City Council Minutes 3-17-20

TREMONTON CITY CORPORATION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 17, 2020

Members Present:
Connie Archibald
Lyle Holmgren—via phone
Bret Rohde
Rick Seamons
Lyle Vance
Roger Fridal, Mayor
Shawn Warnke, City Manager
Linsey Nessen, City Recorder

CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP

Mayor Fridal called the March 17, 2020 City Council Workshop to order at 5:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the City Council Meeting Room at 102 South Tremont Street, Tremonton, Utah. Those in attendance were Mayor Fridal, Councilmembers Archibald, Holmgren (via phone), Rohde, Seamons, and Vance, City Manager Warnke, and City Recorder Nessen. The following Department Heads were also present: Community Services Director Marc Christensen, Public Works Director Paul Fulgham, Police Chief Kurt Fertig, and Treasurer Sharri Oyler (arrived at 5:01 p.m.). Also in attendance was Finance Director Curtis Roberts.

1. Review Discussion of Secondary Water Rates- Curtis Roberts, Tremonton City Finance Director

Director Roberts said it has been asked what we can do with secondary water rates. The tiers are based off what the State indicates it would take to keep a lawn watered and alive. We have to make sure we satisfy the debt service coverage, which was set by the bank to guarantee they get paid. They set a minimum of 125% of your operating revenues. Requiring the bare minimum for a system is not sustainable long-term as you will eventually have dysfunctions. We want to have a 4% rate of return on our assets. We can go down to 2% but that is bare bones. That would help replace those assets, plus allows for inflationary pressures. To have our system be sustainable, we are looking at a debt coverage ratio of 140% to 150%, which keeps our return on assets in between 4-6%. That really becomes a sustainable system and it is a rate that can last for more than a year.

Councilmember Rohde asked about the life of those assets and how they depreciate. Director Fulgham said every component is looked at differently. Pumps and motors, especially in secondary, are less than 10 years. The pipes depreciate at 40 to 50 years. Councilmember Rohde confirmed this is a 15-year loan and asked why we do not get it down to 125% because in 15 years from now we will not have that bond payment. That money would go into helping build up an asset pool and we could start to replace things as needed. The 142% is too high and ought to be closer to 125%. Let us get the rate down to where people can afford this water. Director Roberts said once you get that rate down closer to the 2% rate of return on assets, you start running into cash flow problems and potentially overall for the system. If anything hiccups, you will come back through and do a rate increase under an emergency type basis. The closer you stay to a 4% rate of return on assets, the more you have for when you need to do an expansion, system upgrade or if something breaks. Councilmember Vance said when the system is all bought and paid for, you are still going to be charging citizens that rate. It should reduce once the system is bought and paid for. Down the road it will roll into something else. This is just the role of the secondary water and its assets, but we are using culinary water income to justify borrowing the money with the bank. Director Fulgham said it is a seesaw. With more secondary water, the income on the culinary is going to go down. Even though we are not paying as much to produce that water, we still have to maintain the culinary system. Councilmember Holmgren said new construction is adding infrastructure. Except for delivery of the water, it is going to be paid by developers. I would like to know the elasticity. Revenue can be affected by more than just price. People can choose not to buy water and that is a risk we have to seriously consider. Director Roberts said when we implemented the culinary rates and put in a tiered conservation structure in 2017 we discussed that. Tremonton followed the same model that was seen throughout the State. There was not a significant reduction in the water usage overall. The vast majority of people want their lawn green. Director Fulgham said we want conservation, but if we make the water cheap enough that we cannot afford to pump it and put the system in, we have not gained anything. We have to have water.

Director Roberts said this spreadsheet lets you play around with some assumptions and drop the price to get to a level we are comfortable with. This is a guide. We will have to run it for a year or two to see how well the projections hold up. There is some elasticity we are not sure of and we still have culinary effects that have to figure themselves out. We are trying to project human behavior, which is beyond this model. Councilmember Holmgren said this needs time and we need readjustments as we move along. Director Fulgham said that rate season starts May 1. We cannot lower it enough to make people okay and the lower you make it the less they are going to conserve. Councilmember Vance said we know what our expenses are and that is what we are basing all these numbers off of. We have to set the price and ride through it then at the end of the year reassess where we are. I suggest we go 1.4 on the debt coverage ratio. That is halfway between where we want to be in a perfect world at a 4% rate of return at 1.52 and where we have to be at 1.25. So if we go halfway between, we are trying to play both worlds. We can start running the numbers based off that. Secondary water has to cost less than culinary water. We have to set two different rates.

Director Fulgham said we know we have a debt and we know right now that these are the rates it costs to pay for that debt if we use the secondary users. If we lower the cost someone, has to make up that difference. That means culinary users are going to subsidize secondary users and if not, then were does that money come from. Councilmember Seamons said as we use secondary water we are dropping down the use of our culinary water and extending it out for years. If we continue using culinary water to water our lawns, we have to find more culinary water. By using secondary water we are saving our culinary water so we have more capacity for the future. Even though the secondary costs the same as culinary, we still have capacity for new development without having to go out and find other sources and throwing more money into a new system.

Councilmember Vance said we have added the culinary and secondary water together for debt purposes to prove to the bank we can make the bond payment. They are two separate things and we ought to be booking it on two different systems so we know when one is paid for. That way we could set the right price for each of those systems. Culinary water is making us money that is where we have come up with the extra money to pay for secondary water and canal shares. Director Fulgham said we do keep track of them separately and know what we spend on culinary and secondary. They are under one utility umbrella, but we know what goes where. The revenue has to be broke out different, but it is still broken out within that revenue portion of the budget. Councilmember Vance said canal water is inferior to culinary water. Director Fulgham said I agree, but the cost is not the water, it is the infrastructure. If the secondary cannot pay for the infrastructure costs then we have to put the burden on the culinary. We looked at what it cost to pay back the bond based on what our water consumption is and that is how we set the secondary rate. How do we lower that and still make our bond payment without subsidizing it from other users. That is why we proposed a one rate system. As people move off of culinary onto secondary, they do not have to adjust their budget, they know how much per 1,000 gallons it costs them. It will be the same the only difference is with the one rate system we give people with larger families an extra 3,000 gallons (from 7,000 to 10,000 gallons). Then everybody goes to the 30,000-gallon tier. If you use less than 60,000 gallons, your bill is going to be a wash, maybe a $5 difference a year. If you use over 60,000 gallons you might pay $15-20 more a year. We talked about raising the higher tiers and lowering the lower ones, but our biggest use comes in the first few tiers. Director Roberts said with the one rate, you could go all the way down to no base and still cover the 4% rate of return. We can lower those tiers, but you would have to charge a base or raise culinary. Director Fulgham said secondary is a little more, but this rate would bring them all in line. The one rate would make it even for the tiers.

Councilmember Rohde said I am okay paying for secondary if it does not cost me anymore than I am already paying now for culinary. Director Fulgham said that is why we get rid of the $10 a month secondary base because then water is water and we are not penalizing someone for having their own source, like a well. Several citizens have wells that are not impacting the culinary system and that is great. Councilmember Holmgren said the big difference is going to be the heavy water users and we will encourage them to conserve. We need to get through the first year and by then will know more in terms of how this is going to shake out. I am okay with the one rate for the time being with the idea that we need to look at this once we have more information in November. Councilmember Archibald said we have already considered the large family and made some adjustments in their favor. Do people want yellow or green lawns or do they even want to landscape differently. They have choices. The Council reviewed the rates side by side and had more discussion on those. Director Roberts said under this single rate system they would stay in the $1.50 per thousand gallons and all excess use would go for outdoor. Small families gain a little benefit and everyone else is held harmless. Director Fulgham said there are six tiers on culinary and five on secondary because secondary does not have the first 0-10,000 tier, which is built for indoor use. Director Christensen asked what the incentive is for citizens to spend the money to switch over to secondary. Director Fulgham said because of the other rate. If you have secondary in front of your home and do not choose to use it, the first 10,000 gallons is the same, but everything for outdoor use is going to be doubled. That would be an incentive or penalty rate only billed May through November. Some people do not use much water or have a well so they would not hook on. Our goal is to get our City on secondary so we have to have an incentive to do so. Councilmember Holmgren asked if we could look at lowering it as we go down the road and start bringing on new development. Director Roberts said every new variable we add in would be a factor. We cannot promise to lower it, but we could be committed to constantly re-evaluating to make sure the rate we are charging is fully discussed with the City Council and is deemed fair and reasonable. Councilmember Vance asked if these rates would get us to the 1.52%. Director Roberts said the way it is structured with no base it will take us to the 3.9% rate of return on assets and 1.4% debt coverage.

2. Discussion of Main Street Improvements- City Council

Councilmember Rohde said the items the public perceived as a priority could be bullet points for us. Those include improved streetlights, banners and planters, strong gateway markers, such as an arch or monument sign, added landscaping with bulb out planters at intersections and mid block points, as well as a more traditional approach to design elements. The banners, planters, sidewalks, and whole downtown look are the ones I feel are important. Councilmember Archibald said I definitely think we need to have new light poles that can accommodate something nice during the holidays. With new poles, we could have a lot of banners that speak about what we think is important in our community. The Council wrote down those items for further discussion, but added sidewalks and crosswalks. Councilmember Rohde said other things this study identified were pedestrian walkways, bike trails, public art, and informational signage. Councilmember Holmgren said Main Street is narrow so we are limited and that is something we need to remember.

Councilmember Vance said if we do put streetlights up, we have to come to a decision on what those look like and what they will cost. Councilmember Holmgren said your run of the mill light for subdivisions is $1,000. We are probably looking at thousands, not including the cost of getting power and water to them. Director Fulgham said we own the lights around Shopko and those were about $2,000 each. We did the installation and ran the conduit. I can run those nine lights for about $15 a month. The other ones I pay Rocky Mountain Power about $12.50 per light. Solar might be good. Councilmember Vance said I get positive comments on the planters so we could put them on the light poles and add banners for what is going on in the community. We ought to take down the trees since they cover the stores. Councilmember Holmgren asked how we get the power to those poles. Director Fulgham said they run conduit under ground and would set a power station, maybe at Midland Square for the south side of the block and have another base on the north side. We would have power for the lights and run water at the same time. Director Roberts said it costs about $2,500 per light for a solar package.

Manager Warnke said the plan has the design for the streetlight and their placements. It showed where the planters should go, as well as the lights and planter strips. The Council suggested having three lights on the north and three on the south of each block, which could be up to eight blocks. Councilmember Vance asked if we are going to get the money from the RDA. If so, we do not have access to it yet. Manager Warnke said you do have $400,000 that was appropriated to that fund. The Council asked if they could get hard numbers on the actual cost for those things. Councilmember Holmgren said we could do the planters on the lights poles or even have permanent cement planters along the sidewalk. There are all kinds of things we can look at. Manager Warnke said it was a pretty detailed comprehensive plan that was specific to Main Street. You paid for the process of getting public input and using their expertise to have them lay that out on our physical street block by block. This is a plan that is 30% designed. The next step is to do construction level drawings, which will change slightly as we do that level of the work. Then City Engineer Chris Breinholt could do an estimate based on the plan, showing an average per block.

When asked about the sidewalks, Manager Warnke said they are not in the best shape. They could use a touch up, and in some cases, be replaced. They are proposing stamped concrete with bike racks in certain locations. The center intersection will have more of a special treatment because it is a center street. It is a comprehensive plan and that is why it is hard to do one without doing it all. It might be better to do one block at a time rather than the whole streetscape. The public could then see what we are trying to accomplish. The Council agreed they would like to see an estimate. Councilmember Vance said I like the light poles with two flowers and a stem poking out for a banner that the community could use. Councilmember Holmgren said I like the idea of doing a couple blocks to start with—looking at redoing some of the sidewalks and bulb outs, and then the lights on a couple blocks.

3. Review of items listed on the 7:00 p.m. agenda

4. Discussion of the draft Business License Fee Study, prepared by Zions Public Finance, Inc. which includes fees for administrative costs, disproportionate regulatory service costs, and disproportionate service call costs

5. CLOSED SESSIONS: No closed session was 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 6:49 p.m. by consensus of the Council.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Mayor Fridal called the March 17, 2020 City Council Meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. The meeting was held in the Tremonton City Council Meeting Room at 102 South Tremont Street, Tremonton, Utah. Those in attendance were Mayor Fridal, Councilmembers Archibald Holmgren (via phone), Reese, Rohde, Seamons, and Vance, City Manager Warnke, and City Recorder Nessen. The following Department Heads were also present: Community Services Director Marc Christensen, Public Works Director Paul Fulgham, Police Chief Kurt Fertig, and Treasurer Sharri Oyler. Also in attendance was Finance Director Curtis Roberts (left at 7:31 p.m.).

1. Opening Ceremony:

Mayor Fridal 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 Director Christensen and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chief Fertig.

2. Introduction of guests:

Mayor Fridal welcomed those in attendance.

3. Declaration of Conflict of Interest: none

4. Approval of Agenda:

Motion by Councilmember Vance to approve the agenda of March 17, 2020. Motion seconded by Councilmember Archibald. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

5. Approval of minutes – March 3, 2020

Motion by Councilmember Holmgren to approve the minutes of March 3, 2020. Motion seconded by Councilmember Seamons. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

6. Public comments: none

7. Employee Service Award

a. 10 Year Service Award – Stacie Doutre, Police Records Clerk

Mayor Fridal thanked her for her service.

8. Presentations:

a. Tremonton City Fire Department 2020 Annual Report- Steve Batis, Fire Chief

Chief Batis was not in attendance, will be discussed at a future meeting.

b. Public Safety Staffing Plan Variations for Tremonton City Police and Fire Departments- Shawn Warnke, Tremonton City Manager

Manager Warnke said, based on our conversations from the last City Council meeting, we put together some variations for you to consider. We are working toward a draft budget, which will be due the first meeting in May. We do need to make some preliminary decisions if we want to put a reasonable budget together. He gave an overview of different positions and said the bottom line is that we need to increase about $1.1 million, which represents a 73% tax increase. Unfortunately, I think an increase in property tax is the best match. Other options include a 24/7 full-time fire and EMS person, a 24/7 full-time EMS with no part-time firefighters or police officers, a 24/7 EMS, the chief, captain, and EMT personnel. Those options would represent a 52% to 73% tax increase. This next option is the cheapest and would hire firefighters to cover an eight-hour day shift. It would include one new police officer. This would be a full-time fire chief and emergency manager, which could be covered by the fire chief. Personnel at the fire station would provide first response during the day on weekdays. In this scenario, we would not offer any additional funds for police officers to become EMT certified. The cost is about $332,000 for the fire portion and the officer would be $90,000, which covers wages and benefits for a total of $422,000. There are some cost savings because we would have the emergency manager wages ($19,000) plus we anticipate a 30% reduction in ambulance wages ($40,000). We could subtract about $60,000 from that total for savings that would be realized under this proposal. The cost would be $362,000 to generate that money through property tax, which would represent a 23% increase. If you were going to phase this in, I think the daytime/weekday, full-time fire and EMS with one new officer is first with the second step moving into a full-time fire and EMS 24/7. In all these scenarios, we need our existing staff to respond when there are simultaneous calls. They are still a very important part, especially as we transition. Phase three would add a part-time employee with flexibility to break up those full-time employees that are at the station taking multiple calls.

Councilmember Rohde asked what if we were to hire a fire chief and bring them on board because they will have a lot of input over this plan. That should be the first step to this whole process before laying everything out. They may have some different views on that strategy. Can we absorb a fire chief into our budget without the tax increase? Manager Warnke said we could on a short-term basis. This current year’s budget would not be impacted significantly and it would take some time to go through the recruitment process. Councilmember Vance said after talking with some of the younger firefighters, there are good ideas out there. Why not pay incentives to these guys if they bring on a volunteer? If they were there for the first year, the person who referred them would get $1,000. The next year they would get $2,000 and so on. That is a lot cheaper then paying and committing to these types of expenses on an ongoing year basis. Let us see if we can beef up our volunteers naturally. If we do this on an incremental basis, we could have a couple of guys cover during the heavy part of the day and keep going with our volunteers while we are trying to increase that force without paying $168,000 to a brand new fire chief. Manager Warnke said in talking with the fire department, they are having a hard time covering calls. I am not sure how much time there is to work this out, but we could try some of these other approaches if so. We would love to see it solved internally and keep our existing system. We could have the fire fighters come to the next meeting and run through this presentation with them. The Council agreed.

Manager Warnke said we have discussed our aging employee force. A lot of the individuals making high volume calls are those nearing the end of their career. Mayor Fridal said I like the idea of giving them a chance to draw people with an incentive package. Let us work toward that. If it does not work, then we can move toward something that does. We need to talk to the fire department and get their input.

9. New Council Business:

a. In accordance with Tremonton City Revised Ordinances 8-105 (6), discussion and consideration of the City Council’s classification of Parcel Number 05-054-0118 which is 4.65 acres in size and is located at 945 North 2000 West in Tremonton, Utah as “Significant” real property for purposes of determining the necessity of a public hearing before considering the disposal of surplus real property

Manager Warnke said there is classification in our ordinance about significant and insignificant property that requires the Development Review Committee to review and make a recommendation for the City Council. The DRC classified this as significant because it is developable property and was held for a public purpose—the fire station.

Motion by Councilmember Rohde to classify the 4.65 acres as significant property. Motion seconded by Councilmember Archibald. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

Mayor Fridal called a Public Hearing to order at 7:24 p.m. to discuss the disposal of a surplus piece of property. There were nine people in attendance.

10. Public Hearing:

a. Public hearing regarding disposing of surplus real property owned by Tremonton City more specifically described as Parcel Number 05-054-0118 comprising approximately 4.65 acres located at 945 North 2000 West in Tremonton, Utah

Manager Warnke said the parcel to the right is what Valley View Granite is proposing for improvements. We anticipate them doing that within one to seven years. Blake Christensen with Valley View Granite said the proposal is an expansion of the existing production facility. There is a need for our waste product to be crushed and used as landscape application. We need the space to be able to do that. It is more effective and efficient to store that on site and bring a crushing machine in once a year. That would be stock piled and distributed as a finished good. We are also considering a proposed throughway for delivery trucks to circle the property. They would enter on the south side for deliveries and exit on the north. We also propose adding additional administrative offices.

b. Public hearing regarding Public Safety Staffing Plan for Tremonton City Police and Fire Departments

There were no public comments. Mayor Fridal closed the Public Hearing at 7:27 p.m.

11. Continuation of New Council Business:

a. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 20-11 authorizing the disposal of surplus real property owned by Tremonton City more specifically described as Parcel Number 05-054-0118 comprising approximately 4.65 acres located at 945 North 2000 West in Tremonton, Utah

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

b. Discussion and consideration of adopting Ordinance No. 20-03 amending the Tremonton City Land Use Code, Title III General Public Works Construction Standards and Specifications, Standard Drawings, Appendix “A”

Councilmember Rohde said the Planning Commission went through this in detail and unanimously voted to move that forward. Director Fulgham addressed some of those changes. We have come up with some new road sections based on our BR Mountain Road that is 80 feet wide. We have redefined what those lanes of travel were, how they fit into certain areas, on-street parking, as well as no on-street parking, and all those have been put into maps within those standards. As far as construction goes, new stainless steel saddles are required on the water systems. We have used nylon coded ones that have failed over the years. There is another change with the grading in the curb and gutter section of the storm drain. We are going to a hooded drain that has an opening in the back of the curb. Water runs down the curb into the hole and grade at the same time, making it easier to pick up water. The rest is house-keeping items. Councilmember Holmgren asked about the costs. Director Fulgham said for the saddle there is a $10 difference and the hooded drain is about $100 per box.

Motion by Councilmember Holmgren to adopt the ordinance and amend the City Land Use Code. Motion seconded by Councilmember Archibald. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

c. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 20-12 approving a land acquisition agreement between Tremonton City, Intermountain Farmers Association, Arizona Machinery Co., and Contemporary Homes, LLC for Tremonton City’s purchasing of land for the future development of 1650 West Collector Road

Manager Warnke said we have been working on an acquisition agreement and sent an application to the Box Elder County Corridor Preservation Fund for a right-of-way we do not feel we can exact through the development process. IFA’s intent is to develop a store, but they have access from Main Street and do not need to construct the road as part of their development. For that reason, the City has identified this as a project and right-of-way we need to acquire. It would be a 66-foot collector road lining up at 1650 East. This road will eventually tie the main collector road that will service this quadrant of the City and tie back into Iowa String. We are working with three different parties to acquire the property. IFA owns lot 1, lot 2 is owned by Stotz Equipment, and Contemporary Homes owns the property in the rear. As we took the right-of-way through parcel one and two, those individual properties were looking to replace it with additional acreage with Contemporary Homes and we were able to come up with an agreement that everyone has agreed to. Tremonton will be purchasing parcel number five from IFA and parcel four from Stotz Equipment, as well as 75% of parcel number six. The appraiser identified that 75% of the value was lost by virtue of it being a remnant parcel that had very little square footage with the only real property owner being Stotz Equipment, which will pay the remaining 25%. Parcel five is $104,000 appraised at $3 a square foot. That is the same with parcel six with us paying $14,000. We have corridor preservation funds that will pay those costs. Parcel three and nine are owned by Contemporary Homes and they will dedicate that to the City. On parcel seven, engineering created the radius around there, which was less than a square foot, which we needed to acquire from Stotz Equipment, which equaled the $2.04. The grant will also pay for professional fees, which is currently $35,000. This took a lot of surveying and engineering so we could demonstrate that everyone’s needs could be met. Contemporary Homes sees value in receiving access onto their property. They do have access from Iowa String, but as the property continues to develop, access will be of value to them. This is similar to what we had to do with BR Mountain Road. We constructed that road since we could not exact from any individuals. Collector roads are thought of as a project improvement rather than system wide improvement.

Manager Warnke said developers would dedicate the public utility easements, which are noted on the plat. The City would have a five-year window from when the property is purchased to build the road. Estimated cost will be $730,000 over the next five years. In the streets fund we do have $500,000, but there are multiple projects we are trying to accomplish and balance. They are anxious to close. We would then move to a title company to start preparing documents and submit for reimbursement from the County. That will service that whole quadrant of the City and without it I think circulation in that area would be compromised. Farm Land Reserve is a branch of the LDS church and they own property behind Contemporary Homes. I have reached out to them because we need to acquire a regional storm drain basin there. In talking to the church, they moved this to one of their committees for discussion. They are interested to see how this all develops. I sent them a memo of the potential arrangement that they would deed us the land currently so we would have the regional storm drain pond. We would give them impact fee credits and consideration of rezoning their property, which is currently half-acre lots. I will keep the Council posted on that conversation.

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

12. Calendar Items and Previous Assignment

a. Review of calendar

The Utah Leagues of Cities and Towns conference is cancelled due to the pandemic.

b. Review of past assignment: none

13. Reports & Comments:

a. City Manager Reports and Comments

1. Discussion of the Fire Department to burn down three houses within the Tremont Center owned by the Tremonton City Redevelopment Agency

Manager Warnke said the City has reached out to surrounding property owners and talked to them about burning down those homes. There is a restaurant in Tremont Center that is concerned, but Chief Batis addressed their concerns.

2. Tremonton City’s implementation of Governor Herbert’s recommendations to help slow the spread of novel coronavirus

Manager Warnke said we are working toward recommendations made by the Governor and Bear River Health Department saying we should not have gatherings of more than 10 people. In response to that, surrounding communities have closed their libraries and senior centers. They are still delivering meals and doing curbside pickup. City staff had conversations with the Mayor, but we thought this should be done at the discretion of the Council. We think the Food Pantry falls under critical services. The Library has expressed desire to close for a two week period. The Council agreed to follow suit and close the Library and Senior Center.

3. (If not previously discussed in the 5:00 p.m. work session and time permitting) Discussion of the draft Business License Fee Study, prepared by Zions Public Finance, Inc., which includes fees for administrative costs, disproportionate regulatory service costs, and disproportionate service call costs

Manager Warnke will continue to work on this and discuss it at a future meeting.

b. Development Review Committee Report and Comments

1. Update on the processing of land use applications

This will also be discussed at another meeting.

c. City Department Head Reports and Comments: none
d. Council Reports and Comments

Councilmember Vance thanked Director Fulgham, Director Roberts, and Manager Warnke for their efforts. We appreciate you guys.

Councilmember Holmgren said the Tree Board has met and suggested doing some work at the cemetery. We met with a representative from Tree Utah and have a company that is willing to purchase trees for us.

14. CLOSED SESSIONS: No closed session was held at this time.

15. Adjournment.

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

The meeting adjourned at 7:57 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 April, 2020.

Linsey Nessen, City Recorder

Follow-up items for the Council and City Staff

Manager Warnke would talk to Engineer Breinholt about getting an engineer’s estimate that would provide an average cost for improvements along each block on Main Street. He will also invite the fire department to one of their meetings for a discussion.

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