HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - August 19, 2020
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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
Council Member Walker 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
Wolfe, Council Member Walker, 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: Police Department Presenting Plaques to Kurt Harmon, Trent Cichos, and Austin
Smith for Contributions to the Dare Program and Rex Fullmer for Service to the Community.
Presentation of POST Graduation Certificates to Officer Jeffrey Terrones and Welcome New
Employee – Erin Telford PD Administrative Assistant.
Police Chief Turman presented a plaque of appreciation to Kurt Harmon the owner of Ray’s
Chevron and BarberPop Shop. He has continued the tradition of allowing the Rexburg Police
Department to host the D.A.R.E Program Carwash Fundraiser at Ray’s Chevron. The proceeds
collected from the carwash have helped fund the D.A.R.E. Program.
Police Chief Turman presented a plaque of appreciation for supporting the D.A.R.E. Program to
Austin Smith with Woody Smith Ford. A plaque was also presented to Trent Cichos the owner of
McDonalds for his support of the D.A.R.E Program. An appreciation plaque was presented to Rex
Fullmer for his support of the D.A.R. E. Program. Mr. Fullmer has been employed by the Madison
School District for 38 years and was the principal for the Madison Jr. High School for five years.
Police Chief Turman reported Police Officer Terrones has completed the Peace Officers
Standards and Training Program and he presented Officer Terrones with his POST Graduation
Certificate. Officer Terrones also received the Marksman Certificate with a 97% accuracy rate.
Council President Busby asked new city employee Erin Telford to introduce herself. Mrs. Telford
said she worked for the Madison School District for the last 10 years. She introduced her husband
Corey Telford and her three younger sons. She and her husband have a total of six children and
identical twin grandsons born in May.
Committee Liaison Assignments for 2020:
A. Council Member Mann: M.E.P.I. · Legacy Flight Museum · Planning & Zoning
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
August 19, 2020
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Council Member Mann reported Planning and Zoning met last Thursday. He asked the City
Council Members to review the Planning and Zoning packet for the upcoming City Council Meeting
because there is going to be an appeal to a decision made by the Planning and Zoning Commission.
B. Council President Busby: Cultural Arts/Museum · School Board · M.U.S.I.C.
Council President Busby reported he met with Cultural Arts Director Jed Platt regarding upcoming
Cultural Art Events. He was informed most of the events are being scaled back due to the Covid-19
Pandemic. The Celebrate You Event was held yesterday. There were about 350 participants in the
community art mural at the Celebrate You Event.
Council President Busby gave an update on the Romance Theater remodel. The walls have been erected
and the new plumbing has been installed. The completion date of the remodel is scheduled for November.
He mentioned Museum of Rexburg Curator Alisha Tietjen is requesting stories about the Teton Dam Flood
from residents to compile for the 50th anniversary of the flood. The museum fall hours will be changing;
however, the hours have not been verified. The preservation and maintenance schedule for the tabernacle is
being planned and there will be limited access to the tabernacle during that time. A grant to design a heating,
ventilation and air conditioning system for historic building was award to the city for the tabernacle.
Council President Busby reported the School Board will meet tomorrow. There is an operational levy
which will be voted on August 25th, 2020. The new field house being constructed by the Madison High
School is on schedule; it will be a great addition to the community. He said the M.U.S.I.C. committee has
not met.
C. Council Member Walker: MYAB · Emergency Services · Traffic & Safety
Council Member Walker reported the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board has not met. They will begin
meeting after Potato Harvest. The Emergency Services Board met. There are four fire engines in California
to assist with the wildfires and a water tender is stationed at a Utah fire. A total of 14 personnel members
are at those fires to operate the five apparatuses. The medical trailer was sent out to a fire in Colorado. He
said Traffic and Safety has not met.
D. Council Member Johnson: Trails · Beautification · Rexburg Free Clinics Board
Council Member Johnson reported she met with Economic Developer Torres regarding additional bike
paths for residents who commute to work on a bicycle. The Beautification Committee has not met, they will
meet next Thursday. The Rexburg Free Clinics Board met; however, she was unable to attend the meeting.
E. Council Member Flora: Parks & Recreation · Urban Renewal Agency · GIS Oversight
Council Member Flora reported the dog park is under construction. The dog park should be completed this
coming fall. City Staff is applying for a grant for restrooms and parking lot to be built at the dog park. The grant
application will be submitted by the end of September. The baseball quad is also under construction; however,
slightly behind schedule for the planting of the grass.
Council Member Flora reported she spoke with Recreation Director Crowther regarding the splash pad’s
slide. There is a crack in one of the slides. They tried to fix the crack; however, it did not work and the slide was
remove and that section of the splash pad has been blocked off. She said Recreation Director Crowther is trying
to contact the company that makes the slides to order a new one. The Recreation Department is also seeking
volunteers for the Teton Dam Marathon. A form for volunteers to sign up is available on the city’s website.
Council Member Flora reported the Recreation Department participated in the Celebrate You Event at Porter
Park. They used the equipment from the Foamy Five K to have a foamy area for kids to play in at the event.
They are finishing the Fall Recreation Guide to distribute to residents.
Council Member Flora reported the Urban Renewal Agency is continuing with the process to create the new
Urban Renewal District. A list of goals for the new district have been finalized.
F. Council Member Wolfe: Airport Board · Golf Board · Police
Council Member Wolfe reported the Airport Board has not met. The Golf Board met last week at
the Teton Lakes Golf Course to review the deck area. The plan was to extend the deck to allow for
storage underneath; however, the deck is in poor condition. City staff is working on bids to
demolish the existing deck. The deck will serve two purposes one to hold larger gatherings and the
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second as a golf cart storage. Golf Pro Cameron Garn will be replacing Duffy McFarland this
coming season.
Council Member Wolfe said the Police Department is doing well. He expressed his appreciation
for the Police Department.
Staff Reports:
A. Community Development: Bret Stoddard
Building Official Stoddard reviewed the building valuation report for the month of July. The Building
Department has been busy this year. The public portal has been operating for about a year and half. They
anticipated about 70% of the public would use the public portal. The 70% has been exceeded. Currently,
88% of the public is using the public portal to submit building applications.
Building Official Stoddard reported he has received good feedback regarding the plan review software the
Building Department uses. The name of the software is Digi-Plan, it was entirely implemented in May.
B. Human Resources: Presentation of a 457(b) State Sponsored Retirement Plan to add to Employee
Benefits – Terri Hill
Human Resources Director Hill reviewed the 457 (b) State Sponsored Retirement Plan. This plan is an
additional plan similar to the 401k Plan. The advantage to the 457 (b) Plan is it gives city employees the
possibility of saving for the future. The plan will increase the amount the employee is saving for retirement.
She said another benefit of the 457 (b) Plan is an employee would be able to immediately participate in the
plan upon being hired without a waiting period. This plan is augmenting the 401k Plan, it is not replacing
the 401k Plan.
Discussion regarding the catch up years of the 457 (b) Plan. Finance Officer Nielson explained the plan
allows the employee to double the amount set aside for retirement. Council President Busby asked if there is
a city match for this plan. Finance Officer Nielson replied no there is not a city match in funds with this
plan. The plan is completely voluntary.
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Human Resources Director Hill explained as an incentive for employees to sign up for the 457 (b) Plan
the city could offer a onetime deposit of $100 for a 3% or more contribution and commitment of 12
months to the plan.
Council Member Flora moved to approve to add 457 (b) State Sponsored Retirement Plan to the
Employee Benefits Package and one time incentive deposit of $100; Council Member Walker
seconded the motion; Council President Busby 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
C. Finance: - Matt Nielson
1. Finance & Dashboard Report
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Expenditure Budget Summary Report.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Revenues Budget Summary Report.
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Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Cash and Investments Balance Report. There will a review of the
city’s investment policy. The Investment Committee will meet to review the investment parameters. In the
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past it was accepted to apply restrictions on the different types of investments and on the percentage of
funds allocated to those investments because of the particular investment market. In today’s market those
restrictions do not apply. A thorough review of those parameters will be reviewed and brought back before
City Council.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Treasurer’s Expenditure Report. Council President Busby asked if
the Golf Course will be able to payback some of the construction loan with the increase of revenues they
have received. Finance Officer Nielson replied he expects all of the revenues collected will be applied to the
expenditures and there will be an operations loss.
2. Certification of Fiscal Year 2021 Budget (L-2) Including the 3% Administration Fee
Finance Officer Nielson explained the L-2 is the document he fills out every year to certify the city’s
budget amount. Once the document has been fill out it is sent to the County Clerk, the County Clerk will
then send it to the state. The state determines the amount of taxes assessed to the city’s property owners.
He said this year there is a new L-2 form. The form is different because the city has elected to take the
public safety money from the state. There are several items listed on the form that are going to change one
being the amount of money received from the onetime tax relief it has not been determined. He reviewed
the different amounts in the Analysis of Estimated One Time Property Tax Credit.
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D. Public Works: - Keith Davidson
1. Contract Approval for Electrical Improvements at Three Well House/Booster Pump Buildings
Public Works Director Davidson explained entering into an agreement with Bradley
Engineering/Chartered on the renovation design of Water System – Well 1 and 6, low and high booster
pump stations.
Council Member Johnson moved to approve the Contract with Bradley Engineering/Chartered
on Project – Water System – Well 1 and 6, low and high Booster Pump Stations Renovations;
Council Member Walker seconded the motion; Council President Busby 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
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2. Direct Communications Lease Agreement Review
Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the location and a picture of the Direct Communication’s
“hut” trailer. The city would lease the ground to Direct Communications and a concrete pad would be
poured to sit the trailer on. He said he has not determined the monthly lease amount to charge Direct
Communications.
Council President Busby asked about the issues with the recent snow blower the city purchased.
Public Works Director Davidson replied there were issues with the attachment points on the blower
that need to be retrofitted.
Council Member Johnson said she received complaints from two different residents regarding
their water being turned off due to construction work near their homes. When the water was turned
back on the water left in their appliances flooded the floor. Public Works Director Davidson
explained during the process of jetting the sewer lines if the home’s roof vents are clogged the
pressure will cause the water to explode out of toilets and floor drains. When water is exploding out
of faucets the cause is different. He said if the water valves are turned off to quickly it can cause a
spike in pressure and broken valves sending excess water into household appliances. City employees
are trained to not turn off the water valves quickly.
Mayor’s Report:
Public Hearing 7:00 P.M. – Resolution No 2020 – 15 To Accrue Forgone Property Tax From Fiscal
Year 2021 – Matt Nielson
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed Resolution 2020-15.
Resolution to Accrue Forgone Property Taxes from Fiscal Year 2021
Resolution 2020 - 15
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to maintain the overall quality of life experienced by its constituents;
and
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to accrue forgone property taxes in the amount of $158,351, which will
allow such forgone amount to accumulate until a subsequent year when the City may need to levy all or part
of the forgone amount to cover the cost of the services provided by the City; and
WHEREAS, the City Council has provided required notice and held a public hearing in regards to the
accrual of forgone property tax.
NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved by the Mayor and the Council of the City of Rexburg, effective August
19, 2020 that $158,351 forgone property tax will be accrued and may be added in part or full to a future year
through its property tax levying authority.
In order to add part or the full accrued forgone amount to a subsequent budget, The City will be required as
per House Bill 474 to publish notice and hold a public hearing and adopt a resolution stating the governing
board’s intent to use the foregone levying authority, the amount of forgone revenue to be included in the tax
levy for that fiscal year, and the purpose for which the forgone revenue will be used. A copy of such
resolution must be filed with the County Clerk and the Idaho Tax Commission when certifying its property
tax levy to the county using forgone levying authority.
PASSED BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND APPROVED BY THE MAYOR THIS __ DAY OF AUGUST,
2020.
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_______________________________________
Jerry L. Merrill, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Deborah Lovejoy, City Clerk
Finance Officer Nielson explained if City Council decides to accept the public safety money from the
state one of the stipulation is the city cannot raise the property taxes or budget by 3%. The 3% is equivalent
to $158,351. This Public Hearing was advertised for the purpose of allowing the city to put the 3% into
forgone. The forgone is not actual cash it’s the ability to add the forgone amount into the city’s budget in a
subsequent budget year. He described the forgone amount as a savings, if all or a percentage of the forgone
amount is needed next year it can be added to the budget. When City Council decides the forgone amount is
needed the process will include a public hearing, a reason why the amount is needed and an approval of a
resolution to include in the budget.
Finance Officer Nielson continued to explain if City Council decided to not approve the resolution to
accrue forgone property tax then the 3% increase and the opportunity to add the 3% to the city budget in
subsequent years disappears.
Council Member Wolfe asked who pays the $158,351 and what happens to that amount if City Council
elects not to accrue forgone. Finance Officer Nielson said the $158,351 is paid by city property owners in
property taxes. The amount wouldn’t be collected from the tax payers until the city certifies the amount in
its levy using the L-2 form from the state. The city would never levy the $158,351 amount this year or
subsequent years from here on out.
Council Member Flora explained City Council has a duty to be fiscally responsible to have the funds
needed to provide adequate infrastructure on an already lean budget. Council Member Busby asked if the
tax payers are receive a 6% relief in property taxes. Finance Officer Nielson said the relief amount still needs
to be determined; however, the tax payer would be receiving the onetime tax relief plus the 3% in forgone.
The forgone amount could be kept up to 10 years before the city uses that amount.
Discussion regarding the process of using the forgone amount. Council Member Wolfe clarified the 3%
forgone amount is not being collected from the tax payers, it is being set aside to possible collected in future
years.
Council President Busby 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 President Busby closed the Public Hearing for deliberations.
Council Member Mann expressed his concerns with not electing to accrue the forgone and
therefore binding future City Council Members to a leaner budget; however, he prefers to give tax
relief to the city tax payers. By not accrue forgone, it will force the city to limit the money being
spent and give tax relief to the tax payers by not taking the relief back at a later date. If the forgone
could only be used for roads or safety he would be more in favor of accruing the forgone; however,
that is not the case. He believes it will be a great gesture to the community and to let them they as
Council Members do care about the budget and their taxes.
Council Member Flora said the tax payer’s property taxes will increase next year. It is a onetime
tax relief and City Council electing to accrue forgone doesn’t mean they don’t care about the budget
or the tax payers. She indicated regardless of City Council’s decision to approve or not approve the
resolution the tax payer’s taxes will increase next year. The forgone is allowing a future City Council
to use the forgone percentage set aside if need be to provide the services our residents need.
Council Member Walker expressed his concerns with not accruing forgone and the effect that
could have in the future on the city’s budget to fund street projects and other needed infrastructure.
Council Member Wolfe said he has the same concerns as Council Member Mann with the use of the
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forgone. If the forgone could sole be used for street projects he would be more inclined to allow the
accrual of forgone. Council Member Flora said the current Council Members need to trust future
Council Members on the use of the forgone.
Council Member Walker moved to approve Resolution No. 2020 – 15 To Accrue Forgone
Property Tax Form Fiscal Year 2021; Council Member Johnson seconded the motion; Council
President Busby 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
Items for Consideration: NONE
Calendared Bills:
A. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read:
1. Ordinance No 1235 Fiscal Year 2020 Budget Amendment
Ordinance No. 1235
Amend Ordinance 1215 Fiscal Year 2020 Appropriation Ordinance
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, AMENDING
ORDINANCE NO. 1215, THE APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE
FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2019 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER
30, 2020: 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 $3,380,000 AND PROVIDING
AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Council Member Flora moved to approve Ordinance No. 1235 Fiscal Year 2020 Budget
Amendment and consider second read; Council Member Wolfe seconded the motion; Council
President Busby 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
B. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read:
1. Ordinance No 1233 Rezone 790 & 796 Barney Dairy Rd #20-00347 from Rural Residential 1
(RR1) to Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) Zone – Alan Parkinson
ORDINANCE NO 1233
Rezone Approximately 790 and 796 Barney Dairy Rd, Rexburg, Idaho to Low
Density Residential 2 (LDR2)
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND CHANGING THE
ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, AND
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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. 1233 the Rezone at 790 & 796 Barney
Dairy Road from Rural Residential 1 (RR1) to Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) Zone and
consider third read; Council Member Flora seconded the motion; Council President Busby 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
Mayor’s Business: Ratify Heidi M Anderson as a Member of the Parks Committee
Council President Busby said he spoke with Mayor Merrill and was informed by the Mayor to
recommend Heidi Anderson be appointed to the Parks Committee.
Council Member Flora moved to ratify the appointment of Heidi M. Anderson to the Parks
Committee; Council Member Johnson seconded the motion; Council President Busby 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
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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 August 5, 2020 meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Johnson moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and
city bills; Council Member Walker seconded the motion; Council President Busby 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 8:07 P.M.
APPROVED:
________________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk