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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 05-19 SpecialMeridian City Council Special Meeting Workshop May 19, 2009 A meeting of the Meridian City Council was called to order at 6:02 p.m., Tuesday, May 19, 2009, by Council President Charlie Rountree. Members Present: Tammy de Weerd, Charlie Rountree, Keith Bird, David Zaremba and Brad Hoaglun. Others Present: Bill Nary, Jaycee Holman, Anna Canning, Steve Siddoway, Pete Friedman, Thomas Bany, and Ron Anderson. Item 1: Roll-call Attendance: Roll call. X David Zaremba X Brad Hoaglun X Charlie Rountree X Keith Bird X Mayor Tammy de Weerd Rountree: I'm going to open this special meeting of the Meridian City Council for Tuesday, May 19th, at 6:02. Roll call attendance, please. Item 2: Adoption of the Agenda: Rountree: And thank you all for being here this evening. We have a rather busy agenda tonight and, hopefully, some of you were here early enough to enjoy the dedication of the public art piece out in the forum. If you didn't get that opportunity, if you get out of here early, at least before 7:00 o'clock, you can go upstairs and enjoy punch and cookies and see yet another art display. Next item on the agenda is the adoption of the agenda. Zaremba: Mr. President? Rountree: Mr. Zaremba. Zaremba: I move we adopt the agenda as published. Hoaglun: Second. Rountree: It's been moved and seconded to adopt the agenda. All those in favor. Opposed same sign? Agenda passes. MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES. Item 3: CONSENT AGENDA: A. Approve Minutes of May 12, 2009 City Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 2 of 33 Council Regular Meeting B. Change Order No. 2 with Pipe, Inc. for FY09 Sewer Manhole Retrofits for $8,725.00 C. Agreement for Use of Ten Mile Christian Church by Meridian Arts Commission for Missoula Children's Theatre Production D. Environmental Covenant with Idaho Department of Environmental Quality for Use Restrictions at Real Property Located at 641 N. Main Street E. Access Easement between the City of Meridian and L & G Murgoitio LLC regarding property located on East Lake Hazel Road, Ada County Parcel #S1505212410 F. Well Sharing and Easement Agreement between the City of Meridian and L & G Murgoitio LLC regarding property located on East Lake Hazel Road, Ada County Parcel #S1505212410 and S1405120902 Rountree: Next item is the Consent Agenda. Zaremba: Mr. President? Rountree: Mr. Zaremba. Zaremba: I move that we approve the Consent Agenda and authorize the Mayor to sign and the Clerk to attest. Hoaglun: Second. Rountree: It's been moved and seconded to approve the Consent Agenda. Roll call vote, please. Roll-Call: Bird, yea; Rountree, yea; Zaremba, yea; Hoaglun, yea. MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES. Item 4: COMMUNITY ITEMS/PRESENTATIONS: A. Recognition of PAL Hall of Fame Coaches Rountree: Next item, community items and presentations. We have the recognition of the PAL Hall of Fame coaches and Mayor and the police department. Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 3 of 33 De Weerd: You know, before I get into this (unintelligible) I do want to say (unintelligible) the Mayor's anti-drug (unintelligible) these kind of activities (unintelligible) Tonight (unintelligible) and the coach and the police that were truly (unintelligible) when you grew up who were they (unintelligible) give a brief description of what the program is and (unintelligible). Person: (Unintelligible) we had one of our youth (unintelligible) really were kind of tired and (unintelligible) kids that were in trouble or anything (unintelligible) and so that's kind of what (unintelligible) started marketing for us and they had (unintelligible) to try to get these kids when the are young (unintelligible) and so this (unintelligible) and he would want to do -- bring some kind of a drug into (unintelligible) and that's how it all (unintelligible) you know, what -- what is a good person (unintelligible) and that's where our coaches came in, because (unintelligible) sit down with the kids (unintelligible) complete the program (unintelligible) very excited for our first time out (unintelligible) very, very positive (unintelligible) our coaches an (unintelligible). Do want to all come up? Do you want all the coaches to come up? De Weerd: And I would say again (unintelligible) and I can tell you that part of the (unintelligible) pictures pretty early on (unintelligible) so there will be (unintelligible) when I count the kids (unintelligible) and this is the time when they (unintelligible) maybe we can tum that there may be good choices (unintelligible) so we will have Alecia read off the names and I will (unintelligible). Person: Mark (unintelligible). Christopher (unintelligible). I think we will go ahead and read the names (unintelligible). Lynn Sherer. Michael (unintelligible) Peter Tramel. Tim Smith. Steven Johnson. Daniel Telacke. James Ruby. Darrell Leakin. Darrell Weary. (Unintelligible). Thomas Martinez. Timothy Raines. Michael (unintelligible). De Weerd: And our Hall of Fame (unintelligible) our heart felt congratulations (unintelligible). Rountree: Thank you, gentlemen, for all the hard work you do. I think some of us have been in the same spot. So, good job. B. Proclamation for Public Works Week Rountree: Next item on the agenda is the Proclamation of Public Works Week. Mayor. De Weerd: It's great honor to read the proclamation (unintelligible) at this time I will (unintelligible) come up and join us and, you know, it's kind of a celebration (unintelligible), but, you know, it's (unintelligible) adequately put it if we don't hear complaints we are doing our job and so we did want to raise the awareness too (unintelligible) read this proclamation. Whereas the services Public Works provides (unintelligible) integral part (unintelligible) and whereas the (unintelligible) and whereas the health and safety and comfort and this (unintelligible) facilities and services and whereas the quality (unintelligible) and Public Works (unintelligible) and whereas the Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 4 of 33 (unintelligible) of the work they perform, therefore, I, Tammy de Weerd, Mayor of the City of Meridian, do hereby proclaim (unintelligible) to be National Public Works Week in the City of Meridian (unintelligible) Public Works officials to make it every day (unintelligible). Barry: Thank you, Madam Mayor and Council Members. (Unintelligible) with our community (unintelligible) more information about the (unintelligible) that ways that touch residents lives each and every day. As part of some of these activities we have (unintelligible) for the remainder of the week (unintelligible) between 4:00 and 8:00 o'clock (unintelligible) we very excited to have folks (unintelligible) agreat way to get up (unintelligible) and take care of the (unintelligible). So, thank you very much. C. Proclamation for Preservation Month Rountree: And now a proclamation for Preservation Month. De Weerd: Okay, Frank. Would you like to come forward. Frank is our (unintelligible). Rountree: Frank, you want me to take pictures? Luke will take some. De Weerd: Okay. We also have (unintelligible) National Preservation Week. Whereas the services (unintelligible) for the vitalizing (unintelligible) and whereas (unintelligible) preservation is (unintelligible) for communities across the nation where Americans of all ages, all walks of life (unintelligible) and whereas the (unintelligible) dedicated individuals (unintelligible) this place matters (unintelligible) May 2008 (unintelligible) therefore, I, Tammy de Weerd, Mayor of City of Meridian, do he by proclaim May 2009 National Preservation (unintelligible) and call upon all people of the City of Meridian (unintelligible) and also one of our (unintelligible). And Frank is on our Historical Preservation (unintelligible) and also one of our known (unintelligible) not just because of his age. Bird: He's young. D. Annual Assessment Update from Bob McQade with Ada County Assessor's Office Rountree: Next item on the agenda is the annual assessment update from Ada County assessor Bob McQuade. Bob, welcome. McQuade: Thank you very much. I'm glad (unintelligible) Madam Mayor, Members of the Council (unintelligible) briefing and I (unintelligible) home values and market values (unintelligible) need to go talk to the Mayor if, you know (unintelligible) last year (unintelligible) because they are going to be looking at (unintelligible) one and a half percent, so that's something that we are still (unintelligible) and I feel comfortable (unintelligible) because -- for two reasons. Number one, I always (unintelligible) they are down almost (unintelligible) but on the land development (unintelligible) having to Meridian City Council Speci~l Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 5 of 33 write these numbe',rs down (unintelligible) the market value (unintelligible) is it going to go up next year ( rnntelligible) the housing crisis (unintelligible) there was a question (unintelligible) wh is going on with the (unintelligible) made a comment that (unintelligible) by t ree percent (unintelligible) county wide decrease in value, we have got about four thousand (unintelligible) county wide (unintelligible) now that (unintelligible). Rally difFicult now of time (unintelligible). And we finally got that squared away and, then, had to explain (unintelligible) so there could be significant in the budget, even hose (unintelligible) that new construction as much (unintelligible) market value an (unintelligible) residential or commercial. (Unintelligible) these numbers (unintelli ible) it really struck me (unintelligible) have no equity. So, when we say (unintelligible) of the equity (unintelligible) and who knows how long it's going take (unintelligible) Ma am Mayor, Members of the Council, those are my comments. (Unintelligible). Rountree: Any qu I stions or comments for Bob? Bird: Just a nice j b. Zaremba: Thank y'ou. Rountree: Thank ou, again. Great presentation. You got your numbers right there and we will certain) utilize those as we move forward with budget preparation. McQuade: (Unintelligible). E. Idaho Power Update with Blake Watson Rountree: Thank ou again, Bob. Next item is the Idaho Power update. Blake Watson. And thank you for Bing here tonight. Watson: Thank y u very much for having me, Mayor and Council. Appreciate the opportunity (unin elligible) opportunity to introduce myself personally to you (unintelligible) app eciate the time and allowing me to speak this evening. I won't take a lot of time (unintelligible) (want to make a comment (unintelligible) (believe the Idaho Business Review (unintelligible) hundred thousand dollar check that was received (unintelligible) I'm just kind of going through quickly (unintelligible) want to cover (unintelligible) aut mated metering (unintelligible) then I want to talk a little bit (unintelligible). Rountree: We undl rstand. Watson: The econ mic impact on Idaho Power Company (unintelligible) because Idaho Power (unintelligi le) looking at (unintelligible) certainly we will go through that (unintelligible) act ally negative propertywise actually down (unintelligible) go back before the slow d wn and, then, back another ten years (unintelligible) prior to going back about 12 ye rs (unintelligible) we are - we are going to address (unintelligible) ~i Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 6 of 33 one area that we are certainly seeing (unintelligible) about a month ago (unintelligible) number of calls (unintelligible) our calls were up (unintelligible) reduction in new construction. (Unintelligible) it's also (unintelligible) the value of the benefit of that (unintelligible) hundred percent complete (unintelligible) automated meter infrastructure. I do actually have some information (unintelligible) right now we have about 40 thousand (unintelligible) actually conduct (unintelligible) will be coming this direction the notification process (unintelligible) thank you very much for your time, I appreciate it and look forward to working with you folks (unintelligible). Rountree: Thank you. Any questions for Mike? Hoaglun: Mr. President? Rountree: Brad. Hoaglun: Just a couple quick questions if you don't mind, Mr. Watson. You had mentioned hydro now comprises, what, 30 to 35 percent of Idaho Power's base load now? Watson: (Unintelligible). Hoaglun: What are the percentages, then, of the rest of the power? I know we have to get coal fired, you know, power from out of state. What are the percentages of where our energy comes from for our electricity generation? Watson: About 38 percent (unintelligible) little bit of diesel mixed in there, very small, and the rest it can be (unintelligible). Hoaglun: Mr. President, another question. You mentioned last year we had all time peaks both summer and winter and, you know, that peak load it gets a little interesting, because, you know, the factor of rolling brown outs or potential black outs, if you can't provide, you can't move that power, the grid system's overloaded, people won't have electricity. You know, it could be 105 out there and they are not going to have any energy. But what concerns me a little bit, you know, as we plan for an economic base and have businesses come into the area where -- if I remember it was maybe two years ago some companies were looking at coming to the valley, they were major energy consumers. Where are we in being able to accept business or do we tell businesses, no, we don't have the energy resources to have new businesses grow in here? Where are we in that whole scheme of things? Watson: (Unintelligible). Hoaglun: So, I guess, Mr. Watson -- Mr. President -- if we have a major business looking at Meridian and there is going to be substantial electrical usage, they need to be in touch with you to see if we can make that happen? Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 7 of 33 Watson: (Unintelligible). Hoaglun: Thank you. Rountree: Any other questions for Blake? David. Zaremba: Mr. President. Where are you with the relicensing of the Hells Canyon complex? Watson: We are not there yet. We are still (unintelligible). Zaremba: Thank you. Rountree: Blake, Idaho Power has a really terrific record in forecasting and I'm going to kind of put you on the spot and you don't have to answer me, but what -- what are you seeing as a company with respect to current economy in any point in time in tum around when you might see an increase in customers? Watson: (Unintelligible). Rountree: That would be helpful. I will throw you a soft one here. On your AMI process when you are rolling that out in Meridian sometime in June and July, do you do not only the door knocker, but do your technicians actually go to the door and knock on the door and tell people that they were going to be there doing that or is that -- they just come in an area and do it? Watson: (Unintelligible). Rountree: Do you notify city officials, particularly the police department, that they you're doing that? I can anticipate you might rile up some folks as you come into town and I see Lieutenant Overton over there smiling that they might get a few phone calls if they don't know that's happening. Watson: (Unintelligible). Rountree: Very good. Any other questions or comments? Bird: I have none. Rountree: Blake, thank you for being here tonight. Thank Idaho Power and you for the generous donation to the city for energy efficiency and all the support you have given the city over the last multiple years. Watson: (Unintelligible). Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 8 of 33 F. SSC Update and Public Comment Rountree: Thank you. Next item on the agenda is SSC update and public comment. Steve and Rick. Sedlacek: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, my name is Steve Sedlacek (unintelligible). We started this process last fall and I think there was a proposal to (unintelligible) and I was anxious to switch right away and you called me down and (unintelligible). Friedman: Excuse me just a moment, Steve. Which one? You had two of them on here. Sedlacek: (Unintelligible) some people showed up I would say unhappy that we were proposing a change, but by the end understood why we were proposing (unintelligible) and that's fine, but at least we had a good discussion on why we were going to change (unintelligible). So, three reasons to change (unintelligible). We are, basically, looking at (unintelligible) water and sewer and it's all based on a unit cost basis (unintelligible). So, we also want -- well, as land fill fees increase (unintelligible) we control those costs. The second issue is the one (unintelligible) we -- I just want an information (unintelligible) in the last ten months and (unintelligible) we do a lot of safety training (unintelligible) these were the three or four big project (unintelligible) again, there were other comments (unintelligible) what do we do with extra weight. This is the big thing. This is the big hurdle. Particularly grass. Right now our waste loads have gone up tremendously because of grass (unintelligible) anyway, I'd like to talk about each of those comments. The next slide (unintelligible) so, what I would (unintelligible) that's not going to work. It's not going to work for me (unintelligible) we don't know what that restructure is. One thing we struggle (unintelligible) where people who have yard waste (unintelligible) be happy to answer any questions. (Unintelligible). That's basically a draft that shows the public how the rates are going to start (unintelligible) we could talk more about (unintelligible). So, your going to get a five gallon cart and you're going to get (unintelligible) if you tell David Zaremba he's on week A, what does that mean? You know, is that this week or next week. So, we are going to have to issue calendars (unintelligible) and also once you get into it (unintelligible). So, those are the four big comments. There were a number of other comments that we should just go through quickly. How many employees lose their job (unintelligible) two man trucks to (unintelligible). I hope the Council doesn't allow (unintelligible) anumber of rates -- different rates (unintelligible) I'm not going to advertise the 32 gallon can initially. We are happy to provide it (unintelligible) we are all required to have (unintelligible) by their homeowner's association and (unintelligible) the city of Boise has (unintelligible) they have actually raised the rates (unintelligible) Italked to those people and (unintelligible) and this would -- they would eam credits to (unintelligible), so I would prefer to -- if you want to credit for recycling and, then, go to the smaller can or reduce your rate that's your credit. That's how I (unintelligible). We can talk about that (unintelligible) it's not something (unintelligible) so my last (unintelligible) there would be no changes (unintelligible) cost of the equipment (unintelligible) so that's the recommendation Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 9 of 33 (unintelligible) after we understand what (unintelligible) Ican go through these with you and I will go over these with you. Again, automated recycling (unintelligible) so one thing about (unintelligible) what can size (unintelligible) and that's really all I (unintelligible) in terms of (unintelligible) stand for questions, take comments (unintelligible). Rountree: Questions for Steve? De Weerd: Mr. President? Rountree: Madam Mayor. De Weerd: I guess, Steve, we did talk to the Commissioner Tillman at lunch today and he said that the reason that Dave can't really do anything with his presentation is they have told him no on his -- his proposed increase and told him that -- to go back to the drawing board and bring them back other information, so -- and when pressed to give me an idea of a date I didn't get one. In fact, he was really good at not answering my question. Sedlacek: (Unintelligible). De Weerd: But I do know that they are in the process of trying to recalibrate the load that is going up to the landfill right now is significantly reduced and that's why they are telling him go back to the drawing board and let's refigure your strategy, so -- Sedlacek: Right. And I don't want (unintelligible) people have the choice to control (unintelligible) but I don't think that (unintelligible) you know, the background noise (unintelligible) and how do we manage that. (Unintelligible). Hoaglun: Question. Rountree: Brad. Hoaglun: Some of the things I heard, Steve, probably want you to reiterate, because I think there is some confusion out there. One is the fact that if we go to this new system there is no can rental, that does go away for people. I notice some people seem still confused. They think they still -- the rates will change, we will go to the new system, and they still have to rent a can and that's not true. Is that correct? Sedlacek: Correct. Yes. Part of the reason (unintelligible) Imean the rate structure (unintelligible) that's a 95 gallon (unintelligible) there is no other rental charge (unintelligible) just one rate (unintelligible). Hoaglun: And also, Mr. President and Steve, if they take a -- say a 64 gallon can and they have some grass clippings they want to put in there and they can still close the lid, Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 10 of 33 it doesn't prohibit them from putting that yard waste or leaves or anything else in that can and having it disposed of, as long as the lid closes; is that right? Sedlacek; Correct. And we (unintelligible) you know, we are going to issue (unintelligible). Hoaglun: Mr. President, last question on this is if you're looking at doing an implementation in the spring of next year, what -- what is the deadline -- because you would have costs and planning and different things, when does the decision need to be made? Sedlacek: The decision (unintelligible) Ican get trucks fairly (unintelligible) we are probably looking (unintelligible) let's say (unintelligible) we are not manually lifting (unintelligible). So, let's say that's April 1st. Yeah. October 1st (unintelligible) we didn't get the .rate structure until late -- very late and it was an election year, so maybe it will be better this year. (Unintelligible) so I think that it's time (unintelligible) could you implement the (unintelligible) that's possible now you would still be in a system where you (unintelligible). Rountree: Steve, I need you to clarify those dates and I think you answered Brad's question, but I'm not sure. What's your timing if we are to move forward with commingled that you need an action on our part? Sedlacek: If you would like (unintelligible) and we will get it implemented. Rountree: Okay. Sedlacek: What I think the (unintelligible). Rountree: Okay. Sedlacek: But we can move quickly towards that. Rountree: Okay. Sedlacek: The bigger (unintelligible). Rountree: Thank you. Any other questions? I have got a couple here, Steve. The composting concept in my mind, if we move this direction, is the right thing to do, but the fundamentals of that is if we can compost it, I suspect the city is going to want to compost some of the other materials at the wastewater treatment plant in the same process and at that point in time when the finished product is generated, is there an outlet for it? That's been a problem in the past that you create a usable by-product, if you will, but there is no market for it. Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 11 of 33 Sedlacek: Part of the consulting study did look at people selling compost (unintelligible) and this is material that we would (unintelligible) presumably you should get more money for it, but you're still (unintelligible) you're going to have to go down to the lowest (unintelligible). So, I think it is (unintelligible) Idon't know (unintelligible). Rountree: I guess I'm concemed -- Sedlacek: I'm concerned about that, too. I think (unintelligible) not based on how much you can sell the material for. I don't think (unintelligible). Rountree: I'm not even thinking about selling, I'm thinking can we even give it away. Sedlacek: Oh, sure. De Weerd: I would take it. Sedlacek: You're going to have a lot of it. De Weerd: Not all of it. Just enough for my garden. Sedlacek: I'm sure Mr. Siddoway (unintelligible) his share. But you're right. Rountree: It's a big volume. Bird: You're talking about volume. Sedlacek: (Unintelligible). Rountree: The other question -- and it's fundamental to the first phase of this if we go there, is the commingling. Now there is a process to handle the commingled recyclables. If at some point in time that even becomes noneconomic, where do we go? And the other aspect of the commingle -- and you brought up glass -- and I know we don't recycle glass, nor does anybody else in the state, but it is an issue and there will probably be folks that are going to say, well, this is recyclable and I'm going to stick it in the can and that gums up the works in the processing plant of the commingled waste. So, to me they are one and the same, but what happens if we lose the commingled separation facility? Sedlacek: I would (unintelligible) he can talk to you about long term markets and market values (unintelligible). Rountree: That's all I know. Sedlacek: Do that real quickly. Rountree: Rick, if you would just state your name for the record, so we can -- Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 12 of 33 Callahan: Rick Callahan. Rountree: Thank you. Callahan: (Unintelligible) our markets are (unintelligible) we get the proverbial (unintelligible). Our company has been around for a long time (unintelligible) we never have problems (unintelligible) you know, our plans are submitted (unintelligible) and as far as (unintelligible) you know, hopefully, it's (unintelligible) it's funny, because I have been (unintelligible) machines are running (unintelligible). That's just something that (unintelligible) try to see eliminate (unintelligible) there really are none at this point in time and we don't have (unintelligible) and, then, secondly, (unintelligible). Rountree: Thank you. Callahan: I hope that helps. Rountree: It did. And some more -- and I was to going to ask you about glass, but you took care of that as well. Thank you. Any other comments or questions for Steve? Zaremba: Mr. President? Rountree: Dave. Zaremba: I would say that last bit is probably good news. If I recall the meeting that I attended you seemed to think that the commingled recycling was going to have to be trucked to someplace in Oregon. So, this is good news. Sedlacek: Yeah. There is (unintelligible) until then I (unintelligible) so we hope (unintelligible). Rountree: Thank you, Steve. We did advertise this -- this meeting tonight to take public comments, not public testimony. The process I think that we will be following is to have an opportunity for the public to comment this evening and through the 16th of next month and we will, then, schedule a public hearing on the 23rd of June and at that point we will finalize the decision and direction that we want to give our provider here. At this point I will open up the meeting for those who wish to make a public comment and I would request that you be succinct when you tell us something, when you leave the podium we understand where you're coming from, and we will probably give you about three minutes. And maybe a little more beings we don't have an audience full of folks like we anticipated we would. So, whomever wants to be first, please, come up to the podium and we will welcome your comments. Seeing none, but some folks that are interested in this topic, I hope, thank you for being here. It is not a public hearing, so I don't have to close a public hearing. Steve, do you have any other comments? And, then, I'm going to ask the Council to muse a little bit on the topic some more and maybe provide you a little more direction. Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 13 of 33 De Weerd: Mr. President? Rountree: Madam Mayor. De Weerd: I guess just to reiterate, if you have comments get those back to us by the 16th of June and they will be considered as Council makes their decision on how we move forward or if we continue as is. Rountree: My comment at this point -- Steve, thank you for the effort you and your staff have gone to to do this, so you have done an outstanding job. You have responded extremely well to the public. I know you now recognize you don't necessarily want to be in our shoes, but you're to be commended for the effort that you have undertaken. It's been a quality effort. Appreciate it. Any other comments or guidance that we might throw out there? We aren't making a decision, but is there -- are there some things that you're interested in pursuing that Steve mentioned or not pursuing? Zaremba: Mr. President, I would just comment on -- I guess my assessment of the meeting that I attended and that is that those that came to the meeting and the comments that they made seemed to be receptive and understanding of the idea thal this is another one of those things that may need to change, because the city has grown. The way that we were doing it is -- is becoming difficult. If we keep doing it the same way it will become much more expensive I'm sure and I felt that people understood and, essentially, supported the idea that this was being looked into. The typical questions that were brought up is, okay, how much is this going to cost me and where do I put the container. But I felt that even those questions were asked in a receptive and positive manner. So, if you're looking for guidance from me, I would say move forward with it. Hoaglun: Just a quick comment, Mr. President. I do like the idea at the meeting I attended -- someone said that was the first time they had heard it. Maybe not. But about doing the recycling first, because that way that will allow people -- we encourage recycling, we get that waste stream out, it's not going to the landfill and, then, people can see what size garbage can they, then, can utilize. And I think that's -- that's a great way to go about that, if we move forward with both systems. And just the other comment I have is both from your company's perspective and from the city's side of things, we are going to have to do a good deal of education to the public about this. I mean that's just -- when you have change like this, if the Council decides, yes, let's move forward with this, boy, that's change and that's always hard, because people have habits and we will just have to make sure they know what's going to, how to do it, and why we are doing it and, then, if we move forward it's -- it's a lot easier. So, that's all I have. Rountree: My comment is that I'm a user pay guy and I think that the philosophy of the more you use the more you pay is a right way to go. I have always thought that we certainly have folks that take advantage of a you can put 14 cans out on the curb every Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 14 of 33 week and the guy next door puts out a small white plastic bag full of a handful of things and paying the same rate. I like the idea that you have come up with, the phase in, if we move forward, to go with the recycling first, that brings people an understanding of what the automation is about and how easy it can be, I think it will increase recycling. It won't affect rates, which is always a good thing, though, there will be rate increases, not necessarily because of that. The only hesitancy I have is that if we do move forward with automation, I think that the Council ought to make a complete decision and not have one dependant on the other. If we are going to do it, let's say we are going to do it, but we will schedule it over a period of time. And it appears that the -- the comments that you have received is about a two to one very favorable for most of the affects of this program. From an economic standpoint I believe it's the way to go. We see nothing but continued rate increases to get rid of the volume that's generated here. If we can do anything to at least reduce those increases, I believe that's our job. And all the other spin-off benefits that come from this program. So, I hope that we will get more comments over the next three weeks and, hopefully, Steve, when you do come back and we do have a public hearing on this process, you have got a little finer point on some of the -- the real nagging questions in terms of how much it's going to cost and I know you're going to have to do some crystal ball gazing to come up with those numbers, but we will have to have a basis from which to make a decision in those areas. I don't think we can do it on -- well, it's going to be about this, it's going to be this based on these assumptions and, then, you will have to develop a model to do that. De Weerd: Mr. President? Rountree: Madam Mayor. De Weerd: You know, our office has heard from some of the citizens that realize that the user pay basis is a best model and that many of them have come from areas that don't have this unlimited garbage type of opportunity, I guess you could say, and so they realize that as a - as a public we have to be more frugal in how we dispose of our waste and how we better utilize our precious resources. So, there is -- there is reluctance to the change, because change is difficult, but there is also greater understanding, too, what it means for our environment for the long term and those kind of things. I did think, too, that if Council decides to move forward with this on the commingling and the every other month or every other week, in identifying that and also identifying what is recyclable as a sticker for your can that reminds someone every time they put something in there what is recyclable and what isn't, like you had on your presentation, no glass, you know, I got that hint in your presentation. But also if you're buying tags for your bags, you may have a different tag for your composting material or your grass clippings and your yard waste that maybe, then, that is a way you can pay for that composting idea. So, just another idea for when you come back and give concluding remarks at the end of the public commenting and -- for consideration. Rountree: Any other comments? Seeing none, Steve, and your folks, thank you. Look forward to hearing from you again on the 23rd. Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 15 of 33 G. Update from Ada County Landfill Rountree: Next item on the agenda is the -- actually, it was Ada County Landfill. They would not be able to be here this evening. H. CDBG-Recovery Act, Proposed Project Update Rountree: So, the next one will be CDBG Recovery Act. De Weerd: It's easy for you to say. Rountree: That's really easy for anybody to say. Proposed project update. Matt -- and I understand we have some changes that have come about possibly. Ellsworth: Mr. President, Members of the Council, Madam Mayor, that's correct. Brief little bit of background. If you will recall on April 21st City Council opened a public comment period and public hearing on two concurrent action plan amendments that we are going to move forward along the same schedule. One was for the 2007 CDBG action plan and the other was for the 2008. The reason for the 2008 is because that's the way that ultimately the feds are going to wind up tracking the stimulus injection into the CDBG pool that we will draw from. So, the initial project that was proposed for use of those CDBG stimulus dollars was for improvements in Centennial Park. Playground equipment, game tables, things of that nature. After reviewing the guidelines that were recently released by HUD, staff -- staff was a bit concerned that that project didn't -- didn't fall directly in-line with the intent of the stimulus package. So, took a step back at that point and took a look at what other projects may meet the intents of both the CDBG program, as well as the intent and the related regulations and parameters of the stimulus program and it was somewhat of a tough exercise, because, again, you have two -- two at times overlapping different program slash bills, but finding that middle ground where you can fit a project within the budget you're working with proves to be somewhat of a challenging endeavor. The possible project that I was able to identify is one that's actually originally proposed for use of the broader stimulus funds and that is construction of the 8th Street pathway over the recently installed culvert that -- that spans over the Five Mile Creek. In the brief little write up that I handed out it gives a nod to the fact that that project is shovel ready and has the necessary environmental clearances. So, it's good for the requirements associated with the stimulus bill and that it's implementable, it can move relatively quickly. The one snag in that is similar to the Centennial Park proposed improvements to remain compliant with the requirements associated with CDBG it will require an income survey. So, the time lines, regardless of those projects, would have been the same. The question becomes what to do to get from where we are to where we would want to be if that -- if that project that staff identified is perceived as a viable option and that's the direction the Council gives. I touched base with the deputy city attorney, as well as the planning director, after reviewing the guidelines from Housing and Urban Development and what we came up with is, again, on April 21st we opened an amendment to the 2008 CDBG action plan and that amendment proposed adding a new project to that plan. So, of course, there Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 16 of 33 was one project at first -- if you wanted to view the guidelines that were received by HUD as the only comment we have received so far, then, basically, what that comment indicated is that the originally proposed project does not fit within the broader scope of the funds that we are working with and the city needs to identify a different project in order to use those funds. That being the case, the deputy city attorney felt that it -- it was okay with the letter of the law to move the currently proposed amendment to the CDBG action plan forward as scheduled. Again, that public comment period opened on the 21st. It was originally scheduled to conclude on May 26th. However, sort of the second step in the possible course of action here would be to delay the conclusion of that public hearing from May 26th to June 2nd. This is a shift, it's a different project that we are proposing for now including in the 2008 action plan. It's something they warrant the additional time to soak in for the public and to provide ample opportunity for people to provide comment should they -- should they see fit. Third, staff -- again, the effort of getting word out to folks that this change would be occurring is in compliance with the city's adopted citizen participation plan. Copies of that amendment are currently out for review at the Meridian Senior Center, the Meridian Public Library, they are available here at City Hall, and the city clerk's office. What staff could do is write an accompanying memo spelling out the situation, explaining the changes that are on the table and allowing folks to soak it in that way. That would be in addition to a public notice identifying the same that staff could publish in both the Valley Times and the Idaho Statesman coming up on Monday, the 25th, here. Again, just sort of identifying very briefly the rational for the change, what the change entails, and informing the public about how they can provide comments on it. So, again, in this write up there is a draft notice to the public. There is a map about the proposed new project that would be the subject of amendment to the '08 CDBG action plan. So, the direction that I'm seeking this evening is as Council's input and direction on the proposed course of action based on the information that came to light from HUD guidelines. Rountree: Comments? De Weerd: I support it. Rountree: Matt, I'm okay with what you have proposed. I think it's a way to go. Can we switch those projects, move the one that we were anticipating that doesn't qualify to the other grant and move this one forward, since it's shovel ready and meets all the federal requirements? Ellsworth: Mr. President, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, that's a good question. That's something that I left out and the short answer is that, yes, you know, again, with the stimulus CDBG funds you really need to find a project that meets the intent of both. If we are to remove the improvement to Centennial Park from the stimulus pool of funding, it aligns very well and very cleanly with the more conventional annual allocation from HUD. So, moving forward for the next couple months, getting back to the annual entitlement that the city receives, staffs working right now to gather comments and begin the process for drafting next year's action plan, the 2009 action plan, and that's something that I will be back with over the course of the summer for Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 17 of 33 Council's direction on. But certainly an eligible project -- excuse me -- certainly an eligible project and one that's worth Council's consideration would be those improvements to Centennial Park. Rountree: And is the June 2nd date a statutory timing or is that arbitrary on our part? Ellsworth: Mr. President, Members of Council, it's not arbitrary. The deadline that is set for entitlement communities to submit these action plan amendments is June 5th. So, in order to meet their timeline, the city would need to take action on the proposed amendment at the regularly scheduled June 2nd Council meeting, after which we could forward that amendment onto HUD for their review. Rountree: I guess my question is could we take that same action on the 26th and through a public notice on bulletin boards in the post office and that sort of thing, be compliant with the public notification and comment period? I know it's short, but is there a requirement of the certain time or a certain methodology? Ellsworth: Mr. President, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, the -- the typical process for an action plan amendment requires the 30 day public comment period. Now, some of the guidelines that HUD wound up handing down, based on the tighter timelines that come along with stimulus program, condensed that mandatory public comment period down to seven days. So, seven days from today, next Tuesday, if the calendar falls out and in that way, then, yes, we could. If staff were to get information out first thing in the morning and -- I may give a quick glance over to the city attorney to make sure that that is acceptable. But I assume, yeah, we would still be compliant with HUD guidelines if we were to keep it on track to wrap up coming up here on May 26. Rountree: Well, if we -- if our timing is okay with a second, there is no sense of rushing, but if it's -- if a few days after a decision were necessary, moving it back to the 26th might be something we want to consider. And I take it from staff if they might need some more time, other than three days. Ellsworth: Mr. President, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, the reason that I propose initially that June 2nd date was to allow more time for it to soak in for the public. Based on past experience that the city's had with these public comment periods, we haven't exactly had an overwhelming amount of comments come in on a lot of these -- these projects. So, the additional week may or may not generate additional public feedback and in case anything does come up and, then, certainly staff would appreciate the additional time. But that's sort of the direction that I'm before you requesting this evening. If you feel that's a more appropriate way to go, that's the way we will go. Rountree: Very good. Thank you. Any other comments? Questions? Direction? Bird: Go for it. Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 18 of 33 Rountree: Do you want to try for the 26th and give us a week's cushion there? I see a lot of heads shaking. If that's doable and we are compliant, let's try for it. If we are not, then, the second would be fine. But for right now we will calendar it for the 26th and notice accordingly. Ellsworth: Thank you, Mr. President. Item 5: Department Reports: A. Parks Department Strategic Focus Discussion Rountree: Thank you. Next item on the agenda is the Parks Department, Strategic Focus. Steve. Siddoway: Thank you, Mr. President. It looks like the Powerpoint got closed. Let me just open it up and, then, I will move up to the center there. While it's opening let me just express some appreciation to Matt Ellsworth for his efforts toward the CDBG grant program. We as a department are certainly beneficiaries of his efforts and we definitely appreciate that. Rountree: Before you start, my question for you on that particular project is how did we get it shovel ready? Who was working on that? Siddoway: We actually got that ready last fall. Rountree: Okay. Siddoway: And we submitted it this last winter as a potential transportation stimulus -- Rountree: Okay. Siddoway: -- project, but didn't receive that one. But it is ready to go. Rountree: Great. Good job. Siddoway: Thank you, Mr. President, Madam Mayor. We have had a few of these (unintelligible) for parks and recreation. It's my hope that you will come away (unintelligible) some of the value that we have for the City of Meridian. Our mission statement (unintelligible) enhance the community quality (unintelligible) by providing well designed and properly maintained parks (unintelligible) this mission statement of ours fits into the (unintelligible) strategic plan in several ways. This is the mission statement of the city and I (unintelligible) areas that I think (unintelligible) play a small role in (unintelligible) it talks about being a city with open spaces and providing various (unintelligible) and that Meridian (unintelligible) certainly the lifestyle (unintelligible) help make it that premier place (unintelligible) this is our current map of the city (unintelligible) Ishow it, because I just want (unintelligible) as well as the type. We have Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 19 of 33 a variety of (unintelligible) and smaller and you can see that rather than having (unintelligible) they are spread out across. Now, if you add to that pathway system, much of (unintelligible) we have a disconnected pathway system (unintelligible) certainly are receiving (unintelligible) here is some statistics for you on our parks (unintelligible) a park land you will see the breakdown there (unintelligible) we also have a secondary (unintelligible) in addition to the (unintelligible) things like that that we contract there we also have (unintelligible) the existing developed population estimate (unintelligible) we are proposing that we have left (unintelligible) the additional ones (unintelligible) and this is park land (unintelligible) starting out with Storey Park years ago, in the last decade (unintelligible) start rolling to where we currently have over 180 acres of (unintelligible) double that (unintelligible) these are some of the trends that we have (unintelligible) with that each of the colors (unintelligible) it looks lower, because we have (unintelligible) but if you compare the (unintelligible) you can see that this year we are (unintelligible) registration and we are on track to exceed last year (unintelligible). Friedman: I'll help you, Steve. Siddoway: Okay. This one shows our (unintelligible) and they also (unintelligible) you our registration (unintelligible) the recreation classes that you have to (unintelligible) if you, then, compare this with this one, we are (unintelligible). So, I think we are on track when we were (unintelligible) 2008. We are still only about (unintelligible) spring, summer guide (unintelligible). So, this is our staff. We are, basically, divided into two separate divisions. We also have (unintelligible) we have three that are year around and, then, the rest are (unintelligible) seasonal (unintelligible) and one seasonal office. Our administrative staff (unintelligible) we have got two (unintelligible) and myself. The total, again (unintelligible) our total employee (unintelligible) for providing the (unintelligible) you should be familiar with (unintelligible) five different cogs of the wheel (unintelligible) that addressed in these areas. The first is that (unintelligible) creating diversity and (unintelligible) both below (unintelligible) currently involved in the Meridian (unintelligible) and verify it (unintelligible) we don't have any (unintelligible) Gordon Hams Park, we have a grand opening (unintelligible) and we have been planning on (unintelligible) we are checking with the Hams family and see if we can push that maybe to 4:30 (unintelligible) come and participate. The Harris family does have a family wedding the next day June 6th, so (unintelligible) they should have a good showing at that (unintelligible). Adventure Island Playground nearing its (unintelligible) we have a commemoration ceremony (unintelligible) playground over the last (unintelligible) June 13th. (Unintelligible) Settlers Village Square is the tennis courts (unintelligible) pits and our (unintelligible). So, it is now good reviews and really (unintelligible) the improvements that we have talked about previously, playground, shelters, concession stand, (unintelligible) that project (unintelligible) and should be ready to go out to bid (unintelligible) in full swing for (unintelligible) we are working rapidly (unintelligible) once the Commission has a chance to (unintelligible) and, then, the last (unintelligible) the work that we have been (unintelligible) regional park. The next goal is (unintelligible) vision of (unintelligible) at building that sense of community, It's more than (unintelligible) what builds that (unintelligible) every night in June. We have the Bam Sour Run (unintelligible) I'm sorry the Barn Sour Run is (unintelligible) and the Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 20 of 33 Christmas tree lighting in December. We also support (unintelligible) and encourage by this (unintelligible) we have been working on an update (unintelligible) approved a couple weeks ago. We have coordination and planning (unintelligible) grant item (unintelligible) we have got 8th Street (unintelligible) phase one recently (unintelligible) and, then, you have seen the pathway (unintelligible) to the east. And that's one that we are focused on (unintelligible). The next one is to provide (unintelligible) see a photograph of our (unintelligible). We have (unintelligible) and then where it from here. Next part (unintelligible) by finance, we are going to (unintelligible). Now, in meetings with (unintelligible) get the last name here. (Unintelligible). But one thing that I wanted to do (unintelligible) and really take a look at (unintelligible) and if you base that on (unintelligible) 400 acres, which we have taken our current (unintelligible) we are starting to get close to and I also (unintelligible) part of that (unintelligible) which has not been (unintelligible) have got a solid (unintelligible). The next goal or objective underneath (unintelligible) are our services. We do several out reach presentations and celebrations that (unintelligible), but I do have a (unintelligible). De Weerd: (Unintelligible) final draft. Siddoway: Our first parks and recreation (unintelligible). There is (unintelligible) parks and recreation committee (unintelligible) and their committee has been focusing (unintelligible) and I provided (unintelligible) look it over and see if you are happy with the layout and get any comments back to us (unintelligible). I have already given one (unintelligible) and a hand out of (unintelligible) part of the information (unintelligible). The next overarching goal (unintelligible) and under that one I have provided (unintelligible) we have softball (unintelligible) with volleyball leagues with (unintelligible) dodge ball (unintelligible) and as noted previously. We will also support (unintelligible) programs (unintelligible) and others throughout the community. The next part of the (unintelligible) under good shape (unintelligible) under that one we are (unintelligible) provide training (unintelligible) making sure that people within the department have the ability to (unintelligible) as a career opportunity. Those part of organizational excellence update our ordinance and policies. That's probably a longer term goal that (unintelligible) and, then, customer service (unintelligible) and we do have great (unintelligible) customer service (unintelligible) HR department and provide customer service training (unintelligible) stewardship of the public trust and part of that stewardship daily (unintelligible) is one that comes to mind. We also (unintelligible) I believe that (unintelligible) and finally (unintelligible) all of you should have a couple of items (unintelligible) from our survey the bar graph on there (unintelligible) throughout the year (unintelligible) park and recreation items (unintelligible) and while I wouldn't go through (unintelligible) the majority of the people who come on our (unintelligible) come and participate (unintelligible) and the next to the bullet (unintelligible) but the majority (unintelligible) is over 60 percent. Said that they (unintelligible) one of the things that we heard about was (unintelligible) one of the questions we asked was about with current (unintelligible) that you would like to see and a couple of things that came out pretty strongly on that (unintelligible) but another was growing (unintelligible) and that's something that we hoped to add to our amenities sometime soon. You have both the (unintelligible) there is a -- there are several (unintelligible). Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 21 of 33 Bird: Yes, we did. Siddoway: But we (unintelligible) based on (unintelligible) and they helped us put together an overview of the (unintelligible). So, the second (unintelligible) that our commission is (unintelligible) it's really helpful. We had over 400 people (unintelligible) not a truly (unintelligible) our parks and recreation commission has been very engaged over this past year (unintelligible) and the engagement that I have seen over the past year is phenomenal. I'm not going to spend (unintelligible) our commission president (unintelligible), but let me just say that (unintelligible) structure has really proven to be engaging and helpful (unintelligible) in the last few months organization of the city that wanted to know how we structure our commission, because they wanted to (unintelligible) what they want to do (unintelligible). A few of our recent accomplishments (unintelligible) wanted to point out (unintelligible) incident out there, which was a tremendous improvement (unintelligible) Settlers Village Square mentioned in that project (unintelligible) and, then, last year received (unintelligible) playground last summer we also (unintelligible) information last week (unintelligible). So, we would encourage folks to get online and vote (unintelligible). And, then, at the Idaho (unintelligible) we have several challenges (unintelligible) but to name a few (unintelligible), but at the same time (unintelligible). How many of you have heard that (unintelligible) and look for things to do (unintelligible) at the same time focusing on (unintelligible) we also have challenges to prepare for a new park opening. With that I will end and stand for any (unintelligible). Rountree: Any comments, questions? Bird: Mr. President? Rountree: Mr. Bird. Bird: Steve, I want to compliment your whole department on -- on the way we have grown and got our recreation programs going. I had the opportunity to watch a lot of the mens and womens basketball. Very well run. Very well participated in. I am very happy with our programs that we have got going and I know we are working on it. After talking to you I'm a little disappointed in the after school thing at the middle school. I really am. I thought that thing would take off, you know. I thought it was a very good deal. And as you stated, if we save one kid I guess it's worth the money, but -- Siddoway: Yeah. Our numbers are about double this year from what they were last year. (Unintelligible). Bird: I just -- I just want to compliment you and your staff for the -- the parks are kept clean and your programs are ran very good, the ones I have been able to watch, and I am (unintelligible) at my age I don't play, I watch. De Weerd: Mr. President? Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 22 of 33 Rountree: Madam Mayor. De Weerd: I guess since three of us sitting up here were on the original parks commission, you as our liaison, Mr. President, but things have really changed over the last 13 years and it's exciting. to see. I think I -- did you note that we are having the movie night in a magazine -- in City and County magazine? Siddoway: I didn't (unintelligible) wedid get. (Unintelligible). De Weerd: Yeah. And so -- Siddoway: (Unintelligible). De Weerd: Yeah. You know, I know that Steve wanted to kind of get a better definition of success and, you know, it was my comment back to him was when others want to replicate what you're doing or, you know, they -- they give notice to the programs and the quality and I think people are really taking notice and I appreciate Mr. Bird's comments. I know that this department has taken great strides and particularly I'm really proud of the commission and how they have stepped up and engaged and I have been hopeful for that citizen engagement for a number of years and it's really happening and you can see that and the things that are coming out of the commission and the involvement and you're to be commended to that, too. You have engaged them and empowered them and I think that's why they are stepping up, because they know they are more than just being talked at now and so I appreciate your leadership, Steve. I think you have done a great job. You and your staff. Siddoway: (Unintelligible). Zaremba: Mr. President? Rountree: Mr. Zaremba. Zaremba: Thank you for the excellent presentation. I would just add one small example of things that go well with the things that you do. I happened to be able to stop by the free fishing day and I actually was there late as it was winding down, but it was very exciting. There were a lot of people there participating. In addition to the kids that were having a lot of fun, it looked like the adults were having a lot of fun. I was thrilled to see that you had participation of the Kiwanis people. They were very involved. It was nice to see some fire department people there. The sheriffs department was out there with their rescue boat. They didn't have to launch it in the pond, but it was just great to see the participation. You mentioned volunteers being helpful and it appeared to me that the way that that was put together was just a beautiful operation and it's typical of all the things that you seem to be doing. So, I appreciate it. Siddoway: That's a good example (unintelligible). Meridian Ciiy Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 23 of 33 De Weerd: Meridian's Promise. Siddoway: Meidian's Promise. Bird: Mr. President? Rountree: Mr. Bird. Bird: Could I add something that I -- that skipped over my head before. You know, when we set up the parks and recreation commission and the three of us were on the first group of it, we kind of looked up to the parks and recreation commission of Boise to kind of get how we wanted it. I want to tell you in the last probably four years our commission I think has went one above Boise's. I am absolutely amazed at what the commission and their committees are doing and the amount of people they have involved I am very proud of and I -- it shows how our parks and recreation has grown, the job they are doing. Hoaglun: Mr. President, just a quick comment. My thanks to Steve, your staff, the commission members for the great work that you do. I mean when people think of quality of life in a community, I mean parks is one of those things that rank right up there and we do have great parks. We know it. The surveys show it. And even the fact, you know, you notice the one thing that why don't they use the parks more, it's lack of time, but where folks know that, you know, if I had time I could go to the park and it's a great place to be, it's a wonderful park, that adds to that level of satisfaction. The only down side is our parks are so popular -- I have to ask you this question, because I ran into this question by some people outside the city, it was discussion they had about Settlers Park and that was parking. It's great, because it's being used, but what's the plan for parking for Settlers? Do you have anything that's going to happen there or what do you have on the plate? Siddoway: Well, it's the -- we do have (unintelligible) we have available parking -- spaces still available (unintelligible) Fuller Park. Rountree: Thank you. Siddoway: And also (unintelligible) so we are doing (unintelligible) regarding Settlers Park (unintelligible) consider west of the ball field (unintelligible). But that's long term. And, then, of course, the (unintelligible). We are doing what we can, but (unintelligible) I don't think we are ever going to be fully (unintelligible). Hoaglun: Right. And, Mr. President, I did drive by there one Saturday and a lot was going on and I did notice on Meridian Road on the east side there was parking available, but towards the ball fields people wanted to be as close as possible and if they can -- you know, they didn't have to be parking on the street and whatnot, but, you know, if you have challenges that's the type of challenge you want to have, because, Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 24 of 33 you know, people are using it, they enjoy it, they like it, it's a wonderful amenity to the city, so -- De Weerd: Mr. President? Rountree: Madam Mayor. De Weerd: And I know Steve has been looking at where additional parking could be placed as additional amenities are added. Certainly as you look at the additional tennis courts, as you add amenities you're going to add additional park traffic and he has been looking at those things. Certainly I know when we approved the design of this there was -- we did anticipate that elementary school would be in there and that parking would also be available as overflow. So, there were a number of discussions along that, but just as we had the issues at Heroes Park, PAL stepped up and worked with the neighborhood and we found good resolution there. That's happening with all the stakeholders in this group as well and, hopefully, we will find some -- something that works for the neighbors, as well as the park users, because it was anticipated that there would be parking in that neighborhood. I believe that was part of the discussion. That's why we limited parking on one side and we just need some minor or major tweaking. Not sure, but the discussion is being -- is currently underway. Siddoway: (Unintelligible). Bird: Mr. President? Rountree: Mr. Bird. Bird: Getting back to that parking, I don't think they -- have they done anything with that property that the school goes to? Siddoway: No. Bird: That's just sitting as a field, isn't it? Siddoway: It is. Bird: Is there any way we could talk to the school district and just go in there and -- with a blade and blade it down and roll it and let it be used for parking, because Ihate -- I hate to see any activities not be used because of parking. Siddoway: Right. Bird: Because that's what we got -- that's what we built those parks for is for our people and you hit it right on the head, Steve, there is more stay at home people now with this economy the way there is. The speedway has noticed more attendance last year and I'm sure they are seeing more this year because of it. So, I don't want to see us have to Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 25 of 33 cut back on any activities because of parking, so -- I mean at least we clean the area up by just blading it off and let people park on it. Siddoway: And we just have to look at (unintelligible) what we can do with city code (unintelligible). Bird: (Unintelligible). Siddoway: (Unintelligible). Bird: Yeah. Thank you, Steve. Zaremba: Mr. President? Rountree: David. Zaremba: This is not immediate, but I would comment that the Meridian Transportation Task Force is undertaking an exercise jointly with Valley Regional Transit. It's kind of a what if scenario at the moment. If we had a bus system, public transportation in Meridian, where would it go and one of the principal places that we have listed is it needs to stop at the major parks. Bird: That's right. Zaremba: There are a lot of other things as well, but certainly at some point the parks need to be served by our public transportation system. Rountree: Steve, thank you for the update and appreciate what you're doing in terms of visioning and your goals. The Mayor brings back a lot of memories back to the days of the impact fee committee and the initiation of the park commission and they are light years ahead of where I think we anticipated they would be and I know the city is in terms of what we have accomplished in parks. So, that's great. A couple points to your presentation. I think where you're going with the CIP is right on. I think that's the right approach. May not be realistic, but it's at least the right approach and a place to start and it gives us an opportunity to set (unintelligible) to try to accomplish that. We do have the park -- or the pathway master plan. I have had several people approach me about, well, does the city have a map of the pathways that are there. We pack up our bikes and take them to Boise to ride and I know there aren't any really great links, but there is a number of pathways having -- I mean I have been a cyclist all my life, I can find where to ride a bike and avoid traffic or ride in traffic, it doesn't matter to me, but, anyway, there is lots of places and it seems to me that if you could put together a map of pathways that exist and the designated bike lanes in the city that can pull those pieces together and get people -- and I can ride from Black Cat to Locust Grove and not be on a major street, ever be out of a subdivision, and be as direct and as probably fewer miles than if I got in my car and did it. So, there are ways to do it. So, I think that Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 26 of 33 would be just a handout, because the master plan pathway piece is kind of confusing to people. Well, you know, you got all this plan -- De Weerd: A lot of lines. Rountree: -- how do I make it fit together and while it doesn't fit together now, but, anyway, just something that's -- we have -- what we can do now and I think that would be handy and I hate to see people have to load up their bikes and go someplace else to find a casual bike ride. You asked about comments on this thing. That's a nice piece, but it points out something that we need to do and that's looking at fees and fee structures. I'm not sure you put people out in the parks to count noses at these shelters on shelter events that if there is more than 150 people you collect an additional 15 dollars. I don't think you do that and I think we ought to take a look at that particular fee structure and there is probably a whole lot of others, but that pointed it out immediately. Because it's going to cost us more than that to go count noses. De Weerd: Your turn should be coming up soon. We've kind of been rotating. Rountree: Yeah. Been doing that. And see that as a stated sub goal of your eradication of goat head in this community. you know my pet peeve. But I would like to park maintenance and that's the complete De Weerd: Amen. Siddoway: Amen. Rountree: I mean it is really tough on the cyclist. But, you know, it's tough on shoes. It's tough on folks that may not have the best shoe on our park paths and/or our community paths, sidewalks, etc. It's tough on dogs feet. I mean it's not a friendly bit of vegetation and it's tough to get rid of, but if -- we got to get a handle on it. It's getting away in some spots. So, if every park person and maybe all the enforcement people have a quart squirt bottle of Roundup at their disposal when they see one they can squirt it -- we need to get rid of it before it takes over some areas. In fact, I know some areas it has taken over. That's just a pet peeve. I haven't been by the addition -- the tennis courts and the horseshoe pits in the last couple days, but they look tremendous. You know, what agreat -- great facility. We have got probably the premier horseshoe pit set up -- De Weerd: In the country. Rountree: -- I would say in the country. I mean if you don't get some tournaments there in the next two or three years something's wrong. Siddoway: We actually held a tournament (unintelligible). Rountree: Well, Imean -- Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 27 of 33 Siddoway: (Unintelligible). Rountree: Yeah. And the tennis courts look tremendous. I just wish we had the rest of them. But, yeah, that's a good job. But I did have a question. The last time I was by it it looked like they were finishing up the landscaping, but there was a piece between the road, the berm, and the tennis courts and sidewalks that looked unfinished. Did that get put in sod in the last few days? Siddoway: (Unintelligible). Rountree: Okay. Something needs to be done with that, whether it's graveled or whatever. Siddoway: We could even do (unintelligible). Rountree: Yeah. Because that's going to -- that's going to track that dirt and stuff on those courts and I think we need to -- Siddoway: And onto the bike paths. Rountree: And onto the bike paths, because it's going to get a lot of traffic around it. Siddoway: We talked about that exact (unintelligible). Rountree: So, from the --from the detail to the CIP, those are my comments. But good job, keep up the good work, and let's get to that four acres per thousand. That was our goal when we started this thing with the impact fees and I think it's a terrific goal and once we get there we can reset it. Siddoway: Yeah. Hoaglun: And, Mr. President, you jogged a question I have. It's for ACHD, but Steve might be aware, but a tum lane -- if you're headed east on Ustick Road and there is activities going on and you're headed east, there is a -- when you're coming west there is a right tum lane, which is easy, because, you know, people have a free right, but coming east people have to wait for oncoming traffic and that traffic backs up clear past Fast Eddy's place. Is ACHD going to be putting in a center tum lane anytime soon or are we waiting for development to occur on the other side to get that -- for them to get that land and make that happen? Siddoway: I don't think it's anytime soon (unintelligible). Hoaglun: Right. Meridian City Council Special Workshop Meeting May 19, 2009 Page 28 of 33 Siddoway: -- eventually, but it's on the next few years horizon. I don't think (unintelligible). Hoaglun: Okay. Because one thing that kind of made me scratch my head was the fact that they made room for a right tum lane -- well, you already have a free right -- if you're a single lane you're not holding traffic up that much, they could make that right lane keep going right, move that over to a center lane and, then, have eastbound. But that's -- that's for the traffic engineers, not me, but it just didn't make much sense to have three lanes and make two of them for free right turn. So, that's all I had. Siddoway: Okay. B. Parks Department -Dog Park Naming Rountree: If there is no other comments, let's name a park. Siddoway: Okay. Rountree: Next item. Siddoway: Okay. The park regulation (unintelligible) there has been quite a bit of effort (unintelligible). Anyway, the name (unintelligible). Bird: That's cute. De Weerd: I like it. Siddoway: (Unintelligible). But the recommendation (unintelligible). De Weerd: How boring. Siddoway: And that (unintelligible) anticipation of the (unintelligible). De Weerd: I thought it should be the Bird Bath Park. Bird: I think it should be Tico -- Tico Park. Rountree: Well, that's what -- that's what I was going to say. Trying to relate it to somebody or some event and that's after our significant K-9. Bird: He was our K-9. Rountree: He was our K-9 and probably won't ever been replaced in terms of abilities and skills and whatnot. So, I -- if we are going to memorialize somebody it would be Tico.