HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z Minutes 8.17.23(208) 359-3020
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Planning and Zoning Minutes - August 17, 2023
City Staff and Others:
Alan Parkinson – P&Z Administrator
Katie Jo Saurey – P&Z Administrative Assistant
Kyle Baldwin – Planner 1
Natalie Powell – Compliance Officer
Spencer Rammell – Commissioner Attorney
Chairperson Smith opened the meeting at 6:32 PM.
Planning & Zoning Meeting:
Welcome
Pledge of Allegiance
ROLL CALL of Planning and Zoning Commissioners:
Present: Vince Haley (Vice Chair), Randall Kempton, Todd Marx, Sally Smith (Chairperson),
Bruce Casper, Eric Erickson, Vanessa Johnson, McKay Francis, Aaron Richards
Absent: Jim Lawrence
Minutes: (video index 0:04:03)
Approval of the P&Z Minutes from August 3rd, 2023 (Action)
MOTION: Motion to approve the Planning & Zoning minutes as recorded for August 3rd,
2023.
Action: Approve, Moved by McKay Francis, Seconded by Todd Marx.
Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: None
VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes = 8, No= 0, Abstain = 2).
Yes: Vince Haley (Vice Chair), Todd Marx, Bruce Casper, Eric Erickson, Vanessa Johnson,
McKay Francis, Aaron Richards, Jim Lawrence
No: none
Abstain: Randall Kempton, Sally Smith
Plats: (video index 0:04:50)
1. (23-00085) Founders Square Phase 3 – Located at the end of Sunrise Drive, this
property is zoned as Low Density Residential 1 (LDR1). The plat consists of
approximately 4.6 acres and will contain 15 lots. – Sephlin & Daric Hepworth
(Action)
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Alan showed the project location on the overhead map, then turned the time over to Mr.
Winston Dyer to present the application.
Mr. Dyer introduced himself and thanked the Commission and Staff for allowing him to
present. He reviewed the location and the Planned Unit Development that was
previously approved. He stated that the infrastructure plans have received both DEQ
and City Engineer approval. The proposed plat was shown on the screen and Mr. Dyer
stated it is in accordance with the approved Masterplan of the PUD. He discussed the
applicants willingness to accommodate the City’s desires in relation to dedicating land
for future roadways. He respectfully requested that the Commission recommend
approval to the City Council for the Founders Square Phase 3 Development.
McKay asked for clarification on why this plat was being presented if the PUD had
already been approved. Mr. Dyer explained that this is a new phase and each phase
must be presented for approval.
Eric asked if the lot sizes of this phase were consitent with the rest of the development.
Mr. Dyer confirmed.
Sally asked Mr. Dyer to go back to the Masterplan to show the commissioners the
greenspace areas that were originally required. Mr. Dyer showed the Masterplan and
referred to it as a preliminary plat. He pointed out the smaller lot sizes, explaining how
they are smaller than what the code allows for that zone, because the approved PUD
allowed those exceptions. He mentioned the amenities along Sunrise Drive and the
greenspace provided.
Bruce commented that other subdivisions next to dry farms have had issues with run off
and flooding. Mr. Dyer confirmed this development is in a hole, but the Masterplan
storm drain covered both subdivisions, and the City constructed a retention pond across
Sunrise drive to handle the storm drainage and it hasn’t flooded since it was put into
place.
Alan presented the staff report, confirming that Mr. Dyer had given all the information
about the plat, and that the plat has met all of the requirements and has been approved
by Staff.
Conflict of Interest/Ex parte Communication: Chairperson Smith asked the
Commissioners to disclose any conflicts of interest or conversations held outside of this
meeting relative to this particular subject.
MOTION: Motion to recommend to City Council the approval of Founders Square Phase 3
Plat as presented as staff has signed off on all the relevant requirements and it appears
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to be ready to go to the next phase.
Action: Approve, Moved by Randall Kempton, Seconded by Vince Haley.
Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: none
VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes= 9, No= 0, Abstain = 0).
Yes: Vince Haley (Vice Chair), Randall Kempton, Todd Marx, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Bruce
Casper, Eric Erickson, Vanessa Johnson, McKay Francis, Aaron Richards
No: none
Abstain: none
Public Hearings:
(video index 0:23:43)
2. (23-00398) Squires Property Rezone – Located at 458 E Moody Rd, the
application is to change the zoning of approximately 22 of the 26 acres in the parcel
from Light Industrial (LI) to Community Business Center (CBC). – Bron Leatham
(Action)
Sally introduced the application and Kyle presented the Staff Report. He described the
location of the parcel and its current zoning. He explained the applicant, Bron Leatham,
is asking to rezone the Light Industrial (LI) section to Community Business Center
(CBC). He indicated that Staff has reviewed and approved the application, explaining
that the infrastructure is in place since it was planned for years ago, and the potential
projects better align with the Community Business Center (CBC) zoning. He concluded
that Staff is asking the Commission to consider recommending the application to City
Council for approval.
Vince clarified that there is a portion of the parcel that is currently zoned as CBC, but
the back portion is not. Kyle confirmed. Vince asked what the difference is between the
Regional Business Center (RBC) and Community Business Center (CBC) zones. Kyle
explained that RBC is for bigger box stores and are bigger lots. CBC has smaller lots,
similar to the bank and Wendy’s that is going in nearby.
Discussion ensued about the surrounding Light Industrial (LI) zoning and the City limits.
Chairperson Smith opened the public input portion of the hearing at 6:58 pm.
In Favor: none
Neutral: none
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Opposed: none
Written Correspondence: none
Rebuttal: none
Chairperson Smith closed the public input portion of the hearing at 6:59 pm.
Conflict of Interest/Ex parte Communication: Chairperson Smith asked the
Commissioners to disclose any conflicts of interest or conversations held outside of this
meeting relative to this particular subject.
Commissioner Discussion:
Aaron stated that he likes that the rezone request is West of the rail line, to preserve
the rail as Light Industrial (LI). He would prefer to have retail across from Walmart and
along that corridor. Vince added that he doesn’t see Light Industrial going in next to the
bank and Wendy’s. He agreed with Aaron’s comment about the railroad access being
preserved for the fertilizer plant, concluding that he believes this proposal makes sense.
Sally agreed, commenting that it makes sense with the growth seen in that area.
MOTION: Motion to recommend to City Council the rezone of the proposed property from
Light Industrial to Community Business Center so it is a continuance of what is already
there and to better fit what we anticipate that will go in that area.
Action: Approve, Moved by Vince Haley, Seconded by Randall Kempton.
Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: none
VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes= 9, No= 0, Abstain = 0).
Yes: Vince Haley (Vice Chair), Randall Kempton, Todd Marx, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Bruce
Casper, Eric Erickson, Vanessa Johnson, McKay Francis, Aaron Richards,
No: none
Abstain: none
(video index 0:32:23)
3. (23-00404) Tait Wood Shop Home Business CUP – Located at 455 Twisted
Willow, the application is requesting a Conditional Use Permit to allow a wood shop
home based business. – Jordan Tait (Action)
Jordan Tait presented his application. He showed his company website on the screen
to show the dining sets that he has built. He explained that he was doing this part time
out of his garage, but has since built a shop on the side of his home specifically for this
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purpose and was guided that before he could get the Certificate of Occupancy for the
shop he would need to get the Conditional Use Permit approved.
Eric asked Mr. Tait if he anticipated truck traffic for shipping. Mr. Tait responded that he
does not since he picks up his own lumber in order to select it himself. Sally asked
about shipping the products. He responded that he delivers all pieces either to a Fedex
facility near Blackfoot or to the clients home. Eric expressed his concern with future
truck traffic. Mr. Tait explained that if his business grows, he will get commercial space.
Eric asked about any waste, noise and if everything was contained. Mr. Tait advised
there was none, indicating that a close neighbor was in attendance and could confirm,
and that unless the door was open for fresh air, all materials would be inside the shop.
Eric asked if Mr. Tait would object to conditions of truck traffic and containment being
added to the CUP. Mr. Tait responded he was not opposed. Attorney Rammell
advised that he had a legal issue with the conditions since the code already calls out
those out, and the nature of a CUP is that staff has reviewed those things. He explained
that if it becomes an issue, then code enforcement comes in. He stated that it is
essentially already addressed and he advised against putting a prohibition on
commerce and transportation.
Vince asked if he drove by house Mr. Tait’s home if it would look different than a
garage. Mr. Tait responded yes, only because there is a port a potty outside of it for his
employee, otherwise, no. Vince commented that the City will hear from neighbors if it is
a problem.
Kyle presented the Staff Report. He began by showing the Home Business
requirements in the Development Code on the screen. He concluded that staff has
reviewed the application and all requirements have been met, so Staff is asking that the
Commission considers recommending the application to City Council for approval.
Chairperson Smith opened the public input portion of the hearing at 7:10 pm.
In Favor:
Tammy Geddes lives right across street. She stated she is for the Tait’s, but had a
question about the sawdust and if there will be something included about having to
dispose of it accordingly.
Kevin Baxter stated that he is for this and in relation to the sawdust that may potentially
become an issue, sawdust is an efficient oil spill cleanup for concrete and other
surfaces. He is for the zoning change so that Mr. Tait can get his business under
operation and can potentially sell the sawdust to those in shops who need it to clean up
oil.
Neutral: none
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Opposed:
Kirby Forbush introduced himself as the developer of Willowbrook. He stated that
there are covenants that do not allow commercial business. He informed the
Commission that when Mr. Tait built his shop he dumped the sod onto Mr. Forbush’s
undeveloped lots and never removed it, and has dumped sawdust on there as well. He
reported that he only spends time in the subdivision when he is required to mow his
empty lots around the 4th of July and there were trucks delivering materials to Mr. Tait at
that time. He referred back to the covenants not allowing businesses and this is in direct
conflict to the covenants. He mentioned that Mr. Tait’s fence is not in compliance with
the covenants and Mr. Tait has expressed that he needs time to fix it. Mr. Forbush
concluded that he is against this.
Written Correspondence: none
Rebuttal:
Mr. Tait stated there were a number of inaccuracies in Mr. Forbush’s assessment. He
spoke to the sawdust that Ms. Geddes and Mr. Baxter had referred to. He stated that he
has purchased a pellet maker to turn his sawdust into wood pellets to sell to those with
pellet stoves and indicated it is a delicate process. He addressed Mr. Forbush’s
statements, beginning with the sod that Mr. Forbush claimed came from his shop. He
stated that he did not put it there but could not deny that it came from his shop. He
explained he had hired a builder who had postponed the project, then dug the hole
while Mr. Tait was on vacation. Approximately 2 months later Mr. Forbush approached
him about the sod. Between building the shop himself and the business, he currently
doesn’t have the funding to do what Mr. Forbush is asking him to do. He stated that he
is waiting for Mr. Forbush to show him the section of the covenants that indicate the
fence standards but didn’t think that was relevant to this hearing. He began to tell about
a confrontation with Mr. Forbush when Attorney Rammell advised that while Mr. Tait
has the right to rebut specific claims, but that covenants are between homeowners and
developments and are not relevant to this decision. Mr. Tait inquired if Attorney
Rammell meant that he should not address the covenants. Attorney Rammell
responded that with the things said, he has a procedural right to rebut, but there is a line
between fences and covenants and an alleged altercation that is more personal in
nature and does not have any bearing on this. Mr. Tait offered that his purpose in
bringing it up was to point out the inaccuracies in Mr. Forbush’s testimonies as he felt
Mr. Forbush was trying to paint a picture of him that he felt was not accurate. Mr. Tait
resumed his account of Mr. Forbush being upset about the sod. He admitted that his
children use sawdust as lining in their bunny cages and have dumped the used sawdust
into the field and that he will address them to stop. He added that he had rented
equipment and moved the sod. He concluded that he didn’t put the sod there, didn’t
authorize it to be there, but it is gone.
Chairperson Smith closed the public input portion of the hearing at 7:21 pm.
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Conflict of Interest/Ex parte Communication: Chairperson Smith asked the
Commissioners to disclose any conflicts of interest or conversations held outside of this
meeting relative to this particular subject.
Commissioner Discussion:
Sally asked Kyle for the difference between a commercial business and a home-based
business. Kyle responded that the Conditional Use Application is for a home-based
business, which is allowed in residential zones.
Eric inquired about the zoning and HOA relationship, and which would take legal
precedence. Attorney Rammell explained that the City does not address HOA’s,
HOA’s are based on individual agreements, contracts, and the enforceability of the
covenants. He advised that in this type of Planning & Zoning forum, it is not appropriate
to bring up or base any land use decision on them.
Alan explained that commercial entities are dedicated strictly for commercial, there are
no other uses, where this is in a home and no different than piano lessons or a
psychologist doing counseling in their home, and it is not ruled a commercial zone.
Commissioners asked to see the definitions in the Development Code on the screen.
Randall asked if staff had reviewed this application against the standards and if the
standards were met. Kyle confirmed, then briefly reviewed the requirements in the
Development Code.
Attorney Rammell further explained that the ruling of the board tonight does not trump
or act as a safeguard between covenant and contracts between individuals and that the
City will not enforce private agreements. Vince asked if the Commissioner’s should
forget that the HOA covenants were mentioned. Attorney Rammell guided that there
were additional statements made besides covenants, but that votes should not be
based on covenants that haven’t been seen. Vince confirmed he had not seen the
covenants.
Eric commented that from a land use perspective, the lot size is plenty big for a shop.
He thinks that as long as all conditions are met, there is no reason why a home-based
business couldn’t survive and thrive in that area. He expressed his concern about the
business growing and additional traffic but acknowledged that conditions are there and
enforceable.
Randall stated he wouldn’t feel comfortable denying the permit based on the fact that
he has met the requirements and staff has reviewed and recommended it.
Vince added that in addition to requirements being met, the applicant’s neighbor is
known to the commission will report nuisances as she is involved and not afraid to voice
her opinion if needed.
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Eric noted his concern about the potential of waste materials being dumped on a vacant
lot next door and how that would be addressed. Alan specified it would be a code
enforcement issue.
McKay voiced his support for the use.
MOTION: Motion to recommend to City Council the approval of the Conditional Use
Permit for the Tait Woodshop Home Business as discussed, meeting all requirements of
the CUP and assurances that the business will comply with requirements and conditions.
Action: Approve, Moved by Eric Erickson, Seconded by Todd Marx.
Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: none
VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes= 9, No= 0, Abstain = 0).
Yes: Vince Haley (Vice Chair), Randall Kempton, Todd Marx, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Bruce
Casper, Eric Erickson, Vanessa Johnson, McKay Francis, Aaron Richards,
No: none
Abstain: none
(video index 1:07:40)
4. (23-00503) Comprehensive Plan Update – Final draft of the Comprehensive Plan
to be presented for consideration. (Action)
Alan presented the final draft of the Comprehensive Plan, commenting on the long
process, input from many entities, and asking that the Commissioner’s consider
recommending it to City Council for approval.
Vince asked how the approval or denial of the Comprehensive Plan’s final draft would
relate to the East Parkway Cooridor. Alan explained that the Comprehensive Plan is a
guiding document and states that it follows the adopted City Plans. If any City Plan is
adopted or changed, it automattically becomes part of the Comprehensive Plan; the
Comprehensive Plan does not dictate those plans. Vince acknowledged the audience
may have concerns about the Comprehensive Plan setting the East Parkway Corridor
location in stone. Alan confirmed that the Comprehensive Plan has no power over that
at all, rather the Adopted Transportation Plan does, and it can be amended at any time.
Randall asked if the Transportation Plan was already adopted. Alan explained that a
work meeting has been scheduled for September 6th to go over the Transporation Plan
that had been tabled.
(video index 01:11:30)
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Sally inquired about the updated statistics. Alan confirmed they were updated. Vince
asked if the statistics were updated to the best of staff’s abilities. Alan confirmed that
the statistics were updated to the best of the sources being quoted in the
Comprehensive Plan; that Rexburg did not conduct its own studies for the statistics but
rather relies on the Census and other plans. Alan reiterated that staff plans on
reviewing the Comprehensive Plan annually to ensure the data remains as current as
possible. Vince asked for the difference between the Comprehensive Plan and the
zone. Alan explained the Comprehensive plan is a guiding document of what is
predicted based on current conditions to help the City plan for future development and
uses, which helps save City and Citizens money.
Vince inquired about the Commission’s ability to deny potential zone changes even if
the applicant is meeting the Comprehensive Plan proposed zoning. Alan confirmed that
the Planning & Zoning Commission and City Council have the authority to deny the
application; that the Comprehensive Plan is a future idea, and maybe the application
doesn’t fit what is happening now. Attorney Rammell advised that in such situations to
articulate the considerations leading to the denial of the application, even though the
application is in accordance with the Comprehensive Plan. Eric added that the Land
Use Planning is very well written and takes extreme efforts to explain that zoning and
the Comprehensive Plan are two separate things.
Vince asked if the City had tried, to the best of it’s ability, to reach out and receive as
much input as possible. Alan replied yes, but looking back, the City could have done
better. He disclosed that a meeting is scheduled next week for staff to discuss how to
do this better in the future. Sally commented that the Steering Committee really did try
to reach out to many people; that even using social media, information can be blasted,
but people have to be interested and want to take part in that information. Alan added
that those who were interested have been very dedicated, seeking answers, and helped
us understand more. Sally resolved that there is no way to get everybody. Eric agreed
that unless a specific issue is in their back yard, people are not interested. Vince
countered that this is. Vanessa offered that they don’t realize it. Eric commented that
those who want to see change, or no change, gather people to get their input, while
others relinquish that duty to those who are actively participating.
Randall asked if on page 53, the land use map, when this is approved, if the land use
map be approved as well, or is it separate. Alan exlained that this is a big part of the
Comprehensive Plan and it does regulate; requiring potential applicants to change the
map before asking for a zone change.
Aaron thanked and complimented the staff, commenting that this has been a slow
process as it was a topic during one of the first meetings he attended three years ago.
McKay discussed the Comprehensive Plan being a living document and staff having the
ability to change it to keep it updated. Alan reported that yes, staff will review it annually
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and do a thorough review every 5 years, to ensure that the goals and objectives are
relevant. He concluded that it is a living document and can be changed at any point; it
can be adopted, changes published, and changed again. Eric validated that the plan
was well written to allow for continual review.
Randall questioned the prioritization considerations listed on page 36, as he felt like the
list was more in City Council’s pervue. Alan maintained that what Planning & Zoning
approves can effect other things, such as funding; that City Council is relying on
Planning & Zoning to be familiar enough to say this does or does not match and to listen
to the public.
Chairperson Smith opened the public input portion of the hearing at 8:00 pm.
In Favor:
Corey Barnard, agreed with Eric that this is a very cogent, well written plan, reflective
of a lot of work. He stated he has read each iteration as it has been made available and
confirmed that the City has responded to public input. He commented that he is proud of
the City for that.
Brent Harris, stated he supports the plan and appreciates Alan as he’s been very
helpful and listened to opinions, staff, the Commission, and Council. He suggested that
in the future every comment should be responded to in a way that each iteration does
not have to be read to know what happened. He summarized that he generally accepts
the plan, acknowledging it will never be perfect, but conceding it is good.
Neutral:
Jonathan Reed, asked about the work meeting scheduled for the Transportation Plan
and if a decision will be made at that time. Alan replied that the conversations could
continue, that a decision will not be made at the work meeting, but that Council could
take it from the table and make a decision on it at the City Council meeting. He
expressed comfort that the Comprehensive Plan could be updated and changed as
needed and commented that nothing happened with the East Parkway Corridor after
previous discussions that were held years ago.
Opposed:
Kevin Baxter, commented that his parents raised him to say no if he didn’t know
enough about something, and he feels mildly ill-equipped to speak on this issue. He is
opposed to the Comprehensive Plan Update because he delivers construction materials
for work and while on one hand more development means more business and
recreational activities to serve the community, but he has noticed that second to
agriculture and major commerce, a major land use is residential, and he is not sure how
this plan affects that.
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Mike Glasscock, stated he is against the plan. He expressed his concerns with City
Councilmembers and Planning & Zoning Commissioners being on the steering
committee and questioned if it was a conflict of interest to vote for their own plan and if
those on the steering committee should recuse themselves from voting. He addressed
his next concern on page 5 of the plan, stating that the plan was put together by Blue
Cross of Idaho Foundation of Health. In his opinion, the company has an agenda to
promote equity health. He was also concerned that the plan mentioned social
determinates of health and discussed this in relation to presidential candidate Hillary
Clinton’s platform from 2016. He stated that if the City is socialist, to say that, and to not
hide it in the Comprehensive Plan. He feels there is no reason to have social
engineering in the Comprehensive Plan that deals with bricks and motor, stating it is a
ruse. He claimed that there were a few committees able to view the Comprehensive
Plan before the public, and his understanding is there was the ability to communicate
electronically with each other with post it notes and suggested this formed a quorum.
He asked Planning & Zoning to not approve the plan and send it back to the City to
have it worked on some more.
Wanless Southwick, felt many things about the Comprehensive Plan were good and
he appreciates the changes made in response to public input. He thought there was
less opportunity for the public to review the final review than ought to have been. He
questioned whether it was ready to be acted on for approval. He expressed concern
with traffic on 12th W, suggesting additional highway crossings are needed to increase
traffic route options to relieve traffic congestion. He commented that grant funds
mentioned at last nights City Council meeting could be used to build two overpasses,
based on his knowledge of the cost. He suggests this is a reason to consider not
approving the plan in it’s present form.
Written Correspondence: none.
Rebuttal:
Alan addressed Mr. Glasscock, explaining that Blue Cross of Idaho provided a grant, no
input or authority to the plan, but asked the City to look at trails and paths to help
citizens improve their health. He further provided that this foundation is a separate entity
than the health insurance.
Alan reiterated that the Comprehensive Plan does not call out transportation, rather it is
submissive to the Transportation Plan. Alan shared that the Transportation Plan does
call for additional overpasses and estimated the cost of a single overpass to be in
excess of $20 million since Highway 20 is a high clearance road for large loads,
requiring overpasses to have extra height. He suggested attending the Transportation
meeting on September 6th.
Chairperson Smith closed the public input portion of the hearing at 8:22 pm.
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Sally asked Attorney Rammell if being on the committee was a conflict of interest.
Attorney Rammell cited the S Bar Ranch case where the court focused on the phrase
“immediate or direct economic conflicts of interest” indicating this is the reason why
conflicts of interest are asked for during every application.
Eric respectfully took exception to the accusation that this was Planning & Zoning’s
plan. He stressed that it was everyone’s plan; Rexburg’s plan. He offered that being
more involved in the process was not a conflict of interest, just more involved, and that
the community had the choice to be involved. Alan added that Attorney Zollinger
approved of everyone on the Steering Committee, there was not a quorum making
decisions, and that all comments could be seen on the online draft. Eric echoed Alan,
pointing out that the post it notes on the map were done during public meetings, posted
on the boards accessible to the public, then reduced to a list of items in the public
record. Attorney Rammell emphasized that accusations of back-room deals are taken
very seriously, and the question/complaint regarding the Steering Committee followed
the book and was reviewed by the Madison County Prosecuting Attorney, who
communicated with the City’s attorney, who communicated with the Mayor. He stated
that those accusations are not taken lightly and that the City takes pride in doing things
the right way.
Commissioner Discussion:
Vince asked how long the final draft had been available to the public and how many
citizens had reached out about it. Alan responded it had been available at least 14 days
ago, that it was a little difficult for the public to find it, and that only 2 citizens had
reached out to him. Vince commented that while he didn’t want to minimize the
situation, the numbers were minimal. Vince then asked if every sticky note was
reviewed. Alan replied that himself, staff and Logan Simpson staff had compiled and
addressed the sticky notes. Vince asked how the public should submit any additional
comments. Alan suggested they email the City Clerk, as she puts any correspondence
into the record.
Discussion turned to a previous comment of there not being enough commercial zoning.
Bruce shared that the City has tried to notify people to come in and that unless it effects
them directly they don’t care. He thinks too many people are complacent, and pointed
out that the Commission has worked long hours thinking about the citizens of Rexburg,
trying to help everyone and that it is nice that the plan is changeable.
Eric concluded that after being involved in the process, he thinks it is a great plan that
addresses a large part of the issues, and he fully supports the implementation of it.
Sally commented that Logan Simpson did an excellent job, not helping to plan the City,
but taking comments from Citizens and the history of the City and putting it all together.
She reiterated that it will never be perfect and that is why it is a living document.
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McKay emphasized that even with an outdated Comprehensive Plan, the City was still
able to progress. He commented that it is a no brainer to move forward with the plan,
with the understanding that it can be changed. He pointed out that it is frustrating to sit
on a panel and see how few people are engaged, but looking back he wasn’t engaged
before either. He shared that it is frustrating as a developer to try to work with such an
outdated document; people want to bring great things but are restricted by the current
plan.
Vince, summarized that this is a community plan, there were many opportunities to
make it your community plan, and it is a living document that can be changed. He
discussed the unforeseen growth seen since 2008. With all of the opportunities to be
involved, he does not want to take a step backwards and not move forward.
Aaron, thanked those in attendance and commented on the previous lack of attendance
for the Form Based Code decision.
MOTION: Motion to recommend to City Council that the Comprehensive Plan updated
version be adopted because of the long hours put in by citizens, patrons, council-people
and planning and zoning, who are thinking in the best interest of the citizens of Rexburg,
Idaho.
Action: Approve, Moved by Bruce Casper, Seconded by Vanessa Johnson.
VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes= 9, No= 0, Abstain = 0).
Yes: Vince Haley (Vice Chair), Randall Kempton, Todd Marx, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Bruce
Casper, Eric Erickson, Vanessa Johnson, McKay Francis, Aaron Richards,
No: none
Abstain: none
The group discussed the Comprehensive Plan will go before the City Council on September 6th,
after the Transportation Work Meeting.
Heads Up for September 7th, 2023:
Adjourned at 8:47 PM.