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, July 22, 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 Craig Christensen Councilor Gary Garrett Councilor George Handley Councilor Travis Hoban Councilor Katrice MacKay Councilor Rachel Whipple Mayor Michelle Kaufusi Chief Administrative Officer Scott Henderson City Attorney Brian Jones Executive Council Director Justin Harrison City Recorder Heidi Allman Conducting: Chair Gary Garrett Prayer – Jeff Whitlock Pledge of Allegiance – Councilor Handley Councilor Handley introduced two visitors from Iran, Alireza and Maryam Taghderreh, who were in Utah for a visit to Brigham Young University. He shared that Ali would be lecturing the following day and is a translator of works by Henry David Thoreau and Ralph Waldo Emerson. He noted that the couple had been enjoying their time observing different parts of the country, including attending the Provo City Council meeting. He expressed gratitude and honor for their presence. Presentations, Proclamations, and Awards 1 A presentation recognizing the Provo City Employee of the Month (25-007) 0:08:19 Mayor Kaufusi took a moment to recognize an exceptional employee whose dedication, professionalism, and service have positively impacted the community. She emphasized the importance of both teamwork and individual contributions within the City organization. She then invited Airport Director Brian Torgersen to present the July 2025 Employee of the Month Award to a distinguished member of the airport team. Mr. Torgersen recognized Matt Jensen as the July 2025 Employee of the Month. He praised Matt’s professionalism, reliability, and leadership in managing key airport operations, including FAA compliance, scheduling, wildlife management, snow removal, and airline gate coordination. Brian noted Matt’s calm attitude, willingness to tackle tough issues, and behind-the-scenes efforts that keep the airport running smoothly. He also thanked Matt’s wife for her support. 2 A presentation recognizing Heidi Allman as a Certified Municipal Clerk (25-007) 0:12:55 Provo City Council Meeting – July 22, 2025 Page 1 of 4  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. John Borget, Director of Administrative Services, presented an award to City Recorder Heidi Allman in recognition of her recent achievement in earning the Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) designation from the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC). He read a letter from IIMC President Dawn Abrahamson, which praised Heidi’s educational accomplishments, professional contributions, and commitment to lifelong learning. John expressed his appreciation for Heidi’s dedication, noting that she began improving processes and learning her role immediately after her promotion. He commended her close work with the Council and formally recognized her service and commitment to the City. Kim Crane, on behalf of the Utah Municipal Recorders Association, congratulated Heidi Allman on earning her certification, acknowledging the significant effort required to achieve it. She also thanked the Mayor, City Administration, and staff for supporting Heidi’s participation in the necessary training and classes. She shared her admiration for Heidi’s achievements. 3 A presentation recognizing Provo City as the Winner of the 2025 Utah IT Excellence Award (25-007) 0:16:30 Mr. Borget announced that Provo City’s Information Systems Division received the 2025 Utah IT Excellence Award for Best Partnership or Leadership. The award recognized the City’s leadership in creating the Utah Government IT Mutual Aid Agreement, a statewide effort led by IT Director Josh Ihrig and supported by over 25 jurisdictions. The agreement enables cities and agencies to share IT staff and cybersecurity resources during emergencies. John praised the team’s innovation and collaboration, noting this is the third consecutive year Provo’s IT Division has received statewide recognition. He formally recognized Josh and his team for their outstanding work. Chair Garrett, on behalf of the Council, expressed appreciation and gratitude to John Borget for his dedicated service. He highlighted John's trusted guidance during the budget process each year and recognized his 22 years as Administrative Services Director and nearly 29.5 years of total service to Provo City. He commended John’s remarkable career and contributions to the city. Public Comment 0:22:45 Chair Garrett read the public comment guidelines and opened the floor for public comment. Lionheart, of Provo, shared that he recently returned after spending time in Grants Pass, Oregon, studying approaches to homelessness. As a member of Provo’s unhoused population, he expressed concerns about policies that he feels increase the hardship for those without stable housing. He noted that the Food and Care Coalition requires individuals receiving services to leave the area within 15 to 30 minutes, which he said is especially difficult for those with disabilities. He also emphasized the critical importance of obtaining identification, explaining that it is necessary to move forward in life—such as opening a bank account or renting a home. Despite successfully gathering supporting documents, he faced significant challenges accessing the nearest driver’s license office, which is over seven miles away. He stated that traveling there and back in a wheelchair took him six days. He urged the Council to consider the barriers faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and asked for better opportunities and support. John Hale, of Provo, shared a personal experience involving the towing of his vehicle after it was borrowed by two employees who were stopped for speeding. He expressed frustration that none of the Provo City Council Meeting – July 22, 2025 Page 2 of 4  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. reasons given by law enforcement—speeding, license issues, and insurance reporting problems—were, on their own, sufficient cause for towing under the law. He stated it took him 11 months of persistent communication with law enforcement, state officials, and media to be reimbursed for the towing fee. John emphasized that although he could have made more money focusing on his work, he chose to pursue justice because of his principles. He concluded by defending the legality of sober homes under the Federal Fair Housing Act and expressed concern that local opposition, including from fellow members of his faith, undermines both the law and his religious convictions. With no additional public comments, Chair Garrett closed the public comment portion of the meeting. Action Agenda 4 A resolution consenting to board and commission appointments. (25-031) 0:27:41 Motion: An implied motion to approve Resolution 2025-36, as currently constituted, has been made by council rule. Mayor Kaufusi recommended the following for appointments: Jeff DeMille Airport Board Beth Provence Transportation and Mobility Advisory Committee David Hurtado Transportation and Mobility Advisory Committee Kendall Thurston Transportation and Mobility Advisory Committee Maryan Shumway Library Board Jenny Spadafora Library Board Alyssa Hansen Library Board Stephanie Breinholt Arts Council Nate Keller Arts Council Isaac King Arts Council Matthew Wheelright Planning Commission Joel Temple Planning Commission Chair Garrett opened the public comment period, and with no comments from the public or discussion from the Council, he proceeded to call for a vote. Vote: The motions passed 7:0 with Councilors Bogdin, Christensen, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. 5 A public hearing regarding the issuance of wastewater revenue bonds for State of Utah loan. (25-075) 0:32:43 Jimmy McKnight, Public Works Division Director, presented. He introduced the public hearing by providing background on the funding for the next phase of improvements to the City’s reclamation plant. He explained that Provo has secured two sources of outside funding: a $7 million award from the State Water Quality Board—consisting of a $2.5 million grant and a $4.5 million loan at 0.75% interest over 20 years—and a $29 million revenue bond, previously approved by the Council in November 2024 and issued in early 2025. He noted that the purpose of this public hearing was to address the $4.5 Provo City Council Meeting – July 22, 2025 Page 3 of 4  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. million state loan, which requires additional public notice and comment before final approval. More than 21,000 notices were sent to Provo utility customers in compliance with state requirements. Jimmy concluded by stating that City staff and bond counsel were present to answer any questions related to the funding. Chair Garrett opened the public hearing. With none, he closed the public hearing period. 6 An ordinance amending the consolidated fee schedule to add a congressional expedite passport postage fee. (25-079) 0:36:30 Motion: An implied motion to approve Ordinance 2025-43, as currently constituted, has been made by council rule. Britny Densley, Call Center Manager, presented. She said since beginning passport services in 2018, Provo’s Customer Service Division has grown from processing 20–30 applications per month to over 200 during peak times. Earlier this year, the Western Passport Agency invited Provo City to become one of only two locations in Utah authorized to accept congressional expedited passport applications. This service supports individuals with urgent travel needs who have received a congressional authorization letter. As part of the expedited process, Provo City is required to Priority Express ship the completed applications to the passport agency. To cover this cost, staff proposed an amendment to the City’s fee schedule to include a $27.50 postage fee, to be paid by applicants. Chair Garrett opened the public comment period. Hearing none, he closed the public comment and invited discussion from the Council. With no further comments, he proceeded to call for a vote. Vote: The motions passed 7:0 with Councilors Bogdin, Christensen, Garrett, Handley, Hoban, MacKay, and Whipple in favor. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned by unanimous consent at approximately 6:04 PM. 5th day of August, 2025 Provo City Council Meeting – July 22, 2025 Page 4 of 4