HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - January 22, 2024 (208) 359-3020
35 North 1st East
Rexburg, ID 83440
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City Council Minutes – January 22, 2025
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
5:00 P.M. Public Hearing Presentation of Water Study Findings by Keller Associates
Tyrel Clark started the presentation of the Water Study Findings by Keller Associates by reviewing the project objectives.
Quinn Gardner also with Keller Associates reviewed the system overview. Council Member Eric Erickson asked about the three pressure service areas. Mr. Gardner explained that because
of the different elevations in the city there are separate pressure zones. The pipes running downhill do not need the same pressurization as pipes running along a level ground. Public
Works Director Davidson clarified sometimes the city will receive complaints about areas experiencing low water pressure. The areas experiencing low pressure are generally the areas
where there is a step down in elevation causing low pressure zones.
Mr. Gardner explained the most important factors of a planning study and what they generally start with is the city’s population. The population growth rate projection of 1.89% per
year was based off of Census data, jobs data, and BYU-Idaho University’s student enrollement which makes up a significant part of the city’s population. He said to determine the city’s
future water demands, they look into the city’s water usage over the previous five years combined with the city’s population growth projections. As shown in the chart below the city’s
population growth rate projection is steady over the next 20
years. He reviewed the water usage on an Average Day Demand (ADD), the Max Day Demand (MDD), and Peak Hour Demand (PHD).
Mr. Clark said when completing these facility plan studies one of the major items that impacts the water rights here in Rexburg is recharge. The yellow line in the chart below illustrates
the water rights that the city has independent of any recharge. The blue line is water usage based on the projection population growth, and the green line is the city’s water rights
incorporating the required recharge. Currently, the water usage is beyond the city’s water rights that do not require recharge.
Mr. Clark said recharge is necessary in order for the city to stay within it’s water rights and as the demand increases that need to capture the water righst is only going to become
greater. The dash line illistrates the current capacity for recharge, so as demand grows, they are projecting the city will exceed that recharge capacity by 2027. This graph does not
incorporate the county gravel pit that the city is looking at as a potential recharge site. He said if the gravel pit were to become a recharge site, they anticipate it would provide
water rights beyond what the city would need.
Mr. Gardner explained after determining what the city’s water rights are and the amount of water the city can legally take out of the ground to put into the water system, they are able
to complete a Supply Summary. They compare the capacity of each zone to the projected demands of 2042. He said they prefer to look at each zone instead of the entire system because they
want the zones to operate somewhat independently of each other and not rely on one another. The zone supply report demonstrates an existing deficiency in zone two; however, there is
capacity to take water from zone one.
Discussion regarding well number three in zone one. BYU-Idaho University is supplied by well three, if their water usage were consistent all year round it would create a large deficiency
in zone one. There is also a proposed development in that area. Public Works Director Davidson explained the deficiency would be resolved through Capital Improvement Plans by determining
where to drill additional wells and reservoirs.
Mr. Gardner explained the Storage Summary chart. Similarly to the Supply Summary, they look at zone one separate of zones two and three. Zone one looks good; however, the city would
need more storage by 2032. Currently, there is a storage deficit in zone two and three. By fixing the supply deficit in zones two and three, it lessens that storage deficit.
Mr. Gardner reviewed the existing hydraulic model peak hour usage. The areas highlighted in red are areas that need to be addressed. There are areas with extremely high water pressure
and areas with low water pressure during peak hour usage.
Mr. Gardner reviewed the existing hydraulic model fire flow report. They looked to see if the city can meet the fire flow requirements that are assigned to each area. They assigned
the fire flow for residential at 1500 gallons, commercial 2500 gallons, industiral 4500 gallons and 8000 gallons per minute for the downtown area because of the close connection of those
buildings. The areas in red illistrate the fire hydrants that do not have sufficient water pressure to give the required amount of water.
Mr. Clark explained the alternative development address the deficiencies and are straightforward.
Mr. Clark reviewed a section of their findings regarding the chlorine alternative for the city’s water. The fact that Rexburg has been able to grow as big as it is and still avoid chlorination
of the water
supply is a testament to good operation, good practices and good flushing by the operator of the system. It is also a testament to good growth and development. One of the reasons why
developing gradually from a central point is beneficial rather than having an area develop three mile away from the center affects the water agent and can be a potential driver towards
having problems with the water system.
Mr. Clark reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan Prioritization chart.
Mr. Clark mentioned the priority four items are driven by development. Zone three is getting to the point that the city can not develop in the higher elevation areas and still maintain
the fire flow pressures so that then becomes the boundary for the next pressure zone. The purple lines are a representation of what that pressure zone might look like.
Mr. Gardner reviewed the Priority 1 Capital Improvement Plan Summary. These are items the city needs to resolve in the immediate future.
Mr. Gardner reviewed the Future System. Council Member E. Erickson asked where the funding comes from for these types of improvements. Public Works Director Davidson replied there are
several different funding opportunities such as the Urban Renewal District and the capacity fees the city charges. The city is allowed to use the capacity fees to increase capacity or
to put in new infrastructure. The city has also completed water system projects through a two million dollar Department of Enviornmental Quality loan at a 1.75% interest rate.
Council Member Reeser expressed his concerns about the 19 million dollar costs of the Capital Improvement Plan priority one items within a five year time frame. The zone three water
well is the top priority. Public Works Director Davidson explained the benefits of having studies completed are ways to look at a specific system and re-evaluate where the immediate
needs are located so when a funding option becomes available the city can apply for that funding option.
Mr. Clark said from their standpoint they expect there to be changes on the priority list. Some of those changes come from where development is occurring, operational changes where
one well is no longer producing the adequate amount of water or things come together with funding.
Mr. Gardner reviewed the Potable Water Master Plan Summary.
Council Member Johnson asked Public Works Director Davidson if he is taking into account when City Council is approving new development that the growth is not outpacing the city’s ability
to provide adequate services. Public Works Director Davidson replied yes, he does evaluate the available capacity when new development occurs.
Council Member Johnson asked if the chlorination of the city’s water is going to be the last resort. Public Works Director Davidson replied yes, it would be the city’s last resort to
chlorinate the water. The city’s water quality is exceptional because the city’s Water Department does a good job protecting the water system. The Water Department protects the water
system by backflow prevention and not allowing people to take water out of the water system without notifying the city.
Water Department Foreman Chuck Velman explained they also use water protection source around the well heads. They aggressively try to make sure nothing gets back into the city’s water
system including chemicals that are in the vicinity, or in farm areas where water is traveling through the aquifer towards the city’s wells.
Council Member Chambers asked Public Works Director Davidson if the 19 million dollar Capital Improvement Plan items are going to require a new rate study. Public Works Director Davidson
said they are in the process of completing a rate study, they need to complete this Water Study Findings by Keller Associates first to submit to the firm that is completing the rate
study. By completing the rate study, they can make sure the city’s rates are where they need to be to manage growth. He said he receives push back from developers when collecting capacity
fees especially when the fees are estimated in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The reason why the capacity fees are so high is to ensure the city has sufficient funds to help increase
the capacity of its systems.
Council Member Chambers asked about the potential recharge location being the gravel pit. Public Works Director Davidson replied, the city’s current recharge location is Walter’s Pond.
They like to start recharge as early as they can in the year; however, it depends when the snow and ice come off. They can get about four to five cubic feet per second (CFS) into that
pond. He is currently working with the county, and they completed a study this past year of the county’s gravel pit for the city to use as a second recharge location. The study results
have not come back yet, hopefully the results will be ready by the end of February.
Public Works Director Davidson continued to explain that the city is also working with the Idaho Department of Water Resources. In fact, they are going to have a hearing soon to determine
if the city is allowed to use the county’s gravel pit as one of its recharge locations. At the county gravel pit they can recharge about 30 CFS or 40 CFS. He said having the second recharge
location will allow the city to get the recharge faster in early spring when the snowmelt runoff is at its peak and not affecting the water usage for local farmers.
Discussion regarding the sources that the city utilizes to acquire water rights. Public Works Director Davidson mentioned groundwater rights, wells, surface water out of the Teton River,
which are older priority water rights. One of the city’s best water rights is the one from 1883. He said for every one gallon of water the city takes from surface water; they must put
one and a half gallons back into the aquifer through recharge. There are also canal water rights, this type of water source is only used for irrigation. To obtain new water rights the
city would purchase dry farms that have water rights. The Alpine Hights development was able to purchase groundwater rights and are transferring them to the city to help supply that
development.
Discussion regarding secondary irrigation. Public Works Director Davidson said the city’s water demand during the winter is below the city’s water rights capacity, it is during the
summer when the city’s water demands bump up against the capacity. That is why the city is looking into mandating a secondary irrigation system. Council Member Reeser asked about the
subdivisions in the city that have the secondary irrigation system. Public Works Director Davidson replied that the Summerfield Subdivision is installing the secondary irrigation system.
By using the canal water for irrigation, it reduces the demand for drinkable water.
Council President Walker 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
Council President Walker closed the public hearing.
Discussion regarding the fire hydrant flow demands for the Pine Brook Subdivision.
Work Meeting Adjournment 6:01 P.M.
6:30 P.M. (video index 00:02:39)
Council Member E. Erickson said the prayer.
Council Member Chambers 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, and Council President Walker
Mayor Merrill did not attend the meeting.
Welcome New Employees: Jackson Likes – Street Department, Steven Guzman – Street Department
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
Items from Council: (00:03:28)
Committees: MEPI, Cultural Arts, Grants, School Board, MUSIC, MYAB, Emergency Services Board, Beautification, Trails/Parks & Recreation, Urban Renewal, Airport, Golf Board, ADA Oversight
Board, Historical Preservation Committee, and Legacy Flight Museum
Council Member C. Erickson reported the remodel of the Teton Lakes Clubhouse is going well. There was a vehicular accident outside the clubhouse that caused damage to the deck. They
will need to reconstruct the deck due to the damage.
Council Member Chambers reported the Tabernacle Legacy Campaign is underway. They are trying to raise five million dollars to restore the Tabernacle with most of the restoration work
being internal. There will be additional updates about the campaign in the future. The Museum of Rexburg is still looking for a location; however, their immediate need is a location
to store the exhibits. They are open to ideas of which buildings could be used to house the museum.
Council Member Chambers also reported that the Cultural Arts Department is planning the 50th anniversary of the Teton Dam Flood, with commemorations to occur in June of 2026.
Council Member E. Erickson reported the Trails/Parks & Recreation Committee met and most of the discussion was centered around a developer’s desire to develop and then donate a portion
of his development to the city as a public park. The meeting was mainly an inquiry into the type of amenities the park would have and one of the amenities that kept coming up was Pickleball
Courts. The developer is going to take the input given at the meeting regarding the different amenities desired and come up with a conceptual drawing. The drawing will show the exact
placement of the park in relation to the development. The developer was very open to the possibility of expanding the size of the park. The park would be donated to the city in lieu
of some of the impact fees the city charges for development. The committee members were open to discussion about the impact fees; however, no decisions were made regarding recommendation
to the City Council.
Council Member Chambers asked if there is a minimum size in acreage for a park before the city accepts it as a donation. Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson replied they have
discussed the acreage of a city park being a five-acre minimum; however, the amount of acreage is not specifically in the city’s code, it’s not a standard.
Council Member Johnson asked if there was a desire for play structures for younger children for the proposed park? Council Member E. Erickson said the play structure was not the top
priority, it was possibly the fourth priority. They mainly discussed whether there would be sufficient space at the park for six Pickleball Courts and parking spaces for residents outside
of the development.
Council Member Reeser reported he, as well as other Councilmembers and city staff, have attended several meetings with the Police Department to discuss the department’s future needs.
Other Reports:
Public Hearing 6:30 P.M. Annexation of enclaved properties located at approximately 1076 W Main St, 5th W and University Blvd, and Eagle Park into the City of Rexburg #24-00918. Designated
as Ordinance No 1327 if motion passes and considered first read – Alan Parkinson
Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson reviewed the Planning and Zoning Staff Report and explained there are two areas within the city that are considered enclaves. Idaho State
Statute allows the city to annex these properties because they are currently receiving some city services, such as
access to public roads, sewer lines, and water lines. Currently, these properties are not receiving city sewer and water services; however, they have access to other city services.
Council Member Chambers asked if there were any residents at the public hearing that expressed any concerns with the annexation. P&Z Administrator Parkinson said there was one landowner
that spoke against the proposal because they would prefer to wait a couple more years before their property is annexed.
P&Z Administrator Parkinson mentioned there is one parcel of the city’s Eagle Park that was never annexed into the city so that parcel is part of this annexation.
Council President Walker 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
Council President Walker closed the public hearing.
Discussion: P&Z Administrator Parkinson said the property owners called City Hall to express their concerns about their property being annexed. They were under the impression that they
would not be able to use their property in the manner that they are currently using their property. City staff informed them that the annexation would not force them to change the use
of their property because it is grandfathered into the city.
Council President Walker clarified the annexation of these properties into the city does not affect the property’s current zone.
Council Member Chamber moved to approve Ordinance No 1327 the Annexation of enclaved properties located at approximately 1076 W Main St, 5th W and University Blvd, and Eagle Park into
the City of Rexburg and consider first read; Council Member C. Erickson seconded the motion; Council President Walker 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 Member Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Staff Reports: (00:10:00)
Information Technology – Todd Smith
Bid Approval and Budget Adjustment for Council Chambers Audio/Video Broadcast System
IT Operations Manager Patrick Jackson reviewed the Budget Adjustment for council chambers A/V system. There have been glitches over the last month with the broadcast system. The Councilmembers
microphones have not been working properly. The projector is also having issues. The IT Department has been trying to get a new system installed for over a year. They submitted Request
for Proposals (RFP) back in June; however, the RFPs came back with extremely high-level updates for that system.
IT Manager Jackson explained that with the new system the microphones on the dais will be replaced and have mute buttons. The new systems will have the capability to live stream the
City Council meetings so they will not have to use Boxcast, saving the city funds. They will have two cameras that can be controlled by city staff and the cameras can move around as
needed.
Council President Walker asked if the new cameras would provide a view of the overhead screen. IT Manager Jackson replied yes, the new cameras have the capability to screenshare which
will allow the viewer to see what is being projected on the overhead screen.
Council Member Johnson said she will recuse herself from voting because one of her relatives is the owner of VLCM.
Discussion regarding the need for the council chambers A/V system. Council Member E. Erickson asked for the reason the system was cut from the budget. IT Manager Jackson explained the
RFPs they submitted called for an A/V system like what the City of Idaho Falls and the City of Pocatello have in place; however, the costs for that type of system are about $250,000
which was too expensive with a tight budget.
Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve the Budget Adjustment for Council Chambers Audio and Video Broadcast System; Council Member E. Erickson seconded the motion; Council President
Walker asked for a vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Council Member Chambers none
Council Member E. Erickson
Council Member C. Erickson
Council Member Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Finance: – Scott Miller
Financial Reports
City Finance Controller Miller reviewed the Treasurer’s Expenditure Report by Fund. The Finance Department was able to close out last fiscal year in the Tyler Munis Software so now the
fund balances can be shown in the report.
Controller Miller mentioned fund 82 Fiber Construction is at 61% because of the progress of that project. Fund 91 Shop with a Cop is at 93%. Council Member C. Erickson explained the
money in Fund 91 Shop with a Cop are all donations. The city only administers money in that fund.
Controller Miller said Fund 93 Ambulance Capital Replacement was added with the intent that the city would administer that account; however, the Ambulance District has decided to allow
the county to continue to administer that fund so the city will be removing that fund from the report.
Council Member Johnson asked for further clarification regarding Fund 93. Controller Miller explained at the end of Fiscal Year 2024 there was a plan in place for the City Finance Department
to take over the administration of the Ambulance District Fund from the county. As the City Legal Department looked closer at the legalities of the way the Fire Chiefs wanted the city
to administer that fund, it would require an extensive process per–Idaho State Statute. The city/county and Emergency Services Board decided the county would continue to administer the
Ambulance District Fund and would make sure the Ambulance District receives the interest that it should within its own fund.
Controller Miller reviewed the Cash and Investment Report. The Finance Department continues to put the city’s money in the best investment companies to earn the most interest.
Public Works: - Keith Davidson
Surplus approval of aluminum storage dispenser and liquid storage tank (used for chlorine) from the Street Department
Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the items from the Wastewater Treatment Plant and Street Department that they need to surplus. The liquid storage tank was used at the Wastewater
Effluent building when the city used to chlorinate and disinfect the water before it went into the river. They no longer use the tank since the upgrades were completed on the Wastewater
Plant. The Street Department thought they could use the tank to mix the brine solution used on the roads; however, the tank ended up not working for that purpose.
Council Member Reeser moved to approve the Surplus of the aluminum storage dispenser and liquid storage tank (used for chlorine) from the Street Department; Council Member Johnson seconded
the motion; Council President Walker 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 Member Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Porter Park parking hours amendment per City Council discussion on November 6, 2025, City Council Meeting. Recommendation of a 4-hour parking limit and no overnight parking around the
park year-round
Public Works Director Davidson explained the discussion they had at the last City Council meeting regarding the parking limit and no overnight parking around Porter Park, he thought
the City Council should officially approve those parking limits. The signs would read parking from 6:00 A.M. to 12:00 A.M. and then no overnight parking from 12:00 A.M. to 6:00 A.M.
Council Member C. Erickson said he drove past the park this morning and only two cars were parked at the park at about 8:15 A.M., it is a big change compared to the number of vehicles
that used to park there. The number of vehicles parked around Porter Park may not make a difference during the winter, as much as during the summer when more patrons are visiting the
park.
Council Member E. Erickson moved to approve a 4-hour parking limit and no overnight parking around the park year-round; Council Member Chambers seconded the motion; Council President
Walker 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 Member Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Mayor’s Report/Business: (00:51:50)
Council President Walker thanked the Council Members and City Staff that attended the State of Cities and Counties breakfast. Council Member Chambers did an excellent job giving the
State of the City Report at the breakfast.
Items for Consideration: (00:54:20)
Approval of new On-Premises Beer and Wine License for El Tequila Mexican Restaurant, 27 W Main Street
Discussion:
Council Member Johnson moved to approve the On-Premises Beer and Wine License for El Tequila Mexican Restaurant 27 West Main Street; Council Member Reeser seconded the motion; Council
President Walker 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 Member Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Calendared Bills:
Second Reading: Those items which have been first read:
Ordinance No 1326 Final Assessment Roll for Local Improvement District 53 (LID 53) – Keith Davidson
Discussion:
LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT 53 FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL
ORDINANCE NO. 1326
AN ORDINANCE CONFIRMING THE ASSESSMENT ROLL, FOR LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT NO. 53 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 1326 Final Assessment Roll for Local Improvement District 53 (LID 53) and consider second read; Council Member Johnson seconded
the motion; Council President Walker 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.
Third Reading: Those items which have been second 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
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 Chambers 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 third read; Council Member E. Erickson seconded the motion; Council President Walker 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.
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. (00:59:22)
Minutes from January 8, 2025, Meeting
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; Council President Walker 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 Member Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Adjournment 7:03 P.M.
APPROVED:
________________________________
Jerry Merrill, Mayor
Attest:
_____________________________
Marianna Gonzalez, Deputy City Clerk