HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - June 03, 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 Johnson 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.
Susan Hyde explained she purchased a house on an acre lot located at 669 S. 12th W. When she
purchased the property, city staff informed her that she would be able to build a mini home on the
property; however, she has been met with many barriers. She is requesting the city to allow her to
adjust her septic tank. Before she purchased the property, it was annexed into the city and city code
indicates no modifications can be made to the septic tank or to the well. The sewer and water lines
would need to be connected to the city’s wastewater and water main lines. The cost of the permits
alone to connect the property to those lines is around $4,700 and due to the location of the home,
they would need to dig 18 feet into the ground. She spoke with an excavation contractor and was
informed the cost to dig the 18-foot hole would cost about $10,000. The estimated cost to connect
to the city’s water and wastewater main lines will be about $23,000. She requested her property be
exempt from having to connect to city services because the house directly behind her house does
not have to connect to city services because they are more than 300 feet away from the city’s main
service lines.
Mayor Merrill replied he would need to discuss Ms. Hyde’s request with city staff. Council Member
Flora mentioned before Ms. Hyde purchased the property city staff informed her that she could
legally build the mini house on her property. Ms. Hyde said she was not informed she would need
to connect the mini house to the city’s wastewater and water systems. She received a letter from the
District 7th Health Department informing her a small RV septic tank could be built on her property
for the mini home. Council Member Wolfe said the city employee stating the mini home could be
placed on the property was correct; however, certain permits are required to meet code.
Introduction of New Employees: Marion McBride – Office Manager Police Dept., Dianne
Bullock – Customer Service Police Dept., Jed Platt – Cultural Arts Director, Cameron Garn –
Golf Pro, Patrick Jackson – IT Support Manager
Mayor Merrill asked the new city employees to introduce themselves.
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
June 03, 2020
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Marion McBride said she is originally from Arkansas and met her husband of 28 years here in
Rexburg. They moved to Idaho Falls and have three daughters.
Dianne Bullock said she moved to Rexburg in 2011 to attend BYU-Idaho University and
graduated four years ago with a degree in Humanities. She married a local resident and they have an
18-month-old daughter.
Jedd Platt said he has been working for the city the last six weeks and has enjoyed being acquainted
with everyone. He is originally from Salt Lake City, Utah and his wife is from Arizona. They have a
four-year-old son and six-year-old daughter. He invited everyone to the first community art show
starting on Friday with:
The Art of Gathering: TAKE A SEAT! This month experience a drive-by community art show. On Friday,
June 5--while supplies last--100 folding chairs will be displayed on the field west of the library (spaced 6 feet apart, of
course). To participate in this exhibit, drive through the bus lane at 1st W and 1st N and “take a seat” home with
you. Using your supplies, creativity and the theme of “community,” create a work of art with a chair as your canvas.
Return your piece to the field on Friday, June 12 before 10 AM; then drive by and see the art of coming together as a
community. Show runs June 12-13.
STAY-ART-HOME is a collective art show featuring the creativity of our community. How did you innovate,
experiment, or express your inner artist during the stay-at-home order? Any medium (paint, play dough, photography,
tinfoil…) is welcome. Entries will be accepted 10 AM-4 PM Tuesday, June 30 at the Tabernacle (25 N Center St).
Come and be inspired by the ingenuity of others; commemorate “the experience we shared together, while being apart.”
Show runs July 2-3 in the Tabernacle.
Patrick Jackson said he grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and Texas. He served in the military and is a
disabled veteran. His desire is to one day be a City Council Member. He has been married for six
years and has six children.
Staff Reports:
A. Community Development: - Bret Stoddard
Building Official Stoddard reviewed the Building Valuation Report for the month of May. There has been
an increase in the number of building permits being requested. The City Building Inspectors continue to
assist the county with the commercial and mechanical inspections.
Council President Busby questioned the amount of permits being requested for this May compared to last
May. Building Official Stoddard explained the valuation report is not the report that would be used to
compare the number of permits being issued each year. There are many factors to consider when comparing
the number of permits being requested at a certain time during the year. He said he believes this is an
average year and the Covid-19 Pandemic has made a large impact on the construction taking place in the
city.
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Council Member Mann asked about the old Cal-Ranch building remodel. Building Official Stoddard
replied the general contractor applied for permits to begin the work on the outside of the building several
months ago. They currently applied for permits to begin the remodel of the inside of the building. The
remodel has taken longer than planned due to the pandemic.
B. Public Works: - Keith Davidson
Public Works Director Davidson reported on the signal light installation on 7th North and 2nd East project
that went out to bid. There was only one bid received and the bid came in higher than anticipated. The
project will go out to bid for a second time. City Engineers contacted other potential contractors that were
not aware of the project. The new signal will be synchronized with the adjacent signal.
Public Works Director Davidson reported there are several other projects being advertised for bids
including the Moody Road and Yellowstone Highway intersection improvements project. Urban Renewal is
funding the improvements and a state grant was awarded to install the railroad crossing signal arms. The
baseball quad lighting installation project will be out to bid on Friday. The top soil dug from the Barney
Dairy property is in good condition and will be used for the baseball quad.
Public Works Director Davidson reported the LED Street Lighting project is also being advertised for
bids. The project consists of replacing the street lights throughout the city. There are some incentives from
Rocky Mountain Power to change to LED lights. Council President Busby asked how many lights would be
replaced. Public Works Director Davidson replied all of the lights in the city will changed to LED; however,
there are some lights Rocky Mountain Power will need to install.
Mayor Merrill said he was at Nature Park and noticed a corner of the restroom building has started to
crumble. The water from the sprinklers has been hitting that section of the building causing the block to
absorb water and deteriorate. Council President Busby asked when the restrooms located in the city parks
would be reopened. Mayor Merrill indicated the restrooms would reopen tomorrow except for the Eagle
Park restrooms because of a broken window.
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Merrill reported he received an email from City Grant Writer, Mary Flanary, stating the
Idaho Humanities Council has awarded a grant to the city in the amount of $3,750. The grant funds
will be used for Cultural Arts events and to pay the wages of Cultural Arts employees.
Council President Busby asked the Council Members if they would prefer to walk or ride on golf
carts in the Fourth of July Parade. Council Member Mann indicated the parade route is about four
blocks longer this year.
Discussion regarding the parade route. City Council decided to use golf carts to ride in the parade.
Public Hearings: NONE
Items for Consideration: NONE
Calendared Bills and Tabled Items:
A. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read:
1. Ordinance No. 1226 Development Code, Ordinance No. 1200 Amendment of Highway
20 Corridor Sign Height to 50 feet #20-00079.
Council Member Mann mentioned there were many residents opposed to raising the sign height
during the first request. He asked to review a map of the Highway 20 Corridor to determine the
areas of where the signs would be located. A map was reviewed on the overhead screen. Council
Member Flora also requested to review the map to determine how close the signs are to houses.
Council Member Mann said he feels raising the sign height is unfair to the current business owners
whose signs are not as high as this change would allow. He believes the new trend is to have
monument size signs instead of the higher large sign with increased height. The new trend can be
seen with the new Wal-Mart sign.
Discussion regarding some of the signs around the Highway 20 Corridor and the sign heights.
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Mayor Merrill said a study was performed to determine a suitable sign height. Public Works
Director Davidson indicated the purpose for changing the sign height is to make the signs visiable
before it is to late for a driver to exit off the highway. Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson
said there is a business that blocks the view of some of the current signs in place, that is another
reason why the added sign height is needed. Council President Busby mentioned before a sign can
be installed in the city a person will need to apply for a pemit.
Council President Walker moved to second read Ordinance No. 1226 – Development Code,
Ordinance No. 1200 Amendment of Highway 20 Corridor Sign Height to 50 feet; Council President
Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill 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
2. Ordinance No 1228 Rezone 150 N 2nd W to Mixed Use (MU) #20-00141.
ORDINANCE NO. 1228
Rezone Approximately 150 North 2nd West from Light Industrial (LI) to Mixed Use (MU)
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 Flora moved to second read Ordinance No. 1228 the Rezone at approximately
150 N. 2nd W from Light Industrial (LI) to Mixed Use (MU) with the conditions outlined in the city
staff reviews; 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 Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried
B. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: NONE
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 May 20, 2020 Meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
C. 2020 Fireworks Stands Permit Approval
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Council Member Wolfe moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes, city bills
and the 2020 Fireworks Stand Permits; 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 Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried
Fiscal Year 2021 Budget Review & Acceptance of Tentative Budget – Matt Nielson
Finance Office Nielson said there are 16 different documents in the City Council’s packets and he
will be reviewing several of those documents. The City Council’s goal is to come to an agreement on
adopting a tentative budget. He would then advertise the public hearing to take place on the 1st of
July at 7:00 P.M.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the General Fund Balance Carryover Report. This is the fund
that is the most scrutinized. The City’s policy has been to keep the carryover balance between 33
and 25 percent. After all of the budget meetings and all of the budget requests were entered the
initial request for the 2021 budget indicate the reserves would drop to 21.97% which is lower than
the 25% threshold. He said the purpose of having reserves is to have available funds for when
unforeseen situations arise such as the Covid-19 Pandemic. He and Mayor Merrill met to review all
of the budget items to determine which areas to cut from the budget and then he met with the
Department Heads to review the budget cuts. He said after the budget cut discussions he entered all
of the data to come up with a proposed budget. He determined after the final cuts, the minimum
reserve percentage of expenditures at the end of Fiscal Year 2021 would be slightly above three
million dollars and the actual percentage would be at 25.01%, meeting the city's threshold policy.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the General Fund Transfers-Subsidies. There are several
additions to the number of subsidies including the New City/Police Building Reserve and Fiber
Reserve. Council President Busby asked why the Rapids Cap Replace Fund is receiving an increase
of $10,000. Finance Officer Nielson explained the fund was forecasted at a reduced revenue for
Fiscal Year 2020 with a slight increase in revenues for Fiscal Year 2021. He also included the capital
demands, one being the stairs for the waterslides. If the increase were not included, the fund would
have been at a loss of about $7,000 due to the capital demands and revenue loss.
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Finance Officer Nielson explained the city has the option of raising property tax by zero to three
percent; it can also be raised by new construction. Madison County is estimating new construction at
about $81,574,611; however, he was informed by the county to only take into consideration about
90% of the estimated rate due to possible reductions. The 90% consideration was taken which
equals an estimated amount of about $73,417,150. The possible increase in property taxes is
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estimated at about $304,850 in new construction. He was only estimating about 30 million dollars in
the new construction tax rate during the initial budget process.
Council Member Mann asked if it is the city’s practice to take the full 3% increase and does the
city have foregone funds available. Finance Officer Nielson replied it has been the city’s practice to
take the full 3% increase and the city has a zero foregone amount. The city has the option of only
increasing the property taxes by 1.5%. He mentioned the county is going to try to keep a zero
increase; however, the city does have a low levy rate. City Council has the option of changing the tax
rate at the time of adopting the tentative budget. The tax rate can also be advertised at the 3% and
then reduced.
Mayor Merrill mentioned there are cities and counties that are considering not increasing the tax
rate and others that are taking less than the 3%. Council Member Flora explained the homeowners
would not see a significant increase; however, the businesses may notice a greater difference. She
would prefer to know the tax increase amount for each business. Finance Officer Nielson replied
the property tax amount varies per business based on several factors, one being a reduction in the
property assessment value. The 1.5% would equal an overall increase of $76,600 and double this
amount for a 3% increase.
Mayor Merrill mentioned the sewer rebates the city is considering for businesses that didn’t have a
large sewer usage during the three months of closure due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. Council
Member Mann indicated he is favor of the 1.5% increase in property taxes.
City Attorney Zollinger explained the reason why the city has a low tax levy is due to the Teton
Dam Flood. He said shortly after the flood the council members at that time decided to take a zero
tax increase as a gesture of goodwill to the community members. The decision to take the zero tax
increase had consequences in later years. Council Member Mann mentioned there is a risk with
having a zero tax increase because the Idaho Legislators could ask cities to keep the same percentage
of increase as the prior year.
Council Member Wolfe questioned the reason why the city’s budget cannot be reduced to offset a
zero percent tax increase. Discussion regarding the budget cuts in supplies, travel, etc. Finance
Officer Nielson explained the Street Fund is taking an 18% reduction in gas taxes. Council Member
Walker said he is hesitant in not taking the full 3% tax increase because of the consequences that
may arise with not having sufficient funds to complete needed projects.
Discussion regarding placing the percentage of taxes not used into foregone; however as City
Attorney Zollinger mentioned the Idaho Legislators could change how the foregone amount is used.
There has been discussion of removing the new construction tax by the Idaho Legislators.
Council Member Flora said she believes the city residents are more interested in street repairs than
a slight reduction in property taxes. Mayor Merrill said he is concerned about businesses, such as
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hotels, receiving a higher increase in taxes during an economic downturn. Council Member Flora
explained some businesses such as hotels will be reassessed for tax purposes and may be devalued. If
a business is devalued after the reassessment, their taxes will be lowered. Council President Busby
said some businesses might also receive tax relief from state and federal agencies due to the Covid-
19 Pandemic.
Council President Busby questioned the sewer rebate the city is considering and the type of
businesses that were selected to receive the rebate. Finance Officer Nielson replied non-profit
businesses were not consider for the sewer rebate. The city only considered for profit businesses and
apartments. Council President Busby said he is in favor of increasing the property taxes to the full
3% because as Council Member Flora indicated, the city needs to maintain an adequate level of
services for the residents. Mayor Merrill stated the city will keep the 3% increase in property taxes.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the budget request for capital and new personnel. The last
column shows the amount of funds cut from the department.
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Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the General Fund Department Total Increases chart.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Fiscal Year 2021 Personnel Requests. The only full time
position included in the budget is the Street Department.
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Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Fiscal Year 2021 Capital Requests chart.
Discussion regarding the Fire Department’s replacement vehicles and the Sanitation Department’s
garbage truck.
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Discussion regarding the Wastewater Plant and Parks Department budgeted projects.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Utilities Sample Bills and the increase for the Fiscal Year
2021. The calculations are based on a three-year use of water, sewer and garbage. Discussion
regarding the cost for the recycling program. Council Member Flora stated the importance of
informing the city residents about the expense of the recycling program.
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Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the City of Rexburg 2021 Budget Highlights. He will change the
1.5% increase in property tax to 3% that was agreed upon by City Council.
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Discussion regarding the airport’s feasibility study and the time frame for each study. Council
President Busby questioned if there is an expiration date on the feasibility study. City Attorney
Zollinger replied there have been several feasibilities studies; however, not one of those studies has
been for the current location being studied. Finance Officer Nielson said the studies need to be
updated to receive funding from Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Council Member Johnson asked when the construction of the path will begin. Discussion
regarding the construction of the path by the Madison Jr. High School. The construction of the path
will begin this year.
Finance Officer Nielson read the State of Understandings of Budget Management.
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Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Notice of Public Hearing that will be advertised in the local
newspaper.
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Council Member Flora moved approve the Tentative Budget for Fiscal Year 2021 with the
changes discussed; 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 Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried
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Council Member Walker moved to go into Executive Session per Idaho State Statute 74-206
(b) To consider the evaluation, dismissal or disciplining of, or to hear complaints or charges
brought against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, or public school
student; Council Member Wolfe 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 Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried
Executive session began 8:26 P.M.
Executive session ended 9:37 P.M.
Discussion after the executive session, City Council briefly discussed a change to the city’s
compensation system that would eliminate lump sum merits in the future and move base pay from
step 37 to step 41. City Human Resources Director Hill will need to modify the Compensation
System to reflect this change and present to City Council to officially adopt the policy change, which
will then have to be reflected in the employee handbook to be distributed to the city employees.
They also discussed merit raises for Fiscal Year 2021 and a motion was made to freeze wages in
Fiscal Year 2021 and do a 2.49% COLA on October 1, 2020, which means that whatever your base
pay (pay period base pay x 24) is on 9/30/20, then you will make that same amount in Fiscal Year
2021, plus 2.49% COLA.
Council Member Flora moved to approve a City Employee Wage Freeze in Fiscal Year 2021 and
approve the 2.49% Cost of Living Adjustment on October 1, 2020, which means that whatever your
base pay (pay period base pay x 24) is on 9/30/20, then you will make that same amount in Fiscal
Year 2021, plus 2.49% COLA; Council Member Wolfe 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 Member Wolfe
Council President Busby
The motion carried
Finance Officer Nielson stated that he would modify the Fiscal Year 2021 Tentative Budget to
reflect those changes when published.
Adjournment 9:40 P.M.
APPROVED:
________________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________
Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk