City Council Minutes 1-16-24

TREMONTON CITY CORPORATION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
JANUARY 16, 2024

Members Present:
Wes Estep
Jeff Hoedt
Bret Rohde
Lyle Vance
Blair Westergard
Lyle Holmgren, Mayor
Shawn Warnke, City Manager
Marc Christensen, Assistant City Manager
Linsey Nessen, City Recorder

CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP

Mayor Holmgren called the January 16, 2024 City Council Workshop to order at 6:35 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 Estep, Hoedt, Rohde, Vance, and Westergard (via Zoom), City Manager Warnke, Assistant City Manager Christensen, and City Recorder Nessen. The following Department Heads were also present: Public Works Director Paul Fulgham, Treasurer Sharri Oyler, Downtown Manager Sara Mohrman and Finance Director Curtis Roberts.

1. Review of the 7:00 p.m. City Council Meeting Agenda Items

2. Discussion of the effectiveness of the Midland Square Project

Mayor Holmgren said we have the $405,000 grant that is approved. We have been working on this for quite some time. Councilmember Hoedt said during and after the last meeting, I was disappointed in myself because I voted on this item without being able to make an informed vote. I did not have enough information. The resolution that we adopted did not state what the problem was and did not have any kind of goal for accountability to see if we succeed in the project. Yet I voted for it. We could spend significant tax dollars on a project that might not succeed or achieve what we intend. People approached me on this issue, who were disappointed. They are not supportive of the project taking place. I did more research and shared that information. We lack a site that draws people to downtown for special events and on a daily basis, including during business hours. We do not have enough people coming downtown on a recurring basis throughout the week. We also lack restaurants. Beer cannot be offered at the restaurant in close proximity and there is inadequate parking. The proposal to this site could include one or more features to draw people in, both during events and on a daily basis. We would like to entice one or more restaurants to locate downtown. We could also create a parking facility. Some people wanted Midland Square to be the parking garage and push the rest back on our property toward the tennis courts. I have heard that Midland Square should be the draw facility and the parking should be by the tennis courts. I see pros and cons to each. I would hope that Midland Square gets built mostly as proposed—making sure we have a feature that is going to draw people. Looking at the proximity laws and a restaurant serving beer, the distance proximity law changes with that. The City has an ordinance that defines a public park and if we were to amend that definition—I have checked with the State and that is our business. They make determinations based on what local decision makers decide. We could then allow El Chilito to serve beer. He then shared some of his past experiences.

Councilmember Hoedt said having restaurants downtown would be a huge draw. We would need adequate parking. I think we have potential to be successful. Mayor Holmgren said yes, we do. I have also spoke with people, including the original committee who put this together. They are very much in favor of us moving forward. They feel this is a step in the right direction. The only thing they ask is that the people who originally donated continue to be incorporated. They liked the design. Parking is an issue. By opening up that Southeast corner of the square with the gateway, I think that will naturally attract people. This may be a good way for people to meander through and go to stores. The whole idea behind this was to be a catalyst to Main Street and to encourage people downtown. The Council discussed trees and structures to provide shade. Manager Warnke said there is something magical about trees so having a balance between those man-made structures and trees will add balance to the site. Councilmember Hoedt said I am not trying to stop anything. I would hope we would be looking seriously at some type of parking facility that would assist the location. Mayor Holmgren said parking has been an issue forever. We have discussed possibilities for additional parking. We do have a company that is interested in helping us in addition to RDA and grant funding.

3. 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

The meeting adjourned at 6:55 p.m. by consensus of the Council.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Mayor Holmgren called the January 16, 2024 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 Holmgren, Councilmembers Estep, Hoedt, Rohde, Vance, and Westergard (via Zoom), City Manager Warnke, Assistant City Manager Christensen, and City Recorder Nessen. The following Department Heads were also present: Public Works Director Paul Fulgham, Police Chief Dustin Cordova (arrived at 7 p.m.), Treasurer Sharri Oyler, Downtown Manager Sara Mohrman and Finance Director Curtis Roberts.

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 Rohde 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 Estep to approve the agenda of January 16, 2024. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Vote: Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Hoedt – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye, Councilmember Westergard – aye. Motion approved.

5. Approval of minutes – January 2, 2024

Motion by Councilmember Vance to approve the minutes of January 2, 2024. Motion seconded by Councilmember Westergard. Vote: Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Hoedt – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye, Councilmember Westergard – aye. Motion approved.

6. Presentation

a. Audited 2023 Financial Statements- Curtis Roberts, Tremonton City Finance Director & Andy Hernandez, Jones Simkins

Mr. Hernandez said thanks for the opportunity to perform the audit. A lot of work goes into it. We tally out each material asset, liability and fund balance. We do this by confirming balances with third parties and financial institutions. We are required to gain an understanding of internal control. We perform walkthroughs on significant transactions. For Tremonton it was payroll, cash receipts and cash disbursements. In the process we are looking for deficiencies in internal controls or instances where processes were not followed. We did not note any of those in our audit. I focus on three reports. The first is the auditor’s report. This is where we issue our opinion on if we believe the financial statements are materially correct. This is a clean opinion, meaning we believe the financial statements as presented are materially correct. The second report is on internal control or financial reporting and compliance. Since Finance Director Roberts and another fiscal team are involved, we think the controls are rock solid and getting performed as required. They are in compliance with internal policies. We do not have any material weaknesses or significant deficiencies to report. The last report is unique to the State of Utah and is very comprehensive. In that compliance audit guide, they list a bunch of criteria. There is testing done to all these bullet points. We follow that to a T. We did note cash management. Some reports are required to be filed with the money management council. They were just a few days late. The fiscal team is aware of that and it is a minor instance and something to fix going forward. In all other areas we did not find any instances of non-compliance. Great job by the City. Everything is in good order.

Finance Director Roberts said Recorder Nessen does a great job of prepping and bringing them to you. All the processes we are doing can be relied upon because we are following those same processes constantly. There are a few year-end things we adjust to make sure they are accounted for in accordance with the auditing standards in the presentation. The first highlight is, how did our business type funds do? They are designed to run like a business and have net income. We look at what sort of return on assets did we get and are we generating that return? We have to generate enough money to replace the cost of the assets used. We should allow for inflationary factors. In the past, our goal has been 2-4%. We had a huge year of high inflation so our goal should be closer to 3-5%. In these financials you will see a line called operating income loss. This is our operating revenues versus our operating expenses. That comes out at 3.24%. We are a bit on the low side. Some of that has to do with the water year we had. We need to generate enough to replace these assets so we will be monitoring those. We are in great shape now. We have to monitor and see how things perform and play out. Obviously inflationary pressures have impacted things. We have not adjusted rates for additional wages. That is what is drawing some of these down from the healthier positions. It is not that the funds are in bad shape, just on a watch. This is a good annual checkup. If we look at our Fire EMS fund, it has $2.1 million sitting in fund balance. There are no long-term assets. There is only cash and receivables. There is no fire station or fire trucks. It is not trying to recover the cost of those assets—it is just trying to provide the resources needed to operate. We have money in there for a fire truck, which will draw those resources down. It is healthy and can cover its immediate needs, but we have to plan for other replacements.

Finance Director Roberts said we are going to start the budget process in February and discuss capital needs. With these funds, I want you to consider how much do we have saved versus how much are we going to need to spend? In capital projects we have $3 million, but have a lot more projects coming up. It is healthy enough to satisfy our current needs. A lot of the budgeting process is looking long-term. Transportation Capacity is almost at $3.2 million. This is the first year it has been presented as its own column. We have been putting a lot of money aside so we can handle capacity issues. The non-major funds are typically smaller. The RDA has restricted funds for housing projects. We have money set aside for recreation to cover their upcoming uses and park construction. Impact fees are in there, as well as a grant. Not a whole lot has changed in the last six months. We will use these numbers to start planning out what we want next year to look like. We are constantly monitoring the health of the City. This takes countless hours. I cannot say it enough how great it is to work with these wonderful people and to be able to develop results like this. The individual department heads also take time monitoring their budgets and staying in compliance so we are not overspending. There is a lot of work by really dedicated people and they deserve credit.

7. Public comments:

Kristie Bowcutt said I know people who are just barely finding out about Midland Square. They feel like the City has left the public out and they are asking is this a dictatorship or democracy? They feel like it is a dictatorship. The biggest thing that they are concerned about is parking and also the military statues. Is it going to be left intact? Mayor Holmgren said it will remain 100% intact. Mrs. Bowcutt said you are not getting this information out to the public. The public is saying, why did we not have a chance to give input? In the dedicatory prayer by President Monson, he talked about not defiling, not defacing that park in his dedicatory prayer. He went into quite a bit about that. That hit me hard to think that we are going in now to build, but there is no parking. That is the big problem. What is the outcome here? You want people to come to the City center, but there is really not a lot of shopping or parking. No matter how you slice and dice it, there is no parking. You can put a lot of stuff on paper and it is going to look great, but what is the reality of how it is going to turn out. Mayor Holmgren said we have spent a considerable amount of time talking about that very thing. We look at Midland Square as being a catalyst for the downtown area. There is parking south of the square that is quite ample. The problem is there is not really a natural flow from the southeast corner into the square and into the downtown area. We have discussed ways we can improve that because parking is an issue. What we are looking at is probably the highest and best use of that square. We appreciate you taking time with us, thank you.

SWAT commander Sergeant Bowen with the Box Elder County Sheriff’s Office said I just wanted to inform you that working with your team has been nothing but great. It is not easy to find budget to support SWAT for the team, equipment and training. You have a great chief that stepped up. He is all about getting training and getting his guys up to speed with a SWAT team. Having the ability to work with your team and your officers has been nothing but great. It is going to give your citizens the service they need. The things you are doing with Tremonton City Police and with Chief Cordova, are nothing but great. I am very grateful to be a part of that. Sometimes we only notice the negative. We definitely need to congratulate them in that and the things done in this community. SWAT does dangerous things safely and I am darn proud to work with your team.

Susie Witt from Habitat for Humanity said I wanted to talk to you about affordable housing. One in nine Utah families spends half or more of their income on housing. The demand for affordable, safe and healthy housing far outweighs the availability that we have in our communities. Families are having to make difficult choices between food and the simple stuff, like having a home. Habitat for Humanity of Northern Utah is building communities and hope. We want the hardworking families of our community, Box Elder County, to be able to have a home. That is what we are working on and we know you guys have a moderate-income housing plan that you are working on. We would love to be a part of it and to help you work on getting safe, affordable housing in the community.

8. New Council Business:

a. Discussion and consideration of adopting Ordinance No. 24-01 approving amendments to Tremonton City Land Use Code, including Title I Chapter 1.04 Land Use and Appeal Authorities; Title II Chapters 2.02 Concept Plans; 2.03 Preliminary Plats; 2.04 Final Plats; and Chapter 2.07 Lot Splits. (The purpose of these proposed amendments is to comply with the requirements of SB 174 requirements (Utah Code))

Manager Warnke said the point of these amendments is to come into compliance with State code. We have until February 1, to enact these changes. The Planning Commission reviewed the changes and made a recommendation for approval. The biggest and most important change that occurred with this new piece of legislation is trying to reinforce the concept that subdivisions are an administrative decision and to streamline the process. A lot of communities involved the council, but this says the council cannot be involved in that approval. Development agreements are still fine for you to consider, as well as other items, once they have been approved. Tremonton was doing most of what this legislation requires so drastic changes for approving subdivisions were not made. We did make one change, which was to have the DRC approve the preliminary plat where previously it was done by the Planning Commission. DRC was already making a recommendation to the Planning Commission. These amendments would have the DRC do all the administrative decisions for subdivisions (preliminary and final). There were some minor changes to help administratively, but compliance with the State statute was really focused on the process and who the approval body was. There are also appeal processes that we needed to clarify in our code. The approval authority and appeal authority were really the two items we needed to make sure we are complying. We had Landmark Design draft a copy of the amendment. They reviewed the State code and drafted that for the Planning Commission. We held a public hearing. They reviewed the ordinance and made a recommendation, which is before you tonight.

Motion by Councilmember Westergard to adopt the ordinance. Motion seconded by Councilmember Estep. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Hoedt – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye, Councilmember Westergard – aye. Motion approved.

b. Discussion and consideration of adopting Ordinance No. 24-02 establishing a new zoning district entitled the Aspen Ridges North Overlay Zone, and amending the Tremonton City Zoning for Parcel 05-186-0058, totaling approximately 10.94 acres, from the Bear River Meadows Overlay Zone District to an underlying zoning district of Residential Multiple District, RM-16 and an Overlay Zoning District of the Aspen Ridges North Overlay Zone and approving a zoning development agreement

Manager Warnke said this parcel is in the south part of town along 6th South. The canal runs on one side and the railroad tracks on the other. To the south is a development called Aspen Ridge. Back in May of 2022, the Planning Commission reviewed and made a recommendation. City Council zoned that property for additional townhomes through an overlay zoning process. This process is specific to a development proposal and has a zoning agreement. It was specific to the Bear River Meadows development. Aspen Ridge wanted to expand their project to the north. To do that successfully, we discussed some of the existing regulations and what needed to be adjusted to replicate that going north. This ordinance would allow for that replication. To build their specific plan, there needed to be adjustments. Bear River Meadows was not going to provide onsite amenities, while Aspen Ridge already has amenities onsite for this development to access. They would join the Aspen Ridge HOA and receive all those benefits. The previous developer did not want onsite amenities and was going to make a contribution to the City beyond impact fees for parks. Aspen Ridge wants to do away with that and have these residents use the existing amenities. These homes have two or one car garages, and the floor plan has more flexibility to attract different residents at different stages of life. It has been a successful project. This is what is being proposed. They will construct the trail from Rocket Road to 6th South. We need to work this out with the canal company. It has always made sense in my mind for Aspen Ridge to do the project. I think it will make for a better neighborhood overall. The trail is going to be an asset for this area, especially if you have that kind of density.

Motion by Councilmember Rohde to adopt the ordinance. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Hoedt – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye, Councilmember Westergard – aye. Motion approved.

c. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 24-06 approving a template escrow agreement as a financial guarantee for all required public infrastructure improvements associated with subdivision and site plans

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

d. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 24-10 approving amendments to the moderate-income housing strategies contained in the Tremonton City & Tremonton City RDA 2022 Moderate Income Housing Plan as an element of the Tremonton City General Plan

Manager Warnke said the RDA would adopt the plan because the RDA has funding that is restricted for low-to-moderate income use. It makes sense for them to be aware of the plan and to endorse and adopt it. State code requires the City to adopt a plan as well. It is an element of our General Plan as stated in the title. It is the same plan, but that is why both bodies review and consider adoption. Councilmember Hoedt said I would like to make sure we are adopting the amendments we discussed in RDA. In two places we had mentioned “expected” units to be built as moderate-income housing and that should be changed to “required.” Also, where we were listing potential organizations, we would be working with in partnership to develop more moderate-income housing, we would use the term “other organizations” so we do not list one or miss somebody else. In strategies L and D, we are waiving impact fees or other fees, construction fees for the development of moderate-income housing. If somebody is putting in a housing facility unit complex and only 10% or less of those are moderate income, are the fees waived for the rest or only the moderate-income housing? Manager Warnke said these are decisions yet to be made. The waiving of fees is on the watch list. It would be for those that are moderate income. Those are not fully developed as program ideas. The accessory dwelling units could be eligible for an impact fee paid by the RDA.

Motion by Councilmember Hoedt to adopt the resolution with the amendments as approved. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Hoedt – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye, Councilmember Westergard – aye. Motion approved.

e. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 24-11 approving Tremonton City’s project list for the calendar year 2024 for the Box Elder County Local Transportation Corridor Preservation Fund

Manager Warnke said annually we adopt this list to apply for corridor preservation funds from the County, who is a great partner in granting money to acquire right-of-way. One would be to fund our update to the Transportation Plan. It centers around updating our transportation model to be more exact and precise and look at alternative methods to move off Main Street with traffic and congestion. That is a long-term objective. We will apply for those funds in the next month or so and hopefully engage Horrock’s Engineering to undertake that work. They developed our initial model and would update it with more precise information for the Land Use Plan. The other item I would draw your attention to is another corridor we are working on. Assistant City Manager Christensen has had conversations with the property owner (1000 North) as we are trying to extend 2650 South. She owns two acres and is not actively looking to develop the property, but conceptually is exploring what that might look like. We are hoping to acquire that and extend the alignment or corridor from 2650 South. This would lead into a future park and provide great access for residents. This would be the first thing to preserve that collector road as development occurs.

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

f. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 24-12 appointing Marc Christensen as City Manager and approving the terms and conditions of a City Manager Agreement between Tremonton City and Marc Christensen

Mayor Holmgren said there has been concern that the City Manager should live within Tremonton. We have previously done a five-year term. With Marc Christensen the proposal is to have that indeterminate. Assistant City Manager Christensen said I have reviewed a lot of other city manager contracts and they do a start date like an employee. The other big difference would be after an election, if there is a new member to the council or mayor, then the City Manager would have six months to work with them and through issues before they could be fired. That would give me time to prove myself and hopefully prove that we can work together. The severance starts at a minimum of six months if it were to come to that point. If three wanted to vote me out, then just let me know and I will start looking elsewhere and then there would not be any severance. I would also provide a 60-day notice if I were to leave. I will be happy to stay in Tremonton for the term of my employment. I have been thankful for the opportunity Tremonton has given me for 15 years, starting as a recreation coordinator and then helping me through school to become a public administrator. Mayor Holmgren said the pay would be the same as what Manager Warnke was getting, but there will not be a car allowance, which expired anyway. We would pay him for work travel for meetings. The benefit package will be the same. Councilmember Vance said you are perfect for this situation. I worry about needing a planner. Assistant City Manager Christensen said we have made a conditional offer to a planner that seems promising. Manager Warnke said you are hiring a city manager. I kind of worked my way down to be the planner because there was no one else to do that work. What you really need is a manager, an assistant manager and a planner. It would be to the City’s benefit if the manager is not deeply involved in planning because then they can spend more time doing administrative work.

Motion by Councilmember Rohde to adopt the resolution with the amendments stated above. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Hoedt – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye, Councilmember Westergard – aye. Motion approved.

g. Discussion and consideration of approving Ordinance No. 24-03 adopting the Autoliv Solar Community Reinvestment Project Area #1 Plan.

Motion by Councilmember Estep to adopt the ordinance. Motion seconded by Councilmember Westergard. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Hoedt – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye, Councilmember Westergard – aye. Motion approved.

h. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 24-13 approving an interlocal cooperation agreement with the Tremonton City Redevelopment Agency regarding tax increment funding in the Autoliv Solar Community Reinvestment Project Area #1

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

9. Consent Agenda

a. Approval of the December Financial Statements
b. Approval of the December Warrant Register

Motion by Councilmember Rohde to adopt the Consent Agenda. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Hoedt – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye, Councilmember Westergard – aye. Motion approved.

10. Calendar Items and Previous Assignment

a. Review of calendar

Mayor Holmgren said Brian Crockett is retiring after 27 years of police service. Everyone is invited on January 31 to wish him well in his retirement. We would like to have an open house to honor Manager Warnke, too. Our mid-year conference in St. George for the Utah League of Cities and Towns is nearing.

b. Unfinished Business/Action Items: None.

11. Reports & Comments:

a. City Administration Reports and Comments: None.
b. Development Review Committee Report and Comments

Manager Warnke said we are meeting tomorrow with Jack in the Box and hope to make progress. I got an email from Marisha Menlove, who is getting ready to record her development, Bear River Manor. That is the redevelopment of the hospital and townhomes that surround it on 6th North.

c. City Department Head Reports and Comments

Mayor Holmgren thanked Director Fulgham and his crew for plowing the streets.

Chief Cordova said I applied for an MRAP through the Department of Justice. It is basically an armored vehicle that is valued anywhere from $500,000 to $1 million with minimal commitment from us. We would share that with Box Elder County, Logan and Cache, but it is very early in the process. We had a SWAT call out that went really well. I did not think we would need it so soon, but that really allowed us to keep our people safe. Thank you. I checked into some statistic software and it is expensive ($30,000 for three years). We can find other ways to track that until we grow more. We have had two search warrants this month and felony arrests. It has been really busy, but we are taking care of business. Legislation SB 124 will be a requirement toward the end of the year that is going to require police departments to have early intervention software. It will flag administrators if something happens. Then we are made aware and can provide training. I will put in for a grant to see if we can fund it that way. They have also created a task force basically to address school shooters. It may require an SRO in every school, which would be pretty tough for us to accommodate. They are collecting data to see how feasible that would be. There would be a grant opportunity to start, but I do not know what they would do long-term to support that. I will keep you in the loop as I get more information. Overall, things are good and business as usual. Mayor Holmgren said thanks for all you have been doing. We appreciate the effort.

d. Council Reports and Comments

Councilmember Estep said I want to thank Manager Warnke. He answered a lot of my questions. I gave you a lot of hell, but it is all out of love and respect. I want to wish you the best. Thank you and all the department heads.

Councilmember Rohde said thank you Manager Warnke. I have worked with you for 10 years and it has been an honor. I wish you the best of luck.

Councilmember Vance said same, I appreciate all you have done for the City. I wish you the best. Finance Director Roberts mentioned all of Tremonton’s employees and all the work that happens here. Thanks for everything you guys are doing and the quality of work you do is phenomenal. We appreciate it and all the department heads for keeping track of the budgets and making sure everything is functioning the way it should. Thank you Chief, for getting us involved with SWAT, that was cool to have him here giving you accolades. We are seeing the benefits of that and your ideas. We appreciate it and are glad you are here.

Councilmember Westergard said I am new, but have been in the fire department for 40 years. I know what it is like to work with Manager Warnke. I told him last week he is going to be missed and I might have rethought running if I would have thought he was going to leave. Marc Christensen is going to step right in. Thank you, Director Fulgham for your work. You guys have done a great job and I have heard a lot of good comments.

Councilmember Hoedt said Manager Warnke thank you for all your service. I want to wish you very much the best in your future. Kudos to police and fire for keeping us informed. I appreciate that very much. Kudos to those plowing the roads. They are doing a wonderful job. I have been trying to meet with all the department heads to get a little more educated and to serve better in this position.

Mayor Holmgren said I had the fortunate opportunity to offer Manager Warnke his job back in the day. Ever since we have had a close friendship and been through a lot of ups and downs. I appreciate Manager Warnke’s knowledge and ability to communicate and share complicated things with us to help us. We wish you the very best as you go into something new. You are welcome to come back and visit. I appreciate your friendship and being able to work with you these many years. Our problem here is that hardly anybody shows up to these public meetings. We are a public body which serves the community. We are voted in to make decisions and serve the community to the best of our ability. Councilmember Hoedt is putting together some town hall meetings for discussions to be had. We can discuss this in more detail as time goes on.

12. CLOSED SESSIONS: No closed session held at this time.

13. Adjournment.

Motion by Councilmember Vance to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Councilmember Rohde. Vote: Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Hoedt – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye, Councilmember Westergard – aye. Motion approved.

The meeting adjourned at 8:44 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 6th day of February, 2024.

Linsey Nessen, City Recorder

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