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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - February 4, 2026 (208) 359-3020 35 North 1st East Rexburg, ID 83440 Rexburg.org | Engage.Rexburg.org City Council Minutes – February 4, 2026 Mayor Jerry Merrill Council Members: Bryanna Johnson David Reeser Colin Erickson Bill Riggins Eric Erickson Alisha Tietjen 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 Riggins said the prayer. Mayor Merrill led the pledge. Roll Call of Council Members: Attending: Council Member Johnson, Council Member Tietjen, Council Member C. Erickson, Council Member Reeser, Council Member Riggins, Council President E. Erickson (via Zoom) and Mayor Merrill. Welcome New Employees: Addison Cook – Water Department Addison Cook did not attend the meeting. 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: Finance: - Matt Nielson Consideration of Portman Square Group Public Education Proposal for Police Bond and Budget Adjustment - Action Item Finance Officer Nielson reported that they have reviewed the Portman Square Group Public Education proposal with the Police Department Oversight Committee. One of they options they discussed is using the same firm that conducted the survey to assist with public education and outreach efforts related to the bond proposal. He noted that the original estimated cost of the survey was between $12,000 and $13,000 but had ultimately come in at approximately $8,700, resulting in some savings. After committee discussion, members felt it was important to retain Portman Square as a consultant for the outreach effort. They cited the firm’s experience in this type of work and their familiarity with the recent survey results, particularly since the outreach plan would directly address concerns identified in the survey. Finance Officer Nielson said the committee discussed producing a video as part of the outreach effort. Although having Portman Square produce the video would have been costly, the scope was reduced to having them assist only with scripting. Headwaters, another consultant involved throughout the process, offered to produce the video at no cost using their own equipment. Finance Officer Nielson said the committee also discussed sending a mailer to residents. Although the cost to produce and mail the piece was estimated at nearly $5,000, survey results indicated that mail was one of the preferred methods for receiving information. Portman Square’s proposal is not to exceed $19,900, in addition to mailing and minor printing costs. Staff recommended establishing a total budget of $25,000, to be funded from the police facility savings fund and reallocated to hired services. Mayor Merrill asked to review the listed deliverables and expressed concern about the cost. He suggested negotiating the proposal, noting that the first two deliverables—communication planning and key messaging guidance—seemed like they should have been included as part of the original survey work. He stated that, since the proposal is a not-to-exceed amount, he hoped the city could secure a lower final cost.    Council Member Johnson agreed that the proposal initially appeared expensive; however, acknowledged that the City Council had committed to doing everything possible to ensure the effort was successful. Council Member Riggins expressed support for the proposal, stating that the level of detail is impressive and that the firm’s recommendations reflected careful consideration of the survey results. He stated that the city likely lacked the internal capacity to perform the proposed work effectively on its own. While $19,900 seemed significant, he noted that it represented less than one-half of one percent of an approximately $18 million project and suggested that the investment could significantly improve the likelihood of the bond passing. Police Chief Rhodes added that, during discussions with Portman Square, social media communication had been identified as a key issue in the survey results. The firm proposed assisting with crafting timely responses to community questions using survey data to inform messaging. This support would help ensure faster and more consistent communication, particularly since the city’s social media employee has other full-time responsibilities and was sometimes unable to respond as quickly as residents desired. Mayor Merrill expressed concern that Portman Square might not be directly handling social media communications, noting that the proposal indicated city staff would be responsible for implementation. Finance Officer Nielson clarified that while city staff would ultimately post and distribute the content, Portman Square would assist through consultation. As questions arose on social media, city staff would send them to Portman Square through an email chain. The firm would draft proposed responses, which would then go through an internal review and approval process, including legal review if necessary. Once approved, city staff would publish the responses. Council Member C. Erickson reiterated that Portman Square would design the materials, such as the mailer and messaging, but the city would be responsible for distributing them. He stated that although the cost seemed high, the firm had previously demonstrated good faith by completing the survey for significantly less than originally estimated. He expressed confidence that they would likely do the same with this proposal. He supported negotiating where possible but emphasized the importance of strong communication, which had been one of the primary concerns identified in the survey. Mayor Merrill agreed, stating that he simply felt some of the deliverables seemed as though they should have been included in the original survey contract but was comfortable moving forward. Council Member Tietjen noted that the city has a communications specialist on staff who is capable of handling this type of work. However, the issue is whether the City Council wanted to assign these additional responsibility to that staff member. Finance Officer Nielson clarified that the communications specialist would remain involved and would be the person responsible for pushing out the information, but Portman Square would assist in developing the messaging and strategy. Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve the Budget Adjustment to hire Portman Square Group for the Public Education Proposal of the Police Bond; 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. Staff recommendation to approve the Rexburg Police Facility Bond Election Ordinance to seek funding for construction of a new police facility in the May 19, 2026, Election. Designated as Ordinance No 1343 if motion passes- Action Item Finance Officer Nielson reviewed the Rexburg Police Facility Bond Election Ordinance to seek funding for construction of a new police facility in the May 19, 2026 Election. He said a couple of weeks earlier, the City Council reviewed the survey results and asked city staff to return with an ordinance outlining the process to place a bond measure on the May ballot. He explained that the proposed May bond would be in the amount of $14.995 million rather than the previous $16.75 million that had been proposed in the November election, which failed to pass. This reduction resulted from survey feedback that suggested lowering the cost and scope of the project. The project scope was reduced by removing the unfinished interior space, previously referred to as the “gray shell,” which decreased the project cost to approximately $7.7 million.     Finance Officer Nielson further explained that scaling back the design will lower the principal amount requested by approximately $1.9 million. When including interest, the total savings will amount to about $3.29 million compared to the prior bond proposal. He also addressed concerns identified in the survey regarding property taxes and the number of existing bonds taxpayers are paying, including several school bonds and a library bond. Although the city currently has no general obligation bonds, the committee explored whether the issuance of the proposed bond could be deferred if approved. The ordinance included language stating that, if passed, the bond would not appear on tax notices until the 2028 tax year. By that time, several school bonds would have expired or nearly been paid off. The library bond is expected to expire in 2028, which could result in one overlapping year. He noted that the city’s only current debt is a loan for water system upgrades at an interest rate of 1.75%, which he described as a favorable rate. He concluded by explaining that if the City Council chose to move forward, the ordinance would receive its first reading that evening, followed by two additional readings at future City Council meetings, allowing for any modifications. Council Member C. Erickson stated that the City Council listened to voters and has made every effort to reduce the cost. He emphasized that the city needs a new police station as determined by a high school Project Citizen study, other studies and the overall condition of the current facility. He expressed hope that voters will recognize the City Council’s efforts in reducing the cost. Council Member Riggins stated that he agrees that the City Council had listened to the public, reduced the scope where possible, and made necessary adjustments to make the proposal more feasible. Council Member Johnson moved to approve Ordinance No 1343 the Rexburg Police Facility Bond Election Ordinance to seek funding for construction of a new police facility in the May 19, 2026, Election; 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. Public Works: - Keith Davidson Mayor’s Business: Mayor Merrill reported on the upcoming Founders Day celebration scheduled for March 14. The evening would feature a “Lighting the Way” ceremony, and he encouraged the City Council Members to attend, as they will play a prominent role in the event. Earlier that day, a fair will be held at the school district building with booths and exhibits highlighting the history and future of Rexburg. Mayor Merrill said that the city hopes to make the Founders Day Celebration an annual event. The evening ceremony is expected to begin at approximately 7:00 p.m. Mayor Merrill also announced the grand opening of the Neutral Zone ice rink, which is scheduled for February 16, Presidents Day, from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The event will include a variety of activities, including a light show and opportunities for attendees to skate and shoot pucks on the ice. Mayor Merrill noted that he agreed to participate in a puck-shooting activity while wearing protective pads. Later that evening, a buy-one-get-one-free skating promotion will be offered, effectively providing half-price skating after 6:00 p.m. He added that the ice rink has been very busy, which is encouraging. Additionally, Mayor Merrill announced that John Schmidt of The Piano Guys will be performing a concert at the BYU-Idaho Center. Tickets are available through the BYU-Idaho Ticket Office, with a range of prices depending on seating selection, including VIP options and more affordable upper-level seating. He stated that the concert is intended to be a fundraiser for the Tabernacle building renovation project and encouraged the Council Members to help promote the event within the community. Items of Consideration: NONE Calendared Bills: Second Reading: Those items which have been first read: Ordinance No 1342 zone change from Rural Residential 1 (RR1) to Low Density Residential 3 (LDR3), Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2), and Regional Business Center (RBC) zones at approximately 801 S 12th W (25-01268) – Alan Parkinson Action Item ORDINANCE NO. 1342 Rezone 801 S 12th W from Rural Residential 1 (RR1) to Low Density Residential 3 (LDR3), Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2), and Regional Business Center (RBC) Zones 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 Member Reeser moved to approve Ordinance No 1342 zone change from Rural Residential 1 (RR1) to Low Density Residential 3 (LDR3), Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2), and Regional Business Center (RBC) zones at approximately 801 S 12th W and consider second read; Council Member Riggins seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for a vote: Those voting aye Those voting nay Council Member C. Erickson Council Member Johnson Council Member Reeser Council Member Tietjen Council Member Riggins Council President E. Erickson The motion carried. Ordinance No 1341 zone change from Low Density Residential 1 (LDR1) to Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) at approximately 301 S 12th W (25-01158) – Alan Parkinson Action Item ORDINANCE NO. 1341 Rezone 301 S 12th W 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 Member C. Erickson moved to approve Ordinance No 1341 zone change from Low Density Residential 1 (LDR1) to Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) at approximately 301 S 12th W and consider second read; 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. 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. Minutes from January 21, 2026, Meeting - Action Item Approve Payment of the City of Rexburg Bills - Action Item Council Member Tietjen stated that upon reviewing the January 21, 2026, City Council meeting minutes, it indicated that the Historical Preservation Committee did not meet; however, that was incorrect because the committee did meet. Council Member Riggins moved to approve the Consent Calendar containing the minutes and city bills; 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. Roll call vote to move into Executive Session as per Idaho State Statute §74-206(1)(c) To acquire an interest in real property not owned by a public agency - Action Item Council Member Johnson moved to enter Executive Session as per Idaho State Statute §74-206(1)(c) To acquire an interest in real property not owned by a public agency; 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. Executive Session Began 6:59 P.M. Executive Session Ended 7:48 P.M. Adjournment 8:09 P.M. APPROVED: ________________________________ Jerry Merrill, Mayor Attest: ________________________________ Marianna Gonzalez, City Deputy Clerk