HomeMy WebLinkAboutP&Z MINUTES JUNE 19, 2003(~ CITY OF REXBURG
PLANNING AND ZONING MINUTES
June 19, 2003
7:00 p.m.
Chairman: Winston Dyer
Members: Robert Schwartz
Mike Ricks
Steve McGary excused
Doug Smith -Excused
Jerry Hastings
Mary Haley
Jordan Dyer
David Stein
Joseph Laird
Randall Porter
P.F.C. John Millar -Excused
P & Z Administrator Kurt Hibbert
City Attorney Stephen Zollinger -Excused
City Clerk Blair D. Kay -Excused
Approval of minutes
Winston Dyer opened the meeting. David Stein moved to approve the minutes of June 5,
2003; Joe Laird seconded the motion; those abstaining were Winston Dyer, Robert
Schwartz, Jordan Dyer, and Mary Haley because they were not at that meeting. The
remaining members voted aye, none opposed. The motion carried.
Non-controversial items added to the agenda:
Kurt Hibbert brought up the issue of parked unused cars. He indicated that they might
have tickets issued to those residences with junk cars in the yards. Kurt has had some
people come into City Hall to comply with the Conditional Use Permit requirements to
allow an apartment in their homes. These units fell under the grandfathered requirements
for the City of Rexburg.
Mary Haley brought up the issue to have trees planted at Pioneer Equipment and
Wilcox's Potato Warehouse. Winston Dyer recommended that Kurt Hibbert call those
places to remind them of the conditions that were given to them when their site plans
were approved. They need to be in compliance with the tree requirements.
Public Hearings: S
Winston Dyer talked about how public input would be given for a public hearing. He
asked the commissioners how they wanted to address each area. The Planning
Commissioners indicated that they would like to talk about each area individually.
Annexation of fours areas into the City of Rexburg (See map for description) -
(Smith, Rasmussen, Summers, Stegelmeier, Grover, Jeppesen, Cook, and
Neibaur properties)
urea Four (4):
Annexation of area Four into the City of Rexburg (See map for description) -
(Smiths, Sipherd, Rasmussen, & Summers)
Kurt Hibbert reviewed the proposal on the overhead map. Kurt indicated that the
applicants filled out an application to annex this property. He reviewed the application
and who owns the property. Kurt reviewed some changes to the application that the
owners had presented to the Planning and Zoning Department concerning the request to
zone the property to several zones.
Bob & John Sipherd - 2019 E. Maple Hollow Way, Bountiful, UT, Indicated that they •
own a piece on parcel 14. The parcel is 44 acres. They are proposing two subdivisions
for this parcel. They indicated that in the northwest corner of the property there are
about 2 1/2 acres that they would like to be zoned for some up scale three-plexes and
eight-plexes. The density would be 9.6 units per acre. It is just a small corner of the
larger parcel to be zoned. It connects to Palmer Subdivision. They would like to have
this small area zoned to Medium Density Residential (MDR). The lots would be 1/3 of
an acre each. There would be a road coming from the north (Palmer Subdivision). This
road exits out the south end of the Palmer Subdivision.
Winston Dyer opened the meeting to public input on Area Four:
Those in favor of this proposal:
Sally Smith - 460 Rolling Hills Drive, Reviewed the 44 acres that hook on to the Hidden
Valley Subdivision (Palmer Subdivision). She indicated that 26 acres sit on top of the
hill. They didn't know what type of zone to put to that piece of property. Sally indicated
that they would accept the Low Density Residential Zone (LDR).
Richard Smith - 637 Millhollow Road, Indicated that these parcels were requested to be
annexed by the City of Rexburg. The owners of the property have not given a great deal
of thought to the zone that they would prefer for these properties. The owners would like
to have all of the properties zoned the same zone. Richard indicated that Low Density
Residential (LDR) would be the requested zone. Richard mentioned that Rural
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Residential Two (RR2) allows for larger lots that do not require curb and gutter.
,. (Richard has received approval from the Planning Commission and the City Council for a
platted subdivision in the City's Impact Area between Millhollow Road and 2"d East
called Harvest Heights with a proposed zone of Rural Residential Two (RR2) when the
property is annexed).
Those Neutral to this proposal:
Reed Stoddard - 249 Millhollow Road, Indicated that they are concerned about what
would happen to the area after the annexation. Reed is concerned with how the roads
will be developed.
Steve Hart - 285 Millhollow Road, Agrees with what Reed Stoddard has said. He has
heard different things about the roads and the future planning of the roads by the
Planning Commission. Steve commented on the current road conditions (landscaping)
which provide trees for the birds for a perching area. Steve would like to keep the
roadways and trees the same as they currently exist for this area. He wants the Ciiy
transportation plan in writing for this area.
Corey Barnard - 272 E. 2"d S., Indicated that he is in favor of the Annexation request;
however, he did not want an LDR1 or RR2 zone applied to the area due to the traffic on
Millhollow Road and 2°a South.
i Those opposed to the Annexation request:
Roger McPheeters - 275 Shoshone, Is concerned with the topography of the land and the
need to have adequate drainage capability for the area. He is concerned with the storm
water draining down to the High School. Roger proposed that a traffic study should be
done for traffic control purposes before this request is approved. The average speed is 50
mph on Millhollow Road. Roger mentioned the accidents that have occurred by trucks
going too fast and running the stop signs.
Winston Dyer - Reviewed a letter addressed to the Planning and Zoning Commissioners
written by property owners on Millhollow Road. The letter expressed concerns with the
development (widening) of Millhollow Road.
Rebuttal to testimony opposed to the Annexation request: None
Public input was closed.
Commissioners discussed the pros and cons of the Annexation request. Winston Dyer
commented on how much acreage (area) and when (timing) they want to bring new
properties into the City of Rexburg. Joe Laird commented on the roads and the need to
discuss the proposed road system for the area. He indicated that there are traffic
problems that need to be addressed.
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Kurt Hibbert reviewed the new growth that is occurring in Hidden Valley (Palmer •
~" Subdivision). David Stein stated that they need to finish the Comprehensive Plan
changes before the City of Rexburg annexes any more properties. Kurt Hibbert replied to
those comments indicating that the area is growing and the City of Rexburg needs to
provide adequate planning for the growth.
Winston commented on the drainage issues that this area will bring to the City. Also,
Winston mentioned the need to look at a transportation plan for the area.
Mary Haley indicated that she is concerned about having green areas planned for the
area.
Randall Porter had a question about City Parks for the area and making the area attractive
to blend into the existing City resident's properties so that they are not de-valued.
David Stein asked if they could wait on this annexation until the Comprehensive Plan
review is completed.
Mike Ricks indicated that annexation requests are a property owners right to request
annexation. If it does hurt the neighbors then those concerns need to be addressed;
however, if the people drive fast on those roads then it doesn't protect the neighborhood.
Mary Haley indicated concerns of annexing more property before the Comprehensive
Plan hearings are completed.
Robert Schwartz mentioned that they didn't know what was going to happen with those
pieces of property.
Discussion on the Comprehensive Plan and how growth does not always follow the Plan.
David Stein moved to recommend that City Council consider each parcel individually for
zoning and transportation concerns before Annexing the properties; Jerry Hastings
seconded the motion; Kurt Hibbert indicated that the portion of Area Four that is
between Millhollow Road and 2°d East going South to 7th South has an approved
Subdivision Plat with a proposed Rural Residential Two (RR2) Zone. Further discussion
on the zoning that should be applied to Area Four. Jerry Hastings requested that the
motion needs to address all of the issues that have been discussed. The City Council
needs to address Storm water drainage, traffic flow, and green belt issues. David
amended his motion to Zone the Harvest Heights Subdivision as RR2 with the remaining
property in Area Four being zoned as Low Density Residential (LDR), also, the amended
motion includes the requirement for a green belt, review of recreation issues, traffic flow
issues and storm water drainage issues; Jerry Hastings seconded the amended motion; all
voted aye, none opposed. The motion carried.
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~~ Area Five (5):
Annexation of area Five into the City of Rexburg (See map for description) -
(Cook Properties)
Kurt Hibbert reviewed the property with the Commissioners. The zoning was proposed
by looking at the Comprehensive Plan map. The proposal contains about 150 acres.
Cortney Liddiard - 1821 South 2000 West, (Cortney and Steve Laney represented the
developer). Cortney commented that he would like to review the Comprehensive Plan
for family housing around the University. Cortney discussed a mixed zoning pian for the
area. Some ideas for the development of the property were presented to the
Commissioners. They are proposing developing Condos, Family Housing, Offices, and
residential development. The desired plan would have higher density adjacent to the
University with less density as you go away from the University.
The lots are going to have a view of the valley. Discussion on the problems with
drainage in the area. The plan is to have 6 acres of open space and a park. The developer
wants to enhance and protect the neighborhood. Cortney reviewed the recent growth of
the Community and indicated that this type of proposal makes sense for the Community.
A convenience store was discussed for the area.
\ • Cortney indicated that they are proposing that zoning for their property be done during
the Annexation process. Cortney commented that there is a way to plan for the
development of the area with input and support from the Community and the Planning
and Zoning Commission.
Winston Dyer opened the meeting to public input on Area Five:
Those in favor of this proposal:
Richard Smith - 637 Millhollow Road, Wanted clarification on the zone on the northwest
corner of Area Five. Richard indicated that he was in favor of the Annexation request for
Area Five and recommended that the proposal be sent to City Council for Annexation. It
is zoned as agricultural at the present time. Richard talked about LDRl zone being more
restrictive.
Judy Hobbs - 117 W. Main, Would need LDRl as a small buffer for the homes that are
already there in the area.
Those Neutral to this proposal:
Greg Moeller - 302 Meadow View Dr., Indicated that he represented the Church near this
area. The Church would prefer that the area around the Church be zoned LDR. The
residents would like it to be an area with no noise and vandalism. They would like to
• avoid high traffic areas and business districts. They requested additional parking and
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picnic areas for the development. They indicated that a business would create more
traffic in the area. The residents would like to continue the LDR Zone which contributes
to the peace and tranquility of the neighborhood.
Blair Manwaring, 920 Hillview Dr., Concerned with the cars and the students driving to
town and not walking to the business areas. He indicated that there would be empty
housing in the fall. There needs to be a buffer from single family residential housing to
multi-family housing. He would accept LDR Zoning in that area. A drainage plan for
the area is an important issue.
Bob R. Perkes - 950 S. 2nd E., Requested residential Zoning for the area. He does not
want apartments or condos in this area. Bob would not like to see big developments or
commercial areas developed in this area. He agreed with Blair Manwaring's comments.
Lani West - 125 Crest View Drive, Was very concerned with the heavy traffic in the area
and the dangerous intersections that are used by the students. She mentioned that the
sanding during the winter months for the streets and intersections is not good in this area
of the City. Additional traffic will probably cause additional accidents.
Ted Whyte - 610 Taurus Drive, Mentioned the Eaglewood Subdivision that is currently
being developed. Ted showed where the Subdivision is located and the current Zoning
for Eaglewood Subdivision. Ted is in favor of the Annexation request for this area.
Brian Schmidt - 1015 Hillview Dr., Agreed with traffic control between 7th South and •
Main Street. The development of this area will increase traffic flow. Brian would like to
continue the development of residential areas on this property. He indicated that single
families would like to be near the neighborhood and the University.
Don Sparhawk - 37 S. 3rd E., Indicated that the proposal would have to reflect the
Comprehensive Plan. He recommended that the zoning reflect the Comprehensive Plan.
Larry and Sharon Duque - a letter was read from them indicating that they would prefer
single family housing developed in this area with no businesses.
Those opposed to the Annexation request:
Corey Barnard - 272 E. 2nd S., Indicated that the proposal presented by the developer to
the Commission does not fit the Comprehensive Plan. The advertised Zone is different
than the developer's proposal currently before the Commissioners. Corey is against the
Annexation proposal.
Scott Kidd - 975 Hillview Dr., Indicated that he has seen accidents at the intersection of
7th South and 2nd East. Scott mentioned that the proposal would be cause more accidents
at this intersection. The advertisements in the newspaper did not have the same proposal
and Scott would not like to see this proposal go through because it was not advertised
properly.
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,~~ Serena Kugath -198 Crest View Dr., Commented that she has six children and it is
impossible to have a fence around her yard. She has problems with solicitors and
problems with students around that area. Her home is her sanctuary. She is opposed to
the Annexation request.
Rebuttal to testimony opposed to the Annexation request:
Cortney Liddiard -Mentioned that he feels responsible for the changes to the proposal
after the request for Annexation was published. Cortney indicated that the developer
would want to consider making some changes to the proposed zoning to accommodate
those who have testified. Thev would like to address the resident's concerns with the
proposed Annexation and development of the area. They do not think that this
development alone will increase the traffic flow. The developer would like to look at all
of the concerns.
Public input ~~as closed.
Discussion with the procedure used to advertise an Annexation proposal.
David Stein would not be comfortable zoning a Residential Business District without an
approved zone.
Mike Ricks talked about the climate and weather for the area. Mike was favorable to the
`~ - developers plan for the area. Mike mentioned that there have not been very many that
have been planned to this detail.
David Stein suggested changing the zoning according to the Comprehensive Plan and
then they can request a re-zone at a later date.
Mary Haley moved to recommend Area Five for Annexation to the City of Rexburg with
an LDR Zone; Joseph Laird seconded the motion; Discussion -Winston questioned
where everything would go on 2°d East. Jerry talked about going from the
Comprehensive Plan and tying a zone to the property. Jerry supports keeping the area in
an LDR Zone until it is developed. Mike indicated that he was in favor of a small part of
the property going to an HDR Zone. Question: All voted aye, except Mike Ricks, Jordan
Dyer, and Winston Dyer who voted nay. The motion carried.
Area Three (3):
Annexation of area Three into the City of Rexburg (See map for description) -
(Stegelmeier, Grover, Thompson & Jeppesen)
Kurt reviewed where the area is that is being proposed. He showed the zoning proposed
for the area and the boundaries. Kurt indicated that there were three different proposed
• zones for the development.
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Winston Dyer opened the Hearing for public Input: .
Those in favor of this proposal:
Gerald Jeppesen - 547 E. 7th N., talked about his property and his mother's property for
this proposal. They are in favor of the Annexation request.
Those Neutral to this proposal:
Keven Snell - 3784 E. 175 N. Rigby, Indicated that the MDR Zone on the proposal is on
a weird angle for the development of multifamily housing.
Dale Thompson - 950 Westwood Dr., Indicated to the Commission the Annexation needs
to be done; However, Dale indicated that it does not matter what the zoning is right now
for the property. When the time comes for the development of the property, they will
review the zone for the property at trat time.
Those opposed to the Annexation request: None
Rebuttal to testimony opposed to the Annexation request:
Kurt Hibbert talked about other parcels adjacent to the Thompson property that had
petitioned for Annexation. Dale Thompson's family property was between these other
~' requests. The City Council asked to proceed with those Annexations including the
Thompson property.
Public input was closed.
Robert Schwartz questioned what the zoning is on the properties next to the proposed
Annexation parcels. Mary Haley asked if the people that did not petition if they were
against the Annexation proposal or if they did not care about the Annexation proposal.
Winston Dyer talked to the commissioners about where they would like to stop with the
annexations for a while. David Stein asked if there was a transportation plan. Kurt
Hibbert talked about the transportation issues and about a road that the City would like to
see put through the area to take away traffic from 2°d East (The only North entrance to
City and BYU-Idaho).
Discussion
Robert Schwartz moved to recommend the Annexation proposal move forward to City
Council to annex Area 3 with the recommendation that the zoning for MDR be limited on
the eastern boundary to the NW corner of the Stonebridge Subdivision going north at 90
degrees with said boundary to the north property line of the Jeppesen parcel. Jordan Dyer
seconded the motion, all voted aye, none opposed. The motion carried.
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• Kurt Hibbert explained why Area 1 (Sally Smith) requested to be withdrawn from the
Annexation proposal.
Winston Dyer indicated a preference to go ahead and Annexation of this area.
Ted Whyte talked about area 1. Sally Smith bought the property thinking she could re-
zone it to HBD. The City and the Smith's are not seeing eye to eye on that request.
There have been some miscommunications. Winston decided to leave it alone.
Area Two (2):
Annexation of area two into the City of Rexburg (See map for description) -
(Neibaur properties)
Kurt Hibbert described where the area is located. The requestor has requested two
parcels to be Annexed into the City just off West Main Street.
Winston Dyer opened the Hearing for public Input:
Those in favor of this proposal: None
Those Neutral to this proposal: None
• Those opposed to the Annexation request: None
Public input was closed.
Kurt Hibbert indicated that the City has received input that the City should be consistent
with Annexation requests and Annex blocks of properties. Jerry Hastings commented
that they are going too far to the north with the Highway Business District Zone with this
request. He is concerned with the zoning request for the north parcel and the little strip of
property that wraps around some other parcels that are not in the City.
Mary Haley moved to recommend Annexation of part of Area Two (the southerly parcel
as HBD), and not recommend to Annexation of the northerly parcel. David Stein
seconded the motion. Discussion: All voted aye, except Mike Ricks, Robert Schwartz,
and Randall Porter who voted nay. The motion carried.
Rezone property in the Impact Area from AG-2 to RRI- 1139 East 9th North
- Verna Muir
Verna Muir - 1139 East 9th North, Indicated that she does not want to develop the
property; However, She does plan to sell the property after the re-zone is approved.
Kurt Hibbert explained why Verna wants the property re-zoned. She wants to put a home
• on 1 acre of the property and the current zone will not allow that to happen.
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Winston Dyer opened the Hearing for public Input:
Those in favor of this proposal:
Gerald Jeppesen - 547 E. 7th N., Wanted to know if the people in the Impact Area were
notified of the zones being made and if they could choose the zone for their property.
Gerald would be in favor of this concept as long as it goes along with the Comprehensive
Plan and the County Plan.
Those Neutral to this proposal: None
Those opposed to the Annexation request: None
Public input was closed.
David Stein moved to recommend rezoning this ,property from AG-2 to RR1. Randall
Porter seconded the motion. All voted aye, none opposed. The motion carried.
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Re-zone property at 390 South 5th Wesi - (LI) Light Industrial to (HBD)
Highway Business District - 0500 Mechanics (and) Re-zone property off
Trejo Street west of 0500 Mechanics - (LI) Light Industrial to (HBD)
Highway Business District -Bagley Enterprises -Terry Bagley
Winston Dyer opened the Hearing for public Input:
Terry Bagley - 423 Yale Ave., Reviewed three properties that he would like to rezone for
the purpose of building professional office space.
Those in favor of this proposal:
Ted Whyte supports the request to re-zone the Bagley property. He owns a lot next to
this property and he would like to request that his property be re-zoned to HBD at a later
date.
Chris Stevens - 390 S. 5th W., Is the owner of 0500 Mechanics and he is in favor of the
re-zone request for Bagley's property.
Those Neutral to this proposal: None
Those opposed to the Annexation request: None
Public input was closed.
Winston Dyer reviewed with the Commissioners the issues concerning this re-zone
request. .
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~ • Mike Ricks moved to recommend this re-zone request to City Council; Mary Haley
seconded the motion; all voted aye, none opposed. The motion carried.
Variance for Compact Parking Stalls verses Full size Parking Stalls
- American Manor - 139 South 1St East - Tamla Rencher
Winston Dyer opened the Hearing for public Input:
Those in favor of this proposal:
Daniel - 138 Viking Drive, He is the manager of the complex and he is representing
Tamla Rencher. American Manor is grandfathered by City for parking; However, the
University wants more parking for the development.
Winston commented on the issues concerning the development.
Kurt Hibbert -Indicated that the City of Rexburg Staff strongly recommends the
approval of this request to add parking to the development be approved.
Those Neutral to this proposal: None
Those opposed to the Variance request: None
'` • Public input was closed.
Winston commented on the grandfathering status of the development.
Jerry Hastings moved to approve the variance based on the history of the property and the
limitations that exist with the property given the owner is complying with the safety
requirements. Robert Schwartz seconded the motion; all voted aye, None opposed.
The motion carried.
Town Hall Work Meeting: -Gather public comments on the Comprehensive Plan in
preparation for a Public Hearing on the Comprehensive Plan on the 26th of June, 2003.
Winston Dyer opened the meeting for public Input:
Kurt Hibbert talked about some of the concerns of residents that the City has already
received. These comments are on the protection of single family residences, parks and
recreation issues and input on hazardous areas in the City. Committees like the
Greenbelt Committee are offering input to be included in the Comprehensive Plan. The
input includes types of housing, input from the hospital on their long range plans, the
school Districts future plans, and other public input.
,, • Winston Dyer commented on students having no high paying jobs and that is why they
are not staying in Rexburg.
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,- Don Sparhawk -Asked if they are ready to present the Comprehensive Plan public input •
~ in a summarized proposal. Winston told him that they are not ready for the summary and
that is why they are asking for public input at this time.
Janet Goodliffe - 70 K St., Mentioned as the City develops, the School District has been
communicating with the Mayor and they are looking for future growth. The Goodliffe
family owns the property on N. 2"a W. and wants to let them know that it is mixed
zoning. She asked if they would look at that property and see what is there. There are
property issues on 3ra N. that has a dead end. She requested the Commission look at that
area for the Comprehensive Plan. She mentioned that the Commission needs to look at
the airport area and it's location in the middle of town. Janet would like the airport
location to be reviewed in the future.
Keven Snell -Talked about 4th South and Sth West and the changes needed on the
Comprehensive Plan. He talked about Idaho Falls and their poor planning process and
how he hope the City of P.exburg will nct make the same mistakes.
Don Sparhawk - Is concerned with East Main Street area on the Comprehensive Map,
indicating that it shows Commercial on the map and it is a highly residential area. Don
said that it is already developed and requested that the Commission see if-they can do
something to make it residential on the Comprehensive Plan. Don mentioned that the
older areas of town need to be protected.
Corey Barnard -Talked about our great Community. It is a planning issue for the City •
and it should be concerned with the School District, the University, and Local Groups.
Corey talked about the 1998 Comprehensive Plan and what was in the Plan. There
wasn't anything done about the Public Input given for the 1998 Comprehensive Plan.
People living in Ashton and areas north of Rexburg just drive by Rexburg and go to
Idaho Falls because there are not any good restaurants in Rexburg. There needs to be
good restaurants and no more fast food places. There needs to be more clothing shopping
centers in Rexburg. Corey indicated that Rexburg is a wonderful community and there
are people who think that Rexburg will change because it is growing. Parking is a big
concern around the University. Now is the time now that we need to decide where we
want things to go in the Comprehensive Plan and then follow the Plan.
Robert Schwartz took charge of the meeting.
Final Plat Hidden Valley (Phase 7) -Hidden Valley Phase 7 -Gene Palmer &
The Dyer Group
Winston declared a conflict with this request and stepped down from the table.
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Winston Dyer -Reviewed the request on the overhead screen for the Final Plat of Phase 7
~ • in Hidden Valley. The Plat is dedicated to south boundary line. Winston has worked
with John Millar to resolve issues with the utilities. They have made changes that have
been suggested by Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council. The Zoning
is LDRl .
David Stein moved to recommend the final Plat of Phase 7 of Hidden Valley to City
Council for approval; Mike Ricks seconded the motion; all voted aye, none opposed.
The motion carried.
Winston Dyer rejoined the Commissioners at the table.
Final Plat Green Gable Estates II (Townhomes) - 35Q South Pioneer Road -
(Randy Webb)
Randy Webb -Commented on drainage and lighting issues at the entrance. They will be
putting a big pumping systel~~ in for storm water drainage. Triey will be putting more
lighting in the development. They will be fencing the whole back area along the canal
and the freeway for safety reasons.
Winston Dyer had questions about easements for the development. Randy indicated that
the Streets will be maintained by Townhouse Association. Common areas stay within the
fenced area. Landscaping will be done by the same person so that it will look nice and
be consistent. A deed will be drawn up for the development.
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Discussion on requiring the Plat to indicate that it is a Townhouse Association.
Mary Haley -Commented on the park area that the developer was putting into the
development. She gave favorable comments for the park area.
Mike Ricks moved to recommend the approval of the final plat for the Green Gables II
Townhouse Development to City Council with conditions on the Development meeting
City Staff requirements with the recommendation that the developer look at the aesthetics
of the development. Randall Porter seconded the motion; all voted aye, none opposed.
The motion carried.
Adjourned at 12:10 a.m.
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June 18, 2003
TO: Rexburg Planning & Zoning Commission:
Recently homeowners in and around the area of Mill Hollow Road received a notification of a
public hearing to be held on Thursday June 19, 2003 starting at 7:05 pm. This notice was dated
May 16, 2003 and signed by Blair D. Kay, City Clerk. Within this notice there appeared a desire
to annex Area 4 as described within the notice.
Realizing there has been recent discussion about the future of Mill Hollow Road, a few concerned
citizens of this street, would like to inquire about what the Rexburg Planning and Zoning
Commission has in mind for this road.
As part of this inquiry, we would like to voice our concerns pertaining to any intent to widen Ivlill
Hollow Road beyond its current status, if in fact, that is on the agenda now or in the future. We
clearly object to any attempt to annex Area 4. until the foLlow~ng ~~sues have been addressed.
Some of these issues are as follows:
•
There is a major concern for the safety of the residents of Mill Hollow, including small
children. Traffic speed is rarely enforced now, Let alone what might happen with a larger
road in the firture_ Somewhere in the Planning & Zoning Commission minutes, there
should be a record of a two-year study indicating that the average speed on Mill Hollow is
51 mph. The posted speed is 25 mph. We would like to know what control measures •
might be put in place to provide for adequate safety and reduction of the speed.
- Any increase in the width of the road will s b~nificantly cut into current property lines. It
would involve the destruction of driveways; Lawns, mature trees and shrubs, sprinkler
systems, perennials, and so forth that greatly add to the aesthetics and beauty of our city.
- If the road were to be widened_ who would nav for the road work. let alone for the above
mentioned concerns? Since the annexation would financially benefit the developers, what
provisions are in place to have them pay for the road costs?
- Property values might subsequently decrease because of the loss of property size, as well
as the above listed forced changes.
- Sidewalks and gutters with a proper drainage system is another concern. If the road is to
be widened, it is natural that the project would include these items. This would aggravate
the above listed problems let alone increase the cost of such an undertaking. Here again,
who would pay for this?
-. The published "City of Rexburg Comprehensive Plan Map" shows Area 4 as being "Open
and Agriculture" Land. Why the change in these plans?
~~ .. •
• - We feel a better alternative might be to widen the "triangle" at the intersection of 2na
South and Shoshone/Mill Hollow and aIlow traffic to flow on Shoshone which already has
a wide street. The connection could then be made to Mill Hollow by using Rolling Hills
Drive, which already is wide enough.
Other alternatives could also be considered.
We would like to draw your attention to the fact that when the Mill Hollow Subdivision was
plotted, the plans stated that "no curbs or gutters" (due to drainage concerns) were to be part of
the development (April 6, 1976). As part of the or b~inal statement for consideration pertaining to
annexation into the City of Rexburg, and accepted and signed by the Notary Public on April 7,
1976, it does not include any mention of widening of the road, curbs or gutters and so forth. The
Restrictive Covenants for Mill Hollow Subdivision, City of Rexburg, were outlined and signed on
October l~, 1976.
In a letter dated August 11, 1991, to Mayor N1e L. Boyle, it states that:
"...the Mill Hollow Subdivision not have any curb or gutter. It was felt that it was far
better to have the water from the east side ofthe crest of Mill Hollow Road flow onto the
adjoining lots and nat be collected by a gutter to add to the already heavy ran-offbeing
collected in the gutters. on the west side of Mill Hollow Road and then into the City's
heavily strained storm drainage system."
This was from the drawings made and recommended by Forsgren and Perkins. The letter was
`~ - from Robert M. Sipherd, one of the original owners of the Mill Hollow development.
Since that time, there have been a number of 1_etters addressed to the CitylMayor/Councilmen
speaking out against any changes. These are recorded in letter form as well as through quotes in
the Rexburg Standard Journal from those who attended City Council Meetings.
Thus; in an effort to avoid potentially costly and lengthy legal action; we respectfully submit our
concerns to you and ask that you reconsider making any changes to Mill Hollow Road. Thank
you.
Sincerely,
i•
Wade and Marilyn Anderson
Ken and Donna Benfield
Ronald and Lylene Bennett
James and Marilyn Brannon
Bill and Debbie Eskridge
Tom Gaffey
Steven and Cherri Hart
Ronald and Beverly Haun
Leonard and Sondra Hinckley
Richard and Elaine Holloway
Michael and Belinda Kunz
Olof and Ester Larson
Roger and Joanne McPheeters
Chad and Linda Price
Vaughn and Lori Price
Lyle and Ruth Smith
Reed and DeeAnn Stoddard
Robert and Alice Ward
Larry and Lorraine Wickham
Plus others who are out of town at the present time.