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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - December 3, 2025 1 (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org City Council Minutes – December 3, 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 Johnson said the prayer. Council Member C. Erickson said 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 (via phone) and Mayor Merrill. Council Member Riggins did not attend the meeting. Eagle Scout Project Presentation: Thomas Dye Eagle Scout Project – Picnic tables for Eagle Park. Mayor Merrill reviewed pictures of the Eagle Scout Project at Eagle Park that Thomas completed. He expressed his appreciation for the Eagle Scouts that complete service projects. 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. Staff Reports: A. Finance: - Matt Nielson 1. Approval of Budget Adjustment and Land Sale Purchase Agreement with BYUI of 5.02 acres of real property around 8th South and 5th W near the City of Rexburg/Steiner property to be reimbursed by the Urban Renewal Agency - Action Item Finance Officer Nielson explained that the city has been working with BYU–Idaho representatives on the land sale purchase agreement for the past year. The funds for the purchase were in the city’s budget for fiscal year 2025, but they have not completed the purchase. The highlighted piece of property shown on the map was donated to the city several years earlier by the Steiner family. Behind the property is the retention pond and the lower portion of the pivot area owned by BYU–Idaho. The city is looking to develop that property into a park and according to the city’s park plan, they typically aimed for community parks closer to ten acres rather than smaller two-, three- or four-acre parks. City Staff was able to work with BYU–Idaho and put an agreement in place. BYU- Idaho was willing to trade those city five acres of property behind the parcel and the city planned to give them $200,000 credit toward fees such as impact fees, capacity fees, and building permit fees. He added that urban renewal has agreed to reimburse that amount as a contribution to cover the cost of those five acres, as well as the costs to develop those five acres. 2 Finance Officer Nielson said City Staff has also been working with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, to possibly connect a trail on the west side, or at the bottom of the hill near the church property. The city plans to purchase the road and install a pathway along it, build a canal bridge, and then connect the trail westward to 5th. Finance Officer Nielson explained that the city would also contribute by using trail funds to support the trail construction. As additional funds became available, the city plans to finish the development of the front portion of the park as well. The trail would establish connectivity to the surrounding neighborhoods where all the residents in that area could access and use the park. Council Member Johnson asked for the trail project to be reviewed by the Trails/Parks and Recreation Committee. She added that the committee had recently met and did not discuss Steiner Park. Mayor Merrill said he would ask city employee Jon Lewis, who is the liaison of the Trails/Parks and Recreation Committee to provide an update about the trail project. Finance Officer Nielson pointed out that the city did not have an agreement with the church, so the planned trail connection may or may not happen. Finance Officer Nielson clarified that the city is not planning to place playgrounds or major amenities on the five acres because of the storm retention pond could backfill into that area. For that reason, they would likely only install irrigation, grass, and trees so the area could tolerate occasional flooding. Public Works Director Davidson added the amount of water the pond collects is a couple of feet deep and takes days to drain. The park would be a large open space for general use. Finance Officer Nielson noted that a fence would need to be installed between the city’s property and BYU–Idaho’s property, and possibly along the neighboring properties as well. He described the general shape of the land, including the angled section and the piece needed to accommodate the potential trail connection. 3 Mayor Merrill mentioned the tree grant, the city believed was canceled, went to court and has been reinstated. The city could go ahead and purchase the trees needed for this part through that grant at no cost except for installation. The city will rely on volunteer work in the spring to help with the planting of those trees. Finance Officer Nielson mentioned that developing the front portion of the park was still several years away, especially if the city continued to prioritize work on the Teton River Park, which would require most of the city’s savings for several years. Council Member E. Erickson asked whether the Steiner family is concerned that the donated property had not yet been developed into a park. Mayor Merrill responded that five years have passed since the Steiners donated the land, but the city has not received any pushback. Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve the Budget Adjustment and Land Sale Purchase Agreement with BYUI of 5.02 acres of real property around 8th South and 5th W near the City of Rexburg/Steiner property to be reimbursed by the Urban Renewal Agency; 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. 2. Update on Tabernacle Restoration Fund Raiser Concert on February 21, 2026 Finance Officer Nielson stated Brett Crandall with BYU–Idaho is present at tonight’s meeting. He mentioned he and Mr. Crandall have attended quite a few meetings regarding this project over the previous 15 months. BYU–Idaho has generously offered to let the city use the I-Center for a fundraising concert. They already have a contract with John Schmidt of The Piano Guys, and the event would be marketed as part of their Center Stage Series. After the artist fees and direct costs were covered, any remaining proceeds would come back to the city as a fundraiser for Tabernacle projects. The major project at this time is the HVAC system, which is on the agenda tonight, followed by construction work needed in the basement. Finance Officer Nielson explained the city is fortunate to have such a strong community partner willing to support the city. Once city staff works out the details with BYU–Idaho, they can secure a title sponsor—Beehive Federal Credit Union. They committed to contributing between $25,000 and $30,000. Essentially, the revenue the city anticipates will be a combination of Beehive’s contribution and whatever proceeds come from the concert. In addition, Pepsi partnered with the group and planned to support marketing efforts in grocery stores with their Pepsi products. Ticket pricing ranged from $15 to $60, depending on seating and whether the attendee was a student or a community member. If 3,700 tickets are sold, the projections showed they would raise over $45,000. Selling 6,000 tickets would generate closer to $97,000, and selling 7,500 would result in about $122,000. The venue’s capacity was nearly 15,000, and while they did not expect to reach that number, it is still a great opportunity. He expressed his gratitude to BYU–Idaho, Beehive, and Pepsi for working together to help make the event possible. Council Member Johnson asked whether the city is financially responsible for the event. Finance Officer Nielson responded that there could be some direct costs, such as expenses for additional marketing. He noted that John Schmidt is coming the day before the concert to hold a gala event at the Tabernacle on the 20th, and there would be some costs associated with that event. He clarified that while the city might incur some expenses, it was unlikely that the city would end up losing money. He expressed strong confidence that the financial risk for the city is considered very low. Council Member Johnson asked whether city staff could estimate how much the city might potentially be responsible for, Finance Officer Nielson responded that he did not believe the city would spend anything net meaning that revenues would exceed expenses and expected that the event would easily bring in more than $50,000. B. Public Works: - Keith Davidson 1. Bid approval for the Tabernacle HVAC system - Action Item Public Works Director Davidson reported that the city received two bids for the Tabernacle HVAC system. The differences between the bids were shown, and DR Heating and Plumbing was the low bidder. He recommended awarding both the base bid, which covered the HVAC system itself, and the alternate bid, which covered the plumbing work associated with relocating the bathrooms. He noted that there would be additional costs later for demolition and related work, which would need to be bid 4 separately. That phase would likely require a future budget adjustment. The city has set aside approximately $875,000 in the budget for the project, and the low bid came in below that amount. Council Member Johnson asked whether the entire cost is in the budget rather than depending on projected contributions. Finance Officer Nielson clarified that while the project was covered in the budget, there were also contributions that would help pay for the project. The city has raised between $40,000 and $65,000 in prior fiscal years, and those funds would carry over and be applied to the project. Additional funds from the upcoming concert could also go toward the cost. In addition, the city has secured a federal grant of $245,000 to help with expenses. Council Member Johnson asked whether the city has enough in the budget to cover the project even without the contributions. Finance Officer Nielson explained that there is rebuilding work required. The basement ceiling will need to be demolished, old vents will be removed to reopen the windows, and framing will be needed for areas supporting new plumbing. The demolition itself would require a separate bid so a contractor could clear the space before installation began. Council Member Johnson recalled that when the city worked on the Romance Theater, the City Council approved one item and then it triggered additional costs and asked how much they might be committing to once this HVAC project began, before the building would be usable again. Public Works Director Davidson explained that the HVAC work would primarily affect the basement area. The upper level would see only limited impact in the back corners where the HVAC system would run upward; those areas would simply need to be framed, which would not be very costly. The basement, however, would require significantly more work to restore. He said he did not know the exact cost of restoring the basement, since his experience is more on the streets-and-infrastructure side rather than building renovations. Finance Officer Nielson clarified that the plan did not include fully rebuilding the basement to make it usable at this stage. Only essential work—such as constructing necessary walls and adding required fire-protection materials like sheetrock—would be done. He emphasized that they are not remodeling the bathrooms or refurbishing the basement at this time. That would be part of a separate capital improvement project in the future. Council Member Johnson reiterated her concerns that the Tabernacle should not become a budget priority over more urgent needs, such as a police station. She emphasized that the city has committed to using private donations for Tabernacle renovations and hoped that commitment would continue. She noted that the city's resources could not cover every project at once and urged the City Council to avoid approving frequent budget adjustments for this building. Mayor Merrill responded that the fundraising group is still working on generating donations. They have promising leads and continue to pursue major donors, although that process took time. He said they hope these efforts will support future phases of the Tabernacle project. Council Member E. Erickson moved to approve the low base bid of 729,950.00 for the Tabernacle HVAC and bid Alternate of $93,660.00 for Tabernacle Plumbing from DR Heating and Plumbing; 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. 2. Approval of Professional Services Agreement for the River Pathway Underpass at 2nd East - Action Item Public Works Director Davidson explained that the city has received a state grant for this project, and the agreement under consideration is with Keller and Associates, an engineering firm. The engineers would begin by conducting a feasibility study to determine the cost and practicality of taking 5 the trail underneath the bridge on Second East. This study will evaluate various options for routing the trail below the roadway. The work falls under approximately $670,000 grant the city was awarded, with the city’s required contribution being just over 7%. The proposed contract with Keller and Associates does not exceed $123,000. Council Member Johnson asked what would happen if the feasibility study showed that constructing the trail underneath the underpass was not an option. Public Works Director Davidson explained that the city would look for alternative ways to use the grant funds, subject to LTAC’s rules. The city cannot use the grant funds anywhere, but they could be applied to alternative trail safety improvements, such as an above-grade crossing or other enhancements. The feasibility study would explore multiple options. Council Member Johnson moved to approve a Professional Services Agreement for the River Pathway Underpass at 2nd East; 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. 3. Approval of Professional Services Agreement for the 2nd East Safety Improvements - Action Item Public Works Director Davidson reported that the city received a grant of roughly $2 million for improvements to North Second East, specifically the section just north of the railroad tracks. The project would widen the remainder of that roadway to a five -lane road. The professional services agreement under consideration is with HMH, who would complete the design work before the project is bid out for construction. The contract amount was approximately $230,000. As with the previous grant-funded project, the cost was covered by the grant, with the city contributing the required matching portion. Council Member Reeser moved to approve a Professional Services Agreement for the 2nd East Safety Improvements; 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. Mayor’s Business: Mayor Merrill reported that the city held its tree-lighting ceremony on Monday night, and it went well. The event was held at Riverside Park. A large crowd attended. Although there were a few logistical issues to improve in the future, overall, the event was successful. The new ice-skating rink at Riverside Parks was busy, and many attendees commented that they did not know the rink existed. Despite the building’s size, many residents were unaware of its purpose. The event provided valuable exposure for the facility. He said Council Member Johnson participated by reading a book during the event. Mayor Merrill said he heard a great deal about—ideas and suggestions from residents about where the city should build a new police station. Many people had suggested repurposing the old Jr. High School on Main Street or pursuing other similar ideas. He noted that the upcoming survey, which they will discuss later, would be a useful tool. The city needed to address the public’s questions and provide clear information, so residents understood the realities behind different options. Council Member C. Erickson reported the Shop with a Cop event is scheduled for the morning of December 13th, and he mentioned that they need help serving breakfast to the participants at 6 a.m. at Madison Jr. High School. He mentioned that the Councilmembers could bring their spouse to help serve as well. 6 Mayor Merrill also reported at the January 21st, 2026, City Council meeting, they are planning to meet at the Romance Theater, where they intended to hold a slightly more formal induction for the new City Council Members, like what they had done two years earlier. He noted that the January 21st meeting would be longer than usual and is planned to begin at 5:30 p.m. with a meet-and-greet so the public could visit with the newly elected City Council Members, followed by the more ceremonial portion of the evening. Items of Consideration: A. Planning & Zoning recommendation to approve a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a skybridge located at approximately 1st S and 1st W in the City Center Transect (CCT) zone #25-01168 – Alan Parkinson Action Item P&Z Administrator Parkinson reviewed the Conditional Use Permit for a skybridge located at approximately 1st South and 1st West in the City Center Transect (CCT) zone. The project included a building on the north side of the road that would serve as the men’s dorms and another building on the south side that would house the women’s dorms, along with offices, workout rooms, and other necessary facilities. The purpose of the sky bridge was to allow students to move between the buildings without crossing the street at ground level. He stated that the applicant understood the requirements outlined in the new code and is seeking a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to build the bridge. P&Z Administrator Parkinson added that the applicant is present to answer any questions. Bart Stevens said he is the applicant for this CUP and explained that the process began in August— when he asked P&Z Administrator Parkinson whether a sky bridge across the public right of way could be built. He said P&Z Administrator Parkinson had responded that he did not know because no one had ever asked before. Mr. Stevens noted that there were extensive coordination and communication with Salt Lake City regarding the City Creek sky bridge over State Street, as well as with Boise concerning the sky bridge at St. Luke’s Hospital. He emphasized that a great deal of work had gone into developing the ordinance. He expressed his appreciation for the city staff and everything they have done to make the project possible. Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a skybridge located at approximately 1st South and 1st West in the City Center Transect (CCT); 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. 7 B. Planning and Zoning recommendation to approve a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a lumber yard located at approximately 1076 S 12th W in the Community Business Center (CBC) Zone #25-01072 – Alan Parkinson Action Item P&Z Administrator Parkinson reviewed the Conditional Use Permit for a lumber yard located at approximately 1076 South 12 West in the Community Business Center (CBC) zone. The business Builders First Source has decided to move to the proposed location because they believe it would be a better fit for their services. He explained that the company had struggled in its current location, particularly with trucks and contractors trying to get in and out. The site they are considering has been placed under contract, and one of the requirements for any building-materials company with a storage yard must obtain a Conditional Use Permit (CUP). That requirement existed so the city could evaluate truck traffic, storage-yard impacts, and how to protect nearby residents. P&Z Administrator Parkinson stated that city staff believe the new location is well suited for this type of business. Nearby businesses such as John Deere and Rexburg Motor Sports already have large storage yards, and the area functioned well for that use. The site also offered accessible routes: trucks could come down to University Boulevard, enter from the back road, unload, and then exit onto 12th West. Contractors could also access the property easily, load materials, and leave in a safer and more efficient manner. Council Member C. Erickson asked about a street on the west side of the property. P&Z Administrator Parkinson explained that it is a private road and would remain accessible for trucks, as the applicant had written permission to use that entire roadway. Council Member C. Erickson commented that road is rarely used and that trucks sometimes parked overnight on the road so this arrangement would be an improvement. P&Z Administrator Parkinson added that the applicant planned to provide areas for early-arriving trucks to wait safely until the gates opened. He noted that the access point design for the site would keep most truck traffic off 12th West. Trucks would load from the back, exit to University Boulevard, and then return to the freeway—an improvement over current conditions on Main Street. Council Member E. Erickson asked about screening requirements for the lumber yard. P&Z Administrator Parkinson confirmed that the ordinance required fenced and screened yards, and the applicant’s existing facility was already screened. The new site would have similar, updated screening. Council Member Reeser expressed concern about the nearby Madison High School intersection, noting that students frequently complained about the traffic volume at that intersection before and after school. P&Z Administrator Parkinson stated that the traffic study for this development did not find traffic issues, especially because most of the company’s truck activity occurred during off-peak hours. 8 He emphasized that deliveries were often scheduled at odd times and coordinated to avoid school traffic. Council Member Reeser asked about the county’s plan to extend University Boulevard westward past the seminary building. P&Z Administrator Parkinson said the county intended to start building the road this year, but they ran out of gravel while building a frontage road. The road project is expected to resume in the spring, which would provide a new alternative route for buses, parents, and students, reducing pressure on the 12th West intersection. Council Member E. Erickson moved to approve a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a lumber yard located at approximately 1076 South 12th West in the Community Business Center (CBC) Zone; 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. C. Staff recommendation to consider hiring Portman Square Group to design and execute a statistically valid survey of Rexburg Voters and Residents regarding the Police Station Facility Bond – Matt Nielson Action Item Finance Officer Nielson explained that he and Police Chief Rhodes will present the proposal to hire Portman Square Group to design and execute a statistically valid survey of Rexburg Voters and Residents regarding the Police Station Facility Bond. He added that Amy, who had been their main contact at Portman Square, is out of the country and could not attend tonight’s meeting; however, their financial advisor, Michael Keith from Zions Bank, is on the phone and available to answer questions, as he had worked closely with the team. Police Chief Rhodes explained that, as everyone already knew, the bond measure for the new police station did not pass. He expressed appreciation for all those who had supported the process and the significant amount of work that had gone into it through numerous meetings. Although the bond had failed, the steering committee—which included council members, engineers, the Construction Mangar/General Contractor (CMGC), and several officers—have met to discuss the path forward. He emphasized that the need for a new police facility still exists. The city continues to grow, and with that growth comes a need for additional officers and long-term planning. Although the Police Department is currently functioning adequately, he is concerned about the capacity in ten, fifteen, or even thirty years in the future. The committee proposed conducting a new study and gathering more public input. Police Chief Rhodes continued to explain that during the bond process, they held open houses and police-station tours to answer questions, as well as public forums at city hall. One concern that surfaced during the election was the relatively low turnout among registered voters. The committee wanted to understand more clearly why people had voted the way they did, whether certain concerns had gone unanswered, and whether there were issues they had not addressed effectively. They had received comments on social media and by email, but they were not confident they had reached enough of the community to understand the voters’ perspectives fully. That realization became a primary objective when the steering committee met to determine next steps—figuring out what the public truly needed, wanted, and worried about, especially among those who had not attended open houses or did not use social media. For those reasons, the committee began exploring how to broaden outreach efforts and gather more complete input. They discussed various survey options and eventually identified a company that could help them reach a wider segment of the population and provide a clearer picture of community opinions. Finance Officer Nielson added that staff had considered whether they could handle the survey in- house, but they recognized that the city did not have a strong track record of generating responses or engagement from internal surveys. He explained that Portman Square used a targeted approach rather than a broad, blanketed mailing. While the city had previously sent a postcard to all residents, Portman Square focused only on individuals who had voted in three of the last four elections. They used both postcard and text-based options, although they found the text-based method produced significantly better results. Their surveys have been statistically validated, meaning the responses accurately reflected public sentiment among likely voters. He emphasized that only about 18% of registered voters had participated in the recent election, and the firm’s approach helped reach those who reliably vote. Finance Officer Nielson explained that the company’s goal is to identify concerns from those who voted, determine why some had not voted, and provide actionable guidance to the city about whether 9 and when to pursue another bond measure. City Staff’s expectation is that the survey will give a clearer picture of public opinions, openness to another bond, and lingering concerns. The cost estimate for the survey is around $18,000, with roughly $7,300 for the firm’s fee, $5,500 for the text-based services, and $5,200 for postcards. City Staff strongly recommended using the text-based approach rather than postcards. Council Member Reeser asked whether the text-based method meant residents would receive a text link to complete the entire survey electronically. Finance Officer Nielson confirmed that was correct and added that the company would help compose the survey. The firm typically complete s the survey in a few weeks rather than keeping it open for months, since people rarely return a text message after long delays. They expected to be able to summarize the results and present them at the January 21st City Council meeting. Council Member Johnson asked about the deadline for placing the measure on the May ballot. Finance Officer Nielson responded the deadline is in early March. Discussion regarding the following concerns regarding the proposed survey: • Timing concerns were raised: the survey results could come back too late to be acted before the next ballot deadline, making the investment less useful. • Skepticism about surveys: surveys often confirmed what the city already knew and questioned spending money without enough time to use the results. • Possible delay in reattempting the bond: the survey results might indicate waiting a year or more before returning the measure to voters. • Survey could highlight top concerns: the survey would surface key issues—likely misunderstandings—that the city could quickly address through better communication. • Education is seen as more important than surveying: Council Member Johnson felt she already understood why voters opposed the bond (location, need, taxes) and believed education is the main need, not a survey. She preferred trying again in May. • Concern about limited reach: Council Member E. Erickson warned the targeted text approach would only reach consistent voters; Finance Officer Nielson clarified the survey would still be publicly accessible online and in newsletters. • Value of scientific validity: Council Member Reeser stressed the importance of a professionally conducted, statistically valid survey rather than relying on anecdotal feedback. He was worried rushing to a May vote might appear pushy. • Additional services available: Finance Officer Nielson noted the vendor, Portman Square, provided precinct-level data and could offer a second phase of public outreach for additional cost. Mr. Keith explained that the value of a survey depended on its design, as not all surveys provided useful insights. • He noted that while previous postcard outreach achieved 62% support, less than 18% of residents had participated, indicating limited engagement. • Surveys could help create a clear narrative around the police station and enable more targeted communication with the public. • Using the City of Coeur d’Alene as an example, he illustrated that a well-timed survey could support successful bond measures, showing 77% approval after targeted communication. • Surveys could identify public themes, misconceptions, and misunderstandings—such as misperceptions about the role of fire departments—allowing the city to clarify and educate residents. • Surveys could also reveal demographic groups that were not voting, enabling more effective outreach strategies. • A well-crafted survey could guide decisions about timing, communication strategies, and whether to proceed with or delay the bond measure. • Overall, surveys were considered valuable tools for understanding public sentiment and informing strategic decisions related to the police bond. Council Member C. Erickson said since he has been on the City Council, citizens frequently ask why the city is not communicating effectively. During the bond process and his participation on the steering committee, he repeatedly encountered these questions. He explained that he tried to reassure residents that the city was making efforts to communicate. He believes that conducting the survey provides a vital way to reach out to the public and understand what residents are thinking and what information they need. He felt the survey would offer insights beyond just the bond and would help the City Council better understand the public’s perspectives. Surveys are used to connect the city to the public and reveal different options providing a solid basis for planning. Council Member Johnson stated that she did not have a problem with the survey and believed that any method that helped residents become aware of the issue is valuable. She also emphasized the 10 importance of relying on data, such as information on how likely bond measures were to pass if attempted again in subsequent elections. She said she did not want to delay the survey to the point that pursuing a May ballot would no longer be an option. Discussion regarding the benefits of conducting a survey: • The survey would help the city understand why approximately 35% of voters voted no and identify ways to address their concerns. • It could allay public fears and incorporate citizen suggestions, fostering better community relations. • The survey would allow the city to be transparent and educate the public about current and future concerns. • While social media and public comments offered some insight, the survey could reach a broader audience, including voters who are not active online. • The city had already offered tours of the police station, demonstrating transparency, but the survey would help identify key residents’ questions for more effective responses. • Citizens had frequently asked why the city was not communicating effectively, and the survey offered an opportunity to engage and understand public perspectives. • Conducting the survey would provide a solid foundation for improved public engagement and understanding. • Efforts to raise awareness among residents were generally viewed as beneficial by the City Council Members. Discussion regarding using text-based surveys or including postcards as well: • Effectiveness of Text vs. Postcards: • Coeur d'Alene used only text and achieved strong responses. • Sandpoint used both text and postcards but received fewer percentage-wise responses via text. • Texting alone appeared to produce better engagement and was more efficient. • Broader Engagement Consideration: • Not everyone uses text or has a smart phone. • Including postcards could potentially reach citizens who do not engage digitally but still participate in elections. • With 98% of Americans owning smartphones, texting alone is likely sufficient for reaching most people. Council Member Reeser explained that, based on what they had seen, texting was the primary way to reach citizens and gather information. However, he expressed concern about not using postcards, noting that some people might not have cell phones or might not be comfortable completing a survey on a phone, which could exclude certain demographics, possibly older citizens. Mayor Merrill said that the “most reliable voters” were those who had participated in three out of the last four elections. He added that the survey could be expanded to include voters who had participated in two of the last four elections, creating a broader net. He noted that in the upcoming election cycle, voter turnout would likely be higher, so it might make sense to broaden the survey to this group without using postcards. The two-out-of-four voter group would reach about 7,600 people instead of 5,000 and would cost approximately $6,400. Finance Officer Nielson suggested that expanding the survey to the two out-of-four groups might be a better use of funds than increasing postcard distribution. Todd Grant, a property owner in the city stated that in addition to the cost of the survey, he spoke with the Madison County Elections Office, which estimated that holding another election would cost around $20,000. He emphasized that this extra cost should be considered. He expressed skepticism that sending out a survey via postcard or text would increase voter turnout, noting that in previous elections only 18% of voters had participated. He argued that most people likely voted against the measure due to concerns about tax increases, rather than the location, color, or remodeling of the building. He explained that many voters are already financially strained and that holding another election in six months would be unethical and morally wrong. Mr. Grant added that if he lived in Rexburg, he would be frustrated having to vote “no” twice on the same issue. Council Member C. Erickson recommended that the Portman Square group cast a wider net, as they had just discussed. He noted that they had not only sent the postcard but to also used the wider outreach method through text message. 11 Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve of hiring Portman Square Group to design and execute a statistically valid survey of Rexburg Voters and Residents regarding the Police Station Facility Bond; Council Member E. 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: 1. Ordinance No 1339 Rezone in Sky Meadows Subdivision along Silver Wood Lane and Ridge View Drive from Low Density Residential 1 (LDR1) to Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) (25-00855) – Alan Parkinson Action Item ORDINANCE NO. 1339 Rezone the Streets Silver Wood Ln and Ridge View Dr in the Sky Meadows Subdivision from Low Density Residential 1 (LDR1) to Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) Zone AN ORDINANCE AMENDING AND CHANGING THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, IDAHO, AND PROVIDING THAT THE ZONED DESIGNATION OF THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED, SITUATED IN REXBURG, MADISON COUNTY, IDAHO, BE CHANGED AS HEREINAFTER DESIGNATED; AND PROVIDING WHEN THIS ORDINANCE SHALL BECOME EFFECTIVE. Council President Walker moved to approve Ordinance No 1339 Rezone in Sky Meadows Subdivision along Silver Wood Lane and Ridge View Drive from Low Density Residential 1 (LDR1) to Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) and consider third read; 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. Consent Calendar: The consent calendar includes items which require formal City Council 12 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 November 18, 2025, Meeting B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills Council Member Johnson moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and city bills; Council Member E. 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 8:08 P.M. APPROVED: ________________________________ Jerry Merrill, Mayor Attest: ________________________________ Marianna Gonzalez, City Deputy Clerk