2019-02-07Meridian Planning and Zoning Meeting February 7, 2019.
Meeting of the Meridian Planning and Zoning Commission of February 7, 2019, was
called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chairman Jessica Perreault.
Members Present: Chairman Jessica Perreault, Commissioner Ryan Fitzgerald,
Commissioner Bill Cassinelli, Commissioner Lisa Holland, Commissioner Andrew Seal
and Commissioner Reid Olsen.
Members Absent: Commissioner Rhonda McCarvel.
Others Present: C.Jay Coles, Andrea Pogue, Bill Parsons, Sonya Allen, Stephanie
Leonard and Dean Willis.
Item 1: Roll-call Attendance
__X____ Lisa Holland ___X___ Reid Olsen
__X___ Andrew Seal ___X___ Ryan Fitzgerald
__X___ Rhonda McCarvel ___X___ Bill Cassinelli
___X___ Jessica Perreault - Chairman
Perreault: Okay. I think we are about ready to start. Good evening, ladies and
gentlemen. Before we do roll call I would like to welcome our new commissioners, Mr.
Andrew Seal here to my left and Mr. Reid Olsen down here at the end.
Fitzgerald: Welcome, guys.
Perreault: We are excited to have them, so try to go easy on them this evening. Okay.
Let's begin with roll call.
Item 2: Adoption of Agenda
Perreault: Okay. Next is the adoption of the agenda. Can I get a motion to adopt the
agenda?
Perreault: Madam Chair, I moved we adopt agenda for January 17th -- or, I'm sorry,
February 7th. I'm looking at the wrong thing. Excuse me.
Holland: Second.
Perreault: It has been moved and seconded to adopt the agenda. All those in favor say
aye. Opposed? Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: SIX AYES. ONE ABSENT.
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Item 3: Consent Agenda [Action Item]
A. Approve Minutes of January 17, 2019 Planning and Zoning
Commission Meeting
Perreault: Next on the agenda No. 3 is the Consent Agenda to approve the minutes of
the January 17th, 2019, Planning and Zoning meeting. Could I get a motion to accept
the Consent -- Consent Agenda as presented?
Cassinelli: So moved.
Holland: Second.
Perreault: It has been moved and seconded to adopt the Consent Agenda. All those in
favor say aye. Opposed? Motion carried.
MOTION CARRIED: SIX AYES. ONE ABSENT.
Perreault: So, next we are going to explain the public hearing process and share a little
bit about how this evening's meeting will go. We will open each item individually and,
then, start with the staff report. The staff will report their findings regarding how the item
adheres to our Comprehensive Plan and the Uniform Development Code, with the staff's
recommendations. After the staff have made their presentation, the applicant will come
forward to present their case for the approval of their application and respond to any staff
comments. The applicant will have 15 minutes to make their presentation. After the
applicant has finished we will open up for public testimony . There is a sign-up sheet in
the back -- and, actually, we now have those on iPads there on the back table for anybody
who wishes to testify. Any person testifying will come forward and be allowed three
minutes. If they are speaking for a larger group, like an HOA, and there is a show of
hands to represent the group, they will be given up to ten minutes. After all testimony has
been heard, the applicant will be given another ten minutes to have an opportunity to
come back and respond if they desire to do so. We will, then, close the public hearing
and the Commissioners will have the opportunity to discuss and, hopefully, be able to
make a recommendation to City Council or a final decision if necessary.
Item 4: Action Items
A. Public Hearing Continued from December 20, 2018 for Alpina
Townhouse Subdivision (H-2018-0090) by A Team Consultants,
Located NE of W. Ustick Rd. and N. Linder Rd.
1. Request: Preliminary Plat consisting of 15 multi-family
building lots and 7 common lots on 3.99 acres; and
2. Request: Conditional Use Permit For a multi-family
development consisting of 60 multi-family residential units
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within 15 multi-family structures on 3.99 acres of land in an
existing C -C zoning district; and
3. Request: Modification of an Existing Development Agreement
to change an existing development agreement to change the
previously approved concept plan with a new concept plan
Perreault: So, at this time we will open the public hearing that has been continued from
December 20th, 2018, for the Alpina Townhouse Subdivision, H-2018-0090, and we will
begin with the staff report.
Parsons: Thank you, Madam Chair, Members of the Commission. This project has been
in front of you a couple times now, so, hopefully, we will get some resolution this evening.
I just want to get everyone reoriented with the project and kind of as to what they have
proposed since it's been several months since you have heard the whole -- entire -- this
application in its entirety. So, the site's located on the southeast corner -- or, excuse me,
the northeast corner of Ustick and Linder Roads. It's approximately 3.99 acres of land
that's currently zoned C-C in the city. As you recall back in 2014 the city did annex this
property in. As part of the annexation of that property there was a development
agreement that required -- showed a concept plan that had commercial uses on this
particular property and that's currently the recorded DA that governs the development of
the site. As we mentioned to you back when we first brought this to you in November,
the applicant is processing a DA modification before City Council on this application. You
are not taking action on that particular application , but in order for that use to move
forward on the site that DA does need to be amended and that concept plan tied to that
development agreement needs to be amended. So, keep that in mind as you deliberate
on this application. So, back on the 20th I provided a staff memo to you and gave you a
quick update as to what had transpired. If you recall during that hearing the Commission
was concerned that although this is a small piece, the applicant was proposing quite a bit
-- they had some multi-family. They came back to you on the 20th, went the opposite
direction and took off the commercial component and made it all residential with the plan
that's before you now. So, this does consists of a 15 build -- so, they are asking for a
conditional use permit and a preliminary plat to develop 60 residential units on the site, a
mixed use community designation. As testified at the last hearing we informed you that
mixed use community designations required a minimum of three land use types. Again,
in my memo that I prepared for you I had stated that if you're -- in your purview to find this
being consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. If you feel that this site is appropriate for
single use that's certainly within your purview, but based -- looking back through the
record it -- there was the -- my -- from my perspective in looking back at the records it
was the intent of this Commission to have at least two land uses on this particular property
and some commercial and that would happen with -- in conjunction with the property to
the north and so the -- the applicant was here on the 20th testifying to that affect. You
heard from the new owners of the land, they said they wanted more time to work with the
applicant and bring back another revised plan. So, that's what the applicant's done, he's
-- and that's part of the public record that I provided to you. So, this is the exhibit that
staff received early in the week. So, you can see here the applicant still is depicting the
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single family -- the single use on their particular project, the four-plex units at a total of 60
units to the acre, transitioning was some multi -- 55 and older multi-family and commercial
along Linder and, then, some townhomes along the north boundary. To the east we have
some commercial along the Ustick frontage and, then, transitioning to single family
homes. I would mention to you that this isn't ideally the typical way that we see the mixed
use developments. We usually have commercial transition to higher density and, then,
feather out to single family. So, I also wanted to point out to you that the plan here -- you
can't tie the applicant to this concept or this layout. Your purview is really the 3.99 acres
and trying to determine whether or not that single use is right for this particular property.
So, I at least wanted to get back and at least refresh your memory on what was discussed
and what you wanted the applicant to come back with . I would also mention to you that
the access points that are showing on -- at least the properties to the north and to the
east are conceptual in nature as well, so they will have to go back through the process,
get ACHD's approval. So, if you can see my cursor here, you're seeing three access
points, these are -- these are best guesses at this point. There is no certainty that ACHD
or the city would approve that many access points for this particular development. Now,
what I recall as part of our conversation when we were here is the Commission was
amenable to floating that mixed use designation when the property to the north came in
for annexation. The way I heard things was -- if you can see my cursor -- I thought you
wanted them to strip out commercial along some of their frontage on the Linder side and
float that up to the north, so the commercial node would be right at the intersection and,
then, transition to their -- their residential and, then, float to single family and the plan
that's before you isn't portrayed that way. So, I would remind Commission that when we
came back before you in November we did recommend denial and at this point that's
where staff's recommendation stands is for denial. I will go ahead and conclude my
presentation and I will stand for any other questions -- additional questions you may have.
Perreault: Any questions for staff?
Fitzgerald: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald: Bill, do you under -- my understanding is this -- the single family, multi-family
section that is around it is single owner; is that correct? Or is that multiple owners?
Parsons: Madam Chair, Members of the Commission, I'm -- I'm not sure the -- when I
looked at the record back on the 20th it sounds like there is multiple owners that own the
northern property and, then, a single owner to the east, if I'm correct.
Fitzgerald: You have two to three owners is my understanding.
Parsons: That is correct.
Fitzgerald: Thank you.
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Perreault: Okay. Would the applicant like to come forward, please. Please state your
name and address for the record.
Arnold: Madam Chair, Members of the Commission, for the record my name is Steve
Arnold. I'm with A Team Land Consultants. Business address is 1785 Whisper Cove,
Boise. 83709. I will kind of give you a rough recap for the new Commissioners here, kind
of, of our project. We started out originally with two uses on the site with the -- an office
building and, then, the multi-family and at our last hearing one of the directions from the
Commission was to go work with the neighboring property on a circulation plan. So, we
have -- we have -- at that time we agreed to table the site, so that we could meet with
them. We have had that chance to meet with them and the developer has had
communications with them. We prepared this map and it's my understanding that they
are in agreement with what we are proposing as a circulation plan. I have put these
access points on here based on my experience with ACHD. ACHD requires a minimum
of 660 feet from the intersection before you can get full access and that was what we
were presenting to the Commission that, you know, this -- this site had been a retail office
use and it was -- it's been for sale for the last five, six years with no outcome, because of
the concerns -- the issues that people had with buying something with limited access. We
started out showing an access point on Linder and, then, we -- after discussion with the
Commission that we were going to -- the direction from this board was to go with the
single use, because the -- the two uses didn't seem to blend very well and it was really
difficult to make something like that on such a small site that mix in there. So, the direction
first to go around was to eliminate that and, then, we -- when we eliminated that use we
also got rid of the access point onto the Linder. We were working with the neighbors to
the north and we decided at that point that, you know, the access onto Linder would best
shifted further to the north, thus, getting further away from the intersection and that would
be right-in, right-out. The middle one I think, you know, based on ACHD's policies we
could have that, you know, granted, you're not acting on that tonight , but I laid this out
based on my best knowledge with ACHD and, then, we also continued cross-access to
the east, so that that could eventually be connected to a public street. I put the public
streets all on intersections where there is already public streets on the other side of the
road or where those other intersection s will most likely end up. So, that's kind of the --
the thought behind this circulation plan. For those new Commissioners as well, this site
we have got just about an acre of open space. So, we are providing three amenities, a
putting green, dog park -- actually, there is four. And, then, we have got a community
garden area and, then, at the hard corner we are doing, you know, another sitting area
with some open art at that -- at the intersection. We don't have that completely figured
out right now, but we have got an area reserved for that. Unlike a lot of other multi-family,
we are providing quite a bit of additional parking spaces. We have got 134 showed --
shown, 120 is required by code. The building -- I don't know if -- the building is fairly
unique. This developer has done several of the projects in the valley. They have -- in
Meridian. We have gotten the Shadow Creek, Timber Grove and Stone's Throw and the
-- the unique part about this building is you have got an apartment -- a townhouse feel,
but it is an apartment building. Each of the units -- it has its own -- there is no one living
above you, so there is an entrance on all four sides of the building. So, it's not your
typical, you know, garden style walk up. They are a very attractive building that is -- that
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rents out very well and they get a very good rent for them. So, the product type that we
are putting in there is a higher quality than most apartments that you see. I know when
working with Bill earlier that was some of the thoughts with our amenities and buildings
was to create kind of that premier multi-family project. So, it was my understanding --
and maybe I'm confused with this, but the staff, based on some of the direction from the
Commission and the changes that we did in the plan, gave us conditions that could be
conditions of approval and I -- I thought at our last hearing when I asked the Commission,
you know, if we eliminated the office use was this something -- a direction that the
Commission would go towards and I thought at the time that we had staff recommendation
of approval at that time. So, Bill, correct me if I'm wrong, we went from the
recommendation for denial to working here with the Commission showing how things
would circulate in the area, showing how we could float that commercial component and
that was the last direction I understood.
Parsons: Madam Chair, Members of the Commission, I don't want to take too much of
the applicant's time here, because he does get 15 minutes, but I did want to go back to
the memo that I did prepare. If you recall, staff's recommendation has always been denial
on this project. The way I -- I said in -- in -- in the staff's memo that I prepared for you is
that we were supportive of the revised layout for the single use, but it's predicated on this
Commission body to determine whether or not a single use is appropriate for this site and
we prepared some traffic conditions in case you felt inclined to approve th is use on this
particular property. So, no way has staff changed their recommendation. What we have
done is set you up to feel like if the applicant has provided enough justification or
argument for a single use for this particular property, it was trying to set you up if you felt
swayed that his -- his -- he was more persuasive than staff's stance on it, then, you had
an opportunity and we had the ability for you to look at some conditions and move this
forward to our City Council. That was the intent behind that. So, it wasn't staff -- staff did
not change their recommendation on the project.
Arnold: Thanks, Bill, for the clarification. So, for the new commissioners, again, the
reason that we were coming in with a single use we couldn't get access to pencil with the
proposed commercial we would need to get cross -access to the neighboring properties
in order for that to work and, frankly, the way ACHD's policies have changed -- this
property was originally approved with full access onto Ustick and right-in, right-out on
Linder. ACHD has since changed their access policies, which restricted both to right-in,
right-out. So, in our opinion, it makes more sense to put a commercial use and what you
have in front of you is what was -- previously is what has been approved, but that use
with those access points right now is no longer feasible. So, what we are asking the P&Z
-- the Commission to do is to float -- if their desire is to have commercial here further to
the north or east to where there is better access points. I guess with that I will stand for
any questions.
Perreault: Any questions for the applicant?
Cassinelli: Madam Chair?
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Perreault: Commissioner Cassinelli.
Cassinelli: I got a couple of questions I guess. Looking back at that -- can you pull up
that -- that new drawing, Bill. Thank you. The property to the east, the commercial there,
have you talked to that -- to the owner there or you just drawing that out as -- as that --
Arnold: Commissioner Cassinelli, no, that -- we have not had communications with that
owner. The owner to the north of us has been the most vocal . That cross-access to
either say -- or, you know, if they develop in the future and they want just all single family
use or they come in with a use that's not compatible with the -- the multi-family, that
process doesn't need to be extended for our use or theirs. I just put it in there as an
example of how that would work. I showed the commercial up front on Ustick there,
because, there again, you have got the future intersection of a road that will eventually
go north and tie into the stub and that location the commercial use would have full access
to Ustick Road.
Cassinelli: Okay. But you haven't -- you haven't had any communication --
Arnold: No. No direct communication.
Cassinelli: Okay. The other thing -- and I will just -- I will -- my understanding -- so, just
kind of -- I -- I don't know if everybody else is on the same page here with me , but my
understanding from the last time that we were together was not to have a -- come back
with just a circulation plan, but I was -- I was thinking that the communication you were
going to have with the owner to the north was really to develop -- to come back with a --
it was with a plan for full development and really turning that entire area into -- into the
multi-use with -- you know, with, hopefully, three -- three different types of uses there and
not just a circulation plan. I don't know -- kind of see what others think, but that was my
-- that was my thought, but you came back and you're saying that your takeaway from
last time was to come back with a circulation plan; is that correct on that?
Arnold: Yeah. So, the -- at the last meeting that we had we had the representative of the
owner -- of the buyer to the north, he said, you know, basically timeout, we want to look
-- we are buying this property, we want to make sure that this works for our site and that's
when the Commission tabled it at that time. We, then, met with them and said, look, you
know, we could float this either way, the cross-access point, on any, you know, part of
our north boundary and, you know, they just haven't -- I think they are a long ways away
from submitting the development, but it was -- at that time I don't think the Commission
was directing them to submit application or to come up with a specific plan , I think the
direction was for us to go work with them to make sure that they were accepted --
acceptable with the location.
Fitzgerald: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Fitzgerald.
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Fitzgerald: And I -- I will somewhat echo what you said, because I think -- you know, I
appreciate all the work you have done and the circulation plan was -- one of the concepts
was where the access points are going to be. I think the concept of we are going to float
this multi-use up into that -- we have to have more than I think -- I think what we are
seeing. Maybe that's what -- I think what -- I think we are trying to get across. I think we
are -- what's highest and best use versus what was already approved versus what you
guys are bringing to us now and how does -- this is a hard corner, it is a commercial
corner somewhat that's already been approved and wha t is -- fits best there -- and I
understand the access points -- component you're -- you're talking about. I think my
thought was access points also, but also what are you bringing up there and I think that
the heat map -- or I mean the bubble map is -- is helpful, but I'm not sure it gives us all
the pieces we were looking for.
Perreault: Okay. Any other questions for the applicant?
Arnold: If I may, the problem with doing that is we are -- we are -- we have submitted an
application. I could show you whatever you want on that and there is not a real application
on that piece of property. What you have before you tonight is 3.9 acres of what we are
proposing and even though you see that, I mean it's -- you're not acting on that and that's
why I -- I tried to leave kind of a loose bubble concept of how things would work . When
you get into the specific -- specific commercial buildings, I mean you will have different
layouts for all that and, you know, that -- that could be, you know, years down the road
before that ever gets defined with an end user. So, that's why I didn't -- I mean I -- I can't
-- it would -- it would be deceiving to you guys if I did it just to show you something that
worked and I'm not about that.
Perreault: Questions? Okay. Thank you very much. Do we have anyone signed up to
testify?
Coles: Thank you, Madam Chair. We do have one. Denise LaFever.
Perreault: Okay. Please come forward.
LaFever: Hello. My name is Denise LaFever and I live at 6706 North Salvia Way and my
mom actually lives in the neighborhood right behind this and what we are looking at here
is -- right there we -- we have already discussed it. It's zoned commercial. This is a hard
corner. It -- right across here you have -- on Ustick that has been expanded to four lanes.
We are going to be expanding Linder to four lanes. They are -- they are talking -- it was
just in the Mayor's address that they are looking at putting a bridge over Ustick. What a
sweet, sweet corner this is for commercial. Access all the way to Kuna, all the way to
Eagle. You have got rooftops. You have got traffic counts. Let's see if I can figure out
how to change this. You already saw that. That's what was proposed. It has been
proposed as commercial. Right here back in 2014 when this applicant -- application went
through there was a lot of holes in here that didn't have rooftops. Since then those have
also been developed. Sawtooth is done. White Castle is done. I can go on with lists of
houses that are in these blank spaces from back there. We just talked about Linder,
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Ustick and the expansions and where it's going to go and how far that road is going to go
from Kuna all the way to Eagle. It's a great sweet hard corner in an area that is desperate
for commercial. Try to find a restaurant. Go up to Rudy's. It's busy all the time. Go to
Gino's. It's busy all the time. Homestead -- there is just not enough commercial in this
area to service the area that's there. Right here -- I'm not sure if everybody's already
seen this or not. These are the permits that have already been pulled from multi -family.
There are a lot of permits that have been pulled, especially last year, 1,128 units
permitted. This year alone over 300 permitted. That doesn't even count the number of
annexed that haven't been permitted yet. We have a lot of multi -family properties on the
north side of I-84. Furthermore, this development fails to get some of the things that we
like to see in multi-family development. One, it's not located near a park. Nearby
definition when you talk to folks it's a quarter of a mile. This isn't near a park. It's not near
an employment center. That's another area that we like to locate those at. In addition,
we are right in the middle of a Comprehensive Plan. The area that's right around that is
open. It's a prime area to go back through and do a backage road and actually allow
even more commercial to go in there. Once again you have got rooftops now that -- that
didn't exist back in 2014. You have got lanes. You have got property to the north that's
now available for redevelopment where the owner in the past didn't want to sell , he liked
having his sheep there. I would like you to deny this application. I think the conceptual
plan is not well put together. It isn't in consensus with the other owners. If you don't deny
it today, at least give the applicant an opportunity to withdraw and come back with a co -
application with the other owners around it.
Perreault: Thank you. Is there anyone else in the room that would like to testify? Okay.
Excellent. Please come forward. State your name and address for the record.
Naumann: Matt Naumann. 6202 South McDermott in Nampa.
Perreault: Okay.
Naumann: But I worked for Cushman Wakefield. I'm actually the selling broker on this
land and so I just wanted to respond to her comments a little bit . I also have the land to
the south for sale and so I have been working on these two parcels for over two years. I
have talked to CVS, to Walgreens, to every gas station in the town, to fast food, to retail
strip center people -- no retail wants to be here. Everyone wants to be at Ten Mile and
Chinden, you know, Linder and -- Linder and Chinden, Ten Mile and Chinden, Ten Mile
and McMillan. That's where all the retail is going, that's where all the strip center is going.
We tried to sell this land to every retail user we can find and there is none that want to be
on this corner and so, you know, your, in my opinion hurting the landowner, basically
saying you can't sell your land, because there is no retail that wants to be there and so
I'm not disagreeing that it would be a good retail corner if you could find some retail that
wants to be there and there is not. You know, for two years I reached out to everybody I
can reach out to and so, you know, I just ask that you take that into consideration when
you're trying to decide what to do with this parcel and, then, go from there.
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Perreault: Thank you. What -- what have been the reasons they have given for not being
interested in that corner, if I may ask?
Naumann: Well, so the gas station -- you got Fast Eddy's just down the way and, then,
Maverick just built a huge one down the other way, so they don't feel there is a need for
gas stations. In terms of a CVS and Walgreens -- Walgreens has one a mile away and
CVS has no desire to be that close. They feel like Walgreens has saturated that area.
You know, fast food, they just -- they want more traffic counts. They want to be in a
different area. And so, you know, the strip centers with your Costcos and your Wincos
and everything going on at Chinden, it's just more synergy and so there is just not the
desire for the retail to be in this area and so, you know, due to -- there may be some
niche, you know, a dentist or a doctor's office that you could put in there potentially, but
outside of that you're not going to get your high end retail or your -- your strip malls and
your -- those sorts of things are not going to end up on this corner. So, if it's going to be
commercial, the only commercial you're going to get to go there is going to be, you know,
a dentist or a doctor's office that, you know, wants to be in that location.
Perreault: Thank you.
Naumann: Thank you.
Perreault: Is there anyone else in the room that would like to testify?
Reynolds: Good evening. My name is Sally Reynolds. I reside at 1166 West Bacall
Street in Meridian. So, I am actually on the new steering committee for the
Comprehensive Plan for the City of Meridian and I just wanted to stand as a member of
that Comprehensive Plan committee and remind everyone that we are in the middle of
redoing that and there have been so many changes since the last comp plan that we --
we are making some -- some really big changes to it right now. So, for this corner to be
changed into residential from commercial at this time I don't think it is the right time to do
that. I do understand that sometimes it can be a struggle to have commercial entities
who are interested in the land, but I think that we do have the rooftops and I think that
with the expansion of Linder Village we will have the traffic counts and I think that with
Costco and Winco both being approved with this corner being as hard as it -- as it is, I
think that the commercial will come forward. It might not be in the timeline that the
applicant wants, but I think that it will happen. Thank you.
Perreault: Thank you. If there is no one else here to testify, would the applicant like to
come forward? Do you have anything else to share with us?
Arnold: Well, I guess, Madam Chair, Members of the Commission, what I would add to
that, you know, there has been a statement about the demand for the commercial and
retail and you have got another -- a commercial broker up here telling he has worked on
it for several years and it just hasn't worked. Increased traffic -- it's not going to increase
access and the -- the key there is access. You have got a proposed for multi-family that
doesn't need that high -- high level of access that both commercial or retail will need. So,
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if there ever is the demand or the traffic increases, that doesn't increase ACHD's ability
to grant this parcel access. There was a statement about the number of multi-family, the
number of permits and that there -- you know, there is too much. We are at a 2.3 percent
vacancy in Ada County. You know, a normal vacancy's rate is around four to five. There
is a huge demand right now for that type of living and that location, although it's not good
for retail or commercial, it will work fine for multi-family. That's all I have to add and I will
stand for questions.
Perreault: Any questions for the applicant? All right. Thank you.
Arnold: Thanks.
Perreault: At this time can I get a motion to close the public hearing?
Fitzgerald: Madam Chair, I move we close the public hearing on H-2018-0090.
Cassinelli: Second.
Perreault: It has been moved and seconded to close the public hearing for Alpina
Townhouse Subdivision H-2018-0090. All those in favor say aye. None opposed?
Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: SIX AYES. ONE ABSENT.
Perreault: Who would like to begin?
Cassinelli: Let the new guys go. I will throw it out there. I -- I'm definitely inclined to go
with staff's recommendation on this. I know that, you know, what -- what we have heard
that, you know, retail doesn't want to go in there right now and I -- I get that. I don't think
this is a bad plan for the corner, but I believe it has to interact with that to get that -- that
mixed use. It's got to work with the -- with that property to the north and possibly even
that little -- that little sliver to the east and it may take -- it may take a long time. It may
take a couple years to finally get that whole -- that whole parcel together, but I think it's
got to be done right and maybe ultimately what will be built there are -- you know, is this
-- are these four-plexes to fit in with everything else there, but I just -- as it stands on its
own it, it -- it just doesn't work by its own without integrating those other pieces.
Fitzgerald: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald: And, Steve, I give you a ton of credit for being patient with us. The challenge
I have is similar to what Commissioner Cassinelli said. I -- we have a pretty singular shot
to do that area well and I think without having an understanding of how to float that north
with mixed use, I'm not sure if it fits, right, individually and is the highest and best uses
what's already there or if we have to wait a little bit longer to make sure we do it right. So ,
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I'm kind of going along with staff as well, but I would love to hear my other commissioners'
comments.
Holland: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Holland.
Holland: You know, I want to thank the applicant, too, for coming back. This is the third
time we have -- we have heard this application and I think they have been trying to be
very flexible and trying to work with the property owners up north. As far as the -- the site
plan itself, if we could just pick it up and move it into a high densit y subdivision I think it
would be a great fit. I like the site plan. I think they have done a very good job of bringing
additional amenities, having plenty of parking, having lots of green space. It's -- it's very
creative, it looks nice, it's a different kind of product than we have from a lot of the other
multi-family projects. So, I'm torn because as a site plan -- I mean if I look at this just by
itself I really like the concept of it and I think it fits in Meridian.
Fitzgerald: Absolutely.
Holland: I wish it was a ten acre parcel, so that we couldn't have to worry about the -- the
access issues, but it is a real concern for this parcel developing in the future. I wish that
we could have a joint application where -- where they can work together to do a really
nice master planned section of town, because it is a corner that -- it's a high visibility
corner, it's going to only continue growing invisibility, especially with some of those
roadway improvements coming up. The challenge, too, is, you know, we could approve
it and hope for the best with what happens with the property to the north, but that site plan
hasn't got in front of us and we can't consider it really as part of this application and that's
where I'm stuck, too, because I really like this -- I like the layout of it and that's -- it's a
tough spot to be in. I think I agree with the other comments that have been made.
Cassinelli: She said it best.
Fitzgerald: Yeah. She did it very articulate.
Perreault: Any additional --
Olsen: Madam Chair, I'm -- I'm sorry, but --
Perreault: Commissioner Olsen.
Olsen: -- I don't have any comment I could make that would add to the conversation at
this time.
Perreault: Well, this is where our position becomes difficult, because we -- we are always
wanting to balance what is best for the applicant with what's best for the community and
that's what we are here for and so I -- I do completely agree with my fellow commissioners
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and -- and I think Commissioner Holland says it very well that -- that the applicant has
done a beautiful job with the development as it is and I don't -- I think it will be a great
addition to a larger -- a larger mixed use community and -- and I also am in agreement
with staff, not because of the individual project itself, but just because it's single use in a
multi-use area and we have to just take into account this specific piece and it will be
fantastic to know what was going on in the surrounding properties , but we don't at this
time. So, that being said, do we have a motion?
Holland: Madam Chair, one other thought just to throw out before I make a motion. I
know in the first site plan we got on this project there was some commercial initially
proposed on the west side for a small office unit. Not that I want the applicant to come
back another time, but I'm wondering if that's something we want to offer up is another
alternative if they wanted to reconfigure it one more time to add commercial back in or if
we think that we are just in a spot where we need to --
Fitzgerald: Madam Chair, I will comment. I think that didn't -- for me it didn't work. I -- I
know we went from a six-plex to an office to a -- and I think it didn't flow well. I think this
-- this site plan looks great. It was -- it has the open space we were looking for. It's just
-- it's the piece that -- if I could slide it up and site a commercial piece underneath it, I
would do it in a heartbeat. It's just that I don't think that would fit either. It's just -- and
that's my personal opinion.
Perreault: The challenge, then, becomes if there is an additional commercial that goes
into the north, how -- how that site's going to have access because the -- it's going to be
so much further north -- the full access will be so much further north than the pad -- than
the commercial pad. Okay. Anyone else have anything?
Cassinelli: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Cassinelli.
Cassinelli: After considering all staff, applicant, and public testimony, I move to
recommend denial to City Council of file number H-2018-0090 as presented during the
hearing date on February 7th, 2019, for the following reasons is it does not fit current
zoning.
Fitzgerald: Second.
Perreault: It has been moved and seconded to deny the application Alpina Townhouse
Subdivision, H-2018-0090.
Holland: Madam Chair? Can I just note that you're recommending denial, rather than --
Perreault: Correct. That is right. Thank you, Commissioner Holland. We are
recommending denial to City Council. All those in favor say aye. Opposed? Motion
carries.
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MOTION CARRIED: SIX AYES. ONE ABSENT.
B. Public Hearing Continued from January 17, 2019 for Pine Four-
Plex (H-2018-0135) by Amanda Blackwell, neUdesign
Architecture, LLC , Located 645 W. Pine Ave.
1. Request: A Conditional Use Permit for a multi-family family
development consisting of 4 units on 0.29 of an acre of land
in the R-15 zoning district
Perreault: Next we will open the public hearing continued from January 17th, 2019, for
Pine Four-plex, H-2018-0135. Let's begin with the staff report.
Allen: Madam Chair, Members of the Commission, the next application before you is a
request for a conditional use permit. This site consists of .29 of an acre of land. It's zoned
R-15 and located at 645 West Pine Avenue. Adjacent land use and zoning are single
family residential and multi-family residential users in the R-15 and R-4 zoning districts.
There is currently one single family residential property on this site. The Comprehensive
Plan future land use designation is medium density residential , which is three to eight
units per acre. The applicant is requesting a conditional use permit for a multi-family
residential development, consisting of four units on .29 of an acre of land in the R-15
zoning district. The site is proposed to develop with one two story multi-family four-plex
structure, with each unit containing two bedrooms. Access is provided via West Pine
Avenue. A cross-access easement is required to be granted to the adjoining property to
the west for future shared access of the driveway via Pine. Off-street parking is proposed
in accord with the minimum UDC standards. Based on four two bedroom units a minimum
of eight spaces are required with two of those being in a covered carport or garage. A
total of nine spaces are provided with four of those in a covered carport. On-street parking
is also available for guest parking along Pine Avenue. Private, as well as common open
space is proposed in accord with UDC standards. A piece of public art to be selected in
the future and a barbecue area of tables and seating are propose d as amenities for this
development. Concept building elevations were submitted as shown with materials
consisting of board and batten and horizontal lap siding with stone veneer accents and
stained wood trim and facia, with architectural asphalt shingles on the roof. Written
testimony has been received from Amanda Bidwell, the applicant's representative. She
is in agreement with the staff report and staff is recommending approval of the requested
conditional use permit as the application is in compliance with UDC standards for the use.
Stand for any questions.
Perreault: Thank you, Sonya. Any questions for staff?
Fitzgerald: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Fitzgerald.
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Fitzgerald: Sonya -- and maybe I can't count, but I -- so are we counting -- so I thought
there was eight spaces.
Allen: One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine.
Fitzgerald: Okay. So, we -- okay. The handicapped site on this -- okay. Maybe I'm
losing my mind. Okay. Thank you.
Allen: The southern four spaces are covered.
Fitzgerald: Got it. Okay.
Allen: Carports.
Fitzgerald: Thank you for the clarification.
Perreault: Okay. Would the applicant, please, come forward.
Bidwell: Thank you, Madam Chair, Commissioners. Thank you, Sonya. My name is
Amanda Bidwell. Yeah. Sorry. My name is Amanda Bidwell with NeUdesign Architecture
at 725 East 2nd Street in Meridian. 83686. As Sonya mentioned, we are looking at
putting a four-plex in on this property. We do have nine parking stalls, which is above the
code minimum and I know that parking can become an issue in a lot of these areas , so
we were trying to fit in as many as we could. We are providing two amenities for the site.
There is going to be a barbecue area to the south with -- in conjunction -- in conjunction
with an open area -- open grass area. In addition, we are proposing some public artwork
be presented on the site as our second amenity. We looked at doing patios and private
open space that was generous as well, meeting and exceeding code minimum. The units
inside our two bedroom, two bathroom units and we are just hoping to bring some variety
to the area and with that I will stand for any questions.
Perreault: Any questions for the applicant? Okay. Thank you. Do we have anyone
signed up to testify?
Coles: We do not, Madam Chair.
Perreault: Is there anyone present in the room who would like to testify? Okay. Well, if
the applicant doesn't have anything further to add , I will call for a motion to close the public
hearing.
Holland: So moved.
Fitzgerald: Second.
Perreault: It has been moved and seconded to close the public hearing. All those in favor
say aye. None opposed. Motion carries.
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MOTION CARRIED: SIX AYES. ONE ABSENT.
Fitzgerald: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald: Just to go on the record, I was looking at the original site plan that has eight
parking spots, so I can count first. Second thing. The revised site plan is what I was not
-- I was looking at my computer, not yours. Sorry, Sonya. I -- I think we have done this
down Pine Street several times. I think we are getting close to Old Town. I think it's a
nice design. It matches within the neighborhood. I think that's -- there is several of these
redevelopment type plans down there. I think it looks nice. The architecture looks good.
I have no problems, ma'am.
Cassinelli: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Cassinelli.
Cassinelli: Stay on this side. I will echo those comments for the most part. My -- my only
concern is the parking. One of the comments in there from ACHD was that -- that the on-
street parking could eventually go away if ACHD decides to do something different with
Pine down the road. So, while it -- while it's there now, we may -- we may lose that. So,
that would be my -- that would be my only concern, but I do -- I do like it. I think it -- it fits
in there with -- with some of the things that are going in there. I don't have any major
concerns other than that and the other thing I wanted to say is, Amanda, I don't know if
you remember me, but -- how are you doing? Good to see you. But that's -- those are
my comments.
Perreault: Okay. Any other thoughts, Commissioners? Okay. Who would like to make
a motion?
Fitzgerald: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald: After considering all staff, application, and public testimony, I have to approve
file number H-2018-0135 as presented in the staff report for the hearing date of February
7th, 2019.
Holland: Second.
Perreault: It has been moved and seconded to approve the conditional use permit for H-
2018-0135. All those in favor say aye. None opposed. Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: SIX AYES. ONE ABSENT.
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C. Public Hearing for Razzberry Villas (H-2018-0130) by Ed
Bowman, Located 1434 and 1492 Star Dr.
1. Request: Rezone of 1.86 acres of land from the R-8 and L -O
zoning district to the R-15 zoning district; and
2. Request: Preliminary Plat consisting of 16 building lots and 4
common lots on 1.43 acres of land in a proposed R -15 zoning
district
Perreault: Next on the agenda is the public hearing for Razzberry Villas, H-2018-0130,
and we will open with the staff report.
Allen: Madam Chair, Members of the Commission, the next applications before you are
a request for rezone and a preliminary plat. This site consists of 1.43 acres of land. It's
zoned R-8 and L-O and it's located at 1434 and 1492 Star Drive. Adjacent land use and
zoning are single family residential uses, zoned R-8 and R-4, office and assisted living
facility, zoned L-O. This property was annexed back in 2003 with R-8 and L-O zoning
districts. Mostly L-O. Just a sliver of R-8 zoning. And was part of a planned development
that anticipated office uses developing on this site. The Comprehensive Plan future land
use map designation -- there is actually two for this property. The first is medium density
residential, which is three to eight units per acre, and that consists of .078, approximately,
acre -- of an acre and mixed use neighborhood with a neighborhood center overlay, which
consists of approximately .65 of an acre of land. The applicant is proposing a rezone of
1.86 acres of land from the R-8 and L-O zoning districts to the R-15 district for the
development of 16 attached and detached single family residential homes , at a gross
density of 11.2 units per acre, consistent with the density desired in the mixed use
neighborhood designated area of six to 12 units per acre. A preliminary plat is proposed
as shown. That is a resubdivision of Razzberry Crossing Subdivision and it consists of
16 building lots and four common lots on 1.43 acres of land. Parking is proposed for each
lot in accord with the minimum UDC standards. Access is proposed via East Star Drive
and North Bright Angel Avenue. So, if you see here there is actually a common driveway
that these units will be accessing Star Drive from and, then, there is also another common
driveway here that these units back here will be accessing Bright Angel from. These units
here that front on Bright Angel would be directly accessing the street . Because this site
is below five acres in size, qualified open space and site amenities are not required.
However, the applicant is working with the Razzberry Crossing Homeowners Association
to potentially include this development in the existing homeowners association, which
would provide residents with access to existing common areas and site amenities and
provide the HOA with additional dues that could be used to maintain those areas. The
original concept elevations submitted with this application were not consistent with the
building footprints depicted on the proposed plan. Since that time the applicant has
submitted revised elevations as shown that are consistent with the footprint shown on the
plat. All attached structures are required to comply with the design standards in the
architectural standards manual. Written testimony has been received from Marilyn Cox.
She is against the proposed density. Feels it's too high. And, then, also due to traffic
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concerns. Also from Stanley Stinson, Senior. He's against the proposed zone change
due to all of the extra cars, children, and animals in a small confined space on a busy
street and the proposed homes don't blend in with those in Alexandria Subdivision across
the street. Staff is recommending approval. Staff finds the proposed development meets
the minimum UDC standards for a development. Staff will stand for any questions.
Perreault: Thank you. Any questions for staff?
Seal: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Seal.
Seal: As far as them -- the -- well, I might wait on this question, but them being part of
the HOA -- the existing HOA, is there anything that they will offer up in order to make that
something that's -- you know, something that they can coexist together with , basically
meaning will they offer up a -- you know, a portion of their -- their plat here in order to
make a common area that will work for both?
Allen: Chairman Perreault, Commissioner Seal, I'm unsure of that, but I'm sure the
applicant can answer that for you.
Seal: Okay.
Perreault: Sonya, can you share the significance of the NC overlay in relationship -- I -- I
am not familiar with that.
Allen: Well, we are looking for more pedestrian oriented development, more density in
those areas.
Perreault: Okay.
Allen: Short version.
Fitzgerald: And Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald: Sonya, there is a daycare right across the street. Is my understanding
correct?
Allen: Yes. To the south. Uh-huh.
Fitzgerald: Yeah. Okay. Thank you.
Perreault: Okay. If that's all the questions for staff, will the applicant, please, come
forward. Please state your name and address for the record.
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Graham: Good evening, Madam Chair and Members of the Commission. My name is
Corinne Graham with Civil Site Works. 921 South Orchard, Suite 200, Boise, Idaho.
83705. Sonya, do you have my PowerPoint?
Allen: Corinne, did you give us one?
Graham: I e-mailed one to you. I have a flash drive as well.
Allen: Yeah. I'm sorry.
Graham: Sorry about that. Also I'm here tonight on behalf of the applicant for a rezone
request and preliminary plat application for Razzberry Point Villas Subdivision. The
project site is located on Star Drive and Bright Angel Avenue, just west of Locust Grove
Road, between McMillan and Ustick Roads. The project site is currently Lots 1 through
3, Block 6, of Razzberry Crossing Subdivision, with zoning designations of L-O and R-8.
The requested zoning is for R-15, medium high density residential. The Comprehensive
Plan is a combination of MDR, medium density residential, and MUN, mixed use
neighborhood, with an NC, neighborhood center overlay. Here is a map of the project
site with its current zoning designation. The R-8 lot is a common lot as part of Razzberry
Crossing Subdivision that was formally created to buffer the residential and proposed
office uses. This is a blow up of the future land use map in the vicinity of the project. The
project site is marked in blue. As you can see it is located at the transition between
medium density residential and mixed use neighborhood designations. We believe this
project meets the following goals of the mixed use neighborhood comp plan designation
for the following reasons. It provides higher density residential development at 11.2
dwelling units per acre. It provides a transitional use between the existing office and
medium density residential uses that are adjacent to the project, but it provides an
additional land use to the neighborhood. That it provides a variety of residential
categories. And that urban services can be reasonably provided and development is
contiguous to the city. In addition to our rezone request, a preliminary plat application
has also been submitted. The pre-plat proposes 16 single family dwelling units. Eight of
those are detached units and eight of those are duplex or attached units . Our minimum
lot size is 2,009 square feet and our average lot size is 3,150 square feet. There are four
common lots in the subdivision. Two of those are common drives and two of those are
landscaped common lots. Here is our proposed preliminary plat. The lots in brown at the
north and along Bright Angel are these proposed duplex units. Those in yellow are the
single family detached units. Gray are our common drives and, then, green is our
landscape open space. The site plan proposes two common drives for the following
reasons: They provide access to 12 total dwelling units, but they also limit drive access
to Star Drive. Star Drive is classified as a local street, but it functions as a collector
roadway for traffic calming from Razzberry and Havasu Falls Subdivisions out to Locust
Grove. So, limiting drive access to Star was important to both ACHD and city staff. It
eliminates the need for internal streets on such a small site. And it also faces the garages
away from Star Drive. Setbacks are also oriented to match rear yards together, both
within the subdivision and to the neighboring residential uses . In the site plan that we
submitted you can see the garage pads. They face the common drives, with the exception
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of two duplex, or four total units that take direct access from Bright Angel. The landscape
plan provides berming and landscaping at Star Drive and Bright Angel as a focal point for
entrance into the neighborhood. It also screens homes at the intersection from
headlights. You can see on the landscape plan we have got some berming at this
intersection point. As I mentioned before, the project lies within the existing Razzberry
Crossing Subdivision, which was platted in 2005. The project will remain part of the
existing HOA, which will provide access to already existing open space and pressure
irrigation for the residents and the dues -- the dues from the new homeowners will go to
improve the existing park spaces. This is an aerial view of Razzberry Crossing
Subdivision. The project site is highlighted in blue and the neighborhood open spaces
are marked with a green dot. Both are located within a quarter mile of the site . The
building design for the subdivision utilizes contemporary materials and appealing
architectural features. It provides primarily two story elevations with stepped roof lines at
the garage. The garages are also recessed from the living space and from the street.
The plans will focus on efficient floor plans and contemporary finishes. It will provide an
affordable housing option to Meridian residents. This is the elevation for the single family
detached units. Got a single story garage with a small storage space above. Two story
living space and the garage is recessed from the living space. The elevation for the
duplex units on the north boundary of the property. Got lots of modulation, stone accents,
a split roof. Eaves on the roof lines. Variation in siding materials. And, again, that -- that
garage is set back from the street and the final elevation for the units along Bright Angel.
Footprints within the subdivision will typically range from 1,700 to 2,100 square feet. So,
in summary, we believe that the rezone request complies with the Meridian
Comprehensive Plan. That the preliminary plat complies with R-15 zoning designation
requirement. That this project provides affordable housing options to Meridian residents
and is compatible with neighboring uses. These parcels have been sitting vacant since
2005. We believe the product will provide a pleasing and compatible addition to the
neighborhood, while providing needed housing and additional tax revenues to the City of
Meridian. The applicant is in agreement with all conditions of approval and respectfully
request approval from the Commission tonight. I will stand for any questions.
Perreault: Thank you. Any questions for the applicant?
Cassinelli: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Cassinelli.
Cassinelli: Corinne, I have got a couple questions. Number one, is -- you did -- you
talked about being included in the HOA for Razzberry. Is that a -- in our notes here you're
-- it says potentially include, but is that a done -- is that pretty much a done deal?
Graham: So, the HOA president is here tonight as well and so he will speak on behalf of
them and their interest in -- in having us and I believe that these lots are most likely a part
of the HOA as is, because they were part of the overall subdivision. I haven't read to see
if they were specifically included, but we will I guess kind of clean that up during -- during
the final plat process in the CC&Rs.
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Cassinelli: Okay. The other -- the other question I had is you -- you commented at one
of -- one of your bullet points there was that it would create affordable housing. Are these
-- are these -- these are not planned on being rental units, these are -- are --
Graham: They are for sale units.
Cassinelli: They are sale units. I don't know if you can kind of give a ballpark of estimated
price at this point in time with the market?
Graham: So, it keeps going up and so it just -- part of it depends on construction costs.
I don't know if I could --
Cassinelli: You don't have -- there is not a -- there is -- is there a target?
Graham: Below 300. Hopefully closer to the -- maybe the 280 range.
Cassinelli: Okay. Thank you.
Perreault: Any questions? Thank you very much.
Graham: Thank you.
Perreault: Do we have anyone signed up to testify?
Coles: Thank you, Madam Chair. We do have one. Derrick Eisenbeis.
Perreault: Sir, please, state your name and address for the record.
Eisenbeis: My name is Derrick Eisenbeis. I live at 1329 East Star Drive. I am also the
current HOA president of Razzberry Crossing Subdivision. As HOA president of the
association I would respectfully request more than the three minutes allotted time, as I
am representative on the majority of Razzberry Crossing Subdivision.
Perreault: Would anyone here who would like to have him represent you raise your hand ,
please. You know, I think we will just try to stick to the three minutes and, then, if -- if she
would like to come share that would be great.
Eisenbeis: I will try to read -- read my bullet points.
Perreault: Thank you.
Eisenbeis: Okay. Again, my name is Derrick Eisenbeis. I'm the current HOA president
of Razzberry Crossing Subdivision. Ed Bowman has been in contact with me and the
subdivision concerning this development starting around November of 2017. I feel that
the rezoning of the currently L-O slash R-8 to R-15 would benefit the community by
allowing for more selection of housing opportunities, which would complement Meridian's
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current vision of creating diverse and premier housing that provide s varied lifestyle
choices. This type of housing proposed by Mr. Bowman will provide economically
competitive choices for those we seem to move -- or remain in the City of Meridian, which,
in turn, stands to benefit the city and the community as a whole. I have attended the
neighborhood meetings sponsored by Mr. Bowman and have listened to the concerns of
those who expressed them. The majority of its residents reside in Alexandria Subdivision,
which is next door adjacent to Razzberry Crossing. The main concerns as I see them
being traffic and parking, safe and sufficient common area, property and home values.
On the topic of traffic, East Star Drive is a common access road to at least four separate
subdivisions, Havasu Creek, Copper Basin, Heritage Commons, as well as Alexandria.
We currently have two commercial lots, Ashley Manor, as well as a daycare in our
subdivision -- part of our subdivision. Those commercial lots have parking for around two
dozen vehicles. If you consider that there would be two commercial entities replacing this
residential -- planned residential, that alone would provide about 48 vehicle spaces.
Therefore, being more than what would be -- assumed to be part of the residential,
therefore traffic I don't see as an issue. As this main access road services about four to
five hundred residential homes in those four subdivisions, the addition of 16 homes is a
modest three to four percent increase in traffic onto East Star Drive, which would end well
before actually the -- the road narrows. Also, the current layout of the proposed
development has the residential garages and driveways off street. This would limit any
additional parking on East Star, which should not be a concern. About the common areas.
Razzberry Crossing currently has two main common areas servicing 32 residential
homes. The common areas do not currently have playground equipment or any other
sports activity amenities, yet they are used for picnicking, including our annual HOA
meeting slash barbecue. So, there is three minutes. So, I request a little bit longer. I'm
about halfway done.
Perreault: We will give you one more minute to wrap up.
Eisenbeis: Thank you.
Perreault: Thank you.
Eisenbeis: So, basically, the addition to the homes would add to the Razzberry Crossing
financial means to provide more amenities, not only just for Razzberry Crossing, but as
well as the -- the planned Razzberry Villas. Speaking on property and home values, a
conversation with Mr. Bowman and the HOA board it was agreed upon that this planned
development would be owner occupied homes and be constructed to compliment the
neighborhood. It is noted that while Alexandria was established for empty nesters , the
subdivisions that adjacent Alexandria were not, including Razzberry Crossing, which was
established well before Alexandria and Razzberry Village -- will be incorporated into
Razzberry Crossing. Having said this, it should be noted that conceptualized elevations
of these types of homes proposed most certainly should not decrease values of
surrounding homes, specifically those of Alexandra, while, as mentioned before, was built
for different demographic than those of Razzberry Villas.
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Perreault: Okay, sir. So, we understand that you personally are in favor of this
development. Can you comment on the HOA's willingness to -- to bring this development
in?
Eisenbeis: Sure.
Perreault: I understand from the applicant that that was something you were going to
share with us.
Eisenbeis: In our last meeting as an HOA we had voted unanimously to approve this
addition to our subdivision.
Perreault: Okay. Thank you. Any other questions for him?
Seal: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Yes, Commissioner Seal.
Seal: Have you worked out the details of exactly what improvements will be to the open
sites or is it just something that you are hoping that the extra money will allow for that?
Eisenbeis: Sure. It -- it is a -- a discussion in the works. Obviously, we have to have this
approved and, then, we are going to discuss more options as far as giving more amenities
to the neighborhood.
Seal: Thank you.
Perreault: Thank you very much.
Eisenbeis: Yes, ma'am.
Perreault: Is there anyone else here who would like to testify? Okay. Could I get a
motion to close the public hearing? Well, would the applicant -- does the applicant have
anything else to add? Do we have any additional questions for her?
Fitzgerald: Corinne, can I ask you one quick question?
Perreault: Please come forward.
Fitzgerald: While you're walking up -- the -- the one thing I don't quite understand -- there
is a buffer that that R-8 zone that's --
Graham: Uh-huh.
Fitzgerald: So, that's not owned by the neighborhood to the west, but it was landscap ed
like it was a buffer or was that being maintained in the same setback requirement?
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Graham: It's not -- it's actually being replatted as part of the subdivision.
Fitzgerald: Well, I understand that --
Graham: Okay.
Fitzgerald: -- size wise. Because I think you have a -- houses that are used to having
that kind of landscape buffer behind their homes.
Graham: Right. And it's -- well, I guess they are used to having a larger vacant lot behind
that.
Fitzgerald: Absolutely.
Graham: So, if you look at -- I don't know if Sonya has an aerial up or not, but they have
got quite a bit about lot depth --
Fitzgerald: Yeah.
Graham: -- behind them and, then, we have got a 12 foot -- we have lined up all of our
rear setbacks to match theirs. So, we have got three on three. We have got a 12 foot
setback on our side. None of them came to speak at the neighborhood meeting, so I
don't think that there is any concerns.
Fitzgerald: So, that -- that one sliver is a 12 foot step back, is that the plan for those
homes facing the -- or their rear backyard is just heading west?
Graham: Their rear yards are heading west. Yes.
Fitzgerald: That's a 12 foot setback?
Graham: It is. Yeah.
Fitzgerald: Okay. Thank you, ma'am.
Graham: Yep.
Perreault: Okay. Can I get a motion to close the public hearing?
Seal: So moved.
Holland: Second.
Perreault: It has been moved and seconded to close the public hearing for Razzberry
Villas, H-2018-0130. All those in favor say aye. None opposed. Motion carries.
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MOTION CARRIED: SIX AYES. ONE ABSENT.
Cassinelli: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Cassinelli.
Cassinelli: I have a question for staff. Sonya, do you know if incorporated into Razzberry
Villas what the overall open space would become? You don't have that figure?
Allen: Chairman Perreault, Commissioner Cassinelli, no, I do not have those calculations.
Cassinelli: Do you happen to have what it is on the existing Razzberry Villas?
Allen: No, I don't.
Cassinelli: Okay. That would -- my concern on this is that incorporating that into the HOA
as part of Razzberry Villas would -- would it meet the minimums. Obviously, I would like
to see -- it doesn't sound like they have very many amenities in Razzberry Villas, so that's
-- I think it would be hard to condition amenities to be added, but if we -- you know, as far
as conditioned to have that open space as it stands, I guess I will just comment now keep
it as it stands in and of itself there is -- there is not a whole lot of open space there and it
doesn't -- you know, it -- to me it's -- there's a tiny -- two tiny little pieces of open space,
so taking this as a standalone project, I'm not wild about it. I wouldn't be in favor of
changing it from the office. I'm not concerned about traffic. I think it's a -- I think it's almost
a wash, if you were to look at this as office, I think you're going to have as much, maybe
even a few more cars per day than what's going in here. My only concern is that is -- is
the open space in this project. That's why I would be concerned about if we can condition
for it meeting. If this adds into Razzberry Villas, becomes part of the HOA there, that --
that -- that this entire project would have to meet the minimums would be my -- that would
be my biggest concern.
Holland: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Holland.
Holland: Since Commissioner Cassinelli didn't talk about it, one of my concerns is actually
parking on this. I think each unit has the two car garage and has the driveway with it, too.
But if you have guests over and they are 2,100 square foot houses, roughly 1,700 to
2,100, you may have extra cars coming over for visits and it's always hard when you have
got a couple of common drives, because you can't really park as -- as well on the street
on those. That would be one of my concerns I guess. I wonder if after hours they couldn't
use the parking at the daycare or any other surrounding commercial.
Fitzgerald: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Fitzgerald.
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Fitzgerald: Sonya, Bright Angel is a local street; right? We have no problem with having
housing fronting onto Bright Angel?
Allen: That's correct, Commissioner Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald: And they can park along there as well; correct?
Allen: As along as the street width allows, I believe it does.
Fitzgerald: Okay. So, I -- I have said this for -- probably a broken record wise. I see in-
fills differently than I think others might. This looks to me like an Orchard type project or
a product. I very much compliment applicant for matching up lot lines, because I think
that's a big deal when you're looking at back doors matching those lot lines up, so we
don't have houses -- you know, three houses on one property to a different side. So, I
appreciate that. I'm -- I'm less concerned about the open space, but I understand your
concerns. I -- I know where you're going. So, I -- I don't have a problem there. I think
we need these types of houses. I -- zero lot line product I think is the diversification that
we don't have always and I think they sell pretty well, but I will kind of keep my comments
and thoughts until we have further discussion on whether I'm -- which way I'm leaning.
Perreault: I agree with Commissioner Fitzgerald. I think there is -- I think this is a good
location for this type of -- of home. It's a good transition to -- to the surrounding area.
There is Settlers Park that's just to the south of that as well. So, that's a great option for
folks for green space. I understand Commissioner Cassinelli's thoughts and concerns on
that and in this particular location, because the park is there, I have less concern about
the combination of -- of open space with the other sections of Razzberry.
Holland: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Holland.
Holland: I didn't mention some of the -- the good things when I started talking to you. I
-- I do like the layout of the buildings, because it's a little higher density, but it's not
traditional multi-family where you have got a three-plex in someone's backyard, so --
Perreault: Yeah.
Holland: -- I like seeing that it's something that looks more like a residential neighborhood
that's tied in a little higher density. So , I think they have done a good job with the way
that they have laid that out. I'm not as concerned about the open space , because there
are single units that have kind its own grass area around it and that there is a park nearby.
I'm most concerned with that as well. I like the idea that they are willing to work with the
neighborhood association to add some amenities. If we were to make an approval -- or
recommend approval on this application, I would probably ask that they could define what
those amenities would be before it comes to Council.
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Fitzgerald: That's a good compromise.
Perreault: It's a great suggestion. Any other thoughts and comments?
Cassinelli: I -- overall I'm -- I'm for an in-fill project. It's good. I just -- I really want -- I
really want to see that -- that this project, when you look at it as part of Razzberry Villas,
that it does -- if -- if this were to have been built all at once as part of Razzberry Villas that
it meets the -- the minimum open space requirements. I don't know -- it does -- because
it doesn't sound like -- from what the -- the HOA president was saying, they don't have
the amenities. I don't know that there -- I mean if there are -- if they are just at ten percent
where they are at, you add this as total -- as total acreage, you're going to be below and
that's my -- that's my concern is that -- so, I mean if they are -- if they have to strip away
a lot to -- to meet it, that's -- that's where I would stand on this project. I think as a whole,
as part of Razzberry Villas, it's got to meet that minimum open space requirements.
Allen: Madam Chair, if I may, Commissioner Cassinelli, I -- I did look that up. Razzberry
Crossing provided 12.5 percent of the gross land area in qualified open space. They --
they did come through as a planned development and that does require a minimum of ten
percent qualified open space. So, there is 12.5.
Cassinelli: That's -- that's as it is right now, not including --
Allen: That's Razzberry Crossing.
Cassinelli: Okay. I see if I can do quick math and -- how many acres is there?
Allen: This project is an acre and a half at 1.4. So, they are -- they are above the -- this
-- this project in itself doesn't require a minimum --
Cassinelli: Correct.
Allen: -- of site amenities. But, yes, if you add that to the amount, then, it would --
Cassinelli: If we add it all together would it -- as one project would it meet -- would we
meet the ten percent? Okay. That's my hang up.
Fitzgerald: And Madam Chair?
Cassinelli: I have parking this time. I don't know why. I guess because --
Holland: I had to throw it in there.
Cassinelli: I'm glad you did. I wasn't thinking about it. But that's -- that one street --
what's that side street -- what's that --
Fitzgerald: Bright Angel.
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Cassinelli: Bright Angel. I think that can handle -- that can handle some -- some overflow.
This may be more geared towards -- it may be empty nesters, too, in this project with zero
lot lines. I don't think big families are going to move -- are going to be looking for this
when there is not -- there is not the space for the kids, so --
Perreault: Potentially not with the two story element.
Fitzgerald: That's true.
Cassinelli: True.
Perreault: You know, in general I'm not a fan of common drives, but I -- the width on
these are -- is better than -- than we often see with the common drives and I think in this
situation it actually works with trying to keep the parking off of Star Drive, so -- and I think
in this scenario it -- it works well. I'm very -- I think that -- that you have done a great job
making this an original and -- and good use of space and design.
Fitzgerald: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald: Sonya, I know we were suggesting or in the -- in your staff report that this has
a DA as we roll into a different -- if we go that direction, which I would fully agree with,
and that the elevations go with it. Is that your suggestion? My understanding.
Allen: Yes, it is. Uh-huh.
Fitzgerald: Okay. If there are not additional comments I will make a motion, Madam
Chair.
Perreault: Thank you.
Fitzgerald: Anybody else? Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald: After considering all staff, applicant, and public testimony, I move to
recommend approval to the City Council of file number H-2018-0130 as presented in the
staff report for the hearing date of February 7th, 2019. Do you want to have them have
amenity conceptual before -- before they go to Council? I don't have a problem with that.
Holland: I think it would be nice if they could come up with some -- at least suggested
conversations that they have had of what they could put forward. I didn't frame that well,
but --
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Fitzgerald: With the following modifications: That the applicant has conceptual amenities
that you would be adding to Razzberry Subdivision before Council.
Holland: Second.
Perreault: It has been moved and seconded to recommend approval to City Council of
the rezone and preliminary plat for H-2018-0130. All those in favor say aye. None
opposed. Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: SIX AYES. ONE ABSENT.
D. Public Hearing for Hill's Century Farm Wireless
Communications Facility H-2018-0087 by Horizon Tower
/Verizon Wireless C /0 Powder River Development Services, Inc,
Located at the southeast corner of E . Amity Rd. and S. Eagle
Rd
1. Request: Conditional Use Permit for a wireless
communication facility in and R -8 zoning district
Perreault: Get to move forward. Does anybody need a break? Okay. Next we will open
the public hearing for Hill Century Farm Wireless Communication Facility, H-2018-0087
and begin with the staff report.
Allen: Thank you, Madam Chair, Members of the Commission. The next application is a
conditional use permit. This site is part of a larger 39.71 acre property. It's zoned R-8
and is located off the southeast corner of South Eagle Road and East Amity Road. There
is an Idaho Power substation directly north of this site at the corner of Eagle and Amity.
The surrounding area has been conceptually approved for single family residential uses
as you can see there on the concept plan there at the upper left-hand corner. That is
included in the development agreement for this site. A single family residence exists at
the southeast corner of this property that is proposed to remain . This site was annexed
with R-8 zoning and single family residential uses were approved to develop on this site
originally. The development agreement, like I said, was recently amended to allow the
development of a wireless communication facility on this site. The Comprehensive Plan
future land use map designation is mixed use neighborhood. The applicant is requesting
approval of a conditional use permit for a stealth wireless communication facility in the R-
8 zoning district. A site plan was submitted with this application as shown that depicts
how the northwest corner of this site is proposed to develop with a 20 foot by 70 foot ,
1,400 square foot fenced lease area with a one hundred foot tall mono pine cell tower
and associated equipment for Verizon Wireless. The tower will be co-locatable for a total
of up to four carriers and will support panel antennas. Ground mounted equipment will
be located within the fenced enclosure. The proposed facility will add to Verizon's existing
network and provide improved services to customers and improved calling and data
capacity, improving overall system performance in this area. Maintenance visits only
occur about once a month. Therefore, traffic to the site will be minimal. The applicant
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submitted a vicinity map showing locations of existing towers. There are five within 2.3
miles of the site with the nearest being one mile away. That map is there on your left.
Propagation maps are shown on the right. They were submitted showing the current
coverage area and that's on top there with the coverage area af ter the proposed tower is
constructed on the bottom. There are several specific use standards that are applicable
to the proposed use that are detailed in the staff report , one of which is the new towers
may not be approved unless the decision making body finds the telecommunications
equipment planned for the proposed tower cannot be accommodated on an existing or
approved structure and/or tower at a height necessary to function reasonably as
documented by a qualified radio frequency engineer. The applicant's network engineer
submitted a letter stating that the existing towers in the area do not meet all requirements
in regard to hide and/or location to function reasonably to address their coverage gap in
this area. Because this site abuts a future residential area, the facility is required to be
set back a distance equal to the height of the tower. In this case one hundred feet.
Therefore, staff recommends the subject site area is expanded to the west, east and
south a minimum of one hundred feet from the location of the tower to accommodate the
required setback. If the land use to the adjacent area changes to a nonresidential use in
the future, the site area could be reduced per the setbacks of the zoning district. A
landscape buffer at least five feet in width is required along the outside perimeter of the
compound. The applicant did request alternative compliance to this requirement due to
a storage facility being planned surrounding the project site. This request was denied by
the director because a storage facility has not been approved in the surrounding area .
Residential uses are currently approved surrounding the site, necessitating the provision
of a buffer. If at some point in the future the adjacent land use changes to a nonresidential
use a subsequent request for alternative compliance may be approved, but not at this
time. Written testimony has been received from several folks. I will go through those real
quick. Caleb and Mary Bennett. Laddie and Andrea Tlusec. Susan Karnes. Dean Kidd.
Robin Willeman. Helen and Kent Tjemsland. They all object to the proposed tower.
Some of the reasons are due to the close proximity of other cell towers within a mile of
the site. Too close to nearby residences and risk for families to develop health issues
and close proximity of a public school. David Palumbo submitted testimony. He feels
that the city is in violation of state code in regarded noticing. Feels a larger area should
have been noticed due to the impact of the proposed use on residents beyond the 300
foot radius notice. Staff is recommending approval as the proposed use complies with
UDC standards.
Perreault: Thank you. Any questions for staff?
Olsen: I do have one, yes.
Perreault: Commissioner Olsen.
Olsen: What's -- what's our response to the noticing question?
Allen: Madam Chair, I will let our city attorney address that.
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Pogue: Actually, this is the first time I'm learning of this issue. I'm not sure if the individual
is here and could provide a reference. We can get to that during the public testimony.
Allen: Madam City Attorney, the letter is in the public records if you would like to reference
it.
Perreault: Okay. Would the applicant, please, come forward. Please state your name
and address for the record.
Williams: Madam Chairman, Commissioners, my name is Zach Williams. Address 408
South Eagle Road, Eagle, Idaho. 83616. I'm here for you today on behalf of Powder
River and Horizon Tower. We are looking to do a cell tower. As staff stated, it's a 20 by
70 compound. Per staff's comments on the landscape buffer, as well as being -- as the
proposed is by residential use we changed our fence to not be a chain link fence , to put
-- to be a vinyl fence to block out equipment, as well as agreeing to placing the landscape
buffer around the outside of the compound , since it's not planned and not approved, we
felt like, you know, it's needed as to be prohibited in the area. We are proposing a
hundred foot mono pine tower. This is simply due to the fact that we want to have as
many co-locators as possible. We don't want multiple towers throughout the area , we
want to try to get as many co-locaters or carriers on the tower as possible. So, the
hundred foot tower we are doing a mono pine plan design. With a residential use in the
future we felt like it would be the best design with future trees and future landscaping that
tends to be put in residential areas, can help blend in with those areas over time.
Currently right now Verizon and AT&T are wanting to go on this tower. The propagation
map shown here is Verizon's propagation. You can see how there is a coverage -- there
is a coverage hole right in the center. Verizon is actually located on both of the towers
closest to the site already, so that's kind of why those two sites wouldn't work as far as
co-locating. They are already on them. They need this additional tower to help fill the
gap in coverage that you can see that inhabits everything southwest of the site and all
the homes and development that's being done out there, it's going crazy. So , they are
trying -- they are trying to keep up with that and make sure that they maintain their
coverage. AT&T had the same issues with the other two areas, based off where the new
homes are being developed and where they have a gap in coverage , they felt that this
site would provide the most adequate height for them to co-locate on. They will be the
top RAD center and, then, Verizon will be below them at 85 feet. We -- Horizon just
recommend that you follow staff's recommendation of approval. We have met all the
requirements of the code and with -- in regards to the residential setbacks of a hundred
feet, agree to meet that as well, working with Brighton, as they are the developers of the
future property. And stand for questions.
Perreault: Any questions for the applicant?
Cassinelli: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Cassinelli.
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Cassinelli: Do you happen to have a current picture of -- of one of these -- you know, the
pine tower, whatever -- because I know I have seen some of them around. It's a matter
of, you know, a couple branches right at the very top.
Williams: Yeah.
Cassinelli: Will it be fuller than --
Williams: Yes, sir. Typically Horizon Tower -- and I know there is all kinds of different
kinds. Usually their towers -- like the one behind Lowe's have one branch every foot in
height.
Cassinelli: That's the one I'm thinking of. Off Eagle Road there.
Williams: Yes. And, then, you have the one at the Eagle Hills Golf Course that's really
tall, that's two branches for every foot in height. Horizon Tower actually -- they are a
northern California company, so they do a lot of, obviously, pine towers up in northern
California. They prefer to do three branches for every foot in height as far as the spacing,
so that way it does look a lot fuller. They propose that for all of their cell towers locally
and in northern California, the three branches, to make it aesthetically pleasing.
Cassinelli: Do you have an image of one of those?
Williams: Not -- not handy. They -- it's a new directive, just simply because we -- they
have had so many requests for that as far as having more fuller trees. We haven't had
any of them built yet.
Cassinelli: Does it come down further? Will it come -- will the branches come down
further than --
Williams: So, per the code where the branches are only allowed to be -- we have to leave
the bottom 20 foot -- 20 feet of the tower clear. That way nobody can climb the tower,
obviously. We have to leave it clear of pegs and that kind of stuff. With a hundred foot
tower they typically like to start the branches at about 30 feet. That way, you know, it's
the top 70 feet of tower that has the branches, instead of the whole hundred feet. When
you start to have it going 80 feet and proposing to wind loadings and those kind of things,
that really limits how much structural capacity you can have with multiple carriers.
Cassinelli: Okay. But it's not the top 15 feet?
Williams: No. No. It would be, you know, 30 feet up -- from 30 feet all the way to the
top.
Cassinelli: Okay. And, then, as the second question, the -- that propagation map, just
curious, in terms of where they are -- where your -- where the existing towers are at on
that map.
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Williams: Yeah. So --
Cassinelli: Is it a matter of -- is it a matter of the -- the number of users in that area? It's
not a matter of the distance that that the signal will go .
Williams: It's a -- it's a little of both. So, it is the amount of users, since there is an uptick
in the amount of users and homes being built there. The capacity in that area is
diminishing and the distance as well does have a factor into how it can propagate to those
areas. That's why, you know, you can see the little black dots in the center of the green
-- I don't know if you can see that part. But the little black dots in the center are actually
where those proposed towers are. They are kind of hard to see. Over a mile away in this
whole center area, you know, with the Eagle Road intersection, I know that north piece is
owned by Albertsons. Not sure what they are developing there. But this whole
intersection -- this whole area with Brighton is being developed really fast. YMCA going
in and that kind of stuff. So, the capacity is the major issue here. Sorry. Touched the
microphone. Is a major issue here, but it does affect coverage to -- with having all the
new users in there.
Cassinelli: Thank you.
Holland: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Holland.
Holland: Do you have anything that you could say to the concern about the public health
issues.
Williams: All I have is per the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Cell towers are not
allowed to be denied for health reasons. It's a federal mandate by the FCC. That's the
only -- I mean that's the -- really the comment. I mean there are studies to and for. You
see them everywhere. All opinion based. But the FCC has ruled per the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 that no decision , local or judicial courts can be made
based off health effects of cell towers.
Perreault: So, I understand your -- that the applicant is in agreement and compliance
with this -- with staff's request for the hundred foot on the east, west and south; correct?
And also with the landscape buffer you said?
Williams: Yes, ma'am.
Perreault: What is the plan for irrigation to that -- to water the landscaping?
Williams: That will be worked out with Brighton and, then, development. We will provide
irrigation to make sure that, obviously, all our landscaping doesn't die. That's kind of a
big thing. But we will be working with Brighton as we have at least with them , so we will
go over --
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Perreault: Okay.
Williams: -- the whole outside of the compound and what kind of shrubs and trees and I
get staff approval on that, because I have to go through a design review --
Perreault: A design review.
Williams: Yep. And a CZC before this will be formally approved for building permits.
Perreault: Okay. Any additional questions for the applicant? Thank you very much.
Williams: Thank you.
Perreault: Is there anyone signed up to testify?
Coles: Yes, Madam Chair. But before we get to that, I would like to respond to the
Commission's question about the noticing if I may. So , my office is responsible for
executing noticing for public hearings. I think Mr. Palumbo referenced 300 feet. Because
of this type of application it's required that 1,000 feet is the radius notice requirement,
which our office executed. W hen this was first in front of the Commission in 2018 in
August I think we executed that notice. We executed an additional notice when this came
-- was scheduled to come back before the Commission. We asked the Planning
Department to rerun the list to make sure that the list was accurate and up to date ,
because in those four months there could have been change of -- in property ownership.
So, we did do that. In addition, we put it out on NextDoor, as we do with all of our other
public hearing notices. So, as far as the city code goes, we executed it effectively and
accordingly. His reference to state code, I don't know if Ms. Pogue has any comment
there, but as far as city code goes we did follow what is required for noticing.
Pogue: Madam Chair. And I would follow up with the clerk that pursuant to UDC 11-5A-
6, Section E, which is the mailing and publishing of the public hearing notice, the clerk is
correct that the thousand feet radius was proper and appropriate as required by the UDC.
As the city clerk just advised the Commission, that was followed out and occurred.
Coles: We do have a sign-up. Susan Karnes has signed up this evening.
Perreault: Please come forward. Is she still present?
Allen: I don't believe she is here tonight.
Fitzgerald: Madam Chair, can I ask a question while the --
Perreault: Yes.
Fitzgerald: Sonya, we keep saying setback. Are we having a fall circumference, too? Is
that what the setback is or --
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Allen: Yes. Potentially, yes.
Fitzgerald: It's a fall ratio. And that -- in your looking at Century Farms, we are not close
to their backyards in that section right there? I mean that seems -- a hundred feet seems
like a lot of tower to come down and not touch a house that's in Century Farms. Do we
have a plat or overlay?
Allen: Madam Chair and Commissioner Fitzgerald, there are no homes in this area right
here, but the only home on this parcel is located right here at the southeast corner of this
parcel.
Fitzgerald: Currently.
Allen: But these are all designated and conceptually approved for single family
residential. That -- that's why staff recommended that they expand the site, just to ensure
that residential uses wouldn't be built up to that property line.
Fitzgerald: Makes sense. Okay.
Allen: Madam Chair, if I could just clarify my earlier statement. I misspoke when I said
300 feet and -- anyway, he clarified the record that a thousand feet was required, but I
just wanted to clarify my statement as well.
Perreault: Thank you very much.
Allen: Thank you.
Coles: Also, Madam Chair, Sally Reynolds signed up as well.
Perreault: Thank you. Please come forward.
Reynolds: Good evening. My name is Sally Reynolds. My address is 1166 West Bacall
Street in Meridian, Idaho. And I am -- actually Susan Karnes was not able to be here, so
I am standing in for her in her behalf this evening and representing the Meridian Southern
Rim Coalition. So, it has several hundred members and, therefore, I respectfully request
ten minutes for testimony.
Perreault: I think all of the Commissioners are familiar with the Meridian Southern Rim
Coalition. Are we in agreement with the ten minutes? Okay. Thank you.
Reynolds: Thank you. And, Bill, do you have my -- thank you. So, firstly, as you are
aware from our previous appearances before this Commission, the coalition objects to
any substantial changes to land use in this city while we are in the process of creating a
new Comprehensive Plan. Our members strongly believe that the city should strictly
adhere to its comp plan FLUM and the intent that it's asking us as stakeholders to
participate in this very important process. For that reason alone we oppose this
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conditional use permit due to the substantial deviation from normal land use in a
residential district. The City of Meridian is very clear and its language about cell towers
near residential communities. Encourage the location of wireless communication facilities
in nonresidential districts and/or where nonresidential uses are allowed. It also says
protect existing residential uses. Cell towers are not allowed without a conditional use
permit and for good reason. This is the proposed site. As you can see it is clearly a
residential area. In good faith the Century Farms residents and nearby neighborhoods
purchased their homes with the understanding that this land would be an R-8 and as you
have heard staff say it still is or medium density residential community. The City of
Meridian is also very clear in its language regarding aesthetics. Encourage construction
of stealth communication towers, which are compatible with their surroundings and do not
detract from the overall visual quality of the city. This is a photo of a cell phone tower one
mile away at Amity and Locust Grove. Note the stand of mature trees that effectively
screen the tower and note the location, just one mile from this site. Our members strongly
object to the close proximity of another tower in this area. The City of Meridian also strives
to, quote, minimize the adverse visual effects of communication towers and other similar
structures through thoughtful, careful design standards. This proposed site, with the
exception of the heavily -- the heavily screened substation, is flat, raw land. A one
hundred foot pine tree will create a distraction and detract from the overall visual quality
of the area. We applaud the director for requiring landscaping and appropriate fencing,
but that's not enough justification for placing a cell tower in a residen tially zoned district.
When residents purchased homes in this area the substation at Amity and Eagle was in
place and, as you can see, well shielded through berms and foliage. It is disrespectful to
residents of Century Farm to allow a cell tower in a residential district adjoining their
homes, especially when there are alternative locations, like nearby undeveloped
commercial parcels owned by the developer. Our residents are concerned about their
property values, the detrimental impact of cell towers on property values is well
documented. Peer review studies find that values declined by 20 percent near cell towers
and here is just one. Homebuyers in a survey indicated they would pay from ten percent
to 19 percent less to more than 20 percent less for a property in close proximity to a cell
phone base station and the results were, then, confirmed by a market sales analysis.
Price of properties were reduced around 21 percent after a cell phone base station was
built in the neighborhood. So, our members have expressed additional concerns. Before
allowing a one hundred foot cell tower one mile from an already existing one, especially
in a residential district, we believe that the city should require the opinion -- the opinion of
an independent expert, not the applicant 's network engineer, regarding the need for a
tower here and not in a nearby commercial district. So, this was run in the news just two
days ago. The Idaho Statesman carried a cover story about a new cell technology,
accompanied by a photo of a wireless transmitter attached unobtrusively to the top of a
light pole in downtown Boise. So, why not use this technology in our neighborhoods .
Place this one hundred foot cell tower where it belongs in a commercial or an industrial
district and utilize this new discrete technology in our neighborhoods. In closing, we
believe that there is no compelling reason to approve this conditional use permit. Instead,
there are numerous reasons to deny this CUP, which would set a terrible precedent for
cell towers in residential districts in our cities, or to further the study of options that would
provide cell service, while respecting our residents and neighborhoods. Please respect
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our residents who are opposed to this site for a cell tower. Let's adhere to the UDC that
encourages the location of wireless communication facilities in nonresidential districts.
Thank you. And I will stand for any questions.
Perreault: Any questions?
Cassinelli: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Cassinelli.
Cassinelli: Is Century Farms -- is that considered part of the Southern Rim district?
Reynolds: Of the -- you know, to be honest, I'm not -- I believe it is. I believe so. I'm not
the head of that. Susan does chair that. But I could -- I would assume the --
Cassinelli: Staff, do you know the -- what the northern boundary is on that? Okay. Thank
you.
Reynolds: Yeah. Oh, you're saying the actual -- the geographical boundaries?
Cassinelli: Uh-huh.
Reynolds: Yeah. That I'm not sure. But they do participate in the Southern Rim's
Coalition as far as communications and getting surveys from the coalition and
notifications of different properties and hearings that are coming up.
Perreault: Thank you.
Reynolds: Sure.
Perreault: Anyone else here who would like to testify? Step forward.
Fitzgerald: Madam Chair, while she's coming up -- Sonya, they have -- we have
significant Idaho Power lines that run down Amity Road. Do we have any idea how tall
those are? Is it -- just with that substation. I mean there is -- there is a significant amount
of -- of tall power lines that go along that road. So, I'm just --
Allen: Madam Chair. No, I don't.
Fitzgerald: Okay.
Perreault: On that note I do have one more question for staff while she's preparing. Do
we know what the distance is from this property to the boundary line -- the north boundary
of Century Farms across the open space?
Allen: To the south, Madam Chair?
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Perreault: To the south.
Allen: A quarter mile.
Perreault: Quarter mile.
Allen: Just a little under.
Perreault: Okay.
Holland: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Holland.
Holland: Quick Google search those, they can typically be between 60 and 120 feet on
major roadways. Power poles.
Perreault: Okay. Please state your name and address for the record.
LaFever: Denise LaFever. 6706 North Salvia Way, Meridian, Idaho. First of all, let --
let's just put aside the fact that it was Hill and Brighton that are coming forward with the
application in the first place, but I do object to the fact that this application for a cell tower
to be in this residential area -- it says right in there it's either prohibited or a conditional
use. So, it required two things to come forward. One is a DA -- a development agreement
change and a conditional use change. Okay. When City Council approved the
development agreement it was conditional that you guys approve the CUP. So, therefore,
the development agreement doesn't mean anything, because it still requires a CUP. But
the fact that they were decoupled I have an issue with . They should have been put
together and brought forward as one package. Putting that aside, it's still in a zoned R-8
area and 11 --11-4-3-4E as already discussed, discourages placement of a wireless tower
in a residential area. In addition, there are lots of other -- other techniques that are
available that are coming out with the 5G that just broke the news that are far more
aesthetic to the area. Putting it on a top of a light pole or a telephone pole, far more
appealing. In addition, the property right next door , based on Sonya's information that
she brought forward, right to the east Brighton and Ahlquist plan on doing a rezone and
making that commercial, which if it has to go anywhere, putting it over on the commercial
plotted land would make sense, because, then, it's not an issue. Barring all of that, that
one cell picture that came up, there are a lot better ways and a lot nicer looks over a -- a
tree. There is artwork and other disguises that's far more attractive that could go up and
if you have that -- did it come down? It locked. Oh, my phone locked. We will show you
a picture of some other disguises that are far more attractive and if -- and if for some
reason you decide that it goes on a corner, I would strongly suggest that we look at other
alternatives besides a tree. I mean that -- that actually looks nice and there is -- there is
several other art pieces that are out there for disguises that they have access to and there
is lots of other areas throughout different cities that do require them to disguise their
towers and they are not all trees. So, I will close and say I would like to see you deny the
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CUP. That developer has the opportunity to locate it during the rezone process right to
the east. If not, I would like you to consider putting a much nicer disguise on that, so --
Perreault: Is there anybody else in the audience interested in testifying? Okay.
Coles: Madam Chair, if I may make one comment.
Perreault: Yes.
Coles: I would like to apprise the Commission -- Susan Karnes did send in written
testimony late yesterday evening that was -- that I just actually added to the public
testimony folder, if the Commission is interested in looking at her written testimony that
she submitted, since she wasn't able to be here this evening.
Perreault: Thank you very much.
Allen: Madam Chair. If I may just clarify the record. Cell towers are either a principal
permitted or a conditional use in all zoning districts in the city. They are not prohibited.
So, just to clarify that.
Perreault: Thank you.
Allen: Depending on the specific use standards whether they are conditional or not.
Perreault: Appreciate that. Okay. Would the applicant like to come forward?
Williams: Madam Chairman, Commissioners, just want to touch a -- touch on a few topics.
Sonya did it perfectly with talking about how it's -- it's a permitted use or a conditional use
permit. It's not prohibited. As long as we meet the standards of the code, which we have
done on this application, for a conditional use permit. If I would have done a shorter tower
that would have been, you know, and the residential would have already been in place, I
could have actually done it permitted, but based off my proposed application it -- it falls
under a conditional use permit. Just based off the needs of the carriers and the height
they need in order to get adequate coverage in the area . And talks about this being an
R-8 lot. It is an R-8 lot currently with what Brighton has. You can see how they kind of
carved out our cell tower on their DA modification there. They are still working on what
they want to do with the rest of the property. They are talk -- when we originally were
working on this they were talking of doing a storage facility and that's why we had
proposed a chain link fence and no landscape buffer around it. That has since changed
-- well, not totally changed. As of right now it's changed based off the development
agreement. In the future it may change where we can take that away as Sonya stated
earlier. So, based off the way it's currently done, meeting all the setbacks and all that
stuff, with the landscape, we are more than willing to do. And it follows the residential
code. We have met everything required by the City of Meridian, by the local jurisdiction,
in order to have the facility located here. There are alternative tower types, but that -- it
makes it more noticeable as we are talking about galvanized poles, light -- electrical lines.
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I mean those -- those towers are between 90 to 120 feet. I worked on those in the past
and as they mentioned with small cells, I actually -- working on a lot of the small cells in
the city of Boise and they are a great design, so thank you. Appreciate that. But the --
small cells do not work unless they have a macro facility. Basically what the small cell is
is an amplifier to help offload capacity. We are doing them generally right now in the
downtown areas, just because there is so much capacity, business traffic down there that
the macro sites actually need additional help at the street level. Those are -- typically
range from 25 to 40 feet in height, but out in this area where it's actually a coverage and
capacity need, the small cell -- I mean it wouldn't work for what the needs are of the
carriers. And that's all I have.
Holland: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Any questions for the applicant?
Holland: A couple of questions for you. In installing these poles in other locations that
you have done, what's the longevity of the poles? Do they need to have replacements
over time? Do they need a lot of maintenance on them?
Williams: It depends on how well you do it. On how well you build anything. Typically
it's every five years they get all the branches kind of updated and redone, just to make
sure that nothing's falling off. They check the whole tower. They do a tower climb , kind
of an inspection thing on the branches, because the last thing we want is them falling
down. But you also have tower crews that will be going up there when they do co-
locations and that kind of stuff, that when they are up there they will be installing branches
as needed or if stuff falls off, replacing them as needed as well, since they are installing
on the tower they will need to do that. They will also be installing -- like antenna socks,
which will help camouflage the antennas where you won't be seeing just white antennas
on this tower, they will be screened, as well as the radios and stuff behind. They just put
a little sock over it to help camouflage it within the existing tree.
Perreault: Are you able to share with us any other locations that the applicant may have
considered and why they were eliminated?
Williams: Yeah. We actually -- I contacted the property directly east. A very nice lady I
met with over there. She was looking to do future -- or west. Sorry. I said east. She --
she was not interested simply because she wants to -- she owns quite a bit of property
there and wants to sell to a developer and have a subdivision or something like that.
She's waiting for them to write her a check with as many zeros that she wants is what she
told me. So, I can't argue with her there. It's her property. We also talked about going
on the northwest corner, but there -- they have a lot of commercial stuff planned there
and didn't have an adequate spot that they were willing to give up or release to us . Part
of our -- part of our whole looking is we have to find a site that leasable, zonable and
buildable. We also went across the street to where there is actually an elderly community.
I forget the exact name of it. But they had some open space there as well. But we just
-- from -- from a design standpoint we didn't like the design, didn't think it would be
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beneficial for the area. You know, I have -- I tried to go into the YMCA and those areas
down there, but they didn't want it there. Simple fact they don't want it anywhere near the
school, and which that's one of the West Ada County School District's requirements that
they don't require it on -- or allow them on elementary schools or middle schools. Only
high schools. And since we don't have any high schools in this area, there was really no
other area for us to go.
Perreault: And if you locate the tower farther south, north, east, west it -- it doesn't
accomplish what you're attempting to accomplish?
Williams: Correct. It doesn't meet the coverage objective.
Perreault: Okay. Any other questions for the applicant? Thank you very much.
Williams: Thank you.
Perreault: Can I get a motion to close the public hearing for H-2018-0087?
Holland: So moved.
Cassinelli: Second.
Perreault: It has been moved and seconded to close the public hearing for Hill Century
Farm Wireless Communications Facility, H-2018-0087. All those in favor say aye. None
opposed. Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: SIX AYES. ONE ABSENT.
Perreault: Who would like to start us off?
Holland: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Holland.
Holland: I will start us out. Cell towers are always interesting, because no one ever really
wants them anywhere, because they are -- they are tall and they are noticeable. They do
service the need of most communities as technology continues to increase. Just because
I'm a visual person I need to understand what the height looks like, an average two story
house is around 20 to 25 feet tall. This is about four times the height of an average two
story house. That puts it in perspective. The one good thing about this location is that
it's located behind the Idaho Power substation, so if you're going to put it somewhere
where there is already infrastructure, I see that being maybe a benefit to tie it in with that,
because it's something that they have already planted some trees around. So, that helps
mask some of that. It's still going to be a tall structure and I appreciate that -- that they
have shared they are working with someone who likes to add more branches to the top
to try and blend in a little bit nicer. I'm still conflicted, because it's a cell tower and there
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is, obviously, lots of concerns and positives on both sides of it. So , that's where I will
start.
Perreault: Okay.
Fitzgerald: Shall I go or do you want to go?
Cassinelli: I will jump in. I -- I was interested -- I was -- had a look at something to confirm
it, but you mentioned that was West Ada -- the applicant I should say, talking with my
fellow Commissioners, mentioned that the West Ada doesn't want them at middle schools,
yet there is one at Sawtooth or -- yeah. At Sawtooth Middle. So, that I -- I don't
understand that one. And, you know, I do -- nobody wants them, but everybody wants
the -- kind of thing. It is -- it is a Catch 22 with it. With that substation there -- I think
nothing's uglier than a substation --
Fitzgerald: Agreed.
Cassinelli: -- personally. I don't care, you know, what you put around it and from a health
standard the -- the -- you know, the voltage coming off of a substation is -- is tremendous.
I don't know if they could. If it could be put it in the substation in closer or -- Idaho Power
won't even discuss that or if there is too much interference there. I guess my thought is
to -- would be to -- I would lean towards the cell tower. As far as the property, the value
issue, those homes aren't in there yet, so if it will be -- I think it would be a different topic
if we were -- if the homes were there and they were looking to locate one . But the tower
would potentially go in there first. So, any homes around there, you're going to be buying
or not buying knowing that there is a -- there is that tower right there. So, those are --
those are my thoughts on it. I think I would probably tend to -- it's necessary. The -- you
know, just like those 120 foot or whatever they are transmission lines are going up and
down Amity and that substation, those aren't pretty, but they are necessary. And the cell
tower is not necessarily pretty, but it's -- it's necessary and everybody in those --
everybody in those -- in that surrounding neighborhood if they don't have cell coverage
they are not going to be happy. I mean it's -- everybody wants it.
Fitzgerald: Madam Chair? Oh, go ahead.
Perreault: Commissioner -- well, I was going to say on that note, you know, Brighton is
not only a developer, but they are a home builder as well and I'm sure they have taken
into account the effect it will have on their bottom line when they do put residential in there
and -- and if it was significant enough for them -- if they were that concerned about their
values they would not have agreed to lease that -- that property to -- to a cell tower. So,
I agree with you in the -- in the sense that the homes are not there yet, that the public will
be aware that there is a cell tower in that area and if they choose not to purchase there
for that reason that -- at least they will have that knowledge. They will be aware of it.
Commissioner Fitzgerald.
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Fitzgerald: Madam -- I think -- I echo your exact comments. I think both on the west side
where you have a substantial chunk of property and Turnbull owns -- or the Brighton
Corporation owns the property that is around it.
Perreault: Right.
Fitzgerald: If it was -- if we were talking about a cell tower right there with houses there I
would be opposed. I think I'm with Commissioner Cassinelli, I think the substation makes
it the right place to put it and those -- I mean looking at the -- I just brought up Google
Maps, just to look at the -- the visual landscape down Amity Road and it -- those towers
are long and they are all along the road and that's -- it's not going to change. It would
add one more component to the -- what's already there and I think it's -- we can't shut
down the city's like useful structure just because we are in the middle of the comp plan.
I mean, I'm sorry, that doesn't work for me. I -- we have to continue to move forward in
certain ways. I understand where we are coming -- making good decisions, but we have
to be able to function as a city as we are going through that process as well. So, I -- to a
couple points that got -- that were said in testimony, that we have to make good decisions
to be able to make sure we are offering -- offering proper services to our citizens and it
sounds like this is where it needs to be, so --
Olsen: Madam Chairman?
Perreault: Commissioner Olsen.
Olsen: The picture right there, the cell tower is leasing land from the developer that owns
the land.
Perreault: That's correct. That's my understanding.
Olsen: Okay. Thank you.
Perreault: And I do have -- I understand why residents have concerns, that I echo
Commissioner Holland in that regard. I understand that being in -- in the real estate
industry I do have those conversations with real estate clients in that regard and there is
an -- an awareness of it. However, in this situation it's not a scenario where they would
not be aware that the -- the tower is there and make that choice and -- and, again, I have
no doubt that Brighton has analyzed that as part of their decision to -- to lease that
property, so -- are there any other thoughts, comments?
Holland: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Holland.
Holland: I would just note for the Commission that because they are requesting condition
-- conditional use permit, we are the deciding body on this application. So, it won't go
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forward to Council. But one other note I have is -- I agree with the staff that they should
have the additional buffer.
Fitzgerald: Agreed.
Perreault: And it's my understanding the applicant is in agreement with that. It doesn't
sound like there was anything about the staff report that they were interested in modifying.
Seal: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Seal.
Seal: One thing I would like to add is -- I mean as new generations move in -- I mean
almost the opposite is being seen sometimes where somebody can see a cell tower and
they are -- they are thinking, hey, I have got good connectivity here. So, as somebody
that's not in that generation -- and I have had a cell phone tower in my backyard and
moved out of that neighborhood, I don't fit that demographic. However, I do know that
that's something that as we attract younger buyers into our communities that's something
that they are actually looking for.
Perreault: And this is not necessarily in our purview, but something to consider that
several homes are now moving towards self service for their web access and that's
probably affecting capacity in a big big way and people are streaming, using their cell
service and -- and I would imagine that that's creating a significant demand for towers,
so --
Seal: They all want it and nobody wants it in their backyard.
Perreault: That's right. Are we at a point of making a motion?
Seal: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Seal.
Seal: Are we going to make -- I mean is part of this going to be conditional on what kind
of landscaping is approved? Are they going to have to, basically, provide detailed -- some
details on that and how that will be maintained?
Perreault: Right. So, that will be reviewed by the staff as part of the zoning compliance
process, so those specifics the staff will review and make sure that the applicant's in
compliance with that. That's a great question. And as Commissioner Holland mentioned,
just so that you're aware, on conditional use permits we are the final decision makers.
So, this does not move on to City Council.
Cassinelli: Madam Chair?
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Perreault: Commissioner Cassinelli.
Cassinelli: One -- one additional question for staff. Is Brighton still moving forward with
a storage unit on that or -- or not?
Allen: Chairman, Commissioner Cassinelli, I'm not sure what Brighton is doing. They
were looking at that site for a storage facility, but I'm unsure if they are going to go forward
with that for sure.
Cassinelli: So, there is still -- there is still a possibility of a storage facility --
Allen: There is. However, it's -- it's not allowed in the current zone.
Cassinelli: Oh. Okay.
Allen: So, they would have to go through some additional approvals to make that happen,
as well as possibly a comp plan map amendment.
Cassinelli: Thank you.
Fitzgerald: Are you done? Okay.
Perreault: Commissioner Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald: Make me do it. I see how you are. After considering all staff, applicant and
public testimony, I move to approve File No. H-2018-0087 as presented in the staff report
for the hearing date of February 7th, 2019.
Cassinelli: Second.
Perreault: It has been moved and seconded to approve Hill Century Farm Wireless
Communication Facility, H-2018-0087, conditional use permit. All those in favor say aye.
None opposed. Okay. Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: SIX AYES. ONE ABSENT.
E. Public Hearing for Excalibur Metal Design (H-2018-0139) by
Hatch Design Architecture, Located 1322 E . Watertower St.
1. Request: Conditional Use Permit for a light industry use on
0.83 acres of land in the C-G zoning district
Perreault: Thank you all in the audience for hanging in there. We have one more
application. Public hearing for Excalibur Metal Design, H-2018-0139. We will start with
the staff report.
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Leonard: Thank you, Madam Chair, Members of the Commission. The last item before
you this evening is for a conditional use permit. The site consists of 0.83 acres of land.
It's zoned C-G and it's located at 1322 East Watertower. To the north is a machining
supply company, zoned I-L. To the south is East Watertower Street and the Meridian
Police Department, which is zoned C-G. To the east is South Atkins Way and -- and an
equipment supplier here, which is also zoned C-G. And to the west is a computer
recycling company, which is zoned C-G. The property was annexed in 2000 and it was
rezoned from R-8 to C-G in 2002. A CUP is being requested to construct an
approximately 11,000 square foot, two story light industrial facility to be used for a metal
design company. The facility is proposed to include a showroom and production area so
customers will be able to view the fabrication process and custom order wholesale or
retail products. It will also contain employee offices and warehouse space. The building
will house a service bay, intended to contain the majority of fabrication processes to
mitigate sound and any industrial characteristics of the intended use and that is going to
be kind of in this area. Access is proposed via East Watertower Street and South Atkins
Way. Typically staff tries to limit the number of access points from collector roadways.
In this case we are actually kind of allowing them to just keep the two access points,
because there is an outdoor storage use that will abut the industrial property to the north
and there is also -- also a -- sorry. Excuse me. There is also a storage yard that they
were proposing in the northern part of the site. So, that would limit their ability to be able
to do those things and change the site design. There are 22 parking spaces proposed,
which is in compliance with UDC standards. A secure parking area is also proposed
along the northern part of the site. The gates will be kind of located right here . Access
to these parts -- or this part of the parking lot should be coordinated with the Meridian Fire
Department and Republic Services. A walkway is proposed to connect the front entrance
with the outdoor patio area, which connects to a sidewalk along East Watertower and
South Atkins Way right here. The applicant has applied for alternative compliance to
allow for trees and grates, which were these three right here and pavers along the
southern part of the site abutting East Watertower Street. Staff is approving the
alternative compliance request as it will create a pedestrian oriented space for customers,
employees and pedestrians. Staff does recommend that the applicant provide greater
detail regarding the seating options with the CZC and design review application.
Conceptual elevations have been submitted for the building. Building materials consist
of glass storefront and metal awnings on the south and metal siding -- a perforated metal
accent screen and steel entry on the northeast and west. Staff is recommending that the
north, east and west elevations be revised to include two distinct field materials in
compliance with the architectural standards manual for commercial districts . The future
structure is also required to comply with the ESM in the UDC. So, elevations will be
reviewed with this CZC and design review application by staff. With that I conclude my
presentation and I will stand for any questions.
Perreault: Any questions for staff? Stephanie, can you go over the -- the parking space
issue again. Is the applicant proposing to fence the entire property or just that -- that
north section of the --
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Leonard: Madam Chair, Members of the Commission, they are proposing secured
parking with a gate that is proposed here and here. So , it's going to be, I think, roughly
seven spaces. There is a parking space here, trash enclosures there, and, then, I think
there are five or six spaces there. So, I believe that's intended to be employee parking.
Perreault: And the staff is recommending that they talk to the Fire Department and make
sure there is correct access for --
Leonard: Madam Chair, yes. We are recommending that they just coordinate however
far that needs to be from -- specifically South Atkins Way, just to make sure they have
enough room to get in and out if they are sitting there trying to get it unlocked or access
the area.
Perreault: Okay.
Leonard: And also with Republic Services to make sure that they can get in to get the
trash.
Perreault: Okay. I just wanted to make sure that was clear. Any other questions for
staff? Would the applicant, please, come forward. Please state your name and address
for the record.
Hatch: Jeff Hatch with Hatch Design Architecture. 6126 West State Street, Boise, Idaho.
Representing Excalibur Metal Designs. Good evening, Commission Chair Perreault and
fellow commissioners. Thank you for your time this evening in consideration of our
conditional use application. For almost a decade Excalibur Metal Designs has been
operating in Meridian. They have been serving Meridian and growing their business here
in Meridian and with that success this application is a continuation of the success of their
business. The intended use is to have a showroom that enhances and helps sell their
products and so they not only do metal stair railings and metal, you know, fences, but
they also do artwork, they do custom furniture, they do a range of very unique, distinct
architectural features to buildings, both internally and externally and so with that it's really
hard to describe in images how and what their capabilities are, because it's very diverse
and so with that, the showroom is intended to help engage the general public and help
show them what they have done and what they can do and, in addition, will have a
fabrication area and so part of that they will have a viewing mezzanine where you can
actually go up and see the employees working on these . They all have CNC machines
and welding going and so you can actually use it as an educational piece or we can have,
you know, the public come in and actually learn about welding and learning about artwork
and how you -- you can engage the public more with this type of business. In addition,
during our neighborhood meeting -- let's see. Can this move forward? It does. Okay.
During our neighborhood meeting we received some positive support and we also have
one of our adjacent neighbors here in support of the project and so in addition to the
conditional use, we also have our alternative compliance and so with that we feel that we
achieve that by -- on the eastern side of the property we are actually enhancing the
density of the trees that we have along there and tying those in with the architectural
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language of the building on that east face side. So, we are creating more of an aesthetic
appeal, but also adding density to the landscaping. On the south we are proposing to do
the south entry in more of an urban street frontage and so with that it will be pavers,
instead of sidewalk and landscaping, and so in lieu of that we are going to have a series
of tree grates, so that we can still shade that south facing side , but, ultimately, we feel
that this approach is going to be more engaging to the public, which is what our intent is
and it's also going to be more friendly. We want something that engages the
neighborhood and says come in, come see what we do, and so that's what we feel like
we are achieving. In general, we are in agreement with the conditions of -- for this project,
but we did want to elaborate a little bit on Item G, which is what Stephanie had mentioned
slightly, which is about the aesthetics of the exterior of the building. So, to the direct north
of us we have a tilt-up concrete building that has two painted colors. One in cream and
one in like a maroon color, but -- but the -- the same concrete material and glazing. To
the east of us we have concrete and masonry building that has kind of a split face texture
and, then, also to the east of us we have a building that has a little bit of different
characteristics of masonry, but it's all still one material. Masonry. It's just different
textures of that product. And, then, also to the east of us we have a masonry building
that has a slight offset or jog in their facade to create kind of a column or pil aster effect,
but, again, still all the same material. And so with that we are -- we are showing in our
conceptual renderings some of the features of this building to the south where we are
proposing basically an entire glazed southern facade to create a dramatic effect that really
engages the public, but also showcases a lot of the transparen cy of the space and
showcases their work. Also with that on the Atkins side the intent is to have an undulation
in our metal facade, so that we are creating something that creates shadows and really
engages that elevation. So, as a concept of these, to the -- to the south, if you look at the
top left, that's, essentially, the type of glazing that we are -- we are looking at doing for
this facility. Along the eastern side on the top right, you know, that's all done in metal, but
you get a lot of distinction, a lot of characteristics, a lot of uniqueness that we feel
enhances and meets the intent of the architectural standards manual, but is all achieved
in metal. To the bottom left this is a concept that we are working with for our covered
canopy, which is on the western side, and this would be something that, again, is
architecturally distinct and unique and does not feel industrial even though it's made out
of metal. And, then, lastly we have the -- the bottom, which kind of shows, again, that
transparency of the staircase to the left. You can see the canopy awnings and you can
see the tree grates, so you can see the feel of that urban street frontage that we are trying
to achieve. So, in conclusion, we are requesting approval of our conditional use permit
with the alternative compliance and the consideration to either amend or potentially
remove Item G based on if you feel that our architectural intent is successful and I will
stand for questions.
Perreault: Any questions for the applicant?
Holland: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Holland.
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Holland: One quick question. The closed-off parking area that you have got, the gated
parking, is there an intent to have storage or anything or is it mostly just for employee
parking?
Hatch: Mostly for employee parking. A lot of the trash that we have is actually quite
expensive. Metal can be reused, recycled. Copper in particular is something that is very
precious and so before those can be recycled they need to be stored in -- in the trash
dumpster and so we would -- would also have that for security, so people aren't coming
in and stealing the products before recycling.
Holland: Thank you.
Cassinelli: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Cassinelli.
Cassinelli: Can you -- can you elaborate on -- on that? My concern there is that it would
be, you know, drive by, then, looking in there would look a little bit like a scrap yard. So,
can you elaborate on how that metal will be stored out there?
Hatch: The -- the metal that is to be recycled?
Cassinelli: That or any -- any metal that's, you know, a fresh metal that's brought into be
reworked.
Hatch: The metal that's intended to be worked, if we go back to the site plan, on the very
northern end of the facility we have a roll-up door and so the intent is is that we can have
vehicles that are delivering the product to be able to pull up alongside -- side of the facility,
roll up that door and be able to trans-load that into the facility. Rain affects the
architectural characteristics of all of these products very distinctly and it's something that
they need to control and so the intent in all likelihood is not to store product outside , to
keep it inside, especially with, you know, your coppers and your stainless steel and stuff
that's affected by the weather.
Cassinelli: So, is there -- in that plan is -- in that site plan is there a designated area, then,
where the recycled material will be kept?
Hatch: So, the recycled material would be in the dumpster typically.
Cassinelli: Okay.
Hatch: Or it's going to be stored inside and -- and, then, recycled.
Cassinelli: Okay.
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Perreault: So, I have a few questions about the exterior. I would anticipate that color will
be a significant -- if there is going to be a large metal plain and you're not asking to have
a second distinct field material that the color -- that the applicant chooses to use is going
to be significant, is there any conversation about that at this point, considering that the
buildings surrounding the area are in a very different material?
Hatch: You -- to --
Perreault: What colors will -- will they be using the colors that you have in the rendering
or will it -- will it look like that or is that just an example of the structure size and -- is it
actually going to be gray with brown accent?
Hatch: Gray is actually more of a white and so it's a little bit lighter and , then, the black
is sort of a black charcoal color and so those are things that are welcome to -- to work
with, but as far as like field accents, the screen walls that we are using, like on that eastern
facade, are going to be a decorative perforated metal that's a distinctly different color as
well. And, then, in addition versus having a solid color facade, even like the tilt-up panel
to the north of us, we are going to have that banding that ties in with the -- the rigid frame
archway and that will carry along as well and so we will have some distinctive ribbing
along the corners of the building as well to help frame this.
Perreault: Okay.
Cassinelli: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Cassinelli.
Cassinelli: If staff were okay with it and there was still a requirement for an additional
material, could it be something that were just a -- like a -- a band down at the base level?
So, for the first five feet. I don't know if that's something that fits the design standards.
Leonard: Madam Chair, Commissioner Cassinelli, are you speaking of like a band along
the base to kind of like anchor it to the ground or are you --
Cassinelli: Correct. I was just looking right down the street is -- is Danik Gymnastics.
Leonard: Okay.
Cassinelli: And looking at that building that's what -- it looks like -- it appears that that's
what is around that building, maybe in the first three -- three, four, five feet there is -- there
is a stone material.
Leonard: Yeah. That, actually, is one of the requirements in the architectural standards
manual for commercial districts, so that would be something that we would find
acceptable. Bill and I were actually just talking to an option -- since this is all
administratively reviewed anyway with a design review, you technically don't approve the
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elevations -- you can say whether you can have an opinion, obviously, but it would be up
to staff ultimately to determine whether it's appropriate with the architectural standards
manual or not. We do have a design review kind of exemption that you can apply for or
that we can talk about and for stuff like the -- the elevation that's up on the left-hand --
upper left-hand side, I think we could work with you and -- and call something more of a
distinct field material, if it's varying enough from the other metal materials, if that makes
sense. That was directed toward Jeff and the entire commission.
Hatch: Yeah, we -- we prepared this presentation based on the dialogue that we were
saying about it.
Perreault: I'm sorry, would you repeat that?
Hatch: We prepared this presentation with the intent to engage you on it, because that's
what our understanding was.
Perreault: Okay.
Parsons: Madam -- Madam Chair, Member to the Commission, when we -- when we pre-
app with the applicant that elevation in the left-hand corner I think was the one that they
presented to us and we were supportive of that. We said, yes, it doesn't meet the -- it
doesn't comply with all the standards of the design manual -- the architectural standards
manual, but through the administrative process they -- they have the option of applying
for the design exception and it's just like it's -- we treat it almost like an alternative
compliance. So, it's -- there is no fee, it's just in his -- his narrative to staff he has to
explain why this design and these materials are equal to or better than what's in our
design manual -- or design standards and we have done that on -- on occasion. So, we
didn't want to give Jeff the impression that you had the ability to approve something oth er
than what's allowed to the design -- or the architectural standards manual. So, if that's
something that you are supportive of and you think you can support the design , just
amend the condition to say apply for the design exception as allowed in the architectural
standards manual and we can -- and give us some of that feedback where you want to
see a block or something grounding the base of the building per those standards, but we
can work on the materials through that ASM process, if you'd like the exception.
Perreault: Okay. So, for clarification I think I heard you mention about alternative
compliance and just wanted to clarify that that's specific to the plaza , the trees and the
grates and the pavers, it is not specific to the distinct field materials, that is part of what
is already written in the staff report and the Commission's decision will be whether we will
require -- or that we will uphold staff's recommendation for the two distinct field materials
or not. So, I just wanted to clarify that they are two different -- the -- the alternative
compliance will be decided by the planning director and not by the Commission ; is that
correct?
Leonard: Madam Chair, that's correct.
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Perreault: Okay. Thank you. Any other questions for the applicant?
Seal: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Seal.
Seal: In looking at the designs on the upper right corner, is -- is that something that you're
proposing on -- my understanding is you were proposing on putting that on the side of the
building?
Hatch: Correct. And something of that nature would be proposed along Atkins.
Seal: So, that's something that will just go on the east side of the building. Is tha t
something that you have considered doing as an educational piece or an art piece with a
local facility -- you know, local educational facilities, schools, shops?
Hatch: With all very sincere respect, Commissioner Seal, everything about this building
is an educational piece.
Seal: Right. I understand. I just wanted to try to make sure that I understand the concept
of that -- that going up and you had alluded to the educational prospects of the building
and being able to provide that, were just trying to understand if there has been some kind
of outreach that's been done on that in order to provide an educational opportunity that,
then, would help provide, you know, the conditional aspect of -- not the conditional, but
get to what we are trying to provide as far as the aesthetics of the building.
Seal: So, the majority of the metal screening on that side is going to be fabricated -- one,
custom, but also with CNC and various technical means and so each of those panels as
they are created are something that can be showcased and -- and -- and used for
education to the general public and it's my understanding in talking with the owners that
they are intending to engage elementary schools, high schools and, you know, basically
anybody who would want to tour the facility and with that, not only things with inside the
facility, but also the exterior of the facility itself would be elements that they can teach and
educate how those were achieved.
Perreault: Would you share with us about any noise factors? In the application it
mentioned that it was going to be consistent with commercial areas, but that -- that's -- I
mean there is a huge variety of -- of -- you know, of possible concerns in that regard. So,
can you talk to us about what that -- what's involved with the noise? Is there going to be
an issue for any of the neighboring properties?
Hatch: The neighboring properties are commercial uses and -- and want to kind of recap
with those are again?
Perreault: I believe the --
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Leonard: Madam Chair, Members of the Commission, it's industrial to the north and,
then, there is -- I think it's like a machinery supply company to the west. Commercial.
So, it's all C-G surrounding to the west, south and east and, then, to the north it's industrial
and I believe this company is -- and this one are like 8:00 to 500. So, standard business
hours. I don't --
Hatch: Yeah. So, based on those industrial and more commercial uses, we feel that we
will be right in line with the rest of them as far as sound production.
Perreault: Okay. Any other questions for the applicant? Thank you.
Hatch: Thank you. Is there anyone signed up to testify?
Coles: No, Madam Chair.
Perreault: Is there anyone in the room who would like to speak? Please come forward.
Good evening.
Snyder: Madam Chair, Commissioners, it's been painted all night at how I'm supposed
to address you.
Perreault: Please state your name and address for the record.
Snyder: Okay. My name is Matt Snyder. My address is 125 West Taylor in Meridian. I
own Forward Movement Training right across the way from Excalibur. So, for the last five
years I have been a neighbor of them and so I can talk to a couple of things that came up
tonight. I actually would have brought some of the stuff that they have designed and
made for us as gifts along the way, but they are entirely too heavy, but they are amazing.
So, the first thing I would say is that I come from a law enforcement background. I have
been with Ada County Sheriff's Office since 2006, so I'm always a little bit skeptical of
people, especially in industrial areas, and what I came to find right away is Jeremy's team
are -- are some of the most -- the best business owners that I think the city really has to
offer. They are legitimately ninjas and artists when it comes to work. It's -- it's pretty
crazy. So, the -- I have -- over the last five years I have seen just a -- just a ton of stuff
come out of their shop that if you go on and you see any of the Parade of Homes you will
see their -- their stuff. Their stuff is featured in the Parade of Homes and have been for
several years all throughout the -- the city and they -- the way they treat their clientele
and the way they treat people is -- is really pretty incredible. As it pertains to this project,
though, the Commissioner Cassinelli -- came up as far as like the waste and stuff goes.
So, they are -- they use virtually everything, but what they don't use they -- like right now
as it stands that there is a dumpster outside of our spot and their excess stuff goes into
that and they have some recycle company come and take it. So, at no point in the last
five years have I ever seen anything that was outside of that space or was not like this.
You know, there was -- there has never been an issue, it's all been contained to that and
I have never heard any of our neighboring companies having any issues either. So, you
can't see -- it looks like a dump -- dump for space and that's where it goes. As far as the
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noise goes, I oftentimes like to go over there, just to see what it is they are doing, because
they have got this sweet CNC machine that does this amazing stuff and you can have a
conversation, right, as they are working and crafting their stuff. So, the noise is actually
very -- very minimal. The last thing I would say is that what -- what they are looking to
design -- there has been lots of stuff where I -- I have tried to wrap my mind around what
it is that he said he sees in his mind's eye and a lot of times it's very difficult, but what
comes out is an absolute masterpiece. So, what they are proposing I have no doubt, as
a Meridian citizen, as Meridian -- I live here, I work here, own a business here, I have no
doubt that it will be an absolute masterpiece when it comes to what is featured in the city.
We may not be able to see it necessarily in the mind's eye, but what I would ask is that
-- that the board and the Commission is to not let something like a rule about, you know,
two different colors or whatever that is -- stand in the way from the artwork. I think of it
like that art. Art piece. That's right at the intersection Main and Meridian. You know, it
kind of splits off right there. It's all one piece; right? Or one color. But it's just -- it's a --
it's a piece of work, a piece of art. So, that's what I have to say to it. It's -- they do
incredible work. They are legitimate artists and I am excited to see what they come up
with in the city. And I will eat lunch there in the patio if they serve it. So, I will stand for
questions.
Perreault: Okay. Thank you. Is there anything else the applicant would like to add or
any additional questions for the applicant? Oh, yes. Would you like to speak? Please
come forward.
Adams: Thank you. My name is Jeremy Adams. Owner of Excalibur Mills and I live at
5953 North Channing Way in Meridian. Thanks, Matt, for that. That's awesome. We are
-- we do very unique stuff. It's very hard to explain . People ask us all the time what we
do and we don't know what to say. We just do stuff with metal and so someone will come
to us and say have you ever built this before and we will say no, but we say no problem,
because we will get it done. So, our whole process with this building and our whole idea
is is to have something very unique and different and bring it , because we -- my wife and
I moved to Meridian, like Jeff said, almost a decade ago. We live in Meridian . We are
very happy for things like Costco and Winco, because we can walk to them. You know,
we love, you know, the way Meridian is going. We want to just add something that's
different and new and it kind of, you know, shows what we can do and if you want to know
who works with us -- every one of us is here. So, we are all very happy. We are a family.
We are team. My son and my wife are here as well. But this is all a learning thing for us.
I mean we -- we know how to do metal. You can come and ask us to make something
from metal and we will do it. But this is all new. I didn't know what to expect and I really
appreciate all your guys' time. But I think I could ask -- answer some of the questions,
just like Matt did, that you guys had. So, the dumpster that would be out would be
enclosed as well, because it's a requirement for dumpsters and so all that scrap steel,
which is very minimal, because we use 99 percent of the stuff and we rarely throw
anything away, but it would be enclosed and the most noise we would have is maybe a
forklift unloading a truck. Everything else is done interior and so we have very minimal
noise in our production process as well. But I also did have a question for Commissioner
Seal if I -- to ask what you -- what you're requiring -- or what you were -- it's very interesting
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to me the educational outreach, because we want to be an educational outreach facility
where people can come in and we can teach them, but to have something educational
for the site, I'm very interested in that and we are very interested in coming up with
something like that, but did you have something in mind for that?
Seal: Well, I mean as it pertains to the project, not necessarily, but just, you know, always
advocating for education in our communities and the ability to reach out , especially to a
shop program or something like that. I mean shop programs, FFA, things like that are
kind of diminishing in the schools, where your business can bring something to us. To a
school, to a -- you know, not -- not necessarily a school, an educational facility that might
help partner with making the -- you know, basically the artwork that would go on the side
of the buildings that might substantiate, you know, altering the -- you know, the outlay in
the building or the look of the building that would be something that, you know, is a win
for everybody.
Adams: Absolutely. We are looking into that. And anything we can do that can outreach
to education -- to alternative education we want and that's why we have designed our
building to have that community feel. I mean we want people to just walk in and say what
-- what are you guys doing today and go up in the observation deck or -- we are going to
have an observation room that we call a classroom that you will be able to just sit in and
watch what we are doing and nothing that we do we feel is proprietary to the City of
Meridian, because we work here and we want people to come in and see what we do and
we are very proud of it. But -- I mean that being said, we have reached out -- people have
reached out to us. We have had some apprentices come in as well to apprentice with us,
but most times in our industry it seems that people go to work for a trailer manufacturing
company or are building heavy machinery and they get burned out. We are looking for
people, young and early. Every one of us that work here are artists and we all love our
job and it's really hard to find people that love their job like we do and it seems to get
burned out really easy and so we want our facility to bring in and start early, high school,
college, you know, the CW I, we have been working with as well apprenticeships wise to
bring people in before they get burned out and say, hey, this -- I can have a lot of fun
doing this. It's not just a welding job. We are fabricators and we enjoy it. Thank you.
Perreault: Thank you so much. Your passion shows through --
Adams: Thank you.
Perreault: -- and it's wonderful to have -- have someone come and make a presentation
that is excited about -- about what you are doing. It's great. I -- yeah, you're making me
excited about it. I hope we get an invitation. We -- you know, part of what we do is -- is
talking about what's great for the community and also, of course, this whole technical side
of what we do, too. Just one more little technical question about the deliveries. What --
what kind of delivery hours do you have and I assume that your facility will be set up for
the trucks to -- to be able to move around easily. How often are deliveries? What kind
of --
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Adams: Yeah. So, we like the banker hours. We like, you know, not working too much
sometimes, which burns us out. But we tend to get deliveries maybe once or twice a
month and they are very minimal. We don't -- a lot of what we do -- 75 percent of our
stuff is -- is design, so we do a lot of design and that's why our offices and showroom are
so big, because we spend a lot of time doing that. But our production s take a long time.
So, if we work on a product it could take a week to do and so -- with very minimal projects
with our raw materials and so -- so, I mean it just depends on the project as well. But we
-- we try to get one or two shipments a month and maybe one for a majority would be --
Perreault: Great. Thank you very much. Any additional questions? Thank you.
Adams: Thank you. Is there anyone else here who would like to speak?
Fitzgerald: Sorry. Three strikes you're out.
Reynolds: Sally Reynolds. 1166 West Bacall Street in Meridian. 83646. Just -- just as
I was watching this evening before he got up and that's a tough act to follow, but as I was
looking at their exterior elevations and I just kept thinking this is so wonderful. I mean
they have trees breaking up the site. They have banding that they have been respective
to their neighbors to try and fit into the community, where they are building where people
all -- are already existing and even though their product is so different , they are being
respectful of those neighbors and I'm not a huge contemporary, modern person. I did live
in Seattle for four years, so you thought maybe I would have been converted , but as far
as that goes I definitely think that this is just a beautiful facility. I love the patio. I love
welcoming the community. The whole area on the site and how they have mixed organic
material with metal. It's so innovative and I think that it's what the community needs.
Honestly, I wish that it was somewhere off of Eagle or Chinden where it could really be
showcased and I think being a family business that's what Meridian is about and, yeah,
I'm -- I -- I would love it if we had more projects like this. Thank you.
Perreault: Thank you.
Fitzgerald: Okay. I rescind my comment, because that was exactly what I was thinking.
Perreault: Okay. Is there anything the applicant would like to add? Excellent. Can I get
a motion to close the public hearing?
Cassinelli: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Cassinelli.
Cassinelli: I move we close the public hearing, Excalibur Metal Design, Item H-2018-
0139.
Holland: Second.
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Perreault: It has been moved and seconded to close the public hearing for H-2018-0139.
All those in favor say aye. None opposed. Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: SIX AYES. ONE ABSENT.
Holland: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Holland.
Holland: I'm going to jump in first, because I like -- I like economic development,
obviously. That's what I do for a living. So, I wish that you could just replicate the
entrepreneurial spirit of the company and the staff and everyone that showed up tonight.
So, I wish we could replicate it and do 16 of these in Meridian, because I think it's a great
-- great sounding concept and looks like it's well thought out, design touches -- it's going
to be a great addition to the community. Great expansion and it's always great to see
Meridian companies expanding and growing here. So, we appreciate that for sure. I also
like that, you know, there is great ties for the apprenticeship program, which is something
the Department of Labor is really focusing on, something that CW I is really focusing on.
So, as far as the economic development portion of the comp plan, I think it fits in perfectly
with the mission and vision of what the city is looking for for economic development. I
don't really have any concerns when I'm looking at it. You know, the -- the only other note
I would make is that a lot of the projects that are coming through the valley right now that
are looking for locations -- national companies, there is -- because of technology changes
there is a big shift in commercial companies looking a little more industrial, where it's more
of a commercial look and more of a commercial feel, but they have got industrial process
because CNC machining and technology has gotten so far advanced that they can do
some really cool stuff with it. So, I don't have any concerns with the way that the site plan
is laid out. I think it makes sense with having the gated parking in the back , because of
the nature of the materials they work with. Just their own security. So, no concern to me.
Perreault: Anything further?
Cassinelli: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Cassinelli.
Cassinelli: I totally echo that. I was going to say the same thing and -- and congratulations
to you guys for -- for the expansion, for the growth. That's awesome. And it's fun to see
-- and I think it's a -- I think it's a cool building. My only concern was I didn't want to see
a pile of scrap metal in the back. I don't think that's going to be a problem . It doesn't
sound like they -- they have much waste and what there will be will be kept in the -- kept
-- kept in the screened area there where the dumpster is. There is -- Intermountain Wood
Products is right down the street there and they have heavy truck traffic all day long. So,
I don't -- this -- the noise and traffic coming out of this as far as deliveries and whatnot
won't even -- I think will be a nonfactor. So, I think it's -- I think it's great. I don't think we
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Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
February 7, 2019
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should go remove that condition. Leave that in, let them -- let them work with -- with staff
on the design. I think we will -- we will figure out a great design on that.
Seal: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Seal.
Seal: I fully agree. I'm kind of excited about this and this is my first night, so didn't expect
that, but, to be honest, I -- I agree that we should probably recommend the exception to
the elevations, because I'm kind of excited to see what they would bring with -- with what
they have talked about, especially making it something that could be educational in
nature. That's pretty exciting. And I think whatever they put on the side of the building is
going to -- they are going to want it to represent their business and what they are willing
to offer. So, I think it's going to be something that our community probably will look very
favorably.
Fitzgerald: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Fitzgerald.
Fitzgerald: I completely agree. I don't want to force something that we are adding stone
that doesn't make sense for their business, it doesn't make sense for the design. I
commend you guys for -- first for your whole family and for your team to be here. We
appreciate the community support and -- and kudos to the architect. You guys did a great
job of bringing in a vision, a sense of place that I think that neighborhood needs and so
I -- I would like to put it somewhere where it would be in the center of town, other than an
industrial area, but that's just because I like metal or -- or metal and glass. So, you can
come and design my house. But I think you did an exceptional job. I think it's -- it will be
-- it will add tons to that part of the world. I used to live in Woodbridge, which is right down
the street, and so I am excited for the design and I appreciate the work you guys do and
I'm going to come and see if I can have some -- bid on something. Now I'm excited.
Olsen: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Olsen.
Olsen: I think it's unanimous. This is a marvelous project to see a family coming together
and grow a business long enough to get to the point where you can actually afford your
own building. That's tremendous. And it's nice to be part of it. Thank you.
Holland: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Holland. If -- if there is anybody else that has discussion I don't
want to cut anyone off, but I would be happy to make a motion if we are at that point.
Perreault: I would like to share some thoughts.
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Fitzgerald: No. You can't.
Perreault: I -- I agree with everything that -- that the Commissioner said and -- but also
thank you that you are choosing to open this to the community, because that's not
something you have to do and I think it's fantastic that you are doing it and I know that
also as a business owner it creates concern and risk and liability that have come -- people
come through and insurance costs and all those good things, but -- but to have it open to
the community is just absolutely fantastic and I really appreciate that you're doing that,
because I would imagine that it's not easy to be watched when you're being creative and
designing something and so it's very kind of you to -- to make that something that is open.
And I love glass. I think glass is beautiful and I think it's just the facade of the building is
-- is really fantastic. It's -- it's lovely. And I agree, I wish it was in a more obvious area in
the community, so -- one quick thing I wanted to find out from staff is -- as far as the
distinct field materials, is there a section of the staff report that would need to be changed
in order to reflect the --
Fitzgerald: Section G.
Perreault: Section G. And read Section G and I did not --
Parsons: Madam Chair, Members of the Commission, we will pull up the staff report and
see if there is anything we need to modify to make a recommendation.
Holland: Madam Chair? Bill, would it be appropriate if in our motion we just said that we
would modify Item G to work with staff to meet whatever requirements are necessary, but
that the applicant could have freedom, flexibility?
Leonard Madam Chair, Commissioner Holland, I would say yes, that would be
appropriate. It is -- I'm going to find the actual number for you, so you can include that in
your motion if you would like, but just know that they can work with staff on the design
exception and -- the requirement for the two field -- or two field materials. Condition 8.1.G
if you want to include it in your motion.
Fitzgerald: I would support that wholeheartedly.
Perreault: Commissioner Holland.
Holland: Madam Chair, I move we -- after considering all staff, applicant, and public
testimony I moved to approve file number H -2018-0139 as presented in the staff report
for the hearing date of February 7th, 2019, with the following modification for Item 8.1.G,
that the applicant would work with staff on the design requirement and aesthetics to meet
-- let them have their creativity, but still meet the city requirements.
Fitzgerald: Second.
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Perreault: It has been moved and seconded to approve conditional use permit for
application H-2018-0139. All those in favor? None opposed. Motion carries.
MOTION CARRIED: SIX AYES. ONE ABSENT.
Perreault: Congratulations.
Cassinelli: Congratulations.
Fitzgerald: Bill wants to know if you design cell towers.
Perreault: We appreciate you hanging -- thank you for hanging -- thank you very much
for hanging in there with us tonight, everybody. Okay. Can I get one more motion,
please?
Parsons: Madam Chair, before we adjourn I just wanted to -- I just wanted to remind the
Commission that there is a joint meeting on the 21st that's beginning at 4:00 o'clock. So,
hopefully, that's on your calendars.
Perreault: Thank you. Appreciate that.
Parsons: You're welcome.
Perreault: Did everyone catch that?
Fitzgerald: Yes, ma'am.
Olsen: Do you have a -- do you know -- have any idea how long that's going to last?
Parsons: Madam Chair, Members of the Commission, we will start at 4:00 and we got a
hearing right at 6:00 o'clock. So, it's -- you're going to -- it's going to be a full one.
Cassinelli: That's our regularly scheduled --
Parsons: The regularly scheduled at 6:00. Yeah.
Cassinelli: Madam Chair?
Perreault: Commissioner Fitzgerald. Oh --
Cassinelli: That was me. I move to adjourn.
Holland: Second.
Meridian City Council Meeting Agenda February 21, 2019 – Page 128 of 202
Meridian Planning & Zoning Commission
February 7, 2019
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Perreault: It has been moved and seconded to close the public hearing -- Planning and
Zoning Commission hearing for February 7th, 2019. All those in favor say aye. Motion
carries.
MOTION CARRIED: SIX AYES. ONE ABSENT.
MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:54 P.M.
(AUDIO RECORDING ON FILE OF THESE PROCEEDINGS.)
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