City Council Regular Meeting

Star City Council Meeting Minutes November 18, 2008 A regular meeting of the Star City Council was held on November 18, 2008 at Star City Hall at 7:00 pm. Mayor Nathan Mitchell called the meeting to order and all stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call: Council persons Tammy McDaniel, Dustin Christopherson, Tom Erlebach, and Chad Bell were all present. Approval of Agenda: Christopherson moved to approve the agenda, Erlebach seconded the motion. All ayes: motion carried. Consent Agenda: Bell moved to approve the Consent Agenda, McDaniel seconded the motion. The Consent Agenda consisted of: Approval of October 21, 2008 Regular Meeting Minutes, Claims Against the City for October 2008, Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law for the Comprehensive Map Amendment, and Fiore Springs Subdivision Time Extension Request. All ayes: motion carried. Public Input Presentations: Meridian School District Presentation: Anne Ritter, a trustee with the Meridian School District, announced the District had purchased 116.5 acres in Star for future schools. The property is located on Pollard Lane between Floating Feather and Beacon Light. She thanked the Star School Advisory Committee for working with them. She noted the land will continue to be farmed until it is built on. The District paid $4,200.00 an acre for the ground and paid with proceeds from the last bond. Bruce Gestrin passed out a map of the new school site. He stated they had always envisioned for Star an education campus which will have an elementary, middle school, and high school. This campus will have a strong technical component as well as a strong educational component. They are looking at the possibility of partnering with a college. One of the nice things about this site is that vehicles can go north or south and not have to exit onto a major highway. As infrastructure is an important consideration, it is a plus that water and sewer services are already close. Chris Stokes, Star School Advisory Committee Chairman, thanked Chad Bell for his support and leadership and presented him with a certificate of appreciation. Mayor Mitchell thanked the Advisory Committee for the work they had done and the school district for their efforts in the purchase of this land. Tech Corridor Presentation: Teri Bath, with the Eagle Chamber of Commerce, opened the presentation with comments on how the Eagle/Star Technology Corridor (ESTech) initiative came about. The cities of Eagle and Star and both City’s Chambers are the 1 of 6 main forces behind the concept. She explained they are encouraging technology business to come to the valley. Gary Smith, Chairman for Star Economic Development Committee, discussed some of the objectives of the tech corridor, which is to bring high tech to the valley and the Eagle/Star area. The focus area is west to CanAda Road, north to the Gem line, east to Highway 55 and south to Highway 20/26. Research and development people like what this area has to offer and there is a wealth of experience in this area to draw from, such as retired executive. This corridor fits the profiles the Idaho Department of Commerce has created. Bath stated they are asking both City Council’s to consider adopting a resolution supporting this endeavor. Christopherson asked about how they were funded and was ESTech associated with BVEP. Smith noted BVEP is aware of ESTech but they are functioning independently. He stated they currently do not have any funds, but there will be a need for funds in the future. They do have a website set up and are working on creating a logo, doing publicity and putting together a rapid response packet. Terry Malarkey asked why Star’s Canyon County was not included in the corridor area. Smith stated the corridor could be expanded when opportunity presented itself. Malarkey stated tech company’s look at infrastructure and nothing has been mentioned. Smith stated they are currently focusing on research technology businesses, which generally require fewer infrastructures. Mayor Mitchell explained they have a committee that is looking for answers to this for in the future. The Mayor thanked them for their time in presenting this information. Public Input: Larry Knapp, 24090 Blessinger, Star, stated his background was in real estate consulting and development, so he was aware of what is happening with development. He explained he has an equine center with six arenas. Knapp stated he was here to offer some support to Star for some equine events. He is looking to expose kids to horses with play days, doing something during Star Mule Days, and offering equine specialty events. He informed the Council he was open to having conversations with them to pursue starting something. Old Business: Roseland Park – Fence Discussion: Mayor Mitchell announced that in regards to the Roseland Park fence discussion and Roseland Subdivision development agreement public hearing, the applicants were unable to attend this meeting and asked that both items be table to the first meeting in January. Erlebach moved to table the Roseland Park fence discussion to the January 6, 2009 Council Meeting, McDaniel seconded the motion. All ayes: motion carried. 2 of 6 Public Hearings: Development Agreement – Roseland Subdivision: Mayor Mitchell declared the public hearing for the development agreement for Roseland Subdivision open and explained the applicant was not present and had asked to have the hearing tabled. McDaniel moved to table the Roseland Subdivision development agreement public hearing to January 6, 2009, Christopherson seconded the motion. All Ayes: motion carried. Conditional Use Permit – Star Scholars Day Care: Mayor Mitchell reviewed the procedures for public hearings. The Mayor declared the public hearing for File CU 09-01 for Star Scholars Day Care Conditional Use Permit open, and asked the Council if they had any conflicts of interest or ex parte contact, hearing none the Mayor asked the applicant to speak. Applicant – Cristine and Shawn Snow, 379 N. Procyon Place, Star, stated they are the owners of an in-home preschool. Cristine Snow explained the application is to allow them to continue serving up to 12 children in the group daycare; although they usually have only eight. Snow explained her background in child care. She noted they provide van service to and from the elementary school; she participates in the State’s food program; charges fair rates; and treats the children as members of her family. They have not changed the appearance of their home to distract from or draw attention to their daycare, and their driveway is used to load and unload the children. Snow shared pictures of the childcare facility in her home and of the fenced backyard with play equipment. Shawn Snow thanked the people in the audience for coming to support them and asked they be granted the conditional use. Bell asked if the reason they were in this situation was because they have up to 12 children. Mayor Mitchell explained there actually were two issues. Home Occupation approval is allowed for up to six children and having over six requires a Conditional Use Permit. Christopherson noted they held a Neighborhood Meeting and asked them to explain how it went. Christine Snow explained they held the neighborhood meeting in their home and several people attended expressing support. Erlebach asked if she had any employee help. Snow stated she had none, although Shawn occasionally helped out. She only takes children two years old and up, and because of this, by state guidelines, can have up to 12 children. Erlebach questioned what happens with the other children while she transported some of the children to and from school. Snow stated she takes all the children with her in their 13 passenger van. 3 of 6 Christopher asked if there were any signs in front of the house. Snow stated there were none; the only sign they had was on the van. Shawn Snow noted they have talked with their homeowners association and they were fine with that. Staff had no additional comments. Mayor Mitchell asked for public input. Bruce Boyd, 402 N. Tresa Way, Star, stated both he and his wife were educators. He stated their youngest is in this daycare environment and they feel Snow is incredible. They were here to support this application and what the Snow’s do. Carol Ward, 2090 Sunny Lane, Star, stated she is the guardian of her grandson, who attends this daycare. She felt it was a blessing to have him in this daycare; one that shares their values and is not on a main road. When she drops him off she has never seen more than one other car, and felt there were no big traffic concerns. Ward stated she felt this daycare met a need in the community. Daycare needs will grow as the community grows. Konya Weber, 10118 W. Deep Canyon Drive, Star, stated she is in support of this daycare and confident in Snow’s ability. Her son was well prepared for kindergarten after being in this daycare. Martha States, 693 N. Celeste, Star, stated she is in support of this daycare and feels Snow is awesome. Jennifer Pfefferle, 324 N. Procyon Place, Star, stated she is a neighbor and that cars are minimal. She felt the Snow’s are great and is in support of the daycare. Rebuttal – There was no rebuttal testimony given. Mayor Mitchell declared the public hearing closed and moved to deliberations. Christopherson stated he always considers what impact there might be on a neighbor and this application appears to have minimal impact. He noted he was impressed with them going through the process to comply and was for approving this conditional use. McDaniel stated she was in agreement with Christopherson’s comments and was also in favor of approving this application so they could continue providing services. Christopherson moved to approve File CU 09-01 Conditional Use for Star Scholars Day Care with the three recommended conditions of approval, Bell seconded the motion. All ayes: motion carried. Ordinances & Resolutions: 4 of 6 Resolution No. 2008-14 Comprehensive Map Amendment: Mayor Mitchell explained this resolution was to remove some parcels out of the City’s Area of Impact. McDaniel moved to adopt Resolution No. 2008-14, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Star, Idaho, approving and adopting, pursuant to Section 67-6509, Idaho Code, an amended Comprehensive Plan Land Use Designation Map for the City of Star; and providing an effective date, Christopherson seconded the motion. All ayes: motion carried. Resolution No. 2008-15 Impact Fee Study: Christopherson moved to adopt Resolution No. 2008-15, a Resolution of the City of Star, Ada and Canyon Counties, Idaho, approving the Intergovernmental and Joint Exercise Agreement between the Canyon Highway District No. 4, the Star Joint Fire Protection District and the City of Star, for a development impact fee study provided by Galena Consulting; authorizing the Mayor to execute such approval on behalf of the city; and providing an effective date, Bell seconded the motion. All ayes: motion carried. Ordinance No. 193 Amended Area of Impact: Mayor Mitchell explained this ordinance coincides with Resolution No. 2008-14 and actually changes the boundary line on the map. McDaniel moved that pursuant to Idaho Code, Section 50-902 the rule requiring an Ordinance to be read on three different days, with one reading to be in full, be dispensed with and that Ordinance No. 193 be considered after reading once by title only, Christopherson seconded the motion. Roll Call: McDaniel, Christopherson, Erlebach, Bell – all ayes: motion carried. Bell moved to approve Ordinance No. 193, an Ordinance amending Ordinance No. 122 of the City of Star, Idaho, adopting, pursuant to Section 67-6526, Idaho Code, an amended map identifying the Star Area of City Impact within the unincorporated area of Ada County, Idaho; and providing an effective date, Erlebach seconded the motion. Roll Call: McDaniel, Christopherson, Erlebach, Bell – all ayes: motion carried. Reports: Council – Erlebach noted the Star Parks and Rec held its first skateboard contest and it was a success with 20 participants. Bell stated he will be attending a Valley Regional Transit Meeting tomorrow. Mayor – Mayor Mitchell noted Valley Regional Transit is asking for an additional $92.00 from the City to add another bus to the route through Star. He assured them the City would be willing to allocate the additional amount to them. He informed the Council the City is actively pursuing 80 acres of BLM ground to be dedicated to the City. He has made application to ITD to change the speed limit on State Street. The Mayor noted transportation funding will be a big issue this legislative session and voters did pass the increase in vehicle registration fees. In regards to code enforcement issues, small claims 5 of 6 court has set a date of late January; Saddlebrook weeds have been mowed; and part of Orion weeds got mowed. He noted the City may need to put some irrigation ditch back in at Orion so it can be farmed to avoid the weed issue next year. The Mayor stated they are still pursuing hiring a new attorney for the City and have several applicants of interest. Terry Malarkey stated he recently had four tons of hay stolen from his barn and would like to see at least one police patrol a day out in his area on Blessinger. The Mayor stated he would check on this. Adjournment: Bell moved to adjourn the meeting, Christopherson seconded the motion. The meeting adjourned at 8:25 pm. Approved: Respectfully submitted: ________________________ Nathan Mitchell, Mayor __________________________ Kathleen Hutton, Deputy Clerk 6 of 6