City Council Meetings

Please Note – These minutes have been prepared with a timestamp linking the agenda items to the video discussion. Electronic version of minutes will allow citizens to view discussion held during council meeting. PROVO MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Regular Meeting Agenda 5:30 PM, Tuesday, March 25, 2025 Council Chambers Hybrid meeting: 445 W. Center Street, Provo, UT 84601 or https://www.youtube.com/provocitycouncil Roll Call THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL AND ADMINISTRATION WERE PRESENT: Councilor Becky Bogdin Councilor Craig Christensen Councilor Gary Garrett Councilor George Handley Councilor Travis Hoban (remote) Councilor Katrice MacKay Councilor Rachel Whipple Mayor Michelle Kaufusi Chief Administrative Officer Scott Henderson City Attorney Brian Jones Council Executive Director Justin Harrison City Recorder Heidi Allman Conducting: Chair Gary Garrett Prayer – Richard Bowler Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Handley Presentations, Proclamations, and Awards 1 Provo City Employee of the Month - March 2025 (25-007) 0:19:23 Mayor Kaufusi opened the recognition ceremony by expressing her privilege in honoring an exceptional employee whose dedication, professionalism, and service have significantly impacted the Provo community. She emphasized that while the strength of Provo lies in cooperation and teamwork, it is equally important to acknowledge the individual contributions that make a difference every day. Mayor Kaufusi then introduced Administrative Services Director John Borget, who would present the March 2025 Employee of the Month Award to a distinguished member of the Provo facilities team. Mr. Borget began by expressing his excitement in presenting the Employee of the Month award to Jennifer Roberts, inviting her and her family to join him. He recalled the interview when Jennifer was hired two years ago, remembering how he immediately recognized her potential to positively impact the facilities department and the city. He highlighted three key characteristics that make Jennifer stand out: her personable nature, which allows her to connect well with others; her reliable follow-through on assignments, ensuring tasks are always complete; and her strong understanding of technology and computers. Mr. Borget then invited Travis, the Facilities Manager, to share additional thoughts and examples of Jennifer’s contributions. He concluded by emphasizing how deserving Jennifer is of the recognition. Travis Savage shared a heartfelt tribute to Jennifer Roberts, emphasizing her significant contributions since joining the Provo City team on June 12, 2023. He highlighted her exceptional dedication and professionalism, balancing a busy family life with three young boys while making a profound impact on Provo City Council Meeting – March 25, 2025 Page 1 of 9  Please Note – These minutes have been prepared with a timestamp linking the agenda items to the video discussion. Electronic version of minutes will allow citizens to view discussion held during council meeting. the facilities administration team. Travis specifically recognized her pivotal role in launching and optimizing the Service Now platform, which has greatly improved organization and efficiency for the facilities technicians. He also acknowledged her instrumental work in creating the department’s website, enhancing communication within the team. Travis described Jennifer as a proactive, positive, and highly reliable individual, always known for getting things done and offering support to others. He shared that many employees across the city consistently praise her, recognizing how fortunate the team is to have her. 2 A presentation recognizing the service of Greg and Valynn Baum (25-007) 0:08:57 Mayor Kaufusi presented a comprehensive overview of the "My Hometown" initiative, which is a unique partnership between Provo city, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, volunteers, and residents of the South Freedom Pioneer Park and Dixon neighborhoods. The collaboration extends to businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools, and other faith groups, all working together to revitalize these communities. This effort includes various programs such as classes at the Community Resource Centers, service days focused on beautifying and repairing homes, and community events that foster interaction among neighbors. In the past year, 1,648 residents took part in classes at the Community Resource Centers, with offerings that ranged from English as a second language and American Sign Language to financial management and basic home repair. Volunteers completed 35 home improvement and beautification projects in the target neighborhoods, with over 1,450 volunteers contributing their time and effort. Additionally, 5,300 residents participated in My Hometown community events. In total, 2,279 volunteers dedicated over 45,664 hours, which, when valued at the national volunteer rate of $29.50 per hour, amounts to $1,347,088 in contributions. Mayor Kaufusi took a moment to recognize the volunteers in the audience, who shared their time, skills, and experience teaching classes, organizing service projects, and planning social events that continue to bring neighbors together. Mayor Kaufusi took a moment to recognize Greg and Valynn Baum for their exceptional contributions to the My Hometown Pioneering Program in Provo. Under their leadership, Provo has become a model for other communities, including Orem, with multiple mayors seeking guidance on how to implement the program. Mayor Kaufusi emphasized that Provo’s success has drawn attention from the Church, which has referred other communities to learn from their efforts. To honor their leadership and commitment, Mayor Kaufusi awarded Greg and Valynn Baum the Mayor’s Award, a rare recognition, acknowledging their vital role in making the My Hometown program a success. She praised their service and leadership, noting that their contributions have greatly lifted the community and set a high standard for others to follow. Mr. Baum expressed his gratitude, beginning with recognizing Mayor Kaufusi for her unwavering support from the very beginning of the My Hometown initiative. He acknowledged her leadership and the contributions of the city liaisons, Tara Riddle and Kendra Herbert, who have been instrumental in the program's success. He highlighted how, starting with the Pioneer Park and South Freedom neighborhoods, the initiative has expanded to include the Dixon community and will soon add the Provo neighborhood in January 2026. Mr. Baum emphasized that none of the progress would have been possible without the support of Provo city. He shared that over 9,000 residents and volunteers have participated in the program since its launch in April 2022. He also spoke about the tangible impact the program has had on residents, citing examples of individuals who have learned English and improved their employment opportunities, such as the current PTA president at Franklin Elementary, an immigrant from Peru who couldn’t speak English when she arrived but is now leading her school’s PTA. Provo City Council Meeting – March 25, 2025 Page 2 of 9  Please Note – These minutes have been prepared with a timestamp linking the agenda items to the video discussion. Electronic version of minutes will allow citizens to view discussion held during council meeting. He concluded by thanking everyone for their contributions, noting that the program has truly made a difference in the lives of residents in these neighborhoods. Public Comment 0:27:58 Chair Garrett read the public comment preamble and opened the public comment period. John Hale, of Provo, shared a deep personal story about the motivation behind starting his sober living facility in Provo. John recounted the struggles of his younger brother, an athletic individual who had been captain of his football team in Mesa, Arizona. His brother’s life took a tragic turn after a motorcycle accident, leading to years of pain, addiction, homelessness, jail time, and near-death experiences. John shared how his brother, who had once been a faithful assistant to the bishop, reached a breaking point, crying out in despair during a prayer to God. This moment deeply impacted John, and he later learned that his roommate, Joey, also struggled with addiction, despite appearing to be a stalwart member of the church. Joey expressed his desire to one day start a sober living program, focusing not on the financial aspect but on the opportunity to help others. Inspired by this, John and Joey began brainstorming how to make this dream a reality. Unfortunately, Joey's dreams were derailed when a heartbreak led him into depression and relapse. John’s commitment to the cause became even more personal when he received a call from Joey’s family, asking him to check on his roommate. Tragically, John found Joey in a devastating situation, an image that he described as haunting and pivotal in transforming his vision of a sober living program into a concrete mission. Laurine Hall, of Orem, expressed her deep concerns about the development along the Provo River, particularly the rezoning of the land for the construction of three large warehouses. She painted a vivid picture, asking the council to imagine a favorite family destination, only to be disrupted by the presence of large, unsightly warehouses nearby. Laurine described the river as a sanctuary for her family, likening it to a peaceful, pastoral place in England. She expressed concerns about the potential environmental impacts of the development, including its effects on water and soil quality, the native plants, and the mature trees that provide shade for those who enjoy walking along the river. Laurine shared stories of people from surrounding areas, like Mapleton and Pleasant Grove, who come specifically to walk along this section of the river due to its natural beauty. She also highlighted the importance of preserving wildlife and the overall human experience in the community. While she expressed hope that the landowners might sell the land and retire, Laurine urged the council to consider alternative locations for the warehouses and suggested the land could be better used as a beautiful Provo reserve. With no other public comments, Chair Garrett closed public comment. Action Agenda 3 An ordinance amending the zone map classification of approximately 0.29 acres of real property, located at 4150 North Canyon Road from the Residential Agricultural (RA) zone to the One-Family Residential (R1.10) zone. North Timpview (PLRZ20250003) 0:34:06 Motion: An implied motion to approve Ordinance 2025-19, as currently constituted, has been made by council rule. Jessica Dahneke, City Planner, presented. She provided a brief follow-up presentation to clarify a zoning request that had been previously discussed at the last Council session. She explained that the proposal Provo City Council Meeting – March 25, 2025 Page 3 of 9  Please Note – These minutes have been prepared with a timestamp linking the agenda items to the video discussion. Electronic version of minutes will allow citizens to view discussion held during council meeting. has been simplified, reducing it from two parcels to just one parcel being considered for rezoning. Jessica emphasized that the parcel remains surrounded by residential zoning and existing residential properties, and that the proposed change continues to align with the neighborhood’s overall design. She concluded by noting that the rezoning is not expected to have any negative impact on surrounding properties. Bonnie Morrow, applicant, explained that the item in question relates to the settlement of Rowena Glazier’s estate. The property is located on Canyon Road, and only a portion is being pulled out for this process. She noted that the zoning change to R1-10 is consistent with the surrounding area, making it a standard and appropriate adjustment. Chair Garrett opened public comment. Sharron Memmott, of Provo, thanked staff for bringing the item back to ensure the legal description was accurate, helping to avoid future issues. She noted that the property will be zoned R1-10 due to the lot size, and that this change maintains consistency with the surrounding area, which is already zoned similarly. Chair Garrett closed public comment and invited a council discussion. With none, he called for a vote. Vote: The motion passed 7:0 with Councilors Bogdin, Christensen, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. 4 A resolution appropriating $30,780,907 in the wastewater fund for water reclamation plant improvements applying to the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. (25-037) 0:37:35 Motion: An implied motion to approve Resolution 2025-11, as currently constituted, has been made by council rule. Jimmy McKnight, Public Works Division Director, presented. He explained that discussions for this funding began during last year’s budget season and continued through November, resulting in a $7 million low-interest loan from the State of Utah. To cover the remaining amount, the city held a bond sale in January, receiving 14 bids. The winning bid offered a 3.75% interest rate on a $29 million loan. Due to re-offering the bond premium, the city now has over $30 million available for the project. Jimmy emphasized the need to appropriate the funds now, rather than waiting for the July budget process, to allow construction to begin promptly. Chair Garrett opened public comment. With none, and no council discussion, he called for a vote. Vote: The motion passed 7:0 with Councilors Bogdin, Christensen, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. 5 A resolution approving the appropriation of $65,057 in the general fund for a contractual sales tax increment post-performance payment to East Bay Shopping Center. (25-045) 0:40:21 Motion: An implied motion to approve Resolution 2025-12, as currently constituted, has been made by council rule. Provo City Council Meeting – March 25, 2025 Page 4 of 9  Please Note – These minutes have been prepared with a timestamp linking the agenda items to the video discussion. Electronic version of minutes will allow citizens to view discussion held during council meeting. Melissa McNalley, Community Grant and Redevelopment Administrator, presented. She said this agreement, made in 2018, was intended to support the introduction of a Ross retail store to help revitalize shopping in that area of Provo. The requested amount represents the fifth year of a 10-year agreement, and the total reimbursement over the five years will amount to $306,155. Chair Garrett opened public comment. With none, and no council discussion, he called for a vote. Vote: The motion passed 7:0 with Councilors Bogdin, Christensen, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. 6 A resolution approving lease purchase financing for two fire engines. (25-033) 0:42:29 Motion: An implied motion to approve Resolution 2025-13, as currently constituted, has been made by council rule. Mr. Borget provided an overview of a tax-exempt lease agreement for financing the purchase of fire apparatus. He explained that for several years, the city has used this method, which is technically a loan, to secure favorable rates for funding fire equipment. The Fire Department plans to enter into a tax- exempt lease-to-purchase agreement with Webster Bank, which offered the lowest bid of 4.12% after a competitive process with seven other bidders. The loan amount is $2.7 million, with an effective date of April 1, 2025, and a final maturity date of April 1, 2033, making it an eight-year loan. Chair Garrett opened public comment. With none, he invited a council discussion. Mr. Jones noted that an email had been circulated about updated exhibits. He pointed out that the resolution itself also needed to be updated because the amount was slightly incorrect. He asked Kevin to display the updated figure on the screen and clarified that, while it was a technical adjustment, the proper procedure was to make a motion to amend the resolution. The corrected amount was $2,707,500, and he wanted to ensure the number was on the record. He then requested that someone make a motion to amend the resolution to reflect this updated figure. Motion: Councilor Bogdin made a motion to update the language in the resolution to reflect the correct amount. Seconded by Councilor Whipple. Chair asked if there was any discussion on the motion. With none, he called for a vote on the motion. Vote: The motion passed 7:0 with Councilors Bogdin, Christensen, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. Chair Garrett called for a vote on the implied motion as amended. Vote: The motion passed 7:0 with Councilors Bogdin, Christensen, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. 7 A resolution appropriating $351,655 in the vehicle replacement fund for the first payment on, and legal fees for, two fire truck leases. (25-033) 0:47:21 Provo City Council Meeting – March 25, 2025 Page 5 of 9  Please Note – These minutes have been prepared with a timestamp linking the agenda items to the video discussion. Electronic version of minutes will allow citizens to view discussion held during council meeting. Motion: An implied motion to approve Resolution 2025-14, as currently constituted, has been made by council rule. Mr. Borget presented. Mr. Borget explained that leases for this financing typically require the first payment to be made at the beginning of the period, rather than at the end. He noted that the first payment of $351,655 would be appropriated from the vehicle replacement fund, which was used to finance the purchase. Chair Garrett opened public comment. With none, he closed public comment and invited a council discussion. Councilor Bogdin asked if the impact fees for public safety also cover the cost of fire engines. Mr. Borget responded that impact fees can be used for fire engines, provided certain qualifications are met. He noted that while the city has already made significant investments in fire stations, they are also evaluating other police needs. However, it is important to note that only commercial impact fees can be used for this purpose; residential impact fees do not qualify. With no other council discussion, Chair Garrett called for a vote. Vote: The motion passed 7:0 with Councilors Bogdin, Christensen, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. 8 An ordinance amending the zone map classification of real property, generally located at 2601 West 280 South, from the Agricultural (A1.1) zone to the Agricultural with Agritourism Overlay (A1.1(AT)) zone. Provo Bay Neighborhood. (PLRZ20230196) 0:50:05 Motion: An implied motion to approve Ordinance 2025-20, as currently constituted, has been made by council rule. Aaron Ardmore, Planning Supervisor, presented. Mr. Ardmore shared that the applicants have been working on the project for a couple of years. Their project plan, which has gone through staff review and was approved by the Planning Commission, meets all the requirements of the proposed overlay zone. This includes compliance with use, hours, and noise standards. The proposal is to build an event center on the west end of the property, which will take up about a third of the land and include associated parking. The overlay zone, designed to preserve agricultural uses in Provo, is being followed, and both staff and the Planning Commission have recommended approval. Barry Finch, applicant, shared that the project has been a two-and-a-half-year journey, with numerous meetings and communications with city staff, the Planning Commission, and the City Council. He emphasized that they have agreed to all requirements set by the city, including security for events, when necessary, restrictive operational hours, and a more stringent sound ordinance than other venues in Provo. He also mentioned that they rezoned their property and invested in street improvements, even though they now must remove and alter parts of the property they do not own. Finch expressed frustration over what he described as "extortion" due to the $100,000 street improvement assessment. Additionally, they agreed to install a $50,000 grease trap for a prep kitchen, despite not needing it for their operations. Finch concluded by urging the council to pass the proposal, highlighting the significant Provo City Council Meeting – March 25, 2025 Page 6 of 9  Please Note – These minutes have been prepared with a timestamp linking the agenda items to the video discussion. Electronic version of minutes will allow citizens to view discussion held during council meeting. investment and the time spent on the project. He assured the council that they were committed to creating a successful agritourism venue. Judy Finch, applicant, expressed her dismay and disappointment over comments made in a work meeting earlier, where it was suggested that her husband lacked understanding of project requirements and implied that they could not be trusted. She found these remarks painful, especially given their history of contributing to the community. She highlighted that despite inviting city council members to visit their farm and discuss their vision, only Councilor MacKay took the opportunity. She also noted that their neighborhood representative, Councilor Bogdin, had never reached out or visited their property. Judy emphasized the positive feedback they received from neighbors and their long-standing involvement in the community, including hosting events like pumpkin patches, vegetable sales, and pony rides. She reminded the council of the West end of Provo's long-term plan, which supports preserving agricultural heritage, supporting agritourism, and encouraging agricultural operations. She asked the council to reconsider its stance, stressing that their project aligns with these policies and that they are non-traditional farmers deserving of support. Judy concluded by asking the council for help in moving the project forward, emphasizing its potential benefit to the community. Andrew Finch, applicant’s son, shared the history of his family's farm, which was started by his grandfather in the 1950s and later expanded by his father in the 1980s. He explained that, as part of the third and fourth generations, his family is committed to preserving the farm for future generations. Two and a half years ago, his parents gathered the family to discuss ways to keep the farm in the family, leading to the vision of creating an event center to honor their past and secure their future. Andrew emphasized that their goal was to avoid selling the land for development and instead sustain the farm through agritourism, which offers small farms like theirs a viable way to generate income. He urged the council to approve the event center project, stressing that it would allow them to preserve the farm, continue contributing to the community, and ensure its legacy for future generations. Councilor Whipple expressed confusion about the alignment between the existing structures on the property, as shown in the Google images, and the proposed plans presented on screen. She pointed out that there seemed to be several structures on the property and asked for clarification on which ones would remain, and which ones would be removed. Mr. Finch clarified that the area where the proposed road will go was once an old dairy facility, which had large concrete silos and walls, most of which had already been removed. On the south side of the road, there is a newly constructed barn with attractive features like new tin and contrasting siding, designed to be visually appealing for customers. The business side of operations will be on the other side of the property, where customers might see horses in the riding arena or peeking out from barns. Finch emphasized significant investments made in the property, with plans for further beautification as funds become available. He invited any council members to visit the site and walk through the barns to see the progress. Additionally, he noted that many structures visible on older Google Earth images have already been torn down or cleaned up. Councilor Whipple asked Mr. Finch to review which of the buildings on the plan he submitted would be removed and which ones would remain. Mr. Finch explained that many of the old structures in the proposed road area have been removed, including barns and other buildings. A new barn has been built in the area, which is aesthetically pleasing and designed to blend in with the surroundings. He acknowledged that older barns are not Provo City Council Meeting – March 25, 2025 Page 7 of 9  Please Note – These minutes have been prepared with a timestamp linking the agenda items to the video discussion. Electronic version of minutes will allow citizens to view discussion held during council meeting. always attractive but emphasized their functionality and the ongoing renovations to improve them. Finch shared that a recent fire, caused by an external party, has affected the property's reputation, but there have been no other issues. He stated that while the area around the barns is not visually appealing, they are working on improvements, including landscaping, tree planting, and a fence to hide the venue. He further mentioned that significant investments have already been made, and although he would like to do more, the budget is limited. He invited the council to trust that the work done is substantial, and he is committed to continuing improvements. Councilor Whipple expressed confusion about the proposed layout, seeking clarification on whether the current image accurately represents the property. She noted that the plan shown did not seem to include all the existing structures that would remain. She acknowledged the applicant's efforts to upgrade the property but wanted to confirm that the layout presented in the image was not an accurate reflection of the final layout for the venue. Ms. Finch clarified that the site plan being discussed only needed to show the new developments related to the project, such as the parking lot, the new building, and the infrastructure leading to it, rather than the existing agricultural structures on the property. Councilor Whipple expressed that this clarification was helpful, as she had been confused by how the existing structures fit with the new proposal and now understood that the site plan focused on the new project area, not the entire farm. Mr. Finch discussed the planned improvements for the venue, including a $100,000 investment to widen the road, add a locked gate, and create a tree-lined entrance. He emphasized that there are no nearby neighbors within 800 feet, and noise and traffic would be minimal. The venue would include a parking lot, a roundabout, a barn, and a horse track for rides and events. He described a vision where guests could experience agricultural activities like pony rides, a petting zoo, and photo opportunities. The barn itself would be a high-quality post-and-beam structure, and the venue would cater to larger gatherings, including the Hispanic community. He stressed that the venue aligns with the neighborhood plan and invited council members to visit and understand the vision. Councilor Whipple thanked Mr. Finch for his dedication to the project, acknowledging the challenges, expenses, and frustrations he has faced. She appreciated the unique vision of the event center, noting that it offers something other centers cannot. She expressed support for the project, highlighting that approval would help secure funding, which could be reinvested into cosmetic upgrades to improve both the business and the overall experience while preserving the farm's agricultural focus. Mr. Finch expressed the financial strain his family is under, acknowledging that they are pushing their financial limits to make the project work. He emphasized their commitment to success and ensuring the farm's future, stating that the current operations, while not aesthetically pleasing to some, are helping fund the venue's development. He urged for the approval of the project to move forward, highlighting the significant time and money already invested, and stressed that they are at a critical point. Chair Garrett opened public comment. With no comments, and no further council discussion, he called for a vote. Vote: The motion passed 7:0 with Councilors Bogdin, Christensen, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. Provo City Council Meeting – March 25, 2025 Page 8 of 9  Please Note – These minutes have been prepared with a timestamp linking the agenda items to the video discussion. Electronic version of minutes will allow citizens to view discussion held during council meeting. 9 **CONTINUED** An Ordinance approving of a Text Amendment to Section 14.17D.020 (Permitted Uses in Airport Zones) to add Data Centers and Self-Serve Power Plants as permitted uses. Citywide application. (PLOTA20240373) Adjournment The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at approximately 6:49 PM. 6th day of May, 2025 Provo City Council Meeting – March 25, 2025 Page 9 of 9