Council Minutes 9/12/2006 (135)
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CITY OF AMMON
October 7, 1993
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. by Mayor C. Bruce Ard with the
following City Officials present:
Mayor C. Bruce Ard Engineer David E. Benton
Councilman Marvin J. Anderson Public Works Director David Wadsworth
Councilman Harvey Crandall Fire Chief Ca1 Smith
Councilman Ira K. Hall Fire Marshal Robert Farrow
Councilman Greg J. Maeser City Clerk Aleen C. Jensen
Others Present:
Lennis Tirrell, 3195 Molen Street, Ammon
Bruce Brinton, 1820 Midway Avenue, Ammon
Blaine Drews, Department of Environmental Quality
Henry Moran, Department of Environmental Quality
LeRoy Hope, 1977 Ross Avenue
Douglas Isbell, 2045 Ross Avenue
Brett and T. J. Floyd, 2853 South 60 East, Idaho Falls
Robert E. Brewton, ICRMP Loss Control Specialist
Kurt L. Anderson, ICRMP Loss Control Specialist
Brian Taylor, Planning and Zoning Commission Representative
Absent: Attorney W. Joe Anderson
The Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag was directed by Councilman Maeser, and the
invocation was offered by Councilman Anderson.
Mayor Ard opened the Public Hearing for the City Council acting as the Board of
Adjustments to consider the request for a side yard variance by Douglas Isbell,
2045 Ross Avenue. Notice of the Hearing was published in the Post Register on
September 20, 1993, and notices were mailed to all property owners within three
hundred feet (300'). Mayor Ard swore in Douglas Isbell to give testimony.
Mr. Isbell stated they have a situation where they are needing something to store
some of the items used to maintain and use their property. The place is
beginning to look like an old implement store, and the best alternative would be
to construct a storage building similar to a garage. The property is zoned RP
which requires a twenty foot (20') side yard for the main building and for
accessory buildings. Isbe11s would like to build a storage unit parallel to
their back addition with a side yard of ten or ten and one-half feet. Two
reasons were given for requesting the variance. One, there is no other feasible
place on their property to locate the building. Two, denying the variance would
deny Isbe11s the privilege enjoyed by other residents of the neighborhood.
Neighbors who apparently have variances were identified as Browns, Hansens,
Robisons, and Rossiters. The neighbor most impacted by the variance would be
LeRoy Hope on the north. At the closest point Hopes and Isbe11s would be seventy
feet (70') apart. LeRoy Hope stated he did not object to the variance being
granted provided Isbe11s have clearance to drive through to their backyard
between Hope's fence and Isbell's building.
Brian Taylor represented the Planning and Zoning Commission. He stated some of
those buildings in the neighborhood with less than twenty feet (20') side yards
are "grandfathered" in. Others were built without permits and violated the code.
Due to the size of Isbell's property and the configuration, there are other
options for placing the garage/storage unit without having to violate the
ordinance. Also, if the variance is allowed, the City is setting a precedent.
The Planning and Zoning Commission members were unanimous in their decision to
recommend that the variance be denied. They further recommended options for
Isbells--(l) buy additional property from the neighbors or (2) move the new
building back and to the south. Isbell responded that the neighbors have not
expressed a willingness to sell any property and to move the building would
destroy their arena.
Councilman Maeser advised that an applicant should meet all four of the
requirements for granting a variance. He said there is no problem aesthetically,
but the Isbell's request does not meet the requirements of the existing law. The
variance should be denied, or the law should be changed. The City gets in
trouble granting variances when the law is not followed.
Councilman Hall stated the City has been trying to enforce the zoning ordinances.
The requirements were read and discussed. Isbe11s do not meet the criteria and
granting a variance opens the gate for everyone else. It impacts the community.
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October 7, 1993
Councilman Crandall connnented that only one neighbor would be impacted. The
Council is dealing with the letter of the law and not the spirit of the law.
However, he recognized the problem of precedent setting.
Brett Floyd expressed that he believed Isbells were being denied privileges even
though some of the other property owners were enjoying the privilege because of
the "grandfather" clause.
Isbells began construction of
obtaining a building permit.
construction.
their garage/storage building without first
The City placed a "stop work" order on the
The Council discussed the existing zoning ordinances, and they pointed out it may
be time for some revisions in the side yard requirements for the RP zone. Mayor
Ard closed the Public Hearing and proceeded with the regular meeting.
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Councilman Crandall moved to recommend to the Planning and Zoning Commission that
they review the ordinance for the RP zone and consider changing the side yard
requirements from twenty feet (20') to ten feet (10'). Counciman Maeser seconded
the motion. Roll call vote: Crandall - Yes; Maeser - Yes; Hall - Yes;
Anderson - Yes. The motion carried unanimously.
Councilman Hall moved to grant a side yard variance to Douglas Isbell, 2045 Ross
Avenue based on the motion to consider changing the side yard requirements in the
RP zone. The motion was seconded by Councilman Crandall. Roll call vote: Hall -
Yes; Crandall - Yes; Anderson - Yes; Maeser - No. Councilman Maeser voted no
until the Planning and Zoning Commission has the opportunity to recommend whether
or not to change the ordinance. The motion carried.
Lennis Tirrell, Ammon Speedi Mart, proposed supplying the City with gasoline and
diesel fuel. He passed out informational material on the new law requiring all
diesel to be low sulfur for on the road use. The penalty for non-compliance is
harsh. He presented two options. Option No.1: A 30 day E.O.M. account,
separate tickets for each sale showing invoice number, date and signature for
each sale, plate number or job number if required, and help in filling out Form
843 for tax refund. Option No.2: Sinclair Fleet Fueling program. The
advantages listed were: no evaporation or shrinkage, no cost of fuel in the tank
not being used, no costin tank testing or liability insurance on the tanks, no
cost for repairs or maintenance, and security. Tirrell would like the City's
business, and he is willing to work with the City. Ammon Speedi Mart is open 17
hours per day and 7 days per week. The Council agreed to think about the
proposal.
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Brian Taylor reported on the Planning and Zoning Commission activities. On
October 5, 1993, Mrs. Isbell appeared before the Commission to present her
request for a side yard variance, and the City Council acting as the Board of
Adjustments heard the request at the beginning of this meeting. Also, a Public
Hearing was conducted to consider a petition of residents from Southwick Addition
Division No. 1 to remove Overlay 6 (Animals) from the lots on Sabin Drive.
Considerable development has occurred in the subdivision since the zoning was
originally established. There was much discussion both in favor and in
opposition. The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended that the zoning
remain unchanged. (Refer to P&Z minutes of October 5, 1993) The City Council
determined to wait to see if residents want the petition pursued further before
scheduling a Public Hearing before the City Council.
Henry Moran and Blaine Drewes represented the Department of Environmental Quality
(DEQ) to provide information on Idaho Drinking Water Fee Assessment, and to
appeal to the City of Ammon to support the program for the 1994 fiscal year.
Councilman Maeser expressed the opinion that there was no problem with the State
maintaining primacy, but he was opposed to the method of funding. Mr. Moran
explained the history of the program and Mr. Drewes discussed the testing I
requirement of EPA (federal) versus DEQ (state). Fees collected will help to
maintain the DEQ program as now structured with no increase in staff. If DEQ
continues to have primacy, they will be able to monitor the testing program and
waive some of the expensive tests in systems where there is no record of
problems. DEQ is available to provide technical assistance and to help with
problem solving. DEQ can not be more be more stringent than EPA and they can not
be less stringent, but they can monitor the program and help reduce costs in
local compliance. If funding is not received or committed for DEQ by October 28,
1993, the program will return to federal control. Cities can pay the fee under
protect and then go to the Legislature in January to try to reduce the fee or to
establish a different funding method.
Robert E. Brewton and Kurt L. Anderson, representatives of the Idaho Counties
Reciprocal Management Program (ICRMP) discussed the City's participation in that
liability insurance program. Their area of concern is loss control issues, and
they helped the Council to understand the services available. ICRMP is set up to
provide coverage needed by counties, cities, school districts, etc., and the
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October 7, 1993
entities are shareholders in the organization. The program is continually being
expanded. There will be no increase in premium for 1994. Brewton and Anderson
met with the Public Works Director and City Clerk during the day to explain
their program and to visit City facilities. The visit will be followed-up with
a report of safety recommendations for the City of Ammon. Loss control
representatives are willing to provide supervision and training in risk
management, personnel policies, playground safety, administrative problems,
errors and omissions, etc. They counseled the City to follow established
policies or to make changes if the policies are wrong. A Risk Management
Seminar will be conducted in Idaho Falls at the Shilo Inn on October 28, 1993.
Co. Crandall moved, in reference to the motion made September 16, 1993, about
payment of the Idaho Drinking Water Fee Assessment, to accept the motion as made
to pay the fee quarterly but to specify on the check that is is paid in protest.
The motion was seconded by Councilman Hall. Roll call vote: Crandall - Yes;
Hall - Yes; Maeser - Yes; Anderson - Yes. The motion carried unanimously.
H-K Contractors have been authorized to proceed with paving Williams Street.
They are scheduled to begin the project the latter part of October.
Councilman Hall moved to accept the minutes of City Council Meeting held
September 16, 1993, as written. The motion was seconded by Councilman
Crandall. Roll call vote: Hall - Yes; Crandall - Yes; Anderson - Yes; Maeser _
Yes. The motion carried unanimously.
Mayor Ard introduced the second reading of Ordinance No. 235 (Trailwood Village
Division No. 1 Rezone) AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING CLASSIFICATION AND THE
ZONING MAP FOR CERTAIN LANDS; PARTICULARLY DESCRIBING SAID LANDS AND DECLARING
THE CLASSIFICATION OF ZONING FOR EACH SUCH PARCEL OF LAND; AND PROVIDING FOR AN
EFFECTIVE DATE.
Councilman Maeser moved to designate the election Judges and Clerks for the
November 2, 1993, City of Ammon General Municipal Election as follows:
Regina Borg, Judge
Carol A. Miller, Clerk
Connie B. Darrington, Clerk
Patricia D. Aldrich, Clerk
Linda Godfrey, Judge
Diane Jemmett, Clerk
Mala Lyon, Clerk
The motion was seconded by Councilman Hall. Roll call vote: Maeser - Yes;
Hall - Yes; Anderson - Yes; Crandall - Yes. The motion carried unanimously.
The pay scale if $5.25 for Judges and $4.35 for Clerks.
Councilman Maeser asked the Council to give him some input to take to the AIC
Legislative Meeting on Thursday, October 14. A 1994 AIC Legislative Proposals
Priority Ranking Worksheet was circulated to individual Council members to get
their opinions.
Councilman Maeser was assigned to prepare the Annual Newsletter to be mailed to
residents with their payment books.
Reports: Public Works Director David Wadsworth reported on the purchase of an
new V-shaped snow plow.
Fire Chief Cal Smith reported on the Fire Department. Bruce Lott burned the
agricultural ground north of Kmart, and he rained the City with ash. Many
complaints were received, but apparently there was not a violation of City
ordinance because most of the fields involved are in the County.
Councilman Crandall commented on franchise fees and the excellent article in
"Idaho Cities." He encouraged the Council to read it and to implement it. As
franchise agreements come up for renewal, they should be analyzed thoroughly for
compliance, accountability, and length of agreement. It was agreed length of
agreement should cover a shorter period than they have in the past.
Cantlon Properties has requested information on rezone of the property now
occupied by Teton Plaza Mobile Home Park, Eastgate Shopping Center, and Mini-
Warehouse III. They have been advised, if they complete the necessary
application papers by October 19, 1993, the City will schedule a Public Hearing
before the Planning and Zoning Commission on November 9, 1993, and a Public
Hearing before the City Council on November 18, 1993. Cantlon representatives
have agreed to schedule a meeting with the property owners prior to these
hearings.
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Claims were approved. Councilman Crandall moved to adjourn the meeting, and the
motion was seconded by Councilman Maeser. The meeting was adjourned at 10:35
P.M.
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ATTEST
;:U_U'"J r;P4uU,J
CITY CLERK i
CITY OF AMMON
October 21, 1993
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Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council:
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M. by Mayor Bruce Ard. It was held
at the Ammon City Hall, 3270 Molen Street, Ammon, Idaho. The Pledge of Alleg-
iance to the Flag was led by Councilman Harvey Crandall with the prayer being
given by Councilman Ira K. Hall.
Mayor welcomed those present,
Mayor C. Bruce Ard
Councilman Greg J. Maeser
Councilman Marvin Anderson
Councilman Harvey Crandall
Councilman Ira K. Hall
who included City Officials:
Attorney W. Joe Anderson
Engineer David E. Benton
Fire Chief Ca1 Smith
Public Works Director David Wadsworth
Deputy Clerk Carol Ragan
Others Present:
Jay W. Johnson, 2125 Cabel1aro Drive, Ammon
R. Wayne Hansen, 3785 Geneva Drive, Ammon
Alan Obray, 3475 Tay10rview Lane, Ammon
Jerrolyn Crandall, 3550 Brookfield Lane, Ammon
Rex Shurtliff, 3575 Brookfield Lane, Ammon
Alice Shurtliff, 3575 Brookfield Lane, Ammon
Lynn Goldman, 3615 Wanda Street, Ammon
and a total of 25 Scouts and Cub Scouts
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Mayor Ard asked each Scout to introduce himself and what his purpose was in
attending the City Council meeting.
The first item of business was a request by Shelene D. Larsen, 2039 East
Eastgate Drive, for a home occupation permit. She addressed the Council,
stating her business consisted of wedding consultation. She stated she would
not have employees. She would not do catering or decorating, just helping
through the planning of weddings. Councilman Maeser motioned to approve the
application of She1ene Larsen for a home occupations permit to conduct a wedding
consultant business at 2039 East Eastgate, Ammon. The motion was seconded by
Councilman Hall. Roll call vote: Maeser - Yes; Hall - Yes; Crandall - Yes;
Anderson - Yes. The motion carried.
The second item of business was a request by Jay Johnson to convert a single
family dwelling to multiple family. Mr. Johnson explained the house is
presently being built for a single person, Sheryl Moss. It is situated in an
R-2 zone at 2200 South Ammon Road. He would like to request for her that she
be allowed to rent the basement as it would help her out a little. The opinion
of the Council was that it is properly zoned, therefore there is no problem.
Mr. Johnson thanked the Council before leaving.
Mayor Ard stated a date needed to be approved to canvass votes of the municipal I
election. Councilman Crandall motioned to approve November 4, 1993, as the date
set to canvass the votes. The motion was seconded by Councilman Maeser. Roll
call vote: Crandall - Yes; Maeser - Yes; Anderson - Yes; Hall - Yes. The
motion carried.
Councilman Maeser reported on the AIC Legislative Meeting. He stated most of
the meeting consisted of discussion of what to do about the water quality fee
assessment. It was discussed paying the fee either on a monthly or quarterly
basis under protest, with a request for an opinion of the Attorney General's
office as to the legality of the fee. He further stated there is an argument
that it is a fee, not a tax, because they are assessing a usage. Five voted
to not pay at all, with the majority voting to pay under protest. Councilman
Maeser also stated at the AIC Legislative Meeting, they wanted to lower the vote
of two-thirds to sixty percent on bonds. Also, on October 27th the Mayors have
been asked to call a press conference for the declared mandates the City might
have. This would be Federal Unfunded Mandate Day and provides the City an opp-
ortunity to educate the public.