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City Council Minutes — February 4, 2026
Mayor Jerry Merrill
Council Members:
Bryanna Johnson David Reeser
Colin Erickson Bill Riggins
Eric Erickson Alisha Tietjen
6:go P.M.
Council Member Riggins said the prayer.
Mayor Merrill 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 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:
A. Finance: -Matt Nielson
i. 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
$12,00o and $13,00o 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.
Objectives
1. Increase av-rareness and understanding Oft h e rcylSed bond prOpOSaI
2. Directly address the roost common concerns identified through the survey process
3. Reinforce tr -rst by clearly demonstrating hov,v con11l1unit.✓ feedback informed
Changes tc% scope. COsr, and timing
4. Encour. ;c>ter la.articipation
5. Ens•ur ti all Cot11111L1riICatIOI1S I-elllalll faCtLlal. transpa[-ent. anc► ]wally Compliant
Key Activities
1. De .`t lor. a. -i111I'll UI'IIC.atic'n_. and mesi;igiitg plan aligned V;Ith survey fi ndings.
._t;�-ftlr.il rlll.ri,101'!, +rid adOpt=cl bond I:ynEll i, e
2. Crezte content foi- dicit_ I piatfcrnr,. prir reci rnat�rials. and public. presentations
3. prod_Ice educational :-ollateral ffact she, ts• F4Qs. si, rle _e. mailers)
4. 5Lrppoltcit�, ledp.;bllrrlleetlli„<_.v"ithtailoredn'Iessa.,ingandnlaterials
5. 1,lppcntn�cdi,,=rcipartneroutPcach
6.
Pro=sitle orlroin;_ r; 1 s.11ting and mes=.a c ridanc? t11rs .rgh elcCtion
Deliverables
• Comnlulications & Messaging Plan
• Key message FAQ: . and internal guidance for City leadership
• Full ',elite of print- and di.ital-ready educational rnaterial•_.
• Educational rdeo -.cript and deployment guidar-Ice
• Pruiect l:;rebsitc content and stt-OCture reconmlendations
Roles & Responsibilities
• PSG %:':!ill provide eb content for use on the City's vvebsite. Content will be
.Iploaded and maintained by City staff.
• PSG >iil cicvelop responses to citizen concerns raised on cligital and other
platforms. C:ont,�nt +:rill !-;e post.d on City social media assets by City staff.
• Video "vil I Lie produced by Cit, staff (or its delegate,).
• Print and Iilailtrl Cost+ Grill be the responsibility Of the City.
• ,All content (digital or othervJse) will be reviewed and approved by City legal staff
prior to clistributic•n.
Estimated Budget
• Professional Services:
Not to exceed S19.900
• Direct Costs (only as requested by client and billed at cost with prior approval):
Paid di.git:al promotion. if desired
Proj=ct-rz laced travel. if required
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 $19,9oo 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.
2
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
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Tietjen
Council Member C. Erickson
Council Member Reeser
Council Member Riggins
Council President E. Erickson
The motion carried.
Those voting nay
none
2. 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.
ORDMANCENO. g
Relbura police Facilith Bond Election
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF RE_XBURG, 11LADISON
COUNTY. ID-AHO. ORDERING A SPECIAL BOND
ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE QUESTION OF THE
ISSUANCE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE
CriI IN AN A31OUNT NOT TO EXCEED Si4,995,000 TO
PROVIDE FUNDS TO FINANCE THE CONSTRUCTION
AND FURNISHING OF A POLICE STATION FACILITY AN D
RELATED COSTS: ESTABLISHING THE DATE. TIME. AND
PLACE OF THE SPECIAL BOND ELECTION; APPROVING
A FORM OF BALLOT: PROVIDING FOR REGISTRATION
OF VOTERS: PROVIDING FOR RELATED NLA.TrERS: AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE
U HEREAS. the City of Rexburg..%Iadison County. Idaho (the "City") is a
municipal corporation dulj" orgatized and operating, under the laws of the state of
Idaho: and
I1'HERE.9S_, tie Mw.'Or and C;tv Coundl (the "Council') of the Cir' have
determined that the interests of the city and the public interest require the
incurring of an indebtedness of the Civ in the amount of not to exceed
Si4.995 000:o finance the cost of construction of a police station fault_:, together
•nih tests incident thereto: and
wHEREAS, the proposed indebtedness would exceed the Citt's -income
and revenue pro•.ided for the current rascal gear. and the Council has. de -ermined
that the necessary tunds should be raised throul: tLe issuance and sale of general
obligation bonds" of the Cis, subject to the appror: al of rivo-thirds (2i 3) of the
qualified electors voting at the electon called for that purpose as prodded
hereinbeloo.
NOW. THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the 3tavor and Council of the
Cin, of Rexburg,, Idaho. as folloe. s:
SECTION I:THE PROJECT
A The `,favor and Council hereby =rid, determine. and declare that the
interest of the Ci-: and the public'.nterest require the incurring. of an indebtedness
exceeding the income and re, enue provided to the City for the current fiscal )'ear
in the amount of no--o exceed SL4,99S,000 for the purpose of pw):,ng the costs of
construction of a ooLce station tacIlit; . includiaq necessar; professional se: -.ices
and related costs (the "Project').
B. The cost and expenses of land acquisition. design, erigiaeering. le al
lees. construction. and in.aIlation of tie broiec: tffter redu
and remoiing the urifirdshed interlcr space are estiloated
utclud't;g -lie pa -anent ct all prelimi:rar: expenses incim d an inci ent to e
Project and prouerl incident o the issuance of the bonds as such expenses are set
fora in Idaho Code Sections 50-toi9 through 50-i025 %
C. Subiect to the folloi•,ing subparagraph. construction, and installation
of he Praiecc as described above are here's. ordereti
D. Subjeat to the appro°. al thereof by the q_a]if, ed clectc•rs voting at the
ele-tioa for rd.:cL provision is Ferartz ter i_,ade, general obliga*ion bonds of the
Cit., shall be _aced p-_rsuant to the pnx,isicns or Idaho Code Sectous do-1o_9
through go-iozdA. in:lus :e, and Tale g-, ,apters 2 and g: Idaho code. in the
amount of not to exceed S1„993,000. to pa.: he costs of the Project.
SECTION H: BOND ELECTION ALA i9 11, 2oz6
y bond e:ectian is'nereb-.- caned to be held vithin he Cib- of Rexbure ou
Tuesda , ].:m- :9 2c26, in cowunction • alffi the regular music=pal election, for
the purpose oftrting upon the proposition set forth in Section 4 o this Ordivance.
The poling place or place= for the bond election stall be deternure-c b.: the
:.sa3ionCou; Clerk. and the election shall beconductedb} 'the :.fad rrCount;'
Cler6-. The'•Iadison Count: Clerk shall appoint election Judges an d r.Lction clerlts
for the polling place or places for he bond election..
SECTION III,_�DSID MR a'f Teti OF ELECTION
The polls of the bond election shall open at the hour of 9: oe o'clock z `.I. on
:.:a; 19, 2025, and shall certain. open, continuous!,,- :mt:l he hour o` S:oo o clack
P.:•.I., at v."hich Arne the pals shy he closad. 'The administration cf hz elution
.shall be conducted br :. 3ison Gun- in accordance vith Chapter ; of Tide ;c•-
Idaao Code. Title S.; of Idaho ode, and this Ordinance
The ballot proposition to be ,,, oted upon at the bond election. as set for-1 in
Sr liar : o` this Ordinance. shall be separate from _ w other proposition being
-acted upon at or in --onjunctioa vdth as: ohe_ election being held and conducted
on the mme date. Only those q-_aaec electors of the City r:!!tirg t,l°e ballots
upon the proposmm set forth in Section _ cf this Ordinance shall be o o-.inted in
determining iLhe nus_ber of qua-iiad e'.ec7,ars . oting at or participating in thebond
election.
SECTION W.— i>iT,OT PROPOSITION
The proposition to be presented x the qualified electors of the iY: shall be
it s_bstantiall-: the follot•.ing force:
CM_-OFRENMURG
sLd son Count-., Idaho
GENER.- IL OBLIGATION BOND £LECTIO:i
lrae 1g, 2026
INSTRUCTIONS TO V OTEPS: In-rder_to vote Ili rw'C•R of the
proposedbon3 iss_e, please snake an Ids or other mark in the spays to
the rizhc of the "I.•. _ ::'OR OFissuing bands to the arno_nt of
no- to z-•cces3 Sr.L.995,coo far lie purer ses sratad in ordinance : o.
i343.•" In order to _ _te ;G.ALNST the proposed band issue. piewe
nuke an _•i; or oher mark in thto the right of the ords
_� G-UNS-T issuing bads to the amount Of rot to exceed
gi4,99s,coo for the purposes stated in Ordinance:; o.13 3• If *: au,
b} net :.e or accident; marl. dsf ce, crutilate. or otbz�>:x spo l this
ballot, pkaze retrrn it to an elution offic_al and obtrin another
ballot.
SHALL THE CITY OF P_FXBwRG BE
AL-fHOPIZED TO 2iCUR _�_N
IN'DEBTEDNESS ND ISS E AND S EU ITS
C=7_:LiLOBLIGAT0NBOND5 PRINCIPAL
3
.42,1OIZT OF ;•^T 70 EXCEED SL ,9g37000
T'O PAY THE COST 07
POLICE STA71_`: F CIL-Tic TOG-7--HER
V,-ITH : yiy .:P:OiL.:='i S a\-D
CONS. T-IE EO\ZEE TO ]_�i--P.E .\D TO EE
P-kTAmr: FRO.,I A LE'. OF TAXES O'.TR A
=I ','•T'IIC- :._i_ BE ' ESS TIL=1 13171
'.',-HICE SHALL `:OT =EED FIFTEEN (13)
1LARS. AIL AS :'.::BPS --LL_" PR(Y.-DES :1
OP.DLN_iNE'E NC. s.3_:3. ADO?D C_N
: LARCH 4, M2.6.
The purpose of the L•cnd fur building and
construction of nlunfcipal essential sertce; facilit'es
oons ;ling cf police and cit: q-mt erg =u_ergenC:
D i,,=caacm. The it -crest -ate ::-,tci on he
propwsed bold is 3,2.2'e per an _m. - a total
proposed principal Noun- Tc be rrpa', ,^.-�r the i3
_: ear life of the bond 513.44E: %c =: he r•:,:=_ interns`
a.*hticip•ated to be paid r•-er the L:- cf he bend. based
on the anticipated Ante -es- rate.:= S�-3.og;3ao: he
teal -m ..mt to be reD;:z t .: the life of the proposed
bond: principal any .--.:rest,, -- estimated to be
S15.304„oo.
The _stmated a-.-eraEe anNaal cost to Le tasp•a.: er cn
the proposed bend le•• H a tat: of 553.48 per S- oc: _n•:=
n_f taxable as;wlsed :i-.:e. -wr :ear- baled m c:lrre-:
To reduce the cost of the project, the city scaled back
the de --sign by remOsiug the unfinished interior space.
This adjustment loivers construction cw-ts ln• abo .-i
Sa.g mfllion and decreases the borroving-and
interest -needed to fund the project, resulting in total
sa.:ngs of around S3.24 n2ilhon• If the bond is
appnn,ed, the CM -MU wait until the zo29 tax Lear to
place the bond levy on proper•t,: taxes, to allow existing
t cter-approt;ed bands to either 11-Wire or newt. pa-: on
before the nov le.ybegins.
The .z,:e- - cell -as debt :n 1-e -:yrr_-- ,f
that ti Daid sore: ;•cater
re•: enues and aot'r.- prq-77 tax-e:. The CIL ' curreL:ll,
has no other general cbligaid-on deb:.
Ili FAVOR OF isl;=E bones to the amoun- of not to exceed
Si4•9937ooci for the purpos,: stated in Cjrdinan•_e `:a i343f1
G;J ST issuing bonds to the--mo-.mt cf not to exceed
S14,993.,c*o for the Purposes siat_d - Ordin_:n_�e Na_ r343 ,_
SECTIONS' nraT IFr;M ELECTORS
Bier•:• person eighteen i1$` -ears of age cr c1der. "rho at l e dine of he
spe•_:fied bond a ection, a tinftea S-at_; =; ioen ,;tc• Las been a ''legal an•d bona
AGE re?:deat of he Cit- for at least thin. ;.; d='.s iim-nedratel prc r to the Bete
cf e Ec:im. if properly reZstered as required la.. ;hail be q.-Aifec to vote at
said election.
r::lelector--crustbere;teredbeforebei_Eable::-thebondelection.
-ha o3i.e7s of the City ale he=ebr autao >ei and airacted :o tal:e al: action
nacessar or appropriate :o effe:_uate h: prc=Av.ons of:his Cr::ra-ce.
SECTION ZII rt A=I.r.IT.-Y
All a_ ion heretcfare ialxs, not rc-_,_sent -:iE-i he pro::sicn cf hi
:-,rdinance. *_-,- the :•:avor ane Cozroil- anc ha officers ofthe Cit.% dire. a= to -'card
z,nstn ct.cr. ane irsta. atica of the = ro-ect ar_E :tie !ssuazcz of seneral obazarien
brncs :•c the Citvthereicr. and forth= hcE_ms of a s,ac::bcnd e:ecrion. are he_:e -:
ratite=_d. a. -pro•: ed, an. ccnfirene_.
SECTION"III: �'_ELTL3S4
Thu Oranarca cr a sz� ^a *hereof in comp :once :th S=:71_ a 50-50L1.
Cc a=-- shalt be =•uh:uhed ozc-a in the cfmcial ne,_Dac_r o_`t:e i^_:. and :hall
taka effec:immediately upon:u pa;sag_: apprc al. an= pz_li_arion.
RASSED ETT1=E CITY COL'N,CIL :i:� UFF Cr.'cD E.-THE :,La:'CP.on
t:^_i34_ da:• cf 2.. arch 2o:.6.
Jerr: ]Terrill. ]:a. or
EST
Debo:aa Lc•: ejo:-. Ci__ Clerk
•.-a>e+ia�4 s-ff++4f++Ef+fi++H+4ii+4iif+E+4t.+fa�4si-f�?4Ei+E it;fi-4
STATE IrA110l
cozy of:'.lad cal
DE3O•iiF bC-.TJOY Cit," C:erk o- t, E cit.: cf = asbars. Idaho- do
bare r: c rt:= fiat the abode and foregoing s a : _ one an'- corm_-_c_,r of he
- dtaance cniilac:
AN ORDUC L"CE OF THE CITY OF REXBURG, 1LDLSON
C017=, ID-AHO. ORDERING A SPECLAL BOND
ELECTION' TO BE HELD ON THE QUESTION OF THE
ISSL:A_\CE OF GENERAL OBLIGATION BONDS OF THE
CITY IN AN L%IOVNT NOT TO EXCEED $14,99s.00c TO
PROVIDE FUNDS TO FINANCE THE CONSTRICTION
AND FIRN-ISHDNG OF A POLICE STATION F-ACILITT:LND
RELTED COSTS: ESTABLISHING THE DATE. TIME. AND
PLACE OF THE SPECLAL BOND ELECTION: APPROVING
A FOR3I OF BALLOT AND A FOR --I OF NOTICE OF
ELECTION: PROSTDLNG FOR PUBLIC..•+iTION OF NOTICE
OF ELECTION: PRUVIDV G FOR REGISTRATION OF
VOTERS; PROA IDD;G FOR RELATED NUTTERS: AND
PRONTDL1GAN EFFECTI17E DATE
The "%IaLaon :Fount Cler.,c is he redstrarfor tee Cit-, and-.roter reEi;tration shall
be conducted pursuant to the pro•-,isions of Section 34-1402, Td=^O Code.
person t, is :limble to ate ma � register or elsct o•n day Ir.. appearing
in person at the poling place established for the election. t: completing a
registration -lard. maldn_ an oath on the form prescribed b_: lay:, __-d prc7- :sing
proof of re;id_n;e in tie _owner prcr-ided Ir.- Section __ _eE Ida=no Code, as
amended,
SECTION'ATr-F-K_L T-S
-'be :•.Iadisan Count: Clerk shall cause the.-fjc:al ballet fur the bond
Re-
,tior to be prFpared in a sufficient quantit: for the bond a ecrien•
O�c- cf t_e L--n•d e.,, ;hall be_ Ei an tr: ' .adi;or Olerk pr_c r tc•
the e.ecticn o•• p:''D _phing notice of the election in the official ne,.,spaper o h.
Cit-. to first p-- c'icat� abeing =t least tvehr (zz) da:.-s prior to the elect on. he
last p_bi:cation to be not :ess ]:an fr.-e (3) da _ prier to the bond elecron• in
acconda ce .i1- 3ect:on 34-6c-', :d: o Code. as :-mended. he second g_b':ca-Jun
of he notice ,-f election crall be ..-.ompan'ed' . __mile of he ;amD1e ballo-
for tie' •ond election.
SECTION VIII., C A V —ASS
'hen he Tolls are closed. 7he election officials shall imme-diatel- Drocced
to -C-Mt he ballets ca.•t at he bond election. 7111e ,oanting shall be continued
,'.itho_t adjom'r- cent u:_dl completed and the result declared The election deadge
end clerk sha_ there•_Don cam: the returns of the bond elect on to the..,fadisen
Gr nt:: Clerk,. -.:ho sh: present the results to the =ladison COu n`: Cuman=;sioners•
Tie 3oard of Counts Corunissioners shall meet Thin ten da•.s
follu,trig the ele t'on. -r at such time to v.tlich said mfttjng is cortinued. for the
purpose of can a:s:ng t:e w•`; cf the bond electCon• t e ,_:nt Cie:k. shall
thera,;_Xn ce= the ele:tin: result; to the Ct ; Clem The :es w- stall then by
- =rep fr t e _ i cotes r--:f the Cr: Council and prOcianned az, final.
SECTIONIX-- e.F`;FP-ALOBIJGATTONSO',-X-
If. at ±e spe, al bond election7 two -thug s (r 3) of the cu_Lified electors of
the Cit::otin_ -herein :ire it fa -:or of the is_-uarce of the bones for the purposes
;et i-t` herein =.nd designated on the aforesa-E ballot. full:_ -egj;tered general
oblig,im bonds ct he Cft: shall be authcri ed, issued. sold. and deli. A_red. The
f l] `anh an d cred : of the. Ci;:; v.ill b-. pledged for he p:,.•nient of t>_e principal of
and nten:z- .-in l:e bend=. The bc-ncs v.-Moe paid from _.nnu:l taxes levied ur~cn
,11 ta. ablE properr h_ . _-he Cit.-insufficrer_aricuntto onsnt_:e _inlans fund
for tic p ::ment of h- prinap•al themIf. together vAth the i e-est cn he bonds as
it falls c-,e. =•. h:n. a term ,.hich ma:-belem Than but which, shall not exceed aftFen
.-ear parr: he date of the bonds.
-1e officer, r. c•:•: or herea=er cl=arged b=; lav: „ah the dut•: of Ie, inn taxes
for tl_e pa:.went of tie .-XnL mid interest thereon shall- in the manner pr,tided
b-: la,- make annual le:ie; upon all taxable propeatg- vthe
e Et sufficient to
mee- the _,nnual pa;-rr er_= of bond principal acid interes accr:.ing and matunng
hereirabr: e pro tided:
_ds ;hallba issued in the form and m_anner..:nd s~all be resistered.
dispred n an, --C6 eemed. in accordancv..•.ith :he prv,1:jo o: Sections ;O-io_5
through 30-1020.:-:d mac• Cede, and Title . Ctapte-s z :ad 4. Idaho C-�e.
SECTION lZ:_C1=PRS AL-rHORI STY
FASSEn EFTFiE=-CUNCIL A:DwMKOk =r: Ei TIi ZE'i%KZ,R
tau; day of `.lazch xoz5.
Deb•:a-L eja.:.G-.-C]e:r
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.
B. 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:oo 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:oo 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:
A. Second Reading: Those items which have been first read:
1. Ordinance No 1342 zone change from Rural Residential i (RR1) to Low Density
Residential 3 (LDR3), Medium Density Residential 2 (MDR2), and Regional Business
Center (RBC) zones at approximately Sol S 12'' W (25-01268) — Alan Parkinson Action
Item
ORDINANCE NO. 1342
Rezone 8oi S 12th W from Rural Residential i (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.
Proposed Rezone to Low Density Residential 3.
Medium Density Residential 2, and Regional Business Center
LDR3
RBC RBC
�E
MDR2
a
Council Member Reeser moved to approve Ordinance No JL342 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 8oi S 1.2th W and
consider second read; Council Member Riggins seconded the motion; Mayor Merrill asked for
a vote:
Those voting 4ye 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.
2. Ordinance No 1341 zone change from Low Density Residential 1 (LDRi) 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.
I
Pr ,{ Gse�, Rezwe -rerr
Lt_v4 3ensda Resii:en".sal t to LcA-DPnsjty Res.3ential Y
A
Council Member C. Erickson moved to approve Ordinance No 134.1 zone change from
Low Density Residential 1 (LDRi) to Low Density Residential 2 (LDR2) at approximately 301
S 121h W and consider second read; Council Member Johnson seconded the motion; Mayor
Merrill asked for a vote:
Those voting aye
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Tietjen
Council Member C. Erickson
Council Member Reeser
Council Member Riggins
Council President E. Erickson
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 January 21, 2026, Meeting -Action Item
B. 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
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Tietjen
Council Member C. Erickson
Council Member Reeser
Council Member Rig -ins
Council President E. Erickson
The motion carried.
Those voting nay
none
VA
Roll call vote to move into Executive Session as per Idaho State Statute §74-2o6(i)(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
§74-2o6(r)(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
Council Member Johnson
Council Member Tietjen
Council Member C. Erickson
Council Member Reeser
Council Member Biggins
Council President E. Erickson
The motion carried.
Executive Session Began 6:59 P.M.
Executive Session Ended 7:48 P.M.
Adjournment 8:o9 P.M.
Attest:
V/
Marianna Gonzalez, City Deputy Clerk
Those voting nay
none
ROVED: ,
,4/ �
Je Merril ,May
i