City Council Regular Meeting

MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 -1- THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MET IN REGULAR ELECTRONIC SESSION ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 AT 6:31 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 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: Ifo Pili, City Manager Nichole Camac, City Recorder John Flores, Assistant City Manager Eric Bunderson, City Attorney Mike Fossmo, Acting 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 (electronically) Jonathan Springmeyer, RDA Director Ken Cushing, IT (electronically) Travis Crosby, IT OPENING CEREMONY- COUNCILMEMBER SCOTT HARMON Councilmember Harmon asked members of the Council, staff, and audience to rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS Mayor Lang welcomed County Councilmember Aimee Winder Newton in attendance.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 -2- AWARDS, CEREMONIES, AND PROCLAMATIONS Councilmember Christensen read a proclamation declaring September 28, 2024 as National Good Neighbor Day in West Valley City. Randy Whitehead expressed pride in the partnership between the "My Hometown" initiative and West Valley City, emphasizing the shared goal of building community, uplifting individuals, and embodying the values highlighted in the city's proclamation. He highlighted the importance of kindness and friendship among neighbors as central to the quality of a neighborhood. Mr. Whitehead praised the city council's vision to make West Valley City known as the "friendliest, kindest, most inclusive, and most beautiful city." He encouraged everyone to play a role in executing that vision, as it starts with individual actions. With 250 volunteers, the "My Hometown" initiative is dedicated to working with Mayor Lang, the city council, Ifo Pili, Craig Thomas, and their teams to achieve the objective of community building and individual upliftment. He closed by calling on everyone to showcase what it means to be a good neighbor, expressing gratitude for the partnership and support from the city. PRESENTATIONS County Councilmember Aimee Winder Newton presented a PowerPoint Presentation summarized as follows: - Public Safety Bond o Consolidate and Improve County Jail  Expand Adult Detention Center (ADC) to meet population growth and capacity needs  Increase rehabilitative services and mental health resources  Close Oxbow, transfer inmates and services to expanded jail/ADC  Location: 3415 South 900 West, South Salt Lake o Justice and Accountability Center  Cost-effective alternative to jail for low-level offenders  Balance accountability with resources/real solutions (behavioral—mental health and substance use disorder, medical, job training, housing, etc.)  Connected to criminal justice system  Location: TBD (several county-owned parcels are available near the Adult Detention Center/jail) o Investment in Community and Public Safety  Reduce crime  Improve accountability  Connect with resources/real solutions  Break the cycle of repeat offenses MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 -3-  County population has grown yet no jail beds have been added since 2001  Cost effective/fiscally conservative and responsible  Integral part of Salt Lake County’s Human Services, Homelessness, and Criminal Justice Reform Action Plan  Bipartisan 8-1 Salt Lake County vote to move it to the ballot  Supported by majority of community members surveyed o Taxpayer Savings from Justice and Accountability Center Investment  Jail: $136/day per person—$49,640/annually  Justice and Accountability Center: $75/day per person— $27,500/annually  SAVINGS: $60/day per person—$22,500 less per person annually o General Obligation (GO Bond)  Facility/Need  Justice and Accountability Center- $100,000,000  Jail Expansion and Improvements- $427,000,000  Maintenance and Improvements (Adult Detention Center and Sheriff’s Office Bureau)- $90,000,000  Oxbow Demolition- $10,000,000  Sale of Oxbow Property- ($20,000,000)  County Set Aside- ($100,000,000)  TOTAL: 507,000,000 o Impact: Residence = $4.91/month (based on average property value of $602,000) o Business = $8.93/month o Timeline  7/19/24  Salt Lake County Unveils Human Services, Homelessness, and Criminal Justice Reform Action Plan  8/13/24  Bipartisan 8-1 Salt Lake County vote moves Public Safety Bond to the ballot  9/17/24  Salt Lake County Council Hosts Public Hearing  10/08/24  Salt Lake County Council hosts Public Meeting  10/15/24  Ballots mailed  11/5/24  Election Day  1/25  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 -4-  If voter approved, work begins (estimated construction time: 18–24 months) Upon inquiry by Mayor Lang there were no further questions from members of the City Council. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 17, 2024 The Council considered the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held September 17, 2024. There were no changes, corrections or deletions. Councilmember Whetstone moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held September 17, 2024. Councilmember Huynh seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken and all members voted in favor of the motion. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Karina McLellan from Ability Inclusion Services, a nonprofit serving adults with disabilities in Salt Lake County and surrounding areas, introduced the organization to the City Council and the community. She highlighted several key services provided through their community day program: 1. Creative Arts Department: Participants express themselves through painting and mixed media crafts, showcased in their annual art show. This year, it will be held on Thursday, October 24th, at their West Valley center. Attendees can bid on art pieces through a QR code or online for those unable to attend in person. 2. Adaptive Fitness Center: The program offers indoor and outdoor fitness facilities, staffed by exercise specialists and supported by students from the University of Utah, Salt Lake Community College, and Joyce University, helping participants improve physical functionality. 3. New Developments: Ability Inclusion Services is currently building a library and sensory room to enhance their community engagement offerings. 4. Community Inclusion Focus: They strive to ensure their clients engage with the broader community through visits to zoos, parks, museums, and other local venues. This is aimed at countering the isolation and depression often faced by people with disabilities. 5. Transportation Support: The organization partners with UTA for door-to-door services and maintains a fleet of accessible vehicles to facilitate outings and appointments for clients who cannot drive. 6. Drug Testing Kits: Ability Inclusion Services holds state contracts to provide drug test kits for law enforcement and other agencies, offering streamlined solutions to meet specific needs.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 -5- 7. Residential Program: The organization operates three properties in West Valley and South Salt Lake and plans to build a 12-unit complex. Their residential program assists with daily living skills, grocery shopping, and case management. Karina emphasized the lack of ADA-compliant housing in Utah and thanked the Council for their support in addressing this critical issue to create a more inclusive environment for the population they serve. Mike Markham highlighted an issue with a catwalk that connects the back of Valley Junior High to Alice Way. He proposed installing a gate that would open 15 minutes after school starts and close 15 minutes before it ends. He recounted a recent incident where around 50 students were found wandering in the neighborhood, ignoring neighbors' attempts to guide them back to school, leading to the need for police intervention. He expressed frustration that school authorities believe they lack the power to manage students once they leave school grounds and suggested that a gate could help mitigate these issues and reduce the time police spend rounding up students. Mike also commented on the "My Hometown" program, suggesting that if West Valley City funds are being used, all neighborhoods should benefit. He noted that some houses in his area have not been painted in over 45 years and offered to cover the costs of paint if someone could assist with the work. Jim Vesock encouraged everyone to keep the Christensen family in their thoughts and prayers. He acknowledged the hardships the family has faced in recent weeks and expressed gratitude for the service that Don Christensen and his wife have provided to the community over the years. Jim emphasized the importance of support and compassion during difficult times, urging everyone to remember the family in their daily reflections. Frank Pedroza raised concerns regarding a dangerous situation at the crosswalk located at 4800 West and approximately 3700 South. He described an incident where a large SUV sped through the crosswalk, disregarding the flashing lights meant to alert drivers to the presence of pedestrians. Frank expressed frustration at the challenges he faced when attempting to report this incident to the West Valley non-emergency police line, noting a lack of familiarity from dispatch regarding the location. He emphasized the urgency of the matter, highlighting that a similar incident had occurred involving his partner just a month prior. Frank pointed out that if an injury or fatality were to occur, it would cast an even worse light on the community and its safety measures. He urged the Council to consider taking action to improve safety at the crosswalk to protect children and crossing guards, concluding his remarks by thanking them for listening. Josh Randall shared his thoughts on improving West Valley City, expressing his desire to see it reach its full potential. Having recently run for a U.S. Senate seat and considering a future role on the council, he spoke about the importance of creating an environment that fosters community pride and safety, especially for families. He emphasized that making West Valley’s high schools the best in Utah is a goal he shares with his wife, with whom  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 -6- he has six children. He pointed out that issues like parking violations and student truancy significantly impact community safety and morale. Josh proposed enforcing existing parking regulations more strictly to prevent cars from blocking driveways, sidewalks, and street corners. He expressed concern for pedestrian safety, particularly for children navigating the streets amidst poor visibility due to parked vehicles. He also suggested that better enforcement could help reduce truancy, allowing for a safer and more responsible environment for students. He offered his assistance in any community efforts and left his contact information for further discussions. Overall, he expressed a strong commitment to contributing positively to the city’s development and safety. ORDINANCE 24-40: AMEND SECTIONS 3-11-103, 3-11-105. AND 3-11-106 OF THE WEST VALLEY CITY MUNICIPAL CODE TO AMEND CERTAIN PROVISIONS GOVERNING THE EMPLOYEE DISCIPLINE HEARING OFFICER Mayor Lang presented proposed Ordinance 24-40 that would amend Sections 3-11-103, 3- 11-105. and 3-11-106 of the West Valley City Municipal Code to Amend Certain Provisions Governing the Employee Discipline Hearing Officer. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: The proposed ordinance will update the appeal process for employee discipline cases. Key changes include clarifying appeal filing requirements, establishing a specific timeline for hearings, outlining general hearing procedures, and detailing the evidence to be considered by the Hearing Officer. This action is necessary to ensure that the procedures for handling employee discipline appeals are clear and consistent with state law and best practices. The amendments aim to streamline the appeal process, provide clearer guidance for all parties involved, and protect the rights of employees while ensuring fair and timely hearings. 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 Ordinance 24-40. Councilmember Huynh seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Councilman Fitisemanu Yes  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 -7- Councilman Whetstone Yes Councilman Harmon Yes Councilman Huynh Yes Councilman Christensen Yes Councilman Nordfelt Yes Mayor Lang Yes Unanimous. RESOLUTION 24-141: APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF NETWORK SECURITY PRODUCTS AND RELATED EQUIPMENT Mayor Lang presented proposed Resolution 24-141 that would approve the Purchase of Network Security Products and Related Equipment. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: 1. Network Security Enhancements from Manage Engine:  Description: The implementation of Endpoint Central will enable the management of all desktops, laptops, and mobile devices, allowing employees to install approved software and request IT helpdesk assistance. AD Audit will monitor and analyze login and network access activities, as well as changes to user accounts. ADSelfService Plus Professional will provide a centralized platform for password management and policy enforcement.  Quoted Cost: $40,000 2. Server Upgrades and Virtualization:  Description: This project involves replacing outdated servers used for virtualization to improve resource utilization and maintain redundancy, ensuring the City's IT infrastructure remains robust and efficient.  Quoted Cost: $27,424.54 3. Network Infrastructure Expansion:  Description: Many network switches and related equipment at city facilities are outdated, with some no longer receiving security patches or supporting modern features. Upgrading this equipment will enhance security and reliability by enabling the use of modern features and ensuring the ability to apply necessary patches.  Quoted Cost: $252,840.88 These projects are essential to address current vulnerabilities and to support the City's ongoing operational needs.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 -8- Upon inquiry by Mayor Lang there were no further questions from members of the City Council, and she called for a motion. Councilmember Fitisemanu moved to approve Resolution 24-141. Councilmember Harmon 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, SEPTEMBER 24, 2024 WAS ADJOURNED AT 7:01 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, September 24, 2024. _______________________________ Nichole Camac, MMC City Recorder