Rexburg council adopts CPACE program, accepts multiple grants and approves zoning, budget and surplus items

The Rexburg City Council approved several measures at its Nov. 6 meeting, including establishing a local CPACE financing program, accepting transportation and safety grants, approving multiple zoning actions and routine budget items.

CPACE adopted after public hearing: Council opened a public hearing on a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE) program and then voted to adopt resolution 2024-15 (after a prior resolution setting the hearing). Shelby DuPont of Nuveen Green Capital, representing a CPACE capital provider, testified in favor, saying Nuveen is ready to work with local property owners and that the firm anticipates "over $12,000,000 in investment through this program by the end of the year." Council members asked clarifying questions about developer interest and administrative fees; after a motion, second and voice vote the council approved establishing the CPACE program.

Grants and budget adjustments: The council approved several grant acceptances and related budget adjustments. Finance staff reported a $90,000 "thriving communities" grant to fund a feasibility study for a potential river crossing at 5th West and moved to adjust the fiscal year budget to expend those funds. Public works staff noted a $2,000,000 Idaho Transportation Department grant to fund lighting and widening on North 2nd East; the local match is approximately 7.34% (about $146,000). The council also accepted a $240,000 federal Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant to develop a community safety action plan with a $60,000 match that can be largely met in-kind. Council approved each grant acceptance by motion and voice vote.

Finance items: CFO Matt Nielsen reported a negotiated 0% increase in the city’s health-insurance renewal for 2025, a dental premium uptick of roughly $12,000 to be split 85% city/15% employees, and proposed moving net savings into contingency; council approved the budget adjustment.

Zoning, permits and surplus items: The council approved a zone change (ordinance 13-24) converting a property near the new hockey rink from light industrial to low-density residential 3 to allow housing redevelopment, and granted a conditional-use permit to allow a caretaker residence in a light-industrial zone at 145 W 2nd North. The council also approved surplus and donation of some museum display cases and an ice skate sharpener to Sugar City for a local museum. Several ordinance second and third readings (including annexation and rezones) were considered and advanced according to the published schedule.

Appointments and consent: Council ratified Carly Francis to the Parks, Recreation and Trails Committee and approved routine items on the consent calendar, including October 16 minutes and payment of city bills. Finally, the council moved into an executive session under Idaho Code 74-206(1)(c) to discuss acquiring an interest in real property; the public meeting recessed for the closed session.

What’s next: Staff will implement grant-related next steps (RFPs for consultants where required), finalize administrative terms for CPACE implementation, and return with any budgetary impacts or final program documents as needed.