City Council Study Meeting - ARCHIVED
Regular MeetingSouth Jordan, UT · April 4, 2023
Minutes
SOUTH JORDAN CITY
CITY COUNCIL STUDY MEETING
April 4, 2023
Present: Mayor Dawn Ramsey, Council Member Patrick Harris, Council Member Tamara
Zander, Council Member Brad Marlor, Council Member Jason McGuire, City
Manager Gary Whatcott, Deputy City Manager Dustin Lewis, City Attorney Ryan
Loose, Director of Recreation Janell Payne, Communications Manager Rachael
Van Cleave, CFO Sunil Naidu, Director of Strategy & Budget Don Tingey,
Director of Commerce Brian Preece, Director of Public Works Jason Rasmussen,
Director of Administrative Services Melinda Seager, Executive Assistant Melanie
Edwards, GIS Coordinator Matt Jarman, Senior IS Tech Phill Brown, IT Director
Jon Day, Director of Planning Steven Schaefermeyer, City Engineer Brad
Klavano, Fire Chief Chris Dawson, Deputy Police Chief Jason Knight, Meeting
Transcriptionist Diana Baun, HR Director Teresa Cook, Communications
Specialist Joshua Timothy, Marketing Specialist Matthew Jorgensen
Absent: Council Member Don Shelton
Others: Josh Dallin, Dwayne’s iPad, Skyler Pedroza, Bridger Pedroza
4:44 PM
STUDY MEETING
A. Welcome, Roll Call, and Introduction: By Mayor Dawn Ramsey
Mayor Ramsey welcomed everyone present and introduced the meeting. She excused Council
Member Shelton who was absent tonight.
B. Invocation: By Council Member Brad Marlor
Council Member Marlor offered the invocation.
C. Mayor and Council Coordination
Mayor Ramsey and the council discussed the conference coming up and who will be attending in
person.
D. Discussion/Review of Regular Council Meeting
Presentation Item
- Proclamation in recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month
- Proclamation Arbor Day 2023
- South Jordan Youth Council
Action Items
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April 4, 2023
- Resolution R2023-14, Approving the potential Bureau of Reclamation grant match
commitment for funding opportunity. RCV
- Resolution R2023-16, Prohibiting the use of an ignition source, including fireworks,
lighters, matches, sky lanterns, and smoking materials, in certain areas.
- Resolution R2023-20, Authorizing the City Manager to enter into encroachment
agreements for certain limited structures on the City’s Property maintained for flood
channels along Midas Creek.
- Resolution R2023-21, Adopting revised Citywide Policies 200-1 through 200-14
regarding Fringe Benefits.
- Resolution R2023-15, Adopting a Tentative Budget; making appropriations for the
support of the City of South Jordan for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2023 and
ending June 30, 2024. RCV
- Resolution RDA 2023-01, Adopting a tentative budget for the fiscal year 2023-24.
RCV
E. Presentation Item
E.1. USU Bastian Agriculture Center (By Executive Director, Josh Dallin)
Josh Dallin reviewed his prepared presentation (Attachment A). He noted that the current polo
field will not be turned into a parking lot, as is noted on the second concept map; that was a note
leftover from a previous concept plan for a specific event.
Council Member McGuire asked where the water for the pond will be coming from.
Mr. Dallin responded that they have two different sources, the first from the original plan was to
look at irrigation shares; they currently have a 20 year donated agreement from Rio Tinto of over
200 shares, which is more than they would need. They are also owners of roughly 35 shares
themselves, but they are currently working on possibly transferring shares for acre/feet if
possible. If that is possible, they are potentially looking at the idea of having a well and being
metered in the aquafer. If they are able to do that, they can have trout and swimming without
worrying about what goes into the canal. Salt Lake County spent a lot of money installing a
drainage system that works very well, and they want to make sure that they are utilizing that.
Also, that drainage system goes back down into the river and eventually makes it to the Great
Salt Lake.
Council Member Harris asked about the planned lodges, if they will be for youth groups to stay
overnight in.
Mr. Dallin said no, the intention will be more for events and open space for programming. They
also anticipate them being used for public rentals. They also have plans in the future for three
housing units adjacent to the STEM Center. They felt this would be important since Utah State is
an all-encompassing University that reaches throughout the state, and one of problems with
youth participation is the youth having places to stay that are secure and safe. They are planning
to make these housing units similar to their housing units available in Logan for visitors. They
are hoping to be able to comfortably accommodate 600-800 in those housing units for events.
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April 4, 2023
The first two phases should happen fairly quickly with the support of the Bastian Family. The
county was also very supportive with grants for the arenas and natural resources area, and they
are hoping to go back and ask the county for more. The outdoor arenas could be done by
December, the indoor arena will probably done in 2024 due to supply issues and timing. Phase 2
is planned to include better lighting for safety, better sound systems available, etc., things that
make sense and work, and that will probably come at a later date due to funding available. The
donors for the natural resource area are very motivated and they want to see that happening, so
that will be done very quickly. The STEM Center is an expensive idea, so the development
people are working on those campaigns to see how quickly they can do that. He then shared
some impacts from 2022, including:
- Turning the jockey house into the 4H Clubhouse. That staff has been able to use that
location to reach out to over 15,000 youth in the area and serve them.
- Having a Junior Teen and Teen Council that has over 300 participants.
- Bringing 4000 seventh graders from the Jordan School District to the Bastian Ag Center
and teaching them about agriculture.
- A program teaching Agriculture Principles to fifth graders, which has reached nearly
7000 kids from this location.
- Helping 14 youth last year raise sheep and goats at the Bastian Center that otherwise
couldn’t have due to distance. They have received grants and hope to double that number
next year. He also noted that the Bastian’s always buy the animals to make sure that the
kids get the return they need and to support them.
To get more information on these programs, you can search “Bastian Agricultural Center” and
the 4H Programs section of the website to learn more. This location has allowed more people to
have access to these programs with its ease of access compared to other locations. This 4H
program existed in the past at another location, but moving it here to this location in South
Jordan has allowed it to grow. They have opened this up to a grant, advertised just through social
media channels and a lister; within two days they had 11 youth sign up who had never
participated in a program with livestock before. He shared that they hosted over 620 events this
last year, reached boarding capacity with a current waiting list, seen an increase in open riding
attendance, are the home to multiple equine clubs that come and ride together, are the home to
the third largest dog show in the nation, and many other events. In 2023 they are looking forward
to hosting the Gem Show, multiple breed horse shows, a Renaissance Fair, a jousting
competition, etc.
Council Member Harris asked Mr. Dallin to keep them updated and let them know if there are
ever events that he feels would benefit from having some of the city officials attend.
Mr. Dallin noted that they do have a high school rodeo coming in October which is a big deal,
and has never been able to attend here; that would be an event that could benefit from direct city
support. He also added that big events like that actually need more stalls than the current 300 that
are available, so they just purchased 200 temporary stalls that can be set up and taken down for
big events like this. Lastly, he discussed their current branding and a new archway entrance that
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April 4, 2023
the Bastian Family wants to add, along with a subtle marquee on the corner with a military
monument honoring David and his service along with others.
Mayor Ramsey asked if Mr. Dallin felt there might be some value in putting together an event
with some key legislators invited, where they can show them around and explain the vision and
what’s going on here.
Mr. Dallin said as they get the archway entrance done, they want to do a grand opening type of
event and that would be the perfect time to invite those guests. Currently, they are focused on
serving all of their constituents and they are right next door to two major military installations
with families and kids who want to learn. They are hoping that the Bastian Center will become a
hub for extension education to military members and their families, along with expanding the
reach for these livestock programs and education opportunities.
F. Discussion Items
F.2. Communication discussion (By Administrative Services Director Melinda
Seager & Communications Manager Rachael Van Cleave).
Communications Manager Rachael Van Cleave reviewed her prepared presentation (Attachment
B).
Administrative Services Director Melinda Seager noted that our team has been able to influence
trends around the state by their strong example, and as a result they have been given a seat at the
table when it comes to some discussions of the more innovative and creative ideas that are
beginning to emerge.
Manager Van Cleave continued reviewing Attachment B.
Council Member Marlor suggested covering the topic of Airbnb’s in the future, including the
impacts, what is legal vs. illegal, and what residents can do about neighborhood disruptions from
those rentals.
Director Seager said they can discuss how to approach that and save that topic for future
campaigns, that way council members can point people to an area on the website with more
information if they start to have a lot of questions. They also need to look at potential impacts
with timing of releases and the political climate, as well as making sure to vet all information
before any release.
Council Member Zander said based on the high engagement posts, the public likes to see
themselves in the media more than our city officials.
Mayor Ramsey noted they do have to be aware of any liability issues, and of those who may not
realize they are being filmed. She suggested possibly posting some signs at public events,
making those in attendance aware that they could be filmed or photographed.
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April 4, 2023
Director of Recreation Janell Payne responded that any event with a registration and waiver has a
section releasing participant’s images, allowing the city to film and share their images.
Council Member Zander continued by saying that the residents want to be a part of the city,
which includes the media. Also, any time they can get those watching on social media to share
and interact with the videos, those posts will come up more in feeds.
Council Member McGuire thanked the whole communications team, noting that his constituents
constantly comment what a great job he does communicating with them. He is not creating any
unique content, he is usually just sharing what the city shares online, and that has been helpful to
those not following the city specifically on social media.
Council Member Zander added the city’s posts are always great quality and written very well.
Mayor Ramsey discussed the social media platform algorithm, and how it can make it hard to
reach everyone intended. They have to learn how to live with those issues and get around them to
continue growing on social media.
Communications Specialist Joshua Timothy added that’s why they focus so much on the emails,
because they always reach more people with email than they would ever reach with social media.
ADJOURNMENT
Council Member Zander motioned to adjourn the April 4, 2023 City Council Study
Meeting. Council Member McGuire seconded the motion; vote was unanimous in favor.
Council Member Shelton was absent from the vote.
The April 4, 2023 City Council Study meeting adjourned at 6:28 p.m.
This is a true and correct copy of the April 4, 2023 City Council Study Meeting Minutes, which
were approved on April 18, 2023.
South Jordan City Recorder
Attachment A
Attachment B
SOUTH JORDAN CITY
COMMUNICATIONS
WHAT THE FUTURE LOOKS LIKE AND WHY YOU SHOULD BE E XCITE D
THE DREAM TEAM SoJo Communications Team was a finalist in the PRSA
Golden Spike Awards for the Tax Education 101
Campaign.
Rachael is on the Board of the Utah Public
Information Officer Association. Has served as the
President of the Utah Association for Government
Communications.
Josh is the Vice President of the Utah Association for
Government Communications. He also runs our drone
program and has trained other drone pilots.
Rachael and Josh are speaking at the PIO
Conference in St. George about emerging AI
technology’s uses in communications and workflows.
RACHAEL VAN CLEAVE Matt is attending the South Valley Chamber of
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER/PIO
Commerce’s Leadership Course. He is also the Chair
JOSHUA TIMOTHY
of South Jordan’s new internal technology
COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST
committee. He is also a federally licensed drone pilot.
MATT JORGENSEN
MARKETING SPECIALIST
These campaigns and projects
PLANNED 2023 CONTENT support transparency and
engagement
Planned Videos: 21 (Police, Fire, Events, etc.)
Planned Publications: 85 (SoJo News, Neighboring News, Focus, etc.)
Planned Marketing Campaigns: 13 (SoJo Race Series, Summerfest, Dowdle, etc.)
Planned Outreach Campaigns: 21 (Secondary water, annexation, construction
updates, spring clean up, splash pad opening, Bingham Creek Regional Park grand
opening, fireworks safety, etc.)
Doesn’t include: Media inquiries, emergency incident/situational response, new
initiatives, etc.
CAPACITY PROJECTION
If every month were like March (211 hours added over planned)
Projected 2023 Capacity
100%
Hundreds
90%
80%
70%
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
10%
0%
Projected 2023 Capacity
TEAM SIZE COMPARISON
Population Range 44,773 - 139,361
Number of Communications Team Members
6
5
4
3
2
1
0
Sandy Provo Riverton West Valley Herriman South Jordan Draper West Jordan Murray
Sandy Provo Riverton West Valley Herriman South Jordan Draper West Jordan Murray
LEADING DRONE PROGRAM
•Have two federally licensed drone pilots
•Josh consulted with other divisions and helped
launch additional drone programs in the city
(engineering)
•For every drone photo taken in-house, we’re
saving ~$250
•For every drone video done in house we’re
saving $1,000-$5,000
•Missions flown have created spectacular
event videos, City Jobs videos, photos for the
RDA zones, and photos for annual reports.
“I don’t know who is in charge
of your website, but it is the
BEST city website I have ever
WHAT OUR used. It’s intuitive and I can find
what I need.”
–Joe Bourrie, Resident
RESIDENTS SAY “They are EXCELLENT!! I read
them all faithfully & really
appreciate them.”
Positive Feedback –Susan Wayment, Resident,
commenting on the Focus
“Love them! Great
communication plan in
action.”
– Brad Hope, Resident,
commenting on our
publications
“It would be nice to have a
website of newsletters.
Sometimes I want to check a
WHAT OUR date or event but can't find
the printed copy or the last
RESIDENTS SAY
few issues email anymore.”
–Adam Bondy, Resident
“Would like to be more
Constructive Feedback informed about learning
opportunities for elderly
people.”
-Anonymous Resident
“Love them! Don’t do email
or e-newsletters. A text with
a link would work.”
–Anonymous Resident
AUDIT METHOD & RESPONSE
QR codes or links in publications
910 people responded
231 left additional feedback
131 willing to give additional feedback
910 Audit Respondents
1. Did you find the publication valuable?
Yes 99% No 1%
2. What City publications do you read?
SoJo News (biweekly e-newsletter) 63.5%
Focus (print) 50.7%
STATS FROM THE AUDIT
Leisure Guide 40.5%
Focus (email) 39.5%
Recreation Newsletter 25.9%
Annual Report 26%
Senior Newsletter (print & online) 4.7%
FUN FACT ABOUT SOJO
COMMUNICATIONS
DAN RASCON – KSL TV
MIKE HEADRICK – KSL TV
DEBBIE DUJANOVIC – KSL NEWS RADIO
JOSH ROSE - ABC4
HEIDI HATCH – KUTV2
DEBBIE WORTHEN – KSL TV
BOYD MATHESON – KSL NEWS RADIO
PUBLIC RELATIONS, PUBLIC AFFAIRS, MEDIA RELATIONS
• Public relations develops the story/message
➢ Intent is to market/sell something
• Public affairs develops the story/message
➢ Intent is to inform public, impact policy
*Both aim to encourage public action*
• Media relations is one channel for that message
➢ About 5% of our content goes through media
STATE OF MEDIA RELATIONS
• Continuing to build media relationships
• Increased media inquiries
➢ As we grow - more in the public eye
• Press releases (for events, incidents)
➢ Proactive VS reactive
• Lessons learned
CURRENT MEDIA TOPICS
• Looking at misinformation and clarification
➢ Annexation
➢ MOU
➢ Bees moving to South Jordan
➢ HTRZ
• Bingham Creek Regional Park
• Potential flooding
Social Media Updates
•Increased posting frequency
• Regular Posts for Holidays
• Additional post sharing
•Engagement
• Community Evangelists
•Most engaging post of 2022
• Photo Contest Voting
•Most engaging post of 2023
• Plowing
•Getting council more involved with social presence
• Tamara Zander Date Dash
• Arts Recruitment Video with Jason McGuire
•New Animal Services Facebook Page
EMAIL STATS – OPEN RATE FOR LAST 12 MONTHS
10,000 opens (People & Households)
INDUSTRY
OPEN RATE CHANGE
AVERAGE
63% 41% 8%
EMAIL STATS – CLICK RATE FOR LAST 12 MONTHS
INDUSTRY
CLICK RATE CHANGE
AVERAGE
4% 2% -3%
Other Platforms & Channels
•Text messaging platform switch
(Constant Contact)
• Will be texting more for
engagement
•Pre-Council Videos
Neighboring News
•Is this useful to you?
•How do you like some of the changes?
•Trending topics?
PAST ROADMAP
South Jordan
71,732 73,666 77,799 80,797 85,556
Population
FY 18-19 FY 21-22 FY 22-23
FY 19-20 FY 20-21
Internal External Social
Focus Planning Preparation Expansion Media
Organizing division, Building 5-year Focused on Expanding external Focus on increasing
processes and strategic plan, emergency outreach social media content
focus, launched launched new e- planning and PIO campaigns, and creating
new Intranet, newsletter to expand functions, informing community additional highly
reach. public on engagement, engaging content.
communications emergency website overhaul.
request form. preparedness,
Building media
relationships.
QUESTIONS FOR YOU
•What’s working? What’s not?
•What does the future look like to you?
•What do you think we could do better?
•What are you hearing from your constituents?
•Neighboring News
•Is this useful to you?
•How do you like some of the changes?
•Trending topics?
WEBSITE METRICS
Our website visits winner is… RECREATION!
Most visited page in the last year – Mulligans (12%
of visits)
In second place – SoJo Summerfest (3% of visits)
These are followed by…
Utility Billing (2.5%) and Jobs (2.2%)
Arts Council Recruitment
•Sharing to community pages
•Mini video
•Video with Councilmember McGuire
•Letters to Photo Contest finalists and
winners
•Letters to others involved in art events
Pure SoJo Water Purification Project
•Informational Materials
•Kids Educational Video
•Live Action Video with Clip from Gov.
Cox, Mayor Ramsey, Jordan Clayton
(Utah Division of Water Resources,
snowpack)
•Signage, stickers, and art for fun tour
experience through the facility
Successful Recruitment Campaigns
•Gale Center Docents (newsletters,
social media, postcards)
•Recreation Recruitment – using
Peach Jar
•Police Recruitment Videos
Agenda
CITY OF SOUTH JORDAN
CITY COUNCIL STUDY MEETING AGENDA
CITY COUNCIL WORK ROOM
TUESDAY, APRIL 4, 2023 at 4:30 p.m.
Notice is hereby given that the South Jordan City Council will hold a Study Meeting at 4:30 p.m. on
Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in person in the City Council Work Room, located at 1600 W. Towne Center
Drive, South Jordan, Utah and virtually via Zoom phone and video conferencing. Persons with disabilities
requesting assistance should contact the City Recorder at least 24 hours prior to the Meeting. The Agenda
may be amended, and an Executive Session may be held at the end of the Meeting. Times listed are
approximate and may be accelerated or delayed.
In addition to in-person attendance, individuals may join via phone or video, using Zoom. In the event the
Meeting is disrupted in any way that the City in its sole discretion deems inappropriate, the City reserves
the right to immediately remove the individual(s) from the Meeting and, if needed, end virtual access to
the Meeting. Reasons for removing an individual or ending virtual access to the Meeting include but are
not limited to the posting of offensive pictures, remarks, or making offensive statements, disrespectful
statements or actions, and other any action deemed inappropriate.
Ability to participate virtually is dependent on an individual’s internet connection. Instructions on how to
join virtually are below.
Join South Jordan City Council Study Meeting Virtually:
• Join on any device that has internet capability.
• Zoom link, Meeting ID and Password will be provided 24 hours prior to meeting start time.
• Zoom instructions are posted https://ut-southjordan.civicplus.com/241/City-Council.
Study Meeting Agenda: 4:30 p.m.
A. Welcome, Roll Call, and Introduction: By Mayor, Dawn R. Ramsey
B. Invocation: By Council Member, Brad Marlor
C. Mayor and Council Coordination
D. Discussion/Review of Regular Council Meeting:
Presentation Items:
Proclamation in recognition of Child Abuse Awareness Month.
Proclamation Arbor Day 2023.
South Jordan Youth Council.
Action Items:
Resolution R2023-14, Approving the potential Bureau of Reclamation grant match commitment
for funding opportunity. RCV
Resolution R2023-16, Prohibiting the use of an ignition source, including fireworks, lighters,
matches, sky lanterns, and smoking materials, in certain areas.
City Council Study Meeting – April 4, 2023 Page 1 of 2
Resolution R2023-20, Authorizing the City Manager to enter into encroachment agreements for
certain limited structures on the City’s Property maintained for flood channels along Midas
Creek.
Resolution R2023-21, Adopting revised Citywide Policies 200-01 through 200-14 regarding
Fringe Benefits.
Resolution R2023-15, Adopting a Tentative Budget; making appropriations for the support of the
City of South Jordan for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2023 and ending June 30, 2024.
RCV
Resolution RDA 2023-01, Adopting a tentative budget for the fiscal year 2023-24. RCV
E. Presentation Item: 4:45 p.m.
E.1. USU Bastian Agriculture Center. (By Executive Director, Josh Dallin)
F. Discussion Item: 5:10 p.m.
F.2. Communications discussion. (By Administrative Services Director, Melinda Seager &
Communications Manager, Rachael Van Cleave)
ADJOURNMENT
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING
STATE OF UTAH )
COUNTY OF SALT LAKE )
I, Anna Crookston, the duly appointed City Recorder of South Jordan City, Utah, certify that the foregoing
City Council Agenda was emailed to at least one newspaper of general circulation within the geographic
jurisdiction of the public body. The agenda was also posted at the principal office of the public body and
also posted on the Utah State Public Notice Website http://www.utah.gov/pmn/index.html and on South
Jordan City’s website at www.sjc.utah.gov. Published and posted March 31, 2023.
City Council Study Meeting – April 4, 2023 Page 2 of 2
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