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Council Minutes 9/12/2006 (167) I I I 187 February 23, 1995 CITY OF AMMON February 23, 1995 Minutes of the Public Hearing and Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council: The meeting was called to order at 7: 30 P.M. in the auditorium of the Ammon Elementary School, 2900 Central Avenue, Ammon, Idaho, by Mayor C. Bruce Ard with the following City Officials present: Mayor C. Bruce Ard Attorney Douglas R. Nelson Councilman Harvey Crandall Engineer David E. Benton Councilman Ira K. Hall Public Works Director David Wadsworth Councilman Steven J. Loveland Fire Chief Ca1 Smith Councilman Greg J. Maeser City Clerk Aleen C. Jensen Others Present: Bruce and Karen Dobson, 2255 Midway, Ammon Roxanne Carlson, 3100 Midway, Ammon Sylvia Wadsworth, 2190 Dove Drive, Ammon John C. and Virginia A. Smith, 2110 Midway, Ammon Joy Johnson, 2105 Heather Lane, Ammon Jay T. and Sally Ellis, 2195 Midway, Ammon Roger Stomme1, 3620 Tay10rview Lane, Ammon Chris and Shawn Hart, 2107 East 4900 South, Idaho Falls Josh and Dick Jardine, 3405 Tay10rview Lane, Ammon David F. Pfost, 3846 Brookfield, Ammon Debra Taylor, 3130 Owen Street, Ammon Layne, Tami, and Michael Barber, 1975 Spencer, Ammon Ron Hjelm, 2395 Cabe11aro, Ammon Marcia Snowden, 805 Match Point, Ammon Mark Scrogham, 4353 Mason Street, Ammon George M. Hill, 1925 Heather Lane, Ammon Camille George, 3655 Maiben Avenue #35, Ammon Richard and Karen Anderson, 465 Advantage Lane, Ammon J. W. Roseberry, 2125 Midway, Ammon Scott and Kristi Wessel, 1880 Cabe11aro, Ammon Marylou Aitken, 3425 Rawson, Ammon H. J. Groesbeck, 2205 Bittern Drive, Ammon Elizabeth R. Sullivan, 216 Davidson Drive, Idaho Falls Keith Hansen, 2735 Central Avenue, Ammon Victor Wencze1, 3720 Georgia Lane, Ammon Barbara Pendleton, 2095 Bittern Drive, Ammon John Meyer, 600 Tie Breaker, Ammon LaVer1 Crow, 3270 Meadow Lane, Ammon Ken Nilsson, School District #93 Lance Blackwood, 2195 Cabe11aro, Ammon Dave Sommer, 3450 Circle S Drive, Ammon Kent Wood, 1840 Heather Lane, Ammon Etse1 Sommer, 2990 Romre11 Lane, Ammon Mike Jones, 1805 Midway Avenue, Ammon Lance Murri, 2155 Cabe11aro, Ammon Harold Loveland, 3320 Molen Street, Ammon Ron and Brenda Hatch, 3200 Midway Avenue, Ammon Larry and LaJauna Eslinger, 2300 Dove Drive, Ammon James H. Southwick, 3968 East 17th Street, Ammon George III and Peggy Watkins, 2155 Midway Avenue, Ammon Carol Waite, 2235 Cabe11aro, Ammon Steve Tippetts, 3300 Rancho Via, Idaho Falls Jim and Sue Ann Summers, 3290 Molen Street, Ammon Cleve and Dixie Delaney, 3320 Southwick Lane, Ammon Kathy, Mahan, and Missy Baldwin, 3590 Rich Lane, Ammon Hazen Olsen, 3210 East Sunnyside Road, Ammon Merle Quigley, 2905 Western Avenue, Ammon Jeanine Doney, 1775 Avocet Drive, Ammon Gary Basinger, 2100 Heather Lane, Ammon Lee and Julie Bean, 3858 Marlene, Ammon Valerie Loveland, 3325 Rawson, Ammon Jerry and Lorraine Bolton, 2000 Curlew Drive, Ammon Mary Flegel, 2855 Teton, Ammon Shad Loveland, 2770 Romre11 Lane, Ammon Debbie Shepherd, 2475 Midway Avenue, Ammon Ann Tyler, 3235 Rawson, Ammon Alan and Jamie Johnson, 3155 Romre11 Lane, Ammon Cynthia pulley, 2800 Western Avenue, Ammon Bill and Ann Fischer, 3000 Western Avenue, Ammon Randy Trane, 2325 Cabe11aro, Ammon Allen Hemingway, 1960 Bittern Drive, Ammon 188 February Absent: 23, 1995 Attorney W. Joe Anderson (Attorney Anderson was represented by Attorney Douglas R. Nelson.) The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was directed by Councilman Loveland, and the invocation was offered by Lance Blackwood. Councilman Maeser moved to approve the minutes of City Council Meeting held January 19, 1995. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hall. Roll call vote: Maeser- Yes; Hall - Yes; Crandall - Yes; Loveland - Yes. The motion carried unanimously. Councilman Maeser moved to approve the minutes of City Council Meeting held February 2, 1995. The motion was seconded by Councilman Hall. Roll call vote: Maeser - Yes; Hall - Yes; Crandall - Yes; Loveland - Yes. The motion carried unanimously. Mayor Ard stated that the City had received citizen requests to have some of the street signing changed in the Ammon original townsite. In response to these requests, a traffic study has been completed for this area by Sonna Lynn Lewis, Deputy Director of the Bonneville Metropolitan Planning Organization. Ms. Lewis used an overhead proj ector to explain the traffic study report to the audience. Copies of the report are on file in the City of Ammon office for public review or individuals who desire a copy may request one from the City Office. A description of the study area was presented. "Specifically, the original Ammon townsite was requested for review and includes those roadways between Rawson Street to the north, Ammon Road to the east, Sunnyside Road to the south, and past Western Street to the west. The study area is impacted by four schools: Hillcrest High School, Sandcreek Middle School, Ammon Elementary School, and Hi11view Elementary School. Furthermore, the City Hall is located along Molen Avenue and is across from the Ammon LDS Church. These facilities, in conjunction with the residences already present, playa large part in the travel patterns of this specific area." According to the functional classification criteria, "Within the Ammon townsite, two roadways are considered collector status: Owen Street, which connects Ammon Road to Hillcrest High School and Sandcreek Middle School; and Midway Avenue, connecting E. 17th Street to Sunnyside Road. All other roadways within the townsite are considered local streets." The sections on methodology, data conclusion, and traffic control devices were explained. As a result of the study, it is recommended that three locations warrant four-way stops. These are Midway and Rawson Street (currently operating as a four-way stop); Midway Avenue and Owen Street; and Owen Street and Western Avenue. Two-way stop sign placement is recommended for Rawson Street and Western Avenue with the stop on Western Avenue; Rawson Street and Central Avenue with the stop on Central Avenue; Owen Street and Central Avenue with the stops on Central Avenue; Western Avenue and Molen Street with the stop on Molen Street; Molen Street and Midway Avenue with the stops on Midway Avenue; and Central Avenue and Molen Street with the stops on Central Avenue. "Several roadway improvements are recommended for implementation. . . All intersections were reviewed for obvious sight distance problems. . . All roadways within the townsite are encouraged to be propert1y painted and striped." Citizen input was requested. Response was received from Merle Quigley, Jay T. Ellis, David Wadsworth, and Ronald Hatch. Additional comments were made, but the individuals did not identify themselves. No action was taken by the City Council. The report will be studied and recommendations for implementation will be con- sidered at future City Council meeting. I I Mayor Ard reopened the Public Hearing to consider a Conditional Use Permit to allow a City Building to be built on the corner of Southwick Lane and Midway Avenue in North McCowin Park. Notice of the Meeting and Public Hearing was published in the Post Register on February 7 and February 14, 1995. A meeting notice was posted in I the City Office, and fliers were hand delivered throughout the City. All parties in interest who desired to present testimony were sworn in by Mayor Ard. The City Council acted as the Board of Adjustments for this hearing. A state of the City message was given by Mayor Ard. When he took office as an elected official in January, 1986, the City of Ammon was in poor financial condition. The city officials took a good look and began to seek ways to improve the situation. Water, sewer, and garbage rates were increased, and these rates have not been increased since. A $25 cap on spending was implemented. A program was started to rebuild the pumps to improve their efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. The garbage trucks were old and the maintenance was high. First a used garbage truck was purchased from the City of Idaho Falls, and then in 1989 the City was able to buy a new garbage truck. Farmers Home Administration offered a discount if the City could refinance our water and sewer bond. In 1989, we entered into a water and sewer bond refunding through west One Bank, and we were I I I 189 February 23, 1995 able to reduce our long term debt to $605,000. A road resurfacing program was started so that all roads in the City could be resurfaced every five to seven years depending on funds and cost of materials. In 1990 a new Public Works truck with a snow plow attachment was purchased, and budgeting was started for the Ammon Road project. In 1991, we continued with seal coating and bought the street lights from Utah Power. In 1992, we bought a second new garbage truck with packer, a Walker lawn mower for the parks, did upgrades to the swimming pool, and continued with road work. In 1993, road work continued, Williams Street by Hillview Elementary School was paved, and work was commenced on a park in Tie Breaker. We budgeted for a new fire truck, and it was delivered in early 1994. We added another snow plow. At the end of 1994 and the beginning of the 1995 fiscal year, we ordered a 1995, heavier-duty truck body and equipped it with the packer off one of the existing garbage trucks. The older chassis was converted to another use with the purchase of a dump body, sander, and snow plow attachments. Also, we have purchased a "Trackless" with snow blower, sweeper, and mower attachments. The 1995 fiscal year budget includes money for road maintenance, a new well, and the City Building. The audit for the fiscal year ending Septmber 30, 1994, shows all the reserve accounts to be in place and the City in good financial condition. Our long term debt for the water and sewer bond is at $445,000 and there is no other outstanding indebtedness. David E. Benton discussed the historical background and the growth of Ammon. Engi- neer Benton has served as City Engineer since his appointment during Melvin Richardson's administration. Richardson was the second Mayor of the City of Ammon. A review was made of early McCowin Park development and the construction of the swimming pool. Original ideas were to locate City facilities near the center of town. A map of the McCowin Park area dated April 28, 1975, shows a proposed City Building/Fire Station to be located on the northwest corner of Southwick Lane and Midway Avenue. More recently the City purchased 4.17 acres of property north of East 17th Street from Melvin Brown. This is the location of the City's largest well. The frontage of the City property is back a distance from East 17th Street, and the City only owns a twenty foot (20') access in. Because of limited access and a busy East 17th Street, this is not considered to be a good City Building location. There are other vacant sites around the City, but they would necessitate land purchase, and they lack central location. Through the years there have been many changes, but the McCowin Park site conforms with early plans and is good for the City both financially and location wise. Councilman Maeser discussed the planning process and how the Council reached their decision. The State asked local governments to adopt Comprehensive Plans, but the State does not require exact conformity to the plan. The State is interested in whether or not local governments have considered all aspects. The local government is not locked in to the decisions of twenty years ago. The North McCowin Park property was initially annexed to the City in 1976. It was looked at as a possible location for a City Building. Later the property north of East 17th Street was purchased. It was also considered as a possible location for a City Building. Since then, the two sites owned by the City have competed for location of a City Building. In 1978 the City began working on the first Comprehensive Plan, and in 1981 the plan was adopted. The Plan noted that the present City Building was outdated and inadequate. It recommended the City consider consolidating all functions in one location. A fire department, a library, a police station, and a City Building were all contemplated for the same area. The City has experienced almost 100% growth since then. Some adjustments have been made. The Plan was revised in 1991. The fire station was transferred to the East 17th Street location, but nothing else has been located there. Following discussions of the two sites, the Midway/Southwick location was chosen because of the central location, it is cost effective, philosophies have changed in the last ten years, the city officials are not interested in taking on a library or a large police station, a limited administration building would enhance the park, it would promote safe use of the park, City functions seem to run smoother when they are separated, and the traffic increase would be minimal. The East 17th Street property was rejected because access is limited, additional property would need to be purchased, it would be costly to develop a road around Kmart, the character of that area has changed since the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, and it has become more industrial. Since the adoption of the new 1995 fiscal year budget, the Council has discussed plans for a new City Building. In December, 1994, the Council decided to locate the building in North McCowin Park contingent upon Planning and Zoning Commission approval and favorable citizen response. In their January meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously recommended approval of a conditional use permit to allow construction of a City Building to be located on the northeast corner of McCowin Park contingent upon the restriction that the building never be used for 190 February 23, 1995 selling of goods or a repair shop. Following the Public Hearing on January 19, 1995, the Council determined other options would be too costly, and they believed the citizens would be satisfied when they saw the building plans. Councilman Crandall addressed City finances. According to the audit reports, the City has progressed from a negative net worth of approximately $400,000 in 1988 to a very positive net worth of approximately $7,500,000 as of Sptember 30, 1994. The major reason for this increase is, for the first time, the Council requested the auditors to include in their financial statement all of the infrastructure,all the equipment, and all the assets owned by the City. During the same period,the City's cash position increased with all the purchases discussed by Mayor Ard. The annual budget process begins in early June and terminates with the adoption of I the budget in September. Revenues are proj ected and expenditures estimated to leave a residual for projected goals. It took about three budget years to purchase the fire engine. Funds for a City Building have been accumulated the same way. The 1995 fiscal year budget includes $300,000 for a City Building. The estimated cost of a City Building is $300,000. If it is determined to buy land for a City Building, the budget will need to be reopened to determine if funds can be adjusted or the project will need to be delayed until the additional can be accumulated. We believe the City funds have been managed in a prudent manner. Briefly, we have moved from a position of not being able to pay the bills to one of some money in the bank to use for good things. The City Officials are here to serve the citizens and we desire to spend this money in the way you want to spend it. Mayor Ard opened the hearing for public comment and questions. Lance Blackwood expressed citizen concern about the planning process. Even though North McCowin Park has not been dedicated as a park, it has been developed as a park, and it is used as a park. Mayor Ard addressed vehicular traffic. A City tally shows an average of twenty- three vehicles a day to the City Building, 3270 Molen Street. The BMPO traffic study also reports an average of twenty-three vehicles per day. These figures are to the City Office and to the City Shop. James Southwick, a lifetime resident of Ammon and a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission presented historical information about the North McCowin Park site. The people are saying there was no planning. There was planning and it started back in 1975. There continues to be planning. I Sally Ellis stated that in 1981 the City Building on East 17th Street. Building in North McCowin Park. Now locate a new City Building in North good planning. The East 17th Street Comprehensive Plan indicates planning for a A map in 1975 indicates planning for a City in January,1995, the City Officials propose to McCowin Park. It is hard to believe this is location is best. Dave Sommer stated he does not oppose the City Building or the location. He does not understand what kind of a Comprehensive Plan the people are asking for. Plans change. It is important that the park property has been cared for, and it is paid for. The Council has paid for everything they have done. Jay T. Ellis stated it is true the City Officials have done well with the finances. The citizens are not against a building, but we are against the park location. The park is important. There are concerns about locating in a residential area when a commercial area would provide better access. There are concerns about the future growth of Ammon, and it would be unfortunate to have poor planning that the citizens will have to live with for fifty years. A woman expressed concern about the site location and its impact on the I neighborhood. There is not a problem with the need for a new facility, but the citizens are anxious to see a long range plan to serve the community down the road. The park is used throughout the summer. Etsel Sommer pointed out that no matter where you go someone always has a better plan. His recommendation is to accept the plan proposed and to get the job done. Layne Barber asked "Why do we need this building in this location?" The people want specifics about the other locations that have been considered and why the park location is better. Mayor Ard addressed the costs of other locations. The Peterson property on 17th Street would cost in the neighborhood of $180,000. The cost of the Key property is $730,000. The Shurtliff property on Ammon Road has been sold. Council needs to be responsible for the City as a whole. If money was not the East Bank The I I I object, it would be easy to look at other property. property on East 17th Street is it is the site of the is where we are looking to drill an additional well. 191 February 23, 1995 The problem with selling the City's largest well and that Barbara Pendleton spoke in favor of the new City Building and the proposed park location. Delma Mitchell stated that she lives on Southwick Lane. Southwick Lane is a busy street, and to locate a City Building there would present traffic problems. John but he is attractive. stated he is not concerned about traffic or about a building, concerned about the park. Parks make the community enjoyable and Plans change. Plan for more parks not to eliminate parks. Mike Jones asked about the draw backs to using the property on the north side of East 17th Street. Layne Barber asked about the zoning in that area and why Midway Avenue does not extend to the north. Mayor Ard and Engineer Benton responded. The major draw back is the limited access. Additional property would need to be pur- chased to extend a road behind Kmart. Harold ci ty . Street Loveland recalled that he served as a Councilman when Ammon first became a He reviewed early planning and the acquisition of the City Building on Molen and park properties. Wherever you go there will be traffic to contend with. Jay Ellis asked if the City considered selling the East 17th Street property. Mayor Ard explained the developers of the Kmart property had expressed an interest in buying the well property, but they did not make a good enough offer. A woman asked how long it had taken to accumulate the money for a new City Building. It was estimated it had taken around five years. Marylou Aitken explained she is a relative newcomer to Ammon. She here for eighteen years, but she has concerns. The Fire Department What about the future? What about the roads? What about the water? about the history, but we need to look down the road and address all has only lived looks pitiful. We have heard areas. Lee Bean reminded that you can not please everyone. The citizens have expressed concern about lack of planning on the part of the Mayor and the City Council. The City Officials have adequately tried to justify their actions. Obj ections have been expressed about the park location but not the building. It is hard to understand what the real reason for objection is. A City Building will not eliminate the park, the site is centrally located, projected traffic is not great enough to cause a major problem, and an appraiser has stated it will not affect residential property values. Citizens have elected these individuals to responsible positions. It is time to accept their decisions and rally to support them. Mary trusted. more about stated they do not want to infer the City Officials are not The citizens have been invited to give their input, and we want to know the future not the past. John Smith advised that he is the closest neighbor to the proposed location of the new City Building and he does not have a problem with it. We don't want the City Hall on a main thoroughfare, but we don't want it very far away from one. Mayor Ard explained the original motion made to build the City Building on Southwick and Midway also provided that undeveloped property on the west side of the park would be developed to make up for the land which would be taken away. Jay Ellis stated the City Officials are trusted. However, at the hearing the Council promised to consider other properties. When the citizens left the meeting, the Council went ahead to vote on the matter. The City Building belongs in a commercial area. David Wadsworth, Public Works Director, stated Ammon is basically a bedroom community. Wherever the City Building is located, it will be by houses. Debbie Shepherd explained she lives on Midway Avenue, and it is a busy street. She asked to go on record that she and her husband favored the City Building be located in a more commercial zone. Virginia Smith said, "I have one solution. Let's annex to Idaho Falls." A question was posed about whether or not the City Building plans provide for growth. Kevin Bodily, architect, responded. The basement is planned for growth, and the building design allows for a wing addition. 192 February 23, 1995 Shane Williams stated his profession is planning. time to stop planning and go on with life. He pointed out there comes a George Watkins lives across from the park, and he objects to the park location. He understands Key Bank is for sale, and he wonders if there is any chance that Key Bank would sell for less in order to get tax benefit. The City of Rigby was able to acquire property that way. Mayor Ard advised he had discussed this with Keith Scott, former Mayor of Rigby, and the City of Rigby did have to invest considerable funds to utilize the property. Key Bank's offer to Ammon is $730,000. Mayor Ard called for additional comments or questions. No further comments were received, and the Mayor closed the Public Hearing to consider a conditional use permit for a City Building. The meeting was opened for Council discussion and recommended action. Councilman Maeser clarified that the limited access on the East 17th Street property not only is a problem of inconvenience, but it would be costly to make access changes. Engineer Benton discussed details and costs involved in developing a different access. Councilman Maeser wondered about getting additional feedback from citizens who do not live around the park area. The Council debated whether to continue discussion or whether to motion for a vote. Councilman Hall expressed that there has been substantial planning behind the proposal, there are reasons for the location chosen, the Planning and Zoning process has been completed, the budget process has been observed, the required hearings have been held, we have had representation from the various areas of the City, and I believe the consensus of the community would be to proceed with the building as proposed. Cou~cilman Hall moved to approve the City Building as it has been planned in North McCowin Park and to get on with the work of it under the same conditions that were made before when it was first brought up, that is to approve a conditional use permit to allow the building in the corner of the park and to grass the area on the west side of the park to replace the area used by the City Building. The motion was seconded by Councilman Crandall. Roll call vote: Hall - Yes; Crandall - Yes; Loveland - Yes; Maeser - No. The motion carried. Citizens debated about the Council decision. Councilman Maeser explained why he voted no. From the discussions, his first choice is for the park location, but he would feel more comfortable if we had a better cross section of input from the community as a whole. Reports: David Wadsworth reported for Public Works. The dump truck has been delivered. Councilman Loveland advised that he will not be at Council Meeting on March 2, 1995. Also, it is possible that Councilman Hall will not be able to attend on March 2, but he will notify the City Office. Councilman Crandall moved to adjourn the meeting, and the motion was seconded by Councilman Loveland. The meeting was adjourned at 10:28 P.M. o~~g ATTEST .~ 'I . ..1!.1 . /::U:e~J Ct-. il/AdA-LJ CITY CLERK i/-~ I I I