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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - October 15, 2025 1 (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org City Council Minutes – October 15, 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 5:30 P.M. Town Hall Meeting for Police Station Bond Police Chief Rhodes welcomed everyone to the town hall meeting for the Police Station Bond. There were representatives from Hummel Architects and Headwaters Construction that attended the meeting to review informative information regarding the proposed police station. The letter of intent for the proposed police station were reviewed on the over head screen. The building space program and site space program were also reviewed. 2 A Headwaters Construction representative reviewed the cost estimates for the police station. Police Chief Rhoads reviewed the proposed location of the new police station. 3 Chief Rhoads reviewed the 2025 City of Rexburg Election Information. 6:30 P.M. Council Member E. Erickson said the prayer. Council President Walker led the pledge. Roll Call of Council Members: Attending: Council Member Johnson, Council Member C. Erickson, Council Member E. Erickson, Council Member Reeser, Council President Walker and Mayor Merrill. Council Member Chambers did not attend the meeting. Welcome New Employees and Oath of Office: Joseph Haeberle (Reserve Officer), Lim Horn, and Ryker Davison – Police Department. Swearing in Ceremony for all three officers performed by City Attorney Spencer Rammell. City Attorney Rammell administered the oath of office to Reserve Officer Joseph Haeberle. OATH OF OFFICE I, Joseph Haeberle, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution and Laws of the State of Idaho, the Ordinances of the City of Rexburg, and the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. I will endeavor to enforce these laws to the best of my abilities, and that I will faithfully discharge all of the duties assigned or requested of me in my capacity as a reserve law enforcement officer for the City of Rexburg. ________________ Joseph Haeberle City Attorney Rammell administered the oath of office to Lim Horn. OATH OF OFFICE I, Lim Horn, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution and Laws of the State of Idaho, the Ordinances of the City of Rexburg, and the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics. I will endeavor to enforce these laws to the best of my abilities, and that I will faithfully discharge all of the duties assigned or requested of me in my capacity as a law enforcement officer for the City of Rexburg. ________________ Lim Horn City Attorney Rammell administered the oath of office to Ryker Davison. OATH OF OFFICE I, Ryker Davison, do solemnly swear that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution and Laws of the State of Idaho, the Ordinances of the City of Rexburg, and the Law Enforcement 4 Code of Ethics. I will endeavor to enforce these laws to the best of my abilities, and that I will faithfully discharge all of the duties assigned or requested of me in my capacity as a law enforcement officer for the City of Rexburg. ________________ Ryker Davison 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 Public Hearing 6:30 P.M. Right-of-Way vacation at approximately 1233 & 1215 Stocks Ave. Designated as Ordinance No 1338 if motion passes and considered first read – Keith Davidson Action Item Mayor Merrill explained when the business park located on Stocks Avenue was developed a center median was constructed to preserve a tree the developer at that time did not want to remove; however, the tree has since died. The property owner to the west of the median strip would like to develop his parcel of property; however, additional space is needed to meet the city’s parking requirements. The property owner petitioned the city for the right-of-way vacation at approximately 1233 & 1215 Stocks Ave. Public Works Director Davidson added that the median strip is not needed on that road, and it Creates awkward driving movement for drivers. Mayor Merrill opened the public hearing. Public Testimony in favor of the proposal (5-minute limit): Brian Haney explained that he frequently drives down Stocks Avenue and has seen vehicles turning wide at the median into the wrong lane of traffic. He mentioned another tree was planted on the island that obstructs a driver’s view of oncoming traffic; therefore, he is in favor of this right-of-way vacation. Blake Walker said he is in favor of the right-of-way vacation at approximately 1233 & 1215 Stocks Avenue because the median was not well maintained. The city would be saving funds by not having to maintain the median strip. He said the median strip also creates difficulties for the snowplow operators to remove the snow from that road. The median strip does not create any benefit to traffic flow. Kevin Backster explained that he delivers lumber for a living and anything that obstructs his path to a site is a hindrance and a nuisance. In this case the median strip is a hinderance and a nuisance when driving a large truck and becomes a safety hazard to everybody else; therefore, he is in favor of the removal of the median strip. 5 Ben Rydalch added he is also in favor of this right-of-way vacation. He currently owns property on Bond Avenue which is to the west of Stocks Avenue. The businesses on Stocks Avenue anticipate more traffic on that road. He said the comments that have been made are accurate, particularly Mr. Haney’s comment about people entering the wrong lane when passing the island. The removal of the island would avoid possible traffic issues. Jared Ostermiller explained he is the owner of the property under consideration. He would like to build a professional building on that parcel to house his counseling agency, which has provided counseling services in Rexburg since 2002—over 23 years. He said he has owned the property since 2004. He originally owned the property to the south, behind the building with the white roof, but later exchanged it for the property located at the proposed 1233 address. The new parcel was slightly larger than 1215, and that difference made the trade a bit unusual when preparing to build on the site. Mr. Ostermiller said he had asked the city Planning and Zoning Administrator how the island in the street had come to be, as he had not heard the story about the large tree that once stood there. Currently, there are three smaller trees in that area occupying the full length of the island. Mr. Ostermiller said he is prepared to cover the costs associated with removing the island, replacing the curb, removing the asphalt, and completing the necessary improvements in conjunction with constructing the new building. 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 Member E. Erickson asked about the process of vacating right-of-way and who would end up with the property once it was vacated. Public Works Director Davidson explained that, in this case, the city is only vacating a small portion on the west side of Stocks Avenue. That portion would then transfer to the property owner to the west. Public Works Director Davidson further explained that when any right-of-way is vacated, the property is not purchased—it simply reverts to the adjacent property owner. If the right-of-way were centered in the middle of a street and the entire street was vacated, the property would typically be split between the owners on each side of the street. Council Member E. Erickson also asked if there was usually any compensation or consideration paid to the city in such cases. Public Works Director Davidson said there typically was not any consideration or compensation paid to the city, unless the property had been purchased in a deed then it would be different situation. In this situation, the right-of-way had originally been dedicated to the plat, so no consideration was required. Council Member Reeser asked if Stocks Avenue would continue straight all the way up to Stationary Road and whether a right turning lane would be included. Public Works Director Davidson responded that with this right-of-way vacation it would straighten out Stocks Avenue and a right turning lane is not needed. Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve Ordinance No 1338 Right of Way vacation at approximately 1233 & 1215 Stocks Avenue and consider first 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 C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. Items from Council: A. 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 Reeser reported that the Legacy Flight Museum Committee has not met. The Police Department held an open house to inform residents about the proposed police bond. Council Member E. Erickson reported the Trails/Parks & Recreation Committee has not met. 6 Council President Walker reported the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board met to prepare Halloween Safety skits to perform at the Elementary Schools on Halloween. He encouraged the high school students attending the meeting to join the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board. The ADA Oversight Board has not met. Council Member Johnson reported the Trails/Parks & Recreation Committee will meet at the beginning of November. She said she has been coordinating several eagle scout projects. The projects included improvements at the Golf Course and city parks. She expressed her appreciation for the service the eagle scouts have completed. Council Member C. Erickson reported the Airport Board has not met. The School Board will meet tomorrow night. There are many activities taking place at the schools and encouraged everyone to visit the School District website for dates and times of those activities. The Golf Board met last night, they are working on closing out the season. The golf courses were heavily used this year. The Golf Grounds Crew is hoping to complete the main water line project at the Legacy Golf Course before winter. There is a Frisbie Golf Tournament taking place at the Legacy Golf Course on October 24th and 25th. Council Member C. Erickson mentioned there has been discussion with the property owners to the north of Teton Lakes regarding several concerns. B. Other Reports: Staff Reports: A. Public Works: - Keith Davidson 1. Discussion concerning the Water Department Addition’s impact on the Dog Park Public Works Director Davidson reported city staff are working on the expansion and remodel of the Water Department building. One of the considerations in the new design is that, to achieve the necessary distance for the expansion, a small portion of the building would encroach into the dog park area. Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the location of the proposed expansion; the building would extend from the west side of the Water Department building and fill the adjacent area. The plan included three bays for the Water Department to accommodate their equipment. Currently, the backhoe must be lowered to fit into the existing space, which is not ideal. The new design would also provide an additional area to house the vac truck, which is a much taller piece of equipment. They are considering adjusting the fencing so that the side of the new building could serve as part of the fenced boundary for the dog park. The encroachment would be minimal. Council Member Johnson asked Public Works Director Davidson if he anticipated any further encroachment of the dog park. Public Works Director Davidson responded that he did not foresee any further encroachment into the dog park. Mayor Merrill mentioned a while ago the parks crew tried to install a water feature near the encroachment area of the dog park. They were unsuccessful in installing that feature; however, the leaking water caused some deep ruts in the grass. He wondered if that area could be repaired during the expansion of the building. 2. Surplus Fixed Asset #35-16 – 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 from Wastewater Department Action Item 7 Public Works Director Davidson explained that the surplus of a 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 from the Wastewater Department. Council President Walker moved to approve the Surplus Fixed Asset #35-16 – 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 from Wastewater Department; Council Member Reeser seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. 3. Approval of Fall Clean-Up dates from October 20th to November 10th, 2025. Public Works Director Davidson reported the Fall Clean-Up dates are scheduled from October 20th to November 10th, 2025, and he is seeking City Council approval of those dates. Council Member E. Erickson moved to approve the Fall Clean-Up dates from October 20th to November 10th, 2025; Council Member Johnson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. Council Member C. Erickson asked for the Fall Clean-Up dates to be advertised in the city’s newsletter. Council Member C. Erickson asked for an update regarding the street construction on Park Street and South 1st West. The contractor had previously mentioned a completion date of October 20th; however, it does not appear they will meet that completion date. Public Works Director Davidson explained the contractor is behind schedule. He was informed the contractor has made progress on Park Street; however, has not received an updated completion date for the work on South 1st West. Public Works Director Davidson reported the contractor is working on texturing and rebuilding the road. The sewer and water line work have been completed. Council Member C. Erickson expressed his concerns about the delays in construction having an impact on the surrounding businesses. B. Finance: - Matt Nielson 1. Financial Reports Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Treasurer’s Expenditure Report by fund. The overall percentages through September, which is the end of the fiscal year. In the report, the one-hundred- percent column gives an idea of where each of the different funds are in expenditures. There are still quite a few adjustments that need to be made so the percentages will change, as the Finance Department closes out the year and audits the accounts, many of the bills that are approved tonight will be accrued to fiscal year 2025. Finance Officer Nielson said a couple of items in the general fund were about 95%, which is mainly operational and included many wage-related expenses. Finance Officer Nielson reported that he met with Recreation Director Lewis to review Rexburg Rapids, and like most of the other departments, they believe it will probably have an operating loss of around $20,000 for the year. Some areas, such as the paramedic division on line 37, showed about 147% in expenditure; however, there are corresponding revenues, and the golf course was performing in a similar way. He also mentioned line 48 that represents the airport construction fund. The expenditures of relocating the airport project are shown 8 in line 49, Airport Relocation Reserve. These funds are the savings match that would be used when the construction of the airport takes place. Overall, the city spent about 66% of the total budget. Mayor’s Report/Business: Mayor Merrill asked Public Works Director Davidson to report on the proposed airport liaison position. Public Works Director Davidson explained that the airport is a joint venture between the city and the county. City/County staff and Airport Board Chairman David Taylor have been working on plans to relocate the airport; it has been a long and challenging process. After discussions with Mr. Taylor and the county, they agreed that it would be important to bring someone on board to help move the project forward. That person would work with the FAA and local landowners. He said one major issue is that a willing landowner wanted to keep grazing rights after selling the property. They also explored options to purchase additional land or exchange property with the Bureau of land Management (BLM). The goal is to have someone in this liaison position who could focus on pushing the project ahead. The position is a joint, part-time contract between the city and the county. Mayor Merrill added the county has approved its portion of the agreement at their meeting on Tuesday. City/County are in the process of developing a job description, outlining expectations, and preparing a contract. Once the contract is completed, it will be brought before the City Council for approval. Council Member E. Erickson asked if the proposed position has been budgeted and if so, from which fund? Finance Officer Nielson explained that the funding for the position would come from the Airport Construction Fund. He said those funds are built up in three ways: typically, about 90% of project funding comes from the FAA, and the remaining local match was split 50/50 between the city 9 and the county. There is a reserve in the fund, and each year the city and county reviewed upcoming projects and budgeted accordingly. David Taylor said during the meeting with the County Commissioners, he explained the process of breaking the airport relocation project into three different segments. The first segment involved obtaining approval from the regulating entities such as the FAA, BLM, landowners, and Indian tribes. The processes involved with the relocation of the airport are difficult for one person to handle all the responsibilities of managing the project, acting as the main point of contact, and keeping the momentum moving forward. For that reason, the Airport Board requested to bring in outside help. This idea is not original—they borrowed it from Rock Springs, which had great success hiring someone who understands the process, engaged key players, and identified funding sources that the Airport Board had not been aware of. There were many ways to make the project successful for the community. Mr. Taylor said the project was divided into three phases: the approval phase, the construction phase, and finally, the maintenance phase once the airport transitioned to its new location. From the Airport Board’s perspective, they were involved but not fully engaged. This was not something they focused on daily, and they needed someone who could take the lead and make progress. Although they had established connections, those relationships often went dormant between meetings. The project had dragged on far too long, even though the FAA had made it the number one priority in the state. Mr. Taylor mentioned the FAA wanted the project completed and was prepared to provide funding once the land deal was finalized. The team expected the land issue to be resolved soon, either through negotiation or political action. If everything went as planned, the community could have a new airport within five to six years. However, this would require a tremendous amount of work and preparation. They could not simply move to the new location and expect everything to operate smoothly. Most of the current pilots do not necessarily need a new airport, but the community does. The FAA recognized that safety concerns existed at the current location. Since the FAA only funds projects that are approved, extending the existing runway on current land was not an option. The new airport offered an opportunity to start fresh and design a facility that could serve the community for the next 150 years. It would not be a scheduled airport but would be suitable for the types of aircraft that currently fly in and those that want to fly in. Mr. Taylor mentioned that there have been instances where flight departments refused to land at the current airport because of its short runway, high elevation, and heat, which affected aircraft performance and insurance coverage. As a result, the community lost potential business. Council Member Johnson requested more information about the long-term goals, including the projected size of the airport, staffing needs, funding sources, and how costs would be shared among the city, county, and grants. Mayor Merrill explained that the upcoming contract would include a detailed scope of work outlining expectations, responsibilities, and payment structures. Mr. Taylor added that Rock Springs had created an airport authority. While the City of Rock Springs owned its airport, Rexburg’s Airport’s situation is different since the current airport was jointly owned by the city and county. He anticipates the city/county will create an airport authority as well. The new airport would increase operational capabilities and traffic, which would require greater financial commitment from local entities. Although the FAA would fund most of the construction and maintenance costs, the community needed to be ready for increased financial responsibilities. A representative from Rock Springs had shared insights about the numerous opportunities for funding through private grants and state programs. However, Public Works Director Davidson and members of the Airport Board do not have the time or focus to pursue these resources daily, which further highlights the need for a dedicated individual. Council Member E. Erickson asked if they are considering hiring someone under a one- or two-year contract to handle the first phase—gathering information, developing a plan, and managing early project coordination. Mr. Taylor responded that this individual might not stay for later phases, such as construction or maintenance, since those stages could require different expertise. He emphasized that, if done correctly, the project would be a major long-term asset for the community. The new airport could attract private investment for hangars, fuel systems, lounges, and other facilities, but the engineering and design work needed to be carefully planned to ensure success over the next century and beyond. Mr. Taylor said the current airport’s growth has been hindered by the lack of long-term planning. Had there been a clear plan earlier, the airport might have already added 10 to 15 more hangars, as there were interested parties who wanted to invest and operate there. He believes that relocating and developing the new airport is essential for the community’s future. The FAA was ready to support it; the county commissioners recognized the urgency that having a dedicated project leader is the key to finally moving the project forward after years of discussion and delay. Items for Consideration: 10 A. Approval of Purchase and Sale Agreement for 60 West Main Street – Matt Nielson Action Item Finance Officer Nielson explained that this is a two-part purchase and sale agreement regarding the old Madison Junior High property, which totals about 5.7 acres. The bottom parcel belongs to the Urban Renewal Agency; they signed the contract and are planning to deliver it to the school district the next day. Urban Renewal is going to purchase the two parcels at the bottom—around where the school is. In the middle of that area could become parking. The parcel to the north is the one being discussed in this contract. The school district, the city, and the county agreed that the city and county would purchase that northern acreage, which is approximately one and a half acres. The total purchase price is $1.3 million, with the cost split evenly between the city and the county. The county had already signed the contract on Tuesday. If the City Council approves the purchase and signs the contract city staff will deliver the completed contract to the school district. The School Board is scheduled to meet on Thursday to finalize their part. Finance Officer Nielson added a few key points: once all parties signed the agreement, the city would be required to provide $100,000 in earnest money, $50,000 from the city and $50,000 from the county—within five days. The intent was to close both transactions on April 30. The school district needed to remain in the building until June 15, at which time they would vacate it. The hope is that Urban Renewal would then cover the cost of demolishing the existing buildings. The plan for the property on Main Street, which was about 3.2 acres, is to list it for sale for private development. If a private developer purchased it and required parking, and is willing to help build a parking structure, the city would allow them to construct that structure on the smaller parcel. That area would include both public and private parking. Council Member Johnson asked for clarifcation regarding the 1.3 million dollar split between Madison County for the property. Finance Officer Nielson responded the city and county would each pay half of the 1.3 million dollars. Finance Officer Nielson explained that the city and the county will establish a committee that would work on the 1.5-acre parcel and develop a separate agreement. The reason for the separate agreement is to maintain that green space going forward, and they wanted to ensure there was a clear understanding of how the responsibilities and costs would be divided in the future. City Staff plans to bring that agreement back for review later. Council Member C. Erickson clarified the Urban Renewal Agency is purchasing Parcels 2 and 3, while Parcel 1 would be divided between the city and the county. That parcel totaled approximately 1.5 acres, so the city’s contribution would be around $675,000. He emphasized that this purchase was being made by the city, not by urban renewal, to avoid any confusion. The city’s portion of the total would be $675,000. Finance Officer Nielson noted that the back parcel is an attractive area, featuring bus lanes on both sides. That layout is important for future planning, if any development occurred there, the road could support on-street parking for customers. 11 Council Member Johnson added that the Urban Renewal Agency would be paying the full cost of the demolition of the old school building. Council President Walker moved to approve the Purchase and Sale Agreement for 60 West Main Street; 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 C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. Calendared Bills: A. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: NONE B. 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. A. Minutes from October 1, 2025, Meeting - Action Item B. Approve Payment of the City of Rexburg Bills - Action Item Council Member Reeser moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and city bills; 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 C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. Adjournment 7:37 P.M. APPROVED: ________________________________ Jerry Merrill, Mayor Attest: ________________________________ Marianna Gonzalez, City Deputy Clerk