City Council Regular Meeting
Regular MeetingWest Valley City, UT · August 27, 2024
Minutes
MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 27, 2024
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THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MET IN REGULAR ELECTRONIC SESSION ON
TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2024 AT 6:34 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
KAREN LANG.
THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT:
Karen Lang, Mayor
Don Christensen, Councilmember At-Large (electronically)
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 (electronically)
STAFF PRESENT:
Ifo Pili, City Manager
Nichole Camac, City Recorder
John Flores, Assistant City Manager
Eric Bunderson, City Attorney
Colleen Jacobs, Police Chief
John Evans, Fire Chief
Jim Welch, Finance Director
Steve Pastorik, CED Director
Layne Morris, CPD Director
Dan Johnson, Public Works Director
Jamie Young, Parks and Recreation Director
Jonathan Springmeyer, RDA Director
Sam Johnson, Strategic Communications Director
Travis Crosby, IT
OPENING CEREMONY- MAYOR KAREN LANG
Mayor Karen Lang asked members of the Council, staff, and audience to rise and recite the
Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING HELD AUGUST 20, 2024
The Council considered the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held August 20, 2024. There
were no changes, corrections or deletions.
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Councilmember Whetstone moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held
August 20, 2024. Councilmember Huynh seconded the motion.
A voice vote was taken and all members voted in favor of the motion.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Darrell Curtis thanked the City for a recently approved streetlight and requested sidewalks
near Hunter Junior High. Mr. Curtis expressed concern about engine brake noise on
Mountain View Corridor.
Mike Markham thanked the Fire Department for their efforts related to a neighbor. Mr.
Markham expressed concern regarding Code Enforcement.
Jim Vesock expressed concern regarding Code Enforcement. He stated that he attended a
Shiny Shell carwash event which raised money with the Police Department. He noted that
he is also concerned about the sign ordinance.
Councilmember Harmon stated that he has contacted staff about tow trucks, outside
storage, and other issues. The map shows some enforcement cases that are over a year old.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. ACCEPT PUBLIC INPUT REGARDING APPLICATION GPZ-1-2024,
FILED BY PAUL AND KAREEN SWENSON, REQUESTING A GENERAL
PLAN CHANGE FROM LARGE LOT RESIDENTIAL TO LIGHT
MANUFACTURING AND A ZONE CHANGE FROM A (AGRICULTURE,
MINIMUM LOT SIZE ½ ACRE) TO M (MANUFACTURING) FOR
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4053 SOUTH 7200 WEST
Mayor Lang informed a public hearing had been advertised for the Regular Council
Meeting scheduled August 27, 2024, in order for the City Council to hear and
consider public comments regarding Application GPZ-1-2024, Filed By Paul and
Kareen Swenson, Requesting a General Plan Change from Large Lot Residential to
Light Manufacturing and a Zone Change from A (Agriculture, Minimum Lot Size ½
acre) to M (Manufacturing) for Property Located at 4053 South 7200 West.
Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included
information as follows:
If this application is approved, the applicants intend to develop a self-
storage facility on the subject property. Included with this report is a letter
from the applicants that describe how they arrived at the proposed use. In
summary, the applicants indicated that self-storage was the preferred use
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because residential isn’t viable primarily due to Overpressure Zone A,
commercial uses like retail, office, or a restaurant are unlikely in that there
are no other similar businesses nearby, and most industrial uses would be
problematic given the adjoining residential. In the applicants’ letter they
also mention that they will not pursue other uses allowed in the M zone.
The M zone requires a 20’ building setback from a residential zone,
agricultural zone, or residential use. The applicant is requesting that,
through a development agreement, this 20’ setback be reduced to 0’ to
eliminate a 20’ space that is not visible to the public and could create a
security concern for the neighboring residents. There are several self-
storage facilities in the City that adjoin residential where the City’s Board
of Adjustment has approved variances to waive the setback requirement
due to security concerns or the self-storage facility was constructed before
the residential. A development agreement can be used to accomplish the
same outcome.
The City has also submitted a General Plan/zone change application on the
City-owned parcel to the south for a General Plan designation of Light
Manufacturing and M zoning. If the City’s application is approved, the 20’
setback would not apply along the south property line.
Mayor Lang opened the Public Hearing.
Ruth Helvy stated that she lives to the east of the proposed property. She indicated
that this area is growing and is primarily residential with a park, housing, etc. She
stated that she would be concerned about property values decreasing. Ms. Helvy
stated that she is concerned about lighting, grade, and the effect this type of
development would have on her and her family.
Elizabeth Borden stated that this application was originally denied and expressed
concern that the Council has asked to review it again. She indicated that she is
concerned about the impact on her neighborhood.
Jim Vesock stated that he is in favor of this application. He stated that almost
nothing else can be built on this property due to the overpressure zone and noted
that there is a need for storage facilities.
Ray Helvy stated that this application would have a major personal impact on
himself and neighbors. He expressed concern about noise, lighting, etc.
Mike Markham stated that he is familiar with the property and it’s limited in what
MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 27, 2024
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can be built on it. He added that a home would not be ideal due to the proximity of
the train tracks.
Darrel Curtis stated that he doesn’t want West Valley City to be a City of storage
units. He noted that there are better uses for this property.
Paul Swenson, the applicant, expressed appreciation to the Council for revisiting
this application. He noted that there are two homes on the property with 9 people
living there but 5 have been moved to other locations. Councilmember Nordfelt
asked about the height of the building as well as lighting. Mr. Swenson stated that
he would ensure the property complies with every regulation and noted that he
wants to be a good neighbor to those in the area. He added that some fill has been
brought to the property but that would be eliminated and the building would be
constructed at the original grade. Mr. Swenson stated that lighting will be primarily
by the front security gate. Mayor Lang asked what the hours will be. Mr. Swenson
replied likely 8 am- 8 pm.
Mayor Lang closed the Public Hearing.
ACTION: ORDINANCE NO. 24-20, AMEND THE GENERAL PLAN TO
SHOW A CHANGE OF LAND USE FROM LARGE LOT RESIDENTIAL TO
LIGHT MANUFACTURING FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4053 SOUTH
7200 WEST
The City Council previously held a public hearing regarding proposed Ordinance
24-20 that would amend the General Plan to Show a Change of Land Use from Large
Lot Residential to Light Manufacturing for Property Located at 4053 South 7200 West
Councilmember Huynh stated that he changed his opinion on the application because
he feels the pros outweigh the cons and believes this would be a good fit for the area.
Councilmember Fitisemanu stated that he doesn’t have a real issue with the proposal
but doesn’t feel another storage facility is necessary in the City.
Councilmember Whetstone noted that he will continue to vote against this application.
He stated that while the overpressure zone is in place now, it may not be in years to
come and there may be a better use for this property at that time.
Councilmember Nordfelt stated that he agrees with Councilmember Whetstone but
added that the overpressure zone has been in place for a very long time and will more
than likely remain for the foreseeable future. He stated that housing is not an option
and storage buildings will have the least effect on the neighborhood. Councilmember
Nordfelt indicated that he doesn’t believe lighting will be a concern and added that he
feels this use is a good fit.
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Mayor Lang clarified with Steve Pastorik, CD Director, the location of the overpressure
zone and where new homes are being constructed in the area.
Upon inquiry by Mayor Lang there were no further questions from members of the
City Council, and she called for a motion.
Councilmember Huynh moved to approve Ordinance 24-20.
Councilmember Nordfelt seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was taken:
Councilman Fitisemanu No
Councilman Whetstone No
Councilman Harmon No
Councilman Huynh Yes
Councilman Christensen Yes
Councilman Nordfelt Yes
Mayor Lang Yes
Majority.
ACTION: ORDINANCE NO. 24-21, AMEND THE ZONING MAP TO SHOW
A CHANGE OF ZONE FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4053 SOUTH 7200
WEST FROM A (AGRICULTURE, MINIMUM LOT SIZE ½ ACRE) TO M
(MANUFACTURING)
Mayor Lang discussed proposed Ordinance 24-21 that would amend the Zoning Map
to Show a Change of Zone for Property Located at 4053 South 7200 West from A
(Agriculture, Minimum Lot Size ½ acre) to M (Manufacturing).
Upon inquiry by Mayor Lang there were no further questions from members of the
City Council, and she called for a motion.
Councilmember Nordfelt moved to approve Ordinance 24-21.
Councilmember Huynh seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was taken:
Councilman Fitisemanu No
Councilman Whetstone No
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Councilman Harmon No
Councilman Huynh Yes
Councilman Christensen Yes
Councilman Nordfelt Yes
Mayor Lang Yes
Majority.
ACTION: RESOLUTION NO. 24-81, AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO ENTER
INTO A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH PAUL SWENSON FOR
APPROXIMATELY 2.96 ACRES OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT
APPROXIMATELY 4053 SOUTH 7200 WEST
Mayor Lang discussed proposed Resolution 24-11 that would authorize the City to
Enter into a Development Agreement with Paul Swenson for Approximately 2.96
Acres of Property Located at Approximately 4053 South 7200 West.
Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included
information as follows:
Paul and Kareen Swenson have submitted a General Plan/zone change
application (GPZ-1-2024) on 2.96 acres to change the General Plan from Large
Lot Residential to Light Manufacturing and a zone change from A (Agriculture,
minimum lot size ½ acre) to M (Manufacturing). The proposed use for the
property is a self-storage facility.
The proposed development agreement:
1. limits the use of the property to a self-storage facility,
2. allows buildings to be built at the property line along the north and east
sides of the property,
3. requires 7 feet of right-of-way dedication along 7200 West,
4. requires a cash payment to the City in lieu of off-site improvements due
to the upcoming road project planned along 7200 West,
5. delays the installation of live-plant material and irrigation to avoid the
City replacing these items with the 7200 West project, and
6. requires a temporary construction easement to the City to facilitate the
7200 West project.
Upon inquiry by Mayor Lang there were no further questions from members of the
City Council, and she called for a motion.
Councilmember Huynh moved to approve Resolution 24-81.
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Councilmember Nordfelt seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was taken:
Councilman Fitisemanu Yes
Councilman Whetstone No
Councilman Harmon No
Councilman Huynh Yes
Councilman Christensen Yes
Councilman Nordfelt Yes
Mayor Lang Yes
Majority.
RESOLUTION 24-130: APPROVE AN EXECUTIVE ORDER TO AMEND THE
PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES MANUAL
Mayor Lang presented proposed Resolution 24-130 that would approve an Executive Order
to Amend the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.
Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as
follows:
Our last amendment to the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual was in
November 2022. Since then, changes in employment law and City practices have
rendered parts of the manual outdated. Consent of the City Council is required to
finalize and implement the revised manual as outlined in City Code 3-2-102 (1)
“The City Manager is the Chief Executive Officer of the City and has the
following powers and duties:” (2) d. “Prescribe such rules and regulations by
executive order, with the advice and consent of the City Council, as the City
Manager shall deem necessary or expedient for the conduct of all departments,
divisions, and offices; and revoke, suspend, or amend any rule or regulation by
whoever prescribed.”
Upon inquiry by Mayor Lang there were no further questions from members of the City
Council, and she called for a motion.
Councilmember Huynh moved to approve Resolution 24-130.
Councilmember Harmon seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was taken:
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Councilman Fitisemanu Yes
Councilman Whetstone Yes
Councilman Harmon Yes
Councilman Huynh Yes
Councilman Christensen Yes
Councilman Nordfelt Yes
Mayor Lang Yes
Unanimous.
RESOLUTION 24-131: AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO ENTER INTO PROPERTY
SCHEDULE NO. 25 OF THE MASTER TAX-EXEMPT LEASE/PURCHASE
AGREEMENT WITH US BANCORP GOVERNMENT LEASING AND
FINANCING, INC. WITH RESPECT TO A LEASE FOR THE PURCHASE OF
EQUIPMENT
Mayor Lang presented proposed Resolution 24-131 that would authorize the City to Enter
Into Property Schedule No. 25 of the Master Tax-Exempt Lease/Purchase Agreement With US
Bancorp Government Leasing and Financing, Inc. with Respect to a Lease for the Purchase of
Equipment.
Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as
follows:
Purchase of (1) Fire Truck. This lease is intended to last 7 years with semi-annual
payments with an interest rate of 4.76%. The amount to be financed is $400,000.
The City will own the ambulance at the end of the lease term.
US Bancorp Government Leasing and Finance, Inc. has provided a highly
competitive leasing proposal for the purchase of this equipment.
Upon inquiry by Mayor Lang there were no further questions from members of the City
Council, and she called for a motion.
Councilmember Whetstone moved to approve Resolution 24-131.
Councilmember Harmon seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was taken:
Councilman Fitisemanu Yes
Councilman Whetstone Yes
Councilman Harmon Yes
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Councilman Huynh Yes
Councilman Christensen Yes
Councilman Nordfelt Yes
Mayor Lang Yes
Unanimous.
RESOLUTION 24-132: AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF A FIRE ENGINE
FROM SIDDONS-MARTIN EMERGENCY GROUP
Mayor Lang presented proposed Resolution 24-132 that would authorize the Purchase of a
Fire Engine from Siddons-Martin Emergency Group.
Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as
follows:
West Valley City Department seeks to purchase a Type 3 wildland fire engine by
utilizing the seasonal fire deployment revenue stream to make payments on this
apparatus resulting in no cost to the taxpayers of West Valley City.
A type 3 fire engine specializes in wildland firefighting carrying 500 gallons of
water with the ability to pump and roll along with having four-wheel drive
capability. This type of apparatus would be extremely beneficial to the west side
of the City in rolling grass hills by U-111. This apparatus would also be an asset
during the wintertime due to the four-wheel drive.
This unit would also be in rotation for wildland deployments outside of the
city/county/state. Requesting agencies or states pay a rate fee for apparatus and
personnel set by Utah Forest Fire and State Lands.
Siddons-Martin Emergency Group is a participant in the Houston-Galveston Area
Council, an interlocal entity offering purchasing and procurement services to
municipalities around the nation. West Valley City is a member of HGAC and is
entitled to purchase services at HGAC prices and from HGAC affiliates and
members. Since this purchase is in accordance with HGAC procedures,
procurement requirements have been satisfied pursuant to Section 5-3-108 of the
West Valley City Municipal Code. The price indicated below is a competitive price
and the product meets the City’s needs.
Number of Type of Apparatus Cost Per
Apparatus Apparatus
1 Type 3 BME Fire Engine $500,023.00
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Upon inquiry by Mayor Lang there were no further questions from members of the City
Council, and she called for a motion.
Councilmember Huynh moved to approve Resolution 24-132.
Councilmember Whetstone seconded the motion.
A roll call vote was taken:
Councilman Fitisemanu Yes
Councilman Whetstone Yes
Councilman Harmon Yes
Councilman Huynh Yes
Councilman Christensen Yes
Councilman Nordfelt Yes
Mayor Lang Yes
Unanimous.
MOTION TO ADJOURN
Upon motion by Councilmember Huynh all voted in favor to adjourn.
THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE WEST VALLEY COUNCIL THE
REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, AUGUST 27, 2024 WAS ADJOURNED AT 7:19
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
27, 2024.
_______________________________
Nichole Camac, MMC
City Recorder
Agenda
WEST VALLEY CITY
The Regular Electronic Meeting of the West Valley City Council will be held on Tuesday,
August 27, 2024, at 6:30 PM, in the City Council Chambers, West Valley City Hall, 3600
Constitution Boulevard, West Valley City, Utah. Members of the press and public are invited to
attend in person or view this meeting live on YouTube at
https://www.youtube.com/user/WVCTV.
AGENDA
1. Call to Order
2. Roll Call
3. Opening Ceremony: Mayor Karen Lang
4. Special Recognitions
5. Approval of Minutes:
A. August 20, 2024
6. Public Comment Period:
(The comment period is limited to 30 minutes. Any person wishing to comment shall limit
their comments to three minutes. Any person wishing to comment during the comment period
shall request recognition by the Mayor. Upon recognition, the citizen shall approach the
microphone. All comments shall be directed to the Mayor. No person addressing the City
Council during the comment period shall be allowed to comment more than once. Comments
shall be limited to City business and matters within the purview of the City Council. Speakers
should not expect any debate with the Mayor, City Council or City Staff; however, the Mayor,
West Valley City does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services.
If you are planning to attend this public meeting and, due to a disability, need assistance in understanding or participating in the meeting, please notify the City eight or
more hours in advance of the meeting and we will try to provide whatever assistance may be required. The person to contact for assistance is Nichole Camac.
Electronic connection may be made by telephonic or other means. In the event of an electronic meeting, the anchor location is designated as City Council Chambers,
West Valley City Hall, 3600 Constitution Boulevard, West Valley City, Utah.
3600 South Constitution Boulevard, West Valley City, Utah, 84119 | Phone: 801-963-3203 | Fax: 801-963-3206
TDD: 801-963-3418 | www.wvc-ut.gov
City Council or City Staff may respond after the comment period has concluded. Speakers
shall refrain from personal attacks against fellow citizens, city staff, or members of the City
Council.)
7. Public Hearings:
A. Accept Public Input Regarding Application GPZ-1-2024, Filed By Paul and Kareen
Swenson, Requesting a General Plan Change from Large Lot Residential to Light
Manufacturing and a Zone Change from A (Agriculture, Minimum Lot Size ½ acre) to
M (Manufacturing) for Property Located at 4053 South 7200 West
Action: Consider Ordinance 24-20, Amend the General Plan to Show a Change of
Land Use from Large Lot Residential to Light Manufacturing for Property Located at
4053 South 7200 West
Action: Consider Ordinance 24-21, Amend the Zoning Map to Show a Change of Zone
for Property Located at 4053 South 7200 West from A (Agriculture, Minimum Lot
Size ½ acre) to M (Manufacturing)
Action: Consider Resolution 24-81, Authorize the City to Enter into a Development
Agreement with Paul Swenson for Approximately 2.96 Acres of Property Located at
Approximately 4053 South 7200 West
8. Resolutions:
A. 24-130: Approve an Executive Order to Amend the Personnel Policies and Procedures
Manual
B. 24-131: Authorize the City to Enter Into Property Schedule No. 25 of the Master Tax-
Exempt Lease/Purchase Agreement With US Bancorp Government Leasing and
Financing, Inc. with Respect to a Lease for the Purchase of Equipment
C. 24-132: Authorize the Purchase of a Fire Engine from Siddons-Martin Emergency
Group
9. Motion for Closed Session (if necessary)
10. Adjourn
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