TREMONTON CITY CORPORATION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 6, 2022
Members Present:
Connie Archibald
Wes Estep
Bret Rohde
Rick Seamons
Lyle Vance—excused
Lyle Holmgren, Mayor
Shawn Warnke, City Manager
Marc Christensen, Assistant City Manager
Linsey Nessen, City Recorder

CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP

Mayor Holmgren called the September 6, 2022 City Council Workshop to order at 5:01 p.m. The meeting was held in the City Council Meeting Room at 102 South Tremont Street, Tremonton, Utah. Those in attendance were Mayor Holmgren, Councilmembers Archibald, Estep, Rohde, and Seamons, City Manager Warnke, Assistant City Manager Christensen, and City Recorder Nessen. Department Head Public Works Director Paul Fulgham was in attendance as were: City Engineer Chris Breinholt and City Attorney Dustin Ericson (arrived at 5:30 p.m.). Councilmember Vance was excused.

Motion by Councilmember Estep to move into closed session. Motion seconded by Councilmember Archibald. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – absent. Motion approved.

The Council moved into a closed session at 5:01 p.m.

1. CLOSED SESSIONS:
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; and/or
b. Strategy session to discuss the character, professional competence or physical or mental health of an individual; and/or
c. Strategy sessions to discuss pending or reasonably imminent litigation; and/or
d. Discussions regarding security personnel, devices or systems

Motion by Councilmember Rohde to return to open session. Motion seconded by Councilmember Archibald. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – absent. Motion approved.

The Council returned to open session at 6:56 p.m.

2. Review of the agenda items identified on 7:00 p.m. City Council Agenda

The meeting adjourned at 6:56 p.m. by consensus of the Council.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Mayor Holmgren called the September 6, 2022 City Council Meeting to order at 7:02 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 Holmgren, Councilmembers Archibald, Estep, Rohde, and Seamons, City Manager Warnke, Assistant City Manager Christensen, and City Recorder Nessen. The following Department Heads were also present: Public Works Director Paul Fulgham and Police Chief Dustin Cordova. Also in attendance were: City Engineer Chris Breinholt and City Attorney Dustin Ericson. Councilmember Vance was excused.

1. Opening Ceremony:

Mayor Holmgren 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 Councilmember Seamons and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Estep.

2. Introduction of guests: Mayor Holmgren welcomed those in attendance.

3. Declaration of Conflict of Interest: None

4. Approval of Agenda:

Motion by Councilmember Seamons to approve the agenda of September 6, 2022. Motion seconded by Councilmember Archibald. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – absent. Motion approved.

5. Approval of minutes – August 16, 2022

Motion by Councilmember Estep to approve the minutes of August 16, 2022. Motion seconded by Councilmember Seamons. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – absent. Motion approved.

6. Presentations:
a. School District Report:
Heidi Jo West – Assistant Superintendent of Elementary Teaching and Learning
Mark Taylor – McKinley Elementary Principal
Wendy Dunham – North Park Elementary Principal

Councilmember Archibald introduced Ms. West and guests, who were there to provide a report on where things are at with the two local elementary schools. We have always had a good relationship with the school district, but the last few months as a City we decided we should do more collaboration with our school district. We had two meetings this summer and one of the things Mayor Holmgren suggested is having the district report from time to time so we can better understand each other. Tonight, we have invited Ms. West who has invited the two principals from our local elementary schools. Ms. West has much to do with what is being taught on the elementary level. She has spent the last four years of her career in our district. One thing that makes her valuable is her ability to be innovative and on the positive side of things. Thank you for joining us.

Ms. West said Principal Taylor is in his second year with McKinley Elementary. He brings so many good things to the table. Ms. Dunham is in her first-year as the principal of North Park. We are excited to have her here, she is so positive and uplifting. I have been so impressed working with them. They have so many great qualities. We want to discuss what is going on at North Park and McKinley Elementaries. We have had a lot of growth with the new apartments, condos, townhouses, and single-family houses. There have been a lot of permits issued and I want to discuss the impact we have seen on these two schools. There is a lot of buzz on Facebook and I have received a lot of phone calls. At each of our schools we try to keep our student to teacher ratio around 25. That is what the State provides funding for. At North Park we are at 23.85 and at McKinley we are at 23.54, which are pretty ideal numbers. Both schools are looking good despite the growth. We want to keep that number below 25 in our kindergarten through third grade and under 30 in fourth to fifth grades. We do contract with paraprofessionals to help provide support to our teachers, which helps with overcrowding. We need highly qualified teachers to deliver good instruction to our students. We have plans in place to help as our numbers grow. We have three portables that can be renovated for North Park and McKinley next year. We also have the ability to move classrooms around and evaluate our spaces. These two principals have been genius in being flexible and making accommodations so their students come first. If we cannot hire a highly qualified teacher then we have one of our good teachers have a few more students with a para, who is highly qualified to help them and invested in the students. That provides a great support to that teacher while giving additional instruction and is often better than taking a chance on a late hire. We provide lots of instruction and support our teachers.

Ms. West said we also need you to know about the dual immersion program and the impact it has had on our classes. Many parents wanted to see dual language offered at North Park. That school used to be a closed boundary school, which meant we would not accept anyone outside because it was considered full. However, once we became a dual language school, we had to accept all students’ siblings. This is something parents wanted, but it will have an impact on our classes. The State model is to have about 30 students in that class room and if we cannot get 30 that impacts the other general education classrooms. The main thing to remember is that we have a lot of options for North Park and McKinley. All day kindergarten is becoming more common and we would like to see it be offered to parents as a resource. We are doing all we can to keep class sizes low for our students and teachers.

When asked about the high school, Ms. West said we do have those numbers, but I did not come prepared to talk about that tonight since I am the elementary superintendent. You can contact Keith Mecham or Gary Allen for that report. Councilmember Archibald asked what kind of a feeling do you have in the schools right now and what do you need from us. Mr. Taylor said I love being a part of the McKinley community. There is great support and excitement about learning. We have a lot of positive energy. What we expect to see is a continued increase in student learning. That is what matters most to us at McKinley. It has been difficult not having some of our facilities where they need to be, but that should be rectified shortly and we will be back into our gym and cafeteria. We love our partnerships and relationships with community members. We have a big push in literacy and are starting some initiatives. The Roads to Success allows us to reward students for reading. Early literacy is so important. It takes students from learning to read to reading to learn. Any kind of support from families in the community in regards to literacy is welcomed. We are mostly full in our paraprofessional positions. We have amazing people. Councilmember Estep suggested having the City do a reward for the top reader and have them come to a City meeting to be recognized by the Mayor and Council. Mr. Taylor said that would be great, anything to get them reading. We had summer school at McKinley and gave away over 1,000 books to kids in need.

Ms. Dunham said I am thrilled to be at North Park this year. I love the community, the staff and students. It has been great to welcome them back with smiles on their faces. We do need more paras at North Park. Some of ours were moved into the classroom to support our larger classes. Volunteers are always welcome and we want kids to be read with and supported. We have made some adjustments with our space. Right now, we are doing okay. I love the idea of recognizing kids with reading.

7. Public comments: No public comment at this time.

8. New Council Business:
a. Discussion and consideration of approving the July Financial Statements

Motion by Councilmember Rohde to approve the July Financial Statements. Motion seconded by Councilmember Archibald. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – absent. Motion approved.

b. Discussion and consideration of approving the July Warrant Register

Motion by Councilmember Archibald to approve the July Warrant Register. Motion seconded by Councilmember Estep. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – absent. Motion approved.

c. Discussion and consideration of approving Ordinance No. 22-07 approving transferable development rights from the southern portion of Parcel Number 05-055-0189 to Parcel Number 05-169-0026 and the eastern portion of Parcel Number 05-169-0025. Rezoning Parcel Number 05-055-0189 to Public Facilities Zone. Rezoning Parcel Number 05-169-0026 and the eastern portion of Parcel Number 05-169-0025 to RM-16 Zone and approving the Village at North Park Overlay Zone. Rezoning the western portion of Parcel Number 05-169-0025 to Manufacturing Distribution- Business Park and other related matters, including approval of a Zoning Development Agreement

Items C. and D. were discussed together. Manager Warnke said there is property on the west side of town that the City needs to acquire for a regional storm drain basin. We also recognize the need to have park space there. Sierra Homes is the owner of that property and has cooperated with the City as far as allowing us to acquire the property. They have done a lot of work to help facilitate this. In order to do so they wanted to find a replacement and picked up land that is zoned for less density. The idea is we would transfer this density to that land. There is an allowance in the State Code that allows for what we are contemplating (sending and receiving zones). We are transferring density. The City will purchase 13 acres and acquire BR Mountain Road. The acquisition for that road is going to be paid for through the Box Elder County Corridor Preservation Fund. This has been years in the making and the Planning Commission has been through this thoroughly. We are acquiring a piece of BR Mountain Road so we have the responsibility to develop and pay for our proportionate share. We have tried to isolate that and allow development to occur so we do not have to participate until later. When the City has that obligation, we would participate in constructing the road and utilities, as well as upsizing.

Motion by Councilmember Archibald to approve the ordinance. Motion seconded by Councilmember Seamons. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – absent. Motion approved.

d. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 22-48 approving a real estate purchase agreement between Tremonton City and Sierra Homebuilders, LLC for Tremonton City’s acquisition of a total of 15.713 acres of real property for the intended use of constructing a regional storm drain basin & park (13.179 acres) and extension of BR Mountain Road (2.54 acres)

Motion by Councilmember Seamons to approve the resolution. Motion seconded by Councilmember Rohde. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – absent. Motion approved.

e. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 22-49 approving a professional services agreement with Sara Mohrman filling the duties of a Social Media Manager

Manager Warnke said we have discussed this over the course of several meetings. A resource we would like to provide is engaging with the public on social media platforms. That seems to be a preferred way to communicate. Through the branding process a survey was done and 53% of the respondents suggested social media as the best way to communicate with them. We felt this was a positive step for the City to make. We present Sarah Mohrman as the person to fulfill the position as a contract employee. There is a job description, along with tools to evaluate how beneficial this position is in fulfilling the needs of the City. Councilmember Rohde said we had talked about this position being for social media and Main Street. Is that a separate position or the same? Manager Warnke said good clarification, that is a separate job description at some point we may separate them. At this point she would fulfill both of those duties. It is actually the RDA that would enter into the contract for the Main Street Manager and we would use those funds. We are anticipating this position will be about 10 hours a week. In a year, we will evaluate how much time is being spent. Councilmember Archibald said all of us have had an opportunity to witness Ms. Mohrman and how she works. She is very engaged, has lots of energy, and is very good on social media. She is very positive and comes to our meetings. She helps people to understand truth. I really appreciate her so much for offering that to our valley and being a part of moving in a positive direction. Thank you so much I look forward to seeing what she can do for our community both on social media and our Main Street, and energizing all the good that we already have.

Motion by Councilmember Rohde to adopt the resolution. Motion seconded by Councilmember Archibald. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – absent. Motion approved.

9. Calendar Items and Previous Assignment
a. Review of calendar

The Council was invited to a City party on Monday at North Park. The Council will also attend the League of Cities and Towns Conference on October 5-7. The last Farmers Market for the year will be on October 1.

b. Unfinished Business/Action Items:

Mayor Holmgren thanked officer Greg Horspool for his efforts in helping clean up some yards and potential fire hazards in the area. He does a good job of getting that taken care of. We have had some discussions on our Senior Center and other communities pitching their proportionate share to help operate that. The hope is to have the Council and City staff attend other local governements’ meetings to express our concerns and get them to pitch in. Manager Warnke said there are talking points in your packet, but it would be good to have Jenny Christensen from the Senior Center, as well as Assistant City Manager Christensen and myself in attendance to answer questions. At this point we need to organize. We have found out when they meet and how to get on the agenda. The Council is in a position to have them receive the message better from you. We would be there to support. They would coordinate through email to determine who will attend which meetings. Mayor Holmgren said we have sent letters out, but this will be a great move in the right direction. We want the other communities to pitch in because this is a big deal for our seniors. It is a very important part of our community and we are hoping some of these other communities can recognize the value. Councilmember Rohde said those citizens could be our advocates to their local governments, too. Manager Warnke said the Senior Center newsletter has been sent out with this issue addressed and asks seniors to reach out to their elected officials.

10. Reports & Comments:
a. City Manager Reports and Comments: None.
b. Development Review Committee Report and Comments

Manager Warnke said one active development on the horizon is Harvest Village, which is at the end of Tremont Street. We have recently approved some of the other developments, including Bear River Manor, which is the redevelopment of the old care center, as well as Bear River Meadows on 6th South. We are seeing a slowdown of development activity, but will keep you posted.

c. City Department Head Reports and Comments:

The Council voiced thanks for the Public Works Department for all efforts with the flooding and getting those situations resolved.

Police Chief Cordova said the department is doing well. We are in the process of updating and doing renovations. We are finding money with the help of Manager Warnke and the budget. We recently handled a large-scale event. It was a challenge, but we pulled through it as a team collectively. It was great to see the team work from officers who were not even called in. They heard the sirens and responded, which is unheard of. That is special and not something you see everywhere. I am super proud of the guys. I am going to put together a citation award and group award to recognize them. We want to get the Council involved in that to show them how much they mean to all of us. Other than that, it has been business as usual. We are trying to stay on top of things and looking at options as we go forward. Mayor Holmgren thanked the Chief, as well as his officers, firefighters and EMS for responding in such a professional way. We are very pleased with the way things are going. We appreciate your efforts and professionalism. Chief Cordova said we will hold a debriefing where we will invite the Sheriff’s Department and our fire department. We will go through that and the Council is invited to see what that process is like. It is a training opportunity, but be aware it can be heated and graphic.

d. Council Reports and Comments

Councilmember Rohde said thanks to the school district for coming, it was a great report.

Mayor Holmgren said the Mayor’s Great Pumpkin Challenge will be at the Farmers Market on October 1. We will get kids posed in front of their pumpkins, which will be weighed at Midland Square.

11. CLOSED SESSIONS: No closed session held at this time.
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; and/or
b. Strategy session to discuss the character, professional competence or physical or mental health of an individual; and/or
c. Strategy sessions to discuss pending or reasonably imminent litigation; and/or
d. Discussions regarding security personnel, devices or systems

12. Adjournment

Motion by Councilmember Rohde to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Councilmember Estep. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – absent. Motion approved.

The meeting adjourned at 8:00 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 Jessica Tanner.

Dated this day of , 2022.

 

Linsey Nessen, City Recorder

Follow-up items for the Council and City Staff

City Staff will work on getting the Council on the agenda for other City Council meetings to ask other communities to help pay their proportionate share for the Senior Center.