HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-02-17E IDIA %^, CITY COUNCIL REGULAR
MEETING AGENDA
City Council Chambers
33 East Broadway Avenue
Meridian, Idaho
Tuesday, February 17, 2015 at 6:00 PM
1. Roll -Call Attendance
X David Zaremba X Joe Borton
X Charlie Rountree X Keith Bird
X Genesis Milam X_ Luke Cavener
Mayor Tammy de Weerd
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Community Invocation by Troy Drake with Calvary Chapel
4. Adoption of the Agenda Adopted
5. Consent Agenda Approved (Pg 2-3)
A. Approval of Task Order 10533 to Civil Survey Consultants for the "AMITY
ROAD AND MERIDIAN ROAD WATERLINE EXTENSION, LOCUST GROVE
TO W HARRIS ST" Project for the Not -To -Exceed Amount of $65,947.00
B. Final Order for Approval: FP 15-001 McLinder Subdivision No. 2 by TS
Development, LLC Located at 4650 N. Linder Road and 1437 W. McMillan
Road Request: Final Plat Approval Consisting of Seven (7) Building Lots on
5.37 Acres of Land in the C -N Zoning District
C. FP 15-002 Coleman by Wal-Mart Real Estate Business Trust Located
Norwest Corner of N. Ten Mile Road and W. McMillan Road Request: Final
Plat Approval Consisting of Five (5) Commercial Lots on Approximately
26.08 Acres in the C -G Zoning District
D. FP 15-003 Ventana Commons Subdivision by Ventana, LLC Located East
Side of N. Meridian Road Approximately 1,000 Feet North of E. McMillan
Road Request: Final Plat Approval Consisting of Seventy (70) Single Family
Residential Lots and Five (5) Common Lots on Approximately 18.21 Acres
in the R-8 Zoning District
Meridian City Council Meeting Agenda — Tuesday, February 17, 2015 Page 1 of 3
All materials presented at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian.
Anyone desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearing,
please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
E. Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Meridian and the
Meridian Speedway Regarding a Joint Presentation of the July 4, 2015
Event
F. Resolution No. #15-1048: VAC 15-001 Denison Vacation by Tealey's Land
Surveying Located 3244 W. Salix Drive Request: Vacate a Portion of the 5 -
Foot Wide Public Utility, Drainage and Irrigation (PUDI) Easement Along the
South Boundary Lot 17, Block 11 Platted with Jayker Subdivision No. 1
6. Community Items/Presentations
A. Presentation of FY2014 Audited Financial Report Motion approved to
accept the FY2014 Audited Financial Report (Pg 3-7)
B. Historic Preservation Commission 2014 Annual Report (Pg 7-11)
C. Parks Commission 2014 Annual Report (Pg 11-15)
D. Transportation Commission 2014 Annual Report (Pg 15-17)
7. Items Moved From Consent Agenda None (Pg 17)
8. Action Items
A. Continued from January 27, 2015: FP 14-046 Jump Creek by Kent Brown
Located Northwest Corner of N. Black Cat Road and W. McMillan Road
Request: Final Plat Approval Consisting of SixtyOThree (63) Single Family
Residential Lots and Eleven (11) Common Lots on Approximately 16.68
Acres in the R-8 and R-15 Zoning Districts Approved (Pg 17-19)
B. Public Hearing: PP 14-020 Accommodations Subdivision by Providence
Management, LLC Located South Side of E. Falcon Drive and East of S.
Eagle Road Request: Preliminary Plat Approval Consisting of Fourteen
(14) Single Family Residential Lots and Three (3) Common Lots on
Approximately 4.71 Acres in the R-4 Zoning District Approved (Pg 19-29)
9. Future Meeting Topics None (Pg 29)
10. Executive Session Per Idaho State Code 67-2345 (1)(a): (a) To consider hiring a
public officer, employee, staff member or individual agent, wherein the respective
qualities of individuals are to be evaluated in order to fill a particular vacancy or
need. This paragraph does not apply to filling a vacancy in an elective office or
deliberations about staffing needs in general
Amended onto the agenda Executive Session per Idaho State Code 67-2345(1)(d):
(d) To Consider Records that are Exempt from Disclosure as Provided in Chapter
3, Title 9, Idaho Code
Meridian City Council Meeting Agenda — Tuesday, February 17, 2015 Page 2 of 3
All materials presented at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian.
Anyone desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearing,
please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
Into Executive Session at 7:32 p.m.
Out of Executive Session at 8:05 p.m.
Adjourned at 8:05 p.m.
(Pg 29-30)
Meridian City Council Meeting Agenda — Tuesday, February 17, 2015 Page 3 of 3
All materials presented at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian.
Anyone desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearing,
please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
Meridian City Council February 17, 2015
A meeting of the Meridian City Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday,
February 17, 2015, by Mayor Tammy de Weerd.
Members Present: Mayor Tammy de Weerd, Keith Bird, Joe Borton, David Zaremba,
Charlie Rountree, Genesis Milam and Luke Cavener.
Others Present: Bill Nary, Jacy Jones, Bill Parsons, Sonya Watters, Jamie Leslie, Perry
Palmer, Steve Siddoway and Dean Willis.
Item 1: Roll -call Attendance:
Roll call.
X David Zaremba X Joe Borton
X Charlie Rountree X Keith Bird
X Genesis Milam X Lucas Cavener
X Mayor Tammy de Weerd
De Weerd: Okay. Now that Todd is here we will go ahead and start the meeting. I'd
like to welcome all of you to the City Council meeting. We always enjoy seeing our
young scouts here, as well as our residents and some familiar faces from our citizen
commissioners. So, welcome. For the record it is Tuesday, February 17th. It's 6:00
o'clock. We will start with roll call attendance, Madam Clerk.
Item 2: Pledge of Allegiance
De Weerd: Item No. 2 is our Pledge of Allegiance. If you will all rise and join us in the
pledge to our flag.
(Pledge of Allegiance recited.)
Item 3: Community Invocation by Troy Drake with Calvary Chapel
De Weerd: Item No. 3 is our community invocation. Tonight we will be led by Pastor
Troy Drake. He is with Calvary Chapel. I will ask you to join us in the community
invocation or take this as an opportunity for a moment of reflection. And I will not ask if
you want a City of Meridian pin, but you know you are always welcome to another.
Drake: Lord God in Heaven, first I just want to thank you for this free country that we
live in where we can elect our representatives, God, and we can live where we want to
and work where we want to and we just so appreciate this country that you have given
us and so I pray that we would be good stewards with it and I just have a simple request
of you, God, tonight -- two of them and that's that you would just have peace over the
city of Meridian tonight, that you just protect the citizens and the police officers and
would comfort those who need comfort and also, Lord, that you would bless these
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 2 of 30
people who are seated here, our -- these servants who desire to do good for our city
and so I just pray, God, that you would give them much wisdom and that you would help
them, Lord, to make decisions that are in the best interest for all the people and so we
pray that you would bless them greatly and you had said that righteousness exalts a
nation and I just pray that that would be the desire of these people and the people of our
city and so we lift all these things up to you, God, and to bless this meeting and this
night, in Jesus' name, amen.
De Weerd: Thank you. Always nice seeing you.
Item 4: Adoption of the Agenda
De Weerd: Item No. 4 is adoption of the agenda.
Rountree: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Rountree.
Rountree: Under Item 5-F, the resolution number is 15-1048 and on Item 10, Executive
Session, we need to add a paragraph D as well to consider records that are exempt
from disclosure. With those additions, Madam Mayor, I move that we approve the
agenda.
Bird: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve the agenda as read. All those in
favor say aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Item 5: Consent Agenda
A. Approval of Task Order 10533 to Civil Survey Consultants for
the "AMITY ROAD AND MERIDIAN ROAD WATERLINE
EXTENSION, LOCUST GROVE TO W HARRIS ST" Project for
the Not -To -Exceed Amount of $65,947.00
B. Final Order for Approval: FP 15-001 McLinder Subdivision No.
2 by TS Development, LLC Located at 4650 N. Linder Road and
1437 W. McMillan Road Request: Final Plat Approval
Consisting of Seven (7) Building Lots on 5.37 Acres of Land in
the C -N Zoning District
C. FP 15-002 Coleman by Wal-Mart Real Estate Business Trust
Located Norwest Corner of N. Ten Mile Road and W. McMillan
Road Request: Final Plat Approval Consisting of Five (5)
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 3 of 30
Commercial Lots on Approximately 26.08 Acres in the C -G Zoning
District
D. FP 15-003 Ventana Commons Subdivision by Ventana, LLC Located
East Side of N. Meridian Road Approximately 1,000 Feet North of E.
McMillan Road Request: Final Plat Approval Consisting of Seventy
(70) Single Family Residential Lots and Five (5) Common Lots on
Approximately 18.21 Acres in the R-8 Zoning District
E. Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Meridian and the
Meridian Speedway Regarding a Joint Presentation of the July 4,
2015 Event
F. Resolution No. #15-1048: VAC 15-001 Denison Vacation by Tealey's
Land Surveying Located 3244 W. Salix Drive Request: Vacate a
Portion of the 5- Foot Wide Public Utility, Drainage and Irrigation
(PUDI) Easement Along the South Boundary Lot 17, Block 11 Platted
with Jayker Subdivision No. 1
De Weerd: Item 5 is our Consent Agenda.
Rountree: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Rountree.
Rountree: I move that we approve the Consent Agenda with the previous addition and
authorize the Clerk to attest and the Mayor to sign.
Bird: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve the Consent Agenda. Madam
Clerk, will you call roll.
Roll Call: Bird, yea; Rountree, yea; Zaremba, yea; Borton, yea; Milam, yea; Cavener,
yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Item 6: Community Items/Presentations
A. Presentation of FY2014 Audited Financial Report
De Weerd: Item 6-A is under Community Presentations. We will hear from our auditors
and Finance Department about our audit.
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
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Smith: Thank you, Madam Mayor and Members of the City Council. I'm Kevin Smith,
audit partner with Eide Bailly and I'm here to present the audit results of September
30th, 2014, audited financial statements. We did issue an unmodified or a clean opinion
again this year and a couple of items to note as far as the opinion. There is a
paragraph in your opinion letter that's called an emphasis of a matter and that is due to
new pronouncements that come out occasionally. The Governmental Accounting
Standards Board gets ambitious and issues new pronouncements and this year was
one of those. Did not have much effect on the City of Meridian's financial statements,
but I will explain it to you, because it could have some effect going forward. You will
notice in your balance sheet or your statement net position that there is a new
classification -- any of the property tax that used to be called deferred revenue now has
a new name and a new section in the financial statement, so you will see that noted
and it's now unavailable -- or available resources, rather than deferred revenue, and it
has its own category in the liability section and you will see that. And I also want to
point out that any new debt issuances that you undertake going forward in the future,
the debt issuance cost related to that debt will no longer be capitalized and amortized
over the life of the debt and that's for all governmental entities. When that's expended,
the issuance of that debt, it will be expensed in your financial statements, rather than
amortized over the -- the life of the debt. And, then, also going forward this next year
there is another pronouncement coming out and it's number 68 and that is the -- to
record the unfunded liability of the PERSI. So, with the PERSI there is an unfunded
portion and rather than PERSI recording that on their financial statements, that's going
to be passed out to all governmental entities in the state and that's -- actually, across
the country, but, obviously, you would just be dealing with Idaho's portion. So, that will
be allocated to the City of Meridian, their portion, and, then, that will be recorded as a --
as a liability, probably never to be expended on your part, but as PERSI funds that,
then, if they fund more from next year if that unfunded portion goes down, then, your
liability will also go down with that. A couple of items that I want to highlight throughout
the financial statement. First of all, on the -- as far as the federal expenditures, as we
test the federal expenditures and the internal controls, process, procedures related to
the federal expenditures and also the compliance with the grants, this year we did note
one item that was a control deficiency. As you recall, deficiencies can come in different
categories and the most severe being what's called a material weakness and a material
weakness is in the nature of -- immediate attention needs to be given to that -- that
comment, because internal controls are lacking to the point that it could cause a
material misstatement in the financial statements or in this case in the federal grants.
The next level is significant deficiency and that's where this one has been reported.
Significant deficiency comment relates to a report that was required under the -- under
the grant that was tested and anytime that you give a sub recipient over 25,000 dollars,
then, there is a report that needs to be submitted to the grantor agency, you know,
reporting the debt that was given in an amount that exceeds 25,000 dollars. In the past
that has not been done, you have done some sub recipient awards, but they have not
exceeded the 25,000 dollar amount, so this year there was one that did and so, you
know, as we were doing our testing we noted that and, you know, made that comment
in your report. However, I am happy to report also that management has already
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February 17, 2015
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corrected that and -- that issue and already has the process and procedures in place
going forward, that that will not be overlooked in the future. A couple of other highlights
through the financial statements that I wanted to bring up. In the General Fund and kind
of the end report card in the General Fund, of course, is, you know, being the fund
balance and where we are at with the fund balance. And, obviously, in the past few
years, you know, we have seen that -- we have seen that increase, but, you know, a lot
of that fund balance is restricted or set aside for nonspendable items that are restricted
for specific purposes. Right now your General Fund balance is about 32 million -- 32.6
million dollars. Seventeen million of that is restricted or assigned to specific purposes.
Fifteen point four million dollars is -- is unassigned in the unassigned category.
However, I know that you have a policy or, you know, recommendation that you, you
know, keep that unassigned balance to, you know, four months reserve, which equals
about 12 million dollars. So, taking that 12 million dollars out of that unassigned portion
leaves you 3.4 million dollars of money that's available to spend. In the Enterprise
Fund, the net position is approximately 247 million dollars. Two hundred and eight
million dollars of that is tied up in fixed assets, so that means that you have purchased
fixed assets with that on your balance sheet of 208 million dollars of fixed assets. So,
39 million dollars of that is unrestricted of the 247 million dollars. However, as I look
through the -- the operations of the Enterprise Fund, you know, being water and sewer,
you know, we note that there are, you know, operating expense increased by 32
percent this past year and as growth continues, you know, that expense will continue to
increase and there are some large projects going on, you know, currently in the city. A
couple other things that we noted. One was property tax revenue had increased about
1.7 million dollars. Property tax revenue makes up about 56 percent of your General
Fund revenues and is significant, about eight percent increase. We also noted that your
building permits sold was a highlight. When you look at the graphs that's in
management discussion analysis, it's interesting that the residential building permits has
somewhat leveled. A little bit of increase, but not a lot. But when you look at the
commercial side in the last three years it has showed some significant growth and, you
know, I think we have had those discussions, you know, several years ago, we talked
about, you know, that balance between commercial growth and residential growth and,
you know, it was to opposite, you know, ten -- ten years ago commercial -- or the
residential growth was -- was the one that was, you know, increasing on the charts
significantly and the commercial was fairly flat, so is reversed, which, you know,
commercial growth is good growth, it builds your property tax base. And also, you
know, we note that as you budget -- you know, we looked at the budget and the budget
is very conservative and the expenditures come in, there is a lot of budget for capital
outlay and some of those projects just, you know, don't come to fruition or in the middle
of them and so those will continue and some of these items are difficult to budget for, as
you look at capital projects and when they will -- when they will take place. As are some
of the building permits, I mean you just don't know from year to year what's going to
transpire and so you, you know, give it your best estimate. And with that -- we went
through finance statements also, you know, we are happy to report that we did not have
any audit adjustments and that is significant -- significant because as you're making
decisions during the year, you know, you can be assured that the financial information
that you're receiving, you know, from -- from the accounting staff here at the City of
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February 17, 2015
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Meridian is good in order and that's not the case everywhere we go to audit. There is
many times -- oftentimes we issue -- or we have several adjustments to the information
that they have provided to us. So, they take their jobs very serious and they do a great
job and process and procedures are in place and controls work and the financial
information is in -- in good order and we appreciate the cooperation that they give us as
we ask questions and I have reported before -- I know when we come in we spend a
couple weeks in here and bring a team of four or five people sometimes and we are
very disruptive and we recognize that. We ask questions and they provide us
documents and reconciliations of those -- for those -- answers to those questions and,
then, after we look at that documentation we ask some more questions and they just
continue to provide, you know, good, solid answers and, you know, ones that, you
know, satisfy our questions. So, we do appreciate their -- their efforts. And with that
will open it up to any questions you may have related to the audit process or the
financial statements.
De Weerd: Thank you, Kevin. Council, any questions?
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: No, I -- just a comment. Very good audit again. After all these years you and Rita
should know how to do this pretty well. I think both of you have been involved in every
audit we have done here, so thank you very much, Kevin. It's very nice. It's nice to look
at something and know that it's been done and done pretty right. Thank you.
Smith: Thank you.
De Weerd: Anything further from Council?
Rountree: I have no questions.
De Weerd: Okay. Well, thank you.
Smith: Thank you.
De Weerd: I know Stacy at some point really wants that hard-hitting question for the
auditor just to make her feel like we got our money's worth or that you read it.
Bird: We got our money's worth.
De Weerd: So, if there is nothing further -- again, we'd like to extend our appreciation to
our staff. We know that these audits get more complicated every year as we get new --
new circumstances and new regulations and -- and so we think we have the best staff
around. So, thank you to both of you and if you will pass our appreciation on to the rest
of the team. So, do we take -- we need a resolution or -- okay.
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
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Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: I would move that accept the audit as presented and to present a resolution next
week.
De Weerd: No, we don't need a resolution.
Bird: Yeah, we do need a resolution, don't we? Oh. Okay. I just made a motion that
we accept the audit as presented.
Rountree: Second.
De Weerd: Okay. I have a motion and a second to accept the audit as presented.
Madam Clerk, will you call roll.
Roll Call: Bird, yea, Rountree, yea; Zaremba, yea, Borton, yea; Milam, yea; Cavener,
yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried. Thank you again.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
B. Historic Preservation Commission 2014 Annual Report
De Weerd: Item 6-13 is our annual report by our HPC. Blaine, thank you for being here
with us.
Johnston: Madam Mayor, Members of the City Council, my name is Blaine Johnston
and I am chairman of Meridian Historic Preservation Commission and I'd like to thank
you to -- for letting me summarize what HPC has done for this past year and with the
help of Ms. Jones running the visual I will get through this. In 2014 we completed a
partnership with TAG, a historical research consulting group, to develop a five year plan
for the commission. The goal of this partnership was to identify and prioritize the areas
of historic significance within the City of Meridian determining which areas are a greater
risk of losing their structural integrity and are being compromised by development. This
plan was adopted by the commission presented to City Council. It was adopted by
Resolution No. 14-995. The plan will be included in the City of Meridian Comprehensive
Plan that is scheduled to be updated April of 2015. In May 2014 we launched -- we
launched the new walking tour to promote historic preservation month. We had
community volunteers provide help so we could host a few activities for families in the
City Hall plaza. Event attendees could take a walking tour before participating in other
activities. The Commissioners were also available at the Pine Street school and the
school district graciously opened the building so our visitors could get a rare look inside.
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
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Additionally, Jim Zamzow was on site and offered tours of the feed mill to guests. This
was such a gift as most people have never seen -- never -- excuse me. This was such
a gift as most people had never had an opportunity to see this historic structure in
action. We had commissioners, volunteers, and city staff in the plaza to help attendees
download QR reader apps and assist with technology questions. We also had the
pleasure of Mrs. Birch and some of her third grade students who were available to
answer questions about their project. These students really make the walking tour a
treasure. Brian Schreiner from the Arts Commission attended and taught many art
lessons to students from -- relaying some basic how to's regarding the structures.
Mayor Tammy attended and presented a proclamation for Historic Preservation Month.
This event was one of the most well attended events that HPC has hosted and it is
wonderful to interact with the community and show what our commission has achieved
the past year. We are looking forward to continuing our walking tour this year and we
are set to launch phase two in May. Our friends were creating their presentations and
we will be making a new set of videos available on the city website and to the walking
tour in the next couple of months. In case you have not had an opportunity to view one
of the presentations we will play one now. You can watch this or other videos by
scanning your QR codes on a walking tour brochure.
(Video played.)
Johnston: MDC continues to be one of our greatest supporters. It is through their
generosity that we have been able to offer the walking tour to all third grade West Ada
students. MDC has funded busing so these students have the opportunity to receive
guided tours of City Hall and Pine Street school before venturing out in small groups to
take the walking tour. These students will have an opportunity to learn about local
government and to see the success of their fellow student presentations. We hosted
tours during September and October and we will begin again in April. I want to say a
huge thank you to our awesome community volunteers and city staff who have
volunteered their time in hosting these tours. We are always looking for additional
volunteers to lead tours here at City Hall, so if this is something that you're interested in
please let the city clerk's office know. In November I attended National Trust for Historic
Places national conference. The biggest thing we got out of that was the need for
preserving historic downtown and by doing that creating districts and here is some
important notes that we got from that. According to the National Trust for Historic
Places, one, local districts protect the investment of the owners and residents of historic
properties. Insensitive or poor development can make an area less attractive to
investors and home buyers and, thus, undermine property value. In contrast, historic
designation encourages people to buy and rehabilitate properties, because they know
their investments are protected over time. Properties within the local historic districts
appreciate greater -- appreciate at rates greater than local market and faster than
nondesignated neighborhoods. Findings on this are consistent across the country.
Moreover, recent analysis shows historic districts are less vulnerable to market volatility
from interest rate fluctuation and economic downturns. Local districts encourage better
quality design. In this case better design equals greater sense of cohesiveness and
innovative use of materials and greater public appeal. All of which are shown to occur
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 9 of 30
more often within designated districts than nondesignated ones. Local districts help the
environment. Local districts encourage communities to retain and use their existing
resources in established neighborhoods. This reduces the need for cars, cuts back on
pollution and congestion and eliminates landfill waste. Local districts are energy
efficient. Many older buildings were designed with energy conversation in mind, taking
advantage of natural light, cross -ventilation, and climate appropriate materials.
Preservation commissions are increasingly improving their design guidelines to make it
easier for historic building owners to use renewable energy technologies. Historic
districts are a vehicle for education. They are a tangible link to the past and a way to
put meaning to history and to people's lives. They preserve the original character of
buildings and streets, while welcome growth and elevations within those spaces. They
are a living, active record of communities and the residents. Historic districts positively
impact the local community through tourism and an esthetic, cohesive, and promoted
district can be a community's most important attraction. According to a 2009 report, 78
percent of all U.S. leisure travelers are cultural and/or heritage travelers who spent on
average 994 dollars on their most recent trips, compared to 611 dollars spent by
noncultural heritage travelers. Protecting local historic districts can enhance business
recruitment potential. Elaborate commercial cores and charming neighborhoods with
character attract new business and quality industry. Companies continually relocated to
communities that offer workers a higher quality of life with successful preservation
programs and stable district enhancement. Local districts provide social and
psychological benefits. People living in historic districts enjoy the comfort of a human
scale environment, a mix of esthetics and functionality that fit the average person's
dimensions and capabilities. The opportunity to live and work in attractive surroundings,
recognizable and walking -- walkable neighborhood and galvanizing the effect of
community-based group action. Local districts give communities a voice in the future.
By participating in the designation process citizens can help direct the community's
path, making these decisions together in a structured way, rather than behind closed
doors or without public comment. Give everyone involved a sense of empowerment
and confidence. It's award season again. The commission will be nominating the
walking tour for awards from the State Historic Preservation Office, American
Association for State and Local History, and the Idaho Association -- Association of
Idaho Cities. These types of awards are a wonderful way to recognize our community
and to the priority we place on our local history. American Association of State and
Local Histories is the most prestigious agency that recognizes community projects. It is
a national award and introduced Meridian and our work on a national stage. These
awards will be announced this coming summer and we will keep you posted.
Commissioner Nesbitt has worked diligently this past year in leading a subcommittee
that has been developing and writing the curriculum for continuing education units for
Meridian's teachers. These credits will be available this coming summer and will be
accredited to Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa. The purpose of this
subcommittee is that by providing Meridian's educators with information they will be
successfully conveying and teaching Meridian's history to our local students. The
curriculum includes Meridian's early irrigation history and highlights the settlers who
moved to the area in response to the Desert Land Act of 1860 and discusses Meridian
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 10 of 30
as a farming and dairy community. I'd like to thank you for all your support and I'm
happy to answer any questions at this time.
De Weerd: Thank you, Blaine. That was quite the year, wasn't it? Council, any
questions?
Bird: Just thank you.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Not so much a question, just more of a comment, and it's really to the entire
commission. I think in the years that I have witnessed the HPC, you have as a group
have been more active and more involved in our community than any commission
before you and sincere appreciation and thanks for doing that. I'm really excited to hear
about phase two of the walking tour and I think that's going to be excellent and I love
hearing about this continuing education that Commissioner Nesbitt is working on. So,
keep up the great work. This is incredible. I also think it's really important that we as a
Council recognize the great work that Jacy Jones has done in getting this commission
moving and keeping them on task. I know when you -- when we sit up here we often
rely on people to keep us on task and Jacy Jones does a great job and I'm excited to
hear all the things you guys are going to accomplish in 2015. Well done.
Johnston: Thank you.
De Weerd: Thank you. And for sure, Jacy and Brian McClure were movers and
shakers behind the walking tour and the sub group that was pulled together, but I would
echo what City Councilman Cavener just mentioned in terms of the accomplishments
that you all have had over this last year and the energy that it has created. There is a
lot of interest in -- in the school system with the classes that are coming here to take the
tours. The kids are going home and talking about it with their parents, which is really
what we had envisioned. In fact, I had talked to a couple of parents at separate events,
separate times and they mentioned it. So, people are enjoying this historical walking
tour and I know it was a topic of conversation at the Association of Idaho Cities
conference last year where they got to come over, look at what we have done and how
easy it's replicated in other communities throughout the state. So, big -- big
congratulations on completing that first phase and, like Mr. Cavener said, I look forward
to seeing phase two and I love what Mary Mac has done with the education piece and
doing it in the -- the voice of the kids. Tremendous.
Johnston: And I have to thank the City Council, you guys have supported us greatly.
Ms. Jones, Mr. Nary, their support has been wonderful and when we went to Savannah
our walking tour brochure -- far, far better than theirs. So, thank you very much.
De Weerd: Thank you, Blaine. Appreciate you joining us.
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 11 of 30
C. Parks Commission 2014 Annual Report
De Weerd: Item 6-C is our annual report from our Parks Commission, who has equally
been busy, so we look forward to your report, Matt. You bring props, you know, slide
show?
Stoll: Mayor de Weerd, I bring myself. No slide show. Sorry. Council Members, my
name is Matt Stoll, I am the parks -- Meridian Parks and Recreation Commission
president for this year. As you recall, last year I did a similar presentation, I thought that
was my one term, but, unfortunately, we had some unforeseen circumstances and as
part of that I wanted to acknowledge my fellow commissioners and the work that they do
and the numerous hours. Our outgoing vice-president would be here -- Tiffany
Coleman has left the commission to take care of many of the family issues that she has
and just work requirements that she has and I want to thank Tiffany for the work she
has put in over the years and the support she's provided the City of Meridian. Creg
Steele is now our vice-president and, as you know, Craig is an ongoing fixture on the
commission and served for numerous years. Treg Bernt is also on the commission.
Sharon Borton, William Fitzgerald, Kent Goldthorpe, Phil Liddell, John Nesmith, and,
then, our newest commissioner Jody Greer will be joining us and we are glad to have
her on the board and have her energy. Our 2014 highlights -- our first commission goal
-- priority goal was to participate in the upcoming updating of the Comprehensive Parks
System and Master Plan. We developed an RFP and selected consultants for the
project over this past year and we are proud to say that the project was launched at the
end of January through focus groups and a town hall meeting and we are looking
forward to working with the citizens of our community in identifying what the parks and
recreations needs are going to be over the next 20 years. Our second all commission
goal was to work on and design -- work on and design and construction of a new dog
park in Storey Park to replace the existing Bark Park. As you're aware, we have gone
through some challenges on the bidding process, but the commission rolled up its
sleeves, worked with commission staff, and identified the appropriate design, what were
the recommendations that we had as far as what the critical elements were going to be
and I'm glad to hear that we had a successful vender that's been selected and a firm
and construction will start this year in the spring or summer. Our third commission goal
is to continue pursuing additional funding resources for future pathway construction
opportunities. As you're aware, we received a Federal Highway Administration fund to
study the arterial road crossings for the Rail With Trails project. That was started in July
of 2014 and completed in late November 2014 and staff are going around with the
rubber chicken circuit and highlighting the study that was done and identifying the needs
for additional revenue to complete the next phase of that study. We also constructed
the Five Mile Creek Pathway Segment E at Bridgetower, which stretched from Ten Mile
to Linder Road that was completed in July of 2014, ACHD paved the pathway
connecting segment E to Linder in September of this year -- last year and, then, we
installed -- distance markers were installed on Bud Porter Pathway in the spring of 2014
and, then, pathway directional signage was -- were installed along Bud Porter, Diane
and Winston Moore and the Five File Creek Pathways. Pathways are a key focus for
the commission and we are looking forward to the upcoming year. We are working on
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 12 of 30
that. Some other items that are of note. We did a ribbon cutting at the 8th Street Park,
with the newly installed playground and restroom facilities and that was the parks and
rec commission's -- very glad that you were able to fund it through a CDBG grant and
we are -- the citizens are even more happy about that. Additionally there was restroom
facilities installed at Centennial Park and that's a much needed facility and also adding
to our more mature parks and helping folks that are utilizing those to not have to run into
awkward situations. Additionally we installed -- park dedication plaques were installed
in all parks during the summer of 2014, the ongoing saga of ours and an effort that we
have focused in on wanting to have recognition of past councils and past commissions
on the work that they have done in developing our parks system. We also hosted in the
fall this last year the first disk golf tournament and that was fairly successful. The
proceeds from that are going to be used for park improvements I believe at Kleiner Park
where we are going to be installing barbecue systems to be utilized by the general
public. So, just an ongoing effort to continue developing our parks to meet the needs of
the citizens. Events that have been going on -- oh, sorry. Forgot -- how can I forget
about the tennis courts that were recently constructed at Settler's Park and we are
looking forward to the ribbon cutting that will be going on later on this year. That's,
along with the pickle ball courts, are much desired facilities. Events that we have had.
Our Christmas tree lighting ceremony has been a great event over the past years due to
the commitment of staff and volunteers. It's an ongoing treasure for the City of
Meridian. It also is an opportunity for people that have not been able to participate in
activities within the city of Meridian to get involved. That's how we found our new
Commissioner Greer. She volunteered to participate in the Christmas tree lighting
ceremony and parade and now is on the parks and rec commission. Willingly. The
Winterland festival, of course, is a success and it benefits organizations and families in
need and as I mentioned earlier with Winterland Parade was also a rousing success.
Our upcoming goals of note for 2015 -- and in priority order we are looking for update of
the parks and recreation master plan, because it lays out our path forward for the
upcoming 20 years and what the needs are as we continue to grow and we want to
maintain that quality of life that we all enjoy and love with the City of Meridian. Also the
commission is looking forward to participating in and supporting the planning and
construction of a Meridian YMCA facility to the south. We are looking forward to the
opening of the Storey Dog Park to the public in 2015 and developing a connective
pathway system across the City of Meridian, especially focusing in on the Five Mile
Creek as our top priority. And we are also going to be working with our fellow task
forces, commissions, and other entities and agencies through workshops to look at
where we can partner on joint projects. We met this past year with the Meridian Library
District to look at how we can get books into the parks to be utilized and we will continue
to explorer those options and working with the fellow cities around the region and how
we can connect our pathway system. And, then, we are going to be exploring additional
tools and opportunity in how we can get additional information out to the public on parks
facilities and recreational opportunities that they have within the City of Meridian. It
seems that we have to find an app for that. It seems to be the best way to reach out to
the general public. With that I would like to acknowledge the park and rec staff. You
have an outstanding staff. I won't go through all the names of the individuals, because
will forget somebody, but the parks and recollection commission -- parks and recreation
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 13 of 30
department staff are some of the finest people I know. They are always willing to roll up
their sleeves and help us out, but when I talked to the citizens they are always -- your
staff are always rated very high as far as their ability and willingness to work with the
citizens and always to troubleshoot issues as they come up. So, that is a testament to
Steve and the work that he does, but also in the environment that he's created within
that department. And, then, I cannot leave off Councilmember Cavener. This past year
he has been a joy to have at our commission meeting and we have enjoyed his service.
With that I will stand for any questions.
De Weerd: Thank you, Matt. Council, any questions?
Bird: Just thank you.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Maybe one question. Well, two. First, do you know what the word joy
means, just out of curiosity. I don't know if it's a joy to have me, but I appreciate you
saying that.
Stoll: It makes my heart swell.
Cavener: Oh, that's so nice of you to say. My question was about the disk golf
tournament and of your feedback. I love the fact that are we using that as a mechanism
to raise funds. Do you think that piece translated to those that participated or was it
typically those that support a lot of city events just because they believe in the city?
Stoll: I think it was a mixture. You had some folks that were trying it out that normally
don't, that participate in the regular golf outings that we have, and -- but they support
parks and recreation. And, then, you also had folks that are into disk golfing that were
there and wanted to participate in it. I believe that the barbecue facilities -- that that's
something that people that are participating in disk golf are going to be using. It's also a
needed addition to our facilities, that I think overall the parks and recreation customers
are going to utilize and appreciate and appreciate. It's just the unfortunate thing is the
limited funds that we have available.
Cavener: Sure. Mayor, maybe another comment?
De Weerd: Uh-huh.
Cavener: One of the things I really appreciate of the parks and rec commission is you
guys are an active body and I think that's really illustrated tonight where you outline
these are plans for next year. It's so easy to be confronted with the fire that's in front of
you and only focus on that and I really appreciate that you're looking at things that
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 14 of 30
impact us today and things that impact us down the road. I loved hearing your priorities
for next year, look forward to seeing what you are going to do. Appreciate it.
Stoll: Thank you.
Rountree: Thanks, Matt.
De Weerd: Anything further from Council? I would just like to mention that the parks
have been able to leverage resources better than any department in the city and
certainly I know that it's a necessary way of life for the parks department because of the
priority we have in public safety, but the way that the commission is engaged in those
partnerships and seeing how we can leverage it, you mentioned several community
events that have become greater community events because of the activity and
engagement from our commission. Just like Jo was recruited to participate in the
Winter Light Parade and now is now sitting in the seat of being an even more engaged
participant. You have no hesitancy in reaching across the aisle and seeing how we can
continue to build this Class A park system by engaging and involving and totally
immersing yourselves and that is truly very rewarding and I think that's why our parks
work so cohesively because of that relationship between the parks, the park staff, the
commission and the citizens. So, I'd just like to thank you certainly and through our
public master planning process we have learned that our community thinks that we
have the best park system around and they are right. I agree with them. I know I'm
biased, but it was -- it was confirmed in our citizen survey. It was confirmed again in the
outreach that you had in engaging people through the parks master plan. So, just all of
that we are just incredibly thankful for what the commission does and certainly for our
parks staff as a whole. We do have the best in the nation and it's all -- it all stems
around the people. So, thank you.
Stoll: Well -- and we appreciate your support, because, quite frankly, we wouldn't be
able to accomplish the things we do if we didn't have the support of the Council and the
Mayor.
De Weerd: Thank you, Matt.
Stoll: Thank you.
De Weerd: And, hopefully, we will see you -- it is a shameless plug -- next Monday is
Ignite Youth. It is one of those events that the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council and the
parks department put together and in giving a platform for our youth to express their
ideas and -- and some of them serious, some of them crazy. We will hear about puffins,
why Idaho should be renamed. We will even hear topics as heavy metal bands, breast
cancer and people with curly hair. Something like that. So, if I whetted your appetite to
come and join us, it is at the Idaho Party Barn on Overland and it starts on 6:00 o'clock
or is it 6:30, Steve? But it's always a very eventful evening with some great
conversation. Thank you.
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 15 of 30
Stoll: Thank you.
D. Transportation Commission 2014 Annual Report
De Weerd: Okay. Item 6-D is our transportation commission. Ryan, thank you for
joining us.
Lancaster: Thank you, Madam Mayor and Council Members. So, I understand that I'm
the -- the last commission report on the agenda tonight and so I know everyone likes
the last to be fastest and so we will see what we can do. So, just a quick refresher of
what our commission is. We have nine commissioners, all volunteers, all citizens or
business associates. So, the commission is made up of -- we have some expertise in
the -- in the matter of transportation. I'm a civil engineer, a transportation engineer.
Another commissioner is as well. We have a retired planner. We have a business
owner or two on there. So, you know, we have some breadth and, you know,
perspective on what our transportation system should be. We have a member of MYAC
on the committee and we have had two this year. One graduated and went off to
college. Imagine that. Right? And I will note that those two MYAC members, they
have served quite well. You know, they -- they are not overwhelmed by us old guys and
gals and -- and have made some -- you know, some good contributions. We do have
an opening on the commission currently and I understand, Madam Mayor, that you're
planning to resolve that quickly. So, I served as the chairman of the commission in
2014, as well as since the commission's inception in 2013, and Commissioner Tracy
Hopkins was the vice-chairman. So, I was the last chairman taking over from Mr. Nary
from the traffic safety commission, the first commissioner of the transportation
commission and have done that since its inception and so last month in January we
elected new officers and Commissioner Hopkins is the new chairman of the commission
and Commissioner Ballard, who is sitting behind me, hopefully not throwing too many
things at me, is the new vice-chairman. So, I figured it was time for someone else to
have the opportunity that I have had. So, in addition to the nine commissioners, there is
some ex -officio commissioners, including Councilman Zaremba, you might, you know,
recognize him. As well as the various transportation agencies, you know, that relate or
that do business with, if you will, with Meridian, including the school district. We also
had city representation through Caleb Hood and Mr. Baird is -- is always with us and
there is, you know, city representation that joins us periodically from the Parks
Department or Public Works Department or Police Department. Those three sort of
more than any others. So, I will talk briefly about some of the topics that we discussed
in our meetings. I learned from the historical commission that we need to take more
pictures, so that my presentation is more interesting. For the most part we just sit
where you sit. But Caleb gives us monthly updates on transportation projects that are
going on in the city, either about to begin construction or in construction or wrapping up
construction. So, two projects, you know, sort of rise to the top, obviously, in the
Meridian split corridor phase two and, then, the currently under construction Meridian
interchange. So, we get monthly updates on those, get the chance to ask questions
and have some input that way. So, because Caleb is a planner he has us do all sorts of
planning things, so being an engineer I try to make it engineery and somehow we make
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 16 of 30
it work, so I'm sure Councilman Rountree can relate to that friction, I suppose, so -- so,
we have -- so, we have been involved with several planning efforts. ACHD's five year
plan, you know, so -- so, almost immediate projects to COMPASS's Communities In
Motion 2040 plan. So, lots of discussion about planning, lots of presentations there.
We do our best to give our input on project prioritization and, then, bring it to you. There
is issues that we talk about from time to time. Access management seemed to be a hot
topic there for a few months. We would often have -- or we sometimes have one
individual come and make a presentation to us and when they didn't get the answer
from us that they wanted, they brought 300 of their closest friends to you, so you're
welcome. Another issue that we talked about was seatbelt legislation or emphasis on
seatbelts that MYAC brought to us. Cut -through. There is some neighborhoods in the
city that seem to be prone to cut -through traffic and, you know, some of these are
recurring themes. Pedestrian traffic and -- near Scentsy and speed limits were two
topics or two issues brought to us by Sergeant Gonzales of the police department. So,
on the issue of speed limits -- and I will just say this briefly, I guess. I -- I won't get too
into it, but, you know, he brought us an issue with -- or, yeah, an issue with speed limits
on the -- on the two -- well, on two of the state highways through Meridian, so State
Highway 55, which is Eagle Road, and State Highway 69, which is Meridian Road south
of the interstate. The Idaho Transportation Department did do an engineering study on
Eagle Road and brought their -- I guess findings to us, but to date no action has been
taken, and any study of Meridian Road is on hold until the interchange is constructed.
It's kind of pointless to -- to do much studying of the area until that's completed. So,
that's just a sampling of some of the issues that we have talked about. We have had
lots of presentations to our commission. Part of I guess training for our commission.
You know, like -- like I described, we have, you know, a breadth of perspective and
experience, but not necessarily depth in each of these topics. Even me in -- with a
career in transportation, topics like development review and impact fees, you know,
don't have the depth that -- that we, I guess, were instructed on in these presentations.
You have heard, you know, that the parks commission talked about doing a dog and
pony show about the Rails With Trails project and we were part of that. Illumination has
been a topic that's ongoing currently and my favorite topic roundabouts. So, I'm a
proponent there. So, one topic that our commission has been involved with quite a bit is
transit planning. So, two of the commissioners, in addition to their commissioner
responsibilities, have volunteered on transit planning committees with Caleb and with
Councilman Zaremba. So, we have been involved with, have made recommendations
on, have received updates on, the Saturday fun bus route, which -- which is shown
here. I did get a couple pictures in here. And, then, finally, we did meet every month
this year. So, we had 12 commission meetings. We did take a break in the middle of
the summer and took a field trip to the Ada County Highway District to tour their sign
shop and traffic management center. So, if I think that's a -- a slice, anyway, of the
topics that our commission has discussed, the types of things that we have done, that
we have been involved with, and, you know, I think some of these topics will probably
look familiar to you as topics that have come from us to -- to the City Council. So, that's
my presentation and if you have any questions or comments I'm -- I will stand for them.
De Weerd: Thank you, Ryan. Council, any questions?
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 17 of 30
Bird: I have none. Good presentation.
Cavener: Madam Mayor? Sorry to keep -- I do have a question, if that's okay. Ryan,
one of the things I was hopeful to hear from you is what are your areas of focus for the
next year? I mean are there things that the commission sees as a priority that they
need to be paying more attention to or something that you want to focus as a group and
really explore? Do you have any -- any thoughts in your head?
Lancaster: You know, we do -- you know, we keep a running list of future topics and
can't give those to you off the top of my head, unfortunately, I apologize. I know
illumination will continue to be a topic that goes into the next year. Certainly, you know,
getting -- you know, looking forward to the completion of both the interstate and the
Meridian interchange are I think high on the interest of the commission. Without our
next month's agenda in front of me with our future topics, I apologize, I can't answer any
better than that.
Cavener: Okay. Thanks.
De Weerd: And I'm glad you mentioned the rebuild of the Meridian interchange is
something to look forward to being completed. Certainly the transportation commission
was very actively involved. Several of your members sat on a task force that -- that
really recreated a lot of focus and momentum to getting it where it is today. So, we
appreciate that. Certainly to Councilman Rountree for his leadership on that as well.
Something that we will probably be busy with as well is starting to plan for the Pine
Street improvements from Meridian Road to Locust Grove and -- and that entry corridor,
again, into our downtown. Once we complete one I guess we have to start the other;
right? So, we appreciate your focus. This commission does have a number of citizens
that come in front of it, because of cut -through traffic, because of speeding in their
subdivisions and you all are -- are really helpful in seeking solutions to helping slow
the traffic and create safer neighbors. So, we appreciate your advocacy on behalf our
citizens and attention that you give to them and certainly the respect. So, we
appreciate, Ryan, your leadership that you have given over the last several years on the
official transportation commission and the traffic safety commission prior to that. So,
thank you so much for being here with us tonight.
Lancaster: You're welcome. It's my pleasure.
Item 7: Items Moved From Consent Agenda
De Weerd: Okay. There were no items moved from the Consent Agenda.
Item 8: Action Items
A. Continued from January 27, 2015: FP 14-046 Jump Creek by
Kent Brown Located Northwest Corner of N. Black Cat Road
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 18 of 30
and W. McMillan Road Request: Final Plat Approval Consisting
of Sixty -Three (63) Single Family Residential Lots and Eleven
(11) Common Lots on Approximately 16.68 Acres in the R-8
and R-15 Zoning Districts
De Weerd: So, we will move into Action Items. 8-A is continued from January 27th on
Final Plat 14-046. 1 will turn this over to Bill.
Parsons: Thank you, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. As the Mayor stated,
this item has been continued out and I am happy to report to the Council that the
submitted final plat does comply with the approved preliminary. This is the first phase of
the Jump Creek Subdivision. The applicant wanted to work with staff on one of the
conditions of approval in the staff report and that had to do with their pond design or
their detention ponds within their subdivision. Under the UDC there are some specific
design criteria that they have to meet in order to count that as open space and we have
hit some snags with them in the past and so we all wanted to get on the same page
moving forward with this project. I believe we have done that. We have had several
meetings with the applicant. They have also met with ACHD on numerous occasions to
understand what their requirements are moving forward. So, I believe we are all on the
same page. The applicant is in agreement with all conditions in the staff report and
would be happy to answer any questions you have.
De Weerd: Thank you, Bill. Council, any questions for Bill?
Bird: I have none.
Rountree: I have none.
De Weerd: Does the applicant have anything to add? Thank you.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: Seeing none, I move we approve FP 14-046, include all staff, applicant
comments.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve Item 8-A. Madam Clerk, will you
call roll.
Roll Call: Bird, yea, Rountree, yea, Zaremba, yea; Borton, yea; Milam, yea; Cavener,
yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 19 of 30
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
B. Public Hearing: PP 14-020 Accommodations Subdivision by
Providence Management, LLC Located South Side of E. Falcon
Drive and East of S. Eagle Road Request: Preliminary Plat
Approval Consisting of Fourteen (14) Single Family Residential
Lots and Three (3) Common Lots on Approximately 4.71 Acres
in the R-4 Zoning District
De Weerd: Item 8-B is a public hearing on PP 14-020. 1 will open this public hearing
with staff comments.
Parsons: Thank you, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. Next hearing item is the
Accommodations Subdivision. Currently consists of 4.71 acres of land, zoned R-4
within the city. You can see here that over the last few years urban development has
rapidly transitioned around the county subdivision along the south and also to the east.
This property was before you in 2006 and was part of the Harcort Subdivision, which
included 70 residential lots and I believe six common lots on this 4.7 acre piece is a
remnant piece left over from that approval in 2006 and since then the development --
developer of this project came before you in 2013 and actually platted this portion
known as Carmel Subdivision. So, this is just, basically, extension of what Harcort was
originally envisioned in 2006. The proposed preliminary plat consists of 14 residential
lots. There is an existing home that will remain as part of the development, so we are
looking at one existing home remaining and 13 new residential subdivisions. The road
extension would be from a dead end cul-de-sac here, which was consistent with that
plan that you looked at in 2006. This does tie into East Falcon Drive, which provides an
outlet to South Eagle Road and is also aligned with Caleb Place -- or Caleb Way
developed within the Carmel Subdivision to the north, which provides an outlet to South
Victory Road -- or, excuse me, East Victory Road for another connection point out of
this area. Staff is not recommending any stub streets with the proposed development.
One notable difference from this plat versus the other. The applicant is proposing to
extend sewer across the adjacent property to the west into this site and, then, this will
also be a common lot and staff has conditioned that that be a micropath lot that
provides connectivity adjacent to the west as well. When this originally came in it did
not include that. Open space for this subdivision is minimal. We are looking at 0.21
acres of land. Because this site is being developed by the same developer as the
previous development to the north, they will be -- these two subdivisions will be married
and they will share the open space between both of them. So, with this plat and the
subdivision to the north there is an excess of over ten percent open space, which it was
-- it was originally intended back in 2006. The applicant has also provided sample
elevations for you to look at this evening. These are pretty consistent to what is
currently being constructed or has been constructed within the subdivision to the north.
Staff finds that the proposed building materials are consistent with the surrounding area
and contribute to the design theme in the area as well. At the public hearing the
applicant did testify that they plan on constructing six foot vinyl fencing along the
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 20 of 30
perimeter of the subdivision consistent to the fencing in the surrounding areas as well.
So, that was important to the neighbors. Excuse me. The Planning and Zoning
Commission did recommend approval at their January 15th hearing with no
modifications to the staff report. The developer and his representative testified in favor
of the project. Brady Turner testified in opposition. His primary concerns were about
the transitional lot sizes along that south boundary and possible limiting the homes to
that -- on that boundary to single story, which was consistent with your approval with the
Kingsbridge Subdivision, which is also adjacent to Dartmoor Subdivision. We had Bob
Aldridge and Harry Krasinski testimony as neutral. They said they were in support of
the project. Their primary concern was traffic on Eagle Road, which is increasing as
development continues. Mike Stout submitted written testimony in opposition as well
and he also submitted testimony this evening in opposition of the project. And, then,
key items of discussion by the commission, again, was the transitional lot sizes along
the south boundary. Traffic congestion on Eagle Road. The neighbor to the east Mr.
Krasinski was concerned about maintaining his surface water delivery to his property.
The applicant testified that he would plan on maintaining that per state statute and,
then, also the applicant went on record to state that the fencing materials would be
consistent to that -- that was constructed in the Carmel Subdivision to the north. As
presented to you they plan on doing tan vinyl along the perimeter. Again, changes to
the Commission -- to staff's recommendation. There were none. Written testimony
since the Commission hearing. Mike Stout, Brady and Terri Turner and Brad Beckley
all submitted testimony in opposition. Again, their primary concerns were the
transitional lot sizes and, then, also limiting those homes on that boundary to single
story, consistent with other -- consistent with your past approvals. Other than the
neighborhood opposition, staff does not have any outstanding issues with this project.
The density for this subdivision is consistent with the low density residential designation.
All of the lots do comport to the dimensional standards of the R-4 zone and with that
would stand for any questions you have.
De Weerd: Thank you, Bill. Just I think a point of record. It's Rick Stott, I believe. And
that letter is in your packet. Council, any questions for staff at this time?
Bird: I have none, Mayor.
Rountree: Not right now.
De Weerd: Okay. Would the applicant like to provide testimony? Good evening. If you
will, please, state your name and address for the record.
Wonders: Good evening, Madam Mayor, Councilmen. My name is Scott Wonders with
JUB. 250 South Beachwood Avenue, Boise. 83709. I'm here representing the
applicant and developer Zach Evans, who is also here, if you should have any
questions for him during this application. Bill did a great job of explaining everything. A
couple of highlights with this project. It is going to be, obviously, the same developer
and builder as the Carmel Subdivision to the north. He's going to incorporate that also
with the HOA to Carmel and combine both of those as one, as Bill has already stated.
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 21 of 30
Because this project was under five acres as it stood alone it didn't require any open
space, but we, obviously, went back and made sure that as a combined development
we would still meet that minimum ten percent. A couple items from the last -- the P&Z
hearing in regards to the property to the east and we will go on the record again of we
will make sure we work with Mr. Krasinski with his irrigation, making sure we maintain
that historical -- I guess it would be a discharge for his wastewater to the west, so -- I'm
also here to -- I guess other than that I don't have anything. We are in concurrence with
all staff recommendations with the staff report and here to stand for any questions that
you may have.
De Weerd: Thank you, Scott. Council, any questions at this point?
Rountree: I have none.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you.
Wonder: Thank you.
De Weerd: I did have several people sign up. When I call your name if you would like
to provide testimony I will invite you forward. First Tammy Cook, signed up against.
Okay. Rex Cook also signed up against. Thank you. Good evening. If you will,
please, state your name and address for the record.
Cook: My name is Rex Cook. 3691 South Caleb Place.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Cook: Madam Mayor and Members of the Council, appreciate the opportunity to
express concerns concerning this subdivision that's been proposed. We have always
recognized that development around our -- our area was going to happen at some point
and as Kingsbridge came in we had the opportunity to -- to work with the developer and
the Council and Mayor at the time to help create a subdivision that fit with the area. As
you can see, to the south you have got the Dartmoor Subdivision, which has acre lots
and as Bill pointed out, one of the opposition is keeping the transition of that land and
with Kingsbridge we were able to work with them make their lot sizes that butted up
against Dartmoor to be larger in size and that's the -- I guess the request or the hope is
to be able to work with this developer to -- to make those lots that are butting up against
the Dartmoor Subdivision larger. I think the Harcort plat, when it was approved by
yourselves, there was three large lots along there and I think some of the smaller lots
were moved to the -- that would be to the west side and just makes that transition a little
more palatable I guess for those Dartmoor neighbors. Other than that that's all I had to
present.
De Weerd: Okay. Council, any questions? Thank you so much.
Cook: Thank you.
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 22 of 30
De Weerd: Okay. Michelle Stott signed up against. Thank you. Michael Reedy signed
up against. Okay. Bob Aldridge signed up in favor. And, Bob, if you will, please, state
your name and address for the record.
Aldridge: Bob Aldridge. I'm at 3300 Falcon Drive. I have lived there since -- 30 years
ago I guess now. I'm immediately to the northwest of this project. I have been before
you far too many times saying, A, I wish it was still 1985, but progress will come, and,
therefore, what I want to see is quality development and that has led to working with
surrounding, including this developer immediately adjacent when they did their Carmel
Subdivision. They worked very well with me. We had a large number of irrigation
issues and other issues to work through and they were extremely cooperative in that.
had, obviously, a different perspective in that I'm sitting above all of this than the people
to the south and so those issues don't hit me in the same way they do. But what I want
to see is some good, good development in there and we were before you awhile ago on
the property to the west of this, which was proposed for extremely high density
problems and was properly turned down by this committee and I know that if we get
good, good developers in there that property has at least the hope of the long run of
developing into a good subdivision as well. So, I think that given the fact this is going to
develop, given the fact that it is going to be residential, that I think this developer will do
a good job and I'm pleased with them proceeding with it. I'll leave it to you on the
question of density and so forth for the other neighbors. And I still want to see Eagle
Road south of the Victory -- something done with that traffic. I'd be happy to answer
any questions.
De Weerd: Thank you, Bob. Any questions from Council?
Bird: I have none.
Rountree: I have none. Thank you.
Bird: Thank you, Bob.
De Weerd: Thank you. Okay. Those were the names that signed up. Is there anyone
else who would like to provide testimony on this item? Okay.
Rountree: Madam Mayor, I have a question for Bill. Bill, what was -- what was the
original platting layout for this parcel?
Parsons: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, Councilman Rountree, the original
plat that came before you in 2006 1 believe had five lots along that boundary. A little bit
larger than what you're seeing this evening. But through the public hearing process you
had the applicant continue it out and bring back a revised plat and the neighbors stated
correctly, by the time they got final platted with the city there were three larger lots along
that and they did shift the smaller lots along the west boundary. So, in speaking with
the neighbors I think the -- their desire was to basically lose a lot or, again, shift smaller
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 23 of 30
lots along that west boundary and, then, just have maybe four lots along that south
boundary. I know one -- a couple of neighbors did come down and speak to me for
about a good half an hour. That was Brady and Terri Turner and they are the one
primarily mostly affected. They own this parcel here. And when I was at the
Commission hearing I did testify that this was pretty similar to what was approved back
in the day, not realizing that the final plat had changed from the preliminary plat. So, it
wasn't quite true on the record the way I conveyed it to the Commission, but I did want
to at least -- I told them I would go on the record and say that I erred in making that
comment at the P&Z hearing, but I wanted to state here that I did look at the revised plat
and the one that you acted on and approved has three lots along that boundary.
De Weerd: Thank you, Bill. Any other questions from Council? Okay. Would the
applicant like to make any final remarks? Good evening.
Evans: Zach Evans. Do you want -- do you want my address?
De Weerd: Yes.
Evans: 688 East Giant Saguaro, Meridian, Idaho.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Evans: Yeah, there was discussion at the last meeting about doing fewer lots. I have
had discussions with some of the -- or one or two of the homeowners to the south about
fewer lots. One of the -- or they asked me to maybe put smaller lots over on the west
side of the project. That is difficult, because I have a fixed easement I'm working within
that makes it difficult for me to shift those lot lines around. I can't move that easement
at this point. The other thing, too, is there would maybe be more impact to the
neighbor. There is a small parcel there just to the west of the subdivision, you know,
they would -- they would get more neighbors potentially there. The other thing is, too,
we are only working with -- this is only a 14 lot subdivision, so the elimination of lots is
very costly. I don't have 40, 50 lots to spread that -- that over. And based on ground
cost and development cost, I'm concerned that -- that my land values might get too high
if I eliminate a lot. Any other questions?
Rountree: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Rountree.
Rountree: It's also been suggested that -- put some kind of a plat restriction as to
elevation on the -- in the transition area. What's your comment with respect to that?
Evans: Well, I will say the -- we do build a high number of single level homes. I think
the majority of the homes that I built in -- or the majority of the homes that I built in the
first phase or in Carmel Subdivision -- I think all but two or three were single levels out
of about 30. But I didn't offer to do that -- limit that to single levels.
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 24 of 30
De Weerd: Any other questions? Mr. Borton?
Borton: Madam Mayor. Did you say I did not or --
Evans: I did not.
Borton: Did not. Okay.
De Weerd: Mr. Zaremba.
Zaremba: Madam Mayor. Same subject. Would you accept such a restriction along
the south boundary? Could you live with it?
Evans: So, we are talking about Lots 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 ? All three of those lots. Or all
five of those lots?
Zaremba: The numbers are too small for me to read --
Evans: Okay.
Zaremba: -- but I probably would pick the four eastern most lots and not the fifth on the
west. That appears that it would be big enough that a two story house wouldn't be too
much of a problem there. I'm just guessing, but I'm throwing that out as a direction to
go, that the one triangular lot to the south, which does, in your rendering, abut four
properties. It would be those properties that I would ask about being one story.
Evans: They are eight, nine and ten?
Bird: Yeah.
Evans: So, we would be eliminating eight, nine and ten to single levels? I think I could
agree to that.
Borton: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Borton.
Borton: Councilman Zaremba, are you -- are you referencing those four lots?
Bird: Yes.
Milam: Or five.
Borton: I can't see the numbers, so it's hard to tell lots --
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 25 of 30
Zaremba: I can't see the numbers either, but the way we are looking -- the direction we
are looking at, it would be the four that are --
De Weerd: Seven, eight, nine and ten.
Bird: That's right.
De Weerd: You need to speak on the record.
Zaremba: May I look at that, though, before you take it back?
Borton: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: We do have the Elmo that we can pull up, so we can all see what's going
on.
Zaremba: Well, I -- yeah, I did mean that one. But I'm amenable to the suggestion
that's going now. Madam Mayor, I actually meant the fourth one that is to the right of
those three also. Oops.
Rountree: That took care of it.
De Weerd: I thought, yeah, that --
Zaremba: Now that we have thoroughly --
Bird: He's just showing the three.
Zaremba: Madam Mayor, in my question I was including one more lot to the right for
four out of the five. That one I believe I can read. That's probably 11. So, I'm -- I was
thinking of eight, nine, ten and 11 lot numbers.
De Weerd: So, the lot on the east?
Zaremba: The lot on the east, which appears to be number 11. So, that -- that would
be my question. Could you live with a single story restriction on eight, nine, ten and 11 ?
Evans: Yeah.
Zaremba: All right. Thank you.
De Weerd: Okay.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 26 of 30
Milam: My question is regarding -- I guess with the -- if in 2006 they were able to adjust
the lot and move over -- it didn't sound like today eliminate lots, Bill, or did they just shift
them over so they had smaller lots on the west boundary -- I'm assuming the same
easements existed at that time, so I'm curious how they were able to do that change
then and not now.
Parsons: Madam Mayor, Member of the Council, Councilwoman Milam, in my
presentation to you the applicant -- when this came through in 2006 the sewer wasn't
coming across the adjacent property to the west and they didn't have that common lot.
That's the difference here is they lose that 20 feet. But I can report when Harcort came
through there as a total of 60 lots with that development. With his earlier phases of
Carmel and this subdivision combined there is 53 total buildable lots. So, he's lost three
from what was approved by this Council in 2006. So, although this part of the
subdivision hasn't lost any lots, it's increased one over what you acted on in 2006, if you
look at it as an aggregate all this project has three less lots overall.
Milam: Okay. Thank you.
De Weerd: But I don't think that's what the property owners to the south are thinking.
Any other questions from Council?
Bird: I have none.
De Weerd: Okay. Anything further?
Evans: Nothing further. Thank you.
De Weerd: Thank you, Zach. Thank you, Jacy.
Zaremba: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Zaremba.
Zaremba: I have one more question for Bill if I may.
Parsons: Sorry. Go ahead.
Zaremba: Okay. One of the issues discussed by the Commission was the fencing
material. Tan vinyl. I know you said something about that, but what was the resolution
to that? What wasn't resolved? What was the issue?
Parsons: I mean the neighbors -- I think they want a consistent design theme --
Zaremba: Okay.
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 27 of 30
Parsons: -- out there and so --
Zaremba: And that is what's happening.
Parsons: Yeah. In the staff report I wanted a fencing plan with the final plat to make
sure there was consistent fencing and the developer -- the neighbors wanted that
consistency as well and so they just went on record to testify what they wanted, what
they were proposing for the development, which is consistent with the area.
Zaremba: Okay. Thank you.
De Weerd: Okay. Anything further from Council?
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Question for Bill. And I don't expect you to know the answer, but I'm going to
ask anyway. This neighborhood that's to the south of the proposed neighbor -- the one
that's in the county, are the homes in that neighborhood -- are they single story or are
they multi -story?
Parsons: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, Councilman Cavener, I -- I don't
have an answer for you on that one.
De Weerd: On the --
Cavener: Are they two story on the Google maps?
De Weerd: On which ones?
Cavener: The homes on Caleb I think --
De Weerd: We could certainly ask the neighbor if they -- they live there. They could tell
us. If someone wanted to come forward.
Cavener: Are your homes one story? Two story? They look two story.
Rountree: Rex can tell us.
De Weerd: If you will just state your name again for the record.
Cook: Rex Cook.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you.
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 28 of 30
Cook: We actually have several single -- single story and there are a few two story
homes in the -- in the neighborhood. I'm getting coaching. Sorry.
De Weerd: It's always good to have good coaches.
Cook: It is.
De Weerd: You know. Anything Further?
Cavener: Yes. If I may. Those homes, then, that would face the proposed
development, are those single story or are those two story homes?
De Weerd: You will need to repeat that on the record.
Cook: Okay. So -- so, the home -- Turner's that is directly connecting those four lots --
his is a single story home and, then, the one next to it is a -- is a double story. And,
then, we are around the corner there and we are single story and, then, Bradys is a
single story. And Stotts is a single story in that cul-de-sac, so -- and Kingsbridge is all
single story. That was --
De Weerd: They had the restriction on the --
Evans: They did. And with the larger -- larger lots. They were able to do that.
De Weerd: Okay. Anything further? Okay. Thank you.
Evans: Thank you.
De Weerd: Now, certainly, we give the applicant -- they always get the last word. Do
you have anything further you would like to add? Okay. So, Council?
Zaremba: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Zaremba.
Zaremba: I move we close the public hearing on Item 8-B.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and second to close the public hearing on 8-B. All those in
favor say aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Zaremba: Madam Mayor?
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 29 of 30
De Weerd: Mr. Zaremba.
Zaremba: I move we approve PP 14-020 with all staff and applicant comments and the
additional restriction that Lots 8, 9, 10 and 11 be restricted to single story homes.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Seeing none, Madam
Clerk, will you call roll.
Roll Call: Bird, yea, Rountree, yea, Zaremba, yea; Borton, yea; Milam, yea; Cavener,
yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Item 9: Future Meeting Topics
De Weerd: Council, under Item 9 are there any agenda topics for future consideration --
for future agendas?
Bird: None at this time.
Item 10: Executive Session Per Idaho State Code 67-2345 (1)(a): (a) To
consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or individual
agent, wherein the respective qualities of individuals are to be
evaluated in order to fill a particular vacancy or need. This paragraph
does not apply to filling a vacancy in an elective office or
deliberations about staffing needs in general
Amended onto the agenda Executive Session per Idaho State Code 67-
2345(1)(d): (d) To Consider Records that are Exempt from Disclosure as
Provided in Chapter 3, Title 9, Idaho Code
De Weerd: Okay. We will entertain a motion for Executive Session.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: I move we go into Executive Session as per Idaho State Code 67-2345(1)(a),
(1)(b) and 1(d).
Rountree: Second.
Meridian City Council
February 17, 2015
Page 30 of 30
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to adjourn into Executive Session. Madam
Clerk, will you, please, call roll.
Roll Call: Bird, yea; Rountree, yea; Zaremba, yea; Borton, yea; Milam, yea; Cavener,
yea.
De Weerd: All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: (7:32 p.m. to 8:05 p.m.)
Bird: Move to come out of Executive Session.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: All those in favor say aye.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Bird: Motion to adjourn the meeting.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: All those in favor say aye.
MOTION CARRIED. ALL AYES.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:05 P.M.
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