Sally Reynolds - 11-15 Disclosure of Ex Parte ContactSally Reynolds
1166 W Bacall St.
Meridian, ID 83646
November 14, 2017
Sonya Allen
Planning Department
City of Meridian
33 E Broadway Ave # 102
Meridian, ID 83642
sallen@meridiancity.org
RE: Summary Disclosure of Ex Parte Contact by Councilmember Ty Palmer
I would like to both report and disclose a conversation I had with Councilmember Ty
Palmer regarding the pending decision on Linder Village (H-2017-0088). While I was not
aware at the time, I have since come to understand that the conversation was unlawful for
Councilmember Palmer because it was outside the public record. I am also concerned
whether Mr. Palmer has already made a decision to approve the permit based on his
private statements to me.
On September 20, 2017, I attended the Town Hall Meeting at Meridian High School.
After the meeting, I approached Mr. Palmer and asked about his stance on growth in
North Meridian. He asked what area I was referring to and I said the corner of Linder and
Chinden - Linder Village. I stated that I represented a lot of residents who supported
developing the corner according to the current Meridian City Comp plan. I said we didn't
want the plan for that corner to change, because at the time the applicant was asking for an
amendment to the comp plan. He asked if I thought there was ever a time/circumstances
when the Comp plan should be changed. I said that I thought there were times when it
should be allowed, but not when all of the land surrounding the area in question has
already been developed and definitely not when residents oppose it.
I referred to the fact that we had over 500 signatures on a petition of people who wanted
to see the plan upheld. He preceded to tell me that he had received over 150 letters in
support of the Linder Village project in the last few days and he has never seen that kind
of support for a project. He said usually it is just the opposite and everyone is opposing
the project. I explained that we weren't whole-heartedly rejecting the project. We were
asking that the developer develop the land using the guidelines already in place and
develop a site plan that used proper setbacks, transitions, etc.
I mentioned that many of the people in the group may not be as opposed to the corner
having Winco there, if Winco would be pushed towards the major roads and away from
the residences. He asked if the plan looked something like the WinCo site in Nampa,
would that be something we would consider? I wasn't sure what the Nampa WinCo site
plan was but said that if it was pushed against a major road, then we would be more open
to that. I relayed my concerns about traffic and the need to city services and increased
taxes, but he assured me that "these projects always pay for themselves with the revenue
they generate."
Our full conversation lasted at least 20 minutes. From his statements, I concluded that
Councilmember Palmer had already decided to approve the project. He seemed to
discount the concerns of residents in favor of those that support the project. He seemed to
give more weight to the citizens that support the project over those like myself who are
specifically raising concerns. He also seemed to have already decided that public services
can be provided regarding transportation. I am also unclear and concerned whether the
letters he mentioned have been properly received and disclosed to the public.
I am happy to answer any additional questions you may have about the contact I had with
Councilmember Palmer. My goal in reporting this contact is to encourage Mr. Palmer to
disclose any conversations he may have had with the Applicant’s representatives or
members of the public as part of the public hearing.
Sincerely,
Sally Reynolds
Cc: Bill Nary, Meridian City Attorney