City Council Minutes 11-19-24

TREMONTON CITY CORPORATION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
NOVEMBER 19, 2024

Members Present:
Wes Estep
Beau Lewis
Bret Rohde
Lyle Vance
Blair Westergard
Lyle Holmgren, Mayor
Bill Cobabe, City Manager—excused
Linsey Nessen, Assistant City Manager
Cynthia Nelson, City Recorder

CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP

Mayor Holmgren called the November 19, 2024 City Council Workshop to order at 5:59 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, Lewis, Rohde, Vance, and Westergard, Assistant City Manager Nessen, and City Recorder Nelson. The following Department Heads were also present: City Planner Jeff Seedall, Public Works Director Paul Fulgham, Police Chief Dustin Cordova (arrived at 6:47 p.m.), Fire Chief Brady Hansen, and Treasurer Sharri Oyler. City Manager Cobabe was excused.

1. Presentation on the findings and recommendations of the Main Street Steering Committee – Jared Lewis with Tremonton City’s Steering Committee and Ron Gailey with OnPointe Insights

Mayor Holmgren said we appreciate the efforts of the Steering Committee. They have been working on this for months and have come up with recommendations for the Council. Mr. Lewis will present the findings of the Steering Committee. Mr. Gailey, who built the survey, will explain those results.

Mr. Lewis said we organized this committee in May 2024. Similar committees have been attempted in 1988, the early 2000s, 2013, and 2020, all of which have fallen apart for one reason or another. Research has been done on how to revitalize Main Street and bring in more business but has not brought concrete results. Early on, we decided on the core concerns with Main Street. In the automotive industry, our process for diagnosing a vehicle are the four Cs: concern, cost, correction, and confirmation. We focused on the core concerns and then what corrections could be made and measured. We created a mission and vision statement. The mission of the Main Street Steering Committee is to assess the current Main Street environment by observation, public input, and discussion, and then make recommendations to the Council to create a functional and inviting environment. We envision a vibrant and functional Main Street with amenities that embolden active citizenship, invite and grow strong business enterprises, and preserve our heritage. We determined our problems were a lack of economic activity, a lack of healthy business enterprises, and a lack of identity that ties us to our heritage. The layout of Main Street and its amenities do not make sense for entrepreneurs, citizens, or public works. We have outdated amenities, sidewalks, and street lighting. The overgrown trees are pushing up the concrete and covering buildings. They are not conducive to a thriving business and do not attract owners to Main Street. It lacks beauty and an attractiveness that is needed to encourage retail. Some of the corrections include, removing and replacing trees, wayfinding signage that directs people in town. Parking is a big concern. Studies found that parking can be found, but wayfinding signage is needed. There needs to be a Main Street redesign, sidewalk enhancement, street and building lighting, widening sidewalks, and adding greenery. Storefront upgrades or facade grants would also help. There needs to be a consistent public art theme so businesses can have a consistent look from one end of Main to the other. The City hired Mr. Gailey to put together a survey that distilled these ideas so citizens could give feedback and become educated.

Mr. Gailey explained his experience and expertise. He said this is an educational survey, getting people on the same page. We needed them educated on various things so their responses could be informed. The first thing we made clear was that the Mayor and Council have been judicious with money, seeking grants, raising funds, and saving. These ideas will not require a tax increase. This survey was to get their honest opinions without fearing how it could affect their pocketbooks. Most participants were from Tremonton and Garland, but they also live in outlying areas. Most responses were positive. We had a nice mix of people, both young and old. We had a few more females than males, but that is normal, with 646 responses total (about 20% of your adult population). Over 25% of people who responded are newer to the City (one to four years or less than a year). There are also quite a few old-timers. Many business owners participated as well. Most people were extremely supportive. When asked about initial feelings of support for renovating and improving Main Street? Support is very high. We wanted to find out the level of support for the highway being renamed to the Borgstrom Memorial Highway. They were pretty supportive. Next, we asked, are you supportive of replacing and improving sidewalks? This was very important for people. To do that we would have to remove the trees. New culinary water lines would be added, as well as power. If we are going to redo Main Street, the trees have to go. We asked if people would prefer to have the trees replaced with better varieties or add planters and other things. The buildings could also look nice and take the role of beautification. There was support for each, but the trees with better varieties was the one people preferred by a significant margin. People loved the idea of lights on Main Street that would decorate and beautify the City. Wayfinding signs and hanging signs was lower, but still pretty high. They liked the idea of having signs that allowed people to get around and find parking. People are very supportive of planters on Main Street. There was also a lot of support for beautifying Main Street by beautifying the buildings. This helped us get the publics’ priorities. The number one priority was dining options on Main Street and creating an atmosphere for getting together. Next, people were most supportive of new sidewalks and third they wanted retailers to beautify their storefronts with loans and grants. Those closer to the bottom of the list were wayfinding signs and having the buildings take the role of beautifying the street and provide shade. Some people said none of these things are a good idea. There were only 4% who said, I do not think any of these things should be a priority. The majority of participants feel much different.

Mr. Gailey said we also addressed the Midland Square plans that could be underway, but did not have them evaluate Midland Square. The City has already done this. We did say, in addition to Midland Square, what other suggestions do you have? They want more restaurant variety and entertainment options. People suggested a movie theater, family friendly things, a variety of entertainment and more retailer variety. There is a fair amount of support for a children’s museum. This gives your committee prioritization, which is helpful because you cannot do this all at once. It also helps you realize there is great support for this.

Mr. Lewis said it is a privilege work with Mr. Gailey. It has truly given us the answers we needed. The survey results were taken and a concept design drawn. This preferred concept was approved by the Main Street Steering Committee as having met the criteria of our vision statement and all the research done. Planner Seedall said we presented three concepts to the Steering Committee. We handpicked the features we liked from each of them and ended up with this preferred concept. He reviewed those details with the Council. This concept allows us to utilize the existing space better and opens up the sidewalk, allowing more active transportation. We have designed the road so that the curb and gutter are a straight shot. The curb acts as a fence line between what UDOT and the City would maintain. This would allow the sidewalks to be fully used. Greenery would go into raised planters that break up parking and seating areas. By moving greenery and flex space into the shoulder it opens up how well people can walk along Main Street. The sidewalks would be about the same width. Removing the trees also opens up this space.

When asked about UDOT and snow removal. Planner Seedall explained that further discussions need to be had to work out those details. The raised islands create a good buffer for pedestrians to feel safe and not right next to traffic. Right now, our focus is to help businesses and pedestrians and improve wayfinding and signage. Traffic calming puts in road features that help drivers go the proper speed. We want to reduce the speed to 25 MPH. No one is reading windows when driving Main Street now. They do not have the reaction time at those speeds. Our focus would be on creating a space where the cars slow down and pedestrians feel safe. We also want drivers to know what is available on Main Street. By moving things into raised planners, you create a better space for trees to live and absorb water. We will have an irrigation system, too. Secondly, it opens up the entire sidewalk for accessibility. All we are doing is improving the shoulders for public safety and adding greenery. This is a concept level plan. We are not going to put anything out there that hinders safety or narrows the roadway so it is not accessible. As we move forward, there will be an analysis done to make sure all of these intersections work properly. UDOT will also analyze it.

Councilmember Rohde said right now we are trying to figure out if we believe in this concept, but these may change as we talk to UDOT. We can still do things on the sidewalk. When asked how far this will extend, Planner Seedall said we put two blocks together, but are hoping this will be part of a much larger project that spans from I-84 to the Crossroads. Right now, we are trying to focus and keep the Steering Committee on this area (200 West to 200 East).

Mr. Lewis said if the Council approves this concept, the City can finish the design and get things pinned down. We want to choose streetlights that will reduce light pollution and increase illumination on Main Street. All those things go into the final design. If we agree on this concept, we can start working with UDOT on approval. We are trying to increase the vitality on Main Street. Business is absolutely essential to that, as is the economic success of Tremonton. We know sales tax revenue can follow. We want to make improvements that make sense and see tax revenue come in higher year over year. If we finish the design and start working with UDOT, then we could go out to bid by February. The funding mechanisms are there and the Steering Committee advises getting things done in the next construction season. The public and business owners would surely appreciate this. This is a concept for all of Main Street. We have discussed the form-based code that could codify the style guide for what we want Tremonton’s businesses to represent. It would set a precedent for beauty and functionality on Main Street and help us introduce a wave of new entrepreneurial spirit in Tremonton. We should create a space for our businesses to flourish. I appreciate your time and the opportunity to be a part of this committee.

Councilmember Rohde said I am not comfortable with this going right to construction without having more input. Planner Seedall said the construction drawings for Midland should be done and ready for bid by February. That is the construction we are talking about. We will not get engineering drawings until summer for Main Street. The drawings for Midland Square are being done by City Engineer Chris Breinholt and Landscape Planner Sam Taylor and should be ready to be approved in December and go out to bid by February. All we are asking from the Council tonight is for a thumbs up so we can get conversations going with UDOT and say the Steering Committee and Council both approve these plans. The approved drawings and schematic design for Midland was the low hanging fruit. This concept does not include Midland Square, it is just the roadway. For the most part this concept plan is the same one we have talked to the Council about previously. The concept for Midland has not changed much. The Steering Committee has obtained feedback from veterans. Councilmember Rohde clarified we are giving you the approval to move forward with the concept of the streetscape and then we will discuss these other issues with Midland Square and the facade grants. Mr. Lewis said what we are trying to do tonight is understand whether the Council approves enough of this concept for us to go ahead and start getting real numbers. The next topic of discussion is in what sequence do all these things fall from a financial standpoint.

Mayor Holmgren said thank you for the presentations and to the Steering Committee for supporting them tonight. We appreciate all of the work you have done to get us to this point. We appreciate the time and effort everybody has put into this. I think they have come up with a good plan to move forward with.

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

3. CLOSED MEETING: No Closed Meeting 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 7:03 p.m. by consensus of the Council.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Mayor Holmgren called the November 19, 2024 City Council Meeting to order at 7:09 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, Lewis, Rohde, Vance, and Westergard, Assistant City Manager Nessen, and City Recorder Nelson. The following Department Heads were also present: City Planner Jeff Seedall, Public Works Director Paul Fulgham (left at 7:50 p.m.), Police Chief Dustin Cordova, Fire Chief Brady Hansen, and Treasurer Sharri Oyler (left at 7:40 p.m.). City Manager Cobabe was excused.

1. Opening Ceremony: Prayer—Councilmember Lewis Pledge—Councilmember Westergard

2. Swearing in of Beau Lewis to fill the Midterm Vacancy for a Councilmember

3. Introduction of Council

4. Declaration of Conflict of Interest: None.

5. Approval of Agenda:

Motion by Councilmember Vance to approve the agenda of November 19, 2024 with item 8. e. moved to the beginning. Motion seconded by Councilmember Rohde. Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Lewis – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vance – yes, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

6. Approval of minutes – October 29, 2024

Motion by Councilmember Westergard to approve the minutes of October 29, 2024. Motion seconded by Councilmember Estep. Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Lewis – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vance – yes, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

7. Public comments: None.

The following items were discussed out of order.

8. New Council Business:

a. Discussion and possible action on adopting the Tremonton City Council Annual Meeting Schedule for Calendar Year 2025

Motion by Councilmember Vance to adopt the annual meeting schedule for 2025. Motion seconded by Councilmembers Westergard and Lewis. Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Lewis – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vance – yes, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

b. Discussion and possible action on adopting Resolution No. 24-62 approving a Professional Services Agreement with Gold Cross Services, Inc. to provide Ambulance Billing Services for Tremonton City

Chief Hansen said after consulting with Treasurer Oyler about her upcoming retirement, we knew we needed to have a long-term strategy for ambulance billing. The sooner we get that put together the better, so we are not scrambling to create this plan. We did an RFP for an ambulance billing company and had four responses from credible organizations, who specialize in ambulance billing. We went through those proposals and from an operational perspective would be successful with any of them. It felt like no matter what direction we went we were going to be in a winning situation. I leaned heavily on Treasurer Oyler and Finance Director Curtis Roberts for the finance expertise of that conversation. After much review, we decided to recommend Gold Cross Ambulance Billing Services be awarded the contract to work with Tremonton. To a certain extent things are going to work very similar to what we are currently doing. We will negotiate exactly what our expectations are. They have a formula and will recommend we follow that, which I would propose. They will collect 5% of all the collections they do on our behalf. I talked to a couple of agencies that work with them and they felt their revenue increased significantly. Due to their size, they have specialized people. We have tasked Treasurer Oyler with being perfect at everything and that is unattainable. They feel because of the way they build their system, they are able to squeeze out additional money from each of those insurance providers. Others have indicated that their collection rates went up by more than 6%. If we see a similar return, then it will essentially pay for itself. It is our intent to bring them on board as quickly as we can with the purpose of creating overlap between Treasurer Oyler’s billing and the new company.

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

c. Discussion and possible action on adopting Resolution No. 24-63 appointing Megan Moyer to serve on the Tremonton City Library Board and reaffirming and appointing existing Library Board Members

Mayor Holmgren said when former Councilmember Hoedt was on the Council, he was over the Library Board. I have talked to Councilmember Lewis and he is willing to serve on the Library Board as our City Council representative.

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

d. Discussion and possible action on adopting Ordinance No. 24-13 amending the Tremonton City Land Use Code Chapters 1.03 Definitions, 1.04 Land Use Appeal Authority, Chapter 1.07 Residential Zone Districts, Chapter 1.08 Commercial-Industrial Zones, Chapter 1.19 Supplementary Regulations, and Chapter 1.33 Planned Unit Development

Councilmember Rohde said the Planning Commission has gone through this for weeks and really debated it. Councilmember Vance said why are we revamping all the rules and making these changes? What brought this on? Planner Seedall said the definition changes were brought up by the sign changes and the landscaping ordinance. The land use appeal was to change the structure of the Planning Commission to have alternates to help ensure a full quorum. Residential zones were to change how accessory dwelling units are permitted. That chapter was tabled by the Planning Commission for now. The other big part of the residential was changing how livestock are kept within the City since we continue to grow in annexed parts of the County. We wanted to make the livestock ordinance a little more on the responsibility of the property owner. Our old livestock code was based on animals per acre. I felt those numbers were arbitrary. We want the property owner to maintain their animals as they see fit until it creates any environmental or public hazard, at which point enforcement would get involved. This allows things to be done on a case-by-case basis. The Planning Commission did recommend we add a section for keeping 4-H animals on smaller lots. For the commercial and industrial zone, we are relocating our drive-thru and some of our parking requirements—taking that out of Chapter 1.19 and putting it into the commercial. It communicates it more clearly there. The other part with 1.19 was taking the chickens out and putting them in the residential one. Given the update to the landscape ordinance, we had one paragraph that stated to look at the landscape ordinance for landscaping. The next paragraph was about street trees. That is now part of the landscaping and buffering requirements. We wanted to avoid duplicity. The biggest chunk is 1.33, which is a planned unit development and is to replace our overlay zones with a more standardized practice. We will pair this with development agreements. I believe it is going to be more consistent, yet still be a creative approach to permitting density and growth. This sets forth the guidelines of what you have to add into your development.

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

e. Discussion of Main Street concept plan and approval for Main Street Steering Committee to move forward with further planning

Motion by Councilmember Vance to approve the Main Street Concept Plan so more study and bids can be put out so we can further vote on what to do. Motion seconded by Councilmember Estep. Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Lewis – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vance – yes, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

Mayor Holmgren said this is step one. Councilmember Estep said the Steering Committee has come up with really good ideas. This does not mean we are disagreeing with you if they do not all come through. We are going to do everything we can. You guys have got it to where something is going to be done.

9. Calendar Items and Previous Assignment

a. Review of calendar

An open house will be Tuesday, November 26, for all City employees and their spouses from 2 to 5 p.m. The next Council meeting will be December 3. The Council Christmas dinner at Maddox will be on December 10, at 6 p.m.

b. Unfinished Business/Action Items: None.

10. Reports & Comments:

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

Chief Hansen said I sent a photo of the new engine in the Council report. We will have that in about three weeks. Chief Cordova and I both talked about the challenges with communication. On the fire department side, we are having significant challenges with the change of radios to a new system. We have done everything within our power. I sent a letter to the State indicating they have to fix our paging. Our primary system is not working and has not worked for three weeks. This is the time of year we re-certify most of our EMTs. Otherwise, we are doing really well. Thank you for the support.

Chief Cordova said we assisted Brigham with a search warrant. We also assisted Cache County. We have been collaborating with them and are part of their gang task force. Their gang unit did a good training for all our officers. We want to do all we can to deter further gang involvement. We do not have a gang problem right now because we are on top of it. We assisted Ogden Police Department with a search warrant in Tremonton. It involved an aggravated assault case. We have meet with the school board to discuss the MOU we have with the school for a school resource office (SRO). That is outdated and we want to adjust for inflation. The school has been very positive and is willing to adjust to our new pay scale. I am meeting with the sheriff this week. We are making huge strides, which is really good for our City. Councilmember Rohde asked why Tremont Street was changed to 25 MPH. He said I have heard a lot of complaints. Chief Cordova said I wish I had a perfect answer to make everybody happy. I am okay reevaluating it, but we felt there was some merit to it. We do have a lot of foot traffic in our community and the last thing we want is someone getting ran over. We are doing anything to mitigate the risk to public safety. We can give it more time and see if people adapt. If it is a consistent complaint, we can always reevaluate it.

d. Council Reports and Comments

Councilmember Estep said I want to thank the Steering Committee. You have made our job easier by doing the legwork and I hope you know you have our support. Department heads, with Christmas coming remember to thank your guys from all of us. We appreciate everyone in our City.

Councilmember Rohde said the Steering Committee did a great job and thank you to all of our employees. You guys are awesome.

Councilmember Vance said amen to that. We appreciate what the Steering Committee has done. This helps us move in the right direction. The money is there we just need to figure out how to prioritize and get something done.

Councilmember Lewis said I am impressed with the Steering Committee, too. It is not normal to have a report that well-polished on day one. I am grateful you are doing what you are doing. Thank you.

Mayor Holmgren said I would like to second everything that has been said. Thank you for the time and effort. It has been a lot of work to get to this point. The City has received a $1 million grant to refurbish the water line that failed in Deweyville. This will allow us to upgrade to a larger line (14-inch PVC). According to our City engineer that will increase the volume of water we bring into the City by almost double. We were able to complete another secondary water project service area with a $2 million grant. We received another $1.2 million grant that is going to help us with our ASR.

Motion by Councilmember Rohde to move into closed meeting. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Lewis – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vance – yes, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

The Council moved into a closed meeting at 7:58 p.m.

11. CLOSED MEETING:

Motion by Councilmember Rohde to return to open meeting. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Vote: Councilmember Estep – yes, Councilmember Lewis – yes, Councilmember Rohde – yes, Councilmember Vance – yes, Councilmember Westergard – yes. Motion approved.

The Council returned to open session at 8:40 p.m.

12. Adjournment

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

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 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 3rd day of December, 2024.

Cynthia Nelson, City Recorder

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