Mayor Jerry Jimison opened the Public Hearing on the Yellowstone Commons zone change
request at 7:15 pm on July 15, 2014. The following Council members were present: Doug
Baker, Leon Baker, Rhett Coon, Mike Dryden, Betsey Hedrick, Matt Hull, Kevin Peña and
Gerald Reichert. Others present included Treasurer Darci Saeman, Fire Chief George Lane,
Director of Operations Kevin Dorwart, Police Chief Ty Ulrich, Assistant Public Works Director
Pete Leath, and Recreation Director Dean Svenvold.
The purpose of the public hearing was to receive input on a zone change request by Yellowstone
Commons.
Mayor Jimison asked Alex Burkhalter, representing Yellowstone Commons, to approach the
Council and explain the zone change request. Burkhalter explained he had originally planned to
build the affordable multi-family housing complex on South Pearson. He had to change his
plans due to bad soil and errors in the flood plain map. He is requesting a zone change from a
C3 (Highway commercial) to an R3 (multi-family residential.) Burkhalter stated he disagrees
with the letter from the Planning Board; especially with paragraphs two and three. Dryden asked
Burkhalter if the soil has been tested at the zone change request site. Burkhalter stated he has
had the soil tested and used the same soil tester as he used on South Pearson. The soil at this
new site is way better than the soil at S. Pearson; it is completely different soil. Dryden asked
how many people would be housed in the housing complex. Burkhalter said there will be 63
people and 45 parking spaces with each parking spot being covered. He stated it is rare to have a
2-car household in the housing complex because of the income restriction. Reichert asked if the
street going into the housing complex is a private street. Burkhalter stated the street is owned by
multi-businesses and there is an access and maintenance agreement between YRI, Hotel
Management, LLC. and Alex himself and states who will maintain what parts of the street.
Mayor Jimison asked three times if there was anybody from the audience who would like to
speak against the zone change request. No one came forward.
Mayor Jimison asked three times if there was anybody from the audience who would like to
speak in favor of the zone change request.
Fire Chief Lane told the Council that if the zone change request is approved, he will come to the
Street Committee and City Council requesting the street going into the housing complex be
designated as a fire lane.
Mayor Jimison asked if any Council members had any questions. There were none.
With no further comments, the Public Hearing on the zone change request by Yellowstone
Commons was closed.
Dated this 15th day of July 2014.
Approved the 5th day of August 2014.
__________________________________________________
Jerry Jimison, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________________________
Darci Saeman, Treasurer