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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - April 01, 2020 1 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 Mayor Merrill said the prayer. Council Member Mann led the pledge. Roll Call of Council Members: Attending: Council Member Flora, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mann, Council Member Walker, Council President Busby and Mayor Merrill. The City Council Members attended the meeting via the GoToMeeting program. Council Member Wolfe 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. BYU-Idaho University Public Affairs Director Brett Sampson reported they have been in communication with the students regarding the recommendations received from the state, federal and District 7th Health Department about the Covid-19 Pandemic. The students are being encouraged to stay where they are currently living until the stay at home order has been lifted in the State of Idaho. Mayor Merrill said he has received several complaints from BYU-Idaho students and their parents regarding apartment leases for the spring semester. Some of the apartment owners are not willing to issue refunds to those student that have signed a contract. The students not receiving refunds for their apartment lease will probably move back to Rexburg. Mayor Merrill asked Mr. Sampson if the university is working with the Student Housing Office. Mr. Sampson replied yes, the Student Housing Office has received 120 phone calls and have been in contact with several apartment owners. Some of the apartment owners are willing to issue refunds for the spring semester leases, others are charging a fee to brake the contract, and other owners are willing to transfer the lease to another semester for a fee. Mr. Sampson explained the university’s health center has been working with Madison Memorial Hospital and the District Seven Health Department to coordinate their efforts with medical supplies or space for patients and housing for medical staff if and when it would be needed. Mayor Merrill expressed his appreciation for the university’s willingness to assist with the Covid-19 Pandemic needs. Presentations: 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Phone: 208.359.3020 x 2101 Fax: 208.359.3022 deborahl@rexburg.org www.rexburg.org City Council Minutes April 01, 2020 2 Staff Reports: A. Community Development: - Bret Stoddard Building Official Stoddard reviewed the Building Valuation Report for the month of March. Council President Busby mentioned the amount of construction taking place amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic is encouraging for the economy. Building Official Stoddard reported some of the Building Inspectors are working online from home and attending to inspections being called in to the office. The Building Permit Technician and assistant are working at City Hall answering phones and scheduling inspections. He mentioned as of today the city inspectors will no longer be completing residential building inspections for Madison County; however they will continue to complete the mechanical and commercial building inspections for the county and assist with the commercial plan reviews. Council Member Flora asked about the online work being performed by the building inspectors. Building Official Stoddard replied the building inspectors are reviewing building plans. Council Member Busby asked about the development being built across the street from Valley Wide. Building Official Stoddard said the building is the new Forsgren Associates offices. B. Finance: - Matt Nielson 1. Dog Park Budget Adjustment Finance Officer Nielson reported the Dog Park Budget Adjustment has been postponed until the next City Council Meeting. C. Public Works: - Keith Davidson 1. Baseball Quad Lights 3 Public Works Director Davidson reported he contacted Musco Lighting regarding the price for the installation of the lights at the Baseball Quad. The Musco Lighting representative said the estimated cost for the installation of the lights can be held until June. Public Works Director Davidson said a decision will not have to be made until June. 2. Romance Theater Lobby Remodel Bid Acceptance and Budget Adjustment Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the bids received for the Romance Theater Lobby Remodel. Alan Clark Construction was the low bid for the project. There was also an alternate bid for the carpet and installation. This remodel came in slightly over budget because the bids were higher than anticipated. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Budget Adjustment and the three options available to fund the Romance Theater Lobby Remodel. 4 Council Member Busby asked for the overage amount of the remodel project. Finance Officer Nielson said the project is over budget by about $306,000. Council Member Walker asked about option number one and the amount of funds taken out of contingency with that option. Finance Officer Nielson replied about $21,000. would be taken out of contingency with option number one. The second option would have a carryover of about $41,000. Council Member Flora asked if the funds for the remodel are coming from the General Fund. Finance Officer Nielson said the additional funds can also be taken from the city’s reserves. Mayor Merrill mentioned the new carpet for the Romance Theater remodel could be postponed until more funds are available. Council Member Busby said he has not noticed the carpet to be in poor condition or a safety concern. Council Member Walker said he is in favor of completing the lobby and restroom remodel and postponing the carpet installation to save funds. Council Member Flora said the aisle lights are included in the carpet installation and not having the aisle lights could present a hazard. City Attorney Zollinger said there are several aisle and chair lights not functioning. The bid for the carpet included the aisle lights and it is less expensive to have the lights and carpet installed at the same time. The current carpet does not pose a trip hazard. Council Member Flora said there is about a $15,000. difference between option one and option two. Her recommendation is to have all of the carpet be replaced at the same time and not be split by installing the lobby carpet and waiting to install the carpet in the theater. She said she would prefer the funds be taken from the General Fund and not contingency. Finance Officer Nielson recommended the funds be taken from contingency because funds from contingency are only able to be withdrawn until June. Council Member Mann said he also recommends the funds be taken from contingency instead of using the city’s reserves and the carpet be replaced all at once. Mayor Merrill said he met with Jed Platt the new City Cultural Arts Director to discuss some of Mr. Platt’s ideas for the city’s Arts and Venues. Council Member Busby asked about the plans for future projects at the Romance Theater. Finance Officer Nielson said there are several smaller projects scheduled for the theater including wall sconces, a remodel to the green room, windows, baseboards, chandeliers and a small bathroom. Council Member Busby questioned if funds from contingency will be needed for other projects at the Romance Theater and Tabernacle. Finance Officer Nielson explained the city has been transferring funds to the Arts Promulgation for the last three years. These transferred funds have been used for several major projects at the Romance Theater and for the tabernacle windows. The forecast indicates lesser funds will be transferred to the Arts Promulgation based on the water and sewer revenues. Council Member Walker moved to approve Option Number One of the Budget Adjustment total of $140,600.; 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 President Busby The motion carried 5 Council Member Busby moved to approve and award the low bids of $286,500. from Alan Clark Consturction and the alternate low bid of $35,000. for the auditorium carpet replacement; 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 President Busby The motion carried 3. Chip Seal Bid Award for 7th South, University Boulevard, and S. 2nd East Public Works Director Davidson said the bid for the chip seal at 7th South, University Boulevard, and S. 2nd East will be presented at the next City Council meeting. 4. Proposed Spring Clean-up Dates April 6th through April 27th Public Works Director Davidson recommended April 6th through April 27th for the Spring Clean-up dates. Council Member Busby asked if the Spring Clean-up guidelines be added to the city’s website and newsletter to inform citizens which items can be picked up. Council President Busby moved to approve the City Spring Cleanup Dates of April 6th through April 27th; 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 President Busby The motion carried Council Member Busby said the Idaho Transpiration Department has been applying sealant to the cracks in the road on Main Street and Second East. The sealant is not sticking to the cracks and is being pulled off by traffic. Public Works Director Davidson said the sealant has a difficult time sticking to the cracks when the dirt and debris has not been removed. Council Member Flora questioned when the speed control lights will be installed by the Burton Elementary School. Public Works Director Davidson replied the concrete bases for the speed control light poles can now be poured to install the lights. Council President Busby asked about the property where the Steiner Park is going to be located. He is concerned someone may fall into the basement and be injured, if it is not demolished soon. Public Works Director Davidson said the city is waiting for a demolition bid to complete the work. Council Member Johnson questioned why the Dog Park Budget Adjustment was postponed. Finance Officer Nielson said City Economic Developer Daniel Torres informed him there is an ordinance and resolution associated with the Dog Park and he would prefer to present these items as a whole to City Council. 6 Mayor’s Report: Mayor Merrill reported City Information Technology Employee Ioobi Bunatao last day with the city is April 2nd. Ioobi and his family are moving to Texas where he will be working for Tyler University. Mayor Merrill mentioned due to the Covid-19 Pandemic the city has formed a Small Business Taskforce with members of the county, city and Chamber of Commerce to inform businesses about updates received from the state and federal government regarding possible financial aid. The taskforce has come up with the slogan “ We are Rexburg Strong” and encouraging residents to support local business while following the governor’s mandate. Mayor Merrill said he as attended many tele-conferences regarding the Covid-19 Pandemic. Mayor Merrill mentioned the date to report the Census has been extended to August; however, the sooner the residents complete the Census the better for the city. The city will continue to remind the residents to complete the Census. Council Member Flora said she has noticed that the city has a Facebook page. She wondered if the city uses Instagram to distribute information as well. The city has a lager youth population that uses Instagram. Mayor Merrill reported there was a conference call meeting with District 7 Health Department Director, several other mayors and county commissioners to discuss the situation with Covid-19 Pandemic. There is currently another conference call with the Mayor of Driggs and the Mayor of Idaho Falls to discuss ways to coordinate their efforts regarding the Covid-19 Pandemic. City Attorney Zollinger and Economic Development Director Johnson are attending to the call. Mayor Merrill mentioned some of the items that were discussed on the conference call with District 7 Health Department Geri Rackow. He said Director Rackow indicated there are 673 cases of Covid-19 and nine deaths caused by the virus in Idaho. There is limited test kits, the only people being tested are those who are symptomatic, the elderly and healthcare providers. He said one of the reasons there is limited test kits in Idaho is because those supplies are being sent to other states with a higher number of cases such as New York. Mayor Merrill said Director Rachow mentioned during the conference call when more testing becomes available the number of case will increase. So far they have tested 7,300 people for the virus in Idaho. When the testing began 2% of those being tested were positive with virus currently 5% of those being tested are positive and out of the 673 cases 42 of those cases required hospitalization. The number of case in the District 7 region is 22 cases. The time it take to receive the results of the test has also decreased. Mayor Merrill explained it is going to take more time than anticipated to be able to lift the precautions put in place due to Covid-19. The recommendation is to not begin to plan any large gatherings until the middle of May. Council Member Walker mentioned he spoke with Fire Chief Child and Chief Child mentioned they are being proactive with trying to keep the departments personnel healthy. They have alternating shifts to keep personnel from direct contact with personnel leaving or completing their shift; therefore, avoiding the possible spread of Covid-19 between personal. They are also taking other precautions such as disinfecting the vehicle after each transport. Mayor Merrill asked Council President Busby if the School District is still planning for the students to return back to school on April 21st. Council President Busby replied he spoke with Superintendent Thomas and he said the plan is for the students to return to school on April 21st unless directed otherwise by the state. Council President Busby expressed his appreciation for Mayor Merrill’s leadership during this difficult time with the spread of Covid-19. Public Hearings: Items for Consideration: 1. Reappoint Richard Horner, Bill Riggins (taking Joseph West’s place-moving out of town), and Doug Hancey to the Urban Renewal Board. 7 Council Member Walker questioned how the members of the Urban Renewal Board are chosen to serve on the board. Mayor Merrill explained the board members are volunteers and considerations such as experience and other qualifications are taking into account before appointing a member to a committee. Council Member Walker moved to reappoint Richard Horner and to appoint Bill Riggins and Doug Hancey to the Urban Renewal Board; Council Member Mann 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 President Busby The motion carried Calendared Bills and Tabled Items: A. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: NONE B. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: 1. Ordinance No 1224 Rezone 814 N Yellowstone Hwy (19-00767) from Community Business Center (CBC) to Medium Density Residential 1 (MDR1) Zone – Alan Parkinson ORDINANCE NO. 1224 Rezone Approximately 814 North Yellowstone Hwy from Community Business Center (CBC) to Medium Density Residential 1 (MDR1) Zone 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 Johnson moved to approve Ordinance No. 1224 Rezone 814 N Yellowstone Hwy from Community Business Center (CBC) to Medium Density Residential 1 (MDR1) Zone and consider third read; Council Member Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: 8 Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Flora None Council Member Johnson Council Member Mann Council Member Walker Council President Busby The motion carried Mayor’s Business: 2. Proclamation 2020-01 the Week of the Young Child™ April 11-17, 2020 Mayor Merrill read Proclamation 2020-01 the Week of the Young Child™ April 11-17, 2020. PROCLAMATION No. 2020 – 01 April 11-17, 2020 as Week of the Young Child™ WHEREAS, the Idaho Association for the Education of Young Children (Idaho AEYC) and National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), are celebrating the Week of the Young Child™, April 11-17, 2020; and WHEREAS, these organizations are working to promote and inspire high-quality early childhood experiences for our state’s youngest citizens, that can provide a foundation of learning and success for children in Rexburg, Idaho; and WHEREAS, teachers and others who work with or on behalf of young children birth through age eight, who make a difference in the lives of young children in Rexburg, Idaho deserve thanks and recognition; and WHEREAS, public policies that support early learning for all young children are crucial to young children’s futures and to the prosperity of our society. NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jerry Merrill, Mayor of the City of Rexburg, do hereby proclaim April 11-17, 2020 as Week of the Young Child™ in Rexburg, Idaho and encourage all citizens to work to support and invest in early childhood in Rexburg. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Rexburg to be affixed this 1st day of April in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty. APPROVED: _____________________________ SEAL Jerry Merrill, Mayor ATTEST: ______________________________ Deborah Lovejoy, City Clerk Council President Busby moved to ratify Proclamation 2020-01 the Week Child™ April 11-17, 2020; 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 President Busby The motion carried 9 Consent Calendar: The consent calendar includes items which require formal City Council action, however they are typically routine or not of great controversy. Individual Council members may ask that any specific item be removed from the consent calendar for discussion in greater detail. Explanatory information is included in the City Council’s agenda packet regarding these items. A. Minutes from March 18, 2020 Work and Regular Meeting B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills Council Member Mann moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and city bills; 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 President Busby The motion carried Adjournment 7:54 P.M. APPROVED: ________________________________ Jerry Merrill, Mayor Attest: _____________________________ Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk