City Council Regular Meeting

MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING – MAY 1, 2018 -1- THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018, AT 6:46 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, WEST VALLEY CITY HALL, 3600 CONSTITUTION BOULEVARD, WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH. THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AND CONDUCTED BY MAYOR BIGELOW. THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: Ron Bigelow, Mayor Don Christensen, Councilmember At-Large Lars Nordfelt, Councilmember At-Large Tom Huynh, Councilmember District 1 Steve Buhler, Councilmember District 2 Karen Lang, Councilmember District 3 Jake Fitisemanu, Councilmember District 4 STAFF PRESENT: Wayne Pyle, City Manager Nichole Camac, City Recorder Eric Bunderson, City Attorney Jim Welch, Finance Director Colleen Jacobs, Police Chief John Evans, Fire Chief Russell Willardson, Public Works Director Layne Morris, CPD Director Nancy Day, Parks and Recreation Director Sam Johnson, Strategic Communications Director Jake Arslanian, Public Works Department OPENING CEREMONY Councilmember Huynh conducted the Opening Ceremony. He requested that members of the audience, City Staff, and the Council rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS- SCOUTS Mayor Bigelow welcomed Scout Troop No. 947 attendance at the meeting to complete requirements for the Citizenship in the Community merit badge. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING HELD APRIL 24, 2018 The Council considered the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held April 24, 2018. There were no changes, corrections or deletions.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING – MAY 1, 2018 -2- Councilmember Fitisemanu moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held April 24, 2018. Councilmember Lang seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken and all members voted in favor of the motion. AWARDS, CEREMONIES AND PROCLAMATIONS A. EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH AWARD, MAY 2018- MICHELLE SILLER, LEGAL DEPARTMENT Councilmember Buhler read the nomination of Michelle Siller, Legal, to receive Employee of the Month Award for May 2018. Ms. Siller was nominated by Paula Lozano. The award reads as follows: On January 25, 2018 as I was leaving work early I saw a folder on the wet ground by my vehicle in the City Hall parking lot. It was titled "papeles importantes" (translated from Spanish means "important papers"). I looked in the folder and there were all sorts of documents that would be of value to a person. I found a document referencing a sex offense & other victim services papers where it appeared the owner was the victim of a sex offense. I took this folder to WVC PD Victim Services & spoke with Michelle Siller. I explained to her what I had found & my concern that the owner would need these papers. Believing it was one of their clients, I thought they could easily get in touch with the owner. It was also helpful that Michelle speaks Spanish. Michelle took the documents with a smile and said she would do her best to get them back to the owner. I received an email from Michelle on March 13, 2018, advising me that she had finally located the owner after multiple calls to multiple people and agencies, none of whom responded back to her. This did not stop her. She took it upon herself to send letters to all the addresses listed in the folder of documents. The female owner called Michelle and then came to pick up her items. It appears that the woman suffered a mental/emotional break down after the sex offense and has many stressful situations going on. Michelle was then able to further help this woman by referring her to resources and getting her treatment. Michelle's diligence was able to make it possible for this woman to obtain her important papers back but also to help her with other mental/emotional needs. COMMENT PERIOD A. PUBLIC COMMENTS Julie Pace stated that she is concerned about a proposed re-zoning at Highbury. She stated that the City lacks higher quality housing and the General Plan calls for this in this area. Ms. Pace stated that this is not an appropriate location for high density. MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING – MAY 1, 2018 -3- She referenced Newton Farms and indicated that these homes are selling very successfully which proves that large homes on large lots are selling. Ralph Vernon stated that since moving to Highbury, he knows all of his neighbors and that is because the entire community is dedicated to making the neighborhood a good place to live. Mr. Vernon stated that there were issues with Academy Park in his old neighborhood due to the density and he fears that will be a similar issue if high density continues to be approved in Highbury. He requested that the City keep Highbury low density and added that he feels homes will sell. Mr. Verson also expressed concern about adding additional streetlights and the additional traffic that higher density will bring to the neighborhood. Sean Black stated that he is opposed to the proposed Garbett rezone in Highbury. He indicated that the main thoroughfare in the area is already congested. Mr. Black stated that he is concerned about the danger the Pinnacle Apartments bring to the neighborhood and feel it’s important that the City stay with Single Family Homes. Greg Bemis stated that he spoke last week and would like to share a few additional points. He indicated that he feels the addition of more multi-family units would diminish the opportunity for homeowners to move into an upscale area in their community. He also stated that that market in West Valley City is so tight that he finds it difficult to believe a developer can’t bring something in. Mr. Bemis stated that there are currently 2 homes for sale in the Highbury community and they are each going for $500,000. He encouraged the City to look at other alternatives. Brandon Pahl stated that he is on the HOA board of Highbury. He indicated he and his wife built in this area because it reminded him of his neighborhood growing up. He stated that there are parking issues but he wants to talk about the crime brought on by the Pinnacle Apartments. He described gang, drug, and vandalism issues that have occurred in Highbury. Mr. Pahl stated that he feels the neighbored has become more unsafe and urged the council to vote no to more high density. Matt MacPherson distributed letters from residents (included in minutes). He stated the neighborhood is concerned about the proposed Garbett re-zoning and the excessive parking along the streets. He indicated that there is an imbalance of high density and low density in Highbury. Mr. MacPherson stated that a 14 year old boy was recently assaulted and beaten by a gang which roam the neighborhoods. He stated that on-street parking brings problems with loitering, vandalism, and theft and all of this stems from the Pinnacle Community. Mr. MacPherson stated that he has spoken with Steve Pastorik in Planning and Pinnacle Management and feels the apartment complex is not up to code and cannot support their numbers. Mr. MacPherson stated that he feels the City can help the community. He also urged  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING – MAY 1, 2018 -4- the Council to vote no on the proposed Garbett rezone and to consider solutions to their issues. PJ Webster stated that he doesn’t hold anything against the people who live in the Pinnacle Community and wants them to be successful. He stated that adding more high density to the community will amplify existing problems. Mr. Webster stated that Neil Armstrong Academy is a sought after school and adding more density will overcrowd that school which will provide less opportunity for children in the community. Jason Miller stated that he is opposed to the proposed Garbett project. He indicated that he loves Highbury and he feels the neighborhood changes people’s perception of West Valley City. Mr. Miller stated that this neighborhood should be protected. He indicated that there have been issues with crime, traffic, safety, and graffiti but this can all be fixed. He urged the Council to vote no to more high-density so that these problems don’t become worse. Luana Biddulph stated she moved from Daybreak to Highbury. She indicated that the Pinnacle Apartments create a significant parking issue and added that she has almost been hit twice taking her children to school in the past week. Ms. Biddulph stated that there is not enough manpower to enforce Highbury issues everyday but adding high density will only increase graffiti, theft, crime, traffic, etc. She stated Pinnacle does not provide enough parking for its residents. Ms. Biddulph added that people have moved from Highbury due to issues that are occurring and people will continue to move if more density is approved. Mike Markham stated he has urged the Council to evaluate on-street parking for years but nothing has ever been done. He stated multi families living in single family dwellings is a significant issue. Mr. Markham indicated that his wife and daughter were afraid to walk through the neighborhood. He stated he has lived here for 40 years and if the Council won’t change ordinances, it may be time to elect new officials. Mr. Markham stated the Council recently approved a high-density proposal on Redwood Road and 4100 South but claims to be opposed to that so he doesn’t understand their goals for the City. Ms. Markham encouraged the Council to attend the Citizens Academy. B. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS Wayne Pyle, City Manager, had no comments. C. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS Councilmember Buhler stated that zoning change proposals come from a potential buyer or a developer. He indicated that they first go to the Planning Commission  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING – MAY 1, 2018 -5- and then to the City Council. Councilmember Buhler stated that he can’t remember a time that a neighborhood has come to the Council in advance expressing their opposition and indicated that their voices have been heard. He agreed that Highbury is a very nice neighborhood and is grateful that its residents care about it. RESOLUTION 18-52: ADOPT A TENTATIVE BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR COMMENCING JULY 1, 2018 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2019; SET AUGUST 14, 2018 AS THE DATE FOR THE PUBLIC HEARING Mayor Bigelow discussed proposed Resolution 18-52 that would adopt a Tentative Budget for the Fiscal Year Commencing July 1, 2018 and Ending June 30, 2019; Set August 14, 2018 as the Date for the Public Hearing. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: This resolution adopts the tentative budget for West Valley City for the 2018-2019 fiscal year and sets a date for public comment at a hearing to be held on August 14 2018. West Valley City will adopt a tentative budget that will be made available for public inspection during regular office hours in the City’s Recorder’s office and gave notice of a hearing to receive public comment, before the final adoption of this tentative budget for FY 2018-2019. Councilmember Buhler stated this proposal does not include a tax increase and indicated that additional revenue is coming to the City by various mechanisms that have been put in place. Councilmember Buhler added that employees should expect market or merit raises and it has been some time since this has happened. Mayor Bigelow stated that a property tax may occur due to a judgment levy. He explained this process and how judgment levies occur. Mayor Bigelow asked how much property tax the City typically gets per year. Wayne replied approximately 32 million. Councilmember Buhler indicated that some required costs, such as increases in benefits, are out of the City’s control. Upon inquiry by Mayor Bigelow there were no further questions from members of the City Council, and he called for a motion. Councilmember Buhler moved to approve Resolution 18-52. Councilmember Christensen seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Mr. Fitisemanu Yes  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING – MAY 1, 2018 -6- Ms. Lang Yes Mr. Buhler Yes Mr. Huynh Yes Mr. Christensen Yes Mr. Nordfelt Yes Mayor Bigelow Yes Unanimous. Councilmember Buhler moved to Recess the Regular City Council Meeting of May 1, 2018 at 7:44 PM. Councilmember Huynh seconded. A voice vote was taken and all members voted in favor of the motion. The Regular Redevelopment Agency, Housing Authority, and Municipal Building Authority Meetings of May 1, 2018 were held as scheduled. Councilmember Christensen moved to Reconvene the Regular City Council Meeting of May 1, 2018 at 7:52 PM. Councilmember Huynh seconded. MOTION FOR CLOSED SESSION Councilmember Buhler moved to adjourn and reconvene in a Closed Session for discussion of the deployment of security personnel, devices, or systems. Councilmember Christensen seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken and all members voted in favor of the motion. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE WEST VALLEY COUNCIL THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018, WAS ADJOURNED AT 7:53 P.M. BY MAYOR BIGELOW. I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true, accurate and complete record of the proceedings of the Regular Meeting of the West Valley City Council held Tuesday, May 1, 2018. _______________________________ Nichole Camac City Recorder  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING – MAY 1, 2018 -7- -- THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION ON TUESDAY, MAY 1, 2018 AT 7:56 P.M., IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, WEST VALLEY CITY HALL, 3600 CONSTITUTION BOULEVARD, WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH. THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY MAYOR BIGELOW. THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: Ron Bigelow, Mayor Lars Nordfelt, Councilmember At-Large Don Christensen, Councilmember At-Large Tom Huynh, Councilmember District 1 Steve Buhler, Councilmember District 2 Karen Lang, Councilmember District 3 Jake Fitisemanu, Councilmember District 4 STAFF PRESENT: Wayne Pyle, City Manager Nichole Camac, City Recorder Eric Bunderson, City Attorney Colleen Jacobs, Police Chief The City Council met in Closed Session and discussed deployment of security personnel, devices, or systems. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL, THE CLOSED SESSION OF MAY 1, 2018 WAS ADJOURNED AT 8:39 P.M. BY MAYOR BIGELOW. __________________________________ Nichole Camac – City Recorder