2018-06-12Meridian City Council Workshop June 12, 2018.
A meeting of the Meridian City Council was called to order at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, June
12, 2018, by Mayor Tammy de Weerd.
Members Present: Tammy De Weerd, Joe Borton, Genesis Milam, Luke Cavener, Ty
Palmer, Anne Little Roberts and Treg Bernt.
Others Present: Bill Nary, C.Jay Coles, Cameron Ariel, Warren Stewart, Brian
Campbell, Charlie Butterfield, Todd Lavoie, and Dean Willis.
Item 1: Roll -call Attendance:
Roll call.
X Anne Little Roberts X Joe Borton
X Ty Palmer X Treg Bernt
X Genesis Milam X Lucas Cavener
X Mayor Tammy de Weerd
De Weerd: Okay. I will start today's meeting. Thank you for joining us for the City
Council Workshop. For the record it's Tuesday, June 12th. It's 3:00 o'clock. We will
start with roll call attendance, Mr. Clerk.
Item 2: Pledge of Allegiance
De Weerd: Item No. 2 is the Pledge of Allegiance. If you will all rise and join us in the
pledge to our flag.
(Pledge of Allegiance recited.)
Item 3: Adoption of Agenda
De Weerd: Item No. 3 is adoption of the agenda.
Borton: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Borton.
Borton: We have a couple of changes. Item 9-A, the Ordinance 18-1783, will be
removed from today's agenda and Item 11, the Executive Session, we will add
Subsections (a) and (d) as additional basis for the Executive Session. And with those
amendments I would move that we adopt the agenda.
Cavener: Second.
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June 12, 2018
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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: ALL AYES.
Item 4: Consent Agenda [Action Item]
A. Approve Minutes of June 5, 2018 City Council Regular Meeting
B. Touchmark of Treasure Valley, LLC Water Main and Sanitary
Sewer Easement Partial Release
C. Touchmark at Meadow Lake Village - Villas Development
Sanitary Sewer and Water Main Easement
D. Findings of Fact, Conclusions of Law for Paramount MDA
(H2018-0038) by Brighton Corporation, Inc. Located at 5100 N.
Dyver Ave.
E. Development Agreement for Oberg Subdivision (H-2018-0012)
with C4 Land, LLC (OWNER) and DevCo, LLC (DEVELOPER)
located at 2855 N. Wingate Lane, in the NW 1/4 of Section 5,
Township 3N., Range 1E, (Parcel#S1105212485 &
S1105212530)
F. Instructor Services Agreement for Meridian History Course
1. Linda Belthoff
2. Amy Birch
G. Acceptance Agreements for Display of Artwork in Initial Point
Gallery
1. Paula Ryan, August 2018
2. Joyce Green, December 2018 - January 2019
H. Resolution No. 18-2084: A Resolution Approving Republic
Services To Offer An Optional Subscription Glass Recycling
Collection Service For Residential And Commercial Account
Holders Within The City Of Meridian; And Providing An
Effective Date.
I. Approval of Award of Bid and Purchase Order to FISHER
SCIENTIFIC CO. for the Fire SCBA Equipment for a Not -
To Exceed amount of $59,611.06.
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J. AP Invoices for Payment 6/13/18 - $788,510.96
De Weerd: Item 4, our Consent Agenda.
Borton: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Borton.
Borton: There were no changes to the Consent Agenda, so I would move that we
approve it as published and for the Mayor to sign and the Clerk to attest.
Cavener: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve the Consent Agenda. Mr. Clerk,
will you call roll.
Roll call: Borton, yea; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts, yea;
Bernt, yea.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Item 5: Items Moved From the Consent Agenda [Action Item]
De Weerd: There were no items moved from the Consent Agenda.
Item 6: Community Items/Presentations
A. Muscular Dystrophy Association: Fill the Boot Thank You
De Weerd: So, we will move to our community presentations. We have Item 6-A under
Fill The Boot.
Gannon: Hello. My name is April Gannon and I'm with the Muscular Dystrophy
Association. Wanted to start out and thank the City Council and the Mayor for allowing
me to speak today. My job at MDA is to help with events that serve our local family. Is
so we cover southwestern Idaho, including Meridian, and we serve over 600 families
living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and other life-threatening diseases. We have a lot
of programs to support the local communities and Boise, support groups at St. Luke's in
Meridian and an overnight cost free summer camp for kids ages 8 to 17 living with our
diseases. And we also support research as well and we wouldn't be able to provide
these services without the support of firefighters. So, one of our big events that we do
is our Fill The Boot, which took place with the Meridian Fire Local 4627 on May 17th
and I'm very proud to say they raised 18,209 dollars in one day, one intersection.
De Weerd: And they are the only ones brave enough to stand out there.
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June 12, 2018
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Gannon: And they have raised over 83,000 dollars in the last five years to support
MDA. So, it was a huge turnout this year. There was only one day, like I said, at one
intersection, but a lot of boots and a lot of heart went into it. So, just wanted to thank
the fire department and, then, of course, the support from the city and we had a lot of
support from -- in particular Kaycee Emery helped us promote the event, helped us
create videos to help promote and also thank the community after the event and we
also worked with Judy Gerhart, who helped promote the event for the Meridian Fire
Department side as well. I also wanted to thank Shawn Steer who helped recruit for this
year and, then, a special thanks to the man standing next to me, Dan Krenz, who has
been our coordinator for the last four years and has really helped make this event a
success. So, just wanted to thank all of you for your support as well. Just so you know,
on the research side, we have seen some amazing advancements. When I started four
years ago with MDA part of my talking points when I started was in the next 15 years we
are going to see more progress than in the last 50 years and that's already rung true.
So, in the last two years we have had for FDA -approved drugs that support our
diseases, three of which are actually not only helping to stop progression, but they are
actually helping build muscle strength in our families, which is huge. I just talked to the
Washington office and they let us know that one of their kids that was in a wheelchair is
now in leg braces. We have seen kids that are now able to grip a pencil, which sounds
so simple, but it's so many things that we take for granted. So many of our kids can't
even take a drink of water without having their parents hand them a cup with a straw.
Some of our kids can't walk. Some of our kids can't go swimming in the summer or do
the normal things that we picture what a child should do. So, we can't thank everyone
enough for all their support and, then, of course, the local community. This event is one
of my favorites, because it's true to the one dollar makes a difference. A lot of this is
people just throwing their change, you know, that two dollar bill they kept in their wallet
for a year and it really does add up and it's so many people that didn't plan to make a
donation, didn't plan to stop or Fill The Boot, but saw, you know, a firefighter standing
there asking them to support a great cause that supports the community and they did it.
So, just wanted to send a thank and, yeah, wanted to thank you as well for all your
support.
De Weerd: Thank you so much. I did want to -- I appreciate that you called out both
Judy and Kaycee, because Kaycee also put out, you know, if you want to avoid this
area feel free to, because --
Gannon: Yeah.
De Weerd: -- Fill The Boot was coming on, but -- so, those that drove through there
wanted to drive through there and I think that helped it be a little bit more efficient in
getting better flows, but -- and -- and I think just to -- to Dan, we have -- we have -- we
have improved just using one intersection because we used to do more and I think your
-- your netting great results with -- with that change. So, congratulations to our
firefighters and -- and their efforts, too.
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Krenz: Thank you, Mayor. Really, it's not really me, it's more the guys from the
department and what they want do for the community. They really have the passion to
have a community outreach and so it's really them that want to do it and that's them that
are actually doing it to make it the success that it is.
De Weerd: That's the way it is in everything.
Gannon: He's just being modest, though. He does a great job. Inspire and recruit.
Yeah. So, we are very, yeah, fortunate and, actually, I was telling him -- I was looking
at the numbers in the last five years and five years ago we raised a little bit over 19,000,
but that was with two intersections. So, to see one day raise 18,209 dollars is so
amazing and to get more people out there, it helps make it safer to get more of that
information out to the community of where the firefighters are going to be, when, what to
watch out for, avoid if you want to. That messaging helps it make it safer for them as
well, so --
De Weerd: Great. Agreed. Well, on behalf of the fireman's association and everything
that you guys do in this community and -- and are so passionate about, congratulations.
This -- this shows the generosity and philanthropic giving -- giving that our community is
known for, but -- and how our community supports our -- our firemen. So, great -- great
news.
Gannon: I have a little request if you have time. If not it's -- if we could get a group
picture that we could post on social media today if possible.
De Weerd: Okay. Yeah.
(Picture taken.)
Item 7: Action Items
A. Old City Hall RFP Update and Proposed Addendum
De Weerd: Okay. Item No. 7-A is under our Old City Hall RFP update and proposed
amendment.
Ariel: Madam Mayor, Members of Council, it's a pleasure to be with you. Let's see
here. I apologize, this may show up a little small here. Just real quickly I wanted to
provide a quick update to you all on the progress of the old city hall RFP and how that's
going and, then, also we have a packet in front of you that entails an addendum, the
purpose of which is to try to assimilate all of the questions that we have received from
potential participants, answer them in one big fell swoop and, then, present that to our --
to that group at our a pre -proposal meeting on Monday, the 18th. So, real quickly just
want to kind of walk through this. We do have to date 38 people that have requested
the RFP. Of course that may mean a lot more people are engaged in it, you know, they
may be assembling development teams and what have you, but we are very -- knock on
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wood -- pleased with the response and -- and looking forward to kind of this next phase
of -- of the process, which is to really engage with those potential participants and
answer any questions that we can to really start driving forward toward the -- the bid
date in July and, then, ultimately to the selection process. So, we are -- we are feeling
good about where we are at this point. So, just walking through here, you see that --
the title page. A couple things to note. We will be changing a few things. The -- where
it says the parties, we will change that back to MDC, just given that this is an MDC
document, but -- and, then, we will fill in the number of pages there on number -- page
number one once we kind of understand exactly what you're comfortable with including
in this addendum. But you see here the first -- the first question, there has been a lot of
questions about zoning, what can we do, things like, you know, parking requirements,
height requirements, things of that nature and so that's actually, again, encouraging
from my perspective. People are looking at this in various ways and that's being borne
out by the questions that they are asking. So, we have -- we have tried to refer them to
specific places in the RFP that that's already been addressed and/or let them know
exactly where they can go to find that information. You see their question three, you
know, do we envision some kind of a public-private partnership or other type
arrangement. Again, this is interesting to me. Again, we put this out and the purpose of
-- and the -- and the motive being an open -- an open process. Want them to provide,
you know, maybe what their vision may be and I think this is, again, an encouraging
sign that people are looking at this fairly broadly and, quite frankly, I don't know that we
want to dictate per se what exactly that partnership could be, because we want to see
what those -- those ideas and proposals would be back, but you can see there, you
know, we want to -- you know, we envisioned some type of partnership is in the realm of
possibility. We have listed a few partners here, you know, public and nonprofit. We
may add a few more. We have had some commentary back on -- on a few that we
could include, like New Ventures Lab and Harvest Church and others. But certainly
open to your feedback on that as well who is appropriate to include and/or -- that we
could either include in the addendum and/or invite to the -- a pre -proposal meeting to
actually meet with -- with these folks. So, keep that in mind. We have also received an
inquiry about, you know, what -- what kind of public projects are going on already, so --
and I get the sense that this question was kind of in the vein of, well, what is the
changing landscape currently, you know, is there road projects, is there other
developments that are going on. So, this was kind of a -- an inquiry that I thought was,
again, people looking at this pretty -- pretty deeply and wanting to understand exactly
what's going on in the ground. So, we have a few here that -- that were included that,
you know, MDC has met with and/or the city has had pre -application meetings with, so
-- and, then, we have included a list of attachments. These were primarily for -- again,
to answer questions that folks may have. Things like we wanted to provide a -- a
preliminary title report, so give them a legal description of the property, you know, those
types of things. So, you will see there there is a fairly lengthy -- and I will just speed
through that, but a preliminary title report and we have also included the basic floor plan
of the property, as well as the site plan, so that, again, people can get those conditions
on the ground of -- of what -- what -- what they are looking at. And, then, finally, the last
attachment is, essentially, again, some of the -- you know, zoning code and zoning law,
some of the UDC information that can be helpful to inform a potential respondent. So,
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with that -- oh, excuse me. There were also -- there was some inquiries and so that's --
that's the addendum somewhat as drafted. We also wanted to present to you -- there
was a -- there was a -- there were two inquiries about other potential properties that the
city owned and so we wanted to somewhat separate this from the -- the addendum
given some of the comments that we had heard earlier, as well as from the MDC board
in this regard. So, just -- just note that we have received that inquiry, but want to
present this to you if you feel like that's something you want to add or not. We can have
a discussion and/or explorer that. But you can see here we -- we have prepared some
of those city -owned properties, as well as, you know, an electronic listing of that and
with that Todd has crafted a -- you know, a good response to -- to make sure we are not
leading any of these respondents astray. In other words, you know, we are not
requiring that they do things with these, it's just for their general information. There is --
some of them may not even be necessarily eligible for some type of partnership. It's
just more for their information essentially. Is that fair, Todd? Okay. He crafted the
legalese, but -- so, again, just to -- want to kind of separate this somewhat from the --
the -- the addendum itself, but if you feel so inclined to include that we can certainly do
that as well, so -- with that, Madam Mayor, I will stand for any questions. And, again,
just excited about what this means and where we are at in the process to keep this
rolling, so --
De Weerd: Thank you, Cameron. Council, any questions?
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: I have probably a few in here. Thank you, Cameron.
Ariel: You bet.
Milam: You were mentioning public partnerships and you mentioned Harvest Church. I
guess I was a little bit confused by that, because is Harvest Church a public entity or is
it privately owned? Because if you are going to mention things that are not public, as
public partnerships, then, there is so many others that need to be listed out.
Ariel: Madam Mayor, Councilman Milam, great point. I think, again, we will kind of take
our guidance from -- from you all. We have kind of kept this more to the public side, if
you will note pretty much -- actually, everyone mention there is a public entity, so -- but
if you feel like you --
De Weerd: Not everyone.
Milam: Oh.
Ariel: -- would like to include -- oh, I guess the BVEP is a -- probably a nonprofit.
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De Weerd: Well, Main Street Market, Treasure Valley Children's Theater and Boise
Valley Economic Partnership.
Milam: Right.
Ariel: Thank you. So, again, open to feedback there if you -- if you would like to
exclude or -- we are open to that. I guess maybe the -- the reason for at least drafting it
this way is that these were known folks that could be potential partners. So, open to
any feedback that you have.
De Weerd: I guess Mrs. Milam brings up a good point. With Harvest Church that is a
neighboring partner. They have offered to participate in a public parking project and --
for downtown and so maybe it's a list of potential public partners and -- public partners
and resources. That does open up a whole host of additional things to list. But I don't
know if it's a bad thing to list more information and let people do their own due diligence
and -- or not enough. I --
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: And I would think that you guys are thinking about that and reading through it. I
think it would be best to list all of them, the bank, but -- and it may be in a separate --
not maybe included in this, but it -- it wouldn't hurt -- if you want to talk to the
neighboring properties and see if they are interested in participating. I mean that's up to
them. So, at least give them -- maybe broadens the thought process of -- of how this --
how big this project potentially could be in and other resources that it might have to help
participate in that.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I mean these are grownups that are in the development world. I don't think we
need to hold their hand and tell him about every possible business and entity within, you
know, a few blocks to -- that they might find interest in having a conversation with. I
mean I can tell you that there are people that are having conversations with those
people anyway, because they understand that that's what they need to be doing.
Include them or not, I don't know that it really matters, but I think maybe the wording
might be better to say potential partners from the public than public partners, because
the term public partners in government tends to --
De Weerd: Just put partners. That's a good point.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
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De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: The only reason I really mention that -- because this came up in our -- some
similar conversations during our -- our meetings prior and we left out some of the stuff
and now it's being asked, because we thought these are developers, they know what
they are doing, but they are asking the questions that we either had resources for that
they could have found or thought that they didn't need to be pointed in a certain
direction. So, now that they are asking the questions I think we may as well put it out
there.
De Weerd: And if you answer it for one you may as well put it out there for all.
Milam: Right. Exactly.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: It's that point I think the most important part of this is -- well, at least to me is
that we are pointing out, hey, the city owns a bunch of property, because I mean in the
motion to move forward with this process it was specifically directed to include the
parking lot right out here as potential use for a project. I mean that was ignored under
the assumption that we are just going to see what happens. So, I think that at least that
information needs to get to them promptly that this could be so much bigger than the
only -- the square block across the street, because I have had people call me saying,
well, what am I supposed to do with that. I'm like, well, there is a lot more room in
adjacent properties. Oh, we can look at those? Absolutely. But --
Milam: Madam Mayor?
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Milam: I agree one hundred percent and I was pushing that way in our committee, so --
however, I think that this -- I don't think that this map is what we should use. I think we
should only use available properties, not Settlers Park or, you know, any other park or
city -owned property. I think that we should have a list of available properties only.
Because I think this is way too confusing.
De Weerd: Maybe better termed underutilized.
Milam: Underutilized.
De Weerd: Yeah.
Milam: Anything that's -- it has a potential to be used in a partnership however much,
you know, but -- or in this project. I don't think that all city -owned properties have a
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potential to be used in this and I think listing out however many -- 32 properties is --
that's just muddying the waters I think.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: Yeah. And I don't disagree. I think it might even be wiser yet to list saying this
property, Bower, the one right across the street, old city hall, maybe that's all. And the
Community Center.
Ariel: Todd has a couple of questions for you.
De Weerd: Please.
Lakey: Thank you, Madam Mayor, Council. For the record Todd Lakey, legal counsel
to MDC. I guess in crafting this what I would hope is that we can have some particular
direction. So, if the city decides to narrow it down to five properties and we could say,
again, there is no commitment on these properties, but here is some potential
properties. There are others. You know, those kind of things. And, then, the private
properties are a little more challenging. As we visited regarding those private
properties, at least my first inclination was not to include private entities, because who
gets included and who doesn't. The -- I do recognize there are some private ones on
there. If -- if the city wants to include private property, then, I -- I ask for some specificity
on what. What's our scope of that? How far from this property? Are we talking about
the immediate block? I was -- I was more inclined to look at it and say -- similar to
Council Member Palmer -- these are private developers, they can contact a private
party if they want to engage in a -- some type of contractual arrangement to pursue
development. But if you want to list -- I guess I would just ask for kind of a specific area.
My first inclination is not to include private property, but we are here to do what the city
and you want to do. So, we will do what you want to do.
De Weerd: In these areas that have more than one lot as part of the entire thing, if you
could just lump them together. So, the parking lot across the street or the parking lot in
front of City Hall or the community center area or Bower Street, those -- those are what I
heard really called out if -- if it could be a little bit easier than five different numbers in
one area and you're wondering what?
Milam: Name.
De Weerd: If we just name them. Yes.
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
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Milam: I guess to your question as far as private property, I'm not -- I'm okay if they are
not listed on there, but in my mind what I would list on there is the contiguous block. I
mean whatever is in that when -- where Block B potential partner for that property, but --
mean, obviously, somebody might want to go way beyond that. Who knows.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: We are over complicating this. Change it to say list of potential partners and,
then, list whoever you want, because, then, at that point anyone's a potential partner
and who could be offended. At least say, hey, here is nearby people and, then, I would
list this parking lot -- anything that the city owns within a five minute walking distance I
would think. So, the community center, this parking lot, old city hall right across the
street and Bower. Because anything beyond that doesn't make sense for the realm of
this project.
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: I have one other question. Why on the title insurance commitment does it say
10,000 dollars -- or this is liability. It says the sales price on there. Sales price 10,000
dollars.
Lakey: Madam Mayor, Council Member Milam they just plug that in when it's a
preliminary report and the property isn't necessarily for sale, they just plug a number in.
If it -- if this preliminary title report or title policy is actually used, then, they will put in an
amount and that will relate to the fee for the title policy itself.
Milam: Thanks. Madam Mayor? So, just out of curiosity -- no. So, if the sales price is
zero, they just have like a standard basic title policy that they run? How do they charge
you for that if they charge based on the sales price?
Lakey: Madam Mayor and Councilman Milam, that may be somewhat of a decision for
the purchaser. You know, an appraised value or something like that, if they are looking
to ensure for a certain amount of coverage, my guess is they probably won't want the
insurance for zero, so that --
Milam: Or why bother.
Lakey: -- would decided at the time.
Milam: Thanks.
De Weerd: Any other questions? Mrs. Little Roberts.
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Little Roberts: Madam Mayor. I think we should go ahead and list New Ventures Lab. I
think that we should list entities that are potentially partners, but I am not crazy about
listing the private ones that own, but just the entities, like New Ventures Lab, Main
Street Market, BVEP. Those don't owe anything. Children's -- Treasure Valley
Children's Theater -- I think would all be great potential partners as far as tenant -type
situations, but I don't know that we should list private landowners. We may get some
people that are unhappy, but they can -- I fully believe that our developers can walk
around and talk to whoever they would like to and, then, I think within a five minute walk
on the amount is a great idea. Just limit it to those.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: And I'm cool with all that if Council wants that. I just think that we need to
make sure that we understand -- or that we have agreement as to the types of tenants
that we are hoping to -- to have in there. To me I want whoever is going to be on that
property to be people with money -- of have some level of means, because we need
people there that have to give really spending money within downtown to kind of help
save downtown Meridian. There is lots of feel good potential tenants, like, you know,
children's theaters and whoever else that you will make things look good for the
government, but to me I need people living and working there that are there making
good money, so they can spend it while they are around town. So, if -- if -- if we want
feel good stuff, then, yeah, let's list, you know, the feel good potential tenants and
partners. I just -- if we don't -- if that's not our goal is to have those tenants there, if it's
to have tech companies and whoever else moving in, then, I would hesitate to list those
and -- and have people try to build those kind of partnerships to, then, present it as a --
try to sell us on that kind of thing if it's not really what we want.
De Weerd: I think just to build off of what Anne -- I'm sorry -- Mrs. Little Roberts
mentioned. If you could -- at least if we don't list the private businesses or private
property owners, at least give them notice that the general meeting will be held next
week and if they are interested they can participate and listen to what's going on. That -
- that gives them some opportunity to see what's going on, if they want to engage they
will have that opportunity as well. And -- and maybe even use the radius that
Councilman Palmer had mentioned, a five minute walking are just to give them so you
get Eric Davis' property and you get the McFadden's and Saddle Shop and the bank
and the church and maybe even the other church. It -- so, those -- those are -- then the
ball's in their court.
Ariel: I like that idea. It -- we are -- we are not putting them out there to -- if they have
no interest in participating and we don't want people knocking down their door, but --
and certainly not from our angle, but we are giving them that opportunity to -- to come to
the meeting and participate if they so choose.
De Weerd: Right. Any other questions or comments?
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Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: Listing that you meant specifically listing on the city properties; right? Plus
anything else within the proximity -- within a five minute walk, but these -- okay.
De Weerd: Uh-huh. Okay. Is that enough direction?
Lakey: Madam Mayor I think so, other than it would be nice to know the average
walking speed of Councilmember Palmer.
Cavener: Very slow.
De Weerd: How about a half mile radius. Does a half mile radius work or a quarter mile
or -- I don't know how fast he walks either, but I have seen him. If he has his stroller he
goes a lot faster.
Ariel: We will make that make sense. Madam Mayor, we are looking for a motion and
action to approve it, so we can included it in the -- in the packet.
De Weerd: Okay.
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: I move we approve the addendum with the suggested changes.
Little Roberts: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second. Any discussion? Mr. Clerk, will you call roll.
Roll call: Borton, abstain; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts, yea;
Bernt, yea.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
De Weerd: Okay. Thank you so much.
Ariel: Thank you.
Item 8: Department Reports
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A. Finance Quarterly Update
De Weerd: Item 8-A is under our -- oh, I -- before I call up our next item -- nothing,
Cameron. I just want to recognize Troop 153. We have two of our scouts out in the
audience and just want to say thank you for joining us and good luck with your merit
badge, so -- and -- and, see, you -- you have already earned something with the pin
today. So, thank you for joining us. Okay. Item 8-A is under our Department Reports.
We have our support services quarterly update and I will turn this over to our CFO Mr.
Lavoie.
Lavoie: Well, thank you, Madam Mayor, Members of the Council. Good afternoon. It's
been a while. It's good to see you again. Appreciate the opportunity to present to you
our quarterly updates this quarter -- no, go ahead. That is a different one? This is our
quarterly update. Today we will be presenting to you -- kind of not financial information.
That's a little surprising coming from us, but it's going to be our quarterly presentation
on demographics. Give you a little information on per capita, some permit data and,
then, what we look at -- or what we consider what's next. So, with this we are going to
start with the demographic section. Again, the next few slides -- this is all data gathered
in collaboration with COMPASS using census data working with Public Works,
Community Development and Finance Department and we all worked together to put
this data together, so with that we will go over a handful of graphs here real quick to
show you what we are looking at from a demographic standpoint. You know, some of
these might not be too surprising to you, but this is the city population, the most current
number we have approved is a little over 106,000. So, that's pretty good growth since
2003, at little over 127 percent. Total utility accounts -- that kind of goes hand-in-hand
with the population that we add here to the city. Total FTEs -- again, total FTEs
represent the services -- the resources we need to meet the services. I do want to point
out that just recently we as a city approved 21 FTEs for the Community Development
Department. That does represent 12 percent of that 145 percent growth, so we are
showing that we need the resources to meet the needs and, then, the last one is total
pay -- park acres. Again, all these items here that we are looking at are all a result of
decisions that we make here at the Council -- we make here at the city. So, everything
that we work on impact the results of these indicators. The next four slides -- or,
apologize, the next three slides are going to be more directly related to the permits, the
applications, the plans that you approve or deny on a weekly basis. First example,
single family homes. You can see those have grown a little over 110 percent since
2003. A little bit larger growth is multi -family homes. Again, direct impacts of decisions
that you are making on the permits and plans and applications. The big winner here is
the commercial square footage. Again, showing a large growth there. And, then, the
last item we wanted to present to you is the total value of the city as reported by Ada
county since 2003 this next slide is a summation of the eight slides that I have just
shown you and what I'm trying to depict here is the decisions that we are making as
Council, as city management, impact everything that we do and you can see what we
have decided on is we want to grow and we are growing. Every sector on this graph
shows that we are growing phenomenally. The results of this do have a direct impact
on what the Mayor has to do with her as the CEO with the executive branch. She
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needs to make sure that she has the resources to provide to the citizens, to the
community, to our business partners and last, but not least, to her employees. She has
to make sure she has the resources available to them all and what this growth among --
upon growth and upon more growth unfortunately comes costs and I just want to make
sure that what we are looking at here is the decisions that we make have direct impact
to many other things and I just want to kind of show that you have the park acres go up,
that's because we are increasing single family and multi -family homes and commercial.
We had Mr. McQuade here, the Ada county assessor, last month. He presented to you
his annual report and within that he had a common theme for the City of Meridian or --
and Ada County in general. Growth. But he did use a special term for us. Phenomenal
growth. And I think we can all agree with that. We have seen it. We live it and we
breathe it. I was talking to Mr. Palmer a couple of weeks ago and I'm comfortable to say
I think we might be one of the fastest growing cities in the entire nation, not only just
Ada county, so -- but with that he mentioned City of Meridian's housing prices went up
ten percent in 2017. So, if you are a homeowner that's phenomenal. If you're a home
buyer that's a little bit more challenging. But he also left the seat for us in 2018 he
thinks home prices will go up 20 more percent. So, again, homeowners. Awesome.
Home buyers a little bit scary. So, again, that was just his projection. If it does do that,
again, that's great for homeowners. But, again, it's a concerning item for people who
need to rent, people who need to buy. Again, those are just indicators that we are
hearing and I just want to bring our attention as the decisions we make here have
lasting impacts on what our citizens have to afford and what our employees can afford
in regards to housing needs. So, not only is housing going up, I think we can all tell that
when we went to the gas station last time the gas prices are going up. Utilities are
going up. Everything is going up. In all our graphs. Every sector that we are
managing, every data point that we are looking at, everything is pointing up from a cost
of doing business. We also experienced it in a cost of living. We know that we have to
pay more for groceries. We have to pay more for utilities. Again, all the sectors are
pointing in a common direction of up. Unfortunately and good. I mean so it's a good
and bad issue to have. But what the end message here is when we look at these
indicators, when we work with the executive branch and the other agencies, we actually
-- we use this data to help drive our budgetary decisions, not only for the fiscal year
budget '19 that you're going to have discussions on tomorrow, but also our five and ten
year plan. We look at these data points to determine which way we need to go and we
as the executive branch must provide to you the resources that we need to
accommodate the choices that we are making with the future and the current
development as it is today. So, I just wanted to show these graphs to you that, you
know, we are growing and we have to make sure we are planning accordingly. The
next slide here -- again, more demographics. It's a good and bad slide. It's great for
unemployment, but there is also unintended or -- there is unfortunate consequences
with this. As the unemployment rate goes down, which is a great problem to have. It's
also a problem for those that have businesses. I know there is a few business owners
up here. There is a few of us that make management decisions on who we hire. I think
you're finding that the job market is getting more difficult, the competition is getting tight.
We are all dealing with this every day with this unemployment concern, but it's a good
thing and a bad thing to have. We as a city are experiencing as well. I have a feeling
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that Cameron is going to be presenting some of these issues in his updated monthly
reports to you about his 21 FTEs. You're going to hear from us in our budgetary
request for '19. We are taking these items into consideration because we have to be
marketable, we have to be competitive. You as business owners are probably seeing
the same thing. The market is tight. As we get more talent here from people moving
here, which is a good thing, it's very competitive to obtain that talent and we must make
sure that the city is in a strong position today and tomorrow to make sure we can obtain
the talent and retain the talent that we have today. So, again, as you see in tomorrow's
budget, you will -- here is these items. Again, we take these data points into
consideration when we build the budget for '19, but we will also take into consideration
as we develop our budget in the future. So, that represents the demographic side that
we look at when we develop our budget and planning process. We have one slide for
per capita. I insert this here -- insert this one graph in here because people do ask
about per capita. Per capita is what we use as a -- kind of a smell test. This particular
slide says how many dollars do -- would each citizen pay if they paid property taxes.
Again, it's a per capita test. We know that citizens don't pay property tax. Property
pays property tax, not the individual. Every single citizen. So, all 106,000 people don't
pay property tax. It's the property pays the property tax. But, again, it's a smell test and
people like to know what the per capita is. So, again, we tack this as a -- you know, as
an indicator and you can see over the last ten years we have been pretty flat, which
means we are not growing any faster or we are not growing any slower. We are trying
to stay afloat, we are trying to tread water and we seem to be -- we think we are doing a
good job here. Again, it's the one slide that we do track and we will show it to you, but
it's a per capita. It's a smell test. Again, we just want to present it to you that we do
track and we do manage it. The next few slides are our permit data slides. This is a
publication that we have access to. It's land pro data. And there is one particular
sentence in here that is something I want to bring to our attention. According to this
land pro data group it's a pretty -- it's alarming, scary, and good all at the same time.
We are growing. They think that we are going to have some of the largest permit
numbers since 2004 -- 2004, '5 and '6. 1 will show you a graph here in seconds -- in a
second that shows you what the numbers were back then. This, you know, has lasting
impact on how we as a city set ourselves up for success or failure. If we are growing at
this phenomenal rate again we must make the decisions today to make sure we can
handle this influx of population and change that's coming down the road according to
this permit data graphic. In the next two slides, again, it's going to show you the same
thing. These are the lots and MLS sales. It's not like the graphs over time are flattening
out. They keep actually getting taller. Again, that just means more and more. More
and more. We need to make sure we are setting ourselves up here, because this puts
a burden on the Police Department. They have more people to service, more
infrastructure needs by Dale on the Enterprise or water supply. Again, administration.
We need to make sure we have the staff here to meet the needs and requirements of --
of our citizens and business partners. Again, another slide that shows our permit
counts or our lot counts -- you can see Meridian is clearly leading the pack here. We
see this because you guys see the applications every week. You guys see the
development agreements every week. We are making these choices. So, we must
make sure that we also make the choices to set up the city with the resources
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necessary to meet these decisions we are choosing -- we are selecting. There is one
item on there that says recorded lots. We are 40 percent of that. That's the 532
number. Boise has eight percent of the total request. I mean it's amazing the amount
of demand and desire to do development here in the city and we are seeing that.
Again, I'm showing you these graphs just to kind of let you know these decisions not
only impact today's decisions, but five years, ten years, you know, 24 months and the
budget that you have tomorrow is, you know, just 12 months at a time, but we take
these data points into consideration as we develop the budget, as we develop our five
year plan and we develop our ten year plan. We need to make sure that we set
ourselves up for success. You know, Jeff Lavey is going to need services. You know,
everybody needs this. So, again, I just want to, you know, point out that -- that we make
these decisions for growth, let's support these decisions with our budget, so that we can
meet the demands that are going to be in front of us over the next number of years. So,
the question is what's next. Are we done growing? You know, I just showed you a
handful of slides that point in the direction no. Mr. Bernt is saying, nope, not at all. This
is where we have been. According to COMPASS this is where we are going. We will
be 150 in just a few years, guys. A hundred fifty thousand people. Madam Mayor has
been here a few years. I imagine she was probably here when there was 15,000,
20,000 maybe. We are going to be 150. A hundred and fifty. That's crazy. So, with
that we need to make sure that the decisions we make today help the next council
members in the year 2040. We want to set them up -- set them up for success. Again,
more information from that land data -- land pro data group. A few words I -- I use and I
think we need to acknowledge. Resource management, home prices, and cost. You
have heard me say it a few times so far. We need to make sure we have the resources
available to provide the population increase. The demands that are being presented to
us with applications, growth -- we know that home prices are going up. Mr. McQuade
was here last month. We are all paying the gas prices for our cars. So, it's not only
that, you know, Ty has to pay the gas prices, Roger Norberg has to pay the gas prices
to manage the parks. You know, Laurelei McVey has to manage the utilities at the
wastewater treatment plant to make sure she has the resources there. So, again, these
-- this group is saying the same thing that we are showing. Things cost more,
unfortunately, here at the City of Meridian and we need to make sure we have set
ourselves up for that. So, again, we have seen the city grow tremendously. We have
been the ones that have approved the growth. We need to make sure we support that
for the future. We have huge projects going down south. We are promoting that. We
are building the infrastructure down there. We know it's going to happen. We know Ten
Mile is going to change. So, we need to make sure we have the resources available, so
that Mark Niemeyer and his fire team can get out there. We need to make sure Jeff can
get out there with his police staff to the south. We are now expanding our boundaries.
So, again, just setting ourselves up for success is where I am -- I guess that's my
soapbox. That's where I'm just asking you guys to consider, because we can make the
decisions for growth, but we also need to make decisions to support that growth. This is
my last slide for what is next. Again, nothing new here. Again, we have been growing,
we continue to grow, and what -- we know we are going is we are growing, guys. So,
again, that's my presentation from a quarterly update. It's -- it's a common theme. I
support -- and I echo what Mr. McQuade said, we are experiencing phenomenal growth.
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We are approving phenomenal growth. These are decisions we are making and, again,
in tomorrow's budget and our planning you will see that we are doing what we can to
support this growth as we see in our future and with that I would stand for any
questions.
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: Madam Mayor. Thank you, Todd, for your presentation. I always these -- these
numbers and these statistics that you're showing are unbelievable and I'm in industry
growth and so it's -- it's even for me, knowing what those numbers are, just looking at
them on this computer screen, just makes me even scratch my head harder. It's crazy.
It really is. It's tough to fathom. My only thought is -- I don't have a question, I have a
thought, you know, businesses don't go out of business -- or I should say this: Business
-- businesses go out of business during good times, not the bad times. What I mean by
that is when it's good people have money and -- and it's there to spend and so it is
during the good times that we need to watch what we spend and -- and -- and spend
prudent, because it's during these times that we save, it's during these times that we
prepare ourselves for the future, so that when times get bad we have the means to, you
know, continue with the level of service that we provide the citizens of Meridian. So, I
appreciate your -- your presentation. It's -- it just -- it reminds me everyday, save, save,
save more. You're not saving enough. Save as much as you possibly can, because
right now this is artificial. I mean it will not last like this forever. Sometime it's going to
stop and at those times we just need to be prepared for. So, I couldn't agree with you
more.
Lavoie: Madam Mayor, Mr. Bernt, I appreciate the comments. I completely agree. I
think you will see in the presentation of the budget tomorrow we do take that in
consideration. A few years ago Mr. Borton implemented a request to have automatic --
automatic investment into our fund balance, so when the times come we can hit those
capital improvements when we need. Save and spend model -- like you said, the times
are good, take the opportunity to save a little now, so we have it in the slower times.
So, I think you will see the presentation. The budget that you have tomorrow is a
balanced budget. We do take into consideration the -- the responsibility of spending the
citizens' dollars. We do take that as a high priority on our decisions that we make. We
don't take it lightly that the citizens' dollars are there -- like you said we are making
money, doesn't mean we need to take -- be excessive of that. We take it with high
responsibility that we have to be prudent to the citizens' tax dollars and I think you will
see that in tomorrow's budget and along with our five and ten year plan. We don't take
that lightly at all. So, I appreciate the comments.
Bernt: Budget's tomorrow, Mayor?
Lavoie: You might want to -- tomorrow is the budget, guys. 1:00 o'clock here. 1:00
p.m. tomorrow, guys.
Bernt: Okay. I was kidding.
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Lavoie: Thank you, Mr. Bernt.
De Weerd: Budget's tomorrow.
Bernt: Thank you for that friendly reminder.
De Weerd: Any other questions? Okay.
Lavoie: Thank you, Mayor.
B. Community Development: Building Services Update
De Weerd: Thank you. Item 8-B is under our Community Development Department for
a Building Services update.
Ariel: Madam Mayor, Members of the Council, so we are -- we are one month in here.
So, we just wanted to provide a quick update as we committed to on the build out of our
Building Services Division and kind of give you a quick update on that. You will see
some of -- of Todd's information at least through here and, again, appreciate any
commentary or thoughts you may have as we go through. Just real quick, here is the --
kind of the things that we are going to hit and this will be just a common format for you.
We will just go through each of these kind of line items and touch where we are to date
on each. So, I wanted to just give you the -- the building services perspective from the
get go. We have been, obviously, working pretty fast and furious, primarily in the -- in
the HR and IT portion of the build out, as those are the critical pieces. So, what you see
here is we have drafted ten different job descriptions that would, you know, encompass
all 21 positions. We have been working with HR to get those rated and out on the street
and you will see a little bit more of a specific HR summary in a moment. We received
approximately 80 applications that we have reviewed, all of them -- 57 of which were for
admin assistant. So, we are pretty deep in that regard. Where we are shallow is the
plan review and inspection portion. The -- the issue we have here is that -- it's the --
you know, the -- the technical portion certification, the years of experience that we are
looking for in -- in these -- in this area that's -- that's presenting a problem and, you
know, to -- to Todd's point, it's a tight labor market. So, not only do we have a skill set
that -- that's limited, we layer on there that even those that have the skill set are
gainfully employed, it makes, you know, rooting that person out even that much more
difficult. We will talk a little bit about what we are doing actively to -- to address that, but
that is a significant struggle that we are -- that we are under. So, again, anyone you
know, send them our way. We need them. We are going through the interview
process. We started interviewing today I believe, so we are going gung-ho on that. And
we are also looking at various long term solutions as well and we will talk a little bit more
about those. We are also fully engaged in Plan B. So, the transitionary and the flex,
the -- the means by which we can get through the -- the implementation and the RFQ
process is going. We are through the scoring and now we are into the selection phase
and will hopefully get those contracts under -- under -- underway here shortly. Quickly,
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Finance. Purchasing. So, this is an important element we are -- you know, we have the
budget and so we are looking to spend it. So, we -- we are spent here, obviously, for
our -- our reconnaissance and research, best practice, as well as we are starting to, you
know, purchase the -- the hardware, software, things of that nature that we are going to
make this happen and, then of course, the big one is vehicles in this regard. So, we
have POs out on that. We haven't spent the money yet. We are taking a prudent
approach. We want to get four vehicles on hand. Of course we have to equip them,
detail them, you know, get the IT in them, make sure they are working, so that when we
have an employee they have a vehicle ready to go. What we don't want to have happen
is we order all 12 of them and we don't have employees and, then, we are just burning
through warranty and other things. So, we are taking a prudent approach here. We feel
like we can get those in advance of when employees will come on, but we are trying to
approach that wisely. Again, we mentioned the IT critical piece of this. Just giving you
the hardware update. You can see there where monitors, computer, servers, switches
and patch panels, iPads, CradlePoint for the vehicles, telephones, et cetera. So, we are
-- we are -- we are going hard on that. Software. Of course this is the -- this is the big
one. We have a signed work order with Avolve. We are able to -- to get that in place
and feel good about that. Specific to Accella, which is already under contract, we -- we
had to expand that. So, we had to adjust our master agreement with them to
accommodate more licenses and -- and usage. So, you can see there we are -- we
have gone through that. It's not necessarily an increase in cost, it's just the proportional
cost. We have more people, so we need more -- more licensing there. Kind of the --
the software continued specific to the -- the plan review software and, again, I
mentioned this scope of work that we are -- having in place. We had our kickoff
meeting on the 1st and we are working with the fantastic PM from Avolve Richard
Speakman, who has been very responsive to our needs. The one thing that we are
trying to get hammered out with him right now is our project plan. So, it's basically when
can we expect X, Y, Z and then -- so, that -- that's forthcoming. We have already tipped
up the -- the development environment, so that was included on the 8th and, then, we
will -- we will look to do the production environment in July. We are going to -- we are
going to have them on site here towards the end of the month and, again, just looking to
-- once we can kind of get this ball rolling, put some -- some hard deadlines to every
specific detail of the software roll out. But as it stands, you know, Dave and Kristi are
managing this very well. They are in constant communication with them, as -- as are
we and being very vigilant in the IT space. HR. Kind of circling back to this. Just
wanted to give you a taste of some of what -- what HR has been doing. Can't -- quite
frankly, can't thank everybody enough. Everybody that's been involved in this. IT,
Purchasing, Finance, Public Works with the TI. Certainly the Community Development
staff. It's -- it's intense. It's a lot of work and so you can see here we are -- we are all
over the place trying to get the word out. Obviously, we are doing all we can to -- to get
our own networks engaged, posting on social media, working with our stakeholders to
ping that vein as well and, then, we are trying to innovate, because, quite frankly, I think
that's our long-term solution, which is, you know, how do we create a sustainable model
within the department, so we are training our own folks in our own way and in our own
culture. So, significant needs there. You know, does it mean more -- more for -- for
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June 12, 2018
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wages? Does it mean -- I'm not sure. But we are trying to do all we can to -- to get
good applicants in the door. But, again, can't thank our partners enough.
De Weerd: So, is poaching another word for innovating?
Ariel: No. That's just smart.
De Weerd: You put it on the slide. I mean --
Ariel: Yes, we are doing that, so -- again, I just wanted to -- wanted to express to you
that this is -- this is the concern and we are in a robust process to try to address it. It's
just -- it's -- it's tight, to Todd's point. On the TI front, we have Max and Alex in Public
Works have been fantastic in this regard. We already have the space cleared out here
from the storage that will become the production room. We have some of the HVAC
controls executed. Before a contractor walks through, as well as some of the --
basically the other portions of the work bid, we should have some walkthroughs there,
which has been great. So, we are feeling good about the -- the timeline. Max asked all
of them, you know, is there any concern with our -- with our timetable and fortunately for
us there wasn't a concern there. And, then, lighting as well, trying to nail down which
way we go. Do we go fluorescent or LED and -- and the cost implications of that long
term. So, we feel good about the tenant improvement. There will be a likely
transitionary period when that's -- when we may have employees kind of on top of each
other in the department while that build out is happening, but we are prepared for that
and we are -- just want to get that done right, so -- and cost-effectively. With that stand
for any questions you may have. Anything you would like to see in addition to what we
have provided. Obviously, once this kind of gets into full swing and we are actually
doing our own work, this will morph into more of a -- you know, our earlier discussion
along, you know, matrix and measurement and how -- and timelines, how -- how quickly
are we turning things and the quality of those things. So, more of an implementation
summary obviously to date, but you will start to see this morph as the -- as the division
grows and gets built out. Thank you, Madam Mayor.
De Weerd: Thank you, Cameron. Council, any questions?
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: I vote LED. Thank you, Cameron.
Ariel: Thank you.
Milam: Thanks for letting him vote in that.
Ariel: You got it.
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Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: You haven't seen the number yet.
Milam: For long term.
Bernt: Okay.
De Weerd: Oh, sorry.
Borton: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: I was waiting for the rest. Mr. Borton.
Borton: He's finished. One of the things that I'm sure is part of this long list is -- is the
culture that you're -- you're going to foster with all of these new employees and the
customer service focus. There is a huge pressure on you to be really fast in getting
things done, but it probably goes without saying, but to ensure each new employee
appreciates the culture you're trying to cultivate and kind of that Meridian -- the Meridian
Way and -- and how they are going to be tasked with serving the customers, that's
critically important, obviously, on your radar that needs to be emphasized from day one.
Ariel: Excellent. Madam Mayor, Councilman Borton, appreciate that comment. That is
something I personally take very seriously. So, as we hire it we got to hire the right
people. Do they have the -- the qualities, the intangibles that -- that we need in a work
ethic and integrity and the ability to, you know, strive for growth, you know, even in their
own person and deliver a timely work product and so those are -- those are things that
we are definitely trying to instill proactively in the department.
De Weerd: Any other questions? Okay. Thank you.
Ariel: Thank you. Appreciate it.
C. Non -Discrimination Ordinance Discussion
De Weerd: A lot of information in that update. Item 8-C is under the non-discrimination
ordinance discussion.
Borton: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Borton.
Borton: I will kick it off, but I'm going to come down here and face you. So, Madam
Mayor, I'm down here, because I don't like talking sideways and facing everybody. So,
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kind of the work continues. One of the items that -- when I became Council President
that we talked about trying to do a little more frequently is get some of the ideas and
passions of all of the Council discussed and addressed and try and do it in a -- kind of
an open forum, see what ideas rise to the top and we have gone through a number of
those, at least I have started on them. Some of those -- that list includes a second post
office discussion, the election process, how we elect City Council candidates, use of
park space -- or, excuse me, parking lot space in the former parks department and we
have done those -- we done those here with a mind set that we are trying to encourage
each other and have open minds, challenge each other in some of our thoughts and
consideration. So, that process is going to continue. We have several more coming up,
but today's topic is in furtherance of that effort and I reference briefly kind of the open
minded perspective we all take when we address these things and one of them, as I
went through it, I thought was of particular importance. It goes back to the -- the
election process that -- that Council Woman Milam had brought up, which since our last
meeting I have got more information, I have thought more about it, I think the
perspective that you have raised has -- has more legitimacy -- may be more appropriate
than -- than I even first thought. So, I think it's worth continuing to explore, quite frankly,
and more information comes to light from the community. So, positions change. But
that's what this whole process is about. So, one of the things when I spoke to all the
Council members and gathered was among those ideas is revisiting the non-
discrimination ordinance concept. As you recall the city went through and adopted an
ordinance for city employees that encompassed some of the purpose and -- and goals
behind such an ordinance that seems to be appropriate and there is multiple requests
from our Council to bring this up and address a non-discrimination ordinance citywide,
focusing on housing employment, public accommodation, making sure that -- that we
lead the right way and take appropriate action. There is no time better than now to get
this done. So, that's why it's brought up today. We want to get collective discussion --
not necessarily on the substance and the -- the details of how this will proceed, but
some collective direction from all of you to do so. I would like to move relatively quick. I
think government often can move a lot quicker than they do in a lot of these areas that
we are going to discuss, both these past areas, post office, election process, use of the
park and excess property, how we dispose of property, clean indoor air -- there is a long
list of things and we are going to talk about them all, but for now I'm asking for some
collective direction to proceed forward on the non-discrimination ordinance. If we were
to do so here is kind of a template of a process. In the month of July sometime we
would have a first reading of an ordinance. Between now and then we have a draft. A
lot of the work has already been done. We are not reinventing the wheel. But in July
have a first reading. In August have a second reading and a public hearing and take
action in September. It's a 90 day process. Multiple reads of a drafted ordinance.
Everyone provides input. The public provides input and, then, we would take action in
September. I don't think any quicker is really feasible to make sure it's done right, but
that seems -- that seems definitely doable. It very well may be long overdue to have
accomplish this task, but, nonetheless, we are going to get it done in my opinion. So,
that's the scope of today's presentation. Asking for general direction to proceed and, if
so, you will see drafts prior to the July meeting. We will be working with legal, be
working with police, again, not reinventing the wheel. Other communities have done
Meridian City Council Workshop
June 12, 2018
Page 24 of 32
great work, taking the laboring over on this -- on this good project and we will benefit
from a lot of their good hard work. So, with your direction in July you will see that first
step in the process. Stand for any questions.
De Weerd: Council, questions?
Little Roberts: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Little Roberts.
Little Roberts: Not a question, but am just happy that we are proceeding on this. I
would definitely like to see us go ahead and -- and have that discussion in July and --
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: It's been a long road, but I -- and I realize this shouldn't be -- this really should
be a state issue, so that it can be handled properly, but it looks like the state isn't going
to do anything about it. Maybe if enough cities come together and get on board and --
and say enough is enough and this is a human rights issue, then, maybe the state will
do what they should do and pass this. So, I'm all for pursuing it and -- and hearing the
public comment.
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: You know, I know of cities that have approached this and -- but I would just say
the city could have done a better job and I know of cities that have approached this --
this topic and have done -- done their due diligence and have done a spectacular job
and I think they have crafted an ordinance that very much benefited their cities. So, my
question to you, Mr. Borton, is have we contacted or do you have plans of reaching out
to different cities to -- sort of what you said, you know, take -- you know, learn from who
has done it the right way and also those who have done it, you know, in a way that has
benefited their cities.
Borton: Madam Mayor. Yes. Yes. That's already been done. It will continue to be
done. We have already got a draft of this season prepared, which needs to be vetted
and run through the course, but that's kind of a culmination -- at least a first crack at
learning how other communities -- not only that's the substance of what the ordinance
would look like, but, really, the process to get there that makes it effective. That gives
all of us good input from the public and an opportunity to make the right decision at the
right time for the right reasons in the right way, so it's successful going forward. So,
yes.
Bernt: Madam Mayor, follow up?
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June 12, 2018
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De Weerd: Uh-huh.
Bernt: What was the -- you know, I think this was first brought up and I remember in a
debate during my campaign this was one of the questions and I think there wasn't a
single person that was -- you know, that was against it, but has -- what has been the
community's point of view? What -- what has been their -- their response to us? I know
that we did a city-wide survey last year and I know this was one of the questions, but
what has been the response from the citizens of Meridian in the past in regard to this
specifically? Has it been welcomed? Is it they want it or --
Borton: Madam Mayor. I think, Treg, it's been all over the board. It really has. We
really haven't gotten to this stage, quite frankly, though. So, we are in this process and
gathering that public input at this stage will be important for all of us.
De Weerd: I think in the city survey it was fairly neutral, 50 something percent.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Mr. Borton, can you maybe walk us through kind of the -- the mindset for this
three month process? So, first reading in July. Second reading in August. Action in
September -- I can't recall a time that we have kind of looked a policy over that long of a
period of time and I'm just curious where -- where the intention is coming from and what
we are hoping to gain by what appears to be a very long and drawn out process?
Borton: Madam Mayor. Don't call me Mr. Borton, call me Joe. So, the intent is
assuming that it's going to require perhaps a little more public input than some of the
other ordinances that we passed that might not have as much public interest. Things
can go faster. It certainly can. But, really, the goal of it -- not necessarily setting hard
and fast certainty, but putting some structure; right? One of the -- the goals of trying to
have these types of discussion amongst us and take action on policy that any of us
think are important is that we set an in gate and a due date and we meet it or we -- we
address whatever circumstances prevent us from -- from meeting that date. So, it
seems as though -- again, because we are not taking or laboring in a lot of underlying
work, that it's feasible to do, but it's also an important issue that we might have a lot of
public comment on that might necessitate stretching it out those 90 days.
De Weerd: Any other -- yes, Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: Madam Mayor, Councilman Borton --
Borton: Yes.
Palmer: -- you had mentioned a few of the -- the points, employment, housing -- can
you give me the rest of those again?
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June 12, 2018
Page 26 of 32
Borton: Madam Mayor. That's -- that's the question that we haven't answered; right?
There is community that have included and excluded certain components of that
housing employment, public accommodation are primary areas to focus on providing
that discriminatory protection, but there is some -- some variety in how other
communities -- not only in Idaho, but outside of Idaho have addressed it and why they
have. They have received public input, which is emphasized one area perhaps over
another or perhaps a fourth area. I think that's -- that's the information gathering that --
that we need to do, which probably is what necessitates kind of the longer process to
make sure we have -- we have captured the best intent.
Palmer: Madam Mayor, follow up. What does public accommodation mean?
Borton: Public facilities. Facilities where the public is invited.
Palmer: And is owned by the public, but like a business.
Borton: Yes.
Palmer: Madam Mayor. Then would we -- I'm hesitant to move forward on that issue
given, you know, that we are not -- we don't have a firm answer from the Supreme Court
as to the constitutionality of being able to tell a business you can't discriminate. We
know that in that instance, in that circumstance, you know, you would be able to claim
religious reasons as to why you don't want to serve somebody, but it didn't really
answer the question more broadly that -- really that we need and I am -- I'm never in the
mood for telling a business how they are going to conduct their business, who they are
going to serve. I think we are -- we are asking for some chaos in this room that isn't
necessary. Again, I mean I -- no one has ever come into it -- I mean we have 30
minutes open at the beginning of every meeting and no one's taken advantage of that to
come and say, hey, I wasn't able to get this job or I got fired from the shop because -- or
I wasn't able to get this housing because -- I mean I imagine it exists, I'm sure that's why
we are having that discussion today, but I don't know if the problem exists enough or is
obvious enough for -- that there is no -- I don't see anybody asking for it. It's like we are
looking to do something. I mean is there examples of others that have seen or know of
here in Meridian this is a problem that we need to solve?
Milam: Madam Mayor?
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Milam: I have heard some instances where it has been a problem. One big issue,
though, is it's very difficult for these individuals to come forward, because there is no
protection. There is retaliation. There is -- there are a lot of issues that -- it's not as
easy as coming to a public hearing and saying, hey, I was discriminated against
because of my behavior. They are subject to, you know, harassment and judging all the
time and so it's not -- it's just not as easy as that. Now, maybe if we have a public
Meridian City Council Workshop
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Page 27 of 32
hearing maybe we will get some -- get some people to come up and be brave and be
willing to do that, but I don't know how large of a problem it is, but I have heard that
there definitely are in -- and as we are the second largest city in the state of Idaho -- I
don't know. There were 13 other cities -- how many other cities have done it? I just -- I
think it's important that they are heard and in my opinion get that protection.
Cavener: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Cavener.
Cavener: Maybe a point that it's important for us to remember as we embark on this
type of journey related to these issues is today we are just talking about should we
continue to have the conversation. Should we invite the public to participate, which I
think would give Mr. Palmer the opportunity to hear from people. We all are elected
because people in the community think that we are a mechanism for them to have their
voice heard. I, along with Council Woman Milam have heard from some in our
community that have felt they have been on the wrong side of this law and would like to
have the opportunity to have their voice heard. Whether they choose to participate will
be incumbent upon them. But I think today's discussion isn't should we implement a
nondiscrimination ordinance or should we not and what it should include, but, rather, do
we as a Council, as a body, support moving forward in the discussion, inviting the public
to participate, looking at something that is tangible as far as ordinance language that we
as individuals can say, yes, this meets the needs of our community or, no, it does not. I
think that's really where the discussion is today.
Borton: Madam Mayor, that is spot on. That's the direction. There is a lot of discussion
to come forward. We can talk offline because it takes -- it will take a lot more time to get
into the weeds on kind of the legal landscape of this. In my perspective, any argument
that its discriminatory practices are too rare or they are not frequent enough or absurd --
quite frankly, in my opinion, and if it's one it's one too many and it has no place in the
city. I think that ought to be part of our discussion down the road. We are to set the
stage looking for direction to proceed forward and continue that dialogue, so move
forward. Consensus to go? And lots of debate coming forward. And that's part of my
comment -- my last comment is kind of the open-minded perspective we all have as we
go through any of these policy discussions, whether it's an election process or
discrimination ordinance or whatnot, I think that's one of our charges is to have that
open mind and open ears and, hopefully, we go through this process with that in mind,
so --
Palmer: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Palmer.
Palmer: The thing is with nondiscrimination laws is that you're just trading an
opportunity for discrimination from one person to another. As it stands right now a
business has the opportunity to discriminate against somebody at their own potential
Meridian City Council Workshop
June 12, 2018
Page 28 of 32
loss of revenue, but if we put this kind of thing into place, then, we are discriminating
against the business owners' right to decide who they are going to conduct their
business on -- and so I would just hope that, you know, the language of the draft or
whatever draft that we present to the public, would include a -- a clause for religious
freedom, frankly, for somebody to be able to say, you know what, long before this was
ever anything anyone was ever concerned about this is how I stood religiously and that
hasn't changed just because somebody wants to come cause a scene, they shouldn't
have to change their ways.
Bernt: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Bernt.
Bernt: Councilman Palmer, I completely respect your point of view and I would hope
that you would debate this, you know, in a month or two when we talk about it, you
know, and so -- I mean I understand where you're coming from and I'm not saying
disagree or agree or whatever, but I believe that what everyone is saying is that let's just
talk about it, you know, let's get the public input and -- and see if it's something that we
are going to do and I don't think the discussion is going to -- is going to hurt the situation
or, you know, move it backward at all. I think it's always awesome to listen to -- you
know, listening from the -- the public to see what their point of view is and -- and discuss
amongst this body, I think it's healthy and hopefully, Councilman Palmer, when that time
comes up that you will continue to express your concerns the way you have today.
Borton: Okay. Thank you.
Item 9: Ordinances
A. Ordinance No. 18-1783: (H-2018-0017 Wells Subdivision): An
Ordinance (H-2018-0017— Wells Subdivision) For Annexation
Of A Parcel Of Land Located In The Se'/4 Of The Sw'/4 Of
Section 29, Township 3 North, Range 1 East, Boise Meridian,
Ada County, Idaho, As Described In Attachment "A" And
Annexing Certain Lands And Territory, Situated In Ada County,
Idaho, And Adjacent And Contiguous To The Corporate Limits
Of The City Of Meridian As Requested By The City Of Meridian;
Establishing And Determining The Land Use Zoning
Classification Of 14.80 Acres Of Land From Rut To R-4
(Medium Low Density Residential) Zoning District In The
Meridian City Code; Providing That Copies Of This Ordinance
Shall Be Filed With The Ada County Assessor, The Ada County
Recorder, And The Idaho State Tax Commission, As Required
By Law; And Providing For A Summary Of The Ordinance; And
Providing For A Waiver Of The Reading Rules; And Providing
An Effective Date.
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Page 29 of 32
De Weerd: Thank you. Item 9-A is -- has been requested to vacate from the agenda
and so we don't need a motion for that.
B. Ordinance No. 18-1784: (H-2018-0016 - Fire Station #6): An
Ordinance For The Annexation Of A Parcel Of Land Shown On
Record Of Survey Number 9227, Recorded As Instrument No.
112056125, Ada County Records, Located In The Northwest
One Quarter Of The Northwest One Quarter Of Section 24,
Township 3 North, Range 1 West, Boise Meridian, Ada County,
Idaho, As Described In Attachment "A" And Annexing Certain
Lands And Territory, Situated In Ada County, Idaho, And
Adjacent And Contiguous To The Corporate Limits Of The City
Of Meridian As Requested By The City Of Meridian;
Establishing And Determining The Land Use Zoning
Classification Of 1.99 Acres Of Land From Rut To R-8 (Medium
Density Residential) Zoning District In The Meridian City Code;
Providing That Copies Of This Ordinance Shall Be Filed With
The Ada County Assessor, The Ada County Recorder, And
The Idaho State Tax Commission, As Required By Law; And
Providing For A Summary Of The Ordinance; And Providing
For A Waiver Of The Reading Rules; And Providing An
Effective Date.
De Weerd: Item 9-B is Ordinance 18-1784. Mr. Clerk, will you read this by title.
Coles: Thank you, Madam Mayor. City of Meridian Ordinance No. 18-1784, an
ordinance file H-2018-0016, Fire Station #6, for annexation of a parcel of land shown on
record of survey number 9227, recorded as Instrument No. 112056125, Ada County
Records, located in the northwest one quarter of the northwest one quarter of Section
24, Township 3 North, Range 1 West, Boise meridian, Ada county, Idaho, as described
in Attachment "A" and annexing certain lands and territory, situated in Ada county,
Idaho, and adjacent and contiguous to the corporate limits of the City of Meridian as
requested by the City of Meridian; establishing and determining the land use zoning
classification of 1.99 acres of land from RUT to R-8, Medium Density Residential Zoning
District, in the Meridian City Code; providing that copies of this ordinance shall be filed
with the Ada County Assessor, the Ada County Recorder, and the Idaho State Tax
Commission, as required by law; and providing for a summary of the ordinance; and
providing for a waiver of the reading rules; and providing an effective date.
De Weerd: Okay. You have heard this read. I don't see anyone wishing to hear it read.
Do I have a motion?
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Meridian City Council Workshop
June 12, 2018
Page 30 of 32
Milam: I move that we approve Ordinance No. 18-1784 with suspension of rules.
Little Roberts: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second. If there is no discussion, Mr. Clerk, will you
call roll.
Roll call: Borton, yea; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts, yea;
Bernt, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
C. Ordinance No. 18-1785: (H-2018-0012 - Oberg Subdivision): An
Ordinance For The Annexation Of A Parcel Of Land Being A
Portion Of Government Lot 3, Located In Section 5, Township
3 North, Range 1 East, Boise Meridian, Ada County, Idaho, As
Described In Attachment "A" And annexing Certain Lands And
Territory, Situated In Ada County, Idaho, And Adjacent And
Contiguous To The Corporate Limits Of The City Of Meridian
As Requested By The City Of Meridian; Establishing And
Determining The Land Use Zoning Classification Of 4.787
Acres Of Land From Rut To R-15 (Medium High Density
Residential) Zoning District In The Meridian City Code;
Providing That Copies Of This Ordinance Shall Be Filed With
The Ada County Assessor, The Ada County Recorder, And The
Idaho State Tax Commission, As Required By Law; And
Providing For A Summary Of The Ordinance; And Providing
For A Waiver Of The Reading Rules; And Providing An
Effective Date.
De Weerd: 9-C is Ordinance 18-1785. Mr. Clerk, will you, please, read this by title.
Coles: Thank you, Madam Mayor. City of Meridian Ordinance No. 18-1785, an
ordinance file H-2018-0012, Oberg Subdivision, for annexation of a parcel of land being
a portion of Government Lot 3, located in Section 5, Township 3 North, Range 1 East,
Boise meridian, Ada county, Idaho, as described in Attachment "A" and annexing
certain lands and territory, situated in Ada county, Idaho, and adjacent and contiguous
to the corporate limits of the City of Meridian as requested by the City of Meridian;
establishing and determining the land use zoning classification of 4.787 acres of land
from RUT to R-15, Medium High Density Residential Zoning District, in the Meridian City
Code; providing that copies of this ordinance shall be filed with the Ada County
Assessor, the Ada County Recorder, and the Idaho State Tax Commission, as required
by law; and providing for a summary of the ordinance; and providing for a waiver of the
reading rules; and providing an effective date.
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June 12, 2018
Page 31 of 32
De Weerd: Okay. Council, seeing no desire to hear it read --
Milam: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mrs. Milam.
Milam: Move that we approve Ordinance No. 18-1785 with suspension of rules.
Little Roberts: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to approve Item 9-C. Mr. Clerk, will you call
roll.
Roll call: Borton, yea; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts, yea;
Bernt, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes. Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
Item 10: Future Meeting Topics
De Weerd: Any items under Item 10? Council, we do have some upcoming events.
For Mr. Bernt, just the budget workshops start tomorrow, Wednesday, 1:00 to 5:00 and
Thursday 8:00 to 1:00. We have our Comp Plan listening sessions that kickoff this
evening from 5:00 to 6:00 and tomorrow evening from 4:30 to 5:30. There is a Father's
Day weekend classic car show at Meadow Lake Village that you have all been invited to
from 10:00 to 1:00 and we have a dedication of the Meridian Mill Mural on the Zamzow's
building on Monday from 5:00 to 6:00.
Item 11: Amended: Executive Session per Idaho State Code 74-206(1)(a): To
consider hiring a public officer, employee, staff member or
individual agent, wherein the respective qualities of
individuals are to be evaluated in order to fill a particular
vacancy or need; 74-206(1)(d): To consider records that are
exempt from disclosure as provided in chapter 1, title 74,
Idaho Code; 74-206(1)(f): To communicate with legal counsel for the
public agency to discuss the legal ramifications of and legal options
for pending litigation, or controversies not yet being litigated but
imminently likely to be litigated and 74-206(1)6): To consider labor
contract matters authorized under section 67-2345A [74-206A](1)(a)
and (b), Idaho Code
De Weerd: With that I would entertain a motion to adjourn into Executive Session.
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June 12, 2018
Page 32 of 32
Borton: Madam Mayor?
De Weerd: Mr. Borton.
Borton: I move we go into Executive Session pursuant to Idaho Code 74-2061, (1)-
(a),(b), (d), (f) and Q).
Cavener: Second.
De Weerd: I have a motion and a second to adjourn into Executive Session. Mr. Clerk,
will you call roll.
Roll call: Borton, yea; Milam, yea; Cavener, yea; Palmer, yea; Little Roberts, yea;
Bernt, yea.
De Weerd: All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
EXECUTIVE SESSION: (4:35 p.m. to 6:47 p.m.)
De Weerd: I would entertain a motion to come out of Executive Session.
Milam: So moved.
Cavener: Second.
De Weerd: All those in favor say aye. All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
De Weerd: I would entertain a motion to come out of Executive Session.
Cavener: So moved.
Borton: Second.
Little Roberts: Second.
De Weerd: All those in favor say aye.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
De Weerd: Do I have a motion to adjourn?
Borton: So moved.
Meridian City Council Workshop
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Page 33 of 32
Milam: Second.
De Weerd: All those in favor? All ayes.
MOTION CARRIED: ALL AYES.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 6:47 P.M.
(AUDIO�RE-RDING ON FILE OF THESE PROCEEDINGS)
M OR T DE RD DATE APPROVEC
ATTEST:
C. JAY CC
MI.