HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-02-28Meridian City Council February 28, 2017
A meeting of the Meridian City Council was called to order at 6:02 p.m., Tuesday,
February 28, 2017, by Mayor Tammy de Weerd.
Members Present: Mayor Tammy de Weerd, Keith Bird, Joe Borton, Genesis
Milam, Luke Cavener, Ty Palmer and Anne Little Roberts..
Others Present: Bill Nary, C.Jay Coles, Jaycee Holman, Caleb Hood, Bruce
Freckleton, Berle Stokes, Parry Palmer, Steve Siddoway, Keith Watts 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: I would like to welcome you all to our City Council meeting. It's
always great to see our Scouts in the audience, so thank you for joining us, as
well as the rest of our public and those that have items on the agenda. So,
welcome. For the record it is two minutes after 6:00. We will start with roll call
attendance, Mr. Clerk.
Item 2: Pledge of Allegiance
De Weerd: Item No. 2 we will be led by Payton Young. He is with Troop 128. I
believe his whole troop will come forward. If you will all rise and join us in the
pledge to our flag.
(Pledge of Allegiance recited)
De Weerd: Thank you. And if I could offer -- young men. If I could give you one
of these for leading us in the pledge today.
Item 3: Community Invocation by Larry Woodard with Ten Mile
Christian Church
De Weerd: Item No. 3 is our community invocation. We will be led tonight by
Larry Woodard. He is with Ten Mile Christian Church. If you will all join us in the
invocation or take this as an opportunity for a moment of reflection.
Woodard: Our Dear Heaven Father, we come to you tonight thanking you for all
the blessings that you have bestowed on this city. We thank you for the good
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February 28, 2017
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people who live in Meridian and the people who in increasing numbers have
chosen to make this their home and for many a place of emp loyment. Tonight I
thank you for our Mayor and this City Council. They continue to set the standard
for our city and it's a good standard. In a few weeks we will have a school levy
vote and a library bond election. I pray that we will be able to accomm odate the
growing number of students in this city and pray that the school levy passes
easily. This Council will continue to wrestle with the issues that affect our
everyday life. Road improvements are one issue, along with new sewer and
water lines. It's been a hassle trying to drive Ustick and Meridian Roads this
winter, but by summer it will be great to drive on a new four lane street. Our
police today were involved in some dangerous situations and I -- I'm glad that
that all turned out well. Lord, we can focus on our local situation, which is pretty
good, but I would be remiss if I did not pray for our national leaders and our
Congress. They have some very troubling issues to tackle this spring and
especially the nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. I pray that all of
our national leaders learn to pull together. I want to close tonight with a prayer of
thanksgiving for the last few veterans of World War II. I visited this morning an
ailing bombardier who flew missions over Germany. These men are rapidly
passing on and we don't want to forget them and their families . When the call
came to protect our nation in the 1940s these men and women stepped forward
and we were protected. Bless the decisions tonight. Give our Council clear
thinking that would be in accordance with your will for our lives, in Jesus' name,
amen.
De Weerd: Thank you, Larry. It's always so informative hearing your prayers. I
think I need you to start me out every single morning.
Woodard: Okay.
Item 4: Adoption of the Agenda
De Weerd: Thank you so much. Item No. 4 is adoption of the agenda.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: On 5-I, the Hillsdale Park access and parking easement, the staff suggests
this item be vacated and brought back at a later date. There is some work that
has to be done on it and with that I move we approved the amended agenda .
Borton: 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 carries.
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February 28, 2017
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MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Item 5: Consent Agenda
A. Approve Minutes of February 7, 2017 City Council
Regular Meeting
B. Approve Minutes of February 14, 2017 City Council
Workshop Meeting
C. Approval of Task Order 10614.c for Professional
Services for “Black Cat Trunk Sewer Phase 5-
Construction Services” to J-U-B Engineers, Inc. for
the Not-To-Exceed amount of $61,118.00. This Task
Order is issued in conjunction with the Master
Agreement with J-U-B dated October 3, 2016
D. Approval of a Sole Source Purchase for a Flygt 4630
Mixer for the WWTP Replacement Equipment from Utility
Management System for the Not-toExceed amount
$10,723.60
E. Approval of Award of Bid and Purchase Order for one
(1) Front End Wheel Loader Equipment from Western
States Equipment Co. and authorize the Purchasing
Manager to sign Purchase Order #17-0207 for a Not-To
Exceed amount of $109,850.00
F. Award of Bid and Approval of Purchase Order for Fire
Engine Extrication Tools from L.N. Curtis & Sons for a
Not-to-Exceed amount of $71,280.00 and authorize the
Purchasing Manager to sign Purchase Order #17-0212
for the Not-to-Exceed amount of $71,280.00
G. Task Order with McCall Studios, LLC For Public Art
Bench Concept Designs for an Amount Not-to-Exceed
$500
H. Golden Grove Subdivision Heartland Townhomes
Property Management, LLC Water Main Easement
De Weerd: Item 5 is our Consent Agenda.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
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February 28, 2017
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Bird: As stated earlier, Item 5-I is taken off the agenda to be brought a t a later
date. With that I move we approve the agenda, Consent Agenda, and for the
Mayor to sign and the Clerk to attest.
Borton: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve the Consent Agenda as
amended. Mr. 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: Items Moved From the Consent Agenda
De Weerd: There were no items moved from the Consent Agenda.
Item 7: Community Items/Presentations
A. Meridian Arts Commission Annual Report
De Weerd: So, we will move to Item 7-A, which is under our Meridian Arts
Commission annual report and I will be turning this over to Hillary and Mary.
Welcome.
Jensen: Thank you. Thank you for having me. My name is Mary Jensen and
I'm the former chair of the Meridian Arts Commission, but we will get to that in a
minute. Hopefully you will see our new chair here soon. But I am thrilled to be
here to update you once again on all the wonderful things that have happened
with the Meridian Arts Commission this past year. We are grateful for Hillary,
who has made this presentation possible for us today. And I think you have seen
our summary of our year end budget and activities, so we will just go through this
quickly. First of all I wanted to recognize our arts commission currently as
seated. Leslie Mauldin is the chair, Michelle Glaze is the vice -chair. Stephanie
Barnes, who is here with us tonight. Thank you, Stephanie. Bonnie Grif fith.
Myself Mary Jensen. Ellen DeAngelis. Gretchen Caserotti, who is also here with
us tonight. Thank you, Gretchen. Claudia Weatherman. And our youth liaison
Taylor Farmer. If you know of any men we do accept them on the commission,
but right now it's girl power on the Meridian Arts Commission. An overview of our
Initial Point Gallery. Again, a very successful year for the Initial Point Gallery.
The majority of our volunteer hours do come from the gallery, as well as the
commission member who helps staff those gallery evenings. We do have a lot of
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volunteers that help us hang and take down each month for our new
presentations and they are wonderful ladies. We couldn't do it without them and
we are so glad for all of the volunteers that put in their time to volunteer here at
the city in Initial Point Gallery. Over a hundred volunteer hours went into this
gallery and over 500 people have visited our gallery -- and signed in to tell us
they have visited over -- in 2016. So, we are looking forward to a really exciting
2017 in the gallery with more shows, more visitors and, hopefully, more
volunteers to help us out there. A highlight of the gallery is that all -- for 2017 we
will have of the display cases up in the center of the gallery each month. We
also added a brand new credenza that in itself is a beautiful piece of art, but it's
also very functional for our volunteers to store their personal items while they are
working in the gallery and it was made by a local artisan right here in Meridian.
He's just two blocks from us. We had an excellent experience working with him
and hopefully you have got -- you have had the chance to see that beautiful
piece that now occupies a space in our gallery. One of the highlights was our
West Ada frames competition. West Ada contacts the commission each year
and asks for us to send judges to that art show. All student run. All student
participated in. And so Ellen, Michelle and Genesis were able to be the judges
for that art show and we were able to award some amazing young artists
recognition, as well as some -- some prizes for their participation. We have,
again, supported the Meridian Symphony Orchestra and their rising stars
program. That is where they audition young musicians to play with the
symphony in their final concert of the season and we are thrilled to be a ble to
sponsor that again this year. We did have two young performers Anna Kathleen
Black, a violinist, and Fernando Perez, who was a flautist and they did a fantastic
job and we are thrilled to be able to work with the Meridian Symphony on a
regular basis and help support them. Oh, yes. Thank you. I was going to get to
that when we got to Concerts on Broadway. But we do have a little reciprocal
performance venue available for those young performers where they get to come
out and perform as one of our opening acts for Concerts on Broadway. So, we
had Fernando here this summer.
De Weerd: Awesome.
Jensen: The flautist. To come in and -- I do like saying that. To come in and to
be the opener for one of our concerts. We have also partnered again this year
with our local theater company, Treasure Valley Youth Theater. We were able to
sponsor two of their productions, Aladdin Jr. and How To Eat Like A Child And
Other Ways To Avoid Becoming A Grown Up. And we are super excited to
continue to support them in their season in 2017 and offer these amazing
opportunities for the young people here in Meridian . An exciting thing about our
partnership with Treasure Valley Children's Theater is that we do get to watch
their opportunities grow as we offer them support . They were awarded funds
from a local organization called One Hundred People Who Care-Ada County and
they also were able to establish their own public art plaza next to their building
that we helped kick off for them. So, we are excited to watch them grow. Brand
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new to the arts commission this year was the Dairy Days Art Show. We were
approached by the Dairy Board and thought it was something that was within our
wheelhouse and we were kind of headed up by Ellen, who has been on the
production side of art shows before, so as a commission member she kind of
headed the charge. We did have nearly 30 artists participate in our very first
Dairy Days Art Show and all of the expenses were reimbursed from the Dairy
Board. The best and worst feedback we got was that there was not enough of it ,
so we have decided to take it on again for 2017 and we will see if we can give
people more of what I want and we are really excited about that. Our Concerts
on Broadway series, again, was a huge success this summer. We were able to
offer four concerts, but we added new bands this summer if you got to see --
Soul Patch was brand new to Concerts on Broadway, as well as Precious Bird
and both had excellent turnouts and followings and really added something new
and fun to our Concerts on Broadway series. We also were able to have food
trucks, which was something that the commission has always wanted and
worked towards and so we were really thrilled to be able to provide that. And the
weather held for the most part on all four concerts, so we are going to hope for
that for this coming season as well. A couple of things to note is that the park
staff added recycling bins, as some feedback that we had gotten from the public.
They would like to be able to recycle. And also that we were able to use a
production company for the first time, called Wineglass Arts Development, and
they really took on the entire concert series, allowing the commission to make the
decisions, but not put in all the elbow grease with it. So, it was really a good,
solid partnership and we were pleased with what the results were. Another new
bright spot in our year at the arts commission was the Meridian Art Week and this
idea came about because Shelley Houston, one of the employees here, brought
forth an idea of an art drop that had been done around the country and the
commission jumped on it, they said, yes, that sounds like a lot of fun and I think
we can do it. So, we kind of combined an art drop where artists and non-artists
alike could hide pieces around the city for people to find and enjoy and learn
about art and we combined that with a ribbon-cutting for our newest art piece --
oh, yeah, there is the hidden piece right there. And as well as for the Idaho
Street project. So, there was a lot that went on. In the evening we also were
able to host a chalk art festival from the local high schools. There were a lot of
great successes, but a lot of things that we learned and we are really excited to
put into play for that art week in 2017. Okay. Thanks. There was no shortage of
public art this year for us, but we are really thrilled about -- obviously, we were
able to commission Daniel Borup to put in bronze sculptures Out On The Town
right here at City Hall and had a lot of great feedback. This is -- I haven't seen
the frosty cone.
De Weerd: He looks really cold.
Jensen: Yeah. But his ice cream won't melt, so that's good. Right? Anyway,
we are thrilled with that piece. As well as a CJ Rench piece that we were able to
finally have installed, called Native Grasses, and it is at the corner of Fairview
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February 28, 2017
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and Main and, again, we have had a lot of really positive feedback. It's been
really interesting to watch the art pieces through the seasons and how they kind
of mentioned the frosty cone, but especially on the Native Grasses with the
changing colors of the landscape around it come to life in a lot of different ways ,
so be sure and take note of that when you see -- or when you're driving by those.
And an exciting part of 2017 is that we have been able to work with the parks
commission in establishing public art in some of our parks and the first project
you see kind of a concept of that is ready to go for Heroes Park and the artist is
Ken McCall, so we are looking forward to getting that underway and getting an
install date. I think everything that we do at the arts commission, obviously,
really shows our commitment to the city and our passion about the arts and
sharing it with others and I think that's one of the -- the most exciting things that
the arts commission has to offer this year and every year. We are thrilled that
every time we can make a connection with a local artist or a local person who
just wants to be involved or learn more about the arts, then, we try and do that
and one of our favorite stories at the arts commission is the story of Andrew
Clifford and I don't know if you will remember him, but he had a piece of art that
he wanted to submit for a traffic box and there was some possible copyright
infringement with Disney that we were really nervous about and he made it all
happen and went through all the correct channels and did it all legally correct
and, then, brought it back to us and we were able to finally install his piece of art
on a traffic box. So, it was a really exciting thing. All right. I don't see -- did
Leslie come yet? She did. I'm going to make her come up. Leslie, come on up
here. So, for the past four years I have been thrilled to lead the arts commission
as the chair, but I'm equally as thrilled to have a new set of eyes, a new equally
passionate person here. I'm not going away. I'm still here. You will probably still
see me as part of the Concerts on Broadway production team, but I am thrilled to
pass the baton to our dear Leslie Mauldin and she's going to be the one you get
to see from now on, the face of the arts commission.
Mauldin: I apologize beforehand. And I also want to thank Mary. She's been
absolutely fantastic. I feel like I have some really big shoes to fill and this is
really odd, but I'm going to give her a hug right here.
Jensen: Thank you.
Mauldin: So, thank you, Mary.
Jensen: Thank you. And thank you to Madam Mayor and the City Council.
Obviously, you are the reason that we are here and we get to do all these
wonderful things and share this passion that we have with our city. So, thank
you.
De Weerd: Thank you, Mary. And I would join my voice with Leslie's in thanking
you for your leadership. You probably served as the chair much longer than you
thought you would and I -- I hope that you can look back over the
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accomplishments during your terms and see how much actually has happened ,
because there has been a lot of effort, a lot of results, and certainly our
community is much richer because of it. So, thank you for your leadership, your
tenacity on a number of things, and we are thrilled that you will continue to serve
and we appreciate your passion and your energy.
Jensen: Thank you.
De Weerd: And we welcome you as chair, Leslie, and certainly got to see a little
bit of your talent at the State of the City kicking us off with the National Anthem.
Thank you for doing that. And congratulations on being elected as our chair.
Mauldin: Thank you.
De Weerd: Council, questions for Mary or --
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Yes, Genesis.
Milam: Leslie, did you get -- did you get elected because you didn't show up to
the meeting? I was kidding.
Mauldin: I was there and I still let it happen. I'm sorry. That was just weird.
Milam: Mary, fabulous presentation and even though I was there with you guys
on a lot of that, that was exhausting just watching it. The amount of work that
you -- the whole team of you ladies put in is just amazing and the art that, you
know, we see throughout the city and everything you do it really does make a
tremendous difference in our community. So, thank you all for your hard work.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: Taking off the Councilman hat and putting on the Dairy Show Board hat, I
can't -- I can't tell you the surprise we got from Hillary and Ellen and all you guys
when we figured if six people showed up we have a good art show and you had
30. We give you two months to do it in and I -- I firmly believe that that Dairy
Days Art Show will grow to be large -- a large show that will be one of the main
draws for our Dairy Days and I thank you very much from the board -- the Dairy
Show Board. Thank you.
Jensen: Thank you.
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February 28, 2017
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Mauldin: Thank you, Councilman Bird. Wait until this year. It's already rolling.
We are excited.
De Weerd: That's cool. I know. Seeing what you were able to do in two months
and now you have had a whole year. Hold onto you r seats, uh. Any other
questions from Council? Comments?
Cavener: Madam Mayor, just a comment if I may.
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: This commission update is -- kind of follows through with the other
commission updates that we have had and it's just remarkable the amount of
work that these incredible volunteers put on. Thank you again. I know it's -- it's
kind of repeating what everyone has said, but I think it's great that the rest of the
commission -- or some of your commission members are here. The arts
commission has been a commission that I really enjoyed growing -- or watching
grow and really seeing it evolve over the past nine years. We have some of the
most amazing people in our community serving on that commission and I am
really looking forward to seeing all you guys accomplish this year. It's been really
great to see.
Jensen: Thank you.
Bird: Thank you guys.
De Weerd: Yes. Thank you so much for joining us and a special thanks to
Hillary as well.
Jensen: Yes.
De Weerd: You are awesome. They didn't note you as one of the changes last
year, so -- but we love your talent. Thank you so much.
Bird: Thank you guys.
Jensen: Thank you.
Item 8: Action Items
A. Final Plat for Movado Estates Subdivision No. 1 (H-2017-
0004) by DevCo, LLC Located at South Side of E.
Overland Road, Between S. Topaz Way and S.
Cloverdale Road
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B. Final Plat for Movado Estates Subdivision No. 2 (H-2017-
0005) by DevCo, LLC Located South Side of E. Overland
Road, Between S. Topaz Way and S. Cloverdale Road
De Weerd: Okay. Moving to Item 8 under Action Items. Item 8 -A is a final plat
for H-2017-0004. Caleb.
Hood: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, the applicant for both A and B
tonight, H-2017-0004 and H-2017-0005, has requested continuance to March
7th. They are trying to address some of staff's comments, conditions in the staff
report and I'm hopeful that we can have it on the Consent Agenda on the 7th.
So, if you are willing to continue that for a week that would be appreciated.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you. Council, any questions for Caleb? Or issues on
that request?
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: With your permission I will make a motion for both of them.
De Weerd: Okay.
Bird: I move that we continue H-2017-0004 and also H-2017-0005 to March 7th,
2017.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to continue Items 8-A and to March
7th. All those in favor say aye. All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
C. Amended onto Agenda: YMCA Building Permit Partial
Fee Waiver Request Continued to March 7, 2017
De Weerd: Item 8-C is under the YMCA and their request for a building permit
partial fee waiver. Hi, Steve.
Siddoway: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, I will kick this off. To start
with I'd like to address the obvious question as why was the agenda amended to
-- to put this on for tonight. The -- I'd like to start with some history and how we
got to where we are today. So, there is a letter that's part of the packet. The
formal request was submitted back in December. Building permits have been in
process with the building department since then, but it didn't make sense to bring
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forward the formal request until we had some final numbers. The YMCA finished
open bids, got their final numbers last week, submitted them on -- on Friday and,
then, they are hopeful to get their -- their building permits as soon as possible.
Initially hopeful that it could be tonight, although we had talked and our plan was
to bring it forward next week and they had acknowledged that with their
construction timeline that -- that either would work. Then we learned the Mayor
was going to be out of town next week and now it's kind of the t rump card for us
to want to come forward and give the -- the opportunity to discuss it while
everyone is here tonight. So, we appreciate being able to -- to come before you
tonight while everyone is here. Last year we entered into a partnership with the
YMCA for what the -- the facility known as The Hill down in south Meridian. The
Hillsdale Elementary School is the first part of that and the part that's been built .
Part of our agreement -- or our partnership MOU with them is that we -- we are
continually seeking ways to act in good faith, in the spirit of partnership to realize
this project together. Examples on the Y side for us have been -- they are
committed to building the parking lot for the park that we are about to build. They
have taken on all the land donations initially until the final lot lines could be
created and, then, given to the various partners and, then, of course, last year
they -- they sold us the Home Court facility at a favorable price and all those
funds are going back into the -- the project there. So, their formal request for
consideration tonight is that the Council consider waiving certain soft costs or any
proportions of the building permit fees that are considered indirect fees or soft
costs. You have a memo in your packet from Bruce Freckleton that delineates
those with specific numbers. He's available to give as much or as little as you
would like on that. And we also have David Duro and Scott Curtis here from the
YMCA to answer any questions and with that I will -- I will stand for any questions
myself.
De Weerd: Thank you, Steve. Council, any questions?
Bird: Not at this time, Mayor.
De Weerd: Okay.
Siddoway: So, the question is do you need to hear for Bruce or do you have the
information you need?
De Weerd: Bruce.
Freckleton: Good evening, Madam Mayor and Members of the Council. We did
receive the final bid numbers and we -- we did modify the numbers that we had in
the memorandum that I had given a draft copy out earlier. Surprisingly -- and for
good -- the bids did come back lower than what we had originally received in the
initial estimates from the contractor. So, you do have the memo in front of you, I
believe, and the numbers as they stand now, based on the actual bid numbers, is
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February 28, 2017
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104,208.07 and so with that I would stand for any specific questions you might
have on -- on the memo.
De Weerd: Thank you, Bruce. Council, any questions?
Little Roberts: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Little Roberts.
Little Roberts: I move that we accept the recommendation for waving the soft
costs and direct fees and not to exceed -- how about we say 105,000 dollars.
De Weerd: Okay. I have a motion. Do I have a second?
Bird: I will second it.
De Weerd: Okay. I have a motion and a second. Discussion?
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: Madam Mayor, I'm not sure yet whether I'm opposed to it or in favor of
it, but the fact that it was amended on the agenda last night would make me a lot
more comfortable if we gave it a week to be able to ponder more on in case
anybody has any -- from the public they want to bring forward and have time to
have a week under it to -- before we make that decision. So, with that I would
make an amended motion to continue the item for a week.
De Weerd: Okay.
Cavener: Madam Mayor, I will second that, but, then, perhaps a question for
legal.
De Weerd: Okay. Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Madam Mayor, thank you. Bill, it would be my understanding that
should Council approve this tonight it would come back next week on the
Consent; is that accurate or inaccurate?
Nary: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, Council Member Cavener, there
wouldn't be anything to come back. So, it would be agreeing to that today.
Cavener: Madam Mayor, a comment if I may. I'm certainly supportive of the
original motion of supporting this request. Likewise, I -- I do question the
precedent we set with a significant dollar amount request in such a short amount
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February 28, 2017
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of notice. I would be supportive of continuing this for a week. More just to insure
that our public has the opportunity to see the decision that is before this Council,
regardless of what everyone in this room decides what is -- you know, a motion
they would want to support or oppose.
Palmer: I said amended, but I meant substitute.
De Weerd: That's all right. We knew what you were saying. Any other
discussion on the amended motion? Substitute -- substitute motion? Okay. The
motion in front of you right now is to continue this item to next week on March
7th. All those in favor would you, please, say aye. Any opposed say nay. Okay.
Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
De Weerd: We will set this out for next week's agenda and under Action Items.
Thank you to Scott and David for being here and we appreciate you as well ,
Steve, do you have any further comment?
Siddoway: If Council did have any questions for -- for Mr. Duro. He's here
tonight. He won't be able to be here next week, so if you had any questions they
would be happy to take them and, then, just so I know to prepare for next week,
do you want another presentation or you just need it to come back up before
you?
De Weerd: I think the desire is that -- to have it on a printed agenda and give the
public an opportunity if there is any questions to have that opportunity to ask.
Siddoway: Totally understand. So, thank you for your time.
De Weerd: Certainly I would invite David, if you are -- could you join us and give
us an update. Last year or last fall we certainly started -- or I guess it's been
longer than that -- but if you could maybe give us an update on the project itself.
Duro: Mayor and City Council Members, it's a pleasure to be here with you
tonight. Next week I'm actually in Washington DC and talking to some other
legislators, so that's why I won't be able to be in attendance at the meeting next
week. But the project is moving forward really well. We are so excited and it's
great to be able to thank you for your partnership in bringing this project to reality.
We think it's going to be a real game changer for the community and we are just
so excited to have the school, St. Luke's, the city and the Y all together to serve
our kids and families. I mean it -- it is truly going to be something like we have
never seen in this valley before. So, we are very, very appreciative and anxious
to partner for the long term with all of you here at the city. So, updates on the
project. The first one is fundraising, which we have been working on very, very
hard as you know and so we have reached 17.1 million dollars raised on our 18.5
Meridian City Council
February 28, 2017
Page 14 of 49
million dollar total cost project. So, we have got a little bit of a gap still. We are
out talking to people and we are confident we are going to close that gap. So,
that -- 17.1 million is a lot of generosity for a lot of people, so we feel really
blessed and really supported by the community in that effort. And the thing that
really speaks to people -- so that -- so that you can hear is it's -- the community
and these entities coming together to deliver something that couldn't be delivered
by one entity alone and there is so much synergy there and cost savings, both in
the short term construction costs and in the long terms. It really resonates with
people and they are willing to support it financially. So, what we deliver is going
to be special, but just that the fact that people would support this, because of the
partnership is really rich. So, then, from the bids, you know, we were nervous
being out in this bid climate with all the construction that's happening all
throughout the valley and so we were nervous on how those bids would come
back and we had the 18.5 number. We -- the bids are -- will allow us to work
within that budget, so we go to our board, the YMCA board of directors tomorrow
and we ask for approval to take the next step forward and to really commit to
spending those funds on the next phase of a project. So, that is looking really
good. The design is super -- I know we are excited to get the ground broken on
the park and see that come together and, then, the design of the facility, we think
that compliments everything else that's happening out there and so we are very
excited about the design and how we move forward there. So, all in all, I think it's
been, Mayor, as you said, in the opening -- it's been a long road to bring this
thing to fruition where we are right there on the precipice of making it happen and
so your consideration next week on the building -- the building permit cost waiver
will make a big difference to this project and as you know we are not going to rest
until we have a pool there and a library there and so this is just one -- one step
closer to making all that happen. And I would be glad to take any questions.
De Weerd: Thank you, David. Any questions?
Bird: I have none.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: So, based on your last statement is the 18.5 number with -- that's without
the swimming pool? Is that correct?
Duro: That's correct.
Milam: That's one of the best things the Y does is swimming lessons.
Duro: Thank you. And as I said, we -- we know how big of a need that is for the
community and what a difference it will make and our boa rd is committed to see
that through somehow. You know, we -- as you know we took a couple of
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February 28, 2017
Page 15 of 49
different approaches to it and those have been dead ends for right now. There
will be a way.
Milam: Thank you.
Duro: Thank you.
De Weerd: But I think there is a lot of exciting programing in the dry side of
things and a lot of excitement in particular from the school for the indoor piece,
as well as the health piece. I -- I know the larger vision certainly includes all
partners to really show the synergies and how this best leverages all the partners
resources. But the dry side has a lot of exciting programming and -- and benefits
to our community in promoting a healthy Meridian, a healthy Ada County, and
that's certainly an area of our community that is underserved and looking forward
to having this facility. So, we appreciate everything you, your board, Scott and
the staff have done to make this a possibility and be a model I think a lot of
others will -- will be looking at to follow.
Duro: Thank you.
De Weerd: So, anything further from Council?
Little Roberts: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Little Roberts.
Little Roberts: David, I would just like to say thank you to you and your team and
Scott for all your hard work in leading this effort. The business community
certainly appreciates it and we just look forward to continuing down this road with
you.
Duro: Thank you so much.
De Weerd: Thank you for joining us and good luck next week.
Duro: We will see what we can do.
D. Public Hearing for Handy Wholesale Products (H-2017-
0006) by Lawson Design Located 710 E. King Street
1. Request: Vacate the Twenty (20) Foot Wide Public
Utility, Drainage and Irrigation Easement on the North
Boundary of Lot 17, Block 2, Meridian Business Park
Subdivision
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February 28, 2017
Page 16 of 49
De Weerd: Yeah. Be safe. Okay. Item 8-D is a public hearing for H-2017-0006.
I will open this public hearing with staff comments.
Hood: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Caleb.
Hood: Thank you, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. This agenda item
has to do with the vacation of a public utility and drainage easement . In 1985 a
20 foot wide -- what we affectionately refer to as a PUDE easement. So, again, a
public utility drainage easement was created with the platting as part of the
Meridian Business Park Subdivision. The property owner at 710 East King
Street, which is Handy Wholesale Products, recently received a certificate of
zoning compliance approval to construct a 22,240 square foot truck service bay
and warehouse addition to the existing 6,000 square foot building that is on the
property highlighted on the screen. The proposed building spans that northern
property line and there is that 20 foot public utility drainage easement, so they
need to vacate that. It does also encroach, as you can see, into the railroad
right-of-way. We do have consent from the railroad com pany that they are okay
with encroachment and we do have also all public utilities have given their
consent to relinquish their easement rights that were created back in 1995 with
the platting of this project. So, with that, Madam Mayor, we would recommend
approval of the subject application and I would stand for any questions.
De Weerd: Thank you, Caleb. Council, any questions at this time?
Bird: I have none.
De Weerd: Okay. Is the applicant here? Good evening. Thank you so much for
joining us. If you will, please, state your name and address for the record.
Lawson: Madam Mayor, Council Members, Gary Lawson, Lawson Design,
Nampa, Idaho. That's where I'm from. I have been working on this project with
Handy Wholesale for a while trying to get all their ducks in a row and right now
they off load railroad cars on an outside shipping dock and, then, move the
project on a small semi 80 feet away and put it into another warehouse there and
their objective on this is to be able to off load railroad cars directly into the
warehouse. You can imagine how much fun that was this winter, especially on
the off-loading railroad cars and putting it into -- onto a small trailer and, then, off -
loading it again into the warehouse and, then, reloading it to ship it to their people
that they ship to. So, that's the reason for their wanting to do this. It will greatly
enhance their ability to handle their projects without getting it out into the
elements and having any composition from that.
De Weerd: Thank you. Council, any questions?
Meridian City Council
February 28, 2017
Page 17 of 49
Bird: I have none.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you for joining us.
Lawson: Thank you.
De Weerd: This is a public hearing. Is there anyone who would like to offer
testimony on this item? Okay. Seeing none --
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: Seeing none I move we close the public hearing on H-2017-0006.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to close the public hearing on Item 8 -
D. All those in --
Borton: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Yes.
Borton: Quick discussion. If I could sneak one question in to staff before we do
that?
De Weerd: We typically don't have a discussion on closing the public hearing,
but would --
Bird: We will pull out.
De Weerd: Okay. Yes, Mr. Borton.
Borton: Thank you. Real quick. I just haven't seen this before. Tell me -- or tell
us real quick what do we provide to the county when these kind of requests
come? Is it a recommend to approve or do we also sometimes include, you
know, a suggested condition or two that might be consistent with -- since it's
adjacent to city limits or do we just merely say we recommend approval period?
Hood: So, Madam Mayor, Councilman Borton, this property is actually zoned I -L
in the City of Meridian, so we are the lead agency in this case. The vacation of
the -- the easement -- we do -- I was going to say we do findings, but I am not
even quite sure if that's the right process for this. Bill Parsons actually wrote the
staff report, but there aren't really any comments that we send to the county. It is
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February 28, 2017
Page 18 of 49
effectively amending the original plat by vacating that plat note or the easement
that was created with the subdivision.
Borton: Okay.
De Weerd: Mr. Nary, does this generate a need for findings?
Nary: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, I believe we do an order is all we
do and, then, that -- that's what gets sent to the county.
De Weerd: Okay.
Borton: All right. Thanks. That's it.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: Now I move that we close the public hearing on H -2017-0006.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to close the public hearing on Item 8 -
D. All those I favor say aye. All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: I move we approve H-2017-0006 and to include all staff and applicant
comment.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve Item 8 -D, which is H-2017-
0006. Mr. Bird, will you -- Mr. Bird. Mr. Clerk. You down there. Will you, please,
call roll.
Roll Call: Bird, yea; Borton, yea; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little
Roberts, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
Meridian City Council
February 28, 2017
Page 19 of 49
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
E. Request for Reimbursement Agreement for
Infrastructure Enhancement - Fall Creek Subdivision No.
2
De Weerd: Item 8-E is a request for reimbursement agreement for infrastructure
enhancement for Fall Creek Subdivision No. 2. I will turn this over to Bruce
Freckleton.
Freckleton: Thank you, Madam Mayor. What you have before you is the
preliminary determination of eligibility for the request to enter into a
reimbursement agreement for infrastructure enhancement by Coleman Homes
for the Fall Creek Subdivision No. 2 as procedurally required under Meridian City
Code 8-6-5. This is the second request under the reimbursement agreement for
infrastructure enhancement code that was adopted back in July of 2011 . The
first request was also by Coleman Homes, but was for a sewer lift station that
was installed in The Oak -- The Oaks South Subdivision. The code had to be
amended at that time, since it was not originally designed for equipment such as
a lift station. So, this request is, basically, the first one to come forward to you for
a main line extension. Unfortunately, this request was made very late in the
development process and, essentially, came in too late to consider for
conditioning adjacent properties that would be the ones that would reimbu rse
under the RAIE that may be approved. Can you go to the second slide, Caleb.
Secondarily -- and maybe even more importantly is that a literal read of the code
states in many locations that to be eligible for a reimbursement agreement you
would need to be -- or excuse me. You would need to construct infrastructure
that is above and beyond what is required by the Public Works infrastructure
master plans. In Coleman's case they installed infrastructure per the master plan
requirements. We assembled a team from the Public Works Department,
Community Development Department, and Legal Department to consider this
request and there was a belief that the code as written does not represent what
was intended when the new code was put together back in 2011 and for this
reason we are wanting to put together a stakeholders group, including
developers and design consultants, to come up with a new language for the
code. We do believe that a reimbursement program is appropriate for the city,
but we need to strike a balance to make sure that what we come up with is fair
and equitable for all without being overly burdensome to administer for city staff.
So, for tonight we are simply asking for your consideration of the request and
Dale Bolthouse's preliminary determination memo that you should have in front of
you and, then, render your decision. Becky McKay is here tonight as a
representative for Thomas Coleman if you have any questions with her and with
that I will stand for any questions you might have.
De Weerd: Thank you, Bruce. Council, any questions?
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February 28, 2017
Page 20 of 49
Bird: Not at this time, Mayor.
De Weerd: Okay. Is the applicant here? Good evening. If you will, please,
state your name and address for the record.
McKay: Becky McKay. Engineering Solutions. Business address 1029 North
Rosario, Meridian.
De Weerd: Thank you, Becky.
McKay: Good evening, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. It's been a
while. I have been on a little sabbatical. I'm back.
De Weerd: You need to say that with more enthusiasm.
McKay: No. I'm back. Well, you have to understand I -- I just got back from
Hawaii, so -- I'm a little bit -- you know.
De Weerd: Well, it's kind of hard feeling sorry for you.
McKay: Yeah. I know. I know. As Bruce indicated, the -- the reimbursement
agreement ordinance was -- was modified in 2011 and, you know, we find
situations where we have extensions of oversized, over depth, in order to provide
additional capacity to adjoining properties. It has historically been the policy of
the City of Meridian that they would take into consideration any of that additional
capacity that's created by a developer extending your services and that there be
some eligibility for reimbursement by future developers down the road and, then,
there was always an administrative cost that was deducted from that for the City
of Meridian handling that. In the particular case of Fall Creek, the project runs
from Stoddard Road all the way west to Linder, which is approximately one half
mile. There was an existing 12 inch water main in Stoddard Road. Part of our
requirement was to build a half mile of 12 inch water main through Kodiak Drive
all the way to Linder and that was one of our conditions of approval. It is also
necessary in order to service our development. The reimbursement that's before
you this evening happened with a 12 inch water main that we were connecting an
existing 12 inch water main in Linder and the staff asked us to extend that 12
inch further south to our southern boundary for future extension, which would
take place across the Ridenbaugh Canal, south up to Victory, and, then, that 12
inch main will eventually go eastward and loop your existing 12 inch that's in
Victory Road over at Kentucky Ridge and one of the other subdivisions . So, as
far as the serviceability of that area from this 12 inch, this is zone four, it has the
ability to serve some properties up to elevation 2714 south of Victory and, then, it
will also -- that tie in would serve the last phase of Southridge . The
reimbursement before you is not a lot of money. It's 24,848 dollars. When we
received the letter from the Public Works director basically stating that they were
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February 28, 2017
Page 21 of 49
not in support of it, I noticed that the language he refers to is all addressing
sewer, their wastewater division, their master sewer plan, and so I was a little bit
confused that it stated, well, you know, this service benefit area has previously
been entitled. There few, if any, other users who would come online that could
potentially reimburse Mr. Coleman for this infrastructure. Well, for sewer that is
the case. We weren't asking for any reimbursement on sewer and that service
area has been established years ago. He is absolutely correct. So, I was a little
bit puzzled and I did bring this up with Bruce prior to the meeting. You know,
staff has indicated that there needs to be some -- some work done on your
current ordinance as far as reimbursements are concerned. We would like to
volunteer to be on that committee to make sure that -- that if there are problems
that -- in a situation like ours, this prohibits us from recouping our additional cost
when there is additional capacity added to your system. We would like to make
sure that -- that we help the city to work out the bugs out of this document. I
guess we ask, you know, the Council to -- to consider our proposal and I will
leave it at that. Thank you very much.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: Becky, I got a question. You say that the -- what you're asking for
reimbursement was not part of the original approval , that this was asked by staff
for you to add this on to go south down there and in back; is that right?
McKay: Councilman Bird, Mayor de Weerd. Initially we had thought that when
we tied in to Linder Road at the 12 inch, that would be satisfactory and, then,
Kyle did the water modeling and said, well, I would like to have another loop into
your phase, so I'd like you to extend a 12 inch and so our question to him was do
we need the 12 inch and he said, no, really you only need an eight. So, we are
not -- so we did need an eight inch to go further south and loop back into one of
our phases in order to meet fire flow requirements. But we did not need a 12.
Now, staff -- I believe staff's interpretation is, well, because Linder Road is an
arterial roadway, you are obligated to take the 12 inch to your furthest boundary.
So, you know, that's kind of -- I guess kind of where -- how we kind of got
crossways. This project just has a lot of 12 inch water in it where we had that
Kodiak collector there that runs that half mile and so we thought we were good.
Staff did -- came back and asked for more. So, we -- that's why we came with
the reimbursement request.
Bird: Follow up, Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: Becky, then, what you're telling me is what you're asking to be reimbursed
for is the difference between eight and 12 inch?
Meridian City Council
February 28, 2017
Page 22 of 49
McKay: Yes, sir. Just in Linder.
Bird: Just that. Because to be approved eight inch would have been fine and
now that we said you had to go to 12?
McKay: We only needed an eight inch, but the staff indicated 12 inch would --
would be the minimum size that they would allow in Linder Road, because of that
future extension south.
Bird: That's -- okay.
McKay: Yes, sir.
Bird: We know that our ordinance is -- is kind of gray. But you have been
around long enough to know how reimbursements go.
McKay: Yes, sir. The city has always been very fair.
Bird: They are -- they are a nightmare.
McKay: They are tough.
Bird: They are a nightmare not only for the city, they are a nightmare for the
developers. Because they are hard to track.
McKay: Yes, sir.
Bird: And -- and we just -- as a city we can't afford to have somebody sitting
there full time tracking all our reimbursements and you as a developer can't
afford to be tracking. So, we need to work on it and I think the idea that Bruc e
come up with is getting a committee together to look that thing over and get this
straightened out once and for all would be very good and I appreciate you
wanting to be on it. Thank you, Becky.
McKay: Thank you, sir. Thank you.
De Weerd: I guess does staff have anything to add to this?
Freckleton: Okay. Technology. I'm a little slow. Madam Mayor, the -- the water
master plan for the City of Meridian does specify that they are 12 inch mains on a
half mile grid. So, Linder Road, Overland Road, Stoddard, those are all mile --
the mile grid. It just so happens the Kodiak that she mentioned lines up with the
half mile. So, you got to have that half mile that bisects that section. So, the city
for -- forever has had code that requires infrastructure to be installed to and
through a development. The -- Becky mentioned that they were connecting on to
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February 28, 2017
Page 23 of 49
mains that others installed. Well, it's because they built to and through to bring
those mains to them. That's -- that's the way that the codes read and when Kyle
required that main to be brought up Linder Road, he was -- he was requiring it
based upon the master plan, but also because there was deficiencies in the fire
flow and getting that second loop from Linder Road into Fall Creek was
necessary, so -- is there any other questions that you might have?
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Bruce, on the page here of our presentation the first bullet says the
opportunity to have adjacent properties reimburse was missed. Who missed it?
Freckleton: Coleman's request for the reimbursement agreement came in in --
Cavener: August?
Bird: August.
Freckleton: -- August 11th of '16. The adjacent properties -- properties that
would normally be the ones to reimburse, were approved prior to that. So, you
can't go backwards on those properties and impose a requirement that they pay
Coleman back. Therefore, the opportunity was missed.
Cavener: Thank you.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: Bruce, that brings up a question that I have got, then. That Colemans was
approved with an eight inch main in there; right?
Freckleton: Coleman's as approved was a 12 inch main.
Bird: Okay. And that was -- it was a 12 inch.
Freckleton: It was a 12 inch. Now, if Kyle had made a statement that all that
was required to provide the loop and fire flow was an eight inch, then -- I mean
that's -- potentially you could do that. However, Linder Road is a section line
road and the master plan for a 12 inch main.
De Weerd: Any other questions from Council? Thank you for your information.
Freckleton: Will have to chew on it.
Meridian City Council
February 28, 2017
Page 24 of 49
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: Has everybody had all their questions answered?
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: So, if Southridge has already been approved, the opportunity is lost.
Where would the reimbursement come from?
Freckleton: There is no one else that would -- that would reimburse in this case.
Milam: Thank you.
Freckleton: And it's just because of the timing. Had Southridge not already had
their approvals, potentially, if we could get around the other issue that I have
mentioned, with regard to the language of the ordinance --
Borton: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Borton.
Borton: So, why would that opportunity to be reimbursed from other parties be
relevant if the 12 inch line was required for this project for fire flow in the existing
plan anyway?
Freckleton: It's just another -- it's just another reason, I guess.
Borton: Whether or not someone else could or couldn't -- there is nothing for a
third party to reimburse if -- what I’m understanding you're saying.
Freckleton: That's correct.
Borton: Okay.
Freckleton: So, like I said, I think more importantly is the language of the
ordinance precludes -- because you're not building anything greater than the --
the master plan calls for. But whether there were -- whether there were
properties out there that would have been the ones to pay this back -- it's a little
bit irrelevant, because I think the ordinance kind of trumps that.
Borton: Okay.
Meridian City Council
February 28, 2017
Page 25 of 49
De Weerd: Okay. Any further questions for the applicant or staff? Okay.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: This is one I believe that -- that we had better stay to our ordinance or we
are setting a precedence. And I will say that I th ink the staff, legal, definitely
realizes this, talking with Bill. But we do need to probably get a new ordinance in
place. But as it stands right now on 2/28/17, I move that we deny the request for
reimbursement for structure enhancements at Fall Creek Subdivision No. 2.
De Weerd: Okay. I have a motion. Do I have a second?
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a second from Mrs. Milam. Any discussion?
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: A question maybe for Legal or Bruce, if anyone feels the need to
chime in. To Mr. Bird's point about looking at our code related to this, if there is
going to be a working group that seems like the right solution in light of this issue.
My question is is there a scenario which coming out of the group that this group
would have a recommendation that would change, essentially, maybe the
decision of this Council related to this particular application?
Nary: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, the only way you could do that
would be to retro back in time that decision. The purpose -- one thing that hasn't
been discussed -- when we wrote this ordinance in 2011 it was to get the city out
of the business of doing these because of the cost and the administration of it.
So, this ordinance does not contemplate the city doing any reimbursing, it is only
on additional property owners. Certainly I can't foresee a likely outcome that's
going to go backwards. That doesn't seem like that's where we would land, but I
mean I certainly am open to whatever the working group comes up with and,
obviously, we would be presenting it back to all of you for your feedback, as well
as ultimately approval. So, I -- I couldn't tell you. I would say probably not, but
never say never.
Cavener: All right. Thank you.
Freckleton: Madam Mayor?
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February 28, 2017
Page 26 of 49
De Weerd: Yes, Bruce.
Freckleton: If I could weigh in on that, too. If that were possible, bullet number
one, then, would become more relevant due to the fact that there is nobody to
get the reimbursement from.
De Weerd: Okay. Any further discussion?
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: Madam Mayor, I know that government sometimes creates working
groups to pacify those involved in the opposite side of a decision that's often
made in the moment, so I would just hope that if we do go that route that we
quickly figure out a solution to get it done and get the code changed and fixed, so
that now we can figure these out going forward. That because I have been a part
of one of those pacifying working groups before.
De Weerd: We appreciate the clarification at the end of that statement. I -- I
don't see what a working group at this point changes and I think a long-standing
desire of development paying its way and because of the to and through it has
benefited the -- it's kind of like you pointed out earlier, is they are able to develop
because the person before them develop ing to and through. So, I -- if there are
key questions that have been raised because of this kind of policy, I think a
working group can help vet that out. Otherwise, I would agree with Mr. Palmer.
Mark that down again. Is that -- is that we would just be going through the
exercise just because and so we would really want to clearly define what are
those key points that you would want someone to vet that would make sense in
keeping with that policy that the city has long had that development does pay .
So, I will leave that up to -- to you and whether a working group moving forward
makes sense or not. Anything further from Council? No? Mr. Clerk, will you,
please, call roll.
Roll Call: Bird, yea; Borton, yea; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, nay; Little
Roberts, yea.
De Weerd: The ayes have it.
MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. ONE NAY.
Item 9: Department Reports
A. Community Development: Pending Ada County
Development Application Response
Meridian City Council
February 28, 2017
Page 27 of 49
De Weerd: Item 9-A under Department Reports is under Community
Development. I will turn this over to Caleb.
Hood: Thank you, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. I don't typically bring
these types of department reports to you, but I did want to follow up. We had
some discussions last year about development applications in Ada County. We
had a meeting in April of 2015 with the Board of County Commissioners over at
their house and talked to them about just some of these things, like enclaves,
properties that are eligible for annexation, but are developing in the county. Even
had some -- talked draft changes to their code on some of those things. So, I
thought it was appropriate to just kind of bring that back up to the top of things
again. It's not the highest of priorities, but I just wanted to let you know things are
kind of just business as usual. Here is another application -- and, again, it's not
like we are inundated with these types of requests, but here is another one.
There is an application for a conditional use permit, a master site plan application
for a contractor's yard. The applicant is also seeking a variance to the setback
requirements for contractors yards, which require a minimum of a hundred foot
setback and landscaping requirements. The applicant is proposing the hours of
operation be 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and they are
proposing a ten foot gravel -- ten gravel parking spaces on 5.1 acres for A to Z
Sprinkler and Landscape. So, the exhibit that you have in front of you is -- is just
a vicinity map with the subject property highlighted. Again, it is contiguous to city
limits and, therefore, eligible for annexation. It is designated low density
residential on our future land use map. A contractor's yard is not allowed in any
city zone. So, if this were coming into the city in an R zone it would be outright
prohibited. You couldn't even ask for it. We don't allow contractor's yards. I will
point out that in the application of the county the applicant did get consent letter s
slash support letters, however you want to state that, from three of the -- I think
there is six or seven properties that abut them. The three property owners
basically on the south. Which would be the ones mainly affected, if you can --
you can see their site plan here. So, this is really where they are operating their
contractor's yard for the -- for the sprinkler and landscape company and so,
again, most of the neighbors that are closest in vicinity to that operation have
submitted that they don't really have a problem with the application. But I bring it
up again just to say should I -- should we make comment? Typically Bruce and
myself and sometimes we involve the city engineer in our comments back to the
county. Usually we just handle it with a condition or two or it's consistent or not.
Here is one where it isn't, but it's marginal. Again, the wall gets taller of
extending, you know, the -- potentially expansion of city limits. If everybody gets
to do what they want to do in the county, how are city limits ever going to
progress further to the south? We are going to be stuck here forever and there
are development pressures down here from these larger parcels that are
interested in developing. Again, if you can operate a business and live out of
your home here, why would you ever want to annex in the City of Meridian. So,
again, I just bring it up to say -- you don't have a problem. I'm not saying this is
necessarily really even -- again, the neighbors -- at least the few that are on the
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record to the county, don't seem to have a problem with it. But -- but it is a
commercial use in what we are looking at a residential area in the future. That
wouldn't be consistent with our zoning. It's in our area of impact. I don't want to
stir up the pot too much, but I'm tempted to make some comments like that.
Should we encourage them to submit an application to the City of Meridian and
you could propose this very thing in the City of Meridian with an annexation and
zoning. I will put a caveat in there, because usually what we -- we talk about that
annexation is a three legged stool. Annexation comes with sewer and water.
Sewer and water is a little bit difficult here. You do have sewer available in Ten
Mile, but you're about a third of a mile to run that sewer to actually get to them.
Water isn't planned -- the nearest water line is up here on Overland and in Public
Works CIP the water is planned to go in Ten Mile in 2019. So, again, there is no
real pros and cons here either way; right? It doesn't -- it kind of makes sense, it
kind of doesn't, but, again, I just bring it up to you to say, you know, this is the
urban interface -- urban rural interface for transition and it's tough. So, again, I'm
just looking for some direction. We could certainly stay silent on it, just let the
county's process kind of play out. But, again, I wanted to at least daylight it with
you all and say, hey, there is an application and this is what's being proposed
and see if -- what your direction is on any comments. So, with that, Madam
Mayor, I would stand for any questions or comments. Direction.
De Weerd: Caleb, I guess I would just point out is when we were doing some of
the discussions in this area of our community, there were some people in this
particular subdivision that came and talked about future subdividing and so at
some point we would imagine that there would be urbanization of these areas. I
guess the overarching concern -- and I can see why you bring this to Council -- is
when we last met with Ada County Commission they were concerned with the
enclaves in our community, yet we continue to have them tee them up and create
future enclaves in -- in these kind of scenarios. This has a lot of gray to it, as you
have pointed out, so I'm not sure what's -- what the best solution is, other than
maybe when it's -- and what the enforcement can be. You could always say you
need to annex when you're surrounded on all sides or two sides, but who
enforces that and you really can't when you have -- you don't provide them
services as far as utilities go. However, they are benefiting from the city services
in other regards. It's kind of that long-standing conversation we have been
having. Council, any comments?
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: I would hope that the neighbors around there take care of a lot of this kick
back. They --
De Weerd: You want to --
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February 28, 2017
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Bird: They are certainly an active bunch of people out there. I -- while I hate to
tell people they can't do something to their own property, I have got my doubts of
whether that's a good place for a contractor yard -- contractor's yard, but -- I don't
know. I see pros and cons to both of it, but right now I think that -- that I don't
see that being in the city, so I guess it's not going to hurt that much, so I guess if
-- either just stay quiet or -- my recommendation to just stay quiet, let the -- let
the neighbors -- if they don't want it there, let them go battle it.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Caleb, can you maybe articulate for me what a typical response from
the city is on this type of stuff, these types of requests?
Hood: Madam Mayor, Councilman Cavener, it kind of varies on the request.
Typically what we see are five acre subdivisions are kind of typical -- more typical
and depending on where that's located how far out in our area of impact it's
located, sometimes they will ask for a waiver of our dry line sewer requirements
and we will write a request back to the county. That's our agreement with the
county. They basically say we will require your infrastructure when you tell us to,
unless we hear otherwise. So, again, usually I'm working pretty heavily with
Public Works to say, hey, is this in the foreseeable future or is this way out there
and we really don't know what we even have them put in the ground and, then,
again, generally my comments are kind of at a higher level land use wise going
residential, are you proposing residential use? No. Well, that's my comment
back to you is our comp plan says this should be residential. We don't have any
residential zones that would allow the proposal. So, I typically don't go as far as
we recommend denial, I just state facts. Hey, this is -- this is designated this.
We don't allow this.
Cavener: Madam Mayor and Caleb, I think to -- and maybe even to Councilman
Bird, and to this Council, I don't think we are -- we are telling someone what they
can or can't do with their land, we are being asked to comment to the county. I
think it's -- in light of the discussion that we had a little over a year and a half ago
with the county I think it's absolutely prudent for us to send a response that
includes our concerns about the type of use of this property in an area that
doesn't typically fall within our land use designation . Caleb, I agree with you, I
wouldn't support recommending a denial, that's not our call to make. I think that's
the commissioners call to make. But in light of the conversation that we have
had with them I think it's important for them to hear from us on this, specifically
because that's something they have asked of us.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
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February 28, 2017
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Palmer: Madam Mayor and Caleb, where they don't plan on building a
slaughterhouse, a meat packing plant, and they are -- what they are looking to do
is really undoable, should they plan to go on it otherwise -- if that's a word -- I
don't see it being an issue until they are ready to do something that we would
have an issue with should it be in the city. A realistic issue. I mean --
Cavener: Have an issue with it. Sorry.
Palmer: Well, you're right. You're right. But I mean something of more
permanent impact I guess.
De Weerd: Caleb, I guess, you know, to be consistent in following our own
Comprehensive Plan that is approved by the county, that we are trying to be
sensitive to their desire to remove enclaves, that -- that to make comment about
concerns of following our Comprehensive Plan that's been approved and the
creation of a future enclave is at least worth pointing out and being consistent in
our -- in our comments. I think that's a fair approach and, then, as was pointed
out, it is -- it is ultimately their decision, but -- but I do think that it's fair in looking
at our Comprehensive Plan and the policy that they have asked us to -- to look
at. Any other comments from Council?
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I take back what I said and completely agree with the way you worded
it.
De Weerd: Oh, my gosh. This is an awesome day. Red banner day.
Bird: Have you been feeding him a lot of chocolate or what?
Hood: Madam Mayor, now that there -- it seems like there is maybe consensus
of the Council, just to clarify, I'm going to just follow the regular protocol and it will
just come from me. I wasn't going to have your name o n it. I just wanted to -- to
share and, then, get some direction. So, I'm just going to comment like we
typically do and I wasn't going to rise to the level of writing a letter and having
you -- asking you all to sign it. So, I just want to make that clear. You probably
won't hear anything else about this for -- hopefully ever.
De Weerd: I think it's fair that you weigh in on behalf of the city.
Hood: Thank you.
B. Community Development: 2017 Transportation Priorities
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De Weerd: Okay. Item 9-B is also Caleb's under our 2017 transportation
priorities.
Hood: So, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, last week I handed out the
draft priorities for 2017 as recommended by the Meridian Transportation
Commission. The only real conversation we had last week was Councilman
Borton asked for, you know, significant movers and shakers on those lists. I did
go through and mark those, so if you haven't had -- done that in the past week,
again, there wasn't wholesale changes. There were, you know -- I think I
counted four projects that went up or down more than five or more spots. I did
just want to highlight that we had -- and I can't remember if I did this last week.
New to this year is propriety number 31 on the roadways and intersections list.
That's Victory Road, Meridian to Locust Grove, and I don't remember if I
highlighted that for you last time, but that one is new. And, then, I also -- I know I
didn't highlight for you -- there were five that come off the list, because they are
either in construction right now or got done this last year. So, that's good. Five
of our -- our top projects and they were last year's priority projects one, four,
seven, 16 and 25. So, in our top 25 they did five of our top 25 projects this last
year. So, that's -- that's pretty good. So, all projects, basically, moved up on the
list just de facto, because those projects came out, so -- and, then, community
programs, projects, kind of really the same -- really the only -- well, two changes.
One was the second straight -- I think I mentioned that to you. West 2nd Street
dropped 11 spots. That's by the food bank there. ACHD is not interested in that
at this point in time. And, then, there is one new project that debuts at number
20 and that's East 2 1/2 Street, Carlton to Fairview, and that's been a real topic of
conversation through MDC and some of their various sub committees. They are
basically between Fairview and the school there on Carlton. So, other than that,
again, the list -- what, we have got a week or so to really get into that and look at
the recommendation and there is also a cover letter, so if there is any changes
there -- we did highlight a couple projects to thank them for -- for their effort and
their time in considering our request largely is what that letter says. So, unless
there is any questions, comments as to the list, I'm prepared to -- this one I do
have all your -- the signature line does include all your names, so I would need to
route that back -- I'm sorry. That's the next letter that has all of your names. This
one just has the Mayor's name on it. But I would ask for a motion when you're
ready that approves those priorities and the Mayor to sign.
De Weerd: Thank you, Caleb. I think it's -- it's noteworthy to -- to thank the
transportation commission for -- for vetting this. Certainly appreciate all the work
you have put into it. One thing I would ask to add to the letter is maybe more of
an editorial remark -- we accommodate the Treasure Valley's transportation
impact and, you know, sometimes when you look at these maps you get a little
overwhelmed with the number of black and red dots and squares and the
enormity of the requests because of the transportation impact of our community
and just to note that, you know, we do -- we do entertain and accommodate the
travel through transportation of all the communities that are growing in and
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around us and I certainly know that Ada County Highway District understands the
cumulative impact that we have from the growth all a round us and our own, but
these -- these are needs not just because of -- of our own growth. Council, any
questions?
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Yes, Ms. Milam.
Milam: Caleb, I apologize I didn't get this to you sooner. It was kind of just a
thought recently, because I have been looking over dashboards and stuff and I
know that Fairview to Locust Grove is already high on the priority list, maybe
even could be a little higher, if that's -- it's kind of consistently the -- one of the
highest accident intersections in the city. I will just shut up now.
Hood: So, Madam Mayor, I'm fine with that, as long as the rest of the Council --
just give me a number. Tell me where you want to move it. It's number four r ight
now. So, it's pretty high. If you want it to be number one -- I mean just tell me
where you want it. If you want to move it somewhere is really the request that I
would make, because -- don't leave it up to me to guess where you want it to be,
so --
Milam: I would say one or two.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Just a comment. I have wrestled with kind of the -- the power rankings
of streets and intersections and moving things up and moving things down and
ultimately I continually default back to the recommendations from the
transportation commission. Personally I think number four for that intersection is
appropriate. It's already in our top five. While it is a very highly used
intersection, I also believe that it is one of many high used intersections that are
in our community and there are intersections and roads that are just as heavily
used that are lower. For what it's worth, I would support the recommendations as
presented by the transportation commission.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: Anymore discussion? If not, I will make a motion that we take the
recommendation brought forward by Caleb and the transportation department --
or the commission and send a letter to ACHD affirming that.
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February 28, 2017
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Cavener: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Hearing none, Mr.
Clerk.
Roll Call: Bird, yea; Borton, yea; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little
Roberts, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Thank you.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
C. Community Development: US 20/26 Corridor Study
Environmental Assessment Overview
De Weerd: Item 9-C is under Community Development for discussion on the
20/26 corridor.
Hood: One more, Madam Mayor. Members of the Council, Madam Mayor, I just
wanted to give you a heads up -- and you have probably all seen some of the
press releases and the word is out there at this point, but I wanted to give an
opportunity just to kind of daylight it with you a little bit more. ITD, federal
highway, does have out on the street right now the draft environmental
assessment for the US 20/26 corridor, which goes from Caldwell to Eagle Road.
I-84 in Caldwell to Eagle Road, State Highway 55. I didn't print out the whole EA.
It's like -- I didn't count the pages, but it's -- it's big. Several volumes. And, you
know, the purpose of this really is -- is to look at social, environmental impacts a
project of this magnitude may have. I will be honest, again, with it being seven,
eight hundred pages I have not read the whole thing, but I have read the
summary, I have gone through it, I have read the -- the titles of most of the
sections at least. I mean it is things like, you know, critical are as, noise impacts,
those types of things. So, from my standpoint -- and, again, that's pretty -- not
very in-depth analysis as far as environmental impacts go. I would support
recommending supporting the environmental assessment, so that this project can
move forward and start to receive funding for construction. I have -- similar to the
last item -- and this is the one, again, I got confused. This -- I have drafted a
letter that should be in your packet that basically supports ITD and the
environmental assessment, the corridor study, mainly because we want to see
some things happen on Chinden, not because we necessarily love the EA, but
just because we -- that's a hoop we have to jump through to get the funds to build
-- to widen the corridor. So, I do have some of that -- if you haven't had a chance
to look at it, I did print out some of the -- the cut sheets, though, that show some
of the details. If you didn't know, there is a phasing plan. Initially ITD plans to
widen it to four lanes and, then, eventually, to six and intersections are kind of
sprinkled in there intermittently in that -- in that phasing plan. There still is a CFI.
CFIs are still part of this plan. There has been -- there have been some
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February 28, 2017
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modifications to them, but they still are CFIs. I have at least seen one
correspondence back from one of the adjacent businesses at Chinden and
Linder that still isn't supportive of the CFI design. There are definitely impacts,
both with right-of-way and access. Historically -- and this goes back before some
of you were on the -- on the Council, but it has been a discussion of the Council
and to this point we have stayed silent, really, on the design and, again, really
just supported environmental clearance, getting through the process, although
we have been at the table and part of the design discussions. But we haven't
come across the same -- we don't like this intersection or we do like to this
intersection. Sort of stayed silent on that. So, again, I just wanted to kind of let
you know that there have been some changes in the past nine months or so on
this topic. There is a public hearing as well at the Ambrose School coming up. I
lost my note of when that is. It's in my memo. Coming up here in -- I think it's
next Wednesday --
De Weerd: Wednesday.
Hood: -- I believe. In the afternoon.
De Weerd: It's March 7th.
Hood: March 7th. So, a week. Yeah. Tuesday. So, I do plan on attending that.
I can either hand off a letter, if you're so inclined to sign the letter or some version
thereof that you have in the packet. If you wanted to show up you're certainly
welcome, as is the public. There is another -- they have another public hearing
slash open house in Caldwell, but I didn't put that one in your packet. I figured
you would go to the Meridian one if you're interested. They actually do have two
kind of either end of the corridor. So, with that pretty high level -- again, I do
have some of the -- the purpose and kind of summary pages if you're interested
in that and some cut sheets if you're interested in that I can -- I can pass them
around. But with that I would stand for any questions and, again, ask for your -- if
you don't want to send the letter, that's fine. I drafted one, though, thinking
maybe you would want to chime in on the EA. So, with that, Madam Mayor, I
would stand for any questions or comments.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: Caleb, I think the letter sounds perfectly good to me. It's very clear in what
we support and stuff, so I don't see any reason why we can't formally sign that
and send it and this -- is there any chance that this could be moved up from four
years, the studies and everything that has to be done? And the financing.
De Weerd: Well, the financing or the -- the first improvement is scheduled for
2021 and that's the widening from Eagle to Locust Grove.
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Bird: Yeah. That's --
De Weerd: That's it. I certainly -- you know, I think that the letter and generally
supporting of the corridor study -- I do believe that we need to -- to stress that --
that we would like to see improvements moved up and that while we are
generally supportive, there are some concerns with the continuous flow
intersections and who knows if they will ever be built, but I guess to ask that
those at the time be -- be considered for what -- we all know that technology and
improvements in moving traffic are happening annually and we hope that there is
a better solution than -- than -- I guess we can't really say that, but, that those,
again, are considered in their design before moving into those phases of
improvements. But certainly we would love to see the widening from Eagle Road
to McDermott and those first couple of phases moved up in the timeline .
Hood: Madam Mayor. I can add those comments. I think I have got something
that I can certainly add about the phasing or the triggering of those CFIs that
maybe there is an innovative design that some of the engineers in the near future
that can maybe be implemented there. I did leave it kind of more heavy towards
-- again this is more -- the letter is drafted to Adam Rush and is really geared
towards FHWA, not so much the ITD board, and that -- it's really, again, jumping
through the environmental clearance hoop, so I didn't pound the drum so much
about it. But I can -- again, I can add those comments, but -- and we did copy
the board. I don't know if you caught that at the end of the letter. They are
carbon copied. I do plan on sending it the ITD board. But, really, the audience is
more environmental impacts, not so much the finding additional funding or
moving things up. But I can add a little bit more of that in there. I think -- I think
that's appropriate, too, so -- I just didn't go heavy with this letter this time,
because of -- they are asking for comments on the environment assessment, so -
-
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: I know it's a balance, but where we have an opportunity to at least
weigh in and it's -- you have done a nice job in talking about how critical it is, but
the timeliness is -- is equally critical. Mr. Bird.
Bird: You say the open house is the 7th and that's when you would like to
present the letter? Which is next Tuesday.
Hood: Mr. Bird -- Madam Mayor, Councilman Bird. I can do it -- I don't know -- if
I make these changes that's probably not real feasible to route it to everybody by
then unless there is an electronic signature that maybe the clerk has, but it's not
critical, we do have some time on that. I just need to g et it to them while the
public comment period is open, but it doesn't have to be next week, no.
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February 28, 2017
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Bird: If you -- if you feel comfortable with adding the remarks, I think it would be
great, but I would have no problem sending this letter either. I think it covers a
certain part that -- you know, we all wish that they could start right now and go all
the way to Caldwell, but we know that's not going to happen.
De Weerd: You never know. Dream big. We might get some transportation
infrastructure improvements and funding.
Bird: At least we got somebody in the White House that's looking at it.
De Weerd: Okay. Any other comments, questions? Is Council interested in
adding the -- the additions to the letter or are you good as is?
Borton: Madam Mayor, I'm fine as is.
De Weerd: Okay.
Bird: Fine as is.
Little Roberts: Madam Mayor, I think we should take every opportunity we can.
So, maybe not strong arm them, but up a little bit to let them know our thoughts
on moving things up.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I just have a question about one sentence on paragraph three.
Improving US 20/26 corridor will spur development of unutilized lands and
provide public-private partnership opportunities. Is this speaking strictly of the
public-private partnership of building a road or --
De Weerd: Yes.
Palmer: -- hinting at creating opportunities for URDs as the Ten Mile interchange
did?
Hood: Madam Mayor, Councilman Palmer, no, not -- not the latter. At least that
wasn't the intent of that sentence. It really is to really spur more development on
some of the parcels that have yet to urbanize and other potential partnerships to
make improvements maybe ahead of 2025 or 2030, as long as the environmental
clearance gets done. Again, someone else could come in and make some of
those improvements potentially. Again, who knows what type of private-public
partnerships may evolve from this, but the intent wasn't to plant a seed about
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February 28, 2017
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establishing another, you know, URA or -- a funding mechanism wasn't really --
the point was more, hey, everybody would benefit from this project.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: I would say if the -- I'm okay with it the way that it is, but if the timing
doesn't matter, we have plenty of time, then, I think adding the additions --
De Weerd: Let's seize the opportunity. If you can put it in there politically correct
-- nice. And if Council would like to see it we can -- we can bring it back on
Tuesday for -- for their signature. Everyone good with that?
Bird: I'm good.
Borton: Sounds good.
De Weerd: Okay.
Hood: Thank you.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Bird: Thanks, Caleb.
D. Finance: Discussion and Approval of Award of Bid
#PKS-1720-10736 and approval to purchase one (1) Wide
Area Mower from RMT Equipment and authorize the
Purchasing Manager to sign Purchase Order #17-0213
for the Not-to-Exceed amount $67,880.00
De Weerd: Okay. Item 9-D is under our Finance Department and I will turn this
over to Keith Watts.
Watts: Thanks, Madam Mayor, Council Members. The reason I'm bringing this
award before you, rather than placing it on the Consent Agenda is that we only
received one bid for this item and in the past I have been asked to make a
presentation when we only received one bid and I will have a little discussion with
that when I'm through. This is for a Parks wide area mower. We did advertise
this bid in the newspaper, posted it on our website, and prior to going out to bid
we verified that there were 12 different dealerships that could supply this within
the northwest and California and Nevada as well. So, it wasn't a sole-source
estimate and when we opened the bids we met with the Parks Department and
discussed the pricing. They believe it was a fair price. It was well within their
budget and under their estimate when they put this proposal together to request
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a bid. With that it was -- RMT Equipment was our sole bidder at 67,080 dollars.
Like I said, well within the budget and under their estimate. And with that I would
stand for any questions.
De Weerd: Is it possible to add on a snow plow?
Watts: I think Lowe's has gone of those.
De Weerd: Snow blower.
Bird: So we can use it very 30 years.
De Weerd: Any questions from Council?
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: So, Keith, we have bought these before.
Watts: We have bought different types of mowers. This is a brand new mower
for 2017, actually.
Milam: Okay. So, we don't really have a real good comparison.
Watts: Correct. We have similar mowers. This is a new model.
Bird: I believe this -- though we have bought Jacobsons before.
Watts: Correct. Yes, we have.
Bird: They are the finest made I think.
De Weerd: And it did fall within the estimate or below. Any other questions?
Little Roberts: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Little Roberts.
Little Roberts: I move that we approve the award of the bid for 1720 -10736 and
approve the purchase of the wide mower, not to exceed 67,800, excuse me, 80
dollars.
Bird: Second.
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February 28, 2017
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De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve Ite m 9-D. Any discussion
from Council? Mr. 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.
De Weerd: Thank you, Keith.
Watts: Thank you, Madam Mayor. I would like to ask -- just request -- would you
like me to continue to make these reports when we have a soul source or are you
fine with us just making the award either way. We usually run everything through
Legal before we come and talk to you as well.
De Weerd: Oh, we love to see you. And it always helps I think to put context
and find out what all you do and you don't bug us at all. Maybe. Kind of.
Nary: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Yes, Mr. Nary.
Nary: I was just going to correct -- the sole sources have to go back to you. I
think this was -- this is a policy --
De Weerd: I know. This is not a sole source.
Nary: Right. He said sole source. I just wanted to make sure it was on the
record that he was talking sole bidders.
De Weerd: I -- and that's how I heard it.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: I think it's very good that we bring something like this back when you only
have one. In fact, I -- some of these bids that we are getting on some of this
other stuff, the amount of money I don't think it would hurt to do like we used to
do in the old days. That was a single item on the deal and you listed who the
bidders was and the bids and stuff, so the public knows that -- what kind of
bidding is going out there, but, no, Keith, I think it's great to -- when we got
something like this that you have to come out and talk about it publicly.
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Watts: Great. We will continue that. Thank you.
E. Fire Department: Amendment of Ada County-City
Emergency Medical Services System (ACCESS) Joint
Powers Agreement to incorporate terms of parties’
shared use of ESO reporting software for report writing
and records storage and management
F. Restated and Amended Joint Powers Agreement for the
Coordinated and Cooperative Provision of Emergency
Medical Services in Ada County Establishing the Ada
County-City EMS System (“ACCESS”)
De Weerd: Thank you. Okay. Item 9 -E. Chief Niemeyer went home ill and so
passing the report off to Mr. Nary.
Nary: Thank you, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. What you have in
front of you that's actually listed as Item F, is an addendum to the joint powers
agreement that we have in Ada County under the EMS system. What this is is
when we went to this EMS joint powers agreement with the other agencies in
Ada County, one of the things that evolved from that was having a single medical
director, single license, for all EMS services. So, that way there was consistency
across the board. It also, then, evolved into the EMS records that are maintained
and they would be disseminated when there are public records requests.
Because of HIPAA and other legal requirement we have to, again, consistently
apply that and we don't want it applied five different ways in Ada County. So, we
have been, under the cooperation of all the agencies, been funneling the
requests through the Ada County paramedics EMS system for all of these
requests. So, they manage those -- that record and that information in those
public records requests. So, what this does is clean that up in the agreement to
add that as part of the agreement. Rather than just an internal agreement
between the agencies, now it will be part of the agreement itself. It has been
working. I -- I think I saw from Mrs. Kane, who worked on it, for our -- for our
portion of the agreement -- been doing this I think since November. They don't
get a lot of these. Obviously, most of these are relat ed -- individuals are the ones
that are asking for it in relation to medical needs. Some of these have very
limited release capabilities because of HIPAA and other requirements. But she
worked with the other agencies in getting the -- the language that was
satisfactory to all the parties, with all the other attorneys and all the other chiefs.
So, at this point we are asking for your approval of this addendum, so that, again,
we can now -- we can, essentially, memorialize the process in regards to the
EMS recordkeeping and sharing of the information on the records side with the
other agencies, so that, again, they can be funneled through the Ada County
EMS system for any kind of public records request. We always notify the
requester, because they don't really come to us on our calls or our reports and,
then, we notify them they have been -- they are available through the Ada County
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February 28, 2017
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EMS system. We provide it to them. Again, everybody has the same standards
in releasing that, but all the records retention policies have been aligned to be the
same for all the agencies. So, this I think is a good part of what the EMS
agreement was supposed to do and so we just asked for your approval.
If you have any questions more than that I don't know. That's the best I got.
De Weerd: We will ask Chief Parry over there. Council, any questions?
Bird: I have none.
Cavener: Madam Mayor, if there is no questions --
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: I move that we approve the amended joint powers agreement.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve Item 9 -F. Parry, do you
have any comment? I had to give you at least an opportunity. Mr. 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.
G. Clerk’s Office: Proposed Updates to Clerk’s Office Fee
Schedule
De Weerd: 9-G is under our Clerk's office.
Coles: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, what you have before you on the
screen is the entirety of the Clerk's office fee schedule. I just have it up there for
reference so you can see our entire fee schedule. I'm not asking for approval or
direction on all of these items, I just wanted to have that up there for your
reference. The highlighted items in gray are what I'm here to speak with you
about today. The first three are our pawn broker license and precious metal
dealer license. So, currently we have that fee. It's set at $72.50. So, that
includes a $41.50 of an Idaho State Police background check that's required for
these licenses. What I'm looking to do -- or what we are looking to do is actually
drop that fee by one dollar, because it actually costs us, staff, 30 dollars and not
31 dollars to perform our work. So, we are looking to drop that to 71.50, instead
of 72.50. It's not required that we hold a public hearing on dropping a fee, only
Meridian City Council
February 28, 2017
Page 42 of 49
when we increase fees by a certain amount or add new fees, but I am looking for
your feedback and I'd like to see if that would be appropriate to drop that fee
down by one dollar. What we are required to hold a public hearing on are the
attorney labor fees that you can see we are proposing to increase. The other
labor, which is in the Clerk's office, which we are looking to increase. The last
item, the Dairy Days Art Show vendor fee, we currently don't have one of those,
so we are looking to have a 20 dollar art fee added to our fee schedule. So,
those three items we do need to hold a public hearing on . The other item we
don't need to hold a public hearing on is the -- is the thumb drives, which we are
actually looking to remove that fee all together. Nobody has asked us to provide
public records on thumb drives. We don't have thumb drives currently in our
office to provide anyone. If they ask us for a thumb drive we don't have that
currently. So, we would have to stock up on that and, then, hope thumbs drives
that maybe the gigabyte amount goes obsolete next year and, then, we can't
even put the amount of public records on a thumb drive . So, we are looking to
remove that fee. If someone came and asked us for a thumb drive we could
probably scrounge one up around somewhere in the city, but mainly we e-mail
public records requests. If they are too large to e-mail, the files are too large, we
use Dropbox currently. We are looking to move away from that, actually, and in
conjunction with IT we are developing a software -- an application software,
application for public records requests that we will actually put those requests on
our website. The requester will create an account and, then, they can access
those requests, similar to Dropbox, but it's all kept internally in house and that's a
quick explanation there. But, again, going back to the attorney fees, clerk fees,
and the Dairy Art Show fees. So, Mr. Nary might be able to explain the statute a
little bit better than I can, but the reason you see that increase from $29.56 an
hour in attorney fees -- our proposal going up to 60 dollars an hour, is three, four
years ago back in 2013, the last time our schedule was evaluated and approved,
that fee was based on a part-time attorney doing the work. That part-time
attorney is now a full-time attorney. So, the statue requires that we use -- when
establishing fees for work use the -- the lowest cost employee that's qualified to
do the work. As a part-time employee that attorney didn't have full benefits. So,
we have to use the fully loaded cost of the employees. So, the fully-loaded cost
here now as a full-time employee is representative at 60 dollars an hour. The
same is true -- or similar is true for the Clerk's office work at the 24 versus 30
over the course of the last four years. Our staff -- just every year through
performance evaluations, their hourly rate has -- has increased. So, you can see
the six dollar change there is just based on hourly rate wage increase over the
course of three to four years. And in the Dairy Days Art Show fee, you had a
wonderful presentation tonight from the Arts Commission. At last year's Dairy
Days, the first year of the art show, they -- they had vendors -- art vendors, but
there were no tents, there were no canopies to provide for the artists. So, this
fee, the 20 dollar fee, is to help offset tents and canopies that the Arts
Commission would like to rent for the -- the artists to have their booths setup,
essentially, and the Dairy Board cannot supplement that cost. Last year they
reimbursed -- or provided all costs, which was art supplies for kids that were
Meridian City Council
February 28, 2017
Page 43 of 49
doing artwork, but there were no tents. So, the artists -- some of them were a
little upset that there weren't tents and booths for them to set up at. This year's
Arts Commission would like to provide that. This doesn't even cover half the cost
of renting a single tent and I know next week the commission is going to be
meeting with the Art Foundation to talk about -- the Meridian Art Foundation to
talk about sponsoring the art show to offset the rest of that rental cost. But that's
what this 20 dollar fee represents, would be to help with the rental for canopies
for the art show. So, with that I will stand for any questions. I'm looking for
approval to move forward to publish a public hearing notice, which we have to do
for two straight weeks, and, then, to have and hold a public hearing for those
three items. The -- the fees for attorney labor, public records requests, a non-
attorney label -- labor public records request and to add a Dairy Days Art Show
fee.
Nary: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Nary.
Nary: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, to provide additional context
maybe to the public records requests. In the time we have had this schedule in
place we have charged it once. So, it doesn't come up very often. It -- there are
very strict limitations in the code as to when you can even charge it and , then,
how much you can charge. For example, for -- prior to this becoming enacted, if
you took, for example, two hours to review a public records request by an
attorney, you could charge the entire two hours. A few years ago the legislature
changed it and it had to exceed two hours and, then, you could only charge what
was in excess of two hours. So, if it takes two hours and one minute, five years
ago you could charge two hours and one minute. Today you can charge one
minute. So, it doesn't get charged very often, because the amounts normally
don't require that great deal of review and that's the most -- the amounts are so
minimal under our policy we don't charge hardly anybody. But, again, I think it
was just one and C.Jay was absolutely correct, the statute says you have to use
the rate of the lowest paid person who is qualified to perform the job . We always
take the rate, plus their benefits, and so that's what those numbers come from.
But, again, I did want to provide you some context that this is not something we
charge routinely, in fact, we have had it once.
Coles: And for that point for the last two years we have only provided five
estimates for work. One was paid and we receive over 200 requests each year
and we have only done five combined for the last two years, providing estimates.
De Weerd: Thank you. Council, any questions?
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Meridian City Council
February 28, 2017
Page 44 of 49
Bird: While we haven't had to charge or anything, I question your -- your costs
on your labor for your attorney and also for your hourly people. I realized -- I
guess it's by law that we have to use the lowest paid, but it isn't always the
lowest paid that does the work.
Coles: Yes.
De Weerd: The lowest qualified --
Bird: I mean you're able to do that, but --
Nary: Yes.
Bird: -- but in the Clerk's office sometimes they are not. I don't know. I just -- it's
awful cheap labor for an attorney.
Nary: Sad state of affairs, Mr. Bird. I agree.
Borton: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: I wondered who I was sitting next to. Mr. Borton.
Borton: I'm not going to comment on that. I do think, C.Jay, you have laid this
out with the right background and the right information to at the very least bring it
forward for the public hearing. We may or may not get comment on these issues
that are raised, but I would support bringing forward this proposed updated fee
schedule for the appropriate public hearing. I don't know if you need a motion to
that effect, but if you do I would so move.
Bird: And I would second.
De Weerd: I don't think we do, but --
Borton: You're getting one.
De Weerd: -- I think it's great that we keep the enthusiasm. All those in favor
say aye. Any opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
De Weerd: Okay.
Coles: Great. Thank you.
Item 10: Future Meeting Topics
Meridian City Council
February 28, 2017
Page 45 of 49
De Weerd: There you go. You had a bonus. Okay. Council, under -- any topics
under our future meetings? I did have a couple of upcoming events. Pipes and
Drums Chili Cook-Off is Saturday.
Bird: Go ahead --
Cavener: She's no. No. No. No. I want to hear the events. The chili cook-off is
important.
De Weerd: Hello. You know, I think I am chairing this meeting.
Bird: I know.
De Weerd: Geez. Okay. Saturday from 11:00 to 3:00 in the dairy barn s.
Meridian Miles kickoff is on March 6th at 6:00 p.m. It's here at Meridian City Hall.
It's the beginning of a weekly fun run, fun walk and I know a couple of our
Council Members actually are running. I have seen Facebook posts for Mr.
Cavener and Mr. Borton. I'm sure there are more of you that would love to get
out and run around in our downtown as part of our healthy Meridian initiative.
Fleet Feet is coming and coordinating this activity and just bringing another event
and activity to our downtown. They have a very successful group right now in
Kleiner Park. They start off in -- in The Village and I think at times they have up
to 150 people participating. So, we would love to see you come out and kick that
off. I think Mrs. Little Roberts is going to be there for the inaugural event and
kicking them off.
Little Roberts: And walk, probably not run.
De Weerd: And walking. That's -- that's awesome. As Caleb mentioned, the
ITD 20/26 corridor study open house is on March 7th at 4:00 p.m. at Ambrose
School. And, lastly, wanted to bring to your attention a couple of tours of
Allumbaugh House for some of our -- our newer Council Members or those that
have not taken his tour there are two different dates. On Thursday, March 2nd,
from 9:30 to 10:30 or -- that's a Thursday. Or Tuesday, March 7th, from 10:00 to
11:00. So, I have pronounced with the invitation for your information. Mr.
Cavener.
Cavener: Madam Mayor. Thank you. And if I may, I just would like to reiterate
how impressed I have been with these commission reports that we have seen
over the past two weeks. You have got the right people in the right place and it's
been really enjoyable to see the progress that all those commissions are doing
and as I mentioned last week I felt sometimes some of our commissions were a
little stagnant and just existing and it's really great to see all of the things that
they are out doing.
Meridian City Council
February 28, 2017
Page 46 of 49
De Weerd: Thank you.
Cavener: The second -- Madam Mayor, if I may. I know that we have been
receiving meeting request times for -- to meet with our different department
liaison roles to talk budget. I was just hoping over the next month or two if we
could schedule some time as a Council to see if there is an opportunity for us to
discuss some budgetary items that maybe don't fall into a particular department.
Give the Council an opportunity to discuss some of the merits, so that they can
be involved in the budgetary process as well.
De Weerd: Okay. I'm not sure I understand what the request is. Do you want an
agenda item on a future City Council meeting or --
Cavener: That would be ideal, Madam Mayor. Perhaps as a workshop. On one
of our workshop meetings.
Bird: A workshop would be I think --
De Weerd: Okay. Under upcoming budget items.
Cavener: I think that's great.
De Weerd: Okay.
Cavener: Be a nondepartment budget item discussion. And I think -- Madam
Mayor. Occasionally we see in the budget different requests that maybe don't
necessarily fall to a -- a particular department. This would be a good opportunity
if Council members have some ideas, if there is some ideas that the Mayor's
office -- it might be a good opportunity for us to all discuss them together.
De Weerd: Okay. I will let Mr. Lavoie know and we can set that out -- I believe
that our March agenda for the workshop is very full, but we will set it out for April.
Cavener: That's great.
De Weerd: Okay.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: For you councilmen that have not had an chance to go through Allumbaugh
House, please, go through and look at that, because it is -- it is so important to
make sure that we continue to support that. It does such great things for our
community. So, if you get a chance, please, go over there and go through it. I
think you will -- I think you will really have your eyes open.
Meridian City Council
February 28, 2017
Page 47 of 49
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Very much so. Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I'm sure it will be brought up again when MYAC comes to do their
presentation to us, but I just wanted to mention a few of us were able to go to
their Ignite Youth event last night and I just can't say how impressed -- I mean
they were the cream of the crop. You walk in there and they are all just playing
around together and they look like a normal large group of teenagers, but, then,
they come together and put -- and start MC'ing the event and doing their
presentations and I just was stunned, as I am every time I see anything that they
do. I was just incredibly impressed by the youth that we have here and
especially those participating in that organization. So, thank you for continuing
the support.
De Weerd: Thank you. We will certainly pass that along and would look forward
to you noting that when they come to do their report. So, thank you.
Holman: Madam Mayor? Over here.
De Weerd: Oh. Jaycee.
Holman: Did you want to update the Council on the timing of that summary
report of the changes to the strategic plan?
De Weerd: Yes. We were working on the changes on the strategic plan with a
kind of red out with the delaying it one week, because we wanted a full Council.
We are asking that we bring you the red line next Friday. It will give you a week
and a half to look at it before we set it out on the agenda . Any issues with that?
Community Development has like 21 items and they are a little stressed that they
don't -- they have also full-time jobs, so -- thank you.
Item 11: Executive Session per Idaho State Code 74-206(a): To
Consider Hiring a Public Officer, Employee, Staff Member or
Individual Agent, Wherein the Respective Qualities of
Individuals Are to be Evaluated in Order to Fill a Particular
Vacancy or Need. This Paragraph Does Not Apply To Filling A
Vacancy In An Elective Office Or Deliberations About Staffing
Needs In General
De Weerd: Okay. Item 11 is Executive Session.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Meridian City Council
February 28, 2017
Page 48 of 49
Bird: I move we go into Executive Session as per Idaho State Code 74-206(a).
Borton: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to adjourn into Executive Session. Mr.
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: ALL AYES.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: (8:07 p.m to 9:04 p.m.)
De Weerd: I would entertain a motion to come out.
Bird: So moved.
Borton: Second.
De Weerd: All those in favor say aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
De Weerd: Do I have a motion to adjourn?
Bird: So moved.
Borton: Second.
De Weerd: All those in favor.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:07 P.M.
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February 28, 2017
Page 49 of 49
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