Council Minutes 12/07/2001
CITY OF AMMON
December 7, 2000
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council:
The meeting was called to order by Mayor C. Bruce Ard at 7:30 P.M. in the City Building,
2135 South Ammon Road, Ammon, Idaho, with the following City Officials present:
Mayor C. Bruce Ard
Council member W. Lee Bean
Councilmember Harvey L. Crandall
Councilmember Leslie Folsom
Councilmember Ira K. Hall
Attorney W. Joe Anderson
Engineer Bill Manwill
Public Works Director David Wadsworth
Fire Chief Clarence Nelson
City Clerk Aleen C. Jensen
Deputy Clerk Connie R. Guymon
Others Present:
R. D. and Paula Loveland, 2795 Romrell Lane, Ammon
Lloyd Stanger, 2625 Salmon Street, Ammon
Stan and Sandra Steele, Ammon Ranch
David E. Benton, Benton Engineering
Howard Spaletta, 475 South Amy Lane, Idaho Falls
Ken Neider, 1975 Cabellaro, Ammon
Brett Turley, Boy Scout
Chris Trane, Boy Scout
T. J. Trane, Boy Scout
Cindy Donovan, 3725 East Sunnyside Road, Ammon
Alan E. Cunningham, Mountain River Engineering
Brad Pickett, Quail Ridge Developer
George McDaniel, Quail Ridge Developer
Fred Wallin, Mountain River Engineering
Tom Hunsaker, Planning and Zoning Commission
Ron Folsom, Planning and Zoning Commission
Steven Loveland, 3325 Rawson Street, Ammon
Lee Staker, Century 21 Advantage Real Estate
Dave Shipman, Attorney for Ammon Ranch
George Watkins 111,2155 Midway, Ammon
Greg Monik, 1900 Eagle Drive, Ammon
Jill Schurman, Montessori School
Council member Folsom led the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag, and Councilmember
Hall offered a prayer.
The first item on the agenda was a request that the decision made by the City Council
City Council Meeting, December 7,2000 - Page 2
regarding the storage boxcars located at 3265 Owen Street be reconsidered. R. D.
Loveland, Paula Loveland, Laurie A. Welker, Mark R. Welker, and Steven Loveland signed
the written request. On November 2, Lovelands came to the City Council with serious
concerns about the two storage boxcars that were placed on Robin Knight's property. At
that time the Council found he was in violation of the moving ordinance. It was decided that
the Council would send a letter to have him move the storage boxcars off his property. On
November 16, Robin Knight came to the City Council meeting and requested until July 15
to move the storage boxcars. The City Council gave him until June 1 to move the two
units. The reason for requesting an extension of time to move the boxcars was due to
winter weather conditions it is unsafe to move them. Loveland stated it is not a problem to
move the boxcars at this time. He asked the City Council to consider that there is no
reason why Knight can not move the boxcars at this time. Knight is in violation of City
ordinances and of the 1997 Uniform Building Code. UBC sections quoted were 404.2.8
concerning alternate materials and alternate design and method of construction; 602.2 a
permit is required if over 120 square feet for move on, rebuilding, enlarging, improving, or
construction; and 106.3.2 plans, specifications, engineered calculations and diagrams are
required.
Paula Loveland added to her husband's remarks. Mr. Knight has to meet the minimum
UBC standards for the type of buildings he has moved on. He has violated the City's
moving of buildings ordinance and the UBC so he needs to move the storage boxcars. The
units are industrial and not residential.
Councilmember Folsom explained that Mr. Knight did violate the moving code, but the City
Council resolved the issue the way they thought best. He could be required to move the
two units off the property but then he could come back and comply with the setback rules
and put the units right back on. By allowing him time to move the units, they should be
gone permanently. Also, the City Council had some hesitations because there is another
property down the street that appears to be in a worse situation than Knight's.
Paula Loveland responded about the property down the street. That storage building is a
more permanent structure. The equipment is moved daily. Lovelands were aware of the
condition of that property when they built on Romrell Lane. Mr. Knight accumulates a lot of
junk. He has not tried to clean it up and store it in the boxcars. He has two old cars and
other things that are parked in the public right-of-way.
There was a discussion on how to resolve the issue. The Council considered trying to get
all the concerned parties together at one time. Following the discussion the Lovelands,
who were the spokesmen, accepted the decision of the City Council for Robin Knight to
move the two units off his property by June 1, 2001. The provision was that the boxcars
are gone by June 1 or the City takes enforcement action. It was recommended that the
City send a reminder letter to Robin Knight about May 1, 2001.
The second item of business was another complaint filed by Howard Spaletta, 475 South
City Council Meeting, December ,7, 200~ Page 3
Amy Lane. David Gonzales, 2420 South Ammon Road, is operating a commercial auto
body and fender shop in a residential area. Mr. Spaletta is not an Ammon resident and
does not live by Gonzales. He is affected by the operation because Gonzales uses his
mother's property, which is next to Spaletta's, for a wrecking yard. The City Council
questioned whether or not the problem was Ammon's responsibility to solve. No one within
the City limits of Ammon has filed a complaint. It was suggested that Mr. Spaletta work
with Bonneville County to eliminate the problem with David Gonzales' mother. In the mean
time, City of Ammon will try to determine if there is a problem for Ammon. No one wants to
live in a wrecking yard.
Ron Folsom reported on actions of the Planning and Zoning Commission at their
meeting on December 5, 2000. Action was taken on the request for annexation of the
Smith/Ritter properties on the corner of Hitt Road and Lincoln Road. The request has been
tabled for sometime, and the Commission voted to deny the request because it is outside
our new Area of Impact being considered for approval. The development agreement with
Telemark for Ammon Ranch was recommended for approval. There were a few
corrections, and there was one change in Special Condition 4. The Commission requested
that they add that the day staff will be on site from the day the site is occupied. There were
some changes that needed to be done on Special Conditions 9 and 11 regarding the sewer
when it was checked with City of Idaho Falls. The changes have been completed in the
agreement. The Final Plat for Ammon Ranch was recommended for approval. The
proposed Area of Impact was recommended for approval. Approval was recommended for
the Preliminary and Final Plat of Lincoln Industrial Park as presented. This is part of the
Beck et al property. The First Amended Plat of Centennial Ranch Division NO.9 and part
of Division No. 8 was recommended for approval. The developer changed plans from
townhouses to single family dwellings and reduced the size of lots and increased the
number of lots. The Commission recommended denial of the Preliminary Plat for the
remainder of the Lawrence Ricks property, which is now Briarwood Addition. The reason
for denial was lack of information and the plat showed John Adams ending in a cul-de-sac.
The Commission had previously recommended that John Adams be taken through so that
it could be taken across the railroad tracks as a collector street. This was discussed in
length and ideas were suggested for the developer to consider. The Commission would
like to see the extension of John Adams included on a master plan map. The Preliminary
Plat for The Cottages Division No. 1 was recommended for approval. The Cottages is the
Arland Purcell property below Quail Ridge Estates. There were some conditions. The road
names should be added and one of the accesses on 21st Street should line up with Nielsen
Road. The Preliminary Plat of The Cottages was submitted for the whole piece of property
but approval was given only to the one division because more details were needed. The
Planning and Zoning Commission Meeting for January was changed to Tuesday, January
9, 2001. The hearing on the Comprehensive Plan Future Land Use Map will be scheduled
for the January meeting. Both the old Comprehensive Plan and the proposed new
Comprehensive Plan include bike paths. The surrounding area has been interlinked in a
Bicycle Trails Plan, and some of the cities have adopted this Plan. It would be advisable
for City of Ammon to give some thought to bike paths in future planning.
City Council Meeting, December 7,2000 - Page 4
Sandra Steele, Sandy, Utah, represented Telemark Development. She stated they agree
with the recommendations of the Planning and Zoning for approval of the Development
Agreement and the Final Plat for Ammon Ranch (W. L. Judy Farm). The plans are to
start moving dirt in the spring. Councilmember Bean was particularly interested in the
sewer plans, and Engineer Manwill explained about the sewer. Attorney Anderson has
reviewed the Development Agreement with Dave Shipman, Telemark's attorney.
Council member Folsom moved to approve the Development Agreement between Telemark
Development L.L.C. and the City of Ammon for Ammon Ranch. Councilmember Hall
seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Folsom - Yes; Hall - Yes; Bean - Yes; Crandall -
Yes. The motion carried unanimously.
Council member Folsom moved to approve the Final Plat for Ammon Ranch Division NO.1.
Councilmember Hall seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Folsom - Yes; Hall - Yes;
Crandall- Yes; Bean - Yes. The motion carried unanimously.
Stan Steele commended the City of Ammon Planning and Zoning Commission. They
handle themselves very professionally. It has been a pleasure to work with them.
David Benton of Benton Engineering presented the Preliminary and Final Plat for
Lincoln Industrial Park. Bonneville County approved the Preliminary Plat for this
subdivision about a year ago. This property started out as one big lot, but part of it has
been platted as two lots. One is being developed as Majestic Acres and one is being
developed as Lincoln Industrial Park. The two developments will have a common water
and sewer system. David Benton explained the options of how the property will be
serviced by the sewer. The sewer is being worked out between the City of Ammon and the
City of Idaho Falls. There is one road into the two developments from Hitt Road. The road
is to be known as 14th North and is included on the Lincoln Industrial Park plat. The streets
are dedicated streets. Plans are for curb and gutter, and drainage will be on the property
into a settling pond. Engineer Benton oriented the City Council to the surrounding area.
Councilmember Hall moved to table the approval of the Preliminary and Final Plat for
Lincoln Industrial Park until the City has the proper improvement drawings showing the
water and the sewer and a development agreement. Councilmember Crandall seconded
the motion. Roll call vote: Hall - Yes; Crandall - Yes; Folsom - Yes; Bean - Yes. The
motion carried unanimously. No construction is to occur until the sewer plans are approved
by the City of Idaho Falls.
David Benton of Benton Engineering presented the First Amended Plat of Centennial
Ranch Division No.9 and part of Division No.8. The purpose in amending the plat is to
change the lot sizes on Edgewood Circle in Division NO.9 from one hundred feet to eighty
feet. This will increase the number of lots but decrease the size to allow single family
dwellings rather than townhouses. Also, Division No. 8 has been changed to stub out
Birchwood Circle so it can connect with future development to the west. Engineer Benton
City Council Meeting, December 7,2000 - Page 5
oriented the Council to the proposed changes on the zoning map. No change to the zone
was requested.
Council member Hall moved to approve the First Amended Plat of Centennial Ranch
Division No. 9 and part of Division No.8. Councilmember Folsom seconded the motion.
Roll call vote: Hall- Yes; Folsom - Yes; Crandall - Yes; Bean - Yes. The motion carried
unanimously.
Fred Wallin of Mountain River Engineering asked to have Quail Ridge Estates placed on
the agenda to make sure that the City of Ammon has approved the annexation and
development agreements. The developer understands that no building permits can be
issued until all details are finalized. Engineer Manwill has reviewed the improvement
drawings. The sewer drawings have been signed off and approved by the City of Idaho
Falls, although they do not meet their standards. The problem is with the 300 foot manhole
spacing requirement. The sewer spacing design of Quail Ridge Division NO.4 shows 370
foot spacing. Brad Pickett and George McDaniel explained their development plans and
answered the questions of the City Council.
Councilmember Bean expressed considerable concern about not meeting the sewer
standards. The City of Ammon has agreed with the City of Idaho Falls that all sewer plans
will be presented to the City of Idaho Falls prior to beginning construction. Part of the
problem with the Quail Ridge plans is they were designed for a Bonneville County sewer
system. Engineer Manwill pointed out that is difficult to make any correction once things
have happened. There can be some flexibility if there is a good reason. It is important that
Engineer Manwill sees the Idaho Falls Sewer Department signature of approval before he
signs the improvement drawings.
Council member Hall moved to approve the improvement drawings for Quail Ridge Estates
Division No. 4 as shown and to note that the sewer lines are out of compliance with the
standards the City will require for all future subdivisions and this is not considered to be a
precedent for following procedures for future developments prior to approval of the
development drawings. Councilmember Bean seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Hall -
Yes; Bean - Yes; Crandall- Yes; Folsom - Yes. The motion carried unanimously.
The Preliminary Plat for The Cottages was presented to the Planning and Zoning
Commission on December 5, 2000. They recommended approval of Division No. 1
contingent upon addition of street names and adjusting the street to line up with Nielsen
Road. The development plans were reviewed with the developers. Originally the
preliminary plat included the whole parcel of the Arland Purcell farm, but the Planning and
Zoning Commission wanted changes. The small section specified as Division No. 1 was
approved, and the developers will be back next month with the whole parcel.
Council member Bean moved to approve the Preliminary Plat for The Cottages Division No.
1 as outlined and recommended by the Planning and Zoning Commission subject to an
City Council Meeting, December 7,2000 - Page 6
acceptable development agreement. Councilmember Hall seconded the motion. Roll call
vote: Bean - Yes; Hall - Yes; Crandall - Yes; Folsom - Yes. The motion carried
unanimously.
Jill Schurman, Director of the Montessori School would like the school zone on First
Street extended to include their school. They have about one hundred students and about
eighty-five cars coming into the school between 7:00 A.M. and 8:30 A. M. on Monday
through Friday. Students do not have to walk across First Street, but there is a lot of traffic.
Public Works Director Wadsworth explained about costs and what would be involved to
move the existing flashing light sign father to the west. Ms. Schurman suggested that, if it
is too difficult or expensive to move the pole sign, maybe there could just be a sign "Slow
School Zone." The cars tend to speed up after they pass the Tiebreaker School entrance.
Council member Crandall recommended that the Council recognizes the problem with traffic
on First Street by the Montessori School and that action be tabled on the problem until
spring when the weather is more favorable to deal with signs.
Council member Bean again pointed out the agreement negotiated between the City of
Idaho Falls and the City of Ammon to have all sewer plans for newly annexed areas
approved by the City of Idaho Falls before any development begins. It is important that the
City of Ammon follows the rules.
Councilmember Folsom discussed street parking. On November 16, 2000, the City
Council accepted the report of the Citizens Committee Survey regarding parking in the
Hillview/Hillsdale Additions. The motion was to accept the wishes of the citizens for no
parking on the streets. Following that decision there was a question about whether or not
no parking was the answer. Another meeting of the Citizens Committee was held and new
solutions were considered. Councilmember Folsom moved to rescind the motion made
November 16, 2000, to allow no parking on the street. Councilmember Crandall seconded
the motion. Roll call vote: Folsom - Yes; Crandall - Yes; Bean - Yes; Hall - Yes. The
motion carried unanimously.
Consideration was given to allowing parking on the streets (public right-of-way) but to
specify enforceable restrictions. City Code Title 9, Chapter 4 addresses the following
parking restrictions: no parking on sidewalks, no blocking private driveways or entrances to
public streets, storage of vehicles for a period of over forty-eight (48) hours on public
streets, parking of vehicles weighing more than 10,000 Ibs. in residential areas, etc. It
would be worthwhile to add no parking of recreational vehicles, boats, or trailers of any kind
and no parking of unlicensed or broken down vehicles.
Greg Monik commented on the Citizens Committee meeting. He was of the opinion that
the citizens want enforcement of the ordinances. Also, he recommended that the City gets
a Web page, publish the Council meeting agendas, and encourage citizen input. He further
called attention to the anniversary of Pearl Harbor, December 7, the date of this meeting.
Councilmember Folsom was in favor of full parking in the public right-of-way throughout the
City Council Meeting, December 7, 2000 - Page 7
City and to begin enforcing City Code Title 9, Chapter 4 with some added restrictions.
There was a discussion on enforcement and rates for violations.
Mayor Ard questioned whether or not the parking restriction should apply to all areas of the
City. There are some areas where parking a recreational vehicle or a boat in the right-of-
way is not a problem. Fire Chief Nelson agreed that parking in the street is not a problem
in some areas. lee Staker suggested addressing parking by subdivisions since new
subdivisions are required to have wider streets. Councilmember Hall commented that the
City has struggled with parking problems for years. Council member Bean objected to
being selective.
Councilmember Folsom moved to allow parking on the streets of the City of Ammon with
the restrictions specified in City Code 9-4, with the addition of no parking of recreational
vehicles, boats or trailers of any kind and no parking of unlicensed, broken down or
abandoned vehicles in residential areas, with the rates for infractions to be determined by
legal counsel, and with enforcement to begin as soon as citizens are notified.
Councilmember Crandall seconded the motion. Roll call vote: Folsom - Yes; Crandall -
Yes; Bean - Yes; Hall- Yes. The motion carried unanimously.
Regarding enforcement of the parking restrictions, Public Works Director suggested to
begin with issuing warnings. There was a discussion on whether to change the parking
ordinance or to adopt a parking resolution. Attorney Anderson advised that a resolution is
more flexible.
Reports: Fire Chief Nelson reported for the Fire Department. He inquired about how the
fire hydrant situation would work at Lincoln Road and Hitt Road if that development hooks
into Falls Water. There should not be a problem, but an agreement should be worked out
with Falls Water. A mobile air compressor has been donated by Lt. Vanleuven of the
Idaho Falls Police Department. The compressor is used to fill up air bottles. The Fire
Station contractor came to work over two door problems. After he left, a problem still
existed. The City of Ucon backed out on the repeater system, and they did their own thing.
Our department has decided to wait for a grant. The Fire Department Christmas Party is
scheduled for Saturday, December 9. All the City Officials and their partners are invited.
All those attending should bring a can of food to donate to the Food Bank. Councilmember
Crandall approved the Fire Department purchase of a television set for instructional
purposes.
David Wadsworth reported for Public Works. Water pressure has been good. The
pressure has been around 75/80 pounds. The old plow has been installed on the dump
truck.
Attorney Anderson advised that the Judicial Review on action taken on the request for a
Conditional Use Permit for a daycare at 2255 Midway has been dismissed.
City Council Meeting, December 7,2000 - Page 8
In the map prepared for the sewer service areas, there are two small parcels not included
in the sewer service area of IBSD but they are included in Ammon's service areas.
Council member Bean and Engineer Manwill clarified the problem. The areas were
described as Unit 6 and Unit 16A on the map. A letter should be directed to IBSD and to
City of Idaho Falls to advise that City of Ammon agrees to let IBSD service those two
parcels.
IBSD has agreed to the Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Idaho Falls on the
sewer. Council member Bean recommended that City of Ammon and the IBSD work out
a joint agreement relative to sewer servicing in each other's areas. Mayor Ard, Engineer
Manwill, and Councilmember Bean agreed to work on an agreement.
Council member Hall pointed out that the Area of Impact has created more islands, which
are not annexed to Ammon. It was suggested that Ammon's boundaries need to be
cleaned up. The Planning and Zoning Commission has been trying to identify the areas.
Claims were approved. Council member Crandall moved to adjourn the meeting, and
Council member Bean seconded the motion. The meeting was adjourned at 10:45 P.M.
Mayor
ATTEST
City Clerk