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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-09-02 Ruth McKnightMayor Simison, Ladies and Gentlemen of the City Council, Distinguished Guests: I am Ruth McKnight, one of the seniors who are active and independent, need assistance in living, or require the particular safety and services of a memory care environment and who reside in Meadow Lake Village, a continuing care facility and our eventual end-of4ife home. We are united by our choice to be here. For the following reasons I respectfully request that the City Council return the Application of the Modified Development Agreement H-2020-0012 to the Planning and Zoning Commission for additional review. Review of the Application is necessary because of the unique character and relationship between Applicant and Meadow Lake Village, The Application should not be treated as just another real estate development plan. The Applicant is primarily a provider of end-of4ife elder care, and Meadow Lake Village is its `flagship' community. Its Application seeks major changes to a community originally planned, developed and operated to serve the needs of elderly residents, offering specific environment and features — many of which are at risk if the Application is accepted as presented. Review is necessary because Residents were denied adequate prior notice of hearin sg and opportuni to comment. Given such an opportunity, Residents would have presented valid and cogent reasons for rejecting several of the Application's components. The Applicant misrepresented the lack of Resident comment as approval. That is not the case. Residents were misinformed that the hearing on the Application was merely a formality, permitting certain modifications within its master plan, but not seeking significant or immediate changes. Representations were made with Touchmark's assurances of honesty and transparency that the existing environment would be retained and not be affected by adjacent development. Residents unfortunately relied on those representations and protested to Touchmark about the lack of timely opportunity to comment. In response, Applicant's executives wrote to Resident Council Members on August 21, 2025 that `you deserve clear, proactive communication about any adjacent land use... " but `Under the City's current code, individual notices are typically mailed to property owners of record, not to residents (like our residents or renters). That means residents at Touchmark won't directly receive mail from the City about hearings or applications —even when a nearby project is relevant to them. " (See Exhibit A.) Characterizing_all residents of Meadow Lake Village as `residents or renters' is significantly inaccurate. The Residency Certificate, an essential part of the contract between Touchmark and Residents, grants these Residents a life estate, which is an ownership interest in the real property, entitling them to individual notice about matters that may affect life at Meadow Lake Village. (See Exhibit B.) New cottage owners are reduired to execute an Ada County Assessor's Transaction Verification/Homestead Exemption Application granting real estate tax relief. Without this Exemption, Touchmark is merely the Landlord of commercial property upon which the cottages stand. (See Exhibit C.) Cottage owners have made a significant financial, emotional and philosophical investment in the future of Meadow Lake Village and have been deprived of their le ag 1 right to be heard re ag rding changes affecting their property's use and value. The Planning & Zoning Commission has been deprived of the opportunity to consider the perspective of the population most likely to be adversely affected by the proposed changes which could or may have been material to the Commission's approval recommendation. The Application's Phase One calls for elimination of the Village`s golf course in 2-5 ,years. The golf course area is the feature for which the Village was named. It is much MORE than a golf course. It is Residents' major green space, parkland, oasis. It is used for walking, quiet reflection, neighborhood gathering, recreation, the only green space accessible to Residents with mobility issues, inability to drive, or with very limited other recreational opportunities. Applicant proposes that the golf course exceeds the green space ratio required of the City and that other green spaces throughout the Village compensate for its loss. Examination of the `substitute' green space reveals that the `substitute' open spaces are neither public, accessible nor suitable for use by elderly residents. While these islands of space may be aggregated by Applicant to meet the required open space ratio, The QUALITY of that green space has been sacrificed. (See Exhibit D.) Elimination of the golf course would constitute a clear breach of the contract between Touchmark and every resident of Meadow Lake Village. Membership to the golf club is a benefit contractually guaranteed to Residents, an essential element of the Residency Deposit and Services Agreement and part of the consideration by which Residents became `owners' and/or Residents. Coupled with the representations made by Touchmark and relied upon by Residents, it was material in their decision to move to Meadow Lake Village. (See Exhibit E.) In consideration of: -the nature of the Applicant and Meadow Lake Village; the City's interest in supporting communities where senior citizens can age with dignity -failure to give adequate notice to property owner/residents thus -depriving them of opportunity to comment: -to correct erroneous implication of Resident approval; and -to enforce Applicant's contractual obligations to Residents, I respectfully request that the Council return the Application to the Planning & Zoning Commission for review. Thank you for your courtesy. List of Exhibits: A. Letter of August 21, 2025 from Touchmark to Resident Council Members B. Residency Certificate C. Ada County Assessor's Transaction Verification/Homestead Exemption Application D. Map of green space E. Touchmark's Services Included 7 Monthly Service Fee List F. Residency Deposit and Services Agreement September 2, 2025 TOUCHMARK August 21, 2025 RE: Touchmark at Meadow Lake Village, Keeping Everyone in the Loop on Nearby Land Use & City Meetings Dear Resident Council Members, We're writing together —Destiny Sisk, Executive Director, and Kendra Lackey —to affirm something simple but important: you deserve clear, proactive communication about any adjacent land use or development activity Touchmark is involved in that could affect life at Meadow Lake Village. Why you may not receive city notices directly Under the City's current code, individual notices are typically mailed to property owners of record, not to residents (like our residents or renters), That means residents at Touchmark won't directly receive mail from the City about hearings or applications —even when a nearby project is relevant to them. What we're doing (and will continue to do) to keep you informed Because of that gap, we are taking extra steps to make sure residents still have the information, time, and space to engage: 1. Resident Information Meetings We will host community -focused sessions specifically for residents before key city milestones. These meetings will be designed around your questions and concerns (not just the City's agenda). 2. Resident Council & ED Talks We will bring updates to Resident Council and Destiny's discussions so the information is discussed in familiar, accessible forums —where you can ask questions in real time. Going forward: written notifications going forward In addition to meetings, we wilt include written notifications of upcoming City meetings in Icon/Caremerge (Community Announcements). These notices will include meeting dates/times, topics, how to attend (in-person/virtual if available), and where to find agendas and staff reports. Our commitment We want to be clear: there is no intention to withhold information from residents. When land use items arise that Touchmark is pursuing or that may affect campus life, we will communicate early and often. If we miss something, tell us —and we'll fix it quickly. Now you can help us help everyone 0 TOUCHMARK AT MEADOW LAKE VILLAGE 4037 E Clocktower Lane •Meridian, ID S3642. 20S-S88-2277 2331123 %11' 2023 Touchmark, LLC, all rights reserved 0 �d �a � 1�.I'�I ARK �i�� TOUCHMARK AT MEADOW LAKE VILLAGE EXHIBIT G RESIDENCY CERTIFICATE Grantor, Touchmark at Meadow Lake Village, LLC, an Oregon limited liability company, for good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, does hereby convey into ^ _ — Dean Me An, whose address is for the life of the survivor of them, if real property located in Ada County, Idaho: husbar _ as Grantee, for the term of Grantee's life, and and wife, a life estate in the following described Description: Touchmark at Meadow Lake Village Cottage Home Phase # aE6 , Unit # 44= DIED Meridian, ID 83642 subject to such rights, assessments, easements, covenants, restrictions, and zoning regulations as appear of record or by use upon the premises, and further subject to the duties, obligations, and restrictions set forth in the Residency and Services Agreement executed by the Grantee; and reserving and accepting any and all water rights appurtenant thereto. #1 Signature dent #�� Signature Executive Director ©Touchmark at Meadow Lake Village 4037 E Clocktower Ln Marirlian Itl R'�Rd7 Date VQIG Date ,h(h*i+ C ' ADA COUNTY ASSESSOR Transaction Verification/ Homestead Exemption Application PLEASE PRINT OR TYPE IN BLACK OR BLUE INK Owners) of Record: PLEASE HAND -DELIVER, MAIL, EMAIL OR FAX SIGNED COPY TO Ada county Assessor's office 190 E. Front St., Ste 107, Boise, ID 83702 For more information please contact: phone (208) 287=7200 Fax (208) 287-7209 assessormail(a adacouIli\l.id.uov Mailing Address: 5150 SW Griffith Dr Property Address: City, State: Beaverton, OR City: Zip 97005 Transaction Verification 1. Type of property purchased: ❑ Bare land only ❑X Residence ❑ Manufactured Home 2. If your purchase was a Manufactured Home, was land included in the Yes ElNo 0 purchase? 3. TOTAL PURCHASE PRICE of this property $ 'Disclosure of purchase price is not required to qualify for the Homestead emp ion 4. Date property was 5. Date property was purchased (Mo/Day/Yr) occupied (Mo/Day/Yr) 6. Type of sale or ❑ a typical home purchase ❑ to refinance property activity: ❑ a transfer between relatives ❑ forced sale (e.g., in lieu of foreclosure, by a court order, etc.) a transfer of convenience (i.e., Quit Claim deed, create a life estate, name change, etc.) 7. Are you the first occupant of this dwelling? Yes ❑ No 8, Comments: Homestead Exemption Eligibility Declaration To qualify for a HOMESTEAD EXEMPTION in the current year, Idaho Code §63-602G, this property must serve as your primary dwelling, you must apply and have occupied the dwelling before December 31st. Applications received after the deadline will be considered for the next tax year. Applications received after April 15th', on properties without an existing homestead exemption in the current assessment year, that are not newly constructed and occupied, shall have their exemption value pro -rated on a quarterly basis. (1/1-4/15': 100%, 4/16-6/30: 75% ,7/1-9/30: 50%, 10/1-12/31: 25%) 'Please note If April 15 is a weekend or a certain holiday recognized by the internal revenue service, such claims shall be considered timely filed if filed on the next business day. 1. Previous Address 2. Previous County 3. Is an exemption claimed at this address? 4. Is there a co-signer on your loan? If yes, Affidavit of Possessory 8 Securfty Interests is required to obtain full exemption. Yes ❑ No 5. Is this property held in title by a Trust? (Other than deed of trust) !f yes, Affidavit Regard/ng Residence of Trust is required to obtain exemption. Yes ❑ No ❑ By signing this application, I certify to the Ada County Assessor that I meet all the following requirements to make this application and to qualify for the Homestead Exemption: 1) 1 am a resident of Idaho. 2) I own or am purchasing under contract, and I occupy as my primary dwelling place the property herein described.3) I have not made application for Homestead Exemption on any other property in the state of Idaho or in any other state, 4) 1 completed this application, or it was completed under my supervision. I certify under penalty of perjury pursuant to the laws of the State of Idaho that the foregoing is true and correct. ALL OWNERS CLAIMING THE EXEMPTION MUST SIGN Owner/Occupant Signature Owner/Occupant Date of Birth Driver's License ❑ State ID ❑ Driver's License/ID # Issuing State Telephone # Date Owner/Occupant Signature Owner/Occu ant Date of Birth Driver's License H State ID ❑ Driver's License/ID # Issuing State Email address Date Pursuant to Idaho Code 63-602G(6) upon discover of evidence indicating the existence of an improperly claimed Homestead Exemption, the Assessor must assess a recovery of property taxes, plus costs, Late charges, and interest plus a penalty equal to the amount of the property tax recovered. Any subsequent violation within seven years steal! be a misdemeanor subject to penalties described in Idaho Code 18-9 93. Version 2025.1 A receipt of this form is available upon request space be e II'M LLbA I �1 jJ) 3 1_ 17 i F r` V JAW Le ti { .7s S �-Xmbit TOUCHMARK AT MEADOW LAKE VILLAGE EXHIBIT C-D CHMARK TOU SERVICES INCLUDED & MONTHLY SERVICE FEE SINCE 1980 moo Residents) Name: Douglas McKnight, Ruth McKnight The initial Monthly Service Fee for home C422 is $9,270.00. The follov` ing is included in your Monthly Service Fee: • Access to common areas within the Touchmark campus. Touchmark reserves the right to schedule events/activities at various times in common areas. • Daily Life Enrichment/Wellness programming. o A full range of offerings of multidimensional wellness activities to include physical fitness, lifelong learning, volunteer, and spiritual opportunities. o Cultural events, fine arts, and local/regional tours (some events have a fee). o Electronic newsletters. o Scheduled transportation services. • Membership to the Touchmark Health & Fitness Club. • Membership to Meadow Lake Village Golf Club. • Choice Dining Program. • Basic cable television (channel lineups subject to change). o Additional channel packages are available to residents for an additional charge. Please contact the cable company directly to arrange. • Courtesy Wi-Fi access (applicable for email and web browsing). o High-speed Wi-Fi capable of streaming audio and video content is available to residents for an additional charge. Please contact the cable company directly to arrange. • Basic phone service (long distance charges apply). • 24-hour on -site Front Desk. • 24-hour on -call maintenance for emergency issues. • Housekeeping performed every other week. • Gas and electric, water, sewer, garbage, and recycling. • Maintenance and repairs to your home including heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing, smoke alarms, emergency call systems, Touchmark-provided standard appliances, structural repairs, cabinets and counters, fireplace (if applicable), painting, and carpet. • Maintenance and repairs of common areas, roads, sidewalks, and landscaping. • Snow removal in common area streets and walkways. • Annual exterior window washing. • Insurance on the structure. • Property taxes. Optional, fee -based services: In addition to the service package described above, the following services are generally available through Touchmark or pre -approved Touchmark providers on a fee -for -service basis. (Fees subject to change, please contact the Business Office Manager for current fee schedule.) Additional services may become available, and the following is not intended to be a comprehensive list. • Regional tours and optional travel. • Personal training and specialized fitness classes. �4VMIZ7 - in mwrww- Touchmark at Meadow Lake Village 4037 E Clocktower Ln Meridian, ID 83642-8183 hone:k208) 888-2277 Rev. 070822 For Confidential Use Only Page 1 of 2 ED Exhibit C-D