HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - October 17 2018_unbound
October 17, 2018
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 Mann said the prayer.
Clay Olsen led the pledge.
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council Member Flora, Council Member Walker, Council Member Mann, Council Member Busby, 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.
Presentations:
Earlene Carr introduced herself to the Mayor and City Council. She said she moved to Rexburg from Montana. She started working part-time at the animal shelter the beginning of August.
She was recently hired as a full-time Assistant Animal Control Officer for the city. Ms. Carr said being the Assistant Animal Control Officer has been her dream job since she was fourteen
years old. She introduced her fiancé Brandon Outlaw. They will be getting married in December.
Committee Liaison Assignments for 2018:
Council Member Mann: Golf Board · Emergency Services Board · Development Workshop
Council Member Mann reported his committees did not meet this month; however, he reported he attended a three day conference in Pocatello with the State Department of Commerce and Tourism.
He said he was fascinated with how much tourism there is in Idaho, including the southeast area. He heard the following figure from the Chairman of the Department of Commerce that tourism
in Idaho equals $740.00 tax relief for every house hold in Idaho.
Council Member Busby: Airport Board · Traffic & Safety · GIS Oversight
Council Member Busby reported the Airport Board did not meet. He mentioned that Public Works Director Davidson will be attending a conference in Montana. The GIS Oversight Committee
did not meet. The Traffic and Safety did not meet; however Mayor Merrill said he spoke with Gale Harding about serving on the Traffic and Safety Committee and he agreed to serve. Mayor
Merrill asked for a motion to ratify Mr. Harding as a new member on the committee.
Council Member Busby moved to ratify Gale Harding to the Traffic and Safety Committee Council Member Wolfe seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Walker
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Smith
The motion carried
Council Member Walker: MYAB · Parks & Recreation · Trails of Madison County
Council Member Walker reported the MYAB met last Wednesday. They are preparing their safety skits for Halloween. They will be performing their skits to the elementary schools to promote
Halloween safety. The Recreation Department is working on their fall/winter programs. They had over a hundred girls sign-up for girls’ basketball which is the most they have ever had
sign-up since the program started. The Parks and Trails Committee will meet later this month.
Mayor Merrill said one of his neighbors is a bicycle enthusiast and he mentioned on his Facebook page that he and some other volunteers have been working on a wooden bridge for Eagle
Park. The bridge helps to connect some of the trails throughout the park. Mayor Merrill expressed his gratitude for the community volunteers that help to make things better and more
fun in the city.
Mayor Merrill also mentioned the Kidsburg at the Zone will be having their grand opening on October 31st at noon. They will have a trunk or treat and vendors.
Council President Smith: Legacy Flight Museum · Beautification Committee · M.E.P.I.
Council President Smith reported her committees have not met.
Council Member Flora: School Board · Rexburg Arts Council/ Museum of Rexburg
Council Member Flora reported she attended the School Board meeting. She said a lot of the district’s new hires attended the meeting and introduced themselves. They reported on every
field trip the schools and school organizations are going to take through the school year. She said she was impressed by some of the really neat trips that the students, both at the
Jr. High School and High School, have the opportunity to participate in. They also discussed the bond and taxes.
Council Member Flora reported the Rexburg Arts Council met. They are working on recruiting new members to serve on the Arts Council. The Museum of Rexburg added some new collector items
and Idaho paraphernalia. The Romance and Tabernacle Venues have been very busy this past weekend. Some Halloween movies will be showing at the Romance Theater this month. The Nationals
Parks performed their concert last weekend and sold out both nights.
Mayor Merrill mentioned he attended a presentation at the Romance Theater. He was impressed with all of the restoration work that has been completed at the theater. They will be working
with an architecture firm to remodel the front entry way to make it a lot more user friendly.
Council Member Wolfe: Planning & Zoning/Building · Urban Renewal Agency · Police
Council Member Wolfe reported Planning and Zoning met two weeks ago. Their meeting that was scheduled for tomorrow has been canceled. The Planning and Zoning Commissioners met with BYU-Idaho’s
President Eyring at a luncheon. The meeting was informal and they enjoyed listening to President Eyring talk about his family. They also discussed the possibility of the Kirkham Building
being torn down and the impact that would have on the community. Council Member Wolfe expressed his gratitude for the time President Eyring took to meet with them.
Council Member Wolfe reported the Urban Renewal Agency hasn’t met in some time. They met with a couple of developers regarding the property on the corner of the Washington District.
The portions of the
Urban Renewal funds that are being used on University Blvd. and the North Interchange projects have helped.
Council Member Wolfe reported the Police Department is pleased with the first round of new police vehicles. He said Chief Turman mentioned how pleased they are with Bancorp’s service.
The Police Department leases the police vehicles from Bancorp. The vehicles were taken to Premier Performance to have everything installed before they were delivered to the Police Department.
This saved the police department time, funds and effort to make the vehicles ready for use. They are pleased with the new vehicles. Council Member Wolfe mentioned Colin Erickson is
back from the FBI training, he graduated with honors.
Staff Reports:
Finance: - Matt Nielson
Finance Officer Nielson said he did not have a report. He asked if City Council has any questions.
Council Member Busby questioned if the City Council will receive a financial report on how the golf courses faired this year and if the golf courses are still open. Finance Officer Nielson
explained the year-end financial report will be presented to the Golf Board and Council Member Mann will report to the City Council. The Teton Lakes Golf Course is still open.
Public Works & Engineering: - Keith Davidson
Sanitation Truck Bids
Public Works Director Davidson reported on the bids received for the 2018 Sanitation Truck. They had two bids for the body of the truck and only one bid for the truck chassis. He recommended
the bid be awarded to Southwestern Equipment for the truck’s body and the truck’s chassis bid be awarded to Show’s Truck Center.
Mayor Merrill explained some of the duties the City’s Public Works Department is responsible to the students attending the meeting. Those responsibilities include maintaining the city’s
water and wastewater lines He said they also maintain the sanitation trucks and streets. He mentioned the $5,000.00 grant received by Domino’s Pizza to repair pot holes. Depatco Construction
is matching Domino’s grant to fix $5,000.00 worth of potholes.
Council Member Busby questioned the longevity of the sanitation truck and how often the trucks are replaced. Public Works Director Davidson replied the trucks last about seven years.
The trucks are heavily used during those seven years with about 14,000 hours of operation time. He said the old trucks are used for parts or back-up trucks by the time they are finished
with them they are basically scrap metal.
Council Member Busby moved to approve the low bid of $90,350.00 from Southwestern Equipment (SEC) for the body of the sanitation truck and Show’s Truck Center be awarded the bid of $154,521.00
for the truck chassis; Council Member Walker seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Walker
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Smith
The motion carried
Shop Fuel Station Bids
Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the bids for the Shop Fuel Station. The new fuel station will be replacing the old fuel station located near the Parks Department. The old station
has a ten thousand gallon tank. The original bid was for a twenty thousand gallon tank; however, they decided a twenty-five thousand gallon tank would be more feasible. The bid came
in higher than what was estimated and higher than what was budgeted. They had budgeted about $150,000.00; the bid came in at $199,000.00. He said after reviewing the cost, the pay back
would be about 7.5% in eight and a half years depending if the fire department buys into the cost of the fuel tank. He believes it will be beneficial to replace the old tank.
Council Member Busby asked if the tank is a concrete tank. Public Works Director Davidson replied the tank is made of fiber glass and it will only be filled with diesel fuel. Council
Member Walker asked if the cost includes the entire system. Public Works Director Davidson said yes, the bid includes four hoses and two product dispensers.
Council Member Mann mentioned he is aware of the cost associated with decommissioning a fuel tank and with the clean-up. He questioned if the old tank can be decommissioned without additional
costs. Public Works Director indicated it is in the city’s best interest to decommission the tank sooner than later before there is a leak. The bid amount does not include the decommission
costs.
Council Member Mann moved to approve Advanced Fuel Systems low bid of $199,000.00 for the new Shop Fuel Station; Council President Smith seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for
a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Walker
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Smith
The motion carried
Finance Officer Nielson explained a budget adjustment is needed for the remainder of the costs that were not budgeted for fiscal year 2019.
Council Member Walker moved to approve the Budget Adjustment in the amount of $220,000.00 for the new Shop Fuel Station; Council Member Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked
for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Walker
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Smith
The motion carried
Public Works Director Davidson reported on the street projects going on in the city. There is curb and gutter being installed along 5th West. They hope to be able to pave the road next
Monday. They were hoping to install the curb and gutter on 2nd East. The third concrete wall of the water reservoir has been poured.
Public Works Director Davidson reported on the new power poles that are being installed along Yellowstone Hwy by Rocky Mountain Power. He said one of the beneficial aspects is that Rocky
Mountain Power worked with the Railroad Company to have the power poles installed in the Railroad Company’s right of way so they are further away from the city’s right of way.
Council Member Busby asked if Rocky Mountain Power has indicated the completion date of the project. Public Works Director Davidson said they ran into some delays with obtaining the
steel poles. They had mentioned a completion date in December and will have a generator installed to cover any power concerns with moving the power poles.
Council Member Busby said he has received several calls regarding the dust being produced on 5th West by all of the construction. The residents requested that the dust be kept down.
Public Works Director Davidson said he will speak with the contractor to keep the dust at a minimum.
Council Member Wolfe asked about the sidewalk that has not been installed on University Blvd. near the A1 Dome Rental business. Public Works Director Davidson replied High Country Potato
has a number of trucks using that section of the road to enter into their business. They will have to wait until High Country has a shutdown to allow enough time for the concrete to
cure.
Council Member Busby questioned when the street striping will be complete. Public Works Director Davidson said they will need to get the paint truck from the Idaho Traffic and Safety.
They are very busy this year. He will check with them to see when they will be back in the area to get the roads needing striping painted.
Council President Smith questioned how the crosswalks will function across the Yellowstone Hwy near McDonalds after the lines are painted. Public Works Director Davidson explained they
will need to replace the traffic pole on the SW corner and pedestrian headlights will also need to be installed. The four corners will have crosswalks. They hope to complete the project
this coming spring.
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Merrill reported he spoke at the Healing of America Conference on Saturday at the Tabernacle. There were some young college students that discussed the topic about being more civil
in our discourse and politics. Senator Hill spoke at the conference too and he talked about trying to carry that civility into the legislator.
Mayor Merrill said he attended the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership (EICAP) Board meeting. EICAP has several Senior Programs one of them is called Agency on Aging. They had
the person in charge of the agency discuss some of the programs they offer to low income senior citizens. They provide meals on wheels, transportation, legal assistance, medical supplies
program, and red file. The red file contains medical information regarding the person participating in the program. If that person ever has to call the ambulance they will have all
of their medical information. Mayor Merrill said the agency is made up of amazing people that are dedicated in helping the senior citizens especially the ones that have financial challenges.
EICAP’s goal is to help people get out of the poverty cycle. They offer job training to help people obtain the job they need. EICAP also runs the Head Start Program.
Mayor Merrill mentioned the “Oktuberfest” Event will be held on Saturday, October 20th at the Madison County Fairgrounds from 4:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., the event is free. They extended
the invitation to the potato farmers in the five county areas. They will honor the farmers at the event at 6:30 P.M…Grant Ricks offered to donate fresh potatoes for the event. There
will also be hundreds of varieties of root beer to sample. He invited everyone to attend the “Oktuberfest” Event.
Mayor Merrill reported the City hosted the Blue Cross Foundation Representative and the group representatives taking part in the Community Health Champions Program which includes the
Mayors from Ashton, Driggs, Malad, Twin Falls and Nampa. He and city employee, Daniel Torres, presented what the city has completed with the High Five Grant and how it is changing our
community to be healthier. They were very impressed with all of the work that has been completed with the grant including the city’s trails and parks plan.
Mayor Merrill reported this month is the Walktober challenge. He has been walking with the elementary children and enjoys walking and visiting with them. He has been impressed with how
many of the children’s favorite subject is math.
Public Hearings:
Items for Consideration:
Ordinance No. 1199 – Rezone Steiner Ave City Block 6 to High Density Residential 1 (HDR1) – change zoning from Medium Density Residential 1 (MDR1), Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2),
and High Density Residential 1 (HDR1) to High Density Residential 1 (HDR1) – Craig Rindlisbacher
ORDINANCE NO. 1199
Rezone Steiner Ave City Block 6 to High Density Residential 1 (HDR1)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND CHANGING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, AND PROVIDING THAT THE ZONED DESIGNATION OF THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED, SITUATED IN
REXBURG, MADISON COUNTY, IDAHO, BE CHANGED AS HEREINAFTER DESIGNATED; AND PROVIDING WHEN THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE.
City Planner Rindlisbacher reviewed the rezone request for Steiner Ave, City Block 6 to High Density Residential 1 (HDR1) - change zoning from Medium Density Residential 1 (MDR1), Medium
Density Residential 2 (MDR2), and High Density Residential 1 (HDR1) to High Density Residential 1 (HDR1). He said a few months ago the city processed the zone change for a portion of
this block. The recommendation from Planning and Zoning and City Council at that time was to rezone the entire block except for the small portion on northwest corner of the block to
High Density Residential One.
Council President Smith said as City Council considers these rezones with the Cornell Block and Steiner Block; if these two rezones where taken into consideration when City Planner Rindlisbacher
reported at the last City Council work meeting the amount of density that could be developed. City Planner Rindlisbacher replied yes they were part of the equation.
Council Member Flora moved to approve Ordinance No. 1199 the Rezone at approximately Steiner Ave City Block 6 from Medium Density Residential 1 (MDR1), Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2),
and High Density Residential 1 (HDR1) to High Density Residential 1 (HDR1); Council Member Wolfe seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Walker
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Smith
The motion carried
Ordinance No. 1204 - Rezone Block 4 of Parker Addition (Cornell Ave) and Lot 2 and 3 of Princeton Court Subdivision to High Density Residential 2 (HDR2) – change zoning from Medium Density
Residential 1 (MDR1) and Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) to High Density Residential 2 (HDR2) – Craig Rindlisbacher
ORDINANCE NO. 1204
Rezone Block 4 of Parker Addition and Lot 2 and 3 of Princeton Court Subdivision to High Density Residential 2 (HDR2)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND CHANGING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, AND PROVIDING THAT THE ZONED DESIGNATION OF THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED, SITUATED IN
REXBURG, MADISON COUNTY, IDAHO, BE CHANGED AS HEREINAFTER DESIGNATED; AND PROVIDING WHEN THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE.
City Planner Rindlisbacher reviewed the rezone request for Block 4 of Parker Addition (Cornell Ave) and Lot 2 and 3 of Princeton Court Subdivision to High Density Residential 2 (HDR2)
– change zoning from Medium Density Residential 1 (MDR1) and Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) to High Density Residential 2 (HDR2). He said there was a Comprehensive Plan change on
the Cornell Block not too long ago. This request is a follow up rezone of that area plus the area to the north. The property is set between Windsor Manor Apartments and 2nd East. This
is the area that they have had requests recently for dormitory style housing. The property is in transition so that entire area plus the Cornell Block is recommended for approval to
HDR2.
Council President Smith mentioned during the public hearing at the Planning and Zoning meeting there wasn’t much input.
Council Member Mann expressed his concern with a tunnel effect that might come on 2nd East in the next few years; if they develop five story apartments. He asked how City Council can
make sure this doesn’t happen. They also have to look at traffic flow from Walgreens to the temple if they can’t widen the road. He is concerned about having design standards and building
height standards for development up against the road.
Council Member Wolfe explained the City’s direction seems to be moving that way to have buildings closer to the street because of the walkability factor. He mentioned this part of 2nd
East is a narrower street. Public Works Director Davidson indicated the city has 90 feet of right of way in case the road needs to be widened in the future.
Mayor Merrill said even with the apartments that are already there in the development agreement with them; if the road needs to be widened they would need to move their sidewalk closer
to their building. Council Member Mann said there is a several story apartment building being developed across from Porter Park; however, it’s not a tunnel because there is green space
on one side of the street.
City Planner Rindlisbacher indicated the Comprehensive Plan currently identifies the preferred land use on the east side of 2nd East up the hill from the existing complex as low to moderate.
If the City continues with the Comprehensive Plan as it is currently laid out there will be a step effect to avoid the tunnel effect.
Council Member Busby moved to approve Ordinance No. 1204 the Rezone at approximately Block 4 of Parker Addition (Cornell Ave) and Lot 2 and 3 of Princeton Court Subdivision from Medium
Density Residential 1 (MDR1) and Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) to High Density Residential 2 (HDR2); Council Member Walker seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Walker
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Smith
The motion carried
Calendared Bills and Tabled Items:
“LAND USE ACTION” – Bills Recommended/Approved in a Land Use Public Hearing Procedure (Recommend Suspension of the Rules):
Second Reading: Those items which have been first read:
Ordinance 1202 Local Improvement District 47 – Assessment Roll Confirmation
Mayor Merrill reported Mr. Fernandez had expressed his concerns at the last City Council Meeting with regards to his concrete not being covered correctly and his concerns that the concrete
may not last as long or begin to flake off. Mayor Merrill said he visited with Mr. Fernandez at his home and checked on the concrete that Mr. Fernandez was concerned about. The concrete
looks great and the five foot section of asphalt that was tore out has been filled with gravel and will be filled with concrete later.
Council Member Wolfe moved to second read Ordinance 1202 Local Improvement District 47 Assessment Roll Confirmation; Council Member Flora seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for
a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Walker
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Smith
The motion carried
Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: NONE
Mayor’s Business:
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.
Minutes from October 03, 2018 meeting
Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Flora 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 None
Council Member Walker
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Smith
The motion carried
Council Member Wolfe moved to go into Executive Session Per Idaho State Code 74-206(c) - To acquire an interest in real property which is not owned by a public agency; and Idaho State
Code 74-206(a) – To consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, wherein the respective qualities, of individuals are to be evaluated in order to fill
a particular vacancy or need. This paragraph does not apply to filling a vacancy in an elective office or deliberations about staffing needs in general; Council Member Flora seconded
the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a roll call vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Walker
Council Member Mann
Council Member Busby
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Smith
The motion carried
Executive session started at 7:24 P.M.
Executive session ended at 9:26 P.M.
Adjournment 9:26 P.M.
APPROVED:
________________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________
Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk