Ordinance Text

Title 1 - ADMINISTRATION

Upon the adoption by the City Council, this Code is hereby declared to be and shall hereafter constitute the official City Code of Meridian. This Code of Ordinances shall be known and cited as the MERIDIAN CITY CODE and is hereby published by authority of the Council and shall be supplemented to incorporate the most recent ordinances of the City.

(Ord. No. 14-1608, 5-21-2014, eff. 5-26-2014)

This Code shall hereafter be received without further proof in all courts and in all administrative tribunals of this State as the ordinances of the City of general and permanent effect.

(Ord. No. 14-1608, 5-21-2014, eff. 5-26-2014)

All general ordinances of the City passed prior to the adoption of this Code are hereby repealed, except such as are included in this Code or are by necessary implication herein reserved from repeal (subject to the saving clauses contained in section 1-1-5), and excluding the following ordinances which are not hereby repealed: Tax levy ordinances; appropriation ordinances; ordinances relating to boundaries and annexations; franchise ordinances and other ordinances granting special rights to persons or corporations; contract ordinances and ordinances authorizing the execution of a contract or the issuance of warrants; salary ordinances; ordinances establishing, naming or vacating streets, alleys or other public places; improvement ordinances; bond ordinances; ordinances relating to elections; ordinances relating to the transfer or acceptance of real estate by or from the City; and all special ordinances.

(Ord. No. 14-1608, 5-21-2014, eff. 5-26-2014; Ord. No. 22-2003, § 1, 11-1-2022)

Prior acts. No new ordinance shall be construed or held to repeal a former ordinance whether such former ordinance is expressly repealed or not, as to any offense committed against such former ordinance or as to any act done, any penalty, forfeiture or punishment so incurred, or any right accrued or claim arising under the former ordinance, or in any way whatever to affect any such offense or act so committed or so done, or any penalty, forfeiture or punishment so incurred or any right accrued or claim arising before the new ordinance takes effect, save only that the proceedings thereafter shall conform to the ordinance in force at the time of such proceeding, so far as practicable. If any penalty, forfeiture or punishment may be mitigated by any provision of a new ordinance, such provision may be, by consent of the party affected, applied to any judgment announced after the new ordinance takes effect.

Extend to all repeals. This section shall extend to all repeals, either by express words or implication, whether the repeal is in the ordinance making any new provisions upon the same subject or in any other ordinance.

Currently pending actions. Nothing contained in this chapter shall be construed as abating any action now pending under or by virtue of any general ordinance of the City herein repealed, and the provisions of all general ordinances contained in this Code shall be deemed to be continuing provisions and not a new enactment of the same provisions; nor shall this chapter be deemed as discontinuing, abating, modifying or altering any penalty accrued or to accrue, or as affecting the liability of any person, firm or corporation, or as waiving any right of the City under any ordinance or provision thereof in force at the time of the adoption of this Code.

(Ord. No. 14-1608, 5-21-2014, eff. 5-26-2014)

If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Code or any part thereof is for any reason held to be unconstitutional or invalid or ineffective by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity or effectiveness of the remaining portions of this Code, or any part thereof.

(Ord. No. 14-1608, 5-21-2014, eff. 5-26-2014)

words.

Whenever any word in any section of this Code importing the plural number is used in describing or referring to any matters, parties or persons, any single matter, party or person shall be deemed to be included, although distributive words may not have been used. When any subject matter, party or person is referred to in this Code by words importing the singular number only, or the masculine gender, several matters, parties or persons and females as well as males and bodies corporate shall be deemed to be included; provided, that these rules of construction shall not be applied to any section of this code which contains any express provision excluding such construction or where the subject matter or context may be repugnant thereto.

The word "ordinance" contained in the ordinances of the City has been changed in the content of this Code to "title", "chapter", "section" and/or "subsection" or words of like import for organizational and clarification purposes only. Such change to the City's ordinances is not meant to amend passage and effective dates of such original ordinances.

(Ord. No. 14-1608, 5-21-2014, eff. 5-26-2014)

The catchlines set forth in this Code are intended merely to indicate the general content of the section, and shall not be deemed or taken to be titles of such sections, nor be deemed to govern, limit, modify or in any manner affect the scope, meaning or intent of the provisions of any section hereof.

(Ord. No. 14-1608, 5-21-2014, eff. 5-26-2014)

Misdemeanor. Except as otherwise specified herein, any person convicted of a violation of any provision of this Code that is designated a misdemeanor, or that is not designated as a misdemeanor or infraction, may be fined and/or imprisoned as provided by Idaho Code regarding general punishment for misdemeanors.

Infraction. Except as otherwise specified herein, any person convicted of a violation of any provision of this Code that is designated an infraction may be fined as provided by Idaho Code regarding punishment for infractions not otherwise specified.

Failure to pay infraction fine. It shall be unlawful for any person to fail to pay the fine assessed upon conviction of a violation of this Code where such violation is designated as an infraction. The failure to pay a fine for an infraction penalty assessed pursuant to this code shall be a misdemeanor.

(Ord. No. 14-1608, 5-21-2014, eff. 5-26-2014; Ord. No. 19-1862, 12-3-2019)

Acting in violation of Code. Any person convicted of a violation of any section of this Code where any duty is prescribed or obligation imposed or where any action which is of a continuing nature is forbidden or is declared to be unlawful shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor unless otherwise provided. A separate offense shall be deemed committed upon each day such duty or obligation remains unperformed or such act continues unless otherwise specifically provided in this Code.

Failure or omission to act as mandated by Code. Whenever the doing of any act or the omission to do any act constitutes a breach of any section or provision of this Code, and there shall be no fine or penalty specifically declared for such breach, the provisions of this chapter shall apply.

(Ord. No. 14-1608, 5-21-2014, eff. 5-26-2014; Ord. No. 22-2003, § 2, 11-1-2022)

No provision of this Code designating the duties of any officer or employee shall be so construed as to make such officer or employee liable for any fine or penalty provided for a failure to perform such duty unless the intention of the City Council to impose such fine or penalty on such officer or employee is specifically and clearly expressed in the section creating the duty.

(Ord. No. 14-1608, 5-21-2014, eff. 5-26-2014)

Design. The corporate seal of the City shall be as depicted in the rendering below.

Adoption of seal. The seal depicted in subsection (A) of this section is hereby adopted as the corporate seal of the city and shall be the official seal for use as of October 1, 2011.

City Clerk custodian of seal. The City Clerk shall be the custodian of the corporate seal of the city and shall affix said seal's imprint upon all ordinances, resolutions, proclamations, licenses and certified copies of records.

(Ord. No. 11-1496, 9-27-2011; Ord. No. 22-2003, § 3, 11-1-2022)

The "Idaho Press," printed and published at 1618 N. Midland Boulevard, in Nampa, Idaho, be and is hereby designated the official newspaper of the City of Meridian, and such ordinances, notices and publications as are required by law to be given by publication in a newspaper shall be published in said "Idaho Press."

(Ord. No. 16-1718, 12-20-2016; Ord. No. 21-1940, § 1, 8-24-2021; Ord. No. 23-2009, § 1, 2-7-2023)

The official map of the city shall be and remain on file in the office of the City Clerk.

(1999 Code)

Qualifications. Any person shall be eligible to hold the Office of Mayor who is a qualified elector of the city at the time of his election and remains a qualified elector during his term of office.

Term of office. The term of Office of the Mayor shall be for a period of four (4) years, except as otherwise specifically provided. The Mayor shall take office at the time and in the manner provided for installation of Council members.

(Ord. No. 140, 8-30-1965; 1999 Code)

In case of a temporary vacancy in the Office of Mayor due to absence or disability, the President of the Council shall exercise the Office of Mayor during such disability or temporary absence, and until the Mayor shall return. When a vacancy occurs in the Office of Mayor by reason of death, resignation or permanent disability, the City Council shall fill the vacancy from within or without the Council as may be deemed in the best interests of the city, which appointee shall serve until the next general city election, at which election a Mayor shall be elected for the full four-year term.

(1999 Code)

Generally.

The efficient and faithful discharge of the duties of the Office of the Mayor shall be a full-time elected position.

The Mayor shall be the chief administrative official of the city, preside over the meetings of the City Council and determine the order of business subject to such rules as the Council may prescribe, have a vote only when the Council is equally divided, have the superintending control of all the officers and affairs in the city, preserve order, and take care that the ordinances of the city, and the provisions of the Idaho State Law governing municipal corporations are complied with.

The Mayor shall, from time to time, communicate to the City Council such information and recommend such measures as, in the Mayor's opinion, may tend to the improvement of the finances, the protection, the health, the security, the ornament, the comfort, and the general welfare and prosperity of the city.

The Mayor shall examine the grounds of all complaints against any of the officers of the city to determine existence of a violation or neglect of duty, and report the evidence thereof, if deemed sufficient for the removal of said officer, to the Council.

The Mayor shall require that every officer, on the expiration of that officer's term of office or resignation or removal from the same, deliver to a successor all monies, books, paper, maps, plats, furniture, fixtures, apparatus, machinery, tools and instruments and appurtenances belonging to such office.

The Mayor shall perform all other duties imposed by the laws of the State.

Sign contracts. The Mayor is authorized and empowered to sign officially for and in behalf of the city on all contracts, including deeds, bonds, bills, notes, obligations, and other agreements, documents and papers to which the city is a party, and to require that the conditions in the said instruments are faithfully performed, and to borrow money on the credit of the city when authorized by the Council.

Veto power. The Mayor shall have power to veto or sign any ordinance passed by the City Council; provided, that any ordinance vetoed by the Mayor may be passed over that veto by a vote of one-half (½) plus one (1) of the members of the Council elected notwithstanding the veto, and should the Mayor neglect or refuse to sign any ordinances and return the same with the Mayor's objection, in writing, at the next regular meeting of the Council, the same shall become a law without the Mayor's signature.

Accounts and reports of officers. The Mayor shall have the power, when deemed necessary, to require any officer of the city to exhibit accounts or other papers, and to make reports to the Council in writing, touching any subject or matter pertaining to that office.

Police powers. The Mayor shall have jurisdiction, as may be vested by ordinance, over all places within five (5) miles of the corporate limits of the city, for the enforcement of any health or quarantine ordinance and regulation thereof, and shall have jurisdiction in all matters vested by ordinance, excepting taxation, within one (1) mile of the corporate limits of the city, and over such properties as may be owned by the city without the corporate limits.

May require aid in enforcing law. The Mayor is hereby authorized to call on every male inhabitant in the city over twenty-one (21) years of age to aid in enforcing the laws.

Special meetings of Council. The Mayor shall have the power to call special meetings of the City Council, the object of which shall be submitted to the Council in writing; the call and object, as well as the disposition thereof, shall be entered upon the journal by the City Clerk.

Other powers. The Mayor shall have all other powers granted by the laws of the State of Idaho.

(Ord. No. 01-921A, 7-24-2001, eff. 10-1-2001)

State Law reference— Similar provisions, IC 50-602 et seq.

Designated positions in the Mayor's office. The following designated positions in the Mayor's office shall have job descriptions that are approved by Human Resources:

Chief of Staff;

Executive Assistant to the Mayor;

Community Relations and Policy Advisor; and

Programs and Events Specialist.

Designated positions in the Mayor's office—Hiring. The Mayor may choose to hire such designated positions in the Mayor's office as described above. All such positions shall serve at the pleasure of the Mayor as an at will employee, and removal may be for any reason or no reason, as deemed by the Mayor in the best interest of the city. The Mayor may select these employees by whatever employment process deemed reasonable by the Mayor, in consultation with the Human Resources Director and City Attorney.

Designated positions in the Mayor's office—Wages. Initial wages and any changes of the designated positions shall be determined by the Mayor and implemented by Human Resources.

Designated positions in the Mayor's office—Separation due to a change of Mayor. If the Mayor were to separate from the city, the designated positions shall be eligible for severance separation benefit from the city. The benefit shall be equivalent to the employee's wage of one (1) week per years of service in the designated positions up to a maximum of twelve (12) weeks. The employee would only be eligible if they were terminated by the new Mayor, without cause, from their designated position within thirty (30) days after the date of separation of the previous Mayor.

(Ord. No. 17-1738, 7-11-2017; Ord. No. 20-1871, 1-21-2020; Ord. No. 22-2003, § 4, 11-1-2022)

The annual compensation of the Mayor shall be as follows: Effective on January 1, 2026, the Mayor shall receive a total annual salary of one hundred forty-two thousand eight hundred eighty-seven dollars ($142,887.00), and effective January 1, 2027, a total annual salary of one hundred forty-six thousand three hundred eighty-seven dollars ($146,387.00), until this section is amended as allowed by law. Salary shall be paid in equal monthly amounts.

The Mayor shall receive the same employee benefits as any full-time city employee, except for accrual of vacation or sick leave, and any other benefits as directed by the City Council. As of January 1, 2028 and going forward, the Mayor shall also receive the same annual increase to the wage compensation as any full-time city employee, other than those covered by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

(Ord. No. 07-1331, 8-14-2007; Ord. No. 17-1742, 7-25-2017; Ord. No. 19-1836, 7-23-2019; Ord. No. 21-1936, § 1, 7-21-2021; Ord. No. 23-2026, § 1, 8-15-2023; Ord. No. 25-2075, § 2, 3-11-2025; Ord. No. 25-2094, § 1, 7-22-2025)

Elections. General city elections shall be held on the first Tuesday following the first Monday in November, in odd numbered years.

City Council districts established. There shall be six (6) City Council districts in the City of Meridian. Pursuant to the provisions of I.C. 50-707A and Meridian City Code Section 1-7-11, following the release of federal decennial census data and the County Clerk's establishment of election precincts, the Meridian Districting Committee shall establish and number six (6) City Council districts.

City Council seats. There shall be six (6) City Council seats on the Meridian City Council, which shall be numbered pursuant to I.C. 50-707. Each City Council seat number shall be identical to the City Council seat number assigned as of August 22, 2022, except that City Council seats 1 and 2, as they existed prior to August 22, 2022, shall be redesignated as City Council seats 2 and 1, respectively. The number of each City Council seat shall correspond to the numbered City Council districts.

Terms. Each elected City Council member shall serve a term of four (4) years, or until his or her successor is elected and qualified.

Staggered terms. At each election, three (3) City Council seats shall be open for election, alternating between City Council seats 2, 3, and 5 and City Council seats 1, 4 and 6.

Election in 2023. In the 2023 general city election, the first election after the establishment of City Council districts in the City of Meridian, no candidate, including an incumbent candidate, may run for election or re-election to a City Council seat in a City Council district in which the candidate is not a resident. Incumbent City Council members who are serving in City Council seats 2, 3, and 5, and who are running for re-election in 2023, must be residents of the respective City Council districts in which they are running. In order to preserve staggered terms, City Council members serving in City Council seats 1, 4, and 6 shall serve the remainder of their terms in those seats, during which time they shall represent the City Council districts corresponding to their City Council seat numbers, regardless of whether they are residents of the City Council district to which their seat corresponds.

Elections in 2025 and thereafter. In the 2025 general city election and in each election thereafter, no candidate, including an incumbent candidate, may run for election or re-election to a City Council seat in a City Council district in which the candidate is not a resident.

Candidate to be resident of City Council district. Any candidate seeking election to the City Council shall file his or her candidacy for one (1), and only one (1), City Council seat. Except as otherwise set forth in Meridian City Code Section 1-7-1(E)(1), the candidate must be a resident of the City Council district that corresponds to the City Council seat for which the candidate is running. City Council members shall be elected by the electors of the said City Council district. To be eligible to run for City Council, the candidate shall meet this and all other qualifications for the office of City Council member, as required by law.

(Ord. No. 13-1560, 6-4-2013; Ord. No. 22-1972, § 1, 3-15-2022; Ord. No. 22-1988, §§ 1, 2, 8-16-2022)

Any person shall be eligible to hold the office of City Council member:

Whose residence is, at the time of declaration of candidacy or intent to seek election, and if elected, remains, in the City Council district to which the City Council member is elected to serve; and

Is a qualified elector as set forth in this section and under the constitution and laws of the State of Idaho.

"Residence," for the purposes of this section, shall have the definition as set forth in I.C. 50-402(d).

"Qualified elector," for the purposes of this section, shall mean a person who is at least eighteen (18) years of age, is a United States citizen, has resided in Meridian City Limits and the City Council district for which the City Council member is elected to serve for at least the thirty (30) days preceding the election at which he desires to be elected, and who is registered to vote in such jurisdiction as required by law.

(Ord. No. 13-1559, 6-4-2013, eff. 6-10-2013; Ord. No. 22-1972, § 2, 3-15-2022)

The members of the City Council, the legislative and policy making branch of the government of the city, shall devote so much of their time to the duties of their office as an efficient and faithful discharge thereof may require. They shall attend all meetings of the council unless lawfully excused therefrom, and perform all duties by the nature of their office they should reasonably perform, such as the passing of ordinances, resolutions, and the overseeing of improvements and work done for the city according to the character of committees upon which they may severally be appointed.

(1955 Code, § 1-701)

In the event a City Council seat becomes vacant through the death, resignation, or relocation of a City Council member, or any other cause, the Mayor shall appoint, with the approval of the City Council, an appointee to fill the City Council seat until the next general city election, at which time the vacancy shall be filled for the balance of the original term, if any, by a vote of the electors of the City Council district that corresponds to the City Council seat.

If an appointment is made prior to the establishment of City Council districts, the appointee shall satisfy the qualifications set forth in I.C. 50-702, but need not reside in any specific geographic district within the City of Meridian.

If an appointment is made after the establishment of City Council districts, the appointee shall satisfy the qualifications set forth in Meridian City Code Section 1-7-2 and reside in the City Council district that corresponds to the vacant City Council seat.

(1955 Code, § 1-703; 1999 Code; Ord. No. 22-1972, § 3, 3-15-2022)

Time and place of regular meetings.

The regular meetings of the City Council shall be held at Meridian City Hall at 33 East Broadway Avenue, by the Mayor and City Council on the first, second, third, and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 6:00 p.m. of said days. When necessary the City Council shall hold land use hearings at these meetings.

The City Council shall also meet on the first, second, third, and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 4:30 p.m. of said days in a worksession format. Land use hearings will not be held at these worksessions unless an urgent need exists to require it. Worksessions may be held in a more informal manner than a regular meeting, but action items may be considered and voted upon in a worksession in the same manner as regular meetings.

If a Tuesday meeting or worksession of any month is a holiday, city election, primary or general election, the meeting shall be held the Wednesday evening following at the same hour and place.

Manner of conducting meetings. There is hereby adopted by the city for the purpose of establishing rules and regulations for the conduct of meetings, the Clerk's duties and the Mayor's duties in relation to Council meetings, the most current edition of "Robert's Rules of Order (Revised)".

Open meetings. Meetings of the City Council shall be open to the public pursuant to title 74, chapter 2, Idaho Code.

Canceling and Rescheduling of meetings. Upon the affirmative vote of one-half (½) plus one (1) of the members of the full Council, a regularly scheduled meeting may be postponed to a different date and time, or may be canceled. If a quorum of the Council is not available prior to the start of a meeting, then the meeting shall be canceled without a vote. Whenever any meeting is postponed, rescheduled, or canceled the City Clerk will endeavor to diligently provide notice to the public as soon as practicable.

(Ord. No. 10-1462, 10-12-2010, eff. 11-1-2010; Ord. No. 15-1647, 6-23-2015; Ord. No. 19-1822, 4-23-2019)

Assignment. The President of the City Council after conferring with the Mayor and City Council shall appoint a City Council member to be Council liaison of each of the City departments.

Duties. It shall be the duty of each Council liaison to:

Communicate the desires and interests of the City Council to that department, and vice versa, from the department to the Council, all as they shall deem to be in the best interests of the department and the City;

Sign budget amendments pursuant to the City's finance policies;

Assist the department Director, as needed, to develop a budget for the ensuing fiscal year; and

Review financial reports of the assigned department.

Term. Council liaison assignments shall be made annually or as needed due to vacancy.

(Ord. No. 13-1559, 6-4-2013, eff. 6-10-2013; Ord. No. 22-1963, § 1, 1-18-2022)

The following rules are hereby established, shall be observed in the conduct of any public hearing noticed on the agenda before the City Council, and shall be known as the "Meridian rules of procedure for public hearings":

Sign up to testify. All persons shall be permitted to testify or speak before the City Council at a public hearing but all such persons that have provided their name and residential address on sign-up sheets for each public hearing provided by the city shall have priority to speak prior to requesting additional public comment from other members of the audience. All parties shall be required to state their name and address for the record in addition to the sign-up sheet. This rule shall not apply to staff or technical witnesses directed by the Mayor to give evidence or information to the City Council.

Recognition by Mayor. No person shall be permitted to speak before the City Council at a public hearing until such person has been recognized by the Mayor.

Record of proceedings. All public hearing proceedings shall be recorded electronically or stenographically such that said proceedings are capable of being transcribed, and all persons speaking at such public hearings shall speak before a microphone in such a manner as will assure that the recorded testimony or remarks will be accurate. The Mayor may order at any time that the record be transcribed. If a party other than an official of the city requests that the record be transcribed, he shall so request the mayor to effect such, and all costs of preparing the transcript shall be paid in advance by the party so requesting.

Time limit for speakers. In the notice of the public hearing or at the commencement of the public hearing, the Mayor may establish a time limit to be observed by all speakers. The time limit shall be established depending on the number of speakers who sign up for each public hearing and shall apply only to the speaker's comments. The Mayor may also, either in the notice of the public hearing or at the close of the hearing, indicate that written testimony shall be received and set a date and time when such written testimony must be submitted in order to be included in the written report.

Questioning speaker. At the conclusion of a speaker's comments, each City Council member, when recognized by the Mayor, shall be allowed to question the speaker and the speaker shall be limited to answers to the questions asked. The question and answer period shall not be included in the speaker's time limit as established.

Compliance with rules. Any person not conforming to any of the above rules may be prohibited from speaking during the public hearing. Should any person refuse to comply with such prohibition, he may be removed from the room by order of the Mayor.

Suspend or amend rules. The City Council may suspend or amend any one (1) or more of these rules by vote of one-half (½) plus one (1) of the full City Council.

Interpretation of rules by Mayor. The Mayor shall have the authority to interpret and apply the foregoing rules, subject to an appeal to the City Council, whose decision shall be determined by a majority vote of the council members present.

Absence of Mayor. In cases where the mayor is absent from the public hearing or where the public hearing is before a duly appointed hearing officer, the president of the Council or presiding Council member or the hearing officer shall fulfill the duties of the mayor described hereinabove.

(Ord. No. 13-1559, 6-4-2013, eff. 6-10-2013)

The President and Vice President of the City Council shall have the following duties, rights and obligations:

President.

Election. The City Council shall elect a City Council member to serve as the President of the City Council. The vote shall be a majority vote by the City Council. The vote shall be held in January every year. The City Council member nominated to be elected as the President shall have the right to decline the nomination.

Term. The President shall serve a one-year term. The City Council may select the same Council member to serve consecutive terms if they so choose. He may serve two (2) consecutive terms but not more than two (2) consecutive terms of one (1) year each term; a council member may serve as president again but shall not serve as president for more than two (2) consecutive terms.

Duties.

The President shall have the authority to, and shall, act as the Mayor of the city during the absence or disability of the Mayor until the Mayor returns, as required under IC 50-608; and

Pursuant to Idaho Code the Council President shall, with the assistance of the Mayor, set the Council agenda; and

The President shall have the authority to appoint Council members as department liaisons, pursuant to city ordinances; and

The President of the City Council shall represent the City Council as appropriate in all other matters; and

The President of the City Council and the Mayor shall confer annually to determine if Council members should represent different departments of the city.

Vice President.

Election. The City Council, by their own action, shall elect a City Council member to serve as the Vice President of the City Council. The vote shall be held in January every year. The City Council member nominated to be elected as the Vice President shall have the right to decline the nomination.

Authority. The Vice President shall have the authority to, and shall, act as the President of the City Council during the absence or disability of the President. If both the Mayor and City Council President are absent from the city, the Vice President shall have the authority to, and shall, act as the Mayor of the city during the absence of the Mayor and Council President.

Seniority.

In the absence of the President and Vice President of the City Council the senior member of the City Council shall be authorized to act in their place.

Seniority shall be determined by the Council member's years of service on the City Council. In the event the time of service is the same then it can be determined by a coin flip.

(Ord. No. 13-1559, 6-4-2013, eff. 6-10-2013)

The annual compensation of the members of the City Council shall be as follows:

Each member of the City Council shall receive an annual salary of sixteen thousand one hundred and twenty-five dollars ($16,125.00) effective January 1, 2022, and effective January 1, 2023, a total annual salary of seventeen thousand three hundred and thirty-five dollars ($17,335.00), until this section is amended as allowed by law.

The City Council President shall receive additional compensation of ten (10) percent more than other Council members as compensation for the additional work involved in that role. The compensation shall be an annual salary of seventeen thousand seven hundred and thirty-eight-dollars ($17,738.00) effective January 1, 2022, and effective January 1, 2023, a total annual salary of nineteen thousand and sixty-nine dollars ($19,069.00), until this section is amended as allowed by law.

Salary will be paid in equal monthly amounts.

The City Council shall receive the same employee benefits as all full-time city employees, except for the accrual of vacation or sick leave, and any other benefits as directed by the City Council.

(Ord. No. 07-1330, 8-14-2007; Ord. No. 17-1741, 7-25-2017; Ord. No. 19-1835, 7-23-2019; Ord. No. 21-1937, § 1, 7-27-2021; Ord. No. 25-2075, § 3, 3-11-2025)

Pursuant to I.C. 67-6535(2)(b), the following procedure, regarding a request for reconsideration of a City Council land use decision, must be strictly followed:

After City Council approves its findings of facts, conclusions of law, decision, and order, the applicant or an affected person, as defined by the Local Land Use Planning Act (I.C. 67-6501 et seq., may request reconsideration, in accordance with the provisions of this section.

Such request must be in writing and filed by personal service to the City Clerk within fourteen (14) days of the final decision. Failure to timely or personally serve the City Clerk shall be deemed a failure to request reconsideration. The party filing the request for reconsideration shall provide a copy of the request to the City Community Development Department and the City Attorney's Office.

The request must identify specific deficiencies in the matter for which reconsideration is sought.

If the request is timely and properly filed by the applicant or an affected person, and identifies specific deficiencies, the City Clerk shall schedule the reconsideration at a regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council.

The City Clerk shall provide to the party filing the request for reconsideration, and to the applicant, notice of the date, time, and place of the meeting at which City Council will consider the request.

In considering the request for reconsideration, City Council shall not receive or consider new evidence or testimony, but shall confine its decision to the record supporting the final decision.

Following reconsideration, the Council shall affirm, reverse, or modify its decision, or direct a new public hearing on the matter.

If City Council reverses or modifies its decision, Council shall enter new findings of facts, conclusions of law, decision, and order regarding the reversed or modified decision. In this event, exhaustion of administrative remedies for the purpose of judicial review shall include City Council's reconsideration of the new, final decision.

If City Council holds a new public hearing on the matter, Council shall enter new findings of facts, conclusions of law, decision, and order following such hearing. In this event, exhaustion of administrative remedies for the purpose of judicial review shall include seeking City Council's reconsideration of the new, final decision.

Within sixty (60) days of the City Clerk's receipt of the request for reconsideration, the City Attorney shall prepare, and the City Clerk shall provide to the party requesting reconsideration, a written decision on the request for reconsideration.

(Ord. No. 16-1685, 4-26-2016; Ord. No. 21-1925, § 1, 3-23-2021; Ord. No. 22-2003, § 5, 11-1-2022)

Establishment. There is hereby established the Meridian Districting Committee, the purpose of which shall be to establish six (6) City Council districts and assign one (1) City Council seat to represent each City Council district, in accordance with applicable laws, available federal decennial census data, and principles of districting as are or may be established by law, policy, and custom governing the same.

Duties and powers. The Meridian Districting Committee shall be charged with, and authorized to:

Evaluate and apply federal decennial census data regarding the City of Meridian in order to establish six (6) City Council districts pursuant to the provisions of I.C. 50-707A; Title 1, Chapter 7, Meridian City Code; and all other applicable provisions of local, state, and federal law.

Assign City Council seats, numbering 1 through 6, to the corresponding numbered City Council districts, pursuant to this Chapter.

Act independently to make decisions regarding designating and numbering City Council districts, without regard for the residency of elected officials or candidates running for municipal office of the City of Meridian.

Consult resources and experts in demographics and population distribution, including, without limitation, the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho, the United States Census Bureau, and their delegees and staff, as needed or desired.

Consult resources and experts in districting and apportionment, including, without limitation, the Idaho Secretary of State, the Idaho Commission for Reapportionment, the Ada County Clerk, and the delegees and staff thereof, as needed or desired.

Consult City of Meridian Geographic Information System and Planning staff for information and assistance with establishment of City Council districts and the preparation of maps.

Consult the City Attorney or designee regarding compliance with applicable Idaho Code and Meridian City Code provisions.

Meridian Districting Committee membership and qualifications.

The Mayor shall appoint, with the approval of the City Council, members to the Meridian Districting Committee. Should a vacancy subsequently occur on the Meridian Districting Committee, the Mayor shall fill the vacancy in a like manner within fourteen (14) days, or as soon thereafter as practicable. In addition to the names of the members so appointed, the resolution shall include the following directives to the City Clerk:

Directing the City Clerk to convene the Meridian Districting Committee.

Directing the City Clerk to post on the City of Meridian website the agenda and minutes of the Meridian Districting Committee meetings, as well as the census data used by the Meridian Districting Committee in the course of its charge under this section.

In the event that the Mayor fails to timely act pursuant to this provision, the City Council President shall so act.

Voting members of the Meridian Districting Committee shall include six (6)Meridian residents from diverse geographic areas of Meridian, to include at least one (1) individual who resides south of Interstate 84, one (1) individual who resides north of Ustick Road, one (1) individual who resides west of Meridian Road, and one (1) individual who resides east of Meridian Road. The six (6) Committee members shall be voting members, and shall serve without salary or compensation for their service.

The Meridian Districting Committee shall include the following ex-officio, non-voting members:

The City of Meridian Geographic Information System Manager or designee;

The City of Meridian Planning Manager or designee; and

The Ada County Clerk or designee.

The Meridian Districting Committee may include the following ex-officio, non-voting members, as may be hired by the City of Meridian: a statistician, a cartographer, and/or any other experts whose services may be helpful in the discharge of the Meridian Districting Committee's responsibilities.

A person who has served on the Meridian Districting Committee shall be ineligible to run for a Meridian City Council seat for five (5) years following such service.

Organization and meetings.

At the initial meeting of the Meridian Districting Committee, the Committee members shall elect a Chair and Vice Chair.

The Chair shall be a voting member of the Meridian Districting Committee and shall hold the same rights and privileges as any other Committee member. The decisions, statements, and/or actions of the Chair shall obligate, commit, and/or represent the Meridian Districting Committee only insofar as the Committee has specifically authorized. The Chair's duties shall include:

(1)

Preparing Meridian Districting Committee meeting agendas in cooperation with the City Clerk or designee;

(2)

Presiding over all Meridian Districting Committee meetings, and

(3)

Signing all documents requiring an official signature on behalf of the Meridian Districting Committee, including the Meridian Districting Plan.

The Vice-Chair shall perform the duties of the Chair in the absence of the Chair, and such other duties as may be delegated by the Chair.

A special election may be held at any time to fill a vacancy of the office of Chair or Vice-Chair.

The Chair shall propose, and the Committee members shall adopt, a timeline of meetings and actions to timely complete the Meridian Districting Committee's work in accordance with this section and with I.C. 50-707A.

The Meridian Districting Committee shall comply in all respects with the Idaho Open Meetings Law. The agenda for all meetings shall be prepared by the Chair in consultation with the City Clerk or designee. The City Clerk or designee shall assist the Chair with scheduling meetings, posting meeting and agenda notices, preparing meeting minutes, and distributing agendas, minutes, and other materials to Committee members prior to each meeting.

A majority of currently appointed Committee members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business of the Meridian Districting Committee.

Each voting member shall be entitled to one (1) vote on any matter before the Meridian Districting Committee. Except as otherwise designated herein, the vote of the majority of the voting members present at any meeting at which a quorum is present shall effectuate any decision of the Meridian Districting Committee. Voting shall be verbal and on the record; proxy voting, secret voting, and written voting shall not be permitted.

Scheduling of public hearings, public comment, or presentations before the Meridian Districting Committee shall be at the discretion of the Chair. The Chair may set rules to maximize efficiency and productivity of meetings, including setting a time limit for comments or presentations to the Meridian Districting Committee.

Upon the City Clerk's filing of the Meridian Districting Plan with the County Clerk as set forth in Meridian City Code Section 1-7-11(H), the Meridian Districting Committee shall automatically dissolve and may be reconvened only upon appointment by the Mayor pursuant to Meridian City Code Section 1-7-11(C)(1).

Procedure.

The Meridian Districting Committee shall evaluate and apply the federal decennial census data for the City of Meridian in order to establish six (6) City Council districts pursuant to the provisions of I.C. 50-707A; Title 1, Chapter 7, Meridian City Code; and all other applicable provisions of local, state, and federal law. To assist the Committee, one (1) or more of the ex officio members set forth in Meridian City Code Section 1-7-11(C)(3) shall prepare three (3) potential districting maps for the Committee's initial consideration. The Committee may utilize one (1) of these potential districting maps, or the Committee may develop and utilize a different districting map.

Upon completion of a draft districting map, the Meridian Districting Committee shall designate each City Council district with a number from 1 to 6 pursuant to the provisions of Meridian City Code Section 1-7-1(C) and this chapter. The draft map and numbered City Council districts shall constitute the draft districting plan. The Meridian Districting Committee shall hold a minimum of two (2) public hearings to receive public testimony on the draft districting map.

The Meridian Districting Committee shall act to establish, by resolution, the Meridian Districting Plan, to include the following documents, which shall be appended to the resolution, and incorporated into the same by reference:

A map of the City of Meridian showing the exact locations of the designated City Council districts, labeled with the district numbers and corresponding City Council seat numbers.

A description of the boundaries of the City Council districts, described by the names of streets or other established features or landmarks.

A declaration that the City Council seats shall be designated with numbers corresponding to the like-numbered City Council districts, in accordance with Meridian City Code Section 1-7-1(C).

The resolution must be approved by at least four (4) voting members to be effective, and shall certify that the established City Council districts meet the criteria set forth in I.C. 50-707A and other applicable statutes and laws.

The Meridian Districting Committee shall transmit its resolution to the City Clerk, and the City Clerk shall:

Schedule a public hearing before the City Council on the resolution;

Make the resolution available on the City of Meridian's website; and

Publish a notice of hearing on the matter before the City Council.

The City Clerk shall publish notice of the public hearing on the Meridian Districting Committee's Meridian Districting Plan before City Council at least once prior to the date set for the public hearing, which notice shall solicit written and verbal testimony on the City Council districts as established by the Meridian Districting Committee, and shall include a link to the City of Meridian's webpage with access to the resolution and documents described in Meridian City Code Section 1-7-11(E)(3).

The City Council shall conduct a public hearing on the Meridian Districting Plan as established by the Meridian Districting Committee, in accordance with the procedures set forth in Meridian City Code Section 1-7-7. Following such public hearing, the City Council shall review the Meridian Districting Plan as established by the Meridian Districting Committee, and upon a finding that it meets the criteria set forth in I.C. 50-707A, shall adopt it by ordinance as the final Meridian Districting Plan. Such act shall be a ministerial function of the City Council; modification of the Meridian Districting Plan established by the Meridian Districting Committee shall occur only upon remand to the Meridian Districting Committee. The City Council may remand the matter to the Meridian Districting Committee only upon a finding, supported by substantial evidence, that the Meridian Districting Plan established by the Meridian Districting Committee does not meet the criteria set forth in I.C. 50-707A. Should the City Council fail to adopt the Meridian Districting Plan via ordinance at least one hundred thirty-five (135) days prior to the date of the next general city election, the Meridian Districting Committee's last resolution shall comprise the final Meridian Districting Plan.

The City Clerk shall file the Meridian Districting Plan with the County Clerk at least one hundred thirty-four (134) days prior to the next general City election, with a request that the County Clerk prepare ballots and establish polling places for all subsequent Meridian City Council elections in accordance with the Meridian Districting Plan.

City Council may, pursuant to I.C. 50-707, modify City Council seat numbers after the Meridian Districting Plan has been adopted, so long as such modifications are approved by ordinance at least one hundred thirty-five (135) days prior to the date of the next general City election.

(Ord. No. 22-1972, § 4, 3-15-2022; Ord. No. 22-1988, §§ 3, 4, 8-16-2022)

The Mayor, with the consent of the City Council, shall appoint the following department officials of the City of Meridian: City Attorney, Public Works Director, Chief of Police, Fire Chief, Community Development Director, Parks and Recreation Director, Chief Financial Officer/Support Services Director (City Treasurer), Human Resources Director, and Chief Information Officer/Information Technology Director. The Mayor, with the consent of the City Council, may add, eliminate, or change other appointed positions as necessary to effectively operate the city.

Pursuant to the Idaho Code the Mayor with the consent of the City Council shall appoint a City Clerk.

(Ord. No. 19-1803, 1-15-2019)

All appointive officers shall hold office for the term for which they were appointed and qualified; provided, that any appointive officer may at any time be removed by the action of the Mayor with the concurrence of one-half (½) plus one (1) of the full City Council or by the unanimous vote of the full City Council.

(Ord. No. 04-1107, 10-12-2004)

The several officers herein named shall give bonds to the city with two (2) or more sufficient sureties in the penal sums as follows; provided, surety bonds may be furnished at the expense of the city in lieu of personal bonds:

City Clerk: Five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00).

Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer: Five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000.00)

(1955 Code, § 1-810; 1999 Code; Ord. No. 16-1680, 4-5-2016)

Appointive Officers. The salaries of appointive officers shall be set and fixed by the Mayor and Council and shall be paid monthly.

Employees. Salaries of city employees shall be as set from time to time by the Mayor and City Council.

(Ord. No. 05-1176, 8-30-2005)

Definition of applicant. The term "applicant", for purposes of this section, shall include applicants for employment or continued employment with the City of Meridian in positions that:

Require access to secure or confidential areas or information;

Require access to personnel records;

Require exercising supervision over children;

Require work on or around police vehicles, equipment and/or firearms;

May allow access to property, homes, and/or businesses;

Require handling or making transactions in cash or accounts;

Require use of city vehicles or equipment; or

Require work on or around fire vehicles and equipment and/or providing patient care.

Determine suitability of applicant. In order to evaluate the suitability of an applicant, the human resources manager or designee shall require the applicant to provide information and fingerprints necessary to obtain criminal history information from the Idaho State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and shall have the Idaho State Police or the Federal Bureau of Investigation perform a criminal background investigation.

Applicant consent required. The Human Resources Manager or designee, shall obtain the written consent of the applicant for the criminal background investigation and if the applicant does not execute the consent, the application shall be denied.

Authorization of FBI National Criminal History Records Checks. Pursuant to IC 67-3008, and congressional enactment Public Law 92-544, the Human Resources Manager or designee shall submit a set of fingerprints obtained from the applicant and the required fees to the Idaho State Police, Bureau of Criminal Identification, for a criminal records check of State and national databases. The submission of fingerprints and information required by this section shall be on forms prescribed by the Idaho State Police. The Human Resources Manager or designee is authorized to receive criminal history information from the Idaho State Police and from the Federal Bureau of Investigation for the purpose of evaluating the fitness of applicants. As required by State and federal law, further dissemination or other use of the criminal history information is prohibited.

No amendment without FBI approval. This section shall not be amended without prior written approval from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

(Ord. No. 16-1708, 10-11-2016)

The City Clerk shall be appointed by the Mayor, with the consent of the City Council, and shall hold office for the duration of his or her appointment unless sooner removed.

(Ord. No. 14-1608, 5-21-2014, eff. 5-26-2014)

Keep seal, ordinances and city records.

The City Clerk shall be custodian of the city seal and affix same to documents as provided by this Code and other law.

The City Clerk shall also be the custodian of all public records, ordinances, resolutions and orders of the City Council, and such other papers and documents as may be delivered into his or her custody.

Attend meetings of Council; keep minutes and records. The City Clerk shall attend all sessions of the City Council, keep minutes and transcripts thereof, shall keep a record of ordinances passed by the City Council, and shall see that each ordinance is published as required by law.

Report to City Council. The City Clerk shall make such reports and furnish such data from the records and files of his or her office as may be requested by the Mayor or City Council.

Furnish copies of city records. It shall be the duty of the City Clerk to furnish any city officer with a copy of any public record, and he or she shall also furnish a copy of any such record to any person upon request and payment of such fees as authorized or required by law.

Issue licenses. The City Clerk shall issue all licenses as authorized by this Code.

(Ord. No. 14-1608, 5-21-2014, eff. 5-26-2014)

There shall be established the office of Deputy City Clerk who shall perform such duties as assigned or delegated by the City Clerk, and who shall have full authority to act in the place and stead of the City Clerk in the event of the City Clerk's absence and/or inability to perform the duties of the office.

(Ord. No. 14-1608, 5-21-2014, eff. 5-26-2014)

The Chief Financial Officer shall serve as the City Treasurer, and shall be appointed by the Mayor, with the consent of the City Council, and shall hold office for the duration of his or her appointment unless sooner removed.

(Ord. No. 16-1680, 4-5-2016)

The Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer shall have and fulfill all of the duties established by Idaho Code as they may pertain to the City Treasurer or the finances of the city, including, without limitation, those duties enumerated in title 18, chapter 57 (Public Funds and Securities); title 50, chapter 2 (City Treasurer); title 50, chapter 10 (City Finances); title 57, chapter 1 (Public Depository Law); and title 67, chapter 4 (Annual Audit) of Idaho Code. Additionally, the Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer shall:

Attend, as necessary, meetings of the City Council.

Implement financial policies and plans at the direction of the Mayor and City Council.

Advise the Mayor and City Council on financial policy considerations, and short- and long-range financial planning.

Review and analyze financial methods and performance to find ways to increase effectiveness, improve results or affect economies in financial activities.

Analyze budget requests for compliance with appropriate rules, regulations, policies, procedures, budget, and capital improvement plan.

Develop with the necessary staff, the annual budget amendment, including gathering all data, analyzing results and presenting a final report to the Mayor, Council and the public.

Manage the city's investment portfolio.

Establish and maintain an internal control structure designed to protect the city from loss of public funds due to fraud, error, or actions inconsistent with the requirements of the laws governing allowable public entity investments.

Monitor the financial condition of the city and adherence to the budget.

Ensure the city's budget, financial results, financial transactions, budget calendar, Revenue Manual, Budget Development Manual, capital improvement plan, annual audit report, and audited financial statements are available to the public.

Supervise, manage, and oversee the various departments of City Clerk, Information Technology, and Finance Departments and delegate or assign duties or tasks as required for the efficient operation of the departments and fulfillment of the requirements of this Code and other law.

(Ord. No. 17-1753, 11-21-2017)

The City Attorney shall be appointed by the Mayor, with the consent of the City Council, and shall hold office unless removed pursuant to Section 1-8-1 of this chapter.

There shall be Deputy City Attorney(s) as may be required and approved by the Mayor and City Council. The Deputy City Attorney(s) shall serve at the pleasure of the City Attorney by and with the advice and consent of the Mayor and City Council.

(Ord. No. 04-1112, 11-3-2004)

It shall be the duty of the City Attorney and any Deputy City Attorney acting under the authority of the City Attorney to:

Provide the highest standard of legal ethics, accountability, and responsibility in representing the client, the City of Meridian; and

Advise the Mayor and Council, as the client, on all legal matters related to the needs of the City of Meridian; and

Provide legal opinions to the Mayor and Council when requested; and

Prepare all necessary ordinances and resolutions to facilitate the needs of the City of Meridian; and

Review, as necessary, all contracts, agreements, or instruments for legal sufficiency to protect the interests of the City of Meridian; and

Prosecute, defend, or oversee the representation of the City of Meridian in all matters civil or criminal in courts of competent jurisdiction; and

Provide legal advice to departments, boards, commissions, or committees of the City of Meridian, with the consent of the Mayor and City Council; and

Retain independent legal counsel and any additional legal services when necessary to further and protect the interest of the City of Meridian; and

Attend the meetings of the City Council and provide legal advice as requested by the Mayor or City Council; and

Perform any and all legal duties as directed in the interest of the City of Meridian.

(Ord. No. 13-1569, 9-3-2013, eff. 10-1-2013)

The City Public Works Director shall be appointed by the Mayor, with the consent of the City Council, and shall hold office for the duration of his appointment unless sooner removed.

(Ord. No. 08-1380, 9-9-2008)

The City Public Works Director shall have charge of directing the Department of Public Works, including, but not limited to, the following:

Sewers. The City Public Works Director shall be responsible for the installation and maintenance of all sewer lines in the city excepting the installation of projects which are done under contract.

Water. The City Public Works Director shall be responsible for the installation and maintenance of all water mains and water services excepting the installation of water mains so installed under contract.

Equipment. The City Public Works Director shall be responsible for the repairs and upkeep of all city works equipment.

Employment and supervision. The City Public Works Director shall be responsible for such help as is needed to carry on the work of the city, such help to be directly under his supervision.

Make reports. The City Public Works Director shall present to the City Council as necessary a report of city work.

Other duties. The City Public Works Director shall be responsible for any other duties as defined within the job description or as directed by the Mayor.

(Ord. No. 08-1380, 9-9-2008)

The Human Resources Department Director shall be appointed by the Mayor, with the consent of the City Council, and shall hold office unless removed pursuant to Section 1-8-1 of this chapter.

The Human Resources Department Director may hire staff as may be required to carry out the duties set forth herein. Such staff shall serve under the supervision of the Human Resources Department Director.

(Ord. No. 18-1796, 11-13-2018)

It shall be the duty of the Human Resources Department Director and any staff acting under the authority thereof to:

Oversee, manage, and direct human resources functions of and for the City of Meridian; and

Serve as principal advisor to the Mayor and City Council on human resource issues; and

Ensure the city's human resource programs, policies, and practices operate in compliance with applicable State and federal laws, regulations, and audits; and

Establish and maintain records and reports in sufficient detail to furnish all information necessary for proper administration of departmental activities and to form the basis for reports required by the Mayor and City Council; and

Keep informed as to the latest practices in the human resources field and implement such new practices that will be of benefit to the city and the public; and

Assist the Mayor and City Council in developing long-term human resource goals for the city and strategies to implement these goals; and

Attend the meetings of the City Council to provide human resource advice as requested by the Mayor or City Council; and

Perform or request criminal background investigation of all applicants offered employment, or city volunteers to whom a criminal history is reasonably related to the requirements of the position, as allowed by law and policy.

(Ord. 18-1796, 11-13-2018)

The Chief Information Officer (CIO)/Information Technology Director shall be appointed by the Mayor, with the consent of the City Council, and shall hold office unless removed pursuant to Section 1-8-1 of this chapter.

The Chief Information Officer (CIO)/Information Technology Director may hire staff as may be required to carry out the duties set forth herein. Such staff shall serve under the supervision of the Chief Information Officer.

(Ord. No. 19-1803, 1-15-2019)

It shall be the duty of the Chief Information Officer (CIO)/Information Technology Director and any staff acting under the authority thereof to:

Directs and supervises technical staff in planning, development and implementation of technology and telecommunications systems; and

Provides leadership to Mayor, Council and department heads regarding alignment of technology with city business initiatives, policy and strategic objectives; and

Recommends and implements short-term and long-term technology strategies, plans and budgets to city management; and

Prepares the department budget. Administers, directs and participates in development of the department operating and capital projects budget; and

Responsible for the development, review, and certification of all back-up, disaster recovery, business continuity procedures and plans for information technology; and

Attend the meetings of the City Council to provide information technology advice as requested by the Mayor or City Council; and

Responsible for the security of the organization's information systems and related assets.

(Ord. No. 19-1803, 1-15-2019)

Compliance. The city shall comply with all State and federal laws and local regulations pertaining to financial management, control, and safeguarding of the public funds in its possession.

Adoption. By the processes set forth in this chapter, the city shall adopt financial management policies as set forth in this chapter for implementation of all Federal, State, and city laws, regulations, and policies pertaining to financial management, control, and safeguarding of the public funds in its possession.

(Ord. No. 19-1866, 12-10-2019)

The City Council hereby authorizes the Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer to manage the city's financial management policies in accordance with applicable laws and best practices as deemed by the Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer.

All new financial management policies and any changes thereto must be presented to City Council for final approval. City Council shall review and approve new and changed financial management policies by resolution.

The City Council will annually review the financial management policies as part of the budget process.

The Chief Financial Officer/City Treasurer must make available online the city's financial management policies for public access.

(Ord. No. 19-1866, 12-10-2019)

The City of Meridian shall follow each and all of the following financial management policies, duly approved by resolution of City Council, wherein the city will meet all applicable federal, state, and city laws, regulations, and policies:

Banking policy;

Budget policy;

Debt management policy;

Financial audit policy;

Financial stability policy;

Funds and fund balance policy;

Investments policy; and

Economic development incentive policy.

(Ord. No. 19-1866, 12-10-2019)

MAPS program established. There is hereby established the Meridian Art in Public Spaces ("MAPS") program, under which the City Council shall annually dedicate funding to the establishment of art in public places within Meridian.

Purpose of funds. The Meridian Arts Commission shall adopt, with City Council approval, a strategic plan for installation of art projects funded by MAPS program funds. MAPS funds shall be used to purchase visual, tangible artworks, for installation on public property within the Meridian City Limits, in accordance with the strategic plan.

Funds appropriation. City Council shall, on an annual basis, appropriate for the MAPS program an amount from the general fund equivalent to fifty cents ($0.50) per resident, as estimated by the current annual population estimate adopted by the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho. Nothing contained in this section shall preclude funding of art by grants, matching monies, donations, or other means.

Carry forward. Any MAPS funds not spent during the current fiscal year shall be carried forward to the next fiscal year.

Expenditure of MAPS funds. The Meridian Arts Commission shall recommend, and City Council shall approve, expenditures of MAPS program funds by budget enhancement, in accordance with the strategic plan duly adopted by the Meridian Arts Commission as set forth in this section.

(Ord. 15-1642, 4-21-2015; Ord. No. 22-1994, § 1, 9-13-2022)

All city general or special elections shall be conducted in accordance with and in conformity with the Election Code for the State.

(1999 Code)

State Law reference— Similar provisions, IC, title 34 and § 50-401 et seq.

Petitions for initiative or referendum shall conform with the requirements for signature, verification of validity, printing of petitions and time limits, except as expressly modified to meet the purposes of initiative and referendum to be as nearly as practicable as provided in IC 34-1801 et seq.

(1999 Code)

The purpose of establishing an area of city impact is to identify a logical urban fringe area adjoining the city. The urban fringe area is realizing, or will realize, development pressure that must be planned for in an orderly manner. Idaho Code section 67-6526 requires that cities and counties negotiate an area of city impact.

(Ord. No. 545, 11-20-1990)

The following factors were considered by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council in the establishment of an area of impact:

Trade area;

Geographic factors; and

Areas that can reasonably be expected to be annexed in the future.

(Ord. No. 545, 11-20-1990)

Area shown on map. The Meridian Area of City Impact is the area designated on the Meridian Area of City Impact boundary map, fully incorporated herein by this reference, copies of which are available for inspection and delivery at the City Clerk's office.

Division of single ownership property. In case a property under single ownership is divided by the boundary line of the area of city impact and the line divides such property so that one (1) or both of the parts has a depth of three hundred (300) feet or less, such part may be included in the jurisdiction within which the remainder and larger portion of the property is located.

(Ord. No. 545, 11-20-1990)

Limitations. Annexation by the city shall be limited to those lands lying within the area of impact and being contiguous or adjacent to the city limits of the city, except for those properties outside the Meridian Area of City Impact and being contiguous or adjacent to the boundary of the City of Meridian where the owner or the owner's agent has requested annexation in compliance with the procedures set forth in IC 50-222 et seq.

Application of provisions. Upon annexation, the provisions of this chapter, which is the agreement between the city and Ada County, shall no longer apply to the annexed area.

(Ord. No. 05-1182, 9-20-2005)

Application of provisions. The Meridian Comprehensive Plan shall apply to the Meridian Area of City Impact.

Submission of subdivision plats. All subdivision plats, for land situated within the area of impact, shall be submitted to the city for approval, in addition to Ada County for approval, as provided in IC 50-1306.

Street and utility easement plan. All subdivision plat applications in the urban service planning area of the city for land zoned by Ada County as RT (rural transition) shall require a street and utility easement plan. Said plan shall provide for future resubdivision to urban densities and such easements shall be included on the final plat. This requirement may be waived if a letter is submitted to the Ada County Director of Developmental Services from the City Council prior to preliminary plat approval by the Board of County Commissioners approving the waiver.

Sewer and water lines. A condition of approval for all subdivision plats in the urban service planning area of the city for land zoned by Ada County as RT (rural transition) shall require that, prior to occupancy of the subdivision's first dwelling unit, dry line sewer and water lines shall be installed to accommodate the future resubdivision to urban densities. This requirement may be waived if a letter is submitted to the Ada County Director of Developmental Services from the City Council prior to preliminary plat approval by the Board of County Commissioners approving the waiver.

County zoning ordinance. The Ada County Code, title 8, the Ada County Zoning Ordinance, shall be the zoning ordinance applicable to the land in the area of city impact which is outside the city limits and within the boundaries of the area of city impact.

(Ord. No. 545, 11-20-1990; Ord. No. 19-1867, 12-17-2019)

County and city coordination. All applications for Ada County and Meridian amendments to their respective comprehensive plans and implementing ordinances which apply within the area of city impact shall be sent by the entity considering such amendment to the other entity. A separate referral process shall be adopted by resolution by each entity regarding procedures and time periods for, and the effect of, sending such amendments, and such resolution may be amended from time to time upon mutual agreement in writing by Ada County and the city.

Applications to city. All Ada County applications for planned developments, subdivisions, rezones, private roads, and conditional use permits within the area of city impact shall be sent to Meridian, in accordance with the referral process arrived at pursuant to subsection (A) of this section.

(Ord. No. 545, 11-20-1990)

Request. In accordance with IC 67-6526(d), the City Council or the Board of Ada County Commissioners may request, in writing, renegotiation of any provision of this chapter at any time. Within thirty (30) days of receipt of such written request by either party, a meeting between the two (2) jurisdictions shall occur.

Effect of provisions. While renegotiation is occurring, all provisions of this chapter shall remain in effect until this chapter is amended or a substitute ordinance is adopted by Meridian and Ada County, in accordance with the notice and hearing procedures provided in the Meridian ordinances and IC 67-6526, or until a declaratory judgment from the district court is final. Provided, however, that this chapter or stipulated portions thereof shall be of no further force and effect if both jurisdictions so agree by mutually adopted resolution or ordinance.

(Ord. No. 545, 11-20-1990)

Footnotes:

--- (1) ---

Editor's note— Ord. No. 14-1608, adopted may 21, 2014, repealed Ch. 12, which pertained to Joint Building and Planning and Zoning Department and Fund.

Footnotes:

--- (2) ---

Editor's note— Ord. No. 11-1495, adopted September 20, 2011, repealed Ch. 13, which pertained to Economic Development Corporation.

The public judges its government by the way public officials and employees conduct themselves in the posts to which they are elected or appointed.

Confidence and respect can best be promoted if every public official and whether paid or unpaid, and whether elected or appointed, will uniformly:

Treat all citizens with courtesy, impartiality, fairness and equality under the law; and

Avoid both actual and potential conflicts between their private self-interest and public interest.

(Ord. No. 787, 2-3-1998)

The terms used in this chapter are hereby defined as follows:

Financial interest means any interest which shall yield, directly or indirectly, a monetary or other material benefit (other than the duly authorized salary or compensation for their services to the city) to the official or employee or to any person employing or retaining the services of the official or employee.

Official or employee means any person elected or appointed to, or employed or retained by, any public office or public body of the city whether paid or unpaid and whether part-time or full-time.

Personal interest means any interest arising from blood or marriage relationships or from close business or political association whether or not any financial interest is involved.

Public body means any agency, board, body, commission, committee, department or office of the city.

(Ord. No. 787, 2-3-1998)

A Mayor, City Council member, Board member, Committee member, Commission member, executive, legislative, ministerial, or other officer of this city, who appoints or votes for the appointment of any person related to him or her or any of their associates in office by affinity or consanguinity within the second degree, to any clerkship, office, position, employment, or duty, when the salary, wages, pay or compensation of such appointee is to be paid out of public funds or fees of office, or who appoints or furnishes employment to any person whose salary, wages, pay, or compensation is to be paid out of public funds or fees of office, and who is related by either blood or marriage within the second degree to any other executive, legislative, ministerial, or other city public officer when such appointment is made on the agreement or promise of such other officer or any other public officer to appoint or furnish employment to anyone so related to the person, officer, or employee making or voting for such appointment, is guilty of a misdemeanor involving official misconduct and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to penalty as provided in section 1-2-1 of this title and such officer making such appointment shall forfeit his office and be ineligible for appointment to such office for one (1) year thereafter.

(Ord. No. 14-1620, 8-19-2014)

Special treatment prohibited. No official or employee shall grant or make available to any person any consideration, treatment, advantage or favor, beyond that which it is the general practice to grant or make available to the public at large.

Misuse of properties. No official or employee shall request, use or permit the use of any publicly owned or publicly supported property, vehicle, equipment, labor or service for the personal convenience or the private advantage of the official, employee or any other person.

(Ord. No. 787, 2-3-1998)

Financial or personal interest. No official or employee shall have any financial or personal interest in any business or transaction with the city unless the official or employee shall first make full public disclosures of the nature and extent of such interest.

Reserved.

Incompatible employment. No official or employee shall engage in private employment with, or render services for, any private person who has business transactions with any public body unless the official or employee shall first make full public disclosure of the nature and extent of such employment or services.

Representation of private persons. No official or employee shall appear on behalf of any private person, other than himself or herself, before any public body in the city.

Confidential information. No official or employee shall, without prior formal authorization of the public body having jurisdiction, disclose any confidential information concerning any other official or employee, or any other person, or any property or governmental affairs of the city. Whether or not it shall involve disclosure, no official or employee shall use or permit the use of any such confidential information to advance the financial or personal interest of themselves or any other person.

(Ord. No. 787, 2-3-1998; Ord. No. 19-1806, 1-15-2019)

The purpose of this chapter is to establish ethical standards of conduct for the Mayor, all City Council members, Board members, committee members, commission members, and employees, by setting forth those acts or actions deemed to be in conflict or incompatible, or to create the appearance of conflict or incompatibility, with the best interests of the city.

(Ord. No. 787, 2-3-1998)

The Idaho Transparent and Ethical Government Act, as may be amended, is hereby incorporated herein by this reference and made a part of this chapter and shall apply to the Mayor, all Council members, Board members, committee members, commission members, or employees of the city, whenever applicable.

(Ord. No. 15-1647, 6-23-2015)

The Mayor, City Council member, Board member, Committee member, Commission member, city official or city employee, shall not participate directly by means of deliberation, approval or disapproval, or recommendation, in the purchase of goods and services for the city, and the award of any contracts with the city, except as permitted under the city's ordinances and under the laws of the State, where to his or her knowledge there is a financial interest, or personal interest other than that possessed by the public generally.

(Ord. No. 03-1032, 7-22-2003)

No Mayor, Council member, Board member, Committee member, Commission member, city official, or city employee, shall, without proper legal authorization, disclose confidential information concerning the property, government or affairs of the city; nor shall he or she use such information to advance the financial or private interest of himself or herself or others.

(Ord. No. 787, 2-3-1998)

No Mayor, Council member, Board member, Committee member, Commission member, city official, or employee, shall accept any valuable gift of more than fifty dollars ($50.00) in value, whether in the form of service, loan, thing or promise, from any person and/or business which to his or her knowledge is interested directly or indirectly in any manner whatsoever in business dealings with the city; nor shall any Mayor, Council member, Board member, committee member, commission member, city official, or city employee: a) accept any gift, favor or thing of value that tends to influence him in the discharge of his or her official duties; or b) grant in the discharge of his or her official duties any improper favor, service or thing of value. Nothing herein shall prohibit the acceptance of gifts or favors by the Mayor, Council member, Board members, Committee members, Commission members, city official, or city employees from members of their immediate families.

(Ord. No. 787, 2-3-1998)

Deliberation and vote prohibited. No Mayor, Council member, Board member, Committee member, Commission member, public official or city employee, shall, in such capacity, participate in the deliberation or vote, or otherwise take part in the decision making process, on any agenda item before his or her collective body in which he or she or a member of his or her immediate family or relative in the second degree of affinity or consanguinity, has a financial or personal interest, other than an interest held by the public generally.

Disclosure of conflict. Any Council member, Board member, Committee member or Commission member who believes that he or she or a member of his or her immediate family or relative in the second degree of affinity or consanguinity has a financial or personal interest, other than an interest held by the public generally, in any agenda item before his or her collective body, shall disclose the nature and extent of such interest, and the City Clerk or his or her designee shall make a record of such disclosure. Additionally, any Council member, Board member, Committee member or Commission member who believes that any fellow Council member, Board member, Committee member or Commission member, or a member of such fellow Council member's, Board member's, Committee member's or Commission member's immediate family or a relative in the second degree of affinity or consanguinity has a financial or personal interest, other than an interest held by the public generally, in any agenda item before his or her collective body, shall disclose the nature and extent of such interest, and the City Clerk or his or her designee shall make a record of such disclosure.

Determination of conflict. Once the issue of conflict has been initiated relative to an individual Council member, Board member, Committee member or Commission member, and disclosure has been made as provided above, such individual's fellow Council members, Board members, Committee members or Commission members shall vote on whether or not such individual shall be excused from participating in the deliberation or vote, or otherwise taking part in the decision making process, on the relevant agenda item. Such individual shall be excused only upon a vote of the majority of his or her fellow Council members, Board members, Committee members or Commission members then present that a conflict of interest in fact exists.

Avoidance of appearance of conflict. To avoid the appearance of a violation of this section, once any individual Council member, Board member, Committee member or Commission member is determined to have a conflict of interest in respect to any agenda item, said individual shall immediately remove himself or herself from the meeting room or to the area of the room occupied by the general public. He or she shall not return to his or her regular seat as a member of the body until deliberation and action on the item is completed. Nothing herein shall require an individual Council member, Board member, Committee member or Commission member to remove himself or herself for any item contained on a "consent agenda" on which there is no deliberation, the individual's conflict has been determined by the other members, and the right to abstain from voting on the item has been granted.

Personal interest. Nothing herein shall be construed to prohibit any Council member, Board member, Committee member or Commission member from representing his or her own personal interest by appearing before his or her collective body on any such agenda item.

(Ord. No. 787, 2-3-1998; Ord. No. 03-1032, 7-22-2003)

Employee. Violation of any of the provisions of this chapter by any employee is grounds for disciplinary action, including dismissal.

Former employee. Any former employee violating any provision of this chapter shall be fined not less than five dollars ($5.00) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each offense, and a separate offense shall be deemed committed on each day during or on which a violation occurs or continues. Any city officer or employee violating any provision of this chapter may be reprimanded, suspended or discharged. In addition, any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00), but not more than three hundred dollars ($300.00) for each offense day during or on which a violation occurs or continues.

Consequences, penalty. Any city officer or employee violating any provision of this chapter may be reprimanded, suspended or discharge. In addition, any person, firm or corporation violating any provision of this chapter shall, upon conviction, be fined not less than one hundred dollars ($100.00), but not more than three hundred dollars ($300.00) for each offense.

(Ord. No. 787, 2-3-1998; 1999 Code)

Purpose and declaration of policy. It is hereby declared to be the policy of the City of Meridian that, in addition to civil rights protections afforded by state and federal antidiscrimination laws:

Every prospective or current city employee should experience equal employment opportunity and workplace rights, irrespective of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity; and

Every individual in our community should have the equal opportunity to enjoy city-sponsored programming, irrespective of his or her sexual orientation or gender identity.

This chapter shall be construed and applied in a manner consistent with first amendment jurisprudence, including that regarding the freedoms of speech, association, and exercise of religion.

Definitions. As used in this chapter, the following definitions shall apply:

Discriminate means any direct or indirect exclusion, distinction, segregation, limitation, refusal, denial or other differentiation in the treatment of a person.

Gender identity means a person's sense or expression as male or female, regardless of biological sex at birth.

Sexual orientation means a person's actual or perceived homosexuality, heterosexuality and/or bisexuality.

(c)

City of Meridian employment. In addition to protections already afforded by federal and state law, with regard to current or future hiring, termination, compensation, transfer, promotion, or discipline, the City of Meridian shall not discriminate against any qualified person or employee on the basis of such person or employee's gender identity or sexual orientation. This provision shall not be interpreted to require, to grant, or to accord any preferential treatment to any person because of that person's gender identity or sexual orientation.

(d)

City-sponsored programs, events, and activities. In addition to protections already afforded by federal and state law, with regard to participation in and benefits of any city sponsored program, event, facility, or activity, the City of Meridian shall not discriminate against any qualified person on the basis of such person's gender identity or sexual orientation. This provision shall not be interpreted to require, to grant, or to accord any preferential treatment to any person because of that person's gender identity or sexual orientation.

(Ord. No. 15-1665, 12-1-2015)

Accessibility to city programs. It is the policy of the city that all programs and activities shall be accessible to, and usable by, qualified persons with disabilities.

Evaluation of city programs. The city shall undertake an evaluation, conducted in consultation with citizen groups involving persons with disabilities, of its programs, policies, procedures and facilities in order to determine those areas where discrimination on the basis of disability may occur.

Revisions and modifications. The city shall, upon completion of said evaluation, make such revisions, modifications, or other changes so as to fully comply with the letter and intent of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Transition Plan. Further, the city shall, where building modifications are required, develop and implement a transition plan for the timely elimination of structural barriers to citizens with disabilities.

(Ord. No. 15-1665, 12-1-2015)

City assistance; file complaint. With available resources, the city will assist all persons who feel they have been discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or familial status to seek equity under federal and State laws by filing a complaint with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity, Compliance Division.

Publicize notice to real estate owner and developers. The city shall publicize this section and through this publicity shall cause owners of real estate, developers and builders to become aware of their respective responsibilities and rights under the Federal Fair Housing Law and amendments and any applicable State or local laws or ordinances.

Implementation of program. Said programs will at a minimum include, but not be limited to:

Printing and publicizing of this policy and other applicable fair housing information through local media and community contacts;

Distribution of posters, fliers and any other means which will bring to the attention of those affected, the knowledge of their respective responsibilities and rights concerning equal opportunity in housing;

Prepare an analysis of impediments to fair housing choice and actions to mitigate such impediments.

(Ord. No. 15-1665, 12-1-2015)

Source: library.municode.com — public domain Official Source ↗

Root-LD Entity Data

◈ Machine-Readable Provenance Record boisestandard.org · municipal corpus

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bs-mun-mer-f1b04ec60dccda29

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boisestandard.org

Jurisdiction

Meridian, Idaho — United States

City

Meridian

County

Ada County

Code

Code of Ordinances

Source Verified

✓ TRUE

Source

Municode — library.municode.com

Semantic Edges

Pending — corpus passes queued

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