HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-12 Pre
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MERIDIAN CITY COUNCIL
PRE-COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
33 East Idaho Avenue, Meridian, Idaho
"Although the City of Meridian no longer requires sworn testimony,
all presentations before the Mayor and City Council are expected
to be truthful and honest to best of the ability of the presenter."
1. Roll-call Attendance:
Shaun Wardle ~ Joe Borton
Charlie Rountree ~ Keith Bird
~ Mayor Tammy de Weerd
2. Adoption of the Agenda: G~~/'vv~(~
3. Executive Session per Idaho State Code 67-2345(1)(d) - (to consider
records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in chapter 3, title 9,
Idaho Code) and (f) - (to consider and advise its legal representatives in
pending litigation): lei.,
(*15 minutes)
4. Discussion with Kelli Fairless of Valley Regional Transit regarding
Coalition for Public Transportation: ~yr~~,a-tit ~,To/u,fr,,, ~rr-
dir~s~'~-- ~' 9 19-d6 c%'a~cn.da~
* Approximate allowable time set for agenda item may change
depending on the discussion. Please us the designated minutes as a
guideline only.
Meridian City Council Pre-Council Meeting Agenda -September 5, 2006 Page 1 of 1
All materials presented at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian.
Anyone desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearing,
please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
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CITY OF ~r ~ ~ .
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~ IDAHO
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1903
MAYOR
Tammy de Weerd NOTICE OF PRE-COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Keith Bird
Joseph W. Borton
Charles M. Rountree MERIDIAN CITY COUNCIL
Shaun Wardle
CITY DEPARTMENTS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council Of the City of
City Attorney/HIZ
703 Main Street
Meridian will hold aPre-Council Meeting at City Council Chambers,
898-5506 (City Attorney)
898-5503 (HR) Meridian City Hall, 33 East Idaho Avenue, Meridian, Idaho, on
Fax 884-8723
Fire Tuesday, September 9Z
2006 at 6:00 P.M. The Meridian City Council
540 E. Franklin Road ,
888-1234 /fax 895-0390 will be discussing the following agenda items:
Parks & Recreation
I1 W. Bower Street
888-3579 /fax 898-5501 Executive Session per Idaho State Code 67-2345(1)(dj - {t0
Planning consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in
660 E. Watertower Lane chapter 3, title 9, Idaho Code) and ('f] - (to consider and advise its
Suite 202
884-5533 /fax 888-6844
legs! representatives in pending litigation):
Police
1401 E. Watertower Lane ~ Discussion writh Kelli Fairless Of Valley Regional Transit
888-6678 /fax 846-7366 regarding Coalition for Public Transportation:
Public works
660 E. Watertower Lane The Executive Session is closed to the public, but the public Is
Suite 200 q`~~~„I I I I I I t t 1{~ ~~~,
898-5500 /fax 895-9557 welcome to attend the remainder of the meeting.
>'~~~~~ °°/%f
- Building ~~
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660 E. Watertower Lane DATE® this 8th day of September, 2006 ~ -
Suite 150
887-2211 /fax 887-1297 ~
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- wastewater
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l WILLIAM G. BERG, ~R. - CLE
401
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888-2191 /fax 884-0744
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- Water
2235 N.W. 8th Street '°/fllllyd111{ IiV1ii~~~e~~~`
888-5242/fax 884-1159
Meridian City Pre-Council Meeting Agenda - September 12, 2006 Page 1 of 1
All materials presented at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian.
Anyone desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearings,
please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
CITY HALL 33 EAST IDAHO AVENUE LVIERIDIAN, IDAHO 83642 (208) 888-4433
CITY CLERK -FAX 888-4218 FINANCE & UTILITY BILLING -FAX 887-4813 MAYOR'S OFFICE -FAX 884-8119
Printed on recycled paper
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MERIDIAN CITY COUNCIL
PRE-COUNCIL MEETING
AGENDA
Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
33 East Idaho Avenue, Meridian, Idaho
1.
`Although the City of Meridian no longer requires sworn testimony,
all presentations before the Mayor. and City Council are expected
to be truthful and honest to best of the ability of the presenter."
Roll-call Attendance:
Shaun Wardle
Charlie Rountree
2.
Adoption of the Agenda:
Joe Borton
Keith Bird
Mayor Tammy de Weerd
3. Executive Session per Idaho State Code 67-2345(1)(d) - (to consider
records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in chapter 3, title 9,
Idaho Code) and (f) - (to consider and advise its legal representatives in
pending litigation):
(*15 minutes)
4. Discussion with Kelli Fairless of Valley Regional Transit regarding
Coalition for Public Transportation:
* Approximate allowable time set for agenda item may change
depending on the discussion. Please us the designated minutes as a
guideline only.
Meridian City Council Pre-Council Meeting Agenda -September 5, 2006 Page 1 of 1
All materials presented at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian.
Anyone desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearing,
please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
CITY OF 8i.~:~_~: _ _
._ _
eYlG~1G~"YI - ~
~ IDAHO
tiF.
c
~FR %'~` TaE,,suRe V nuEY g .
7903
MAYOR
Tammy de Weerd
CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Keith Bird
Joseph W. Borton
Charles M. Rountree
Shauri.V~ardle ~;
CITY DEPARTMENTS
City Attorney/HR
703 Main Street
898-5506 (City Attorney)
898-5503 (HR)
Fax 884-8723
Fire
540 E. Franklin Road
888-1234 /fax 895-0390
Parks & Recreation
11 W. Bower Street
888-3579 /fax 898-5501
Planning
660 E. Watertower Lane
Suite 202
884-5533/fax 888-6844
Police
1401 E. Watertower Lane
888-6678/fax 846-7366
Public Works
660 E. Watertower Lane
Suite 200
898-5500 /fax 895-9551
-Building
660 E. Watertower Lane
Suite 150
887-2211 /fax 887-1297
- Wastewater
3401 N. Ten Mile Road
888-27.91 /fax 884-0744
- Water
2235 N.W. 8th Street
888-5242 /fax 884-1159
NOTICE O~ PRE-COUNCIL MEETING
MERIDIAN CITY COUNCIL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of
Meridian will hold aPre-Council Meeting at City Council Chambers,
Meridian City Hall, 33 East Idaho Avenue, Meridian, Idaho, on
Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 6:00 P.M. The Meridian City Council
will be discussing the following agenda items:
Executive Session per Idaho State Code 67-2345(1 ~(d) - (to
consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in
chapter 3, title 9, Idaho Code) and (f) - (to consider and advise its
legal representatives in pending litigation):
Discussion with Kelli Fairless of Valley Regional Transit
regarding Coalition for Public Transportation:
The Executive Session is closed to the public, but the public is
\~~~~tltVllltll!/!~f/j/
welcome to attend the remainder of the meeting. ~v~~` ~ '~%~,
DATED this 8th day of September,
,'
,~~ ~%
~~ ~ ~~~ °~
_ ~ n'~~~
LLIAM G. BERG, ~R.~ CLE ~
Meridian City Pre-Council Meeting Agenda - September 92, 2006 Page 1 of 1
All materials presented at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian.
Anyone desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearings,
please contact the City Clerk's Office at 88811433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
CITY HALL 33 EAST IDAHO AVENUE MERIDIAN, IDAHO 8302 (208) 888-4433
CITY CLERK - FAX 888-4218 FINANCE & UTILITY BILLING - FAX 887-4813 MAYOR'S OFFICE -FAX 884-8119
Printed on recycled paper
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CITY COUNCIL REGULAR
MEETING AGENDA
City Council Chambers
33 East Idaho Avenue, Meridian, Idaho
Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
1.
"Although the City of Meridian no longer requires sworn testimony,
all presentations before the Mayor and City Council are expected
to be truthful and honest to best of the ability of the presenter."
Roll-call Attendance:
Shaun Wardle Joe Borton
Charlie Rountree Keith Bird
Mayor Tammy de Weerd
2.
3.
4.
5.
Pledge of Allegiance:
Community Invocation by Pastor Randy Rodes with the Vineyard
Church:
Adoption of the Agenda:
Consent Agenda:
A. Tabled from September 5, 2006: Resolution No.
Adoption of the Ada County Emeraencv Management Plan, All
Hazards Mitigation Plan, Wildland-Urban Interface Wildfire
Mitigation Plan, Ada County Flood Response Plan, Ada County
Hazmat Response Plan, Ada County Terrorism Response Plan,
and Ada County Wildfire Response Plan:
B. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law for Approval: AZ 06-
019 Request for Annexation and Zoning of 10.59 acres from RUT
to a R-4 zone for Southwick Subdivision by Gemstar
Development, LLC -1255 West Ustick Road:
Meridian City Council Meeting Agenda -September 12, 2006 Page 1 of 5
All materials presented at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian.
Anyone desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearing,
please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
V~ ~
•
C. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law for Approval: PP 06-
018 Request for Preliminary Plat approval of 42 building lots and 6
common lots on 10.59 acres in a proposed R-4 zone for Southwick
Subdivision by Gemstar Development, LLC - 1255 West Ustick
Road:
D. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law for Approval: AZ 06-
024 Request for Annexation and Zoning of 10.17 acres from RUT
to an R-4 and R-2 zone for Napoli Subdivision by Briggs
Engineering -east of Eagle Road and south of Zeldia Lane:
E. Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law for Approval: PP 06-
023 Request for Preliminary Plat approval of 29 residential lots and
3 common lots on 9.44 acres in a proposed R-4 zone for Napoli
Subdivision by Briggs Engineering -east of Eagle Road and
south of Zeldia Lane:
F. Development Agreement: AZ 06-004 Request for Annexation
and Zoning of 358.57 acres from RR to R-2 (66.02 acres), R-8
(167.02 acres), R-15 (79.82 acres), C-N (17.26 acres) and C-C
(28.45 acres) for The Tree Farm by Treehaven, LLC -north side of
Chinden Boulevard on both sides of Black Cat Road; west of
Spurwing Subdivision:
G. SHP 06-006: Request for Short Plat Approval to create 4 building
lots out of 2 existing lots on 2.831 acres in a C-G zone for
Sparrowhawk Subdivision by Sparrowhawk, LLC -north of
Franklin Road and east of Nola Road:
H. SHP 06-007: Request for Short Plat Approval of a 4-unit
condominium plat in a C-N zone for Quenzer Commons
Condominiums No. 2, by Brighton Commercial, Inc. - 1565 E.
Leighfield Drive:
I. Approve Transfer of Location of Beer and Liquor Licenses for
Top Shelf, LLC from 127 East Idaho Avenue to 126 East Idaho
Avenue:
J. Approve Public Works PRV Radio ~ Power Installation
Contract Change Order No. 1 with Lea Electric:
K. Approve Encroachment Easement Agreement at Well No. 16
with Rosario Place Limited:
Meridian City Council Meeting Agenda -September 12, 2006 Page 2 of 5
All materials presented at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian.
Anyone desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearing,
please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
•
L. Approve Amendments to Public Works Department Personnel
and Position Changes Requested for FY 2007:
M. Resolution No. In Support of the 2008
Western States Police and Fire Games:
N. Resolution No. VAC 06-008: Request
for a Vacation of a Pressure Sewer Easement within The Reserve
_ Subdivision by Conger Management Group -southwest comer of
North Locust Grove and Chinden Boulevard:
O. Resolution No. :VAC 06-004 Request for
Vacation of the existing utility easements on the inter7or lot lines for
Lots 21, 22, 25 and 26, Block 7, Sundance Subdivision No. 3
Sundance Subdivision No. 5 by Dave Evans Construction -
northeast comer of Ustick Road and Meridian Road:
P. Approve Agreement for Chain Link Fence Installation with
Anvil Fence Company for City Hall Property:
6. Department Reports:
A. Public Works -Brad Watson:
1. Discussion of North Black Cat Lift Station Project:
7. Items Moved from Consent Agenda:
8. Public Hearing: VAR 06-019 Request for a Variance approval for
removal of the sidewalk requirement along Larkwood Place for Cardigan
Bay Subdivision by Big River, LLC - 5450 and 5500 Larkwood Place:
9. FP 06-040 Request for Final Plat approval for 28 single-family residential
building lots and 3 common/other lots on 11.5 acres in an R-4 zone for
Cardigan Bay Subdivision by Big River, LLC - 5450 and 5500 Larkwood
Place:
10. Continued Public Hearing from September 5, 2006: AZ 06-013
Request for Annexation and Zoning of 21.77 acres from RUT to R-15 zone
for Canterbury Commons Subdivision by America West Homes, LLC -
south side of Pine Avenue and east of Ten Mile Road:
Meridian City Council Meeting Agenda -September 12, 2006 Page 3 of 5
All materials presented at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian.
Anyone desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearing,
please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
11. Continued Public Hearing from September 5, 2006: PP 06-011
Request for Preliminary Plat approval of 122 residential lots (50 4-plex lots
and 72 townhouse lots) and 10 common lots on 21.77 acres in a proposed
R-15 zone for Canterbury Commons Subdivision by America West
Homes, LLC -south side of Pine Avenue and east of Ten Mile Road:
12. Continued Public Hearing from September 5, 2006: CUP 06-006
Request for a Conditional Use Permit to construct a multi-family
development consisting of 200 multi-family dwelling units (4-plexes) on 50
lots and 72 townhouse dwelling units on 21.77 acres in a proposed R-15
zone for Canterbury Commons Subdivision by America West Homes,
LLC -south side of Pine Avenue and east of Ten Mile Road:
13. Public Hearing: AZ 06-034 Request for Annexation and Zoning of 2.95
acres from R4 (Ada County) to L-O (Limited Office District) for Ashtyn
Park Annexation by David N. Price -- 201 W. Ustick Road:
14. Public Hearing: AZ 06-033 Request for Annexation and Zoning of 7.6
acres from RUT (Ada County) to 6 acres of R-4 (Medium Low-Density
Residential) and 1.6 acres of R-8 (Medium Density Residential) for Benelli
Springs Subdivision by Rob Godsill - 3420 South Locust Grove Road:
15. Public Hearing: PP 06-041 Request for Preliminary Plat approval of 17
single-family units in the proposed R-4 zone, 8 single family units in the
proposed R-8 zone and 5 common lots on 7.6 acres for Benelli Springs
Subdivision by Rob Godsill - 3420 South Locust Grove Road:
16. Public Hearing: RZ 06-006 Request for a Rezone of 6.82 acres from R-8
to R-15 for Cedar Springs Townhomes by John Flaherty Construction -
south of W. McMillan and west of N. Meridian Road:
17. Public Hearing: PP 06-033 Request for Preliminary Plat approval of 48
attached single-family units in the proposed R-15 zone, 20 detached
single-family units in the existing R-8 zone and 5 common lots on a total of
11.05 acres for Cedar Springs Townhomes by John Flaherty
Construction -south of W. McMillan and west of N. Meridian Road:
18. Public Hearing: VAC 06-011 Request for a Vacation of the public utility,
drainage and imgation easement common to Lots 3 and 4, Block 3 for
Jayden Village Subdivision by Beachwood Builders, Inc. - 3059 & 3077
N. Christian Way:
Meridian City Council Meeting Agenda -September 12, 2006 Page 4 of 5
All materials presented at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian.
Anyone desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearing,
please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
19. Public Hearing: MI 06-007 Request for Modification of the Development
Agreement for Cherry Lane Christian Church for removal of the
Conditional Use Permit requirement for construction north of Ten Mile
Creek by Cherry Lane Christian Church -northwest comer of W. Franklin
Road and N. Ten Mile Road: (request to be continued to 9-19-06 due to
posting requirements)
20. Ordinance No. AZ 06-004 Request for
. Annexation and Zoning of 358.57 acres from RR to R-2 (66.02 acres), R-8
(167.02 acres), R-15 (79.82 acres), C-N (17.26 acres) and C-C (28.45
acres) for The Tree Farm by Treehaven, LLC -north side of Chinden
Boulevard on both sides of Black Cat Road; west of Spurwing Subdivision:
Meridian City Council Meeting Agenda -September 12, 2006 Page 5 of 5
All materials presented at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian.
Anyone desiring accommodation for disabilities related to documents and/or hearing,
please contact the City Clerk's Office at 888-4433 at least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
>~ TX CONE I I~I ON REPORT ~roX AS OF SEP 08 ' 06 ~0 PAGE. 01
CITY OF MERIDIAN
DATE TIME TO/FROM MODE MIN/SEC PGS CMDtt STATUS
21 09/08 1637 3810160 EC-S 00'44" 001 178 OK
22 09/08 16 39 8848723 EC-S 00' 30" 001 178 OK
24 09/08 16 42 WRTER DEPT EC-S 00' 30" 001 178 OK
25 09/08 1643 2088840744 EC-S 00'30" 001 178 OK
26 09/08 1644 POLICE DEPT EC-S 00'30" 001 178 OK
27 09/08 16 45 8985501 EC-S 00' 29" 001 178 OK
2B 09/08 1646 LIBRARY EC-S 00' 30" 001 178 OK
29 09/08 16 47 20837'76449 EC-S 00'30" 001 178 OK
30 09/08 1648 3886924 EC-S 00'29" 001 178 OK
31 09/08 16 49 P-AIJD-Z EC-S 00' 30" 001 178 OK
32 09/08 16=50 FIRE DEPT EC-S 00'29" 001 178 OK
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MAYOR
Tammy de Weerd NOTICE OF PRE-COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL. MI?MBEBS
Keith Bird
Joseph W. &irton
Charles M: Rountree MF~iIDIAN CITY COUNCIL
Shaun 4yardle
Crnr DeeARrraENrs NOTICE IS HEREBY GNEN that the City Council of the City of
City Attorney/I-IR Meridian will hold aPre-Council Meetin at C' Counci! Chambers
703 Main Stroet g Ity ,
898-5506 (City Attorney}
t~~-sso, (t~R} Meridian City Hall, 33 East Idaho Avenue, Meridian, ]daho, on
Pax 884-8723
Fins Tuesday, September 12, 2006 at 6:00 P.M. The Meridian City Council
590 E. Franklin Road
888.1234 /fax 895-0390 wip be discussing the following agenda items:
Parka & Recreation
11 W. Bower Street
688.35791 fax 8985501 .,. ~eC~Iyg Session per Idaho State Code 67-2345(1)(d) - (to
i'la^^I^s consider records that are exempt from disGosure as provided in
660 E. Watertower Lane Chapter 3, title 9, Idaho Code and - to consider and advise its
Suite zn2 ) « (
884-55J3 / Fax 868-6844 legal representatives in pending litigation):
P°li~e - Discussion with Kelli FaiNess of Valleyf Regional Transit
1401 [i. Watertower Lane
888-66781 fax846-7366 regarding Coalition far Public Transpart'atiion:
Public Works '~ Executive Sessian is Gosed to the ublic but the ublic is
660 E. Watertower Lane p , p
898-5 00 /fax 895-3551 welcome to attend the remainder of the meeting. ``~~~•~`~y "01111 tj/~i,~~~
- Building ~ (~ ,f,.
CR+O?~
660 E. Watertower lane DATED this 8th day Of September, 2006 ~
Suite 150
587.22I] /fax 887-1297 ~ , ~bia~a i
- wastewater WILLIAM G. BERG, ~. - CLE `
3401 N. Ten Mile Rood ^
868-25.91 / faz 884-0741 '~~~0„f T~~~'OS~~-'fit""" • ~ ~:
- Water 'y''~~rrr t/;';;"1~at~~~```,.
2235 N.W. 8th Street ~~~~
688-5242/fax 864-1159
Meridian City Pre•Council Meeting Agenda -September 12, ZQ06 Page 1 of 7
All ntaterlels presented at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian.
Anyone desiring axomrrroda6on for dlsablMles relates to doaur-ents and/or hearings,
please corned the Cdy Clerk's Office at 888.4433 ~ least 48 hours prior to the public meeting.
CITY HALL 33 EA.S'1' IDAHO EIVENUL• ~RIDiANr IDAHO 83642 (208) 888-49.33
Cr1YCLEltK-FAXS~-4218 FINANCE&U77UTYBlIUNf:-FAX 8877813 MAYOR'50r•77CF.•FAXd&I.81I9
Printed on recyded paper
*>Ic TX CONFIR~ON REPORT ~k~k AS OF SEP 08 '0603 PAta-E. 01
CITY OF MERIDIAN
DATE TIME TO/FROM MODE MIN/SEC Pl3S CMD# STATUS
01 09/08 16 51 208 888 2682 EC--S 00'30" 001 178 OK
02 09/08 16.52 208 387 6393 EC--S 00'29" 001 178 OK
03 09/08 1653 ADA CTY DEUELMT EC-S 00'30" 001 178 OK
04 09/08 1654 2088885052 EC--S 00'30" 001 178 OK
05 09/08 16.55 POST OFFICE EC--S 00'44" 001 178 OK
06 09/08 1657 IDAHO ATHLETIC C EC-S 00'30" 001 178 OK
07 09/08 1658 ID PRESS TRIBUNE EC--S 00'30" 001 178 OK
08 09/08 16 59 2088886701 EC--S 00'30" 001 178 OK
11 09/08 1703 PUBLIC WORKS EC-S 00'29" 001 178 OK
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A IDAHO ~~
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MAYOR
Tammy de Weecd
Crl~ Covn+cn. Mrn4sERs
Keith Sird
Joseph W.Borton
Cttazles M. Rountree
Shaur44yacdli:
CITY DEPAF:TMENi$
City Attvmey/HIt
703 Main Stroet
898-5506 (City Altomey)
898-5503 (HIZ)
Pax 864-8723
Fire`
S40 E. Pranklin Foad
888.2234 /fax 895-0390
Parke & Recreation
I I W. Bower Street
8883579 /fax 8985507
PlannGi6
660 E. Watertower Lane
Suite 202
884-5533 / fax 888-6844
Police
1401 I:. Watertower lane
888-6678 ! fez 846-7366
Public Works
660 E. Watertower Lane
Suite 200
898-5500/fax695-9551
- suilding
660 E. Watertower lane
Suite 1S0
637-2211 /fax 887-1297
- Wasteweler
3401 N. Ten Mile Road
$88-2591/fax 584-0744
- Water
2235 N.W. 8th 5rreet
888-5242 /fax 884-1159
NOTICE OF PRE-COUNCIL MEETING
MERIDIAN CITY COUNCIL
NOTICE IS HEREBY GNEN that the City Council of the City of
Meridian will hold aPre-Council Meeting at City Council Chambers,
Meridian City Ball, 33 East Idaho Avenue, Meridian, Idaho, on
Tuesday, September 12, 20~ at 6:08 P.M. The Meridian City Council
will be discussing the following agenda items:
- Executive Session per Idaho State Code 67-2345(1 j(d) - (to
consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in
chapter 3, title 9, Idaho Code) and (t) - (ta fxxtsider and advise its
legal representatives in pending litigation}:
'- Discusslan with Kelli Fairless of Valley Re~glonal Transit
regarding Coalition for Public Transportation:
The Executive Session is Gos®d ro the public, but the public is
````~~„u n u nrup~~`
welcome to attend the remainder of the meeting. ~.~~` y OF '%,
DATED this 8th day of September, 20Q6~ - ~o
Meridian City Pre-Counal Meeting Agenda - September 12, 2006 Page 1 of 1
All rrreterlats presented at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian.
Anyone desiring accarranodation for d~ablUNes related to documents erldfor hearings,
please corded the City Clerk's Office at 888x4433 ~ least 48 hours prier to the public meeting.
C1rY HALL. 33 Fa-s'1' ItiAHO AVENUE MERi1?iA1Vi IuAHO 83642 (208) 888-4433
CIIYCLERK-FAX 838.4218 FINANCE&[liiLliYBILUNC>-FAX 8871813 MAYOR'SOr•TICFi •FAXd&1$r79
Printed on rcKyeled paper
Meridian Citv Pre-Council Meeting September 12 2006
The Meridian City Pre-Council meeting was called to order at 6:00 P.M. on
Tuesday, September 12, 2006 by President Councilman Shaun Wardle.
Members Present: Keith Bird, Shaun Wardle, Charlie Rountree.
Members Absent: Joe Borton and Tammy de Weerd.
Staff Present: Bill Nary, Bill Musser and Will Berg.
Item 1. Roll-call Attendance:
Roll call.
X Shaun Wardle O Joe Borton
X Charlie Rountree X Keith Bird
O Mayor Tammy de Weerd
Item 2. Adoption of the Agenda:
Bird: Mr. President.
Wardle: Mr. Bird.
Bird: I move we adopt the agenda as published.
Rountree: Second.
Wardle: It's been moved and seconded to adopt the agenda. All in favor.
THREE AYES. ONE ABSENT. MOTION CARRIED.
Item 3. Executive Session per Idaho State Code 67-2345(1)(d) - (to
consider records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in
chapter 3, title 9, Idaho Code) and (f) - (to consider and advise its
legal representatives in pending litigation):
Wardle: Item No. 3 is Executive Session per Idaho State Code 67-
2345(1)(d) and (f).
Bird: So moved.
Rountree: Second.
Meridian City Pre-Council Meeting
September 12, 2006
Page 2 of 11
Wardle: It has been moved and seconded to adjourn into Executive Session per
Idaho State Code 67-2345(1)(d) and (f). I will have roll call attendance.
Roll Call Vote: Bird, aye; Rountree, aye; Wardle, aye; Borton is absent.
EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Wardle: Council, I would accept a motion to adjourn out of Executive Session.
Rountree: So moved.
Bird: Second.
Wardle: It has been moved and seconded to adjourn out of Executive Session.
All in favor.
THREE AYES. ONE ABSENT. MOTION CARRIED.
Item 4. Discussion with Kelli Fairless of Valley Regional Transit
regarding Coalition for Public Transportation:
Wardle: Welcome Kelli.
Fairless: I am going to walk you through the presentation and I understand that
you had the packet of materials in your packet, so if you have any questions
about that -basically the presentation goes over all the materials as well. Many
of you are aware that we formed, along with the local chambers in the Treasure
Valley a Coalition for Public Transportation and this group was designated to
help us identify a funding source that they would be willing to support for public
transportation. The organizational structure, it really was agroup -the joint
leadership group was the main body of the Coalition and they were two different
groups that came together. The first group is the community leader, which
included, not only included business leaders and also legislators, this was the
group that was formed through the Boise Metro Chamber and the local chambers
- all the regional chambers assigned people to participate in this process. There
was then also the local officials group, which was primarily Valley Regional
Transit Board members, plus other local elected officials. Mayor De Weerd
participated on that as well as other council members and mayors from the
various communities in Ada and Canyon Counties. There was an
acknowledgement early in the process that we needed to work with the
community leaders group to kind of catch them up to the same education level
about public transportation as our local officials. The process we used we
started with Public Transportation 101 the first few months. The groups started
meeting in November of 2005 and we looked at the existing plan for public
transportation. We identified other regions where transit has been successful
and kind of took a look at how they achieve their success. We also looked at a
Meridian City Pre-Council Meeting
September 12, 2006
Page 3 of 11
variety of funding sources and analyzed those funding sources and then the
group came to their conclusions and recommendations and now we are in the
outreach process. We asked the Coalition to answer three questions. The first is
whether the current transportation system is sustainable and whether or not it
can meet the growth demands over the next 25 to 30 years. We asked them
whether or not there was a future for public transportation in the Treasure Valley
and it is important to note that we did not set this Coalition up with just
cheerleaders and champions. We actually wanted open minded people who are
somewhat skeptical, so they would ask all the questions that needed to be
asked. If the answer to the second question was yes then we were going to ask
the group and we did ask the group, how should we fund public transportation
and how would you support funding public transportation? In our overview of the
future transportation system, there were several elements that we looked at.
One is the population projections by 2030 are over a million for this region and
those are even considered conservative numbers -that economic development
depends on a viable transportation system and that there is especially among the
business leaders a concern over air quality and how that affects people and other
businesses to locate here and that the future system has to be fully integrated
and provide choice. So, the next thing we did is we reviewed the regional plan. I
have done that with this group before so I am not going to go into a lot of detail,
but we did look at the plan and basically the plan assumes a new funding source.
There are services for all the communities. It builds on our existing structure.
The hours of service are expanded to a 5:00 a.m. to an 11:00 p.m. type of
service with a lot more frequency and that it would have express and commuter
services. We talked about the low capacity option. This is the scenarios that we
have developed in our regional plan. A low capacity option where we have
service in all the communities, but the frequencies are basically 15 to 30 minutes
depending on the area, specifically Meridian sees mostly our frequencies during
most of the Meridian network in this scenario. These are the types of services
you might see in that type of service. The high capacity option then increases
the level of frequency on all the urban routes and you start seeing a 30 minute
network in Meridian and you see a commuter rail line developed down the rail
corridor. Again, this is to create a bookend scenario so that as we determine
what funding source people are willing to support we can mix and match the
coverage and the frequencies to fit the funding source. These are some of the
services that you might see in that high capacity option. We also looked at the
regional plan that COMPASS just recently adopted under Communities in Motion
and this is a slide that is probably familiar to all of you. The difference between
the level of transit that we have today and the transit that we have projected in
the community choices plan. Again, more than a tenfold increase in service
hours. Under research and findings with the peer analysis that the group looked
at we did find some fairly common factors that made transit system successful -
one is that they had a dedicated funding source and that that source was stable
and was predictable, but most of the successful systems are using performance
based planning for their transit system and/or are looking at performance as a
way to generate services that then reflect back to better rider-ship and this is I
Meridian City Pre-Council Meeting •
September 12, 2006
Page 4 of 11
guess the best way to put this is probably the Salt Lake model, which is running
transit like a business. Then marketing and technology is used as key strategies
to build rider-ship and that wherever in the systems that we looked at where
there was an increase in services where they actually put in new service, there
was an increase in rider-ship that not only met, but often exceeded the
expectations. We looked at these funding sources. I will just go through them
fairly quickly. Each one of these funding sources provides enough funding for
the plan for both the low capacity all the way up to the high capacity in a
particular increment, but there were some issues with many of them as you can
guess. The gas tax and vehicle registration fees are not eligible for anything
other than roadways or some public safety expenses so those aren't eligible.
Even though there is a nexus between those and transportation. The personal
property tax on the vehicle, we actually looked pretty seriously at that a couple of
years ago in one of our planning projects and since that time the business
community, I think Simplot is maybe leading this effort as well as Micron is trying
to eliminate personal property tax from the Idaho Code because it is difficult for
them to track all of there -they have to track their tools and equipment and
everything as well. You all know how the real property tax debates have been
going and that that wasn't an option that we looked at for very long given the
discontent with property tax in general. I will jump to income tax and payroll tax.
With this being a business lead community, there wasn't a lot of interest in
looking at those two options and a concern that this would create too much of a
burden for the business community to shoulder in terms of funding public
transportation. So, the one that we looked at most seriously was the sales tax.
The group came to some major conclusions. The first they actually came to it at
their February meeting. They met from November to May, but right in the middle
of the process they figured out that public transportation funding has been
studied to death. I think that if you look back at all the interim committees and
the planning projects that we have done, there has been a lot of study and not a
lot of action. Ada and Canyon Counties are behind other communities and other
regions in terms of their levels of public transportation services; that public
transportation does need to be a part of the future of the Treasure Valley and that
a dedicated funding source is necessary to move forward. The specific
recommendation that the Coalition derived was a local option sales tax. This
would require two hurdles to overcome. The first would be to get the legislature
to grant the authority for our regional transit authorities to go out and then do the
second hurdle which is a citizen referendum asking for support for a sales tax.
The way that this local option would work - we had a variety of legislatures
participating directly in the Coalition and also in meetings that we had with larger
groups of our local legislatures participated and they talked a lot about what it
would take for them to sell this local option to their peers and what it would take
to get it through the legislature. One of the comments that they made is that this
would need to have side boards, which means a very narrow focus with very
specific parameters around it and the listing here are those parameters that they
needed to see. One is that it would need to be in the Code under Regional
Public Transportation Authority so that it would, one, be applied to the
Meridian City Pre-Council Meng
September 12, 2006
Page 5 of 11
boundaries of a transit authority and that it would not be general to any particular
city or county. That would assure that if it passed in one county of a region then
it would pass in both basically. So, it can't be applied to one county and not the
other. The other sideboard they wanted to see is that it would be in November
elections in even years, which would assure a high voter turnout. This would be
a 65 to 70 percent -this has been the average voter turnout for those typical
elections where a president or a governor is on the ballot. In exchange for that
because there would be a high level of participation, we are hoping to get this to
be a simple majority that would pass the referendum, although that is going to be
a touchy one to sell. The funding mechanism would have to be based on an
approved plan, which means that it would have to go through a public process.
People would have to know what it is they are paying for. It wouldn't be a matter
of saying trust us, we will be good stewards of your money. They would be able
to know what they are getting. After 20 years the initiative or the tax would
sunset and we would have to go back for reauthorization. Again, this was
important to those legislators who participated because it gives people a chance
to determine if we have been successful with their tax, if we have been providing
a service that they want to see. The initial amounts could be anywhere from .1 to
.5 percent and that gives enough flexibility so other regions around the state
might be able to also access this funding source and that any subsequent
referendums, any subsequent request couldn't be any higher than a total of .75
percent. Bonding would require a two thirds majority that is based on a
constitutional provision and that no more than 20 percent of the total tax could be
used towards that service. The next steps that we are going to complete are
stakeholder outreach. We have already got several groups signed on to say they
support this recommendation for public transportation. That is both in the private
sector and public sector. We are asking all of our member jurisdictions from
Valley Regional Transit to consider a resolution supporting this funding source.
We have completed our financial analysis and are getting ready to send that to
our board. The Valley Regional Transit Board is going to look at, basically, the
revised plan based on where we would land between those two operating
scenarios along with the financial analysis. The one thing we found in doing the
financial analysis and this came out of the Coalition process is from the
legislators, especially. They wanted to see a plan that really did provide a high
enough level of service that people would use it and that also had a vision for the
future. We are able with a .5 percent tax increment we can get that high capacity
bus system, which is primarily 15 minute frequencies on the urban networks as
well as some seed money for rail corridor, preservation and also some high
capacity services such as the State Street corridor, bus rapid transit and also a
bus rapid transit line in the Canyon County area as well. So, it gives us the
money to be able to start looking at debt service for some of those projects. The
next step then is to bring all of those findings back to the Coalition and their
meeting is scheduled in October to ask them to adopt their final report. We will
finalize the legislation this fall and bring that to the legislator in 2007. If all goes
well and it passes in 2007, we will be preparing for a November 2008 ballot
referendum. Even if it doesn't pass in 2007, we could still take it to the
Meridian City Pre-Council Meeting •
September 12, 2006
Page 6 of 11
legislature in 2008 and make that November 2008 ballot referendum. If we don't
get that done, the next opportunity would be November 2007 if this proposal
stayed the way that it is today. The one problem with that for us is that we also
lose our waiver to use federal dollars for operating assistance in the Boise
Transportation Management area, which unfortunately Meridian is in the middle
of which means to develop any new services for Meridian, we wouldn't have the
availability of federal operating dollars. So, that is one reason why that timeline
is pretty critical for this particular Council. Again, if we pass it in either '07 or '08
we probably could be prepared for a November 2008 referendum. That is my
formal remarks. If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer those.
Wardle: Council, questions?
Rountree: Mr. President just - Kelli do you have a sense of where the legislature
might go? I know you had a number of legislators that participated routinely and
regularly -better feeling than in the past or still a degree of hesitancy?
Fairless: Mr. President, Councilman Rountree I would characterize it as we are
optimistic, but it is cautiously optimistic. I think that out of all of this time where
we brought different funding sources forward, we haven't had this much support
before so we are making progress. I think that we have at least four local
legislators who have agreed to sponsor legislation and we are really focusing on
the revenue and tax committee -the House Revenue and Tax Committee and
waiting to see how the leadership shakes out. There are just a lot of factors that
we have no control over. The approach we are taking is we are just going to
continue to go forward. There is never going to be an ideal environment to bring
this legislation forward and hope that if nothing else, perseverance will pay off in
the long run.
Rountree: Taking any odds on whom the Revenue and Tax Committee Chair is
going to be?
Fairless: I have heard more people speculate about that, but I am not going to
weigh in.
Rountree: Me too.
Wardle: Kelli I have a couple of questions. One is on your slide you mentioned
that bonding requires that there is a majority. Why was that not one of the top
options selected?
Fairless: In terms of - I am not sure I understand your question.
Wardle: Let me clarify. Valley Regional Transit has bonding authority under
Idaho State Code, is that correct?
Meridian City Pre-Council Mewing
September 12, 2006
Page 7 of 11
Fairless: I believe that we are restricted by the fact that we don't have a funding
source. So, we can't bond anything because we have no revenue stream to
bond against.
Wardle: So, you could go for a referendum and ask the taxpayers for a bond, is
that right?
Fairless: I don't believe we can because we do not have any -there is nothing in
our legislation that gives us any ability to raise revenues other than through
voluntary contributions such as Meridian and all the other communities are
paying right now.
Wardle: So you don't have the ability?
Fairless: No. I think what we could do is through -this is part of the challenges
that each community could provide us with a certain amount of dedicated
funding, maybe levee - a certain amount of available property tax to bond
against for services, but then if you get the City of Meridian agreeing to do that,
but not the City of Nampa or Caldwell it creates a very disconnected transit
system.
Bird: Mr. President.
Wardle: Mr. Bird.
Bird: Clarification on Shaun's deal -- Kelli that is why we have to have a district
so that they would be a taxing entity, the same as Western Ada Rec District was
so that they can do that and then they can get bonds because they have got
whatever way of attaining assets and money, they have got that authority to do it.
As Treasure Valley Partnership or Treasure Valley Regional Ride, you don't have
taxing ability.
Fairless: Right. That is correct.
Bird: That is why they have to have the authorization for the district first.
Fairless: Right.
Wardle: Okay, then thank you very much for
presentation you note that -and let me make sure I
one half percent taxing for the 20 year scenario, w
would include essentially a bus system that would r
peak of 15 minute intervals -
that clarification. In your
heard this right. Under the
e would see services which
un in the urban areas at a
Fairless: Right.
Meridian City Pre-Council Meeting
September 12, 2006
Page 8 of 11
Wardle: And there could be some rail corridor preservation, but that half percent
initiative does not include any type of light rail function, is that correct?
Fairless: It would not include the operations. It would be the startup money for
developing the service. If you look at the financials that are in your packet, the
first year the revenue source raises $39 million. There would be that first year of
expenditures - a lot of expenditures on capital and equipment. Basically what
happens is the first six years is the ramp up of the system and so you have got a
lot of capital expenditures in the first few years and as you get farther out into
that six year, we start operating more services. What is at the bottom, in the
bottom section of that it says funds available for high capacity transit program. It
has got a number of cross there. Those are dollars that are available above and
beyond the needed funding for capital and operating that could be used to start
developing and doing the debt service on some of those bonds for high capacity
services.
Wardle: Council additional questions?
Rountree: Mr. President.
Wardle: Mr. Rountree.
Rountree: What is your strategy for introducing this to legislation?
Fairless: We are going to start with a prayer, always. Actually we are going to
take it to - we will take it to Revenue and Tax. I believe there has already been a
sponsor identified from Rev and Tax and I can't quite - I am not sure, but I think
it was Representative Field has agreed to take it to Rev and Tax and then it will
go through that committee process. We talked with the transportation committee
chair in the past and she always believed that it should go there and also the
leadership speaker always believed it should go to Rev and Tax first.
Rountree: Well, you are not going to get it out of Joanne's committee anyway.
Fairless: Yeah.
Rountree: So, you do have a sponsor you think?
Fairless: Yeah.
Rountree: And do you have a commitment to support from -have you built a
Coalition of locals as well as the business community that are committed to going
down there and saying something as opposed to giving it lip service in committee
and not showing up?
Meridian City Pre-Council Meeting
September 12, 2006
Page 9 of 11
Fairless: Yes, Mr. President and Councilman Rountree that has been the one
piece of this that I think that is different than any previous effort is there has been
this common voice or communal voice in the part of the business community and
many of our local legislators acknowledging that this is needed and that they
would support it. The list is growing daily of different businesses and large
employers. We have, I believe, Blue Cross and some of your local businesses,
Blue Cross, the Meridian Chamber have already approved this recommendation
and we are just working through the list of employers and associations.
Association of Idaho Cities passed the resolution. I will be talking with the
County Associations next week. The County Association and also the Highway
District Association is looking at it. So, that is really what this outreach has been
over the summer. Our legislative advocates have been working specifically with
the members of the Rev and Tax Committee through the summer trying to get all
their questions answered and we will probably know by October or November the
tally sheet and where people are standing.
Rountree: Do you have a Coalition of folks that are non Ada, Canyon County?
To me that is going to be the downfall if you don't have a significant contingent
from north and east Idaho.
Fairless: Yeah, we started working on that. Matt Stall and I spent two days last
weekend in northern Idaho. We will be in central Idaho for most of next weekend
and also working toward the eastern part of Idaho the last week of September.
We have been working with the transit providers, the counties and city officials as
well as legislators in those regions.
Rountree: Is Ron coming around?
Fairless: Pardon?
Rountree: Is Ron coming around?
Fairless: No, not yet. I have got to work on him a little bit. So, we are working in
that direction, but -yeah.
Rountree: Thank you.
Wardle: Additional questions, Council?
Bird: I have none.
Wardle: Just a point of clarification for the Council. You don't see a resolution
on your agenda this evening. There have been some questions. My discussions
with Councilman Borton and individuals positions on essentially on the ability to
support this Coalitions request for what would be a local option tax and so we
can bring that resolution forward either as a discussion item on the end of this
Meridian City Pre-Council Meeting
September 12, 2006
Page 10 of 11
agenda. We can have that for a later date. We could, I guess, at the pleasure of
the Council whether you would like to see that come forward or not.
Rountree: Mr. President, my point of view is that I take a philosophical position
and not just on this particular item, but any item as it relates to our ability to have
a legislature protect us from ourselves and I think we ought to have the ability to
do what we damn well please and not have the legislature try and protect us from
ourselves. So, I think local option taxes are something that we ought to have the
ability to do. We know when our constituents are asking for these things and I
am hearing a lot of stuff from constituents that they want some options other than
having to put up with some of the traffic they have to put up with and whether it is
a local option tax to support transit in additional capacity on our system so transit
will work better. I think our citizens have a right to vote for it, instead of having
105 people down at the State House saying, uggh, they don't know what they
want. I guess that my philosophy is give us the option.
Bird: Mr. President, I would move to bring it forward for discussion. I have a lot
of the same views that Councilman Borton have as far as local option taxes.
What I am hearing from people period and all over is they are tired of taxes. I am
open minded on it, but I think we need to bring it forward and discuss it.
Wardle: Let me ask Kelli.
Rountree: Well, obviously we have two positions and so it should be discussed.
Wardle: I agree. I understand that we have a timeline. What would be - I know
that we have pushed this a couple of times. We had the presentation and I know
that you had this same presentation and discussion with Mr. Borton and so I
know that both he and the Mayor are well informed. What is your timeline for, I
guess, support from the City of Meridian? And is it something that you think that
we should consider this evening and adding to our agenda or can it wait until
next week? What would be your pleasure?
Fairless: It's not going to put us behind if you make the decision next week or
even sometime by the end of September. I think a lot of the smaller jurisdictions
- we have been meeting only once or twice a month, so they have had to -you
know I did this as an information item last month and many of them are looking at
the resolution this month. I would like to point out since there are some general
concerns about local option by some of your members that really what - I guess
that we are not asking for you all to say you support this plan necessarily or that
you support or that you would go out and vote for a local option tax. I think
Councilman Rountree's points are really right on target that this just gives us the
authority to ask people if they are willing to tax themselves and I want to point out
too that in this process that the one other piece of information that came out of
the Coalition work was that this would eliminate the need to use any property tax
for public transportation. We would no longer come to you as the City of
Meridian City Pre-Council Meeting
September 12, 2006
Page 11 of 11
Meridian and ask you to contribute to the dues or the operating expenses, so to
some degree that certain communities are providing transit funding. I guess that
also provides some relief on the general fund, your individual general funds as
well.
Wardle: Thank you. Council, what does our schedule look like next week?
Bird: Mr. President.
Wardle: Mr. Bird.
Bird: My preference would be to have legal look it over good and bring it forward.
This is a draft and bring it forward next week and then we can have a little
discussion, if we could do that.
Wardle: That would be great and it looks like it would fit well on our agenda so
we will see that on the 19th as a discussion item.
Fairless: Okay thank you.
Wardle: Thank you very much. Council that brings us to end of our regular
scheduled agenda. Are there any additional items? If not, I would entertain a
motion to adjourn.
Rountree: So moved.
Bird: Second.
Wardle: It's been moved and seconded to adjourn our Pre-Council meeting. All
those in favor.
THREE AYES. ONE ABSENT. MOTION CARRIED.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:50 P.M.
(TAPE ON FILE OF THESE PROCEEDINGS)
APPROVE
~^
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TAMMY EERDt~,~A~ ,l`o/~`~s<~ DATE APPROVED
~~-EST D: "
~ ~1NILLIAM G. BERG, J ., CITY CLERK
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i •
September 8, 2006 Pre-Council Meeting
MERIDIAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 12, 2006
APPLICANT ITEM NO. 3
REQUEST Executive Session per Idaho State Code 37-2345 (1)(d) -- to consider
records that are exempt from disclosure as provided in Chapter 3, Title 9, Idaho Code:
and (f) - (to consider and advise its legal representatives in pending litigation):
AGENCY COMMENTS
CITY CLERK:
CITY ENGINEER:
CITY PLANNING DIRECTOR:
CITY ATTORNEY
CITY POLICE DEPT:
CITY FIRE DEPT:
CITY BUILDING DEPT:
CITY WATER DEPT:
CITY SEWER DEPT:
CITY PARKS DEPT:
MERIDIAN SCHOOL DISTRICT:
ADA COUNTY HIGHWAY DISTRICT:
SANITARY SERVICE COMPANY
CENTRAL DISTRICT HEALTH:
NAMPA MERIDIAN IRRIGATION:
SETTLERS IRRIGATION:
IDAHO POWER:
US WEST:
INTERMOUNTAIN GAS:
MERIDIAN POST OFFICE:
OTHER:
Contacted: Date: Phone:
Emailed: Staff Initials:
Materials presented at public meetings shall become property of the City of Meridian.
~ ~
September 8, 2006 Pre-Council Meeting
MERIDIAN CITY COUNCIL MEETING September 12, 2006
APPLICANT ITEM NO. 4
REQUEST Discussion with Kelli Fairless of Valley Regional Transit regarding Coalition
for Public Transportation:
AGENCY
CITY CLERK:
CITY ENGINEER:
CITY PLANNING DIRECTOR:
CITY ATTORNEY
CITY POLICE DEPT:
CITY FIRE DEPT:
CITY BUILDING DEPT:
CITY WATER DEPT:
CITY SEWER DEPT:
CITY PARKS DEPT:
MERIDIAN SCHOOL DISTRICT:
ADA COUNTY HIGHWAY DISTRICT:
SANITARY SERVICE COMPANY
CENTRAL DISTRICT HEALTH:
NAMPA MERIDIAN IRRIGATION:
SETTLERS IRRIGATION:
IDAHO POWER:
US WEST:
INTERMOUNTAIN GAS:
MERIDIAN POST OFFICE:
OTHER:
Contacted: Date: Phone: _
Emailed: Staff Initials:
Materials presented at public meeflngs shall become property of the City of Meridian.
COMMENTS
See Attached Email & Attachments
• Page 1 of 1
Sharon Smith
From: Tara Green
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 9:34 AM
To: Sharon Smith; Will Berg; Shaun Wardle (shaunwardle@yahoo.com)
Subject: Pre-Council Request
Attachments: 06Sept05precounci I. doc
Linda with Valley Regional Transit called this morning requesting for Kelli Fairless to be on a
Pre-Council Agenda to discuss Coalition for Public Transportation. She said it would take
about 15 minutes. She also indicated they are running out of time as they hope to have a
resolution passed the same night as the discussion takes place? They would like to be on an
agenda in September. I have attached a draft of the September 5, 2006 Pre-Council Agenda
that has quite a few items on it.
'Thanks,
Tara
Tara Green
Deputy City Clerk
City of Meridian City Clerk's Office
208-888-4433 Ext. 210
9/7/2006
Page 1 of 1
Sharon Smith
From: Tara Green
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 9:37 AM
To: Sharon Smith; Will Berg; Shaun Wardle (shaunwardle@yahoo.com)
Subject: FW: Request to make presentation to Meridian City Council regarding Coalition for Public
Transportation Funding Recommendation
Attachments: Resolution Template-Adopt Coalition Funding Recommendation for PT.doc;
coalitionpacket.pdf
Here is her request....
From: Linda Ihli [mailto:lihli@valleyride.org]
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 9:31 AM
To: Tara Green
Subject: Request to make presentation to Meridian City Council regarding Coalition for Public Transportation
Funding Recommendation
Tara,
I had talked to Will Berg in July regarding this request. We are getting down to the wire now and hope that this
can be put on your Council's agenda in September.
Kelli Fairless, Executive Director of Valley Regional Transit, would like to be placed on the Meridian City Council
agenda to give a presentation on a funding recommendation for public transportation as proposed by the Coalition
for Public Transportation. The Coalition is a group of community business leaders and local elected officials who
formed, through the support of the Treasure Valley Chambers of Commerce, to study the issue of public
transportation and identify an option for an adequate and stable funding source. Mayor deWeerd has participated
in the Local Officials Group of the Coalition.
We are seeking your Council's endorsement for the funding recommendation through a resolution. I have
attached a template for the resolution, as well as a packet of information regarding the funding recommendation.
All the supporting resolutions will go into the Coalition's final report, which we hope to have compiled by the end
of September. So if the Council could review the funding recommendation and vote on the resolution at the same
meeting, it would be appreciated. I would need a copy of the signed resolution to include in the report. The report
is being compiled to present to the Legislature in January.
Thank you for considering this request.
Linda Ihli, Executive Administrative Assistant
Valley Regional Transit
830 N. Main Street, Suite 230
Meridian, ID 83642
208-846-8547 ext 4216
FAX 208-846-8564
Email address lihli@ valleyregionaltransit.org
9/7/2006
t
(Insert Entity Name) RESOLUTION
COALITION FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FUNDING RECOMMENDATION
RESOLUTION (insert number)
BY THE (insert entity name) TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
COALITION FOR REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FOR LOCAL OPTION
SALES TAX AS THE FUNDING OPTION TO PURSUE FOR THE ADOPTED VALLEY
REGIONAL TRANSIT REGIONAL OPERATIONS AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
WHEREAS, the population of Ada and Canyon counties is projected to be over one million
by the year 2030; and
WHEREAS, community leaders in the region know that a sustainable transportation system
is critical to sustain and enhance economic development opportunities; and
WHEREAS, rapid growth in the region will continue to increase the number of vehicles on
our roads, resulting in increased traffic congestion and negative impacts to air quality; and
WHEREAS, Idaho is one of four states that does not provide either state funds or local
option taxing authority for local public transportation funding; and
WHEREAS, federal matching funds in the Nampa urbanized area are going unused due to
lack of local matching funds; and
WHEREAS, Valley Regional Transit in the Treasure Valley will be prohibited from using
federal funding for operating expenses by October 1, 2007; and
WHEREAS, the Coalition for Regional Public Transportation (Coalition) formed through the
support of the Treasure Valley Chambers of Commerce to study the issue of public transportation
and identify an option for an adequate and stable funding source; and
WHEREAS, the Coalition was divided into two groups: a community leaders group
composed of business leaders, and a local elected officials group; and
WHEREAS, each group met separately between November 2005 and January 2006 to learn
about public transportation and study Valley Regional Transit's proposed plan for a future public
transportation system; and
WHEREAS, the two groups formed a joint leadership group and met in February, March,
April, and May of 2006 to confirm their support for the proposed regional plan and identify a stable
funding source that would adequately finance the proposed plan; and
WHEREAS, public transportation was determined by the Coalition to be an important
component of the transportation system and an essential public service in rural and urban areas;
and
WHEREAS, on this date, (insert entity name) reviewed the public transportation funding
recommendation of the Coalition.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE (insert entity name):
Section 1. That the (insert entity name) accepts the recommendation of the Coalition for
Regional Public Transportation for local option sales tax as the funding option to pursue for the
adopted Valley Regional Transit Regional Operations and Capital Improvement Plan.
Section 2. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effective immediately upon its
adoption by the (entity name) and its approval by the (insert proper title).
ADOPTED by the (insert entity name), this day of , 2006.
APPROVED by the (insert proper title) this _day of , 2006.
ATTEST:
SECRETARY
APPROVED:
(INSERT PROPER TITLE)
Local Option Transit Tax /Regional Public Transportation
Authority
The Coalition for Regional Public Transportation, which is based in the Treasure Valley,
is a large group of business leaders and local officials who are concerned about the future
of public transportation in the region. This Coalition began meeting in November 2005
with the intent of learning more about transit on a local, regional and national level, about
how public transportation works, how it is funded, and what needs to be done to develop
a regional public transportation system in the Treasure Valley.
In May 2006, the Coalition completed work on a recommendation for a local funding
source available to any regional public transportation authority in the state to fund public
transportation. The proposed funding legislation is a revision of the existing regional
public transportation (RPTA) code. It would give RPTAs the ability to ask voters to
approve a sales tax dedicated for transit.
Included in this packet is the following information:
• The key elements of the Treasure Valley regional public transportation plan.
• A cost projection for Treasure Valley bus operations and high capacity transit
development.
• A question and answer sheet on the funding recommendation, along with a coalition
membership list.
• Fact sheet about the proposed legislation.
A copy of the RS, including the statement of purpose and fiscal note, and a color map
showing the six-year build out of the regional transit system, are available on our
website: www.valleyregionaltransit.org. Click on the Transit Coalition link on the left
side of the home page.
For more information on the Coalition for Regional Public Transportation and the funding
recommendation, you can visit www.valle~regionaltransit.org or contact Roy Eiguren,
VRT Legislative Consultant, at 208-388-1200 (e-mail: RoyEiguren@givenspursley.com).
83fl N. Ma}n
Smote 230
Meridian, IQ
83642
(p} ~(}g-@q6-8547
(F} 208-84b-8564
What are the Key Elements of the Treasure Valley
Regional Public Transportation Plan?
Valley Regional Transit (VRT), the regional public transportation authority for Ada and Canyon counties
was established by a majority of citizens (70 percent) in a ballot referendum held in November 1998.
VRT is a public agency governed by a board of 28 local elected and appointed officials charged with
planning, coordinating and implementing public transportation services in the two-county region.
The 2005 base system was established by VRT in a restructure of transit services in and between the
cities of Nampa, Caldwell, Boise and Garden City. The goals for the restructure were to establish a
foundation to build future regional service improvements, improve regional connections, make the system
simple and direct, and offer more frequent services on key corridors.
The plan for service expansion builds on the 2005 base system and offers services in every city in
Ada and Canyon counties. The build-out for the system would be completed in a six-year time frame
with the requested funding level.
The coverage and frequency of services and hours of operations are scaled to fit the need of rural and
urban communities. Transit infrastructure such as park and ride lots, transit centers, and maintenance
and operations facilities are proposed to tie the services together through a regionally coordinated capital
plan.
The plan emphasizes improving regional connections along major corridors and improving options to
make the services more desirable to commuters as well as those who are dependent on the transit
system to meet their transportation needs. The services would include expanded hours of service (5 a.m.
to 10 p.m.) along many of the major routes, as well as additional frequency, which would increase peak
service from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes in key regional corridors and local routes.
Beyond the six-year plan, the longer-term vision for transit in the region includes acquiring the existing
rail corridor, and locating, designing and building the transit infrastructure referenced above. High
capacity transit, such as bus rapid transit and fixed-guideway streetcar services will be developed in key
transportation corridors and urban centers.
If You Build it Will They Ride?
Local and state leaders have heard from thousands of citizens between 2002 and 2005 through public
opinion surveys, open houses, informational meetings, hearings and community presentations designed
to seek comments and gain an understanding of the needs and wants of area residents for a regional
public transportation system. Below are some of the common themes found in outreach efforts:
• 2002 - In a random telephone survey conducted by Northwest Research of 600 households in
Ada and Canyon counties 88 percent of survey respondents in both Ada and Canyon counties
said they support developing regional transit services. Eighty percent of respondents indicated
they would use the services one to two times a week
• 2003 - A random telephone survey of 600 residents in Idaho found that 60 percent of survey
respondents identified a lack of public transportation services in Idaho as the #1 and #2 "major
causes" of transportation problems in the state.
• 2004 poll of Boise Metro Chamber members concerning the quality of life in the Treasure Valley
found that 70 percent of respondents think the adequacy of the transportation system to support
growth is a major challenge facing the region's businesses.
• 2003 through 2005 approximately 2,000 residents from the Treasure Valley participated in
workshops, open houses and presentations on the regional transportation system. Strong
support for public transportation was a common theme throughout the planning process.
Increasing gas prices and the pressures of growth on the transportation system in the Treasure Valley
will likely solidify the already strong support for public transportation.
Tlalley Regional Transit Six-Year Regional O~ierations and Ca~iital Facilities Plan
Operations Plan
Commuter Services
Service Area Current Service Levels Six-Year Build Out
Nampa-Meridian-Boise 30 minute peak express Hourly Fifteen minute, all day service
peak service Commuter express services to major employers
Three-hour midday service
Caldwell-Meridian- One peak express trip Fifteen minute, all day service
Boise .Commuter ex ress services to major em to ers
Caldwell-Middleton- No current service Service every 15 minutes in peak hours
Star-Ea le-Boise Commuter ex ress services to major em to ers
Local Services
Service Area Current Service Levels Six-Year Build Out
Boise Half-hourly all day service on .All major corridors run every 15 minutes all day
Major con-idors in area State, Hyde Park, Warm
east of Boise Towne Springs
uare Mall
West of Milwaukee Hourly service along •Fifteen-minute service on major corridors connecting
Street Five Mile, and along to Meridian including Overland, Franklin, Emerald,
Chinden to Cloverdale. Fairview Us>jck and H 20/26
North of State Street, Hourly local service .Thirty-minute service north of State and west of 20th
west of 20th Street Throu h-service to mall
Eastern and southern No service .Thirty-minute fixed-route service with route
periphery (south of deviation south of Bergeson, and also northeast of
Bergeson, east of Old river between downtown and junction of Hwy
Penitentia 21 Gowen Road
Eagle No service • Service every 15 minutes in peak hours to both
Caldwell and Boise. All-day fixed-route service with
deviation in some nei hborhoods
Garden City Hourly, both directions on •Fifteen-minute service on Chinden and on Adams
East of Glenwood, Chinden
south of river
West of Glenwood, Service on Glenwood only
• Fifteen minute peak service on State Street
north of Boise River
Kuna No Service • Peak service every 30 minutes connecting to other
routes in the stem
Meridian No Service • Extensive coverage with 15 minute frequency on all
major routes
• Flex route service south of Overland between
Cloverdale and Cole
• Flex services in neighborhoods west of Meridian
road and north of Ustidc
Nampa, Caldwell Thirty-minute service along the • Mostly two-way service, every 15 minutes along the
Boulevard between the two Boulevard between Nampa and Caldwell and to
cities. Hour service in south southern Nampa, otherwise every 30 minutes within
and east Nampa and Caldwell. each city
• Flex routes for east and west sections of each city
Sto s w in ~/a mile of each home
Melba No Service • Hourly service, with demand-responsive access
within each c'
Star, Middleton No Service • Service every 15 minutes in peak hours to both
Caldwell and Boise
Parma, Wilder, No Service • Hourly service to Caldwell, via Greenleaf and via
Greenleaf, Notus Notus, with demand-responsive access within each
ci
Annual Operating Cost $7.5 million $39.6 million (after six-year build out)
Valley Regional Transit Six-Year Regional Operations and Cajiital Facilities Plan
Capital Facilities and Equipment Plan
Service Area Six-Year Build Out
~i~ Rolling stock and equipment
• Faed bus stop system with shelters and benches
• Downtown multi-modal trensfer center
• Towne Square Mall transfer center
• Expanded maintenance and operations facility
Meridian Rolling stock and equipment
• Downtown Meridian administration facility and transfer center
• Transfer center near I-84
Nampa Rolling stock and equipment
• East Nampa transfer center
• Downtown Nampa trensfer center
• Nampa maintenance and operations facility
Caldwell Rolling stock and equipment
• Downtown Caldwell transfer center
Ada County Rolling stock and equipment
• Park and ride facilities serving key commuter corridors
Canyon County Rolling stock and equipment
• Park and ride facilities serving key commuter corridors
• Rural services transfer centers
Total Six-Year Capital $53.3 million
Investment
High Capacity Transit Service Development Plan
Service Type Project
Rail Corridor preservation
Bus Rapid Transit State Street from Eagle to 23 St.
Street Car Downtown Boise arculator system
Potential Budget for $300 million (over 20 year plan)
High Capacity Transit
Pro ram
Valley .Regional Transit Six-Year Regional Operations and Capital Facilities Plan
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Q&A
RECOMMENDATION FOR LOCAL OPTION FUNDING
FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
I~bat is the Coalition for Ronal Public Transportation?
The Coalition is composed of business leaders and local officials from the Treasure Valley.
IYbatis the Coalition's objective?
The Coalition's objective is to develop a recommendation available to any regional public
transportation authority in the state to fund public transportation. The Coalition will continue to
work with the leadership of Valley Regional Transit to enlist support from companies, business
leaders, chambers of commerce, legislators, interested citizens, statewide organizations and
community organizations to achieve passage of state legislation.
I~bv did the Coalition take on this important challenge?
Community leaders know that to sustain and enhance economic development opportunities, a
sustainable transportation system is critical. The Treasure Valley is experiencing rapid growth.
The April 2006 Ada and Canyon county population estimate (560,000) is approaching the
current projections for 2010.
[Ybat do the projections indicate for the future?
Current trends indicate that the population of Ada and Canyon counties will exceed one million
people by the year 2030. Without significant investments in the transportation system,
including public transportation, this area will not be able to keep up with the transportation
needs. In addition, air quality continues to be a concern with business leaders and residents.
How can public transportation belt?
The public transportation system planned for the region reduces projected increases in vehicle
miles traveled and vehicle emissions. In order for the region to continue enjoying growth and
prosperity and maintain a viable transportation system, alternatives to the single occupant
vehicle have to be developed and supported.
Is there a plan for te~ional public transportation in the Treasure Yalle~?
Valley Regional Transit and the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho
(COMPASS) have developed the regional public transportation plan. The plan includes various
levels and types of service designed to expand transportation choices into a fully integrated
transportation system.
How is public transportation funded now?
The limited transit service available today in Ada and Canyon counties is supported by voluntary
local contributions from the local jurisdictions that receive services. These local contributions
are
aos~a.ooo~s~oss2.~
Page 2.
matched with limited federal funds. The current funding structure is not stable and does not
provide adequate resources to implement effective service levels.
1~bat funding source did the Coalition conclude would be the best option for public
transportation iu the region?
The proposed funding legislation is a revision of the existing regional public transportation
authority (RPTA) code. Upon voter approval in an election held within the jurisdictional
boundaries of the RPTA (Ada and Canyon counties), a local option sales tax would be used for
financing, constructing, operating and maintaining public transportation systems where there is
an adopted public transportation plan [Chapter 21, Title 40, Idaho Code].
Mould the local option authority a~!yly to any service other than public ttans~ottatiotl?
The funds raised under the local option authority of a RPTA could only be used for ~~Public
Transportation Systems" which would include systems and services designed to transport
customers on local and regional routes, including buses, vanpools, demand response services,
rail, rail corridor, park and ride and so forth, which are compatible with adopted state, regional
or local transportation plans [Section 40-2103].
How would the local option funding be approved?
The local option sales tax could only be on the ballot in November of an even numbered year to
assure a high voter turnout. Approval would be by simple majority [Section 40-2111].
I~bat ate the limits on bow much sales tax could be levied rn a referendum?
The legislation would authorize not more than 0.5 percent tax in the initial election. The local
RPTA will decide the tax rate in the initial election in an amount necessary to support adopted
plans and budgets. In subsequent elections, the maxi mum tax could not exceed 0.75 percent
[Section 40-2112].
Mould the sales tax ever sunset?
The sales tax sunsets after 20 years unless it is reauthorized by voter approval. Reauthorization
in a general election may be considered two (2) years prior to the sunset date. The sales tax
collections will continue until any outstanding bonded indebtedness is retired [Section 40-2112].
How would the bond provisions in the legislation wotk.~
The RPTA, upon 2/3rds voter approval, may issue bonds for purposes of financing its public
transportation infrastructure. A 2/3rds super majority is required by the Idaho Constitution and
is patterned after typical Idaho bond statutes [Section 40-2114 through 40-2118].
How are the sales taxes collected?
Sales taxes are collected through the State Tax Commission and distributed back to the regional
transportation authority [Section 40-2113].
40874.0007.0652.1
~ ~
Coalition for Regional Public Transportation
Community Leadership Group
Dan Stevens, Home Federal, CO-CHAIR
Chuck Winder, The Winder Company CO-
CHAIR
Jon Allen, The Allen Group
Chris Anton, Albertson College of Idaho
Jean Basom, Saint Alphonsus Regional
Medical Center
Teri Bath, Eagle Chamber of Commerce
Todd Boothe, RC Willey
Ross Borden, Boise State University
Diana Brown, Caldwell Chamber of
Commerce
Bob Bruce, CH2M Hill
Ralph Burton, Amalgamated Sugar Co.
Karianne Fallow, Albertsons
Julia Fenwich, Star Chamber of Commerce
Ray Flachbart, Blue Cross of Idaho
Gary Fletcher, St. Luke's Regional Medical
Center
Ralph Hallquist, Meadow Gold Dairy
John Hanousek, Robert Miller, Hewlett-
Packard Company
Chuck Hedemark, Capital City Development
Corporation
Dale Higer, Stoel Rives
Don Hubble, Hubble Homes
George Iliff, Colliers International
Clarence Jones, Meridian Development
Corporation
Lori Jones, Meridian Chamber of Commerce
Sherry Maupin, Middleton Chamber of
Commerce
Larry Matney, Alliance Title
Mandy Meyers, T-Mobile
Nick Miller, Hawley Troxell Ennis & Hawley
Bev Montgomery, former Legislator
M.C. Niland, WITCO
Tim Olson, Regence Blue Shield
Karen Sander, Downtown Boise Association
Art Schultz, Treasure Valley Engineers
Larry Shaw, Washington Group International
Chris Veloz, Northwest Sales
Rep. Stan Bastian, District 14, Eagle
Sen. John McGee, District 10, Caldwell
Sen. Curt McKenzie, District 12, Nampa
Sen. David Langhorst, District 16, Boise,
Garden City
Rep. Janet Miller, District 17, Boise
Rep. Mark Snodgrass, District 20, Meridian
Rep. Jana Kemp, District 16, Boise, Garden
City
Rep. Margaret Henbest, District 16, Boise,
Garden City
Rep. Nicole LaFavour, Dictrict 19, Boise
Ex officio:
Dan Chadwick, Idaho Association of Counties
(IAC)
Ken Hayward, Association of Idaho Cities
(AIC)
Resource Grouu
Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce: Ray
Stark
Boise State University: Ross Borden
City of Boise: Steve Purvis
COMPASS: Matt StoWJohn Cunningham
Idaho Smart Growth: Jon Barrett
Idaho Transportation Department:
Marty Montgomery
Valley Regional Transit: Kelli Fairless
Roy Eiguren, Givens Pursley
Dale Higer, Stoel Rives
Kate Eldridge, HDR, Inc.
Coalition for Public Transportation
Local Officials Group
Mayor John Bechtel
City of Wilder
Matt Beebe, Commissioner
Canyon County Commission
Chad Bell, City Councilmember
Star City Council
Mayor Dave Bieter
City of Boise
David Bivens, Commissioner
ACHD Commission
Ross Borden, Special Assistant to the President
Boise State University
General Jim Brooks
City of Eagle
Ken Burgess
COMPASS Legislative Relations Committee
Mark Carnopis, Community Relations Manager
Valley Regional Transit
John Cunningham, Transportation Planner
COMPASS
Mayor Tom Dale
City of Nampa
Mayor Tammy deWeerd
City of Meridian
John Franden, Commissioner
ACHD Commission
Ralph Gant, Commissioner
Canyon County Highway District
Jeff Lang, City Councilmember
Kuna City Council
Katie Levihn, Coordinator, Planning, Programming
Ada County Highway District
Jerome Mapp
Vailey Regiottal Trartsit Ways & Means Committee
Mayor Frank McKeever
City of Middleton
Mayor Garret Nancolas, Chair
City of Caldwell
Joel Pearsall, Vice President for Financial
Affairs/General Counsel
Northwest Nazarene University
Judy Peavey-Derr, Commissioner
Ada County Commission
Steve Purvis, Office of Internal Audit
City of Boise
Eric Shannon, District III Engineer
Idaho Transportation Department
Matt Stoll, Executive Director
COMPASS
Mayor Marje Dean-Ellmaker
City of Notus
Mayor John Evans
City of Garden City
Kelli Fairless, Executive Director
Valley Regional Transit
Mayor Margie Watson
City of Parma
Rick Yzaguirre, Commission
Ada County Commission
RECOMMENDATION ON LOCAL OPTION TRANSIT FUNDING LEGISLATION
- The proposed legislation is a revision of the existing regional public transportation authority
(RPTA), upon voter approval, to levy a local option sales tax for the purposes of financing,
constructing, operating and maintaining public transportation systems where there is an
adopted public transportation plan [Chapter 21, Title 40, Idaho Code].
- "Public Transportation Systems" include systems and services designed to transport customers
on local and regional routes, including buses, vanpools, demand response services, rail, rail
corridor, park and ride and so forth, which are compatible with adopted state, regional or local
transportation plans [Section 40-2103].
- The sales tax referendum can only be on the ballot in November on even year elections to
assure a high vote turnout and would pass with a simple majority [Section 40-2111].
- The legislation would authorize not less than 0.1 percent or more than 0.5 percent in the initial
referendum. The tax would be imposed in amounts necessary to support adopted plans and
budgets. The maximum tax authorized would not exceed 0.75 percent [Section 40-2112].
- The sales tax sunsets after 20 years unless it is reauthorized by voter approval. Reauthorization
in a general election may be considered two (2) years prior to the sunset date. The sales tax
collections continue until existing bonded indebtedness is retired [Section 40-2112].
- The RPTA, upon 2/3 voter approval, may issue bonds, for purposes of financing its public
transportation infrastructure. Bond provisions are patterned after typical Idaho bond statutes
[Section 40-2114 through 40-2118]. Debt service is limited to no more than 20 percent of
revenues.
- Sales taxes are collected through the state tax commission and distributed back to the regional
transportation authority [Section 40-2113].
40874.0007.870652.1
• Page 1 of 1
Will Berg
From: Tara Green
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 9:37 AM
To: Sharon Smith; Will Berg; Shaun Wardle (shaunwardle@yahoo.com)
Subject: FW: Request to make presentation to Meridian City Council regarding Coalition for Public
Transportation Funding Recommendation
Attachments: Resolution Template-Adopt Coalition Funding Recommendation for PT.doc; coalitionpacket.pdf
Here is her request....
From: Linda Ihli [mailto:lihli@valleyride.org]
Sent: Wednesday, August 30, 2006 9:31 AM
To: Tara Green
Subject: Request to make presentation to Meridian City Council regarding Coalition for Public Transportation Funding
Recommendation
Tara,
I had talked to Will Berg in July regarding this request. We are getting down to the wire now and hope that this can be
put on your Council's agenda in September.
Kelli Fairless, Executive Director of Valley Regional Transit, would like to be placed on the Meridian City Council
agenda to give a presentation on a funding recommendation for public transportation as proposed by the Coalition for
Public Transportation. The Coalition is a group of community business leaders and local elected officials who formed,
through the support of the Treasure Valley Chambers of Commerce, to study the issue of public transportation and
identity an option for an adequate and stable funding source. Mayor deWeerd has participated in the Local OfFcials
Group of the Coalition.
We are seeking your Council's endorsement for the funding recommendation through a resolution. I have attached a
template for the resolution, as well as a packet of information regarding the funding recommendation. All the
supporting resolutions will go into the Coalition's final report, which we hope to have compiled by the end of
September. So if the Council could review the funding recommendation and vote on the resolution at the same
meeting, it would be appreciated. I would need a copy of the signed resolution to include in the report. The report is
being compiled to present to the Legislature in January.
Thank you for considering this request.
Linda Ihli, Executive Administrative Assistant
Valley Regional Transit
830 N. Main Street, Suite 230
Meridian, ID 83642
208-846-8547 ext 4216
FAX 208-846-8564
Email address lihli@ valleyregionaltransi~ org
9/6/2006
C~
(Insert Entity Namej RESOLUTION
COALITION FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FUNDING RECOMMENDATION
RESOLUTION (insert number).
BY THE (insert entity name) TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE
COALITION FOR REGIONAL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION FOR LOCAL OPTION
SALES TAX AS THE FUNDING OPTION TO PURSUE FOR THE ADOPTED VALLEY
REGIONAL TRANSIT REGIONAL OPERATIONS AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
WHEREAS, the population of Ada and Canyon counties is projected to be over one million
by the year 2030; and
WHEREAS, community leaders in the region know that a sustainable transportation system
is critical to sustain and enhance economic development opportunities; and
WHEREAS, rapid growth in the region will continue to increase the number of vehicles on
our roads, resulting in increased traffic congestion and negative impacts to air quality, and
WHEREAS, Idaho is one of four states that does not provide either state funds or local
option twang authority for Dotal public transportation funding; and
WHEREAS, federal matching funds in the Nampa urbanized area are going unused due to
lack of local matching funds; and
WHEREAS, Valley Regional Transit in the Treasure Valley will be prohibited from using
federal funding for operating expenses by October 1, 2007; and
WHEREAS, the Coalition for Regional Public Transportation (Coalition) formed through the
support of the Treasure Valley Chambers of Commerce to study the issue of public transportation
and identify an option for an adequate and stable funding source; and
WHEREAS, the Coalition was divided into two groups: a community leaders group
composed of business leaders, and a local elected officials group; and
WHEREAS, each group met separately between November 2005 and January 2006 to team
about public transportation and study Valley Regional Transit's proposed plan for a future public
transportation system; and
WHEREAS, the two groups formed a joint leadership group and met in February, March,
April, and May of 2006 to confirm their support for the proposed regional plan and identify a stable
funding source that would adequately finance the proposed plan; and
WHEREAS, public transportation was determined by the Coalition to be an important
component of the transportation system and an essential public service in rural and urban areas;
and
WHEREAS, on this date, (insert entity name) reviewed the public transportation funding
recommendation of the Coalition.
U
U
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE {insert entity name):
Section 1. That the (insert entity name) accepts the recommendation of the Coalition for
Regional Public Transportation for local option sales tax as the funding option to pursue for the
adopted Valley Regional Transit Regional Operations and Capital Improvement Plan.
Section 2. That this Resolution shall be in full force and effective immediately upon its
adoption by the (entity name) and its approval by the i~insert proper title).
ADOPTED by the (insert entity name), this day of , 2006.
APPROVED by the (insert proper title) this _day of , 2006.
ATTEST:
SECRETARY
APPROVED:
(INSERT PROPER TITLE}'
~>~~_
Local Option Transit Tax /Regional Public Transportation
Authority
The Coalition for Regional Public Transportation, which is based in the Treasure Valley,
is a large group of business leaders and local officials who are concerned about the future
of public transportation in the region. This Coalition began meeting in November 2005
with the intent of learning more about transit on a local, regional and national level, about
how public transportation works, how it is funded, and what needs to be done to develop
a regional public transportation system in the Treasure Valley.
In May 2006, the Coalition completed work on a recommendation for a local funding
source available to any regional public transportation authority in the state to fund public
transportation. The proposed funding legislation is a revision of the existing regional
public transportation (RPTA) code. It would give RPTAs the ability to ask voters to
approve a sales tax dedicated for transit.
Included in this packet is the following information:
• The key elements of the Treasure Valley regional public transportation plan.
• A cost projection for Treasure Valley bus operations and high capacity transit
development.
• A question and answer sheet on the funding recommendation, along with a coalition
membership list.
• Fact sheet about the proposed legislation.
A copy of the RS, including the statement of purpose and fiscal note, and a color map
showing the six-year build out of the regional transit system, are available on our
website: www.valleyregionaltransit.org. Click on the Transit Coalition link on the left
side of the home page.
For more information on the Coalition for Regional Public Transportation and the funding
recommendation, you can visit www.valleyregionaltransit.or~ or contact Roy Eiguren,
VRT Legislative Consultant, at 208-388-1200 (e-mail: RoyEiguren@givenspursley.com).
830 N. Main
Sui4e 230
Meridian, ID
83642
(P)208-846-8547
iFj208-846-8564
•
What are the Key Elements of the Treasure Valley
Regional Public Transportation Plan?
Valley Regional Transit (VRT), the regional public transportation authority for Ada and Canyon counties
was established by a majority of citizens (70 percent) in a ballot referendum held in November 1998.
VRT is a public agency governed by a board of 28 local elected and appointed officials charged with
planning, coordinating and implementing public transportation services in the two-county region.
The 2005 base system was established by VRT in a restructure of transit services in and between the
cities of Nampa, Caldwell, Boise and Garden City. The goals for the restructure were to establish a
foundation to build future regional service improvements, improve regional connections, make the system
simple and direct, and offer more frequent services on key corridors.
The plan for service expansion builds on the 2005 base system and offers services in every city in
Ada and Canyon counties. The build-out for the system would be completed in a six-year time frame
with the requested funding level.
The coverage and frequency of services and hours of operations are scaled to fit the need of rural and
urban communities. Transit infrastructure such as park and ride lots, transit centers, and maintenance
and operations facilities are proposed to tie the services together through a regionally coordinated capital
plan.
The plan emphasizes improving regional connections along major corridors and improving options to
make the services more desirable to commuters as well as those who are dependent on the transit
system to meet their transportation needs. The services would include expanded hours of service (5 a.m.
to 10 p.m.) along many of the major routes, as well as additional frequency, which would increase peak
service from every 30 minutes to every 15 minutes in key regional corridors and local routes.
Beyond the six-year plan, the longer-term vision for transit in the region includes acquiring the existing
rail corridor, and locating, designing and building the transit infrastructure referenced above. High
capacity transit, such as bus rapid transit and fixed-guideway streetcar services will be developed in key
transportation corridors and urban centers.
If You Build it Will They Ride?
Local and state leaders have heard from thousands of citizens between 2002 and 2005 through public
opinion surveys, open houses, informational meetings, hearings and community presentations designed
to seek comments and gain an understanding of the needs and wants of area residents for a regional
public transportation system. Below are some of the common themes found in outreach efforts:
• 2002 - In a random telephone survey conducted by Northwest Research of 600 households in
Ada and Canyon counties 88 percent of survey respondents in both Ada and Canyon counties
said they support developing regional transit services. Eighty percent of respondents indicated
they would use the services one to two times a week
• 2003 - A random telephone survey of 600 residents in Idaho found that 60 percent of survey
respondents identified a lack of public transportation services in Idaho as the #1 and #2 "major
causes" of transportation problems in the state.
• 2004 poll of Boise Metro Chamber members concerning the quality of life in the Treasure Valley
found that 70 percent of respondents think the adequacy of the transportation system to support
growth is a major challenge facing the region's businesses.
• 2003 through 2005 approximately 2,000 residents from the Treasure Valley participated in
workshops, open houses and presentations on the regional transportation system. Strong
support for public transportation was a common theme throughout the planning process.
Increasing gas prices and the pressures of growth on the transportation system in the Treasure Valley
will likely solidify the already strong support for public transportation.
Valley Regional Transit Six-Year Regional Operations and Capital Facilities Plan
Operations Plan
Commuter Services
Service Area Current Service Levels Six-Year Build Out
Nampa-Meridian-Boise 30 minute peak express Hourly Fifteen minute, all day service
peak service Commuter express services to major employers
Three-hour midday service
Caldwell-Meridian- One peak express trip Fifteen minute, all day service
Boise • Commuter ex ress services to major em to ers
Caldwell-Middleton- No current service Service every 15 minutes in peak hours
Star-Ea le-Boise Commuter ex ress services to major em to ers
Local Services
Service Area Current Service Levels Soc-Year Build Out
Boise Half-hourly all day service on .All major corridors run every 15 minutes all day
Major corridors in area State, Hyde Park, Warm
east of Boise Towne Springs
uare Mall
West of Milwaukee Hourly service along .Fifteen-minute service on major corridors connecting
Street Five Mile, and along to Meridian including Overland, Franklin, Emerald,
Chinden to Cloverdale. Fairview, Ustick and H 20/26
North of State Street, Hourly local service .Thirty-minute service north of State and west of 20
west of 20th Street Throu h-service to mall
Eastern and southern No service .Thirty-minute fixed-route service with route
periphery (south of deviation south of Bergeson, and also northeast of
Bergeson, east of Old river between downtown and junction of Hwy
Penitentia 21/Gowen Road
Eagle No service • Service every 15 minutes in peak hours to both
Caldwell and Boise. All-day faed-route service with
deviation in some nei hborhoods
Garden City Hourly, both directions on •Fifteen-minute service on Chinden and on Adams
East of Glenwood, Chinden
south of river
West of Glenwood, Service on Glenwood only
• Fifteen minute peak service on State Street
north of Boise River
Kuna No Service • Peak service every 30 minutes connecting to other
routes in the stem
Meridian No Service • Extensive coverage with 15 minute frequency on all
major routes
• Flex route service south of Overland between
Cloverdale and Cole
• Flex services in neighborhoods west of Meridian
road and north of Ustick
Nampa, Caldwell Thirty-minute service along the • Mostly two-way service, every 15 minutes along the
Boulevard between the two Boulevard between Nampa and Caldwell and to
cities. Hour service in south southern Nampa, otherwise every 30 minutes within
and east Nampa and Caldwell. each city
• Flex routes for east and west sections of each city
Sto s w/in ~/a mile of each home
Melba No Service • Hourly service, with demand-responsive access
within each c'
Star, Middleton No Service • Service every 15 minutes in peak hours to both
Caldwell and Boise
Parma, Wilder, No Service • Hourly service to Caldwell, via Greenleaf and via
Greenleaf, Notus Notus, with demand-responsive access within each
ci
Mnual Operating Cost $7.5 million $39.6 million (after six-year build out)
Malley Regional Transit Six-Year Regional Operations and Capital Facilities Plan
Capital Facilities and Eauioment Plan
Service Area Six-Year Build Out
Boise Rolling stock and equipment
• Fbced bus stop system with shelters and benches
• Downtown multi-modal transfer center
• Towne Square Mall transfer center
• Expanded maintenance and operations facility
Meridian Rolling stock and equipment
• Downtown Meridian administration facility and transfer center
• Transfer center near I-84
Nampa Rolling stock and equipment
• East Nampa transfer center
• Downtown Nampa transfer center
• Nampa maintenance and operations facility
Caldwell Rolling stock and equipment
• Downtown Caldwell transfer center
Ada County Rolling stock and equipment
• Park and ride facilities serving key commuter corridors
Canyon County Rolling stock and equipment
• Park and ride facilities serving key commuter corridors
• Rural services transfer centers
Total Six-Year Capital $53.3 million
Investment
High Capacity Transit Service Development Plan
Service Type Project
Rail Corridor preservation
State Street from Eagle to 23rd St.
Bus Rapid Transit
Street Car Downtown Boise circulator system
Potential Budget for $300 million (over 20 year plan)
High Capacity Transit
Pro ram
Valley Kegional Transit Six-Year Kegional Operations and Capital Facilities Plan
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Q&A
RECOMMENDATION FOR LOCAL OPTION FUNDING
FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
l~liat is the Coalition for Regional Public Transportation?
The Coalition is composed of business leaders and local ofFcials from the Treasure Valley.
l~batis the Coalition's objective?
The Coalition's objective is to develop a recommendation available to any regional public
transportation authority in the state to fund public transportation. The Coalition will continue to
work with the leadership of Valley Regional Transit to enlist support from companies, business
leaders, chambers of commerce, legislators, interested citizens, statewide organizations and
community organizations to achieve passage of state legislation.
c~by did the Coalition take on this important challenge?
Community leaders know that to sustain and enhance economic development opportunities, a
sustainable transportation system is critical. The Treasure Valley is experiencing rapid growth.
The April 2006 Ada and Canyon county population estimate (560,000) is approaching the
current projections for 2010.
l~liat do thePtojections indicate for the future?
Current trends indicate that the population of Ada and Canyon counties will exceed one million
people by the year 2030. Without significant investments in the transportation system,
including public transportation, this area will not be able to keep up with the transportation
needs. In addition, air quality continues to be a concern with business leaders and residents.
How can Public transportation beJp?
The public transportation system planned for the region reduces projected increases in vehicle
miles traveled and vehicle emissions. In order for the region to continue enjoying growth and
prosperity and maintain a viable transportation system, alternatives to the single occupant
vehicle have to be developed and supported.
Is there a plan for regionaJPublic eranspottation rn the Treasure Yalle~.~
Valley Regional Transit and the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho
(COMPASS) have developed the regional public transportation plan. The plan includes various
levels and types of service designed to expand transportation choices into a fully integrated
transportation system.
Howls public ttansbottation funded nowt
The limited transit service available today in Ada and Canyon counties is supported by voluntary
local contributions from the local jurisdictions that receive services. These local contributions
are
40874.0007.870652.1
• a
Page 2.
matched with limited federal funds. The current funding structure is not stable and does not
provide adequate resources to implement effective service levels.
I~bat fundmg source did the Coalition conclude would be the best option for public
transportation to the region?
The proposed funding legislation is a revision of the existing regional public transportation
authority (RPTA) code. Upon voter approval in an election held within the jurisdictional
boundaries of the RPTA (Ada and Canyon counties), a local option sales tax would be used for
financing, constructing, operating and maintaining public transportation systems where there is
an adopted public transportation plan [Chapter 21, Title 40, Idaho Code].
Mould the local option authority apply to any service other than public transportation?
The funds raised under the I~al option authority of a RPTA could only be used for "Public
Transportation Systems" which would include systems and services designed to transport
customers on local and regional routes, including buses, vanpools, demand response services,
rail, rail corridor, park and ride and so forth, which are compatible with adopted state, regional
or local transportation plans [Section 40-2103].
How would the local option fundiutg be approved.
The local option sales tax could only be on the ballot in November of an even numbered year to
assure a high voter turnout. Approval would be by simple majority [Section 40-2111].
I~bat are the limits on bow much sales tax could be levied rn a referendum?
The legislation would authorize not more than 0.5 percent tax in the initial election. The local
RPTA will decide the tax rate in the initial election in an amount necessary to support adopted
plans and budgets. In subsequent elections, the maximum tax could not exceed 0.75 percent
[Section 40-2112].
Mould the sales tax ever sunset.
The sales tax sunsets after 20 years unless it is reauthorized by voter approval. Reauthorization
in a general election may be considered two (2) years prior to the sunset date. The sales tax
collections will continue until any outstanding bonded indebtedness is retired [Section 40-2112].
How would the bond provisions rn the legislation wotlc~
The RPTA, upon 2/3rds voter approval, may issue bonds for purposes of financing its public
transportation infrastructure. A 2/3rds super majority is required by the Idaho Constitution and
is patterned after typical Idaho bond statutes [Section 40-2114 through 40-2118].
How ate the sales taxes collected?
Sales taxes are collected through the State Tax Commission and distributed back to the regional
transportation authority [Section 40-2113].
40874.0007.80852.7
Coalition for Regional Public Transportation
Community Leadership Group
Dan Stevens, Home Federal, CO-CHAIR
Chuck Winder, The Winder Company CO-
CHAIR
Jon Allen, The Allen Group
Chris Anton, Albertson College of Idaho
Jean Basom, Saint Alphonsus Regional
Medical Center
Teri Bath, Eagle Chamber of Commerce
Todd Boothe, RC Willey
Ross Borden, Boise State University
Diana Brown, Caldwell Chamber of
Commerce
Bob Bruce, CH2M Hill
Ralph Burton, Amalgamated Sugar Co.
Karianne Fallow, Albertsons
Julia Fenwich, Star Chamber of Commerce
Ray Flachbart, Blue Cross of Idaho
Gary Fletcher, St. Luke's Regional Medical
Center
Ralph Hallquist, Meadow Gold Dairy
John Hanousek, Robert Miller, Hewlett-
Packard Company
Chuck Hedemark, Capital City Development
Corporation
Dale Higer, Stoel Rives
Don Hubble, Hubble Homes
George Iliff, Colliers International
Clarence Jones, Meridian Development
Corporation
Lori Jones, Meridian Chamber of Commerce
Sherry Maupin, Middleton Chamber of
Commerce
Larry Matney, Alliance Title
Mandy Meyers, T-Mobile
Nick Miller, Hawley Troxell Ennis & Hawley
Bev Montgomery, former Legislator
M.C. Niland, WITCO
Tim Olson, Regence Blue Shield
Karen Sander, Downtown Boise Association
Art Schultz, Treasure Valley Engineers
Larry Shaw, Washington Group International
Chris Veloz, Northwest Sales
Rep. Stan Bastian, District 14, Eagle
Sen. John McGee, District 10, Caldwell
Sen. Curt McKenzie, District 12, Nampa
Sen. David Langhorst, District 16, Boise,
Garden City
Rep. Janet Miller, District 17, Boise
Rep. Mark Snodgrass, District 20, Meridian
Rep. Jana Kemp, District 16, Boise, Garden
City
Rep. Margaret Henbest, District 16, Boise,
Garden City
Rep. Nicole LaFavour, District 19, Boise
Ex officio:
Dan Chadwick, Idaho Association of Counties
(IAC)
Ken Harvard, Association of Idaho Cities
(AIC)
Resource Groun
Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce: Ray
Stark
Boise State University: Ross Borden
City of Boise: Steve Purvis
COMPASS: Matt StolUJohn Cunningham
Idaho Smart Growth: Jon Barrett
Idaho Transportation Department:
Marty Montgomery
Valley Regional Transit: Kelli Fairless
Roy Eiguren, Givens Pursley
Dale Higer, Stoel Rives
Kate Eldridge, HDR, Inc.
L~
Coalition for Public Transportation
Local Officials Group
Mayor John Bechtel
City of Wilder
Matt Beebe, Commissioner
Canyon County Commission
Chad Bell, City Councihnember
Star City Council
Mayor Dave Bieter
City of Boise
David Bivens, Commissioner
ACHD Commission
Ross Borden, Special Assistant to the President
Boise State University
General Jim Brooks
City of Eagle
Ken Burgess
COMPASS Legislative Relations Committee
Mark Carnopis, Community Relations Manager
Valley Regional Transit
John Cunningham, Transportation Planner
COMPASS
Mayor Tom Dale
City of Nampa
Mayor Tammy deWeerd
City of Meridian
John Franden, Commissioner
ACHD Commission
Ralph Gant, Commissioner
Canyon County Highway District
Jeff Lang, City Councihnember
Kuna City Council
Katie Levihn, Coordinator, Planning, Programming
Ada County Highway District
Jerome Mapp
Valley Regional Transit Ways & Means Committee
Mayor Frank McKeever
City of Middleton
Mayor Garret Nancolas, Chair
City of Caldwell
Joel Pearsall, Vice President for Financial
Affairs/General Counsel
Northwest Nazarene University
Judy Peavey-Derr, Commissioner
Ada County Commission
Steve Purvis, Office of Internal Audit
City of Boise
Eric Shannon, District III Engineer
Idaho Transportation Deparhnent
Matt Stoll, Executive Director
COMPASS
Mayor Marje Dean-Ellmaker
City of Notus
Mayor John Evans
City of Garden City
Kelli Fairless, Executive Director
Valley Regional Transit
Mayor Margie Watson
City of Parma
Rick Yzaguirre, Commission
Ada County Commission
:]
RECOMMENDATION ON LOCAL OPTION TRANSIT FUNDING LEGISLATION
- The proposed legislation is a revision of the existing regional public transportation authority
(RPTA), upon voter approval, to levy a local option sales tax for the purposes of financing,
constructing, operating and maintaining public transportation systems where there is an
adopted public transportation plan [Chapter 21, Title 40, Idaho Code].
- "Public Transportation Systems" include systems and services designed to transport customers
on local and regional routes, including buses, vanpools, demand response services, rail, rail
corridor, park and ride and so forth, which are compatible with adopted state, regional or local
transportation plans [Section 40-2103].
- The sales tax referendum can only be on the ballot in November on even year elections to
assure a high vote turnout and would pass with a simple majority [Section 40-2111].
- The legislation would authorize not less than 0.1 percent or more than 0.5 percent in the initial
referendum. The tax would be imposed in amounts necessary to support adopted plans and
budgets. The maximum tax authorized would not exceed 0.75 percent [Section 40-2112].
- The sales tax sunsets after 20 years unless it is reauthorized by voter approval. Reauthorization
in a general election may be considered two (2) years prior to the sunset date. The sales tax
collections continue until existing bonded indebtedness is retired [Section 40-2112].
- The RPTA, upon 2/3 voter approval, may issue bonds, for purposes of financing its public
transportation infrastructure. Bond. provisions are patterned after typical Idaho bond statutes
[Section 40-2114 through 40-2118]. Debt service is limited to no more than 20 percent of
revenues.
- Sales taxes are collected through the state tax commission and distributed back to the regional
transportation authority [Section 40-2113].
40874.0007.870652.1