivisions in Rexburg. The Harvest Heights, Eaglewood, and Canyon View all have an item in their covenants that states no rentals are allowed. Harvest Height’s covenants states no basement apartment or other portions of the dwelling may be used or leased for rentals, apartments, or other such uses to any person or entity. Sky Meadows allows rentals as long as the home is owner occupied. The Evergreen Subdivision and Henderson Subdivision land use is single family; however, there are several basement apartments. She reviewed the subdivisions that do not prohibit short-term rentals in their HOA covenants. Council President Smith said she is uncomfortable with passing an ordinance that allows short-term rentals in low density residential zones if the State of Idaho decides to not change House Bill 216. She is also concerned with Rexburg not doing a good job in enforcing the current ordinance that doesn’t allow short- term rentals in the LDR1 Zones. She visited the Airbnb website and currently there are eight houses available as short-term rentals in the LDR1 Zones. She is concerned with people not following the city ordinance. Discussion regarding the number of conditional use permits issued in the medium density residential zones to allow short-term rentals. Council President Smith moved to table the Development Code amendment for Short-term Rentals, Bed and Breakfast Inns, and Boarding Houses; Discussion: Council Member Flora indicated she would prefer a resolution be made due to the time and effort the task force put in to come up with a compromise between those in favor and those opposed to short-term rentals. Council Member Wolfe said the two community representatives on the task force were opposed to allow short-term rentals; however, after they discussed the conditions and restrictions, they were in favor of allowing short-term rentals. Council President Smith commended the task force for their efforts; however, she would prefer to wait to see if the state changes the statute. City Attorney Zollinger said he anticipates the state will change the statute to allow short-term rentals in all zones; Council Member Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Mann Council Member Flora Council Member Busby Council Member Wolfe Council President Smith Council Member Walker 11 Mayor Merrill broke the tie and voted nay. The motion failed Council Member Flora moved to approve the Development Code amendment for Short-term Rentals, Bed and Breakfast Inns, and Boarding Houses as discussed with the exception of the business license renewal fee be changed to $25.00 and consider it first read; Discussion: Council Member Mann said he is concerned with unintended consequences by allowing short-term rentals in LDR1 Zones. Council Member Wolfe explained short-term rentals are already being operated as pointed out by Council President Smith. The task force was given an avenue to regulate short-term rentals. Council Member Walker seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora Council Member Mann Council Member Wolfe Council Member Busby Council Member Walker Council President Smith Mayor Merrill broke the tie and voted aye. The motion carried B. Thompson Farms Preliminary Planned Unit Development (PUD) Master Plan – Paul Bringhurst – (#17-00704), The zoning of the property will remain the same as recently reconfigured for Medium Density Residential One (MDR1), Low Density Residential Two (LDR2), and Community Business Center (CBC). City Attorney Zollinger reviewed the Thompson Farms Preliminary Planned Unit Development (PUD) Master Plan. 12 Council Member Busby asked if sidewalks would be added on the east side of Yellowstone Highway. There is right of way and the developer will need to add sidewalks to their side of the development. Public Works Director Davidson said he prefers the access to the commercial park not be allowed. The issue with Stegelmeire Lane being perpendicular to the Yellowstone Hwy will need to be discussed and a resolution will need to be made. Council Member Busby asked about the water retention ponds. The retention ponds are not shown on a Preliminary Planned Unit Development Master Plan. Mayor Merrill asked why the developer did not want to keep the Villa streets as private streets. Public Works Director replied the developer would prefer the city to maintain these roads; it also factors into dedicating their water and sewer lines. Council Member Flora questioned if the implementation of narrowing the city roads to reduce speed and to help with snow removal is beginning with this development. Public Works Director Davidson said in order to narrow the city roads an ordinance would need to be passed by City Council. She asked if the condition in the Planning and Zoning motion are still needed. City Attorney Zollinger said yes the conditions are stilled needed. Council Member Flora said she is concerned with the playground not being adequate. City Attorney Zollinger recommended her concern be added to the motion. Council Member Busby asked about the sewer connection. Public Works Director said the water and sewer connections will be shown on the final plat. The expense will be shared between the developer and property owners. Discussion regarding water and sewer capacity. Council Member Mann moved to approve the Thompson Farms Preliminary Planned Unit Development (PUD) Master Plan zoning of the property will remain the same as recently reconfigured for Medium Density Residential One (MDR1), Low Density Residential Two (LDR2), and Community Business Center (CBC); with adequate playground equipment in the developments park and with the Planning and Zoning conditions 1. The Thompson Farm’s Representatives will work with the city on the required density points. 2. Before the final plat the property owners need to work with the city’s Public Works Director; Council Member Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora Council Member Mann Council Member Wolfe Council Member Busby Council Member Walker Council President Smith 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. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: NONE C. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: NONE Mayor’s Business: Mayor Merrill said he attend a conference in Florida for his business. He said a lot of what he learned at the conference can be implemented in city government. Council Member Busby said getting out and visiting other cities, helps you to appreciate the city you live in more. 13 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 December 06, 2017 meeting B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills Council Member Wolfe moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and city bills; Council President Smith seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora Council Member Mann Council Member Wolfe Council Member Busby Council Member Walker Council President Smith The motion carried Adjournment 8:32 P.M. APPROVED: ____________________________ Jerry Merrill, Mayor Attest: ____________________________________ Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk