HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - March 17, 2021
Mayor Jerry Merrill
Council Members:
Christopher Mann Jordan Busby
Mikel Walker Tisha Flora
Brad Wolfe Bryanna Johnson
City Staff:
Stephen Zollinger – City Attorney
Matt Nielson – Finance Officer
Keith Davidson – Public Works Director
Alan Parkinson – Planning & Zoning Administrator
Scott Johnson – Economic Development Director
Deborah Lovejoy – City Clerk
6:30 P.M. City Hall
Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson said the prayer.
Council Member Johnson led the pledge.
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council Member Flora, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mann, Council Member Walker, Council Member Wolfe, Council President Busby 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.
Presentation: Megan Stark & Jason Minzghor with ITD – Update us on current and future ITD projects as well as Q&A – March 17, 2021
Jason Minzghor said he works for the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and will be giving an update on the plan to use the diverging diamond interchange for the south and center
interchanges into Rexburg. He has met with the surrounding property owners and they have expressed their support of this type of interchange. The interchange project will begin in Fiscal
Year 2023. He asked City Council if they desired to receive updates on the project. Mayor Merrill indicated he is in favor of receiving updates of the interchange project.
Council Member Flora asked if the interchange project includes a landscape design. Mr. Minzghor replied yes a landscape design is part of the project. Mayor Merrill said he and city
staff have met with several ITD representatives regarding the landscape design for the interchange. There are some design options already incorporated into the cost; however, there
are other design options not included in the costs. The city would need to pay for any extra designs that are not included in the costs.
Mr. Minzghor explained some concerns regarding the landscape design is to include a bike path and sidewalks. He has been working with Public Works Director Davidson to review the specific
engineering details of the design. Council President Busby asked for a visualization of the traffic flow on the diverging diamond interchange and on the proposed roundabout on 7th South
at the next meeting update.
Committee Liaison Assignments for 2021:
A. Council Member Mann: M.E.P.I. · Legacy Flight Museum
Council Member Mann reported the Legacy Flight Museum Committee has met. They have been discussing the preparations for the Airshow in June. The Airshow brings people from all over the
surrounding areas, there are thousands in attendance every other year the Airshow is held. He said the Covid-19 guidelines at the time of the Airshow will be followed.
B. Council President Busby: Cultural Arts/Museum Events · School Board · M.U.S.I.C.
Council President Busby reported he was informed by Arts Director Platt of the recent remodel of the reception area and gift shop at the museum. The Quilt Show at the museum will continue
until March 31st. A grant of $3,000 was received from the Humanities Council to produce a documentary of the history of
the Romance Theater. The documentary will be produced locally by the Soapbox Agency from BYU-Idaho University. He reported the School Board informed him they are hosting tours at the
newly constructed field house.
C. Council Member Walker: MYAB · Traffic & Safety
Council Member Walker reported the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board met today to hold a mock City Council Meeting. They will meet again on the 1st of April to tour the Police Department
and Wastewater Treatment Plant. The Traffic and Safety Committee met; however, they didn’t discuss any new items.
D. Council Member Johnson: Trails · Beautification · Free Clinic Board
Council Member Johnson reported she met with the Trails Committee staff liaison Dan Torres to discuss additional locations to add striped bike lanes. They also discussed locations to
add dirt trails. The Beautification Committee Members are making preparations for a Community Clean up Event at Eagle Park on April 28th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. She invited everyone
to come to assist with the park cleanup efforts. She encouraged everyone to bring gloves and a bottle of water, they will be pulling weeds and picking up garbage throughout the park.
Council Member Johnson reported the Rexburg Free Clinic Board is doing well. They hired a new CFO which is a relief for them. They continue to work on being able to provide more services
for their clients. She asked if residents desire to volunteer or donate to the free clinic, they can contact her.
E. Council Member Flora: Parks Committee · Recreation Committee · Urban Renewal Agency
Council Member Flora reported the Recreation Committee met. She said she was informed by Recreation Director Crowther, the winter sports season was completed and they tripled their number
of participants in the cross county recreation program. The Summer Recreation Guide is now available and they will continue to work on making preparations for the upcoming races.
Council Member Flora reported the Urban Renewal Agency met to review the financial and audit report for each of the districts. The audit report is available online. They also discussed
the bids they received to relocate a home the Urban Renewal Agency purchased.
F. Council Member Wolfe: Airport Board · Golf Board
Council Member Wolfe reported the Airport Board met to share their frustration with how slow the process of relocating the airport is taking. There have also been issues with the proposed
location for the airport. An individual came to the Airport Board meeting and presented the possibility of building a bridge across the river to extend the airport runway. Other options
are being considered by the board members due to the issues that have raised.
Council Member Wolfe reported the Golf Board met to discuss preparation for the year’s golf season. They also reviewed a Budget Adjustments to rebuild the deck at the club house. The
deck will be large enough to use as a cover for the golf carts. He said Golf Pro Cameron Garn shared some of his ideas to generate more revenue for the golf course at the board meeting.
Staff Reports:
Finance: - Matt Nielson
Fiscal Year 2020 Audit Report – Josh Bingham, Rudd & Company
Josh Bingham reviewed the 2020 Financial Statement Comparisons. The top half of the statement is a comparison between this year and last year in those accounts. He said each of these
accounts had an increase from last year’s totals. The bottom section of the statement only includes the General Fund totals. There was an increase in the cash from last year.
Mr. Bingham said as a reminder the financial statements include management discussion and analysis at the start of the audit report there are twenty pages with graphs and a list of assets.
At the end of the report there is a list of each of the individual funds detailed with their assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses. He encouraged the City Council Members to review
the management discussion and analysis section of the report. Mr. Bingham commended city staff and the Finance Department personnel for their outstanding work with the controls put
in place.
Mayor Merrill mentioned Council Members Mann and Council Member Johnson were part of the Oversight Committee reviewing the audit report. Council Member Mann commended Rudd and Company
for their diligence in completing the city’s audit report. Mr. Bingham said if ever the Mayor or Council Members have concerns regarding the city’s financial records a specialized test
can be implemented.
Budget Adjustment for Capital Golf Items
Finance Officer Nielson said he met with Golf Pro Cameron Garn, Grounds Manager Seth McFarland and several of the elected officials from the County and City regarding the five year Capital
Improvement Plan for the Teton Golf Course. The plan included the costs of about $230,000 to build a storage unit and rebuilding the deck. They discussed saving funds by using staff
members to assist in the build the deck and sub-contract items staff members aren’t able to complete. There is a shop on a property the Urban Renewal Agency purchased. He believes Urban
Renewal will donate the shop to the golf course at the cost of removing the shop from the property. He estimated the cost to move the shop to the golf course is about $10,000.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Budget Adjustment for the Teton Lakes Golf Course. Some of the Capital Improvement Projects were reprioritized. The storage shop a Teton Lakes is
being converted to a mechanic shop and the $31,000 storage to shop phase II item was the cost to add a restroom. They decided not to add a restroom to the shop because the costs and
work to add the restroom was not feasible. He said Madison County has already approved the additional $25,000. Council Member Mann asked for the size of the shop Urban Renewal is going
to donate to the golf course. Finance Officer Nielson said the shop is about 1500 square feet with insulation and electrical.
Council Member Wolfe said the new deck will be large at 3700 square feet. The deck will serve as storage for the golf carts and large gatherings will be able to be held on the new deck.
Finance Officer Nielson explained the golf course constantly has a shortage of golf carts especially when tournaments are being held. When there is a shortage of carts they have to rent
them, and it becomes expensive to have to rent the carts. There is currently a 60 cart fleet and he is recommended an additional 15 carts be purchased. The carts would be funded equally
between the city and county each paying 50% of the costs. Mayor Merrill mentioned golf cart rentals are a high revenue source.
Council Member Wolfe mentioned the possibility of allowing business owners to advertising their business on a golf cart at a cost is an option of recuperated the funds used to purchase
the carts.
Council Member Wolfe moved to approve the Budget Adjustment for Capital Golf Items and the purchase of 15 new golf carts as discussed; Council Member Johnson seconded the motion; Mayor
Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried
Finance Report
Finance Officer Nielson gave the City Council Members a hard copy of the Budget Calendar and meeting schedule for them to review.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Expeniture Budget Summary Report.
Finance Officer Nielson reivewed the Revenues Budget Summary Report. The Budget Adjustment which was approved by City Council for the state’s Covid-19 relief funds are under the Federal
Grants Account which is at 96%. The Permits and Licenses Fund is trending higher at 47%.; however, the Capital Reserve Fees and Impact Fees are trending low at only 28%. He said over
all from an operating stand point the budget is at about 1.7 million dollars in the positive and one million in the negative in the Capital Revenues which equals a cash flow of about
$678,000.
Council Member Flora questioned the percentage amount of 1100% for the Support Service and Logistics under the Police Department. Finance Officer Nielson explained a Budget Adjustiment
is needing to be processed for that account. The Police Department had asked to create this new division about four months ago, it’s a partial position being funded. The budget adjustment
funds will come from a different division.
Council President Busby asked for clarification regarding the funding for the Suppor Service and Logistics Divison. Finance Officer Nielson explained the Police Department is shifting
personnel budget they already have into this new division. The funds for the budget adjustment will come from the Police Adiministartion Fund.
Finance Officer Nielson reviwed the Cash and Investment Balance Report.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Treasurer’s Expenditures Report. In fund number 22 Revolving Loan, the Super Cuts business has paid off their loan. These funds are available to
loan to businesses through the Revolving Loan Fund process.
Council Member Johnson asked for an update regarding the second round of Covid-19 relief funds from the state. Finance Officer Nielson said the Assoication of Idaho Cities requested
the city’s budget. The amount of funds received are base on the budget amount and population. There is a posibility the amount could excess six times the amount that was previously
received. Council Member Mann asked if City Council could be involved in the decision making of how the second round of Covid-19 funds are spent. Finance Officer Nielson said the Covid-19
funds received from the state are place into the city’s General Fund.
Public Works: - Keith Davidson
Council Member Flora commended the Street Department and Idaho Transportation Department for filling all of the potholes. Council President Busby expressed traffic concerns with the
intersection of University Boulevard and Mikan Drive. He questioned if the road could widened to allow for a turn lane. Public Works Director Davidson explained the city could budget
to widen the road to allow a turn lane or wait until development occurs.
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Merrill reported the number of Covid-19 cases continue to increase. He encouraged everyone to continue to follow the East Idaho Health Departments recommendations to help stop
the spread of the virus. He also encouraged everyone to consider being vaccinated when vaccines becomes available for them. Mayor Merrill said he met with the Madison County Representatives
regarding the flood plain issues.
Items for Consideration:
Driving with Pedestrian and Bicycles Safety Amendment to Rexburg Municipal Code (RMC) §10.4. Designated as Ordinance No 1255 if Motion Passes and Considered First Read – Stephen Zollinger
Mayor Merrill reviewed the proposed amendments to Ordinance No 482.
Council Member Mann asked for a coordinating campaign to promote the amendments to the ordinance so that motorist and bicyclist are aware of the new law.
Council Member Johnson moved to approve Ordinance No. 1255 Driving with Pedestrian and Bicycles Safety Amendment to Rexburg Municipal Code (RMC) §10.4. and consider first read; Council
Member Flora seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried
Planning & Zoning Recommendation to Rezone 165 & 191 N 1st W from Light Industrial (LI) to High Density Residential 1 (HDR1) #20-00928. Designated as Ordinance No 1254 if Motion Passes
and Considered 1st Read – Alan Parkinson
ORDINANCE NO 1254
Rezone Approximately 165 & 191 N 1st W, Rexburg, Idaho to High Density Residential 1 (HDR1)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND CHANGING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, AND PROVIDING THAT THE ZONED DESIGNATION OF THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED, SITUATED IN
REXBURG, MADISON COUNTY, IDAHO, BE CHANGED AS HEREINAFTER DESIGNATED; AND PROVIDING WHEN THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson reviewed the Rezone request at approximately 165 & 191 N 1st W from Light Industrial (LI) to High Density Residential 1 (HDR1). He said he
was informed by the applicant Will Wade of the proposed plan to build townhomes if the rezone request is approved. P & Z Administrator Parkinson said Mr. Wade also informed him that
as a courtesy he approached the surrounding property owners with a proposal to include their property in the development. One of the other property owners decided to include his property
in the development and another property owner said he would be selling his property.
Council President Busby moved to approve Ordinance No. 1254 the Rezone at approximately 165 & 191 N 1st W from Light Industrial (LI) to High Density Residential 1 (HDR1) and consider
first read; Council Member Walker seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried
Planning & Zoning Recommendation to Amend Development Code Ord No 1200 Mixed Use (MU) Zone – Requirements for mixture of residential and commercial, permitted uses, and yard requirements
amended. Some density and parking requirements have been removed #21-00074. Designated as Ordinance No 1253 if Motion Passes and Considered 1st Read – Alan Parkinson
Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson explained he was asked by City Council to review the Mixed Use Zone (MU) to include commercial in the zone. City Staff has reviewed the MU
Zone and there have been several proposed changes to the zone. The main change to the zone is the added commercial element. When a development request a MU Zone a commercial space minimum
of 1000 square is required; however, if more commercial square feet is requested then 10% of the total building is required. Another change was the ability to have 30 units per acre
in density before there was a formula being used to exceed High Density Residential 2 (HDR2).
Council Member Flora asked if a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) could be granted to remove the commercial component in the Mixed Used Zone. P&Z Administrator Parkinson replied no the commercial
element in the MU Zone cannot be removed with a CUP. Discussion regarding Planned Unit Development (PUD). Council Member Flora questioned if the amendments to this ordinance will affect
a PUD. City Attorney Zollinger replied the amendments to this ordinance will not affect a PUD.
Council Member Johnson questioned if the MU Zone is still allowed in the Pedestrian Emphasis District (PED). P&Z Administrator Parkinson replied the MU Zone is allowed in the PED. City
Attorney Zollinger explained the setback reduction allowed in the PED is also allowed in a MU Zone because of the commercial aspect. The building as a whole cannot have a zero set back
only the commercial part of the build can. The residential section of the building would need to meet the five foot set back. Council President Busby questioned the amendments to the
parking requirements. P&Z Administrator Parkinson replied the developer will need to meet the parking requirements based on the zone. Council President Busby said he is not in favor
of reducing parking requirements.
Council Member Wolfe moved to approve Ordinance No. 1253 to Amend Development Code Ordinance No 1200 Mixed Use (MU) Zone – Requirements for mixture of residential and commercial, permitted
uses, and yard requirements amended with some density and parking requirements being removed and considered first read; Council Member Flora seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked
for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried
Planning & Zoning Recommendation to Approve Founder’s Square Division 2 Final Plat #19-00094 – Alan Parkinson
City Attorney Zollinger explained the reason the Final Plat for Founder’s Square Division 2 is before City Council again is due to the plat not being recorded in the time allotted. The
applicant did not record the plat on time.
Council Member Walker moved to approve the Final Plat for Founder’s Square Division 2; Council President Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried
Discussion regarding development taking place in subdivisions such as Pine Brook, Sky Meadow and now Founder’s Square. Council President Busby said other cities including Rigby are experiencing
a large amount of growth in subdivisions and here in Rexburg more apartments and townhomes are being built. P&Z Administrator Parkinson said there has been an increased amount of interest
in townhomes. The university students prefer a home they can sale quickly once they have completed their schooling. City Attorney Zollinger said currently there are not a lot of subdivisions
being developed in Rexburg one factor being land value; however, there is a developer considering building a single family subdivision. This year exceeds the number of residentials
homes being built compared to last year.
Planning & Zoning Recommendation to Deny Amendment to Development Code Ord No 1200 Sign Height in the Interchange Areas from 50 feet to 70 feet #21-00079. If Motion passes, it will be
referred back to the Planning & Zoning Commission for further Public Hearing. – Alan Parkinson
Matt Berry explained his has property located near the North West corner of the north interchange and he is considering developing the area. The development plan for the property includes
a gas station an Arby’s, a creamery option and an urgent care facility. The sign visibility on his property compared to the competition which is the Conoco Gas Station located directly
across his property. The sign height near the interchanges is a crucial part of driving business to the businesses located near the interchanges.
Mr. Berry said he is requesting a 70 foot sign height to be on a level playing field as the competition. He understands the current sign ordinance affects the center and south interchanges
with in a 1500 radius. Mr. Berry referenced pictures he took of his current sign location and it being only 40 feet in height is circled in red and the Conoco directly across is also
circled in red. He said his sign is barely visible compared to the Conoco sign. He requested his sign be allowed to be the same height as the Conoco’s.
Mr. Berry continued to review pictures to compare the visibility between his sign height and the location to Conoco’s sign height in different locations.
Mr. Berry compared pictures of signs at different interchanges in other cities mentioning how similar the sign heights are for the different businesses. The City of Blackfoot recently
changed their sign height ordinance to 100 feet. He has a business in Idaho Falls and the city granted them an 80 foot sign height. The City of Idaho Falls previously had a 60 foot
sign height ordinance and recently changed it to 80 feet. In Jerome Idaho their sign height is 85 feet.
Mr. Berry explained he understands each city has different standards and City Councils make decisions based on the best interest of their citizens. He said it’s detrimental to his business
to have the sign be 20 feet under the competition on the same highway exit. Mr. Berry indicated the Planning and Zoning Commission’s comments regarding his request to increase the sign
height were more personal based then based on citizens input in his opinion. His business would bring 50 additional jobs, a permanent tax base and would beautify the north exit. Mr.
Berry reiterated the importance of driving business to his business by have the sign be as visible as the competition sign and if his request is not grant the development will more
than likely not take place. The property would remain at its current state.
Council Member Walker said Mr. Berry informed him of the sign height issue back in January and he referred Mr. Berry to the City Building Department. He later attended a meeting with
city staff and Mr. Berry to discuss the sign height issue. Council President Busby said he is in favor of economic development in Rexburg and is favor of increasing the sign height
to 70 feet. Council Member Walker said he agrees with Council President Busby, the 70 foot height will not be a big difference compared to the billboards already along the highway.
The billboards cause more blockage then a sign.
Council Member Flora questioned the reason why the Conoco sign is at 64 feet when the city ordinance only allows 50 feet. City Attorney Zollinger indicated the Conoco sign and McDonalds
signs were grandfathered because the city did not have sign height restrictions before the ordinance was passed. She said she has been influenced by Winston Dyer’s letter and the community
outreach regarding their disapproval of the sign height. She explained when the 50 foot sign height amendment was presented to City Council, there were photographs of a truck with a
raised bucket was used to gage the 50 foot height, the Conoco didn’t appear to much higher than the bucket. Council Member Johnson said she agrees with Council Member Flora and noted
only one Planning and Zoning Commissioner recommended approval of increasing the sign height all of the other commissioners recommended to deny the amendment.
Council Member Walker said as a business owner he understands how important signage is to a business. When businesses are competing for business and one sign is higher making it more
visible is a large advantage. He doesn’t believe increasing the sign height to 20 more creates any issues.
Council Member Wolfe said he is surprised by the Planning and Zoning Commissioner’s recommendation to deny the amendment. He is in favor of increasing the sign height 20 more feet and
doesn’t believe it would be a conflict.
Planning and Zoning Chairman Rory Kunz explained the sign ordinance would affect all three of the interchanges with in a 1500 foot radius. The 1500 foot radius would be further then
the Valley Wide Cooperative and the Maverick at the center interchange. At the south interchange the 1500 foot radius would be close to town then McDonalds and further out by the high
school. The Planning and Zoning Commissioners were basing their decision on the evidence presented to them including Winston Dyer’s letter opposed to the amendment. Council Member Flora
explained the decision to deny the sign height increase is not to cause a disadvantage to any business. The sign height was recently raised to 50 feet. Once the sign height was raised
it affects a 1500 foot radius at three freeway interchanges. Council Member Walker asked if the 1500 foot radius could be reduced.
Council President Busby asked if Mr. Berry could request a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to allow his sign to 70 feet in height. City Attorney Zollinger replied a CUP needs to specifically
detailed in the signage code and currently a CUP is not specifically detailed in the city’s signage code. Council Member Flora expressed her concerns with allowing a CUP for signage.
City Attorney Zollinger explained a CUP is not intended to give the right to one property owner, it’s intended to address the condition that needs to be met in order to accomplish a
task. A decision regarding the sign height should not be made based on allowing one business to match the same sign height as other business, it should be based on the right sign height
for the city. Mayor Merrill indicated additional details in the sign ordinance are need such as, sign dimensions, sign blockages, etc. He believes further discussion is need to address
some those details.
Mr. Ron Berry said high rise signs are important to fuel and food businesses. The motorist are looking for gas station signs and fast food restaurants not the tractor or trailer stores.
He would have applied for a CUP
to have his sign be 70 feet in height; however, he was informed by city staff he need to pay $750 to change the ordinance. The cost of a high rise sign costs about $250,000 and most
business will not pay that amount to have a high rise sign. He said he purchased the property three years ago and would prefer to invest in Rexburg. The plan is to invest upwards to
five million dollars on this development and desires to complete the development in the right manner to achieve a return on the investment. One way to insure more people move into a
city is to promote businesses.
Council Member Wolfe explained a height of a sign can disrupt the view at any height. Council President Busby said he is favor of reducing the 1500 radius.
Discussion regarding the options to table the decision or proceed with making a decision. Council Member Mann recommended City Council move forward with making a decision to Planning
& Zoning Recommendation to Deny Amendment to Development Code Ord No 1200 Sign Height in the Interchange Areas from 50 feet to 70 feet.
Council Member Flora moved to deny Amendment to Development Code Ordinance No. 1200 Sigh Height in the Interchange Areas from 50 feet to 70 feet; Council Member Johnson seconded the
motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora Council Member Walker
Council Member Johnson Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Mann Council President Busby
The motion carried
Mayor Merrill broke the tie vote by voting nay to deny Amendment to Development Code Ordinance No. 1200 Sigh Height in the Interchange Areas from 50 feet to 70 feet and refer back to
the Planning and Zoning Commission with City Council’s recommendations.
Council Member Johnson expressed concerns with the business that had their sign installed with the regulations previously set forth. She believes it would disadvantage other existing
business if the sign height is raised. Council Member Busby asked if the property owners within the 1500 foot radius were notified of the proposed change to increase the sign height.
City Attorney Zollinger said with a general application ordinance the surrounding property owners are not mailed written notification; however, the public hearing notice is published
in the newspaper.
Council Member Flora moved to refer Amendment to Development Code Ordinance 1200 Sign Height in the Interchange Areas back to the Planning and Zoning Commission to discuss reducing the
radius to 500 feet from 1500 and Sign Height to 65 feet; Council Member Wolfe seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora Council Member Mann
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Walker
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried
Council Member Flora indicated the Planning and Zoning Commission has the option of keeping their recommendation as currently being proposed.
Calendared Bills:
A. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: NONE
B. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: NONE
Mayor’s Business:
Proclamation 2021 – 01 Fair Housing Month April 2021
Mayor Merrill read Proclamation 2021 – 01 Fair Housing Month April 2021.
PROCLAMATION
No. 2021 – 01
2021 Fair Housing Month Proclamation
WHEREAS, April 2021 marks the 53rd anniversary of the passage of Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, commonly known as the Federal Fair Housing Act; and
WHEREAS, the Idaho Human Rights Commission Act has prohibited discrimination in housing since 1969; and
WHEREAS, equal opportunity for all-regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status or national origin-is a fundamental goal of our nation, state and city; and
WHEREAS, equal access to housing is an important component of this goal-as fundamental as the right to equal education and employment; and
WHEREAS, housing is a critical component of family and community health and stability and
WHEREAS, housing choice impacts our children’s access to education, our ability to seek and retain employment options, the cultural benefits we enjoy, the extent of our exposure to crime
and drugs, and the quality of health care we receive in emergencies; and
WHEREAS, the laws of this nation and our state seek to ensure such equality of choice for all transactions involving housing; and
WHEREAS, ongoing education, outreach and monitoring are key to raising awareness of fair housing principles, practices, rights and responsibilities; and
WHEREAS, only through continued cooperation, commitment and support of all Idahoans can barriers to fair housing be removed;
NOW, THEREFORE: I, Jerry Merrill, Mayor of the City of Rexburg do hereby proclaim April 2021 to be
FAIR HOUSING MONTH
In the City of Rexburg, State of Idaho.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Rexburg to be affixed this 17th day of March in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-one.
APPROVED:
SEAL
_____________________________
Jerry Merrill, Rexburg Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Deborah Lovejoy, Rexburg City Clerk
Council Member Walker moved to ratify PROCLAMATION No. 2021 – 01 2021 Fair Housing Month Proclamation; Council Member Wolfe seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried
Ratify Doug Smith to Urban Renewal Board – County wanted to assign this responsibility to Doug Smith instead of Brent Mendenhall
Mayor Merrill explained the information given to city staff was that Brent Mendenhall would be serving on the Urban Renewal Board; however, the information was incorrect County Commissioner
Doug Smith will be serving on the board instead of Commissioner Mendenhall.
Council Member Flora moved to ratify the appointment of Doug Smith to the Urban Renewal Board; Council President Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
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.
Minutes from March 3, 2021 meeting
Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Johnson moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and city bills; Council President Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried
Adjournment 8:55 P.M.
APPROVED:
________________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk