City Council Regular Meeting

Star City Council Meeting Minutes December 1, 2015 The regular meeting of the Star City Council was held on December 1, 2015 at 7:04 pm at the Star City Hall, 10769 W. State Street, Star, Idaho. Mayor Nathan Mitchell called the meeting to order and all stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll Call: Councilmen Richard Lockett, Tom Erlebach and Chad Bell were present. Councilman David Hershey was absent. Approval of the Agenda: Bell moved to amend the agenda removing the Claims Against the City on the Consent Agenda, adding the Claims Addendum to Old/New Business as B; adding the Janitorial Agreement as C and the Church request for usage agreement, Richard seconded the motion. Legal Counsel stated that it should be noted that the Agenda was amended as these items came after Council packets were sent out. All ayes: motion carried. Consent Agenda: Bell moved to approve the Consent Agenda consisting of the Regular Meeting Minutes of November 17, 2015, Erlebach seconded the motion. All ayes: motion carried. Presentations/Public Input: Terri Christoffersen, 11002 W. Vega Lane, Star, Idaho stated she was here to say thank you for all your help with everything that she has been involved in, especially the trunk or treat; Bell and Erlebach were so much help, thank you. This Council has done an amazing job. Christoffersen was at the last Council meeting, and would like to see more information on what happens at the meetings everyone is attending, not just that they attended the meeting. She was disappointed that it went on the record that a Councilman went to sleep at a meeting they were attending or at a class. Christoffersen thanked the Mayor and Council. Tammy Sullivan-Watson, 4958 High Prairie, Star, Idaho stated she was the Chamber President and wanted to thank Council and Mayor. Erlebach was a huge help with everything; Lockett and Erlebach have been at their meetings. She congratulated the new Council and Mayor. She invited all to come join in for the Christmas Bazaar. Old/New Business: Public Hearing for the Star Middle School Conditional Use Permit: The Mayor reviewed the procedures for public hearings. The Mayor asked Council if they had any ex parte or conflicts of interest. Bell stated that he did receive a call from Sam Rosti and he is concerned about moving his farm equipment up and down Pollard. Rosti is not against the school but concerned about safety and moving his farm equipment. Applicant - Scott Henson, LCA Architects, 1221 Shoreline Lane, Boise, Idaho, stated that he doesn’t have a presentation to give, but the Mayor will show pictures. The Mayor showed the layout of the Middle School property. Henson thanked staff and does not have any problems with anything in the staff report. There were a couple items in the Engineer’s Report that he has not had an opportunity to 1 address; one being a discrepancy in the bearings and legal description, he believes it is a typo. The southern boundary does not meet. Henson would like to add that as a condition to be fixed. There are no improvements along Pollard. There was a traffic study submitted to Ada County Highway District on October 15. They have been working with them through the summer to meet their desires. On the Engineers Report, item nine is discussion regarding Pollard Lane. The Mayor stated that there is an Army Corp drain along the east side of Pollard along with a narrow roadway. There will be two more buildings north of the Middle School and across Pollard. Henson stated that there are no near future plans to build these other schools. Ada County Highway District feels we should wait for further development of the schools prior to improving Pollard Lane. Ada County Highway District does not believe it is in anyone’s best interest to widen the road. They think the centerline could move to the west. The ditch is part of the floodway. They don’t want turn lanes or pedestrian paths. Henson stated that the Middle School building is two story, it is the same design as Victory Middle School that is near the waterpark and similar to two of the Eagle Middle schools. It is away from the street with a long driveway, with segregated drive lanes that are landscaped. Travel will come in for parents to drop off kids in front of the school and rear drop off for busses. There are 300 parking spaces in front of the school. Field activities are to the south, including football field, softball fields and a track. There won’t be lights on the fields. The only lights will be on the building and parking lot lights. Erlebach asked why the tennis courts were moved. The plan Erlebach is looking at is an earlier rendition. Erlebach asked if ACHD has the right-of-way into the ditch. Henson believes the entire ditch is in their right-of-way. The Mayor stated the ditch is a natural drain from Big Gulch, no one claims ownership of it so it belongs to the US Government. If it were owned by local companies it could be tiled, but the permitting process to the US Government would start in Washington and go from there; it could take a long time. Erlebach stated the golf course brought in white sand and it ended up about a half mile from the golf course because of the water. Bell stated he just received the traffic report and we have not received an ACHD report. His gravest concern is the road. He is concerned about dumping that kind of volume of traffic on an unimproved road. Henson stated that the traffic study says the road is ample today, and everyone will be bussed. Bell stated that he is concerned with only one ingress, he’s seen a number of people in the ditch. It is a huge concern to put 1,100 kids on that road. Engineers can say its fine, but he knows common sense wise it is not fine. Bell needs to hear from ACHD and the School District what they are going to do to make this safe for kids. He sees no improvements planned for Pollard. Henson stated that he has had three face-to-face meetings with ACHD and they have looked at alternatives. They even came up with options. They could put in turn lanes, require widening the road, and looked at putting in a sidewalk; but both traffic engineer reports and ACHD staff felt neither would improve safety. The Mayor wanted to know why they would propose options to them if they didn’t think they were a good idea. Henson stated that he believes they should reduce speed through that area and have flashing lights. The Mayor stated that ACHD has had this for a while and it is not LCA’s fault, but he thinks we need to hear from ACHD. He wants Henson to understand the Council and Mayor’s concerns regarding safety, he drives back and forth in front of the school and the traffic impacts you. The Mayor stated the other schools Henson mentioned have road improvements. They don’t have unimproved roads with a major ditch, they have turn lanes. The Mayor echoes Bell’s concerns. The Mayor stated that you can’t drive down the road at the Elementary School for a half hour due to traffic and we have hawk lights and everything else there. The Mayor asked Henson why you would suggest improvements if you didn’t think they were needed. Henson stated they had alternatives in case ACHD had a problem with the road. The problem is if you do something little – you need to do it all. You 2 would need to widen all of Pollard, not just a part of it to solve the problem. In order to not affect the traffic, you would need a four lane road and that is not in the cards or at least two lanes with a turn lane. It is a problem when school lets out. The Mayor asked what the cost is. Henson stated there are no improvements because the highway district doesn’t require them. The Mayor stated the school will be backed up for miles down the road, because every kid is being dropped off by their parents and then you add an elementary and a high school and you have a whole lot going on. The Mayor stated that this isn’t even a third of the property the school district owns. If the school sells the property on the east we won’t get a fix. We need to widen the road now on the east where we have room. If we don’t we will box ourselves in if we don’t solve the traffic problems right up front. Erlebach asked if the school district owns property all the way to Beacon Light. Henson stated that no they don’t. Erlebach asked if that was an option. The Mayor stated we can’t make them purchase land. The Mayor said the school has more land. The Mayor asked if the school district has made plans; what is the bigger picture. Henson stated there is only a conceptual plan, for planning only. We want to be efficient with the land. The Mayor asked if it is unreasonable to ask for that copy. Henson stated that it would because it is so far in the future. The Mayor doesn’t want anything in stone, but it would open a lot of options. Bell doesn’t want it to become a problem. He is on the same page as the Mayor. We want a Middle School. Bell needs to have some answers to the traffic safety and what is going to happen with Pollard and he knows the school doesn’t have the answer. Bell won’t vote on this tonight without answers, not Henson’s fault, but we need to get those answers. Bell has no problem with the design and facilities, but he won’t put 1,100 kids in danger, there are hazards that need to be taken care of before we can do that. The Mayor stated that Henson has prepared and given us all the information required. We look at specific challenges and existing conditions on Pollard and we need more information. He has been involved in finding the sites for schools and we’ve had no conversations about the safety. He has been told that the next high school will be in Star. The Mayor won’t drive by the Eagle High School due to traffic. Henson would like to have the council decide how we can expedite the approval. If the ACHD report and the traffic study is what is proposed then will the Council have a decision or will you go above and beyond the conditions. The Mayor stated that ACHD can build on other people’s property. The Mayor stated that we have made the schools a conditionally permitted use so we have a bigger hammer. ACHD will decide who they want to talk to. We can require improvements. Yorgason stated the challenge is we don’t have the authority to require the highway district to make improvements; we can require on- site requirements. Once you get off-site, you have to work with land owners and the Army Corp and the ease of dealing with them – it becomes a puzzle. The City certainly has the right to condition and argue with applicant if they are reasonable or go back to the highway district. Henson stated that this may not be the best forum for this, but maybe a work session might help Council understand. Henson doesn’t know if that’s possible, but might be beneficial to work with ACHD. Erlebach asked if Henson has talked to the neighbors, maybe put jersey barriers on the east side of the road and move the road to the west. Henson did not talk to the neighbors about doing that. Erlebach asked if the safety issue takes eight million dollars is the school willing to pay for part of it. Henson stated that this is the last of the projects and they have a set amount of money. If the project goes over 3 it may get postponed or even cancelled. Henson stated that they did not know the cost of the sewer and water would be as high as it was. The Mayor stated that refocusing - aside from the traffic conversation, we need to expedite as quickly as possible with ACHD. Bell asked about emergency evacuation, what are you planning, where is the alternative route. Henson stated they have a four lane entrance as used in other schools. Bell stated that if a bus is overturned on Pollard you won’t get the kids out. Henson stated the odds aren’t good that it will happen at the entrance, he said the road will be closed. The Mayor stated we can discuss this with the highway district. The Mayor stated that with the conditional use permit he wants to narrow the problems down to just one item so there aren’t several. Lockett asked if there will there be a sidewalk on both sides of the entry road. Henson stated there would be and they will tie in on Pollard. Bell asked about connectivity for pedestrians on the other property around the school, have they thought about connectivity. Henson stated they are only looking at this middle school, so there isn’t a reason for connectivity for pedestrians. Erlebach asked if you are going to prohibit cars from stopping to let kids out in the middle of the drive way. Henson stated they would not encourage that and will work with ACHD to dissuade this. Staff – Ward stated that two more letters were received after packets went out – one from Flood District #10 and one from Dept. of Environmental Quality; both are okay with the application. Public Input – Stu Welton, 9500 Broken Arrow, Star, Idaho, stated he is for the school but is concerned with Pollard Lane and that danger zone with the ditch. There are wash out spots within two feet of the white lines of the road; he doesn’t know where a bicyclist would go if he had to get over. He is concerned that when they put in the utilities and figure out they have to widen the road they will have to tear out the entire thing. Ron Shreiner, 1995 Pollard Lane, Star, Idaho, asked if Council anticipates a portion of the application coming back before Council to allow the public to speak. The Mayor stated that if they continue the public hearing tonight, public will be allowed to speak at a later date. Terry Christoffersen, 11002 W. Vega Lane, Star, Idaho, stated she has listened to a lot of concerns about people getting onto Highway 16 and Beacon Light. The Mayor stated that the master plan showed signalization at Floating Feather and at Beacon Light. Applicant – Henson stated he would certainly respect Council’s decision on the road and he would like to be part of the discussion with ACHD and hear all points of view. Regarding the utility lines, they are at a very deep depth and regardless to development, it won’t impact sewer and water. Bell stated they will be digging up Pollard to put in the utilities. Henson stated they want to start construction in April. The Mayor stated that the highway district is close to an opinion and we could meet in two weeks to deliberate. The Mayor asked legal counsel if the Council could meet with the highway district regarding 4 the application. Yorgason stated they could and would need a summary of the workshop to the extent of working out details. The Mayor stated that the application could be continued to December 15; Council should have enough information to make a decision. Erlebach asked about bleachers for the activities. Henson stated that the bleachers area could be between the proposed future trailers and the football field. Erlebach suggested maybe flipping the track. Bell moved to continue the Middle School Conditional Use Permit application to December 15, Lockett seconded the motion. All aye: motion carried. Claims Against the City Addendum – The Mayor stated that the total bills for the month are $170,203. Bell moved to approve the bills with the addendum, Lockett seconded the motion. All ayes: motion carried. Janitorial Service Agreement - The Mayor stated that Maid Brigade has merged with Western Building Maintenance and the current agreement is expiring, this would expire 2016 and could be for successive periods. Bells moved to approve the contract with Western Building Maintenance, Erlebach seconded the motion. Yorgason stated that the last sentence on #9 needs to be deleted. Bell amended his motion to delete the last sentence on #9, Erlebach amended his second. All ayes: motion carried. LifeSprings Church donation request - The Mayor stated that we used the church for a meeting and we will have a meeting there on December 15. The church has asked us to fill out the agreement with fees associated with the usage. Larry Osborne, LifeSprings Church Representative, stated that it is whatever you want to donate; it doesn’t have to be the $200 per hour, the costs come out to $200 per month. The church is not charging, it will be a donation. Bell doesn’t mind paying for the use of the facility, the City charges and he’s not arguing how they came up with their numbers. Bell thinks $100-150 are good numbers, but he doesn’t see agreeing to $200 an hour. He would like to see a set fee for an evening. Lockett suggested $200 per night. Erlebach suggested coming up with a minimum and asked if our attorney has reviewed the agreement. Yorgason doesn’t have a problem with the agreement, it’s a donation, guidelines are typical and nothing in the checklist that concerns him. Erlebach stated that this is a financial contribution and it would be nice if the city participated. Lockett moved to give the church $200.00 every time we use it, Elrebach seconded the motion. All ayes: motion carried. Reports: Staff – No reports were given. 5 Council – Erlebach thanked the Lions for the putting Christmas decorations and flags on Veterans days up. He would like to thank Theresa Tinsley for help in getting the lights up. We will get them working. Erlebach will be meeting with a State Forester to figure out why the trees south of Heron River are dead and they will find out why the other trees are dying. Erlebach did a ride-along with Officer Cluff. Cluff did a good job and suggested everyone go. The engineer is putting the bid document together for the Skate Park. We need to add a grease trap. Bell attended the Seniors Potato feed. Potatoes and pies were good. Theresa Tinsley asked if we ever got the $15,000 back from the Hockey Rink. The Mayor stated that we did not, they are still in active discussion now. Adjournment: Bell moved to adjourn the meeting, Lockett seconded the motion. All ayes: motion carried. The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 pm. Approved: ___________________________ Respectfully submitted: Nathan Mitchell, Mayor _______________________ Cathy Ward, City Clerk 6