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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - November 07, 2018_unbound_unbound_exppdf 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 6:30 P.M. City Hall Jackie Rawlins said the prayer. Police Officer Hagen led the pledge. Roll Call of Council Members: Attending: Council Member Flora, Council Member Mann, Council Member Walker, Council Member Wolfe, and Council President Smith. Mayor Merrill and Council Member Busby asked to be excused. Public Comment: not scheduled on the agenda (limit 3 minutes); issues may be considered for discussion on a future agenda. Please keep comments on point and respectful. Presentations: A. Cube Cyclocross Report Held on October 20, 2018 – Cube Committee Member Dave Anderson Dave Anderson reported on the Cube Cyclocross Race that was held on October 20th. There were pictures of the race viewed on the overhead screen. He mentioned about six years ago the race was not held and after that the city was reluctant to continue supporting the race. As a committee, they took over the organization of the race and have been on their own without the city’s support for several years. They are grateful to be able to use the Nature Park for the race and believe the race has been a successful community event. The number of participants have not been large with only about 79 paid participants this year. They had participants from Pocatello, Jackson, Southeastern Idaho, Boise and Nampa. In terms of the amount of effort involved he estimated 200 hours of volunteer work was completed. The cost of the race was $1,900.00 this year. They were able to recover $1,700.00 not including a $200.00 grant they received from Dr. Hancock. Mr. Anderson said there were young children, high school aged students and families that participated in the race. He expressed his appreciation for the city’s support this year. Even though the race is a lot of work and most years they break even with the costs of the race, he believes the committee has a good record of putting on the race and they look forward to continuing the race in the future. Council Member Flora asked how many participants joined the race. Mr. Anderson replied there were 79 paid participants and over half of the participants were local residents. He said even though the race doesn’t have a lot of participants it is still a positive race for the community. One of the things they have realized about cyclocross is that it appeals to a small number of people. The race is a bicycle race that involves running obstacles, mixed surfaces, such as grass, dirt and pavement. He said cyclocross compared to other types of cycling is approachable for beginners. He said it is not unusual to have crashes in cyclocross; 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Phone: 208.359.3020 x 2101 Fax: 208.359.3022 deborahl@rexburg.org www.rexburg.org City Council Minutes November 07, 2018 2 however, the chance of serious injury is very low. The race is open to all ages from small children to older adults because of the three categories offered in the race. Council Member Flora asked if they advertised the race to the high school students through the school district’s email program called Peach Jar. Mr. Anderson said they did advertise to the high school students. They had a lot of support from the high school mountain bike team and their families. Rachel Hurst, particularly, was one of the most involved volunteers. She was responsible for bringing some of the mountain bike teams and their families from Boise and Nampa. She organized a gathering at her home for the out-of-town families. He said that was one of the highlights of the race this year; to involve the high school mountain bike teams. Mr. Anderson said it is important to have the cross connection with the mountain bike teams. He believes the best way to build an event is to network with other programs. The Cyclocross Committee supports the mountain bike program at the high school. A race committee member, Tony Perkins, has been designated as the head coach for the mountain bike program for next year. They also coordinate the race with the Sled Shed’s Tuesday Night Ride and put on a barbecue in the late summer. They have a blog and Facebook page to try and promote cycling in Rexburg. Council Member Smith asked the age of oldest and youngest participants in the race. Mr. Anderson replied the oldest participant in the race was a woman sixty-four years old and the youngest participants were about three to four years old. Dr. Hancock explained the major expense for the Cyclocross Race is the liability insurance. They are grateful for the city’s support in sponsoring the event. B. Swearing in of new Police Officer – Tyson Beckley – Stephen Zollinger City Attorney Zollinger administered the Oath of Office to Tyson Beckley. Tyson Beckley introduced himself to City Council. He was born in Rexburg and attended BYU- Idaho University. He said he has also worked for the Fire Department under Mikel Walker and enjoys being involved in emergency services; it’s something many people don’t get to be part of. He appreciates the aspect of being behind the scenes and helping people. Tyson Beckley mentioned Rexburg has always been a place where he has felt safe and being able to have a direct impact with keeping Rexburg safe is something he is excited to be doing. He introduced his parents Jim and Terri Beckley. Council President Smith said there have been changes in the Planning and Zoning Commission. There are three commissioners retiring and three new commissioners that will be replacing them. The new Planning and Zoning Commissioners are Keith Esplin, Vince Haley and Todd Marx, who the county has appointed. The retiring commissioners are Gil Shirley, Mark Rudd and Heidi Christensen. Council President Smith asked Keith Esplin to introduce himself to City Council. Mr. Esplin said he has lived in Rexburg for the last ten years. When he was asked to serve on the Planning and Zoning Commission, he was excited because planning and zoning have been of interest to him. He looks forward to serving the community of Rexburg. He appreciates the good governing board and the safety Rexburg offers. He said for work, he is an Association Manager for a Political Action Committee in potatoes, he also manages Eastern Idaho Water Rights Coalition and aquifer recharge. Council President Smith asked for a motion to ratify the new Planning and Zoning Commissioners: Keith Esplin, Vince Haley and Todd Marx. 3 Council Member Wolfe moved to ratify Keith Esplin, Vince Haley and Todd Marx, to the Planning and Zoning Commission; Council Member Flora seconded the motion; Council President Smith asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Smith The motion carried Staff Reports: Finance: - Matt Nielson 1. Budget in Brief Finance Officer Nielson reported the city recently hired a new controller, Scott Miller. The Finance Department will be busy the next three weeks with year-end adjustments. The auditors will be here the first week of December. The audit process takes a few months to complete. After its completion the financial reports will be acquired and an audit review will be prepared for City Council. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the 2019 Budget in Brief and the Budget Highlights. The report is available online for the general public to review. This year the city has a budget of almost 63 million dollars, of that budget about 30 million dollars is used for operating expenses. The city only added half a position from last year to this year. He mentioned the utility rate increase. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the city’s expenditures and revenues section of the report. The graphs below break down the city’s expenditures and the sources of revenue for the city. 4 Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the graphs for the General Fund Expense Budget and General Fund Revenue Budget. The General Fund Budget is $12.3 million, which is about 20% of the 2019 citywide budget. He said there is perception that property taxes are one of the city’s largest revenue sources; however, it is not, the city only collects about $4.8 million from taxes. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the General Fund Tax Subsidy Budget graph. This graph indicates which services are subsidized, such as Fire, Police, Recreation and Arts. The graph gives us an indication of how the city is spending the funds and for which services. 5 Finance Officer Nielson reported on the Capital Improvements. The city has the ongoing water project. There are sewer projects that are in the budget; however, they may not be completed this year. The baseball/softball quads could finally be built this year. The city has sent a memorandum of understanding to the Madison School Board. The school board will be reviewing the MOU this month. Finance Officer Nielson explained the city is doing well as far as debt service. The city doesn’t have a lot of debt; however, there was a sewer bond issued by the city in 2010 for 10 million dollars. They have paid down the bond to $5.2 million; it will be paid off by 2025. They will need to make some decision on the DEQ water loan in the next year or two. One of those decisions includes how much money the city will need to borrow. The rate for the loan is 1.75% interest for up to thirty years. The city can borrow up to 8.8 million dollars. They will need to expend as much as possible because the city can get up to 2.1 million dollars written off through a grant that the loan program offers. 6 Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Property Tax Breakdown and Comparisons section of the report. He explained when property taxes are collected, for every hundred thousand dollars of assessed value in the City of Rexburg, the city receives $433.00 back from those taxes collected. When compared to neighboring cities, there is a large range between how much property taxes are received. This is the reason why cities have to find different ways to collect revenue, for example; impact fees, etc. to pay for the expenditures. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Property Tax graph in the Budget in Brief report. There was increase in utilities of about 5.2% starting on October 1st. 7 Public Works & Engineering – Keith Davidson 1. Contract Approval – Romance Theater Public Works Director Davidson reported on the contract with Myers Anderson Architects, LLC. The architects conducted a study at the Romance Theater to see which items need to be updated. He is requesting City Council approval to enter into a contract with the architect group to do the design work for the front entry and bathrooms and redo the HVAC system and green room in the back of the Romance Theater. They will also design the ADA bathroom, the lobby and concessions area. They have estimated the cost to be at $548,000. The architect group charges a fee of 10 ½ percent of the construction cost which equals about $58,000. The largest portion of the construction cost is for the HVAC system estimated at $188,000. Council Member Mann questioned if the construction costs were budgeted for the Romance Theater. Finance Officer Nielson explained in fiscal year 2019 there is $150,000 in the budget and an additional $40,000 that has been saved over the years for the HVAC. There is a total of about $190,000 available for the construction costs to remodel the Romance Theater. He said there may not be enough funds to complete the project. Council President Smith asked if the construction would be done in phases. Public Works Director Davidson replied yes, the construction would be done in phases as funds become available. The idea is to have the design work complete to be able to bid the cost of construction. He said the city can then look for different funding sources such as grants. The HVAC system at the Romance Theater is needed for the summer months and that might require a budget adjustment. Council President Smith clarified the remodel design needs to be completed before the city can apply for grants to help fund the cost of the remodel. Council Member Flora asked if the design was reviewed closely to cut out unnecessary items. Public Works Director Davidson said yes, the design was reviewed and they will continue to review the design for any adjustments. Council Member Flora moved to approve the Architect Contract with Myers Anderson Architects, LLC to not exceed the amount of $58,000.00; Council Member Walker seconded the motion; Council President Smith asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Smith The motion carried 2. Surplus Items Disposal Public Works Director Davidson listed the following surplus items needing disposed of. Some of the items were donated to the city by the owner of the Pinnacle Building when they were tearing down parts of the building. Generac generator – only worth scrap ($300-$400) Kohler generator – will try to get $1000 3 sand filter housings – fiberglass 6 – 2 HP pumps – Whisperflo 2 – Vacuum pumps 1 – Jandy brand Lite 2 pool heater/boiler 2 – Jandy brand Lite 2 pool heaters/boilers 8 Council Member Walker moved to approve the Surplus of the items discussed for disposal; Council Member Mann seconded the motion; Council President Smith asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Smith The motion carried Public Works Director Davidson reported on the street projects being completed throughout the city. The 5th West project is almost complete. At the 2nd East project, the curb and gutter was being installed. They will begin to pave a section of the road on Saturday into Monday. He said they poured the second to the last wall and the columns for the water reservoir. Council Member Flora asked that a map of West Main Street near the new Maverick be viewed on the overhead screen. She asked if there is a way to remove the left turn coming out of the Maverick on to West Main Street because there was another accident. She said she has heard of several accidents with drivers trying to make a left turn at that location. Public Works Director Davidson said there are several ways to discourage a left turn out at that location; however, the request will need to be made to the Idaho Transportation Department because Main Street is a state highway. He indicated the only real way to remove the left turn is to install an island on the property and that will not require the state’s approval. Council Member Mann said reducing the speed limit would help with limiting accidents. Community Development – Bret Stoddard Building Official Stoddard reviewed the Building Valuation Report. The projects shown on the report are projects that have been permitted. The construction work at the Kenneth Square Apartments has started, they have built four buildings. When the project is complete there will be a total of seven buildings. Building Official Stoddard said the Building Department is working on closing out the older permits. The Permit Tech will make contact with the applicant or owner to try to finalize the permit. There have been several initial inquiries of people wanting to build. This could be an indication of a busy spring for the Building Department. Building Stoddard reported a new Permit Tech was hired to replace Porter Wilkins. She is doing well and is learning quickly. Mayor’s Report: Public Hearings: Items for Consideration: 9 A. Resolution 2018 – 13 Idaho Airport Aid Grant Agreement FY19 – Fund Feasibility Study AIP – 017 - Keith Davidson Public Works Director Davidson explained the State of Idaho requires a resolution in conjunction with receiving their portion of the funds. RESOLUTION FOR ACCEPTING THE IDAHO AIRPORT AID PROGRAM GRANT AGREEMENT FOR STATE FISCAL YEAR 2019 Resolution No. 2018-13 Council President Smith, introduced the following Resolution, was read in full, considered, and adopted: Resolution number 2018 – 13 of the City of Rexburg, Idaho accepting the Grant Offer of the State of Idaho through the Idaho Transportation Department, Division of Aeronautics, in the maximum amount of $17,602.28 to be used under the Idaho Airport Aid Program, FS Program number: F198RXE, Project number: AIP – 017 in the development of the Rexburg-Madison County Airport; and BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO (herein referred to as the City), as follows: Section 1: That the City of Rexburg shall accept the Grant Offer of the State of Idaho in the amount of $17,602.28, for the purpose of obtaining State Aid under FS Program Number: F198RXE, Project Number: AIP-017 in the development of the Rexburg-Madison Airport; and Section 2: That the Mayor of the City of Rexburg City Council is hereby authorized and directed to sign the statement of Acceptance of said Grant Offer (entitled Acceptance) on behalf of the City, the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to attest the signature of the Mayor and to impress the official seal of the City on the aforesaid statement of Acceptance; and Section 3: A true copy of the Grant Agreement referred to herein be attached hereto and made a part thereof. PASSED by the City Council and approved by the Mayor this 7th day of November 2018. ________________________________ SIGNED BY: Jerry Merrill, Mayor ATTEST: Deborah Lovejoy, City Clerk I, Deborah Lovejoy, City Clerk do hereby certify that the foregoing is a full, true, and correct copy of Resolution No. 2018 – 13 adopted at a regular meeting of the City council held on the 7th day of November, 2018, and that the same is now in full force and effect. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and impressed the official seal of the City, this 7th day of November, 2018. ________________________________ Deborah Lovejoy, City Clerk ATTACHMENT: Idaho Airport Aid Program Fiscal Year 2019 Grant Agreement Council Member Wolfe moved to approve Resolution 2018 – 13 Idaho Airport Aid Grant Agreement Fiscal Year 2019 – Fund Feasibility Study; Council Member Mann seconded the motion; Council President Smith asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Smith The motion carried 10 Calendared Bills and Tabled Items: A. “LAND USE ACTION” – Bills Recommended/Approved in a Land Use Public Hearing Procedure (Recommend Suspension of the Rules): B. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: 1. 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) 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. Council Member Wolfe moved to second read 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 Flora seconded the motion; Council President Smith asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Smith The motion carried 2. 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) 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. 11 Council Member Mann moved to second read Ordinance No. 1024 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; Council President Smith asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Smith The motion carried C. Third Reading: Those items which have been first read: 1. Ordinance 1202 Local Improvement District 47 Assessment Roll Confirmation ORDINANCE NO. 1202 AN ORDINANCE CONFIRMING THE ASSESSMENT ROLL, FOR LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 47 IN REXBURG, IDAHO, FOR THE PURPOSE OF INSTALLING CERTAIN STREETS, CURBS, GUTTERS, SIDEWALKS, AND OTHER PUBLIC FACILITIES AND PARTS THEREOF WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF SAID CITY, TO BE GRADED, RE-GRADED, GRAVELED, PAVED, RE-PAVED AND OTHERWISE IMPROVE THE HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED STREETS WITHIN THE DISTRICT AND TO CONSTRUCT AND RECONSTRUCT SIDEWALKS, CURBS, GUTTERS, DRIVEWAYS, DRAINAGE FACILITIES, OFFSITE STORM SEWER, WATER AND SANITARY SEWER FACILITIES, STREET LIGHTS AND OTHER PUBLIC FACILITIES AND OTHER WORK INCIDENTAL TO ALL OF THE FOREGOING IMPROVEMENTS; ORDERING ASSESSMENTS TO BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ASSESSMENT ROLL AND PRESCRIBING DETAILS CONCERNING SAID ASSESSMENTS; AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Council Member Walker moved to approve Ordinance 1202 Local Improvement District 47 Assessment Roll Confirmation and considered third read; Council Member Flora seconded the motion; Council President Smith asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Smith The motion carried Mayor’s Business: A. Proclamation 2018 – 05 Shop Small Business Saturday in Rexburg November 24, 2018. Council Member Mann read Proclamation No. 2018-05. PROCLAMATION No. 2018 - 05 12 CITY OF REXBURG SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY NOVEMBER 24, 2018 WHEREAS, the government of Rexburg, Idaho, celebrates our local small businesses and the contributions they make to our local economy and community; according to the United States Small Business Administration, there are currently 30.2 million small businesses in the United States, they represent 99.7 percent of all businesses with employees in the United States, are responsible for 65.9 percent of net new jobs created from 2000 to 2017; and WHEREAS, small businesses employ 47.5 percent of the employees in the private sector in the United States; and WHEREAS, 90% of consumers in the United States say Small Business Saturday has had a positive impact on their community; and WHEREAS, 89% of consumers who are aware of Small Business Saturday said the day encourages them to Shop Small all year long; and WHEREAS, 73% of consumers who reportedly Shopped Small at independently-owned retailers and restaurants on Small Business Saturday did so with friends or family; and WHEREAS, the most reported reason for consumers aware of the day to shop and dine at small, independently- owned businesses was to support their community (64%); and WHEREAS, advocacy groups, as well as public and private organizations, across the country have endorsed the Saturday after Thanksgiving as Small Business Saturday. NOW, THEREFORE, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Rexburg, Idaho, do hereby recognize November 24, 2018 as Small Business Saturday And urge the residents of our community, and communities across the country, to support small businesses and merchants on Small Business Saturday and throughout the year. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Rexburg to be affixed this 7th day of November of the year of our Lord two thousand eighteen. APPROVED: _____________________________ SEAL Jerry Merrill MAYOR ATTEST: ______________________________ Deborah Lovejoy REXBURG CITY CLERK Council Member Wolfe moved to approve Proclamation 2018 – 05 Shop Small Business Saturday in Rexburg November 24, 2018; Council Member Mann seconded the motion; Council President Smith asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Smith The motion carried Council President Smith indicated the Madison County Commissioners will be meeting with the newly elected State Legislators on December 10th. She requested a special City Council meeting be scheduled for December 10th to meet with the state legislators. 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 October 17 and 26, 2018 meetings B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills Council Member Walker moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and city bills; Council Member Flora seconded the motion; Council President Smith asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Smith The motion carried 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 (d) To consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in chapter 1, title 74 , Idaho Code . 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 (d) To consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in chapter 1, title 74, Idaho Code ; Council Member Walker seconded the motion; Council President Smith asked for a roll call vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Smith The motion carried Executive session started at 7:29 P.M. Executive session ended at 8:20 P.M. Adjournment 8:20 P.M. APPROVED: ________________________________ Jerry Merrill, Mayor Attest: _____________________________ Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk