City Council Regular Meeting

MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -1- THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MET IN REGULAR ELECTRONIC SESSION ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2025 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 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 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 Paula Melgar, Human Resources Director Travis Crosby, IT OPENING CEREMONY- COUNCILMEMBER DON CHRISTENSEN Councilmember Christensen stated the Council’s only action tonight would be to select a representative from District 4 to serve on the City Council. He noted that over the past weeks, he had received numerous emails and phone calls from applicants, many of whom expressed gratitude for the opportunity to apply. He clarified that the council did not grant this opportunity but that each candidate took the initiative themselves as engaged voters and residents, stepping forward to serve their community. Christensen emphasized that  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -2- participation in public service is a personal choice, just as current council members independently put their names forward when seeking election. He expressed appreciation for all applicants and their willingness to contribute to the city. He asked members of the Council, staff, and audience to rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING HELD JANUARY 28, 2025 The Council considered the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held January 28, 2025. There were no changes, corrections or deletions. Councilmember Whetstone moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held January 28, 2025. Councilmember Harmon seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken and all members voted in favor of the motion. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Barry Gittleman, President of Hamlet Homes, addressed the council regarding the company's ongoing residential developments in West Valley City. He noted that Hamlet Homes has been building in and around Salt Lake County for 30 years, completing over 80 subdivisions. Currently, the company is constructing 58 homes in Weston Field on 4100 South in District 4. Despite significant interest, with over 3,000 visitors touring a model home during the Salt Lake Parade of Homes, sales in 2024 have been slow, with only three homes sold. Mr. Gittleman attributed this challenge to the shifting housing market and rising mortgage rates since the project's approval in 2021. He requested the opportunity to meet with city staff to discuss minor modifications to the existing development agreement, specifically revisiting three sentences in the 13-page document. He emphasized that these changes would not be substantial but would allow the company to adapt to current market conditions while maintaining high-quality home construction. He referenced the city’s mission of "Unity, Pride, and Progress" and reiterated Hamlet Homes’ commitment to building high-quality homes while addressing affordability concerns. Mike Markham thanked everyone for being here today. Kirk Lowe addressed the council to reiterate concerns regarding access to tee times at the city golf course. He noted that despite a reduction in the number of allocated passes this year, the issue persists, and many believe the root cause is not the number of passes but rather the scheduling system. Mr. Lowe pointed out that league players, including the Men’s League, Ladies League, and Veterans League, are allowed to book tee times two weeks in advance, whereas the general public can only book one week ahead. Additionally, league play during the day further limits availability for non-league golfers. With the golf  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -3- course set to reopen next month, he urged the council to review the current booking policies to ensure fairer access for all golfers. He concluded by thanking the council for their time and consideration of the issue. Gayle Clark addressed the council to discuss concerns regarding the recently enacted city regulations requiring all owners of non-owner-occupied properties to obtain a West Valley City business license and have the properties designated as rentals. She explained that she has owned a property at 3379 Hillsdale for nearly 30 years, which has been a family home for her disabled older brother, his wife, and children. For the past two years, she has complied with the city's business license requirement, despite the fact that the property had never before been considered a rental or business. Ms. Clark detailed how she and her younger brother purchased the property in 1995 to provide a home for their family members, and no rent has ever been charged. She has maintained the property, paid taxes and insurance, and even established an LLC to address issues with a difficult neighbor. However, with the recent changes to the city’s regulations, her family home is now categorized as a rental property, resulting in unwanted solicitations and pressure to sell the property to real estate ventures.While she acknowledged that there may have been issues with property management abuses in the city, Clark expressed frustration that the city's regulations, originally intended to address such problems, have been applied to her legitimate family support situation. She urged the council to reconsider how the regulations affect genuine family-owned properties like hers. PUBLIC INTERVIEW FOR COUNCILMEMBER DISTRICT 4 A. PUBLIC INTERVIEW OF QUALIFIED CANDIDATES WHO HAVE APPLIED FOR THE OPEN COUNCILMEMBER DISTRICT 4 SEAT ON THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL Mayor Lang stated that the only item of business this evening is the public interview to fill the District 4 vacancy on the West Valley City Council. This vacancy was created when Jake Fitisemanu was elected to State House District 30 in the 2024 General Election. The vacancy, governed by Utah State Code 20A-1-510, lasts until the end of the year. Mayor Lang noted that interested candidates applied the first week of January and submitted a cover letter, resume, and questionnaire, which the council has reviewed. The next step, as required by state law, is a public interview. She indicated that candidates will be interviewed in the order determined by the Utah State Lieutenant Governor's 2024-2025 Master Ballot Position List. Mayor Lang asked candidates to wait in the lobby until called. Nichole Camac, City Recorder, instructed each candidate that they had up to 3 minutes open introduction. She explained that she would then ask each candidate the same two questions and they had up to one minute to answer each of those questions. The two questions were: MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -4- 1. What do you think are the most pressing challenges facing our city, and how would you prioritize addressing them? 2. How will you ensure that your decisions are guided by the best interests of the entire community rather than specific groups or individuals? Richard Beaudoin Richard Beudoin introduced himself, sharing his background and experience. Originally from Massachusetts, he joined the Navy in 1973 and spent 26 years in the service, living in 10 states. After his military career, he and his wife, Lindy, moved to West Valley City in 2004, initially buying a home in the Villages at Stonegate, and later building their forever home in Newton Farms in 2019. They have lived in the city for over 20 years and love it. Mr. Beudoin is actively involved in the community through his church, leading a weekly food pantry program, delivering meals on wheels, supporting senior lunch events, and serving as president of two homeowners' associations. He is also a member of the newly formed Veterans Council. With over 41 years of federal service, Mr. Beudoin has significant leadership experience, including expertise in critical problem-solving, decision-making, budget formulation, disaster preparedness, and emergency management. He also has skills in analyzing large data sets to support decision- making and budgeting. If selected for the vacant position on the city council, Mr. Beudoin would focus on reducing crime, increasing employment opportunities, ensuring adequate housing for all ages and incomes, simplifying the city's fee schedules, and continuing support for events like Westfest. He expressed his desire, experience, skills, and commitment to supporting the city council. 1. What do you think are the most pressing challenges facing our city, and how would you prioritize addressing them? Mr. Beudoin elaborated on his goals, emphasizing concerns about crime in the city, noting that it seems to be featured more frequently on the evening news than in the past. He also mentioned that his son and grandson are currently looking for affordable housing. He highlighted the importance of ensuring that there are enough available lots for development and supporting builders of affordable housing. Additionally, Mr. Beudoin pointed out that District 4 has more available land for development compared to downtown, which could help meet housing needs. 2. How will you ensure that your decisions are guided by the best interests of the entire community rather than specific groups or individuals? Mr. Beudoin mentioned that he goes to the Family Fitness Center every morning, where he has many friends with whom he can discuss critical MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -5- decisions and gather input from the community. He acknowledged that while he doesn't know exactly what these individuals do after their workouts, he has built relationships with them over the years and values their opinions. Additionally, he noted that many of his church members live in West Valley, and he could seek their input as well to help guide decision-making for the community. Frank Bedolla Frank Bedolla introduced himself as a long-time resident of the community, having been here for over 12 years. He shared that he has focused on giving back to the community. Over the years, he earned his bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Utah, followed by a master's in public administration. He is currently working towards a second master's degree in mental health counseling. With over 25 years of experience in social service work, Frank has focused on helping youth and families. He is the founder of the Fathers and Families Coalition in Utah, which aims to address dating violence, domestic violence, and promote healthy relationships in the community. Through this organization, he has been able to contribute over $2 million to the community, including schools, and has expanded services outside of Salt Lake County. Frank also works at a school, providing guidance and support to young kids in an after-school program. He emphasized that his work has impacted over 30,000 individuals in the community, including efforts in gang intervention, abuse prevention, and overall community improvement. Helping others is at the core of his life’s work. 1. What do you think are the most pressing challenges facing our city, and how would you prioritize addressing them? Frank Bedolla emphasized the importance of customer service within the community. Reflecting on his own work, he mentioned that he has worked hard to connect kids to recreational programs and has extended his efforts outside the county to ensure they have access to services. He noted that one issue he has encountered was the lack of response when trying to set up weekly activities at a local pool, underscoring the need for better communication and responsiveness, which he believes could be easily improved. He feels that providing good customer service would make a positive difference for the community. 2. How will you ensure that your decisions are guided by the best interests of the entire community rather than specific groups or individuals? Frank Bedolla also shared his approach to problem-solving, highlighting the importance of listening to situations, conducting a cost analysis, and ensuring MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -6- that all angles are considered. He emphasized the need to meet community needs within the city's budget, acknowledging that the government has limited resources and must prioritize effectively to serve its residents. His thoughtful, analytical approach aims to ensure that decisions are both practical and sustainable. Fred Cox Fred Cox shared his long-standing connection to West Valley, having lived here for 37 years, and his professional experience as an architect. He emphasized his background in working with developers, city officials, and understanding city processes such as proposals and planning. Fred also highlighted his experience in organizing grassroots, noting his involvement in a statewide tax referendum campaign that gathered significant public support. He expressed deep appreciation for the people in the community, saying that his decision to stay in West Valley was largely due to the wonderful individuals he’s met. He expressed his commitment to supporting and working with the City Council, no matter who is selected. 1. What do you think are the most pressing challenges facing our city, and how would you prioritize addressing them? Fred Cox identified public safety as one of his top priorities, drawing from his experience as the Neighborhood Watch chair. He also mentioned transportation and homelessness as important issues, sharing a personal story about a former neighbor who became homeless. Additionally, he acknowledged concerns about housing costs and expressed a hope that some solutions could be found at the state level. 2. How will you ensure that your decisions are guided by the best interests of the entire community rather than specific groups or individuals? Fred Cox reflected on his experience hosting 16 public town hall meetings at libraries over the past year. He emphasized that these meetings allowed for more direct interaction and valuable feedback from residents, compared to the limited 3-minute comments at city council meetings. He believes that the best ideas often come from the community, and even though not all suggestions may be actionable, the open dialogue fosters better understanding and collaboration. This approach, he noted, was something he learned during his time as a legislator and has continued to use in his efforts to engage the community. Darrell Curtis MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -7- Darrell Curtis introduced himself as a longtime resident of West Valley who has run for city council multiple times. He shared his educational background in Political Science from the University of Utah and his 36+ years of federal government service, currently working with the Department of Justice. Curtis expressed his desire to improve West Valley, emphasizing the city's potential to become a "destination city" that attracts people to stay, rather than just live temporarily. He noted his deep roots in the community, with his family having lived there since 1980. Curtis spoke about his commitment to public service and his enthusiasm for contributing to West Valley's development through the City Council. 1. What do you think are the most pressing challenges facing our city, and how would you prioritize addressing them? Darrell Curtis expressed concern about the affordability of homes in West Valley. He mentioned that a neighbor's 1970s-era home was listed for $450,000, despite being a fixer-upper, and noted that his own son had to purchase a fixer- upper home in Kearns for around $430,000. He stressed the need to work with state and federal authorities to find ways to create more affordable housing, pointing out that current housing prices in West Valley are out of reach for many young people, including his own children. Mr. Curtis emphasized the importance of homeownership, as it contributes to building community stability, and suggested exploring options like smaller homes to make housing more accessible. 2. How will you ensure that your decisions are guided by the best interests of the entire community rather than specific groups or individuals? Darrell Curtis spoke about his experience working with federal agencies and coordinating collection activities with the U.S. Attorney's Office. He emphasized that finding solutions to local challenges requires a tailored approach, as there is no "one size fits all" solution. Mr. Curtis highlighted the importance of developing policies, procedures, and ordinances as a city council to address community needs while ensuring citizens' voices are heard. He reflected on how, during his campaign, meeting people from West Valley was an invaluable opportunity to hear their concerns and ideas, and he stressed that involving the community in decision-making processes is essential for finding effective solutions. Martell Winters MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -8- Martell Winters shared a brief overview of his background and qualifications. He emphasized his decade-long service on the West Valley City Planning Commission, where he has gained insight into the city's operations and direction. Mr. Winters expressed his satisfaction with the city's progress and his willingness to continue serving in that role, regardless of the outcome of the selection process. He also highlighted his professional experience as a scientist, where he has used data, rational thought, and discussions to make decisions in the healthcare industry. Mr. Winters has served on various boards and committees, both national and international, and has worked closely with regulatory bodies such as the FDA. He conveyed his enthusiasm for working in group settings and expressed a desire to apply these skills to the West Valley City Council. Mr. Winters concluded by stating that he would consider it an honor to serve on the council. 1. What do you think are the most pressing challenges facing our city, and how would you prioritize addressing them? Martell Winters shared that he and his wife have recently become empty nesters. They have four children, two of whom are married and two are still looking for homes. He recognized the challenge of affordable housing and the difficulty in influencing the market entirely. However, he is passionate about doing what the city can to provide opportunities for young people starting their lives to find affordable homes in West Valley. 2. How will you ensure that your decisions are guided by the best interests of the entire community rather than specific groups or individuals? Martell Winters discussed the challenge of reaching out to the general public, as those who engage often have specific agendas or strong motivations. He acknowledged the value of public interaction, especially when city officials seek input from residents. He emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for the public to share their thoughts and suggested that good communication between council members and those with experience would be beneficial in addressing city issues. Cindy Wood Cindy Wood introduced herself as a candidate for the City Council position, representing District 4. She has been a resident of West Valley for 38 years, growing up in Magna when the City was known as Hunter and Granger. She recalled the city’s incorporation in 1980 and expressed having witnessed its challenges, growth, and success. Ms. Wood has served on the West Valley Planning Commission since 2017 and is currently the Vice Chair. Through this role, she has MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -9- gained valuable experience in city planning and zoning matters, attending weekly study and public meetings, and engaging with residents. She emphasized her unique qualifications from hearing passionate community feedback, whether in support or opposition to zoning changes. Ms. Wood’s professional background as a CPA enables her to contribute effectively to the city’s financial challenges, focusing on responsible spending and resource prioritization. She expressed excitement about serving on the City Council, sharing her pride in West Valley and her desire to help create a positive image for the city as it continues to grow and embrace diversity. Ms. Wood highlighted her approachability and willingness to listen to residents, learn about city issues, and find practical solutions. She concluded by expressing her commitment to working collaboratively with the City Council, city staff, and residents to address issues, prioritize needs, and ensure transparent decision- making for the future success of West Valley. 1. What do you think are the most pressing challenges facing our city, and how would you prioritize addressing them? Cindy Wood identified several pressing issues, starting with public image. She acknowledged that West Valley City has struggled with its image, despite being a great place to live. She shared personal experiences of people being surprised that she lives in the city. Another key issue she highlighted was affordable housing, and she emphasized the need for affordable, permanent housing. She suggested collaborating with developers to make the best use of the limited undeveloped land remaining in the city. 2. How will you ensure that your decisions are guided by the best interests of the entire community rather than specific groups or individuals? Cindy Wood described herself as accepting all people and emphasized her straightforward, no-nonsense approach. She mentioned that she is not easily swayed by external influences and is committed to listening to residents. Her focus, she stated, is on representing the citizens and residents of District 4. Josh Randall Josh Randall shared his background and approach as a candidate for City Council. He spoke about being humble and approachable, acknowledging the importance of family and having six children under the age of 10, which gives him a unique perspective. He emphasized his desire for West Valley City to have great schools, particularly Hunter High School, and a safe, family-friendly environment to attract other families. Mr. Randall expressed his support for cultural diversity in the city, MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -10- as well as his commitment to enforcing good laws and building unity through shared values. He also highlighted the challenges of managing such a diverse population, emphasizing the importance of communication and being an open listener. 1. What do you think are the most pressing challenges facing our city, and how would you prioritize addressing them? Josh Randall shared a personal story about moving to West Valley City, where a relative expressed concerns about safety, even saying they wouldn't visit because of it. This moment highlighted for him the importance of ensuring the city is perceived as a safe place to live. Mr. Randall emphasized that security and residents feeling safe are very important issues to him. 2. How will you ensure that your decisions are guided by the best interests of the entire community rather than specific groups or individuals? Josh Randall shared his approach to engaging with people, drawing from his experience running for Senate, where he handled a large number of emails, fielded questions, and spoke with delegates—sometimes for hours. He emphasized the importance of listening to everyone, ensuring decisions are made with consensus, and not walking away from difficult conversations. Mr. Randall believes that unity and listening to all perspectives are key to accomplishing great things and looks forward to working with others to make a positive impact. Amitonu Amosa Amitonu Amosa expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to run for a seat in District 4, emphasizing the community's diversity, which is reflected in the many languages spoken in the area. He has been a resident of West Valley since 1992 and is proud to call it home. Mr. Amitonu spoke about his commitment to representing all neighborhoods in District 4, especially those on the southwest borders, such as Diamond Summit and Sunset Hills, ensuring no one feels overlooked. He identified key issues like traffic, safety, and accident rates on Mountain View Corridor and 5600 West and 4100 South, which he plans to prioritize. He also highlighted an educational initiative where high school juniors and seniors toured City Hall, showcasing the city's dedicated officials. Mr. Amitonu plans to work closely with department heads to understand their priorities and improve day-to-day operations, ensuring effective representation for District 4 residents. MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -11- 1. What do you think are the most pressing challenges facing our city, and how would you prioritize addressing them? Amitonu Amosa discussed some of the pressing issues in District 4, particularly traffic, safety, and speeding, as well as accidents related to the Mountain View Corridor. He proposed that the best way to address these issues would be to collaborate with department heads, especially those in transportation, to develop a comprehensive plan. He suggested focusing on identifying patterns, such as specific times or locations where accidents occur frequently, to target potential solutions. 2. How will you ensure that your decisions are guided by the best interests of the entire community rather than specific groups or individuals? Amitonu Amosa emphasized the importance of maintaining open communication with constituents in District 4, especially in the age of technology. He pointed out the value of engaging with residents by utilizing tools like neighborhood contact links on the city's website, which allow neighbors to connect and discuss issues. He believes this would ensure that the residents' voices are heard and that their concerns are addressed effectively. David Madsen David Madsen spoke with gratitude for the opportunity to run for the open District 4 seat, highlighting his involvement in the community through initiatives like National Night Out and working with the Neighborhood Services Office. He expressed deep appreciation for Jake Fitisemanu and his mentorship. Mr. Madsen stated that integrity is one of his core values, with a commitment to standing firm in his principles. Additionally, Mr. Madsen shared this goal to improve city parks and acknowledged the importance of humor in leadership. 1. What do you think are the most pressing challenges facing our city, and how would you prioritize addressing them? David Madsen expressed a strong sense of community in his own area and acknowledged the importance of fostering unity across the entire city. He emphasized the need for more events like National Night Out to bring neighborhoods together, reduce negative influences, and encourage positive community engagement. Mr. Madsen also expressed his openness to learning about other issues that the community or law enforcement might present, indicating a willingness to address priorities as they arise. MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -12- 2. How will you ensure that your decisions are guided by the best interests of the entire community rather than specific groups or individuals? David Madsen further emphasized the importance of integrity in his decision- making process. Drawing from his background as a scientist, he highlighted his commitment to making well-researched, fact-based decisions. He expressed a preference for relying on data, observations, and discussions with colleagues rather than personal opinions or outside influences. Mr. Madsen also noted his willingness to consider various viewpoints, but his approach will always prioritize thorough research and evidence. David McKenzie David McKenzie introduced himself as a long-time resident of District 4, where he and his wife raised their five children. He has a deep connection to West Valley, having attended local schools, and he currently works as an attorney specializing in patents and intellectual property, with his wife assisting him with bookkeeping. Mr. McKenzie has experience in public service, having served on the Orchard Elementary Community Council and as a State delegate. He expressed a strong desire to represent District 4 on the city council, emphasizing his interest in technology and how it can improve the city. McKenzie highlighted his attention to detail, integrity, organizational skills, and strong work ethic as assets he would bring to the council. He is practical, enjoys getting things done, and seeks to understand the reasoning behind proposals before making decisions. He also mentioned that when time is limited, he is capable of making prompt decisions. 1. What do you think are the most pressing challenges facing our city, and how would you prioritize addressing them? David McKenzie discussed the challenge of managing growth in the city, which he identified as one of the primary issues facing West Valley. However, he did not express any concerns or complaints about the city's current management of growth, stating that he has had a positive experience with how the city has handled it so far. While he acknowledged small issues, such as the occasional need for road repairs, he praised the city's budget management, noting that the city manages debt well and operates efficiently. 2. How will you ensure that your decisions are guided by the best interests of the entire community rather than specific groups or individuals? MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -13- David McKenzie emphasized the importance of maintaining an open forum and being accessible to residents. He believes in making himself available for direct communication, whether through contact or email, to listen to constituents' concerns. He stressed the need to ask follow-up questions to fully understand their perspectives and to work toward long-term solutions that benefit the entire city, rather than opting for quick fixes. Greg McPherron Greg McPherron shared his personal background, noting that he and his wife have lived in West Valley City since 2002 and have deep roots in the community, raising seven children in the area. He highlighted his close relationships with neighbors, particularly his involvement in his neighborhood's challenges, including attending 26 funerals over the past six years. Mr. McPherron emphasized his professional experience as a claims adjuster, where he often navigates the balance between employer and employee interests, a skill he believes will serve him well in the city council. He is focused on making informed decisions based on the facts of each situation. 1. What do you think are the most pressing challenges facing our city, and how would you prioritize addressing them? Greg McPherron addressed the opportunities for development in West Valley, recognizing the challenge of balancing private and public interests. He emphasized the need for informed decision-making, suggesting that decisions should be based on thorough analysis of the facts and a long-term perspective on how these developments will impact the city in the next decade. 2. How will you ensure that your decisions are guided by the best interests of the entire community rather than specific groups or individuals? Greg McPherron shared his approach to building strong relationships with his diverse neighbors, emphasizing that people feel comfortable talking to him, even when opinions differ. He values gathering facts and perspectives from everyone involved to make informed decisions. This open, communicative approach reflects his commitment to fostering a sense of safety and inclusivity in his community. Scott Spendlove Candidate withdrew January 27, 2025. MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -14- Renee Layton Renee Layton shared her deep involvement in the West Valley community, particularly in the Diamond Summit neighborhood, where she has been active for nearly 20 years. She spearheaded the neighborhood watch program, worked closely with the police department and neighborhood services, and led efforts like petitioning for speed bumps and a closer fire department. Ms. Layton emphasized her belief in being part of the solution rather than just complaining, and she has been a role model for her children in demonstrating community involvement. She feels her perspective, living on the southern edge of the city, would provide valuable insight for the council. 1. What do you think are the most pressing challenges facing our city, and how would you prioritize addressing them? Renee Layton spoke about her experience on the Planning Commission and the growing concern she has observed regarding the lack of affordable housing, not just in West Valley but across Salt Lake County. She highlighted the importance of affordable housing for young families, especially for her own children as they grow older. Ms. Layton expressed a desire for the council to help create more accessible housing options in the city, particularly for those who are looking to stay close to family as they settle down. 2. How will you ensure that your decisions are guided by the best interests of the entire community rather than specific groups or individuals? Renee Layton emphasized the importance of collaboration, recognizing that everyone brings their own unique experiences and skills to the table. She believes that no one knows everything and that it's vital to seek counsel from others to make decisions that benefit everyone in the community. Acknowledging both strengths and weaknesses in herself, she values teamwork and discussion to ensure the needs of all residents are considered when making decisions for the city. Cindy Thompson Cindy Thompson expressed her excitement about the city council position, emphasizing her passion for the community and her admiration for the current leadership. She shared her diverse background, including over 20 years as a real MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -15- estate executive, as well as experience as a paralegal and in administrative roles at various companies. Ms. Thompson highlighted her strengths, such as critical thinking, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. She also mentioned her focus on solutions, budget consciousness, and her ability to take the lead in challenging situations. Ms. Thompson believes the position is a strong fit for her skills and is eager to contribute to the community. 1. What do you think are the most pressing challenges facing our city, and how would you prioritize addressing them? Cindy Thompson identified infrastructure maintenance and repair as a key challenge for the city, along with concerns about the high crime rate, noting that West Valley City ranks fifth in crime in Utah. She expressed a desire to see the city improve its standing in this area, aiming for the fifth-lowest crime rate. To address these issues, Ms. Thompson emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating that she would work with the Mayor, council members, and citizens. She highlighted her ability to listen and her openness to hearing others' opinions as essential tools in tackling these challenges. 2. How will you ensure that your decisions are guided by the best interests of the entire community rather than specific groups or individuals? Cindy Thompson highlighted her strong communication skills and extroverted nature as key qualities that would help her engage effectively with her community. She emphasized her openness to others' opinions and her ability to conduct thorough research, drawing on her legal background. Cindy believes that combining these strengths would allow her to gather accurate feedback and provide well-informed responses, ensuring she contributes meaningfully to addressing community concerns. Jim Phillips Jim Phillips outlined several key areas that he believes make him an excellent candidate for the District 4 council seat. He stated his roles in leadership, customer service, and procurement have equipped him to make informed decisions and lead teams effectively. Mr. Phillips stated that his involvement in My Hometown’s Interfaith Council and Neighborhood Watch shows his strong connection to the community. His experience in strategic planning, negotiation, and project management demonstrates his ability to handle public service complexities while planning for the future. He stated his background in consulting, coaching, and analysis underscores his ability to address and resolve complex issues. Mr. Phillips MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -16- stated that his certifications as a public manager and purchasing/procurement professional highlight his commitment to professionalism and qualifications. 1. What do you think are the most pressing challenges facing our city, and how would you prioritize addressing them? Jim Phillips expressed that the city faces longstanding growth and infrastructure challenges that have persisted for over 40 years. He highlighted issues with housing structure, cost, and availability, emphasizing the need for a more localized approach to addressing these concerns. He suggested conducting small community meetings with 40 to 50 people at a time to engage directly with residents, gather their opinions, and better understand their needs. This, he believes, could help create a more responsive and tailored approach to city development. 2. How will you ensure that your decisions are guided by the best interests of the entire community rather than specific groups or individuals? Jim Phillips emphasized the importance of engaging with the community at a grassroots level. He believes that people need to feel heard not through protests or waving red flags but by having direct, personal interactions with city leaders. He proposed walking into neighborhoods, knocking on doors, and asking residents to share their real experiences—whether about their family, business, or community—to ensure that their voices are genuinely listened to and understood. This approach, he feels, would foster a stronger connection between the city council and its residents. Jim Vesock Jim Vesock expressed his appreciation for the city council's service and acknowledged the challenges they face. He highlighted his long-standing knowledge, passion, and love for West Valley City, emphasizing his desire to serve. Mr. Vesock asked for the council's support, asking for their vote and expressing his enthusiasm for working with them in the future. 1. What do you think are the most pressing challenges facing our city, and how would you prioritize addressing them? Jim Vesock highlighted that one of the most pressing issues facing West Valley City is the aging infrastructure, particularly city buildings, and the challenge of  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -17- funding the necessary repairs. He pointed out the immense costs, which amount to hundreds of millions of dollars, and emphasized the need to find a solution that stays within budget without placing an additional burden on taxpayers. 2. How will you ensure that your decisions are guided by the best interests of the entire community rather than specific groups or individuals? Jim Vesock mentioned that he loves engaging with the community, listening to people, and gathering input from all sources before making decisions. He emphasized the importance of staying connected to the residents and considering their perspectives. Nichole Camac, City Recorder, passed out a ballot to the Mayor and City Council. Councilmember Whetstone expressed appreciation to the candidates for their courage in putting themselves forward, acknowledging the difficulty of public interviews. He shared that he felt nervous, even though he wasn’t being questioned, but understood the process, having gone through it himself three years prior. Councilmember Whetstone commended the high qualifications of the candidates in the city, stating he was relieved not to have to compete against such impressive individuals. He also thanked everyone for their hard work and preparation, recognizing the effort that went into rehearsing for the interview. Councilmember Nordfelt echoed Councilmember Whetstone's sentiments, expressing appreciation for the candidates' willingness to participate in the process. He encouraged the candidates, regardless of whether they were selected, to consider running for the seat in the upcoming election, urging them to campaign for the voters' support in their district. He also expressed satisfaction with the high quality of candidates, acknowledging that it made the decision difficult. The Mayor and Council selected their preferred candidate and Nichole picked up their ballots. Mayor Lang requested a 5 minute recess while the ballots were being processed. Nichole tabulated the results with Jim Welch, Finance Director, as witness and announced the following results: Cindy Wood received 3 votes (Mayor Lang, Councilmember Harmon, and Councilmember Whetstone). Greg McPherron received 1 vote (Councilmember Don Christensen)  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -18- Amitonu Amosa received 1 vote (Councilmember Lars Nordfelt) Renee Layton received 1 vote (Councilmember Tom Huynh) Nichole indicated that Cindy Wood would move to a second round of voting. She indicated that John Flores, Assistant City Manager, would explain the process from here. John explained that because no candidate received four votes, a second round of voting would take place. Cindy Wood would automatically proceed to round 2. Since there was a three-way tie for the second spot, state law required a round-robin coin toss. Each candidate, designated by letters A through C, would flip a coin against one another, and the candidate with the most wins would advance. John indicated that Nichole would announce the matchups and coin toss results, while Jim Welch and himself would confirm the outcome. He noted that the process would use a special West Valley City coin, and any toss that did not land flat would be flipped again. John also noted that once the matchup had been announced, the coin was active. Nichole performed the coin toss with the following outcome: 1. Amitonu Amosa (heads) versus Greg McPherron (tails) = The coin was heads with Mr. Amosa receiving one win. 2. Amitonu Amosa (heads) versus Renee Layton (tails) = The coin was heads with Mr. Amosa receiving one win. 3. Greg McPherron (heads) versus Renee Layton (tails)= The coin was heads with Mr. McPherron receiving one win. Nichole announced that because Mr. Amosa won two of the three coin tosses, he would proceed to round two. Nichole passed out a second ballot to the Mayor and City Council. The names of all candidates, with the exception of Cindy Wood and Amitonu Amosa, were crossed out. The Mayor and Council selected their preferred candidate. Nichole tabulated the results with Jim Welch, Finance Director, as witness and announced the following results: Cindy Wood received 5 votes (Mayor Karen Lang, Councilmember Don Christensen, Councilmember Tom Huynh, Councilmember Scott Harmon, and Councilmember William Whetstone) Amitonu Amosa received 1 vote (Councilmember Lars Nordfelt)  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -19- Nichole stated that Cindy Wood received a majority vote and has been selected as the new Councilmember for District 4. ACTION: RESOLUTION NO. 25-11, APPOINT CINDY WOOD AS COUNCILMEMBER FOR DISTRICT 4 IN WEST VALLEY CITY TO SERVE UNTIL THE JANUARY FOLLOWING THE 2025 GENERAL ELECTION The City Council held a public interview regarding proposed Resolution 25-11. A majority of the Council chose to appoint Cindy Wood as Councilmember for District 4 in West Valley City to Serve Until the January Following the 2025 General Election. 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 25-11. Councilmember Harmon seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Councilman Whetstone Yes Councilman Harmon Yes Councilman Huynh Yes Councilman Christensen Yes Councilman Nordfelt Yes Mayor Lang Yes Unanimous. Mayor Lang asked that Nichole Camac, City Recorder, perform the oath of office. Upon completion, Councilmember Wood joined the Council on the dais. Mayor Lang expressed gratitude to all the candidates who applied for the West Valley City Council, acknowledging their willingness to serve the community. She encouraged them to remain active and engaged in shaping the city's future. She praised their passion and dedication, highlighting the value of their contributions, whether through volunteer work, civic involvement, or future opportunities to serve in elected or appointed positions. The Mayor also thanked the staff for their hard work in organizing the process, noting the difference in procedures compared to past years and the effort made to ensure everything ran smoothly. Councilmember Harmon stated that he enjoyed getting to know each of the candidates and suggested seeking a now open position on the Planning Commission.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING JANUARY 28, 2025 -20- 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, JANUARY 28, 2025 WAS ADJOURNED AT 8:24 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, January 28, 2025. _______________________________ Nichole Camac, MMC City Recorder