Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutWRITTEN RESPONSE - Annexation of 10 propertiesJanuary 6, 2003 Mr. Mayor and members of the City Council, On December 18 at the Rexburg City Council meeting, I stated that I was opposed to the possiblity of our neighborhood being annexed to the City of Rexburg. hi this letter we will not belabor the past; except to say that there are people in our neighborhoods, who are frustrated. We hope the relationship between our neighborhoods and the City Council will improve and there will be cooperation. We realize that things need to be done according to the law. But, we do not think the intent of the state law on annexation was to place an unreasonable burden on its citizens. If the city does annex our neighborhoods, here are some concerns and suggestions . 1) Concern: We have been informed that the city will charge us $ 10 per foot on frontage on the water and the sewer lines which run down our street. Since we have about 172 feet in our frontage, the cost would be $ 1,720 for the water line and another $ 1,720 for the sewer line. Suggestion: The City of Rexburg and Madison Country establish a plan to ease the the financial burden caused by annexation. Both the city and the county could set aside funds for current and future annexations. This money could come from developers, businesses, and others who profit from annexation and/or desired city services such as water and sewer. These funds could be used to pay for such things as the water and the sewer lines running down streets and connections to such services. 2) Concern: The homes on the westside of the county have their own wells and septic systems, which have cost thousands of dollars per home. We have been informed that the city will give us 18 months to hook up to the city sewer system. Our current septic system is only five years old and we estimated that it well cost us $ 4,520 to hook up to the city sewer system. Also, we have been informed that hooking up to the city water system is optional. If we did hook up to the city water system, we estimated that the cost would be $ 3,407. Further more, the information we are able to find concerning the problems of ground water and nitrates in our area does not seem to warrant immediate concern. A couple wells in our neighborhoods have recently been tasted and the results were good. One of these wells is tested periodically for more than just nitrates and has not failed the test for three years. Suggestion: There could be a gradual switch over to the city water and sewer system. This would allow individuals in the neighborhoods to hook up to the services on an "as needed basis, " if such services are warranted. 3) Concern: According to the 21 October 2002 public notice from the City of Rexburg and accompanied information "What does annexation do for you?," our taxes would increase 22.9 %. At the 21 November 2002 planning and zoning meeting, we were told that our taxes might increase 30 %. Since then there is a rumor that the taxes may increase 40 %. One reasons for this increase may be that our lots appear bigger than most current city lots, since the impact zone currently requires each new house be on one acre lots. Suggestion: The city taxes could be deferred for a few years to give the annexed citizens an opportunity to budget for the increase in their taxes. The monthly cost for city water, sewer and garbage services of $45 - $50 is another expense. If we were to set aside $45 per month for ten years, we would have $5,400. This amount would go a long ways to repair a pump, drill a new well or replace a septic system. This was our plan to cover future cost when we moved to the Rexburg area. We would like to invite each one of you to visit with us and discuss our concerns. . We, too, are concerned about Rexburg and our neighborhood twenty years from now. We hope an agreement, which is fair and reasonable, can be reached. Thank you, P 5 Russ and Shana Van Allen 932 South 1560 West Rexburg, Idaho 83440 Phone: 656-9021 Dear Mayor Sutherland and City Counsel Members, January 7, 2003 Before you make the final decision on whether to annex the north side of W 7'b S, aka W 1000 S, please take into consideration the feelings of all residents there. I do not want to be annexed for the plane and simple fact that I can't afford to live in the city. The cost to hook up to your sewer and water if it runs down the middle of the road will cost me approximately $11,000 and at least triple that if it runs thru Mr. Forbush's property as I have two acres of pasture behind me that I would have to come thru. Also the cost of monthly city services are an extra possible $200.00 plus a month that I, as a single mom already pushed to limit financially and can't afford any more bills. I honestly feel that if it's the developers that have pushed for this annexation, they should pay for all expenses as they are the ones to profit from all this. Even though we've heard that financial hardship is not an issue it seems to be that this is the #1 issue. The second issue I think is sidewalks. Why do we need them out here? Have you been to our neighborhood to see what will happen if we are forced to put in sidewalks? I get to fill in half my front yard to make it level enough for sidewalks and create a great "jump" into my driveway. At almost $3,000 for just sidewalks, no fill and leveling, what do I benefit???? If the apartment development wants sidewalks, let them have them. If Mr. Forbush wants sidewalks in his new development, let him have them. I don't think we need to be punished for wanting to live in a rural setting. The unreasonable restrictions that the city would impose on what we can and do with our own property that we all are and will be paying on for many years would not only be extremely costly but ruin the rural effect. Please every one of you come out and take a look at what is going on here. Trade us places, financially and domestically and see how you would feel if all of a sudden the city wants to come in and dictate what will happen if you want to add a garage or and extra room to accommodate your families growth. The extra cost is ridiculous. Don't annex us. We don't want it. If Mr Forbush and you have a deal that was made prior to the big push to annex us in, so be it. Annex his land, Lameroux's land and Valleywide and give the rest of 20 years to get the use out of our existing systems. If we are annexed, why not Grand father clause us into not having to hook on to sewer or water until our existing systems fail, no sidewalks until we sell, don't penalize us for improvements. No one likes to be told what to do especially if it hits their pocket book to the tune of 15 to 20 thousand or more to conform. We are not "fat cats" out here, just the working class trying to give our kids a roof over their heads. I was born and raised here and kind of like this valley, but to think we have no "plan" for 20 years down the road let alone next week really bothers me. Blackfoot announced a comprehensive 20 year plan this morning on the news and has made it very public and accessible for the public to review. Where's ours.??? Your going to fast and not really thinking a lot about the people here, only the developers. Please stop and reconsider not annexing us. We don't want it. Sorry this is so long ,but there is a lot of things to be said and a lot of research to do on our part and the Citys part before we should be annexed. Thank you for your time Lisa Ellis 1042 w 7' s, aka 1778 w 1000 s Rexburg, Idaho 208-351-3233 January 8, 2003 Dear Mayor and City Council, I write this letter asking you to put on hold the proposed annexation. My reason is that we are not prepared with a plan for handling annexation. I would ask you to consider the following key points in the development of a plan. 1. Impact fees for commercial developments that are imposing expansion costs on a community. 2. Development of a plan for the expansion of services through a cooperation of city and county. 3. Decision on what type of zones will apply to annexed property. 4. Continued policy that has been used in other areas of the city that has not required the resident to connect to sewer and water as it passes in front. 5. Consistent policy of squaring up and including all areas to the west and south - rather than selecting only developing parcels. Exemptions for developed subdivisions and properties - this would not require the destruction of trees, etc. which exist as part of developed landscaping. 7. Distinguishing between commercial developments that generate revenue (businesses and housing developments) and residential (owner occupied). The cost is totally different for a resident versus a commercial project or business. I ask for your consideration in putting things on hold until we have plans and have answered these questions. I would like to discuss the annexation and items presented in the letter with you in a positive manner. I would be willing as an economist to donate my service in helping develop a plan for the city. We are not answering any improvement on planning and zoning by simply annexing a big chunk of property. What we need is a comprehensive guide for development and annexation. The guide would provide the guiding principles for the future. Thank you for your time. Sincerely, Fenton L. Broadhead mailbox:///C l/Documents%20and%20Settings/blairk/AppReation%2oDa... Mayor Bruce Sutherland Councilman Nyle Fullmer Councilman Shawn Larsen Councilman Glen Pond Councilman Paul Pugmire Councilman Donna Benfield Councilman Marsha Bjornn City Attorney Stephen Zollinger City Clerk Blair Kay First of all, let me say that I am not one to put my name to a letter and have it published in the paper, unless I feel very strongly about an issue. That said, I am writing the letter. Some months ago, Valley Wide Co-op submitted a site plan to the Rexburg City Council for approval of their plans to build a new facility west of Rexburg. At that time they also requested annexation to the city. They desired and needed access to city sewer and water facilities. The annexation took place along with the site plan approval. That approval set in motion a series of events and decisions that have culminated in an oxymoron of huge proportions. It is amazing how quickly shortsighted individuals can suddenly profess a great deal of foresight and planning ability when confronted with the enormous expense of providing services to one single, isolated entity. I have been involved in the meetings of Planning and Zoning, and now the City Council, regarding the proposed annexation of large areas of property west of Rexburg. From the outset, it has been reiterated many times that this proposed annexation was needed for controlled growth of the city to the west. "This has been in the works for years." "The city planners envisioned the proposed city boundaries as far back as 1976.", "It was just a matter of time.", were some of the remarks made by city planners in the various meetings. These remarks, though true, glossed over the reality that perhaps someone (or some many) might have made a serious mistake in approving a project without a thorough analysis of the implications to the city infrastructure. If a suggestion -was made that this latest annexation was made necessary because of the Valley Wide development, that thought was quickly passed over in favor of the much more cerebral idea that the city planners had suddenly "seen the light" and that an annexation of hundreds of acres and dozens of homes was now an immediate necessity for the City of Rexburg. I have a great deal of respect for those dedicated individuals who serve on the various committees and councils charged with planning for the growth of our city. But, somebody screwed up, and now my neighbors and I get to pay for it. It has just now come to -our attention just how much we get to pay. I have no problem paying the increased taxes involved with becoming a citizen of Rexburg._ If I am to use city facilities,. I should pay just like everyone else. In fact, I will feel it a privilege to be able to vote in city elections and help elect responsible city officials. I will gladly pay increased water and sewer fees. What I am concerned about is the $12000 - $15000 it will cost me to decommission my perfectly good and functioning septic and water systems and pay the city all the costs and fees necessary to be able to hook up to their systems. So, if annex we must, let's get on with it. Let's do it right; respecting the desires and wishes of the overwhelming majority of home and property 1 of 2 12/20/2002 4:52 PM mailbox:///C l/Documents%20and%20 Settings/blairk/Application%20Da... owners who will be annexed against their wills. But, please, no pats -on -the -back and atta-boys to the planners who seem to want to turn a colossal mistake into the planning accomplishment of the century. I have not, as yet, sent this to the papers. If the city continues to throw up smoke screens, such as the one published in the Post Register on December 20th, implying our septic systems are the reason for your annexation proposals, I can guarantee it will be. This attempt to divert attention from your actual reason for annexation is simply another example of trying to turn this into a real coup for the city planners. I am not trying to pick a fight. I do feel that due to the miscalculations made and the need for the city to annex our neighborhoods to cover up their mistakes, that it is only right that the city help mitigate the impact on those homeowners opposed to the proposal by participating financially towards the costs we will be required to bear. Specifically, I feel it is fair that the city (and/or the developers pushing for the annexation) waive both the front -foot charges of $10 per running foot for both water and sewer and the connection charges for both sewer and water. That cost is less than half of the costs associated with sewer and water connections that we will be required to pay. I would also like council members to address the sidewalk issue in the existing neighborhoods. I can't see how sidewalks will work as they have been proposed in the new RR2 zone. I am not opposed to having sidewalks, but I would appreciate your specifically addressing how they will be applied to our individual neighborhoods. Certain existing features (driveways, lamp posts, landscaping features) will be directly impacted and we need to know specifically where sidewalks will need to be placed if required. For example, the existing road in the Widdison Addition averages 22' wide. If the city were to use the entire 60' right of way for pavement, collector, and sidewalk, the sidewalks would be placed approximately 19' into our existing yards. That seems to be an unnecessary waste of unusable property. Due to the nature of the Widdison Addition (i.e. two dead-end, low traffic roads) I feel that sidewalks are entirely unnecessary. If they will be required, I would like to see the city use the existing road width with a seven foot collector and place the sidewalks approximately 18' from the center line of the existing road. I would appreciate a quick response to this letter. If I am totally off base in my contentions, I would appreciate your backing up your response with facts, not smoke and mirrors. We are trying to be fair and responsive to the city's needs. We would hope that the city will do everything in their power to respond in a like manner. Thank you for your consideration, Eric Erickson 1573 W 190 S Rexburg, Idaho 83440 erice@ericksonet.com <mailto:erice@ericksonet.com> 2 of 2 12/20/2002 4:52 PM December 18, 2002 Honorable Mayor and Rexburg City Council 12 North Center Rexburg, ID 83440 RE: Annexation of Properties in Area 4 (1050 North 2' East) Dear Sirs and Madams: We the undersigned are the owners of tracts of land identified above which the City of Rexburg desires to annex. We have not petitioned to be annexed, we don't want to be annexed at this time, but we realize that we are commercial businesses which have operated outside of the city limits for a number of years and it is only a matter of time until we are annexed. However, there are a few issues we would like an understanding of before we are annexed. They are as follows: 1. We are currently using our individual wells and septic systems. We would like to continue to use our present utilities until such time as the septic systems or the wells fail. 2. We would like assurances that we can continue to operate our businesses as they are presently operated. We are concerned that our buildings my be located to close to the property lines of one another or are setbacks from the roads may not comply with existing city ordinances. We want to make sure are businesses are protected by the grand father provisions of the city ordinances. We are also concerned about being in compliance with the city's life safety ordinance. 3. All of our addresses are presently on Highway 33 or the Salem Highway. We understand that this has changed to North Highway 20. Some of us have been told that a new street or avenue is being created called American Avenue which is on our property. We have granted the storage units a right-of-way ingress and egress easement. We are opposed to this right of way being turned into a city street or avenue, and not even being given the opportunity to have any dialog with the city about it. Our businesses face Highway 33 and we want to keep the same address. And if the address changes, we at least want a say in what the name is. 4. We are concerned that we will be paying for the water and sewer lines which run through our property to that of another namely being the storage units. 5. We are opposed to paying increased taxes for which there is no benefit. If we cannot receive written assurances from the city for items 1-4 above, we unitedly oppose the annexation of our property at this time. Thank you for the opportunity to express our concerns Very truly yours, Kent Jo son Rexburg Plumbing and Heating, LLC &Z' 4�L� Chris Leishman Leishman Electric, Inc. Stacy Jensa, Pr6klent Cowboy Feed and Supply, Inc. Rexburg Plumbing and Heating P.O. Box 759 Rexburg ID 83440 Phone 356-8770 fax 3568776 We respectfully request a copy of the city council decision for the annexation meeting of 18 December 2002. Please fax or mail to the above address. Thank you. ' II fl P,�. Z, 5)C�V-3 03 mailbox:///Cl/Documents%20and%20Settings/blairk/Application%20Da... Subject: Annexation in Widdison Addition From: "Colin Erickson" <Ericksoc@mai1.d321.k12.id.us> Date: Tue, 21 Jan 2003 08:56:49 -0700 To: <blairk@ci.rexburg.id us> Dear Mayor and City Council Members: 1-21-03 This letter is in reference to the upcoming decisions you are making regarding the annexation of the Widdison Addition into the city limits. We are property owners in that addition and would like to voice our opinion on the matter. We appreciate all of the time that you have put into these matters and know that you have taken the interest of the city as a whole into account as you make these important decisions. We feel like it would really be best to run the sewer at the same time that the water is done. Most of the people out there are upset because of the high up front cost that would be coming out of their own pockets. Maybe with figuring out a way to reduce those costs and make it comparable to a normal city lot then it could be a win-win situation for all of those involved. With the time and the involvement of tearing up roads, etc. it would seem to be the most logical thing to do. Thank you again for all that you do for the City of Rexburg. It is an exciting time with all of the growth and changes but we love it here and think its a wonderful place to live. Sincerely, Colin & Jean Erickson I of 1 1/21/2003 5:49 PM Annexation Process mayor Page 1 of i From: Harris, Brent [brent.harris@antw.anl.gov] Sent: Friday, February 28, 2003 4:10 PM To: 'Benfield, Donna'; 'Bjorn, Marsha'; 'Fullmer, Nyle';'Larsen, Shawn';'Pond, Glen'; 'Sutherland, Bruce'; Pugmire, Paul Subject: Annexation Process Honorable Mayor and City Council, I wanted to express my appreciation for your ongoing work. Although some may disagree, I feel you have certainly given us the opportunity to express our feelings and opinions concerning annexation. Although I do not fully agree with your final decision concerning the West Widdison Addition, I do believe you are doing what you feel is best for the community as a whole in the long run; and that is your responsibility. Mayor, I especially appreciate your efforts to allow everyone to comment. Paul, thanks for taking time from your trip to California to call in and participate. I have learned much during this process, and hopefully it has been beneficial to all of us and will help you in the future when you face similar tasks. Thanks again. Sincerely, Brent G. Harris 1125 Widdison Lane Rexburg, ID 83440 3/18/2003 AOL.COM I Message View AOL Wail W Page 1 of 2 Attention Homeowners: Subj: [Fwd: annexation of Widdison addition] Date: 3/18/2003 12:48:18 PM Eastern Standard Time From: EIB Kay <blairkCcDci rexburg id us> To: Bill Hamlin <billhPci rexburg id us>, ❑Bruce Sutherland <bruces al�ci rexbur, iq d us>, Donna Benfi <slarsen30 o.com>, Sent from the Intemet (Details Mayor Sutherland Council Members Staff FYI Thank you, Blair Dear City Council & Mayor, When I first learned of the proposed annexation I was not opposed. We have lived in our present location for 32 years and anticipated that some day annexation would arrive. In fact, I was particularly pleased when I learned that the city was going to give sewer access. After I learned the costs of sewer and water I had some reservations. Nevertheless, I have found the city council to be flexible and willing to listen to our concerns. While we have not gotten everything we have asked for, I feel that the current proposal is an acceptable compromise and serves the greater needs of our community as well as the city. I am in favor of the proposed annexation and hope that the council will proceed with the planned annexation as outlined in the written proposal. I find annexation a benefit to us and the city for the following reasons: 1. sewer - protection of our community against sewer contamination 2. Planned growth and development - there needs to be better control of planning and zoning than the county provides. Currently the city has a better plan. 3. Timing - There is never a good time to spend money that has not been budgeted, but, as with marriage, if we wait until we have enough, we will never get married. The prices are better now than they will be in the future. Contingencies have been made for those who don't the financing to proceed now and it will not cost them any more in the future than it would if you postponed the inevitable annexation. http://webmail.aol.com/msgview.adp?folder=SU5CTIg=&uid=5320461 3/18/2003 AOL.COM I Message View I feel that my thoughts may more accurately represent a silent majority than a vocal minority. I encourage the council to proceed with the planned annexation of the Widdison addition. Thank you for the time you have taken to consider and reconsider our concerns. It's time for the issue to be resolved. Karl L. Edwards XcepfisNew i=.t�elele 1 i_N_print _1 F Include original text in reply. Page 2 of 2 http://webmail.aol.corn/msgview.adp?folder=SU5CTlg=&uid=5320461 3/18/2003 AOL.COM I Message View Subj: Annexation Page 1 of 1 Attention Homeowners: Date: 3/18/2003 12:47:12 PM Eastern Standard Time From: Q'Thompson Doug" <ThompsonDitlbyui edu> To: <slarsen30(r7go.com> <paul.pugmire(caanlw.anl.gov>, ❑<ncfullmer(cahotmail.com>, <srb44@iuno.com>, Ekglen.pond(rhoacificori)com>, <donna(a).rexcc.com>, U<bruces(a)ci. rex burg.id. us> Sent from the Intemet (Details I wanted to let the City Council know that, under the conditions set forth, I am in favor of the annexation. There are a majority of people on the West side of Widdison Lane that are it favor. However, there are few very vocal people that are taking it upon themselves to say otherwise. These few do not represent the interest of the silent majority. Doug Thompson :,De tti CEO F Include original text in reply. 1 of 87 Next Reply 0 a Add Address l Help hUp://webmail.aol.com/msgview.adp?folder=SU5CTIg—&uid=5320515 3/18/2003 AOL.COM I Message View 757 ;; Attention Homeowners: Subj: Proposed Annexation of West Widdison Addition Date: 3/18/2003 11:05:51 AM Eastern Standard Time From: U'Harris Brent" <brent harris(a anlw and gov> To: U'Pugmire Paul" <oaul p_ugmire anlw and gov>, D— "Pond pond@pacificorp com>, U"Sutherland. Bruce "<bruces(a)ci.rexburg id us>, U"Larsen. Shawn"' <slarsen30(a�go com>, U"Fullmer. Nyle"' <ncfullmer@hotmail com>, U"Bjorn. Pvtarsha"'<srb44�juno.com>, U"Benfield. Donna"' <donna@rexcc.com> Sent from the Internet (Details Honorable Mayor and City Council: I understand there is a possiblilty that the proposal to annex the west Widdison Addition may be withdrawn, because of some public opposition to the proposal. I feel that would be a mistake. The reasons for the annexation are valid and still exist even though some have been outspoken in their opposition. I believe the conditions agreed upon in the last work meeting on 2/26/03 are reasonable. If you are considering not annexing our addition and not installing the sewer line, you should definitely allow time for additonal input from the residents before making a final decision. I believe the majority of the people in our neighborhood, including me, feel that annexation is the best option in the long run. That is evidenced by the statement presented by Karl Edwards at the last work meeting, which was signed by almost everyone on the street. Thank you for consideration of my input. Brent G. Harris 1125 Widdison Lane (West Widdison Additon) i Keep MNew;i-:DLI=te ��.Print _. r� ; j Prev 4 of 87 Next � f— Include original text in reply. Page 1 of 1 FOMwd ED Add A dress http://webmaii.aol.com/msgview.adp?folder=SUSCTIg=&uid=5319845 3/18/2003 mailbox: ///Cl/Documents%20and%20Settings/blairk/Application%20Da... Subject: annexation of Widdison addition From: "Karl Edwards" <edwkn99@msn.com> Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2003 09:11:17 -0700 To: <blairk@ci.rexburg.id.us> Dear City Council & Mayor, When I first learned of the proposed annexation I was not opposed. We have lived in our present location for 32 years and anticipated that some day annexation would arrive. In fact, I was particularly pleased when I learned that the city was going to give sewer access. After I learned the costs of sewer and water I had some reservations. Nevertheless, I have found the city council to be flexible and willing to listen to our concerns. While we have not gotten everything we have asked for, I feel that the current proposal is an acceptable compromise and serves the greater needs of our community as well as the city. I am in favor of the proposed annexation and hope that the council will proceed with the planned annexation as outlined in the written proposal. I find annexation a benefit to us and the city for the following reasons: 1. sewer - protection of our community against sewer contamination 2. Planned growth and development - there needs to be better control of planning and zoning than the county provides. Currently the city has a better plan. 3. Timing - There is never a good time to spend money that has not been budgeted, but, as with marriage, if we wait until we have enough, we will never get married. The prices are better now than they will be in the future. Contingencies have been made for those who don't the financing to proceed now and it will not cost them any more in the future than it would if you postponed the inevitable annexation. I feel that my thoughts may more accurately represent a silent majority than a vocal minority. I encourage the council to proceed with the planned annexation of the Widdison addition. Thank you for the time you have taken to consider and reconsider our concerns. It's time for the issue to be resolved. Karl L. Edwards I of 1 3/18/2003 10:44 AM mailbox:///Cl/Documents%20and%20 Settings/blairk/Application%20Da... Subject: annexation concerns From: "Ferron Sonderegger" <sonderegger@emstar2.net> Date: Mon, 29 Apr 2002 00:52:16 -0600 To: <blairk@ci.rexburg.id us> Dear Mr. Kay, Will you please forward this message on to the mayor and the city council members? I would appreciate it very much. Sincerely, Paula Sonderegger Dear Mayor Sutherland and City Council members, I wanted to tell you that after the work meeting last night I came home feeling very hopeful about this whole procedure. I wasn't able to stay for the entire council meeting and I was disappointed today when I learned that the plans for the second reading went ahead as usual before everything was in place. I hope that it was merely a formality and that the topics discussed at the work meeting and the agreements will stand. I hope that my hopeful and encouraging feelings are not in vain. I hope that before you do the third reading that you will get all of the agreements written down, in legal form, so that there won't be any misunderstandings in the future. My husband and I are very interested in an incentive to hook up to city sewer. Our system is working properly now and we don't expect any problems in the future, but if the incentive is right we will be glad to hook up to city sewer. My understanding is that we will never be required to hook up to city water unless our well should go dry or become contaminated. This is what we have been told all along and I would like to see this put into writing for future reference. I do appreciate your willingness to work with us and to take our special circumstances into consideration. Sincerely, Paula Sonderegger 1 of 1 1/24/2003 1:32 PM