HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-02 Work Session Minutes Item#3.
Meridian City Council Work Session February 2, 2021.
A Meeting of the Meridian City Council was called to order at 4:31 p.m., Tuesday,
February 2, 2021, by Mayor Robert Simison.
Members Present: Robert Simison, Joe Borton, Luke Cavener, Treg Bernt, Jessica
Perreault, Brad Hoaglun and Liz Strader.
Also present: Chris Johnston, Bill Nary, Steve Siddoway, Miranda Carson, Mark Ford,
Joe Bongiorno and Dean Willis.
ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
Liz Strader _X_ Joe Borton
_X_ Brad Hoaglun _X_Treg Bernt
X Jessica Perreault _X Luke Cavener
_X_ Mayor Robert E. Simison
Simison: Council, we will call this meeting to order. For the record it is February 2nd,
2021, at 4:31 p.m. We will begin this afternoon's work session with roll call attendance.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Simison: Next up is the adoption of the agenda.
Bernt: Mr. Mayor?
Simison: Councilman Bernt.
Bernt: As far as the agenda is concerned this evening, Item No. 4 on Consent -- oh, wait
a minute. Yes. Needs to be removed. As also the --we need to add an Executive Session
item 15-74-206(1)(a) to the Executive Session. With that said, I move that we adopt the
agenda as amended.
Hoaglun: Mr. Mayor, I second the motion to adopt the agenda as amended.
Simison: I have a motion and a second to adopt the agenda as amended. Is there any
discussion? If not, all in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed nay. The ayes have it.
MOTION CARRIED: ALLAYES.
CONSENT AGENDA [Action Item]
1. Approve Minutes of the January 19, 2021 City Council Work Session
2. Approve Minutes of the January 19, 2021 City Council Regular Meeting
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3. Hensley Station No. 1 Sanitary Sewer and Water Main Easement
5. Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law for Cache Creek Subdivision (H-
2020-0105) by Matt Schultz of Schultz Development, Located on the
Northwest Corner of E. Victory Rd. and S. Locust Grove Rd.
6. Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law for Daphne Square Subdivision
(H-2020-0101) by Matt Schultz of Schultz Development, Located at
4700 W. McMillan Rd.
7. Second Addendum to the Development Agreement for Southridge
Apartments MDA (H-2020-0109) with Tim Eck, Southridge Farms, LLC
(Owner/Developer), Located South of W. Overland Rd., Midway
Between S. Ten Mile Rd. and S. Linder Rd.
8. Fifth Addendum to the Modified Development Agreement Between the
City of Meridian and Brighton Development, Inc. for Paramount Point
(4th Addendum Inst. #2017-0066043)
9. Approval of Grantee Agreements for the Meridian Small Business
Grant Program
10. City Clerk: Approval of Dog Licensing Designee Agreements with
Meridian Canine Rescue, Settler's Park Veterinary Hospital, Meridian
Veterinary Hospital and Pet Care Clinic
11. City of Meridian Financial Report - December 2020
Simison: This appears to be out of order, because there were no items moved from the
Consent Agenda. We haven't done the Consent Agenda yet.
Johnston: We -- we did notice that earlier, Mr. Mayor, and we have corrected that on
future agendas.
Simison: Okay. So, next up is the Consent Agenda.
Bernt: Mr. Mayor?
Simison: Councilman Bernt.
Bernt: I move that we approve the Consent Agenda, for the Mayor to sign and for the
Clerk to attest.
Hoaglun: Mr. Mayor, I second the motion.
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Simison: I have a motion and a second to approve the Consent Agenda as it was
submitted. Is there any discussion on the motion?
Johnston: Mr. Mayor, my apologies. Did we remove Item 4 from --
Simison: Yes. With the previous motion.
Johnston: My apologies. I --
Bernt: I was confused on where you wanted me to do that, because you put it under the
adoption of the agenda, but it's actually Consent, so I --
Johnston: It could be either. So, if you -- if you have already -- Mr. Nary if that's already
struck, then, that's fine.
Bernt: We amended it.
Johnston: Perfect.
Simison: We did. Yes. Okay. All those in favor signify by saying aye. Opposed nay.
The ayes have it and the Consent Agenda as amended was adopted.
MOTION CARRIED: ALLAYES.
ITEMS MOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA [Action Item]
DEPARTMENT / COMMISSION REPORTS [Action Item]
12. Historic Preservation Commission: History of Meridian Speedway
Presentation
Simison: Next up is the Department/Commission Reports. So, Item 12. We will turn this
over to our Historic Preservation Commission regarding the history of Meridian Speedway
presentation. I'm going to recognize Blaine Johnston at this point in time and let him bring
-- introduce his team as he sees fit.
B.Johnston: Mr. Mayor, Members of the City Council, I'm Blaine Johnston, President of
Historic Preservation Commission, and with me is Josh Evarts, who is our commission
storyteller. With that our commission works to preserve the character, fabric, and
historical -- historically significant areas and structures within the City of Meridian to honor
and preserve its rich heritage and future generation. So, we are waiting for the monitor
to show up.
Evarts: Mayor, City Council Members, thank you so much for having us here tonight.
This is something that we actually haven't done as a commission while Blaine and I have
been in our leadership roles. So, it's pretty exciting to bring a project where we are making
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a submission to the National Historic Registry of a --of a primary location here in Meridian.
So, this will -- as it's been a new project for us, it's also going to be kind of new for you,
so we wanted to walk you through this sort of research project and what this looks like.
So, the first thing is when we -- when we do -- when we find these sites that we want to
submit to the National Registry we actually engage with a third party that does what's
referred to as our survey of that site. There is very very specific criteria that have to be
met for these properties to be listed on the National Registry, so we -- we paid to have
this work done. This actually took -- when did we start this? I want to say summertime.
B.Johnston: It was summer of last year. Yeah.
Evarts: Yeah. That they began this. They have been briefing us along the way. We are
not showing you the whole report, that's too much, so we are just hitting a couple
highlights here. But the -- but the site is the Meridian Speedway. We just felt that this
had been such a primary central thing -- we actually didn't realize how important it was
until we actually got this survey done. I think all of us as commissioners were pretty
excited to see some of the details, but we are definitely going to touch on those. So,
these are just some photographs that were taken in October to begin with, but what we
want to cover is the speedway, while it was installed in 1951 -- so, on the far left of what
you are looking at you are seeing the -- the far out aerial view and, then, if you look at the
box insert that's literally in 1951 what the speedway looked like and, then, you can see
the Meridian Speedway today. So, what we have here is we have something that for 70
years has maintained it, even though the size of the oval track was not quite as big as it
is today, because it had to conform to different standards. I forget what year that was,
but -- but for all intents and purposes that speedway has been its same configuration for
that amount of time. The sources for this entire survey -- so, we had the -- the Meridian
Dairy and Stock Shows -- Hans spoke to us from there. Adam Nielson from the Meridian
Speedway. Lila, obviously. Stan Fuller as the Idaho Racing Museum. Idaho Statesman
and the Meridian Times. So, they review all these things and they are looking for articles,
they are looking for stories, they are looking for photographs. So, some of the work
products that we get out of that or some of the details we get out of that is that Meridian
was the dairy center of the state. That was kind of the first narrative that came out of this.
Kind of began with the Consolidated Creamery being built in 1897 and, then, in 1929 we
have the Dairy Days being established as a showcase for livestock and dairy products
when the -- when the creamery was built. So, this was something that was recognized in
newspapers that -- that we were being recognized as sort of this dairy center. Flash
forward, we get the Meridian Dairy and Stock Show incorporation. That was incorporated
April 12th, 1948. This was done with the Idaho Secretary of State and, again, this is the
-- this is the formal entity that would begin the Dairy Days and for the dairymen to be able
to start doing different kinds of shows -- stock shows and being able to showcase here in
Meridian what -- what was happening in the dairy industry. What we see in 1949 is that
-- that the this W.L. Hendrix, which was the president of the Idaho State Dairymen's
Association, as well as the secretary of the American Dairy Association, said that the
association of these grounds -- so, specifically talking about the grounds at the racetrack
and speedway would end up on, are entitled to support all you farmers and Meridian
towns people. This is the first tree to be planted. They planted a tree at that point as a
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symbol of what we could build for the future and the boys and girls of Boise valley and
America. So, in 1949 this aerial view that we found showcases what that first kind of dairy
show looked like. You have all the canvas covered livestock sheds that are -- that are on
the right-hand side and these grounds were dedicated in 1949 following the Dairy Day
Parade. So, this is 1949. 1951 -- oh. This is kind of an interesting picture. So, this is
actually the cattle exhibit building. So, on the left-hand side here we see a photo, which
the earliest stage one we could find, which was May 1958 during construction and you
can see this cattle exhibit building in 2020. We still have artifacts, even though we had a
fire that destroyed this we still have artifacts of that -- that roofline and what was originally
there. So, in 1950 we have the Meridian Athletic Association that gets organized. 1951
a dirt track is built. So, that's that first image that we saw on the slide deck at the dairy
show grounds. 1951 we purchased the lights from the Boise Junior College to light the
tracks, races, softball, baseball games, things that we were doing on this -- this infield
and in 1953 the Meridian Racing Association was organized as an affiliate of the Meridian
Athletic Association. So, we are starting to see these photographs show up. Not only are
we seeing these old photographs, but we are starting to find advertisements that are in
the local papers. So, these are for some midget races in 1951 , things that were showing
up. And notice in the bottom of that left-hand one, all proceeds used for improving the
speedway and recreation facilities for the benefit of the entire Boise Valley, sponsored by
the Meridian Athletics Association, sanctioned by the Idaho State. So, we are collecting
money, but what we found what was very very interesting is if we go to our next slide,
receipts from the speedway were divided between that Meridian Athletic Association and
the racing association. The MMA usage shared upkeep the site, but they also did things
that benefitted the community. So, some examples of that is little leaguers were only --
little leaguers only paid for their mouthpieces during this period of time and uniforms were
furnished, as well as transportation to weekly games that were held in Boise. We have
local tennis players that went to a national championship meet at no personal expense.
That was paid for by that association. And, then, summer recreation programs were
provided to local youth. So, this wasn't just the dairyman, you know, doing things that
were enriching, you know, and telling the story of dairy, they were doing things that were
enriching a community and using the speedway to make that happen. So, it has been
the center of the community really since 1949. So, this is where we kick off our Meridian
Dairy Days and certainly if you are a resident of downtown Meridian you are seeing the
life that happens at that speedway on a regular basis during the season. Statement of
significance. I only included this because this is the kind of deep work that has to go in
by our surveyors, as well as the commission, but a statement of significance is kind of the
guidelines and the overarching construct for how you get something submitted on the
National Registry of Historic Places. So, what we are -- what we are communicating to
our state office to begin with that will end up being sent to the national offices that the
Meridian Speedway is -- is significant at the local level under what's called Criterion A,
agriculture, for its association with the agricultural history of Meridian and Ada county.
The creamery and other dairy-related businesses have followed. Establishing Meridian
as a dairy center for the state. 1929 we get the Dairy Days established as a showcase
for livestock and dairy products. In 1948 the Meridian Dairy and Stock Show was
incorporated to support the annual event. 1949 the corporation procured land for the
permanent site and the Dairy Days is held annually for two days in June. So, this is one
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section. We have multiple sections where we have to sort of make the case and -- and
it's quite burdensome. So, that's why we have to do these kind of deep surveys and get
this information. So, submission criteria. The Meridian Speedway retains the integrity of
location, meaning it's been at the same spot. Feeling and association and as such retains
a sufficient overall integrity to convey its significance under this Criterion A is
recommended eligible for the National Registry of Historic Places. So, our independent
third party that did this survey, they felt that it absolutely met all those guidelines and we
are excited to kind of advance that effort. So, our next step is -- is we will be submitting
this to SHPO, which is the State Historic Preservation Office, for review. If they concur
with our findings, then, the -- we have already talked to the dairymen. They are in full
support of this. They really do appreciate the initiative that we have taken to recognize
this and they are on board and, then, we would be drafting that nomination for our national
registry. So, with that we are kind of open for questions or comments.
Simison: Thank you. Council, any questions?
Hoaglun: Mr. Mayor?
Simison: Councilman Hoaglun.
Hoaglun: Mr. Mayor and, Josh and Blaine, thanks for the presentation. Good information.
Having spent time there listening to inspirational halftime talks when we played our
football games at the speedway, there in the dairy barn sitting on the stall, you know, was
a great motivator to get back out on the field, so -- but my question is related to that north
side --
Evarts: Yes.
Hoaglun: -- and --you know, and it's still the wooden structure and whatnot. Does placing
this in the -- in the National Registry -- you know, I know there are restrictions for homes
and different things when you go to modify and restore or anything like that. Would that
apply in this situation?
B.Johnston: As far as national is concerned, once it's listed --the owners can do anything
they want to do. It may -- if they tear something down it may cause it to be delisted
because of that. If they do a significant destruction of such structures. But, again, just
because it's listed --the owners can do anything they want. If the Dairy Association wants
to, in the future move it, that's their -- their business and -- and we have no -- we are just
trying to say right now at this point in time it's important for the City of Meridian, the valley
and state, to have this property listed as a national historic property.
Evarts: And it is the speedway. So, even though that north structure, you know, that went
through a fire and has been modified clearly -- and typically that will exclude you if you
have had significant modifications, but this is really for the speedway where we have got
that thing that was created in 1951 and we have the whole narrative and, then, we have
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something that has effectively maintained its -- its -- its role in the community for that
amount of time.
Hoaglun: Mr. Mayor, just to follow up on that.
Simison: Councilman Hoaglun.
Hoaglun: Yeah. I was curious, because if they ever did want to, you know, redo the
stands and -- because they did that to the west side. It used to be all wood and --
Simison: Paved the gravel area.
Hoaglun: Paved the gravel area. Yes. And some other things. So, I was just kind of
curious if -- if they want to make some modifications that it doesn't restrict them from
improving the property.
B.Johnston: I don't believe it will and I probably have to go back to Firebird Raceway. It
was listed a year ago on the National List of Historic Places and I know it's gone through
significant changes in its lifespan so far. So, I think if they want to change bleachers or
something like that it's not going to affect the listing.
Hoaglun: Thank you, gentlemen. Mr. Mayor, thank you.
Bernt: Mr. Mayor?
Simison: Councilman Bernt.
Bernt: Thanks, guys, for your presentation. Mr. Evarts, Mr. Johnston, appreciate it. I --
the question that I had I think you somewhat answered and that is in the future if the
owners of the speedway want to move that they are able to do it. I know that -- and that's
-- and that's confirmed, that's a fact?
Evarts: Yeah. It can -- as somebody who owns historic buildings, yeah, you can be
delisted. You know, if you make some change that's material to its function form that
takes it out of the registry. But you have -- you have autonomy to do the things that you
want to do to your property.
B.Johnston: The other thing that it does for the speedway and the city is that if any federal
money is used to -- let's say widen Main Street out, so it would impact the stands, they
would have to reimburse the --the dairy board for that work done, because federal money
is involved with -- with taking it down. So, it does protect the dairy association and the
speedway that way also.
Evarts: There are very very few -- I forget the number that they told us, but when they did
their national survey of how many like quarter mile tracks in cities are actually listed on
the historic registry --
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B.Johnston: There is less than ten.
Evarts: Yeah. There is less than ten. Like -- so, this is a really significant submission
just in terms of -- it's become a very rare thing and being able to protect that, you know,
is -- is important to us. Or get it acknowledged I should say.
Bernt: Mr. Mayor, just follow up.
Simison: Councilman Bernt.
Bernt: I'm in favor of this. If there is one thing that -- that is Meridian -- one of the -- one
of the staples of our-- of our city for sure is the speedway. It's sort of funny when -- when
-- at my house in the middle of summertime -- I live somewhat close to the freeway and
people have asked me in the past doesn't it bug you to live so close to the freeway and
I'm like I don't -- I really can't hear the freeway, but I can certainly hear the speedway and
-- and for me that is what Meridian is. It's never bugged me once. It just -- it just reminds
me of who we are and what we represent and so it's -- it's an honor to be able to support
this for you guys.
B.Johnston: Thank you.
Evarts: One other comment that I would like to make is -- is our intent -- and it hasn't
been possible with COVID, but we really would like to -- if this is something that actually
makes it to the National Registry, we really would like to do something to honor the
dairymen, because they are -- they are really the ones that are responsible for creating
this asset and -- and being a part of this narrative and, you know, I know that we do lots
of things to acknowledge them, but I just think this has been a really big effort and
something that -- that they could have very well said no and they have been very very
supportive and loved the fact that they are getting acknowledged for the kind of historic
thing they have done here in the city.
Strader: Mr. Mayor?
Simison: Council Woman Strader.
Strader: Thanks, gentlemen, for presenting and this seems like really important work.
I'm sure all of Council appreciates it. When I think of, you know, Meridian there are some
symbols of Meridian that I think are really important to protect and sort of tell our story. I
think this is one of them. You know, the -- the water tower, too. There are some things
like that that really kind of keep our history alive and tell our story. So, I appreciate you
guys doing this. Thanks.
B.Johnston: Thank you.
Simison: And if I could just say, you know, in my -- one of the few things I have taken on
as Mayor, as you know, is my role on the advisory council on historic preservation.
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Honestly, I think it's really cool that the city is undertaking this and potentially can have
this put on while I'm in that role, even though I didn't initiate it, you guys have done all the
work, but be my honor to help make sure that I can do what I can to help make that occur.
So, appreciate all the work you have done.
B.Johnston: Thank you very much.
Cavener: Mr. Mayor?
Simison: Councilman Cavener.
Cavener: First, gentlemen, it's great to see both of you, more ways than one. Appreciate
the presentation. What are some of these next steps and -- and at what level does the
speedway want to kind of demonstrate and communicate this out to the public? I
appreciate that you have engaged them and -- and the dairymen. What's -- what's their
approach? I mean -- I doubt this is a let's present to Council and move on. What are
some of the next steps?
Evarts: Yeah. So -- so, specifically, we will submit this to SHPO, because they have to
get behind this before we can submit it to the National Registry. The State Historic
Preservation Office has to be in agreement. There is not a role really for the dairymen to
play until the state says, yes, we think you have met the Criterion Ato have that submitted
to the National Registry. Once the state has given that blessing to that and is willing to
submit that, the dairymen have to agree to that and we have already briefed them and
they have said that that's something that they are in support of. So, any -- any work on
the dairymen -- there is not anything for them to do. Anything that we could do as a city I
think would come after we would get acknowledged -- and I don't know what the time
frame is for the National Registry, but at whatever point if they made the determination
that they did include the speedway on the National Registry, there is nothing really for
City Council to approve at that point. You are -- we are doing our work as a commission.
I do think it would be nice to do some kind of public acknowledgement, press release on
behalf of the city, again, kind of recognizing the dairymen in this effort.
B.Johnston: As a commission, if it is approved, probably like to get a plaque to put up
somewhere on the speedway in an entrance, so people can see it as they walk in. So,
that would be the one -- the last step we would do if it's approved.
Evarts: With a party.
Simison: And maybe a race, like the end of Talladega Nights might be in order.
Evarts: It should be Blaine and I in a foot race around the track.
Simison: Love it. Walking.
Evarts: Walking. Yes. Of course.
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Simison: Council, any further questions? Okay. Thank you very much.
B.Johnston: Thank you.
13. Community Development: Recommendations for Ada County
Highway District Integrated Five-Year Work Plan Project Requests and
Prioritization
Simison: Appreciate very much. Council, next item is Item 13 from our Community
Development Department regarding the ACHD five year work plan project requests and
prioritization. I don't see Mr. Hood here or online, unless he's hiding under a different
name. Mr. Clerk, have you seen --
Johnston: Ms. Carson is here now, Mr. Mayor.
Simison: Okay. Miranda, we will turn this over to you.
Carson: Hello. Mr. Mayor, Council Persons, I was -- I was asked to present the integrated
five year work plan for -- that we submit to ACHD. This is something that we, as a city,
submit every year and it's a list of projects that we would request ACHD take on to make
improvements to roads and intersections and, then, also community programs that just
filling sidewalk gaps, occasionally pathways if they are in the right of way. So, the packet
should have the list that was recommended by the Transportation Commission. So, this
-- this list went through a thorough check by the Transportation Commission over two
separate meetings and they recommended the list as it's written here. For Council your
role would be -- and I apologize if you already know your role. But Council role would be
to review the list, make any changes to the prioritization, and, then, we would send it to
ACHD as our official request from the city. There is one project that has been brought up
in communications with staff that was not on the list. It was not originally presented to the
Transportation Commission. It is the Lake Hazel, Eagle to Locust Grove, improvements
in the master street -- street map that's planned for five lanes. It is on the list in the
community program section to have pedestrian improvements, but it is not on the list for
roadways and intersections to have any kind of roadway improvements. So, just ask
Council to consider if that's something you would like added to the list of requests.
Simison: Thank you.
Carson: And I have maps and I have the list and I am ready for any questions Council
may have of me.
Simison: Thank you, Miranda. And, Council, if I could just follow up on what Miranda
was just speaking about regarding that segment. You know, as we look at the continued
development in the south related to Discovery Park, you know, I have often talked about
the need to get people safely to that facility and to me that includes vehicles, not just
pedestrians, and while we are getting close with pedestrians, especially as we look at
making that, quite frankly, a nighttime regional softball complex through additional
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phases, having, you know, good, safe streets for the cars to drive in that area and with
the improvements that are already being planned along that stretch ACHD is planning on
doing the intersection of Eagle and Amity, which will complete about an eighth of a mile
of that road and, then, with Brighton's project at Locust Grove and Amity, they will be
doing a quarter mile that direction and when we do the next phase of the park we are
going to be required to do about a quarter of mile. So, that really leaves about three-
eighths of a mile, maybe more on some -- in some sections that would need to be
completed to complete that fully in some fashion, even if it was three lanes with curb,
gutter, sidewalk. And there is many -- there is even projects out there which are having
sidewalk installed at this point in time on part of it. So, that's really why this was -- it's not
on a list, but I think it's worth consideration of trying to make a complete road connection
to our regional park. You know, on a -- from a personal standpoint I feel like it -- Locust
Grove would be the better connection, but from a practical standpoint with all the
investments being made on Eagle Road, that's -- that makes it a much quicker and if it's
a regional facility people will probably get off at Eagle and take that route down there for
when they participate and do things. So, that's -- that's part of the reason why that one
-- it's not on the list, it's not a huge priority, but I think it's important to talk about making
those connections in the future. So, with that be happy to take any questions, comments,
discussion at this point in time.
Hoaglun: Mr. Mayor?
Perreault: Mr. Mayor?
Simison: Councilman Hoaglun.
Hoaglun: Mr. Mayor, just wanted to find out -- you know, we have the new Owyhee High
School opening up here in the near future and there is going to be traffic on McMillan and
Ustick heading to that high school and a lot of -- some of the things out there farther to
the west on Ustick are not programmed and I know there is going to be some development
and growth coming into that area, which will help fund some of that, but I was just
wondering what -- what discussions took place regarding the opening of that high school
and the impacts, which will seem to be more immediate than long term.
Simison: Miranda, was there -- I have my own viewpoints, which I'm going to bypass
those for now and see if there is any discussions at the Transportation -- Transportation
Commission level regarding those projects. Miranda.
Carson: Yeah. So, I will say that -- Mr. Mayor, Council Persons, the Transportation
Commission did ask me to reach out to both parks and the schools in reviewing the list to
see what input they had. So, there was input taken from the school district on projects
that would rank higher for their priorities, as well as our Parks Department on projects
that would rank higher. So, Owyhee High School was one of the projects that was
considered -- was one of the developments that was considered when they created the
list. There were a lot of things that were considered and in looking at the list, if you look
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at the 2020 ranking versus the 2021 ranking, you can see where they made a decision to
move things up or down based on different criteria, like the school.
Hoaglun: Miranda, thank you. And Mr. Mayor. Just a quick comment on the two sections
I happened to be looking at was -- they moved them from 19 to 24 and from 45 to 47. So,
I was just kind of scratching my head on -- head on that one. It's just -- like I said, we are
just going to see significant growth out there and, of course, there is so many competing
priorities and we know transportation is -- is a major priority and one of the concerns of
our citizens. So, just a matter of figuring out which pieces of the puzzle to put in place
first and what order they go in, but it's one of those things we may see after this fall that
some things may move around for next year.
Simison: And, Councilman Hoaglun, I think you might be looking at that backwards. They
moved up, the 2021 versus the 2020. 1 know typically I would have read it the same way.
So, they have been moved up slightly.
Hoaglun: Mayor, you are right. I was reading it left to right, not right to left. So, slightly
is correct.
Simison: Council Woman Perreault.
Perreault: Thank you. Just a question going back to the Lake Hazel conversation we just
had. Can you -- can you share some -- Mr. Mayor, can you share some idea of timeline
with Discovery Park when the anticipation would be that the city would be obligated to
commit their portion of that stretch if it were to be completed all the way through? Are we
looking at five years from now? Three years from now?
Simison: Yeah. I think the question would be is -- at what point in time does the city
believe that Discovery Park needs or would warrant those connections. I would argue
immediately or now. But, you know, there -- you will see your -- your parks commission
come forward with -- in FY-22 for additional -- the next phase. I don't recall when phase
three, which is when I think the softball fields are at least currently contemplated, which
to me is one of the bigger more car driven --a lot of traffic moving in and out for continuous
play, but I see we have Director Siddoway, so I will turn this over to him.
Siddoway: Thank you, Mr. Mayor, Members of Council. So, we are prepared to come to
the City Council and make a more robust presentation on Discovery Park, its amenities,
its timing, but I would just say that from our perspective our ideal scenario would be to
move forward with design, which is already funded this year, with the idea that we might
bid next winter and, then, construction takes about two years or a year and a half, so that
would be '22 and possible opening fall of '23. But we -- we would need to make some of
those decisions early now in order to meet that kind of a time frame. So, that--that would
be our ideal, but there is a lot also that depends on the -- the road improvements and
things like that to come along with it. But that would be the fastest that it could happen.
Strader: Mr. Mayor?
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Simison: Council Woman Strader.
Strader: I guess maybe just for discussion, the thing I have been thinking about is our
number one and number two requests and what kind of signal it sort of sends if our Linder
Road overpass is not a number one on that list. It seems like we are pushing really hard
for that and that feels like it should be listed as number one, would be my feedback. And,
then, I know some people had reached out -- and it's more an ITD issue, I think, than
ACHD, but we have -- I think you guys are aware -- received a lot of feedback about the
expansion of Chinden and not having a right turn lane at one area heading onto Black
Cat, that that is a pretty significant safety issue. Not sure where the oversight was on that
project and what exactly happened, but that might be something that we should discuss.
And, then, finally, I do agree with Councilman Hoaglun in the sense that -- I understand
what the Transportation Commission is really trying to do is to improve whole corridors at
once. I think that makes sense, but I think in a year or two we need to make a big push
in that northwest area of Meridian, especially around Owyhee High School, and I know
there are structural reasons McMillan is a challenge, but a lot of these roads in this area
are already -- like this area is already heavily populated, as opposed to some areas in
south Meridian and I think around the high school I think we really need to -- to take a
look at that.
Simison: Thank you. And I think from a Council conversation perspective I think it's really
which road. You know, I think from a practical standpoint Ustick is the road that people
are looking at right now with how the projects are prioritized as the road to Owyhee and
it's probably just from, quite frankly, cost feasibility to do that one compared to McMillan.
But if Council --
Strader: Mr. Mayor?
Simison: -- has a view -- different viewpoint we should make that known. Yes, Council
Woman Strader.
Strader: No. I think that's fine. I -- I don't disagree if we choose to focus on Ustick and
that's the route, then, we can do that. But I guess to Councilman Hoaglun's point I -- I
would like us to look at Owyhee High School and make sure that we are reflecting the
right prioritization. I think if it's number 40 it feels pretty far down the list.
Hoaglun: And, Mr. Mayor, I just have --
Simison: Councilman Hoaglun.
Hoaglun: -- a question related to -- we have -- if you look at number seven on the -- on
the priority ranking, Ustick Road, Ten Mile to Linder Road, it's to widen five lanes of curb,
gutter, sidewalk and bike lanes in accordance with the '20 CIP and that's all good and
well. However, for the eastern half, from Linder heading west towards Ten Mile, is Five
Mile Creek right up against it. So, widening that's going to be problematic. But it can be
done. I don't know if they are going to cover it. I don't know what the deal is. But just on
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the north side of that -- of the creek is our pathway system and I'm just wondering -- the
expense of widening that and having the creek there, needing that extra right of way when
there is houses on the south side, the creek on the north side, is ACHD open to things
like having the bike path follow our pathway system, as opposed to being separate bike
lanes in the roadway system. I probably know the answer to it, but I'm raising that
question.
Simison: I can only speak for one commissioner. I think one commissioner very much
does not feel that that -- we would need to add a bike lane in that specific location,
because there is a detached regional pathway adjacent. But that's also working with
ACHD and their policies and whatnot. I would encourage you to speak to your local ACHD
newly elected commissioner from your area.
Hoaglun: Mr. Mayor, that's a good suggestion. Thank you.
Inselman: And, Mr. Mayor, sorry to interject. This is Kristy Inselman with the Ada County
Highway District. I just wanted to let you guys know that I'm also on the call if you have
any questions for ACHD, I can address the question by the Council Member on that
particular project.
Simison: If you would like to, go ahead, Kristy.
Inselman: Thank you, Mr. Mayor. So, that -- that particular stretch -- it's the Ustick, Ten
Mile to Linder; correct?
Hoaglun: Mr. Mayor, Kristy, yes, that's correct.
Inselman: Okay. So, yes, that one is going into design next year. There has been a bit
of a shift in focus at ACHD where it comes to bike lanes on the roadways with regards to
we are moving away from doing bike lanes on the arterial network and doing some other
type of facility, whether it be a multi-use pathway or raised bike lanes or something to that
effect. So, that's --that is the direction thatACHD is going and the Commission has asked
us to go on those projects. So, when we get into design next year we -- we will definitely
reach out to the city staff for their input on that one as well.
Hoaglun: Mr. Mayor?
Simison: Councilman Hoaglun.
Hoaglun: Mr. Mayor, Kristy, that's -- that's great to hear. We certainly would want to
communicate on that, because for at least a half mile of that segment where it's right --
the creek is right next to the road and, then, we have the pathway --the regional pathway,
that would be a great place to do that and -- and, then, when it jogs away from the road,
you know, maybe bike lanes are needed, but it would save on -- on cost for the taxpayer
on that. So, something we should take a look at. So, thank you.
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Inselman: Absolutely.
Simison: So, Council, I don't know if you would just like to review this over the next week
and provide any direct changes directly to Miranda for consideration and she could
accumulate those and come back next week with what she hears from Council at that
point in time for further conversation or we are happy to continue the conversation on
individual projects if you would like.
Cavener: Mr. Mayor?
Simison: Councilman Cavener.
Cavener: The question about Lake Hazel is interesting. I'm just curious if you have a
suggested priority ranking that you wanted that move to or placed at. Help me understand
kind of what you are thinking on that.
Simison: Councilman Cavener, I don't have a specific place in mind at this point in time
and since it was so low on the list I think it would really be if -- if Council is in agreement
that we should be looking at that, then, maybe finding the appropriate place to consider
that type of a project or not. You know, if-- this list is not reflective of my priorities from a
practical standpoint. It is the commission's priorities and it's based upon Council's actions
last year. So, I don't want to super -- I didn't want to superimpose my viewpoints on any
specific element at this point in time, but rather just raise it for discussion and
consideration.
Cavener: Mr. Mayor, I -- if I may.
Simison: Yes, Councilman Cavener.
Cavener: I appreciate those -- those comments and I think that's -- that's the piece at
least that I'm struggling to wrap my head around is that this is not a -- an individual Council
Member's priority list or the Mayor's priority list, this comes from our Transportation
Commission, which I recall at least discussed some of that -- maybe not to the same level
that we have tonight. So, I am -- I am hesitant after the fact to make broad changes in
movement. I'm certainly open to the conversation. I think Council Member Strader hit an
important piece about Linder Road. That's something that we continue to speak and
should we make it number one. If -- if I recall, I think the reason why the Transportation
Commission didn't at least list it as number one was because of all the many agencies
involvement that are going to be required to make that happen and they wanted to make
I think a -- a more feasible project at least number one. I'm recognizing that --that in such
when that's completed at least the Linder Road project would move up to number one.
So,just--just I think some background for Council. I'm open to continue the conversation
next week, but I'm not quite sure that I'm -- at least for this year supportive of making any
broad changes.
Perreault: Mr. Mayor?
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Simison: Yes, Miranda. Oh, wait. Council Woman Perreault.
Perreault: Thank you. I haven't had a chance to digest this list in the detail to which I
would like to do, so I would appreciate that extra time and will communicate with Miranda
any questions or concerns that I have over the next week. I'm -- I'm hoping that Miranda
and our ACHD representative here on -- on the call can give us some more information
about what is going to happen with priority number three. So, this has long been -- the
stretch has long been a concern of mine and -- and last year we had the same --the same
information that it has not been programmed. I know there are a lot of challenges with --
with getting right of way along that stretch. So, if they could provide any updates that they
might have on how that's coming along and, you know, will we see this -- this priority
actually come to fruition anytime in the next few years.
Simison: Thank you.
Inselman: Mr. Mayor and Council Woman Perreault -- sorry, I don't want to -- I don't want
to butcher your name.
Perreault: It's Perreault, actually.
Inselman: Perreault. Okay. Mine gets butchered all the time, so I try not to butcher
anybody's name. Perreault. Apologies. So, yes, that -- I don't -- I don't know yet,
because we are still in such -- in the beginning phases of this update, whether this one
will come into the new plan for the 2022-26. With the 2020 CIP update that was just done
this last year, that one is forecasted need between 2026 and 2030. So, I do anticipate
that project coming in in the next upcoming years. I just don't know at this particular stage
if it's something that will make it into the next plan, but it is certainly part of that discussion.
Perreault: Mr. Mayor?
Simison: Council Woman Perreault.
Perreault: Thank you very much. Can you shed some light on what -- what's causing the
delay? Is it -- is it right of way, like I -- like I believe we have discussed in the past, or is
there something else that's going on that's creating a challenge for ACHD?
Inselman: Mayor, Commissioner Perreault, it's -- it's always a multitude of factors; right?
It's -- it's what's the -- the needs for the entire county. Are there areas that are showing a
greater need, like the Ustick segments. That is one that is likely to come into the plan.
The Black Cat to Ten Mile, because that is showing a greater need at this time. Funding
always is a -- is an issue. Do we -- we wish we could do every road that we need to, but
we evaluate every single year and as is there an area that is elevated that wasn't there
last year and that's something we do over the next -- next upcoming months. We
reevaluate all of those roadways. What are the level of service looking at. What type of
development has come in that's going to spur the need for that to be accelerated into the
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program. So, that's -- that's where we stand. I apologize I don't have a more definitive
answer for you.
Perreault: Thank you.
Carson: Mr. Mayor?
Simison: Yes, Miranda.
Carson: I also wanted to note that the Transportation Commission last night voted to
create a prioritization subcommittee that would spend a year looking at this list, so that
-- because we are moving so quick as a city and changing so quickly, to have more time
during the year to look over the list, rather than taking the two to three months that they
usually take when the list is sent to us. So, they will be looking at it continually over the
next year for when we bring this back next year.
Simison: Thank you. And I do know, Councilman Strader, just from an historical
perspective, typically when things are programmed and in the top list there generally has
not been a desire to move things up or around from the staff perspective, because they
feel like that they are --they have got the attention, they are being planned, they are being
funded and I'm not going to say one through ten doesn't matter, but in many cases it's --
they understand the importance from ACHD from where we prioritize whether it's one,
two, or three. Or two and three in this case are definitely large, expensive asks and
requests.
Strader: Mr. Mayor?
Simison: Council Woman Strader.
Strader: Thanks for that background. Yeah. I am -- my intention isn't to -- to meddle too
much with the list. I -- I -- there clearly has been a lot of thought put into it. The one thing
I -- I think we should consider would be flipping that Linder Road overpass number one
would be my suggestion. But, ultimately, I think the Mayor's office would need to be
strongly supportive of that. But I just think from a messaging perspective about the
urgency of that priority and how important it is to us, we have a higher likelihood of it
happening if we are messaging consistently that it is our number one priority, if that is the
case. So, that's it.
Simison: Thank you. Council, any further discussion at this time? Okay. We will have
this back next week for final comments. So, thank you, Miranda.
Carson: Thank you.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
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14. Per Idaho Code 74-206A(1)(a) To deliberate on a labor contract offer or
to formulate a counteroffer.
15. Amended to add 74-206(1)(a)
Simison: With that, Council, we are on to Item No. 14.
Bernt: Mr. Mayor?
Simison: Councilman Bernt.
Bernt: I move that we go into Executive Session per Idaho Code 74-206A(1)(a) and 74-
206(1)(a).
Hoaglun: Mr. Mayor, I second the motion.
Simison: I have a motion and a second to go into Executive Session. Is there a
discussion? If not, Clerk will call the roll.
Roll call: Bernt, yea; Borton, yea; Cavener, yea; Hoaglun, yea; Strader, yea; Perreault,
yea.
Simison: All ayes and we are adjourned into Executive Session. Or recessed or moved.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: (5:18 p.m. to 5:39 p.m.)
Simison: Do I have a motion?
Bernt: Mr. Mayor?
Simison: Councilman Bernt.
Bernt: I move we come out of Executive Session.
Hoaglun: Mr. Mayor, second the motion.
Simison: Motion and second to come out of Executive Session. All in favor signify by
saying aye. Opposed nay.
MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. ONE ABSENT.
Bernt: Mr. Mayor?
Simison: Councilman Bernt.
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Bernt: I move that we adjourn the meeting.
Hoaglun: Mr. Mayor, second the motion.
Simison: I have a motion and a second to adjourn the meeting. All in favor signify by
saying aye. Opposed nay. The ayes have it. We are adjourned.
MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. ONE ABSENT.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 5:40 P.M.
(AUDIO RECORDING ON FILE OF THESE PROCEEDINGS)
2 / g 2021
MAYOR ROBERT E. SIMISON DATE APPROVED
ATTEST:
CHRIS JOHNSTON - CITY CLERK
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