Rexburg council approves pathway design, awards LID 53 contract and advances multiple rezones and plats

The Rexburg City Council on an announced agenda approved a design contract for a pathway along the railroad corridor, awarded a local improvement district construction contract, and advanced multiple planning and zoning items.

Public Works Director Keith Davidson asked the council to approve an agreement with Keller Associates to design a section of pathway between Riverside Park and North Yellowstone Highway, a project funded through a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant. Council member Johnson moved to approve the agreement and Council president Walker seconded; the council voted in favor.

Staff next recommended awarding Local Improvement District (LID) 53 to Edstrom Construction for a bid in the $2.59 million range. Councilmember Colin Erickson moved to approve the award and Council member Chambers seconded; the motion carried by voice vote.

Planning staff presented several land‑use items. The council adopted resolution 2024‑O4 to change the comprehensive‑plan map for a roughly 10‑acre parcel at 1040 West Main Street from intermediate residential to commercial; the matching rezone from mixed use to community business center (ordinance 13‑13) was then moved forward on its first reading and approved to proceed. A separate comp‑plan change at 52 N North 3rd West (resolution 2024‑O5) and the associated rezone to high residential also received council approval to advance.

The council approved the Alpine Heights Division 1 plat (approx. 501 E. 7th South), a single‑family subdivision east of the temple. During discussion council members raised concerns about half‑street buildouts in adjacent subdivisions and the timing of funding for full street construction; staff and the council noted the decision often hinges on available street‑fund dollars and development timing.

Consent items, including council minutes and payment of city bills, were approved by voice vote. Several other ordinances (including amendments to parade/public‑assembly rules and rezones for Rodney Drive and 1022 West Main Street) were moved forward on second read.

The council also noted ongoing contract negotiations on a public‑private partnership for a community ice rink, leaving that item tabled while staff work through insurance and contract details. The meeting ended after brief announcements and a reminder of upcoming openings and community events.

What happens next: design documents for the pathway will proceed per the TAP grant schedule; Edstrom Construction will prepare to begin LID 53 work per the bid award schedule; planning staff will transmit approved comp‑plan and rezone items to required publication and second‑reading steps where applicable. The Alpine Heights plat will move into the usual post‑approval implementation and permitting steps.