HomeMy Public PortalAboutMinutes_Planning & Zoning Meeting_11082023 CITY OF IONA
PLANNING & ZONING COMMISSION MEETING
IONA CITY HALL
NOVEMBER 8, 2023 6:30 P.M.
PRESENT: Chairman James West, Member Jason Cooper, Member Bill Koester, Member Clint
Reading and Deputy City Clerk Heather Marley.
ABSENT: Member Ray Hart.
VISITORS: None.
Chairman West welcomed everyone and led the Pledge of Allegiance. A roll call was taken by
Deputy Clerk Marley to open the meeting.
CONSENT AGENDA: Chairman West entertained a motion. Member Cooper made a motion
to approve the consent agenda as presented. Member Koester seconded the motion. All in favor.
Motion carried.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None.
ITEMS OF BUSINESS:
Ordinance to Amend Iona City Code § 10-1-17(E), pertaining to Construction
Requirements for Public Ways in the Iona Subdivision Ordinance, specifically driveway
approaches (Ord. 295-11-23): Chairman West explained that this is a current Ordinance that is
being updated in regards to driveway approaches that was discussed in a previous meeting.
Chairman West had asked for a clarification via email about the wording at the end that says
"This application shall be considered by the City Council". His question was does this bypass the
Planning & Zoning Commission and go straight to the City Council and whether it matters to the
Members of Planning & Zoning. Chairman West asked if anyone has an issue with that. Member
Reading replied that the word aesthetic should not be in the entire code at all because it is a
subjective word. Member Cooper said that it looked like everything that was discussed
previously was addressed and the wording looked good. Chairman West agreed that it looked
good except the last sentence because it states that it is not necessary to have Planning & Zoning
look at it and he thinks it's something that applies to Planning & Zoning. Member Reading
agreed with this statement. Chairman West stated that it's more of a Variance application than an
Ordinance and Member Cooper agreed with him. Member Cooper stated that the application
should be considered by both the Planning &Zoning Commission and the City Council. Member
West agreed with him. Member Reading asked if it would be better to make it a Variance
application. Chairman West stated instead of it being a Variance to consider, that the code is
allowing the residents to do it if they apply to do it. Member Cooper stated that since the
driveway approaches are in the City right of way and not on private property that it makes more
sense to have it be an Ordinance. Member Reading stated that building permits go through the
City office and these applications would do the same and would have to be approved by the
Building Department. Member Cooper stated that this would be out of the Building Departments
jurisdiction because they don't deal with drainage and things of that nature. Member Koester
stated that the Building Inspector looks at the width of the driveway approaches. Member
Cooper asked who would be the one to approve the applications. Member Reading stated that he
IONA PLANNING &ZONING COMMISSION MEETING—November 8, 2023
doesn't have an issue with this not going to the Planning & Zoning Commission. Chairman West
suggested that the application be reviewed by the City Engineer and then approved by the City
Council. Chairman West asked if the Members had anything else to say on this subject or if they
missed anything. None of the Commission members had anything else.
Chairman West entertained a motion. Member Reading moved to approve Ordinance No. 295-
11-23 to amend Iona City Code 10-1-17E, pertaining to construction requirements for Public
Ways in the Iona Subdivision Ordinance, specifically driveway approaches with an amendment
that it go before the City Engineer. Member Cooper seconded the motion. All in favor, motion
carried.
Discussion of Open Park Space Requirements: Chairman West explained that recently an
Ordinance was passed that required developers to provide a green space. He stated Curtis
Johnson approached the City with a clarifying question about the Ordinance. It doesn't say
anything about a developer opting out of providing a green space and instead pay a certain price
per lot to the City to go towards the new park that is adjacent to the development. Chairman
West explained that Mr. Johnson is developing in the City of Ammon and they have allowed him
to contribute to existing parks instead of providing a green space in the new development by
paying $371.00 per lot. Mr. Johnson proposed he would like to do the same with the City of
Iona. Member Koester stated that the cost per lot would have to be higher than $371.00 because
that wouldn't be very much with only thirty three lots in that development. Deputy Clerk Marley
explained that Rockwell has plans to develop more land just North of Countryside Estates and
that would provide more money with the additional development. Member Koester stated that
Mr. Johnson would have to come up with a higher amount per lot and propose it to the City.
Member Reading stated the price should be based off a percentage of market price of the land.
Chairman West agreed that it will need to be researched beyond what the Planning & Zoning
Commission can come up with like the City Attorney. Member Reading stated that it could be a
potential problem in the future if other developers wanted to do the same and none of them were
providing their own green space in their developments. Chairman West stated there needs to be
an option for developers to contribute to the City. Member Koester asked if the City was
developing the Park all at once or in sections. He stated that if it was in sections that other
developers could contribute and help develop each section of the Park. Chairman West suggested
that there be a specific fund for contributions by developers so it all goes to the Park. Chairman
West asked if there were any suggestions for the City Council. Member Cooper suggested more
research should be done and they should find out how the City of Ammon came up with the
number of$371.00 and if other communities around us do similar things with developers.
Meeting Adjourned: 7:15 pm
COMMISSION APPROVED: December 13, 2023
s West, Chairman
ATTEST: 1,40
4A%(Heather
Marley, Deputy Ci rk
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