HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - March 6, 2024 (208) 359-3020
35 North 1st East
Rexburg, ID 83440
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City Council Minutes – March 6, 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
Presentation: Workforce and Housing Strategies Discussion – Economic Development Department – Aaron Denney
Economic Development Assistant Denney started his presentation on the Workforce and Housing Strategies. As part of the city’s Economic Development Department, he spends a lot of his
time researching how jobs can be created. Through his research he has determined jobs can be created through new business, retaining or expanding our community’s existing business, or
attracting outside businesses to our community.
Aaron Denney said he was not surprised that one of the two focuses of the Envision Madison project was job creation. The general sentiment from the study was that there are not enough
jobs to ensure economic security for families in our community. A common pattern was that city residents wanted jobs for their children and grandchildren so that they could stay or return
to Rexburg. For that to happen, we need quality jobs. The Envision Madison findings demonstrated there is significant support for growth, especially when it provides jobs and a higher
quality of life.
Aaron Denney asked, how might we create those jobs for our community members so that there is an improved quality of life for them, their children and grandchildren? It’s through helping
expand Rexburg’s sense of place. Why place? The present economic research finds that business wants talent, but talent wants place, so more businesses are relocating to other places.
Our community needs to have the sense of place that talent looks for. Except the city has a problem. It’s a housing problem.
Aaron Denny reviewed some of the national data buying vs renting a home. In general, it has become significantly more expensive to buy a home compared to renting. We are seeing not
just mortgages skyrocket, but rentals as well. Many communities have renters spending more than 30% on not just mortgages but rent. Even worse, many people are being denied mortgages
for having “insufficient income” even though starting a mortgage would be less than their rent payment.
Aaron Denney said the map below helps demonstrate how much more expensive it is to buy a home in the last three years. Homeownership is becoming out of reach for the middle class.
Aaron Denney specified the graph demonstrates the issue as the income needed to afford a median-priced home has skyrocketed.
Aaron Denney explained based on income levels, Idaho ties with Montana and Hawaii for the lowest affordability in the nation (for housing), according to the National Association of
Realtors. Redfin also ranked Idaho as the most overvalued housing market at 41.87% over. This is exasperated by Idaho being the 2nd worst state for housing shortage, behind just California.
Idaho has a shortage of over 42,000 homes.
Aaron Denney reviewed the local data for our community. For Madison County, from 2010 to today, home prices have gone up 109% while wages have only gone up 39%. In Madison County, 64%
of a single earner’s wages go toward a median priced home mortgage. That is more than double the maximum 30% recommendation from lending institutions. Some lenders are going up to 50%;
however, the borrowers are still outside the range.
Aaron Denney stated the data also reveals that Madison County’s affordability is similar to high-cost locations in the United States such San Diego County, California 68% and Los Angeles
County, California 66%. The median home price in Madison County is $408,000 so to afford the income needed would be about $100k+. Rexburg’s cost of living provides a significant obstacle
for people to buy homes. In fact, the consulting firm DCI found in their 2022 annual report on talent that the top three factors for relocation are related to housing cost and availability.
We can’t let ourselves believe that our children and grandchildren will stay or move to Rexburg when they can’t afford homes here. A few months ago, we had a large tech firm from Utah
seriously considering Rexburg; however, despite paying their employees six figure salaries, when they saw Rexburg’s housing prices, they backed out.
Aaron Denney explained when someone is looking to buy something below the median home price. What would they be able to buy if their annual salary was $60,000? A $200,000 home. Both
the National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Home Builders have spoken about how serious this problem is. The National Association of Realtors have said the middle-income
buyer can afford to buy less than a quarter of listings. The National Association of Home Builders have said that 73% of all U.S. households, cannot afford a new home at (the current
$425,786) median price point.
Aaron Denney shared his experience purchasing a home in January. Despite his reasonable paying stable salary job, and great credit score, he barely qualified for one of the lowest priced
homes in Rexburg. His two bed 1 ½ bath townhome was almost half the amount of a median priced home in Madison County. It’s hard to imagine being able to afford a median priced home in
Rexburg. Some critics of the current housing market say, “Just wait till interest rates go down”. However, the following graph from the Federal Reserve shows the interest rates for the
last 50 years. If you add up all of these averages from the last half century you get a 50-year average interest rate of 7.74%, we should not count on 2% interest rates again to solve
the housing crisis.
Aaron Denney said our children and grandchildren will not be able to live in Rexburg if there is no housing. An employer is not going to want to move to Rexburg if there are no homes
for their employees. The National Association of Realtors does a really good job tracking housing affordability. Using their data, the following scenarios demonstrate how tough it is
to return to the affordability average over the last 35 years.
If home prices are stable, rates need to fall to 3.55% in order to be back to the historical average.
If prices grow 5%, rates need to fall to 3.16%.
If prices stay the same but incomes increase 5%, rates need to fall to 3.95%.
A mortgage rate that stays around 8% means median home prices need to fall by 35%, to $265,000.
If rates stay at 8% and prices stay at current levels, income needs to increase by 63%.
Aaron Denney said what makes matters worse is, they are only building large homes. Nationwide, small, detached houses have all but vanished from new construction. Only about 8% of new
single-family homes today are 1,400 square feet or less. In the 1940s, according to CoreLogic, nearly 70 percent of new houses were that small.
Aaron Denney said pictures of the houses below are examples of what starter homes used to look like. The starter home is becoming nonexistent today.
Aaron Denney questioned how are we as a city going to provide jobs for our family, friends, and community members, when the starter home is disappearing, and home costs are the same
as Southern California and Hawaii?
Aaron Denney stated Rexburg is unfortunately part of a nation-wide trend where the size of a home has grown, while the average family size has shrunk. The lot sizes do not really affect
home values. In fact, only 11% of new homes in the U.S. have 1 or 2 bedrooms while over half of households are only 1-2 people and the average size of a new home is about 2,322 square
feet. The map demonstrates our housing situation. Idaho is among the higher end of states where it takes a decade to save for a home downpayment. It would take saving $500 a month for
13 years to save for a downpayment.
Aaron Denney asked when thinking about all these conditions in our community, how does someone build equity? The National Association of Realtors recently spoke on the housing market:
"Middle-income buyers face the largest shortage of homes among all income groups, making it even harder for them to build wealth through homeownership," said Nadia Evangelou, NAR senior
economist and director of real estate research. "A two-fold approach is needed to help with both low affordability and limited housing supply. It's not just about increasing supply.
We must boost the number of homes to the price range that most people can afford to buy." Let’s not keep people from
being able to build wealth. Home ownership should definitely be a part of America’s Family Community so let’s make sure we build more homes and homes people can buy. What do those affordable
homes look like, he asked?
Aaron Denney said he spent the last part of a year understanding the housing problem and how Rexburg should move forward. He stated Rexburg has a housing problem, so what can we as
a city do about it? He said he has put together a 3-phase plan to combat the housing crisis. To understand the 3-phase plan, we need to understand what Missing Middle Housing (MMH) is
and understand the difference between density and scale.
Aaron Denney explained Missing Middle Housing (MMH) is one of the most promising solutions for community. It will help ensure a sense of place while making housing attainable for the
middle-class. It is the housing types between traditional detached single-family houses and large apartment complexes.
MMH is a very traditional housing style and was very popular prior to the end of WWII. He said he mentioned building equity a moment ago, and it was fascinating to learn that historically
MMH were the housing types that both provided high-quality living while enabling people “to build equity, and to move up the social ladder.” This need is even higher when someone making
75,000 cannot even afford the median costing home in our community.
Aaron Denney mentioned the housing construction never really recovered after the 2008 recession. This is partially why there is such a shortage in housing in the United States. You
can see Missing Middle Housing was hit the worst in the blue line in the graph. Bloomberg points out just how little MMH is being built out where of the 368,000 multifamily units built
out in 2022 about half of them had buildings with 50 units or more, and 88% of the 386,000 had 20 units or more.
Just 2,000 duplexes were built in 2022.
Aaron Denney asked, what are the characteristics of Missing Middle Housing? Those characteristics are they are marketable, they create community, and they require simple construction
techniques and codes. He also asked, why are they marketable? MMH allows people of all ages to live in a community near amenities while not being restricted to a large condominium or
apartment building. “Buyers and renters of these housing types are often trading space (housing and yard square footage) for place (proximity to services and amenities). He believes
it’s important to note that the largest generation of
workers in the United States are Millennials. The Gen Z are also coming of age and beginning to flood into the labor market. The generation of baby boomers, America’s largest generation,
many of which retired before or during the pandemic, many will want to downsize; however, the market is not building small homes. MMH is going to play a part for them as well.
Aaron Denney mentioned as we introduced MMH that we need to understand the difference between density and scale. This is going to be key for the community, Councilmembers, the Planning
and Zoning Commission, and city staff to understand if we want to tackle the housing crisis and reintroduce the traditional MMH types. In making housing decisions, we often get caught
up in a discussion of density; however, density cannot be the only way to plan for housing. Often, when people talk about density they are often talking about scale. MMH helps ensure
this concept of scale so, what exactly are we talking about when we talk about scale? The scale can be two options, house scale or block scale. The size of a house or the size of a block.
Many people worried about density are worried about block scale buildings, not house scale buildings.
Aaron Denney described the house scale buildings and block scale buildings shown in the pictures below. MMH types “have small- to medium-sized footprints, with a body width, depth and
height no larger than a detached single-family home.” This concept of “scale” creates a lower perceived density even though densities are higher.
Take a look at these two different scale buildings. On the left is a block-scale building, and on the right is a house scale building. But they essentially have the same densities.
“Due to the small footprint of [MMH] types and the fact that they [can be] mixed with a variety of building types even on an individual block, the perceived density of these types is
usually quite low—they do not look like dense buildings.” An important point is that a lower perceived density is key to helping preserve the small town feeling that Rexburg residents
often seek. He said I’m not saying that we shouldn’t have block-scale buildings. They have their place. However, MMH types would be a win-win for many people of differing opinions.
He asked the Councilmembers to keep this point in mind as he reviews some examples.
Aaron Denney said looking at the types of missing middle housing. Keep in mind that point we mentioned earlier about house-scale buildings that provide a lower perceived density.
Aaron Denney reviewed pictures of town homes.
Aaron Denney reviewed pictures of duplexes.
Aaron Denney reviewed pictures of fourplex stacked.
Aaron Denney reviewed pictures of courtyard buildings which are a missing middle housing concept type.
Aaron Denney explained this Missing Middle Housing type is completely missing from Rexburg. Cottage Courts are small, detached homes, or cottages, that face a common green way. As review
this housing type, this about how meaningful it would be to have this housing in Rexburg.
Aaron Denney reviewed pictures of mansion Apartments.
Aaron Denney reviewed pictures of townhouses.
Aaron Denney specified house-scale Missing Middle Housing types will allow us to help preserve the small town feel that our community wants, while helping bring our town closer together
in terms of friendship, and lower housing costs so that we can provide the place that job seekers are looking for.
Aaron Denney asked what is the next step? He recommended a 3-phase approach:
- Phase 1: Education and Analysis
- Phase 2: Integration
- Phase 3: Establishing Formal Housing Entities
Phase 1 is about education and analysis. Mainly, how do we plan for Missing Middle Housing? The Economic Development Department and the Planning and Zoning Department are recommending
the city work with the planning firm Opticos.
Phase 2 is about implementation and has three parts. First, they would like to bring 1 or 2 of Opticos staff members to Rexburg to help us understand MMH with a variety of stakeholders.
That would cost around $15,000. This is key as we need to make sure city staff understands MMH and generate the buy-in across the community to effectively implement MMH. Second, is Opticos
MMH Scan that analyzes Rexburg’s policy documents and zoning regulations to identify existing or potential barriers to MMH and some recommendations for implementation. The cost of that
analysis is about $45,000.
Aaron Denney said the second part of phase 2 would be integration by creating some cottage court housing or mansion apartments. The third part of phase 2, the city should create a house-scale
form-based code. In addition to the form-based code in the city’s downtown. The city could create some form-based code specific for residential neighborhoods. This new addition of form-based
code would encourage house-scale building for missing middle types. The form-cased code takes into consideration the way different buildings interact with other buildings and the street.
Aaron Denney reviewed the illustration below of conventional zoning and form based. Notice the difference in the types of buildings constructed under form-based code compared to conventional
zoning. They’re house scale. Why this distinction? “Conventional zoning creates multifamily zones that typically allow much bigger buildings – both taller and wider – than Missing Middle
types. This also encourages lot aggregation, often leading to large suburban garden apartment buildings. The end can be an awkward juxtaposition of these very different residential environments,
often with abrupt transitions in form and scale. Missing Middle Housing types can successfully bridge these two environments, if allowed. Conventional zoning codes often fail to regulate
building size and form in proportion to lot sizes, that can lead to awkward relationships between neighboring properties. Form-based standards avoid such incompatibility by regulating
building forms, massing and transitions. “Missing Middle housing will help preserve the small town feel we look for while also providing housing that can actually be bought by the middle
class. There are a few more solutions we can talk about in addition to form-based code.
Aaron Denney specified Phase 3 would be about establishing a formal housing entity for Rexburg.
There are a couple of different strategies these entities can take. The first is a land trust model where the housing entity owns the land while the homeowner owns the improvements.
A shared equity homeownership model allows income-qualified homebuyers to buy quality homes at below market value. The Community Land Trust retains ownership of the land while the buyer
owns the improvements, thus reducing the cost of the home. The home’s future value is restricted by the ground lease, which establishes a model for permanently affordable homes. At the
sale, the homeowner takes possession of the improvements only, and signs a 99-year ground lease. This document ensures that the homeowner will have full rights to use their land, restricts
the resale price, and sets the expectation that the future buyer will also be income qualified.
The next model is being done in Hailey, Idaho. This program is for locals buying a home that work in Blaine County. The city provides the local housing trust with a 20% purchase price,
zero interest deferred loans, overall reducing the cost of the home and not requiring payment on the second loan until the house is sold again.
The next option is a program that started in Utah this last year. This state creating housing entity is providing zero interest, no payment loans up to $20,000 for first time homebuyers
to purchase starter homes. This is similar to what Hailey, Idaho is doing, except this is only for new construction. Another housing program in Utah is the Rocky Mountain Housing Fund.
This program provides, say a schoolteacher, a down payment and a better interest rate even if their credit is a little lower. This program has a 50/50 equity split. When the mortgage
payment is lower than the rent payment, which is common for their program participants, the difference is put into a custodial savings account to help the participant keep a 6-month
reserve to cover unexpected housing costs.
Aaron Denney reiterated business wants talent, but talent wants place.
He said he wants to avoid ending up with something like this, which is really a parking lot with some apartments in it.
He said he wants something like this, that has place and is a house scale. What he doesn’t want is in 10 years when people talk about “the housing crisis” people don’t say “which one”
not sure if people are talking about the 2008 one or the one that grew out of the pandemic. We can make sure there is both housing and jobs for our children and grandchildren.
6:00 P.M. (video index 0:37:55)
Council Member E. Erickson said the prayer.
Council Member Chambers led the pledge.
Roll Call of Council Members: (0:44:35)
Attending: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Chambers, Council Member C. Erickson, Council Member E. Erickson, Council Member Reeser, Council President Walker, and Mayor Merrill.
Presentation: Police Department Promotions: Chuck Kunsaitis – Detective Sargeant and Doug Jones – Patrol Corporal
Police Chief Rhodes specified one of the difficulties with promotions in the Rexburg Police Department is that there are many great officers and there is great leadership within the
department. He recently promoted Doug Jones to the Patrol Corporal position, he has worked for the police department for three years. Corporal Jones is training to become a Field Training
Officer (FTO) which will allow him to train other police officers and he is also a DARE instructor.
Police Chief Rhodes indicated with recent retirements in the police department a Detective Sargeant position became available. He has promoted Chuck Kunsaitis to that position. Sargeant
Kunsaitis has worked for the police department since 2001 and has been a detective for 13 years. He has a long list of accomplishments and certificates which include Drug Recognition
Expert, Patrol Sargeant, newly appointed Evidence Technician.
Chief Rhodes mentioned the Police Department has started their testing for two new hires in the patrol division so at the next city council meeting they maybe introducing two new officers.
Mayor Merrill said Council Member Reeser is online viewing the Council Meeting. There are issues with the audio he is able to hear us; however, we are not able to hear him.
Welcome New Employees: Parker Anderson – Rexburg Races Coordinator
Parker Anderson said he grew up in Rexburg and moved back from Colorado where he worked at the local YMCA. He said he is excited to be working for the city’s Recreation Department where
he will oversee the races and Winter Park.
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.
Melanie Averett said on behalf of Rexburg’s Free Clinic she is extending an invitation to the Rexburg Free Clinic Gala on Thursday, March 21st from 7-10 p.m. at the Atrium at Hemming
Village. There will be dancing, appetizers and prize winning at the gala. She encouraged all to support the Rexburg Free Clinic by attending the gala. She has heard many stories from
people throughout the community not only from Rexburg but Idaho Falls and Blackfoot who have come to Rexburg to utilize the Free Clinic’s services.
Vince Hailey shared his thoughts regarding the Local Improvement District LID 51 that included Center Street and 1st East. He said from an outsiders’ perspective having no involvement
in that LID, the work was completed and executed well compared to other LID’s the city has completed. He pointed out the signs advertising the museums in the city are worn and need to
be made more visible. He also mentioned the maintenance of the city parks. The area on Main Street near the municipal golf course and across the street to the north, the grass needs
to be kept cut and green. Also, the flowers along the north side of that street need to be taken care of to create an inviting feeling when people are coming into the city.
Chester said he is an international student attending BYU- Idaho University, he has lived in Rexburg for two years. He is currently taking a suicide prevention class to be able to train
others in suicide prevention from a nonprofit organization named Voice Advocacy in connection with the Center for Hope. The Center for Hope is a peer-based, nonprofit recovery center,
they were asked to open a satellite office in Rexburg. They are hosting a Community Conversation Event focused on Law Enforcement and Behavioral Health, Resources for Children and Families,
Recovery Coaches and Support Meetings on March 19th from 6-8 p.m. at the Springhill Suites 1177 S. Yellowstone in Rexburg. He invited all to come to the event.
Staff Reports:
Finance: - Matt Nielson
Set Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Calendar
Finance Officer Nielson said the Finance Department is wrapping up the Fiscal Year 2023. Typically, a work meeting is scheduled to review the audit with the Finance Department and auditors.
The meeting is informative, it’s a deeper dive into the city’s finances. He asked for the work meeting to be scheduled for either March 29th or April 1st at 8:30 a.m... Mayor Merrill
and Council Member Walker said March 29th in the morning would be best for them.
Finance Officer Nielson continued to review the Budget Preparation Calendar for 2025 Fiscal Year Budget.
Set Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Public Hearing Date for July 17, 2024, at 6:30 p.m.
Finance Officer Nielson asked the Council Members if there were any conflicts with holding the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Public Hearing on July 17, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Merrill said
there aren’t any conflicts with that date for the public hearing.
Review report and set proposed COLA, PERSI changes effective July 2024, and 12% Increase on Health so we can begin payroll budget process.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the recommended Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA using the Comsumer Price Index. The West Region includes the mountain divison including Arizona, Colorado,
Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Wyoming. The Pacific Divison includes Alaska, California, Hawaii, Oregon and Washington. He also reviewed the total increase if the City Council
approves to adopt the recommended COLA in Fiscal Year 2025.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the changes to the PERSI contributions rate and adjustments.
Set proposed Department Level Meetings as presented.
Finance Officer Nielson asked if there any changes to the department level meetings times or dates. There were no changes requested.
Confirm Wednesday, April 10th from 9:00am to 3:00pm for City Council Drive Around
Finance Officer Nielson asked if Wednesday, April 10th from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for the City Council Drive Around still works for Mayor Merrill and Councilmembers. Mayor Merrill
said the time and date for the city council drive Around still works for everyone. Council President Walker asked the Councilmembers to submit the locations they would like to visit
during he drive around.
Council Member Chambers moved to approve the following items: Set Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Calendar, Set Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Public Hearing Date for July 17, 2024, at 6:30pm, Review
report and set proposed COLA, PERSI changes effective July 2024, and 12% Increase on Health so we can begin payroll budget process, Set proposed Department Level Meetings as presented
and Confirm Wednesday, April 10th from 9:00am to 3:00pm for City Council Drive Around; Council President Walker 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 President Walker
The motion carried.
Budget Adjustment for Romance Theater Front Doors
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Romance Theater Front Doors Budget Adjustment.
Council President Walker moved to approve the Budget Adjustment for the Romance Theater front doors; 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 President Walker
The motion carried.
Public Works: - Keith Davidson
Contract Approval for Horrocks to Design the New Traffic Signal at 7th S and Center St, Majority of Funding for Project by LHTAC
Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the Professional Services Contract for Horrocks Engineers, Inc. to design the new traffic signal at 7th S and Center Street. The city received
a grant from the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) for that project.
Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve the Professional Services Contract for Horrocks Engineers, Inc to design the new traffic signal at 7th S and Center Street; 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 President Walker
The motion carried.
Bid Approval and Budget Adjustment for Concrete Water Reservoir Rehabilitations
Public Works Director Davidson explained there was only one bid received for the concrete water reservoir rehabilitation project. He reviewed the budget Adjustment and pictures of different
options of reservoir rehabilitation work. The company that submitted the bid is DN Tanks and he recommended the bid be awarded to them even though the bid came in higher than the estimated
amount.
Mayor Merrill asked Public Works Director Davidson to explaine the reason why the bid was three times higher than the estimate. Public Works Director Davidson explained the concrete
company that gave him the estimated amount for the project did not submit a bid so he met with Keller Associates they completed the design work for the Burton reservoir. The water tanks
are made of post tension concrete, so it is important to make sure the work is being done correctly. When chipping off the loose concrete areas, they need to make sure they are not chipping
to the post tension steel because that would cause major issues.
Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the failures that are occurring with the tanks in the pictures below. Some of the areas will need to be recoated. He is mostly concerned with
the reservior roof cap. He is looking into bid alternates for the areas of the tank that will need architectural coding. Mayor Merrill asked for the age of some of the water tanks.
The tank on the hill is about 50 years old. Council Member C. Erickson asked how many tanks are being rehabilitated. Public Works Director Davidson said only two tanks are being rehabilitated.
The two tanks are the one by the water tower and the other one is on 7th North.
Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the pictures of other water tanks with the architectural coding in other cities that DN Tank has completed.
Council Member E. Erickson asked for clarification regarding several bid alternate options that will need to be added to the budget. Public Works Director Davidson replied the base
bid was $773,200 with the additional costs of the bid alternates. Finance Officer Nielson explained $250,000 was already budgeted, the $523,200 needs to be added and he did not know
which bid alternates the City Council would approve so those would need to be added as well. Mayor Merrill recommended approving bid alternates #4 and #5 to apply architectural coating
to the walls of the tanks.
Council Member Johnson moved to approve the Budget Adjustment for Concrete Water Reservoir Rehabilitations and alternate bid options #4 and #5; 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 President Walker
The motion carried.
Council President Walker mentioned the sensors on the traffic light at the intersection of University Boulevard and Yellowstone Highway are not working when heading north.
Council Member C. Erickson asked if the residents on Hillview Drive have been contacted regarding the LID. Public Works Director Davidson said letters were sent to the residents regarding
the LID and a meeting was also held. The whole neighborhood was not involved, only the residents on that street. Council Member Chambers asked if the residents not included in the LID
have opted to be included and when was the cutoff date. Public Works Director Davidson said only two residents are considering opting to be included in the LID and the cutoff date is
in the middle of March.
Mayor’s Business:
Mayor Merrill invited all to attend the Heritage Youth Symphony Concert at the Rexburg Tabernacle on March 20th starting at 7:00 p.m. Rexburg Cultural Arts is also presenting My Fair
Lady on March 8th -16th, 2024 at the Romance Theater starting at 7:00 p.m.
Mayor Merrill read Proclamation No. 2024 -01 Support for Advanced Energy.
Proclamation No. 2024-01 – Support for Advanced Energy
PROCLAMATION
No. 2024-01
An Order to Establish Support for Advanced Energy
Whereas, the City of Rexburg, Idaho recognizes the Idaho Advanced Energy Consortium (IAEC), and their commitment to advancing nuclear and clean energy and their related projects in Idaho
and in the region; and
Whereas, the Idaho National Laboratory, with IAEC, is working with industry and community, to produce and support advanced energy technologies needed for a sustainable, safe, secure
and efficient energy future; and
Whereas, Idaho has a long history with energy research as home of the first community powered by nuclear energy generation, and home to the INL; and
Whereas, Idaho's legacy in nuclear innovation has positioned the State and our communities to lead America's energy independence and security; and
Whereas, the development of advanced energy is a key component of Idaho communities long term planning that balances economic growth with responsible stewardship of natural resources;
and
Whereas, it is vital to Idaho's future that our community invests in long-term strategies for energy creation, as well as promote technological leadership and enhance national security;
and
Whereas, the community supports efforts and policies that provide tools and resources to obtain or deliver affordable, reliable energy for our citizens, communities, businesses and industries;
and
Whereas, advanced energy can be part of our regional energy system planning and operation practices for efficient energy production and trade; and
Whereas, IAEC seeks to strengthen our region’s assets, resources, capacity and potential for industries, companies, and employment they create to start, grow, and remain in our communities;
and
Whereas, the development of advanced energy can support our rural communities through economic development and diversification efforts, infrastructure investment, and workforce training
and development; and
Now, Therefore, I, Jerry Merrill, Mayor, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the State of Idaho, do hereby declare that the City of Rexburg is committed to investing
in advanced energy as a core component of Idaho and our nation’s long-term energy strategy.
And urge all citizens to recognize the importance of advanced energy to our national security, economy, and environment.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Rexburg to be affixed this 6th day of March of the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-four.
APPROVED:
_____________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Deborah Lovejoy, City Clerk
Council Member C. Erickson moved to ratify Proclamation No. 2024-01 Support for Advance Energy; Council President Walker 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 President Walker
The motion carried.
Mayor Merrill mentioned he attends the Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting every month at the Fire Department. The LEPC is a federally mandated entity composed of state
and local officials, business representatives and members of the press. The role of the LEPC is to form a partnership with local governments and industries as a resource for enhancing
hazardous materials preparedness.
Items for Consideration:
Planning and Zoning recommendation to approve plats for Summerfield Divisions 11, 12, and 13 located in the Summerfield PUD – 900 S 2400 W, with a total of approximately 23 acres and
89 lots, permits #23-00368, #23-00372, and #23-00373 – Alan Parkinson
Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson reviewed the staff report for the plat located North of West 640 South, between 2100 West and 2275 West.
P & Z Administrator Parkinson reviewed the staff report for the plat located West of 2275 West and will continue 2315 West to the North of Summerfield Lane.
Discussion regarding easements, Council Member E. Erickson asked if there are plans to extend 2400 West or 2275 West, North into that subdivision across from the canal. P & Z Administrator
Parkinson replied, they require that developer put that opportunity in the plans so that if the developer to the North does want that connectivity it is there to grid the street; however,
this developer is not planning to connect at this point because the do not own the ground.
Discussion regarding the West Side Development potential road connectivity. Council Member Johnson said it is important to clarify that there is not a road that goes through the property
to the North. P&Z Administrator Parkinson clarified if a road is built, it would not be built by the city or the Summerfield Development developer.
Council President Walker moved to approve Plats for Summerfield Divisions 11, 12, and 13 located in the Summerfield PUD – 900 S 2400 W, with a total of approximately 23 acres and 89
lots; 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 President Walker
The motion carried.
Staff recommendation to approve a public/private partnership for a Community Ice Rink – Matt Nielson and Spencer Rammell
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed a map of the proposed location for the community ice rink.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the letter of Intent: Partnership Agreement for Ice Skating. The letter of intent is for the ice skating rink only even though the plans show the potential
for an indoor pool.
Discussion regarding the time it would take to prepare a final contract.
Council Member Chambers moved to approve the letter of Intent: Partnership Agreement for Community Ice Rink; Discussion: Attorney Rammell explained the legal nature of a letter of intent
to enter into negotiations for this partnership and once finalized be presented to City Council to be approved; 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 President Walker
The motion carried.
Calendared Bills:
Tabled Items:
New Policy Adoption on Season Pass Discount for Qualified City/County Retired Employees
Council Member C. Erickson moved to remove from the table item New Policy Adoption on Season Pass Discount for Qualified City/County Retired Employees; Council President Walker seconded
the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Johnson Johnson
Council Member Chambers E. Erickson
Council Member C. Erickson
Council Member E. Erickson
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the proposed policy on season pass discount for qualified retired city or county employees.
Council Member Johnson said she believes this policy is a special interest policy because the city doesn’t offer discounts on other passes for retired employees. The city already gives
a great retirement package to its employees. She does not believe the discount will serve many employees. Council Member C. Erickson explained the discount is already offered to city/county
full-time employees. He doesn’t have an issue with including the PERSI retirement requirement. The discount for the retired employees will generate revenue for the golf course because
they will probably bring other people to golf.
Council Member E. Erickson said he doesn’t believe it will be difficult to administer the discount. Mayor Merrill expressed his concerns with employees that work for 19 years not meeting
the minimum requirement of 20 years to receive the discount. Council Member Johnson asked why the discount only applies to golf and not other city facilities passes. She said she finds
it difficult to approve an item that is viewed as self-serving.
Council Member Johnson moved to deny the adoption of Season Pass Discount for Qualified City/County Retired Employees motion died due to lack of a second.
Mayor Merrill recommended PERSI vested full-time employees be eligible for the discount.
Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve the adoption of Season Pass Discount for City of Rexburg employee, must have met the PERSI Rule of 80 or 90 or the age requirement of a PERSI
service retirement; President Walker seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Chambers Council Member Johnson
Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: NONE
Third Reading: Those items which have been second read:
Ordinance No 1307 Final Assessment Roll for Local Improvement District 52 (LID 52) – Keith Davidson
Discussion:
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 C. Erickson moved to approve Ordinance No 1307 Final Assessment for Local Improvement District 52 (LID 52) and consider Third read; 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 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 21st & 27th, 2024, City Council Meeting
Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Chambers moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and city bills; Council President Walker 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 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.
Mayor Merrill said the executive session item was on the agenda in case further discussion was needed regarding the indoor ice-skating rink. They will waive going into executive session.
Economic Development: Review and approval of City Center Properties Request for Proposal for development of approximately 2.8 acres located at or on Carlson Ave in the City of Rexburg
– Scott Johnson
Economic Development Director Johnson explained he has received the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development of approximately 2.8 acres of property located at or on Carlson Avenue.
The Urban Renewal Agency is recommending the RFP be awarded to Alpha Development. There is no contract to approve at this time.
Council Member Chambers mentioned that there were four responders to the RFP and all were good proposal. They hope the city can generate some opportunities for those that were not selected.
The reason Alpha Development was selected was because they submitted proposals for all three sites and they were also the best fit for the vision the city has for the downtown. The RFPs
were evaluated by 17 people.
Council Member Chambers moved to approve of the City Center Properties Request for Proposal for development of approximately 2.8 acres located at or on Carlson Ave in the City of Rexburg;
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 President Walker
The motion carried.
Adjournment 8:59 P.M.
APPROVED:
________________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________
Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk