City Council Regular Meeting

MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 22, 2023 -1- THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MET IN REGULAR ELECTRONIC SESSION ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2023 AT 6:30 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 LANG. THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: Karen Lang, Mayor Don Christensen, Councilmember At-Large Lars Nordfelt, Councilmember At-Large Tom Huynh, Councilmember District 1 Scott Harmon, Councilmember District 2 William Whetstone, Councilmember District 3 Jake Fitisemanu, Councilmember District 4 STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY: Wayne Pyle, City Manager Nichole Camac, City Recorder Eric Bunderson, City Attorney John Evans, Fire Chief Colleen Jacobs, Police Chief Jeanette Carpenter, Acting Finance Director Steve Pastorik, CED Director Layne Morris, CPD Director Dan Johnson, Public Works Director Nancy Day, Parks and Recreation Director John Flores, HR Director Mark Nord, RDA Director (electronically) Sam Johnson, Strategic Communications Director Ken Cushing, IT (electronically) OPENING CEREMONY- COUNCILMEMBER WILLIAM WHETSTONE Councilmember Whetstone stated that National Code Talker Day was celebrated last week and honors the contributions of Native Americans and their efforts during WWII. Councilmember Whetstone provided a brief history and introduced Harry James and Stan Watts who were in attendance. Stan Watts introduced himself as a sculptor. He displayed a Navajo Code Talker draft sculpture that he intends to construct as a bronze statue to be located at the Veteran’s Memorial site located in West Valley City. Mr. Watts detailed his proposal and discussed the importance Navajo Code Talkers had in the war. Harry James introduced himself in both Navajo and English. He described how Navajo Code Talkers  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 22, 2023 -2- devised a special language to translate vital information to troops serving in WWII that significantly helped the United States win the war. Mr. James detailed requirements for being a Code Talker and expressed appreciation for Mr. Watts and his sculpture. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING HELD JULY 25, 2023 The Council considered the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held July 25, 2023. There were no changes, corrections or deletions. Councilmember Fitisemanu moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held July 25, 2023. Councilmember Huynh seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken and all members voted in favor of the motion. COMMENT PERIOD A. PUBLIC COMMENTS Tom McClellan stated he lives in the Bingham Court community and represents the HOA. He expressed concern about a park south of the community and the pathway that runs through the community. Mr. McClellan indicated that trees have overgrown within the boundaries of the park that have begun to impact the neighboring homes and has caused damage to the sidewalk. He also stated that the public pathway does not have a barrier that separates it from the community (which is 55+) and there have been issues with vehicles using the pathway as a shortcut, pedestrians using the restroom in the bushes, and skateboarders setting up ramps and jumps. Mr. McClellan provided a letter to be distributed to the Council with suggested solutions. Dennis Tenney indicated that he also lives in Bingham Court. He stated that public safety is a significant concern within this private community. He noted that jaywalking seems to be encouraged based on the lack of a crosswalk. Mr. Tenney stated that the community has conducted studies and are prepared with simple, zero cost solutions to solve these issues. He noted that the residents love this community and are looking forward to discussing solutions. Kelly Bertoch stated that he appreciated the Code Talker presentation. He expressed concern regarding parking on streets and high density housing developments being constructed. Mr. Bertoch stated that his heritage is Hunter and he sometimes gets overly passionate about his care for his community but stated that it is because he loves it. Matt MacPherson stated that the City Council will be seeing application GPZ-5- 2023 come before them in the near future. He indicated that many of his neighbors spoke in opposition to the proposal during the Planning Commission discussion and  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 22, 2023 -3- are still opposed to the proposed development. Mr. MacPherson stated that the neighborhood was promised that this property would remain low density. He noted that developers have tried over the years to get higher density proposals approved but have been unsuccessful. Mr. MacPherson suggested proactively rezoning this parcel to low density. Jim Vesock stated that he would like to discuss Form of Government. He also expressed concern about Code Enforcement and encouraged that reporting methods be shared with the public more openly. Mike Markham expressed concern about a home in his neighborhood that has weeds in the front yard. He also noted that a truck was parked in front of a fire hydrant and expressed concern that there are 8 adults living in one household. Michael Dye stated he is also present to express concern regarding the upcoming Council discussion regarding application GPZ-5-2023. He indicated that he chose the Highbury Community because it is a safe, quiet place to live. He noted that he uses his home for many activities and the proposed development would compromise the peaceful and productive work environment that residents enjoy. Mr. Dye expressed concern about an increase in parking and noise issues as well as the impact to children and the units being rentals. Richard Nowak stated that the slurry cover in his neighborhood looks great. He encouraged the Council to hold meetings for residents and not just developers. Dawn Garrett stated that she lives down the street from the Redwood Rec Center and thinks it would be an ideal place for a library. She indicated it would make more sense to be located there than at Valley Fair Mall. B. CITY MANAGER COMMENTS Wayne Pyle, City Manager, had no comments. C. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS Upon inquiry, members of the City Council had no comments. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. ACCEPT PUBLIC INPUT REGARDING THE BUDGET OF WEST VALLEY CITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 Mayor Lang informed a public hearing had been advertised for the Regular Council Meeting scheduled August 25, 2023, in order for the City Council to hear and consider public comments regarding the Budget of West Valley City for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024. MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 22, 2023 -4- Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: West Valley City will adopt a final 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 com5ment before the final adoption of this tentative budget for FY 2023-2024. Jeanette Carpenter, Finance, provided a PowerPoint Presentation summarized as follows: - Budget 2023-2024 o Reflects Council direction & objectives o Public disclosure/transparency o Balanced budget required by state law o Promotes efficiency in government o Prepared to accepted national standards - Budgetary Drivers o Fiscal Responsibility o Governmental & Regulatory Requirements o Review and balance Costs of Services & Operations o Maintain Public Infrastructure o Economic conditions  Inflationary Pressures  Escalating Interest Rates  Uncertain Economic Future  Regulatory Environment - General Fund 2023-2024 o Revenues Property T ax $ 34,918,663 Sales T ax $ 43,042,370 Utility T ax $ 11,476,508 Licenses & Permits $ 4,695,000 Justice Court $ 3,575,661 Interest $ 1,574,496 Miscellaneous $ 6,897,173 Reserves $ 3,679,898 TOTAL REVENUES $ 109,859,769 o Expenses MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 22, 2023 -5- Police $ 39,050,316 Fire $ 15,759,597 Non-Departmental $ 12,356,138 Administration $ 8,823,989 Debt Service $ 4,928,095 Public Works $ 5,164,613 Law $ 11,239,217 Community Preservation $ 2,744,014 CED $ 2,762,179 Finance $ 2,380,454 Parks & Recreation $ 3,568,466 Legislative $ 1,082,691 TOTAL EXPENDITURES $ 109,859,769 - Property Tax Receipt o West Valley City portion of tax bill pays for:  Police  Fire  Streets  Parks  & contributing to services that help promote a safe & economically vibrant community - Notice of Proposed Tax Increase o TAX RATE HISTORY  FY 2023= .002800  FY 2024= .002758p  -1.5% reduction in rate due to increased property value o 146,726 Judgment Levy (appeals for overpayment) Mayor Lang opened the Public Hearing. Mike Markham indicated that this is a nominal increase but encouraged the Council to ensure an increase is needed at all. He stated that any entity that has the ability to raise taxes will do so. He noted that he doesn’t want to cut services and indicated he would like to even see additional funding for Code Enforcement. Jim Vesock agreed that the amount raised is an appropriate amount but would encourage department directors and managers to stay within their budgets and not ask for additional funding from the General Fund. Richard Nowak stated he owns a non-profit and there is a finite budget. He  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 22, 2023 -6- expressed concern about developing property just to have an increase in property or sales tax. He encouraged park land to be reserved. Mayor Lang closed the Public Hearing. ACTION: RESOLUTION NO. 23-111, ADOPT A FINAL BUDGET; MAKE APPROPRIATIONS FOR THE SUPPORT OF WEST VALLEY CITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2023 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2024; AND DETERMINE THE RATE OF TAX AND LEVYING TAXES UPON ALL REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY WITHIN WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH, TAXABLE BY LAW FOR THE YEAR 20235 The City Council previously held a public hearing regarding proposed Resolution 23-111 that would adopt a Final Budget; Make Appropriations for the Support of West Valley City for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2023 and Ending June 30, 2024; and Determine the Rate of Tax and Levying Taxes Upon All Real and Personal Property Within West Valley City, Utah, Taxable By Law for the Year 2023. Councilmember Huynh thanked residents for their comments. He stated that he and the Mayor have served on the Council for 12 years and have tried to reduce the budget. He noted that he is appalled that this has not been done in that time and stated that it is important to change the Form of Government to improve this process. Upon inquiry by Mayor Lang there were no further questions from members of the City Council, and she called for a motion. Councilmember Christensen moved to approve Resolution 23-111. Councilmember Fitisemanu seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Councilman Fitisemanu Yes Councilman Whetstone Yes Councilman Harmon No Councilman Huynh Yes Councilman Christensen Yes Councilman Nordfelt Yes Mayor Lang Yes Majority. MOTION FOR CLOSED SESSION Councilmember Nordfelt moved to adjourn and reconvene in a Closed Session for  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 22, 2023 -7- discussion of professional competency. Councilmember Christensen seconded the motion. Councilmember Fitisemanu Yes Councilmember Whetstone Yes Councilmember Harmon Yes Councilmember Huynh Yes Councilmember Christensen Yes Councilmember Nordfelt Yes Mayor Lang Yes Unanimous. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE WEST VALLEY COUNCIL THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2023 WAS ADJOURNED AT 7:42 P.M. BY MAYOR LANG. 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, August 22, 2023. _______________________________ Nichole Camac, CMC City Recorder --- THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2023, AT 7:47 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 KAREN LANG. THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: Karen Lang, Mayor Lars Nordfelt, Councilmember At-Large Don Christensen, Councilmember At-Large Tom Huynh, Councilmember District 1  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 22, 2023 -8- Scott Harmon, Councilmember District 2 Will Whetstone, Councilmember District 3 Jake Fitisemanu, Councilmember District 4 STAFF PRESENT: John Flores, Human Resources Director The City Council met in Closed Session and discussed professional competency. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL, THE CLOSED SESSION OF AUGUST 22, 2023 WAS ADJOURNED AT 8:15 P.M. BY MAYOR LANG. __________________________________ Nichole Camac – City Recorder