HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - October 07, 2020
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
5:00 P.M. Park Street Local Improvement District (LID) Work Meeting
Public Works Director Davidson asked City Council for feedback from Park Street residents
regarding the LID.
Council Member Wolfe mentioned there are elderly residents on Park Street concerned about their
assessment. The expense would be burdensome.
Council Member Johnson said several residents expressed concerns with the amount of their
assessments and questioned the reasons why an LID is the method the city uses to replace sidewalk
curb and gutter. They asked if a different method is available to fund the cost of replacing sidewalk,
curb and gutter. They questioned their responsibility of replacing the section of drive way that
doesn’t line up with the new sidewalk.
Public Works Director Davidson explained the city currently doesn’t participate in the cost to
replace driveways. When the section of driveway that connects to the sidewalk needs replaced to
meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, the city could participate in that
expense upon City Council approval. Finance Officer Nielson said if City Council decides to
participate in the driveway expense, he is recommending a participation amount of 30%.
Discussion regarding the narrowing of Park Street and the cost savings to the resident by narrowing
the street. Council Member Busby asked if there were complaints from the residents regarding the
relocation of their mailboxes, if the street is narrowed. Council Member Walker replied he did not
hear any complaints about the mailboxes being relocated to the green space from the property
owners.
Council Member Johnson said during the City Council meeting at Park Street Park, city staff
indicated a survey would be sent to the Park Street residents regarding the narrowing of the street.
Public Works Director Davidson replied the survey will be sent to the Park Street residents.
Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the 5-Year Road Improvement Notice printed in the
city’s utility letter to inform residents of the city’s Road Improvement Plan. He also reviewed the
letter written by City Staff Accountant Noah Phethean.
Discussion regarding the timeline of when the letter should be mailed to city residents regarding an
LID of their street. Finance Officer Nielson said the letter should be sent out before winter so the
damage is visible.
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
October 07, 2020
Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the LID Estimated Timeline.
Finance Officer Nielson explained the interest rate assessed to the LID payment, when a resident
selects to pay their assessment over a 10 year period. The interest rate could be set at a specific rate
of 3.25 percent, which is a standard rate. The interest rate is set by the prime rate. Currently, the
rates are low and should remain low for several years. Mayor Merrill asked if the rate could be
increased if the prime rates increase. Finance Officer Nielson replied yes the rates could be increase.
Discussion regarding snow removal. Public Works Director Davidson said he has reviewed the
option of using the snow gates on the city’s snow plow to avoid the berm left behide on the
resident’s driveways. He said other cities using the snow gates have reported it takes more time to
plow the streets with the snow gates attached. When the snow is heavy with moister some cities will
not remove the snow using the snow gates. It is more feasible for residents to remove the berm left
in front of their driveways then it is to remove the snow off the streets with the snow gates attached
to the snow plows.
6:30 P.M. City Hall
Council President Busby said the prayer.
Council Member Wolfe led the pledge.
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Mann, Council Member Walker, Council
Member Wolfe, Council President Busby and Mayor Merrill.
Council Member Flora 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. NONE
Presentation: NONE
Staff Reports:
A. Community Development: - Bret Stoddard
Building Official Stoddard reviewed the Building Valuation Report for the month of Septmeber.
Building Official Stoddard reported the Building Department and Fire Department have been
collaborating on the ominbust ordinance which will be presented to City Council the first part of December.
The new ordinance will containing updates to fire, building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical codes,
which were adoptoed by the State of Idaho.
Dicussion regarding the International Residential Code for single family and two family dwellings.
B. Finance: Matt Nielson
1. Employee Benefits Review 2021 – Terri Hill
Finance Officer Nielson explained during last few months, the city financial reports indicated a favorable
amount of sales tax the city received from the state; however, the state made a mistake on the formula used
to calculate the amount issued to the city. The overage amount the city received in sales taxes was about
$305,000. The state will net that amount against the next quarter. The city will be barely above the budget
for the year.
Finance Officer Nielson said the city has started a new fiscal year and for the next few billing cycles there
will be a mix of bills from the prior fiscal year and new fiscal year. By the 10th of November the Finance
Department will lock down any accruals to the prior fiscal year and will prepare for the auditors scheduled
to start the first week of December.
Finance Officer Nielson reported a Request for Proposal (RFP) was sent out for the new finance
software. There were four different companies that responded to the RFP. There is still a possibility a
portion of the cost for the software may be funded by the State’s CARES Act. Mayor Merrill mentioned if
anyone is aware of expenses due to the Covid-19 Pandemic to inform city staff. Those expenses could be
covered by the CARES Act.
Human Recourses Director Hill reviewed the City of Rexburg Rx Data for the last five years. The
increase in insurance premiums were calculated at a 40% increase due to utilization. One of the items that is
driving the claims is specialty prescription drugs. Last year, there were restraints put in place to help mitigate
the costs of prescription drugs. She believes more restraints will be needed to mitigate those costs this year.
Finance Officer Nielson explained 25% of the utilization of the city’s medical plan are prescriptions. All of
the changes made to the medical plan have not slowed the utilization of prescriptions. He said option three
of the Health and Dental Insurance proposal below indicates a six tier prescription plan shifting the cost to
the higher users.
Human Recourses Director Hill indicated there are about 500 individuals on the city’s Health and Dental
Insurance Plan and only 13 individuals needing the specialty drugs; therefore, the change to the six tier
prescription plan will effect a small percentage of users.
Human Recourses Director Hill explained in addition to the prescription plan change there is a proposed
change to the co-pay amount an individual will pay, currently, the co-pay is $40. The change to the co-pay
would be a three tier approach depending on the type of provider. Blue Cross has a list of Choice Providers
the co-pay to visit a Choice Provider would be $20, if the provider is not a Choice Provider the co-pay
would be $40 and if the provider is a specialist the co-pay would be $60.
Human Resource Director Hill reviewed the proposed options for the city’s Health and Dental Insurance
for 2021. Council Member Wolfe asked which option is being recommended by city staff. Human Resource
Director Hill replied the proposed options have been reviewed by the Employee Committee and their
recommendations will not be received until the next meeting. There are some factors to consider such as,
the increases to the current and future insurance plan premiums and how to be a wise consumer to mitigate
those cost from increasing. She said she in favor of option number three.
Finance Officer Nielson explained prescription cost is the driver of the increased insurance premiums and
the city has not addressed this issue. The six tier prescription plan was implemented in the City of Idaho
Falls and Pocatello, they had a 31 to 33 percent utilization and currently they have a 25% utilization. The six
tier plan had a positive effect on those cities utilization. City Staff is trying to address the high percentage of
specialty drug prescription use. He said option three could lower the specialty prescription use by passing
some of the burden to the user.
Human Resource Director Hill said the Medical Flex Spending is increasing to $2,800 this year which
could assist those needing the specialty prescriptions.
C. Public Works: - Keith Davidson
1. Wastewater Barney Dairy Lift Station Bid Acceptance
Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the bids received for the Wastewater Barney Dairy Lift
Station. A $500,000 grant received from the state will assist with the costs to build the lift station.
The Mill Hollow Lift Station will be retired and the Barney Dairy Lift Station will operate that
region’s wastewater. Council President Busby asked when the construction of the lift station will
begin. Public Works Director Davidson said the construction will begin this fall because the baseball
quad wastewater lines are tied to the Barney Dairy Lift Station.
Council President Busby moved to approve the low bid of $851,192. from Edstrom Construction
for the Wastewater Barney Dairy Lift Station; Council Member Wolfe seconded the motion; Mayor
Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Wolfe None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council President Busby
The motion carried
2. Fall Clean-up Date Approval October 19, 2020 to November 9, 2020
Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the proposed dates for the Fall Clean-up.
Council Member Johnson moved to approve the Fall Clean-up dates of October 19th through
November 9th, 2020; Council President Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Wolfe None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council President Busby
The motion carried
Public Hearing: NONE
Mayor’s Report:
Mayor Merrill reported on the number of Covid-19 cases in Madison County and due to the
increase in the number of cases the city will implement the following strategy. A letter was mailed to
city businesses asking the business owner to cooperate with the city’s initiative. The main purpose is
to keep all businesses open and not have to close down due to the increase in the number of cases.
1. Banners and signs were printed with the East Idaho Health
Department social distancing guidelines and face mask mandate.
The signs were posted at city parks to raise awareness.
2. Public Gathering Permits of more than 25 people will be highly
vetted and discouraged.
3. Empower the Police Department to enforce the public health
guidelines.
4. Re-emphasize the city employees to wear a face coverings when social
distancing is not possible.
5. New digital sign at the end of Main Street to keep everyone
informed of the number of Covid-19 cases.
6. The city purchased 17,000 masks to distribute to small local
businesses for their customers.
7. The city will coordinate with businesses, school district and
hospital on enforcing the public health mandates.
8. More information to be distributed to the public regarding the
number of Covid-19 cases needing hospitalization.
9. Managing city recreation activities to adhere to the public health
guidelines.
10. A positive reinforcement plan to reward residents cooperating in
the city’s efforts. Several businesses have donated gift certificates to
reward residents complying with public health guidelines.
Council Member Mann expressed his appreciation for Mayor Merrill’s efforts to stop the spread
of Covid-19. He wondered if passing a city ordinance requiring face masks would be more effective
than the proposed strategy. Mayor Merrill said the Health Department has issued a face mask
mandate for Madison County. Council Member Mann asked if the city passed a city ordinance
requiring face mask in addition to the Health Department’s mandate would make a difference.
Council Member Johnson asked how the Police Department is going to enforce the Health
Department’s guidelines. Will the enforcement be in the form of a fine? Mayor Merrill replied a fine
would be difficult to issue to those people not wearing a face mask. The enforcement would be
along the lines of public gatherings. If there is a large gathering of people at the park a police officer
would ask the crowd to disperse and if they do not the police officer could issue a fine to those not
complying with the guidelines or wearing a face covering.
Police Chief Turman said the Police Department would prefer not to have to issue fines
to residents not complying with the Health Department’s mandates. They would prefer to
encourage and educate the public regarding the mandates issued by the Health
Department.
Council Member Johnson asked if the number Covid-19 cases needing hospitalization
have increased. Mayor Merrill replied the hospitalization rate has not coincided with the
number of cases rate. The population of Rexburg is generally young and health which has
been to our favor.
Michael Prince Grifols Plasma Donation Center Manager said industry wide the plasma
centers have increased the monetary payment for the donors who have the Covid-19
antibodies. The need for the plasma with the antibodies has been urgent. It has been
proven that the medicine made by that plasma is effective in combating the coronavirus.
The center would prefer to collect as much of this type of plasma as possible. It was not
the centers intention to create issues with student intentionally contracting the virus to
later receive the higher monetary payment. He said if the monetary payment for the
plasma donation needs to be lowered to prevent the students from intentionally
contracting the virus that is something the center will consider or stop collecting this type
of plasma all together.
Council Member Johnson asked about the difference in payment between regular
plasma and the plasma with Covid-19 antibodies. Mr. Prince said there is a $50 difference
in the payment amount. The donor with the antibodies will receive a compensation
amount of $100 per donation.
Council Member Johnson asked if the center has seen an increase of the number of
donors with the coronavirus antibodies. Mr. Prince replied both centers in Rexburg
continue to have a decrease in the number of donors since March.
Brett Sampson, Director BYU-I Community Relations asked if the centers have
advertised the higher donation payment for the plasma with the antibodies. Mr. Prince
indicated the center doesn’t advertise the payment amounts for donations, it is known by
word of mouth by the donors.
Council Member Wolfe asked Mr. Sampson if he is aware of the parties students are hosting to
intentionally contract the coronavirus. Mr. Sampson replied he is not aware of these type of parties
being hosted by students.
Mayor Merrill presented a service award plaque to Mr. Steve Oakey for serving on the Planning
and Zoning Commission for six years from April 17th, 2014 to September 17th, 2020. Mayor Merrill
expressed his appreciation for Mr. Oakey’s service on the commission.
Items for Consideration:
A. Resolution 2020 – 20 Comprehensive Plan Map Amendment from Commercial to Moderate to
High Density Residential at approximately South 4th West and West 4th South #20-00660 – Alan
Parkinson
Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson reviewed the Comprehensive Plan Map
Amendment from Commercial to Moderate to High Density Residential at approximately South 4th
West and West 4th South and the city staff report.
Council Member Mann moved to approve Resolution 2020 – 20 Comprehensive Plan Map
Amendment from Commercial to Moderate to High Density Residential at approximately South 4th
West to West 4th South; Council President Busby seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a
vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Wolfe None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council President Busby
The motion carried
B. Ordinance No 1238 Rezone Grand Loop from Technology Office Zone (TOZ) to Community
Business Center (CBC) #20-00690 – Alan Parkinson
Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson reviewed the rezone request for Grand Loop
from Technology Office Zone (TOZ) to Community Business Center (CBC) and the city staff
report.
Council Member Walker moved to approve Ordinance No 1238 Rezone Grand Loop from
Technology Office Zone (TOZ) to Community Business Center (CBC) and consider first read;
Council Member Johnson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Wolfe None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council President Busby
The motion carried
C. Ordinance No 1239 Rezone approximately 242 East Main St and Professional Plaza St from
Low Density Residential 1 (LDR1) to Community Business Center (CBC) #20-00689 – Alan
Parkinson
Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson reviewed the rezone request for approximately
242 East Main Street and Professional Plaza Street from Low Density Residential 1 (LDR1) to
Community Business Center (CBC) and city staff report.
Council Member Johnson moved to approve Ordinance No 1239 the Rezone at approximately
242 East Main St and Professional Plaza St from Low Density Residential 1 (LDR1) to Community
Business Center (CBC) Zone and consider first read; Council Member Wolfe seconded the motion;
Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Wolfe None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council President Busby
The motion carried
D. Ordinance No 1237 Amendment to Ordinance No 1200 Rexburg Development Code
Removing Infill/Redevelopment and Amending PED Requirements #20-00603 – Alan
Parkinson
Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson reviewed the request to amend Ordinance No.
1200 Rexburg Development Code Removing Infill/Redevelopment and Amending PED
Requirements. The purpose of the Infill/Redevelopment was designed to densify in the city’s center;
however, the desired out come to drive development in the city’s center was not accomplished and
has create some challenges. The amendment to the ordinance would remove the
Infill/Redevelopment as a zone and add many of its options to the Pedestrian Emphasis District
(PED). The area of the PED would be expanded. He reviewed a map of the proposed PED Overlay
Boundaries.
City Planning Assistant William Klaver reviewed the proposed changes to the PED. The building
setbacks will be reduced bring the building closer to the front. There will be no density requirements
because parking demands will drive the density. The height restrictions will also determine the
density. The developer will not have to apply for a Conditional Use Permit for dormitory housing, it
will be permit use by right in the PED.
Brett Sampson, Director BYU-I Community Relations said parking tends to be a concern for
high density development. He asked if city staff has met with BYI-Idaho’s Housing Office about
parking and if there would be sufficient parking in these new developments. City Planning Assistant
Klaver replied he has not spoken with BYU-Idaho’s Housing Office Representative; however, the
reductions of parking allowed in the PED are currently in place and the amount is not being
changed. A parking management plan can reduced the parking to 75% and if the developer prefers
to lower the parking to 60% that would require City Council approval.
Council Member Mann said he in favor of enlarging the PED and encouraging students to walk to
campus; however, the more the PED moves away from campus the likelihood of students walking
to campus is less likely. Then the responsibility of making sure the apartment complex owners
follow their parking management plan falls upon the city.
Council Member Johnson asked if it’s the property owner or the city’s responsibility to have bike
rakes outside of businesses. Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson said the city allows the
business owners to have bike racks outside their business.
Council Member Wolfe moved to approve Ordinance No 1237 Amendment to Ordinance No
1200 Rexburg Development Code Removing Infill/Redevelopment and Amending PED
Requirements and consider first read; Council Member Walker seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill
asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Wolfe None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council President Busby
The motion carried
E. Ratify P&Z Resolution 2020 – 02 Validating Conformity of the Urban Renewal Plan for the
North Central Urban Renewal Project with the City of Rexburg 2020 Comprehensive Plan
Council Member Johnson moved to ratify Planning and Zoning Resolution 2020 – 02 Validating
Conformity of the Urban Renewal Plan for the North Central Urban Renewal Project with the City
of Rexburg 2020 Comprehensive Plan; Council President Busby seconded the motion; Mayor
Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Wolfe 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: Ordinance No 1236 Rezone 220,
224, & 228 N 3rd W #20-00505 from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) to Medium Density
Residential 2 (MDR2) Zone – Alan Parkinson
ORDINANCE NO 1236
Rezone Approximately 220, 224, and 228 North 3rd West, Rexburg, Idaho to
Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2)
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 President Busby moved to approve Ordinance No. 1236 Rezone 220, 224, & 228 N 3rd
W #20-00505 from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) to Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2)
Zone and consider second read; Council Member Wolfe seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked
for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Wolfe None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council President Busby
The motion carried
B. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: Ordinance No 1234 Annexation
of 15 North 12th West (DBA Mother Hibbard’s) #20-00545
ORDINANCE NO. 1234
Annexing Approximately 15 North 12th West
AN ORDINANCE ANNEXING CERTAIN LANDS TO THE
CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO; DESCRIBING SAID LANDS
AND DECLARING SAME A PART OF THE CITY OF
REXBURG, IDAHO; AND PROVIDING WHEN THIS
ORDINANCE SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE.
Council Member Walker moved to approve Ordinance No. 1234 Annexation of 15 North 12th
West (DBA Mother Hibbard’s) and consider third read; Council Member Johnson_ seconded the
motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Wolfe None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council President Busby
The motion carried
Mayor’s Business:
Mayor Merrill reported he received a letter from the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association stating the
Rexburg Police Department has successfully completed the Idaho Chiefs of Police Association
Accreditation. The association representatives completed an onsite inspection of the police station
and reviewed several of the Police Department’s processes. They had one suggestion to add
additional lighting and security cameras at the evidence offsite location. The evidence room at the
Police Station is quite small; however, the offside location adds the needed space.
Mayor Merrill said electricians with Rocky Mountain Power replaced the light bulbs to LED bulbs
at City Hall, Water Treatment Building, Water Department Building, Archer Fire Station, Sugar City
Fire Station, Parks Department Building, and Legacy Flight Museum. The calculated savings in
power is about $6,865 per year by switching to LED.
Mayor Merrill reported he will travel to Texas from October 14th – October 20th to pick up the
sanitation truck arms. Council Member Walker said the pickle ball court lights have been installed.
16
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 September 16, 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; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Wolfe None
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Mann
Council Member Walker
Council President Busby
The motion carried
Adjournment 8:16 P.M.
APPROVED:
________________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________
Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk