City Council Minutes 10-29-24

TREMONTON CITY CORPORATION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
OCTOBER 29, 2024

Members Present:
Wes Estep
Bret Rohde
Lyle Vance
Blair Westergard
Lyle Holmgren, Mayor
Bill Cobabe, City Manager
Cynthia Nelson, City Recorder

CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP

Mayor Holmgren called the October 29, 2024 City Council Workshop to order at 4:58 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, Rohde, Vance, and Westergard, City Manager Cobabe, and City Recorder Nelson. The following Department Heads were also present: City Planner Jeff Seedall (arrived at 4:59 p.m.), Police Chief Dustin Cordova (arrived at 5:10 p.m.), Fire Chief Brady Hansen (arrived at 5:36 p.m.), and Treasurer Sharri Oyler (arrived at 5:01 p.m.).

1. Discussion of appointing an individual to fill the midterm vacancy for Councilmember on the Tremonton City Council. (Three minutes will be allotted for each individual submitting their name for consideration to explain why they want to serve on the Council and what they have to offer the city)

Mayor Holmgren said a few weeks ago, a vacancy was created on our Council when Councilmember Jeff Hoedt resigned. We invited interested persons to send in an letter and tell us why they would be a good fit. We have to have a decision within 30 days, so tonight we will make that decision. We have asked each candidate to prepare a three-minute presentation. The Council will have the opportunity of asking questions before moving into a closed meeting to deliberate. We will announce our decision in open meeting. We have ten candidates, who will present in order of Utah’s master ballot position list.

a. H. Jayson Beagley

Mr. Beagley introduced himself, including his family, education, and work history. He said I have been here for six years and see a group of people who focus on community and camaraderie. Mayor Holmgren and I talked at one of the Farmer’s Markets, discussing what makes a community. The answer to that is very simple. It is the people. People come and people go, while the community grows and changes. What I have seen in this community is neighbors looking out for and helping one another. It is a very close-knit community of people that believe in hard work and standing up for one another. That is the community I see here and that is the reason I wanted to put my name into this mix for consideration. I believe with my background that I can contribute in meaningful ways and bring value to the Council.

Councilmember Estep said how do you see our community evolving in the next 10 to 20 years? Mr. Beagley said that evolution will depend on the folks that come in and who leaves. As our city grows, the community will be whatever those people bring to the mix. Finding out what that is, is very important. The folks who will be a part of that economic development on the workforce side will be an important component to how the City evolves. Opportunities will be key. If there are good opportunities, it will draw people in. For economic development we need to consider how you are going to attract your workforce. Councilmember Rohde said how can we remember, Tremonton’s past and how do you look into the future? Mr. Beagley said the foundation of Tremonton comes from the folks who settled and worked hard to build what we have. The buildings along Main Street helped construct the businesses they put in place and the farms they have built. Folks really enjoy the agricultural part of the community. It is a very proud part of our history. Whatever direction we choose to evolve economically, we could attract ways to help farmers. We need to find ways to keep those active and running through generations. We also want to make sure it is documented around town. We have some great remembrance pieces at Midland Square and the cemetery. Councilmember Vance said thanks for putting your name in the hat, along with everybody else. It is great to see this much interest.

b. Ralph M. Craven

Mr. Craven provided a bio on himself. He is retired after working 40 years in various industries. He addressed his schooling, family and where he has lived. I have enjoyed life in Tremonton. I am engaged in the community and had the opportunity to wander around Main Street, talking to business owners and people who work here. Here are some of the questions I asked. How can the City help you and your business? What do you like about working for the City? How do you know you are doing a good job? I did not meet a single disgruntled person.

Councilmember Rohde asked how can we remember our past and yet look into the future? Mr. Craven said we are trying to move forward in the future and retain the culture of our small, perfect town. We need to hang onto the past. I believe one of the key things is having a tourist information center. We have lots of empty buildings on Main Street. The City could display artwork from local artists that would be available to purchase. We need new signage coming into the City on both ends. As far as the future, you guys are taking it there and I want to be a part of it. You have five values and I would suggest we narrow it down to make them real brief. We are going to hang on to the past and go into the future as we grow. We are going to have stronger financial capability here. Our Main Street needs extensive work. We have a lot of challenges ahead, but you are laying a good foundation. You just need somebody, like me, who gets things done.

Mayor Holmgren said the governor has addressed what is expected to happen in Utah in terms of population and in the next 20 years, they are planning on another 2 million people. Some of that will be in Tremonton. What skill set do you offer that can help us to plan, responsibly for growth? Mr. Craven said first of all, we establish strong budgets based on zero-based budgets and we identify the waste and take that out. We would use it to do the things that are more creative that can help our City and the people who live here. We need a better capital plan. Every asset in this City needs to be listed and it needs to be benchmarked. We need to improve our team and performance. Employees need to leave every day knowing what they have accomplished. This helps the rest of the team grow. Our team will start to evolve into a high-performance organization. We need to look at employee training and development programs.

c. Micah Capener

Mr. Capener said I have loved serving on the Planning Commission for many years. I have learned a lot about the codes and how the City runs and the projects that have been approved over the past 20 years. He then reviewed his education background. I personally think it would be incredible to have a perspective on the Council from a business owner on Main Street that is currently, actively managing. All of you have your perspectives, which are great, but I think having multiple perspectives from all around the town will help. I have always loved Tremonton and am willing to do whatever it takes to learn and study and do the work. I feel like I can help with upgrading Main Street and some of the economic things we need to do as far as supporting and improving our local businesses, as well as recruiting additional businesses that can be advantageous from a tax perspective. We need to limit the ones that might steal our water resources. Tremonton has been a great place to live and work and we can continue to improve.

Councilmember Westergard said I can see your expertise, but what about your conflicts of interest? Mr. Capener said I think a lot of the interests are fairly aligned. Everybody wants Main Street to improve and to be better. As you look through the history, everyone on the Council has had conflicts of interest in various roles. I think the important thing is to note it and make sure everyone understands that conflict. Councilmember Rohde said how can we remember our past and what we can do to look forward to the future? Mr. Capener said I think a big part of it is our Main Street. We have to take it to the next level. We are almost at the cusp where that can make a big change as a lot of the plans that are in place, but we can do other things. The best thing our forefathers would want us to do, would be to support the existing businesses instead of thinking we need to change things. We need to support the businesses that have been here for hundreds of years. That does not mean we cannot bring in new, but we need to improve Main Street. We keep the architectural historical and continue to improve the museum and other things. It would be cool to add the Anderson’s wagons and incorporate some of our history and support the farmers into the museum and some of our Main Street components.

Mayor Holmgren said we are going to grow, but how can we do this responsibly and in a way that protects open space and agriculture? Mr. Capener said the Planning Commission has been working on a PUD ordinance that will offer creative ways to have managed growth, but also focus on quality of life, which will allow us to increase density in different parts of the City. I think the real component the Council has worked on and needs to continue is sewer and water capacity. As we grow water and sewer are limiting factors. If we continue to improve those and get the PUD ordinance in place that will allow creativity to preserve farmland by having those resources in the City.

d. Karen Ellsworth

Ms. Ellsworth said when America was in its infancy, it was run by local people, usually those who were not in survival mode and had time and education. Our founding fathers came together not as perfect people, but as people, who each had gifts to be utilized. They argued, they disagreed and agreed. They voted and had experienced government that had not worked for them. They wanted something better. They were not afraid to examine and change. Questions were asked and solutions were sought. I believe the spirit of America is with us still with the information at our fingertips. I feel like the people around us have the answers and I believe local government is best suited to provide for their people. They are most ready to pivot when things go wrong and continue forward when things go well. An issue that drove our founders was taxes. There are people in this community who are on the edge. I have heard their worry. I hope it is never taken lightly how to best spend tax dollars. We need to make sure there is no disconnect between the people who pay taxes and those who benefit from their use. I have felt the need to get involved in my community. I moved here because I love the community and desperately wanted a small-town feel. I love the community feel and the way I am treated here. I feel safe and love that you see hard work and values being taught. She then provided information on her education and work history. I care about local issues. I like to discern solutions and see the big picture. I genuinely enjoy listening to people. I have a strong moral compass and am honest. If selected I aim to work with you to help dedicate our City’s time, people, land, and opportunities to growing in a manner that will increase our tax base, promote community service, and benefit our community today and in the future.

Councilmember Rohde said how do we remember our past and still look forward to the future? Mrs. Ellsworth said I love the murals around here, which give people a reason to stop. I think what we teach in our schools about the local area is a good thing. You need to learn young to value the area you live in. Controlling the growth is really important. Councilmember Westergard said we can only steer growth, what are your ideas on that? Mrs. Ellsworth said I am worried we do not have enough local businesses or bigger businesses to support the people who live here. There are not enough jobs in this space for our kids. A lot of people are going outside of Tremonton to work. That does not help with our growth. It’s going to make us very unbalanced.

e. Nancy Nicholas

Ms. Nicholas explained her background and experiences. Tremonton is like the little town I grew up in. I would love to be on the Council to see the City grow and prosper. With all the building, people are just piling here, but there are not enough jobs. I would love to do my part to see more industry come in. We have to have the infrastructure to see retail businesses, services, and things we do not have. We are shopping out of town and that is not bringing revenue into our City. I would love to see those things so people can shop at home again. I have loved working on the Main Street Steering Committee and Midland Square. We have started lots of things I want to see completed.

Councilmember Rohde said how do you remember our past and future? Ms. Nicholas said 40 years ago Crossroads was a restaurant that everybody knew about as they traveled through. As we did our survey on the Steering Committee, one of the main things people wanted was restaurants. The Box Elder County Fair is one of the biggest attractions we have. People come from all over, but there are not a lot of places to eat. We need those services so more revenue would stay here. I am so excited that the Borgstrom Brothers have been recognized with the highway being renamed, but we have other veterans who have done great things for our Country. We are working on Midland Square and have money to expand that. One of the big things we worked on with the Steering Committee is wayfinding signs. We are also designing pamphlets to put in restaurants and stores so people can know where to go. We have a lot of history here. We just need to get it out. If selected I would represent this City in a positive way. If there are conflicts, I would love to resolve them.

f. Jed R. Abbott

Mr. Abbott, who has lived in Tremonton his whole life, gave background information on himself for family, work, and school. I am presently on the Steering Committee, and think we are heading down a good road. I feel it is time for me to come back and participate with the City and help move things forward.

Councilmember Rohde said how would you move things forward? Mr. Abbott said I think right now the Steering Committee is doing really good stuff and planning. If we can get that process going and get people to understand, I think that will help a lot moving forward. We need changes that will make Tremonton look more presentable. We also need to showcase other aspects because we have a lot of good things to draw people in. We could have more, but we are trying. I would like to remember Tremonton as it was when I was a kid. Things have changed a lot since then. I would like to see the stores from my youth again. Those are necessary to keep a small town feeling in our community.

g. Connie J. Archibald

Ms. Archibald said having served on the Council, I believe the position is best described as an educational experience and a service opportunity. As a citizen, I am known to have a strong passion for safety and education. Each week, I celebrate in a spirit of gratefulness as I glance through the Fire Department’s weekly call summary. I can see an educated group of professionals, who work hard to prioritize safety, protect and promote health, and help in times of need. We invested appropriately in Tremonton. Solutions to the most vexing problems can be resolved as we seek to learn from and work collaboratively with stakeholders. I have represented our City in surrounding towns and have established relationships. Our City benefits as we establish respectful working relationships with our local health departments, city officials, governors and legislators. We should surround ourselves with good people. It has been my privilege to promote good while leaning into continuous improvement. There is no room for contention, contempt, or fear. In local government, it only slows down progress. Differing opinions are welcome and healthy. It is all about the spirit and tone. Tremonton has a very sound Development Review Committee, which gives me hope in our management of growth. I have attended public meetings for years and am educated about code reinforcement, transportation plans, annexations, water shares, city ordinances, zoning and more. We have a plan that evolves.

Councilmember Westergard said is being on the school board a conflict to you? Mrs. Archibald said I think they are very complementary because we need to understand what is going on in the City. We are asked to be at our city meetings and that is what I have done. For Councilmember Rohde’s question, how do you remember? By doing. If elected to this position, my desire is to promote beautification in Tremonton. We can make the future of Tremonton better by rolling up our sleeves and doing. I would implement safety and health code enforcement. I would see that beautification is taken more seriously. My aim is to make Tremonton more beautiful. We have pride in where we live and that involves doing.

h. Sara Mohrman

Ms. Mohrman said years ago I started attending Planning Commission and City Council. I have attended nearly all meetings because I genuinely enjoy local politics, being part of that process, and understanding how we get things done. I want to participate in moving us forward. That is a big part of my personality and joy. She explained her past experience. I have asked the questions and gained good rapport with the 40 and under demographic. I am a small business owner. We chose Tremonton as our home five years ago. I came to the Mayor with a list of ideas for Main Street. That is how the Farmers Market came about. I have built many relationships over the years and advocate for our city and small businesses. I can give a new perspective to our Council. How do we remember the past and press forward? I think a good way of remembering the past is through the Farmer’s Market and other events. We are an agricultural city and our settlers were farmers. The Farmer’s Markets ring true to that history, regardless of how large we are, that centers us back to those roots and brings us together in a space where we can all participate in that history. We have talked about programming at Midland Square and doing cultural events to highlight different people who have lived here, celebrating through food, culture, and arts. Regardless of how big we grow we can celebrate where we come from and educate our children. That is how you push forward. You remember that through those activities and events, and education. Also, be willing to adapt to new technologies, information and change when necessary.

Mayor Holmgren said we are going to grow. How do we maintain our history and our culture, yet deal with growth? Ms. Mohrman said growth is inevitable. We all know people keep having babies and move in. We cannot put up a barrier and say you are not welcome. I want us to be a welcoming city. Through critical planning, which I have seen happening, the City has done a great job of looking at the City’s overall plan and thinking long-term. What can we do for future generations to set them up to have a home and an opportunity to prosper? Economic development is a huge part of my passion. We need to bring in business to support our community so we can accommodate growth and keep our sales tax dollars in our community. That also comes through housing and proper planning. Focusing on affordable housing is crucial and we need to bring more parks online. We need to expand and create space for kids to recreate all year long.

i. Jack L. Stickney

Mr. Stickney, who decided to get involved at the local level, provided his background and potential contributions. We really love it here and have embraced Tremonton. As for affordable housing, we know that is a challenge. I believe that in a community like this, we need to have trust in our elected leaders. If those leaders assign or recruit good people for planning that are wise in the use and recommendations of things, that is the best way to do it. We really need to have responsible growth and I would like to be a part of that.

Councilmember Rohde said how do you remember the past and look torward the future? Mr. Stickney said I like the murals here that depict the past. I like our memorials on Main Street and around town. Those are the things that maintain that, along with some of our older, classic buildings. They ought to be maintained and utilized the best they can be within the technologies we now have. The future of Tremonton dependents upon the people. If we have good people, who are willing to serve and contribute and vote in good people to serve and be willing to serve on different committees, those are going to be the things that bring us into the future. I think we have a bright future here. Councilmember Vance said I have appreciated your support for the whole Council over the past few years. You have always been a voice of reason. You are willing to look into both sides of the story and help people understand what is going on.

j. Beau Lewis

Mr. Lewis, who grew up here, provided details on his background and experiences. It is really cool to see so many qualified people, you can tell who the leaders in the community are. I love to look at things strategically because I think there is a lot of value that comes from data. Usually when people show emotion, it is because they have good intentions and just are not quite sure how to express it. One of my strengths is to being able to listen and understand the intent behind emotions. The youth are a huge key and focus to a lot of what we should think about. Answers lies in the youth and create a sustaining long-term growth pattern for a City. I think a lot of the issues we have coming at us deal with the next generation and places for our kids to grow up. I think being agile is really important. As long as the right people are behind the Council helping them, I think the future is bright. Stories are a big way to connect our youth to the past. I think the Youth City Council could get involved in a big way in helping create content that would connect the youth to tell stories and instill principles. Each issue needs to be handled by listening to both sides. A lot of the people here in this room are some of our greatest assets.

Mayor Holmgren said I want to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for the wonderful presentations you have given and for the insight you have shared with us about our City. The love you have for this community exudes from you. We appreciate it. You all can make such a difference to our community.

Motion by Councilmember Vance to move into Closed Meeting. Motion seconded by Councilmember Estep. Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vance – yes, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

The Council moved into a closed meeting at 6:11 p.m.

2. CLOSED MEETING:

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 Estep to return to Open Meeting. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vance – yes, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

The Council returned to open session at 6:52 p.m.

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

The meeting adjourned at 6:52 p.m. by consensus of the Council.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Mayor Holmgren called the October 29, 2024 City Council Meeting to order at 6:56 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, Rohde, Vance, and Westergard, City Manager Cobabe, and City Recorder Nelson. The following Department Heads were also present: City Planner Jeff Seedall (arrived at 6:56 p.m.), Police Chief Dustin Cordova (arrived at 6:59 p.m.), Fire Chief Brady Hansen (arrived at 6:56 p.m.), and Treasurer Sharri Oyler (arrived at 6:58 p.m.).

1. Opening Ceremony: Prayer – Councilmember Rohde Pledge – 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 Vance to approve the agenda of October 29, 2024. Motion seconded by Councilmember Rohde. Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vance – yes, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

5. Approval of minutes – October 1, 2024

Motion by Councilmember Estep to approve the minutes of October 1, 2024. Motion seconded by Councilmember Westergard. Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vance – yes, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

Mayor Holmgren called a Public Hearing to order at 7:00 p.m. to consider amendments to the code. There were 27 people in attendance.

6. Public Hearings:

a. To consider amending the City’s Code Titles 3 (City Government) and 11 (Transportation, Streets, and Public Ways) and Land Use Code Chapter 1.27 Sign Permit

There were no public comments. Mayor Holmgren closed the Public Hearing at 7:00 p.m.

7. New Council Business:

a. Discussion and possible action on appointing an individual to fill the midterm vacancy for Councilmember on the Tremonton City Council

Mayor Holmgren said we were all very impressed with every single one of you. Unfortunately, only one person can fill this seat. The hope is that you will continue to want to serve and we can give you a call for help or to join a committee. It was great to listen to you and the ideas you had.

Motion by Councilmember Vance to fill the vacant position that Councilmember Jeff Hoedt has left with Beau Lewis. Motion seconded by Councilmember Rohde. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vance – yes, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

Councilmember Vance said there are some highly qualified people here. We had to deliberate quite a while. We appreciate all of you for showing your support. In about six months I am going to be putting my notice in before my term is up. My wife and I have decided to serve an LDS mission. My position will need to be filled. Keep your ear to the ground. Councilmember Westergard said you are all really qualified. There was a lot of good stuff brought up and I appreciate everybody. Thanks for having an interest. Councilmember Estep said we have found resources for other openings. We hope to be able to tap into your knowledge. Any of you would have done a good job. Mayor Holmgren said we will wait and swear in Mr. Lewis at our next Council meeting on November 19.

b. Discussion and possible action on adopting Ordinance No. 24-10 amending Chapter 1.18 Landscaping, Buffering & Fencing Regulations

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

c. Discussion and possible action on adopting Ordinance No. 24-11 annexing 2.06 acres of real property that comprises tax parcel number 05-039-0112, referred to as the Jason Murray Annexation, into Tremonton City’s incorporated limits

Planner Seedall said the property owner is looking to annex this in so he can have access to water that is in the roadway. He will build a house or two on those two parcels. He is annexing this portion in so he can have access to City utilities. He will be allowed to be on septic. Access would be a long driveway off 1000 North.

Motion by Councilmember Vance to approve the ordinance. Motion seconded by Councilmember Estep. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vance – yes, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

d. Discussion and possible action on adopting Resolution No. 24-59 amending Tremonton City’s Articles of Incorporation to include 2.06 acres of real property referred to as the Jason Murray Annexation, into Tremonton City’s incorporated limits

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

e. Discussion and possible action on adopting Ordinance No. 24-12 amending the City’s Code Titles 3 (City Government) and 11 (Transportation, Streets, and Public Ways) and Land Use Code Chapter 1.27 Sign Permit

Planner Seedall said this started with ex-councilmember Hoedt’s discussion about political and temporary signs. At the Planning Commission this evolved into them going through the entire chapter of ordinance. We still focused on the temporary signs, but simplified some of the sign permit application and viewing requirements. It was mainly about the temporary signs as a whole. We unified that so all temporary signs follow the same regulation. Councilmember Rohde said the other thing that is important to note on this is that this allows City employees to remove signs that are in City rights-of-way and City-owned property.

Motion by Councilmember Rohde to adopt the ordinance with the condition that they do not start until January 1, 2025. Motion seconded by Councilmember Westergard. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vance – yes, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

f. Discussion and possible action on adopting Resolution No. 24-60 reaffirming, amending, and enacting new fees and fines in a schedule entitled Tremonton City Consolidated Fees and Fines schedule including, but not limited to, Customer Deposits, Secondary Water Connection Fees, Annexation Fees, and Senior Center Rental Fees

Treasurer Oyler said the deposit right now is $75. We want that increased to $100 for customer rentals. When they move out that comes off their ending balance. This will just help us cover that better. We did not have the secondary meter connection clarified very well on the fee schedule—pricing for that three-quarter inch meter. That is clarified now. Recorder Nelson said we also changed annexations. We used to charge them the filing fee up front and if they were not approved, then we gave it back. We just cleaned that up. We will not accept the filing fee until the Council has approved the petition. We also updated the rental fees for the Senior Center. It gets used a lot and this will help with wear and tear. Councilmember Vance said we used to get a summary page of the changes. It is really hard to figure out what is changed without that. It would speed things up if you could show the changes in a summary page before each resolution.

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

g. Discussion and possible action on adopting Resolution No. 24-61 approving the Aspen Ridge North Development Agreement

Planner Seedall said the Aspen Ridge Group has purchased the property north of them to finish building that out. They have full approval and we will sign the development agreement once it is passed. All public infrastructure has been coordinated through the City Engineer and Public Works Director. There will be a connection to 600 South. They plan on 102 more townhomes and are hoping to get Phase 1 paved before winter hits. About 30 units per phase (three phases). They have approval from the canal company for the bridge.

Motion by Councilmember Estep to approve the resolution. Motion seconded by Councilmember Rohde. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vance – yes, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

8. Consent Agenda

a. Adoption of September Warrant Register
b. Adoption of September Financial Statements

Motion by Councilmember Vance to approve the Consent Agenda. Motion seconded by Councilmember Westergard. Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vance – yes, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

9. Calendar Items and Previous Assignment

a. Review of calendar

Mayor Holmgren said Election Day is November 5. There will be no Council meeting that night. Our next meeting is November 19. A holiday open house for employees is November 26.

b. Unfinished Business/Action Items:

Councilmember Vance said I would like to bring up recycling. It would be wise for us to request from Econo Waste those details explaining what happened and why it happened for our residents. Manager Cobabe said he would request that of them and see what happened. For whatever reason, they stopped the recycling and it just went to the landfill rather than to a recycling center. It is running now.

10. Reports & Comments:

a. City Administration Reports and Comments

Manager Cobabe said Planner Seedall and I went to a training in Sandy. We had some reports about land use. They said the population of Salt Lake City has never been bigger than it is right now, but the number of elementary school children in Salt Lake City has never been smaller. They said in 2060, the population of Utah will go from the youngest in the United States to one of the oldest, if not the oldest population in the United States if this current trend continues. About 60% of the population will be in households without children. This is shocking and points to this affordable housing question. It is such a big concern and is having a long-term impact on the way our society works.

b. Development Review Committee Report and Comments

Planner Seedall said DRC has slowed down, but we do have some concept plans.

c. City Department Head Reports and Comments

Chief Cordova said I attended a conference in Boston and met those who approved our grant. They gave me a lot of good information for additional funding for our department, as well as a one-time opportunity to pursue another grant. We are in the process of ordering body cameras. We handled the Trick-or-Treat on Main and the governor security detail very well. Our top focus right now, is getting those radios rolled out. We are switching everything to go live on Halloween. I was very impressive to see all those who applied for the Council position and to see the kind of leadership we have. Congratulations to Mr. Lewis—I am sure he will do great. Thanks for all you guys do in making hard decisions. Manager Cobabe has an idea where we will start planning our major expenditures. I feel like I am always asking for money and support. A big part of that is because we have things that expire and get outdated, but we always have to be ready. With proper planning, we can do away with a lot of the asking and just count on those expenditures every X amount of years. I am working on the capital expenditure list for my department. That will help us all, long-term, when it comes to financial planning.

Chief Hansen said, we will receive our new fire engine soon. That has been on order for over two years. We had great, quality candidates for the ambulance billing RFP. I should be able to wrap that last meeting up on Friday and then award that contract to an outside billing contractor. I have two individuals in paramedic school. Normally, we only send one student a year, but we had one candidate who was qualified to take a very abbreviated paramedic program, allowing us to send two. That is growing our program extremely fast. Our focus right now is on radio reprogramming and replacing that system.

Main Street Manager Mohrman said this time of year, we ramp up for our shop local program, but we are doing it a little different this year. We will do a coupon booklet. It will still require people to purchase, but we are no longer asking businesses to give product or money. The coupon booklet would be for all our locally owned businesses in Tremonton and will run the week prior to Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. We want to incentivize people and show them what businesses are here.

d. Council Reports and Comments

Councilmember Westergard brought up a fire hydrant that is tucked back and hidden from view. Chief Hansen said I will get a good description on the address and work with Public Works.

Councilmember Vance said we have opened an economic development position and are moving to get that filled. Where are we at in getting Director Fulgham replaced? Manager Cobabe said we have met with several possibilities and things are being negotiated. We have some good candidates and are moving on it.

Councilmember Rohde said I was really impressed with the Governor’s talk during the renaming of the highway. I would suggest when considering Midland Square that we put an emphasis on finding something that draws people to town. We really need to push toward veteran memorials. That square could become more memorialized by pulling this whole concept together and finding purpose for that area.

Councilmember Estep brought up the fall cleanup. When the bins were out we dumped 30 bins in two days, but by having them behind a locked gate and showing IDs we dumped six. That might be the wave of the future. It was advertised, but we did not get the out-of-town garbage, which saved a lot of money. The cardboard at the green waste is not all it is cracked up to be. It is getting out of control and probably not all coming from City residents. We have to look at that more. I commend everybody on the Borgstrom event. Mayor, you did excellent. The ladder truck looked really good there. Everybody who put in tonight, thank you. It is tough up here, but any of you could do it.

Mayor Holmgren said I just want to reiterate what has been said tonight. I want to sincerely thank the fire and police departments, and public works for everything you did to make that event happen (renaming the highway). It came together and was wonderful. I just want to thank all of you. Again, thanks to all who participated and applied for the Council position. It is heartwarming to know we have this kind of interest in public service and making our community a better place. I would love for all of you to be involved in different things we have going on. It takes the whole community to make things work.

11. CLOSED MEETING: No Closed Meeting held at this time

12. Adjournment.

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

The meeting adjourned at 7:53 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 19th day of November, 2024.

Cynthia Nelson, City Recorder

Archives