The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Minutes - January 8, 2024 (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org City Council Minutes – January 8, 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 6:30 P.M. (video index 00:00:02) Council Member Reeser said the prayer. Council Member Eric 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. Amend the Agenda as per Idaho State Statute §74-204(4)(b): Amendment to include **Item 6(A)(2) – to discuss winter parking issues ** Council Member Chambers moved to approve to amend the City Council Meeting Agenda as per Idaho State Statute §74-204(4)(b): Amendment to include **Item 6(A)(2) – to discuss winter parking issues; Council President Walker seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a roll call vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council President Walker Council Member Reeser The motion carried. Public Comment: Items not on the agenda; limit of 3 minutes; issues may be considered for discussion on a future agenda. Please keep comments on point and respectful. NONE Mayor Merrill asked Todd Covington, the new Streets Foreman to introduce himself – Mr. Covington said he has worked for the city for 8 years in the Streets Department. He assisted former Streets Foreman, Bill Blair, and he served as the temporary Streets Foreman when Bill retired about two months ago. He likes to rodeo along with all his kids and grandkids. He was a rodeo clown for many years. Public Hearing 6:30 PM Final Assessment Roll for Local Improvement District 53 (LID 53). Designated as Ordinance No 1326 if motion passes and considered first read – Keith Davidson Public Works Director Davidson explained this LID covered 4th East by Smith Park, 2nd East from Main Street to 1st South, Hillview Drive, Barney Dairy Road and North Hill Road. He reviewed the percentage changes in costs for the residents that were included in LID 53. He indicated the city’s engineer estimates were 33% lower compared to what the bid amount came in at. One of the residents’ LID costs were 51% higher and there was a lower one at 15%; however, most of them were higher than the city’s estimate. They looked at costs over the past six years and noticed there has been a substantial increase in concrete, curbing, gutter, sidewalk and sewer line replacements. They completed a lot of sidewalk warranty replacements over the past two years. A sealant was added to the sections of sidewalk below the driveway areas which also caused costs to increase. The sealant was added to those sections of sidewalk for the past two years and it is working well. Council Member Johnson asked if there were any complaints about the sealant causing those sections of the sidewalk to be slippery. Public Works Director Davidson replied he has not had any complaints about the sealant on the sidewalks. Mayor Merrill added the section of sidewalk with the sealant in front of the City Hall building is holding up well. Council Member E. Erickson asked if the city engineers have figured things out to where their estimates are not missed by 33%. Public Works Director Davidson explained the city engineers use last year’s pricing to complete the estimates costs. There are times when supplies escalate faster than when the work is ready to be completed. They try to estimate higher; however, do not want to estimate too high, it is also not easy to guess what the contractor is going to charge the city. Mayor Merrill opened the public hearing. Public Testimony in favor of the proposal (5-minute limit): None Public Testimony neutral to the proposal (5-minute limit): None Public Testimony opposed to the proposal (5-minute limit): None Mayor Merrill closed the public hearing. Council President Walker moved to approve Ordinance No 1326 Final Assessment Roll for Local Improvement District 53 (LID 53) and consider first read; Council Member C. Erickson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council President Walker Council Member Reeser The motion carried. Staff Reports: (00:00:52) Public Works: - Keith Davidson Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) Grant Agreement for 2024 Children Pedestrian Safety Project to Connect Sidewalks on Millhollow Road Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) Grant Agreement for 2024 Children Pedestrian Safety Project to Connect Sidewalks on Millhollow Road. The grant amount is $250,000 and those funds will be used to take out the asphalt to install a sidewalk from 2nd South down to the hospital. There are children that walk down Millhollow Road on their way to the Junior High School. The $250,000 should cover the entire cost. Council President Walker asked if there is a grant match for this project. Public Works Director Davidson said he does not believe there is a match; however, if there were it would be 7% of the grant amount. Council Member Erickson asked if the grant funds are sufficient to complete the project. Public Works Director Davidson replied yes, the grant funds are sufficient to complete the project. Council Member Reeser asked about the narrowing of the road. Public Works Director Davidson said the section of road is basically already narrowed because of the white line to show the pedestrian walkway; however, the installation of a raised sidewalk will provide increased protection for the pedestrians as they walk along the side of the road. Council Member Johnson asked where the new sidewalk will tie in. Public Works Director Davidson replied, the sidewalk will tie into 2nd South to the hospital and the width of the sidewalk will be five feet. Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council (LHTAC) Grant Agreement for 2024 Children Pedestrian Safety Project to Connect Sidewalks on Millhollow Road; 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 E. Erickson Council Member C. Erickson Council President Walker Council Member Reeser The motion carried. **Discussion Regarding Winter Parking Issues, Possible Long-Term Parking Locations as well as Costs and Fees. Public Works Director Davidson explained there have been a lot of residents parking their vehicles overnight on the city streets and was informed by the Police Department that they have issued over 230 citations in the past two nights. The City Hall office has also received many calls from residents asking where they can park their vehicles during the no overnight parking on city streets restriction. He said he received a suggestion from a city employee to use the Rexburg Rapids parking lot and charge a fee to the residents needing to park a vehicle there to avoid parking on the street. The city does not want to compete with private industry such as business owner DJ Barney, he has a car storage unit on Airport Road and charges $40. There is also business owner Mark Porter that has RV and car Storage at his site and charges $50 a month. The city has some fees already established for parking that could potentially be used, the fee is $200. He said with City Council approval the residents needing vehicle parking could begin parking at the Rexburg Rapids parking lot for a fee of $200 until March 1st when the restriction ends. Council Member Johnson asked how much of the parking lot would be used as residential parking. Public Works Director Davidson showed a map of the Rexburg Rapids parking lot and indicated the locations where parking would be allowed on the overhead screen. He said, depending on the demand, additional parking lot areas could be opened. There are cameras in several of the parking lot areas for security and signs will be posted stating permits are required to park there. Council Member E. Erickson asked about plowing the parking lot when it is full of cars. Public Works Director Davidson said the city staff would contact the vehicle owners to move their vehicles after a heavy snowstorm to plow the parking lot. Council Member Johnson asked if the Police Department will oversee policing the parking lot. Public Works Director Davidson replied yes, the Police Department would oversee policing the parking lot and Lt. Whetten informed him that they are ready to start issuing permits upon City Council approval and have a sticker system in place to indicate vehicles that have paid for a permit. The revenues received from the Rexburg Rapids parking permits will be used to offset the cost of plowing the parking lot and police enforcement. If there are enough funds, they will be used to maintain the parking lot. Council Member Johnson asked if the ice-skating rink is going to have an issue with allowing overnight parking at Rexburg Rapids. Public Works Director Davidson indicated the ice-skating rink is still under construction; however, next year they will need to realign the parking area to accommodate the ice-skating rink patrons. Council Member E. Erickson suggested a meeting with BYU-Idaho University representatives to discuss long-term parking options for the students. Mayor Merrill mentioned they are looking into a public transportation system where the students do not have to bring a vehicle. Discussion regarding the number of students that utilize the overflow parking lot the university has for long-term parking for the students. Council Member Johnson said parking is a problem everywhere in the city. She said she is interested in attending the public transportation system discussions. Mayor Merrill asked the Council Members to research public transportation systems other cities have established that are working well. He said there are some senior citizens that also need public transportation. Public Works Director Davidson said City Grant Writer Mary Flanary has applied for a couple of transportation grants to complete a study because it would be valuable for the city to have an in-depth study to see what type of transportation system would work well for the city. The city has not received a grant for that type of study yet. Council Member E. Erickson moved to approve the use of the Riverside Park Parking Lot for permitted winter parking with a fee of $200 per winter; Discussion: Council Member Johnson asked for the parking at Riverside Park parking lot to be presented as a pilot program in that it is temporary; 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 E. Erickson Council Member C. Erickson Council President Walker Council Member Reeser The motion carried. Council Member C. Erickson mentioned there is a pothole on 1st North at the four-way stop heading westbound. There are other potholes on Main Street and on 12th West to the roundabout. Council Member Johnson mentioned when the snow covers the arrows on the road of the diverging diamonds interchanges when heading East it is easy for drivers to cross over going the wrong direction because there are no signs. Finance: - Matt Nielson (00:22:19) Budget Adjustment Smith Park for Pickleball Courts and the New ADA Swing and Whirl Project Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Budget Adjustments Form for the Parks Department. They started late on the ADA accessible whirl project at Smith Park so the project is occurring in this fiscal year instead of last year when they had budgeted. There was a lot of discussion regarding the pickleball courts last year, so he has added the costs of that project to this fiscal year. They are anticipating starting the pickleball court project sometime in May. The costs for the ADA whirl are about $80,000 because of the amount of curb work involved, the moving of the swings and they also added another smaller ADA swing. Mayor Merrill mentioned the sidewalk work that was also completed in the ADA accessible whirl project. Finance Officer Nielson announced the city received a grant from Rocky Mountain Power Foundation for $20,000 for the pickleball courts at Smith Park. The city will need to put a sign up on the fence for 5 years in recognition of the Rocky Mountain Power Foundation grant. The Reeve Foundation provided a $25,000 grant for the accessible whirl which are funds in the carryover because those funds were received last fiscal year. Council Member Johnson moved to approve the Smith Park Budget Adjustment for Pickleball Courts and the New ADA Swing and Whirl Project; 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 E. Erickson Council Member C. Erickson Council President Walker Council Member Reeser The motion carried. (Finance Officer Nielson skipped to item #3 Budget Adjustment for Police Dept. Equipment and then came back to item #2) Teton Lakes Golf Course Restaurant Discussion and Decision Finance Officer Nielson updated the City Council on Blister’s BBQ Restaurant and their current contract. Blisters will be moving out during the winter and back for the summer if an agreement can be reached. This works good for the clubhouse, so they can finish the remodel. The Golf Board would like to get back into a contract for the use of the restaurant. The Golf Board added some other requirements to the contract negotiations. They do not want a meat smoker on site. The city will be allowed to designate parking stalls for short-term use, but there will not be designated parking for the restaurant. There will be an increase in rent, from $700 to about $1,000 per month. The restaurant will also need to have grab and go items. Any time the clubhouse employee sells the restaurant’s concessions it will be split. During the months of June, July & August, the city will give the restaurant owners $200 per month for access to about 35% of the restaurant space during tournaments and other gatherings. An agreement on the proposed contract is to be determined. Council Member C. Erickson commented that the Golf Board has spent a lot of time discussing the changes to the contract; therefore, an agreement can be reached by both parties. Council Member Johnson asked for clarification whether the city or the Golf Board would make the decision of designating the parking stalls for the restaurant employees because to her understanding the Golf Board was not in favor of designating any parking stalls. Finance Officer Nielson explained that the Golf Board is not opposed to some short-term designated parking; however, the parking would not be specifically for restaurant employees, it would be for anyone coming to the clubhouse that needed short-term parking. The contract would state that the owners would reserve the right to designate parking if they choose, the owners being the city and the county. Budget Adjustment for Police Department Equipment Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Budget Adjustment for the Police Department Equipment. Council Member E. Erickson asked for clarification on the grant and who pays the resource officers. Police Chief Rhodes explained that the grant was awarded to the school district; therefore, they are the controllers of those grant funds which are to be used specifically to increase school resource officers. The School District received special permission to use the grant funds to pay the wages for the new school resource officer the city had hired last year. Finance Officer Nielson added the School District is contributing $205,000; therefore, reducing that contribution amount with those grant funds. The city is billing the School District $205,000 plus the $51,000 so their total contribution back to the city is those two amounts together. The city had anticipated the full grant amount of $102,000; however, that is not the amount the School District budgeted, and they are the controllers of the grant. Council Member C. Erickson commented that the old body cameras are old and worn out, it is also difficult to get parts to repair them. As a city we need to protect our officers by having reliable equipment for the officers to prepare proper documentation. Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve the Budget Adjustment for the Police Department Equipment; 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 E. Erickson Council Member C. Erickson Council President Walker Council Member Reeser The motion carried. Police Chief Rhode expressed his appreciation for the budget adjustment approval because the new cameras make a huge difference with the different police processes. The Police Department is hoping to be able to apply for additional grants to transition their dash cam car cameras because the company that provided repairs and parts is also obsolete. Council Member C. Erickson mentioned the video surveillance in the interview room was also serviced by that company. Mayor’s Business: (00:25:57) Mayor Merrill did not have any business; however, Council President Walker announced that the Fire Department sent three men and one fire truck to Los Angeles, California to help fight wildland fires occurring in that area. Mayor Merrill reported Dan Hanna has been appointed by the Madison County Commissioners to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Mr. Hanna lives in the impact area. Mayor Merrill said he is always open to suggestions from people desiring to serve on boards and committees. City Planner, Alan Parkinson said he has an opening right now to replace Vince Hailey on the Planning & Zoning Commission. Items for Consideration: NONE Calendared Bills: (00:26:27) Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: Ordinance No 1325 Rezone 340 W 2nd N from Low Density Residential 1 (LDR1) to Medium Density Residential 1 (MDR1) #24-00939 – Alan Parkinson Action Item Discussion: ORDINANCE NO. 1325 Rezone 340 W 2nd N from Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) to Medium Density Residential 1 (MDR1) 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 the Ordinance No 1325 the Rezone at approximately 340 W 2nd N from Low Density Residential 1 (LDR1) to Medium Density Residential 1 (MDR1) and consider second 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 E. Erickson Council Member C. Erickson Council President Walker Council Member Reeser The motion carried. 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. (00:27:11) Minutes from December 18, 2024, Meeting Approve the City of Rexburg Bills Council President Walker moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and city bills; 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 Council Member Reeser The motion carried. Mayor Merrill reminded everyone about the State of the Cities and Counties breakfast on Tuesday, January 21st. He will be out of town so Council Member Chambers will attend the breakfast on his behalf. The breakfast will be held at the BYU-I Taylor Chapel Cultural Hall. There will be a City Council work meeting on January 22nd at 5:00 P.M. Adjournment 7:37 P.M. APPROVED: ________________________________ Jerry Merrill, Mayor Attest: ________________________________ Marianna Gonzalez, City Deputy Clerk