HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - October 1, 2025
1
(208) 359-3020
35 North 1st East
Rexburg, ID 83440
Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org
City Council Minutes – October 1, 2025
Mayor Jerry Merrill
Council Members:
Bryanna Johnson Eric Erickson
Robert Chambers David Reeser
Colin Erickson Mikel Walker
City Staff:
Spencer Rammell – 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.
Council Member Reeser 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 Reeser, and Council President Walker.
Mayor Merrill and Council Member E. Erickson did not attend the meeting.
Welcome New Employee: Christopher Maybee – Water Department
Christopher Maybee introduced himself he said he is working with the city Water Department. He
mentioned that retired police officer, Gordon Maybee is his father. He added Trent Maybee is his
younger brother, who works with the city Streets Department, and Devyn Walker is his brother-in-law,
who also works for the city.
Christopher Maybee said he has come to the Water Department with 12 years of construction
experience. He explained that he has worked in the oil field building pipeline systems. He concluded by
saying that he believed the Water Department is a good place to work and give back to the community
that has given so much to him.
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.
Steve Oakey referred to the public hearing on Wednesday, March 19, where the City Council
Chambers was full of patrons discussing several LIDs, including LIDs, 20, 50, 54, and 45. He noted that
he was the only person that spoke in favor of the LID without preconditions at that meeting. He
explained that he stands to gain from the city’s improvements of new streets, gutters, and concrete. He
had paid for the original concrete and was happy to pay for the improvement his business needed, even
though he knew there would be some temporary hardship during the process. He said he was willing to
endure that hardship because the improvements would benefit not only him but also his neighbors and
the city.
Mr. Oakey acknowledged that the city had been progressive in addressing deteriorated roads and that
property owners were given options for paying the LID costs. He chose to pay his share in a lump sum.
When he first contacted city Engineer Joel Gray, he noted that his property had two aprons, only one of
which was scheduled for replacement. He told Engineer Gray to replace both because they are in poor
condition, and he would pay for them. Later, after speaking with Public Works Director Davidson and
members of the HK Contractors team, he learned the project had been delayed due to issues such as
employee turnover and difficulty finding qualified labor. He understood those challenges. Originally,
the project had been scheduled during the seven-week school break, but once students returned, his
business—like others in town—relied on the renewed flow of customers. Because of the road conditions,
his business has suffered.
Mr. Oakey noted that unlike many other businesses with dual access, his business only had one access
point. As a result, his business was down 75 to 80 percent. While he was still willing to accept the
hardship, the roadwork eventually required full closure during sewer construction, leaving him without
2
any access. He worried about unknowns such as whether his business might suffer long-term damage
from losing customers. He even received texts from customers asking when he would reopen.
Despite the difficulties, he reiterated his support for the improvements but asked the city to share in his
hardship. He explained that he had originally intended to pay his share in one lump sum but now
requested the option to stretch out payments over one or two years with monthly, interest-free
installments. He noted that the LID interest was currently 3% but hoped the city would allow some
flexibility as a partnership in enduring the hardship.
Public Works Director Davidson responded that city staff will meet with Mr. Oakey to discuss
provisions to pay for his LID; however, the ultimate decision would have to go back to the City Council
since it is a unique case. Mr. Oakey responded that he is happy to begin conversations with city staff and
later with the City Council, making it clear that he does not want to shirk his responsibilities. He wanted
to remain a good citizen, support the improvements, and shake hands as partners in the process.
Council Member Johnson asked how long the project would take and what the timeline was. Public
Works Director Davidson replied that the contractor will begin paving the road on October 20.
Gail Hawks explained that she wanted to gain some understanding, like the previous speaker, about
why the LIDs around the university started so late. She acknowledged that delays arise but noted that
on the other half of Park Street, work had begun and then stopped. Neighbors had taken photos
showing the road had been dug up but no work being done. With winter arriving earlier than usual, she
expressed concern that the concrete may not cure properly. She recalled that on the other half of Park
Street, the concrete failed to cure and had to be replaced.
Mrs. Hawks asked what the city is doing to address the delay issues. Public Works Director Davidson
explained that HK Contractors was hired to complete the work, and the city gave them completion
dates. However, delays sometimes occurred due to unforeseen events or conditions. He explained that
projects could be pushed back if contractors were tied up with other jobs. For Park Street specifically,
the delay had been related to scheduling the asphalt milling machine and bringing in additional crews
from other jobs. He also addressed concerns about cold weather curing for concrete and stated that
measures such as blankets and heating were used to protect the concrete, though sometimes they were
not effective, and replacement was required.
Ms. Hawks responded that better planning and communication is needed. She noted that during the
university’s opening, many events had overlapped, including the homecoming parade and a football
game. With roads closed at the same time, it created significant stress for residents. She added as the
city continues to grow, communication and coordination would be increasingly important.
Cody Miller explained that he is a college student at BYU–Idaho, working for BYU–Idaho Radio as
well as the student newspaper, The Scroll. He stated that he wants to discuss the Rexburg Pump House
and its planned conversion into the Rexburg History Museum. He explained that he thought the project
was a great idea because Rexburg would have two museums, which would put the city ahead of Idaho
Falls in that regard.
Mr. Miller said he is interested in gathering more information about the development of the project,
specifically who to contact, and possibly arranging an interview with one of the Council Members at a
future date. Council President Walker explained that a decision has not been made regarding
converting the pump house into a museum and advised Mr. Miller that the best person to contact would
be Mayor Merrill.
Staff Reports:
A. Public Works: - Keith Davidson
Public Works Director Davidson explained that Mayor Merrill had asked him to mention the Local
Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC) meeting that had taken place earlier. The main topic of
discussion was ChemPacks. He explained that in the event of a chemical incident—such as one
involving railroad cars or farming chemicals—the federal government had placed ChemPack storage
units in certain areas around the state. For the Rexburg area, the closest ChemPack storage site is in
Idaho Falls. If there were ever a large-scale chemical incident and hospitals ran out of the necessary
medicines, they could pull supplies from that ChemPack. He mentioned the LEPC meets each month to
review different types of emergency situations and to discuss how the cit ies can prepare for them.
Public Works Director Davidson provided an update on construction and paving throughout the
city. He explained that the roads are scheduled to be paved on October 20. Currently, the crew was
finishing the sewer line on 1st West. During the work, an unmarked fiber line had been hit, and they
were trying to determine whose line it was. They suspected it might be a private line connecting the
Melaleuca call center with their IT Department across the road. He noted that incidents like this caused
delays because the party responsible needed to be identified and repairs made. Although the contractor
would have preferred to simply fill and compact the dirt and move on, the line needed to be fixed before
proceeding, which slowed the project.
3
Public Works Director Davidson discussed the LID advisory group. He said City Clerk Lovejoy
created a link for those interested in volunteering to join the advisory committee on the city’s website.
He noted he and Mayor Merrill hope to form a diverse group, including business owners, apartment
owners, residents who have been on an LID, and those who have not, to provide a well-rounded
perspective. He invited the Council Members to consider whether they would like to participate as well.
Mayor’s Business:
Items of Consideration:
A. Approval of a plat recording extension for Teton Vu Estates - 1114 N Yellowstone Hwy,
#24-00868 – Katie Saurey Action Item
P&Z Administrative Assistant Saurey explained the applicant requested a plat recording
extension for Teton Vu Estates – 1114 N Yellowstone Highway. She explained that city code requires the
approved plat to be recorded with the county clerk within six months of City Council approval, or the
approval would become null and void. The original approval had been granted on April 2, and the six-
month deadline was approaching. P&Z Administrative Assistant Saurey noted the extension was
requested to give the applicant additional time to secure financing, gather necessary signatures, and
complete the plat recording.
Council Member C. Erickson asked how long the extension would be. P&Z Administrative Assistant
Saurey replied that the standard extension was six months.
Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve a plat recording extension for Teton Vu
Estates – 1114 N Yellowstone Highway; 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 Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
B. Planning & Zoning recommendation to approve the Valley View Div. No 6 Plat
Amendment, located along Westwood Dr., to combine 3 lots into 2, reducing the total
number of lots in the plat #25-00802 – Katie Saurey Action Item
P&Z Administrative Assistant Saurey explained the amendment concerning the Valley View
Division 6 Phase 3 plat. The original plat contained eight lots. The applicant proposed combining three
of those lots into two. Each original lot measured approximately 0.4 to 0.42 acres. By splitting one lot
down the middle and combining it with the other two, the resulting lots would be about 0.6 acres each.
This change would reduce the total number of lots in the plat from eight to seven.
Council Member Reeser inquired whether the amendment meets the zoning requirements. P&Z
Administrative Assistant Saurey explained that the LDR-1 zone required only a quarter-acre minimum
per lot, and the proposed sizes would allow for slightly larger houses that better matched the
surrounding area while giving each resident their own parcel.
Council Member Reeser asked whether the request came from the developer or private owners. P&Z
Administrative Assistant Saurey confirmed that the owner made the amendment request.
Council Member Reeser moved to approve the Valley View Div. No 6 Plat Amendment,
located along Westwood Drive, to combine 3 lots into 2, reducing the total number of lots in
the plat; 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 C. Erickson
Council Member Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
4
C. Discussion regarding Short-Term Rentals in Low Density zones where property owner
lives on the lot next door or a shared twin home, Rexburg Development Code
4.00.025(B)(c) – Spencer Rammell and Katie Saurey
City Attorney Rammell explained there has been city staff discussion regarding short-term rentals in
low-density zones, specifically situations where the property owner lived on an adjacent lot or in a
shared twin home. He explained that P&Z Administrator Parkinson had received inquiries about
exceptions to the current ordinance, which required the owner to live on-site or have a manager living
on-site in certain zones (Residential-1, Low Density Residential-1, Low Density Residential-2, and Low
Density Residential-3).
City Attorney Rammell said two recent examples involved property owners who did not live on the
lot in question: one lived in the home next door, and another in a twin home next door. He said P&Z
Administrator Parkinson sought guidance from city staff on whether exceptions could be made. City
Attorney Rammell advised that the ordinance was clear as written and that any variance would need to
be formally amended through an ordinance amendment. He said Mayor Merrill had also reviewed the
matter and believed the ordinance should remain unchanged to avoid conflicts in neighborhoods and
potential impacts from off-site short-term rentals.
Council Member Johnson emphasized that state law already limited the city’s ability to regulate
short-term rentals and that the current ordinance was the main tool to protect neighborhoods. She cited
personal experiences where nearby short-term rentals caused safety concerns and disturbances, arguing
for leaving the ordinance as is.
Council President Walker said that previous discussions had carefully considered neighborhood
impacts and that exceptions could create pockets of short-term rentals that would undermine the
ordinance’s purpose. City Attorney Rammell concluded that staff should not make exceptions when the
ordinance is clear and that any requests for variances should come directly to the City Council.
Calendared Bills:
A. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: NONE
B. Third Reading: Those items which have been second read:
1. Ordinance No 1337 Amendment to the Rexburg Development Code, Ordinance No.
1200 #25-00575 – Katie Saurey
CITY OF REXBURG ORDINANCE NO. 1337
DEVELOPMENT CODE ORDINANCE 1200 AMENDMENTS
AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CURRENT DEVELOPMENT CODE
(PLANNING AND ZONING ORDINANCE NO. 1200) CONCERNING
SUBSTANTIVE AND NON-SUBSTANTIVE ITEMS; THE FOLLOWING
CHANGES HAVE BEEN MADE: AMENDMENTS TO ACCESSORY SIDE
SETBBACKS, DAYCARES, LANDSCAPING, FAMILY & CONGREGATE
LIVING, PARKING, AND SUBDIVISION NAMES; PROVIDING FOR
VIOLATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE; PROVIDING FOR
ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE; AND PROVIDING FOR THE
EFFECTIVE DATE OF THE ORDINANCE.
Council Member E. Erickson moved to approve Ordinance No. 1335 to Amend Ordinance
1316 Fiscal Year 2025 Appropriation Ordinance and consider third 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 Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Council Member C. Erickson asked about improving communication with citizens regarding street
projects. He noted that the city website included information about ongoing street work but
5
acknowledged that some of the updates were outdated. He suggested that IT could help ensure the
website is updated regularly so residents could see current pavement and construction projects.
Public Works Director Davidson explained that the department tried to keep information updated,
but timelines could change due to unforeseen circumstances. He noted that while they aimed to include
both city and private construction projects, it is sometimes difficult to maintain real-time accuracy. The
city has implemented a new system this year to improve communication and provide better information
to the public.
Council Member C. Erickson emphasized that the website offered a way for citizens to check street
construction updates, which was more effective than relying on the newspaper. He walked through the
navigation of the city website, explaining that users could go to the street construction section, access a
construction project map, and see details for specific streets.
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.
A. Minutes from September 17, 2025, Meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Chambers to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and
city bills; Council Member Resser 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 Reeser
Council President Walker
The motion carried.
Adjournment 7:10 P.M.
APPROVED:
________________________________
Mikel Walker, City Council President
Attest:
________________________________
Marianna Gonzalez, City Deputy Clerk