HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - February 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 Flora said the prayer.
Alan Parkinson led the pledge.
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council Member Flora, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mann, Council Member
Wolfe and Council President Busby.
Mayor Merrill asked to be excused.
Council Member Walker 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.
Motion to Amend Agenda Roll Call Vote:
A. Add Item 8B - Final Plat Approval for 12th W & Hwy 33
B. Add Item 12 – Executive Session Idaho State Statute 74-206(1)(a) and 74-206(1)(j)
Council Member Mann moved to amend the agenda to include: Item 8B – Final Plat for 12th West
and Highway 33 and Item 12 – Executive Session Idaho State Statute 74-206(1)(a) To consider
hiri ng a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, wherein the respective
qualities of individuals are to be evaluated in order to fill a particular vacancy or need. This
paragraph does not apply to filling a vacancy in an elective office or deliberations about staffing
needs in general ;and 74-206(1)(j) To consider labor contract matters authorized under section
74-206A (1)(a) and (b), Idaho Code ; Council Member Johnson seconded the motion; Council
President Busby asked for a roll call vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Mann
Council President Busby
The motion carried
Committee Liaison Assignments for 2020:
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
February 19, 2020
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A. Council Member Mann: M.E.P.I. · Legacy Flight Museum · Planning & Zoning
Council Member Mann reported the Legacy Flight Museum met last month. The Airshow is
scheduled for June on Father’s Day. Planning and Zoning met two weeks ago; however, he was
unable to attend the meeting. Planning and Zoning will meet again tomorrow.
B. Council Member Busby: Cultural Arts/Museum · School Board · M.U.S.I.C.
Council Member Busby reported the Cultural Arts has a number of events scheduled. On February 21st
the Combined High School Barbershop performances will be held at the Tabernacle. This event has been
very successful and many high schools will be participating. The Rexburg Tabernacle Orchestra Concert will
held on February 27th at 7:30 P.M. On March 9th the Smithsonian is coming to the Museum of Rexburg until
April 17th.
Council Member Busby reported he spoke with Dr. Thomas earlier this afternoon. Dr. Thomas informed
him, the Madison Boys’ Basketball team won their first district game against Timberline last night. The team
will play again tomorrow in Rigby with the opponent being Rigby. The M.U.S.I.C committee has not met.
C. Council Member Walker: MYAB · Emergency Services · Traffic & Safety
Council Member Walker did not attend the meeting.
D. Council Member Johnson: Trails · Beautification · Development Workshop
Council Member Johnson reported the Beautification Committee will meet on Thursday, March 26th. This
committee has not met in a while. She asked if the Council Members have any suggestions in terms of goals
the committee members can work on.
Council Member Johnson reported the Trails Committee has not met. The committee will met in March or
April. A section of trail will be added behind the Madison Jr. High School.
Council Member Johnson reported The Development Workshop Board no longer meets in Rexburg, they
met in Idaho Falls so she will not be attending their meetings. She said Mayor Merrill asked her to serve on
the Rexburg Free Health Clinic Board. She and some of the Council Members had the opportunity to tour the
clinic. The free clinic assists residents who don’t have access to healthcare. The healthcare providers volunteer
their time at the free clinic and all of the equipment has been donated.
Council Member Busby asked for the location of the free clinic. Council Member Johnson replied the clinic
is located at the old Madison Jr. High School. The clinic currently has eight patients as more funding becomes
available, they will add more patients.
E. Council Member Flora: Parks & Recreation · Urban Renewal Agency · GIS Oversight
Council Member Flora reported the Parks Committee met to discuss the 10 year Parks Plan. They also
discussed the dog park that may be available soon. The 10 year Parks Plan indicates, the city may be add two
more parks add updates to the out dated park equipment in some of the city parks. The city’s Winter Park at the
Teton Lakes Golf Course has a free sledding hill and they rent out cross county skis to use on the trails.
Council Member Flora reported Urban Renewal Agency and GIS Oversight Committee have not met.
F. Council Member Wolfe: Airport Board · Golf Board · Police
Council Member Wolfe reported The Airport Board met a week ago. The have been discussing the
relocation of the airport. There are several studies needing to be completed. The Feasibility Study is currently
being completed. The Golf Board met to discuss the contract for the Golf Pro.
Council Member Wolfe reported he met with Police Chief Turman earlier today. They discussed the
replacement of two positions at the Police Department. One position is the Office and Records Supervisor to
replace Sheila Rhodes. The other position is an administrative assistant for the front office. A patrol officer
position will soon be available to replace Bransen Devey.
Staff Reports:
A. Finance: - Matt Nielson
1. Finance Reports
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Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Operating Expenditures Report. The Arts Fund is at 17% because
the Romance Theater remodel has not begun. The remodel work on the Romance Theater will go out to bid
soon. The Total Misc. Departments/Categories is at 29% spent. The Police Department in the
Investigation Division Fund is over budget due to an active investigation in the recent months.
Council Member Busby asked if the city pays for the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) assistance in
the case being investigated. Finance Officer Nielson said the city has not paid the FBI’s to bring their
resources here to Rexburg.
Finance Officer Nielson mentioned the Public Works Department total expenditures are at 32%. There
was one change to the report, the Street Repair Contracts were moved to the Capital Expenditures. This
account is at 123% due to the carryover projects that were not completed until the new fiscal year.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Operating Revenues Report. The County Road Tax is at 52% and
the Property Tax is at 59% due to three million dollars in taxes received in January. Utility Charges –
Wastewater is typically low due to a Capital Contribution in the account. The Capital Contribution was
move to the Capital Revenues Account.
Finance Officer Nielson said the Capital Reserve Fees and Impact Fees are trending low.
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Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Cash and Investment Report and the Treasurer’s Expenditure
Report.
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B. Public Works: - Keith Davidson
1. Baseball Quad Bid Award
Public Works Director Davidson reported he has not been able to meet with Jerome Bowen
Construction regarding the Baseball Quad bid, their representative is out of town until next week.
The bid award will take place at the next City Council meeting.
Public Works Director Davidson reported on the well house being completed. The floor has been
poured at the well house on 7th North. The well house near the Burton Elementary School the floor
will be poured soon.
Public Works Director Davidson reported it has been a busy year with snow removal. City Staff
will meet with the City Staff Oversight Committee to discuss the city’s snow removal policy. After,
the meeting with the Oversight Committee a City Council work meeting will be scheduled to review
any recommendation from the committee.
Council Member Wolfe mentioned there is a concern with the baseball quad contract being more
money than the amount approved by City Council. The donations are going to take time to collect.
He asked Finance Officer Nielson if there is a fund that would guarantee the remaining amount
needed for the contract and as the donations are received to pay down that amount. Finance Officer
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Nielson replied City Council would need to designate where the remaining funds would come from
or decide which items needs to be removed before the contract is approved.
Council Member Wolfe said the donations could take a year or less to receive. He has not been
met with any resistance from the people he has asked to donate to the baseball quad project.
Council Member Johnson asked when Madison County will have an answer to determine their
participation in the cost for the baseball quad. Finance Officer Nielson said the County
Commissioners will be meeting on Monday.
Discussion regarding the items that could be removed from the contract. Public Works Director
Davidson said he will meet with Jerome Bowen Construction to determine the options. Council
Member Wolfe said he is concerned about removing an items such as the concession stand to then
build later which could be more expensive. Council Member Mann said before a contract is
approved the city needs to verify the funds are available.
Council Member Mann said he has received comments from residents regarding the pile of snow
on the corners of the blocks causing low visibility when crossing. Public Works Director Davidson
said the Street Department crew has pushed the snow back in some areas; however, the pile of snow
on the corners of the blocks is common with the amount of snow the city has received. He advised
extra caution be used when driving onto an intersection.
Council Member Busby asked Public Works Director Davidson to explain the maintenance for
the state highway running through the city. Public Works Director Davidson explained Highway 33
runs through all of Main Street and Second East these areas are maintained by the Idaho
Transportation Department. The remainder of the streets are maintained by the city. There is a
“report a pot hole” on the city’s website, where the residents can fill out a form to report a pothole.
Discussion regarding the schedule for Oversight Committee meeting to discuss the city’s snow
removal policy.
C. Parks Advisory Committee: - Dog Park Presentation – Daniel Torres
City Economic Developer Daniel Torres reported the Parks Committee met and has determined a
location for the Dog Park. The location would be near Eagle Parks. The size of the park would be
approximately .7 acres and would contain an area for large and small dogs. The Parks Committee is working
with the city’s Engineering Department to determine the cost of the park. He said last year the park was
budget at $80,000; however, the location of the park was not settled. The approximate cost for the dog park
is $50,000; it will include a gravel parking lot on the northeast side of the property and an ADA paved
access to a landing area. The rest of the park will be grass with the grass currently being irrigated. Council
Member Busby asked if the grass is flood irrigated. Economic Developer Torres replied the grass is irrigated
with a sprinkler system.
Economic Developer Torres explained before an apportion is requested from City Council the Parks
Committee prefers to work with the Dog Owners Association regarding a management plan for the dog
park. The City’s Park Department will be primarily responsible for the maintenance of the park in
partnership with the dog owners.
Council Member Flora said in the preliminary estimations of the Dog Park benches and amenities were
not included. She asked if grants would be used to purchase the benches and amenities or will some of the
basic amenities be include in the estimated cost for the park. Economic Developer Torres said the current
estimate doesn’t include the any of amenities.
Council Member Johnson questioned the $50,000 estimated cost for the park, there were previous
discussions with an estimated cost of $37,000. Economic Developer Torres said there were two different
locations being proposed for the park and after discussion with City Parks Director McInnes, the location
agreed upon would cost $47,000 and access gates need to be added making the total estimated cost $50,000.
Public Hearing NONE
Items for Consideration:
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A. Resolution 2020-03 Madison County Hazard Mitigation Plan – Adopted by City of
Rexburg – Robert Kohler
Robert Kohler said he is the Emergency Manager for Madison County. Some of his job duites
include determining ways Madison County can protect it’s citizens against disaster. He explained
how important The Madison County All Hazard Mitigation Plan is and how it will benefit the city
and county. He reviewed the handout below.
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Mr. Kohler mentioned the purpose of Resolution is to formally adopt the updated Madison County
All-Hazard Mitigation Plan. Upon passing the resolution the city is willing to be a partner in the plan
as projects are identified by a board. The board will consist of representatives from Sugar City,
Madison County and City of Rexburg along with Emergency Services personal.
Mr. Kohler said there is a crushed covert below a roadway above an 80 foot tall crossing with a
canyon below on 2000 South. When there is high snow fall causing heavy spring run off the road
acts like a dam. The water collected from the spring runoff could cause damage to the neighboring
Sugar City and power infrastructure. He said he is currently working on a grant to pay for the covert
to be replaced. The grant will require about a 25% match and 10% to 15% of the 25% can be in-
kind supplies or equipment.
Council Member Johnson questioned if there are plans in place for winter storm mitigation. Mr.
Kohler replied yes some of the projects listed are: they have identified shelters, they have placed
generators at some of our critical infrastructure such as wells to maintain water flow and they have
identified how they are going to handle transportation.
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Council President Busby asked Council Member Wolfe to read Resolution No. 2020-03.
RESOLUTION TO ADOPT THE UPDATED MADISON COUNTY ALL-HAZARD
MITIGATION PLAN
Resolution No. 2020 - 03
WHEREAS, the City of Rexburg recognizes the threat that natural hazards pose to people and
property within our community; and
WHEREAS, the City of Rexburg recognizes the importance of reducing or eliminating
vulnerability to disasters caused by natural hazards for the overall good and welfare of the
community; and
WHEREAS, on October 10, 2000, the U.S. Congress passed the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000
(“Act”) which provides the legal framework for the Federal Emergency Management Agency
(FEMA) mitigation, planning requirements for state, local, and tribal governments as a condition of
mitigation grant assistance emphasizing the need for pre-disaster mitigation of potential hazards;
and
WHEREAS, as a condition of future funding for mitigation projects, the Act requires jurisdictions
to prepare and adopt a hazard mitigation plan to identify and address certain vulnerabilities that
exist prior to and during a disaster; and
WHEREAS, FEMA supports post-disaster grant funding through the Hazard Mitigation Plan
Grant program, which has as a condition of funding eligibility, a requirement for jurisdictions to
prepare and adopt a hazard mitigation plan; and
WHEREAS, to maintain continued eligibility for FEMA mitigation grant assistance programs the
Act requires a hazard mitigation plan be updated every five years; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the Act’s requirements, Madison County, the City of Rexburg, and
the City of Sugar City engaged in the FEMA-prescribed mitigation planning process to prepare the
2019 Plan and its associated local hazard mitigation plan annexes; and
WHEREAS, the 2019 Plan has been approved, pending City of Rexburg adoption, by the Idaho
Office of Emergency Management and Federal Emergency Management Agency, Region X; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:
1. The Rexburg City Council hereby accepts, approves, and adopts in its entirety Chapter 1 and
Appendix A-D of the Madison County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan;
2. The City of Rexburg will continue to participate in the updating and revision of the 2019
Plan with another plan review and revision to occur within a five year cycle, and designated
staff will provide annual progress reports on the status of implementation of the 2019 Plan
to the Madison County Commissioners and City Council.
PASSED AND ADOPTED on February 5, 2020.
________________________________
SIGNED BY: Jerry Merrill, Mayor
ATTEST:
I hereby attest that the above is a true copy of a Resolution passed at a regular meeting of the
Rexburg City Council, City of Rexburg, held on February 5, 2020.
(Seal)
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________________________________
Deborah Lovejoy, City Clerk
Council Member Johnson moved to approve Resolution No. 2020-03 to adopt the updated
Madison County All-Hazard Mitigation Plan; 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 Wolfe
Council Member Mann
Council President Busby
The motion carried
B. NEW: Final Plat Approval 12th West & Hwy 33 - Mitch Neibaur/Alan Parkinson
Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson reviewed the Final Plat Approval for 12th West &
Hwy 33. There are several condition in place for the approval of the Final Plat:
1. The Island off of Highway 33 will follow state requirements.
2. Street lighting will be installed per the Development Code.
3. Utilities will meet the approval of the City Engineer.
4. Storm drainage will be handled on site.
5. An agreement will be signed by the applicant for the maintenance
of anterior roads.
6. Utility easements need to be increased to 15 feet along the
roadways and approved by the county surveyor.
Council Member Flora said she noticed on previous reports discussion about creating a Local
Improvement District for this location and the city owning and maintaining the roads. Planning and
Zoning Administrator Parkinson explained the original proposal was to have off street parking on
the road and the owner was going to maintain this section of the road. The city would maintain the
main roadway. Now, the owner has decide not to have the off street parking and the city will take
full ownership of the road.
Council Member Flora asked for clarification regarding the condition of “an agreement will be
signed by the applicant for the maintenance of anterior roads”. Planning and Zoning Administrator
Parkinson said the owner will sign the agreement for the city to maintain the roads. The owner is
actually signing over the easement/right of ways to the city.
Council Member Mann asked if all of the utilities will be buried. Mr. Neibaur said Rocky
Mountain Power gives the property owner the option of burying the utility lines. Council Member
Mann commended Mr. Neibaur for this development
Council Member Mann moved to approve the Final Plat for 12 West and Highway 33 with the
conditions 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 Wolfe
Council Member Mann
Council President Busby
The motion carried
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Calendared Bills
A. “LAND USE ACTION” – Bills Recommended/Approved in a Land Use Public Hearing
Procedure: – NONE
A. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: - NONE
7. Ordinance No 1222 Intent to Create Local Improvement District (LID) 49 – Keith
Davidson
Council Member Wolfe moved to consider Ordinance No. 1222 Intent to Create Local
Improvement District 49 second read; 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 Wolfe
Council Member Mann
Council President Busby
The motion carried
8. Ordinance No 1223 Rezone (19-00753) 669 Pioneer Rd from Community Business Center
(CBC) to Mixed Use (MU) zone – Alan Parkinson
Council Member Flora moved to consider Ordinance No. 1223 to Rezone 669 Pioneer Road from
Community Business Center (CBC) to Mixed Use (MU) 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 Wolfe
Council Member Mann
Council President Busby
The motion carried
B. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: NONE
1. Ordinance No 1221 Local Improvement District 48 (LID 48) Final Assessment Role –
Keith Davidson
Council Member Flora moved to approve Ordinance No. 1221 Local Improvement District 48
(LID 48) Final Assessment Role and considered third read; Council Member Mann 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 Wolfe
Council Member Mann
Council President Busby
The motion carried
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Mayor’s Business:
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 January 8, 2020 meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Wolfe moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and city
bills; 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 Wolfe
Council Member Mann
Council President Busby
The motion carried
Council Member Wolfe moved to go into Executive Session per Idaho State Statute 74-206(1)(a)
To consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, wherein the
respective qualities of individuals are to be evaluated in order to fill a particular vacancy or
need. This paragraph does not apply to filling a vacancy in an e lective office or deliberations
about staffing needs in general ;and 74-206(1)(j) To consider labor contract matters authorized
under section 74-206A (1)(a) and (b ), Idaho Code ; Council Member Johnson seconded the
motion; Council President Busby asked for a roll call vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Wolfe
Council Member Mann
Council President Busby
The motion carried
Executive session started 7:22 P.M.
Executive Session ended 8:04 P.M.
Adjournment 8:05 P.M.
APPROVED:
________________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
Attest:
_______________________________
Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk