City Council Minutes 3-7-23

TREMONTON CITY CORPORATION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
MARCH 7, 2023

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

CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP

Mayor Holmgren called the March 7, 2023 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 Holmgren, Councilmembers Archibald, Estep, Rohde, Seamons, and Vance, City Manager Warnke, Assistant City Manager Christensen, and City Recorder Nessen. The following Department Heads were also present: Interim Fire Chief Chris Scothern, Assistant Police Chief Brian Crockett, and Treasurer Sharri Oyler. Also in attendance was Finance Director Curtis Roberts.

1. Presentation and discussion of the 2024 Fiscal Year Budget for governmental funds

Assistant City Manager Christensen said this discussion is to make the Council aware of the budgeting process and what is on the horizon. Here is a five-year plan based on requests for capital projects and personnel. These are the governmental funds. The revenues that come from property taxes, sales taxes, other taxes, licenses and permits, the Senior Center revenue, and other inter-governmental revenues and income. Here is a brief review on the current fiscal year and things we instituted to help us generate more revenue and programs without a fiscal cost on residents. Transportation impact fees bring in $65,000 a year. The corridor preservation funds have helped us secure three corridors that we are working on purchasing the rights-of-way for. We upgraded all our streetlights. They save $25,000 a year in utility costs. These things we instituted previously and are still realizing—the transient room tax (about $46,000 last year). We worked with GBS on our medical plan and instead of an annual increase of 24% it was only 3%, which saved $152,000. Workers’ Compensation has been as high as $70,000, but we instituted programs and incentives to drop that to $38,000. The Tremonton and Garland Police agreement has helped us with safety and coverage. Donations have also come from our community to fund the Food Pantry and we started an animal shelter donation, which has had $7,000 in donations. We have received or applied for $4.4 million worth of grants. We are doing everything we can to make it not such an impact on our citizens.

Assistant City Manager Christensen said we will also discuss the proposed budget priorities. A lot of things still need to be worked out like the medical insurance and contracts. This is as close as we can get with the information I have currently. We will also discuss the projected capital projects and what we have available in each of the funds. Over the past five years we have stayed close to the Consumer Price Index as we historically did the 3% COLA. The last three years it has been changing. In 2021 to 2022 it spiked to 9% and the Council approved a 5% cost of living adjustment. For 2023 we are proposing 7.2%, which equates to $363,000 total, for all employees. That is a $260,000 increase for the City on governmental funds and a $94,000 increase for enterprise funds.

Assistant City Manager Christensen said here are personnel requests. The Police Department has requested five positions. We also have a City Management request for a City Planner. All six of these positions would have an annual increase of $667,000. This is reflected in the 2024 budget. When asked about officers per population, Manager Warnke said we have based this on having one officer for every 606 citizens. We currently have 1 for every 880 with Garland and with Tremonton alone we have 1 for every 966. Councilmember Rohde asked if projected population growth has been included. Manager Warnke said they will check with the departments heads to see if it has been considered. We do have some developments on the horizon. Director Roberts said growth will slow down, but there are more apartments and low-income housing. It is cheaper to build here so Tremonton could see higher growth than other markets. A 6% growth rate is a good long-term average. Councilmember Vance said for planning purposes, I think 6% is aggressive. I think 3.5% might be more palatable. Councilmember Rohde said I want to see that projection in there. If we add more people to our population, will these personnel requests be enough or do we need more? This will give us a more accurate picture. Councilmember Rohde asked what the role of a City Planner would be. Manager Warnke said they would do what I do so I can focus on City Management. There are a lot of things we plan by committee so the DRC would still be very involved. I would be in the conversations to know exactly what infrastructure is needed to provide services. They would do plan reviews and work with the Planning Commission. Depending on what skill set we can obtain, they could do the development agreements. Due to volume of applications coming through, there are some holes in our processes. We are working on getting software to help with that. They would complete applications and communicate with them. Things have become more and more demanding as development pressures have increased. It has put a strain on the fact that we do not have someone solely dedicated for that. This would give a focused effort. They could tell the Council the impacts of each development.

Assistant City Manager Christensen then reviewed each fund. The Food Pantry has $121,000. Their revenues match their expenditures. They have donations of $80,000 and spend $50,000 for operating costs. They have money for projects, but nothing is proposed. The Transportation Capacity Fund has $10 million worth of road projects in the next five years. The Recreation Fund is for adult and youth sports, and community events. Those pay for their direct costs, but not the administrative costs. Historically, we transfer in about $175,000 to that fund to cover those expenses. We want to grow the fund balance to $185,000. The Park Fund is related to impact fee revenues and construction projects that add capacity to our parks and trail system. We had a big purchase this year of the Stokes property. That added capacity to the system and came out of this fund. This one does receive revenues based on impact fees ($170,000 to $500,000 annually). The three proposed parks are BR Mountain Park, Rivers Edge and Harvest Acres. There is also a phase of the canal rail trail that we are obligated to construct. The Fire and EMS has $1 million available in fund balance. In 2022 we did Truth in Taxation so we transferred in $200,000 of that money and continued that in this year’s budget. Their capital plan is about $1.6 million with the biggest purchases being a fire truck, two ambulances, and gurneys. They will continue to get money, but we must be cautious because we did approve three more full-time employees. Their fund balance will not grow as quickly as it has in the past. The Capital Projects Fund does not have an ongoing source of revenue except for transfers from the General Fund. One thing on the five-year capital project plan is the chip seal project. We have transferred $300,000, which has been earmarked for this, adding up to $1.5 million. The bid came in lower so we will have money left over. There are some road projects listed here. The Capital Vehicle and Equipment Fund has some big equipment like copy machines, police vehicles and equipment for those vehicles, ATVs, tractors, and the street sweeper. A lot of our equipment comes out of the Enterprise Funds. Road projects will be funded by the Transportation Capacity Fund. We transfer bigger amounts since they cost a lot more. This is our five-year plan based off each fund. This gives you an idea of where our money is going and how much it costs to operate a city. We have three more Council meetings before the tentative budget is passed. We will discuss the Enterprise Funds next. Then we can have a general discussion on all of it to determine what we want to include or take out. We can also decide if we want to go through Truth in Taxation.

Director Roberts said we need to anticipate that growth rate with property taxes. Councilmember Vance said we need to see a truer picture. We want to show reality when we are looking at a five-year plan. That is a different ball game than going from year to year. We are being conservative by knocking down the income and overlooking on expenses. We need to show a true picture when we are looking at raising taxes. We need to look at and use trends for the five-year plan. On the annual budget, I feel good about how you handle that, but a five-year plan has to be closer to reality. Director Roberts said we will discuss what the City plans to do with the finances and how are we going to make this plan work. We will determine what are the Council’s priorities. Councilmember Rohde said this is wonderful, we appreciate the work you do. We are just doing our due diligence in asking questions, thanks for appeasing us. I like dashboards so we can see if are we winning or losing.

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

The Council then discussed Jasim Trucking on 2000 West. Manager Warnke said Val Stokes owns this property that has been subdivided. The front half is for this trucking company and they are currently developing in phases. They will do all the site work and the following year will build it out. We have captured some fees-in-lieu for future public improvements that he is not able to do in development of the site.
When discussing the professional services agreement, Manager Warnke said an individual we were talking to has dropped out for the time being, but would like to be considered in the future. Having building permit inspections done through a contract will better match the revenue to expense. This is a variable revenue all related to development. Having consultants is a great approach. They are doing inspections for Garland right now. Councilmember Archibald said Garland has had rave reviews and good report of these individuals. Manager Warnke said we feel this is a good solution. If it does not work out, we can terminate the contract, but we can adjust it month to month. They will do customer service, inspections, and plan reviews. Right now, is a good time to do it. We are making a change when there are not a lot building permits being pulled.

For the River’s Edge agreement, Manager Warnke said we have negotiated the infrastructure that was needed. They are required to dedicate property for a park and storm drain basin, which totals eight acres. For 950 East we have engaged Landmark Design to do concept planning of that so we can build up what that expense will be. They are also dedicating property for the pump station and there are also easements and accesses from there to the park. The right-of-way to get to Holmgren East and Main Street will come through the recoding of the first phase, which will occur this calendar year. We are meeting with them tomorrow to review. Their construction documents are in order. They have also dedicated the eight water shares associated with the park and those for Phase 1. The other agreement you will see is the phased development between the City, UDOT, and River’s Edge where we formalize the requirements for traffic lights and other improvements. Lastly will be the development agreement for Phase 1. UDOT wants an updated traffic study with each new phase to see the warrants for traffic controls.

Manager Warnke said I suggest you table the equalization basin discussion. We have been working with the property owner and have a good agreement. We provided a draft and their attorney added some language that City Attorney Dustin Ericson and I reviewed. We added some comments and that is where it stands. They could request additional changes. One change is there is a water right of 1.45-acre feet, which is associated with developing a traditional house on the property. He knows that is part of the arrangement, but it needs to be written into the agreement. I feel we are close and at the next Council meeting it would be ready for you to adopt. This does correlate in part with River’s Edge. When they add secondary water to their first phase, we are required to have the equalization basin. We want to match our construction with theirs.

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

a. Strategy session to discuss the purchase of real property when public discussion of the transaction would disclose the appraisal or estimated value of the property under consideration or prevent the public body from completing the transaction on the best possible terms; and/or
b. Strategy session to discuss the character, professional competence or physical or mental health of an individual; and/or
c. Strategy sessions to discuss pending or reasonably imminent litigation; and/or
d. Discussions regarding security personnel, devices or systems

The meeting adjourned at 6:57 p.m. by consensus of the Council.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Mayor Holmgren called the March 7, 2023 City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Tremonton City Council Meeting Room at 102 South Tremont Street, Tremonton, Utah. Those in attendance were Mayor Holmgren, Councilmembers Archibald, Estep, Rohde, Seamons, and Vance, City Manager Warnke, Assistant City Manager Christensen, and City Recorder Nessen. The following Department Heads were also present: Interim Fire Chief Chris Scothern and Assistant Police Chief Brian Crockett. Also in attendance were Food Pantry Directors Cathy Newman and Carey Hunsaker (arrived at 7:18 p.m.).

1. Opening Ceremony:

Mayor Holmgren informed the audience that he had received no written or oral request to participate in the Opening Ceremony. He asked anyone who may be offended by listening to a prayer to step out into the lobby for this portion of the meeting. The prayer was offered by Councilmember Archibald and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Seamons.

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

3. Declaration of Conflict of Interest: None.

4. Approval of Agenda:

Motion by Councilmember Archibald to approve the agenda of March 7, 2023, as listed and to table item 8. i. Motion seconded by Councilmember Estep. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

5. Approval of minutes – February 7, 2023

Motion by Councilmember Seamons to approve the minutes of February 7, 2023. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

6. Presentation

a. Tremonton City Citizenship Award to Elementary and Intermediate Students

Mayor Holmgren presented these students with a certificate and recognized them for their efforts on being good citizens. Councilmember Archibald said we appreciate you as parents teaching your children. We are so glad you are here tonight.

7. Public comments:

Jack Stickney said I have been a resident since 2000 and over the years I have made some observations. There are ideas I want to throw out. First, we have an odd ball street in our City where the speed limit is 35 mph. The street between AutoZone and Rocky Mountain Power, 400 West. That 35 mph seems strange since Main Street is 30 and 600 North is 25. That road has gotten busier recently with those apartments and new business on the south end. I would make the suggestion to change that to match what a residential road should be (25 mph) and is an area that could be considered for a reduction of speed. Another idea is for code enforcement. I tangled with your code enforcement person when they first started out. I posted some yard sale signs that were taken down before the sale happened. I did not realize what the code was on temporary signage. I noticed over the years it seems like code enforcement has waned. Some things are not being looked at. Next, I want to discuss home based businesses. I have had a home business and I got the license, paid the fee, and registered my name with the State. I filed the taxes and did everything I was supposed to, but I am concerned there might be some home businesses that might not be complying with the regulations. There is a concern with parking in a neighborhood. I also have concerns with it complying with the health code if they are serving food out of their garage. Code enforcement would be the department to deal with that and make sure their business is registered correctly. Parking enforcement has become lax. I know our law enforcement have a lot more important things to deal with. Winter parking is obvious and are people being ticketed if they are on the street. I drive school bus in the afternoon and I noticed there are situations with parking that make it challenging to safely drive the bus on City streets. People are parking close to driveways and stop signs. A lot of that is going on especially around the schools. They are parking on red curbs and areas that are posted as no parking. As our City continues to grow it would be important for us to help people understand some of these laws better. If it takes a small citation to get their attention that might be the right thing.

Brad Janssen said I have lived here almost eight years. I used to serve on the Planning Commission and was on the Tremonton Integrated Land Use Plan board. On August 26, 2020, we received an email with the public engagement survey. I feel some things that came out of that are being ignored. It says the preservation of Tremonton’s agriculture character and rural atmosphere is the primary area of concern for residents. The following specific issues are most common. People want to address zoning and land use to better plan and control new development. They want to preserve natural and agricultural open space. A lot of people said the pace and scale of new residential development is an area of concern. Limits need to be in place on new development, particularly multi-family housing. There were specific concerns regarding their location and scale of multi-family developments. Regardless of their background residents overwhelmingly identified Tremonton as an attractive place with an appealing small-town vibe. They expressed their love for the rural atmosphere, the agricultural setting, and the peaceful surroundings. The question, why do you choose to live in Tremonton and what do you like most about living here? The number one answer by a long shot is, it is a small town, and two, it is peaceful and quiet. When asked how growth has been going, the majority of people indicate growth has been handled poorly. With most concerns related to the pace of development, particularly multi-family development. They want growth to be well planned, utilizing more developed zoning and land use ordinances, preservation of open space and agriculture land is desired. When asked what they would like to see different, the number one answer was to limit new growth. Then again, the scale and concentration of multi-family development was a common concern. To the question, are there housing needs that need to be filled in the city? The second to third most common response was limit new multi-family development and limit new residential development. They did a survey of different images and asked people to rate them. The bottom ranked images portrayed multi-housing. Of all the images, not just housing units, it was the high-density housing that was ranked lowest overall. The key findings with regards to development was that single-family homes are significantly preferred over multi-family housing. Another part of the land use plan we received as the group looking at this, had the Zions land use take aways. The expected land use needs for the next few decades said for 2020 to 2030, 170 multi-family units would be needed. From 2030 to 2040 another 330 units would be needed and 2040 to 2050 another 470 units. In just 2020 and 2021, 374 units were approved. That was more than what was needed for the decade and that does not include River’s Edge. We are getting close to 30 years of development in a few years. As I read through this survey again and the key concerns of the citizens, I wonder why we are allowing outside interests to determine how Tremonton is growing rather than using what the citizens are actually concerned about. Most of you have known for years this is not something citizens want and this is a big concern. I think a change needs to be done. There is a clear difference between what the citizens, who you are supposed to represent, are expecting and what is actually being done.

Capree Austin said I have been a resident here for a long time. When I was doing the referendum to slow the growth, I had discussions with thousands of people and just because they do not show up in this room does not mean they do not have any kind of voice. Just being out there talking to people, it is a big concern and I would hope you would have our best interest in mind and would not change the culture. This is why people move here. I do not want to stop the growth, but I do want you guys to realize how much high-density housing we have going on. The police officers are going to the Matheson apartments not just for little things, there are some serious crimes going on over there. That is changing our whole environment. We want our kids to be able to grow up here and this is changing that. It is a big concern. Just because people do not show up here does not mean they are not talking about it. I know you have talked to people and it is a concern. Manager Warnke I think your contract was just reinstated to go another term. Why do we not have our city manager living inside City limits? Our chief of police does our fire chief did, why is the individual who is making all these calls and providing you guys this information, and selling you on this? Why are you not living here? Why are you not dealing with the traffic, supporting these small businesses, and trying to find parking on Main Street to shop at local stores that are on the brink of going out of business because they do not have parking for their customers. That is something to think about.

Michael Leighner said I have been here for two and a half years. I live here, but I do not shop here. I want to thank the chief and the police department. They are busier than a hornet’s nest and the roads department has done a good job. You are keeping the roads clean. My question is about Main Street. Who is responsible for digging that out after UDOT plows it? You cannot get into any of those businesses. I tried and almost fell on my face, which is in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Who is in charge of digging that out? If it is the businesses, you need to tell them. We are just starting to develop and people complain about it. Northrop Grumman has gone to a full-fledged production development. When Thiokol was in full production what was the population growth? Mayor Holmgren said maybe 2,500. Mr. Leighner said they need people to live here. People live here, but they are not buying things here. Manager Warnke you are doing a great job so far. The State is asking us to become like a desert because we are so why do we not adopt the state policy of less grass and more desert. The State is paying people to take up their grass and put in desert. This town is growing, you will have growing pains. Wait until June and July when the fire chief and police chief ask for more officers. I work for the University of Utah in the trauma unit and you have not seen anything. It is growing pains. The city is going to grow.

Resident Jami Poppleton said I have not been here for several years because honestly, I feel like it does not matter. I am small town. I have been here for 44 years. I go to the grocery store and I do not know anybody. I go to places and I do not see familiar faces. All I see are a bunch of people running around complaining about what everyone is trying to say. There is no place to park. Shopping here is ridiculous, but there are all these people moving in. There is absolutely nothing for them to do except complain about this and that. In watching people talk, you are looking around the room. In my opinion and others, I have talked to, we think coming here and filling these seats does not matter. This is a farming community. People sell off their stuff because they are forced out. They are pushed out. It is not going to be long before my family’s farms are gone. There is absolutely nothing anybody can do about it. There are roads right now through our fields on the master plan. Carolyn Freeman is fit to be tied because of this development. It is taking roads that people use. All I ask is that before all the numbers are there, stop and think about where you came from. Stop and think about how long you have lived here and whether or not this place is going to look like Park City or Ogden or bring the crime. You want to raise your families here. Next time you go to the store stop somebody and ask them. Why do you not come to the City Council meeting and see what they tell you. As for the City Manager I totally agree with everyone else. Is Brigham City developing and growing as large as Tremonton? Why is everyone coming here and not Brigham City? Manager Warnke said I think they are behind as far as recent growth. I do not know. Mrs. Poppleton said is it because you do not want it where you live? Manager Warnke said I do not have anything to do with that city, except that I live there.

Mayor Holmgren said thank you for your comments, I have been keeping notes and we are glad to talk to any of you.

8. New Council Business:

a. Discussion and consideration of approving the January 2023 Financial Statements

Motion by Councilmember Archibald to approve the January 2023 Financial Statements. Motion seconded by Councilmember Seamons. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

b. Discussion and consideration of approving the January 2023 Warrant Register

Motion by Councilmember Vance to approve January 2023 Warrant Register. Motion seconded by Councilmember Archibald. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

c. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 23-11 ratifying the Jasim Trucking Subdivision and Site Development Agreement

Manager Warnke said with each development we have an agreement that formalizes the conditions of approval. It has already been recorded you are just ratifying the agreement. This is a trucking operation on 2000 West. This is a subdivision and the first parcel is the trucking company along the frontage. Val Stokes owns the back half of the property.

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

d. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 23-12 appointing Carey Hunsaker to serve as the Tremonton City Food Pantry Director

Councilmember Archibald thanked Cathy Newman. We are grateful for what you have done for our City. Councilmember Estep said we will miss Cathy, you have big shoes to fill Carey, but we feel like you are going to do it.

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

e. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 23-13 acknowledging the recording of a Full Reconveyance in favor of Vince Rogers associated with a Trust Deed and Promissory Note between Tremonton City and Vince Rogers for Vince Rogers’ purchase of 207 acres of real property

Manager Warnke said when we were constructing Service Area 3, we were in the market to purchase water shares. We needed a large sum and found a willing seller of property and shares. They were offered up jointly so at the same time we entered into a negotiation with a rancher, who wanted the land for grazing. We purchased the property and held onto the water shares, 111. We then sold the property. The rancher would pay that over four years and has done that. This recording withdraws our interest in the property and fully conveys it to him.

f. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 23-14 approving a Professional Services Agreement with Beacon Code Consultants to provide Building Inspection and Plan Review Services

Manager Warnke said with Steve Bench’s retirement we opened his position, but could not fill it with someone as qualified. At some point we asked for requests for proposals and received several. This was the most conducive with the City. They will provide inspection service and plan reviews, along with customer service. We recommend you approve this professional services agreement.

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

g. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 23-15 approving the Rivers Edge Dedication Agreement between Rivers Edge Real Holdings, LLC and Tremonton City for the City’s receipt of real property, water shares, and easements

Manager Warnke said this was a part of the pre-annexation and master development agreements where they would dedicate land to the City and water shares needed to provide services. This is a dedication agreement that fulfills, in part, that requirement. There are still a few things for them to do relative to providing infrastructure so the City can provide services. We need to have the engineer check one issue relative to a legal description and make sure it is correct. Otherwise, it is ready to go.

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

h. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 23-16 selecting Maurine L Bachman as the lead acquisition agent for the 1000 North Widening Project from 2300 West to 2650 West

Manager Warnke said this road project we are undertaking requires us to coordinate with adjoining property owners—the residents themselves and acquire easements. There is quite a bit of topography on 1000 North in this section. As we widen the road it is going to push the right-of-way improvements out further in proximity to the residents’ homes. We will need to get cut and fill easements as we construct the road. This individual would perform those services and conduct all the professional services with an appraiser. They would work with the engineer to finalize the legal descriptions and will work with the property owners to acquire the easements we need. They will do that this year. We will bid this time next year and then construct in the summer of 2024. Most property owners want this improvement. Some may not be open to it we just have to see. Cost is $2,000 per property and there are 12. I received bids based on those in UDOTs pool. She was the lowest bid, but highly recommended. We want to work with residents and discuss their options and how their driveways can be configured. The biggest issue is their drive approach and how that ties in.

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

i. Discussion and consideration of approving Resolution No. 23-17 approving a land acquisition agreement between Tremonton City and DC Aston & Company, LLC for Tremonton City’s acquisition of 4.309 acres of real property for the intended use of constructing a secondary water equalization basin

This item was tabled until the next meeting.

9. Calendar Items and Previous Assignment

a. Review of calendar

Building Inspector/Zoning Administrator Steve Bench’s retirement is coming up. Mayor Holmgren said let us give him a good send off for his 35 years of service. We appreciate what he has done. The Utah League of Cities and Towns is soon. Manager Warnke said there will be a training by Zions Bank on March 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Brigham City. This is a program than can help cities use and maximize their assets.

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

Assistant City Manager Christensen said we have made a couple adjustments at the City Offices, mostly in this room with the sign, mission and vision statement, and flag. The mayor will have a new plaque. We also have some rugs. They came up with strategies in our playbook and our social media manager has been trying to implement those. There is a local business buzz and resident question and answer. She will add those into our social media. That has been a good implementation of the branding. Our monthly newsletter now looks like our brand with the mayor’s monthly message. We have worked with them on new projects like the wayfinding signs and a logo for the animal shelter. We have some street banners and flags that will go up. We are trying to push it out as much as we can. Mayor Holmgren said this has been very successful.

10. Reports & Comments:

a. City Administration Reports and Comments

1. Update on the Integrated Land Use Plan and Transportation Traffic Model Update Proposal

Manager Warnke said the City has been working on a Land Use Plan that has been a long time coming. We stopped in the middle to address Affordable Housing. The State had a strict timeline to adopt. The Planning Commission recently held a public hearing on the Land Use Plan and the next step is to look at our traffic model. Land use and transportation corridors are uniquely connected. As we change the Land Use Plan, we will have to revisit the model based upon what those proposed land uses are and see how it performs. We can estimate what that looks like for ERUs. That effort will be helpful as we plan our infrastructure so we size lines correctly. The scope of work is about $8,000 to update the Transportation Plan. That will take four to six weeks. It would then be on your agenda for approval. We think it is money well spent to make sure the two reconcile and function together. Traffic is increasing as more people come in and the level of service is changing. We will see more volume on the streets, but that does not mean it is not an acceptable level of service. This will help us project those and if we need to amend either plan to make sure they function as they should. We are checking our assumptions to make sure corridors are sized efficiently. It is expensive to widen intersections later. This helps individuals see we do take planning seriously and are taking reasonable steps to look at the issues they are bringing to our attention in dealing with land use and transportation. It has been five years since we did the Transportation Plan. We need professionals to help us with this level of planning and engineering. Mayor Holmgren said it is important to get that planning done.

2. Overview of Fire Chief recruitment process

Manager Warnke said on March 3, we received applications. We screened out and identified the strongest based on experience and other factors. We then sent invitations to submit essay questions. Those are due on March 13 and we will create an interviewing panel for the first round. We have quite a few out of state applicants and one in state. Most will be done through zoom. We will identify the strongest candidates and invite them back. We will keep you posted.

b. Development Review Committee Report and Comments

1. Overview of recent submittals for site plans and subdivisions

c. City Department Head Reports and Comments

Assistant Police Chief Crockett said we sold the ambulance for $13,600. We are happy about that. Also, in the Dylan Rounds case they have a suspect. The turning point involved one of our officers, Josh Kearl. He is a diver on the scuba team and he found the phone in the Lucin Pond. That blew the whole case wide open. He did a good job.

Interim Fire Chief Scothern said West Liberty Foods presented a donation to the Fire Department for $3,600. We are grateful for them. They did an internal raffle where employees put in money and the intent was to donate that to the fire department for supplies. We received notification that Rocky Mountain Power will donate $4,000 to the department as well. We are super appreciative of their support. Councilmember Archibald said I appreciate the reports I get. You guys are busy. When I saw the report from the police department my chin dropped when I saw all that happened.

Julie Beagley, Animal Shelter Technician, said here are our February intakes and outcomes. We had 11 come in and two were returned to their owners, four were sent to rescues, one was adopted and one had to be euthanized due to injury. There were three in foster homes and seven in the shelter at the end of February. I have truly been humbled with this opportunity to have this position. I was worried there would be pushback working with Officer Greg Horspool, but he has been amazing to work with and so cooperative. We are making positive changes. I do not know how he has done this job. I apologize for complaining about him. The County is bringing animals into our shelters and that has to stop. They have been notified that we are no longer taking their animals. They can have a county shelter or pay us for the animals that come in. From a code enforcement aspect, I can tell you Officer Horspool is working all day, every day. He is really trying to get caught up on things and I commend him on what he is doing, which is like five full-time jobs. Once the ground thaws we will pour cement for the shed. We will fence a small area for a dog yard so they have some enrichment while they are there. I encourage you to come to the shelter and see what we are working with. People need to figure out how to get their dogs contained. We have raised the prices, making the rates equal to Brigham City. It costs $45 for the first-time offense, $65 for the second and then $85 after that. We are working with Canyon View Cares and if we can adopt animals in their locations, they will give us discounted rates for spay, neuter and rabies. Best Friends Animal Society has donated so much. I would like to partner with them and help us qualify for grants and other resources.

d. Council Reports and Comments

Councilmember Seamons said at the water seminar there was a cyber security guy who will go through your system for free. He is like six months out though. It was a good presentation.

Councilmember Vance said thanks to Assistant City Manager Christensen and Director Roberts. There is a lot of work going on, but if we must raise taxes, we appreciate the information so we can make decent decisions. Thank you for what you are doing.

Councilmember Archibald said I appreciate living in Tremonton. Our Public Works takes such good care of us on these stormy days. I see things differently now and am grateful for those who take care of my street. I appreciate Sara Mohrman’s work. I can get on Facebook and see what is going on in Tremonton. Thank you to Julie Beagley, too. At the library if you want to take a group of children and have a science lab, they have this virtual frog dissecting thing and it is the coolest. They can have all these experiences. I thought it was fantastic to have that in our library. I do not think we recognize all the good that goes on there.

Councilmember Estep said as people get nervous when the snow melts, Mayor Holmgren is way ahead of it with sand bags.

Mayor Holmgren said people are calling in and asking what to do. We will get this out so we can give them pointers. Add your ideas and have Manager Mohrman put this on social media. Thank you for all your service and everything you do. It is incredible everything this group does to make this City run like it should.

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

12. Adjournment.

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

The meeting adjourned at 8:35 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 21st day of March, 2023.

Linsey Nessen, City Recorder

Follow-up items for the Council and City Staff

City Staff will continue their efforts on the budget. They will ensure growth rates are considered in the five-year plan.

Manager Warnke will continue efforts on the Integrated Land Use Plan and Transportation Traffic Model update.

Archives