City Council Regular Meeting

City Council Meeting April 11, 2006 7:00 pm Mayor Nathan Mitchell called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm and all stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call: Tammy McDaniel, Dustin Christopherson, Tom Erlebach and Chad Bell were all present. Public Hearing: Moratorium Consideration The Mayor declared the public hearing open and reviewed how the meeting would proceed with testimony. Chris Yorgason, Legal Counsel reviewed the definition of an interim moratorium and Council's responsibility on class of permits, building permits and annexations. The Council has to make a finding to determine imminent peril to public health, safety and welfare. In the Land Use Planning Act, moratoriums can be implemented when reviewing ordinances or Comp Plans, but must still find the imminent peril to the health, safety and welfare of public. The Mayor stated that we would be timing speakers, but speakers would have some ) leeway with the three minutes. Clint Hinckley, 12720 W. Band was speaking on behalf of Star Citizens for Smart Growth and asked to exceed three minutes. Hinckley stated that there is imminent peril and actual peril, developers believe the only way to get a moratorium is to run out of water or sewer. He has read the definition of imminent peril. He described it as a semi trailer coming through school even if he did not hurt a child, the police will pull him over. He has looked at surrounding cities which may help us tonight. Emmett implemented a moratorium due to problems with wastewater and the need to review their zoning ordinance. There are advantages for moratorium with the new Comp Plan review - the plan can integrate the concerns of citizens. Blaine County is also implementing a moratorium - it will hold up in a court of law. He has read the land use handbook. Land use planning and zoning development approval as the community develops may have controls, but with inadequate controls the ultimate plan could be undermined. Hinckley stated that we fought a war over representation with the British. He stated that the current law's main goal is to facilitate the developer and Council is supporting those actions. Mary Anne Saunders, 2230 Schreiner Lane stated that she has lived here for 12 years. She is in favor of moratorium. The land use designations on the Comprehensive Map - will fill the bulk of our area of impact with R-4 densities. She talked about connection problems of sewer system and rural character of Star. Our rural character is vanishing - it is a major part of the community. She stated that the visions of citizens and elected 1  officials are different. Star's documents state that we should maintain the rural feel. The Comp Plan is vague. Saunders discussed the State of Washington and their definitions of rural areas. Star is not unlike other communities. The minutes from the Ada County Commissioner meetings state that the population will be 33,000 people in Star. We need to keep the rural character our rural vision. The developments do not foster rural type lifestyles, etc. What Washington found specifically in developing their ordinances was they need some visual development standards and regulations - clustering, visual characteristics that are compatible. We need a planning and zoning committee and design review committee. We can define rural character. We will not have the opportunity without plan review. As The Idaho Statesman stated Star has the highest rate of growth, she supports a moratorium. Christopherson asked what Saunders believes the definition of rural is. Christopherson stated that Saunders talks about needing open space, but we have that in our ordinances. Christopherson stated that he did not hear very many specifics. Saunders believes that it is the Council's job to put ordinances in place. Saunders asked why there are no minimum lot sizes. She believes the Comp Plan is too vague. Christopherson stated that Saunders does not have any specifics and is leaving it up to Council to make changes, but she does not think the ordinances meet the plan. Christopherson asked specifically what it is that she has a problem with. Saunders stated that development is approved without testimony, she is at odds with planning. ) Kevin Neilsen, 11877 W. Blake Drive - read his letter into the record. He does not support a moratorium, but agrees with some of the items the Star Citizens for Smart Growth discuss - we must have smart growth. Kirk Pulver, 1900 N. Willowglen Place, stated that he is torn on this subject. He is not antigrowth and to think about putting a moratorium in place - he's torn. We are getting close to the 5,000 population and things happen. He believes that the Comp Plan is the strongest of all ordinances. It talks about demographics of Star. Pulver reviewed the number of residents chart in the Comp Plan. The front page of The Idaho Statesman talked about growth in Middleton, but Star got the gold medal for growth. Pulver reviewed the number of lots per preliminary plats at 2.0 residents per dwelling is approximately 12,000 people by the year 2010. The Mayor has returned to the Blue Print for Good Growth, they are estimating 12,000 residents by 2030 projects. We can be up to 30-40,000 residents in the end. Star has eleven square miles of City Limits and we are near the 5,000 population now which will bring in business. Pulver asked about the 3,000 units we have in the hopper. A moratorium would not have any effect on the annexations that are in the hopper now. To have prescriptions filled would be great - this is the first we have now. Pulver stated that regardless of the decision we need to have a dialog. We need to hold the developers accountable - not the land owners. We need to let the Meridian School District know of the serious concerns. There is a rural character to Star and we need to hold onto the rural charm. 2  Christopherson stated that Pulver talked about many items in the Comprehensive Plan, Christopherson did not get anything out of his testimony. Christopherson asked ifhe wants to restrict the percentage of growth and if so how do you propose to do that? Pulver loves real estate he knows a little bit, but is not an expert. If we have all the residents in the City and County - we need to work together. We have the commercial and residential side; he is not an expert on real estate. We need to take a deep breath; we are doing great things and should be more of these type of meetings. The Mayor asked if Pulver want us to stop annexing and just continue with other business. Pulver is concerned about the Hadley property. He thinks we need to take care of what has already been approved. Amy Church, 6080 Purple Sage Road, Canyon County Road stated that she is not an expert, but loves this community. Church stated that the Comp Plan states on page nine that school sites should be reserved in advance of subdivisions. She went to the Meridian School Board, the Star Elementary's capacity is 380 students, enrolled now is 517. Different schools are the same, Eagle Hills capacity is 388 enrollment is 503 and the list goes on. Also, we should have a planning and zoning commission - every community has one Kuna, Emmett, Marsing, etc., including Melba. She knows it is not Idaho Law to have one and wonders why the City does not have one. The Mayor stated that the difference from our City is that we do not have control of our schools, sewer and water, sheriffs depaitment, etc. We do not have the items in our control that other cities do - ) pait of the process that this board is elected to do is planning and zoning. Other cities are dealing with other parts of business. They have a combination of different services they provide - Star does not. Church does not understand not wanting to have a planning and zoning committee. The Mayor already explained it. Church stated that we do not have a design review committee - but Council could make it happen. Milt Klein, 2275 Sunny Lane moved here in 1976, he anticipated growth and looked forward to growth. He is now speaking in favor of a moratorium to give us time to breathe. We truly need to be a government for the people by the people. Maxine Klein, 2275 Sunny Lane, she is in agreement with Star Citizens for Smart Growth - in favor of moratorium. Terry Opper, 3130 N. Can-Ada Road stated that she is in agreement with the need for an interim moratorium and agrees with the Idaho Land Use Handbook. A moratorium is useful when updating comprehensive plans and ordinances, we should consider a moratorium. Terry MaLarkey, 23418 N. Blessinger, asked if Star is for sale. He is for a moratorium and no more annexation. MaLarkey stated that the Mayor pointed out that Star is in a unique place. We farm out police, school and roads. The City is in imminentimminent 3  peril due to the new sewer system we will be out of capacity and will need to build another plant in two years. He grew up in Filer. Went to college, got business degree from California. Developers are coming into the community from Utah and California - he wants to preserve Star. We do not have sewer capacity and we do not have water, we have large houses with big foot prints. We had a fire on Duff, it took Middleton and Star to respond. We do not have capacity. He is against high density development. We need development with acreage, we cannot ride a horse. He is glad to see this community taking initiative to ask community what they want. He does not want to be a part of Blaine County. The name Star does befit this community. Christopherson stated that MaLarkey stated that we do not have sewer capacity and asked if he had some numbers? He does not know the numbers. MaLarkey believes things are taking off and we need a moratorium on building permits. The City is about to annex to Blessinger and Kingsbury Roads and the system cannot handle this. Christopherson asked if MaLarkey wanted no more annexation for a period of time or are we done. MaLarkey stated he wanted no more annexations, period. He would like to see City focus on downtown development. We get all these people to move into these areas, the WalMart's and Costco's will come. He would rather have City seduce some other type of corporations and show them Star has something to offer. Subway is nice to have in community. Bell stated that MaLarkey's testimony conflicts, he wants nice things, but no growth. ) Bell stated that everyone wants schools, but if we do not have growth we will not have schools. Taxes do go up to build new sewer systems. Bell asked if MaLarkey was familiar with new system, MaLarkey stated that he was. Bell stated that the Council is planning and they are listening to the community. The Mayor and Council decided to re- do the Comp Plan way before the citizens requested it. Bell is glad to see everyone here but he has not seen most of them ever - we do plan and we do work with other agencies - citizens just do not see it. Gale Alters, 4587 Echo Summit Place stated that she came here as part of the strategy and would like to defer her minutes to the guy in green suit (Mr. Hinckley). She supports a moratorium. Schools are over capacity, roads need help and Star needs to tell developers how to develop Star. Dee Ann Varwig, 10946 W. Hazelwood stated that she has conflicting emotions and she agrees with everyone. She believes that the ideas can be combined, but she believes that a moratorium is essential. She has concerns about the schools and we need to slow down until schools are in place. What do we want? She is worried about schools and cars - it is a catch 22. She does not have any idea how to do it. We have enough students for a school and she is concerned about roads. She has been here for some time - drive time now is 45 minutes to Meridian. Landowners do have a right to do whatever they want with their land. She believes anything above Beacon Light Road should be five-acre parcels and Floating Feather to Beacon Light should be two acre lots. She likes the quaint little buildings on State Street. We need to make Star special, we need to keep the rural 4  integrity. She was disappointed at the last meeting, there were so many people saying we do not want it, but then the Council did it anyway. The developer did talk to the neighbors. Richard Hudson, 3035 N. Hamlet Lane stated that he lives in the impact area and is in favor of a moratorium. He finds this all very unfortunate, he came to the original planning and zoning meeting and this has pit neighbor against neighbor. We are one of the evil people that drove people away. The Comp Plan and Zoning Ordinances do not match. He is not an expert- but he is concerned. He supports a moratorium - ifhe could write an ordinance he would. He asks Council to write an ordinance. Pam Slendorn, 2987 N Hamlet Lane stated that she lives in the impact area. Landowners do have the right to sell their properties, but the people around them do not have any protection and cannot maintain their lifestyles. We have no buffers for subdivisions and no transition areas. There is nothing that states that a subdivision cannot be put up against larger lots. We need to put better ordinances in place prior to the three upcoming subdivisions. If we need a moratorium, we need to put in place. Christopherson stated that by saying better ordinances, it does not help him at all. Slendorn stated that she has read the zoning ordinance and it does not provide a buffer between an R-4 subdivision and a four acre lot, we have buffers in other areas, but not subdivisions. There has to be harmony, we cannot maintain our lifestyle and there needs to be buffer - with berms and trees and screens. Something so it is not so overpowering. ) She believes in growth and does not think she should have to move. The Mayor asked if Slendorn would like to see buffers between residential zones. Slendorn stated that it would not be so obtrusive to larger parcels of land. It should be harmony and we need to come together. In response to a request from a member of the audience, the Mayor and Council introduced themselves. Kevan Wheelock, 1481 N. Star Road stated that he is not for having a moratorium. He has disagreed with Council over the development in his back yard before. We need to move forward. The property on the other side of fence is the property on the other side of the fence. He thinks the Council is doing a great job as far as review - keep up the good work. Ken Firmage, 611 Evelyn Place stated that he has lived in the area of impact and now the city. Firmage stated that this is a tough issue. Firmage stated that he is against a moratorium - you are throwing up a red flag and it is not good for anyone. The Council meeting was just bad - he appreciates the Council and believes they are doing a great job. Firmage stated that if you have concerns go talk to the Council and be a part of the City. Stating things occasionally is not participating, he wears many hats and does not have time, but believes economic development is important. Firmage stated that 5,000 is simply is not enough residents, it is only the starting point. Typically businesses look at a ) population of 10,000, especially the businesses that we want to attract. If we put a red 5  flag out they will go to Middleton. Firmage is definitely for a panel to create what we ) want. He is concerned about stopping everything and does not want to hurt anyone's livelihood. He is a developer and it would be taking bread off the table. Scott Robe1is, 1375 N. Star Road, stated that he is not in favor of moratorium or recall of Star's Council or Mayor. The Mayor and Council should be encouraged about the paiiicipation tonight. He is concerned about schools - Meridian School District is being overwhelmed. Schools will focus on the areas with more growth - we need schools - let's not prolong this. The Council has encouraged developers to keep donating land. The Star Mere cannot supp01i the City. Stopping growth is not smart growth. Heidi Skerret, 12464 W. Langtree Gulch Road, Idaho read Idaho Code Statutes regarding the interim moratorium. Other cities have adopted moratoriums, the useful when updating a Comprehensive Plan. The City Council does not supp01i the Comprehensive Plan because Council is not writing proper ordinances. The Council is not following the plan and she is requesting a moratorium. School sites should be reserved in advance. The zoning ordinance controls development densities - Council is doing the opposite - Council is not doing transitional zones - Council is not upholding the comprehensive plan as of this date. She has pages and pages of this - compatible developments are not followed. She believes we are in imminent peril with the higher density subs, they do not have roads and it does not have the traffic; it is difficult to get from any of the streets onto Highway 44 - her life is in imminent peril. She is for rights of the land owner and they do have rights to sell the their prope1iy. Eagle has zoning in place to protect the rural ) integrity in Eagle. We need to take lifestyles into consideration. That is the responsible way to develop. She has been told that we cannot develop like Eagle - a lot of people have been told the same thing. It was stated that Eagle is being subsidized and they do not have the tax base for their community. Skerrit went to Eagle - Eagle is not in the hole. She is in favor of an interim moratorium; we need to get ordinances to support each other. Andrew Sarkany, 24777 Can-Ada Road stated that one thing that he is in supp01i of is a moratorium. He heard recently that Star plans to develop light industry here, he cannot picture it matching. He stated that it does not seem like we are going down the path of doing things right. There does not seem to be protection in the code to make things right. He has not researched it, but heard details from others. Comparisons between Eagle and Star - Eagle is good roll model. He is a civil engineer and Eagle is a pain to deal with but they protect their citizens from the developers going into Eagle. He stated that the Council does not work for developers. If Eagle is doing such a bad job - how did they win the Summeral Award. He likes Eagle, it is a great town, but he wanted to get out fu1iher. Christopherson stated that Sarkany stated that we are not protecting citizens. Christopherson asked for clarification. Sarkany stated that there are several examples, come back to code. Christopherson stated that there is nothing in code to address that issue. Sarkany stated that maybe the code needs to change. Christopherson stated that there is protection of property rights - and asked for his definition of rural. Sarkeny 6  stated that his commute is changing, and more dangerous with more growth it will not ) help - it is scary and it does not seem practical at all. Ray Mickelson, 2519 Weaver Circle, Boise stated that he represents the Peterson Development and asked for a clarification; the publication stated that this is a consideration for moratorium with no action tonight regarding applications submitted in March. He believes the citizens have a misconception about annexation moratoriums and not a development moratorium. Is this the best approach? Mickelson asked the Association of Idaho Cities if any other city in the state has put an annexation moratorium in place, the answer was no. In the public notification manual by the Association of Idaho Cities, it addresses interim ordinances and it is permitted within the jurisdiction not outside. Council may adopt a moratorium on permits that fall within the City limits. The City of McCall adopted an ordinance in its discretion on land use permit classes and we have to accept it. The City does not have to act on annexations out side the City. In the area of impact boundary, that is the jurisdiction of the county and we have done that with the AOI agreement with the County. The Star Comp Plan Amendment shall apply to its jurisdiction. An annexation moratorium would not be a building moratorium. Yorgason stated that if the Council makes a determination to enact a moratorium - everything before the enactment will go though the process as it exists today. Nancy Brus, 11370 Langtree Gulch, stated that she has lived in the Treasure Valley for 15 years and bought property in Star. The reason she is at the meeting is because she is a doctor in family practice on Eagle Road. She would like to beg four people (Council) to see the citizens' best interest. We have dangerous transp01iation issues and we will probably hit the 6,500 residential mark, our roads are over capacity. If we assume three people per home we will have 9,000 people, the roads will be over capacity. Star does not have an immediate care facility. Anyone living here may place their family in danger. Widening the roads has been discussed by COMPASS and converting Highway 16 to freeway will take years. There is a duty to this Council and you should provide services. This is leapfrog development. We need to slow down we are on a fast track. There is no undue button on growth it increases risks for everyone in the community. Brian Dikens, 10784 Box Canyon stated that this is a rare opportunity to thank citizens of Star for the welcome. There are conflicted issues, everyone wants services for community, but it is not acceptable to have 600 kids in the school. At the same time, with the Star Citizens for Smaii Growth you are made to feel that if you are not on this committee you are not a paii. Council if you do not see a lot of people in a room you are doing a good job and if you do there's a problem. What is smaii growth? It is not a couple of things that are happening. Overcrowding is happening in schools. How many people like Mexican food we have two now. By putting a moratorium in place, you are not going survive - a blanket moratorium measure, we do not need it - we need something creative. We are not desperate. He is not for blanket moratorium and it is against some of the growth issues. ) 7  Jeannie Nail, 1011 S. Star Road stated that she does not live in Star. People have said a ') lot of what she believes in - we need to look at schools, we need a high school and middle schools. She came back to Idaho from California where she lived in a small town and saw it grow too fast. Sometimes it takes ten minutes to get off of Otter Lane. She is against high density residential. She hopes we can all be together. She has never seen this many people at a meeting, we need to work with Mayor and City Council to see things get done right. Pam Leverett, 946 S. Main stated that she is not for stopping growth just put it hold on it. She is willing to drive ten miles to a WalMart. Council has suggested the need for more input, we had a meeting about that ranch next to her house and they were ignored; she lives on Main Street. This ranch is being developed to have 682 homes and they will all go through onto her little street to Star Road or State Street. She would like a moratorium so that does not happen to anyone else. Dave Yorgason, 6200 N Meeker Place stated that he has worked for land developers in this town. He was born in Nampa and went to Meridian School District, they developed Middle Creek, that is our business and there is shortage of housing. He cares about all communities. Yorgason stated that he believes Boise had a moratorium in the 1970's, then started growing backwards instead of forward due to the moratorium. Businesses went out of business. If a moratorium is put in place any development can go straight to the County and be developed with no input from Star. Yorgason stated that he believes Bristol Heights, Baldwin Park, Timberland are acceptable communities. Our property is ) surrounded by the City on three sides at the corner of Star Road and Floating Feather, improvements are already there - he does not think moratorium is in our best interest. Meridian is undergoing changes to their ordinances without a moratorium - you can have all kinds of things for your city. Roger Wilburn, 5712 N. High Country stated that he has been away from Idaho for ten years and talked wife into coming back to Idaho. He is not for stopping growth, wife wants stores, but we need a planning and zoning committee to get control back. Does not want Idaho to be a Las Vegas or Arizona. George Nancolas, 12300 New Hope Road, stated that he owns both commercial and residential property and is willing to set his plans back, he wants moratorium. He looks at the Fenix Subdivision with no landscaping, we need to take a step back and keep the rural feel. We need to set up planning and zoning and figure out if the front of a restaurant needs to be looked at, and we need to look down the road. Need to develop into something we are going to be proud of. Craig Jamison, 988 N. Island Park stated that his parents settled here. He does not know how to build anything. It would be nice for Star to take a breath; we need bigger or nicer homes. He lives next to a house that is not to standards of the rest of the homes. He has worked very hard to next to a yard that is not taken care. It has a 2x3 hole in front yard. ) 8  Beatrice Kuanna, 24823 N. Can-Ada Road, stated that she has lived in other places and is ) in favor of development and smart growth, we do not have infrastructure like streets, schools, medical facilities - basic infrastructure. She is in favor of a moratorium. Gary Opper 3130 Can-Ada Road asked why there needs to be a moratorium. Idaho Law says that it is appropriate to do an interim moratorium. The Meridian School District is overwhelmed already - where will all the new kids go to school. We need to come up with plan, we need buffers and we need to keep the rural character. Kristin Battey, 2420 Munger Road, stated that she lives in county and she is in favor of a moratorium. The question is do we have imminent peril to health safety, probably not to safety, it is debatable to health although it is affecting her health. Welfare - yes, it is quality of life and is a huge contributor. She requests putting a moratorium in place just long enough to get things in place. We are talking about a couple of months - all developers will still be here. That is all we are asking. They are not trying to dictate how to develop the land we have zoning laws in place. We only have one chance to build out this town, let's give it our best shot. Dennis Stegenga, 290 S. Star Road stated that he has lived in Star for 29 years, with the last nine dedicated to the City. The Council has a tough job. Stegenga is not here for or against the moratorium, he does not want to see growth stopped. The Comp Plan was written in 1999 and has not changed since. The Comp Plan does not meet the criteria of the map, as it was done in a rush to attain the Area of Impact. Stegenga is very ) encouraged to see these people here. In 1997 we did not want to be Eagle, that is the reason we incorporated, we did not want developers controlling our destinies. Is there enough evidence to warrant a moratorium? We do not have to annex the property and Ada County cannot annex at R-4. We should not annex everything, we should be concerned for what is best for our community and we have some control. Bob Moore, 4241 Cowboy Lane stated that the lives in the county and has been here for 10 years. He disagrees with most of neighbors, but he will forgive them. First, he is not in favor of massive growth, but in favor of smaii growth. These people were not here when it was done. Growth is not a problem of Star only. Different percentages mean different numbers in different communities. Moore quoted statistics. The population will go elsewhere as less land is available the same problems will occur. Star will be surrounded on all sides. The farmers have the right to sell property. As houses are built and we have first time builders, local services can then be provided. He does not believe a moratorium is needed. We need to work together. Daffney Pulver, 1900 Willowglen is in support of a moratorium, but she is not anti growth. She wants to put the breaks on growth until we can provide resources. She would like to see Star retain the rural feel. She came from Colorado, and lived in a master planned community - it was ugly. Amenities were provided, schools, recreation. We she came to town she saw a park with a Johnny on the spot - she does not believe this is a service. We need to provide services. 9  Al Darvin, 2220 Blessinger Lane, stated that he is not against growth, but would like the ) Council and the Mayor to see some of these communities. If you go to a nice planned subdivision, they have turnarounds and you cannot speed. Darvin does not want the developer to design things. We need better developers so that high school kids cannot speed. Council needs to set down with these developers and make the developments into a show case and there are a lot of ways to go about it. Eric Battey, 2420 Munger Road, stated that he concurs with everyone regarding the moratorium. We have conflicting documents, we have a Comp Plan Map that was done hastily to get the AOI and Star could have the ability to control its own destiny. Can we prove imminent peril - unabated annexation of land into the City - the plan is outdated and ambiguous, this is imminent peril, it is out control. We need to control our density. We will not have land left to put a plan too. On May 2, we are annexing 500 acres from Canyon County. The moratorium does not constitute a taking of land. Let the plan be revised before future annexation takes place. Mindy Lin, 11735 W. Streamview Drive stated that there are a lot of concerns by the public and the City needs involvement and committees are great starting point. She is not for blanket moratorium, but we need to slow things down a little bit and focus on existing subdivision. She lives in an R-4 subdivision, she would like to live on five acres, but not everyone can afford that. She appreciates Star and nature. Lin stated that she keeps hearing smart growth, but we need take care of schools and roads. We need to respect exiting land owners and new comers. We need to slow down. She wants Star to grow. ) Violet Blake, 612 N Evelyn Place, stated that she has been here since 1963 and everyone is not her neighbor; when all you come for is "I", "me" and "my". What do you think about all of us that have seen the growth. She stated that all the people coming in with five acres are creating urban sprawl and a moratorium will not help that. Traffic will get worse - schools will be overcrowded, we will not get schools if people do not come we will not be able to develop. Ted Anegui, 9668 W. Pembridge stated that he has been here for two months and is from Seattle, but he was born here. He came to the meeting tonight as he has heard a lot of things. He does not think everyone is here is to protect their five acres. He built his dream house in a subdivision and he wants to be able to get out on Highway 44 without risking his life. He wants to go to other subdivisions without going out on Highway 44. Council has a tremendous job, and he has nothing against developers, but why are we in such a big hurry. Let's take some time so we have quality of life. He talked his wife into coming here and all new neighbors are here tonight and want to make it a better community. Robe1t Johnson, 3230 Shriver Lane stead that he is for the moratorium, we need to slow down and consider imminent peril- we are asking for it. It takes ACHD time to catch up with things. Same thing goes for emergency response. He thinks there is a need for a plan review committee. The toon town should have been reviewed. This is why we need plan review sooner rather than later. 10  Mike Greiner, 11601 New Hope Road stated that he is not a member of the Star Citizens for Smart Growth and is not for a moratorium. Greiner stated that Mr. Hinckley does not speak for everyone. Greiner is on the opposite side of the issue than his friend Milt Klein. The benefits will follow growth - we all earn our living off of growth - growth is how we get new services, schools, parks, etc - they cannot proceed it. If there are issues with those services or those services providers, the Council holds regular meetings. He owns 30 acres, however he expected he would sell or develop it and would be foolish to think otherwise. He does not want anyone preventing him from making decisions regarding his land. Where were citizens when the town was being developed? A moratorium would do a great disservice to those people who want to develop their land. There is a plan in place and items in place to deal with things if they are not right. There is no fire. Greiner invited concerned citizens to annex into the city, vote, or run for city council and then you have a justified voice for standing up here. Mary Taylor, 3410 Haiiley stated that she does not like growth, she does not want WalMart here she just wants to be left alone and everyone to stay away, but that will not happen. Everybody wants to live in America. Her family has lived in this area for many generations. You citizens need to go to ACHD in mass and to the County and State regarding roads. If you do not like the way your subdivision looks get on the homeowners association. She is against a moratorium, but people are coming. She is for smart growth and it will hurt businesses is we put a moratorium on. You can volunteer to spend your time with no pay. She sat through the Eagle meetings you did not-they did ) not protect their citizens. You want to be like Eagle, ask your citizens for permission to build a new City Hall and when you ask twice and are turned down both times, you go behind everyone's back and do it anyway. The Star Mayor and Council do not operate that way. Taylor stated that she had two questions - 1) how many of you are living in the home you were raised in? And 2) how many have lived here less than ten years? Taylor stated that you are the growth and your kids are the ones that contributed to the overcrowding in our schools. The City has some concerns they are working on all things that are fixable. You need to support the Council and contribute. Richard Tinsley, 10459 Achillia stated that he has been to lots of council meetings, there were no crowds - where in the hell were you the rest of time. He thinks the council does a heck of job. We all want the same thing for our town, but let's give the schools a break, and let's give the roads a break. Let's talk about things that we can do that can make things better. Jerry Sitton, 9642 W. Pembridge stated that the paint is hardly dry on his house. He was born in California, it was a paradise when he grew up, it was a citrus growing community. He does not want Star to be a cesspool. Robe1i Saxton, 11801Darwood Comi stated that he is against a moratorium, he likes growth, but also wants to see more schools. He believes putting a stop to everything is bad for everyone. 11  Robe1i Church, 6080 Purple Sage, stated that this is a rural community, he likes to hear ) birds, not traffic. This is his community, his friends and neighbors talked to everyone they all want it to develop smartly. They do not want to stop everything, but let's pause so we can revise the ordinances. Mr. Tinsley asked where were you when this was being put in place -we are here now. We are concerned citizens; we do not want to become an LA. The Mayor closed the public hearing and asked Council to deliberate. Bell stated that the first thing he would like to do is to thank everyone for being here tonight and would like the vast majority to stay involved. He has felt duress and wants unification; he does not want neighbors divided. Bell stated that after listening to everyone we are at important crossroads. We are responsible, but not the only ones. He does not believe that a moratorium is the right move - we have the discretion to not annex. We have discussed that when we put our vision statement together and will not do anything contrary to that. He would not vote for an interim moratorium at this time. We need to slow down in ce1tain areas. We are working with the school district and highway district. We are trying to secure school sites now. McDaniel concurs with Bell, it is great that everyone is here and concerned about where we are going. She believes we need to have growth to get the amenities we want. She wants more resources, needs smart growth to provide those amenities. She cannot find imminent peril to our citizens. She too, is frustrated with Highway 44, but if we do not ) have growth we will not have roads. It will do more damage if we put in place a moratorium. We are not in an emergency state. Christopherson stated that a moratorium is a very difficult decision to make - we want open space - to see farms - he loves it. Unfmtunately or fortunately we live in the land of opp01iunity. We need to be able to grow and we need to plan for growth. The Comp Plan needs to be updated - ruralness is a paii of the Comprehensive Plan - affordable housing, being able to have a place for all to enjoy. Christopherson stated that he could not afford to live in an R-4 now, it was affordable when he bought it. It has not been shown to him that there is imminent peril. What it boils down to is property rights. We made a decision to review the Comp Plan before the Smaii Growth Citizens came along. A moratorium is not good for anyone. There are good comments Erlebach thanked everyone for showing up, we need more of it. We are growing and changing everyday. Everyone cannot afford million dollar houses. Lot of people make fun of toon town, but no one stepped up to the plate to build a 6 million dollar building - it has served a need at a time. Meridian school District is always working behind the curve. Is Star for sale - a percentage of people have bought Star. We need smaii growth - not in favor of a moratorium. Mayor stated that we have heard good testimony and good concerns for roads - ACHD & ITD going through changes. He suggested that everyone come to the transpo1iation ) committee and talk to them. He will establish another committee - school district 12  advisory council which will be made up of people with kids in schools. Your two biggest ) questions or concerns are: does it make sense to have a planning and zoning commission and second, should we form a design review committee. These are legitimate concerns. Not heading towards an official moratorium. People were heard loud and clear. Christopherson moved to deny the request to have a moratorium on annexations in Star, McDaniel seconded this motion. Bell would like to discuss where we would like to go with this - wants to start this conversation. All aye: motion catTied. Adjournment: Christopherson moved to adjourn the meeting, Bell seconded the motion. All aye: motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 11:10 pm. R7rctfully submitted: Approved: .. A L � Ea Nathan Mitchell, Mayor ' ) 13