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11-784 CPA RESO - Attachement - Existing ConditionsAddendum to the City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan Existing Conditions Report 2010 ~ This page left intentionally blank ~ EXISTING CONDITIONS REPO RT 2010Addendum to the City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan Prepared by:City of MeridianPlanning Department33 E Broadway Suite 210Meridian, Idaho 83642Phone 208.884.5533Fax 209.888.6854 iiCity of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010~ This page left intentionally blank ~ City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010iiiTable of ContentsIntroduction....................................................................................................................... ............................1Comprehensive Plan........................................................................................................................................................ .........1Local Land Use Planning Act....................................................................................................................................................2History...... ...................................................................................................................................................................................2Who Lives in Meridian? What Do They Do? ................................................................................................5Population, Housing and Economic Development...................... ........................................................................................5Population and Demographic Characteristics.................................................................... ................................................6Historic Counts and Current Estimates................................................................................................................. ......................6Forecasts....................................................................................................................................................................... .......................6Age............................................................................................................................................................................ .............................7Race and Ethnicity....................................................................................................................................................... ......................8Gender.......................................................................................................................................................................... ........................8Educational Attainment........................................................................................................................................................ ............8Cost of Living............................................................................................................................................................................ ..........9Income...................................................................................................................................................................................... .........10Poverty..................................................................................................................................................................................... ..........11Housing Characteristics.........................................................................................................................................................12Number of Dwelling Units............................................................................................................................................................12Housing Unit Type...........................................................................................................................................................................13Occupancy........ ................................................................................................................................................................................14Persons per Housing Unit.............................................................................................................................................................14Age of Housing.................................................................................................................................................................................15Housing Value...................................................................................................................................................................................15Housing and Urban Development.......................................................................................................................................16Economic Development..................... ..................................................................................................................................17Economic Development and Infrastructure............................ .................................................................................................18Taxes............................................................................................... ...................................................................................................18Labor Force....................................................................................... ...............................................................................................18Employment............................................................................................ .........................................................................................19Employers................................................................................................... ......................................................................................20Trends......................................................................................................... .......................................................................................21Meridian Chamber of Commerce.................................................................................. ............................................................23Meridian Development Corporation......................................................................................................... .................................23Economic Excellence................................................................................................................................................. .....................25Business Enterprise Areas....................................................................................................................................................... ......25How is the Land in Meridian Developed?....................................................................................................27Land Use, Transportation and Community Design...........................................................................................................27Land Use............................................................................ ......................................................................................................28Built Environment.............................................................................. .............................................................................................28Residential............................................................................................. ...........................................................................................28Commercial................................................................................................ ......................................................................................28Office......................................................................................................... ........................................................................................29Industrial................................................................................................... ........................................................................................29Mixed Use.................................................................................................... ....................................................................................29Civic............................................................................................................ ........................................................................................30Zoning—Land Use Correlation.................................................................................. ........................................................30Land Ownership............................................................................................................................... ......................................30Future Land Uses............................................................................................................................................... ....................32Specific Area Plans.............................................................................................................................................................. ....33Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area Plan...................................................................................................................................34The Core............................................................................................................................................................................................34Desti ation Downtown (Urban Renewal).................................................................................................................................34 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 iv Fields Area and South Meridian..................................................................................................................... ............................35Area of City Impact...................................................................................................................................................... .........35Transportation ........................................................................................................................................................................38Com ittees and Commissions.....................................................................................................................................................38Roadway Network........... ...............................................................................................................................................................39Interstates, State Highways and Principal Arterials.....................................................................................................40Minor Arterials.......................................................... ..........................................................................................................42Collectors................................................................................. .............................................................................................42Local Streets........................................................................................... .............................................................................43Entryway Corridors...................................................................................................... ......................................................43Roadway Planning............................................................................................................................... ...........................................43Travel Times and Commuting................................................................................................................................ ......................43Transportation Funding Plans................................................................................................................................................... ...44Meridian’s Priority Roadway Projects.........................................................................................................................................45Linking Transportation and Land Use.................................................................................................................................46Complete Streets......................... ...................................................................................................................................................46Cost Share........................................ ................................................................................................................................................47Master Street Map.................................... ....................................................................................................................................47Livable Streets Design Guide..................................... ..................................................................................................................47Mobility Management................................................................ ............................................................................................48Roadways to Bikeways..................................................................................... ..............................................................................48Pathway System and Sidewalks........................................................................................... .......................................................49Transit....................................................................................................................................... .........................................................50Commuteride and Carpools.................................................................................................................... .....................................51Park-and-Ride Lots.............................................................................................................................................. ...........................51Air Travel................................................................................................................................................................ ............................51Rail..................................................................................................................................................................... .................................52Community Design.................................................................................................................................................... ............52Design Review............................................................................................................................................................................ .....53The Design Manual............................................................................................................................................................54Prescriptive Standards vs. Guidelines.............................................................................................................................54Entryway Corridors.............................. ..............................................................................................................................55Signs.................................................................. .....................................................................................................................55Sustainability.................................................................. ..................................................................................................................55Planning and Transportation........................................................ ....................................................................................56Siting, Design and Construction.................................................................................. ....................................................56Energy........................................................................................................................................... ........................................58Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Reduction..................................................................................................................58W stewater Treatment, Reclamation and Reuse.........................................................................................................61City Park Design................................... ..............................................................................................................................64Preservation and Restoration of Natural Resources...................... ............................................................................64Solid Waste.............................................................................................................. .............................................................65Livability and Quality of Life.......................................................................................................... ...............................................66Healthy Initiatives................................................................................................................................... ........................................67Safe Routes to School........................................................................................................................................ ...............67Day Care.............................................................................................................................................................................. 68Youth Programs....................................................................................................................................................................68Senior Programs...................................................................................................................................................................69Success Stories........... .........................................................................................................................................................71Arts, Entertainment and Community Events............................................................................................................................71Meridian Arts Commission........................................... ....................................................................................................71Meridian History Center and Heritage Programs.................................................... ..................................................72Community Events................................................................................................................................... ..........................72 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 v What Services are Provided in Meridian?...................................................................................................73Mayor and City Council.................................................................................................................................................................76Commissions, Committees and Boards......................................................................................................................................77Public Works.............................. .............................................................................................................................................79Water and Sewer......................................... ..................................................................................................................................79Water Supply and Distribution...................................... .............................................................................................................80Sewer Collection........................................................................ ......................................................................................................80Sewer Treatment................................................................................ .............................................................................................81Historical Sewer Service Accounts....................................................................... .......................................................................82Pretreatment.................................................................................................................. ..................................................................82Comprehensive Surface Water Program................................................................................................ ...................................83Environmental Programs............................................................................................................................................ ...................84Public Safety..................................................................................................................................................................... ........84Police Department..........................................................................................................................................................................84 ire Department..............................................................................................................................................................................86Recreatio , Parks and Pathways...........................................................................................................................................88Parks Department...................... ....................................................................................................................................................88Western Ada Recreation District.................. ..............................................................................................................................91Solid Waste............................................................ ..................................................................................................................91Education.......................................................................... ........................................................................................................93Joint School District No. 2.................................................................. ..........................................................................................93Enrollment................................................................................................. ...........................................................................93Bus Transportation........................................................................................................ .....................................................95Elementary Schools.............................................................................................................................. .............................95Middle Schools.......................................................................................................................................................... ..........97High Schools.........................................................................................................................................................................97Char er and Magnet Programs.......................................................................................................................................97Private Education Opportunities......... ........................................................................................................................................98Continuing Education......................................... ............................................................................................................................98Libraries................................................................ ....................................................................................................................98Public Utilities................................................................. ........................................................................................................99Electricity.................................................................................. .........................................................................................................99Communications.............................................................................. .............................................................................................101Gas.................................................................................................... ...............................................................................................101Irrigation........................................................................................... ...............................................................................................101What are the Physical and Cultural Features of Meridian? ............................................ ......................103Natural Resources, Special, Historic & Hazardous Areas..............................................................................................103Community Concerns...................................................................................................................................................................103Natural Resources.........................................................................................................................................................................104Climate........... .....................................................................................................................................................................104Air Quality.................... ......................................................................................................................................................105Geology....................................... ........................................................................................................................................105Hydrology................................................... ........................................................................................................................105Soils....................................................................... ...............................................................................................................106Vegetation........................................................................... ................................................................................................109Hazardous Areas..................................................................................... .....................................................................................109Natural Gas Pipeline........................................................................................... ............................................................109State Highways.......................................................................................................................... .......................................111Weeds........................................................................................................................................................ .........................111Floodplains................................................................................................................................................................ .........111Special Sites and Historic Resources ......................................................................................................................................114Historic Resources.............. .............................................................................................................................................114National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors......................................................................................................115Summary ............................................................................. .....................................................................117 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 vi List of FigureresFigure 1: Heart of the Valley Shifts to Meridian.................................................................................. ...........................................4Figure 2: Annual Unemployment 1999 to 2008................................................................................................................. .........20Figure 3: Meridian Development Corporation Boundary..........................................................................................................24Figure 4: Business Enterprise Areas...............................................................................................................................................26Figure 5: Meridian’s Area of City Impact.......................................................................................................................................37Figure 6: Inset of 2030 Planning Functional Classification Map.................................................................................................40Figure 7: Ada County Trip Distribution BY TIME of day, 2000 .................................................................................................44List of TablesTable 1: Historical Population, City of Meridian................................. ...........................................................................................6Table 2: Recent Population Growth.......................................................................... .......................................................................6Table 3: Community Choices Forecasts (2009 Update)............................................................................. ..................................7Table 4: Age by Jurisdiction........................................................................................................................................ .........................7Table 5: Racial and Ethnic Composition by Jurisdiction.................................................................................................................8Table 6: Educational Attainment by Jurisdiction..............................................................................................................................9Table 7: Comparative Cost of Living Index, Council for Community and Economic Research........................................10Table 8: Median Household Income by Jurisdiction............................................ .......................................................................10Table 9: Number and Percent of Residents Living in Poverty.................................................................... ..............................11Table 10: Meridian Housing Units and New Units by Year, 2000—2009................................................................................12Table 11: Housing Units by Jurisdiction.........................................................................................................................................13Table 12: Meridian Housing Units by Type....................................................................................................................................13Table 13: Housing Occupancy and Vacancy by Jurisdiction........................................................................................................14Table 14: Age of Housing Units by Jurisdiction.......... .................................................................................................................15Table 15: Value of housing units ................................................... ...............................................................................................15Table 16: Average of Monthly Median Sales Price by Meridian MLS Area.................................. ...........................................16Table 17: Idaho 2009 Tax Rates............................................................................................................................ ..........................18Table 18: Treasure Valley Labor Force...................................................................................................................................... .....19Table 19: Annual Unemployment Rate by Jurisdiction (%).........................................................................................................19Table 20: Jobs by Jurisdiction...........................................................................................................................................................20Table 21: Ada County Employment by Jurisdiction and Sector.................................................................................................21Table 22: 2009 Commercial Office Market and vacancy rate...................................................................................................22Table 23: 2009 Commercial Office Absorption....................................... ...................................................................................22Table 24: Commercial Office Asking Rates.......................................................................... ........................................................23Table 25: Retail Absorption.................................................................................................................. ...........................................23Table 26: Current acreages of each zoning district in Meridian............................................................................................ ..30Table 27: Non-Private Land Ownership in the Area of City Impact (AOCI)........................................................................31Table 28: Future Land Uses within Meridian’s Area of City Impact ........................................................................................33Table 29: Roadway Miles by Classification Type................................ ..........................................................................................39Table 30: Average Commute Time Time to Work................................................................ ................................................................43Table 31: Highlights of Meridian’s Green City Hall................................................................................... ..................................57Table 32: Meridian Water Consumption – Domestic Well Impacts.........................................................................................61Table 33: Recycled Materials Diverted from Ada County Landfill...........................................................................................65Table 34: Meridian Household Hazardous Waste Collection....................................................................................................66Table 35: Historical Single Family Accounts and Interim Flow Projections......... ..................................................................82Table 36: Violent Crime Rates 2008 (Per 100,000 Persons)........................................................................... ..........................84Table 37: Property Crime Rates 2008 (Per 100,000 Persons)..................................................................................................85Table 38: Meridian City Parks (2010) by Category......................................................................................................................89Table 39: Commodity weights diverted from the landfill in 2009............................................................................................93Table 40: Historical Fall Enrollment, Joint School District No. 2..............................................................................................94Table 41: Idaho Power Company Quick Facts................................................ ............................................................................99Table 42: National Register-Listed Architectural Resources, Meridian, Idaho ............................................. ......................114 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 vii Figure 8: Example of Master Street Map Roadway Typology .......................................................................................... .........48Figure 9: Shared-Use Pathway Along Waterway..........................................................................................................................49Figure 10: Typical On-Street Multi-Use Pathway.........................................................................................................................50Figure 11: City of Meridian Expenditures by Department.........................................................................................................76Figure 12: Boundaries and Stations of the Meridian Fire Department...................................................................................87Figure 13: Elementary School Boundaries............................................................ .......................................................................96Figure 14: Existing Lines/stations near the City of Meridian.................................................................. ................................100Figure 15: Soils in the Meridian Area .............................................................................................................................. ...........107Figure 16: Agricultural Tax Exempt Land in Ada County..........................................................................................................108Figure 17: Gas Transmission Pipeline...........................................................................................................................................110Figure 18: Meridian Floodplains....................................................................................................................................................113 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 viii ~ This page left intentionally blank ~ City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 20101IntroductionIn 2010-2011 the City of Meridian, updated and reformatted its Comprehensive Plan. The primary goal of the re-vamped Comprehensive Plan update is to make the Plan more useful for the community, City staff, and decision makers. By setting out the key relevant information about the City’s history, present day conditions, trends, and strategic plan for its future, this Existing Conditions Report was used as a tool in updating the City’s Comprehensive Plan and is incorporated into the appendices of the Plan itself. It also helped to identify gaps in planning, policy and services that needed to be addressed in the Comprehensive Plan re-vamp.This Existing Conditions Report provides a framework for future decision making by detailing the current state, specific directions, and actions taken related to each topical area discussed. One of the key ways that the Comprehensive Plan will become an improved tool is to align it with other established plans and goals for the City. The report takes the City’s Mission, Vision, and Values and melds it with the City’s Strategic Plan Initiatives, City department capital improvement plans, and the initiatives in the current Comprehensive Plan. This report is also intended to aid in integrated decision making: i.e., decisions that are made regarding land use policy within Meridian, take into full account the effect on transportation, housing, and economic strategies and vice versa. To compose this report, existing information regarding Meridian and its Area of City Impact was gathered wherever possible. To accomplish this, key agencies, individuals, and resources including existing plans, studies, and other documents were consulted. Personal communications, verbal and electronic, were also performed. Some materials used in this report were provided directly from City Staff, some information was provided by other affected agencies and their publications, and some of the information was gathered using the internet. Where needed, City Staff contacted key agencies and requested assistance in putting together this report.Comprehensive PlanMeridian’s first Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 1978. That first plan was developed to meet the requirements of the 1975 Land Use Planning Act of the State of Idaho, Title 67, Chapter 65. During the summer of 1993, citizens representing neighborhood groups, developers, real estate professionals, and public agencies participated in a Comprehensive Plan update process; a modernized City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan was adopted on December 21, 1993. On November 3, 1998, the City of Meridian issued a request for qualifications to prepare the 2002 City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan. By June 1999, the process of developing Meridian’s 2002 Comprehensive Plan had begun. The 2002 plan was adopted by the City Council on August 6, 2002.A significant amount of time has elapsed and growth occurred, since the 2002 version of the Comprehensive Plan was enacted. To ensure that the document remains relevant relevant and to make it more useable, City leaders recognize that a “A good plan is like a road map: it shows the final destination and usually the best way to get there.”H. Stanley Judd 2City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010significant overhaul is needed. It is expected that a significant amount to the current goals, objectives, and actions outlined in the plan will remain. However, some changes to the plan should occur as some of the actions called for have already either been performed, objectives have been met, or are no longer desired actions. Additionally, new initiatives like sustainability and arts that have commenced since 2002 need to be addressed in an updated Comprehensive Plan. Surveys, workshops, steering committees, and social media sites are all forms of public involvement that are envisioned to help steer the update to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Community input solicited throughout the planning process will help ensure community support for the updated goals, objectives and action items that are created or updated as part of that involvement. The goal is to make the Comprehensive Plan a better resource that the general public, developers and decision makers can all help implement making Meridian’s future the best it can be.Local Land Use Planning ActSection 67-6508 of the Idaho Code (the Local Land Use Planning Act), requires Comprehensive Plans to consider, at a minimum: previous and existing conditions, trends, desirable goals and objectives, or desirable future situations for 15 planning components. This report provides an informative snapshot of the previous and existing conditions and trends in Meridian, Idaho regarding all of the State-required planning components. These components include population; economic development; land use; natural resources; hazardous areas; public services, facilities, and utilities; transportation; recreation; special areas or sites; housing; community design; implementation; private property rights; national interest electric transmission corridors, and other components the City has deemed necessary to analyze. However, the desired goals and objectives for each of the 15 elements are not part of this report. Rather, this existing condition report sets the foundation and background information to base a desirable future plan for the City upon. Further, the Implementation and Private Property elements are addressed in the Comprehensive Plan itself and are not part of this report.History1The City of Meridian, Ada County, Idaho, was incorporated in August, 1903. Meridian, has transformed from a sagebrush-filled mail drop located on the Oregon Trail (Meridian was originally known as Hunter, after a railroad official along the Oregon Short Line route) in the 1880s, to a small fruit orchard center after the turn of the century through the 1930s, to a dairy-based farming community in the 1940s. Its character as a small farming community continued until approximately 1990, when its population was still about 10,000.However, since 1990, Meridian has experienced exponential growth that has changed both its character and appearance. From 1990 to 2007, Meridian’s 1 For a comprehensive review of Meridian’s heritage, see Meridian, by Frank Thomason and Polly Ambrose Peterson, Arcadia Publishing, 2010“It takes as much energy to wish as it does to plan.”Eleanor Roosevelt City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 3 population grew from approximately 10,000 to approximately 65,000. Despite some recent slowdowns in housing starts and job creation, the population of Meridian continues to increase with an estimated population of 75,290 in 2009 according to the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho.With the recent increase in population, farms and fields have given way to residential and commercial development. Farm vehicles and feed stores have largely disappeared to be replaced with large residential subdivisions and commercial complexes. Today there are several large office park complexes, new bank branches, restaurants, and retail establishments have sprung up throughout the city. St. Luke’s has a major hospital located in Meridian, and a variety of medical service companies have come into the City. The retail and service commercial opportunities in Meridian are far greater today then just ten years ago.Meridian is one of six cities in Ada County, located on the western edge of the County on both sides of Interstate 84 (I-84). This puts Meridian, Idaho’s third largest city, along the I-84 corridor between and adjacent to the State’s largest (Boise) and second largest (Nampa) cities.To continue to provide elevated levels of service, City Departments and their service capabilities have grown. In 2002, a new 30,000 square foot police station was constructed. Fire Stations 3, 4 and 5 have all come on-line in the past 10 years. The wastewater treatment facility in northwest Meridian has seen several additions over the past 5 years and it can now treat approximately 10.2 million gallons per day as approved by the Department of Environmental Quality. The City currently boasts 18 developed parks on 186.66 acres and several miles of pathways. The City completed a new three-story city hall building, which consolidates most other City services, in 2008. These are just a sampling of the increased capital improvements made in the recent past; this report lists several more more investments that have recently been made in the community.The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) has widened Interstate 84 recently and a new interchange at Ten Mile Road is currently under construction. Ada County Highway District (ACHD) road improvements, such as a freeway overpass at Locust Grove Road and Phase I of the Downtown Split Corridor project, have helped relieve congestion somewhat, but increased growth over the past decade has put a strain on the transportation system in Meridian. Currently there are no plans to widen any additional state roadways in Meridian, thereby exacerbating the strain on the transportation system.Meridian is not only geographically located in the center of the Treasure Valley, but it also is the population center of the Treasure Valley; people are evenly distributed in all directions from Meridian, with almost 150,000 people within 5 miles of downtown Meridian. Although airports, regional medical centers, cultural events and venues, and other urban services and amenities are all easily accessible, Meridian still values and embraces its agricultural heritage. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 4 Figurere 1: Hearteartearteart of thethethe Valley Shiftshiftshifts hifts to MerierieridiaianSource: 2009 Populations of Ada and Canyon Counties, COMPASS staff, 2009 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 20105Who Lives in Meridian? What Do They Do? Population, Housing and Economic DevelopmentThis section discusses characteristics of Meridian’s demographics including population, gender, race, age, income, education, home ownership and employment data. As required by Idaho State Statute, analysis on Population, Housing and Economic Development components of the Comprehensive Plan are provided below. These three components set the foundation for analyzing other components later in this report. This section of the report is organized by first outlining past trends and current conditions in each of the three components. The second sub-section includes analysis of issues related to long-range population, housing and employment forecasts. This information will be used to update and compile the Goals, Objectives and Action Items of the City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan. The primary purpose of the Population discussion is to look at past trends and current and future levels of population and its characteristics such as age, race, and gender. Population inventories and forecasts are used to measure the demand for future facilities such as parks, water lines and roads, and for services such as police and fire protection. Forecasts also can be used by businesses to anticipate market demand and to locate service and commercial facilities. The primary purpose of the Housing element analysis is to evaluate the recent trends in housing and anticipate the future housing needs of the community. Past trends in housing and an inventory of current housing conditions provide specific information on residential use. The report assesses where people live and in what type of dwellings, as well as where they might want to live in the future. The purpose of the Economic Development analysis of the chapter is to portray the business make-up and to analyze the local economy for strengths and weaknesses. This background information will be used to begin the discussion about how Meridian may expand its economic base and target specific industries. Employment trends and forecasts also may be used to determine if there is a need for additional land in particular zoning categories and the demand for future levels of public services. When planning for a year, plant corn. When planning for a decade, plant trees. When planning for life, train and educate people. Chinese Proverb 6City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010Population and Demographic CharacteristicsHistoric Counts and Current Estimates Until about 1990, Meridian’s population was fairly stable. The City had a population of 9,596 in 1990. However, in the mid-1990s the City’s population began increasing rapidly, reaching 34,919 residents in 2000. This trend accelerated into the mid-2000s, after which growth moderated to a manageable pace. Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho, or COMPASS, is the Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Treasure Valley as designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. COMPASS estimates the City’s population at 75,290 residents, as of April 2009. Table 2 tracks population growth in Meridian, beginning in 1995.While it did not grow quite as precipitously as Meridian, the two-county region also experienced considerable growth over the last two decades. Ada County grew from 205,775 residents in 1990 to an estimated total of 408,190 in 2009, an increase of 98%. Similarly, Canyon County grew from 90,076 residents in 1990 to an estimated population of 190,920 in 2009, a 112% increase. The City of Meridian grew by 685% from 1990 to 2009 while the two-county region grew by 102.5% over the same period (2000 U.S. Census; COMPASS, 2000-2009 Population Estimates by City Limit Boundaries, 2/23/2009). ForecastsAs part of its Federal mandate, COMPASS prepares and periodically updates a regional long range transportation plan for the area. Part of that process is to monitor population growth and forecast future changes within the region. COMPASS estimates that the population of Meridian will increase to 138,564 by 2035, an increase of over 70%. This estimate anticipates that the county as a whole will grow at a similar pace of 69.2% to a total 685,628 residents in the same year. The official regional forecast from the 2006 Communities in Motion plan, called Community Choices, estimates that the population of the two-county region will grow from 598,250 in 2008 to 1,046,649 in 2035, an increase of 74.5%. Table 3 provides 2008 estimates and 2035 forecasts of population and households in select Treasure Valley Demographic Areas. Please note that demographic areas do not directly coincide with existing city limits boundaries.Table 1: Histististoricaricaricarical Populatiati on, Citity of MerierieridiaianYearPopulationAverage Annual Increase1980 (census)6,658NA1990 (census)9,5964.4%2000 (census)34,91926.4%200975,290*12.8%Note: *Estimate Source: COMPASS, Communities in Motion Forecasts 2035Table 2: Receeceecent Populatiati on GrGrowthwthwthYearPopulationYear-Over-Year Growth200975,2902,250200873,0401,174200771,8665,301200666,56510,457200556,1088,418200447,6905,209200342,4812,737200239,744N/A2001N/AN/A200034,9196,240199928 6792,258199826,4212,006199724,4152,542199621,8733,010199518,8632,302Source: COMPASS, 2000-2009 Population Estimates by City Limit Boundaries, 2/23/2009 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 7 AgeMeridian is generally a young community. The median age of residents in Meridian based on 2006-2008 American Community Survey data, compiled by the U.S. Census Bureau, is 32.5 years, slightly lower than the Ada County median of 34.5. Median age is up slightly in Meridian from the 2000 census median age of 30.1, but still well below the median age of residents nationwide (36.7) based on 2006-2008 American Community Survey data. Residents under the age of 14 comprise over a quarter of the City’s population (27.3%). At the same time, elderly residents (over the age of 65) make up less of the City’s population (8.1%) than in neighboring communities. Table 4 shows the age of residents in select Treasure Valley cities, as well as the State and Nation. The table also includes median ages in 2000 (based on the United States census) and 2008 (based on 2006–2008 American Community Survey data).Table 3: Commmmunitity Choicesicesicesices Forecastsrecastsrecastsrecastsrecastsrecastsrecasts (2009 UpUpdateateate)Jurisdiction /Demographic Area2008 Actual2035 Forecast% Change, 2008 -2035PopulationHHPopulationHHPopulationHHMeridian80,73727,282138,56446,69771.62%71.16%Boise255,47199,748346,704135,18035.71%35.52%Eagle21,7707,34729,91710,06637.42%37.01%Kuna16 1735,18343,16213,590166.88%162.20%Nampa93,17032,156132,04045,48441.72%41.45%Ada County405,639150,968685,628251,13869.02%66.35%Canyon County192,61166,057361,021124,40287.44%88.33%Regional Total598,250217,0251,046,649375,54074.95%73.04%Note: Demographic areas typically encompass larger geographic areas than city limitsSource: COMPASS, Demographic Advisory Committee Agenda Item, August 20, 2009.Table 4: Age by Jurisrisrisdictiictiicti on Age (years)Meridian (%)Boise (%)Nampa (%)Ada (%)State (%)US (%)0 -59.66.710.67.67.96.95 -98.56.28.77.27.46.610 -149.26.47.97.37.36.81 -196.37.27.36.67.57.220 -2912.316.818.014.314.313.830 -4932.728.126.429.926.328.450 -6413.218.111.017.117.517.865 +8.110.69.99.811.712.6 Year200020082000200820002008200020082000200820002008Median30. 32.532.835.128.528.632.834.533.234.435.336.7Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, 2006 -2008 American Community Survey, City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 8 Race and EthnicityTable 5 shows the racial and ethnic composition of select subgroups within the Treasure Valley region. For comparison purposes, the table also includes the racial and ethnic characteristics of the State of Idaho, and the Nation as a whole. Meridian, Ada County and the State of Idaho are less racially and ethnically diverse than the nation as a whole. The majority of residents in Meridian are white (94.3%). An even higher majority, 96.3%, do not consider themselves Hispanic or Latino. These majorities in Meridian are slightly higher than in Ada County, which is slightly higher than the rest of the State. The exception locally is in Canyon County, where communities like Nampa have a strong Hispanic and Latino population (almost 20% in 2000), and a high percentage of residents that are of “Other” racial decent (12.2% in Canyon County, 11.2% in Nampa).Surveys taken since 2000, like the 2006-2008 American Community Survey, do not indicate a substantial change in racial or ethnic character of the community.GenderBased on 2006-2008 American Community Survey three-year estimates, there are 102 males to every 100 females in the City. This equates to 50.5% male and 49.5% female. The ratio of male-to-female residents increased slightly from the 2000 census, when there were 96.4 males per 100 females, or 49% male and 51% female. Gender composition in Ada County is equally split.Educational AttainmentMeridian as a community has maintained a high level of educational attainment relative to the Treasure Valley and the State of Idaho for the last several decades. The percentage of Meridian residents 25 and older with a high school diploma increased from 92.2% in 2000 to 94.4% in the most recent American Community Survey (2006-2008). The percentage of Meridian residents from the same age group with a bachelor’s degree or higher increased from 27 to 32.5 over the Table 5: Raciaaciaaciaacial and Eththnicic Compmpositisitisiti on by Jurisrisrisdictiictiicti onRace/Ethnicity (percent)MeridianBoiseNampaAdaCanyonStateUSWhite94.392.283.492.983.19175.1 lack or African American0.50.80.40.60.30.412.3American Indian and Alaska Native0.50.70.90.70.91.40.9Asian1.32.10.91.70.80.93.6Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander0.10.20.20.10.10.10.1Other Race1.31.711.21.712.24.25.5Two or More Races2.12.42.92.22.622.4 Hispanic or Latino3.74.517.94.518.67.912.5Not Hispanic or Latino96.395.582.195.581.492.187.5Source: U.S Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, Census 2000 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 9 same period, compared to county percentages of 31.2 in 2000 and 34.7 in 2008, and state percentages of 21.6 and 23.9 in the same years, respectively. Overall educational attainment increased throughout the Treasure Valley and the State of Idaho from the 2000 census to the 2006-2008 American Community Survey. The percentage of residents 25 and older with a high school diploma (or equivalent) increased from 84.6% in 2000 to 87.8% at the time of the survey. Table 6 summarizes the educational attainment of residents over 25 years old for select Treasure Valley jurisdictions, as well as the State as a whole.Cost of LivingThe Council for Community and Economic Research prepares comparative cost of living data annually for urban areas across the U.S. The results comprise a relative cost of living index for each participating metropolitan area based on “expenditure pattern for executive households in the tope income quintile.” The average of all participating localities is the baseline index value of 100, so categorical and composite values can be gauged as a percent of the “norm” or U.S. average based on available data. The index has certain limitations. For example, it does not calculate variations in tax structure and subsequent burdens from one locality to another. It also does not factor in cost differences between sub-metropolitan area jurisdictions (a single value for housing, for example, is assigned to the entire Boise City-Nampa metro area). Spending patterns for the top income quintile are also not reflective of all metro area residents. Still the Council for Community and Economic Research Cost of Living Index is the most comprehensive and straightforward annual comparison of different metro areas of which the City is currently aware. Table 7 lists comparative costs of living for small to mid-sized metro areas in the general intermountain and northwest regions. The average of all participating metro areas for both categorical and composite values is 100.Table 6: Educaticaticati onal Attaittaittaittainmement by Jurisrisrisdictiictiicti onLevel of EducationMeridianBoiseNampaAdaCanyonState200020082000200820002008200020082000200820002008Less than HS graduate7.85.78.97.22316.69.27.424.118.515.312.1HS graduate (includes equivalency)26.724.521.222.62931.723.123.730.332.428.529.2Some college, no degree30.428.129.226.126.527.829.226.225.225.7 7.326.1Associate’s degree8.19.37.27.15.577.38.15.56.57.28.6Bachelor’s degree21.124.12324.311.512.121.723.810.312.314.816.5Graduate or professional degree5.98.410.612.74.64.89.510.94.64.66.87.4 Percent HS Grad or Higher92.294.491.292.877.183.490.892.775.981.584.687.8Percent Bachelor’s or Higher2732.533.63716.116.931.234.714.916.921.623.9Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, Census 2000 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 10 The overall cost of living in the Boise-Nampa metro area does not deviate substantially from the national average, or from metro areas of similar size within the region. There is only one community of similar size in the west, Eugene, Oregon which has a cost of living that deviates more than 10% from the reported U.S. average. Within the Boise-Nampa metro area, housing is the only category that differs substantially from the rest of the U.S. Housing costs in for the Boise-Nampa metro area are only 83.4% of the U.S. average. IncomeMeridian is a relatively affluent community with a median household income greater than that at the County, State, or national level. Based on the 2000 Census, with the exception of the City of Eagle, Meridian had the highest median household income of any jurisdiction in the Treasure Valley. Median household income did not grow quite as quickly in Meridian as it did nationally from 2000 to 2008, although it remained over 25% above the national median. The State of Idaho remained roughly 10% below the national median despite gaining around 1%), and the City of Boise remained within 1% of the national median. Table 8 provides median household incomes for select Treasure Valley communities and the State of Idaho, relative to the U.S. median. It also indicates the percent change in median household income from the 2000 census to the 2006-2008 American Community Survey.Table 7: Comparativemparativemparativemparativemparativemparative mparativemparative Costst of LiviLiviLiviLiving Index, Councicil for Commmmunitity and Economicmicmic Researchesearchesearchesearchesearchesea chesearchMetro-AreaComposite IndexGrocery ItemsHousingUtilitiesTransHealth CareMisc. Goods & ServicesBoise City-Nampa, ID95.094.483.4100.8103.4103.399.7Albuquerque, NM96.298.289.189.196.6103.3103.2Eu ene-Springfield, OR111.191.5135.988.8110.0116.7103.2Fort Collins-Loveland, CO92.7100.079.993.996.4101.298.4Reno-Sparks, NV105.9107.2112.397.2108.7105.5101.4Spokane, WA93.193.193.783.184.7106.4106.797 8Source: Council for Community and Economic Research, ACCRA Cost of Living Index, 2009 Annual Average Data, January 2010.Table 8: Mediaian Househsehsehold Incomeme by Jurisrisrisdictiictiicti onJurisdictionIncome 2000% US 2000 MedianIncome 2008% US 2008 Median% Change 2000 – 2008Meridian$53,276.00126.87%$65,263.00125.08%22.50%Boise$42,432.00101.04%$51,842.0099.36%22.18%Eagle$65,313.00155. 3%N/AN/AN/AKuna$40,617.0096.72%N/AN/AN/ANampa$34,758.0082.77%$42,575.0081.60%22.49%Ada County$46,140.00109.87%$56,688.00108.65%22.86%Canyon County$35,884.0085.45%$44,275.0084.86%23.38%State of Idaho$37,572.0089.47%$47,331.0090.72%25.97%United States$41,994.00100.00%$52,175.00100.00%24.24%Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, 2006–2008 American Community Survey & Census 2000. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 11 PovertyAccording to the 2006–2008 American Community Survey, poverty levels are below 5% in Meridian. This is considerably lower than the national rate of 13.2%. As indicated in Table 9, the City of Meridian is the only community among its neighbors within which the percentage of residents living in poverty appears to have decreased since the 2000 census. In general, poverty is not as prevalent in the Treasure Valley as it is nationwide.The 2006–2008 American Community Survey data reveals a disproportionately high percentage of Hispanic/Latino and non-white residents living in poverty in the Treasure Valley. While 4.8% of Meridian’s overall population at the time of the survey lived in poverty, 16.6% of Hispanic and Latino residents lived in poverty. This trend is similar throughout Ada County, although the percent of the total population living below the poverty level is higher in Ada County as a whole (8.0%) than it is in Meridian. County wide, 7.3% of “White” residents lived below the poverty level while 30.5% of “Black or African American” residents, 14.7% of “Asian” residents, 13.4% of residents of “Some other race,” and 14.1% of residents of “Two or more races” lived below the poverty level.It is important to note that 2006-2008 American Community Survey data do not reflect the bulk of the current economic recession, which began in 2008. It is possible that the 2010 census, when released, will reflect higher numbers of individuals living in poverty than 2006-2008 data. Although the percentage of residents living in poverty in Meridian is lower than most neighboring communities, the City is still taking steps to provide assistance to those in need and eliminate poverty all together. One example is a coordinated effort with El Ada Community Action Partnership to provide utility bill assistance through the Meridian Cares Program. Funded with City enterprise revenues, Meridian Cares allows residents living at or below the poverty limit to receive up to $70.00 per year to pay City utility bills (water, sewer, and trash). The program does not specifically require that recipients are in poverty, but impoverished residents are certainly eligible under the hardship criteria. The program avoids service interruptions that would otherwise make a housing unit substandard (no water, for example). The City spent $2,573 of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation on the Meridian Cares Program in Plan Year 2008.Table 9: Numberer and Perceerceerceercent of Resiesiesidentsts LiviLiviLiviLiving in PovertvertvertvertyJuris iction20002008NumberPercentNumberPercentMeridian1,9265.6%2,9284.8%Boise15,3108.4%18,9909.6%Eagle4253.8%N/AN/AKuna77414.2%N/AN/ANampa6,30712.4%12,87016.2%Ada County22,4717.7%29,0518.0%Canyon County15,43812.0%26,22615.1%State of Idaho148,73211.8%180,70812.4%United States33,899,81212.4%38,573,39313.2%Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, 2006–2008 American Community Survey & Census 2000. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 12 Several other examples of Meridian’s willingness to help the underprivileged are evident in the CDBG Program2. The City enjoys an ongoing partnership with the Meridian Food Bank by providing funds to provide services to area residents in need. The City also partners with the Ada County Housing Authority to provide down payment and closing cost assistance for low-moderate income home buyers. Through this partnership, the City used CDBG funds to assist three low-income buyers achieve home ownership in affordable housing units in 2009. In addition, the City pursues public facility improvements like parks, pathways, and Community Center improvements in low-moderate income areas to ensure that, regardless of income, Meridian residents have access to quality public amenities.Housing CharacteristicsIn 2002, the Mayor’s ad hoc committee formulated a series of vision statements for the City. Their housing philosophy statement is, “Opportunities for housing should be available for all income groups with a mix of housing including modular, ranchettes, townhouses, apartment housing, low-income housing, and mansions. A vibrant community needs a good cross-section of housing and therefore must guard against an abundance of subdivisions in like density and price range. High-density housing must be strategically located to public transportation, community services, and not negatively affect property values.” This philosophy still holds true. Number of Dwelling UnitsCOMPASS monitors regional growth in part by tracking building permit data for each jurisdiction in the Treasure Valley. They publish the results each year in the Development Monitoring Report (DMR), which provides a wealth of information about residential and commercial building activity in the region. In Meridian, the growth in housing stock paralleled the pace of growth in population over the last couple of decades. In 1990 there were 3,746 total housing units in Meridian. By 2000, there were 12,293 housing units in Meridian. By 2008, this total increased by 13,581, to a total of 25,847, an increase of 110.3%. New housing construction in Meridian comprised 33.9% of total residential construction in Ada County, and 22% of new housing construction in the two-county region from 2000 to 2008.2 Additional information about Meridian’s Community Development Block Grant Program is available on the City of Meridian Planning Department website: www.meridiancity.org/planning.aspxTable 10: Merierieridiaian Housising Unitsitsits and NewNewNew Unitsitsits by YearYearYearYear, 2000—2009New Units2000 (Census Baseline)2000200120022003200420052006200720082009TOTALMeridian12,2937609219501,7652,5523,3141,68884978266026,534Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, Census 2000; COMPASS, 2009 Development Monitoring Report City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 13 The two-county region had 166,481 housing units in 2000. This total increased 37.1% to 228,319 units in 2008. The total number of units in Ada County increased from 118,516 in 2000 to 158,555 in 2008, an increase of 33.8%. Table 11 reports the total number of housing units by jurisdiction, and in the two-county region, in and since 2000.Housing Unit TypeAt just under three units per gross acre, Meridian’s population is distributed throughout the community primarily in suburban-style developments comprised of mostly single-family, detached housing units. There are some higher-density areas in Old Town, on the periphery of Downtown, consisting of both single family detached and multi-family housing. As shown in Table 12, in 1990, more than 2,500 housing units (64.6% of all units in Meridian) were traditional single-family detached housing units. About 15% of the housing stock was manufactured housing and apartments accounted for the remaining portion (18%)3. 3. According to the 1990 census, approximately 80% of the apartment complexes contained four or less units. The City realizes that the baby boomer generation is aging and an increased demand in non single-family detached dwellings from the 55-plus 3 U.S. Census Bureau, 1990 CensusTable 11: Housising Unitsitsits by Jurisrisrisdictiictiicti onJurisdiction20002000-2009TotalMeridian12,29314,24126,534Boise77,85010,11087,960Eagle4,0482,9637,011Garden City4,5908495,439Kun 1,7933,2175,010Star6811,4352,116Ada County Unincorporated17,2618,96426,225 Ada County Total118,51641,779160,295Canyon County Total47,96522,66370,628Regional Total166,48164,442230,923Source: U.S. Census Bureau; American Fact Finder, Census 2000; COMPASS, 2009 Development Monitoring Report.Table 12: Merierieridiaian Housising Unitsitsits by Typepe Housing Type199020002009Number% TotalNumber% TotalNumber% TotalSingle Family2,50564.6%10,46485.3%23,27988.0%Multi-Family1,37535.4%1,80014.7%3,17312.0%TOTAL3,880100.0%12,264100.0%26,452100.0%Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Census 1990; Census 2000; COMPASS, Building Permit Data City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 14 age population group alone will necessitate providing more diversity in housing choices. Based on the 2000 Census and building permit data compiled by COMPASS from 2000 to 2009, there are 3,173 multi-family housing units in Meridian (including mobile homes). This constitutes 12% of the City’s 26,452 units.OccupancyIn 1990, Meridian contained slightly more than 3,700 housing units as shown in Table 13. More than 3,600 (96%) of those units were occupied—primarily by the owner, with ownership rates above 70%. The overall vacancy rate in 1990 was 3.5%.According to 2006-2008 American Community Survey data, the ratio of housing units occupied by owners to renters is 77.9 to 22.1 in Meridian. This is slightly higher than the 70 to 30 ratio in Ada County as a whole. The ratio in both Ada County and Meridian is higher than the national ratio of 67.1 to 32.9.Interestingly, as illustrated in Table 13, the ratio of owner-occupied to renter-occupied housing units appears to have decreased both locally and nationally since the 2000 census. The decrease was slightly sharper in the Treasure Valley than the nation as a whole.Table 13 also shows vacancy rates at the local, state, and national level based on the 2000 census. The percentage of vacant housing units was lower locally than statewide or nationally, especially in the western Ada County cities of Meridian and Kuna. This limited supply, coupled with an influx of new residents, likely fueled the residential construction market over the last decade. Persons per Housing UnitThe U.S. Census reports that in 2000 there were 2.59 persons per housing unit in both Ada County and the nation as a whole. That rate was slightly higher in Meridian, which averaged 2.93 residents per unit in 2000. The City of Kuna had Table 13: Housising OccOccOccupapancy and Vacaacaacancy by Jurisrisrisdictiictiicti onJurisdiction20002008OwnerRenterVacancyOwnerRenterVacancyMeridian85.714.33.877.922.14.1Boise67.732.34.462.437.66.8Eagle85.514.54.5N/AN AAN/AKuna87133.7N/AN/AN/ANampa70.329.76.768.431.65.8Ada74264.370306.4State74.125.91171.328.711.5US68.731.3967.132.912Source: 2000 U.S. Census; 2006–2008 American Community Survey & Census 2000. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 15 the highest rate of persons per unit in the region with 3.11. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the City of Boise averaged only 2.44 persons per housing unit based on the 2000 census.Age of HousingFitting for the level of growth in the last two decades, the housing stock in Meridian is collectively newer than in most communities, both locally and at the statewide level. Over 80% of housing units in Meridian were constructed since 1990, compared to about 50% in Ada County as a whole. This percentage in Meridian is over twice as high as the rest of the State (81.8% in Meridian and 38.3% statewide). The City of Boise has the oldest housing stock of the Treasure Valley cities included in the 2006-2008 American Community Survey. Almost half of Boise’s housing units (49.8%) were constructed before 1980 (compared to only 12.7% in Meridian). Ada County’s percentage is almost identical to the State as a whole, where 50.8% of all housing units were constructed prior to 1980. Table 14 provides the age of housing units in select Treasure Valley Communities, and at the statewide level.Housing ValueHousing values increased rapidly throughout the area between the 2000 census and the release of the 2006–2008 American Community Survey. Table 15 summarizes the change.The median value of an owner-occupied housing unit with a mortgage was $121,200 in Meridian in 2000. American Community Survey data released in 2008 indicates that the median value of owner-occupied housing units with mortgages increased Table 14: Age of Housising Unitsitsits by Jurisrisrisdictiictiicti onJurisdictionSince 20001990 -19991980 -19891960 -19791940 -1959Before 1940Meridian46.40%35.40%5.30%9.80%1.60%1.30%Boise12.60%22.60%15%29.30%12.90%7.60%Nampa34.20%26.50%6.10%16.40%10.90%5.90%Ada24.30%25.50%11.50%24.90%8.50%5.30%State18.40 19.90%10.90%28.20%13.30%9.30%Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, 2006–2008 American Community Survey.Table 15: Value of housising unitsitsitsSource: U.S. Census Bureau, American Fact Finder, 2006–2008 American Community Survey & Census 2000. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 16 to $230,400 eight years later, a 90.1% increase. Escalations County wide were similar over the same period (85.16%). Increases at the statewide level, although still considerable, were slightly more modest than in the Treasure Valley.The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has determined that any household paying more than 30% of its income for housing is paying an excessive percentage of their income for housing. Historically, Meridian has averaged about 25% of its residents paying 30% or more of their income on housing. With recent mortgage rates escalating, and the average mortgage amount increasing to about $230,000 on a median income of $65,263.00, the percentage of households paying 30% or more of their income on housing is likely higher today. The 2006–2008 American Community Survey data does not, however, capture recent changes in housing values resulting from the current recession and housing crisis. Intermountain Multiple Listing Service (MLS) tracks trends in the local housing market, and their data illustrate the current slowdown. Table 16 presents the annual average of monthly median sales amount for homes in the four Meridian MLS sub-areas. As Table 16 illustrates, median sales prices fell between 25% and 37% in Meridian between 2007 and 2009. Housing and Urban DevelopmentThe City of Meridian became an Entitlement Community as designated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the fall of 2006. With the Entitlement Community designation, the City receives formula funds annually through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. As of May 2010, the City has received and allocated $718,266.00 through the Program. Planning Department Staff administer the program.The purpose of the CDBG Program is to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low-and moderate-income persons. The City funds a variety of activities to meet that end. Several examples include:Home ownership Assistance 1. Clearance of dilapidated, dangerous, and blighted properties 2. Community resource information preparation and distribution 3. Table 16: Averaveraveraverage of Monththly Mediaian Saleses Pricericericerice by Merierieridiaian MLS AreareareaMLS Area200720082009% Change 2007 – 2009Southeast$286,975.25$243,853.50$202,631.58-29.39%Southwest$370,158.33$408,816.66$275,468.33-25.58%Northeast$278,835.16$218,324.16$176,640.50-36.65%Northwest$228,574.91$200,895.00$168,458.3 -26.30%Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service, Custom Statistics, 1/28/10 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 17 Meridian Food Bank assistance 4. Boys & Girls Club Gymnasium design 5. Infrastructure design in targeted areas 6. Community amenity improvements such as parks and pathways 7. Meridian Senior Center facility improvements 8. Code enforcement activities in Old Town9. The overall direction of the City’s CDBG Program is established by the City Council in the Consolidated Plan, which identifies high-level goals and objectives for the five year interval covered by the Plan. Activities the City will undertake each year are detailed in annual action plans, which the City prepares and submits to HUD each year. In 2011, the City will prepare a new action plan and update the Consolidated Plan. Community input is an important component of each plan update. You may contact the City’s Planning Department for additional information about the City’s CDBG Program. Economic DevelopmentMeridian’s ongoing mission is to be a vibrant and caring community creating a premier place place to live, work, and raise a family. Fundamental to this mission is a strong and diverse business community that is “Built for Business and Designed for Living.”A now vibrant and diverse economic environment, Meridian is home to some of the region’s top employers such as Blue Cross of Idaho, Crucial Technology, Western Electronics, Food Services of America, Bodybuilding.com, MWI Veterinary Supply, United Heritage, Wal-Mart, Citi, and T-Mobile. Technology investment is increasingly important to the region, which is home to many high-tech employers. Overall, community involvement combined with a low cost of doing business, strong leadership, and a highly educated and dynamic workforce has lead to Meridian’s success. Economy.com ranks Idaho among the top ten states with the lowest overall costs of doing business and the Corporation for Enterprise Development rates Idaho number one in manufacturing investment. Forbes Magazine has recognized the Treasure Valley as one of the “Best Places for Business and Careers”, and Inc. Magazine identified Meridian as one of the “Top U.S. Cities for Doing Business.”Companies that provide family wage jobs require educated workers. To address that need, the Mayor’s Professional and Workforce Development Advisory Council was created in 2007. The goal of this workforce is to facilitate the development of a professional and ready workforce for our business community and specific targeted industries. This group is bringing the business community and the education providers together to meet to make sure that our employer’s needs are identified and met. This group, composed primarily of business leaders, is City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 18 addressing workforce development needs; finding ways to enhance access to the current programs; and expanding partnership opportunities. The City realizes that the 21st century economy requires flexibility. Over the last several decades, Meridian has evolved from a primarily agricultural-based economy to one increasingly based on innovation and creativity. The City is striving to strengthen its competitive position by creating an environment and infrastructure where industries can create, respond and adjust rapidly. Several of the goals, objectives and action items contained in the City’s Comprehensive Plan are meant to improve economic prosperity by ensuring that the economy grows in ways that strengthen our industries, retain and create good jobs across a variety of industries, increase average income, and stimulate economic investment in our community. A strong and diverse economy provides the financial support and stability for Meridian residents that will ensure that public facilities, services, and quality of life are superior.Economic Development and InfrastructureThe City recognizes the need for infrastructure to be in place or readily available if it is going to attract large employers. This infrastructure varies depending on the user’s needs, but typically roads, sewer and water, electric utility facilities, and easy access to the highways and railroad are key factors in determining when and where a business chooses to locate or expand. Therefore, the City has taken, and will continue to strive to provide sufficient infrastructure to support all types of businesses. The City has partnered with Idaho Power Company, to plan for possible transmission and substation facilities to accommodate large load requests. The City works with ACHD and ITD to ensure that highways are in good repair and can accommodate traffic. The City’s Public Works Department has master plans for sewer, water and wastewater treatment that will eventually serve all of the lands within the Area of City Impact. Quality of life is a huge factor when a company is selecting a community to do business. Having good schools, parks and supporting services in place help Meridian rise to the top of the class. Please see the Public Services, Facilities and Utilities section of this report for more information. TaxesIdaho offers one of the lowest overall per capita tax burdens in the West. Taxes are based on a mix of income, sales, and property taxes. The State does not have roll back or transfer tax.Labor ForceTable 18 provides labor force information for Meridian and neighboring communities from 1999 and 2008. The information was reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as Local Area Unemployment Statistics. The growth of Meridian’s labor force paralleled population growth over the same period; the labor force grew substantially from 7,437 in 1999 to 36,710 in 2008, Table 17: Idahaho 2009 Tax RatesatesatesatesCorporate 7.6%Sales & Use 6%Inventory 0%Property Tax Rate .002855089Source: Idaho Department of Commerce City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 19 a 341.9% increase. It is likely that new employment opportunities were a driving force in population increases in the 1990s and 2000s, which explains this apparent correlation. Conversely, as new residents moved into the area, demand for local goods and services also escalated, which in turn increased the need for more local workers.The labor force in the Ada-Canyon two-county region also grew considerably from 1999 to 2008. The BLS reports that Ada and Canyon counties had a combined labor force of 230,181 in 1999 (63,637 in Canyon and 166,544 in Ada). The labor force grew by 21.2% by 2008 to 279,085 (83,361 in Canyon and 195,724 in Ada). EmploymentEmployment opportunities have been more diverse then ever in the Treasure Valley in the last two decades. Unemployment rates in Meridian dipped below 2% in 2006, at the peak of the regional economic and housing boom. As illustrated in Table 19, since 1999 Meridian has typically enjoyed a lower unemployment rate than neighboring communities, although that relative comfort has dissipated somewhat in recent years. Figure 2 depicts annual unemployment data from select jurisdictions from 1999 to 2008.Table 18: Treasreasreasreasu ere Valley LaLabor ForcercerceJurisdiction19992008% ChangeMeridian7,43732,863341.9%Boise105,409110,0594.4%Nampa19,43936,71099.0%Ada166,544195,72417.5%Canyon63,63783,36131.0% Ada and Canyon counties230,181279,08521.2%Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 1/28/10. Table 19: Annual Unempempemploymement Rateateate by Jurisrisrisdictiictiicti on (%)YearMeridianBoiseNampaAdaCanyon19992.734.93.14.520002.43.64.83.34.420012.745.43.7520023.456.64.6620033.34.96.64.5620042.74.15.83.85.320052.23.34.53.14.120061.72.53.72.33.420072.62.73.62.63.6200 4.64.66.24.66.3Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 1/28/10. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 20 It should be noted that the data in Table 19 and Figure 2 do not include the bulk of recent increases in unemployment resulting from the current recession. Preliminary data indicate that annual unemployment swelled above 8% in Ada County and into double digits in Canyon County in 2009. As far as general employment is concerned, Meridian’s 29,013 jobs in 2009 made up approximately 15% of total jobs county wide. Jobs in the City of Boise make up the majority of jobs in Ada County, 139,883 of 192,679 total jobs.EmployersSome of the largest employers in Meridian today include: Blue Cross of Idaho, St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center, Joint School District No. 2 (aka Meridian School District), Food Services of America, Crucial Technology, Western Electronics, Wal-Mart, Citi and T-Mobile. Figurere 2: Annual Unempempemploymement 1999 to 200801234567Year1999200020012002200320042005 0062007Unemployment RateMeridianBoiseNampaAdaCanyonSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 1/28/10.Table 20: Jobs by Jurisrisrisdictiictiicti onSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2009. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 21 Table 21 breaks down Ada County employment by sector. In Meridian, “Education, Health Care, and Social Assistance” constitute over 25% of all jobs. Over 20% of jobs in Meridian are “Information, Finance, Management, and Professional Services” and an additional 20% are in “Wholesale, Retail, Transportation, and Warehousing.” The “Manufacturing” sector is not as strong in Meridian as it is in the rest of the county as a whole. However, Meridian has a higher percentage of “Entertainment, Accommodation, and Food Service” and “Education, Health Care, and Social Assistance” jobs.Although there have been job losses in the office sector in recent years, health care jobs have posted steady gains. The combination of aging baby boomers and health care reform potential has increased demand and may draw even more investors to this segment in the near term. TrendsThroughout 2009, the Treasure Valley and the Meridian Submarket continued to feel the effects of a weakened local and national economy. In late 2009, the Meridian Development Corporation (MDC) hired Bonneville Research to assess the Boise/Meridian market. In their report, Bonneville found that between 1998 and 2008, the Boise/Meridian Metro area economy grew at an annual rate of 5.8%. Employment peaked in the first quarter of 2007 and is expected to be reached again in the first quarter of 2013. Bonneville also forecasts that demand for commercial office space will be driven by employment growth. Currently employment growth is occurring in the government and not-for-profit sector and in the alternative energy and medical fields. Table 21: Ada County Empmploymement by Jurisrisrisdictiictiicti on and SectectectorSource: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 1/28/10. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 22 At the end of 2009, Meridian had just over 1.1 million square feet of Class A office space. Meridian ranks third, behind downtown Boise and the West Bench in Boise in total office space. Silverstone Plaza at Eagle Road and Overland Road helped Meridian achieve a net positive absorption of 56,724 square feet in 2009. As shown in Table 23, if Meridian is able to maintain the positive absorption rate of approximately 56,000 square feet per year, it will take 7 years to absorb currently vacant space.Over the last few years, building owners have had to reduce lease rates and offer other incentives to be competitive. Table 24 presents full service asking rental rates. In the retail sector, Meridian has almost 3 million square feet of retail space, with an approximately 6.4% vacancy rate in 2009 (as shown in Table 25). At current absorption rates, approximately 97,500 square feet in 2009, it will take only two years to absorb the currently vacant space. Table 22: 22: 2009 Commerciammerciammerciammerciammerciammerciammercial OfficeOfficeOfficeOfficeOfficeOff ce Marketarketarketarketarket and vacavacavacavacancy raterateraterateTable 23: 2009 Commerciammerciammerciammerciammerciammerciammercial OfficeOfficeOfficeOfficeOfficeOffice Absorpti rpti on City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 23 Meridian Chamber of CommerceThe Meridian Chamber of Commerce is a membership organization, supported by member investment and the committed involvement of leaders in the Meridian business community. The Chamber provides ways to become involved in the community through leadership opportunities, business advocacy, networking, and promotion of individual businesses. The Chamber is in the business of building relationships between business people, and between business, government and the rest of the community, in order to maintain a healthy economy and our excellent quality of life.Meridian Development CorporationThe Meridian Development Corporation (MDC) was established in 2001 by the Meridian City Council. Although it is an independent agency, MDC functions as the City’s urban renewal agency. The Urban Area is shown in Figure 3, and is loosely bound by Fairview/Cherry to the north, East 4th Street to the east, west 4th street, and I-84 to the south. Table 24: Commerciammerciammerciammerciammerciammerciammercial OfficeOfficeOfficeOfficeOfficeOffice Askiskisking RatesatesatesatesTable 25: Retaietaietaietail Absorpti rpti on City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 24 MDC is charged with stimulating and expanding downtown economic development activities. Renewal and redevelopment is supported through strategic use of resources (MDC receives tax increment financing) to create successful projects in downtown. MDC focus is not only on job creation and affordable workforce housing, but also on developing a pedestrian friendly, transit-supported, diverse and balanced downtown environment. Figurere 3: Merierieridiaian DeveDeveDeveDevelopmepmepment Corp oratiratirati on BoundararySource: City of Meridian Planning Department, 2010 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 25 In 2010 MDC completed Destination: Downtown, a visioning plan focused on developing the downtown core. MDC also has other landscaping, roadway and development projects.4 Economic ExcellenceThe Boise Valley has been discovered and is recognized nationally as a destination to locate business and family. To that end the City has established an Economic Excellence Department. Economic Excellence staff members, part of the Mayor’s Office, can work one-on-one to identify resources from starting, expanding, or relocating a business to Meridian. Staff can assist businesses in all aspects of operating in Meridian, including providing assistance with available property locations, incentives and business programs, City processes and development coordination, and other information. Whether the company is a start-up or a world class corporation, the Economic Excellence staff can help it thrive in today’s economy. Business Enterprise AreasMeridian is effectively positioned to support existing, emerging, and new businesses by creating planned and integrated Business Enterprise Areas (see Figure 4). These areas are designed to attract and foster related business interests. This provides an environment where business can thrive in an atmosphere conducive to attracting and retaining a highly qualified workforce. 4 For more information on Meridian Development Corporation, go to: www.meridiandevelopmentcorp.com City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 26 Source: City of Meridian Planning Department, 2010Figurere 4: Busisinessessess Enterpriseterpriseterprise terpriseterpriseterpriseterprise Areasreasreasreas City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 201027How is the Land in Meridian Developed?Land Use, Transportation and Community DesignThis chapter discusses characteristics of the land in the City of Meridian and its Area of City Impact (AOCI). As required by Idaho State Statute, analysis on Land Use, Transportation, and Community Design components of the Comprehensive Plan are provided in this section of the report. These components bridge the gap between the previous section (population, demographics, etc.) and the analysis that follows later in the report on other planning components (public services, utilities, recreation, etc.)This section of the report is organized by outlining past trends and current conditions in each of the three components: land use, transportation and community design. This portion of the report also includes a brief analysis of future land uses, transportation trends, and community design principles. This information will be used to update the Goals, Objectives and Action Items of the City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan. The primary purpose of the Land Use discussion is to look at current zoning, future zoning, and land uses within the City and the adjacent Area of City Impact. Recent trends in land use, and the variety of land use categories and designations are briefly explained. Land use inventories and forecasts will be used to forecast the demand for future facilities such as parks, water lines and roads, and for services such as police and fire protection. These past trends and future forecasts can be used by City Departments as well as businesses, developers, and property owners to anticipate market demand when locating or developing public facilities and private projects. The purpose of the Transportation portion of the chapter is to explain how roads are classified and used in the region; how planning for future facilities is done; and assess current trends in transportation. An explanation on funding for transportation projects and the great need is explored as well as how how roadways are starting to evolve into complete streets. A current inventory of pathways, transit and travel lanes are explained, showing where additional infrastructure and modal options are necessary. In the Community Design segment, the City’s Design Guidelines are discussed and explored for the purpose of showing the reader how they relate back to the vision of the community and implementation of the future land use plan. The community design analysis also evaluates how quality of life and sustainability play into making Meridian a great community to live, work and play. Sub-topic discussions on the arts, health and green building are explored. 28City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010Land UseLand use is a physical expression of the community. Identification and analysis of a City’s existing land use development patterns provides a basis for future land use decisions. Because the City of Meridian has recently experienced such rapid growth and expansion, it is important to evaluate what the City has and then determine how further development should occur. In order to preserve the City’s character, to support a thriving economy, and to improve the quality of life, this chapter presents the land use patterns and the future land use vision for the City of Meridian. Built EnvironmentIn recent years, land uses in and around Meridian have changed from primarily agricultural to a more diverse mix of residential, commercial, and industrial uses. That trend is likely to continue, as land traditionally used for agriculture continues to be developed to support the needs of an ever-growing community. The pattern of land uses in Meridian is typical of many suburban western U.S. cities. Situated along a rail line, historic Old Town is comprised of primarily one-and two-story commercial structures. Single-family homes with fenced yards and detached garages are the norm for residential lots. Along well-traveled roads and highways, shops, restaurants, and supply stores have developed. Industrial uses are generally located along the railroad and interstate. As Meridian’s population has grown, and as more vehicles traverse area roads, the pattern has intensified. However, farmlands and largely undeveloped parcels still form the western and southern edges of the community. ResidentialA current zoning map5 reflects the dominance of residential zoning in Meridian; approximately 70% of the land area currently incorporated is zoned residential. These residential neighborhoods are typically developed at three to five dwelling units per acre. Residential areas are primarily single-family, detached, but also include duplex units, all types of apartments, single-family attached units, and manufactured homes. Densities within the residential areas range from very low (less than 1 dwelling unit per acre) to high (up to 40 dwellings per acre). Relative to other communities of similar size, however, Meridian lacks diversity in residential form and density; there is a current uniformity of single-family detached homes across the residential zoning districts. However, as explained in the Future Land Uses section of this report, there is a possibility for introducing both lower density ranchettes and higher density townhouses and apartments in appropriate areas of the City. CommercialMost major intersections in Meridian now contain largely commercial-type zoning and development. Commercially zoned lands represent approximately 5 See City of Meridian website @http://www.meridiancity.org/planning.aspx?id=227 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 29 17% of Meridian. Commercial and retail areas are typically along transportation corridors and include everything from small commercial centers and individual businesses to regional malls and commercial/office business parks. Uses include retail, wholesale, service, office, and limited manufacturing. There are five sub-districts within the commercial designation. The General Retail and Service Commercial (C-G) district is by far the most common, representing 83% of all commercially zoned areas. Since 2002, two new commercial zoning districts, Mixed Employment (M-E) and High Density Employment (H-E) have been added to the commercial zoning districts of the Unified Development Code. These zoning districts are untested as only 36 acres within the City are zoned either M-E or H-E and the sites are yet to be developed. OfficeAlthough only 837 acres are currently zoned for limited office uses (L-O), Meridian enjoys a plethora of office uses throughout the commercial districts. A significant amount of the office uses actually exist as ancillary uses within commercially zoned districts. Office uses are allowed in mixed use and in commercially zoned parts of the City. Along arterial roadways, many homes have converted to office and several professional office complexes have developed. In downtown, near the Eagle/Overland intersection, and in north Meridian, office uses continue to materialize in response to burgeoning residential neighborhood needs for doctors, dentists, orthodontists, etc. IndustrialIndustrial uses in the City of Meridian are primarily located along the railroad corridor and the Interstate. Industrial zoning represents about 7% of the total land area of the City. Industrial areas of the City typically include warehousing, general manufacturing, railroad, and industrial/office business parks. Today, there are several opportunities for reinvestment in industrially zoned, but under-utilized properties. The City, through its economic development initiatives, hopes to expand its job base by attracting new industrial users to town, particularly clean industry. Mixed UseOver the past several years, areas planned for mixed use have developed with largely commercial uses. The City has recently amended the mixed use sections of the Comprehensive Plan to ensure diversity in uses. Similar to the M-E and H-E zoning districts, the Traditional Neighborhood – Center (TN-C) and Traditional Neighborhood – Residential (TN-R) are relatively new zoning districts. In 2005, when the City adopted the Unified Development Code (UDC), the TN-C and TN-R districts were added. Today, less than 2% of Meridian is zoned for mixed use. However, more and more mixed-use developments—projects that include multiple land uses—are being built in Meridian. Often these developments use a variety of the typical zoning districts (e.g. C-G and R-15) to achieve a mix of land uses. Emphasis on development of downtown (Old Town) and the Ten Mile Interchange area have been recent priorities. The Old Town area is still in a transitional state, from a small rural downtown with little investment, to a growing City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 30 center with vast potential. With large acreages of commercial and light industrial uses developing along the interstate and other major roadways, reinvestment in Old Town has not kept up with the pace of new development. The Ten Mile Interchange area still contains vast opportunities on largely undeveloped green fields. As the Future Land Uses section will report, aside from residential, mixed-use areas contain the most opportunities for development and re-development in Meridian. CivicCivic areas include public, quasi-public, and open spaces. They include uses like government facilities, public schools, utilities, libraries, post offices, park and recreational areas, and cemeteries. Parks, schools and other public facilities are spread throughout Meridian. Zoning—Land Use CorrelationThe City of Meridian maintains a Zoning Map that depicts zoning districts of the City. There are 16 zoning districts listed in the UDC for use within the incorporated limits of the City as noted in Table 26. There are a limited number of properties in Meridian that are zoned one thing, but are actually developed with a different use. This mismatch occurred for a number of reasons. In some instances, a developer submitted plans a number of years ago and Council approved a zone change. Unfortunately the project never materialized after the zone change took place. For this reason the City has a number of industrially zoned properties near the downtown that are developed as residences. In other instances, developers made use of previous City codes that allowed 20% of a site to be used for uses not otherwise allowed in the district. In north Meridian particularly, there are several developments that are primarily residential, but have a limited amount of existing office or small scale commercial uses within a residential zone. Land OwnershipLand in the City and our Area of City Impact is controlled by a mix of private and public ownerships, with a large majority of the land (almost 95%) being held privately. The remaining 5% is owned by Meridian Joint School District No. 2, utility-related companies, the State of Idaho, the Federal government, Ada Table 26: Currerrerrent acreaacreaacreaacreaacreageses of eacheacheacheach zoning districtistrictistrictistrictistrictistrictistrict in MerierieridiaianZoning DistrictAcreagePercentageResidential Subtotal11,83169.1Low-Density (R-2)261Medium Low-Density (R-4)6,550Medium-Density (R-8)4,359Medium High-Density (R-15)560High-Density (R-40)101Commercial Subtotal2,95817.3Neighborhood Business (C-N)165Community Business (C-C)296General Retail and Service Commercial (C-G)2,461Mixed Employment (M-E)36High Density Employment (H-E)0Office Subtotal Limited Office (L-O)8374.9Industrial Subtotal1,2217.1Light Industrial (I-L)1,221Heavy Industrial (I-H)0Traditional Neighborhood/Mixed Use Subtotal2691.6Old Town (O-T)129Traditional Neighborhood Center (TN-C)67Traditional Neighborhood Residential (TN-R)73TOTAL17,116100Source: City of Meridian Planning Department, 2010, as compiled by Ada County. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 31 County, the Ada County Highway District, the City of Meridian, and other local government entities including the City of Kuna, Meridian Cemetery Maintenance District, Ada County, Ada County Highway District, and others. The amount of privately owned land in Meridian is substantial when compared to the County as a whole. The 2007 Ada County Comprehensive Plan reports that only 47.7% of the entire County is privately owned. The bulk of the remainder, over 46%, is federally owned. Table 27 summarizes non-private land ownership within the Area of City Impact.Table 27: Non-Privaterivaterivaterivaterivaterivate LaLand OwOwnershipershipershipershipershipership in thethethe Arearearea of Citity Impactmpactmpactmp ctmpact (AOCI)JurisdictionAcreage% of AOCICity of Meridian499.4631.394%Meridian Joint School District No. 2760.6532.124%Other Local142.7680.399%City of Kuna106.8780.298%Meridian Cemetery Maintenance District27.3010.076%Meridian Development Corporation1.2411.2410.003%Meridian Free Library District7.3480.021%County/Regional96.6320.270%Ada County18.0340.050%Ada County Highway District52.7360.147%Ada County Housing Authority0.7760.002%Western Ada Recreation District25.0860.070%State137.1440.383%Idaho Housing and Finance Association0.5460.002%Idaho State (General)16.3480.04 %Idaho Department of Lands12.90.036%State Police42.9970.120%Transportation Department64.3530.180%Federal74.9450.209%Department of Housing & Urban Development2.2340.006%Veterans Affairs1.2330.003%Bure u of Reclamation68.440.191%U.S. Real Estate Division3.0380.008%Utilities114.1580.319%Idaho Power22.7230.063%Intermountain Gas57.8290.161%Nampa-Meridian Irrigation District28.5960.080%Northwest Pipeline4.2580.012%Settlers Irrigation District0.0460.000%United Water0.240.001%US West/Qwest Communications0.4660.001%Subtotal of Non-Private Land Ownership1,825.765.097%Total City AOCI35,820.25100.000%Source: Meridian Planning Department 2010 as compiled by Ada County. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 32 Future Land UsesToday, the City of Meridian has over 17,000 acres within its municipal boundaries. At full build out, Meridian is anticipated to incorporate approximately 39,000 acres. The Future Land Use Map (FLUM) portrays locations for the various land use types. The FLUM’s primary purpose is to define and map future land uses so that development occurs in the direction and manner most desired by Meridian’s citizens and elected officials. The FLUM identifies the current vision for a future mix of land uses to implement the City’s many diverse goals and objectives. The FLUM works in conjunction with the text of the Comprehensive Plan, city code and the various policies of the City. However, the FLUM is not a zoning map and differs in that the FLUM describes the character and type of that use that is desired in the future and not what is currently in place. Over time, however, the FLUM has also evolved to depict where some existing land uses do exist. Schools, parks, fire stations and other existing civic and private uses are depicted on the FLUM. The FLUM shows a diversity of residential categories that transition from the higher intensity centers to low density residential uses. In addition, the FLUM depicts areas of the City where commercial, office, industrial, civic and mixed-use areas are envisioned. The FLUM depicts a built-out Meridian that is very diverse in residential densities, commercial and industrial land uses as well as public/quasi-public opportunities. The City currently uses 16 different future land use designations on the FLUM. However, these categories can be broken down into nine basic land use types: Residential—these areas are intended to provide a variety of housing types. Uses will include a range of densities varying from large estate lots to multi-family homes. This category includes the Low Density, Medium Density, Medium-High Density and High Density FLUM designations. Commercial—these areas are intended to provide a full-range of commercial and retail services for area residents and visitors.Office—these areas provide opportunities for low-impact business areas including: personal and professional offices, technology and resource centers.Industrial—these areas are designated to allow a range of industrial uses to support industrial and commercial activities. Uses may include warehouses, storage units, light and heavy industry such as manufacturing and processing. Old Town—this area includes the historic downtown and the core community activity center. A wide variety of land uses are encouraged and envisioned in Old Town. Mixed Use—these areas incorporate a variety of different, but compatible land uses together. These areas are typically situated in highly visible or transitioning areas of the City. This category includes four sub-categories of Mixed Use: Regional, Community, Neighborhood, Interchange and Non-Residential. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 33 Civic—these areas preserve and protect municipal, state, and Federal lands for use as parks, schools, and other public uses. Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area Plan (TMISAP)—these customized land use designations only apply to TMISAP geographic area. The land use designations include: Residential, Civic, Green Space, Employment, Industrial and Mixed Use. Please see the Specific Area Plans section of this report for more information.Future Planning and Referral—this area in the southwest has been set aside for future study and development. Table 28 breaks down the total Meridian area (in acres) of each land use designation envisioned on the FLUM. The table also differentiates between properties on the FLUM that are currently annexed and those that have not yet been annexed into the City. By far, Meridian is planning for residential to use more of the land area than any other designation; 60% of the FLUM shows a residential land use designation. This affords affords the City an opportunity to promote both very low density housing units and some very high density developments throughout the City. The rest of the anticipated land uses are fairly evenly distributed, with Mixed Use being the next highest land use designation at approximately 11%. The City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan goes into much more depth on the FLUM designations and land use types. Please see the comprehensive plan for more information.Specific Area PlansIn addition to the citywide land use designations, plans have been developed for specific areas of the City. These Specific Area Plans are different then the Business Enterprise Corridors discussed in the previous chapter, but are similar in their primary goals. Table 28: Futurere LaLand UsesUsesUsesUses withiwithiwithiwithiwithin Merierieridiaian’s Arearearea of Citity Impactmpactmpactmpactmpact Future Land UsesFLUM TotalFLUM UndevelopedAcres%Acres%Residential23,618.2760.1513,044.0758.75Commercial1,495.993.81134.600.61Office417.341.0668.740.31Industrial59 .311.5210.610.05Old Town336.420.860.120.00Mixed Use4,165.8710.612,027.919.13Civic1,395.343.55390.291.76Ten Mile Interchange Specific 2,374.506.051,676.577.55Future Planning/Referral4,863.8512.394,851 2721.85TOTAL39,264.8810022,204.18100Source: City of Meridian Planning Department, 2010. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 34 Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area PlanA specific plan has been developed for approximately 2,800 acres bordered (roughly) by Linder Road to the east; McDermott Road to the west: the Union Pacific Railroad line to the north and ½-mile south of Overland Road on the south. The specific area plan is an addendum to the Comprehensive Plan and places an emphasis on a mix of uses, both residential and commercial; new employment areas; higher density residential; a planned collector road network and design guidelines.The CoreMeridian has launched the new Health Sciences & Technology Corridor, The Core (www.thecoreidaho.com), in the heart of the Treasure Valley. The corridor is anchored by several business campuses and Idaho State University with curriculum focused on medical/health sciences. Not only achieving Meridian’s motto of being built for business, The Core will also focus on maintaining a healthy community that is designed for living. Developing a corridor corridor of complimentary businesses and services geared towards the medical industry and high technology, The Core will provide a one-stop destination for visitors and workforce with all necessary amenities. Destination Downtown (Urban Renewal)The Destination Downtown6 plan outlines a master plan, and marketing strategy for strengthening the downtown’s role in the community. A community-building development group, CRSA was hired by the Meridian Development Corporation (MDC) in 2009 to help define a vision for Downtown Meridian. The plan not only encompasses historic downtown, but also the fringes of downtown between Fairview Avenue/Cherry Lane and Interstate 84. The outcome of Destination Downtown was several distinct districts, with anticipated uses varying from offices and retail, to entertainment and lodging, restaurants, and open space. A variety of residential uses are also envisioned which could include reuse of existing buildings for residential uses, new construction of multi-family residential over ground floor retail or office uses. In order to provide and accommodate preservation of the historical character, the City may need to implement specific design requirements. Pedestrian amenities are emphasized throughout the study area. Public investment to ensure that Old Town becomes a centralized activity center with public, cultural, and recreational structures is encouraged. The City’s Planning Department and MDC will be working together to link the Destination Downtown plan with the City’s Comprehensive Plan and development codes. 6 The Destination-Downto n plan, as well as background information that went into composing the plan, can be found on the plan’s website: www.destination-downtown.org City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 35 Fields Area and South MeridianThe City has identified two other areas for specific plans. Although the areas have had some initial planning, they still need detailed specific area plans. These two areas are the Fields District and South Meridian. The Fields District is located in the northwest, bound by the county line, Chinden Boulevard, Black Cat Road, and Ustick Road. The City has done some initial research in this area and in the near future intends to initiate a public participation plan which will lead to a detailed specific area plan. The primary purpose of the Fields District specific area plan will be to create an area for profitable agricultural activities within the city’s Area of City Impact.South Meridian is loosely defined by the area south of I-84 and west of the Ada-Canyon County line. In 2006 the City began the process of evaluating land between Kuna and I-84, for future development within the City. In 2008 the City Council adopted an amendment to the Comprehensive Plan that designate land uses on properties in the South Meridian Area. This amendment lead to expansion of Meridian’s Area of City Impact and designating new future land use designations for properties south of the interstate. The planning process included several public meetings with over 450 participants, including many property owners and other agencies. One of the outcomes from the process was designating a portion of the study area as “Future Planning and Referral Area” on the Future Land Use Map. The City delayed detail planning for the area for three primary reasons: Many of the property owners wanted the area to remain as rural 1. residential. There was not a strong consensus on the need or desire for increased city services. The anticipated road improvements in the area could not handle the 2. additional traffic that would be generated by development in the area.There were sufficient development areas of higher priority within Meridian’s 3. Area of City Impact. The natural terrain and ownership pattern within the area does not facilitate efficient development.With the forthcoming opening of the Ten Mile Interchange, the City intends to re-evaluate South Meridian for detailed land use designations in the near future. Area of City ImpactIn accord with § 67-6526 of the Idaho Code, an Area of City Impact (AOCI) has been established for Meridian (see Figure 5). The City’s AOCI is the future planning area for the City, where annexation and development in Meridian is anticipated. Although these areas are not yet incorporated, planning responsibilities for these lands rest with the City of Meridian. The City’s AOCI is negotiated with Ada County, pursuant to the Local Land Use Planning Act (LLUPA). The most recent amendment to the City of Meridian’s AOCI City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 36 was completed in 2008, at which time additional lands were added to the north (across Chinden Boulevard), west (across McDermott Road) and south. Within the City’s AOCI, unincorporated properties are governed by Ada County for day-to-day administration of zoning matters. However, the County uses the City’s adopted Comprehensive Plan and the negotiated agreement in the administration of those duties. Ada County has applied a Rural Urban Transition (RUT) zoning district which allows five-acre-lot, single-family residential development, as well as agricultural-related uses and a range of conditional uses. To request something other than the RUT zoning, the developer must have urban services from the City of Meridian. Such services include sanitary sewer, water, fire, police, parks, transportation, and libraries. The City (with rare exception) will not provide such services unless the property annexes to the City. However, it is recognized that some development may precede the ability of the City, on its own, to extend services. Upon formal requests, the City may request that the County waive the requirement for city services and annexation. Again, such development is the exception, not the norm. All County development applications within the AOCI are reviewed by the City of Meridian for compliance with the Comprehensive Plan and applicable City policies. The importance of regional cooperation is imperative to successful land use planning. As such, the City of Meridian is committed to fulfilling the terms of its Area of City Impact Agreement with Ada County.Transportation Today, Meridian’s transportation network is primarily composed of roadways that are geared towards moving cars and trucks. Although there is a local network of pathways and sidewalks, and an ever increasing amount of bicycle City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 37 Figurere 5: Merierieridiaian’s Arearearea of Citity ImpactmpactmpactmpactmpactSource: Meridian Planning Department, 2010 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 38 facilities, Meridian does not currently provide a fixed-line mass transit service for its residents. There are park-and-ride lots in the City and two inter-county buses that make several runs on the weekdays between Nampa-Caldwell and Meridian-Boise. The rail corridor has a long and rich history in Meridian. It still moves freight, but this corridor is largely under utilized today and holds promise for multiple modes of transport of goods and services for the future. The transportation system into and through Meridian is key to both local and regional commerce and mobility. With Meridian being located in the center of the Treasure Valley and along a major east-west interstate that connects the Pacific Northwest to the Inter-Mountain West, moving people, goods and services is critical to maintaining a high quality of life. Congestion adds time and money to commutes, costs businesses time and money, and degrades air quality. As this chapter explains, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Ada County Highway District (ACHD), the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) and Valley Regional Transit (VRT) are the key transportation agencies that the City works with to improve transportation in and around Meridian. The condition of an area’s transportation system impacts that community’s way of life and economic vitality. Realizing this, the City works closely with transportation and planning agencies in the region to ensure our transportation network is the best it can be. Because Meridian does not have any roadway authority, however, the City relies on other agencies to provide the necessary funding for roadway infrastructure and its maintenance. Meridian’s major transportation challenge is to work with the transportation agencies in the region to meet the existing need for adequate transportation service, while planning for and accommodating the next wave of growth in a way that will maximize efficiency. Poorly planned growth may lead to worsening traffic problems, and increased traffic congestion may deter potential employers from locating in Meridian. In addition to managing future traffic needs, much of the transportation infrastructure already developed will require maintenance and rehabilitation. Ensuring adequate funding for maintenance of roads, while still adding capacity, will be critical issuew in the future. Committees and CommissionsIn addition to many sub-committees, regional advisory committees, and other transportation agency based groups, the City has compiled two ad hoc committees that deal with transportation issues. Appointments to these ad hoc committees, the Transportation Task Force and the Traffic Safety Commission, are made by the Mayor. The Meridian Transportation Task Force (TTF) is comprised of Meridian residents, business owners/operators, transportation professionals, and emergency responders that have an interest in transportation planning. The TTF’s primary responsibility is to annually compile a list of the highest priority roadway, intersection and pedestrian improvement projects in Meridian. Other recommendations, regarding transportation issues are regularly sent to the Mayor and City Council for consideration. With Valley Regional Transit (VRT) staff assistance, the TTF is City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 39 currently working on a public transportation plan for Meridian. The Task Force also discusses: legislative issues pertaining to transportation, planning to meet the needs of the traveling public, and the transportation agency plans, projects and processes. The TTF generally meets the first Thursday of each month at City Hall.The Traffic Safety Commission is comprised of City staff, ACHD Staff, and citizens with a heavy focus on traffic operations. This group’s agenda usually includes items that deal with: parking, traffic/congestion, signage (e.g. stop signs, directional signs), safe pedestrian routes to schools, striping, and neighborhood or citizen concerns. Between ACHD and City staff most of the items on the agenda reach some consensus on how an issue should be handled. The commission typically meets once a month at City Hall. Roadway NetworkAs shown in Table 29, Meridian has more than 500 centerline miles of roadway today, including state highways and and the interstate. Meridian’s roadways are described in terms of a hierarchy of streets known as a functional classification system. As jointly used by the ITD, ACHD, COMPASS, and the City, roads and highways are classified into five main classifications: principal and minor arterials, collectors, and local streets (includes private streets). The American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials describe functional classification as a process that involves grouping roadways into classes according to the character of service they are intended to provide. Most travel involves movement through a network of roads. It is necessary to determine how travel can be channeled within the network in a logical and efficient manner. Functional classification defines the nature of this process by defining the part that any particular roadway should play in serving the flow of trips through the network. As shown in Figure 6, most arterials in Meridian are on section lines, in one mile intervals north-south and east-west. The notable exceptions are Pine Avenue and Main Street downtown. A large number of the arterial roadways in Meridian are currently two-lane roadways; with the rapid growth over the past ten years, these roadways are transitioning into three-and five-lane roadways. Table 29: Roadwaway Mileses by Classificatiassificatiassificatiassificatiassificatiassificatiassificatiass ficatiassificati on TypepeRoadway ClassificationNumber of MilesPercentage of All RoadwaysPrincipal Arterial -Interstate17.63.3%Principal Arterial -State Hwy14.52.7%Arterials -all other11822.1%Collect r17.33.2%Local -Public339.663.6%Local -Private275.1%Total534100.0%Source: Ada County Assessor Centerline Roadway Data, 2010 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 40 In determining collector roadway classifications, the City of Meridian recognizes the Master Street Map (latest edition) as adopted by the Ada County Highway District. In determining arterial roadway classifications, the City of Meridian recognizes the Planning Functional Classification Map (latest edition) as adopted by COMPASS.Interstates, State Highways and Principal ArterialsMeridian has three State Highways that traverse through it, and a fourth, State Highway 16 (SH 16) is planned as a freeway/expressway to someday traverse the western edge of the City. The southern portion of Meridian is delineated from the northern part of town by Interstate 84 (I-84). State Highway 69 (SH 69), also know as Meridian Road, connects Meridian with Kuna to the south and bisects the southern portion of the City into east and west halves. US 20-26, also known as Chinden Boulevard, roughly border the northern boundary of the City. State Highway 55 (SH 55), also known as Eagle Road, connects Meridian with the cities of Boise and Eagle to the north. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is primarily responsible for the Interstate and state highways including the future SH 16 freeway. Currently, these roadways traverse 32 miles into, through and around Meridian.Figurere 6: Insetsetset of 2030 Planning Functicti onal Classificatiassificatiassificatiassificatiassificatiassificatiassificatiassificatiassificati on Map Source: COMPASS, 2010. Original @http://www.compassidaho.org/prodserv/func-maps.htmStateHWY21WColumbiaRdHwy55KingRdDryCreekRdAmityRdSeamansGulchRdEagleRdTenMileRdKuna-MoraRdHillRdEGowenRdCartwrightRdCan-AdaRdUstickRd WY21EisenmanRdStateStBeaconLightRdBoiseAveEmeraldBogusBasinRdAmityRdOverlandRdFranklinRdBlackCatOverlandRdMeridiaRdMcMillanRdVictoryRdPineAveCherryLnKuna-MeridianRdLinderRdSLocustGroveRdStarRdKunaRdL nderRdTenMileRdMcMillanRdColeRdCloverdaleRdWarmSpringsAveEckertRdHarrisonLatahStUtickRdStateStHwy44FederalWay27thStSColeRdSLocustGroveRdFrontDeerFlatRdHubbardRdBlackCatCapitolOrchardStFiveMileRd1stSt leasantVlleyRdMcDermottRdBroadwayFairviewAveSwanFallsRdWChapparralRdTenMileCreekRdPalmerLaneSurpriseWayHomerRdReserveWHubbardRdRiversidHighlandViewLakeForrest8thStMaceProductionGrandForestDr13thRoose eltEllensFerrySchoolAveNParkLnDesertAmityRdBallantyneRdTablerokBraemereGekelerRiverRunDrAdamsCollisterRdPierceParkRdCastleCatalpaIreneApple15thTalamoreCanoneroMarigoldMitchellChapinTaftJoplnMuirfield 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gnerRdMinkLewisLnLowerPleasantRidgeFlamingMadisonArenaValleyRdHillRdStaffordKCIDRdPerchRdBlessingerRdBaselineRdRodeoLnKlahrRdDeerFlatRdLaurelStScottPitMossLnAviationWayEnaLnPlumRdUofIRdIowaLonkeyLnFi hPowerlineRdGoodsonDooleyLnElPasoRdFargoRdHoweRdBirchLaneRossLnKnottLnPrideLnTenDavisRdHoadleyRdwy95DavisAveParmaRdChicagoStKarcherRdFarnerRdSouthsideBlvdNIllinoisAveNIndianaAveSunnyridgeRdFloridaAve illcrestLnLasterStLinconRdCanyonStN5thAveCemeteryRd9thStLansingLnBearLnDuffLnDeerFlatRdSmeedPkwySmithAveLocustLnStudyneededforatruckroutetoconnectanewRebuildOverpassStudyAreasCountyBoundaryNampaLoopR uteCEASARCHAVEZUNKNOWNPROMONTORYHORIZONROBBINSSHERMANPIONEERADAUNIONEASTSPALUKDALE22NDLEE24THGARRISONFRANKLINWASHINGTONBROADMILLER5THIDAHO2ND17TH7TH12TH11THJULIADAVIS14THLOGANWARMSPRINGSFRONTSTATEMYR LEHASFORT1ST6TH10TH23RDHARRISON13THRIVERAMERICANA15THRESERVE9THMCKINLEYGROVE4THDowntownBoiseN10thAveSimplotBlvdBlaineStChicagoStCleownNampaApprovedbyCOMPASSBoardonAugust21,2006StateHWY21WColumbiaRdHw 55KingRdDryCreekRdAmityRdSeamansGulchRdEagleRdTenMileRdKun26LakeHazelRdKarcherRdStateHwy4511thAveNorthHwy95FarmwayRdOrchardAveKunaRdBowmontRdMidlandBlvdHwy55Hwy44LocustLnUstickRdAmityAv26NorthsideMid letonRdHwy44LoneStarRdElmLnHwy19SouthsideBlvdPurpleSageRdLakeLowellAvePurpleSageRdKimballAveMidlandBlvdMontanaAvRobinsonRdNampaBlvdHwy95RobinsonRdHwy20/26AgateFranklinRdCanAdaRdStarRdEChicagoStLakeAv BlaineSt10thAveGreenhurstRdIndianaAveUstickRdLindenSt12thAveMiddletonRdHomedaledSimplotBlvdMainSt2ndStSMcDermottBoiseRiverRdRimRdAllendaleRdRedTopRdPeckhamRdHwy18OldHwy30AppleValleyRdLakeShoreDrWilli RdEmmetRdNotusRdUpperPleasantRidgeGallowayRdConwayRdHexonRdWagnerRdMidwayRdIversonWeitzRdMissouriAveHopRdRooseveltAveNashLnWalkerRdMebaRdRiversideRdElPasoMarketRdELoganStWamstadRdGallowayRdFriendsRdM rbleFrontRdRoswellRdMarsingRdPeckhamRdGreenhurstRdGotschRdFeryRdChickenDinnerFarmwayRdSheltonRdUstickDixieRdBattCornerRdMarketStBoulderRdMaltRdWagnerRdMinkLewisLnLowerPleasantRidgeFlamingMadisonArena alleyRdHillRdStaffordKCIDRdPerchRdBlessingerRdBaselineRdRodeoLnKlahrRdDeerFlatRdLaurelStScottPitMossLnAviationWayEnaLnPlumRdUofIRdIowaLonkeyLnFishPowerlineRdGoodsonDooleyLnElPasoRdFargoRdHoweRdBirchL neRossLnKnottLnPrideLnTenDavisRdHoadleyRdwy95DavisAveParmaRdChicagoStKarcherRdFarnerRdSouthsideBlvdNIllinoisAveNIndianaAveSunnyridgeRdFloridaAveHillcrestLnLasterStLinconRdCanyonStN5thAveCemeteryRd9th tLansingLnBearLnDuffLnDeerFlatRdSmeedPkwySmithAveLocustLnStudyneededforatruckroutetoconnectanewivercrossingatWeitzRoadandtheareasouthofLakeLowel.1)Thelocationofnewcollectorsindevelopingareasshallbede erminedinaccordancewithlocalgovernmentpolicies.2)Theproposedroutesofdashedlinesandshadedcorridorareasareintendedtoillustrateonlygeneralizedalignments.3)Pleaserefertochapter4inCommunitiesinMotionforad scriptionofthestudiestobeundertakeninStudyAreasshownonthemap.4)Pleaserefertochapter4inCommunitiesinMotionformoredetailedinformationonseveralarterialcorridorsshownonthemap.5)Thelocationofinterchangesa doverpassesonExpresswaysaresubjecttotheresultsofcorridirstudies.6)McDermottRoadsouthofI-84andKunaMora/orArterialFutureInterchangesNew/RebuildInterchangeNew/RebuildOverpassStudyAreasCountyBoundaryNamp LoopRouteCEASARCHAVEZUNKNOWNPROMONTORYHORIZONROBBINSSHERMANPIONEERADAUNIONEASTSPALUSFORT1ST6TH10TH23RDHARRISON13THRIVERAMERICANA15THRESERVE9THMCKINLEYGROVE4THDowntownBoiseN10thAveSimplotBlvdBlaineStC icagoStCleelandBlvdN21stAvePaynterAveKimballAveS18thAveNIllinoisAveCentennialWayN5thAveELoganStNIndianaAveHillcrestLnSFloridaAveFranklinRLincolnRd7thAve11thAve3rdStS2ndStS16thAveNampaBlvdGarrityBlvd7 hStS3rdStNNYaleStERooseveltAve11thAve12thAveDowntownCaldwellDownownNa mpaApprovedbyCOMPASSBoardonAugust21,2006City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 41 Principal arterials serve as statewide and interstate transport, involve longer trip lengths, carry high volumes of traffic, have a minimal number of access points and discourage on-street parking. Except for on I-84 roadway widths typically vary from two to seven lanes with detached sidewalks on each side and bicycle lanes. They usually have 80-to 120-foot rights-of-way and may serve as a separator for incompatible land uses. There are four (principal arterial) state highways that have a significant influence on the transportation system and therefore deserve special attention:US 20-26/Chinden Boulevard. This highway serves as the north boundary 1. of Meridian’s Area of City Impact east of Linder Road and bisects the Area of City Impact west of Linder Road. It separates Meridian’s distinctly urban growth patterns from the cities of Eagle and Star, with low-density, semi-rural character. It is expected to be five to seven lanes wide at build-out of the city. The City believes this roadway needs to be protected from multiple access points and preserved as a high capacity connector (see the US 20-26 Access Management Plan.) The City of Meridian has ordinances and development standards that preserve the highway as a major regional transportation facility, connecting the cities of Nampa, Caldwell, Star, Meridian, Eagle and Boise. The City supports beautification and appropriate sound mitigation measures along the Chinden Boulevard corridor. State Highway 16 (future extension). The extension of State Highway 2. 16 from State Highway 44 to I-84 is a critical step to providing regional mobility for citizens from north Ada County and Gem County to I-84 and south Ada County. Identifying the most useful and environmentally and fiscally responsible location for this new highway is crucial to the future character of west Meridian. The ITD and COMPASS are currently working with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to receive environmental clearance on a SH 16 extension corridor location. In the 2030, Planning Functional Classification Map, this extension is designated as a limited access freeway (Please note that in the DRAFT 2035, Planning Functional Classification Map, SH 16 is designated as an expressway.) State Highway 55/Eagle Road. Eagle Road is the most heavily traveled 3. non-interstate roadway in the State of Idaho. Issues that impact Eagle Road traffic will also have an impact on North Meridian. It is expected that Eagle Road will be improved in the future to include integrated traffic signals, safety medians, landscaping, new lighting, and other improvements consistent with the ITD Eagle Road Corridor Study. State Highway 69/Meridian Road. Although SH 69/Meridian Road is on 4. a section line, and is designated as an arterial throughout Meridian, it varies in form and function. Meridian Road is designated as a minor arterial from Chinden Boulevard, south to Cherry Lane, where it changes in designation to a principal arterial. For the next two miles, between Cherry Lane and I-84, Meridian Road, goes through downtown and is owned and maintained by ACHD. At I-84, Meridian Road becomes State City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 42 Highway 69 and is a State of Idaho-maintained facility that connects to the City of Kuna to the south. Meridian Road/SH 69 varies in street section and speed throughout the City, but not in its importance to the transportation network. The City of Meridian has ordinances and development standards that preserve Meridian Road through downtown and south of the Interstate. Minor ArterialsMinor arterials provide long-distance access, mainly within the state and region, and frequently contain three to five travel lanes, sidewalks and bicycle lanes. These include medium traffic volume streets to and from other arterials and the freeway. They collect traffic from less significant roadways and distribute traffic and minimize access. These arterials may also be section line roads. Examples of current minor arterial roadways are: Black Cat and McMillan Roads.CollectorsThe transportation system’s second tier is the collector system. Collectors serve as key transportation routes and link local roads with other collectors or arterials. Typically, they provide direct service to residential areas; contain two to three travel lanes; have sidewalks; and have bicycles lanes. Collectors typically have right-of-way width between 57 and 88 feet, and may have parking. Examples of current collector roadways are: Central Drive, Long Lake Way, and Zaldia Drive.Collectors are designed to carry higher volumes of traffic and (often seamlessly) connect one arterial to another through a given mile. They also may move at higher speeds than residential collectors. Collectors are typically constructed by private developers at the time of construction of a subdivision. They may or may not connect through an entire mile section as a classified collector, but in conjunction with local streets they should connect from one arterial to another. Collector roads were the subject of an Ada County Highway District-funded study by J-U-B Engineers in August 2001. The City of Meridian supports and will apply the following conclusions of that study:Intersection Spacing. The intersections of collector roads and arterial 1. roads should be located at or near the ½ mile point within any given section.Alignment. Collectors should extend in an essentially straight line for 200 2. feet to 400 feet from an intersection. Beyond that point the alignment is flexible.Discontinuit Between Sections. Collectors should not be in a straight 3. alignment for more than two miles to prevent their use as de facto arterials. Further, the City will use the ACHD Livable Street Design Guide and 4. Master Street Map when reviewing development applications for collector design and cross-section. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 43 Local StreetsLocal streets serve to provide direct access to abutting residential and commercial areas and should be for local traffic movement. Generally, they are two lanes wide with parking and sidewalks, and have a right-of-way width of approximately 50 feet. Through traffic is discouraged. Most streets, approximately 70%, in Meridian are classified as local streets. Entryway CorridorsThe City has designated several entryway corridors that lead into and out of the community. As a gateway to the City, the principle is to protect and strengthen the visual appearance of the roadway corridor. Entryway corridors are depicted on the Future Land Use Map and explained in the text of the Comprehensive Plan. Generally, entryway corridors require additional landscaping along major arterial roadways. Roadway PlanningAs mentioned previously, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Ada County Highways District (ACHD), Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS), and Valley Regional Transit (VRT) are the primary agencies responsible for planning and maintaining the transportation system in the region; the City does not have any roadway authority. However, the City spends considerable time and effort to work with ACHD, ITD, and COMPASS to plan for the needs of the community and ensure that the transportation authorities make decisions that are in the best interest of the City of Meridian. City staff and elected officials are on several transportation groups, committees, and boards.Travel Times and CommutingAs shown in Table 30, the average commute time in 2000 for those living in Meridian is 21.4 minutes. This is almost two minutes longer than the average commute time for all Ada County residents and about a minute and a half more than the state average. However, the average commute time is less then the surrounding communities of Eagle, Kuna and Star and more than four minutes less than the national average. Given recent improvements in the state and local transportation systems since 2000, it will be interesting to note if there is a marked increase or decrease as the 2010 census information is released. The time of day people travel has a significant impact on not only commute times but also on planning for transportation infrastructure. The highest portion of trips in Ada County occurs during rush hour. Therefore peak demand on roadways leads to congestion during these times. This congestion often causes more people to look at alternative times to travel, and when available, alternative modes of transportation. In Ada County, the “rush hour” is only about two hours per day with peaks between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. and between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. (see Figure 7). Spreading out the distribution of trips, would make more efficient use Table 30: Averaveraveraverage Commmmutete Timeimeime to WorkrkCommunityCommute time in minutesMeridian21.4Boise18.0Eagle21.5Gard n City19.4Kuna25.9Star27.6Ada County19.3State of Idaho20.0U.S.25.5Source: US Census Bureau, 2000 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 44 of the transportation infrastructure already in place. Policies, like staggered work hours or non-traditional work schedules, could be designed by businesses to encourage travel outside of the normal rush hour. Today, most work schedules are the traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Transportation Funding PlansCOMPASS maintains the region’s long range transportation plan, Communities in Motion (CIM), which contains the regionally significant corridors in Ada, Canyon, Elmore, Boise, Gem and Payette counties. COMPASS does transportation modeling for the region and uses traffic forecasts to not only anticipate where roadway projects are needed but also to monitor air quality standards and to provide development activity reports. The ACHD also does traffic modeling for Ada County to help prioritize needed transportation and maintenance of the local roadway network.The COMPASS Board, which is composed of local elected officials and special interest organizations, is charged with making decisions about transportation and related air quality planning, primarily through CIM. The 2030 version of the long-range plan, adopted by the COMPASS Board in 2004, and updated in 2006, was also adopted by reference by the Meridian City Council as part of Meridian’s Comprehensive Plan. COMPASS is currently going through an update process to CIM that will be complete by August 2010. (The Federal government requires the COMPASS update CIM at least every four years.) The plan addresses anticipated transportation issues over the next 20 years, evaluates how projected population and economic growth and development patterns will impact current transportation facilities, and considers funding and expenditures for future transportation needs. CIM seeks to strike a balance between roadway improvements and other transportation alternatives, such as transit, carpooling, bicycling, walking, and transportation demand management. ACHD also has a long-range transportation plan, or Capital Improvement Plan, for Ada County. ACHD CIP lists arterial roadways that are eligible to use impact fee dollars that are generated within four geographic areas of the County. The ACHD CIP is fiscally constrained and has 20 years worth of transportation Figurere 7: Ada County Tripriprip DistriDistriDistriDistriDistriDistributi on BYBY TIME of day, 2000 Source: COMPASS, based on 2000 ACHD Traffic Counts(Average Weekday Traffic for 5 selected streets) City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 45 projects identified. At the State level, ITD works from its Horizons plan, the statewide, long-range transportation plan.In addition to long-range plans, ITD and ACHD have near-term transportation plans. The Idaho Transportation Department’s Statewide Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) contains about five years worth of projects and is typically updated annually by the ITD Board with input from other agencies and the public. The projects in CIM are used to draft the Regional Transportation Improvement Plan (TIP) which feeds into the STIP. The STIP shows how Federal transportation funds will be used to finance projects including: roadways, bridges, highway safety, public transportation, maintenance projects like overlays (i.e., new layers of paving), and even airports and air quality projects. ACHD near-term plan is called the Five Year Work Plan (FYWP). This plan is usually adopted in February of each year by the Board of Commissioners at ACHD. The FYWP primarily contains capital projects for roadways, intersections, bridges and pedestrian facilities. Projects in the FYWP are prioritized primarily on safety, congestions and programming criteria. Each year the City of Meridian sends a list of priority projects to both ITD and ACHD for consideration as the STIP and FYWP are adopted (see below for more information).Funding for roadways in Meridian is provided through taxes and fees. Most of the money for roadway maintenance and new capital projects are provided via the gas tax, vehicle registration fees, Highway User Funds, development impact fees and property taxes. In 2005, the ITD recommended that a new program, GARVEE (Grant Anticipation Revenue Vehicle) bonds, be used to fund six transportation corridors throughout the state. Three of the six corridors: I-84, Caldwell to Meridian; I-84, Orchard to Isaacs Canyon; and, Idaho 16, I-84 to Emmett, are in the Treasure Valley. To date, almost $700 million in GARVEE bonds have been authorized by the Legislature. To keep up with demand, other funding options, like a local option sales tax and an increase to the gas tax, have been talked about by the Legislature, but have not been approved. New funding mechanisms will most likely be needed to keep up with the demand for transportation in the Valley.Meridian’s Priority Roadway ProjectsEach year, the City Council, at the recommendation of the City’s Transportation Task Force, sends a list of high priority transportation projects to ITD, ACHD and COMPASS. The projects in the priority list include state facilities (highways and interchanges), ACHD roadways and intersections, and key pedestrian projects. In 2009, some of the top priority projects were: Eagle, Victory to Ridenbaugh (road widening); Downtown Split Corridor, Phase II (road widening); Ten Mile/Ustick (intersection); Linder/Pine (intersection); Meridian Interchange Rebuild; Linder Road Overpass; and pedestrian sidewalks in downtown.The City supports the implementation of the Downtown Meridian Transportation Management Plan (2005). The Plan was developed by ACHD with insight provided by the City to propose solutions to circulation-related challenges in downtown Meridian. The result of the jointly initiated Transportation Management Planning process was the emergence of a “Split Corridor Design” to facilitate movement City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 46 throughout downtown. Once constructed, the “Split Corridor Design” will create a one-way traffic system between the I-84/Meridian Road Interchange and (roughly) the railroad tracks. Main Street will allow northbound traffic only, and Meridian Road will allow southbound traffic only. North of the railroad tracks the system will support two-way traffic movement. For more information on the Split Corridor Design please see the Downtown Meridian Transportation Management Plan. The first phase of this of the “Split Corridor” was constructed in 2009.Linking Transportation and Land UseThe relationship between housing, transportation, and the environment is becoming more evident every day. In June 2009, a partnership between HUD, DOT and EPA was established to encourage livable and sustainable communities. This Federal-level partnership and policies have set the stage for what is being worked on locally.To better connect transportation planning and land use decisions, ACHD and the cities in Ada County have compiled the Transportation and Land Use Integration Plan (TLIP). This plan, initiated in 2007 and adopted in 2009, envisions livable streets for tomorrow and depicts what streets should look and function like in the future. The goal is to create a roadway network that balances the needs of all roadway users —motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, transit and people with disabilities—with streets that complement the built environment. Because a one-size-fits-all program for roadway construction does not respond to the land use needs of the community, the City and ACHD have agreed to work more closely together to join together the land use plans of the City with the transportation plans of the District. There are four tools that ACHD and the City use to implement TLIP: the Complete Streets Policy, the Livable Streets Design Guide, a Cost Share Policy, and a Master Street Map.Complete StreetsThe primary purpose of ACHD Complete Streets Policy is to ensure that streets, bridges, and transit stops within Ada County are designed, constructed, operated and maintained so that pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, motorists, and people of all ages and abilities can travel safely and independently on and along public streets. In the past, for example, ACHD primarily constructed five-lane arterial streets with attached sidewalk, no bike lanes, and no landscaping. The Complete Streets Policy balances all users’ needs and sets the foundation for land use agencies to partner with ACHD to create user-friendly corridors that meet the needs of the traveling public as well as the goals of comprehensive and specific area plans. The Complete Streets Policy in contained in Section 3100 of ACHD Policy Manual.“Through this broad street, restless ever, ebbs and flows a human tide, wave on wave a living river; wealth and fashion side by side; Toiler, idler, slave and master, in the same quick current glide.”John Greenleaf Whittier City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 47 Cost ShareAnother tool in the TLIP repository is the Cost Share Policy. The Cost Share Policy maintains flexibility within the roadway design process, establishes a consistent set of transportation elements that ACHD will be responsible for, and allows partnering agencies an opportunity to participate in constructing a complete street section. This policy, adopted by ACHD, allows partnering agencies to work with ACHD to design, construct and fund non-transportation elements as part of ACHD’s road improvement projects. Many times the City has features, like landscaping and multi-use pathways, that are envisioned for specific roadways in key areas. Because ACHD does not have statutory authority to spend money on non-transportation related improvements, the Cost Share Policy allows a land use agency to enter into an agreement with ACHD to ensure that non-transportation elements are included in road projects.Master Street MapIn January of 2010, ACHD adopted a Master Street Map for Ada County, available on the ACHD website. This map is another TLIP planning tool that works in concert with the cities Comprehensive Plans. The Map creates a vision for future roadway characteristics based on land use plans and transportation goals. The Master Street Map provides the guide for arterial right-of-way needs, collector street locations and design, regional mobility corridor locations and design, and other specific roadway features desires throughout the City and its AOCI. The information contained on the Master Street Map is used by both ACHD and the City when roadway projects are beginning the design process, and in the development review process.While working with ACHD to compile the Master Street Map, the City used the existing roadway networks that are called for in the Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area Plan, the North Meridian Auto Circulation Map, and the South Meridian Study as a foundation for the citywide Master Street Map. The Master Street Map goes a step further then these other planning documents in that it not only designates location, function, and typology for roadways, but also number of travel lanes and right-of-way needed for each collector and arterial in Meridian. To ensure consistency between ACHD and the City, it is anticipated that references to the Master Street Map will be incorporated into both the City’s Comprehensive Plan and Unified Development Code.Livable Streets Design GuideThe final tool in the TLIP toolbox is the Livable Streets Design Guide. The Guide sets the design parameters for roadways in Ada County. After referring to the Master Street Map to see what type of roadway is planned, a developer, agency staff, or the general public can go to the Guide to see what elements are specifically envisioned for any arterial and collector roadway. Based on the City’s land use components contained in the Comprehensive Plan, pathway locations on the Master Pathway Plan and ACHD’s needs for capacity, the Livable Streets Design Guide illustrates what each street typology should look like. There are City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 48 customized cross sections within the Guide for access, the pedestrian zone, parking, transit, bicycles, buffers, travel lanes and landscaping. Figure 8 depicts a typical roadway typology.The City of Meridian is committed to working with local transportation authorities, specifically ACHD, COMPASS, and ITD, to protect key transportation corridors as regional transportation routes and gateways to not only Meridian, but also to Boise, Eagle, Star, Kuna, Nampa, and Caldwell. The City of Meridian has also been coordinating with ITD to determine the most appropriate alignment of the future SH 16 extension and to preserve appropriate rights-of-ways and access point locations for all state highways; the City has effective land use policies and development codes that preserve future transportation corridors.Mobility ManagementMobility management is a concept that focuses on using all available resources to augment and advance mobility for all people. Several strategies are typically used to meet the needs of citizens from all walks of life. In 2009, COMPASS, through a Federal grant, developed the Mobility Management Development Guidebook to help local governments establish partnerships and collaborate to provide the most efficient transportation system. The guidebook is a resource manual of best practices that incorporates transit access, mobility enhancements, and site, and road design. The guidebook includes a checklist for local governments, developers, and others to incorporate access and mobility into land use decisions. The guidebook also explores how providing several choices in mode, helps serve all roadway users.Roadways to BikewaysIn May 2009, a long-range master plan for bicycle facilities in Ada County was adopted by ACHD Commission. The Roadways to Bikeways Plan provides a broad vision, policy, goals and objectives for how the ACHD can facilitate and improve conditions for bicycling in Ada County. The Plan designates dedicated bicycle facilities within a quarter-mile from 95% of Ada County residents; and will connect all parts of the County. The adopted bicycle master plan guides future investments in the bicycle system on roadways, as ACHD builds projects; to enhance and expand the existing on-street bikeway network, connect gaps, address constrained areas, provide for greater local and regional connectivity and encourage more bicycling. The Plan also provides basis for signed shared roadways, bicycle blvd designations, and a variety of programs and policies to allow and promote safe, efficient and convenient bicycle travel. Within Meridian, there are currently 14 miles of bike lanes and 5.25 miles of bike routes. A bicycle map, available on the ACHD website, shows the current routes for bicycles.Pathway System and SidewalksThe Meridian Pathways Master Plan (updated January 2010) is a guide for pathway development over the next 20 to 50 years. The Plan proposes an extensive Figurere 8: Exampampample of Masterasterasterasteraster Streettreettreettreettreet Map Roadwaway Typology Source: Residential Arterial, ACHD Livable Street Design Guide, May 2009 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 49 pathway network stemming from the existing canal system within and around the City of Meridian. The Plan includes an inventory of existing pathways and micro-pathways, as well as a comprehensive network of future pathways that will connect residents to schools, parks, businesses, neighborhoods, and various recreation and entertainment destinations.The City of Meridian currently maintains six pathways, including the Fothergill Pathway, the Bear Creek Pathway, the Blackstone Pathway, the Locust Grove Pathway, the Bud Porter Pathway, and the pathway from Gordon Harris Park to Eagle Road. Today, these pathways primarily serve as a recreational amenity, but they are also used for commuters going to and from work and school. The Pathways Master Plan includes detailed maps and design standards for future pathways in the City.Community Programs are ACHD projects developed to expand and enhance a safe, efficient, and accessible pedestrian and bicycle network for all residents of Ada County. ACHD currently offers a Community Programs Application for pedestrian and traffic calming projects which gives citizens and neighborhood associations the ability to apply for local projects in their area, particularly those that provide pedestrian and bicycle safety, mobility, and connectivity (such as sidewalks). Projects are considered for eligibility and, if qualified, are prioritized with other community program projects. As of 2010, a target of 5% of the annual Five-Year Work Plan capital funds are dedicated to Community Programs, which ranges from $1.5 -$2 million. In addition, half of the local vehicle registration fee money goes toward Community Programs each year.Source: Meridian Pathway Master Plan, 2010Figurere 9: Sharehareharehared-UseUseUse Pathwaathwaathwa athway Along Waterwaaterwaaterwaaterwaaterwaater ay City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 50 As an offshoot of the Meridian Pathways Master Plan, the City also finalized a Rail with Trail Action Plan in early 2010. The Action Plan takes a closer look at the Union Pacific Rail Corridor, presents a conceptual alignment for a multi-use pathway paralleling the tracks from McDermott Road to Eagle Road, and proposes strategies for implementation of the future facility.Through public outreach programs, the community has previously highlighted the need for more quality parks, recreation programs, pathways, and other public amenities. The Treasure Valley Futures Program Community Outreach emphasized the community’s interest in more pedestrian linkages and enhanced design standards. The City is interested in making these linkages when opportunities present themselves. The City’s Unified Development Code requires sidewalks and micro-pathways be installed with new subdivisions. Through ACHD’s Community Programs, a group of select community members have identified gaps in the pedestrian pathway and sidewalk system and these gaps now await improvement.TransitVal ey Regional Transit (VRT) is the regional public transportation authority for Ada and Canyon counties. Although VRT does not currently provide a fixed-line bus service in Meridian, the City does contribute to the inter-county transit service that runs between Nampa-Caldwell and Meridian-Boise. Park-and-ride Lots serve as the primary stop for the inter-county bus. Two City Council members serve on the VRT Board which establishes policy and guides the strategic priorities for public transportation. VRT has an approved six-year plan to develop a regional public transportation system in the Treasure Valley. The plan, called Treasure Valley in Transit, calls for bus services in all cities in Ada and Canyon counties. VRT and Meridian are currently evaluating the feasibility of a fixed-line service for Meridian and a transit center in downtown.Source: Meridian Pathway Master Plan, 2010Figurere 10: Typicapicapicapical On-Streettreettreettreettreet Multi -UseUseUse Pathwaathwaathwa athway City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 51 VRT has teamed with COMPASS to study the rail corridor as a potential high capacity corridor alternative to I-84. The Treasure Valley High Capacity Transit Study began in 2007 and intends to evaluate: a multimodal transportation center, a downtown circulator, and an east-west high-capacity corridor. The first phase of the High Priority Corridor Study was completed in 2010. The study recommends that seven different alignments and modes be considered for a more in-depth evaluation via a detailed alternatives analysis study. The alternatives analysis is required by the Federal Transit Administration if Federal funds will be used to construct a high-capacity system. In anticipation of a fully completed, and federally approved planning document, the Future Land Use Map proposes three future transit stations along the Union Pacific rail corridor. These proposed centers are shown at Ten Mile Road, Meridian Road and Eagle Road/SH 55. As feasibility and other transportation studies are completed, additional design and location standards will be used by the City to help guide development at these locations.Commuteride and CarpoolsACHD operates a Commuteride vanpool service in Ada County where each van accommodates 11 to 14 people. The Commuteride program provides ride matching services that connect commuters with similar home and work locations and schedules. Similarly, Commuteride helps businesses plan a customized vanpool service for businesses and their employees.Park-and-Ride LotsPark-and-ride lots are a service provided by ACHD. The lots offer a place for commuters to park and collectively ride to work in a prearranged carpool or vanpool. Existing park-and-ride lots are located at Gem Street between East First Street and Meridian Road, Overland Road and SH 69, Overland Road and Eagle Road, and at St. Luke’s Regional Medical Center. To assist potential users, these lots are marked with green and white directional signs. The City anticipates that additional park-and-and-ride lots may be necessary in the future and will coordinate with ACHD Commuteride on siting these future lots as development demands. Commuteride Carpool and Vanpool Service is a cooperative effort between ACHD, VRT, and the Federal Highway Administration (FHA).Air TravelThe City of Meridian does not have an airport within the City limits or Area of City Impact; however, the Boise Airport (BOI) provides passenger and freight service to the citizens and local businesses. The Boise Airport is the only public, general aviation and commercial airport located within Ada County (City of Boise, www.cityofboise.org/departments/airport/statistics/index.aspx). The airport is located about ten miles east of Meridian off I-84. BOI serves over three million passengers annually. It is also home to the Idaho Air National Guard and the National Interagency Fire Center. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 52 RailThe Union Pacific owned Boise Cutoff spur rail line runs east–west and bisects the City between Cherry Lane and Franklin Road. In 2009 the Boise Valley Railroad began operation along the spur line to provide freight movement to industrial customers. A preliminary study was recently completed by the region’s planning organization (COMPASS) to determine the feasibility of a regional high capacity mass transit line. The study identified the Boise Cutoff as the primary candidate for a future transit line. A future multi-use pathway is also planned along the rail line. Meridian’s current Comprehensive Plan and the land uses along this corridor reflect the anticipated multi-modal uses.Community DesignCommunity design tends to focus on elements of the natural and built environment that contribute value to living and working. One could make an argument that all of the components in this report should be analyzed in this section. It is true that most all of the the other components (land use, transportation, housing, etc.) factor into community design. However, for the purposes of this report, community design includes analysis primarily on: design review, sustainability, livability, healthy initiatives, and arts and community events. These terms are all inter-related and are very subjective; the terms often mean different things and/or are more or less important to different people and groups. The goal of this section of this report is to define and frame how community design works in Meridian. As the City moves forward with the Comprehensive Plan policies, it will use this framework to analyze and develop potential strategies for the City.The inherent goal of community design is to improve on the livability and quality of life for not only current, but also future generations of Meridian residents. In this section of the report, a description of the current policies, initiatives and programs that contribute to community design and quality of life are presented. Like the other elements analyzed in this report, the components of this chapter directly shape the look, feel and function of the community known as Meridian. A large portion of this section of the report is dedicated to the City’s Design process. Design review is a process that applies design review procedures, guidelines and standards for the review of outdoor projects and physical development. Essentially, it is a discretionary review of the aesthetic aspects of physical development. The design review examines the physical and functional relationships of the various components of development and works in tandem with our adopted zoning codes and use standards7.Community design also involves preserving and enhancing unique and extraordinarily valuable areas of the City. Basically, community design provides a means to maintain the unique characteristics of the City, and to improve the built environment for today and tomorrow.7 Idaho Code §67-6518 allows each governing board to adopt standards for such things things as: building design; blocks, lots, and tracts of land; yards, courts, greenbelts, planting strips, parks, and other open spaces; trees; signs; streets; lighting and other elements. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 53 This section also addresses livability and sustainability, two buzzwords in society today. In Meridian, livability and sustainability go hand-in-hand with a healthy community, including physical, social and mental health. Arts, community events and celebrations all play a role in making Meridian livable. A truly healthy community is one that is sustainable long-term by working with its current residents to define what elements are key to providing a high quality of life today and for future generations.When the 2002 version of the Comprehensive Plan was developed, citizen groups met to discuss their issues and concerns regarding community character. Issues related to development included infilling or increasing density within the city limits and preserving habitats and natural areas (these issues will be addressed later in the document). Many thought that particular areas within the City were under-used and that perhaps, these should be the first areas considered for redevelopment rather than the farmlands. Many felt that the City under utilizes areas already disturbed by development. Residents were also sensitive to preserving open space within urban areas; they felt that by identifying these areas and natural resource areas such as wetlands, riparian areas, and wildlife areas, the City could achieve a balance of open space and new development. Planting more trees and designing a community garden plat were also discussed. These actions relate directly to community design and creating a high quality of life.As part of the overall planning process for the 2002 Comprehensive Plan, a sub-committee discussed community design and special sites and identified a number of issues and concerns that focused on design standards, zoning, and the implementation of the Comprehensive Plan. Standards of specific concern related to gateways and community signage. Citizens suggested establishing a unified sign and gateway theme for the community. Also, they expressed concern regarding the protection of existing special sites like waterways and historic buildings. These concerns form the foundation on which the goals, objectives, and action items were developed.Design ReviewIn 2007, the City Council determined it was in the best interest of the City to evaluate citywide design review. The City Planning staff established a design review steering committee to guide them in crafting the program. The members, representing various professions from the development community, volunteered numerous hours and offered their expertise, insight, and experience to assist City staff in drafting the guidelines for design review.Design review is intended to promote and establish community character and economic stability by ensuring that urban design and architectural principles adhere to community goals. Design review is also intended to protect the general health, safety and welfare of the citizens by enhancing property values; protecting the natural environment; promoting community pride; protecting historical resources; preserving the aesthetic qualities which contribute to a City’s character; and “Setting a goal is not the main thing. It is deciding how you will go about achieving it and staying with that plan.”Tom Landry City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 54 promoting the economic vitality of the community by preserving and creating well-designed commercial and residential developments.The City’s Design Guidelines implement the vision of the community and enhance quality of life through good design practices. The design guidelines work in concert with existing development, the Comprehensive Plan, and City Code.The Design ManualThe Design Manual and design review process establish standards to encourage quality building and site design. They establish a set of guiding principles and flexible standards that encourage creativity as opposed to mandating specific standards. The Design Manual establishes expectations for proposed developments based on the context: urban, rural, or suburban, in which the development is proposed. These design guidelines were developed to address the following:Building Orientation1. Building Form Scale and Materials2. Façade Treatment, Entrances and Roofs3. Pedestrian Pathways and Connectivity4. Streetscape Design5. Site Design 6. Parking7. 8 In addition to providing the City with a planning tool that uses design guidelines to address the functional and aesthetic qualities and characteristics of development, the Design Manual lays the foundation for growth and development to create attractive, lasting, and quality built environments that contribute to the progression of Meridian as a livable community. Prescriptive Standards vs. GuidelinesDesign standards vary in the amount of detail and specificity that a community employs. Some communities provide general guidelines for design that allow some autonomy on the part of the developer and designer. The City of Meridian’s Design Manual provides mostly general guidelines, but there are some specific standards that are tied to the Unified Development Code. This provides flexibility and promotes creativity within the community. The manual provides graphic examples to lessen ambiguity for developers. Eliminating guesswork ensures the process is as efficient as possible but still allows for unique projects to be created.8 City of Meridian, Design Manual, January 2009, pg. 1 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 55 Entryway CorridorsMeridian has designated several arterial roadways as entryway corridors, or gateways into the City. Generally, entryway corridors require additional landscaping along major arterial roadways that lead into and out of Meridian. These gateways have a significant effect on visitor’s first impression of the City, making them especially important for not only landscaping but also building, parking lot, and public space designs. Through adopted City Codes and ordinances (primarily design review) the goal is to make a good first impression on those entering the City. SignsSigns are necessary not only for wayfinding but also for advertising purposes. Like entryway corridors, signs can impress upon visitors a community’s character. Signs should not be a distraction to motorists or pedestrians, or otherwise present a safety hazard by interfering with line-of-sight, blocking traffic control devices, or hampering traffic flow. Likewise, signs should enhance the aesthetics of the community by complimenting building designs and landscaping. Signs should provide assistance to the public and business owners in locating businesses, gathering places, roadways and other attractions. Meridian has taken a hard look at sign regulations to ensure there is balance between safety, advertising, communication, architectural elements, aesthetics and free speech. SustainabilityThe fundamentals of sustainability within local government center on creating balanced solutions; solutions that deliver services at levels citizens expect; doing so in an environmentally and socially responsible way; and ensuring the best economic choice in the long term. These fundamentals interact in the process of balancing the needs of protecting and enhancing our economy, our natural environment and our community’s built environment today and for future generations.Meridian’s popularity as a prime location to build a business and raise a family has required the City to rise to the challenge of providing services at a new level of demand. Commercial and residential developers seek out Meridian because it is “livable.” Yet, with growing demand of services, the City is challenged to maintain our well-touted “livability” factor.Over the last decade, the City of Meridian has assertively stepped-up to the challenges and dynamics of incorporating sustainability concepts in a variety of projects from tackling energy conservation issues; establishing a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment and reclamation facility; to establishing and staffing an Environmental Division within the Public Works Department. “Sustainability and Environmental Awareness” is a stated priority issue of City leadership and will be a dynamic aspect of how future service, programs and projects are understood, created and implemented. Future success bodes well, due to the accomplishments gained in our recent past; sustainable practices today are applied in Meridian in a wide variety of ways.“A day spent without the sight or sound of beauty, the contemplation of mystery, or the search of truth or perfection is a poverty-stricken day; and a succession of such days is fatal to human life.”Lewis Mumford City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 56 Planning and TransportationAs part of the its planning process, the City promotes areas of mixed-use development that bring shopping, services and recreation opportunities within walking distance of dwellings. The Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area Plan exemplifies this type of compact, mixed-use development that will allow people to live in an area where they can get to work, go shopping, or go to dinner and see a movie without the need for a car. Mixed-use developments are envisioned to provide the necessary density of homes to support bus and transit programs within the Valley. Through this type of planning, automobile trips will be reduced along with their emissions.The City of Meridian continues to promote transportation alternatives. The Master Pathways Plan designates routes for multiple use pathways throughout the City. These pathways are intended for non-motorized usage. For many years, the City has required that developers install segments of the the pathway system as subdivisions are built. Sidewalks, paths, and bike lanes directly adjacent to roadways provide a link between pathways or between a pathway and a destination. People who choose to ride or walk rather than drive are typically replacing short automobile trips, which contribute disproportionately high amounts of pollutant emissions. Since bicycling and walking do not pollute, require no external energy source, and use land efficiently, they effectively move people from one place to another without adverse environmental impacts—they are sustainable forms of transportation. The potential of other modes of transportation, like bus and light-rail, are currently being evaluated. As mentioned previously, the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) operates a Commuteride vanpool service in Ada County where each van accommodates 11 to 14 people as well as park-and-ride facilities. The City realizes that van and carpooling can help to reduces traffic congestion, improve air quality, reduce driver stress, and not overwhelm parking in downtown Meridian. To encourage more carpooling, the City has provided designated parking stalls at City Hall for those that carpool to/from work.Siting, Design and ConstructionWhere buildings are constructed and how they are designed, built and operated impact the environment. In 1998 the U.S. Green Building Council developed a set of standards for environmentally sustainable design, construction and operation of buildings. These standards are formalized in certifying a building as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). LEED is an internationally recognized green building certification system, providing third-party verification that a building or community was designed and built using strategies aimed at improving performance across all the metrics that matter most: energy savings, water efficiency, CO2 emissions reduction, improved indoor environmental “A day spent without the sight or sound of beauty, the contemplation of mystery, or the search of truth or perfection is a poverty-stricken day; and a succession of such days is fatal to human life.”Lewis Mumford [Beauty] City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 57 quality, and stewardship of resources and sensitivity to their impacts. LEED is a voluntary certification program that can be applied to any building type and any building lifecycle phase. It promotes a whole-building approach to sustainability by recognizing performance in key areas9:Sustainable Sites1. Water Efficiency2. Energy and Atmosphere3. Materials and Resources4. Indoor Environmental Quality5. Locations and Linkages6. Awareness and Education7. Innovation in Design 8. Regional Priority9. Guidelines encouraging buildings to be sited and designed consistent with LEED concepts are included in the City’s Design Manual. As a prime example of Meridian’s efforts to be good stewards of the environment and to set a positive example for others who build in Meridian, City Hall was constructed with LEED certification in mind. In 2009, Meridian City Hall achieved the Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED), Silver Certification. Among other benefits, benefits, Idaho Power Company has calculated City Hall’s annual energy savings to be the equivalent of providing power to 56 homes for an entire year. Some of the other benefits of locating, designing and operating City Hall are listed in Table 31. 9 U.S. Green Building Council, Intro -What LEED Measures, 2010 www.usgbc.org/displaypage.aspx?CMSPageID=1989Table 31: Highlightshtshts of Merierieridiaian’s Gree GreeGreen Citity HallResponsible Energy UseState-of-the art mechanical HVAC system zoned under-the floor variable air volume (VAV) and high efficiency chillers, boilers, and air handlers.Energy-efficient light bulbs, increased natural lighting, and light-sensing daylight harvesting system.Lighting control system featuring motion detectors and timers.Windows made of low-emissivity glass provides insulation against heat and cold and reduces ultraviolet rays.City Hall uses 27% less energy than a standard building of the same size, representing a potential 21% annual savings for taxpayers.Reflective roofing materials have high solar reflectance to reduce cooling costs.Site DevelopmentTransformed a highly contaminated brownfield site into a clean, Class A office space; 600 tons of contaminated materials and 8,600 yd3 of contaminated soil removed from site prior to building.Potential life span of building is more than 200 years.Source: Meridian City Brochure: “A summary of Meridian City Hall’s ‘Green’ Building Features, 2009 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 58 EnergyIn February 2009, the United States Congress passed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Included in the Act was the Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program which appropriated funds to be used by states, local governments and tribes for implementing energy conservation strategies and projects. The goal of the EECBG program is to reduce total energy use, reduce greenhouse gas emission and improve energy efficiency in transportation, building and other sectors.Through the EECBG, Meridian was awarded $608,000.00 for energy efficiency projects. A portion of the funds were used to prepare long and short term energy strategies for the City for increasing efficiency in city and public facilities, thereby reducing City operating costs and reducing green house gases. The remainder of the funds will go to implementing the six projects listed in the short term strategies: Connecting two sections of the Fothergill multi-use pathway and designing 1. the section of the Five Mile multi-use pathway between Ten Mile and Linder Roads. Replacing light switches with motion sensors in the City’s five fire 2. stations. Upgrading the lighting in the Wastewater Treatment Plant with more 3. efficient fixtures. Replacing old, less efficient pumps with turbo blowers at the water 4. treatment plant Replacing street lights with more efficient lighting along Main Street 5. between I-84 and Fairview. Recommissioning the Police Department building by upgrading lighting, 6. controls and heating and cooling systems with more efficient components and fixtures. The long term energy strategy contains a number of other energy efficiency and conservation projects and programs that will span a ten-year period. Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas ReductionThe City of Meridian continues to be proactive in its efforts to improve air quality in the Treasure Valley. The City has done this by working with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), supporting valley-wide initiatives, implementing City policies, evaluating land use applications, and by City departments and contracted entities using best management practices. The City is trying to do its part to help the Treasure Valley’s overall air quality so that the region does not fall into non-attainment. The following are actions the City has been involved in, or is implementing moving forward. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 59 Town Hall Meetings on Business Emissions. 1. The City has worked with the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the Idaho Small Business Development Center to give presentations to local businesses on strategies for them to reduce their emissions. These meetings usually include a discussion of new technologies, materials, process changes, and other best practices to help small-and medium-sized businesses reduce or eliminate harmful emissions which contribute to the creation of ozone.Clean Air Zone Idaho. The City of Meridian 2. is a member of the Clean Air Zone Idaho program. This program encourages citizens to avoid idling and “Turn off your engine” while waiting in City parking lots. The City is placing these signs at all City locations including parks, police and fire stations, water and waste water facilities, and City Hall. This program improves air quality by reducing vehicle emissions.Telecommute to work. The City has instituted a VPN, or virtual private 3. network, that allows city workers to telecommute. The VPN provides remote access to the network, file, and servers through a secure connection, allowing them to perform their work from home or other locations when needed. This has enabled the City to allow telecommuting for certain employees, a policy that reduces the number of days that employees commute to the office. This decreases the number of trips each week, and eases congestion on the roadway. Every trip eliminated from our roadway improves our overall air quality by eliminating vehicle emissions.Flexible Work Hours. The City also allows for flexible working hours 4. that 1) reduce the number of days needed to work a 40 hour week or 2) allows work during non-traditional hours. For example of the latter, working a shift that starts at 7:00 a.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m. eases congestion on the roadway during peak hours. Regarding the former, an employee that works four days for ten hours each day does not commute to work one day. This eliminates vehicle emissions and improves our overall air quality in the process.Alternative Transportation Program. The City 5. implemented an Alternative Transportation Program to encourage employees to reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles on the road. The program recognizes employees who carpool, vanpool, ride the bus, bike or No idling of engines helps to reduce air pollution.Preferred parking spaces for employees who carpool and drive low emission vehicles. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 60 walk to work and therefore reduce overall vehicle emissions by having fewer cars on the road. Carpool. The City of Meridian has created a “find-a-ride” program that 6. allows employees to voluntary look for a carpool opportunity with another City employee. For those employees who may not be able to find a carpool with another employee, the City also promotes the “rideshare” program for carpool opportunities with others in the City of Meridian.Walk/Bike. The City encourages employees to walk or bike to work. 7. The City Hall has 22 spaces for employees to park their bikes in a locked area. In addition the building contains showers and clothing lockers for employees who use these alternative forms of transportation.Radio Read Meters. The City of Meridian’s Public Works 8. Department staff utilizes radio read meter technology and in-vehicle mounted computers to transmit and access information in an effort to reduce trips to and from the field and office. This This technology not only reduces fuel costs but also pollutant emissions.On-line Business. The City of Meridian is expanding 9. the amount of business that can be conducted with the City on its website. The City recognizes that every transaction that can be done online is a potential trip off the road. Currently the City offers the following services online: filing police reports; public records requests; paying utility bills; filing out job applications; registering for parks and recreation activities; and reserving park shelters. Expanded City Services. Reducing miles traveled on 10. roadways also reduces vehicle emissions. The City of Meridian has opened a police kiosk facility in North Meridian at Fire Station Number 5. This allows citizens the option of going to a nearby facility to interact with the Police Department rather than traveling to Meridian Police Department headquarters for certain purposes.Vapor Recovery. Gasoline vapors from fueling stations are major 11. contributors to unhealthy air quality, in a recent review of a proposed gas station, City Council required that the applicant install Stage 1 Vapor Recovery Technology. The City considered adopting a city-wide standard for all fuel facilities as part of their next amendment to their development standards. However, in discussion with DEQ, the City will continue the practice of requiring Stage 1 Vapor Recovery Technology while rule-making takes place.Document Transmittals by City ClerkIn early 2010, the City Clerk’s Office began to transmit development applications electronically. Prior to 2010, about 30 paper copies of each development application were sent to the various City departments and other agencies in Ada County for review and comment. Today, these copies are shared electronically, lessening the 1) amount of staff time and expense required to make the copies, 2) the per-page copier expenses, 3) the paper expense (including the energy used and use of natural resources to create the paper), 4) the energy resources used to deliver the packets to the post office, 5) the energy resources used by the post office to deliver the packets, and finally 6) the air pollution associated with the vehicle miles traveled. This is an excellent example how a small change can have profound effects on energy reduction and conservation. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 61 During a recent expansion of the Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTP), 12. the City installed biogas conditioning equipment that scrubs, cleans and compresses the methane-rich biogas so that it can be used as an alternative fuel. The City then voluntarily applied for, and was issued, an Air Quality Permit from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality in 2009. (This was one of the first air quality permits to be issued in Idaho to a municipal wastewater pretreatment plant.) Driven by innovation and a vision of sustainability, the Permit allows the Public Works Department to divert and utilize the biogas generated from the anaerobic digesters to be combusted and serve as an alternative fuel amendment (in lieu of combusting natural gas) in a few of the WWTP’s boilers. The use of biogas as the heating source for the digestion process saves the City up to $5,000 per month during winter operations.Wastewater Treatment, Reclamation and ReuseThe Public Works Department, Wastewater Division operates and maintains a centralized wastewater treatment facility and over 400 miles of sewer lines located throughout the City. The wastewater that flows into the wastewater treatment facility is processed to safeguard the health of Meridian citizens and employees. With a vision for sustainability, Meridian became the first city in Idaho to be issued a Class A Reclaimed Water Permit. This permit signified a change in how the City uses existing and finite water resources available in the Treasure Valley Aquifer System. The City is now using highly treated, or reclaimed water, instead of irrigation water on City parks and open spaces (see following discussion on Heroes Park.) This conserves a significant amount of ground water and reduces our discharge flows into the Boise River. With successful pilot projects completed, plans are in place to increase the use of reclaimed water in adjacent areas containing golf courses, parks and open spaces, and areas around the Ten Mile Interchange. The City’s vision of sustainability provides for accommodating growing areas such as new subdivisions and industrial/commercial development to benefit from the use of permitted, reclaimed water for irrigating drought tolerant plants and also in industrial processes. Table 32 provides the consumption and seasonal demand of water used by the citizens of Meridian.In 2008 DEQ issued the City a Class A Reclaimed Water Permit for Heroes Park. This pilot project was undertaken to educate and build support with our community and elected officials through the application of reclaimed water at Heroes Park. This pilot project provided the Public Works Department with the opportunity to assess, test, monitor and report on potential challenges and solutions to use of reclaimed water in a park facility. This successful project Table 32: Merierieridiaian Waterateraterater Consumptimptimpti on – Domesticmesticmesticmestic mestic Well ImpactsmpactsmpactsmpactsmpactsmpactsWinter Average = 148 millions gallons/monthSummer Average = 318 million gallons/monthSummer Irrigation Activity (ground water):Increases Demand by 170 million gallons/monthPotential Conservation of 1.2 billion gallons/year through reuseSource: 2008 Annual Report Public Works Department City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 62 Reclaimed water pilot project at Heroes Park, 2009.Class A permitted reclaimed water supplements irrigation water at Heroes Park pond, 2009. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 63 garnered the Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association’s Reuse Project of the Year in 2009. A nutrient recovery process was assessed at the Meridian Wastewater Treatment facility through a three-week pilot study. The study was conducted at no-cost to the City of Meridian as part of a public-private partnership. The City of Meridian wanted to assess the process; and Ostara Nutrient Recovery Technologies Inc. wanted to demonstrate their technology during the annual Pacific Northwest Clean Water Association conference that was held in September of 2009 in the Treasure Valley. The principal objectives of the study were to demonstrate nutrient removal performance and operational simplicity. Results for the pilot study demonstrated:Consistent phosphorus recovery of greater than 70% through the 1. reactor.Immediate removal of nutrients due to the chemical basis of the 2. process.Enhanced environmental sustainability.3. Potential new source of revenue.4. From these results it appears likely that implementing the process would be effective in removing and recovering a significant fraction of the phosphorous load at the wastewater treatment plant. The recovered phosphorous would be suitable for marketing as an environmentally friendly fertilizer. The Public Works Department’s vision for sustainability holds that “Our Wastewater Treatment Plant, by the year 2030, will be self sustaining—utilizing closed-looped systems to recycle and/or reuse 80% of the waste stream via water reclamation, co-generation, and nutrient recycling strategies.”As Meridian is located in an arid climate, reclaimed water is a “drought-proof” water supply that reduces demand on municipal supply, frees up agricultural water for agricultural uses, and lowers effluent flow to the Boise River. It demonstrates economic and environmental sustainability for wastewater treatment plants. City of Meridian Wastewater Treatment and Water Reclamation Facility, 2009. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 64 City Park DesignThe City’s Parks and Recreation Department uses native, drought tolerant plants in the landscaping of public parks and areas. Native plants species are identified with markers providing public information. Playground equipment and other hardscape features such as decking and refuse container enclosures are manufactured from recycled content plastic.Preservation and Restoration of Natural ResourcesAside from the land itself, the Boise River, creeks, and the man-made waterways for irrigation, Meridian does not have an abundance of biotic or abiotic resources. This report addressed land use earlier, and agriculture, soils and other natural resources later, so this section will spotlight water resources. Unfortunately, a vast majority of Meridian’s natural watercourses have been altered by irrigation users to the extent that they are no longer recognized by residents as natural resources. Residents and visitors to Meridian are denied the potential benefits of our natural watercourses and associated floodplains.During the summer of 2009, the City’s Public Works Department (with the assistance of volunteers and members of the Idaho Youth Conservation Corps) oversaw Meridian’s first stream restoration project along the Five Mile Creek near Locust Grove Road and Franklin Road. Restoration targeted a 700-linear-foot stretch of the creek. The work helped reshape this portion of the creek to a more natural condition and preserve the floodplain from development. The project was paid for by wetlands mitigation funds from the Idaho Transportation Department. The City plans for more projects like the Five Mile Creek restoration project in the future. City of Meridian Settler’s Park, 2009.Reshaping Creek bed to more natural form (left). Members of the Youth Conservation Corp work to clear weeds and plant new foliage along the banks of Five Mile Creek (right). City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 65 Solid WasteSanitary Services Co. (SSC) is the solid waste collection contractor for the City of Meridian. SSC is dedicated to providing reliable and innovative recycling and waste reduction programs to the City. In 2002 SSC became the first commercial hauling business in Idaho to use Biodiesel (B20) in all their fleet vehicles (numbering over 40 vehicles). Biodiesel is the only alternative fuel to have fully completed the health effects testing requirements of the Clean Air Act. The use of biodiesel in a conventional diesel engine results in substantial reductions of unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter compared to emissions from diesel fuel. In addition, the exhaust emissions of sulfur oxides and sulfates (major components of acid rain) from biodiesel are essentially eliminated compared to diesel.Recycling services in Meridian are provided to residential and commercial customers by SSC. Every residential customer in Meridian has access to curbside recycling services as part of their basic collection services. The curbside recycling program currently accepts the following items: mixed waste paper (including telephone books), corrugated cardboard, magazines and catalogs, aluminum and tin cans, newspaper, and all numbers of plastic bottles, tubs, jugs (including lids) and clamshells. Table 33 below shows the commodity weights of recycled materials that were diverted from the Ada County landfill in 2009:The Meridian curbside recycling program diverted approximately 5.3% of the residential waste stream in 2009. The weight of material collected in the residential curbside collection program was nearly 4.1 million pounds, an increase of 8.4% from 2008. Since the curbside program began in October of 2000, approximately 60 million pounds of recyclable waste has been diverted from the landfill. Curbside recycling had been source separated when the program began in October of 2000. In Mid-October of 2009, the curbside recycling program changed changed to an automated, co-mingled system. Sanitary Services contracts with PSC of Houston, Texas to conduct household hazardous waste (HHW) collection events in the SSC parking lot located at 2130 W. Franklin. Since this program began in 1999, more than 713,000 pounds of HHW have been collected at the Meridian site. Collections occur every Monday (except major holidays) from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m., enabling residents to accommodate drop off items into their work schedules. Meridian offers residents more collection days per month than any other drop off site in Ada County. Table 33: Rececycled Materiaateriaateriaateriaateriaaterials DiverteDiverteDiverteDiverteDiverteDiverteDiverted frfrom Ada County LaLandfifillCommodityWeight (lbs)Curbside Collection 4,095,283Corrugated Cardboard3,219,269Wood Waste2,049,000Co-Mingled Recycling1,752,610Rock1,404,000Grass1,208,500Fall Leaf Collection500,400Scrap Metal390,912Paper167,770Household Hazardous Waste146,241Gypsum (Sheet Rock)146,000Plastic Bottles77,010Carpet Pad57,970Used Motor and Cooking Oil25,449Christmas Trees21,750Tires18,360Refrigeration Units10,500Telephone Books8,180Antifreeze660To al15,299,864Source: 2009 SSC Annual Report to Meridian City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 66 As Table 34 below shows, nearly 146,250 pounds of HHW was collected in 2009, which represented a 5.9% decrease from 2008. While HHW poundage decreased from the previous year, 4,135 households used the Meridian mobile collection location in 2009, an increase of 31.4% from 2008. Special at-home collection of household hazardous waste is available to elderly and physically challenged residents who are unable to transport their household hazardous waste themselves and do not have access to assistance from others.In addition to refuse collection, recycling, and hazardous material disposal, SSC also provides fall leaf collection, spring clean-up collection, used oil collection and Christmas tree pick-up. These programs are intended to reduce the amount of organic material that would otherwise make its way to the landfill. Livability and Quality of LifeCommunity livability refers to the environmental and social quality of an area as perceived by its residents. Community livability is about creating neighborhoods that are safe, vibrant, attractive, affordable, accessible, cohesive, and full of character. A few key factors that primarily contribute to livability within a community are: health, personal security, overall cleanliness, quality and quantity of social interaction opportunities, entertainment, aesthetics, and existing unique cultural and natural resources. Livability is largely affected by conditions in the public realm—places where people naturally interact with each other and their community—like parks, streets and sidewalks and other community gathering places. Livability is important as it can maintain or increase property values and business activity, and it can improve public health and safety. New Urbanism (sometimes referred to as Smart Growth and/or Neotraditional Design) is a land use strategy striving to enhance livability. New Urbanism has gained traction over the past several years, and some of the design elements of New Urbanism are part of the City of Meridian’s planning documents10. Essentially, new urbanism is a land use management strategy that is based on making a community more livable by providing walkable, connected, mixed-use, diverse, and sustainable, high-quality neighborhoods that provide a variety of transportation options for everyone. Benchmarks, or metrics for measuring livability are difficult to describe. Often places that are livable have the “it” factor. They are neighborhoods where everyone wants to be and be seen. Although there are no statistical data on Meridian’s livability today, one could argue that Meridian’s popularity indicated 10 Several sections of the Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area Plan, as well as the Design Guidelines are based on New Urbanism principles. Table 34: Merierieridiaian Househsehsehold Hazarardous Wasteasteasteaste Collectiectiecti onYear20052006200720082009Pounds Collected66,61296,414128,187155,377 146,241 # of Households1,399 1,6532,558 3,1484,135 Source: 2009 SSC Annual Report to Meridian City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 67 that many of the livability factors are present in most areas of Meridian; most Meridian residents probably perceive their community as a safe, accessible, and attractive place to live. This is not to imply that the City should not explore on ways to improve our neighborhoods and make them even more livable.Healthy InitiativesThe impact of the built environment on public health continues to be explored by many organizations. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines a healthy community as: “A community that is continuously creating and improving those physical and social environments and expanding those community resources that enable people to mutually support each other in performing all the functions of life and in developing to their maximum potential.”11 The City realizes that it is at the local level that it is imperative to take a proactive approach in addressing the link between the built environment and health. Central District Health Health Department (CDHD) reviews development applications and sends comments and conditions back to the City, related to any potential public health issues. CDHD has adopted a policy to further smart growth and sustainable development in southwest Idaho. Not surprisingly, the objective of the policy is to support land development and building decisions that promote improved public health. CDHD recognizes that the built environment has an impact on public health, with links to obesity, diabetes, and asthma, to name a few. This cooperative partnership between the City of Meridian and CDHD is not new, but what is new are some of the policies and principles these agencies are jointly trying to implement. Safe Routes to SchoolSome programs, like Safe Routes to School, have been around for several years. A healthy community is one that has good connectivity between residential areas and community gathering places, like schools. As part of the development review process, the City regularly requires developers to install sidewalk, micro-pathways and multi-use pathways that connect to school sites. The City is in regular contact with Joint School District #2 trying to fill in gaps in the pedestrian system—particularly near elementary and middle schools. The School District is currently working on a master Safe Routes Map that designates routes to and from schools. The City and the School District annually partner to compile a list of high priority pedestrian projects for ACHD’s Community Programs. The list of priority projects, as well as the Safe Routes Map, is based on concerns City staff and School District employees hear from parents and others in the community. In addition to ACHD’s Community Programs, the City plans to go 11 Designing and Building Healthy Places, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 68 after federal grants for Safe Routes to School projects once the School District completes the Master Safe Routes to School Map. Day CareAccessible, affordable and quality before-and after-school child care is another necessary component of creating a healthy and livable community. A robust local system of child care and early education programs has social, economic and environmental benefits for children, families and the community as a whole. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 71% of mothers with children under the age of 18 hold jobs, and 55% of mothers with children under 1 year old hold jobs12. In 2005, 89% of children under 5 and 63% of school-age children with employed mothers regularly attended some sort of child care arrangement13. By providing child care service that is affordable and close (or within) residential areas, child care can contribute to the local economy by supporting parents and local employers. The American Planning Association (APA) has long recognized that child care is a critical component of livable communities14. As such, APA advocates including child care policies within local planning. Local planning policies play an important role in ensuring adequate child care in a community. Creating policies, identifying local resources and working with developers and community partners, the City hopes to have a more proactive and positive influence on the child care programs being provided in the future. Youth ProgramsMeridian prides itself on being a family-friendly community. Providing a safe and attractive place to raise children is built into the City’s mission statement: to be a vibrant and caring community that promotes itself as a premier place to live, work, and raise a family. The city recognizes that our youth are approximately one-third of our population but 100% of our future. On August 28, 2007, the City of Meridian adopted the National League of Cities’ Platform for Strengthening Families and Improved Outcomes for Children and Youth. The resolution ensures that children and families remain a top priority in Meridian’s growth and development. It also promotes partnerships which enable the city, School District, business leaders, community groups and parents to work together to support development and programs for youth. The Boys & Girls Club of Meridian opened their doors in 2002 through a City partnership allowing the club to use the former police department. Within a few years, the club served over 1,400 kids necessitating a new facility. In October 2009, the club moved to the former School District building near the Pine and Meridian intersection. This has provided room to accommodate all kids that wish to attend. Today, the numbers and the need are greater than ever. Numerous organizations and businesses helped with the remodel project and 12 U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 200813 U.S. Census Bureau, 200814 See the APA Policy Guide on the Provision of Child Care, 1997; www.planning.org City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 69 the move-in. The City is also currently working with the Boys & Girls Club on providing monetary assistance to offset the transportation costs associated with getting kids to and from the club. The funding, through the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) would allow the club to provide this service to primarily children of low-to moderate-income families. Directly tied to community health and livability, Meridian’s Promise is the City’s initiative to build the character and competence of community youth by fulfilling each child’s need for the Five Promises set forth by America’s Promise—The National Alliance for Youth15: Caring Adults, Safe Places, A Healthy Start, Marketable Skills, and Opportunities to Give Back. Many individuals, groups, and businesses partner to fulfill the Five Promises to youth. There are several ongoing programs, projects and community events—like free family fishing day, youth job and volunteer fairs, fun runs, community clean-up downtown, and health and safety events. All in the community are welcome and encouraged to be part of Meridian’s Promise.The City of Meridian was recognized as one the nation’s 100 Best Communities for Young People in 2005 and 2006 due to its programs that provide opportunities for youth. The following are the top priority programs and organizations that provide opportunities to youth to grow as develop as leaders in the City of Meridian:16The Mayor and CEO’s Kids Book Club is an award winning program 1. for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students living in Meridian. Participants read the monthly selected book and then have the opportunity to spend quality time each month discussing a book with the Mayor and other community leaders. For high school aged community leaders, the Mayor’s Youth Advisory 2. Council (MYAC) participates on in several committees, commissions, and task forces and even works with area legislator on issues of importance to our youth. In addition, MYAC members are integrated into several social groups like Habitat for Humanity, the Idaho Meth Project, and the Meridian Food Bank. Senior ProgramsOn the other end of the age spectrum, older adults must interact with the built environment in ways that reflect their physical capabilities and lifestyle. Although they may have more time after retirement to enjoy parks and other recreational activities, conditions such as chronic diseases and limited vision may limit mobility. Providing accessible and suitable housing options that are easily accessible to community destinations are key to allowing older adults to remain independent, active and engaged with the community. Housing for seniors that is integrated 15 Founded in 1997 with General Colin Powell as Chairman, America’s Promise Alliance is a cross-sector partnership of more than 300 corporations, non-profits, faith-based organizations and advocacy groups that are passionate about improving lives and changing outcomes for children. More information can be found at: www.AmericasPromise.org 16 City of Meridian Mayor’s Youth Programs.“What is a city, but the people; true the people are the city.”Coriolanus III City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 70 into the fabric of the community is becoming increasingly important as the Baby Boom Generation enters retirement.In the early 1960s a group of seniors started meeting at the old Occident Club once a month for potlucks and cards. It became apparent that Meridian Seniors needed a place to call their own and they began to raise money with various fund raising events. The Meridian Senior Center is now a non-profit community center that enhances the lives of its members through traditional activities such as bingo, pinochle, bridge, and art, quilting, exercise and sewing classes, as well as some specialized activities and events such as tax preparation assistance, Alzheimers’ Caregivers Support Group, attorney visits, and blood pressure and blood sugar testing. The programs are designed to meet the physical, emotional, and social well being of senior adults over the age of 60. The facility is open to Meridian residents and those that live in the surrounding community. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The Meridian Senior Center recently launched a capital campaign to build a new senior center in Meridian near Fairview Avenue and Eagle Road. The new 15,000 square-foot facility will be located in the City’s new Julius M. Kleiner park. The new center will include a main dining area with two state-of-the-art kitchens complete with the latest commercial kitchen equipment; an arts and crafts room; cards and game room; health screening room; an indoor walking track and additional office space that will be leased to future tenants. The new center is made possible by a generous land donation from the Julius M. Kleiner Family Trust and funding of up to two million dollars to start the capital campaign. According to Pauline Lough, Meridian Senior Center President, “We’re very excited about this wonderful opportunity the Kleiner family has made possible for our community and especially our seniors,” she said. “We feel this new center will be a welcome place to come together for so many individuals in our community. It will be especially important to those who are 60 years of age or over—or soon will be—as our population continues to age. Socialization is key to any community’s overall well-being and health and we’re proud to be a part of a new generation of happy and healthy individuals,” said Lough. By 2040 nearly 50% of the U.S. population will be over the age of 65 or under the age 1817. Therefore the livable and sustainable community of the future must have physical and social features that benefit people of all ages. When a wide range of needs is addressed, family and individuals have the opportunity to stay and thrive in their communities as they age. Multi-generational planning also builds community. Rather than creating and encouraging age-segregating neighborhoods of the past, the City hopes to foster multi-generational neighborhoods that accommodate different lifestyles and stages which contribute to sustainable communities. The City encourages a mix of not only housing options, but amenities and opportunities for interaction across generations. Today, Meridian does not have a plan to address aging and multi-generational needs. Through better understanding the needs (both physical and social), building consensus and developing new shared strategies that link the generations and build more 17 Population Profile of the United States, 2000 U.S. Census Bureau City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 71 inclusive and sustainable communities, the City can facilitate the creation of neighborhoods that are truly vibrant and healthy. Success StoriesHealthy behavior is a combination of knowledge, practices and attitudes that together contribute to motivate actions regarding health. The City of Meridian can learn from other communities’ success in creating and promoting programs that encourage a healthy and vibrant community. Some of these success stories include programs and projects that incorporate things like community gardens, sharing of resources (e.g. – vehicles and parking lots), cooperatives where local goods, services and wares can be sold or traded, branch libraries, and additional policies that encourage socially and environmentally conscious design and construction projects. The City strives to better understand the impact of neighborhood design on residents’ ability to be physically active, the impacts of development on natural systems, and the effects of community design on overall community health. By taking actions that promote and preserve good health, Meridian should be a community that sustains into the future.Arts, Entertainment and Community EventsMeridian Arts CommissionMeridian envisions a vibrant arts and entertainment scene that integrates the arts experience into everyday life and enhances the spirit of the City. With the inception of the Meridian Arts Commission (MAC) in 2006, a new energy and awareness arose in Meridian, cultivating the amazing creative talent in the community. Members of the MAC came together in 2008 to create a five-year strategic plan for the Commission. The MAC wants the community to have access to public, performing and visual arts and educate children, adults, and the general public on the benefits of art. MAC strives to support local artists and to create a home for the arts in the City of Meridian. As part of Art in Public Spaces, Meridian City Hall integrates visual art into its functional spaces on hallway walls in the building. It also provides space in which art is the function: Initial Point Gallery, located on the third floor of City Hall. With rotating monthly artists, it creates a new experience for the community to enjoy. In 2009 and 2010, the Meridian Arts Commission brought the Missoula Children’s Theater to Meridian. In one busy week, this internationally renowned group incorporated many local children into auditions, rehearsals, and quality performances of “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Pinocchio.” Additionally, the MAC created a free summer concert series held in the City Hall amphitheater entitled “Concerts on Broadway;” the series provides opportunities for residents and visitors to experience performing arts in a wonderful outdoor venue. The MAC is currently working with the Parks Department and the Kleiner family on providing public art in the new park planned near Fairview Road and Eagle Road. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 72 Meridian History Center and Heritage ProgramsMeridian’s heritage can be found in several works of art, community events and interwoven into the urban fabric. The Meridian History Center is a volunteer-operated education center and office located on the first floor of City Hall. These volunteers maintain, display and archive records, photographs, and memorabilia relating to Meridian’s rich history. In the late 1980s the City established the Historical Preservation Commission to preserve the character and fabric of historically significant areas and structures within the City of Meridian and to honor and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. The Historical Preservation Commission consists of five members serving three-year terms. At least two appointed members have professional training or experience in the disciplines of architecture, history, architectural history, urban planning, archaeology, engineering, law or other historic preservation related disciplines. Meridian remains true to its identity by remembering its past while looking towards the future. In addition to having a history center and art gallery located inside Meridian City Hall, monuments in Generations Plaza, along Meridian Road, and in the City Hall Plaza pay tribute in words and photos to Meridian’s earliest settlers, Meridian’s evolving history, and past City leaders. Community EventsThe community also celebrates several traditional annual events including the Dairy Days Celebration, Chili Cook-Off, Firefighter’s Salmon BBQ, Harvest Festival, Concerts on Broadway Series, Family Fourth of July Extravaganza, National Night Out, Free Family Fishing Day, the Winterland Parade and a Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration. Attendance at these community celebrations shows how engaged and important these events are to the citizens. The visual arts, performing arts, community events and Meridian’s heritage are integral to the community’s identity. As this section reports, the culture in Meridian is distinct, rich and alive. The sense of community is evident in many celebrations and events, neighborhoods, and public institutions. From City Hall, to Diary Days, to the design of Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park, and everything in between, there is a strong sense of community togetherness and heritage within Meridian. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 201073What Services are Provided in Meridian?This chapter discusses the characteristics of the public utilities, facilities and services provided in the Meridian area. As required by State Statute, Schools, Recreation, and other Public Services, Facilities and Utilities components of the Comprehensive Plan are analyzed in this section of the report. As part of the public services section, the report also outlines the way the City is operated, including the various boards and commissions.The City itself has several departments, each responsible for providing specific services. This chapter will not only detail which services each City Department provides, but which services are provided or managed by other jurisdictions, agencies or service providers. A current inventory of things like parks and pathways, fire stations, schools, and other public infrastructure are explained.The primary purpose of this chapter is to identify the public utility and service providers in Meridian, describe the existing condition of that service, and outline any future plans or issues that may be known. This section attempts to report how the service and utility providers are meeting the need today and how they plan on meeting future demand for services. As such, each provider was asked to provide a synopsis of their operations for inclusion in this report. Some of the service providers offered more information, and went into more details then others. Other services, like transportation were talked about previously in this report and are not duplicated here. 74City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010Municipal Government, City Hall Meridian City Hall is a three-story 100,000 square-foot building located in downtown that serves as the hub of Meridian’s municipal government. City Hall currently houses ten City departments, serving as a convenient “one-stop-shop” for citizens seeking services including:Clerk’s Office. The office of the City Clerk maintains the integrity of the 1. City through the legislative process, administrative and technical support, dissemination of information and archiving official documents. The office provides support and administrative services to the Mayor and City Council, all operating departments and the public while maintaining for the City an essential, formal link with citizens, area businesses, other jurisdictions and a wide variety of public agencies.Building Services. Part of the Development Services Division of the Public 2. Works Department, Building Services is responsible for all activities associated with structural, fire, electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits within the City of Meridian for residential, commercial and industrial projects. These activities include permit application, plan review, permit issuance and field inspection. Other permits handled by Building Services include remodels, mobile homes, fences, garages, foundations, fireplaces, and demolition.Planning. The mission of the Planning Department is to be an innovative 3. planning team that advances the quality lifestyle and economy envisioned by our Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Department is divided into two divisions: Current and Comprehensive Planning. The Comprehensive (or long-range) Planning Division is charged with maintenance of the City’s Comprehensive Plan; a guide for what the City will look like into the future. The Comprehensive Planning Division is also involved in transportation planning, community development, and administration of the Community Development Block Grant program. The Current Planning Division is primarily responsible for processing development applications and assisting property owners and developers through the land use permitting process, and over-the-counter inquiries. The Planning Department is committed to providing accurate, friendly, timely customer service.Finance/Billing. The Finance Department is the general business management 4. arm of City government, providing specific financial and accounting services for elected officials, City employees, and the citizens of Meridian. Basic services of the Finance Department include: Budgeting, Financial Analysis and Reporting, Utility Billing, Accounts Payable, Purchasing and Payroll, Monitoring State and City Rules and Regulations, and Maintenance of Sound Internal ControlsPurchasing. The mission of the Purchasing Department is to provide 5. contract management, and procurement services through competitive public bidding to obtain maximum value for the tax dollar and to provide service to all City of Meridian departments and the public in a timely, City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 75 courteous and ethical manner. The Purchasing Department solicits Bids, Requests for Proposals, and Quotes for many different goods and services including but not limited to all phases of construction and demolition, professional services, heavy equipment, vehicles, maintenance and repair equipment, supplies, furniture and office supplies.Human Resources. Human Resources staff assist all City departments 6. in determining staff needs and coordinates recruitment to fill those needs. Recruitment efforts include working closely with the Directors of each department within the City to post and advertise open positions; processing and reviewing applications; scheduling and conducting interviews; tracking the process of all applicants and providing information on the progress to interested parties. Once interviews have been completed and a selection is made, Human Resources processes the candidate into City employment. Other services include: benefit administration, maintenance of all employee records; input of payroll changes; employment verification, Administration of the City’s Standard Operating Policy/Procedure Manual, System administration for human resources data base, and guidance to supervisors on labor laws.City Attorney’s Office. The City Attorney’s 7. Office provides leadership to the City and works as a strategic business partner with managers and employees to help the City achieve its mission, goals and objectives. The City Attorney’s Office proactively seeks to understand and meet the needs of its customers, the elected officials, Mayor, managers and employees of the City by providing expertise, direction, support and training in the areas of law while ensuring a safe, fair, and legally compliant work environment.Information Technology. This department provides technical assistance 8. to City staff on all things technology including: phones, computers and other electronics.Mayor’s Office. The Mayor’s Offices’ focus is on being a Star of the 9. New West, beginning with transforming Meridian into a 21st century city. Meridian is uniquely conducive to supporting a broad array of business activities while maintaining the high quality lifestyle and focus on family we so greatly value. Fulfilling the needs of businesses and families begins with having a safe and caring community that provides quality education, family-wage jobs, cutting-edge health care, diverse housing options, a trained workforce, and an abundance of recreation, shopping, dining, and entertainment opportunities. Meridian’s mission is to be a vibrant and caring community that promotes itself as a premier place to live, work, and raise a family. The Mayor’s Offices’ main commitment is to help neighbors realize this mission.The City’s budget process is driven by balancing the predicted available revenues with current service level needs and a prioritized list of the City’s desired program enhancements. The Mayor and City directors work together to determine how the list should be prioritized. The annual budget is then approved by the City “To understand the heart and mind of a person, look not at what he has already achieved, but at what he aspires to do.“Khalil Gibran City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 76 Council, with public input. In 2009, the City’s budgeted revenue numbers were actually slightly better than expected, with the City’s FY09 general fund revenues exceeding the FY09 expensed by almost $400,000.Mayor and City CouncilMeridian uses the Mayor-Council form of local government. In Meridian, the Council, which includes the Mayor, possesses both legislative and executive authority. The City Council adopts codes that govern the City in addition to applicable state and federal law. The Council also deals with property acquisition, serves on regional commissions and boards, and must approve of mayoral nominations. The Council also exercises primary control over the municipal budget. The Mayor and a representative from each of the four council seats are elected by the citizens, each term consisting of four years. Elections for City Council are held every two years with two of the four seats up for election. Election of the Mayor is held every four years. The every two years, on a rotational basis.Figurere 11: Citity of Merierieridiaian Expependitituresresres by DepartmeDepartmeDepartmeDepartmeDepartmeDepartme DepartmentSource: Finance Department, 2009-2010 Annual Report FY2009 Actual Expenditures $49,000,000 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 77 Commissions, Committees and BoardsCitizen involvement is an essential ingredient for strong local government. The City of Meridian promotes citizen involvement by inviting residents to serve on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees designed to assist City leaders in information gathering and deliberative processes. Some of the volunteer boards and commission in Meridian are:Parks & Recreation Commission. This all volunteer commission focuses 1. its efforts on park planning, capital improvements, policies, recreation programs, and budget. The Parks & Recreation Commission makes policy recommendations to the City Council as they relate to the parks system. The Commission is composed of at least five, and up to nine members that are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council. Each member serves a three-year term with no maximum on number of years of service.Planning & Zoning Commission. This all volunteer commission advises 2. the City Council on planning policies and goals, major projects and issues related to land use, zoning, transportation, and housing issues, as framed by Meridian’s Comprehensive Plan. There are five members of the P&Z Commission. Each member is appointed by the Mayor, with confirmation by the Council. Terms for P&Z Commissioner are six years, with no maximum.Meridian Arts Commission. This volunteer commission works on arts/3. cultural policy and promotes public awareness and participation in the Meridian Mayor and City Council: Front Row Seated (l to r): Council President David Zaremba, Councilman Keith BirdBack Row Standing (l to r): Council Vice President Brad Hoaglun, Mayor Tammy de Weerd, Councilman Charlie Rountree City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 78 arts. The purpose of this advisory commission is to highlight the City’s rich cultural resources, enhance the City’s aesthetic environment, and promote the development of economic, educational, recreation, and tourism opportunities within the city through the advancement of publicly accessible arts. The Commission consists of a minimum of five members and no more than nine members at any time. Each commissioner serves a term of three years, except for the youth member that serves a one-year term. One member of the City Council serves as a liaison and ex-officio member of the Commission.Historical Preservation Commission. The HPC 4. works to preserve the character and fabric of historically significant areas and structures within the City of Meridian to honor and preserve its rich heritage for future generations. The HPC is advisory to the City Council and submits an annual report regarding the commission’s activities and accomplishments. There are currently six volunteer members on the HPC, appointed by the Mayor with confirmation from the City Council. Terms of office for the HPC are 3-years.Traffic Safety Commission. The Traffic Safety Commission researches 5. and makes recommendations related to traffic safety issues, actions, and priorities. The Commission provides a forum for cooperation, coordination, and communication between the City, other governmental agencies, and citizens and organizations concerned with the safe and efficient movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic. This commission is made up of Joint School District No. 2 Staff, City staff from the Police, Fire, Attorney’s, Planning and Public Works departments, ACHD Staff, and volunteers within the various neighborhoods in the community. Traffic Safety members are appointed by the Mayor, and City Council by resolution; there may be up to nine Traffic Safety members, each serving a 3-year term.Meridian Transportation Task Force. The Meridian TTF researches, 6. identifies, and prioritizes Meridian’s transportation issues and priorities and presents their findings to the City Council. The TTF is made up of City staff, transportation professionals, business owners and residents in Meridian with a working knowledge of transportation issues in the region. There are also two City Council members that serve on the TTF. Membership on this committee is by appointment of the Mayor; there is no term limit for this committee.Impact Fee Advisory Committee. This committee reviews and makes 7. recommendations to the City Council regarding existing and proposed impact fees and fee structures to help ensure that growth pays its own way. This is an ad-hoc committee established by the Mayor and City Council.“Living in cities is an art, and we need the vocabulary of art, of style, to describe the peculiar relationship between man and material that exists in the continual creative play of urban living. The city as we imagine it, then, soft city of illusion, myth, aspiration, and nightmare, is as real, maybe more real, than the hard city one can locate on maps in statistics, in monographs on urban sociology and demography and architecture.”Jonathan Raban City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 79 Solid Waste Advisory Committee. This committee addresses issues 8. related to solid waste management and community recycling programs. Members of the Parks Department, City Council, Public Works, Sanitary Services and citizens serve on this committee.Downtown Meridian Parking Committee. This committee helps the City 9. of Meridian develop a downtown parking plan that will serve the needs of business owners, customers, and downtown residents.In addition to the groups listed above, other organizations like the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, the Mayor’s Faith Ambassador Council, and the Mayor’s Anti-Drug Coalition allow citizens to be actively involved.Public WorksWater and SewerThe City of Meridian owns and operates a domestic water system, sewage collection system, and a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) serving the residents of Meridian.The Water Division provides customer service and operates and maintains public wells, the distribution system, and reservoirs. The Wastewater Division provides customer service and operates and maintains the collection system, lift stations, and the wastewater treatment.The Environmental Program Division of the Public Works Department is composed of a Program Manager, Pretreatment, and Comprehensive Surface Water Section. Programs such as air quality management, energy conservation, sustainability initiatives, and public outreach, are accomplished by the Environmental Program Manager with assistance from various other divisions. The Pretreatment Section is responsible for execution of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) mandated pre-treatment program. The Comprehensive Surface Water Section is responsible for floodplain administration and stormwater management.All of these divisions are incorporated into the Public Works Department which is responsible for reviewing water, wastewater, and environmental related issues for new developments, short and long range planning of utilities, administration, rate analysis, providing oversight of the Water and Wastewater Operations Divisions, and special projects as assigned by the Mayor and City Council. As is fairly typical in other communities, the City of Meridian Public Works Department does not have jurisdiction over roads and highways, pressurized irrigation systems, and irrigation canals. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 80 Water Supply and DistributionThe Meridian water system consists of a large network of deep wells, booster pump stations, reservoirs and over 400 miles of six-inch to 16-inch pipe line. Eighteen wells, ranging in capacity from 800 to over 2,500 gallons per minute (gpm), are located throughout the City. A 500,000-gallon elevated storage reservoir is located near Meridian Speedway. A two-million gallon, ground-level reservoir is located near the northwest corner of Meridian and Ustick Roads. The cumulative capacity of the wells is over 40 million gallons per day (mgd).Wells and reservoirs are linked via a telemetric Supervisory Controls and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system to a central computer at the Water Department. This system controls reservoir levels, well on-off cycles, and pressure set points. Several wells are equipped with standby generators in the event of power failure. A Water System Master Plan Update, including a new computer model, is scheduled scheduled for completion in 2010.Based on 2009 water use records, overall average daily demand on the water system is 8.3 mgd.18 In the non-irrigating season, daily consumption averages slightly over 5 mgd, but during the hot, dry months of July and August, peak demands can reach nearly 20 mgd. While all subdivisions constructed after 1993 were required to install pressurized irrigation systems using non-potable water, significant irrigation demands exist from residential neighborhoods that were constructed prior to that time. In order to keep up with water demand, the City has constructed, on average, one new well per year, each of which is funded by connection fees charged to new development. Water line extensions to new developments are generally paid for and constructed by developers. Although the City plans for new wells and reservoirs, the specific locations of those facilities are largely dictated by growth patterns. The water system will be expanded to meet the demands of growth while ensuring that new development pays for those additional required facilities.Sewer CollectionThe sewer (also known as wastewater) collection system in the City consists of over 500 miles of eight-inch to 36-inch pipe and twelve lift (pump) stations of various sizes. Sewage flows by gravity to the wastewater treatment plant located west of Ten Mile Road, approximately ¼ mile north of Ustick Road. In 2005, JUB Engineers completed a Sewer Master Plan Update and is currently in the process of completing a new Sewer Master Plan for the City. The new Sewer Master Plan will include the development of a computer model that the Public Works Department will use to conduct sewer modeling as new development applications are proposed and are built. The model will help staff identify priority areas for development in the City as well as segments of the existing sewage collection system that are approaching capacity. Capital improvements will then be prioritized to upgrade the lines that are projected to reach capacity. Other 18 City of Meridian Utility Billing City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 81 lines will be remediated as their capacities are approached. The Sewer Master Plan is anticipated to be completed in 2010. No new City-funded sewer trunks or expansions are planned at this time. After the new Sewer Master Plan and model are up and running, additional expansion projects will be evaluated.Sewer TreatmentThe present wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) began operation in 1979 with a rated capacity of 2.8 mgd. The WWTP consists of primary, secondary, and tertiary treatment followed by disinfection. Treated effluent is discharged to Five Mile Creek.Two major construction projects, the Wastewater Expansion Project and the Biosolids Improvement Project, have been completed at the wastewater treatment plant over the past five years as well as several smaller projects. The Wastewater Expansion Project included a primary clarifier, secondary pump station, two new aeration basins, a retrofit and expansion of the two existing aeration basins, a secondary secondary clarifier and expansion of the post aeration facilities. The Biosolids Improvement Project included two 750,000 gallon anaerobic digesters with fixed steel covers, digester gas conditioning equipment, progressing cavity sludge transfer pumps, a dewatering centrifuge and hot water boilers. Projects nearly complete include the retrofit of the existing dissolved air flotation thickener, three new cloth disc filters and a ferric feed system for the digesters and centrifuge.Many improvements and expansions have occurred at the wastewater treatment plant over the last five years. The estimated capacity at the plant is approximately 10.2 mgd as approved by the Department of Environmental Quality. An update to the wastewater treatment plant facility plan is planned for 2010. The results of the facility plan will be used to develop the capital improvement plan for the WWTP and guide the future studies, improvements, and expansions at the plant for the next several years.The City of Meridian received a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) discharge permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in September of 1999, which expired in 2004. The discharge permit placed limits on flow, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), total suspended solids, dissolved oxygen, pH, toxicity, and bacteria. Numerous sampling and monitoring requirements for the effluent, Five Mile Creek, and the Boise River are also mandated. The Public Works Department expects to receive a new NPDES discharge permit in the next year which will include nutrient limits on phosphorus as low as 0.07 mg/L which could precipitate significant capital investments into upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant.The EPA has proposed up to a 98% reduction in the amount of total phosphorus discharged to the Lower Boise River by all point sources. In order to comply with the TMDL, Meridian may have to construct expensive phosphorus removal facilities at the WWTP. The additional associated costs will be apportioned to all ratepayers, although the actual construction of these additional improvements “The chief function of the city is to convert power into form, energy into culture, dead matter into the living symbols of art, biological reproduction into social creativity. “Lewis Mumford City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 82 will depend on actual growth rates. Currently, NPDES permits are not required for stormwater within the City. However, with increasing population growth, the City will be responsible for compliance with the Phase 2 stormwater program, thus requiring staff and funding.All proposed septic systems in the Meridian area are reviewed and approved by Central District Health. Approval is based on characteristics such as distance to groundwater and soil suitability. Distance to groundwater in the Area of City Impact ranges from four to 20 feet and is influenced by seasonal irrigation patterns, with depths lower in summer than in winter. Proposed sewer lines are also subject to approval through the Qualified Licensed Professional Engineer (QLPE) review process or from the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Today, there are only a few active septic systems within the corporate boundaries of the City. A vast majority of dwellings in Meridian are connected to the City’s sewer system.Historical Sewer Service AccountsAccording to the Meridian Public Works Department, the demand for new sewer service accounts has continued to increase every year since 2000, as shown in Table 35 below. The annual increase in single family customer accounts for the previous 19 years resembles the historic population growth presented in Table 35.PretreatmentThe Environmental Division’s pretreatment program is an integral part of the wastewater treatment process. Citizens in the community rely on the completeness of the Environmental Division’s program to protect them from environmental harm. It is important that the Division have an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved pretreatment program that will stand the scrutiny of citizens and regulators alike. The Pretreatment section of the Environmental Division accomplishes their mission through education and inspection. The section performs over 700 inspections per year.The City plans to initiate and maintain a pretreatment program that supports a new Public Owned Treatment Works National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Permit (NPDES) and a residential grease Table 35: Histististoricaricaricarical Single Famiamiamily Accccountsts and Interimterimterimterimterim Flow Projectijectijectijecti onsYearTotal AccountsAnnual Increase (%)Average Annual Increase (%)19924,713NA19935,83523.819946,78816.31 957,79714.916.419968,85813.619979,74710.0199810,73810.2199911,5437.5200012,2516.111.4200113,0636.6200214,0017.2200315,43810.3200417,77715.2200520,97718.014.22006122,20162007123,42662008124,6505200912 ,8755201027,09955.3Source: Meridian Public Works Department, February 2010Note 1: Data from 2006 to 2009 extrapolated from 2005 and 2010 actual number of accounts. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 83 disposal program over the next five years. Additionally, the City will negotiate NPDES parameters that support a reasonable and enforceable community pretreatment program.Comprehensive Surface Water ProgramIn October 1999, the Environmental Protection Agency promulgated final Phase II of the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Stormwater Regulations. These regulations affect, among others, small municipal separate storm sewer systems located in urbanized areas. Ada County as a whole is listed as an urbanized area in Appendix 6 of the final rule. Although the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) is responsible for all public street stormwater run off, the City of Meridian will likely be required at some time in the near future to submit an application for an NPDES permit, possibly in conjunction with ACHD and others.The stormwater management program required by NPDES must include the following six components: 1) public education and outreach on stormwater issues, 2) public involvement and participation, 3) illicit discharge detection and elimination, 4) construction site stormwater runoff control, 5) post-construction stormwater management in new development and redevelopment, and 6) pollution prevention and good housekeeping for municipal operations. The primary current impact to the City is that NPDES permits and corresponding stormwater pollution prevention measures are required during the construction of City capital improvements where ground disturbing activities exceed 1 acre.Handling of stormwater drainage poses an ever-present challenge for both the public and private sectors. The ACHD has completed drainage studies for portions of Meridian’s Area of City Impact and is studying additional areas. Given the topography and water table, alternatives for the handling of surface drainage are limited.The implications are significant. If subsurface solutions are not available, then large areas of land will be consumed for drainage facilities. facilities. Those areas could serve jointly as open space and stormwater facilities, if designed to handle the low-volume storms without restricting the area’s use for other purposes, including recreation.The use of natural and existing constructed drains for stormwater must be explored, and standards established to make the use of such drains a feasible alternative to the consumption of large areas of land. This is an area where cooperation between the public agencies and development community is needed. The City will apply the following general policies when reviewing new developments and drainage:Drainage solutions shall be formulated to address the requirements of 1. the public (City of Meridian and ACHD), irrigation/drainage districts, and the development community. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 84 Solutions may include subsurface or surface facilities, and discharge into 2. drains. “Non-structural” drainage bio-swales along the arterial roadways may minimize “regional” solutions and reduce costs.Environmental ProgramsThe Meridian Public Works Department only recently created an Environmental Division; however, the Department has previously been participating and leading environmental activities through its other established divisions. Current activities include development of a reclaimed water program, development of policies that encourage “green” building and purchases, evaluation of City-wide energy saving initiatives, and participation in the Treasure Valley Clean Cities Coalition to promote air quality.The Public Works Department, and the City as a whole, has a vision that includes enhancing and protecting the natural environment, improving stormwater quality, and ensuring modern and reliable facilities. Future programs to be developed and executed by the Environmental Division include lighting and energy efficiency, alternate energy, air pollution prevention, household hazardous waste, and well head protection. These initiatives will include public education and outreach.Public SafetyPolice DepartmentIn theory, with the rapid rate of growth, one would expect an increase in the number of crimes occurring in Meridian. This has not been the case for the City of Meridian. Meridian City takes great pride in the crime rate when compared to the dramatic increase in population. The rate of criminal offenses has remained lower than the national and state averages for several years. Tables 36 and 37 below provide a breakdown of crime rates at a local, state and national level by crime type in 2008.According to preliminary reports, Meridian crime rates for 2009 will be even lower with a violent crime rate at approximately 148.7 and a property crime rate at approximately 1322.8 per 100,000 inhabitants. The rate of violent and property crimes in Meridian is decreasing despite the fact that the City has grown so quickly.In 2009, the Meridian Police Department received 50,804 calls for service. This is a decrease of 6% from 2008. Calls for service saw a high in 2007 of 55,422 when the previous year was believed to be one of the heaviest years for population growth. Review of officer to population ratio and response times suggests that with the addition of officers, detectives, school resource officers, neighborhood Table 36: Violent Crimerimerimerime Ratesatesatesates 2008 (Perer 100,000 Persersersons)Meridian Police Department155.4State of Idaho228.6United States454.5Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services Division, 2008 Crime in the United States.Note: includes murder, non-negligent manslaughter, forcible rape, robbery & aggravated assault. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 85 contact officers, support staff and the advancements of the administration, the Meridian Police Departments is maintaining a respectable crime rate as well as an impressive clearance rate at approximately 45.5% in 2009. The Criminal Investigations Division of the Meridian Police Department is now comprised of twelve investigators, two evidence technicians, and an administrative secretary. With the addition of detectives in the unit, these officers are able to focus more time on individual cases or complex series. Meridian Police Officers recovered well over $188,400 in stolen merchandise in 2009.Meridian Police were dispatched to 1,903 traffic collisions and took reports on 1,173 collisions in 2009. Many of these calls dispatched as traffic collisions, may have ultimately been categorized differently depending on the incident. The Meridian Police Traffic Team has 4 officers, one corporal and one sergeant who specialize in investigating these types of incidents.In 2002, a new 30,000 square foot police station was constructed on East Watertower Lane. This facility does not have holding facilities; the Ada County Jail is used for holdings. In 2007, a new K-9 facility was added on the police station grounds. This facility is currently serving not only the Meridian K-9 program, but has hours that the general public can use the run as an off-leash dog park. The Meridian Police K-9 Team works to reduce the use and presence of illegal drugs and to assist with the apprehension of dangerous criminals. All of the K-9’s in the City of Meridian’s program are certified in narcotics detection and patrol skills.The Police Department administers several special programs including:Citizens on Patrol, or COPS, which is a volunteer organization made up of 1. citizens who are trained by the police to patrol neighborhood streets.Explorers is a community youth program that allows high school students 2. interested in law enforcement to ride with, and help out officers at fairs, parades, and other special events.Police Athletic League, or PAL, is an activity program for children aged 3. 3 to 14.Business Crime Prevention Program includes training for local businesses 4. on how to handle crimes such as shoplifting and fraud.Bike patrol throughout the City.5. Neighborhood Watch is a program that the department participates in 6. throughout the community.Table 37: Propertpertpertperty Crimerimerimerime Ratesatesatesates 2008 (Perer 100,000 Persersersons)Meridian Police Department1679.9State of Idaho2102.2United States3212.5Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services Division, 2008 Crime in the United StatesNote: includes burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft & arson. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 86 Prescription Drug Drop Off is a program where old or unwanted 7. prescription or over-the-counter medications can be disposed of properly.Fire DepartmentThe Meridian Fire Department was formed in 1908 and consisted of only volunteers for many years. The Meridian Rural Fire District was organized in the early 1950s. The two departments decided in the 1970s to combine forces and house their fire equipment in one station located in the center of town. Meridian Fire Department hired its first full-time employee in 1977 serving as a Fire Marshall for the two districts. The Fire Marshall was the only full-time employee until 1991 when the first paid firefighter was hired. The Meridian Fire Department has quickly transformed from a primarily all-volunteer department into a combination department with 57 full-time firefighters and 20 part-time on-call personnel.As shown on Figure 12, Meridian Fire has also grown to 5 Fire Stations strategically located throughout the Meridian area. In 2005, a Fire Education Safety Center was constructed off of Locust Grove Road and today it is staffed by an Education Specialist. In 2007, a state of the art training tower was built onto Station 1, providing numerous training opportunities for Fire personnel. Today, the Fire Department plans on having a total of 11 fire stations at full build-out.The Fire Department is managed by a team of professionals that include a Fire Chief, Deputy Chief of Prevention, Deputy Chief of Operations, Deputy Chief of EMS, Fire Inspector, a Public Safety Education Specialist, Training Officer and two Administrative Secretarial Staff. The Meridian Fire Department responds to emergency calls in a 54 square mile jurisdiction, serving a population of more than 75,000 residents. In 2009, Meridian firefighters responded to 4,284 calls for service. Services provided by the department include: Fire, Rescue, Hazardous Materials, Fire Prevention Education, Plans Review, Inspections and Advanced Life-Support Emergency Medical service. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 87 Figurere 12: Boundariesariesariesariesaries and Statitatitati ons of thethethe Merierieridiaian Fireireire DepartmeDepartmeDepartmeDepartmeDepartme epartme DepartmentSource: Meridian Fire Department, 2010 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 88 Recreation, Parks and PathwaysParks DepartmentThe City of Meridian, Parks and Recreation Department is the primary recreation service provider for Meridian. Programs, activities, and services provided by the City are organized by seasons of the year; i.e., winter, spring/summer, and fall. These activities include kids, teens, and adults/seniors classes and leagues. The Meridian Community Center, located at 201 E. Idaho Street, is a 4,200-square-foot building, which sits on a parcel of land at 0.33 acres. The Community Center is a valuable resource for recreation classes, summer and winter camps, and other activities offered throughout the year. Other organizations also provide recreation services to the people of Meridian and surrounding area. Some organizations serve a particular age group such as Boys & Girls Club, 4-H, Scouts, with others serving all segments of the population (league sports clubs, biking and hiking clubs, etc.).The City of Meridian completed the Comprehensive Parks and Recreation System Plan (CPRSP) in August 2003. This plan is also referred to as the “Parks Action Plan.” As noted in the CPRSP, a majority of private organizations depend on public facilities such as parks, schools, or other publicly owned assets in order to facilitate their recreation activities. The CPRSP provides a guideline for recreation development, which includes the following:Introduction. Provides an overview of the document organization, a 1. brief analysis of population growth, and an inventory of park land found in the City.Park and Open Space Recommendations. Identifies a concept for parks, 2. trails, and open space; and provides design standards and policies for each park type and makes specific recommendations for each site.Facility Recommendations. Provides policies and recommendations for 3. specialized facilities such as pathways and trails, indoor recreation space, sports facilities, and other specialized areas.Administration and Management Recommendations. Includes 4. recommendations and policies for administrating a park and open space system, establishes policies and recommendations for staffing the program, and looks at potential changes to the Park Impact Fee structure.Project Funding. Provides a list of potential funding sources, identifies 5. project priorities, suggests a financing strategy, and recommends a six-year capital improvement program.Existing recreation resources in Meridian include 17 fully or partially developed City parks and 4 acres of ball fields at Heritage Middle School, which are owned by the Joint School District No. 2, but maintained and scheduled by the City of Meridian. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 89 Today, total developed park land is 187 acres. In addition, there is one 22-acre park owned and operated by Western Ada Recreation District. Undeveloped parks include the Borup property—29.6 acres; Julius M. Kleiner Memorial Park—60 acres; Bainbridge property—7.5 acres; South Meridian property—77.7 acres; and a small parcel located at Storey Park at 4.5 acres. This undeveloped park acreage totals 179 acres. The existing and proposed parks typically provide sports fields, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and restrooms. Table 38 shows a listing of the existing and proposed parks with their associated amenities. The City of Meridian also maintains six pathways/segments, including the Fothergill Pathway, the Bear Creek Pathway, the Blackstone Pathway, the Locust Grove Pathway, the Bud Porter Pathway, and the pathway from Gordon Harris Park to Eagle Road.The Meridian Pathways Master Plan (updated January 2010) is a guide for pathway development over the next 20 to to 50 years. The Plan proposes an extensive pathway network stemming from the existing canal system within and around the City of Meridian19. The Plan includes an inventory of existing pathways and micro-paths, as well as a comprehensive network of future pathways that will connect residents to schools, parks, businesses, neighborhoods, and various recreation and entertainment destinations. The City of Meridian currently maintains six pathways/segments, including the Fothergill Pathway, the Bear Creek Pathway, the Blackstone Pathway, the Locust Grove Pathway, the Bud Porter Pathway, and the pathway from Gordon Harris Park to Eagle Road.19 Please refer to the Pathways Master Plan for detailed maps and design standards for pathwaysTable 38: Merierieridiaian Citity Parksarksarksarks (2010) by CateateategoryCategoryName, Facility and SizeRegional ParkMeridian Settlers Park56.127 acres; amenities include open play, bike racks, drinking fountains, walking path, soccer fields, fishing pond, Idaho’s first universally accessible playground, Splash Pad, Sound Garden, Little City of Rocks, Tree of Hope, swings, rock monuments, concessions buildings, restrooms, picnic shelters, shade structures, tables/benches, tournament-style horseshoe pits, tennis courts, baseball/softball fields, clubhouse, and off-street parking.Community ParksBear Creek Park18.818 acres; amenities include open play, picnic shelter, tables/benches, playground, restrooms, softball fields, volleyball standards, basketball court, walking paths, drinking fountain, and off-street parking.Heroes Park30.066 acres; amenities include open play, soccer field, walking path, in-line hockey, pond, playgrounds, climbing rocks, picnic shelters, benches, bike racks, drinking fountains, concessions/restroom building, reclaimed water plaza, and off-street parking.Storey Park19.458 acres; amenities include open play, picnic shelters, tables/benches, playground, restrooms, softball field, horseshoe pits, volleyball standards, monument, drinking fountains, bike racks, and off-street parking.Tully Park18.675 acres; amenities include open play, picnic shelters, tables/benches, playground, restrooms, volleyball standards, softball fields, basketball court, memorial tree lane, bike racks, skateboard park, drinking fountain, walking path, and off-street parking. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 90 To estimate future park acreage needs and levels of service standards for Parks, the National Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) developed guidelines on the basis of acres of park land per 1,000 residents within a specified service area. Guidance from NRPA suggests that cities develop their own standards through a set of formulas based on various factors such as population, location, existing recreation in the surrounding area, use, etc., and the CPRSP has determined that an average of 4 to 5 acres per thousand of park space is realistic for this area.As identified, the City currently has about 187 acres of developed park space within the Area of City Impact available for public use. This equates to 2.5 acres of park land per 1,000 population in 2010.Table 38: Merierieridiaian Citity Parksarksarksarks (2010) by CateateategoryNeighborhood Parks8th Street Park4 acres; amenities include open play, playground, bike racks, table/bench, and off-street parking.Champion Park5.982 acres; amenities include open play, picnic shelter, tables/benches, playground, restrooms, basketball court, drinking fountain, walking path, and off-street parking.Chateau Park6.7 acres; amenities include open play, picnic shelter, tables/benches, playground, restrooms, basketball court, softball backstop, walking paths, drinking fountain, rock monument, and off-street parking.Gordon Harris Park11.125 acres; amenities include open play, playground, picnic shelter, restrooms, walking paths, pond, drinking fountain, and off-street parking.Renaissance Park6.527 acres: amenities include open play, restrooms, playground, sand pit, picnic shelter, tables/benches, basketball court, drinking fountain, walking paths, and off-street parking.Seasons Park7.131 acres; amenities include open play, picnic shelter, tables/benches, playground, restrooms, basketball court, drinking fountain, walking paths, sculpture, and off-street parking.Mini ParksCentennial Park0.4 acres; amenities include open play, play, basketball court, sculpture, benches, and drinking fountain.City Hall Park0.108 acres; amenities include small grassy area, picnic shelter, table/bench, water feature, and monuments.Fire Station #4 Park0.25 acres; amenities include a rock wall and bench, small open play area, and a walking path.Special Use ParksMeridian Bark Park0.75 acres; amenities include open play, restroom, people drinking fountain, canine drinking fountain, picnic tables/benches, mutt mitt stations, and off-street parking.City Hall Plaza0.75 acres; amenities include amphitheater, pergola, benches, restrooms, water features, bike racks, Heritage Pavilion, commemorative plaque, historical interpretive signs, and off-street parking.Generations Plaza0.256 acres; amenities include open play, drinking fountain, decorative fountain, historical monument, benches, and bike racks.Source: Meridian Parks and Recreation Department, 2010 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 91 As previously discussed, a park and recreation action plan (CPRSP, 2003) has been adopted. This plan outlines future goals and actions for parks and recreation planning. It also identifies park needs in the community. If the City were to develop the park land that is currently undeveloped (179 acres), it would have a total of 4.8 acres per thousand, based on a current population of approximately 75,000. With COMPASS’ projected 2020 population of 114,479, the park level of service would be 3.2 acres per 1,000 population by the year 2020 if all existing undeveloped park land were developed. The Parks and Recreation Department intends to work with the development community and other organizations whenever possible to create partnerships and bring additional parks to fruition.Western Ada Recreation DistrictAt 22 acres, Fuller Park, which is owned and operated by the Western Ada Recreation District, contains amenities, such as baseball, softball, playgrounds, picnic shelters, restrooms, an open play area, a walking path, and off-street parking. Residents of Meridian also have access to a pool during the summer located in Storey Park. The pool facility is owned and operated by the Western Ada Recreation District.Solid WasteSanitary Services Company (SSC) is contracted with the City of Meridian to provide solid waste and recycling collection. In 2006 SSC finished construction of a 12,000 square foot enclosed transfer station facility on Franklin Road. SSC’s truck fleet brings the trash to the transfer station where it is compacted and then hauled to the Ada County landfill. Businesses and residents can also dispose of construction debris, tires, commercial waste, household waste and some recyclables at the transfer facility. According to SSC20, approximately 166.9 million pounds of waste was generated in Meridian in 2009, about a 0.6% increase over 2008. Approximately 118,774,000 pounds of compacted trash were hauled from the SSC transfer station to the Ada County landfill in 2009, a decrease of 13.8% from 2008. Residential waste increased by 14.7%, commercial waste increased by 5.8%, and recycling increased by 11.4%.20 Sanitary Services Company, Inc., 2009 Annual Report to the City of Meridian City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 92 Sanitary Services made approximately 1,217,300 residential trash service stops in 2009. Meridian residents generated 78.0 million pounds of waste in 2009, which equates to 9.2 pounds of trash generated per house per day, or about 3 pounds per person per day. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the national average for generation of waste in 2008 was 4.5 pounds per person per day21. In 2009 SSC converted the residential curbside recycling program from a source-separated system to a co-mingled automated system. This recycling program is part of the basic SSC collection services, is voluntary, and is accessible to every residential customer in Meridian.Sanitary Services provides collection to commercial business in Meridian at least once per week. There were more than 36.3 million pounds of commercial waste materials collected by SSC during 2009; this represents an increase of 5.8% from 2008. Almost 1,753,000 pounds of material were recycled through the commercial co-mingled recycling program; representing an increase of 28.9% from 2008.The curbside recycling program diverted approximately 5.3% of the residential waste stream in 2009. The weight of material collected in the residential curbside collection program was nearly 4.1 million pounds, an increase of 8.4% from 2008. Since the curbside program began in October of 2000, approximately 60 million pounds of recyclable waste has been diverted from the landfill. When SSC went to co-mingles, automated collection in October 2009, they saw a doubling of recyclables collected; participation in the curbside recycling program has increased due to the ease and convenience of the co-mingled system.21 U.S. EPA, Municipal Solid Waste Generation, Recycling, and Disposal in the United States: Facts and Figures for 2008. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 93 As mentioned elsewhere in the report, SSC has a household hazardous waste collection program, a used oil collection program, and seasonal recycling opportunities in the fall for leaves and in the winter for Christmas trees.EducationJoint School District No. 2Public school facilities in the City of Meridian are part of Joint School District No. 2 (aka JSD No. 2; the district; Meridian Joint School District). Enrollment data about the school district are for the entire district, an area larger than the City of Meridian and its Area of City Impact. Joint School District No. 2 covers 384 square miles and serves the cities of Meridian, Star and Eagle, western and southwestern portions of Boise, part of Garden City and the unincorporated areas of Ada County that lie between these municipalities. In total, there are 31 elementary schools, 9 middle schools (2 of which are alternative middle schools), 5 comprehensive high schools, 2 alternative high schools, 1 charter high school, and 1 magnet high school throughout the district. The mission statement of Joint School District No. 2 is “Preparing Today’s Children for Tomorrow’s Challenges.”EnrollmentNot including the Pre-Kindergartners, there were 16,930 elementary-age children enrolled in JSD No. 2 at the beginning of the 2009-10 school year22. There were 8,099 middle school children enrolled in JSD No. 2 at the beginning of the 2009-10 school year20. High school, grades 9 through 12, enrollment at the beginning of 22 Idaho Department of Education, Fall Enrollment Statistics, 2010: www.sde.idaho.gov/site/statistics/fall_enrollment.htmTable 39: Commmmoditity wei weightshtshts diverteiverteiverteiverteiverteiverted frfrom thethethe landfifill in 2009CommodityWaste StreamWeight (lbs)Curbside Collection Residential4,095,283Corrugated CardboardCommercial & Transfer Station3,219,269Wood WasteCommercial & Transfer Station2,049,000Co-Mingled RecyclingCommercial 1,752,610RockCommercial & Transfer Station1,404,000GrassTransfer Station1,208,500Fall Leaf CollectionCommercial & Transfer Station500,400Scrap MetalCommercial & Transfer Station390,912PaperCommercial167,770Household Hazardous WasteResidential146,241Gypsum (Sheet Rock)Commercial146,000Plastic BottlesCommercial77,010Carpet PadTransfer Station57,970Used Motor and Cooking OilResidential & SSC Shop25,449Christmas TreesCommercial & Transfer Station21,750TiresTransfer Station18,360Refrigeration UnitsTransfer Station10,500Telephone BooksCommercial8,180AntifreezeSSC Shop660Total15,299,864Source: Sanitary Services Company, Inc., 2009 Annual Report to the City of Meridian City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 94 the 2009-2010 school year was 10,04820. As Table 40 shows, student enrollment in JSD No. 2 has almost doubled over the last 15 years. Enrollment is projected to increase by another 15,000 students over the next decade23.Enrollment growth has placed tremendous demands on schools. Since 2000, the district has opened 8 elementary schools, three middle schools, one alternative middle school, two high schools, and one alternative high school. In the past ten years, JSD No. 2 has opened schools at a faster pace than any district in the history of the state of Idaho24. With an additional 1,000 students per year projected to move into the district, this rate of new school construction is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. Land acquisition for future school sites within JSD No. 2 are based upon the following acreage standards:23 Joint School District No. 2 website, 2010: www.meridianschools.org/Schools/Pages/SchoolsOfOurDistrict.aspx24 Joint School District No. 2 website, 2010: www.meridianschools.org/Schools/Pages/SchoolsOfOurDistrict.aspxTable 40: Histististoricaricaricarical Fall Enrollmement, Joint Schchool DistrictDistrictDistrictDistrictDistrictDistrictDistrictDistrict No. 2School YearTotal Mem-bership**Pre-K HdcpdKinder-garten1st2nd3r 4th5th6th7th8th9th10th11th12th2009-201035,3222452,7572,8492,8392,8032,8742,8082,6982,5712,8302,8302,5092,3992,3102008-200934,4412052,7312,8292,7702,7992,7622,6812,4922,8012,5682,6772,4762,4142,236200 -200833,4322262,6292,7352,6972,7592,6282,4782,7022,5432,4832,5832,4912,2892,1892006-200732,2772122,5552,6092,6792,5422,3872,6522,4722,3952,4122,6642,4002,2872,0112005-200630,5822042,4462,5372,4002,25 2,5172,3652,3062,3352,4602,4142,3322,0711,9362004-200528,6552322,3132,2592,1322,3612,2372,1622,2142,3132,2042,3222,1461,9651,7952003-200426,9872082,0231,9872,2342,1032,0122,1212,1562,1392,1662,1972,1 41,7961,7412002-200326,1141851,8812,1552,0701,9582,0742,1142,0822,1222,0152,1891,9251,6871,6572001-200225,2331582,0112,0071,8861,9772,0422,0052,0821,9221,9882,0241,8221,7021,6072000-200123,9461331,83 1,8461,8911,9431,9202,0071,8321,9111,8111,9541,7911,6121,4561999-200022,8201431,6191,8471,8511,8301,8911,7671,8341,7401,7321,8611,7141,5611,4301998-199921,9181451,5561,8681,7481,7661,6951,7431,6881,6 21,6981,8501,6231,4821,4041997-199820,7881211,6351,7221,6561,6271,6211,6351,5491,6411,6221,6801,5571,4751,2471996-199719,6241111,4561,6581,5341,5431,5271,5041,5671,5571,5241,6821,4631,3211,1771995-19 618,641941,4551,5141,4881,4471,4381,5141,5051,4711,5091,5601,3581,2281,060Source: Idaho Department of Education, Fall Enrollment Statistics, Historical Fall Enrollment, 2010 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 95 Elementary Schools 10-12 acres Middle Schools 40 acres High Schools 55 acres Based on past trends, the District estimates that approximately 1,000 acres of land will be needed within Meridian’s Area of City Impact to meet the needs of all existing and projected K-12 students. As shown on the Future Land Use Map, about one elementary school is projected within each square mile of the City. Depending upon the residential density of an area and other build-out factors, the District estimates that it will need at least one middle school for every two to two and a half square miles and one high school for every three square miles of fully developed land. Today, there are approximately 12,000 platted home sites across the district. Once they are all built and sold, these homes, JSD No. 2 estimates, will generate an additional 9,600 students.Bus TransportationSchool bus transportation in JSD No. 2 is a cooperative effort involving transportation staff, schools, parents, students and the community. JSD No. 2 transports an average of 13,400 students per day to 50 different schools on 270 buses25. Each year JSD No. 2 buses cover an average of over 3 million miles and use approximately 400,000 gallons of fuel. The JSD No. 2 bus facility is located on Franklin Road, between Linder and Ten Mile. The mission of the transportation department of the district is to provide safe, efficient, and enjoyable access to learning in a manner that contributes in a positive way to the overall academic success of the students of this district.To reduce the need for safety busing, the district works with ACHD and City staff to develop safe routes to school. Through this collaborative effort, projects are identified with school boundaries, walk zones and safety busing in mind. Through ACHD’s Community Programs projects, several pedestrian improvements have already been made. The City, ACHD, ITD and JSD No. 2 continue to work on prioritizing and constructing gaps in the pedestrian network so children can get to/from school safely.Elementary SchoolsElementary schools include kindergarten through grade five. Most of the elementary schools in the district have a traditional school year calendar, but there are four elementary schools in the district that have a year-round calendar. The district operates 31 elementary schools, each strategically located through the 384 square mile district. These schools range in size from 320 to 750 students. The buildings vary in age, with the oldest being 50 years old and the newest having opened in 2009. The district’s older facilities are all well maintained and have been periodically remodeled over the years to improve efficiency, safety and comfort.25 Joint School District No. 2 website, 2010: www.meridianschools.org/Boundaries/Pages/Boundaries.aspx City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 96 Figurere 13: Elemeemeementartartary Schchool BoundariesariesariesariesariesSource: Joint School District No. 2 website, 2010; www.meridianschools.o g/Boundaries/Pages/Boundaries.aspx City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 97 Middle SchoolsMiddle schools include 6th through 8th graders. Like most of the elementary schools, the middle schools have a traditional school year calendar. The district’s nine middle schools serve as a bridge for pre-adolescents as they move from elementary to high school. A team approach is used in core classes at grade six to ease the transition from the elementary classroom. Academic emphasis is placed on refinement of basic skills through instruction in traditional subjects such as language arts, social studies, mathematics, and science. The curriculum in middle school is expanded to include more opportunities to pursue the fine arts and other elective choices. The middle schools are committed to providing students with an educational experience that prepares them academically, physically, and socially for successful high school years.High SchoolsAcademic excellence is the focus at the district’s nine high schools. Eighty-six percent of JSD No. 2 high school seniors graduated in 2009, approximately 17% above the national average26. All of the district’s high schools offer a full academic program with courses in basic skills and college-preparatory skills. Intensive instruction in the liberal arts and technical areas prepare high school students for the best colleges and universities as well as for today’s work force. Meridian Academy and Eagle Academy, the district’s alternative high schools, provide opportunities for at-risk students. Meridian, Centennial, Eagle, Mountain View and Rocky Mountain High Schools are all 5-A classification for athletic competition and other competitive programs such as music, drama, and debate. They have a rich tradition of winning regional and state championships and are often recognized for outstanding achievement in music and the arts. Students develop leadership skills through a variety of clubs and extracurricular activities.Charter and Magnet ProgramsIn addition to traditional scholastic opportunities, JSD No. 2 offers a variety of Charter and Magnet schools to accommodate, encourage, and challenge all students. Magnet schools are available at all levels and include: Christine Donnell School of the Arts, Pioneer School of the Arts, Paramount Elementary, Galileo K-8, Eliza Hart Spalding Math & Technology, and Summerwind. High school Charter and Magnet programs are available at Meridian Medical Arts Technical Center, Renaissance High School, Renaissance Technical Charter, and Meridian Professional Technical Center. Additionally, JSD No. 2 offers several Academy High Schools which provide more one-on-one interaction between students and educators.26 Brochure: City of Meridian, Mayor’s Office: 2009-2010, City of Meridian Annual Report“The city as a center where, any day in any year, there may be a fresh encounter with a new talent, a keen mind or a gifted specialist --this is essential to the life of a country. To play this role in our lives a city must have a soul --a university, a great art or music school, a cathedral or or a great mosque or temple, a great laboratory or scientific center, as well as the libraries and museums and galleries that bring past and present together. A city must be a place where groups of women and men are seeking and developing the highest things they know.”Margaret Mead City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 98 Private Education OpportunitiesAlthough the public school system is second to none, Meridian has several private school opportunities as well. These facilities cater to all children of all ages, from pre-school to high school. Some of the larger private schools in Meridian are: Cole Valley Christian, Challenger School, Pine Creek Montessori, New Way Montessori, Foundations Academy, and Stonehouse Christian. There are several other, smaller private schools in Meridian as well.Continuing EducationThe City has a solid partnership with the education institutions in Meridian, primarily Joint School District No. 2 and Idaho State University who opened the doors to ISU-Meridian, the Treasure Valley campus in the fall of 2009. Students at ISU specialize in Law and Leadership, Research and Medical Arts, and International Studies. The City has been working with ISU to not only strengthen educational programs but to create partnerships with the private sector. The ISU President’s Southwestern Idaho Advisory Council on Health Science Education and Economic Excellence focuses on specific business and research opportunities. This Council of business and educational leaders helps prepare ISU to expand health science education opportunities and support the efforts of The CORE.Other colleges and universities in the Meridian area include (main campus location in parenthesis): University of Phoenix (Meridian), George Fox University (Meridian), Boise State University (Boise), University of Idaho Extension (Boise), College of Western Idaho (Nampa), College of Idaho (Caldwell), Northwest Nazarene University (Nampa), University of Idaho Extension (Boise), Stevens-Henager College (Boise), Guardian College (Meridian), Carrington College (Boise), Brown Mackie College (Boise), and Treasure Valley Community College (Ontario, OR).LibrariesSeparate from the City, there is a Meridian Library District. The mission of the Meridian Library District is to provide a safe and inviting place where residents can interact with each other; find information about their community and its offerings; investigate a wide range of topics pertaining to their work, school and personal lives; and develop a love of reading and learning that will continue throughout their lives.27 The Library District currently has two libraries, one in the Silverstone Business Campus and the main library branch on Cherry Lane. In an ongoing commitment to offer services to the entire community, Meridian Library operates its bookmobile Tuesday through Saturday at locations throughout the District.27 Meridian Library District. http://www.mld.org/info.html City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 99 Public UtilitiesElectricityIdaho Power Company is an electric utility engaged in the generation, transmission, distribution, sale and purchase of electric energy. Idaho Power provides electrical services throughout the City of Meridian and the Area of City Impact. Idaho Power is a public service company regulated by the Idaho Public Utility Commission (IPUC), the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the state regulatory commissions of Idaho and Oregon. Power is supplied from hydroelectric facilities on the Snake River system and, at certain times of the year, from coal burning facilities in Wyoming. Idaho Power’s headquarters are in Boise, Idaho. They have an employee base of approximately 2,300 people.Today, Idaho Power serves a 24,000 square-mile service area and 911,000 people in southern Idaho and eastern Oregon. As of February 2010, Idaho Power serviced 29,983 homes and 3,410 commercial/industrial locations within the City of Meridian limits28. With 17 low-cost hydroelectric power plants as the core of its generation portfolio, Idaho Power’s 489,000 residential, business and agricultural customers pay some of the nation’s lowest prices for electricity.Idaho Power facilities currently located in the Meridian area include two transmission lines and three substations, one located at the intersection of Locust Grove and McMillan Roads; the second located at Black Cat Road and Franklin Road; and the third located near the intersection of Franklin Road and E. 2nd Street. Figure 14 depicts the general location of electric utility facilities of a voltage of 55,000 volts or greater. Typically, public streets and road rights-of-way serve as corridors for electric facilities. Transmission lines are usually located on easements that Idaho Power Company acquires from private property owners. More transmission lines may be necessary in the future in order to service Meridian’s growing needs. Designation of the locations of proposed electric utility facilities applies to a general utility corridor area rather than to a specific site.Idaho Power has taken a proactive stance in the planning process and is interested in strengthening communication with Meridian so that both the City’s and Idaho Power’s goals can be mutually recognized and implemented. Idaho Power employs a three-part strategy: responsible energy planning, responsible development and protection of resources, and responsible energy use, which ensures they approach the current and future demands thoughtfully. The nation’s energy future and the future of the community is dependent on the understanding, input and actions of everyone. Wise use of energy helps ensure reliability and a relatively low utility bill.28 E-mail from Blake Watson, Idaho Power CompanyTable 41: Idahaho Power wer Compampampany Quickickick FactsactsactsactsCustomersTotal: 487,165Residential Customers Added in the Past Year (2009): 3,736Transmission and Distribution:Number of Substations: 297Transmission Line Pole Miles: 4,752Distribution Line Pole Miles (Underground & Overhead): 26,576Sales and Load Facts (2008)Total Annual Sales in megawatt-hours: 16,591,948Peak Load(June 30, Summer 2008) in megawatts: 3,214Peak Load (Jan. 24, Winter 2008) in megawatts: 2,464Source: Blake Watson, Idaho Power Company, 2010 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 100 Figurere 14: Existiistiisti ng LiLineses/statistatistatistati ons nearearear thethethe Citity of MerierieridiaianSource: Blake Watson, Idaho Power Company, 2010 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 101 CommunicationsQwest Communications provides basic telephone service, and CableOne provides cable T.V. and internet service, within the City of Meridian and its Area of City Impact. Several telecommunications companies offer wireless and cellular phone service and other providers offer internet and T.V. service through other wireless means. Portions, but not all of the City have been recently equipped with fiber-optics.GasIntermountain Gas Company is the sole provider of natural gas in southern Idaho, including Meridian. There are dual, high pressure, natural gas pipelines that bisect the southwest part of the Area of City Impact. These pipelines and the associated easement are discussed further in the Hazardous Areas section of this report.IrrigationIrrigation water in Meridian is supplied by a series of irrigation canals and laterals diverted from the Boise River. Three main canals service the Area of City Impact: New York Canal, Ridenbaugh Canal, and Settlers’ Canal. Maintenance and operation of the New York Canal and its laterals is performed by the Boise Project Board of Control, under contract with the Bureau of Reclamation. Both the Board of Control and the Bureau of Reclamation review rights-of-way, easements, road crossings, relocation of facilities, utility crossings, and other related matters for the New York Canal. Water rights associated with the New York Canal are administered by the Nampa and Meridian Irrigation District (NMID). The NMID is also responsible for maintenance and operation of the Ridenbaugh Canal and its laterals and administration of associated water rights. Settlers’ Canal is operated and maintained by Settlers’ Irrigation District, while its laterals are maintained by the water users. Settlers’ Irrigation District is responsible for administration of water rights associated with Settlers’ Canal. 102City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010~ This page left intentionally blank ~ City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010103What are the Physical and Cultural Features of Meridian? As required by Idaho State Statute, this section of the report includes a discussion of Natural Resources, Hazardous Areas, National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors, and Special and Historic Sites, Buildings and Resources. Analysis of the City’s natural resources includes climate, air quality, geology, hydrology, soils, and vegetation. After all, these natural resources form the basis of the community and affect growth and development. Hazardous areas are those that could pose a threat or danger to the community if not properly administered. Special sites include community landmarks and natural features that are important to the community. Historic resources representing Meridian’s heritage are also identified.This chapter begins by presenting issues and priorities identified by citizens, committees and City staff regarding natural resources and hazardous areas, special sites and historic resources within Meridian and its Area of City Impact. Then, the report describes the community’s environmental and natural resource characteristics. All of this information is meant to be used when we compile the Goals, Objectives and Action Items of the City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan.Natural Resources, Special, Historic & Hazardous AreasCommunity ConcernsWhen the 2002 version of the City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan was composed, citizen groups were formed to discuss issues and concerns regarding natural resources and community character. The following is a brief synopsis of some of the concerns identified by those citizen groups and what City staff, elected officials and other citizen groups have expressed as important community issues to preserve (or conserve), protect and in the case of hazardous areas, avoid.Meridian residents value their natural resources and are interested in preserving and protecting them while recognizing a need for development. Water pollution, noise pollution, air quality, floodplain concerns for development, connectivity, density, neighborhood services, natural habitat and open space preservation are among the issues that will continue to guide the City’s long range plan and policies.Floodplain identification and protection of water quality and resources is a central theme of importance to community members. Smart growth techniques for land development are desired within the community; therefore, proposed developments should consider natural resources such as floodplains and shallow water table. While large-scale flooding has not been extensive in the Meridian area to date, construction and impervious surfaces can change the hydrologic regime of an area. Canal tiling and piping of ditches have been mentioned as 104City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010examples of how design practices have affected the local hydrology. Meridian has a shallow water table. Basement flooding has occurred in some of the residential subdivisions in Meridian.Protecting water quality through education and protection and enhancement of wetlands and riparian areas was also noted as a community desire/concern.Meridian has fairly good air quality and residents would like to see it remain that way. Unfortunately, with the recent growth, and more cars and light industry, air quality has started to degrade. Priorities related to preserving habitats and natural areas, relate directly back to development policies, including infill and increased densities. Many think that particular areas within the City are under used and that perhaps, these areas should be the first areas considered for redevelopment rather than development of farmlands. While residents are generally sensitive to preserving open space within urban areas, many believe that the City under utilizes areas already disturbed by development. By identifying these areas and natural resource areas such as wetlands, riparian areas, and wildlife areas, a balance of open space and new development could be achieved. Concern has been expressed regarding the protection of existing special sites like waterways and historic sites.The future growth projected for the Meridian area emphasizes the need for attention to Meridian’s character, specifically its natural and historic resources. Providing and protecting unique sites and resources will assure continuance of the quality of life that the residents have come to know and expect.Natural ResourcesAs growth continues, increased pressures are placed on natural resources. Productive agricultural soils, vegetation, and waterways are all valuable resources that the residents of Meridian enjoy and want to preserve. While development is expected within the Area of City Impact, a maze of monotonous development is not desired, either. City leaders and citizens focus on trying to balance open spaces and Meridian’s agricultural heritage with development and growth. Development in Meridian which expresses concerns and appreciation for the aesthetic qualities of the physical environment should be encouraged. Meridian has seen much of its natural resources change over the years from agricultural open spaces to a growing city. The following characterizes aspects of the City’s environmental conditions.Climate29The City of Meridian and surrounding county is favored by a mild, arid climate. While summer hot periods rarely last longer than a few days, temperatures of 100º F or higher occur nearly every year. July is the hottest month, with the average high temperature of 90º F. January is the coldest month with an average low temperature of 22º F. During the summer and winter months, winds come mainly from the northwest with surface winds coming from the west. The normal 29 2002 City of Meridian Comprehensive Plan City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 105 precipitation pattern in the Meridian area shows a winter high of 1.2 inches of precipitation per month and a very pronounced summer low of about 0.1 inches. Typically there are 12 inches of annual precipitation, and the frost-free period is 143 days. Meridian’s elevation is approximately 2,500 feet above sea level.Air QualityThe Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (IDEQ) regularly monitors air pollutant levels in Ada County. During the 1970s and early 1980s the County experienced frequent violations of the national standards for carbon monoxide (CO) and Particulate Matter (PM10). As a result, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) designated the area as nonattainment for these two pollutants. Ada County, however, has not experienced any violations of the national standards for CO since 1986. Therefore, in 1993 EPA removed the CO nonattainment designation and placed Ada County in the list of “Not Classified Areas.” In 2000, IDEQ submitted a Maintenance Plan for CO that can help the progress of the area into attainment.Significant progress has been made in the reduction of PM10 emissions since the area regulated wood burning in winter. Ada County has not experienced a formal violation of national standards for PM10 over the past 10 years. In 1999, EPA removed Ada County’s designation of nonattainment for PM10. IDEQ is preparing a PM10 Maintenance Plan for Ada County that will help achieve the status of attainment for this pollutant.GeologyThe Meridian area lies within the Snake River and Boise River Plains. Geology consists of a series of volcanic lava flows inter-bedded with soil layers. Most outcrops within a few miles of Meridian expose black basalt lava flows on the Snake River Plain. Significant geologic areas include the Snake River and its tributary, the Boise River, plus the Idaho Batholith.Generally, geology-related issues in the region involve the basalts of the Snake River Plain or the windblown silt and sand that covers the basalt. The windblown material on the plain in the Meridian area supports some of the best farmland in southwest Idaho, but its properties can create problems for construction. Large structures placed directly on this material rather than on engineered foundations may settle because of compaction or the spreading of the unconsolidated material.HydrologyThe hydrology of the area is affected by agricultural and development practices in the local area. Surface water within the Area of City Impact includes the Boise River; seven perennial creeks; intermittent creeks; plus an extensive network of canals, laterals and drains. Groundwater in the Meridian area appears to be of good quality and close to the surface. Groundwater is the primary source “I have always thought that one man of tolerable abilities may work great changes, and accomplish great affairs among mankind, if he first forms a good plan, and, cutting off all amusements or other employments that would divert his attention, make the execution of that same plan his sole study and business.”Benjamin Franklin City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 106 of potable water for the City. Thirteen deep wells are located throughout the area which provides drinking water to the residents. Because of the community’s agricultural base and location in a relatively low rainfall area, groundwater resources are extremely important. All surface and subsurface drainage returns to the Boise River. Use of septic tanks in areas of poor soils and/or a high water table pose a threat in terms of groundwater pollution unless actual sewage facilities are provided.SoilsAn understanding of soil properties makes it possible to predict suitability or limitations for present and future uses. In some cases, limited soil absorption for a domestic septic tank, combined with a high seasonable water table, limits the capacity of the soil to absorb and filter the additional liquid being discharged by the drainfield. The probable result is usually contamination of groundwater supplies. Soils that are shallow or water-saturated do not have have adequate volume to absorb and filter sewage effluent. The Meridian area has moderate-to-slight limitations. The following are the three basic soil types found in the Meridian area.Power-Seric Haplaquepts-Janness. Found on floodplains, low terraces 1. and in drainageways, these soils are very deep and somewhat poorly drained. Depth to water table ranges from 18 to 36 inches in the summer. Water runoff is very slow, and the hazard of erosion is slight. Flooding is a hazard in years of unusually high precipitation.Purdam-Abo-Power. Found on alluvial terraces and fans, these soils are 2. moderately deep to a hardpan layer. The depth to hardpan ranges from 20 to 40 inches and can be a limiting factor in construction of buildings requiring subsurface excavation such as basements. The water runoff is slow over these soils and the hazard of erosion slight.Colthorp-Elijah-Purdam. Found on alluvial terraces and basalt plains, 3. these soils are shallow to a hardpan layer. The depth to hardpan ranges from 20 to 40 inches and can be a limiting factor in subsurface excavation. Water runoff is slow and the hazard of erosion is slight.Much farmland in the Meridian area has, or is being converted into urban development. However, there are still some prime agricultural lands found in Meridian’s Area of City Impact. For the purposes of this report, prime agricultural land is defined as land that has a good combination of physical and chemical characteristics for producing food and other agricultural crops with minimum inputs of fossil fuels, fertilizer, pesticides, and labor and with minimal soil erosion. Figure 16 shows the irrigated and non-irrigated agricultural land, meadows, dry grazing land and mineral land in Ada County in 2007. There is still a substantial amount of irrigated agricultural land in the Meridian area, particularly in the south and northwest. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 107 Figurere 15: Soils in thethethe Merierieridiaian Arearearea Source: Soil Conservation Service, 1980 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 108 Figurere 16: Agricricriculturaral Tax Exemptemptemptempt LaLand in Ada CountySource: Ada County Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 6, 2007 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 109 VegetationThroughout the Meridian area are natural tree and shrub corridors along the creeks and drains. These vegetation resources are critical to wildlife and aesthetic values. Protection and preservation of natural vegetation along all creeks and drains within the Meridian area would assure that residents continue to be able to view wildlife and natural scenery while preserving a valuable natural resource. There are no forests in Meridian, but outside of the riparian zones mentioned above, there are some parts of the City that contain many trees and shrubs. Heavily treed areas within parks and subdivisions contribute to the recreational and aesthetic values of the City and enhance the appearance of urban areas. In addition trees provide shade and habitat for wildlife, reduce soil erosion, help air quality, and help preserve the watersheds.Hazardous AreasNatural Gas PipelineBesides floodplains, some heavy industry located primarily near the rail corridor, and gas stations, there are few hazards that are noteworthy in the Meridian area. As shown in Figure 17 below, however, there is a high-pressure natural gas pipeline that runs through the northwest and southwest areas of Meridian. This pipeline operates at a maximum pressure of 850 PSIG and carries only natural gas30. There is typically a 75-foot wide easement that is associated with the pipeline. Coupled with the gas transmission pipeline, there is an existing liquefied natural gas plant located in the northwest part of the Area of City Impact, at 4014 N. Can-Ada Road. Liquefied natural gas is gas that has been converted temporarily to liquid form for ease of storage or transport; liquefied natural gas takes up about 1/600th the volume of natural gas in the gaseous state. It is odorless, colorless, non-toxic and non-corrosive. Hazards include flammability, freezing and asphyxia. The City and the gas company have certain restrictions and provisions when developing on or around the gas pipeline.30 Gordon Hamilton, District Manager, Williams Northwest Pipeline, e-mail correspondence 1/29/10 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 110 Figurere 17: GasGasGas Traransmissismissismissismissismissismission PipeipeipelineNote: This map shows the general location of gas and hazardous liquid transmission pipelines under Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration jurisdiction. All pipelines are not represented on this figure. Contact the appropriate pipeline operator prior to excavation activities.Source: National Pipeline Mapping System website, 2010: www.npms.phmsa.dot.gov City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 111 State HighwaysState Highways are typically posted for higher-speeds and are considered by many in the community to be hazardous. There are four ITD roadways that currently traverse through Meridian: Interstate 84, SH 55 (Eagle Road), U.S. 20/26 (Chinden Boulevard), and SH 69 (Meridian Road). Many of the accidents that occur in Meridian are along State Highways. The City has worked, and will continue to work with ITD and COMPASS on improving safety along State Highways for motorists and pedestrians. Some of the safety projects that the City would like to see include: additional pedestrian facilities, intersection improvements, and access management.WeedsThere are vast and far reaching economic and environmental impacts of invasive weeds. Idaho has about 800 of the nations 2,000 weed species, most of which are alien to the state. Noxious weeds overwhelm native plant communities and disturbed areas, spreading steadily year by year. Importing natural controls controls is not possible for all weeds, and it takes decades to and vast resources to introduce natural controls. Therefore, it is important to educate and implement aspects of weed management. Prevention and inspection are the most economical management system for reducing the rate of noxious weed spread.FloodplainsThe City of Meridian is a member of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and regulates development in flood prone areas. Although located in the high desert, over 24 miles of intermittent and year-round streams are found within Meridian’s Area of City Impact. These streams are unique because they also serve as irrigation drains. These dual-purpose waterways have been channelized and widened to allow them to carry large flows in the event of a canal failure. Even though the streams have been modified each stream has associated flood prone areas. Meridian floods come in the early spring when rain and rapid snowmelt combine. Meridian has experienced such flooding events in 1963 and 1982.Meridian’s membership in the NFIP ensures that property owners have access to flood insurance. As of January 2009, over $28 million of flood insurance was in place for 147 properties in Meridian. The premiums on these policies totaled over $97,000.Meridian currently maintains good standing in the NFIP by meeting or exceeding minimum standards for development in flood prone areas. All development in recognized flood prone areas is regulated through permits and includes activities such as grading, filling, building structures, and even storage of materials. The purpose of this regulation of development is to ensure responsible development of flood prone areas to; protect human life and health, avoid property damage, and minimize expense and inconvenience of the general public.Meridian’s floodplain administration program is evolving in order to provide more benefits to residents. Meridian seeks to become members of the Community City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 112 Rating System, an NFIP program that rewards communities that go above and beyond the minimum program requirements by giving their residents discounts on flood insurance premiums. The program includes activities in Public Information, Mapping, Flood Damage Reduction, and Flood Preparedness. In addition to regulating development in flood prone areas, Meridian also seeks to restore and preserve stream and floodplain areas in order for residents to benefit from their natural and beneficial functions that include; flood and erosion control, water quality enhancement, wildlife habitat, recreational resources, and aesthetic value. Meridian’s vision for the year 2030 is to restore and maintain 24 miles of Riparian and Wetland corridors that enhance our natural environment, improve stormwater quality, help control flooding, and serve as pathways for people and habitat for wildlife. Because certain areas of Meridian are affected by the 100-year floodplain, the City City has developed a floodplain (FP) overlay district (Figure 18). The purpose of the FP District is to guide development in the flood-prone areas of any watercourse that is consistent with the requirements for the conveyance of flood flows and to minimize the expense and inconveniences to the individual property owners and the general public through flooding. Uses permitted in this district are generally associated with open space, recreational, and agricultural land uses and do not hinder the movement of the floodwaters.Fortunately, very few hazardous areas exist within the City of Meridian and its Area of City Impact. Without large industrial complexes, airports, petroleum tank farms and other uses which generate safety and pollution concerns, the City of Meridian is relatively free of hazardous areas which plague larger metropolitan areas. As more development occurs however, safety and hazardous areas will likely increase from more service stations, increased traffic, and storage of hazardous chemicals associated with certain businesses. While federal regulations provide protection to a degree, as development increases, so will the potential for spills, accidents, and fires. City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 113 Figurere 18: Merierieridiaian FloodplaiainsSource: Meridian Public Works Department, 2010 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 114 Special Sites and Historic Resources Historic ResourcesMeridian has a unique, storied history. Preservation of that history is important because of the richness and meaning that it adds to the lives of its residents and the link it provides between the past and future. As development has increased, rural historic resources throughout the region have disappeared.Historic preservation in Idaho began in 1881 with the creation of the Historic Society of Idaho Pioneers. In 1907, the Idaho State Historical Society, as state agency serving several preservation functions, was formed. Preservation efforts in Idaho began in earnest in 1966 with the passage of the National Historic Preservation Act. Meridian’s Historic Preservation dates back to the late 1980s.As shown in Table 42 below, there are eight Meridian properties currently listed in the National Register of Historic Places. In addition to these properties, more than 140 historic architectural resources have been recorded within the City, and more than 30 outside the City, but within the Area of City Impact31. The recorded buildings probably represent just a sample of the actual number of historic buildings within the entire study area.In 2007 the Meridian Historic Preservation Commission hired a consultant to update the survey forms of 15 historic properties in Meridian’s Area of City Impact. These areas were initially evaluated in the1999-2000 Ada County Rural Historic Survey. These properties were evaluated as being eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. A priority list was generated of the top five most architecturally and historically significant buildings resurveyed. The properties were identified as the Charles Eggers/Moore barnyard located at 820 S. Black Cat Road; The George Leighton/Thomas Davis icehouse at 5325 W. Ustick Rd; the Saylor Joe Brown farmstead located at 7080 W. McMillan Road; the Harry Warrick barn, 2350 E. Amity Road; and the Starkey Ranch barn at 4660 N. Meridian Road32.31 Per Lila Hill, personal correspondence, May 201032 Madeline Buckendorf Consulting, LL CTable 42: NatiNatiNati onal Registeristeristeristerister-ListeListeListeListeListed Architectrchitectrchitectrchitec rchitectrchitectrchitectrchitecturaral Resesourcesrcesrcesrces, Merierieridiaian, Idahaho Listing NumberProperty NameLocation05001600 Hill House1123 N. Main St.05001599 Bell House137 E. Pine St.03000122 Mittleider Farmstead Historic District575 Rumpel Ln.08000905 Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company Building815 N. Main St.19821117/82000210 E.F. Hunt House49 E. State St.19821117/82000223 Meridian Exchange Bank109 E. 2nd Ave.19821019/82000227 Halbert F. and Grace Neal House101 W. Pine St.19961220/96001506 Tolleth House134 E. State St.Source: State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO), National Register of Historic Places, 2010 City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 115 Historic commercial buildings recorded within the City reflect its important agricultural heritage. They include grain elevators, a feed mill, a wagon shop, a cheese factory, and a number of shops. Historic public buildings include a public library, Meridian Rural High School, and a municipal pumping station, all constructed prior to 1923. The history of town settlement is also reflected in the many private historic residences that have been recorded. Outside the City core, but within the Area of City Impact, architectural resources include historic farmsteads, residences, hay derricks, irrigation facilities, and schools. Some of these, such as the White Cross School/Hamming Farmstead, are no longer present due to road widening and residential development. A study of historical irrigation in Ada County recorded a number of agricultural features within Meridian’s Area of City Impact. These include the Ridenbaugh Canal Check Dam and associated structures, the Ten Mile Check/Weir structures, the Sundell Lateral Lava Rock Check, and various Settler’s (Lemp) Canal features. No Geological sites or monuments have been identified in Meridian, nor are there any Native American sites recorded within Meridian’s Area of City Impact. However, the Five Mile Creek is noted in Ada County’s 2006 Historic Preservation Plan as a potential site for archaeological exploration. Crossing of this facility requires a permit from the Army Corps of Engineers which triggers a site investigation for historic and cultural resources.National Interest Electric Transmission CorridorsDuring the 2007 Idaho State legislative session, the Local Land Use Planning Act was amended to require that Comprehensive Planning incorporate an additional element to address National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has been tasked with identifyingA National Corridor designation does not constitute a recommendation or a proposal to build additional transmission facilities; it simply serves to spotlight the congestion or constraints adversely affecting consumers in an area. At the time this Plan was drafted, the DOE issued two draft National Corridor designations; one in the Northeastern States and one in the Southwestern States. The State of Idaho is indirectly affected as several transmission facilities either cross the state or emanate from the state toward the congested area. Idaho Power has provided maps illustrating their current and proposed facilities within the Meridian Area of City Impact and the Treasure Valley. Should the Idaho State Public Utilities Commission notify the County of other federally mandated corridors, the Comprehensive Plan will need to be updated to reflect further analysis. 116City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010~ This page left intentionally blank ~ City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010117Summary This document is a companion to the City’s updated Comprehensive Plan (2011). By separating relevant information about the City’s history, present day conditions, trends, and current strategic plan for its future, the Existing Conditions Report 2010 allows the Comprehensive Plan to be a clear and concise vision document. By understanding what we have, where we’ve been, and where we seek to be, this document also serves to identify gaps in planning, policy, and services which should be addressed in the Comprehensive Plan. In this regard, the Existing Conditions Report is not only an invaluable planning and decision making tool, but a means to measure future progress. The source documentation for this report is largely composed of material which with time, changes. Given that, the Existing Conditions Report is a living document, and as sufficient time has passed or significant changes occur within the City, updates will be made to retain its relevance relevance as a companion document to the Comprehensive Plan. 118City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010~ This page left intentionally blank ~ ~ This page left intentionally blank ~