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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - January 7, 2025 1 (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org City Council Minutes – January 7, 2026 Mayor Jerry Merrill Council Members: Bryanna Johnson Eric Erickson Bill Riggins 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 C. Erickson said the prayer. Council Member Riggins led the pledge. Roll Call of Council Members: Attending: Council Member Johnson, Council Member C. Erickson, Council Member E. Erickson, Council Member Reeser, Council Member Riggins, Council President Walker and Mayor Merrill. Amend the Agenda as per Idaho State Statute §74-204(4)(b): Amendment to include **Item 8(B)(1) – Resolution No 2026-03 TAP Grant for Teton River Connecting Path Extension and Item 8(2)(2) - to Surplus Personal Printers** Action Item Council Member C. Erickson moved to Amend the Agenda as per Idaho State Statute §74- 204(4)(b): Amendment to include **Item 8(B)(1) – to Resolution No 2026-03 TAP Grant for Teton River Connecting Path Extension and Item 8(2)(2) - to Surplus Personal Printers**; Council Member E. Erickson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a roll call vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council Member Riggins Council President Walker The motion carried. 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 December 17, 2025, Meeting - Action Item B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills – Action Item Council President Walker moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and city bills; 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 Member Riggins Council President Walker The motion carried. 2 Release of Retired City Council Member Mikel Walker Mayor Merrill presented a plaque to Council President Walker for his dedicated service as a Council Member from January 3, 2018, to January 8, 2026, which totaled eight years and five days. The plaque recognized his significant contributions to the betterment of the city. Mayor Merrill emphasized Mr. Walker’s service extended beyond his time as a council member, including his leadership in the city’s EMTs and emergency services division. Mr. Walker has served the city for nearly 50 years, which he described as an impressive achievement. Mayor Merrill expressed his appreciation for Mr. Walker’s service, his advice and counsel as a Council Member and Council President, and his courage in the face of adversity. Former Council President Walker thanked the city for providing him with the opportunity to serve. He said it had been a good eight years and that he truly enjoyed the experience. He stated that each of the Council Members do not have their own agenda and that they all focus on the betterment of the city in their minds and consciences. He expressed his honest belief that they are there to do their very best for the community. He said it had been an honor to serve the community. He concluded by thanking City Staff for the amazing work they do for the city. Oaths of Office for Newly Elected City Council Members Colin Erickson, Alisha Tietjen, and William (Bill) Riggins City Clerk Lovejoy administered the oath of office to Colin D. Erickson. Official Oath STATE OF IDAHO, } SS County of Madison I Colin D. Erickson, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Idaho, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of Councilmember, of the City of Rexburg, according to the best of my ability. ______________________________ (Signature of Elected or Appointed Official) Subscribed and sworn to before me this 7th day of January 2026. _____________________ Deborah Lovejoy, City Clerk City Clerk Lovejoy administered the oath of office to Alisha Tietjen. Official Oath STATE OF IDAHO, } SS County of Madison I Alisha Tietjen, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Idaho, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of Councilmember, of the City of Rexburg, according to the best of my ability. ______________________________ (Signature of Elected or Appointed Official) Subscribed and sworn to before me this 7th day of January 2026. _____________________ Deborah Lovejoy, City Clerk City Clerk Lovejoy administered the oath of office to William J. Riggins Jr... 3 Official Oath STATE OF IDAHO, } SS County of Madison I, William J. Riggins Jr., do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of the State of Idaho, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of Councilmember, of the City of Rexburg, according to the best of my ability. ______________________________ (Signature of Elected or Appointed Official) Subscribed and sworn to before me this 7th day of January 2026. _____________________ Deborah Lovejoy, City Clerk Mayor Merrill asked the City Council Members to cast their vote to nominate a City Council President. Council Member E. Erickson was voted in as City Council President. 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. Corbin Tietjen said the rapid growth in Rexburg and city roads are part of his Project Citizen group project and made the following key points. • Rexburg’s population had grown significantly over the past decade, nearly doubling from about 25,000 in 2010 to an estimated 48,000–50,000 by 2026. • BYU–Idaho was identified as a major driver of growth, along with migration to Idaho, outdoor amenities, economic opportunities, and Rexburg’s high quality of life and safety. • While growth brought benefits, it also created challenges such as rising housing costs, traffic congestion, and strain on infrastructure and resources. • Positive developments included new restaurants, businesses, buildings, fiber-optic internet, improved road designs, and continued investments in safety and education. • The group focused on public transportation as a potential solution to growth -related issues, citing benefits such as reduced congestion, economic return, environmental improvements, and infrastructure efficiency. • City representatives explained that Rexburg had expanded infrastructure, added new parks, and used various impact fees to fund roads, utilities, public safety, and park development to manage continued growth. Mayor Merrill asked Public Works Director Davidson to explain the city impact fees. Public Works Director Davidson explained that impact fees are paid by new businesses and residences that build in the city limits. He said that when a business constructed a new building, city staff calculated how many vehicles the business would generate and how much water and sewer usage it would require. He noted that certain businesses, such as car washes, paid substantial fees because of their high water and sewer use. He explained that the money from the impact fees is put into the city’s budget funds which would be available for future water or sewer projects, reducing the need to issue bonds or ask voters to pay higher costs. Public Works Director Davidson added that residents paid certain impact fees, such as park impact fees, while businesses did not pay for park impact fees. He said that impact fees differed between businesses and residences and that some paid more than others depending on their level of usage and impact on the community. Corbin Tietjen asked if the city has considered implementing public transportation. Mayor Merrill responded that the city has considered public transportation options. He and city staff have attended transportation department meetings in Boise. They have spoken with companies that offered smaller- scale transportation options, such as minibuses that could be requested by phone. He stated that large bus systems are very expensive and beyond the city’s current budget. He believes public transportation would be beneficial by reducing the number of cars on the road and easing parking pressures, and that it is an idea worth further consideration. Corbin Tietjen asked about the challenges associated with public transportation. Council Member Riggins identified two major issues the city considers when evaluating public transportation: weather and community mentality. He said that BYU–Idaho has long promoted a walking campus, but students continued to bring their cars. He explained that many students came from places where public 4 transportation was not common, making it difficult to change habits and expectations. He stated that while public transportation is needed, changing public mindset is a significant challenge. Mayor Merrill noted that students often brought cars because the city has limited alternatives for transportation. He explained that a survey conducted several years earlier showed that about 46 percent of BYU–Idaho students, including both single and married students, said they would use public transportation if it were available. He suggested that a reliable system might encourage students not to bring cars, saving them money on vehicle costs, insurance, and fuel. Mayor Merrill said some students bring a vehicle because they want the freedom to travel outside the city, such as to Idaho Falls or Yellowstone. He said the city has discussed the possibility of pairing public transportation with short-term rental car options that could be accessed by phone. He concluded by saying that implementing public transportation would require creativity and careful planning, but the city was actively exploring different options and approaches. Corbin Tietjen asked how growth has affected Rexburg in ways beyond those that have already been mentioned. Mayor Merrill explained that housing pressure and the cost of housing has increased significantly over the past ten years. He noted that growth has also placed additional strain on road conditions and traffic, and that the city continued to look for ways to improve and alleviate those issues. He added that the city also tries to balance growth management with respect for personal property rights, noting that there are limits on how much the city could restrict people’s ability to sell or develop their property. Council Member E. Erickson added that growth created connectivity issues within the city. He explained that the river running through Rexburg limited north–south connections, with few crossings available. He also noted that the freeway on the west side of town separated Rexburg from significant growth occurring in that area. He said these connectivity challenges have become more pronounced as the city grows and needs to be addressed. Council Member E. Erickson explained that the city has attempted to study these connectivity issues and sought grants to do so, but some of those grants have fallen through. He said the city is still exploring options, including additional bridges across the river, and emphasized that these issues would need to be addressed sooner rather than later. Staff Reports: A. Finance: - Matt Nielson 1. Resolution No 2026 – 02 Amend and Restate the City of Rexburg Salary Reduction Plan to approve Ratification of the Roth 401K contribution option required by December 31, 2025. Also, adopt plan amendments related to the Secure Act 2.0 (see Exhibit A) - Action Item Finance Officer Nielson reviewed some of the amendments to the City of Rexburg Salary Reduction Plan and approve the Roth 401K contribution option required by December 31, 2025. • The retirement plan was amended to allow employees to make Roth 401(k) (post-tax) contributions, which previously had not been allowed. • Secure Act 2.0 changes were addressed early, even though the deadline was December 2026. • Plan updates included beneficiary changes and a mandatory cash-out threshold for balances under $7,000 to reduce management costs. • The plan was amended to allow loans for federally declared disaster recovery but not permanent withdrawals, preserving long-term retirement goals. • A provision was added to allow withdrawals for participants who became terminally ill. • The city recommended keeping the employer match pre-tax, even if employees chose Roth contributions, due to administrative complexity, tax reporting issues, and vesting rules. 5 Council Member E. Erickson moved to approve Resolution No 2026 – 02 Amend and Restate the City of Rexburg Salary Reduction Plan to approve Ratification of the Roth 401K contribution option required by December 31, 2025. Also, adopt plan amendments related to the Secure Act 2.0 (see Exhibit A); 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 Tietjen Council Member C. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council Member Riggins Council President E. Erickson The motion carried. 2. Review of Annual Street Report Fiscal Year 2025 - Action Item Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Annual Street Report Fiscal Year 2025 report and noted a summarized version was published in the newspaper. • At the start of fiscal year 2025, the city carried over about $7.1 million, increasing to $9.6 million by the end of the year. • The carryover increase was primarily due to timing, as only $242,000 in reconstruction projects were completed; most LID projects began after September. • In comparison, approximately $4.5 million has been spent on reconstruction the previous year. • The next fiscal year is expected to show much higher reconstruction spending, assuming new LID projects start on schedule. • The city received many streets contributed by new developments, which affected totals, while state highway funding decreased by about $1 million, and state street grants were nearly zero compared to $2 million the prior year. • Although $9.6 million was carried over, the five-year street plan already had $13.6 million in scheduled projects, meaning funds are largely obligated. • The $242,000 figure reflected only projects completed and paid for in fiscal year 2025; ongoing projects would appear in fiscal year 2026. • New street construction totaled approximately $4.4 million, including streets contributed by new development, and $1.3 million was spent on new street maintenance equipment. 6 Mayor Merrill mentioned over the past ten years, the city has repaired or rebuilt over 12 miles of streets, and they are addressing ware from post-flood reconstruction. He said construction caused temporary inconvenience for residents and businesses, but completed streets were well received and appreciated. Council Member Riggins moved to approve the Annual Street Report Fiscal Year 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 Tietjen Council Member C. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council Member Riggins Council President E. Erickson The motion carried. 7 B. Public Works: - Keith Davidson 1. **Resolution No 2026 – 03 Supporting Cash Match for the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) Grant for the Teton River Connecting Path Extension - Action Item Public Works Director Davidson explained that City Staff applied for another TAP grant. The city received a TAP grant to extend the pathway and planned to build a bridge over the river to create a loop for walking. They aimed to apply for an additional grant to further extend the trail and construct a bridge near the site of a new park, providing a longer walking path along the river. Resolution No 2026 - 03 confirms that the city has the required match of 7.34 percent for the trail project. The total project cost is estimated at just over $600,000, with the city responsible for slightly more than $45,000. Council Member Johnson moved to approve Resolution No 2026 – 03 Supporting Cash Match for the Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) Grant for the Teton River Connecting Path Extension; Council Member Reeser seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member Tietjen Council Member C. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council Member Riggins Council President E. Erickson The motion carried. 2. **Surplus 5 HP Envy 6055E personal printers from IT Department - Action Item 8 Public Works Director Davidson reported that there are five HP Envy 6055E personal printers the city purchased during COVID when employees were working from home. The printers were no longer needed, and the IT Department plans to remove them from inventory. Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve the Surplus of 5 HP Envy 6055E personal printers from the IT Department; Council Member Riggins seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member Tietjen Council Member C. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council Member Riggins Council President E. Erickson The motion carried. Mayor’s Business: A. Police Facility Bond Follow-up Survey – Chief Rhodes Mayor Merrill mentioned that he visited the ice arena on Thursday night, it was very busy due to a hockey tournament. He observed nearly 50 cars in the parking lot and saw that about half were from Montana and the other half from Idaho Falls, Rigby, and nearby areas. He commented that this indicated the city is benefiting from sports tourism, as visitors likely stayed in local hotels, ate at restaurants, and contributed to economic development. Mayor Merrill explained that at the end of the month, the city Recreation Department would take over management of the building from Mr. Renaker, as the city has signed the contract. Council Member Johnson asked if a budget adjustment is needed for the city to take over the management of that building. Mayor Merrill responded that a budget adjustment might be necessary depending on staffing needs and operational requirements. City employee Parker Anderson, who has some relevant experience, is working with Recreation Director Jon Lewis to determine staffing needs. Finance Officer Nielson added that about 75 accounts have already been created to track revenues and expenses for the facility, based on Mr. Renaker’s pro-forma, and that a formal budget adjustment would be brought to the City Council in the future. Mayor Merrill clarified that city employees would only take over after the transition and that the city would assume both the operational costs and revenues of the building, which were currently exceeding costs. City Attorney Rammell further clarified that this transition is part of an acceleration of a previously approved contract rather than a new contract. The original agreement already allowed for this transfer, and the donation could proceed without additional City Council approval. City Staff expects details regarding insurance, budget, and legal matters to be finalized by February, after which the City Council would be fully advised, and any necessary actions would be presented. Mayor Merrill reported he recently attended the Ladies Civic Club meeting, where he provided a city update covering topics such as broadband, transportation, and new businesses. He shared an interesting insight from a conversation with librarian Valerie Vale, who reported high library usage. She indicated that in June and July alone, the library had 39,100 visits for the summer reading program, and in all of 2025, there were 149,377 visits. He emphasized that Madison County residents actively use the library, which is often busy and filled with families reading and participating in programs. Police Chief Rhodes reported on the Police Facility Bond follow-up survey. Police Chief Rhodes provided an update, explaining that the survey had officially gone out on Monday and had been reviewed multiple times by the Police Department and several City Council Members to ensure it asked the necessary questions. He noted that the survey had already received a 9 statistically significant response within three days and would remain open until January 18th. Residents could access it through text messages or on the city’s website, and the Police Department is encouraging participation of all city residents. Mayor Merrill asked questions about survey distribution, noting that some residents did not receive it due to phone numbers not being on record or opt-out settings. Chief Rhodes explained that the survey is limited to residents who have voted in at least two of the last four elections, which affected the distribution. He also said that full details, including the number of recipients, would be included in the final report, which the survey company will present via Zoom at the next City Council meeting. Finance Officer Nielson expressed satisfaction with the responsiveness of the survey company, noting that the survey was conducted efficiently and at a lower cost than budgeted. Police Chief Rhodes concluded by encouraging residents to complete the survey. Items of Consideration: A. Resolution No 2026 – 01 Supporting the America250 in Idaho Commemoration and the United States Semi Quincentennial – Required for $2500 grant to be used for the celebration from the State of Idaho - Action Item Mayor Merrill explained that the State of Idaho has awarded $2,500 to each city in the state to be used specifically for America250 event. 10 Council Member Johnson stated that she appreciates the language promoting maximum involvement of residents and recalled previous discussions about making the celebration more family friendly. She asked whether a committee would be formed to focus on family-friendly activities, noting that Economic Development Director Johnson previously asked them to serve on the committee but that no further communication has occurred. Mayor Merrill confirmed that plans for a committee are still intended. He said he would follow up with Economic Development Director Johnson, make a note to organize a meeting soon, and begin putting ideas in writing. He acknowledged that several ideas had been discussed previously and that the group would need to determine which were realistic. Council Member Tietjen requested to be included on the America250 committee. Council President E. Erickson moved to approve Resolution No 2026 – 01 Supporting the America250 in Idaho Commemoration and the United States Semi Quincentennial – Required for $2500 grant to be used for the celebration from the State of Idaho; Council Member Tietjen seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member Tietjen Council Member C. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council Member Riggins Council President E. Erickson The motion carried. B. Discussion of possible amendment of Ordinance No 1128 Beer and Wine Sales in the City of Rexburg. Rexburg Municipal Code 6.03.180 Issuance Prohibited to Premises in Certain Locations - Action Item City Clerk Lovejoy explained that the owner of the Indian restaurant located in the former New Fong’s building on Second West requested approval to obtain a beer and wine license to serve alcohol in his restaurant. The applicant was unable to obtain the license due to the city’s distance requirements, not because of the nearby church property, which meet state distance requirements, but because of college dormitory housing located across the street. The city ordinance included college dormitories within the 200-foot distance restriction. She said the restaurant owner requested that the City Council consider amending the ordinance so that he could qualify for a beer and wine license at that location. Council Member Riggins asked what specific portion of the ordinance is being considered for change and whether the language presented an actual amendment. City Attorney Rammell clarified that city staff is requesting permission from the City Council to review the ordinance and provide recommendations, rather than approving a specific amendment at this time. City Attorney Rammell added that the request stemmed from a broader review of potential conflicts between municipal ordinance provisions and Idaho State law. He emphasized that the issue is not about expanding alcohol access, but about ensuring that the ordinance is lawful, defensible, and compliant with state statutes. He explained that municipalities could regulate beer and wine licenses primarily through zoning rather than proximity restrictions, as Idaho law did not impose specific distance limits for beer retailers. Proximity-based regulations tied to changeable land uses could create enforcement conflicts and legal vulnerabilities. City Attorney Rammell recommended reviewing and potentially amending the ordinance to ensure compliance with Title 23 of the Idaho Code and to establish a sustainable and legally defensible regulatory framework. He said any proposed changes would be brought back to the City Council for review, with clear explanations of the recommended amendments. Council Member E. Erickson said he reviewed alcohol ordinances from nearby cities, noting differences in restrictiveness and licensing structures, including distinctions between liquor, beer, and wine regulations. City Attorney Rammell reiterated that the focus is not to become more restrictive or less restrictive, but to ensuring lawful enforcement and defensibility. Council Member C. Erickson expressed support for allowing legal counsel to review the ordinance and return with recommendations that would best protect the city’s interests. Mr. Barnard expressed concern that reopening Ordinance Number 1128 could result in reopening all the language within the ordinance, including provisions that the City Council might want to make either more or less restrictive. 11 Council Member Tietjen requested that City Attorney Rammell, when reviewing the ordinance, also present potential problems or disadvantages that might arise from regulating alcohol through zoning, as well as the pros and cons of zoning-based regulation compared to the city’s current approach. City Attorney Rammell explained that his role is to advise on the mechanisms used to enforce those restrictions in a legally defensible manner. He stated that if similar restrictions could be achieved through zoning in a more defensible way, he would present that option along with an explanation of any resulting consequences, including whether the changes would be more restrictive or less restrictive. He stated that he would review practices in other jurisdictions, consider the city’s unique circumstances, and consult with the Idaho Liquor Commission to identify any potential issues. Council Member Johnson expressed appreciation for the clarification and stated support for maintaining protection for minors. City Attorney Rammell responded by reiterating that the intent is not to promote inappropriate alcohol use. Council Member C. Erickson moved to consider possible amendments to Ordinance No 1128 Beer and Wine Sales in the City of Rexburg. Rexburg Municipal Code 6.03.180 Issuance Prohibited to Premises in Certain Locations; Council Member Riggins seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member Tietjen Council Member C. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council Member Riggins Council President E. Erickson The motion carried. C. To consider Public Art Project and possible budget adjustment of Art Promulgation Fund – Jed Platt and Matt Nielson Action Item Finance Officer Nielson explained that during the budgeting process in May, they discussed whether to allocate funding for public art. Rather than placing the funding directly into a line item, the Councilmembers participating in the budgeting discussions recommended that the funds be placed into contingency. He said they agreed that any public art proposals would be brought before the City Council for review. If the City Council approved a proposal, the funds would then be moved from contingency into the appropriate capital line item. Cultural Arts Director Platt explained that in 2026 the community will be celebrating several significant milestones, including America’s 250th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the Teton Dam flood disaster and recovery. In honor of these defining events, two pieces of public art are proposed as visual representations of the community’s values, history, and strength. The first proposed piece is a wood assemblage approximately four feet by four feet in size. The artwork is described as representing homes and families and symbolizing unity, resilience, and vibrancy within the community. The piece would be created from found and reclaimed wood, reflecting the community’s history of rebuilding and coming together after adversity. He noted that the artwork emphasized service, particularly in connection with the flood recovery, by highlighting how the community rallied together during that time. Cultural Arts Director Platt said the first piece is proposed to be displayed in the hallway alcove of the City Hall building and would serve as a backdrop for an ongoing display highlighting current service opportunities. The intent was to connect historical service inspired by the flood with present-day opportunities to serve through organizations such as JustServe. The artwork would commemorate America250 Event and reflect the community’s identity as “America’s Family Community.” 12 Council Member Tietjen asked about the source of the wood. Cultural Arts Director Platt clarified that the wood would be reclaimed or recycled but not necessarily sourced locally. He also clarified that the example shown was representative in style and that the final piece would be a custom work created specifically for the community. Cultural Arts Director Platt explained that the second proposed piece is a kinetic art installation measuring approximately three feet by five feet, with a height of about five feet. The example shown featured moving marbles, and the proposed custom piece would represent local rivers and waterways. Visitors would be able to hand-crank the mechanism, causing marbles to accumulate and then flow through the waterways, symbolizing the Teton Dam and the flood event. The sound and engineering of the piece are described as engaging and complementary to the flood exhibit. He added this artwork would be part of the Teton Dam flood exhibit, located in the space formerly known as the hatchery. The piece is designed to be mobile so it could move with the exhibit to future locations if needed, unlike a permanent mural. He clarified that the final design would differ from the example shown and would be custom engineered to reflect the community’s specific story. Council Member Tietjen asked if the artist resides locally. Cultural Arts Director Platt responded that the artist, Carl Hill, resides in Utah and both art pieces would be custom works. Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the proposed budget adjustment and said it is within Fund 36 (Promulgation Fund), which is governed by ordinance and funded by a 1.25% charge on eligible city projects. Street projects are excluded, and water and sewer projects are no longer charged, leaving the fund supported mainly by governmental projects such as parks, the Romance Theater, and the Tabernacle. • Future revenue to Fund 36 is expected to decrease due to recent changes in how the fund is assessed. • Significant transfers have been made or planned from Fund 36 to support capital projects: • Approximately $55,000 was transferred to the Romance Theater in FY 2025, with $20,000 budgeted for FY 2026. • $60,000 is planned for the Tabernacle in FY 2026 to support an HVAC project. • Fund 36 is also supported by Fund 81 (Cultural Arts Fund) for wages, with transfers increasing over time to about $55,000 annually. Due to declining revenue, this subsidy is expected to end in FY 2027, with the General Fund likely assuming the support. • During the prior budget process, the council placed public art funding in contingency rather than a line item, with the agreement that proposals would be reviewed before funds are allocated. • Two public art projects were presented for consideration: • One estimated at $6,500 • One related to the Teton Dam flood exhibit estimated at $15,000 • Total requested adjustment: approximately $21,500 13 Council Member Tietjen questioned how long the art pieces would be on display. Cultral Arts Director Platt clarified that the art pieces would be permanent and would be owned by the city, allowing them to be used permanently. Mayor Merrill noted that the Arts Promulgation Fund is intended to support projects like these and was previously used to purchase public art, such as statuary in a roundabout. Mayor Merrill added that although the fund had occasionally been used to pay cultural arts department wages, an effort had been made in the past to avoid using it for salaries, as its original intent is to save money for public art that helped tell the community’s story. Council Member Reeser asked when the art pieces will be available if approved. Cultral Arts Director Platt explained that the pieces would be available in time for the Flood 50 event and the ribbon cutting for the new exhibit is scheduled for May 1. The pieces are described as custom works created specifically for the community, and their completion would depend on engaging the artists. Council Member C. Erickson questioned whether the stated cost is definitive. Cultral Arts Director Platt confirmed that the prices provided are the fixed costs for those specific pieces. Council Member Reeser moved to approve the Budget Adjustment of Art Promulgation Fund for a Public Art Project; Council President E. Erickson seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member Johnson none Council Member Tietjen Council Member C. Erickson Council Member E. Erickson Council Member Reeser Council Member Riggins The motion carried. Adjournment 8:09 P.M. APPROVED: ________________________________ Jerry Merrill, Mayor Attest: ________________________________ Marianna Gonzalez, City Deputy Clerk