HomeMy WebLinkAbout2004.03.17 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
CITY OF REXBURG
March 17, 2004
6:30 P.M.
STATE OF IDAHO )
: ss.
County of Madison )
Present were the following:
Mayor: Mayor Shawn Larsen
Council Members:
Paul Pugmire
Donna Benfield
Nyle Fullmer
Rex Erickson
G. Farrell Young
Garth R. Oakey
Financial OfficerRichard Horner
P&Z Administrator:Kurt Hibbert
City Clerk:Blair D. Kay
PFC:John Millar
City Attorney:Stephen Zollinger
Portions of the meeting were recorded.
Pledge to the Flag
Mayor Larsen
welcomed the Scouts to the meeting from Troop 305.
Mayor Larsen
welcomed the Sugar City Mayor and Council to the Meeting. He
welcomed the Madison County Commissioners to the meeting at the same time.
Commissioner Reed Sommer and
Those attending from the County were
Commissioner Roger Muir and County Clerk Marilyn Rasmussen.
Those attending
Mayor Glenn Dalling, Council Member Tim Kershaw, Council
from Sugar City were
Member Harold L. Harris, and Council Member Walter Deitz.
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Work Session with the Madison County Commissioners and Sugar City Council
concerning the Impact Area growth & Bike Path Grant.
Mayor Dalling
indicated that it was a good idea for the three local Governments to meet
regularly and discuss issues that may affect each area. Others agreed that it was
important to meet for these discussions.
Mayor Larsen
outined some discussion items that would be important for the local
Governments to discuss.
1)The combined bike path for Madison County
2)Keller and Associates traffic study for Madison County
3)Impact Zone concerning joint building inspections.
4)Global Information System – Rexburg (GIS) Department resources.
Winston Dyer
reviewed the history of the pedestrian bike path between Sugar City and
Rexburg. There was funding available through grants and matching funds to do
$726,000 worth of work towards the paths. $450,000 would come from Federal funds
and $276,000 would be generated through matching (inkind) funds form the three local
Governments and contributions from other sources.
Madison Greenways
The proposed pedestrian bike path was reviewed on a map for the
Committee
. The map indicated the proposed routes. The old route next to the railroad
tracks was reviewed. Discussion on the past agreements from the three Governing bodies
to have a trail system from Rexburg to Sugar City, Teton City and Salem. The State and
Sugar City signed an agreement to move forward with the funding of the project in 2005.
Council Member Kershaw
asked about the railroad track path to Sugar City. Winston
Dyer indicated that the right of way for the railroad was the reason for the original trail
being mapped at that location; however, the railroad would require a protective fence to
be constructed the entire route along the railroad track. It would be a cost concern for the
project.
Mayor Larsen
mentioned that there is an alternative route from the route along the
railroad tracks that the Greenways Committee is exploring. The Committee would like
to keep the pathway as close to the Teton River as possible. The path route along County
roads and the river would require fewer property easements.
Kurt Hibbert
reviewed the locations that are proposed for the pedestrian bike path on
the overhead screen. The proposed route would have fewer intersections to cross.
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Mayor Larsen
asked the group if they could agree to have one map to work from that
the Madison County Trails Committee would use for the Master Plan map. Some of the
trail system has been built in the City of Rexburg and some funding will be available in
2005 for other portions of the trail.
Commissioner Muir
indicated that there are some property owners that would be willing
to have the trail system incorporated into their properties as they develop in the future.
Winston Dyer
indicated a need to have environmental reviews on properties where the
proposed path has been changed.
Commissioner Muir
reviewed the original path location that was presented in the Grant
application.
Winston Dyer
reviewed the process for accepting Government Grants and the detail
needed to connect the Communities on the trail system in the Grant application. The
proposed changes to the trail have added some length to the trail system.
Mayor Dalling
asked if the proposed river path was possible. Mayor Larsen indicated
that it would increase the value of the property owner’s property to have the trail system
pass through their property.
Council Member Harris
asked if Sugar City was represented on the Trails of Madison
County Committee.
Commissioner Summer
asked the group to allow the Trails of Madison County
Committee to solidify the location of the path and bring that map back to the group for
approval.
Commissioner Muir
indicated that the budgeted funds are set for the County Road and
Bridge Department. Any changes to the road system would impact their budgets. They
would need to discuss the proposed pathway to Dusty to see how his crew could be used
to work on the “in kind” work that the County could do on the trail system.
Council Member Harris
asked how the proposed trail system was developed. Did the
three local Governments agree to the proposed route for the trail system? There was
discussion on how the Government entities could work on the trail system based on the
availability of crews. The preference was to use crew down time for that work instead of
working on the trail system as a priority.
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Winston Dyer
indicated a need to review the Grant based on the proposed changes to the
Trail system. He mentioned that $225,000 was committed by the Grant to come from “in
kind” work. Discussion on the possible funding reviews needed for the changes in the
Trail System route.
Mayor Dalling
asked Rexburg to take the lead in the Grant funding project for the Trail
System from Rexburg to Sugar City. They discussed who served on the Trails for
Madison County Committee. They wanted to make sure that Sugar City was represented
on the Committee. They discussed the need to give the Committee guidance from the
group.
Council Member Erickson
asked to have the Committee present a report on the Trail
System at the next meeting of the Governing Officials.
Mayor Larsen
reviewed the upcoming clean up days for Rexburg. The spring cleaning
events will be planned by the Mayor’s new Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee. The
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dates for the clean up program called “Pride Days” are planned for April 30 from 4:00
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p.m. to 7:00 p.m.; the next three all day events will be May 22, June 19, and July 31.
Commissioner Muir
indicated that the County would like to participate in the clean up
events as a joint activity for Pride Day with the City of Rexburg. They would be willing
to donate services at the Transfer Station and Construction and Demolition (C&D)
Departments. Mayor Larsen mentioned that the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Committee
would contact the County to request their participation into the program.
Mayor Dalling
indicated that Sugar City would like to participate in the clean up events
with the County and Rexburg.
Council Member Oakey
mentioned that the students in both High Schools could work
together on the project.
The Governing Officials from the County and Sugar City indicated a desire to be on
board with the Rexburg GIS Department. Sugar City would evaluate the costs to have
some contract work done by the Department. They talked about having a County/City
GIS Board with 2 voting members from the County and 2 voting members from the City.
Craig Rindlisbacher would be on the Committee as a none voting member. Sugar City
would participate through the County’s representation on the GIS Board at the present
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time because Sugar City does not have any GIS funding in their City budget
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Council Member Fullmer
suggested a non-voting member could represent Sugar City
on the Board. Paul Sorensen, County IT Manger, and Steve Christensen, Rexburg City
IT Manager were suggested as possible members of the Board.
The Governing Officials discussed the Impact Zone and the need to have uniform
inspections for fire and building codes. Commissioner Muir indicated that the County
Attorney is reviewing the fire inspection issue at this time. The County can not impose
regulations that they are unable to enforce. He mentioned that the County is reviewing
the possibility of the City of Rexburg conducting building inspections in the Impact Zone
for Rexburg.
Val Christensen
, Rexburg’s Building Official mentioned that a City Inspection Team
could possibly do both areas to include the City of Rexburg and the Impact Zone for the
City of Rexburg.
Commissioner Muir
indicated that the County Building Inspector is planning to retire in
the near future. The group discussed the need to evaluate the options available for the
City and the County concerning the Impact Zone for Rexburg.
Commissioner Muir
indicated that the County has adopted the International Building
Code 2000.
Mayor Larsen
asked the City Staff to formulate some recommendations for the City and
County to evaluate.
The Governing Officials set their next meeting for May 05, 2004 at 6:30 p.m. They plan
to invite the Trails of Madison County Committee to the meeting for a report.
Roll Call of Council Members:
Mayor Larsen
called the roll for the Council and all were present.
Mayors Business –
Introduction of Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board to the Council.
Chair:Kylie Jackson
Vice Chair:Preston Lee
Secretary:Tyler Sommer
Treasurer:Shelly Lucas
Members:Jason Stark, Brandon Bradshaw, Tracy Stephenson, Shelly Lucas, Jason
Andrus, Clarisa Blacker, Tyler Sommer, Tabitha Webster, Preston Lee, Kylie Jackson.
They are working on the Rexbrug Pride Days project. The Mayor is very impressed with
their enthusiasm for the project.
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Council Member Oakey
asked if they would work with the County and Sugar City.
Mayor Larsen
thanked them for participating.
Council Member Pugmire
asked how the members were chosen. It was done through
the application process.
Mayor Larsen
indicated that the main selection criterion was that they must live within
the City limits and have commitments to the City. Peggy Hymas, Americore Volunteer,
fills the roll as coordinator for City projects with thegroup.
Council Member Pugmire
congratulated the members for their participation in the
Advisory Board. He thanked the Mayor and the Youth Committee for their efforts in the
City. He wanted them to be involved with other City Committees.
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 March 03, 2004 meeting
B.Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Pugmire
moved to approve the Calendar; Council Member Benfield
The motion carried
seconded the motion; all voted aye, none opposed. .
Public Comment – Issues not scheduled on the agenda (limit 3 minutes)
None given
Mayor Larsen
welcomed Additional Scouts to the meeting and they were invited to
introduce themselves. They are working on Community merit badges and
Communications merit badges. Mayor Larsen asked them to be involved in the
upcoming Pride Days for the Community.
New Business:
A. Discussion with the Developmental Workshop on the Business Park Parcel:
Dwight Whittaker,
President and CEO of the Development Workshop, Inc. resides at
3801 Marlene Street in Idaho Falls. He is representing the Upper Valley Industries, a
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Division of the Development Workshop, Inc. located at 16 North 2 East in Rexburg.
He handed out some material on the Upper Valley Industries. Dwight thanked the Mayor
and Council for the opportunity to seek support for people with disabilities in the Upper
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Snake River Valley. They are seeking continued good will for the people with
disabilities in the Upper Snake River Valley. The Development Workshop was started in
1971 in Idaho Falls. The program was given a generous facility donation from Art and
Beth Porter. May Thomlinson was a key organizer in Rexburg. Her son, Stanley was
one of the first participants in the Workshop. Lavern Bennett from Newdale was another
participant in the program. There were 12 participants to start the program in 1971. The
Development Workshop is a private nonprofit organization which started in Rexburg in
1988. They serve more than 600 individuals in Idaho Falls, Rexburg, and Salmon. Most
of their support (96%) comes from earned income. The remainder of the support comes
from charitable contributions, grants, and fund raising events. They add $697,000 in
gross revenue to the Community. There are 33 individuals in Rexburg that are using the
facility. Most of that revenue is paid in wages to the Community. He passed out a copy
of the Upper Valley Industries Advisory Committee and the Board of Directors.
Dwight
passed out a historical reference to a request for land at the Rexburg Business
Park. The time line ranged from August 16, 2000 to March 17, 2004. Many issues came
up during that time frame that delayed the development of the resources necessary to
move this proposal forward. They are seeking City support to help with the aquistion of
land in the Rexburg Business Park to move their building project forward.
Dwight
indicated that the proposal requests a purchase price of $75,000 (cash) for three
lots (3.06 Acres) at the Rexburg Business Park. Item number three is to allow a three
year window before the City would be able to buy the property back. They plan to build
two buildings on the property. One building would be for production and one would be
for storage. It would be a stepped approach.
Council Member Young
asked Dwight what they planned to do with the old facility.
They plan to sell the old building.
Council Member Erickson
asked about the cost for the infrastructure.
John Millar
mentioned that it would cost about $250,000 to do the utilites.
Dwight
provided cost for Profit Street where the building would be located. There are
680 feet on Profit Street to the proposed building sites. The cost could be in excess of
$100,000 to do water and sewer to the building sites. Since sewer is already in to that
location, Dwight estimated about $75,000 to do the water line for that portion of Profit
Street.
Council Member Erickson
asked about the original offer of getting the property if they
helped put in the infrastructure. John Millar explained the possible grant of $500,000 to
Council Member Erickson
do the infrastructure. asked if they could persue a grant for
the infrastructure. Dwight indicated a desire to work with the City in any way possible to
Council Member Erickson
move the project forward. asked if they were still interested
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in persuing the grant. Dwight indicated that they were still interested in the grant.
Council Member Erickson
Timing seemed to be the issue on the request. asked if the
Grant is still available. They asked Mr. Hendricks to comment. He indicated that jobs
were tied to the funding requests. Funding Agencies need to have jobs tied to the
proposal. They have to have a job creator for it to work. Without jobs there can not be
funding. Timing is the problem with the grant proposal. Funding can go towards
Council Member Erickson
infrastructure. asked if the City could be reimbursed if the
City did the work up front. The grant funding would not reimburse the City for work that
is already completed. Discussion on the timing for putting in sidewalks and the road
systems. John Millar indicated that the sidewalks would be done at the same time as the
buildings were constructed to minimize construction damage to the sidewalks.
Council Member Pugmire
reviewed the land swap proposal. The value of the land
could be used as part of the matching funds for the grant. He asked why that won’t work
now. Dwight indicated that new jobs would be necessary to make the grant process
work. Dwight discussed the packaging of potato flakes into one pound bags. They have
toured a plant that does this process. It would cost about $500,000 for the equipment to
do this process.
Council Member Erickson
asked if they could build the buildings without the grant.
Dwight indicated that they could start on a smaller building without the grant. The
smaller building would not produce additional jobs. The larger building would take job
creation to move that forward. Mr. Hendricks indicated that any business in the Business
Park could supply the needed jobs for the grant.
Mayor Larsen
discussed the possibility of doing the infrastructure on Profit Street. If
the Council approves the proposal it would provide funding for some of the infrastructure
on Profit Street. Dividend Street may be developed at a latter date.
Council Member Erickson
asked them to change #9 on the proposal to include the other
utilities.
John Millar
indicated that a partial development of the Park may help move the project
forward with additional jobs coming as the Business Park is developed. Again, it is a
timing issue. Developers want to move forward without waiting for the grant funding
process. Mr. Hendricks reviewed the front part of the Business Park as being developed
by grant money. It would take about 30 to 50 jobs in two to three years to have the grant
requirements satisfied.
John Millar
reviewed the proposed lots that would be used for this proposal in the
Business Park.
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Council Member Pugmire
asked Legal Council if a contract with a net loss would be
legal. Stephen indicated that there were a number of circumstances that would allow
participation in non profit Community interest venture.
Council Member Erickson
asked if Legal Council would review the Real Estate Sales
agreement before the City Council makes a decision. Dwight is comfortable with
allowing that review process.
Council Member Pugmire
thanked Dwight and he indicated appreciation for the effort.
He asked for a separation of the issues of the sale of the land in the Business Park and
then the sale of the land after it is developed. He is not comfortable with the current
request. Council Member Pugmire asked for further study to achieve the end that Dwight
is persuing.
Council Member Young
asked if the City or the County would be interested in buying
the old building. Dwight mentioned that the workers could have transportation from the
proposed facility to the City for meals.
Council Member Erickson
asked for more time to study the issues and have Legal
Council review the proposal.
Council Member Erickson
move to table the proposal for further review; Council
The motion carried
Member Young seconded the motion; all voted aye, none opposed.
to table the request.
B.Final Plat for Teton Professional Park Phase 1
– Trejo Street - Schiess &
Associates (Bagley Enterprises)
Terry Bagley –
423 South Yale Avenue – reviewed the proposal on the overhead screen.
The utility easements are shown on the plat along with the covenants for the project.
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Council Member Erickson
reviewed the 2 access that would be required for phase II.
Terry indicated that it would be a part of phase II.
Council Member Young
moved to approve the final plat for Teton Professional Park
Phase I; Council Member Erickson seconded the motion; all voted aye, none opposed.
The motion carried.
C.Life Safety Review Discussion
– Building Department
Val Christensen
– Building Department Manager of the New Community Development
Department for the City reviewed the history of the code requirements for life safety
issues. There was a Committee assembled to manage the process for a study. The results
of the study were combined into Ordinance 851. Every duplex was allowed three years
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to comply with the life safety Ordinance. A letter from the owner explaining the
deficiencies in the property was requested by the City by December 31, 2003. Many
(25%) have not complied with the deadline. Val asked if the Building Department still
has the Council’s support on the issue. Val asked if the City could send a warning letter
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to the violators of the first deadline which is a misdemeanor. Val asked to delay the 2
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deadline of July 1, 2004.
Council Member Young
indicated that the Council has to uphold the Ordinance. Val
reviewed the contents of the letter asking for a list of deficiencies and a time line for the
completion of the deficiencies.
Council Member Erickson
asked how the City was going to enforce the Ordinance.
City Attorney Zollinger
indicated that a prior Council instituted this process to forestall
an inordinate amount of enforcement misdemeanors. Stephen indicated that there is
going to be a number of misdemeanor complaints if the property owners do not respond.
Discussion on the friendly, attention getting nurturing phase of the process coming to an
end July 1, 2004.
City Attorney Zollinger
indicated that the City is prepared to move forward with the
door to door contact of owners of apartments to validate the requirements indicated in the
Ordinance.
Council Member Erickson
concurred with the need to proceed with the requirements of
the Ordinance.
Council Member Pugmire
asked Val if he was asking for the Council to reaffirm
Council support for the Ordinance. He suggested that no action is necessary from the
Council due to the existing Ordinance. The Staff will needs to enforce the Ordinance.
Council Member Oakey
reviewed the situation of vacant apartments in the City and
maybe an extension would be in order.
Council Member Erickson
indicated that those working on the problem could be
allowed a reasonable amount of time to complete the process.
Council Member Pugmire
recommended that the City treat everyone in the same
manner.
Council Member Benfield
asked if the City sent out a reminder letter. Val sent a
reminder letter July 1, 2003. Ownership changes were only given 6 months to comply
through the business license process. This is across the board for single and married
housing.
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Mayor Larsen
indicated that the City needs to remind residents of the final deadline
with a press release.
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D.Preliminary Plat for Teton River Village
– 485 North 2 East
Ellsworth-Paulsen Construction
Cameron Gunter
– 1082 East 1200 South Springville, Utah, reviewed the proposal on
the overhead screen. They plan to sell one of the lots to a neighborhood grill business
(Wingers) for a steak house. They have provided two accesses into the properties. The
accesses have been widened as requested by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The
theaters are going to be open in May.
Mayor Larsen
asked about the pathway along the river. Cameron indicated that the
parcel was deeded to the City. The City was going to develop the walkway on the
deeded property.
Council Member Erickson
asked about the 50 foot easement between lot 1 and lot 2.
The easement was changed to the north to allow more room for the traffic. Discussion on
the parking needs for lot 3. Kurt indicated that if the lot is narrowed it would not allow
the required parking for Lot 3. Kurt indicated that the easement complies with the Health
and Safety issues. Kurt read the minutes from the Planning and Zoning meeting on
March 04, 2004. There was not that level of detail in the minutes to answer Council
Member Erickson’s question. Council Member Erickson reviewed his notes from the
meeting.
Council Member Fullmer
moved to approve the Preliminary Plat for Teton River
Village; Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; Discussion on Planning and
Zoning Commission approving the proposal. All voted aye, none opposed.
The motion carried.
E.Discuss the visual treatment of the City of Rexburg from the Hwy 20 Corridor
Kurt Hibbert
reviewed the need for buffering along Hwy 20 to allow regulation of site
plans that boarder Hwy 20.
Council Member Erickson
indicated that the landowners and the City needed
agreements in place to enforce the buffering requirement. Kurt proposed a design review
corridor along Hwy 20 per Planning and Zoning. They are asking for Council approval
for this type of a corridor. Discussion on having the Design review coming from the
Planning and Zoning Commission.
Council Member Benfield
was in favor of the proposal. Discussion on the type of
buffering that would improve the appearance of the City. Council Member Benfield
mentioned that there should be options for the developer.
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Council Member Pugmire
reviewed the issue of having tabled Commercial Design
Standards. He recommended finishing the Commercial Design Standards first.
Council Member Erickson
recommended incorporating this request into the Design
Council Member PugmireCouncil
Standards. mentioned that they are related issues.
Member OakeyCouncil Member Erickson
asked for examples in other Cites.
mentioned that if it is not in the Ordinance it can not be enforced.
Mayor Larsen
indicated that it would be appropriate to discuss this issue in a future
meeting with the Commercial Design Standards.
Council Member Pugmire
indicated that Community Leaders need to move this issue
forward before the decision is made by a developer. We need to take the reins now for
the future of the Community.
Council Member Oakey
moved to schedule a work meeting with the Planning and
Hwy 20 Corridor
Zoning Commission to work on the issue; Council Member Pugmire
The motion carried.
seconded the motion; all voted aye, none opposed.
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April 15 at 6:00
Discussion on the time to have the work meeting. They will meet
p.m. in a Planning and Zoning Meeting.
Kurt will and Council Member Erickson will
carry if forward to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
F.Professional Plaza; common area discussion –
City Attorney
City Attorney Zollinger
reviewed the time line for the Professional Plaza development.
The common area in the development has been used as a corridor and primarily as a
parking lot. The uses of the area and the parking in the area have been inconsistent with
a City Street. During the course of evaluating a building’s location that is currently
under construction (Archibald’s office), the neighbors asked for clarification on the type
of designation that the City was using to approve the building next to the corridor called
Council Member Erickson
Professional Plaza. Is it a Street or a Parking Lot?
mentioned that the issue was decided when the buildings were built on the east side of the
corridor. Discussion on why it was designated as a street verses a parking lot. If the
designation is changed to a parking lot, the buildings could be extended towards the
sidewalk. City Attorney Zollinger indicated that the City did put a sign up on the
entrance from Main Street naming the area “Harvard Avenue”. This was an error and is
misleading to the public. If it is a parking lot or a street, it will receive the same attention
from the City Police. Parking lots and streets are treated the same by Police enforcement.
If it is a parking lot each property owner could be accessed the cost of parking lot repairs.
John Millar
said it was treated as a City street for repairs. The neighborhood wants a
definite definition to the corridor.
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Don Sparhawk
- 37 south 3 East is President of the East Main Street Neighborhood
Association. He reviewed the City’s treatment of the corridor as a street. The Ordinance
calls it a street. He recommended that the City designate it as a street. Don appreciated
the Council addressing this issue and clearing up the confusion.
Council Member Young
asked how many lots are available for future development.
City Attorney Zollinger
indicated that there is one additional lot that could be
developed. Other buildings could be enlarged if the area is designated as a parking lot.
He reviewed a recent meeting with neighbors concerning the designation of the area. He
reviewed the possibility of designating the area as a thoroughfare with a specified width.
A street designation would allocate parking on a linear foot basis. A thoroughfare
designation would allocate the parking in the area on a percentage basis.
Council Member Erickson
asked how a street designation would affect the area.
City Attorney Zollinger
explained the pros and cons of the different possibilities. They
discussed calling it an extension of Harvard Avenue. The sign on Main Street which
calls the area Harvard Avenue is incorrect; it is on the maps as Professional Plaza. He
indicated that Staff does not have a comment or recommendation for this situation. The
Staff does not have a vote on the issue. He mentioned that the area is a public right of
way as indicated on the original plat.
Discussion on the location of the property line in the development.
J. D. HancockCity Attorney Zollinger
reviewed his perception of the discussion.
reviewed the location of the right of way line as the back of the Side walk. He requested
that the City Council make a determination on the area as a street, parking lot or corridor.
Either way, there are still problems that exist. It is necessary for Staff to understand how
to treat future building permit requests.
City Attorney Zollinger
reviewed the original Plat of the area which designated the area
in question for public use. The Plat did not designate the area as a street or a parking lot.
Council Member Pugmire
moved to designate the area as a street with the right of way
Council Member Erickson
area measuring 25 feet east and west from center; seconded
the motion; Discussion: What does this do to Archibald’s building? Council Member
Pugmire withdrew his motion.
Council Member Pugmire
moved to instruct the Staff to construct a thoroughfare
through the area considering existing setbacks and bring back a recommendation to the
Council Member Erickson
City Council for approval; seconded the motion; Discussion:
Council Member Young asked if this would allow further development towards the
City Attorney Zollinger
Street. indicated that Dr. Doug Smith could add an addition to
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Council Member Pugmire
his building. explained that parking lots along the edge of
the street could use an LID (Local Improvement District) to help pay for the cost of
maintaining the area.
Those voting ayeThose voting nay
Paul PugmireG. Farrell Young
Donna Benfield
Nyle Fullmer
Rex Erickson
Garth R. Oakey
The motion carried.
Mayor Larsen
recognized Chief Archibald and Lieutenant Larson from the Police
Department and thanked them for attending the meeting.
G.New Staff Positions
– Personnel Committee
Richard Horner
reviewed the job descriptions for positions that were recently opened
for the City in the new Community Development Department. The first position is 50%
planner & 50 % grant writer. This position will be funded through grants. Kurt Hibbert
would become the Director of Community Development. The other position will be a
receptionist, handle phones, input building permits, schedule inspections for the Building
Department, and monitor Planning and Zoning actions. The third job is a Plumbing
Inspector that will do the plumbing inspections. This position is needed to do the
inspections that are currently be done by Delynn Edstrom, who is retiring in May. The
qualifications for the Plumbing Inspector require the position to be bid.
Council Member Erickson
moved to allow Staff to proceed with the hiring of these
Council Member Oakey
three positions; seconded the motion; all voted aye, none
The motion carried.
opposed.
Old Business:
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A.Additional requests for Annexation
– East 7 North, South Yellowstone Hwy, and
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South 5 West to Pole line Road.
Kurt Hibbert
reviewed the requested locations that are seeking annexation. This brings the
total number of parcels to six that have requested annexation this spring. These three
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Fujimotos
additional parcels will be added to the prior requests for annexation. The on 5
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West indicated that up to 50 % of their neighbors on 5 West that are located south of 7
South may be interested in annexation. Kurt reviewed this area on the overhead screen. The
neighbors in this area are looking for answers concerning the future of their area. The group
has discussed City Zoning for their area verses the current County zoning they fall under in
the impact zone.
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Brian Partridge
spoke to the Council concerning his original request for annexation on east
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7 North. The size of the proposed (2) lakes have been reduced to 1 ½ acres. He is
requesting a Rural Residential Zone. He is requesting meandering sidewalks in the
development. The front part of the development where he is seeking professional buildings
will have traditional sidewalks. He needs to have the development plated this year for sale.
He has three prospective buyers if it is done this year.
Council Member Erickson
reviewed the original requested zone which was LDR1. Brain
Partridge explained the reason for the change to RR. He will present a couple of options to
Council
the Council at a later date. He may be seeking a Planned Development for the area.
Member Pugmire
asked which Ordinance he was planning to use for the development.
Brian is willing to seek recommendations from the City Council.
B.Second Reading – 917 Planned Residential Ordinance
Mayor Larsen
indicated that the Ordinance has been read once.
Council Member Pugmire
moved to consider the Planned Residential Ordinance read
nd
Council Member Erickson
for the 2 reading; seconded the motion; Discussion:
Amendments, if needed can be done on the third reading of the Ordinance. All voted
The motion carried.
aye, none opposed.
C.Third Reading -- 918 Implementation of a Knox Box System
Chris Huskinson
from the Fire Department asked the City Council to read the
Ordinance a third time for passage.
Council Member Erickson
moved to approve the third reading of the Ordinance;
Council Member Oakey
seconded the motion; Discussion: There has been no negative
feedback on this Ordinance.
Those voting ayeThose voting nay
Paul Pugmire
Donna Benfield
Nyle Fullmer
Rex Erickson
Garth R. Oakey
G. Farrell Young
The motion to approve Lock Box Ordinance 918 carried.
Council Member Pugmire
thanked Chris and the Fire Department for their work on this
Ordinance.
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D. First Reading – Tree Ordinance 919
Mayor Larsen
read the Ordinance 919 to the Council. A tree Committee would be
required as indicated in Section IV.
“SECTIONIV. ESTABLISHMENT OR DESIGNATION OF COMMISSION:
The
Mayor with the assistance of the City Council shall designate a City Tree
Commission, which shall consist of not less than five (5) nor more than fifteen (15)
individuals, but can be an existing commission provided it meets the above requirements,
and authorize such persons or commission to perform the duties imposed and exercise
the powers granted by this chapter. For the purposes of this Ordinance, the City Tree
Commission, is hereby authorized to carry out the following duties:”
st
Council Member Fullmer
moved to consider the Ordinance for it’s 1 reading; Council
Member Benfield seconded the motion; all voted aye, none opposed.
The motion carried.
City Council Report:
A.Council Member Young
reported that there would be a Downtown Vision
th
Committee meeting tomorrow. He announce a concert on the 16 of June that is very
Council Member Oakey
exciting for the City. mentioned the need for some funding
Mayor
for expenses for this concert. It will be done by the Community Symphony.
Larsen
indicated the need to support the event. The Conductor is Rich Ballou’s
father.
Council Member Erickson
asked if the Tabernacle Committee or the Arts
Council is supporting this event. Discussion on possible funding sources for the
Symphony. He indicated that it would be wise not to set a precedent on funding
events or Committee events.
Council Member Pugmire
indicated that the tabernacle budget is for maintaining
the building. He mentioned that the Council needs to provide guidance for the
st
Committees. Discussion on having an outline for the meeting on the 31 of
March. He read the guidelines for Committees as set by the Council. Some
Committees have charters. The Parks and Recreation Committee and the
Historical Preservation Committee have charters.
Mayor Larsen
Discussion on scope creep with some committees. plans to have a binder
that contains the Committee information for each Committee which will include
applications for Committee service. People desiring to serve are invited to the meeting
st
on March 31.
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B. Council Member Benfield
mentioned that people who are making a difference in
the Community need to be recognized as candidates for a “Making a Difference”
Mayor Larsen
award on a TV program. agreed with the idea to seek out people who
are making a difference in the Community to recognize there service.
Council Member Benfield
read a request for a band in Smith Park on a Saturday
afternoon.
Council Member PugmireCouncil Member
moved to approve the request.
EricksonThe motion carried.
seconded the motion; all voted aye, none opposed.
Council Member Benfield
suggested that the City have participation in a public
parade for the National Guard deployment of 100 soldiers. Those from the Police
Department concurred with the idea.
C. Council Member Erickson
reviewed the meeting of the Airport Board. He indicated
that they are planning some improvements for the airport. They have completed the
fencing project. All of the gates are operational. The next project is to acquire the
property in the fly zone as soon as possible. The Airport Board will have money
available next year for that purpose. They need to trim some trees for FAA approval.
The FAA pays about 95 % of the funding. The City pays 2.5 percent and the County
City
pays 2.5 percent. The old gas tanks have been removed from the airport.
Attorney Zollinger
mentioned that the article in the paper was incorrect. The
property purchases are not for expansion of the airport. Discussion on what the
property would be used for when the property is purchased. The FAA has requested
that the purchased property be cleared for a runway protection zone per John Millar.
It will be developed into a grassed area. The FAA will fund the purchased at 95%.
D. Council Member Pugmire
handed out draft rules for Committees in the City. He
explained that the minority is protected by rules. He explained the need for flexible
rules of procedures for small bodies in local government. He mentioned the Masons
Manual and the Roberts Rules of Order as reference material for these proposed rules
of conduct for City Committees. It is a draft copy for review. Rule 2 indicates that
an elected official should place an item on the agenda. Rule 12 allows for
rd
amendments on the 3 reading. A copy of the rules will be available at City Hall.
The last page reviews rules of conduct. He recommended having the City Council
. Council
procedures codified. The Council will read and study the proposal
Member Young
indicated that if it is already in the Idaho Code, there is not a reason
Council Member Erickson
to duplicate it. mentioned that he was in favour of a
simplified (codified) version of the rules.
City Attorney Zollinger
reviewed the different parts of the codified rules that already
exist in the Idaho Code.
Mayor Larsen
explained the model that is available for Cities to use for meetings.
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Council Member Pugmire
reviewed some previous discussions that seemed to lend a
need to have a codified version of the meeting rules for guidance.
E. Council Member Fullmer
and Richard Horner attended a State Committee meeting
in the Legislature last week that was chaired by Senator Bundy. It was time well
Mayor
spent to attend a subcommittee meeting and represent the City’s interests.
Larsen
asked the Council to expand these dialogue discussions with the County and
Council Member Fullmer
Sugar City. indicated that the City needs to be proactive
on City issues.
F. Council Member Oakey
indicated that the Teton Flood Museum opened up the
archive portion of the Museum to rotate items into the museum. The University will
do an exhibit on flood pictures and a POW exhibit which will include a giant Nazis
flag. The University plans to take video of the exhibits which will be placed on CD
and kept at the University. They are planning a Video display of the Teton Dam
failure.
Mayor Larsen
thanked the Council for attending the different Committees and for
providing feedback to the Council.
Mayors Report
Chief Larsen
asked the Mayor and the Council to donate a suburban from the Fire
Department to the County Emergency Services for a donation of $3,225. Mayor Larsen
explained that the money would go into the shared equipment fund for the City/County
Fire Department.
Council Member Fullmer
moved to donate the vehicle to Emergency Services as
requested; Council Member Oakey seconded the motion; all voted aye, none opposed.
The motion carried.
Chief Archibald
indicated that the Police Station renovation is seeking impact fees to
help pay for the work. Chief Archibald explained the need to have new desks which are
over 30 years old. The impact fees would help pay for the desks. The best bid is 254
dollars apiece for 10 desks. They need a total of 15 desks.
Council Member Fullmer
moved to approve the use of impact fees for the Police
Station renovation; Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; Discussion: Council
Member Pugmire indicated that it seems to be soft goods instead of long term capital
improvements. He mentioned that the desks could come out of the emergency fund.
Council Member Fullmer withdrew his motion and Council Member Benfield withdrew
her second to the motion.
City Attorney Zollinger
indicated that there would be 7 expansion desks out of the 15
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requested desks.
Council Member Pugmire
moved to approve an expenditure from the impact funds to
the remodel project for the Police Station under the current building permit. Council
Member Benfield seconded the motion; Discussion: all voted aye, none opposed.
The motion carried.
Council Member Pugmire
moved to approve the purchase of 15 desks, 15 chairs and 6
filing cabinets for a value up to $6,000 out of the Contingency funds; Council Member
Benfield seconded the motion; Discussion: Richard Horner asked for the desk money to
Council Member Oakey
come out of the impact fees. moved to substitute wording in
the motion to allow Richard the discretion to use impact funds on items that would
qualify for the 20 year life requirement; Council Member Fullmer seconded the substitute
wording of the motion; Discussion: Council Member Pugmire will vote nay to allow
Richard the discretion to use impact fee funds for the desks. Question:
Those voting ayeThose voting nay
Donna BenfieldPaul Pugmire
Nyle Fullmer
Rex Erickson
G. Farrell Young
Garth R. Oakey
The motion carried.
The Michael WattsCity Attorney Zollinger
request for bill boards in the City: passed
out a letter from Alan C. Stephens requesting dialog on the denied requests for 14 Bill
Kurt Hibbert
Board signs inside the City limits. indicated that the Staff did follow the
Sign Ordinance; however, only part of the information is presented in the letter. Kurt
reviewed the denials for bill board signs from other requestors due to the County
Ordinance which restricts bill board signs in the County.
The Sidewalk on Millhollow Road:
John Millar
indicated that a home is being purchased on Millhollow Road. There is a 5
foot area on each side of the road which does allow for the installation of a sidewalk.
There is adequate right of way for a sidewalk through the Garner Addition. There are
three homes directly east of the Hospital parking lot that does not have room for a
sidewalk on Millhollow Road due to the lack of City right of way. City Attorney
Zollinger indicated that Keith Davidson could not locate a 5 foot right of way on the
properties. John indicated that there is a 5 foot right of way on each side of the street in
the Garner Addition.
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Report on Projects & Quick Wins:
John Millar
reviewed the project file that will be available on a shared project file for
the City.
a)Traffic Signal by Arbys – Completed
ndnd
b)Traffic Signal by 2 South and 2 West is currently being rebuilt. It
will cost less than $10,000 to upgrade.
c)The airport apron will be redone this year.
John indicated that there are between 3 to 4 million dollars worth of projects to be
completed this year.
Mayor Larsen
reviewed a file that shows the quick wins for the City since January.
The plan is to provide a hard copy of the file to Council.
Richard Horner
reviewed the Health Insurance that went up 13%. He will put together
a spreadsheet for review. He asked to put it on the agenda for the next Council meeting.
nd
The County has a Gem Plan Insurance program. The 2 Item is to review the budget and
the Capital Improvement Plan. The budget review Committee for the City Departments
will consist of one City Council Member, Mayor Larsen, Richard Horner, and The
Department Head.
Mayor Larsen
reviewed the survey for the Police Department. The Police Department
Oversight Committee will be reviewing the results in the near future.
Mayor Larsen
asked the Recreation Committee to take the City Pool issue off their
Council Member
agenda until the City Council could give them further direction.
Oakey
asked the Council to allow the Committee to present the information they have
gathered on the Outdoor Pool. He would like to hear from the Citizens Committee too on
the information they have gathered for a recreation facility.
Mayor Larsen
indicated that this is a concern due to the need to allow the Council to
provide some guidance to the Committees.
City Attorney Zollinger
explained that the Mayor has a directive to act in the capacity
of his office as Mayor until direction can be given from the Council. You can not always
be confident that newspaper reports are accurate. It is appropriate to consult the Council
for direction. A City Committee should not go directly to the press without consulting or
getting directing from the City Council to act in a certain manner. This would be an
opportune moment to present rules of conduct to the City Committees.
Council Member Pugmire
indicated that the City Committees do need to have clear
objectives. He reviewed his perception of the actions of the Recreation Committee
which is seeking information on the Outdoor Pool Study. He understood that the
Mayor Larsen
Committee was not asked to be taken off the case. reviewed the
20
direction given to the Committee in the minutes from September 17, 2003. A motion in
the minutes directed the Committee to get cost information for an outdoor pool. He
City Attorney
continued discussing the history of the City Pool study. He asked the
Zollinger
to review the legal issue for talking to the Racquetball Club about the City
The City Attorney Zollinger
purchasing the property. indicated that it would be illegal
based on the relationship (Consenguity) of the Mayor and the owner of the Racquetball
Club.
Mayor Larsen
received an email from the Citizens Committee indicating that the
Citizens Committee was asked to update the Ohlson LaVoie City Study for a recreational
facility from one Committee to another Committee.
Council Member Pugmire
concurred with the Mayor to take action on the numbers
presented by the Committee for the cost of an outdoor pool. The Committee should give
the Council recommendations on the numbers.
Mayor Larsen
was in disagreement with that thought. The Committees’ Charter does
not allow for that type of action from the Committee. Discussion on whether the
Committee should make a recommendation or not.
Council Member Young
recommended building bridges to the Committee because they
Council
have been offended with the discussion that has gone on this past week.
Member Oakey
indicated that the Committee mentioned that they feel like they are a
Council Member Fullmer and Pugmire
paper Committee. asked to allow the
Richard Horner
Committees to present recommendations to the Council. mentioned
st
that the planned training on the 31 of March will address these issues.
Council Member Erickson
indicated that Brad Smith will direct the Recreation
Committee to do as the Council directs. He explained that elected officials should go
directly to the Mayor instead of a Committee Member. An elected official should not tell
a Committee member that the Mayor has overstepped his bounds. He requested the
Council to get behind the City Pool project. He asked the Council Members to support
the Mayor as a guide or leader for the City.
Council Member Pugmire
spoke with Brad about an Athletic Club proposal to do a
Recreational Center in Rexburg. He reviewed the issues of representing their
constituents.
Mayor Larsen
asked the Council to be prepared to set the vision for a Pool option for
the Community. Mayor Larsen will ask the Parks and Recreation Committee to provide
the information (report) from Ohlson LaVoie on the cost of the pool to the Council.
Council Member Fullmer moved to have the Mayor contact Waters Edge Aquatic Design
for some information to present to the Council; Council Member Oakey seconded the
The motion carried.
motion; all voted aye, none opposed.
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Mayor Larsen
mentioned that it is timely to include the School Board in this discussion.
Community support will be lost if the School funding issues are not included in this
discussion. The School District plans to have a decision by the end of June on how to
proceed with the School building project.
Tabled Requests:
?
Commercial Design Standards (remain tabled)
?
Proposed Ordinance 911 (remain tabled)
Adjournment
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