City Council

Minutes of Regular Meeting of Council of Ogden City, Utah, February 2, 2016 Page Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Ogden City Council held on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 at 6:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers on the third floor of the Municipal Building, 2549 Washington Boulevard, Ogden City, Weber County, Utah. Present: Chair Marcia L. White Vice Chair Bart E. Blair Council members Neil K. Garner Richard A. Hyer Luis Lopez Ben Nadolski Doug Stephens Council Deputy Director Janene Eller-Smith Council Policy Analyst Glenn Symes Communications Manager Amy Sue Mabey Also present: Mayor Michael P. Caldwell Chief Administrative Officer Mark Johnson Assistant City Attorney Mark Stratford Community and Economic Development Director Tom Christopulos Community and Economic Development Deputy Manager Brandon Cooper Management Services Director David G. Buxton Public Services Director Jay Lowder Planning Manager Greg Montgomery Public Services Deputy Director Justin Anderson Recreation Manager Edd Bridge Public Ways and Parks Manager Perry Huffaker Water Utility Manager Kenton Moffett Airport Manager Jon Greiner Community Development Manager Ward Ogden Comptroller Lisa Stout Deputy Finance Manager Camille Cook Deputy City Recorder Julia LaSeure At the request of the Chair, all present stood and recited the Pledge of Allegiance led by Vice Chair Blair. A moment of silence was observed. Proposed Joint Resolution 2016-1 recognizing the life and legacy of Olene Walker A joint resolution recognizing the life and legacy of Olene Walker came before the Council for consideration. Chair White read the joint resolution, after which CHAIR WHITE MOVED TO APPROVE JOINT RESOLUTION 2016-1. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER STEPHENS, ALL VOTING AYE. Proposed Joint Resolution 2016-5 recognizing the Ogden City Water Utility Division and its services A joint resolution recognizing the Ogden City Water Utility Division and its services came before the Council for consideration. Council member Hyer read the joint resolution, after which COUNCIL MEMBER HYER MOVED TO APPROVE JOINT RESOLUTION 2016-5. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOPEZ, ALL VOTING AYE. Council member Hyer then presented the joint resolution to Water Utility Manager Moffett. Mayor Caldwell stated he has witnessed some of the great work done by Mr. Moffett and his staff and he is very appreciative of the work they do for the City. Mr. Moffett responded that information cited in the joint resolution is a result of a team effort. His Division works closely with the Engineering Division as well as the Public Ways and Parks Division. He indicated he also works closely with other entities in the City and feels this speaks to the leadership displayed by Mayor Caldwell, Chief Administrative Officer Johnson, and Public Services Director Lowder. He recognized the leadership of his crews and stated that he and his staff greatly appreciate this honor. Mr. Moffett expressed appreciation for the support of the Council as well as the rate payers of the City for their willingness to work with him and his staff through what can be some very difficult issues. Proposed Resolution 2016-5 adopting a contract with Matrix Consulting Group, LTD., to conduct a General Management and Operations Study of the City’s Fleet and Facilities Division A memo from Council staff came before the Council to consider a resolution authorizing a contract for a general management and operations study of the City’s Fleet and Facilities Division. The memo stated, following the conclusion of the FY2016 budget cycle, the Administration recommended that the Council’s next management study be conducted on the City’s Facilities Section of the Fleet and Facilities Division. The last audit of the Fleet and Facilities Division was completed in 2002 and was conducted only on the Fleet Section. After further discussion, it was determined that a study of the full Division was in order with focus on the Facilities Section. The memo reviewed the process followed to select a firm to conduct the study, noting a selection committee was assembled to analyze proposals received for the project. The recommendation is that the City Council authorize a contract with Matrix Consulting Group, LTD. The study shall analyze the policies, procedures, management and operations of the Ogden Fleet and Facilities Division, to respond to the issues outlined below. The analysis shall include comparisons with similar cities in the United States, especially those located in the West. Criteria such as city size, demographics, large central city, age of city neighborhoods, form of government, etc. should be used in the comparisons wherever possible. Further analysis should be conducted to determine if the current Fleet and Facilities Division operations are cost-competitive with the private sector and/or operating within industry standards. The study will not address the condition of the fleet or city facilities. The study will focus on management and performance review, personnel management and training, data collection and management, records management, fiscal management, and strategic planning. Chair White introduced in writing proposed Resolution 2016-5, entitled: “A resolution of the Ogden City Council adopting a contract with Matrix Consulting Group, LTD., to conduct a general management and operations study of the City’s Fleet and Facilities Division.” COUNCIL MEMBER NADOLSKI MOVED THE RESOLUTION BE ADOPTED, AND THE CHAIR BE AUTHORIZED TO SIGN THE SAME. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GARNER, ALL VOTING AYE. Consideration of the appointments to the Ogden City Planning Commission A letter from Mayor Caldwell requesting consideration of the appointments of Bob Chris and Dave Graff to the Ogden City Planning Commission came before the Council for consideration. COUNCIL MEMBER NADOLSKI MOVED TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENTS OF BOB CHRIS AND DAVE GRAF TO THE OGDEN CITY PLANNING COMMISSION, WITH THEIR TERMS TO EXPIRE JULY 1, 2019. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GARNER, ALL VOTING AYE. Consideration of the appointments to the Records Review Board A letter from Mayor Caldwell requesting consideration of the appointments of Ryan Cowley and Tamara Glover to the Ogden Records Review Board came before the Council for consideration. COUNCIL MEMBER NADOLSKI MOVED TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENTS OF RYAN COWLEY AND TAMARA GLOVER TO THE RECORDS REVIEW BOARD, WITH THEIR TERMS TO EXPIRE OCTOBER 27, 2018 AND OCTOBER 27, 2017, RESPECTIVELY. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GARNER, ALL VOTING AYE. Consideration of the reappointments and appointment to the Urban Forestry Committee A letter from Mayor Caldwell requesting consideration of the reappointments of Joy Pashley, Dennis Miller, Daniel Wheelwright, Dean Ellis, and Robert Saunders and the appointment of Heather Root to the Urban Forestry Committee came before the Council for consideration. COUNCIL MEMBER NADOLSKI MOVED TO APPROVE THE REAPPOINTMENTS OF JOY PASHLEY, DENNIS MILLER, DANIEL WHEELRIGHT, DEAN ELLIS, AND ROBERT SAUNDERS WITH THEIR APPOINTMENTS TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 19, 2017, DECEMBER 19, 2018, DECEMBER 19, 2018, DECEMBER 17, 2017, DECEMBER 19, 2017, RESPECTIVELY AND THE APPOINTMENT OF HEATHER ROOT WITH HER APPOINTMENT TO EXPIRE DECEMBER 19, 2017 TO THE URBAN FORESTRY COMMITTEE. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GARNER, ALL VOTING AYE. Approval of Minutes Council member Stephens stated he had reviewed the minutes of the Regular Meeting and Joint Study Session of December 15, 2015 and found them to be accurate to the best of his recollection. Council member Hyer stated he had reviewed the minutes of the Work Session of December 15, 2015 and found them to be accurate to the best of his recollection. Council member Garner stated he had reviewed the minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 24, 2015 and found them to be accurate to the best of his recollection.  Vice Chair Blair stated he had reviewed the minutes of the Work Session of November 24, 2015 and found them to be accurate to the best of his recollection. VICE CHAIR BLAIR THEN MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS PRESENTED. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER GARNER, ALL VOTING AYE. Proposed Ordinance 2016-7 amending the transportation element of the Ogden City General Plan; and Proposed Ordinance 2016-8 adopting the Ogden City Bicycle Master Plan A memo from the Community and Economic Development Department regarding the Bicycle Master Plan came before the Council for consideration. The memo stated in August 2014 a contract was signed by the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) with Fehr & Peers to provide Ogden with a city-wide Bicycle Master Plan. The plan process, with a budget of approximately $100,000, began in October of 2014. The consultants, Fehr & Peers, worked with the City to develop a steering committee made up of individuals from the City and UDOT that was to meet regularly to assist in the development of the Plan. The purpose of the plan was to evaluate the City’s existing bicycle infrastructure and create a workable plan that could be used to improve the City’s bicycle network and to increase bicycle ridership in Ogden. The planning process evaluated a number of different elements related to existing bicycle infrastructure, previous bicycle related planning efforts, potential future bicycle infrastructure, financial impacts, bike-sharing programs, and bicycle parking standards and incentives. All of these elements have been evaluated and addressed in some form in the proposed Plan. The memo explained the current proposal has two parts: the Master Plan itself and an amendment to the transportation section of the General Plan. The Master Plan is a stand-alone plan that is to be adopted by ordinance. The amendment to the General Plan accompanies the Master Plan and incorporates the goals and strategies from the plan into the City’s Involve Ogden General Plan document. The Master Plan includes research on elements in which the Council and the Administration have shown an interest. The Plan consists of the following elements: 1. Introduction 2. Objectives and Strategies 3. Existing Conditions 4. Public Outreach and Input 5. Proposed System and Project Prioritization 6. Funding and Implementation The Plan also includes a detailed public involvement summary that includes comments and feedback from the stakeholder meetings and the open houses. The second part of the proposal is to amend the transportation section of the General Plan. The proposal is to incorporate the objectives and strategies developed with the Master Plan into the General Plan as a way to formalize these goals as guiding principles of the City. The amendments are specific to Section 11 of the plan document and introduce several new objectives that mirror the objectives and strategies from the Master Plan. The Bicycle Network map is also proposed to be incorporated into the General Plan. The memo concluded the Planning Commission reviewed the proposed Bicycle Master Plan at the December 2, 2015 meeting and forwarded a recommendation of approval to the Council. The recommendation was made based on findings that the proposal is consistent with public input and the general goals of the City and that it gives appropriate guidance for the future. Further, the proposal is consistent with the objectives and strategies of the General Plan and outlines a reasonable approach for implementation of a safe and efficient bicycle system in Ogden. No public comment was received at the Planning Commission meeting; however, the Plan includes an extensive review of the public outreach done to develop the Plan and a detailed list of public comments gathered as a result of the outreach efforts. City Engineer Anderson summarized the memo and stated the Bicycle Master Plan before the Council tonight is the result of work performed over the past year by City staff, the Planning Commission, a steering committee, stakeholder’s groups, and the public. He introduced Maria Vyas with Fehr & Peers and indicated she will present the Plan to the City. Ms. Vyas made a presentation regarding the Bicycle Master Plan to the City Council. She reviewed the goals of the Plan as follows: • Develop a connected network throughout Ogden and with adjoining communities • Enhance bicycle safety • Encourage bicycling for all ages and abilities • Improve cycling culture through encouragement of business and government organizations • Ongoing evaluation of bike programs, projects, and procedures The goals were developed by looking at sample goal language from other League of American Bicyclists (LAB) ranked communities and Utah-specific plans, then vetting the goal language with the steering committee, stakeholder groups, and the public. Field work was done to gain an understanding of needs and opportunities in the community and the following list was compiled: • Needs: – Connect to transit, schools, parks, employment, shopping – Routes over barriers like I-15, rail yards, major high-traffic roads – More bicycle parking – Ability to travel safely along major north-south and east-west corridors • Opportunities:  – Great existing facilities (Grant Avenue Promenade, Ogden and Weber River Parkways) provide a backbone • Bike share program – Suitability analysis • UDOT and UTA coordination Ms. Vyas provided an overview of the public outreach performed throughout the study period. Two stakeholder workshops were held with one in December of 2014 and one in May of 2015 and open houses were held in February and July of 2015. She was astounded by the turnout at the open houses; there were over 200 attendees at the first and over 100 at the second. The Plan was also discussed during two City Council work sessions and the City webpage included a link to the project website. The public outreach efforts were advertised through the City’s website, fliers at bike shops, emails to several stakeholder groups, and posts on several local social media pages. She reviewed some of the components called for in the Plan, the location of various bike infrastructure components as well as the proposed phasing of the Plan. Council member Hyer asked about the City’s current LAB ranking and what projects would need to be completed to attain a higher ranking. Ms. Vyas replied the City currently has a bronze ranking, but the City’s ranking would be increased to silver upon the adoption of the Bicycle Master Plan. She stated that in order to receive a platinum ranking, the City would need to provide a bike facility on 76 percent of all major arterial roads in the City and 45 percent of all roads. She added that a platinum ranking is also based upon a community’s bike culture, safety and enforcement of laws, and the recognition of bicyclists’ rights to the road. Council member Hyer asked if there is a State law governing interaction between automobiles and bicyclists. Ms. Vyas answered yes and noted the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) has a program called “Road Respect”, which is intended to educate motorists and bicyclists of the laws. Council member Lopez asked how long it could take for all the projects identified in the Plan to be completed. Mr. Anderson responded that is dependent upon the availability of funding for the various projects identified in the Plan. Many roadways in the City are already wide enough to include bike lanes, but there are several that would need to be widened. He stated that he believes this to be a 30-year Plan, but it would be wise to evaluate the Plan often to determine if anything was missed when it was initially developed or if additional projects are needed based upon other factors. Council member Stephens asked about the cost estimate for the projects included in phase one and how soon the projects could commence. Ms. Vyas answered the estimate for phase one is $8 million, but the majority of that cost – $6.5 million – is related to the completion of the Grant Avenue Promenade project. The other $1.5 million would provide for the completion of 41 miles of bike infrastructure. Council member Stephens asked if there are projects included in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) that would accomplish the implementation of the Plan. Mr. Anderson replied the Plan was not yet developed when CIP projects for FY2017 were identified, but he has included a placeholder in the CIP for Bike Master Plan projects. Chief Administrative Officer Johnson mentioned that revenues generated by the recently approved Proposition One tax could be dedicated to Bike Master Plan projects. Ms. Vyas added that the Plan also includes information about several different potential funding sources and she feels Ogden has an opportunity to work with Utah Transit Authority (UTA) as they are developing a region-wide program known as “First-Last Mile”, which has the goal of improving bicycle connectivity to transit options. There are several funding sources associated with the program. Council member Stephens asked Ms. Vyas to provide additional information about the education component of the Plan. Ms. Vyas responded that the Plan includes goals to educate the community about bicycle safety, but does not have an actual detailed education component. Council member Lopez asked if a study was conducted to determine how Ogden City’s current infrastructure and future plans compare with what exists in other cities throughout the State. Ms. Vyas stated that type of work was not done, but based upon her work with other communities, she believes Ogden City has excellent goals that are very forward thinking. Council member Nadolski asked Ms. Vyas for her advice on how Ogden City should manage challenges associated with the condition of the City’s infrastructure. Ms. Vyas replied the City’s infrastructure is actually great and the fact that the streets are on a grid-system provides many opportunities for incorporating bike lanes and connectivity. She added there are also many community members engaged in this project and that will provide the City great momentum. Chair White asked Ms. Vyas whether she received feedback from surrounding cities as she was conducting the study. Ms. Vyas answered no, though she did work with the Wasatch Front Regional Council to access mapping databases for other communities. Council member Lopez asked Ms. Vyas to briefly comment on the environmental benefits of implementing a Bicycle Master Plan and reaching platinum status. Ms. Vyas answered research has shown that a large number of vehicle trips are taken within three miles of a person’s residence. There is a lot of opportunity to capture short bicycle trips and creating a great bicycle network helps to further those opportunities. Reducing the amount of vehicle miles traveled will reduce vehicular air pollution. There are also many health benefits associated with an active lifestyle and this is one tool to increase physical activity. The Plan includes a section outlining many environmental benefits. Council member Stephens asked if bike lanes will be included in the Harrison Boulevard widening project at the northern end of the City. Mr. Anderson answered yes. Bike lanes will be included on the section that is widened and he is investigating the possibility of continuing the bike lanes further to the northern border of the City as road widths permit. Council member Hyer stated the one thing that will make the Plan a success is the enthusiasm of the citizenry and it is very exciting to be embarking on this project as a City. Mr. Anderson indicated he met with an individual in San Francisco, California that was key to implementing that city’s bicycle master plan and one thing he talked about is the fact that it took 25 years to fully implement the plan. He stressed that it is important to develop a plan that can be followed for many years to come. Chair White introduced in writing proposed Ordinances 2016-07 and 2016-08, entitled: “An ordinance of Ogden City, Utah amending the transportation element of the Ogden City General Plan by amending the objectives and strategies for element 11.D.4; adopting new objectives and strategies numbered element 11.D.5, 6, 7, and 8; renumbering existing objectives and strategies currently numbered element 11.D.5, 6, 7, and 8 as element 11.D.9, 10, 11, and 12; and providing that this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon posting after final passage.” “An ordinance of Ogden City, Utah, adopting the Ogden City Bicycle Master Plan; and providing that this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon posting after final passage.” Copies of the proposed ordinances were deposited with the Deputy City Recorder and ordered that the City Recorder have at least one copy available for public inspection in her office during all business hours. Chair White then called for public input regarding the proposed ordinance. Josh Jones stated he is very excited about the Plan and the support for the Plan being shown by the Council, Mayor, and City leadership. He mentioned that he has been an avid bike rider in the City for many years and it has been great to see the number of bicyclists in the City increase over that time. The community is changing and the fantastic designs of projects like the Grant Avenue Promenade and other projects included in the Plan are evidence of that change. He indicated he is proud to be a citizen of Ogden and is very hopeful for the future. There were no additional persons appearing to be heard. ON A MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER GARNER AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER HYER, ORDINANCE WAS PASSED AND ADOPTED AS OGDEN CITY ORDINANCE 2016-7 AND ORDERED POSTED AS REQUIRED BY LAW UPON THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE: VOTING AYE – COUNCIL MEMBERS GARNER, HYER, LOPEZ, NADOLSKI, STEPHENS, VICE CHAIR BLAIR, AND CHAIR WHITE. VOTING NO – NONE. ON A MOTION BY COUNCIL MEMBER HYER AND SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOPEZ, ORDINANCE WAS PASSED AND ADOPTED AS OGDEN CITY ORDINANCE 2016-8 AND ORDERED POSTED AS REQUIRED BY LAW UPON THE FOLLOWING ROLL CALL VOTE: VOTING AYE – COUNCIL MEMBERS GARNER, HYER, LOPEZ, NADOLSKI, STEPHENS, VICE CHAIR BLAIR, AND CHAIR WHITE. VOTING NO – NONE. The Chair signed the ordinances as passed and adopted and the Chair’s signature were attested by the City Recorder. The authenticated ordinances were then filed with the City Recorder for transmittal to the Mayor for review and consideration. Public Comments A Boy Scout named Ocean Mathis approached and asked about the biggest challenge the community is facing. Mayor Caldwell replied one of the things City Administration is working hardest on is economic development so that people living in Ogden have better opportunities to secure good jobs and a good place for their families to live. Mayor Comments Mayor Caldwell thanked the Council for their adoption of the ordinances pertaining to the Bicycle Master Plan. Development of the Plan has taken a great amount of time and effort and it is very near and dear to him. He thanked Josh Jones, one of the City’s GIS Technicians, who is very passionate about bicycling. He said Mr. Jones has quietly worked behind the scenes to further the Plan. Mayor Caldwell mentioned that one of Lieutenant Governor Cox’s initiatives over the past two years has been championing the need for healthier communities and he has referenced the fact that the health care economy in the United States is the fifth largest economy in the entire world. Having safe ways to get people outdoors and engaging with their community is one of the easiest and most unique ways to address obesity and other health issues. He thanked everyone that has played a part in getting the Plan completed and indicated it is his job to now work toward implementing it. Council member Comments Council member Hyer wished all those present a happy Groundhog Day. The groundhog has predicted an early spring this year for which he is very hopeful. Council member Lopez thanked the Boy Scouts present this evening and applauded Ocean Mathis for his courage in approaching and addressing the Council. Council member Nadolski thanked Mayor Caldwell and City Administration for their lead on the development of the Bicycle Master Plan. He reported he attended a conference recently where the group was addressed by Speaker Hughes from the Utah House of Representatives who quipped that Mayor Caldwell does not even own a vehicle. He said he knows that is not true, but the Mayor has taken the initiative to show that bicycling options are very important to the community. He thanked Mr. Moffett and his staff for their work in the City. Council member Nadolski explained he was approached recently by a constituent who was frustrated by City policies related to utility rates for active duty military members and Mr. Moffett and his staff helped her understand the policies and ensure they were working to benefit the resident. He stated public servants often do not get much credit for the work they do, but the constituent noticed Mr. Moffett’s service oriented attitude. Chair White directed everyone to the newly created website Ogdenbrand.ogdencity.com to fill out a survey regarding the rebranding efforts for the City. Introduction of Boy Scouts Chair White welcomed the following Boy Scouts who were working on their Citizenship in the Community Merit Badge: Montgomery Wheelwright, Jared Daines, Brigham Sadler, and Ocean Mathis. There being no further business to come before the Council, COUNCIL MEMBER GARNER MOVED THE MEETING ADJOURN AT 6:56 P.M. MOTION WAS SECONDED BY COUNCIL MEMBER LOPEZ, ALL VOTING AYE. /s/ Julia M. LaSeure JULIA M. LASEURE, MMC DEPUTY CITY RECORDER /s/ Marcia L. White MARCIA L. WHITE, CHAIR APPROVED: May 17, 2016