HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - March 20, 2019_unbound_unbound_unbound_unbound_unbound_unbound
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
Desiree Abril said the prayer.
Police Officer Darrick Farmer led the pledge.
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council Member Flora, Council Member Walker, Council Member Wolfe, Council Member Busby, Council Member Mann, Council President Smith, and Mayor Merrill.
Public Comment: not scheduled on the agenda (limit 3 minutes); issues may be considered for discussion on a future agenda. Please keep comments on point and respectful. NONE
Presentations:
REDI Update – Dana Kirkham
Mrs. Kirkham CEO for the Regional Economic Development Eastern Idaho (REDI) presented on a strategic plan and other items the organization has been working on. She shared part of the
organization’s mission statement. “To protect, expand and attract” their focus is to protect the existing businesses that are already in our region. The region is defined from Pocatello
to the Teton Valley. To create an environment and network economy where businesses can expand and flourish. There are ways to help create that type of environment by providing tax abatement
and incentives for businesses. She said there is more that goes into attracting businesses. REDI is assisting communities by putting together a strategic plan for the region because
it’s difficult to know what type of businesses to attract if the community doesn’t know what can be sustained in their current ecosystem. This has been an interesting process and one
that is long overdue. She has traveled around different communities and asked what type of businesses can be sustained in their community. She receives a different answer from everyone
and sometimes the data doesn’t sustain what the community thinks they are able to sustain. There needs to be an understanding of what a certain community can really sustain. A community
needs a foundation first then they can move forward to attract and build a network economy that will allow them to become what they want to become.
Mrs. Kirkham presented data that REDI has collected of what the region knows is sustainable in terms of economy and business. There are five Federal Government programs in Eastern Idaho.
The FBI is one of those programs. An interesting fact about the FBI is that they only own two properties in the United States one in Quantico, Virginia and the other in Pocatello, Idaho.
The other federal programs are the Department of Defense, Department of Energy, the Navy and Home Land Security. These federal programs are considered anchor tenants and the region
receives a lot of leverage from them such as; talent attraction and community involvement, they are great community partners.
Mrs. Kirkham said the region is doing very well per capita in education with Idaho State University in Pocatello, BYU- Idaho in Rexburg and the College of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls
and 32 school districts in Eastern Idaho. Council Member Busby asked how many counties are in the region. She said there are 14 counties that are considered to be in Eastern Idaho.
Mrs. Kirkham reviewed a graph showing the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) Population Percent Change in the region. The region is becoming a health care hub. All of the organizations
listed and the medical facilities have a regional presence; in other words, they have facilities in other counties besides the county they originated in. Mrs. Kirkham mentioned the
five key industry players to highlight the diversity in the region.
Mrs. Kirkham said as they review the strategic plan, they are concerned about building a regional profile. The Department of Labor and the Department of Commerce do a great job of drilling
down the numbers by county; however, they don’t have the numbers aggregated across all 14 counties. The region is selling its self as an area of 300,000 people and leveraging between
two key universities and the Idaho National Laboratory. She explained if the region is going to leverage all of that in one package we have to be able to present one package and not
14 individual packages. REDI has been working on that for the last six months.
Mrs. Kirkham reviewed the MSA population percent change graph showing the growth by county from 1990 to 2017. In all, most all of the counties have seen positive growth. There have been
some counties with stagnant growth. The graph showed the growth in Madison County when Ricks College changed to a university.
Mrs. Kirkham continued to review the five key industries. There are other industries that are surfacing to the top. Agriculture remains a key industry in all 14 counties. Health Care
and Energy - the region has a strong energy presence because of the Idaho National Laboratory and the Idaho Clean-up Project. Technology is certainly one of the regions key industries;
however, technology is a broad net and almost every industry plays in the technology space in some capacity that is part of what makes the region a key technology player. Advance Manufacturing
- the region has a strong advance manufacturing presence not only in Pocatello but in Bonneville County and outlining small counties that have Monsanto and Simplot businesses in them.
Mrs. Kirkham said all of the data she is presenting tonight has been drilled down by county and has been averaged out for the regional data. A graph was shown for the Real Gross Domestic
Product (GDP) by County. The graph showed the key industries for Madison County. Some of those key industries are Natural Resources and Mining, Education and Health Care Services. Trade
Transportation and Utilities are industries that have seen the most growth over the last two decades. Council Member Busby asked if the Natural Resources and Mining industry is referring
to agriculture. She replied yes, farming is included in that industry.
Mrs. Kirkham continued to review the data in the Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by County graph. The 14 counties in Eastern Idaho are responsible for about 13 billion dollars of the
gross domestic product for the State of Idaho. The key counties are Bingham, Bonneville and Madison in the GDP for the region.
Mrs. Kirkham reviewed a graph of the diversification and economies by county. The graph showed that Madison County has a strong dependency on education because of the university; however,
there are other emerging industries and other industries that are more established. One of the things she pointed out was that government is one of the top five employers in almost
every county. This was an interesting fact because the region is a politically conservative region; however, dependent on government for employment.
Mayor Merrill asked if the school districts are considered to be in the government or education categorizes. Mrs. Kirkham explained the school districts fall into both categorizes. The
administrative employees fall under the government category. The teachers and all of the industries that support them, fall in the education category. Mayor Merrill said because the
school administrators are considered government the numbers for the government employers increases. She said that is why it is important to understand the data behind the numbers because
the numbers don’t tell the whole story.
Mrs. Kirkham reviewed the Median Income Graph. The graph shows Eastern Idaho as aggregated across all of the counties. The median income is at about $48,000 a year that puts Eastern
Idaho at about $10,000 behind the national average. One of the items Eastern Idaho needs to focus on is increasing wages and not only job creation. If the median income is increased
it will increase the quality of life and it will also increase the sustainability of businesses that are dependent on expendable income.
Council Member Flora said in her opinion Madison County lowers the median income for the region because of all the university students. She asked if they have considered a way to separate
the calculations from those of university students vs. residents. Mrs. Kirkham said the data comes straight from the Department of Labor and Department of Commerce. Madison County
ranks 2nd to the bottom because of the full time student’s reduced house hold income. REDI is working on a formula to be able to back out the university students and find a more realistic
median income. They hope to have a formula in place before the strategic plan comes out in June. Mrs. Kirkham said they are trying to come out with a formula for the Idaho National
Laboratory numbers because all 4,200 jobs go to Butte County; however, 1,400 of those jobs fall under Bonneville County.
Mrs. Kirkham mentioned the reason REDI is very interested in the median household income is to make sure our region is growing deliberately. A slide was shown indicating what could happen
when there is rapid growth, infrastructure that lags behind and a high demand for housing. Eastern Idaho has been labeled over the years as the innovation corridor. If Eastern Idaho
truly is an innovation corridor and the region is going to contrast with these other innovation corridors such as: Silicon Valley, The Triangle in North Carolina and Salt Lake County.
The slide compared the Cost of Living in the innovation corridor regions. Eastern Idaho is third in the nation for the lowest Cost of Living and fifth in the nation for lowest cost
of doing business.
Mrs. Kirkham reviewed a slide indicating the forecast of federal program jobs that will be coming online in the next 12 to 18 months. With the exception of NRF, they are going out in
the next three years. The FBI will be hiring 300 new employees in the next 18 months. She said 90% of these FBI jobs will require a bachelor’s degree or higher. The Idaho National Laboratory
will be hiring 1,500 new jobs. The new jobs coming online are through super computer building, the cyber security building, and retirement. The Naval Reactor Facility (NRF) will be
hiring 135 new jobs over the next three to four years. These jobs are higher than the median household income wages. She said these are the kinds of jobs the region has to attract and
retain. The majority of these jobs will require a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Mrs. Kirkham mentioned the education base for the other innovation corridors regions and how they compare to Eastern Idaho. Eastern Idaho per capital has well established opportunities
for education; however, only 18% of the population has a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Mrs. Kirkham reviewed the graduation rates by county in the region. Madison is at a 90% graduation rate. Council Member Busby asked how the data for the graduation rate graph was collected.
Mrs. Kirkham explained the data follows the student for four years from their freshman year to their senior year of high school. Council Member Busby said he believes the data is incorrect
when it comes to the graduation rate for Madison. The graduation percentage rate is much higher.
Council Member Mann asked if this information was gathered by other sources. Mrs. Kirkham explained the data source is listed on all of the graphs and slides. The Rexburg Business and
Development Center (RBDC) is a big player in REDI’s strategic plan and they also use Seed grant support out of Idaho State University to make it a region effort. When the actual strategic
plan comes out it will indicate where the data comes from and the formula they used to calculate the data. The graduation rate will be calculated as a region.
Mrs. Kirkham went over the information on the Workforce with Academic Degree slide. The region is slightly ahead of the state with regards to bachelor’s degrees; however, Eastern Idaho
is behind the national level. The region has a strong presence in technical degrees and associate level degrees. Madison County has the most graduate and professional degrees in the
region. Eastern Idaho is ahead of the nation in associate level degrees. There is a stigma that you need a bachelor’s degree or higher. The stigma isn’t apparent in Eastern Idaho; however,
60% of the jobs coming online will require a bachelor’s degree or higher. The region is behind of the demand for jobs that are coming online.
Mrs. Kirkham showed the education attainment for 25 year olds by county slide. Madison is doing well in that aspect. The average age of the technical worker to fill the kinds of jobs
we are looking for is 32 years of age. When compared to the other talented technical workers that are being pulled to other regions; for example, 40% of the population in Silicon Valley
is between the ages of 25 and 44 years. Only 21% of the population in Eastern Idaho is between 25 and 44 years of age that is a problem because the population within those wage earning
years is not spending those years in Eastern Idaho. If Eastern Idaho is to have a
successful economy that percentage has to change. She said according to the data REDI collected from BYU-Idaho University, 36% of their students stay in Eastern Idaho.
Mrs. Kirkham mentioned some of the projects that are coming online; most specifically, the small modular reactor that is scheduled to break ground in 2021 adjacent to the Idaho National
Laboratory. REDI completed an economic impact study to see what that project would mean to the region. The project will cost about 2.4 billion dollars to build. She said 1.2 billion
dollars is up for grabs in Eastern Idaho if the workforce and supply chain is ready. The project consists of two phases, a construction phase and operation phase. The construction phase
last four years and the direct, indirect and induced impact for employment are about 3,300 jobs. If you aggregate the number of jobs over the four years there is the potential of 13,000
jobs during the construction phase. She spoke with different suppliers; they expressed one of their main concerns is being able to prepare the local work force to participate in the
project. There are several clearances the labor force will need to be able to work on the project, including being federal contractors. She said trying to start an effort where they
capture potential players to review the necessary steps to participate in the project is the main focus for REDI.
Mrs. Kirkham reviewed the labor income during the construction phase of the project. The operation phase could bring about 667 permeant jobs to Eastern Idaho. The result of the permeant
jobs in annual labor income would boost the regional economy.
Mrs. Kirkham mentioned REDI has been working on three projects. One of the projects is the relocation of a company that is in the region. The company was looking to move to Iowa. They
contacted REDI for assistance for placement in the region. The company consists of 50 jobs with the average salary of $75,000 a year. These are the types of jobs that need to remain
in Eastern Idaho. There is a project called Genesis; they are a company looking to relocate to Eastern Idaho with about 400 jobs. Some of the jobs are entry level at 15 dollars an hour;
however, there are management level jobs. The third company is the Molton Salt reactor which is another small modular reactor.
Council President Smith asked if the slides she showed tonight are available. Mrs. Kirkham replied the strategic plan will be available in June and the slides will be in that plan. She
said she doesn’t feel comfortable about sharing them right now because she wants to make sure the data is accurate. They hope the strategic plan will give a vision for the whole region
and to have the data drilled down per county. The counties can then use the data for their own purposes.
Mayor Merrill said he attended a meeting with REDI and they had invited the Idaho Technical Council and the same slides were viewed at that meeting. He was impressed with the data presented
because it identifies what the region is lacking. The region can then determine how to address where they are lacking. Mrs. Kirkham said the two lacking items identified were transportation
and broadband. If connectivity is not available the region can’t attract a new kind of workforce. When they reach out to companies that are leaving the region the top reason on their
list is transportation. The lack of access to an international airport really affects businesses.
Mrs. Kirkham said it is important for her to present on what REDI is working on. Mayor Merrill mentioned in a couple of months city Economic Development Director Scott Johnson will be
attending a conference in Washington, D.C. with Mrs. Kirkham. The conference consists of companies attending and visiting booths from different states. Eastern Idaho will have a booth
at the conference.
Mayor Merrill mentioned the City, County, the Madison School District and BYU-Idaho University are working with a consultant on a job survey to figure out what type of industries are
preferred by the residents. The survey will also rank the utilities available to the city residents. Once the surveys are completed the consultant will match the city with companies
that are compatible with the city’s workforce and infrastructure.
Committee Liaison Assignments for 2018:
Council Member Mann: Golf Board · Emergency Services Board · Development Workshop
Council Member Mann reported the Emergency Services Board will meet tomorrow at 4:30 P.M. The Golf Board met last week to discuss the upcoming season. There are changes to the rates
and marketing
plans for the golf course. There are capital improvements needed at the Legacy Golf Course. The Development Workshop has not met.
Council Member Mann reported he was invited to attend a meeting regarding the 2020 Censes. They discussed the challenges of counting everyone in Madison County. They also discussed the
rewards for obtaining an accurate count. If the Censes Count is not completed accurately it could cause the city financial lose. A low count affects the type of businesses the county
attracts. There have been studies that indicate the population in Madison County is higher than what has been reported in the Censes. He said it’s a challenge to make sure all of the
BYU-Idaho students are counted because many of them graduate in April when the count is taking place. The financial effects of not obtaining an accurate count are adverse to the county.
Finance Officer Nielson explained the Idaho Department of Water informed the Legacy Golf Course about the issues with the amount of water being consumed at the golf course. They recommended
a water meter be installed to measure the amount of water being consumed. They found the golf course was consuming double the rate of water allowed. The IDW asked the city to correct
the problem. The city has reviewed several options to repair the water issue. One option is to install a new irrigation system; however, the cost of a new system costs about $700,000.
The Golf Board said that would be too expensive. They also looked at moving the pump system from the well to the canal. The cost for a pump station would cost about $60,000. The Water
Department is willing to contribute half of the cost if they are able to take the potable water and put into the water bank to use in other places. This would be a benefit to the overall
water system. The Golf Board is recommending the new pump station and that the city engineers obtain bids.
Council Member Mann asked if the bid for the water pump comes in higher than the estimated cost of $60,000 that City Council is made aware of the additional costs. Mayor Merrill expressed
some concerns with using canal water because of the amount of sand pumped out with the water. He asked that a durable screen be added to the pump station to keep the sand from damaging
the sprinkler heads.
Discussion regarding surface water rights and needing water when the canals are not running.
Finance Officer Nielson explained there is a way to tie into a fire hydrant with a backflow device when water is not running in the canal to water the grass at the golf course. Public
Works Director Davidson said if the city exceeds the diversion rate then the city has to recharge the exceeded amount of water.
Mayor Merrill encouraged the university students in the audience to make sure they are counted in the Census. There has been misunderstandings regarding college students participation
in the Censes where they live because of residency or being claimed on their parents tax return and possible issues with a scholarship. He said that is not the case, when it comes to
being counted in the Census. The Census prefers people to be counted where they actually live. He asked the students to encourage their fellow classmates to be counted in the Census.
When the Census count is not accurate in a county, that county misses out on federal funding. The city has calculated that the City of Rexburg is missing out on five to six million
dollars in funding because the city is under counted by about two to three thousand people. The city is starting the effort to obtain a more accurate count of the number of residents
in the county.
Council Member Busby: Airport Board · Traffic & Safety · School Board
Council Member Busby reported the Airport Board has not met. He asked Public Works Director Davidson if he has an update on the studies the airport has been working on. Public Works
Director Davidson said a feasibility study is still being worked on.
Council Member Busby reported the Traffic and Safety Committee met two weeks ago. They discussed several issues with potholes. Reed Nelson who served as Vice Chairman of the committee
will be retiring to serve a mission. The committee nominated Gale Harding to serve as Chairman with David Bell serving as Vice Chairman of the committee. The School Board will meet
tomorrow.
Council Member Walker: MYAB · Parks & Recreation · Trails of Madison County
Council Member Walker reported the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board met today. They have been learning about city government and held a mock City Council Meeting earlier today. The Parks
Department is working on cleaning up the city parks so they are ready for the summer. The Recreation Department is doing; well they are seeing participation at Kidsburg. They are finishing
up the winter programs and getting
ready for the summer programs. The Teton Dam Marathon is ahead of last year with sign ups. The Trails of Madison County have not met.
Council President Smith: Legacy Flight Museum · Beautification Committee · M.E.P.I.
Council President Smith reported the Legacy Flight Museum Committee will be meeting on Friday morning at 7:00 a.m. The Beautification Committee has not met. M.E.P.I. continues to work
with Basic American Food on their expansion. The old Wal-Mart building has been sold to a group out of California and the city Economic Development Department is working with them to
fill the building with tenants.
Council President Smith report the Economic Development Department responded to a Request for Proposal. A company is looking at relocating in Rexburg. The company is projected to bring
about 60 new jobs. The company is requesting the following educational requirements to fill some of their positions: PhD’s, engineers, executive staff, production staff including operators
and maintenance personnel. When the city responds to these businesses the city needs to prove that they have the workforce available with the educational requirements the company is
requesting. The estimated annual payroll for these positions will be as follows; for production and technical work, they are looking for 40 employees with a pay rate of $20.00 an hour
and for support and administrative staff they are looking to fill eight positions at $20.00 an hour. On the management side they are looking for about 12 employees with a salary of
about $100,000 a year average.
Council President Smith reported the Economic Development Department is also working with the Rexburg Business and Development Center to run the business incubator. They are also working
on the Business Competition that will be held on May 16th. The Start-Up Weekend will be held on October 24th - 26th. The Big Idea Competition will be held on March 12th of next year.
Mayor Merrill said he asked Economic Development Director Scott Johnson to head up the Correct Count Committee. He expressed his appreciation for the Economic Development Department’s
work on the committee.
Council Member Flora: GIS Oversight · Rexburg Arts Council/ Museum of Rexburg
Council Member Flora reported she met with the Upper Valley Arts Council; they are currently working on a car show for the Experience Rexburg Event. She also met with the Rexburg Arts
Director, Jackie Rawlins and she reported the Rexburg’s Got Talent Event was a success with a sold out show every night. In June there will be a month long theater camp for children
ages six to seventeen. The camp will be two hours long per day and anyone that registers can be a part of the camp. The camp will culminate into a four day production of the Lion King
Jr. The play will be performed on July 5th, 6th, 8th and 9th. Those interesting in a leading role will need to audition for the play on April 12th and 13th.
Council Member Flora reported the Rexburg Arts is working on the Teton Story Telling Festival in August. They are looking for artists and craft vendors to sign up for a booth for the
festival. They currently have nine vendors signed up and their goal is to have 50 arts and craft vendors.
Council Member Flora reported on Romance Theater, they are currently working on installing an HVAC system. She asked Public Works Director Davidson if he has been in contact with the
architecture firm that will be installing the system. Public Works Director Davidson said he has been in contact with the firm. They have completed the plans for the system and they
will be meeting with the city’s Building Department to review the plans. Council Member Flora said the goal is to have the Romance Theater opened all year long and the HVAC system will
facilitate that because the inside of the theater becomes very hot during the summer months.
Council Member Wolfe: Planning & Zoning/Building · Urban Renewal Agency · Police
Council Member Wolfe reported Planning and Zoning will meet tomorrow night. The Urban Renewal Agency met with Bron Leatham regarding the purchase of a property on 2nd W and 1st N. They
are planning on building more apartments at that location. They are looking forward to developing the property. Urban Renewal purchased the parking lot on College Avenue from BYU-Idaho
University.
Council Member Wolfe reported he met with Police Chief Turman. They discussed the foundation called Team 5. He read a part of the Founder/Chairman of the foundation, Eric Linder’s biography.
Based on his vast military and international experience, Eric had a vision in 2010 to build a foundation that had no political or religious affiliation. A foundation that would do the
right thing without any strings attached. To that end, he created Team 5. It is now considered the most extreme medical foundation in existence. Today, Team 5 takes great pride in
bringing
critically-needed medical relief to remote locations and indigenous populations around the world. The foundation’s motto, “In order to be involved, you must first show up” embodies the
Team’s commitment to brave extraordinary situations to provide medical care to vulnerable populations around the world. In a testament to the value of Team-5’s outstanding work, the
World Health Organization has officially certified Team 5 Foundation to support international healthcare efforts led by the organization.
Prior to establishing Team-5, Eric had a career in law enforcement, UN Peacekeeping and two militaries (United States and Israel), that spanned more than three decades. His career personifies
his desire to serve others. Eric specializes in Airborne Combat Search and Rescue, Escape and Evasion and covert operations. Linder held a Command Staff position while directing the
UN Mission in Kosovo. He has been decorated several times for bravery, participation in combat, and search & rescue. He has received the Secretary of Defenses Above and Beyond and
Patriot Award.
Council Member Wolfe said the foundation reached out to the Rexburg Police Department to offer their assistance with training. He read the statement below from the Team 5 web-site.
Rexburg Police Department in Idaho has added a Tactical Medical Program to their Special Weapons and Tactics Team. Team 5 is now assigned to this team. T5 has been a part of the multi-jurisdictional
task for the last two years in Idaho, and as the program grows, more departments have shown interest. The objective of the foundation is to assist in training for Tactical Medicine,
Officer Down, Active Shooter and being sworn officers of the actual SWAT entry team. As members in the inner circle, response to anyone injured will have no delay as the Medic/Doctor
is already inside the active area and has the essential medical supplies and experience needed.
Along with this, Team 5 has incorporated a Tactical Veterinarian who will also be deployed with the police K9 officers into the hot zones where he can treat any injuries to the working
police dog. As you can imagine, the k9 is an intricate and costly part of the team, and is also an officer, which deserves the best care available. Having the TacVet on scene will minimize
the injuries and extend the chances of survival.
Council Member Wolfe said the Police Department is also planning on sending four police officers to Team 5 training in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Staff Reports:
Finance: - Matt Nielson
Finance Officer Nielson said the Recreation Department is asking to surplus 1993 Ford pick-up. Council Member Busby asked if the pick-up will be auctioned in a public auction or online
auction because Gale Harding is holding a public auction on March 30th and he will need to put the pick-up on his list of items before that date.
Council Member Busby moved to approve the Surplus of a 1993 Ford F-150 XL white pickup truck; Council Member Walker seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a roll call vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Walker
Council Member Busby
Council Member Mann
Council President Smith
The motion carried
Finance Reports
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Budget Summary Report Expenditures. The city should be at 42% through February. The report indicates over all the city is at 42% in the operating
expenditures. The Police Department is at 41%. He mentioned the Capital Reserves is at 53% spent; it’s slightly higher because the city acquired some land for a future city park on
the Barney property. The land acquirement occurred in the last couple of weeks. The Total Expenditures for all funds are at 24%.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Budget Summary Report Revenues. The Permits and Licenses Fund is really low at 23%. The revenues received for this fund are from parking tickets
and building permits. He processed an individual report of the building permits only and they are at 19% of budget. A comparison report was created for the last three years of revenues
collected in building permits. The report indicates there are substantially less revenues this year through February then the two prior years.
Finance Officer Nielson reveiwed the Utility Revenues. The Wastewater Operating revenues are at 32% compared to budget because the city had a 1.16 million dollar project contribution
that the city was going to bring in; however, the project has been pushed back a year. By factoring out the wastewater project the fund would be at 40% of budget. The city will be processing
a DEQ Loan request this week in the amount of about $600,000. Over all in the Budget Summary Report and from an operating stand point the city is basically at a negative $756,000 and
a positive of $52,000 on the capital side. The city is cash flowing about $704,000 through the first five months.
Council Member Busby asked about the wastewater project that is being posponed for a year. Finance Officer Nielson said he was referring to a wastewater collection project near Wal-Mart.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Treasure’s Expenditure Report. The city is cash flowing the Fire Operations Fund by about one million dollars. He spoke with County Clerk Kim Muir
and she said the county will be sending a check to the city. The Fire District will also be sending the city funds for the last quarters. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Capital
Reserves amounts for water, wastewater, and streets.
Review Budget Work Meeting Schedule and Posting of Public Meeting
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the 2019 Budget Work Meeting Schedule. He said Council Member Mann had requested that all of the City Council Members be able to attend the Department
Budget meetings. The meetings will be posted as public meetings to allow all of the City Council Members to attend all of the department budget meetings. The first scheduled meeting
is the City Council drive around on May 1st. The next meeting will be on Monday, May 6th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and then on Tuesday, May 7th there will be a meeting from 1:00
p.m. to 5:00 p.m. On May 8th there will be an evening meeting with the Emergency Services Board. He said the next meeting will be a morning meeting on Thursday, May 9th and they will
meet until about 1:00 p.m.… On Friday, May 10th the budget meeting for the Legacy Flight Museum will begin at 7:00 a.m.… The last budget meeting will held the following week on Monday.
Discussion regarding the City Council drive around meeting.
Public Works: - Keith Davidson
Declare Surplus Item – 2 Bed 2 Bath Mobile Home located at 297 E 7th N
Public Works Director Davidson reported there is a mobile home that needs to be surplused. The mobile home was on the property that the city had purchased adjacent to the water reservoir.
If the mobile home is not purchased the Fire Department and Police Department are considering using the home for training purposes.
The City of Rexburg will be holding a closed bid process for purchase and removal of 24’ x 48’ 1976 Fleetwood 2 Bed 2 Bath Mobile Home at 297 E 7th N. House must be moved and all construction
material and debris must be removed. Bids must be turned into the City Clerk by 4:00 p.m. on April 10, 2019. Bid will be opened and awarded at 4:30 p.m. on April 10, 2019. Once the
winning bidder is notified, they will have 14 days to make payment or the home will be awarded to the next highest bidder. The winning bid will have 60 days from the notification date
to have the building and all attachments removed from the premise.
Council Member Busby moved to approve the Surplus of a 24’ x 48’ 1976 Fleetwood 2 Bed 2 Bath Mobile Home at 297 E 7th N.; 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 Wolfe
Council Member Walker
Council Member Busby
Council Member Mann
Council President Smith
The motion carried
Spring Clean-up dates April 15th to May 3rd
Public Works Director Davidson reported the dates for the Spring Clean-up are scheduled from April 15th to May 3rd. Mayor Merrill mentioned the Street Department will start sweeping
the streets tomorrow. Public Works Director Davidson explained the Street Department is still training on how to operate the new street sweeper after their training is complete they
will start sweeping the streets. The old sweeper is being repaired.
Council Member Walker asked if the yard waste is only picked up on the residents garbage day. Public Works Director Davidson replied the yard waste is normally picked up on the residents
garbage day; however, the city crew is constantly picking up yard waste around town. The residents can call into city hall if the yard waste is not being picked up in a timely manner.
Public Works Director Davidson reported the Street Department helped to delineate the traffic lines on Yellowstone and University Boulevard. The crosswalk flashing lights in the Summerfield
Subdivision are installed and working. Council President Smith questioned the lights that are being installed at Smith Park. Public Works Director Davidson explained they are not installing
new lights they are pulling out the old light poles that were used for the baseball field. Rocky Mountain Power assisted in removing the light poles.
Council Member Busby asked how long ago the slurry seal was completed on 7th S. The seal didn’t last very long because the asphalt is breaking up. Public Works Director Davidson said
they are going to reshape the crown and raise the asphalt slightly to keep the water in the gutter and off the street so that it doesn’t tear up the asphalt.
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Merrill reported the Mayor’s Youth met early today and held a mock city council meeting. One of the items they debated was the pros and cons of exchanging the current currency
to sea shells. They discussed some serious topics as well. He believes the mock city council meeting helped the youth to understand the decision making process City Council goes through
when voting on an issue. Mayor Merrill turned the time over to the youth to present on a project they have been working on.
The Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board Members attending the meeting: Chairman Claire Bird , Katrina Toll the Board’s Historian, Eliza Ballard is the publicity Manager, Beth Corpany Vice Chairman,
and Board Member Colter Rodrigues.
Katrina Toll explained the MYAB attended the AIC Conference in Boise, Idaho. While at the conference they attended an award ceremony. The City of Pocatello’s youth board received an
award for creating a city flag for Pocatello. She said they discussed the idea of creating a city flag for Rexburg with the rest of the board and Mayor Merrill. She said after speaking
with Mayor Merrill he said the flag should represent: family, agriculture, education and entrepreneurship.
A picture of the two flags that were designed was viewed on the overhead screen.
Claire Bird explained what the colors and emblems represent on the flag that was designed by a BYU- Idaho student.
The light blue represents trust, loyalty, sincerity, wisdom, faith and confidence. The Gold represents illumination, compassion and love. We as citizens will all need illumination as
we study for an important exam or figure out a difficult mathematical problem. We need compassion to help those around us and to show compassion unto ourselves. Most importantly as
we love ourselves we can love our neighbors.
The wheat emblem represents abundance, fertility and life. In ancient Greece the Greek Goddess Demeter is associated with agriculture. There are many farm lands in our area and we may
even say that schools are a form of farms with the way they nurture our understanding of subjects such as; language, history, etc. We have a cycle of sowing and reaping everyday of
our lives.
The Mountains represent obstacles in life. There is also a positive meaning of the mountains; as human beings we have the ability to overcome these obstacles and rise to achievement.
He also used the mountains because of the Grand Teton Mountains.
The Lakes represent a way to give and fertilize; it also represent the transition of life.
Colter Rodrigues designed the following flag and explained the meanings of the symbols and colors.
The color green represents trust, agriculture, and nature. The color white represents family, purity, and community. The color blue represents the Teton Dam Flood and the rivers that
run through the city. The Mountains represent the surrounding mountains that encompass our valley. The star represents the heavens.
Katrina Toll explained the flags are examples and ideas the youth have entertained. She asked City Council for their feedback on having a city flag. They also asked to open up the idea
of having a city flag to the public to have more input.
Mayor Merrill thanked the Mayor’s Youth for their presentation of designing a city flag. He also asked for the Council’s input regarding designing a city flag. There could also be additional
costs of have a city flag with the installation of additional flag poles.
Council Member Mann said he has felt the city does need a flag. A flag should be designed in a way a child can draw the flag. He said both of the designs presented tonight are great
ideas.
Council Member Busby questioned why more flag poles would be needed to hang the city flag. There are flag poles already in place. Mayor Merrill said there may be issues with hanging
three flags on one pole.
Discussion regarding the community’s input with the design of the city flag
Council Member Walker asked if the Mayor’s Youth is going to be in charge of involving the community members to design the flag. Mayor Merrill said a committee will be formed first and
some of the MYAB Members can be on the committee to approach how to involve the community in the design.
Mayor Merrill reported he received a report on the state of homelessness in Idaho.
Mayor Merrill reported the service terms for both John Bowen and Greg Blacker on the Planning and Zoning Commission have expired. He reached out to both of the commissioners to see if
they would be able to serve a second term. The two commissioners agreed to serve a second term.
Mayor Merrill reported he met with Randall Porter the grandson of Arthur Porter who the park was named after. Arthur Porter was responsible for planting most of the trees at Porter Park.
Randall noticed some of the trees along 2nd West have started to decay and die. The trees are about 80 years old. He said after meeting with city staff they decided to remove the dying
trees and purchase new trees of the same type. They are planning on removing the old trees this fall and planting the new trees in the early spring.
Mayor Merrill said a committee will be formed to discuss the removing and replacing of the trees at Porter Park. Mr. Porter has agreed to serve as chairman of the committee. He mentioned
this year is the 90th year the park was established. The purpose of the committee is to support community involvement. Rocky Mountain Power has reached out to the city about having
their foundation help with cost of purchasing the new trees.
Mayor Merrill reported the City Planner position is still being reviewed and interviews for the position have been held.
Mayor Merrill reported the Downtown Strategic meetings are being held by-weekly. Council President Smith has been involved in the meetings. They have discussed zoning for the downtown
area and how it should be redeveloped. The city is facilitating the formation of a Downtown Merchant Association to assist in revitalizing the downtown.
Mayor Merrill reported he attend the Chamber Legislative Forum last week. They visited with legislators regarding an urban renewal proposal that is coming up and other items that are
important to the city.
Mayor Merrill said the Historical Committee met and Arts Director Jackie Rawlins showed samples of flooring, bathroom sink fixtures, and light fixtures for the Romance Theater.
Mayor Merrill mentioned he met with a solar company that would like to perform an analysis on the city buildings and pump stations to see if installing solar panels would save the city
money on energy costs. The city spends about $360,000 a year in energy costs. There is a possibility for grant funding for a non-profit organization to help pay for the installation
of the solar panels. The solar company said they would not charge the city for the analysis.
Public Hearings: NONE
Items for Consideration:
Ordinance No. 1209 Amend the Compensation and Benefits Package for Mayor & City Council
Mayor Merrill explained any kind of increases in compensation and benefits needs to be performed during an election year. City Council determined years ago that the increase to the Mayor
and Council salaries would be based on the cost of living calculations.
Council Member Wolfe expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to serve as a City Council Member.
Council Member Mann said the cost of living calculations are based on a scientific method. He favors this way of determining what the increase in wages should be instead of having to
decide what they should be.
Mayor Merrill commended the City Council Members for their time and effort to serve as council members. He is aware of the extra time the Council Members are called to serve.
ORDINANCE NO. 1209
AN ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE SALARIES OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, REPEALING ORDINANCES 941, 986, 1102, AND 1165; PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE TO COMMENCE;
JANUARY 1, 2020.
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
REXBURG, IDAHO:
SECTION 1. MAYOR’S SALARY.
The salaries of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Rexburg shall be as follows:
2.01.100 The Mayor shall receive an annual salary in the sum of Seventy Nine Thousand One Hundred Ninety Two Dollars ($79,192), and shall be paid Three Thousand Two Hundred Ninety Nine
Dollars and Sixty Seven Cents ($3,299.67) semi-monthly; and receive benefits consistent with employee coverage.
SECTION 2. CITY COUNCIL SALARIES.
The salaries of the members of the Rexburg City Council shall be as follows:
2.02.160 Each member of the City Council shall receive an annual salary in the sum of Nine Thousand Two Hundred Twenty Six Dollars ($9,226), and shall be paid Three Hundred Eighty
Four Dollars and Forty Two Cents ($384.42) semi-monthly; and receive benefits consistent with employee coverage.
SECTION 3. REPEAL OF CONFLICTING PROVISIONS.
All ordinances and parts of ordinances in conflict with this ordinance are hereby repealed to the extent of such conflict.
SECTION 4. EFFECTIVE DATE.
This ordinance shall be effective upon its passage and publication as provided by law.
The salaries for the Mayor and City Council shall commence January 1, 2020, and shall be paid semi-monthly.
PASSED AND APPROVED this ___ day of ___, 2019.
________________________________
Jerry L. Merrill, Mayor
ATTEST
_________________________
Deborah Lovejoy, City Clerk
Council President Smith moved to approve and first read Ordinance No. 1209 Amend the Compensation and Benefits Package for Mayor and City Council; Council Member Mann seconded the motion;
Mayor Merrill asked for a roll call vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Walker
Council Member Busby
Council Member Mann
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: NONE
Third Reading: Those items which have been second read:
Ordinance No. 1207 #18-00709 – Rezone 150 E 2nd N from Central Business Center (CBC) to Mixed Use (MU) Zone
ORDINANCE NO. 1207
Rezone 150 East 2nd North, Rexburg, Idaho to Mixed Use (MU)
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 Walker moved to approve and consider Ordinance No. 1207 the Rezone at approximately 150 E 2nd N from Central Business Center (CBC) to Mixed Use (MU) Zone third read; Council
Member Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Walker
Council Member Busby
Council Member Mann
Council President Smith
The motion carried
Mayor’s Business:
Proclamation 2019 – 01 – Census 2020 Awareness Day – April 1, 2019
PROCLAMATION
No. 2019 - 01
CENSUS 2020 AWARENESS DAY – APRIL 1, 2019
WHEREAS, more than $675 billion per year in federal funding is allocated to states and communities based on census data; and
WHEREAS, an up-to-date and accurate census count is vital in ensuring our state and cities receive annual funds that help improve transportation, schools, hospitals, public works and
other vital programs; and
WHEREAS, census data helps shape where to locate schools, offices and stores; and
WHEREAS, census data helps local governments provide greater public safety and emergency preparedness; and
WHEREAS, census data ensures fair Congressional representation in the U.S. House of Representatives and in redistricting state legislatures, county and city councils, and school and
voting districts; and
WHEREAS, the 2020 Census will create jobs in communities; and
WHEREAS, the census is meant to represent everyone;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Rexburg, Idaho, do hereby proclaim
April 1, 2019 as Census 2020 Awareness Day
in the City of Rexburg and call on and encourage our citizens in this special observance.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and
caused the Seal of the City of Rexburg to be affixed this 20th day of March of the year of our Lord two thousand nineteen.
APPROVED:
_____________________________
SEAL Jerry Merrill
MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________
Deborah Lovejoy
Council Member Wolfe moved to ratify Proclamation 2019-01 Census 2020 Awareness Day as April 1, 2019; Council Member Flora seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Walker
Council Member Busby
Council Member Mann
Council President Smith
The motion carried
Mayor Merrill asked Council Member Walker to attend the Resource Conservation and Development Association sponsorship meeting on March 28th from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The RCD is an
organization in the Upper Valley that assists sponsoring members looking for grants.
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 March 6th, 2019 meeting
Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Wolfe moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and city bills; Council President Smith seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Walker
Council Member Busby
Council Member Mann
Council President Smith
The motion carried
Adjournment 8:20 P.M.
APPROVED:
________________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________
Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk