Annexation Request Tabled by Council for Further Study
Prior to its regular monthly meeting, the Midvale City Council held an advertised public hearing February 12 to hear input regarding an annexation request by Jesse Whitener. His legal notice requests annexation and zoning classification of a Residential Zone for 66 acres of property located at 2143 Bonner Rd. Over three dozen residents were in attendance.
The petitioner presented his reasons for annexing the property. “My plan is to sell off three, maybe four lots , off the south end of my property.” The lots would be three or four acres each, for a total of 15 acres. When asked about going through the county, he said there were not enough splits left on his property.
City Clerk Mariah Johnson reported the application was complete and the fee was paid. At that point, Attorney Dan Chadwick advised the council to hear from the public, first those in favor, then those opposed. Comments in favor were regarding future homes for children wanting to live in Midvale, private property rights, and currently a lack of housing in the area. When asked why 66 acres, Jesse said it had to be contiguous to current city limits.
Those against mentioned farm ground being divided, traffic concerns, city infrastructure in the future, a view of more houses, and future use of remaining acres.
The clerk read three letters submitted for the hearing.
Jesse’s rebuttal was that he has no plans beyond the three or four lots. The council recessed for five minutes before the regular meeting.
During the regular meeting the council discussed among themselves issues surrounding the request. Of concern were road maintenance, cost of serving the area, and possibility of having a development agreement. They voted to table the request until a development agreement can be made and the details can be examined in light of the city’s comprehensive plan.
In other actions they approved a bid from Metcalf for the park lawn spraying. A report of low water pressure resulted in the installation of two new meters and the not surprising find of clogged pipes due to the hard city water.
Bid proposals will be coming from the grant writer for the airport paving project. After examining them, the city can put them out for bid.
