HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-01-19Meridian City Council January 19, 2016
A meeting of the Meridian City Council was called to order at 6:03 p.m., Tuesday, January
19, 2016, by Mayor Tammy de Weerd.
Members Present: Keith Bird, Joe Borton, Genesis Milam, Luke Cavener, Ty Palmer and
Anne Little Roberts.
Others Present: Bill Nary, Jaycee Holman, Bruce Chatterton, Kyle Radek, Jeff Lavey,
Chris Amenn, Sonya Watters, Josh Beach, Mike Barton, and Dean Willis.
Item 1: Roll-call Attendance:
Roll call.
X Anne Little Roberts X _ Joe Borton
X__ Ty Palmer X_ Keith Bird
__X__ Genesis Milam __X__ Lucas Cavener
__X Mayor Tammy de Weerd
De Weerd: Okay. I will go ahead and call the City Council meeting to order. Thank you
all for joining us. We always like to see our citizens in the audience. For the record it is,
January 19th. It's 6:00 p.m. Madam Clerk, will you, please, call roll.
Item 2: Pledge of Allegiance and Presentation of Colors by Trae Bryan with
Troop Linder Ward Pack 130
De Weerd: Now, Item No. 2 is the Pledge of Allegiance. We have two troops here. One
will be presenting the colors, but we have the troop Linder Ward Pack 130 and Troop 462.
Thank you, boys, for being here with us. We appreciate you being here in attendance and
wish you luck in earning your merit awards. So, I'm going to go ahead turn this over to
Trae Bryan and the troop from Linder Ward Pack 130 to present the colors and lead us in
the Pledge of Allegiance. We will wait for instructions from the boys.
(Pledge of Allegiance recited.)
De Weerd: And I would like to thank the young members for posting our flags and lead ing
us in the pledge to the flag. We greatly appreciate that and I will have the city clerk give
you some City of Meridian pins for leading us tonight. Thank you.
Item 3: Community Invocation by Kevin Hestead with Real Life Ministries
De Weerd: Item No. 3 is our community invocation. Tonight we will be led by Kevin
Hestead -- and I'm sorry, Kevin, if I said our name wrong. He is with Real Life Ministries.
If you will come forward. I don't see him. So, we will skip item No. 3.
Item 4: Adoption of the Agenda
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De Weerd: Item No. 4 is adoption of the agenda.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: On 5-A, the resolution number is 16-1113. 5-B the resolution number is 16-1114.
5-C the resolution number is 16-1115. Item 6-C will be moved to 6-D and we will include
6-C, which is the Purple Heart presentation and proclamation. On Item 8-D staff has
requested to be continued to January 26th, which we will do when we come there. And
on 10-A the ordinance number is 16-1669. And with that I move we pass the revised
agenda.
Cavener: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve the agenda as amended. All those
in favor say aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Item 5: Consent Agenda
A. Resolution No. 16-1113: Authorizing the City Clerk to Destroy
Certain Semi-Permanent Records of the Information Technology
Department
B. Resolution No. 16-1114: A Resolution Reappointing Steven
Yearsley to Seat 3 of the Meridian Planning and Zoning
Commission
C. Resolution No. 16-1115: A Resolution Establishing
Appointments for Board Members and Alternates to the Valley
Regional Transportation Authority.
D. Development Agreement for Approval: Nesting Swan Ranch (AZ
14-016) Generally located at 4620 S. Martinel Lane and 3570 E.
Amity Road, in the Southwest 1/4 of Section 28, Township 3
North, Range 1 East.
E. Development Agreement for Approval: Paramount Subdivision
(H-2015-0022) Generally Located at the Southeast Corner of W.
Chinden Boulevard (SH 20/26) and N. Fox Run Way
F. Water main easement Paramount Square Subdivision
G. FY2016 Annual Carryforward
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H. FY2016 Grant Carryforward
I. Approval of Award of Bid and Agreement to SOUTHERN IDAHO
ELECTRIC, INC for the “STOREY PARK LIGHTING UPGRADES”
project for a Not-To-Exceed amount of $92,500.00.
J. Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law for Falconers Place
Subdivision (H-2015-0015) by Summit Equity, LLC Located East
Side of Eagle Road, South of Victory Road Request: Preliminary
Plat Approval Consisting of Twenty-Three (23) Single-Family
Residential Lots and Six (6) Common Lots on Approximately
4.69 Acres in the R-8 Zoning District AND Modification of the
Recorded Development Agreement (Inst. #105152708) for the
Purpose of Altering the Type and Number of Buildings to be
Constructed on the Subject Property
De Weerd: Our Consent Agenda.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: As I have -- the resolution for A is 16-1113. For B it's 16-1114 and C is 16-1115.
And with that I move we pass the Consent Agenda and for the Mayor to sign and the
Clerk to attest.
Cavener: 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; Borton, yea; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts,
yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Item 6: Community Items/Presentations
A. Formal Swearing in of 3 New Police Officers: Jeremy
Churchfield, Matt Ferronato, Tuyen Nguyen
De Weerd: Item 6-A. I'm going to turn this over to our chief of police Chief Lavey.
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Lavey: Madam Mayor, Council, thank you for the opportunity to speak today. First I'd like
to welcome the newest members, Councilman Palmer and Councilwoman Anne Little
Roberts. I have not had an opportunity to be in front of you yet, so it is my pleasure. This
is probably the most exciting thing that I can do as -- as a police chief and that's
welcoming new police officers. Sometime ago I vowed that I would bring every single
sworn police officer in front of Council to personally introduce them to the Mayor and
Council and to also introduce them to our community for which they serve and that's the
purpose of this evening. We are going to do a swearing in ceremony, but I also have a
biography that I have had each of the officers write themselves in their own words that I
would like to read to you as well. I think they are quite educational and I think -- I think
you will enjoy them. So, what I'd like to do is have the three officers come forward and
stand right over here and after we do the swearing in for the family members, we can
allow you to take some photos and, then, Frank also will have some photos and we will
keep it informal. Come up here close, get the pictures that you deserve. So -- not you.
The family. You don't have to try to sneak a photo from the row. Come forward and take
the photo. This is -- this is a memory of a lifetime, so -- with that being said, gentlemen,
raise your right hand and repeat after me. I, state your name, do solemnly swear or affirm
that I will support the Constitution of the United States, the Constitution and laws of the
state of Idaho, and the laws and ordinances of the City of Meridian. That I will abide by
the law enforcement code of ethics and the policies and procedures of the Meridian
Police. That I will obey all lawful orders of those appointed over me and t hat I will, to the
best of my ability, faithfully discharge the duties of police officer for the City of Meridian,
state of Idaho, so help me God.
(Repeated by officers.)
Lavey: Congratulations, gentlemen. Madam Mayor, Council, while they are doing that,
allow me to read a quick bio on each -- each of these officers. Jeremy Churchfield.
Jeremy hold you -- hold your hand up. Jeremy moved to Emmett, Idaho, in 2003 from
Minden, Nevada. He worked on construction in Emmett and had a concrete business and
held a real estate license between 2003 and 2008. During that time he competed in the
rodeos in the western states. He has been married to his wife Jamie for 17 years and
they have three children, Aubrey 15, Allie 13 and Grady seven, which I think you just saw.
He enjoys outdoor activities, including hunting and fishing. His parents Jeff and Vicki, who
are here this evening moved to Emmett about the same time that he did. In 2008 he went
to work for the Emmett Police Department and he worked patrol for approximately three
years, then, moved to investigations. He left the Emmett Police Department as a sergeant
of investigations. During that time in Emmett he was also a BTS instructor and had
training on topics including best investigations, narcotics investigations , crime scene,
domestic violence and arson investigation, to name a few. Thank you, Jeremy.
Lavey: So, I will try to do this, Tuyen, without butchering anything, but -- Officer Tuyen
Nguyen, he was born and raised in a small town called Binh My in Vietnam. His family
and he came to America when he was 17 years old. He graduated from Twin Falls High
School in 2009 and joined the Idaho National Guard right after high school. He served six
years in the Guard with one tour in Iraq from 2010 and 2011 as a combat medic. He
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came home and went to the College of Southern Idaho with his major in law enforcement.
He graduated from CSI with an associate of applied science degree in 2013. He started
his police career as a reserve officer at the Rupert Police Department in 2012 and he
worked there for one year, then, applied for the Sun Valley Police Department. He left
Rupert Police Department and started working for the Sun Valley Police Department in
2013 and after two and a half years in Sun Valley he was ready for a new challenge, so
he applied for the Meridian Police Department. He was chosen by Meridian Police
Department in November of 2015 and as he -- in his own words says now here I am.
Welcome, Tuyen.
Lavey: Officer Matthew Ferronato comes from a family of law enforcement officers,
including his father and two brothers. Officer Ferronato attended the College of Southern
Idaho law enforcement program in the fall of 2009 in Twin Falls. After graduation from the
program he was hired by the Hailey Police Department as a police officer. After working
for Hailey for about two and a half years, Officer Ferronato accepted a police officer
position with the Twin Falls Police Department. He worked for the Twin Falls Police
Department for just over one and a half years. Officer Ferronato was hired by the
Meridian Police Department in November 2015 and returned to his home town here in the
Treasure Valley. He is very proud and honored to be a member of Meridian's finest and
looks forward to helping make the city an even better place to live and work.
Congratulations, Matthew.
Lavey: Did we get the pictures? Thank you, Gentlemen.
De Weerd: Chief, it looks like I'm going to owe some mayors apologies for picking off all
of the law enforcement across the state -- or at least south Idaho area.
Lavey: Yeah. You may not want to travel to the Magic Valley for a while.
De Weerd: Yeah. So, I guess, Jeremy, it's quite the change from contractor to real estate
to law enforcement, but I highly admire the efforts that Emmett has had in drug prevention
programs and some of their pro-active programs in Emmett. Look forward to having you
on board. And Tuyen and Matt -- Tuyen from military service to law enforcement, we
appreciate your continued service to our citizens from the military to now law enforcement.
And, Matt, coming from a law enforcement family you know what you're in for and we
appreciate having all three of you part of our Meridian family. We would like to welcome
you on behalf of myself and the City Council, thank you. And thank you to the families.
We know being the family support unit of all of our law enforcement is not always an easy
endeavor. We welcome you to our family as well. You have joined a department that
embraces the family members and will call you theirs. So, be prepared for a warm
welcome and thank you all for being here to celebrate this evening with your loved ones.
Lavey: Thank you, Mayor.
B. Present Chief's Commendation Certificate to Citizen Don
Ankenman & Mitch Jones
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De Weerd: Chief, you're the next item, too.
Lavey: Madam Mayor, Council, it looks like I'm kind of dominating the top of the agenda,
so I would like to invite Corporal Kevin Wilson to come up. Kevin is representing the -- the
Meridian Police Employees Association and him and I have a joint presentation we would
like to do to -- or for one of our citizens. This is probably the second best thing that I can
do in law enforcement and it is to recognize our citizens for the service that they provide to
either us as a police department or us for our community. But we would like to invite Don
Ankenman to come forward, please, Don.
Wilson: Had to trick him to be here.
Lavey: Yes. I know. He probably is a little surprised. Blame your wife. If you could
come up here and stand. In early December we had a police officer that came across a
family that needed some help and this police officer reached out to our department and
reached out to Don and asked what they could do and Don works for Walmart and
Walmart has been a great contributor to this city for many, many years and is a great
partner to law enforcement and we were looking for some -- some simple things for the
family, some -- maybe some clothing for the kids or a gift card at -- at Christmastime.
Well, it went way, way beyond that and so just allow me to read what I have here. Don
has always worked extremely well with the Meridian Police Department. This was
highlighted when Meridian officers informed Don of a local family in need. Don went
above and beyond what was asked and coordinated an effort to make sure the family had
groceries for the holidays, as well as providing them with furnishings, Christmas gifts,
clothing for themselves and for their daughter. Don also coordinated with a local Lowe's
to fix the family's broken front door. Don was even able to contact another generous
citizen to donate a car so the family could get to and from work and, more importantly, to
transport the family during extremely cold months. It is because of Don's empathy,
compassion, willingness and always to help out that we award Don with this Meridian
Police Chief's Commendation. Thank you, Don.
Wilson: Besides this particular event, he's also a huge supporter of our golf tournament
that benefits between the association in the fallen officer fund and on a personal note he
also coordinated a pancake feed for my daughter's high school softball team. So, I -- you
know, whenever I need to I can call him and all of the officers that were there individually
had a plan to do something on their own and made a phone call to Mr. Magic here and,
then, it blew up to what it was. So, we have a plaque here for him and it reads:
Presented to Don Ankenman, Meridian Walmart Store 2862. In appreciation for your
dedication, devotion and commitment to the citizens in and around the City of Meridian,
first responders statewide and the continued support of our organization, thank you for all
you do.
Lavey: Madam Mayor, Council, this is another item that is another chief's commendation
that didn't make it on the agenda and I would like to invite Mitch Jones to come forward,
please. On October 31st, 2015, a Meridian police officer was involved in a violent
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confrontation with a domestic battery suspect under the influence of illegal drugs and
altered mind. During the arrest attempt the suspect attacked a Meridian police officer
knocking him to the ground. Another officer responded and helped take the suspect in
custody. Mitch Jones witnessed the confrontation from the beginning and although he
could have left for work without rendering any assistance to police, he chose to stay.
Mitch stayed to be the witness to officers' actions because of the recent distortions of
police actions. Jones wanted to make sure the officers' actions were accurately portrayed
in case there was any dispute concerning the call. It is because of this concern for -- for
an accurate depiction of our officers' actions Mitch Jones is awarded this chief's
commendation. Thank you, Mitch.
Jones: I mean there is not much to say. It's just -- my wife and I -- if you have heard a --
a kid yelling, it's mine. But they -- we have only been living in Meridian for -- you know, for
-- what is it? Since -- since June. Six months now. And we immediately fell in love with
it. So, it's just -- and, honestly, if you think about it, just break everything down, it really all
boils down to what's our crime -- what's the crime rate. What can people -- and what can't
they get away with and -- because of high rate businesses don't want to come in, the
economy suffers and, then, you get, situations like you have back east. But it's -- it's
because of communities like Meridian that my wife and I and -- and our son will -- we will
probably never leave. We fell in love with it and I mean they gave me this commendation,
but I honestly -- I mean I honestly -- the reason why I stayed is because I was incredibly
grateful to the police department, because we have a city like Meridian because of them.
So, while this was presented to me in thanks to me, I would like to -- to any officer I wasn't
able to speak to on that day, I would like to thank the -- I would like to thank the Meridian
Police Department for -- well, for giving us what the 24 Wall Street says -- 20 percent of
Wall Street calls the greatest city in the county to live in. So, I'd like to say thank you to
them.
Lavey: Madam Mayor and Council, I didn't even have to pay him to say that. I just asked
him to speak, so -- he has a great story to tell. I thought -- I thought you should hear it. I
would also like to say for the record this is one of the first attacks on a police officer that
we actually caught on a body worn camera, so, you know, we -- we were able to have that
as well. We appreciate Mitch staying around, though, to -- to be a witness for -- as this
case goes to court. So, I think I'm done for now until the end of the evening. So, thank
you.
De Weerd: You know, Mitch, I would like to thank you. Too often it's always easiest to be
a bystander and -- and I think the environment right now law enforcement faces, they are
always under suspicion, instead of seen as our community heroes for keeping our
community safe. But what you demonstrated and what I think our -- our police department
does really well -- it engages our citizens. They can't do this alone and by citizens like you
stepping up and being part of it, it takes courage and it takes a willingness of community
partners to continue to be that safe community that we are all proud of. So, thank you for
the courage to step up and to stay part of it and it 's always nice to have our officers know
that our citizens have their backs, too. So, thank you for that. And Don -- Mr. Magic.
Thank you. You know, also part of being that number one community is our citizen
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engagement. It's really our people that put us on the map and you are an example to all
of us of how to show empathy and to engage into the lives of others that are not always as
fortunate, but to be part of the solution that we are seeking to see and those solutions
don't come from government, they come from the citizens, they come from our
community. So, thank you for being so engaged. Thank you for being such an awesome
partner to our police department and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to be part of
the chief's recognition of both these individuals and there is others in our community, but
thank you for being here. Thank you to your families for being here with you and
supporting you and it's nice to see that. Thank you so much for joining us. And you do
not -- and the families of our newly sworn officers do not have to stay around.
C. Amended onto the Agenda: Purple Heart City Presentation and
Proclamation
De Weerd: But I would ask that you stick around for just this next item and -- where we
get to hear from our -- our other community heroes that serve at a higher level in our
military and what the Purple Heart is about and I guess at this time I would call Item No.
6-C, which is the Purple Heart City presentation and ask you to come forward. Yes. I
assume that you're Commander Barker.
Torano: Excuse me?
De Weerd: Are you Commander Barker?
Torano: I am not.
De Weerd: Okay.
Torano: I am Donald Torano. I'm the senior vice-commander of both the Idaho
Department of the Military Order of the Purple Heart and also the chapter of the Military
Order of the Purple Heart in Boise.
De Weerd: Thank you for being here.
Torano: And what we would like to do, Madam Mayor and City Co uncil Members, just to
listen just a little bit about the Purple Heart. The award was created by General George
Washington on August 7th of 1782, right toward the end of the Revolutionary War and at
that time it was called the Badge of Military Merit and it was created to honor extraordinary
service by ordinary soldiers. It's actually the precursor of the Metal of Honor today. Years
later, on February 22nd of 1932, Congress reestablished the award as the Purple Heart
metal and made it retroactive to World War I veterans. On Washington's 200th birthday it
was designated the Purple Heart and it's awarded to servicemen and women who are
killed in battle or wounded by the hand of the enemy and we would like you , Madam
Mayor, to sign a proclamation designatin g Meridian a Purple Heart city. And why? Well,
to promote awareness to our citizens of what the Purple Heart represents. The Purple
Heart City designation reminds people, both emotionally and visibly , that American blood
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was spilled in order to insure our freedoms and with less than one percent of our
population now serving in the military, we strongly believe that it's vital to keep this
precious symbol in the forefront of our minds and as a reminder of all that countless
veterans have given their lives for our country -- or as we like to say -- all gave some and
some gave all. What do you think of that, Madam Mayor? Would you sign it?
De Weerd: Well, I think I'm prepared to read the proclamation right now. So, I'm going to
come down and join you.
Torano: Wonderful.
De Weerd: You guys don't waste anytime. I'm going to read this proclamation, but one
thing that we do in the City of Meridian is we don't do this in name only, we want it to
mean something and we hope that we can honor this every year with a proclamation to
keep the significance of it alive and to really honor those that allow us to assemble here in
peace to maintain our freedoms that those of the Purple Heart really represent. So, with
that I will read our proclamation. Whereas the Purple Heart, initially created as the Badge
of Military Merit by General George Washington 1782, is the oldest military decoration --
or decoration presently used and whereas the Purple Heart is specifically awarded to
members of the United States armed forces who have been wounded or paid the ultimate
sacrifice in combat with a declared enemy of the United States of America and whereas
the mission of the Military Order of the Purple Heart is to foster an environment of good
will among the combat wounded veteran members and their families, promote patriotism,
support legislative initiatives and, most importantly, make sure we never forget and
whereas many Meridian citizens have paid the costly price of freedom by leaving their
families and friends to place themselves in harm's way for the good of all and whereas
Meridian holds highest admiration and utmost gratitude f or all men and women of our
armed forces who have selfishly served our country and community. Therefore, I, Mayor
Tammy de Weerd, hereby proclaim the City of Meridian as a Purple Heart City and
encourage all of our citizens here in Meridian to show their appreciation for the sacrifices
of the Purple Heart recipients and what they have made in defending our freedoms to
acknowledge their courage and to show them the honor and support that they very much
deserve and I have signed this this day with my gratitude to all of you.
Torano: The coins that our Commander Newt Brocco is passing out right now are Purple
Heart coins depicting the two chapters that we have here in Idaho. We have Chapter 630
in Pocatello. Chapter 509 here in Boise. And they are absolutely beautiful coins. I'd like
you to take a look at them if you can. Very unique. Designed by one of our members in
Pocatello. Mitch, I'm a Meridian resident and I agree with you. Top shelf right here. No
doubt.
De Weerd: Thank you, again, gentlemen, for joining us and thank you to our new officers
and their families and our community heroes. And t hank you Purple Hearts. We are
proud to be a Purple Heart City.
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D. Ada County Highway District (ACHD) Strategic Plan Update
De Weerd: Okay. Item 6-D is our Ada County Highway District strategic plan update.
Turn this over to you, Justin.
Lucas: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, thank you so much for having me this
evening. That is a very tough act to follow, so I will try to keep this brief and on point.
Please feel at any moment during my presentation to just go ahead and stop me and ask
a question. I can't be offended, just jump right in. My name is Justin Lucas. I represent
the Ada County Highway District. Business address is 3775 Adams Street in Garden City,
Idaho. I did want to come and share with you a follow up on a previous presentation that
we had at a joint meeting with the Ada County Highway District several months ago about
the ACHD strategic plan. This plan is being developed in coordination with the ACHD
commission and our community partners and the primary purpose is -- I won't read them
all here, but really we are just trying to link the work that's done through COMPASS with
Communities In Motion and all of the economic and demographic forecasting. The work
in the ACHD capital improvements plan, which is our 20 year capital plan, and, then, all of
the other work that ACHD does with our maintenance liabilities and responsibilities that
we have. And as you can imagine there is a lot going on when it comes to transportation
in this valley and ACHD oftentimes is right in the middle of it. So, what we want to do is
make sure that we have strategies to address all of those various needs. What I shared
with you last time was the planning framework and what I'm going to focus on today is the
strategic approach that we are trying to take. That strategic approac h has three basic
elements, asset management -- I imagine that's not something that is unfamiliar to you as
a city council. You have various assets and deal with this. The highway district also has
various assets that we have to own and maintain. One of those is the roadway system.
One of the largest public infrastructure assets that we have as the county. We did a lot of
financial forecasting for this plan and, obviously, when anytime -- anytime you do a plan
like this you try to look at the different trade-offs and policies that some into play. So, just
to talk a little bit about asset management. You're very familiar with this concept. But we
are trying to inventory and assess what we have. The various different assets. Establish
performance measures. Identify areas of high risk. Look at life cycle costs and decide
how to best allocate resources. The reason this is such a hot button issue right now in
transportation is you can read all across the country about the gaps that exist between
what we need when it comes to transportation and what we are able to fund. So, the Ada
County Highway District is trying very hard to quantify what that is, so that as we move
forward we can discuss how to address it directly. That's what this is all about and it's a
long term process. This one plan will not solve all the transportation issues we have in the
Treasure Valley, it's meant to create a framework for the ACHD commission to document
where we are, establish measures and, then, see how we are doing from a performance
perspective. We anticipate looking at this every four years with a major update in
coordination with the Communities In Motion plan which is the new demographic forecast
and the new economic forecast. So, just one example -- and there is lots of stuff on this
slide, it's probably not a great slide, but I did want to highlight that, you know, ACHD
operates and maintains well over 4,700 lane miles and roadway. To give you an idea of
how much roadway that is, you could drive from here to Washington DC and back and
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that's about 4,700 lane miles. That is quite a bit of infrastructure. ACHD -- the
commission over the years probably a lot, because we are a special purpose government,
is very dedicated to keeping our roadway in good condition. The highway district was
created back in the '70s, because the roadways were not in good condition in the city of
Boise and the highway district was created in response to poor conditions and that's been
our roots over there at the highway district and we are very passionate about it, which is
keeping the roads in good condition. We have independent evaluators come and look at
our roadways about every three years. Our last independent evaluation they came out,
they did a full assessment and have said without question ACHD's roads are some of the
best in the northwest, including Portland, Seattle, other major metropolitan areas and we
need to keep doing what we are doing. And so we take that as a real -- we are proud of
that and we -- we want to keep doing what we are doing and this plan is meant to help us
do that. That being said, one other thing we are dealing with -- and you're also very aware
of this -- is incredible growth within the Treasure Valley. As you can see, this is the
population forecast for Ada County. Here we are in 2015, a little over 400,000 people.
Estimated to be over 600,000 people by 2035. That's like adding another population base
the size of the city of Boise to our valley. It's significant growth. It's steady. It's
aggressive. And from a transportation perspective it's hard to manage and we do our best
to do that, but that's one of the paradigms that we are in. So, when you have that kind of
growth with all of the new subdivisions, the expansion of roadways and all of the things
happening, we have to somehow get our arms around what is our system going to look
like in the next 20 years, not just from how many people are going to be here, but how
many lane miles of road is ACHD going to be expected to maintain to accommodat e this
growth. You can see there is different scenarios. We have looked at a high growth
scenario of lane miles that puts us up over 6,000. To be honest, I hope we don't get
there. There is a really low growth, which kind of matching what happened during the
recession. I don't think that's realistic either. I think we are going to grow at a more
steady rate than we did then. So, what ACHD is looking at right now is this system
growing at a pace of about one percent per year. What that tells you it's about 50 lane
miles a year that we are adding to the system. Every lane mile we add we have to
maintain. And so that's -- this is what we are looking at and that one percent growth -- just
to put it in perspective, this year alone we added well over 75 lane miles of roadway. So,
we were over our average what we think, but this was a big year and so will every year be
75? No. During the recession there were years when we added six lane miles of road,
two lane miles of road during the worst years of the recession. So, it is -- it does fluctuate
quite a bit. So, along with the revenue -- along with the system growth ACHD is doing
some pretty significant work on how we can grow our revenue to match all the needs that
are out there. You can see on this slide the solid line is where we were in 2015 on
revenue approaching a hundred million dollars a year. I want to show you something,
though, that's interesting and I showed this to our commission. That area right there of
revenue growth, that actually occurred because of commission draw down of our reserve
funds. So, our tax base and revenue didn't actually increase, we were drawing down our
savings account. Our savings account was really big during that time and so there was a
decision by our commission to draw that down. But what that tells you is that moving
forward the reserves are no longer there to increase revenue. We have to find a way to
steadily increase revenue to meet the demands of growth, both in our system and caused
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
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by the population growth in our county. This is a -- it's one of my favorite slides, because
it shows -- it shows everyone where we are at. It shows us where we need to go to meet
these needs. So, what our commission has done and has talked about is we need to
come up with a way to -- as we get revenue -- as we get new revenue, as we look at how
we are allocating our resources, they want to have a very clear methodology and they
wanted me to share this with you so everyone is aware of the -- of the basic decision
making process that ACHD goes through when we allocate resources. The c ommission's
primary focus as they directed me in this plan is to determine and fund our maintenance
and safety needs by each category and make those are primary focus. Pavement --
keeping our pavements in good condition. Community programs, which includes the safe
sidewalk program. And this is critical. Community programs -- when I made this
presentation first to them I had that one down as a secondary focus, because it can be
considered an enhancement. The commission said, no, when it comes to pedestrian
sidewalk safety we want that to be part of our primary focus. So, I moved it up based on
their direction. Bridges, traffic signals and material, storm water facilities, many of which
are safety related items and storm water is -- much of that is federal mandate that we
have to follow. We don't have a choice. We have to meet certain permitting
requirements. You're very aware, I'm sure, of permitting requirements when it comes to
clean water and we have those similar requirements on us. Which leaves a secondary
focus, which is determine and fund enhancement needs for congestion management and
relief. And this is primarily our roadway expansion and intersection expansion programs.
Now, you can see primary and secondary, you think, oh, no, ACHD is not going to expand
roadways. That's not the case. What we are looking at, though, is that we are going to
make sure we are meeting our primary need before we are able to allocate resources
towards our secondary need. Now, moving forward, as revenues become more scares,
this methodology puts more pressure on expansion projects. That's what it does. And
because of that the commission is constantly working to find ways to increase revenue so
that we can meet all the needs that we have. And I just want to be very clear, the ACHD
commission is committed to both of these things, so it's not one or the other. That's not
the paradigm that we are in. But what they -- what they want to do is make sure that we
are not overlooking the incredible maintenance needs that we have, so that we put
ourselves in a position down the road where we cannot maintain our system and let it
degrade to a point where the cost to bring it back up to par is so expensive. T hey don't
want to be in that situation and you can read stories all the time about communities that
put themself in that situation and it's not a pleasant place to be. I can certainly pause
there if there is any questions or concerns.
De Weerd: Justin, as part of the strategic focus have you defined what level of service
you're maintaining? And I guess the second part of that is have you established a cost to
maintaining that level of service?
Lucas: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, absolutely as of right now the
commission every year sets performance targets related to pavement quality, related to
signal in-service rate, related to congestion relief. And so we have attached cost to those
to keeping the system in the condition that it is today and that is the direction the
commission has basically given us is keep -- keep us where we are now. We don't want
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January 19, 2016
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to go backwards. Can we do that and meet all the needs that are coming at us? To be
honest, we don't know. We are going to have to find out. But the basic performance
measures they have set are let's not go backwards, let's keep this condition where we are
today. And, fortunately, for us as an organization our big -- our big ticket items, which are
pavement and bridges on the asset category side, we are in good shape. And so there is
sometimes the feeling of, well, can't we ramp it back and let some of those things degrade
to do more roadway intersection projects and the commission has been very reluctant to
do that, because they are afraid if we go in that direction we will get too far behind and
have too much deferred maintenance down the road. So, it is a balance. It really is. And
it's a balance we try to strike every year through the integrated five year work plan,
through our capital improvements plan and that's why we are here talking to you. We
want you to know that we are going through these -- these types of conversations and are
always looking for ways to -- to find the best and most cost effective way to meet these
needs.
De Weerd: I guess the second question I have would be certainly Meridian is very
interested in what you do, because it seems all roads go through us from Canyon county
to north, south, east and west. We are surrounded with Boise, we all have an interest in
kind of what is the future of our rural roads that no longer carry rural numbers, they carry
urban numbers and the amount of drivers. If we were to only deal with our growth it would
-- it wouldn't be a problem, but when the impact of everyone else's growth drives through
us it is and I know that several years ago you put together a rating formula to rate need
and where you're limited expansion dollars go. We just appreciate the communication
your staff has with our staff, that we have an opportunity t o give input and since over the
last couple of weeks since the beginning of the year we have to make a decision on a
road situation, because it was part of a development agreement -- I think everyone up
here can say we appreciate your commission all the mo re because of it.
Lucas: Thank you, Madam Mayor, and, absolutely, we are absolutely committed and this
is my commitment to you, I manage the department that does all of the outreach related to
our integrated five year work plan, how we interface with s taff, the fact that one of us tries
to come and sit in your meetings as often as we possibly can -- all of those are ACHD's
efforts to show you that we really view ourselves as a partner. We want to be here. We
want to try and meet your needs as best we can, but we also want your understanding
that this kind of growth is hard for all of us sometimes to deal with and we want to work
with you on the best ways and the most effective ways to prioritize those project s and
meet the needs as quickly as we can. Sometimes we can't do it -- can't get to it as quickly
as we want to, but we are committed to get to it.
De Weerd: So, I guess I made a statement. My question part of that is something that
has been worked on for many years and that's through what was originally called the
Blueprint For Good Growth, but it was to anticipa te too much of impact, so that one entity
doesn't pay the entire cost, which was illustrated in the last couple weeks and that -- that
discussion -- but how are you going to approach that as expansion dollars become more
limited, expansion needs become greater because of the growth, how are you going to
balance that?
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January 19, 2016
Page 14 of 52
Lucas: It's an excellent question, Madam Mayor, and I don't know if I can fully answer that
tonight as part of this presentation, but ACHD is -- is committed through its capital
improvements plan to identify these needs and working with our partners at COMPASS
over the years we have developed methodology to report back to you when you're
reviewing a development application the cumulative impacts that are -- that come as part
of that land use decision. So, that reports and those things are all tied up in the reports
that we send you as part of the development process. Now, the direct action related to
those -- those are things that have to be continually discussed at the regional policy level,
because, really, there needs to be a regional understanding, if, indeed, a project is having
an impact outsides your community on your community. There has to be a regional
understanding of some type of coordination on how we deal with that. There was an
attempt to do that through the Blueprint For Good Growth and the adequate public
facilities ordinances and things like that, those have never fully been implemented and to
do it requires a lot of coordination, I will just be honest, at the highest levels. And so I
think that ACHD's position is we do our best to support all of the various communities that
we are partners with and don't want to place one community -- try to prioritize one
community's needs over another. We are trying to meet all the different communities'
needs.
De Weerd: Any questions from our Council members? Well, as -- so, Justin, I can't get
my teeth out of that one, because decisions made north of us, south of us, east of us --
not -- or not necessarily east of us, but west of us, impact us and so when you say we
can't get involved in -- you represent all cities, but all cities do impact our roads and so --
and oftentimes we don't know about those development applications until their trips are
driving through us and we are -- we are using our other resources and police and fire
services, we are -- we just need to make sure that -- and I think you just told us that we
are responsible for the adequate public facilities ordinance, but hopefully we have newly
elected officials that will step up and we can start those conversations again, because
that's going to be the answer to how you pay for the roads and you have to pay attention
to the center before you pay attention to the fringe.
Lucas: Madam Mayor, these are -- these are all very good points and points that I hear
from other communities also with complaints about --
De Weerd: The fringe.
Lucas: Well, I would say other -- all the communities within the valley honestly they view
their growth and their -- their city as the top priority. I'm just being as honest as I can.
And so the highway district, we do our best to communicate the impacts of those
decisions to each different community and, then, it's ultimately up to the -- to the elected
officials within those communities to decide what is best for their community and so those
are -- those are difficult questions and we are committed to try and be part of that
conversation as best we can.
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
Page 15 of 52
De Weerd: Okay. I'll leave that alone after I make this one statement, because what
happens upstream starts to build as it goes downstream and so even if we stopped
growing tomorrow, we are going to have increased traffic that we will have no -- no voice
in and so you are our voice and we need to -- to really trust that those cumulative impacts
are communicated to our staff and that those improvements related to the impact of the
upstream users is considered as well to let them know the impact they will have on othe r
roadways not in their jurisdiction.
Lucas: Thank you.
De Weerd: Okay. I will let it go. Tonight.
Lucas: Thank you, Madam Mayor. Things to consider up here on the board. Various
different -- this talks about a CIP, finding that balance, which is some of the conversation
that we have been having tonight. These are difficult questions that require multi-
jurisdictional coordination and the answer are sometimes elusive and we recognize that
and this plan, hopefully, can be a mechanism to discuss and memorialize decisions as
they are made and maybe highlight areas where we are not doing a very good job and,
then, to identify steps that we can take to do a better job. So, that's really where we --
what we are trying to do with this -- this type of effort. That's the final slide I had for you. I
can certainly take any other questions you might have , but we will continue working with
our commission on this. Our hope is to bring forward some type of draft that kind of
encapsulates all these concepts in kind of the May timeframe and, then, take if forward for
the Commission adoption. I will certainly be sharing that draft with you when it is
developed.
De Weerd: Council, any questions?
Bird: I have none.
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: Madam Mayor. Justin, I just wanted to thank you. Having a few children I
understand how they all want things all at once and they all want them now and so I
appreciate you being patient with us as we are those children demanding those things and
helping us understand the position you're in and the organization and what we can do to
be the partner, rather than just the children making the demands. So, thank you.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Justin, can you go back -- you had a slide where you referenced I think growth
and the word weighed I think was referenced.
Lucas: Let's see here. Maybe it was this one.
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Page 16 of 52
Cavener: Yes. Just an age. Waves. I didn't quite understand, do you mean waves of
growth or --
Lucas: Yeah. Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, Councilman Cavener, yeah, the
system -- the way it grows oftentimes is not a steady rate. If you look at how much lane
miles we added between the years of 2002 and 2007, that's extremely different from what
we added between the years of 2008 let's say to 2013. And the reason that matters from
a maintenance perspective is that the maintenance need, then, comes in a big chunk and
so we have to be ready for that and -- and willing to, you know, allocate resources in a
way that allows us to deal with that. Does that help answer your question?
Cavener: Would it be possible for you to e-mail me a copy?
Lucas: Absolutely. Yes. I think there is a copy, actually, on the hard drive there and the
clerk should have a copy. Yeah.
Cavener: Great. Thank, Justin.
Lucas: Thank you.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you, Justin.
Lucas: Thank you very much.
Item 7: Items Moved From the Consent Agenda
De Weerd: Okay. There were no items moved from the Consent Agenda.
Item 8: Action Items.
A. Public Hearing for Impresa Park Subdivision (H-2015-0042) by
Rodhouse Capital, LLC Located South Side of W. Franklin Road,
Approximately 1/4 Mile West of S. Meridian Road
1. Request: Short Plat Approval Consisting of Four (4) Building
Lots on 1.22 Acres of Land in a L-O Zoning District
De Weerd: So, we will move into Action Items. Item 8-A is a public hearing on H-2015-
0042. I will open this public hearing with staff comments.
Beach: Good evening, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. This -- if I can get this
slide show to start here. Apologize. So, this is the -- Item 8-A is the Impresa Park
Subdivision. It is a -- the application is a short plat. The site consists of 1.22 acres of land
zoned L-O, which is located at 289 Southwest 5th Avenue in the northeast quarter of
section of Section 13, Township 3 North, Range 1 West of that parcel number
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R85337501700. This proposed subdivision is a resubdivision of Lot 7, Block 1 of the
former Troutner Park Subdivision. A little history on that. In 1996 the city of Meridian
approved the annexation and zoning of property in Troutner Park Subdivision in C -G and
L-O zoning districts. In 1997 a development agreement was entered into which required
all development within the subdivision to obtain conditional use permit approval. In 2013
a conditional use permit application was received to construct four office buildings on the
site. In 2013 a CZC was approved to construct one 4,020 square foot office building, so
there currently exists one building on the site. The proposed plat consists of four building
lots. All of the proposed lots comply with the dimensional standards of the L -O zoning
district and is in substantial compliance with the criteria set forth in the UDC for short
plats. As you can see here on the plat, this is the existing building here on the southeast
corner. And staff would like to mention that the applicant Joe Canning was -- is in
agreement with the staff report. He did have some questions for us today that we
responded to about that staff report. Staff would also like to add one additional condition
that there be a cross-access ingress-egress easement and a shared parking agreement
required to be provided internally with the subdivision and said easement shall be
depicted and/or noted on the face of the recorded final plat in accord with the provisions of
the UDC. With that staff is recommending approval with the conditions and I will stand for
any questions you have.
De Weerd: Council, any questions?
Bird: Not at this time, Mayor.
De Weerd: Okay. Joe, would you like to make comment? If you will, please, state your
name and address for the record.
Canning: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, my name is Joe Canning. I'm
employed by B&A Engineers in Boise. Address is 5505 West Franklin Road. And, really,
I have no comments about this. I just want to make sure that additional comment or
condition that's being added is just for interior. The cross -access is just -- okay. That was
my only question.
Bird: And do you agree with that?
Canning: I agree with that.
De Weerd: Council, any questions for the applicant?
Bird: I have none.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Canning: Thank you.
De Weerd: Is there anyone here to provide testimony on this application? Okay.
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Good evening. If you will, please, state your name and address for the record.
Richardson: My name is Sharon Richardson. I live at 61 West Barrett Street in Meridian.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Richardson: And I'm not sure if this is the part where the public gets to ask questions --
De Weerd: Uh-huh.
Richardson: Is that right? Okay.
De Weerd: Well, yeah.
Richardson: Or is there going to be --
De Weerd: Provide testimony and if you have questions we will ask in the follow up from
the applicant --
Richardson: Okay. That's mainly what I -- because I went through the whole application
and I had a couple of questions that I didn't have answers to, so --
De Weerd: Okay. Well --
Richardson: Is that appropriate for me to ask those now or --
De Weerd: You can ask those and if we can answer them we will or we will leave it for the
applicant in his wrap up remarks.
Richardson: Okay. Great. Thank you. So, the -- my house is a townhouse and I face
east. This development will be my new site line. So, I have windows on the side of my
townhouse that face a berm, which is the easement to the west of this development. So,
basically, this -- there is an existing building on this quad of four that is n umber one on the
-- on the form here and two and three will become basically what I see. So, my -- my
biggest concern is what the elevation is going to be of building two and building three. I
don't think building four, based on my vision, will have probably much effect, but right now
I have a great view of the foothills and Bogus Basin and being a resident of the city all my
life those are fairly important. I haven't lived in the townhomes for very long, about a year,
and I bought it knowing there was going to be commercial development going on next
door to me, but mainly I just want to see if there is anything that I need to be aware of
that's going to affect my property values, because I'm losing what I consider to be a great
asset to my home.
De Weerd: Right.
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January 19, 2016
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Richardson: So, that's basically what I'm mostly concerned with and if there is -- you
know, I'm sure that there is not going to be -- I'm curious when the development will be
breaking ground and also when the construction will be finished as well, because in the
previous development of -- sorry -- it's number one there, there was a considerable
amount of dust coming in my windows as it was being done in the summertime, obviously.
So, I just kind of want to know what the time frame is for when they are going to start
breaking ground and when construction will be finished on these three remaining
buildings.
De Weerd: Thank you. All very good questions and we will have the applicant mention
them. I didn't see -- or elevations in the application, but we do have design standards that
kind of oversee the materials and what the look might be, so --
Richardson: And it doesn't -- pardon if I interrupt. It specified something about whether
they would be one or two story and it said not specified, so I don't know how tall that
means the buildings were to be, but if there is any way for me to just know like what the
sight line is going to be, so I know if it's going to affect the value of my property.
De Weerd: Right. Well, we can tell you what is allowed in those zones --
Richardson: Okay.
De Weerd: -- and, Josh, maybe, you can -- you can at least detail in those zones the
height of the buildings and if we had any idea what the buildings might look like.
Beach: Give me one second to do that. I don't have the specific requirements
memorized, so bear with me while I pull those up here.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: While he's doing that, I just want to point out for myself, I guess, that I -- I live on
Fulmer Court, so we are neighborhoods.
Richardson: We are neighbors.
Palmer: So, I'm in the cul-de-sac, if you look at the map one -- right there. So, it's right
there for me as well, but I just -- I don't see any conflict myself, but I just wanted to point
out that I do live right there, but I do plan on participating in the conversation.
Richardson: I think I'm the only person whose view this will be affecting for this particular
plot, so, you know, I'm not really surprised there is nobody else wanting to go aah.
Beach: So, if you look here on the --
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January 19, 2016
Page 20 of 52
De Weerd: Or I guess, Josh, if you will also talk about the transitional buffer between
residential and this development as well.
Beach: Absolutely. Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, this is a diagram that lists
the -- basically building requirements for the L-O zone, which is the -- I guess the fourth
one from left. So, if you move down here, maximum building height is 35 feet. If you
move back to the plat that was provided in the application there is an existing 35 foot
landscape buffer on the west side that you mentioned that was put in with that Troutner
Park Subdivision, so that actually exceeds the requirements of the L-O zone, so there is --
that buffer is already in place there. The applicant will -- as Mayor mentioned will have to
go through the certificate of zoning compliance and design review, which is, basically, a
site plan review, we make sure that the landscaping is in place, make sure that the
parking meets our standards, again, the landscape buffer -- make sure that those meet
our standards and, then, we also review the building plans to make sure that they meet
building height. We have some fairly strict architectural standards, especially when
buildings are visible from the surrounding properties. Unfortunately, that is all --
depending on how you look at it, that's all reviewed internally by staff to make sure that it
meets those standards, so --
De Weerd: Well, that's what we can answer and perhaps the applicant can answer any
further details or perhaps you can even have a conversation after the hearing.
Richardson: Okay.
De Weerd: So, thank you for sharing your ideas and concerns.
Richardson: Thank you.
De Weerd: Is there anyone else who would like to provide comments on this application?
Okay. Joe, do you want to respond and wrap this up?
Canning: I will try. Thank you. Yeah, really, as Josh --
De Weerd: If you will just restate your name for the record.
Canning: Joe Canning.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Canning: And Josh had already pointed out there is a considerable setback -- landscape
setback on the back of these lots. It is a total of 35 feet that's back there. It is currently
landscaped. We expect the buildings to be similar to the one that's on Lot 1 and it may
help the -- the neighbor to know that due to configuration of those lots those buildings are
going to be -- more or less face east-west -- the length will be east-west, so you will have
a ridge line that's also east-west and that will help minimize that building height, because
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
Page 21 of 52
as you go out that ridge it will get shorter. So, really, that's about all -- all I would have to
add.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Canning: Thank you.
De Weerd: Council, any questions for the applicant?
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: I think she also was curious about -- if you had a time -- a time frame -- timeline on
the building.
Canning: Well, we don't.
De Weerd: Based on the users, uh?
Canning: This particular applicant never seems to be in a big hurry, so I think -- I think his
original application came in several years ago. It took him quite a while to build that first
building, so he may need some time. The neighbor also talked about dust control and -- I
don't know, I guess you could look at it getting the site developed is actually going to help
reduce that and have a little bit of -- little bit of a problem when the construction itself is
going on, but right now I think it would be better to get filled in with landscape, so that dust
control could occur.
Milam: Thank you.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: Joe, when they are doing the development and the building on it, is there -- is there
any way -- I don't think we can't force it, but being an engineer could you ask them to do
some dust abatement? I mean all you have to do is run a water truck through there,
because when you got a lot of construction trucks pulling in and out of there that ground
gets pretty dusty and pretty -- and most big jobs they do get water trucks in there and
abate it every once in a while. You don't have to do it every day, but it's just nice to be
neighborly and you got a lot of neighbors there to your side there.
Canning: Yes. Yes, we can do that and, of course, maybe I shouldn't say that -- maybe I
shouldn't say this, but a call to DEQ also helps.
Bird: I'm not saying that.
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January 19, 2016
Page 22 of 52
De Weerd: Well -- and I might say a call to our department to find out who the builder is
or the applicant, a call from the city might help, too, so --
Canning: Correct.
De Weerd: And maybe Joe will give you his phone number on the way out.
Canning: I can do that. I can do that.
De Weerd: Okay. Any further questions for the applicant?
Bird: I have none.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you.
Canning: Thank you.
De Weerd: Council, do I have a motion to close?
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: I move we close the public hearing on H-2015-0042.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to close the public hearing. All those in favor
say aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: Hearing no further information needed or anything, I move that we approve H-2015-
0042 and to include all staff, applicant, and public testimony and that is include the two --
the cross-access and the parking within the subdivision, which the applicant agreed to.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: Okay. Again, I would ask you to speak into your microphone.
Bird: I thought I did.
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January 19, 2016
Page 23 of 52
De Weerd: As those in the very back row, if you can't hear, wave your hand, because we
do want you all to be able to hear what's being discussed. If there is no further
discussion, Madam Clerk.
Roll Call: Bird, yea; Borton, yea; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts,
yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
B. Public Hearing for Primary Health Clinic (H-2015-0045) by
Matthew Witt, Rocky Mountain Companies Located 1648 & 1624
N.W. 1st Street
1. Request: Modification to the Development Agreement to
Update the Conceptual Development Plan for the Western
Portion of the Site
De Weerd: Okay. Item 8-B is also a public hearing for H-2015-0045. I will open this
public hearing with staff comments.
Watters: Thank you, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. The next application before
you is a request for a development agreement modification. This site consists of 1.17
acres of land. It's zoned O-T, located at 1624 and 1648 Northwest 1st Street on the south
side of West Cherry Lane between North Meridian Road and Northwest 1st Street. In
2015 this property was rezoned from R-4 to O-T with the requirement of a development
agreement and a conditional use permit was approved for a drive-thru for a coffee kiosk
on the eastern portion of the site. The Comprehensive Plan future land use map
designation for this site is Old Town. The applicant is requesting an amendment to the
existing development agreement to update the conceptual development plan for the
western portion of the site for the development of a 6,310 square foot medical off ice for
Primary Health. The previously plan shown there on your left depicts three future parcels
developing with a walk up and drive -thru coffee kiosk on the eastern portion of the site
and two future pad sites for a small restaurant and retail restaurant uses on the western
portion of the site. One access via Northwest 1st Street at the west boundary was
approved near the north end of the site. A 12 foot wide buffer to adjoining residential uses
is depicted along the south boundary. The proposed plan shown on the right still depicts
three parcels, but only includes one pad site, instead of two, on the western portion of the
site for a medical office for Primary Health and associated parking. No changes are
proposed to the eastern portion of the site. The buffer to residential uses at the south
boundary has been reduced from 12 feet to seven feet on the western portion of the site.
Because there is no longer a building planned along the south boundary to serve as a
buffer to the commercial uses, staff recommends a provision is added to the development
agreement that requires a minimum ten foot wide buffer planted with a mix of evergreens
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
Page 24 of 52
and deciduous trees that allow trees to touch at maturity to be provided along the south
boundary of parcel C in accord with the standards listed in UDC 11-3B-9C1 with
development of parcel B. That is the Primary Health site. The access via Northwest 1st
Street has shifted to the south of this property for safer pedestrian access between the
parking area and the Primary Health building. As the new location creates more of a
direct route between Northwest 1st and North Meridian Road, staff is concerned this may
promote cut-through traffic. However, believe that to be safer for Primary Health clientele.
Staff recommends traffic calming, such as speed bumps, are installed in the southern
drive aisles at the east side of the parking area where parcels A and C adjoin to slow
traffic down. All future development of the site must comply with the dimensional
standards of the O-T zoning district. The building pad proposed on parcel B encroaches
onto parcel A. After the development agreement is amended the applicant should be
required to apply for and execute a property boundary adjustment to adjust the parcel
boundaries prior to submittal of a certificate of zoning compliance application on parcel B
for the Primary Health. The proposed healthcare use is a principal permitted use in the
Old Town zoning district per UDC Table 11-2D2. The proposed site plan depicts
adequate parking for the proposed use. Therefore, staff recommends approval of the
proposed modifications per the proposed conceptual development plan with staff's
recommended changes to the provisions of the development agreement as noted in the
staff report as previously mentioned. There has been no written testimony submitted on
this application and staff recommendation is for approval. Staff will stand for any
questions.
De Weerd: Thank you. Council, any questions?
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: One question for Sonya. Am I just seeing, then, one set of speed bumps for
traffic calming in there?
Watters: Madam Mayor, Councilman Cavener, yes, one set.
Cavener: Okay. Thank you.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: Madam Mayor, Sonya, you said recommend. So, the speed bumps are going to
be a required thing or just recommending for -- the help people avoid cutting through there
and not do it at a fast speed, I guess.
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January 19, 2016
Page 25 of 52
Watters: Madam Mayor, Councilman Palmer, Councilmen, that is part of staff's
recommendation that the applicant provide those, so that would be a requirement if
Council agrees.
De Weerd: Okay. Any other questions at this time? Would the applicant like to provide
comments? Good evening. If you will, please, state your name and address for the
record.
Witt: Absolutely. Good afternoon -- good afternoon. Good evening, Madam Mayor,
Members of the Council. My name is Matthew Witt, I'm director design and construction
for Rocky Mountain Development and this is our proposed Primary Health. My only
comments would be we are in complete agreement with staff's recommendation. To
clarify the speed bumps, it has always been our intent to include those, so the
requirement -- we are totally on board with. So, it will be a safe corridor and I will say staff
has been excellent as always to work this through the process of put ting this together
through its entirety and continues to make Meridian a great place to do development work.
So, I would stand for any questions you might have on the application.
De Weerd: Thank you. Council, any questions for the applicant?
Bird: I have none, Mayor.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you.
Witt: Thanks.
De Weerd: This is a public hearing. Is there anyone who would like to provide testimony
on this item? Okay. Thank you. Council, if there is no further questions for staff or the
applicant, I would entertain a motion to close the public hearing.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: I move we close MDA H-2015-0045.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to close Item 8-B. All those in favor say aye.
All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
Page 26 of 52
Bird: I move we approve MDA H-2015-0045 to include staff, applicant comments and to
include the speed bump at the one location.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve Item 8-B. Any discussion by
Council? Madam Clerk, will you call roll.
Roll Call: Bird, yea; Borton, yea; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts,
yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
C. Public Hearing for Edgehill Subdivision (H-2015-0005) by JUB
Engineers, Inc. Located at 1393 & 1405 W. Victory Road
1. Request: Annexation and Zoning of 40.19 Acres of Land
with an R-4 Zoning District
2. Request: Preliminary Plat Approval Consisting of 116
Building Lots and 7 Common Lots on 40.19 Acres of Land in
an R-4 Zoning District
De Weerd: Item 8-C is a public hearing for H-2015-005. I will open this public hearing on
both requests, annexation and zoning and preliminary plat with staff comments.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
Watters: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: I have got to -- Council, I'm going to recuse myself at the hearing at Planning and
Zoning relatives of mine testified and I think it would just be best if I recused myself from
this. I have been told more than I should be to be a judge on it.
De Weerd: Okay. Well, thank you, Mr. Bird.
Bird: Is that agreeable with the other Council?
De Weerd: Okay. I will turn this over to staff.
Watters: Thank you, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. The next application --
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
Page 27 of 52
De Weerd: I'm going to recuse myself, too, so I can go eat.
Milam: Yeah. Me, too.
De Weerd: Sorry.
Watters: The next applications before you are a request for annexation, zoning, and
preliminary plat. This site consists of approximately 40 acres of land, currently zoned
RUT in Ada County and is located at the southeast corner of South Linder Road and West
Victory Road at 1393 and 1405 West Victory Road. The Comprehensive Plan future land
use map designation for this property is low density residential. The applicant is
requesting annexation and zoning of 40 acres of land with an R-4 zoning district
consistent with the low density residential future land use map designation for this site.
The applicant plans to develop this site 116 new single family residential detached homes.
A preliminary plat is proposed as shown that consists of 116 building lots and seven
common area lots on approximately 40 acres of land and is proposed to develop in two
phases as shown. The gross density for the development is 2.89 dwelling units per acre,
with a net density of 4.54 dwelling per acre. The Williams Gas Pipeline crosses the
southwest corner of the site -- you can see this little lot right here -- and lies within a 75
foot wide easement. The Sundial Lateral bisects this site from east to west and is located
within a common lot and that is this lot right here you can see by my pointer. The
applicant is requesting a waiver from City Council to allow the lateral to remain open and
not be piped due to its large capacity. One access is proposed via West Victory Road and
one access is proposed via South Linder Road. Both arterial streets. Stub st reets are
proposed to adjacent properties to the east and west for future extension and
interconnectivity. A 25 foot wide landscape street buffer is required along Victory and
Linder Roads. Landscaping is also required within common areas and along pathways in
accord with UDC standards. A minimum of ten percent qualified open space and two site
amenities are required to be provided within the development. A short segment of the
city's multi-use pathway system within the Williams Pipeline easement is proposed, along
with a tot lot with play equipment. And the tot lot is proposed right here in the center of
the development. The Commission recommends an internal pathway is provided along
the north side of the Sundial Lateral from the east boundary of the site to the northwest
corner of the site as shown on the revised site plan. Conceptual building elevations were
submitted as shown and they depicted seven sample elevations for future home within the
development. Building materials appear to consist of a mix of horizontal and vertical lap
and shake siding with stone accents and asphalt shingles. Because homes on lots that
back up to South Linder and West Victory Road will be highly visible, staff recommends
the rear or sides of structures on these lots incorporate articulation changes in material,
color, modulation and architectural elements, horizontal and vertical, to break up
monotonous wall plains and roof lines. Six foot tall vinyl fencing is proposed a long the
frontage of Victory and Linder Roads. Four foot tall vinyl fencing is proposed along
pathways and common area. Open vision wrought iron fencing is proposed along the
lateral and six foot tall cedar fence is proposed along the east and south boundaries. This
parcel is not currently serviceable with domestic water. The development falls within
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
Page 28 of 52
pressure zone five, in which there is currently no supply in the subject property. Sanitary
sewer currently exists in South Linder Road to the north near West Kodiak Drive in Fall
Creek Subdivision. Development of this property is dependent on the extension of
existing sanitary sewer mains and water services being available from the city's pressure
zone five. The Commission recommended approval of this project with a development
agreement per the conditions in Exhibit B of the staff report. Summary of the Commission
public hearing. Folks that testified in favor were Kristi Watkins, the applicant's
representative. In opposition was Linda Coffield, Susan Thompson, Ron Thompson, Ed
Bird and Cindy Bird. Commenting were Paul Young, Terry Bennett, Kevin Petty, Chad
Bullock, Dan Mortensen and Ron Paulson. Written testimony was received from Kristi
Watkins, the applicant's representative, in agreement with the staff report. Steven
Mortensen and Terry Bennett, Ed and Cindy Bird and Gordon Hamilton with Williams
Pipeline. The key issues of concern with the public testimony was concern regarding how
the development will impact groundwater and wells in the area, traffic generated from the
proposed development and associated road and intersection roundabout improvements.
Improvement. Location of the access on Victory in relation to the Thompson's property to
the north and possible slideoffs into their property. Type of fencing proposed along the
east boundary, preference of vinyl fencing to match existing fencing in the area and
construction of a solid fence across the stub street here at the north end of the site. The
preference of a lower density, fewer homes for this site. Key issues of discussion by the
Commission. The Commission continued the project to the December 17th hearing in
order to allow time for the traffic impact study to be revised and the Ada County Highway
District time to review the revised study and issue a report. They have done so an d it
should be in your -- in your records. The timing for the street intersection roundabout
improvements and the timing for extension of city water and sewer services to the site.
Commission changes to the staff recommendation. There is only one. At s taff's request
delete condition number 1.1.2 that deals with revisions to the plat as the plat was revised
in accord with the conditions prior to the Commission hearing. The only outstanding issue
for the City Council is that the applicant's requesting a waiver to allow the Sundial Lateral
to remain open where there are not street crossings due to its large capacity. No written
testimony has been received since the Commission hearing. Staff will stand for any
questions Council may have.
De Weerd: Thank you, Sonya. Council, any questions?
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: Sonya, so is that -- the tot lot is -- is in phase two, not phase one?
Watters: Madam Mayor, Councilman Milam, yes, phase two. You could certainly revise
that boundary if you would like to see it constructed with phase one.
De Weerd: Any other questions for staff at this point?
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
Page 29 of 52
Cavener: Not right now.
De Weerd: Okay. Is the applicant here? Good evening. If you will, please, state your
name and address for the record.
Wonders: Sure. Madam Mayor, Commissioners, Scott Wonders with JUB Engineers,
250 South Beachwood Avenue in Boise. 83709.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Wonders: Sonya did a great job. Kind of took away a lot of what I was going to talk
about. But we are in agreement with all the conditions of approval, both with the city and
ACHD. We made some modifications between the Planning and Zoning meeting and,
obviously, tonight in regards to the Williams Pipeline. We added that all into one common
lot. We are going to add that section of the regional trail through there and, again,
obviously, Sonya brought up that we are requesting that waiver of the tiling of the lateral,
so -- other than that I'm here to answer any questions you may have.
De Weerd: Council, any questions for the applicant?
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Question for you about -- about tiling the lateral and -- I can understand not
wanting to -- to do the whole thing, but specifically that section where you are going to be
doing the tot lot. Has there been any dialogue about tiling that piece? I just have got
some concerns about -- we are putting water by kids and -- not only by kids, but in a spot
that we are inviting them to come play.
Wonders: We are proposing four foot fencing between that area and the lateral, so there
wouldn't be a direct access from the tot lot to the lateral.
Cavener: Is there -- Madam Mayor, clarification. That's like a wrought iron fence, though;
correct?
Wonders: That's correct. Yes.
Milam: Four foot?
De Weerd: It's our ordinance.
Cavener: Sure. I guess you have answered my questions. Thank you.
De Weerd: Okay. Any other questions at this point?
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
Page 30 of 52
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: So, how would you feel about moving that boundary to include the tot lot in phase
one, so -- you can be sure some children will be living in the houses in phase one and --
for a place to play.
Wonders: I think we would be amenable to that. We would just have to work with staff
and ACHD. The reason why it was done that way is with the way the intersection is near
that -- I guess -- I don't know if I can -- if I can get this to work. Well, near the -- I guess it
would be the west -- southwest corner of the park near that intersection, if we do the park
ACHD may require that street extension, which would require a turnaround -- a temporary
turnaround -- temporary turnaround. We would like to just maintain that intersection the
way it is, but we could still develop a portion of that park to put the tot lot in. So, long story
short, yes, we would be amenable to that, as long as we can work with staff on it.
Milam: Thank you.
De Weerd: Okay. Any other questions from Council?
Borton: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Borton.
Borton: Scott, with regards to the -- to the lateral, the condition 1.13C speaks to whether
or not a waiver would be granted and if it's not granted that the waterway would be fenced
with an open vision fence along the entire way, how does that work with the backyards
that also back up to it?
Wonders: So, correct me if I'm wrong, Sonya, but on the -- the ones -- the lots that back
up to that would have a six foot high fence. Where it abuts common area, like where the
park is at, the central park, that would be a four foot high wrought iron fence.
Borton: Can you point your arrow to where you're -- the top area?
Watters: Yes.
Borton: Okay.
Wonders: Yeah.
De Weerd: I think basically if you tile it and you put six foot fences, you're creating a really
dark corridor. Just my opinion. But those -- those are areas that kids love to go at dark.
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
Page 31 of 52
Watters: And, Madam Mayor, if I may, if Council chooses to approve the request for a
waiver, our code does allow for a six foot tall wrought iron fence.
De Weerd: See through.
Watters: Yes.
De Weerd: Yea.
Milam: At least on that section.
De Weerd: Okay. Any further questions for the applicant at this time? Okay.
Wonders: Thank you.
De Weerd: Thanks. This is a public hearing. We had no one signed up, but is there
anyone who would like to provide testimony? Please. Good evening. If you will, please,
state your name and address for the record.
Petty: I'm Norma Petty. I live at 1155 West Victory Road. I'm adjacent to this proposed
subdivision.
De Weerd: Thank you, Norma.
Petty: I have a couple of concerns here. My property is five acres. That means it is going
to be surrounded on three sides by Meridian city. I'm Ada County. And at this point in
time I really want, of course, to protect my personal property rights, but also the safety and
the concerns of the community. I have not been given a plat by anybody as to how the
stubs come into my property or where they are designated to be. You know, it's five
acres. Eventually I have the potential of developing a little bit. Don't know that I will, but I
have that potential. As far as the fence is concerned, they are proposing a wooden fence.
My husband was under the understanding that they were going to change that and put a
vinyl fence -- a six foot solid vinyl fence. When phase three of Kentucky Ridge
Subdivision went in next to us we really needed that fence to protect people -- from people
trespassing on our property and specifically it was large construction equipment that we
had a lot of problems with, notwithstanding, of course, anything that would protect us from
construction debris that may come that way. So, I would definitely like to see , if you guys
approve this, that there is a vinyl fence, that it is -- because the other two sites are already
a vinyl fence. Another concern of mine is in our previous conversations with ACHD it has
always been indicated that the next access onto Victory Road would be at a cross
intersection, not at a T intersection and their proposed access onto Victory Road would be
a T intersection. So, that makes kind of an interesting traffic pattern, especially given how
busy Victory Road is starting to be. Sorry, I have to -- the other concern is have you have
15 building lots right around the corner from us on Stoddard is the new middle school
that's going in. So, while they would have to put side walk down along Victory Road for
any children that are walking to the school, I have 300 feet of road frontage that would not
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
Page 32 of 52
have a sidewalk on it at all until they got in front of Kentucky Ridge Subdivision. So, I
think that's also a safety concern for the children in the area. So, those are kind of my
major problems here with this.
De Weerd: Thank you, Norma. I guess I don't want to put you on the spot, but if the
developer would be willing to put in a sidewalk across the front of your property would you
be amenable to that?
Petty: It is something that I would definitely consider. I don't deny that, but at the same
token I also want to make sure that my property rights and my value don't go down. So, it
would have to be a conversation of how I would be compensated for that.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you.
Petty: Uh-huh.
De Weerd: Council, any questions? Thank you.
Petty: Thank you.
De Weerd: Additional testimony? Yes, sir. Good evening. If you will, please, state your
name and address for the record.
Young: Yes. Paul Young. I live at 2950 Model Farm Drive.
De Weerd: Thank you, Paul.
Young: And my basic question is the canal is -- I'm, basically, the water manager for 30
acres -- or 30 individuals across the street on Model Farm Acres and the canal comes
right through that subdivision and all the headgates are right on that subdivision and, then,
there is going to be a roundabout and I'm wondering how they are going to work the
roundabout and headgates and everything else to get water across the street to our
subdivision and my understanding the roundabout if -- well, they didn't know if they were
going to put it in or not the last time we talked, but they were going to check it. But looking
at a roundabout, it's going to have to take out all those headgates that's already in there
and so I'm wondering where their headgates are going to be moved to or how they are
going to do that, so we can get our -- our 30 people serviced during the summer.
De Weerd: That is a great question and we do have a requirement that they have a to
and through with the water delivery. They can't impede on that. The water delivery needs
to be assured and, I don't know, Kyle, if you want to provide any information on that?
Radek: Madam Mayor, I think my best answer is I don't know, but, Madam Mayor is
correct and it's also -- I believe it's in state code section 42 that -- that a guy has got to --
you know, he does alterations on his property -- he's got to insure that water delivery
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
Page 33 of 52
continues the way it has. So, I don't know the answer now, but that's something the
developer will have to address and make sure that the downstream properties are whole.
Young: Well, the last time I checked Nampa-Meridian Irrigation District wasn't aware of
any of this and they are the people that turn our water on and off for our subdivision, so
Nampa-Meridian should be involved in that.
De Weerd: You're correct that Nampa-Meridian Irrigation District would need to be
involved on it and it needs to be a signature on the plat. Do we have any correspondence
from Nampa-Meridian Irrigation District? I thought we did, but -- and they didn't make any
comment. And maybe that comment comes later into the development stage, but I don't
know. I will wait for staff to pull that up and --
Watters: Madam Mayor, MMID submitted a letter stating they have no comment on this
application, as it lies outside of their district boundaries. It l ooks like the Boise Project
Board of Control is who governs that. Let me see if we have a letter from them. We do.
So, it is within their boundary and they are contracted to operate and maintain this lateral.
Let's see here. This says the easements are for the operation and maintenance of their
facility and should hinder our ability to do so. They do not approve landscaping within
their easements and that's about it.
De Weerd: So, I guess the irrigation authority has knowledge of it and they would have to
adhere to state code that they can't impede the delivery of water. So, water should
continue to flow to your properties and they can't restrict that.
Young: Now, if that subdivision -- does anybody know if that subdivision is going to get
water out of that canal or not? Because last year we was in probably about the first part
of July before we got a full head of water to our headgates, because of the canal and stuff
there and if anybody above our headgates takes water out we won't get any at all. We are
at, basically, the end of the ditch.
De Weerd: Oh. I see.
Young: And --
De Weerd: I'm sorry. We will ask the applicant if he can answer that question. It's a good
question.
Young: Well, that's the thing. I mean there is 30 different people that start to worry about
their water. Like you say, what's going on. So, that --
De Weerd: Water is important; right?
Young: Yes.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
Page 34 of 52
Young: All right. Thank you.
De Weerd: We appreciate you being here. Any further testimony? Yes, sir. Good
evening. If you will, please, share your name and address for the record.
K.Petty: My name is Kevin Petty. I live at 1155 West Victory and that was my wife earlier.
De Weerd: Thank you.
K.Petty: The one thing I would like to know is when I visited with Ada County Highway
District before they told me that 600 feet was what was required from the intersection in
order to put in another intersection, if this is allowed to approach where they are planning
it on Victory Road, it's on -- there would be three roads within 900 feet that come onto
Victory Road. I'm always using my tractor. I got combines -- I mean I got a swather and
stuff like that. I can barely get on the road now. So, people is coming from every
direction. That's not going to work. It's just going to be out of control. It just is. We have
been living there for 25 years. So, I don't really know where to go on that, but is it
possible that they could just give a special variance and just move a road in there when
that -- and that constitutes three roads within 900 feet? And coming from opposite sides
of the road, instead of have a T intersection as was requested? I was told over ten years
ago from Ada County Highway District that they was trying to put my property in with a big
development. The developers come in and, then, they buy everything around you, but
they don't want to pay for my big house I have there and, then, you guys allow them to put
in a little access road for fire protection on the Kentucky Road side -- on the Kentucky
Ridge side and they put bollards with chains, which do nothing. People still drive in and
out of there all the time and it's supposed to be closed. So, that doesn't work. And I just
know whether that's possible that they can just come in there and put a road in there when
that's not supposed to be there anyway where they are trying to come out at where they
are trying to come out at. That ju st doesn't seem right. And three roads within 900 feet --
that road is going to get busier all the time. It's not going to slow down. Like the guy from
the Ada County District said and like you said, it's the main artery. I mean Victory Road is
getting more busy every day. I stop to get my mail, I can't hardly cross the road to get my
mail out of the mail box, it's just like this and I used to didn't have to look, but now I better
or I will be squished like a bug out there.
De Weerd: Well, we hope not.
K.Petty: Me, too. Thank you. Well, I have pretty much covered it, so thank you.
De Weerd: Well, we will ask Ada County Highway District if he can answer some of those
questions, because I'm afraid I can't.
K.Petty: Okay. Uh-huh.
De Weerd: Sonya, do you have any response from ACHD? Correspondence?
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January 19, 2016
Page 35 of 52
Watters: Madam Mayor, I do. In reference to the minimum 660 foot offset between local
streets, they said that it did not meet their policy. However, that they recommended a
modification of policy to approve the proposed location of High Grade Avenue and that is
this one right here on Linder -- or, excuse me, Victory. So, ACHD is -- is fine with the
proposed layout.
De Weerd: Council, if you also want to hear from Justin, we can certainly call him up on
that item. Thank you, Mr. Petty, for being here.
K.Petty: Thank you.
De Weerd: We appreciate it. Any further testimony? Okay. Justin, is there any
additional comments that you want to provide on that -- the question that we received?
Lucas: Thank you, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. Once again Justin Lucas
representing Ada County Highway District. Business address is 3775 Adams Street,
Garden City, Idaho. I would just draw your attention to the report -- the official record
submitted to the City of Meridian from ACHD. It has information on the current condition
of the area roadways. Victory Road is a minor arterial. The long-term plan for that
roadway is a three lane roadway, not a five lane roadway, and currently the p.m. peak
hour traffic counts for that afternoon rush hour is 307 vehicles going through there. So,
that's just -- that was just the discussion of the traffic on the roadway. This development is
expected to generate more trips, but still the traffic counts for quite a while out there is
expected to be well below urban standards. Speaking to the location of the -- the access
road -- and that is mentioned in the report, section five, roadway offsets, section D, staff
comments and recommendations. Sonya is correct that typically the T intersection that
has been discussed is the -- the better solution. In this instance, though, ACHD is -- is
preserving for the possibility for a roundabout at the Linder and Victory -- or yeah. The
Linder and Victory intersection. There is lots of reasons why the district has moved
towards roundabouts as a -- a form of traffic control at intersections. The primary reason
is safety. The accidents at roundabouts are less severe than the accidents at regular
intersections. That's just a -- that is a fact that's based on a lot of research and evidence.
Because of that in this specific instance that is what is called for in the policy modification.
The roundabout influence area, the intersection influence area is larger becau se of the
way people enter and exit a roundabout than a standard intersection and so the thought
here was to push that access point as far away from the roundabout -- future roundabout
as possible. Just to be very clear, roundabouts are being preserved for and are the
preferred alternative, but the final decision on how that intersection will be designed and
built is not until the intersection is designed and built, which could be years and years
away. So, we -- we preserve for roundabouts, because if we do not -- if you preserve for
a standard intersection and try to build a roundabout after the fact, good luck, you
probably won't be able to, because there is typically buildings and other things that stop
you from doing that. So, this is a change in policy from ACHD that we have tried very
hard to over the years implement because of the safety benefits that come from
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
Page 36 of 52
roundabouts. So, I think that maybe answered a couple of the questions that come up. I
can -- it hasn't been too convoluted. I can be more direct if needed.
De Weerd: Council, any questions?
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Just one question, Justin. I realize I'm putting you on the spot. Do you know
the distance between this proposed intersection and what appears to be South Cobble
Way or Model Farm Drive?
Lucas: Yeah. In looking at -- the applicant's proposing to construct a local street, which is
High Grade, intersecting Victory Road approximately 1,250 feet east of Linder and it looks
like 490 feet east of Model Farm Drive. So, approximately 500 feet from the -- the other
intersection. The -- the applicant is proposing to construct a local street that's on -- on
Victory Road there also. So, the distances are called out in the ACHD staff report. Does
that answer your question? About 500 feet.
Cavener: Yes. Great. Thank you.
Lucas: Yeah.
De Weerd: Okay. Anything further from Council? Thank you.
Lucas: Thank you.
De Weerd: Appreciate it. Any further testimony? Would the applicant like to come
forward and respond?
Wonders: Scott Wonders for the record.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Wonders: Kind of to tack onto what he just said, we did have a lot of discussion about this
entrance road with ACHD. Unfortunately, if we move it over to the west to align with the
Model Farm Road it's too close to the Linder and Victory intersection and so this was kind
of where -- where we were directed to go to. So, just to answer some of the questions
that came up from some of the speakers. On the vinyl fence we are acceptable with doing
a vinyl fence on the -- on the perimeters. That's not an issue. And we discussed the
entrance location and, then, the stub street that's to the east, we moved that per the -- the
request of the property owner at our h omeowners -- at the neighborhood meeting that we
had. We had it further south. They requested as you move north to match the
development that was to the east of them, which is what we did. So, again, we are willing
to work with them on any of the issues that they have in regards to pedestrian safety and
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
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that sort of thing. The ACHD roundabout, we brought that up -- or I brought that up at the
neighborhood meeting. There was a point of confusion because they thought it was being
installed with this development. We are really just preserving the right of way for the
roundabout and, really, the intersection, based on the ACHD recommendations and the
conditions of approval, we are not changing anything that's out there that exists today.
So, in regards to the irrigation boxes and the headgates that are just to the south and east
of that intersection, with the improvements that we do at the subdivision, it's not going to
impact those whatsoever. So, those will stay as is and they will be able to access it just
like they have in the past. At what point in the future ACHD decides to construction that
as a roundabout, if they do, then, that would have to be addressed at that time. I think,
yes, we do get water from that lateral as well as anyone else -- as it sounds like those to
the -- to the west and, then, again, ACHD, appreciate them coming up and discussing
those issues to kind of clarify that. I did have one point of clarification for those that
brought up the fencing along the lateral. We are proposing six foot wrought iron that
backs up to the lateral, four foot wrought iron that -- for the park area that backs up to the
lateral. So, I hope that clarifies that questions that you had earlier. So, it won't be solid
fencing along the lateral, it will be wrought iron on both sides and it just -- it will be six foot
for the rear yards and four foot for common area. And if I have confused anyone I can
answer anymore questions.
De Weerd: I just had a couple. The development on the corner and having a vacant
parcel in between provides a safety issue in terms of getting students to school and/or to
bus stops. Have you had any conversations with the property owner to the east and/or
would you be willing to provide an off site improvement to make sure you're not creating
an attractive nuisance by putting kids on rural roads where there is very little shoulder that
they need to get to school?
Wonders: Absolutely. We would be willing to work with the adjacent property owner to
some kind of resolution on that.
De Weerd: Okay. And I think Mr. Young had mentioned that the water delivery is -- they
are -- they are located at the end and water has -- I'm summarizing and maybe supposing
some of the things he said, but are you assured that you will be able to deliver water to
your residents as they need and not impede anyone downstream?
Wonders: I am not aware of any shortages of water. I met with Boise Project briefly when
we were going over this project just to see if there was any outstanding issues that we
should be aware of. They didn't bring up any. They gave me our headgate information
and the water shares that we have, which are acceptable or appropriate for doing
pressurized irrigation for the subdivision. So, would be the first time I have ever heard of
any kind of shortage and we will be working with Boise project as we go further into the
development of the construction drawings to work on a pressurized irrigation system.
De Weerd: I guess just like I mentioned in the other application with Joe Canning,
perhaps you and the -- the neighbor can have a conversation and maybe exchange phone
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
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numbers to keep any downstream property owners in the loop as to what this might mean
to their water delivery.
Wonders: Absolutely. We can do that. No problem.
De Weerd: Okay. Council, any questions for the applicant? Okay.
Wonders: Thank you.
De Weerd: Thank you. Okay. Council, if there is nothing further -- no further information
needed from the applicant, staff, or any of those that provided testimony, I would entertain
a motion to close the public hearing.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: I move that we close the public hearing on Item 8-C, H-2015-0005.
De Weerd: Okay. I have a motion to close the public hearing --
Cavener: Second.
De Weerd: -- and a second. All those in favor say aye. All ayes. That was painful.
Okay.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
De Weerd: Okay. Any discussion?
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I move that we approve file number H-2015-0005, with the exception of having to
tile the lateral and keeping the phasing as presented. Is that an appropriate motion?
De Weerd: That is a motion that if you get a second it would appropriate.
Little Roberts: Second.
De Weerd: I have a second. Mr. Palmer, if this is to capture some of the testimony that
the application did agree to put vinyl fencing in, if -- if you would include that your motion
and also consider putting the off-site improvement of the sidewalk in coordination with the
adjoining property owner to connect to Kentucky Ridge -- I think those were some of the
topics of discussion.
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
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Palmer: If I can ask a question I guess on how that works. So, if it's a conversation that
they, then, have outside of it, I mean if we include it, then, go duke it out or are we
requiring it of them to do if it's included in the motion?
De Weerd: If you include it in the motion it would be a requirement that needed to be
worked out between the applicant and the adjoining property owner and the development
of the subdivision would be dependent on that occurring.
Palmer: The conversation or the working it out take place?
De Weerd: The working it out.
Palmer: Okay. Then do I need to restate it or can I just say, yes, let's do that.
De Weerd: You can amend your -- your motion to include both the vinyl fencing
requirement and the requirement to have a sidewalk connection before -- between this
development and Kentucky Ridge.
Palmer: That was a lot of words. I didn't get them all. I'm sorry. I'm new at this.
De Weerd: But that is -- that is your intention --
Palmer: That's my intention.
De Weerd: -- to include. Okay. That -- and does second agree? Okay.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: I'd like to discuss -- because I will have to vote no the way that that was
presented. I would like to see the tot lot in phase one, if he's amenable to that, and the
kids will need a place to play and I also would like the wrought iron fence to be s ix foot
along the tot lot. So, all the way across, as opposed to six foot to four foot after six foot.
So, those two things are important to me.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: The reason I left that out was -- I understand a lot of work goes into preparing
these and there was probably a lot more conversations that took place as to where exactly
to put that line that we weren't at and so I left it out to just go ahead and trust them and not
make anymore work for them when -- I mean it's a construction project, it's going to not all
be done at once. I understand the people that moved there may look forward to having a
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
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tot lot and extra park, but I'm sure there is reason ing in which they presented it to us the
way that they did and I wanted to trust them on it.
De Weerd: I believe that the applicant mentioned that he was willing to move the line if he
could work out the details with the Ada County Highway District, so they wouldn't need to
put a turnaround on whatever that road is.
Palmer: And it sounded like more work than necessary, so I choose to leave it the way it
is.
De Weerd: Okay. Any other discussion?
Borton: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Borton.
Borton: Excuse me. I agree with Councilman Palmer's concern with regards to whether
it's in phase one or phase two and in deference to the applicant. The concern that I have
more is with the plat itself and the -- the lateral and tiling it versus not tiling it. The safety
concern and perhaps the loss of an amenity within a project like this as -- he spoke of
1.1.3 giving different options of ways it could be addressed if it's not tiled and I understand
it's a large lateral and that's a challenge. So, I think there is a missed opportunity in
addressing this as a water amenity with a pathway and perhaps a different design that can
utilize it better than what it may become is truly a hazard, even with the wrought iron open
vision fencing. I think that's a concern for me and a missed opportunity.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I certainly wouldn't be offended if it was everybody but me that voted no on this.
And, in fact, it might give me a story for my grandchildren, so whatever you choose to do I
won't hold it against you as my first motion.
De Weerd: You won't hold it against them. That's true. It is. There is also an opportunity
to continue this and ask the applicant to bring back -- if the -- the ditch and the amenity
that it offers the development and potentially the community is an item, you can always
reopen the public hearing and continue this, so you do have options. But if there is no
further discussion, we do have a motion on the table. Is there further questions or
comments? Okay. Madam Clerk.
Roll Call: Bird, absent; Borton, nay; Milam, nay; Cavener, nay; Palmer, yea; Little
Roberts, yea.
De Weerd: Okay. Motion fails three to two.
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January 19, 2016
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MOTION FAILED: TWO AYES. THERE NAYS. ONE ABSENT.
Borton: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Borton.
Borton: If it's necessary to reopen it to continue it, which I think it is, to at the very least
get the applicant's response and interest to revisit some of these points that have been
raised with regards to the lateral and maybe some others, there is only one way to find
out. So, I would move that we reopen Item 8-C, AZ -- or, excuse me, H-2015-0005.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second. Do you want it specific to just that item or
open it to all --
Borton: I think at this point, Madam Mayor, open it to all --
De Weerd: Okay.
Borton: -- to provide some clarity.
De Weerd: Okay. There is a motion and a second to open up this public hearing on Item
8-C. All those in favor say aye. Any opposed? Okay. Wasn't sure if I heard all ayes or
not. All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
De Weerd: I guess to the applicant, there has been a desire to continue to keep this
public hearing open to consider potential items for the irrigation ditch and so we would ask
for any of your comments at this time.
Borton: And, Madam Mayor, as the applicant is walking up, it may be noted elsewhere,
but it's the 1.1.3C that speaks to if the lateral is to remain open, then, there is one of two
ways to address it. One is the open vision fencing. Alternatively it is to improve upon it as
a water amenity as the UDC defines it. I know the parks commission has spoken of a
pathway potential there and it seems like both of t hose warranted some exploration.
De Weerd: Okay. Mr. Wonders.
Wonders: Scott Wonders again for the record. Okay. Let me see. So, we were taking
about the tot lot. One suggestion is we could -- we have another large open space near
the entrance to Victory that we could locate it. It wouldn't be centrally located, but we
could also include it in that park area. We are amenable to doing the open space near the
center, even though our phasing plan didn't depict it. Obviously I stated the reasons why
we -- we did the phasing the way we did. We are willing to work with staff in -- you know,
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
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in doing a portion of that common lot with phase one to install the tot lot. Secondly, we
would be amenable to doing just six foot high wrought iron across the whole thing on both
sides, not just to four feet in the common area. I was trying to find, before I came up here,
but I can't find in the staff report where I believe the waiver that we were requesting was
approved to the subdivision -- it was either to the east or the west. I believe it was to the
east -- just immediately to the east and we would, again, respectfully request that waiver
to leave it open, but we feel with adding that wrought iron fencing along that common area
to a six foot height, we are amenable again to either locating the tot lot to the common
area near the entrance to phase one off of Victory or, again, working with staff and ACHD
to do the common area near the center of the development to put that tot lot in.
De Weerd: I think the question from Council was would you consider creating an amenity
along that irrigation facility that would accommodate a pathway.
Wonders: Yes, we would be amenable to that.
De Weerd: Okay. Mr. Borton.
Borton: Yeah, Madam Mayor. Scott, I appreciate the -- the consideration for that, but you
made a comment that I might have missed. Is the project to the east -- or property to the
east, would any pathway stub there? Do we miss an opportunity to have some continuity?
Watters: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. Scott is correct, the waterway to the
east was allowed to remain open. There is a pathway through their common area. I think
that there is a -- there is a pathway, though, that stubs -- if you can see right here --
actually, I know that there is. That's -- that's where the pathway would connect. Comes
out of their cul-de-sac there and stubs to the east boundary of the site.
Borton: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Yes.
Borton: Does stub to the northern portion of the lateral on this site?
Watters: Yes. Yes, it does. Right here, this is the common area where it comes out at.
Right here.
Borton: Okay. Okay.
De Weerd: Okay. Any further questions for Scott?
Borton: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Borton.
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January 19, 2016
Page 43 of 52
Borton: Those considerations, if this project is continued, is it a matter of a week or two or
is 30 days more appropriate for tying up the loose ends?
Wonders: We have no issue with -- with any continuance for a couple weeks or a month.
This is a long-term project. We are not really looking at getting started this year.
Obviously, water is not available, sewer is quite a ways away, so it's not something that
we are looking to get started on tomorrow. So, there is some things that we need to get
clarified and we are acceptable to that.
Borton: Okay. Thank you.
De Weerd: If you wanted to continue it to a month out, that would be February 23rd -- or
February 30th is the --
Cavener: No 30th in February.
De Weerd: Oh. Well, how come this calendar has a 30th on it? Because I am making it
up. That's an interesting one.
Borton: And, Madam Mayor, to Councilman Palmer's question, that provides time to
address some of the adjoining neighbor issues and negotiations and discussion that may
need to occur. That will hopefully provide time for that.
De Weerd: Thank you. So, what are you suggesting? Do I have a motion?
Borton: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Borton.
Borton: I would move that we continue H-2015-0005 to February 23rd, 2016.
Palmer: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to continue this public hearing to February 23rd.
Specifically to address the irrigation facility, but just using executive privilege, if the
applicant can also have conversation with the property owner to the east regarding the
sidewalk as well. All those in favor say aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
D. Public Hearing for UDC Text Amendment 2015 & Meridian Design
Manual Revamp (H-2015-0011) by City of Meridian Planning Division
1. Request: Text Amendment to the Unified Development
Code (UDC) as follows:
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January 19, 2016
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a. UDC Sections: Definitions; Residential Dimensional
Standards; Fencing; Structure and Site and Multi-Family
Design Standards; Common Open Space and Site
Amenity Requirements; Specific Use Standards for
Drinking Establishments, Flex Space and Home
Occupations; Timelines for Signatures on Development
Agreements; Subdivision Design and Improvement
Standards and Other Miscellaneous Sections
b. Reformat of the Meridian Design Manual Including
Reducing Duplicate Guidelines; Removing Site Design
and Transportation Related Guidelines; Emphasize
Architectural Elements and Change the Name of the
Design Manual to the City of Meridian Architectural
Standards Manual
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you. Item 8-D was -- oh, can someone get Keith and ask him to
come in. Item 8-D was requested to continue to January 26th. I will open the public
hearing on H-2015-0011 and ask for a motion from Council to continue this to January
26th.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: I move that we continue H-2015-0011 to January 26th.
Bird: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to continue the public hearing on Item 8-D to
January 26th. All those in favor say aye. All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Item 9: Department Reports
A. Police Department: Budget amendment for Spending Authority
for the Police Mobilization Grant, in the Amount of $39,000.00
De Weerd: Okay. Item 9-A is under our Police Department. Turn this over to Chief
Lavey.
Lavey: Madam Mayor, Council, thank you once again, for the opportunity to speak. The
topic I wanted to talk about today is the volunteer coordinator position for the Meridian
Police Department and first I would like to give Council a little bit of history on that
position. Prior administration -- prior chiefs' administration --
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
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De Weerd: Mr. --
Lavey: Yes.
De Weerd: Mr. Chief?
Lavey: Yes.
De Weerd: We are on A, which is your budget amendment.
Lavey: Oh, sorry. I was already going ahead.
De Weerd: That's all right. We would have done that --
Lavey: I just wanted it to be toward the end. Madam Mayor, Council, my apologies and if
I would follow the agenda I would realize that we are hear to talk about a budget
amendment. The good thing on this budget amendment is that it will cost us nothing. I'm
not requesting any -- any monies today. I am requesting spending authority today. This is
an Office of Highway Safety grant. I come in front of you probably several times a year
and this particular grant is for 39,000 dollars and it is a common grant that we have
participated in in the past and this would allow us the opportunity purchase equipment
after we do seatbelt enforcement and aggressive driving enforce ment, like we have done
in the past. So, with that I am requesting spending authority for not to exceed amount of
39,0000 dollars.
De Weerd: Thank you, chief. Council, any questions?
Bird: I have none.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: Seeing none, I move that we approve the budget amendment for spending
authority for the police mobilization grant in the amount of 39,000 dollars.
Bird: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve the request under 9-A. All those --
oh, I'm sorry. Any discussion?
Lavey: You're trying to jump ahead, too.
De Weerd: Madam Clerk.
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January 19, 2016
Page 46 of 52
Roll Call: Bird, yea; Borton, yea; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts,
yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
B. Police Department: Discussion on Moving the Volunteer
Coordinator Position from the Police Budget to the Parks
Department
C. Parks and Recreation Department: FY2016 Budget Amendment
Regarding Volunteer Coordinator Transfer for a Not-to-Exceed
Amount of $9,500.00
Lavey: Thank you, Madam Mayor. Are we ready for the next item?
De Weerd: Now you can do the next item.
Lavey: Madam Mayor, Council, the item in front of you today is a request to move the
volunteer coordinator position from the Police Department into another department within
the city. Please allow me to give a little bit of history before I ask for that request. A
previous administration -- I don't recall, but it's at least eight years ago had requested from
Council a part-time volunteer coordinator position for the Meridian Police Department. At
that time we were managing about 90 volunteers for the animal shelter and approximately
25 additional volunteers under our citizens and police academy and various other
volunteers that came in front of us. Four years ago I had the opportunity to participate on
the Mayor's transition committee for communication. During that time we made a
proposal to use citizen volunteers to staff the kiosk at the City Hall. Sometime after that
we also had proposed for park ambassador volunteers -- citizen volunteers working in
partnership with the Police Department and the Parks Department in our parks and that
was really established after Kleiner Park came online. That was such a beautiful park that
we wanted to see it remain beautiful for as long as we possibly could and so we had
citizen volunteers kind of being our -- our eyes and ears out in the parks. Through time
we had realized that using those volunteers for two separate departments that our
volunteers were getting mixed messages. What we wanted them to do in the police was
different than what the parks wanted to do and it created some conflicts with some of our
volunteers. We were able to overcome them by training our volunteers to act as our eyes
and ears and call 911 or call the Police Department if -- if something came up. But really
turn over the logistical authority to the Parks Department. So, in essence, they were --
they were park volunteers, not police volunteers and, in turn, it also got us a different type
-- higher quality volunteer from our departments and they act more like -- I call them
Walmart greeters instead of cops in the park. I think Mike Barton might be able to
elaborate on that further in his presentation if you have further questions. Since that time
we had contracted with the Idaho Humane Society for our animal shelter duties.
Therefore, we do not have the number of volunteers that we have had in the past. I have
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
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six volunteers for the Police Department. They are dedicated -- I call them full-time
volunteers, but they are permanent part-time volunteers. They have a regular schedule.
They show up every week. They don't put in 40 hours, but they do work for us every
week. And, then, occasionally we will have some public safety volunteers for some of our
functions. I cannot justify a full-time position for just the Police Department and so I have
to look at where is this person also being utilized in the city. They are utilized for about 45
volunteers for the Parks Department currently for just the -- the park ambassador program
that I speak of. They are used about -- there is 25 of them that are in the kiosk at City
Hall. There is approximately 12 that volunteer in the Mayor's office during the lunch hour
and various other volunteers amongst the city. So, it became apparent to us that many,
many departments in the city are -- are utilizing this position. The problem that we ran into
is that my employee is getting direction from us and, then, she's getting direction from
Parks and, then, she's getting direction from other departments and it's creating some
confusion and so after a lengthy -- lengthy discussion about where that position might be
appropriate, the greater need is at City Hall, not at the Police Department, and so I would
request that we consider moving that position out of our budget and transferring that
position to the Parks Department. Why did we come up with the Parks Department?
Well, we actually came up with other government, but the Park -- or, excuse me, Finance
had requested that for transparency purposes we find where the greatest need is in -- in
the city and establish that position there, because other government is, in essence, a
miscellaneous and not a specific department. The greatest need is the Parks Department
currently and with discussion with the Parks Department director and the Parks
Department supervisors, there is an even greater need into the future. So, we believe it is
appropriate for that -- that position to remain there. I guess that -- that covers all that I
have. If I misspoke in anything I would ask Mr. Barton to come forward and, then, the
Mayor also has been involved in part of these discussions. So, Madam Mayor, if I have
left out anything that you think is appropriate, please, include that as well. And for that I
stand for any questions.
De Weerd: I appreciate, chief, the historical overview for certainly the entire Council up
here. It's also important to note as the chief mentioned the great number of volunteers we
had when we were going the animal control. The transition when animal control switched
over to the Idaho Humane Society, that was when the park ambassador program in
Kleiner Park was starting to come on and the natural transition of the volunteer and the
coordination thereof was to focus primarily and initially on Kleiner Park and keeping that
amenity safe and an amenity that we could all be proud of, because they were starting to
almost -- not instantaneously get some issues out there, but we wanted to be proactive
and have eyes and ears out in the park as it was opening, so we established an
expectation to the park users in maintaining the quality of that park consistent to what we
promised Mr. Kleiner as he -- as he gifted that park to us. So, it was -- it was a seamless
transition. I will say that Barb Hatch has done a tremendous job in that transition and I
can tell you personally I have watched her, that any person or citizen she comes in
contact with she generally recruits them as a volunteer. So, any questions from Council
on this item?
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
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January 19, 2016
Page 48 of 52
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: One brief question. I will echo your sentiments about Barb and, really about our
volunteers as a whole are really incredible. She -- or, Madam Mayor, maybe you can
provide some clarification. Chief, you touched on that one of the -- the challenging parts
of that -- this position was being pulled in multiple different directions and I'm just curious
how that is solved by being located in the Parks Department.
De Weerd: I think it's being solved by primarily being houses in the parks department,
because that's where the lion's share of the volunteers are needed and being in City Hall,
close to the front desk, volunteer coordination, the expected training they have for the
park ambassadors and that -- the growing needs for that program in having eyes and ears
in our parks to address vandalism or answer questions -- be the ambassadors in many
senses of the word, is -- is primarily where those duties lie. So, the transition was house
the coordinator where the largest demand resides.
Cavener: Okay.
Lavey: Council, Councilman Cavener, I also have two other points. One is you may have
noticed that we are a paramilitary organization and we have a different thought process
than most people and that is kind of typical for some people to adapt to in chain of
command and such and it gets really, really difficult when trying to supervise someone
that is never in your department, they are always somewhere else and so the greatest
need is at City Hall and that's why we are going to allow that person to come to City Hall,
instead of her bosses being over at the Police Department saying do this, no, do this, no,
do this. And so that's who we believe it's going to be relieved. Really is relocation.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: Chief, I see you're wanting to move the coordinator out of police budget to the Parks
Department and we got a 9,500 volunteer coordinator transfer budget amendment. Are
we taking 9,500 out of the police to put it into parks?
Lavey: Madam Mayor, Councilman Bird, that's -- that's a separate issue. That -- what I
have agreed to do is transfer the entire budget that I have for my position to the Parks
Department and Finance would do that. I can't tell you what that figure is, but it would be
salary, it would be overtime, it would be miscellaneous other things that go with it,
including the computer and the telephone. What you're going to see on the next item is a
budget amendment that would purchase a cubicle and I also believe that power is needed
to that position at City Hall. So, without stealing Mr. Barton's thunder, I may as well just
have him come up here and we talk about that as well. I promised the parks director I
would present it, but he's here and so come on up and he can tell you what that would
include. But if we want to do both items at the same, we can do that.
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
Page 49 of 52
De Weerd: I think it's appropriate. Thank you, Mike.
Lavey: So, we are just -- we are also bringing in as discussion, then, what, Item No. C?
De Weerd: Yes.
Barton: Thanks, chief. Madam Mayor, Council. Thank you. I think the chief covered it
pretty well. What I would like to point out is that in addition to the parks ambassador
program that was currently with the Police, Department and now has kind of transitioned
over to Park and the City Hall kiosk, last year just in Park and Rec alone we had over
2,000 volunteer hours that -- I mean if you had to place a value on those citizen volunteer
hours were -- you know, you're right at about 20 dollars an hour of work that's -- it's done
in Park either spreading bark or clean up or painting and just countless number of
projects. So, you know, with having this position in Parks and Rec we -- we think that it's
going to not only work out better for the ambassador program, but also we can expand on
other volunteer opportunities. You know, when people call up and they want to volunteer
and they want to do work in Parks, the last thing we want to do is turn them away or, you
know, be maybe slower than we should be responding to their -- the their ask and we get
a lot of requests and we just want to be responsive to that, take advantage of the
opportunity the best we can and this is -- I mean we are really excited to -- to have Barb
Hatch move over to the department. And part of that is we want to give her kind of a
property place to land and a workstation and, you know, a place to meet with volunteers.
So, the budget amendment in front of you for your consideration is for 9,500 dollars and
that would purchase a cubicle, the desk, the walls, the power and the lighting above. So, I
guess with that I will stand for questions.
De Weerd: Council, any questions for either Mike or Chief?
Bird: They have answered mine.
De Weerd: Thank you, Mike.
Barton: Thank you.
De Weerd: I guess in making a motion to approve Item 9-C you, essentially, are giving
the nod for the FTE transfer from Police to Parks as well.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: I move that we approve the budget amendment for 9,500 dollars -- for a not
exceed amount of 9,500 dollars to get the cubicle built for the volunteer coordinator and
include the budget transfer from the Police Department to the Parks Department.
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
Page 50 of 52
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Madam Clerk, will you call
roll.
Roll Call: Bird, yea; Borton, yea; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Lit tle Roberts,
yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Item 10: Ordinances
A. Ordinance No. 16-1669: Nesting Swan (AZ 14-016). An Ordinance
for the Annexation and Re-Zoning For a Parcel of Land being
Lots 1 and 3 of Martinel Subdivision, as Recorded in Book 66,
Page 6764, Official Records of Ada County, Idaho including an
Unplatted Portion of the Southwest One Quarter of the
Southwest One Quarter of Section 28, Township 3 North, Range
1 East, Boise, Ada County, Idaho. This Parcel Contains 27.75
Acres more or less.
De Weerd: Item 10-A is Ordinance 16-1669. Madam Clerk, will you, please, read this
ordinance by title.
Holman: Thank you, Madam Mayor. City of Meridian Ordinance No. 16-1669, an
ordinance AZ 14-016: Nesting Swan Ranch, for Annexation and Rezone of a Parcel of
land being Lots 1 and 3 of Martinel Subdivision, as Recorded in Book 66, Page 6764,
Official Records of Ada County, Idaho, including an unplatted portion of the Southwest
One Quarter of the Southwest One Quarter of Section 28, Township 3 North, Range 1
East, Boise, Ada County, Idaho, as described in Attachment A, and annexing certain
lands and territory situated in Ada County, Idaho, and adjacent and contiguous to the
corporate limits of the City of Meridian, as requested by the City of Meridian, establishing
and determining the land use zoning classification of said lands from RUT to R -4, Low
Density Residential District, R-8, Medium Density Residential District, in the Meridian City
Code. Providing that copies of this ordinance shall be filed with the Ada County assessor,
the Ada County recorder, and the Idaho State Tax Commission as required by law and
providing for a summary of the ordinance and providing for a waiver of the reading rules
and providing an effective date.
De Weerd: Thank you. You have heard this ordinance read in title only. Is there anyone
who would like to hear it read in its entirety? So, seeing none.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
Page 51 of 52
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: I move that we approve Ordinance No. 16-1669 with suspension of rules.
Bird: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve Item 10-A. Madam Clerk, will you
call roll.
Roll Call: Bird, yea; Borton, yea; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts,
yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Item 11: Future Meeting Topics
De Weerd: Council, any topics under Item 11? Okay. Mr. Bird.
Bird: Madam Mayor, I would be remiss if I didn't do this publicly. A, along with Mayor
Tammy and Genesis had the opportunity to attend a breakfast Saturday morning that -- I
mean I have sat in seminars where we have had six figure lobbyist and six figure PR
people and everything else presenting it. Let me tell you something, these 14 to 18 year
old kids were so professional, I am so proud of that MYAC group -- I'm proud of all the
youth in our town, but I am so proud of that MYAC group and Ken Corder, the leader of it,
that I -- I just -- I just publicly had to -- I mean tell people that those kids -- I feel so good
as I grow older knowing that they will be the leaders of our community coming up and they
-- I'm telling you you missed one of the best presentations -- and all of you have sat
through presentations from expensive paid people -- and I'm guaranteeing you this one
Saturday would have done twice as good -- it was so professional it was -- you didn't not
know they were youth and I'm telling you we are talking 14 to 18 year old kids. I just --
and Council -- the rest of you Councilmen, next year put this on your docket, make sure
that you can attend their legislative breakfast and let's make Ken cook twice the food that
he had to this year, because it is well worth your time. Those kids need our support,
because they do a great job. Thank you.
Milam: Second that. They were phenomenal.
De Weerd: Thank you. And I appreciate the two of you being there. They -- they spend a
lot of time, as you saw through the research, doing research. They have been at this for a
couple of years and have listened to our legislators on their questions, their feedback and
they came back this year with a change that I think that our legislators found more
palatable and interesting. They had great questions and, I will tell you what, they -- the
youth council members were prepared and had solid responses to each of the things that
our legislators -- and I appreciate our legislators that they come and they ask them tough
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
Page 52 of 52
questions, they will preface it with while we support what you're proposing, we want you to
be prepared to answer these following questions and it was a great dialogue. The kids
bring the food and they sign up and volunteer to bring it, so there is minimal expense to
the MYAC budget. These -- these kids are phenomenal and they were well prepared. So,
it was very meaningful to have the two of you there. Appreciate that. Any questions? If
not I would entertain a motion to adjourn.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: Given that a hundred percent of my motions have failed, I hope I have not
doomed this one to a similar fate. I move we adjourn.
Bird: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to adjourn. All those in favor say aye. All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:38 P.M.
(AUDIO RECORDING ON FILE OF THESE PROCEEDINGS)
_______________________________ ______/______/______
MAYOR TAMMY De WEERD DATE APPROVED
ATTEST:
_____________________________________
JAYCEE HOLMAN, CITY CLERK
Meridian City Council
January 19, 2016
Page 52 of 52
questions, they will preface it with while we support what you're proposing, we want you to
be prepared to answer these following questions and it was a great dialogue. The kids
bring the food and they sign up and volunteer to bring it, so there is minimal expense to
the MYAC budget. These -- these kids are phenomenal and they were well prepared. So,
it was very meaningful to have the two of you there. Appreciate that. Any questions? If
not I would entertain a motion to adjourn.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: Given that a hundred percent of my motions have failed, I hope I have not
doomed this one to a similar fate. I move we adjourn.
Bird: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to adjourn. All those in favor say aye. All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:38 P.M.
(AUDIO RECORDING ON FILE OF THESE PROCEEDINGS)
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DATE APPROVED