HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001.05.16 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
May 16, 2001
7:30 p.m.
STATE OF IDAHO)
County of Madison) SS
City of Rexburg)
Present were the following:
Mayor:Bruce Sutherland
Council members:Kay Beck
Paul Pugmire
Marsha Bjornn
Glen Pond
Donna Benfield
City Clerk:Marilyn Hansen
Finance Officer:Richard Horner
City Attorney:Stephen Zollinger
Excused P.F.C.:John Millar
Pledge to the flag.
Introductions of scouts.
Kay made a motion to approve the minutes, seconded by Glen. All voted aye, none opposed.
Downtown Vision Committee Report
Mitch Neibaur, Chairman of the Downtown Vision Committee reported on the list of findings
and recommendations of the Committee. The committee has been meeting twice a month for
approximately the last year. A summary of the projects taken on this year included a parking
survey, a study of available funding sources, trying to surround and capture the existing
downtown. It was soon recognized that markets, public sentiments and shopping habits would
determine the downtown and anchor stores in the downtown area will probably not happen. He
discussed ideas the Committee had identified that Rexburg Downtown should be and the results
of an extensive survey that had been taken.
The suggestions for accomplishing the changes are: 1. Increase support of local businesses, 2.
Fund raising programs and 3. Participation from local schools. The Committee is requesting from
the City that the diagonal parking remain on Main Street and perhaps enhance the parking
situation. They would like to see a way for community groups to provide incentives and
encouragement towards maintaining, improving and beautification of the existing buildings,
sidewalks and alleys and for further development. Another recommendation was for the City to
be more strict in garbage containment and removal and also the removal of snow. There was a
discussion and good information of the possibility and feasibility of the Community Campus
Complex. The Committee would request that the expansion and improvement of the library be at
its current location, the fine arts and aquatic center be considered in a downtown location, and
development to create an opportunity for a downtown mall.
Mayor Sutherland commended the Committee on their work and felt that this should stay as a
standing Committee for the City. Discussion with the Council concerning training on grant
writing, how to enact the recommendations, and funding options. It was discussed that rather
than try for the entire list at this point the Committee take one recommendation at a time and
work on it.
1
Ordinance 854 - Planned Unit Development - First Reading
Stephen read the summary in Ordinance 854 dealing with the proposed Planned Residential
Development as a conditional use in certain zones in the City of Rexburg. Discussion.
Paul made a motion that Ordinance 854 be considered as having had the first reading. Kay
seconded the motion, all voted aye, none opposed.
Ordinance 855 - High Density Residential 2, Setback Exceptions - First Reading
Stephen explained that Ordinance 855 is the incorporation of a High Density Residential 2 zone
which will allow for a greater number of units than 34 which was previously allowed in the High
Density Residential zone. Ordinance 855 was read by Stephen.
Discussion concerning the “single family” designation and the need for more clarification of the
method of a developer in mixing the 1, 2 and 3 bedroom units. It was requested the reference to
“non-approved BYU-Idaho housing” be deleted from the ordinance.
Marsha was excused.
Kay made a motion that Ordinance 855 be considered as having had the first reading. Motion was
seconded by Paul. All voted aye, none opposed.
Don Rydalch requested some time for questions concerning Ordinance 855. He questioned the
difference between the High Density Residential zone and this new proposed ordinance and how
many residents could actually be housed in a unit. Discussion.
Mr. Rydalch questioned if this change is being instigated by developers rather than the City.
Discussion concerning the need for married housing in the community, the position of BYU-Idaho
in requiring housing for married students and if the private sector cannot supply the housing the
necessity of BYU-Idaho to do so. The college has expressed a need for over 1400 apartment
units for married students. Discussion.
Wilma Parkinson stated she was a member of the private sector who would, could and wanted to
build married student housing on property she already owns. Due to a zoning change she is not
allowed to move forward and felt the Planning & Zoning Commission took that option away from
her. She has a list of at least 60 married couples who need accommodations by September 1.
Discussion.
Discussion concerning the process of making a zone change through a public hearing procedure.
Update on Projects
Update on projects was cancelled due to the excused absence of John Millar.
Paul questioned the work being done by Planning & Zoning concerning a new Highway Business
District classification and a cell tower ordinance. Stephen explained this has been put on a
committee list for review.
Persi Gain Sharing
Richard presented a list showing proposed allocations of the refunds from Persi. Discussion. It
was determined a work session, with legislation available, would be necessary to determine the
allocation of funds.
Committee Reports
Glen reported on the committee meeting held with Richard and the Chief of Police. He reported
the following statistics:
Citations from 1998 through 2000 increased by approximately 200
Offenses increased by 100
Incidents that police were called out to went from 4500 in 1998 to 5300 in 2000.
There is an increase of work being put on the police force and as the City continues to grow there
will be even more. Through the budget process these growing pains should be considered.
2
Glen made a motion to pay the bills, seconded by Donna. All voted aye, none opposed.
Paul made a motion to adjourn, seconded by Donna. All voted aye, none opposed.
________________________________________
Bruce Sutherland, Mayor
____________________________________
Marilyn Hansen, City Clerk
3