City Council Regular Meeting

Star City Council Meeting Minutes July 5, 2005 A regular meeting of the Star City Council was held on July 5, 2005 at the Star Fire Station. Mayor Nathan Mitchell called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and all stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call: Councilpersons Tammy McDaniel, Dustin Christopherson, Tom Erlebach and Chad Bell were all present. Approval of Agenda: McDaniel moved to approve the agenda, Christopherson seconded the motion. All aye: motion carried. Consent Agenda: The Consent Agenda consisted of: Regular Meeting Minutes of June 21, 2005, and Claims against City for June 2005, Bell moved to approve the Consent Agenda with two additions (1) $4000.00 to Star Senior Center for a van and (2) $4000.00 to Olson and Sons for the clean up of property on N. Main, Christopherson seconded the motion. All aye: motion carried. Public Input: No public input was given. Old Business: Steven Springs Fence – Mayor Mitchell explained the fence at Steven Springs Subdivision is currently being raised to six feet by the addition of a two foot lattice. They are coming back to the Council asking to be allowed to put the fencing on the Northeast corner behind the open lot. Clint Boyle, Landmark Engineering, 104 9th Avenue South, Nampa, explained the original landscape plan had a four foot berm and six foot fence along Plummer Road. Later it was agreed to lower the berm and fence to a maximum of eight feet to comply with City Ordinances. At the time, Plummer Road was a local road, not a collector. Because they were able to redesign drainage and create more common space the developer enhanced landscaping at the entrance with a pond, waterfall, and a monument sign. If required to fence the pond, they would need to relocate trees and it would put the sign and pond behind the fence. Per Council instruction the present fence is being raised from four feet to six feet and expected to be completed in the next two weeks. They are asking to relocate the fence on the Northeast corner to the back of the open space near the homes keeping the pond and landscaping as an amenity to the City. Erlebach questioned how the homeowners would have access to the pond. It was explained that there is a pathway connection to the open space. 1 The Mayor stated he sees no negatives to the Community or homeowners by moving the fence to the back of the open space and asked Council to consider which location makes more sense. Bell reiterated that the Council stated the four foot fence was to come down and a six foot fence put up along the entire property. No agreement was made to allow the addition of lattice. He is not okay with this request because the developer doesn’t seem to want to do as requested by the Council. Boyle pointed out that from day one there has not been a stated height for the fence – letter states a maximum of a two foot berm and six foot fence. A variance with fees paid was requested months ago. Bell pointed out the variance was put on the agenda and removed at Boyle’s request. Boyle pointed out that the letter from the City states the fence will be six feet in height and continue the entire length. No designated style of fencing was ever mentioned. Mayor recalls we may have allowed them to add to the fence. He will review tapes and minutes from the public hearing to clarify. The question in front of us is, whether placement of the fence should be along Plummer Road or in back of pond area. Christopherson is concerned that this is a significant plan change and they should follow through with what’s approved on preliminary plat or have it go to public hearing again. Mayor stated if Council feels it needs to go to public hearing he will have it scheduled, but doesn’t believe there are significant enough changes to justify it. McDaniel questioned the difference in fence lengths. Boyle calculated fencing down Plummer Road to be 275 feet and along back of property 285 feet. Bell pointed out that there would be more expense involved if they are required to fence in front because they would need to move trees. They should have notified the City when they first saw they were making changes to open space. Bell has no problem with putting the fence behind the pond; he has a problem with the process the developer is taking. The Mayor feels there has been enough miscommunication from both sides. We need to look at the benefits to the City and community. McDaniel feels it would be more aesthetically pleasing if the fence is moved to the back of the property next to homes. Erlebach asked if there had been any comments from the citizens in Steven Springs. Mayor said none had come into City Hall, but there was someone in the audience and asked her if she had any comments. Jan Parfit, 9646 W. Compton Ct., Star, feels the lattice being added is unattractive; it cuts off their view and is neither sound nor view proof. Ideally a five foot fence would be good for them. 2 McDaniel moved to allow the fence to be placed at the back of the pond and landscaping, Christopherson seconded the motion. Christopherson feels this issue needs to go back to public hearing. Erlebach is in favor of putting fence in back because of looks – he likes fencing to be broken up. Bell has no problem with fence moving to the back of the pond but would like motion to include that fencing matches the six foot front fence. McDaniel amended her motion to include that fencing on west portion of property, north of Penhurst Drive needs to be the same as fencing along the property next to Plummer Road, Christopherson amend his second. Roll Call: McDaniel, Erlebach, Bell-Aye; Christopherson-Nay; motion carried. New Business: Donation Request Policy Discussion – Mayor Mitchell explained that the Council has a draft for donation guidelines. If okay with them he will have it put on a future agenda. Bell asked whether guidelines should include a maximum amount, a maximum on each donation, or a maximum total for the year. Mayor stated he is hesitant to add a line item for donations or binding the next council with amounts. A maximum limit could limit us regarding something that benefits the community. McDaniel stated she felt Section 3 gives some flexibility. Erlebach questioned if the budget will have a maximum for donations. Mayor stated the donations would come from different line items and the budget could be reopened for large requests. Christopherson asked about putting a maximum limit and if requests go beyond maximum then having a public hearing. Mayor stated he would like to trust future Councils to use the same discretion this Council does. The Mayor will have the Donation Request Policy taken from draft form to Resolution. Amendment to Parking Ordinance Discussion – Mayor Mitchell explained how the proposed Ordinance came about. He recognizes that the 16 foot overall length for a trailer is short and would propose increasing it to 22 feet; 16 feet for trailer plus 3-6 feet for the tongue. This will give the police an avenue to enforce. McDaniel felt she understands proposed Ordinance and change. Bell stated the overall length needs to be 22 feet. Erlebach questioned whether we should put in something regarding commercial vehicles, such as them getting a permit to park. Mayor stated this Ordinance, with 22’ trailers addresses Police concerns. 3 The Mayor will schedule this Ordinance on a future agenda and the trailer length will be changed to 22 feet. Reports: Bell – Nothing to report, but is looking at dates for park grand opening. Erlebach – Nothing to report. Christopherson – Nothing to report. McDaniel – Nothing to report, but notified Council she will be gone July 25-29, and will miss the meetings scheduled for the 26th. Mayor Mitchell informed the Council he will be gone July 6-19th to Alaska, but will be back in time for the July 19th Council meeting. Councilman Bell will be in charge during his absence. There is a Park Impact Fee Committee meeting scheduled for July 26th. It will be led by Jim Keller. The Council Workshop scheduled for the 26th is for reviewing the budget for the next fiscal year. We are looking at lowering the levy rate, looking at new city positions, possibly doing a fiscal analysis study, but have no plans for budgeting for another police officer or police car this coming year. Due to conflicts in scheduling the Budget Workshop was rescheduled for July 27th at 6:00 am at the Star Country Café. The Mayor will have a draft of the budget to Council members by the 19th or 20th for their review. Adjournment: Erlebach moved to adjourn the meeting, Bell seconded the motion. All aye: motion carried. Meeting adjourned at 8:20 pm. Respectfully submitted: Approved: _______________________ ___________________________ Kathleen Hutton Nathan Mitchell, Mayor 4