HomeMy WebLinkAboutApplicant Response to Staff Report"~ .aww`r
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January 18, 2011
THE LAND GROUP, INC.
Meridian Planning Commission
c/o Ms. Sonya Watters via email: swatters@cityofineridian.org
City of Meridian
33 E. Broadway Ave.
Meridian, ID 83642
Re: Conditional Use Permit Application -Idaho Sand & Gravel -CUP 10-015
Southridge Subdivision Gravel Mining
Dear Sirs:
We have received and reviewed the Staff Report for Conditional Use Permit application CUP-10-015. In
general, the applicant is in agreement with StafYs assessment of the application and their recommended
Conditions of Approval. The following addresses specific conditions which are not acceptable to the
applicant, and proposes alternatives for the Commission's consideration.
Conditions of Approval
Item 1.1.2:
Staff Recommendation) The work hours for mass grading, gravel extraction, rock crushing, loading and
hauling shall be limited to weekdays (Monday through Friday) between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and
5:00 p. m., unless otherwise modified by the Commission or City Council. If the hours of operation are
modified, work shall not occur between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. that would create a
public disturbance in accord with Meridian City Code 6-3-6.
(Applicant's Proposal) The work hours for mass grading, gravel extraction, rock crushing, loading and
hauling shall be limited to weekdays (Monday through Friday) between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and
7:00 p.m., unless otherwise modified as provided herein. Upon written request to the Planning
Director, working hours may be extended up to 24-hour operation on a case-by-case basis when
required to serve specific construction projects. Such notice shall include details of the project
being supplied, total requested duration of extended hours, and specific hours being requested. If
the hours of operation are modified, work shall not occur between the hours of 11:00 p.m. and
6:00 a.m. that would create a public disturbance in accord with Meridian City Code 6-3-6.
Item 1.1.3:
Staff Recommendation) The applicant shall submit a bid for the cost of completing the reclamation of the
site and surety in the form of cash or a letter of credit for 110% of the amount of the bid to ensure
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Site Planning • Landscape Architecture • Civil Engineering • Golf Course Irrigation & Engineering • Graphic Design • Surveying
462 E. Shore Drive, Suite 100 • Eagle, Idaho 83616 • P 208.939.4041 • F 208.939.4445 • www.thelandgroupinc.com
January 18, 2011
Page 2 of 2
the site is graded as shown on the grading plan attached in Exhibit A.3 and re-vegetated at the end
of the mining project, in accord with UDC 11-5C-3.
(Applicant's Proposall The site has obtained source approval from ITD and the Idaho Dept. of Lands. In
accordance with Idaho Code 47-1512, approval from the Idaho Dept. of Lands requires bonding of
reclamation costs. As proposed, the City's condition duplicates protections that are already in place
and adequately ensure proper reclamation of the site. We request removal of this condition. The
applicant can provide the City with evidence of the bond being provided to the Dept. of Lands prior
to beginning work, if required.
Item 1.1.22:
(Staff Recommendationl The proposed use shall be allowed for a maximum of 18 months from the date of
approval of the findings.
(Applicant's Proposall The current demand for materials available from the gravel mining operation is low,
and expected to remain so for some time. The work required to complete the mass grading
proposed by the project is extensive, and can only be done as quickly as the gravel can be used.
While it would be very desirable for the work to be complete within 18 months, these factors
beyond the Applicant's control make completing the project in that timeframe extremely unlikely.
We expect that the initial 18 months of work will be focused on the northerly portion of the work
area, near to the Ridenbaugh Canal. Allowing additional time, up to a total 36 months, would help
the Applicant accomplish the entire proposed excavation and complete lowering of the site towards
the Val Vista subdivision.
We appreciate the opportunity to provide additional information relating to these items. We look forward
to presenting the application on January 20, and answering any further questions at that time.
Sincerely,
J on ensurer, PE
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Site Planning • Landscape Architecture • Civil Engineering • Golf Course irrigation & Engineering • Graphic Design • Surveying
462 E. Share Drive, Suite 100 • Eagle, Idaho 83616 • P 208.939.4041 • F 208.939.4445 • www.thelandgrouptnc.cam