City Council Minutes 9-20-22

TREMONTON CITY CORPORATION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
SEPTEMBER 20, 2022

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 September 20, 2022 City Council Workshop to order at 6:30 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 Head was also present: Public Works Director Paul Fulgham.

Motion by Councilmember Archibald to move into closed session. Motion seconded by Councilmember Seamons. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

The Council moved into a closed session at 6:30 p.m.

1. CLOSED SESSIONS:

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

Motion by Councilmember Archibald to return to open session. Motion seconded by Councilmember Estep. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

The Council returned to open session at 7:02 p.m.

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

The meeting adjourned at 7:02 p.m. by consensus of the Council.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Mayor Holmgren called the September 20, 2022 City Council Meeting to order at 7:05 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: Public Works Director Paul Fulgham, Fire Chief Robert LaCroix, and Police Chief Dustin Cordova.

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 Rohde and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Seamons.

2. Introduction of guests: Mayor Holmgren welcomed those in attendance.

3. Declaration of Conflict of Interest: None.

4. Approval of Agenda:

Motion by Councilmember Vance to approve the agenda of September 20, 2022. Motion seconded by Councilmembers Seamons and Archibald. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

5. Approval of minutes – September 6, 2022

Motion by Councilmember Archibald to approve the minutes of September 6, 2022. Motion seconded by Councilmember Rohde. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Seamons – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

6. Years of Service Award

a. Paul Evertsen, Fire Department 5-year award

Chief LaCroix read a bio about Firefighter Evertsen and Mayor Holmgren thanked him for his service.

7. Public comments:

Resident Diana Doutre, and former City Councilmember, said I have a love for this body and the work you all do. I appreciate you. I know that in any kind of relationship people have issues and it is good we can talk about it and get something decided. When is my road going to be fixed? I have heard that I am on the list for 12 years. If that was a husband telling me for 12 years I am on the list, I would want to know something a little more definitive. Director Fulgham said it is all about funds. We can do the surface, but that is a temporary fix—it does not widen it or add curb, gutter, and sidewalk. Doutre said the first half mile up to Christensen’s, if we could get that it would be so much better. It would be safer. We have people walking and biking on it and there just is not room. It is dangerous. We love you all, but we need some answers. Even if it is just a fix. We do not need everything, but we could use some help. If there is someone biking or walking on that road and a big truck is coming it is like taking your life or theirs into your hands. We really would like something done before someone gets hurts. Mayor Holmgren said I will get back with you and we will get something figured out.

Resident Sara Mohrman said one of the signs at the entrance of the Holmgren Trail is completely bleached out from the sun. It talks about it being a nature preserve and there is important information on it, but you cannot read it. Councilmember Estep said we will make sure we get it fixed. Mohrman said also I want to remind you and the public that we have our last Farmer’s Market for the year on October 1. It will be all things pumpkins. Youth will bring in the ones they have grown to be weighed. We are partnering with the library who is doing a moon activity to get kids to come back that evening to look at the moon with telescopes. We have a partnership with USU as well to help us with our kids’ activity for painting pumpkins. We hope to be decorating the square with pumpkins from the Mayor’s farm.

Resident Michael Leighner thanked City staff and the Council for getting a big road project done. He told Chief Cordova his staff is doing a fantastic job and welcomed him to the City.

8. New Council Business:

a. Discussion and consideration of approving Resolution No. 22-50 acknowledging that the Lieutenant Governor of the State of Utah has issued a Certificate of Class change recognizing Tremonton City as a city of the fourth-class effective August 4, 2022, pursuant to Utah Code 10-2-302

Mayor Holmgren said our population exceeds 10,000 so we are now a fourth-class City. Manager Warnke said the maps showing the four different areas is the next agenda item, but they are tied to this. This recognizes that the Lieutenant Governor, who has authority to change our classification, has issued a certificate. We thought it would be well to adopt this by resolution to acknowledge it and have this certificate filed with it.

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

b. Discussion and consideration of approving Ordinance No. 22-08 establishing voter participation areas for referenda and initiatives

Manager Warnke said often the State Code triggers different requirements based on the class of City you are. Now that we are a fourth-class city, we are required to have districts where signatures be collected for referendums and initiatives.

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

c. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 22-51 ratifying the Aspen Ridge, Phase 4 Development Agreement

Manager Warnke said this development is in their fourth and final phase. All the improvements are in. They will hold an open house with the Planning Commission to tour the amenities. It is along Rocket Road next to the South Stake Center. The Council adopted a template development agreement and all the language is common except the Special Conditions Section. This is where we formalize all the unique development requirements. Mayor Holmgren confirmed that the developer provided the secondary water shares for this area. Manager Warnke added that the City has upsized the actual pipe and there is a pump station located here to serve more areas.

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

9. Calendar Items and Previous Assignment

a. Review of calendar

The Council will attend the League of Cities and Towns Conference on October 5-7. A bet was placed on who would win the rivalry high school football game between Bear River and Box Elder. Since the Bears lost, the Mayor will be singing the Box Elder fight song at Brigham City’s next Council meeting.

b. Unfinished Business/Action Items:

Assistant City Manager Christensen said I sent an email and text to sign up for city council meetings for surrounding areas to discuss the Senior Center. BRAG was on Garland’s agenda, but canceled. Councilmember Rohde said we need to get on their agenda before their fiscal year.

10. Reports & Comments:

a. City Manager Reports and Comments: None.
b. Development Review Committee Report and Comments

Manager Warnke said several meetings have been canceled and things are starting to slow down. Harvest Village has expressed interest in getting some approvals for their development in the south part of town. They are wrapping up some of their development plans, along with Bear River Meadows, which is another townhome project on the south end of town. They are finalizing some of their final punch list items for plans to get approved.

c. City Department Head Reports and Comments

Director Fulgham said our street sweeper went down during the flood. That was purchased in 2008 and our goal was to replace it in 10 years, but that has been pushed out. The cost to repair it would be $33,000. We also got bids for a new street sweeper, which has been budgeted for. We will present that information at the next Council meeting. However, those are seven to 12 months out, depending on the manufacturer. We could rent one by the month, which is $10,000 per month. If we decide to put money into ours and fix it, I cannot guarantee it will be fixed. It is 14 years old and has a lot of hours on it. My recommendation would be to rent one for the months we need to pick up leaves. If we do not then our storm drains will be packed with leaves and cause issues down the road. We could rent one in October and November, and again in the spring while we get one ordered and hope it would be here by the time the parade comes. Manager Warnke said we will need to amend the budget. We planned for $245,000, but they range from $314,000 to $350,0000 now. Director Fulgham said the goal would be to rent one and run it every hour we possibly can to get our money’s worth.

Director Fulgham said we are going to power up the new secondary system pumps next week. Rupp’s Trucking is working on getting things done and patched up. They have to pass the pressure test first, but those projects are wrapping up in the next few weeks. We have had some complaints over new development road projects. Those will also be wrapping up soon. The one on Rocket Road was held up because they were hoping Rocky Mountain Power would get the poles moved. I have worked with Clayton Grover to determine how to do the intersection at 400 West next to the tracks. We are going to do a partial intersection since we cannot do a whole one until the poles are moved. We hope Rupp’s will be able to get 100 East patched and finished before the end of the year. The one on 6th North and Tremont Street should be done this next week.

Director Fulgham said I have talked to Garland’s mayor about officially plugging the sewer. I told her we are anxious to get it done. She promised it would be done by the first of the month. I will talk to Blaine Rupp to see if he can expedite that since he is the contractor.

When asked more about the power poles, Director Fulgham said in order to widen Rocket Road they have to be pushed to the south. The developers have the property, but we are working with Blake Christensen to acquire the property we need in the middle. As soon as we get that we can work with Rocky Mountain Power for our section. They will do that pro bono because of our franchise agreement. If we were to go in now and do the curb and gutter that would be behind the power poles, which would be in the road. That is why we are waiting to get that done first. Manager Warnke said I have talked to Blake Christensen, who has all the information relative to the appraisal. We have two corridor preservation projects I am trying to wrap up since we cannot have more than that at one time. In anticipation of having some of these wrapped up I submitted this one and they approved it tentatively. They will pay half the cost on that acquisition ($60,000). That includes the power line and the PUE. Director Fulgham said once the power lines are moved the subdivision on both sides will add the curb and gutter. It will be up to us to budget the money to widen the road through the canal section with curb, gutter, and sidewalk. That will be a big cost, especially with the box culverts.

Fire Chief LaCroix said we received a $100,000 grant for our diesel exhaust system. We received another $100,000 grant to purchase power lifters for our ambulance. The Council expressed appreciation for all the department does.

Police Chief Cordova said I want to thank those who made it to the debrief it was productive. I already have emails from the guys showing their appreciation. It is important that they feel you understand them a bit more and we understand your position a bit more. I tried to steal the grant from Chief LaCroix, but he got it through first. I am not sure if ours will get approved, but we hope so. That would provide the gear needed for shooting incidents. We are doing a promotional exam now and have some good candidates. We will keep you posted. I have been impressed with the department and we appreciate your support. The two positions we have opened are in Garland. We had one open in Tremonton, but we filled that with someone from Garland. We were able to retain them rather than lose them. We are making progress with the Garland side and will post those jobs. We have about 20 applicants. Councilmember Archibald said the debriefing was amazing I learned so much and appreciate you more. Mayor Holmgren said it was very enlightening.

d. Council Reports and Comments

Councilmember Estep said the City party was a huge success and a great party again. Everyone does a good job with the food and I want to tell everyone thanks.

Councilmember Archibald said we need to work out some details as far as recognizing local students for their accomplishments. I have talked with both principals and they would like to have us recognize their students as far as attendance, maybe something in science, as well as reading. We could recognize students K-2nd and 3rd-5th from both elementary schools on a monthly basis for a boy and girl. I think it is worthwhile for the Council to work with our school district. That is just one more step for the Council to recognize the importance of education. Councilmember Estep suggested having someone recognized for kind deeds. Councilmember Archibald said we could do this during our first meeting of the month. I am sure students will love it.

Councilmember Rohde said what can we do to get the streets figured out? We need a strategic plan. I am with Diana Doutre, this has dragged on forever, not just her road, but on a lot of roads. In an upcoming meeting we need a presentation on all the road costs so we can make decisions on where we are going. Manager Warnke said I will get that on the October agenda.

Councilmember Seamons said the City party was fun, you guys did a good job. Thank you, I appreciate it.

Mayor Holmgren said the last Farmer’s Market will be October 1. We are going to do the pumpkin contest, which we are looking forward to. We will also try to add pumpkins and scarecrows to the square to make it fun.

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

12. Adjournment.

Motion by Councilmember Archibald to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Councilmembers Rohde and Estep. Vote: Councilmember Archibald – aye, Councilmember Estep – 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 day of , 2022.

Linsey Nessen, City Recorder

Follow-up items for the Council and City Staff

City staff will replace a sign at the entrance of the Holmgren Trail. City staff will also work on getting information on road repairs and their costs for a discussion with the Council.

The Council will work on a plan to recognize local elementary students for their accomplishments each month.

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