The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink AboutCouncil Minutes - September 17, 2025♦0U R G, 4f 9= m � r 9e��SHED tBaA .................................................................................................................................. City Council Minutes — September 17, 2025 Mayor Jerry Merrill Council Members: Bryanna Johnson Eric Erickson Robert Chambers David Reeser Colin Erickson Mikel Walker 6:3o P.M. Council Member C. Erickson said the prayer. Council Member Reeser led the pledge. (208) 359-3020 35 North 1" East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org I Engage.Rexburg.org ...................................................................................... 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 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 4 IRWA Certificate Presentation and amending Item 8(2)(3) Surplus addition iPad Gen 7 - Action Item Council President Walker moved to Amend the Agenda as per Idaho State Statute §74- 204(4)(b): Amendment to include Item 4 IRWA Certificate Presentation and amending Item 8(2)(3) Surplus addition iPad Gen 7; Council Member Chambers seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting voting aye Council Member Johnson Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. Those voting nay none Presentation: Recognition and Certificate of Completion of Idaho Rural Water Association (IRWA) Apprenticeship Program for Carston Chidester. Jake Slater with Idaho Rural Water Association presented city Wastewater Treatment Plant employee Carson Chidester with a Certificate of Completion of the Wastewater Systems Operations Specialist Class 2 Track within the Apprenticeship Program at IRWA. Mr. Chidester completed 288 hours of online training and 4,Ooo hours of on-the-job training, all while working full-time. He invited Mr. Chidester to come forward, along with his mentor, city employee Riker Siepert, to receive his certificate, coins, and hat. He described Mr. Chidester as a fantastic trainee. Carston Chidester said he appreciates the training he received from Mr. Slater and for Mr. Siepert's help as his mentor. Mr. Siepert added he received his certification about two years ago and appreciated the opportunity to be a mentor to Mr. Chidester. Presentation: Pump House Property Repurpose to Rexburg History Visitor Center — Doug Ladle Doug Ladle began his presentation regarding the repurpose of the pump house property to a Rexburg History Visitor Center. He showed an early picture of the pump house located on end E and 1s1 S. It was built in 1906 and served 19 blocks of Rexburg. He also showed pictures of the meeting house and first school in 1883. He mentioned the memorial plaque that was placed by the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. The pump house is currently being used for storage. With the loss of the historic society office and Louis Clements office, there is no place for all the volumes of historic records. Mr. Ladle showed some old manuals of historic events and facts. These booklets are being stored in the basement of the school district offices. He doesn't want all these historic volumes lost. There are also 2,300 pictures. There is no longer a site to learn about this important history. He wants to repurpose the pump house to be a visitor center. It would be staffed by volunteers. It wouldn't be a museum, just a place to learn about Rexburg's history. He would hate to lose the old pump house through surplus. He would like to find funding for the remodel through grants and donations. He asked City Council to consider funding this idea. Mayor Merrill said the city has declared the pump house as surplus, but city staff have since discovered that they don't have proof that it belongs to the city. They are looking for the deed. He likes the proposal but of course funding is always an issue. Council Member Johnson appreciates the information presented by Mr. Ladle and would like to discuss it further. Council Member Chambers said he also likes Mr. Ladle's idea and would like to remove the pump house from surplus status. Mayor Merrill said he and city staff are working on the matter to figure out a solution regarding the ownership of the pump house. Finance Officer Nielson has contacted the church and was waiting to hear back to see if the church would allow them some form of ownership rights. Since the city has used the property for over 50 years, they had assumed it belonged to the city. The city had the property appraised. Discussion regarding the pump housing needing a fair amount of renovation, as the mortar between the blocks has stated to come loose. Mayor Merrill recalled that a similar project on the tabernacle had cost $800,000, showing how expensive it could be to repair historic buildings. Still, the property carried significant historical value. Mr. Ladle said Museum Curator Teitjen recommended that the rock portion of the building not be used as a public area. Instead, it could be roped off, allowing visitors to see the pump area inside as a display, like how historical homes have roped -off rooms. Transactions could take place in the remodeled garage area to the west, creating a functional visitor center without using the less stable rock structure. 2 Council Member E. Erickson mentioned that the challenge is the cost. He would certainly support removing the pump house from surplus; however, figuring out how to make it into something without spending a lot of money is difficult. Council Member C. Erickson agrees that they should look at this proposed option and not surplus the pump house. Mayor Merrill asked City Clerk Lovejoy to schedule a day next week for a tour of the pump house and invite Mr. Ladle and others who might have an interest in the matter. 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. Keith Wilding from Rexburg addressed the importance of Rexburg having a visitors' center. A place where the community and visitors can learn about the city's history. He is aware of visitors that are drawn to the area, and some end up moving here. He thinks they should share the city's history with them. His uncle Dwayne Wilding was instrumental in getting the flood museum going. He would hate to see all his historical items put into storage. Mayor Merrill explained that they do have more room here at city hall now, that they can use for museum displays. Not that it will be a permanent location, but it will provide a place to have some of those items on display until another can be found. He said looking further ahead, there are other city buildings that could become available to house a visitor center. Mayor Merrill expressed support for the idea of using the historic site as a visitor center, acknowledging its cultural value. He also emphasized the importance of preserving Mr. Clements' work, along with the efforts of others who contributed to protecting local history. Mr. Ladle said that the pump house might not be a viable option, but a concentrated effort would be needed to establish a permanent historic museum and visitor center. Other buildings in the community could also be considered. Mayor Merrill highlighted key considerations, such as ownership, costs, and budget sources. He also mentioned the potential of involving volunteers, drawing inspiration from other small communities like Hagerman, where local historical societies staffed museums, accepted donations, and managed operations. He said that type of model is viewed as a practical approach to sustaining a local museum. Council Member E. Erickson agrees that a visitors' center is important for a city. When he and his wife travel, they often look for a visitors' center in towns they pass through to find out more about that town. Mayor Merrill said city Cultural Arts Director Platt had plans to make the Romance Theater Lobby a Rexburg Visitor Center. Grant Williams expressed his concerns with the school not having an indoor swimming facility so that local swimmers could host swim meets instead of always traveling to Idaho Falls. Mayor Merrill explained that plans were being considered for a future sports complex, possibly near the high school. The proposed design could include a natatorium —an indoor swimming pool complex —that would allow for year-round use, high school swim practices, and tournaments. He emphasized that while the idea was on their minds, projects of this scale required significant planning, forward thinking, and especially funding. As with the historical center, the challenge of working within budget constraints remained a major factor. Nonetheless, they were actively considering the idea and exploring the best way to make it possible. Joe Law from Teton agrees with Mr. Ladle's idea of repurposing the pump house into a Rexburg Visitor Center. The historic Fun Farm Bridge by his original homestead has been removed. He has seen countries preserve their historic buildings and hopes that Rexburg will do the same. 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 C. Erickson reported the Airport Board did not meet, their next scheduled meeting is set for October. He reported that the Golf Board met. They have had a great year at both courses, with continued revenue increases compared to the prior year. The grounds crew is working on thatching throughout the golf course. At that time, they were focused on the front nine, which had created some challenges regarding play. However, the improvements made the course look much better once completed. A significant amount of dead grass had been removed, and overall, the courses continued to improve. Council Member C. Erickson explained that he was unable to attend the School Districts Board meeting because he was out of town. He stated he would try to attend the next one. Council Member Johnson reported that the Beautification, Trails/Parks & Recreation committees have not met since their last meeting. However, she brought up a question regarding service projects. She explained that she has been contacted periodically by residents looking for service opportunities, and she expressed appreciation for their willingness to serve. Council Member Johnson noted that in one recent case, a volunteer group was lost to another project because she was unable to find anyone to help coordinate a city service opportunity quickly. She suggested that it would be helpful to have a list of potential service projects ready to go, so that groups could be matched with projects without delay. Mayor Merrill suggested that the Trail/Parks and Recreation Committee could compile a list of potential projects, both large and small, so they could be matched Adth different group sizes. He said he would mention the idea to city Recreation Director Jon Lewis. Council Member C. Erickson suggested that the police chief could be notified as well, since service opportunities might be available at the shooting range or the animal shelter, both of which could provide valuable service hours. Council President Walker said the MYAB met two weeks ago for a kick-off meeting. They will meet again tomorrow to tie blankets for the Family Crisis Center. He said if anyone else wants to join, it's not too late and serving on the MYAB looks good on resumes. Council Member Chambers said he could not attend any of the committee meetings due to other work -related time conflicts. Council Member E. Erickson reported that the Parks and Trails Committee have not met; however, bids for the new Teton River Park project are out and expected back within the week, marking some progress. He then shared less favorable news about the pickleball courts. The company hired to complete the work has been slow to respond, and as a result, the project likely would not be completed before spring. Finance Officer Nielson added that the city was looking into contacting another company to compare bids; however, even if other vendors bid on the project now, the work would still not be completed until the following year. The delay is due to cooler temperatures, which are not suitable for the type of materials used to resurface the courts. Council Member Reeser reported the Cultural Arts Department, and the Legacy Flight Museum committees have not met. He mentioned the new police station bond and hopes the citizens are reviewing the information regarding the bond on the city website and app. The bond is in the November election, and they hope the citizens come out to vote. B. Other Reports: Staff Reports: A. Finance: -Matt Nielson 1. Financial Reports Finance Officer Nielson provided updates on the Cash and Investments Report. He reminded the City Council that although the report covered activity through August, the city typically used a large amount of cash in the fall, so it was important to maintain liquidity. At the end of August, the city held about $52 million in total cash and investments. He noted that two check runs and two payroll runs in September amounted to over $6 million, which always highlighted the importance of monitoring available cash. Finance Officer Nielson explained that as reinvestment opportunities arose, the city aimed to build up a two- to four-year investment ladder, anticipating that interest rates would decline in the coming years. Locking in longer terms could be beneficial, but water and sewer funds presented challenges because they had significant upcoming capital improvement projects. He emphasized that he and city Finance Controller Miller continually reviewed cash flow needs and project timing when making investment decisions. Finance Officer Nielson said to provide context, that while $52 million seemed like a large sum, much of it was restricted for specific purposes, such as wastewater treatment and water facilities, as required by state law. Upgrades to facilities like wastewater treatment plants could cost $10-15 million E at a time. For this reason, the city worked to build reserves gradually to cover those projects without needing to seek bonds from the community. CITY OF REXBURG FY 2025 CASH & INVESTMENT BALANCE REPORT 1, of Total BALANCE Portfolio AS OF CASH 8. INVESTMENTS Rate;Yleld t 1 YEAR 1-2 Years 2.3 Yeal6 2•-4 Years 4-5 Years 5 YEARS 8l31'2025 Cash On Hand NA. 5,960 0�1`r, 5930 Z:ens flank General Checking Z:ons Bank Payroll Checking R' NA NA 472,100 2005 0'90% C 04% 472100 21,005 ZX1ns Bank Collatera;:_e-d Aw 0.204% 1,2D0.199 229`A 1 _00.199 Key Bank Cneckin, IRLF1 0,01% 12,877 002% 12,877 Nellc Fargo Drug Fund Checking 0.01% 13,133 0 03% 13.133 Jell<_ Fa,gc Fire District Banking 0.0356 711,420 136% 711,420 Bank of Corvnerce Legacy FM 0 10% '08 3G3 0 40% 204 383 Total Cann Accounts 2645.077 5.W5 2645 077 Bank oCCommerce Bank 4.215, 261 407 0.504;; 261407 Wwrnal; CD 5.085b 279.572 MIS% 279.572 Beehive Cre011 Un�7n CD 2.48% 250.153 0.46% 250,153 Frontier CD CD 4.7351, 776.403 1.46% 776.403 Idaho Central Credit Union CO 4,09% 250,025 0 46% 254.025 Mountain America Crea.1 Union 4.89% 1-41,847 OAF% 241.847 Citizens Cotnrtuniry Bank 4.5C% 249,671 0 48% 249.671 'Ja'aFaBank 5.101% 250.000 048% 250000 City Golf Can Cu - Internal 3.001,6 10755E 0 216A 107.5!A Total Certificate of Deposit Invest is 2.559.078 107.55E 5,0111 2.966,636 Moreton Asset Managemem 4.i456 7,124,644 4.179.101 2,353,623 i,369,962 28.70`la 15,027.55C Zws Bank Capital Advisors 4.60% 2,576.741 1 E61 693 855455 525,876 11.11% 5,819 765 7VI - Bond Investment 3.6456 2,125,573 3.071 712 2.384.789 3,175.398 2,203,338 24 75% 12,960.8D9 7l'I - Bond Investment- F;re Dlstnct 4.30% 341.917 110.781 1.25% 652.719 State LGIP--Cay 4. 34% 12,D41,034 10,353 2320% 12, 15038e State LGIP--Fire Distric 4.34% 15,1180 139 0 03% 15 A19 State L(-:IP--RLF 4341.1, 4243?r 3 -4 - 425 214 Tmal Mana led InvPstmentc 24,649.71i9 9.536.634 5,593.8,157 S,ri71.256 2-203.338 0 89.S, `' 47,054.80 GRAND TOTAL 29,853,924 9.536.634 5,593,867 5.178.815 2.203.33e 0 100° d2.31;6.577 ', OF TOTAL PORTFOLIO 57.0", 18.2'.h 10,74 9.9°, 4.2', 0.0,v 10W ) Mayor Merrill explained that it seems like the city has a lot of money put away and some of the residents may be questioning why the city does not use some of those funds for the Rexburg Visitor Center. He clarified that a lot of that money can only be spent on infrastructure such as water, and wastewater per state law. Finance Officer Nielson emphasized that the money was not sitting idle; his team actively strategizes investments to grow the reserves and reduce the need for future borrowing or bonding. He noted that through investing over the past three to four years, the city had earned several million dollars in additional income. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Treasurer's Report, which reflects 11 of the 12 months of the fiscal year. He explained that the "spent" column should generally be around 92% at this point. Emergency services stood out at about 96%. Since this fund was primarily operational with little capital spending, he forecasted that it would end the year several hundred thousand dollars over budget; however, clarified that those costs were shared by the fire district, the ambulance district, and the city. The Sanitation Fund also stood out at w8%, largely due to the construction of a shop. While the project came in over budget, the cash had already been set aside, so the city remained financially secure on that item. Paramedic Care and Wildland expenses appeared high as well, but these were offset by sufficient revenue. Finance Officer Nielson added the golf course showed spending at 105%. However, revenues also increased, resulting in another record year. He pointed out that while revenues were up, so were expenses, particularly with $330,000-$4o6,000 spent on capital improvements, making it a significant year for capital investment. Fiber spending reached 153%, which stemmed from delays in receiving a $433,000 state contribution. He reported that the city was about 90 % through the collection process and remained optimistic the funding would come through. Finance Officer Nielson explained budget categories for the benefit of high school students in attendance. The capital expense was any purchase of over $5,000 that could be depreciated over time, such as vehicles or buildings. Personnel expenses included wages and benefits, while operations covered supplies, fuel, and other essentials. Transfer expenses, he noted, involved moving funds between accounts and were a standard feature of governmental accounting. CITY OF REXBURG TREASURER'S EXPENDITURE REPORT BY FUND YEAR-TO-DATE AS OF e/31/2025 @ 91.7% OF THE FISCAL YEAR 2025 (OCT'24 - SEPT'251 91.73E I (ASH/ PERSONNEL OPERATIONS OTHER CAPITAL TRANSFER TOTAL REVISED FUNU INVESTMENT FI FUND EXPENSE EXPENSE EXPENSE EXPENSE EXPENSE EXPENSE BUDGET SPENT BALANCE BAUINCE 01 GENERAL 17,2-C,^06 3,026,952 0 373,915 2,£67,700 t6,543,573 19,276,21' 5,033,3'3 ., --,72� 02 STREET OPERATIONS 11164,232 .03,154 . 23,837 723,055 0 3,174,187 5,021,400 62.2% 2,540,393 ,505,341 03 RECREATION PROGRAMS 53,049 201,697 0 0 0 294,747 317,500 32.8% 44,315 44,371 04 TABERNACLE OPERATIONS 81,771 50,872 0 1101093 0 242,737 1.753,30E 13.£% 309,509 312,603 07 POLICE IMPACT FEE CAPITAL C 5CC 0 69,357 0 70,357 75,000 93.£•4 359,220 35S,220 09 D.A.R.E. TRUST FUND L• 12,63E 0 0 0 13,633 18,000 103.5-4 20,157 25,331 09 DRUG INTERDICTION/EDUCATION 0 13,373 0 0 0 13,373 19,400 6B.9% 22,811 22,863 13 POLICE SMALL GRANTS 32,371 939 0 0 0 33,310 46,DX 724°4 ....- 5a_'1 15 NIGH 5 GRANT C 0 0 0 0 0 0 0.0% 0 0 16 FIRE STATION BLDG FUND 0 0 0 0 0 0 1,2CO,w- 0101. 415,602 41$,6C2 17 EMERGENCY SERVICES 4,223,429 i,396.169 0 119,162 0 5,739,961 5,9E3A00 95.9% 26,024 -355.754 1S JOINT FIRE EQUIPMENT 0 7,000 0 9,390 a 16.390 778,80E 2.1% 1,799,725 1,784,725 15 MADISON COUNTY FIRE DISTRICT 0 951 0 4,237 1,137,4420 1,14Z,589 1,241,000 92.1% 1,365,931 11365,981 20 FIRE IMPACT FEE CAPITAL 0 0 0 0 37AD0 37,400 42,101, S3.8% 26,750 26,750 21 FIRE DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE 0 51A 0 0 0 614 3,00C 20.516 26,899 2 889 22 REVOLVING LOAN 0 2,917 0 0 0 2,437 T3,SOG 4.0% 1,665,687 47-,228 23 REXBURG RAPIDS OPERATIONS 326,874 143,447 0 0 0 177,320 583,300 E1.9% 52 536 102,051 24 LEGACY FLIGHT MUSEUM. 0 55,74E 0 0 0 5S,74E 213,600 27.1.% 351,941 351,99E 5 7:3.i+]C. 27.5% ... .. .-.. ;% _'.--. .. 3.5!S.S^.: 10.4.5% 2.853.2C1 .. :b38i 3 4L2.2:r;, 34.0% 35.264,105 ._, ..- 0.014 O nK - . 6e`A0_ 79.2% 7C5,24_ 3.3% 3,56n,C.rS 5,/,5,757 `.. ,22.7.5 43.2%W 27£S35 7_.... 11.7% .. .. 3.35-,0.^C S.1°s 3,io:.:z_ 11.7% 113,5 _-:`? > CASH/ PERSONNEL OPERATIONS OTHER CAPITAL TRANSFER TOTAL REVISED FUND INVESTMENT FXPFNSF F_XPENSE EXPENSE EXPENSE EXPENSE EXPENSE BUDGET SPENT BALANCE BALANCE I; '-, REICAT;Dtl;.'_+V3 G:..'1"A%6 ,AIPPOPT l.l-t3.?_?_C .-_-__ 'J GnLF COUF5E O>_RAT1095 _ -. S2 :.. _.:"P -. :. i,- :.-.: _., :_." 15- `]C SO55% 525.7-i3 .__s?= :1 �GLF C...".E DE?T ;., J�CE .. .: .. U : 227,51C 25.3% 52 5:1';3=Cu:�ITAL t:h•:T3:::_;_... 0 : _ _. _. __ 2,.SO,r`]C 34.9% 5 LI .' .:-R� CTICN '. ,_ - .- 7 .:-2a5 ] _._ _. _JC 1£.£%R /52_3: 70,27C 72.7% d0100.55 _3.. 03 NTFEPREN JFI,. 2,-'3 3!.ri _ 34,1% 15.613 15'_3 5 COMN. SAFETY_'-"=,.= .:.-_ =-1^c ;c?.3 _ «n0 12.446 317,01? 32=.3°3 65 FIBEF OPERATING __:_ : 3LaC? 1. ;i2 113,3JC 0.0% 51.33E __.7CP ?1 140P WIT-4A CCP - -. _. _:,,-__ 53.5% ab.1Si 13 AIA Ki LANCE CA"+ITAL FEcS, r E'Nc^:' _ _ _-_--_ 112.7:.3 1_C•,C!r,. 200.6% a7 31.3% I-L ......I.IS% ,1Y,06V,/tY >l,Yae,v 31 >1V,Ya0�a�1 ,0,./Y.a�/ JY6.a00,UYY ,Ye.n%T,>VU >O.YYe ,lAiiiY,s.i > , ,Y// tldX are mited to *poet the detailed supperbng r.1nds a! tSe a6a:e I�nancial statement. �nie Isom". can to `cur; cn /iu• »aGsdr at •. - _ % r a on, Council Member E. Erikson asked about the Paramedic Care Wildland fund. Finance Officer Nielson confirmed that it would be covered, explaining that the process involved billing in arrears, which meant revenues typically arrived several months later. He noted that the wildland crews had been very busy earlier in the season, though activity had slowed somewhat after the rainfall that occurred three to four weeks prior. Overall, he remarked that it had been another busy year for wildland operations. 2. Police Facility Bond Update and Mailer Finance Officer Nielson presented plans for a citywide mailer to inform Rexburg residents about the upcoming bond. The mailer should reach every address within city limits, but he explained that using the federal postal system created challenges. Mailing by ZIP code risked including many households outside the city limits, while mailing by route sometimes added 300-40o extra homes. As a result, some non-residents would likely receive the mailer. To address this, the mailer included a clear note that the bond election applied only to Rexburg city residents. Finance Officer Nielson said the city worked with a local vendor who offered discounted printing and estimated the mailing cost would fall between $4,000 and $5,400 after adjustments. The mailer contains legally required disclosures, including the bond amount of $16.75 million, estimated interest, total cost with principal and interest, 15-year term, and projected tax impact per $1oo,000 of assessed value. He highlighted an online tax calculator that allowed residents to estimate their individual costs using their property's assessed value, with links to the GIS system for reference. Finance Officer Nielson also outlined outreach events, including a town hall Q&A scheduled for October 15 and a police station open house on October 28. He noted that previous events had steadily attracted more residents, and the goal was to ensure people had opportunities to ask questions and access accurate information. Council Member C. Erickson confirmed that the mailer's language had been reviewed for accuracy, and the steering committee had also provided input and supported the plan. y 41 F.W1 U CALCIXATOR * ti • • V r.rr.wrrlrreraf rr.r.w on Finance Officer Nielson directed the City Council to the city website, where detailed information about the police station bond and project plans are available. He reviewed the site diagram on Pioneer Road next to US-20, showing both a citywide map and a zoomed -in view. Consultants had developed a conceptual layout of the building that outlined departmental square footage needs and future growth options. The design included "gray shell" space, indicated in dark gray, which represented unfinished areas built to accommodate a 20-year need. Finance Officer Nielson explained that the intention was to fund finishing these spaces over the next 5 to 20 years through impact fees, ensuring that new growth would cover the costs rather than existing residents. The layout also positioned the building farther north, closer to storage units and away from nearby apartments, and left undeveloped land at the rear of the site for long-term expansion. Mayor Merrill highlighted that the unfinished space and extra land could extend the facility's usefulness well beyond 20 years, potentially lasting 30-40 years before needing additional expansion. Council Member C. Erickson emphasized the importance of the planned community room, which could accommodate about ioo people. He noted that similar facilities in Idaho Falls were well used for public meetings, and this addition would provide much -needed space for community gatherings, especially given that the library and school district facilities were often fully booked. -i Indicates Unfinished Space within the facility that will accommodate future Growth within the Police U M M E L Department The unfinished apace Is the difference between the 'Current Neea- and the "20 Year Need" architects - indirwtod in the spaca program. The Tenant Infill, Build out Of the unfitdahcd epmu will the paid for by Impact Fees cofltxiod by Iho City oyor the next 5�20 yoais. Finance Officer Nielson reported that they have hired a new payroll clerk, Brandy Davis, to replace Pamela Schiess. B. Public Works: - Keith Davidson i. Bid Approval for the Riverside Lift Station and Gravity Sewer -Action Item Public Works Director Davidson presented the bids for the Riverside Lift Station and Gravity Sewer Project. Edstrom Construction emerged with the low bid. Edstrom Construction was also the low bid on the gravity line project extending to Sugar City. J.u.B i _City of Rexburg Riverside Lift Station Phase 2 Official Bid Opening REXBURG Date of Opening: Tuesday August 12, 2025 Time: 3:00 PM Location: Rexburg City Hall - 35 N 1st East, Rexburg, ID Project: Riverside Lift Station Phase 2 Name of Bidder Bid Bond Addendum Total Edstrom Construction Yes 1-4 $2,432,390.10 GSE Construction Yes 1-4 $3,361,600,00 Award Construction Yes 1.4 $2,434,477.00 Engineer's Estimate: $1,816,100 Public Works Director Davidson explained that city staff have been in discussions with the contractor to identify potential cost savings, particularly regarding the odor control unit, where an alternative option could reduce costs by approximately $55,000. Although the overall bid came in higher than the initial estimate, he noted that cost escalation is a widespread issue. 7 Mayor Merrill pointed out that the project would require about $2.5 million but emphasized that the narrow difference —only $2,000—between the two lowest bids indicated a competitive and reliable bid process. He added that close bids gave confidence that the city was not facing inflated prices or inexperienced contractors. Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve the Low Bid of $2,432,390 from Edstrom Construction for the Riverside Lift Station and Gravity Sewer; Council Member Reeser seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Council Member Johnson Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. Those voting nav none 2. Follow up discussion regarding recommendations from the Traffic Impact Study for the Gem Charter School CUP on S 12th W. Public Works Director Davidson presented the traffic impact study (TIS) for the proposed Gem Charter School. He explained that the study analyzed existing traffic conditions, future background growth, and the added impact of the school at key intersections. Traffic levels of service (LOS) were projected to decline to D and E in some areas by 2030 with the addition of the school. Existing Conditions Table 3 AM Peak Hour Intersection Operation - Delay and Level of Service Existing Conditions ov-11 Northbound Southbound Eastbound Westbound lighl I Left Thru 04. 1A 11r4 Rkllt DL/_ I , I i"A ft T", Location pelpy/ c Dewy/ Det"N lheliry/� c IxOjyl� c I DtUyl— Cicin i,c Dic i WS LOS l05 lOS L05 LOS 1.05 LOS LOS IOS loS LOS los n Street/ IS 7! Route 33 0 611 1Z C3 7f. 10.21022 i5i 6/0.5B 1? � -, ?_ 1 tp.5 _6 I LOS 5 L05 -3 LD5 E _C. i cr Signal) L01 1000S/ 2 1,6 W 7'S 0 NAi ,.. La3s 21 6,111", ,')y stop) _J 'Ote 2030 Background Growth Table b AM Peak Hour Intersection Operation - Delay and Level of Service Background 2030 Conditions 011 Northbound Southbound Eastbound Westbound Location ina—ci- to Right - Rgh W! ThN Leh Thr. Right Cie"vi— tall_ DZ oclay/�( -'--v/- -Tz., oelay/vc DIayl" Dlay/_ DeLy/— thttay/— I tos S Los LOS toy lO5 LOS LOS lOS Los LOS LOS 12 it Iviaui street/ i Ill y I-t A/C -'A 126/0.26 26.7/0 FA 2C 6;) -1: 21 2.�--6 State Route 33 0, �' ' LCS LOS D L'_ LOS b LOS C _QrL I raffic Slcnal) -CIS b.", t '."Cst Public Access I t'' i PSite C' of o6' 01 NA -6. liJ - .,- Los 11 (One YVay Stop) LOS b 1000 S/ IS, 3iC 0- 13 giO.30 41 %V 7' 5 LOS Los 0 .0 LOS a Los D Stop! LOS D' P.: r 2030 Background Growth plus School Table 13 AM Peak Hour Intersection Operation - Delay and Level of Service 2030 Background Growth Plus Project Conditions _Northbound Southbound Eastbound Westbound Location Th Right Lee Thu Right Tiv, alight c D"j— Detay/ D.Lay/ ftwivj_ IaY/" ws LOS l05 Los un 1.05 WslY i t 5trcet" Z'j. State Route 33 0 SI 7 7 Los o 3 "78 -s" I. _osl L05 D Los a c -c* E-1 'A' -A Pubk Access , I Road/North Site 1� tl- N-' Los c 'One Way Stop) LV7 L. '>ovth Site Access 6 u� :O"k: Wav Stop) Q — "A . I u- i 1 wa c Stop, 0 '7 -,A t�! 5 i Q5 C a/c 31 Los It Lose LOS El �)'-Jay .i "'oted in 5c'u-", 0 8 Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the TIS Recommendations to return intersections to LOS C, the study recommended improvements. At 12th West and Main Street (Highway 33), the solution would be to widen the northbound lane to add a right -turn lane. TIS Recommendations TIS Recommendations T rR 12th West at Main Street/Highway 33 12th West at 7th South Widen northbound 12th West approaching Main Street for an Install additional southbound through - additional right turn lane. Requires lane through the intersection and relocation of the traffic signal pole and change the intersection from a two-way cabinet on the southeast corner of the STOP to an all -way STOP, r r; intersection. With this Improvement, the resulting With this improvement, the resulting intersection operation would be at LOS intersection operation would be at LOS _ _Y Ft C. C. ,_ .1.� • The construction cost estimate is • The construction cost estimate is $304.990, $170,500. !2 ,•, • The school's pro-rata share of this The school's pro-rata share of this irllre rr:L. improvement is 13%based on the AM improvement is 16% based on the AM peak hour traffic volumes or $40,224. peak hour traffic volumes or $28,098. 1 Council Member Reeser questioned if there is state involvement at the Highway 33 and 12th West intersection. Public Works Director Davidson responded that he had recently met with the state to discuss broader improvements beyond the TIS recommendations, including adding eastbound lanes and reconfiguring the signal. He said this would involve significant costs, but the state was reviewing potential resource contributions. Council Member Reeser raised concerns about traffic signal boxes near a medical building construction site. Public Works Director Davidson explained that relocating the boxes behind the curb would cost around $50,000, which would be wasteful given anticipated signal reconfiguration. Instead, city staff are exploring options to lower the boxes and pave around as a temporary measure. Council Member Johnson expressed concern that the City Council had not received the Gem Charter School traffic impact study before voting on the conditional use permit (CUP). She recalled asking about the intersection at that time and only being told that city staff had driven it and found it acceptable. After reviewing the study, she noted that delays at 12th West and Main Street were projected to increase by 50% by 2030, which she feels is significant information that should have been available during the vote. She asked whether the process could be changed so that City Council and residents had access to more detailed data before making such decisions. Public Works Director Davidson responded that traffic impact studies typically cost around $20,000, which presented a substantial burden for applicants before securing approval. He explained that the study had been required as part of the project, but it would not have been undertaken had the CUP been denied. Council Member Johnson reiterated that they had been told after the vote that the study had already started, and she stressed the importance of City Council and the public receiving such information in advance to make more informed decisions. Council Member Johnson asked why Summerfield Lane had not been included in the traffic impact study, noting that the stop sign on 12th West already caused significant backups, especially when vehicles attempted to turn left. She expressed concern that the problem would worsen with additional school traffic. Public Works Director Davidson responded that the city would monitor the situation as Summerfield continued to develop. He explained that decisions such as installing a four-way stop depended on a set of traffic warrants, which would guide whether further controls were justified. Mayor Merrill added that future infrastructure improvements, such as planned underpasses across the highway, would also help relieve traffic pressure in the area. 3. Surplus 2 - ist Generation Apple Pencils, 1 Logitech Crayon Digital Pencil, 1 iPad 9th Generation A2603 64GB, i iPad Air 2 A1567 32GB,1 iPad 7th Generation A2200 32GB with case, iPad nth Generation 32 GB A2200, 2 Cases for iPads - Action Item Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the list of the older iPads no longer is use which need surplus. W Council Member Chamber moved to approve the Surplus of 2 - vt Generation Apple Pencils, 1 Logitech Crayon Digital Pencil, r iPad 9th Generation A2603 64GB, 1 iPad Air 2 A1567 32GB, i iPad 71h Generation A2200 32GB with case, 2 Cases for iPads; Council Member E. Erickson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Council Member Johnson Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. Those voting nay none 4. Cost estimates to construct a missing segment of sidewalk along University Boulevard near the Wilcox Property. Public Works Director Davidson reviewed the estimated costs for sidewalk improvements on Wilcox Property. Based on the current LID, the section under consideration would cost slightly over $24,000, while extending the sidewalk over the railroad tracks would cost the city an additional $14,000. He noted that future construction with concrete planks would be significantly more expensive. Council Member Reeser raised concerns about pedestrian safety, particularly for individuals crossing to reach nearby businesses like Applebee's. Public Works Director Davidson explained that pedestrians would need to look and go, as the gates at the railroad crossing do not extend to the crosswalk. Discussion regarding possible funding approaches, including using an LID, paying out of city funds with a later claw back, or waiting until developers bring in heavy equipment for construction. Public Works Director Davidson updated the City Council on water wells. He reported that two wells were currently down: Well 1 was being repaired slowly A ith the contractor, and Well 5 had recently failed due to broken shafts and spider bearings. To maintain water supply with Well 9 running longer hours, the city would need to replace Well 5 quickly. American Pump was identified as the fastest option, with parts expected by the following Friday and repair work to start the next Monday at an estimated cost of $85,000. Mayor's Report/Business: Mayor Merrill reported that the Chamber of Commerce is hosting the Experience Rexburg Event on Saturday from io a.m. to 3 p.m. at Porter Park. The event showcases local businesses, with booths, giveaways, and opportunities for college students and residents to learn about services offered in Rexburg. Mayor Merrill also reported that Diane Bruce, the Chamber executive director, had organized a committee of two experienced women to oversee the 4th of July parade, relieving the Chamber of Commerce of direct responsibility while maintaining city and chamber support. Additionally, Mayor Merrill highlighted the upcoming OkTUBERfest, scheduled for Saturday, October 11, from 4 to 7 p.m., celebrating the local harvest, including everything potato. The event would feature music, dancing, and booths. Mayor Merrill reported on the Connecting Communities program. He attended a seminar in Washington, D.C., and a similar event in California is planned. The program helped address community connectivity issues, including traffic and pedestrian challenges across Highway 20, Connecting Communities had created a video at no cost to illustrate Rexburg's traffic and growth challenges for use with government or private granting agencies. The video was shown on the overhead screen. Mayor Merrill said he hopes that with the help of the video, the city can get their message across. As shown in the trailer, the very last slide mentioned a $2 million grant for engineering, planning, and consulting needed to complete the overpasses and underpasses. However, that grant was put on hold. They hope the grant will be reinstated and that the video could help in achieving that goal. The video was well done. They considered putting it on the website so people could watch and listen to it. Council Member C. Erickson asked for an update on the LID committee and whether it was being organized. Mayor Merrill explained that interest had been minimal, though a few volunteers had been suggested. City Clerk Lovejoy noted that a committee could not officially exist without a regulating 10 ordinance. She discussed creating a system to capture volunteers' names and information electronically to organize the committee better. She agreed to move forward in putting the interested individuals together in a more official manner so progress could continue. Items for Consideration: NONE Calendared Bills: A. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: 1. Ordinance No 1337 an amendment to the current Development Code, Ordinance No 1200 for the City of Rexburg #25-00575 — Alan Parkinson - Action Item Council President Walker moved to approve Ordinance No 1337 an amendment to the current Development Code, Ordinance No 1200 for the City of Rexburg and consider second; Council Member Johnson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Council Member Johnson Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. Those voting nay 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 September 3, 2025, Meetings - Action Item B. Approve Payment of the City of Rexburg Bills - Action Item C. Approval of 2025-2026 Alcohol Licenses -Action Item Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes, city bills and 2025-2026 Alcohol Licenses; Council Member E. Erickson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Council Member Johnson Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. Those voting nay none Roll call vote to move into executive session as per Idaho Code 74-2o6(i)(f) To communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. — Action Item 11 Council Member Johnson moved to enter into executive session as per Idaho Code 74- 2o6(1)(f) To communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigatedapprove the Consent Calendar containing the city bills and minutes; Council President Walker seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a roll call vote: Those voting aye Council Member Johnson Council Member Chambers Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council President Walker The motion carried. Executive Session started at 8:16 P.M. Executive Session ended at 9:45 P.M. Adjournment 9:47 P.M. Attest: Marianna Gonzalez, City Deputy Clerk Those voting nay none ROVED: Jerry`IV1'erril}%payqr 12