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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - February 06, 2019_unbound_unbound_unbound_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 Dustin Egbert said the prayer. Caleb Broadband led the pledge. Roll Call of Council Members: Attending: Council Member Flora, Council Member Mann, Council Member Busby, Council Member Wolfe, Council President Smith and Mayor Merrill. Council Member Walker 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: Madison Middle School 4th Graders – Water Conservation & Drought Resistant Plant Options – Sharee Barton’s Gifted and Talented Class. Greg Ferguson started the Madison Middle School 4th Graders presentation on Water Conservation & Drought Resistant Plant Options. There were several students from the class that read from the power point slides. Introduction to Geo-Inquiry (National Geographic)  Geo-Inquiry is a project -based program from National Geographic. Geo -Inquiry offers us a unique opportunity to learn to respect and be good stewards o f our planet.  Through Geo-Inquiry, we are creating solutions to global and local concerns.  We are still learning about water conservation, but we would like to share a few amazing facts from what we’ve learned. 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 February 06, 2019 2 Council Member Busby commended the Madison Middle School 4th Graders on their presentation. The students asked if the City of Rexburg would be willing to partner with them this coming spring to help the city and citizens conserve water to create a healthier more substantial future. All of the City Council Members replied yes. Mayor Merrill asked the 4th grade students if they would be willing to help plant the drought resistant plants on Main and Center Street this spring. All of the students replied yes. Council Member Flora asked if the students have a list of the native plants that are drought resistant. Daniel Dewey replied he is partnering with Stephen Love a professor for the University of Idaho in Aberdeen. They will be collaborating together to provide a list of hundreds of wild flower species native to Idaho that are drought resistant. The students named two of the species they will be planting in the spring; the Western Euro and Purple Corn Flower. Mayor Merrill said the city started a water recharge program a few years ago. There is a recharge site where water is deposited. The water is soaked up by the ground and back into the aquifer. Before the recharge program, the water that wasn’t being used was put back into the river. The city is also encouraging people to not over-water their lawns to conserve water. He was contacted by a group that asked the city to challenge its citizens to save water as well as other types of resources because we are going to depend on them even more in the future. Mayor Merrill indicated another good practice the city has put in place is that each property has a water meter. The water meters measure the amount of water being used at each property and that helps residents be more conscientious of the amount of water they are using. Public Hearings: A. 6:45 P.M. - Resolution 2019-04 Fee List Amendment – Fees that were left off the published list - Matt Nielson Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the proposed fee changes. The Standard Journal Newspaper did not publish these fees with the first public hearing notice for Resolution No. 2019 -02. A new resolution with the omitted fees and new public hearing notice was advertised in the newspaper. Finance Officer Nielson said the Planning and Zoning rezone application fee has changed to allow a different rate per the number of acres being rezoned. The Senior Season Golf Pass had the highest percent increase than any of the other fees. 3 RESOLUTION NO. 2019-04 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, ADOPTING A NEW RATE SCHEDULE FOR CERTAIN FEES. WHEREAS, the City Council desires to maintain the overall quality of life experienced by i ts constituents; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to set certain fees so that they cover the cost of the services provided through the paymen t of those fees; NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Mayor and the Council of the City of Rexburg, effectiv e January 17, 2019 that the fees in attached list shall be charged as specified: Proposed Fee Changes for February 6, 2019 Public Hearing at 6:45 PM 4 PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND APPROVED BY THE MAYOR THIS 6th DAY OF FEBRUARY, 2019. CITY OF REXBURG Madison County, Idaho By _________________________________ Jerry L. Merrill, Mayor ATTEST: ____________________________________ Deborah Lovejoy, City Clerk Mayor Merrill opened the Public Hearing. Public Testimony in favor of the proposal (5-minute limit): NONE Public Testimony neutral to the proposal (5-minute limit): NONE Public Testimony opposed to the proposal (5-minute limit): NONE Mayor Merrill closed the Public Hearing. Council Member Busby moved to approve Resolution 2019-04 Fee List Amendment as discussed; Council Member Wolfe seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Mann Council Member Wolfe Council Member Busby Council President Smith The motion carried 5 Staff Reports: Finance: - Matt Nielson Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Dashboard Reports. Finance Officer Nieslon reviewed the Cash, Investments and Reserves Graph. There was a slight decrease at the end of September to December due to the street projects on 2nd East and 5th West. The cost of the projects were about two million dollars. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Reserves Graph above. In fiscal year 2019 there was a slight decrease because of the street projects he mentioned earlier. The Capitol hasn’t changed from the end of fiscal year 2018 to the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The city hasn’t collected much revenues from the capacity and impact fees in the first quarter of FY 2019. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Operating Expenses and Revenues. The total budget is about 35.6 million dollars for operation expenses. The Contingency funds were removed to review the actual operating expenses budget; it is about 30.5 million dollars. The reason the contingency funds are removed is for reporting purposes to show the carry over within the respective funds. 6 Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Revenues Report. The city has only collected about 13% of the property taxes through December. The revenues for building permits and licenses are low at about 17%. Finance Officer Nielson explained the purpose of the graph is to identify how the budget is spent over the year. The graph also identifies the amounts of the actual revenues collected, the actual expenses and how they compare to each other. The city has expensed more then the revenues collected; however, starting, in February the revenues will increase. 7 Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Infrastructure Fees. The Public Works Capacity Fees and Impact Fees . The city has collected very few revenues from the capacity and impact fees in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. The sewer has only collected about $40,000.00 this fiscal year. H e said in fiscal year 2018 the city collected the most revenues from these types of fees. Council Member Busby asked how the first quarter of fiscal year 2018 compares to the first quarter of FY 2019. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Sewer Capacity Fund; the city collected about $214,000 in FY 2017 and only $40,000 in FY 2019. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Community Growth Graph. The Building Permit Fees correlate with the Public Works Capacity Fees and Impact Fees. The graph identifies the 1st quarter of FY 2019 as very low compared to the prior years. 8 Finance Officer Nielson continued to review the Community Growth Graphs. The city permitted 808 multi-family units last year. This year the city has permited about 40 multi-family units. Some of this growth is typical especially with single family dwellings because they tend to construct in the spring and summer months. In the commercial square footage the city has only permitted about 23,000 square feet in the 1st quarter of FY 2019. The city only permitted 56,000 square feet of commercial last year. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Inflation Graph to identify how inflation has affected costs. The city uses the Consumer Price (CPI), Municipal Cost (MCI), and Construction Cost (CCI) Indexes. The ten year, five year and the last 12 months there is about a 3% inflation in construction. He said three months ago when the city perdicted the estimated Cost of Living Adjustment for 2019 was about 2.8% now the estimated percentage is about 1.5% that means the Consumer Price Index 9 has droped in the last three months. The Cost of Living Adjustment is normally determined in January. Finance Office Nielson reviewed the Major Construction Projects Graph. The 2nd East and Moody are Urban Renewal projects. Local Improvement District 48 Construction will need a budget adjustment. The city had budgeted one million dollars; however, when the whole project is put together the cost of the project is closer to 2.5 million dollars. Finance Officer Nielson indicated there are large construction projects planned for FY 2019. The railroad crossing on 7th South is another Urban Renewal project that hasn’t started. On the 2nd East reconstruction project the city spent about one million dollars cash. A bu dget adjustment will be needed for the 2nd East reconstruction project because it was budgeted for FY 2018; however, it wasn’t completed until FY 2019. The Water Capacity Projects have about $900,000 in the budget. He believes the expenses will be closer to 1.6 million dollars because of the water tank by the Madison High School. The construction on the water tank had a slow start last year and will carry over to a new fiscal year. Finance Officer Nielson mentioned there is a possiblity that the softball/baseball quads will be built this year. He said he doesn’t think the Moody Line and Lift Station projects will begin this fiscal year. Public Works Director Davidson is working with an engineer firm on a sewer collectio n study to determine the needs of the sewer line. 10 Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Minor Construction Projects. Terra Vista from 4th East to Shoshone and 2nd North from 2nd West to 4th West were budgeted in the construction fund; however, the two projects were moved to the Local Improvement District No. 48. These two projects will be removed from the minor projects list and moved to the major projects under LID 48. The city is trying to acquire some land for the East Parkway Corridor. There are funds in the budget for the cost of the land; however, the city has not moved forward with acquiring the land for the parkway as of yet. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Romance Theater Remodel project; there is about $160,000 budgeted. The city has about $30,000 encumbered so far for the building strategic plan. Currently, they are trying to acquire better bids for a HVAC system. There is budget for the Nature Park restrooms and a parking lot on the county’s property. He said he doesn’t believe the parking lo t will be constructed because the road leading to the parking lot has not been straighted out; however, it was placed as a budget item in case the project moves forward. Finance Officer Nielson reported the Millhollow Lift Station rebuild is still in the budget. He believes the city will be moving forward with that project this summer. The blower replacement at the wastewater treatment plant is a large expense. Council Member Busby asked about the age of the blower. Public Works Director Davidson said the blower is about 30 years old. Finance Officer Nielson reported on the Diesel Fuel Station. The size of the new tank is 25,000 gallons and made of fiberglass. The old tank was decomissioned this week and the city employees will need to purchase fuel from the local fuel stations until the new tank is installed. 11 Public Works: - Keith Davidson 1. Local Improvement District No. 48 Bid Acceptance. Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the bids for LID # 48. Edstrom Construction was the low bid at $1,933,818.75. The sidewalks were at a higher cost on the bid than the estimated costs. The curb, gutter and sewer line replacement s came in at a lower cost. The sewer connections were estimated at $1,700.00 the bid came in at $515.00 per connection. There were only four properties with a higher cost for their assesment than the estimated costs. The majority of the properties will see a lower cost for their assessment than the estimated costs. Public Works Director Davidson explained the costs are still estimated costs because the city engineers will meet with the property owners that have questions or concerns to determine the options available to them. Once the final assesement roll is completed the property owners will know their final assessment costs. Council Member Busby asked for the amount of funds budgeted for LID #48 and the reason why a budget adjustment will be needed. Finance Officer Nielson said there was slightly over one million dollars budgeted for LID #48. In the Streets Construction Fund the minor construction projects on Terra Vista – 4th E. to Shoshone and 2nd N – 2nd W to 4th W were budget. Those projects will move over to the major construction projects that will increase the budget for LID #48 to about 1.6 million dollars. LID # 48 will cost slightly less than 2.5 million dollars. A budget adjustment will be needed to cover the rest of the costs. 12 Council President Smith moved to approve the low bid of $1,933,818.75 from Edstrom Construction for Local Improvement District No. 48; Council Member Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Mann Council Member Wolfe Council Member Busby Council President Smith The motion carried Council Member Mann asked if all of the Minor and Major Constuction Projects shown on the Dashboard Report have been budgeted and if all of the projects will be worked on this fiscal year or will some need to be postponed. Public Works Director Davidson explained some of the projects will not be worked on until fiscal year 2020. The restrooms at Nature Park have been designed; however, a sewer line isn’t available because a grinder pump and lift station will need to be installed. The Nature Park restrooms could go out to bid soon. The softball/ baseball quad is a possiblity, they are working on installing a water pump station before water is added to the canal. The water pump will be used to water the grass for the baseball quad. Public Works Director Davidson mentioned some of the projects that are already out to bid including: The diesel fule station, Upsize 3rd W 1st S – 2nd S and the SCADA System Lift Stations. They are in the process of reviewing the Request for Proposel for the SCADA system. The Meyers Architecture Firm is working on the Romance Theater Remodel; as soon as the design is received the remodel will go out to bid. They are also trying to obtain grants for the theater remodel. Council Member Busby asked how quickly can the work to replace the blower at wastewater plant be completed. Public Works Director Davidson answered, the wastewater plant has three blowers on hand, they are trying to be preemptive in case one of them fails. The cost is for three blowers. Community Development: - Bret Stoddard 1. Monthly Valuation Report Building Official Stoddard reviewed the Building Valuation Report for the month of January. The building Department is gearing up for a b usy spring. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Merrill handed out the break-even analysis report of Rexburg Rapids. Rexburg Rapids doesn’t start receiving revenues until the end of June. There are a lot of moving parts that affect 13 when the swimming pool can be opened; not just the weather. The pool employees need to be trained including the lifeguards. If the pool opens too early there is higher percent of loss in revenue because of the costs to heat the water in the pool. They are trying to find ways to train the lifeguards sooner by using other swimming pool facilities. He said there is also a decrease in revenue if Rexburg Rapids closes too early. The city is doing their best to be fiscally responsible with the tax payer’s money. The weather and other variables affect the revenues. Mayor Merrill reported a committee has been organized called the Correct Count Committee . The committee will be responsible for educating the public on the 2020 Censes and why it is important to be counted. The committee has estimated that the city is very under counted due to the university students not being aware of the Censes. The committee determined the estimated loss of funding costs the city anywhere from $3,500 to $4,000 a year per person that is not counted. The city met with BYU-Idaho Representatives regarding the Censes. They are going to assist the city in helping to educate the students about the 2020 Censes and why it’s important for them to be counted. Mayor Merrill said he met with representatives from the Department of Health and Welfare Office. They informed him that the city meet s the criteria for a grant they are offering to promote health in children. The grants are for park maintenance such as water fountains and shade structures. Mayor Merrill said some of the City Council Members attended the Association of Idaho Cities Meetings and the Chamber Days at the capitol. They met with the state legislators and learned about local option sales taxes and liquor license reform. There is even a proposal to force local elected officials to declare a party. Some of the elected officials are vigorously opposing the proposal because they prefer to not have to be in partisan to a political party. They are not sure if the proposal will make it out of the committee. The school funding formula that will change how funding is calculated for each school district was mentioned. There are some school districts that are opposed to the new formula because it decreases the amount of funding they will receive. The legislature is working hard to make sure there no school district has a decrease in funding for the first couple of years. Council Member Mann reported on the State of Cities sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. There were three speakers Mayor Merrill, Mayor Ogden of Sugar City and County Commissioner Jon Weber. He said Mayor Merrill gave an excellent speech. The Chamber of Commerce also sponsored a Legislative Committee Dinner at Lock Stock and Barrel. The dinner was attend ed by seven business leaders, Mayor Merrill, Council Member Wolfe, Idaho Supreme Court Judge Gregory Moeller, Senator Brent Hill, Representative Britt Raybould, Representative Doug Ricks and Idaho Governor Brad Little. Council Member Mann said Governor Little commended the City of Rexburg on their Celebrate Youth Event, business growth, and how well the city is ran by Mayor Merrill. Mayor Merrill reported city staff and himself attended a meeting in the City of Ammon regarding high speed broadband and how to provide this service to residents, schools and business. The city is trying to determine how to best approach the option of providing high speed broadband to Rexburg residents. Mayor Merrill reported he met with the Director of the Department of Commerce, Tom Kealey. They toured the city and BYU-Idaho University. He also met with the owner of Basic American Food regarding their expansion project and the improvements for the intersection by their facility to alleviate the additional traffic. Items for Consideration: A. Ordinance 1200 #18-00684 – Development Code Codification - Stephen Zollinger City Attorney Zollinger explained the recommended changes to the Development Code Codification were discussed in a previous City Council and Planning and Zoning work meeting. The clerical adjustment and clarification to some of the definitions have been entered by Planning and Zoning Administrative Assistant, Tawnya Grover. Council Member Flora requested a hard copy of the amendments. Council Member Wolfe said the Planning and Zoning Commissioners met regarding the code amendments at length. Planning and Zoning unanimously recommended approval of the Development Code Codification. 14 Council Member Wolfe moved to suspend the rules for Ordinance No. 1200 to approve the Development Code Codification; Discussion: Council Member Flora mentioned in the Planning and Zoning Meeting Commissioner Steve Oakey made valid points regarding the Development Codes that are no longer valid. She asked Mr. Oakey to address the invalid codes in the Planning and Zoning meetings. Council President Smith commended city employee Planning and Zoning Administrative Assistant Tawnya Grover for the work she completed in updating the Development Code; Council President Smith seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a roll call vote: Those voting aye those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Mann Council Member Wolfe Council Member Busby Council President Smith The motion carried Council Member Wolfe moved to third read and approve Ordinance 1200 the Development Code Codification; Council President Smith seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Mann Council Member Wolfe Council Member Busby Council President Smith The motion carried B. Ordinance 1208 #18-00701 & 18-00711 – Rezone 250 E to 450 E 7th N from Central Business Center (CBC) to Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2) - Stephen Zollinger City Attorney Zollinger reviewed the rezone at approximately 250 E to 450 E 7th N from Central Business Center (CBC) to Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2). A map of the location was viewed on the overhead screen. There was a public hearing a few weeks ago in Planning and Zoning. The general concern from the public was regarding the existing property to the east, the Carlow Property and traffic concerns onto 2nd East. The majority of the comments did not directly reflect against the parcels that are being considered in this rezone. City Attorney Zollinger reviewed the city staff review. The rezone is in line with the Comprehensive Plan. 15 Council Member Flora asked in reference to the comments by the citizens on the parcel that is not being affected. She asked what caused them concern regarding that parcel. City Attorney Zollinger 16 explained the issue of the residents was they believed the parcel adjacent to Stonebridge would develop at a higher density. What muted the concern was that the parcel is already zoned at that density level. They didn’t need the Comp rehensive Plan change they already had the zoning that is being requested by these two parcels. Council Member Flora asked about the zoning to the East of the parcel that the residents were concerned about. City Attorney Zollinger said the parcel is M edium Density Residential 1. Planning and Zoning Administrative Assistant, Tawnya Grover said there is already a buffer between the requested rezone. There were also traffic concerns. The city is addressing the traffic concerns through traffic studies, through cooperation with the Idaho Transportation Department, and local businesses. Council Member Busby asked about the height limit for MDR2. City Attorney Zollinger indicated the maximum building height is about 40 feet. A three story building can be built in a low density residential if the eves are cut out. Discussion regarding a four story building and insufficient parking. They discussed the scope of the possible development. Council President Smith moved to approve Ordinance 1208 the rezone at approximately 250 E to 450 E 7th N from Central Business Center (CBC) to Medium Density Residential 2 (MD R2); Council Member Wolfe seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Mann Council Member Wolfe Council Member Busby Council President Smith The motion carried C. Final Plat Summerfield Division 6 Approval #18-00548 – Dan Larson & Stephen Zollinger City Attorney Zollinger explained the preliminary plat was approved and the developer is not deviating from that plat. There were minor changes to some of the lot alignments; however, there are no increases to any of the lots. The park is shown in this final plat phase. The construction of the club house will be required as a condition of this plat. The city has received copies of letters from Kartchner Homes to the Home Owner Association that the anticipated construction of the club house will begin and is expected to be completed during this construction season. Council Member Flora asked about the location of the club house in the development. The location was viewed on a map on the overhead screen. Council Member Flora asked about the location of the park. Planning and Zoning Administrative Assistant Tawnya Grover identified the location of the park on the map that was viewed. Council Member Busby moved to approve the Summerfield Division 6 Final Plat; Council Member Flora seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Mann Council Member Wolfe Council Member Busby Council President Smith The motion carried Calendared Bills and Tabled Items: 17 A. “LAND USE ACTION” – Bills Recommended/Approved in a Land Use Public Hearing Procedure (Recommend Suspension of the Rules): NONE B. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: 1. Ordinance 1205 Intent to Create Local Improvement District No. 48 Council Member Busby moved to second read Ordinance 1205 Local Improvement District No. 48; Discussion: Council Member Flora asked if there is anyone in the audience that has questions or concerns about their LID assessment to visit with Public Works Director Davidson; Council President Smith seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Mann Council Member Wolfe Council Member Busby Council President Smith The motion carried C. Third Reading: Those items which have been first read: NONE Mayor’s Business: A. Resolution 2019 – 05 – John Wayne Millar Memorial Resolution. Mayor Merrill read Resolution 2019 – 05 – John Wayne Millar Memorial Resolution. RESOLUTION TO MEMORIALIZE JOHN WAYNE MILLAR Resolution 2019 - 05 WHEREAS, John Wayne Millar passed away peacefully at his home on October 26, 2018; and WHEREAS, John was born in Shelley, Idaho, to Roderick Wayne and Frances Rushton Millar; and WHEREAS, John graduated from Brigham Young University, where he earned a degree in civi l engineering; and WHEREAS, John raised his family in Rexburg, Idaho, where he worked for Forsgren Associates for 20 years before becoming the Public Works Director for the City of Rexburg – a position he held for 18 years; and WHEREAS, John took great pride in developing and overseeing the construction of water and wastewater projects throughout Idaho, Utah and Wyoming; and WHEREAS, in his role with the City of Rexburg, John helped the community adapt to the sudden growth of BYU - Idaho; and WHEREAS, John will long be remembered for this service, knowledge and accomplishments. NOW, THEREFORE, in conjunction with the Idaho Water Users Association, BE IT RESOLVED that the Mayor and the City Council this day memorializes and thanks John Wayne Millar f or his work and friendship with the Idaho water community and the City of Rexburg; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to his family. DATED the 6th day of February, 2019; by the City Council, City of Rexburg, Idaho. 18 Council Member Mann moved to approve Resolution 2019 – 05 – John Wayne Millar Memorial; Council Member Flora seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Mann Council Member Wolfe Council Member Busby Council President Smith The motion carried Consent Calendar: The consent calendar includes items which require formal City Council action, however they are typically routine or not of great controversy. Individual Council members may ask that any specific item be removed from the consent calendar for discussion in greater detail. Explanatory information is included in the City Council’s agenda packet regarding these items. A. Minutes from January 16, 2019, meeting B. 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 Mann Council Member Wolfe Council Member Busby Council President Smith The motion carried Adjournment 7:51 P.M. APPROVED: ________________________________ Jerry Merrill, Mayor Attest: _____________________________ Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk