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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - June 02, 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 5:00 P.M. Council Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Work Meeting Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the 2021 Budget Preparation Calendar for 2022 Fiscal Year Budget. / Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the 2022 Budget Highlights. The total Budget of $84,170,100 is the largest to date. Council President Busby questioned the increase of $428,900 in the Operating Budget. Finance Officer Nielson said the expenses in adding personnel, wages, maintenance, and day to day operational expenses. Council President Busby asked if impact fees could be used to offset personnel expenses. Finance Officer Nielson said impact fees can only be used to increase capacity for example, police impact fees can be used to increase the police station footprint. The fire impact fees can be used for equipment with a 20-year life span. The street impact fees also need to be tied to specific projects identified in the Transportation Study. / / Discussion regarding sales tax, House Bill 389, and forgone. The city is only able to take 80% of the new construction assesed amount and annexation. The 20% reduction is permanent unless the legislators make a change to the bill. Finance Officer Nielson mentioned House Bill 389 also limits the amount of forgone funds a city can use. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the utility construction projects included in the budget highlights report above. The street revenue the city will have to work with next year is about nine and a half million dollars with about 1.8 million dollars in carryover. One of the major projects is the Barney Dairy crossing bridge which is estimated to cost about six million dollars. The city has applied for a grant for that project and is currently ranked at number one. He said Urban Renewal has about 2.2 millon dollars of projects that are anticpated to be completed. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the personnel requestes for Fiscal Year 2022. Only four out of the six positions requested were approved. / Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the General Fund Balance Carryover. The city’s policy has been to only care over 33%. The forecasted carryover is 33.96% which is over the recommended amount. After making additonal cuts to the budget, the reserve increased to 27.4%. He said if City Council doesn’t feel comfortable with the 27.4% in reserves, additonal budget cuts would need to be made. / Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the General Fund Transfers-Subsidies. / Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Street, Sanitation, Water and Wastewater Funds. / / Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Budget Request for Capital and New Personnel. / / Discussion regarding the use of city vehicles and inter-department sharing of the vehicles. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the General Fund Department total increases and decreases. / Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Property Tax Levy Worksheet. The Levy rate is an estimated amount and the property rate could also change. The certification of the levy and property rates are not complete until the month of September. / Council President Busby moved to approve to set a Public Hearing on July 7th, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. to consider the proposed budget for the fiscal year from October 1, 2021, to September 30, 2022; Council Member Flora seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson None Council Member Flora Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Busby The motion carried. 6:30 P.M. City Hall City Attorney Zollinger said the prayer. Council Member Walker 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. Kenneth Lords commented regarding the proposed Local Improvement District (LID) in his neighborhood. Some of his concerns include being unable to contact city staff in charge of the LID. The city staff member’s email address is not working online. He believes it unreasonable to expect residents in a low-income neighborhood to come up with thousands of dollars in less than a two-year time frame. The quality of the concrete being used for sidewalks is not as durable and begins to crumble at a much quicker rate than the concrete used thirty years ago. Mr. Lords asked if grants to complete the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) section of the sidewalk could be obtained. The sidewalks will also need to be widened as part of complying with the ADA standards causing less room for snow storage during the winter months. Rachel Lords said she too had a difficult time contacting city staff regarding the LID. The only communication the neighborhood residents have received is a letter from the city indicating their participation in an LID. She believes the city should have a budget to replace the city sidewalks and not expect city residents to pay to replace the sidewalks. The neighborhood residents are requesting the LID be postponed until the concrete prices have decreased. Public Works Director Davidson said the LID is scheduled for the year 2022. The city engineers are currently evaluating the sidewalks, curb, and gutter. Kami Starks said the residents included in the LID are concerned with the current costs of materials and the financial hardship the LID will cause on most of the residents. The 5% interest and penalties for financing and paying off the LID are too high. Theron Nelson expressed his concerns with the LID scheduled for his neighborhood. The cost of materials is one of the main concerns and so is the quality of the concrete. He also requested the LID be postponed until some of the costs for materials decrease. Mayor Merrill explained a neighborhood meeting will be held for the residents included in the LID to ask questions they have regarding the LID. The city engineers evaluated the work needing to be completed in the LID and they will also attend the neighborhood meeting to answer any questions regarding their evaluation. Staff Reports: Finance: - Matt Nielson Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Adjustment Nature Park New Playground Equipment Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Budget Adjustment Nature Park New Playground Equipment. / Council Member Walker said it is important to save funds; however, a balance of when to save and when to spend funds is even more important. He said he is in favor of the budget adjustment for the new playground equipment at Nature Park. Council Member Johnson said it is equally important to know the funds for this budget adjustment are available because of the Federal Covid-19 Relief Grant the city received. The new playground equipment will attract people to Nature Park alleviating some of the overcrowding at other city parks. Council Member Flora moved to approve the Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Adjustment for the Nature Park New Playground Equipment; Council Member Johnson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson None Council Member Flora Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Busby The motion carried. Budget Adjustment for Appraisal to Disencumber the Ricks Building at the Community Fields Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Budget Adjustment for the Parks Department to disencumber the Ricks Building located at Community Fields. / Council President Busby moved to approve the Budget Adjustment for Appraisal to Disencumber the Ricks Building at the Community Fields; Council Member Walker seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson None Council Member Flora Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Busby The motion carried. Set Tentative Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Mayor Merrill said the tentative Fiscal Year 2022 Budget was approved during the work meeting. Public Works: – Keith Davidson Bid Acceptance for Nature Park Precast Concrete Restroom Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the bids received for Nature Park Precast Concrete Restroom. The low bid was received by Mountain West Precast. / Council Member Walker moved to approve the low bid of $86,628 from Mountain West Precast for the Nature Park Precast Concrete Restrooms; Council Member Wolfe seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson None Council Member Flora Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Busby The motion carried. Bid Acceptance for Blower Building Door Replacement Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the bids received for the replacement of the door for the Blower Building at the Wastewater Plant. / Council Member Flora moved to approve the low bid of $13,425. from Discount Doors Company for the replacement of the door for the Blower Building; Council President Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson None Council Member Flora Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Busby The motion carried. Bid Acceptance for Water Well 6 Motor Replacement Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the bids received for the replacement of the motor for Water Well number 6. / / Council President Busby to approve the low bid of $14,000 from American Pump for the replacement motor on Water Well number 6 and additional cost to remove motor, pull head, set head with new shaft, set new motor, machine shop, shaft, etc. for $3,071.; Council Member Johnson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson None Council Member Flora Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Busby The motion carried. Public Works Director Davidson said bids were not received for the City Hall Rooftop Outdoor Heat Pump Units. He has met with the contractor that originally installed the heat pump unit to discuss if an error was made during the initial installation of the pump. There is a similar situation with the Wastewater Collection, they did not receive bids for that project. Bid Acceptance for City Hall Rooftop Outdoor Heat Pump Units Bid Acceptance for 2021 Wastewater Collection Line Repairs Public Works Director Davidson reported the city received a bid for the TWAS Tank Cover and TWAS Tank Odor Control System; however, only one bid was received from a company the city has not worked with before so he would prefer to research the company before recommending the award of the bid. Bid Acceptance for TWAS Tank Cover Bid Acceptance for TWAS Tank Odor Control System Public Hearing 7:00 P.M. Ordinance No. 1260 Mayor and City Council Salary Changes Effective January 1, 2022, and Considered 1st Read – Matt Nielson Council Member Flora mentioned it is uncomfortable to vote on a cost of living raise for themselves; however, it is part of the process and benefits future City Council Members. Mayor Merrill explained the public hearing process. Mayor Merrill opened the Public Hearing. Public Testimony in favor of the proposal (5-minute limit): Public Testimony in neutral to proposal (5-minute limit): Public Testimony opposed to the proposal (5-minute limit): Council Member Flora moved to approve Ordinance No. 1260 Mayor and City Council Salary Changes Effective January 1, 2022, and consider first read; Council Member Johnson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson None Council Member Flora Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Busby The motion carried. Mayor’s Report: Mayor Merrill announced Rexburg Rapids Pool is scheduled to open on June 7th; however, the outdoor temperatures are favorable this week so the pool will open on Friday. Mayor Merrill reported there is playground equipment needing to be repaired at several of the city parks. Discussion regarding the condition of the grass at the baseball quad. Items for Consideration: NONE Calendared Bills and Tabled Items: Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: Ordinance No 1257 Rezone approximately 2332 W 2000 S and Parcel # RPRXBCA0359006 from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) to Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2) and adjust the west border of the Community Business Center (CBC) zone of this parcel approximately fifty feet (50’) east to expand the proposed Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2) zone #21-00189 – Alan Parkinson ORDINANCE NO 1257 Rezone Approximately 2332 West 2000 South, Rexburg, Idaho to Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2) AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND CHANGING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, AND PROVIDING THAT THE ZONED DESIGNATION OF THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED, SITUATED IN REXBURG, MADISON COUNTY, IDAHO, BE CHANGED AS HEREINAFTER DESIGNATED; AND PROVIDING WHEN THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE. / Council Member Mann moved to approve Ordinance No 1257 the Rezone approximately 2332 W 2000 S and Parcel # RPRXBCA0359006 from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) to Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2) and adjust the west border of the Community Business Center (CBC) zone of this parcel approximately fifty feet (50’) east to expand the proposed Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2) Zone and consider second read; Council President Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson None Council Member Flora Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Busby The motion carried. Ordinance No 1259 Rezone approximately 459 W Main St and Parcels #RPRRXB10432295, RPRRXB10430130, PRRXB10430160, and RPRRXB10430100 from Mixed Use (MU) and Medium Density Residential 1 (MDR1) to High Density Residential 2 (HDR2) zone #21-00170 – Alan Parkinson ORDINANCE NO 1259 Rezone Four Parcels at Approximately 459 West Main St, Rexburg, Idaho to High Density Residential 2 (HDR2) AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND CHANGING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, AND PROVIDING THAT THE ZONED DESIGNATION OF THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED, SITUATED IN REXBURG, MADISON COUNTY, IDAHO, BE CHANGED AS HEREINAFTER DESIGNATED; AND PROVIDING WHEN THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE. / Council Member Wolfe moved to approve Ordinance No 1259 the Rezone at approximately 459 W Main St and Parcels #RPRRXB10432295, RPRRXB10430130, PRRXB10430160, and RPRRXB10430100 from Mixed Use (MU) and Medium Density Residential 1 (MDR1) to High Density Residential 2 (HDR2) Zone and consider second read; Council Member Walker seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson Council Member Mann Council Member Flora Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Busby The motion carried. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: NONE Mayor’s Business: Council Member Mann mentioned the synthetic ice-skating rink in Caldwell, Idaho. He asked the City Council members if they are interested in participating in a tour of the ice-skating rink. He said questions such as funding and costs could be asked during the tour. 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 May 19, 2021, Meetings Minutes from Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Meetings Approve the City of Rexburg Bills 2021 Firework Stand Business Licenses Approval Discussion: Council Member Flora asked for the minutes from Fiscal Year 2022 Budget be excluded to further review the minutes. Council Member Walker moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes, city bills and 2021 Firework Stands Business Licenses; Council Member Flora seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson None Council Member Flora Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council Member Wolfe Council President Busby The motion carried. APPROVED: ________________________________ Jerry Merrill, Mayor Attest: _____________________________ Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk