The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2025-07-29 City Council Special Meeting City Council Regular Meeting City Council Chambers, 33 East Broadway Avenue Meridian, Idaho Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 6:00 PM Minutes ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE PRESENT Councilman Doug Taylor Councilman John Overton Councilwoman Anne Little Roberts Councilman Brian Whitlock Councilwoman Liz Strader Councilman Luke Cavener Mayor Robert E. Simison PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE COMMUNITY INVOCATION ADOPTION OF AGENDA Adopted PUBLIC FORUM – Future Meeting Topics ACTION ITEMS 1. Public Hearing regarding Potential Ballot Question Concerning a Levy to Provide Funding for Firefighters, Police Officers, and a Prosecution Unit Levy Information: https://meridiancity.org/publicsafetylevy RESOLUTIONS \[Action Item\] 2. Resolution No. 25-2528: A Resolution Calling a Levy Election to be Held on November 4, 2025 Pursuant to Idaho Code Section 63-802(1)(g); Designating the County Clerk of Ada County as the Administrator of the Election; Approving the Form of Ballot; Approving the Form of Notice of Levy Election; Directing the City Clerk to Convey the Form of Ballot and Form of Notice of Levy Election to the County Clerk of Ada County; Designating the Ada County Board of Commissioners as the Canvassing Board; and Providing an Effective Date Approved Motion to approve made by Councilman Cavener, Seconded by Councilman Overton. Voting Yea: Councilman Taylor, Councilman Overton, Councilwoman Little Roberts, Councilman Whitlock, Councilwoman Strader, Councilman Cavener 3. Resolution No. 25-2530: A Resolution Concerning a Levy Measure to be Considered by the Voters Pursuant to Idaho Code Section 63-802(1)(g); Requiring the Revenue from the Levy Measure to be Budgeted for Specific Purposes; and Providing an Effective Date Approved Motion to approve made by Councilman Cavener, Seconded by Councilman Overton. Voting Yea: Councilman Taylor, Councilman Overton, Councilwoman Little Roberts, Councilman Whitlock, Councilwoman Strader, Councilman Cavener DEPARTMENT/COMMISSION REPORTS 4. Approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 Amended Revenues and Expenditures in the Amount of $264,009,345 Approved Motion to approve made by Councilman Cavener, Seconded by Councilwoman Strader. Voting Yea: Councilman Taylor, Councilman Overton, Councilwoman Little Roberts, Councilman Whitlock, Councilwoman Strader, Councilman Cavener 5. Tentative Approval of Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Revenues and Expenditures in the Amount of $264,498,131 Approved Motion to approve made by Councilman Cavener, Seconded by Councilwoman Strader. Voting Yea: Councilman Taylor, Councilman Overton, Councilwoman Little Roberts, Councilman Whitlock, Councilwoman Strader, Councilman Cavener 6. Declaring the Intent to Collect Forgone Property Taxed for Fiscal Year 2026 in the amount of $538,722 Vacated FUTURE MEETING TOPICS EXECUTIVE SESSION \[Action Item\] 7. Per Idaho Code 74-206(1)(f): To communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. Motion to enter executive session made by Councilman Cavener, Seconded by Councilwoman Strader. Voting Yea: Councilman Taylor, Councilman Overton, Councilwoman Little Roberts, Councilman Whitlock, Councilwoman Strader, Councilman Cavener Into session: 6:57 PM Out of session: 7:12 PM ADJOURNMENT 7:12 PM City Council Regular Meeting City Council Chambers, 33 East Broadway Avenue Meridian, Idaho Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 6:00 PM Minutes ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE PRESENT Councilman Doug Taylor Councilman John Overton Councilwoman Anne Little Roberts Councilman Brian Whitlock Councilwoman Liz Strader Councilman Luke Cavener Mayor Robert E. Simison PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE COMMUNITY INVOCATION ADOPTION OF AGENDA Adopted PUBLIC FORUM – Future Meeting Topics ACTION ITEMS 1. Public Hearing regarding Potential Ballot Question Concerning a Levy to Provide Funding for Firefighters, Police Officers, and a Prosecution Unit Levy Information: https://meridiancity.org/publicsafetylevy RESOLUTIONS \[Action Item\] 2. Resolution No. 25-2528: A Resolution Calling a Levy Election to be Held on November 4, 2025 Pursuant to Idaho Code Section 63-802(1)(g); Designating the County Clerk of Ada County as the Administrator of the Election; Approving the Form of Ballot; Approving the Form of Notice of Levy Election; Directing the City Clerk to Convey the Form of Ballot and Form of Notice of Levy Election to the County Clerk of Ada County; Designating the Ada County Board of Commissioners as the Canvassing Board; and Providing an Effective Date Approved Motion to approve made by Councilman Cavener, Seconded by Councilman Overton. Voting Yea: Councilman Taylor, Councilman Overton, Councilwoman Little Roberts, Councilman Whitlock, Councilwoman Strader, Councilman Cavener 3. Resolution No. 25-2530: A Resolution Concerning a Levy Measure to be Considered by the Voters Pursuant to Idaho Code Section 63-802(1)(g); Requiring the Revenue from the Levy Measure to be Budgeted for Specific Purposes; and Providing an Effective Date Approved Motion to approve made by Councilman Cavener, Seconded by Councilman Overton. Voting Yea: Councilman Taylor, Councilman Overton, Councilwoman Little Roberts, Councilman Whitlock, Councilwoman Strader, Councilman Cavener DEPARTMENT/COMMISSION REPORTS 4. Approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 Amended Revenues and Expenditures in the Amount of $264,009,345 Approved Motion to approve made by Councilman Cavener, Seconded by Councilwoman Strader. Voting Yea: Councilman Taylor, Councilman Overton, Councilwoman Little Roberts, Councilman Whitlock, Councilwoman Strader, Councilman Cavener 5. Tentative Approval of Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Revenues and Expenditures in the Amount of $264,498,131 Approved Motion to approve made by Councilman Cavener, Seconded by Councilwoman Strader. Voting Yea: Councilman Taylor, Councilman Overton, Councilwoman Little Roberts, Councilman Whitlock, Councilwoman Strader, Councilman Cavener 6. Declaring the Intent to Collect Forgone Property Taxed for Fiscal Year 2026 in the amount of $538,722 Vacated FUTURE MEETING TOPICS EXECUTIVE SESSION \[Action Item\] 7. Per Idaho Code 74-206(1)(f): To communicate with legal counsel for the public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but imminently likely to be litigated. Motion to enter executive session made by Councilman Cavener, Seconded by Councilwoman Strader. Voting Yea: Councilman Taylor, Councilman Overton, Councilwoman Little Roberts, Councilman Whitlock, Councilwoman Strader, Councilman Cavener Into session: 6:57 PM Out of session: 7:12 PM ADJOURNMENT 7:12 PM E IDIAN;--- /hl R AGENDA ITEM Public Forum - Future Meeting Topics The Public are invited to sign up in advance of the meeting at www.meridiancity.org/forum to address elected officials regarding topics of general interest or concern of public matters. Comments specific to an active land use/development applications are not permitted during this time. By law, no decisions can be made on topics presented at the Public Forum. However, City Council may request the topic be added to a future meeting agenda for further discussion or action. The Mayor may also direct staff to provide followup assistance regarding the matter. CITY OF MERIDIAN CITY COUNCIL PUBLIC FORUM SIGN-IN SHEET Date: July 29 2025 Please sign in below if you wish to address the Mayor and City Council and provide a brief description of your topic. Please observe the following rules of the Public Forum: • DO NOT: o Discuss active applications or proposals pending before Planning and Zoning or City Council o Complain about city staff, individuals, business or private matters • DO o When it is your turn to speak, state your name and address first o Observe a 3-minute time limit (you may be interrupted if your topic is deemed inappropriate for this forum) Name (please print) Brief Description of Discussion Topic r f + Pi h RRR � jF A- 3ij s _ ,� �- At • 16 1 a Ilk . rw •' }} r _ 4 • •#~ + i` 1 qkL _ �r f ' _ kVA -�� ~ 1 , OS 1 4. i Orchard Park : Sagarra Subdivision a s P�` ✓ � ,1 y S� 'C i a to 1. I .:: I r C ,'NIDIANlf - IDAH AGENDA ITEM ITEM TOPIC: Public Hearing regarding Potential Ballot Question Concerning a Levy to Provide Funding for Firefighters, Police Officers and Prosecution Unit. PUBLIC HEARING SIGN IN SHEET DATE: July 29, 2025 ITEM #1 PROJECT NAME: Potential Ballot Questions Concerning a Levy — Funding for Firefighters., Police Officers and Prosecution Unit I wish to testify Your Full Name Your Full Address Representing (mark X (Please Print) HOA? if yes) (A Y36V6 2 IN e 0k, 6�6(-eel� A/b 6 y-2- 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 W IDIAN� AGENDA ITEM ITEM TOPIC: Resolution No. 25-2528: A Resolution Calling a Levy Election to be Held on November 4, 2025 Pursuant to Idaho Code Section 63-802(1)(g); Designating the County Clerk of Ada County as the Administrator of the Election; Approving the Form of Ballot; Approving the Form of Notice of Levy Election; Directing the City Clerk to Convey the Form of Ballot and Form of Notice of Levy Election to the County Clerk of Ada County; Designating the Ada County Board of Commissioners as the Canvassing Board; and Providing an Effective Date CITY OF MERIDIAN RESOLUTION NO. 25-2528 BY THE CITY COUNCIL: CAVENER,LITTLE ROBERTS, OVERTON, STRADER, TAYLOR,WHITLOCK A RESOLUTION CALLING A LEVY ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 4,2025 PURSUANT TO IDAHO CODE SECTION 63-802(1)(g); DESIGNATING THE COUNTY CLERK OF ADA COUNTY AS THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ELECTION; APPROVING THE FORM OF BALLOT; APPROVING THE FORM OF NOTICE OF LEVY ELECTION; DIRECTING THE CITY CLERK TO CONVEY THE FORM OF BALLOT AND FORM OF NOTICE OF LEVY ELECTION TO THE COUNTY CLERK OF ADA COUNTY; DESIGNATING THE ADA COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS AS THE CANVASSING BOARD; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS,the City of Meridian has long prioritized responsible budgeting and the efficient use of taxpayer dollars; and, WHEREAS, as one of the fastest-growing cities in Idaho, the City of Meridian has worked hard to meet the needs of a growing population while maintaining a conservative fiscal approach; and, WHEREAS,rising costs due to inflation and declining revenues from contributing factors such as reduced new construction and legislative changes limiting the ability of local taxing districts to increase their budgets are adversely impacting the City of Meridian's ability to fund critical public safety services and meet the community's high expectations for fire, police, and prosecutorial services; and, WHEREAS, to ensure the City of Meridian can provide consistent, high-quality public safety services now and into the future, a reliable funding source is necessary for specific public safety needs, regardless of fluctuations in other revenue streams; and, WHEREAS,pursuant to Idaho Code section 63-802(1)(g), the City of Meridian may increase its budget and levy by$5,018,125.71 to provide reliable funding for firefighters, police officers, and a prosecution unit if sixty percent(60%) or more of the qualified electors voting on the budget and levy increase approve; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, IDAHO: Section 1. That a levy election be held, and the same is hereby called to be held, in the City of Meridian on Tuesday,November 4, 2025, for the purpose of submitting to the qualified electors of the City of Meridian the question set out in the Form of Ballot appearing in Section 3 below. Section 2. That pursuant to Title 34, Idaho Code, the County Clerk of Ada County, Idaho shall administer the levy election, including, but not limited to, designating the polling RESOLUTION CONCERNING NOVEMBER 4,2025 LEVY ELECTION Pagel of 3 places, scheduling the polling times; preparing and printing the ballots; publishing the notice of levy election and sample ballot; and conducting the levy election. Section 3. That the ballot will be in substantially the following form: ***FORM OF BALLOT*** OFFICIAL BALLOT LEVY ELECTION PER IDAHO CODE § 63-802(1)(g) CITY OF MERIDIAN, IDAHO November 4, 2025 Shall the City Council of the City of Meridian ("City")be authorized and empowered to increase the City's budget and levy,pursuant to Idaho Code section 63-802(1)(g), by $5,018,125.71 to provide ongoing funding for firefighters,police officers, and a prosecution unit? The levy will be used to (1) retain 13 firefighter positions following the exhaustion of grant funds; (2) increase police officer wages to recruit and retain officers; and(3) fund a prosecution unit to prosecute crimes. The date of the election is November 4, 2025. The City will collect $5,018,125.71 from the levy, beyond any amount otherwise allowed by law, beginning with the fiscal year commencing on October 1, 2026, which amount will be added to the City's annual budget for the purposes of Idaho Code section 63-802 and continue each fiscal year thereafter. The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer will be a tax of$20.11 per$100,000 of taxable assessed value,per year, based on current conditions. IN FAVOR of authorizing the budget and levy increase in the amount of$5,018,125.71. AGAINST authorizing the budget and levy increase in the amount of$5,018,125.71. ***END OF FORM OF BALLOT*** Section 4. The Notice of Levy Election shall be substantially in the following form: ***FORM OF NOTICE OF LEVY ELECTION*** NOTICE OF LEVY ELECTION PER IDAHO CODE Pursuant to the laws of the State of Idaho and City of Meridian Resolution No. 25-2528, notice is hereby given that a levy election will be held in the City of Meridian on November 4, 2025, beginning at the hour of 8:00 a.m. and closing at the hour of 8:00 p.m., for the purpose of submitting to the qualified electors of the City of Meridian the following question for their vote: Shall the City Council of the City of Meridian("City")be authorized and empowered to increase the City's budget and levy, pursuant to Idaho Code section 63-802(1)(g),by RESOLUTION CONCERNING NOVEMBER 4,2025 LEVY ELECTION Page 2 of 3 $5,018,125.71 to provide ongoing funding for firefighters, police officers, and a prosecution unit? The levy will be used to (1) retain 13 firefighter positions following the exhaustion of grant funds; (2) increase police officer wages to recruit and retain officers; and(3) fund a prosecution unit to prosecute crimes. The date of the election is November 4, 2025. The City will collect $5,018,125.71 from the levy, beyond any amount otherwise allowed by law, beginning with the fiscal year commencing on October 1, 2026, which amount will be added to the City's annual budget for the purposes of Idaho Code section 63-802 and continue each fiscal year thereafter. The estimated average annual cost to the taxpayer will be a tax of$20.11 per$100,000 of taxable assessed value,per year, based on current conditions. Said election shall be conducted pursuant to Title 34, Idaho Code. ***END FORM OF NOTICE OF LEVY ELECTION*** Section 5. That the City Clerk of the City of Meridian shall convey to the County Clerk of Ada County, Idaho the Form of Ballot and Form of Notice of Levy Election, as set forth in Sections 3 and 4 herein, for election preparation and publication pursuant to Idaho Code. Section 6. That the County Commissioners of Ada County, Idaho, will act as the canvassing board pursuant to Idaho Code and convey the election results to the City of Meridian. Section 7. That if the ballot question is approved by sixty percent(60%) or more of the qualified electors voting on the question, the budget and levy increase shall be approved pursuant to Idaho Code section 63-802(1)(g). Section 8. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately upon its adoption and approval. ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Meridian, Idaho, this 29th day of JuIY , 2025. APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Meridian, Idaho, this 29th day of July , 2025. APPROVED: Robert E. Simison, Mayor ATTEST: By: Chris Johnson, City Clerk RESOLUTION CONCERNING NOVEMBER 4,2025 LEVY ELECTION Page 3 of 3 W IDIAN� AGENDA ITEM ITEM TOPIC: Resolution No. 25-2530: A Resolution Concerning a Levy Measure to be Considered by the Voters Pursuant to Idaho Code Section 63-802(1)(g); Requiring the Revenue from the Levy Measure to be Budgeted for Specific Purposes; and Providing an Effective Date CITY OF MERIDIAN RESOLUTION NO. 25-2530 BY THE CITY COUNCIL: CAVENER,LITTLE ROBERTS, OVERTON, STRADER, TAYLOR,WHITLOCK A RESOLUTION CONCERNING A LEVY MEASURE TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE VOTERS PURSUANT TO IDAHO CODE SECTION 63-802(1)(g); REQUIRING THE REVENUE FROM THE LEVY MEASURE TO BE BUDGETED FOR SPECIFIC PURPOSES; AND PROVIDING AN EFFECTIVE DATE. WHEREAS,the City of Meridian("City")has long prioritized responsible budgeting and the efficient use of taxpayer dollars; and, WHEREAS, as one of the fastest-growing cities in Idaho, the City has worked hard to meet the needs of a growing population while maintaining a conservative fiscal approach; and, WHEREAS,rising costs due to inflation and declining revenues from contributing factors such as reduced new construction and legislative changes limiting the ability of local taxing districts to increase their budgets are adversely impacting the City's ability to fund critical public safety services and meet the community's high expectations for fire,police, and prosecutorial services; and, WHEREAS,to ensure the City can provide consistent, high-quality public safety services now and into the future, a reliable funding source is necessary for specific public safety needs, regardless of fluctuations in other revenue streams; and, WHEREAS,pursuant to Idaho Code section 63-802(1)(g), the City may increase its budget and levy by$5,018,125.71 to provide reliable funding for firefighters, police officers, and a prosecution unit if sixty percent(60%) or more of the qualified electors voting on the levy measure ("Levy Measure") approve; and, WHEREAS,the City Council wishes to provide assurances that the revenue from the Levy Measure will be utilized to provide funding for firefighters,police officers, and a prosecution unit; NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MERIDIAN, IDAHO: Section 1. That the Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer is directed to include $5,018,125.71 in the City's proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27 to (1) retain 13 firefighter positions following the exhaustion of grant funds; (2) increase police officer wages to recruit and retain officers; and(3) fund a prosecution unit to prosecute crimes. Section 2. That,beginning with fiscal year 2027-28 and continuing every fiscal year thereafter, the Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer shall verify that the proposed budget for the fiscal year in question includes a minimum of$5,018,125.71 for the specific uses delineated in Section 1 above. RESOLUTION CONCERNING USE OF LEVY REVENUE Page 1 of 2 Section 3. That if the Levy Measure is approved by the voters on November 4, 2025, this Resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately after the results of the election have been certified by the County Clerk. If the Levy Measure is not approved by the voters on November 4, 2025, this Resolution shall be deemed null and void. ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Meridian, Idaho, this 29th day of July , 2025. APPROVED by the Mayor of the City of Meridian, Idaho, this 29th day of July , 2025. APPROVED: Robert E. Simison, Mayor ATTEST: By: Chris Johnson, City Clerk RESOLUTION CONCERNING USE OF LEVY REVENUE Page 2 of 2 E IDIAN 'aAHO AGENDA ITEM ITEM TOPIC: Approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 Amended Revenues and Expenditures in the Amount of$264,009,345 OV, IDIAN Interoffice Memo 07/29/2025 To: Mayor and Council Members From: Budget Manager, Jenny Fields Re: FY2025 Amended Budget Action Needed: ✓ Council to approve the amended revenues and expenditures for Fiscal Year 2025. $264,009,345 Two Hundred Sixty-Four Million, Nine Thousand, Three Hundred Forty- Five Dollars E IDIAN 'aAHO AGENDA ITEM ITEM TOPIC: Tentative Approval of Fiscal Year 2026 Proposed Revenues and Expenditures in the Amount of$264,498,131 OV, IDIAN Interoffice Memo 07/29/2025 To: Mayor and Council Members From: Budget Manager, Jenny Fields Re: FY2026 Tentative Budget Action Needed: ✓ Council to tentatively approve the proposed revenues and expenditures for Fiscal Year 2026. $264,4981131 Two Hundred Sixty-Four Million, Four Hundred Ninety-Eight Thousand, One Hundred Thirty-One Dollars E IDIAN 'aAHO AGENDA ITEM ITEM TOPIC: Declaring the Intent to Collect Forgone Property Taxed for Fiscal Year 2026 in the amount of$538,722 OVI IDIAN Interoffice Memo 07/29/2026 To: Mayor and Council Members From: Budget Manager, Jenny Fields Re: FY2026 Tentative Budget — Forgone Collect Action Needed: ✓ Council declares the intent to collect forgone property taxes for fiscal year 2026 in the amount of: $538,722 Five Hundred Thirty-Eight Thousand, Seven Hundred Twenty-Two Dollars C ,'NIDIANlf - IDAH AGENDA ITEM ITEM TOPIC: Future Meeting Topics: Original Staff ReportConstruction Updated Renderings