Meeting Minutes
Rexburg Redevelopment Agency
Meeting Minutes- May 25, 2017
Rexburg, Idaho
Attendance
Members: Chairman Richard Horner, Robert Chambers, Randall Porter, Doug Hancey, and Brad Wolfe.
Visitors: Mayor Merrill, Joel Gray, Mayor Dave Ogden (Sugar City), Scott Johnson, Cory Sorensen, Kimber Ricks (Commissioner)
Administrative Support: Katie Cook
Welcome
Chairman Richard Horner called the meeting to order at 12:05 PM
Approval of Minutes
Chairman Richard Horner addressed the need to approve the meeting minutes from March 9, 2017 which were sent to the Board prior to the meeting. Robert Chambers made a motion to approve the meeting minutes, Randall Porter seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Approval of Invoices
Chairman Richard Horner addressed the need for approval of an invoice in the amount of $675 to cover costs for him to attend the AIC Conference in Boise for the Redevelopment Association of Idaho. Randall Porter motioned to approve invoice amount of $675 for the conference. Robert Chambers seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
Review of Financial Status
N/A
North Highway District
Washington School District
Project Update
Corey Sorensen addressed the board stating that the biggest hurdle they are facing with the project on the corner of 2nd West and 1st North is with the 33,000 square feet of retail in order to qualify for the New Market Tax Credit. Corey sent out a City of Rexburg Prospectus letter and 10-15 interested parties got back to him. He stated that they need to land at least one of them for the project to go through and meet the criteria of the New Market Tax Credit. Corey asked the Board for any suggestions or ideas on bringing retail into Rexburg. A few ideas were discussed for quite some time. Corey asked the board to also contact him with any leads they might find in the meantime.
Downtown District
Center Street Reconstruction Update
Scott Johnson addressed the board with a bird’s eye view picture of Center Street project in Rexburg. He explained that in the process of the water project, they’d like to put the street back better than they started with. The City would like to see the street become more appealing to the eye since it is one of the busiest streets in town. Scott discussed some estimated numbers with the board. These numbers can be found on the spreadsheet filed with the meeting minutes. The city plans to pay for about $500,000 of this project. He explained that with this project we will lose a total of 10 parking stalls on the street. They have also met with each of the business owners that will be effected on the street and addressed any concerns that they may have and are working with them on arrangements. There will be a lot more lighting as well as trees on the street. Hemming Village is partnering with them to add a Way Finding sign on their street as well. This will give the city some identity as well as provide a connection between the city and the University. At a previous meeting, the Rexburg URA agreed to contribute up to $500,000 in partnership with the City.
University Boulevard District
Sidewalks and Signals
University and Yellowstone Signal:
Joel Gray addressed the board with a map and cost estimate handout for the relocation of the traffic signal at the intersection of University and Yellowstone. Chairman Richard Horner asked when this is proposed to be done. Joel Gray states it’s already been a year, what they are waiting on is permission from the railroad which could take quite some time. The board discusses what needs to be done to speed the process up.
University Blvd from US 20 off ramp to Rexburg Motorsports:
Joel Gray showed the board a map and cost estimate handout for the installation of a new sidewalk and curb and gutter on University Blvd from the US 20 off ramp to Rexburg Motorsports. Chairman Richard Horner states that the Rexburg Redevelopment Agency has already approved the construction of the two University Blvd projects up to $400,000. The board also discussed the pros and cons of putting a stop light in at this location in the future.
North Interchange District
2nd East Project
Joel Gray addressed the board with a map and cost estimate handout for the reconstruction of 2nd East from 15th N (Walmart) on the east side of the road to the US 20 on and off ramps. There will be two lanes from 15th N (Walmart) all the way out to the on and off ramps, a middle turning lane, and only one lane all the way from US 20 to 15th N (Walmart). Once finished there will be five lanes across. Chairman Richard Horner stated that they have to spend the money from the Urban Renewal fund soon. Joel states that they will send the estimate out by the 1st of June, have a bid by mid-June and hopefully a July 1st start date.
General Discussion
Chairman Richard Horner proposed a question in regard to the Solar Eclipse coming in August. There is concern that there will be some traffic issues. Chairman Horner asks if there are any plans for the traffic that will be coming as well as where all the vehicles will be parked. The board discussed the issue that we have no idea how many will actually be coming to Rexburg. There are plans in place but nothing set to take care of the possible issue.
Next Meeting Date and Adjournment
The meeting was adjourned at 1:20 P.M.
Minutes submitted by: Lainee Trost
Approved by: Board on ______________
X____________________________________________
Richard Horner, Chair