HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-17 Regular Meridian City Council March 17, 2026.
A Meeting of the Meridian City Council was called to order at 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, March
17, 2026, by Council President John Overton.
Members Present: Luke Cavener, John Overton, Doug Taylor, Anne Little Roberts and
Brian Whitlock.
Members Absent: Robert Simison and Liz Strader.
Other Present: Chris Johnson, Bill Nary, Sonya Allen, Laurelei McVey, Garrett White,
Jamie Leslie and Dean Willis.
ROLL-CALL ATTENDANCE
Liz Strader X Brian Whitlock
_X_Anne Little Roberts X John Overton
_X_ Doug Taylor _X_Luke Cavener
Mayor Robert E. Simison
Overton: Good evening, everyone, and welcome to the regular meeting on St. Patrick's
Day. For the record, it's March 17th, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. and will begin this evening's
regular meeting with roll call attendance.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Overton: You can now join us in the Pledge of Allegiance and it will be led tonight by
Troop 94.
(Pledge of Allegiance recited.)
COMMUNITY INVOCATION
Overton: Up next will be our community invocation. Tonight I have Kerry LaFramboise.
LaFramboise: Thank you for the opportunity and the privilege of being here and I count
it an honor to be here and I just want to say, first of all, it's a sacrifice to be in the
position that you are in and it is an honor that I know you all take seriously, but I want
you to know it's appreciated all that you do and all your sacrifice and being in that
position can be a little bit difficult. I'm reminded of Solomon who found himself in the
same position and if it's okay I want to read to you in First Kings 3, starting in verse
nine. This is Solomon's prayer when he found out that he was the king of Israel. He
said: Therefore, give your servant an understanding heart to judge your people that
may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours.
In thinking about and praying about the job that you folks do I'm sure that you are
sometimes shocked, amazed, overwhelmed and maybe sometimes frustrated with who
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comes to this microphone and the things that you have to deal with and I want to pray
for you that God would give each one of you the wisdom that you need. Father God,
thank you for the men and women who faithfully have stepped into this role to lead and I
pray that whether they feel equipped or not, whether they feel ready or not, you equip
and anoint those who lead people and you have created all people, so they are all your
people. You equip them with the wisdom and the strength and the fortitude that they
need and I pray that these proceedings tonight -- your anointing would be here, your
strength would be here, your wisdom would be here, that you would help them to see,
as Solomon was able to see, the clear issues where truth is needed, where right is
needed and where a simple decision is needed. Give them the strength and the
confidence to do what is right as you lead them and guide them in these proceedings
and for the rest of this month in Jesus name, amen. Bless you all.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Overton: Up next is our adoption of the agenda.
Little Roberts: Mr. President?
Overton: Council Vice-President Little Roberts:
Little Roberts: I move that we adopt the agenda.
Whitlock: Second.
Overton: We have a motion and a second to adopt the agenda. Is there any
discussion? If not, all signify by saying aye. Those opposed nay. The ayes have it.
The agendas agreed to.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. ONE ABSENT.
CONSENT AGENDA [Action Item]
1. Approve Minutes of the March 3, 2026 City Council Work Session
2. Approve Minutes of the March 3, 2026 City Council Regular Meeting
3. Alamar Subdivision No. 2 (ESMT-2026-0034) Full Release of
Temporary Water and Sanitary Sewer Easement No. 2024-060012
4. Mondt Meadows Subdivision Emergency Access Easement No. 1
(ESMT-2026-0048)
5. Final Plat for Burnside Ridge Estates No. 1 (FP-2025-0013) by Kimley-
Horn, generally located 1/3 mile south of W. Victory Rd. on the west
side of S. Linder Rd.
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6. Final Plat for Burnside Ridge Estates No. 2 (FP-2025-0021) by Kimley-
Horn, generally located 1/2 mile north of W. Amity Rd. on the west
side of S. Linder Rd.
7. Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law for St. George (H-2025-0004),
by Shaun Wardle and Jason St. George, located at 3870 E. Overland
Rd. and 1545 S. Topaz Ave.
8. Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law for Tong (H-2025-0049), by Dara
Tong, located at 485 E. Overland Rd.
9. Development Agreement (Meridian Luxe H-2025-0035) Between City
of Meridian and Kelly G. Fulfer and Brenda M. Fulfer as Trustees of
the Kelly & Brenda Fulfer Trust for Property Located at 2350 W.
McMillan Rd.
10. Fiscal Year 2026 Net-Zero Budget Amendment in the amount of
$133,500 for Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility Tertiary Filter
Equalization Tank Recoat Project
11. Agreement between DWT Investments and the City of Meridian for
Future Streetlight Installation
12. Agreement between the City of Meridian and the Idaho
Transportation Department for ITD Project No. A023(456), 1-84
Meridian Road IC to Eagle Road IC
13. Resolution 26-2577: A Resolution Approving a Cooperative
Agreement between the City of Meridian and the Idaho
Transportation Department concerning Federal Aid Highway Project
No. A023(456); authorizing the Mayor to execute the Cooperative
Agreement; and providing an effective date
14. Resolution No. 26-2576: A Resolution of the City Council of the City
of Meridian, Idaho, Setting Forth Certain Findings and Purposes to
Declare Surplus Property and Authorizing the Donation of Certain
Office Supplies and Equipment to St. Vincent de Paul Southwest
Idaho
Little Roberts: Mr. President?
Overton: Council Vice-President Little Roberts.
Little Roberts: Mr. President, I move that we adopt the Consent Agenda with no
changes, for the Council President to sign and the Clerk to attest.
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Whitlock: Second.
Overton: We have a motion and a second to approve the Consent Agenda. Is there
any discussion? If not, all signify by saying aye. Those opposed nay? The ayes have it
and the Consent Agenda is approved.
MOTION CARRIED: FOUR AYES. ONE ABSENT.
ITEMS MOVED FROM THE CONSENT AGENDA [Action Item]
Overton: There were no items moved from the Consent Agenda.
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND RECOGNITION
Overton: Council, are there any announcements or recognitions this evening?
Cavener: Council President Overton?
Overton: Councilman Cavener. Online. Yes.
Cavener: Just real quick. I -- I do think it's an important announcement. This is the first
meeting that you are chairing with Council Vice-President Little Roberts sitting coach --
or sitting side by side with you and I just want to commend you both on a great job thus
far and know that this meeting is in good hands with you guys at the helm.
Little Roberts: Thank you.
Overton: Thank you, Councilman Cavener.
PUBLIC FORUM
Overton: Mr. Clerk, did anyone sign up for the public forum?
Johnson: Mr. President, nobody signed up.
PUBLIC HEARINGS [Action Item]
15. Public Hearing for 2026 Water and Sewer Assessment Fee Increase
Proposal
Overton: With that we will move on to our public hearings for this evening and the first
item up for public hearing is Item 15, public hearing for 2026 water and sewer
assessment fee increase proposal. We have Public Works Director Laurelei.
McVey: All right. Thank you, Council. So, we came before you in February to let you
know about this potential increase to our connection fees and just as a reminder these
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are the fees that new development pays to buy into a proportional share of our system.
We have not increased those since 2022 and since our meeting we did -- we had
previously done outreach to the major stakeholders through the BCA and since, then,
have not received any additional feedback. So, with that stand for any questions and
think the resolution to adopt these is next if you approve.
Overton: Council, any questions for the director? If not do I have a motion to close the
public hearing? No. Is there any public testimony?
Johnson: Mr. President, nobody signed up in advance.
Overton: Is there anybody in the room who wishes to testify in this matter? If not, do I
have a motion?
Whitlock: Mr. President, I move we close the public hearing on Agenda Item No. 15,
the 2026 water and sewer assessment fee increase proposal.
Little Roberts: Second.
Overton: We have a motion and a second to close the public hearing on the 2026 water
and sewer assessment fee increase proposal. It's just an aye vote? All in favor say
aye. Opposed nay? The ayes have it.
MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. ONE ABSENT.
16. Resolution 26-2566: A Resolution adopting increasing fees of the
Meridian Public Works Department; ordering that such fees shall
supersede fees previously adopted; and authorizing the Meridian
Public Works Department to collect such fees as of June 1, 2026
Overton: Move on to Item No. 16.
Whitlock: Mr. President?
Overton: Councilman Whitlock.
Whitlock: Mr. President, I move that we approve Agenda Item No. 16, Resolution 26-
2566.
Little Roberts: Second.
Overton: Council, we have a motion and a second to approve Resolution 26-2566. Mr.
Clerk, would you call roll.
Roll Call: Cavener, yea; Strader, absent; Overton, yea; Little Roberts, yea; Taylor, yea;
Whitlock, yea.
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Overton: That brings us to -- the motion is passed unanimously.
MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. ONE ABSENT.
17. Public Hearing for Proposed Summer 2026 Fee Schedule of the
Meridian Parks and Recreation Department
Overton: That brings us to Item 17, which is a public hearing for proposed water -- or
proposed summer 2026 fee schedule for Meridian Parks and Recreation Department
and we have Garrett White.
White: All right. Council, thanks for having me tonight. In front of you is the summer
activity guide fees for all of our classes that we are putting on, as well as a couple park
fees that we -- just fell off the page last time we updated our park fees -- couple months
ago. So, really, with that I will stand for questions if you have any.
Overton: Council, do we have any questions? Is there anyone in the audience that
would like to have a comment on this issue concerning our park fees for 2026? If not,
do I have a motion to close the public hearing?
Whitlock: Mr. President?
Overton: Councilman Whitlock.
Whitlock: I move that we close the public hearing on Agenda Item No. 17.
Little Roberts: Second.
Overton: We have a motion and a second to close the public hearing. All in favor say
aye. Opposed nay? The ayes have it and the public hearing is closed.
MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. ONE ABSENT.
18. Resolution No. 26-2571: A Resolution Adopting the Summer 2026 Fee
Schedule of the Meridian Parks and Recreation Department;
Authorizing the Meridian Parks and Recreation Department to Collect
Such Fees; and Providing an Effective Date
Whitlock: Mr. Mayor?
Overton: Councilman Whitlock.
Whitlock: Next up on the agenda is the resolution for the summer 2026 fee schedule.
So, I move that we approve Agenda Item No. 18, Resolution No. 26-2571, a resolution
adopting the summer 2026 fee schedule for Parks and Rec.
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Little Roberts: Second.
Overton: We have a motion and a second to approve Resolution No. 26-2571. Are
there any comments? If not, Mr. Clerk call the roll.
Roll Call: Cavener, yea; Strader, absent; Overton, yea; Little Roberts, yea; Taylor, yea;
Whitlock, yea.
MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. ONE ABSENT.
19. Public Hearing for Callen Condominiums (SHP-2026-0002) by KM
Engineering, LLP, located at 4855 N. Cortona Way
A. Request: Short Plat to Condominiumize two (2) existing buildings
into five (5) Condominium units for Building "A" and six (6)
Condominium units for Building "B".
Overton: Council, that brings us to Item 19, a public hearing for Callen Condominiums,
SHP-2026-0002, and we will start off with staff comments.
Allen: Are we good? Oh, I'm much louder now. I better not speak too loud. Alrighty.
First item up tonight is a request for a short plat. The property is located at 4855 North
Cortona Way. History on this property is certificate of zoning compliance and building
permit application was approved for two buildings, Buildings A and B, that are currently
under construction on this property. A short plat is proposed to condominiumize the
airspace of these buildings for individual ownership. Five condominium units are
proposed in Building A and six condominium units are proposed in Building B. No
written testimony was received on this application and staff is recommending approval
with the conditions in the staff report. Staff will stand for any questions.
Overton: Council, any questions for staff?
Whitlock: Mr. Mayor?
Overton: Councilman Whitlock.
Whitlock: Sonya, as I was reviewing the packet -- can you just help me understand why
the address is Cortona -- Cortona Way, which doesn't appear to intersect with this
property at all. There is a -- a street to the north and then -- so, it -- I just didn't see
where Cortona connected.
Allen: I believe Cortona goes along the east boundary right here. I could bring that up
on a map real quick and double check. Yes, that is correct. It runs along the east side
of the property.
Whitlock: Okay. Thought it was named something different.
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Allen: No.
Whitlock: Thank you.
Allen: Uh-huh. You are welcome.
Overton: Council, are there any other questions for staff? If not, is the applicant here?
Good evening. If you could state your name and address for the record.
Heath: Mr. President, Members of Council, my name is Cheryl Heath with KM
Engineering, 5725 North Discovery Way, Boise. I'm here representing Cortona Way
Retail, LLC. Thank you for having me tonight. We agree with the staff report and
recommended conditions of approval. With that I will stand for any questions if you
have any.
Overton: Council, do we have any questions for the applicant? Thank you very much.
Heath: All right. Thank you.
Overton: Mr. Clerk, is there anyone signed up to provide testimony on this item?
Johnson: Mr. President, nobody signed up in advance.
Overton: Is there anybody president -- present who would like to testify in this item?
And if you are online if you have the raise your hand feature. Seeing no one come
forward, does the applicant have any final comments or would you like to waive your
final comments?
Heath: I do not have any final comments. Thank you.
Overton: Thank you. Does Council have any final comments? If not, do I have a
motion?
Whitlock: Mr. President?
Overton: Councilman Whitlock.
Whitlock: I move that we close the public hearing for Callen Condominiums, Agenda
Item --Agenda Item No. 19.
Little Roberts: Second.
Overton: We have a motion and a second to close the public hearing. Is there any
discussion? If none, all in favor say aye. Opposed nay? All ayes. The ayes have it.
Public meeting is closed.
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MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. ONE ABSENT.
Whitlock: Mr. President?
Overton: Councilman Whitlock.
Whitlock: I move that we approve Agenda Item No. 19, SHP-2026-0002 for Callen
Condominiums.
Little Roberts: Second.
Overton: We have a motion and a second to approve public hearing for Callen
Condominiums, SHP-2026-0002. Mr. Clerk, can you call roll.
Roll Call: Cavener, yea; Strader, absent; Overton, yea; Little Roberts, yea; Taylor, yea;
Whitlock, yea.
Overton: The motion passes. Thank you.
MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. ONE ABSENT.
20. Public Hearing for Driftwood Townhomes Subdivision (H-2025-0051)
by Brighton Corporation, generally located north of W. Ustick Rd.
(Parcel #R1931270100) on the west side of N. Venable Ln.
A. Request: Development Agreement Modification for a new
agreement for the subject property and update to the development
plan and associated provisions from multi-family residential
townhomes on individual lots.
B. Request: Rezone of 5.01 acres of land from the C-C to the TN-R
zoning district.
C. Request: Preliminary Plat to re-subdivide Lot 1, Block 1, Driftwood
Subdivision into 61 building lots and
Overton: Brings us to Item 20 in our hearing tonight and that is the public hearing for
Driftwood Townhome Subdivision, H-2025-0051 and we will start off with staff
comments.
Allen: Thank you, Mr. President, Members of the Council. The next applications before
you are a request for a development agreement modification, a rezone and a
preliminary plat. This site consists of 4.81 acres of land. It's zoned C-C and is generally
located north of West Ustick Road on the west side of North Venable Lane. The
Comprehensive Plan future -- future land use map designation is mixed-use community.
This property was annexed with C-C zoning back in 2008 for commercial development.
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A development agreement was required with the annexation, which was later modified
in 2016. A new development agreement was approved in 2022, which replaced the
earlier agreements and changed the use from commercial to multi-family residential.
The existing development plan allows for the development of 57 two and three story
townhome style multi-family dwelling units on one building lot on the northern portion of
the property at a gross density of 11.85 units per acre and two commercial buildings on
the southern portion of the property. The existing plan that I just outlined is shown there
on the left. The applicant is proposing a new development agreement for the northern
portion of the property with a new conceptual development plan shown on the right that
consists of 61 two-story townhouse dwellings on individual building lots and updated
building elevations. The proposed development plan is very similar to the previous
plan, except the community center and plaza area has been removed and four
additional dwelling units are proposed for an increase in density of .83 units per acre.
The same number of dwelling units is proposed adjacent to existing homes to the north
in Woodburn Subdivision and to the west in Woodburn West Subdivision. One fewer
unit is proposed along the west boundary adjacent to the large residential parcel. The
additional units are located along the east boundary of the site adjacent to Venable
Avenue, which shouldn't impact adjacent residential properties. A mix of front-loaded
and alley-loaded townhome dwellings are proposed with access provided from internal
private streets and alleys. The proposed townhome dwellings are a desired housing
type in the mixed-use community future land use map designation and the proposed
density of 12.68 units per acre is consistent with the desired density range of six to 15
units per acre. A rezone of 5.01 acres of land is requested from the C-C to the TN-R
zoning district to accommodate the proposed development plan. A preliminary plat is
proposed to re-subdivide Lot 1, Block 1, Driftwood Subdivision, into 61 building lots and
five common or other lots, with private streets on 4.81 acres of land in the TN-R district.
Subdivision of the property will allow individual units to be sold, which should allow for
owner-occupied and rental options, rather than just rental options as with the existing
entitled plan. The subdivision is proposed to develop in one phase. Access is proposed
via North Buckstone Place, a local street at the northern boundary of the site and Wind
Drift Lane, a proposed private street along the southern boundary of the site via North
Venable Avenue, a collector street. Private streets and alleys are proposed for internal
access. The director has approved the private streets contingent upon Council's
approval of the proposed plat. Sidewalks are proposed along internal streets, except
along the eastern north-south alley. Staff is recommending a four foot wide sidewalk is
provided along the west side of Alley A for safe pedestrian access and that is in this
location right here where my cursor is. This is the proposed pedestrian plan for the site
and the proposed landscape plan. Because this site is below five acres in size qualified
open space and site amenities are not required. A total of .51 acres of common open
space is provided along with a dog waste station as a pedestrian focused amenity.
Settlers Park exists to the east, which is approximately an 11 minute walk and provides
active and passive recreational opportunities. Additionally, a city community center is
planned directly across Venable Avenue to the east, which will provide additional
recreation and amenities. The Commission recommended approval of this application
and I will go through a summary of the Commission public hearing. Eli Bensky and
Mike Wardle, Brighton Corporation, testified in favor. Lisa House commented on the
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application. Written testimony was received from Eli Bensky, Brighton Corporation, in
response to the staff report. Key issue of discussion was the desire for the traffic signal
to be completed prior to development of this property due to the high level of traffic
congestion already in this area and that signal is the -- at the Venable and Ustick
intersection. Key issues of discussion by the Commission. There were a few. Concern
that there is inadequate off-street parking provided on the site. Concern pertaining to
the transition and density to the development to the north and, finally, the signal isn't
warranted at this time, but is proposed to be installed earlier than warranted through a
cooperative development agreement, CDA, with ACHD, the city Parks Department and
the developer. The Commission did make one change to the staff recommendation at
the request of the applicant. They modified DA provision No. 1-4 and follows: Settlers
Park requires a signal at the Venable-Ustick intersection as part of their mitigation for
the future community center. The developer will continue to pursue a cooperative
development agreement. If the city Parks Department, ACHD, and the developer enter
into a cooperative development agreement the developer will manage the construction
of the signal. There are no outstanding issues for Council tonight and there has been
no written testimony received since the Commission hearing. Staff will stand for any
questions.
Overton: Council, any questions for staff?
Taylor: Mr. President?
Overton: Councilman Taylor.
Taylor: Sonya, on the traffic light I thought we had already entered into the cooperative
agreement. I thought that a warrant had already been issued for that and maybe the
applicant can speak to that a little bit more, but I -- I guess I was under the impression
we already had that agreement in place, but it sounds like maybe we aren't quite there
yet with that?
Allen: (Inaudible). Sorry, Dean.
Taylor: I heard you. Thank you.
Overton: Council, any other questions for staff? If not, would the applicant like to come
forward? Good evening. If you could just state your name and address for the record,
please.
Bensky: Good evening, Council. Eli Bensky. 2929 West Navigator Drive, Meridian,
Idaho. 83642.
Overton: Thank you.
Bensky: The Driftwood Townhomes. This is located off of Ustick and Venable, as
mentioned, west of Settlers Park. The current future land use designation of this
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property is mixed-use community. We are not proposing to change. The zone is
currently community business. We are requesting a change to traditional neighborhood
residential. TN-R. As mentioned, this property has previously received approvals with a
-- a subdivision plat and a CUP for 57 multi-family units. As mentioned the layout and
the unit count against the existing residential has remained the same as our -- as our
proposal. With our revised proposal we are proposing 61 buildable lots, five common
open space lots, with a density of 12.7 units per acre, which is within the expected
density range in the mixed-use community. The subdivision will be serviced by internal
private streets noted in red. The middle portion homes, those will be accessed via the
alley with their garage accessed via the alley. We are also proposing a center turn lane
to Venable at the private street intersection. As mentioned, we currently do not have a
CDA in place. It is in the works. We actually just received a draft and we are in works
with -- with parks and with ACHD. Thus the reason for our requested change on the
condition, because it isn't fully vetted yet we didn't want it to be tied to the development.
We wanted to make sure that we still are entering into this agreement, but clarifying the
rules that we are all playing. I do have a copy. It was also in the staff report, but I have
a copy of this condition modification if you guys need a paper copy. With the open
space and amenities in Driftwood we have multiple sidewalk accesses for the residential
-- for the neighbors here in this area. We also have five foot wide detached sidewalks
on the perimeter. We have the dog waste station. We think a lot of the residents here
are going to be taking advantage of the fact that they are directly across the street from
Settlers Park. There is also in the plans for the future community center there is a dog
park also involved in those plans, so we just know that there is going to be that foot
traffic and we want residents to have responsible place to dispose of the waste. We
also have two open gathering spaces for residents to be able to greet with their
neighbors and hang out. As Sonya mentioned, there was a sidewalk access that was
requested in the alley. This shows where that -- where the sidewalk would be proposed
and we are okay with making that modification. With Driftwood Townhomes we really
believe that this is the middle ground between everything that's going on there.
Physically, once I show you the aerial, you will see it really is the middle of everything
that's happening. But it is also transitional between the north, the single family
residential detached and, then, across the street we have multi-family, we have
commercial, we really do have a little bit of everything. So, here as I mentioned an
aerial view of really what's happening. In red is where Driftwood Townhomes is. Across
Venable there is commercial. There is a fuel station, a dog store, a salon, a few other
uses. I believe they are office spaces. Across Ustick we have multi-family, additional
detached single family residential. To the west we have multi-family. I'm going to go
back on this slide. The multi-family image that's shown here, that is the multi-family
project that is to the west of Driftwood Townhomes. This I feel like actually shows a
really good transition in regards to the scale of what's happening over there. The multi-
family that's to the west isn't large multi-family, it's a smaller scale multi-family project.
believe they are eight-plexes. So, yeah, that's to the west. And, then, to the north we
have the single family dwellings that are detached and, then, to the east we have the
future city community center that is in the works and, then, Settlers Park. These are our
Type A home's front access. That's where the front door and the garage is on the front
side of the home. Each home is equipped with a two car garage and a parking pad that
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March 17,2026
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allows for two additional parking stalls. These house -- houses are located at the
perimeter noted in pink. And we also have home Type B, that are our carriage lane
homes. These are the homes where the front doors are in the front and the garage
access is at the rear. Also noted here in pink is where those are located. And same
thing. They have two car garage with a parking pad that allows for two additional
vehicles. With that I do agree with staff and Commission's recommendation of approval
and request your guys' approval tonight with the modification of condition 4-A-1-4.
stand for any questions.
Overton: Council, any questions for the applicant?
Little Roberts: Mr. President?
Overton: Council Member Little Roberts.
Little Roberts: Mr. President. Thank you so much. If you wouldn't mind going back to
like where we can see the roof lines specifically like where there is flat, because you
have probably heard that we had some issues with some -- so, I'm just covering bases.
Is there anything planned like patios or anything on those rooftops that could make
them appear like they have got an additional story?
Bensky: That is not planned for these homes, no.
Little Roberts: Thank you.
Taylor: Mr. President?
Overton: Councilman Taylor.
Taylor: Thank you. A couple of questions. On the patio -- well, I guess the two units on
-- that are facing Venable Lane, are they the -- where is the front oriented? Is it --
because we are going to have the garage in the back and the front. What's oriented
towards the exterior? I'm just -- can you help me understand?
Bensky: Yes. Of course. The front doors are going to be visible from Venable. So,
when you are driving on Venable on -- if you are driving into Venable driving north on
your west you will see the fronts of these homes.
Taylor: Thank you. And, then, the alleyway between the two, how wide is that? No, go
-- stay where you were. Sorry. Go back to that. With the carriage lane style like --
yeah. How wide is the road between the -- the two longer rows of the alleyways? Is it --
Bensky: I need to verify. One moment.
Taylor: Okay.
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Bensky: Thank you. Thank you. Those are 24 feet wide.
Taylor: Mr. President, just a quick follow up on another matter. Could you go to the
slide of the condition for the streetlight. The one where you had it in right -- yeah. So,
you are asking for this condition -- okay. So, essentially, if I'm just understanding it right,
because we don't have this cooperative development agreement in place, you want to
continue moving ahead while that -- with the project while you are working on getting
that CDA in place?
Bensky: That is correct.
Taylor: Okay. And do you have a timeline on -- I know that's in -- in the works. Are we
looking at in the next few weeks, few months? Is this later in the fall? What's -- what's
your best guess on that?
Bensky: I'm actually going to let Garrett answer that question. I know that today we
were already working on red lines with it, but I think Garrett is more appropriate to
answer that.
Taylor: Great.
White: Mr. President, Councilman Taylor, I got the draft on my desk I think Monday late
afternoon. I reviewed it this morning. We should be sending it to legal for their review
and our comments by the end of this week and, then, the timeline from there -- I mean
I'm not sure what legal is saying -- that we need to send back to ACHD and stuff like
that. So, there is some back and forth still a little bit. So, I would hope in the next few
weeks, but I don't really want to be quoted on that. If that makes any sense. So --
Taylor: Mr. President. Garrett, stay here. So, from -- it sounds like we are getting, you
know, pretty close to having that in place. What's the timeline between getting that
agreement in place and, then, securing the warrant to get the lights and, then,
construction? I'm just trying to track what that process looks like, thinking about this
project, thinking about the community center, because that could -- that's going to be a
very busy intersection, especially as the construction traffic starts to tick up. If you have
been over there and looking at the baseball lately, it's kind of wild. So, can you give me
a -- walk me through a timeline on that?
Garrett: Mr. President, Councilman Taylor, that -- the timeline is so difficult to say. I
know our intent is to have the signalized intersection there before we open the
community center. That's our intent. Without speaking for ACHD or Brighton, it's -- it's
really tough for me to nail down a timeline at this point. I would be happy to get together
with ACHD and Brighton here and -- and talk about a timeline and kind of get more of a
thing soon, but I -- I would hate to tell you a timeline before we meet with that. Mike
Barton is retiring Thursday and he has been the one -- kind of the head contact of this.
So, I would hate to myself give you a timeline right now, if that makes any sense, but --
Meridian City Council
March 17,2026
Page 15 of 21
Taylor: Yeah. It does. And I think that would be helpful. I actually -- so, Venable Road
the other way is how I access where I live and it's -- it's getting pretty busy already and
so I imagine as this picks up it's -- it's a really challenging intersection right now,
especially on Saturdays now with baseball and -- and all that. So, I think knowing what
that timeline looks -- looks like would be very helpful.
Garrett: Yeah. I -- like -- yeah. Sorry to inter -- like I said, it -- it's we would love to have
it done before we open the community center. So, that -- that's our timeline we are
really pushing for. So, we are hoping to get it done hopefully in the next -- agreement
done soon and, then, start working with our partners to get it done, so -- yeah.
Overton: Council, any additional questions?
Cavener: Yeah. Sorry. Council President?
Whitlock: First a follow-up comment and I -- I think we have communicated that to -- the
priority of this to ACHD and -- and I -- I feel comfortable that they know how important
that is. Ms. Bensky, just a quick question. If you could go back on the slide. I'm going
to follow up on what Councilman Taylor asked with -- and this is fine. Those two units to
the east, you said the front door comes off of Venable and the garage comes off the
carriage lane there to the west; correct?
Bensky: That's correct.
Whitlock: Will people be parking on Venable to access those six units?
Bensky: We are providing the garages and the parking pads, so they should be using
that as their primary resource.
Whitlock: Are there concerns that secondary resource will start to stack up on Venable?
Bensky: I really hope not. I'm going to show a slide that provides a better picture of
parking allowances. So, along the private streets here in orange are on-street parking
where we will be allowing that. We do also have six additional marked stalls for
residents or visitors to be using. We hope that if there is a secondary need of parking
they will be parking internally within the development. We hope that is the case.
Whitlock: Thank you.
Overton: Council --
Whitlock: I hope that's the case, too.
Bensky: I mean with an additional 40 on-street parking stalls in addition to the garages
and their parking pads, we do feel like there is sufficient parking within the development
to contain that.
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March 17,2026
Page 16 of 21
Overton: Council, any further questions for the applicant?
Taylor: Mr. President?
Overton: Councilman Taylor.
Taylor: Yeah. I appreciate it. Can you walk me through the thinking why you added
those two units to the east? In your earlier proposal it was -- looked like you had your
own kind of little community center. Can you explain kind of the reasoning behind that?
Bensky: Yeah. When this was originally proposed as multi-family that is one of the
things that are required of a multi-family development. When we moved to individual
platting we saw an opportunity to make this space more visually appealing when you
are driving into Venable. We thought that having something -- these carriage lane
homes with the nice neighborhood, cozy atmosphere, would add to that. We also just
saw an opportunity there to create the true drive aisle alleyway for our residents to be
using instead of an additional private street that people would be using to access the
rest of the development.
Taylor: Okay. Mr. President? Maybe --
Overton: Councilman Taylor.
Taylor: Maybe not so much a question for you -- and I don't even know if Sonya would
know. I think there is parking allowed on Venable, right, on one side, but not on the
other. If I'm remembering correctly I think the east side at least today there was -- there
is no parking, but on the west side I believe there is. I could be wrong. I'm not sure if
anyone knows the answer. I'm not sure that's really relevant to this. But to Councilman
Whitlock's comment -- and if I lived there I would totally park on that street to walk into
my front door. So, I -- I -- I think we -- we should expect that that is the case and I don't
think that -- I'm not sure that's necessarily a huge problem if it's allowed on the street,
but I do think we are going to see some parking there.
Overton: Council, any additional questions for the applicant? Thank you.
Bensky: Thank you.
Overton: Mr. Clerk, is there anyone signed up to provide testimony on this item?
Johnson: Mr. President, nobody signed up in advance.
Overton: Is there anybody present who would like to testify on this item? Or if you are
online if you would use the Raise Your Hand feature. Seeing no one come forward,
does the applicant have any final comments or waive their final comments?
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March 17,2026
Page 17 of 21
Bensky: Thank you, Council President. I want to clarify the location of the sidewalk in
accordance with conditions. Sonya, I apologize, we are proposing the sidewalk beyond
the west side, not on the east side of that alley. I want to make sure that that's okay.
Okay. Thank you. That was it. Thank you.
Overton: Thank you. Council, if there is no further comments, do I have a motion to
close the public hearing?
Taylor: Mr. President?
Overton: Councilman Taylor.
Taylor: I move that we close the public hearing for Driftwood Townhomes Subdivision,
File H-2025-0051.
Whitlock: Second.
Overton: We have a motion and a second to close public hearing. All vote signify by
saying aye. Opposed nay? The ayes have it. The public meeting is closed.
MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. ONE ABSENT.
Taylor: Mr. President?
Overton: Councilman Taylor.
Taylor: I -- I do like this project. I think it's a good project. I -- I like that it's -- we are --
we are finding a different type of housing with the condominiums. I think that's
something we are looking for and I think -- I think the designs, the aesthetics are nice
and I do agree that some of the transition there -- like it's nice to see some of this
different type of housing. I think it will be pretty desirable place right next to the
community center. It looks like you have built in some nice privacy within the
community, while still having access to a lot of public amenities I think will be nice. My
only concern -- parking is always a bit of an issue. Even if you have adequate parking
people still seem to kind of go do what they want. I think we will see some parking on
the road, but I -- I don't think I'm terribly concerned about it. My biggest concern is just
the timing of the light and I have been pretty clear about that in our discussion on the
community center and other things, but I have -- you know, knowing where we are with
the agreement and, you know, I know we have our own reasons as a city why we want
to get that done as -- as quickly as we can. So, I just would encourage the applicant
and -- and our own staff to stay vigilant on -- on getting that signalized light in as -- as
soon as it's feasible. But I'm supportive of this. I think it's a good project and I'm happy
to make a motion if we -- if there is any further comments I will -- I will make a motion
when it's appropriate.
Overton: Council, any other comments?
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March 17,2026
Page 18 of 21
Whitlock: Just -- Mr. President?
Overton: Councilman Whitlock.
Whitlock: I -- I would just concur. I think this is a -- a good product in a -- in a good
location. You know, it's not often that you can find a home that you can buy. So,
appreciate the fact that these will be for sale and -- and -- and owner occupied. I think
that's great. I think there is a demand for that. Close to the amenities that Councilman
Taylor was talking about. So, I -- I think it's a good project with a good product in a good
location. I share the concern about making sure that the light is expedited. It's needed
now and, you know, we -- we expect good things with the community center that's there
as well. So, we -- we want to move forward as quickly as possible. Again, I think we
have communicated that to all of the parties and they know the priority that that is, but
just commend the -- the applicant for a -- a good product. I am a little bit concerned
about Venable and -- and potential parking there and congestion, but we will watch that
and see how it -- how it transpires. So, I'm supportive of this project as well.
Taylor: Mr. President?
Overton: Councilman Taylor.
Taylor: Unless there is any other comments from my colleagues, I would move that
after considering all staff, applicant and public testimony, I move to approve File No. H--
2025-0016 as presented in the staff report for the hearing date March 17th, 2026.
Whitlock: Second.
Overton: Council, we have a motion and a second to approve File H-2025-0051. Clerk,
can you call roll.
Roll Call: Cavener, yea; Strader, absent; Overton, yea; Little Roberts, yea; Taylor, yea;
Whitlock, yea.
Overton: All ayes. The motion is agreed. Thank you very much.
MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. ONE ABSENT.
ORDINANCES [Action Item]
21. Ordinance No. 26-2118: An Ordinance (Meridian Luxe H-2025-0035)
for rezone of a parcel of land located in the southwest quarter of the
southeast quarter of Section 26, Township 4 North, Range 1 West,
Boise Meridian, City of Meridian, Ada County, Idaho, as depicted in
the map exhibit, rezoning 5.99 acres of land from the L-O (Limited
Office) zoning district to the C-C (Community Business) zoning
district in the Meridian City Code; directing city staff to alter all
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March 17,2026
Page 19 of 21
applicable use and area maps as well as the official zoning maps and
all applicable official maps depicting the boundaries and the zoning
districts of the City of Meridian in accordance with this ordinance;
providing that copies of this ordinance shall be filed with the Ada
County Assessor, the Ada County Treasurer, the Ada County
Recorder, and the Idaho State Tax Commission, as required by law;
and providing an effective date.
Overton: Council, that brings us to Item 21, Ordinance 26-2118. 1 will ask the Clerk to
read this ordinance by title.
Johnson: Thank you, Mr. President. It's an ordinance for rezone of a parcel of land
located in the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 26, Township 4
North, Range 1 West, Boise Meridian, City of Meridian, Ada County, Idaho, as depicted
in the map exhibit, rezoning 5.99 acres of land from the L-O zoning district to the C-C
zoning district in the Meridian City Code; directing city staff to alter all applicable use
and area maps as well as the official zoning maps and all applicable official maps
depicting the boundaries and the zoning districts of the City of Meridian in accordance
with this ordinance; providing that copies of this ordinance shall be filed with the Ada
County Assessor, the Ada County Treasurer, the Ada County Recorder, and the Idaho
State Tax Commission, as required by law; and providing an effective date.
Overton: Council, you have heard this read by title. Is there anyone who would like it
read in its entirety? If not, do I have a motion?
Taylor: Mr. President?
Overton: Councilman Taylor.
Taylor: Move that we approve Ordinance No. 26-2118.
Whitlock: Second.
Overton: We have a motion and a second to approve Ordinance 26-2118. Mr. Clerk,
can you call the roll.
Roll Call: Cavener, yea; Strader, absent; Overton, yea; Little Roberts, yea; Taylor, yea;
Whitlock, yea.
Overton: The motion passes.
MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. ONE ABSENT.
22. Ordinance No. 26-2119: An ordinance amending Unified Development
Code section 11-1-5(B)(1) concerning fence measurements;
amending Unified Development Code section 11-1A-1 concerning
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March 17,2026
Page 20 of 21
definitions of drive-through establishments; amending Unified
Development Code section 11-2A-3(e) concerning maximum height
limit in residential districts; amending Unified Development Code
Section 11-2D-3(b) concerning maximum height limit in traditional
neighborhood districts; amending Unified Development Code Table
11-213-2 concerning allowed uses in commercial districts; amending
Unified Development Code Table 11-2D-2 concerning allowed uses in
traditional neighborhood districts; amending Unified Development
Code section 11-3A-7(D)(4)(c), concerning decorative panels and
trellises adjacent to fences; amending Unified Development Code
Table 11-5A-2 concerning decision-making authority; and providing
an effective date.
Overton: That moves us to Item 22, Ordinance No. 26-2119. Mr. Clerk, could you read
this by title?
Johnson: Thank you, Mr. President. It's an ordinance amending Unified Development
Code Section 11-1-5(B)(1) concerning fence measurements; amending Unified
Development Code Section 11-1A-1 concerning definitions of drive-through
establishments; amending Unified Development Code Section 11-2A-3(e) concerning
maximum height limit in residential districts; amending Unified Development Code
Section 11-2D-3(b) concerning maximum height limit in traditional neighborhood
districts; amending Unified Development Code Table 11-213-2 concerning allowed uses
in commercial districts; amending Unified Development Code Table 11-2D-2 concerning
allowed uses in traditional neighborhood districts; amending Unified Development Code
Section 11-3A-7(D)(4)(c), concerning decorative panels and trellises adjacent to fences;
amending Unified Development Code Table 11-5A-2 concerning decision-making
authority; and providing an effective date.
Overton: Council, you have heard this ordinance read by title. Is there anyone who
would like it read in its entirety? If not, do I have a motion?
Taylor: Mr. President?
Overton: Councilman Taylor.
Taylor: I move that we approve Ordinance No. 26-2119.
Whitlock: Second.
Overton: Council, we have a motion and a second to approve Ordinance No. 26-2119.
Mr. Clerk, would you call roll.
Roll Call: Cavener, yea; Strader, absent; Overton, yea; Little Roberts, yea; Taylor, yea;
Whitlock, yea.
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March 17,2026
Page 21 of 21
Overton: All ayes. Motion passes.
MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. ONE ABSENT.
FUTURE MEETING TOPICS
Overton: Council, that brings us to future meeting topics. We have no future meeting
topics. Do I have a motion?
Little Roberts: Mr. President?
Overton: Council Member Little Roberts.
Little Roberts: I move we adjourn.
Whitlock: Second.
Overton: Motion and a second to adjourn. We are adjourned.
MOTION CARRIED: FIVE AYES. ONE ABSENT.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:47 P.M.
(AUDIO RECORDING ON FILE OF THESE PROCEEDINGS)
MAYOR ROBERT E. SIMISON 4-7-2026
ATTEST:
CHRIS JOHNSON - CITY CLERK 4-7-2026