Hayden City council approves contract with Jacobs for Hayden Canyon PUD review

Hayden City Council voted May 13 to authorize the mayor to sign a contract with Jacobs to conduct a targeted technical review of the Hayden Canyon planned unit development (PUD) and deliver a technical memorandum that defines triggers for major and minor amendments.

Donna (staff) told council the PUD originated roughly in the late 2000s and has been subject to multiple ownership changes and subsequent amendments. Staff said institutional knowledge and inconsistent interpretations over roughly 18 years have made it difficult to apply a consistent standard when subdivision and developer proposals are submitted. The proposed Jacobs task would produce an objective "measuring stick" for staff and future decision-makers to determine when proposed changes require return to the decision body for approval.

Council discussed the scope and cost. The contract presented to council had been reduced from a larger, more expensive study to a 37-hour assignment focused on technical recommendations. Staff and council members said the contract funds are available within existing contract planning and special projects budgets. Council members asked whether the memo would be legally binding; staff said the deliverable would be an expert, objective analysis to be used as evidence and guidance but not an automatic legal ruling.

The motion to authorize the mayor to sign the contract with Jacobs passed on a roll-call vote with Council President Rotor, Council Member White, Council Member Schaeffer and Council Member DePries voting yes.

Staff said they would return with the consultant's memo and suggested "trigger" language to guide whether proposed changes to Hayden Canyon rise to the level of an amendment requiring public hearings and council review.

Provenance: Discussion and vote occurred under new business item 5B.