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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001.09.05 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 5, 2001 7:30 p.m. STATE OF IDAHO) County of Madison)SS City of Rexburg) Present were the following: Mayor:Bruce Sutherland Council Members:Glen Pond Kay Beck Nyle Fullmer Paul Pugmire Marsha Bjornn Donna Benfield Finance Officer:Richard Horner P.F.C.John Millar City Attorney:Stephen Zollinger Excused:Marilyn Wasden, City Clerk Minutes:Janet Williamson Pledge to the flag. Marsha made a motion to approve the minutes of August 15, 2001. Kay seconded the motion. All voted aye. Resolution No. 2001-04 - Appointment of Election Polling Places and Election Judges Mayor Sutherland read Resolution No. 2001-04 - Appointment of Election Polling Places and Election Judges. Marsha wanted to emphasize to the public that the time was Noon to 8:00 p.m. not 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Kay moved to accept Resolution No. 2001-04, Glen seconded the motion, all voted aye, none opposed. Fall Clean-up The fall clean-up schedule was discussion. Nyle made a motion to run Fall Clean Up from stth October 1 to November 9, motion seconded by Kay, all voted aye, none opposed. Final Plat Review on Hawkins Properties for Jenks Properties Stan Rawlings - 2865 W. 600 S., Logan, Utah - Representing Jenks Properties, discussed the project. John Millar explained the first phase is the southern portion of the Hawkins Property. The final plat does not deviate from the preliminary plat other than it breaks some of the larger lots into smaller lots. What is anticipated is that these 1 and 2 acre lots will be sold to developers for 4 plexes or higher density. There is an area north of the drainage plot which will be a single family th residential area, this will include the realignment of 7 South. Seventh South to the Stake Center th will remain 7 South. Marsha suggested the new street be named Boyle Drive. Kay moved to approve the plat on the recommendation of Planning & Zoning, Donna seconded the motion. All voted aye, none opposed. Public Concerts Nyle wanted to note that we have always required people to come before the Council and make official requests to have outdoor concerts on public property and the dance/concert at the college on Monday night was out of hand. He checked with dispatch and they had between 20 and 30 complaints over a period of time about the noise level and he feels we need to make specific direction to the college. 1 Public Hearing for Amended 2001 Budget Hearing, Ordinance 860 Richard gave a copy of the ordinance amending the 2001 budget to each of the Council Members and explained it was for the North Highway project and airport property purchase. These were mostly funded by a grant. The Mayor opened the hearing to public comment. No comment. Closed hearing to comment. ORDINANCE 860 - AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 860, THE APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2000 AND ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2001: APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL MONIES THAT ARE TO BE RECEIVED BY THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, IN THE SUM OF $774,800 AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. A motion was made by Glen Pond and seconded by Marsha Bjornn that the rules requiring an ordinance of a general and permanent nature to be read on three occasions be dispensed with and that said ordinance be numbered 830. Those voting aye: Nyle FullmerKay Beck Glen PondMarsha Bjornn Donna BenfieldPaul Pugmire Those voting nay: none. Ordinance 860 was then placed before the Council. The Mayor called for the voting for final passage of the ordinance. Nyle Fullmer made a motion to pass Ordinance 860, motion was seconded by Kay Beck. Those voting aye:Paul PugmireDonna Benfield Marsha BjornnGlen Pond Kay BeckNyle Fullmer Those voting nay:None Introduction of scouts. John Millar stated bids were received for a new sand shed that will go over the bins purchased with part of the Louisiana Pacific Property. Both bidders met the requirements for the bid, Teton West was the low bid at $29,100.00. Nyle moved to accept the bid from Teton West, Marsha seconded the motion. All voted aye, none opposed. Cable One Property thnd The building at 5 South and 2 East, leased by Cable One has been there for many years under some undocumented arrangement. Because it is on the property where the City’s million gallon water tank is, we wanted to maintain control of it. The Engineering Department would like to recommend that we lease Cable One that site and develop a written documented lease. Nyle moved that we negotiate a lease with Cable One for that property. Kay seconded the motion, all voted aye, none opposed. Public Hearing for 2002 Budget and Sewer Rate Increase. Richard made copies of the budget available to the Council and the public. He then reviewed the budget and answered questions. The Mayor opened the hearing to public comment. Mitch Niebaur - 3685 W. Hwy 33 Mitch asked Richard to outline significant changes. Richard stated some changes were hiring new people including one new police officer this October and one new wastewater treatment person, moving a person from half time to full time to help in the Building Inspection Department. Another area of big changes for next year are capital projects, money to extend some water and 2 wastewater lines west, south and under the freeway and a new water tank and well connected to the system. Doug Stutz - 162 K Street Doug asked Richard to explain LID 32. Richard said it includes some street construction, some utility reconstruction, sidewalks and curbs and gutter. Paul Lafollette - 106 Birch Ave Paul asked where the salaries for the Mayor and Council come from. The Mayor stated it was under the legislative. Brad Smith - 262 Cornell Brad asked about the $56,000 increase in revenue in recreation and also the related expenditure. Richard explained that the Council tentatively placed in the budget $40,000 for preliminary design and cost estimates for a recreation facility if we came to that point. It is in the forecast, it wasn’t in the budget, it would be taken out of contingency that came from the General Fund. We also spent $6-7,000 for a facilitator in providing the public meetings. Kay said that the $40,000 was not a voted item by the Council. Blair Manwaring - 920 Hillview Blair asked when was it decided to let police officers drive police cars to and from their homes and the reasoning behind it. Mayor Sutherland said it was decided about 7 years ago. Richard explained that there were several reasons: 1) provide the officer with “on call” ability, 2) they are deputized by the county to help in the county, 3) the cars are better taken care of - there is better accountability, 4) cars in front of a residence creates a presence that deters unwanted behavior. Stephen pointed out that those who drive their cars outside of city limits are charged milage. They have a payroll deduction that off sets the mileage. Randall Porter - Box 401 Randall asked if there was anything in the budget for animal control. Richard said it was covered in the police budget. nd Dallas Raty - 5 E. 2 South Dallas said they have done a nice job comparing property taxes with other cities but one of the biggest taxes is utilities and wondered how we compare. Richard said we are about average. rd Bob Lameraux - 108 S. 3 West Bob asked what the numbers on the property taxes would look like if the student population were counted out of it. Richard said if you compared it with cities that do not have a student population it would probably make a difference. Gary Lovell - 473 Morgan Dr. Gary asked if this population was based on a census. It was answered that this was based on the census for April 2000. Steve McGary - 915 Hillview Steve asked if property taxes from WalMart come into the City. Yes they do. He asked if we could have city sales taxes. Rep. Todd Hammond said it is not on the agenda for the legislation at this time. Mayor Sutherland closed the hearing to public comment. Richard answered some clarification questions from the Council. Wastewater Rate Increase Richard explained this rate increase is necessary for several reasons. The Wastewater Treatment 3 facility needs to hire another person. Another big part of this is we are using a lot more utilities and the cost on these has gone up, the Intermountain Gas bill tripled. Energy costs across the board have sky rocketed. Fuel costs have gone up, there is also inflation. Because of tightening of EPA regulations we are doing more testing and chemical treatment. Overall, on the average home the city utility bill will probably increase 3-4%. It will be about $1.60 per month on an average home. On a larger home, twice the usage, or a small business it will go up about $3.15. The mayor opened the meeting to public comment. Richard explained overhead transfers. There were no comments, the Mayor closed the hearing to public comment. Mayor Sutherland said there was a letter submitted by J.D. Hancock that the Council has reviewed. Discussion concerning Teton and Sugar City charges. Paul thanked Richard for the fine work he does for the City. Donna moved that they approve the budget, seconded by Nyle. All voted aye, none opposed. ORDINANCE 861 AN ORDINANCE ENTITLED THE ANNUAL APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR OCTOBER 1, 2001 TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2002, AND APPROPRIATING TO THE SEVERAL DEPARTMENTS, OFFICES AND FUNDS OF THE SAID CITY GOVERNMENT FROM THE REVENUE DERIVED FROM TAXES LEVIED FOR SAID FISCAL YEAR, AND ALL OTHER SOURCES, SUCH SUMS AS MAY BE NECESSARY OR DEEMED NECESSARY BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL TO DEFRAY THE EXPENSES AND LIABILITIES OF SAID CITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2002; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF ORDINANCE. A motion was made by Nyle Fullmer and seconded by Kay Beck that the rules requiring an ordinance of a general and permanent nature to be read on three occasions be dispensed with and that said ordinance be numbered 861. Those voting aye:Paul PugmireGlen Pond Donna BenfieldKay Beck Marsha BjornnNyle Fullmer Those voting nay:None Ordinance 861 was then placed before the Council. The Mayor then called for the voting for final passage of the ordinance, and the motion was made by Nyle Fullmer and seconded by Kay Beck that Ordinance 861 be passed. Those voting aye:Nyle FullmerMarsha Bjornn Kay BeckDonna Benfield Glen PondPaul Pugmire Those voting nay:None Glen moved to approve Resolution # 2001-05 raising wastewater rates. Nyle seconded the motion, all voted aye, none opposed. Citizens’ Committee for Salary Increases Mark Nygren reported on the meeting of the Citizen’s Committee that was appointed to review and make recommendations on the Mayor and City Council pay increases. They reviewed the 4 responsibilities and time comment required for these positions as well as interviewed the Mayor and two Council Members. They also reviewed relevant data from 20 other cities in Idaho detailing what they are spending to compensate both the Mayor and City Council. They started with many of their own individual ideas and perceptions and ended up unanimous in their proposal. (Handout) Summarized: Committee recommended for the Mayor the increase in compensation of $20,400.00 be phased in with a $10,200.00 increase in January 2002, and the remaining $10,200.00 in January 2004. For the Council, they felt that their annual salaries should be phased in to $6,000 as soon as is practicable over the next few years, with at least a $600 increase effective January, 2002. They recommended an annual adjustment of $600.00 over four years (2003-2004) with consideration for cost of living adjustments thereafter. Mark said they looked strictly at the positions. It is factored into the budget and they are doing the work right now but they recommended phasing the increase because of public perception. Richard suggested that a job description be publized at election time to educate the public on the responsibilities, time and effort that goes into these positions. It was asked that more information be in the paper and on the news but it was also pointed out that many times the paper does report and ask for public comment and the public does not respond. Stephen said that the way the statue is written they could not legally phase in the pay increase. Salary increases can only be given in an election year. ORDINANCE 858 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION I OF ORDINANCE NO. 798A INCREASING THE SALARY OF THE MAYOR OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, TO COMMENCE JANUARY 1, 2002. Ordinance 858 was placed before the Council. The Mayor then called for the voting for final passage of the ordinance and the motion was made by Glen Pond and seconded by Nyle Fullmer that Ordinance 858 be passed. Those voting aye:Paul PugmireGlen Pond Donna BenfieldKay Beck Marsha BjornnNyle Fullmer Those voting nay:None Glen moved to approve Ordinance 858 as written. Nyle seconded the motion. Those voting aye:Paul Pugmire Donna Benfield Marsha BjornnGlen Pond Kay BeckNyle Fullmer None opposed. Ordinance 859 Council Salary - third reading . Paul asked Stephen what mechanisms were available to follow the Committee’s recommendation. Stephen stated they were free to follow the Committee’s recommendation but it would be challenged next year. You can only vote a Council salary increase in an election year. It was clarified that the committee meant $600 per election cycle. Glen commented that when he started serving on the Council it was for public service. When he started, the community was quite a bit smaller and he feels the responsibilities were equal at that time as they are now. He looks at the way the City has grown, at the Department Heads and the functions they perform, with the Council as advisory persons to those strong Department Heads, he wouldn’t be in a position to approve the Council salary increase Mark wanted to emphasize with the statistics across the board that Rexburg is definitely lower then almost any City its size in the State of Idaho. The Committee was concerned about doubling 5 the salary over night but did feel the Council deserved a raise. Kay, once again, pointed out that there were 4 of them that did not know they were paid when they ran for Council. Sheri Smith felt that until you get into a job you don’t know what is expected of you. Donna commented that she is the junior Council Member. She did know that they were paid. She investigated and tried to make an educated decision when she ran for City Council. She feels that her time is worth something and she has been given 2 departments - Planning and Zoning, Parks and Recreation - she works hard and puts in a lot of time. She does not want to approach this job like it is a hobby. She gives 110 per cent. That is the way this position should be looked at. Nyle felt they are all willing to serve but they need to learn to be competitive. There should be just compensation for the position. Mark wanted to say again, from the citizens perspective as they reviewed this - coming in, their recommendation initially was that there should be no increase, this is primarily a public servant position. As they looked at some of the issues that have been raised, the City is going to continue to grow, there are going to be some additional responsibilities, the fact that we have not had very many candidates run for some of the positions, and taking all those factors into consideration, they felt it would be a slap in the face to keep our Council one of the lowest paid Councils in the state and not show some sign of appreciation for what they do. Paul felt there were equally valued points on each side of the issue. He appreciates the work the Citizens Committee put forward. ORDINANCE 859 - AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SECTION I OF ORDINANCE NO. 820 INCREASING THE SALARY OF THE COUNCIL MEMBERS OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, TO COMMENCE JANUARY 1, 2002. Paul Pugmire made a motion for a $600 increase for Council Members beginning January 1, 2002 as an amendment to the third reading of Ordinance 859. Nyle seconded the motion. Those voting aye:Paul Pugmire Marsha Bjornn Donna Benfield Nyle Fullmer Those voting nay:Kay Beck Glen Pond Dama’s Dog Foundation Dama Wirries of Dama’s Dog Foundation gave the Council a handout of their long term goals and explained their program. They have a “no kill” policy mostly in terms of dogs. They don’t have the same policy for cats because they don’t have a long term care facility for cats. They have 3000 acres of donated land in Gabbs, Nevada they can use for the dogs. She has the right to develop that land and a percentage of that money will go to the dog foundation. We will be able to get some money here for the foundation. Madison County has donated 10 acres by their land fill. They will be able to develop this into their long term care facility rather than use Osgood which is 30 miles away. (Explanation and discussion of handout) Dama asked the Council for permission to charge up to $25 for each animal brought in to help with shots, etc. Also they would like to ask that Rexburg increase their budget from $1100 to $6000. 6 Nyle made a motion that they increase their help from $1100 to $6000 a year this one time. Donna seconded the motion. All voted aye. Nyle moved that they approve charging up to $25 per animal brought in at Dama’s discretion. Kay seconded the motion. Voting aye were Donna, Marsha, Glen, Kay, Nyle. Voting nay was Paul. Recreation Committee Jill Anderson, 419 Morgan Dr. Jill introduced the Recreation Committee and went over their handout. The Committee has specifically researched the Aquatic/Recreation Center over the past 6 months. The information they have, combined with additional information that Tiny Grant and his committee compiled over two years ago, indicates there is a large number of members of our community that feel we need and would support an Aquatic/Recreation Center. They briefly surveyed at random some of the city. They had 4 specific questions they asked. The results of this survey are in the handout. There were 4 questions: 1) Do you feel that Rexburg needs some type of city-owned Aquatic/Rec. Center. 92% of those surveyed said yes. 2) Are you in favor of Rexburg City budgeting funds for architectural concepts and plans to further educate the public. 87% of the people polled said yes 3) If an Aquatic/Recreation cost the average homeowner $6-10 per month for 20 years, could you support such a project. 78% said yes. 4) Could you support if that figure came in less. 90% said yes. All comments are also included with the results. Stephen McGary addressed the demand and supply side of the need for a multi-purpose recreation center. His comments are part of the hand out. Steve Schwab showed and reviewed a video of 4 facilities the Committee visited in the Salt Lake City, Utah area and the findings are part of the hand out. Connie Dunn pointed out that at all the facilities they visited all said that a building facilitator should be hired and in place before you start building the building to watch over all of the construction Brad Smith summarized: they reviewed previous findings, visited recreation centers in the area, felt there was going to be growth in the community, formed their own survey, tried to target those not interested, and found that most were in favor. As a committee they feel the community would support spending the $40,000 for design plans and would charge the Council to put up the funds to provide for the study and take it to the community. John Millar explained that the $40,000 would be for a preliminary design study to develop what you would have - a meaningful layout with costs, maintenance and operating costs and aids in informing the public. Kay wanted to put it on the ballot now for the public to decide before spending $40,000. Steve McGary pointed out that the Council had just approved $6,000 for the dog foundation which amounts to about $12 a dog. If you don’t count the students you have about a 10,000 population and the $40,000 would be about $4 a person. The committee members said this has been before the public. All of the meetings with the facilitators were open to the entire city. The Recreation Committee was formed out of these meetings and not by the Mayor or City Council and the Recreation Committee meetings have 7 been open to the public. They have surveyed the public and the majority have said yes to the recreation center. Now the Council needs to decide. The next step to take is the preliminary design study. Nyle said he would like to look over their material before making a decision. Marsha stated the Committee has done a very thorough job. When she was campaigning there was only about 10 out of everyone she talked to that did not support a recreation center. She is in favor of it but if others feel they need to review it she will make a motion to table it for 2 weeks contingent on their making a decision in 2 weeks. Nyle seconded the motion, all voted aye, none opposed. Student Housing The Mayor asked Kirk Hibert to talk to the Council about the housing shortage in Rexburg. Also, BYU Idaho is concerned about housing for married students. If the college builds apartments for the married students they will go immediately off the tax rolls and we will have the impact without any supplemental tax to help us deal with the impact. Kirk Hibert said that in a recent report from Idaho Housing they said there is no market for housing in Rexburg. This is a problem for housing developers that need state tax credits. To use HUD and IHFA money they have to prove a market analysis that there is a need here and right now the latest data says there is no need in Rexburg. Many developers cannot make the married housing “pencil” because the land prices have made it cost prohibitive. Some of the developers try for funding from tax credits and IHFA funding find they have criteria that they rate the applications for these funds. One of the criteria they list is any time they have a project which utilizes a private grant or other state or federal housing assistance program or something that would come in from the City as an incentive, they get an extra 10 points on the application. (Discussion) The Council felt instead of offering some incentive they should go to Boise and meet with officials there to emphasize and show there is a need for housing in Rexburg and get the Idaho Housing report changed. Nyle moved they go into Executive Session. Marsha seconded the motion. All voted aye. After reconvening from Executive Session Paul moved to approve the bills. Nyle seconded the motion. All voted aye. ___________________________________ Bruce Sutherland, Mayor ___________________________________ Janet Williamson 8