Rexburg Urban Renewal Agency
Meeting Minutes – November 17, 2021 Rexburg, Idaho
Members: Williams Riggins, Tisha Flora, Randall Porter, and Doug Smith via Zoom Robert Chambers
City: Scott Miller, Mayor Merrill, Justin Beard, Scott Johnson, Matt Neilson
Visitors: via Zoom Sephlin Hepworth and Cameron Arial
Administrative Support: Krisi Staten from ECIPDA
Welcome
Chairman William Riggins called the meeting to order.
Administrative Items
The October 27, 2021 meeting minutes were reviewed. A motion to approve the minutes was made by Tisha Flora and a second by Randall Porter. The motion was approved with all members saying “Aye.”
The invoices listed were motioned to approve and pay by Randall Porter and a second by Tisha Flora. The motion passed with all members saying “Aye.”
1. Clearwater Financial: $1,900.00
2. Elam & Burke: $315.00
North Highway District:
No discussion
Washington School District:
No discussion
Downtown District:
Scott Miller and Scott Johnson have reviewed the market analysis and looked to the future to make recommendations on how to proceed with the district. It’s set to expire in 2027 with estimates of
$7 million left in the district to be dispersed. Some options for the remaining funds are to rebuild 2nd East from Main Street to 2nd South, put money towards the mixed-use building at the Beehive property, or purchase additional properties. Megan from Elam & Burke was asked about the possibility of opening a new district downtown. That is an option, but it would be best to wait until the mixed-use building is completed. It was discussed that the agency would let the district expire and then possibly create additional districts near downtown. Both Robert Chambers and Cameron Arial were asked their opinion and they agree that would be the best approach. There are two parcels the agency needs to close on before moving forward with an RFP or RFQ , which may be as early as January 2022. Scott Johnson will be meeting with a group of large developers to discuss how to make the property more attractive for development. Cameron has been asked to submit a proposal to help work with the property owners to negotiate the purchase of the two lots.
The board was asked if they had questions on the report. Randall asked about the rental rates on the commercial buildings compared to those in housing. Housing is better for developers, but the urban renewal can help keep things balanced by requiring developers to build commercial and parking. Cameron told the board that when they did the study, they looked at the regional population projections. He will send that out to the board. Robert asked about the hospitality numbers and the possibility of a local option tax, or room tax, to help pay for infrastructure improvements. It was discussed creating an auditorium district in Rexburg. Scott Miller will bring more information to the board at the next meeting about these taxing districts.
Krisi will send the final market analysis out to the members for a vote in the next meeting .
University Boulevard District:
No discussion
North Interchange District:
No discussion
North Central District:
No discussion
General Discussion:
Randall asked about Horners Corner and if there should be a for sale sign posted on the property or possibly move forward with an RFQ or RFP from developers. The board should consider selling the property or getting it developed soon. The previous developers have withdrawn their proposal to build multifamily housing on the property. Scott Miller will have more information at the next meeting.
Next Meeting Date and Adjournment
The next meeting will be held December 15, 2021 at 12:30pm. This will be a working meeting to review the market analysis document.
A motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Tisha Flora and a second by Randall Porter. The motion passed with all members saying “Aye.”
Minutes prepared and submitted by Krisi Staten
Approved by: Board on
X William Riggins, Chair