HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-07-24Meridian City Council July 24, 2018.
A Meeting of the Meridian City Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, July
24, 2018, by Mayor Tammy de Weerd.
Members Present: Tammy De Weerd, Genesis Milam, Luke Cavener, Ty Palmer, and
Treg Bernt.
Members Absent: Joe Borton and Anne Little Roberts.
Also present: C.Jay Coles, Bill Nary, Caleb Hood, Bill Parsons, Sonya Allen, Clint
Dolsby, Chris Pope, Jamie Leslie, Mark Niemeyer, and Dean Willis.
Item 1: Roll -call Attendance:
Roll call.
Anne Little Roberts Joe Borton
X Ty Palmer X Treg Bernt
X Genesis Milam X Lucas Cavener
X Mayor Tammy de Weerd
De Weerd: That brings us to 6:00 o'clock. We will go ahead and start our regular City
Council meeting.
Item 2: Pledge of Allegiance
De Weerd: Thank you. Item No. 2 is the Pledge of Allegiance. If you will all rise and
join us in the pledge to our flag.
(Pledge of Allegiance recited.)
Item 3: Community Invocation by Michael Pearson with Seventh Day
Adventist Church
De Weerd: Item 3 is our community invocation. Tonight we will be led by Pastor
Michael Pearson with the Seventh-Day Adventist Church. If you will all join us in the
community invocation or take this as an opportunity for a moment of reflection. Thank
you so much for joining us.
Pearson: Dear Lord God Almighty, we all pray your blessing on the community and the
leadership of the City of Meridian. We ask that you give us a sense of personal humility
and the collective empathy for the needs of each other, that our deliberation and
decisions made might do good by you and by each other. We ask in Jesus' name,
amen.
Item 4: Adoption of Agenda
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De Weerd: Thank you so much. Item 4 is Adoption of the Agenda.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: A couple of changes. Item 7-C in our Consent Agenda was improperly listed
as a master pathway easement. It should be listed as a master pathways license
agreement. And, then, I think it's also just important to note that Items 9-F and 9-G
have been requested to be continued to August 21st. Item 9-G was not posted
appropriately and love to hear about the reasons for the request for continuance on 9-F.
With that I move we approve the adoption of the agenda.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to adopt the agenda as amended. All those
in favor say aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
Item 5: Future Meeting Topics - Public Forum (Up to 30 Minutes Maximum)
De Weerd: Item 5.
Coles: Madam Mayor, there are no sign-ups for Item 5.
Item 6: Proclamation
A. MYB All Star Champions Day
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you. Item 6-A -- we have a very special team that we would
like to recognize before they go to the World Series and if they will join me up front at
the podium. Well, this is pretty exciting. I think we have some very excited young men
that are getting ready to travel to the World Series and I have a proclamation in their
honor. So, I will go ahead and -- and read this. And, then, I do have something to give
to each of you. One for yourself and a pin to -- we hope for barter, trade, and get
something really good for it. Whereas the Meridian Youth Baseball 12-70 All-Star Team
recently won the 2018 Pacific Northwest Regional Tournament and whereas this victory
earned them the prestigious privilege of competing in the 2018 Cal Ripken World Series
set for August 3rd through the 11th in Branson, Missouri, and whereas it is the third time
Coach Whiles has taken his team to the World Series, which builds team spirit and
allows these young athletes to walk onto the field with a little extra swagger and
whereas with the guidance of the team manger and coaches help all team members
focus on work ethic, toughness, and desire, which transformed them into a winning
team with each player making valuable contributions and whereas participating in youth
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baseball gives young people a strong sense of character, teamwork, and confidence,
traits that will remain with them all through their lives, both on and off the field.
Therefore, I, Mayor Tammy de Weerd, hereby proclaim July 24th, 2018, as MYB All-Star
Champion's Day in the City of Meridian and I call upon the community to join me in
congratulating this team on their valuable and remarkable athletic accomplishment for
representing Meridian so proudly in this upcoming World Series. And I do have a
proclamation that I will present to your coach. I also have one that has listed each of
your names, which will be in our public record. So, if someday you want to impress
someone you can pull up today's minutes and you can show them that you had a
proclamation that was honoring your great accomplishment. So, congratulations, young
man. We hope that you represent us proudly next month and wish you success and we
would love to have you come back as World Series champions. And so, coach, I have
a couple things. One, I -- I would love it if you would say a few things about your team
and maybe each of the players could introduce yourself and the position that you play,
but I also have something for you. This is your third world series that you're bringing a
group of young men to. That's quite the accomplishment and in the City of Meridian we
have a coin, a challenge coin that depicts our approach to customer service and it's
called the Meridian Way and this coin honors our CARE values of Customer Service,
Accountability, Respect and Excellence, all part of you're being a winning team. It also
says providing CARE in art to our community in a timely, friendly, professional and
solution -oriented manner. This challenge coin is given to our Meridian Way champions,
those that go above and beyond, day in and day out, and I think that through the
contributions that you have shown these young men in learning not only skills on the
field, but also off the field. We want to extend our gratitude and our congratulations to
being such a role model for us all to learn from. So, thank you. And your Proclamation.
Whiles: Well, thank you, City Council and Mayor de Weerd. This is a great group of
young men -- keep looking that way. There you go. And we are really proud of them for
-- for a lot more than just their baseball skills. They spent this fall and early winter
raking leaves for people in Meridian that needed it and they did it for free and that was
part of just what they wanted to give back to the community. We have a wonderful park
to play in that's owned by the city in Settlers Park and it's beautiful and so they are very
thankful for that and they wanted to show that this fall by helping out. What a great
group of kids. We are headed out of here August 2nd and we are going to play not only
the nation, but the world and -- Japan, Korea, Mexico, Dominican Republic. They are
all going to be there. So, a lot of good talent and we are going to go as far as we can
and we are going to have a heck of a good time. So, we appreciate you letting us come
here and this is kind of the future of our town here and they are a bunch of great young
man. So, thank you very much. Do you want them to just say their name?
De Weerd: I would love it they would --
Whiles: Yeah. Just kind of go like this. Carson, come here. Don't you go to the back.
Okay. So, let's do this so they can see them. Why don't you all come over here and we
will bend that down for you. There you go. Just say your name and name what position
you play.
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Russell: I'm Carson Russell and I play right field, left field and second base.
Cammann: I'm Cooper Cammann and I play second base and I pitch.
Kolka: I'm Kellen Kolka and I play left field.
Hibbs: I'm Garrett Hibbs and I play first base and pitcher.
Rogers: I'm Collin Rogers and I play catcher.
Barker: I'm Jack Barker and I play center field and first base.
Russo: I'm Chip Russo and I play outfield.
Whiles: I'm Torry Whiles and I play shortstop.
Holbrook: I'm Jake Holbrook and I play right field.
Morrow: I'm Jacob Morrow and I play third base, first base and pitch.
Judge: I'm Patrick Judge and I play third, short, second and pitch.
Moriarty: I'm T.J. Moriarty and I play third base and catch.
C.Russell: I'm Caden Russell and I am the bat boy.
Whiles: I also wanted to introduce the other two coaches, the guys that really run this
team. All I do is make practice schedules. They actually do the dirty work. This is
James Moriarty. He is a fireman in town and this is Chris Cammann over here and he
sells dental supplies and so -- and I'm a teacher. So, we are -- we are kind of all over
the place. We -- we do a lot of different things. But what a great summer it's been.
Mayor de Weerd, we wanted to give you a pin that we had designed. Christina Morrow
designed this pin that we are going to trade as well and it says -- if I had readers on. It
says 2018 Cal Ripken World Series Meridian Youth Baseball 12-70 Allstars and so we
wanted you to have that. It's not much, but thank you very much.
De Weerd: If we can get you right here to get a picture with all of you and just for
anyone who is interested, they are raising money to pay for the trip and to make this a
life memory. So always ready to accept any sponsorship.
Bernt: Hey, guys, what does it say on the back of your hats?
Whiles: The back of our hats say So Worth It.
Bernt: Oh.
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Whiles: Hashtag So Worth It. And there is a movement kind of nationwide for
everybody to go to club sports, but we are not a club, we are a Meridian youth team and
we have had a lot of kids from this age group disappear into other things and we always
felt like it was worth it to stay and so we put this on our hats and it -- it was definitely
worth it. So, we are really proud to have Meridian on our chest and at the World Series
we will have Idaho on our chest, but we are taking Meridian with us, because we are
very proud to be from here, so --
Bernt: That was cool, man. Go get them, guys. Go get them.
Item 7: Consent Agenda [Action Item] Approved as noted
Cat
the
A. Approve Minutes of July 10, 2018 City Council Workshop
Meeting
B. Gramercy Heights Subdivision No. 2 Sanitary Sewer and Water
Main Easement Resubmittal
C. Oaks West Subdivision No. 1 NMID Master Pathways Easement
License Agreement
D. Whistle Stop Subdivision Pedestrian Pathway Easement
E. Whistle Stop Subdivision No. 2 Water and Sewer Easement #1
F. Whistle Stop Subdivision No. 2 Water and Sewer Easement #2
G. Final Plat for Oberg Subdivision (H-2018-0069) by DevCo
Development, LLC, Located at 2855 N. Wingate Lane
H. Final Plat for Pine 43 Subdivision No. 1 (H-2018-0073) by Dan
Torfin, C &O Development, Located North of E. Pine Ave. and
East of N. Locust Grove Rd
I. Final Plat for Rapid Creek No.1 (H-2018-0070) by Trilogy Idaho
Located near the SW corner of W. McMillan Rd. and N. Black
mJ
J. Resolution No. 18-2089: A Resolution Declaring the Intent of
City of Meridian to Exchange Approximately 1,640 Square Feet
of City Owned Real Property for Approximately 1,958 Square
Feet of Real Property Owned by Woodside Harris, LLC at
Meridian's Water Well Lot Number 28.
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2018-
K. Memorandum Of Agreement For Contribution Not -to -Exceed
$600 To Close Out Of Idaho Avenue Project
L. Residential Real Property Purchase and Sale Agreement at 615
NW 3rd Street, Meridian Idaho for $80,000 Regarding Rail -With -
Trail Pathway Connection
M. IPDES Permit Required Methylmercury Fish Tissue Sampling
Program Agreement Not -to -Exceed $18,360
N. Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Agreement between
City of Meridian and Sensus USA, Inc.
O. Development Agreement for Lost Rapids (Costco Site) (H-
004) by Costco Wholesale Corporation, located at the SW
Corner of US 20/26-Chinden Blvd and Ten Mile Road.
P. City Financial Report for June 2018
Q. AP Invoices for Payment 7/25/18 - $2,338,221.79
De Weerd: Okay. Item 7 is our Consent Agenda.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: You already referenced change on Item 7-C. I move we approve the Consent
Agenda, for the Mayor to sign and the Clerk to attest.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve the Consent Agenda. Mr. Clerk,
will you call roll.
Roll call: Borton, absent; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts, absent;
Bernt, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
Item 8: Items Moved From The Consent Agenda [Action Item]
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De Weerd: There were no items moved from the Consent Agenda. Again I would like
to just state for the record that the applicant on Item F for the final plat of H-2018-0068
has requested to continue to August 21st. Staff, can you -- is there a basis of that
continuous -- continuance request?
Hood: Madam Mayor, I am not aware of the reason for that continuation. The next one
I do have some justification for, but that one I am not aware of why that request.
De Weerd: Okay. Is there anyone here for Item F? Okay. Item 9-G has been
requested to continue to August 21 st and that is because their site was not posted. Our
staff does follow up with the applicant to remind them and we found that it was not
posted, so this does have to be posted. Council, you can, when we get to it, if you
would so desire, to renotice at the applicant's cost. Certainly that is your purview. But if
you don't say it's at their cost, it will be at the cost of the city.
Item 9: Action Items
A. Appeal of Denial of Mobile Sales Unit License by Don
Benbrooks
De Weerd: Okay. We get to the Action Items. The first one 9-A is an appeal and, Mr.
Nary, you want to introduce that?
Nary: Yeah. Thank you, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. This one is unusual.
You don't have this come up in front of the Council very often, but we have a process in
the city for people to acquire a mobile sales unit license and this is for -- for various
types of mobile sales, whether it's a food truck, whether it's a door-to-door salesperson,
whether it's a -- the ice cream truck -- we have varieties of different mobile sales and
these also includes things that -- people that come and spray yards. I think it's -- so,
basically anybody that is going to interact with the public either by attracting them to
their vehicle, like a food truck, or going to their home door to door, like a mobile sales
for any of the type of product, that -- like this particular one is, under our code we are
required -- we do do background checks. You are required to reveal any prior criminal
history of any kind that you may have and, then, we have some specific language in our
ordinance that prohibits a person from having a license in the city if they have any type
of conviction within the last five years of certain offenses. So, based on our relationship
with the police department and, then, the FBI computer where all we get this
background information from, all of the criminal history goes to the police department.
It's not reviewed by my office or by the city clerk, but just by the police department.
They are the only ones that review it. We don't reveal that. We are not allowed to
release anything in relation to what that record shows. Basically the police advise us of
whether the person has either a history that is consistent with their application, so they
have revealed everything that we discover in the background check, and if they have
anything that disqualifies them from having a license. In this case this individual, Mr.
Benbrooks, that's making the appeal, was denied a license for a mobile sales unit based
on the police's response. He did receive a letter. There is an appeal process in here
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that he has an opportunity to make his plea to you. Lieutenant Colaianni can't tell you
what the particulars are, but if you want to ask him about his process and how he goes
about reviewing that you certainly can. But in this particular case Mr. Benbrooks was
advised that his denial was based on not providing all the -- all the information that was
required and having a disqualifying event on his prior record that disqualified him from
having a license.
De Weerd: Okay. Council, at this point do you want to hear from Lieutenant Colaianni
on the process? Okay.
Colaianni: Good evening, Madam Mayor and Council Members. I will be brief. Just to
give you some context on my role here when it comes to approving city licenses is the
application -- the applicant in this case Mr. Benbrooks arrives at the clerk's office, fills
out an application, which you have there. The application is very clear. It requires that
you self disclose your entire criminal history, citations, regardless of conviction or
dismissal, you have to disclose everything. Once that's done they submit fingerprints to
the FBI and the FBI runs them nationally through all the states. Within two weeks to a
month I get those results back electronically. I review them and I go in and I pull the
application in Accella and review what the applicant has put in their application to make
sure that we are in sync, that the applicant has given us everything we need to make a
decision on whether I'm going to allow this person be licensed to go to homes and go
into people's homes and sell stuff and be in our parks, whatever the circumstances may
be and once I have that I also check all our local systems, I check driving records and
there is a number of databases I check, because sometimes even a two week gap or a
month gap between when they submitted fingerprints and when it comes back things
can happen. So, I go through all those and, then, I look at the application. In this -- in
this particular case when I was going through Mr. Benbrooks' application I came across
a disqualifying entry on a conviction that our city code is clear that if you have a
conviction within these five years you can't have a door-to-door sales license and so I
continued through the application, I looked at how detailed he went into it. The other
thing I came across is there -- in nowhere comes close to reflecting his entire criminal
history. There has been a lot left out and I didn't feel comfortable moving forward
approving this. I did contact our city attorney's office, ran it by them to make sure I was
processing right. They concurred and they thought that the denial was appropriate
given the circumstances. I, then, notified the clerk's office to send a letter of denial
based on this decision and they sent Mr. Benbrooks the denial letter. Mr. Benbrooks did
reach out to me. We did have a phone conversation briefly disclosing why I did what I
did and what that process looked like if he wanted to appeal, which he's done tonight.
But for these reasons I recommend that the Council stand by my decision and affirm the
recommendation that we deny this particular one. I do well over a hundred of these a
year and it's rare that we get to this point where a denial comes to this. There are a few
I deny each year, but, you know, this is a process and you have to abide by the rules
and the ordinance is clear on what's allowed. So, I will stand for questions.
De Weerd: Okay. Any questions from Council? Thank you.
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Colaianni: Thanks.
De Weerd: Is Mr. Benbrooks here? Would you like to say anything? If you can, please,
state your name and address for the record. And you can pull that down.
Benbrooks: Yeah. My name is Don Benbrooks. I live at 9488 West Rustica Drive,
Boise, Idaho.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you.
Benbrooks: While I did complete an application for a solicitor's license, that's what I do
for a living, and if I was not one hundred percent complete on it I apologize. I did not
have everything in front of me. I did go through a divorce in which was not amiable.
That was quite some time ago. However, this is how I currently make a living. One of
the things I do do, though, is when I do work in a city I apply for a solicitor's license.
The reason I do so is to apply by -- to abide by the laws, because -- and it's rare, but it
does occur that police officers or customers do ask you for it and to be better successful
and in compliance with everything I do apply for a solicitor's license, which I hold
several, so -- and it's the way I make a living, so --
De Weerd: Okay. So -- but you're appealing the denial.
Benbrooks: Correct. I admit that I did not -- if I -- if there was something left out in
terms of my police history -- I'm not a dangerous criminal. I certainly respect the fact
that we don't want that in the city or anything like that, but I had a conviction of a
disturbing the peace and a no contact order violation.
De Weerd: Okay. Council, any questions?
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: Can you share with me the -- how long ago was that?
Benbrooks: The last one was I think 2015 when I went through my divorce and I
actually -- my -- and I don't know -- I don't want to go into a lot of detail --
Milam: I'm not asking you to.
Benbrooks: -- but I had -- when I was retrieving my property from my residence and
there was a police officer on -- on the property and yet she still filed a police report and,
then, I accepted a disturbing the police -- or peace plea and paid a fine.
Milam: Madam Mayor, follow up. The police that was on the property was an escort for
you?
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Benbrooks: Yes. It was Ada County Sheriff.
Milam: Thank you.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: This is awkward. Sorry about all this, but --
Benbrooks: That's okay.
Palmer: So, are you Donald R. born in '61 ?
Benbrooks: I'm sorry? Yes. Yes.
Palmer: So, on the repository it's showing that -- either another incident or that same
thing that it was in April of last year. Is this wrong or did it happen last year? Or did it
happen multiple times?
Benbrooks: That was the -- the no contact order violation. That was in April of last
year. That was about two years in terms of the court -- going to the courts. I was out of
town and I sent a text message and when I went to court and on it I just -- I said, yeah, I
sent the text message on it, yeah. So, I pled guilty to it. Yeah. I mean that's a violation.
De Weerd: Council, if there is nothing further I -- I guess you -- you have in front of the
appeal of the denial. So, I will need a motion on upholding or accepting the appeal. Is
there anything further you would like to share?
Benbrooks: Just that the business that I'm in it's not common that people actually apply
for solicitor's licenses. I run -- you know, I do this for a living. I try to uphold the law and
apply for a solicitor's license. There is a lot of people that go out and do it without
paying the 107 dollars per city and just do it until they get told to go -- to leave town and
go somewhere else. I don't take that route. So, in that respect I try to uphold the law in
that respect, yeah, so --
De Weerd: Well, we issue a lot of solicitor's licenses, so they -- they do take that
serious and -- and certainly we hope our citizens know when someone knocks on your
door, please, ask them to see their solicitor's license, because, then, you do know that
they have been gone through a process and I thank you for going through our process,
but our police has made a determination that you're appealing and -- and we will see
what Council decides.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
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De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: One more question. So, looking at the application it looks like you applied in
June, but it appears that you were -- to get it -- or however that works. In May. Was
that in Meridian or -- or a different city? For soliciting without a -- without the permit to
do so.
Benbrooks: What's the question, sir?
Palmer: So, on May 24th the repository is showing that -- that you were cited for
soliciting without a -- without getting the -- the permit. Was that in Meridian or was that
somewhere else?
Benbrooks: That was in Star. I have that permit on me. I did not have it on me that
day. I went to court and -- and -- and showed that, yeah.
Palmer: Okay. Cool.
Benbrooks: Yeah.
Palmer: Thanks.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: I move that we uphold the decision made by our Police Department in denying
the mobile sales unit license to Mr. Benbrooks.
Cavener: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second. Any discussion?
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: This is a tough one for me. You know, I'm a small business owner and I get that
-- I respect hard work and I respect dedication and I respect our citizens making a living
in the right way and this is a tough decision. However, you know, we have our
lieutenants, the boys in blue that do a good job and -- and although we were not able to
know the exact details, I trust your judgment and this is the first time I have heard or
seen an application like this get denied, but I know it's for a reason and although Mr.
Benbrooks is a good hard worker and I respect that and I respect your means to make a
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living, I have to trust our -- our lieutenants in their job in protecting our citizens and
making sure that our citizens are one hundred safe all the time and so that's where I
came to my judgment and my decision.
De Weerd: Okay. Anything further from Council? Mr. Clerk, will you call roll.
Roll call: Borton, absent; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts, absent;
Bernt, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
B. Approval of FY2018 Amended Budget in the Amount of
144,675,645
De Weerd: Okay. Item 9-13 is the approval to publish the 2018 amended budget. This
is just about publishing.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: I move that we approve the FY -2018 amended budget in the amount of 144,675
-- 144 million dollars 675,645 dollars.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second. If there is no discussion, Mr. Clerk.
Roll call: Borton, absent; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts, absent;
Bernt, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
C. Approval of Tentative FY2019 Budget in the Amount of
130,464,302
De Weerd: Item 9-C is the approval of the tentative fiscal year 2018 budget and this is
to publish for the public hearing.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
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Cavener: Madam Mayor, I move we approve 9-C, approval of the tentative FY -2019
budget in the amount of 130,464,302 dollars.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second. Any discussion?
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Yes, Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: As you know I promised when I was campaigning that, you know, as long as
we were spending money as recklessly as we have been, that there was no way I was
going to vote for a tax increase and this proposed budget that we are about to send to
you guys includes a tax increase for all kinds of stuff. It would really help that -- that any
of you who are interested in where this 130 million dollars is going to go, would come to
our meeting in August. That will be the public hearing. To come and let us know, hey,
maybe I don't want my taxes increased for -- I could spend an hour going through stuff,
so -- actually, I could spend all day. We did spend all day. So, I won't be voting for it.
De Weerd: Okay. This is to send it to a public hearing.
Palmer: Madam Mayor? And feel that the budget that is proposed to send to the public
is inappropriate.
De Weerd: Okay. Mr. Clerk, will you call roll.
Roll call: Borton, absent; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, nay; Little Roberts, absent;
Bernt, yea.
De Weerd: Okay. The ayes have it.
MOTION CARRIED: THREE AYES. ONE NAY. TWO ABSENT.
D. Public Hearing continued from July 17, 2018 for Program Year
2018 Community Development Block Grant Annual Action Plan
1. Resolution No. 18-2092: A Resolution Approving Adoption Of
The Community Development Block Grant Program Year
2018 Action Plan And Submission To The United States
Department Of Housing And Urban Development;
Authorizing The Mayor And City Clerk To Execute And Attest The
Same On Behalf Of The City Of Meridian; And Providing An
Effective Date.
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De Weerd: Item 9-D is a public hearing continued through -- from last week, July 17th,
for the program year 2018 for the CDBG action plan.
Pope: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, so this is continued, as was noted, from
last week. We have been undergoing our public comment period for this program year
2018 CDBG action plan, which ends today and my assumption is that we will conclude
the public hearing today in line with the ending of that public comment period. I did
receive, in the meantime, one new public comment via e-mail from a resident named
Jennifer Cavaness-Williams, whose comment I would like to read on the record right
now. She noted all of the organizations and projects chosen are worthy and I would
hate to take anything away from them. However, I hope the city considers using future
grant money to build a performing arts center. Meridian is at a stage in its growth where
it would benefit from a performing arts center. This comment will be included as an
appendix to the action plan that we send to the federal government. The suggestion,
however, will not change any content of the plan as we kind of already gone through
and have a pretty rigorous application process for some of these projects. But
consideration will be given in future program years to -- to Ms. Cavaness-Williams'
proposal here. This was one of two public comments that have been received. The
other was read into the record last week. Before we jump into the -- the public
testimony portion of -- of this meeting I did want to note a couple of changes that have
been made to the content of the action plan since it was first published and made
available to the public in -- in mid June. This is a list of some of those things and I just
want to run through them really fast. The language was added to finalize some of the
backup projects that we talked about. To remind Council, there are three backup
projects that the Department of Public Works has proposed for streetlight installation in
certain areas of the community. A couple of clauses were added to the plan to make
sure that those meet the standards and regulations that would be expected to kind of
formalize that in the plan. In addition, more background information was -- was added
as an appendix to those alternate and backup projects. A summary of comments that
have been received through yesterday was included in the plan and that included the
text and a summary of the comment that was just read into the record. Errors were
corrected in regard to certain project addresses -- to admit there was one where I had
the -- the word way instead of street, so making just small little typos like that -- were --
were cleaned up. I also put in a summary of the public outreach efforts that we have
undergone through these presentations, through newspaper articles, through online
articles as well, are included in this plan and detailed there now where they weren't
before, because we hadn't really undergone any public outreach at the time. In
addition, some of the -- the required documentation certifications to get this in front of
HUD and approved by HUD, assuming that everything is found to be eligible, is now
included in the document and a few portions of the executive summary section are now
updated in the plans to reflect these changes. I just want to make sure that you guys
are aware of those changes that have been made over the last month or so. With that
we would recommend taking any public testimony that is -- that is here today on any of
the things in this plan and move forward with a proposal to adopt via resolution this plan
for this upcoming program year.
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De Weerd: Thank you, Chris. Council, any questions? Okay. This public hearing was
continued from last week. Is there anyone who wishes to provide testimony? Okay.
Thank you. No one signed up? Okay.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: So, this is going to be weird. I'm going to make a motion and, then, I'm going
to vote against it. So, the reason I wanted to do that is -- so, my assignment this year is
as a liaison to Community Development and part of that role is to -- to help I guess with
the process for CDBG. I have made it clear in the past that I object to it existing in that
it's the federal government spending money that they don't have, but when it comes to
the administration of the program, it's done in an amazing fashion. Chris is an
incredible wealth of knowledge when it comes to making sure that everything is
complied with and dealing with the federal government and -- and ensuring that the
projects that are applied for -- that all the applicants know exactly how it's going to work
and -- and -- and what to do and -- and what would qualify and, then, the team that
made the decisions on what would be put into the project, did a great job in ensuring
that -- that every dollar is to be stretched to be the most effective use for our citizens.
So, while I plan to make a motion to -- to approve this plan, I plan to vote against it
strictly in that I'm -- I'm against the federal government spending money that they don't
have and us participating in -- in their reckless spending. So, with that I move we
approve resolution --
De Weerd: Can you first make a motion to close the public hearing.
Palmer: Madam Mayor, I move we close the public hearing on 9-D.
Cavener: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to close the public hearing on 9-D. All those
in favor say aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
De Weerd: Now I will entertain a motion on Resolution No. 18-2092.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I move we approve Resolution No. 18-2092.
Milam: Second.
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De Weerd: I have a motion and a second. Any discussion?
Pope: Madam Mayor, if I may, I do want to make one point of -- kind of logistical
administrative nuance. The absence of public comment and testimony today, I will need
to write that up and include that as an appendix to the plan that you are going to be
approving today. So, what you are approving is not in its final version. I just -- aside
from the fact that I need to include one more appendix that says that there was no
public testimony given today. So, kind of a conditional ask for approval with this, but I
wanted to be transparent in that point, that there will be one last change that is made to
the plan that will be submitted and that is part of -- of what you are approving with this
motion.
De Weerd: If the motion can include the upcoming appendix to state there was no
public testimony.
Palmer: Madam Mayor, yeah, can we amend it on the fly and that way you don't have
to -- I don't know if it takes more detail than just saying no testimony was given.
De Weerd: I think if you just state that -- with the addition of an appendix stating there
was no public testimony.
Palmer: If that all flies and that's my intent of the motion for sure.
De Weerd: Okay. Second agree?
Milam: Yes.
De Weerd: Okay. Any further discussion? Mr. Clerk, will you call roll.
Roll call: Borton, absent; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, nay; Little Roberts, absent;
Bernt, yea.
De Weerd: The ayes have it. Thank you.
MOTION CARRIED: THREE AYES. ONE NAY. TWO ABSENT.
E. Public Hearing for Proposed Parks Fees
1. Resolution No. 18-2091: A Resolution Adopting New Fees Of
The Meridian Parks And Recreation Department; Authorizing
The Meridian Parks And Recreation Department To Collect
Such Fees; And Providing An Effective Date.
De Weerd: Item 9-E is a public hearing for our Parks Department and I will turn this
over to Colin.
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Moss: Good evening, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. These fees before you
tonight are our regularly scheduled activity guide fees. They will be for the fall
activity guide coming up here in August and so we have a long list of classes that will be
included in that activity guide, so I will just -- I will stand for any questions that you might
have.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you, Colin. Council, any questions? Thank you.
Moss: Thank you.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt, can I first ask if there is any public testimony.
Bernt: Yes.
De Weerd: Okay.
Bernt: I was going to ask you to do that, Madam Mayor.
De Weerd: Thank you. That was awfully polite of you.
Bernt: You're very welcome. Looking after you.
Coles: No sign-ups, Madam Mayor.
De Weerd: Is there anyone who wishes to provide testimony on our public -- on our
park fees? Okay. Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: I'm all confused up here. Madam Mayor, I move that we close the hearing for
Resolution No 18-2091.
Cavener: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to close the public hearing on 9-E. All those
in favor say aye. All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: Madam Mayor, I move that we approve Resolution No. 18-2091, park fees.
Milam: Second.
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De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve Item 9-E-1. If there is no
discussion, Mr. Clerk, will you call roll.
Roll call: Borton, absent; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts, absent;
Bernt, yea.
De Weerd: Okay. All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
F. Final Plat for Hill's Century Farms No. 11 (H-2018-0068) by
Brighton Investments, LLC , Located East of S . Eagle Rd. and
South of E. Amity Rd.
De Weerd: Item 9-F has been requested to continue to August 21 st. So, Sonya, do you
know what the reason for the continuance request is?
Allen: Yes, Madam Mayor. The applicant needed additional time to prepare an open
space exhibit that was required with a previous phase of development. They were
supposed to submit it with this application and apparently forgot.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I move we continue Item 9-F to August 21 st, 2018.
Cavener: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to continue this item to August 21 st. All those
in favor say aye. All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
G. Public Hearing for Cherry Blossom Subdivision (H-2018-0018)
by Jayo Land Development Company, Located at 615 W.
Cherry Lane
1. Request: A Rezone of 10.74 Acres of Land from the R -4 to
the R -8 Zoning District; and
2. Request: A Preliminary Plat Consisting of 47 Single -Family
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Residential Building Lots and 11 Common Lots on 10.25
Acres of Land in the Proposed R -8 Zoning District
Palmer: Okay. Item 9-G is -- was not posted, so we cannot hear it even if you wanted
to. But I do need a motion to continue or if, Council, you would like to send out notices
to the surrounding neighbors once again we can do so. I would suggest that you ask
that the applicant pay for it.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: What are noticing requirements? Do they just need to post a sign with the new
date or do we -- does it -- the mailing have to happen again?
De Weerd: Mr. Clerk or Mr. Nary?
Coles: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, I will jump in and Mr. Nary can correct
me if I misstate anything. So, with this application what -- what did not occur was the
physical posting of the sign on the property. So, one, they need to do that. What the
Mayor was speaking to was if the Council so desires to renotice to the neighbors to
have the postcard sent out and/or also include the newspaper noticing, that would be an
additional step, addition requirement, that would need -- Council would need to direct
the applicant to either pay for that or if you didn't direct the applicant to pay for it, to pay
those fees, and you still wanted that to happen, then, the city would absorb those -- that
cost. So, those are the options in front of you if you wish to have it renoticed.
Otherwise, the renotice that occurs is the sign going up on the property and an agenda
notice and that is it in terms of renoticing that date.
De Weerd: Council President Borton and I talked about this on Friday, because Council
-- we have seen several of these and you have expressed concern, so we talked Friday
and asked that Mr. Clerk or our attorney would be available to -- to make suggestions
on what you can do, since as our planning staff had talk to you about, they do send out
an e-mail reminder and that is above and beyond what is necessary, but it is important
that we do have full notification.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
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Milam: Well, I'm just going to make a motion. I move that we continue -- I can't read --
H-2018-0018 to August 21st and I believe -- and I would like to -- I would like it to be
renoticed -- send out new notices at the expense of the applicant.
Cavener: Second.
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De Weerd: Okay. I have a motion and a second. Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Question I think maybe for the clerk's office. We feel competent in our ability
to get all that information out in time for it to be received with all of our noticing
requirements that citizens can be informed in time?
Coles: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, Council Member Cavener, the short
answer is yes. However, with the applicant needing to pay the additional fee to
renotice, we would -- that would need to be paid in order for us to -- to move forward.
So, we can have everything ready that once that check is in hand we can press play,
essentially.
Cavener: Great.
Palmer: I think you had asked earlier if anybody was here for this item. Was there any
indication to the public that this item was going to be requested to be continued until the
agenda was amended?
Coles: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, Council Member Palmer, we did get
notification late last week from the applicant that this would need to happen, because
that -- the site was not posted with the sign. So, we did send out a notice via NextDoor
to those within the -- the radius stating this fact, that, yes, it would be listed on the
agenda, but they couldn't -- Council could not hear it and it would need to be continued.
So, we did do that via NextDoor.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: Mr. Clerk, I skipped over this and so I didn't look at the packet, because it was
going to get continued, but I do have a question regard to the packet. Was there a lot of
feedback in regard to this particular application?
Coles: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, Council Member Bernt, yes, there is a
lot of public interest on this application.
De Weerd: Okay. I have a motion --
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Yes, Mrs. Milam.
Milam: I was just going to say -- sorry. To the applicant that the reason I -- that I
included that is because it was simple negligence that -- that this has to be continued to
another date and we have had times where a room full of people show up to an event
and -- to a hearing and, then, it has to be continued and it's -- it's -- it's just really rough
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on our citizens and if you're not going to follow the rules, then, that's why we are going
to --
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I think that -- that since there is nobody here that -- I mean if there is nobody
here that would have come with the notice that, then, wouldn't have gotten the NextDoor
notice saying not to come, so maybe there was somebody who got the paper notice,
but, then, also got the NextDoor notice. I think rather than punishing the -- the applicant
by making him pay for something that isn't -- wouldn't be required, I would rather us post
it on -- on NextDoor to anybody who may have received the paper and planned on
coming, but because they got the NextDoor notification saying, okay, I'm not going to
go, that they may receive that notice again and, obviously, require that the applicant
post the sign, but not require they repay to -- to send out new notices again, since there
is nobody here that -- to testify on it.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: I don't think this is punishing the applicant in any way, shape, or form. I think
this is the appropriate approach in light of the situation to ensure that our citizens are
informed that we are going above and beyond to educate our taxpayers, to educate the
citizens that are impacted by this project, that everybody is on the same page so
nobody is confused, about this. So, I don't think it's a punishment, I think it's best
practices and it is a motion that I obviously support. Call for the vote.
De Weerd: Okay. The motion is to continue this to August 21st requesting that the
applicant send out notices to that the -- the neighboring properties. All those in favor
say aye. Any opposed? Okay. Thank you.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
H. Public Hearing for Costco Wholesale (H-2018-0066) by Costco
Wholesale Located generally at the southwest corner of W.
Chinden Blvd./SH-20/26 and N. Ten Mile Rd.
1. Request: Modification to the Development Agreement to
include conceptual building elevations
De Weerd: Okay. Item 9-H is a public hearing for H-2018-0066. I will open the public
hearing was staff comments.
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Allen: Thank you, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. The next application before
you is a request for a development agreement modification. This site is located at the
southwest corner of North Ten Mile Road and West Chinden Boulevard and is zoned C-
G. The property was recently annexed into the city as part of the Lost Rapids project. A
development agreement was required as a provision of annexation, but has not yet
been approved by Council and recorded. The applicant is requesting an amendment to
the development agreement provisions for the Costco project to remove the
requirement for conceptual building elevations to be submitted in the future for the
Costco store and the addition of a requirement for future development to substantially
comply with the conceptual elevations submitted with this application. The concept
elevations submitted with the annexation and zoning application were not approved by
Council. A provision of the agreement requires the agreement to be amended to include
conceptual and building elevations for the Costco store, as discussed at the hearing on
April 3rd. Several concept designs were submitted to the Mayor and Council for review
prior to submittal of this application. Based on the feedback received, the applicant
submitted concept elevations as shown. Building materials consist of split face, stucco,
ribbed metal paneling, steel trellis awnings and glass entry and sectional doors. Various
colors of materials are used for your interest and variety. A five foot tall berm with
landscaping and six foot tall wood fence is proposed along the back, which is the west
side of the Costco building, to buffer the future residential uses. This buffer will also
assist in screening that side of the building. The applicant is required to submit a design
review application for final approval of the building elevations prior to submittal of a
building permit to ensure compliance with the standards in the architectural standards
manual. If any of the standards cannot be met, a request for designed standard
exception should be submitted as set forth in the architectural standards manual.
Written testimony has been received from Andrea Nist, Chrys Eastman, Helene
Thompson, Jenniffer Card, Jessica Carter, Karen Stagg, Sarah Haynes and Steve
Traviss. They are not in favor of the proposed elevations and want a more unique
neighborhood friendly design. Written testimony was also received from Shane
Hanson. His comments were unrelated to the subject application, though. Staff is
recommending approval with the changes to the development notes in Exhibit A-3 of the
staff report. Staff will stand for any questions.
De Weerd: Council, any questions? Okay. Is the applicant here this evening? The
applicant will be given 15 minutes to present the project and, then, we will enter into the
public testimony, which is three minutes for each member of the public that would like to
testify. If there is a spokesperson for a larger group, an HOA or a neighborhood
association, that person will be given ten minutes if they so choose and, then, we will
ask the applicant to have concluding remarks and, then, Council deliberation. So, thank
you for joining us. If you will, please, state your name and address for the record.
Kahn: Thank you, Madam Mayor. My name is Peter Kahn. 999 Lake Drive, Issaquah,
Washington. I represent Costco. Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, I will just
have a few brief opening remarks. With me tonight is my architect Steve Bullock. He
will have some -- Steve will present an overview of the design and the intent of the
design and I will start with first saying I appreciate staff's report and, of course, we
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support the conclusions of the staff report. Secondly, I would like to thank staff and all
of you for your help and input on this design. We really tried to make this into an
iterative process and their help was -- everyone's help was instrumental in helping us
come up with a design that we feel is contemporary, is of visual interest. We believe
that it speaks to the community standards, is a sustainable design and is unique and
unique for Meridian. With that I will turn it over to Steve. He can walk you through
some of the design features and some of the things that we hope you will find makes
this an attractive building and a welcome addition to your community. Thank you.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: Sir, I have a question for you. We received many letters over the last week or
so and the main -- one of the main complaints is that they were told that the neighbors
were going to have some input and they did not have the opportunity to -- to help give
the input on the design of the building. Do you have any response to that?
Kahn: Well, we did have a community meeting, which we properly noticed and,
unfortunately, we didn't have anyone show up at the meeting and -- but, you know, I
didn't know how to interpret that, if that was a lack of interest or if community members,
you know, didn't want to engage at that time. Many of them had my name and address
and we communicated when we had our prior hearings. They certainly could have
reached out to me and I always respond and, you know, that's only the right thing to do -
Milam: Right.
Kahn: -- and if I had known of their interest and, you know, unfortunately, it sounds like
there was some miscommunication and it just didn't happen. But we were more than
willing to -- to talk to anybody at anytime.
Milam: Thank you.
Bullock: Good evening, Madam Mayor, Council Members. My name is Steve Bullock. I
work for MG2. Our address is 1101 2nd Avenue, Seattle, Washington. As Peter said,
we are very grateful with the feedback that we received from both staff and -- and
Council Members in -- in trying to get to the design that we have right now and our goal
all along with this was to come up with -- with this a final solution in design that reflects
who Costco is as a -- as a retailer, wholesaler, somebody that provides quality goods,
high quality goods, things that last long for a good value, that's -- that's who they are
and they want that imagine to show in their facilities and at the same time we also want
to -- wanted to create a design that was something that would fit in with Meridian, that
would fit in with the community, that would meet the city's codes and -- and standards
and be a unique final design and solution that -- that people would be happy with and in
doing that we believe we have come up with -- with a design that -- that does that. It -- it
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uses a number of materials and -- how do I -- we are using concrete as -- as a material
that will have reveals and shadow lines cast into it. We are going to be using split -face
CMU. We are going to have a stucco finish. We are using some architectural metal
panels for accent pieces and we are exposing a bunch of structural steel in the form of
trellises and -- and knee braces and introducing glass all along our front entry canopy
and -- and tire center. Glass walls. Trying to incorporate all these different materials
and -- and treat them a little bit differently as we go around the building to -- to tie it
together as one cohesive whole, as well as to create something that is interesting, that -
- that is -- is not static, that -- that provides new glimpses and -- and interesting views
and elements as you wrap around the building. We like to start with the entry canopy,
because that is such an important feature of the building and as we -- as we develop the
two facades, along with the entry canopy that are our most public facades, then, we
take cues and -- and features from those and continue to wrap those around the
building to make sure that the building has an integrated whole, that it is -- it is
something that the design all the way around the building is -- is connected, it speaks to
it -- itself and -- and what it is and -- and that's not to say that it's identical on the back
as it is on the front, but it is to say that we are coming up with a -- a solution that you do
know that it's a Costco as you wrap around the building and it responds from a design
perspective to -- to be the back side of the building. It's still part of the building. It's
simple, but -- but it still reflects some of the character of the front and in this case it's --
it's quieter and -- and something that is a good neighbor to the -- the surrounding
residential to the south and the west. One -- one comment that was made is -- is that
the entry canopy -- it would be a nice if the entry canopy had a little bit more of a market
type feel and one of the things that we wanted to clarify about the entry canopy is that --
that the -- the glass doors you see on either side of the -- the main entry -- the main
entry is a -- is a storefront curtain wall with sliding glass doors, but -- but the glass doors
and walls on either side of that are actually roll -up glass doors and -- and the purpose of
that is that -- we call it a cold weather canopy and in places where we have cold winters
we want to be able to close that area off for the protection of employees, customers,
and -- and equipment and facilities. But, then, as -- as things warm up, then, those
doors can open up and it becomes more like an arcade and -- and a place where
people can sit in the shade or -- or in the sun and -- and -- and it provides more of that
market slash arcade or colonnade -type of feel there at the entry canopy and this kind of
gives you a better picture of what that's like. As we kind of go around the building in a
clockwise fashion, this is going down the east facade of the building, the tire center is
along that area and -- and you can see the mix of materials and the change of colors
between the concrete pilasters, the CMU found -- foundation strip and, then, where it
pops up at the corners, the stucco that kind of wraps around the -- the tire center bays
and then -- and, then, the architectural metal panels kind of framing the -- the -- the
corner as well with -- with trellis features that -- that provide some additional depth and
an interest at the corner of the building there. Oops. Wrong direction. This is -- to the
right is the south facade and, again, this is a very quiet facade of the building. We have
a driveway there to allow for emergency egress from the building if -- if ever needed and
also to provide a secondary way to the receiving area if needed, but in -- in all reality
there is -- there is multi -family residential to the right of the screen and there is single
family residential to the left of the screen. We are trying to create something here that is
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still consistent with the design that we have on the north and the east facades of the
building, but that is a little bit more subdued and -- and creates a rhythm that's -- that's
just quiet and -- and easily fits into -- to the residential areas and we are relying more on
landscaping to screen and -- and soften these facades of the building. As we wrap
around to the -- the north -- the northwest of the building, you know, again, you see the -
- the corners popping up with the CMU and further emphasized with a concrete pilasters
and structural steel trellis features and -- and landscaping. Here is -- here is some
elevation views and -- and we always show these at the -- at the end, because you
never do actually ever experience a building as you see the elevations and so they are
always a little bit cautionary. You can get kind of focused on these and go, wow, that's
a really long building. But in reality you never experience it like that. If you're -- if you're
far enough away from the building that you can see it, it's so small at that point that you
don't realize it, but when you're up close to it to -- to see how big it is, then, you're not
experiencing it. But this does give you an idea of all the different things that we are
doing around the building related to changes of materials, colors, architectural features,
pilasters, trellises, glass, curtain walls and roll -up doors and -- and -- and cornice
features, too, where we -- we change the depth of the -- the cornice feature to -- to give
enhancements in different parts of the -- of the building. We wanted to -- to bring up this
site plan, which is also part of the annexation and -- and rezone and -- and just to
further emphasize -- does my mouse show? Just how much landscaping is -- is located
along the west side of our building and along the south side of our building to -- to
screen those two sides of the building that are a little simpler from an architectural
perspective, but there is a significant amount of landscaping providing an additional
screening and softening of those elevations. This is a section that shows what the --
what that portion of -- Especially particularly from -- from the southwest corner of the
site there is a very large planted area that is inclusive of a berm and -- and -- and
fencing to -- to screen the building, you know, up over 12 feet in height. So, with that I
would be happy to answer any questions that you have of me related to the design.
De Weerd: Council, any questions?
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: You might not be the person really to question. It's not really about the design,
but it's kind of about the design. The windows that are part of the -- the nicer part of the
facade on the -- in the building and here they are shown up you said when there -- it's
warm weather. Would the intention be to lower those every evening, even in the
summer months when they would be open?
Bullock: And that's -- that's kind of up to the -- the store manager how they want to deal
with that. Those doors are not -- they are not providing any locked up portion of the
building. One end of that -- that entry canopy is -- is wide open and doesn't even have a
door. So, people could still get behind there, even if those doors are down, but it's -- it's
-- it's more of a -- just how does the store manager want to -- to operate that.
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Milam: Okay. Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Uh-huh.
Milam: Somebody may want to answer that, because if the intention is so that the
building will look nicer, yet six months out of the year that's not there, it kind of takes
away a lot of that intent. So, that's -- and like I said, you may not know the answer to
this, but --
Bullock: Well -- and I would argue -- I mean you may think it -- it doesn't look as nice
with -- with those down. I think it still looks very nice with them down and it's a different
feel when they are up and there is more of an open arcade when they are up, yes.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
Kahn: The open field is definitely nice and I think the biggest thing is the winter months
here is -- it really becomes an energy efficiency issue for us more than an aesthetic
issue, because if you have been to Boise or you have been to the Nampa, the units that
we have, the entry and the exit don't have doors. So, we have employees standing
there either to check your card or check your receipt and without the glass and the
slider door at the front they get cold and we lose a lot of energy to the environment and
energy efficiency is a big part of one of our operational concerns since, you know, with
all the refrigeration we have and air conditioning and heating and everything, we use a
lot of power and if -- at least in the winter months, you know, our goal is to minimize the
heat loss from the building and a lot of the materials that we choose just for the building
skin are chosen because of their energy efficiency. The stucco that we are using as a --
is an integrated panel that has an R rating of like 19, 1 believe, which is pretty
remarkable and is in a -- you know, a wonderful insulation material and so having the
doors up or down, as Steve pointed out, it will be up to the -- the manager's call on that,
but, you know, you guys have really nice weather here. You know, coming from Seattle
I can tell you. The -- I think the doors will be up a lot and -- but, you know, on the
colder months I would expect to see them down more than up, so --
De Weerd: Okay. Any other questions? Thank you. Mr. Clerk.
Coles: Thank you, Madam Mayor. As far as sign-ups go, first on the list to sign up for
the public hearing Linda Arnold, listed as against, no indication of a testimony. Michael
Arnold is listed as neutral. Jane Albert is listed as against and wanting to testify.
De Weerd: Good evening. If you will, please, state your name and address for the
record.
Albert: Good evening. My name is Jane Albert. I reside at 6628 North Salvia Way in
Meridian.
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De Weerd: Thank you.
Albert: Thank you. First I must reiterate my objection to the project and the fact that the
City Council ignored the city's own Comprehensive Plan in approving that. This remains
a significant disappointment that residents cannot rely on the very document that is
supposed to be used by citizens, quote, to better understand the city's vision for their
neighborhood, their business, and the city as a whole.
De Weerd: Ma'am?
Albert: Yes.
De Weerd: If you can testify on the application that is in front of us.
Albert: That is the next paragraph. If the Costco project proceeds, neighbors deserve
better than the conceptual design submitted by the developer. We want to see an effort
put forth to create a unique design compatible with the neighborhoods surrounding it
and you did, too, having focused so much time in the April 3rd meeting on design
elements of this project. This seems to be simply a mash up of the same old design. It
is known that the developer held a neighborhood meeting on the subject and despite
the demonstrated wide interest in the project and rather than being inclusive and
transparent, they held to the bare minimum of required noticing. But as neighbors of the
project our preference is to have a discussion of the proposed elevations with our
elected officials present and recorded in official meeting fashion. Prior neighborhood
meetings held by the developers have demonstrated that they offer more of a sales
pitch for the project, rather than genuine listening sessions. Yes, the Mayor, City
Council, and staff had the opportunity to comment on the different designs presented to
them, but isn't it in everyone's best interest to have comments from those who actually
live in the neighborhood and are directly impacted on the record, rather than relying on
the developer's recollection and interpretation of the citizens' input. I urge the City
Council to deny the modification to the development agreement and require Costco to
make changes to their conceptual plans to reflect our input and, again, go through
design review with a concept that is deserving of the neighborhoods that they are
invading. Surely the developers have the resources design -- to design something that
blends with the existing neighborhoods. I do not observe red, black, blue, gray concrete
metal accents nearby. Thank you.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: Madam Mayor and ma'am, you had mentioned that you wanted to have a
discussion with your elected officials on the record. Here we are. We are on the record.
We are here. What would you like to see specifically in the design is the question.
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Albert: I think something that blends with the color schemes, maybe something that is
unique. This is -- doesn't necessarily reflect, in -- in my opinion, the feeling of the
neighborhoods. These neighborhoods are now established. There are blends of colors
and textures that I believe should at least be considered in some of the design elements
that have been presented.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: Ma'am, thank you for coming this evening and I -- we certainly don't want to put
you in a position where you feel like you're getting blistered with a bunch of questions,
but I do have one. You speak about color schemes and different materials. In your
opinion what -- what would those be?
Albert: Well, again, I think that they should blend. I don't think this blends in -- in the
neighborhood. This is being put smack dab in the center of now existing neighborhoods
that have very specific guidelines for architecture on colors, et cetera.
Bernt: Correct.
Albert: I understand the logo, I understand marketing, I understand they are not going
to change the color of the Costco logo for my neighborhood, but I do believe that there
could be an effort perhaps put forth that showed that this was more of an inclusive
design, perhaps, than the standalone commercial project.
Bernt: Madam Mayor, follow up. So, are you speaking in regard to like -- just like the
same type of -- or similar type of building materials that you would find on homes that
are surrounding this -- this potential development? Is that what you're saying?
Albert: Well, sir, I'm not an architect and I appreciate Mr. Bullock's comments, but I --
you know, I think that we have some unique properties. I hear that the -- the
marketplace that Albertson's just built is a -- is a -- it's an example of perhaps something
that would fit better into the core of our neighborhood, because that's where it's going in
the -- smack in the core of our neighborhood.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: I appreciate your comments and, then, I guess I want to echo Council's
standpoint. We take this seriously and so I think there is a lot of desire for us to hear
from the public and -- and I think whether you believe it or not, the applicant is here and
they are going to respond afterwards to the feedback that you provide and so I guess I
just would encourage you to take this opportunity to tell them how you would want it to
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look or you would like to see done differently. I hear a lot of -- I don't like it. I want it to
blend. But one of the things that I noticed serving on this Council, you ask six Council
Members a question, you're going to get seven different answers. And so you have to
sift through that. But help me kind of see through your eyes. Is it -- is it the color? I
mean is it --
Albert: This is a -- this is a -- they are calling it a contemporary or modern design and I
think this can be done in such a way -- I understand this is a warehouse. I get it. It's a
168,000 square foot warehouse building. I don't know the types of elements that could
be used, other than to say I think that concrete, steel, glass -- you know, are there ways
-- I would ask -- I would push back on them. Are there ways to modify this. Is this the
only option that -- that you see. You had lots of questions about this. There were many
questions -- there are other designs that were viewed that evening. This is the only
requirement put on them. This is what you want. You're the one that -- that put these
requirements on them. Is this acceptable to you?
Palmer: Madam Mayor, I will answer that. I mean to me, you know, I look at this and,
you know, you mentioned colors and whatnot, to make sure that everything stayed on
the record. I don't dare go look at, you know, the colors of the houses that are in your
neighborhood, but considering my neighborhood -- I'm, thankfully, no longer on our HOA
board, but we -- as we get our daily about -- our neighborhood is about eight to ten
years old and daily --
Albert: I'm sorry, I didn't understand you.
Palmer: Our neighborhood is about eight to ten years old, most of the houses in there,
and daily, you know, we would get e-mails of people with their paint requests and a
heavy percentage of them are -- are multiple shades of -- now I just said shades of gray
-- dark grays and various grades especially, because they are -- it's a very popular color
right now. So, can you -- you know, you mentioned you wanted to blend with the colors
of your neighborhood. I know we keep trying to repeat this and asking it, but I'm trying
to draw it out of you, what are some colors or -- I understand you might have some
concerns with the -- you know, the concrete, a lot of it, you know, the -- amazing things
are done with concrete these days. The Meridian Temple, the entire exterior is
concrete, but the -- are the colors -- it is the metal that's -- that's really causing
heartburn for you? Is -- did you want --
Albert: This is the only design that we have any input to. This is it. We didn't have the
-- the opportunity to provide any input to discuss this with the applicant, to talk with the
architect, to say what -- what's available to us. What -- you know, I understand this is
not designed by a committee, but the -- the -- the tones that are in our neighborhood
represent what I feel about it and the feeling that is here in Meridian, which is they are --
they are earth tones and, you know, they mean roots to me. It's -- it is -- this is a -- I
think an eye sore. Again, I understand it's a warehouse. I understand that we are not
going to change Costo's logo. But it just feels as though there could be an attempt -- a
better attempt made to have this blend into our neighborhood. I'm sorry, again, I'm not
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an architect, I don't know what the options are. Could there be -- what -- could there be
-- you know, what are the possibilities. So, I know you're asking me for answers to that
and I'm afraid that -- but what I know is that this does not blend in my neighborhood and
I don't think it takes anyone too many trips through that area to know that.
Bernt: Madam Mayor? I think I can help you out a little bit. We are asking the same
question to you and what if -- I haven't seen the Albertson's new marketplace, but I have
heard raving reviews about how cool it looks. Is there a possibility that we can get that
on the record and maybe get like -- put that on the computers and put it on the record,
so that maybe -- maybe you can just -- we all can look at it together and maybe see if
that's more like a look you're looking for?
De Weerd: I'm sure Costco wants to look like Albertson's.
Bernt: I mean --
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
Bernt: I mean it is what it is. I mean it's a look. It could be -- it could be a library for all
care, but it's a look that maybe you -- that the residents looked at and is liking and I
think we are here to discuss and to -- you know, to talk about what they feel is more in
tune with their liking and if it's a competitor, I -- I think we should look at it.
Albert: Well, Madam Mayor, I was put on the spot to come up with some kind of
explanation of what I'm trying to say and that -- that came to my mind. I understand
that's a competitor. I'm not asking them to --
De Weerd: No, that was --
Bernt: We were joking.
Albert: But I did feel as though -- you know, it's -- it's -- it is a design that perhaps is -- is
one to be considered and I'm sure that there are others. Ours is not the only community
this company has come into it and has asked for some kind of modification to fit into the
community. You looked up those -- on the computer when -- when we were here at
other hearings. When you asked them -- when you made this a condition.
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Madam Mayor. And, Mrs. Albert, I guess maybe more than a question to help
us kind of see your perspective about the process, I understand that they had a
neighborhood meeting and you contend that not the right amount of people were
invited. It doesn't sound like that you attended, but -- and we also have the ability to
view this application on the city website and we received a bulk of e-mails that all said
the same thing and -- and no comments about aesthetics or design or brown or black or
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purple or polka dots -- none of that. Can you help me get a good understanding as to --
to why we didn't receive any?
Albert: Well, that surprised me to get -- they had an awful lot of people. I -- I can say
that the neighborhood meeting was held at the exact same time as a neighborhood
meeting for another project in my development. There was some confusion on the part
of our HOA as far as posting that meeting. I also -- so, I can tell you some of the
reasons that I wasn't there. I wasn't even aware of the continuance from last week until
I went into the file to see that it had been continued to this week and that's why I'm here
testifying. I came last week as well, just in case it was heard. So, I -- I don't know that.
I don't know the answer to that. But I would have loved to have gone to the
neighborhood meeting to see these -- but the posting requirements, the 300 feet, which
is not my home and I think that -- I only -- I know that they held to the requirement, but it
-- I wish that there had been more of an inclusive nature as Mr. Kahn is implying
that he wishes that -- that he so desires.
Cavener: Thank you.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: On your screen right there are you seeing the -- what they just put up? Is that
the --
Albert: Yes.
Milam: Are you still seeing the Costco or are you seeing --
Albert: No. I see that.
Milam: Okay. So, can you -- so, this is a building that you think would be more
cohesive to your neighborhood?
Albert: This is -- this is -- I haven't -- I haven't seen this building. Thank you. Someone
said and I just thought I would ask and I heard, wow, that's a really cool design.
Milam: And I just -- but I'm just asking you to look at it and tell me if there is any feature
there that like stands out to you that you think, oh, this is what it -- I think would help
us --
Albert: You know, I'm going to -- I just have to push back a little bit and say I -- you
know, this is the requirement that you all made of them and so I guess -- I guess -- I
guess what you're saying is that this is -- this is a design that you approve of. You
know, I see some wood elements here. I see -- I think -- I don't know if that's brick or
not. You know, I see some design things here that are more attractive than a concrete
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building. But, again, this is, you know, my first glance, but I'm -- I guess I just need to --
I'm wanting to be on the record to say that I think that we deserve better and I think that
you actually are the -- are the ones who asked them to come back with some more
interesting designs and if -- if that's the design that you think is the one that is more
interesting and fits into that area, then, you know -- this is my only opportunity for input
and I disagree.
Milam: Thank you very much for answering that question.
Coles: Richard Gardner was signed up against, no indication of testimony. Michael
Battaglia against, wishing to testify.
De Weerd: If you will, please, state your name and address for the record.
Battaglia: Michael Battaglia. 4212 West Wolf Rapids Street in Meridian.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Battaglia: It's the Bainbridge Subdivision. Just to get back to something --
De Weerd: Can you pull the -- the mic closer?
Battaglia: Just to get back a little bit to what Jane was trying to at least -- at least my
feelings would kind of piggyback hers. I think there is a lot -- a lot -- a lot better colors
like browns, tans, mixtures of browns and like the dark color brown, which is really
reflective of the entire -- of our entire subdivision of Bainbridge. There is very few grays
and so, therefore, to have this big gray thing sitting there -- it's really out of -- out of
character. Granted that there is going to be -- or proposed some apartments and a few
other type of developments around it, which would shield it, but until those get even
planted, we are stuck with what -- with what -- with the Costco building by itself, albeit
landscaping is there, but not -- there isn't anything high like the building is. I just want to
touch on four different things that were -- at least three different things that we at the
back end or the bottom end of the staff report. Let's see. Store hours. From what I
read it was 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. That was the last line of the staff report.
De Weerd: I think we are only talking about design tonight.
Battaglia: Well, these are all things that I read in the development agreement.
De Weerd: But the development agreement is only being opened up for the -- the
elevations.
Battaglia: That's it. Okay. Thanks.
De Weerd: I do need to note for the public record -- I didn't see the elevations. I did
have an opportunity to comment. Mr. Bernt did bring it to a meeting that he showed me.
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So, I don't know if it was supposed to go to -- to me for comment, but just wanted the
neighbors to know I -- I didn't have input, so --
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Yes, Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I think the -- you know most of the input -- a lot came from me during the -- the
public meeting when we pulled up various other Costcos and it's like could we get some
glass, could we get some metal, could we make it look more modern -- I asked the clerk
to see if he could pull up an image of the most recent Costco that's been built in our
area, the Nampa one to see -- have an idea of the building here compared to -- in my
opinion this gorgeous thing in front of us. I wish it was in my neighborhood. And so do
they. Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I guess -- so the -- here we have got, you know some browns and what -- I am
assuming there is more people that signed up, but the -- I don't know. To me this feels
more warehousy, you know, with the browns -- you know, we have -- we have several
warehouses in Meridian, they are all brown. Drove Franklin -- all these industrial
buildings are all brown stucco, so --
De Weerd: Is that brick? Okay. Go ahead.
Coles: Thank you, Madam Mayor. Suzanne Langdon was -- signed in as neutral and
Marsha Dennis signed in as neutral. And that was all the sign-ups.
De Weerd: If your name was read and you do want to provide testimony you certainly
can change your mind. Is there anyone who would like to provide testimony that hasn't
come up? Yes. I guess the first hand in the back, the woman with the long hair.
LeFever: Wait for that to scan in there for a second.
De Weerd: That's what I get for not wearing my glasses. If you will, please, state your
name and address for the record.
LeFever: My name is Denise LeFever. I live at 6706 North Salvia Way, Meridian,
Idaho.
De Weerd: Thank you.
LeFever: That's Spurwing.
Bernt: Longtime no see.
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LeFever: I know. Really long time, isn't it. Is that in? Yes. Great. Great. I am
opposed to the project. We all know that. For many reasons. But I just think they can
do a better job. Those pictures aren't coming in very well, but Walmart was, basically,
built in a field and their design requirements were a lot higher. They have a lot of
different elements in there. That's all blurred out there, but there is -- there is -- there is
the tile on top of one of the roofs. There is tip outs. There is stucco. There is bricks.
There is -- there is just all kinds of different elements over there in that Ten Mile Walmart
over there. There is nowhere in there -- there is their traditional blue stripe that goes
around the building, even -- even if you go back and look at the logo, it's white, you
know. Not that I'm in love with the building, but they really did go back at the time when
they approved this Walmart and upgraded the look of Walmart. I expect that out of
Costco, an upgraded look in a neighborhood -- they have dropped it right in the middle
of a neighborhood, upscale neighborhood, and I expect it to look nicer than what's being
presented. Some of the things -- since there is some confusions on what's expected,
we would like it to blend. We would like all sides of that building to be upgraded. We
would like them to lose the red line that goes around that. They don't need the red line.
We would like some tip outs. Some pillars. Some posts. Some change in the logos.
Some bricks. Some rocks. Some areas with picnic tables and umbrellas, with an area
that you can sit out and have pizza and hot dogs, make it more community friendly.
Actually, I -- the marketplace that was up there, I thought it was a lot better look than the
building that's been designed here. The other buildings that were referenced, since we
will get it on the record, Ty, is those are in commercial space and they are perfect in a
commercial space. This is in a residential surrounded area. We expect better. We
deserve better. Also one other thing is this is kind of a little outside there. I think this is
a real illustration on the part that people didn't show up at that neighborhood meeting
that our process as a city on a whole -- the neighborhood process is broken and that's
something at a later date and time that we need to go back and revisit. Maybe revisit
how we notice them. Revisit the posting. Maybe we put a sign up and post to allow
people that opportunity to be involved, to change things from actually embracing the
community and having community involvement, instead of just a sales pitch. I have
been to all the meetings and by looking in the audience and what happened last time
over livestream, there is people that do want to make comments, you know, and I think
that would make a better place for Meridian to live in is that people have a chance to
comment. In addition, when Costco is this billion dollars in revenue and billion dollars in
profit. Knowing the contention that's been on this project, they could have gone out,
done advertisement, and as we can see over there with the news here, they have a
news release. They could have put that out to the news. If they really wanted the
neighborhood input they could have asked for the neighborhood input. So, with that
said I think they need to revisit their design and give us something better for that
neighborhood, so --
De Weerd: Thank you, Denise.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
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Palmer: Thank you so much for coming to as many meetings as you do. It's great to --
to see you out there. I have got a couple questions for you. You had kind of gone
through a list of different materials around the exterior of the Walmart. I believe all of
which are presented as a -- the plan for the Costco, so if there is any that -- that you
mentioned that are missing, like they will write that down. Also you mentioned the red
line. So, it looks like the plan is to have the red line only on the front two sides, but not
necessarily facing the neighborhood. Is it a concern of yours that it exists at all, the red
line, or just that you didn't want it visible from the neighborhoods? And also are the
browns kind of an important aspect to you, other than the grays?
LeFever: As far as how it goes, as long as it doesn't look like the commercial Costcos,
they need to work on blind -- on blending. It can be different colors. This is kind of -- I
would say it's more monotone. It's kind of a two different color look. They can mix it up
a little more and, yes, I do want to see the red line removed. Walmart doesn't have a
red line around it. It's just right down the corner. You know, they have done a better job
of trying to make it blend into their community of upscale. I'm not necessarily fond of
the oranges they used, I just think they just need to do a better job of finding materials
and give you more of a non -monetary, bland commercial look to this building. So,
upscale it. You put it over in nice neighborhoods, give us a nice building. And, once
again, the marketplace I think has a lot better elements on it.
Palmer: Madam Mayor? So, you want the red line gone --
LeFever: Yes.
Palmer: -- but you want brighter, more -- more to stand -out colors?
LeFever: No. I want more colors. So, just more -- more features in there. Maybe
rocks, bricks, some other features in there. Some aspects of this kind of look still like a
concrete warehouse. It would be nice if they would go back in on the marketplace and
put that really nice patio area, you know, and make it part of the community. Go back in
and put picnic tables out there. Go use your red -- go use your red umbrella. You
know, that's a good spot for it.
Palmer: Thank you.
LeFever: Anything else?
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Palmer: Denise, have you ever been to Park City, you know, and how they have -- you
go up there and -- in the mountains and all of the buildings, you know, look different,
more mountainous and sort of conform with -- is that sort of what you're talking --
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LeFever: You know what, I got invited to go visit Park City, but I have not been yet. It's
my intention to go visit Park City sometime. So, I wish I had seen that one, so -- I do
know in different areas when you travel around the facades go back through and
change. If you have ever been on a cruise they completely changed the facades when
you -- when you go into the Caribbeans or spots in Alaska or different areas like that,
you get off and they have all these lovely facades and stuff that make it look really
beautiful. You know, if it's going to be here, which I'm still opposed to, but if it's going to
be here, let's kick it up a notch. Let's do a better job, so --
Bernt: Point taken.
LeFever: Thank you.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Bernt: Thanks, Denise.
De Weerd: Yes, sir. Good evening. If you will, please, state your name and address for
the record.
Burke: Madam Mayor and Council, I am Rick Burke. I live at 6092 North Santa Rita
here in Meridian.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Burke: Just wanted to testify today if I may and I appreciate the opportunity. The
design -- the change of design is really -- it really doesn't do much for the originality of it.
There -- it's -- it looks like a cookie cutter drop from the sky, designed like any other.
There is no originality to it, which would help the neighborhood immensely if there was
something a lot nicer to look at, as opposed to a big warehouse such as it is. Take a
look at what they did for -- or they are doing for the Albertson's on Broadway. There is a
lot of originality there, a lot of -- a lot of thought was given to it. So, I think if our
developers on the Costco would use that kind of concept, originality and different
textures and colors and building materials, it would look far better for the neighborhood.
And this could all be very well a moot issue, because since this -- the whole project is
going under judicial review, that this may be moot and they may have to come back and
start all over. So, I think -- I think making any decision tonight on the design review is --
should be tabled. That's all I have to say. Thank you.
De Weerd: Thank you, Rick.
Burke: Any questions?
De Weerd: No. Thank you. Yes.
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Swanson: Hi.
De Weerd: Good evening.
Swanson: First I want to thank you for letting us talk. I'm not prepared, but I didn't think
we would get to, but I just wonder --
De Weerd: If you will, please, state your name and address.
Swanson: Lori Swanson. 2746 North Exeter Avenue in Bainbridge.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Swanson: Thank you. So, just for the sake of showing there is some agreement here,
the notification process might be legally, but I came in at a time when -- when the last
meeting was -- and I just only found out about the meeting the day before, because
somebody posted a piece of paper by our mailboxes and so I showed up for that. And,
then, you know, I don't know how we missed these notifications, but they are not really
obvious, they are not really meant, I don't think, to invite everybody. So, I just want to
reiterate that, yes, you might like the other ones, but they are not in the neighborhood
and that's the big significant difference here. This is a neighborhood and it's an upscale
neighborhood or it's supposed to be and so something should be different. It shouldn't
be just like the Nampa one, because it's not in the same kind of neighborhood. I'm
thinking of an area that I came from, a Costco, they have in between every row of
parking lots they have arbors -- they might not be redwood, but they look something like
redwood with vines and things over them. The shopping cart areas have something
similar. When you go over here to the Home Depot off the state highway and Eagle,
they have a gazebo type thing with benches in there as you're getting close to the
entrance of the store. Again, the area that I came from also has a Whole Foods and
things like that. They have nicer cement rounded tables. I mean just -- I'd hate to see
them just put the metal where people eat in the, you know, courtyard area there for the
hotdogs and all that. Just metal tin tables. I'm -- I'm referring to the San Luis Obispo
location. They have kind of upscale things, because there is an upscale neighborhood
nearby. That might be something to take a look at online. So, that's pretty much all I
wanted to say.
De Weerd: Thank you. Maybe staff can pull up the Costco in that area. Other
testimony? Good evening.
Stevenson: Good evening. Madam Mayor, Jerry Stevenson. 6040 North Ten Mile
Road, Meridian. A few questions I actually have on this question they didn't really cover
are the neon lights at night and my request would be to have them turned off or really
dimmed in the evening to try to -- so they are not standing out -- everything. Because I
look out my window and they are right across the street from me. So, that's always an
eye sore. Then also I didn't see anything on the dumpsters or trash. Is that all handled
internally behind closed doors or -- I didn't see any facility plan for that.
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De Weerd: I think that was part of the original application. This is just on the
elevations.
Stevenson: Okay. Well, I just thought that for a design standpoint that that would be
included in on -- on covering that part.
De Weerd: Yeah. That's more a part of their site plan.
Stevenson: Okay. I didn't -- and I don't know if it was a hearsay or not, but I thought
somebody said that there was an ask for a variance on the height. Is that -- there is no
change -- I mean it's just standard heights on this. There is no unusual thing there.
De Weerd: I -- I don't recall any request for a variance for height.
Stevenson: I just wanted to verify that. And, then, on my input would be for the design
on that, I think what everybody is kind of looking at is -- it's a box, it's a warehouse, and
one thing that could help soften that up is if there was like a pitched roof look, what you
could do by going out with some awnings out to the side would give it a pitched look, so
it's more of a roof and I think that would fit in the --
De Weerd: Kind of see the screen right in front of you, that's -- that's the Costco I
believe that -- that Lori was referring to.
Stevenson: Okay. Yes. And on that line and, then, even around the outside on the
sides, if they was wanting to continue back there, too, because that's -- that's what
you're seeing on the road, basically, is the -- you know, the whole building itself and
even along the whole side of the building, maybe even on the back for the neighbors on
the back side might appreciate that. If that's not just in the very front section only I think
it would probably help to have them in there. And, then, I don't know, I personally -- you
know, it's a personal thing I have that I don't like bright red. If they were to tone that
down or darken that up, you know, going to have that for their -- you know, that might
soften the impact of the -- the red color a little bit and, then, the other thing that I'm --
again, if I go to the site plan will there be any input on that, too? I'm concerned about
the -- the sign -- signage and things like that. They probably have it -- because I have
been through a lot of these different things in the past and it seems like my house
always gets affected with street lights being put up that I didn't know anything about and
now it shines down in the bedroom window. I can't have the windows open at night,
there is things that aren't ever thought of in this building process that -- that has affected
me and that's why I'm trying to look ahead on the signage and things like that on that,
because there is no berm that's going to be on their side of the street from where I am
at to, you know, kind of blend anything in. That one is from the -- that one there is from
the other side. So, one of my concerns is on the site plan itself is -- so, the other
buildings after that one's finished they put new buildings in there, that's going to be right
on the street and I think that's a real eye sore. You come down from the interstate and
how close those buildings are right there to the -- to Ten Mile, I think that they should --
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they shall have all been set back. It would be -- just give everything a much better
appearance personally and it's just going to be, you know, just not an open feel at all
when they start building the rest of the buildings, too. Then the other thing is, too --
De Weerd: I'm sorry, your time is up.
Stevenson: Okay. All right.
De Weerd: But I would invite you on your site specific concerns and questions -- staff
can -- can sit down with you and show you the site plan and -- and the signage package
and lights and -- and all of that. So, I would -- I would suggest that you sit down with
them and -- and see what that is.
Stevenson: Okay. But has that been -- is that finalized? Is that completed then?
De Weerd: That -- that was part of the approval. Pardon? No? There is going to be a
hearing on that? Okay.
Allen: Sorry. It would help if I turned it on. We look at the light details more at the
design review -- staff level review. So, there --
De Weerd: That is why it's important that he sits with you.
Allen: -- the design review? Yeah.
Stevenson: So, there would be input available then?
Allen: Certainly.
Stevenson: Okay. Thank you.
Allen: It's not -- it's not a -- let me -- let me clarify. I'm happy to talk to you at any -- at
any time to receive your input. They do have to comply with the standards in the
architectural standards manual. The minimum, so --
De Weerd: Additional testimony? Council, would you like to hear from Denise again?
Okay.
LeFever: Denise Lefever. 6706 North Salvia Way. Spurwing. I just want to say that
picture of the one in California with the tile roofs and the bays, with the tip outs and stuff,
that's a good -- that's a nice start. I like that one, so that's all I'm going to say.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Schindler: Madam Mayor, my name is Marty Schindler. 6835 North Topaz Jewel Place
and I live within an eighth of a mile of the new structures.
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De Weerd: Thank you.
Schindler: I would encourage -- since this is a democracy that we all sit and work
around in this world, is that as my elected officials is I would suggest that we contact
Costco and trash that design that's up there, because it's nothing but a big box store
and I think the marketplace is a great example that Albertson's put into that design work.
And, Ty, I was offended by what you -- and appalled by what you said you would -- you
would encourage that in your neighborhood. Let's not. And I think that -- you know, I
think that your representation is ours, we need your help to get it through to the next
step. And why don't we bring those people to us and have them do a Charrette, bring it
to the streets and let us put our input in properly and that's all I have got. Thanks. Any
questions with that?
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Milam: Madam Mayor? Marty.
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: Marty, I do have a question.
De Weerd: Marty. Mr. Schindler.
Milam: Sorry. I was trying not to let you get too far.
Schindler: Sorry.
De Weerd: There was a question.
Milam: So, you saw the picture of the San Luis Obispo. Did you see that picture?
Schindler: I did.
Milam: Did you like that one?
Schindler: It's not about what I like -- what I would like to see and there is probably not
enough time to explain that tonight, so that's why I'm asking for a charette to be
convened and with Costco's participation. They have, you know, a hundred architects,
they can certainly fly them out here, let him sit down with us for a couple hours and
hash this through. I don't think it's your place to decide what our streets look like. You
know, the roads are a different matter and that's another conversation, but -- you know.
So, I'm -- I'm, frankly, just kind of pissed off. That's the easiest I can put it. Madam
Mayor, Council, thank you for your time.
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De Weerd: Thank you, Marty. Any additional testimony? Okay. Would the applicant
like to comment?
Kahn: Madam Mayor, Council Members. Well, I guess I will say I'm a little confused by
what I hear tonight, because I think we went to some pains to -- based on the other
public hearings that we had, to try to design a building that was a low in profile. I'm a
little surprised that people are saying that they like San Luis Obispo, because I think
one of the things we heard previously was they didn't want a tall building and so we
went to some effort to try to minimize the height and try to keep the building subdued,
so that it wouldn't attract a lot of attention. And, then, I think one thing that we are kind
of missing here is that we are not looking at the site holistically. We have a
considerable amount of landscaping to the west and to the south, which will effectively,
with the berms and the fencing, eliminate most of the view of the building from the Lost
Rapid side. To the north and to the east will be numerous other retailers that will be
built either at the same time we are building or shortly thereafter, which will effectively
screen our building from Ten Mile and Chinden. You're just going to have little
peekaboo views from the roadway of our building and I think we had some exhibits at
our last hearing that kind of showed that when we showed the guy -- Gasser -- the
Gosser's buildings along the frontage. We worked very closely with the Gossers to
make sure that there was adequate screening to the south to soften the views of the
building and eliminate most of the views of the building from the south and from the
west. Yeah, we have heard a lot about color. We can change color. If you want us to
eliminate some of the stripe, you know, we have done that in the past. That's not a big
deal for us. But I think, you know, in your deliberation I would ask that you just look at
the development in its entirety and how many different elements work together to -- and
around our building that affect the architecture and -- and how our building will be
perceived from the roadways to the north and to the east and to the south of us and I
guess I will leave it at that. Thank you. Unless you have some questions.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Madam Mayor. Appreciate you -- it sounds like addressing some of the
concerns that came up. The one that I didn't hear a lot about that -- I think there was a
considerable discussion about -- in the last public hearing was about this kind of
creating a sense of place for the neighborhood and one of the members of the public
testified about additional outdoor seating, picnic benches, to really create a sense of
place that is -- that supports the neighborhood and -- and I didn't hear you touch on that
and I don't know if that's something that you have contemplated, if that was something
that was contemplated. If you would share with us a little bit more about that.
Kahn: Councilman Cavener, Madam Mayor, Council -- Council Members, we haven't
talked about it and we can. Happy to. We have a large landscape area to the south --
southwest corner of our building that, you know, there could be something -- an amenity
put there. There is a large park across the street that already exists there, which I think
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is -- gives the community, you know, a lovely amenity and goes a long way to
addressing that sense of place. You know, I think we need to be a little realistic here.
You know, we have are a big box. We have a large parking lot, over 850 cars -- parking
spaces. I don't remember the exact number. To me -- you know, we do have places to
sit and enjoy a hot dog or a piece of pop -- a piece of pizza internal to the building. One
design element that we have at the entry canopy that we looked at earlier is we have
kind of a pedestal seating and people can sit at the entryway. Let's say somebody
doesn't want to walk through the warehouse, they could sit outside there and wait for
whoever is shopping. They could enjoy a hot dog out there. I don't know -- I think it's
on the screen now that kind of shows the people sitting. That's something -- something
that many people utilize when they come to a Costco. You know, adding some other
element, whether it's in the southwest corner that the community could use or
somewhere else on the site -- I mean we could all -- we are open to talking about that
and figuring something out that might make sense.
Cavener: Thank you.
De Weerd: I think if you would have listened to what people said tonight is -- okay, they
are not thrilled about Costco coming to their neighborhood, but if you're coming to their
neighborhood they want you to be a part of it and you should look a part of it. So, better
modulation on your building and your heights. Maybe not the straight lines. Some
variation in color that breaks it up, like the Walmart example -- the Albertson example
showed you a little bit more about that place making that Mr. Cavener talked about and
making it something that neighbors would walk to. You're going to set the tone for the
other buildings around you as well and to me this is a big warehouse and it is a
warehouse -- that some of the examples we saw didn't necessarily look like one and it
did blend a little bit more in the surrounding area. I don't see any of the houses looking
like this. This is modern, it's industrial looking, and in an industrial or commercial park it
would fit in. This is close to neighborhoods. So, to -- to look at it in terms of adding
some more and making it look more neighborly -- and I appreciate, even though I said
don't make it look like Albertson's, I was replying to him, not you, so -- but the pictures
that they have pulled up did show some softening, some more landscaping up against
the building. Have plants crawling on your trellis or -- you know, I -- I do like the trellis
aspect of it, but I think you can do better to make it look a little bit more integrated in
with the surrounding areas. You see that further down the road with Fred Meyer. You
see it on -- on Chinden. You saw it down the road on Ten Mile with Walmart. So, they
tried to be a little bit more friendly with their surroundings and I think that's what the
neighbors came here to say tonight is there needs to be more and you have done those
in other markets and this market is as important as those other markets where we want
you to be part of our community and that's what I heard tonight.
Kahn: Well, I apologize if you feel we missed the mark. We tried -- you know, we
thought we made our best effort to come up with a building design that we thought we
heard in our previous meetings and, you know, like I said earlier, I think when
Councilman Cavener or Councilman Milam asked me, you know, we are willing to work
with staff or whoever wants to sit down with us and, you know, figure out if there is a
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better way or something that you feel is more appropriate. We didn't come in here to
say this is it and take it or leave it, but as you know, we are in a lot of different
communities. We always try our best to do something appropriate for the community
and we felt that this effort was a good effort and I'm sorry you feel that it isn't and, you
know, I'm sorry that some of the community members feel the same way, too, but --
De Weerd: But I -- I'm sorry, you're going to get -- well, I would have said seven
different opinions, but we are missing two. So, five different opinions on what our
personal preferences are. But I think one of the things that was raised today is -- is a
more inclusive process and I was a little taken back to hear that people didn't go to the
neighborhood meeting because they wanted to put their comments on the public record
tonight. That's unfortunate, because you did make the attempt. But I also appreciate
your statement that this wasn't your -- your final offer, that you still would like to -- to
work on it to make it something that -- that people can be proud of and with the
realization that the people that don't want it there are probably not going to get to that
point, but if they can feel part of the process at least in what it looks like, that's a great
step in the right direction.
Kahn: It would be. I agree.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
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Palmer: Madam Mayor. Sonya -- C.Jay, hold on. Sonya, can you switch this back to a
view of the back of this? Yeah. That last one was good. Now -- so this is the back of
the proposed Costco. C.Jay, could we see the back of the Ten Mile Walmart as it
exists? So, they don't -- the two don't even compare. You know, we are talking about --
we are praising Walmart so much tonight and how gorgeous it is. Well, the front looks
great. The back looks like crap. And this is what's facing the neighborhood. The back
of the Costco as proposed is -- like you said, it's -- it's calmed, it articulates different
materials. It's toned down, simpler, yet still in the articulation. We talk about Walmart
as this great partner for the neighborhood -- has anybody driven passed there lately?
When is the last time they watered their grass? All of their grass is dead. The trees are
dying. They have not watered their -- their grass this season. Has anybody ever driven
passed any of our local Costcos and seen anything but well -kept landscaping? Walmart
on Ten Mile is not the example that we need to be looking to for what this project needs
to be. Yes, I wish that this was in my neighborhood, because what's proposed here is
contemporary. It's beautiful. The glass and the steel exposed -- and we talked about
the Albertson's on Broadway -- another gorgeous building. I think it's probably
significantly taller than what's proposed here, but, essentially, this is the same thing, just
without red brick and the front of it has the exposed steel, the glass, the brick, the -- I
mean a beautiful entrance. I'm just blown away that this -- I mean, again, also this sits
not at the core of the neighborhood. This doesn't sit in the middle of a subdivision. This
sits at the corner of a state highway that's going to be five lanes before this opens and
seven lanes and its -- when it's finalized, it's just another arterial road that's going to be
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five lanes before this opens. This is a major intersection in this city. What more
appropriate thing than a big box store that is going to provide extremely high -paying
jobs for what -- for what the jobs are, compared to their competitors, compared to any
other similar industry employing people here in the valley and, really, all we are talking
about tonight is the facade. They have prepared what -- what we asked for during the
meeting. I mean I -- I apologize if there was somebody here that -- that testified against
this that's in favor of the Costco, all I heard was people that were against the Costco not
satisfied with -- with what's proposed and as the Mayor pointed out, I -- I think it would
be unlikely that we would have people who are against the Costco that would be
satisfied with what's -- what design is brought to us. It makes perfect sense to me to
approve this tonight as it is.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
blaylkyl i4MAN 5 iH
Bernt: Peter, thank you. I -- you know, honestly, you guys did exactly what you were
told to do. I think that this Costco looks different than a -- a little bit more or less
Costcoey, you know, like warehousy -- I don't know what the words are. I apologize.
I'm not an architect. Than those Costcos that we have in Nampa or Boise. So, I think --
I think that you did your due diligence. One of the cool parts of having these type of
discussions is getting the public involved and whether it's tonight or whether it was a
couple weeks ago or whenever originally it was scheduled, I think we have heard
tonight from the residents that they would prefer something a little bit different and it's
really cool, in my opinion, that you're willing to listen and that you're willing to change
things up. I haven't been doing this for a long time, but I can't think of a time when an --
when an applicant has bent over backwards, you know, to try -- at least with us. I don't
know what happened with the residents, but with -- with us to get our point of view to
see maybe a direction that you need to be going and you guys did that and I applaud
you for it. I don't -- I don't -- I want the residents to understand that, you know, they did
listen and they did mostly what was said that evening and we did see different
renderings and different examples in a book that was provided to us and maybe we can
-- if you can provide -- I don't know if you have that tonight that we can put it on the
record. If you don't we probably need to so that they -- so the residents can take a look
at it. But I think -- I think that what we are hearing tonight is that it just -- we just need to
soften it up and I -- and I don't know -- I'm not an architect and the gentleman over there
that's sitting down is and I have seen him take notes upon notes upon notes of different
things that he has heard the residents talk about and -- and I -- and let's just see if we
can soften it up a little bit. I know that one of the examples in that booklet that was --
that was given to us had more of a market look with the entrance and I -- and I plastered
on it. I really like this. I think it is awesome and I think that -- I think that the residents, if
they were to see that, I think that they would like it more, because it has that type of a
look. I spoke to Bill about -- about rules and whatever about that book. We just -- if we
are going to discuss it we just need to put it on the record so the -- so the residents can
see what we are talking about. But I -- to make a long story short, let's just soften it up a
little bit.
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Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: Now I forgot what I was going to say. So, I definitely like this better than Nampa
or Boise --
Bernt: Me, too.
Milam: So, it is -- it is a step in the right direction. I don't love it. I don't really feel like it
resembles a lot of the things that I marked in the book, like -- the marketplace front. I
think that was one that I also really liked. I do think the front of Walmart looks better and
-- I guess I'm a little bit frustrated, because after seeing the pictures of the San Luis
Obispo Costco, which I like, maybe -- maybe even in gray. But we were really -- we
were given like pieces of three different buildings across the country to pick from and
what really would have been helpful I think for us and -- and the residents, have a
meeting with them -- and I'm sure you have photographs of all of your stores -- is a
photo album. Go to this photo album, tell me what you -- what you like and you're never
going to get a hundred percent consensus on one thing, but at least get an idea and,
then, there will be I think somewhat of -- of likeness in -- in a certain type of project. We
don't need a hundred pictures of just a square warehouse, but anything that is slightly
different -- I think just having a photo album would have been much more helpful and
having a meeting where people will show up and to hear that this house is packed and
nobody came to help you on this -- because they didn't know about it. And so, yes,
minimum noticing required -- requirements, maybe, but this is a huge -- as many
meetings as you have had, as many people that have come out to contest it -- like I
would think you would go to the extreme and make sure everybody knows, so you can
get that input, so that they wouldn't even be here. I wish you would have walked in
tonight and this -- I have done this process and people are like, okay, this looks good
and it would -- could have been a really easy yes. But because that didn't happen it's --
we are still ending up with a -- a box that's just a little bit prettier box.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I mean I haven't been on Council for super long, two and a half years, and in
that two and a half years I have received maybe one, possibly two, e-mails or anything
ever in favor of a project. We have always -- you know, we receive -- we receive
hundreds of things against things. But with this project we received well over a
thousand e-mails in favor of it saying, yes, do this and we wanted to make sure that it
was right for the neighbors and so we did something that we haven't done otherwise in
my term and said, okay, we are approving this, but come back, we are going to have the
Council decide on exactly what it's going to look like. So, that's why we are here today.
But we have approved the project and we all agree it seems that this is certainly prettier
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than the other two existing in the valley. I mean we could go -- we could have this
meeting with a thousand tweaks, you know, for a next thousand weeks and we are
going to have just as many people upset, because they don't want the Costco and many
people upset because we never got it done and got it approved and is it really our job to
-- I think we -- to be of service to the citizens we took a step further than really was our
job in saying we are going to have Council approve a rendering. They presented us a
beautiful rendering. Do we need to spend the next several weeks or months or years
tweaking it?
Cavener: Questions for the applicant? Sorry. Sorry, Madam Mayor.
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: So, I just was curious. There is a lot of discussion and the applicant is here, I
just didn't know if -- if anyone had additional questions for the applicant while he's -- he's
standing here.
De Weerd: I thought maybe you did.
Cavener: No.
De Weerd: Are there any further questions for the applicant? Do you have any further
comments?
Kahn: I did, but it slipped my mind. So, I guess I will say no.
De Weerd: Your architect, any -- any comments?
Kahn: Steve?
Bullock: Thank you, Madam Mayor. Just a couple --
De Weerd: If you will just restate your name for the record.
Bullock: Steve Bullock. MG2.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Bullock: I heard a lot of comments today where people are trying to characterize this
building is being just a cart -- excuse me -- a concrete block and the one thing I wanted
to make sure to emphasize to you is that the only place where -- we are using concrete
is as -- as an accent decorative item even. There is not a single bit of bare concrete
stem wall coming up. Yeah, a lot of warehouses are actually tilt -up concrete buildings,
which is bare concrete or -- or a plain metal siding warehouse and -- and that is not
what we are doing at all. What we are doing is -- is -- the only places we are using
concrete are -- like on this image is those decorative concrete pilasters that are actually
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going to have score marks on them and -- and things to make them look really attractive
and -- and, otherwise, we are doing a stucco building with split face CMU, with
architectural metal panels that actually kind of look like a version of a wooden siding
and it's in -- in my opinion very far from a standard warehouse type building. You know,
we always kind of struggle when we are -- when we are building models like this and we
try to render them as accurately as we can, but they never are like a photograph and --
and that's partly why when we were soliciting comments we showed a lot of photos,
because photos do have a real -- realism to them and, you know, I believe that this is a
very attractive building. I'm -- I'm super excited about it. There is things that we can do
to it, yes. We -- we can look at making some changes to the color scheme if that's
something that's really a major concern there. There is -- there is some other things
that we can do here. But I believe that a lot of things that people talked about that they
liked are incorporated into this building. There are seating -- a number of seating
opportunities at the front entry canopy along the whole length of it, in -- inside the --
inside the canopy or outside the canopy with those -- with those benches, those integral
benches. There is lots of different materials that mimic wood or, you know, that -- the
structural steel is -- is -- is like a wood trellis, just at a bigger scale and -- and we believe
that it has a lot of the features that people said they were looking for, they just aren't
recognizing what's there. That's my feeling. Thank you.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: A couple questions for you.
Bullock: Yes.
Cavener: Steve; right?
Cavener: Steve, you mentioned soliciting comments and feedback and, obviously, I
know the opinion of the Council was asked. Can you share with us the other tactics you
used to solicit feedback or is it just from the Council that feedback was solicited?
Bullock: It was from the Council and -- and staff. And, then, we -- we just -- and the
neighborhood notice hoping to -- to meet with people and -- and had a number of
boards out to talk to people and no one showed.
Cavener: Madam Mayor, an additional question. Steve, Peter mentioned in his
testimony that he -- as the applicant you guys are open to some further discussion and
make some improvements, tweaks and -- and based on maybe some of the feedback
from the public and the Council if that comes tonight. Should that be the direction that
Council would want to go, how much time do you think that you guys would need? Is it
something that you need two weeks, four weeks, ten weeks? Give me a ballpark.
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Bullock: Are you suggesting that we meet with the neighbors -- neighborhood?
Cavener: Madam Mayor, if I may. I think that's entirely up to you. If it was me I would.
In light of the feedback that I heard, I would -- I would be proactive on that. I'm not
saying that you -- again, this is a lot of hypothetical, but I'm just more asking about the
time that you would need to reflect some of the changes, if you so choose on the
feedback that you heard and may hear from Council tonight.
Bullock: Yeah. That's got to be something that Peter and I just have to sit down and
talk over. I don't know that I can give you a time frame right now.
Cavener: Fair enough. Thank you.
De Weerd: Well, if you heard enough from the neighbors to know what some of those --
you keep mentioning that this is to mimic wood and -- why didn't you make it look like
wood then?
Bullock: I believe some of it does look like wood.
De Weerd: Gray wood?
Bullock: I mean painted wood. I mean you want -- you want it to look like raw wood?
De Weerd: That's warmer and those are some of the comments that I heard -- you
know. And I know you sought feedback from the Council and -- and staff, but, you
know, if you want to make it warmer using some of the earth tones and -- and I never
equated that to wood, but, you know, I -- I think wood would soften the look of it.
Bullock: And that's what I was saying, I guess. We can look at some color schemes
that would change things and -- and -- and give it a slightly different feel and we can use
a warmer color tone -- color palette.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: I -- I think maybe what the residents are saying that maybe -- maybe this is just a
hair too contemporary, maybe. That -- maybe that's another thing that they -- that they
-- I noticed that they said once or twice.
Bullock: Thank you.
De Weerd: Thank you, Steve.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
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De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: At the end of the day, while we want to make sure everybody's, you know,
happy go lucky friends with each other. This is not a piece of property that the
neighbors own. This is the property that's going to be developed as a Costco, as a --
the project has already been approved. Again, it's at the intersection of a seven lane
state highway and a five lane arterial road. It just blows my mind that -- that this isn't an
appropriate structure for right there. I feel like it goes way above and beyond what was
necessary. Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I don't know. Maybe everybody else wants to continue the public hearing, so I
will hold off making a motion until -- because I'm ready to close it and vote on it, but --
De Weerd: Okay. Any other comments from Council?
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener,
Cavener: Some thoughts. Appreciate the applicant's due diligence in soliciting the
Council's feedback. I was one that said I -- I don't want to be in the business of
designing a Costco. On my background in the grocery business put me in probably
almost as many Costco's as the applicant and Albertson's and Whole Foods and it's not
my purview. We have all said I think tonight we are not architects. Nevertheless, we
said we wanted to provide some feedback. We provided feedback to the applicant and
based on the feedback this is what they have brought back to us. So, we are getting
what we asked for. My challenge was -- I think the one comment that I put on the book
that they provided us was take into account the feedback from the public and here is
where my challenge lies is I didn't hear a whole lot from the public that was that
dramatic about the building. I heard color schemes. Okay. I heard lose the red stripe.
Applicant says they are willing to do that. I appreciate the feedback about additional
outdoor seating. I can't remember who said that, but I -- this is great. We need to make
a sense of place. While this is adjacent to a state highway, it's also in very close
proximity to a neighborhood. We need to take both of those into consideration. The
hard part is there wasn't a lot that I heard that was, boy, we need to make some real
dramatic changes. And I weigh that with -- you know, we talked a lot about how great
the Walmart looked to what -- I don't think it looks that great. For me, the Fred Meyer is
-- this isn't a Fred Meyer, though. This isn't a Walmart. This isn't an Albertson's. This is
a Costco. They have a business concept and a design. Selfishly I wish what we got
was more elevated than what we received, but I also didn't say give me that. I said
listen to the public. The public doesn't feel like they were necessarily listened to. You
also have to weigh that with they didn't participate and what I heard tonight was that the
HOA was notified that there was another meeting and people didn't -- you go to this
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meeting, we will go to that meeting. I'm shocked that with the amount of people that are
in this room tonight and the amount of people that have been at all these public
hearings before, that nobody showed up. I can appreciate as the applicant how
challenging that has to be for you as well, because you have been in these meetings,
you have heard from these people. Here is -- there is a lot of I guess me soapboxing to
say, well, I think I would be okay with making a decision tonight. What I would like to do
is take the applicant up on -- on their offer to say let's take another crack at this. Take
some time, let's take into account the feedback that we heard from the public tonight.
Council, if we are going to be in the Costco design business that we need to be real
clear about the feedback that we are giving them as well, so that they can bring us back
truly what we are asking for. I have seen Costcos that look a whole heck of a lot worse
than this, but I have seen some Costcos that look at whole heck of a lot better than this.
I think that we as a body, though, for the benefit the applicant and for the citizens, we
are proud of our community. Like all the other communities that you serve, they are
proud of their community and we want retail establishments that reflects that. Just like
we want residential that reflects that. So, while I'm -- I'm open to the discussion about
moving forward tonight, I think I would be much more supportive of us giving the
applicant another opportunity to connect with the citizens to take our feedback and bring
us back a little bit of a better mousetrap.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
sTaTkyr=2 4 ■NIMUNI2
Palmer: Madam Mayor. Sonya, you had mentioned that the -- the language of the
change would include the words in substantial compliance -- or with the concept. Does
that give room for the architect to make, you know, minor adjustments based on what
they may have heard, whether they decide -- they wouldn't have to, but if it were
approved as it is, if they decided to pull the stripe or -- how far could they adjust things if
this is approved as it is?
Allen: Madam Mayor, Council, substantial compliance is meant to be just that. I mean it
should incorporate some of the same design elements, probably some of the same
coloring, materials. However, it still does need to go through the design review process,
so there could be some -- some changes associated with that that we don't have, you
know, yet. But I would caution you to approve something that you're -- you're not in
favor of.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
Allen: But if it is conceptual --
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I think I was clear I am in favor of it as it is, but -- so, then, let's try this. I move
we close the public hearing on H-2018-0066.
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Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to close the public hearing. Discussion?
That would mean you couldn't entertain or accept new information.
Palmer: Unless we reopened it.
Cavener: Unless we reopened. Yeah.
Palmer: So, Madam Mayor? For discussion then. So, my intent is close it, have a
vote. If Council doesn't feel that this is appropriate, then, we can reopen and continue it
or we can end the saga and approve it, so that -- yeah.
De Weerd: Okay. The motion is to close the public hearing. All those in favor say aye.
Any opposed say nay.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I move we approve H-2018-0066.
De Weerd: I have a motion to approve the application. Do I have a second? Okay.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: My unwillingness to provide a second isn't necessarily in opposition of the
project, but -- or that I -- the more that I look at this, the more that I look at the notes, the
more that I take in the public testimony, more supportive I am of -- of giving the
applicant a second crack at this. So, I know the applicant doesn't necessarily have an
idea as far as timing. I don't want to prolong this project, but I also don't want to have
this process feel rushed. So, I'm going to move that we continue item -- we will get
there. Thank you, Council Woman Milam. I move that we continue Item 9-H, H-2018-
0066 to August 28th to allow the applicant to take the feedback from the Council and the
public tonight and bring us back some revisions.
Bernt: Second.
De Weerd: Okay. I have a motion and a second to continue this, but in order to accept
new information you have to have an open public hearing. You can -- so, you can
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continue this, but it would be prudent to open the public hearing specific to the new
design and, then, continue it. Kind of doing it a little backwards, but --
Cavener: Madam Mayor, I guess on that note, then, I will -- I will retract the motion, if
the second is an agreement --
Bernt: I'm in agreement.
Cavener: -- and, then, I would move that we reopen the public hearing on Item 9-H.
Bernt: Second.
Cavener: Okay.
De Weerd: Okay. I have a motion and a second to reopen the public hearing. All those
in favor say aye. Any opposed say nay.
Palmer: Nay.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: I would just -- now that the public hearing is open, to ask the applicant if that
date is -- if that date works well or if it -- they don't need that much time, because -- I
don't want to put this off longer than we need to or if that's not enough time. I don't
know if they heard me.
De Weerd: Well, if -- the question to the applicant is does August 28th give you enough
time or too much time?
Kahn: Peter Kahn. 999 Lake Drive, Issaquah, Washington. We were just talking about
that and that's why I didn't hear the question. We think that schedule is fairly tight,
especially if we have to get a finished product that we hope is acceptable to all the
parties -- to staff so they can write a staff report. They need what we figure at least a
week, maybe, more.
Bullock: I guess that's the crux of the question is when would we have to turn stuff in to
meet that hearing?
De Weerd: Sonya?
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Allen: We would like the revised drawings at least ten days prior to the hearing. So, I
think that the -- the option was August 21st would be the soonest we could get it back
before Council for a public hearing where Council is suggesting the 28th.
De Weerd: So, if you could -- if -- if Council continues it to the 28th you do need to get it
to staff by the 17th.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: Another question for you. So, were you planning on meeting with the
neighborhood?
Kahn: We would like to try, yes.
Milam: Madam Mayor? I would like by a show of hands -- if they go through the trouble
and take the time to do this, how many of you are going to show up to that meeting this
time? And get the rest of your neighbors, too. Because if -- I really don't want them to
go through this trouble again and have nobody show up. That's -- that's disrespectful.
Thank you. I hope you didn't -- I'm sorry.
Kahn: So, knowing that, you know, it will take us a while to get our act together, so we
can take it on the road and let the community know when and where the meeting is
going to be. Then we have to digest that and come up with a reasonable response. It
would be great if the community and -- had an opportunity to react to that before we
came to you. So, I think -- I'm saying -- I guess where I'm coming on August 28th
sounds a little aggressive to me.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: We got the --
Cavener: The 4th or the 18th.
De Weerd: I guess we look to you for a suggestion on --
Cavener: How many weeks?
De Weerd: -- a date that would allow you that. And certainly the clerk can help maybe
put on NextDoor when your neighborhood meeting is. I'm sure all of these folks as well
will -- will help get the word out as well.
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Kahn: Yeah. I wouldn't -- I would ask that, you know, staff help us set this up so it's
successful, this community meeting, so we make sure that we are getting the word out
to the right community. So, what are you saying, the 11th?
Milam: September the 11th.
Kahn: Yeah. My problem is I leave for Europe on the 12th.
De Weerd: Well, that's not a problem.
Kahn: That's my problem. So, could we shoot for the 11 th?
De Weerd: Yes. And so that -- that means if we can get what you're proposing on
August 31 st to staff.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
Kahn: Sounds fine.
De Weerd: Okay. Yes, Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: I guess maybe, then, for -- for discussion where the 11th is our -- our
workshop meeting, I wouldn't want to inhibit the public's ability to come in the middle of
the afternoon when many of them have to work.
De Weerd: Do it at 6:00 o'clock for a special meeting.
Cavener: A special meeting.
De Weerd: Uh-huh.
Cavener: Madam Mayor, that's where my request was going to come, so you were --
De Weerd: Yeah.
Cavener: -- two steps ahead of me. Great.
De Weerd: Yeah. So, that's generally our workshop, but we can call a special meeting
specific to this.
Kahn: Okay.
De Weerd: Okay?
Kahn: All right. Perfect. All right. Thank you.
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De Weerd: Okay. And, Mr. Clerk, you can help with getting it on NextDoor.
Coles: Absolutely, Madam Mayor. If I can get the information from the applicants when
that neighborhood meeting will take place, if you can get it to either planning or the city
clerk's office, we will help distribute that information as well.
De Weerd: And -- and I'm sure we can put that also on our social media. I think this is
a unique opportunity to -- to plan for the community Costco and so I'm sure, you know,
you will have some enthusiastic participants as well.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: With that, then, I would move that we continue his item to a special meeting
on September 11th, 2018, at a time of 6:00 o'clock p.m.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: Okay. I have a motion and a second to continue this to September 11th,
noticed under a special meeting at -- starting at 6:00 p.m.
Coles: And, Madam Mayor, before the vote is taken, do -- would the Council like a
renotice to go out to the neighbors for that specific meeting date, via a postcard,
newspaper, NextDoor, similar to what happened on a previous application tonight?
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I would say yes and I would do a thousand feet.
Coles: Should that come at the expense of the city or the -- or the applicant?
Cavener: Us. We pay that.
Milam: Yeah.
De Weerd: Okay. That motion is to continue this to September 11th. All those in favor
say aye. Any opposed? Okay. Thank you.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
Bernt: Madam Mayor, just one thing. I hope that the residents in both Bainbridge and
Spurwing Greens will come out to this meeting. Please, please, please come out,
because we can't continue to kick this can down the road. It's not fair for Costco. The --
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the building is going to get -- you know, it's already been approved and so we just were
asking your feedback to make it a project that you're -- that you're able to call home and
call it -- you know, a great place where you guys can rec -- you know, go and shop and
-- and it's part of your community over in north Meridian. So, please, please, please
show up. Please do your part to tell your neighbors and on our end we promise that we
will do the very best job we can, along with Costco, to make sure that the people are --
you know, the residents over there are notified correctly.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Just my thanks to Peter and your team for your -- your flexibility. I can
appreciate the challenges of having a meeting and nobody showing up and, then,
coming before the City Council and being asked to have another neighborhood meeting.
I don't think that we have ever asked anybody to do that --
Bernt: Never.
Cavener: -- and you're willingness to say let's -- let's take a look at this is -- is well
noted and appreciated for myself personally. So, thank you.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you for joining us. I will take a five minute break and we will
reconvene -- well, a ten minute at -- at 8:50.
(Recess: 8:41 p.m. to 8:53 p.m.)
Land
I. Public Hearing for Sodalicious (H-2018-0046) by 10th &
Fairview, Located at 1035 E. Fairview Ave.
1. Request: An Annexation and Zoning of 0.36 of an Acre of
from the RUT to the C -G Zoning District
De Weerd: Well, thank you for allowing us a moment to break and we will re -- yeah, we
will get back to this meeting. Okay. Item 9-1 is a public hearing H-2018-0046. I will
open this public hearing with staff comments.
Allen: Thank you, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. The next application before
you is a request for annexation and zoning. The site consists of .36 of an acre of land.
It's zoned in the county. It's located at 1035 East Fairview Avenue. A drive-thru
restaurant, Sodalicious, was recently approved in Ada county to operate on this site.
The property is currently receiving city water and sewer services. The Comprehensive
Plan future land use map designation is commercial. The applicant proposes to annex
.36 of an acre of land into the city with a C -G zoning district, consistent with the
commercial future land use map designation for the property. Access is provided to this
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site via East Fairview Avenue. A cross -access easement exists to this site from the
property to the east. Staff is recommending a reciprocal cross -access easement is
granted in accord with UDC standards as a provision of the development agreement to
the property to the east. Although it's not feasible at this time to utilized a cross -access
due to the location of a billboard sign at the east boundary of the site, the easement will
be in place, so that in the future when the billboard is eventually removed the access
can be utilized. Because parking for the site is located at the northwest corner of the
site along the west boundary, staff does not recommend a cross -access easement is
provided to the west. Because the billboard that exists along the east boundary of the
site was a permitted use under Ada county ordinances, but is a prohibited use in the
city, it's considered a nonconforming sign per the UDC. As such the sign is allowed to
remain subject to the provisions for nonconforming sign set forth in the UDC. The street
buffer along East Fairview Avenue is also nonconforming to UDC standards of ten feet
in width. The UDC requires a minimum 25 foot wide street buffer along arterial streets.
Because the buffer was previously approved in Ada county, a wider buffer is not
required to be provided with this application. The Commission recommended approval
of this application to the City Council. Hethe Clark, Spink Butler, the applicant's
representative, testified in favor. He also submitted written testimony in response to the
staff report. There was no one that provided testimony in opposition or commented on
the application and there were no items of discussion by the Commission. There are
not outstanding issues for Council tonight and there has been no written testimony
received since the Commission hearing. Staff will stand for any questions.
De Weerd: Any questions for staff at this time?
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Sonya, we don't have any information, though, about the expert -- expiration
of the billboard lease and when it would come down or if it would come down?
Allen: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, Councilman Cavener, there is no sunset
clause on the billboard sign. Council approved that with the annexation agreement.
De Weerd: Okay. Any further questions? Is the applicant here? If you will, please,
state your name and address for the record.
Clark: Absolutely. Hethe Clark. 251 East Front Street. Representing the applicant. I'm
from the law firm of Spink Butler. As the Council knows, it's -- well, the Council knows
it's been a long night already, so I will be brief on this one. But this is the end -- or the
culmination of a process that started last fall. Since that time it's been our pleasure to
work with staff and to accomplish the plan that we came up with together. That plan
has included getting this Sodalicious application up and running in the county, which it
is, and we appreciate the Council's work with us to get them up and going as quickly as
possible. In connection with this application, we are in agreement with the terms and
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conditions of the staff report and I would just note for Council's benefit that we have
prepared the cross -access easement and Meridian city legal has reviewed it and
approved the terms. So, we are I believe ready to move this on and finish this process
out.
De Weerd: Thank you. Council, any questions? Thank you.
Clark: Thank you.
Coles: There were no sign-ups.
De Weerd: This is a public hearing. Is there anyone who wishes to provide testimony?
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Nobody wants to testify, I would move that we close the public hearing for
Item 9-H, H-2018-0046.
Palmer: Second.
De Weerd: I move a motion and a second to close the public hearing. All those in favor
say aye. All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: I move we approve Item 9-1
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve Item 9-1. If there is no discussion,
Mr. Clerk.
Roll call: Borton, absent; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts, absent;
Bernt, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
J. Public Hearing for Graycliff Estates (H-2018-0054) by Star
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Development, Inc. Located West of S. Meridian Rd/S.H. 69, on
the South Side of W. Harris St.
1. Request: A Development Agreement Modification to Reflect
an Increase of Building Lots and Change in Open Space
Consistent with the Proposed Preliminary Plat; and
2. Request: Preliminary Plat Consisting of 136 Building Lots
and 9 Common Lots on 52.46 Acres of Land in the R -8 and R-40
Zoning Districts
De Weerd: Okay. Item 9-J is a public hearing for H-2018-0054. I will open the public
hearing with staff comments.
Allen: Thank you, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. The next application before
you is a request for a modification to the development agreement for Graycliff Estates
and the preliminary -- and a preliminary plat. This site consists of 52.46 acres of land.
It's zoned R-8 and R-40 and is located west of South Meridian Road, State Highway 69,
on the south side of West Harris Street. In 2015 this property was annexed and a
preliminary plat was approved, which is still valid. The Comprehensive Plan future land
use map designation for 30 acres of the site is medium density residential and 22.5
acres of the site is high density residential. The applicant is requesting a modification to
the existing development agreement to increase the number of building lots from 120 to
136 and the qualified open space from 7.95 to 8.85 acres consistent with the new
proposed preliminary plat. The development agreement does not require Commission -
- excuse me. That was from my last hearing application. The proposed plat consists of
134 single family residential building lots, two multi -family residential building lots, nine
common lots and two other lots for the city well lot and the common driveway on 52.46
acres of land in R-8 and R-40 zoning districts. Proposed lots range in size from 6,800
to 11,634 square feet, with an average size of 7,873 square feet. The property is
proposed to develop in five phases. The multi -family portion of the site will come in later
with a conditional use permit. A 75 foot wide easement for the Williams gas pipeline
bisects this site. All development within the easement must adhere to the most current
standards in the Williams gas pipeline developers handbook. The Sundial Lateral
bisects the western portion of this site and is proposed to be relocated and piped along
the west boundary of the site. The Tumbler Lateral runs along the northeast boundary
and is also proposed to be piped. A 20 foot wide landscape street buffer is required
along Harris Street and South Redwater Avenue. Both collector streets. A total of 8.85
acres or 16.87 percent of qualified open space is proposed within the development,
consisting of parkways along local and collector streets, street buffers along collector
streets. The open space corridor where the Williams pipeline is located. Micropath lots,
internal common areas, and 1.77 acres of land designated for a city park and that is up
at the northwest corner of the site. The applicant proposes a ten foot wide multi -use
pathway through the common area where the Williams pipeline is located. Children's
play equipment and yard shuffleboard as amenities in accord with this requirement.
Access is proposed via the extension of West Harris Street, a collector street, at the
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north boundary of the site that provides access via South Meridian Road and State
Highway 69. Stub streets are proposed for future extension to the west, east, and
south. A north -south collector street is proposed off site along the west boundary of the
site in accord with the master street map, which will eventually extend south to Amity
Road. The applicant has submitted sample photos of single family homes proposed to
be constructed within this development, along with a conceptual drawing of a typical
multi -family structure. Building materials for the single-family units appear to consist of
a mix of horizontal and vertical lap siding and stucco with stone veneer accents. The
apartment structures appear to be stucco with stone veneer accents. The applicants
will require design review approval. Department. Excuse me. So, the Commission
recommended approval. Becky McKay, Engineering Solutions, testified in favor. That's
the applicant's representative. No one testified in opposition or commented, nor was
written testimony submitted. The only issue of discussion by the Commission was that
the Commission liked the additional common area proposed with this plat and liked the
relocation of the common area and site amenity more central to the development. And
that's that large area right in here. It's kind of hard to see on this plat. And, then, the
only change to the Commission -- by the Commission to the staff report was the
removal of condition number 1.2.1 13 that pertains to shifting the north -south collector
street along the west boundary of the site to the east side of the Sundial Lateral. This
was inadvertently left in from a previous ACHD report. There are no outstanding issues
for Council tonight and there has been no written testimony since the Commission
hearing. Staff will stand for any questions.
De Weerd: Council, any questions for staff?
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: Sonya, on the amenities, this is just for the single family portion of this? It just
seems very minimal amenities.
De Weerd: The question for -- I guess if you remove these multi -family amenities does
it meet the minimum?
Allen: Madam Mayor, Council, yes, it does. Yeah. The multi -family isn't included in this
area. They will -- they will provide their site amenities with their conditional use.
Milam: That was -- I just wanted to make sure. Yes. Thanks.
De Weerd: Okay. And can you point out -- so, what is the 1.77 acres of land
designated for a city park?
Allen: That is the area, Madam Mayor, right at the northwest corner here, if you can see
my -- my pointer here and it does adjoin another larger area. I believe it's a seven acre
total city park.
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De Weerd: And is the Parks Department interested in it?
Allen: Yeah. That was -- that was covered a couple of years go when this initially came
in.
De Weerd: Yeah. I'm not remembering way back then. So, the other five acres was
part of a different subdivision then I assume?
Allen: Yeah. I'm sure the applicant can give you more information on that.
De Weerd: Okay. And, then, the other open space, is that in phase one or half in
phase one and half in phase two?
Allen: Madam Mayor, there is --
De Weerd: I can't really tell where the open --
Allen: It's hard to see on this plan. The applicant may have a better plan in her
presentation.
De Weerd: Okay. I will wait then. Council, anything else at this time? Okay. Good
evening, Becky. If you will state your name and address for the record.
McKay: Thank you, Madam Mayor, Members of Council. Becky McKay with
Engineering Solutions. Business address 1029 North Rosario, Meridian. I'm here
representing Star Development on this particular application that's before you. As
Sonya indicated, we have a development agreement modification and a revised
preliminary plat on these 52.46 acres. My client Lee Centers, he basically has three
projects out here. Biltmore Estates located just to the north of -- this is Harris. This is
State Highway 69. The average lot size in Biltmore Estates is around -- over 9,000
square feet. And, then, we have Brundage Estates, which is located to the west and
goes over to Linder Road and the lot sizes in the Brundage Estates averaged about
10,000 square feet. And, then, we had Graycliff, which is what's before you this
evening, and in our original application we had an average lot size of around 9,000
square feet. Mr. Centers came to me and said that, you know, reevaluating the current
development and considering the needs that are out there, he wanted to have a wider
variety of lot sizes and he said, you know, we have -- we -- we have a lot of larger lot
sizes and our home prices are getting up in the four hundred and five hundred thousand
dollar range and so we want to have a better mixed use community and so he asked me
to take a look at the plat that we did and said, you know, what -- what can we do and I
said, well, you know, basically, I would not change the street layout at all. What we
changed is we had 65 by 130 and 125 deep lots and I said I would change those to 60
by like 115 and by doing so we added basically 15 lots within the single family area.
There is a city well right here located on Harris Street that is Well 32 that has come
online that will be deeded to the city. You guys have a 99 year lease. Also this project
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has a multi -use path lot -- pathway that runs along the Williams pipeline. That's a ten
foot. And, then, a portion of this Graycliff will be part of a neighborhood park and, then,
the remaining portion is in Brundage Estates. I think that was approximately a little over
eight acres. We did go before the parks commission. We did submit a concept plan,
ask them for input, if they would like to have a neighborhood park in this section. It's
shown on your Comprehensive Plan land use map. And the parks commission said,
yes, we would. We think that would be a great location. It's centered directly in the --
the section. We have Kentucky Way coming up from Victory. Harris coming from
Highway 69. And, then, Harris Street will extend westward to Linder and they said, you
know, it will be accessible, visible, and usable by everyone within this section. We also
have open space located right here at the entrance of the development. We will have a
yard shuffleboard right there and we propose benches along the -- the multi -use
pathway. The only criticism that we received on the project was from Victoria Laidlaw,
who lives to the south, and she said one thing I would like you to incorporate in your
project is a pocket park in the southern area with play equipment for the kids, because
she said even though there will be play equipment in the neighborhood park, that's a
long ways for little kids to -- to go. So, when I redesigned this we just had a plain
micropath connecting the two blocks. I included a 20,100 square foot pocket park that
is accessible via micro path to the south, to the east, and open to the west. So, that's
where that amenity is located. So, that we -- our initial application -- our initial
application had 15.21 percent open space or 7.95 acres and now we have bumped that
to 8.85 acres and we are at 16.7 percent open space. So, with the increase of the 15
additional lots, we did give up some additional open space and added play equipment
as recommended by the neighbor. As you can see, this is the landscape plan. Here is
the city well. This is the area here and our concept and, like I said, that's about -- it's a
little over eight acres and, then, it will also be along that multi -pathway network. Here
you can see the northern portion of that pocket park to the south and, then, here it is
here. So, that's -- that's what that looks like and that's, like I said, 20,100 square feet.
We have pathways that will link everybody into that and that will just kind of help
supplement the activities for the children in the development. As far as -- you know, our
zoning, we are R-8. We were at 3.27 dwelling units per acre. With this revision we are
at 3.66. So, it's a -- it's a moderate increase in the development density. The multi-
family -- we just showed that as two vacant lots. It will have to come through as a
conditional use permit and we are starting to work on that now, since we are going to be
building Graycliff. I know the Council has always indicated why does the multi -family
come after all the single family dwellings and, then, it's always quite controversial. So,
we are taking a proactive approach. Before these homes go in Graycliff to bring that
conditional use permit in and so we are working on our building design and -- and
amenities that will be just part of the multi -family. So, they will have their own
independent amenities and requirements for open space beyond the single family. We
think we have got a great project and -- and, like I said, Mr. Centers just wants to try to
make sure that he -- he hits, you know, the different markets that are out there and
maintains affordable type housing in Meridian, because, you know, four and five
hundred thousand is pretty -- pretty tough. I have got some employees that just bought
a house and they were struggling to -- for a 300,000 dollar house and they said there
were six for sale in Ada county. All of Ada county. So, you know, we need, as planners,
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obviously, to do a better job in diversification and -- and that's why I'm here before you
with this application. Our average lot size will be about 7,800 square feet. So, these
aren't real tiny lots. The only thing that I -- I did want to mention is we did get
notification that the property located northeast of us, that was owned by Hawkins and
was intended to be regional commercial, that Stapleton Subdivision is proposing -- their
there developers are proposing Stapleton Subdivision and they did sent us a copy of
their single-family project and so if that goes in I recommend -- and I sent over to them
probably a stub street connection right through here, so we could have some
interconnectivity between the two. The only reason I did not show a stub street is
because we thought this was going to be commercial and so we had cross -access
easements, but I guess I'd like it to go on the record that if -- if this Stapleton is
approved, we would like to have a stub street instead of this micropath here, to link the
two together. Lastly, we are in agreement with all conditions with the staff report. As
Sonya indicated 1.2.1 B was stricken because it was an error. It shows up again in
1.2.2E. So, I would ask that that same condition be stricken, because it's not
applicable. Thank you for your time and, hopefully, you are supportive of what we are
trying to do out here. We are making -- building a great community I think. Do you
have any questions?
De Weerd: Council, questions?
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Becky, always thorough as always. I really appreciate that. When I start
writing my questions down when I'm going through these and as you go through your
testimony I'm just checking boxes. You're answering my questions. The only one that I
had that was left is kind of odd. One, applaud trying to do something new and different
in the amenity with the -- the yard shuffleboard. I don't know what that is. I mean when
I think of shuffleboard I think cruise ship and, you know, pushing things and so part of
me wonders, well, who -- who is going to use that then? I mean are families going to
purchase shuffleboard equipment and, then, go use that at that area or is it something
that's conceived differently than what I'm imagining?
McKay: Madam Mayor, Councilman Cavener, that's a good question. I had never seen
one before either until I went to Hawaii in February and the resorts had installed them
and they were like the most popular recreation that was going on and so they basically
pour a long concrete pad and, then, you purchase -- it's like a big rubber mat that rolls
out onto that and, then, they had the equipment like in a box that was provided for the
families and the kids, the parents were just having the best time and so I brought that --
you know, I took pictures of it, showed it to the landscape architects, and I -- and the
clients and I said, you know, this is something really cool and, you know, and they could
have like a little container with the shuffleboard, the pucks and -- you know. And it will
be provided by the HOA. But it was really neat and -- and people played -- I mean even
into the dark, because it was just something different, something fun.
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Cavener: Madam Mayor? It is. It's a different kind of amenity and as long as there has
been some thought and a plan put in place so that people can take advantage of it that
was my only concern, so that satisfies mine. Thank you.
McKay: Thank you.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: My only thought about was are they going to play shuffleboard in the wintertime?
McKay: I doubt it. So, probably they would roll it up and store it in the wintertime. But
the playground equipment would be there.
Bernt: Madam Mayor. Becky, I agree that it's really popular, but my -- my grandparents
lived down in Arizona for a long time and we -- we would go down to visit and I actually
entered myself into their -- the championship, you know, like competition and it was
absolutely one of the most competitive events I think I have ever been in my entire -- I'm
pretty competitive and that was crazy. It was unbelievable.
McKay: Maybe we will need two of them.
Bernt: It's a lot of fun.
McKay: That's a great story. Thank you.
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: Madam Mayor. Is the playground -- are the amenities in phase one or phase
two?
McKay: The phase one will bring in the first amenity right here and the well lot will be
part of phase one and, then, we will build basically this loop and, then, phase two -- let's
see.
Milam: Oh, there I see it.
McKay: There it is. Phase two. Right there. So, the play equipment is in phase two, to
answer your question.
Milam: Okay.
McKay: Thank you.
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Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: Madam Mayor. Becky, I would ask you to drop the city neighborhood park
idea. I hate them, because neighbors -- the vast majority of citizens don't know that
these exist. There is a bunch of them. And often the neighbors kind of feel like it's their
neighborhood park. You know, I drive at least once -- often more than that weekly past
Champion Park and there is nobody ever there, except National Night Out. I have
never seen anybody there, other than a few -- a couple people from the neighborhood.
On the previous application at the mere mention of the public using the city park that --
that's already in existence behind the proposed Costco, there was major grumbling like,
oh, how dare they. But that's a city park. If it's not off an arterial the city shouldn't own it
as a park. They are too hard to get the word out that they exist. The neighbors have
them, the neighbors assume it's -- it's theirs nobody else's and it's just -- they are just
messy to me. So, I -- I would prefer that if you want a park there, you put a park there,
and the neighborhood owns it.
McKay: Madam Mayor, Councilman Palmer, I have heard you express your concerns
about neighborhood parks. From a planning perspective I think it's important that we
have neighborhood parks, community parks, and regional parks, because they all serve
a different purpose and I think the neighborhood parks that are tucked back into the
projects sometimes are not as visible as they should be and I have seen some where,
you know, they are lined with a lot of houses and tucked back in. Boise has some
neighborhood parks that, you know, you got to see a little sign to find Demeyer Park,
which is tucked back in a neighborhood. This is going to be on the mid mile collector
and signalized intersection of Harris and Highway 69. It will go clear over to Linder and,
then, there is another collector, Kentucky Way, that goes to Victory and, then, will go all
the way south to Amity. So, this part will be right in the center of all of that vehicular
interconnectivity through the subdivision and I'm not tucking it back, it's right exposed on
the collector. Secondly, Mr. Centers, when I went before the parks commission, he said
that he will take on the responsibility of installing the irrigation system as per the city
park standards. He will also seed it with the -- the city specifications and, then, we have
to mitigate the trees that we can't plant along the Williams Pipeline, will be planting
those in the park. So, he said basically -- and I will hook it up to my pressurized
irrigation system until the city is ready to take it on and has the budget for improvements
in it. But he said I will get it green, I will get it usable so that it doesn't put a burden on
the city to take it from just, you know, the dirt up. So, I thought that was a real generous
offer on his part. We had done that on other projects and it really works out slick. I
think -- I think I have probably done at least six neighborhood parks, a community park -
- I mean all the people that tell me that I have talked to that live in Champion Park say I
love living in Champion Park because I love the neighborhood park. That's what they
tell me. You know, over at the Heroes Park, that was part of Lochsa Falls. I did that
one. What is it, the Kiwanis Park, that was part of four projects that we took a piece of
each one and did -- I don't know what you guys ended up naming that one up there by --
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De Weerd: Gordon Harris.
McKay: Gordon Harris Park. So, I mean we can do -- I like to see when developers are
giving back to the community and creating open space that's livable. So, I think it has --
I think it makes for a good neighborhood. A healthy neighborhood.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
McKay: Get those kids outside, get them playing.
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: Madam Mayor. Becky, I don't disagree, you know, there is examples they use
of Heroes Park, but that's on Ten Mile.
McKay: Yes.
Palmer: Bear Creek Park, for example, is -- is on a half mile collector.
McKay: I did bear Creek Park.
Palmer: But Bear Creek Park also has -- it's on a half mile collector I guess similar to
this. However --
McKay: Stoddard is a half mile.
Palmer: But Stoddard has a middle school there. They have got a Walmart there.
They have got intense commercial and not just a residential situation, where as I
understand it, especially with what you have mentioned about your future neighbor to
the east is that this half mile collector is all going to be residential in there.
McKay: Madam Mayor, Councilman Palmer, on your Comprehensive Plan it has
regional commercial, so they would, obviously, have to do a Comprehensive Plan
change and when I did Bear Creek Park, which I believe was about 15 acres, like a
community park, there was no Walmart, there was no middle school, there was nothing
out there. In fact, I had -- I had to lift -- I had build a lift station and a well just to provide
central services. There was nothing out there. Staff recommended denial because
there were no services out there. It took us a year to get it approved and, obviously, as
things built up, now -- you know, now it makes sense. At the time it was a park out in
the middle of nowhere.
Palmer: Madam Mayor. And that was also before my time, but hopefully -- yeah, I
mean if that's what the plan is is that someone's going to come and apply for a change,
but the plan is to have some commercial there, then, that makes it more of a reasonable
idea. However, it still is stuck back passed residential. So, I mean is it a deal breaker
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for you if -- if Council were to say, hey, just plan on that being -- if you want a park there
you're -- you're putting the park there. I understand you're putting it there anyway.
McKay: Madam Mayor, Councilman Palmer, I believe in our development agreement
we did put a caveat in there that in the event that the city did not want a neighborhood
park, that it would be a private park.
Palmer: Good enough for me.
McKay: And -- and so there is -- there is a caveat in there, because, obviously, we can't
bind future councils, they may have the same opinion that you have --
Palmer: Not likely. But it would be great.
McKay: -- but we did -- we did go to the parks commission and they said that they were
unanimously supportive of it and -- and wanted it -- you know, they liked what we were
proposing, so -- thank you.
Palmer: Yeah. Madam Mayor. That satisfied me, you know, that a -- that it's not this
Council saying, yeah, we are intending this to be a city park. It's -- you're making it
available for -- as such if a future council were to budget to build one. Okay.
McKay: Madam Mayor, Councilman Palmer, that's correct. You are not voting on a
public park this evening. No, sir.
De Weerd: Any other questions for the applicant? Thank you. Mr. Clerk.
Coles: There were no sign-ups, Madam Mayor.
De Weerd: Is there anyone who wishes to provide testimony on this item? Okay.
Becky, I guess I had a couple questions in the timing of your open space that seems like
most of it is in phase two. There is a small portion that is in phase one, I assume.
McKay: Yes. This portion located right here.
De Weerd: And not down below where it's kind of divided in two?
McKay: And right here. So, this is part -- half of this is in phase two, half of this is in
phase three. If it's the Council's desire to move the phase two line to include all of it,
that would be possible.
De Weerd: Well, this -- this is phase --
McKay: This is phase one.
De Weerd: Yeah. Phase one includes that park piece.
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McKay: Oh, yes, it does. I'm sorry. It does.
De Weerd: And you just wrap in all of the park?
McKay: So, this is phase one.
De Weerd: Uh-huh.
McKay: This is phase two. So, you would like us to -- in phase one pull all of this in?
De Weerd: Uh-huh.
McKay: Yes, we could do that. Could we not do the micropaths?
De Weerd: Yeah.
McKay: But we could go ahead and --
De Weerd: I mean that doesn't make sense, since there is nothing to connect it to.
McKay: Okay. If that is the desire of the Mayor and the Council, obviously, yes, we can
make that change.
De Weerd: I just asked the question. Certainly it's up to Council, but providing half a
park seems that -- if you're going to do one half, you might as well do the whole thing.
McKay: Yes, ma'am. We were hurrying in those phase lines.
De Weerd: Any questions for the applicant? Okay.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Question for Sonya. Sonya, there on the staff report strike condition 1.2.1 B.
I heard the applicant also -- and speaks to that I think in the staff report -- also striking
1.2.2E? Accurate and you're good with that?
Allen: Yes, sir.
Cavener: Great.
De Weerd: So, any comments from fire or police? Is that connection from Highway 69,
is that a full -- full built -out street? I could ask Justin, but I'm sure Becky can --
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McKay: Madam Mayor, on Harris Street it is a mid mile collector and it is I think half
plus 12. We have added a turn lane going on Harris and we have added a turn lane on
Highway 69 and now that the Frost property is developing just northeast of us, then,
they will build the other half. So, it will be a full collector standard and we are --
De Weerd: You know, I have been on that road and it -- it seems very narrow. We are
starting to put a lot of houses in there and I'm kind of surprised Fire is not raising any
concern, but -- because they have big trucks and -- and they always like wide roads and
they haven't even said anything. But at what point when you get enough traffic on that
does that constitute that that needs to be a full width of a road.
McKay: Madam Mayor, we also -- don't forget we have Kentucky Way that goes down
to Victory. So, we have two points of ingress and egress into the subdivision.
De Weerd: Everyone goes to the shortest point of connection --
McKay: Correct.
De Weerd: -- and so --
McKay: So, when we are -- what we have built Harris is this is a full section that we are
building here. This -- we will build -- pave out to the edge of the existing right of way
and ACHD in their analysis with the traffic study has a -- a -- basically a trigger point in
which this signal has to be installed. We had a trigger point when we had to put in a
turn lane off Highway 69 and a turn lane off of Harris, but as far as the number of trips,
they -- that's within our traffic study in our ACHD report and they looked at both Graycliff
and, then, Brundage.
De Weerd: And so what is the trigger?
McKay: You would ask that.
De Weerd: Uh-huh.
McKay: I cannot remember exactly what that trigger point is. I have the ACHD report
here. So, we entered into an agreement with ACHD that at a certain point we would
have to build out to Linder and make that extend Harris to Linder and then -- I don't think
-- if we bring the multi -family in, if we start constructing it, it will require widening and
trigger the signal. But as far as the number of lots I can't remember what that trigger
point is. I found it. So, Harris Street is just intended to be a 36 foot wide collector
roadway. I think what's out there right now is probably 20 some feet.
De Weerd: Maybe 20. It doesn't seem much wider than that.
McKay: But when you guys put your water line down you guys widened it. It got wider.
Have you been out there since they put the water line down to connect to the well?
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De Weerd: I don't think so. So, do you know how long -- how wide that is out there?
Dolsby: Madam Mayor, I'm not exactly sure the width of it. I could check and get right
back to you.
De Weerd: Okay. Yeah. Because if -- it's supposed to be 36 and we are -- so, I guess
maybe I will ask Justin to come up. He's trying to hide behind the person sitting behind
the -- I still saw you. Good evening, Justin. I just wanted to -- to hear your voice.
Lucas: Well, thank you so much, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. I wish I could
have provided testimony on the design of the Costco, but I didn't think it was
appropriate. I'm not an architect either. So, you ask -- the question about Harris Street I
think it's a good one. As you recall, when all of the development was proposed out in
this area there was a TIS that was done and it -- it identified Harris as a connection out
to Meridian Road and I'm -- I believe the number of lots was -- I think something like
290. 1 don't have that exactly and I doubt it's listed in this specific staff report, because it
was done with the previous approvals, but there is a lot specific requirement on the
Harris Street signal and some of the widening at the signal. Now, the widening of Harris
Street itself is likely to occur when it develops the adjacent property. ACHD does not
have enough right of way to a widen the street and collector streets are the
responsibility of the development community and so they are widened by the adjacent
developers. I don't know if that adequately answers your question, but --
De Weerd: What is the width of Harris Street right now, do you know?
Lucas: So, Madam Mayor, off the top of my head I couldn't -- I couldn't tell you that.
You're -- I know you're all very familiar with that area. Harris Street was built a long,
long time ago and so it is a street that as all these subdivisions connect into it, it's likely
going to need to be widened I doubt it's at a width certainly that would meet our current
standards. It's not 36 feet. Typically in the past for fire department requirements and
ACHD requirement streets are built at about 24 feet, which is that half plus 12 and, then,
they get up to the 36 feet when the -- the other developer widens it out and has the
other facilities and there a few I believe even front -on houses on Harris Street and so a
lot of that will have to get cleaned up over time as that area redevelops.
De Weerd: So, who is monitoring that?
Lucas: So, ACHD, through the traffic impact study process, monitors the lot counts.
Every final plat that you act on, ACHD also acts on. So, when we are acting on final
plats in an area where there is requirements associated with lot counts, we count those
up and make sure that we are meeting the requirements that were set by the
commission.
De Weerd: And so -- it will be -- are some of these developments -- because this is just
one of three or four -- who is paying for it?
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Lucas: So, the -- all collector --
De Weerd: Did they bond for it?
Luas: No. All collector street improvements are typically installed through -- by the
developer when they are building the collector street adjacent to their property. So, this
specific street -- and Becky can speak more directly to this -- has been built in sections
and so as it's built out, as the adjacent -- as the adjacent development goes in you get it
built in sections, much like many other streets. For example, there is a collector street
near the new middle school on Stoddard that was built in sections. I believe now it
finally connects all the way over from Stoddard to Linder, but for a long time it was just
those sections that -- that occur through the development process. That's not
uncommon. This one's a little different, because Harris was already existing, a very
small portion of it.
Dolsby: Madam Mayor, I measured the street in GIS and it looks be approximately 24
feet wide currently.
De Weerd: Thank you. And that's sufficient for the amount of traffic that has been
approved out in that area?
Lucas: Yeah. Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, 24 feet is considered a -- a
minimum for two-way traffic operations. As the volumes increase, as the developments
and the houses continue to get built, that's why those lot triggers are put in place, so
that we are able to monitor that the situation out there.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Okay. Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: It seems to me it's not too dissimilar from Chateau off Linder, Ten Mile, where
it's been there, it just kind of sucked, and, then, as it's been developed around and now
it's much more complete, curb, gutter, sidewalk, wider. But it was sufficient for what was
there.
De Weerd: It depends on if you lived out there.
Palmer: How is it now?
De Weerd: Now it's fine, but it was moving a lot of traffic and there were issues and --
and so that would be my concern there and I think Chateau was even older. I mean not
as old as the section out there that takes you through some of our most beautiful area to
get to the nice areas.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
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De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: Justin, by -- by which phase of this development would the -- would necessitate
to widen the road?
Lucas: Madam Mayor, Council Member, which road?
Bernt: Harris or -- we are talking -- are we talking about widening --
Lucas: So, it's my understanding that the -- the portion of the collector that is within the
bounds of these preliminary plats, this preliminary plat and other preliminary plats, that
is built completely. So, it's built on both sides. The section of Harris Street will not be
fully completed until the adjacent property develops and so there was some discussion
of that tonight that there is some potential applications being discussed on that property,
but this developer doesn't have the ability to develop portions of Harris Street that are
not under their property ownership, because, typically, there is not enough right of way
to widen out a collector street until the development occurs and the developer of that
property dedicates that right of way to the highway district.
De Weerd: But these are just some of the situations we create because you have old
and new and -- and, you know, there is really -- it's unsafe if you want to bring a bike or
a pedestrian out in that area, because there is no curb, gutter or sidewalk.
Lucas: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, you're right, these are very common
situations that occur in these rural -to -urban transitioning areas and as we have
discussed on previous occasions, some of the solutions are very challenging because
of the regulatory environment we find ourselves in during the development process.
ACHD is not able to require off-site improvements of a developer, because there is no
direct nexus. Although there may seem to be a nexus, it's -- it's very difficult for ACHD
to require an off-site sidewalk, for example, unless the developer voluntarily offers that,
because there is no right of way there, ACHD -- we have to go in and buy the right of
way, then, to support the development -- it gets pretty complicated and if the -- if the
property owner let's say is -- has a use there and they don't want to sell it, I don't see
how ACHD would be able to acquire that right of way and the developer has no way to
acquire it, because they are not -- they would be purchasing it as private property. So,
this -- you're right, it's complex, and we have had discussions like this around schools
and areas where -- I know the Council has been proactive at times requiring specific
sidewalk connections in the first phase of development, especially on the perimeter of
those arterial streets, and that's very helpful, because, then, you get those
improvements in -- at least the perimeter improvements. If the inside subdivision area is
still developing, at least you get those perimeter sidewalks to fill some of those gaps
that exist in the system.
De Weerd: But as we add densities on these underdeveloped roadways that are --
aren't fully built out or they are built to county -- old county requirements, our top priority
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is public safety and are you creating an unsafe situation by creating more and more
traffic and reasons for people to go in and out of there -- I don't know. I guess not being
the road department and you have certain limitations it's hard to see how that all
connects.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: Correct me if I misunderstand the process, but wasn't this a previously
approved project that we are just discussing whether to let them adjust it to add 15
building lots? Fifteen building lots, enough that it's going to make this -- this is no good,
we need to throw this away.
De Weerd: Well, I guess if you can go back far enough -- this came in after the property
that was on Highway 69 that was going to be the commercial. So, that kind of came in
first, if I remember correctly, and I -- I don't know. But there was already the premise
that those improvements were going to be made, so -- and, then, all this other
residential has happened since that, because that happened eight years ago or
something like that? I don't know. I'm kind of scaring myself. Maybe I don't want to
know these things, but that -- that is -- so, you are correct to a degree, but even when
Council had looked at it at that time they thought there was a better sequencing with a
commercial development and this residential.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Uh-huh.
Palmer: Sure. But haven't we entitled the property to be built like this and, again, we
are just discussing adding 15 lots and some phase lines.
De Weerd: It's a change and so that just kind of opens up the discussion. Thank you,
Justin. Okay. Becky.
McKay: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, the Hawkins property never executed
their development agreement, so they were never annexed or zoned into the city limits.
What happened was they couldn't get their accesses to State Highway 69 that they
needed and Walmart was going to go at that location. Walmart gave up on them and
went to Stoddard and Overland. When Walmart abandoned that project, then, it sat just
mothballed. Well, they have not been able -- my understanding in talking with some of
their representatives over the past couple years -- to find another large box type tenant.
So, obviously, now that Mr. Conger and Mr. Centers are moving a project forward,
whether it be residential, I would say we are making progress, because when they bring
that project in, then, they will dedicate the ten additional feet of right of way needed to
finish that to a full 36 foot wide collector. Measuring it -- we just got our topo and I
measured it 25 feet and there is curb, gutter and sidewalk on the north side, but it's just
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edge of payment on the south side. The roadway was narrower until the city put that
water line down Harris Street and, then, we connected it over to the line exiting out of
the well. So, I think we are closer to getting Harris built to the ultimate build out. There
are very few trips on Harris. I think there are only 231 trips from Meridian Heights and
we have only built I think three phases of Biltmore. So, as far as capacity, even with a
25 foot pavement width there is capacity and as Mr. Palmer indicated, the project's
already approved. We are not changing anything, other than we are just adding 15 lots
and it is our desire to get Harris widened as soon as possible. So, I think this Stapleton
Subdivision that's coming forward is going to help us do that. Thank you.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I move we close the public hearing on Item 9-J.
Cavener: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to close the public hearing. All those in favor
say aye.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: All ayes. Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: So, I understand the motion to approve it needs to have mention of striking one
of the conditions I was trying to write down, but I always get mixed up with the one
dot one dot one dot two -- everything. How does that need worded to make this right?
Anybody?
Allen: Madam Mayor, Council, if you -- if you just include the condition -- I believe it was
1.2.2E. Basically the condition related to 1.2.1 B.
Palmer: Madam Mayor, I move we approve H-2018-0054, striking 1.2.2E. Period.
Good with that?
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: Councilman Palmer, did you want to include the playground in phase one?
Palmer: With the adjustment to the phasing park line.
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Milam: The park.
Palmer: Yeah.
Milam: Thank you.
Cavener: Second.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: Okay. I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Mr. Clerk.
Roll call: Borton, absent; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts, absent;
Bernt, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: Can we move Item L up? I'm guessing that the majority of the people here are
for that one. No? Never mind.
K. Public Hearing for Keep Subdivision (H-2018-0043) by Jack L.
Hammond Located at the SW Corner of E. Lake Hazel Rd. and
S. Eagle Rd.
1. Request: Annexation and Zoning of 60.55 Acres of Land
(7.07 to R -8 and 53.47 to R -2) to the R -2 and R -8 Zoning
Districts; and,
2. Request: A Preliminary Plat Consisting of 59 Single Family
Residential Lots, and 10 Common Lots on Approximately
53.47 Acres in the Proposed R-2 and R -8 Zoning Districts
De Weerd: I'm sure they are here for Item N, the award of the RFQ; right? No, I'm
kidding. Okay. Item 9-K is a public hearing for H-2018-0043. I will open this public
hearing with staff comments.
Parsons: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, next item on the agenda is The Keep
Subdivision. It's an application for annexation and a preliminary plat. The property
consists of 60.55 acres of land, currently zoned RUT in Ada county and it's located out
on the southwest corner of South Eagle Road and East Lake Hazel Road. In 2006, if
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you look at the aerial here, the LDS church went through the county and got entitled.
As part of that process they entered into a consent to annex agreement with the city,
because they are using -- currently using city water and as part of that agreement is
once the applicant -- once that property was contiguous with city limits they would be
part of an annexation application and annex in per that agreement and so that's why the
church -- that's why the application before you this evening has two distinct zoning
districts, as the R-2 and the R-8. The Comprehensive Plan -- our future land use map
designation for this particular property is low density residential, in which we can
anticipate three or less units to the acre on the property. So, the applicant is here
tonight to again annex and zone 60 acres of land with the R-2 and R-8 zoning districts.
Primarily the reason for the annexation is to develop a preliminary plat consisting of 59
residential lots and ten common lots on 53.47 acres of land. Although the plat is -- the
church is not a lot and block in the subdivision, the applicant is in the process of
finalizing a property boundary adjustment through the county in order to incorporate a
portion of this property in -- in -- as part of the recorded subdivision. Staff had a
condition before in the staff report that the applicant have that process finalized before
they came before you this evening. That has not happened. We received an e-mail
from the applicant and note -- so, they are going to ask for some leniency on that
particular condition and I will let them share that with you as they get up and provide
their testimony. So, the applicant -- the average lot size for the R-2 lots range anywhere
from 22,120 square feet to 77,000 square feet. Access -- as we went to -- when this
project got before our Planning and Zoning Commission an access point was proposed
to Lake Hazel Road. Staff did not want to impede that mobility corridor, so we had the
applicant revise the plat and working with ACHD they came up with a revised plat that is
before you this evening that shows -- depicts two access points onto Eagle Road and
that's at the north and southern boundaries. So, those are the two access points into
this development. Also as part of this development the applicant is proposing a stub
street along the west boundary. Landscape ordinance requires that they provide a 30
foot -- 35 foot wide landscape buffer along Lake Hazel Road and a 25 foot wide along
Eagle Road. Because the applicant is proposing lots in excess of 16,000 square feet,
the code only requires that they provide a minimum of five percent open space and that
was a change that was recently approved a year or so ago. I can tell you tonight the
plat that's before you the applicant is proposing over ten percent open space. As part of
our review we have also required the applicant to provide more amenities than required
by code. So, the applicant is providing a tot lot, open space in the amount of five
percent. There is a covered picnic structure or gazebo and, then, a bike storage, all on
Lot 15 here, if you can look at the landscape plan on your right-hand side. Now, I would
mention to Council -- there is -- there is a concern with -- from staff with -- in regards to
turnaround being placed on a common lot. I think this has come before you in the past
in a previous application. We want to know how that's going to be remediated. So,
currently there is nothing in a DA on how that's to be structured and who is to -- if that
road is extended who is going to replace the common lot landscaping and see that. So,
certainly we need to take that under consideration tonight as we deliberate on this
application. The applicant has provided some conceptual building elevations for you to
take under consideration this evening. This is similar to what some of the neighbors
came to and testified as part of that Southern Rim Coalition, they wanted larger lots in
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the area to be -- to mimic more of that Black Rock Community and that's what the
applicant is proposing this evening. Planning and Zoning Commission did recommend
approval of this application. Testifying in favor was Todd Lakey. No one testified in
opposition. No one commented on the application, other than Todd. And, then, we did
receive written testimony from Judy Lewis. Key items -- or one item of discussion was
the number of traffic generation from the project and, then, no key issues of discussion
by the -- the Commission. The Commission did strike one condition of approval and
that -- when it originally went before them staff had recommended that a pedestrian
access be provided to the church along the -- it's between Lots 12 and 13. The
Commission didn't feel that was necessary and they struck that condition. So, really,
the only out -- a couple things that staff needs you to take under consideration. As one
the applicants still need to finalize that property boundary adjustment with the county.
That's critical, because we need to make sure that the plat matches the boundary that
they are showing to you this evening. So, if that is not done, then, the church has to be
a lot and block in the subdivision, which it currently isn't tonight. So, staff has some
flexibility, if you will. As you know, a development agreement has a six month sunset
clause, so certainly we can work with the applicant, not have them finalized their
development agreement until they finalize -- give us the paperwork showing us that they
have finalized their property boundary adjustment with the county. And, then, because
this plat did change from Planning and Zoning Commission until this evening, I had a
chance to look over some of the conditions of approval in the staff report and so some
modifications are going to be needed this evening in order to make the DA align with the
proposed plat and I will go through those changes with you very quickly. So, DA
provision A specifically speaks to access to Eagle Road. Well, at the time this came
forward there was only one access point and so the DA reflected that change. So, as
you can see here that plat's been modified to show two access points onto Eagle Road,
so we need to reflect the change to reflect two access points onto Eagle Road. The
applicant added a tot lot to the subdivision that was not included in DA provision D, so
we want to make sure that that amenity is added. And, then, condition 1.1.2C, there
was a block link issue when we took this project before Planning and Zoning
Commission. That issue has been resolved with the additional access point to Eagle
Road and so that -- that condition is no longer applicable for this project. So, we asked
that you strike that condition. Again, Planning and Zoning Commission did recommend
approval. We are recommending a development agreement and I will conclude my
presentation and stand for any questions you may have.
De Weerd: Thank you, Bill. Council, any questions?
Bernt: Madam Mayor, one question.
De Weerd: Mr. --
Bernt: Has -- have -- did they -- did you guys receive a letter that started prior to the
City Council hearing the applicant shall provide the final approval letter from Ada county
indicating completion of the property boundary adjustment. Has that been provided?
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Parsons: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, Councilman Bernt, no, that's the
Condition 1.1 -- 1.1.5 was a condition that we had in there, so we either have to modify
that, that they provide that prior to executing the development agreement or prior to the
findings being approved and I will leave it up to your court on how -- how much leeway
you want to give the applicant on that.
Bernt: Okay.
De Weerd: Okay. Anything further at this point? Okay. Would the applicant like to
provide testimony? Good evening.
Lakey: Madam Mayor, Council Members, it's always a pleasure to appear before you.
For the record my name is Todd Lakey. Address is 141 East Carlton Avenue, Meridian,
Idaho and as Bill's pulling up the PowerPoint here -- get it started. Okay. Great.
Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, Bill did a good job covering a lot of the high
points or a lot of the detail and I will cover some of the high points maybe is the better
way to say it. We are very appreciative of staff's recommendation of approval, of
Planning and Zoning Commission's recommendation of approval and also the support
we received from ACHD as we worked with them. This is a very high quality project and
it complies with the Comprehensive Plan, the zoning ordinance, and the agency
requirements. This initial look is just the type of entrance, landscaping, and treatment
that you will see on this project. I'm going to go through and just give you a little bit
more of a taste of the character of the area and, then, talk about some of the details and
some of those conditions that Bill mentioned. Okay. This is an aerial photo that just
kind of shows the -- the character of the area as far as what's kind of being developed
currently. Here is the subject property as Bill described and, then, you can see the
development that's occurred primarily to the north -- oops, that's not supposed to do
that. To the north -- the northwest and a little bit to the east. So, the -- the character of
the area is growing. The existing zoning and Comprehensive Plan also reflects that.
Our requested zoning is R-2 and that's the lowest density designation that the city has.
That gives us up to three dwelling units per acre and our dwelling unit per acre is a 1.1
dwelling unit per acre average. So, we are at the -- at the low end of that. The R-8 for
the church lot, that is required, because we need to have R-8 to do a church and, again,
as was mentioned, there is a 2006 agreement with the city that they would annex when
this comes forward. So, that's part of the cooperative effort with the church. I will talk
about it later, but the church currently owns the entire parcel and as I talk about the
condition that needs to be modified, I will expound a little bit on that. Here is your
existing zoning in the -- in the area. The orange dot there is the subject property. We
have got R-4 immediately adjacent to us, some R-15 and some R-8 in the area. So,
that's medium to low density, medium to high density, and medium density. So, we are
less dense than the existing zoning that's approved in the immediate vicinity. But in
addition to that, we comply with the Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan
requires that we have a low density designation and that's what we pursued, in addition
to the input that Bill mentioned we received from our neighbors. The purpose is to
provide these type of single family homes on large lots. That's what the Comprehensive
Plan calls for and how we are complying. Here is the Comprehensive Plan future land
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use map. The orange dot, again, is our parcel and the light green is that low density
designation. The yellow is medium density and the orange is medium to high. So, you
can kind of get a character of what the city is planning for the area and how we fit. So, I
want to look -- just show you a few more diagrams or renderings of what the project is
going to look like to show that you are going to have a quality project. Hopefully Council
Member Palmer won't say this project sucks. It will be a good project. So, there is the
entryway. You can, again, the type of landscaping, particularly some -- some of the
trees as they mature. The detached sidewalks that we are talking about. Here is an
overhead view again looking down on the entryways coming onto Eagle Road. Again,
another view of that entryway treatment. You already saw the types of homes and the --
and the exteriors we are going to be looking at for this -- this project. As Bill mentioned,
we -- we changed the preliminary plat and the landscaping plan at the suggestion of
staff and -- and ACRD. We had the access onto Lake Hazel. There was a sincere lack
of enthusiasm for that access by ACHD and city staff and so we modified that, met with
ACHD and Eagle Road is classified to a lower degree than Lake Hazel. That was their
-- part of their bases for approving the two accesses. Their preference was that it would
be on Eagle Road instead of Lake Hazel. There is some geography and some other
things that combine to make Lake Hazel a little more challenging. So, the two accesses
go around the two portions of the property that abut Eagle Road north and south of the
church. A couple points I want to mention there. With our revised plat and a revised
landscaping plan, we received, again, the support of ACHD and -- and city staff. That
removed the need for what was previously a requirement for an emergency access only
to Lake Hazel. We also in our change we increased the open space and landscaped
area. Previously were we at -- we were at more than double the other requirement,
about 10.6 and now we are about 11.09 open space on the -- on the property -- on the
project. The common area, as Bill mentioned, is located here. That's about a 26,000
square foot lot and we are going to include that play equipment, the gazebo, and the
bike rack on that lot. The requirement for the temporary access was one that was
generated from ACHD. Because of that length we are certainly willing to forego that if --
if we obtained a waiver from ACHD and the Fire Department that that wasn't necessary
in this particular case. So, we would be open to that flexibility. If we don't have that
flexibility, then, we are certainly willing to include in the development agreement that we
signed that the developer or their successor, the HOA, would be responsible to reclaim
that if and when that connects to the property to the west. So, that's -- that
responsibility is taken care of to put that portion of the temporary turnaround back into
grass to match the -- the rest of the lot. With that -- I want to mention a couple of the
conditions that we needed to modify. I think Bill touched on them. Modifying 1.1.5,
that's the requirement to have the property boundary adjustment done and a letter from
-- from the county submitted prior to the Council meeting. As I mentioned, the church
owns the whole property. As they looked at it we thought we could do that, but, then, as
they thought about it some more they wanted to make sure that they had a city approval
-- approval from the Council before they made permanent changes on their property.
We anticipate that that can be done in about a week. The record of survey is essentially
complete, but the church wanted to know that the Council approved the project before
they did it. As I talked with Bill I think having that condition met prior to approval of the
development agreement makes good sense. We could have it done and submitted
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prior to that time. The development agreement established the responsibilities
regarding that condition and others. I think I want to denote just a couple others. Bill
mentioned I think most of the conditions. The one that I just talked about modifying is
1.1.5 to change that to prior to the development agreement execution and, then, also
the -- this still has the old ACHD conditions in it related to the previous plat that had the
access onto Lake Hazel. So, for example, 7.1.7 talks about the main entrance on Lake
Hazel. That would need to be deleted, because that's been changed. And I think we
caught most of them, but it might be good if we had, just in case, some -- some flexibility
to double-check with staff to make sure all the conditions reflect the -- the recent
preliminary plat and the ACHD approval. You have the general requirements to comply
with ACHD requirements, which would cover that. With that, Madam Mayor and Council
Members, this is a quality project that complies with the Comprehensive Plan, the
zoning ordinance, and the agency standards. City services are available and we would
ask for your approval. I would be happy to answer any questions if you have them.
De Weerd: I think you didn't even have to provide the detail that you provided. I think
we probably could have voted the minute you open your mouth. This is a beautiful
project, Todd, and appreciate the thorough review you did of the staff report and
appreciate the caution that the church had in making sure that Council approves this
before they -- they took that last dot of the I. But this is -- this is quality and -- and,
unfortunately, you don't see these very often. So, when we do you almost get
giddy. But, Council, any questions?
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: Planning and Zoning -- thank you, Todd, for your presentation. Planning and
Zoning scrapped a -- like a micropath from the -- the cul-de-sac to the LDS church.
What is your thoughts on that?
Lakey: Madam Mayor and Council Member Bernt, that was removed, essentially, at the
request of the church. They preferred not to have that connection for security purposes.
Obviously, there is sidewalk connections throughout the property that can get to those --
to the church for those that want to walk, but they wanted to remove that.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: Todd, yeah, beautiful homes. I'm ready to move in.
De Weerd: I already chose my house.
Milam: There was a letter, though, in -- in our packet from Judy Lewis. Did you have a
chance to review that? Since she had some questions that -- you might have answered
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some of them already, but she lives right across the street from the LDS church. She
couldn't be here tonight.
Lakey: Madam Mayor and Council Member Milam, I have reviewed it. It's been a while.
It seems like some of her concerns were related mostly to traffic and ACHD, again, did a
thorough review on this and approved our plan and, then, also in their report you will
note that they have, as part of their capital improvement plan, improvements planned for
Lake Hazel and for Eagle Road within the next three years.
Milam: Do you know -- what is the time frame for when it's starting and completing it?
Lakey: Our project?
Milam: Yeah.
Lakey: Madam Mayor and Council Member Milam, I can ask my client, but I do know
that they are planning on doing it in one phase. So, it would be a final plat on top of the
preliminary plat and, then, just developed out in accordance with the city timelines from
there.
Milam: Madam Mayor? And if you know where the construction vehicles will enter and
exit the property when construction begins.
Lakey: You might give me a moment to get an answer to that question for you.
Milam: Sorry.
Lakey: Okay.
Milam: Madam Mayor? Todd, I mean there is -- and there is going to be public
testimony, so we can -- if nobody else has any questions you can answer that at the
end.
Lakey: Will do.
Milam: That would be fine. That will give you some time. Thank you. I appreciate it.
De Weerd: But I do think that the letter addressed the concern about traffic and this has
one of the lowest impacts of traffic. Just thought I would bring that up. Any further
questions? Thank you.
Lakey: Thank you, Madam Mayor.
De Weerd: Mr. Clerk.
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Coles: Thank you, Madam Mayor. We had six sign-ups, all in favor, one of which
wanted to testify. Mary Affleck wanted to testify.
De Weerd: Well, thank you all for hanging in here with us. It's been a long evening.
Thank you for joining us. If you will, please, state your name and address.
Affleck: My name is MaryAffleck. My address is 6519 South Raap Ranch Lane. I don't
know if you can pull up a picture that has our address on that also? I'm -- I am not
against this at all. I think it's beautiful. Ty, finally we get one that the rest of us like. It's
beautiful. But as they pulled it up I saw there were a few changes from when we went
to the meeting. We weren't able to make the last City Council meeting and ours is the
triangle that's right next -- we run the length of this subdivision. It looks to me like right
where the tot lot is is like right by our barn and that means animals and also there is a
canal that runs the length of that. So, that scared me just a little bit there with children
and road just being stubbed into our property. The other thing is that the point of the
triangle, we have bees, so --
Bernt: Bees?
Affleck: Bees. Yes. So, that's a little bit of a concern for people that are building there
and, like I said, I have no opposition to this at all, but I think it would be wise to put a
very large fence between ours and -- or even between their property and the canal that
runs through there. That's just my recommendation, because we are probably not going
to change and we are getting horses, so -- sixteen acres next to a subdivision.
De Weerd: Well -- and usually our developments do have perimeter fencing, but we will
find out what the fencing plan is in -- in the applicant's remarks.
Affleck: Thank you.
De Weerd: Thank you. Is there any further testimony? Okay. Mr. Lakey.
Lakey: Thank you, Madam Mayor, Council Members. Again, for the record Todd Lakey,
141 East Carlton, Meridian, Idaho.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Lakey: Madam Mayor and Council Members, so I haven't answered a couple of
questions. Council Member Milam asked about our timing and we feel like the -- there
is a high demand for these lots currently and so our plan is to develop these as soon as
possible. We anticipate having lots available for sale next summer or as quickly as we
can get them. So, the project I anticipate will build out pretty quickly. The construction
will be the southern access. So, on the south side of the church there. And, then, in
regards to tot lot -- it's a little more directly east from the church, so it's not totally lined
up with the barn, but we will have wrought iron perimeter fencing in that area to keep
the property separated and keep people in the subdivision on that lot inside the
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subdivision. And with that, Madam Mayor, I think I answered your questions. I would
be happy to answer any others if you have them and we would ask for your approval.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: Any concern about the bees?
Lakey: Madam Mayor and Council Member Bernt, the little critters are kind of hard to
control. Not -- I mean not really from our perspective, so --
De Weerd: I was looking forward to your answer, actually.
Lakey: A little GPS on them. I don't know what -- no.
Bernt: I just wanted it on the record just for, you know, future --
Lakey: Sure.
Bernt: -- property owners that have a concern about it, so we are good.
Lakey: I would say we recognize, you know, it's a growing area, but there are certainly
still agricultural operations in the area.
Bernt: Sure. I understand. Thank you.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Mr. Lakey, do you happen to know the height or width between -- I guess the
spacing on that wrought iron fence? I recognize the aesthetics and I think with a
neighbor like this it's -- it's an appropriate type of fencing. I am just also -- as a father of
a toddler who has the ability to move and maneuver through places and things that I
never thought possible, just wanting to reduce the likelihood -- you know, any possibility
of a little one putting themselves in danger with the water feature and -- and a farm.
Lakey: Madam Mayor and Council Member Cavener, I think we can certainly keep that
in mind. From -- from personal experience I have been shopping for wrought iron fence
for -- for my home and they are -- they are spaced at such a distance they are designed
not to let children get through them.
De Weerd: That's true. But if you have had kids somehow they figure things out.
Lakey: Right. Nothing's foolproof. Sure.
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De Weerd: Any other questions? Okay. Thank you.
Lakey: Okay. Thank you, Madam Mayor.
De Weerd: And certainly you can pass along your -- your number to the neighbor.
Okay. Council, anything further? If not, I would entertain a motion to close.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: I move that we close the public hearing for H-2018-0043.
Cavener: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to close the public hearing on Item 9-K. All
those in favor say aye. All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: I move that we approve H-2018-0043.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second. Did you want to note 1.1.5?
Bernt: Oh, yes.
De Weerd: And the updated comments for the ACHD approvals.
Bernt: Yes, I would like to include those. Thank you, Mayor.
De Weerd: You bet.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Second agrees? Yes. Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Does the maker of the motion also plan to strike 1.12C as requested by staff?
Bernt: Yes, it does. Thank you.
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Milam: Second agrees.
De Weerd: As long as Bill nodded.
Parsons: Madam Mayor, another clarification on the turnaround. How do you want to
handle the turnaround on the common lot? Are we going to pass the buck onto the
HOA in the future to remediate when the road gets extended or are we going to --
De Weerd: I think the applicant noted that that had been straightened out.
Parsons: Yeah. They had the option to work with this ACHD and the fire department on
that or -- they can't seem to waive the requirement for the temporary turnaround and we
will have a DA provision that required remediation by the HOA I guess. Is Council
amenable to that?
Cavener: That's the appropriate -- sorry. I'm not the maker of the motion. Madam
Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: I'm not the maker of the motion or the second, but we didn't have a chance to
really discuss that, but that -- I'm supportive of that. It's not my preferred approach, but
it's I think the best solution that presents itself. So, I'm supportive of that.
De Weerd: Okay. Anything further? Mr. Clerk.
Roll call: Borton, absent; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts, absent;
Bernt, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
Rd.
L. Public Hearing for Compass Charter School (H-2018-0048) by
Bouma USA, Located at the northeast corner of W. Franklin
and S. Black Cat Rd.
1. Request: An Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan Future
Land Use Map to Change the Land Use Designation on
25.05 Acres of Lane from Medium -High Density Residential and
Park to Mixed Employment; and
2. Request: Annexation and Zoning of 21.93 Acres of Land
from RUT to the ME (Mixed Employment) Zoning District
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De Weerd: Item 9-L is a public hearing for H-2018-0048. I will open this public hearing
with staff comments.
Parsons: Madam Mayor, this is on the Compass Charter School. The site consists of
21.93 acres of land currently zoned RUT in Ada county as well and is located near the
northeast corner of West Franklin Road and North Black Cat Road. The applicant -- the
current Comprehensive Plan designation for the property is medium high density
residential and a park. You can see that on the exhibit directly to your right on the
screen. The applicant is here to discuss a comprehensive land use change on
approximately 25.05 acres of land from medium high density residential in part to mixed
employment and to annex 20.93 acres of land into the city from RUT to mixed
employment zoning district. So, as I -- as I go through the presentation you will see that
there will be two concept plans for you to take under consideration. One specifically is
illustrative only and shows how it supports the Comprehensive Plan change and the
other one is to show what the applicant intends to do with the annexation of the
property. So, currently this is what you have before you. So, again, the exhibit on the
left, the applicant has provided two concept plans. So, typically when the applicant
goes through that Comprehensive Plan map change we ask them to show us how they
can envision the property developing in the future. Keep in mind that we can't condition
Comprehensive Plan map amendments and so in this particular case the map on the
left is illustrative purposes only. The applicant went to all the adjacent property owners,
shared with them the vision for their particular portion of the project and got the other
adjacent neighbors on board to change their comp plan with a vision that someday
there could be some commercial that can support the future school site in this area and
that's kind of that visual graphic on the left that shows future accesses and how other
properties can develop in conjunction with the school site. A concept plan on the -- the
right-hand side is what they are proposing with the annexation request and that's where
the Council has the ability to tie this concept plan to a development agreement and
that's what staff is recommending before you this evening. So, one is a little high level
detail and the other one kind of shows you what they plan on doing not only with their
first phase, but previous phases as well. And so the applicant -- for my purposes of my
presentation I'm going to focus on more of the annexation side of things, because that's
really what they intend to develop at this time, but I thought it was important context for
Council to at least see what they -- they have some kind of vision for -- to support the
Comprehensive Plan in that and the other adjacent property owners were supportive of
that request as well. So, again, the graphic on the right shows the applicant showing a
school site. The subject property does have access to both Black Cat and Franklin
Road, as you can see here on the concept plan. As part of the Ten Mile specific area
plan in which this property is part of, the applicant is required to collect -- to construct a
collector road along the north boundary of the site. The one thing that isn't quite
reflected in this is the applicant is trying to purchase the property kind of northeast of
this property, so that they can have ball fields in the future, but at this time that property
has not been secured, so it's not part of the annexation plan at this point. At some point
if they are able to that they will have to come back and modify that agreement and
share with you their future plans for that particular property. An interesting point with his
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particular property is there is currently a landscape business that is part of this particular
annexation request. The applicant is pursuing buying the back portion of that particular
property and so with the annexation request staff is recommending that there is two
development agreements, one that kind of governs what the landscape business can do
in the future and one that governs what the Compass Charter School can do. So, it is
kind of a unique anomaly and -- but we want to make sure that both parties are set up
for success on what they can do with future development of their property. So, the
applicant is proposing a parent drop off area -- basically they come in off of Black Cat
and kind of isolate the parent dropoff area here and, then, on this portion of the site the
buses will enter and exit off of Franklin Road. That was something that was discussed
at the Planning and Zoning Commission. So, this particular site plan that you have
before you are a result of what kind of transpired during the Planning and Zoning
Commission hearing. Originally there -- because this is a future collector road along the
north boundary, the applicant is -- originally had a couple curb cuts into the school site.
Both the applicant, ACRD, and city staff felt it appropriate to just have one access to
that future collector road and so that's why the plan has been modified to reflect that
change. I would also mention to you that the Williams pipeline does bisect this
particular properly, just like the -- the Graycliff project. So, the applicant will have to
comply with the -- their development handbook as they move through development
plans on this site. You know, one thing that wasn't really vetted or discussed at the
Planning and Zoning Commission, but it really falls under the purview of -- of the
Council this evening is -- as I mentioned earlier in my presentation this particular
property -- although the neighbors are supportive of changing their comp plan
designation from medium high density residential to mixed employment, there are still
single family residences that are -- abut up against this property and whenever we have
a commercial zone that butts up to a residential use or a zone the code requires a
landscape buffer to segregate the uses. Now, the code does allow the Council to grant
a waiver or reduction to that buffer to the public hearing process, so I would encourage
the applicant to at least bring that point up to you this evening and ask what they are
willing to work with you as far as a reduced buffer. Currently here they are showing a
five foot buffer up against some of those residential uses. Again, the comp plan change
is one thing, but here we are in for annexation and there are existing uses in the county
currently. So, that's something that you need to take under consideration as part of this
application this evening. As I mentioned to you -- the one thing that I did also want to
point out to the Council this evening is once this property is annexed and zoned a
school is a -- what we consider a principally permitted use. So, if the development
agreement is executed, a public school doesn't -- or the charter school doesn't have --
have to come back through a public hearing process. It's a principally permitted use.
So, at that point the site details, the site design, all of that is at staff level approval, so
you don't get another bite at the apple. So, this application does have to be scrutinized
a little bit more, just because we don't get another chance at a review, except at staff
level. Now, it's a different story for the landscape business. That particular use is
described as a mobile service in our code, so right now we are going to -- staff is going
to recognize that it's an existing business approved through the county. If a business
owner is wanting to expand that use in the future they are going to have to come back
through a conditional use process in order to do that. So, currently as it's structured in
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the development agreement -- or proposed DA provision, the landscape business will
keep one access point to Franklin Road and the school district will have their access
point -- their right -in, right -out only access for their bus entries and, then, a full access to
Black Cat. As a provision of annexation the code requires that the applicant grant
cross -access with adjacent properties, so this plan does define those locations, but staff
feels it appropriate to leave it a little bit fluid for the applicant as they further divine --
design their site plan to kind of refine it -- I think there may be other opportunities for a
better location for cross -access. So, certainly we want to work with the applicant as we
move forward. We want to make sure that we want to limit those access points to that
arterial roadway on Franklin and eventually we hope this collector roadway is stubbed
and would be extended with additional properties to the east. So, we want to -- you can
see here what the future land use map here that that road will be stubbed here and
eventually get extended further to the east as additional properties annex and zone into
the city. The applicant did also provide sample elevations for you. Again, these are just
renderings. They will have to go through the design review process with their certificate
of zoning compliance application. I believe the applicant has made some refinements to
their elevations. As we had called out in the staff report that there was too much metal
on the building and they would have to work with our design standards and try to
eliminate some of that metal siding in order to comply with the design manual. So, our
Planning and Zoning Commission did recommend approval. Speaking in favor were
Paul Bierlein -- Paul -- Bill Haddock, and Kelly Trudeau. Jane Byam, Cheryl Stores and
Stephen Janoushek spoke in opposition of the project. No one commented on it. No
written testimony received. And really key issues of discussion at the Planning and
Zoning Commission concerned increase in traffic because of the school. A lot of the
neighbors came and testified that they weren't adequately noticed, which during that
public hearing we did clarify that they were and, then, some of the neighbors testified
whether or not their irrigation water was going to be provided to them downstream. So,
we addressed that. And, then, also key items of discussion by the Commission
included parking for the school site. Some of them felt that it was under parked for a
school and, then, also the bus circulation. We spent quite a bit of time on how that
would work and how buses would come in and out through a right -in, right -out only
access. Originally staff was recommending that the applicant design the site so the
buses could get farther north and exit out onto that collector road that would punch out
to Black Cat Road, but currently as -- as proposed to you this evening that change had
not occurred. So, as far as -- the only written testimony that we received was from
Brian Holaman. He was -- his response to the Commission recs. There aren't any
outstanding issues for Council this evening. So, I will go ahead and complete my
presentation and stand for any questions you may have.
De Weerd: Thank you, Bill. Any questions?
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
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Bernt: One question. I agree with the Planning and Zoning Commission. My
experience in the past it seems like there is always more parking that's needed than
what's planned or -- than what's been planned for and so not uncommon, you know, to
see cars parked out on streets they are not supposed to and it sort of ends up being
sort of a cluster and so what's staff's opinion when it comes -- as it relates to parking
with this potential development?
Parsons: Madam Mayor, Members of the -- of the Council, I think you bring up a valid
point. Currently our current standards for this type of development is one per 500 gross
floor area of the school, so it's based on the square footage of the building. I think the
applicant can maybe share with us on how many employees they plan to have at the
school with their phase one and certainly parking won't be allowed on the collector road
or any of their other arterial roadway. So, we have to be mindful as -- as we proceed
through these approvals. The applicant -- again, the applicant is trying to acquire more
property as they go through this process, so they can address some of those concerns.
Right now Planning and Zoning Commission talked about parking, but really didn't say
what that parking ratio would be. So, for now what you see in front of you is the parking
that the applicant is proposing. So, staff's agreeable that -- or amenable to that at this
point.
Bernt: Madam Mayor, follow up? What is the ratio though? Are they just right at where
they need to be or are they just -- are they meeting the minimum or where are they at in
regard to what the requirement is from the city?
Parsons: Yeah. Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, I don't have that answer for
you right now. Maybe the applicant can shed some light on their parking ratio for the
site.
De Weerd: Any other questions for staff at this time? Okay. Is the applicant here?
Thank you for joining us and we know it's late, so we appreciate those of you that are
still here. If you will, please, state your name and address.
Bierlein: Paul Bierlein with Bouma USA. 445 Pettis Avenue.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Bierlein: Madam Mayor and Council Members, I would like to start just by thanking the
city planning and all the work that they have done with us through this process and we
plan to continue to work with them to make sure that all the required guidelines and
conditions are met that are in the report. We also -- I will try to keep this brief, too, per
your earlier comment of how late it is.
Bernt: Take your time.
Bierlein: Okay. We also plan to work with the -- the landscape parcel to make sure that
their parcel comes up to the standards that would be new for them per the ordinance.
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So, we are working with them currently. We also are working with ACHD in the design
and construction of the road improvements that are required and will continue to work
with them to make sure that we meet all those requirements and that we are also
working with the irrigation district to make sure that we don't disrupt any of the irrigation
rights of the neighboring parcels. So, there is lots of requirements that we have to meet
and we are working with lots of different jurisdictions to make sure we -- we do that. A
couple items that Bill had brought up. I think maybe there is a misunderstanding on the
ten acre parcel to the northeast, which is right here. Our -- our plan is to purchase that
and to have that annexed as part of this process and I think that's the way that it was
presented at the Planning Commission hearing. Is that different, Bill, than the way you
understand or --
Parsons: I was just curious why the concept plan didn't -- I didn't know if we got cut out
or --
Bierlein: Yeah. Maybe we are just trying to focus in on the development of this right
now, because we are not developing any of this right now on the northeast corner, but
we are planning to purchase that right now and would like that to be a part of this
annexation. The other benefit of having that right now -- and as we move to develop
that in the future there will be additional parking over there as well. So, that will
accommodate both sports recreation and parking. So, as the school grows we will have
additional capacity to expand parking over there as well. In regards to the landscape
buffer that we were talking, Bill discussed this area right through here. I believe it was a
25 foot requirement, if that's correct. We didn't quite have that much room there. We
were trying to work within very tight boundaries. There is an irrigation canal that runs
along that boundary and we are trying to get as much parking, obviously, as possible
and the bus route -- or bus drive. So, we contacted these neighbors here and they are
in support of us putting up an opaque fence, so that we could potentially reduce the
landscape buffer to a minimum width there in combination with the opaque fence and
the neighbors supported that and, Bill, I forget what the process is that we have to go
through there to accommodate that, but what you had addressed here earlier.
Parsons: Madam Mayor, Members of Council, it just -- it takes Council action on -- on
the annexation request tonight whether or not they support a buffer reduction from 25
down to -- what do you have there, five feet?
Bierlein: We have a ditch that runs through there. I think it's -- I can't tell from this
drawing, because it's pretty small, but maybe more like ten -- ten to 15.
Cavener: Madam Mayor? I guess maybe just a point of clarification, then, for myself.
The area that includes the -- it looks like a future soccer track -- to clarify, if I heard you
correctly, you wanted that included in this application; is that correct?
Bierlein: Yeah. That's correct. That's part of this annexation.
Cavener: Madam Mayor? But you don't own the land?
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Bierlein: We are -- we are working to acquire that piece of land, as well as the other
three parcels.
Cavener: So, you do or you do not --
Bierlein: We have a purchase agreement on all parcels and we are working to close on
those. So, we do not own them right now, but we have the permission of the owners to
speak on their behalf.
Cavener: Okay. Madam Mayor, I guess a question for legal or -- are we able to move
forward on an annexation?
Nary: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, it's just to have the -- just to have the
approval of the property owners to be the applicant if they can. I mean I think that's
what Bill was talking about in clearing up all that property boundary prior to the
development.
Cavener: Okay. Great. Thank you.
Bierlein: You're welcome. Are there any other questions?
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: How -- number of employees -- teachers, staff, janitors?
Bierlein: You know, I might have to ask the school representative to come up and
answer that question. I don't have that detail. If we can reserve that for -- we can either
answer that now or reserve that. Here she comes. I will step aside.
De Weerd: Hi, Kelly. If you will, please, state our name and address for the record.
Trudeau: Kelly Trudeau. I just moved. 2509 North Kristen Way, Meridian. So -- so,
there are several phases. So, our initial phase when we moved into the building will be
approximately like 40 employees. That would include teachers, secretaries,
administrators.
De Weerd: And what is your mix on -- on the -- the grade level? Say you -- is all of your
classes going to be here or are you still going to be in the University of Phoenix
building? Or your own building?
Trudeau: Right. So, this -- so, this building is actually replacing the University of
Phoenix building, because that's a leased building. So, we will be moving over 6th
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through 12th grade to this campus and, then, we will be keeping our building at Cherry
Lane, which is our K through five campus.
De Weerd: Okay. So, on the University of Phoenix site how much student parking did
you find that you were -- you were receiving?
Trudeau: Oh -- you know. And I don't know how many parking spaces are there, but
we had plenty of room. So, we still have lots of more room that we could have accepted
more student parking and staff parking. In fact, we use an entire lane -- I think there is
four lanes in that parking lot and we use an entire lane as our bus lane. So, we -- yeah.
And as a playground, because we have no ground -- playground. So, I would say we
have maybe -- on a regular day 30 drivers from high school at the most. They do a lot
of carpooling.
IMUTZ=2 4M Yil311115 iH
Bernt: Thank you for your comments. Are my-- are you the right person to talk to about
parking and the ratios and what we are doing here?
Trudeau: No. I should probably turn that back over to Paul.
Bernt: Thank you. Hi, Paul.
Hendrickson: Good evening. My name is Dan Hendrickson at 4063 Maybeck Drive
and I am an architect, so be gentle tonight.
De Weerd: Do you have an opinion on --
Hendrickson: I wanted to help so bad, but I -- I couldn't. So -- anyway. Parking. We --
we meet the ordinance. Okay. So, I think we got about 130 some spots. I was trying to
count them on the screen and I couldn't, unfortunately, but I know we meet the
ordinance, so they have about 70 percent busing. So, with 500 students -- you can kind
of do the math, so I think -- I think we are good there, but like Paul said before, we have
the ability under -- when we go -- move into the athletic facility to add parking if we need
to. So, we -- we do charter schools throughout the country. That's one of the things we
specialize in. And parking is always a challenge, but when you have busing it seems to
alleviate that quite a bit. So, in this situation I feel comfortable where we are at. And I'm
here for two reasons. One to talk about the architecture when we get to that point, but I
also am the one who put together the master plan with all the other buildings on there.
So, if we want to talk about that at any point I'm willing to do that as well.
Bernt: Madam Mayor? I guess I had some questions about the parking. I don't mean
to be a pain in the watusi, but it seems like in these schools inadvertently cause a lot of
issues when it comes to parking and -- and as you guys grow, you know, you -- you just
require so much more parking and what it does is when you have future development
along Black Cat, it's going to take up a lot of their parking and they are not going to have
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enough parking for their people and people are going to end up parking in the roads and
places where they shouldn't be parking. It's just -- we see -- I personally have seen it a
lot from different -- different schools that are private -- privately owned and ran. So, if --
it sounds like you're in the process of purchasing that -- purchasing the property in the
northeast parcel. How many spots are you -- parking located --
Hendrickson: That depends on where we put the athletic fields. Right now we have
them located where we can put some parking on the west side of the site and some
parking on the south side of that site. You can kind of see the parking dashed in there
on the -- on the master plan. Do you see that?
Bernt: Yeah, I do see it.
Hendrickson: Okay. So, I think we can probably get another hundred spots over there.
Bernt: Hundred spots. Madam Mayor, one more follow up. When -- when it's full build
out and you are at capacity, how many employees do you expect, plus students? I'm
sorry for the question, but I --
Hendrickson: That's okay.
Bernt: And people are going to be yelling and scream at us, because of the parking, so
may as well just talk about it now.
Hendrickson: Yes. So, right now we are at about 500 students -- I think that are starting
there. They are looking to grow to 700 in this phase. There is additional phase where if
the -- if they sell their building on Cherry Lane, that they can move the kindergarten
through 5th grade there and, then, there will be another phase. That, again, would,
then, trigger probably additional parking. So, I think right now we are probably okay. I
think we are. We meet the ordinance and from my history and the work I have done
around the country we are okay. I think we are not -- we are not -- we don't have too
many. I think we are probably right about the number we need. So, I feel when we do
the next phase that's when we are actually going to need parking. Make sense?
Bernt: Thanks. Crystal clear. Madam Mayor, follow up. Where do you expect to get
that parking?
Hendrickson: In the other lot.
Bernt: And where -- right up there?
Hendrickson: Yeah.
Bernt: I'm good. Thank you.
Hendrickson: Yeah. We are going to need that for sure.
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De Weerd: Other questions from Council? Thank you. Was there anything else, Paul,
that you wanted to cover? Okay.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
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Milam: I did have a question for Paul. So, you said you had permission -- you talked to
the neighbors to have a five foot buffer with a wall. Do you have anything in writing from
the neighbors?
Bierlein: Yes. Yes, we do.
Milam: So, it's not just a verbal handshake -- yeah, it's fine with us.
Bierlein: Yeah, we have a -- we have a letter from each -- each one.
Milam: Okay. And what kind of wall specifically -- what are you thinking? Like a brick
wall?
Bierlein: No. Like a vinyl --
Milam: Vinyl fence?
Bierlein: Yeah.
Milam: Just like a six foot vinyl fence?
Bierlein: Yeah. Yeah.
Milam: Thank you.
Bierlein: And I think there -- somewhere in there we have a little bit of retaining wall
that's needed, because there is a grade challenge with the irrigation canal that runs
through there. So, it would be a combination in one area of some block retaining wall
and vinyl fencing.
Milam: Like Costco. A combination.
Bierlein: Any other questions?
De Weerd: Anything else from Council? Thank you.
Bierlein: Thank you.
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De Weerd: Mr. Clerk.
Coles: Thank you, Madam Mayor. Jane Byam signed up wanting to testify.
De Weerd: Good evening.
Byam: Good evening.
De Weerd: Thank you for still being here.
Byam: Thank you for still being here as well, so -- Madam Mayor and Members of the
Council, my name is Jane Byam. I live at 6050 EI Gato Lane, Meridian.
De Weerd: Thanks, Jane.
Byam: I'd like to, first of all, go on record as saying while I attended the Planning and
Zoning meeting, opposed to the school, I am not opposed to the school, I'd much rather
have the school there than apartments. My concerns are the increase of traffic on Black
Cat. The entrance to the school will be just south of the railroad tracks. There is
already a stop sign there and that's going to be an entrance to the school. I spoke to
Gary Inselman at ACHD and currently there is no intent for the road to have a turning
lane into the school so anytime anybody stops to enter it's going to block traffic -- the
morning commuters heading down to Franklin to head over to Ten Mile. They -- Black
Cat will eventually be widened to five lanes, but that is not slated to happen until
sometime between 2021 and 2025. So, unless that changes it's just the single lane
each direction right now and I'm concerned about that -- the traffic going in and out of
the school, especially with it including not only staff members, but parents dropping
children off if it does become a K through 12 school and students themselves driving at
high school age. So, I would like to ask the Council to consider the possibility of
requiring the vehicle -- the -- what do you call it? Differentiate between buses and cars.
The car traffic to enter off of Franklin and the bus traffic to go in off of Black Cat,
because I'm assuming there will be fewer buses than there would be cars. There is an
issue, however, with the entrance off of Franklin, because of the concrete median that
was put in when Franklin was redone. So, I don't know -- I -- I think that goes on
Franklin passed where the proposed entrance off of Franklin is, so I don't know what
can be done there to make it possible for people to be able to turn left or right heading
east or west. I wondered if there was a possibility perhaps of -- it was mentioned
tonight maybe that collector road being pushed through, I wondered if there is any
possibility that the -- that connector -- collector road could then connect to the end of
Zimmerman, which comes out onto Franklin further east and that's passed that concrete
median. I guess that's -- that's pretty much it. Like I said, I'm mostly concerned about
the traffic at -- when they redid the intersection of Black Cat and Franklin, ACHD
diverted the traffic, rather than -- rather than -- when the intersection was closed, when
they were working on it, rather than sending them up to Cherry to head west, they sent
them down our street, which is a rural street, people walk, bike, ride horses and -- and
that traffic hasn't stopped. We have constant speeders and with traffic backing up on
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Black Cat, because of the entrance to the school, I'm afraid that's only going to get
worse. So, thank you.
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: Thank you, Madam Mayor. Is there a way to look at the topography in -- or the
Google Earth of what Jane is speaking to in regard to her concern about traffic?
Zimmerman -- I heard Zimmerman was involved and -- I'm trying to put some eyeballs
on it.
Byam: That Zimmerman is just -- it's east off of Franklin. East of where the proposed
entrance is on Franklin. Can you see that?
Bernt: Madam Mayor? I'm still trying to figure out what you were proposing.
Byam: So -- so the -- that line right where the cursor is now --
Bernt: Yeah.
Byam: -- the entrance is going to come in on Black Cat.
Bernt: Right.
Byam: And if you travel east on that, that triangle, the green triangle is the area they are
proposing for the sports field --
Bernt: Yep.
Byam: -- Zimmerman is -- so, if you cross over -- they would have to cross over the
canal. No. Keep -- yeah. Keep going. And, then, that's Zimmerman right there. And I
believe that that -- Zimmerman comes out on Franklin passed where those concrete
barricades are, so vehicles -- vehicles could go either east or west. They would have
to, you know, cross four lanes of traffic, but -- and I have to do that on Cherry -- or
Fairview and -- you know, we all know how to do that, so -- I don't know if that is a
possibility as far as another entrance to the location.
Bernt: Madam Mayor? Staff -- Bill, is that a possibility?
Parsons: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, it kind of goes back to Justin's
testimony earlier this evening. I mean that's a -- that's quite a substantial run for a
public street to go all the way across properties that aren't even annexed into the city,
coordination with the school to try to get all that right of way dedicated and, then, that
road built. I don't see that happening and certainly can't require that much road
extension with an annexation.
Byam: Thank you for considering it.
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De Weerd: Thank you.
Coles: Madam Mayor, there were none others that signed up to testify. However, 16
did sign up wishing to just express their favor for the project, but none others wanting to
testify.
De Weerd: I admire you for being here this late. Thank you. Would the applicant like to
address kind of traffic flow in this area and --
Bierlein: Yes. Thank you. Madam Mayor and Council Members, we did do a traffic
study. It was done by Thomas -- or Thompson Engineers. So, we got quite a bit of data
on both Franklin and on Black Cat. We do plan to put a decel lane in on Black Cat
going into the new collector road going northbound. I'm going to hit you with a little bit
of data here, just to kind of give an illustration of, you know, what the actual numbers
are out there. Right now our traffic study indicated that the peak hours of traffic in that
area are from 4:00 o'clock to 6:00 o'clock p.m. Our -- our trip generations for the school
will be between 2:00 o'clock and 4:00 o'clock p.m. So, it doesn't really align with the
peak traffic generation times, you know, of that area right now. So, that's a good thing.
On Black Cat Road right now they are showing a total of 334 vehicles per hour. The
road was designed for 690 vehicles per hour for a two lane road. So, well below that in
the morning hours and in the p.m. hours the volumes were recorded at 436 vehicles per
hour. Again, well below the 690 vehicles per hour that the road is designed for. So, we
feel that -- and working with ACHD they all agree that the decel lane going in off of
Black Cat is sufficient to accommodate the additional load of traffic. I had similar data
for Franklin Road, but it's not as big of a concern as it's all been newly developed
already and widened and there is a -- we are proposing right -in, right -out at that drive
coming in there. Any other questions in traffic?
De Weerd: So, with the -- with the median it -- I assume that's why you have buses only
using the -- the Franklin Road.
Bierlein: It will be a lot cleaner. We have six buses in the morning and six buses in the
afternoon and it will be a lot easier to make sure that we have the proper routes set up
for them and they are coming in as a right turn in and a right turn out and in setting up
their routes accordingly. If we have parents coming in that way we risk, you know,
having parents not following the rules. We all know parents follow the rules most of the
time, but there might be a few that don't. And a lot -- additional more traffic coming in to
have to deal with right -in, right -outs. So, we said --
De Weerd: I'm sure the charter school parents are much different than public school.
Bierlein: They are very well behaved.
De Weerd: That primarily will be for the buses?
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Bierlein: Yes.
De Weerd: And the landscaping business maintains their -- their current access point.
Bierlein: Correct.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: Paul?
De Weerd: I think he is already talked about parking.
Bernt: I don't know what the big deal is. Geez. But I think I'm okay with reducing the
buffer to five feet if it will add more parking.
Bierlein: That's a great benefit. Yes. So, that's our plan.
De Weerd: That's exactly why he's asking for the reduction. Any other questions for the
applicant?
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I move we close the public hearing on Item 9-L.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: Thank you. I have a motion and a second to close the public hearing. All
those in favor say aye. All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I move we approve H-2018-0048 with approval of the reduction of the
landscaping buffer along the canal to five feet.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Mr. Clerk.
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Cavener: Madam Mayor. Sorry.
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: I appreciated the motion is for five feet. If I heard the applicant it was closer
to eight to ten. Is that accurate? I just hate that we --
De Weerd: We have closed the public hearing.
Cavener: We already closed the public hearing. So, I guess it's a question for staff.
Does staff have -- sorry, Bill.
De Weerd: I heard ten to 15.
Parsons: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, that's what I heard, it was about ten
or 15, but --
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: The reason I went with five is because that was the initial word and, then, it
wasn't, but there was a sure word and so I went with five to make sure there was space
so they didn't have to come back and so, okay, we need seven.
Milam: Can we make it as big as possible?
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: For what it's worth, I'm not real excited about reducing that buffer to a less
than known amount. I would rather that we have a specific amount of that width and,
then, once we had that I would be -- I would be more comfortable with approving a
reduction, but if there is -- without having an exact number we -- we create a couple of
issues here. We have a spot where a fence could be, but now we have got this kind of
no man's land of dirt or weeds that are just kind of in existence. I'd rather have the
fence and parking and maybe there is more parking for Council Member Bernt, so I'm
supportive of the application. I'm -- I'm not supportive of the reduction in the -- in the
open space -- or the -- the barrier. I'm tired. I'm sorry. I will shut up.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: Do we need to reopen the public hearing to find out?
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Palmer: Madam Mayor? Or we can vote on the motion --
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: -- and see if three of us think five -- at least five is -- because they don't have to
go to five if they don't need to go down to five.
Milam: Like I said, as much as possible. Down to -- up five and --
Palmer: Call for the question.
De Weerd: Are there any other comments? Mr. Clerk.
Roll call: Borton, absent; Milam, yea; Cavener, nay; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts, absent;
Bernt, yea.
De Weerd: Okay. The motion passes.
MOTION CARRIED: THREE AYES. ONE NAY. TWO ABSENT.
M. Approval of AIA G802 Amendment No. 1 to the AIA 113133
Agreement to Rice, Fergus, Miller, Inc. for the "Final Design
and Construction Drawings — Fire Station 6" project for a Not -To -
Exceed amount of 523,925.00.
De Weerd: And so, again, thank you for -- for sticking with us. Item 9-M is under our --
M and N under our Fire Department.
Niemeyer: Madam Mayor, Council, good evening. I got you for the next two hours, so
let's begin. It seems to be a night of architects. That's what we are going to discuss
here with nine, M and N. It happens to be my initials. It's late.
De Weerd: So, we had a bunch of architects willing to design the Costco.
Niemeyer: The reason I came -- yeah. I'm sure there was plenty of opinions on that. M
and N are two items that were on your agenda last week and they were pulled. There
was some confusion -- especially over the architectural design and the cost. We pulled
back. We met with Keith Watts. Met with the Mayor. Met with Dale Bolthouse. Looking
what the city has paid. Looked at what this proposal is as compared to the cost of the
project. It is not out of line. It runs about 10.6 percent. I believe Keith Watts did send
you an e-mail follow up Friday prior to this meeting. We do have Charlie Butterfield
here and our architect Gunnar Gladics, so if you have any architect questions I'm sure
an architect would be happy to answer architect questions.
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De Weerd: Could I ask like when we will have buildable designs, so that we can get this
moving forward?
Niemeyer: So, the projected timeline to have construction documents is January or
February.
De Weerd: November. Right?
Niemeyer: That's what we have been given is January, February.
De Weerd: November. I see the nodding of the heads. Yes. Construction documents.
Niemeyer: Perfect. Thank you. Yeah. It's a late night. January, February is the
bidding for the subcontractors. So, with that you do have a document that I placed in
front of you as well. You will recognize this. I produced for you on June 14th. This was
an outline of where we were at to that point, as well as the anticipated movement
forward on Station 6, as I committed to each one of you in our one on ones. We are
going to increase our communication to you as Council with regards to Station 6, so that
it's very transparent, you know where we are going. So, the items highlighted in red --
and after tonight those will be in black and we will just continue to work off this
document with updates. So, our update here is for July 24th and you will see that we
added clarification in the timelines. The subcontract bidding begins January, February,
so construction documents will have November, December. We anticipate breaking
ground in February. That's going to be weather dependent, obviously. We are doing
our dance, our weather dance to make sure we get a mild winter. So, that will depend
on the weather. We do have provisions in here for weather --
Milam: Right now?
Niemeyer: -- as part of the overall cost. Right now? Yeah. Agreed. The other thing we
are doing that the Mayor is aware of is we are working with Public Works and their
project management team laying out once this construction gets started how we are
going to team together with Public Works on the -- on the project management side of it.
You have ESI, which is -- which is we are requesting to the BR -- CMGC, our
construction manager general contractor. You also have to have an internal project
manager and so Charlie will be taking on some of those tasks and we are working with
Dale and his staff to also get some help there. So, that's in the process. We will have
that ready to go as soon as we break ground. The third page is the layout of anticipated
cost. We -- we discussed that with you in our one on ones and what that anticipated
cost is. This station has decreased in size. We started off in about 12,500 square feet
was the original concept before we started getting bids with the cost of construction we
cut some things out that we would have liked to have had, but they were like to haves
and not must haves for the station. The things that we cut out -- community room. We
talked about that months ago. We would have liked to have had a community room, a
place for that local neighborhood gathering type -- type situation, a place for CPR
classes in the south. We had to cut that because of square footage concerns. We cut
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our third bay out of it due to square footage concerns. However, we built the design
concept of this station with the future in mind, meaning there is places where you can
add. We don't have that at any of our other stations. It was never considered to expand
them. This is being designed with expansion in mind. So, that's already kind of being
pre -drawn into the plans. So if and when the next generation gets to that point and
there is some fire chief standing before the future council talking about the need to
expand, they will have the plan in place already. So, that is the layout of the cost. With
that I will stand for any questions. What we are requesting tonight -- and, again, Keith
Watts sent an e-mail to this as well -- is we are requesting approval of the agreement
with Rice Fergus Miller, which is Item M and, then, the agreement with ESI, which is
Item N. So, with that I would stand for any questions.
De Weerd: Council, any questions?
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: I know, chief, you sent us a memo this morning that references Keith Watts'
e-mail that you have talked about a couple times. Maybe I'm the only one that didn't
receive it, but I didn't receive it, so -- and I'm trying to do a quick pulse check with a
couple council members here. It doesn't sound like they may not have received it
either.
Milam: On Friday?
Cavener: So --
Niemeyer: That would have been Thursday or Friday. Charlie? Friday. Uh-huh.
Cavener: Madam Mayor. I -- when I received this e-mail this morning I went to go look
for that and, again, I'm not saying that we all didn't receive it, I'm just saying that it -- it
never landed into my inbox.
Niemeyer: Okay.
De Weerd: Okay. It was sent to myself, Joe and Todd.
Niemeyer: Okay. I don't have it in my inbox. I don't know if that can be forwarded or
not. Essentially it was -- Keith's e-mail mirrored what I just talked about as far as the
percentage with the architectural firm for architectural design.
De Weerd: Any other questions? Any other questions.
Palmer: Well, everybody's looking at me, I guess I must be the liaison of this
department or something. This thing is expensive. Does it still have slanted roofs and
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special cut glass to fit the slanted roof and -- you're sure we have gotten -- we have cut
out anything that we could possibly -- I mean just --
Niemeyer: As a reminder to Council, I mean at some point the cost is the cost. The
cost of construction right now is through the roof. We started at 7.9 million. Chief
Butterfield has been working diligently and -- and has dropped it down to 6.3. So, we
cut everything out that we possibly could that -- again, if I had it my way we would have
a third bay. We just simply can't right now due to the cost. So -- so we have tried to
reduce this down to the bare minimum to support that station.
Palmer: Madam Mayor? I mean it's gorgeous. It looks awfully similar to renderings of
a Costco.
De Weerd: No.
Palmer: Exterior metal, brick, and whatnot. We need to get this thing built. So, I move
-- what do we need here? To just approve what's requested?
De Weerd: We need to approve M and, then, after that --
Palmer: Oh, there it is. Okay.
sTaTiyr=2 0wem, 11
Palmer: One at a time?
De Weerd: Yes, please.
Palmer: I move we approve the amended number one to the agreement for the final
design and construction drawings for Fire Station 6, not to exceed 523,925 dollars.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second. Any discussion?
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: These are these uncomfortable conversations so why I don't like being on the
City Council sometimes. I have really struggled. As the chief knows. Chief and I have
had some very robust conversations about this station and it's very challenging for me,
because I think a year ago I was the biggest cheerleader for us moving forward and,
unfortunately, I'm on the other side of the -- the pendulum on that today. I have some
significant concerns about the shepherding of this project and what the City Council has
been told when the bouncing ball has changed that we have not been properly updated.
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I appreciate the chief's willingness to be more transparent. Being very frank it's a little
too late for me. This in no way reflects what -- I think the great work Charlie Butterfield
is doing, but we had a Council Member a year ago that chose not to support a budget
amendment because he had some significant challenges with the project and we were
assured at that time that those challenges would be overcome and that we would be
moving forward and that hasn't happened. Instead, we are further behind and this
project is grossly over budget from what we were initially told. I appreciate what the
chief says, the cost is the cost, but this is a cost that I am not supportive of at it this
time. So, it's not a motion that I will be supporting. I really would encourage this
Council to take a second look, have some new conversations, put together a true plan
for how this is going to be communicated to us and begin again.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
blaylkyl i4MAN 5 iH
Bernt: I would echo what Council Member Cavener has said and just -- we just need to
get this going. I mean we need to get going. It's so far behind schedule and it's taken
so long, it's -- it's interesting as I go out in the public and I speak to people -- people are
bugged by this. There is a lot of people who are bugged by it and -- and I wasn't in
those discussions a year ago, so I can't comment on what was said and what wasn't
said, but I can -- we just need to get it going. We need to get it going as quick as
possible. I don't know if I'm necessarily willing to just stop it in its tracks. I think we
need a Station 6 there. We just need it -- we needed a Station 6 there like -- it should
have been started construction months ago, so -- just -- those are my comments.
De Weerd: I think we have a chief and a deputy chief, acting, that are fire -- their
expertise is in fire and in an effort to minimize costs, they didn't go the project
management route, which was suggested and they wanted to save money. They have
been managing it in -- in a time where they are short staffed and they have had all
kinds of things happen in their day jobs that they are the subject experts at. I think we
could talk to Lieutenant Leslie about how to do your regular job and, then, try and do a
construction project at the same time. It's very difficult and it does extend timelines.
Right now we do have Brad and Vince looking at how we can do AIA contracts better,
more efficient, and put together a process for some of these departments whose jobs
really aren't construction, they are just part of the growth element. So, I -- I think that
with the -- the pressures of the environment out in the world of construction and design
that's added to it and it's been a combination of things. It's -- it is what it is right now
and we need to get this project moving forward. To posture with comments right now
isn't going to get us this -- this station built. We can delay it further if that's the desire,
but we need to get these contracts signed and -- and -- where we can and maybe our
architect sitting there can hear this as where we can we need to save time and certainly
talking to ESI and getting this contract on the agenda and he turned it around pretty
quickly. But there is a willingness there, too, to figure out how to get it sooner is -- or
get some -- some urgency to this.
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Palmer: Madam Mayor?
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: Twice tonight I'm voting against my own motion, but Councilman Cavener is
right, I mean the -- every -- the building is gorgeous, but I think that's a problem. We
can't afford gorgeous. I mean, yeah, the money is in the bank, but it takes all of it.
There has got to be -- I would always bring up the standard roof is -- if we didn't do a -- I
mean we have the architect here. If we didn't do the slanted roof, if we just -- is there a
cheaper way? Is that an expensive component?
Gladics: Madam Mayor, Council Members, I wouldn't want to speak completely to the
cost, I will let ESI do that if -- if that's needed, but there are probably some things with
different products that we can do and we are working towards solutions. You know, we
-- we do -- it's a basic masonry bearing wall construction. Square openings for
windows. Just the slanted roof, so that we can get the height for the apparatus bay and,
then, provide a screening area for the mechanical equipment. It's basically trying to just
create an integrated simple shape. It's a pretty square CMU building. From a cost
standpoint we are working on a project with Twin Falls that they are seeing very similar
costs for some bond planning that they are doing right now as well and, again, very
simple. So, it seems that the number in that range is -- is pretty close to what
everybody else is seeing and I think from some of the other -- the Boise stations and
some of the other stations in the state we have seen they are pretty close to that same
cost. It's -- it's hard to -- a lot of the -- the complex equipment -- it's a lot of stuff in the
concrete. There is heavy equipment, there is diesel exhaust systems, there is rating
systems, there is all kinds of stuff that you don't find in your regular garage -type building
that you find in these buildings. But we are working towards cutting everything that we
can out to make the cost go down.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: You know, I agree cost is very important. I -- you know, but more important to
me right now, above and beyond cost, is just getting this thing done and going -- I think -
- in my opinion we are married to this, you know, whether it's good, bad, or ugly, you
know, something that we -- so, I know we have had personnel hired, you know, for this -
- you know, for a long, long time. So, we just need to get it going.
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
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Cavener: I think it's important enough -- it's late at night, I think it's important to correct
the record. I don't think there is any posturing that's going on here and to Council
Member Bernt's comments, I have seen councils -- and they say, oh, we have already --
we have already made these decisions, we have already invested time, we have
already allocated dollars, so we just need to go with it just to get it done and I would
argue that we as a Council have a role to be a stopgap and to say is this appropriate
right now. Council Member Bernt, you are correct, we allocated dollars to hire 12
people based on information that was shared to us. Information that wasn't accurate.
And our -- it's my opinion that we are throwing bad money after good and I thing we as a
Council need to take a stop, to take a step back, look at this project -- one, look at the
appropriate parties that are shepherding this project and making sure that we have the
right people in charge in looking at that, because I really have concerns about the
information that's been shared with me -- more with the lack of information that has
been shared with us for the Council. How we can be 17 months behind and one and a
half million dollars over budget on this project and us find out about it a month ago to
me is Ludacris and it's disappointing and I'm very upset about it and so I can't support
moving forward, because I don't know what other ball is going to drop and when we are
going to be informed about it.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: So, Councilman Cavener, so you're -- just to make -- so you're not in favor of this
project at all? You're like dunzo?
Cavener: Madam Mayor? Mr. Bernt, no, that's not accurate. If you go back a year ago
I was --
Bernt: I'm talking about now.
Cavener: -- the biggest cheerleader for this project. I believe that we need Station 6,
we need Station 6 desperately, but I don't feel comfortable supporting the items that are
before us today until we have had a much larger discussion about the project, about
who is shepherding it, and about how information is truly going to be conveyed to
Council. I appreciate the commitments from the department they are going to be more
transparent and more forthright, great, should have happened a year ago and until I
have a better understanding as to what that plan looks like, I'm not prepared to spend
dollars. We have zero purview over operations, but operations have gotten in the way
and now we are being asked to spend dollars and so I'm using my authority of
overseeing the city budget to say no until the commitments that have been made to us
and commitments that have been shared time and time again are actually followed
through.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
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De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: Rather than vote no on my own motion twice in a night, withdraw it instead.
De Weerd: Okay. So, is there a motion for Item 9-M?
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: I move we deny Item 9-M.
Palmer: Second.
De Weerd: So, I guess to Mr. Bernt's question, are we tossing out what -- what has
been done to -- to date? I'm not sure what this is going to accomplish. If -- if Council
has a question as to the process of moving forward, I -- I think that's probably a more
appropriate question and that the chief can bring back what specifically the project
manager from Public Works is bringing to it, the commitment from Charlie's time and --
and there is always also the -- the aspect of hiring the project manager at an additional
cost from the outside, so -- but delaying the contract for both the architect and the
CMGC I don't think get us anywhere other than further and further behind.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: I agree and I -- and I -- and I agree with Councilman Cavener largely about how
this whole project has gone and I have showed my disappointment. However, I don't
think that not approving this is going to move us down the road towards Fire Station 6.
This is something we need anyway and you need to -- if you want more transparency,
then, we need to ask for more transparency, which --
Cavener: We have.
Milam: -- we are doing and, hopefully, maybe next time they will e-mail all of us the
document and not just one or two people. So -- anyway. Shall we vote?
De Weerd: I don't think Keith Watts intended it to -- to be a lack of transparency and --
and the chief thought he sent it to everyone, so he didn't know that.
Milam: And I'm not saying this personal --
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: But we do have a motion -- yes.
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Cavener: My motion has nothing to do with Keith Watts or anything along those lines.
De Weerd: Okay. Mr. Clerk, will you call roll.
Roll call: Borton, absent; Milam, nay; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts, absent;
Bernt, nay.
De Weerd: I vote no.
MOTION FAILED: TWO AYES. TWO NAYS. TWO ABSENT. MAYOR NAY.
De Weerd: We do need approval of this --
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I mean, obviously, this is causing a lot of heartburn up here. 11:30 at night
and missing a third of our Council. Will it hurt to wait until we have got the other third
back and have time to digest even more?
De Weerd: We are not delaying it a week, we are delaying it actually to the --
Milam: The 11th.
De Weerd: -- 21 st.
Coles: Madam Mayor? August 14th is the workshop -- before the 21 st.
Cavener: We could add this to the 7th agenda, too.
De Weerd: It's three weeks.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: I move that we approve Item 9-M.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second. Any further discussion? Mr. Clerk.
Roll call: Borton, absent; Milam, yea; Cavener, nay; Palmer, nay; Little Roberts, absent;
Bernt, yea.
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De Weerd: Okay. I will vote aye.
MOTION CARRIED: TWO AYES. TWO NAYS. TWO ABSENT. MAYOR AYE.
N. Award of RFQ #FD -1809-10770.A and Approval of AIAA133
Agreement to ESI for the "CMGC Services — Fire Station 6"
project for a Not -To -Exceed amount of 4.75% of the cost of
construction
De Weerd: Item 9-N on the CMGC. Chief, anything you want to comment on on that?
Okay. Council?
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: I move that we approve Item 9-N.
Bernt: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Mr. Clerk.
Roll call: Borton, absent; Milam, yea; Cavener, nay; Palmer, nay; Little Roberts, absent;
Bernt, yea.
De Weerd: I will vote aye.
MOTION CARRIED: TWO AYES. TWO NAYS. TWO ABSENT. MAYOR AYE.
Item 10: Department Reports
A. Public Safety Quarterly Level of Service Report
De Weerd: Thank you for sticking with us until almost tomorrow. Department Reports.
Chief.
Niemeyer: So, I will continue this on. This is the quarterly public safety report. I will
present first and, then, Lieutenant Leslie is going to present as well from PD. Where we
have been asked to present to you any anomalies over the last quarter. So, I want to hit
just a couple of issues. Current staffing levels, to update you on our current staffing
levels, we have had five retirements, which means we have five vacancies at the
firefighter level. Fortunately, we had some extra staffing right now, so it's not creating a
crisis for us. Normally under normal circumstances this would create the crisis. I have
discussed with all of you in our one on ones the plan for our upcoming development
programs, as well as the testing that's going to occur in the spring to get the appropriate
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staffing levels for a captain and engineer. As you recall we didn't have enough folks
take the test or pass, so we are going through that process again. We will put on the
development programs in the fall and winter. We post the exam 90 days in advance.
That's the contract. We will, then, test and, then, we will -- that takes about a month
and, then, we will get those ranks fulfilled. Quarterly overtime, just to give you an
update there. We had the retirement of Chief Scholl. That created a vacancy in the
battalion chief level. That creates quite a bit of overtime. It's the highest rank -- highest
paid rank within our nonsalaried individuals. We did put on a test. We promoted Tyler
Rountree as you know. So, that has filled that hole. As we discussed already, what we
don't have is qualified swing ups and we know that there is negotiations taking place, et
cetera. So, we are working on that. We believe a working out of class program helps,
et cetera, so we are working on that. We believe we have a class program to help solve
that, but that's part of negotiations. I can't speak anything more to that until it's agreed
upon. Over the last quarter we had some pretty significant responses that affected our
personnel. The Mayor and I had this conversation with regards to mental health and
mental health training awareness. You all recall the 1-84 semi -car accident in which we
had three fatalities. I'm not going to go into details on what our crews saw or dealt with,
but it was pretty horrific and so we made sure we touch base with every crew member
after that -- kept touching base to make sure that they had the resources they need.
Then an officer -involved shooting that -- it certainly puts stress on our Police
Department. Also puts stress on our firefighters as they respond out to those, knowing
that we had an officer -involved. We did have a murder -suicide this past quarter. Again,
that's an added stressor to our personnel. We had a south Meridian structure fire that
was pretty intense. Pretty extensive. We involved mutual aid partners from Nampa and
Kuna and that fire. We had two North Meridian fires, one resulted in a mayday with a
four by eight sheet of sheetrock coming down on one of our firefighter's head as you
were made aware of. Fortunately he is out of the hospital -- treated and released out of
the hospital and now he is back in the line. So, doing well there. But, nonetheless,
added some increased stressors. The reason I bring this up is that there is a gap right
now, which you may have heard of in the news. Chief Doan has -- has done a couple of
interviews on it. PTSD -- diagnosed PTSD. I want to be very clear on this. Diagnosed
PTSD by a clinical psychologist in first responders is not covered under workmen's
comp. It is not a covered illness. I have done this job 25 plus years now. I have seen
my fair share and I know that there are -- there are serious concerns over mental health
in responders. Some of us do well, some of us don't, and that's not a reflection on the
individual, it's just how we cope with things. We treat broken arms. We treat broken
legs. We cover broken arms. We cover broken legs. A broken mind we don't yet cover.
So, that is something that we are working on with a broad coalition to include the police
chief's, the sheriffs association, the Idaho Fire Chiefs Association to have a discussion
at the state level on PTSD coverage, clinically diagnosed, for work comp and so that's
something you may hear about. I wanted you to be aware that that's something in
discussions right now on the boots at the ground level. As we have discussed, our plan
is to staff Engine 36 June 21st. As we met one on one and had those discussions, that
coincides with the completion of our testing process. We currently don't have enough
qualified candidates at -- at captain and engineer, as we discussed, to do that. That is
an issue that we have all discussed. We have plans for. We are putting on another
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test. President Rountree is doing his part to work with the labor group to get them to
take those tests and so we are working together with labor to get that done. The deputy
chief of operations vacancy -- as you know, that's been vacant for about two months
with David Jones leaving. Charlie has been named the interim opps chief, along with
his planning chief duties and Station 6 project management. We are in our second
process of advertisement and posting. So, we are going through a second round of
interviews once we get enough applications. To date I have one and it's been open for
two weeks. I have talked to other chiefs who have opps chief openings in the northwest
from Washington to Oregon and in those departments I contacted those chiefs, they are
having very similar issues getting qualified candidates to apply. So, we are going to go
another two weeks, see what kind of candidate pool we get and keep moving forward.
The last issue I have to update you on is a follow up. We discussed awhile back
harassment training. This was a result of an arbitration hearing. I am here to report to
you that we have been working with HR and ICRMP on this issue. We have training
Thursday, Friday and Monday. So, we are covering all three shifts. The chiefs will be in
attendance. ICRMP is leading the training. HR is, then, chiming in with their piece and,
then, administration is chiming in with their piece. So, just a wrap up on that issue that
harassment training is going on. Working with Crystal, she plans on, then, running that
out citywide. It's about a two hour class -- classroom training. So, that's a brief update
on where we are at over the last quarter and where we are going. I would certainly
stand for any questions.
De Weerd: Thank you, chief. Council, any questions?
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: What do we do if you don't have anymore applicants?
Niemeyer: Well, the contract calls for a process, so we have to put on a test. If we
don't get enough qualified applicants we have to put on a second test. If after that we
don't have enough qualified applicants we open it up to the outside.
Bernt: I'm talking about your deputy chief.
Niemeyer: Oh. That one. We are developing a Plan B. It's something that I haven't
had a chance to talk with the Mayor about, but I have been developing Plan B if we
don't get qualified applicants.
Bernt: Madam Mayor, follow up. I just -- I just heard you list all of the responsibilities
that the deputy chief has and that's a lot on his plate.
Niemeyer: Yes.
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Bernt: I don't know how long that he can do all of those things effectively, so whatever
we can do to help you in that -- in that situation just know that we are here to help any
way possible.
Niemeyer: We are working on Plan B.
Bernt: ASAP.
Niemeyer: Yeah.
De Weerd: Okay. Anything further? Lieutenant.
Leslie: Madam Mayor, City Council, the chief -- actually, I volunteered to do this for him,
because he --
De Weerd: Wow.
Leslie: -- seen the agenda -- I mean he's like you're going to be there a while. He was
right. So, first off, I will start with Officer Mikowski. He's progressing well. We
anticipate seeing him back probably mid August for some light duty functions and I'm
not sure yet on his full recovery and when he will be back, but we do expect that. He
seems to be doing well. He's lost the cane. He's walking without that now, so that is
good. So, we are excited to hear that. Along the personnel we have eight officers
currently in -- in field training. Actually two are in field training, six are in our advanced
academy. We have four current openings and testing again in August to try to fill those
four openings. So, we are progressing well on that as well. We have been pretty busy
the last three or four months with the CITS. A lot of our overtime has been spent on
those responses guarding people in the jail -- or at the hospital until they go to the jail.
We had the vehicular homicide the other night that staff -- it took quite a bit of staffing to
handle that as well. That's been pretty much taking up all of our time. We have a
critical stress debrief that chief talked a little bit about PTSD and so after the critical
incidents involving our officers and the shootings we do bring them together with a peer
support group or partner with the Boise Police Department to help with that. So, you
bring in an outside peer support group to assist us with a walkthrough on that to help
cope through those -- those times and that debrief involves everybody from the
dispatcher to the -- to the fire personnel to the EMS personnel to the officers that are out
on scene during that incident. So, it's just not law enforcement functions, it's all of the
first responders. The building project that we were working on, the architect design for
the scenario village is finally legal for the contract approval that's been -- we have been
struggling with that a little bit with the vendor. As you know, we only had one vendor put
in for that. That kind of echoes the problem that the fire department experiences, too,
with building. The way the economy is there is not a lot of -- not a lot of vendors out
there willing to bid stuff, so we struggle with that one and it's a small project in scale
what they are doing, but we anticipate that to start moving. Once we get that agree --
agreement signed that will be about a four month process to get us some estimations
on what it would look like to build a scenario village. So, that's kind of the timeline on
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that at this point. And that pretty much covers what I had. Do you guys have any
questions?
De Weerd: Any questions for Lieutenant Leslie?
Leslie: Thanks, guys.
Item 11: Future Meeting Topics
De Weerd: Okay. Item 11. Any future meeting topics? Just a reminder the Town Hall
tomorrow at the Boys and Girls Club at 6:30. Concerts on Broadway, Saturday. It also
starts at 6:30 with High Street -- High Street Party and the salmon barbecue on -- on
August 3rd. So, with that --
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I move we adjourn.
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: All those in favor?
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. TWO ABSENT.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 11:40 P.M.
(AUDIO RECORDING ON FILE OF THESE PROCEEDINGS)
MAYOR TNI Y DE WEERD DATE APPROVED
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