Council Minutes 9/12/2006 (65)
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CITY OF AMMON
June 20, 1996
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June 20, 1996
Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council:
The meeting was called to order
Building, 2135 South Ammon Road,
present:
Mayor C. Bruce Ard
Councilmember W. Lee Bean
Councilmember Sherrill C. Bohn
Councilmember Ira K. Hall
Councilmember Steven J. Loveland
City Clerk Aleen C. Jensen
by Mayor C. Bruce Ard at 7:35 P.M. in the City
Ammon, Idaho, with the following City Officials
Attorney W. Joe Anderson
Engineer David E. Benton
Public Works Director David Wadsworth
Fire Chief Clarence Nelson
Ass't. Fire Chief Robert Farrow
Others Present:
Van and Barb Bagley, 2790 East 17th Street, Ammon
Emerson and Joy Jenkins, 3560 Georgia Lane, Ammon
Sydney Wagner, 3580 Georgia Lane, Ammon
Karin Fry, Realtor
Brent M., Cherie, and Regan Dees, 3350 Southwick Lane, Ammon
Loren, Elaine, and John Peterson, 3780 Georgia Lane, Ammon
Richard Eldridge, 2330 Cabellaro Drive, Ammon
Marvin R. and Jeanette Stucki, 3660 Georgia Lane, Ammon
Ray and Ivy Berry, 3740 Georgia Lane, Ammon
Cleve and Dixie Delaney, 3320 Southwick Lane, Ammon
G. Lance and Ranae Miner, 3280 Southwick Lane, Ammon
Deon Cole, 2820 Ross Avenue, Ammon
Jack Way, 2810 Ross Avenue, Ammon
John Sheppard, 3565 Georgia Lane, Ammon
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was led by Councilmember Bohn, and the
invocation was offered by Councilmember Loveland.
Van and Barb Bagley,2790 East 17th Street, applied for a home occupation permit
to manufacture small crafts and wood projects. Mostly they will be consigned to
craft shops. They have not had people coming to the house to purchase craft items,
but they would like to be able to do so at certain times of the year. There will
be no employees. They are recently retired, and they do not anticipate a large
volume of business. They are looking at continuing with consignment sales, but
they are also looking at garage type sales maybe two times per year. Bagleys
signed a statement to say they are familiar with the provisions of City Code 11-
5-27H, and they will comply with them. Councilmember Bohn moved to approve a home
occupation permit for Van and Barb Bagley, dba B.V.B. Wood and Crafts, 2790 East
17th Street, provided they only have traffic to their home a couple of times per
year. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Loveland. Roll call vote: Bohn-
Yes; Loveland - Yes; Bean - Yes. The motion carried. (Councilmember Hall did not
arrive at the meeting until after this action.)
A group of residents of Barbara Jean Estates with Loren Peterson as spokesman
protested a letter from the City of Ammon to Mr. and Mrs. Ray Berry requesting that
they remove the fence/gate to the bridle path which was erected at the end of
Talmage Street. Peterson presented a brief history of the bridle path to explain
that it is private property owned by forty-two property owners, and they can put
a fence anywhere on it they want.
The Barbara Jean Estates covenants were written in 1975, and they were amended in
1976. The amendment states, "Each property owner shall own 1/42 of the bridle path
included within this plat and shall be responsible for the maintenance on a
continuing basis." According to information obtained by Loren Peterson, the forty-
two property owners are each assessed a portion of the property tax on the bridle
path.
Originally the City placed a barrier across Talmage Street to control access to
the bridle path, but it has deteriorated until there is one pole still standing.
Property owners became concerned with traffic coming through and felt a need to
protect themselves from offensive activities. The bridle path has become a place
for kids to hot rod, kids on motorcycles and snow machines, teens congregate there
at night to build fires, and a number of other things. Through the years various
attempts have been made to control access. The City has indicated the bridle path
is the responsibility of the homeowners. Last summer it was decided to build a
removable fence for the protection of property. The fence was not built to block
usage but as a protective measure. On June 11, 1996, the City requested the fence
to be removed because it "obstructs the free flow of traffic for a designated
public use." A copy of the letter is attached to these minutes. Discussion
followed.
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June 20, 1996
Property owners of Barbara Jean Estates contend they have ownership of the bridle
path, they have the right to control access, and a telephone call makes access
available to those who have the right to use it. Property owners of Pony Acres
voiced their opinion that the bridle path extends into their subdivision and they
should have unrestricted access. Marvin Stucki was spokesman for Pony Acres.
Mayor Ard conceded that the fence/gate is not on City property, the homeowners have
a right to have a fence/gate, and the City was in error to request removal. The
City's concern is that there is an access available to the homeowners in both
subdivisions. The bridle path can be accessed from Talmage Street, and there is
an access identified from Georgia Lane. Some outfits may have difficulty accessing
from Georgia Lane because it requires a 900 turn on to the path.
Engineer Benton presented historical information about the bridle path. The
recorded plat for Pony Acres shows the bridle path as an easement. It states "no I
fence or obstacles to be erected across the bridle path." Property owners are
taxed on the easement. The recorded plat for Barbara Jean Estates (9-8-75) does
not show the bridle path as an easement. It is designated as a twenty foot (20')
right-of-way. According to Benton's information the property owners are not taxed
on it. The Barbara Jean plat reads, "Bridle paths are not dedicated to the public
but the easement right is reserved for the use of the lot owners in Pony Acres and
Barbara Jean Estates."
Other areas of discussion included maintenance, liability, difference between
restrictive covenants and a plat, and abandonment of the bridle path would require
100% consent of the property owners. Attorney Anderson interpreted the bridle path
is owned by all the property owners in the subdivisions, they are the only ones
who should be using it, the users are responsible for maintenance, and users assume
liability.
Mayor Ard agreed to rescind the letter requesting removal of the fence/gate at
Talmage Street. Property owners of Barbara Jean Estates and Pony Acres were asked
to work out the problem of the bridle path so both subdivisions feel comfortable
with the access.
Richard Eldridge, 2330 Cabellaro Drive, stated his purpose was not to request
removal of the animal overlay on the south end of the Southwick Addition, but he
wanted to make the Council aware that a problem does exist. Two years ago Eldridge
purchased property in Ammon Meadows on Cabellaro Drive. At that time he was I
assured the property owner at 3350 Southwick Lane did not plan to have animals.
However, the Southwick Lane property was sold, and the City was asked to research
the zoning to determine if the animal overlay was still in effect. It was
determined that the property is still zoned with OL6 which allows animals. The
problem is the overlay was established in the early sixties and with development
small lots on Cabellaro Drive back up to a long lot at 3350 Southwick Lane. This
would allow barnyard conditions to happen within fifty feet of Cabellaro Drive back
doors. Eldridge's wife suffers with asthma and animals affect her ability to
breathe. The owner has not moved animals in, but there has been a constant fight
regarding use of the property for animals. Again, new owners have bought the
property, and Eldridge does not want the fight to continue. Lance Miner explained
the zoning existed before Ammon Meadows was developed, therefore, Eldridge should
have considered that right. Brent Dees stated he is the owner of the property in
question. He does not believe he is a bad owner, and his pasture is well taken
care of. New people are buying the property at 3350 Southwick Lane. They do not
have livestock, but they have the right to choose how they use their property.
Dees appealed to the City to protect those rights. Mayor Ard advised the City is
not involved unless a nuisance occurs. If a nuisance does occur, the City will
listen. Mr. Eldridge called attention to a petition (undated) signed by residents
of property in Ammon Meadows and Southwick Additions which states they are opposed
to livestock being brought in, and he asked that consideration be given to those
residents. There are owners of fourteen properties included on the petition.
Unfinished business was considered. There has been progress on the First Street I
Waterline Extension. Street lights have been approved for three locations.
Regarding building permit inspections, Bonneville County has exercised their option
for sixty days notice to terminate the Joint Powers Agreement. Larry Schuldt
expressed concern that he has terminated employment with Bonneville County, and
he is left without income until after August 11, 1996. He requested the Mayor
to negotiate with the Bonneville County Commissioners to see if they would
reconsider termination of the agreement immediately or, at least, let the permits
received since June 11, 1996, be assigned to Schuldt.
Councilmember Hall moved to approve fireworks permits for Eastgate Drug, 3270 East
17th Street; Paula Boam at Wright Stop, 125 South 2500 East; and Kmart inside the
store at 3101 East 17th Street; subject to inspection and approval by the Fire
Department. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Bean. Roll call vote: Hall-
Yes; Bean - Yes; Bohn - Yes; Loveland - Yes. The motion carried unanimously.
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June 20, 1996
The City Office received a call about the condition of the property at 2865 South
Ammon Road. Information was requested about what the City plans to do about it.
The property owner has some personal problems, but the City is concerned about the
existing conditions. Even if the owner is unable to complete the house at this
time, it would be helpful if he cleaned up the lot. The Council agreed to try to
initiate some measures to improve conditions.
Councilmember Hall called attention to the fact that, if contractors who perform
work for the City do not have workers compensation coverage, the City is liable
to include them on the City's policy and pay the premium. Workers compensation
coverage was discussed. Councilmember Hall moved to require any contractors who
do work for the City to show proof of workers compensation coverage. The motion
was seconded by Councilmember Bohn. Roll call vote: Hall - Yes; Bohn - Yes; Bean -
Yes; Loveland - Yes. The motion carried unanimously.
Reports: Public Works Director David Wadsworth reported work has commenced on the
street intersection replacement project.
Councilmenber Loveland reported the Youth Service Project planned for the City has
been postponed from July to August.
Councilmember Bohn recommended it would be good public relations to continue with
plans for a City Building open house. The Council agreed it is a good idea, but
the landscaping needs to be completed. The condition of the property at 3217 East
17th Street next to the Fire Station was discussed. The large dead trees on the
east side of the property cause problems for the Fire Department, and the general
condition of the property is an eyesore. Procedures for abating the conditions
were discussed. The question is whether the property is more of a nuisance for
the City or a hazard for the Fire Department. Public Works Director Wadsworth
agreed to talk with the owners before any action is taken.
Councilmember
approaching.
Bean reminded that the 1997 Fiscal Year Budget deadlines are rapidly
It was recommended information be studied on the 1% initiative.
Engineer Benton reported on Well No.8 progress. The data is now available so the
pump can be designed. Information will be assembled for the Council to choose how
to proceed.
Claims were approved. Councilmember Bean
motion was seconded by Councilmember Hall.
moved to adj ourn the meeting, and the
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 P.M.
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