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Council Minutes 9/12/2006 (152) I I I 127 , " , June 16, 1994 & July 7,1994 To avo1d wa~t1ng t1me between hearings, Attorney Anderson advised to schedule all of the hear1ngs ,at the same ~ime like a court docket, and then work through them one by one as qU1c~ly as poss1ble. The Council briefly discussed the cases needing to be heard, and 1t was agreed to advertise them for 7:30 P.M. A new computer has been purchased for the City Office. Claims were approved. Councilman Maeser moved to adjourn the meeting, and the motion was seconded by Councilman Hall. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 P. M. ~y ATTEST ~~e,~J CITY CLERK t/ CITY OF AMMON July 7, 1994 Minutes of the Public Hearings and Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council: The meeting was called to order at 7: 30 P.M. by Mayor C. Bruce Ard at the City Building, 3270 Molen Street, Ammon, Idaho, with the following City Officials present: Mayor C. Bruce Ard Councilman Harvey Crandall Councilman Ira K. Hall Councilman Steven J. Loveland Councilman Greg J. Maeser City Clerk Aleen C. Jensen Attorney W. Joe Anderson Engineer David E. Benton Public Works Director David Fire Chief Cal Smith Fire Marshal Robert Farrow Wadsworth Others Present: G. L. and Marcia Snowden, 805 Match Point Drive, Ammon Kathryn Dansie, 575 Match Point Drive, Ammon Rex and Alice Shurtliff, 3375 Brookfield Lane, Ammon Dewain and Zola Silvester, 3570 Brookfield Lane, Ammon Richard Eldridge, 2330 Cabellaro Drive, Ammon Robert B. and Myrene Nixon, Pheasant Estates Developers Kevin Croft, 3490 San Carlos, Ammon Darwin Murri, 2130 South Ammon Road, Ammon Chris and Judy Hebertson, 3610 Brookfield Lane, Ammon David Peck, 1544 Falcon Drive, Ammon Richard P. and Linda Durante, 1522 Falcon Drive, Ammon John Sheppard, 3565 Georgia Lane, Ammon Joy Jenkins, 3560 Georgia Lane, Ammon Kevin E. Hungate, 1085 Orlin Drive, Idaho Falls Dennis R. Winebarger, 815 Tennis Court Drive, Anmon Mark and Eileen Nefzger, 3545 Georgia Lane, Ammon Spencer L. McDowell, 1456 Falcon Drive, Ammon Ron Hjelm, 2395 Cabellaro Drive, Ammon Glen Anderson of Anderson Lumber, 4700 Harrison Blvd., Ogden, Utah Mike Marlott, Manager Anderson Lumber, 288 Plantation, Idaho Falls Vondell Erickson, Anderson Lumber, 3291 East 100 North, Rigby Sonna Lynn Lewis, Deputy Director BMPO James Rushton, 2390 Ross Avenue, Ammon Debbie Smith, 1960 Curlew Drive, Ammon Theone Smith, 2150 South Ammon Road, Ammon Michael Armstrong, Custom Construction The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was directed by Councilman Hall, and the invocation was offered by Councilman Crandall. At the request of the City Council, Sonna Lynn Lewis, Deputy Director of Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization (BMPO) did a speed study on Ammon Road to determine the appropriate speed. Ms. Lewis reported on the results of the study. An analysis was completed using the 85th percentile and the pace. The 85th percentile speed is the speed at or below which 85% of the traffic is moving. The pace is the 10 mph range of speeds containing the largest number of observations. After the review, BMPO found that the average speed by pace was 35 mph whereas the 85th percentile was 40 mph. It was found the correct speed limit to be set for Ammon Road is 40 mph. The study recommended the speed limit remain at 35 mph or it could be increased to 40 mph with proper posting. Councilman Maeser moved to make the BMPO Speed Study for Ammon Road part of the minutes. The motion was seconded by Councilman Crandall. Roll call vote: Maeser - Yes; Crandall - Yes; 128 July 7, 1994 Hall - Yes; Loveland - Yes. The motion carried unanimously. The complete Speed Study report is attached to these minutes. Mayor Ard opened the Public Hearing of the City Council acting as the Board of Adjustments to consider the request of Richard Eldridge, 2330 Cabellaro Drive for a variance to allow an accessory building to be built with less than twenty-five (25) feet of backyard in an RPA zone. Richard Eldridge was sworn in by Mayor Ard to present testimony. Proper notice of the hearing was made. The Planning and Zoning Commission considered the request at their meeting on June 7, 1994, and they recommended that the request be denied because it does not meet the requirements for granting a variance outlined in City Code 11-7-8. The only adjacent property owner present at this hearing was Ron Hjelm, 2395 Cabellaro Drive, and he did not comment. Mr. Eldridge explained what he wants to do and what the problem is. He I desires to build a 16' X 20' storage shed on the west end of his backyard. It will be in quality and matching his house. However, he cannot place it where he wants to and maintain a twenty-five (25) foot backyard because there is an eight (8) foot easement along the west side of his property. He could place the building on the north side of his property and observe the requirements of the RPA zone. He does not want to place it on the north side because it would be in full view of Cabellaro Drive and would set in the middle of his backyard. He reasoned there are other large buildings and numerous rundown sheds in the neighborhood. The Council was invited to inspect Eldridge's lot and to observe the surrounding properties. The issue was discussed, and the Council determined the lot is large enough to meet RPA requirements. Councilman Hall recommended that action on the request be deferred until an on site inspection is made. The Council agreed to defer action. Mayor Ard closed the Public Hearing on Richard Eldridge's request for a variance. Mayor Ard opened the Public Hearing of the City Council acting as the Board of Adjustments to consider the request for amendment to Pheasant Estates Dwelling Group (Planned/PUD). All interested parties were sworn in by Mayor Ard to present testimony. Proper notice of the hearing was given. The Planning and Zoning Commission considered the request at their meeting on June 7, 1994, and they recommended approval of the amendment subject to presentation of a detailed plot plan. Engineer David E. Benton declared conflict of interest, and he stated he was representing private individuals and his presentation has nothing to do with his position as engineer for the City of Ammon. Robert Nixon and others own what is known as Phase III of the development of I Pheasant Estates. Two plans were presented, and the Council was oriented to the plans. The one plan was presented to the Planning and Zoning Commission and was used to advertise for the Public Hearing. The second plan has revisions following input from the present Pheasant Estates Homeowners Association Board. Originally Pheasant Estates was developed with two-story condominiums but development was discontinued due to financing difficulties. The property owners now propose to continue development with town houses. In the PUD there will be two separate groups, but the proposed amendment still has some of the features of a condo project inasmuch as there will have to be continuation of some of the streets and the utilities. Also, a PUD requires four acres of land. Mr. Nixon met with the Association Board, and they considered placement of units, changes in parking area, designation of ownership, maintenance, and other details. There are more details to be worked out before presentation to the Homeowners' Association for vote. The City Council will probably need to grant a conditional use permit because the development does not meet all the requirements of the PUD concept. David Peck, condo owner and attorney, spoke for the present Pheasant Estate Homeowners. He stated the Board and the developers reached a good compromise subj ect to approval of the association members. Essentially there will be two homeowners groups, and they will work together on details particularly on property ownership. Each group will maintain lights, and a snow plowing agreement will be worked out since the Association has been responsible for this service. The I dividing line between the two groups was explained. The two existing curb cuts from Falcon Drive were pointed out, and the new development will probably require an additional curb cut. Traffic circulation was discussed. The common areas and the roads will remain in private ownership, and they will not be maintained by the City. Richard Durante, Association President, stated they plan to fence off the play areas because of liability reasons. Also, it is hoped the homeowners and developers can work out all the details to be written into the condominium declaration so buyers will know up front what they are getting into. Councilman Hall asked Kathryn Dansie, a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, if there is a problem with the revised plan. She stated that she did not see a problem, but the final plan should be reviewed by the Commission since their approval was based on the preliminary plan. The Council discussed what action is appropriate since a more detailed plan will be required before a building permit will be issued. Attorney Anderson recommended a special or conditional use I I I 129 July 7, 1994 permit be granted to continue the Pheasant Estates PUD and to accept the townhouse type of structure which differs from the original plan. Interested parties attending the hearing were Robert B. and Myrene Nixon, David Peck, Richard P. and Linda Durante, Spencer L. McDowell, and David E. Benton. Mayor Ard closed the Public Hearing on the request to amend the Pheasant Estates PUD. Councilman Maeser moved to grant a Conditional Use Permit for continuation of the Pheasant Estates Dwelling Group (Planned) as presented tonight contingent upon completion of an agreement with the Homeowners' Association and upon satisfaction of the Planning and Zoning Commission requirements prior to issuance of a building permit. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hall. Roll call vote: Maeser- Yes; Hall - Yes; Loveland - Yes; Crandall - Yes. The motion carried unanimously. Mayor Ard opened the Public Hearing to consider the request of G. L. and Marcia Snowden to vacate a portion of the Tie Breaker Village Division No. 2 plat. The interested parties were sworn in to give testimony. Engineer Benton explained that Snowdens own a house at 805 Match Point Drive, and they have purchased the undeveloped property south of them which is part of the recorded plat for Tie Breaker Village Division No.2. They have requested vacation of Lots 2, 3, 4, and 5 in Block 5 and Lots 14 and 15 in Block 4, Tie Breaker Village Division No.2. Also, it is requested that Match Point Drive be vacated south of Division No. 1 and Wimbledon Drive which extends west off Match Point Drive to Division No. 6 be vacated. Kathryn Dansie explained that Wimbledon Drive backs into the backyard of lots fronting on Tennis Court Drive and does not go anywhere. When the developers platted Division No.6, it included a replat of a portion of Division No.2, eliminated some of Wimbledon Drive, redirected Tennis Court Drive, and designated the area the Snowden's request considered for vacating to be proposed for replat. To be retained is an easement sufficient in width for the maintenance of the sewer line located in Match Point Drive and Wimbledon Drive used by Iona Bonneville Sewer District. Dennis R. Winebarger, 815 Tennis Court Drive, stated he is in agreement with the proposed vacation. Notice of Hearing was published in the Post Register, and property owners within three hundred (300) feet received notices by certified mail. Interested parties present for the Public Hearing were G. L. and Marcia Snowden, Kathryn Dansie, and Dennis R. Winebarger. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval. Mayor Ard closed the Public Hearing and called for a motion. Councilman Crandall moved to vacate the streets and lots platted in Tie Breaker Village Division No. 2 as described in the Public Hearing subject to retention of an easement for the sewer. The motion was seconded by Councilman Maeser. Roll call vote: Crandall - Yes; Maeser - Yes; Hall - Yes; Loveland - Yes. The motion carried unanimously. The property is still annexed to the City of Ammon, but will require platting if the owner decides to build on it. Mayor Ard opened the Public Hearing to consider the request of John Sheppard for rezone from R-l to R-2 of Lot 1, less the south 160 feet, Block 1, Pony Acres Addition Division No.1. Notice of Hearing was published in the Post Register, and the property owners within three hundred (300) feet were notified by mail. All interested parties were sworn in to give testimony. The Planning and Zoning Commission considered the request at a Public Hearing on March 1, 1994, but they recommended the request be denied because of the proximity to property zoned more restrictively and such a rezone would represent spot zoning. John Sheppard explained his request. When the Ammon Road reconstruction proj ect was in progress, Mr. Sheppard installed a water line, a sewer line, and a gas line so he could sell or develop his property. However, he has not had much interest in development with single family dwellings. So he has looked to some other use and requested an R-2 zone. Since the Planning and Zoning Commission considered the request to be spot zoning, it was suggested Mr. Sheppard contact other property owners along Ammon Road to involve them in the rezone. Other property owners did not express objection, but they have not been interested in a rezone of their property. There is one exception. The City has received a request from Rex Shurtliff, owner of property farther north along Ammon Road, to have some of his property rezoned to R-2. Councilman Crandall suggested the City Council give thought to how much and how deep they want to consider an R-2 zone along Ammon Road. Joy Jenkins, 3560 Georgia Lane, asked for a definition of the R-2 zone. She expressed strong opposition to having apartments in her backyard because of the type of people they attract. Also, renters do not take care of the property, and the buildings are allowed to become rundown. Eileen Nefzger was in opposition to a zone change for apartments. People moved to the area because of the country atmosphere. Darwin Murri commented on spotty zoning procedures and wondered if the City Council plans Ammon Road to be commercial or apartments all the way. He would agree to 130 July 7, 1994 the zone change if there could be a guarantee of stable conditions. Apartments are a business, and it needs to be decided if Ammon Road is a business street or a residential street. Kevin Croft also commented on zoning procedures. The zoning is not consistent, and it doesn't make for a uniform city. If Sheppard's rezone is granted, then the City will be obligated to grant others. You can't say "Yes" to one and "No" to another. Michael Armstrong, builder of all except one of the 4-plexes on the west side of Ammon Road between San Carlos and East 17th Street, stated he built good units, and he has good tenants. He invested his money in them and plans that they will be maintained to protect his investment. Rex Shurtliff stated he was one of the first residents on Brookfield Lane. He purchased five acres and has enjoyed the open area, but things have changed. He advertised his property for sale, but people are not interested in single family homes on a busy street. Kevin Croft and Theone Smith stated the City did not notify them when the zone was changed to allow the 4-plexes on Ammon Road. Parties who expressed interest in the Sheppard Public Hearing were Rex and Alice Shurtliff, Kevin Croft, Darwin Murri, Chris and Judy Hebertson, Joy Jenkins, Mark and Eileen Nefzger, Michael Armstrong, and Theone Smith. Mayor Ard closed the Public Hearing. The decision was deferred on Sheppard's request in order to hear the Shurtliff's rezone request. Mayor Ard opened the Public Hearing to consider the request of Rex and Alice Shurtliff for rezone from RP-OL6 to R-2 of their property along the east side of Ammon Road north of Brookfield Lane. Councilman Crandall declared conflict of interest because he is a property owner within three hundred (300) feet. Those interested in giving testimony were sworn in by the Mayor. Proper notice of hearing was given. The Planning and Zoning Commission conducted a Public Hearing on the request on June 7, 1994. They recommended to the City Council approval to rezone the Shurtliff property from RP-OL6 to R-2. Shurtliff's original request was for a zone of R-2A. R-2A allows 8-plexes and R-2 allows 4-plexes. R-2 was recommended because the other apartments in the area are 4-plexes. Rex Shurtliff was asked to explain his request. Mr. Shurtliff stated most of those present are new to the area and are unknowledgeable about all the changes that have occurred in the area during the years. He invited everyone to drive up Ammon Road to see where the nicest looking area is. It is the apartments. He doesn't blame his neighbors for wanting to maintain a good area, but conditions change. People do not like to back out on to a busy street like Ammon Road. Everyone likes the open area. Shurtliffs built as nice a home as anyone in the area, and they do not want its value to depreciate. They desire to find a suitable use for their property. He asked to hear from his neighbors. Harvey Crandall stated he had no strong negative feeling about Ammon Road being zoned R-2, but he'd like it limited. If Ammon Road is to be an R-2 corridor, it needs to be considered that the property next is zoned RP which is the most restrictive zone. He would like the Council to address the depth to be zoned R-2. His opinion is that one hundred fifty (150) feet depth similar to the apartments on the west is adequate. He does not want the R-2 zone to cross the front of his house. Hebertsens were not in favor of apartments. They wanted to know if next week the Council would turn all the large or vacant lots into condos. Also, they wanted to know where the horses go when the children and apartments move in. Rex Shurtliff explained he still plans to live on Brookfield. Ammon Road should be apartments. They are there now. People have invested money in them, and they are not any more detrimental to the area than other structures along the road. Darwin Murri commented on want for the City of Ammon. open for development. the zoning and asked the Council to look at what they Once a zone change is made it leaves the property wide Mrs. Shurtliff said they had tried to sell five acres, but people are not interested any more in five acres in the middle of town. The area has become too closed in. They don't want something undesirable next door. Rex Shurtliff suggested the whole area down to Sheppard's might not be a bad idea for R-2. It could be nice looking. Kevin Croft commented that he believed Shurtliffs would maintain the area, but when property is sold you can't predict what will happen. Everyone doesn't have the same integrity. Mr. Croft asked to go on record to oppose the rezone if there could not be some kind of a guarantee for a certain type of dwelling. Hebertsens added that renters do not own the property, and they do not care about letting it rundown. They do not want to see Ammon Road turned into apartments. I I I I I I Shurtliff again reminded that time changes guarantee it won't change. 131 July 7, 1994 everything, and there is no way to Kathryn Dansie explained about the considerations of the Planning and Zoning Commission when they recommended approval for the rezone to R-2. The zoning ordinances were adopted in 1973, and the area has changed.Ammon Road is a five lane road. She read from the City Code about the general objectives and characteristics of the RP zone and the R-2 zone. Planning and Zoning realizes people have purchased property and want to protect their investment. However, Planning and Zoning can't legislate type of structure, what color, or hm.. they landscape, but they can legislate density. Ammon Road needs to be something besides RP. Councilman Maeser advised the Comprehensive Plan shows the area to be high density. Councilman Crandall asked about the feelings regarding the depth. Mrs. Dansie said she did not have a feeling about setting a depth. She stated she had strong feelings about personal property ownership rights. If what people do does not adversely affect anyone, she did not know if Planning and Zoning has the right to stop someone. She believes in the protection provided by zoning ordinances. Dis- cussion continued on buffers, establishing a depth, zoning requirements, and property taxes. Those in attendance interested in the Shurtliff rezone were Kathryn Dansie, Rex and Alice Shurtliff, Dewain and Zola Silvester, Kevin Croft, Darwin Murri, Chris and Judy Hebertson, John Sheppard, Joy Jenkins, Mark and Eileen Nefzger, Theone Smith and Michael Armstrong. Mayor Ard closed the Public Hearing on the request of Rex and Alice Shurtliff for a rezone to R-2. Mayor Ard opened the Public Hearing to consider the request of. Anderson Lumber Company for annexation, initial zoning, and rezone of the property owned by Harvey Hatch et al on the north side of East 17th Street. This property is located East of the Monty Howell Addition, West of the Trailwood Addition, and North of Valley Care Center.' At the present, 15.364 ,acres are in the City of Ammon, 34.80 acres are to be annexed, and the total property contains 50.17 acres. Parties in interest were sworn in to give testimony. Glen Anderson, Vice President of Anderson Lumber, Company headquartered in Ogden, Utah, presented their proposal. The operation of Anderson Lumber Company was explained. They propose to build a large building materials center known as a super store on the Hatch property. An architectural rendition of the proj ect was displayed for the Council. The building will contain 50,000 square feet and feature a full building materials center and about 8,000 square feet for a nursery, lawn and garden center. They plan an express yard designed for customers to have an easy in and out. The business will accommodate retail sales and contractor customers. It is planned to be a very nice facility with landscaping. The City's boundary line was pointed out. The request is' for 12.792 acres to be zoned GC~l, 3.735 acres to be zoned C-l, 2.974 acres to be zonedR3-A, 4.415 acres to be zoned R-2A, and 26.26 acres to be zoned R-l. Anderson Lumber prides themself on being a good neighbor and good corporate citizens. This proposal represents a major investment. Benton Engineering did the property layout fo'r the annexation and zoning. Engineer Benton stated it was aligned to match the proposed street layout of the Reno Barbizon and Monty Howell properties. Also, it will tie in with the area surrounding Kmart. The parking area will be on the front two acres, the garden shop will be next to Valley Care Center, and the storage will be in three sided warehouse units in the back. If the Council approves the request, Anderson Lumber plans to start moving dirt by September, and they hope to be ready to open the store in April 1995. Mayor Ard reviewed a letter from Jackie Chambers, co-owner of the adjacent ,property to the east. She expressed her concerns about the impact on her five rental units. She requested answers to her questions of concern before the proposed construction begins. Kevin E. Hungate, the co-owner with Jackie Chambers, ,was present and he expressed similar concerns. He submitted his concerns in a letter addressed to Anderson Lumber Company and City of Ammon. It states, "I support development of this property with a business of this type, provided it does not adversely affect the value and current use of my property and, the Valley Care Center, which. borders two sides of the proposed building site." It was brought out that the Chambers Addition is zoned C-l and eventually it will be developed some other way but at present it is a residential community. The Planning and Zoning Commission conducted a Public Hearing on the request of Anderson Lumber Company for annexation and zoning of the Hatch property on June 7, 1994. They recommended approval of the request. Individuals present interested in this matter of business were Glen Anderson, Mike Marlott, Vondell Erick$on, and Kevin E. Hungate. Proper Notice of Hearing was given. Mayor Ard closed the Public Hearing. 132 July 7, 1994 Councilman Crandall moved to approve the request of Anderson Lumber Company for annexation of the Hatch Property as recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission and to approve the initial zoning and rezoning as outlined in the plan presented contingent upon an acceptable annexation agreement and an acceptable development agreement. The motion was seconded by Councilman Maeser. Roll call vote: Crandall - Yes; Maeser - Yes; Hall - Yes; Loveland - Yes. The motion carried unanimously. The business of the regular meeting continued. Councilman Maeser moved to approve the minutes of City Council Meeting held June 16, 1994. The motion was seconded by Councilman Loveland. Roll call vote: Maeser - Yes; Loveland - Yes; Hall - Yes; Crandall - Yes. The motion carried unanimously. Report on Unfinished Business: Utah Power has moved the power poles on East Sunny- side Road. The Council discussed the Public Hearings. There is a need to look at the Shurtliff request and the Sheppard request together even though the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended one to be approved and one to be denied. Councilman Crandall stated he did not object to the R-2 concept, but he did believe the depth should be reduced to 150' like the lots on the west side of Ammon Road. This should not be a problem for Sheppard because his is only 170' to 180' deep and he could probably absorb the difference in landscaping. A reduction would allow Shurtliff to have an extra lot between his home and the R-2. A reduction in depth needs to be discussed with Shurtliff to see if he would agree before any such action is taken. Councilman Hall agreed to talk with Rex Shurtliff. Councilman Maeser asked if the Council had a problem with skipping over properties from Shurtliff's to Sheppard's. There was some concern since the Planning and Zoning Commission considered Sheppard's to be spot zoning. However, it was noted that the Comprehensive Plan designates the area along Ammon Road as high density residential. Councilman Crandall said he didn't have a problem with his property being zoned R-2 as long as the overlay for animals was not removed. Regarding the request for variance by Eldridge, the Council was reminded to go look at the property. Mr. Eldridge probably rea1izedhis lot was not large because he acquired an extra ten feet. The size of lot is not a problem. It is the size of building that he wants to construct. He can build on the north side of his property without a variance. Mayor Ard requested the Council to study the three issues until next Council meeting. James "Jim" Rushton, 3580 Ross Avenue, informed the Council that he was unable to purchase the Johnson property at 2390 Ross Avenue. Therefore, he would like permission to move his business to the garage at his present place of residence. The City Office instructed Mr. Rushton to follow similar procedures to have a home occupation permit at 3580 Ross as he was asked to do for the Johnson property. He contacted the property owners within three hundred (300) feet of 3580 Ross, and they gave their written approval. He submitted signatures of sixteen property owners. The property at 3580 Ross Avenue is zoned R-1. He plans to utilize a two ca~ attached garage for the business and will park his vehicles behind the house. He agreed to conform to the requirements of City Code 11-5-27H. The garage will be insulated, they may do some changes to the garage door if it meets approval, and additional electrical work will be needed. Moving the business to their home will allow them to better supervise their family. Councilman Hall moved to approve the request of Jim and Colleen Rushton, 3580 Ross Avenue, for a home occupation permit dba Classy Threads. The motion was seconded by Councilman Crandall. Roll call vote: Hall - Yes; Crandall - Yes; Maeser - Yes; Loveland - Yes. The motion carried unanimously. As requested, the Council members reviewed the third draft of the Ammon Town Center Development Agreement. Problems were pointed out with Item 6, Utilities, and Item 13, Fees. Attorney Anderson suggested a conference meeting to go over the agreement item by item. A meeting was scheduled for Monday, July 11, at 3:00 P.M. in Attorney Anderson's office. The Council members, Public Works Director, and Engineer Benton should plan to attend. Mayor Ard reported on change orders for the Ammon Road project. There is a problem with the irrigation installation on Fred Karford' s property. It does not work, and it needs to be redone. The estimated cost for the correction is $20,147. Reports: David Wadsworth reported for Public Works. The City of Ammon water system is operating at near capacity. A recent check of the system indicated pumping to average 42 1bs. of pressure. The City needs to look at acquiring another well. A good location would be near Well No.7. Public Works Director Wadsworth advised it would cost approximately $100,000 to drill a well and purchase a pump. The Council discussed upgrading the water system and asked Engineer Benton to check out the distribution lines away from the Well No. 7 area and prepare to start the permit process. I I I .' I I ~._-_.._-------~ 'l.. Attachment to Minutes of July 7, 1994 Speed Study for Ammon Road I ntrod uction It has been identified that residents that live along Ammon Road within the City limits would like to see the current speed limit reduced to 25 mph to provide more of a residential character. The posted speed limit is 35 mph. It is important to remember that Ammon Road north of 17th Street and south of Sunnyside Road is 40 mph. To determine the appropriate speed, a speed study was conducted by the Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization (BMPO) staff. This study was conducted to establish the JlnormJl as well as demonstrate current driver behavior. Citizens often use their best judgement as to the safest speed to travel. Unfortunately, it is generally those people who travel slower or faster than the posted speed limit that are identified as problem drivers. Furthermore, people travel at various speeds for one reason or another such as the climate, roadway conditions, personal moods, and/or other reasons. Speed is an important transportation consideration because users relate speed to economics, safety, time, comfort, and convenience. Spot speed studies are designed to measure speeds at specific locations under the traffic and environmental conditions prevailing at the time of the study. There are two indicators of speed that identified the speed in which users feel is safe and is adequate for the roadway. This is the average pace of traffic and the 85th percentile. Both of these indicators will be discussed later in this document. Speed is a basic measure of traffic performance and have various applications such as: speed limit determination, advisory speeds, critical intersection approach speeds, no-passing zone markings, school route zones, traffic sign locations, signal timings, etc. If speed limits are posted too low, people will ignore them and drive at the speed they feel is responsible, usually somewhat above the posted limit. Furthermore, 2 I I ., 6tudie6 have 6hown that when limit6 are correctly p06ted, people will accept and maintain that 6et limit. A6 for police enforcement, once a corrected limit ha6 been e6tabli6hed, police enforcement via 6peeding ticket6 are u6ually reduced dramatically. An important factor which i6 alwaY6 perceived a6 a problem i6 that a rai6ed 6peed will caU6e more accident6 and permit additional exce66ive 6peed6. Although thi6 may be true for le66 than 15i'0 of the population, 6peed6 6hould and will remain con6tant (within a .:I: 10 mph range). Accident6 are le66 likely to occur when 6peed6 are properly placed due to the fact that there i6 a tendency to have le66 of a 6peed variance. The number one caU6e of accident6 i6 that of variation6 in 6peed. The reduction of 6peed variation6 will make all roadway6 6afer. In order to properly determine the 16afe6t" 6peed i6 by taking a 6pot 6peed 6tudy. Analysis of Situation The focu6 of thi6 6peed 6tudy wa6 Ammon Road. Care wa6 taken to 6elect a location free from any 6top 6ign or other traffic flow interruption6 that would 6ignificantly reduce operating 6peed6. The cho6en location wa6 the corner of Molen Avenue at Ammon Road. Thi6 provided 6taff member6 to identify reali6tic 6peed6 coming and going through the area without much delay or ob6truction6. M06t traffic 6peed 6tudie6 are conducted during the non-peak day and hour6 in order to be6t identify driver 6ituation6 and review reali6tic 6peed6. If a 6pot 6peed 6tudy wa6 taken during peak hour6, traffic will be 6kewed by the de6ire6 to move quickly to their de6tination. To a66e66 a broader 6ection of the current population, two 6tudy time6 were taken on Tue6day, 21 June 21, 1994 at 11:00 am and Thur6day, 7 July 1994 at 9:00am. This enabled us to examine the variOU6 type6 of traffic and an overall per6pective of driver expectancies. A total of 213 vehicle6 were monitored during those time periods. Analyzing the Speed Data Two characteri6tic6 developed from the 6peed data were u6ed to 6elect a rea60nable 6peed limit. The6e are the 85th percentile and the pace. 3 ~. l I I The 85th percentile 6peed i6 the 6peed at or below which 85io of the traffic i6 moving. Thi6 6peed can be determined directly from the field 6heet (6ee T able6 1 and 2) by counting down from the top 6peed, the number of vehicle6 equalling 15io of the total number of vehicle6 ob6erved. The 85th percentile found on Ammon Road wa6 40.8 mph during the 27 June 6tudy and 41.4 mph during the 7 July 6tudy. The 6econd 6peed characteri6tic i6 the pace. The pace i6 the 10 mph range of 6peed6 containing the large6t number of ob6ervation6. Like the 85th percentile, thi6 can be determined on the field 6heet (6ee Appendix A). The pace for both 6tudie6 concurred at being between 32 mph and 41 mph. The combination ofthe6e two characteri6tic6 enable tran6portation engineer6 and planner6 to determine the correct 6peed for the 6elected roadway. After reviewing the both the 85th percentile and the pace, BMPO found that the average 6peed wa6 found to be 35 mph wherea6 the 85th percentile wa6 40 mph. Thu6, it i6 recommended that the 6peed remain at lea6t 35 mph with proper p06ting of 40 mph. A reduction of 6peed i6 not recommended. Recommendation Driving behavior i6 an exten6ion of 60cial attitude. The majority of driver6 re6pond in a 6afe and rea60nable manner a6 demon6trated by their con6i6tently favorable driving record6. It wa6 found that 40 mph i6 the correct 6peed limit to be 6et for Ammon Road Conclusion M06t citizen6 can be relied upon to behave in a rea60nable manner a6 they go about their daily activitie6. Many of our law6 reflect ob6ervation6 of the way rea60nable people behave under m06t circum6tance6. Traffic regulation6 are al60 ba6ed upon ob6ervation6 of the behavior of group6 of motori6t6 under variou6 condition6. Generally 6peaking, traffic law6 which reflect the majority of motori6t6 are found to be 6ucce66ful. Law6 that arbitrarily re6trict the majority of driver6 encourage whole6ale violation6, lack public 6Upport and u6ually fail to bring around de6irable change6 in driver behavior. 4 " I I .. Bonneville MPO RADAR SPEED SURVEY Ammon Road Molen Avenue DATE: 06/21/94 TIME END: 11 :52 WEATHER: Clear ROAD TYPE: Major Arterial TIME START: 11am DIRECTION: Both CALIBRATION TEST: Yes SPEED LIMIT: 35 OBSERVER: Sonna Lynn SPEED FREQUENCY Fi*Xi ACUM TOTAL ACUM % PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION ----------------------------------------------------------------------0---------5---------10--------15--------20--------25--- 21 1 21 1 0.9 1* 22 0 0 1 0 . 9 1 23 0 0 1 0.9 1 24 0 0 1 0.9 1 25 0 0 1 0.9 I 26 0 0 1 0.9 I 27 0 0 1 0.9 1 28 2 56 3 2.7 1*** 29 3 87 6 5.5 1***** 30 4 120 10 9.1 1******* 31 3 93 13 11.8 1***** 32 7 224 20 18.2 1 ************ 33 4 132 24 21.8 1******* 34 3 102 27 24.5 1***** 35 10 350 37 33.6 1****************** 36 12 432 49 44.5 1********************* 37 9 333 58 52.7 1**************** 38 11 418 69 62.7 1******************** 39 10 390 79 71.8 1****************** 40 9 360 88 80.0 1**************** 41 7 287 95 86.4 1************ 42 5 210 100 90.9 1********* 43 1 43 101 91.8 1* 44 3 132 104 94.5 1***** 45 3 135 107 97.3 1***** 46 3 138 110 100.0 1***** ----------------------------------------------------------------------0---------5---------10--------15--------20--------25--- REMARKS: Electrical crew working north of Molen 85th Percentile.: 10 mph Pace.....: Percent in Pace.: Vehicles in Pace: 40.8 mph 32 - 41 74.5 % 82 Average Speed......: 50th Percentile....: 90th Percentile....: 95th Percentile....: 36.9 mph 36.6 mph 41. 7 mph 44.1 mph I I Bonneville MPO RADAR SPEED SURVEY Ammon Road Molen Avuenue DATE: 07/07194 TIME END: 9:51 ROAD TYPE: Major Arterial TIME START: 9am WEATHER: Clear DIRECTION: Both SPEED LIMIT: 35 OBSERVER: Sonna Lynn CALIBRATION TEST: Yes SPEED FREQUENCY Fi*Xi ACUM TOTAL ACUM % PERCENTAGE DISTRIBUTION ----------------------------------------------------------------------0---------5---------10--------15--------20--------25--- 24 1 24 1 1 .0 1 * 25 0 0 1 1.0 1 26 0 0 1 1.0 1 27 3 81 4 3.9 1***** 28 0 0 4 3.9 1 29 2 58 6 5.8 1*** 30 2 60 8 7.8 1*** 31 4 124 12 11. 7 1******* 32 5 160 17 16.5 1********* 33 8 264 25 24.3 1*************** 34 4 136 29 28.2 1******* 35 7 245 36 35.0 1************* 36 6 216 42 40.8 1*********** 37 15 555 57 55.3 1***************************** 38 12 456 69 67.0 1*********************** 39 3 117 72 69.9 1***** 40 7 280 79 76.7 1************* 41 7 287 86 83.5 1************* 42 4 168 90 87.4 1******* 43 5 215 95 92.2 1********* 44 1 44 96 93.2 1* 45 0 0 96 93.2 1 46 3 138 99 96.1 1***** 47 2 94 101 98.1 1*** 48 0 0 101 98.1 1 49 2 98 103 100.0 1*** ----------------------------------------------------------------------0---------5---------10--------15--------20--------25--- REMARKS: No obstructions today 85th Percentile.: 41.4 mph 10 mph Pace.....: 32 - 41 Percent in Pace.: 71.8 % Vehicles in Pace: 74 I I I 133 July 7, 1994 The Fire Department reported some youths started a fire on July 4 in the weeds on property west of the Sand Creek Middle School. The dispatch sounded three sets of tones, but they were all for the same fire. A request was made for a new City map to show new construction areas. Councilman Loveland reported the parks look great. Brad Hall called at the City Building to compliment the City crew on the improved park maintenance. Councilman Maeser recommended the liability insurance coverage be increased to two million dollars when it is renewed. The increase is advisable because of the additional exposure of the Urban Renewal Agency. Councilman Crandall commented briefly on the Association of Idaho Cities recent Conference. The Department of Environmental Quality clean water assessment fee continues to be an issue. Cities will probably be looking at a lesser connection fee for the new fiscal year. Another issue that is going to have an impact on Ammon which needs to be addressed is manufactured housing. Attorney Anderson reported that recent legislation mandates cities to allow manufactured homes in residential zones by 1996. Councilman Crandall encouraged the City Officials to continue to be involved with the Association of Idaho Cities. The Idaho Liquor Dispensary has changed the way it purchases replenishment stocks and the savings increase the profits coming back to the units of government to record highs. As a result, City of Ammon received a one-time extraordinary payment of $35,739. Claims were approved. Councilman Crandall moved to adjourn the meeting, and the motion was seconded by Councilman Hall. The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 P.M. ~~g ATTEST ~<-e~(! ~~ CITY CLERK /'