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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - March 21, 2018 (2) 1 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 Craig Rindlisbacher – City Planner 5:00 P.M. CITY HALL – JOINT MEETING with the Planning and Zoning Commissioners and Urban Renewal Agency. Attending: Council President Smith, Council Member Flora, Council Member Wolfe, Council Member Busby, Council Member Mann, Council Member Walker and Mayor Merrill. Planning and Zoning Commissioners attending: Chairman Heidi Christensen, Greg Blacker, Steve Oakey, Darrik Farmer, Rory Kunz, and Kristi Anderson. Urban Renewal Agency attending: Randall Porter, Craig Chambers and Joseph West Mayor Merrill welcomed everyone to the meeting. City Planner Craig Rindlisbacher presented the following four questions to those attending the meeting: 1. How do you see the downtown changing in the future? 2. What can we do to strengthen community identity in the downtown? 3. What specific things need to happen in the downtown to make it a successful “economic engine” for all of the region? 4. What Community actions are needed in the order to make this happen? City Planner Rindlisbacher asked all of the members attending to separate into four groups to discuss the four questions he presented. Greg Blacker was the spokesman for his group, they discussed the following question. How do you see the downtown changing in the future? He said they would like to have a vibrant character in the downtown. They would also like to see more events take place in the downtown. He mentioned the parking issues the downtown area has currently. The group felt the downtown needs to have historical markers with more pedestrian friendly areas. They thought the downtown should have themed areas as well. They favor the idea of live, shop, work for the downtown area. They believe by revitalizing the downtown. More professional businesses would be interested in locating there and in turn that would create more job opportunities. The following people were in the group.  Sally Smith  Jerry Merrill  Richie Webb  Heidi Christensen 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Phone: 208.359.3020 x2101 Fax: 208.359.3022 deborahl@rexburg.org www.rexburg.org City Council Minutes March 21, 2018 2 Council Member Walker was the spokesman for his group and they brainstormed the following question. What can we do to strengthen community identity in the downtown? He said BYU- Idaho University has a large influence on the community. Rexburg is also a family based community. The downtown needs to reflect both of these influences. One way to strengthen the community identity is to make all of the downtown more pedestrian friendly with gathering places for people of all ages. He mentioned the city has been working to revitalize the buildings in the downtown for example the Romance Theater. The city has already revitalized Center Street to make it more pedestrian friendly. These are all great ideas to make the downtown attract more family themed events. The downtown should be revitalized in a way that it appeals to people visiting Rexburg as well. The following people were in the group.  Robert Chambers  Darrik Farmer  Kristi Anderson  Chris Mann Planning and Zoning Commissioner Kunz spoke for his group, they discussed the following question. What specific things need to happen in the downtown to make it a successful “economic engine” for all of the region? He said his group determined 45 acres of Rexburg’s downtown is tax exempt. They discussed specifically how to find a way to negotiate with the school district. Their negotiating ideas included; a land trade or outright purchase of the land where the old Jr. High School is located. He mentioned some of that land could then be sold to an independent private owner. This would generate tax revenue for the city. They discussed an updated look for the downtown. They believe by updating the downtown, it would be more appealing for new business 3 to locate there. This could be an incentive for other businesses to come and possible build more infrastructure, such as a parking garage. The following people were in the group.  Tisha Flora  Jordan Busby  Keith Davidson  Will Klaver Joseph West with the Urban Renewal Agency spoke for his group, they deliberated the following question. What Community actions are needed in the order to make this happen? He said his group came up with some principles on how to create community action; however needed more time to discuss how to make it happen. The following people were in the group.  Randal Porter  Joseph West  Brad Wolfe  Steve Oakey City Planner Rindlisbacher explained he is pleased with the comments made by the groups. There is community interest in the making the downtown area viable. Richie Webb said he is pleased to be able to report on a development he is working on in the downtown area. When, he was approached by Economic Development Director Johnson regarding the development. Mr. Johnson asked him the following question “why are you doing, what you are doing”. He said when they first looked at the project; they didn’t feel Rexburg was ready for the project. They started with a development that would work for them and hoped other developers would follow. When they started to development they didn’t have a single tenant; however, they felt there was a need. He said it has been a struggle to keep the retail component filled. They had to come up with creative leases to keep businesses in place. Richie Webb said the projects he has worked on have an aesthetic value and create a standard for other developers to follow. Their developments have followed the following criteria: community minded, family focused and to preserve family legacy. He explained every developer has to develop in a way that the development pays for itself. They have a lot invested into the community. Their motives as developers have been more than profit driven. They have been more focused on how to create places in the core of the community. Richie Webb said some people consider Main Street a key part of the downtown area. In the future the downtown will continue to expand into the core of the community. It’s going to be downtown in a broader sense, if the development is done in a thoughtful way. He gave the example of a development in downtown Indianapolis that spurred more development. The developments he has 4 worked on are trying to spur that same kind of development. He mentioned some of the developments in Rexburg that will create nice incentives to keep the downtown viable and attract more businesses. Richie Webb said he has worked with Economic Development Director Johnson. Mr. Johnson keeps informing him that there is a demand from these types of businesses to be in the downtown. This is not the normal for most types of businesses. They tend to build where land is less expensive to develop leaving the downtown to erode; however, if the right type of development is built in the downtown to create a combination for people to live, work and shop it will continue to be viable. He mentioned some of the businesses that will be moving to the downtown such as, Navex Global. They will be employing and additional 250 employees. Council Member Wolfe asked what the City of Indianapolis did to facilitate development in their downtown. Mr. Webb replied he is unaware of all of the incentives the City of Indianapolis has. There are some incentives in the city with the Pedestrian Emphasis District, Urban Renewal, and the new market credit. He mentioned something that isn’t an incentive in downtown Rexburg is the cost of land, it is very expensive. When a developer is trying to develop something and the land cost one and half million dollars, it’s difficult to develop. If there aren’t any incentives for developers to develop, they aren’t going to develop. He said we can keep planning and coming up with ideas; however, if there isn’t a developer who wants to spend millions of dollars on a development the development isn’t going to happen. The market will drive much of the growth; however, there needs to incentives to encourage developers to develop. Joseph West asked about the market then and now. Mr. Webb explained when the development started 11 years ago there has been some progress; however, it is still not highly attractive. We don’t have businesses knocking down our doors to come here to Rexburg. It is going to take time and it is moving in the right direction. The population growth of the university has been good; however, the city’s population hasn’t had much growth. The economic engine for Rexburg will be good jobs. Steve Oakey asked Mr. Webb if the city is doing anything to facilitate the development in the city. There are regulations in the city that make it extremely difficult to develop here in Rexburg. Mr. Webb said when he first started working with the city; it hasn’t always been the easiest; however it is better now. Mr. Webb explained the zones that were available then didn’t work for their development. The city since then has added more zones such as the mixed use zones. In terms of flexibility the city is easier to work with on developments. Mr. Webb said it’s a challenge to leave it and have the market drive development there are pros; however, if there isn’t any form of consistency or conformity than you get a city that isn’t well presented. Mr. Webb believes both market and consistency are needed to help a community feel cohesive and right. Council Member Smith asked whose needs we are meeting. Is it the university students needs or the community’s needs. Mr. Webb said they tried to bring in stores that the community would like to see. He said there is a good blend of meeting both community members and student’s needs. Mayor Merrill said one of the things the city has been trying to work on is to make the city’s code easier to work with; however, continue to follow the life safety codes. Mr. Webb said there are a lot of things that come up where flexibility needs to happen and the city has been easy to work with when it comes to these flexibilities. Economic Development Director Johnson explained the challenges and opportunities in the downtown. Some of the challenges include parking issues and the cost of land for development. A parking structure has been discussed. He reviewed the following story maps on the overhead screen. Daniel Torres created the maps and is nationally accredited for his maps. 5 1. The tax exempt properties in the downtown. 2. Property evaluation in the downtown. 3. Undeveloped properties in the downtown. 6 4. Areas of potential redevelopment. Economic Development Director Johnson said there will more discussion regarding development in the downtown area. Mayor Merrill made the following announcement regarding upcoming joint meetings with City Council, Planning and Zoning and Urban Renewal Agency. The next meeting is scheduled for April 11th at 5:30 p.m. a joint resolution will be presented to Planning and Zoning on May 3rd and then to City Council on May 16th. 6:30 P.M. City Hall Doug Ricks said the prayer Rory Kunz led the pledge Roll Call of Council Members: Attending: Council Member Flora, Council Member Mann, Council Member Busby, Council Member Walker, Council Member Wolfe, 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. 7 Mr. Ralph Matson referred to a paper article in the newspaper and asked for clarification regarding the rezone change west of the Moody Road near his property. He said the article also stated that the rules were suspended. He wondered which rules were suspended and why have rules to begin with if they are going to be suspended. Mayor Merrill explained City Council suspended the rules to third read the ordinance for the rezone. When suspending the rules to third read an ordinance City Council takes into consideration any dissenting comments regarding the matter in the public hearing that is held in the Planning and Zoning meeting. This rezone didn’t have any dissenting comments at the public hearing. Planning and Zoning Commissioner Kunz comment two months ago he presented to City Council City Ordinance 1177. The ordinance was first read and then tabled at the second reading. He requested the ordinance to be un-tabled tonight for discussion. The reason why City Council tabled the ordinance was to await a decision regarding a possible legislative change to Idaho State House BILL 216. Steve Oakey agreed with Mr. Kunz comment. Presentations: A. Introduce Noah Phethean – Staff Accountant Mayor Merrill asked new City Employee Noah Phethean to introduce himself. Mr. Phethean said he was born and raised in Southern California. He moved to Idaho to attend BYU-Idaho University. He and his wife have five children. He has five years of accounting experience. Four of those years he worked full-time in the Accounting Department at BYU-Idaho. He said he has worked the last six months for H&R Block. He is very excited to be working for the City of Rexburg. Committee Liaison Assignments for 2018: A. Council Member Mann: Golf Board · Emergency Services Board · Development Workshop Council Member Mann reported The Golf Board met to discuss the conditions of the golf course. They look forward to having the golf course open soon. Emergency Services Board has not met. The Development Workshop is planning their golf tournament. B. Council Member Busby: Airport Board · Traffic & Safety · GIS Oversight Council Member Busby reported Airport Board meeting was canceled again. The GIS Oversight Committee, Traffic and Safety have not met. Mayor Merrill said he visited with David Bell about serving on the Traffic and Safety Committee. He asked City Council for a motion to ratify the appointment of David Bell to the Traffic and Safety Committee. Council Member Busby moved to ratify the appointment of David Bell to the Traffic and Safety Committee; 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 C. Council Member Walker: MYAB· Parks & Recreation · Trails of Madison County 8 Council Member Walker reported the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board met. They held a mock election for mayor and city council and then held a mock city council meeting. They discussed several issues going on in the city and voted on those issues. They had some ties and the acting mayor had to break those ties. The youth learned the process of city government and how it may not be as easy to make a decision as they thought. Council Member Walker said the Parks Department is working on their general parks plan. The Recreation Department and Trails of Madison County have not met. Mayor Merrill reported the MYAB has set May 16th as Rexburg Days. They will be planting flowers along Main Street and Center Street. They are asking for volunteers to come help them plant the flowers. The Parks Department employees will also be helping to plant flowers. D. Council President Smith: Legacy Flight Museum · Beautification Committee · M.E.P.I. Council President Smith reported they are in the process of putting the Beautification Committee back together. The committee is looking for chairman. The Legacy Flight Museum is meeting to plan the Airshow. Mr. Bagley has the list of participants and it looks great. There Airshow is on June 16th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Council President Smith said M.E.P.I. met to discuss RBC meeting location. They will be meeting at City Hall and taking over the space Madison Memorial Hospital was renting. Mayor Merrill clarified Madison Memorial Hospital will still be renting the front part of the City Hall Building and Research Business Development Center will be in the back part of the building. They hope it will be a good location for RBDC to help entrepreneurs to start up their business. E. Council Member Flora: School Board · Rexburg Arts Council/ Museum of Rexburg Council Member Flora reported the School Board met. She commended the school board in the way they start their meetings. They start with sharing happy success stories. She is amazed with what the teachers and students accomplish in the school district. They share five to eight success stories each month. The end of the school year is really busy for the school board. They are also working on the process of allocating the bond funds. Council Member Flora reported the Arts Council met. They are working on celebrating the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. They are planning a special veterans program to celebrate. The Rexburg Got Talent program is holding the finals this coming Friday at 7:00 pm. They are also working on the Teton Story Telling and Arts Festival for August. The Experience Rexburg Heritage Festival is also being planned for September. F. Council Member Wolfe: Planning & Zoning · Urban Renewal Agency · Police Council Member Wolfe reported Planning and Zoning met last Thursday. They discussed the land use action item that has to do with the rezone of the Lofgran/Kinderdijk property; it is before City Council tonight. The Urban Renewal Agency will meet tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. Council Member Wolfe reported there is a new law that will require different types of breath analyzers to test intoxicated drivers. The Police Department received a grant of $10,300.00 to pay for the new breath analyzing equipment. They were one of three entities that received the grant in the entire state. Council Member Wolfe reported Officer Robbie Cobb will be graduating from the POST Academy on March 30th. Chief Turman visited with the POST Academy Representative and was informed that Officer Cobb excelled at POST. Chief Turman is excited to have him back and ready to work. Council Member Wolfe reported Dale Wright has been a reserve officer for 30 years, has turned 70 years old and will be retiring on April 3rd at 1:00 p.m. Council Member Wolfe reported the Dare graduation will be held on March 27th at 7:00 p.m. for Sugar-Salem and March 28th at 7:00 p.m. for Madison with 430 graduates. He recommended arriving early to the graduation. Council Member Wolfe mentioned the fire arms training center for the police department is almost complete. 9 Mayor Merrill said he drove by a house across Porter Park and wasn’t aware they were doing K9 dog training. He thought there might have been a shooting because the windows of the house were broken out. Council Member Wolfe commended the Police Department for all of their comradery and hard work to keep the city safe. They truly care about the wellbeing of the city and its residents. Staff Reports: A. Finance – Matt Nielson 1. Reviewed the Budget Reports. 2. Review 2018 Budget Preparation Calendar for 2019 Fiscal Year Budget. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Expenditures Budget Summary Report. The report is into February the first five months of the fiscal year. The city should be at 42% on the expenses. On the Operating side the city is at about 44%. In the Total Operation Expenditures the city is at about 39%. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Revenues Budget Summary Report. The city is at 36% which is slightly low. The reason why the Total Operating Revenues is slightly low is due to the franchise fees not coming in on time. The Permits and Licenses Fund is high at 57%. The Parks fund is at 13% it should increase as soon as the golf course and Rexburg Rapids open for the season and start receiving revenue. On the Capital side there was a change to the report that will make it easier to know how much funds are received from the impact fees and capacity fees for water and sewer. The city has collected about 78% of what was budgeted. There has been a lot of permits issued and growth. He said before the Capital Reserve 10 Fees and Impact Fees were lumped together with the carryover balances. The city has collected about 24% for both Capital and Operations and the expenditures at about 21% with a surplus of about 1.4 million dollars. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Cash and Investment Balance Report. The city has about 25,440,676 invested. He reviewed last month’s returns LGIP was at about 1.49% those are the short term investments. The city has about 9.2 million dollars between cash and short term investments. In the managed accounts which is generally a two year term on the investment. The return is about 2% on those the city is investing about 6.7 million dollars in the two year term accounts. In the long term investments which are really the diversified bond fund there is about 7.4 million dollars and the yield on the long term investments to maturity is about 2.79%. He mentioned this year has been a good year in cash and investments compared to other years. 11 Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Treasurer’s Expenditure Report. The Golf Fund is being cash flowed by about $140,000.00. The golf course officially opened today and with the sale of season passes. There should be a large increase in funds in the next 60 days. In the Park Impact Fees there are about 1.1 million dollars saved for the ball diamond project for next year and another projects going on this year. He reviewed the Sanitation, Sewer, and Street Reserves. The street reserves should begin to decrease as public works begins to use the funds for street projects. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the total for all funds. 12 Mayor Merrill commented that David Rails is pleased with how things are going for his business at the club house at Teton Lakes Golf Course. Finance Officer Nielson said he delivered a contract to Mr. Rails to increase the lease rent. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the 2018 Budget Preparation Calendar for 2019 Fiscal Year Budget. Discussion regarding the dates for the Budget Preparation Calendar. 13 Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Calculation of Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Report with a recommendation of 2.07% increase. He will include the COLA percentage in the payroll budget process. Council Member Mann explained the cost of living is based on the Consumer Price Index. The city generally accepts the percentage given by the Consumer Price Index. Council Member Flora moved to approve the 2018 Budget Preparation Calendar for 2019 Fiscal Year Budget; 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 14 B. Park Street Park Presentation and Bid Acceptance – Tisha Flora Council Member Flora explained the city had appropriated $60,000.00 for Park Street Park last May. She visited with residents from different neighborhoods surrounding Park Street Park. They discussed the needs for that park and she asked them the following questions. If you could have anything you wanted at that park what would it be? What would you like to see happen at Park Street Park? Council Member Flora said after visiting with the residents from all of the surrounding neighborhoods her vision for the park changed. An observation she made when visiting with the residents is how many young families there are and more yet to come with future development on 5th West. These families will have young kids with no place to gather; however the city already has parks where people can gather. She said she questioned what is missing or is it that we what don’t at the city parks. The families with toddlers said the parks don’t have playground equipment for toddler age children. The problem they see when taking their toddles to the city parks is trying to navigate on a play structure with all of the older kids. Council Member Flora explained with the information she gathered from the city residents she started researching toddler play. In the research she found toddlers don’t like to stay in one location, they like to run from one place to another. The vision for Park Street Park is for it to be different than the other city parks by creating a park for children age’s two to twelve. A picture of a park for toddler aged children was shown on the overhead screen. Council Member Flora continued to explain the research she found on how toddlers play. She figured out a way to enhance toddler play at the park by having different play structures suited for toddlers. There are six types of plays that psychologist like to see with toddles and young children. She has incorporated as many of the six types of toddler play in the park. One of the types of play is motion that is why there is more than one play structure shown in the picture. Council Member Flora said the vision is to create a place for parents to be able to walk or push a stroller and still be able to watch their children as they play. She reviewed the different play structures and tables that will be at the park. The Madison Jr. High students will be building a play structure for the park designed as a gas station. Council Member Flora reviewed the costs to upgrade the park. She said one of the items she did not budget for was lighting. She explained the need for sidewalks around the park. The park is a direct path for parents and children walking to Kennedy Elementry School. Council Member Flora said with the permission of Mayor Merrill she began seeking grants for the park. She wrote and was awared three grants. In order to save money a community committee was formed to help collect donations or a way they can. The committee is seeking sponsors to help with some of the cost. Merrill Landscaping is going to sponsor the landscaping strip at the park. The sponsorships will be opened 15 up to the the community to sponsor the play structures need for the park. The park has a theme that theme has to do with travel. She said whoever sponsors a play structure a plaque will be placed by that structure with the name of the sponsor. Council Member Flora reveiwed the cost for the park. Council Member Flora reviewed the additional costs for the park. The shortfall is $41,000.00 Council President Smith asked Council Member Flora if she has approched the developer that is going to build the new apartments to sponsor a play structure. Council Member Wolfe mentioned he may know of someone that could help with the lighting. Council Member Mann congradulated Council Member Flora for her work on Park Street Park. He questioned how much money is available in the Park impact Fees for the city’s park. He prefers the city to be able to pay for the cost of the park instead of asking for donations from the city residents. Finance Officer Nielson replied $60,000.00 is coming from the Park Impact fees; however, the additional $35,000.00 needed is coming out of the general fund because it’s more for maintenance cost of the park. There is a fine line between park impact and maintenance costs. The contingencey in the general fund for this year’s budget is about $219,000.00. The additional $35,000.00 needed for the park is coming out of the $219,000.00. Council President Smith said she agrees with having community involvment in asking for donations to purchase the equipment in the park. She said it creates by in for the community. She believes the city should involve the comminity more. Council Member Flora mentioned she doesn’t feel its right to represure the businesses or residents to donate. They will be informed of the possiblity to donate and leave up to them. Counil Member Flora said she has been encouraged by the response from the community committee for the park. They are excited, they are willing to work to find the volunteers needed and they are invested. There has been residents from the surronding neighborhoods that are coming together to make it their park. Discussion regarding the additional costs and scope of Park Street Park. Council Member Busby mentioned he is surprised that sidewalk hasn’t been added to the park. Council Member Walker asked if the cost for the sidewalks could come for a different city fund 16 Council President Smith indicated park projects like the one being proposed can be economic drivers for the city as well. Council Member Walker moved to approve the Budget Adjustment for all grants and up to $35,000.00 from the general fund; Discussion: Council Member Wolfe said he agrees with President Council Smith to seek for more donations and sponsorships for the park. He indicated when residents become invested in something they care for it and are proud of it; 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 B. Public Works: - Keith Davidson Public Works Director Davidson reported they requested four bids from contractors that do paving in the city. They received three bids back for the work needed at Park Street Park. HK Contractors was the low bid at $51,015.00. The work will include putting in sidewalk, trike track, excavation, curb and gutter. Council Member Flora asked if the cost includes the cement for the gas station structure. 17 Discussion regarding costs and budget for Park Street Park. Council Member Wolfe moved to approve the low bids for sidewalk/C&G, Trike Track, Excavation, and Flat Work for Park Street Park to HK Contractors in the amount of $51,015.00; 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 President Smith Council Member Walker Council Member Busby The motion carried 1. HVAC repair/upgrade – Hospital side of City Hall – Budget Amendment Request & Bid Acceptance. Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the Budget Adjustment for the HVAC repairs/upgrade at City Hall. They have been struggling with the heating on the tenant’s side of the building. Council Member Busby asked how long ago was the current heating and cooling system installed. Mayor Merrill indicated the system was installed in 2007. Discussion regarding the cost of the new HVAC system. 18 Council President Smith said there were changes to the HVAC system last year. Public Works Director Davidson replied they were looking into different options on trying to correct the system; however, weren’t able to find anything that worked without a budget adjustment. Council President Smith moved to approve the Budget Amendment Request and Bid Acceptance for the HVAC repairs/upgrade at City Hall; Council Member Wolfe 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 reported the Spring Clean-up dates are scheduled for April 9th to May 7th. He asked for City Council approval on the Spring Clean-up dates. Council Member Mann moved to approve the Spring Clean-up date of April 9th to May 7th; 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 President Smith Council Member Walker Council Member Busby The motion carried Council Member Busby said there is heavy rain forecasted for the next two days. He questioned if the city canals have been cleaned of debris. Public Works Director Davidson replied the canals have been monitored. Public Works Director Davidson reported the Evergreen Park restrooms are out to bid. The sewer line on 2nd South by the Windsor Manor Apartments was replaced. The sewer line was underneath the curb and gutter. They are going to hold off repairing the curb and gutter. The water tank painting project is going well; however, they found some issues with rust on the beams. There will be additional cost to correct the problems. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Merrill reported he and Public Works Director have met with some of the property owners near the Barney Dairy Annexation and have made some progress. Mayor Merrill said the city is planning a Cinco de Mayo Celebration for May 5th on Center Street. Public Hearings: - NONE Items for Consideration: A. Tobacco 21 Ordinance 1179 - Raising the minimum age to buy Tobacco Products in Rexburg from 18 to 21. Where to go from here given the fact that the state and the county did not pass it. Council President Smith asked City Council to wait for legal counsel to be present before considering rescinding Ordinance 1179. 19 B. Lofgran/Kinderdijk Property (#18 00051) to Rezone Medium Density Residential 1(MDR1) and Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2) to High Density Residential 1 (HDR1) at approximately 261 S. 3rd W. (beside Georgetown) in the City of Rexburg, Madison County, Idaho. City Planner Rindlisbacher reviewed the rezone at approximately 261 S. 3rd W. He said it was in line with Comprehensive Plan. 20 21 Council Member Wolfe moved to approve the Rezone at approximately 261 S. 3rd W. from Medium Density Residential 1(MDR1) and Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2) to High Density Residential 1 (HDR1); 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 President Smith Council Member Walker Council Member Busby 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 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 Council Member Flora moved to un-table Ordinance 1177; Council Member Wolfe 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 Busby Council Member Walker The motion failed Mayor’s Business: A. Proposed Annexation of 1130 & 1138 University Blvd. currently zoned as Community Business Center (CBC), April 19th P&Z public hearing. 22 B. July 4, 2018 scheduled as City Council – To consider date change. City Council decided to change the scheduled July 4th, 2018 City Council Meeting to July 11th. C. Proclamation 2018-02 – Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Day March 29th Council Member Wolfe moved to approve Proclamation 2018-02 to Recognize March 29th as Vietnam War Veterans Day; Discussion: Council President Smith explained in 1968 the National Guard was activated and made a big impact in Rexburg. There were a lot of men from this area that were activated to go to Vietnam including her husband. He served from 1968-1969. She said she hopes there is a lot of recognition in our community for the men that served; 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 23 D. Executive Session – Idaho State Statute 74-206 (b) To consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student. Council Member Busby moved to go into Executive Session per Idaho State Statute 74-206 9 (b) To consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school student. Council President Smith seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a roll call vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora Council Member Mann Council Member Wolfe Council President Smith Council Member Walker Council Member Busby The motion carried 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 March 07, 2018 meeting B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills Council Member Walker 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 President Smith Council Member Walker Council Member Busby The motion carried Adjournment 8:57 P.M. APPROVED: ____________________________ Jerry Merrill, Mayor Attest: ____________________________________ Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk