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City Council Minutes —January 17, 2024
Mayor Jerry Merrill
Council Members:
Sryanna Johnson Eric Erickson
Robert Chambers David Reeser
Colin Erickson Mikel Walker
(208) 359-3020
35 North 151 East
Rexburg, ID 83440
Rexburg.org I Engage. Rexburg.org
........................................................................................
Tisha Flora
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 and City of Rexburg Work Meeting
County Commissioner Mendenhall and County Commissioner Parkinson introduced themselves
to newly elected Council Member Eric Erickson and Council Member David Reeser.
Discussion regarding the capital improvement projects completed at the Teton Lakes Golf Course.
Commissioner Mendenhall said there has been discussion regarding capital improvement projects for
the club house at Teton Lakes. Some areas in the club house need to be renovated. Mayor Merrill
mentioned the ongoing irrigation work needed at the golf courses.
Discussion regarding the Winter Park at Teton Lakes. Mayor Merrill mentioned the city may partner
with a private business owner to build a better ice-skating rink at the Winter Park. County
Commissioner Mendenhall asked if the ice-skating rink is built to inform the Golf Board of the
proposed location to avoid unforeseen issues.
Council Member C. Erickson expressed his concerns about additional traffic difficulties when the
construction of the new diverging diamond highway interchange work begins.
Council Member C. Erickson said he spoke with an Idaho Department of Transportation (ITD)
representative and was informed it would be beneficial for the city and county to be under the same
understanding of where they would like the highway overpasses to be built. Commissioner Mendenhall
mentioned there has been discussion about Moody Road serving as an overpass to the west.
Council Member C. Erickson said he believes two overpasses are needed one over Moody Road and
another one on 7th South. Council Member E. Erickson suggested the city prioritize which overpasses
would move the most amount of traffic because funding is not available for both overpasses.
Commissioner Parkinson said there are steps the city and county could be working on before the
funding becomes available for the overpasses such as engaging the property owners to start acquiring
the right of way. Once these steps are complete the state would be more likely to fund the overpasses.
Discussion regarding involving the Rural Planning Organization when meeting with the ITD
representatives. Council Member Reeser suggested a traffic study be performed in the areas where the
overpasses are needed and submit that study to ITD to possibly move the overpass project ahead of the
scheduled time.
Commissioner Mendenhall asked the Councilmembers to give the Commissioners a heads up on
when a property is going to be annexed into the city. He also brought up the Madison County Fair
Grounds and wondered if the city is interested in purchasing the land the fair grounds are on from the
county. Mayor Merrill said currently the city does not have plans to purchase the fairgrounds from the
county.
A. Discuss the Center for Hope
Discussion regarding the Center for Hope. Commissioner Parkinson said the county assists the Center
for Hope with funds from the State Opioid Response Grant. He asked if the city would use some of their
State Opioid Response Grant funds to assist the Center for Hope. Mayor Merrill said he will need to
check to make sure those grant funds are not already committed to another program before agreeing to
commit some of those funds for the Center for hope.
Council Member Johnson asked for a future city and county work meeting to discuss the proposed
joint city/county building. The city is projecting needing a new police station by the year 2026. County
Commissioner Parkinson said he is working with a feasibility consultant regarding a joint city/county
building. Commissioner Mendenhall said the county is outgrowing the sheriffs office as well and they
desire to build outside of the city limits. Mayor Merrill suggested the next city and county work meeting
be scheduled for August 8th.
6:30 P.M. City Hall
Council Member Johnson said the prayer.
Council Member C. 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,
and Mayor Merrill
Welcome New Employees: Taggart Hartwig — Recreation/Rexburg Rapids Manager, Kaleb
Nordfelt — Police Department, Oath of Office, Sworn in by Attorney Stephen Zollinger ,
Taggart Hartwig said he enjoys living in Rexburg and being outdoors. He enjoys playing disc golf,
hiking, and camping. He believes working for the city Recreation Department is a great opportunity. He
has been an aquatic director at various summer camps and was the BYU-Idaho University pool
manager.
Kaleb Nordfelt introduced his wife and son. He and his wife met at the admissions office at BYU-
Idaho University. He has worked for the Fire Department, Sherriff's Office and he now views working
for the Rexburg Police Department as a promotion. He and his wife enjoy living in the community, both
have family roots in Rexburg.
City Attorney Zollinger administered the oath of office to Kaleb Nordfelt.
OATH OF OFFICE
I, Kaleb Nordfelt, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution
and Laws of the State of Idaho, the Ordinances of the City of Rexburg, and the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. I will
endeavor to enforce these laws to the best of my abilities, and that I will faithfully discharge all of the duties assigned or
requested of me in my capacity as a law enforcement officer for the City of Rexburg.
Kaleb Nordfet
Presentation: Police Department Promotions
Police Chief Rhodes explained there have been some personnel changes at the Police Department.
Currently, there are two officers at the Police Academy in Boise, several officers preparing to go to the
academy and three detectives retired. Chief Rhodes thanked the retired detectives for leaving an
honorable legacy. He has promoted several police officers to fill the vacant positions. Officer Joseph
Jenkins has worked in law enforcement since 2oo6 and started working for the Rexburg Police
Department in 2015. Officer Jenkins has completed various training since beginning his law
enforcement career, including fire instructor, swat team, K-9 handler, instructor in ammunition, and has
completed all the required training to be promoted to oversee one of the two patrol teams.
Police Chief Rhodes said with the recent retirement of Detective Randy Reese, who oversaw training
and POST training records, evidence, and background investigations, a new lieutenant position was
created. He has promoted Kellon Whetten to the new lieutenant position over administration to assist
with all the training records and the other responsibilities Detective Reese oversaw. Lt. Whetten has
been with the Rexburg Police Department since 2009.
Police Chief Rhodes said Lt. Ray Hermosillo has worked for the Rexburg Police Department since
20oi. Lt. Hermosillo has played a major role in operations at the police station as Lieutenant in patrol,
swat and K-9 training. In 2019 he was promoted to detective and within a few months became the lead
2
detective in the Daybell case. Lt. Hermosillo has completed the required training to be promoted to
Detective Lieutenant.
Presentation: Traffic and Safety Committee Members
Mayor Merrill presented a service award plaque to the following individuals for serving on the Traffic
and Safety Committee: Committee Chairman Gale Harding, David Bell, Rick Davis, Doug Barker, Blake
Garner, Kevin Heebner and Staff Liaison Brandy Davis. The committee would meet once a month
before meeting quarterly, now the committee members will meet when needed.
Mayor Merrill presented a service award plaque to Eric Erickson for serving on the Planning and
Zoning Commission.
Public Comment: Limit 3 minutes; issues may be considered for discussion on a future
agenda. Please keep comments on point and respectful.
Wanless Southwick said Rexburg is a good place to live. He thanked the Mayor and Councilmembers
for their service as decision makers for the city. They evaluate proposals from the city staff and decide
whether to implement them or not. He stated much can be said about civility and avoidance of hostility
between government and its citizens. It seems to be related to keeping citizens informed and seriously
listening to their ideas and suggestions. Idaho code 74-201 states a fundamental principle underlying
the relationship of government with its citizens. He presented a plaque to the city which quotes Idaho
Code 74-201.
"The people of the state of Idaho, in creating the instruments of government that serve them, do not
yield their sovereignty to the agencies so created."
Mr. Southwick said he hopes that Mayor Merrill will find a prominent place in the city hall to display
the plaque.
Items from Council:
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
Mayor Merrill asked Council Member E. Erickson to serve as Council liaison to the Parks and
Recreation Committee with Jon Lewis as staff liaison. Mayor Merrill asked Council Member Reeser to
serve on the Mayor's University Student Involvement Committee (M.U.S.I.C.) and Council liaison to the
Police Department. Mayor Merrill said these are the only changes at this time. He will work on the other
committee liaisons assignments and make those changes later. The Councilmembers assigned to be
liaisons to the city recommending committees and city departments will attend the budget meetings of
their assigned committee and department. Mayor Merrill said he will serve as liaison to the Emergency
Service Board.
Council Member C. Erickson said he attended the Legacy Flight Museum Committee meeting. They
met to discuss preparation for the airshow on June 15, 2023. The airshow is a fundraiser for the Legacy
Flight Museum. The Golf Board and Airport Board met. The Airport Board met to continue their
discussions on the relocation of the airport.
Council Member Johnson said the Beautification Committee does not meet until spring; however,
she asked Mayor Merrill if he has decided to combine the Trails Committee with the Recreation
Committee. Mayor Merrill replied he would prefer to combine the Trails, Parks, and Recreation
Committees; however, the Councilmembers could decide not to combine these committees. Council
Member Johnson agreed to combine those committees; however, she and Council Member E. Erickson
would need to coordinate to attend the Trails, Parks, and Recreation Committee meetings.
Council Member Walker reported the Mayor's Youth Advisory Board met two weeks ago with
Senator Kevin Cook regarding a bill that would require mobile device manufacturers to automatically
switch on default pornography -hocking filters on devices activated in Idaho.
Council Member Chambers reported the Cultural Arts Department is presenting My Fair Lady on
March 8 -16, 2024 at the Romance Theater, tickets for this musical are available for purchase online.
The Urban Renewal Agency met today to discuss the Request for Proposal (RFP) for a downtown
redevelopment project. The RFP are due back in February.
B. Other Reports:
Staff Reports:
A. Information Technology: - Todd Miller
i. Silver Star Fiber Project Closeout Report
IT Director Smith explained city staff started to have discussions regarding broadband in 2010 with
BYU- Idaho University representatives. A broadband study was completed by Design Nine; however,
that study never came to fruition, so those efforts were left to free enterprise and let the commercial
entities take over. When free enterprise was not meeting the broadband needs, the city representatives
felt the need to use the federal ARPA funds as seed money to fund broadband.
Jason Nelson said he is the area Vice President for Silver Star Communications and the project
manager since signing the city's contract. He reviewed the Silver Star Fiber Project Closeout Report.
City Council Approval
rdarcn 30, 2022
• Constu Rion start
April 6, 2022
• Project Estimation
53,165,391.23
• Construction End
N... 23, 2023
• Fiber Placed-
123,140 ft
• Vaults Placed-
235
• Solid Rock Bore
8,330 ft
31 City Facilites
Connected
Financial Breakdown
3,A—
Mr. Nelson thanked the city staff members involved in the broadband project. He has met with the
staff members every week for the duration of this two year project. They coordinated and functioned
well on all of the unexpected items that came up on this project of great magnitude. He said it was not
always easy; however, they were able to come to great resolutions of problems that arose and able to
complete the project in a successful manner. He recognized Western Mountain who was the primary
contractor on this project. He also recognized MacKay Porter who was the constructon manager on the
broadband project.
Council Member E. Erickson asked about the next steps now that the broadband infrastructure is
in place. Brock Walter explained Silver Star Communications started their open access divison because
they saw the difference when working A>ith different municipalities in trying to meet their broadband
needs. The City of Rexburg and Jackson Hole Wyoming are the first cities they have worked with on
open access broadband. In the summer of 2024, they plan to build out three quarters of the rest of the
city. There are concerns trying to bore on the hill due to the amout of lava rock in the ground. Mr.
Walter said they hope to complete the build out in 2025.
Mr. Walter explained the relationship between Light Bridge and Silver Light. He likend Light Bridge
to an airport where there are different airlines not just one and Silver Light is the brand that Silver Star
has for the open access networks. He said he only oversees the network. They have four internet service
providers (ISPs) with stipulations to offer quality service. One of the issues with open access is not
vetting the ISP or allowing too many onto the network. Currently, the ISPs are offering no contract, no
data caps, they are offering different types of speeds from too meg up to 5 gig speed. The relationship
between Silver Star and the city is that Silver Star leases the fiber ring from the city to build the
broadband network.
Council Member E. Erickson asked if the ISPs are going to connect to the homes or is Silver Light
connecting to the homes. Mr. Walter said Silver Light will bring the fiber right up to the home and
install an optical network terminal. The home owner would be able to plug into the router and have
service provided to them by an internet provider. Mr. Walter said the conduit is in place to provide
internet to 150 customers by the first of March.
B. Economic Development: - Scott Johnson
1. City Website Design and Hosting Request for Proposal Approval and Budget Adjustment
Economic Development Director Johnson explained the city's website was supported by Civic
Plus; however, their service was poor, so the city switched to Muni Code. The service Muni Code
provided for the city's website was better; however, Muni Code was purchased by Civic Plus. He said
since the time Muni Code was purchased by Civic Plus their service has decreased and the costs have
increased. A Request for Proposal (RFP) for website service was submitted and 15 companies responded
to the RFP. He and some city staff members conducted interviews with several of the companies and
narrowed down their selection to the top three companies. In addition to website services, city staff
requested a city-wide app that residents could download. Once the residents download the city app, city
staff can send push notifications, it would assist with one of the resident's major complaints of not
knowing about information.
0
Economic Development Director Johnson said the name of the company chosen is Apptegy. He
reviewed the Budget Adjustment for the city's website design and hosting request. The contract with
Apptegy is for five years. The contract with Civic Plus ends on April 30th, 2024•
Council Member Johnson asked if Apptegy is going to redesign the city's website. Economic
Development Director Johnson replied yes, Apptegy is going to redesign the city's website. She asked
for public input requests on the Engage Rexburg website regarding the design of the new website.
Council Member C. Erickson also suggested public input regarding the design of the new city website to
make it easier to navigate.
Dept: Public Affairs Fiscal Year Affected: 2024
Expense Accounts to Receive Increased Budget:
ACCount:
01412
Amount:
13.5001
.1 G./SOFTWARE-RECURRIN
Account:
f Amount:
Account:
01412.5102
Amount:1
15,000
WEBSITE SOFTWARE 1 TIME
ACCOum:
Amoum:
Account:
Amount:
I TOTAL:I 25,500
Accounts Where Budget Is Coming From:
Account:
01411.5000
1 Amount:(
28.500
1 ICONTINGENCY GENERAL FUND IS444. 001
Account:
Amount:
Account:
Amount:
Account
I Amount:
Account:
I Amount:
TOTAL: 2'a,5o0
Net Expense lass Revenue (This must be uro)
Coming From: Contingency: 28,50D
Other Expense.
Na", Revenue:
TOTAL INCREASE 2tt,500
Reason for the Increase:
Public Affairs and Staff have put
out a M5v RFP for +abslte and narrowed It down to Intervls �, —oral
companies. The Commltlae felt bast about movingfon:•ard Mth . Current %%*osite Is supported Mth
vlc Plus. That contract a ras on 30tf1.
U front Ons-Tlms false ..1th A for .vWslte/moblle Opp creation. migration of current so, and training
Is S15.000.
Recurring Annual Fans vould start at $11,000 plus 5% ear,
Would also like the option In the budget to select Ne-nlerar Management for S2 500 annual tau.
Council Member Chambers moved to approve the Contract with Apptegy and Budget
Adjustment for the city website software; Council President Walker seconded the motion;
Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Chambers
Council Member C. Erickson
Council Member E. Erickson
Council Member Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
C. Finance: - Matt Nielson _
1. Financial Reports
Those voting nay
none
Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Treasurer's Expenditure Report. The Finance Department will
be closing out Fiscal Year 2023 next week, they are waiting for one more adjustment from the auditors.
The report is for the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2024. He explained how the funds are broken down
between the different expenses. There are about 72 funds total and some of the funds are purely capital.
• FUNU
M
PERSONNEL
EXPENSE
CIrY Of flERBUflG
TREASURER'S LISF—ITURE REPORT BY FUND
TIa ENDIN612/31/2013 �1 25`.. OF THE FISCAL YEAR 424
OPERATIONS CAPITAL
EXPENSE OTNE. EXPENSE EXPENSE
TM f.
ExlE TOTAIEXPENSE
RMSED
elraeaT
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134
5
CITY OF REBb URG
TREASURER'S EXKNDITURE REPORT BY FUND
M1M1OMN ENDING 12/31/2023 v 2S.. OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2024
IN
PERSONNEL
EXPENSE
OPERATIONS
EXPENSE OTHER EXPENSE
CAPITAL
EXPENSE
TRANSFER
EXPENSE TOTAL EX PFNSE
2S.0%
REVISED
BUDGET SPENT
AA.695
0
0
_=1
a0.90D 2x1v
0
0
0
25.55c
q
=.:_
2V.D00 1353
o
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' -3.93-
S70, OJO e0;
- - -
-
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J
0
1.31E
3`.O.WO D•.
7.56
17.co" 10i5
TOTAL.
,iN43.B75
52.023.6"
511109.502
52,zm' t6
$99e.323
$1L324,011
31.92Leep 18%
eiNierrlr We ievak IC irep"f 14 dit" a V,,9 wade d tt5 above Mantirl E}Et.nIFI1L
fh S,E.^.;^.�--.;.+f,.nd [�ru .RES'21!'•'.s�Curf4 Pta En an.+waEf
n3roixl-r.Pcrts
D. Public Works: - Justin Beard =
1. Review and approve the results and recommendations from Aqua Engineering
concerning the Wastewater Headworks Equipment Request Proposal
Public Works Assistant Director Beard explained the Public Works Department completed a
facility planning study and a section of that study recommended completing an upgrade to the
Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks Building. The study indicated the building and equipment was
undersize, the equipment needed to be upgraded and improved. Aqua Engineering is working on the
Headworks Equipment design. He reviewed some of the equipment needing to be upgraded.
Step Screen Screening Washer/Compactor
• Screening removes objects such • The washerlcompact or is used
- as rams, paper, plastics, and forwashi ng, de ring and
metals -compacting screenings.
- •Purchase 1 new screen _-2 E( - ••-W Purchase 2 new
•
•Reuse 2 existing screens— _ washer/compactors
i."
3 y
,_ - - __ -- • 1 bid: W
1 bid:
— Huber at $375,053.d4Huber at $197.262.82*'7�"�
• Recommendation: Recommendation:
Award to Huber Award to Huber
Grit Removal Equipment
F Removes grit (sand, eggshells, seeds, coffee grounds, etc.) from the
wastewater to protect downstream equipment
• Purchase 1 grit removal system
• 2 bids received
• Huber
Hydro
Grit Washer
kifi•Washes the grit to sentl organic
material back into the treatment
process. Reduces odors.
• Purchase 1 new grit washer
2 bids:
Huberal$1ae.e37.00
RorP $26E.916.00
• Recommendation:
Award to Huber.
Grit Removal Equipment
Huber Hydro
i.
Septage Receiving Equipment
• Receives, measures, and screens,
septage received from septage
pumpingtrucks.
•w '
Purchase 1 new septage receiving
package
2 bids:
• Hut—CS271,232.90
• 1WCrt5177.491.00
Recommendation:
• Award 1, AVC
Public Works Assistant Director Beard reviewed the recommended bid awards.
Equipment
supplier/Model
Quantity
Tout Aevwd(w/o
Taney
submittal Cost Remeiningto Assign
(Dlrectfrom City) to Contractor
Estimatefrom2022
e
(w/contin ncy)
Step Screen
'Huber SSF-HE �00OX726/6-316 SS
1
$ 186.621.58
$ 9,267.58 is
177,354.00
$ _ 225.750,00
Washer/Compactors
Huber WAPL2
i 2
$ 354,290.28
$ 18,590.28 Is
335,700.00
$ _ 220,500.00
Grit Removal
Hydro 10-Tray HeadCell Uniti
1
$ 340,470.17
$ 18.523.00 IS
321,947.17
$ 367.S00.00
Grit Washer
Huber CoarXta Grit Washer RoSF4
1
$ 178,909.69
$ 13,436,85 iS
165.471.8d _
g 210,000.00
Septa e Receiving Equipment
JWC SR53235-XE Honey Monster
_
1
$ 188.010.38
$ 10,000.00 is
158,010.38
1$ 220.500.00
Total.
$ 1,228,301.10
5 69A17.71 1 $
1,158,483.39
$ 1,244,250.00
Council President Walker moved to approve the recommended bids from Huber
Technology for the Headworks Building equipment design; Council Member C. Erickson
seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Chambers
Council Member C. Erickson
Council Member E. Erickson
Council Member Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Those voting nay
none
on
Public Hearing 7:00 P.M. — Local Improvement District 52 (LID 52) Final Assessment Roll.
Designated as Ordinance No 1307 if motion passes and considered first read —
Justin Beard
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.
Discussion
Mayor Merrill opened the public hearing.
Public Testimony in favor of the proposal (5-minute limit):
Public Testimony neutral to the proposal (5-minute limit):
Public Testimony opposed to the proposal (5-minute limit):
Mayor Merrill closed the public hearing.
Mayor Merrill asked why some of the assessments were higher in costs. Staff Accountant Phethean
explained some of the assessments in LID 52 were higher in costs because the curb and gutter prices
were higher than expected and the sidewalk prices were less so if a property had more curb and gutter
to replace then their assessments were higher. There was a property owner in this LID that requested
additional work, so their assessment was higher than most of the other assessments.
Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve Ordinance No 1307 Local Improvement
District 52 (LID 52) Final Assessment Roll and consider first read; Council Member Reeser
seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting ave Those voting naX
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 Report/Business:
A. Snow Removal Policy Discussion
Mayor Merrill reported the city Recreation Department is hosting the WinterFest event at the Teton
Lakes Winter Park this coming weekend. They will be running a special on ski and skate rental that day,
if you rent one set of skis and or skates, they will waive the rental fee on the other set. The polar bear
plunge will be held at 2 p.m. He challenged everyone to take the polar bear plunge and encouraged all to
attend the event.
Mayor Merrill also reported the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) is holding a training
on Saturday.
The history of the CERT program is a nationally recognized program administered by the Citizen Corps. CERT
seeks to educate people about disaster preparedness and trains them in basic disaster response skills.
7
The CERT concept was developed and implemented by the Los Angeles City Fire Department in 1985. The Whittier
Narrows earthquake in 1987 underscored the area -wide threat of a major disaster in California. Further, it
confirmed the need for training civilians to meet their immediate needs.
CERT became a national program in 1993. There are now CERT programs in all 5o states, including many tribal
nations and U.S. territories. Each is unique to its community, and all are essential to building a Culture of
Preparedness in the United States. There are over 2,700 local CERT programs nationwide and more than 600,000
people have trained since CERT became a national program.
Mayor Merrill reported the Emergency Services Board has received their paramedic accreditation for
their Emergency Services National Academy.
Mayor Merrill mentioned the city was nominated for the Domino's Plowing for Pizza donation. The
donation amount is $25,000. He spoke to a Domino's Pizza representative regarding the nomination
for the donation and was informed that there were a lot of cities nominated throughout the country. The
city has not been chosen to receive the donation; however, he would like conditional approval from the
Councilmembers to receive the donated funds if the city is awarded the donation. City Attorney
Zollinger said Domino's Pizza is requiring the city to record its snow removal process and submit that
recording to them and the fund must be used for snow removal.
Council Member Johnson moved to approve to accept Domino's Pizza donation of
$25,000 for snow removal contingent upon the city being chosen to receive the donation;
Council Member Chambers seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Chambers
Council Member C. Erickson
Council Member E. Erickson
Council Member Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Those voting nay
none
Mayor Merrill asked for their input regarding the city snow removal policy.
Council Member Johnson explained as she was campaigning for this last election cycle many
residents asked how the city could improve their snow removal process. She wondered if the new
Councilmembers have a desire to update the city's snow removal policy. There is a lack of
understanding from the residents as to the reason why the city waits for two inches of snow to fall
before the street crew starts to plow the streets. By waiting to plow the snow off the streets, the snow
gets churned up, compacted, and becomes frozen. She said it would be beneficial if the snow was
removed before it freezes and turns to ice, which damages the asphalt causing potholes. The two-inch
rule is impeding the street crew's ability to plow. The policy of not plowing during the day should also
be revisited because it is more dangerous to drive on snow packed roads than to drive behind a
snowplow.
Council Member Johnson mentioned the $50o,000 budget for snow removal and since she has
served as a Councilmember only about $250,000 to $300,000 has been spent per year. The plows
could run more without having to add additional funds to the budget. Mayor Merrill said the city
budgets the $500,000 amount for snow removal in case it is a heavy snow year. The funds that are not
used for snow removal stay in the street fund to use on street repairs during the summer. The cost to
plow the city one-time is about $25,000.
Discussion regarding the low temperatures causing the snow to turn to ice on the roads. Council
Member E. Erickson said the city is in a unique situation where normally it does not get thaws, which is
different than most municipalities. He suggested reaching out to other municipalities that have similar
winter temperatures and snow falls to determine if their snow removal process could work for Rexburg.
The city could purchase additional equipment to plow the roads more rapidly.
Council Member C. Erickson said there is miscommunication of when the snowplows are
dispatched to clear the snow off the roads. When the snow falls at 3 a.m. the Streets Dept. will start the
snow removal process at 1i p.m. to avoid traffic. It takes 8 to io hours to plow the entire city.
Mayor Merrill made a video to demonstrate how to avoid the berm of snow created along the
driveway when the plow removes the snow from the streets. The video was viewed on the overhead
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screen. City Attorney Zollinger mentioned the brine that is put down on the snow cleared roads
prevents the snow from sticking to the asphalt, it does not melt the snow.
Mr. Erick Erickson said he completed some research regarding snow removal in cities with similar
weather and temperatures as Rexburg. He found that these cities have twice the budget for snow
removal. Mr. Erickson pointed out there are a lot of small businesses based in Rexburg that are plowing
snow out of parking lots and driveways. The city could save money by contracting the equipment and
manpower these businesses are using. Council Member E. Erickson asked for the research Mr. Erickson
completed regarding snow removal in other cities.
Council Member Johnson said the city's snow removal policies could improve and reminded the
Councilmembers it is their responsibility to allocate funds and set policy so to say there isn't enough
money to increase the number of times the city plows the roads is inaccurate.
Scott Burton expressed his concerns regarding the city street crews not plowing during the day,
especially when there is a lot of snow on the roads. The longer the snow remains on the road, the
vehicles cause the snow to become compacted, making it difficult for the grader to clear the compacted
layer of snow off the road. He suggested the main roads be plowed during the day. There are many
residents in Rexburg that do not have adequate snow tires or four-wheel drive.
Council Member C. Erickson suggested having a City Council work meeting with the Street
Department to discuss ideas to improve the snow removal process. Council Member Johnson asked for
residents to attend the work meeting to give their input regarding snow removal. Council President
Walker suggested they discuss the no street parking dates at that work meeting.
Items for Consideration:
A. Planning and Zoning recommendation to approve an amendment to the Rexburg
Development Code, Ordinance No. 1200, as it pertains to Rental Requirements, Accessory
Building Standards, and other substantive and non -substantive items #23-oo8ii. Permitted
Uses in All Zones #23-oo622. Designated as Ordinance No 13o8 if motion passes —
Alan Parkinson
Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson reviewed the information to consider these
requested amendments. The proposed changes in the ordinance sections found in the Councilmembers
online packets highlighted in red are being removed or moved to a different section of the code and the
items highlighted in green are proposed changes.
Information to confider with this request:
• Consolidated and simplified the development code by removing redundancies and
conflicting sections.
• Reorganized sections to improve readability and the user experience,
• Updated lot configuration including adjusting setbacks for consistency.
• Staff requests the opinion of the group on the following:
o Accessory Building Height
• Opt 1: Cannot exceed the height of the primary residence.
Opt 2: Cannot exceed the height of the zone.
o Sidewalk Connectivity
Opt 1: Required for MDR, HDR, MU, and UD zones.
• Opt 2: Required for all zones.
• Opt 3: Required for developments exceeding a certain- number of units in
all zones.
• Staff asks that the P&Z Commission consider recommending to City Council the approval
of the Misc & Rental Code - Development Code Amendment. ...
Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson reviewed the changes to ordinance lot
config/density/setbacks. He mentioned that currently Medium Density Residential (MDR) or higher
density residential, requires a sidewalk connection to university and a commercial district. They
discussed adding low densities to that sidewalk connection requirement; however, the Planning and
Zoning Commission did not believe it was necessary in the lower densities.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson mentioned last year the state passed a statute
stating all residential zones must allow accessory dwelling units. The city can add stipulations to the
code for accessory dwellings such as parking, landscaping, setbacks, and requirements for the property
owner to live on the property for zones LDR3 and lower density zones.
Discussion regarding block lengths exception, plat recording deadline and storage facility parking.
Council President Walker moved to approve Ordinance No 13o8 Amendment to the
Rexburg Development Code, Ordinance No. 120o, as it pertains to Rental Requirements,
Accessory Building Standards, and other substantive and non -substantive items #23-oo811
W
and consider first read; Council Member E. Erickson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill
asked for a roll call vote:
Those voting ave
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Chambers
Council Member C. Erickson
Council Member E. Erickson
Council Member Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Calendared Bills:
Those voting nay
none
A. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: NONE
B. 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. -
A. Minutes from January 3, 2024, Meetings
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the
minutes and city bills; Council Member Johnson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked
for a vote:
Those voting aye
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Chambers
Council Member C. Erickson
Council Member E. Erickson
Council Member Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Adjournment 8:49 P.M.
Attest:
MaGonzalez, De i Cler
Those voting nay
none
APPROVED-
7 l
Mer il, Mayor
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