City Council Minutes 10-17-23

TREMONTON CITY CORPORATION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 17, 2023

Members Present:
Connie Archibald
Wes Estep
Bret Rohde
Rick Seamons
Lyle Vance
Lyle Holmgren, Mayor
Shawn Warnke, City Manager
Marc Christensen, Assistant City Manager
Linsey Nessen, City Recorder

CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP

Mayor Holmgren called the October 17, 2023 City Council Workshop to order at 6:00 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, Seamons, and Vance, City Manager Warnke, Assistant City Manager Christensen, and City Recorder Nessen. The following Department Heads were also present: Fire Chief Brady Hansen and Downtown Manager Sara Mohrman.

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

The Council discussed the appointment of a new Planning Commission Member, Mark Thompson. Councilmember Archibald said his term will expire October 2024. He will finish former Commission Member Jordan Conrad’s term.

Mayor Holmgren said we have an employee recognition award for firefighter James Munns. This is something you guys do day in and day out, but this one was unique and worth noting. Chief Hansen said fortunately these kinds of events do not occur very often and when they do, they often do not have a good outcome. An individual was driving and drove off the road into the canal in a full-sized truck. The driver’s side of the cab was fully submerged. Mr. Munns was on his way to work at Northrop. He is on their fire department and works part-time for us. He knew our department had been paged to an incident when he sees the cab mostly underwater. He asked bystanders if someone was inside. They believed someone was so he jumped into the water. It was dusk, so it was mostly dark and black. He felt his way through the water and found a person in the driver’s seat, in their seatbelt. He got a pocket knife—he is known for always having one. He cuts both the lap belt and chest restraint and lifts the woman out of the water. She is not conscious or breathing. The rest of the crew has just arrived. They get her onto the side of the canal and start CPR. By the time they get her loaded in the ambulance, they restore her pulse rate. She is still not breathing on her own so they continue breathing for her and get her to the hospital. She was in intensive care for three or four days. She is now home recovering. She still has some things to work through, but she and her family are extremely grateful that Mr. Munns was able to get her out of that vehicle. He was in the right place, at the right time and had the courage to get into that dark water. His actions accelerated our ability to get her out in time. Had he not been there our crew would have certainly jumped into action, but would likely not have been fast enough. You can typically be without oxygen for four minutes before you lose your pulse rates. She was likely between four to six minutes based on her medical condition. Any longer and she would not be recovering. Mr. Munns has had a considerable amount of training of how to extricate a patient out of a wrecked vehicle. That is very common training for us, but we do not train underwater. That is next level. That was on his own. He felt like this took a long time, but based on bystanders, he was very, very quick. Cutting a seatbelt is not easy to do. We are very thankful that we are able to recognize him in front of the Council today as he represents both Tremonton and Northrop fire departments. We are grateful for the opportunity to show him gratitude and recognition. He is not excited to get attention, but it is very well deserved. I would also recognize the remainder of the crew who were there and ready. Mayor Holmgren said we are proud of him and everyone involved.

The Council discussed a utility easement being vacated on BR Mountain Road. Manager Warnke said 2650 West has been extended and ties into BR Mountain Road. The regional storm drain basin for this area is on the south side of BR Mountain Road. An undeveloped portion of this phase was accommodating storm drain until we had a permanent location. This was a recorded easement so there is a process we need to go through, which requires a public hearing and an ordinance to be adopted by the Council. River Valley 8 is the subdivision being developed and it is encumbered by this easement. It will have the infrastructure to convey stormwater to the south side of BR Mountain Road—where we will develop our storm drain basin.

The Council then discussed a professional services contract with Landmark Design to create a water use conservation element as part of the General Plan and land use ordinance. Manager Warnke said now that Tremonton is a fourth-class city, State law requires us to do a water conservation element as part of the General Plan based upon land use patterns. We are proposing we use Landmark Design to do this work. They recently completed our Land Use Plan and are landscape architects. They are well positioned to do this work based on their knowledge of Tremonton and professional expertise. They will go through the planning process and meet the requirements of the State Code, then create policies, which will be enacted through the actual landscape ordinance. We would then adopt an ordinance that City staff would apply as we evaluate development in the future. We have already talked to the Planning Commission about the scope of work. They will review and participate in the creation of this plan and make a recommendation to the Council. Mayor Holmgren said to piggyback on that, the County is working on a Countywide Water Conservation Plan. This will help get everybody on the same page. Tremonton needs to be involved. That meeting will be held November 2. Manager Warnke said Landmark Design can give an illustrative guide to homeowners to help them through the process because it is not always easy to design and implement landscapes, especially on a homeowner level. This is not included in this scope of work, but they could do it beyond this contract. We have budgeted for this and anticipated there being several different planning studies this year through professional services or contracted professional contracts. We also have Midland Square, which we will be talking about on the next agenda.

Manager Warnke then reviewed a professional services contract with Downtown Redevelopment Services. They will design improvements for Midland Square, including restrooms, a permanent stage, electrical pedestals and so forth. This is money we were able to get through the Rural Opportunities Grant. The planning process will start immediately, but construction will start this spring. We have a grant and this is going to come out of the Parks Fund since a portion of this will be impact fee eligible. We want an urban designer to help ensure we get it right. A committee reviewed all applicants and conducted interviews. They are recommending we move forward with hiring this designer. As a point of clarification, I believe we have the money within the Park Impact Fee Fund. We are transferring money from the RDA into that so we get credit as an impact fee eligible expense. As a budget, we received $405,000 in State funds. We had a 30% match ($179,000) and had an engineering line item of about $75,000. We will see how far this budget takes us.

The Council discussed a real estate purchase agreement for the future expansion of Rocket Road. Manager Warnke said we are trying to acquire and expand Rocket Road from 100 East to the railroad tracks (300 West). Through the subdivision process, we have exacted a lot of the right-of-way. Blake Christensen owns two parcels that are within that corridor that are already developed as residential homes. There is not going to be an opportunity in the foreseeable future to acquire the property without purchasing it. The City did receive Corridor Preservation Funds. The hope is that we can acquire the property and get on Rocky Mountain Power’s schedule to move the power lines. Once they are moved to their final location, Developer Jay Stocking will make the frontage improvements for Harvest Acres. We do need to work with the canal company because the title is a little clouded on ownership. The surveyor felt we needed to have them sign off. We are trying to meet his concerns and make sure the canal company will continue to maintain their canals with this expanded right-of-way.

The Council reviewed their calendar items. A Christmas party will be on December 19, 6 p.m. at Maddox. We have one Council meeting in November and a big question mark on any Council meetings in December.

Mayor Holmgren said I have tracked our water usage because people say we are running out, but I beg to differ. He reviewed a chart, saying, you can see what our usage is through the years. Back in 2017, we exceeded our capacity for a week or two and got pretty nervous. We realized we better do something about secondary water. Now, in 2023, you can see our total use. My point is there is a definite impact to our secondary water decision. We are not using as much culinary water now and are not at any sort of risk level with our capacity. We have more people from 2019 to now and yet our total water usage is pretty consistent. We are using more, but not excessively more. Our secondary water program is making an impact on our City. As more people come online, this is going to reduce the culinary water usage. We are surrounded by the canal system so it is a competitive advantage. We are very fortunate that we got on it as early as we did because we were able to buy water shares at a reasonable price.

2. 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 6:51 p.m. by consensus of the Council.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Mayor Holmgren called the October 17, 2023 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 Archibald, Estep, Rohde, Seamons, and Vance, City Manager Warnke, Assistant City Manager Christensen, and City Recorder Nessen. The following Department Heads were also present: Fire Chief Brady Hansen and Downtown Manager Sara Mohrman.

1. Opening Ceremony:

Mayor Holmgren informed the audience that he had received an oral request from Scout Troop 126 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 Scout Jackson Worthen and the Pledge of Allegiance and Flag Ceremony was led by Scout Troop 126.

2. Introduction of guests: Mayor Holmgren welcomed those in attendance including a group of Scouts.

3. Declaration of Conflict of Interest: None.

4. Approval of Agenda:

Motion by Councilmember Seamons to approve the agenda of October 17, 2023. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

5. Approval of minutes – October 3, 2023

Motion by Councilmember Archibald to approve the minutes of October 3, 2023. Motion seconded by Councilmember Estep. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

6. Appointments & Oath of Office:

a. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 23-62 appointing Mark Thompson to serve on the Tremonton City Planning Commission and reaffirming and appointing existing Planning Commission Members

Motion by Councilmember Vance to approve Mark Thompson as a new Planning Commission Member. Motion seconded by Councilmember Seamons. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

b. Swearing in of Mark Thompson as a Tremonton Planning Commissioner

Councilmember Archibald read a bio on Mr. Thompson. We interviewed four different candidates for this position and he has so much devotion to the community already. We would like to welcome him to the Planning Commission.

7. Presentations:

a. Employee Recognition Award, James Munns – Chief Brady Hansen

Mayor Holmgren said there was a situation that happened in Tremonton a few weeks ago and one of our firefighters saved a life. Chief Hansen said James Munns is a part-time firefighter for us and a full-time firefighter for Northrop. I am very, very proud to be a member of the Tremonton Fire Department that has people like Mr. Munns who are ready to go to work to help people at a moment’s notice. A few weeks back, a woman was driving. She got a little off track and ended up driving off the road into a canal. Her full-size pickup truck landed on the driver’s side and was submerged. The driver was still in her seatbelt and unable to get herself out. Mr. Munns heard our page on his way to work. He knew there was an incident and as he is driving to work, he is about to arrive at the car accident. He pulls over, jumps out and asks the bystanders if anybody is in that truck. Bystanders believed there was. Without thought, he jumped into the water. It was dusk so the water was pitch black. He feels his way through the cab and finds the patient, who is still strapped in her seatbelt. He is able to retrieve his own pocket knife and cut both the lap and chest belt to get her out of the water. She had no pulse and was not breathing. At that point, the on-duty crew arrived and assisted Mr. Munns in getting the patient removed from the vehicle. They quickly started CPR and miraculously, through really good training with a really good crew, and through Mr. Munns immediate efforts and being at the right place at the right time, saved her. After a hospital stay, she is home recovering. I am very proud to be a part of an organization where people like that are training and always ready at a moment’s notice and save a life. Thank you for your heroic efforts.

Mr. Munns said I was the one on the news, and the word hero has been thrown out a lot, but Mark, Andy and Carl were all there, too. It is their efforts. I helped get the lady out, but those guys are just as much a hero as I am. They are just as much a part of this, and they are part of the reason that lady is alive and home today with her family. Kudos to those guys. Mayor Holmgren said we appreciate you so much. We have very responsible people who are ready to act when the time comes. Thank you.

8. Public comments: None

Mayor Holmgren called a Public Hearing to order at 7:19 p.m. to vacate an easement. There were 13 people in attendance.

9. Public Hearing:

a. Regarding a petition to vacate a municipal utility easement (MUE) on parcel No. 05-055-0212, which is located near the intersection of 2650 West and BR Mountain Road

Robert Hone asked where this was located. The Council explained the location. Mr. Hone said so the idea behind this is to create an easement so we can have a drainage basin? Mayor Holmgren said it was a drainage basin and they are vacating that in favor of another one—a larger one where there will be a park. It will be much improved. We are just vacating that in favor of another. A future park will go out there. Mr. Hone said thank you for the clarification.

Mayor Holmgren closed the Public Hearing at 7:22 p.m.

10. New Council Business:

a. Discussion and consideration of adopting Ordinance No. 23-06 approving a petition to vacate a municipal utility easement (MUE) on parcel No. 05-055-0212, which is located near the future intersection of 2650 West and BR Mountain Road

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

b. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 23-63 approving a professional services contract with Landmark Design to create a water use conservation element as part of the Tremonton City General plan and water conserving landscape ordinance

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

c. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 23-64 approving a professional services contract with Downtown Redevelopment Services, an urban designer firm, to design improvements (restroom, permanent stage, and electrical pedestals) in Midland Square associated with the City’s implementation of a Rural Communities Opportunity Grant award

Mayor Holmgren said several months ago, we were awarded the Rural Communities Opportunity Grant to improve Midland Square. We want to make that more of a gathering place with more activities. This would include a redesign.

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

d. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 23-65 approving a real estate purchase agreement between Tremonton City and Blake C Christensen Trustee ETAL for Tremonton City’s purchase of land for the future expansion of Rocket Road Minor Arterial Road

Manager Warnke said this is Rocket Road. The segment we are looking to expand is between the railroad tracks and the South Stake Center. Right now, it is a 66-foot right-of-way that we will expand to 80-feet. That would include a center turn lane, travel lanes in each direction and on-street parking. We have the required right-of-way with the exception of property that Mr. Christensen and his family own. This will allow the City to acquire that property and start the improvements.

Motion by Councilmember Vance 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 – aye. Motion approved.

11. Calendar Items and Previous Assignment

a. Review of calendar

Mayor Holmgren said we will meet on November 7, but not on Election Day, which is November 21. We have a table for the Habitat for Humanity auction dinner at the Academy Center in Brigham City. Let me know if you would like to go. The City Holiday Open House will be on November 21. The Election is going to be at the Senior Center that night.

b. Unfinished Business/Action Items: None.
c. Branding Implementation update

Assistant City Manager Christensen said we plan to get the street furniture placed on Main Street in the next couple weeks. Mayor Holmgren said we will have the Youth City Council get involved with setting up Christmas lights on Main Street.

12. Reports & Comments:

a. City Administration Reports and Comments
b. Development Review Committee Report and Comments

Manager Warnke said Jack in the Box is working through an issue with UDOT. Their traffic impact study is requiring them to install a deceleration lane. We will continue to work with them and are getting close on recording a few more subdivisions.

c. City Department Head Reports and Comments

Chief Hansen said thanks for joining us in Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Our goal is to prompt all the women in our lives to go get their screening done. That is our message behind our pink shirts, so thank you. Also, we were successful, a second year in a row, at receiving a medical grant from the State for $20,460. They will reimburse us for previous costs, through invoices, that we have incurred in providing medical services. To do that, we have to do a fair amount of legwork in helping the State do a study on rural EMS agencies. The credit goes to firefighter Chris Scothern, who has been doing this prior to me being here. This is due to his diligence and work in representing the department.

d. Council Reports and Comments

Councilmember Estep said I have seen the police trucks with the new branding so keep an eye out—that is pretty good. At 775 East, River’s Edge, they are making progress there. They might have that asphalted this year. Thank you, everybody, for everything you do.

Councilmember Rohde said if we do not meet on December 5, then this may be Councilmember Seamon’s last meeting. I just want to tell him thank you for the years of service. You have been a great addition to our Council and will be missed. When asked how many years he was on the Planning Commission, Councilmember Seamons said nine then four years here. Councilmember Estep said thank you—you have been a real asset to the community.

Councilmember Seamons said it has been a roller coaster ride, so thank you. I truly appreciate everyone here—you do a great job. Our city workers and everyone, so thank you very much for all you do.

Mayor Holmgren said we are grateful that our scouts hung it out with us tonight. Thank you for staying.

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

14. Adjournment.

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

The meeting adjourned at 7:38 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 7th day of November, 2023.

Linsey Nessen, City Recorder

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