HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - August 04, 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
Police Patrol Sergeant Whetten said the prayer.
Council Member Wolfe led the pledge.
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council Member Flora, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Walker, Council Member Wolfe, Council President Busby, and Mayor Merrill.
Council Member Mann 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.
Staff Reports:
Human Resources: Review and Approval of Employee Paid Holidays – Terri Hill
Human Resources Director Hill said she has been approached by some city employees regarding Governor Brad Little’s proclamation recognizing June 19 – Known as “Juneteenth”. She said
she is in an email chain with several cities and counties regarding their recommendation to consider Juneteenth/Freedom as a paid holiday for their employees. There were two counties
that have already recognized it as a paid holiday. The other cities and counties will decided closer to the end of their Fiscal Year.
Human Resources Director Hill said she is recommending Juneteenth be added as a paid holiday. She reviewed the current city observed holidays.
Governor Brad Little issued a proclamation recognizing June 19 – known as “Juneteenth” – as a new legal public holiday observed by Idaho Code following the passage of the Juneteenth National
Independence Day Act, which President Joe Biden signed into law on June 17, 2021.
CURRENT CITY OF REXBURG HOLIDAYS The City will grant holiday time off to all employees on the holidays listed below.
New Year's Day (January 1)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (third Monday in January)
Presidents' Day (third Monday in February)
Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day (first Monday in September)
Patriots Day/Emergency Services Day (September 11) for MFD and Police Employees Only
Veteran’s Day (November 11)
Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November)
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve (4 hours (5.6 hours for MFD24 Employees) of Holiday, but only when it falls on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday).
Christmas (December 25)
New Year’s Eve (4 hours (5.6 hours for MFD24 Employees) of Holiday, but only when it falls on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday).
PROPOSED CITY OF REXBURG HOLIDAYS The City will grant holiday time off to all employees on the holidays listed below.
New Year's Day (January 1)
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (third Monday in January)
Presidents' Day (third Monday in February)
Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
Juneteenth/Freedom Day (June 19)
Independence Day (July 4)
Labor Day (first Monday in September)
Patriots Day/Emergency Services Day (September 11) for MFD and Police Employees Only
Veteran’s Day (November 11)
Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November)
Day after Thanksgiving
Christmas Eve (4 hours (5.6 hours for MFD24 Employees) of Holiday, but only when it falls on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday).
Christmas (December 25)
New Year’s Eve (4 hours (5.6 hours for MFD24 Employees) of Holiday, but only when it falls on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday).
Council President Busby asked if all of the holidays listed above are paid holidays. Human Resources Director Hill replied yes all of the current holidays are paid holidays. Council
President Busby questioned when Governor Little mandates a holiday do the cities have to pay for the holiday? Human Resources Director Hill explained Governor Little on a state level
said they are recognizing Juneteenth/Freedom Day as holiday. The Rexburg City Council has the option of recognizing the holiday. She said she is before City Council representing the
city employees to recommend adding Juneteenth as a paid holiday. There are 12 current paid holidays.
Council Member Johnson said there is significance to Juneteenth therefore she is in favor of adding it as a paid holiday. Mayor Merrill said he agrees with Council Member Johnson there
is significance to Juneteenth. The only down side of adding a paid holiday is the cost associated with a paid holiday. Human Resources Director Hill said a paid holiday cost the city
about $34,000. Council President Busby asked if the holiday has to be a paid holiday. Human Resources Director Hill replied the holiday could be left optional for those wanting to observe
the holiday; however, leaving the holiday as an option would cause confusion.
Council Member Johnson explained there are other comparable paid holidays already being observed. She said she understands there are costs associated for paid holidays; however, there
are also benefits that out way those costs. Council Member Walker said the Juneteenth/Freedom Day has been recognized nationally and on the state level he doesn’t see a reason why it
wouldn’t be on a city level given the dates significance. Council Member Mann said he is in favor of adding Juneteenth as a holiday and for City Hall Offices to be closed.
Mayor Merrill asked if the holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday it be observed on those days without closing city hall on the Friday or Monday before the holiday. Human Resources Director
Hill said she recommends the holiday be observed as the current holidays are with city offices being closed.
Council President Busby asked where the funds to pay for the holiday will be budget from. Finance Officer Nielson replied the expense comes from a loss of productivity not an actual
cost.
Council Member Johnson moved to approve the update Employee Paid Holiday recognizing June 19 – known as “Juneteenth” – as a new legal public holiday; Council Member Walker seconded the
motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Johnson None
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried.
Finance: - Matt Nielson
Finance Report
Finance Officer Nielson gave an update on the budget process. The Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriation Budget will be third read at tonight’s meeting. Then there will be a couple public hearings
for the amended budget and utility rates which will be affective in October. One of the major items of the budgeting process is to fill out the L2 document that certifies the property
tax with the state. The document is slightly more convoluted then years passed because of the new house bill. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Expenditure Budget Summary Report.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Operating Revenues Budget Summary Report. The Permits and Licenses are at 103%. The Property Tax are 67%; however, a payment was recently received
that payment will change the percentage close to 100%
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Cash and Investment Balance Report.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Treasurer’s Expeniture Report.
Council Member Wolfe asked for the number of funds and the number of loans in the Revolving Loan Fund. Finance Officer Nielson replied the fund has a value of about 1.4 million dollars
and there are about seven loans being funded. The City has loaned out about one million dollars.
Public Works: – Keith Davidson
Wastewater Treatment Plant TWAS Tank Odor Control System Bid Acceptance
Public Works Director Davidson said only one bid was received for the Wastewater Treatment Plant TWAS Tank Odor Control System. The bid is for the vent system and not the cover of the
tank.
Council President Busby moved to approve the low bid of $27,000 from Integrity Municipal Systems, LLC for the Wastewater Treatment Plant TWAS Tank Order Control System; Council Member
Johnson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Johnson None
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried.
Surplus 10 Benches
Public Works Director Davidson said the benches were taken out of the tabernacle and were being used at the Legacy Flight Museum. Council President Busby asked if there is a market for
the benches. Public Works Director Davidson replied there is a market for the benches. They are going try and sell them for about $200 each.
Council Member Walker moved to approve to surplus the 10 benches; Council President Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Johnson None
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried.
Council President Busby expressed his concerns with the number of potholes on Main Street and Second East. He would prefer the potholes to be filled before winter. He asked if the Idaho
Transportation Department (ITD) has been contacted. Mayor Merrill said he spoke to an ITD representative regarding the potholes and they did repair some of the potholes.
Public Works Director Davidson gave an update on the work being completed on Park Street. The old sewer line is a transited pipe with asbestos in it. In order to replace the pipe there
needs to be certified personnel on site and the pipe needs to be wrapped once removed. This situation has caused delays in construction and additional costs to haul the pipe to the
land fill.
Public Hearing 6:45 P.M. Resolution 2021-08 Proposed Fee Increases for Water, Sewer and Garbage for Fiscal Year 2022 – Matt Nielson
Resolution to Adopt a New Utility Rate Schedule for Fiscal Year 2022
Resolution 2021 – 08
A resolution of the City of Rexburg, Idaho, adopting a new rate schedule for water, sewer, garbage fees.
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to maintain the overall quality of life experienced by its constituents; and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to collect from all water, sewer, and garbage users an equitable user fee that reflects their appropriate share of operating costs, depreciation and
debt service;
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Mayor and the Council of the City of Rexburg, effective October 1, 2021, the water, sewer, and garbage fees to be charged shall be as follows:
New Monthly Cost:
Garbage 90 Gallon Bin Weekly Pickup $21.13
90 Gallon Bin Every 2nd week Pickup $12.50
90 Gallon Bin Every 4th week Pickup $6.35
1.5 Yard Bin Weekly Pickup $51.20
2.0 Yard Bin Weekly Pickup $61.79
3.0 Yard Bin Weekly Pickup $83.02
Water Base Fee for .75” Equivalent & SF 1” Meter $18.62
Usage Fee per 1,000 Gallons over 6,000 $1.153
Wastewater Base Fee for .75” Equivalent & SF 1” Meter $16.47
Usage Fee per 1,000 Gallons $4.66
Other City Usage Fee per 1,000 Gallon $2.78
Out of City Limits 30% Surcharge for Water or Sewer update all fees 30%
Passed by the City Council and Approved by the Mayor this ___ Day of August, 2021.
_______________________________________
Jerry L. Merrill, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Deborah Lovejoy, City Clerk
Council Member Wolfe moved to approve Resolution 2021-08 Proposed Fee Increases for Water, Sewer and Garbage for Fiscal Year 2022; Council Member Johnson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill
asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Johnson None
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried
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):
Public Hearing 7:00 P.M. Ordinance No. 1262 Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year 2021 Budget and Considered 1st Read – Matt Nielson
Ordinance No. 1262
Amend Ordinance 1232 Fiscal Year 2021 Appropriation Ordinance
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1232, THE APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2020 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2021: APPROPRIATING
ADDITIONAL MONIES THAT HAVE BEEN OR ARE TO BE RECEIVED BY THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, AND BUDGET REDUCTIONS IN THE NET SUM OF $10,826,700 AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Be It Ordained By the Mayor and Council of the City Of Rexburg, Idaho:
SECTION I. That ordinance No. 1232, the appropriation ordinance for the
City of Rexburg, Idaho, for the fiscal year commencing October 1, 2020, and ending
September 30, 2021, be and the same is hereby amended as follows:
CITY OF REXBURG
BUDGET AMENDMENT
FISCAL YEAR 2021
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 Walker moved to approve Ordinance No. 1262 Budget Amendment for Fiscal Year 2021 Budget and consider first 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 Mann
Council Member Walker
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried.
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Merrill commended Finance Officer Nielson for his 16th year work anniversary and Police Chief Turman for 33rd year work anniversary.
Mayor Merrill reported he will not be able to attend the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership (EICAP) meeting next Tuesday and asked if one of the City Council Members could attend
the meeting for him.
Mayor Merrill said there is a new credit union being built in town. He has met with other business owners that are interested in coming to Rexburg. They are generally looking for large
empty buildings. He mentioned City Staff has been working on an ordinance regarding seasonal vendors using a buses, carts or trailers for their business. There was information shared
by a seasonal vendor owner that will assist with changes made to the ordinance.
Mayor Merrill reported Local Emergency Planning Committee met this morning and a BYU-Idaho University representative said the number of enrolled students will increase this year from
the previous year. They also discussed traffic control coordination for when the students return to the university. He and city staff met with Silver Star regarding the city’s board
band design.
Items for Consideration: NONE
Calendared Bills and Tabled Items:
Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: NONE
Third Reading: Those items which have been second read:
Ordinance No. 1261 Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriation Budget
ORDINANCE NO. 1261
FISCAL YEAR 2022 BUDGET APPROPRIATION
AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR OCTOBER 1, 2021, TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2022, AND APPROPRIATING TO THE SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS,
OFFICES AND FUNDS OF THE SAID CITY GOVERNMENT FROM THE REVENUE DERIVED FROM TAXES LEVIED FOR SAID FISCAL YEAR, AND ALL OTHER SOURCES, SUCH SUMS AS MAY BE NECESSARY OR DEEMED NECESSARY
BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL TO DEFRAY THE EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES OF SAID CITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2022; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF ORDINANCE.
Council Member Johnson moved to approve Ordinance No. 1261 Fiscal Year 2022 Appropriation Budget and consider third 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 Mann
Council Member Walker
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried.
Mayor’s Business:
Council Member Mann requested a process be implemented for city staff to report on an event funded by the city. He would like to know the results of the events such as number of participants,
revenues, expenses, etc. He would also like a report on Rexburg Rapids, Romance Theater, and Museums and other city venues.
Mayor Merrill said as soon as the city venues finish the season a full report will be given to City Council and for the city events as well.
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 July 21, Meetings
Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Wolfe moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes, city bills and 2021 Firework Stands Business Licenses; Council President Busby seconded the motion;
Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Johnson None
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried.
Executive Session: Roll Call Vote for Motion to Enter into Executive Session per Idaho State Statute 74-206(1)(b) To consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear
complaints or charges brought against, a public officer, staff member, individual agent or public school student; and (f) To communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to
discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. The mere presence of legal
counsel at an executive session does not satisfy this requirement.
Council President Busby moved to go into Executive Session: per Idaho State Statute 74-206(1)(b) To consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges
brought against, a public officer, staff member, individual agent or public school student; and (f) To communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications
of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. The mere presence of legal counsel at an executive session
does not satisfy this requirement; Council Member Wolfe seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a roll call vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Johnson None
Council Member Flora
Council Member Walker
Council Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried.
Adjournment 7:29
APPROVED:
________________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________
Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk