[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6544866,"mediaKeyId","3410461-de72d2542f901061de86f53168cd4859","parentId",3410461,"title","Votes at a glance: Meridian council approves $37,000 streetlight amendment, annexes 33.893 acres","audioSeconds",5718,"startMs",675000,"endMs",6393000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410461-de72d2542f901061de86f53168cd4859&start=675&end=6393","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410461-de72d2542f901061de86f53168cd4859/thumbnail_675000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6544866/Meridian/Ada-County/Idaho/Votes-at-a-glance-Meridian-council-approves-37000-streetlight-amendment-annexes-33893-acres","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544866-c03193010236e43089aa1121673724b8/orig.mp4?Expires=1770988631&Signature=oC6BsxqeC6Wh0jJlijXC~5tKQJJ8LBYZilYKETh9xpAqfsr7Ai7rRBJ5ILGOmdHpo1g0Yk1Nbj4A5KVCaBQ7kBfwv6BhUVueQp37ML-ccSINi9dM4mt0iYigBztyi~1KpQEmdsKTCP69c9EFhS~iI3mrlt-mPmsHcE8t6vXmXpikGnJTbmiug1zYgd3NJJ7c5RFKA9ypuluz2y0E5gf5P0c7vYCU3CMvONvMuwUzuV1lU-CNQWqB3Eqa18VsjISXSHiJm3HmFADaftL8-vQ7KX4~rr1kQOgK3XTLJz~pSK2T~dyvueuK6lObXmQm9AS7TjxmgE8eDtcgfMLRVtm1-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Meridian","date","2025-05-21T14:25:43Z","article","Key formal actions recorded by the Meridian City Council on May 20, 2025:

1) Fiscal year 2025 budget amendment — streetlight maintenance and repair ($37,000)
A motion to approve a FY25 budget amendment in the amount of $37,000 for streetlight maintenance and repair passed by roll call. Staff said the maintenance/repair line had roughly $12,000 remaining and would run out at current expenditure rates by the end of the month without the amendment. Councilman Taylor moved the motion; council members voted aye on the roll call (unanimous). The amendment draws from the city’s general fund balance.

2) Ordinance 25‑2084 — annexation and rezoning (33.893 acres)
The council adopted Ordinance No. 25‑2084, annexing a parcel described in city exhibits and rezoning 33.893 acres from RUT to ME zoning. The ordinance directs staff to update official maps and file copies with Ada County and the state tax commission. Councilman Taylor moved the ordinance; the council approved it by vote.

(See separate coverage for the Chick‑fil‑A drive‑through appeal, which the council considered in a public hearing and upheld the director’s denial by a 4–1 vote.)

Ending: Staff will implement the approved budget amendment and the city clerk will file the annexation ordinance copies as required by state law.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Meridian City Council - May 20, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","At the May 20 session the council approved a FY25 budget amendment for streetlight maintenance, and adopted an annexation/rezoning ordinance for a 33.893‑acre parcel; the Chick‑fil‑A drive‑through appeal was decided separately (see related story).","taxTitle","Meridian, Ada County, Idaho","taxId",2628,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6544871,"Council upholds director’s denial of Chick‑fil‑A drive‑through reconfiguration after public hearing",2298,3663000,5961000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410461-de72d2542f901061de86f53168cd4859&start=3663&end=5961","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410461-de72d2542f901061de86f53168cd4859/thumbnail_3663000.jpg","/articles/6544871/Meridian/Ada-County/Idaho/Council-upholds-directors-denial-of-ChickfilA-drivethrough-reconfiguration-after-public-hearing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544871-3817c128baa12632616c4287d261fd4f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770988632&Signature=ZPi0GxdxAQM2wnK6A2~QG75sX04Aqf~AT1UWYaKZAUPOZ~zlNvu06FxPZoAZJEw5IwXI~Yj0MCLdYsEM7IGG6Cu3R7QkIyfz9jGAtbve5xuf9Tc09zDYcUncbT2Aqs7IjR76FTqjr-zIVoNaRM7e~cCP5z4H~YzRfYP9EbfCUmXiER4nQ4B-TfR~RumMUiuAtX9c~HaZ161aSF86PNzokK1EAZ-gCOakbP7R0PmP0MBlWOlsw05uLzA0SZNf-PKd1zcPn20BhwyvI~L3sKjT85H6JPspDmrTWsUOcCjENOWqpu6~Gmbhg6ok0Hm83giUDSfyZiLpzmBZn5qn7suhSg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Meridian City Council on May 20 upheld the planning director’s decision to deny Chick‑fil‑A’s certificate of zoning compliance and administrative design review for a proposed reconfiguration of the restaurant’s drive‑through. The motion to uphold the director passed 4–1 on roll call.

What was proposed and why it was denied: Planning staff described the code requirement in straightforward terms: “any stacking lane greater than 100 feet in length shall provide for an escape lane,” and said the escape lane must provide a clear travel lane that allows vehicles to bypass a stacking queue before reaching the service window. The director’s denial rested on the finding that the applicant’s proposed escape lane—located after the service window—did not meet the intent of that requirement.

Applicant argument: Attorney Elizabeth Kekkeritz and local franchisee Brad Miles told council the site is constrained, the second lane is currently used only at peak times and the proposed reconfiguration would increase throughput and reduce vehicles spilling into the center’s parking aisles. Kekkeritz told council the added lane would allow Chick‑fil‑A to “get an additional 9 cars in there,” and argued the design had been used elsewhere and helped safety and efficiency by keeping cars out of adjacent parking areas.

Operational details and council concerns: Chick‑fil‑A representatives said both lanes operate simultaneously only during peak windows (roughly two lunch hours and an evening peak) and that employees would be present to help a patron who needed to exit. Opposing council members and staff questioned whether the applicant’s design functionally provided a bypass lane in the manner intended by the code. Council members raised concerns about precedent and public‑safety interpretations of the escape‑lane requirement.

Vote and record: Councilman Kavanagh moved to uphold the director’s denial. Roll‑call votes recorded by the clerk were: Cavanagh — Aye; Little Roberts — Aye; Taylor — No; Overton — Aye; Whitlock — Aye. The motion passed 4–1. The denial therefore stands and the applicant may pursue other options (code amendment, variance or redesign).

Why this matters: The decision highlights a recurring tension in growth‑area cities—how to reconcile efficient commercial operations and constrained infill sites with public‑safety standards and a consistently applied development code. Councilmembers and staff indicated the UDC’s escape‑lane language is ambiguous in practice and flagged it as a subject for code‑amendment consideration.

Ending: Staff and council members noted they will examine the escape‑lane language as part of broader UDC updates; the applicant may also revise the site plan or pursue other remedies through the city’s approval process.","After a contested public hearing, the Meridian City Council voted 4–1 to uphold the planning director’s denial of a request by Chick‑fil‑A to reconfigure its drive‑through escape lane; staff said the proposed layout did not meet the intent of the UDC escape‑lane requirement.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6544875,"Meridian staff outline proposed UDC changes on ADUs, private streets, drive‑throughs and fencing",331,3105000,3436000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410461-de72d2542f901061de86f53168cd4859&start=3105&end=3436","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410461-de72d2542f901061de86f53168cd4859/thumbnail_3105000.jpg","/articles/6544875/Meridian/Ada-County/Idaho/Meridian-staff-outline-proposed-UDC-changes-on-ADUs-private-streets-drivethroughs-and-fencing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544875-84cbaa8577938c65d292e796fa27c4b9/orig.mp4?Expires=1770988631&Signature=A2fvPXJG7dy59PhporCxotnk1dincn3Q0CBlylevYsaTnh1xpUOpaYOyLjMwbfdheKYe76jRu~W0Hc0ZXtbnsNAfr-ALgAaDqX0Ofgh0pfAfORvCG43gQi1fGQpASDI7Tg6HuDGPw7ZtOf8H1Hk5x2MzZlSUIsEFMGABzG2WkgO99H7UvYh6mrDzBHQ1ndpt2~F~JWDC1lIsLtR7Nmu2NnyqxsZfPCbg4mYMbUMT~Aiq86qYrMocIdVvK4jWupm1bvcKH4wam7~s81g6v7PWeslhmmYpwpFCoqbX8nL7iA99Zql~TN-P3xv-RA7hW2i4N2~RUuD-MCaQJvK4hzEHHw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City planning staff briefed the Meridian City Council on a package of proposed Unified Development Code (UDC) amendments aimed at clarifying accessory dwelling unit (ADU) rules, expanding limited use of private streets, adopting a tiered approach to drive‑through approvals, refining \"flex space\" standards and repealing/replacing the city’s fencing code.

The memo and staff presentation framed the package as an informational “heads up” before formal public process: the planning team said it will meet with the UDC focus group, make edits based on council feedback and target public hearings through Planning & Zoning in the coming weeks with an anticipated city docket appearance in early August.

Key ADU points: Staff proposed renaming “secondary dwelling units” to a term tied to attainability and clarified thresholds that distinguish a true ADU (address, service connections and independent habitability) from an accessory addition. Staff said ADUs would be required to hook up to sewer, water, electricity and have garbage service; separate meters are not being required because that raises costs and reduces feasibility. Owner occupancy would remain required (the owner must live in one of the units), on‑site parking will still be required, and staff proposed a maximum ADU size of 900 square feet while keeping a modest minimum to prevent micro‑units. Staff said the code will be updated to make the International Residential Code and the UDC consistent about what qualifies as an ADU.

Council feedback on ADUs: Council members generally favored lowering administrative barriers where possible. Councilman Taylor said the city should make ADUs “as simple and easy as possible while maintaining the appropriate balance of integrity” and Council President Kavanaugh said he supported “a very neighborly approach” while asking staff to explain public‑health or infrastructure minimums.

Private streets: Staff reported heightened interest in limited private‑street approvals as infill grows. The proposal would broaden, but tightly limit, when private streets are allowed—primarily in constrained infill parcels where the broader street network is already established and a private street would not undermine future connectivity or emergency access. Staff emphasized fire, access, pedestrian and maintenance requirements and said ACHD (Ada County Highway District) has sometimes encouraged private streets for small projects.

Drive‑throughs: Staff proposed a three‑tier approach that ties review level and standards to a drive‑through’s scale and potential neighborhood impact and suggested a 300‑foot buffer from residential uses as a threshold that keeps many smaller drive‑throughs at staff‑level review. Council members generally welcomed a tiered approach but asked staff to clarify the process for a business to move from one tier to another and whether certain higher‑impact (Tier 3) applications should come to council for review.

Flex space and parking: For mixed “flex” buildings, staff proposed zoning‑based proportion rules so that commercial zones require a higher commercial/office share while industrial zones can allow more warehousing. Staff underscored that parking standards for flex space should match the commercial component in order to avoid industrial zones being used inappropriately for heavy commercial parking demand.

Fencing: Staff proposed a repeal‑and‑replace of the current fencing chapter to modernize definitions, improve enforceability and allow decorative options while clarifying when and how fences require permits.

Process and next steps: Staff asked council members to provide feedback within the next two weeks; planners will meet again with the UDC focus group and anticipate a public‑hearing submittal soon. Staff described the package as iterative: they expect some topics (for example, flex space percentages) will need additional comment from industry stakeholders.

Ending: Councilmembers praised the engagement level of the UDC focus group and directed staff to return the draft after two weeks of council comments. Staff listed three immediate follow‑ups: continue UDC focus‑group meetings, check legal/procurement implications where applicable and prepare materials for Planning & Zoning public hearing scheduling.","City planning staff presented a broad set of proposed Unified Development Code amendments—covering accessory dwelling units, private streets, tiered rules for drive‑throughs, flex space proportions and new fencing rules—and asked council for early feedback before formal public hearings.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6544880,"Meridian council asks trust to run market \"pulse check\" after proposed 17% health-plan jump",671,935000,1606000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3410461-de72d2542f901061de86f53168cd4859&start=935&end=1606","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3410461-de72d2542f901061de86f53168cd4859/thumbnail_935000.jpg","/articles/6544880/Meridian/Ada-County/Idaho/Meridian-council-asks-trust-to-run-market-pulse-check-after-proposed-17-health-plan-jump","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6544880-354eadaca351e30142c6ce20057a7bde/orig.mp4?Expires=1770988631&Signature=lEynVDAQNRgDpOx7~0JaZpEYZGzA-X5I9wYN~zPnooplgwdciFSIk~pNXR6pR1M4lFNibeOtUE-29beSm2mzteMOtxW717LgikloUcT1Vu4RVssD3wwNZAkmp~jRaQvqi2YPyrmAlTIMokHbdN~Kp1rz2hTl5AL5s2~77F6~rC6ELXoYzGSqptQ--60XqrrVFApHS~AZwSeVspWkeq-W8c5l4ctTorKHgNRpVeUvRDpaBuwJ1TGGh5WD1TC63k5TLUtyih~VmP0AuNKPcFEYj6vmC1nbqJ9QpuKPvHZ3sBnLh6V4eoCV70muwGkKFrMAV7KEq02XioN1O-koSpSXlA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Meridian City Council discussed the city’s employee health benefits plan and asked staff and the health trust to seek a market “pulse check” of vendors and return with recommendations in roughly two weeks.

The council heard from City Attorney Bill Neri, who explained that Meridian’s plan is a partially self-funded trust that is evaluated more on vendor services and administrative arrangements than a single fixed premium. “So with marketing, then we’re looking at really the service side,” Neri said, and described a pulse check as a common, nonbinding market review for self-funded plans.

Why it matters: Council members pressed for clarity because the plan shows a proposed roughly 17% increase for the coming year after a 0% increase last year. Finance staff told the council they normally expect roughly 8% annual inflation for health costs; the larger uptick this year reflects claims experience and reduced reserve cushions. Council members emphasized both employee continuity and fiscal stewardship.

Neri and trust members explained trade-offs. He said a market-driven savings number such as 5% can be relevant, “but it’s not the sole driver,” and cautioned that network differences, card numbers, billing systems and provider relationships can cause disruption when a plan switches carriers. He described benefits the trust has gotten from an ongoing relationship with Blue Cross, including expedited implementation and quicker dispute resolution.

Council members asked several technical questions. Councilman Taylor asked whether recent higher use of GLP-type medications could be contributing to rising costs: “kinda curious if you know if the sort of explosion of the use of GLP drugs has over the last year to 2 years … has that been part of what we’ve seen in this big jump?” Neri said he had not yet seen GLP prescribing show up as a primary cost driver in the city’s claim list but would raise the question at the trust meeting scheduled the next day.

Other cost drivers discussed included high-cost biologic drugs (Neri and trust staff identified HUMIRA and similar biologics and noted work to add biosimilars), cancer and cardiovascular claims and unpredictable large claims (for example, neonatal intensive care). Trust representatives said preventive care and primary-care engagement remain the most effective long-term cost-control strategies.

Council members also asked about the procurement process for a self-funded trust. Neri and HR staff said a full procurement-style RFP is not typically required for the trust; instead staff run a market pulse check every three to five years for self-funded plans and evaluate service offerings (administration, stop-loss, networks). HR clarified the pulse-check cadence as every three to five years; Neri added legal and Department of Insurance considerations could affect whether the trust uses the city’s formal purchasing process.

Action and next steps: Council vice president Elizabeth Strader summarized the direction she heard and listed action items: staff will check legal constraints, consult procurement, engage trust leadership and bring a recommendation back—through the trust—to the council in about two weeks. Neri said the trust would evaluate service providers and present contract-level options and cost/impact trade-offs. Council members asked the trust to prioritize (1) preserving employee service and access, and (2) taxpayer value, and to report on high-cost drug spend (including GLP-class medicines) if data permit.

Quotes from participants: “A pulse check is a very common practice for these types of self-funded plans,” Bill Neri told the council. Councilman Taylor asked trust staff to detail whether newer drug classes have affected claims: “I think it would be interesting to know, if you have the aggregate data, how much we spent this last year on that versus previous.”

Ending: Trust staff said rate renewals and detailed claim reports will be explored at the trust’s next meeting and brought to council as part of the update; staff requested council feedback within two weeks on legal and procurement questions so a recommended path (pulse check vs. formal procurement) can be returned to the council on the stated schedule.","Council discussed the city’s partially self-funded employee health benefits trust, heard that the proposed rate increase for the coming year is about 17%, and directed staff and trust leaders to pursue a market “pulse check,” review legal/procurement constraints and return with recommendations in two weeks.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Meridian council approves $37,000 streetlight amendment, annexes 33.893 acres

Council upholds director’s denial of Chick‑fil‑A drive‑through reconfiguration after public hearing

Meridian staff outline proposed UDC changes on ADUs, private streets, drive‑throughs and fencing

Meridian council asks trust to run market "pulse check" after proposed 17% health-plan jump