HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-03-07~~E IDIAN~--
CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL
MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, March 07, 2012 at 7:00 PM
1. Roll-Call Attendance
X David Zaremba X Brad Hoaglun
X Charlie Rountree X Keith Bird
X Mayor Tammy de Weerd
2. Pledge of Allegiance
3. Community Invocation by Steve Moore with Ten Mile Christian
Church
4. Adoption of the Agenda Adopted
5. Proclamation
A. Skills USA Proclamation
6. Consent Agenda Approved
A. Approve Minutes of February 14, 2012 City Council Workshop
Meeting
B. Approval of Beer/VVine/Liquor License Renewals 2012-2013:
Wahooz/Pinz 1385 S. Blue Marlin BWL
Piehole Pizza 726 Main St. g
Joy Garden 2951 E. Overland Rd. BW
C. Approval of Utility License Agreement with Settlers Irrigation
District for Sewer Line Crossings of the Settlers Southside
Canal
D. Award of Project Management Software Subscription
Agreement to E-Builder for the Not-To-Exceed Amount of
$116,383.00 and Authorize the Mayor to Sign and the Clerk to
Attest
Meridian City Council Meeting Agenda -Wednesday, March 07, 2012 Page 1 of 4
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.
E. Award of Bid and Agreement for "Meridian City Hall
Remediation Roof Repair /Replacement" to Modern Roofing
for the Not-To-Exceed Amount of $302,893.00 and Authorize
the Mayor to Sign and the City Clerk to Attest
F. Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law for Approval: PP 11-012
CenterCal Subdivision by Meridian CenterCal, LLC Located
Northeast Corner of E. Fairview Avenue and N. Eagle Road
Request: Preliminary Plat Approval Consisting of 15 Building
Lots on 80.1 +/_ Acres in a C-G Zoning District
G. Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law for Approval: SHP 12-
001 Northpointe Commercial by Blackhawk/Meridian, LLC
Located Northwest Corner of W. McMillan Road and N. Linder
Road Request: Short Plat Approval Consisting of Two (2)
Commercial Lots on 1.40 Acres in C-G Zoning District
H. Resolution No. 12-843: A Resolution Amending the Meridian
Comprehensive Plan to Remove 2.675 Acres of Land Known
as the Gibson Property From the Future Land Use Map and the
Area of City Impact (CPAM 11-003)
7. Community Items/Presentations
A. Presentation of the Draft Analysis of Impediments to Fair
Housing Choice Study and Open 30-Day Public Comment
Period (Pg 6-10)
8. Items Moved From Consent Agenda
9. Department Reports
A. Mayor's Office: Mayor's Youth Advisory Council (MYAC)
Update Removed from Agenda
10. Action Items
A. Continued from February 28, 2012: AP 12-001 Request: Appeal
fora City Council Review of the Director's Denial of an
Accessory Use Permit (AUP 12-001) for a Home Occupation by
Lee White Located at 1750 N. Ten Mile Road Continued to
March 13, 2012 (Pg 11-24)
Meridian City Council Meeting Agenda -Wednesday, March 07, 2012 Page 2 of 4
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.
B. Discussion and Action on Transfer of Franchise Agreement to
Perform Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Services From
Sanitary Services Company to Republic Services (Pg 24-28)
C. Resolution No. 12-844: A Resolution Approving the Transfer
of the Franchise Agreement to Perform Solid Waste Collection
and Disposal Services from Sanitary Services Corporation,
Inc. to Republic Services Moved to March 13, 2012 agenda
(Pg 44-46)
D. Public Hearing: TEC 12-002 Centrepointe Subdivision No. 2
(North) by Blue Marlin Investments, LLC Located West Side of
N. Eagle Road, Approximately 1/4 Mile North of E. Ustick Road
Request: Two Year (2) Time Extension on the Preliminary Plat
Approved (Pg 29-31)
E. Public Hearing: RZ 11-007 Accolade Apartments by Gramercy,
LLC Located South of E. Overland Road and West of S. Bonito
Way, Between E. Blue Horizon Drive and the Ridenbaugh
Canal Request: Rezone of 12.29 Acres of Land from an R-15
(Medium High-Density Residential), a TN-C (Traditional
Neighborhood Commercial) and a C-G (General Retail and
Service Commercial) Zone to an R-40 (High-Density
Residential) Zone Approved (Pg 31-44)
F. Public Hearing: PP 11-014 Accolade Apartments by Gramercy,
LLC Located South of E. Overland Road and West of S. Bonito
Way, Between E. Blue Horizon Drive and the Ridenbaugh
Canal Request: Preliminary Plat Approval of Two (2)
Residential Lots and Two (2) Common Lots on 17.12 Acres in
an Existing R-15 and Proposed R-40 Zoning Districts
Approved (Pg 31-44)
G. Public Hearing: CUP 11-010 Accolade Apartments by
Gramercy, LLC Located South of E. Overland Road and West
of S. Bonito Way, Between E. Blue Horizon Drive and the
Ridenbaugh Canal Request: Conditional Use Permit for 264
Multi-Family Dwelling Units on Approximately 11.53 Acres in a
Proposed R-40 Zoning District Approved (Pg 31-44)
H. Public Hearing: MDA 11-013 Accolade Apartments by
Gramercy, LLC Located South of E. Overland Road and West
of S. Bonito Way Between E. Blue Horizon Drive and the
Ridenbaugh Canal Request: Amend the Recorded
Development Agreement (Inst. #106141056) for the Purpose of
Meridian City Council Meeting Agenda -Wednesday, March 07, 2012 Page 3 of 4
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.
Excluding the Property AND Creating a new Development
Agreement for the Proposed Accolade Apartments Approved
(Pg 31-44)
11. Continued Department Reports
A. Police Department: Budget Amendment for Idaho
Transportation Department (ITD) Distracted Driving Grant for a
Not-to-Exceed Amount of $14,285.00 Approved (Pg 46-50)
B. Police Department: Budget Amendment for Idaho
Transportation Department (ITD) Alive at 25 Grant for aNot-to-
Exceed Amount of $17,900.00 Approved (Pg 46-50)
C. Planning Department: Draft Five-Year Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Plan
Strategies and Objectives (Pg 50-53)
12. Future Meeting Topics
A. Add update to Kleiner Park to March 13, 2012 workshop
(Pg 53-55)
Adjourned at 9:43 p.m.
Meridian City Council Meeting Agenda -Wednesday, March 07, 2012 Page 4 of 4
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.
Meridian City Council March 7, 2012
A meeting of the Meridian City Council was called to order at 7:00 p.m., Wednesday,
March 7, 2012, by Mayor Tammy de Weerd.
Members Present: Mayor Tammy de Weerd, David Zaremba, Keith Bird, Brad
Hoaglun and Charlie Rountree.
Others Present: Ted Baird, Jaycee Holman, Bill Parsons, Kyle Radick, Mike de St.
Germaine, Chis Amann, Lari den Hartog, Steve Siddoway, and Dean Willis.
Item 1: Roll-call Attendance:
Roll call.
X David Zaremba X Brad Hoaglun
X Charlie Rountree X Keith Bird
X Mayor Tammy de Weerd
De Weerd: Okay. Well, I would like to welcome you here this evening. Thank you for
joining us and it's always nice to see young faces in our audience. Not that we don't
always have young faces, but in particular those with the red jackets. Thank you for
joining us. For the record it is Wednesday, March 7th' It's 7:00 o'clock. We will start
with roll call attendance, Madam Clerk.
Item 2: Pledge of Allegiance
De Weerd: Item No. 2 is our Pledge of Allegiance. If you will all rise and join us in the
pledge to our flag.
Item 3: Community Invocation by Steve Moore with Ten Mile Christian
Church
De Weerd: Item No. 3 is our community invocation. Today we will be led by Pastor
Steve Moore and he is with the Ten Mile Christian Church. If you will all join us in the
community invocation ar take this as an opportunity for a moment of reflection. Thank
you for joining us, Pastor Moore.
Moore: Thank you. Appreciate the invitation. God, sometimes I get just way too busy
and forget about your presence and tonight seems like a goad time to remember that
it's your world and that you're a lot bigger than -- than we are and it seems appropriate
to ask for your will to be done here tonight. I pray your blessing and your direction an
our Mayor and these Council members and the city servants here in Meridian, that
both volunteer and have given their life and employment, their best hours of the day to
make our community better. God, we ask a blessing on their homes, on their spirits.
We pray that what's done tonight would improve our community life. We thank you far
these and the weighty decisions that they have to make that sometimes aren't popular
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March 7, 2012
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and often what pleases one displeases another. Sa, we are just grateful for people
with character and with passion far their community to even put themselves in such
positions, in the name Jesus, amen.
Item 4: Adoption of the Agenda
De Weerd: Thank you. Well, Item No. 4 is adoption of the agenda.
Hoaglun: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Hoaglun.
Hoaglun: Just a couple items to note an tonight's agenda. Under Consent Agenda,
Item 6-H, that resolution number is 12-843. Under Item 9, Department Reports, we
need to remove that beings we moved the meeting to Wednesday night we don't have
a youth person available to make the update, so the request is to remove that item
from our agenda. Under Item 10, Action Items, 10-C is resolution number 12-844. So,
with those items, Madam Mayor, I move adoption of the agenda as amended.
Rountree: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to adopt the agenda as amended. All those
in favor say aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Item 5: Proclamation
A. Skills USA Proclamation
De Weerd: Item No. 5 is a proclamation and, Council, I will move down to the podium.
Well, it is always great to have our Skills USA group with us. We have been very
impressed not only with what you do in our community, but how you compete an a
national level and I will say at this time that you are very fortunate to the advisor that
you have. So -- advisors. Well, we see one face, usually, all the time, so -- I know.
Me, too. But I would like to read this proclamation and, then, I would like to invite you
forward, if you would like to say any -- well, actually, I'd like to invite you forward and
introduce yourself. If you will state your name, the grade that you're in and what your
area of expertise, what you compete in as well. So, first the proclamation. Whereas
the City of Meridian is proud to recognize deserving citizens in the community,
especially students who accomplish great things on behalf of our community, and
whereas Skills USA Team Renaissance willingly performed numerous hours in
planning and constructing a home within the Joint School District No. 2 during class
time and weekends for a family in need and whereas Skills USA Team Renaissance
has demonstrated it's willingness to educate the meaning of Skills USA not only to
citizens of Meridian, but also to the state and federal legislative officials and whereas
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
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Skills USA Team Renaissance has reached out to other community organizations,
such as the Lion's Club and the Bays and Girls Club by constructing a child's
playhouse no cost far these organizations and whereas all major curriculum areas of
masonry, architectural drafting, residential building construction and digital home
technology integration offered, which helped the members of Team Renaissance
complete this home and whereas the Mayor and City Council of the City of Meridian
acknowledge Skills USA Team Renaissance and the efforts of their classmates and
Mr. Ingers -- Engers -- sorry. I think I do that every single year.
Enger: I have been called so much worse.
De Weerd: I know. And that's what I'm guilty af. In his residential construction class.
Therefore, I, Tammy de Weerd, Mayor of the City of Meridian, da hereby proclaim
March 7th as Skills USA Team Renaissance Day here in the City of Meridian and I
encourage all residents within the city to celebrate the accomplishments of the Skills
USA Team Renaissance and join us in this celebration. Thank you for joining us. And,
again, I would love you to come forward and tell us what your area of expertise is and
how you participate in this home and if you will be competing at the national level and
so we will just start and rotate around.
Demabaton: My name is Julia Demabotan. I'm a senior at Renaissance High Schaal.
I am part of the residential building construction program. It's my third year. But I
actually compete in the community service competition.
McFadden: My name is Cheryl McFadden and I am a senior at Rocky Mountain High
School and I am part of the residential construction building program at Renaissance
and I will be competing in community service this year.
Rogers: My name is Luke Rogers. I am a junior at Mountain View High School and I
will be competing in the firefighting.
Sutherland: I am Jake Sutherland. I am also the president of Team Renaissance
Skills USA and I'm going to be participating in firefighting.
Luna: My name is Carlos Luna and I am a senior at Mountain View High School and I
will be competing at -- for firefighting.
Woford: I'm Cole Woford and I ga -- I'm a junior at Rocky Mountain High School, but I
go to Renaissance High School far the firefighting program and I will be competing in
the firefighting competition.
Martino: My name is Nick Martina. I'm a senior at Renaissance High School and I'm
involved in the firefighting competition.
Mavis: I'm Shane Mavis. I'm a senior at Meridian High. I'm going to be competing in
digital home technology integration and display.
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
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Yoder: My name is Hailey Yoder. I'm a sophomore at Renaissance High School and
will be competing in firefighting.
Ross: My name is Zach Rass. I'm a junior at Eagle High Schaal. I'm part of the
construction of the house in the class and I'm also competing in the community service
program.
Casey: I'm Zach Casey. I'm a third year senior in the construction building area and
I'm going to be competing in carpentry.
Cole: My name is Cameron Cole. I'm a senior at Mountain View High School. This
will be my third year participating with the building of the habitat home through
Renaissance and I will be participating the carpentry competition.
Enger: My name is Mark Enger. I'm the -- one of several advisors dealing with Team
Renaissance and it's, obviously, a handful with all the different types of curricula
dealing with these duties involved in from, obviously, firefighting, police, fire, building
construction, digital home technology integration. You have masonry. You have
architectural drawing. It's a never ending saga of what -- the talents that the youth
have of today's world and it is a true challenge and we always take that on
wholeheartedly, obviously, year after year. Frankly, we just flat out love it. At least
can't speak for my colleague, I suspect they are much like myself, we flat out love what
we are doing and seeing these kids excel. Last year we were very successful. I can't
speak for this particular curriculum, I really know nothing about it, but the gentlemen
behind can speak about it. They were fortunate to take number two in the nation on
digit home technology integration. What that means is very simple. You have a home
basically being run by a computer. It's a smart home. All the homes we build now far
Habitat for Humanity are all being prewired far low voltage wiring, cable TV at no cost
is for these particular issues of the school. Meaning the materials are purchased by
Habitat for Humanity, the issue is the cost of labor, obviously, in these homes, but the
kids come in and do this for the learning and they do a beautiful job and they prewire
all these homes for with cavite wiring far all the particular rooms and cable TV. I think
the young man could probably speak to it probably a whole lot more efficiently than I
can, but, like I said, they came back last year with number two in the nation and to me
what a noteworthy opportunity for that particular group and their advisor himself who
could not be here tonight and his name is Mr. Greg Grove. We have another advisor
in-house, his name is Mr. Clay Long, who is taking photos right here in the front row
who is dealing with the firefighting. So, with that thank you, City Council, Madam
Mayor. Let's hand that to, obviously, the two young ladies there on the community
service team if we could, please.
De Weerd: And, again, I would like to commend all of you for what you do. You do put
a great face on our community as you go and compete nationally. We appreciate that.
We have had the opportunity to participate and help the community service teams and
it was, indeed, a jay. We have worked with the construction team as they have built
the Habitat For Humanity home and I can tell you we have had nothing but positive
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
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experiences. So, we appreciate all of you. It's my honor and pleasure to present this
proclamation to you and wish you great success.
Item 6: Consent Agenda Approved
A. Approve Minutes of February 14, 2012 City Council Workshop
Meeting
B. Approval of BeerlVllinelLiquor License Renewals 2012-2013:
Wahooz/Pinz 1385 S. Blue Marlin BWL
Piehole Pizza 726 Main St. B
Joy Garden 2951 E. Overland Rd. BW
C. Approval of Utility License Agreement with Settlers Irrigation
District for Sewer Line Crossings of the Settlers Southside
Canal
D. Award of Project Management Software Subscription
Agreement to E-Builder for the Not-To-Exceed Amount of
$116,383.00 and Authorize the Mayor to Sign and the Clerk to
Attest
E. Award of Bid and Agreement for "Meridian City Hall
Remediation Roof Repair l Replacement" to Modern Roofing
for the Not-To-Exceed Amount of $302,893.00 and Authorize
the Mayor to Sign and the City Clerk to Attest
F. Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law for Approval: PP 11-012
CenterCal Subdivision by Meridian CenterCal, LLC Located
Northeast Corner of E. Fairview Avenue and N. Eagle Road
Request: Preliminary Plat Approval Consisting of 15 Building
Lots on 80.1 +I- Acres in a C-G Zoning District
G. Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law far Approval: SHP 12-
001 Northpointe Commercial by Blackhawk/Meridian, LLC
Located Northwest Corner of W. McMillan Road and N. Linder
Road Request: Short Plat Approval Consisting of Two {2}
Commercial Lots on 1.40 Acres in C-G Zoning District
H. Resolution No. 12-843: A Resolution Amending the Meridian
Comprehensive Plan to Remove 2.675 Acres of Land Known
as the Gibson Property From the Future Land Use Map and
the Area of City Impact {CPAM 11-003)
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 6 of 55
De Weerd: Okay. Council, Item No. 6 is our Consent Agenda.
Hoaglun: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Hoaglun.
Hoaglun: On the Consent Agenda, Item 6-H is resolution number 12-843. With that I
move approval of the Consent Agenda and the Mayor to sign and Clerk to attest.
Rountree: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve the Consent Agenda. Any
discussion?
Rountree: I have none.
De Weerd: Madam Clerk, will you, please, call roll.
Roll Call: Bird, yea; Rountree, yea; Zaremba, yea; Hoaglun, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Item 7: Community ItemslPresentations
A. Presentation of the Draft Analysis of Impediments to Fair
Housing Choice Study and Open 30-Day Public Comment
Period
De Weerd: Item 7-A under our community presentations. I will turn this over to Lori.
Den Hartog: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, it's nice to be before you again
this evening. I just wanted to briefly introduce the item this evening. As you know we
have contracted with BBC Research and Consulting to complete an analysis of
impediments to fair housing choice. This report is required for the city to complete as
part of our participation in the Community Development Block Grant program through
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. So, I have Rachael
Thompson here this evening from BBC Research and Consulting to present our
findings from the report. This meeting opens up our 30 day comment period an the
report, so those who have participated and who have been a part of supplying
information to the city and you as well know members of the community will have an
opportunity to provide any comments and, then, I will be back before in April to close
the comment period to officially adapt the report. And with that I will turn it over to
Rachael Thompson from BBC.
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
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De Weerd: Thank you, Lori. Welcome, Rachael.
Thompson: Thank you. It's great to be here. I have very much enjoyed working with
Lori and your stakeholders are incredibly engaged, sa I appreciate the opportunity to
work in Meridian and to present our findings to you tonight. I'm going to quickly just
give you a little bit of a background on our joint comp plan and the AI effort that Lori
just introduced. Give you a brief demographic in housing profile update from the data
that we gathered during this process. A summary of a resident survey that we took
and, then, also present some of the meat of the AI, which is the impediments in the fair
housing action plan, which I will be referring to as the FHAP. Are we up and running?
It's a very engaging presentation, so I want to make sure everyone can see it. So, Lori
mentioned BBC was hired to complete both the HUD consolidated plan and AI. It's
smart when communities do these two studies together. The two studies have a lot of
overlap and data collection and public input, so we were glad that we could do both
studies at the same time. We conducted a resident survey between November 16th
and December 15th. We had about 330 residents participate in that. I will talk a little
bit more about that later in my presentation. I came to Meridian in January. Had a
focus group with I think about seven stakeholders. It was a great meeting. We are in
the process of putting together the strategies and objectives for the comp plan, which
Lori will present to you later. This is, obviously, the findings from the AI. This opens
up the public comment period. Lori I believe on Monday will present that AI -- the
action plan process and, then, all of this gets wrapped and submitted to HUD in August
of this year. A little bit of background on what an AI actually is. AI entitlement
communities that receive funding from HUD are required to complete an AI. The AI
had received quite a bit more scrutiny from HUD really within the last three years.
There was a pretty well publicized lawsuit against West Chester County, which is a
wealthy county north of New York back in 2009 in which HUD found that not only were
they not affirmatively -- affirmatively furthering fair housing, but they were also not
completing their AI sufficiently. So, after that lawsuit HUD has really, like I said,
scrutinized the AI's more closely and they are putting a lot of pressure on communities
to complete sufficient AI's. So, what we do when we do an AI is we try to identify
activities that may have a disparate impact on protected classes and what those
protected classes are are race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability and
familial status and these protected classes are identified as part of the Civil Rights Act.
As part of the AI we identified barriers to fair housing,. We also call them impediments.
And, then, we put together a fair housing action plan, which gives the community
action items that will help mitigate the impediments that we identify. I thought it would
be interesting just to present a few of the data items that we gathered as part of both
the comp plan and AI process. We are doing it at a good time, because the 2010
census was just released. If you have lived in Meridian far a few years it's not a
surprise to know that you're incredibly fast growing. Your city is aging. It's not aging
as much as other communities, but you will certainly see growth in your baby boomers
and also in your seniors. Your racial composition has changed very little. Yau have
seen some growth in your Hispanic population, but it's still a small growth. You're
relatively wealthy, particularly compared to same of your surrounding communities, the
state, and the U.S. as a whole and your poverty rate is low. Your low income
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March 7, 2012
Page 8 of 55
households are relatively concentrated really right around City Hall here in your
downtown area and that's important, because HUD has designated this area as a law
and moderate income area, which means that you can spend your CDBG dollars
within this neighborhood. The last ten years you have seen a decline in your
homeowners rate. It has been impacted by foreclosures and anticipate that as the
market picks up here a little bit you will probably see an uptake in your home
ownership rates. Your housing stack is new. You have older stack here and it's pretty
much new everywhere else. Your rents are high, particularly compared to Boise,
Nampa, Ada county, some of the other surrounding communities. Like many
communities you have a gap in rental units for households earning less than 25,000
dollars per year. By gap I mean that your demand, essentially, exceeds supply. Your
housing market down turn has certainly impacted Meridian, both in sales activity and
also in sales prices. In the last four years your average sales price has decreased by
about 37 percent. There are a number of data items that we have to collect specifically
for the AI one piece of information that HUD is very interested in is racial and ethnic
concentrations and by concentration I mean that you have small geographic areas in
your community that house more minorities than the city as a whole. There are no
racial or ethnic concentrations in the City of Meridian. Public transit opportunities are
relatively limited. This is of interest to AI, because it may dictate where people live and
limits low income residents' ability bath to live in Meridian and particularly where they
are living within the city limits. In the last five years you have had 18 fair housing
complaints filed within the city. Sixty-one percent of those have been filed in the
disability status. Typically cases are filed for disability status, if same requests a
certain modification to a home and that's denied by a landlord. There has been some
legal cases -- legal cases within the region. Most of them have occurred in Boise and
most of them have also involved disability status. Those have mostly been related to
new construction that hasn't been in compliance with the ADA. Another data item that
we looked at is lending data. So, these are individuals that applied for a mortgage ar
refinance ar home improvement loans. This is, obviously, timely given the prime
lending that's taken place in the last few years. Again, Meridian has no lending
disparities. So, we conducted a resident survey bath for the consolidated plan and the
AI and we had 330 residents participate in that and I really wanted to thank the city far
their help in promoting the survey. We are incredibly happy with the response rate that
we received. The table there has all the organizations that helped us publicize the
survey. And, then, we used a number of other distribution mediums for survey
distribution. Public schools were incredibly helpful in spreading the word about the
survey. Same of the findings from that survey. I thought I would get better at this as
the presentation went on, but it still isn't going very smoothly. There we go. I urge you
to read the camp plan when it comes out far more exhaustive summary of the survey,
but a few findings, particularly pertinent to the AI are residents are incredibly satisfied
living in Meridian. You're probably not surprised by that. And just a side note, we are
working with a few other Boise regional communities and what we hear in the surveys
is that a lot of regional residents aspire to move to Meridian, so your population may
continue to increase. Residents said their homes are in goad condition. That's good.
About four percent said they lacked repairs that made their homes unlivable. By and
large residents hadn't experience any sort of discrimination when finding housing in
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March 7, 2012
Page 9 of 55
Meridian and that's good news. In some communities that could be has high as 20 or
30 percent that respond to that. And in general we asked residents if they felt like fair
housing services were needed in the city, if the city should start funding fair housing
services more and residents essentially said that they were not needed here. So, with
that I wanted to talk a little bit about the impediments to fair housing and, then, also
present your fair housing action plan and so this is what will be presented to HUD as
your AI. The first impediment that we found was an overall lack of affordable housing,
particularly when compared to your households. And HUD considers this to be an
impediment, because of a lack of affordable housing can lead to income, racial, and
ethnic segregation and may disproportionately restrict housing choices for certain
protected classes. So, the two action items that we identified for the city are, first, to
preserve the affordable housing that's here. Make sure you are working with -- with
the owner of these properties to insure that they are going to stay under affordability,
continue to stay affordable to residents. And, then, they also talked about convening
an affordable housing task force to investigate ways to develop new affordable
housing. This task force should probably include members of city staff, affordable
housing developers, and other -- the downtown development corporation and other
stakeholders in the community and their primary task would be to look at what other
communities are doing to encourage affordable housing and determine if any of these
tools or policies might be something that could work in Meridian. The second
impediment was potential resident opposition to affordable housing development. This
is identified by the stakeholders. In some communities this is called not in my
backyard syndrome or Nimbyism. This is considered an impediment, because HUD
gives consideration to how communities hold themselves out to residents and so what
we suggest is that you just continue your good neighbors plus fair housing equals
strong communities campaign. It's been effective in the past and we just suggest that
you start tweaking that, so that it's specifically geared towards your impediments.
Impediment three is limited public transportation opportunities. BBC has a pretty
active public finance practice area as well and we do transportation financing studies
and we know that public transit is incredibly expensive and so this is not something
that's going to be fixed overnight. And so what we suggest is that city staff continue to
stay engaged in regional transportation planning efforts, be noisy, there is funding
available, try to find it, and make sure that you're staying aware of any sort of state,
local, or federal funding sources with regards to transit. Impediment four, the lack of
understanding by developers and landlords about housing accessibility requirements.
We saw this in -- obviously, in your complete data and, then, also it's in the lawsuits
that have occurred regionally. This is simply an impediment, because persons with
disabilities are a protected class under the Fair Housing Act. So, again, we encourage
the city to continue their fair housing campaign, tailor their outreach efforts to make
sure that particularly landlords understand their responsibilities and obligations under
the Fair Housing Act. Expand outreach to Meridian's landlords. Potentially hold a fair
housing training. And, then, also train community development staff on ADA and fair
housing design and guidelines to make sure that when they see approvals or permits
coming through that they meet all the guidelines and requirements of that. So, what
happens with this information is we will put together some action items and each year
as part of the action plan to the keeper will report back to HUD what you all have been
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 10 of 55
doing or you will include information about what you have been doing with regards to
fair housing and mitigating these impediments. With that I'm open to any questions
that you may have.
De Weerd: Thank you, Rachael. Any questions from Council?
Bird: I have none.
Rountree: I have none.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you. So, Lori, next steps?
Den Hartog: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, I have a department report this
evening later in the agenda and --
De Weerd: Okay.
Den Hartag: -- I will provide same next steps far you. The key thing to Hate about the
fair housing action plan is that it does -- the responsibility of that falls within the
community development department, primarily with me, insuring that we follow through
an our action plan items and that we have -- and Rachael and I have worked together
-- worked out together amulti-year strategy and kind of figured out a way how best to
approach that and kind of taking small steps each year and showing how we are -- in
showing HUD how we are moving forward on some of these items. So, I will present
kind of the next steps moving forward when we have the department report this
evening.
De Weerd: Very good. Thank you sa much.
Den Hartog: Thank you.
Item 8: Items Moved From Consent Agenda
De Weerd: Okay. There were na items moved from the Consent Agenda.
Item 9: Department Reports
A. Mayor's office: Mayor's Youth Advisory Council (MYAC)
Update
De Weerd: We did have a change to our regular agenda where we removed under
Department Reports the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council and we will reschedule that to
next week.
Item 10: Action Items
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
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A. Continued from February 28, 2012: AP 12-001 Request:
Appeal for a City Council Review of the Director's Denial of an
Accessory Use Permit (AUP 12-001} for a Home t]ccupation
by Lee White Located at 1750 N. Ten Mile Road
De Weerd: So, I will move to Item No. 10, Action Item 10-A is continued from February
28th on AP 12-001. I will ask for comments from Mr. Baird.
Baird: Madam Mayor, I can help kick this off. Mr. Nary advised me on what happened
this week. As the agenda states, this is a continuation of a hearing from last week.
Staff was directed to meet with Mr. White and work out issues as best they could.
During the intervening week legal staff, planning staff, building department staff, met
with Mr. White. My understanding they did resolve the attachment issue. I understand
that Mr. White has agreed to attach his dwelling to the accessory dwelling to resolve
that portion of the situation. Outstanding issues tonight include access, parking,
screening -- those are the ones I'm aware of. There may be others. So, I will hand it
aver to Madam Mayor and the Council to decide how to proceed tonight.
De Weerd: Okay. And I must apologize in advance since I was not here last week far
the discussion to know what the outstanding issues are and so, Council, I would ask if
you have any comments, any questions at this paint?
Baird: Madam Mayor, before the Council interjects, I understand that last week the
public did have an opportunity to comment. The intention tonight was that the Council
would not take further public comment, but perhaps you would inquire of Mr. White and
see if that's -- haw the Council wishes to deal with the appeal.
De Weerd: Okay
Bird: I have no problem if Mr. White would like to -- has got anymore to add or
anything, I have no problem with that.
De Weerd: Okay. Mr. White, if you will, please, join us. I understand you received
designation last week as man of Meridian or man of the year, so, you know, I'm
honored to have you in front of us again this evening and if you will, please, state your
name and address for the record.
White: Lee White. 1750 North Ten Mile Road, Meridian.
De Weerd: Thank you.
White: Thank you for the designation.
De Weerd: And I do understand that you have met with staff and have tried to work
out the number of suggestions and issues that were raised in last week's discussion,
so I will ask you to provide comment.
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
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White: Okay. I have prepared about a three minute comment here if I might.
De Weerd: Well, that's great, because I also understand that Mr. Hoaglun's a lot mare
free with his time than I am. So, you have three minutes. Go. Na. I'm turning it over
to you.
White: Thank you, ma'am. I stand before you tonight as a strong proponent of free
enterprise and the right to be an entrepreneur and limited government. Those things
are important to me and I try to live within that realm. I also come before -- well, you
have already said that -- as a person that's loved by some, hated by others, and
admired by a few.
De Weerd: We know how that feels.
White: Yes. Very true. I have had a lot of favorable comments. In fact, I had a phone
call this evening. What's happening with you and the city. I don't see anything out
there. Would like to see you back doing business. So, we are going to work toward
that end. We did -- oh. We ended up last week with some ideas that I have taken
home, reviewed, and we will discuss them. But, first, we heard from Councilman
Rountree that he also made shovels -- made and sold shovel handles and he told me
they had to be better than mine, so I kind of offered the idea that I would like to come
and see what he does and how he does it and waited all week far an invitation. Never
happened. So, I guess I'm not on the guest list. Competition is a good thing and the
two of us have something in common that is kind of a lost art. There are about five
issues -- either five ar six issues that were discussed. One of them I received these
notes directly from the city clerk via a-mail. The first one said nothing in the front yard
that relates to sales, including signs. Here is what I have written. No problem. I
haven't had anything of any kind or sign that relates to sales since the last year sale
and the kids' yard sale that I had last year. The existing sign on the north fence is that
of a service performed -- that I perform for the community. As you heard last week, it's
a landmark, which is getting fame far and wide in some of our neighboring states.
When telling someone where I live at Ten Mile and Cherry, they say Ten Mile and
Cherry, anywhere near that guy that replaces shovel handles and I say, yes, I know
exactly where you are. So, it's a landmark and, therefore, I would deem it as a
historical point of significance. It's been there long enough that people know where it
is and what it is and haw to find me. It is not relating to sales. Number two. On the
back garage -- this is quoted directly from the a-mail. On the back garage the separate
facility, a professional sign that says that Mr. White does -- and in parenthesis not hand
painted or done with stencils -- would have to meet the sign code. I haven't came up
with an exact sign, but I have some people working on them. Here is one that I just
had the one copy. If you want to pass it around I will bring it to --
De Weerd: Yes. If you will give it to Madam Clerk over there.
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March 7, 2012
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White: It, in essence, states my mission statement and I think it has some merit. We
can discuss that. Mission statement meaning -- ar saying that I repair, rebuild, and
recycle. And, number four, try to be a good neighbor. So, the circle shows recycling
the shovels. One of the things I repair and the wording is self-explanatory. Would be
open for suggestions. If that is -- if we are on the right track for a sign. I think we are.
Okay. Number three item was materials stored in back -- your back yard. A fence that
would not allow vision. Doesn't care what size. He's suggesting that an the fence -- it
went blank. There is nothing further recorded at that point. I don't fully understand --
thank you -- all that I need to I suppose there. But there already exists a four foot
fence that closes off a major part of the view from Ten Mile and from Walgreens to my
property. You can see the pictures and I can't. You have to really focus on anything if
you want to see the shop from Ten Mile Road. So, as you're driving down Ten Mile
Road and want to see it back there at the shop, you're not paying attention to your
driving and might cause an accident. I don't know. I think we need to have some
discussion an that. But if you want me to go through the rests of the items first -- shall
we do it that way?
De Weerd: Uh-huh. Yes. That would be great.
White: Okay. Let's da. Number four. Creating a tunnel from your home to that back
garage that might have a canvas top. Might have a vine covering it. But it will have
something that connects the structures, so that they are not separate. In discussing
this with Mr. Nary, Kristi, and a man from the building department, we came up with the
notion that we would have a solid piece of two by four -- or four by -- excuse me. Two
by six running building to building, fashioned to the buildings on double legs at
intervals of 20 feet. Makes it secure. Makes it an adequate piece of merchandise to
fulfill the requirement. The main reason for this is that if we go to putting a cover of any
kind on that we are in a wind tunnel. Damage can be extreme and totally
unnecessary. The only problem or question I have is what is this doing to the property
valuation -- assessment valuation? What will it do for my insurance? But I think that
I'm willing to take that and put it up, so that it will work. I had a drawing here and
wouldn't you know I left it. I have one. When you see that realize that I'm not an
architect. Here is a vague idea of what we can do. I have a double row on that, but I --
I believe after further analysis a single two by six secured with four-by-four double
posts, 20 foot intervals, will make it a very strong and nice looking piece of structure
and that's what we want. We want it to look nice and be able to fulfill the requirements
of the permit.
Hoaglun: Well, I think, Madam Mayor and Mr. White, you know, it may satisfy us, but
your wife may be the one you really aught to satisfy in haw it looks, so --
White: Paint taken. Point well taken. Okay. That's pretty much that one. Number
five. That the goods sold would be stored in the evening. This is a wide open one.
Nat much description of what we needed. But I assume from that that we might be
intending to leave my display an the outside of the wooden fence and bring it in at
night. If we take it just to the east of my front -- back yard dividing fence this would be
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 14 of 55
a goad thing, out of the way, not causing any traffic hazards, any problems and people
would be able to park further back toward the well house and meet that requirement.
That is -- now, wait a minute. Number six. Any approval granted to this particular
application would be subject to revocation by the city with 3Q days notice and approval
would go with -- would not go with the property if it sold. With the understanding at the
present time that Ten Mile is to be widened within a one to two year period, that means
they are going to be supposedly taking somewhere between ten and 15 feet off my
frontage. That means my property is totally worthless as a residence. I would not be
able to back out of my garage, enter into the garage, without being in a very dangerous
position. So, 30 day notice -- or going with the property, that's an understood thing. It
would not go, because there aren't any -- very many people that are going to want to
continue doing recycling and things that I do. I would like to know on what grounds the
revocation would be and who the enforcement people are and the guidelines. We
would have to work through that. That's -- that's my part of the presentation. I think
we need to have questions and answers.
De Weerd: Thank you, Mr. White. Counsel, any questions?
White: Don't stump me, please.
Rountree: Madam Mayor, there is a couple things that were brought up earlier. Access
and parking is an issue. Apparently the property doesn't have a deeded access to that
back portion, that back garage. It's either owned by Walmart ar it's owned by the
adjacent property owner, at least that was my understanding, and that really and truly,
not only for our benefit, but particularly Mr. White's benefit, he needs to get written
permission from the property owners ta, one, allow access an that personal property --
White: I have it.
Rountree: -- and also allow parking on that personal property and if you do have that
that would be something that would be needed -- be required with submission of an
application for permit. You mentioned a couple questions about no signing in the front
yard and that means what it says. Na signing in the front yard. Your sign an the
fence, in my opinion, is not an historic monument. At a minimum it would have to be
50 years old to meet any definition of that and have some regional significance. Your
sign -- and I will just give you my comments -- is just fine, as long as it meets the sign
code. I don't have any dimensions on it. and I don't have my calculator to compute
what six square feet is on a circle, but it has to be six square feet ar less to meet the
sign code. I got a question about materials stored in the backyard out of the view.
That means what it says. You will notice -- if you will turn around and look and the
pictures, you have a bunch of material that's stored outside of a fence and apparently
in a driveway and the parking apron in front of your garage. That is not consistent with
city ordinance in and of itself, let alone with any business activity. So, that needs to be
stored behind a fence in the backyard out of view.
White: That can be taken care of very easily.
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March 7, 2012
Page 15 of 55
Rountree: That -- please. Your arbor for connecting the house is -- and I think that's a
grand idea and you can grow grapes out there or do whatever you want on that to
make it even esthetic, so -- so, you and your wife and Brad can get together on that.
Goads sold -- if they are out for public view, it means what it says, they are to be
stored out of view in the evening. And as far as revocation, the revocation would be
based on any significant issues related to the activity on the property or any violations
of the conditions of any permit that might be granted, just like any other application or
permit in the city and that would be done by code enforcement. Observation, based on
what I re-word from last week, you said a number of times that money is not an issue
and a number of people testified saying it's not an issue for Mr. White. So, I take it
from that that this is more of a hobby and I can appreciate that and hobbies certainly
are something we would encourage on a residential property and keep in mind this is a
residential property. It is not a business if were a business you should be very worried
about the fact your insurer probably isn't insuring it as a commercial establishment
and you don't have liability insurance covering a commercial establishment. You're not
paying property taxes for a commercial property. There is a lot of things you're not
doing by saying you're running a business in a residence. So, I'd like to keep this in
the realm of a hobby and I would suggest that you might want to think about that as
well. So, those were the conditions and same of them you suggested, some of them I
suggested, some of them I picked from what was said in the discussion when I gave
you the list last week. I'm comfortable with those, the way they have been explained,
to move forward with this. If you're not comfortable with those, then, it's up to the
Council to either figure out another way to make this work or -- or do it -- I don't think
any of us want to do necessarily is -- is uphold the denial. But Iguess -- and for your
opening statement -- I don't know that I said mine were better than yours, but I alluded
that they might be pretty nice and after all of this is resolved and this isn't an
application before the city, when we can actually talk and it's not considered ex-parte,
you're welcome to came to my shop anytime and see the one shovel I have left that
you can -- actually it's not even a shovel, it's a -- it's a spading fork, but it's -- it's the
one I have that hasn't been either given away or broken or whatever. But, anyway,
so --
White: If you need a replacement I know where a guy could --
Rountree: Well, I do, too, so --
White: Okay. May I ask a question?
De Weerd: Yes, sir.
White: Madam Mayor, it hasn't been totally clarified where I am going to be allowed to
display my merchandise that I have as a hobby that I can bring it in at night. Can we
came to some idea on that? Am I going to be okay there an the south side of the
wooden fence -- the east side of my dividing line --dividing line between front and back
yards?
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 16 of 55
Rountree: Madam Mayor, I'll offer an opinion an that. I -- if that is your property you
can display it out there. If that's not your property Ican't -- I can't give permission one
way or another. I suggested when you clean all the materials off of your apron, your
garage or your parking pad, that there is going to be sufficient room to display a lot of
stuff out there that you might want to sell. But, again, my comments are that has to be
cleaned off and that material has to be stored in same other location out of view.
White: Not a problem.
Rountree: You have got a lot of stuff there. I'm not sure that you and I both could
make something out of that in the rest of our days, but --
White: I have quite a bit of firewood there.
Rountree: Yes, you do.
White: As soon as the firewood season starts again that will be chopped up and put
out for the public to purchase and use in their camp fires.
Hoaglun: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Yes, Mr. Hoaglun.
Hoaglun: I have just a comment and follow up with a question with Mr. White. The way
I saw it, you know, goods stored in the evening and the materials in the backyard, I
was even thinking last week that you have a fence that opens up that allows access --
you're able to see everything that you're offering or that you want to display and in the
evenings to store it, to get it out of view, you can just close that fence. That was kind
of something I had in mind last week when we were talking about this as a way to --
whether it slides or opens or what have you -- as a passibility to -- and that way it's
stored for the night, it meets that criteria, you don't have to move everything back and
forth, but that kind of was my thinking an that.
White: That's acceptable. And there is a double gate that opens there. Can't see it.
Hoaglun: On the other -- that one an the lower left, I think that's part of it there. To the
far left.
White: That's it. Yeah. You can see part of the gate right in there. Somebody's
moving the warm.
Hoaglun: We are at the far left in the yard part; correct? Where you will display your
items?
White: Right -- bring the arrow down.
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 17 of 55
Hoaglun: And, then, swing it --
White: I can display it there. If you will let me, I will continue to do it -- yeah. Up -- top
left picture. Oh, it switched on me.
Hoaglun: There we ga.
White: Top left picture. About halfway down where the cement is, dawn in that area --
Hoaglun: Uh-huh.
White: Am I touching this and that's making it move?
De Weerd: Uh-huh.
White: Okay. Five or ten feet at the end of that curb is a good area. It's out -- it's a
safe area to put things out. I would like to keep the firewood in that area. People can,
then, make the turn and come out. They are not causing any traffic problems. Pick
that up. I would like to move the rest of the stuff an back toward the area we were
talking about in the tap right picture. After that those railroad ties and that dirt is moved
and the two by fours are chopped up for firewood that area will be cleaned and if that's
okay with the group we are okay.
Hoaglun: Madam Mayor, just to clarify. Which side of the fence is that firewood on? Is
it on the street side or is it an your yard side?
White: It has to be on the street side to be visible for people to see. And that is not a
street, it's a road, which is half owned by Walgreens, half owned by the neighbor
behind me. I have permission for the use on the half owned by the neighbor behind
me with their blessings, as long as I keep the place neat. So, I have got to neaten it
up a little bit there in back.
Rountree: Yes, you do.
Hoaglun: Okay.
De Weerd: Mr. Zaremba
Zaremba: Madam Mayor? Just a couple of comments, I guess, for -- to some extent
for the record. In accordance with our ordinances I would clarify that, of course, the
director was right to follow the ordinances and deny this. It's now before us to make
an exception and on that note I would like to express my appreciation to Councilman
Rountree far the suggestions he has made that would move this forward. Those two
things said, I'm still fuzzy on a couple of things. My vision of the discussion last week
was that the area between this access road, which is half owned by your neighbor and
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March 7, 2012
Page 18 of 55
half owned by Walgreens, between there and this building that we are looking at -- in
other words, what I would say is the pad leading to a garage ar the separate shop, it
was my understanding that that would be cleaned entirely and, therefore, would
became available for parking if you had -- I guess customers isn't the right word, but
people that are coming to share your enthusiasm and your hobby. Whether the
materials that are there are put behind the fence or put on the north side of the shop
garage building isn't something I need to decide, you can decide where you'd rather
have it, but I want to make sure that we are clear that Wane of it stays an that pad
south of the building; is that correct?
White: None of what? One more time.
Zaremba: I didn't hear that.
White: None of what?
Zaremba: All the stuff that's currently stored outside -- all the stuff that's on what I
would assume is a driveway into that building. There is a cursor moving around an the
screen that I'm looking at. The area that's being circled should be cleaned. Is that the
direction that we are going?
White: On the outside of the fence? Yes. Inside the fence has to be used for the
storage display area.
Rountree: No.
Zaremba: Well, display of things you make, not display of --
White: Excuse me?
Zaremba: Display of things that you make or improve or have finished your recycling
effort on, not display of raw materials. I don't think we are envisioning anything that's
sitting there now staying there.
White: I said that would be moved and taken care of.
Zaremba: Yeah. Okay.
White: That will be cleaned.
Zaremba: Okay. All right.
White: Yeah. I have no problem with --
Zaremba: All right. We are together on that ane, then. Thank you.
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
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White: Very good.
Zaremba: Then the other I was a little confused about your introductory discussion
about a sign. It isn't necessarily about what's on the sign, but I thought the direction
that we were going was, essentially, no signage in front of your house, including that
north fence. But your discussion was that that sign would remain. So, I'm not clear on
what everybody's intent was. I was thinking there would be no sign -- the only sign on
the property would be -- this is fine if that's an example, but that would be the only sign
on the property -- anywhere on the property.
White: I have reservations on removing the one in the front. If you want it rebuilt,
redone, I think that it is a -- I use the term landmark for the community -- we were told
last week by a young lady that it was on Twitter or what have you in California and
Oregon and it's something that's -- I'd like to keep it. I think it brings friendly people to
have comment, make phone calls to me. It's a conversation piece. I really would like
to see it stay. I have a problem with not having anything else on the front yard, but that
one is kind of dear and near to me I guess is what I'm saying.
Zaremba: Well, I agree with you that it's noticeable and it sort of adds character, but
we are still struggling with the issue that this is a residential property and we are trying
to figure out haw to allow things that we don't allow on residential properties, because
your property is unique and I recognize that, so I guess I would listen to some other
discussion. My thinking was there would be no sign, but I'm not the only opinion here,
so --
White: Well, I have stated my feelings on it. I -- it's near and dear to me and I think
that I have done quite a bit here to comply with the balance of the requirements that
are being placed in order to get the permit. I think there needs to be a little give and
take. There is -- you're to be commended for what you have done so far. I appreciate
it.
De Weerd: Well, Mr. White, being somewhat neutral, since I wasn't here last week, I
think there has been great compromise on both sides, but the -- what you see Council
is trying to do here is find not only a compromise, but something they feel comfortable
that they would apply evenly and fairly to all residents, so they are not giving
preferential treatment to any one person and that is a fine balance sometimes.
White: Can't argue the point with you, Madam Mayor.
De Weerd: So, Council, the other members, do you want to weigh in? Do you have
any comments on what has been discussed to date or so far this evening?
Bird: Nothing has been said that I -- what I would say has already been said, sa --
De Weerd: Okay. So, I guess to recap for where I think we are, is that if Mr. White
can give the city documentation on the access and parking agreement with the
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March 7, 2012
Page 20 of 55
neighbor I believe to the east of him to use that area, that people can park along, is
what the city is looking for. The sign looks -- looks appropriate. It's very nice, I would
add. Would need to work with Planning staff to make sure it does fit the criteria as in
once dimensions are known. The fencing -- I think what, Mr. White, they are looking
for is screening, so that -- that on your probably chain link you can put slating in it to
provide the screening, so --
White: At what point, ma'am? All of the south chain link fence?
De Weerd: No. I just think along the front of it, so it's screened from the street. Is that
my understanding from Council?
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: That -- that opens up the parking lot of -- can you hear me, Dean?
De Weerd: Yes.
Bird: Anyway, that -- that fence runs all along there in the parking lot. That -- you can
see all the way back to the east end of his property an that. If you're going to -- you
should slab the whole thing. My opinion that should be all undercover and -- I don't
know, I -- I want to see us be able to work out a solution, so we can have it, but I've got
a real problem -- you put a sign up, he puts firewood out for sale, his product is for
sale. He wants to leave his sign in the front. Haw do you not -- how do you say it is a
hobby and not a business and how da you not say it's a commercial piece of property?
And if it's the only property in the city that we had to deal with these things, there would
be no problem. But as sure -- I don't know. I don't know if our Planning and Zoning
people or our attorneys can defend this or not. I mean I want to -- I don't want to see
the guy have to give up his hobby, but at the same token I don't want to see us setting
something out there that's going to come back to haunt us or haunt future councils.
Baird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Baird.
Baird: If I could engage in a discussion of our code's definition of a site obscuring
fence. Bill aver there is from the Planning Department and it's my understanding the
slates do not meet that requirement. So, if it's appropriate you might want to hear from
Bill Parsons on that. The other thing while I have the floor -- if the Council is inclined to
grant the appeal, it would be my suggestion that you give staff direction to make
specific findings, return with them in two weeks, so that staff in drafting those can listen
to tonight's record. I'm not sure we have a meeting of the minds of what the
expectations are at this paint. So, as you work towards that direction that's what staff
will be looking for. Thank you.
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 21 of 55
De Weerd: That is what I was trying to accomplish. Bill, could you perhaps give same
-- enlighten us an the fencing requirements and what exactly is being requested. I --
and Iguess what I would like to address -- and I understand, you know, the fencing
looking in from Ten Mile and to at least the driveway, I don't understand why the
fencing across the driveway would have to be obscured. But if you could maybe help
provide some clarity on that.
Parsons: Be happy to, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. Because this is an
accumulation of recycled material, we do allow for storage of materials on property as
an accessory use. Under that specific section of code it's clearly specified that the
fencing should be six feet in height and a solid material and so we are looking -- as far
as a planning standpoint and the code standpoint, Mr. White's fence would need to be
six feet in height and either be wood or vinyl or some -- some type of solid material and
also if it is supposed to be screening material, then, it can't be chain link with slats, like
Mr. Baird had mentioned earlier. So, I think that was the direction to you, Mr. White,
from my understanding is that you would put up a six foot fence and block some of that
from view.
De Weerd: Okay. So, Bill, does that include the enclosure that covers the pad to the
garage? I --the garage door?
White: No. That will not be fenced.
De Weerd: Okay.
Parsons: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, I think if he was to -- if he's going to
keep it -- if he's going to move the junk -- excuse me -- the recycled material from
outside of the fence and put it in the driveway, then, yes, he would need to screen that.
If he was to just clean it up and, then, keep -- keep that stored in the driveway or just
display his materials, I don't see why we would need to screen that. He's just
displaying finished goods. He's not displaying raw material ar his recycled materials
far the neighbors to see.
White: At what -- excuse me. At what point do you want this six foot fence located? I
can see right -- I wish I could run the --
De Weerd: Iguess, Mr. White, I will ask that staff meet with you to discuss those
details, sa we don't build the fence tonight, but you can -- you can kind of go aver the
details and make sure that we are all clear an what each other are agreeing ta, so that
when this does came back to Council there are no further questions. Does that seem
reasonable?
White: Sounds reasonable to me.
De Weerd: Okay. So, at this point I believe that the City Council agrees that this is a
nice sign that you have given us by your example, that the arbor does sufficiently
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 22 of 55
connect the house to the garage.
Materials will be stored behind the
your -- in front of the house, unless
okay. And I know you --
White: There goes a landmark.
You will work the fence issues out with staff.
fence and the removal of the sign from in front of
I'm hearing Council differently. I believe that was --
De Weerd: -- are partial to that and you believe it is a landmark -- certainly not
historical, because it hasn't been there long enough, but a landmark all the same, but
because of the -- the residential designation that it --that's not something that they can
see fits within the allowed flexibility of what they are trying to accomplish here. So, the
only remaining issue would be making sure to get details clear on the fencing and
make sure we have a copy of the agreement for the access to the easement and
parking is -- did I summarize that? Any further questions or topics that need further
clarification?
Zaremba: Madam Mayor?
Rountree: I don't think so, Madam Mayor.
De Weerd: Mr. Zaremba.
Zaremba: Not to throw -- yes to all of that.
De Weerd: Okay.
Zaremba: If that's the direction that we are thinking of going. I missed part of the
discussion last week, so, again, if I'm asking a question that was discussed, please,
forgive me, but are there other alternatives? I mean could this property be rezoned to
a mixed use -- we can't rezone it to commercial, because, then, you can't live in it and
we are struggling with it neither being fish nor fowl, but is there a possibility that this
one piece of property could be rezoned to mixed use and solve some of these
problems and have both the residence and a commercial on the same property?
De Weerd: Mr. Zaremba, at this point it's a timing issue.
Zaremba: Yeah. I know.
De Weerd: Finding something that can keep Mr. White in his hobby without that time
lapse. I do think that next steps moving forward is it would -- it would be goad far a
discussion an these transitional uses and what we can look at longer term, because I
don't imagine this will be the only property in -- in the city that might have these kind of
issues, in particular as we started getting closer to that neighborhood level commercial
and how that might impact other out-parcels similar to this. So, we would want to have
further discussion an that. Okay. So, thank you, Mr. White, far being here again and I
guess I will ask, Bill, if you will be responsible for the follow up and setting up an
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 23 of 55
appointment far Mr. White to go over the remaining details, so we can bring back
findings far staff to -- ar for Council to accept. Is next week taa loan? Next week is a
workshop, but if it's available and there is agreement on all sides, it could be put an the
agenda.
Baird: Madam Mayor, we do want to set it for a date certain and Bill Parsons is
shaking his head that he thinks it's possible. We can certainly shoot for that. Let's -- in
your motion you can move to set it to that date and if staff needs another week we will
report to you at that time, but if we set it as a goal we will certainly try to meet that. I'm
going to suggest that we come up with a map of the property designating the exact
locations of certain types of fences, what will go where, where the firewood is and is
not allowed, just so that there is no question about what -- what will be before you for
approval.
De Weerd: That would be great. Okay. Mr. Hoaglun.
Hoaglun: Madam Mayor -- and assuming Mr. White would be available next week and
everything gets worked out -- are you around, sir?
White: I will make myself available.
Hoaglun: And we work -- a workshop is an afternoon session, so we start at 3:00
o'clock, sa --
White: I am retired.
Hoaglun: Well, okay. My dad is retired, too, and he's busier now than he was I think
when he was working.
White: I don't know how I found time to go to work.
Hoaglun: Madam Mayor, I would move that we continue AP 12-001 to our next
meeting March 13t", 1012.
Bird: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second. Any discussion?
Rountree: Madam Mayor, did the maker of the motion intend to have draft --
caardinate with Mr. White and prepare a draft findings far our consideration?
Hoaglun: Yes. That -- as we discussed that staff would work with Mr. White and, then,
there would be Findings of Fact and maps available and, hopefully, an agreement that
can be presented to the Council.
Rountree: Thank you.
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 24 of 55
De Weerd: Okay. All those in favor of the motion say aye. All ayes. Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
White: Can I say aye?
De Weerd: Absolutely.
White: Thank you very much.
B. Discussion and Action on Transfer of Franchise Agreement
to Perform Solid Waste Collection and Disposal Services
From Sanitary Services Company to Republic Services
De Weerd: Okay. Under 10-B we have a discussion and action on the transfer of a
franchise agreement. Mr. Baird, are you commenting on this?
Baird: Madam Mayor, my understanding that Mr. Sedlacek is here, along with a
representative of the company to assume the franchise. We also have a resolution
that approves the transfer of the agreement, which is a necessary component of the
due diligence for the purchaser of the business. I think it would be appropriate to have
Mr. Sedlacek and his guest come up and make that presentation with regard to Item B
before you move -- and, then, move on to Item C if all your questions have been
answered.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you. Steve.
Sedlacek: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, we have discussed this issue with
you in the past -- or recently a couple weeks ago. I wasn't actually prepared to speak
tonight about this topic. We certainly can answer any questions you might have. The
issue at hand is we would like to exercise our ability to transfer the franchise
agreement from Sanitary Services to Republic Services and in sa doing we would have
the opportunity to construct a MERF at our transfer station and -- well, add jobs and
this capability into the valley, which is something that we need to do. That's the short
summary I suppose.
De Weerd: Okay.
Bird: I have none.
Hoaglun: Madam Mayor, just a comment. It's difficult to see you go, I mean in terms
of the service that SSC has provided to the city. Certainly Republic is a well known
reputable company, I know they will serve our residents well, but, Steve, for you and
your employees at SSC have been great to work with. There are times when we have
ideas, you have ideas, and we just do it and we don't get those -- we don't even put
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 25 of 55
those in writing, because we know it's going to happen and that's been great and, like I
said, we don't want to -- we can't stand between you and a business transaction, but
we want to make sure what our residents are going to receive is quality service and we
are glad to see that Republic has a good reputation out there in providing service in the
valley already and we are excited about the other opportunities that you're looking at
and moving forward with out there and bringing jobs to our community with some
activity in recycling, so it's just -- it's bitter sweet, I guess, is the ward I'm looking for.
So, we really enjoyed working with you. I know I have and the things that you have
done far this community, sa --
Sedlacek: Well, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council and Councilman Hoaglun,
this isn't my obituary. I mean I'm going to be around and working and, you know --
De Weerd: Well, most people don't even get to hear that, Steve, so --
Well, I appreciate your support, you know, Sanitary Service has been in the city since
1948, right after World War II and, you know, it has had multiple owners and we have
had changes and now those changes were necessary and they improved things. It --
think -- I hope that those changes made things better and I think this will also,. You
know, you have to -- we have to figure out a way to grow and provide things that cost a
lot of capital, you know, our business is different than it used to be and it's a highly
capital intensive business, it's a utility, and so haw you keep that personal touch, but
bring in all the horsepower of a larger firm and that's -- I think that's what this does and
I think the citizens will be well served by this.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: Just a little add on to Councilman Hoaglun. You know, Steve, I think the biggest
thing that I can say about you guys is you give -- you give so much back to the
community. I mean you came to us with ideas that -- that -- that we had no way of
knowing about or anything and gave back out of your profits to the community and I -- I
believe Republic has probably got that same reputation, but I can't thank you and your
staff enough for everything you have done and given to this community.
Sedlacek: Thanks.
Bird: I appreciate it.
De Weerd: Well. Councilman Rountree. I believe this was discussed at SWAC and --
Rountree: Yes, it was, Madam Mayor. SWAC was -- they expressed the same thing
that we all expressed when we first heard about it, the loss of the relationship between
SSC and the community and Steve in particular, we have kind of grown together and I
second what Councilman Bird said about the generosity of their company and their
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March 7, 2012
Page 26 of 55
employees. They are at every function within the city, they donate their time, they
donate their services, they pump back tens of thousands of dollars in recycle funds into
the community, which is just unheard of and it's my understanding that relationship will
continue, which, actually, raises a question I had with the material we have before us,
but I guess we can do that with the next item. But we have heard what's going to go
on, we have seen what's going to go on, I think it's going to be great for the region that
we have a facility like this in the region that can minimize the amount of stuff we stick
in the ground and recycle that material that can be reused in a facility that's a
commercial facility that's designed to da it.
Zaremba: Madam Mayor, I wish to add my appreciation as well. You know, it's part of
our growing pains as a city and as businesses that things da change as the horizon
gets bigger and bigger and I can see that there is some very fine opportunities in this
for everybody, for you, far Republic, for our citizens and it's a pleasant and painful next
step, but the opportunity to increase the service, to have a recycling center right here
so that we have cut down on trucks going hundreds of miles to get that service done.
It improves our transportation, it improves our air quality again, it does all sorts of good
things not to have to go somewhere else and to actually have people coming here.
So, I see it as a wonderful opportunity, I'm glad you're still personally going to be
involved in it and appreciate you being here.
Sedlacek: Thank you. And Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, it is -- you can't
stand in the way of those good things, you know, you have to -- you have to at some
paint say, yes, we do need to have that and so the consequences sometimes you have
to do things you don't want to do, so -- that's okay.
De Weerd: Well, I would I guess agree with everything that's been said and I know
this -- this transfer of ownership is a little bit different than it was when it was last
transferred, because things are very positive, a positive relationship and, Steve, I
know you have looked for -- in the best interest of your employees and the future of
this service that you have committed to over the last number of years to our citizens,
it's been exemplary, you have made sure that many of our citizens will not even notice
the transfer of ownership, because they will still have the same personnel, the same
trucks -- eventually it might turn into a blue one -- eventually. Disgusting.
Bird: Nothing wrong with that.
De Weerd: But I appreciate as Republic has looked at the relationship that SSC has
had with the City of Meridian that you see what we value and the relationship we have
with this company. They are more than just a contractor, they are part of our city
family and we appreciate that. They take the same pride in ownership that our
employees take in providing quality care to our customers and we expect that to
continue to happen under this new partnership. So, I know, Steve, you didn't go into
this taking it lightly. I'm glad that you will continue to be involved in and we will
continue to have an excellent working relationship with you.
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
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Sedlacek: Thank you. I think that's true. We will have a great relationship still.
De Weerd: Okay. Anything further on this item?
Sedlacek: Any questions for Republic?
De Weerd: Republic -- would you like to make any comment? Thank you far being
here.
Fisher: Mayor and Members of Council, my name is Dave Fisher and I'm the general
manager for Republic Services in Idaho and, you know, as I have told Steve and his
folks that work with him, we don't buy bad companies and we were really looking for a
great partnership between two great companies to come together to really enhance
this community and we are -- so, we are very very excited about this. A little bit about
my background. I was born in Boise, went to Boise State University, left the area far a
few years out of school. I came back in the mid '80s, moved to Meridian, and went to
work for BFI, the blue guys in Boise, Nampa, and Caldwell. I worked here for nine
years and, then, went to work for Allied Waste in Arizona and sold our home here in
Meridian and, then, I worked in Nevada, Arizona, some in California and Utah before
moving back here when Allied Waste actually became BFI. So, I'm very excited to be
back in Meridian. Family goes back a long ways here on both me and my wife's side
and I'm excited to be able to service the citizens here and I have a personal vision of
what I want to see in our valley and several years ago when we were being -- looking
down the gun barrel of five dollar a gallon diesel fuel we decided to go out and make a
change and since, then, we have been able to bring natural gas trucks into the valley
and we are -- and that fuel is available to the public, too. Actually, Valley Ride is using
it and we are selling it to Valley Ride over in the Nampa location as a way that they can
afford to even run buses in Nampa and Caldwell. So, we are excited to work with the
people in the community. The next thing after that is really looked at how da we move
from low teens to over 40 percent recycling. That's my personal goal and kind of my
challenge that I gave to my team a couple of years aga and what we found was that
we didn't have the facilities to be able to do that. We couldn't really get more people to
just participate, we have to dive into the waste stream and mine it out before it goes to
the landfill and Steve had that same visian and -- but we both realized that it was going
to take, you know, just about everything we had here in the valley to be able to do this,
because you gat to have economies of scale, so that's where this discussion started
and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. I'm excited to be able to work with Steve
and everything that we thought was good about the company, that we thought, you
know, being your neighbor, we are finding is true. So, we are really excited to be
involved and I'll stand far any questions if you have any.
De Weerd: Well, Dave, I think that kind of goes above and beyond to make sure that
whoever is picking up your garbage you go ahead and buy it. I will say that your COO
had mentioned that you do vehicle wraps, so perhaps instead of blue vehicles when
you have to transfer in you just vehicle wrap them, rather than blue ones. Still we will
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 28 of 55
-- anyway, this Mayor will go kicking and screaming to make sure that we keep that
Meridian identity, which we kind of enjoy here.
Fisher: Absolutely. We'd love to do that.
De Weerd: And as you talk about diving in, I'm not sure if that's really the right term to
talk about diving --
Zaremba: Quite an image.
De Weerd: I know. Uh. But it's always been a goal and I think we have taken great
pride that generally the Meridian community has had a higher participation in recycling
and to continue to grow that and see more and more participation, making it more
customer friendly and easier for our residents to participate and our businesses to
participate in that recycling. That's exciting.
Fisher: It is. We are really pushing forward in one community here in the valley this
summer -- by the end of this summer every business in that city will be recycling and
that's -- we want to bring that same thoughts and work that out here in Meridian, too.
So, we are adding 4,000 commercial recycling customers this summer and we will be
in here talking to you about how do we do that in a way that promotes the businesses
and makes them more competitive. That's --that's my purpose is I want to have a very
very competitive valley that draws people away from Portland and Seattle, they can
come here, feel like the environmental issues are being handled properly, but we can
be very very competitive as a community and that will help us thrive for everyone. My
goal is to be able to have my great grandchildren be able to have jobs here in the
valley and not have to move away, so --
De Weerd: Well -- and by doing this you are adding jabs and those will be value
added and certainly where you can reduce a company's bottom line expense in
accomplishing that, that's -- that's fantastic as well. Counsel, any comments? Any
questions for Dave? Just, Madam Mayor, real quick. Dave, glad that you guys are
coming on board. As you can tell from comments by Mayor and Council you have big
shoes to fill.
Fisher: I see that. Size 12.
Hoaglun: But as heard -- size 12. Water skis. Wow. It's about the relationship and
the partnership. It's more than just a contract and that's what we have enjoyed with
Steve and, you know, from talking to people who you service, it sounds like you guys
do a good jab with that as well. It is a partnership. So, we look forward to working with
you in the years ahead the ideas that you bring to the table and everything else that --
and with the activity that Steve is going to be doing, we think there is -- it is exciting.
Very exciting. So, thank you.
Fisher: Thank you.
Meridian Gity Council
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Page 29 of 55
C. Resolution No. 12-844: A Resolution Approving the Transfer
of the Franchise Agreement to Perform Solid Waste
Collection and Disposal Services from Sanitary Services
Corporation, Inc. to Republic Services
De Weerd: Thank you. Okay. We will move to Item C, which is Resolution 12-844.
Council.
Rountree: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Rountree.
Rountree: I have a question on the resolution. It refers to Exhibit A and one of the
things we have had in the discussion in the transfer is that there be a -- some kind of a
memorial of those things that SSC does that's not included in the -- in the agreement
that will be carried forward and I can't find it in my packet.
Holman: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Yes.
Holman: Madam Mayor, Council Members, Councilman Rountree, I have it in my
packet. Somehow we didn't scan it in, sa that was an error on the clerk's part. Would
you like me to go make copies?
Rountree: Yau know, I'd like to -- I don't have a problem doing the resolution and we
can make a motion that upon review of that it's passed, but I'd like to see it to make
sure we haven't missed something.
Bird: Yeah.
Holman: Want me to make -- I can make copies real quick.
De Weerd: Okay. Council, shall I move to the next item and we will just come back to
this.
Rountree: Yeah. That would be great.
D. Public Hearing: TEC 12-Q02 Centrepointe Subdivision No. 2
(North) by Blue Marlin Investments, LLC Located West Side of
N. Eagle Raad, Approximately 114 Mile North of E. Ustick
Road Request: Two Year (2} Time Extension on the
Preliminary Plat
De Weerd: Okay. Item D is a public hearing on TEC 12-002. I will open the public
hearing with staff comments.
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 30 of 55
Parsons: Thank you, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. Before you this
evening is a time extension far two years. This project is Centrepointe No. 2. In fact,
this was before you in 2006. The site consists of 18.7 acres and the plat is
approximately -- is 14 building lots. If approved tonight this extension would extend
that plat until February 27th, 2014. Back in November Council did approve some new
surety requirements that were made part of the UDC that this project was not required
to comply with back in the day and since this is a time extension and Council has the
authority to grant additional conditions with the time extension, staff has included those
two new provisions in the time extension request. The applicant has received those
changes. He's in agreement with that. And so before you this evening staff has no
knowledge of any outstanding issues before you and with that I would be open to any
questions you may have.
De Weerd: Thank you, Bill. Council, any questions?
Bird: I have none.
De Weerd: Does the applicant have any comment? Good evening.
Seal: Madam Mayor, Members of the Cauncil, Jonathan Seal, W.H. Moore Company,
1940 Bonito. Meridian.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Seal: I have no comments. I think as Bill said we are just asking far an extension,
because I think as we are all aware, the economy hasn't exactly been real favorable
and I think with that, unless you have any questions, just ask you to approve it.
De Weerd: Any questions?
Bird: I have none.
Rountree: I have none.
Seal: Okay. Thank you very much.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: This is a public hearing. Is there anyone who would like to provide
testimony an this item? Okay. Mr. Bird.
Bird: Madam Mayor, I move we close the public hearing on TEC 12-002.
Rountree: Second.
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 31 of 55
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to close the public hearing. All those in
favor say aye. All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: I move we approve TEC 12-002.
Rountree: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve TEC 12-002 allowing far the time
extension. I will call roll.
Roll Call: Bird, yea; Rountree, yea; Zaremba, yea; Hoaglun, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
E. Public Hearing: RZ 11-007 Accolade Apartments by
Gramercy, LLC Located South of E. overland Road and West
of S. Bonita Way, Between E. Blue Horizon Drive and the
Ridenbaugh Canal Request: Rezone of 12.29 Acres of Land
from an R-15 (Medium High-Density Residential}, a TN-C
(Traditional Neighborhood Commercial} and a C-G (General
Retail and Service Commercial} Zane to an R-40 (High-
Density Residential} Zone Approved
F. Public Hearing: PP 11-014 Accolade Apartments by
Gramercy, LLC Located South of E. Overland Road and West
of S. Bonito Way, Between E. Blue Horizon Drive and the
Ridenbaugh Canal Request: Preliminary Plat Approval of Two
{2} Residential Lots and Two (2} Common Lots on 17.12 Acres
in an Existing R-15 and Proposed R-40 Zoning Districts
Approved
G. Public Hearing: CUP 11-010 Accolade Apartments by
Gramercy, LLC Located South of E. overland Road and West
of S. Bonito Way, Between E. Blue Horizon Drive and the
Ridenbaugh Canal Request: Conditional Use Permit for 264
Multi-Family Dwelling Units on Approximately 11.53 Acres in
a Proposed R-0~0 Zoning District Approved
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 32 of 55
H. Public Hearing: MDA 11-013 Accolade Apartments by
Gramercy, LLC Located South of E. Overland Road and West
of S. Bonito Way Between E. Blue Horizon Drive and the
Ridenbaugh Canal Request: Amend the Recorded
Development Agreement (Inst. #106141056) for the Purpose
of Excluding the Property AND Creating a new Development
Agreement for the Proposed Accolade Apartments
De Weerd: We will go ahead and move to the next items on our agenda, Item 10-E, F,
G and H and we will open the public hearings on RZ 11-007, PP 11-014, CUP 11-010
and MDA 11-013. I will ask for staff comments at this time.
Parsons: Thank you, Madam Mayor. As you stated the applications before you this
evening is a rezone, a preliminary plat, a Conditional Use Permit and a development
agreement modification to develop a 264 unit family development. The subject site is
located south of Overland Road, west of South Bonito Way and it's located between
East Blue Horizon Drive and the Ridenbaugh Canal. Current zoning on the property
three commercial lots are zoned C-G. There is a small portion zoned TN-R and the
remainder is zoned R-15. Here is an aerial of the site. It currently sits vacant.
Surrounding this property is commercial to the north and to the east and, then, also a
small portion along the northwest corner and, then, along the west boundary we have
an existing 48 family -- multi-family -- 48 unit multi-family development and to the south
will be vacant lot and, then, Thousand Springs Subdivision and, then, there is also
three -- excuse me -- 14 single family detached homes that are constructed along the
southeast corner that I have highlighted here. Here is the original concept plan that
was presented to you back in 2006. The vision for this property did include multi-family
development and the location far that multi-family development was in the four corners
of the project and also centrally located. At the time that the applicant presented this
to you it wasn't clear on the amount of density that was going to be proposed there or
the number of units planned far that multi-family development. So, with that the
applicant has come back before you this evening, going ahead moving forward and
planning to rezone a portion of the property, which is approximately 12.29 acres and
that's the larger lot here that you see that's on the plat and a five acre lot here will
remain zoned R-15. Both of these lots do conform to the dimensional standards of the
R-40 zone and the R-15 zone. Here is the site plan the applicant is proposing this
evening. It contains 12 three story multi-family buildings. The product mix would be
two four-plexes and the rest will be ten eight-plexes. Again, the density for this project
is 23.6 units to the acre. With the requested R-4 zoning that they are requesting this
evening, this is far below what's allowed and also I would mention to Council that these
structures will not exceed 30 feet in height. So, as part of the DA provision before you
this evening this density and that height restriction is tied to the proposed DA
provisions that we will be discussing later in the presentation. Amenities far this site
include a swimming pool, two tot lots, walking paths, rec facility and also a sitting
pergola area. I would point out to Council that the development of this site will be done
in two phases. The applicants are proposing to break it into a north phase and a
southern phase and that line goes right through this parking area here, so six buildings
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 33 of 55
are planned to be constructed with phase one and six buildings will be constructed with
phase two. I would mention to Council that the proposed multi-family development
does comply with the multi-family standards contained in the Unified Development
Cade. I would also let Council know that the applicant -- given the concerns from the
neighbor, the applicant is proposing access to come from East Blue Horizon Drive, so
the majority -- or all of the traffic is planned from that street that connects to the
commercial portion here. Nothing should be entering ar exiting the single family
portion of Gramercy Na. 1. The applicant did that intentionally to address some of the
neighbor's concerns. The applicant has also -- if I can move to the landscape plan, the
applicant's also providing sufficient open space and amenities consistent with the UDC
and particularly -- in particular two concerns with the neighbors the applicant has
provided a denser buffer along the southern boundary and also the southwest
boundary and those were commitments that they provided to the neighbors when they
were working through the planning process in the neighborhood meetings. I'd also
move to these elevations. It is a contemporary style, sa there will be a mix of building
materials, looking a corrugated metal, stucco and hardy board siding and also the
clubhouse and the proposed garages will also be designed and built with the same
construction materials and, then, here is the rendering far the clubhouse. Again, you
can see that there is a mix of materials an that as well. And in moving forward,
because this project does differ substantially from the previous concept plan I just
showed you, the applicant is proposing to modify that DA and these are the provisions
that I am presenting to you tonight that basically ties them to their density and their
amenities. The application substantially complies with the elevations and the
landscape plan before you this evening. Maximum building height is at 35 feet and
that number is consistent with other residential zones, like the R-2, the R-4 and the
R-8 zones. Also one concern and same things that have came to staffs attention with
these multi-family products -- or projects is what's happening is the different property
managing companies operating each different unit, so what's happening is one -- one
building may be subject to some different requirements than the other. Sa, with this
DA provision we wanted to make it clear to the applicant that if you actually sell these
buildings we want it understood that it's one property management company that runs
the whole development, not separate entities. Sa, that's what we have done there.
Also because the garage spaces are part of the required parking for the development
we wanted to make sure that folks aren't storing boats ar any other miscellaneous
items on the site. It is meant for the vehicle storage for the tenants and the residents.
Also given the concerns from the neighbors, if they wanted to limit the traffic through
the subdivision, staff has conditioned the applicant ar DA provision here to have them
provide connectivity through the multi-family site, sa with the final plat an the property
they will have to submit a private street application and at that point staff will be looking
far an easement depicted on the plat showing connectivity to that five acre parcel and,
then, also hearing the concerns from the neighbor we are proposing a DA provision
that that landscape -- the perimeter landscaping be installed with phase one and it be
installed as presented to you this evening with the denser landscaping happening at
the southern and southern mast boundaries. Planning and Zoning Commission did
recommend approval of the project with na modifications at their February 2nd hearing.
There were a number of folks that testified in apposition, bath in writing and verbally.
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 34 of 55
Mast of those concerns dealt with traffic density, increased crime, lighting, denser
landscaping, increased fact traffic through their surrounding neighborhoods and, of
course, many folks wanted the applicant to design it in accordance with the original
concept plan. The Commission took that under advisement. What they saw and what
staff presented to them seemed to fit and addressed the neighbors' concerns. So,
again, the Commission did forward this recommendation onto you without any
modifications to the DA provisions ar conditions of approval. Key items of discussion
by the Commission were really nothing too significant. Again, no changes were made
by Commission. Staff has not received any additional testimony since the Planning
and Zoning Commission hearing and to staffs knowledge there aren't any outstanding
issues before you this evening and with that I'd be happy to answer any questions you
may have.
De Weerd: Thank you, Bill. Any questions from Council at this point?
Hoaglun: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Hoaglun.
Hoaglun: Bill, under Item G it talks about a wrought iron fencing that's on the southern
boundary. Is there not a fence there now far those single family homes or --
Parsons: Madam Mayor, President Hoaglun, the concession to the adjacent neighbors
in Thousand Springs would be that the application would construct a wrought iron
fence along the southern boundary and the southern most boundary, not along the
entire project boundary. Sa, right now, na, it's a vacant dirt mound on the property.
There is nothing there yet.
Hoaglun: And it was the residents' request to have wrought iron, as opposed to a solid
-- solid fence.
Parsons: Ta my knowledge that is correct.
Hoaglun: okay. Thank you.
De Weerd: Bill, is that up against the canal?
Parsons: Madam Mayor, Councilmen, no, it does nat. The application --the applicant
has worked with the neighbors to shift the whole project farther north, sa it's more
surrounded by the -- a canal ar the commercial property, sa if I can just go back up to
the aerial here. So, basically, what I have highlighted on this aerial shows where the
multi-family development will be located and this at some point may be a nursing care
facility, but it's yet to be determined. It will remain R-15.
De Weerd: okay. Thank you.
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March 7, 2012
Page 35 of 55
Zaremba: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Zaremba.
Zaremba: Every time somebody has a maximum height I have to ask the same
question, because I either forget or I don't understand. Maximum height doesn't
necessarily mean that there will be na -- there will be nothing higher than that. If it
were peaked roofs it's measured from someplace other than the peak or these don't
appear to be peaked roofs, but remind me again how maximum height is measured
and what can end up above that.
Parsons: Madam Mayor, Councilman Zaremba, you're correct, if it has a pitched roof
the way the Unified Development Code reads it's -- basically you measure from the
ground to mid point of the roof and that's your height and that's how it's defined in the
building code. Far these particular -- this contemporary style there really won't be any
pitched roof, it's -- it's a flat roof, so, basically, it's measured to that parapet or
whatever that roof line is for that structure. So, the drawings that I received from the
applicant it did -- it's a little over 30 feet. So, it's right in there. So, we figured given 30
feet -- 35 feet, a little wiggle room there consistent with the other zones and they can
fall within that. And I would point -- like to mention to Council that the scale of these
buildings is similar to what's constructed out there with the 48 unit multi-family
development as far as scale and height, because that is a pitched roof and I think
that's sitting 33 -- 32, 33 feet. Sa, it's pretty consistent.
Zaremba: Sorry, I will probably ask that question again the next time, but I understand
it at the moment.
Rountree: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Rountree.
Rountree: Bill, when you went through the DA changes, the Item A change, I thought
when you gave us the description you said there would be two tot lots, but this only
refers to a tot lot.
Parsons: Yeah. I had it worded as a playground and a tot lot. So, one will be for --
one area will be for larger kids and the little play area will probably be for the smaller
children.
Rountree: All right. Item E. You used the vehicle parking. What -- what do you mean
by vehicle? Personal automobile?
Parsons: Councilman Rountree, that is correct.
Rountree: A boat's a vehicle.
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 36 of 55
Parsons: Correct. We can tweak that language if you want to say automobile.
Rountree: If that's your intent, then, let's say it.
Parsons: It is for automobile -- automobile parking, yes.
Rountree: Okay.
De Weerd: Okay. Anything further from Council?
Bird: I have none.
Rountree: Not at the moment.
De Weerd: Would the applicant like to make comment? Good evening.
Thornton: Madam Mayor, Members of Council, my name is Robert Thornton, at 220
North 10th Street in Boise, Idaho. I'm with Carver Thornton Young Architects.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Thornton: I guess we'd like to add one or two points to what Bill has already painted
out. The clubhouse is going to be a part of phase one, the northerly portion of the
development and the vast majority of site amenities will be in place during phase one,
as well as all of the perimeter plantings that go down the east and west sides of the
property and across the southern property line. We are in agreement with all the staff
facts and findings and requirements of staff.
De Weerd: Thank you. Council, any questions for the applicant?
Bird: I have none.
Rountree: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Rountree.
Rountree: You have stated that a vast majority of the amenities will be in phase one.
What does that mean?
Thornton: The tat lot, the gazebo, and that clubhouse will be all in phase one. The
playground to other side of the street to the south is a part of phase two.
Rountree: Swimming pool.
Thornton: Swimming pool is apart of phase one.
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 37 of 55
Rountree: Okay. Thank you.
De Weerd: Okay. Anything further?
Thornton: Thank you.
De Weerd: I did have two people signed up. When I read your name if you would like
to came forward and provide testimony I invite you to do so at that time. Gloria
Fern signed up as neutral. Please came forward. Welcome. If you will, please, state
your name and address for the record.
Fern: Sure. Gloria Fern. 266Q East Green Canyon Drive in Meridian and I live in
Thousand Springs.
De Weerd: Thank you.
Fern: Thank you. Madam Mayor and Members of the Council, I have a couple of
things that I would like to address. The first thing being the landscaping. The trees an
the south and the southwest side of the project, we -- I'm also talking on behalf of the
Carey Barton homeowners and the Thousand Springs homeowners and we would like
to ask for the -- the trees to be just deciduous trees to be three inches in caliper,
instead of two inches, which is bare minimum. On the conifers we would like them to
be eight feet instead of six feet, which is the bare minimum. And we would also like to
see the landscaping project start on day one of the construction when phase one
starts. All of the landscaping to go in. I have -- I was told at some of the previous
meetings that there would be na problem with enhancing the landscaping and having
bigger trees, so we would like to see those bigger trees ga in right at the start. One
other issue that I would like to address is to make sure that the lighting -- the
downward lighting would be subdued. I actually live directly on the -- I'm on the south
side directly behind this project, so the lights are really a big issue also. So, we want
to make sure that they are downward and subdued lighting. Again, I want to thank you
for listening to me and all of us at both Corey Barton homeowners and Thousand
Springs and I just wanted to make sure that this was on record and I also made the
same request at the Planning and Zoning meeting on February 2nd Thank you.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you very much.
I'm sorry, I couldn't quite read the writing
anyway.
Also signed up was Larry Kovarik. Kavert.
And I couldn't guarantee I'd say it right
Kovarik: Okay. My name is Larry Kovarik and I live at 26$6 East Green Canyon Drive.
Madam Mayor and Council Members, I guess tonight was not the right night to talk
about this project, because your opening discussion tonight was with HUD and how
they talked about your -- the city's lack of public transportation and in need of more
apartments and -- and whatever the case may be.
De Weerd: We didn't plan it that way.
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March 7, 2012
Page 38 of 55
Kovarik: I have a funny feeling you did, but, anyway, first of all I need to commend Bill
Parsons, Greg Johnson, Taylor Merrill and Rob Thornton and Becky McKay all sitting
there in the back, owner-developer, his project manager and the architects, for sitting
down and discussing some of the issues that the neighbors had, those being
Thousands Springs and if you call Corey Barton Homes, that's the homes -- 13
residences that are in that area. I need to say in my opinion, before I go any further
forward, that I have only lived here two and a half years and I pretty much like it here in
Meridian. I came from Ruidaso, New Mexico, I -- in 2009 I headed up -- I started in
San Diego, went all the way up to Seattle, went over to Coeur d' Alene and started my
way down through here and this is where I ended up at and I really like it here in
Meridian, I like the people, I like the modernness, I like the affordability. I don't like
July and August. It's too hat. And I'm not in favor of this administration's plan to
increase population density for public transportation. I'm not opposed to public
transportation. I graduated in 1971 with a degree engineering and minor in city
planning and public transportation, urban geography, so public transportation has been
part of my lifetime. I have worked for the auto industry. I am -- I am I guess adamantly
opposed to increase in density by means of rubber stamping apartments in Meridian. I
don't think that's the right thing to do and Ijust -- I just don't feel comfortable with it.
However, knowing that this is -- this administration's agenda, their vision, three of you
in November ran on your ballots and I believe the number -- the first and foremost
thing on your ballot was public transportation in Meridian, when we will see it happen.
I guess you're going to continue to go forward doing whatever necessary to make that
happen, but I -- once again I do want to commend the folks from Gramercy for sitting
down with the residents and coming to some resolution to what we want to do. Bill, I
have gat a question for you. We talked earlier today about that downward lighting and
being subdued and I don't see it listed here tonight. I guess I gat to ask why.
De Weerd: If you will direct your questions through me.
Kovarik: Okay.
De Weerd: I certainly will ask Bill to address that.
Kovarik: Okay. One of the issues that we were -- we had a concern with was that
downward subdued lighting and I guess that we were assured that that was going to
be part of the conditional use or whatever to build the project and I see it missing an
the board. Secondly, we still do have a disagreement on the size of the trees. The
residents of bath Corey Barton Homes and Thousand Springs would like to see three
inch deciduous trees planted in the beginning, along with eight foot conifers.
De Weerd: Ms. Fern had brought that up --
Kovarik: That's correct.
De Weerd: -- but we will ask the applicant.
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 39 of 55
Kovarik: And I'm just reiterating that.
De Weerd: Okay.
Kovarik: Other than that I -- I can't say that I'm happy about it, but (totally -- I do
support what the gentlemen back here are proposing to do and, hopefully, they will be
a good neighbor. Thank you.
De Weerd: Thank you. Council, any questions? Okay.
Rountree: I have none.
Zaremba: Not really a question, but -- and maybe Bill will clarify this, but I -- I think the
reason the downward lighting isn't called out separately is that it's already a part of our
ordinance and they have to do that anyhow. Am I correct about that?
Parsons: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, you are correct. But there is a
condition under the Conditional Use Permit in the staff report that says they will
downshield it and not impact the single family residences, so it is addressed in the
conditions of approval.
De Weerd: Okay. And did the Planning and Zoning Commission make any specific
recommendation on caliper and height of the additional landscaping?
Parsons: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, they did not.
De Weerd: Okay. Well, we will ask the applicant for -- and, you know, elections are
over, so I just will say you didn't see public transportation on any of my literature, I can
guarantee you. But this -- this project has been approved for high density and being
someone that lived in high density apartments until I was 35 I certainly am looking at
some of the testimony -- take issue to those kind of people that live in apartments,
because I was one of them. People, as a community, it is our responsibility to offer
choices of housing and we take that responsibility very serious. This was part of the
original approval -- is this was a mixed area, anyone in the Corey Barton Homes knew
what was planned in this area I would imagine and you moving here two and a half
years ago probably were not part of -- of the process when this first came through, so I
can understand why you didn't know about it at that time. But we have a great deal of
single family housing all across our community and we do need a balance and that
balance does belong in areas that have better infrastructure that can accommodate
future public transportation, because not everyone drives a car. So, I guess as we
look at a full service community we have to understand that not everyone -- I live on
almost a half an acre. I like my land and I like my yard and I like all of that, but that
doesn't mean everyone does and so we do have to accommodate more than what we
personally believe. So, I -- far the record I will tell you that I did not have any of that on
my literature and I can't answer far the two council candidates, but I will at least
address my own -- my own feeling on that. Does the applicant have any response?
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 40 of 55
We would certainly like to hear from you on the landscaping and -- thank you. If you
will just restate your name for the record.
Thornton: Okay. Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, my name is Robert
Thornton, I'm the architect of the development. Before I would go any further I would
really like to -- to thank Larry and Gloria. Larry Kovarik and Gloria Fern for spending so
much time working with us on this -- an this project. The neighbors were very
concerned initially. What we had come to the neighbors and Planning and Zoning with
was a development that was 400 feet further to the south than where this is now, sa it
was on that five acre parcel to the south. The neighbors had a number of very real
concerns and we addressed them. We were concerned as well and it made so much
sense to move the development to the north where we could access to a much more
public street and have the ability ta, essentially, keep all of our vehicular and
pedestrian traffic away from the single family portion of the development. We did work
with them on creating much higher density along the southern property line with a
much higher content of conifers than is typical in the development. We are building --
ar are creating that landscape buffer and the fence buffer at phase one. So, while the
trees will be, essentially at two inch nominal caliper when they ga in, by the time we do
get to phase two they will be significantly larger already. Another thing that Mr.
Johnson our client had pointed out to me is that we opted for a higher density of trees
-- of conifers, rather than a larger scale tree. When you put in the bigger trees they are
going to be a little further apart when you first plant them and the major concern that
we had, particularly from the Corey Barton homeowners, was that you will be able to
see under and between those trees. If we go to a larger caliper deciduous tree, the
deciduous trees don't really screen as well as the conifers do, but if we do have the six
foot conifers we do have them fairly close together, we are going to have the kind of
density that we really need to get when they planted and by the time phase two of the
development does come in they will be much taller and we may actually have to start
thinning some trees at that point because of the growth of those trees.
De Weerd: And when -- is it at first the building permit the landscape goes in? When
does that ga in?
Parsons: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, that is correct. They would -- with
their submission of their certificate of zoning compliance or their building permit we
would be looking at a landscape plan that shows that whole perimeter and, then, they
would not get certificate of occupancy until that was completed.
De Weerd: okay. So, on occupancy, not an building permit?
Parsons: That is correct.
De Weerd: Okay.
Hoaglun: Madam Mayor?
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 41 of 55
De Weerd: Mr. Hoaglun.
Hoaglun: Just to comment on that. Yeah. I'm concerned about if they put it in too
soon -- I mean having access to water -- you don't want to have landscaping in and
have it die and -- that's a big problem. I mean I want to make sure this stuff thrives
and as they said grows the buffer that they want to have, because that is important to
them, so --
Thornton: That's a very good paint. Yeah. It's such a -- it's a very large investment,
especially for putting this much in on the phase two portion. I don't think my client
really would want their landscaping materials to start dying in the next year or two after
they went in.
De Weerd: Kind of counter productive
Thornton: Yes.
Hoaglun: I would like to see it as soon as practical. I mean that's -- to get that stuff
growing and providing that screen and that buffer. So, it would be a good thing.
De Weerd: Any follow-up questions from Council? Okay. Okay. Thank you.
Thornton: Thank you.
De Weerd: Council, anything further for staff?
Rountree: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Rountree.
Rountree: Bill, on the graphic you have up on the screen on the southern end, mid lot,
is that a point of access or is that halfway ar just what is that?
Parsons: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, that is correct. That's that cross-
access that I was referencing. This will be a private street through here and it will stub
there in that -- what will be the primary access for the nursing care facility if it goes in.
Rountree: Thank you.
Parsons: Yes.
Hoaglun: Madam Mayor, Bill, I thought in my reading there was one more access that
was going to be emergency access. Where is that located? If you could point that out
for me.
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 42 of 55
Parsons: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, Council President Hoaglun, there is
two ways we can work it. Right now we have a condition that they just provide a
secondary access here and bollard it and leave the landscaping in and the fire
department is okay. If it's your discretion to remove that certainly this connection here
that we already have stubbed could serve as the -- the emergency access as well for
fire department. But the applicant was willing to go here and fire and police were
definitely looking far athird -- third paint of access given the close proximity to these
two.
Hoaglun: Okay. Thank you.
De Weerd: Anything else, Council?
Bird: I have none.
De Weerd: Well, I would await for your direction on these items.
Rountree: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Rountree.
Rountree: I move that we approve -- actually, question first.
De Weerd: We would need to close the public hearing after --
Rountree: We have to close the public hearing, but -- sequence items, all at once?
One at a time?
Baird: Madam Mayor, Council Member Rountree, you can certainly close the public
hearing all at once, but my suggestion, as tedious as it may seem, to approve them
one by one, because they do flow from one another.
Rountree: Deny them -- one or the other.
Baird: Yeah.
Rountree: Okay. Madam Mayor, I move that we close the public hearings on Items E,
F, G and H.
Hoaglun: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to close the public hearings an Items
10-E, F, G and H. All those in favor say aye. All ayes. Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
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De Weerd: We will take 10-E.
Rountree: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Rountree.
Rountree: I move that we approve Item 10-E, RZ 11-007, subject to staff comments
and their clarification of the downward subdued lighting in the ordinance and that
added to the development agreement that the size of the conifer trees to be planted in
their southern boundary be a minimum of eight feet.
Hoaglun: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Hoaglun.
Hoaglun: He read by mind. Second.
De Weerd: Okay. I have a motion and a second. Any discussion on Item 10-E?
Madam Clerk, will you, please, call roll.
Roll Call: Bird, yea; Rountree, yea; Zaremba, yea; Hoaglun, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
De Weerd: Item 10-F.
Rountree: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Rountree.
Rountree: I move that we approve Item 10-F, PP 11-014.
Hoaglun: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve Item 10-F. Any discussion on
this item? Madam Clerk.
Roll Call: Bird, yea; Rountree, yea; Zaremba, yea; Hoaglun, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
De Weerd: 10-G.
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March 7, 2012
Page 44 of 55
Rountree: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Rountree.
Rountree: I move that we approve the Conditional Use Permit far 11-010, subject to
staffs conditions and agreement from the applicant.
Hoaglun: Second.
De Weerd: We have a motion and a second to approve Item 10-G an CUP 11-010.
Any discussion an this item? Hearing none, Madam Clerk.
Roll Call: Bird, yea; Rountree, yea; Zaremba, yea; Hoaglun, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
De Weerd: And the last Item 10-H.
Rountree: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Rountree.
Rountree: I move that we approve Item 10-H, MDA 11-013.
Hoaglun: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve Item 10-H. Seeing no
discussion, Madam Clerk.
Roll Call: Bird, yea; Rountree, yea; Zaremba, yea; Hoaglun, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
De Weerd: We will move to Item 11-A under Department Reports and --
Bird: Wait a minute.
De Weerd: Yes.
C. Resolution No. 12-844: A Resolution Approving the Transfer
of the Franchise Agreement to Perform Solid Waste
Collection and Disposal Services from Sanitary Services
Corporation, Inc. to Republic Services
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 45 of 55
Bird: We need to go back to 11 -- or 1 Q-C.
De Weerd: Oh, yeah. I'm sorry. Council, you do have in front of you on Item 10-C
Resolution 12-844. Three pages that detail out what was provided in terms of service
to the city. On this it doesn't include some of those extra programs in terms of the
hazardous waste collection and -- not that I can see. Sa, Councilman Rountree, are
you looking for more information than what we have on here?
Rountree: I believe this is an extensive list, Madam Mayor, but there is two that I don't
see on here that are -- I think are pretty significant. One is the recycle program and
the other is the one you mentioned. And I believe that those both should be included
as part of this and certainly continued.
De Weerd: And I guess in looking at exhibits in addition to the hazardous waste and
the recycle program, just something that makes sure that we have the prices, the
programs that -- that I know SWAC had worked with SSC on in terms of the fall and
spring collections, the Christmas tree pickup, some of those additional programs just
make sure that they are detailed out.
Baird: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, if the intention is to approve this
resolution tonight, we need to amend this exhibit to include those items. Otherwise,
we will have to bring it back. There has to be specificity as to what you're approving
with the resolution.
De Weerd: I would suggest to bring it back --
Bird: Amen.
Baird: Yeah. I'm not sure what their timeline was, but from what I'm hearing it sounds
like you're looking to pin down not just specific events and bin amounts, but the
existence of important programs that need to be cataloged and listed specifically.
De Weerd: I think it's important to assure the continuation of those programs that they
are included in this resolution.
Zaremba: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Zaremba.
Zaremba: I might add one more subject to the list and I'm not sure quite how to put it,
but the role of SWAC probably is not identified in the original contract and somehow
we need to understand that that's a commission that does give some direction to the
city and to the contractor.
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 46 of 55
Rountree: Oh. And I think that's a good point that they -- they have said they will
continue to be an ex officio of SWAC, but it could be memorialized here that they will
participate in SWAC.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: I'm sure they will uphold it, but I'm like Councilman Rountree, I want to see it put
in here.
Rountree: Yeah.
Bird: In the resolution. Then there is no question for either party to get confused.
De Weerd: So, Mr. Baird, if we can include all of those, make sure to run it by utility
billing and maybe Mollie and the environmental division, just to make sure that we
have remembered everything.
Baird: And, Madam Mayor, I'm also going to recommend that, you know, instead of
just saying recycle program, we need to list out what that is as it exists, what's
important about it to maintain. Same with the spring and the fall and the holiday
collections, the number of days, the fact that it's free of charge. So, you might even --
you might bring back a second exhibit, an Exhibit B, because this -- this first exhibit is
more of just a spreadsheet of special collections. So, anyway, we will work out the
details, but, yeah, I have made notes and we will check with both SWAC and our
Public Works Department to get the details in front of you and make sure that it's
scanned into the packet.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you very much. Then we will go ahead and ask that that be
put an the Council agenda next week.
Bird: On the 13th
De Weerd: Okay. Mr. Attorney, we don't need a motion as such?
Baird: Na, it doesn't need to be a date specific, but our understanding is that you will
see it on your next agenda.
Item 11: Continued Department Reports
A. Police Department: Budget Amendment for Idaho
Transportation Department (ITD} Distracted Driving Grant far
a Not-to-Exceed Amount of $14,285.00 Approved
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
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B. Police Department: Budget Amendment for Idaho
Transportation Department (ITD) Alive at 25 Grant for aNot-
to-Exceed Amount of $'17,900.00
De Weerd: Thank you. Item 10-A under the Police Department. I will -- who is taking
this one?
De St. Germaine: I have traffic Sergeant John Gonzales here to address any
questions that you may have about the grants.
De Weerd: Okay. Council, in front of you you do have a budget amendment for a not
to exceed amount far distractive driving grant, as well as Alive at 25 grant, not to
exceed as well. So, any questions on Items A -- 11-A or 11-B we have Sergeant
Gonzales here with you to answer. You know, John, I think it would be great if you
could just give an overview on what we have done to date and what -- what these will
allow to move forward.
Gonzales: Thank you, Mayor and Council. I thought I was going to get off easy.
De Weerd: We are not in the mood tonight.
Rountree: You need the practice.
Gonzales: Thank you, sir. Madam Mayor and Council, talking about distracted driving,
Meridian is a leader in distracted driving enforcement in Idaho, much to your credit and
to the work that you have done to make this an important item for -- an important item,
something of importance to our community, and based on that we haven't done
anything in particular towards the distracted driving grant. That's partially why we are
here. What we would be asking for is the authorization to be able to do this, so we can
put officers on overtime, which is paid through this grant to be available to do the
enforcement. To date -- in 2011 53 citations for distracted driving were issued, but
with that something more important occurred in that because we did have an
ordinance anytime there was an issue or the media was interested in an issue with
distracted driving, Meridian always became the place where the media came. It
allowed us to also have an open dialogue with individuals, young people as well, about
the dangers of distracted driving. With all that said, Meridian, as you have seen in the
last legislative session, has also played an important role in being able to provide
testimony for the Senate and for the House in their consideration for a statewide
statute. So, in this particular -- far distracted driving towards the grant we haven't done
anything, but we do plan an being able to use these monies to be able to do the
enforcement piece and have officers dedicated just to that whenever we are on that
grant.
De Weerd: Well -- and, Sergeant Gonzales, I think you're being very humble in this
regard, but because of his involvement in some of the activities and officer training and
working with our youth council, he did receive -- I thought it was some kind of a grant.
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 48 of 55
It was certainly an award to go back to Washington DC and participate in NOYS in
their conference that he brought with -- four of our youth council members that learned
more about distractive driving and the role that they can play in finding answers to
have safer roads. Certainly Officer Gonzales has been a model and, yes, a sought
after voice at the legislature in trying to bring this to the state level what we have been
able to do at the local level and you need to be commended for it.
Gonzales: Thank you. For -- I appreciate that, Mayor. I don't know if we want to move
onto the item of Alive at 25 and what that entails. Alive at 25 is a distractive driving
course that we provide for individuals between the ages of 14 to 25. It's a course that's
four and a half hours long, taught by a police officer. We have four certified officers
that are able to teach this program. We have taught seven classes so far, reaching out
to 125 young people. We initially thought we were going to be teaching two classes
per month, but our demand and our -- demand for the seats have been such that we
have had to increase it to three. So, we have seen some success already with the
program. Our chief gave us an initiative to look for places where we could engage with
youth in a nonenforcement capacity and this certainly is an opportunity for us to talk to
young people and to give an engagement -- and especially on a topic where we know
that traffic crashes are the leading cause for people in this age range of 14 to 25, this
is the leading cause of death is traffic crashes. So, we are hoping that with changing
the attitude and behavior and making some personal decisions to be safer drivers
through this program we think that we will be able to impact our young people.
Through this program the Mayor did talk about the NOYS conference in Washington
DC. It was under the umbrella of this program that that conference was made
available to MYAC students and where I was also able to travel back to Washington
DC to participate in that. In July -- June I'm going to be traveling to Orlando, Florida,
as part of this as well, to be able to go to the 2012 lifesavers conference as well. So,
hopefully, we can bring back same more good ideas to be able to implement here in
Meridian.
De Weerd: And certainly the follow-up to the NOYS conference, the four youth council
members were asked to convene a youth summit that will happen in May. We are
working with the folks at Wahooz and who are partnering and helping us find additional
sponsors to provide for additional training in distractive driving and bullying and -- what
is the third one, John?
Gonzales: I'm sorry. Driving, bullying and -- as soon as we leave here I will know for
sure.
Rountree: You're not that old yet.
Bird: I was going to say, you don't get that excuse. I do.
De Weerd: But it's -- it's starting to get very exciting as far as what is underage
drinking.
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March 7, 2012
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Gonzales: Yes, it is. It's drug, alcohol, and underage drinking.
De Weerd: Thank you. But -- any questions an either of these budget amendments,
Council?
Rountree: I have none.
Bird: I have none.
De Weerd: Okay. I would appreciate your action on Items 11- A and B.
Rountree: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Rountree.
Rountree: I move that we approve the budget item request of 11-A, not to exceed the
amount of 14,285 dollars.
Bird: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve the request an Item 11-A. Any
comments? Madam Clerk.
Roll Call: Bird, yea; Rountree, yea; Zaremba, yea; Hoaglun, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
De Weerd: Item 11-B.
Rountree: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Rountree.
Rountree: I move that we approve Item 11-B, the budget amendment not to exceed
17,900 dollars.
Bird: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Madam Clerk, will you,
please, call roll an 11-B.
Rall Call: Bird, yea; Rountree, yea; Zaremba, yea; Hoaglun, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
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March 7, 2012
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MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
C. Planning Department: Draft Five-Year Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Consolidated Plan
Strategies and Objectives
De Weerd: 11-C. I will turn this over to Lori.
Den Hartog: Thank you, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. I just had a
presentation and now it's not pulling up. I submitted a memo to you as part of your
packet. I wanted to touch base with you and let you know where we are at in terms of
the consolidated plan, which is our next five year plan for the Community Development
Block Grant program and present our initial strategies and objectives, the information
that we gained from doing the research and working with BBC research and
consulting, a lot of work has went into with the survey and the stakeholder interviews.
I'll see if I can get this up. I don't know why it's not working. Anyway, it's pretty basic,
so I will read it. The first strategy was to improve access to affordable housing
opportunities to Meridian residents. I guess I'll provide this one caveat. The three
strategies and the objectives under each of those are pretty consistent with our first
five year plan, there is nothing too outrageous or unusual, so I think we will continue to
see some of the same programs and, hopefully, same new things as we move forward
in the next five years. Under that first strategy to improve access to affordable housing
we have one objective, which is to address the need for affordable decent housing by
supporting a downpayment assistance program for qualifying households. This has
been one of our most successful programs under this grant. We have worked with the
Ada County Housing Authority and Neighborhood Housing Services to provide the
downpayment assistance and that was one of the things from the survey that people
identified as an important priority. The second strategy is to improve the lives of
Meridian residents with special needs and residents at risk of homelessness. The
objectives under this plan are to support public service activities that serve the city's
LMI residents and the second is to invest in public facility improvements that serve
persons with special needs and low income residents, as well as public facility
improvements located in the city's low to moderate income areas. Again, projects that
we have done under this type of strategy, we have made ADA improvements to our
community center, we have supported different public services within our community
through the Boys and Girls Club and the Meridian Food Bank and the Meridian Senior
Center. A number of things have been consistent with that. The third strategy is to
improve economic opportunities in the city's LMI area and the two objectives under
that are to partner with the Meridian Development Corporation to identify facade
improvement projects in the downtown area. We are currently in discussions -- we had
-- we have a project identified in this current program year to do just that, so we are
working out same of the details with MDC. So, that is another thing that showed up as
a priority in working through some of this information. And the second objective under
that was to fund streetscape improvements in the downtown area, which I thought had
the potential to do same exciting things, probably partnering with MDC again and,
hopefully, some of these things came to fruition. The reason I'm before you this
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March 7, 2012
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evening -- I just wanted to give you a heads up on some of these strategies and
objectives. This isn't an official presentation of our consolidated plan, I will come back
to you later. I'll kind of just talk about the timeline a little bit. This coming Monday,
March 12t", I have a CDBG workshop here in our main conference roam. I sent out an
invitation to those that we have partnered with in the past and those who we are
currently partnering with and have extended the invitation out so people can come and
hear about our program, hear what's important to the city, and also to hear back from
them. Mast of them have been involved in this planning process and to hear what they
think about these strategies and some of our objectives. With that we have a deadline
for those persons in the community that want to submit an application for funding for
our next program year. The deadline for that will be April 20th and we have an internal
work group that will score and rank the submitted applications and I will be back before
you mid May to show you the applications that have been submitted and how they --
how they were ranked by our internal group and in mid June there will be a public
hearing on our consolidated plan and the first action plan under that new consolidated
plan. So, all of that happens together. I know it seems a bit much, we had talked to
HUD about first doing a five year plan and, then, doing our one year action plan and
they said, no, you submit it all at the same time and we are like okay. So, that's how
we are proceeding. And, then, at the end of July when we are looking for formal
adoption of the new five year plan and that first action plan, which will start October 1
of this year and that seems like a really long ways away as we are sitting here in
March, sa -- so that's kind of where we are at. I would encourage you if you're
interested to feel free to come to the workshop on Monday at 10:0 a.m. in Conference
Roam A. So, I would be happy to answer any questions that you might have.
De Weerd: Thank you. Council, any questions?
Bird: I have none.
Rountree: None.
Den Hartag: Thank you.
Rountree: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Yes.
Rountree: Just aquestion -- one question. Lori, same of these programs that we have
had in the past that we continue have not been utilized to much extent. One in
particular is streetscape. Has there been any interest expressed in that in the most
recent program?
Den Hartog: There has been same. We -- the first -- the first one that we funded
under the streetscape kind of started before me. It was funding the design for the
lighting and it -- well, that's kind of how it came down. I think it started in terms of -- I
think we were looking -- they were looking at, you know, same of the benches and
Meridian Gity Council
March 7, 2012
Page 52 of 55
same of the bike racks and things like that. It kind of got whittled down to the lighting
for that split corridor and the way that that has turned out with MDC is that the grant
has funded the design, which is -- which is almost complete just for the street lighting
and MDC has to pay for the construction of the lighting itself. So, I'm hoping to see
some different things, not just lighting, in coordination with MDC that we can move
forward and, hopefully, not have some of these that seem to get drug out for a longer
period of time. I think one of the things that's really important to bring forward and
that's one of the things we are seeing from HUD is to have very actionable things that
we can do each year and maybe even over a two year period, but as you well know
HUD has been getting a lot of pressure from Congress, they have had an internal audit
of their own for projects that have been open and not completed and so I think that's --
it's one of my -- it's one of my focuses an the program is to make sure that when we
prioritize and select projects each year that they actually can be accomplished, can be
completed, can be closed and I think that's really important to moving forward.
Rountree: Terrific. Thank you.
Den Hartog: Thank you.
Zaremba: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Zaremba.
Zaremba: I guess I better turn my mike on. Just a general question and I guess this is
brought about by being a little bit leery of the federal government and how once they
get the foot in the door and you accept a dollar from them, then, it starts casting you
more than what you're making. As we develop this impediment action plan, which I'm
in favor of, I think we need more affordable housing and more balance of choices. But
if we allow the federal government to make the decisions on that -- I guess my
question is when you bring forward the action plan are we identifying -- are we able to
identify what the costs of that action plan will be and, then, my second question will be
can we pay for it -- and the one thing that comes to mind that rings a bell is -- one of
the suggestions that was already made is that the city get involved in the relationship
between landlords and tenants. I'm not real thrilled on that. I could be sold on it if I
thought there was going to be enough benefit, but that would also cost us something to
do and I guess my question is if there are going to be additional costs to the action
plan, can we pay those out of the black grant ar do we have to come up with separate
money to do that. Is that a question that makes sense?
Den Hartog: Madam Mayor, Councilman Zaremba, it makes perfect sense and I think
it's avery -- very valid question. I had some of the same concerns myself moving
forward. The items that we discussed earlier with the fair housing action plan, the
CDBG administrative funds can be for our fair housing activities. One of the things
that we were looking at very specific activities to defer that action plan. I was looking
for some things that could be done at low cast or potentially in conjunction with what
some of the other cities are doing. For example, she mentioned that fair housing
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March 7, 2012
Page 53 of 55
campaign. That was a very goad campaign that the city of Boise put forward and
offered to us to be a co-sponsor far 250 dollars. They put in -- they did all the
billboards, they did all the radio ads and we had our name put on as a ca-sponsor and
that 250 was paid far out of the -- out of the administrative funds from the grant. So,
when I bring forward the action plan with those specific items I can work out an
estimate on the cost for that and make sure that we can cover it through our
administrative funds in the grant. I think that's important moving forward and I think it's
an absolutely valid concern knowing how the federal government operates. I think it's
a very valid concern. And one other thing I just might mention. The last time I was
before you back in December I think I had talked to you about potential of this next
year being cut back and mystery of all mysteries, we got our estimate and it increases
the following year. So, this year our allocation is 230,000 dollars. Next year they are
estimating it at 256. Sa, I guess you just never know. It was sort of valley wide.
Nampa and Meridian's entitlement increased and everybody else's decreased -- ar
statewide. Excuse me. Decreased. And that was a slight shift in how they used the
American Community Survey, which I think is probably what impacted the formula. So,
it's hard to say.
Zaremba: Great. Thank you, Lori.
De Weerd: Anything further from Council?
Bird: I have nothing, Mayor.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you, Lori. When did you come back?
Den Hartog: About two weeks ago. It's been a little hit and miss. I'm in the office
about two days a week, sa --
De Weerd: Well, welcome back. You don't have bags under your eyes or --
Den Hartog: No. She's doing really well. I will show you a picture afterwards.
De Weerd: Okay.
Zaremba: Welcome back.
Den Hartog: Thank you.
Item 12: Future Meeting Topics
De Weerd: Okay. Council, we are at Item Na. 12, Future Meeting Topics. Is there
anything to consider to put on future agendas?
Rountree: Madam Mayor?
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March 7, 2012
Page 54 of 55
De Weerd: Mr. Rountree.
Rountree: With Mr. Siddoway out there in the audience, maybe just a quick update on
what's going on with Kleiner Park would be of interest, particularly are things getting
done? And maybe we could even schedule a field trip to see the status. It looks like a
lot of stuffs been completed or near complete, either for five or ten minutes this
evening or at our next workshop. Steven's here. He hopefully knows.
Siddoway: Thank you, Madam Mayor, Councilman Rountree, Members of the Council.
De Weerd: I guess, Councilman Rountree, our esteemed city attorney is saying
because we don't have it pasted that we can post it for next week.
Rountree: I kind of figured lawyers would be involved.
Baird: Madam Mayor, Council Member Rountree, it's a slippery slope and we want to
hold the line, so that when citizens come before us and want to get a word in
edgewise, that it's our policy that we set the item for the next agenda.
Bird: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bird.
Bird: And I -- for once I have to agree with the lawyer. I think it should be publicized,
because there is a lot of people -- there is a lot of the public that want to hear, too.
They are all interested in when we are going to get that beautiful park up and going
and stuff. So, the workshop next week, what a perfect time.
De Weerd: And, you know, I hate to agree with the attorney, so I won't, but -- so, we
will put you on, Steve, next week and ask for an update, so that people can tune in and
see what's going on. Okay. Any further topics?
Rountree: And, Madam Mayor, you mentioned one earlier about the -- taking a look at
same of our ordinances as it relates to some of the issues we talked about with the first
action item. Let's not lose that and don't have a date certain and certainly not next
workshop, but something we need to take a look at in the future.
De Weerd: Thank you. We will. We will do that. Okay. If there is nothing further,
Council, I would entertain a motion to close.
Rountree: So moved.
Bird: Second.
De Weerd: All those in favor say aye. All ayes.
Meridian City Council
March 7, 2012
Page 55 of 55
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 9:43 P.M.
(AUDIO RECORDING ON FILE OF THESE PROCEEDINGS)
~~~
MAYOR Y DE WEERD
ATTEST:
3 iii aof a.
DATE APPROVED