HomeMy WebLinkAbout14-1011 Amending Existing Conditions Report (CPAT 14-001)CITY OF MERIDIAN RESOLUTION NO.14-1011
BY THE CITY COUNCIL:
BIRD, BORTON, CAVE'NER,
MILAM, ROUNTREE, ZAREMBA
A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN TO
AMEND THE 2011 COMPREHENSIVE PLAN BY AMENDING THE EXISTING
CONDITIONS REPORT, AN ADDENDUM TO THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN; AND
PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have the authority pursuant to Idaho Code § 50-302 to
establish resolutions not inconsistent with the laws of the state of Idaho as may be expedient, in addition
to the special powers therein granted, to maintain the peace, good government and welfare of the
corporation and its trade, commerce and industry; and
WHEREAS, the City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan was adopted on April 19, 2011 as
resolution 11-784; and
WHEREAS, a public hearing was held on September 2, 2014 regarding the amendment of the
Existing Conditions Report, an addendum of the 2011 Comprehensive Plan.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council have deemed it appropriate to amend the 2011
Comprehensive Plan to amend the Existing Conditions Report to the Plan outlined in attachments
Exhibit A.
WHEREAS, the Mayor and City Council have provided all the requisite notices, held the
necessary hearings, and received the required information necessary to make a final decision as required
by the Idaho Local Land Use Planning Act to amend the adopted comprehensive plan.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL OF
THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, IDAHO AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to Idaho Code §67-6509, the Mayor and City Council hereby
amend the City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan as outlined in attached Exhibit A, titled Existing
Conditions Report. A copy of this Resolution and the attached amendment shall be held on file in the
office of the City Clerk.
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT— AMENDED EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT — CPAT 14-001— Page 1 of 1
SECTION 2. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately upon its adoption
and approval.
2014.
ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Meridian, Idaho, this 9 day of September,
APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Meridian, Idaho, this q day of September, 2014.
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COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AMENDMENT—AMENDED EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT—CPAT 14-001— Page 2 of 2
EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT
ADDENDUM TO THE CITY OF MERIDIAN COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
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CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 )DRAFT)
EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT
ADDENDUM TO THE CITY OF MERIDIAN COMPREHENSIVE PLAN,
BY RESOLUTION NO. , ON 2014
Prepared by:
City of Meridian
Planning Division
33 E Broadway Suite 102
Meridian, Idaho 83642
Phone 208.884.5533
Fax 209.888.6854
C �E IDIAN--
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CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
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CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 )DRAFT)
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. Introduction 1-1
■ Review of the Report...................................1-1
■ Comprehensive Plan....................................1-2
■ Local Land Use Planning Act.............................1-2
■ History................................................1-3
2. Who Lives in Meridian? What Do They Do? 2-1 3
■ Population, Housing, and Economic Development ..........
2-1
■ Population and Demographic Characteristics ..............2-2
2-16
Historic Counts and Current Estimates ..................
2-2
Forecasts ...........................................
2-2
Age................................................
2-3
Race and Ethnicity ...................................
2-3
Gender.............................................2-4
3-3
Educational Attainment ..............................2-4
Cost of Living .......................................
2-5
Income ............................................
2-5
Poverty......... ...................................
2-6
■ Housing Characteristics.................................2-7
Number of Dwelling Units ............................
2-7
Housing Unit Type ...................................
2-8
Occupancy .........................................
2-8
Persons per Housing Unit .............................
2-9
Age of Housing .....................................
2-9
Housing Value ......................................
2-9
■ Housing and Urban Development .......................2-11
3-11
■ Economic Development................................2-12
3-11
Economic Excellence ................................
2-13
Economic Development and Infrastructure .............
2-13
Taxes............................................. 2-13
Labor Force ........................................ 2-13
Employment ....................................... 2-14
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Employers .........................................
2-14
Trends............................................
2-16
Meridian Chamber of Commerce .....................
2-17
Meridian Development Corporation ...................
2-17
Business Enterprise Areas ............................
2-18
The Core...........................................2-18
3-3
The Fields..........................................2-18
3-3
How is the Land in Meridian
3-1
■ Land Use, Transportation, and Community Design .........3-1
■ Land Use..............................................3-2
Built Environment ...................................
3-2
Residential .........................................
3-2
Commercial ........................................
3-3
Office..............................................
3-3
Industrial ...........................................
3-3
Mixed Use..........................................3-4
Civic...............................................3-4
■ Zoning—Land Use Correlation ..........................
3-4
■ Land Ownership........................................3-5
■ Future Land Uses.......................................3-5
■ Specific Area Plans ....................................
3-8
Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area Plan ................
3-8
Destination Downtown (Urban Renewal) ...............
3-8
Fields District .......................................
3-9
■ Area of City Impact ....................................
3-9
■ Transportation........................................3-10
Roadway Authority .................................
3-11
Transportation Commission ..........................
3-11
Roadway Network ..................................
3-12
Interstates, State Highways and Arterials ..............
3-12
Collectors .........................................
3-15
Local Streets .......................................
3-16
Entryway Corridors .................................
3-16
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Travel Times and Commuting ........................
3-16
Transportation Funding Plans ........................
3-17
Long -Range Plans...................................3-17
3-38
Short -Range Plans..................................3-17
3-39
Funding...........................................
3-18
Meridian's Priority Roadway Projects ..................
3-18
■ Linking Transportation and Land Use ....................3-18
3-40
Complete Streets Policy .............................
3-19
Cost Share Policy ...................................
3-19
Master Street Map..................................3-20
Livable Streets Design Guide .........................
3-20
■ Mobility Management ................................
3-20
Roadways to Bikeways..............................3-22
4-10
Pathway System and Sidewalks .......................
3-22
Transit ............................................
3-23
Commuteride and Carpools ..........................
3-24
Park -and -Ride Lots .................................
3-24
Air Travel. .........................................
3-24
Rail...............................................
3-24
■ Community Design....................................3-25
4-16
Design Review .....................................
3-26
The Design Manual .................................
3-27
Prescriptive Standards vs. Guidelines .................
3-28
Entryway Corridors .................................
3-28
Signs.............................................
3-28
Sustainability ......................................
3-28
Land Use and Transportation Planning ...............
3-29
Siting, Design and Construction .....................
3-29
Energy............................................
3-30
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Reduction ...........
3-31
Wastewater Treatment, Reclamation and Reuse........
3-32
Preservation and Restoration of Natural Resources ....
3-33
Solid Waste ........................................
3-33
Livability and Quality of Life .........................
3-34
Healthy Initiatives..................................3-34
Safe Walking Routes ................................
3-35
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
DayCare ..........................................
3-36
Youth Programs ....................................
3-36
Senior Programs ...................................
3-38
Success Stories ....................................
3-39
Arts, Entertainment and Community Events............
3-39
Meridian Arts Commission ..........................
3-39
Meridian History Center and Heritage Programs.......
3-40
Community Events .................................
3-41
4. What Services are Provided in Meridian?
4-1
■ Public Services........................................4-1
■ Municipal Government, City Hall .........................4-1
Mayor and City Council..............................4-4
Commissions, Committees and Boards .................
4-4
■ Public Works ..........................................
4-6
Water and Sewer....................................4-6
Water Division......................................4-6
Supply and Distribution ..............................
4-6
Wastewater Division .................................
4-7
Sewer Collection.....................................4-7
Sewer Treatment ....................................
4-8
Class A Recycled Water .............................
4-10
Environmental Division ..............................
4-10
Industrial Pretreatment .............................
4-10
Surface Water Program .............................
4-11
■ Public Safety .........................................
4-13
Police Department ..................................
4-13
Fire Department ...................................
4-15
■ Recreation, Parks and Pathways .........................4-16
Parks and Recreation Department ....................
4-16
Western Ada Recreation District ......................
4-19
■ Solid Waste ..........................................
4-20
Residential Services .................................4-20
Commercial and Industrial Collection .................
4-21
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Transfer Station Cottection ...........................
4-21
Natural Gas Pipeline.................................
5-8
■ Education ...........................................
4-21
State Highways ......................................
5-9
West Ada School District ............................
4-21
Weeds ..............................................
5-9
Enrollment ........................................
4-22
Floodplains..........................................
5-9
Bus Transportation .................................
4-23
National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors.......
5-10
Elementary Schools ................................
4-24
Fields District .......................................
5-6
Middle Schools ....................................
4-24
Historic Resources...................................5-7
High Schools ......................................
4-24
6. Summary
6-1
Charter and Magnet Programs .......................
4-25
Private Education Opportunities ......................
4-25
Continuing Education...............................4-25
■ Libraries .............................................
4-26
■ Public Utilities ........................................
4-26
Electricity .........................................
4-26
Communications...................................4-28
Gas...............................................4-28
Irrigation..........................................4-28
5. What are the Physical and Cultural Features of Meridian? 5-1
Natural, Special, Historic, & Agricultural Resources .........5-1
Community Concerns ................................
5-1
Natural Resources ...................................
5-2
Climate.............................................5-2
Air Quality...........................................5-2
Geology.............................................5-3
Hydrology...........................................5-3
Soils...............................................
5-4
Vegetation .........................................
5-4
Agricutture.........................................5-5
South Meridian .....................................
5-6
Fields District .......................................
5-6
Special Sites and Historic Resources ...................
5-7
Historic Resources...................................5-7
Hazardous Areas....................................5-8
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
LIST OF TABLES
Table 2A:
Historical Census Population, City of Meridian ...........2-2
Table 2B:
Recent Population Growth by Meridian City Limits ........
2-2
Table 2C:
Communities in Motion 2040 Vision Forecasts ...........2-3
Table 2D:
Age by Jurisdiction...................................2-3
Table 2E:
Racial and Ethnic Composition by Jurisdiction ............
2-4
Table 2F:
Educational Attainment by Jurisdiction (25 and Older) ....2-4
Table 2G:
Comparative Cost of Living Index, Council for Community
and
Economic Research...................................2-5
Table 2H:
Median Household Income by Jurisdiction...............2-6
Table 2I:
Number and Percent of Residents Living in Poverty .......
2-7
Table 2J:
Meridian Housing Units by Year........................2-7
Table 2K:
Housing Units by Jurisdiction ..........................2-8
Table 2L:
Meridian Housing Units By Type........................2-8
Table 2M:
Housing Ownership Rates by Jurisdiction................2-9
Table 2N:
Age of Housing Units by Jurisdiction ....................2-9
Table 20:
Value of Housing....................................2-10
Table 2P:
Housing Median Sales Price by Meridian MLS ...........
2-10
Table 2Q:
2013 Idaho Tax Rates................................2-13
Table 2R:
Annual Unemployment Rate by Jurisdiction (%) .........2-14
Table 2S:
Treasure Valley Labor Force and Jobs...................2-14
Table 2T:
Ada County Employment by Jurisdiction and Sector .....2-15
Table 2U:
2013 Office Vacancy Rates - 5,000 SF+ .................2-16
Table 2V:
Office Asking Rates - 5,000 SF+ .......................2-16
Table 2W:
2013 Retail Vacancy Rates - 5,000 SF+ .................2-16
Table 3A:
Current Acreages of Zoning District in Meridian ..........3-5
Table 3B:
Non -Private Land Ownership in AOCI) ..................3-6
Table 3C:
Future Land Uses within Meridian's AOCI................3-7
Table 3D:
Roadway Miles by Classification Type ..................3-12
Table 3E:
Average Commute Time to Work......................3-16
Table 4A:
Meridian Water Consumption ..........................4-7
Table 4B:
Historical Sewer Service Accounts .....................4-10
Table 4C:
Violent Crime Rates 2012 .............................4-13
Table 4D:
Property Crime Rates 2012 ...........................4-13
Table 4E:
Meridian City Parks by Category .......................4-18
Table 4F:
Meridian Household Hazardous Waste Collection .......4-21
Table 4G:
Historical Fall Enrollment, West Ada School District ......4-22
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Table 5A: Agricultural Land.....................................5-5
Table 5B: National Register -Listed Historic Resources, Meridian .....5-7
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1A:
Heart of the Valley Shifts to Meridian..................1-4
Figure 2A:
Meridian Development Corporation Boundary ........2-17
Figure 2B:
Business Enterprise Areas ...........................2-19
Figure 3A
Meridian's Area of City Impact .......................
3-9
Figure 3B:
Inset of 2040 Planning Functional Classification Map ...3-13
Figure 3C:
Meridian Area Trip Distribution By Time of Day, 2013...3-17
Figure 3D:
Example of Master Street Map Roadway Typology ....
3-21
Figure 3E:
Shared -Use Pathway Along Waterway ...............
3-22
Figure 3F:
Typical On -Street Multi -Use Pathway ................
3-23
Figure 4A
City of Meridian Expenditures by Department .........
4-3
Figure 4B:
Boundaries and Stations of the Meridian Fire Department
.
..................................................4-16
Figure 4C:
Elementary School Boundaries .....................
4-23
Figure 4D:
Existing Idaho Power Lines/Stations Near the City of
Meridian .........................................
4-27
Figure 5A
Soils in the Meridian Area ..........................
5-4
Figure 5B:
Agricultural Tax Exempt Land in Meridian .............
5-6
Figure 5C:
Gas Transmission Pipeline ...........................
5-8
Figure 5D:
Meridian Floodplains...............................5-10
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
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CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
INTRODUCTION
Review of the Report
In 2010-2011 the City of Meridian updated and reformatted
its Comprehensive Plan (the Plan). The primary goal of the
re -vamped Comprehensive Plan was to make it more useful
for the community, City staff, and decision makers. One
way the Plan became more useful, was to separate out key
information about the City's history, present day conditions,
trends, and current initiatives, from policy and future -looking
initiatives. This separated information became the Existing
Photo: Meridian City Hall
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Conditions Report, which allowed the Comprehensive Plan
to focus on policy moving forward. The Existing Conditions
Report is an addendum to the Comprehensive Plan.
This Existing Conditions Report (Report) provides a framework
for future decision making by detailing the current state,
specific directions, and actions taken related to each topical
area discussed. The Report takes the City's Mission, Vision,
and Values and melds it with the City's Strategic Plan Initia-
tives, City department capital improvement plans, and the
initiatives in the current Comprehensive Plan. While not policy
oriented, this Report is also intended
to aid in integrated decision making:
i.e., decisions that are made regarding "A good plan is like a road map:
land use policy within Meridian, take it shows the final destination and
into full account existing conditions usually the best way to get there:'
within Meridian, and the impacts on
transportation, housing, and economic H. Stanley Judd
strategies that current policies have had.
To compose this report, existing information regarding
Meridian and its Area of City Impact was gathered from many
resources. This was accomplished by consulting with other
agencies, individuals, and resources including existing plans,
studies, and other documents. Some materials used in this
report were provided directly by City staff, some information
was provided by other affected local agencies and their
publications, and some of the information was gathered
using other resources like the internet. Where needed, City
staff contacted key agencies and requested assistance in
putting together this report. This report should be updated
every few years, to keep information current and relevant.
Comprehensive Plan
Meridian's first Comprehensive Plan (Plan) was adopted in
1978. That first Plan was developed to meet the require-
ments of the 1975 Land Use Planning Act of the State of
Idaho. During the summer of 1993, citizens representing
neighborhood groups, developers, real estate professionals,
and public agencies participated in a process to modernize
the Comprehensive Plan, and was adopted on December 21,
1993. On November 3, 1998, the City of Meridian issued a
request for qualifications to prepare the 2002 City of Meridian
Comprehensive Plan. By June 1999, the process of developing
Meridian's 2002 Comprehensive Plan had begun, and was
adopted by City Council on August 6, 2002.
A significant amount of growth occurred after the 2002 version
of the Comprehensive Plan was enacted. Additionally, new
initiatives like sustainability and arts had become important
considerations with important financial and quality of life
implications, and also needed to be addressed. To ensure
that the document continued to remain relevant and to make
it more useable, City leaders began a significant overhaul in
2010. Surveys, workshops, steering committees, and social
media sites were all forms of public involvement to solicit
public input and ensure community support for an updated
Plan. The goal was to make the Comprehensive Plan a more
useful resource that the general public, developers and deci-
sion makers could all help implement in making Meridian's
future the best it can be. The overhauled Comprehensive
Plan was adopted on April 19, 2011, and has since been
amended several times.
Local Land Use Planning Act
Section 67-6508 of Idaho Code (the Local Land Use Plan-
ning Act), requires Comprehensive Plans to consider, at a
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
minimum: previous and existing conditions, trends, desirable
goals and objectives, or desirable future situations for 16
planning components. This report provides an informative
snapshot of the previous and existing conditions and trends
in Meridian, Idaho regarding all of the State -required plan-
ning components. These components include: property
rights; population; school facilities and transportation;
economic development; land use; natural resources; hazard-
ous areas; public services, facilities, and utilities; transporta-
tion; recreation; special areas or sites; housing; community
design; agriculture, implementation; national interest electric
transmission corridors; and, other components the City has
deemed necessary to analyze. However, the desired goals
and objectives for each of the 16 planning components are
Photo: Settlers Park on Meridian Road and Ustick Road
Photo: Generations Plaza on Main Street and Idaho Avenue
not part of this report. Rather, this existing condition report
sets the foundation and background information to base a
desirable future plan for the City. Implementation of policy
related components are addressed in the Comprehensive
Plan itself, and are not part of this report.
History
The City of Meridian, Idaho which was incorporated in August,
1903, is one of six cities in Ada County, and is located on the
western edge of the Ada -Canyon County border. Meridian,
has transformed from a sagebrush -filled mail drop located
.........................
For a comprehensive review of Meridian's heritage, see Meridian, by Frank Thomason and
Polly Ambrose Peterson, Arcadia Publishing, 2010
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
on the Oregon Trail (Meridian was originally known as Hunter,
after a railroad official along the Oregon Short Line route)
in the 1880s, to a small fruit orchard center after the turn
of the century through the 1930s, to a dairy -based farming
community in the 1940s. Its character as a small farming
community continued until approximately 1990, when its
population was still about 10,000.
Since 1990, Meridian has experienced exponential growth
that has changed both its character and appearance. From
1990 to 2007, Meridian's population grew from approximately
10,000 to approximately 65,000. Despite some slowdowns in
housing starts and job creation during the 2008 recession,
the population of Meridian continued
rapidly increasing to an estimated
population of 85,240 in 2014, according "It takes as much energy to
to the Community Planning Association Wish as it does to plan:'
of Southwest Idaho. This makes Merid
ian the second largest city in Idaho.
Eleanor Roosevelt
With the increase in population, farms
and fields have given way to residential and commercial
development. Farm vehicles and feed stores have largely
disappeared to be replaced with large residential subdivisions
and commercial complexes. Today, several large office parks,
new bank branches, restaurants, and major retail centers
have sprung up throughout Meridian. St. Luke's has a major
hospital located in Meridian, and a variety of medical service
companies have come into the City.
To continue to provide elevated levels of service, City Depart-
ments and their service capabilities have grown. In 2002,
a 30,000 square foot police station was constructed. With
the increased growth since 2002, an addition to the police
station is planned for construction in 2014. Fire Stations
3, 4 and 5 have all come on-line in the past 15 years. The
FIGURE IA: HEART OF THE VALLEY SHIFTS TO MERIDIAN
Source: 2013 Populations of Ada and Canyon Counties by COMPASS; map by City of Meridian 2014
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
wastewater treatment facility in northwest Meridian has
seen several additions, and it can now treat approximately
10.2 million gallons per day. The City currently boasts 240
acres of developed park land and nine pathways/segments.
In 2008 Meridian completed a new three-story city hall
building, which consolidated most City services. These are
just a sampling of the new and expanded municipal capital
improvements made in the recent past.
The transportation network looks substantially different
than it did in 1990, or even 10 years ago. The Idaho Trans-
portation Department (ITD) has and continues to widen
and re -construct Interstate 84 through the Treasure Valley
and a new interchange at Ten Mile Road was completed in
2011. New lanes and upgraded intersections were added
along Eagle Road (SH 55) between Interstate 84 and Ustick
Road, with more improvements planned for 2014 and 2015.
Additionally, ITD began reconstruction of the Meridian
Road and I-84 Interchange in 2014. The project will be
completed summer of 2015. The new interchange will allow
widening of the interstate underneath and provide more
lanes over the top. Ada County Highway District (ACHD)
road improvements, such as a freeway overpass at Locust
Grove Road, Ten Mile roadway widening, and completion of
the Downtown Split Corridor project, have helped to relieve
congestion, but continued growth continues to put a strain
on the transportation system in Meridian. Funding to not only
maintain the existing roadways and bridges, but to expand
the transportation network, will be critical to lessen the strain
a growing community has on the transportation system.
Meridian is the population center of the Treasure Valley;
people are evenly distributed in all directions from Meridian,
with more than 160,000 people within 5 miles of downtown
Meridian (see Figure 1A). Although airports, regional medical
centers, cultural events and venues, and other urban services
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
and amenities are all easily accessible, Meridian still values
and embraces its agricultural heritage.
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CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
WHO LIVES IN MERIDIAN? WHAT DO THEY DO?
Population, Housing, and Economia
Development
This chapter discusses characteristics of Meridian's demo-
graphics including population, gender, race, age, income,
education, home ownership, and employment data. As
required by Idaho State Statute §67-6508, analysis on Popula-
tion, Housing and Economic Development components of
the Comprehensive Plan are provided below. These three
components set the foundation for consideration of other
components later in this report.
Photo:Winter in the Woodbridge subdivision
The primary purpose of the population discussion is to look
at past trends, current population totals, and future projec-
tions, along with characteristics such as age, race, and gender.
Population inventories and forecasts are used to measure
the demand for future facilities such as parks, water lines and
roads, and for services such as police
and fire protection. Forecasts can also
be used by businesses to anticipate
market demand and to locate service
and commercial facilities.
The primary purpose of the Housing
element analysis is to evaluate the
recent trends in housing and antici-
pate the future housing needs of the
"When planning for a year, plant
corn. When planning for a decade,
plant trees. When planning for life,
train and educate people!
Chinese Proverb
community. Past trends in housing
and an inventory of current housing conditions provide
specific information on residential use. The report assesses
where people live and in what type of dwellings, as well as
where they might want to live in the future.
The purpose of the Economic Development analysis of the
chapter is to portraythe business make-up and to analyze the
local economy for strengths and weaknesses. This background
information will be used to discuss how Meridian may expand
its economic base and target specific industries. Employment
trends and forecasts may also be used to determine if there
is a need for additional land in particular zoning categories,
and the demand for future levels of public services.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 )DRAFT)
TABLE 2A: HISTORICAL CENSUS POPULATION, CITY OF MERIDIAN
IW
TABLE 2B: RECENT POPULATION GROWTH BY MERIDIAN CITY LIMITS
Year
1960
Population
2,081
Average Annual InueneYear
N/A
2014
Population
85,240
IncreanKillill
3,860
1910
2,616
2.6%
2013
81,380
3,090
1980
6,658
15.5%
2012
18,290
1,180
1990
9,596
4.4%
2011
16,510
1,418
2000
34,919
26.4%
2010
15,092
-198
2010
15,092
11.5%
2009
15,290
2,250
Source: COMPASS, Communities in Motion Forecasts 2040.
2008
13,040
1,114
2001
11,866
5,301
2006
66,565
10,451
Population and Demographic
2005
56,108
8,418
Characteristics
2004
41,690
5,209
Historic Counts and Current Estimates
Note: 2009 estimates were extrapolated from 2000 Census values and likely higher than in actuality.
Meridian's population was fairly stable up to about 1990,
Source: COMPASS, Population Estimates by City Limits Ada County, March 2014.
when the City had a population of 9,596. However, in the
mid-1990s, the City's population began increasing rapidly,
US Census Bureau, in 2013 Meridian was number 10 in the
reaching 34,919 residents by 2000, and then more than
top 15 fastest growing large cities, from July 1, 2012 to July
doubled to 75,092 by 2010. Table 2A tracks historical Census
1, 2013.2
population data. In March of 2014, the Community Planning
Association of Southwest Idaho, or COMPASS, estimated the
Forecasts
City's population at 85,240 residents. Table 2B tracks yearly
population growth in Meridian, beginning in 2004.
The Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho,
or COMPASS, is the Metropolitan Planning Organization for
While it did not grow quite as precipitouslyI I
the Treasure Valley as designated by the U.S. Department of
as Meridian, the two-county region as
Transportation. As part of its Federal mandate, COMPASS
a whole also experienced considerable
■2010
prepares and periodically updates a regional long range
growth over the last two decades. Adae
■ 2000
transportation plan for the area. Part of that process is to
County grew from 205,775 residents in 2monitor
population growth and forecast future changes
1990 to 421,920 in 2014. Similarly, Canyon
■ 1990
within the region.
County grew from 90,076 residents in 1990
■ 1980
to 192,998 in 2014. The City of Meridian
■ 1910
COMPASS estimates that the population of Meridian will
grew by 788% from 1990 to 2014 while
increase to 151,080 by 2040, an increase of 73.1% from
the two-county region grew by 109.5%
■ 1960
today. This estimate anticipates that the county as a whole
over the same period.' According to the
will increase by 65.7% to a total 674,317 residents in the
Population
same period. The official regional forecast from the 2014
COMPASS, Population Estimates by City Limits, 3/19/2014 Note: See Table 2A for data.
2 httpl/www.census.goy/newsroom/releases/archives/population/cbl4-89.html
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 )DRAFT)
TABLE 2G COMMUNITIES IN MOTION 2040 VISION FORECASTS
Meridian
81,21529,145
5.6%
151,080
55,632
13.10%
90.9%
Boise
244,595
99,388
328,292
145,465
34.20%
46.4%
Eagle
23,108
8,320
56,438
20,922
138.10%
151.5%
Kuna
18,561
5,849
50,992
19,812
114.60%
238.1%
Nampa
93,610
31,950
149,620
56,098
59.10%
15.6%
Ada County
406,850
152,194
614,311
212,044
65.10%
18.0%
Canyon County
192,990
64,856
341,683
121,315
80.20%
96.4%
Note: Demographic areas typically encompass larger geographic areas than city limits. Eagle Demographic
Areas include: Eagle -Central, Eagle -Floating Feather, Eagle -Island, Eagle -South River, Eagle -State Corridor,
East Foothills and West Foothills Source: COMPASS, February 2014.
version of the Communities in Motion plan estimates that the
population of the two -county region will grow from 599,840
in 2013 to 1,022,000 in 2040, an increase of 70.4%. Table 2C
provides 2013 estimates and 2040 forecasts of population
and households in select Treasure Valley Demographic Areas.
TABLE 21): AGE BY JURISDICTION
Under 5
6.8%
5.6%
1.1%
6.4%
1.1%
6.3%
5 - 9
11.6%
5.1%
8.1%
1.5%
1.4%
6.51/0
10 - 14
10.6%
1.2%
9.9%
1.6%
1.8%
6.61/0
IS - 19
6.9%
6.1%
10.0%
6.5%
1.1%
6.9%
20 - 29
9.1%
16.8%
14.3%
13.9%
13.8%
14.0%
30 - 49
30.3%
26.1%
25.5%
28.3%
24.9%
26.4%
50 - 64
13.1%
20.0%
13.5%
18.5%
18.6%
19.5%
65 +
10.9%
11.9%
10.5%
11.3%
13.3%
13.81/6
Age
Median Age
iii 2012
30.1 132.8
2000 2012
32.8 1 36.4
2000 2012
28.5 1 29.1
2000 2012 2000
32.8 35.4 33.2
2012
35.2
2000 2012
35.3 31.4
Note: Margin of error results
in values that may be greater
or less than 100%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau: American Fact Finder, 2000 Census & 2008-2012 American Community Survey.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Please note that COMPASS demographic areas do not directly
coincide with existing city limit boundaries.
Age
Meridian is generally a young community. Based on 2008-
2012 American Community Survey data, as compiled by U.S.
Census Bureau, the median age of Meridian residents is 32.8
years, which is slightly lower than the Ada County median
age of 35.4. Median age is up slightly in Meridian from the
2000 census median age of 30.1, but still well below the
median age of residents nationwide (37.4). Residents 14 years
of age and younger comprise over a quarter of the City's
population (29.0%). Retired and elderly residents (over the
age of 65) make up less of the City's population, at 10.9%,
which is up from 2008 estimates of 6.3%. Table 2D shows
the age of residents in select Treasure Valley cities, as well
as the State and Nation.
Race and Ethnicity
Table 2E shows the racial and ethnic composition of select
subgroups within the Treasure Valley region. For compari-
son purposes, the table also includes the racial and ethnic
characteristics of other boundary areas.
Meridian, Ada County and the State of Idaho are less racially
and ethnically diverse than the nation as a whole. The majority
of residents in Meridian are white (92.0%). An even higher
majority, 93.2%, do not consider themselves Hispanic or Latino.
These majorities in Meridian are slightly higher than in Ada
County, which is also higher than the rest of the State. The
exception locally is in Canyon County, where communities
like Nampa have stronger Hispanic and Latino populations
(over 20% in 2010), and a high percentage of residents that
are of "Other" racial decent.
TABLE 2E: RACIAL AND ETHNIC COMPOSITION BY
I White
92.0%
89.0%
82.9%
90.3%
83.0%
89.1%
12.4%
Black or African
5.2% 4.1%
of Meridian residents 25 and older with
d ■Some college
d
a high school diploma increased from
■ HS Grad
92.2% in 2000 to 94.5% in the most recent
12.9%
American Community Survey (2008-2012).
0.8%
1.5%
0.1%
1.1%
0.6%
0.61/6
12.61/6
American
21.2% 19.8%
State percentages of 21.6% in 2000 and
32.1%
25.5% in 2012, and US percentages of 24.4%
and 29.1% in
the same years, respectively.
28.5% 21.1%
American Indian and
Some college, no degree
30.41/6
29.2%
29.2% 21.3%
26.5%
24.2%
29.2% 29.3%
25.3%
0.51/o
0.1%
1.2%
0.1°/a
1.1%
1.4%
0.9%
Alaska Native
6.9%
1.3% 9.1%
5.5%
6.8%
1.2% 9.0%
6.3% 8.0%
Bachelor's degree
Asian
1.81/6
3.2%
0.91/6
2.4%
0.8%
1.2%
4.8%
Native Hawaiian and
15.5% 18.2%
Graduate or professional degree
5.9%
12.3%
10.6% 14.3%
4.5%
5.8%
9.51/6 12.5%
0.1%
0.2%
0.4%
0.2%
0.2%
0.1%
0.2%
Other Pacific Islander
1 11.1%
83.6%
90.8% 94.6%
1 15.9%
1 84.2%
84.6% 89.8%
80.4% 86.4%
Other Race
1.9%
2.5%
10.1%
2.4%
11.4%
5.1%
6.2%
Two or More Races
2.9%
3.0%
3.2%
2.8%
3.0%
2.5%
2.9%
Hispanic or Latino
6.8%
1.1%
22.9%
1.1%
23.9%
1 11.2%
16.31/1,
Not Hispanic or Latino
93.2%
92.9%
11.1%
92.9%
16.1%
1 88.8%
83.1%
Source: U.S Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, Census 2010.
Gender
Based on 2010 Census estimates, there are 96.1 males to
every 100 females in the City. This equates to a population
that is 49.0% male and 51.0% female. The ratio of male -to -
female residents roughly matches the 2000 census, when
there were 96.4 males per 100 females.
TABLE 2F: EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT BY JURISDICTION (25 AND OLDER)
Educational Attainment
■Graduate +
Meridian as a community has maintained
2.0% 2.4%
a high level of educational attainment
■Bachelor
relative to the State of Idaho and US for
r ■ Assoc
the last several decades. The percentage
5.2% 4.1%
of Meridian residents 25 and older with
d ■Some college
d
a high school diploma increased from
■ HS Grad
92.2% in 2000 to 94.5% in the most recent
12.9%
American Community Survey (2008-2012).
■ 9th -12th
The percentage of Meridian residents from
■ < 9th
the same age group with a bachelor's
2012
degree or higher increased from 27.0% to
Note: See Table 2F for data.
32.3-/o over the same period, compared to
21.2% 19.8%
State percentages of 21.6% in 2000 and
32.1%
25.5% in 2012, and US percentages of 24.4%
and 29.1% in
the same years, respectively.
28.5% 21.1%
Table 2F summarizes the educational attainment of residents
for select Treasure Valley jurisdictions, as well as the State
and US as a whole.
A
Less than 9th Grade
2.0%
1.1%
2.0% 2.4%
10.1%
6.3%
2.1% 1.8%
10.8%
1.5%
5.2% 4.1%
1.5% 5.8%
9th to 12th grade (no diploma)
5.8%
4.3%
6.9% 2.9%
12.9%
10.1%
1.1% 3.6%
13.2%
8.3%
10.1% 6.1%
12.1% 1.9%
HS graduate (includes equivalency)
26.1%
22.3%
21.2% 19.8%
29.0%
32.1%
23.1% 20.9%
30.3%
33.1%
28.5% 21.1%
28.61/0 28.0%
Some college, no degree
30.41/6
29.2%
29.2% 21.3%
26.5%
24.2%
29.2% 29.3%
25.3%
24.1%
21.3% 21.6%
21.0% 21.3%
Associate's degree
8.1%
10.8%
1.2% 8.5%
5.5%
6.9%
1.3% 9.1%
5.5%
6.8%
1.2% 9.0%
6.3% 8.0%
Bachelor's degree
21.1%
20.01/6
23.0% 24.9%
11.5%
14.1%
21.1% 22.8%
10.3%
13.1%
14.8% 11.31/6
15.5% 18.2%
Graduate or professional degree
5.9%
12.3%
10.6% 14.3%
4.5%
5.8%
9.51/6 12.5%
4.6%
5.9%
6.8% 8.2%
8.9% 10.9%
Percent HS Grad or Higher
92.2%
94.6%
91.2% 94.1%
1
1 11.1%
83.6%
90.8% 94.6%
1 15.9%
1 84.2%
84.6% 89.8%
80.4% 86.4%
Percent Bachelor's or Higher
21.0%
32.3%
33.60/6 39.2%
16.1%
20.5%
31.2% 35.3%
14.9%
19.5%
21.6% 25.50/6
24.4% 29.1%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau: American Fact Finder, 2000 Census & 2008-2012 American Community Survey.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
TABLE 2G: COMPARATIVE COST OF LIVING INDEX, COUNCIL FOR COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC RESEARCH
Boise, ID
94.1
86.9
86.3
89.1
103.4
103.9
100.1
Anchorage, AR
125.3
113.1
151.8
91.9
101.1
135.8
122
Colorado Springs, CO
95.1
92.5
94.1
99.9
96.5
102.4
95.2
Reno -Sparks, NV
90
90.5
81.8
13.6
105.1
94
90.3
Spokane, WA
95.3
90.8
88.2
94.3
100.4
106.4
99.8
Provo -Orem, UT
95.3
88.1
86.1
90
111.1
93.9
101.1
National Average
100
100
100
100
100
100
100
Source: Council for Community and Economic Research, 2013 C2ER Cost of Living Index, Comparative Data for Urban Areas, March 21, 2014.
Cost of Living
The Council for Community and Economic Research prepares
comparative cost of living data annually for urban areas
across the U.S. The results comprise a relative cost of living
index for each participating metropolitan area based on
"expenditure pattern for executive households in the top
income quintile." The average of all participating localities is
the baseline index value of 100, so categorical and composite
values can be gauged as a percent of the "norm" or U.S.
average based on available data.
The index has certain limitations. For example, it does not
calculate variations in tax structure and subsequent burdens
from one locality to another. It also does not factor in cost
differences between sub -metropolitan area jurisdictions
(a single value for housing, for example, is assigned to the
entire Boise City -Nampa metro area). Spending patterns for
the top income quintile are also not reflective of all metro
area residents. Still the Council for Community and Economic
Research Cost of Living Index is the most comprehensive
and straightforward annual comparison of different metro
areas of which the City is currently aware.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Table 2G lists comparative costs of living for metro areas
in the northwest region of the United States. The average
of all participating metro areas for both categorical and
composite values is 100.
Within the Boise metro area, grocery items, housing, and
utility categories all differ significantly from the rest of the
United States. The overall cost of living in the Boise metro
area does not however deviate substantially from the national
average, orfrom metro areas of similar size within the region.
Income
Meridian is a relatively affluent community with a median
household income greater than that at the County, State,
and national level. Based on the 2008-2012 American Com-
munity Survey, and with the exception of the City of Eagle,
Meridian had the highest median household income of any
jurisdiction in the Treasure Valley. Median household income
did not grow quite as quickly in Meridian as it did nationally
from 2000 to 2012, but still remained over 20% above the
national median.
The State of Idaho remains roughly 11% below the national
median for household income. Table 2H provides median
TABLE 2H: MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME BY JURISDICTION I h
Meridian
53,216
126.9%
64,101
120.9%
20.3%
Boise
42,432
101.0%
49,182
92.1%
15.9%
Eagle
65,313
155.5%
80,324
151 A%
23.0%
Kuna
40,611
96.1%
52,542
99.0%
29A%
Nampa
34,158
82.8%
40,835
11.0%
11.5%
Ada
46,140
109.9%
55,499
104.6%
20.3%
Canyon
35,884
85.5%
42,691
80.5%
19.0°%
Idaho
31,512
89.5%
41,015
88.6%
25.1%
us
41,994
100.0%
53,046
100.0%
26.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, Census 2000 & 2008-2012 American Community Survey.
household incomes for select Treasure Valley communities
and the State of Idaho, relative to the U.S. median. It also
indicates the percent change in median household income
from the 2000 census to the 2008-2012 American Com-
munity Survey.
Poverty
Poverty is determined by using income thresholds for a house-
hold of a given size. According to the 2008-2012 American
Community Survey, 7.3% of the population in Meridian is
considered to be living in poverty. This is considerably lower
us
Idaho
Canyon
Ada
Meridian
0 10,000 20,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 60,000 10,000 80,000
Note: See Table 2H for data.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
than the national rate of 14.9%. As indicated in Table 2I, the
cities of Meridian and Eagle are the only local jurisdictions
with less than 10% of the local population living in poverty,
and which also increased less than 2% since 2000. In general
though, poverty levels have increased faster in the Treasure
Valley and Idaho than the national average.
The 2008-2012 American Community Survey data reveals
a higher percentage of Hispanic/Latino and non-white
residents living in poverty in the Treasure Valley. While 7.3%
of Meridian's overall population is living in poverty at the
time of the survey, 11.9% of Hispanic and Latino residents
are living in poverty. In Ada County, the rate for Hispanic
and Latino residents living in poverty is significantly higher,
at 27.2%. Countywide, 11A% of "White" residents are living
below the poverty level while 20.8% of "Black or African
American" residents, 20.3% of "Asian" residents, 25.0% of
residents of "Some other race," and 19.5% of residents of
"Two or more races" are living below the poverty level.
It is important to note that 2008-2012 American Commu-
nity Survey data does not necessarily reflect all recovery
improvements since the economic recession. It is possible
that the number of individuals living in poverty may now
(2014) be different.
Although the percentage of Meridian residents living in
poverty is significantly lower than most neighboring com-
munities, the City is still taking steps to provide assistance
to those in need. One example is a coordinated effort with
EI Ada Community Action Partnership to provide utility bill
assistance to impoverished residents through the Meridian
Cares Program. Funded with City enterprise revenues, Meridian
Cares allows residents living at or below the poverty limit to
receive up to $100.00 per year to pay City utility bills (water,
sewer, and trash). The program avoids service interruptions
TABLE 21: NUMBER AND PERCENT OF RESIDENTS LIVING IN POVERTY
that would otherwise make a housing unit substandard (no
water, for example).
The Meridian Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
program includes a number of other initiatives to help the
underprivileged. The City, through its CDBG program, enjoys
an ongoing partnership with the Meridian Food Bank by
providing grant funds which the Food Bank uses to purchase
food to distribute to those in need. The City also partners
with the Ada County Housing Authority and Neighborhood
Housing Services to provide down payment and closing cost
assistance for low -moderate income home buyers. Through
this partnership, the City use CDBG funds to assist multiple
low-income buyers achieve home ownership in affordable
housing units. In addition, the City pursues public facility
improvements to parks, pathways, and other community
improvements in low to moderate income areas to ensure
that, regardless of income, Meridian residents have access
to quality public amenities.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
COMPASS monitors regional growth in part by tracking
building permit data for each jurisdiction in the Treasure
Valley. They publish the results regularly in the Develop-
ment Monitoring Report (DMR), which provides a wealth
of information about residential and commercial building
activity in the region.
In Meridian, the growth in housing stock has paralleled
the pace of growth in population. As shown in table 2J, in
2000 there were 12,293 total housing units in Meridian, and
by 2010, there were 27,007. In 2013 the total increased to
29,861, housing units. Each year since 2008, new residential
construction in Meridian has comprised 27.7%, or more, of
total residential unit construction, in both Ada and Canyon
counties.
TABLE 2J: MERIDIAN HOUSING UNITS BY YEAR
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, Census 2000; COMPASS, 2013 Development Monitoring
Report. Based on City Limits.
Housing Characteristics
Meridian
1,926
5.6%
5,442
7.3%
1.11/6
The City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan supports and
Boise
15,310
8.4%
30,051
14.7%
6.3%
encourages a variety of housing types ranging from large
Eagle
425
3.8%
1,116
5.61/0
1.8%
single-family detached homes to multi -family dwellings.
Kuna
114
14.2%
2,232
14.7%
0.5%
Future Land Use designations allow the City to integrate a
Nampa
6,307
12.4%
17,614
22.0%
9.6%
range of residential unit densities, from the very low Rural/
Ada
22,471
7.7%
47,081
12.2%
4.5%
Estate Residential to High Density Residential. These land
Canyon
15,438
12.0%
36,459
19.6%
7.6%
uses and other supportive policies are intended to ensure
Idaho
148,732
11.8%
231,604
15.1%
3.3%
opportunities exist for a variety of incomes, housing prefer-
uS
33,899,812
12.4%
44,852,527
14.91/6
2.5%
ences, lifestyles, family sizes, and age groups.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau,
American Fact Finder, 2008-2012
American Community Survey
& Census 2000.
Number of Dwelling Units
that would otherwise make a housing unit substandard (no
water, for example).
The Meridian Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
program includes a number of other initiatives to help the
underprivileged. The City, through its CDBG program, enjoys
an ongoing partnership with the Meridian Food Bank by
providing grant funds which the Food Bank uses to purchase
food to distribute to those in need. The City also partners
with the Ada County Housing Authority and Neighborhood
Housing Services to provide down payment and closing cost
assistance for low -moderate income home buyers. Through
this partnership, the City use CDBG funds to assist multiple
low-income buyers achieve home ownership in affordable
housing units. In addition, the City pursues public facility
improvements to parks, pathways, and other community
improvements in low to moderate income areas to ensure
that, regardless of income, Meridian residents have access
to quality public amenities.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
COMPASS monitors regional growth in part by tracking
building permit data for each jurisdiction in the Treasure
Valley. They publish the results regularly in the Develop-
ment Monitoring Report (DMR), which provides a wealth
of information about residential and commercial building
activity in the region.
In Meridian, the growth in housing stock has paralleled
the pace of growth in population. As shown in table 2J, in
2000 there were 12,293 total housing units in Meridian, and
by 2010, there were 27,007. In 2013 the total increased to
29,861, housing units. Each year since 2008, new residential
construction in Meridian has comprised 27.7%, or more, of
total residential unit construction, in both Ada and Canyon
counties.
TABLE 2J: MERIDIAN HOUSING UNITS BY YEAR
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, Census 2000; COMPASS, 2013 Development Monitoring
Report. Based on City Limits.
TABLE 2K: HOUSING UNITS BY JURISDICTION IW TABLE 2L: MERIDIAN HOUSING UNITS BY TYPE
Meridian
Boise
Eagle
Garden City
Kuna
Star
Ada County Unincorporated
Ada County Total
Canyon County Total
Regional Total
12,293
26,534
3,360
29,894
11,850
87,960
2,421
90,381
4,048
7,011
118
7,789
4,590
5,439
67
5,506
1,793
5,010
387
5,397
681
2,116
460
2,576
17,261
26,225
748
26,973
118,516
160,295
8,222
168,517
47,965
70,628
2,572
73,200
Note: Variation in housing unit totals between tables are the result of variations in Census
reporting for mobile and manufactured housing. Source: COMPASS, February 2013.
Table 2K reports the total number of housing units by
jurisdiction, and in the two -county region, in and since 2000.
Housing Unit Type
Meridian's population is distributed throughout the community
primarily in suburban -style developments, comprised of mostly
detached single-family housing units. Increasingly however,
higher density housing is being constructed throughout
the community, particularly near employment areas, major
star
Kuna
Garden City
Eagle
Boise
Meridian
20,000 40,000 60,000 80,000 100,000
■ 2000 8 Eadier ■ 2001-2013
Note: See Table 2K for data.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Single Family 10,464 85.30% 23,279 88.00% 25,829 86.67%
Multi -Family 1,800 14.70% 3,173 12.00% 3,973 13.33%
TOTAL 12,264 100.00% 26,452 100.00% 29,802 100.00%
Note: Mobile and manufactured homes are not included. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2000 COMPASS,
February 2013 Building Permit Data.
roadways, and regional attractions. As shown in Table 2L, in
2000, more than 10,464 housing units in Meridian (85.3% of
all units) were traditional single-family units. The remaining
1,800 units (14.7% of all units) were multi -family housing
units. Based on the 2000 Census and building permit data
compiled by COMPASS from 2000 to 2013, there are now
3,973 multi -family housing units in Meridian. This constitutes
13.3% of the City's 29,802 housing units (not including mobile
or manufactured homes).
The City realizes that an increasingly larger percent of the
population is of the 55 -plus population group, and that
there is an increased need for senior housing opportunities.
There is a growing demand for non -single-family detached
dwelling units, that are easier to take care of and closer to
activities and services.
Occupancy
In 2000 Meridian contained 12,264 housing units, as shown
in Table 2L. As shown in Table 2M, 85.7% of those units were
owner occupied, with 14.3% being renter occupied. According
to the 2008-2012 American Community Survey data, the ratio
of housing units occupied by owners to renters in Meridian
is 75.5% to 24.5%. This is slightly higher than the 68.1% to
31.9% ratio in Ada County as a whole. There has been a
notable increase in renter occupied housing throughout
TABLE 2M: HOUSING OWNERSHIP RATES BY JURISDICTION
Meridian
85.1%
14.3%
3.8%
15.5%
24.5%
5.1%
Boise
61.1%
32.3%
4.4%
60.8%
39.2%
6.2%
Eagle
85.5%
14.5%
4.5%
81.8%
18.2%
5.1%
Kuna
81.0%
13.0%
3.1%
82.8%
11.2%
2.1%
Nampa
10.3%
29.1%
6.1%
66.0%
34.0%
8.5%
Ada
14.0%
26.0%
4.3%
68.1%
31.9%
6.0%
Idaho
14.1%
25.91/6
11.01/0
10.1%
29.9%
13.4%
US
68.1%
31.3%
9.0%
65.5%
34.5%
12.5%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau: American Fact Finder, 2000 Census, 2008-2012 American Community Survey.
the valley since 1990, especially in Meridian, when owner
occupied units were at 96%.
Table 2M also shows vacancy rates at the local, state, and
national level in 2000 and 2012. The percentage of vacant
housing units is significantly lower locally than State and
National averages.
Persons per Housing Unit
The 2008-2012 American Community Survey reports that
there were 2.58 persons per household in Ada County and
2.61 for the nation as a whole. That rate was slightly higher
in Meridian, at 2.88 residents per household in 2012. The City
of Kuna had the highest rate in the region with 3.26 persons
per household. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the
City of Boise averaged only 2.38 persons per household.
1990, compared to about 50% in Ada County as a whole.
This percentage of new housing stock in Meridian is almost
twice as high as the State average of 42.5%.
The City of Boise has the oldest housing stock of the Treasure
Valley cities. Roughly half of Boise's housing units (50.31/6)
were constructed before 1980 (compared to only 9.7% in
Meridian). Table 2N provides the age of housing units in
select Treasure Valley Communities, and at the statewide level.
Housing Value
Despite the recession that began in 2007/2008, the 2008-2012
American Community Survey reports that overall median
housing values increased throughout the area between 2000
and 2012. Table 20 summarizes the change.
In 2000, the Meridian median value of an owner -occupied
housing unit with a mortgage was $121,200. The 2008-2012
American Community Survey 5 -year estimates released
in December of 2013, indicated that the median value of
owner -occupied housing units with mortgages increased
to $178,100, a 46.9% increase in twelve years. County wide,
increases were slightly lower at 35.1%, and statewide increases
were comparable to Meridian at 45.3%. Another more local
source of housing data which captures actual selling prices
of homes in Meridian is the Intermountain Multiple Listing
Service (MLS). MLS tracks trends in the local housing market,
TABLE 2N: AGE OF HOUSING UNITS BY JURISDICTION
Age of Housing
Meridian
Fitting for the level of growth in the last two decades, the Boise
housing stock in Meridian is collectively newer than in most Nampa
communities, both locally and statewide. Table 2N shows Ada
54.0%
13.4%
32.8%
21.9%
28.1%
22.9%
25.6%
23A%
8.3%
13.3%
1.6%
11.4%
1.6%
31.3%
11.2%
24A%
1.1%
13.1%
11.0%
8.5%
0.4%
5.9%
5.8%
4.41/6
82.1% of housing units in Meridian as constructed since Idaho
24.2%
18.3%
10.4%
26.5%
11.1%
9.0%
Census Bureau:
American Fact Finder,
2008-2012
American Community
Survey.
Source: U.S.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
TABLE 20: VALUE OF HOUSING
Less than $50,000
0.2%
1.5%
x
0.1%
5.0%
x
3.1%
8.2%
x
0.61/6
3.1%
x
5.3%
1.1%
$50,000 to $99,999
19.2%
4.61/6
z
28.5%
9.3%
z
62.1%
41.0%
z
24.6%
10.3%
z
39.9%
16.3%
$100,000 to $149,999
51.2%
24.61/6
z
42.2%
25.3%
x
21.1%
31.41/o
z
42.4%
25.41/o
z
32.0%
24.4%
$150,000 to $199,999
11.6%
32.9%
z
14.6%
22.1%
z
4.8%
8.1%
z
16.4%
22.8%
z
11.9%
19.1°°/a
$200,000 to $299,999
5.1%
24.5%
z
10.1%
22.8%
x
1.5%
1.41/6
z
11.0%
21.9%
z
1.3%
18.5%
$300,000 to $499,999
0.61/6
9.1%
z
3.1%
11.2%
z
0.8%
3.3%
z
3.9%
12.3%
z
2.5%
9.9°%
$500,000 to $999,999
0.0%
1.81/0
z
0.1%
3.5%
x
0.0%
0.0%
z
1.0%
3.2%
z
0.8%
3.2%
$1,000,000 or more
0.0%
0.4%
z
0.1%
0.2%
z
0.0%
0.0%
z
0.2%
0.4%
z
0.3%
0.8%
Median (dollars) 1 121,200 1 118,100 1 46.9% 1 120,100 1 161,000 1 38.4% 1 92,200 1 101,300 1 9.9% 1 124,100 1 168,500 1 35.1% 1 106,300 1 154,500 1 45.3%
Source: U.S. Census Bureau: American Fact Finder, Census 2000, 2008-2012 American Community Survey.
and their data better illustrates effects of the recent reces-
sion, and recovery. Table 2P presents the annual average of
monthly median sale price for homes in the four Meridian
MLS sub -areas. As Table 2P illustrates, overall median sales
prices fell between 7.91% and 19.91% in Meridian between
2007 and 2013. However, since 2010 sale prices have increased
between 22.90% and 32.00%. While overall home sales prices
have fallen since 2007, there has been substantial increases
since 2009.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
has determined that any household paying more than 30%
TABLE 2P: HOUSING MEDIAN SALES PRICE BY MERIDIAN MLS
of its income for housing is paying an excessive percentage
of their income for housing'. Historically, 19.2% of Meridian
homeowners have spent 30% or more of their household
income on their mortgage (2000 Census). According to the
2008-2012 American Community Survey, this percentage
rose dramatically to 32.7% of homeowners spending 30%
or more of their household income on their mortgage. The
same data indicates that in 2000, 40.3% of renters spent
30% or more of their household income on rent, and rose
to 48.4% of renters in 2012.
Southeast Meridian - 1000
211,500
240,000
198,000
118,860
185,000
215,000
221,950
-11.9%
21.4%
Southwest Meridian - 1010
310,000
350,000
250,000
216,125
265,000
251,900
285,300
-22.91/o
32.0%
Northeast Meridian - 1020
212,500
214,000
169,000
161,500
160,000
180,533
210,000
-22.9%
25.4%
Northwest Meridian - 1030
229,900
200,000
165,000
155,000
144,900
166,500
190,500
-11.1%
22.9%
Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service, Yearly
Reports, 4/1/2014.
.........................
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CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Housing and Urban Development
The City of Meridian became an Entitlement Community as
designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) in the fall of 2006. With the Entitlement
Community designation, the City receives formula funds
annually through the Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Program. Generally, the City receives approximately
$250,000 each year through the Program. Planning Division
Staff administer the CDBG Program.
The purpose of the CDBG Program is to develop viable urban
communities by providing decent housing and a suitable liv-
ing environment, and by expanding economic opportunities,
principally for low -and moderate -income persons. The City
funds a variety of activities to meet that end, with several
recent examples including:
1. Homeownership assistance
2. Clearance of dilapidated, dangerous, and blighted
properties
3. Meridian Food Bank assistance
4. Boys & Girls Club transportation funding
S. Infrastructure design in targeted areas
6. Community amenity improvements such as parks
and pathways
7. Code enforcement activities in Old Town
8. All -Abilities Playground at Meridian Elementary School
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Photo: All -Abilities Playground at Meridian Elementary School
The overall direction of the City's CDBG Program is estab-
lished by the City Council in the Consolidated Plan, which
identifies high-level goals and objectives for the five year
interval covered by the Consolidated Plan. Activities the City
will undertake are then detailed in annual action plans, which
the City prepares and submits to HUD each year. Community
input was an important component of the five-year plan,
and was adopted in July 2012.
Photo: Looking towards the cinema in the Village at Meridian
Economic Development
Meridian seeks to be a vibrant community whose vision
is to be the premier city to live, work and raise a family.
Fundamental to this vision is a strong and diverse business
community that is "Built for Business and Designed for Living."
With a vibrant and diverse economic environment, Meridian
is home to some of the region's top employers such as Blue
Cross of Idaho, Crucial Technology, Western Electronics,
Food Services of America, United Heritage, and T -Mobile. As
home to many high-tech employers, technology investment
is increasingly important to the region. Overall, sense of com-
munity combined with a low cost of doing business, strong
leadership, and a highly educated and dynamic workforce
has led to Meridian's success. Indeed, the Boise Valley and
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Idaho consistently rank among the best areas in business
friendliness, cost of living and overall cost of doing business.
Families want to work where they live and live where they
work. To address that need, Mayor Tammy de Weerd has
identified growing family wage jobs as one of her top five
priorities and is working toward that end. Over the past several
years, the Economic Excellence Team along with the Mayor
have visited hundreds of business owners to help identify
industries and service sectors that would be beneficial to the
community and to businesses bottom-line. The focus on
value addedjobs will be delivered through strategic Business
Enterprise Areas. In addition, Meridian's solid partnership
with the educational institutions in our area, creates a solid
foundation for success. Companies that provide family wage
jobs require educated workers, and Meridian continues to
see an expansion of programs offered to create a highly
educated workforce.
The City realizes that the 21st century economy requires
flexibility. Overthe last several decades, Meridian has evolved
from a primarily agricultural -based economy to one increas-
ingly based on innovation and creativity. The City is striv-
ing to strengthen its competitive position by creating an
environment and infrastructure where industries can create,
respond, and adjust rapidly. Several of the goals, objectives
and action items contained in the City's Comprehensive Plan
are meant to improve economic prosperity by ensuring that
the economy grows in ways that strengthen industries, retain
and create good jobs across a variety of sectors, increase
average income, and stimulate economic investment in the
community. A strong and diverse economy provides the
financial support and stability for Meridian residents that
will ensure that public facilities, services, and quality of life
are superior.
Economic Excellence
The Boise Valley has been discovered and is recognized
nationally as a destination to locate business and family. To
that end the City has established an Economic Excellence
team. Economic Excellence staff members, part of the
Mayor's Office, can work one-on-one to identify resources
from starting, expanding, or relocating a business to Merid-
ian. Staff can assist businesses in all aspects of operating
in Meridian, including providing assistance with available
property locations, incentives and business programs,
City processes and development coordination, and other
information. Whether the company is a start-up or a world
class corporation, the Economic Excellence staff can help it
thrive in today's economy.
Economic Development and Infrastructure
The City recognizes the need for infrastructure to be in place
(or readily available) if it is going to attract large employers.
Infrastructure needs vary depending on the user, but typically
roads, sewer and water, electric utility facilities, as well as
easy access to the highways and railroad, are key factors in
determining when and where a business chooses to locate
or expand. Therefore, the City has taken, and will continue
to strive to provide sufficient infrastructure to support all
types of businesses. The City has partnered with Idaho Power
Company, to plan for possible transmission and substation
facilities to accommodate large load requests. The City
works with ACHD and ITD to ensure that highways, bridges
and intersections are in good repair and can accommodate
traffic. The City's Public Works Department has master plans
for sewer main lines, water and wastewater treatment that
will eventually accommodate all of the lands within the
Area of City Impact. Quality of life is a huge factor when a
company is selecting a community to do business. Having
good schools, parks and supporting services in place help
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Meridian rise to the top of the class. Please see the Public
Services, Facilities and Utilities section of this report for more
information on infrastructure and other services.
Taxes
Idaho offers one of the lowest overall per capita tax burdens
in the West. Taxes are based on a mix of income, sales, and
property taxes. The State does not have roll back or transfer
tax.
Labor Force
The growth of Meridian's labor force paralleled population
growth over the same period; the labor force grew substantially
from 19,638 in 2003 to 39,386 in 2013, a 101% increase. It
is likely that new employment opportunities were a driv-
ing force in population increases in the 1990s and 2000s,
which explains this apparent correlation. Conversely, as new
residents moved into the area, demand for local goods and
services also escalated, which in turn increased the need for
more local workers.
The labor force in the Ada -Canyon two -county region also
grew considerably from 2003 to 2013. The U.S. Bureau of
Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that Ada and Canyon counties
had a combined labor force of 251,613 in 2004 (74,476 in
Canyon and 177,137 in Ada). The labor force grew by 14.42%
by 2013 to 293,099 (87,191 in Canyon and 205,908 in Ada).
TABLE 2Q: 2013 IDAHO TAX RATES
Corporate 1.4%
Sales & Use 6.01/6
Source: Idaho Department of Commerce.
TABLE 2R: ANNUAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE BY JURISDICTION (%) Ih
12004
2.7%
4.1%
5.8%
3.8%
5.3%
2005
2.2%
3.3%
4.5%
3.1%
4.1%
2006
1.7%
2.5%
3.6%
2.3%
3.3%
2007
2.5%
2.6%
3.5%
2.6%
3.6%
2008
4.4%
4.6%
6.0%
4.6%
6.1%
2009
7.7%
7.5%
9.8%
1.6%
9.6%
2010
8.0%
8.4%
10.6%
8.3%
10.6%
2011
7.2%
7.6%
10A%
1.6%
10.3%
2012
5.9%
6.4%
8.2%
6.3%
8.3%
2013
5.2%
5.6%
6.9%
5.5%
7.0%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 4/17/2014.
Employment
Unemployment rates in Meridian dipped below 2% in 2006,
at the peak of the regional economic and housing boom.
As illustrated in Table 2R, Meridian has typically enjoyed a
lower unemployment rate than neighboring communities,
although that relative comfort has dissipated somewhat in
recent years.
As far as general employment is concerned, Meridian's almost
37,000jobs in 2013 made up approximately 13% of total jobs
region wide. As shown in table 2S, approximately two-thirds
of all jobs in Ada County are within the City of Boise.
TABLE 2S: TREASURE VALLEY LABOR FORCE AND JOBS
12.0
1.96%
38,184
10.0
13.13%
88.13%
Boise 112,716 108,130
8.0
Neridim
ry
38.35%
2.20%
t Bois:
6.0
37,558
-
-jbr- Nampa
27.16%
SIE-AUA
4.0
205,908
194,618
-4--Canyon
2.
Canyon 74,476 70,531.00
29.27%
0.0
Note: See Table 2R for data.
Employers
Some of the largest employers in Meridian today include:
St. Luke's Regional Medical Center, Blue Cross of Idaho,
West Ada School District, and Food Services of America. For
example, in 2013, Scentsy completed their 168,000 square
foot corporate headquarters in the heart of Meridian. This
building allows for all 700+ Idaho employees to work under
the same roof and adds to the growing number of companies
with headquarters in this community.
Meridian 19,730 19,190
1.96%
38,184
36,217
13.13%
88.13%
Boise 112,716 108,130
44.87%
112,016
105,754
38.35%
2.20%
Nampa 29,194 27,508
11.42%
37,558
34,978
12.69%
27.16%
Ada 111,137 170,446
70.73%
205,908
194,618
70.58%
14.18%
Canyon 74,476 70,531.00
29.27%
87,191
81,118.92
29.42%
15.01%
Ada 8 Canyon 251,613 240,911
100.00%
293,099
275,737
100%
14.42%
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 4/17/2014.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
TABLE 2T: ADA COUNTY EMPLOYMENT BY JURISDICTION AND SECTOR
Agriculture, forestry, fishing and
11,21
430
1.3%
1,067
1.0%
182
2.2%
107
2.3%
167
2.7%
12
0.5%
680
2.6%
2,645
1.4%
hunting, and mining
Construction
23
2,236
6.5%
5,536
5.2%
327
3.9%
319
6.8%
505
8.0%
247
10.5%
2,327
8.8%
11,497
6.1%
Manufacturing
31-33
2,973
8.7%
10,932
10.3%
1,101
13.0%
292
6.2%
540
8.61/o
268
11.4%
2,786
10.5%
18,892
10.0%
Wholesale trade
42
1,092
3.2%
2,687
2.5%
318
3.8%
166
3.5%
208
3.3%
95
4.0%
935
3.5%
5,501
2.9%
Retail trade
44-45
4,465
13.0%
12,227
11.5%
1,211
15.1%
490
10.4%
871
13.8%
259
11.0%
3,301
12.5%
22,890
12.1%
Transportation and warehousing,
48-49
1,589
4.6%
4,324
4.1%
326
3.9%
154
3.3%
303
4.8%
49
2.1%
1,275
4.8%
8,020
4.2%
and utilities
Information
51
1,086
3.2%
2,648
2.5%
298
3.5%
79
1.7%
184
2.9%
60
2.6%
567
2.1%
4,922
2.6%
Finance and insurance, and real
52-53
2,862
8.4%
6,725
6.3%
693
8.2%
312
6.6%
425
6.8%
139
5.9%
1,764
6.7%
12,920
6.8%
estate and rental and leasing
Prof, scientific, and mgmt, and
54-56
3,723
10.9%
14,070
13.2%
1,265
15.0%
634
13.4%
723
11.5%
344
14.7%
2,856
10.8%
23,615
12.5%
admin and waste mgmt services
Educational services, and health
61-62
8,395
24.5%
23,337
21.9%
1,674
19.8%
1,180
25.0%
1,338
21.3%
411
20.3%
5,454
20.6%
41,855
22.1%
care and social assistance
Arts, entertainment, and Tec, and
71-72
1,895
5.5%
11,689
11.0%
440
5.2%
453
9.6%
540
8.61/o
66
2.81/o
1,981
7.5%
17,064
9.0%
accommodation and food services
Other services, except public
81
1,207
3.5%
4,736
4.4%
260
3.1%
259
5.5%
212
3.4%
188
8.0%
1,147
4.3%
8,009
4.2%
administration
Public administration
92
2,274
6.61/o
6,526
6.1%
293
3.5%
279
5.9%
280
4.4%
143
6.1%
1,423
5.4%
11,218
5.9%
Total jobs (ages 16+)
34,227
106,504
8,454
4,724
6,296
2,347
26,496
189,048
Source: U.S. Census Bureau: American Fact Finder, 2008-2012 American Community Survey.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
TABLE 2U: 2013 OFFICE VACANCY RATES - 5,000 SF+
Meridian
161
3,225,255
481,484481,484
$16.48
15.101,
Downtown (Boise)
101
4,111,362
309,449 10,951
320,406
1.1%
West Bench (Boise)
162
3,112,916
104,445 25,564
130,009
23.5%
Southwest (Boise)
56
1,041,861
198,022 -
198,022
19.0%
Lanyon County
241
1 2,335,5551
83,250
183,250
1.3%
All Submarkets
1111
21,332,218
2,602,066 1 64,622
1 2,666,688
10.6%
Source: Colliers Paragon, Year -End Real Estate Market Review, 2013.
$12.80
21,819,141
TABLE 2V: OFFICE ASKING RATES - 5,000 SF+
Meridian
$15.55
3,584,685
$16.48
$12.49
-
Downtown (Boise)
$11.22
1,254,180
$19.31
$16.13
$12.91
West Bench (Boise)
$12.28
2,990,100
$14.10
$12.49
$1.14
Southwest (Boise)
$11.95
1,124,413
$12.85
$9.15
$9.00
Canyon County
$11.29
6,891,428
$12.51
$12.12
$9.12
Averages
$12.80
21,819,141
$15.00
$12.12
$9.48
Source: Colliers Paragon, Year -End
Real
Estate Market
Review, 2013.
TABLE 2W: 2013 RETAIL. VACANCY RATES - 5,000 SF+
Meridian
113
3,584,685
286,111 1,386
288,091
8.0%
Downtown (Boise)
52
1,254,180
82,435 -
82,435
6.6%
West Bench (Boise)
19
2,990,100
253,969 -
253,969
8.5%
Southwest (Boise)
41
1,124,413
106,510 -
106,510
6.2%
Canyon County
158
6,891,428
412,136
412,136
6.9%
All Submarkets
644
21,819,141
1,669,018 12,214
1,681,292
1.1%
Source: Colliers Paragon,
Year -End Real
Estate Market
Review, 2013.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Table 2T breaks down Ada County employment by sector.
In Meridian, "Education, Health Care, and Social Assistance"
constitute about 25% of alljobs. Over 2O%ofjobs in Meridian
are "Information, Finance, Management, and Professional
Services" and an additional 20% are in "Wholesale, Retail,
Transportation, and Warehousing." Looking across the
entire county, health carejobs are steady. The combination
of aging baby boomers and health care reform potential
has increased demand and may draw even more investors
to this segment in the near term. With a good number of
college educated citizens (32% have a bachelor's degree or
higher), Meridian is continually becoming an attractive place
for companies to locate.
Trends
In late 2009, the Meridian Development Corporation (MDC)
hired Bonneville Research to assess the Boise/Meridian
market. In their report, Bonneville found that between 1998
and 2008, the Boise/Meridian Metro area economy grew
at an annual rate of 5.8%. Employment peaked in the first
quarter of 2007 and a slow return to "normal" employment
levels is being realized. Bonneville forecasted that demand
for commercial office space will be driven by employment
growth.
The availability of Class A office space has long been a
sought after prospect for Meridian. With the recent addition
of The Village at Meridian (138,000 square feet of office
space), and the Silverstone Plaza and EI Dorado complexes
at Eagle Road and Overland Road, Meridian continues to
build upon the foundation of established office space. As
employment growth continues its climb upward, it is only
natural that more office will become available as employers
look to expand or relocate. As Table 21-1 shows, Meridian has
grown its commercial inventory to 3.2 million square feet.
Table 2V compares average asking rates for 5,000+ square
foot office space in a number of areas in the Treasure Valley,
and Table 2W similarly compares 5,000+ square foot retail
vacancy rates, for the same areas.
In 2014, the City of Meridian hired a consultant group to
conduct a full audit and assessment of economic develop-
ment activities, including trends, and to recommend how
to best utilize assets to maximize strengths. The results of
this study should be available by late 2014.
Meridian Chamber of Commerce
The Meridian Chamber of Commerce is a membership
organization, supported by member investment and the
committed involvement of leaders in the Meridian business
community. The Chamber provides ways to become involved
in the community through leadership opportunities, business
advocacy, networking, and promotion of individual businesses.
The Chamber is in the business of building relationships
between business people, and between business, govern-
ment and the rest of the community, in order to maintain a
healthy economy and an excellent quality of life.
Meridian Development Corporation
The Meridian Development Corporation (MDC) was estab-
lished in 2001 by the Meridian City Council. Although it is
an independent agency, MDC functions as the City's urban
renewal agency. The Urban Renewal Area is shown in Figure
2A, and is loosely bound by Fairview/Cherry to the north, East
4th Street to the east, west 4th street, and I-84 to the south.
MDC is charged with stimulating and expanding downtown
economic development activities. In 2010, MDC completed
Destination: Downtown, a visioning plan focused on developing
the downtown core. Destination: Downtown established seven
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
FIGURE 2A: MERIDIAN DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION BOUNDARY
Source: City of Meridian Planning Department, 2013.
Legend
'. 1 Urban Renewal
0 500 1,000 2000
v Feet
downtown districts, four vision elements: Livability, Mobility,
Prosperity, and Sustainability, and addressed implantation
and phasing of improvements. Renewal and redevelopment
is supported through strategic use of resources to create
successful projects in downtown (MDC receives tax incre-
ment financing). The MDC focus is not only onjob creation
and affordable workforce housing, but also on developing a
pedestrian friendly, transit -supported, diverse and balanced
downtown environments.
Business Enterprise Areas
Meridian is effectively positioned to support existing, emerg-
ing, and new businesses by creating planned and integrated
Business Enterprise Areas (see Figure 2B). These areas are
designed to attract and foster related business interests. This
provides an environment where business can thrive in an
atmosphere conducive to attracting and retaining a highly
qualified workforce.
The (ore
Meridian has launched the new Health Sciences & Technol-
ogy Corridor, The Core', in the heart of the Treasure Valley.
The corridor is anchored by several business campuses and
Idaho State University with curriculum focused on medical/
health sciences. Not only achieving Meridian's motto of being
built for business, The Core will also focus on maintaining
a healthy community that is designed for living. Develop-
ing a corridor of complementary businesses and services
geared towards the medical industry and high technology,
The Core will provide a one-stop destination for visitors and
workforce with all necessary amenities.
.........................
See the website at httpl/www.thecoreidaho.com
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
The Fields
In 2014, the City of Meridian hired a consultant group to
conduct an investigation to determine if Meridian (and the
Boise -Meridian -Nampa MSA) could support an Agriculture
and Bioscience Mixed-use Research & Innovation District.
The District would be located in the northwest corner of
Meridian, lying in the Area of City Impact between current
city boundaries and the Canyon -Ada County line. This
investigation is moving into phase 2 and 3, and should be
complete by the end of 2014.
FIGURE 213: BUSINESS ENTERPRISE AREAS
(hinden 1
McMillan The Fields (Future)
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Fairview
Legend N
■Nort rer ewaya
■ ���i
± Area of Impact
®I
Wasingtor & Main"District
Ten Mile
E
0e
The Core
_
raditiopa City Core
Ustick
I
The Fields (Future)
Urban Renewal
TO: I cul ural Dijr7cto
'
Franklin
0 025 0.5 I 1.5
" _
..�� i
Miles
—
Southern Gat
`
Willg �
: .Intentatt 84
7
r
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Ustick
—
1
(herr
Fairview
Urban
Renewal
`. L
Pine
—�
_
OL
66yMall
Franklin 1
Ten Mile
_:
=--"�
r---
Overland
L---
---'
f
r
r
Overland
I
� 1
'-7
■ 1
Source: City of Meridian Planning Department, 2013.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
' —This page left intentionally blank —
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
HOW IS THE LAND IN MERIDIAN DEVELOPED?
Land Use, Transportation, and
Community Design
This chapter discusses characteristics of the land in the City
of Meridian and its Area of City Impact (AOCI). As required
by Idaho State Statute, analysis on Land Use, Transportation,
and Community Design components of the Comprehensive
Plan are provided in this section of the Existing Conditions
Report. These components bridge the gap between the
previous section (population, demographics, etc.) and the
analysis that follows later in the report on other planning
components (public services, utilities, recreation, etc.)
Photo: Centennial Park on the corner of NE 3rd Street and Idaho Avenue
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
This section of the report is organized by outlining past trends
and current conditions in each of the three components: land
use, transportation and community design. This portion of
the report also includes a brief analysis of future land uses,
transportation trends, and community design principles. This
information will be used to track progress and update the
Goals, Objectives and Action Items of the City of Meridian
Comprehensive Plan.
The primary purpose of the Land Use discussion is to look at
current zoning, future zoning, and land uses within existing
City limits and the adjacent AOCI. Recent trends in land use,
and the variety of land use categories and designations are
briefly explained here, but are covered in more depth in the
City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan. Land use inventories
are used to forecast the demand for future facilities such as
parks, water lines and roads, and for services such as police
and fire protection. These past trends and future forecasts
can be used by City Departments as well as businesses,
developers, and property owners to anticipate market
demand when locating or developing public facilities and
private projects.
The purpose of the Transportation portion of the chapter is
to explain how roads are classified and used in the region;
how planning for future facilities is done; and it assesses
current trends in transportation. An explanation on fund-
ing for transportation projects is provided as well as how
roadways are starting to evolve into complete streets. A
current inventory of pathways, transit and travel lanes are
explained, showing where additional infrastructure and
modal options are necessary.
Photo: Broadview University, located on Overland Road near Eagle Road
In the Community Design segment, the City's Design Guidelines
are discussed and explored for the purpose of showing the
reader how they relate back to the vision of the community
and implementation of the future land use plan. The com-
munity design analysis also evaluates how quality of life and
sustainability play into making Meridian a great community
to live, work, and play.
Land Use
Land use is a physical expression of the community. Identifica-
tion and analysis of a City's existing land use development
patterns provides a basis for future land use decisions.
Because the City of Meridian has experienced such rapid
growth and expansion, it is important to inventory current
land uses and then determine how further development
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
should occur. See tables 3A and 3C for acreages of zoning
and land uses.
Built Environment
In recent years, land uses in and around Meridian have changed
from primarily agricultural to a mix of residential, commercial,
and industrial uses. That trend is likely to continue, as land
traditionally used for agriculture continues to be developed
to support the needs of an ever-growing community.
The pattern of land uses in Meridian is typical of many sub-
urban western U.S. cities. Situated along a rail line, historic
Old Town is comprised of primarily one- and two-story
commercial structures. Single-family homes with fenced
yards and attached garages are the norm for residential lots.
Along well -traveled roads and highways, shops, restaurants,
and supply stores have developed. Industrial uses are gener-
ally located along the railroad and interstate. As Meridian's
population has grown, and as more vehicles traverse area
roads, the pattern has intensified. Portions of the City's
northern and eastern boundaries have urbanized adjacent
to Eagle and Boise. However, farmland and large -lot County
subdivisions still dominate the western and southern edges
of the community.
Residential
A current zoning map reflects the dominance of residential
zoning in Meridian; 68.71% of the land area currently incor-
porated is zoned residential. These residential neighborhoods
are primarily developed at three to five dwelling units per
acre, with single-family detached homes. Residential areas
also include some duplex units, apartments, single-family
attached units, and manufactured homes. Densities within
the residential areas range from very low (less than 1 dwelling
unit per acre) to high (up to 40 dwellings per acre). While
relative to other communities of similar size, Meridian lacks
diversity and balance in residential form and density; recent
development trends have seen a large increase of multi -family
units near mixed use commercial and employment centers.
Commercial
Commercially zoned lands represent 18.68% of Meridian.
Most major intersections in Meridian now contain largely
commercial -type zoning and development. Commercial
and retail areas are typically along transportation corridors
and include everything from small commercial centers and
individual businesses to regional malls and commercial/office
business parks. Uses include retail, wholesale, service, office,
and limited manufacturing. There are five zoning sub -districts
within the commercial designation. The General Retail and
Service Commercial (C -G) district is the most common, followed
by Community Business (C -C) and Neighborhood Business
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
(C -N). Since 2002, two new commercial zoning districts,
Mixed Employment (M -E) and High Density Employment
(H -E), have been added to the commercial zoning districts
of the Unified Development Code. While 118.9 acres of these
zoning districts have been annexed, none of these sites have
yet developed.
Office
Although only 773.4 acres (4.261/o of City) are currently zoned
for limited office uses (L -O), Meridian enjoys a plethora of
office uses that are scattered throughout the commercial
districts. A significant amount of the office uses exist as
ancillary uses within commercially zoned districts. Office
uses are allowed in mixed use and in commercially zoned
parts of the City as principally permitted uses. Along arterial
roadways, many homes have converted to offices and several
professional office complexes have developed. In downtown,
near the Eagle/Overland intersection, and in north Meridian,
office uses continue to materialize in response to burgeoning
residential neighborhood needs for medical and professional
services (e.g. - doctors, dentists, chiropractors, etc.)
Industrial
Industrial zoning represents 6.78% of the total land area of
the City. The City has two industrial zoning districts: Light
Industrial (I -L) and Heavy Industrial (I -H). Industrial uses in
the City of Meridian tend to be of the light -industrial variety
and are primarily located along the railroad corridor and
the Interstate. Industrial areas of the City typically include
warehousing, general manufacturing, railroad users, and
industrial/office business parks. Today, there are several
opportunities for reinvestment in industrially zoned on
under-utilized properties. The City, through its economic
development initiatives, hopes to expand its job base by
attracting new industrial users, particularly clean industry.
Mixed Use
Over the past several years, areas planned for mixed use
have developed with largely commercial uses. Because of
this trend, in 2010 the City amended the mixed use sections
of the Comprehensive Plan to ensure diversity in uses for
areas planned for mixed use. Similar to the Mixed Employ-
ment (M -E) and High Density Employment (H -E) zoning
districts, the Traditional Neighborhood – Center JN -C)
and Traditional Neighborhood – Residential (TN -R) zoning
districts are relatively new. In 2005, when the City adopted
the Unified Development Code (UDC), the TN -C and TN -R
districts were added. Today, less than 2% of Meridian is
zoned for mixed use.
However, more and more mixed-use developments—projects
that include multiple land uses—are being built in Merid-
ian. Often these developments use a variety of the typical
zoning districts (e.g. C -G and R-15) to achieve a mix of land
uses. Emphasis on the redevelopment of downtown (Old
Town) has been a strong priority. The Old Town area is still
in a transitional state, from a small rural downtown with
little investment, to a growing center with vast potential.
With large acreages of commercial and light industrial uses
developing along the interstate and other major roadways,
reinvestment in Old Town has not kept up with the pace
of new development. The Ten Mile Interchange area still
contains vast opportunities on largely undeveloped green
fields. As the Future Land Uses section will report, aside from
residential, mixed-use areas contain the most opportunities
for development and re -development in Meridian.
Civic
Civic areas include public, quasi -public, and open spaces.
They include uses like government facilities, public schools,
utilities, libraries, post offices, park and recreational areas,
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Photo: Evening view of the Village at Meridian
and cemeteries. Parks, schools and other public facilities are
spread throughout Meridian in a variety of zoning districts.
Zoning—Land Use Correlation
The City of Meridian maintains a Zoning Map that depicts
zoning districts of the City. There are 16 zoning districts listed
in the UDC for use within the incorporated limits of the City,
as noted in Table 3A. There are a limited number of properties
in Meridian that are zoned one designation, but are actually
being used for a different purpose. This mismatch occurs for a
number of reasons. In some instances, a developer submitted
plans a number of years ago and the City approved a zone
change but the project never materialized. For example,
TABLE 3A: CURRENT ACREAGES OF ZONING DISTRICT IN MERIDIAN I h
Land Ownership
Low -Density (R-2)
243.4
1.34%
Land in the City and our Area of City Impact is controlled by
Medium Low -Density (R-4)
6,736.7
37.07%
a mix of private and public ownerships, with a large majority
Medium -Density (R-8)
4,761.6
26.20%
of the land (almost 94%) being held privately. The remaining
Medium High -Density (R-15)
625.6
3A4%
6% is owned by West Ada School District, utility -related
High -Density (R-40)
120.9
0.67%
companies, the State of Idaho, the Federal Government,
(ommeidol
3,394.8
18.68
Ada County, the Ada County Highway District, the City of
(ioublotol)
18,1154
%
Meridian, and other local government entities including the
Neighborhood Business (C -N)
129.7
0.71%
Meridian Cemetery Maintenance District and others. The
Community Business (C -C)
519.0
7.86%
amount of privately owned land in Meridian is substantial
General Retail and Service Commercial (C -G)
2,627.3
14.46%
when compared to the County as a whole. The 2007 Ada
Mixed Employment (M -E)
64.6
0.36%
County Comprehensive Plan reports that only 47.7% of the
High Density Employment (H -E)
54.3
0.30%
entire County is privately owned. The bulk of the remainder,
ORe Oublotal)
1134
4.26
over 461/o, is federally owned. Table 3B summarizes non -private
Office Subtotal Limited Office (L-0)
113.4
4.26%
land ownership within the Area of City Impact.
Light Industrial (I -L)
1,231.4
6.78%Future
Land Uses
Heavy Industrial (I -H)
Tinditional
0.0
0.00%
Today, the City of Meridian has over 17,000 acres within its
Old Town (01T)
133 8
0.74%
municipal boundaries. At full build out, Meridian is anticipated
to incorporate approximately 39,000 acres. The Future Land
Traditional Neighborhood (enter (TN-()
90.1
0.50%
Use Map (FLUM) portrays locations for the various land use
Traditional Neighborhood Residential (TN -R)
63.1
0.35%
types. The FLUM's primary purpose is to define and map
TOM
18,1154
%
future land uses so that development occurs in the direction
Source: City of Meridian Planning Division, March 2014, as compiled by Ada County.
the City has a number of industrially zoned properties near "
the downtown that are developed as residences. In other
instances, developers made use of previous City codes that Traditional
allowed up to 20% of a site to be used for uses not otherwise
allowed in the district. In north Meridian particularly, there Industrial
are several developments that are primarily residential, Office
but have a limited amount of existing office or small scale commercial
commercial uses within a residential zone. Residential
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
0.0 2,500.0 5,000.0 7,500.0 10,000.0 12,500.0 15,000.0
Note: See Table 3A for data.
TABLE 3B: NON -PRIVATE LAND OWNERSHIP IN AOCL
85.11
0.215% » Rural: Rural / Estate Residential is a unique land use
laudation
ii
% of AI
and manner most desired by Meridian's stakeholders. The
Meridian Joint School District No.2
791.22
1.991% FLUM works in conjunction with the text of the Compre-
fit of Meridian
120.19
,- i
1.811%
i hensive Plan, city code, and the various policies of the City.
Nampa & Meridian Irrigation District
34.63
.212
0.087% However, the FLUM is not a zoning map and differs in that
Meridian femetary District
26.23
0.066% it describes the character and type of the use that is desired
Meridian Heights Water & Sewer District
13.11
0.033% in the future, and not necessarily what currently exists. Over
Meridian Library District
3.57
0.009% time, however, the FLUM has also evolved to depict where
Meridian Library District
3.50
0.009% some existing land uses do exist. For example, existing
Fairview joint femetary District
1.00
0.003% schools, parks, fire stations and other civic and private uses
Star joint Fire Protect District
1.00
0.003% are depicted on the FLUM.
Urban Renewal District for the City of Meridian
0.96
0.002%
Settlers Irri ation District
0.05
0.000% The FLUM depicts a built -out Meridian that is very diverse in
residential densities, commercial and industrial land uses, and
Ada County Highway District
58.38
0.147% public/quasi-public opportunities. While the FLUM depicts
Western Ada Recreation District
25.09
0.063% many types of land use designations, they can be broadly
Ada County
14.45
0.036% divided into nine basic categories:
Idaho Department of Transportation
85.11
0.215% » Rural: Rural / Estate Residential is a unique land use
Idaho State Police
42.95
0.108% designation that allows for the preservation of agricul-
State of Idaho
14.23
0.036% tural uses and ancillary development of single-family
Idaho Department of Lands
12.95
0.033% homes on large parcels, where City services like sewer
Idaho State University
10.60
0.027% and water may or may not be provided.
Bureau of Reclamation
69.09
0.174% » Residential: These areas are intended to provide a variety
United States Postal Service
3.04
0.008% of housing types. Uses include a range of densities
US Department of Housing and Urban Development
0.01
0.000% varying from large estate lots to multi -family homes.
Intermountain Gas
64.01
0.162% » Commercial: These areas are intended to provide a
Idaho Power Company
21.96
0.055% full -range of commercial and retail services for area
Northwest Pipeline
4.27
0.011% residents and visitors.
Century Link
0.46
0.001%
United Water
0.25
0.001% » Office: These areas provide opportunities for low -impact
Subtotal of Non-Irrityate land Ownership
2,533.21
6.393% business areas including: personal and professional
Total (ity AO(I
39,621.01
100.000% offices, technology and resource centers.
Source: City of Meridian Planning Division, March 2014, as compiled
by Ada County.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
TABLE 3C: FUTURE LAND USES WITHIN MERIDIANS AOCI IW
Rural
1,948.8
5.0%
0.0
0.0%
1,948.8
5.0%
Residential
26,113.5
68.4%
11,342.1
63.5%
15,311.4
39.3%
Commercial
1,552.2
4.0%
1,442.1
8.1%
110.1
0.0%
Office
314.0
1.0%
292.4
1.6%
81.6
0.2%
Employment
660.5
1.1%
281.1
1.61/6
318.8
1.0%
Industrial
955.4
2A%
609.0
3A%
346.4
0.9%
Old Town
335.9
0.9%
335.8
1.9%
0.1
0.0%
Mixed Use
4,994.4
12.8%
2,441.5
13.1%
2,552.9
6.5%
Civic 8 Utility
1,536.6
3.9%
1,116.5
6.3%
420.1
1.1%
Total
39,011.4 1
100.0%
1 11,861.2
100.0%
21,210.3
54.3%
Source: City of Meridian Planning Division, March 2014.
Employment: These land uses designations, for use
primarily within the Ten Mile Interchange specific area
plan (see section on Specific Area Plans), are intended
to support a variety of office and manufacturing
uses of varying intensity, along with supporting and
complimentary secondary uses.
Industrial: These areas are designated to allow a range
of industrial uses to support industrial and commercial
activities. Uses may include warehouses, storage units,
light and heavy industry such as manufacturing and
processing.
» Old Town: This area includes the historic downtown
and the core community activity center, and is a unique
type of Mixed Use. A wide variety of land uses are
encouraged and envisioned in Old Town.
Mixed Use: These areas incorporate a variety of dif-
ferent, but complimentary and compatible land uses
together. These areas are typically situated in highly
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
visible or transitioning areas of the City, and vary in
intensity and allowed uses.
Civic and Utility: These areas preserve and protect
municipal, state, and Federal lands for use as parks,
schools, and other public uses.
Table 3C breaks down the total Meridian build out area (in
acres) by each of the land use groups previously described.
The table differentiates between properties on the FLUM
that are currently annexed and those that have not yet
been annexed into the City. By far, Meridian is planning
for residential to use more of the land area than any other
designation; 68.4% of the FLUM shows a residential land
use designation. This affords the City an opportunity to
promote both very low density housing units and some very
high density developments throughout the City. The rest of
the anticipated land uses are fairly evenly distributed, with
Civic & Utility
Mixed Use
Old Town
Industrial
Employment
Office
Commercial
Residential
Rural
0.0 5,000.0 10,000.0 15,000.0 20,000.0 25,000.0 30,000.0
Note: See Table 3C for data.
■ Annexed ■ Not Annexed
Mixed Use being the next highest land use designation at
approximately 12.8%.
For detailed descriptions of each specific land use, see Chapter
3 of the City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan.
Specific Area Plans
In addition to the general citywide land use designations,
plans have also been developed for specific areas of the City.
These Specific Area Plans provide additional narrative and
specific detail into how development should occur within
these areas.
Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area Plan
A specific plan has been developed for approximately 2,800
acres bordered roughly by Linder Road to the east, McDermott
Road to the west, the Union Pacific Railroad line to the north,
and 1/2 -mile south of Overland Road on the south. The Ten
Mile Interchange Specific Area Plan is an addendum to the
Comprehensive Plan and provides information on land use,
the roadway network, and design guidelines specific to the
Ten Mile Interchange area.
Destination Downtown (Urban Renewal)
The Destination Downtown specific area plan outlines a
vision and marketing strategy for strengthening downtown
Meridian's role in the community. The planning area for
Destination Downtown encompasses not only the historic
areas of downtown, but also the entire urban renewal area
extending from Fairview Avenue/Cherry Lane to Interstate 84.
A community -building development group, CRSA was hired
by the Meridian Development Corporation (MDC) in 2009 to
help define a vision for Downtown Meridian. The outcome
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Photo: The (OMPASS/VRr building on Broadway Avenue and East 2nd Street (within the Urban Renewal area)
of the public visioning process were several distinct districts,
with anticipated uses varying from offices and retail, to enter-
tainment and lodging, restaurants, open space, and variety
of residential uses. Pedestrian amenities are emphasized
throughout the study area. Public and private investment to
ensure that Old Town becomes a centralized activity center
with public, cultural, and recreational structures is encouraged.
The City's Community Development Department has and is
working with MDC to link the Destination Downtown plan
with the City's Comprehensive Plan, Capital Improvement
Plans, and development policies.
Fields District
The City has identified one other area for developing a specific
plan. The Fields District is located in the northwest corner
of the City's Area of City Impact and is tentatively bound
along the Ada/Canyon County line, Chinden Boulevard, Black
Cat Road, and Ustick Road. The City has been engaged in
research and feasibility studies in this area, and in the near
future may initiate a public participation plan leading to a
detailed specific area plan.
Area of City Impact
In accord with section 67-6526 of Idaho Code, an Area of
City Impact (AOCI) has been established for Meridian (see
Figure 3A). The City's AOCI is the future planning area for
the City, where annexation and development in Meridian
is anticipated. Although all these properties are not yet
incorporated, planning responsibilities for these lands rest
with the City of Meridian.
The City's AOCI is negotiated with Ada County, pursuant to
the Local Land Use Planning Act (LLUPA). Within the City's
AOCI, unincorporated properties are governed by Ada County
for day-to-day administration of zoning matters. However,
the County uses the City's adopted Comprehensive Plan and
the negotiated agreement in the administration of those
duties. Ada County has applied a Rural Urban Transition
(RUT) zoning district to most of the properties within the
City's AOCI. The RUT zone allows five -acre -lots, single-family
residential development, as well as agricultural -related uses
and a range of conditional uses. To request something other
than the RUT zoning, the developer must request urban
services from the City of Meridian. Such services include
sanitary sewer, water, fire, police, parks, transportation, and
libraries. The City (with rare exception) will not provide such
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
FIGURE 3A: MERIDIANS AREA OF CITY IMPACT
Source: City of Meridian Planning Division, April 2014.
services unless the property annexes into the City. All County
development applications within the AOCI are reviewed by
the City of Meridian for compliance with the Comprehensive
Plan and applicable City policies.
The importance of cooperating with Ada County is imperative
to successful, long-term land use, transportation, and utility
planning (such as water and sewer). There are very significant
financial implications for not doing so. As such, the City of
Meridian is committed to fulfilling the terms of its Area of
City Impact Agreement with Ada County.
Transportation
Today, Meridian's transportation network is primarily com-
posed of roadways that are designed for moving cars and
trucks. There is also however a local network of pathways and
sidewalks, and an ever increasing amount of bicycle facilities
located throughout the City. There is not a fixed -line mass
transit service in Meridian. There are park-and-ride lots in the
City and inter -county bus routes that make several runs on
the weekdays between Nampa -Caldwell and Meridian -Boise.
Although the rail corridor through Meridian has a long and
rich history, and still moves freight, the corridor is largely
underutilized today. The future does however hold promise
for expanded modes of transport and new types of service.
The transportation system into and through Meridian is key
to both local and regional commerce and mobility. With
Meridian located in the center of the Treasure Valley and
along a major east -west interstate connecting the Pacific
Northwest to the Inter -Mountain West, moving people, goods
and services is critical to maintaining a high quality of life
and economic vitality. Congestion adds time and money to
commutes, costs businesses time and money, degrades air
quality, and creates social burdens. As this chapter explains,
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Ada County
Highway District (ACHD), the Community Planning Associa-
tion of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) and Valley Regional
Transit (VRT) are the key transportation agencies that the
City works with to maintain and improve transportation in
and around Meridian.
Because Meridian does not have authority over any roadways,
the City relies on other agencies to provide the necessary
funding for roadway infrastructure and its maintenance.
Meridian's major transportation challenge is to work with the
transportation agencies in the region to meet the existing
need for adequate transportation service, while planning
for and accommodating the next wave of growth in a way
that will maximize efficiency. Poorly planned growth leads to
worsening traffic problems, and increased traffic congestion
may deter potential employers from locating or expanding.
In addition to managing future traffic needs, much of the
transportation infrastructure already developed will require
maintenance and rehabilitation. Ensuring adequate funding
for maintenance of roads, while still adding capacity, will be
a critical issue in the near future.
Roadway Authority
The City does not have any authority to plan, build or
maintain public roadways. The Idaho Transportation Depart-
ment (ITD) has authority over the highways and interstate
system in Meridian: I-84, SH -69, SH -55 and US 20-26. The
Ada County Highways District (ACHD) owns and maintains
Photo: Bridge deck of the Ten Mile Interchange over 1-84
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
all of the public, non-ITD roads in Ada County. The Com-
munity Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS)
is the region's Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO)
and is charged with air quality conformity and maintaining
the long-range transportation plan for Ada and Canyon
counties. Valley Regional Transit (VRT) is the regional public
transportation authority for Ada and Canyon counties. City
staff and elected officials serve on several transportation
agency groups, committees, and boards. Although the City
does not have authority, it spends a considerable amount
of time and effort to work with ACHD, ITD, COMPASS, and
VRT to plan for the needs of the community and ensure that
the transportation agencies make decisions that are in the
best interest of the City.
Transportation Commission
In addition to many sub -committees, regional advisory
committees, and other transportation agency based groups,
in which City staff participates, the City has also established
a nine -member Transportation Commission that deals
with transportation and traffic safety—related issues. The
Commission is made up of nine voting members and six
non-voting ex -officio members. Members on the Commis-
sion are made up of Meridian citizens, business owners or
employees, and transportation professionals with technical
expertise and/or education. In aggregate, the Commission
provides a broad, city-wide perspective on transportation
issues. Appointments to the Commission, are made by the
Mayor with City Council approval.
The Meridian Transportation Commission's primary responsi-
bilities include making recommendations to the City Council
on traffic safety and transportation matters that are brought
before them either by an agency or a member of the public.
The Commission annually compiles a list of the highest
priority roadway, intersection and pedestrian improvement
projects in Meridian. Other recommendations regarding
transportation issues are regularly sent to the Mayor and
City Council for consideration. With Valley Regional Transit
(VRT) staff assistance, the Commission is currently working
on a public transportation plan for Meridian. The Task Force
also discusses issues like speed limits, meeting the needs of
the traveling public, and safe routes to schools. The Trans-
portation Commission generally meets the first Monday of
each month at City Hall.
Roadway Network
As shown in Table 31), Meridian has more than 500 centerline
miles of roadway today, including state highways and the
interstate.
Meridian's roadways are described in terms of a hierarchy
of streets, known as a functional classification system. This
system, which isjointly used by the ITD, ACHD, COMPASS,
and the City, classifies roads and highways into three clas-
sifications: arterials, collectors, and local streets (which
includes private streets). The American Association of State
Highway and Transportation Officials describe functional
classification as a process that involves grouping roadways
into classes according to the character of service they are
intended to provide.
Principal arterials facilitate statewide and interstate transport,
involve longer trip lengths, carry high volumes of traffic, and
should have a minimal number of access points and limited
on -street parking. Except for on I-84, roadway widths typically
vary from two to five lanes wide with detached sidewalks on
each side and bicycle lanes, within approximately 100 feet of
right-of-way. They may serve as a separator for incompatible
land uses.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
TABLE 3D: ROADWAY MILES BY CLASSIFICATION TYPE
Interstate
13.5
2.5%
Principal Arterial
58.5
10.9%
Minor Arterial
59.6
11.1%
Collector
19.4
3.6%
Source: Meridian Planning Division, 2014, as compiled by Ada County.
Minor arterials provide long-distance access, mainly within the
state and region, and frequently contain three to five travel
lanes, sidewalks, and bicycle lanes. These include medium
traffic volume streets to and from other arterials and the
freeway. They collect traffic from less significant roadways
and distribute traffic and are intended to minimize access
conflicts. These arterials may also be section line roads.
As shown in Figure 36, most arterials in Meridian are on
section lines, in one mile intervals north -south and east -west.
The notable exceptions are Pine Avenue and Main Street
downtown. A number of the arterial roadways in Meridian
are currently two-lane roadways; with the rapid growth over
the past ten years, arterial roadways are transitioning into
three- and five -lane roadways.
Interstates, State Highways and Arterials
Meridian has three State Highways that traverse through it.
A fourth, State Highway 16 (SH 16), is planned as a freeway/
expressway to someday traverse the western edge of the
City. The southern portion of Meridian is bisected from the
northern part of town by Interstate 84 (I-84).
There are four (principal arterial) state highways that have
a significant influence on the transportation system and
therefore deserve special attention:
FIGURE
3B: INSET OF 2040 PLANNING FUNCTIONAL
CLASSIFICATION MAP
'
J
J
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a
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m
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a
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----
Proposed Interstate
o
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_
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K
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Expressway
cMillan R
H
o>
McMillan Rd
�0
- - - -
Proposed Expressway
war
—
Principal Arterial
Ustick Rd
- - -
-
Proposed Principal Arterial
Minor Arterial
°
o
o
Fairview
Ave
>-
"
---- Proposed Minor Arterial
Future Interchanges
Pine
St
m
Type
Franklin Rd
�
New Interchange
-
New Overpass
------r------
Source: COMPASS, 2013. Original @ http://www.compassidaho.org/prodsery/tunc-maps.htm
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
0
m
Lake Hazel
Rd
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Source: COMPASS, 2013. Original @ http://www.compassidaho.org/prodsery/tunc-maps.htm
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Photo: State Highway SS/Eagle Road, between Fairview Avenue and River Valley Street
US 20-26/Chinden Boulevard: US 20-26, also known as
Chinden Boulevard, runs along the northern edge of
the City. This highway serves as the north boundary
of Meridian's Area of City Impact east of Linder Road
and bisects the Area of City Impact west of Linder
Road. It is expected to be five to seven lanes wide at
build -out of the City. The City believes this roadway
needs to be protected from multiple access points and
preserved as a high capacity corridor (see the US 20-26
Access Management Plan) The City of Meridian has
ordinances and development standards that preserve
the highway as a major regional transportation facility,
connecting the cities of Nampa, Caldwell, Star, Merid-
ian, Eagle and Boise. The City supports beautification
and appropriate sound mitigation measures along the
Chinden Boulevard corridor.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
State Highway 16 (future extension): The extension of
State Highway 16 from State Highway 44 to I-84 is a
critical step to providing regional mobility for citizens
from north Ada County and Gem County to I-84 and
south Ada County. A preferred alignment and Environ-
ment Study have been completed. The 2040 Planning
Functional Classification Map designates SH 16 as an
expressway. SH 16 is currently under construction from
State Highway 44 down to US 20-26, and is scheduled
for completion in August of 2014. The section of SH
16 between US 20-26 and I-84 is currently unfunded.
State Highway 55/Eagle Road: State Highway 55 (SH
55), also known as Eagle Road, connects Meridian
with the cities of Boise to the east and Eagle to the
north. Eagle Road is the most heavily traveled non -
interstate roadway in the State of Idaho. Issues that
impact Eagle Road traffic will also have an impact on
all of Meridian. Recent improvements to Eagle Road
include widening, safety medians, additional lighting,
and landscaping consistent with the ITD Eagle Road
Corridor Study. Additional widening improvements
are still planned, and the City will continue to pursue
additional enhancements to reduce congestion and
improve usability and safety for all modes of travel.
» State Highway 69/Meridian Road: State Highway
69 (SH 69), also known as Meridian Road, connects
Meridian with Kuna to the south. Although SH 69/
Meridian Road is on a section line, and is designated
as an arterial throughout Meridian, it varies in form
and function. Meridian Road is designated as a minor
arterial from Chinden Boulevard, south to Cherry
Lane, where it changes in designation to a principal
arterial. For the next two miles, between Cherry Lane
and I-84, Meridian Road, goes through downtown
and is owned and maintained by ACHD. At I-84,
Meridian Road becomes State Highway 69 and is a
State of Idaho -maintained facility. Meridian Road/SH
69 varies in street section and speed throughout the
City, but not in its importance to the transportation
network. The City of Meridian has ordinances and
development standards that preserve Meridian Road
through downtown and south of the Interstate.
Collectors
Collectors serve as key transportation routes and link local
roads with other collectors or arterials. Typically, they pro-
vide direct service to residential areas, contain two to three
travel lanes, and have sidewalks and bicycles lanes. Collec-
tors typically have right-of-way widths between 57 and 88
feet, and may have on -street parking. Examples of current
collector roadways are: Central Drive, Long Lake Way, and
Chateau Drive.
Collectors are designed to carry higher volumes of traffic and
(often seamlessly) connect one arterial to another through
a given mile. Collectors are typically constructed by private
developers at the time of construction of a subdivision. They
may or may not connect through an entire mile section as
a classified collector, but in conjunction with local streets,
they should connect from one arterial to another. Collector
roads were the subject of an Ada County Highway District -
funded study by J -U -B Engineers in August 2001. The City of
Meridian supports and will apply the following conclusions
of that study:
» Intersection Spacing: Intersections of collector roads
and arterial roads should be located at or near the V2
mile point within any given section.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
» Alignment: Collectors should extend in an essentially
straight line for 200 feet to 400 feet from an intersec-
tion. Beyond that point the alignment is flexible.
» Discontinuity Between Sections: Collectors should not
be in a straight alignment for more than two miles to
prevent their use as de facto arterials.
» Further, the City will use the ACHD Livable Street
Design Guide and Master Street Map when reviewing
development applications for collector design and
cross-section.
Local Streets
Local streets serve to provide direct access to abutting resi-
dential and commercial areas and should be for local traffic
movement. Generally, they are two lanes wide with parking
and sidewalks, and have a right-of-way width of approximately
50 feet. Through traffic is discouraged. Approximately 70%
of streets in Meridian are classified as local streets.
Entryway Corridors
The City has designated several entryway corridors that
lead into and out of the community. As a gateway to the
City, the principle is to protect and strengthen the visual
appearance of the roadway corridor for those entering.
Entryway corridors are depicted on the Future Land Use
Map and explained in the text of the Comprehensive Plan.
Generally, entryway corridors require additional landscaping
along key arterial roadways.
Travel Times and Commuting
As shown in Table 3E, the average commute time in 2012 for
those living in Meridian is 20.2 minutes. This isjust slightly
longer than the average commute time for all Ada County
residents. However, the average commute time in Meridian
is less than the surrounding communities of Eagle, Kuna
and Star.
The time of day people travel has a significant impact on not
only commute times but also on planning for transportation
infrastructure. The highest portion of trips in Ada County
occurs during the morning and late -afternoon rush hours.
Therefore, demand on roadways leads to congestion during
these peak times. This congestion often causes more people
to look at alternative times to travel, and when available,
alternative modes of transportation. In Ada County, the "rush
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
TABLE 3E: AVERAGE COMMUTE TIME TO WORK I h
Boise
18.3
Eagle
24.1
Garden City
11.6
Runa
25.9
Star
30.3
Nampa
22.1
Ada
19.9
Canyon
22.1
Source: 2012 COMPASS Regional Household Travel Survey.
hour" is only about two hours per day with peaks between
7 a.m. and 8 a.m. and between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. (see Figure
3C). Spreading out the distribution of trips would make more
efficient use of the transportation infrastructure already in
place. Policies like staggered work hours or non-traditional
work schedules, could be designed by businesses to encour-
age travel outside of the normal rush hour. Today, most work
schedules are the traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0
Note: See Table 3E for data
Transportation Funding Plans
Long -Range Plans
The Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho
(COMPASS) maintains the region's long range transporta-
tion plan, Communities in Motion (CIM), which contains the
regionally significant corridors in Ada, Canyon, Elmore, Boise,
Gem and Payette counties. COMPASS does transportation
modeling for the region and uses traffic forecasts to not only
anticipate where roadway projects are needed but also to
monitor air quality standards and to provide development
activity reports.
The COMPASS Board, which is composed of local elected
officials and special interest organizations, is charged with
making decisions about transportation and related air quality
planning, primarily through CIM. The 2035 version of the
long-range plan was adopted by the COMPASS Board in 2010.
FIGURE 3C: MERIDIAN AREA TRIP DISTRIBUTION BY TIME OF DAY 2013
(Average Weekday Traffic for 1 Selected Sites)
10.01/4
8.0%
g 2.0%
0.0%
E o 0 0 o E o 0 o g g 6 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 0 o g 6
a== 4 4 4 x 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Time of
Source: ITD Traffic Counts October 2013, via COMPASS, February 2014.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
The 2040 version of the plan, currently in draft format, is to
be adopted in 2014. The Federal government requires CIM
to be updated at least every four years. The plan addresses
anticipated transportation issues over the next 20 years,
evaluates how projected population and economic growth
and development patterns will impact current transportation
facilities, and considers funding and expenditures for future
transportation needs. CIM seeks to strike a balance between
roadway expansion, maintenance and other transportation
alternatives, such as transit, carpooling, bicycling, walking,
and transportation demand management. The Ada County
Highway District (ACHD) also has a long-range transporta-
tion plan, called the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), for
Ada County. The ACHD CIP lists arterial roadways that are
eligible to use impact fee dollars that are generated within
the County. The ACHD CIP is fiscally constrained with a 20
year horizon.
Short -Range Plans
In addition to long-range plans, ITD and ACHD have near-term
transportation plans. The ITD's Transportation Investment
Program (ITIP) contains about five years of projects and
is typically updated annually by the ITD Board, with input
from other agencies (like COMPASS) and the public. The
projects in COMPASS's CIM are used to draft the Regional
Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) which feeds into the
ITIP. The ITIP shows how Federal transportation funds will
be used to finance projects including: roadways, bridges,
highway safety, public transportation, maintenance projects
like overlays (i.e., new layers of paving), and even airports
and air quality projects.
The ACHD near-term funding program is called the Integrated
Five Year Work Plan (IFYWP). This plan is usually adopted in
summer each year by the ACHD Board of Commissioners.
The IFYWP primarily contains both maintenance and capital
projects for roadways, intersections, bridges and pedestrian
facilities, and is meant to coincide with the overall budget
adoption process. Projects in the IFYWP are prioritized
primarily on safety, congestion and other cost -benefit and
programmatic criteria. Each year the City of Meridian sends
a list of priority projects to ITD, COMPASS and ACHD for
consideration as the ITIP, TIP and IFYWP are adopted (see
below for more information).
Funding
Funding for roadways in Meridian, and throughout Ada
County, is provided through taxes and fees. Most of the
moneyfor roadway maintenance and new capital projects are
provided via the gas tax, vehicle registration fees, Highway
User Funds, development impact fees, and property taxes.
In 2005, the ITD recommended that a new program, GARVEE
(Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle) bonds, be used to fund
six transportation corridors throughout the state. Three of
the six corridors: I-84, Caldwell to Meridian; I-84, Orchard
to Isaacs Canyon; and, Idaho 16, I-84 to Emmett, are in the
Treasure Valley. To date, almost $900 million in GARVEE bonds
have been authorized by the Legislature. GARVEE funds were
used to widen I-84, build a new interchange at I-84 and Ten
Mile Road, and reconstruct the Meridian Road Interchange,
which is one of the last GARVEE projects. To keep up with
demand, other funding options, like a local option sales tax,
an increase to the gas tax and/or establishing economic
development zones, have been discussed by the Legislature,
but have not been approved. New funding mechanisms will
most likely be needed to keep up with the demand for both
maintenance and expansion of the necessary transportation
infrastructure in the Valley.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Meridian's Priority Roadway Projects
Each year the City Council, at the recommendation of the
City's Transportation Commission, sends a list of high priority
transportation projects to ITD, ACHD, and COMPASS. The
projects in the priority list include state facilities (highways
and interchanges), ACHD roadways and intersections, and
key pedestrian projects. In 2013, some of the top priority
projects were: Ten Mile Road, Cherry to Ustick (road widen-
ing); Ustick, Meridian to Leslie Way (road widening); Ten
Mile Road, Ustick to McMillan (road widening); Linder Road,
Franklin to Cherry (road widening including RR crossing);
Meridian Interchange Rebuild; Linder Road Overpass; and
pedestrian sidewalks in downtown.
Most of the money for roadway maintenance and new capital
projects is provided via the gas tax, vehicle registration fees,
Highway User Funds, development impact fees, and property
taxes.
Linking Transportation and Land Use
The relationship between housing, transportation, and the
environment is becoming more evident every day. Changes
to one impact the others, and there are very real financial
and quality of life implications for decisions. In June 2009,
a partnership between HUD, DOT and EPA was established
to encourage livable and sustainable communities. This
Federal -level partnership and policies have set the stage
for what is being worked on locally.
Photo: Completing the Split Corridor Phase 2 project was a priority for the City
use to implement TLIP: the Complete Streets Policy, the
Livable Streets Design Guide, a Cost Share Policy, and a
Master Street Map.
Complete Streets Policy
The primary purpose of the ACHD Complete Streets Policy is
to ensure that streets, bridges, and transit stops within Ada
County are designed, constructed, operated, and maintained
so that pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, motorists, and
people of all ages and abilities can travel safely and indepen-
dently on and along public streets. In the past, for example,
ACHD primarily constructed five -lane arterial streets with
attached sidewalk, no bike lanes, and no concern for the
abutting land uses. The Complete Streets Policy balances all
users' needs and sets the foundation for land use agencies
to partner with ACHD to create user-friendly corridors that
meet the needs of the traveling public as well as the goals
of comprehensive and specific area plans. The Complete
Streets Policy is contained in Section 3100 of the ACHD
Policy Manual.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Cost Share Policy
To better connect transportation planning and land use
decisions, ACHD and the cities in Ada County have compiled
A tool in the TLIP repository is the ACHD Cost Share Policy.
the Transportation and Land Use Integration Plan (TLIP). This
The Cost Share Policy maintains flexibility within the roadway
plan, initiated in 2007 and adopted in 2009, envisions livable
design process, establishes a consistent set of transporta-
streets for the future. The goal is to create a roadway network
tion elements that ACHD will be responsible for, and allows
that balances the needs of all roadway users —motorists,
partnering agencies an opportunity to participate in creating
pedestrians, cyclists, transit and people with disabilities—with
a "complete" street section. This policy allows partnering
streets that complement the built environment. Because a
agencies to work with ACHD to design, construct and fund
one -size -fits -all program for roadway construction does not
non -transportation elements as part of ACHD's road improve -
respond to the land use needs of the community, the City
ment projects. Many times the City requests features like
and ACHD have agreed to work more closely tojoin together
detached sidewalks with landscaping or multi -use pathways
the land use plans of the City with the transportation plans
to improve pedestrian safety and enhance community
of the District. There are four tools that ACHD and the City
aesthetics along specific roadways. The Cost Share Policy
allows a partnering agency to enter into an agreement with
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
ACHD to ensure appropriate improvements are included for
all users, in road projects.
Master Street Map
In January of 2010, ACHD adopted a Master Street Map for
Ada County. This map is another TLIP planning tool that
works in conjunction with city comprehensive plans. The Map
creates a vision for future roadway characteristics based on
land use plans and transportation goals. The Master Street
Map provides the guide for arterial right-of-way needs, col-
lector street locations and design, regional mobility corridor
locations and design, and other specific roadway features
desired throughout the City and its Area of City Impact.
The Master Street Map designates location, function, and
typology for roadways, and specifies the number of travel
lanes and right-of-way needed for each collector and arte-
rial in Meridian. Meridian supports the Master Street Map
through adoption by reference in the City's Comprehensive
Plan. The information contained on the Master Street Map
is used by both ACHD and the City when roadway projects
are beginning the design process, and in the development
review process.
Livable Streets Design Guide
The final tool in the TLIP toolbox is the Livable Streets Design
Guide. The Guide sets the design parameters for roadways
in Ada County. After referencing the Master Street Map to
see what type of roadway is planned, a developer, agency
staff, or the general public can go to the Guide to see what
elements are specifically envisioned for any arterial and
collector roadway. Based on the City's land use components
contained in the Comprehensive Plan, pathway locations on
the Master Pathway Plan and ACHD's needs for capacity,
the Livable Streets Design Guide illustrates what each street
typology should look like. There are customized cross sections
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Photo: Detatched walkways and landscape buffers help to protect pedestrians from Yehides
within the Guide for access, the pedestrian zone, parking,
transit, bicycles, buffers, travel lanes and landscaping. Figure
3D depicts an example roadway typology from the Livable
Streets Design Guide.
Mobility Management
Mobility management is a concept that focuses on using all
available resources to augment and advance mobility for
all people. Several strategies are typically used to meet the
needs of citizens from all walks of life. In 2009, COMPASS,
through a Federal grant, developed the Mobility Management
FIGURE 3D: EXAMPLE OF MASTER STREET MAP ROADWAY TYPOLOGY
Design/Operating Speed 35 mph
6e • • ° • Numberofravel Lanes
u, ®� (perdirection)
Travel Lane Dimensions 11'
a CenterTurn Lane r
/
c a 4 •' Dimensions
° a Q
r %/ - 9� O Q Right Turn Lanes Allowed for heavy turning movements or heavy
trudatafhc
n Medians l I; to be substituted with tum lanes at
intersections
Median Openings for cross streets only when medians used
fi
Bicycle Lanes I
c v On -Street Parking Permitted, not typical; but possible Tpemllel
Za j
�A � when used (includes gutter pan width)
Drainage curb and gutter
Buller Area 6'(see dear zone and buffer zone below)
Q d
Sidewalk 5'minimum recommended (see walk zone
a dimension below; frontage zone allows shy area
from sidewalk as needed)
/
Intersection Contrd signals or stops (stops cart cross streets only)
Lighting Standards vehicle/roadway only
Source: Residential Arterial, ACHD Livable Street Design Guide, May 2009.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
The landsmpng andenhanom Pedestriammnevearmentsdeplored lnthe noss-
sectx m s depen d en hrtme fun ding and Nrure maintenance by a developer er fro n
jurisdiction. Thesemsrsare, notbome byACHD. Streettreesplacerim six(6)-footbuf-
fer(cwnWnedCkarard8 Oo Zones) require mot bonen, or, city/county/developer
asn provide addal m rof two (2) fee oRighr-of way —see ACHD Lee Pluming Polley
Pedestrian Zone
This Is an Illustratme le,end to explain how the pedes-
trian rove Is broken down: the colors do NOrindicate
color -based surface treatments.
Clearzone:2'
IN
Buffer Zone: 4'
Walk Zone: S'minimum recommended
. Frontage Zone: 2'for utility placement
and buffer from walls
The landsmpng andenhanom Pedestriammnevearmentsdeplored lnthe noss-
sectx m s depen d en hrtme fun ding and Nrure maintenance by a developer er fro n
jurisdiction. Thesemsrsare, notbome byACHD. Streettreesplacerim six(6)-footbuf-
fer(cwnWnedCkarard8 Oo Zones) require mot bonen, or, city/county/developer
asn provide addal m rof two (2) fee oRighr-of way —see ACHD Lee Pluming Polley
Development Guidebook to help local governments establish
partnerships and collaborate to provide the most efficient
transportation system. The guidebook is a resource manual
of best practices that incorporates transit access, mobility
enhancements, and site and road design. The Guidebook
includes a checklist for local governments, developers, and
others to incorporate access and mobility into land use
decisions. The Guidebook also explores how providing mode
choices helps to serve all roadway users.
Roadways to Bikeways
In May 2009, a long-range master plan for bicycle facilities
in Ada County was adopted by the ACHD Commission. The
Roadways to Bikeways Plan provides a broad vision, policy,
and goals and objectives for how the ACHD can facilitate
and improve conditions for bicycling in Ada County. The Plan
designates dedicated bicycle facilities within a quarter -mile
from 95% of Ada County residents; it will connect all parts of
the County. The adopted bicycle master plan guides future
investments in the bicycle system on roadways: to enhance
and expand the existing on -street bikeway network, fill-in
gaps, address constrained areas, provide for greater local
and regional connectivity and encourage more bicycling. The
Plan also provides basis for signed, shared roadways, bicycle
boulevard designations, and a variety of programs and policies
to allow and promote safe, efficient, and convenient bicycle
travel. In 2012, ACHD also adopted the Downtown Meridian
Neighborhood Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan, which identifies
safety and connectivity needs within the downtown area.
Within Meridian, there are currently 14 miles of bike lanes
and 5.25 miles of bike routes. A bicycle map, available on the
ACHD website, shows the current and planned bicycle routes.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
FIGURE 3E: SHARED -USE PATHWAY ALONG WATERWAY
Source: Updated graphic from the Meridian Pathway Master Plan, 2010.
Pathway System and Sidewalks
The Meridian Pathways Master Plan is a guide for pathway
development over the next 20 to 50 years. The Plan proposes
an extensive pathway network stemming from the existing
creeks, canals and other drainage or irrigation laterals within
and around the City of Meridian. The Plan includes an inven-
tory of existing pathways and micro -pathways, as well as a
comprehensive network of future pathways that will connect
residents to schools, parks, businesses, neighborhoods, and
various recreation and entertainment destinations.
The City of Meridian currently maintains nine pathways,
including the Fothergill Pathway, the Bear Creek Pathway, the
Blackstone Pathway, the Locust Grove Pathway, the H.R. Bud
Porter Pathway, the Diane & Winston Moore Pathway, the Five
Mile Creek Pathway from Pine to Badley, the Jackson Drain
f
Connection, and the Lochsa Falls/Paramount Pathway. Today,
these pathways primarily serve as a recreational amenity, but
they are also used for commuters going to and from work
and school. The Pathways Master Plan includes detailed
maps and design standards for future pathways in the City.
As an offshoot of the Meridian Pathways Master Plan, the
City also finalized a Rail with Trail Action Plan in early 2010.
The Action Plan takes a closer look at the Union Pacific Rail
Corridor, presents a conceptual alignment for a multi -use
pathway paralleling the tracks from McDermott Road to
Eagle Road, and proposes strategies for implementation of
the future facility. In 2014, the City received a Transportation
Alternatives Projects (TAP) grant to study the trail/arterial
crossings near the railroad tracks. Additional local and federal
FIGURE 3F: TYPICAL ON -STREET MULTI -USE PATHWAY
12 - 14' I1 64 I 10'
Source: Updated graphic from the Meridian Pathway Master Plan, 2010.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
grant money is being pursued for design and construction
of the trail.
ACHD has a dedicated pool of funds for projects that expand
and enhance a safe, efficient, and accessible pedestrian
and bicycle network for all residents of Ada County. These
pedestrian and bicycle projects are known as Community
Programs. ACHD currently offers a Community Programs
application for pedestrian and traffic calming projects
which gives citizens, neighborhood associations, and land
use agencies the ability to apply for projects. As of 2010, a
target of 5% of the annual Integrated Five Year Work Plan
capital funds are dedicated to Community Programs, which
typically equates to $1.5 - $2 million per year. In addition,
half of the local vehicle registration fee money goes toward
Community Programs each year.
Through public outreach programs, the community has previ-
ously highlighted the need for more quality parks, recreation
programs, pathways, and other public amenities. The Treasure
Valley Futures Program Community Outreach emphasized
the community's interest in more pedestrian linkages and
enhanced design standards. The City is interested in making
these linkages when opportunities present themselves. The
City's Unified Development Code requires sidewalks and
micro -pathways be installed with new subdivisions. Through
ACHD's Community Programs, a group of select community
members have identified gaps in the pedestrian pathway
and sidewalk system. These gaps now await improvement.
Transit
Valley Regional Transit (VRT) is the regional public trans-
portation authority for Ada and Canyon counties. VRT does
not currently provide a fixed -line bus service in Meridian.
However, the City is currently working with VRT to design
and then implement a fixed -line bus system. Annually, the
City contributes to an inter -county transit service that runs
between Nampa -Caldwell and Meridian -Boise. Park-and-ride
lots serve as the primary stop for the inter -county bus.
Two City Council members serve on the VRT Board which
establishes policy and guides the strategic priorities for
public transportation. VRT has an approved plan to develop a
regional public transportation system in the Treasure Valley.
The plan, called ValleyConnect, calls for bus services in all
cities in Ada and Canyon counties.
Commuteride and Carpools
ACHD operates a Commuteride vanpool service in Ada
County where each van accommodates 11 to 14 people. The
Commuteride program provides ride matching services that
connect commuters with similar home and work locations
and schedules. Similarly, Commuteride helps businesses
plan a customized vanpool service for businesses and their
employees. Commuteride Carpool and Vanpool Service is
a cooperative effort between ACHD, VRT, and the Federal
Highway Administration (FHA).
Park -and -Ride Lots
Park-and-ride lots are a service provided by ACHD. The
lots offer a place for commuters to park and collectively
ride to work in a prearranged carpool or vanpool. Existing
park-and-ride lots are located at Gem Street between Main
Street and Meridian Road; Overland Road and SH 69 (Country
Terrace); Overland Road and Eagle Road (Rackham Way); and
at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center (Eagle Road/I-84). To
assist potential users, these lots are marked with green and
white directional signs. The City anticipates that additional
park-and-ride lots will be necessary in the future and will
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
coordinate with ACHD on siting these future lots as develop-
ment demands.
Park-and-ride lots are a service provided by ACHD. The lots offer a place
for commuters to park and collectively ride to work in a prearranged
carpool or vanpool.
Air Travel
The City of Meridian does not have an airport within the
City limits or Area of City Impact. However, the Boise Airport
(BOI) provides passenger and freight service to the citizens
and local businesses. BOI is the only public, general aviation
and commercial airport located within Ada County. The
airport is located approximately ten miles east of Meridian
off I-84. BOI serves over three million passengers annually.
It is also home to the Idaho Air National Guard and the
National Interagency Fire Center. There are also airports
just west of Meridian, including the Nampa Airport (MAN)
and Caldwell Industrial Airport (EUL), providing professional
pilots, businessmen, corporate, industrial and recreational
aircraft owners aviation options.
Rail
The Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) owned Boise Cutoff spur rail
line runs east—west and bisects the City between Cherry Lane
and Franklin Road. In 2009, the Boise Valley Railroad began
operation along the spur line to provide freight movement
to industrial customers. Today, WATCO Companies has a
long-term lease with UPRR to operate the Cutoff in Meridian.
In 2009, a preliminary study was completed by the region's
planning organization (COMPASS) to determine the feasibility
of a regional high capacity mass transit line. The High Priority
Corridor Study identified the Boise Cutoff as the primary
candidate for a future transit line. A future multi -use pathway
(rail with trail) is also in the planning stages along the rail
line. Meridian's current Comprehensive Plan and the land
uses along this corridor reflect the anticipated multi -modal
uses along the rail corridor.
Community Design
Community design tends to focus on elements of the natural
and built environment that contribute value to living, working
and playing in the community. One could make an argu-
ment that all of the components in this report should be
analyzed in this section. It is true that most all of the other
components (land use, transportation, housing, etc) factor
into community design. However, for the purposes of this
report, community design includes analysis primarily on design
review, sustainability, livability, healthy initiatives, and arts and
community events. These terms are all inter -related and are
very subjective, the terms often mean different things and/or
are more or less important to different people and groups.
The goal of this section of the report is to explain how the
community has come together to define what community
design means and frame how it works in Meridian. As the
City moves forward with the Comprehensive Plan policies,
it will use this framework to analyze and develop potential
strategies for the City.
The inherent goal of community design is to improve on
the livability and quality of life for not only current, but also
future generations of Meridian residents. In this section of
the report, a description of the current policies, initiatives and
programs that contribute to community design and quality
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Photo: Community design provides flexibility to be creative, while protecting neighboring investments and community values
of life are presented. Like the other elements analyzed in this
report, the components of this chapter directly shape the
look, feel and function of the community known as Meridian.
A large portion of this section of the report is dedicated to
the City's design review process. Design review is a process
that applies design review procedures, guidelines, and
standards for the review of outdoor projects and physical
development. Essentially, it is a discretionary review of the
aesthetic aspects of physical development. The design review
examines the physical and functional relationships of the
various components of development and works in tandem
with adopted zoning codes and use standards.
Community design also involves preserving and enhancing
unique and extraordinarily valuable areas of the City. Basi-
cally, community design provides a means to maintain the
unique characteristics of the City, and to improve the built
environment for today and tomorrow.
This section also addresses livability and sustainability,
two buzzwords in society today. In Meridian, livability and
sustainability go hand-in-hand with a healthy community,
including physical, social, and mental health. Arts, community
events and celebrations all play a role in making Meridian
livable. A truly healthy community is one that is sustainable
long-term, working with its current residents to define what
elements are key to providing a high quality of life today
and for future generations.
When the 2002 version of the Comprehensive Plan was
developed, citizen groups met to discuss issues and concerns
regarding community character. Issues related to development
included infilling or increasing density within the city limits
and preserving habitats and natural areas. These issues will
be addressed later in the report. Many stakeholders thought
that particular areas within the City were under -used and
that perhaps, these should be the first areas considered for
redevelopment rather than farmlands/green fields. Many
felt that the City under -utilizes areas already disturbed by
development. Residents were also sensitive to preserving open
space within urban areas; they felt that by identifying these
areas and natural resource areas such as wetlands, riparian
areas, and wildlife areas, the City could achieve a balance of
open space and new development. Planting more trees and
designing a community garden were also discussed. These
elements relate directly to community design and creating
a high quality of life.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
As part of the overall planning process for the 2002 Com-
prehensive Plan, a sub -committee was established to discuss
community design and special sites. This sub -committee
identified a number of issues and concerns that focused on
design standards, zoning, and the implementation of the
current Comprehensive Plan. Standards of specific concern
related to gateways and community signage. Citizens sug-
gested establishing a unified sign and gateway theme for
the community. Also, they expressed concern regarding
the protection of existing special sites like waterways and
historic buildings. These concerns form the foundation for
the goals, objectives, and action items contained in the
Comprehensive Plan.
A truly healthy community is one that is sustainable long-term, working
with its current residents to define what elements are key to providing a
high quality of life today and for future generations.
Design Review
In 2007, the City Council determined it was in the best interest
of the City to discuss implementing citywide design review.
City Planning staff established a design review steering com-
mittee to guide them in crafting the program. Members of
the design review steering committee, representing various
professions from the development community, volunteered
numerous hours and offered their expertise, insight, and
experience to assist City staff in drafting the guidelines for
design review.
Design review is intended to promote and establish com-
munity character and economic stability by ensuring that
urban design and architectural principles adhere to com-
munity established goals. Design review is also intended to
protect the general health, safety and welfare of the citizens
by enhancing property values; protecting the natural envi-
ronment; promoting community pride; protecting historical
resources; preserving the aesthetic qualities which contribute
to a City's character; and promoting the economic vitality of
the community by preserving and creating well-designed
commercial and residential developments.
The design guidelines contained in the City's Design Manual
implement the vision of the community and enhance quality
of life through good design practices. The design guidelines
are meant to work in concert with existing development, the
Comprehensive Plan, and City Code.
The Design Manual
The Design Manual and design review process establish
standards to encourage quality building and site design. They
establish a set of guiding principles and flexible standards
that encourage creativity as opposed to mandating specific
standards. The Design Manual establishes expectations for
proposed developments based on the context: urban, rural,
or suburban, in which the development is proposed. These
design guidelines were developed to address the following:
1. Building Orientation
2. Building Form Scale and Materials
3. Fa4ade Treatment, Entrances and Roofs
4. Pedestrian Pathways and Connectivity
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Photo: Open space on the Scentsy Campus provides employees opportunities to stay active and enjoy the outdoors
5. Streetscape Design
6. Site Design
7. Parking
In addition to providing the City with a planning tool that
uses design guidelines to address the functional and aesthetic
qualities and characteristics of development, the Design
Manual lays the foundation for growth and development
to create attractive, lasting, and quality -built environments
that contribute to the progression of Meridian as a livable
community.
Prescriptive Standards vs. Guidelines
Design standards vary in the amount of detail and specific-
ity that a community employs. Some communities provide
general guidelines for design that allow some autonomy on
the part of the developer and designer. The City of Merid-
ian's Design Manual provides mostly general guidelines, but
there are some specific design standards that are required
through the Unified Development Code. This model provides
flexibility and promotes creativity within the community, but
sets a minimum standard for certain elements through code.
The Manual provides graphic examples to lessen ambiguity
for developers. Eliminating guesswork ensures the process
is as efficient as possible but still allows for unique projects
to be created.
Entryway Corridors
Meridian has designated several arterial roadways as entryway
corridors, or gateways into the City. Generally, entryway
corridors require additional landscaping along major arterial
roadways that lead into and out of Meridian. These gateways
have a significant effect on visitors first impression of the City,
making them especially important for not only landscaping
but also building, parking lot, and public space designs.
Signs
Signs are necessary not only for wayfinding, but also for
advertising, marketing and community character purposes.
Like landscaping in entryway corridors, signs can impress
upon visitors a community's character. Signs should not
be a distraction to motorists or pedestrians, or otherwise
present a safety hazard by interfering with line -of -sight,
blocking traffic control devices, or hampering traffic flow.
Likewise, signs should enhance the aesthetics of the com-
munity by complimenting building designs and landscaping.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Signs should provide assistance to the public and business
owners in locating businesses, gathering places, roadways
and other attractions. Meridian has taken a hard look at
sign regulations to ensure there is balance between safety,
advertising, communication, architectural elements, aesthet-
ics, and free speech.
Sustainability
The fundamentals of sustainability within local government
center on creating balanced solutions; solutions that deliver
services at levels citizens expect; doing so in an environmentally
and socially responsible way, and ensuring the best economic
choice in the long term. These fundamentals interact in the
process of balancing the needs of protecting and enhancing
our economy, our natural environment and our community's
built environment today and for future generations.
Meridian's popularity as a prime location to build a business
and raise a family has required the City to rise to the challenge
of providing services at a new level of demand. Commercial
and residential developers seek out Meridian because it is
"livable." Yet, with growing demand for services, the City
is challenged to maintain its well -touted "livability' factor.
Over the last decade, the City of Meridian has assertively
stepped-up to the challenges and dynamics of incorporating
sustainability concepts in a variety of projects from tackling
energy conservation issues; establishing a state-of-the-art
wastewater treatment and reclamation facility; to estab-
lishing and staffing an Environmental Division within the
Public Works Department. "Sustainability and Environmental
Awareness" is a stated priority issue of City leadership and
will be a dynamic aspect of how future service, programs and
projects are understood, created and implemented. Future
success bodes well, due to the accomplishments gained in
Photo: The Portico office building achieved a LEED Gold rating
the City's recent past, sustainable practices today are applied
in Meridian in a wide variety of ways.
Land Use and Transportation Planning
As part of the its planning process, the City promotes areas
of mixed-use development that bring shopping, services and
recreation opportunities within walking distance of dwellings.
The Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area Plan exemplifies this
type of compact, mixed-use development that will allow
people to live in an area where they can get to work, go
shopping, or go to dinner and see a movie without the need
o a car. Mixed-use developments are envisioned to provide
the necessary density of homes to support bus and transit
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
programs. Through this type of planning, automobile trips
will be reduced along with their emissions.
The City of Meridian continues to promote transporta-
tion alternatives. For many years, the City has required
that developers install segments of the multi -use pathway
system as subdivisions are built. The Master Pathways Plan
designates routes for multiple use pathways throughout
the City. These pathways are intended for non -motorized
usage. Sidewalks, paths, and bike lanes directly adjacent to
roadways provide a link between pathways or between a
pathway and a destination. People who choose to ride or walk
rather than drive are typically replacing short automobile
trips, which contribute disproportionately high amounts
of pollutant emissions. Since bicycling and walking do not
pollute, require no external energy source, and use land
efficiently, they effectively move people from one place to
another without adverse environmental impacts—they are
sustainable forms of transportation. The potential of other
modes of transportation, like bus and light-rail, are currently
being evaluated.
As mentioned previously in this report, the Ada County
Highway District (ACHD) operates a Commuteride vanpool
service in Ada County where each van accommodates 11
to 14 people as well as park-and-ride facilities. The City
realizes that van and carpooling can help to reduce traffic
congestion, improve air quality, reduce driver stress, and not
overwhelm parking in downtown Meridian. To encourage
more carpooling, the City has provided designated parking
stalls at City Hall for those that carpool to/from work.
Siting, Design and Construction
The design, construction, and operation of buildings impact
the environment. In 1998 the U.S. Green Building Council
Photo: Meridian City Hall achieved a LEED Silver rating
developed a set of standards for environmentally sustain-
able design, construction and operation of buildings. These
standards are formalized in certifying a building as LEED
(Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED is
an internationally recognized green building certification
system, providing third -party verification that a building or
community was designed and built using strategies aimed
at improving performance across all the metrics that matter
most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduc-
tion, improved indoor environmental quality, and steward-
ship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. LEED is a
voluntary certification program that can be applied to any
building type and any building lifecycle phase. It promotes
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
a whole -building approach to sustainability by recognizing
performance in key areas:
1. Sustainable Sites
2. Water Efficiency
3. Energy and Atmosphere
4. Materials and Resources
5. Indoor Environmental Quality
6. Locations and Linkages
7. Awareness and Education
8. Innovation in Design
9. Regional Priority
Guidelines encouraging buildings to be sited and designed
consistent with LEED concepts are included in the City's
Design Manual. As an example of Meridian's efforts to be
good stewards of the environment and to set a positive
example, City Hall was constructed with LEED certification in
mind. In 2009, Meridian City Hall achieved the Leadership in
Energy & Environmental Design (LEED), Silver Certification.
Among other benefits, Idaho Power Company has calculated
City Hall's annual energy savings to be the equivalent of
providing power to 56 homes for an entire year.
Energy
In February 2009, the United States Congress passed the
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Included in the
Act was the Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant
(EECBG) Program which appropriated funds to be used
by states, local governments, and tribes for implementing
energy conservation strategies and projects. The goal of
the EECBG program was to reduce total energy use, reduce
greenhouse gas emission and improve energy efficiency in
transportation, building, and other sectors.
Through the EECBG, Meridian was awarded $608,000.00
in 2009 for energy efficiency projects. A portion of the
funds were used to prepare long and short term energy
strategies for the City for increasing efficiency in city and
public facilities, thereby reducing City operating costs and
reducing greenhouse gases. Funds also went to a variety of
constructed improvements, including replacing older less
efficient pumps with blowers at the water treatment plant,
replacing Main Street lights between Franklin Road and
I-84 with more energy efficient bulbs, and upgrading other
lighting fixtures at facilities throughout the City:
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Reduction
The City of Meridian has begun and completed a number
of efforts to reduce and limit the impact of City operations
on air quality in the Treasure Valley. The City has done this
by working with the Department of Environmental Quality
(DEQ), supporting valley -wide initiatives, implementing
City policies, evaluating land use applications, and by City
departments and contracted entities using best management
practices. The following are some of the actions the City has
been involved in, or is currently implementing:
1. Town Hall Meetings on Business Emissions: The City
has worked with the Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ) and the Idaho Small Business Develop-
ment Center to give presentations to local businesses
on strategies for them to reduce their emissions.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
2. Clean Air Zone Idaho: The City of Meridian is a member
of the Clean Air Zone Idaho program. This program
encourages citizens to avoid idling and "Turn off your
engine" while waiting in City parking lots. These signs
are placed at all City facilities. This program improves
air quality by reducing vehicle emissions.
3. Telecommute to work: The City has instituted a VPN,
or virtual private network, that allows city workers to
telecommute. The VPN provides remote access to the
network, file, and servers through a secure connection,
allowing certain employees to perform their work
from home or other locations when needed. Every
trip eliminated from the City's roadways improves its
overall air quality by eliminating vehicle emissions.
4. Radio Read Meters: The City of Meridian's Public Works
Department staff utilizes radio read meter technology
and in -vehicle mounted computers to transmit and
access information in an effort to reduce trips to and
from the field and office. This technology not only
reduces fuel costs but also pollutant emissions.
S. On-line Business: The City of Meridian has expanded
the amount of business that can be conducted with
the City on its website. The City recognizes that every
transaction that can be done online is a potential trip
off the road.
6. Biogas: The City installed biogas conditioning equip-
ment at the Wastewater Treatment Facility, to treat the
methane -rich biogas so that it can be used to provide
heat to the digesters and wastewater treatment plant
buildings. The Public Works Department diverts and
utilizes the biogas generated from the anaerobic
digesters as an alternative fuel amendment (in lieu
of combusting natural gas) in a few of the wastewater
treatment plant's boilers. The use of biogas as the
heating source for the digestion process saves the
City up to $5,000 per month during winter operations.
Wastewater Treatment, Reclamation and Reuse
The Public Works Department Wastewater Division operates
and maintains a centralized wastewater treatment facility.
This facility is located in northwest Meridian, near the Ustick
and Ten Mile intersection. With a vision for sustainability,
Meridian became the first city in Idaho to be issued a City-
wide Class A Reclaimed Water Permit in 2009. This permit
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Photo: Reclaimed water system at the Meridian Wastewater Treatment Plant
signified a change in how the City uses existing and finite
water resources available in the Treasure Valley Aquifer
System. The City is now using highly treated, or reclaimed
water, instead of irrigation water on selected City parks, the
Ten Mile Interchange Landscaping, a commercial car wash,
and other open spaces. This conserves ground water and
reduces discharge flows into the Boise River. As Meridian
is located in an and climate, reclaimed water is a "drought -
proof" water supply that reduces demand on municipal
supply, frees up agricultural water for agricultural uses,
and lowers effluent flow to the Boise River. It demonstrates
economic and environmental sustainability for wastewater
treatment plants.
A nutrient recovery process that produces fertilizer was
Preservation and Restoration of Natural Resources
assessed at the Meridian Wastewater Treatment facility through
Avast majority of Meridian's natural watercourses have been
a three-week pilot study in 2009. The study was conducted
altered by irrigation users. Many residents no longer recognize
at no -cost to the City of Meridian as part of a public-private
these creeks and watercourses as natural resources. While
partnership. The study revealed that implementing the
Meridian residents and visitors are often denied access and
process would be effective in generating an environmentally
potential benefits from these watercourses and associated
friendly fertilizer through the removal of a percentage of the
floodplains, these same water courses do provide critical
phosphorus load. The Public Works Department's vision for
"Our
irrigation water delivery.
sustainability holds that Wastewater Treatment Plant,
by the year 2030, will be self-sustaining—utilizing closed-
In recent years, there have been renewed efforts to study
looped systems to recycle and/or reuse 80% of the waste
additional restoration opportunities to improve and reestablish
stream via water reclamation, co -generation, and nutrient
some of the historical and natural conditions of waterways.
recycling strategies."
The City has held conversations on how to better educate the
general public about the importance of these waterways for
natural conservation, regulatory needs, and for the history
of the irrigation districts that support agricultural industry.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 )DRAFT)
During the summer of 2009, the City's Public Works Depart-
ment, with the assistance of volunteers and members of the
Idaho Youth Conservation Corps, oversaw Meridian's first
stream restoration project along the Five Mile Creek near
Locust Grove Road and Franklin Road. Restoration targeted
a 700 -linear -foot stretch of the creek. The work helped
reshape this portion of the creek to a more natural condition
and preserve the floodplain from development. The project
was paid for by wetlands mitigation funds from the Idaho
Transportation Department. The City plans for more projects
like the Five Mile Creek restoration in the future.
Solid Waste
Republic Services is the solid waste collection contractor
for the City of Meridian. Republic is dedicated to provid-
ing reliable and innovative recycling and waste reduction
programs to the City. See Chapter 4, Solid Waste, for more
information on recycling efforts.
Livability and Quality of Life
As explained at the beginning of the Community Design
section, livability and quality of life are hard terms to explain
and measure. Benchmarks, or metrics for measuring livability,
are difficult to describe. Often places that are livable have
the "it" factor. They are the most sought after places to live.
For the purposes of this report, livability and quality of life
refer to the environmental and social quality of an area as
perceived by its residents. Community livability is about
creating neighborhoods that are safe, vibrant, attractive,
affordable, accessible, cohesive, and full of character. A few
key factors that primarily contribute to livability within a
community are: health, personal security, overall cleanliness,
quality and quantity of social interaction opportunities,
entertainment, aesthetics, and existing unique cultural and
natural resources. Livability is largely affected by conditions
in the public realm—places where people naturally interact
with each other and their community—like parks, streets
and sidewalks, and other community gathering places.
Livability is important because it can maintain or increase
property values and business activity, and it can improve
public health and safety.
New urbanism (sometimes referred to as Smart Growth and/
or Neotraditional Design) is a land use strategy striving to
enhance quality of life. New urbanism has gained traction
over the past several years, and some of the design ele-
ments of New Urbanism are included as part of the City of
Meridian's planning documents. Essentially, new urbanism is
a land use management strategy that is based on making a
community more livable by providing walkable, connected,
mixed-use, diverse, sustainable, high-quality neighborhoods
that provide a variety of transportation options for everyone.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Although there are no statistical data on Meridian's livability
today, one could argue that Meridian's popularity indicates
that many of the livability factors are present in most areas
of Meridian. This is not to imply that the City should not
explore ways to improve our neighborhoods and make them
even more livable.
Healthy Initiatives
The impact of the built environment on public health contin-
ues to be explored by many organizations. The Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention defines a healthy community
as: "A community that is continuously creating and improv-
ing those physical and social environments and expanding
those community resources that enable people to mutually
support each other in performing all the functions of life
and in developing to their maximum potential." The City
realizes that it is at the local level that it is imperative to
take a proactive approach in addressing the link between
the built environment and health.
By 2040 nearly 50% of the U.S. population will be over the
age of 65 or under the age 18. Therefore the livable and
sustainable community of the future must have physical and
social features that benefit people of all ages. When a wide
range of needs is addressed, family and individuals have the
opportunity to stay and thrive in their communities as they
age. Multi -generational planning also builds community.
Rather than creating and encouraging social, income, or
age -segregating neighborhoods of the past, the City hopes
to foster diverse multi -generational neighborhoods that
accommodate different lifestyles and stages which contribute
to sustainable communities. The City encourages a mix of not
only housing options, but also amenities and opportunities
for interaction across generations. Today, Meridian does not
have a plan to address aging and multi -generational needs.
Through better understanding physical and social needs,
building consensus, and developing new shared strategies
that link the generations and build more inclusive and sus-
tainable communities, the City can facilitate the creation of
neighborhoods that are truly vibrant and healthy.
Central District Health Department (CDHD) reviews develop-
ment applications and sends comments and conditions back
to the City, related to any potential public health issues. CDHD
has adopted a policy to further smart growth and sustain-
able development in southwest Idaho. Not surprisingly, the
objective of the policy is to support land development and
building decisions that promote improved public health.
CDHD recognizes that the built environment has an impact
on public health, with links to obesity, diabetes, and asthma,
to name a few. This cooperative partnership between the
City of Meridian and CDHD is not new, but what is new are
some of the policies and principles these agencies are jointly
trying to implement.
Safe Walking Routes
A healthy community is one that has good connectivity
between residential areas and community gathering places,
like schools. As part of the development review process,
the City regularly requires developers to install sidewalk,
micro -pathways and multi -use pathways that connect to
school sites. The West Ada School District has walk route
maps for their schools which can be found on their website.
The City is in regular contact with West Ada School District
and ACHD working to fill in gaps in the pedestrian system
— particularly near elementary and middle schools. The City
and the School District annually partner to compile a list of
high priority pedestrian projects for ACHD's Community
Programs. The list of priority projects, as well as the Safe
Routes Map, is based on concerns City staff and School
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Photo: Detached pathway along Main Street near the Meridian Interchange
District employees hear from parents and others in the
community. Some programs, like Safe Routes to School,
have been around for several years. The City supports the
YMCA, via COMPASS, as they administer the Safe Routes to
School Program in Ada County. Safe Routes coordinators go
to elementary and middle schools in Meridian and educate
children on things like bicycle and pedestrian safety. This
fun, interactive, educational program has been well received
throughout the community.
Photo: Community fishing event
Day Care
Accessible, affordable and quality before- and after-school
child care is a necessary component of creating a livable
community. A robust local system of child care and early
education programs has social, economic and environmental
benefits for children, families and the community as a whole.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, in 2012 64.6%
of mothers with children under the age of 18 held jobs, and
56.7% of mothers with children under 1 year old held jobs.
By providing child care service that is affordable and close
(or within) residential areas, child care can contribute to the
local economy by supporting parents and local employ-
ers. The American Planning Association (APA) has long
recognized that child care is a critical component of livable
communities. As such, APA advocates for including child
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
care policies within local planning. Local planning policies
play an important role in ensuring adequate child care in
a community. Creating policies, identifying local resources
and working with developers and community partners, the
City hopes to have a more proactive and positive influence
on the child care programs being provided in the future.
Youth Programs
Meridian prides itself on being a unique city with an abundance
of choices that support our commitment to maintaining a
safe and caring community and strive to be a place young
people feel accepted, respected, and connected. Our city
government and civic leaders are extremely pro -active in
engaging youth in nearly every aspect of community life,
including community service and opportunities to provide
a youth perspective in policy making, advocacy, and issues
of importance to young people.
As the home to many families of all shares and sizes, Merid-
ian's mission is to be a premier city to live, work and raise
a family. Meridian has received recognition from several
national award programs and publications. These honors
include being selected by Family Circle Magazine as one of
their "Top 10 Best Cities for Families," by Money Magazine
as one of its "100 Best Places to Live;' and by America's
Promise Alliance and ING as one of the nation's 100 Best
Communities for Young People."
The City of Meridian has developed and maintains severa
initiatives and organizations focused specifically on youth.
The Mayor's Youth Advisory Council (MYAC) is a teen organi-
zation that gives a "voice" to our teens and opportunities for
them to shape our future. Youth Council members, in graded
9 through 12, meet with the Mayor and other advisors twice
a month to discuss issues and ideas of interest to the youth
of Meridian. They are actively involved in many community
service projects and events, and with several volunteer
and advocacy activities they plan themselves. Events they
have planned and participated in have focused on issues
important to them as diverse as seatbelt use, texting while
driving, smoking and nicotine use, and hunger.
Through the City of Meridian's Youth on Commissions
Program, high school students apply and are appointed
to seats on City commissions, committees, coalitions, and
task forces which serve in an advisory capacity to the Mayor
and City Council. These include the Parks and Recreation
Commission, Transportation Commission, Mayor's Anti -Drug
Coalition, Meridian Arts Commission, Historical Preservation
Commission, and the Solid Waste Advisory Commission.
To promote advanced education, the City annually offers
up to four $1,000 City of Meridian Scholarships to graduat-
ing seniors who will be attending accredited colleges or
vocational programs. These scholarships are awarded to
successful applicants who demonstrate evidence of leader-
ship potential through their community involvement, as
well as volunteerism, school activities, or work experience.
Additional consideration is given to applicants who have
completed the Meridian Police Department's Alive at 25
safe driving courses.
Alive at 25 is a free defensive driving class taught several
times a month by Meridian Police officers with the goal of
lowering auto accidents involving teens and young adults,
ages 14-24. Through interactive media segments, workbook
exercises, class discussions and role playing, this four-hour
course helps young drivers develop convictions and strategies
that will keep them safer on the road.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Younger children in Meridian also have opportunities to
engage with City government. For a number of years, the
Mayor has invited presidents and CEOs of local companies
to notjust sponsor a book but to alsojoin her in co -hosting
the Mayor's and CEO's Kids Book Club. Each month during
the school year, students in grades 3, 4, and 5 gather to
discuss a pre -selected book with Mayor Tammy and each
respective month's "leader -reader." The goal is to impart on
our youth the importance of being a good reader, as well
as the pure enjoyment to be found through reading a good
book. Students who actively participate get to keep the
hardcover books they are provided with, therefore building
their own home libraries with high-quality books. To further
promote reading and literacy, a Little Free Library is to be
placed in Meridian City Hall's outdoor plaza, serving as a
free all -hours community book exchange for children and
adults alike.
Through the City of Meridian's Youth on Commissions Program,
high school students apply and are appointed to seats on City
commissions, committees, coalitions, and task forces which serve
in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and City Council.
Meridian's Parks and Recreation Department maintains
20 city parks, which feature child -friendly amenities such
as playground equipment; ball fields; basketball, tennis,
pickle ball, bocce and volleyball courts, Frisbee golf cages,
game tables; splash pads; horseshoe pits; and skateboard
ramps. The department also offers a variety of enrichment
programs, classes, and day camps for children and teens,
primarily offered at the Meridian Community Centerthe City
owns and maintains, located in Old Town Meridian adjacent
to the Centennial Park.
Apart from programs and organizations offered through
the City of Meridian, local children and teens have access
to the Meridian Boys and Girls Club and the Homecourt
YMCA. The Meridian Boys and Girls Club offers two sessions
of kindergarten as well as after-school and school vacation
care and activities for school -aged children. The Homecourt
Y serves Meridian residents and is a sports complex featuring
four full-sized basketball courts, six regulation volleyball
courts, and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Both facilities are
operating at nearly full capacity and the Boys and Girls Club
is looking to expand. In addition, the Treasure Valley YMCA
is looking to build their next facility in the City of Meridian.
It is possible that both projects would include a partnership
with the City of Meridian who is also in dire need of additional
space for indoor sports and other indoor activities.
Senior Programs
Photo: The Meridian Senior (enter in Kleiner Park
On the other end of the age spectrum, older adults must
interact with the built environment in ways that reflect
became apparent that Meridian Seniors needed a place to
their physical capabilities and lifestyle. Although they may
have more time after retirement to enjoy parks and other
call their own and they began to raise money with various
recreational activities, conditions such as chronic diseases
fund raising events. The Meridian Senior Center is now a
non-profit community center that enhances the lives of
and limited vision may limit mobility. Providing accessible
and suitable housing options that are easily accessible to
its members through traditional activities. These activities
community destinations are key to allowing older adults to
include bingo, pinochle, bridge, art, quilting, and exercise and
sewing classes. The center also provides some specialized
remain independent, active and engaged with the community.
Housing for seniors that is integrated into the fabric of the
activities and events, such as tax preparation assistance,
community is becoming increasingly important as the Baby
Alzheimers' Caregivers Support Group, attorney visits, and
blood pressure and blood sugar testing. The programs are
Boom Generation enters retirement.
designed to meet the physical, emotional, and social well -
In the early 1960s a group of seniors started meeting at the
being of senior adults over the age of 60.
old Occident Club once a month for potlucks and cards. It
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
In May 2012, the Meridian Senior Center built a new 13,800
square -foot facility in Meridian at Julius M. Kleiner Park, near
Fairview Avenue and Eagle Road. The new center was made
possible by a generous land and building donation from the
Julius M. Kleiner Family Trust. The new center includes a main
dining area with two state-of-the-art kitchens, complete
with the latest equipment, an arts and crafts room, a cards
and game room, a health screening room, an indoor walk-
ing track, and office space. The facility is open to Meridian
residents and those that live in the surrounding community.
Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Kleiner Park Center is the place to be
for seniors in the community.
Success Stories
Healthy behavior is a combination of knowledge, practices
and attitudes that together contribute to motivate actions
regarding health. The City of Meridian can learn from other
communities' success in creating and promoting programs
that encourage a healthy and vibrant community. Some of
these success stories include programs and projects that
incorporate things like community gardens, sharing of
resources (e.g. — vehicles and parking lots), cooperatives
where local goods, services and wares can be sold or traded,
branch libraries, and additional policies that encourage socially
and environmentally conscious design and construction
projects. The City strives to better understand the impact of
neighborhood design on residents' ability to be physically
active, the impacts of development on natural systems,
and the effects of community design on overall community
health. By taking actions that promote and preserve good
health, Meridian should be a community that sustains well
into the future.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Photo: Concerts on Broadway event in front of Meridian City Hall, hosted by the Meridian Arts Commission
Arts, Entertainment and Community Events
Meridian Arts Commission
Meridian envisions a vibrant arts and entertainment scene
that integrates the arts experience into everyday life and
enhances the spirit of the City. The Meridian Arts Commission
(MAC) was created in 2006, and since then it has provided
the community with visual, performing, and musical arts
opportunities throughout the year.
Through the Art in Public Spaces collection, Meridian City
Hall integrates visual art into its functional spaces on hallway
walls in the building. City Hall also has dedicated space in
which art is the function: Initial Point Gallery, located on the
third floor. MAC curates and installs monthly art exhibits in
Initial Point Gallery, featuring the work of Treasure Valley
artists, and schedules an opening reception for each show,
many of which include performances by local musicians.
MAC encourages children to take part in the arts by partner-
ing with Treasure Valley Youth Theater, a Meridian company.
The inaugural performance was "Peter Pan, Jr.;' presented in
March 2014, to rave reviews. In the summer, MAC presents
Concerts on Broadway, a popular free outdoor concert series
on the steps of City Hall.
A major public art piece, "Underthe Sun and Dreaming;' by C.
J. Rench, is slated for installation at the gateway to downtown
Meridian, at the south end of the Split Corridor. Additional
public artwork with a birds of prey theme, designed by local
artist Alicia Dyson, will soon take wing on the overpass of
the Meridian Road Interchange, in conjunction with the
overpass construction.
Meridian History Center and Heritage Programs
The Meridian History Center is a volunteer -operated education
center and office located on the first floor of City Hall. These
volunteers maintain, display and archive records, photographs,
and memorabilia relating to Meridian's rich history.
In the late 1980s, the City established the Historical Preser-
vation Commission to preserve the character and fabric of
historically significant areas and structures within the City
of Meridian and to honor and preserve its rich heritage for
future generations. The Historical Preservation Commission
consists of five members serving three-year terms. At least
two appointed members have professional training or experi-
ence in the disciplines of architecture, history, architectural
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
history, urban planning, archaeology, engineering, law or
other historic preservation related disciplines.
Meridian remains true to its identity by remembering its
past while looking towards the future. In addition to having
a history center and art gallery located inside Meridian City
Hall, monuments in Generations Plaza, along Meridian Road,
and in the City Hall Plaza pay tribute in words and photos
to Meridian's earliest settlers, Meridian's evolving history,
and past City leaders.
Photo: The Meridian History Center lasted within City Hall
Photo: The Meridian Historical Walking Tour is a self guided tour of historic structures in downtown Meridian
Community Events
The community celebrates several traditional annual events
including Dairy Days Celebration, Chili Cook -Off, Firefighter's
Salmon BBQ, Concerts on Broadway Series, Family Fourth of
July Extravaganza, National Night Out, Free Family Fishing
Day, and Winterland Parade and a Christmas Tree Lighting
Celebration. Attendance at these community celebrations
shows how engaged and important these events are to the
business community and citizens.
The visual arts, performing arts, community events, and Merid-
ian's heritage are integral components of the community's
identity. As this section reports, the culture in Meridian is
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
distinct and alive, giving it a rich quality of life. The sense
of community is evident in many celebrations and events,
neighborhoods, and public institutions.
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CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
WHAT SERVICES ARE PROVIDED IN MERIDIAN?
Public Services
This chapter discusses the characteristics of public utilities,
facilities and other services provided in the Meridian area.
As required by State Statute, schools, recreation, and other
public services, facilities and utility components of the
Comprehensive Plan are analyzed here. As part of the public
services section, the report also outlines the way the City
is governed, including its various boards and commissions.
The City itself has several departments, each responsible for
providing specific services. This chapter will not only detail
which services each City Department provides, but also
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
services that are provided and managed by otherjurisdic-
tions, agencies or service providers. A current inventory of
infrastructure like parks and pathways, fire stations, schools,
and other public services are explained.
This chapter also reports how non -private service and utility
providers are meeting needs today and how they plan on
meeting future demand for services. Other services, like
transportation, youth programs, and senior activities (see
Chapter 3) were explained previously in this report and are
not duplicated here.
Municipal Government, City Hall
Meridian City Hall is a three-story 100,000 square -foot building
located in downtown that serves as the hub of Meridian's
municipal government. City Hall currently houses nine City
departments serving as a convenient "one -stop -shop" for
citizens seeking services including:
1. Information Services: The Information Services is
comprised of two divisions: the Clerk's Office and
Information Technology. The City Clerk's Office provides
support and administrative services to the Mayor and
City Council, all operating departments, and the public,
while maintaining for the City an essential, formal
link with citizens, area businesses, other jurisdictions
and a wide variety of public agencies. Information
Technology provides technical assistance to City staff
on all things technology, including: phones, computers
and other electronics.
2. Community Development: The Community Develop-
ment Department is comprised of three divisions,
including: Building Services, Land Development Ser-
vices, and Planning. Building Services is responsible
for activities associated with structural, fire, electrical,
mechanical and plumbing permits for residential,
commercial and industrial projects. Land Development
Services is responsible for plan review and coordina-
tion with the Public Works Department, to ensure that
new developments are properly serviced by utilities
like sewer, water and drainage. The Planning Division
is divided into two groups: Current Planning and
Comprehensive Planning. Current Planning is primarily
responsible for processing development applications
and assisting property owners and developers through
the land use permitting and entitlement process, and
over-the-counter inquiries. Comprehensive Planning
is involved with long-range and specific area plans,
transportation planning, community development,
and administration of the Community Development
Block Grant program.
3. Public Works: The Public Works Department con-
sists of seven divisions: Engineering, Construction,
Administration, Environmental, Business Operations,
Water, and Wastewater. The mission of Public Works
is to anticipate, plan and provide exemplary public
services and facilities that support the needs of a
growing community in an efficient, customer -focused
and financially responsible manner. Public Works
cooperates with other agencies such as the Ada County
Highway District to coordinate efforts on utility work
and transportation services. More discussion on the
Public Works Department occurs later in this chapter.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
4. Finance/Purchasing/Billing: The Finance Department
is the general business management arm of city
government, providing specific financial and account-
ing services for elected officials, City employees, and
the citizens of Meridian. Basic services of the Finance
Department include: budgeting, financial analysis and
reporting, utility billing, accounts payable, purchas-
ing and payroll, monitoring state and city rules and
regulations, and maintenance of sound internal con-
trols. The mission of Purchasing is to provide contract
management, and procurement services through
competitive public bidding to obtain maximum value
for the tax dollar and to provide service to all City
of Meridian departments and the public in a timely,
courteous and ethical manner.
"To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at
what he has already achieved, but at what he aspires to do:"
Khalil Gibran
S. Parks and Recreation Department: The Parks and
Recreation Department's mission is to enhance the
community's quality of life by providing well-designed
atnd properly maintained parks and recreational
opportunities for all citizens. More discussion on the
Parks and Recreation Department occurs later in this
chapter.
6. Fire Department: The Fire Departments mission is to
protect and enhance the community through profes-
sionalism and compassion. More discussion on the
Fire Department and the services it provides occurs
later in this chapter.
7. Human Resources: Human Resources assists all City
departments in determining staffing needs and coor-
dinates recruitment to fill those needs. Recruitment
efforts include working closely with the Directors of
each department within the City to post and advertise
open positions, processing and reviewing applications,
scheduling and conducting interviews, tracking the
process of all applicants, and providing information
on the progress to interested parties.
8. City Attorney's Office: The City Attorney's Office pro-
vides leadership to the City and works as a strategic
business partner with managers and employees to help
the City achieve its mission, goals and objectives. The
City Attorney's Office proactively seeks to understand
and meet the needs of its customers, elected officials,
and employees of the City by providing expertise,
direction, support, and training in the areas of law
while ensuring a safe, fair, and legally -compliant work
environment.
9. Mayor's Office: The Mayor's Office focus is on becoming
the Star of the New West, transforming Meridian into
a 21st century city. Meridian is uniquely conducive to
supporting a broad array of business activities while
maintaining the high quality lifestyle and focus on
family so greatly valued. Fulfilling the needs of busi-
nesses and families begins with having a safe and
caring community that provides quality education,
family -wage jobs, cutting-edge health care, diverse
housing options, a trained workforce, and an abundance
of recreation, shopping, dining, and entertainment
opportunities. Meridian seeks to be a vibrant com-
munity whose vision is to be the premier city to live,
work and raise a family. The Mayor's Offices' main
commitment is to help neighbors realize this vision.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
FIGURE 4A: CITY OF MERIDIAN EXPENDITURES BY DEPARTMENT
i
Waste Water
$11,822,654.00
A
Water
$9,112,10
City Admin
$4,980,808.35
■ Public Works Community
$3,114,118.00 Development
$2,864,992.00
■ MUBS
$1,541,346.00
Source: Finance Department, FY2014 Meridian Budget Summary.
Fire Department
$10,000,416.00
Parks &
Recreation
$4,664,211.00
■ Police
$15,125,912.50
The City of Meridian's mission for 2025 is to continue to be a
safe, attractive, and inviting community that is full of diverse
activities. Meridian delivers quality service, planning, and fiscal
responsibility with open spaces, strong partnerships, and
various educational opportunities. Culture, unique business,
venture, and an abundant choice ofjobs make Meridian not
just a destination, but a lifestyle.
Mayor and City Council
Meridian uses the Mayor -Council form of local government.
In Meridian, the Council, which includes the Mayor, possesses
both legislative and executive authority. The City Council
adopts codes that govern the City in addition to applicable
state and federal law. The Council also deals with property
acquisition, serves on regional commissions and boards,
and must approve of mayoral nominations. The Council
also exercises primary control over the municipal budget.
The Mayor and a representative from each of the six council
seats are elected by the citizens, each term consisting of four
years. Elections for City Council are held every two years with
three of the six seats up for election. Mayoral elections are
held every four years.
Commissions, Committees and Boards
Citizen involvement is an essential ingredient for strong local
government. The City of Meridian promotes citizen involve-
ment by inviting residents to serve on a variety of boards,
commissions, and committees designed to assist City leaders
in information gathering and deliberative processes. Some
of the volunteer boards and commission in Meridian are:
L Parks & Recreation Commission: This all volunteer
commission focuses its efforts on park planning, capital
improvements, pathways, policies, recreation programs,
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
and budget. The Parks & Recreation Commission
makes policy recommendations to the City Council
as they relate to the parks system. The Commission
is composed of at least five, and up to nine members
that are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by
the Council. Each member serves a three-year term
with no maximum on number of years of service.
Citizen involvement is an essential ingredient for strong local
government. The City of Meridian promotes citizen involvement by
inviting residents to serve on a variety of boards, commissions,
and committees designed to assist City leaders in information
gathering and deliberative processes.
2. Planning & Zoning Commission: This all volunteer com-
mission advises the City Council on planning policies
and goals, development projects and issues related to
land use, zoning, transportation, and housing issues,
as framed by Meridian's Comprehensive Plan. There
are five members of the Planning & Zoning Commis-
sion. Each member is appointed by the Mayor, with
confirmation by the Council. Terms for Commissioner
are six years, with no maximum.
3. Meridian Arts Commission: This all volunteer com-
mission works on arts/cultural policy and promotes
public awareness and participation in the arts. The
purpose of this advisory commission is to highlight
the City's rich cultural resources, enhance the City's
aesthetic environment, and promote the development
of economic, educational, recreation, and tourism
opportunities within the city through the advancement
of publicly accessible arts. The Commission consists
of a minimum of five members and no more than
nine members at any time. Each commissioner serves
a term of three years, except for the youth member
that serves a one-year term. One member of the City
Council serves as a liaison and ex -officio member of
the Commission.
4. Historical Preservation Commission: The Historic
Preservation Commission (HPC) works to preserve the
character and fabric of historically significant areas and
structures within the City of Meridian to honor and
preserve its rich heritage for future generations. The
HPC is advisory to the City Council and submits an
annual report regarding the Commission's activities
and accomplishments. There are currently six volunteer
members on the HPC, appointed by the Mayor with
confirmation from the City Council. Terms of office
for the HPC are 3 -years.
S. Transportation Commission: The Transportation Com-
mission researches and makes recommendations
to the City Council related to traffic safety issues,
pedestrian and bicyclist concerns, speed limits, public
transportation, and priority transportation projects.
The Commission provides a forum for cooperation,
coordination, and communication between the City,
other governmental agencies, and citizens and organiza-
tions concerned with the safe and efficient movement
of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This Commission
is made up of nine voting and six ex -officio mem-
bers which include: West Ada School District, ACHD,
COMPASS, ITD, VRT and a City Councilor. Transporta-
tion Commission members are comprised of four
citizens, three business owners/employees, and two
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
members with some technical/educational expertise
in transportation. Commissioners are appointed by
the Mayor and City Council by resolution.
6. Impact Fee Advisory Committee: This Committee
reviews and makes recommendations to the City
Council regarding existing and proposed impact fees
and fee structures to help ensure that growth pays
its own way. This is an ad-hoc committee established
by the Mayor and City Council.
7. Solid Waste Advisory Commission: This Commis-
sion's purpose is to propose and recommend to the
Mayor and the City Council any new or amended
rules, regulations, policies, and fees relating to the
orderly and efficient administration of the City's
fully -automated solid waste collection system. The
Commission consists of a minimum of five members
but not more than nine members serving a term of
3 years. Appointed members are selected from: one
Utilities Billing Manager or designee, one Director
of Public Works or designee, one City Attorney or
designee, and at least three but not more than five
local citizens.
In addition to the groups listed above, other organizations
like the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council, the Mayor's Faith
Ambassador Council, and the Mayor's Anti -Drug Coalition
allow citizens to be actively involved in serving various needs
throughout the community.
Public Works
Water and Sewer
The City of Meridian owns and operates a domestic water
system, sewage collection system, and a wastewater treatment
plant (WWTP) serving the residents of Meridian.
The Water Division provides customer service and operates
and maintains public wells, the distribution system, and
reservoirs. The Wastewater Division provides customer
service and operates and maintains the collection system,
lift stations, and the wastewater treatment plant.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
The Water, Wastewater and Environmental divisions are part
of the Public Works Department, which is responsible for
reviewing water, wastewater, and environmental related issues
for new developments, short and long range planning of
utilities, administration, rate analysis, operation of water and
wastewater facilities, engineering and utility coordination,
special projects as assigned by the Mayor and City Council,
and more. Unlike most communities outside of Ada County,
the City of Meridian Public Works Department does not have
jurisdiction over roads and highways within the City. Public
Works does not have jurisdiction over pressurized irrigation
systems or irrigation canals either.
Water Division
Supply and Distribution
The Meridian water system consists of a large network of
deep wells, booster pump stations, reservoirs and over 400
miles of six-inch to 16 -inch pipe line. Twenty wells, ranging
in capacity from 800 to over 2,500 gallons per minute (gpm),
are located throughout the City. A 500,000 -gallon elevated
storage reservoir is located near Meridian Speedway. A
two -million gallon, ground -level reservoir is located near the
northwest corner of Meridian and Ustick Roads. Another large
tank is under construction near Locust Grove and Victory
Roads. The cumulative capacity of existing wells is over 40
million gallons per day (mgd).
Wells and reservoirs are linked via a telemetric Supervisory
Controls and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to a central
computer at the Water Department. This system controls
reservoir levels, well on-off cycles, and pressure set points.
Several wells are equipped with standby generators in the
event of power failure. A Water System Master Plan Update,
including a new computer model was completed in 2012.
Based on 2013 water use records, Meridian used 3.1 billion
gallons of drinking water for its household and commercial
uses, which is approximately 8.7 million gallons of water each
day. While all subdivisions constructed after 1993 were required
to install pressurized irrigation systems using non -potable
water, significant irrigation demands exist from residential
neighborhoods that were constructed prior to that time. As
shown in Table 4A, winter water demand in the City is about
173 million gallons/month while summertime demand is 363
million gallons/month. Summer irrigation activity increases
demand by 190 million gallons/month. Meridian is currently
researching the feasibility of providing additional irrigation
supply or capacity to landscapes that are currently served
by Irrigation Districts.
In order to keep up with water demand, the City has con-
structed, on average, one new well per year, each of which
is funded by connection fees charged to new development.
Water line extensions to new developments are generally
paid for and constructed by developers. Although the City
plans for new wells and reservoirs, the specific locations
of those facilities are largely dictated by growth patterns.
The water system will be expanded to meet the demands
of growth while ensuring that new development pays for
those additional required facilities.
TABLE 4A: MERIDIAN WATER CONSUMPTION
Winter Average 1 113 million gal/month
Inceased Demand (over winter) 190 million gal/month
Potential Conservation 1.14 billion gal/year
Source: Meridian Public Works Department. April 2014.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 )DRAFT)
Wastewater Division
Sewer Collection
The sewer (also known as wastewater) collection system in
the City consists of over 390 miles of eight -inch to 36 -inch
pipe and nine lift (pump) stations of various sizes. Sewage
flows by gravity to the wastewater treatment plant located
west of Ten Mile Road, approximately 1/4 mile north of Ustick
Road. In 2010 JUB Engineers completed a Sewer Master
Plan Update which included a new computer simulation for
modeling sewer impacts. The computer simulation allows
Public Works to conduct sewer modeling as new development
applications are proposed and are built. The model helps
staff identify priority areas for development in the City as
well as segments of the existing sewage collection system
that are approaching capacity. Capital improvements can
then be prioritized to upgrade the lines that are projected
to reach capacity. The next Sewer Master Plan update will
occur in 2015. No new City -funded sewer trunks or expan-
sions are planned as of January 2014, but the City actively
evaluates existing infrastructure and replaces or upgrades
as appropriate.
Sewer main replacements are necessary to replace aging
infrastructure in the sewer collection system. Replacement
projects are identified in a variety of methods, most commonly
through the sewer TV and cleaning program and thorough
analysis of the collection system by the Wastewater Division
and Public Works technical staff. Capital funds are utilized
to design and construct sewer infrastructure replacements
identified throughout the City, including replacements of
the sewer collection system infrastructure in the downtown
sewer corridor. As new developments are proposed in the
downtown sewer corridor, Public Works staff will research
the need for additional capacity in the sewer system and the
Sewer Main Replacement budget will allow Public Works to
plan and design required improvements.
Notable upcoming sewer projects include, but are not limited
to: the 8th Street Rehabilitation projects and the NE 3rd Street
Sewer Replacement. Due to the magnitude of improvements
required for these projects, funding and construction will
occur over several years. Sewer line extensions provide new
sewer infrastructure and improvements throughout the City.
One major driver for these types of projects is Ada County
Highway District (ACHD) road reconstruction. As ACHD
projects are scheduled, City staff looks for deficiencies in
capacity or improved operational opportunities that can be
completed in conjunction with ACHD projects. By designing
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
improvements in coordination with road construction, the
City saves money on pipe installation by removing the need
to restore pavement and pay for traffic control. This also
minimizes inconvenience to the travelling public.
Sewer Treatment
The present wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) began
operation in 1979 with a rated capacity of 2.8 mgd. The
WWTP consists of primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment
followed by disinfection. Treated effluent is discharged to
Five Mile Creek. Two major construction projects are cur-
rently underway at the WWTP. The Wastewater Laboratory
Expansion and New Administration Building projects will
add much needed office and lab space to the facility. Two
other projects are nearly complete: the Fermentation and
Odor Control Project, and the Wastewater Fiberoptics Loop.
Many other improvements and expansions have occurred at
the wastewater treatment plant over the last five years. The
estimated design capacity at the plant today is approximately
10.2 mgd as approved by the Department of Environmental
Quality. An update to the wastewater treatment plant facility
plan was completed in 2012. The results of the facility plan
will be used to develop the capital improvement plan for
the W WTP and guide the future studies, improvements, and
expansions at the plant for the next several years.
The City of Meridian received a National Pollutant Discharge
Elimination System (NPDES) discharge permit from the
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in September of 1999,
which expired in 2004. The discharge permit placed limits on
flow, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended
solids, dissolved oxygen, pH, toxicity, and bacteria. Numer-
ous sampling and monitoring requirements for the effluent,
Five Mile Creek, and the Boise River are also mandated. The
Public Works Department expects to receive a new NPDES
discharge permit in the fall/winter of 2014. This will include
nutrient limits on phosphorus as low as 0.07 mg/L, which
could precipitate significant capital investment into upgrades
at the wastewater treatment plant.
The EPA has proposed up to a 98% reduction in the amount
of total phosphorus discharged to the Lower Boise River by
all point sources. In order to comply with total maximum
daily loads (TMDL), Meridian may have to construct expensive
phosphorus removal facilities at the WWTR The additional
associated costswill be apportioned to all ratepayers, although
the actual construction of these additional improvements will
depend on actual growth rates. Currently, NPDES permits are
not required for stormwater within the City. However, with
increasing population growth, it is expected the City will be
responsible for additional compliance measures, requiring
additional staff and funding.
All proposed septic systems in the Meridian area are reviewed
and approved by Central District Health. Approval is based
on characteristics such as distance to groundwater and soil
suitability. Distance to groundwater in the Area of City Impact
ranges from four to 20 feet and is influenced by seasonal
irrigation patterns, with depths lower in summer than in winter.
Proposed sewer lines are also subject to approval through
the Qualified Licensed Professional Engineer (QLPE) review
process or from the Idaho Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ). Today, there are relatively few active septic
systems within the corporate boundaries of the City. A vast
majority of dwellings in Meridian are connected to the City's
sewer system.
The demand for new sewer service accounts has continued
to increase every year since 2003, as shown in Table 4B.
Class A Recycled Water
The City of Meridian continues to develop its Class A Recycled
Water program to produce and distribute recycled water for
a variety of uses. Recycled water is a highly treated water
resource generated at the City's municipal wastewater treat-
ment plant (reclaimed) that meets standards for Class A reuse,
as established by the Idaho Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ). The City has been producing Class A recycled
water since 2009, and beneficially reusing the water for turf
irrigation at Heroes Park. This demonstration project offered
a highly visible means by which to educate the public about
the value of this resource. By the close of 2011, additional
infrastructure was installed to extend recycled water service
TABLE 4B: HISTORICAL SEWER SERVICE ACCOUNTS
1 2003
15,193
N/A
2004
11,299
13.86%
2005
20,292
11.30%
2006
23,245
14.55%
2001
24,281
4.48%
2008
24,851
2.35%
2009
25,364
2.04%
2010
26,054
2.12%
2011
26,620
2.11%
2012
21,361
2.18%
2013
28,351
3.64%
Source: Meridian Utility and Building Services, January 2014.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
to other use sites, such as irrigating landscaping at the Ten
Mile Interchange and the treatment plant site, as well as a
commercial gas station and car wash.
The City was issued a Final Wastewater Reuse Permit (No.
LA -000215-02) on April 19, 2010. This permit is effective for
five years and allows for recycled water use in irrigation, dust
suppression, toilet flushing, lined surface water features,
sanitary sewer flushing, and fire suppression throughout the
City. This "City-wide" permit supports the expansion of the
program that is presented in the Master Plan. For example, a
permit modification was approved in March 2011, to include
commercial car washing as an authorized recycled water
use. The City's recycled water program has the potential
to continue to evolve as the City gains experience with the
production and distribution of the resource.
Environmental Division
The Environmental Division of the Public Works Department
is composed of Administrative, Industrial Pretreatment,
and Surface Water Program areas. The Division applies
and promotes sustainable policies, procedures and public
education in orderto foster environmental quality, economic
vitality and social benefit in the program component areas
of NPDES Permitting, Floodplain Administration, Industrial
Pretreatment, as well as, surface and groundwater quality,
air quality, energy conservation, sensitive areas and habitat
protection, community recycling, and other appropriate
initiatives.
Industrial Pretreatment
The Industrial Pretreatment Program is responsible for execu-
tion of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated
pretreatment program which monitors and regulates industrial
and commercial wastewater discharges in the public sanitary
sewer system. The pretreatment program is an integral
part of the wastewater treatment process. Citizens in the
community rely on the completeness of the Environmental
Division's program to protect them from environmental
harm. It is important that the Division have an Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) approved pretreatment program
that will stand the scrutiny of citizens and regulators alike.
The Pretreatment section of the Environmental Division
accomplishes their mission through education, inspection,
and enforcement. The section performs over 700 inspections
per year.
The City plans to initiate and maintain a pretreatment pro-
gram that supports a new Public Owned Treatment Works
Photo: Ten Mile Creek near the Locust Grove water reservoir
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit
(NPDES) and a residential grease disposal program over the
next five years. Additionally, the City will negotiate NPDES
parameters that support a reasonable and enforceable
community pretreatment program.
Surface Water Program
The Surface Water Program is responsible for floodplain
administration, stormwater program development and
compliance, surface water hydrological improvements
and surface water quality protection. In October 1999, the
Environmental Protection Agency promulgated final Phase
II of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) Stormwater Regulations. These regulations affect,
among others, small municipal separate storm sewer systems
located in urbanized areas. Ada County as a whole is listed as
an urbanized area in Appendix 6 of the final rule. Although
the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) is responsible for
all public street stormwater runoff, the City of Meridian
may be required at some time in the future to submit an
application for an NPDES permit, possibly in conjunction
with ACHD and others.
The stormwater management program required by NPDES
must include the following six components:
1. Public education and outreach on stormwater issues
2. Public involvement and participation
3. Illicit discharge detection and elimination
4. Construction site stormwater runoff control
Photo: Five Mile (reek and pathway
S. Post -construction stormwater management in new
development and redevelopment
6. Pollution prevention and good housekeeping for
municipal operations
The primary impact to the City is that NPDES permits and
corresponding stormwater pollution prevention measures
are required during the construction of City capital improve-
ments where ground disturbing activities exceed one acre.
As a result, Meridian requires that all City capital improve-
ment projects provide and implement either an Erosion
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
and Sediment Control Plan (ESCP), or Stormwater Pollution
Prevention Plan (SWPPP).
Handling of stormwater drainage poses an ever-present
challenge for both the public and private sectors. The ACHD
has completed drainage studies for portions of Meridian's
Area of City Impact and is studying additional areas. Given
the topography and water table, alternatives for the handling
of surface drainage are limited. If subsurface solutions are
not available, then large areas of land may be consumed for
drainage facilities. Those areas could serve jointly as open
space and stormwater facilities, if designed to handle the
low-volume storms without restricting the area's use for
other purposes, including recreation.
The use of natural and constructed drains for stormwater
must be explored, and standards established to make the
use of such drains a feasible alternative to the consumption
of large areas of land. This is an area where cooperation
between public agencies and development community is
needed. The City applies the following general policies when
reviewing new developments and drainage:
1. Drainage solutions shall be formulated to address
the requirements of the public (City of Meridian and
ACHD), irrigation/drainage districts, and the develop-
ment community.
2. Solutions may include subsurface or surface facilities,
and discharge into drains. "Non-structural" drainage
bio-swales along the arterial roadways may minimize
"regional" solutions and reduce costs.
Photo: Meridian motorcycle patrol officer having a friendly conversation with a resident
Public Safety
Police Department
With the rapid rate of growth, one would expect an increase
in the number of crimes occurring in Meridian. This has not
been the case for the City of Meridian. The City takes great
pride in the crime rate when compared to the dramatic increase
in population. The rate of criminal offenses has remained
lower than the national and state averages for several years.
Tables 4C and 4D provide a breakdown of crime rates at a
local, state, and national level by crime type in 2012.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
According to preliminary reports, Meridian crime rates for 2013
will be even lower with a violent crime rate at approximately
121.9 and a property crime rate at approximately 1,289 per
100,000 inhabitants. The rate of violent and property crimes
in Meridian is decreasing despite the fact that the City has
grown so quickly.
In 2013, the Meridian Police Department received 58,938 calls
for service. This is a decrease of 6% from 2012, when calls for
service saw a high of 62,603. Review of officer to population
ratio and response times suggests that with the addition of
officers, detectives, school resource officers, neighborhood
contact officers, support staff and the advancements of the
administration, the Meridian Police Department is maintaining
a respectable crime rate as well as an impressive clearance
rate at approximately 49.7% in 2013.
TABLE 4C: VIOLENT CRIME RATES 2012
Meridian 120.11
State of Idaho 201.9
United States 386.9
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services Division, 2012
Crime in the United States.
Note: includes murder, non -negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery & aggravated assault
TABLE 41): PROPERTY CRIME RATES 2012
Meridian
1511.9
State of Idaho
1938.5
United States
2859.2
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services Division, 2012
Crime in the United States.
Note: includes burglary, larceny -theft, motor vehicle theft & arson.
Photo: Meridian police officer handcuffing a suspicious cow
The Criminal Investigations Division of the Meridian Police
Department is now comprised of twelve investigators, two
evidence technicians, and an administrative secretary. With
the addition of detectives in the unit, these officers are able
to focus more time on individual cases or complex series.
Meridian Police Officers recovered over $170,000 in stolen
merchandise, were dispatched to 3,095 traffic collisions,
and took reports on 1,596 collisions in 2013. Many of these
calls dispatched as traffic collisions, may have ultimately
been categorized differently depending on the incident. The
Meridian Police Traffic Team has 4 officers, one corporal and
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
one sergeant who specialize in investigating these types of
incidents.
In the fall of 2013, a new 13,000 square foot Public Safety
Training Center and Police Department remodel was approved
to begin construction in May 2014. This facility is an all-
purpose Public Safety Training Center with several classrooms,
a matt -room, a K-9 training field, and a future site for a
scenario village. The training center will be used by all City
departments but its primary focus will be on the needs of
the Police and Fire departments. In addition to the train-
ing center, the Police Department will be going through a
remodel that will include 2,100 new square feet of building
and a second floor expansion over the lobby. The second
floor will also see some major changes to allow for a more
efficient use of space and an increase in office space. This is
just the first phase of the project; the second phase includes
an indoor shooting range.
The Police Department also administers and supports several
special programs including:
1. MADC — Meridian Mayor's Anti -Drug Coalition is run
from the Police Department and works collabora-
tively with a multitude of sectors of our community
for drug education, and prevention by dealing with
environmental strategies to reduce the amount of
illegal drug use and drug abuse in our community.
2. The Ambassador program is run in coordination with
the Parks Department, to have volunteers be the eyes
and ears in parks. Volunteers help any person who
needs it, and ensure that visitors follow the rules —
helping to keep parks safe for all.
3. Police Athletic League, or PAL, which is an activity
program for children aged 3 to 14.
4. Business Crime Prevention Program includes training
for local businesses on how to handle crimes such as
shoplifting and fraud.
S. Bike patrol throughout the City.
6. Neighborhood Watch is a program that the Police
Department supports throughout the community.
Additionally, the Police Department also began sup-
porting the online neighborhood networking program
NextDoor.com in 2014, to better connect with resi-
dential areas and to help keep residents connected
with each other.
7. Prescription Drug Drop Off is a program where old or
unwanted prescription or over-the-counter medications
can be disposed of properly. The Police Department
has collected over 7000 pounds since October 2009.
Fire Department
The Meridian Fire Department was formed in 1908 and
consisted of only volunteers for many years. The Meridian
Rural Fire District was organized in the early 1950s. The two
departments decided in the 1970s to combine forces and
house their fire equipment in one station located in the
center of town. The Meridian Fire Department hired its first
full-time employee in 1977 serving as a Fire Marshall for
the two districts. The Fire Marshall was the only full-time
employee until 1991 when the first paid firefighter was hired.
The Meridian Fire Department has quickly transformed from
a primarily all -volunteer department into a combination
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Photo: Fire Department training facility behind the Franklin Road Fire Station
department with 57 full-time firefighters and 20 part-time
on-call personnel.
As shown on Figure 4B, Meridian Fire has also grown to five
Fire Stations strategically located throughout the Meridian area.
In 2005, a Fire Education Safety Center was constructed off
of Locust Grove Road and today it is staffed by an Education
Specialist. In 2007, a state of the art training tower was built
onto Station 1, providing numerous training opportunities for
Fire personnel. Today, the Fire Department plans on having a
total of 11 fire stations throughout the City at full build -out.
FIGURE 4B: BOUNDARIES AND STATIONS OF THE MERIDIAN FIRE DEPARTMENT
Source: City of Meridian Planning Division, 2014.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
The Meridian Fire Department responds to emergency calls in
a 54 square mile jurisdiction, serving a population in excess of
90,000 residents.
The Fire Department is managed by a team of professionals
that includes a Fire Chief, Deputy Chief of Prevention, Deputy
Chief of Operations, six Division Chiefs, a Fire Inspector, a
Training Officer, and specialists for EMS, Communications,
Logistics, Quality Assurance, Health and Safety, Public Safety
& Education, and three Administrative Support Staff. The
Meridian Fire Department responds to emergency calls in
a 54 square mile jurisdiction, serving a population in excess
of 90,000 residents. In 2013, Meridian firefighters responded
to 5,414 calls for service. Services provided by the Meridian
Fire Department include: Fire Suppression, Advanced Life
Support Emergency Medical Service, Technical Rescue,
Hazardous Materials Response, Fire Prevention Education,
Fire and Life Safety Inspections, and Plans Review for new
developments and construction.
Recreation, Parks and Pathways
Parks and Recreation Department
The City of Meridian Parks and Recreation Department is the
primary recreation service provider for Meridian. Programs,
activities, and services provided by the Parks Department
are organized by seasons of the year; i.e., winter, spring/
summer, and fall. These activities include kids, teens, and
adults/seniors classes and leagues. The Meridian Community
Center, located at 201 E. Idaho Street, is a 4,200 -square -foot
building, which sits on a parcel of land at 0.33 acres. The
Community Center is a valuable resource for recreation
classes, summer and winter camps, and other activities
Photo: Playground at Kleiner Park
offered throughout the year. Other organizations also
provide recreation services to the people of Meridian and
surrounding area. Some organizations serve a particular age
group such as Boys & Girls Club, 4-H, Scouts, with others
serving all segments of the population (league sports clubs,
biking and hiking clubs, etc.).
The City of Meridian completed the Comprehensive Parks
and Recreation System Plan (CPRSP) in August 2003. This
plan is also referred to as the "Parks Action Plan." As noted
in the CPRSP, a majority of private organizations depend
on public facilities such as parks, schools, or other publicly
owned assets in order to facilitate their recreation activities.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
The CPRSP provides a guideline for recreation development,
which includes the following:
1. Introduction: Provides an overview of the document
organization, a brief analysis of population growth,
and an inventory of park land found in the City.
2. Park and Open Space Recommendations: Identifies a
concept for parks, trails, and open space, and provides
design standards and policies for each park type and
makes specific recommendations for each site.
3. Facility Recommendations: Provides policies and
recommendations for specialized facilities such as
pathways and trails, indoor recreation space, sports
facilities, and other specialized areas.
4. Administration and Management Recommendations:
Includes recommendations and policies for administrat-
ing a park and open space system, establishes policies
and recommendations for staffing the program, and
looks at potential changes to the Park Impact Fee
structure.
5. Project Funding: Provides a list of potential fund-
ing sources, identifies project priorities, suggests a
financing strategy, and recommends a six-year capital
improvement program.
Existing recreation resources in Meridian include 17 fully or
partially developed City parks and 4 acres of ball fields at
Heritage Middle School, which are owned by the West Ada
School District, but maintained and scheduled by the City
of Meridian.
Today, total developed park land is 240 acres. In addition,
there is one 22 -acre park owned and operated by Western
Ada Recreation District. Undeveloped parks include the Borup/
Bottles properties -47.2 acres, Bainbridge property -7.5 acres;
South Meridian property -77.7 acres; a small parcel located
at Storey Park —4.5 acres, and an additional small parcel at
Meridian Settlers Park at 5 acres. This undeveloped park
acreage totals 141 acres. The existing and proposed parks
typically provide sports fields, playgrounds, picnic shelters,
and restrooms. Table 4E shows a listing of the existing parks
with their associated amenities.
The Meridian Pathways Master Plan (updated January 2010)
is a guide for pathway development over the next 20 to 50
years. The Plan proposes an extensive pathway network stem-
ming from the existing canal system within and around the
City of Meridian. The Plan includes an inventory of existing
pathways and micro -paths, as well as a comprehensive network
of future pathways that will connect residents to schools,
parks, businesses, neighborhoods, and various recreation and
entertainment destinations. The City of Meridian currently
maintains nine pathways/segments, including the Fothergill
Pathway, the Bear Creek Pathway, the Blackstone Pathway,
the Locust Grove Pathway, the H.R. Bud Porter Pathway,
the Diane & Winston Moore Pathway, the Five Mile Creek
Pathway from Pine to Badley, the Jackson Drain Connection,
and the Lochsa Falls/Paramount Pathway.
To estimate future park acreage needs and levels of service
standards for Parks, the National Recreation and Parks Asso-
ciation (NRPA) developed guidelines on the basis of acres
of park land per 1,000 residents within a specified service
area. Guidance from NRPA suggests that cities develop their
own standards through a set of formulas based on various
factors such as population, location, existing recreation in
the surrounding area, use, and other factors. The CPRSP has
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
TABLE 4E: MERIDIAN CITY PARKS BY CATEGORY
Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park: 58.2 acres; amenities include amphitheatre/
bandshell, tree arboretum, artwork, basketball, bike racks, bocce ball, commu-
Regional nity garden, concessions building, drinking fountains, fishing ponds, labyrinth,
Parks Meridian Senior Center, mutt -mitt stations, open play, walking paths, picnic
shelters, playgrounds, tot lots, restrooms, sand volleyball, splash pad, Veterans
Memorial, decorative water features, and off-street parking.
Meridian Settlers Park: 52.1 acres; amenities include open play, bike racks,
drinking fountains, walking path, soccer fields, fishing pond, Idaho's first uni-
versally accessible playground, Splash Pad, Sound Garden, Little City of Rocks,
Tree of Hope, swings, rock monuments, concessions building, restrooms, picnic
shelters, shade structures, tables/benches, tournament -style horseshoe pits,
tennis courts, baseball/softball fields, clubhouse, winter disc golf, mutt -mitt
stations, and off-street parking. There is an additional 5.009 -acre undeveloped
parcel.
Bear Creek Park 18.8 acres; amenities include open play, picnic shelter, tables/
Community benches, playground, restrooms, softball fields, volleyball standards, basketball
Parks court, walking paths, drinking fountain, winter disc golf, mutt -mitt stations,
and off-street parking.
Heroes Park: 30.1 acres; amenities include open play, basketball, fishing pond,
mutt -mitt stations, soccer field, walking path, pond, playgrounds, climbing
rocks, picnic shelters, benches, bike racks, drinking fountains, concessions/
restroom building, reclaimed water plaza, and off-street parking.
Storey Park: 14.5 acres; amenities include open play, picnic shelters, tables/
benches, playground, restrooms, softball field, horseshoe pits, mutt -mitt station,
monument, drinking fountains, bike racks, and off-street parking. There is an
additional 4.458 -acre undeveloped parcel.
Tully Park: 18.1 acres; amenities include open play, picnic shelters, tables/
benches, playground, concessions, restrooms, softball fields, basketball court,
memorial tree program, bike racks, skateboard park, drinking fountain, walk-
ing path, and off-street parking.
Neighbor- 8th Street Park: 2.8 acres; amenities include open play, restrooms, walking
hood Parks path, playground, bike racks, table/bench, and off-street parking.
{ Continued next page }
Source: Meridian Parks and Recreation Department 2014.
TABLE 4E: MERIDIAN CITY PARKS BY CATEGORY
Neighbor- Champion Park: 6.0 acres; amenities include open play, picnic shelter, tables/
hood Parks benches, playground, restrooms, basketball court, drinking fountain, walking
path, and off-street parking.
Chateau Park: 6.1 acres; amenities include open play, picnic shelter, tables/
benches, playground, restrooms, basketball court, walking paths, drinking
fountain, rock monument, and off-street parking.
Gordon Harris Park: 11.1 acres; amenities include open play, playground, picnic
shelter, mutt -mitt station, restrooms, walking paths, pond, drinking fountain,
and off-street parking.
Renaissance Park: 6.5 acres: amenities include open play, restrooms, play-
ground, mutt -mitt station, picnic shelter, tables/benches, basketball court,
drinking fountain, walking paths, and off-street parking.
Seasons Park: 1.1 acres; amenities include open play, picnic shelter, tables/
benches, bike rack, mutt -mitt station, playground, restrooms, basketball court,
drinking fountain, walking paths, sculpture, and off-street parking.
Centennial Park: 0.4 acres; amenities include open play, basketball court,
Mini Parks bike rack, monument, electronic play, game table, picnic shelter, monument,
sculpture, benches, and drinking fountain.
Cox Monument: 0.1 acres; amenities include small grassy area, picnic shelter,
table/bench, decorative water feature, and monuments.
Fire Station #4 Park: 0.6 acres; amenities include a rock wall and bench,
small open play area, and a walking path.
Special Use City Hall Plaza: 0.9 acres; amenities include amphitheater, pergola, benches,
Parks restrooms, water features, bike racks, Heritage Pavilion, commemorative plaque,
historical interpretive signs, and off-street parking.
Generations Plaza: 0.2 acres; amenities include open play, drinking fountain,
decorative fountain, historical monument, game table, benches, and bike racks.
Source: Meridian Parks and Recreation Department, 2014.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
determined that an average of to 5 acres per thousand of
park space is realistic for this area.
The City currently has about 240 acres of developed park
space within the Area of City Impact available for public use.
This equates to 3 acres of park land per 1,000 population
in 2014.
As previously discussed, a park and recreation action plan
(CPRSP, 2003) has been adopted. This plan outlines future
goals and actions for parks and recreation planning. It also
identifies park needs in the community. If the City were to
develop the park land that is currently undeveloped (141
acres), it would have a total of 4.6 acres per thousand, based
on a current population of approximately 81,380. With
COMPASS' projected 2040 population of 154,750, the park
level of service would be 2.4 acres per 1,000 population by
the year 2040 if all existing undeveloped park land were
developed. The Parks and Recreation Department intends to
work with the development community and other organiza-
tions whenever possible to create partnerships and bring
additional parks to fruition.
Western Ada Recreation District
There is a public park in Meridian that is not owned and
maintained by the City. At 22 acres, Fuller Park, which is
owned and operated by the Western Ada Recreation District,
contains amenities, such as baseball fields, a fishing pond,
playground areas, picnic shelters, restrooms, an open play
area, a walking path, and off-street parking. Residents of
Meridian also have access to a pool during the summer
located in Storey Park. The pool facility at Storey Park is
owned and operated by the Western Ada Recreation District.
Solid waste'
The City of Meridian contracts on its refuse and recycling
services. In 2012, the City of Meridian approved the transfer
of its solid waste franchise agreement by Sanitary Services
Company (SSC) of its right, title and interest in the franchise
to Republic Services, and continues to perform under the
terms and conditions of the Agreement as of 2014. Republic
Services has demonstrated its commitment to providing
reliable solid waste collection; innovative, effective recycling
and waste reduction programs; quality customer service;
valuable public outreach and education efforts; and strong
community involvementto Meridian residents and businesses.
Residential Services
In 2013, Republic Services collected a total of 34,370 tons
of trash from the residential sector in Meridian. This was an
increase of 3.2% or 1,112 tons in trash which can be partially
explained by the 2.6% increase in household accounts over
the previous 12 months. The average Meridian household
disposed of 213 pounds of trash per month in 2013
By the end of 2013 there were 26,997 active household
accounts in the City of Meridian. Of those accounts, 80%
participated in the recycling program. Meridian residents
recycled a total of 4,150 tons during 2013, a 3.3% increase
from the previous year. Due to depressed secondary markets,
the average price for curbside commingled recyclables was
a negative (-$6.33)/ton in 2013. Republic Services covered
the annual cost to process those materials as prescribed
within the Franchise Agreement.
Republic Services initiated a "grass only' subscription based
recycling pilot program in 2013. This cart has year round
benefits, including: leaf recycling in November (during
.........................
Data from the 2013 Republic Services Annual Report
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Meridian's leaf collection program) and overflow trash from
December through March. The grass is taken to a farm in
south Ada County where it is recycled, and either used to
create cattle feed or soil amendments, depending on quality
control testing.
Republic Services also provides a hazardous waste collection
service. In 2013, 7,570 vehicles delivered 117 tons of hazardous
waste to this site. By comparison, 5,711 vehicles delivered
77 tons in 2012. This was a growth of 33% participation and
52% materials accepted.
Commercial and Industrial Collection
Republic Services provides collection to each commercial
business in Meridian at least once a week. In 2013, commercial
trash was taken to the Republic Services transfer station,
consolidated with other trash, and taken to the Ada County
Landfill. By the end of the year, Republic's commercial trucks
had collected 15,974 tons of trash from Meridian businesses,
a 7% (1,204 tons) decrease from 2012. This decrease in ton-
nage may be due to the difference in reporting technologies
between SSC and Republic Services.
Republic Services offers commercial commingled recycling in
Meridian. Numerous businesses and every school in Meridian
recycle. Starting in 2014, Republic Services began tracking
how many of the 1,049 Meridian businesses are utilizing the
commercial recycling program. Commercial recycling dipped
in 2013, with businesses recycling a total of 1,277 tons, 101
tons less than 2012. This decrease in tonnage may be due
to differences in reporting methodologies used by SSC and
Republic Services.
Roll off services are provided on request to both permanent
and temporary accounts. Industrial service includes compactors
or roll off boxes (6, 8, 10, 20, 30, or 40 cubic yards). The mini
boxes (6, 8, and 10 cubic yards) are taken to the Republic
Services transfer station for consolidation. The larger boxes
are direct hauled to the Ada County Landfill. Industrial trash
continued to increase throughout the year with an annual
total of 21,856 tons. This was an increase of 20% (4,335 tons)
as compared to 2012.
Republic Services also offers an industrial recycling service.
In 2013, 3,801 tons of industrial material was recycled as
compared to 4,024 tons the previous year by Meridian's indus-
trial sector. The industrial sector is comprised of temporary
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
services, such as construction site removal work, and is
more variable.
Transfer Station Collection
Located at 2130 W. Franklin Road, Republic Services' transfer
station accepts waste from commercial trucks, residential
trucks, roll off trucks, mini roll off trucks, public vehicles, and
local businesses. The waste collected at the transfer station
is consolidated and taken to the Ada County Landfill for
disposal. In 2013, the transfer station collected 91,782 tons
of material, a 22.3% increase over 2012 tonnage collected.
TABLE 4F: Meridian Household Hazardous Waste Collection
Source: PSC Environmental Services Company, April 2014.
Education
West Ada School District'
Public school facilities in the City of Meridian are operated
by West Ada School District (formerly Joint School District
No.2). Enrollment data about the school district are for the
entire district, an area larger than the City of Meridian and
its Area of City Impact. West Ada School District covers
384 square miles and serves the cities of Meridian, Star and
Eagle, western and southwestern portions of Boise, part of
Garden City and the unincorporated areas of Ada County
that lie between these municipalities. In total, there are
32 elementary schools, 9 middle schools (2 of which are
alternative middle schools), 6 comprehensive high schools,
' Text provided by West Ada School District
TABLE 4G: HISTORICAL FALL ENROLLMENT, WEST ADA SCHOOL DISTRICT
2012-2013`
31,312
231
2,132
2,826
2,892
2,951
2,888
2,894
2,932
2,939
2,815
2,934
2,186
2,534
2,438
2011-2012
36,538
235
2,113
2,806
2,812
2,930
2,868
2,814
2,911
2,918
2395
2,913
2,166
2,516
2,421
2010-2011
35,933
301
2,122
2,852
2,882
2,843
2,826
2,896
2,861
2,164
2,629
3,056
2,528
2,432
2,329
2009-2010
35,322
245
2,151
2,849
2,839
2,803
2,814
2,808
2,698
2,511
2,830
2,830
2,509
2,399
2,310
2008-2009
34,441
205
2,131
2,829
2,110
2,199
2,162
2,681
2,492
2,801
2,568
2,611
2,416
2,414
2,236
2001-2008
33,432
226
2,629
2,135
2,691
2,159
2,628
2,418
2302
2,543
2,483
2,583
2,491
2,289
2,189
2006-2001
32,211
212
2,555
2,609
2,619
2,542
2,381
2,652
2,412
2,395
2,412
2,664
2,400
2,281
2,011
2005-2006
30,582
204
2,446
2,531
2,400
2,259
2,511
2,365
2,306
2,335
2,460
2,414
2,332
2,011
1,936
2004-2005
28,655
232
2,313
2,259
2,132
2,361
2,231
2,162
2,214
2,313
2,204
2,322
2,146
1,965
1,195
2003-2004
26,981
208
2,023
1,981
2,234
2,103
2,012
2,121
2,156
2,139
2,166
2,191
2,104
1,196
1,141
2002-2003
26,114
185
1,881
2,155
2,010
1,958
2,014
2,114
2,082
2,122
2,015
2,189
1,925
1,681
1,651
2001-2002
25,233
158
2,011
2,001
1,886
1,911
2,042
2,005
2,082
1,922
1,988
2,024
1,822
1,102
1,601
2000-2001
23,946
133
1,839
1,846
1,891
1,943
1,920
2,001
1,832
1,911
1,811
1,954
1,191
1,612
1,456
1999-2000
22,820
143
1,619
1,841
1,851
1,830
1,891
1,161
1,834
1,140
1332
1,861
1,114
1,561
1,430
Note: 2012-2013` values by grade are estimates calculated from known enrollment total and % of total for each grade from previous year.
Source: Idaho Department of Education, Fall Enrollment Statistics, Historical Fall Enrollment, 2013.
3 alternative high schools, 2 charter high schools, and 1
magnet high school throughout the district. The mission
statement West Ada School District is "Preparing Today's
Children for Tomorrow's Challenges."
Enrollment
Not including the Pre -Kindergartners, there were 17,236
elementary -age children enrolled in West Ada School District
at the beginning of the 2013-14 school year. There were 8,482
middle school children enrolled in the school district at the
beginning of the 2013-14 school year. High school, grades
9 through 12, enrollment at the beginning of the 2013-14
school year was 10,437. Table 4G shows historical student
enrollment in West Ada School District, which has almost
doubled over the last 15 years.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Enrollment growth has placed tremendous demands on
schools. Since 2000, the district has opened 9 elementary
schools, 4 middle schools, 2 alternative middle schools, 3
high schools, and 3 alternative high schools. In the past
ten years, West Ada School District has opened schools at
a faster pace than any district in the history of the state of
Idaho. With an additional 500 students per year projected to
move into the district, this rate of new school construction
is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. Land
acquisition for future school sites within West Ada School
District are based upon the following acreage standards:
» Elementary Schools 10-12 acres
» Middle Schools 40 acres
» High Schools 55 acres
14,000
12,000
10,000
8,000
6,000
4,000
1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008 2010 2012
Note: See Table 4G for data.
FIGURE 4C ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOUNDARIES
1
1 /
1
1 /
—9th -12th
—6th -8th 1
I
— I st-8th
Star
Note:nolo
Based on past trends, the District estimates that approximately
1,000 acres of land will be needed within Meridian's Area of
City Impact to meet the needs of all existing and projected
K-12 students. As shown on the Future Land Use Map, about
one elementary school is projected within each square mile
of the City. Depending upon the residential density of an
area and other build -out factors, the District estimates that
it will need at least one middle school for every two to two
and a half square miles and one high school for every three
square miles of fully developed land.
Bus Transportation
School bus transportation in West Ada School District is a
cooperative effort involving transportation staff, schools,
parents, students, and the community. The district transports
an average of 13,400 students per day to 50 different schools
on 270 buses. Each year West Ada School District buses cover
an average of over 3 million miles and use approximately
400,000 gallons of fuel. The District bus facility is located
on Franklin Road, between Linder and Ten Mile Roads in
Meridian. The mission of the transportation department of
the district is to provide safe, efficient, and enjoyable access
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Andrus
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Boundaries p
ranklin
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Yao
a
Mendian Area of City Impact
N
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m 1 M
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L
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Source: From the West Ada School District website, 2013.
to learning in a manner that contributes in a positive way to
the overall academic success of the students of this district.
To reduce the need for safety busing, the district works
with ACHD and City staff to develop safe routes to school.
Through this collaborative effort, projects are identified with
school boundaries, walk zones and safety busing in mind.
Elementary Schools
Elementary schools include kindergarten through grade
five. Most of the elementary schools in the district have a
traditional school year calendar, but there are four elementary
schools in the district that have a modified calendar. The
district operates 32 elementary schools, each strategically
located through the 384 square mile district. These schools
range in size from 320 to 750 students. The buildings vary
in age, with the oldest being 56 years old and the newest
having opened in 2013. The district's older facilities are all
well maintained and have been periodically remodeled over
the years to improve efficiency, safety and comfort.
Middle Schools
Middle schools include 6th through 8th graders. Like most of
the elementary schools, the middle schools have a traditional
school year calendar. The district's middle schools serve as a
bridge for pre -adolescents as they move from elementary to
high school. A team approach is used in core classes at grade
six to ease the transition from the elementary classroom.
Academic emphasis is placed on refinement of basic skills
through instruction in traditional subjects such as language
arts, social studies, mathematics, and science. The curriculum
in middle school is expanded to include more opportuni-
ties to pursue the fine arts and other elective choices. The
middle schools are committed to providing students with
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
an educational experience that prepares them academically,
physically, and socially for successful high school years.
To reduce the need for safety busing, the district works with
ACHD and City staff to develop safe routes to school. Through
this collaborative effort, projects are identified with school bound -
cries, walk zones and safety busing in mind
High Schools
Academic excellence is the focus at the district's high schools.
In 2012, 90.7% percent of West Ada School District high
school seniors graduated in 2012. All of the district's high
schools offer a full academic program with courses in basic
skills and college -preparatory skills. Intensive instruction
in the liberal arts and technical areas prepare high school
students for the best colleges and universities as well as for
today's workforce. Central Academy, Meridian Academy and
Eagle Academy, the district's alternative high schools, provide
opportunities for at -risk students. Meridian, Centennial, Eagle,
Mountain View and Rocky Mountain High Schools are all 5-A
classification for athletic competition and other competitive
programs such as music, drama, and debate. They have a rich
tradition of winning regional and state championships and
are often recognized for outstanding achievement in music
and the arts. Students develop leadership skills through a
variety of clubs and extracurricular activities.
Charter and Magnet Programs
In addition to traditional scholastic opportunities, West Ada
School District offers a variety of Charter and Magnet schools
to accommodate, encourage, and challenge all students.
Magnet schools are available at all levels and include:
The Arts: Christine Donnell School of the Arts, Pioneer School
of the Arts, Chief Joseph School of the Arts and Eagle School
of the Arts.
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
Education: Galileo K-8, Summerwind STEM Academy (K-5),
Spalding STEM Academy (modified calendar) (K-5), Barbara
Morgan STEM Academy (K-5), Lewis and Clark Middle School
(6-8), Heritage Middle School (6-8), and STEM programs
have been expanded at all high schools.
Other Magnets: Paramount Elementary Literacy Magnet,
Gateway School of Languages and Culture, and Renaissance
Magnet High School. A fully recognized International Bacca-
laureate (IB) high school. Students complete their Associates
degrees while completing their high school diplomas. Strong
partnerships with Idaho State University and the College
of Western Idaho formed the foundation of this program.
Additionally, West Ada School District offers several Academy
High Schools which provide more one-on-one interaction
between students and educators.
Private Education Opportunities
In addition to the public school system, Meridian has several
private schools opportunities. These facilities cater to all
children of all ages, from pre-school through high school.
Some of the larger private schools in Meridian are: Cole Valley
Christian, Challenger School, A Child's Choice Montessori
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
School, and The Ambrose School. There are several other,
smaller private schools in Meridian as well.
In addition to traditional scholastic opportunities, West Ada
School District offers a variety of Charter and Magnet schools to
accommodate, encourage, and challenge all students.
Continuing Education
The City has a solid partnership with the education institu-
tions in Meridian, primarily West Ada School District, and
Idaho State University (ISU) who opened the doors to
ISU-Meridian in the fall of 2009. Students at ISU specialize
in Law and Leadership, Research and Medical Arts, and
International Studies. The City has been working with ISU
to not only strengthen educational programs but to create
partnerships with the private sector. The ISU President's
Southwestern Idaho Advisory Council on Health Science
Education and Economic Excellence focuses on specific
business and research opportunities. This Council of business
and educational leaders helps prepare ISU to expand health
science education opportunities and support the efforts of
The CORE.
Other colleges and universities in the Meridian area include
(main campus location in parenthesis): Boise State University
(Boise), University of Idaho Extension (Boise), University of
Phoenix (Meridian), College of Western Idaho (Nampa),
College of Idaho (Caldwell), Northwest Nazarene University
(Nampa), Stevens-Henager College (Boise), Guardian College
(Meridian), Broadview University (Meridian), University of
Phoenix (Meridian), Carrington College (Boise), Brown Mackie
College (Boise), and Treasure Valley Community College
(Ontario, OR).
Libraries'
Separate from the City, is the Meridian Library District.
The mission of the Meridian Library District is to provide
a safe and inviting place where residents can interact with
each other; find information about their community and its
offerings; investigate a wide range of topics pertaining to
their work, school and personal lives; and develop a love
of reading and learning that will continue throughout their
lives. The Library District currently has two libraries, one
in the Silverstone Business Campus and the main library
branch on Cherry Lane. In an ongoing commitment to offer
services to the entire community, Meridian Library operates
its bookmobile Wednesday through Saturday at locations
throughout the District.
Public Utilities
Electricity'
Idaho Power Company is an electric utility engaged in the
generation, transmission, distribution, sale and purchase
of electric energy. Idaho Power provides electrical services
throughout the City of Meridian and the Area of City Impact.
Idaho Power is a public service company regulated by the
Idaho Public Utility Commission, the Oregon Public Utility
Commission and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.
Power is predominantly supplied by 17 hydroelectric generation
facilities on the Snake River system. Power is also supplied
.........................
hur://www.mld.org/
° Text provided by Blake Watson, Idaho Power Company
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
The Library District currently has two libraries, one in the Sil-
verstone Business Campus and the main library branch on Cherry
Lane.
through a shared ownership of three coal-fired generation
plants located in Wyoming, Montana and Oregon. Additional
generation is provided through Idaho Power's ownership
of three natural gas-fired generation plants. Idaho Power's
headquarters are in Boise, Idaho. They have an employee
base of approximately 2,300 people.
Today, Idaho Power serves a 24,000 square -mile service
area and roughly 1,000,000 people in southern Idaho and
eastern Oregon. As of January 2014, Idaho Power serviced
approximately 35,000 residential and general business
customers within the City of Meridian limits. With 17 low-
cost hydroelectric power plants as the core of its generation
portfolio, Idaho Power's 501,000 residential, business and
agricultural customers pay some of the nation's lowest prices
for electricity.
Idaho Power facilities currently located in the Meridian area
include two transmission lines and five substations, one
located at the intersection of Locust Grove and McMillan
Roads; the second located at Black Cat Road and Franklin
Road; the third located near the intersection of Franklin Road
and E. 2nd Street; the fourth near the intersection of Ten
Mile and Ustick Roads; and the fifth near the intersection of
Stoddard and Overland Roads. Figure 4D depicts the general
location of electric utility facilities of a voltage of 69,000 volts
or greater. Typically, public streets and road rights-of-way
FIGURE 41): EXISTING IDAHO POWER LINES/STATIONS NEAR THE CITY OF MERIDIAN
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.a,..2 A Existing Substation Figure I
-y Existing Transmission
] Meridian City Limit City Meridian Idaho
Existing Facilities
ao:uurmu
••.,,., Miles'a'WYDI.
,•.t,...,..Po.=11° 0 0.5 1 2 3 4 5 riw,cozncamwm
Source: Blake Watson, Idaho Power Company, April 2014.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
serve as corridors for electric facilities. Transmission lines are
usually located on road rights-of-way or private easements
that Idaho Power Company acquires from property owners.
Additional transmission lines and substations will be necessary
in the future in order to service Meridian's growing needs.
Designation of the locations of future electric utility facilities
shown in Figure 4D applies to a general utility corridor area
rather than to a specific site.
Idaho Power takes a proactive stance in the planning process
and is committed to strengthening communication with
Meridian so that both the City's and Idaho Power's goals
can be mutually recognized and implemented. In December
2012, Idaho Power completed the Eastern Treasure Valley
Electric Plan. The plan involved a Citizen Advisory Committee
to assist Idaho Power in the placement of potential future
locations for transmission lines and substations. Idaho
Power employs a three-part strategy: responsible planning,
responsible development and protection of resources, and
responsible energy use, which ensures they approach the
current and future demands thoughtfully. Wise use of energy
helps ensure fair priced and reliably electricity today and
tomorrow.
Communications
Centurylink provides basic telephone service and CableOne
provides cable T.V. service, within the City of Meridian and its
Area of City Impact. Both companies provide internet services.
Several telecommunications companies offer wireless and
cellular phone service and other providers offer internet and
T.V. service through other wireless means. Portions of the
City have been equipped with fiber -optics.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Gas
Intermountain Gas Company is the sole provider of natural
gas in southern Idaho, including Meridian. There are dual,
high-pressure, natural gas pipelines that bisect the southwest
part of the Area of City Impact. These pipelines and the
associated easement are discussed further in the Hazardous
Areas section of this report.
Irrigation
Irrigation water in Meridian is supplied by a series of irrigation
canals and laterals diverted from the Boise River. Three main
canals serve the City and its Area of City Impact: New York
Canal, Ridenbaugh Canal, and Settlers' Canal. Maintenance and
operation of the New York Canal and its laterals is performed
by the Boise Project Board of Control, under contract with
the Bureau of Reclamation. Both the Board of Control and
the Bureau of Reclamation review rights-of-way, easements,
road crossings, relocation of facilities, utility crossings, and
other related matters for the New York Canal. Water rights
associated with the New York Canal are administered by
the Nampa and Meridian Irrigation District (NMID). The
NMID is also responsible for maintenance and operation
of the Ridenbaugh Canal and its laterals and administration
of associated water rights. Settlers' Canal is operated and
maintained by Settlers' Irrigation District, while its laterals
are maintained by the water users. Settlers' Irrigation District
is responsible for administration of water rights associated
with Settlers' Canal.
WHAT ARE THE PHYSICAL AND CULTURAL FEATURES OF
MERIDIAN?
As required by Idaho State Statute, this section of the report
includes a discussion of Natural Resources, Hazardous Areas,
National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors, Agriculture,
and Special Sites and Historic Resources. These physical,
cultural, historical and natural resources (and obstacles)
form the basis of the community and affect growth and
development.
Analysis of the City's natural resources includes climate, air
quality, geology, hydrology, soils, and vegetation. Special
sites, including community landmarks and natural features
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
that are important to the community are then identified
in this section. Agriculture has both natural/physical and
social/cultural impacts on the community and is addressed
next, followed by Historic resources representing Meridian's
heritage. Hazardous areas, those that could pose a threat
or danger to the community if not properly administered,
are addressed right before concluding this section. The last
couple of paragraphs concern National Interest Electric
Transmission Corridors.
Natural, Special, Historic, &
Agricultural Resources
Community Concerns
When the 2002 version of the City of Meridian Comprehensive
Plan was composed, citizen groups were formed to discuss
issues and concerns regarding natural resources and com-
munity character. The following is a brief synopsis of some
of those concerns, which have also been reinforced in recent
years, and are included as goals within the current City of
Meridian Comprehensive Plan.
Meridian residents tend to value their natural resources and
are interested in preserving and protecting them while rec-
ognizing a need for growth and development. Water quality/
pollution, canal tiling and piping of ditches, noise pollution,
air quality, floodplains, connectivity, density, neighborhood
services, natural habitat, agricultural preservation, and open
space preservation were the top concerns expressed.
As growth continues, increased pressures are placed on
natural resources. Productive agricultural soils, vegetation,
and waterways are all valuable resources that the residents
of Meridian enjoy and want to preserve. While develop-
ment is expected within the Area of City Impact, a maze
of monotonous development is not desired, either. City
leaders and citizens focus on trying to balance open spaces
and Meridian's agricultural heritage with development and
growth. Development in Meridian which expresses concerns
and appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of the physical
environment should be encouraged. Meridian has seen
much of its natural resources change over the years from
agricultural open spaces to a growing city. Growth projected
for Meridian emphasizes the need for attention to Merid-
ian's character, specifically its natural and historic resources.
Providing and protecting unique sites and resources will
assure continuance of the quality of life that the residents
have come to know and expect.
Natural Resources
Climate
The City of Meridian and surrounding area is favored by
a mild, and climate. While summer hot periods rarely last
longer than a few days, temperatures of 100° F or higher
occur nearly every year. July is the average warmest month,
with the average high temperature of 92° F. January is the
average coolest month with an average low temperature
of 22° F. The normal precipitation pattern in the Meridian
area shows a December winter average of 1.47 inches of
precipitation and a very pronounced summer low of about
0.23 inches in August.I Meridian has a United States Depart-
ment of Agriculture Hardiness Zone designation of 7a, with
.........................
The Weather Channel, hur://www.weather.com
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 )DRAFT)
Photo: Hoar frost at Meridian City Hall
some areas of 6b. Meridian's elevation is approximately 2,600
feet above sea level.
Air Quality=
The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ)
regularly monitors air pollutant levels in Ada County. During
the 1970s and early 1980s the County experienced violations
of the national standards for carbon monoxide (CO) and
Particulate Matter (PM10). As a result, the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) designated the area as nonattain-
ment for these two pollutants. Ada County, however, has not
.........................
' Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
experienced any violations of the national standards for CO
since 1986. In 1999, EPA removed Ada County's designation
of nonattainment for PM10. In 2001, IDEQ submitted a Main-
tenance Plan for CO that can help the progress of the area
into attainment, and in 2002 a maintenance plan for PM10.
As a result of efforts to restrict CO and PM10 pollutant
sources, Northern Ada County is currently classified as a
Limited Maintenance Area for CO and PM10. Automobile and
area source emissions are the two major sources of CO. The
main sources of PM10 are fugitive road dust and agriculture.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
Geology'
The Meridian area lies within the Snake River and Boise River
Plains. Geology consists of a series of volcanic lava flows
inter -bedded with soil layers. Most outcrops within a few
miles of Meridian expose black basalt lava flows on the Snake
River Plain. Significant geologic areas include the Snake River
and its tributary, the Boise River, plus the Idaho Batholith.
Generally, geology -related issues in the region involve the
basalts of the Snake River Plain or the windblown silt and
sand that covers the basalt. The windblown material on
the plain in the Meridian area supports some of the best
farmland in southwest Idaho, but its properties can create
problems for construction. Large structures placed directly
on this material rather than on engineered foundations
may settle because of compaction or the spreading of the
unconsolidated material.
Hydrology
The hydrology of the area is affected by agricultural and
development practices in the local area. Surface water within
the Area of City Impact includes the Boise River; seven peren-
nial creeks; intermittent creeks; plus an extensive network
of canals, laterals and drains. Groundwater in the Meridian
area appears to be of good quality and close to the surface.
Groundwater is the primary source of potable water for the
City. Twenty deep wells are located throughout the area
which provides drinking water to residents. Use of septic
tanks in areas of poor soils and/or a high water table pose a
threat in terms of groundwater. Because of the community's
agricultural base and location in a relatively low rainfall area,
groundwater resources are extremely important. All surface
and subsurface drainage returns to the Boise River.
.........................
' 2002 City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan
Soils
An understanding of soil properties makes it possible to
predict suitability or limitations for present and future uses.
In some cases, limited soil absorption for a domestic septic
tank, combined with a high seasonable water table, limits
the capacity of the soil to absorb and filter additional liquid
being discharged by a drainfield. The probable result is usu-
ally contamination of groundwater supplies. Soils that are
shallow or water -saturated do not have adequate volume to
absorb and filter sewage effluent. Figure 5A shows common
soil types in the Meridian area.
Vegetation
Trees provide shade and wildlife habitat, reduce heat island
effects, reduce soil erosion, and improve air quality. Throughout
the Meridian area are natural tree and shrub corridors along
the creeks and drains. Not only do these vegetation resources
provide aesthetic values and recreation opportunities, they
are also critical for wildlife, allowing for the migration of
species between developed areas. Without these riparian
zone corridors and the ability to move through them, many
species would not have habitat areas large enough to support
them. Protection and preservation of natural vegetation along
all creeks and drains within the Meridian area assures that
residents are able to continue viewing wildlife and natural
scenery, while preserving a valuable natural resource. There
are no forests in Meridian, but outside of the riparian zones
previously mentioned, portions of the City are heavily planted
with trees and shrubs. Parks and subdivisions contribute to
the recreational and aesthetic values of the City, and enhance
the appearance of urban areas as they are typically densely
landscaped.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 )DRAFT)
FIGURE 5A: SOILS IN THE MERIDIAN AREA
�v go kgsl
—ATa6.
County I... 1�matv) PEE
Soils 711;
INNER 0 amin Off
0 0.2503 1 1.5�ti roaApril 2014 2_ IOWA
rrh
d' UNWORN,_
�� ��-
Legend`�ai\ a:1 Area a( Impact NEWS,
AP,o� SIM Mill
ZZ
Soils 114A,
v-�4�1 °, 1 �mp\' g i_\�
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ANuie iarriv@ems \` ''I®P�✓\�� kr`\, \```\\`
Whorp wbb11 bam 1,.'r
``ar.� �� ♦ ` va
Whorp sift bam %I/'�., �^ '1 .�. S \` \d1 �``;►O ,1• `�
7/ I \ 11 1
El ah sill loam --,'�= .'••- `�►�-
rouftun-Nobs �,
;mss
roufton-PhINs ;� Q�% ��0���`\ \\���Ip��yji► �� I/ "SIF
roWN4sftos a r \ / 11? `�- N0§00 1 -
Pipelbe sill loam �\h�II�( i2/ ��i
N. gr.,el
Pt Er,dl
PuNem at Iwm
Purdam-Power sift It.
rr
krk Nepl.rgitls
krk Naplowkids �.■■�
Source: City of Meridian Planning Division, 2014.
Soil data from the USDA NRCS Web Soil Survey, http://websoilsurvey.nrcs.usda.goy/app/, 2013.
TABLE 5A: AGRICULTURAL LAND A
Total Area
39,621.01
Total Developed
22,911.36
Developed in Last 50 Years
15,919.30
Development on Prime Farmland (If irrigated)
11,359.61
Total Remaining Undeveloped Land
16,655.66
Undeveloped Prime Farmland
1,542.94
Undeveloped Prime Farmland (If Irrigated)
9,521.98
Undeveloped Not Prime Farmland
1,121.68
Source: Prime farmland (soil) data provided by COMPASS, January 2012.
Note: Development status determined by existing City limits, Roadway ROW, County
subdivisions, and pending development applications as of May, 2014. Ag exempt
properties (determined by State tax codes, 2013) were subtracted from City limits
and County subdivisions.
Agriculture
Much farmland in the Meridian area has, or is being converted
into, urban development. However, there are still some
prime agricultural lands in production within Meridian's
Area of City Impact. For the purposes of this report, prime
farmland is defined as land that has a good combination
of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food
Acres
0.00 10,000.00 20,000.00 30,000.00 40,000.00
■ Developed Before 1960 ■ Developed After 1960
■ Undeveloped Prime Farmland ■ Undeveloped Not Prime Farmland
Note: See Table 5A for data. Prime farmland assumes irrigated soils.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
0.00 10,000.00 20,000.00 30,000.00 40,000.00
Acres
■ Development on Prime Farmland ■ Development not on Prime Farmland
■ Undeveloped Prime Farmland ■ Undeveloped Not Prime Farmland
Note: See Table 5A for data. Prime farmland assumes irrigated soils.
and other agricultural crops with minimum inputs of fossil
fuels, fertilizer, pesticides, and labor and with minimal soil
erosion, while also having access to irrigation water. Figure
513 shows the irrigated agricultural land, meadows, and dry
grazing land in Meridian.
While rapid growth has converted 15,979 acres of agricultural
lands into roads, houses, and shopping centers over the past
50 years, there is still 9,528 acres of undeveloped land with
soils considered to be prime farmland (if irrigated) within
Meridian's Area of City Impact (AOCI). Within this area, 7,543
acres of this prime farmland are in active use (irrigated), and
there is an additional 7,128 acres of open space that is not
prime farmland, but could be used for other agricultural uses.
With a rich history built on agriculture, Meridian would like
to preserve some of its rural character, protect opportunities
for local produce, maintain and expand diversity in employ-
ment opportunities, and preserve a variety of housing and
lifestyle choices, such as living on working agricultural land
or open space.
South Meridian
In 2008, Meridian in cooperation with Ada County began the
process of evaluating current and future land uses in South
Meridian. This study area, loosely defined between I-84,
Kuna, Boise, and the Ada -Canyon County line, was eventually
adopted into the Meridian Area of City Impact. While the
process clearly identified which city that County residents
and stakeholders most identified with, either Meridian or
Kuna, no land uses were selected and the entire area was
instead designated as a Future Planning and Referral Area,
to be determined later. In 2012, through a second round of
public outreach and planning efforts, the City worked with
stakeholders to identify future land uses for this area. An
"ultra-low" density future land use designation was developed
as part of this process.
This new land use, Rural/estate Residential, is intended to
protect rural lifestyles, while allowing for small ranchettes
and rural neighborhoods, such as clustered developments.
Clustered developments consist of a small neighborhood
of homes developed in relatively close proximity, to reduce
utility costs, and are surrounded by open space or integrated
with community farming areas. These types of developments
can help transition to nearby urban projects and also protect
larger agricultural uses into the future.
Fields District
At the time of this report, the Fields District, a study area
in the northwest corner of Meridian, is being evaluated for
agricultural and bioscience related opportunities through
private, public-private, and public -public initiatives. This
study is evaluating available land, local and state policies,
market demand, partnership, capital needs, and human
resources for a variety of unique economic development
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
FIGURE 5B: AGRICULTURAL TAX EXEMPT LAND IN MERIDIAN
I
Tax Exempt
Agricultural Land
April 2014
Legend
LMea of Ilryan
® ail Emi6
Agricultural Land
- Naled At Will
- lWow land
F_ Dry Grnng land
D 0.25 0.5 1 1.5
� nae:
Overland
r,
S '•
Columbia
Source: City of Meridian Planning Division, 2014.
lake Hazel '
TABLE 5B: NATIONAL REGISTER -LISTED HISTORIC RESOURCES, MERIDIAN
Register Number Resource Home Address
5001599 Bell, R.H. and Jessie, House 131 E. Pine St.
5001600 Hill, Clara, House 1123 N. Main St.
82000210 Hunt, E. f., House 49 E. State St.
82000223
Meridian Exchange Bank
109
E. 2nd
St.
3000122
Mittleider farmstead Historic District
515
Rumpel
Ln.
8000905
Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Co.
815
N. Main
St.
82000221
Neal, Halbert F. and Grace, House
101
W. Pine
St.
96001506
Tolleth House
134
E. State
Ave.
Source: National Register of Historic Places Program, httpJ/www.nps.goy/nr/research/`
and marketing initiatives not only in northwest Meridian,
but the in Treasure Valley as a whole. Some of the outcomes
from this process may involve identifying and preserving for
agricultural related land uses, tourism, education, economic
development, clustered subdivisions, and/or food security.
Special Sites and Historic Resources
Historic Resources
Meridian has a unique, storied history. Preservation of that
history is important because of the richness and meaning
that it adds to the lives of its residents and the link it provides
between the past and future. As development has increased,
however, rural historic resources throughout the region have
disappeared.
Historic preservation in Idaho began in 1881 with the creation
of the Historic Society of Idaho Pioneers. In 1907, the Idaho
State Historical Society, a state agency serving several pres-
ervation functions, was formed. Preservation efforts in Idaho
began in earnest in 1966 with the passage of the National
Historic Preservation Act. Meridian's Historic Preservation
dates back to the late 1980s.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 )DRAFT)
As shown in Table 5B, there are several Meridian properties
currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
In addition to these properties, more than 140 historic
architectural resources have been recorded within the City,
and more than 30 outside the City, but within the Area of
City Impact. The recorded buildings probably representjust
a sample of the actual number of historic buildings within
the entire study area.
Historic commercial buildings recorded within the City
reflect its important agricultural heritage. They include
grain elevators, a feed mill, a wagon shop, a cheese factory,
and a number of shops. Historic public buildings include a
public library, Meridian Rural High School, and a municipal
pumping station, all constructed prior to 1923. The history
of town settlement is also reflected in the many private
historic residences that have been recorded.
Outside the City Core, but within the Area of City Impact,
architectural resources include historic farmsteads, residences,
hay derricks, irrigation facilities, and schools. Some of these,
such as the White Cross School/Hamming Farmstead, are
no longer present due to road widening and residential
development. A study of historical irrigation in Ada County
recorded a number of agricultural features within Meridian's
Area of City Impact. These include the Ridenbaugh Canal
Check Dam and associated structures, the Ten Mile Check/
Weir structures, the Sundell Lateral Lava Rock Check, and
various Settler's (temp) Canal features.
No Geological sites or monuments have been identified in
Meridian, nor are there any Native American sites recorded
within Meridian's Area of City Impact. However, the Five Mile
Creek is noted in Ada County's 2006 Historic Preservation
Plan as a potential site for archaeological exploration. Cross-
ing of this facility requires a permit from the Army Corps
of Engineers which triggers a site investigation for historic
and cultural resources.
Hazardous Areas
Besides floodplains, some heavy industry located primarily
near the rail corridor, and gas stations scattered throughout
the community, there are few other hazards or hazardous
areas that are noteworthy in the Meridian area. Without
large industrial complexes, an airport, petroleum tank farms
and other uses which tend to generate safety and pollution
concerns, the City of Meridian is relatively free of hazardous
areas which plague larger metropolitan areas. As more
development occurs however, safety and hazardous areas
will likely increase from more service stations, increased
traffic, and storage and conveyance of hazardous chemicals
associated with certain businesses. While federal regulations
provide protection to a degree, as development increases,
so will the potential for spills, accidents, and fires.
Natural Gas Pipeline
As shown in Figure 5C, there is a high-pressure natural gas
pipeline that runs through the northwest and southwest
areas of Meridian. This pipeline operates at a maximum
pressure of 850 PSIG and carries only natural gas. There is
typically a 75 -foot wide easement that is associated with
the pipeline. Coupled with the gas transmission pipeline,
there is an existing liquefied natural gas plant located in the
northwest part of the Area of City Impact, at 4014 N. Can -Ada
Road. Liquefied natural gas is gas that has been converted
temporarily to liquid form for ease of storage or transport;
liquefied natural gas takes up about 1/600th the volume
of natural gas in the gaseous state. It is odorless, colorless,
non-toxic and non -corrosive. Hazards include flammability,
freezing and asphyxia. The City and the gas company have
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
FIGURE 5C: GAS TRANSMISSION PIPELINE
1
1
Chinden
1
1
1
a
=-
Millan
`
1
Ustick
o
I
Fairview.
u
1
_
Pine
l S{
an lin
£
g
'
-Interstate-14_=
�'
c
T
erlan
-
Gas
Lransmission
Overland
1
Line
April 2014
Legend
'
aF
Amity
-
ml Area of Inpaa
(ay limas
■.'.
Wilian¢Pipeline
H 9-�-
1
_
,
■
N
u is
'
o�sos1 13
r\
Note: This map shows the general location of gas and hazardous liquid transmission pipelines under Pipeline and
Hazardous Materials Safety Administration jurisdiction. All pipelines are not represented on this figure. Contact the
appropriate pipeline operator prior to excavation activities.
Source: National Pipeline Mapping System website, 2010: wwwnpms.phmsa dor gov
certain restrictions and specific provisions when developing
on or around the gas pipeline.
State Highways
State Highways are typically posted for higher -speeds and
are considered by many in the community to be hazard-
ous. There are four ITD roadways that currently traverse
through Meridian: Interstate 84, SH 55 (Eagle Road), U.S.
20/26 (Chinden Boulevard), and SH 69 (Meridian Road).
Many of the accidents that occur in Meridian are along
State Highways. The City has worked, and will continue to
work with ITD, ACHD and COMPASS on improving safety
along State Highways for motorists and pedestrians. Some
of the safety projects that the City would like to see include:
additional pedestrian facilities, intersection improvements,
and improved access management.
Weeds
There are vast and far reaching economic and environmental
impacts of invasive weeds. Idaho has about 800 of the nation's
2,000 weed species present, most of which are alien to the
state. Noxious weeds overwhelm native plant communities
and disturbed areas, spreading steadilyyear byyear. Importing
natural controls is not possible for all weeds, and may take
many years and significant financial resources to introduce
natural controls. Therefore, it is important to educate and
implement aspects of weed management. Prevention and
inspection are the most economical management system
for reducing the rate of noxious weed spread.
Floodplains
The City of Meridian is a member of the National Flood
Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulates development in
flood prone areas. Although located in the high desert,
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
over 24 miles of intermittent and year-round streams are
found within Meridian's Area of City Impact. These streams
are unique because they also serve an irrigation purpose.
These dual-purpose waterways have been channelized and
widened to allow them to carry large flows in the event of a
canal failure. Even though the streams have been modified
each stream has associated Special Flood Hazard Areas.
Flood events have occurred in the early spring when rain
and rapid snowmelt combine. Meridian has experienced
such flooding events in 1963 and 1982.
Because certain areas of Meridian are affected by Special
Flood Hazard Areas (Figure 5D), the City has developed
Floodplain Overlay Districts (FP Districts). All development
in FP Districts is regulated through permits and includes
activities such as grading, filling, building structures, and
even storage of materials. The purpose of the FP Districts
is to guide development in the flood -prone areas of any
watercourse that is consistent with the requirements for the
conveyance of flood flows and to minimize the expense and
inconveniences to the individual property owners and the
general public caused by flooding.
Meridian currently maintains good standing in the NFIP by
meeting or exceeding minimum floodplain development
standards. Additionally, Meridian's floodplain administration
program is evolving to provide more benefits to residents.
Idaho has about 800 of the nation's 2,000 weed species present,
most of which are alien to the state. Noxious weeds overwhelm
native plant communities and disturbed areas, spreading steadily
year by year.
FIGURE 51): MERIDIAN FLOODPLAINS
Meridian seeks to become a member of the Community Rating
System, an NFIP program that rewards communities that go
above and beyond the minimum program requirements by
giving their residents discounts on flood insurance premiums.
The program includes activities in Public Information, Map-
ping, Flood Damage Reduction, and Flood Preparedness.
National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors
During the 2007 Idaho State legislative session, the Local
Land Use Planning Act was amended to require that Com-
prehensive Plans incorporate an additional element to
address National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has been tasked with
identifying national corridors.
Designating a National Corridor does not constitute a recom-
mendation or a proposal to build additional transmission L
facilities; it simply serves to spotlight the congestion or
constraints adversely affecting consumers in an area. The DOE L
issued two draft National Corridor designations; one in the ■
Northeastern States and one in the Southwestern States. The ■
State of Idaho is indirectly affected as several transmission 10
facilities either cross the state or emanate from the state
toward the congested area. Idaho Power has provided maps o c
illustrating their current and proposed facilities within the `
Meridian Area of City Impact and the Treasure Valley. Should
the Idaho State Public Utilities Commission notify the County
of other federally mandated corridors, the Comprehensive
Plan and this report will need to be updated.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 )DRAFT)
Source: City of Meridian Planning Division, 2014.
SUMMARY
This report is a companion to the City's Comprehensive Plan,
last adopted in April of 2011, and most recently amended
November 2013. By separating relevant information about
the City's history, present day conditions, trends, and current
strategic plan for its future, the Existing Conditions Report
2014 allows the Comprehensive Plan to be a clear and
concise vision document. By understanding what Meridian's
resources are, its history, and some of its recent initiatives,
this document serves to identify planning, policy, and services
which should be addressed in the Comprehensive Plan. In
this regard, the Existing Conditions Report is not only an
invaluable planning and decision making tool, but a means
to measure progress.
CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
The source documentation for this report is largely composed
of material which, with time, changes. Given that, the Existing
Conditions Report is a living document, and as sufficient
time has passed or significant changes occur within the City,
updates will be made to retain its relevance as a companion
document to the Comprehensive Plan. It is envisioned that
this report will be updated approximately every three years.
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CITY OF MERIDIAN EXISTING CONDITIONS REPORT 2014 (DRAFT)
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