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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - February 21, 2024 (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org City Council Minutes – February 21, 2024 Mayor Jerry Merrill Council Members: Bryanna Johnson Erick Erickson Robert Chambers David Reeser Colin Erickson Mikel Walker 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 5:00 P.M. Joint Madison County, Sugar City, and City of Rexburg Work Meeting Council Member Chambers welcomed everyone and asked them to introduce themselves. 14 people were in attendance including members of the Rexburg Cultural Arts, Sugar City Council, Rexburg City Council, and Madison County Commissioners. Discuss event planning for the 50th Anniversary of the Teton Dam Flood Tentative Event Date – June 5-7, 2026 Saturday ideas: Marathon, Bus tours, picnic lunch, presentations, service project, emergency preparedness, photo identification, films, memories sharing, musical Sunday: Fireside at Tabernacle Jed Platt introduced the plan to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Teton Dam Flood and invited everyone to share their ideas. He turned the time over to Alisha Tietjen to give an update on what is happening out at the Teton Dam site. Alisha Tietjen gave a recap of what happened on June 5th, 1976, when the dam broke. She said that with the 50th anniversary of the flood coming up in two years, they thought it would be a good idea to commemorate that, plan some events and revitalize the dam site area. They would also like to provide bus tours out to the dam site during the commemoration. Jared Arnold from the county mentioned that the Bureau of Reclamation is very particular, so anything they do at the dam site needs to go through them first. He also asked if they should talk to the families of those who lost their lives in the flood to see if they are okay with the names of their loved ones being placed on the monument that has been planned. Council Member C. Erickson thinks that the families should be asked if it’s okay with them. Jared Arnold said the Bureau of Reclamation is planning to spend half a million dollars to improve the outlook at the dam site. The designs look great. He invited everyone to attend the coalition meeting on February 28th at 10:00 a.m. in the county commissioner’s room. County Commissioner Todd Smith agrees that it is a good idea to form a committee and pull people from all the entities to be on that committee. Discussion about what communities to involve in the committee appointees. Cultural Arts Director Jed Platt indicated that it would be good to communicate with the other communities and let them know that a big event is being planned if they want to do their own events to go along with it. County Commissioner Brent Mendenhall commented that this event is a large undertaking, but it has an emotional side to it. The name of the new Rexburg Temple will be called the Teton River Temple partly because of the flood. Discussion about the Teton Dam Marathon and parking at the dam site for that event. Jared Arnold indicated that the Bureau of Reclamation is going to change the parking area and make it wider for buses to turn around and build a new restroom in the center with two shelters on the sides. Council Member Chambers suggested that each entity; Rexburg, Sugar City and Madison County, pick people to serve on the commemoration committee. Discussion about getting people’s flood memory stories. Alisha Tietjen asked to set a deadline for turning in names for the committee. It was agreed that the end of March would work. City Attorney Zollinger suggested that each city and the county submit four names to serve on the commemoration committee. Director Platt suggested that BYU-I be included. It was agreed to include BYU-I. It will now be 4 members each for a total of 16 committee members. The other communities will be made aware of the events but will not contribute committee members. Reorganization of Historical Society Louis Clements Retirement Alisha Tietjen indicated Louis Clements, who has served in the Historical Society for several years, is ready to retire. Someone will need to be appointed as Director of the Historical Society. Attorney Zollinger said counties are supposed to maintain their own history. Discussion about who should be over the historical society. Mayor Merrill wondered if there should be one Historical Society and maybe one museum that includes Rexburg, Sugar City, and the county. Mayor Merrill also said he believes most museums/historical societies are run by donations. Mayor Adams indicated that Sugar City has members that are working hard to get a museum in Sugar City and collect histories for their city. Attorney Zollinger suggested that the committee that is formed for the flood commemoration could suggest a permanent historical society. Council Member E. Erickson said it makes sense to combine the cities and the county to form a historical society. Alisha Tietjen said that Rexburg and Sugar City are intertwined. The Museum of Rexburg has a lot of history on Sugar City. Commissioner Mendenhall said a central Madison County Historical Society would cover everyone. Alicia Tietjen indicated this is something that needs to be done quickly. Attorney Zollinger suggested that Alicia get all of Louis’s information now. The county commissioners will make a decision at their next meeting. Adjourned at 6:00 pm 6:30 P.M. C ouncil Member Reeser said the prayer. Council Member E. Erickson led the pledge. Roll Call of Council Members: Attending: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Chambers, Council Member C. Erickson, Council Member E. Erickson, Council Member Reeser, Council President Walker (via Zoom), and Mayor Merrill. Mayor Merrill announced that they had a work meeting to discuss the flood commemoration just before this meeting. He mentioned some things they will be doing at that event. They also need to re-organize the Historical Society as Louis Clements is retiring. Amend the Agenda – as per Idaho State Statute ~74-204(4)(b): Amendment to include Item 13 – Executive Session Council Member C. Erickson moved to amend the agenda as per Idaho State Statute ~74-204(4)(b) to include Item 13 – Executive Session; Council Member Chambers seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a roll call vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. Public Comment: Items not on the agenda; limit 3 minutes; issues may be considered for discussion on a future agenda. Please keep comments on point and respectful. NONE Items from Council: 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 Chambers reported that MEPI is looking for businesses that are beyond the start up phase but on the cusp of breaking into bigger markets to join a new program called Economic Gardening. The Economic Gardening group does high-end research that helps businesses identify new markets and opportunities. They help these businesses scale up to be more profitable. Council Member Chambers also indicated that Urban Renewal has a major city center project underway. They have three blocks that they are looking at redeveloping. RPO’s have gone out. Responses have come back, and they are evaluating those. These projects will most likely be mixed use developments. They should have a decision by mid-March. Mayor Merrill commented that because of Grant Writer, Mary Flanary’s good work as well as the staff at the city, we have received over 15 million dollars’ worth of grants this past year. Council Member C. Erickson reported the Madison High School Girls Basketball team and Boys Basketball team made it to the state basketball tournaments in Boise this year. Council Member Johnson was wondering about the Eagle Park Cleanup and who she should work with on that, since Jeff Crowther has left. Mayor Merrill will check with Rec. Director, Jon Lewis, about that. Council Member Johnson also mentioned that she is excited about the Engage Rexburg monthly meeting that was recently posted. Council Member E. Erickson indicated that the Parks Department is working on the Smith Park inclusive area. They hope to develop that this spring. They have also discussed pickleball courts. New pickleball courts seem to be in big demand among the residents. The new Steiner Park is in the planning stages. They have been discussing the possibility of teaming up with BYU-I to increase the size of Steiner Park. They are also continuing work and planning for the Teton River Park. There has also been some discussion about private/public partnerships to develop more types of recreation in the city. Mayor Merrill reported that we received a grant to extend the trail along the north side of the Teton River and build a bridge across the river. Council Member Reeser met with the Legacy Flight Museum committee. They are busy preparing for the air show in June. They have a new member on the board. Staff Reports: Finance: - Scott Miller Financial Reports Deputy Treasurer Miller went over the Treasurer’s Expenditure Report. He indicated that not much has changed. He reviewed some of the balances. He noted that Fund 83 shows 717% because of the pass-through grant that was received for the new entrepreneur center through Altura. Council Member C. Erickson asked for clarification for the public on the 717% because of the pass-through grant. Treasurer Miller explained that the grant money comes straight to us and then we in turn pay that out for the entrepreneur center. That’s why it shows a high percent right now. Mayor Merrill also explained that these types of grants must be accepted and managed by a government entity; it cannot just go straight to the organization.    New Policy Adoption for Season Pass Discount for Qualified City/County Retired Employees – Council Member C. Erickson Council Member C. Erickson moved to table the discussion on the New Policy Adoption for Season Pass Discount for Qualified City/County Retired Employees until the city attorney is present. Council Member Johnson seconded the motion. Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. Public Works: - Keith Davidson Bid Approval for Tabernacle Historic Stone Restoration Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the two bids for the Tabernacle stone restoration. The lowest bid was from Hydro-tech at $569,400.  Council Member Chambers moved to approve the low bid of $569,400 to Hydro-tech for the stone restoration on the Tabernacle; Council Member C. Erickson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. Bid Approval for the Trejo/South Yellowstone Hwy Traffic Signal Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the three bids for the new traffic signal at the intersection of Trejo and South Yellowstone Highway. The lowest bid was from Swiftwater for $489,400. Council Member C. Erickson asked about this company. Director Davidson said they have worked with them before and believe they will do a good job.  Council Member E. Erickson moved to approve the low bid of $489,400 to Swiftwater for the Trejo/South Yellowstone Hwy traffic signal; Council Member Reeser seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. Surplus 4 Archive Storage Devices – Western Digital My Cloud PR4100 without Hard Drives Public Works Director Davidson asked the Council for approval to surplus four archive storage devices.  Council Member Johnson moved to approve the surplus of four archive storage devices; Council Member C. Erickson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. Mayor’s Business: Mayor Merrill mentioned the East Idaho Partnership that includes cities and counties in Eastern Idaho and helps support Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA). That is a person who works with the federal judicial system in Pocatello. They deal with certain crimes that are prosecuted in the federal system instead of the state, which benefits the state because the federal system pays for criminals to be incarcerated in federal prisons. Mayor Merrill is the legislative liaison for the East Idaho Partnership group. The Department of Corrections pays 75% of the cost for the SAUSA person and cities and counties pay 25%. Mayor Merrill announced that the city celebrated the retirement of Don Perry from the Wastewater Department. He also mentioned that the city received some good proposals for the downtown projects. Items for Consideration: Calendared Bills: Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: Ordinance No 1309 Creation of Local Improvement District 53 (LID 53) - Keith Davidson LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT 53 CREATION ORDINANCE ORDINANCE NO. 1309 AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, CREATING LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 53; DESCRIBING AND SETTING FORTH THE BOUNDARIES OF SAID LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT; PROVIDING FOR THE IMPROVEMENTS TO BE MADE THEREIN; APPOINTING AN ENGINEER TO PREPARE THE NECESSARY PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE WORK; AUTHORIZING THE ADVERTISING FOR BIDS FOR SAID WORK AS AUTHORIZED BY LAW; PROVIDING FOR THE PAYMENT OF COSTS AND EXPENSES OF SAID IMPROVEMENTS TO BE ASSESSED AGAINST THE PROPERTY WITHIN THE DISTRICT BENEFITTED THEREBY AND THE METHOD OF ASSESSMENTS; PROVIDING FOR THE ISSUANCE OF LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT BONDS AND WARRANTS; PROVIDING FOR RELATED MATTERS; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. Council Member Johnson moved to approve Ordinance No 1309 Creation of Local Improvement District 53 (LID 53) and consider second read; Council Member E. Erickson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: Ordinance No 1307 Final Assessment Roll for Local Improvement District 52 (LID 52) – Keith Davidson LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT 52 FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL ORDINANCE NO. 1307 AN ORDINANCE CONFIRMING THE ASSESSMENT ROLL, FOR LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 52 IN REXBURG, IDAHO, FOR THE PURPOSE OF INSTALLING CERTAIN STREETS, CURBS, GUTTERS, SIDEWALKS, AND OTHER PUBLIC FACILITIES AND PARTS THEREOF WITHIN THE CORPORATE LIMITS OF SAID CITY, TO BE GRADED, RE-GRADED, GRAVELED, PAVED, RE-PAVED AND OTHERWISE IMPROVE THE HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED STREETS WITHIN THE DISTRICT AND TO CONSTRUCT AND RECONSTRUCT SIDEWALKS, CURBS, GUTTERS, DRIVEWAYS, DRAINAGE FACILITIES, OFFSITE STORM SEWER, WATER AND SANITARY SEWER FACILITIES, STREET LIGHTS AND OTHER PUBLIC FACILITIES AND OTHER WORK INCIDENTAL TO ALL OF THE FOREGOING IMPROVEMENTS; ORDERING ASSESSMENTS TO BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE ASSESSMENT ROLL AND PRESCRIBING DETAILS CONCERNING SAID ASSESSMENTS; AND REPEALING ALL ORDINANCES OR PARTS OF ORDINANCES IN CONFLICT HEREWITH, AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY. Council Member E. Erickson moved to approve Ordinance No 1307 Final Assessment for Local Improvement District 52 (LID 52) and consider third read; Council Member Reeser seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. Ordinance No 1308 Amendment to Rexburg Development Code Ordinance No 1200 as it pertains to Rental Requirements, Accessory Building Standards and other substantive and non-substantive items – Alan Parkinson CITY OF REXBURG ORDINANCE NO. 1308 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 …..; 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 Chambers moved to approve Ordinance No 1308 Amendment to Rexburg Development Code Ordinance No 1200 as it pertains to Rental Requirements, Accessory Building Standards and other substantive and non-substantive items and consider third read; Council Member C. Erickson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. 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. Minutes from February 7th, 2024, City Council Meeting Approve the City of Rexburg Bills Council Member Johnson moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and city bills; Council Member Chambers seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. 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 a public agency. Council Member C. Erickson moved to enter into Executive Session according to Idaho State Statute §74-206(1)(c) To acquire an interest in real property not owned by a public agency; Council Member Reeser seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a roll call vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. Executive Session Began 7:04 P.M. Executive Session Ended 8:04 P.M. Adjournment 8:04 P.M. APPROVED: ________________________________ Jerry Merrill, Mayor Attest: _____________________________ Mary Flanary, Grant Coordinator