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Meridian City Council
June 26,2007
Page 13 of 70
De Weerd: So, I need a motion.
Rountree: Madam Mayor, I move that we table Item 7-D to July 10th.
Bird: Second.
De Weerd: Okay. I have a motion and a second to continue this item to the 10th. July
10th. All those in favor say aye. All ayes. Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Item 8: FP 07-019 Request for Final Plat approval for 2 commercial building lots
on 5.51acres in a C-G zone for Gateway Marketplace Subdivision No. 1
by Landmark Development Group, LLC — SEC of Eagle Road and Ustick
Road:
Item 9: FP 07-020 Request for Final Plat approval for 16 commercial building lots
and 1 common lot on 17.348 acres in a C-G zone for Gateway
Marketplace Subdivision No. 2 by Landmark Development Group, LLC —
SEC of Eagle Road and Ustick Road:
De Weerd: Thank you, Mr. Zaremba, for catching that. Item 8 --
Zaremba: I miss the big ones, but I catch the little stuff.
De Weerd: We appreciate that. Items 8 and 9 have been requested to continue to July
10th.
Rountree: Madam Mayor, I move that we continue Items 8 and 9 until July 10th, 2007.
Bird: Second.
De Weerd: Okay. I have a motion and a second to continue eight and nine to July
10th. All those in favor say aye. All ayes. Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Item 10: Continued Public Hearing from June 5, 2007: CPA 07-003 Request to
amend the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map by adding and
amending pathway locations for the Pathways Comprehensive Plan
Amendment by the City of Meridian Parks and Recreation Department:
Meridian City Council
June 26,2007
Page 14 of 70
Item 11: Continued Public hearing from June 5, 2007: Parks Master Pathway
Plan:
De Weerd: Okay. Item 10 is a continued Public Hearing from June 5th on CPA 07-003.
And, Matt, are you doing this? Okay. I will go ahead and turn this over to you.
Ellsworth: Thank you, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. This -- this item under
consideration is an amendment to the future land use map and it pertains directly to the
proposed pathway alignments. What you see in front of you on the PowerPoint
presentation here is actually a bit more detail to that alignment than what is actually
under consideration on the future land used map, in that it distinguishes between
pathway types. As you can see, some of those segments are in red, those are on-street
routes. The ones in blue are micro pathways. Green are proposed pathways and so
forth. What is on the table for consideration is the overall alignment itself. So, as it
transfers onto the future land use map that will be the gray pathway alignment. I won't
go into anymore detail than that. Part of what we did with this -- this planning process
was working with the consultant team from Portland, Oregon. They came in and took a
look at the proposed alignment as of the most recent iteration of the future land use
map. They went out on the ground to ground truth some of those, to inventory what
was constructed, what essential links were needed to make a more usable system and
their conclusions are what you see in front of you here. This came before the Planning
and Zoning Commission back in April. They recommended approval of the network as
outlined in front of you. One additional change to staff I'd like to recommend related to
the Ten Mile specific area plan and the specific change is identified on the screen there.
The green is the new recommended alignment and this is a small deviation from what --
what is -- what was recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission. The red
dotted line is what was on the table at that time. The reason for this change is in
conversation since April, with both the irrigation district and the land owner, it was
determined that moving that irrigation facility was not an option as we initially
anticipated. So, in order to make sure that the Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area Plan
matches the pathways plan, we went ahead and switch it back. The green line that cuts
diagonally across that parcel reflects the alignment of the creek and it's still proposed to
run adjacent to the creek. So, that's the one change from the Planning and Zoning
Commission recommendation that we wanted to -- wanted to endorse and wanted to
get in front of you. And, in addition, at the Planning and Zoning Commission hearing
several residents who live in the vicinity of the Nine Mile Creek pathway as proposed,
both on the city's current future -- existing future land use map and the changes to that
network alignment that are under consideration at this time, expressed some concern
with that alignment and I see some familiar faces this evening, so I imagine they will they will express those to you. At that meeting during that discussion it was several --
several different things were discussed. Some of it's going to get more into the text of
the plan, as far as the implementation measures, the priorities and things of that nature.
I'm going to go back a couple slides. And I'm going to zoom briefly to that component,
so you can take a closer look at exactly what we are -- what we are talking about here.
Meridian City Council
June 26,2007
Page 15 of 70
De Weerd: Matt, I originally had just opened 10. 1 will also open 11 as well. It looks
like they are interrelated.
Ellsworth: They are. They are very much so. And I was hoping, anyway, to zoom in on
this specific segment of pathway, if that was at all an option, so that you could see --
and where I'm going with this is that particular segment of the Nine Mile Creek -- here
we go. There are a couple of different things going on. On the one hand it's not a
deviation at all from the current pathway alignment as shown on the adopted future land
use map. The second relevant component that's worth -- that's worth identifying is that
this is one component where the consultant actually proposes a parallel alternate route
and you can see it -- it follows this A to B connection. Here we have Ten Mile Road and
Cherry Lane and the segment in question is the green proposed pathway that runs
along Nine Mile Creek. As you can see there is also, with a micro pathway, some on-
street connections -- a parallel route and the way that that's described in the text of the
pathways plan, its kind of near term solution and a long term solution. The consultant
took a look at it on the ground, they noticed how constrained that corridor was and they
knew that it had significant property owner impacts. As a result, they proposed that in
the near term they could still create that connection and in a longer term, upon
redevelopment someplace down the line, they can come in to create that pathway along
the creek in making this link. However, it was not indicated as a top priority and that
was, essentially, a back burner component. The concern that staff iterated to the
Planning and Zoning Commission with removing that segment from the proposed
alignment is that once that line goes away, the chances of getting that pathway there
essentially go away with it. So, that was our take and the Planning and Zoning
Commission agreed with that. So, with that I may turn it over to Doug to speak briefly
about that plan document and some of the comments that were received.
Strong: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, we -- this process of -- with the
consultants of -- as Matt has already indicated, was an effort to expand our current
pathways master plan to include more language about construction of path -- what the
construction of the pathway would look that, the actual diagram for that street alignment,
signage of pathway connections, certainly to do the ground proofing that's been
discussed. But to improve the overall description of a master pathway plan. We went
through several public meetings to get input about not just alignments, but what
pathways should look like, treatments along corridors and things like that. We -- in the
initial draft of the plan, those public meetings that we held at the police department,
comments were incorporated into that plan. We later received comments from ACHD
from John Cecil, a private citizen, but also does consulting work of pathways that were
primarily editorial comments to the text, those -- this -- correcting language and
hyphenation and different things in the text. Those -- those comments were
incorporated into the -- the latest draft of the plan that we currently have and, then, there
was -- there were also some -- an additional letter from the fire department about how
the pathway needed to be constructed for emergency access and weight loads that
Meridian City Council
June 26,2007
Page 16 of 70
were necessary for emergency response along pathway corridors and there was some
discussion about the importance of that in the way that -- where pathways went and the
opportunity for connectivity to areas that otherwise wouldn't be accessible. We feel that
some of what's being suggested might be a little bit excessive for a pathway system that
would bear up to 75,000 pounds in weight. We are suggesting some alternate ways to
get connections at the half mile or quarter mile into pathway sections and things like
that.
De Weerd: If you will put bike racks on the fire path, so -- to promote a healthy lifestyle.
Strong: And I believe -- oh. And we have discussed the pathway plan and the text at
the April Parks and Recreation Commission meeting and also received public input at
that meeting, the same residents that Matt mentioned from the Nine Mile Creek area
were present at that meeting and provided comment. At the completion of the meeting
the commission recommended approval of the draft plan. So, it -- they suggested that
we bring it forward. So, that's where we are with it to date.
De Weerd: Okay. Doug, the commission, did they discuss the changes to that section
of the plan after the testimony or is that something that was a staff recommendation?
Strong: Which section?
De Weerd: That the neighbors talked about.
Rountree: Nine Mile.
Bird: Nine Mile.
De Weerd: The Nine Mile section off of Ten Mile.
Bird: Franklin and Ten Mile. Between Franklin and Ten Mile.
Strong: They did discuss that. The recommendation was to leave the plan as it is -- as
submitted by the consultant.
De Weerd: But -- and staff has since -- the alternative comes before the Commission?
Was that section discussed with the parks commission?
Strong: Yes, it was. And we did receive the same public comment from the residents of
that area that were present at the Planning and Zoning Commission meeting. As Matt
discussed, there are alternate on-street routes to provide connectivity through that area
without going down along the Nine Mile ditch or drain, whatever it is, until sometime in
the future, if that area redevelops, then, we will want it to retain that line on the map, to
retain the opportunity to put a pathway through there, if that happens somewhere down
Meridian City Council
June 26,2007
Page 17 of 70
the road -- down the road. In the consultants' plan they actually -- they had sections of
pathway that would be driven by development and paid for by development and
sections of the plan, as you might recall, that would need to be funded by city funds, if
they were to be completed. This section would be one of those sections that down the
road, if it was built, would be -- have to be built by city funds. It's in the third tier, which
is quite a few years out in priority. So, we certainly don't know how long it is, but third
tier could be 30 years down the road. In our ten year capital improvement plan we don't
have any -- any money identified for a pathway development beyond what's being put in
by developers at this point. That's the first priority for development. So, all of that was
discussed at the Commission meeting and that's why it was -- it was elected to keep it --
the line on the map and the text as it is.
De Weerd: Okay. With the red routes as well, the on-street --
Strong: Yes.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank. Council, any questions for staff at this time?
Bird: I have none, Mayor.
Rountree: I have none at this point.
De Weerd: Okay. This is a Public Hearing. Is there anyone who would like to provide
testimony on this application? You would need to come up here, please. Even
questions have to be on the public record. And if you could give us your name and
address.
Kern: Patsy Kern. K-a-r-n.
De Weerd: And your address?
Kern: 2151 North Massey Place. This on-street route that's been added, was that on
the original map?
Ellsworth: Madam Mayor, yes, it was.
Kern: It was? Well, did any of you see what we brought -- we went around to a lot of
the neighbors, the others, besides myself, who own property along Nine Mile Creek,
and I forget how many there were now. I looked for my information before I came, I
couldn't find it. Did you get a letter from us that was presented? And that was not
considered or did we waste our time or--
Meridian City Council
June 26,2007
Page 18 of 70
De Weerd: This is the public process for that consideration. The first one went in front
of the parks commission and their recommendation is now in front of City Council, along
with the plan, and all the other public documentation and that would be part of it.
Kern: So, it hasn't really changed? Nothing's changed from the original, other --
De Weerd: I guess they are suggesting an alternative to the long term and the long
term is only in the case that that area redevelops.
Kern: Okay.
De Weerd: So, that piece would be an on-street piece.
Kern: Because we do own property -- we own the property and we strongly object to it,
because it's going to infringe on our privacy, on our way of life, and that's why we did
what we did. So, I just wanted to be sure that you all knew that.
De Weerd: Okay. I guess my question is you oppose the on-street --
Kern: No, I don't have a problem with the on-street route.
De Weerd: Just the green piece?
Kern: Yeah. That it's still on there.
De Weerd: Okay. But you also understand that green piece is a section that would only
develop in the case that your properties would redevelop for a different use.
Kern: Every single property would have to redevelop before they could do that? Is that
my understanding? Okay.
Bird: Yes.
De Weerd: Thank you. Any other questions? Public testimony?
Rountree: Misunderstandings.
De Weerd: Yes. Or clarification needed. And I guess, Anna, you might explain what
that means, if a section would redevelop, it wouldn't really be a parcel by parcel type of
redevelopment, it would be more of an area redevelopment. Could you comment to
that?
Canning: Yes, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. We have done these
incrementally, but given that these are fairly small parcels that likely can't re-subdivide
Meridian City Council
June 26,2007
Page 19 of 70
or anything like that, the more likely method of achieving that green line sometime in the
future would be to acquire that easement through purchase or some other means like
that. And we were talking way in the future conceivably. So, I think that -- I can
understand why the residents feel frustrated, like they hadn't been heard, but I -- I think
that the way the planning commission felt -- I wasn't at the parks commission meeting,
but the way the planning commission felt is that there was a misunderstanding on how
and when that pathway would occur, that we wouldn't just go and pave over their
backyards, that -- without them knowing it. Waking up one day and all of a sudden
there was a pathway there. So, we've tried to explain to them the process and the
likelihood of that occurring and we felt like we had addressed their concerns and so kept
the green line on the map, if that helps to understand. But I can see how the folks felt
like they weren't heard. But we heard -- their concerns were already addressed through
the on-street pathway and any future action that the city might need to do to somehow
inquire that incremental or -- incremental acquisition of those easements for the
pathway or some larger effort on the part of the city to acquire the whole pathway.
De Weerd: Sometimes I wonder if that was really English or not, so --
Nary: It would appear not.
Kern: When you say purchase the property --
De Weerd: If you would just restate your name.
Kern: Patsy Kern. K-e-r-n. 2151 North Maxie Place. When you say purchase the
property, I thought you had said it had to be redeveloped, that you wouldn't come in and
try to purchase that area if it wasn't. Was that what you just said?
De Weerd: I think at redevelopment it would be a series of things that -- it wouldn't be
any easy path and that's probably why they are suggesting the one road alternative, so
that a connection can happen that's realistic. That line is on the map in case in the
future is ever realistic and actually ZOA-able.
Kern: Well, I just heard purchase easement and I just had questions that's why I was
questioning her.
De Weerd: Well --
Kern: That's what she said; right?
De Weerd: It would have to be purchased.
Kern: But I thought it wouldn't be done unless the area was redeveloped. So, these are
two different things.
Meridian City Council
June 26,2007
Page 20 of 70
Zaremba: Madam Mayor, that's not contradictory. The point is if it ever happens during
a redevelopment the city would have to purchase that easement.
Kern: Oh. Okay.
Zaremba: They are not going to come to you -- we are not going to come to you and
condemn that piece of property or force you to give up --
Kern: Well, you never know. That's what I wanted to --
Zaremba: That's happened some places.
Kern: That's why I wanted to clarify. But I heard her say that.
Zaremba: But we have heard your concern and we are not -- and I believe I did see the
original letter at some point.
Kern: Okay.
Rountree: Yeah. It's inhere somewhere.
Zaremba: If I recall, it was in the form of a petition.
Kern: Okay. Okay.
Zaremba: But those are not contradictory. What was being described, yes, we would
have to buy the easement, but we are not going to do that forcefully.
Kern: Okay.
Zaremba: It would happen in the process of you all getting together and having
somebody redevelop your properties.
Kern: Okay. Thank you.
De Weerd: Anything further, Council or staff?
Rountree: Well, I think there is probably another explanation, because I'm now
confused. It seems to me that at some point in time, if this is a preferred alignment for
the ultimate, that the city could, if they showed a need, acquire that right of way or an
easement and put a path in there. So, the question for the homeowners is, is it going to
happen or is it not? I guess my answer to them is given Meridian's budget situation,
given our lack of park space and other needs in the city, I don't suspect most of us in
Meridian City Council
June 26,2007
Page 21 of 70
the room will ever see that happen. That's the reality of it. If it -- if it stays in the plan,
it's for some future consideration. So, the question is does it stay in the plan as a color
or does it stay in the plan as a note that at some point in time the city may want to
consider -- and, quite frankly, the residents, whoever lived there in the future, might
want the city to accept the liability along the canal or the drain way and the situation
that's there and let the city deal with the irrigation district, as opposed to the individual
homeowners. But that's -- that's way, way, way in the future. So, it seems to me that
maybe clarification in the plan is such that the green line is an asterisk that -- like to, but
not likely. Or not -- would make sense if it were possible, but it's not possible. I mean I
understand the concern that we could have a future council at some point in time that
said i want to finish the pathways and, by golly, we are going to do it and if they can
show a need, we -- the city has the ability to acquire the right of way. We haven't done
that ever that I know of, but --
Nary: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Nary.
Nary: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, I mean Councilmember Rountree
mean has raised a valid point, but certainly any city council in the future could do the
same thing.
Rountree: Sure.
Nary: I mean they can amend the plan, I mean they can do the same thing. I guess
what the Council could consider is -- at least in this particular pathway -- and that may
open the door to other people requesting similar accommodation, but instead of just
making a note -- I mean make it -- leaving that line there, but you can certainly change
the way that line looks, whether your cross-hatch it, change the color, whatever you
want to do, to make it clear that that is -- that is the intention today. That it is only to --
you know, a potential redevelopment in the future or something like that, so that it's
clear that right now that the intent of this Council in imposing this plan is exactly that, it's
not intended to be done unless redevelopment occurs, it's not going to be done unless
purchased in the future by the city, or whatever notation you wanted to make. But,
again, I think the intent of the discussion from both parks department and the
Commission and the staff, has been simply the opportunity would -- would be less likely
if we don't preserve that today, but you can preserve that complexion of what your
intentions are on that with the line and still give at least some assurance to the current
property owners as to what that is. You know, as you stated, I mean certainly anyone in
the future -- any Council up here in the future can change it anyway. There is a process
to do it, just like this process has occurred, but that might be a way to at least make
sure -- give them some assurance that at least for the time being it's not going to
change significantly and not going to impact them without some other event occurring.
Meridian City Council
June 26.2007
Page 22 of 70
Zaremba: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Zaremba.
Zaremba: Just as a suggestion, I wonder if it might help -- in those portions where we
do have an alternate, that what's going to be established for now is on roadway pathway
that doesn't follow the green line. I agree with the idea of keeping the marker there, so
to speak, but what if we showed the green portion as a green dotted line, that we do
have an alternative route, this was just being preserved for the future. Still have it be
the green line, so that it shows continuous all over the map, but that portion where there
is an alternate, where we don't intend to do it first, just have that dotted line. Not a solid
line, a dotted line.
Strong: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, I just wanted to add one other note
that I didn't mention before. This particular drain goes along the eastern side of
Chateau Park. One of the elements that the consultant that was working with us, as we
talked about connectivity through the community, is providing connections to parks, to
schools, of off-street pathways. That's kind of the reason that we have hung onto it,
because there is alternate ways to provide that connection now, this was not put as a
very high priority, which you have already discussed. But that's the reasons that the line
persists there. The property owners along this canal own to the center of the canal. It's
their property, it's not -- it would actually have to be purchased property, it's not a
possible easement. And to provide the pathway width -- and this is what we discussed
in the meetings -- that would be necessary for a pathway, it would take out some
people's backyard and in some cases the corner of their house. So, the width is not
adequate along the ditch to provide a pathway at this point until such time that the -- in
some cases the property would have to be acquired or a redevelopment opportunity
would present itself to actually make a pathway feasible. So, we recognize that from
the point. But to stay with the intent of the plan to provide connectivity, this became an
important corridor to maintain some kind of line on the map, whether it's a dotted line or
whatever, that -- I think those are all certainly possibilities to designate it, but it was a
design element of the consultants that we were working with, so -- don't know if that
made it clear or muddier, but --
Rountree: Well, I guess you helped me a little bit more, because this subdivision does
predate the requirement to not calculate the lot square footage with the easement. So,
if the easement's included in the lot square footage, anything we might do, if we were
inclined to do it, would, then, cause some zoning issues. So, I guess I'm not sure that
either now or in the future that's something that the city is going to entertain.
Strong: That information was provided through testimony by the residents that they own
to the center of the ditch.
Meridian City Council
June 26,2007
Page 23 of 70
De Weerd: I guess it makes it even less feasible to even think it would happen, unless
that land redeveloped. I mean I can't see it any other way.
Rountree: Yeah. So, whether it's a hatched line to give better comfort to the neighbors
to know that that is a special consideration area, but to leave it as a notation that that
connection at some point, if it redevelops, is an important connection.
Canning: Madam Mayor. Councilmember Rountree, thank you for apparently speaking
in English what I was trying to articulate earlier.
Rountree: Really?
Canning: I did want to explain one thing about the way that the parks department plan
is structured. It's -- we are really excited about this, because every segment of pathway
has a description about where the pathway should be. Is it on the north side, is it on the
south side or east or west, depending on the one. So, although a dotted line would
certainly be an option, all of this discussion could be included just in the text with regard
to that -- that segment of pathway to -- you know, Mr. Strong could add the discussion
about there was concern expressed by the neighbors and Council decided this would
likely happen upon redevelopment of the property or whatever Council desires. There
is a whole section of text specifically for that segment and that's where it talks about on-
street alternate path, because of these constraints. So, I think there is an opportunity to
use the text there, rather than trying to perhaps confuse it with the map.
De Weerd: I don't know, Anna. I think we have learned lately that text and map need to
mesh each other and, you know, the more closer our maps can be and -- to tell the
city's story and to show the value of a situation that's important.
Borton: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Uh-huh.
Borton: This might simplify it back to where we started. My sense, after hearing all the
comment and testimony, is just to leave the green line at it is, not given to these
gradients and patches and dots and by creating a hatch here you indirectly increase our
focus on the non-hatched areas and -- I think your comments with regard to a text
explanation isn't necessarily unique just to this particular stretch, but to the extent the
city has a concern in any pathway development over private property right easement
issues, pathway location, et cetera, while it specifically applies to this portion of the plan
that we are discussing, it really applies to the city's decision making on any component
of the pathway plan throughout the city. It might be acutely of interest to these property
owners, so your text discussion makes sense, because the roll of the Council years
later that won't be any of us, in making those decisions, will utilize those parameters
regardless of where the pathways are, whether it's this particular one or otherwise. So,
Meridian City Council
June 26,2007
Page 24 of 70
I'm comfortable leaving it green. From my perspective, I think -- I don't know if the
Council could articulate any clearer and express as we sit here today that there is a very
little likelihood that we see of this particular stretch being developed, but there is nothing
we can do to any map, color, dot, dash, that would preclude it from happening in the
future, other than our ability to express it's not likely.
De Weerd: I usually always agree with you, but I'm a visual person and I'm going to
look at a map. I'm not going to read text. And if we can make our map compatible with
the text, that would be what I advocate and certainly I don't have a vote, so you guys
can do what you want, but most people are going to look at the map and if we can be
clear in our comments, that would be more -- I know you're an attorney and like to read,
but --
Nary: Careful.
De Weerd: Don't you like to read? Any other comments?
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Yes, Mr. Bird,
Bird: I have to agree with you on the -- I think it's very important to have the text match
up with the map, but I, too, am one that the first thing -- and we -- in the ten years I have
sat here, we -- every time we have got ourselves in trouble is because we haven't had
enough on the map. I think you're a hundred percent right, I think people look at the
map and don't read the text most of the time, so I think we need to match up, but I
believe it's got to be put on the map.
De Weerd: Thank you. Anything else, Council?
Bird: Mark that down.
Canning: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: It's a banner day. Anna.
Canning: I don't understand what -- what we are doing.
De Weerd: We are talking about dots.
Canning: Yes, but what will the legends say for the dotted line. I mean it's still the
preferred pathway location; correct? Correct?
De Weerd: I would say a preferred alignment if redevelopment occurs.
Meridian City Council
June 26,2007
Page 25 of 70
Canning: Okay.
De Weerd: I think --
Zaremba: Preferred future alignment.
De Weerd: Yeah.
Rountree: Or something quite as simple as refer to text and in the text there is an
explanation of what the intent is, because we haven't had that on some maps, some
folks have been upset that the text told a very different story than what the zoning map
said. So, refer to text and a good explanation in the text that it's the intent of the plan
not to move forward with that preferred alignment unless there is a redevelopment of
that parcel of-- those parcels of properties.
Canning: Madam Mayor, 1 guess I would suggest, then, that the dotted line legend be
that proposed alignment upon redevelopment of such -- of property and, then, that we
have an overall note that states: Please see text for all line segments, because there is
quite a bit of text for each line segment.
Rountree: That's a good point.
Canning: The only other question I had is this does -- now, this is the -- the planning
department on the land use map is taking the simplified version of the colored map you
see before you. Do you want that dotted line to transfer over to the land use map as
well? Assuming that there will be a motion on this at some point. I'm sorry, I'm ahead
of you, but --
Rountree: Madam Mayor, in response to that comment, if I might, if the planning
department is going to utilize that map to provide information to the public, then, they
should be aware of what the intent is, because they will just simply refer to the map and
if it's green and everything else is green, they will say it's green, and they will not have
referred to the text. So, the intent would not be necessarily given to the public. And I'm
thinking of a future staff. We have a fairly current situation.
Canning: Do we have to bring that up?
De Weerd: We just know you're dealing with a situation not created by you.
Canning: Yes.
De Weerd: And this could be the same type of scenario.
Mendian City Council
June 26,2007
Page 26 of 70
Canning: Yes. And that begs a second question. So, I wasn't -- and if-- pardon me for
getting into this conversation, but do you even want us to put it on the land use map or
would you rather us just refer to the pathways plan for the more detailed information?
Rountree: That would be better.
Bird: It would be better than the other way. Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Yes, Mr. Bird.
Bird: Anna, I think it would be better to be on the land use map also and I'm strongly in
favor, you know, of having a note there that refers to your text and I have a text that the
layman can read and it doesn't take a Philadelphia lawyer.
De Weerd: Any other comments from the Council? Okay. Is there any additional
testimony from our citizens? Okay. Council, seeing no further questions or further
testimony, I would entertain a motion to close the Public Hearing, if you so choose.
Rountree: Madam Mayor, I move that we close the public hearings on Items 10 and 11.
Bird: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to close the public hearings on Item 10 and
11 . All those in favor say aye. All ayes. Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
De Weerd: Okay. Discussion on Item 10.
Rountree: Madam Mayor, I would suggest that we might consider these yet again once
we see the staffs recommended approach to our dialogue up here, whether it's a dotted
line or a text amendment or both and, then, take action on that plans, if -- unless that
causes some grief timing-wise.
De Weerd: I think the grief would be caused by leaving it up to them. I believe that they
would like specific guidelines on a dotted line and the text or one or the other.
Canning: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Yes.
Canning: We can come up with a few different options for Council and Mayor to
consider and provide you like a one graphic only, one graphic and text, one text only,
and have those options for you in a couple weeks, if you'd prefer that.
Meridian City Council
June 26,2007
Page 27 of 70
Bird: Yeah. We have got to keep it open.
De Weerd: Well, then, I would suggest that we reopen the Public Hearing, so that can
be entered as part of these items and ask for a continuation. And just for those who are
trying to follow this discussion, we agree with your concerns and we are just trying to
see how best to reflect that on the map and in the text and if it needs to be in more than
one place. So, that is, I guess, in a nutshell, what we are trying to decide up here.
Council will be bringing -- or staff will be bringing back a recommendation for Council's
consideration, so they know what it will look like and what it will read like, as will you.
And, Anna, what is the time frame that --
Canning: Madam Mayor, three weeks.
De Weerd: In three weeks? So, on the 17th. Okay. So, Council, what I would need is
a motion to --
Rountree: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Yes.
Rountree: I move that we reopen the public hearings on Item 9 and 10, take comments
from staff as it relates to the Nine Mile section, and continuing the hearing until the 17th
of July.
De Weerd: How about ten and eleven.
Rountree: Ten and eleven. Excuse me.
De Weerd: Okay.
Bird: Second.
De Weerd: Okay. I have a motion and a second to reopen the two public hearings for
ten and eleven and continue those to July 17th. All those in favor say aye. All ayes.
Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Item 12: Public Hearing: PFP 07-001 Request for a Preliminary / Final Plat
approval to subdivide Lot 13, Block 3 of Vallin Courts Subdivision to create
two (2) new lots for Benewah by Walker Homes, Inc. — 2673 North
Ridgebury Avenue:
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Meridian City Council
June 5,2007
Page 40 of 84
Roll-Call: Bird, yea; Rountree, absent; Zaremba, nay; Borton, yea.
MOTION CARRIED: TWO AYES. ONE NAY. ONE ABSENT.
De Weerd: Okay. Item 18 for A CUP is immaterial, but we still need a motion.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Yes, Mr. Bird.
Bird: I move we deny CUP 07-005.
Borton: Second.
De Weerd: Okay. I have a motion and a second to deny Item 18. Mr. Berg, will you
call roll.
Roll-Call: Bird, yea; Rountree, absent; Zaremba, nay; Borton, yea.
MOTION CARRIED: TWO AYES. ONE NAY. ONE ABSENT.
Item 19: Public Hearing: CPA 07-003 Request to amend the Comprehensive
Plan Future Land Use Map by adding and amending pathway locations for
the Pathways Comprehensive Plan Amendment by the City of Meridian
Parks and Recreation Department:
Item 20: Public hearing: Parks Master Pathway Plan:
De Weerd: Okay. Items 19 and 20 are public hearings on CPA 07-003, Public Hearing
for the pathway's Comprehensive Plan amendment. I will open this Public Hearing with
a statement that it has been requested that this be continued to June 26th. And I will
also open the Public Hearing Item 20 for the parks master plan for the pathway and ask
for a motion.
Zaremba: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Zaremba.
Zaremba: I move that we continue the public hearings on Items 19 and 20 to our
regularly scheduled meeting of June 26, 2007.
Borton: Second.
De Weerd: Okay. I have a motion and a second to continue Items 19 and 20 to June
26. All those in favor say aye.
Meridian City Council
June 5,2007
Page 41 of 84
MOTION CARRIED: THREE AYES. ONE ABSENT.
Item 21: Public Hearing: VAR 07-009 Request for a Variance for location of the
subdivision identification sign away from the subdivision entrance for
Strada Bellissima Business Park by Strada Commercial, LLC —
Northwest Corner of South Meridian Road and West Victory Road:
De Weerd: Okay. Item 21 is a Public Hearing on VAR 07-009. 1 will open this Public
Hearing with staff comments.
Canning: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, this is the Strada Bellissima project.
It is located at the northwest corner of Meridian and Victory. The application before you
tonight is for a variance. The variance is in their request to locate the subdivision sign
at the corner of Meridian and Victory, rather than at the subdivision entrance. The
entrance is shown a ways back from the intersection and they are asking for the
subdivision sign to be located at the intersection. The code is fairly clear on where that
subdivision entrance sign needs to be and, therefore, the need for the variance. The
applicant actually worded the request best, so I'm going to read that as the proposal. It
says the main departure from the signage as delineated in the ordinance is that fact that
we intend to move the allowed subdivision identification sign away from the entrance at
Victory Road, which will be obscured from view due to the curvature of the road and the
location of the future building. So, they'd like to move it closer to Kuna-Meridian Road.
The entrance is moved further away from the road for public safety, but due to the road
curvature and building design, that location doesn't function well for a sign location.
That's it in a nutshell. Here is the proposed sign structure. There are two entrances to
the business park. One is -- both serve as entrances into the subdivision as a whole.
The offices are located along the two arterial streets and, then, you come in and you will
see the house lots there. These are some site photos. So, this is the view of Meridian
Road and Victory Road intersection from the subdivision entrance off of Victory. So,
there is the intersection where the lights are. Staff did recommend denial. We were not
able to make the required finding that the variance would not grant a special right or
privilege. Some of those -- the staff report states that some of those conditions are self
imposed. The main one being the location of the building. But the curvature of the road
and the hill are not. But the location of the building, as stated by the applicant, is kind of
their own -- it is within their power to change it, so -- with that I'll answer any questions.
De Weerd: Thank you, Anna. Any questions for staff at this time?
Bird: Not at this time.
De Weerd: Okay. Is the applicant here? If you will, please, state your name for the
record.
Crawford: Michael Crawford, representing Pinnacle Engineers and Strada Commercial,
LLC. Madam Mayor and Council, thank you for your time this evening.
CITY OF MERIDIAN
CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC HEARING SIGN-UP SHEET
DATE June 26, 2007 ITEM #
PROJECT NUMBER Parks
PROJECT NAME Master Pathway Plan
PLEASE PRINT NAME FOR AGAINST NEUTRAL
Page 1 of 1
Sharon Smith
From: Doug Strong
Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2007 10:26 AM
To: Sharon Smith
Subject: FW: Meridian Pathways Master Plan draft
From: Virginia Morgan [mailto:virginia@altaplanning.com]
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2006 1:50 PM
To: Doug Strong; Matthew Ellsworth
Subject: Meridian Pathways Master Plan draft
Hi Doug and Matt-
A PDF file of the revised draft Meridian Pathway Master Plan is on Alta's ftp site for download at the
following link:
ftp:/Imeridian:pathways@ftp.altaplanning.com
Please let me know if you have trouble accessing the files or need anything else. Thanks!
-Virginia
Virginia Morgan
Alta Planning + Design
1638 NE Davis Street
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 230-9862
virginia@altaplonning.com
5/31/2007
Executive Summary
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City of Meridian Pathways Master Plan envisions the development of a pathway system that identifies a core system of pathways
based on the existing canal system within the City of Meridian.This core system of pathways is enhanced by the developer-
implemented pathways that will provide connections to and through many residential areas while creating a larger citywide loop.This
system of pathways gives community members a wide variety of pathway options throughout the city and to other parts of the
metropolitan region.
The recommended pathway network proudly echoes the agrarian history of Meridian and the entire Treasure Valley. It reflects the
desire of Meridian's leaders to leave future generations with a pathway system that provides more than just a transportation option.
Furtt-emnore,the pathway system is intended to complement and enhance efforts to:
• Enhance residents'appreciation of the agrarian history of Meridian and the importance of the canal system to the Treasure
Valley.
• Promote and offer healthy recreation,transportation,and community-gathering options.
• Improve community safety.
• Boost regional economic growth.
• Discover and appreciate the Treasure Valley's rich beauty,both now and into the future.
A high-quality trail system is a marker of a community where it is pleasant to live,work,and play.Successful implementation of the
Meridian Pathways Master Plan will provide numerous aesthetic and recreational opportunities to and from destinations in Meridian.
Seven goals were established for a comprehensive Meridian pathways system.Those goals are:
• Goal 1 Providing Recreation Opportunities-The primary goal of the City's pathways network is to provide a connected
system of pathways providing residents with the option for passive recreational opportunities not typically supplied by parks
and facilities,such as jogging,walking,and bicycling.
• Goal 2 Pathway Development and Regional Connections-Provide a pathway system through the city to seamlessly
connect regionally significant pathways with local pathways and ensure that new development and subdivisions connect to
this system.Establish and enhance regional pathway connections to the adjacent communities of Eagle,Nampa.Boise,
and Kuna.
• Goal 3:Access-Develop a pathway system for people of all abilities:pedestrians,bicyclists,and other non-motorized
pathway users.Link to a complementary system of on-road bicycle and pedestrian routes to provide connections between
city facilities where no pathway corridor exists.
• Goal 4:Community Linkages-Link pathways to residential neighborhoods,community facilities like the library and city hall,
parks,schools,athletic facilities,swimming pools;historic districts,the downtown,as well as other commercial and retail
activity centers in Meridian.
Meridian Pathways Master Plan
• Goal 5:Amenities-Locate trailheads at or in conjunction with park sites,schools,and other community facilities to increase
local access to the pathway system and reduce duplication of supporting improvements.Furnish pathway systems with
trailhead improvements that include interpretive and directional signage systems.benches,drinking fountains,rest ooms.
parking and staging areas,and other services.
• Goal 6:Maintenance and Emergency Access-Develop pathway design and development standards that are easy to
maintain and access by maintenance,security,and emergency vehicles
• Goal 7:Preservation-Preserve existing public rights-of-way and other easements for future pathways and accessways,
particulary poweriine and utility condors.
The City of Meridian has nearly 12 miles of existing pathway,however,all the pathways within the City of Meridian are discontinuous,
making it more drfltcuIt fcr residents to utilize and access the full pathway system.Many of the existing parks have intemal park
circulation pathways that are or will be connected to the larger pathway network,providing excellent destinations and resting points
along the pathway network.Along with a limited existing pathways system,other opportunities and challenges that Meridian faces
include:
• Population growth-The population of Meridian has increased significantly over the past 15 years.The City of Meridian is
the fastest growing city in the fastest growing county in Idaho since 1994,with the population nearly tripling between 1990
and 2000.
• Demographics—Because children and many elderly people cannot drive,they are largely dependent on themselves and
others to transport them.In 2000,nearly thirty percent(27.3%)of the population of Meridian consisted of children under the
age of 17,with 11%of those being under the age of 5.An additional 6.4%of the population consists of people over the age
of 65
• Development—In many cities,population growth can be a constraint to pathway development as larger parcels of land n
the community are subdivided for new housing. However,developers and planners in Meridian have done a very good job
of following the 2003 plan and making sure that pathway connections are being made.This plar builds on those efforts.
• Pathway Types—Meridian currently has two basic types of pathways that provide two very different user experiences,
1. A separated,off-street corridor with a dedicated pathway right-of-way.The Bud Porter Pathway,as well
as several segments of pathway that have been built by developers that parallel a canal,best
represents this pathway type.
2. A wide(10-12 feet)side path that parallels the road.The pathway is separated from the road with a
curb and planting strip,like a sidewalk.This type of pathway is typical in the newer residential
developments.
• Desirable Destinations—There are many opportunities to make trail connections to and through existing parks and open
spaces in Meridian.The schools and residential areas In Meridian also provide a wonderful opportunity for enhancing the
pathway system.
• Available corridors—Meridian has several natural corridors along canals that provide an opportunity for traii,greenway,and
open space development.The canals also provide opportunities for stream condor preservation Meridian also has both a
utility and railroad corridor that connect a number of schools,parks,and neighborhoods throughout the city.
2
Executive Summary
The Design Guidelines expands on the plan concept for the pathway system.Canal pathways form the spine of the Meridian
pathways system and generally have their own right-of-way.The requirements for the various canal pathways depend on the
classification of the adjacent waterway;with canals and laterals requiring more separation than drainageways. Both types are paved,
shared facilities 10'wide:with 2'wide shoulders.Residential pathways are also 10'wide:but are typically located within the road right-
of-way and parallel the adjacent road.The residential pathways are separated from the road by a 6'+wide planter strip.In addition to
the two major types of pathways,some on-street connections were identified as urban pathways,where a sidewalk and bike lane(if
appropriate based on traffic volumes/speeds)are provided as a key connector.
The Design Guidelines also provides information regarding other important considerations such as:
• Pathway—roadway crossings—Like most pathways built in urban areas,Meridian's pathways must cross roadways at
certain points Designing safe at-grade crossings is a key to safe implementation of this Pathways Plan The proposed
intersection approach in this plan is based on established standards,published technical reports,and the experiences from
existing facilities Virtually all crossings fit into one of four basic categories:Type 1 UnprotectedUarked,Type 2 Route users
to existing intersections,Type 3 Sig nalizedJControlled,Type 4 Grade-separated
• Signing and markings—Crossing features for all roadways include warning signs for both vehicles and trail users.Signage
should be highly visible to catch the attention of motorists accustomed to roadway signs.Directional signage may be useful
for pathway users and motorists alike.
• Pathway amenities—In orderforthe Meridian pathways system to be a successful communo amenity,the pathways
should appeal to a wide variety of users.To achieve this,the pathways should be designed to provide a high level of user
conveniences.Recommended pathway amenities include:beeches,bike racks,milepost markers,garbage cans,
information kiosks,directional signage,and other amenities appropriate to the pathway location,
As noted earlier,pathway development in the City of Meridian has occurred in primarily one of two ways:
1) The City secures funding and constructs the pathway,ag the Bud Porter Pathway
2) As development occurs;the developer builds the portion of the pathway system that connects through their
development
All proposed pathway segments were evaluated to determine the most likely responsible party for implementing a particular pathway
segment.Through this process,the pathway projects were separated into the three categories described below:
• City of Meridian(Gap Closure)-The City of Meridian will be responsible for closing the gaps within the existing pathway
system in the built out portions of the city where new development(or redevelopment)is unlikely to occur for some time.
These projects were prioritized based on the following selection criteria:
o Connectivity:To what degree does this alternative fill in a missing gap in the pathway system?
c User Generator.To what degree will the akemative likely generate significant usage based on population,
coridor aesthetics,etc?
c Regional Benefits To what degree does the alternative offer potential benefits to the wider,regional
community by creating opportunities for increased connectivity,parks,view points,etc?
4
3 G''O
Meridian Pathways Master Plan
c Overcomes Bamer.How well does the aftemabve overcome a barrier in the current network?
o Land Uses:How many user generators does the ahemative connect to within'/4-1 J2 miles of the project:
such as schools,parks;transit centers,employment and commercal districts,etc?
o Ease of Implementation:How difficult will it be to implement this project?This criterion takes into account
topographical,environmental,political,and economic constraints
• Developer Pathways-The most common way that pathway development has occurred in Meridian recently is through new
residential and commercial development.This has accounted for a great deal of pathway being added to the city over the
last couple of years,and�should continue as the driving force for the implementation of the majority of new miles of
pathway within the City of Meridian.The pathways identified in this category have not been ranked according to any
selection criteria;as the process for selection and implementation will be the responsibility of the private developers working
within the City.
• Major Works-The third class of projects identified above is the Major Works,which include the Treasure Valley Rail-with-
Traii and the identification and constriction of a separated bicycle and pedestrian bridge over 1-84.These two projects will
require multi jurisdictional cooperation,and will be largely driven by the available funding for studies and implementation.
Through the above process,the Meridian pathway system outlined in this master plan was developed.A built out pathway system will
be a network of over 80 miles of paved;shared use pathways suitable for bicyclists.joggers,In-ilne skaters.walkers and other non-
motorized users.
Funding strategies outlines a variety of potential funding sources available to construct the proposed pathway improvements,these
include federal,state,regional,local,and private funding programs.Most funding programs are competitive,and involve the
completion of extensive applications with clear documentation of the project need,costs,and benefits.Local funding for these projects
would typically come from the City of Meridian,Ada County,or potential future bond or other local revenues.The primary Federal
funding source is the U.S.Department of Transportation(USDOT),through the Safe,Accountable,Flexible,and Efficient
Transportation Equity Act(SAFETEA).Private funding may be found through foundations,advocacy organizations and businesses.
Pathway management and maintenance are important factors in pathway success.The psychological effects of good maintenance
can be a highly effective deterrent to vandalism and littering.When new pathways are implemented,the managing agency effectively
becomes a new neighbor to adjacent landowners located along the pathway corridor.As a neighbor to the various residential
communities the pathway passes through,the managing agency has an ongoing relationship with those neighbors and the state of
maintenance along the pathway is a significant factor in the success or failure of that relationship The most effective and most visib4e
deterrent to illegal activity in a pathway corridor will be the presence of legitimate users.Other components of effective community
involvement include:providing good access to the pathway,providing good visibility from adjacent neighbors,high level of
maintenance,hosting programmed events,hosting community projects,providing an infrastructure for public safety such as lights and
call boxes,and trail programs such as adopt-a-pathway.
The Meridian Pathways Master Ran provides a blueprint for creating a world-class pathway system in Meridian,serving the
recreational and commuter needs of this fast growing community.Once achieved,this plan will improve residents health,enhance the
quality of life,help improve and protect the Citys vital natural resources.and be a source of pride forthe community,
' 4
CITY OF MERIDIAN
CITY COUNCIL
PUBLIC HEARING SIGN-UP SHEET
DATE July 17, 2007 ITEM # 10
PROJECT NUMBER
PROJECT NAME Parks Master Pathway Plan
PLEASE PRINT NAME FOR AGAINST NEUTRAL
RECEIVED
JUL 17 2007
City of Meridian
June 1, 2007
MERIDIAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING June 5, 2007
APPLICANT ITEM NO. 20
REQUEST Public Hearing -- Parks Master Pathway Plan
AGENCY COMMENTS
CITY CLERK: See affached
CITY ENGINEER:
CITY PLANNING DIRECTOR:
CITY ATTORNEY
CITY POLICE DEPT:
CITY FIRE DEPT: /
CITY BUILDING DEPT:
CITY WATER DEPT:
CITY SEWER DEPT: f
CITY PARKS DEPT: I
MERIDIAN SCHOOL. DISTRICT:
ADA COUNTY HIGHWAY DISTRICT:
SANITARY SERVICE COMPANY
CENTRAL DISTRICT HEALTH:
NAMPA MERIDIAN IRRIGATION:
SETTLERS IRRIGATION:
IDAHO POWER:
US WEST:
INTERMOUNTAIN GAS:
MERIDIAN POST OFFICE:
OTHER:
Contacted: Date: Phone:
Emailed: Staff Initials:
Materbis presented at public meelinps shail become property of the City of Meridian.
Page 1 of 1
Tara Green
From: Sharon Smith
Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2007 3:44 PM
To: Tara Green
Subject: FW: Meridian Pathways Master Plan draft
From: Doug Strong
Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2007 10:26 AM
To: Sharon Smith
Subject: FW: Meridian Pathways Master Plan draft
From: Virginia Morgan {mailto:virginia@altaplanning.com)
Sent: Friday, December 15, 2006 1:50 PM
To: Doug Strong; Matthew Ellsworth
Subject: Meridian Pathways Master Plan draft
Hl Doug and Matt-
A PDF file of the revised draft Meridian Pathway Master Plan is on Alto's ftp site for download at the
following link:
ftp://meridian:pathways@ftp.altaplanning.com
Please let me know if you have trouble accessing the files or need anything else. Thanks!
-Virginia
Virginia Morgan
Alta Planning+ Design
1638 NE Davis Street
Portland, OR 97232
(503) 230-9862
virginio@altaplanning.com
6/1/2007