HomeMy WebLinkAbout2007.03.07 CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Customer Support Services
City Council Minutes
12 North Center blairk@rexburg.org Phone: 208.359.3020 x313
Rexburg, ID 83440 Fax: 208.359.3022
www.rexburg.org
March 07, 2007
Mayor Shawn Larsen
Council Members:
Donna Benfield – Council President
Farrell Young Christopher Mann
Rex Erickson Randy Schwendiman
Bart Stevens
City Staff:
Stephen Zollinger — City Attorney
Richard Horner – Finance Officer
John Millar — Public Works Director
Val Christensen – Building Official
Gary Leikness — Planning & Zoning Administrator
Blair Kay — City Clerk
7:00 P.M. – Pledge to the Flag
Roll Call of Council Members: All City Council Members were present except
Council Member Erickson.
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 February 21, 2007 meeting
B. Approve the City of Rexburg Bills
Council Member Mann asked about the membership billing at World Gym. It is for
any employee. From Idaho Transportation Department there is a $2,300 bill for signal
repairs. Will we get reimbursed for this? The Mayor does not think we will get
reimbursed for this, but he will have Public Works Director John Millar clarify.
Council Member Mann wanted to know what building had a roof repair under
“building safety reconstruction.” This was referring to the engineering building at 19
East Main Street. The question was also asked about the “Idaho Abatement and
Installation” invoice for $9,000. This was for the demolition and removal costs for the
jewelry store next to Wells Fargo Bank.
Council Member Stevens had a correction to the minutes on page 14. It was not a
“possible conflict” it was a conflict.
1
Council Member Benfield moved to approve the corrected consent calendar; Council
Member Mann seconded the motion; all vote aye, none opposed. The motion
carried.
Mayor Larsen welcomed the scouts to the meeting. Porter Young is working on his
communications merit badge as well as his citizenship in the community merit badge.
Ben Orchard is also working on his citizenship in the community merit badge. The
scouts have access to the city information.
Mayor Larsen welcomed BYU-I students participating in Rexburg 101.
Public Comment: on issues not scheduled on the agenda (limit 3 minutes)
Michaela Weber from the Czech Republic spoke concerning public transportation for
students. She asked if there were any plans to expand the current public
transportation in Rexburg. She explained that a shuttle around Rexburg would be
especially helpful for international students such as herself, so they do not have to be
so dependant on others.
Mayor Larsen addressed this issue. He received a call on this same issue earlier this
week. The City of Rexburg has an agreement with CART who recently merged with
TRIPTA. In order to expand transportation in Rexburg it would come through this
organization. Mayor Larsen directed Michaela to contact CART/TRIPTA about this
issue. It is a non profit organization that has a board of directors who makes these
types of decisions. Council Member Mann reported that the Idaho legislature voted
down the local tax options for public transportation. There was a bill to allow local
cities to add sales tax to provide more public transportation; however, it failed.
Presentations:
Committee Liaison Assignments for 2006:
A. Council Member Chris Mann Parks & Recreation· Museum Committee· Romance
Theatre Committee
Council Member Mann reported that the Romance Theatre Committee is getting
ready for the upcoming “Top Hat” event at the Westwood on March 16. This event
will help raise money for the Westwood. The Museum Board had a combined meeting
with the Children’s Museum Board and had a great meeting. They planned a project
for the Children’s Museum. Mayor Larsen referred to a school house display planned
for the museum. They need a lot of help. It would be a good service project for the
scouts.
B. Council Member Donna Benfield Beautification Committee· Police Department
Council Member Benfield reported the Beautification Committee met last Friday.
They are working on several projects including: flower baskets and planters for the
2
nd
spring, the landscaping project on Main Street and 2 East, directional signs around
town, beautification awards for the summer along with business awards and benches
and trash receptacles. Gerald Griffin noted that we need to develop a plan for the
entrance onto University Blvd. They would like a plan made for the entrances so they
can begin working on that project right away. They would like the county to
participate by having the County Court House put up a welcome sign. They are
seeking direction on the big issue for the trees on Main Street. The committee is
seeking input from the city on how many trees need to be replaced and what size of
trees are needed, etc. They are also evaluating cost estimates or this improvement.
Once they get all their data together, they will bring it before the City Council.
Mayor Larsen said they need to coordinate their efforts with the landscape architect,
Brandon Bleggi, who is working on the main street project. He can possibly help with
some of these issues. Council Member Benfield also read a letter from the National
Safety Board in reference to a recent fatal plane crash investigation. The letter
complimented Rexburg’s Emergency Services and Police staff for an excellent job.
C. Council Member Rex Erickson Airport Board· Planning & Zoning
Public Works Director John Millar reported on an airport board meeting. Contract
compliance is in good shape with one or two details to be finalized. They discussed
airport rate increases and their budget. They also discussed the need to upgrade the
Armstrong report. The committee voted to recommend to the city and county to seek
funds to have this study brought current. It is a master plan for the airport funded by
FAA. The report was done eleven years ago and the condition, location, and needs of
the airport are in the study. The Airport Board wants the City Council to approve a
new study since Rexburg has experienced significant growth since the initial study was
done. Typically the FAA will fund 90% and the state is asked to fund 5%. The other
5% would be split between the city and the county or it would be taken out of airport
operation funds. The study would cost anywhere from $50,000 to $100,000. Council
Member Young asked if the city is still bound by federal commitment for 20 years.
Public Works Director Millar explained that we can’t close the airport. If we choose
to move the airport, it would be in total harmony with FAA; the city cannot move
the airport on its’ own. We are not bound to keep the location, but we must meet
FAA requirements wherever the airport is located.
Council Member Mann moved to proceed with the update of the Armstrong report
as long as the 5% match is split with the county or comes out of airport operations
budget. Council Member Young seconded the motion; all voted aye, none opposed.
The motion carried.
D. Council Member Randy Schwendiman Golf Board· Traffic & Safety· Emergency
Services Board
Council Member Schwendiman has nothing new to report from the Golf Board since
they met with the City Council at the last meeting.
3
Mayor Larsen reviewed the staff discussion on the recent accident with the school
buses concerning pedestrian safety. A meeting with law enforcement is necessary,
especially with spring coming. Mayor Larsen would like to see an educational
campaign in conjunction with the university about pedestrian safety. He has spoken
with Building Official Val Christensen to get with Charles Andersen along with
university and city police to discuss this issue. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss
pedestrian safety around the university. City Attorney Zollinger said the meeting is
needed to decide a policy for pedestrian safety and the penalty for violating the
ordinance on J-walking.
E. Council Member Farrell Young Tabernacle Committee· Rexburg Arts Council
Council Member Young reported the Tabernacle Orchestra Concert is giving a really
great concert. He is pleased with the production. He commended the Arts Council
for their work. The Tabernacle Committee is working to improve the tabernacle.
They want the fire truck and the fire truck building moved. Parks, Recreation and
Arts Director Jack Bowman said staff is making plans to move the building and the fire
truck to the Legacy Flight Museum. They are also working to get a handicap entrance
on the north side of the tabernacle. They could not put the handicap ramp on the
south side of the building for historical reasons. The committee also talked about
getting a bid for new windows and better cleaning of the building.
Mayor Larsen asked the committee to make a recommendation on the windows.
Council Member Young said it is a dilemma because wood windows are a better fit for
the historical nature of the building. Funding opportunities can be lost if historical
values are lost with remodeling the building.
F. Council Member Bart Stevens Trails of Madison County· IBC Committee· School
Board
Council Member Stevens reported the Madison School Board will come before the
City Council again on March 21. There is no report on the Trails Committee
meeting held last Thursday.
Council Member Schwendiman asked about the $10,000 grant for trees. He will
follow up with Mayor Larsen on the grant information.
G. Mayor Larsen Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board· Legacy Flight Museum
Mayor Larsen reported the Mayor of Idaho Falls is starting a Mayors Youth Advisory
Board and will be bringing them to the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board meeting here
in Rexburg on April 04, 2007.
The Legacy Flight Museum has one appointed representative from the city, one
appointed representative from the county, and three appointments made by John
Bagley. The city representative, Neil Erickson has asked to be replaced on this board.
The Museum Board has asked Finance Officer Richard Horner to replace Neil
4
Erickson. Mayor Larsen asked the City Council to confirm the appointment of
Richard Horner to the Legacy Flight Museum Board. Council Member Schwendiman
and Council Member Mann had some concerns with the city’s financial officer being
on a city committee. Mayor Larsen suggested waiting to ask the board their concerns
during the presentation they will be given by the Museum later in the meeting.
Mayor Larsen explained to Terry Bagley, who was giving the presentation on the
Legacy Flight Museum, of the City Council’s concerns with possible conflicts having
the city treasurer on the Legacy Flight Museum Board. Mayor Larsen suggested a city
staff financial liaison would be a better function for Finance Officer Richard Horner.
The Museum Board could appoint a city member to the board to replace Neil
Erickson. Mr. Bagley will ask the board for a replacement.
Public Hearings:
ndth
A.8:00 P.M. – LID 37 (2 South; 5 West; Shoshone Avenue; Pioneer Road &
Mariah Avenue)
thnd
City Engineer Keith Davidson explained LID 37 on 5 West and 2 South. School
children in the area need to have a walking path to school. The LID calls for sidewalks
on property where there is not one currently in existence. Shoshone Avenue will be
reconstructed. It has been a half of a street for a number of years and has significantly
deteriorated. The reconstruction requires curb, gutter and sidewalk.
Mayor Larsen opened the public hearing.
ndth
2 South and 5 West
Those in favor of the proposal:
City Engineer Davidson said that Nedrow’s are interested in participating in getting a
sidewalk.
Those neutral to the proposal:
th
John Barrick at 251 South and 5 West is speaking on behalf of his father. They are
located two blocks south of Kennedy School. This LID has been brought about
because of the new Henderson Subdivision edition to the area. There is 90 feet of curb
and gutter without a sidewalk on the east side of the street. There never has been curb
and gutter there, and there are no children that use this path to get to school. The cost
estimate is about $10,000. He thought this was crazy. He is not against improving the
street. There is curb and gutter in pretty good shape. The letter they received about
this LID says the curb and gutter would also need to be replaced. They are happy to
accommodate pedestrian traffic; however, most people use the street for walking in his
area. The street is not in good condition. They don’t have a problem with making
their property nicer. He wanted to use gravel for the pathway. He said the walkway
was pavement. He feels that $10,000 in 90 feet is unacceptable. Most of the area is
5
their driveway. The biggest concern Mr. Barrick has is he doesn’t feel someone should
have to put something on their property for other people’s convenience to walk on
their property.
City Engineer Keith Davidson explained the costs are only estimated costs until the
city gets a bid. The property owner can get their own contractor for the sidewalk.
Council Member Stevens asked if Mr. Barrick’s driveway was paved. It’s not paved
its gravel. City Engineer Davidson explained that the estimate is for the whole length
of the property. There are two LID’s, one for Lowell and one for Jerome. The parcel
lines are divided.
st
Anthony Robbins at 138 North 1 East asked why the city doesn’t just hire a
construction company to come in and put in the sidewalks at not cost to anyone.
Since parts of the area being discussed do not have grandfather rights and they were
built without sidewalks and below city standards. The construction company doing
the original construction should be responsible for the costs, since they didn’t meet
standards when it was originally built.
Those opposed to the proposal:
th
Jay Mason speaking for Ilene at 265 South 5 West, received an estimate showing the
area that needs to be paved. It shows 66 feet. The driveway is 16 feet of asphalt. Does
he need a sidewalk where the asphalt is located? Mayor Larsen suggested working
with City Engineer Keith Davidson. He complained that when they put in the new
Henderson Subdivision, they patched the road and didn’t do a good job at it because
every time a truck goes by his front yard for water and sewer, the house shakes. City
Engineer Davidson will look into this issue.
City Engineer Davidson said the city will only bill for the actual construction costs.
The date of construction will be communicated to the property owners in a letter.
Shoshone Avenue
Those in favor of the proposal: NONE
Those neutral to the proposal: NONE
Those opposed to the proposal:
Cathy Rasmussen at 550 Terra Vista Avenue wanted to know why they are required
to make a $13,000 improvement when the area that they need to improve is not even
on their property. She did not know why they were included. She feels that whoever
does own this land should be the ones to pay for the improvements. City Engineer
Keith Davidson explained the city has made improvements to city streets (curb, gutter
& sidewalk) in the past by billing the adjacent property owner. When a new sub-
division goes in, the city does not pay for curb, gutter and sidewalk, the developer pays
6
for it and then the developer bills the property owner for this when the developer sells
the property. He gave the example of Sunrise Drive property owners.
City Attorney Zollinger explained the city assesses the benefit that comes from these
improvements to property owners or those paying for the improvements. Ms.
Rasmussen is asking what benefit she will get for developing this property.
Alan Rasmussen asked for the cost per foot for curb and gutter. Mayor Larsen said
the estimated cost is $16.34 per lineal foot.
Phillip Parkinson at 420 Shoshone Avenue explained there was damage done to his
curb, gutter and sidewalk by Zollinger Construction a few years ago when they did
snow removal on the street. Recently, Depatco has been going up and down his street,
and their trucks have caused further damage by driving on the curb. The letter says he
is responsible for 30 feet of damaged curb. He does not want to pay for damage done
by city snow removal and new construction. They are destroying Shoshone Avenue
with loaded trucks. He would like the city to close the street while construction is
going on. The only ones that need access to Shoshone is him, his wife, the mail man
and the garbage man. Everyone else on the street has a different way in; his house is
the only one landlocked. It has been a big hassle. The contractors are not respecting
the road. Pretty soon they are not going to have a road to drive on.
Council Member Benfield thanked Mr. Parkinson for bringing the issue to the City
Councils attention. She agreed the heavy loads are damaging the streets on Shoshone
Ave, Millhollow Road and others. She wants the issue addressed. The city does not
have frost limits. Public Works Director Millar said we will have to look at what the
city is able to do. Mr. Parkinson said the road is already crumbling and sinking. They
have seen crack damage in his home. Council Member Mann asked if the snow
removal was reported. Mr. Parkinson said it was reported to the City Clerk on site.
City Engineer Keith Davidson said this damage was reported and it is in the LID at
city expense. They are planning to visit with Depatco and Parkinson’s to come to an
agreement on who should be responsible for the LID costs. Depatco will limit the
truck traffic on Shoshone Avenue They will have to maintain Shoshone Avenue until
it is rebuilt.
Public Works Director John Millar said Shoshone Avenue was never constructed to
code. The city has planned to rebuild Shoshone this year. This LID includes the west
half of Shoshone Avenue. The east half of Shoshone Avenue will be built and paid for
by the developer.
Council Member Benfield asked if the construction would be coordinated so the new
rebuild on Millhollow Road would be done after this construction. Public Works
Director Millar said the heavy work would be done by the time they get to the
7
Millhollow Road repair. He is not so concerned if Millhollow Road fails now before
the reconstruction of the road, he wants to make sure it won’t fail after the repairs are
made.
Council Member Schwendiman asked to deal with speed limits for frost.
Mike Packer at 552 Harvest Drive said this development is purely for the benefit of
the developer. The existing home owners should not have to bear the burden of new
development. This should be the sole cost of the developer. He does not want the
city to come to him to pay for the curb and gutter so they can build a road for the
developer’s benefit. He also reported the flat curb in Harvest Heights never should
have been allowed. The flat curb causes water run off to come down into his lot.
Harvest Heights’ run off goes to his lot and to the two lots north of his lot. He
recommended a storm drain to protect those lots that will surely be flooded if nothing
is done.
Pioneer Road and Mariah Avenue:
Public Works Director Millar review this area on the overhead screen. The owners
will guarantee a bond to pull this area from the LID. The bond will guarantee a
sidewalk to be put in by a certain date. If this happens, they will pull this area from
the LID. New procedures require public works to sign off on occupancy permits.
The bike path on Pioneer Road was supposed to be the sidewalk.
Those in favor of the proposal: NONE
Those neutral to the proposal: NONE
Those opposed to the proposal: NONE
Mayor Larsen closed the public hearing.
Council Member Young asked if Pioneer Road and Mariah Avenue are being deleted
at this time from the LID. It will not be removed from the LID until the bond is
secure to ensure the sidewalk will be installed.
Mayor Larsen asked about extending the roadway on a street for future development.
Public Works Director Millar said it is similar to Sunrise Drive. The street was
platted; however, it was not built by the developer. The City Council decided on
LID36 to have the sidewalk, curb and gutter paid by the homeowner and the city paid
for the street. Rasmussen’s lot does not have any street improvement or curb and
gutter.
Council Member Benfield asked if this is the same issue as Sunrise Drive because the
developer did not finish his project. Public Works Director Millar explained that it is
the same issue. Half a road was dedicated, but because there were a few lots in front of
8
the development, the developer did not finish the road. Costs for the roads were not
included in any estimates.
Council Member Schwendiman said the city is behind in their battle to bring our
city up to standard. In the past developments were allowed to develop without
completing their projects. Now the city is trying to get the corrections done. He feels
badly for any hardships this may cause homeowners, but there is no other way to get
the city up to standards. Mr. Packer asked why the developer is not paying for the
entire street development. The developer is the one making the money off of the
streets and curb and gutter. Council Member Schwendiman explained that the original
developer is no longer here. It was first developed in 1978 and we are just now dealing
with the problem. He also explained that each contractor is supposed to develop ½ of
the street on their respective sides of the street.
Mayor Larsen asked Public Works Director Millar if we would allow developers to
dedicate roads and not develop it. This would not be allowed now. Developers must
pay for the roads as the land is developed. Only arterial roads in some cases can
th
develop roads half at a time. Half the road on 7 South for example is being built
now, the other half will be built when the other side develops.
Council Member Young asked if a developer can be held responsible for road
damage. City Attorney Zollinger said there could be an attempt to recover verifiable
damages.
Council Member Mann asked City Engineer Davidson if he would go back with Mr.
Parkinson to work out specific details on what he is responsible for on LID 37 if it
passed tonight. This would be worked out.
Note: The motion for the first reading of BILL 981 for LID 37 is on page 14.
New Business:
th
B.Request to annex 45 acres at 701 South 12 West – Blair Heinz
Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness reviewed the proposal on the
overhead screen. It was a part of an annexation proposal a couple of years ago. He
reviewed the zoning as RR1 and commercial which is the same as the Comprehensive
Plan’s land designation. The proposal is to annex this land into the city and for the
zoning designation to be consistent with the surrounding area which is Community
Business Center (CBC).
Council Member Young said when this was first proposed, it did not include the two
homes on the north side. Now the annexation proposal does include these homes.
9
Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness explained they have worked with Mr.
Heinz and he understands the purpose of annexing the entire area.
Council Member Mann asked if the commercial zone would be acceptable for good
planning. Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness said it was adjacent to
commercial zoning on the south side of the property. Council Member Schwendiman
was agreeable with the proposal. The commercial property would need to comply
with the commercial design standards.
Mayor Larsen explained that if this proposal were to go forward, it would then have
to go before the Planning and Zoning Commission and then back to the City Council
for final approval.
Council Member Stevens asked if the annexation will provide design standards.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness said that it will provide the appropriate
design standards.
nd
C.Preliminary Plat for Aspen Village Townhomes at 545 South 2 East
Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness gave a brief history of the request in
2005 for 11 acres of apartments to be sold as town homes. It has been delayed until
now for City Council. The proposal would create separate lots around the existing
buildings. Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness recommended before the final
plat is approved, the CCR’s must be reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.
Also, he suggested the site have a recorded document tying all lots together for
development purposes. This would require each parcel be up to city standards as far as
parking, landscaping, etc. It would be one big development. The site plan review
should be considered when the building department reviews the application for
building permits. He asked the applicant to explain the proposal to the City Council.
Darrell Dixon, the owner of Aspen Apartments explained the proposal. The proposal
includes a nine parcel sub-division with an additional parcel that would include the
common areas. This proposal would help with their financial structure and it would
potentially help to attract sunbirds in the summer. He has done similar projects in the
past that have worked successfully.
Council Member Young asked where the two new units would be located. There are
seven buildings with two more building shown on the drawing. They are not doing
any new buildings at this time.
City Attorney Zollinger said if parcels are sold off independently, there would have
to be a review to see if the parcels could stand alone. Parking would remain at status
quo.
10
Council Member Mann asked if BYU-Idaho had any concerns or comments. Will
CCR’s be strong enough to cover and protect the separate owners? Mr. Dixon
explained this is a request to allocate parcels in an existing development. City
Attorney Zollinger explained that as far as laying out land, the city really has no
interest if this is solely student housing or other public housing. Mr. Dixon intends to
remain a part owner. This proposal opens up some financial options.
Council Member Benfield did not see any negatives at this time. It is thinking
outside of the box in a proactive manner.
Mayor Larsen asked Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness about the next step
and recommended conditions of approval again:
1.Prior to final plat decision the CCR’s needs city attorney approval.
2.The site would need a recorded document tying all lots together for
development purposes.
3.The preliminary plat should not constitute a new site plan approval; this should
be done through staff at the time new building permits are requested.
City Attorney Zollinger explained the process to get to the final plat before the City
Council approves the final review. This is a preliminary plat, not a site plan.
Council Member Stevens said each parcel would need to own a fractional interest in
the common area. Mr. Dixon confirmed each parcel would be part owner in the
common area.
Council Member Benfield moved to approve the Preliminary Plat for Aspen
Apartments as recommended by Planning and Zoning; Council Member Stevens
seconded the motion; Discussion: Council Member Schwendiman asked about
additional parking needed for new buildings. City Attorney Zollinger confirmed the
requirement to have a “one to one” ratio of parking with any new buildings. Council
Member Mann asked if other developments in the city have used this method. Yes,
other developments have used this approach.
Mayor Larsen called for a vote: All voted aye, none opposed. The motion carried.
C. Resolution 2007 – 06 (in support of a Global Nuclear Energy Partnership)
Mayor Larsen explained Resolution 2007 – 06 shows our community’s support for
this project to be located at the INL in Idaho Falls. There is no financial obligation to
this proposal. It will be presented at the Red Lion Hotel in Idaho Falls on March 15.
We are joining with other cities to show our support of this project in hopes the
Department of Energy will choose the Idaho Falls site.
11
Council Member Benfield motioned to approve Resolution 2007 – 06; Council
Member Mann seconded the motion. All voted aye; none opposed. The motion
carries.
D. Final Plat
– Valley View Division 6, Phase3
Council Member Stevens asked to be removed from the discussion due to a conflict
on the final plats for Valley View Division 6, Phase 3 and Valley View Townhomes,
Phase 1. He stepped down from the dais.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness presented the proposal on the
overhead screen. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval
pending staff approval. Lot nine does not close; however, this will be addressed. The
property is adjacent to the south side of Sunrise Drive. There were no comments from
the Fire Department on access to the development. Mayor Larsen asked why fencing
is not being addressed. Sunrise Drive will become a major arterial (five lanes) in the
future. City Attorney Zollinger gave an example of allowing a fence adjacent to the
street if the fence is continuous along the entire subdivision. There will be one home
with access onto Sunrise Drive on the north side of Sunrise Drive.
Council Member Schwendiman wanted to require the developer to install the
continuous fence.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness recommended a mixed use with
limited access to the street. He referred to the runway effect with a continuous fence.
He said a fence would be at the discretion of City Council. The development has
restricted access.
City Attorney Zollinger said the lots are not planned to access Sunrise Drive. The
fence may or may not be installed in the back yards by the homeowners. Fences must
be set 25 feet back from the right of way unless it is a continuous fence the entire
length of the sub division and an exception has been made and approved.
Mayor Larsen asked if the City Council is comfortable with a continuous fence.
Council Member Schwendiman wanted clarification on the plan for both sides of the
street. Mayor Larsen explained the County Transportation Plan calls for a five lane
road. City Attorney Zollinger said it would take cooperation with property owners
on the north side of Sunrise Drive to build a buffer fence.
Planning and Zoning Administrator Leikness said the road could be master planned
through the residential area. Council Member Schwendiman recommended consistent
12
planning for a buffer fence. Public Works Director Millar said the fence would be at
the back of a sidewalk on the property line on the north side of Sunrise Drive.
City Attorney Zollinger said asking the developer if they were going to make a
uniform fence or berm wasn’t good enough. It has to be put in the approval process to
require this of the developer.
Mayor Larsen asked the developer, Mr. Stevens, about plans for a uniform fence to
the planned major arterial going through Sunrise Drive. Mr. Stevens was not opposed
to installing a uniform continuous fence along his development on Sunrise Drive.
City Attorney Zollinger said the City Council could dictate function; however, they
could not address aesthetics.
City Attorney Zollinger said that the market has to dictate some of these issues,
because right now questions are being asked that we don’t have answers to. The
responsibility of the City Council is to approve a plat, not to make decisions on design
standards. The City Council can put restrictions in the plat approvals. The City
Council could approve this as a conditional plat approval with additional designations
that have plat restrictions on them. He reminded the City Council language for this
type of conditional plat approval has already been written. Mayor Larsen said this
language does not include a master plan for major arterials.
Richard Smith said there will be a lot of options along a major arterial. He
recommended City Attorney Zollinger’s first proposal of approving a conditional plat.
Council Member Young moved to approve the Final Plat for Valley View Division 6,
Phase 3 with City Attorney Zollinger’s suggested restrictions notated on the final plat.
The restrictions on the final plat would state:
1. No primary access to the major arterial from adjoining lots;
2. Lots are adjacent to a major arterial;
3. Lots will comply with arterial design standards at the time building permits are
requested.
Council Member Mann seconded the motion; Discussion: the developers/builders in
the room agreed this is a reasonable request. City Attorney Zollinger explained
Planning and Zoning Administrator Gary Leikness will design a few different options
that will qualify under the restrictions given. Some applicants may want a stone wall;
others may want a vinyl wall, or a berm with a rod iron fence. All the options will be
acceptable to Planning and Zoning and then the developer will make an election on
which option to choose to make the fences uniform around the area. Mr. Stevens said
this is a really good idea because this will give a range in prices for how much lots will
cost as well. Mayor Larsen called for a vote:
13
All voted aye; none opposed. The motion carried.
E. Final Plat
– Valley View Townhomes, Phase 1
Winston Dyer of the Dyer Group representing DSC Investments reviewed Valley
View Townhomes, Phase 1on the overhead screen. It is a 2.9 acre piece consisting of 7
lots. The lots will be developed as single family twin homes like the Eaglewood twin
home development.
The northern most lot will become a common area for the neighborhood. There is a
nd
private drive on the front of the home facing east which will access 2 East. He
reviewed water, cable, and other utility locations. The city has fenced off part of the
property in the water tower area. It is too small a lot to be approved for development.
It is the intent of the developer is to give this to the city since it is already being used
there for the water tower. The road will be completed by adjoining property owners,
the city and DSC Investments. They expect 12 cars per hour during peak times with
18 possible students for the schools. It is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan for
residential use in the area and recommended by Planning and Zoning. The
preliminary plat was approved by Planning and Zoning and by the City Council. The
final plat has been approved by Planning and Zoning and now needs to be approved
by City Council. Mayor Larsen asked if lot one would be landscaped and maintained.
Winston said available areas would be landscaped. Mayor Larsen asked for the fencing
nd
and appearance of the lots with the back of the homes facing 2 East. It would look
much like Millhollow Road going up into Harvest Heights. There will not be a direct
nd
access onto 2 East for these lots. They will install a pipe to handle overflow water
from the water tower. The buildings will be built to match other buildings in the
neighborhood. They will not have to cut into the street to put in water or sewer.
nd
Mayor Larsen called for a uniform fence on 2 East. There are two major water lines
on the property that will have a dedicated easement so the city can continue to access
nd
it as needed. The road has good visibility to access 2 East. The street will be a 24
foot private drive functioning as a one way street. The city will not maintain this
street as it is a private drive and not a public street. It will be maintained by a
homeowners association.
Council Member Young moved to approve the
Final Plat – Valley View Townhomes,
Council Member Schwendiman seconded the motion; Council Member
Phase 1;
nd
Young amended his motion to include a uniform fence along 2 East; Council
Member Schwendiman concurred with a second to the amendment; all voted aye,
none opposed. The motion carried.
Report on Projects:
14
Public Works Director John Millar explained they opened bids for a new restroom
in Smith Park. The bid came in over the estimated budget. They estimated $74,000
for the restrooms. The bids ranged from $82,600 to $104,000. The total cost would be
$90,000 leaving $31,000 over budget. They have worked with Finance Officer Horner
as well as Parks Recreation and Arts Director Jack Bowman on how they could fund
this project. They have $25,000 in the 2007 budget to modify the automatic sprinklers
in Smith Park; they would like to propose deferring the sprinkler project to 2008 to
pay for the cost difference of the restrooms. They have about $10,000 budgeted for
new trees that can help cover for this project as well. $5,000 could come from the trees
budget.
Council Member Young asked if the restrooms at Smith Park are identical to the new
rest rooms at Porter Park.
Public Works Director John Millar explained the look will be almost identical;
however, Porter Park has a large pump room on the back of the building that would
not be included at Smith Park. The restroom portion would be identical. The
restrooms at Porter Park cost $114,000. The restrooms at Smith Park will go in the
same place as the old one that has now been removed. The lighting has been budgeted
for Porter Park.
Council Member Mann moved to approve the bid with Harold Harris Construction
using additional money budgeted for trees and the sprinkler system budget to cover
the overage. Council Member Benfield seconded the motion; all voted aye, none
opposed.
The motion carried.
Public Works Director Millar said they have not received the final number on the
South Arterial bid. In recent discussion they were told it will come in about $650,000
over the engineers estimate. Mayor Larsen will be meeting with LTAC (Local
Highway Technical Assistance Council) to find out what the city’s position will need
to be on this project. They will have more information once the LTAC meeting takes
place.
Council Member Benfield asked Public Works Director Millar for a commitment on
Lynn Archibald’s project of the war memorial in Smith Park. The city will do some
excavation of the site. The county has committed to bring in the gravel. A lot of
material has been donated. The city’s commitment will be minimal. It will probably
th
not be completely finished by the 4 of July; however it should be substantially
underway by that time. Council Member Benfield was concerned with heavy trucks
causing damage on residential roads. She asked if the city could look into it.
Calendared Bills and Tabled Items:
15
BILL Introductions: - NONE
A.
First Reading: Those items which are being introduced for first reading.
B.
1.BILL 981 - Creation of LID 37
Reference discussion on this item: See Public Hearing testimony on pages 4-8.
1.Council Member Mann moved to approve LID37; Council Member
Young seconded the motion with the understanding that adjustments must
be made. Council Member Mann agreed the adjustments need to be made.
Council Member Stevens wanted to know if LID 37could be extended for
th
the larger properties on 5 West so it is not such a burden. Finance Officer
Horner said there is a way to extend the entire LID, however interest will
accrue. He will check to see how long LID 37 can be extended. City
Attorney Zollinger suggested looking at giving a discount for corner lots or
half lots since the benefits for these types of lots are minimal. This would
mean the city would have to pick up some of the cost if approved. The city
should not run into these issues as much in the future because developers
are now required to finish their projects. He also reminded the City
Council they could approve this LID as a first reading only tonight, then
the City Engineer will have to make necessary adjustments to the LID and
bring it back to the City Council at a future meeting. Council Member
Schwendiman made a substitute motion to approve BILL 981 for the
creation of LID 37, as a first reading, and have it brought back to the City
Council in two weeks. Council Members Mann and Council Member
Young clarified they did not make a motion to suspend the rules, so the
original motion was to approve the LID as first read. Mayor Larsen asked
for a vote to approve LID 37 as first read and have it brought back to City
Council in two weeks. All voted aye; none opposed. The motion carries.
Second Reading: Those items which have been first read. – NONE
C.
Third Reading: Those items which have been second read. – NONE
D.
Tabled Items: Those items which have been the subject of an affirmative vote to a
motion
to table: - NONE
Old Business:
A.Legacy Flight Museum Board Proposal
16
Terry Bagley representing John Bagley gave an annual report on the Legacy Flight
Museum. The first year’s expenses were covered by the city and county. The first
year was very successful. This year, the air show is on Father’s Day and it will be free.
The biggest problem they will have at the air show this year is finding enough places
to park cars. They were able to get 10-$5000 contributions to pay for the air show.
Part of this money will also go to acquiring more assets for the museum. The museum
currently owns one airplane. Danny Summers has ½ of the displays. They have
acquired $150,000 worth of assets in the past year. They would like to get more
airplanes for the museum. Some of these assets will be sold for cash to acquire more
airplanes that have historical value. John Bagley is looking for a T6 for the museum.
These are the most inexpensive airplane you can get that has historical value. The
museum would also like to pursue access to their own checking account. It is
impossible to buy or trade an airplane with a purchase order or buy an airplane on a
non-business day. They are asking for a second museum account to purchase or sell
big assets.
Mayor Larsen concurred there is a need to set up a second account, given the financial
controls in place. Council Member Schwendiman reviewed the purpose of the account
is to be the fund raising account for the Legacy Flight Museum. Mr. Bagley explained
the museum does not have a paid staff. They get volunteers to man the museum. The
one plane that the museum has is a boredom fighter which is a world war one plane
replica worth $15,000 to $20,000. It does not necessarily have the historical value of
other planes such as a T6. The donor has not prohibited the museum from trading or
selling this plane to get something that they would prefer. The boredom fighter could
hang in the museum. Council Member Schwendiman was concerned with the
museum financing expensive planes. Mr. Bagley said the expenses for a plane would be
covered by donations. Finance Officer Horner said the planes are covered by city
insurance if they are not flying. The city insures the museum and the contents in the
museum.
Council Member Stevens appreciates their efforts to increase city assets without
costing the city any expenses to buy and sell airplanes.
Council Member Young wanted the first museum account to be covered by the
second museum account if operating expenses were not covered by the first account.
Council Member Benfield clarified that at least three of the five board members must
approve purchases for the museum over $3,000.
The Legacy Flight Museum Board proposed the following resolution:
17
Resolution
Of the Board of Directors of the
Legacy Flight Museum
In order to facilitate the accumulation of assets for the Legacy Flight Museum in behalf
of the City and County, in a manner that is conductive to the same, the Board of
Directors of the Legacy Flight Museum requests that the City Council of the City of
Rexburg authorize the following:
1)That a separate City checking account be set up for the purchase of
museum assets.
2)That only funds raised by the museum board shall be deposited in the
account.
3)That two signatures be required on each check written on that account.
4)That all purchases over $2,000 must be pre-approved by a majority of
the Board of Directors of the museum.
5)That copies of the check register and invoices be turned over to the City
Finance Officer and the Board of Directors at least monthly, and are
always made available upon request by the same.
6)That this checking account be audited as are all others owned by the
City.
7)That this account may be terminated at the will of the City Council.
8)That the following individuals be allowed to sign on the account:
a.Chief Financial Officer of the City of Rexburg
b.Mayor of the City of Rexburg
c.John Bagley
d.Terry Bagley
e.Dave Beck
nd
Approved by the Board of Directors this 22 of February, 2007
____________________________
City Approval
____________________________
County Approval
Council Member Stevens move to approve the resolution of the board; Council
Member Mann seconded the motion; Discussion: The county needs to approve the
resolution. All voted aye, none opposed. The motion carried.
Mayor’s Report:
18
Finance Officer Richard Horner explained that a police grant for four officers was
shut down and the expense should have moved into the budget. The budget did not
show the new budget expense for the four officers. The City Council discussed
financial buffers with Finance Officer Horner.
Council Member Benfield called for independent audits on departments to catch
budget problems.
Council Member Stevens moved to go into executive session Pursuant to State
Statute 67-2345 due to contract or litigation; Council Member Benfield seconded the
motion. Mayor Larsen called for a roll call vote:
Those voting aye Those voting nay
Farrell Young None
Randy Schwendiman
Donna Benfield
Bart Stevens
Christopher Mann
The motion carried.
Executive Session:
Executive Session ended.
Adjournment
____________________________
Mayor Shawn Larsen
Attest:
_________________________
Blair D. Kay, City Clerk
19