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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 22
Forrey: Well those buildings don't encroach in that .easement. That easement is wide
enough just to get a pick up and a back hoe in there. It is just irrigation maintenance and
sewer maintenance for the City. So there is adequate room there. The easement doesn't
interfere with the buildings. We have worked around that.
Oslund: I am looking at it, does it need to remain when you are done?
Forrey: I met with Nampa Meridian again today and they tell me it needs to remain. They
have got to get back to the Gruber lateral plus the City has the sewer.
Oslund: If you build Penrith or Commercial you can provide them equal or better access
then them having to go down through the side of your property right through you
landscaping. It just seems kind of odd.
Forrey: There is a piece of lateral here a big piece of the lateral here and all along the rail
road tracks and that is where the City sewer is.
Oslund: I see, so it is not just the one that is running parallel to the rail road track, you are
providing access to other little pieces.
Forrey: Yes, correct.
Johnson: Any other questions of the applicant? This is a public hearing is there anyone
else in the audience that would like to address the Commission at this time on the
application? Any other questions before we close the public hearing? Hearing none then
I will close the public hearing at this time.
Shearer: Mr. Chairman, I move we have the Attorney prepare findings of fact and
conclusions of law for this.
MacCoy: Second
Johnson: Moved and seconded that we have the City Attorney prepare findings of fact and
conclusions of law on item 8, application by Wayne and Karen Forrey, all those in favor?
Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #9: PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A
JOHN DEERE DEALERSHIP BY CONTRACTORS EQUIPMENT SUPPLY CO.:
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 23
Johnson: At this time I will open the public hearing and invite the applicant or his
representative to address the Commission.
Mark Canfield, 1100 Clearview Court, Eagle, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Canfield: As I was saying we are a John Deere industrial equipment dealer located
currently by the Boise City Airport. The Airport is expanding their north runway operation
and has forced us into making a move. We have purchased the property formally known
as the playground, the golf .driving range portion of that. The property was recently
replatted. We are going to, propose building a 24,000 square foot facility on approximately
10 acres within that site. If I may Mr. Chairman I have a drawing that I would like to share
with the Commission members.
Johnson: As long as you realize that anything you share with us becomes our property.
Canfield: (Inaudible) vacant property currently over here on this side our east boundary
and on the west boundary currently this is a parking lot that was used for vehicles to park
as they came and drove golf balls on the range which is this area right here. We have as
I mentioned earlier a 24,000 square foot building that we propose that will service for
selling parts and working on the John Deere equipment that we sell and represent. The
front portion of the building is office space and we have approximately 66 parking spaces.
We currently employ approximately 28 employees we anticipate with the move into this
larger building that our employee base would go to approximately 30 plus people. We
have selected a group of what we feel are quality companies to help us bring this
development along. Those companies are Wright Brothers is going to be our building
contractor. Hubble Engineering is doing the engineering work for us on this facility. And
we have Jensen Belt as our landscape architect designer. As you can see we have
complied with the Meridian City Ordinances as far as landscaping along the Overland
Road route and on our East and West borders of the property. We have a display berm
similar to what Western States and Ar° gold Machinery have further down to the west that
we will display machines along I-84 in the area along the North boundary. Our hours of
operation will be Monday through Friday, normally from 8 to 5, there are times that through
the busier construction seasons that we may need to operate from 6 a.m. to no later than
7 p.m. in the evening. Outside of that, I do, I wrould like to at this time introduce our legal
counsel to address some of the staff comments in regard to this project, Mr. John
McCreedy.
John McCreedy, 323 Ressigue, Boise, was sworn by the City Attorney.
McCreedy: As Mark stated they have put together a real high quality development team
for this particular project. They have been at their Boise facility since 1955 so I think it is
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 24
a long term proposal. It is not the kind of thing that will come today and then be gone next
year. It is a very stable company, very stable business that they have been in for quite
some time. They have been a John Deere dealership for quite some time and they have
been CESCO for quite a while. So they are there to stay and. I think there is quite a bit of
need behind the company. You are a little bit familiar or at least I know some of the
Council members and some of the Planning and Zoning commission members are familiar
with the property. You have probably seen it in a couple of different forms and a couple
of different shapes. We are hoping that ends quite frankly: Not that there was anything
wrong with what happened in the past because we think a little permanence might in order
in that area and it has been fluctuating a little bit. We did have an opportunity to review
the staff report that was put together by the City Engineer and City Planning and Zoning
Administrator. I quickly returned the comments as requested on that and need to modify
a few of the comments that I submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission in my letter
of last Friday, September 13. Just quickly go through a few of those comments and
hopefully we have worked out few more things with Shari in the mean time that we might
have been a little confused about when the letter was drafted. First, the Cook's lateral, the
City code requires that it be tiled, we understand from ACH'D that they are going to expand
overland Road in the near future. We think it might be a waste of money to file that
lateral, rip out the file and have it changed again when it is expanded. We have asked that
item be deleted from a condition of approval. If that is going a little to far to go full and
delete an item that is part of the Meridian City Code perhaps we could agree upon
something that is a little bit in between and that is that we file it unless the City agrees
otherwise. And Nampa and Meridian Irrigation District agree otherwise. Mark Canfield
has spoken with John Anderson of the Nampa and Meridian Irrigation District, he seemed
at least preliminarily to indicate that it would be a waste of money to file that lateral. So
that might be one that when the City Attorney when he does prepare findings of fact we
could take a look at that see if there is some way to (inaudible) so we don't waste money
on it.
Johnson: You might consider a;~plying for a variance on that, that is probably the only ti~~ng
that could be done on that.
McCreedy: We will do that if that is what needs to be done. We originally
Johnson: On that issue before you leave that, did you meet with ACHD, is this a funded
and is it on ACHD's agenda for the next two to three years or was that just a general
comment?
McCreedy: I believe it is in their plans but I don't know that for sure but I can get that
information and put it together in the form of a variance application. If we go with a
variance application we will get all the background documents and fully submit it.
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 25
Johnson: Thank you
McCreedy: Item 3 in the general comments was a requirement that we determine the
seasonal ground water, high ground water and subsurface soils. We originally thought that
would be a little more intensive than we figured out and we are here tonight to say that we
will comply with that requirement. We have actually got Strata Company which is formally
Howards Consultants working on that. So never mind on my comment on item 3 we will
comply. On the site specific comments I think probably the one with the most significance
at least from the City Engineer's standpoint we have talked with him on occasion about
this. Is the sewer service for the facility. I understand from the City Engineer that Meridian
needs to bring the Five Mile Trunk extension, I guess it is the Five Mile not the Nine Mile
Trunk extension to that piece of property. Also to Bill Howell's piece of property that was
approved as Transport Truck and Trailer next door. I think that project is a couple of years
down the road although I don't know that for sure. In the meantime and we need a place
to hook up to sewer. There might be some confusion between City staff and the folks that
have worked on this piece of property. There is a sewer line that ran through the first two
lots, lots 2 and 3 of the Playground property. We are lot 1 of the Playground Subdivision.
So there is a sewer line that we can hook up I did provide you with a copy of our easement
agreement with the Playground. The facilities are there they can be engineered, we can
hook up to them as part of construction of this building. I also want to say that CESCO is
more than willing to participate in the Five Mile Trunk extension, more than willing to hook
up to that trunk extension when it is available. More than willing to pay its fair share along
with the other neighboring users in cooperation with the City. But they do need sewer
within the next year is this project is approved and they are allowed to go forward. So they
do need to take advantage of the existing sewer service that is there. I have drafted some
language in my letter that I think might take care of that problem. Again we are more than
willing to work with the City on that. Another significant item is what
Johnson: Before you leave that item, though 1 would like some comment from Gary Smith
our City Engineer. If t"sere is confusion, I am always amazed when Gary i~ confused
because he is so seldom confused.
(End of Tape)
Smith: Thank you Mr. Chairman, there is a sewer that was extended through the RV
overnight park. I am not sure how far east it goes from the RV park. I am told it was
extended through lot 2 but we are not at least when I talked to my associate Bruce
Freckleton he wasn't certain that it was actually completed. The construction was not
inspected by the City apparently so we don't have any real record of that, maybe it is there.
We don't know how deep it is if it is physically possible to sewer into this lot or not. The
fact of the matter is when Dr. Clark sold this property he requested a letter from me
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 26
concerning sewer service to lot 1. I wrote Dr. Clark a letter at that time which was early
on in 1996 stating that sewer service was availaa~»le to Lot 1 as pertains to a support facility
building for the driving range. That was all. That isn't all my letter said but that is basically
the contents of it. Also at the time the plat was recorded sanitary restrictions were placed
on the plat concerning construction on Lot 1 by Central District Health Department. I don't
know that those sanitary restrictions have been lifted off of that plat. My main concern and
it has always been my concern and City Council's concern is that we start getting sewage
from an adjacent drainage area into a drainage area that was not intended to accept that
sewage. And the possibility of problems in the future of capacity in the sewer line from an
area outside of a drainage area for a specific sewer, line. What kind of liability would the
City incur by allowing connection to that line. We don't have a time table for extension of
the Five Mile Creek sewer line under the Interstate. The Meridian School district has
purchased some property from GL Voigt and ~ understand it is their intention to construct
a high school at some point in time. I don't know when that is whether it is three years from
now or five years from now. But it is a sizable expenditures to cross under the Interstate
with the sewer from where it exists at this point. Construct it to Overland road, West on
Overland Road to the school site and it would have to come a little farther west through
the Howell site to Lot 1 of the Playground Subdivision. So that is kind of some background
on what I remember has happened to this project. When the Clark's had the project when
they had the subdivision and that is the reason I wrote the letter, I was very explicit as to
what kind of sewage could come back toward the Nine Mile Drainage.
Johnson: And your letter didn't address lots 2 and 3 only lot 1 ?
Smith: That is the only one he asked for, correct. The lot 3 I guess it is that the RV park
is located on it in the Nine Mile Creek Drainage, it is on the west side of Hunter lateral
which is the break point in the topography out there. I don't recall the proposed use for
lot 2, it almost seems like it was a miniature golf proposal which t don't know, I think there
were some restrooms that were proposed as part of that miniature golf development.
Shearer: Gary, while you are here, why are we asking for determination of high water, high
ground water elevation and profiling of subsurface soil conditions on this site. This is a
high ground site as near as I can tell.
Smith: That is all they need to tell us, we have had problems with water in crawl spaces,
under foundations, and we just want to know what is down there. If we are going to get
some lateral movement of surface out of the Hunter Lateral for example although it has
been piped I wouldn't expect that would be a problem. But we continue to have problems
with ground water or surface water in crawl spaces and the reason is because we have
a clay layer.
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 27
Shearer: Do you have them up on the bench there? Up in that area,?
Smith: Not that I am aware of, there hasn't been any real construction out there other than
down in the Nine Mile Drain area.
Shearer: Well this is the highest ground out there and any place, you know like when we
did the well place there we were down a lot of feet and the (inaudible) it seems like it is
a redundant.
Smith: It is a standard comment that we put on all of our reviews.
Shearer: Well, I don't know we keep tacking stuff on owners eventually they won't build
buildings.
Johnson: Well then we wouldn't need any architects and then we would have a better
world.
Smith: I might add Commissioner Shearer that every once in a while we run into pockets,
perched water tables that can cause us grief. It is just a precaution, it doesn't, I don't think
it amounts to very much as far as an expense is concerned for them to dig a hole and
have somebody look at it and verify that they don't have a perched water table.
Johnson: Thanks Gary.
McCreedy: Regarding the ground water height and the subsurface soils after talking with
Shari just briefly and then again with my client earlier. It is not a problem with us we
understand what the City wants and we will get it done. I think we were wanting to try and
solve the stickier problems like the sewer and perhaps the development agreement and
.put our resources there. On the sewer system as far as the location of that sewer line over
to Lot 1 wt,ich is the lot owned by CESCO my understanding and i haven't dug there and
neither has my client but my understanding based on our negotiations and representations
with the Clarke's is the sewer line may not extend all the way to Lot 1 but it is pretty close.
We could not get an accurate figure from them at any one time and therefore we included
in the easement agreement our right to cross their land to hook up to that system. We also
included in the easement agreement one of the concerns that we had was the size and the
engineering of the facilities on site not only on our lot, Lot 1 but on their lots 2 and 3. And
so we included in the easement agreement CESCO's right to increase the size of that pipe
if necessary to satisfy the City Engineer's standards. So I think we have hopefully
anticipated those issues and covered them as well as we can. Now the capacity of the
sewer system to handle that waste beyond those two lots is really something that is
beyond our control for the time being. But 1 do want to reiterate that we are willing to
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 28
participate in the extension to the site from the east. We will do anything we can to
engineer the facilities on site and if there are some limits that need to be placed
reasonable limits on the amount of waste that can be discharged from the CESCO facility
then we will do that in order to assure that capacity isn't exceeded. But I can't stress
enough hour critically important it is that we have access to the existing sewer line. There
is one there, it was intended for building on that lot and it is very important that we have
access to that even if on a temporary basis until that new fine gets put in. Without it the
project basically fails at least for the time being. We will work with the City Engineer in
whatever way we can to get it done. The development agreement, there is an existing
development agreement that was entered into with the Clark's quite some time ago. I kind
of question where. that development agreement stands, it has been my experience with
some development agreeme~rtts they are very rosy up front whether they get enforced or
not, whether they get complied with or not is sometimes questionable in some instances.
I did have a chance to mention with Mr. Crookston just briefly before the meeting that we
will proceed in whatever way the City wants us to proceed in order to get the project
approved. If the development agreement is defunct and needs to be terminated then so
be it. If the City wants a modified and amended development agreement I will draft that
and have it over here post haste within the next week or two for Mr Crookston to agree.
Even so you can have it in advance of the next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting
were you to decide to request findings of fact and conclusions of law and a
recommendation. We will go whatever way the City wants to go with a development
agreement. Regarding hours of operation, I want to add that having the facility open from
6 in the morning to 7:30 at night would be on a as needed basis only. The normal hours
of operation would be 8 to 5. I have included some language in my letter that I hope would
accomplish that. Regarding the transfer of the permit or the property to two new owners
that was my mistake. I didn't read your ordinance carefully enough, I found the section that
does deal with transfers and as my understanding it does require City Council approval
so I would like to delete that request from my letter. That staff condition looks fine. We
request that the Commission order the findings of fact and conclusions of law be prepared,
tF•~at you recommend approval to the City Council in acc~~rdance with the Meridian zoning
and development ordinance. That if it is at all possible that we get on the October 8, 1996
P & Z Commission agenda to have those findings of fact and conclusions of law reviewed.
I have asked Ms. Stiles to fax them over to me a few days in advance, we will review them
post haste and get our comr#s back in and do as much upfront negotiation with the city
staff on all of the conditions we~ can before we come to the Commission again to hopefully
reduce as many conflicts. I would also like to add I think the record supports a finding that
Section 218 C of your ordir~nce has been satisfied that requires nine different findings,
I won't go through them in detail. but a couple of the highlights. First is it a conditional use,
I think in fact if we wanted to get strictly technical and we looked at the zoning ordinance
it is a permitted use. It is heavy farm equipment sales and repair section 2-409 C in an
industrial area zoned C-G. I think it is clearly the type of use that is contemplated in that
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 29
area. We are more than willing to go through the Conditional Use process to get the
conditions that the City wants. It is harmonious with the general vicinity, we have Arnold
and Western States dealerships very close to us. Mobile home sales and service facility
in the area, Meridian Ford in the area. I think it is fairly compatible with the vicinity. There
has been a problem as you may know with some of the bright lights from the. driving range
in the past. Those will be removed, I repeat they will be removed. We will have low
wattage lights that focus around the building sufficient for security but they will be focused
on the property and nowhere else. You have ACRD comments we agree with them and
we will comply with them. They seem to indicate the traffic can handle the area and the
public facilities. There won't be any additional cost to the public for the facilities, traffic may
even be less than what is currently there now, although I don't have those numbers in front
of me but the traffic count from ACRD was 270 vehicles per day which isn't alarming and
they indicated that the facilities can handle it. There aren't any natural or scenic features
of any major importance that we haven't protected. I would also like to add that at least
from the Staffs point of view we put a lot of time into the landscaping plan and I think that
Shari might have made a comment that the landscaping exceeds City requirements and
that was intentional, we would like to have as attractive of a facility as possible.
Johnson: What is the distance from Overland to the building?
McCreedy: (Inaudible) I believe it was somewhere close to (inaudible) from Overland to
the building itself?
Johnson: Yes, just to the face of the building.
McCreedy: I don't have that figure off the top of my head but it looks fairly significant 80
or 90 feet.
Johnson: (Inaudible) What would you say Mr. Architect?
Shearer: Well the parking lot has got to be at least 65 feet across there so just the parking
lot alone plus the landscaping, you would be 120 in that parking lot excuse me.
Oslund: Is your scale correct there, the 1 inch equals 40 feet? You are probably in the 240
foot range.
(Inaudible)
Johnson: So we went from 80 to (inaudible) Is that the end of your presentation and
comments, are there any questions of the applicant at this time from anybody other than
Wayne Crookston?
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 30
MacCoy: I do, you have done your homeworkwell, I like the fact that you have a berm out
there on Overland, it is going to be a real nice addition. Based on the fact that you have
done your homework and knowing that Overland is not going to be widened. for awhile it
is only a two lane road right at present. At best they are speaking of a three lane what
about your trucks carrying equipment and so forth getting in and out of that place. You
have run tests I am sure or at least (inaudible)
McCreedy: ACRD worked with us allowing us to expand these radiuses from the traditional
15 degrees to 25 degrees to accommodate swing turns with longer semi trucks. The
maximum driveways width that they would be willing to grant us was 40 feet. So our
entrance is 40 feet and that is the maximum as permitted by ACHD.
MacCoy: So you can make a turn and stay on the roadway without going off.
McCreedy: We believe we can.
MacCoy: (Inaudible) You already know from your site out there you have ditching on both
sides, you put that truck in there and you just locked Overland and we have seen it happen
very easily out there. So I would suggest -that you look at that very carefully. On, you have
already addressed lighting, what about signage. I know you are going to have to submit
signage to us for review but what do you have planned?
McCreedy: We have, I thought it was in the plan somewhere, we have a low profile sign
in this area right here of the driveway that would say the words John Deere on it.
MacCoy: Just like your cover (inaudible) that you gave us, like this one here. I didn't know
if that was an artists conception or if that was (inaudible)
McCreedy: That is the style and design of sign that we intend on using on the Overland
Road side of the property.
MacCoy: I imagine that it will be lit.
McCreedy: Florescent type tubes, low wattage type lighting.
MacCoy: What about up on the freeway side or anyplace else?
McCreedy: We would anticipate doing a sign similar to what Western States and Arnold
Machinery have done a display sign that would meet City ordinances as far as height and
lighting requirements. It would be an elevated sign in this area of the berm.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 31
MacCoy: You wouldn't plan to do what Ford did over there and put. one up on Overland
which was objectionable.
McCreedy: It will be a low impact type sign, nothing flashing. Just again displaying our
product name.
MacCoy: And be sure to keep away from flashing, because that will get you for sure. Your
ADA requirement code is required of you and (Inaudible) I would suggest that you, you
probably already have worked out, although I don't see all the pieces here, on parking for
handicapped, to the nth degree which means you have side pieces for your vans to get
wheelchairs. out and so on. Your building on this end the south end would be two story is
that office building?
McCreedy: It will be single story on the office portion the parts warehouse and shop area
will also be single story but approximately 20 to 24 foot high ceilings in that area.
MacCoy: You don't plan to excavate and drop that section down, it is all going to be on
level land?
McCreedy: It will be on level land yes.
MacCoy: Everything internal will be with the ADA (inaudible).
McCreedy: The architect, we haven't determined who we are going to use for certain, we
have interviewed with CSHQA, ADA has come and we want to be sure that we are in full
compliance.
MacCoy: Good because that is a very important thing with us. Your trash receptacles and
so on are going to be where?
McCreedy: The trash receptacles for the building will more than likely be on access wise
it will probably be located behind this screened off fenced area here, so whoever the trash
contractor is will have direct access.
MacCoy: So you will have a screened.
McCreedy: This is screened, this will be a fenced off area, the full facility will be fenced to
this portion here, the back half of the building if you will and this will be screened
(inaudible) that may be stored outdoors and trash receptacles etc.
MacCoy: Okay you brought the next part us was will you keep any parts outside, will you
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 32
screen those because it becomes a used car lot and you don't' want that. Okay, I think
that is all I have.
Johnson: Anyone else including Wayne Crookston?
Crookston: I do have a question, excuse me the ditch that you said that you were going
to tile, what is that ditch?
McCreedy: The ditch that the city is requiring us to the is Cook's lateral, it is my
understanding. It traverses both the Playground property and what is now the CESCO
property. I am not completely sure it has been tiled in its entirety on the Playground
property. I think there was some question regarding that in the past.
Crookston: Do you happen to know the size of the ditch?
Canfield: I can't answer that question I have no idea, I would take a hunch that it would
take some 30 inch diameter pipe to the just an educated guess.
Crookston: I believe that should have been tiled by the Playground. Do you know the
status of that Gary?
Smith: No I don't, it is my understanding there is a ditch that goes to the north that crosses
under the Interstate. That might, I am sorry that was the Howell .property. I don't know on
the Cooks's lateral.
Crookston: Thank you
Canfield: (Inaudible) that says unless otherwise agreed by the City and Nampa and
Meridian Irrigation District to not the it.
Johnson: I was interested in your comment that you felt this was a permitted use and didn't
require a conditional use permit. Did you look at it from that perspective Wayne, how did
you arrive at that being a conditional use permit?
Crookston: I believe that this is in a planned use area in which all uses are required to
have a conditional use permit.
Oslund: The same thing that we ran into last time with the one over on Eagle.
McCreedy: The advice that I have given John Deere CESCO is to not worry about it and
let's do whatever the City wants if they want a conditional use permit as a way of
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 33
amending the development agreement. Let's do that whatever it takes to satisfies City's
conditions. We really don't want to debate that issue.
Johnson: I understand that, I want to debate the issue because I don't want to be doing
things we don't need to be doing. That is why I am asking that question. Any other
questions for the applicant. This is a public hearing, anyone from the public that would like
to address the Commission at this time on this application? Anyone at all here for this?
Any other questions then? At this time I will close the public hearing and I would
appreciate it if you would leave that diagram with us.
Shearer: Mr. Chairman, I move that we have the attorney prepare findings of fact and
conclusions of law on this project.
MacCoy: Second
Johnson: We have a motion and a second to have the, City Attorney prepare findings of
fact and conclusions of law, all those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #10: PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A
RADIO ANTENNA TOWER BY WESTERN WIRELESS:
Johnson: This application has been withdrawn
FIVE MINUTE RECESS
ITEM #11: PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A
THRIFT STORE AND FARMERS MARKET BY IDAHO YOUTH RANCH INC.:
Johnson: I will now open the public hearing and invite the applicant or his representative
to come forward and address the Commission. Is anyone present representing the Idaho
Youth Ranch Inc.? Ms. Stiles?
Stiles: Chairman Johnson and Commissioners, due to the fact that the representative of
the applicant is having some health problems, we stressed him out too bad. I think it is a
very straight forward project, it is the Food Town existing grocery store. They have
submitted their plan that they are showing adding the parking and some landscaping that
hasn't existed at the site before. Ada County Highway District has placed some restrictions
on in and out because they plan to still use the existing pumps as part of their program
plus probably open to the public. The smaller 8 1/2 by 11 drawing you have is for Hills
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 8, 1996
Page 11
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #7: FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW FOR CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT FOR A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT GENERAL BY WAYNE AND KAREN
FORREY:
Johnson: Any discussion, corrections or deletions concerning these findings of fact as
prepared? Entertain a motion for approval.
Borup: Mr. Chairman I move the Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission hereby
adopts and approves these findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Shearer: Second
Johnson: Moved and seconded we approve the findings of fact as prepared, roll call vote.
ROLL CALL VOTE: Borup -Yea, Oslund -Absent, Shearer -Yea, MacCoy -Absent,
Johnson -Yea
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
Johnson: Recommendation to the City?
Borup: Mr. Chairman, I recommend the Meridian Planning and Zoning hereby recommend
to the City Council of the City of Meridian that they approve the conditional use permit
requested by the applicant for the property described in the application with the conditions
set forth in the findings of fact and conclusions of law.
Shearer: Second
Johnson: Moved and seconded we pass the recommendation onto the City as stated, all
those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
Johnson: This should be a good project for the City of Meridian Mr. Forrey.
(Inaudible)
ITEM #8: FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW FOR CONDITIONAL USE
PERMIT FOR A JOHN DEERE DEALERSHIP BY CONTRACTORS EQUIPMENT SUPPLY
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
October 8, 1996
Page 12
CO.:
Johnson: Any discussion regarding the CESCO findings of fact and conclusions of law?
Borup: I have none, I think they covered things pretty good. on the concerns before
(inaudible) sewer and water and it sounded like there are a lot of conditions that need, a
lot of things need to happen. I have nothing else.
Shearer: Mr. Chairman, I move the Meridian Planning and Zoning hereby adopt and
approve these findings of fact and conclusions.
Borup: Second
Johnson: Moved and seconded we approve these findings of fact and conclusions of law,
roll call vote.
-ROLL CALL VOTE: Borup -Yea, Oslund -Absent, Shearer -Yea, MacCoy -Absent,
Johnson -Yea
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
Shearer: Mr. Chairman, I move the Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission hereby
recommend to the City Council that they approve the conditional use permit requested by
the applicant for the property described in the application with the conditions set forth in
the findings of fact and conclusions of law. Specifically resolving the sufficient sewer and
water service for all of the applicant's land included in this application.
Borup: Second
Johnson: Motion and second to pass the recommendation onto the City as read, all those
in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #9: FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW FOR CONDITIONAL US
PERMIT FOR A THRIFT STORE AND FARMERS MARKET BY IDAHO YOUTH RANCH
INC.:
Johnson: Any comments gentlemen?
Borup: Nothing specific on the findings and I think it probably can be handled, the same
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 22 "
Forrey: Well those buildings don'f encroach in that easement. That easement is wide
enough just to get a pick up and a back hoe in there. It is just irrigation maintenance and
sewer maintenance for the City. So there is adequate room there. The easement doesn't
interfere with the buildings. We have worked around that.
Oslund: I am looking at it, does it need to remain when you are done?
Forrey: I met with Nampa Meridian again today and they tell me it needs to remain. They
have got to get back to the Gruber lateral plus the City has the sewer.
Oslund: If you build Penrith or Commercial you can provide them .equal or better access
then them having to go down through the side of your property right through you
landscaping. It just seems kind of odd.
Forrey: There is a piece of lateral here a big piece of the lateral here and all along the rail
road tracks and that is where the City sewer is.
Oslund: I see, so it is not just the one that is running parallel to the rail road track, you are
providing access to other little pieces.
Forrey: Yes, correct.
Johnson: Any other questions of the applicant? This is a public hearing is there anyone
else in the audience that would like to address the Commission at this time on the
application? Any other questions before we close the public hearing? Hearing none then
I will close the public hearing at this time.
Shearer: Mr. Chairman, I move we have the Attorney prepare findings of fact and
conclusions of law for this.
MacCoy: Second
Johnson: Moved and seconded that we have the City Attomey prepare findings of fact and
conclusions of law on item 8, application by Wayne and Karen Forrey, all those in favor?
Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #9: PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A
JOHN DEERE DEALERSHIP BY CONTRACTORS EQUIPMENT SUPPLY CO.:
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 23
Johnson: At this time I will open the public hearing and invite the applicant or his
representative to address the Commission.
Mark Canfield, 1100 Clearview Court, Eagle, was sworn by the City Attorney.
Canfield: As I was saying we are a John Deere industrial equipment dealer located
currently by the Boise City Airport. The Airport is expanding their north runway operation
and has forced us into making a move. We have purchased the property formally known
as the playground, the golf driving range portion of that. The property was recently
replatted. We are going to, propose building a 24,000 square foot facility on approximately
10 acres within that site. If I may Mr. Chairman I have a drawing that l would like to share
with the Commission members.
Johnson: As long as you realize that anything you share with us becomes our property.
Canfield: (Inaudible) vacant property currently over here on this side our east boundary
and on the west boundary currently this is a parking lot that was used for vehicles to park
as they came and drove golf balls on the range which is this area right here. We have as
I mentioned earlier a 24,000 square foot building that we propose that will service for
selling parts and working on the John Deere equipment that we sell and represent. The
front portion of the building is office space and we have approximately 66 parking spaces.
We currently employ approximately 28 employees we anticipate with the move into this
larger building that our employee base would go to approximately 30 plus people. WP
have selected a group of what we feel are quality companies to help us bring this
development along. Those companies are Wright Brothers is going to be our building
contractor. Hubble Engineering is doing the engineering work for us on this facility. And
we have Jensen Belt as our landscape architect designer. As you can see we have
complied with the Meridian City Ordinances as far as landscaping along the Overland
Road route and on our East and West borders of the property. We have a display berm
similar to what Western Stat s and Arnold Machinery have further down to the wee is that
we will display machines along I-84 in the area along the North boundary. Our hours of
operation will be Monday through Friday, normally from 8 to 5, there are times that through
the busier construction seasons that we may need to operate from 6 a.m. to no later than
7 p.m. in the evening. Outside of that, I do, I would like to at this time introduce our legal
counsel to address some of the staff comments in regard to this project, Mr. John
McCreedy. .
John McCreedy, 323 Ressigue, Boise, was sworn by the City Attom~y.
McCreedy: As Mark stated they have put together a real high quality development team
for this particular project. They have been at their Boise facility since 1955 so I think it is
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16,,1996.
Page 24
along term proposal. It is not the kind of thing that will- come today and then be gone next
year. It is a very stable company, very stable business that they. have been in for quite
some time. they have been a John Deere dealership for quite some time and they have
been CESCO for quite a while. So they are there to stay and. f think there is quite a bit of
need behind the company. You are a little bit familiar or at least I know some of the
Council members and some of the Planning and Zoning commission members are familiar
with the property. You have probably seen it in a couple of different forms and a couple
of different shapes. We are hoping that ends quite frankly. Not that there was anything
wrong with what happened in the past because we think a little permanence might in order
in that area and it has been fluctuating a little bit. We did have an opportunity to review
the staff report that was put together by the City Engineer and City Planning and Zoning
Administrator. I quickly returned the comments as requested on that and need to modify
a few of the comments that I submitted to the Planning and Zoning Commission in my letter
of last Friday, September 13. Just quickly go through a few of those comments and
hopefully we have worked out few more things with Shari in the mean time that we might
have been a little confused about when the letter was drafted. First, the Cook's lateral, the
City code requires that it be tiled, we understand from ACRD that they are going to expand
overland Road in the near future. We think it might be a waste of money to the that
lateral, rip out the the and have it changed again when it is expanded. We have asked that
item be deleted from a condition of approval. If that is going a little to far to go full and
delete an item that is part of the Meridian City Code perhaps we could agree upon
something that is a little bit in between and that is that we the it unless the City agrees
otherwise. And Nampa 2nd Meridian Irrigation District agree otherwise. Mark Canfield
has spoken with John Anderson of the Nampa and Meridian Irrigation District, he seemed
at least preliminarily to indicate that it would be a .waste of money to the that lateral. So
that might be one that when the City Attorney when he does prepare findings of fact we
could take a look at that see if there is some way to (inaudible) so we don't waste money
on it.
Johnson: You might consider applying for a variance on that, that is probably t~ re only thing
that could be done on that.
McCreedy: We will do that if that is what-needs to be done. We originally
Johnson: On that issue before you leave that, did you meet with ACHD, is this a funded
and is it on ACHD's agenda for the next two to three years or was that just a general
comment?
McCreedy: I believe it is in their plans but I don't know that for sure but I can get that
information and put it together in the form of a variance application. If we go with a
variance application we will get all the background documents and fully submit it.
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16,.1996.
Page 25
Johnson: Thank you
McCreedy: Item 3 in the general comments was a requirement that we determine the
seasonal ground water, high ground water and subsurface soils. We. originally thought that
would be a little more intensive than we figured out and we are here tonight to say that we
will comply with that requirement. We have actually got Strata Company which is formally
Howards Consultants working on that. So never mind on my comment on item 3 we will
comply. On the site specific comments I think probably the one with the most significance
at least from the City Engineer's standpoint we have talked with him on occasion about
this. Is the sewer service for the facility. I understand from the City Engineer that Meridian
needs to bring the Five Mile Trunk extension, I guess it is the Five Mile not the Nine Mile
Trunk extension to that piece of property. Also to Bill Howell's piece of property that was
approved as Transport Truck and Trailer next door. I think that project is a couple of years
down the road although I don't know that for sure. In the meantime and we need a place
to hook up to sewer. There might be some confusion between City staff and the folks that
have worked on this piece of property. There is a sewer line that ran through the first two
lots, lots 2 and 3 of the Playground property. We are lot 1 of the Playground Subdivision.
So there is a sewer line that we can hook up I did provide you with a copy of our easement
agreement with the Playground. The facilities are there they can be engineered, we can
hook up to them as part of construction of this building. I also want to say that CESCO is
more than willing to participate in the Five Mile Trunk extension, more than willing to hook
up to that trunk extension when it is available. More than willing to pay its fair share along
with the other neighboring users in cooperation with the City. But they do need sewer
within the next year is this project is approved and they are allowed to go forward. So they
do need to take advantage of the existing sewer service that is there. I have drafted some
language in my letter that I think might take care of that problem. Again we are more than
willing to work with the City on that. Another significant item is what
Johnson: Before you leave that item, though I would like some comment from Gary Smith
our City Engineer. If there is confusion, I am always amazed ~r;nen Gary is confused
because he is so seldom confused.
(End of Tape)
Smith: Thank you Mr. Chairman, there is a sewer that was extended through the RV
overnight park. I am not sure how far east it goes from the RV park. I am told it was
extended through lot 2 but we are not at least when I talked to my associate Bruce
Freckleton he wasn't certain that it was actually completed. The construction was not
inspected by the City apparently so we don't have any real record of that, maybe it is there.
We don't know how deep it is if it is physically possible to sewer into this lot or not. The
fact of the matter is when Dr. Clark sold this property he requested a letter from me
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16,..1996.
Page 26
concerning sewer service to lot 1. I wrote Dr. Clark a letter at that time which was early
on in 1996 stating that sewer service was available to Lot 1 as pertains to a support facility
building for the driving range. That was all. That isn't all my letter said but that is basically
the contents of it. Also at the time the plat was recorded sanitary restrictions were placed
on the plat concerning construction on Lot 1 by Central District Health Department. I don't
know that those sanitary restrictions have been lifted off of that plat. My main- concern and
it has always been my concern and City Council's concern is that we start getting sewage
from an adjacent drainage area into a drainage area that was not intended to accept that
sewage. And the possibility of problems in the future of capacity in the sewer line from an
area outside of a drainage area for a specific sewer line. What kind of liability would the
City incur by allowing connection to that line. We don't have a time table for extension of
the Five Mile Creek sewer line under the Interstate. The Meridian School district has
purchased some property from GL Voigt and I understand it is their intention to construct
a-high school at some point in time. I don't know when that is whether it is three years from
now or five years from now. But it is a sizable expenditures to cross under the Interstate
with the sewer from where it exists at this point. Construct it to Overland road, West on
Overland Road to the school site and it would have to come a little farther west through
the Howell site to Lot 1 of the Playground Subdivision. So that is kind of some background
on what I remember has happened to this project. When the Clark's had the project when
they had the subdivision and that is the reason I wrote the letter, I was very explicit~as to
what kind of sewage could come back toward the Nine Mile Drainage.
Johnson: And your letter didn't address lots 2 and 3 only lot 1?
Smith: That is the only one he asked for, correct. The lot 3 I guess it is that the RV park
is located on it in the Nine Mile Creek Drainage, it is on the west side of Hunter lateral
which is the break point in the topography out there. I don't recall the proposed use..-for
lot 2, it almost seems like it was a miniature golf proposal which I don't know, I think there
were some restrooms that were proposed as part of that miniature golf development.:
Shearer: Gary, while you are here, why are we asking for determination of high water, high
ground water elevation and profiling of subsurface soil conditions on this site. This is a
high ground site as near as I can tell. ~-
Smith: That is all they need to fiell us, we have had problems with water in crawl spaces,
under foundations, and we just want to know what is down there. If we are going to get
some lateral movement of surface out of the Hunter Lateral for example although it .has
been piped I wouldn't expect that would be a problem. But we continue to have problems
with ground water or surface water in crawl spaces and the reason is because we have
a clay layer.
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 27 -
Shearer: Do you have them up on the bench there? Up in that area?
Smith: Not that I am aware of, there hasn't been any real construction out there other than
down in the Nine Mile Drain area.
Shearer: Well this is the highest ground out there and any place, you know like when we
did the well place there we were down a lot of feet and the (inaudible) it seems like it is
a redundant.
Smith: It is a standard comment that we put on all of our reviews.
Shearer: Well, I don't know we keep tacking stuff on owners eventually they won't build
buildings.
Johnson: Well then we wouldn't need any architects and then we would have a better
world.
Smith: I might add Commissioner Shearer that every once in a while we run into pockets,
perched water tables that can cause us grief. It is just a precaution, it doesn't, I don't think
it amounts to very much as far as an expense is concerned for them to dig a hole and
have somebody look at it and verify that they don't have a perched water table.
Johnson: Thanks Gary.
McCreedy: Regarding the ground water height and the subsurface soils after talking with
Shari just briefly and then again with my client earlier. It is not a problem with us we
understand what the City wants and we will get it done. I think we were wanting to try and
solve the stickier problems like the sewer and perhaps the development agreement and
put our resources there. On the sewer system as far as the. location of that sewer line over
to Lot 1 which is the lot owned by CESCO my understanding and I haven't dug t; sere and
neither has my client but my understanding based on our negotiations and representations
with the Clarke's is the sewer line may not extend all the way to Lot 1 but it is pretty close.
We could not get an accurate figure from them at any one time and therefore we included
in the easement agreement our right to cross their land to hookup to that system. We also
included in the easement agreement one of the concerns that we had was the size and the
engineering of the facilities on site not only on our lot, Lot 1 but on their lots 2 and 3. And
so we included in the easement agreement CESCO's right to increase the size of that pipe
if necessary to satisfy the City Engineer's standards. So I think we have hopefully
anticipated those issues and covered them as well as we can. Now the capacity of the
sewer system to handle that waste beyond those two lots is really something that is
beyond our control for the time being. But I do want to reiterate that we are willing to
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 28
participate in the extension to the site from the east. We will do anything we can to
engineer the facilities on site and if there are some limits that need to be placed
reasonable limits on the amount of waste that can be discharged from the CESCO facility
then we will do that in order to assure that capacity isn't exceeded. But I can't stress
enough hour critically important it is that we have access to the existing sewer line. There
is one there, it was intended for building on that lot and it is very important that we have
access to that even if on a temporary basis until that new line gets put in. Without it the
project basically fails at least for the time being. We will work with the City Engineer in
whatever way we can to get it done. The development agreement, there is an existing
development agreement that was entered into with the Clark's quite some time ago. I kind
of question where that development agreement stands, it has been my experience with
some development agreements they are very rosy upfront whether they get enforced or
not, whether they get complied with or not is sometimes questionable in some instances.
I did have a chance to mention with Mr. Crookston just briefly before the meeting that we
will proceed in whatever way the City wants us to proceed in order to get the project
approved. If the development agreement is defunct and needs to be terminated then so
be it. If the City wants a modified and amended development agreement I will draft that
and have it over here post haste within the next week or two for Mr Crookston to agree.
Even so you can have it in advance of the next Planning and Zoning Commission meeting
were you to decide to request findings of fact and conclusions of law and a
recommendation. We will go whatever way the City wants to go with a development
agreement. Regarding hours of operation, I want to add that having the facility open from
6 in the morning to 7:30 at night would be on a as needed basis only. The normal hours
of operation would be 8 to 5. I have included some language in my letter that I hope would
accomplish that. Regarding the transfer of the permit or the property to two new owners
that was my mistake. 1 didn't read your ordinance carefully enough, I found the section that
does deal with transfers and as my understanding it does require City Council approval
so I would like to delete that request from my letter. That staff condition looks fine. We
request that the Commission order the findings of fact and conclusions of law be prepared,
that you recommend approval to the City Council in accordance with the Meridian zoning
.and development ordinance. That if it is at all possible that we get on the October 8, 1996
P & Z Commission agenda to have those findings of fact and conclusions of law reviewed.
I have asked Ms. Stiles to fax them over to me a few days in advance, we will review them
post haste and get our comments back in and do as much upfront negotiation with the city
staff on all of the conditions we can before we come to the Commission again to hopefully
reduce as many conflicts. I would also like to add I think the record supports a finding that
Section 218 C of your ordinance has been satisfied that requires nine different findings,
I won't go through them in detail but a couple of the highlights. First is it a conditional use,
I think in fact if we wanted to get strictly technical and we looked at the zoning ordinance
it is a permitted use. It is heavy farm equipment sales and repair section 2-409 C in an
industrial area zoned C-G. I think it is clearly the type of use that is contemplated in that
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 29
area. We are more than willing to go through the Conditional Use process to get the
conditions that the City wants. It is harmonious with the general vicinity, we have Arnold
and Western States dealerships very close to us. Mobile home sales and service facility
in the area, Meridian Ford in the area. I think it is fairly compatible with the vicinity. There
has been a problem as you may know with some of the bright lights from the driving range
in the past. Those will be removed, I repeat they will be removed. We will have low
wattage lights that focus around the building sufficient for security but they will be focused
on the property and nowhere else. You have ACHD comments we agree with them and
we will comply with them. They seem to indicate the traffic can handle the area and the
public facilities. There won't be any additional cost to the public for the facilities, traffic may
even be less than what is currently there now, although I don't have those numbers in front
of me but the traffic count from ACHD was 270 vehicles per day which isn't alarming and
they indicated that the facilities can handle it. There aren't any natural or scenic features
of any major importance that we haven't protected. I would also like to add that at least
from the Staffs point of view we put a lot of time into the landscaping plan and I think that
Shari might have made a comment that the landscaping exceeds City requirements and
that was intentional, we would like to have as attractive of a facility as possible.
Johnson: What is the distance from Overland to the building?
McCreedy: (Inaudible) I believe it was somewhere close to (inaudible) from Overland to
the building itself?
Johnson: Yes, just to the face of the building.
McCreedy: I don't have that figure off the top of my head but it looks fairly significant 80
or 90 feet.
Johnson: (Inaudible) What would you say Mr. Architect?
Shearer: Well the parking lot has got to be at least 65 feet across there so just the parking
lot alone plus the landscaping, you would be 120 in that parking lot excuse me.
Oslund: Is your scale correct there, the 1 inch equals 40 feet? You are probably in the 240
foot range.
(Inaudible)
Johnson: So we went from 80 to (inaudible) Is that the end of your presentation and
comments, are there any questions of the applicant at this time from anybody other than
Wayne Crookston?
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 30
MacCoy: I do, you have done your Homework well, I like the fact that you have a berm out
there on Overland, it is going to be a real nice addition. Based on the fact that you have
done your homework and knowing that Overland is not going to be widened for awhile it
is only a two lane road right at present. At best they are speaking of a three lane what
about your trucks carrying equipment and so forth getting in and out of that place. You
have run tests I am sure or at least (inaudible)
McCreedy: ACRD worked with us allowing us to expand these radiuses from the traditional
15 degrees to 25 degrees to accommodate swing turns with longer semi trucks. The
maximum driveways width that they would be willing to grant us was 40 feet. So our
entrance is 40 feet and that is the maximum as permitted by ACRD.
MacCoy: So you can make a turn and stay on the roadway without going off.
McCreedy: We believe we can.
MacCoy: (Inaudible) You already know from your site out there you have ditching on both
sides, you put that truck in there and you just locked Overland and we have seen it happen
very easily out there. So I would suggest that you look at that very carefully. On, you have
already addressed lighting, what about signage. I know you are going to have to submit
signage to us for review but what do you have planned?
McCreedy: We have, I thought it was in the plan somewhere, we have a low profile sign
in this area right here of the driveway that would say the words John Deere on it.
MacCoy: Just like your cover (inaudible) that you gave us, like this one here. I didn't know
if that was an artists conception or if that was (inaudible)
McCreedy: That is the style and design of sign that we intend on using on the Overland
Road side of the property.
MacCoy: I imagine that it will be lit.
McCreedy: Florescent type tubes, low wattage type lighting.
MacCoy: What about up on the freeway side or anyplace else?
McCreedy: We would anticipate doing a sign similar to what Western States and Arnold
Machinery have done a display sign that would meet City ordinances as far as height and
lighting requirements. It would be an elevated sign in this area of the berm.
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 31
MacCoy: You wouldn't plan to do what Ford did over there and put one up on Overland
which was objectionable.
McCreedy: It will be a low impact type sign, nothing flashing. Just again displaying our
product name.
MacCoy: And be sure to keep-away from flashing because that will get you for sure. Your
ADA requirement code is required of you and (Inaudible) I would suggest that you, you
probably already have worked out, although I don't see all the pieces here, on parking for
handicapped, to the nth degree which means you have side pieces for your vans to get
wheelchairs out and so on. Your building on this end the south end would be two story is
that office building?
McCreedy: It will be single story on the office portion the parts warehouse and shop area
will also be single story but approximately 20 to 24 foot high ceilings in that area.
MacCoy: You don't plan to excavate and drop that section down, it is all going to be on
level land?
McCreedy: It will be on level land yes.
MacCoy: Everything internal will be with the ADA (inaudible).
McCreedy: The architect, we haven't determined who we are going to use for certain, we
have interviewed with CSHQA, ADA has come and we want to be sure that we are in full
compliance.
MacCoy: Good because that is a very important thing with us. Your trash receptacles and
so on are going to be where?
McCreedy: The trash receptacles for the building will more than likely be on access wise
it will probably be located behind this screened off fenced area here, so whoever the trash
contractor is will have direct access.
MacCoy: So you will have a screened
McCreedy: This is screened, this will be a fenced off area, the full facility will be fenced to
this portion here, the back half of the building if you will and this will be screened
(inaudible) that may be stored outdoors and trash receptacles etc.
MacCoy: Okay you brought the next part us was will you keep any parts outside, will you
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 32 '
screen those because it becomes a used car .lot and you don't' want that. Okay, I think
that is all I have.
Johnson: Anyone else including Wayne Crookston?
Crookston: I do have a question, excuse me the ditch that you said that you were going
to tile, what is that ditch?
McCreedy: The ditch that the city is requiring us to the is Cook's lateral, it is my
understanding. It traverses both the Playground property and what is now the CESCO
property. I am not completely sure it has been tiled in its entirety on the Playground
property. I think there was some question regarding that in the past.
Crookston: Do you happen to know the size of the ditch?
Canfield: I can't answer that question I have no idea, I would take a hunch that it would
take some 30 inch diameter pipe to the just an educated guess.
Crookston: I believe that should have been tiled by the Playground. Do you know the
status of that Gary?
Smith: No I don't, it is my understanding there is a ditch that goes to the north that crosses
under the Interstate. That might, I am sorry that was the Howell property. I don't know on
the Cooks's lateral.
Crookston: Thank you
Canfield: (Inaudible) that says unless otherwise agreed by the City and Nampa and
Meridian Irrigation District to not the it.
Johnson: I was interested in your comment that you felt this was a permitted use and didn't
require a conditional use permit. Did you look at it from that perspective Wayne, how did
you arrive at that being a conditional use permit?
Crookston: I believe that this is in a planned use area in which all uses are required to
have a conditional use permit.
Oslund: The same thing that we ran into last time with the one over on Eagle.
McCreedy: The advice that I have given John Deere CESCO is to not worry about it and
let's do whatever the City wants if they want a conditional use permit as a way of
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
September 16, 1996
Page 33 -
amending the development agreerY~ent. Let's do that- whatever it takes to satisfies City's
conditions. We really don't want to debate that issue.
Johnson: I understand that, I want to debate the issue because I don't want to be doing
things we don't need to be doing. That is why I am asking that question. Any other
questions for the applicant. This is a public hearing, anyone from the public that would like
to address the Commission at this time on this application? Anyone at all here for this?
Any other questions then? At this time I will close the public hearing and I would
appreciate it if you would leave that diagram with us.
Shearer: Mr. Chairman, I move that we have the attorney prepare findings of fact and
conclusions of law on this project.
MacCoy: Second
Johnson: We have a motion and a second to have the City Attorney prepare findings of
fact and conclusions of law, all those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
ITEM #10: PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A
RADIO ANTENNA TOWER BY WESTERN WIRELESS:
Johnson: This application has been withdrawn
FIVE MINUTE RECESS
ITEM #11: PUBLIC HEARING: REQUEST FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A
THRIFT STORE AND FARMERS MARKET BY IDAHO YOUTH RANCH INC.:
Johnson: I will now open the public hearing and invite the applicant or his representative
to come forward and address the Commission. Is anyone present representing the Idaho
Youth Ranch Inc.? Ms. Stiles?
Stiles: Chairman Johnson and Commissioners, due to the fact that the representative of
the applicant is having some health problems, we stressed him out too bad. I think it is a
very straight forward project, it is the Food Town existing grocery store. They have
submitted their plan that they are showing adding the parking and some landscaping that
hasn't existed at the site before. Ada County Highway District has placed some restrictions
on in and out because they plan to still use the existing pumps as part of their program
plus probably open to the public. The smaller 8 1/2 by 11 drawing you have is for Hills
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Meridian City Council
October 15, 1996
Page 50
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
Corrie: The attorney is instructed to find out some answers on the planned unit
development and we will be back the 19th of November and we will get those answers.
ITEM #13: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUEST FOR A JOHN DEERE DEALERSHIP
BY CONTRACTORS EQUIPMENT SUPPLY CO.:
Corrie: Is there a representative of the Contractors Equipment Supply Co.?
McCreedy: Mr. Mayor and Council members, John McCreedy representing CESCO. A
brief overview of the proposal, CESCO would like to build a sales, service and parts
dealership for a John Deere facility here in the City of Meridian. They are currently located
in Boise where they have been since 1955. Avery long standing company with a good
history and a good reputation in the Boise area. They have to leave that facility because
the airport in Boise is expanding and they need a new facility. They intend to expand the
runway there. Their lease is up some time mid to late next year, I believe it is September
of 1997. I think the Council probably knows some about this property, it is now known as
what is called the playground property. It was annexed first in 1993, there was a
development agreement that was signed with Mike and Sue Clarke at that time as the
owners of the Playground Inc. There was an amended ordinance #615 in 1994 that
changed the zoning on the property to C-G commercial general. A retail equipment dealer,
rental and sales would be an allowed use under a C-G zoning here in the City of Meridian.
This City Council did recently approve a final plat which subdivided the Playground
Subdivision into 3 lots, this is lot 1 of that subdivision. It is currently a driving range. That
is the use that is restricted under the development agreement with the Clark's. Last fall
CESCO representatives started meeting the Clark's and City officals to determine the
possibility of locating the facility here. The purchase was complete after many months of
negotiations with the Clark's and the Playground just this last June we were informed by
the City that they wanted a conditional use perr,+it in order to accomplish two things one,
to get the use in place, two, it was my understanding that was the procedure that would
be needed to amend the existing development agreement that is on the property to allow
an alternate use. CESCO has put together a very comprehensive development team.
They have CSHQA as the architect, Wright Brothers as the builder, Jensen Belts is the
landscaper, Hubble Engineering has done some of the engineering,. J.J. Howard who is
here to speak to the sewer issue has done some engineering on the sewer. The building
for the site, we do have the landscape plan here, is approximately 24,000 to 25,000 square
feet. You will notice it is setback quite a ways from Overland Road in excess of 200 feet
to provide as much distance from the road as possible. The neighboring uses, I
understand that lot 2 of the Playground Subdivision which would be located here is now
up for sale by the Clark's. Lot one is the RV facility that they have. On the east side you
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Meridian City Council
October 15, 1996
Page 51
have the Howell facility that was recently approved by the City Council that is a truck and
tractor sales and service facility. The freeway, on this end, you might note from the staff
report that the (End of Tape) equipment dealership, very extensive landscaping for the
facility. There is bermed and raised landscaping along the freeway. I think they put a lot
of time and detail into it. On the back side of this we have a little bit of a layout of the
building and an example of what the sign would look like. Very low profile sign, very low
wattage on the sign. Very attractive building, plenty of parking, 66 spaces, it is my
understanding plenty of handicapped parking. It complies with the Americans with
Disabilities Act. Screened trash receptacles for the facility. You may remember that there
was a lot of testimony about the glaring lights on the driving range that you have heard
over the last couple of years. That problem will be eliminated. The lighting that will be
along the freeway will be low wattage, low intensity and the lights that are now on the
driving range will be removed. The comp plan calls for mixed use in this area, I believe
it complies with that requirement. The public hearing was held there was no written or oral
testimony in opposition. I believe it is harmonious and appropriate for the area. You do
have two other equipment dealers in the immediate vicinity, Arnold and Western States.
Really just two outstanding issues that we have been wrestling a little bit with. One that
I think is fairly easily resolved and that is do we need an amended development
agreement, we have indicated to staff and to Mr. Crookston that we will do whatever the
City wants on that issue of a development agreement. It is my opinion that since you have
an existing development agreement out there and since it does restrict the use to the
property an amended development agreement would be appropriate. I have put one
together in a draft form after Shari's office sent me an example of a development
agreement you have done with another facility. I have sent that. to Mr. Crookston and
hopefully get some comments from him and work that issue out prior to issuance. of a
building permit if this application is appropriate. I think the more sticky issue is sewer, it
is my understanding and Mr. Howard can speak to this tonight that sewer is available for
this facility. I did the negotiations for CESCO when we were buying the property from
Playground. I can assure you and I did provide a copy of the agreement to staff that there
is an easement in place for CESCO to a-,nnect to the existing sewer system that exists on
Lot 2 and 3 of the Playgrourxi Subdivision. That. easement allows us to connect to it, to
increase the size if we need ta, to move the location if we need to, so I think CESCO has
full legal right and access to that sewer system. The question of capacity for that sewer
line has been answered by Mr. Howard, I think you have a letter. I did fax over another
copy of it again today to make sure you had an opportunity to lack at that. It is-his opinion
that there is plenty of capacity and I think he does have quite a bit of familiarity with it as
he was the engineer that worked on the. project quite some time ago. I think the better
issue or the issue that we have been wrestling a little bit with staff is the policy of allowing
this facility to hook up outside the drainage area for the sewer facilities in that area. tt is
my understanding that the Five Mile Trunk Extension and the plans for that include
connecting this piece of property to the Five Mile Trunk Extension. All be it the other two
Meridian City Council
October 15, 1996
Page 52
lots in the same subdivision are connected the other way to the City system_ The question
I think of whether that is an appropriate area to divide it but that is more of an engineering
question. I do note that this is all one subdivision that is platted all as one subdivision now.
It seems to make some sense that entire subdivision be connected to the same system.
But I want to let you know that CESCO really doesn't have a lot. of dispute with that, their
proposal is that they be allowed to temporarily connect to that system. They -have indicated
several times that they will participate financially with the other existing and coming users
to get that Five Mile Trunk Extension accomplished. We would like to try to look to a
solution that gets that accomplished. I think if the facility gets approved and you have a
good tax base and you have a very good long standing history with this .company in Boise
I think it hopefully will be the last time you have a land use application on this piece of
property for at least a couple of years, maybe for quite a long time after that. I think also
you get an owner in there that is willing to participate financially in the Five Mile Trunk
Extension and that seems to be quite an advantage. I don't think they had the ability to pay
for the entire thing themselves. But they certainly have the ability to pay as they should
for their fair share. We have indicated that all along. So I think there are some
advantages to approving the conditional use permit, allowing them to temporarily connect
to the existing system that does have the capacity. And then given them some breathing
room or some time to work with the other owners in the area to get that Five Mile Trunk
Extension extended in compliance with the City Attorney's objectives. I did fax over a letter
today, I am not criticizing, but I find a couple portions of the proposed findings and
conclusions confusing on the sewer issue. On page 4, we have a couple of statements,
one it does reflect our desire to temporarily hook to the existing system. And then it
indicates that details for that arrangement need to be addressed in a development
agreement and we agree with those two statements on page 4. We need the temporary
hook up or basically we have no facility. At least not in the time that we need it in order
to get moved out of Boise and into Meridian in compliance with some lawful leases.
Second we do want to work out the details of that in an amended development agreement.
However if you turn to page nine, and I am not arguing on a technical basis I am just
concerned with what might be a later interpretation of these findings and conclusions. It
is my opinion that they might be a tad bit ambiguous on the sewer issue. In paragraph 17,
it says that it isn't know whether it is physically possible to sewer into the existing system.
I think we do know that it is possible to do that. The next page on page 10 there is a
phrase that says the City does not have a time table for the extension of the Five Mile
Creek sewer line. So I think if one of the conditions of approval is that we connect to the
Five Mile Creek sewer line I have some real cxincems with that because if there is no time
table for that happen then I don't think we have a facility that we can move into. in time. So
I really think the temporary hook up is absolutely essential for this facility. Then I think
those are primarily comments and as Mr. Crookston explained earlier tonight they might
not be the final say so. But what is the final say so is the conclusion on page 14 and 15
which would be 7 B, or actually excuse me, let me back up. Page 13 and 14 which would
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Meridian City Council
October 15, 1996
Page 53
be 5 E on page 14, excuse me where it says the property does not have sufficient sewer
service and the phrase that concerns me is and provisions for applicant at its cost to
supply the necessary sewer service must be worked out as a condition of granting this
conditional use permit. I guess it is that phrase provisions for applicant at its cost to supply
the necessary sewer service. If the interpretation- of that is the applicant has to pay to
connect to the existing service then I don't need to say anything more and !can go. But
if the interpretation of that is that they have got to pay for the Five Mile Trunk extension
then I think there are some real concerns there. So I think that language needs to be
clarified. We need some guidance as to exactly what the City Council is looking for. Our
request is that we be given that temporary hook up. t think maybe a reasonable proposal
would be to set a time frame on the temporary hook up and then perhaps indicate that
~nfien that time runs out if an extension is necessary then so be it. But we are more than
willing to include in the amended development agreement a statement that we will pay our
fair share for the Five Mile Trunk Extension. So I would ask that even if we can tonight
(inaudible) some language on that paragraph 5 E on page 14. Then on page 15, 7 B, I
think that needs to be changed to read that applicant shall enter into an amended
development agreement with the City prior to issuance of a building permit. That is 7 B
on page 15. The language that is there that requires us to comply with the existing
development agreement be taken out because I don't think we would be able to comply
with that existing development agreement, it limits the use to a driving range. We are
clearly contemplating something different. I think there is also substantial concern about
that development agreement every being fully complied with in the first place. We kind of
want to have a fresh start with a new amended development agreement and this company
and opportunity to show you that it is serious about keeping its word on those things. I
would certainly stand for any questions, I do have Bob Nemick who is a representative of
CESCO, Mark Canfield couldn't make it tonight, he is the president of CESCO, he is
actually up in Vancouver looking at some building designs to compliment what we have
going here.
Corrie: Questions from C~~uncil?
Bentley: I have a question for staff, Gary, I would like to have your interpretation and views
on the sewer issue.
Smith: Okay, Mr. Mayor and Council members, som+~ years ago we established, the City
of Meridian established a policy that we tried very hand to contain sewer service in sewer
service areas, drainage areas. We felt that we didnst want to get outside of a drainage
area with sewer service because of possible future impacts on the sewer mains within a
designated drainage area. For instance if we were pumping from one drainage area into
another drainage and then a heavy use was proposed in the drainage area to which we
were pumping we could have an impact on the capacity of the sewer line in that drainage
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Meridian City Council
October 15, 1996
Page 54
area. So we pretty much stayed with a couple of exceptions I guess to keeping sewer
drainage in or sewer service to specified drainage areas. I don't recall the date but when
Dr. Clark was the owner of this property he came to me and asked for a letter of sewer
service to Lot 1 which is the driving range. I did give him a letter stating to the effect that
sewer service could be extended to a support facility for the driving range. Basically the
intent of that was to provide a sewer line for the burtding that housed the driving range
operation. And possibly a small concession stand perhaps. But my intent was not to
authorize any sewer service beyond that type of flow. I don't doubt what Jim Howard has
said, I haven't had a chance to look at it myself but I don't doubt that there is capacity in
the line if it was extended. I don't have any record that it was extended across lot 1, that
is something that I will have to check with our plumbing inspector because it was a service
line it is not a public facility. It was built to serve the lot. But again we would be putting a
use, a sewer use back into a different drainage area. The drainage area is delineated by
the Hunter lateral as the high ground, that property to the east of the Hunter Lateral was
destined to flow into the Five Mile Trunk Extension property to the west flows into the Nine
Mile Trunk Extension. The R.V. park that exists out there flows into the Nine Mile because
it is on the west side of the Hunter lateral. These sewer drainage areas are not defined
by lines etched in stone. Obviously there are places that service can be provided outside
of these magical drainage area lines. It depends on the use that is being proposed. The
quantity of sewage that is -going to be generated from that use and possible impact that
it would have on the drainage area that it is going tQ be discharged into. I doubt very
seriously that this use this particular use would be of that great of an impact. What Jim
Howard is saying, is that there is capacity in that line and as I mentioned I don't discount
that. I guess it is a policy thing that we have tried to maintain for several years. We need
to be cognizant that when this happens if it happens that the property is or could be taken
out of financially taken out of financially participating in the extension of a trunk line. This
applicant has indicated that they would participate financially as far as their fair share, I
don't know what that amounts to. It is a temporary connection and I agree there needs to
be, if possible a time placed on that connection. I don't know if that is possible. Everybody
gets fired up to extend a sewer IinF until it comes time to write a check. Then it becomes
well you do it, I will just stand by and you do it and I will connect later. The school district
as you know purchased 50 some acres from Gary Voigt and in order for that the property
to develop as a high school site the sewer line is going to have to be extended under the
interstate. When that happens I don't know, someone said within 5 years, within 3 years,
I am not sure what their plans are, what their requirements are for a high school. But
when the high school is needed that sewer line will have to be extended. There is another
piece of property to the east of this piece that is being touted as a truck transport facility
and there is a property to the east of that that for a long time has been interested in being
developed as a residential subdivision. So there is a lot of property out there that needs
the sewer or can use the sewer once the sewer is extended that property is going to be
developed. It is not just a matter of connecting this property, it is a matter of gettir~ this
Meridian City Council
October 15, 1996
Page 55
property getting sewer to this property once the sewer gets under the interstate. And I
think there are some financial questions that need to be answered if this applicant is
interested in participating financially, I think those dollars needed to be generated to see
what that participation is-going to be like. I don't want to see this property taken out of the
picture in terms of participating financially because it is in the drainage area to the Five
Mile Trunk.
Bentley: Thank you, that is all I have.
Corrie: Any other comments or questions from Council? Do you have. anything further?
McCreedy: I just want to add that if we need to start generating some proposed or potential
numbers for the sewer line extension I think they would be willing to look at that. We tried
to look at that and we got concerned about it being so vague that it is not possible to do
that. I think if we can get a date that we can have a temporary hook up for a period of 3
or 5 years and then the right to extend that if necessary. And then during that time period
I am sure the numbers will become more concrete but I just want to assure you that this
company is willing to participate financially and pay their fair share for that and that seems
to be the important thing. I don't know if Wayne and I can massage some language in the
development agreement to accomplish those goals, we will do that.
(Inaudible)
Morrow: Mr. Mayor, if I might, as a comment towards the sewer coming under the freeway,
I think that we currently are beginning to deal with some modifications to our- late comers
agreement. Part of that has been motivated by development that has gone on. It is also
a request by Mr. Roylance's office for some clarification with respect to I believe Mr.
Howell's property and wanting to see some adjustments in how that latecomers agreement
was being done. I guess the point of the observation is that there might be in Mr. Howell's
case some pressure to dr: that crossing in the very near term because he does got have
the capability of having temporary service. So (inaudible) benefit is that the City was the
lead group with respect to the extension of the St. Luke's site and will not be the lead
group with the extension of any trunk line to any place in the short term. So that is not an
avenue that is available to this project or any other project. So, (inaudible) that would be
my comments on the sewer issue.
Rountree:. Mr. Mayor, I would have a question for Council, is the development agreement
the place to address something like that given the condition to do that in the conditional
use permit. It seems that we have a willing party but we don't have a time table or a dollar
amount and yet have the ability to put them on line on a temporary basis. How do we best
look at that from the City's standpoint?
Meridian City Council
October 15, 1996
Page 57
development agreement that needs to be changed. So that whatever you two wish to call
it we get something that reflects what is really going to go on here. I don't have any dispute
with Mr. Howards engineering expertise it is well known around the valley. So I agree with
Gary Smith's acceptance of that. So those would be my thoughts.with this project.
Bentley: Mr. Mayor, I too agree with the project concept and (inaudible) the sooner we get
some commitments from people to do an extension maybe we can get some more of them
on line and get the line moving.
Cowie: Have we significantly answered your question on page 14, number E, the property
does not have sufficient sewer service available (inaudible) for the applicant at its cost to
supply sanitary sewer service, have we taken care of that for you?
McCready: I think maybe the facts are that it does have sufficient sewer.
Cowie: That is what I want to make sure that you are understanding that we are saying.
The City Engineer says it is a possibility but we need to find out where the sewer line is.
McCreedy: I think we know where the sewer line is (Inaudible)
Morrow: Being as there are findings of fact ar~d conclusions here and we are going to do
things that reflect major changes in these findings of fact and conclusions I would move
that we instruct the City Attorney to prepare new findings of fact and conclusions.
Bentley: Second
Cowie: Motion is made and seconded that we have the attorney draw up new findings o
fact and conclusions of law based upon the testimony tonight, any discussion?
Bentley: des, would that include the
Morrow: The new findings would be inclusive of everything that we have discussed here
this evening in terms of making the adjustments to the development agreement and the
temporary sewer to everything else. So that appears to me to be the fastest way to get
to the objective and the simplest way that we can get to where we need to be.
Rountree: Sounds reasonable to me.
Crookston: I have a question, just on the da#e, when you want those done.
Morrow: By the next meeting.
Meridian City Council
November 19, 1996
Page 10
ITEM #4: TABLED NOVEMBER 6,1996: FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF
LAW FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT REQUEST FOR A JOHN DEERE DEALERSHIP
BY CONTRACTORS EQUIPMENT SUPPLY CO.:
Corrie: Council do you have that in front of you?
Morrow: Mr. Mayor if we could, City Atfomey Crookston handed us a revised findings upon
coming to the meeting tonight, could you have him briefly or could we have him briefly
explain the difference between that and the findings we had prior to this?
Corrie: Mr. Crookston?
Crookston: Certainly, Mr. Mayor and Council, these, the difference between what you had
previously had is that this relates, the changes relate to basically an agreement that has
been proposed to the Council in my discussions with the applicants Counsel John
McCreedy and myself and Gary Srrsth who I informed of the representations that had been
made by Mr. McCreedy. It relates to the sewer line coming across the freeway. That it was
agreed subject to the Council's approval of course that there would be no requirement
immediately that the sewer line be placed at this time. That they would connect to the
existing sewer connection that is in the playground on lots 2 and 3. CESCO proposed to
develop on lot one that they would have five years to try and do that. If they connected, if
someone came across let's say just another third party or a 6, 7, 8 or 20th party decided
to combine and get that sewer line across the freeway that they would connect to that line
as soon as it came to them. If however that sewer line was not constructed by someone
else in five years CESCO has indicated that they would place that line, put the line in. I
have told them that it is an 18 inch line underneath the freeway then goes to a 15 inch line
from the point where it ends on the south side of the freeway to where it connects to
Overland Road. Then it would beaten inch line goir~ west on Overland Road so they are
informed of that. They have basically entered into an agreement that is certainly subject
to the Council's approval. With that connection to the existing sewer line in the
Playground that they could operate for up to five years after the time that they obtain their
building permit. So it likely is longer than 5 years from today or whenever the proposal is
agreed upon. We are still working out the development agreement. Mr. McCreedy and I
have discussed it somewhat. So there are still some questions some minor questions that
still need to be (inaudible) and weed upon. Ultimately we would come back with the
development agreement and ask the Council to approve that assuming that CESCO also
signed that development agreement The real difference is in that the original findings said
that CESCO had to put the sewer line across the freeway from north to south and take it
to their property.
Morrow: Thank you, I have no further questions.
Meridian City Council
April 1, 1997
Page 3
list there you can see that the community is making this happen. I also am pleased to
officially hand you a pledge form and I do look forward to having you join us the day of
this event and celebrating our current and future park projects.. Thank you very much
for your time and the proclamation.
Morrow. Mr. Mayor I would like to recommend that we give a big hand to all of the
members of the committee and all of the corporate sponsors and company sponsors
they have all done a heck of a fine job for us and it is a great event. I would urge all of
you that are here for other reasons to support this issue also when it comes time to do
this.
Corrie: Also at this time I would like to recognize we have a couple scouts here from
Troop #130 and welcome fellows we appreciate you being here tonight.
ITEM #1: TABLED MARCH 4, 1997: FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF
LAW FOR VARIANCE REQUEST FOR ASHFORD GREENS SUBDIVISION BY
BRIGHTON CORPORATION:
Corrie: Mr. Crookston you have some information on that.
Crookston: The information that I have is that the Nampa Meridian Irrigation District and
the City still have some items to work out and it is not a done deal yet.
Morrow: That being the case Mr. Mayor I would suggest that we table this until probably
the first meeting in May which would be May 6.
Rountree: Second
Corrie: Motion made by Mr. Morrow, second by Mr. Rountree that we table this to the
first meeting in .May which is May 6th, any further discussion? All those in favor?
Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
Corrie: Council with your permission the City Attorney as requested that we put item
#16 up further the request on Cesco Agreement. So if the Council has no objection we
can move that to the second spot.
ITEM #16: CESCO LATE COMERS AGREEMENT:
Corrie: Is there a representative from Cesco here this evening?
McCready: Thank you Mr. Mayor and members of the Council, John McCready
representing CESCO. We have been trying to hammer out what is now called the partial
amended development agreement for this property. You may recall we had a principal
Meridian City Council
April 1, 1997
Page 4
issue of the Five Mile Trunk Sewer extension when we were doing the conditional use
permit application on that. My client CESCO agreed to participate in the construction of
that extension if it wasn't constructed by another party either with or without CESCO
within the next five years. And the City Attorney and I have been hammering out the
language on that. We have one issue that remains and that is should the Five Mile
Trunk Extension if it has to be constructed by CESCO be extended to CESCO's eastern
or western boundary. Now I did submit a letter to you earlier today short two page letter
and I provided copies to Mr. Berg earlier this evening so I was hoping that you might
have a chance to just briefly review that issue. In light of that I would like to take a very
short couple of minutes and give you some background, First I have a document that I
would like to pass out if I might. What it is, basically is our version of what the Five Mile
Trunk Sewer extension should be. I understand City policy is that the developer or City
property owner should extend the sewer line to the farthest point in the boundary. Fully
agree with that, when the next person down the line doesn't have sewer and it needs to
continue to run in a logical fashion. I think the exception that should be made in this
case is basically a factual one. -You may remember and be familiar with the Playground
property. Lot 2 of the Playground property already has adequate sewer service. You
heard some testimony when we were doing the conditional use permit to that effect from
Mr. Howard. He is here again tonight and I would ask that he have just a few minutes to
kind of briefly recap that issue and briefly explain to you how CESCO is going to hook
up temporarily to that sewer service for five years. So our position is that it doesn't'
make a tremendous amount of sense to extend the, if the Five Mile Trunk Sewer
Extension has to be built to extend it to the CESCO western boundary. Because the
only property that could be served by that is Lot 2 of the Playground Subdivision which
is owned by the Playground and they already have adequate sewer service. In fact I
would like to hand to you a copy of a couple of pages from the development agreement
that was entered into between the Clark's Playground and the City and in that
development agreement the Playground agreed to provide their own sewer service. In
fact they agreed at that time to provide sewer service to the lot that we eventually
bought but that never came about. There was never sewer service provided to that lot.
But they did provide in compliance with that agreement, I have highlighted the relevant
provisions of that for you. Their agreement to provide sewer service to their own
property. So we don't think it makes much sense to impose upon CESCO the economic
burden of ripping up the extensive landscaping that they are going to put in here in the
next few months and running a sewer line approximately 400 to 465 feet to the west to
serve a piece of property that already has adequate sewer. Our goal tonight is not to
have this thing extended for another couple of months to do this issue. In that regard I
have brought original partial amended development agreements that I would like to give
to the City Attorney and I have attached to this as exhibit B the issue that we are
debating tonight. That is the diagram that I provided you earlier. We are ready to go, we
are ready to sign, we have signed in fact this agreement and my client's signature has
been notarized. We are hoping that you will see an exception here for that general
policy. It doesn't seem to make a tremendous amount of sense to impose and it is
approximately $30,000 in today's figures to run that line to the western boundary of
Meridian City Council
April 1, 1997
Page 5
CESCO's property. I would stand for any questions that you might have and if not turn
it over to Mr. Howard for a very brief (Inaudible).
Corrie: -Thank you
Howard: My name is Jim Howard with JJ Howard Engineering. If you have any
questions, any location, size, depth of manhole whatever that I can, any of the
engineering questions. I have a little, should I place this on the board over there in case
you want to refer to it (Inaudible). This is the CESCO property and this is the
Playground area (Inaudible) portion that now presently has sewer. (Inaudible) The rest
of this is gravity flowing over to Locust Grove. Here is CESCO, this the line they are
building a 2 inch pressure main into a manhole and then gravity all the way over here.
So all of this gravity line (Inaudible) presently being served by a sewer that ranges in a
depth of 5 feet here to probably 8 to 9 feet here. That is the kind of schematic
(inaudible) to a point (inaudible).
Crookston: Mr. Howard, I understood you to indicate that they were extending the
sewer along their southern boundary?
Howard: (Inaudible) and then they would (Inaudible) and run this way with it (Inaudible)
Crookston: That is what my understanding was from my discussion with John McCreedy
was that they wanted to stop the sewer at their eastern boundary.
Howard: (Inaudible) Here is a gravity line that runs all the way (inaudible)
Morrow. Mr. Mayor, Mr. Howard, if it can be shown in the event that the sewer line that
is currently proposed to terminate at the eastern boundary went to the western
boundary what would the approximate elevation be when it got to the western
boundary?
Howard: I can't speak to that because that is a design (inaudible) perhaps your City
Engineer would know better than I (inaudible).
Morrow: What you are suggesting to us then is currently in order for this line to be
serviced off of the gravity flow line the elevation is not sufficient that it will gravity flow it
is an elevation issue where it has to be a pressure line to get into that gravity flow line.
Howard: At one time we thought that it would serve gravity but this is so much more
than (inaudible) that most, efficient cost (inaudible)
Morrow: Thank you
Corrie: Any further questions
Meridian City Council
April 1, 1997
Page 6
Bentley: I have one, in the event that proposed sewer line does come up, you say if you
can gravity feed then you will abandon that line?
Howard: Yes (inaudible)
Crookston: Excuse me Mr. Mayor and Council I would like to have Gary Smith make a
comment on this.
Smith: Mr. Mayor and Council members, the extension of the sewer line in Overland
Road was not only intended to sewer property on the north side but it was also intended
to sewer property on the south side of Overland. As the applicant has pointed out the
property on the north side Lot #2 of the Playground Subdivision is apparently sewerable
by the existing private sewer service line that runs through the RV park. We don't know
at this point what the status of the ground to the south is going to be. At one time as you.
know it was proposed as a subdivision, since that time 50 some acres I believe has
been sold to the school district the Meridian school district for a high school site. The
frontage remains in the ownership of the original property owner or developer. I don't
believe that there is any problem with elevation on the sewer line as far as extension in
Overland Road. The ground slopes from the Hunter Lateral which crosses Overland
Road west of CESCO's site. It slopes to the east downward. So I believe where the line
is brought under the Interstate and south to Overland Road will have sufficient depth to
extend to the west across the front of CESCO and indeed pick up CESCO's sewage.
The reason that the applicant is here before you tonight is that the policy that we have
established in the past to extend the sewer and or water along the frontages of
properties that develop. Their request was contrary to that policy that is the reason I
asked Wayne to have them come and talk to you.
Crookston: Mr. Mayor and Councilmen, it is actually more than a policy it is an
ordinance that requires that for the person that puts in the line to extend it to their
farthest boundary from the point in which the sewer and or water it is the same policy in
both the water and the sewer. They are to extend it to their farthest point from which it
enters.
(Inaudible)
McCready: We understand the ordinance and we understand the policy we are asking
for an exception to that and there are two principle reasons for that. One, I think you see
that CESCO has made a commitment to approximately a $300,000 expenditure. If in
fact they can't get that thing constructed in cooperation with some other parties over the
next five years obviously there are some land owners on the south side of Overland that
are going to need to be consulted about that including the school district. We are aware
that there are some agreements and some plans already in place where there is some
money dedicated by the school district. So we hope to solve that problem through some
good communication and negotiation. What our principal point is we have made a pretty
serious commitment of $300,000 to take- it to at least the eastern boundary our or
Meridian City Council
April 1, 1997
Page 7
property. We did that commitment because we believed in having a facility in the City of
Meridian. We had an argument that we could have made about a year and a half ago
that we were entitled to a building permit instead of a conditional use permit and an
amended development agreement. I think from my client's standpoint I have to express
to you that they believe that they have done enough. They are looking for a little
reasonableness and a little compromise from the City Council in that regard. That is
quite an expenditure and quite a commitment that they are making. If the property
owners on the south side of the property that would have the ability and the financial
where with all to come and negotiate and get the sewer line from the eastem point I
think they are more than able to do that and more than willing to do that. I also
understand that their driveway is going to line up with our driveway which is on the
eastern. side of the facility. So 1 question why -they would want to come across Overland
Road at the western side of the facility to get that particular line. Although I recognize
the status of their site plans and the approval of their plats is a little bit in flux. It is not
exactly clear where they are going to need to do it. What our point is we have made a
serious commitment, we think we have done enough and we are asking for some
reasonableness and some compromise on the City Cpuncil's part, that in short is our
request.
Morrow: I have a question of Gary, with respect to the Playground the way that it was
originally approved the sewer line that the Playground was to put in was also to and
through their property was it not? Did they in fact do that?
Smith: Mr. Mayor and Council members, Councilman Morrow, the, as far as I know the
agreement with the Playground was that Lot 1, the driving range which CESCO has
purchased was not severable by gravity. As you know it is in a different drainage area it
is in the Five Mile Drainage area. When the property owner before CESCO, Dr. Clark
came to me one day and asked if they could extend their private sewer line to that lot #1
for a facilities building for the driving range, the ball shack in other words or a place that
may dispense soft drinks and that sort of thing. I wrote a letter to him and said yes you
could if it was physically possible to do that. The reason that I limited that service was
because it is in a different drainage area. There was no prospects at that point that the
Five Mile trunk line was going to be extended in the near future and that was the reason
that t wrote the letter. But I don't believe that the Clark's the developers of the
Playground Subdivision were required to extend sewer through there because it just
physically. wasn't possible. The ground elevations would not permit it, the ground is
sloping from the Hunter Lateral to the east, the sewer is sloping from, it is adverse
grade you might say. As Jim Howard pointed out, its present elevation it pokes out of
the ground it is just not deep enough to serve that lot.
Morrow. My question then would be is the ordinance that Attorney Crookston refers to
does it have a provision within that ordinance that allows us not to require them to
sewer to and through their property even though it doesn't meet the grade requirements
or the drainage requirements. Is there provision that allows us to have that exception
and have them not extend that sewer?
Meridian City Council
April 1, 1997
Page 8
Smith: I can't speak to it Councilman Morrow, I don't know that it does or doesn't. I
don't know if there is a provision for a waiver or not, without looking at it I couldn't tell
you.
Crookston: Mr. Mayor and Councilman Morrow, the only provision that the City has to
really get around that requirement is through a variance.
Morrow. Did we give them a variance from that requirement, the Playground?
Crookston: Not to my knowledge.
Morrow. Mr. Mayor, a follow up question for Gary, the Voigt property that is across the
street from this particular parcel. That property by and large flows to the east is that
correct?
Smith: Yes I believe it does
Morrow. They have an obligation also with respect to the sewer line or the extension of
the sewer line to serve their property do they not?
Smith: Yes
Morrow: And in this case would that obligation be to extend it across the front of their
property to the point of the Hunter Lateral?
Smith: Yes, it would need to be extended as far as it was needed to serve that property.
At this point we don't know where that point is. It wouldn't go, I would not believe that it
would go to the Hunter Lateral because of the way that streets are laid out and lots are
positioned. I think on the preliminary plat and recalling from memory that there was an
access road over there someplace across from CESCO. There wouldn't be any reason
for the sewer line to extend past that if that was indeed where the access point was
going to be. But I believe that plat has become null and void because of time since it
was approved.
Morrow: Then also if that was the case then we wouldn't have to follow the ordinance
that says. that to and through their property: In other words their extension where they
developed first would simply be that portion of their property that could be served by
that line.
Smith: The intent of the ordinance as I understand it is to provide the extension of the
sewer and water line so that the adjacent development can pick it up and extend it on
through their property. This property is near the end of that line extension. So there
would be no reason to extend it to the Hunter Lateral and stop it at that point, it can't go
any farther to the west. It would be redundant unless there was a need on the south
side for the sewer line at the Hunter Lateral. Now I can't envision that there would be
Meridian City Council •
April 1, 1997
Page 9
because the way the ground is sloping to the east. But at some point to the east of the
Hunter Lateral It could be needed.
Morrow. If in the event that the requirement of CESCO was to extend to their western
boundary and the only beneficiary of that is on the south side of the street then would
they be required to reimburse CESCO that cost of that extension through a Late
Comers Agreement or other means?
Smith: Well typically we haven't, unless it is a very restricted use on a sewer or water
line extension we haven't earmarked it as such. It is more generalized in terms of the
number of equivalent residential connections that are being made to the line that has
been extended. Perhaps a late comers agreement could be crafted so that it was
indeed equally shared, the cost, if there were only two users for example.
Morrow: I guess my concern here is that if it is extended that distance to the western
boundary then clearly the only beneficiary to that is the folk to the south side of the road
unless there is some provision for them to reimburse or pay it looks to me like you have
a case for unjust enrichment on their part. That doesn't seem to be fair to me.
Smith: They are the only ones that would be using it. That is right.
Morrow. Thank you
Rountree: I have a question for counsel, it appears that really the only solution if we are
to respond to the request of the applicant is to have this brought to the council in the
form of a variance hearing, correct?
Crookston: That is correct
Rountree: I would suggest that we do that as soon as possible and proceed with
working with the applicant on getting at least the language of the development
agreement worded.
Morrow. I guess my comment would be to that is very candidly from our side as the City
I think we have been remiss at getting this issue handled in a timely manner. I think the
other thing is that if we are going to do the variance route which is the legal way to do it
that we ought in fact instruct our Building department to process those plans and
specifications so that process can be ongoing and permit taken out so folk can begin
their construction as quickly as possible while we resolve the technical issues. So I
would offer that comment to the Council. I think that we first dealt with this issue if
memory serves me back in October. Here it is April some five months later or six
months later that we are resolving this issue. That is not very timely on our part.
Meridian City Council
April 1, 1997
Page 10
Bentley: I would agree, I think we need to as Councilman Rountree stated we need to
get the variance going. And in agreement with Councilman Morrow I feel we need to get
on the way and get this man his permit so they can get started on their building.
Tolsma: (Inaudible)
Crookston: The only concern that I have is that the property directly west of the CESCO
property we have no idea what use that will be put to. It is right now is in the Clark's
ownership whether or not that can be sold and the buyer need eventual sewage I have
no idea. That is the reason it was my understanding that the original extension of the
sewer line to the west was set to go to CESCO's western boundary so that property to
the west of CESCO could possibly connect to it. If tat can be sewered by means of the
private line that the Playground now has the Clark's that is totally acceptable to me but it
is a private line. It is not a City line, that line does empty into a City of Meridian line in
Locust Grove Road but it is a private line right now. Is that not correct Gary?
Smith: Yes that is right.
Morrow: Does that line gravity flow at the current time?
Smith: As far as I know, I know it gravity flows through the RV park, I don't know how far
beyond the RV park that line was extended.
Morrow: Mr. Howard may I see your map please? At the point of the green at the round
point that is point of connection?
Howard: (Inaudible)
Morrow: And is currently exists and was functioning before its gravity flow line? At what
point is the private line?
Howard: The private line extends (Inaudible) on the east. side of Locust Grove
(inaudible)
Morrow: Follow up for Gary, where is the, does the private line start at Locust Grove?
Smith: The private line starts at the line in Locust Grove correct, not at the right of way
but at the sewer line.
Bentley: Mr. Mayor, how large is that line?
Howard: This is a 6 inch and (inaudible) right now there is only one, no one being
served by that sanitary sewer even with the exception of these few service lines by
(inaudible) you really wouldn't want it any larger than that (inaudible)
Meridian City Council •
April 1, 1997
Page 11
Corrie: I guess it seems like we have a fairly good consensus of what we want to do is
to have them move on with their project and we'll have the variance put together for us.
If you want to go ahead and start the
Bentley: I have one more question, on that existing. 6 inch line there is no actual
obligation on that field to sewer to that line is there?
Crookston: Under our ordinance the Clark's were supposed to or should have extended
that sewer to and through their property which would have extended to their eastern
boundary which is the western boundary of CESCO's property.
Bentley: But basically what that design shows on that map that they have done that.
Crookston: That is correct but it is not a public line it is a service line.
Morrow. Mr. Mayor, I would move that we instruct the City Attorney to take the steps to
complete the development agreement, that we instruct Mr. McCreedy and his client
CESCO to immediately apply for the variance that is needed. We also instruct the City
building department to immediately begin processing of the building permits and the
plans and specifications in preparation to award a building permit to proceed upon
completion of the variance and for the staff to expedite the variance process.
Rountree: Second
Corrie: Motion made by Mr. Morrow, second by Mr. Rountree, you heard the motion,
any further discussion? All those in favor? Opposed?
MOTION CARRIED: All Yea
Crookston: I have one more question Mr. McCreedy do we have a new child?
McCreedy: (Inaudible)
ITEM #2: FINDINGS OF FACT AND CONCLUSIONS OF LAW FOR ANNEXATION
AND ZONING TO I-L BY MICHAEL AND MICHELLE MURASKO:
Corrie: Counselor?
Crookston: Mr. Mayor and Councilmen., what is cleaned up I believe it is paragraph 22.
Morrow: Mr. Mayor I have a question or I guess a comment., question or comment or
both. Findings of fact do clean up the issues we were kind of concerned about. I guess
my question is this particular parcel does not have a development plan (Inaudible)
annexation and zoning (inaudible). It seems to me in the plat process or on the plat
there should be some kind of notification that there are pending issues to be dealt with