CPA RESO - Attachement - Existing ConditionsAddendum to the City of meridiAn Comprehensive plAn
Existing Conditions REpoRt 2010
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Existing Conditions REpoRt 2010
Addendum to the City of meridiAn Comprehensive plAn
Prepared by:
City of Meridian
Planning Department
33 E Broadway Suite 210
Meridian, Idaho 83642
Phone 208.884.5533
Fax 209.888.6854
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 ii
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City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 iii
tablE of ContEnts
Introduction .................................................................................................................................................... 1
Comprehensive Plan ..................................................................................................................................................................1
Local Land Use Planning Act ....................................................................................................................................................2
History ..........................................................................................................................................................................................2
Who Lives in Meridian? What Do They Do? ............................................................................................... 5
Population, Housing and Economic Development ..............................................................................................................5
Population and Demographic Characteristics .....................................................................................................................6
Historic Counts and Current Estimates ........................................................................................................................................6
Forecasts ...............................................................................................................................................................................................6
Age ..........................................................................................................................................................................................................7
Race and Ethnicity ..............................................................................................................................................................................8
Gender ...................................................................................................................................................................................................8
Educational Attainment .....................................................................................................................................................................8
Cost of Living .......................................................................................................................................................................................9
Income ................................................................................................................................................................................................
10
Poverty ................................................................................................................................................................................................
11
Housing Characteristics ......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Number of Dwelling Units ............................................................................................................................................................
12
Housing Unit Type ...........................................................................................................................................................................
13
Occupancy .........................................................................................................................................................................................
14
Persons per Housing Unit..............................................................................................................................................................
14
Age of Housing .................................................................................................................................................................................
15
Housing Value ...................................................................................................................................................................................
15
Housing and Urban Development ....................................................................................................................................... 16
Economic Development ........................................................................................................................................................ 17
Economic Development and Infrastructure .............................................................................................................................. 18
Taxes ...................................................................................................................................................................................................
18
Labor Force .......................................................................................................................................................................................
18
Employment ......................................................................................................................................................................................
19
Employers ..........................................................................................................................................................................................
20
Trends .................................................................................................................................................................................................
21
Meridian Chamber of Commerce ............................................................................................................................................... 23
Meridian Development Corporation ........................................................................................................................................... 23
Economic Excellence .......................................................................................................................................................................
25
Business Enterprise Areas ..............................................................................................................................................................
25
How is the Land in Meridian Developed? ................................................................................................... 27
Land Use, Transportation and Community Design .......................................................................................................... 27
Land Use ...................................................................................................................................................................................
28
Built Environment ............................................................................................................................................................................
28
Residential .........................................................................................................................................................................................
28
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 iv
Fields Area and South Meridian .................................................................................................................................................. 35
Area of City Impact ................................................................................................................................................................ 35
Transportation ........................................................................................................................................................................
38
Committees and Commissions ..................................................................................................................................................... 38
Roadway Network ...........................................................................................................................................................................
39
Interstates, State Highways and Principal Arterials .................................................................................................... 40
Minor Arterials .....................................................................................................................................................................
42
Collectors ...............................................................................................................................................................................
42
Local Streets .........................................................................................................................................................................
43
Entryway Corridors ............................................................................................................................................................. 43
Roadway Planning ...........................................................................................................................................................................
43
Travel Times and Commuting ....................................................................................................................................................... 43
Transportation Funding Plans ....................................................................................................................................................... 44
Meridian’s Priority Roadway Projects.......................................................................................................................................... 45
Linking Transportation and Land Use ................................................................................................................................. 46
Complete Streets .............................................................................................................................................................................
46
Cost Share .........................................................................................................................................................................................
47
Master Street Map .........................................................................................................................................................................
47
Livable Streets Design Guide ........................................................................................................................................................
47
Mobility Management ............................................................................................................................................................. 48
Roadways to Bikeways ....................................................................................................................................................................
48
Pathway System and Sidewalks ................................................................................................................................................... 49
Transit .................................................................................................................................................................................................
50
Commuteride and Carpools .......................................................................................................................................................... 51
Park-and-Ride Lots ..........................................................................................................................................................................
51
Air Travel .............................................................................................................................................................................................
51
Rail .......................................................................................................................................................................................................
52
Community Design ................................................................................................................................................................. 52
Design Review ..................................................................................................................................................................................
53
The Design Manual ............................................................................................................................................................ 54
Prescriptive Standards vs. Guidelines ............................................................................................................................. 54
Entryway Corridors ............................................................................................................................................................. 55
Signs ........................................................................................................................................................................................
55
Sustainability .....................................................................................................................................................................................
55
Planning and Transportation ............................................................................................................................................. 56
Siting, Design and Construction ....................................................................................................................................... 56
Energy ....................................................................................................................................................................................
58
Air Quality and Greenhouse Gas Reduction ................................................................................................................. 58
Wastewater Treatment, Reclamation and Reuse ........................................................................................................ 61
City Park Design .................................................................................................................................................................. 64
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 v
What Services are Provided in Meridian? .................................................................................................. 73
Mayor and City Council .................................................................................................................................................................
76
Commissions, Committees and Boards ...................................................................................................................................... 77
Public Works.............................................................................................................................................................................
79
Water and Sewer ............................................................................................................................................................................
79
Water Supply and Distribution .................................................................................................................................................... 80
Sewer Collection ...............................................................................................................................................................................
80
Sewer Treatment ..............................................................................................................................................................................
81
Historical Sewer Service Accounts ............................................................................................................................................... 82
Pretreatment .....................................................................................................................................................................................
82
Comprehensive Surface Water Program .................................................................................................................................... 83
Environmental Programs ................................................................................................................................................................
84
Public Safety ..............................................................................................................................................................................
84
Police Department ..........................................................................................................................................................................
84
Fire Department ..............................................................................................................................................................................
86
Recreation, Parks and Pathways ........................................................................................................................................... 88
Parks Department ...........................................................................................................................................................................
88
Western Ada Recreation District ................................................................................................................................................. 91
Solid Waste ...............................................................................................................................................................................
91
Education ...................................................................................................................................................................................
93
Joint School District No. 2 .............................................................................................................................................................
93
Enrollment .............................................................................................................................................................................
93
Bus Transportation............................................................................................................................................................... 95
Elementary Schools ............................................................................................................................................................ 95
Middle Schools ..................................................................................................................................................................... 97
High Schools .........................................................................................................................................................................
97
Charter and Magnet Programs ....................................................................................................................................... 97
Private Education Opportunities .................................................................................................................................................. 98
Continuing Education ......................................................................................................................................................................
98
Libraries .....................................................................................................................................................................................
98
Public Utilities ..........................................................................................................................................................................
99
Electricity ............................................................................................................................................................................................
99
Communications ............................................................................................................................................................................101
Gas ....................................................................................................................................................................................................101
Irrigation ...........................................................................................................................................................................................101
What are the Physical and Cultural Features of Meridian? .................................................................. 103
Natural Resources, Special, Historic & Hazardous Areas ............................................................................................. 103
Community Concerns ...................................................................................................................................................................103
Natural Resources .........................................................................................................................................................................104
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 vi
list of figuREs
Figure 1: Heart of the Valley Shifts to Meridian ..............................................................................................................................4
Figure 2: Annual Unemployment 1999 to 2008 ........................................................................................................................... 20
Figure 3: Meridian Development Corporation Boundary ......................................................................................................... 24
Figure 4: Business Enterprise Areas................................................................................................................................................ 26
Figure 5: Meridian’s Area of City Impact ....................................................................................................................................... 37
Figure 6: Inset of 2030 Planning Functional Classification Map ................................................................................................ 40
Figure 7: Ada County Trip Distribution BY TIME of day, 2000 ................................................................................................ 44
list of tablEs
Table 1: Historical Population, City of Meridian .............................................................................................................................6
Table 2: Recent Population Growth ..................................................................................................................................................6
Table 3: Community Choices Forecasts (2009 Update) ...............................................................................................................7
Table 4: Age by Jurisdiction ..................................................................................................................................................................7
Table 5: Racial and Ethnic Composition by Jurisdiction ................................................................................................................8
Table 6: Educational Attainment by Jurisdiction ..............................................................................................................................9
Table 7: Comparative Cost of Living Index, Council for Community and Economic Research ....................................... 10
Table 8: Median Household Income by Jurisdiction .................................................................................................................... 10
Table 9: Number and Percent of Residents Living in Poverty .................................................................................................. 11
Table 10: Meridian Housing Units and New Units by Year, 2000—2009 ............................................................................... 12
Table 11: Housing Units by Jurisdiction ......................................................................................................................................... 13
Table 12: Meridian Housing Units by Type .................................................................................................................................... 13
Table 13: Housing Occupancy and Vacancy by Jurisdiction ....................................................................................................... 14
Table 14: Age of Housing Units by Jurisdiction ............................................................................................................................ 15
Table 15: Value of housing units ................................................................................................................................................... 15
Table 16: Average of Monthly Median Sales Price by Meridian MLS Area ............................................................................. 16
Table 17: Idaho 2009 Tax Rates .......................................................................................................................................................
18
Table 18: Treasure Valley Labor Force ............................................................................................................................................ 19
Table 19: Annual Unemployment Rate by Jurisdiction (%) ........................................................................................................ 19
Table 20: Jobs by Jurisdiction ...........................................................................................................................................................
20
Table 21: Ada County Employment by Jurisdiction and Sector ................................................................................................ 21
Table 22: 2009 Commercial Office Market and vacancy rate .................................................................................................. 22
Table 23: 2009 Commercial Office Absorption ........................................................................................................................... 22
Table 24: Commercial Office Asking Rates ................................................................................................................................... 23
Table 25: Retail Absorption ..............................................................................................................................................................
23
Table 26: Current acreages of each zoning district in Meridian .............................................................................................. 30
Table 27: Non-Private Land Ownership in the Area of City Impact (AOCI) ....................................................................... 31
Table 28: Future Land Uses within Meridian’s Area of City Impact ....................................................................................... 33
Table 29: Roadway Miles by Classification Type ........................................................................................................................... 39
Table 30: Average Commute Time to Work ................................................................................................................................. 43
Table 31: Highlights of Meridian’s Green City Hall ..................................................................................................................... 57
Table 32: Meridian Water Consumption – Domestic Well Impacts ........................................................................................ 61
Table 33: Recycled Materials Diverted from Ada County Landfill .......................................................................................... 65
Table 34: Meridian Household Hazardous Waste Collection ................................................................................................... 66
Table 35: Historical Single Family Accounts and Interim Flow Projections ........................................................................... 82
Table 36: Violent Crime Rates 2008 (Per 100,000 Persons) ..................................................................................................... 84
Table 37: Property Crime Rates 2008 (Per 100,000 Persons) ................................................................................................. 85
Table 38: Meridian City Parks (2010) by Category ..................................................................................................................... 89
Table 39: Commodity weights diverted from the landfill in 2009 ........................................................................................... 93
Table 40: Historical Fall Enrollment, Joint School District No. 2 ............................................................................................. 94
Table 41: Idaho Power Company Quick Facts ............................................................................................................................. 99
Table 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 ................................................................................................... 48
Figure 9: Shared-Use Pathway Along Waterway .......................................................................................................................... 49
Figure 10: Typical On-Street Multi-Use Pathway ......................................................................................................................... 50
Figure 11: City of Meridian Expenditures by Department ........................................................................................................ 76
Figure 12: Boundaries and Stations of the Meridian Fire Department .................................................................................. 87
Figure 13: Elementary School Boundaries .................................................................................................................................... 96
Figure 14: Existing Lines/stations near the City of Meridian .................................................................................................. 100
Figure 15: Soils in the Meridian Area .......................................................................................................................................... 107
Figure 16: Agricultural Tax Exempt Land in Ada County ......................................................................................................... 108
Figure 17: Gas Transmission Pipeline............................................................................................................................................ 110
Figure 18: Meridian Floodplains..................................................................................................................................................... 113
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 viii
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City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 1
Introduction
In 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 Plan
Meridian’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 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
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 2
significant 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 Act
Section 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.
History1
The 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 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
FIguRE 1: HEART oF THE VAllEy SHIFTS To MERIdIAn
Source: 2009 Populations of Ada and Canyon Counties, CoMPASS staff, 2009
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 5
Who Lives in Meridian? What Do They Do?
Population, Housing and Economic Development
This 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
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 6
Population and Demographic Characteristics
Historic 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).
Forecasts
As 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: HISToRICAl PoPulATIon, CITy oF MERIdIAn
Year Population Average Annual Increase
1980 (census) 6,658 nA
1990 (census) 9,596 4.4%
2000 (census) 34,919 26.4%
2009 75,290* 12.8%
note: *Estimate
Source: CoMPASS, Communities in Motion Forecasts 2035
TAblE 2: RECEnT PoPulATIon gRoWTH
Year Population Year-Over-Year Growth
2009 75,290 2,250
2008 73,040 1,174
2007 71,866 5,301
2006 66,565 10,457
2005 56,108 8,418
2004 47,690 5,209
2003 42,481 2,737
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 7
Age
Meridian 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: CoMMunITy CHoICES FoRECASTS (2009 uPdATE)
Jurisdiction / Demographic Area
2008 Actual 2035 Forecast % Change, 2008 - 2035
Population HH Population HH Population HH
Meridian 80,737 27,282 138,564 46,697 71.62% 71.16%
boise 255,471 99,748 346,704 135,180 35.71% 35.52%
Eagle 21,770 7,347 29,917 10,066 37.42% 37.01%
Kuna 16,173 5,183 43,162 13,590 166.88% 162.20%
nampa 93,170 32,156 132,040 45,484 41.72% 41.45%
Ada County 405,639 150,968 685,628 251,138 69.02% 66.35%
Canyon County 192,611 66,057 361,021 124,402 87.44% 88.33%
Regional Total 598,250 217,025 1,046,649 375,540 74.95% 73.04%
note: demographic areas typically encompass larger geographic areas than city limits
Source: CoMPASS, demographic Advisory Committee Agenda Item, August 20, 2009.
TAblE 4: AgE by JuRISdICTIon
Age (years) Meridian (%) Boise (%) Nampa (%) Ada (%) State (%) US (%)
0 - 5 9.6 6.7 10.6 7.6 7.9 6.9
5 - 9 8.5 6.2 8.7 7.2 7.4 6.6
10 - 14 9.2 6.4 7.9 7.3 7.3 6.8
15 - 19 6.3 7.2 7.3 6.6 7.5 7.2
20 - 29 12.3 16.8 18.0 14.3 14.3 13.8
30 - 49 32.7 28.1 26.4 29.9 26.3 28.4
50 - 64 13.2 18.1 11.0 17.1 17.5 17.8
65 + 8.1 10.6 9.9 9.8 11.7 12.6
Year 2000 2008 2000 2008 2000 2008 2000 2008 2000 2008 2000 2008
Median 30.1 32.5 32.8 35.1 28.5 28.6 32.8 34.5 33.2 34.4 35.3 36.7
Source: u.S. Census bureau, American Fact Finder, 2006 - 2008 American Community Survey,
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 8
Race and Ethnicity
Table 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.
Gender
Based 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 Attainment
Meridian 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: RACIAl And ETHnIC CoMPoSITIon by JuRISdICTIon
Race/Ethnicity (percent) Meridian Boise Nampa Ada Canyon State US
White 94.3 92.2 83.4 92.9 83.1 91 75.1
black or African American 0.5 0.8 0.4 0.6 0.3 0.4 12.3
American Indian and Alaska native 0.5 0.7 0.9 0.7 0.9 1.4 0.9
Asian 1.3 2.1 0.9 1.7 0.8 0.9 3.6
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 0.1 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1
other Race 1.3 1.7 11.2 1.7 12.2 4.2 5.5
Two or More Races 2.1 2.4 2.9 2.2 2.6 2 2.4
Hispanic or latino 3.7 4.5 17.9 4.5 18.6 7.9 12.5
not Hispanic or latino 96.3 95.5 82.1 95.5 81.4 92.1 87.5
Source: 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 Living
The 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: EduCATIonAl ATTAInMEnT by JuRISdICTIon
Level of Education
Meridian Boise Nampa Ada Canyon State
2000 2008 2000 2008 2000 2008 2000 2008 2000 2008 2000 2008
less than HS graduate 7.8 5.7 8.9 7.2 23 16.6 9.2 7.4 24.1 18.5 15.3 12.1
HS graduate (includes equivalency) 26.7 24.5 21.2 22.6 29 31.7 23.1 23.7 30.3 32.4 28.5 29.2
Some college, no degree 30.4 28.1 29.2 26.1 26.5 27.8 29.2 26.2 25.2 25.7 27.3 26.1
Associate’s degree 8.1 9.3 7.2 7.1 5.5 7 7.3 8.1 5.5 6.5 7.2 8.6
bachelor’s degree 21.1 24.1 23 24.3 11.5 12.1 21.7 23.8 10.3 12.3 14.8 16.5
graduate or professional degree 5.9 8.4 10.6 12.7 4.6 4.8 9.5 10.9 4.6 4.6 6.8 7.4
Percent HS grad or Higher 92.2 94.4 91.2 92.8 77.1 83.4 90.8 92.7 75.9 81.5 84.6 87.8
Percent bachelor’s or Higher 27 32.5 33.6 37 16.1 16.9 31.2 34.7 14.9 16.9 21.6 23.9
Source: 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.
Income
Meridian 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: CoMPARATIVE CoST oF lIVIng IndEx, CounCIl FoR CoMMunITy And EConoMIC RESEARCH
Metro-Area Composite
Index
Grocery
Items Housing Utilities Trans Health Care
Misc. Goods &
Services
boise City-nampa, Id 95.0 94.4 83.4 100.8 103.4 103.3 99.7
Albuquerque, nM 96.2 98.2 89.1 89.1 96.6 103.3 103.2
Eugene-Springfield, OR 111.1 91.5 135.9 88.8 110.0 116.7 103.2
Fort Collins-loveland, Co 92.7 100.0 79.9 93.9 96.4 101.2 98.4
Reno-Sparks, nV 105.9 107.2 112.3 97.2 108.7 105.5 101.4
Spokane, WA 93.1 93.7 83.1 84.7 106.4 106.7 97.8
Source: Council for Community and Economic Research, ACCRA Cost of living Index, 2009 Annual Average data, January 2010.
TAblE 8: MEdIAn HouSEHold InCoME by JuRISdICTIon
Jurisdiction Income 2000 % US 2000 Median Income 2008 % US 2008 Median % Change 2000 – 2008
Meridian $53,276.00 126.87% $65,263.00 125.08% 22.50%
boise $42,432.00 101.04% $51,842.00 99.36% 22.18%
Eagle $65,313.00 155.53% n/A n/A n/A
Kuna $40,617.00 96.72% n/A n/A n/A
nampa $34,758.00 82.77% $42,575.00 81.60% 22.49%
Ada County $46,140.00 109.87% $56,688.00 108.65% 22.86%
Canyon County $35,884.00 85.45% $44,275.00 84.86% 23.38%
State of Idaho $37,572.00 89.47% $47,331.00 90.72% 25.97%
united States $41,994.00 100.00% $52,175.00 100.00% 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
Poverty
According 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: nuMbER And PERCEnT oF RESIdEnTS lIVIng In PoVERTy
Jurisdiction
2000 2008
Number Percent Number Percent
Meridian 1,926 5.6% 2,928 4.8%
boise 15,310 8.4% 18,990 9.6%
Eagle 425 3.8% n/A n/A
Kuna 774 14.2% n/A n/A
nampa 6,307 12.4% 12,870 16.2%
Ada County 22,471 7.7% 29,051 8.0%
Canyon County 15,438 12.0% 26,226 15.1%
State of Idaho 148,732 11.8% 180,708 12.4%
united States 33,899,812 12.4% 38,573,393 13.2%
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 Characteristics
In 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 Units
COMPASS 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.aspx
TAblE 10: MERIdIAn HouSIng unITS And nEW unITS by yEAR, 2000—2009
New Units 2000
(Census Baseline) 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 TOTAL
Meridian 12,293 760 921 950 1,765 2,552 3,314 1,688 849 782 660 26,534
Source: 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 Type
At 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. 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 Census
TAblE 11: HouSIng unITS by JuRISdICTIon
Jurisdiction 2000 2000-2009 Total
Meridian 12,293 14,241 26,534
boise 77,850 10,110 87,960
Eagle 4,048 2,963 7,011
garden City 4,590 849 5,439
Kuna 1,793 3,217 5,010
Star 681 1,435 2,116
Ada County unincorporated 17,261 8,964 26,225
Ada County Total 118,516 41,779 160,295
Canyon County Total 47,965 22,663 70,628
Regional Total 166,481 64,442 230,923
Source: u.S. Census bureau; American Fact Finder, Census 2000; CoMPASS, 2009 development Monitoring Report.
TAblE 12: MERIdIAn HouSIng unITS by TyPE
Housing Type
1990 2000 2009
Number % Total Number % Total Number % Total
Single Family 2,505 64.6% 10,464 85.3% 23,279 88.0%
Multi-Family 1,375 35.4% 1,800 14.7% 3,173 12.0%
ToTAl 3,880 100.0% 12,264 100.0% 26,452 100.0%
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.
Occupancy
In 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 Unit
The 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: HouSIng oCCuPAnCy And VACAnCy by JuRISdICTIon
Jurisdiction
2000 2008
Owner Renter Vacancy Owner Renter Vacancy
Meridian 85.7 14.3 3.8 77.9 22.1 4.1
boise 67.7 32.3 4.4 62.4 37.6 6.8
Eagle 85.5 14.5 4.5 n/A n/A n/A
Kuna 87 13 3.7 n/A n/A n/A
nampa 70.3 29.7 6.7 68.4 31.6 5.8
Ada 74 26 4.3 70 30 6.4
State 74.1 25.9 11 71.3 28.7 11.5
uS 68.7 31.3 9 67.1 32.9 12
Source: 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 Housing
Fitting 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 Value
Housing 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 HouSIng unITS by JuRISdICTIon
Jurisdiction Since 2000 1990 - 1999 1980 - 1989 1960 - 1979 1940 - 1959 Before 1940
Meridian 46.40% 35.40% 5.30% 9.80% 1.60% 1.30%
boise 12.60% 22.60% 15% 29.30% 12.90% 7.60%
nampa 34.20% 26.50% 6.10% 16.40% 10.90% 5.90%
Ada 24.30% 25.50% 11.50% 24.90% 8.50% 5.30%
State 18.40% 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 HouSIng unITS
Source: 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 Development
The 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:
1. Home ownership Assistance
2. Clearance of dilapidated, dangerous, and blighted properties
3. Community resource information preparation and distribution
TAblE 16: AVERAgE oF MonTHly MEdIAn SAlES PRICE by MERIdIAn MlS AREA
MLS Area 2007 2008 2009 % Change 2007 – 2009
Southeast $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 $168,458.33 -26.30%
Source: Intermountain Multiple listing Service, Custom Statistics, 1/28/10
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 17
4. Meridian Food Bank assistance
5. Boys & Girls Club Gymnasium design
6. Infrastructure design in targeted areas
7. Community amenity improvements such as parks and pathways
8. Meridian Senior Center facility improvements
9. Code enforcement activities in Old Town
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 Development
Meridian’s ongoing mission is to be a vibrant and caring community creating a
premier 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 Infrastructure
The 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.
Taxes
Idaho 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 Force
Table 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: IdAHo 2009 TAx RATES
Corporate 7.6%
Sales & use 6%
Inventory 0%
Property Tax Rate .002855089
Source: 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).
Employment
Employment 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: TREASuRE VAllEy lAboR FoRCE
Jurisdiction 1999 2008 % Change
Meridian 7,437 32,863 341.9%
boise 105,409 110,059 4.4%
nampa 19,439 36,710 99.0%
Ada 166,544 195,724 17.5%
Canyon 63,637 83,361 31.0%
Ada and Canyon counties 230,181 279,085 21.2%
Source: u.S. bureau of labor Statistics, local Area unemployment Statistics, 1/28/10.
TAblE 19: AnnuAl unEMPloyMEnT RATE by JuRISdICTIon (%)
Year Meridian Boise Nampa Ada Canyon
1999 2.7 3 4.9 3.1 4.5
2000 2.4 3.6 4.8 3.3 4.4
2001 2.7 4 5.4 3.7 5
2002 3.4 5 6.6 4.6 6
2003 3.3 4.9 6.6 4.5 6
2004 2.7 4.1 5.8 3.8 5.3
2005 2.2 3.3 4.5 3.1 4.1
2006 1.7 2.5 3.7 2.3 3.4
2007 2.6 2.7 3.6 2.6 3.6
2008 4.6 4.6 6.2 4.6 6.3
Source: 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.
Employers
Some 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.
FIguRE 2: AnnuAl unEMPloyMEnT 1999 To 2008
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Year 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007
Unemployment Rate
Meridian
Boise
Nampa
Ada
Canyon
Source: u.S. bureau of labor Statistics, local Area unemployment Statistics, 1/28/10.
TAblE 20: JobS by JuRISdICTIon
Source: 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.
Trends
Throughout 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 EMPloyMEnT by JuRISdICTIon And SECToR
Source: 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: 2009 CoMMERCIAl oFFICE MARKET And VACAnCy RATE
TAblE 23: 2009 CoMMERCIAl oFFICE AbSoRPTIon
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 23
Meridian Chamber of Commerce
The 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 Corporation
The 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: CoMMERCIAl oFFICE ASKIng RATES
TAblE 25: RETAIl AbSoRPTIon
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.
FIguRE 3: MERIdIAn dEVEloPMEnT CoRPoRATIon boundARy
Source: 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 Excellence
The 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 Areas
Meridian 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, 2010
FIguRE 4: buSInESS EnTERPRISE AREAS
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 27
How is the Land in Meridian Developed?
Land Use, Transportation and Community
Design
This 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 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.
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 28
Land Use
Land 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 Environment
In 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.
Residential
A 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.
Commercial
Most 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.
Office
Although 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.
Industrial
Industrial 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 Use
Over 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.
Civic
Civic 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
Correlation
The 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 Ownership
Land 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: CuRREnT ACREAgES oF EACH zonIng dISTRICT In MERIdIAn
Zoning District Acreage Percentage
Residential Subtotal 11,831 69.1
low-density (R-2) 261
Medium low-density (R-4) 6,550
Medium-density (R-8) 4,359
Medium High-density (R-15) 560
High-density (R-40) 101
Commercial Subtotal 2,958 17.3
neighborhood business (C-n) 165
Community business (C-C) 296
general Retail and Service Commercial (C-g) 2,461
Mixed Employment (M-E) 36
High density Employment (H-E) 0
Office Subtotal Limited Office (L-O) 837 4.9
Industrial Subtotal 1,221 7.1
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-PRIVATE lAnd oWnERSHIP In THE AREA oF CITy IMPACT (AoCI)
Jurisdiction Acreage % of AOCI
City of Meridian 499.463 1.394%
Meridian Joint School district no. 2 760.653 2.124%
other local 142.768 0.399%
City of Kuna 106.878 0.298%
Meridian Cemetery Maintenance district 27.301 0.076%
Meridian development Corporation 1.241 0.003%
Meridian Free library district 7.348 0.021%
County/Regional 96.632 0.270%
Ada County 18.034 0.050%
Ada County Highway district 52.736 0.147%
Ada County Housing Authority 0.776 0.002%
Western Ada Recreation district 25.086 0.070%
State 137.144 0.383%
Idaho Housing and Finance Association 0.546 0.002%
Idaho State (general) 16.348 0.046%
Idaho department of lands 12.9 0.036%
State Police 42.997 0.120%
Transportation department 64.353 0.180%
Federal 74.945 0.209%
department of Housing & urban development 2.234 0.006%
Veterans Affairs 1.233 0.003%
bureau of Reclamation 68.44 0.191%
u.S. Real Estate division 3.038 0.008%
utilities 114.158 0.319%
Idaho Power 22.723 0.063%
Intermountain gas 57.829 0.161%
nampa-Meridian Irrigation district 28.596 0.080%
northwest Pipeline 4.258 0.012%
Settlers Irrigation district 0.046 0.000%
united Water 0.24 0.001%
uS West/Qwest Communications 0.466 0.001%
Subtotal of non-Private land ownership 1,825.76 5.097%
Total City AOCI 35,820.25 100.000%
Source: Meridian Planning department 2010 as compiled by Ada County.
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 32
Future Land Uses
Today, 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 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 Plans
In 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: FuTuRE lAnd uSES WITHIn MERIdIAn’S AREA oF CITy IMPACT
Future Land Uses
FLUM Total FLUM Undeveloped
Acres % Acres %
Residential 23,618.27 60.15 13,044.07 58.75
Commercial 1,495.99 3.81 134.60 0.61
Office 417.34 1.06 68.74 0.31
Industrial 597.31 1.52 10.61 0.05
old Town 336.42 0.86 0.12 0.00
Mixed use 4,165.87 10.61 2,027.91 9.13
Civic 1,395.34 3.55 390.29 1.76
Ten Mile Interchange Specific 2,374.50 6.05 1,676.57 7.55
Future Planning/Referral 4,863.85 12.39 4,851.27 21.85
TOTAL 39,264.88 100 22,204.18 100
Source: City of Meridian Planning department, 2010.
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 34
Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area Plan
A 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 Core
Meridian 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 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-downtown 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 Meridian
The 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:
1. Many of the property owners wanted the area to remain as rural
residential. There was not a strong consensus on the need or desire for
increased city services.
2. The anticipated road improvements in the area could not handle the
additional traffic that would be generated by development in the area.
3. There were sufficient development areas of higher priority within Meridian’s
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 Impact
In 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
FIguRE 5: MERIdIAn’S AREA oF CITy IMPACT
Source: 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 Commissions
In 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 Network
As shown in Table 29, Meridian has more than 500 centerline miles of roadway
today, including state highways 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: RoAdWAy MIlES by ClASSIFICATIon TyPE
Roadway Classification Number of Miles Percentage of All Roadways
Principal Arterial - Interstate 17.6 3.3%
Principal Arterial - State Hwy 14.5 2.7%
Arterials - all other 118 22.1%
Collector 17.3 3.2%
local - Public 339.6 63.6%
local - Private 27 5.1%
Total 534 100.0%
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 Arterials
Meridian 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.
FIguRE 6: InSET oF 2030 PlAnnIng FunCTIonAl ClASSIFICATIon MAP
Source: CoMPASS, 2010. original @ http://www.compassidaho.org/prodserv/func-maps.htm
W Columbia Rd
Hwy
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City 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:
1. US 20-26/Chinden Boulevard. This highway serves as the north boundary
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.
2. State Highway 16 (future extension). The extension of State Highway
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.)
3. State Highway 55/Eagle Road. Eagle Road is the most heavily traveled
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.
4. State Highway 69/Meridian Road. Although SH 69/Meridian Road is on
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 Arterials
Minor 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.
Collectors
The 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:
1. Intersection Spacing. The intersections of collector roads and arterial
roads should be located at or near the ½ mile point within any given
section.
2. Alignment. Collectors should extend in an essentially straight line for 200
feet to 400 feet from an intersection. Beyond that point the alignment
is flexible.
3. Discontinuity Between Sections. Collectors should not be in a straight
alignment for more than two miles to prevent their use as de facto
arterials.
4. Further, the City will use the ACHD Livable Street Design Guide and
Master Street Map when reviewing development applications for collector
design and cross-section.
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 43
Local Streets
Local 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 Corridors
The 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 Planning
As 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 Commuting
As 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: AVERAgE CoMMuTE TIME To WoRK
Community Commute time in minutes
Meridian 21.4
boise 18.0
Eagle 21.5
garden City 19.4
Kuna 25.9
Star 27.6
Ada County 19.3
State of Idaho 20.0
u.S. 25.5
Source: 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 Plans
COMPASS 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
FIguRE 7: AdA CounTy TRIP dISTRIbuTIon by 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 Projects
Each 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 Use
The 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 Streets
The 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 Share
Another 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 Map
In 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 Guide
The 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 Management
Mobility 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 Bikeways
In 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 Sidewalks
The 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
FIguRE 8: ExAMPlE oF MASTER STREET MAP RoAdWAy 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, 2010
FIguRE 9: SHAREd-uSE PATHWAy Along WATERWAy
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.
Transit
Valley 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, 2010
FIguRE 10: TyPICAl on-STREET MulTI-uSE PATHWAy
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 Carpools
ACHD 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 Lots
Park-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-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 Travel
The 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
Rail
The 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 Design
Community 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 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 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 Review
In 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 Manual
The 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:
1.Orientation Building
2.Materials Building Form Scale and
3.Roofs Façade Treatment, Entrances and
4.Connectivity Pedestrian Pathways and
5. Streetscape Design
6. Site Design
7.Parking 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. Guidelines
Design 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 Corridors
Meridian 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.
Signs
Signs 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.
Sustainability
The 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 Transportation
As 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 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 Construction
Where 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:
1.Sites Sustainable
2.Efficiency Water
3. Energy and Atmosphere
4. Materials and Resources
5.Quality Indoor Environmental
6.Linkages Locations and
7.Education Awareness and
8. Innovation in Design
9.Priority Regional
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,
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=1989
TAblE 31: HIgHlIgHTS oF MERIdIAn’S gREEn CITy HAll
Responsible Energy Use
State-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 Development
Transformed 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
Energy
In 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:
1. Connecting two sections of the Fothergill multi-use pathway and designing
the section of the Five Mile multi- use pathway between Ten Mile and
Linder Roads.
2. Replacing light switches with motion sensors in the City’s five fire
stations.
3. Upgrading the lighting in the Wastewater Treatment Plant with more
efficient fixtures.
4. Replacing old, less efficient pumps with turbo blowers at the water
treatment plant
5. Replacing street lights with more efficient lighting along Main Street
between I-84 and Fairview.
6. Recommissioning the Police Department building by upgrading lighting,
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 Reduction
The 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
1. Town Hall Meetings on Business Emissions.
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.
2. Clean Air Zone Idaho. The City of Meridian
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.
3. Telecommute to work. The City has instituted a VPN, or virtual private
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.
4. Flexible Work Hours. The City also allows for flexible working hours
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.
5. Alternative Transportation Program. The City
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.
6. Carpool. The City of Meridian has created a “find-a-ride” program that
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.
7. Walk/Bike. The City encourages employees to walk or bike to work.
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.
8. Radio Read Meters. The City of Meridian’s Public Works
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 technology not only
reduces fuel costs but also pollutant emissions.
9. On-line Business. The City of Meridian is expanding
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.
10. Expanded City Services. Reducing miles traveled on
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.
11. Vapor Recovery. Gasoline vapors from fueling stations are major
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 Clerk
In 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
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 61
12. During a recent expansion of the Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTP),
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 Reuse
The 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: MERIdIAn WATER ConSuMPTIon – doMESTIC WEll IMPACTS
Winter Average = 148 millions gallons/month
Summer Average = 318 million gallons/month
Summer Irrigation Activity (ground water):
Increases demand by 170 million gallons/month
Potential Conservation of 1.2 billion gallons/year through reuse
Source: 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:
1. Consistent phosphorus recovery of greater than 70% through the
reactor.
2. Immediate removal of nutrients due to the chemical basis of the
process.
3. Enhanced environmental sustainability.
4. Potential new source of revenue.
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 Design
The 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 Resources
Aside 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 Waste
Sanitary 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 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: RECyClEd MATERIAlS dIVERTEd FRoM AdA CounTy lAndFIll
Commodity Weight (lbs)
Curbside Collection 4,095,283
Corrugated Cardboard 3,219,269
Wood Waste 2,049,000
Co-Mingled Recycling 1,752,610
Rock 1,404,000
grass 1,208,500
Fall leaf Collection 500,400
Scrap Metal 390,912
Paper 167,770
Household Hazardous Waste 146,241
gypsum (Sheet Rock) 146,000
Plastic bottles 77,010
Carpet Pad 57,970
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 Life
Community 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: MERIdIAn HouSEHold HAzARdouS WASTE CollECTIon
Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009
Pounds Collected 66,612 96,414 128,187 155,377 146,241
# of Households 1,399 1,653 2,558 3,148 4,135
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 Initiatives
The 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 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 School
Some 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 Care
Accessible, 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 Programs
Meridian 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, 2008
13 u.S. Census bureau, 2008
14 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:16
1. The Mayor and CEO’s Kids Book Club is an award winning program
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.
2. For high school aged community leaders, the Mayor’s Youth Advisory
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 Programs
On 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 Stories
Healthy 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 Events
Meridian Arts Commission
Meridian 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 Programs
Meridian’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 Events
The 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 2010 73
What 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.
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 74
Municipal 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:
1. Clerk’s Office. The office of the City Clerk maintains the integrity of the
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.
2. Building Services. Part of the Development Services Division of the Public
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.
3. Planning. The mission of the Planning Department is to be an innovative
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.
4. Finance/Billing. The Finance Department is the general business management
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 Controls
5. Purchasing. The mission of the Purchasing Department is to provide
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.
6. Human Resources. Human Resources staff assist all City departments
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.
7. City Attorney’s Office. The City Attorney’s
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.
8. Information Technology. This department provides technical assistance
to City staff on all things technology including: phones, computers and
other electronics.
9. Mayor’s Office. The Mayor’s Offices’ focus is on being a Star of the
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 Council
Meridian 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.
FIguRE 11: CITy oF MERIdIAn ExPEndITuRES by dEPARTMEnT
Source: Finance department, 2009-2010 Annual Report Fy2009 Actual Expenditures $49,000,000
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 77
Commissions, Committees and Boards
Citizen 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:
1. Parks & Recreation Commission. This all volunteer commission focuses
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.
2. Planning & Zoning Commission. This all volunteer commission advises
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.
3. Meridian Arts Commission. This volunteer commission works on arts/
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 bird
back 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.
4. Historical Preservation Commission. The HPC
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.
5. Traffic Safety Commission. The Traffic Safety Commission researches
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.
6. Meridian Transportation Task Force. The Meridian TTF researches,
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.
7. Impact Fee Advisory Committee. This committee reviews and makes
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
8. Solid Waste Advisory Committee. This committee addresses issues
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.
9. Downtown Meridian Parking Committee. This committee helps the City
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 Works
Water and Sewer
The 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 Distribution
The 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 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 Collection
The 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 Treatment
The 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 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 Accounts
According 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.
Pretreatment
The 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: HISToRICAl SInglE FAMIly ACCounTS And InTERIM FloW PRoJECTIonS
Year Total Accounts Annual Increase (%) Average Annual Increase (%)
1992 4,713 nA
1993 5,835 23.8
1994 6,788 16.3
1995 7,797 14.9 16.4
1996 8,858 13.6
1997 9,747 10.0
1998 10,738 10.2
1999 11,543 7.5
2000 12,251 6.1 11.4
2001 13,063 6.6
2002 14,001 7.2
2003 15,438 10.3
2004 17,777 15.2
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 Program
In 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. 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:
1. Drainage solutions shall be formulated to address the requirements of
the public (City of Meridian and ACHD), irrigation/drainage districts,
and the development community.
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 84
2. Solutions may include subsurface or surface facilities, and discharge into
drains. “Non-structural” drainage bio-swales along the arterial roadways
may minimize “regional” solutions and reduce costs.
Environmental Programs
The 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 Safety
Police Department
In 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 CRIME RATES 2008 (PER 100,000 PERSonS)
Meridian Police department 155.4
State of Idaho 228.6
united States 454.5
Source: 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:
1. Citizens on Patrol, or COPS, which is a volunteer organization made up of
citizens who are trained by the police to patrol neighborhood streets.
2. Explorers is a community youth program that allows high school students
interested in law enforcement to ride with, and help out officers at fairs,
parades, and other special events.
3. Police Athletic League, or PAL, is an activity program for children aged
3 to 14.
4. Business Crime Prevention Program includes training for local businesses
on how to handle crimes such as shoplifting and fraud.
5. Bike patrol throughout the City.
6. Neighborhood Watch is a program that the department participates in
throughout the community.
TAblE 37: PRoPERTy CRIME RATES 2008 (PER 100,000 PERSonS)
Meridian Police department 1679.9
State of Idaho 2102.2
united States 3212.5
Source: Federal bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services division, 2008 Crime
in the united States
note: includes burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft & arson.
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 86
7. Prescription Drug Drop Off is a program where old or unwanted
prescription or over-the-counter medications can be disposed of
properly.
Fire Department
The 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
FIguRE 12: boundARIES And STATIonS oF THE MERIdIAn FIRE dEPARTMEnT
Source: Meridian Fire department, 2010
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 88
Recreation, Parks and Pathways
Parks Department
The 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:
1. Introduction. Provides an overview of the document organization, a
brief analysis of population growth, and an inventory of park land found
in the City.
2. Park and Open Space Recommendations. Identifies a concept for parks,
trails, and open space; and provides design standards and policies for each
park type and makes specific recommendations for each site.
3. Facility Recommendations. Provides policies and recommendations for
specialized facilities such as pathways and trails, indoor recreation space,
sports facilities, and other specialized areas.
4. Administration and Management Recommendations. Includes
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.
5. Project Funding. Provides a list of potential funding sources, identifies
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 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 pathways
TAblE 38: MERIdIAn CITy PARKS (2010) by CATEgoRy
Category Name, Facility and Size
Regional Park Meridian Settlers Park
56.127 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 Parks bear Creek Park
18.818 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 Park
30.066 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 Park
19.458 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 Park
18.675 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: MERIdIAn CITy PARKS (2010) by CATEgoRy
neighborhood Parks 8th Street Park
4 acres; amenities include open play, playground, bike racks, table/bench, and off-street parking.
Champion Park
5.982 acres; amenities include open play, picnic shelter, tables/benches, playground, restrooms, basketball court,
drinking fountain, walking path, and off-street parking.
Chateau Park
6.7 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 Park
11.125 acres; amenities include open play, playground, picnic shelter, restrooms, walking paths, pond, drinking
fountain, and off-street parking.
Renaissance Park
6.527 acres: amenities include open play, restrooms, playground, sand pit, picnic shelter, tables/benches, basketball
court, drinking fountain, walking paths, and off-street parking.
Seasons Park
7.131 acres; amenities include open play, picnic shelter, tables/benches, playground, restrooms, basketball court,
drinking fountain, walking paths, sculpture, and off-street parking.
Mini Parks Centennial Park
0.4 acres; amenities include open play, basketball court, sculpture, benches, and drinking fountain.
City Hall Park
0.108 acres; amenities include small grassy area, picnic shelter, table/bench, water feature, and monuments.
Fire Station #4 Park
0.25 acres; amenities include a rock wall and bench, small open play area, and a walking path.
Special use Parks Meridian bark Park
0.75 acres; amenities include open play, restroom, people drinking fountain, canine drinking fountain, picnic tables/
benches, mutt mitt stations, and off-street parking.
City Hall Plaza
0.75 acres; amenities include amphitheater, pergola, benches, restrooms, water features, bike racks, Heritage Pavilion,
commemorative plaque, historical interpretive signs, and off-street parking.
generations Plaza
0.256 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 District
At 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 Waste
Sanitary 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.
Education
Joint School District No. 2
Public 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.”
Enrollment
Not 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.htm
TAblE 39: CoMModITy WEIgHTS dIVERTEd FRoM THE lAndFIll In 2009
Commodity Waste Stream Weight (lbs)
Curbside Collection Residential 4,095,283
Corrugated Cardboard Commercial & Transfer Station 3,219,269
Wood Waste Commercial & Transfer Station 2,049,000
Co-Mingled Recycling Commercial 1,752,610
Rock Commercial & Transfer Station 1,404,000
grass Transfer Station 1,208,500
Fall leaf Collection Commercial & Transfer Station 500,400
Scrap Metal Commercial & Transfer Station 390,912
Paper Commercial 167,770
Household Hazardous Waste Residential 146,241
gypsum (Sheet Rock) Commercial 146,000
Plastic bottles Commercial 77,010
Carpet Pad Transfer Station 57,970
used Motor and Cooking oil Residential & SSC Shop 25,449
Christmas Trees Commercial & Transfer Station 21,750
Tires Transfer Station 18,360
Refrigeration units Transfer Station 10,500
Telephone books Commercial 8,180
Antifreeze SSC Shop 660
Total 15,299,864
Source: 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.aspx
24 Joint School district no. 2 website, 2010: www.meridianschools.org/Schools/Pages/Schoolsofourdistrict.aspx
TAblE 40: HISToRICAl FAll EnRollMEnT, JoInT SCHool dISTRICT no. 2
School
Year
Total
Mem-
bership**
Pre-K
Hdcpd
Kinder-
garten 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th 7th 8th 9th 10th 11th 12th
2009-
2010 35,322 245 2,757 2,849 2,839 2,803 2,874 2,808 2,698 2,571 2,830 2,830 2,509 2,399 2,310
2008-
2009 34,441 205 2,731 2,829 2,770 2,799 2,762 2,681 2,492 2,801 2,568 2,677 2,476 2,414 2,236
2007-
2008 33,432 226 2,629 2,735 2,697 2,759 2,628 2,478 2,702 2,543 2,483 2,583 2,491 2,289 2,189
2006-
2007 32,277 212 2,555 2,609 2,679 2,542 2,387 2,652 2,472 2,395 2,412 2,664 2,400 2,287 2,011
2005-
2006 30,582 204 2,446 2,537 2,400 2,259 2,517 2,365 2,306 2,335 2,460 2,414 2,332 2,071 1,936
2004-
2005 28,655 232 2,313 2,259 2,132 2,361 2,237 2,162 2,214 2,313 2,204 2,322 2,146 1,965 1,795
2003-
2004 26,987 208 2,023 1,987 2,234 2,103 2,012 2,121 2,156 2,139 2,166 2,197 2,104 1,796 1,741
2002-
2003 26,114 185 1,881 2,155 2,070 1,958 2,074 2,114 2,082 2,122 2,015 2,189 1,925 1,687 1,657
2001-
2002 25,233 158 2,011 2,007 1,886 1,977 2,042 2,005 2,082 1,922 1,988 2,024 1,822 1,702 1,607
2000-
2001 23,946 133 1,839 1,846 1,891 1,943 1,920 2,007 1,832 1,911 1,811 1,954 1,791 1,612 1,456
1999-
2000 22,820 143 1,619 1,847 1,851 1,830 1,891 1,767 1,834 1,740 1,732 1,861 1,714 1,561 1,430
1998-
1999 21,918 145 1,556 1,868 1,748 1,766 1,695 1,743 1,688 1,652 1,698 1,850 1,623 1,482 1,404
1997-
1998 20,788 121 1,635 1,722 1,656 1,627 1,621 1,635 1,549 1,641 1,622 1,680 1,557 1,475 1,247
1996-
1997 19,624 111 1,456 1,658 1,534 1,543 1,527 1,504 1,567 1,557 1,524 1,682 1,463 1,321 1,177
1995-
1996 18,641 94 1,455 1,514 1,488 1,447 1,438 1,514 1,505 1,471 1,509 1,560 1,358 1,228 1,060
Source: 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 Transportation
School 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 Schools
Elementary 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
FIguRE 13: ElEMEnTARy SCHool boundARIES
Source: Joint School district no. 2 website, 2010; www.meridianschools.org/boundaries/Pages/boundaries.aspx
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 97
Middle Schools
Middle 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 Schools
Academic 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 Programs
In 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 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 Opportunities
Although 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 Education
The 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).
Libraries
Separate 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 Utilities
Electricity
Idaho 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 Company
TAblE 41: IdAHo PoWER CoMPAny QuICK FACTS
Customers
Total: 487,165
Residential Customers Added in the Past year (2009): 3,736
Transmission and distribution:
number of Substations: 297
Transmission line Pole Miles: 4,752
distribution line Pole Miles (underground & overhead): 26,576
Sales and Load Facts (2008)
Total Annual Sales in megawatt-hours: 16,591,948
Peak load(June 30, Summer 2008) in megawatts: 3,214
Peak load (Jan. 24, Winter 2008) in megawatts: 2,464
Source: blake Watson, Idaho Power Company, 2010
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 100
FIguRE 14: ExISTIng lInES/STATIonS nEAR THE CITy oF MERIdIAn
Source: blake Watson, Idaho Power Company, 2010
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 101
Communications
Qwest 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.
Gas
Intermountain 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.
Irrigation
Irrigation 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.
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 102
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City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 103
What 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 Areas
Community Concerns
When 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
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 104
examples 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 Resources
As 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.
Climate29
The 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 Quality
The 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.
Geology
The 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.
Hydrology
The 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.
Soils
An 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 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.
1. Power-Seric Haplaquepts-Janness. Found on floodplains, low terraces
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.
2. Purdam-Abo-Power. Found on alluvial terraces and fans, these soils are
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.
3. Colthorp-Elijah-Purdam. Found on alluvial terraces and basalt plains,
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
FIguRE 15: SoIlS In THE MERIdIAn AREA
Source: Soil Conservation Service, 1980
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 108
FIguRE 16: AgRICulTuRAl TAx ExEMPT lAnd In AdA CounTy
Source: Ada County Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 6, 2007
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 109
Vegetation
Throughout 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 Areas
Natural Gas Pipeline
Besides 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
FIguRE 17: gAS TRAnSMISSIon PIPElInE
note: 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 Highways
State 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.
Weeds
There 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 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.
Floodplains
The 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
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
FIguRE 18: MERIdIAn FloodPlAInS
Source: Meridian Public Works department, 2010
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 114
Special Sites and Historic Resources
Historic Resources
Meridian 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 2010
32 Madeline buckendorf Consulting, llC
TAblE 42: nATIonAl REgISTER-lISTEd ARCHITECTuRAl RESouRCES, MERIdIAn, IdAHo
Listing Number Property Name Location
05001600 Hill House 1123 n. Main St.
05001599 bell House 137 E. Pine St.
03000122 Mittleider Farmstead Historic district 575 Rumpel ln.
08000905 Mountain States Telephone and Telegraph Company building 815 n. Main St.
19821117/82000210 E.F. Hunt House 49 E. State St.
19821117/82000223 Meridian Exchange bank 109 E. 2nd Ave.
19821019/82000227 Halbert F. and grace neal House 101 W. Pine St.
19961220/96001506 Tolleth House 134 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 Corridors
During 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 identifying
A 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.
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 116
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City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 117
Summary
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 as a companion document
to the Comprehensive Plan.
City of Meridian Existing Conditions Report 2010 118
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2005 20,977 18.0 14.2
20061 22,201 6
20071 23,426 6
20081 24,650 5
20091 25,875 5
2010 27,099 5 5.3
Source: Meridian Public Works department, February 2010
note 1: data from 2006 to 2009 extrapolated from 2005 and 2010 actual number of
accounts.
used Motor and Cooking oil 25,449
Christmas Trees 21,750
Tires 18,360
Refrigeration units 10,500
Telephone books 8,180
Antifreeze 660
Total 15,299,864
Source: 2009 SSC Annual Report to Meridian
miles traveled. This is an excellent example how a
small change can have profound effects on energy
reduction and conservation.
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Pine Ave
Cherry Ln
Kuna-Meridian Rd
Linder Rd
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Star Rd
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11th Ave North
Kuna Rd
Bowmont Rd
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Elm Ln
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Edna Ln
Powerline Rd
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Birch Lane
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Chicago St
Karcher Rd
Southside Blvd
Sunnyridge Rd
Canyon St
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Locust Ln
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Marsing Rd
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Deer Flat Rd
Study needed for a truck route to
connect a new river crossing at
Weitz Road and the area south
of Lake Lowel.
1) The location of new collectors in developin
shall be determined in accordance with lo
policies.
2) The proposed routes of dashed lines and
are intended to illustrate only generalized
3) Please refer to chapter 4 in Communities
description of the studies to be undertake
shown on the map.
4) Please refer to chapter 4 in Communities
detailed information on several arterial co
5) The location of interchanges and overpas
are subject to the results of corridir studie
6) McDermott Road south of I-84 and Kuna
could be considered an expressway in th
efforts should be made along these corri
on these corridors will determine the nee
Interstate
Proposed Interstate
Expressway
Proposed Expressway
Principal Arterial
Proposed Principal Arterial
Minor Arterial
Proposed Minor Arterial
Future Interchanges
New / Rebuild Interchange
New / Rebuild Overpass
Study Areas
County Boundary
Nampa Loop Route
N 10th Ave
S
implot Blvd
Blaine St
Chicago St
Cleveland Blvd
N 21st Ave
Paynter Ave
Kimball Ave
S 18th Ave
N 5th Ave
E Logan St
Hillcrest Ln
S Florida Ave
Franklin Rd
7th Ave
11th Ave
3rd St S
2nd St S
16th Ave
Nampa Blvd
Garrity Blvd
7th St S
3rd St N
N Yale St
E Roosevelt Ave
11th Ave
12th Ave
Downtown Caldwell
Downtown Nampa
light Industrial (I-l) 1,221
Heavy Industrial (I-H) 0
Traditional Neighborhood/Mixed Use Subtotal 269 1.6
old Town (o-T) 129
Traditional neighborhood Center (Tn-C) 67
Traditional neighborhood Residential (Tn-R) 73
TOTAL 17,116 100
Source: City of Meridian Planning department, 2010, as compiled by Ada County.
2002 39,744 n/A
2001 n/A n/A
2000 34,919 6,240
1999 28,679 2,258
1998 26,421 2,006
1997 24,415 2,542
1996 21,873 3,010
1995 18,863 2,302
Source: CoMPASS, 2000-2009 Population Estimates by City limit
boundaries, 2/23/2009
Climate .................................................................................................................................................................................104
Air Quality ...........................................................................................................................................................................105
Geology.................................................................................................................................................................................105
Hydrology.............................................................................................................................................................................105
Soils .......................................................................................................................................................................................106
Vegetation ............................................................................................................................................................................109
Hazardous Areas ...........................................................................................................................................................................109
Natural Gas Pipeline ........................................................................................................................................................109
State Highways ..................................................................................................................................................................111
Weeds ..................................................................................................................................................................................111
Floodplains ..........................................................................................................................................................................111
Special Sites and Historic Resources ......................................................................................................................................114
Historic Resources.............................................................................................................................................................114
National Interest Electric Transmission Corridors .....................................................................................................115
Summary ................................................................................................................................................... 117
Preservation and Restoration of Natural Resources .................................................................................................. 64
Solid Waste ............................................................................................................................................................................
65
Livability and Quality of Life ..........................................................................................................................................................
66
Healthy Initiatives ............................................................................................................................................................................
67
Safe Routes to School ........................................................................................................................................................ 67
Day Care ...............................................................................................................................................................................
68
Youth Programs .................................................................................................................................................................... 68
Senior Programs ................................................................................................................................................................... 69
Success Stories .....................................................................................................................................................................
71
Arts, Entertainment and Community Events ............................................................................................................................ 71
Meridian Arts Commission ................................................................................................................................................ 71
Meridian History Center and Heritage Programs ...................................................................................................... 72
Community Events .............................................................................................................................................................. 72
Commercial .......................................................................................................................................................................................
28
Office ..................................................................................................................................................................................................
29
Industrial ............................................................................................................................................................................................
29
Mixed Use .........................................................................................................................................................................................
29
Civic .....................................................................................................................................................................................................
30
Zoning—Land Use Correlation ........................................................................................................................................... 30
Land Ownership ......................................................................................................................................................................
30
Future Land Uses ....................................................................................................................................................................
32
Specific Area Plans ...................................................................................................................................................................
33
Ten Mile Interchange Specific Area Plan ................................................................................................................................... 34
The Core ............................................................................................................................................................................................
34
Destination Downtown (Urban Renewal) ................................................................................................................................. 34