City Council Agendas & Minutes

MINUTES CITY COUNCIL MEETING FRUIT HEIGHTS CITY 910 South Mountain Road August 5, 2025 WELCOME: Mayor John Polman called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. PLEDGE & OPENING CEREMONY: The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Council Member Mark Cottrell with Council Member Shon Steveson conducting the opening ceremony by prayer. COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT: Mayor John Pohlman, Council Members, Gary Anderson, Mark Cottrell, Eileen Moss, Florence Sadler, and Shon Stevenson. CITY STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Darren Frandsen Public Works Director Layne Leonard and Deputy Recorder Hailee Ballingham. VISITORS: Mary Monson, Lane Monson, Jim Crismer, Linda Crismer, Jack Kite, Louise Kite, David Hale, Jeanne Groberg, Blake Winslow, Celeste Cottrell, Grant Batt, and others DECLARATION OF CONFILICT(S) OF INTEREST: Council Members Eileen Moss and Shon Stevenson have declared a conflict of interest regarding agenda item 5.1, which addresses the timeframe for political signs. Both individuals are currently candidates in the upcoming municipal election and, as such, have a personal interest in matters related to campaign signage regulations. TRAINING: Council Member Moss made two brief points: Pledge of Allegiance Clarification: She noted that the correct phrasing of the Pledge of Allegiance is “one nation under God” without a comma. She encouraged everyone to be mindful of the phrasing during the rare occasions we say the Pledge, such as at city meetings. Planning Commission Role Reminder: She discussed the importance of the Planning Commission, particularly in relation to the evening’s discussion on fence ordinances, which contain some ambiguities. She emphasized that the Planning Commission plays a vital role in reviewing and recommending ordinance changes and should be actively involved when new or unclear issues arise. PUBLIC COMMENT: Linda Crismer thanked the City Council for expanding firework restrictions during the week of the 24th, noting it was much quieter on her side of the highway. She shared a concern from the night of the 24th around 11:30 PM, when loud aerial fireworks were going off. Her husband went to check if they were being set off near the city building, but found they were coming from across the highway. A sheriff’s deputy was seen driving past but instead of addressing the fireworks, he parked at the nearby church. Linda suggested the city clarify what fireworks are legal, particularly emphasizing the rule that anything below 150 feet is considered illegal. She recommended that the city provide clear public guidance before future holidays, so residents understand which fireworks are allowed. PRESENTATIONS: 4.1YCC Report Presented by: Grant Batt for August, they will be participating in Founder's Day with the Wild West theme. They had considered organizing a 5K run but decided against it this year due to limited planning time. They are considering it for next year. For September, their activity will involve distributing flyers to educate the public about the drainage system. 4.2 Mr. and Mrs. Kite expressed frustration over unclear responses related to fence placement, pool setbacks, drainage issues, and ordinance interpretation. They stated that the ordinances are inconsistent and difficult to navigate, and that city staff has not provided clear guidance despite repeated efforts. The City Council clarified that such matters must go through the Planning Commission and legal review before any decisions can be made. The mayor committed to scheduling a meeting with the Kites and the city manager to work toward a resolution. DISCUSSION ITEMS: 5.1 Ordinance Title 10-16-10 Political sings The council discussed updates to the political sign ordinance, specifically changing the allowed display period to 45 days before an election. The staff confirmed that no land use changes were made—only adjustments to the number of days—so it does not require Planning Commission review. Some council members expressed initial concern about overstepping authority but agreed that since no areas or zoning were altered, council approval is appropriate. The ordinance provided will move forward to a public hearing in two weeks. 5.2 Sales of 2 Parcels Located at Approx. Main Street and Highway 89 to UDOT The council discussed two small city-owned parcels near Cherry Hill that need to be sold in order to clean up property boundaries for UDOT's ongoing Highway 89 project. UDOT requires a resolution from the City Council to proceed with the sales, which will allow them to consolidate the property for future use or sale. The parcels were previously sold and re-acquired, and recent research confirmed they are still listed under Fruit Heights City ownership. The city attorney confirmed the pricing is appropriate, recommending moving forward without city funds being used to retain the land. 5.3 Fraud Risk Assessment The city completed its annual Fraud Risk Assessment, as required by the State Auditor following the budget process. Staff confirmed compliance with internal controls—including purchasing policies, separation of duties, and ordinances—resulting in a low overall fraud risk. Ongoing ethics training, annual conflict of interest forms, and regular policy reviews continue to strengthen the city’s fraud prevention efforts. Councilmember Sadler mentioned that though she has properly been sworn in, received initial training as well as other training, she has never been asked to commit to these things in writing as asked in #4 of the Fraud Risk Assessment document. 5.4 Water Conservation Plan 2025 The city updates its Water Conservation Plan every five years, and all previous goals have been met. New goals include reducing per capita water use by 5%, monitoring construction water, increasing public education, and replacing faulty or outdated meters. Council members noted ongoing success with decreasing overall water usage. ACTION ITEMS: 6.1 Sale of Parcels Located at Approx Main Street and Highway 89 to UDOT Council Member Eileen Moss made a motion to approve Resolution No.2025-008 Authorizing the execution of a quit claim deed PIN No. 13821- Parcel No.0089:237D. Council Member Mark Cottrell seconded the motion it was unanimously approved by the council. (0:37) Council Member Florence Sadler made a motion to approve Resolution No.2025-009 Authorizing the execution of a quit claim deed PIN No. 13821- Parcel No.0089:237B: T. Council Member Shon Steveson seconded the motion it was unanimously approved by the council (0:38) 6.2 Approve July 15,2025 City Council Minutes. Council Member Shon Steveson made a motion to approve July 15, 2025, city Council Minutes. Council Member Mark Cottrell seconded the motion it was unanimously approved by the council (0:39) TABLED ITEMS: None CALENDAR: 8.1 August 19, 2025, City Council Meeting 8.2 August 21-23, 2025, Quilt Show 8.3 August 22-23, 2025, Chalk Art Festival 8.4 August 23, 2025, Founders’ Day 8.5 August 26, 2025, Planning Commission Meeting PAST DISCUSSION ITEMS: 9.1 E-Bikes City Manager has gathered information from other communities and states regarding e-bike regulations and is coordinating with the sheriff’s department to identify enforceable rules. A key challenge is the inconsistency between cities across the area, which makes enforcement difficult. He plans to meet with neighboring city managers to align approaches and ensure consistency. The issue will be brought to the council agenda for discussion in the next few weeks. CITY COUNCIL REPORTS: Council Member Cottrell: Founders Day will be held Saturday, August 23, from 5–8 PM. City staff has asked council members to arrive around 3:30 PM to help set up games, the Rodeo Zone, voting tables, and water stations. Cleanup afterward involves bringing tables/games into the building; city staff will handle putting things away on Monday. The Ridge Runner newsletter includes great event details and history changes. The Veterans Memorial: The city is accepting new names for engraving on the memorial through October 8. A $50 donation is requested per name. There have already been six names submitted so far. Council Member Moss: reminded the council that the CCC/Emergency Preparedness personnel will be attending the next council meeting to provide a quick training update. MAYOR REPORT: CITY STAFF REPORTS: Public Works Director Layne Leonard: the water retention basins have been seeded, though the timing wasn’t ideal. Staff plans to oversee the area to encourage better growth by next spring. Parks are also improving, with ongoing cleanup efforts related to the Highway 89 project. Overall, the Parks are continuing to improve. CLOSED SESSION: ADJOURNMENT: Council Member Eileen Moss made a motion to adjourn the meeting with Council Member Gary Anderson seconding the motion. It was unanimously approved by the Council. (7:49) Not approved until signed. /S/: _____________________________ Hailee Ballingham, City Deputy Recorder Date approved by City Council: August 19, 2025