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 Stormwater Service District Governing Board Redevelopment Agency Governing Board Regular Meeting Agenda 5:30 PM, Tuesday, May 06, 2025 Council Chambers (Room 100) 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 George Handley Councilor Gary Garrett Councilor Katrice MacKay Councilor Travis Hoban Mayor Michelle Kaufusi Councilor Rachel Whipple City Attorney Brian Jones Chief Administrative Officer Scott Henderson Council Executive Director Justin Harrison City Recorder Heidi Allman Conducting: Chair Gary Garrett Excused: Councilor Craig Christensen Prayer – Megan McMillan Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Whipple Presentations, Proclamations, and Awards 1 A presentation recognizing the Spring 2025 Provology Graduates (25-007) 0:07:20 Scott Henderson, CAO, presented. He introduced the Spring 2025 graduating class of Provology, recognizing them as some of the most well-informed residents regarding Provo’s municipal government. He noted that Mayor Kaufusi and Chair Garrett would be joining in presenting the graduates with their diplomas. Following the awarding of diplomas, attendees were invited to a dinner social in the community room. Graduates were asked to remain at the front after receiving their diplomas for a group photo. The following graduates were recognized: John Bair, Daniele Benigni, Rebecca Brailsford, James Brookhart, Andrea Busby, Steven Crandall, Rebecca Dawn, Bill Elieson, Karen Elieson, Haley Garner, Aline Hathcock, Elizabeth Hedengren, Paul Hedengren, Valerie King, and Shari LaFleur. Public Comment 0:12:55 Chair Garrett read the public comment preamble and opened the public comment period. With none, he closed public comment. With no objections, the Provo Municipal Council adjourned and reconvened as the Stormwater Service District Governing Board of Provo City with Chair Garrett conducting. Provo City Council Meeting – May 6, 2025 Page 1 of 12  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. Stormwater Service District 0:14:32 2 A resolution tentatively adopting a proposed budget for the Provo City Stormwater Service District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 (25-025) Motion: An implied motion to approve 2025-SSD-05-06-1, as currently constituted. John Borget, Director of Administrative Services, presented the proposed budget to the Council, noting that the total tentative budget amounts to $6,209,436. He mentioned that the full budget document is available on the City’s website for public viewing and demonstrated how to access it. He pointed out that details can be found on page 141 of the budget book, which had been provided to Council members. He also announced two upcoming public hearings on June 3 and June 17, where residents are welcome to ask questions and provide feedback. He concluded by offering to answer any questions from the Council. Chair Garrett opened public comment. With none, he closed public comment and invited a board discussion. Board Member Whipple thanked John for directing them to the correct page in the budget and asked for clarification, noting that it appears the Stormwater Service District now has a negative fund balance. Mr. Borget explained that it is common for enterprise funds to show fluctuations due to capital spending. He noted that a $3.3 million capital expenditure is slightly more than current revenues, but this is not cause for concern. Capital project costs can significantly vary year by year, depending on the timing and nature of the projects. He added that for more detailed questions on capital spending, Gordon Haight would be the appropriate contact. Board Member Whipple clarified that the decrease in the Stormwater Service District’s fund balance was intentional, due to significantly higher capital expenditures in fiscal year 2025. She noted that the district had been using funds that had accumulated over time through collected fees. Jimmy McKnight, Division Director of Public Works, noted that one of the ending fund balances from a previous year is incorrect and he will work with the Finance Department to correct it. He clarified that the FY 2026 budget does not project a negative ending fund balance. He also explained that the higher capital budget for FY 2025 includes carryover funds from the previous year, which is why it appears elevated compared to the original adopted amount of approximately $3.3 million. Mr. Borget noted that this is the Council’s first opportunity to review the proposed budget and that several discussions will take place over the coming month to review it in detail. Board Member Bogdin sought clarification from Mr. McKnight regarding concerns over a negative ending fund balance. Mr. McKnight confirmed that, once corrected, the ending fund balance will not be negative. He stated that the actual ending balance for FY 2024 was $5.97 million, and based on current revenues, FY 2025 is projected to end with a positive balance of over $300,000—not a $1.7 million deficit. He assured her that the updated figures will be included in the final budget adjustments. Provo City Council Meeting – May 6, 2025 Page 2 of 12  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. Chair Garrett called for a vote. Vote: The motions passed 5:1 with Board Members Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. Board Member Bogdin opposed. With no objections, the Stormwater Service District Governing Board adjourned and reconvened as the Redevelopment Agency Governing Board of Provo City with Chair Whipple conducting. Redevelopment Agency of Provo 3 A resolution tentatively adopting a proposed budget for the Redevelopment Agency of Provo City for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 (25-025) 0:22:02 Motion: An implied motion to approve 2025-RDA-05-06-1, as currently constituted. Mr. Borget presented the tentative budget for the Redevelopment Agency, noting that public hearings will be held on June 3 and June 17. He explained that the Council will have time to review the budget in detail and ask questions. He also clarified that adopting the tentative budget does not indicate agreement with its contents—only that the Council has received it and is ready to begin the review process. Chair Whipple asked whether the budget reflects recent staffing changes in the Redevelopment Agency, specifically regarding funding for Melissa McNally and her team under the new agreement with the City. She also noted that there was a significant tax increment expenditure in 2025, but it is not expected to be as large in 2026. Mr. Borget confirmed Chair Whipple’s observation and added that the reason for the decrease in the tax increment expenditure is likely to be better explained by Melissa McNally. He noted that they can review and discuss the details before final adoption, but for now, the figures included are part of the tentative budget. Chair Whipple opened the item for public comment. With none, and no board discussion, she called for a vote. Vote: The motions passed 6:0 with Board Members Bogdin, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. 4 A resolution approving a memorandum of agreement regarding property located within the Mountain Vista Business Park. (25-055) 0:25:26 Motion: An implied motion to approve 2025-RDA-05-06-2, as currently constituted. Melissa McNalley, Redevelopment Director, presented a resolution to approve a Memorandum of Agreement that was previously discussed in a work session. The agreement allows Hall Labs to sell property they originally purchased from Provo City, while ensuring that the new buyer will continue the Provo City Council Meeting – May 6, 2025 Page 3 of 12  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. environmental mitigation efforts at the Mountain Vista site. The purpose of the agreement is to ensure the property is fully cleaned up. Chair Whipple clarified that the property had previously been sold to Hall Labs with the condition that they complete environmental mitigation due to its history as the former Ironton steel site. Since the cleanup is not yet complete and Hall Labs now wishes to sell the property, this approval allows the sale while also transferring the responsibility for completing the mitigation to the new buyer. Chair Whipple opened public comment. With none, and no board discussion, she called for a vote. Vote: The motions passed 6:0 with Board Members Bogdin, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. 5 A resolution approving an interlocal agreement with Provo City regarding the Freedom Plaza Community Development Project Area. (25-056) 0:27:52 Motion: An implied motion to approve 2025-RDA-05-06-3, as currently constituted. Ms. McNally presented an amendment to an existing interlocal agreement related to the Freedom Plaza project. She explained that Provo originally entered the agreement to help provide parking for the convention center. While the agreement was initially recorded with a 75% tax increment participation rate, the actual development agreement with PEG Development and Utah County intended for 100% participation. This amendment corrects the discrepancy by officially updating the recorded agreement to reflect the originally agreed-upon 100% participation. Chair Whipple opened public comment. With none, and no board discussion, she called for a vote. Vote: The motions passed 6:0 with Board Members Bogdin, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. With no objections, the Redevelopment Agency Governing Board of Provo City adjourned and reconvened as the Provo Municipal Council with Chair Garrett conducting. Action Agenda 6 A resolution approving an interlocal agreement with the Redevelopment Agency of Provo City regarding the Freedom Plaza Community Development Project Area. (25-056) 0:30:35 Motion: An implied motion to approve Resolution 2025-21, as currently constituted, has been made by council rule. Ms. McNalley presented. Ms. McNally reiterated that the item is an amended agreement confirming Provo’s participation in the Freedom Plaza project area at 100% of the tax increment, in alignment with the original Participation Agreement. Chair Garrett opened public comment. With none, and no council discussion, he called for a vote. Provo City Council Meeting – May 6, 2025 Page 4 of 12  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. Vote: The motions passed 6:0 with Councilors Bogdin, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. 7 A resolution tentatively adopting a proposed budget for Provo City for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026. (25-025) 0:31:58 Motion: An implied motion to approve Resolution 2025-22, as currently constituted, has been made by council rule. Mayor Kaufusi opened her remarks by thanking the Council for their role in setting the annual budget and emphasized her commitment to aligning the proposed budget with the Council’s stated priorities. She expressed appreciation for the collaborative approach Provo takes in budgeting, describing it as a “dance” rather than a “tug of war,” and highlighted how this spirit of cooperation benefits residents. She recognized the challenge of balancing the budget amidst rising costs and lower-than-expected revenues and gave special credit to Chief Administrative Officer Scott Henderson for his collaborative leadership. Rather than imposing across-the-board cuts, Scott invited department directors to contribute ideas, resulting in thoughtful, cooperative solutions that strengthened the team. The mayor expressed pride in the budget’s continued support for law enforcement, including increased pay, improved equipment, and enhanced benefits. She also noted that, consistent with past years, the budget includes no property tax increase. Mayor Kaufusi thanked John Borget and his team—Dan Follett, Kelsey Zarbock, and Andrea Wright—for their detailed and dedicated work on the budget preparation. She concluded the budget portion of her remarks by officially submitting the proposed budget for Council consideration. Transitioning to the topic of water rates, the mayor acknowledged the Council’s leadership and resident interest in infrastructure. She presented a high-level overview of a compromise proposal for water rate adjustments, noting that written materials would be provided for further review. She mentioned that their water rate consultant was unavailable for the evening but offered to arrange a future meeting for detailed questions. Finally, she invited Public Works Director Gordon Haight to join her in answering the most frequently asked resident questions about the city's recent water infrastructure study, starting with what the study is and what it reveals. Mr. Haight explained that the study in question is the City’s Water Master Plan, conducted by Bowen Collins, a leading regional water engineering firm, with Keith Larson serving as the project manager. The plan provides a comprehensive evaluation of Provo’s water system, including its sources, storage, distribution, and overall operation, and outlines recommendations for improvements over the next ten years. He highlighted three key takeaways related to funding: first, the Water Department has done an excellent job maintaining the system; second, the City is currently investing about $6 million annually in capital projects; and third, the plan recommends increasing funding for future capital improvements. This recommendation is primarily driven by the sharp rise in construction costs over the past few years. Mr. Haight emphasized that the suggestion is not due to any failures in the system, but rather a proactive measure to address inflation and ensure the system remains strong moving forward. Mayor Kaufusi noted that the second most common question she receives is about the Water Master Plan’s timeline. While the plan outlines a 10-year improvement strategy, she asked for clarification on why it also references an 80-year period and what that longer period entails. Mr. Haight explained that the Water Master Plan is designed to guide the City through a 10-year period, lasting until 2033, during which Provo will focus on implementing its recommended improvements. Provo City Council Meeting – May 6, 2025 Page 5 of 12  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. However, the plan also includes an 80-year outlook to ensure the City is on a sustainable long-term path. This extended timeline helps evaluate the expected lifespan of infrastructure and estimates the cost of replacing the entire system over time. Importantly, the plan does not suggest replacing every part of the system within those 80 years. For example, some older components, like a century-old main pipe that delivers the most water to residents, are still in excellent condition and expected to last for many more years. Mr. Haight emphasized that decisions about replacing infrastructure are based not just on age, but also on wear, condition, and performance. He concluded by highlighting that Provo has been recognized for having the third purest water in the United States, which reflects the high quality of its water infrastructure. Mayor Kaufusi shared a personal experience related to the City’s infrastructure focus. Last week, she had the unique opportunity to enter and tour a water tank located west of the Provo Rock Canyon Temple—the one topped with a sand volleyball court. The tank, which was drained for inspection, cleaning, and sterilization, is 95 years old, having been built in 1930. At the time of construction, it was the only tank of its kind west of the Mississippi and was projected to last 75 years. Despite its age, inspectors found it to be in excellent condition. Mayor Kaufusi described the experience as one of the top five things she has ever done, noting how pristine and surprisingly beautiful the tank was, with its cement columns and well-preserved interior. She used this example to highlight the lasting quality of Provo’s infrastructure. She then transitioned to the next most common resident question: whether it is cheaper to replace infrastructure now rather than waiting until later. Mr. Haight explained that planned replacements are always more cost-effective than emergency repairs. The City carefully evaluates its water system based on factors like maintenance history, leak frequency, age, and overall condition before deciding to replace a pipe. He emphasized that Provo does not replace infrastructure unless the data supports it, and this approach has helped avoid the need for full emergency pipe replacements. While the City averages about 33 leak repairs per year, costing roughly $15,000 each, these are monitored closely and funded through the operations budget. He noted that the consultant does not recommend widespread replacement, but rather continued use of the City’s current evaluation process, which reflects best practices and helps ensure funds are used efficiently moving forward. Mayor Kaufusi noted that Mr. Haight had already addressed the final most frequently asked question she receives: if the consultant is not recommending replacing the entire water system within 80 years, why is there a recommendation to save enough money to do so? Mr. Haight explained that the consultant’s recommendation to build up funding is based on best practices, primarily to prepare for inflation and unexpected issues that may arise. While not all pipes will need replacement within 80 years, some may fail earlier due to factors like corrosive soil or ground movement. Having funds set aside allows the City to handle these situations through planned replacements rather than costly emergency repairs. He emphasized that Provo’s Water Department has done an excellent job maintaining the system over the years, and the recommended funding increase is mainly due to rising construction costs. The study also supports continuing the City’s current, effective approach to pipe replacement. Mayor Kaufusi presented a series of charts to compare the water infrastructure funding recommended in the Water Master Plan with the City’s current financial reality. She noted that the plan calls for $125 million in funding over 10 years: $60 million from existing annual spending and $65 million through recommended water rate increases. She addressed a misconception, stating that Provo has consistently Provo City Council Meeting – May 6, 2025 Page 6 of 12  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. saved for water infrastructure through dedicated reserves, in addition to a strong rainy-day fund. The mayor then explained that through a detailed review led by CAO Scott Henderson and Public Works Director Gordon Haight, the City identified efficiencies that will allow for an additional $1.1 million to be invested in water infrastructure each year, totaling $8.8 million over eight years, without raising rates during that time. Additionally, the City has secured $94.5 million in outside funding, pushing total projected investment over the 10-year period to $163 million, even without rate increases. She emphasized that Provo has been proactive, not neglectful, and that using outside funds first is a principle of responsible governance. Looking ahead, Mayor Kaufusi acknowledged that future revenue will be needed and noted the importance of planning for long-term funding stability. She praised the Council’s work on earlier proposals and presented a new compromise: instead of a 5% revenue increase through water rates, she proposed a 2.5% increase. This would reduce the highest user group’s average rate increase from 18.5% to 9.9%. She also discussed the fairness of tiered rates, required by state law to promote water conservation, and urged moderation in how those changes are introduced. Many residents, she noted, were previously encouraged by the City to install extensive landscaping and now face sharp rate hikes. She proposed a phased approach to tiered rates, accompanied by resident education on water-saving methods developed by the City’s sustainability team. Mayor Kaufusi concluded by reiterating that no immediate rate increase is necessary and that the City’s financial planning has put it in a strong position. She expressed hope that her compromise proposal would offer a workable path forward. Full proposal details and a comparison calculator would be available to the public on the City’s website and sent to Council by the next morning. She closed by thanking the Council for their collaborative work before turning the time over to John Borget to present his detailed budget letter. Mr. Borget opened by thanking the administration and finance team for their work on the FY 2026 budget, especially highlighting the efforts of Andrea Wright, Kelsey Zarbock, and Dan Follett. He showed how residents can access the budget and a summary document on the City’s website and invited them to participate in public hearings on June 3 and June 17. He explained that the budget reflects collaboration between departments and Council, beginning in January 2025. Despite a slowing economy and a drop in sales tax revenue, departments identified $2.5 million in cost savings through staffing adjustments, reduced contingencies, and other efficiencies. The budget addresses key Council priorities, including funding for zoning enforcement tools and property cleanup, enhanced benefits and pay for public safety employees, and approximately $1.5 million in sidewalk and pedestrian safety improvements. Revenue adjustments include increasing the utility fund transfer rate to 12.5%, modest utility rate increases (3% for electricity and 2.5% for water), and anticipated fee updates for business and rental licenses. Personnel investments include a 2.5% COLA, 2.5% merit increases, and a 6.7% increase in health insurance costs. Payroll turnover savings of $2.1 million are again being utilized. Of the $2.2 million in supplemental requests submitted, $1.6 million are funded, supporting police and fire needs, elections, parks, engineering, the wastewater treatment plant, and the airport. Vehicle replacements were fully funded, and funding mechanisms like the Rec Capital Fund and RAP tax continue to support long-term planning. Mr. Borget closed by stating the proposed budget is balanced, fiscally responsible, and aligned with Council and community priorities, and he encouraged careful review and continued public input. Chair Garrett thanked John Borget, Mayor Kaufusi, and Gordon Haight for their thorough presentations and acknowledged the significant effort staff put into preparing the budget, noting reports of early morning and late nights. He clarified that while there would be public comment that evening, formal public hearings are scheduled for June 3 and June 17. The Council will have six weeks to review the budget and submit questions. He also thanked the Mayor for offering to bring the consultant, Keith, Provo City Council Meeting – May 6, 2025 Page 7 of 12  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. back for further discussion if needed and gave a special thanks to Andrea Wright for her work on the budget. He then opened the floor for any initial questions from the Council. Councilor Bogdin thanked the Public Works team for their efforts to educate the public on water rates. She shared two concerns from residents regarding the online water rate calculator. First, many people are unsure of their water meter size, so including a clear explanation or a way to find that information— such as how to identify the base rate—on the Public Works site would be helpful. Second, she noted that the usage data at usage.provo.gov is listed in "T-gals" (thousand gallons), which can be confusing. She suggested adding a simple explanation or visual guide to help residents convert and apply that data to the calculator more easily. She emphasized that these changes would be greatly appreciated and beneficial to the public. Councilor Whipple asked for clarification on the timeline of the RAP tax and how it was factored into the revenue projections. Mr. Borget explained that the current RAP tax is set to expire at the end of December, meaning it will be collected for only half of the upcoming fiscal year. However, the budget assumes the RAP tax will be renewed, reflecting an optimistic outlook. Councilor Whipple asked how departments accounted for inflation in their expenditure estimates. Mr. Borget explained that each department director reviewed their line items carefully, and while the budget was tight, they submitted supplemental requests for specific needs. Utility costs were given particular attention to ensure they could be covered. He added that despite the constraints, department directors feel confident the budget is workable. Councilor Whipple noted how unexpected cost increases can disrupt budgeting but was reassured that departments have planned accordingly. She concluded by stating she had more questions but would save them for later. Chair Garrett opened public comment. With none, he invited a council discussion. Mr. Borget noted that the total recommended budget for this year is $323,326,393, as shown on page 27 of the budget book. He emphasized that this amount reflects the tentative budget, and the Council will have the opportunity to review the details of each fund and area in the coming weeks. Chair Garrett called for a vote. Vote: The motions passed 6:0 with Councilors Bogdin, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. 8 A resolution to place an 11.136 acre parcel of ground located on the southeast corner of Bulldog Lane and Lakeview Parkway on the surplus property list and authorize the mayor to dispose of the property. (25-054) 1:27:10 Motion: An implied motion to approve Resolution 2025-23, as currently constituted, has been made by council rule. Provo City Council Meeting – May 6, 2025 Page 8 of 12  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. Tara Riddle, Property Administrator, presented. She said the 11-acre parcel is located immediately south of the Provo High School campus, at the southeast corner of Bulldog Lane and Lakeview Parkway. It is a remnant from the Lakeview Parkway expansion project. After a standard departmental review, it was recommended to move forward by declaring the property surplus. The long-term intent is to transfer the property to a developer for a housing project that would include both workforce and market-rate housing. For now, the Council is being asked only to approve the resolution to place the property on the surplus list. Councilor Whipple asked whether there is an advantage to disposing of the property rather than retaining City ownership and overseeing its development directly. Ms. Riddle explained that the plan is to transfer the property to a developer and placing it on the surplus property list signals the Council's general agreement to move forward with that process. Doing this first provides clarity and confidence for the developer. She also noted that the transaction will be handled through the land trust. Chair Garrett opened public comment. With none, and no council discussion, he called for a vote. Vote: The motions passed 6:0 with Councilors Bogdin, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. 9 An ordinance amending Provo City Code regarding mayoral compensation. (25-010) 1:30:09 Motion: An implied motion to approve Ordinance 2025-30, as currently constituted, has been made by council rule. Justin Harrison, Executive Director of Council, presented. He provided a summary of the process and recommendations from the Elected Officials Compensation Commission. He explained that the commission, originally established in 2017 to help remove the awkwardness of elected officials setting their own pay, is reappointed every four years. It consists of three members appointed by the mayor, three by the council, and a seventh jointly selected member. The current commission worked with Human Resources staff, including Daniel Softley and Lilly Montoya, to compare compensation for elected officials in similar sized cities with similar government structures. After their analysis, the commission recommended a mayoral salary of $160,959. This recommendation was based on the finding that the current salary is about 6.4% below the median for comparable cities and includes an estimated 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), which aligns with what is already included in the proposed budget. He noted that the commission first presented their findings to the Council on April 8 and again in a recent work meeting. Chair Garrett opened public comment. With none, and no council discussion, he called for a vote. Vote: The motions passed 6:0 with Councilors Bogdin, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. 10 An ordinance amending Provo City Code regarding municipal councilors’ compensation. Provo City Council Meeting – May 6, 2025 Page 9 of 12  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. (25-010) 1:34:49 Motion: An implied motion to approve Ordinance 2025-31, as currently constituted, has been made by council rule. Mr. Harrison presented the recommendation from the Elected Officials Compensation Commission regarding City Council member salaries. He explained that, like the mayor’s salary, council compensation is reviewed every four years by the commission and must be adopted by a separate ordinance. In 2020– 2021, the recommended salary was $21,000. The new recommendation increases that amount to $28,846, reflecting cost-of-living adjustments and comparisons to similar sized cities. He noted that most peer cities offer retirement benefits to their council members, which Provo does not. The commission considered this difference, estimating the value of such benefits at around 15% of salary, and factored it into their recommendation. A standard cost-of-living adjustment was also included as part of the proposed increase. Chair Garrett opened public comment. With none, he invited a council discussion. Councilor MacKay expressed appreciation for the foresight of a previous council in establishing the Elected Officials Compensation Commission. She acknowledged the integrity of the commission members and their thoughtful approach to financial matters. She emphasized the significant time commitment required of both the mayor and council members and noted that the current compensation is not a livable wage. MacKay supported the idea of increasing pay to make these positions more accessible to individuals who may not have the financial ability to serve without adequate compensation, thereby broadening the pool of potential candidates. Councilor Bogdin agreed with Councilor MacKay, noting that at least one individual chose not to run for office due to the low pay. She emphasized that while $28,000 is still not a livable wage, it is important to offer some level of compensation to help make future service more feasible for those who may not otherwise be able to afford it. Councilor Whipple echoed the comments of her fellow councilors, expressing that this issue is important to her and a matter of genuine concern. Chair Garrett called for a vote. Vote: The motions passed 6:0 with Councilors Bogdin, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. 11 An ordinance amending 14.34.450 Elderly Person- Extra Living Space to include health and safety inspection requirements. (25-040) 1:39:59 Motion: An implied motion to approve Ordinance 2025-32, as currently constituted, has been made by council rule. Melia Dayley, Council Policy Analyst, presented. She explained that, currently, these spaces can be registered without a health and safety inspection. The amendment would change that by requiring a Provo City Council Meeting – May 6, 2025 Page 10 of 12  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. health and safety inspection as part of the registration process to ensure the living space meets necessary standards. Chair Garrett opened public comment. With none, and no council discussion, he called for a vote. Vote: The motions passed 6:0 with Councilors Bogdin, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. 12 An ordinance amending the zone map classification of real property, generally located at 2087 West Center Street, from the One Family Residential (R1.8) Zone to the General Commercial (CG) Zone. Provo Bay Neighborhood. (PLRZ20230258) 1:42:22 Motion: An implied motion to approve Ordinance 2025-33, as currently constituted, has been made by council rule. Aaron Ardmore, Planning Supervisor, presented. He said the property, currently zoned for mixed use and identified in the general plan as a suitable location for such development, includes a house facing Center Street and a barn structure behind it. The owner proposes using the barn for event-related purposes, such as a reception center, and other limited activities. Concerns were raised by the Planning Commission and staff about allowing general commercial use near an adjacent residential neighborhood. To address these, a development agreement was created to restrict the permitted uses to a real estate office, reception center, short-term rental (limited to the home), art exhibitions, educational classes, and a photography studio. The agreement also includes provisions for future street connectivity along 130 South and limits commercial use to existing buildings and open space, avoiding new commercial construction. With these restrictions in place, staff support the proposed zone change. Councilor Bogdin commented that the property in question has an unusually shaped lot, and she believes the proposed use is a positive and thoughtful approach that benefits the community. She praised the owner for considering future uses, such as a real estate office, which would be compatible with the surrounding area and respectful of the neighborhood. Chair Garrett referenced concerns raised in the Planning Commission report regarding hours of operation, alcohol, and noise. He noted that the applicant had indicated events would generally end by 9:00 or 9:30 p.m. and confirmed that there are no plans to serve alcohol at the venue. Chair Garrett opened public comment. With none, and no council discussion, he called for a vote. Vote: The motions passed 6:0 with Councilors Bogdin, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. Chair Garrett announced that public comment would be reopened to accommodate at least one individual who had arrived late due to a class schedule. He reminded attendees that comments must pertain to matters within the Council’s purview, that the Council cannot act on items raised during public comment, and that each speaker would have two minutes. He invited those wishing to speak to approach the podium, state their name, and city of residence. Provo City Council Meeting – May 6, 2025 Page 11 of 12  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. Jensen Cook, a 23-year-old Provo resident and nursing student, spoke about concerns with nighttime road visibility. He shared that despite having excellent vision, blue eyes (which tend to perform better in low light), and high-performance LED headlights, he recently hit a curb because he could not see the edge of the road. He emphasized that many residents have expressed similar concerns. Given the large number of student drivers in Provo, many of whom are unfamiliar with winter conditions, he stressed the importance of improving lane visibility. While traditional raised reflectors are not compatible with snowplows, he suggested the city consider recessed, snowplow-resistant reflectors, which have been shown to reduce nighttime accidents by up to 50 percent. He urged the Council to consider a pilot program and potential budget allocation to test these reflectors on high-risk roads. With no other comments, Chair Garrett closed public comment. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at approximately 7:16 PM. 3rd day of June, 2025 Provo City Council Meeting – May 6, 2025 Page 12 of 12