HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - August 16, 2023
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35 North 1st East
Rexburg, ID 83440
Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org
City Council Minutes – August 16, 2023
Mayor Jerry Merrill
Council Members:
Robert Chambers Jordan Busby
Mikel Walker Tisha Flora
Colin Erickson Bryanna Johnson
City Staff:
Stephen Zollinger – City Attorney
Matt Nielson – Finance Officer
Keith Davidson – Public Works Director
Alan Parkinson – Planning & Zoning Administrator
Scott Johnson – Economic Development Director
Deborah Lovejoy – City Clerk
6:30 P.M. City Hall (0:03:00)
Council Member Johnson said the prayer
Council Member Erickson led the pledge
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council Member Flora, Council Member Johnson, Council Member Chambers,
Council Member Erickson, and Mayor Merrill
Council Member Walker and Council President Busby did not attend the meeting.
Presentation: Idaho Transportation Department Project Update and Q&A – Jeff Sneddon
and Wade Allen (0:04:55)
Wade Allen said he is the Traffic and Materials Engineer for the Idaho Transportation Department
(ITD). He handed out the “Save the Date” invitation for the ITD District 6 Board Outreach Workshop
for all elected officials. The meeting will be held October 17th from 1:30 to 4:30 at the SpringHill Suites
by Marriott in Rexburg.
Mr. Allen reviewed the Idaho Transportation IP 2024 – 2030 District 6 Projects for Madison
County/Rexburg. There are some maintenance projects that are not listed in the chart below. One of
those is the paving of Main Street. They will begin by milling the worst parts of Main Street followed by
paving the road. The other project consists of smoothing out the bumps on the US 20 highway.
Discussion regarding the locations of the projects listed in the chart. Council Member Johnson asked
about the diverging diamonds project. She said the work is slated to be completed in the year 2025 so
does that mean they are going to start the construction next summer. Mr. Allen replied the project is out
for bid and their first order of business is for the contractors to order the signals because there is a long
wait on the signal parts. He will not let them start the project until the signal parts are received, it would
be terrible to have the intersection work completed and must wait on the signals. Once the bids are
received for the diverging diamonds project and the signal parts are received, their intention is to begin
the work next summer.
Jeff Sneddon handed out information regarding the Strategic Initiatives Grant Program. This grant
program is funded with one-time State General Funds recommended by the governor and approved by
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the legislature intended to facilitate local transportation projects. This grant will not require a monetary
match from the city. The city would be allowed to submit multiple applications; however, they will only
reward a grant for one project.
Mr. Sneddon explained each application will be divided into two distinct categories as follows:
• Category 1: $50M awarded to projects within large urban areas that have a population greater
than 50,000 (MPO areas including the new Twin Falls urban area)
• Category 2 – $50M awarded to projects outside of large urban areas (in rural areas or small
urban areas) with a population less than 50,000.
The eligible project types are safety, capacity, pavement preservation, pavement restoration, expansion,
and roadway asset maintenance/replacement/repair. The grant funds cannot be used for project match,
or to reimburse a local highway agency for any equipment or employee costs. Engineering Costs (design
and construction/inspection) are limited to 15% of total grant amount. The intent of the program is to
provide funding that goes directly to the locals and the local cities would have the opportunity to
oversee the grant. ITD would not oversee the grant.
Mr. Sneddon said the application window started July 1st and closes on September 1st, 2023. The
application scoring and prioritization begins September 4 – September 29, 2023, followed by board
project approval October 18th, 2023, and the awardee notification October 19th – October 27th, 2023.
Mr. Sneddon reviewed the six grant application questions. He read question 4. Are your engineering
plans ready to bid or will they be ready within 6 months of the grant award? The review board is looking
for bid and shovel ready projects; however, they do give a little bit of time to provide an explanation of
progress to date, and evidence of current project development (plan set). Some grants have an 18 month
to 24-month window of when the grant funds need to be spent; however, this grant does not have a time
limit.
Mr. Sneddon reviewed the Fiscal Year 2024 Local Transportation Project Grant Program Scoring
Criteria. There is going to be more of a demand for grants than there is money. Mayor Merrill asked if
the grant monies are federal or state funds. Mr. Sneddon said the monies are state funds only.
Public Comment: Limit 3 minutes; issues may be considered for discussion on a future
agenda. Please keep comments on point and respectful. (0:24:30)
Tammi Geddes expressed her concerns with citizens not attending the Planning and Zoning and City
Council meetings. She questioned how the information regarding these meetings is being distributed.
She said the newspaper is not an effective way to inform citizens nor are the city’s websites because
citizens will have to search for information. Sometimes the information is difficult to find on these
websites. She asked about other methods to inform citizens of upcoming meetings, such as, the Main
Street Sign, social media pages, newsletters, etc.
Mike Glasscock said he reviewed the Comprehensive Plan draft. On page number five of the plan, the
page heading states, “Planning through a health lens” and it also mentions “social determinants of
health”. He wondered what is meant by “social determinants of health”. The Blue Cross of Idaho defines
social determinants as pertaining to lack of access to healthcare. According to the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC) these forces and systems include economic policies and systems, development agendas,
social norms, social policies, racism, climate change, and political systems. The CDC has adopted these
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social determinants of health definitions from the World Health Organization. Social determinants of
health are one of the three priority areas for healthy people, along with health equity and health literacy.
What is health equity? He explained many populations experience health disparities, including people
from some racial and ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities, women, people who are LGBTQI
+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, or other), people with limited English
proficiency, and other groups. He said the Comprehensive Plan should not include planning through a
health lens; however, the Comprehensive Plan should, when it comes to health, only plan locations for
health facilities. He does not want the Comprehensive Plan to enter the social engineering of our city
through healthcare.
Audrey Anderson said she has five children and three of them enjoy playing sports which Rexburg
has a great sports program. Her youngest child is still too young to play in sports; however, her son
Sebastian did not do well in sports, he was the child coloring in the dirt during a game of tee-ball. About
four years ago Rexburg held a theater summer camp so she decided to sign-up her son Sebastian. He
was cast to play a character from the Lion King at that theater camp. Ever since Sebastian participated
in the theater camp, he has been in every school play. This summer he was a cast member for the
Newsies Jr. play. Mrs. Anderson asked the Councilmembers to continue to consider funding for the
city’s theater program by remembering how the arts programs benefit children like Sebastian.
Items from City Council: (0:36:39)
A. Committees: MEPI, Cultural Arts, Grants, School Board, MUSIC, MYAB, Traffic &
Safety, Emergency Services Board, Trails, Beautification, Parks, Recreation, Urban
Renewal, Airport, Golf Board, and Legacy Flight Museum
Council Member Flora reported the Urban Renewal Agency met to review their goals and budget.
They discussed some of the projects they were able to accomplish. Mayor Merrill commended the
Urban Renewal Agency for closely evaluating projects and for wisely spending the funds received
through urban renewal.
Council Member Chambers said the City of Rexburg offers a variety of arts programs. He
encouraged everyone to visit the website www.rexburg.art.org to find more information about the many
different art programs and events.
B. Other Reports: NONE
Staff Reports: (0:38:39)
A. Finance: – Matt Nielson
1. Financial Reports
Finance Officer Nielson said he will soon be able to generate the Treasures Report that shows the
fund and cash balances through the new financial software called Tyler Munis. There is one change to
the Cash and Investments Report, which is a new CD he opened with Citizens Community Bank.
Discussion regarding some of the items in the city’s Check Run Report that are over budget. Public
Works Director Davidson explained some of the items in the Wastewater Department may be over
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budget because of an unanticipated repair to one of the pumps which was purchased at significant
costs.
B. Public Works: - Keith Davidson (0:44:13)
Public Works Director Davidson reported there are segments of road that need to be reconstructed
on Pioneer Road which coincides with the work the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is
completing on the interchanges. ITD is going to be detouring traffic onto Pioneer Road so he thought it
would be a good opportunity to apply for a grant. The grant amount is two million dollars, these funds
cover about a years’ worth of the city’s street reconstruction budget. He said he believes the state will
award the city the grant because the project will rank high on their grant scoring criteria. A
representative with the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) is going to review the
city’s grant application and give their input on how to improve the application.
Discussion regarding the condition of the section of Pioneer Road that was not reconstructed is falling
apart. Council Member Erickson asked if the Street Department could fix the pothole on Pioneer Road.
The road along the south side of Summers Drive needs repaired. Council Member Johnson asked if ITD
is starting the work on the interchanges next summer. Public Works Director Davidson explained they
will bid out the project this fall; however, they will not start on the project until all the parts and
material are received.
Discussion regarding the resurfacing of the spalled sidewalk in front of City Hall. Council Member
Erickson said the resurfacing of the sidewalk could be an option for the spalling side walks on Chad and
Angela Drive.
Mayor’s Report/Business: (0:52:54)
1. Planning & Zoning Re-appointments: Sally Smith, Randall Kempton, Aaron Richards, and
Jim Lawrence
Mayor Merrill reported the Celebrate Youth Celebration was well attended. The Fire Department has
started the Eagle Park fire reduction project. The Fire Department will apply for another grant to
acquire the needed funds to complete the project. There are many dead or diseased trees needing to be
cut down. Mayor Merrill reported the tower windows of the Tabernacle were replaced.
Mayor Merrill said he has visited with the four Planning and Zoning Commissioners, and they are
willing to continue to serve on the board.
Council Member Flora moved to ratify the Re-appointments of Sally Smith, Randall
Kempton, Aaron Richards, and Jim Lawrence; Council Member Chambers seconded the
motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora none
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Chambers
Council Member Erickson
The motion carried.
Mayor Merrill reminded the Councilmembers to submit names of individuals who would be willing to
serve on the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Advisory Board. Council Member Flora said she has
submitted the names of two individuals who are interested in serving on the advisory board. Council
Member Erickson suggested contacting the Madison School District, Madison Memorial Hospital and
BYU-Idaho University to determine if they had a staff member who would desire to serve on the ADA
Advisory Board.
Mayor Merrill said he attended the Mayors Conference in Island Park. They discussed topics such as
water rights and the importance of civility.
Items for Consideration: (1:03:43)
A. Planning & Zoning recommendation to approve a residential plat for Trappers Landing
Division 1 at approximately 20 S 12th W zoned Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2)
#22-00002 – Alan Parkinson
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Planning & Zoning Administrator Parkinson explained the commercial plat on the east side of
this property has been approved and this is the residential part of the plat.
Council Member Erickson mentioned his concerns regarding the cattle yard behind the
development. The smell from the cattle yard is going to be noticeable. Council Member Johnson asked
when the developer plans to begin the construction on this project. P&Z Administrator Parkinson
replied, the developer is planning to begin the construction of the project this fall.
Council Member Chambers moved to approve A Residential Plat for Trappers Landing
Division 1 at approximately 20 S 12th W zoned Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2); Council
Member Erickson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora none
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Chambers
Council Member Erickson
The motion carried.
Calendared Bills: (1:10:02)
A. Tabled Items:
1. Adopt the Updated 2022 Madison County Transportation Plan. The Work
Meeting is set for September 6, 2023, at 5:00 P.M. in the Council Chambers.
B. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read:
1. Ordinance No 1301 Amendment to Ordinance No 1284 Fiscal Year 2023 Budget
Appropriation Ordinance – Matt Nielson
Ordinance No. 1301
Amend Ordinance 1284 Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriation Ordinance
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, AMENDING ORDINANCE NO. 1284, THE
APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING OCTOBER 1, 2022, AND
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ENDING SEPTEMBER 30, 2023: APPROPRIATING ADDITIONAL MONIES THAT HAVE BEEN OR
ARE TO BE RECEIVED BY THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, AND BUDGET REDUCTIONS IN THE
NET SUM OF ($8,106,200) AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
Council Member Erickson moved to approve Ordinance No 1301 Amendment to
Ordinance No 1284 Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Appropriation Ordinance and consider second
read; Council Member Johnson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora none
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Chambers
Council Member Erickson
The motion carried.
2. Ordinance No 1302 Amendments to the Rexburg Development Code Ordinance No
1200 Pertaining to Animals/Livestock – Alan Parkinson
CITY OF REXBURG ORDINANCE NO. 1302
DEVELOPMENT CODE ORDINANCE 1200 AMENDMENTS
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CURRENT DEVELOPMENT CODE (PLANNING
AND ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 1200) CONCERNING SUBSTANTIVE AND NON-
SUBSTANTIVE ITEMS; THE FOLLOWING CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE:
AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTER 2 DEFINITIONS – ADDED AND MODIFIED
DEFINITIONS PERTAINING TO HOUSEHOLD PETS AND LIVESTOCK; 4.00.020
PERMITTED ACCESSORY USES; 4.00.040 HOME OCCUPATION REQUIREMENT
EXCEPTIONS; AMENDMENTS TO PERMITTED USES IN RR1, RR2, LDR1, LDR2, LDR3,
MDR1, MDR2, HDR1 AND HDR2 ZONES (B) ANIMALS; PROVIDING FOR VIOLATION OF
THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR ENFORCEMENT OF THE
ORDINANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE ORDINANCE.
Council Member Flora explained being a Councilmember is difficult because there are times when
both sides of an issue make sense. When considering an ordinance, the Councilmembers approve or
deny the proposed ordinance. She wondered if there could be more discussion to reach a compromise
instead of either approving or denying an ordinance. Council Member Erickson said one of his main
concerns regarding Ordinance No 1302 was allowing larger animals in Low Density Residential 3
(LDR3); however, he was in favor of the animal definitions.
Council Member Chambers said he voted to deny Ordinance No 1302 because why change an
ordinance that is working. He said the higher density of LDR3 is protecting citizens from those out of
the ordinary situations where you may have livestock conflicts in residential properties; however, the
resident living in LDR3 Zone should not be excluded from having chickens. They could have limited
livestock in LDR3 Zone and still allow chickens in LDR3. Council Member Johnson said if livestock in
the LDR3 Zone were to become an issue, they could amend the ordinance.
Council Member Flora moved to approve Ordinance No 1302 Amendments to the Rexburg
Development Code Ordinance No 1200 Pertaining to Animals/Livestock and consider second
read; Council Member Johnson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Chambers
Council Member Erickson
The motion carried.
C. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: NONE
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. (1:18:50)
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A. Minutes from August 2nd and 14th, 2023, Meetings
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Erickson moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the
minutes and city bills; Council Member Flora seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a
vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora none
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Chambers
Council Member Erickson
The motion carried.
Discussion regarding the difficulty of locating the Comprehensive Plan Draft on the city’s website and
Engage Rexburg website. Council Member Erickson said city staff could make it easier to locate
information on the city’s website. Council Member Johnson said if the public does not come to the
public hearing during the Planning and Zoning meeting, it’s important to recognize input from the
public has been received.
Roll call vote for motion to move into Executive Session according to Idaho State
Statute §74-206(1)(c) To acquire an interest in real property not owned by public agency.
(1:42:03)
Council Member Flora moved to go into Executive Session according to Idaho State
Statute §74-206(1)(c) To acquire an interest in real property not owned by public agency;
Council Member Erickson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a roll call vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Flora none
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Chambers
Council Member Erickson
The motion carried.
Executive Session started 8:12 p.m.
Executive Session ended at 8:50 p.m.
Adjournment 8:51 P.M.
APPROVED:
________________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________
Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk