City Council Agendas & Minutes

FRUIT HEIGHTS CITY COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA Notice is hereby given that the Fruit Heights City Council will hold a regular meeting at 7:00pm on February 18, 2025, at Fruit Heights City Hall, 910 south mountain road Fruit Heights City Utah. Fruit Heights City is now streaming City Council Meetings on its YouTube Channel. Please follow us at https://www.youtube.com/@fruitheightscity9716/streams 1. CALL TO ORDER: Mayor John Pohlman 1.1 Pledge of Allegiance (Shon) 1.2 Prayer or Thought (Gary) 1.3 Roll call (Hailee) 1.4 City Council Training:(John) 2. DECLARATION OF CONFLICT(S) OF INTEREST 3. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD The public may address the City Council regarding issues that are or are not on the agenda. Please limit comments to 3 minutes. Please state your name and address of residence for the record. No actions may be taken on items not specifically listed on the agenda. Dustin Child: Parking on street at night 4. PRESENTATIONS 4.1 Farmington Fire report 5. DISCUSSION ITEMS Discussion items to be considered. 5.1 Election Survey Results 5.2 Budget 5.3 Strategic Planning Meeting 5.4 Recycling Survey 6. ACTION ITEMS 6.1 Approve February 4, 2025, City Council Minutes 7. TABLED ITEMS 8. CALENDAR ITEMS 8.1 Recycling Survey running February 24- March 12 8.2 February 25, 2025, Planning Commission Meeting 8.3 March 4, 2025, Strategic Planning Meeting with City Council and Staff 8.4 March 4, 2025, City Council Meeting 8.5 March 18, 2025, City Council Meeting 9. PAST DICUSSION ITEMS 10. COUNCIL REPORT 11. MAYOR REPORT 12. STAFF REPORT 13. CLOSED SESSION  The City Council may vote to discuss matters in a closed session for reasons allowed by law, including, but not limited to, the provisions of Utah Code § 52-4-205 of the Open and Public Meetings Act, and for attorney-client matters that are privileged pursuant to Utah Code § 78B- 1-137. 14. ADJOURNMENT CERTIFICATE OF POSTING I HEREBY CERTIFY that this notice and agenda was posted at Fruit Heights City Hall, on the City’s website, www.fruitheightscity.com, as well as posted on the Utah State Public Notice website in accordance with the requirements of the Utah Open and Public Meetings Act, including, but not limited to, provisions of Utah Code § 52-4-202. Hailee Ballingham Hailee Ballingham - Deputy Recorder In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations during this meeting should contact the Fruit Heights City Manager, Darren Frandsen at (801)546-0861 at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Helpful Links. Fruit Heights City Website: https://www.fruitheightscity.com/ Fruit Heights City YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaIqHYd0U5RCpaDo8rquABw Fruit Heights City Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/FruitHeightsCityGovernment FRUIT HEIGHTS ELECTION SYSTEM SURVEY - 2025 PLEASE SEE ALL SUBMITTED COMMENTS ON THE PAGES BELOW 1anonymous-The primary election system seems more fair, and likely to bring better candidates to our city. 2anonymous-Caucus system results in a buddy-buddy “this is for us not the citizens” mentality in the city council, as seen by the council in the past 6 years. Give bigger head to developers, why don’t you. Destroy the entire moun- tain instead of just half of it. Push dangerous permitting through like it’s a push-pop and never ever enforce any- thing no matter what. You’re all shameful and the caucus is the cause. 3anonymous-There will be an added cost to all those running if very many people run. At $25 to run we’ve had 12 people put their names in - will the participation be that high if it cost 12 people $2000 to run? 4anonymous-Primary elections are accessible to more residents and shows less favoritism. A caucus election is a way for those running to bring in their friends, ward members and neighbors to support them. Non LDS mem- bers, new residents and those unaware of how a caucus works have a disadvantage to those seasoned to the process. Nominations should be based on merit, effort and dedication, not only by popularity. And 5anonymous-A small group of people can decide who runs for office throughThe caucus system. Primary would represent more residents being able to run and have their voices heard. 6anonymous-Not many people know me. I’d do better in a primary election 7anonymous-Caucuses are outdated. Time to move on. 8anonymous-To get more residents involved in the election process 9anonymous-I like the cause system because it allows us to operate outside the two party system. I like the closeness it allows us to have with the election system. 10anonymous-I just don’t know why we are still using an antiquated system like a caucus. Please change it to a pri- mary election. 11anonymous-I don’t think we need to add costs to the city by changing the caucus system. 12anonymous-I think the change is a good idea 13anonymous-Please abandon the pinecone and sagebrush terminology and move to a primary election system. Thank you. 14anonymous-As a newer resident, a primary system better allows me to run for office and participate if I so choose. 15anonymous-Fruit Heights has become the butt of many jokes over the past 20 years, as we are the only city across the Wasatch Front to maintain the archaic caucus system. Below is a link to a Deseret News article poking fun at our system 25 years ago. I believe the caucus system worked for us 50 years ago to help fill a ballot, but it is long past time to move away from a system that can easily be manipulated and maintain the integrity of our political future. https://www.deseret.com/2001/8/12/19601091/sagebrush-pinecones-face-off/ 16anonymous-I think the best part of the Caucus system has been the lack of major political party affiliation. Most city services and functions are not inherently political, and it makes for better outcomes of electing people based on their values related to the decisions they will be impacting. 17anonymous-A primary will allow more non-LDS residents to have an equal chance. A caucus tends to look like a popularity contest. 18anonymous-It’s time to move on and put caucus’ to rest. 19anonymous-Moving to a primary election would allow more voices to be heard instead of limiting input to only those in attendance in a time consuming caucus meeting. 20anonymous-The caucus system doesn’t make sense for our town. State law makes all municipal elections non-par- tisan, and we should allow our city to operate local government in a way most effective for us. 21anonymous-We should stay as is 22anonymous-I’ve learned that you have to be part of “THE CLUB” to participate in the Fruit Heights caucus sys- tem. There is a reason all the other cities moved away from this system. It is time we do, too. 23anonymous-I’ve lived in Fruit Heights for almost 40 years, and I’ve seen a lot of changes in our community. The caucus system worked well in the past, but it’s time to move on. It no longer serves the best interests of the people—it only serves those who know how to work the system. Take Eileen, for example. I’ve known her for many years, and I don’t doubt she cares a lot about our community, but she’s been in office far too long. It’s no secret that the caucus system benefits those who know how to control the process. Every time she or anyone else from her ward wants to run, the same group of neighbors shows up to nominate and vote for her, just like what happened in the basement two years ago. If any of the currently elected officials insist on keeping the caucus instead of moving to a primary election, I think we need to take a hard look at their reasons why. Is this about what’s best for Fruit Heights, or is it about keeping things the way they’ve always been for the benefit of a few? It’s time for a change—one that gives ev- eryone in our community (member of her ward or not) a fair and equal chance. 24anonymous-The caucus system keeps the opportunity open to all people, because costs are lower. To run in a primary you have to get your name and message out to the whole city, which costs money—the caucus replaces that step with a no cost method, thus it is more accessible to run that way. A primary often goes to the people with more signs and flyers, who simply can pay to achieve name recognition, over those who cannot. Caucuses are not perfect, but we could work on improving them before scrapping them, since they act as a playing field leveler. 25anonymous-Becoming a candidate in the Primary Election System is fraught with expenses beyond what is usually incurred in the Caucus System - much higher. Before sending out a survey such as this one, more than a cursory ex- planation of the current caucus system should be given, including the history and reasons for the original adoption. Most people who have not attended a Fruit Heights caucus, assume that a traditional Republican and Democratic caucus is referenced. They are much different because the national divisive parties are not included. For this reason, more people have an unprejudiced and fair chance of receiving nomination without having to align with one of those parties, gathering signatures, or spending a lot of money. I, for one, appreciate that Fruit Heights in unafraid to uti- lize a unique approach and dares to stand against the divisiveness of the present political system.. 26anonymous-Primary sounds better 27anonymous-Caucus system provides a better way to ensure we have candidates on the ballot and that the incum- bent doesn’t run unopposed. 28anonymous-Switch to primary election system 100% 29anonymous-Love the history of Pinecone and Sagebrush parties established long ago. Why change? 30anonymous-I believe most elections would be much better if no one had a D or an R after their name. 31anonymous-We are currently concerned about how few residents are involved in the nomination process on caucus night. We are wondering if a primary might get more people involved, as more people seem to understand the prima- ry election process and pew understand the caucus. 32anonymous-The older I get the harder it is to go out in the evening for anything. I would come to a Meet Your Can- didate Night though, so I can learn more about these running for office. I don’t like the Sagebrush and Pinecone Party approach. Thank You! 33anonymous-I don’t want to see the national/state parties infiltrated in Fruit Heights management or elections. 34anonymous-I prefer the primary election system because my work and graduated courses make evenings very full for the next four years. Primary election lets people participate even if they have other commitments. 35anonymous-Time to change 36anonymous-The current caucus setup does not feel welcoming to outsiders. If someone is interested in running for office they should have the ability to declare for themselves. My neighbors said it all came down to who was staged in which rooms to determine who was “allowed” to run for office yet again. And again. And again. If you weren’t with the right people you didn’t stand a chance to even have the chance to run for office. 37anonymous-I prefer the cock system because this is a time when the community comes together. It is when we are a neighborhood and we make decisions together. I was a city council person and I appreciated the system. I am sorry that for the cost that is associated with running. I actually think the signs don’t persuade voters but getting out and visiting with significant people in the community does. 38anonymous-I just moved here and the election process is silly. I think Fruit Heights is the only city in Utah to not run a primary election. Its time to move on from a broken system. 39anonymous-I don’t think that the current Caucus System represents all the individuals who would be willing to serve. If you are unable to attend or cannot get enough of your neighbors there to support you, your chances are very limited on getting nominated or even making the ballot. 40anonymous-I believe the caucus system has worked extremely well and has been a successful in our city for quite a long time. The nature of our residents and the success of our city staff and management has allowed the caucus system to work effectively. In the caucus meetings that I have attended over the years, we see residents who want to partici- pate in the political process. I feel strongly that we should stay with the current system and reject joining the expen- sive primary election 41anonymous-I believe a primary system would represent all of the residents instead of the few who attend the cau- cus. 42anonymous-The caucus system as it stands regardless of the names allows citizens to attend whichever meeting they choose. This opens up the opportunity for citizens to go to whichever meeting they want. They are not forced to associated with a specific political party. The caucus system allows you to choose representatives without the divisive current nature of politics associated with a mutiple party system. Leave the caucus alone! Change the names to group A & B if you want but the current system has worked fine for almost 3/4 th of a century. 43anonymous-I have been a resident of Fruit Heights for over 42 years. Have attended caucus meetings for the same number of years. The meetings held in individual peoples homes. My opinion is leave it alone. 44anonymous-I saw the Caucus System allow a very few people withhold nomination of a very popular candidate! 45anonymous-As someone who is mostly unable to meet in person for a long caucus meeting, the primary system better suits my personal needs. 46anonymous-My concern with the caucus system is that the loudest voices are the main ones that get heard. It is also difficult to find time for the caucus meeting - for instance the last caucus meeting conflicted with an important effort at my work and I wasn’t able to attend. 47anonymous-I would prefer a primary system with Ranked Choice Voting to determine the top candidates. 48anonymous-Going to the caucus meetings, I only see the same people attending. The caucus is not very conve- nient for people that work long hours or have children. While it is good to gather and discuss ideas, caucus meet- ings take an extra effort to attend and do not represent those that are unable to join meetings in person. 49anonymous-Not everyone can make it to caucus meetings, but still want to be part of the voting process. I attend caucus meetings, but don’t like how the same vocal people are always heard-some of us are more quiet, but still have opinions. 50anonymous-I’m strongly in favor of a primary election system. It gives voters who are unable to attend a caucus a voice, and equals out voices for introverts and extroverts alike. 51anonymous-Primary sounds like a fairer way for all registered voters to have a say versus a room of people repre- senting the voters and deciding who can be voted for. 52anonymous-I haven’t been able to attend caucus night so feel I am not being represented 53anonymous-From my understanding, Caucuses are more complex and limit the number of people that can or are able to participate in an election. I think anything that simplifies our election systems and invites others to become involved should be supported, so I am in favor of the Primary Election System. 54anonymous-Keep our current system!!! Why changer what works 55anonymous-Can never attend the caucus due to scheduling limitations. 56anonymous-I believe a primary system will encourage good candidates that may not participate in a caucus. Some elected officials in our city have corralled the caucus system to a point where they have no competition. 57anonymous-I do not appreciate caucus systems. I live with a family member who is immunocompromised so I do everything possible to avoid crowds. 58anonymous-I think the primary system will open up the process so more residence are able to participate. More involvement means better representation. 59anonymous-I’ve gone to caucus meetings. I’ve skipped caucus meetings. It makes no difference if I or others are there. The same things will occur, the same people will be nominated and approved regardless of the input or wishes of other residents. It all seems very “handled”in this old system. 60anonymous-If $4,000 has to come out of a general fund in a primary election, I am not in favor of taxes or going up in our city. Prices are already outrageous. 61anonymous-Is this just for Fruit Heights or the state of Utah 62anonymous-Why can’t we self nominate our self at a caucus? 63anonymous-Either system would be acceptable. The main reasons I chose the caucus system are: the cost consid- eration, the caucus seems to work fine as is and has a small town charm about it which is unique. 64anonymous-I am not a fan of the caucus system in Utah. Once again this past year, we realized that delegates are not in touch with the overall populace of voters. I understand that Fruit Heights is not quite the same but I feel like outspoken people (who don’t have the same political views that I do) win the day with caucus nights. I want the best candidates to emerge to the ballot with either us knowing the candidates or reading their views on governing and/or upcoming needs of the city. 65anonymous-I like the Caucus System, but my family does not. There are more of them than me and a Primary Election increases their chances of participation. 66anonymous-I prefer the primary election system-however another tax increase is NOT what I would like to see 67anonymous-The primary election system may make better sense for larger cities, but given the relatively smaller size of Fruit Heights, the Caucus system makes better sense. 68anonymous-If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Self nomination has the potential to see too many candidates in the prima- ry. To many choices of individuals that we may know or not know. It has the potential to get confusing and voters may or may not invest the time to learn about the candidate’s potentially leading to disinterest in the process. 69anonymous-Generally speaking, I favor primary elections over the caucus system, but for our small city, I think the caucus system has worked well. I attend the FH caucus meetings each time. Sometimes there are a handful of people interested in running in the Sagebrush room and only one or two in the Pinecone room or vice versa. I’m wondering if there’s a way to spread prospective candidates more evenly between the two “parties”/rooms? 70anonymous-I’ve read the history. I appreciate the history. I also see the growth and need for change. It isn’t disre- spectful of history to embrace a system that serves the now. 71anonymous-I do not like the Caucus system. too easy for special interest group to sway the nominations. 72anonymous-I feel we would have more in the possible “pool” for election if it was done with a primary election. I feel the caucus can be challenging in getting people to attend and then we are limited in who is nominated. 73anonymous-I believe a primary gives more people an opportunity to run, and also gives the voters a wider selec- tion of candidates to consider. The GOP caucus system has soured us completely on caucuses. 74anonymous-Having been a county delegate and seeing the caucus process, I’m torn. Caucuses give you more information about candidates and forces some effort. Primaries involve more people, but with a low bar of partici- pation. I saw in the caucuses, one individual win, and another individual get on the ballot with signatures and win. Those of us who took the time to talk to the individual who won the office found out in the course of researching and meeting candidates that he was nice but no longer had the mental acuity to carry on a conversation or answer questions. It was very disenfranchising and made me feel like positions could be bought (signatures) and that pup- pets can be in leadership. I like that caucuses keep the bar of participation higher and more accountable. 75anonymous-I believe the caucus system is problematic because it creates barriers for individuals (primarily those of a lower socioeconomic status) who may struggle to adjust their schedules to attend a single, time-specific event. If they are working blue collar jobs or multiple jobs or can’t afford a babysitter, they miss the opportunity to participate. A primary election, by contrast, provides greater accessibility and ensures that all voices have the opportunity to be heard. 76anonymous-I like the caucus system, because it is more personal. We get to see the candidates face-to-face, early in the election process. Further, we probably get a better pool of better candidates ween they’re nominated by those who hold them in high regard, rather than by the candidates themselves. I think we get a pool of candidates already vetted for their abilities to listen, collaborate, be fair and represent the interests of their constituents. 77anonymous-Love the uniqueness of our city. It should be retained 78anonymous-I like the caucus system for several reasons. It is more intimate, giving residents a chance to actually see and talk to potential candidates. That allows us to ask questions and better vet the candidates. It is less expensive than holding a primary election. 79anonymous-Love the recycling idea! 80anonymous-Stay with caucus it works very well 81anonymous-Keep caucus 82anonymous-The caucus system disenfranchises people who are unable to attend the caucus meeting for valid rea- son reasons, such as: travel, illnesses, full-time missions etc. 83anonymous-I prefer the primary system because it is a private process, doesn’t pit neighbor against neighbor or allow for peer pressure. Also the primary system allows for more voter participation for those who cannot or will not attend a caucus meeting. 84anonymous-although i am concerned about the caucus system as i have not participated, i believe a primary would just cost too much money and the person with the most money will win; just due to who can afford to advertise. So i am torn, and should probably put forth more effort to attend meetings. 85anonymous-I love and appreciate our smaller town feel. However, we aren’t the tiny little town of 100 or so people that existed when the town and this caucus system were founded. We are so much bigger, and a more fair, more equi- table system should be in place to determine our leaders. I think leaders of the past would agree. Don’t continue out of sentimental wishes. Kids grow up. Towns grow up. Do what moves forward, not what is looking back. 86anonymous-The Caucus system is out of touch with most towns. A Primary Election System is far better. 87anonymous-I think the primary election system makes it easier for all people in fruit heights to participate in the election system. 88anonymous-The Caucus system helps weed out single-issue candidates candidatessue candidate 89anonymous-Caucus system is antiquated and pretty silly. Let people decide for themselves if they want to ru and campaign accordingly 90anonymous-Go to Primary system. 91anonymous-Caucus System allows most interested citizens to participate in the process and it is the most cost effec- tive 92anonymous-Primary is the way to go. 93anonymous-I am opposed to spending money for the Primary Election System 94anonymous-I have a recurring conflict on Tuesday nights and thus can’t attend city council meetings or caucus meetings.That means I don’t have a voice in who gets on the ballot. A primary eliminates that problem for me and others similarly situated. 95anonymous-It is definitely time for the change to a primary 96anonymous-change it!!!!!!!! 97anonymous-Not enough Fruit Heights residents attend a Caucus System meeting. 98anonymous-No questions 99anonymous-Keep the Caucus system in place. 100anonymous-I’ve lived here about 12 years now. I haven’t attended a caucus meeting, but I do have a neighbor who says they want to run, but don’t feel they have the opportunity to do so in the current set up. We are in a newer area, with newer homes, and don’t make the same acquaintances at church. 101anonymous-Primary is a more fair system in my opinion. We are big enough that a chair person doesn’t o is or make contact with all who would be good candidates.