The Rathdrum City Council earlier this week unanimously approved the preliminary plat of the Meyer Meadows First Addition at the northwest corner of Lancaster Avenue and Radcliff Street.

The preliminary plat calls for a 71-lot subdivision on the 20-acre property, with lot sizes averaging 9,900 square feet or a minimum of 8,400 square feet.

The developer will be required to construct the entire extension of Radcliff Street as a condition of the annexation, according to draft meeting notes from the Planning and Zoning Commission’s public hearing Sept. 17.

During Wednesday’s council meeting, Councilor John Hodgkins raised concerns over the proposed subdivision’s impact on water pressure throughout the city, citing previous complaints from residents experiencing low water pressure in their homes.

Two residents voiced similar concerns during the Sept. 17 public hearing, draft meeting notes show.

“If we’re losing pressure to that extent, what is our fire suppression capability during those low-pressure times?” Hodgkins asked.

City planner James Agidius said there is a “mandatory minimum pressure” in place for fire hydrant flow.

“We do meet that, and we do test for it,” he said.

Agidius also confirmed there is a requirement in place for improvements to the water system on the part of the developer before construction begins.

City attorney Emily Smith said the developer will need approval for a final plat, and an acceptance of infrastructure before moving forward.

“If the water and sewer is not constructed to our standard, they have to go back and fix it under warranty, which we hold for a year after it’s completed,” she said.

Water concerns were also addressed at the Sept. 17 hearing by applicant Lake City Engineering, draft meeting notes show.

According to applicant representative Drew Dittman, the project will have a “water looping system” that will create more pressure and water flow. A water line will also be installed on Radcliff, he said.

The project will be developed over three phases, with public improvements expected to begin next year.