HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - March 07, 2018
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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
Deborah Lovejoy – City Clerk
6:30 P.M. City Hall
Council Member Wolfe said the prayer
Cameron from troop 219 led the pledge
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council Member Flora, Council Member Mann, Council Member Wolfe, Council
Member Walker, Council Member Busby, 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.
James Ogden is the owner of Disruptive Productions in Rexburg. He has been in business since
October. They specialize in digital media content creation, photography, videography, graphic
design, and web development. They also subcontract with other companies to help them collect
their footage. Right now, they are working for CGI who is working with the City of Idaho Falls and
the Idaho Falls Chamber to do a community wide marketing refresh. That same company, CGI that
Mr. Ogden has been working for is looking to do the same kind of project for the City of Rexburg
and the Rexburg Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Ogden would like to counter offer CGI’s marketing
refresh project with his own bid and do the project with his own company for a better price which
would also keep the business local. CGI is based in Rochester, New York and their prices are very
high. Mr. Ogden believes they can keep the prices low and that communication would be better
with them since they are local and not clear across the country. Disruptive Productions is offering
their services in conjunction with or in lieu of what CGI is offering.
Mayor Merrill indicated that he and Council Member Mann have met with Mr. Ogden and have
seen some of his work. He does a good job. He asked council their opinion. This company does a
video that promotes the City but they don’t charge the City or the Chamber anything. They just ask
that the City put it on their website and help them promote it a little bit. They earn money by
getting advertising. The City of Burley has an ad on their city website.
Presentations:
A. Upper Valley Soccer Organization- Debbie Miles - Debbie Miles was not in attendance.
B. Idaho Department of Corrections Voice Advocacy/Re-entry upon release from prison–
Andra Smith Hansen
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
March 7, 2018
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Andra Smith Hansen is a faculty member at BYU-I but she is here with a group called Voice
Advocacy along with Sarah Jager who is a senior at BYU-I and is a strategist and serves as external
communications for Voice Advocacy. What Voice Advocacy does is partner with an outside
organization to complete a project of value to the community. They are here on behalf of the Idaho
Department Of Corrections (IDOC). IDOC has asked their group to advocate for re-entry upon
release from prison. Every community has a vested interest in successful re-entry. About 1 in 55 of
Idahoans are under the supervision of IDOC. These people are trying to get back into life in the
community. Voice Advocacy is sponsoring and organizing a community conversation in Idaho Falls
on April 4th, 2018 that is focused on re-entry. Voice Advocacy spoke at the re-entry center in Idaho
Falls with people who are still incarcerated. They also went to St. Anthony and spoke with
individuals who are incarcerated at the Juvenile Corrections Center and to the Pocatello Women’s
Correctional Facility. Their questions to the inmates have been: What are you afraid of? What is
going to be difficult? What are you looking at when you get out?
Ms. Hansen had Sarah Jager share some of their observations as they interviewed several inmates.
Ms. Jager reported that they have interviewed 24 inmates between the three facilities that they
visited. Some common concerns are how they are going to remain clean, have transportation and
find housing. While on parole, these individuals are not allowed to drive but they are required to
have a job. They are also required to have housing separate from other felons. So a common
concern for them is being able to find a job and then figuring out how to get to their job. Finding
housing is also difficult without any resources. Most of the people they interviewed are very sincere
about making change and being a contributing member of the community but they have trouble
fitting in.
Ms. Hansen commented that about 1 in 3 parolees will violate parole or commit another crime. It
benefits the community to help these individuals succeed. IDOC wants to see communities bridge
the gap. Voice Advocacy wants to focus on problems they have identified through research and
interviews with inmates such as re-unification with family, employment, schooling, housing, etc.
Ms. Hansen indicated that the Director of IDOC will be at the April 4th conference along with
several courts and corrections people, mental health providers, Idaho Department of Labor,
Vocational Rehab, etc. They would like the City Council to attend the Community Conversation
and help set the priorities. They are trying to get community leaders from all around South East
Idaho. For those who do plan on attending, they ask that they send a photo and professional bio of
themselves for the Contact Resource Guide that goes to everyone who attends. Voice Advocacy
prepares a report for IDOC and would like council to answer a survey for that report. They also
gather logos for their flyers to show community support. They would like to add the City of
Rexburg logo.
Mayor Merrill pointed out that April 4th is a City Council night.
Council Member Busby believes this is a valuable cause. He works with youth at the schools that
are on probation. He thinks it would be beneficial to have one of the council members attend this
conference. Mayor Merrill agreed and perhaps Attorney Zollinger or Chief Turman could attend as
well.
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Ms. Hansen indicated that they are in need of employers who support hiring individuals with a
record. Their goal is to get newly released individuals a job interview within a week or two after
release. They leave prison with nothing and sometimes they have no family to rely on.
Mayor Merrill asked the City Council if everyone would be okay with allowing the City logo to be
placed on the Voice Advocacy flyers. All the City Council Member agreed to have the city logo on
the flyers.
Council Member Flora asked how many prisoners are released each year. Ms. Hansen doesn’t
know but each parole officer is carrying 35 to 50 cases.
Council Member Flora asked how many of the 24 people they interviewed had family to come
home to. Ms. Hansen replied that about 1 in 5 have family support when they get out. Most
parolees want to do well for their kids. A lot of families don’t know how to help. IDOC pushes the
free to succeed mentoring program. Even those who have family support can request a mentor who
understands that person’s situation.
Council President Smith asked about the juveniles with horrible family situations and what
happens when they are released. Juveniles stay at the Juvenile Correction Center until the age of 21
and then it has to be decided if that individual will go to another facility or be released at that time.
Council Member Busby will attend the meeting on April 4th.
Council Member Mann will attend if there is enough council members left for city council that
night or he will have one of his board members attend.
Staff Reports:
Finance – Matt Nielson
1. Fiscal Year 2017 Audit Report – Brad Reed from Rudd & Company
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Brad Reed with Rudd & Company indicated that he has reviewed the audit report in detail with the
Mayor, Council Member Mann and Council Member Flora. He presented the Financial Statement
Comparisons of the investments, assets, liabilities, revenues, expenses, etc. comparing 2016 with 2017.
He also reviewed the General Fund. He referred to the detailed book to see the individual funds. The
City is in the black and there is nothing that would cause them concern. There were no issues and they
received great cooperation from the city staff. Richard Horner did much of the work which saved Rudd
& Company time and the City money.
Council Member Busby asked about the capital assets increase of 7.4 million. Finance Officer Nielson
indicated that it mostly comes from water and waste water and the loan that was received from the state.
Council Member Mann moved to approve the Fiscal Year 2017 Audit Report as presented
by Brad Reed from Rudd and Company ; Council Member Flora 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 President Smith
Council Member Walker
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
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Resolution 2018-4 – Endorsement of Idaho Gem Grant Application for Oswald Services Inc.
Officer Nielson presented the Idaho Gem Grant that would help Oswald Services. Officer
Nielson has been working with Ken Poulson and Rick Miller at the development company who
have been working with Oswald Services. Oswald’s are building a service shop next to Pro Rental
on Second East and have ended up with some extraordinary costs such as taking care of the ditch
that runs across the front of that property. The Idaho Gem Grant is available to help in this
situation. They need the Cities endorsement for this grant. The only cost to the city is for Officer
Nielson’s work with the Development Company.
Council Member Wolfe asked what they are actually going to do with the ditch and if they are
going to cover the whole ditch. Director Davidson will check the plans to see what they will do with
the ditch.
Officer Nielson also commented that Oswald’s have been in business for over 60 years. They have
a location in Idaho Falls and they will employ about 6 full time workers. They are an auto mechanic
shop.
RESOLUTION NO. 2018-04
WHEREAS, the City Council of Rexburg, Idaho is interested in the economic health of the
community and its citizens; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of Rexburg, Idaho wishes to support and encourage appropriate
efforts within the community that promote economic development of the community and the economic well-being
of its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, the Idaho Department of Commerce is offering a program specifically designed to
help rural Idaho communities implement economic development strategies/projects and,
WHEREAS, this program is entitled the Idaho Gem Grant Program
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of Rexburg, Idaho hereby
supports and endorses an Idaho Gem Grant application for the Oswald Service, Inc. project;
BE IT FUTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council of Rexburg, Idaho designates East-Central
Idaho Planning & Development Association, Inc. its administrative agent for this grant.
Council Member Busby moved to approve Resolution 2018-04 - Endorsement of Idaho Gem
Grant Application for Oswald Services Inc.; 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 President Smith
Council Member Walker
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
Public Works: - Keith Davidson
Director Davidson announced that they are under way for painting the blue water tank on 5th
South. They have it drained and are sand blasting the inside. Council Member Busby asked if they
have found any problems. Director Davidson said they did have a welder come in and fix a couple
of problems and as they sand blast it, they will be watching for any other problems.
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Director Davidson received notice from the Idaho Transportation Department Division of
Aeronautics that they will be terminating the Municipal Airport Courtesy Car Program. ITD is
willing to donate the car to the airport; they just need a letter saying that the City accepts the car.
The Rexburg Airport has two courtesy cars, one was donated by Taylor Chevrolet and they will
continue to use that car. The second car is the courtesy car and Director Davidson would like to
accept the offer from the state to keep that car.
Council Member Flora asked how often the courtesy cars are used. Director Davidson said when
pilots come in from other areas they use them.
Council Member Walker asked who signs them out. Director Davidson said that the Fixed Base
Operator, Craig Frisby does it.
Council Member Wolfe asked about the County’s share. Director Davidson has talked to
Commissioner Smith who will take it to the County Commissioners meeting on Monday.
Council President Smith asked what happens when it comes time to replace the cars. Director
Davidson commented that they are older cars. Mayor Merrill said when they break down the City
may need to buy some used cars.
Council Member Busby moved to accept the donation of the courtesy car for the Rexburg Airport
from the Idaho Transportation Department; 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 President Smith
Council Member Walker
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
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Bids for Tabernacle Windows – Keith Davidson
Director Davidson reviewed the bids for the Tabernacle Windows. Merrill Construction was the sole
bidder and has done some Tabernacle windows in the past. There is $20,000 in the budget so for now, they
would like to replace just the back windows. Director Davidson asked council permission to award the bid
to Merrill Construction.
Council Member Busby asked what will they do with the old windows. Council Member Flora said the
arts council has been given the windows and they tried to sell them but have not had any luck.
Council Member Busby offered to help with that. Director Davidson said the windows are in the shop
and they are very big and heavy.
Council Member Wolfe moved to accept the bid for $19,500 from Merrill Construction to replace the
back windows of the Tabernacle; Council Member Flora 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 President Smith
Council Member Walker
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
Public Works Director Davidson presented the bids for Well #8 Drilling on 7th North and 2nd
East. This will go under the same loan through DEQ on the water. High Plains Drilling was the
low bidder at $141,150. Director Davidson asked council for approval to award that bid.
Council Member Busby moved to award the low bid of $141,150 to High Plains Drilling for Well
#8 Drilling; Council Member Mann 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 President Smith
Council Member Walker
Council Member Busby
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The motion carried
Council Member Busby asked about the South 5th West project and when it will start. Director
Davidson said they are getting that all put together to bid it out. Council Member Busby asked how
long it will take to complete. Director Davidson thinks it will take about 90 days.
Community Development – Bret Stoddard
Building Development Manager Stoddard reviewed the Building Valuation Report for February.
Eden Apartments is the second phase of Mesa Falls. There are lots of projects going on. Manager
Stoddard reminded everyone that their public portal is up and running and going well. They have
had positive comments back from contractors who appreciate the easier process.
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Merrill attended the Orchestra Concert at the Tabernacle and it was very good. He met
with a gentleman from Stephens Heneger College and they want to give out some scholarships.
He attended the ECIPTA board meeting and he is happy to report that almost all of the loans that
have been given to Rexburg businesses are current. He went to career day at the Junior High and
the High School and enjoyed meeting with the students.
Public Hearings:
A. 7:00 P.M. Resolution 2018 – 03 adoption of New and updated Fees List – Matt Nielson
Chief Financial Officer Nielson presented the new fees list. The fees have been published in the
newspaper. He has had no citizen feedback on the changes.
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Mayor Merrill opened the public hearing.
Testimony of those in favor – NONE
Testimony of those neutral – NONE
Testimony of those opposed – NONE
Mayor Merrill closed the public hearing.
Discussion:
Council Member Wolfe moved to approve Resolution 2018 - 03 Adoption of New Fees List as
presented; 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 President Smith
Council Member Walker
Council Member Busby
The motion carried
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): NONE
B. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: NONE
C. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: NONE
Tabled Items: Those items which have been the subject of an affirmative vote to a motion to table:
A. Ordinance 1177 – 2nd reading tabled pending a possible legislative change to Idaho State
House BILL 216 to Amending the Development code for Short-term Rentals, Bed and Breakfast
Inns, and Boarding Houses – City Council
Mayor’s Business:
Mayor Merrill reminded Council that they have a joint meeting with the Planning & Zoning
Commission for training on March 15th at 5:00 p.m... On March 21st they would like to meet again
at 5:00 p.m. to continue the discussion.
Council President Smith commented that the Urban Renewal Board will attend these joint
meetings as well. It will be good to have all three groups together. There will be some presentations
about down town and how important it is to the economy of a community. At the second meeting
on March 21st there should be some decisions made about what everyone wants to do. She is excited
to get all the groups together; Planning & Zoning, City Council and Urban Renewal.
Council Member Busby said he will not be able to attend on March 15th.
Council Member Mann said he will also be gone on March 15th.
Council Member Mann asked about April 4th and if they should have an earlier City Council
meeting that day so he and Council Member Busby can attend the IDOC meeting. Mayor Merrill
suggested that Council Member Mann have one of his Chamber of Commerce board members
attend the IDOC meeting in his place. He would like to keep the normal time for City Council.
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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 February 21, 2018 meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Wolfe moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and city
bills; Council Member Mann 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 President Smith
Council Member Walker
Council Member Busby
Council Member Busby and Council Member Walker abstained from voting on the minutes from
February 21st as they were not here.
The motion carried
Adjournment 7:44 P.M.
APPROVED:
____________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
Attest:
____________________________________
Mary Flanary, Deputy City Clerk