HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002.03.06 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
March 6, 2002
7:30 P.M.
STATE OF IDAHO, )
County of Madison ) SS.
City of Rexburg )
Present were the following:
Mayor:Bruce Sutherland
Council Members:Paul Pugmire
Nyle Fullmer
Marsha Bjornn
Donna Benfield
Glen Pond
Shawn Larsen
City Clerk:Marilyn Wasden
Finance Officer:Richard Horner
PFC:John Millar
City Attorney:Stephen Zollinger
Mayor Sutherland reported on the work meeting which had just previously been held concerning
the Comprehensive Plan and discussed the difficulty in these decisions.
Pledge to the flag.
Mayor Sutherland welcomed the many boy scouts and girl scouts in attendance.
Nyle made a motion to approve the minutes of February 27, 2002. Paul seconded the motion, all
voted aye, none opposed.
Mayor Sutherland read a Proclamation declaring the week of March 11-16, 2002, as Girl Scout
Week. Glen made a motion to approve the Proclamation, said motion was seconded by Donna.
All voted aye, none opposed.
John reviewed the contract from Ohlson Lavoie concerning the Recreation Complex study. The
contract will not exceed $39,500, there are extra costs as shown in the attachment for a
reimbursable schedule of $12,000 which will be at the discretion of the City. If the work
completed in Phase 1 meets or exceeds the City expectation Ohlson Lavoie request that they be
given the first chance at the contract for the rest of the work. Discussion.
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Paul made a motion to accept the contract from Ohlson Lavoie as written. Motion was seconded
by Marsha. Voting as follows:
PaulayeDonnaaye
Glen ayeMarshaaye
ShawnnayNyleaye
Mayor Sutherland announced a joint Planning & Zoning meeting with City Council next
Wednesday, March 13, at 8:00 p.m. for a report on the parking study from Wilbur Smith
Associates. Executive summaries of this study will be delivered to the Council before this
meeting.
Discussion on procedure to be taken on the Comprehensive Plan public hearing. Glen made a
motion to pick another date after which the public can be notified again to reconvene the public
hearing. Motion was seconded by Nyle. Discussion.
Paul ask for a personal privilege in which he explained his feelings at the last meeting on the
process of the Comprehensive Plan public hearings. He feels his tactics last time were wrong and
was contrary to what he was trying to achieve, it cut off people who had come to share their
views and acknowledged his error to the public. After the meeting he had a discussion with Ken
Benfield and upon reflection he felt he spoke rudely and was disrespectful and apologized for
this.
Paul made a motion to reconsider his motion of last meeting to table the Comprehensive Plan.
Motion was seconded by Nyle. Discussion for a meeting time for reconvening the hearing.
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Lorin Clements - 7 E. 2 North
Lorin feels that this meeting should not be considered before Mr Pugmire could be available,
which he will not be until next Wednesday. There were two members absent last week, Paul
would be absent if the meeting were scheduled earlier than Friday and he feels this would not be
beneficial.
Voting on Paul’s motion was as follows: All voted aye, none opposed. Donna abstained becasue
of a conflict of interest.
Concerning Glen’s motion it was decided to reconvene the Comprehensive Plan public hearing on
a special meeting to be held on Thursday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m. All voted aye, none opposed.
Donna abstained because of a conflict of interest.
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Wine License Approval
Mayor read the applications for wine licenses from
Horkley’s Oil - 1021 N. Salem Rd.
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Horkley’s Self Service - 39 So. 2 West
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Albertson’s #171 - 490 N. 2 East
Nyle made a motion to approve the above wine licenses, seconded by Paul. All voted aye, none
opposed.
Traffic Safety Committee Report
Trent Walker, Chairman of the Traffic Safety Committee reported on work, progress and current
items of the committee.
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A traffic count warranted a four way stop at the corner of 1 West and 2 South which should be
installed shortly. Crosswalk flags will soon be placed in various locations in the City, beginning
on Main Street and they appreciate the Mayor’s support on this issue. The Associated Students
of BYU-I have expressed their desire in helping to fund the crosswalks near the campus. The
Committee is looking forward to the second reading of the Jaywalking Ordinance for the City.
With the increase in traffic and pedestrians the committee is looking into residential parking
permits near the campus to be addressed after review of the housing study. Also being reviewed
are speed limits in school zones, mainly around the campus area, this will be addressed after the
four way stop sign is installed. They are working on better signage in school zones and high
pedestrian areas. John Millar is working on restriping cross walks and improving safety. They
hope to make the public aware of the importance of stopping for pedestrians. New lights in cross
walk intersections are being reviewed.
With the increase in new housing additions the Committee is looking at the impact of housing
additions on adjoining streets and neighborhoods. If anyone has areas they feel are problems they
will address those intersections and residential areas.
Trent named those on the committee, Randy Lewis, Carole Mason, Chris Mann, Rose Bagley,
Lynn Archibald, Craig Nordfelt, John Millar, Stephen Zollinger, and Caleb Shiley. He thanked
the Council for the opportunity to give an overview of committee projects.
Paul thanked Mr. Walker for his work with the traffic committee and also with the Tabernacle
Committee, for the key role he plays in youth baseball and mentioned he is also a valuable
resource for young musicians.
Skateboard Contest
April Gustavson and Kevin Swiss, representing Associated Students of BYU-I, reported on a
skateboard contest held last April 13 and the possibility of doing another contest this year.
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April reported this year they would make it free for participants to enjoy to encourage more
participation. They would like to reserve the skate park for April 20 for this year’s contest, they
are looking at holding a semi-annual contest. Liability insurance was a question, Stephen will
check on the insurance coverage and requested that April and Kevin check with him in a week
and he will have an answer.
Paul made a motion to schedule the skateboard contest for April 20, 2002. The motion was
seconded by Donna. All voted aye, none opposed.
Audit Report
Brad Reed of Rudd & Company thanked Richard and the City staff for their help and cooperation
in preparing this audit. He reported on the audit which was recently completed. Discussion.
Glen made a motion to accept the audit report as presented by Brad, seconded by Donna. All
voted aye, none opposed.
Steve Bischoff, of Ideal Auto Sales, request connection to City services.
Brenda Bischoff stated that last year they applied for City services and were denied. They went
ahead and built the building to plan for the future then on February 27 there was an accident and
the building burned down. They no longer have the plumbing they had before and are now again
requesting to be connected to city services.
Discussion on the ordinance approved by the City Council to not allow connection of city services
without being annexed, the problem with the property not being contiguous for annexation, the
property is not large enough for a separate septic system, the possibility or probability of
developing an annexation agreement, and amending the existing ordinance.
Paul stated he understood their quandry but he was not inclined to change the policy in that it
would end up being a need to be changed throughout the city and be contrary to the original
desire of the Council. He questioned if they had inquired of the neighborhood as to their desire to
be annexed, which Brenda was not sure had been done. Further discussion.
Nyle made a motion to come up with an arrangement to let the Bischoffs tie to city sewer line due
to a hardship. Shawn seconded the motion. Discussion. Paul feels the policy to keep city
services in the City is the right policy and feels this should be continued. If you provide for
exceptions to the policy you are changing the policy and feels it is unfair to others. Marsha feels
this is a hardship and should be considered. Voting as follows:
Donna ayePaulnay
MarshaayeGlennay
Shawnaye
Nyleaye
Surplus Equipment
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John requested to surplus a backhoe which is no longer needed. Nyle made a motion to surplus
the backhoe, seconded by Glen. All voted aye, none opposed.
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Final Subdivision Plat of Westates Company - 7 South and Old Hwy 191
John reviewed the location of the property and the desire of this request. Discussion of location
of bike path.
Glen made a motion to take Planning & Zoning’s recommendation and approve the plat, seconded
by Marsha. All voted aye, none opposed.
Jaywalking Ordinance
Paul made a motion to consider the Jaywalking Ordinance as having had the second reading. Glen
seconded the motion, voting as follows:
PaulayeDonnaaye
MarshaayeGlenaye
ShawnayeNylenay
Mayor Sutherland expressed his regrets but due to recent back surgery he felt it necessary to
leave the meeting and turned the meeting to Council President Pond.
Comprehensive Plan Public Hearing
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Rik Wadholm
#10 - - 347 So. 4 West - Single family/commercial to multi-family - P&Z
approved with transitional area.
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Rik Wadholm - 347 So. 4 West
Rick requested to have this property changed for the purpose of building apartments.
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Westates
#11 - - 7 So. and old Hwy 191 - commercial to multi-family - This item had been
dropped from the Planning & Zoning hearing.
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Henderson Subdivision
#12 - , 1500 West to 5 West - single family to multi-family - This item
was denied by Planning & Zoning and no one was in attendance for comment.
De Jones
#13 - - 1500 W. 500 South
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#14 - 7 So. West of RR - single family to multi-family - P&Z recommended for approval
These requests were taken together because of their commonality.
#15 - 1500 West and 500 South - agriculture to multi-family- P&Z recommended for approval.
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This property is located at 1500 West and 500 South, with the highway to the west and storage
units to the north and south, the owner is requesting a zone change to MDR. Discussion of
present use and zoning of property.
Rod Jones - 3720 Mountainview Dr.
Rod feels this is a natural with the location of the highway and storage units.
Ted Whyte - 610 Taurus
Ted stated from the Peterson storage units there are 5-1/2 acres south of storage units which
would also be a part of this request.
Spence Larsen - 549 So. 1500 West
Spence requests this property stay single family as originally proposed. He has a major
investment with his home in this area. There were to be four homes across the front of the lot,
when the storage units were built it was agreed the front would be left for homes. He feels the
original plan for four homes should be complied with and something more to the back. This
would help retain property value, apartments all the way around could freeze or reduce his land
value.
Brent Andrews - 3401 N. 850 West, Pleasantview, Utah
Brent owns number 14 and requests the change to multi-family based on conditions of the
highway zoning and it would blend in with the rest of the neighborhood.
Stan Rowland - Youngward, Utah
Stan stated they just platted a Low Density Subdivision in this area and if the Council granted all
of these requests in this area there would be an island created. Discussion, clarified that #12 had
been denied which would not create an island.
Mark Andrews - 6665 Rimrock Dr., Idaho Falls, Idaho
Mark is proposing multi-family because it follows the freeway and would be more applicable to
multi-family. On the north end are storage units and on the corner a large billboard which is not
conducive to build a home. Across the road is approved for multi-family, he feels this is an
appropriate request. City is growing in that direction so the Comprehensive Plan would follow
suit and following P&Z recommendation to be considered for that purpose. Once a green light is
received from the Comprehensive Plan it may be another 60 days for a zone change to start
building, giving only 4 months to get something ready for fall.
#15 - Transitional area -
This property is on the Comprehensive Plan but not in the Impact Zone. Madison County
approved 11 4-plexes which are currently under construction. This needs to be changed to multi-
family housing.
Roger Muir - Madison County Commissioner
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This area has been a concern and after discussion they requested cooperation of the City to put
sewer and water across the street to service this area. There is another proposed subdivision in
this area with a possible 80 homes. Madison County tabled this proposal in view of sewer
systems and the County would like to protect ground water. They propose this area be in the
impact area and possibly be annexed.
#17 - No action by P&Z. Those interested in pursuing the change backed out of intent.
Donna left the room.
Benfield Property
#18 - - 150 E. Cemetery Rd - commercial to multi-family - P&Z
recommended for approval.
Ken Benfield, 205 Millhollow Rd.
Ken apologized for his actions at the last meeting. He is requesting that the 3-1/2 acres behind
the houses be changed to MDR for much need housing and it would make a buffer zone between
houses and commercial.
Roger Muir - 666 W. 1500 North
He reviewed a little history with this property. One year and two months ago this property was
discussed to become commercial, the residents wanted to maintain this as residential but failed.
Now it is being discussed to go back to residential which is on the whim of a landowner and
developer. He is in favor of it going to residential but he would like the Council to understand
there are single family homes in this area and LDR2 would be a more fitting zone. He is against
HDR allowing 16-30 apartments per acre and feels more thought should be given.
Donna returned to the room.
Airport and Baker Trailer Court
#19 - - 1500 West and 500 North - Agriculture to
Commercial - Approved by Planning & Zoning.
Glen did not close the public hearing and it will be continued Thursday, March 12 at 7:30 and a
decision will be reached on all the items.
Update on projects
John reported that he met with the college representatives and the housing the college is looking
at building has been reduced in the number of units from 250 to 150.
The parking plan will be here on Monday and distributed.
There are several facilities at the airport owned and operated by FAA. The real brights lights at
the south end as well as a weather station have a lease. There were three separate leases which
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expired in 1993. The plan is to renew with one lease and he needs a resolution to authorize the
Mayor to sign leases.
Roger Muir questioned the role of the County in this joint facility. John explained that the City has
always taken the lead on signing the leases. Discussion. Nyle made a motion to have the County
review the leases then a motion will be made authorizing the signing of the leases upon review and
approval of the County. Motion was seconded by Marsha. All vote aye, none opposed.
Bids for a backhoe will be in on March 25. Advertising has started on chlorination system for the
wastewater treatment plant. They are looking at numerous alternative concerning sewer line
extensions into the area west of U. S. 20.
Committee Reports
Nyle was contacted by Leeann Kinghorn from the Lincoln School area. The group would like to
form a committee to aid the City Council in getting the community more involved and informed.
Discussion. Nyle will tell Leeann to go forward to try to help the community to become more
informed and involved. .
Shawn presented a plan for a Parks and Recreation Committee. This plan is what has been done
in other cities as an advisory committee to the Council. He would like to review at next regularly
scheduled City Council meeting.
Marsha met with United Way, they are reorganizing and things look brighter. She reported on an
concept where the Mayor can write in a column in the newspaper to keep the community posted
on general activities. Rich Ballou from the Standard Journal is in favor of doing this.
Donna reported on the possibility of a Citizen Committee being formed for beautification to
incorpoate into neighborhoods. Discussion. It was decided this should come from the Chamber
of Commerce.
Paul reported that the Tabernacle Board is in the process of updating and expanding their sound
system. Progress should be made in next month. The Board will come with a recommendation
for a new fee structure
Roger Muir commented that the PSI Waste Management group that cancelled tonight needs to be
carefully monitored. The taxpayers in the county have ownership in waste transfer station, PSI
often takes the waste out of the county to a neighboring county. Roger feels they need to
support the local transfer station.
Sharon Oakey commented that she is here as a concerned citizen and at some point she is
considering running for City Council and is fascinated with the process. She has heard the
comments that the planning of the City is being driven by contractors and they don’t want delays.
Last year their project was postponed and it turned out to be in their favor. She feels the Council
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acts more effectively with a full Council, she knows the value of a dollar and time, and pleaded
for the Council to please don’t take money from Utah developers just so they can get going, take
the time to make the right decision.
Mitch Neibaur, commented on the March 20 work meeting, there will be a pre-informational
meeting Wednesday, March 13 at County Commissioner’s chambers. The purpose is to gather
input from downtown business owners in conjunction with the parking issue.
Ted Whyte discussed pressing needs for apartments, he understands why they are tabling
hearings but it is effecting growth. He feels the town needs to grow in a methodical way and
once we jump through the present hurdles, Planning & Zoning needs to look at the whole area
and patterns rather than specific needs.
Nyle moved to approve the bills, seconded by Shawn. Discussion. All voted aye, none opposed.
Adjourned.
_________________________________________
Bruce Sutherland, Mayor
__________________________________
Marilyn Wasden, City Clerk
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