Local contractor Shawn Bolton shared details of a four-phase development plan and the Planned Unit Development (PUD) proposal for 92 residential lots situated between Meeker Airport and Highway 13, northeast of Pioneers Medical Center. Access to this property is from Walnut Ridge Drive, via Pioneers Medical Center Drive. Proposed lots would be segmented as such:
– positioned closest to the Airport would be 4,500-10,000 square feet, designated for smaller residential units. Applicants proposed these units be exempt from short-term rental requirements which raised concerns among trustees about housing availability
– at least 11,250 square feet lots, suitable for “traditional-sized” units
– “estate lots” which would allow for large residential units with ample parking and opportunities for outbuildings
Bolton and co-presenters said the development would support Pioneers Medical Center as well as other local businesses/industries by providing much-needed housing with the intent to be cohesive with the highway corridor zone. Their presentation focused on phase one of a four-phase project.
Discussions about the proposal centered on traffic, including impacts to Walbridge Wing residents and visitors caused by traffic increases. Dialogue also highlighted concerns about CDOT’s prior decision that the existing intersection at Highway 13 and PMC Drive operates at an acceptable level of service, with no improvements required, including speed reductions which a number of meeting participants agreed should already be in place. Bolton’s proposal addressed traffic concerns by including a plan to develop secondary access, though said access would not begin until phase two of the project.
Following discussion of various other concerns including impacts to PMC parking and a necessary stormwater drain permit, the board approved the permit based on the recommendation of the planning commission and the PUD’s alignment with the Meeker Municipal Code/Comprehensive Plan. Approval was conditional based on the conditions specified by the planning commission and continued consideration of short-term rental restrictions following closer review of proposed HOA covenants by legal counsel.
In other business, trustees approved a tavern liquor license for Black Sulphur Tavern LLC. Referencing discussions from an earlier work session, trustees approved two bids for Diggin It Riverworks Inc totaling more than $1.5M for the Circle Park Phase 2 improvements. Town Administrator Mandy Day also requested authorization to send a letter of contract to terminate or default on contract and potential contract to terminate or default on contract to SWCA, the design engineering contractor for this project. “The contractor was supposed to assist the client with the analysis of our bids received and that has not been done and they are considered in default of their contract,” said Etheridge, also noting the county’s Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) regional regional manager encouraged the town to apply for a tier one energy impact grant in the maximum amount of $200,000 due Dec. 1. The board engaged in a back and forth about agreeing to hire a contractor, noting concerns over a lack of final “stamped” design approval as well as a project budget increase of $150K beyond what was initially agreed on. They voted 4-3 in favor of the related motions, with Mayor Kent Borchard casting the deciding votes.
In other business, the board approved:
– a motion for the Town Manager to sign a letter of support for a training opportunity with Community Builders focusing on the connection between businesses on Highway 13 and Main Street
– Staff recommendation to designate Wednesday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m. as the date for final budget approval for the 2024 budget
Etheridge also announced that Tobey Willey will take over as the new public works supervisor on Dec. 1.
