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Home My WebLink AboutP&Z Minutes 5.8.25(208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Planning and Zoning Minutes - May 8, 2025 P&Z Commissioners: City Staff: Vince Haley (Vice Chair) McKay Francis Alan Parkinson – P&Z Administrator Randall Kempton Vanessa Johnson Katie Jo Saurey – P&Z Administrative Assistant Sally Smith (Chairperson) Brian Thackeray Kyle Baldwin – Planner 1 Aaron Richards Vern Muir Natalie Powell – Compliance Officer Jim Lawrence Dan Hanna Spencer Rammell – Commissioner Attorney Bruce Casper Tammy Geddes Commissioner Kempton opened the meeting at 6:32 PM. Planning & Zoning Meeting: 1. Welcome 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Recognition of Service – Vince Haley Mayor Merrill presented Vince a plaque and expressed his appreciation for Vince’s service on the P&Z Commission and as the Vice Chairperson. Vince gave some parting words, reminding fellow Commissioners that the Commission is made up of individuals, but no one Commissioner’s decision is the decision and Commissioners should not feel guilty or weighed upon voting the way they choose to. He also highlighted the diversity of the Commission and how the Commissioners should use their own background and knowledge to make the best decisions for the city. 4. Commissioner Introduction – Tammy Geddes Mayor Merrill introduced Tammy explaining he has been impressed with her participation in previous capacities and feels like she will serve and represent well. Tammy shared that she has lived in Rexburg since 1997, has served on multiple city committees, and is gaining knowledge on how the city functions. 5. Elect Vice Chairperson MOTION: Motion to elect Randall Kempton as the Vice Chairperson of the Planning and Zoning Commission. Action: Moved by Sally Smith, Seconded by Vern Muir. (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: None VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes = 5, No= 0, Abstain = 1). Yes: Sally Smith (Chairperson), Aaron Richards, Brian Thackeray, Vern Muir, Tammy Geddes No: none Abstain: Randall Kempton 6. ROLL CALL of Planning and Zoning Commissioners: Present: Randall Kempton, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Aaron Richards, Brian Thackeray, Vern Muir, Tammy Geddes Late: Dan Hanna Absent: Jim Lawrence, Bruce Casper, McKay Francis, Vanessa Johnson, 7. Approval of the P&Z Minutes for March 20, 2025 (Action) MOTION: Motion to approve the Planning & Zoning minutes as recorded for March 20, 2025 (Action) Action: Approve, Moved by Aaron Richards, Seconded by Brian Thackeray. Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: None VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes = 5, No= 0, Abstain = 1). Yes: Randall Kempton, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Aaron Richards, Brian Thackeray, Vern Muir No: none Abstain: Tammy Geddes Planning and Zoning Administrator Parkinson thanked Vince for his service on the Commission and shared his appreciation in Vince reviewing on the record the required standards and reminding the Commission of their purpose. Attorney Rammell gave kudos to Vince for always being prepared for the meetings, sharing that it means a lot to both staff and developers. Administrator Parkinson expressed his thanks to all of the Commissioners for serving. 8. PLAT – (25-00172) Teton River Townhomes – Plat – Located at 351 E Lorene St, the application is to subdivide the parcel into 44 lots. – Joe Allen and Jim Hirrlinger (Action) (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org Conflict of Interest/Ex parte Conversation: Chairperson Smith asked the Commissioners to disclose any conflicts of interest or conversations held outside of this meeting relative to this particular subject. Presentation: Administrator Parkinson showed the location of the townhome subdivision and the plat on the screen. He shared they have met all of the Staff’s standards. Commissioner Discussion: Commissioner Richards asked if this plat modified a master planned project. Administrator Parkinson replied it does not, that it is the first plat for this part of the parcel. He confirmed that two buildings are in the process of being framed. Commissioner Smith inquired about the number of units and parking spaces. Administrator Parkinson answered that there are 43 dwelling units and they all have garages, but there is additional visitor parking. Commissioner Richards remarked that this is exactly what Rexburg needs. Commissioner Geddes asked where the outlets to the main roads would be located. Administrator Parkinson showed the access to Lorene and Carlow. Commissioner Richards pointed out that this subdivision is located in a MDR2 zone, in a densely populated area, and this seems almost like the land is not being used to it’s full potential. He has no issues with the proposed plat. Commissioner Muir inquired about plans to expand 2nd E to reduce traffic since there are many developments, but only one road. Administrator Parkinson discussed potential transportation projects such as the East Parkway Corridor and expanding 5th W that would provide additional river crossings. Commissioner Geddes asked for information relating to water wells being on hold. Administrator Parkinson discussed that acquisition of water rights have changed, sometimes making it more difficult to develop since it falls on the developers to find water rights. Commissioner Hanna arrived at 6:52 pm. Administrator Parkinson reviewed the plat information for Commissioner Hanna. (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org MOTION: Motion to recommend City Council approve the Teton River Townhomes plat, located at 351 E Lorene Street, because it meets zoning requirements, is in accordance with the comprehensive plan, and is a much needed housing product for Rexburg. Action: Approve, Moved by Aaron Richards, Seconded by Vern Muir. Commissioner Discussion on the Motion: none VOTE: Motion carried. (Summary: Yes= 7, No = 0, Abstain = 0). Yes: Randall Kempton, Sally Smith (Chairperson), Aaron Richards, Brian Thackeray, Vern Muir, Dan Hanna, Tammy Geddes No: none Abstain: none 9. Commissioner Training Administrator Parkinson introduced the training video provided by the American Planning Association Idaho Chapter and Association of Idaho Cities. Mid-way through, the video was paused to discuss the differences between the preliminary and final plats being referred to in the video and our process, that combines them into a single application. The group discussed plans, public meetings, public hearings, and the P&Z Commission being an advising board for the City Council. Administrator Parkinson advised that a plat cannot be denied because it is not liked, or not wanted in an area, there must be something physically wrong, designed incorrectly, or required standards are not met. The conversation advanced to the difference between plats and short plats, and the developers perception of dealing with the city and complying with the design standards. Administrator Parkinson asked Commissioner Richards to weigh in, since he has experience on the applicant’s side of the process. Commissioner Richards complimented the Ready Team Meeting, having the entire reviewing staff in one room to get answers on a project. He shared that there are a lot of protections for the community and the city and that there is a specific process followed. Administrator Parkinson expanded on that, sharing that feedback the city receives is positive, especially towards the review timelines and the convenience of having the process streamlined and digital. The group discussed upcoming projects and impact fees. Heads Up: ▫ May 21, 2025: Joint Work Meeting ▫ May 22, 2025: None ▫ June 5, 2025: Annexation 10. Adjourned at 7:35 PM.