HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - May 15, 20241
(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,
2
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) A. Committees: MEPI, Cultural Arts, Grants, School Board, MUSIC, MYAB, Traffic &
Safety, Emergency Services Board, Trails, Beautification, Parks, Recreation, Urban
Renewal, Airport, Golf Board, and Legacy Flight Museum
Council Member 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) A. Finance: - Matt Nielson
1. 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.
2. 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.
3
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.
B. Public Works: - Keith Davidson (0:24:46)
1. 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.
4
2. 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)
A. 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
5
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)
A. Tabled Items: 1. 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.
6
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.
B. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: NONE
C. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read: (0:45:55) 1. 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.
7
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.
2. 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.
8
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)
A. Minutes from May 1, 2024, City Council Meeting
B. 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