City Council

10000 Centennial Parkway Sandy City, Utah Sandy, UT 84070 Phone: 801-568-7141 Meeting Minutes City Council Brooke Christensen, District 1 Maren Barker, District 2 Kristin Coleman-Nicholl, District 3 Chris McCandless, District 4 Steve Fairbanks, At-large Linda Martinez Saville, At-large Zach Robinson, At-large Tuesday, August 13, 2019 5:15 PM Council Chambers *Truth in Taxation Hearing* 5:15 Council Meeting Roll Call Council Office Director Michael Applegarth Council Office Analyst Dustin Fratto Administration: Mayor Kurt Bradburn CAO Matthew Huish Deputy to the Mayor Evelyn Everton City Attorney Bob Thompson Senior Civil Attorney Jeff Robinson Risk Manager/ Fund Counsel Chase Parker Communications Director Eric Richards Community Events Director Mearle Marsh Economic Development Director Nick Duerksen Community Development Director James Sorensen Administrative Services Director Brian Kelley Budget & Billing Manager Brett Neumann Budget Analyst Zach Whalen Fire Chief Bruce Cline Deputy Fire Chief Ryan McConaghie Police Chief William O'Neal Police Captain Justin Chapman Parks & Recreation Director Scott Earl Special Events Coordinator Keaton Asay Public Utilities Director Tom Ward Public Works Director Mike Gladbach Sandy City, Utah Page 1 Printed on 9/5/2019 City Council Meeting Minutes August 13, 2019 Present: 7- Council Member Brooke Christensen Council Member Maren Barker Council Member Kristin Coleman-Nicholl Council Member Chris McCandless Council Member Steve Fairbanks Council Member Zach Robinson Council Member Linda Martinez Saville Prayer / Pledge of Allegiance Chairman Chris McCandless welcomed all those in attendance. Mearle Marsh offered the opening prayer. Eric Richards led the audience in the pledge. Non-voting Items Agenda Planning Calendar Review & Council Office Director's Report Mike Applegarth reviewed upcoming items on the Agenda Calendar. Council Member Business Zach Robinson expressed appreciation to Amy Bryant and all those involved with the Annual Night Out Against Crime. Mr. Robinson was contacted by a resident regarding flooding at their home. He asked Tom Ward to please reach out to them. He attended Food Truck night at the Sandy Amphitheater and gave "kudos" to whomever puts it on. It was a great evening. Mayor's Report No Report. CAO Report Matt Huish invited Scott Earl, Amy Bryant, Mearle Marsh, and Tom Ward for updates. Scott Earl updated the Council on the Balloon Festival. Keaton Asay, Events Coordinator, updated the Council on the upcoming Run Elevated, Saturday, August 17th. Amy Bryant updated the Council on National Night Out Against Crime. Mearle Marsh updated the Council on the production of "Ma Ma Mia" at the Amphitheater. It was the best selling show and exceeded expectations in ticket sales. He spoke on marketing, ticket sales, and sponsorship. Tom Ward updated the Council on the intense thunder storm Thursday past and properties that were affected. Matt Huish informed the Council of the upcoming Emergency Management Training exercise on Thursday, August 22nd. Brian Kelley briefed the Council on the bond refinancing. Sandy City, Utah Page 2 Printed on 9/5/2019 City Council Meeting Minutes August 13, 2019 Citizen Comments There were no comments. Meeting went into Recess at 5:50 p.m. for 10 minutes. Meeting Reconvened 6:00 Time Certain Items and Public Hearing(s) 1. 19-253 Truth in Taxation Hearing. Sandy City is proposing to increase its property tax revenue. All concerned citizens are invited to a public hearing on the proposed tax increase. If the proposed budget is approved, Sandy City would increase its property tax budgeted revenue by $32.91% above last year's property tax budgeted revenue excluding eligible new growth. The Sandy City tax on a $403,000 residence would increase from $242.93 to $322.72, which is $79.79 per year. The Sandy City tax on a $403,000 business would increase from $441.69 to $568.77, which is $145.08 per year. Attachments: Public Notice.pdf 19-32 C Final Budget Adoption Truth in Taxation Hearing 2020 Constituent Letter from Bruce Blanchard.pdf Constituent Letter from Pat Casaday Constituent Letter from Paul Godot Letter from PUAB Executed Resolution 19-32C Chris McCandless opened the Truth in Taxation Public Hearing by welcoming those in attendance and explaining the rules for the public hearing. Brian Kelly presented a detailed presentation on the truth in taxation hearing and history of Sandy's property tax rate. Chief Cline and Chief O Neal explained the importance of adding additional officers and staffing with the proposed tax increase. Public Hearing Opened. Chris Welch, Fire Captain, spoke on the importance of the tax increase and the protection it will provide to officers who serve the city. Former Mayor Steve Newton, 8689 Treasure Mountain Drive, believed there were two many employees in the staffing plan for Police and Fire, and did not support the tax increase. He suggested forming a committee to examine the budget. Gary Forbush supports the tax increase and the importance from a public safety view. Sandy City, Utah Page 3 Printed on 9/5/2019 City Council Meeting Minutes August 13, 2019 The increase may result in homeowner appreciation. He is grateful for the process and transparency. Former Mayor Larry Smith, 1 Rollingwood Lane, felt there was a gap in what was being asked for and what was needed. He opposed the tax increase. He believed the City could run on existing revenues. TJ McLelland did not support the proposed tax increase, the proposed tax rate, and the effect it would have on residents who are on fixed incomes. Cathy Spuck supported the tax increase and was willing to pay for public servants. Public servants need to be encouraged and rewarded. Residents need to know that these services will be provided. Officer Greg Moffitt, President FOP, felt the proposed tax increase could help fund retirement for public servant's. Former Council Member Stephen Smith, felt the Council should withdraw their motion on the proposed tax increase. He felt the proposal was unfair and does not solve problems. It raises the base budget amount, perpetuates departmental difference, and does not address long term items and unfunded costs which need to be addressed. Erin Dixon- supports the tax increase and sees the proposed tax increase as being barely enough. Raise taxes more often in the future. Bruce Blanchard- advocated for the tax increase due to aging infrastructure and maintenance. Sandy City comes in at 47th in the State for the amount of property taxes paid to the City. Nancy Allen- did not feel that a property tax increase was appropriate, and asked the Council to vote no. Robyn Lee- spoke against the proposed tax increase. The proposal is to high and should be done in smaller increments. Kay Burton- spoke against the proposed tax increase. He expressed concern for people on fixed income. A 33% tax increase is not responsible government. Jack Higley- was not present but filled out a card opposing the tax increase. Kimberly Walsh- was not present but filled out a card neither for or against the tax increase. LeeAnn Miller- supports funding for public safety, but felt the proposed tax increase was to high. Former Council Member Crickett Ralston felt the proposed tax rate was too high of an increase. The streetlight fee should remain in the budget, and fire station structural issues should be a priority. She asked the Council to postpone their decision to make certain first responders get the protection they need. Jim Edwards- supported the tax increase for pubic safety. Isaac Mitt Stewart- spoke against the tax increase, and taxing residents as opposed to Sandy City, Utah Page 4 Printed on 9/5/2019 City Council Meeting Minutes August 13, 2019 taxing commercial businesses. Utah State Senator Kathleen Riebe, visited various property tax hearings across the State. She hears issues and concerns from constituents. She is aware of the shortage that has been created by the Legislature pertaining to the Tier 1 vs Tier 2 retirement plans. The Legislature is looking at taxes, growth, infrastructure, and ways to mitigate the tax structure for people on fixed incomes. She thanked the Council for their service and asked the residents to please contact her with their questions. Scott Olsen- felt that revenues should be taxed more instead of throwing the burden on residents. He suggested eliminating fluoride in the water system. Police and Fire should have their own qualified retirement plans so there are no ongoing liabilities. Monica Zoltanski-supported the proposed tax increase since it supports the Police and Fire Departments. Sandy has kept their property taxes low in the City for years. Kimberly Walsh- could not see the transparency in balancing the budget. She supports Police and Fire, but felt the budget should be looked at more closely. Brooke De Sousa- spoke in opposition to the proposed tax increase. She felt that all avenues for additional funding should be exhausted first, and make cuts where possible. She asked the Council to reconsider their proposal. Joel Frost- spoke in opposition to the tax increase. He encouraged the Council and State to continue with the Tier 2 funding. Graham Tinius- supported the tax increase and two police positions to patrol Dimple Dell park. Stacie Jorgensen- supported the tax increase. Firefighters deserve Tier 2 benefits. Rob Bennett- representing a group who are shocked at the tax increase, came to hear the reason's why. He asked the Council to delay their decision and reconsider the amount of the tax increase. Jessica Davies- felt other things should be cut from the budget instead of pulling on residents' heart strings with needed funding for Police and Fire. Bob Ahlman- felt the tax increase was wrong and thought the budget had been poorly managed. There needs to be more frugality, doing without, and not spending unnecessarily. Ivan Danielson- asked the Council to have some consideration for people on fixed incomes. Keri Wright- spoke in favor of the proposed tax increase and stated that he trusted the Council to do the right thing. H.L. Ferrell- felt that problems associated with high density housing caused the need for a tax increase, and that the tax increase was outrageous. The City needs to find better ways to run government. He asked the Council to say no to tax increase. Dave Jorgenson- spoke against the proposed tax increase and cost to residents who are already paying for their properties. There are more elderly people on fixed incomes. He Sandy City, Utah Page 5 Printed on 9/5/2019 City Council Meeting Minutes August 13, 2019 asked: "Do we need the tax increase". Kim Zenger asked if all Sandy residents were being represented fairly. A tax increase is a challenge for people who are on lower incomes. Betsy Barker- asked if there were any other ways to get revenue other than taxes and fees, and if City owned properties bring revenue in to lessen the burden on residents. Amy DeNeff- Officer, former Sandy resident until her home burned down, noted the importance of Police and Fire services. She is willing to pay for first responder services. Roger Harding- asked the Council to consider the context of the budget, and vote no on the proposed tax increase, and form a commission. Cheryl Altman - asked the Council and Administration to get creative and find other ways to get it done besides a tax increase. Chairman McCandless closed the Public Hearing as there were no further comments. Meeting went into Recess for 5 minutes. Meeting Reconvened Council discussion and comments followed. A motion was made by Zach Robinson, seconded by Steve Fairbanks, to adopt Resolution #19-32C, a resolution of Sandy City adopting its annual budget for the Fiscal Year commencing July 1, 2019 and ending June 30, 2020; to amend the fee schedule to add the street lighting fee, and to amend the certified property tax rate by a commensurate amount ....... The motion carried by the following vote: Yes: 4- Brooke Christensen Steve Fairbanks Zach Robinson Linda Martinez Saville No: 3- Maren Barker Kristin Coleman-Nicholl Chris McCandless Adjournment The meeting adjourned at approximately 9:40 p.m. by Brooke Christensen. The next scheduled meeting of the City Council is Tuesday, August 20, 2019 at 5:15 p.m. ______________________ ______________________ Chris McCandless, Chair Pam Lehman Sandy City Council Meeting Clerk Sandy City, Utah Page 6 Printed on 9/5/2019