HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes_Planning & Zoning Special Meeting_06262023 PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING
IONA CITY HALL
JUNE 26,2023—7:00 P.M.
PRESENT: Chairman James West, Member Ray Hart, Member Jason Cooper, Member Bill
Koester and City Clerk/Treasurer Keri West.
ABSENT: Member Clint Reading.
VISITORS: Carla Heathman and Adria Bates.
Chairman West welcomed everyone and led the Pledge of Allegiance. A roll call was taken by
Clerk West to open the meeting.
ITEMS OF BUSINESS:
Conditional use Permit Application; Acton Academy, for the property located at 2576 N.
50th East, pertaining to the allowance of a public school in the R-1 Zone — Carla Heathman
and Adria Bates approached the podium as representatives of Acton Academy, 1980 W.
Broadway Street, Idaho Falls. Ms. Heathman stated Acton Academy is an existing school in
Idaho Falls which half of the school is set up as a preschool and the other half is an elementary
school. She continued and stated they have just taken the school over from the previous owners,
who had been running it for 2 years. Ms. Heathman stated they are looking to expand their
school into a larger location with more green space to allow the kids more outdoor space to play.
She continued and stated they have families from Iona, Rigby and Ammon, so they are looking
for a new location that is more centrally located to those communities. Member Cooper asked the
age of the students. Ms. Heathman stated they currently have students that are in preschool
through age 14. She continued and stated they do not currently have a high school set up, but that
is a goal for their growth. Chairman West asked what the current enrollment is for their school.
Ms. Heathman confirmed they currently have 15 students, but are hoping to grow to 50-60
students in the new location. Chairman West asked if they have a maximum number of students
they believe that building will accommodate. Ms. Heathman stated the fire department has gone
through it, but she has not received their final numbers. She continued and stated they will use
that as a guide as they make the necessary renovations. She also stated with the basement, she
believes they should be able to accommodate 50-60 students. Ms. Heathman also stated there is a
detached garage as well as other smaller buildings on the property to allow them to work on
projects in their own spaces.
Chairman West asked about the driveway modification that was submitted with the application.
Ms. Heathman confirmed they would like to create a half-circle driveway that connects from the
current main driveway and the existing separate driveway that extends to the detached garage on
the south side of the property. She continued and stated their main goal with this design is to
avoid traffic on the street. Member Cooper informed them that the City does not allow 3 access
points off the road, so they would need to connect them and create one half-circle driveway with
only 2 entry points. Chairman West also informed them that City Code allows no more than a
30' width on each driveway approach and the total approach cannot be more than 50% of the
total frontage. Ms. Heathman stated that is attainable. Ms. Bates asked if the City has any
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING—JUNE 26, 2023
concerns with the trees on the property. Chairman West stated the City would not make any
requirements with trees on the property.
Chairman West expressed concern regarding potential traffic on 50th East during the drop off and
pick up times. Ms. Heathman stated they have flexible drop off times that extend from 7:30am-
8:45am. She also stated their school gets out at 3:30pm, but they have extended care until
5:30pm, which spreads out the pick up traffic. She also stated most of the families have 3-4
students, so it would not be 50 separate vehicles. Member Hart expressed concern regarding
traffic backing up onto 50th East and onto the adjacent railroad. Chairman West stated the City
has received a letter from the Eastern Idaho Railroad (EIRR) in opposition to this application,
citing concern regarding vehicular and pedestrian safety concerns. Chairman West read the letter
aloud.
Chairman West asked if they have considered doing a drop off area towards the back of the
school to remove vehicles from 50th East. Discussion took place regarding options for creating a
longer driveway to accommodate more vehicles, including a driveway that wraps behind the
house or a long driveway with a turnaround in back. Chairman West asked how many teachers
will be at the school. Ms. Heathman stated there will be approximately 5 teachers. Chairman
West stated they will need to have enough parking for all staff members, in addition to the
student drop off area.
Member Cooper asked Clerk West if nearby residents have been notified. Clerk West explained
the Public Hearing process and confirmed all residents within 300' of the property have been
notified and invited to attend the City Council Meeting tomorrow evening. Clerk West continued
and stated she has not received any phone calls or emails from nearby residents.
Chairman West reviewed Iona City Code chapters 11-4-3 and 11-8-1 and read the requirements
for the Planning & Zoning Commission to consider when reviewing Conditional Use Permit
Applications. He continued and stated he believes this application does meet all the requirements
the Planning & Zoning is looking for to approve a Conditional Use Permit. Member Cooper
agreed and stated he believes it meets the requirements also. Clerk West informed the Planning
& Zoning Commission they are able to suggest conditions.
Member Koester stated his biggest concern is the pedestrian traffic and the safety of those
students. He continued and stated the train is usually traveling by there in the afternoon and it is
not on a schedule. Member Koester did agree with the idea of the longer drop off area in the back
of the house. Member Hart stated the Fire Marshall will be who stipulates the safety accesses and
number of students allowed.
Clerk West explained the process of the Conditional Use Permit and the Business License
Application process that would follow. She continued and explained if this is approved, they
would then need to apply for a Business License and provide copies of all reports from the Fire
Marshall and have actual numbers of proposed staff and students to report.
Chairman West entertained a motion. Member Cooper made a motion for the Conditional Use
Permit for Acton Academy located at 2576 N. 50th East, pertaining to the allowance of a school
in the R-1 Zone be approved with recommendations to include the following: the pickup/drop-
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PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION SPECIAL MEETING—JUNE 26, 2023
off driveway be modified from the existing drawing to accommodate all cars that would need to
pick up or drop-off; the occupancy be in accordance with the International Fire Code or the Fire
Marshall; and that no traffic be allowed to back up onto 50`h East. Member Hart seconded the
motion. All in favor. Motion carried.
Chairman West made a motion to adjourn. Member Hart seconded the motion. All in favor.
Meeting Adjourned at 7:31pm
COMMISSION APPROVED: July 12, 2023
mes West, Chairman
ATTEST: bki IA)edt:
Keri West, City Clerk/Treasurer
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