City Council Agendas & Minutes

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING FRUIT HEIGHTS CITY 910 South Mountain Road June 18, 2024 WELCOME: Mayor John Pohlman called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. PLEDGE & OPENING CEREMONY: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Mark Cottrell, with Mayor John Pohlman conducting the opening ceremony by offering a word of prayer. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor John Pohlman, Council Members Gary Anderson, Mark Cottrell, Eilleen Moss, George Ray, and Florence Sadler. CITY STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Darren Frandsen, Public Works Director Layne Leonard, City Planner Jeff Oyler, Deputy Recorder Hailee Ballingham, and Accounts Payable Specialist Crystal Kunkel. VISITORS: Dale Kunkel, Howard Hess, Susan Darger, and Marquessa VanDrimmelen. DECLARATION OF CONFILICT(S) OF INTEREST: None CITY COUNCIL TRAINING: Council Member Anderson provided training. He talked about the Powers and Duties Handbook discussing budgets for cities and the process of creating and adopting them. He explained that budgets outline estimated expenditures and proposed means of financing. City budgets consist of various funds, including general funds, special revenue funds, debt accounts, and capital improvement funds. Additionally, operating capital budgets and enterprise funds are necessary for activities that charge fees, such as water or sewer services. The procedure for adopting the budget involves the Budget Officer submitting a tentative budget to the City Council before the first scheduled meeting in May. Public hearings are required for budget transfers between funds, and individuals have the opportunity to speak at these hearings. The City Council must then finalize the budget and set the property tax rate, typically before June 30, unless a property tax increase is being considered. In that case, the budget is tentatively adopted in August. PUBLIC COMMENT: Marquessa VanDrimmelen expressed delight with the community. She requests a mirror be installed at the bottom of 650 North, as the new fence obstructs the view, causing concern for her new teenage driver. She then discussed the development plans for East Mountain Townhomes and explained that she and her husband researched and selected the area based on the city's general plan and zoning. Marquessa urges the city council to uphold the existing zoning agreement for single-family homes to maintain property value and protect her investment. She mentions that the proposed development would negatively impact her property value. PRESENTATIONS: None BUSINESS ITEMS: 5.1 Hess Properties variance to lower utility rates for storm water and the transportation fee on his rental property. During our last meeting, a resident presented information about a property owned by residents. Mayor Pohlman had taken on the responsibility to investigate this matter. He reached out to Jones & Associates for documentation and investigated similar properties in the city, such as the condos on Lloyd Road, Nichols Road and the Cherry Hill trailer park. These properties all pay storm water and transportation fees. He could not find any agreement or reason for the discrepancy in rates. Mayor Pohlman proposes denying the variance and maintaining consistent rates for all properties in the city. Council Member Moss suggests revisiting storm water rates due to changing circumstances. They propose seeking recommendations from Jones & Associates and express their belief that it may be necessary to make changes. They mention considering properties receiving current growth on their property taxes and potentially offering rate abatements for low-income individuals or veterans. However, they acknowledge the budget limitations and the need for a proper study to justify any changes. She appreciates Mr. Hess's efforts in providing low-income housing, but ultimately makes a motion to deny the variance from Hess properties. Council Member Sadler thinks a variance is justified due to it being proved low-income housing. Council Member Moss made a motion to deny the variance form the Hess properties. Council Member Ray Seconded this motion. Passed 4 Yea (Gary Anderson, Mark Cottrell, Eileen Moss, George Ray) to 1 Nay (Florence Sadler). (00:21) 5.2 Ordinance 2024-009 Rezone from R-S-12 to R-1-6 Located at 1357 E 650 N (East Mountain Townhomes) This item was on the agenda two weeks ago. Mayor Pohlman stated it is the city council’s responsibility to say yea or nay and then to provide the trust to the staff to design and engineer the development agreement. This is in accordance with the city ordinance. Council Member Cottrell made a motion to approve ordinance 2024-009 to rezone the .854 acres located at 1357 E 650 N, East Mountain Townhomes, from an R-S-12 to an R-1-6. Council Member Ray Seconded the motion. The discussion continued. City Planner Oyler recommended limiting the project to six units, which is what is proposed, with the stipulation that if he hasn’t received approval for the project within one year, the zoning reverts back to R-S-12. At the staff level, as they go through the approval process, and if at the time it becomes appropriate, to do a development agreement. The staff will put that together to bring before the city council. The city had some technical difficulties and the city Council waited for the feed to come back online to continue the discussion. (00:25:00 back on 00:30:15) Mayor Pohlman recapped that there is a motion on the table to approve the rezone, but the staff gave some recommendations. He asked Council Member Cottrell if he wanted to accept those recommendations and wants them added to the motion. Council Member Cottrell accepts. Council Member Ray retracted his seconded due to him believing when they started with conditions that is just another type of variance. He also agrees with the idea of having a buffer zone between the commercial and R-12 areas. By designating this lot as R-1-6, it ensures a smooth transition in density. Reverting back to R-S-12 would not provide the necessary transitional space for community building, which is a current focus. Therefore, he supports the proposal to keep the lot as R-1-6 and believes it aligns with existing building standards. Council Member Moss Seconded the original motion with the modifications. The discussion continued. Council Member Ray made a secondary motion to approve the ordinance 2024-009 to rezone the .854 acres located at 1357 E 650 N, East Mountain Townhomes, from an R-S-12 to an R-1-6. Council Member Cottrell seconded the motion. Mayor Pohlman explained how this is a secondary motion. They will vote on the first motion if that does not pass then they will vote on the secondary motion. Council Member Cottrell made the motion to approve Ordinance 2024-009 to rezone the .854 acres located at 1357 E 650 N, East Mountain Townhomes, from an R-S-12 to an R-1-6. Recommendation limits it to six units and if he hasn’t received approval for this project within one year, the zoning reverts back to R-S-12. Council Member Moss seconded the motion. The motion passed 3 yea (Gary Anderson, Florence Sadler, George Ray) to 1 Nay (Mark Cottrel). Eileen Moss abstained. (00:46) The secondary motion was not voted on. 5.3 Public Hearing Resolution 2024-009 Amendments to Fruit Heights City Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget. Council Member Moss made a motion to open the Public Hearing. Council Member Ray seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved by the council. (00:47) City Manager Frandsen explains the amendments needed for the fiscal year 2023-2024 Budget. There was no public comment. Council Member Anderson made a motion to close the Public Hearing. Council Member Sadler seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved by the council. (01:02) Council Member Cottrell made a motion to approve resolution 2024-009 Amendments to Fruit Heights City Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget ending June 30, 2024. Council Member Anderson seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved by the council. (01:03) 5.4 Public Hearing Resolution 2024-010 Adoption of the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operation Budget. Set date for Truth in Taxation for August 6, 2024. Council Member Sadler made a motion to open the public hearing. Council Member Ray seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved by the council (1:03) City Manager Frandsen explained the need for the city to hold a Truth in Taxation Hearing. The city is asking to increase property taxes to help cover the increase in costs by Davis County Sheriff, Farmington Fire and overall city operations. Dale Kunkel thanked the city legislators for all they are doing and reminded them of their fiscal responsibility to help the residents of Fruit Heights understand the budget. They should be actively involved in softening the blow, educating the public on the reasons and necessity for Truth in Taxation, and express their positive support of the budget. Council Member Moss made a motion to close the public hearing. Council Member Cottrell seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved by the council (1:18) Mayor John Pohlman reiterated the importance for them, as legislators, to help explain Truth in Taxation to the residents of the city. Council Member Moss commented about the $100,000.00 increase coming for our emergency responders and the necessity for Truth in Taxation. She stated that property tax rates to the city actually do go down if we do not maintain the rate. Council Member Cottrell made a motion to approve the tentative operating budget for 2024-2025 with a Truth in Taxation date being set for August 6, 2024. Council Member Sadler seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved by the council (1:20) TABLED ITEMS: None CALENDAR: June 26, 2024, Planning Commission Meeting (note: This meeting has been canceled) July 4, 2024, Celebration July 2, 2024, City Council Meeting (note: This meeting has been canceled) REVIEW AND APPROVAL OF MINUTES FROM PREVIOUS MEETINGS: Council Member Ray made a motion to approve the June 4, 2024, Minutes with the suggested changes. Council Member Sadler seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved by the council (1:33) CITY COUNCIL REPORTS: Council Member Sadler talked about the preparation for the July 4 parade/celebration and the rules they need to follow. She talked about the CTC. They are collaborating with the high school to get vaping and marijuana out of the schools. Council Member Cottrell gave updates on Founder’s Day. The staff held a planning meeting to work out some of the details of the car show. They also found a chairperson for the quilt show. He had updates for the Veteran’s Memorial. The city staff designed and printed 1000 flyers the YCC and the Stevenson’s family have taken door to door. There is more information found in the Ridgerunner,on the city’s Facebook page and city’s website. There is also a newspaper article about the memorial in the Davis Journal. We have $8265 in donations and 60 submitted names so far. He wanted to recognize City Manager Frandsen for his all his work on the budget and to show his appreciate for the city staff. Council Member Moss talked about her CCC meeting. They would like to have another appreciation dinner this year, September 19, 2024, and do a 10-15 minute training. They want all city council members and their spouses to attend. Council Member Ray talked about the staff publishing the finances. He then goes through and reviews to keep up on what is going on. Council members asked staff if they could put traffic mirrors up on blind spots around the city, specifically on the corner of Green Road and Lloyd Road. MAYOR REPORT: There has been a trail builder working on the Fruit Loops trail building and restoring trails. He thinks that should be completed by the following week. Also, the city has posted openings for two new planning commission members. He asked Council Member Cottrell if he would go back to the staff and let them know he has talked with a black hawk helicopter pilot to do a fly over for Founders Day. He thanked the council members. Also wanted to recognize Crystal for helping with the budget. CITY STAFF REPORTS: Public Works Director Leonard talked about the 1800 East project. The crew will start paving the road and the Baer Creek parking lot on Tuesday the 26. He did not have a completion date but imagines it being done soon. City Manager Frandsen will continue working on the budget and finish the revenue. He will have it to the council the first week of July. Crystal Kunkel wanted to thank the council for all they do and wanted to give credit and thanks to city manager Frandsen. He has been transparent in making changes, discussing them with staff, sharing master plans, involving the council, and it has benefited the office. She is grateful for his inclusive approach. ADJOURNMENT: Council Member Anderson made a motion to adjourn the meeting with Council Member Sadler seconding the motion. It was unanimously approved by the Council. (8:41) Not approved until signed. /S/: _____________________________ Hailee Ballingham, City Deputy Recorder Date approved by City Council: July 16, 2024