Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003.09.03 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MINUTES CITY OF REXBURG September 03, 2003 7:30 P.M. STATE OF IDAHO ) County of Madison ) SS. City of Rexburg ) Present were the following: Mayor: Mayor Bruce Sutherland Council Members:Glen Pond Shawn Larsen Marsha Bjornn Paul Pugmire Donna Benfield Nyle Fullmer - Excused Financial OfficerRichard Horner P&Z Administrator:Kurt Hibbert City Clerk:Blair D. Kay PFC:John Millar City Attorney:Stephen Zollinger Pledge to the Flag 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 the August 20, 2003 meeting b.Approve City of Rexburg bills Glen Pond moved to approve the consent calendar; Donna Benfield seconded the motion; all The motion carried. voted aye, none opposed. Non Controversial Items Added to the Agenda: th Greg West wants the last Saturday in September which is the 27approved for an annual skate boarders and bikers competition. They plan to have a small car show at the event. Mayor 1 Sutherland mentioned that the Skate Board Park for Rexburg is known through out the intermountain area as the best and most difficult in the intermountain area. Glen Pond moved to approve the event; Paul Pugmire seconded the motion; all voted aye, The motion carried. none opposed. Public Hearings : 7:35 p.m.Re-Zone University Property - ndrd on SE corner of 2 East and 3 South from University Property to Low Density Residential 1 (LDR1) – (Richard Smith) Mayor Sutherland explained the reason for the rezone to Low Density Residential One (LDR1) Zone. The University has indicated that the property is not large enough or sufficient for their needs. John Millar explained that the Planning and Zoning Commission had recommended the zone change. The University is planning to sell the property so that it can be utilized as a residential property. Richard Smith explained why the University is requesting the rezone to LDR1 at the University’s request. They plan to re-sell the property as a residence. This property did not work out for an Alumni House. The Public Hearing was opened. rd Phyllis Bond - 215 East 3 South - asked what the LDR1 Zone meant concerning how the property could be used. There will be an apartment allowed with an LDR1 Zone by a Conditional Use Permit. Kirt Hibbert explained on the overhead screen the location of the property. Mayor Sutherland asked for additional testimony. None given. The Public Hearing was closed. Shawn Larsen moved to re-zone the property to LDR1; Paul Pugmire seconded the motion; all The motion carried. voted aye, none opposed. 8:00 p.m. Annual Budget & Fee increases – Financial Officer Richard Horner Richard Horner reviewed the 2004 Budget on a slide presentation using the overhead screen. These slides presented a summary of the Budget in graphical form. The following is a summary of the 2004 Revenue Budget: 2003_____2004_____2005_____ Total Revenue Budget$4,186,198$4,522,400$4,621,900 2 Total Expense Budget$3,954,000$4,522,400$4,621,900 General Fund Balance$ 232,198$ 00.00$ 00.00 Richard Horner reviewed the individual budgets and he indicated that there are 35 to 40 funds with their own balance sheets. These funds are transferred to the Cities Revenue Budget. Property Tax accounts for less that 10 percent of the Revenue Budget. Sources of revenue for the City include State Taxes, Franchise Fees, Recreational/Golf Fees, Contingency, Utility Charges, Federal and State Grants, Miscellaneous, Property Tax, Road/Bridge Tax, Overhead Transfer, County Fire and Ambulance, Fund Transfers, Reimbursements, Carryover, Donations, Assessments and Lease Proceeds. Discussion on the State Sales Tax that is collected in Rexburg. If this money was collected directly to the Revenue Budget for Rexburg instead of routing the money to Boise for re- distribution, would Rexburg receive more revenue? Mayor Sutherland indicated that it would increase the tax revenue for Rexburg. Richard Horner reviewed the budget comparisons from 1990 to the projected Budget for 2005. He mentioned that the Reimbursement Budget was higher due to the City adding the entire Emergency Service Budget to the City Budget. The Police Department accounts for about 25% of the City’s Operating Expense Budget and about 40% of the General Fund Budget. The General Fund is used to subsidize some City Services Budgets as needed. The total 2004 Budget for the City of Rexburg including Capital projects is $21,892,600. Discussion on the Street Budget over the past five years. The street budget has remained fairly constant over that period of time. Discussion on the tax levies for the City (23%), County (39%), School District (32%), Ambulance (2%), and Library (4%). The City and County assess property values are nearly equal. The State has picked up there funding for the Schools due to new funding sources like the lottery. Richard Horner reviewed the City Tax Levi per person compared to other cities. Rexburg was on the low end of the chart for per person tax levies compared to neighboring Cities. He concluded the Budget review for 2004. Mayor Sutherland asked for public comments on the Budget presentation. None Given The public hearing was closed. Richard Horner indicated that there have been three positions added to the 2004 Budget compared to the 2003 Budget. (One Police Officer, One Waste Water Employee and One GIS (mapping) position). Capital projects were reviewed for the Water and Sewer Budget. There are plans for the Expansion of the Waste Water facility, plus a new water well and a water tank. 3 Richard explained that there are funds set up to accept donations. An example is the Monument Fund. Continued discussion on the LID funds running at 5% interest and the Debt Service funds. Shawn Larsen asked how the moneys are booked which include the transfer of funds from one fund to another. Richard indicated that as debt payments are made they are transferred to the appropriate fund. Discussion on Construction funds in the Budget. Richard Smith asked about a Revenue chart concerning overhead transfers. Richard Horner reviewed those transfers with Mr. Smith. The transfer funds located on Page 9 of the budget were discussed. The majority of the transfers come from the Utility funds. Continued discussion on the Source of Revenue for the Utility funds. Out of a total Budget of $21,000,000 there is about $3,800,000 (18.1%) generated from Utility funds. The Rate payers (water and sewer) and the tax payers (property tax) do not subsidize each others budgets. Marsha Bjornn reviewed page 20 of the Budget concerning the increased cost of benefits for employees. Richard indicated that there are two new building inspectors hired to handle the growth of the City. The value of the building permits in 2003 was dramatically higher which drove the need for additional inspections. Discussion on the new database software (parcel based) for tracking of building permits, inspections, compliance issues, etc. that is included in the 2004 Budget. Mayor Sutherland reminded the Council of the City’s need to become more efficient. Discussion on page 20 concerning the remodel project for the “Tools for Learning” building that was recently purchased by the City. There is $30,000 budgeted for that building to help with the Building Departments office space. Discussion of liability losses on page 21. Richard Horner indicated that the total Capital in the 2004 Budget includes ramping up the Inspection Department with a new vehicle and other costs that caused part of the increase for Capital purchases. Richard reviewed Page 27 concerning the Contingency Budget increase for the walking paths in Smith Park and Porter Park. These costs will be moved to the Parks Budget after construction. Marsha continued to discuss fund transfers in the Budget. Richard Horner reviewed the Sewer Rate fee increase of 63 cents per month for a home. This cost is mainly due to inflation. This fee is reviewed every year. Shawn Larsen mentioned that this fund is a break even fund. Water and Sanitation funds are holding their own in the budget. Mayor Sutherland discussed the need to stay up with the fund increases every year. Glen Pond reviewed the contract for the Golf Course Management. It is a five year contract. 4 Marsha asked about rumors that Golf Course was looking at increasing the golf course. Paul Pugmire (Golf Board member) indicated that at the conclusion of this year the property purchased from five land owners located on the interior of the Teton Lakes Golf Course will be paid off. Stephen Zollinger indicated that the land will be owned by the City/County. Private owners initially purchase the lots for residential purposes. The Golf Board is proposing to develop this area located inside the front nine into an additional 9 holes. The City and the County will decide how the property is developed with recommendations from the Golf Board as to how it will be managed. Discussion on the smaller golf course by the airport. (The Municipal Golf Course). Glen Pond moved to approve the 2004 Budget; Marsha Bjornn seconded the motion; Discussion: Paul asked if the rules need to be suspended for this motion. Richard indicated that the rules will need to be suspended to pass the Ordinance for the 2004 Budget. All voted aye, The motion carried. none opposed. Paul Pugmire indicated that for the sake of “Cosmic Symmetry”, he would moved to suspend the rules to approve the Ordinance for the 2004 Budget; Donna Benfield seconded the motion; Those voting for a suspensionThose voting against a suspension Glen PondNone Marsha Bjornn Donna Benfield Paul Pugmire Shawn Larsen The motion carried. Paul Pugmire moved to approve final passage of Ordinance 903 for the 2004 Budget as presented; Donna Benfield seconded the motion; Discussion: Those voting AyeThose voting Nay Glen PondNone Marsha Bjornn Donna Benfield Paul Pugmire Shawn Larsen The motion carried. Discussion on past budgets when Glen Pond with 23 years seniority and Richard Horner came to the City. Glen indicated that the City was $250,000 in the red when he joined the Council. Richard mentioned that the Operating Budget was about $2,000,000 indicating a 10% deficit. 5 Resolution 2003-08 ( Sewer Rate Increase) Mayor Sutherland read the resolution to the Council as follows: PURSUANT TO City Ordinance No. 638, be it resolved by the Rexburg City Council, effective October 1, 2003, the sewer rate to be charged to users shall be a minimum of $7.45 base monthly charge for each 3/4" water meter or equivalent multiple thereof, plus two dollars and three cents ($2.03) per thousand gallons used per billing, based on winter water average usage or actual metered usage. The City of Sugar City and the City of Teton shall pay $1.24 per thousand gallons. All non-capitalized utility customers located out of the City limits shall pay 30% additional for all charges. Glen Pond moved to approve Resolution 2003-08 as presented; Paul Pugmire seconded the The motion carried. motion; all voted aye, none opposed. Mayor Sutherland thanked Richard and the Staff for putting the budget together. New Business: Final Plat Parkside Plat “B” Planned Residential Development – Schiess & Associates (Kurt Rowland) Kurt Hibbert explained the Plat on the overhead screen. This is the seconded phase of the project. This is a continuation of the Master Plan for the development. The units are being sold as town homes. The Planning and Zoning Commission and City Staff recommend that this proposal be approved as a Final Plat. Shawn Larsen commented on the need for garage addresses on the garages. This was a recommendation from Planning and Zoning. Kurt Hibbert mentioned that the Addressing Committee recommended that the addresses should be placed on the garages for the units. John Dester (owner) explained that the units are starting to sell so they are moving ahead with phase 2 of the development. The twin homes are intended to buffer the development from the residential area. John indicated that they will comply with the addressing requirement from Planning and Zoning to address both the front and back of the units. Discussion on the naming of the streets for the development. Shawn Larsen moved to approve the Final Plat Parkside Plat “B” Planned Residential Development; Donna Benfield seconded the motion; all voted aye, none opposed. The motion carried. 6 Old Business: rd Impact Fees for the City of Rexburg – (Richard Horner – Financial Officer) 3 Reading of Ordinance 896. Mayor Sutherland thanked the Committee that worked on the Impact Fee recommendations. The Committee members are as follows: Mark Nygren Tom Kennelly Jim Long Bart Stevens Judith Hobbs Clayter Forsgren Chuck Frost Marsha Bjornn commented on the need to have the Impact Funds to help pay for the additional City Services as the City population grows. She has received input that there is a need to have the new developments in the City to help with Parks, Fire, and Police. Mayor Sutherland commented on the Chart showing the total fees. The New home chart in the Budget hand out for the 2004 Budget did not include projected Impact Fees. This is a one time fee. Richard Horner indicated that the average fee would go from $3,200 to $4,100 for a new home in Rexburg. Mayor Sutherland indicated that the Development Agreements could go to offset Impact Fees if they meet the criteria. Growth causes stress on the City services including the Fire and Police Departments. This one time fee allows the new developments to participate in these City services. Paul Pugmire asked to hear from the Builders Association at the meeting. th Anthony Merrill – 1322 North 16 East in Sugar City – representing the Builders Association asked where the cost for this new fee would go. They are not against the Impact Fee for helping with some of the City services, however, Anthony indicated that Emergency Services cost should be a shared cost. The Builders Association is concerned with the amount of the proposed Impact Fee and that the increased cost may force new home buyers out of the housing market. They are concerned with moving forward with this Impact Fee proposal without additional information. Larry Prescott – 1176 Barney Dairy Road – He asked for a few points of clarification. The Impact Fee is for new development and it is a one time fee. Larry does not live in the City of Rexburg. 7 Mayor Sutherland reviewed the State requirements to distribute Impact Fee funds. The City has worked on this proposal for the past 18 months. The funds must be used to increase capacity for Parks, Police, and Fire. Larry Prescott indicated that he is in support for the funding source. He would be in favor of doubling the fee. Larry stated that economic growth comes to cities that have a good infrastructure and green space (aesthetics). Larry mentioned that people want to develop here in Rexburg. His message was that if we build it they will come. Larry mentioned the cost of building a home in Boise. He asked the Council to approve the requested Impact Fees. He mentioned the City of Boise charges much more. His brother in Boise paid over $6,000 in fees for his home. He mentioned that businesses demand good infrastructure to locate in a new area. Mayor Sutherland mentioned that a Committee of five set the proposed rate. It was a laborious effort with a conservative recommendation. He indicated that this type of preparation will encourage positive growth. Judy Hobbs a member of the Committee reviewed the struggle of deciding if this was needed at all. She discussed the effort that went into the study and Impact Fee report. The Impact Fee does not go to a developer. It is the buyer of the home or property. She indicated that people moving into the City are looking for the beauty of the City and the quality of life in Rexburg. It is a living document (Ordinance) that can be changed. All of the money has to go for a 20 year capital investment. It is for City infrastructure to provide additional City services. Shawn Larsen commented on the development of greenways for the City. This is a great effort to maintain the infrastructure level (quality of life) for Rexburg. He mentioned that it would allow the City to help develop the greenways for the City. Paul Pugmire agreed with Shawn’s comments. He mentioned that the Builders Association is requesting to be involved with the process. Paul recommended allowing an additional two weeks for their input on the proposal before passage. Discussion on the reasons to move forward with the proposal tonight. Richard Horner offered to meet with the Builders Association and provide them with the requested information. He reviewed the lost revenue to the City by not passing the Impact Fees earlier. Mayor Sutherland reviewed the building permits for 2002 and 2003. There were 58,000,000 in Building valuation for permits in 2002. This year the permits are running at 42,500,000 to date. Richard Horner reviewed the ratio of Residential to Commercial permits in 2001. There were 267 permits with 50 homes. Of the 267 permits, 144 permits were for single apartments, and 73 permits were for family apartments. Of the 50 homes, 21 homes were in subdivisions where City Park lands were donated to the City. None of the permits gave fees to the Fire and Police. 8 If the Fees were in place for these permits in 2001, It would have raised $164,000 for Parks and $26,000 for Police and $31,000 for the Fire Department. Glen Pond asked how much ground was given to the City for Parks. Richard Horner mentioned that only 2 developments have donated Park lands in 2001 or 2002. Evergreen Subdivision donated land in 2001 and Hidden Valley Subdivision donated land in 2002. Discussion on the fact that developments do not have lands to donate. There are usually limited land recourses for development. Richard Horner commented on the equalization of this type of fee. Each unit can contribute even though land is unavailable for creating a City Park. Glen Pond asked if the developers were asked to contribute to Parks. John Millar indicated that they developers were not receptive to contributing to Parks when they did their developments. Donna Benfield asked about swapping Impact Fees for Development Agreements. Glen Pond discussed the fact that the Impact Fees will be paid when the building permits are paid. Discussion on Subdivision Development Agreements that pay up front. These fees could go towards covering the Impact Fees when the home builder buys the building permit. Richard Horner discussed the fund transfer option in the Ordinance. Extraordinary costs were reviewed in the Ordinance. Discussion on the locations that the fees would be used. The Impact Fees are not locations specific. The Council will authorize the expenditure of Impact Fees annually in the Budget. Discussion on the need to buy a Hook and Ladder Truck for the Fire Department to access structures higher than 2.5 stories. Richard Horner mentioned that the Impact Fees will provide an additional Fire Station (substation) for every additional 12,000 population growth. Paul Pugmire reviewed the need to pass the Ordinance and provide information to the Building Association and bring them up to speed. Richard Horner offered to meet with the Building Association separately with a member of the Impact Fee Committee. 9 Richard Smith reviewed fact that owners of residential units will bear the cost of these fees. He recommended that the Council consider the concerns of the home owner. Richard indicated that the City does not get their fair share of tax revenues from the State. Discussion with Legal Council exploring a way to require full disclosure of the Impact Fees and the complex issues that is in this process. Richard Smith asked the Council to consider where these fees are going to land. It will be the individual homeowners. He also thinks that the amount seems high. Discussion on Scout Park which is located behind the sewer plant. Basic American Foods owns some of that Park. Richard questioned the number of acres used in the study for City Parks. Discussion on the need to expend the Impact Fees within five years of collecting the funds. Richard Horner discussed the credits that would be given to developers and the University. The University is working with the City to provide a Police Force. The City can negotiate an exemption based on the Police services offered by the University. Richard Smith indicated that BYU-I wants to go on record to continue with a Campus Police Force and bear their own weight of the cost for the Campus Police. Paul Pugmire reviewed the need to spread the infrastructure cost to all including new developments, not just existing tax payers. Paul mentioned that he is confident in the Committee and their decision to recommend the Impact Fees. Paul indicated that the City will review the Impact Fees on annual basis. Richard Smith reiterated his comments at the first reading of the Ordinance. He asked the Council to take into account the nature of the Community. The local churches and the University facilities are used heavily by the community. These facilities will continue to be used by the residents as in the past. Paul Pugmire would like to get a years experience with the fund. Larry Prescott discussed the need to increase the quality of our green space not merely increase total space. His family drives to Idaho Falls to use the green space provided in Idaho Falls. He indicated that is the duty of the homeowner to share in the expense of providing City infrastructure. Richard Horner commented on the Parks fees in relation to other Cities in the Northwest. Rexburg’s proposed Park Fees are much smaller. The Committee recommended 3 acres per 1,000 residents instead of 4.5 acres per 1,000 residents. They were very conservative in the amount recommended for Parks. Shawn Larsen mentioned that the City needs to budget more for Parks and Recreation instead of relying on the Impact Fees. 10 Glen Pond mentioned that the City residents did not support a recent vote on a Recreational Center. Glen has reservations about increasing the cost of new residential units. The interest on a $1,000 over 30 years is sizable. He is very concerned with raising the cost of a residential home. Shawn Larsen moved to pass Ordinance 896; Marsha Bjornn seconded the motion; Mayor Sutherland called for a vote. Those voting AyeThose voting Nay Marsha BjornnGlen Pond Donna Benfield Paul Pugmire Shawn Larsen The motion carried. Resolution 2003-07 (Impact Fee amounts) After the passage of the Impact Fee Ordinance, the Mayor called for a Resolution to set the Impact Fee levels. Paul Pugmire moved to adopt Resolution 2003-07 setting the Impact Fee levels; Shawn Larsen seconded the motion; Discussion: Those voting AyeThose voting Nay Marsha BjornnGlen Pond Donna Benfield Paul Pugmire Shawn Larsen The motion carried. ndrd Ordinance 899 – Increase the Mayors salary 2004 (2/3 Reading) ndrd Ordinance 900 – Increase the Council Members salary 2004 (2 /3 Reading) Mayor Sutherland explained the reason for the passing the Ordinances for the pay increases on the third reading tonight. (The Ordinance must be published by September 05, 2003, to become effective January 01, 2004). Marsha Bjornn explained that a citizens committee has recommended that the Council Members receive an increase of $50 per month which would be voted on every two years before the General Election until the compensation reaches the recommended level. Marsha supports the raise for the Council Members. 11 Marsha Bjornn moved to suspend the rules to allow a vote on Ordinance 899 and Ordinance 900; Donna Benfield seconded the motion; The Mayor called for a vote. Those voting for a suspensionThose voting against a suspension Glen PondShawn Larsen Marsha Bjornn Donna Benfield Paul Pugmire The motion carried. Donna Benfield discussed the need to have a CEO for the City of Rexburg that is compensated for a 20 million dollar organization. She indicated that the City needs strong leadership. “You get what you pay for” referring to some discussion that the City could have a volunteer Mayor. She indicated her support for an increase in the Mayor’s salary. Marsha Bjornn mentioned that the work load has tripled for the Council. She mentioned all of the Citizens committees that the Council needs to be in attendance. Marsha attends two to three meetings a week for the City. The City has grown and has experienced increased demands on the City Officials. Shawn Larsen commented that he believes that the pay is adequate for the positions. Shawn referred to his comments in the past where he indicated his feelings on the proposed raises. Shawn indicated that “instead of increasing our pay, we should figure out a way to become more efficient”. Marsha Bjornn asked Shawn how the Council could become more efficient. Shawn Larsen recommended that the City provide lap top computers for the Council to become more efficient. Marsha asked for a cost comparison between lap tops and the salary increase. Shawn Larsen indicated that he knew what the salary was going into the position and he thinks it is adequate. He mentioned that there is a lot of waste when the City sends out all of this paperwork to the Council. He mentioned the pay for the Planning and Zoning Commission is only $25.00 per meeting. Shawn did not feel that it was right to pay the Council and Mayor additional funds when the Planning and Zoning Commission is paid $25.00 for a meeting that may last from 7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Shawn would to prefer to spend the money with them or on lap tops. Glen Pond concurred with Shawn. Glen is against the increase in compensation for the Council’s position and the Mayor’s position. Glen expressed similar feelings when the Committee gave their recommendations to the Council. He mentioned that the City has adequate Staff with Department Heads that take the responsibility of City business. Glen does not see a need to raise the salaries at this time. 12 Paul Pugmire commented on the issue of the salary increases. This issue defies rational analysis. Everything everyone has said on this issue is right. He mentioned Donna’s comments are so right, that you get what you pay for. Also, Marsha is so right; the workload of the City leadership has increased. Shawn is right, that the Committees work for next to nothing. Paul mentioned that a CEO running a $21,000,000 organization is laughable. Paul indicated that a higher salary for the Mayor would draw more residents into the arena. Paul continued to discuss the Community Committee’s recommendation to increase the salaries. Paul will vote yes for the increases. Paul Pugmire moved to approve Ordinance 899 and Ordinance 900 as drafted; Donna Benfield seconded the motion; Those voting for Ord. 899 & 900Those voting against Ord. 899 & 900 Marsha BjornnGlen Pond Donna BenfieldShawn Larsen Paul Pugmire The motion carried. Update on Projects: John Millar indicated that LID 32 is slated for completion next week. LID 33 has been completed with close out documents being prepared. The West side project will be completed in 2 weeks. The Airport fence will be completed in a week. The Twelfth West & Hwy 33 project for the State to install a traffic light has been moved back a year. The South Arterial has been shifted back 12 months. Mayor Sutherland thanked H&K Contractors for the way they handled the repaving project for nd Main and 2 East. The effort was less intrusive to the public than expected. The rock will be swept tonight on that project. Marsha Bjornn commented on Paula Sonderegger giving the City thanks for the way the sewer and water extensions were done on the Widdison Addition. Paula was quoted as saying that the whole street looks great. Her place looks fantastic. Paula thanked the City for a wonderful job on the street. Shawn Larsen asked about the bike path survey on North Hill Road. It is moving forward. nd Discussion on the Jake brake Ordinance being on the next meeting agenda for a 2 Reading. Committee Reports: Heritage City Award for the City of RexburgMarsha Bjornn – reported on the Historical Preservation Committee’s effort to have Rexburg designated as a Heritage City. Tom Kennelly and Louis Clements were instrumental in getting the award for the City. The Heritage City 13 award is presented by the Governor’s office. The City passed a Historical Preservation Ordinance to fulfill one of fourteen requirements to receive the award. Other requirements include a program to verify cemetery records, preservation of historical artifacts, a historical th marker and a non-profit historical museum. The award was presented to the City on June 4, 2003. Marsha mentioned that it was an honor for the City to receive this award. Heritage City Signs will be posted at the entrances to the City, plus a plaque for City Hall. Rexburg is one of four Cities in the State to receive the award. Mayor Sutherland accepted the award on behalf of the City from Marsha. Marsha Bjornn asked the Council to approve Leslie Twitchell and Sam Fox to the Museum Board. Marsha Bjornn moved to accept Leslie Twitchell and Sam Fox as members of the Museum The motion carried. Board; Shawn Larsen seconded the motion; all voted aye, none opposed. Marsha Bjornn reported that the Museum Board is working on a Mission Statement and bylaws for the Museum. They have organized a three member committee to review the items that will be accepted into the museum. Marsha Bjornn mentioned that the Historical Preservation Committee is trying to get properties on the National Registry. They are working on a Historic University District to prevent encroachment on homes near the University. College Avenue is being looked at as a starting point for this effort. It will come from the Spori Building going north down College Ave. The Committee is working with the Planning and Zoning Commission on this proposal. Mayor Sutherland said that it is remarkable how residents have come together to provide Community support for the several committees that are working on City issues. th Donna Benfield reported on the Traffic Safety Committee recommendations for 12 West. th They want to reduce the speed on 12 West after a study or survey. Stephen Zollinger indicated that the Committee wants to review the area from the onramp for th U.S. Hwy 20 going west to the intersection of Main Street and 12 West. They also would like to review the road systems going both north and south from that area. The State recently reduced the speed limit on U. S. Hwy 33 west of Rexburg at the S curves to 45 mph. The th intersection of 12 West and Main will be reduced to 35 mph. Shawn Larsen indicated that the Planning and Zoning are still working on the Comprehensive Plan and the new Planning and Zoning Ordinance. They have put in a ton of time and they are anxious to get both projects completed. Donna Benfield commented on the upcoming event to introduce the University’s new students Rexburg Unplugged” to the Business Community. The event is called “and will be sponsored by about 30 businesses in the Community from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday. 14 Mayors Business: ’ Paul Pugmire requested a discussion on using City Resources to get information on construction a summer only swimming pool. This discussion will be placed on the next Council agenda. Shawn Larsen mentioned that he spoke with a representative for a firm in Orem called “Aqua Tech” that built an outdoor pool for Ross Park and the City of Orem. They will provide the City with cost numbers from those facilities. Stephen Zollinger mentioned that a firm called Ellsworth Poulsen who are currently doing work in Rexburg has requested information from the City concerning a recent study on a Recreation Center. The Council was agreeable to provide the report to the firm. They may be interested in making a proposal to the City. John Millar mentioned that the Deseret Industries project has offered free top soil to the City if the City will haul it off. John would like to use the soil for fill at another location. The Council was favorable to the request. Adjourned ____________________________________ Bruce Sutherland, Mayor _____________________________________ Blair D. Kay, City Clerk 15