City Council Minutes 10-04-16

TREMONTON CITY CORPORATION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 4, 2016

Members Present:
Diana Doutre
Lyle Holmgren
Jeff Reese
Bret Rohde
Lyle Vance
Roger Fridal, Mayor
Shawn Warnke, City Manager
Linsey Nessen, City Recorder

CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP

Mayor Fridal called the October 4, 2016 City Council Workshop to order at 6:02 p.m. The meeting was held in the City Council Meeting Room at 102 South Tremont Street, Tremonton, Utah. Those in attendance were Mayor Fridal, Councilmembers Doutre, Holmgren, Reese, Rohde, and Vance, City Manager Shawn Warnke, and City Recorder Linsey Nessen. The following Department Heads were also present: Parks and Recreation Director Marc Christensen, Public Works Director Paul Fulgham, Police Chief David Nance, and Treasurer Sharri Oyler (arrived at 6:23 p.m.).

1. Review of agenda items on the 7:00 p.m. Council Meeting:

The Council reviewed the October 4, 2016 Agenda with the following items being discussed in more detail:

Resolution No. 16-47 Retaining Fire Chief. Manager Warnke stated that Chief Batis will not be in attendance tonight as he is working but appreciates the support from the Council.

Resolution No. 16-48 Establish Utah Enterprise Zone Designation. The City had an enterprise zone in the past. With changes in legislation regarding the threshold, the City is now eligible to participate again. The application will declare the whole City an enterprise zone. It will give certain businesses tax credits based on investment in their business and employment provided. The businesses must meet certain criteria and then the tax credit is carried forward three years. The Council would like to get the information out to business owners by posting to the City’s website and through the Bear River Valley Chamber of Commerce. The City must participate by providing an incentive. The proposed incentive is to waive the business license fee once a business shows documentation they have participated in the enterprise zone. The State now requires the businesses to provide a report, which will hopefully provide the City with more information as to who participates.

Resolution No. 16-49 Compensation and Classification Plan. It is proposed to raise the wage for the crossing guard and bailiff positions. The hope is that the increase will encourage more to apply for the crossing guard position. Manager Warnke commented that it made sense to raise the bailiff position the same as the crossing guard on the compensation plan. The expectations have been elevated and these employees will be included in the pool for random drug tests.

Resolution No. 16-50 Fees and Fines Schedule. State legislature requires any water company that serves more than 500 customers to implement a conservation rate. The staff report includes information and rates gathered from other cities showing industry standards. The City needs additional revenue to help with new requirements. The City is currently doing a secondary water study and will return information to the Council once the study is complete. The Council would like to develop more secondary water. It was noted that secondary water is augmented by culinary water users.

The City may need to get a loan for future projects but if the City has some of the funds set aside it will help to get a lower rate. Impact Fees must be used within six years on projects. Councilmember Rohde does not want to raise water rates and then have to raise them again. He would like to figure the total needed and raise rates accordingly. Manager Warnke noted it is hard to anticipate the revenue based on a tiered rate. The City needs to look long term and the first step is the secondary water plan. Projects and plans will change if the City implements more secondary water as that removes demand from the storage tanks.

Source development is the first priority. The City will need to build and recoup costs from Impact Fees as new growth comes. Councilmember Vance also wondered if the increase should be higher to cover all the necessary expenses. Director Fulgham noted the secondary water study will not be complete for another four to five months. Manager Warnke noted that Director Fulgham has been worried about having enough water in the tanks. We need to do something to mitigate this worry and find a solution. The Council decided to hold a special City Council meeting on October 11, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss water rates in more depth.

2. CLOSED SESSION:

a. Strategy session to discuss the purchase of real property when public discussion of the transaction would disclose the appraisal or estimated value of the property under consideration or prevent the public body from completing the transaction on the best possible terms
b. Strategy session to discuss the character, professional competence or physical or mental health of an individual

This item was discussed later.

The work session adjourned at 6:53 p.m. by consensus of the Council.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Mayor Fridal called the October 4, 2016 City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Tremonton City Council Meeting Room at 102 South Tremont Street, Tremonton, Utah. Those in attendance were Mayor Fridal, Councilmembers Doutre, Holmgren, Reese, Rohde, and Vance, City Manager Shawn Warnke, and City Recorder Linsey Nessen. The following Department Heads were also present: Parks and Recreation Director Marc Christensen, Public Works Director Paul Fulgham, Police Chief David Nance, and Treasurer Sharri Oyler. Also in attendance was Officer Brian Crockett.

1. Opening Ceremony:

Mayor Fridal informed the audience that he had received no written or oral request to participate in the Opening Ceremony. He asked anyone who may be offended by listening to a prayer to step out into the lobby for this portion of the meeting. The prayer was offered by Chief Nance and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Director Fulgham.

2. Introduction of guests:

3. Approval of Agenda:

Motion by Councilmember Holmgren to approve the agenda. Motion seconded by Councilmember Doutre. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

4. Approval of minutes – September 20, 2016:

Motion by Councilmember Rohde to approve the minutes. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

5. Employee Years of Service Award

a. Brian Crockett, Police Officer – 20 Years

Mayor Fridal thanked Officer Crockett for his 20 years of service to the City.

6. Public comments: Comments limited to three minutes:

Capree Austin lives in Holmgren East and noted there has been concern about the new park. She also asked if a dead end sign can be installed so they do not get so much traffic coming down their road and turning around. She has some safety concerns for the kids with the extra traffic. Director Fulgham said it will need to go the Traffic Advisory Board. Mayor Fridal thanked Ms. Austin.

7. Proclamation:

a. Domestic Violence Awareness Month October 2016 – Penny Evans of the New Hope Crisis Center

Ms. Evans thanked the Council and community for their support. She noted that Tremonton police officers are very empathetic and she thanked Chief Nance and the officers. She gave statistics for the past year in Box Elder County. They served 732 women, 437 children, and 115 men who were impacted by domestic violence, child abuse, dating violence, stalking, and other types of abuse. Ms. Evans shared a letter from a survivor they helped several years ago. The woman has gone on to college and is doing well and thanked the Hope Crisis Center. Ms. Evans asked Mayor Fridal to declare October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month and read a proclamation.

Motion by Councilmember Doutre to proclaim this month as Domestic Violence Awareness month and support these ladies in their work. Motion seconded by Councilmember Holmgren. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved. Councilmember Doutre asked if the numbers have increased, decreased, or stayed even. Ms. Evans said the numbers climb a little each year. It varies from month to month. They had a large number in July and August with 58 women and 51 children for total bed days and nights of 2,374. They serve all of Box Elder County including, men, women, and families. Mayor Fridal thanked Ms. Evans.

8. New Council Business:

a. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 16-47 retaining Steve Batis to serve as the Tremonton City Fire Chief.

Motion by Councilmember Reese to approve Resolution No. 16-47. Motion seconded simultaneously by Councilmembers Doutre and Rohde. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

b. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 16-48 approving an application to be submitted to the Governor’s Office of Economic Development to establish a Utah Enterprise Zone Designation for Tremonton City

Motion by Councilmember Holmgren to adopt Resolution No. 16-48 and approve the application for the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) Enterprise Zone Designation for Tremonton. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

c. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 16-49 approving an amendment to the Tremonton City Compensation and Classification Plan

Motion by Councilmember Reese to adopt Resolution No. 16-49. Motion seconded by Councilmember Doutre. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

d. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 16-50 reaffirming, amending, and enacting new fees and fines in a schedule entitled Tremonton City Consolidated Fees and Fines Schedule including, but not limited to, approving a tiered water rate

Motion by Councilmember Vance to table Resolution No. 16-50. Motion seconded by Councilmember Holmgren. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

e. Discussion of possible secondary water projects and water conservancy projects in Tremonton City

Director Fulgham spoke about areas now receiving secondary water. The developer for Lower River Valley Subdivision installed dry lines for secondary water. Secondary water can be served there by extending the ten inch water main and upsizing the pumps to handle more flow. Jeanie Stevens Park also has secondary water as does Alice C. Harris Intermediate. The new part of Archibald Estates installed secondary lines that are dry. It could be expanded to include Archibald Estates and run north to Bear River Valley Hospital and Malt-O-Meal. This would alleviate some of the pressure on the system.

There is a system at North and South Park that was installed in the late 70’s, early 80’s, that feeds off the Tremonton Garland Drainage District line. The system at North Park needs to have an upgraded pump system. The Tremonton Stake Center has a system that feeds their ball park but it is not a guaranteed source. The cemetery has a system that was installed in 1987 or 1988 that feeds the cemetery and waters the ball park at Tremonton South Stake Center. It also comes from the Tremonton Garland Drainage District. The system struggles to supply all the necessary water. Micah Capener is developing the Arbor View Subdivision south of the Tremonton South Stake Center and is willing to put in a secondary water system.

Director Fulgham would recommend expanding secondary water by the River Valley Subdivisions and Jeanie Stevens Park because they would have the most impact on water usage. The projects would cost around $150K each. The City currently uses a filter with a 300 micron screen. Canal water is dirty and time must be spent weekly cleaning filters, etc. We do not use sand filters as they are costly to build and maintain. They would like to develop a spec showing which heads work better for secondary water.

f. Discussion and consideration of approving the solicitation of bids to construct a trailhead and a portion of the trail at the Holmgren Nature Preserve and Trail

The City has been looking at developing the Malad River since the early 1980’s. There is a conservation easement for sixty acres with public access. The trail will be one mile long. The City has received grants and contributions to help with this project. They will be putting in green space and everything associated with the parking lot and restroom. The storm drain will be regraded. There will be ten foot of concrete trail and an elevated boardwalk to go over the wetland area. The State funding does not allow the funds to be used for landscaping. The City can apply for additional funds next spring to finish the trail.

City personnel will do a lot of the work on the restroom to save money. They are doing all they can to keep the costs down. Mayor Fridal said Box Elder County has a pull behind tool to prepare the site for trails. The Council spoke about liability and things the City can do to minimize liability such as posting rules. The liability would be similar to existing facilities like the skate park and splash pad. Utah Local Government Trust told Manager Warnke there must be some maintenance during the winter if the trail is open.

This project shows a proposed interlocal fund for $100K, which comes from Fund 26, Special Revenue Fund, and accounts for Park Impact Fees. It will document that funds were expended ahead of impact fees and the amount will be reimbursed over a long period of time. This will be calculated as a buy in the next time the impact fees are calculated. It can be charged interest. Councilmember Rohde was not aware of any concerns regarding the trail. Mayor Fridal asked Capree Austin to visit with someone from the Council about her concerns so they can be addressed.

Motion by Councilmember Doutre to approve to solicit bids for the construction of the trailhead at Holmgren Nature Preserve and Trail. Motion seconded by Councilmember Rohde. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – abstained, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

g. Discussion and consideration of the purchase of a Police K-9 and authorizing funds related to training and equipping the K-9 program

Chief Nance noted they have identified a canine that is available. The training package will reduce the training to six weeks from the regular sixteen weeks, which will save some money. The cost to refit the patrol vehicle will be about $5K. It is a modular unit installed in the back seat of the truck so they can control the temperature for the canine. It will be built and installed by someone locally and they can help refit it to another vehicle if needed at a future date.

Motion by Councilmember Rohde that the City agree to purchase training, equipping, and maintaining the police K-9 as recommended. Motion seconded by Councilmember Holmgren. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

h. Discussion and consideration of accepting a bid to purchase a tractor for the Parks Department

Parks and Recreation Director Christensen said they received bids for a tractor and he recommends the Council approve the bid for a Kubota from Century Equipment. The Council would like to purchase from a local business if Director Christensen is comfortable with the tractor. Director Christensen said he would be okay with the tractor from Buttars. It has a little less horse power than wanted but it meets the minimum they required; and it is a little heavy.

Motion by Councilmember Rohde to recommend going with the Buttars tractor just to keep it local. Motion seconded by Councilmember Holmgren. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

i. Discussion and consideration of disposing of the sewer cleaning jet trailer

Motion by Councilmember Holmgren to dispose of the sewer cleaning jet trailer. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

9. Reports & Comments:

a. City Manager Reports and Comments

EDC Utah asked to come and talk to the Council. The meeting is expected to take two hours. Manager Warnke will check and see if the presenter can come on October 25, 2016.

b. City Department Head Reports and Comments

c. Council Reports:

Councilmember Doutre asked if there are plans to upgrade playground equipment at the parks. Director Christensen stated the dome was removed from Meadow Park because it was rusting and falling apart and the monkey bars will also be removed. They will be replaced with play equipment for toddlers. Councilmember Doutre would like to see some improvements with the playgrounds at the parks. There are some really fun things that could be installed. Director Christensen’s primary concern is to get a different surface under the playground equipment as sand has a fall rate of four feet.

Councilmember Holmgren would like to plant more daffodil and tulip bulbs this fall. He would like to put some at the Library and around the clock tower at Midland Square.

Mayor Fridal noted they need to find a new leader for Youth City Council. He noted there is a grand opening for Dollar Tree this Saturday. He asked the Council to come at 9:00 a.m. and show their support.

Motion by Councilmember Holmgren to move into Closed Session. Motion seconded by Councilmember Doutre. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

The Council moved into closed session at 8:00 p.m.

10. CLOSED SESSION:

Motion by Councilmember Reese to return to Open Session. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Motion approved by consensus of the Council.

The Council returned to open session at 8:17 p.m.

11. Adjournment.

Motion by Councilmember Reese to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

The meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m.

The undersigned duly acting and appointed Recorder for Tremonton City Corporation hereby certifies that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes for the City Council Meeting held on the above referenced date. Minutes were prepared by Deputy Recorder Cynthia Nelson.

Dated this 1st day of November, 2016.

Linsey Nessen, City Recorder

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