HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - May 15, 2024 (208) 359-3020
35 North 1st East
Rexburg, ID 83440
Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org
City Council Minutes – May 15, 2024
Mayor Jerry Merrill
Council Members:
Bryanna Johnson Eric 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
6:00 P.M. Roll call vote for motion to move into Executive Session according to Idaho State Statute §74-206(1)(d) To consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in
chapter 1 title 74, Idaho Code
Council Member C. Erickson moved to enter Executive Session according to Idaho State Statute §74-206(1)(d) To consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in chapter
1 title 74, Idaho Code; 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 Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Executive Session Began 6:05 P.M.
Executive Session Ended 6:28 P.M.
Adjournment 6:29 P.M.
6:30 P.M. (0:02:04)
Council Member C. Erickson said the prayer.
Council Member Reeser led the pledge.
Roll Call of Council Members:
Attending: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Chambers, Council Member C. Erickson, Council Member Reeser, Council President Walker and Mayor Merrill.
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 (0:04:46)
Vince Haley said he attended a meeting with a Kartchner Homes’ representative, last week. The representative mentioned Kartchner Homes, being the developer, would have to pay for the
installation of Lightbridge fiber for their new construction phase. He asked the Kartchner representative if there were competing fiber providers that charge for the installation of
the fiber; the representative responded no, the competing providers offer free fiber installation. Mr. Haley explained if a fiber company were to give the developers the option of receiving
the fiber installation for free versus paying for the installation, they would choose the free option.
Mr. Haley mentioned all the townhomes in the Summerfield Subdivision had CenturyLink fiber pre-installed with the modem almost guaranteeing CenturyLink business from that unit before
the developer sold the unit. After he spoke with city IT Director Smith, his understanding was as of January 1, 2023, the city guaranteed the option to have fiber installed for free
to all city residents, and wondered what the plan would be after the contracted date of January 1, 2023. He contacted a Silver Star representative to ask about Silver Star’s plan to
charge or not to charge to install fiber after January 1,
2023, and the representative informed him if Silver Star has their contractors in place through 2025, they will not charge the installation fee. Silver Star has not decided to begin
charging for the fiber installation after 2025. Mr. Haley suggested city staff meet with Silver Star to negotiate who would be paying for the fiber installation. He believes Lightbridge
is a great fiber provider because there are up to five different internet providers allowing customers to choose their internet provider.
Joshua Benson said he cherishes the existing landmarks in Rexburg, from the R Butte, the Statute near the church building on South 2nd West, and the historical Tabernacle. As Rexburg
continues to grow landmarks provide a safe and fun feel to the city, like landmarks do in most cities. He proposed an efficiency measure to maintain the existing landmarks and create
new ones without costing the city valuable funds. By collaborating with BYU-Idaho Students, they could host talent contests to raise funds and work with individual classes.
Mr. Benson shared his idea for one of the talent contests, they could have the BYU-Idaho Art class students display their art pieces at one of the historical buildings in the city.
He mentioned the possibility of having the students of one of the Architecture Classes fix playground equipment instead of hiring a professional architect. He said if the playground
equipment needed welding repairs, then students from the welding class could make the repairs. The advantages of having students assist with these types of projects would be increasing
the education of the individuals assisting in the projects and it would save the city funds. He said another advantage is that it would create an even more working relationship between
BYU-Idaho and the city. As collaboration grows, they could involve high school and elementary-age students to complete city projects.
Mayor Merrill said the city does ask for BYU-Idaho student volunteers to help in cleaning up the city parks. The city will continue to work with the BYU-Idaho students and provide means
by which the students can showcase their talents.
Items from Council: (0:16:53)
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 Johnson thanked the volunteers for their work in cleaning up Eagle Park. She said she spoke with city Recreation Director Lewis about starting the Parks and Trails Committee
meetings. Mayor Merrill mentioned there is another service opportunity on May 16th, 2024 to plant flowers along Main Street for Flow-Bor Day and they are handing out t-shirts to the
first one hundred volunteers.
Council Member Walker said the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board assisted city staff with the planning and organizing of the Flow-Bor Day. He said that was their last meeting and service
project for this school year.
Council Member Reeser reported the Legacy Flight Museum Committee met to discuss the preparations for the Airshow in June. Mayor Merrill mentioned the possible traffic delays trying
to get to the museum to watch the Airshow because of the nearby road construction.
Council Member C. Erickson reminded the Councilmembers about the Madison High School Graduation on Thursday, May 23rd, 2024, at 6:00 P.M.
Other Reports:
Staff Reports: (0:21:20)
Finance: - Matt Nielson
Financial Reports
Finance Officer Nielson said there weren’t any major changes to the Financial Reports. The reports are online in the Councilmember packets for their review.
Budget Adjustment Approval for ADA Playground Equipment in Smith Park
Finance Officer Nielson said he has not completed the Budget Adjustment for the new ADA Playground Equipment in Smith Park. He reviewed a map of the location at Smith Park where they
are going to install the playground equipment. There are plans to add a sidewalk to get to the ADA equipment. The ADA playground equipment includes an inclusive whirl which is like a
merry-go-round and swing set. This type of playground equipment would provide wheelchair-bound individuals the opportunity to participate. He said city staff has discussed the type of
surfaces to place under the equipment, and they had decided to install turf.
Discussion regarding the estimated costs to install the ADA playground equipment. Mayor Merrill mentioned he is aware of a potential donor that may help offset the installation costs.
Finance Officer Nielson said he will prepare the budget adjustment for the installation of the playground equipment to present to the Councilmembers. He said the funds for the installation
of the equipment would come from the Parks Construction Fund.
Public Works: - Keith Davidson (0:24:46)
Bid Approvals for Sanitation Truck Body and Chassis
Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the bids he received for the Sanitation Truck Body and Chassis. He mentioned they bid out body and chassis as two separate items, so he received
two bids. The bids received were from SWS Equipment for the truck body and Schow’s Equipment for the truck chassis, these are companies that bid on this type of equipment. The new sanitation
truck will be used for the residential garbage route. He mentioned there is a possibility a larger motor is necessary to compact the trash at a faster rate so there could be a slight
increase in the cost of the body.
Finance Officer Nielson said there is $285,000 in the budget for the sanitation truck body and chassis. He asked as part of the bid approval to amend the budget to include the difference
in funds between $334,591.89 and $285,000.
Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve the low bid of $152,019 for the Sanitation Truck chassis from Schow’s Equipment, the low bid of $182,572.89 for the Sanitation Truck body
from SWS Equipment and amend the budget to include the difference between the bid totals and budgeted amount; 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 Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Declaration of intent to sell real property, 2 lots at 245 Rodney Dr, establish minimum price, set public hearing for June 5, 2024 at 6:30 p.m.
Public Works Director Davidson recommended setting a public hearing for the declaration of intent to sell real property, 2 lots at 245 Rodney Drive, establish minimum price. He reviewed
a map of the property.
Council Member C. Erickson asked about the southside of the property that has access to the Jr. High School. Public Works Director Davidson said they will keep the access to the Jr.
High School on the southside of the property. The city is planning to establish an easement on the southside of the property. He hopes to work with Edstrom Construction to build a paved
trail along that easement while they are in the area completing Local Improvement District work.
Council Member Walker moved to approve to Set a Public Hearing on June 5, 2024 at 6:30 p.m. for the intent to sell real property, 2 lots at 245 Rodney Drive and to establish a minimum
price; 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 Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Mayor’s Report/Business: (0:32:20)
Mayor Merrill reported he and the Councilmembers have been involved in budget meetings these past few weeks. He mentioned he is on the Eastern Idaho Community Action Partnership (E.I.C.A.P.)
Board. He said E.I.C.A.P. run programs to assist people out of the cycle of poverty by providing programs such as Head Start, educational, winterization, and subsidized housing.
Mayor Merrill mentioned at the last E.I.C.A.P. he attended. There were several testimonials given by two individuals who have been helped by the E.I.C.A.P. programs to become self-sufficient
and now one of them is the Head Start Program Manager.
Mayor Merrill also reported he made a presentation at the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation Board meeting. He presented all the creative and innovative items the city was able to obtain
with the grant funds from the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation. Some of those items include installing new parks and trails in the city, Economic Development projects such as the Hatchery,
Food Trailer for rent.
Items for Consideration: (0:38:21)
Planning & Zoning recommendation to approve the rezone at approximately 15 and 19 Sawtelle Ave from Mixed Use (MU) to Community Business Center (CBC) #24-00226. Designated as Ordinance
No 1315 if motion passes – Alan Parkinson
Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson reviewed the staff report for the rezone at approximately 15 and 19 Sawtelle Ave from Mixed Use (MU) to Community Business Center (CBC).
Discussion:
Council Member Johnson moved to approve Ordinance No 1315 the rezone at approximately 15 and 19 Sawtelle Ave from Mixed Use (MU) to Community Business Center (CBC) and consider first
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 Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Calendared Bills: (0:41:10)
Tabled Items:
Public/Private Partnership contract for Community Ice Rink – Matt Nielson and Stephen Zollinger
Mayor Merrill asked for a motion to remove from the table the Public/Private Partnership contract for Community Ice Rink.
Council President Walker motioned to remove from the table the Public/Private Partnership contract for Community Ice Rink; 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 Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Mayor Merrill reviewed several of the terms of the agreement. Council President Walker said he is in favor of this public/private partnership because the community ice rink will benefit
the whole community.
Council Member Reeser moved to approve the Public/Private Partnership contract for Community Ice Rink; 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 Reeser
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: (0:45:55)
Ordinance No 1313 Rezone 1040 W Main St from Mixed Use (MU) to Community Business Center (CBC) #24-00147 – Alan Parkinson
Discussion:
ORDINANCE NO. 1313
Rezone 1040 W Main St from Mixed Use (MU) to Community Business Center (CBC) Zone
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND CHANGING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, AND PROVIDING THAT THE ZONED DESIGNATION OF THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED, SITUATED IN
REXBURG, MADISON COUNTY, IDAHO, BE CHANGED AS HEREINAFTER DESIGNATED; AND PROVIDING WHEN THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE.
Council Member Chambers moved to approve Ordinance No 1313 the rezone at approximately 1040 W Main Street from Mixed Use (MU) to Community Business Center (CBC) 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 Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Ordinance No 1314 Rezone 52 N 3rd W from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) and Mixed Use (MU) to High Density Residential 1 (HDR1) #24-00110 - Alan Parkinson
Discussion:
ORDINANCE NO. 1314
Rezone 52 N 3rd W from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) and Mixed Use (MU) to High Density Residential 1 (HDR1) Zone
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND CHANGING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, AND PROVIDING THAT THE ZONED DESIGNATION OF THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED, SITUATED IN
REXBURG, MADISON COUNTY, IDAHO, BE CHANGED AS HEREINAFTER DESIGNATED; AND PROVIDING WHEN THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE.
Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve Ordinance No 1314 the rezone at 52 N 3rd W from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) and Mixed Use (MU) to High Density Residential 1 (HDR1)
and consider third read; 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 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. (0:47:41)
Minutes from May 1, 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 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 Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Adjournment 7:18 P.M.
APPROVED:
________________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________
Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk