City Council Regular Meeting

MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2025 -1- THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MET IN REGULAR ELECTRONIC SESSION ON TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 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 Scott Harmon, Councilmember District 2 William Whetstone, Councilmember District 3 Cindy Wood, Councilmember District 4 ABSENT: Tom Huynh, Councilmember District 1 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 Tumi Young, Chief Code Enforcement Officer Dan Johnson, Public Works Director Jonathan Springmeyer, RDA Director Sam Johnson, Strategic Communications Director Craig Thomas, Community and Culture Director Paula Melgar, Human Resources Director Travis Crosby, IT OPENING CEREMONY- COUNCILMEMBER LARS NORDFELT Councilmember Nordfelt asked members of the Council, staff, and audience to rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2025 -2- APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF REGULAR MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 25, 2025 AND THE STRATEGIC PLANNING MEETING OF FEBRUARY 21, 2025 AND FEBRUARY 22, 2025 The Council considered the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held February 25, 2025 and the Strategic Planning Meeting of February 21, 2025 and February 22, 2025. There were no changes, corrections or deletions. Councilmember Harmon moved to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting held February 25, 2025 and the Strategic Planning Meeting of February 21, 2025 and February 22, 2025.. Councilmember Whetstone seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken and all members voted in favor of the motion. AWARDS, CEREMONIES, AND PROCLAMATIONS A. RECOGNITION OF JEFF RAY, STEVE DALE, AND JUSTIN BEGAY FOR AWARDS RECEIVED FROM THE UTAH CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN PUBLIC WORKS ASSOCIATION Dan Johnson, Public Works Director presented Jeff Ray, Steve Dale, and Justin Begay with Awards Received from the Utah Chapter of the American Public Works Association. PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD Camille Perkins, a West Valley resident and representative of Mormons with Hope for a Better World, shared her perspective. She highlighted the organization's commitment to treating immigrants with dignity, recalling a time when Mormon immigrants were similarly seen as undesirable. Ms. Perkins emphasized the biblical commandment to treat the foreigner as a native and to love them as oneself. She shared that many friends and acquaintances felt unsafe due to the current climate surrounding immigrants or those perceived as such. Ms. Perkins urged the City to take action to defend against ICE, proposing that West Valley City designate itself a sanctuary city and adopt policies reducing cooperation with federal agents. She referenced the 10th Amendment, which restricts the federal government from requiring local officers to enforce its programs. She requested policies to limit the collection and sharing of data regarding immigration status and to prohibit honoring immigration detainers in local facilities. Ms. Perkins cited research from the National Academy of Sciences and the Center for American Progress, which found that sanctuary policies do not threaten public safety and can lead to lower crime, poverty, and unemployment rates. She encouraged the council to take pride in West Valley City's diversity and to show leadership in protecting vulnerable residents against division. Carmelita, a fifth-grade student at Whittier Elementary, addressed the Mayor and City Council, requesting that the road directly west of her school, 6000 West, be given a  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2025 -3- commemorative road sign reading "Whittier Way." She shared the history of Whittier Elementary, beginning in 1882 when it was first established as the 50th School District with only eight pupils. Over time, the school grew, becoming Granite School District in 1905, and Whittier Elementary in 1909, with a two-story building added to accommodate the expanding community. Carmelita highlighted the significance of Whittier Elementary, noting how it has evolved, serving 138 students in 1921 and later expanding in 1956 to include 22 rooms, a gym, a library, and a cafeteria. She described Whittier Elementary not just as a historical timeline, but as a place of belonging, learning, and community. Carmelita expressed pride in knowing the school has long been a place of kindness, compassion, and growth, and concluded by inviting her friend Brookes to continue the presentation. Brookes, a fellow student at Whittier Elementary, continued the presentation by highlighting the community's involvement in the school's history. He described how in 1885, the community shared its church house with the school, creating a solid foundation for learning. This collaboration led to the construction of a permanent structure in the early 1890s. Brookes emphasized Whittier Elementary's commitment to serving all students, including those who lived too far to walk. He shared how wagons were used to transport students, with community members, including women, volunteering to drive them. He also mentioned the lack of running water in the early days, with students carrying buckets from a local property owned by Robert Jones, who allowed them to fill the buckets from his well. Brookes further highlighted the community's continued support for Whittier through events like Field Day at Liberty Park, where community members provided transportation. In the winter of 1947-48, when snowstorms blocked roads, a kind neighbor brought homemade soup to keep students warm while waiting for the roads to clear. Today, Whittier Elementary continues to embrace its community spirit with events like literacy lunches, movie nights, and STEM activities. Brookes mentioned a Rube Goldberg machine created by students, which also included donated food for the school's pantry to support families in need. In conclusion, Brookes urged the City Council to honor Whittier Elementary's 140-year legacy of kindness, compassion, and teamwork by approving a commemorative road sign for 6000 West reading "Whittier Way." Jim Vesock expressed concern over the fitness center's repeated requests for additional funding. He pointed out that less than six months ago, the center had requested a significant amount of money for repairs inside the facility. Now, they were asking for another quarter of a million dollars for repairs to the exterior. Jim acknowledged the fitness center's connection with the health department but noted that the pool, specifically the outdoor pool, was claimed to generate additional revenue. He referenced an earlier attempt to make the pool a separate entity with higher fees, but this approach had to be abandoned, and the pool was eventually included as part of the membership. Jim also highlighted that the fitness center had a $75,000 budget, and if additional funds were granted, he hoped the center's budget would be reduced accordingly to avoid ongoing financial support. He expressed  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2025 -4- concern about the cumulative amount being spent on repairs, which, in less than a year, would exceed half a million dollars for just two sets of repairs. He questioned how much longer this pattern of financial assistance would continue. Mike Markham discussed the importance of improving the city's image, emphasizing that such changes start with the City Council members. He stressed that the community looks up to them and that they should be role models, particularly when it comes to maintaining their yards and neighborhoods. Mike shared an anecdote about how, despite being disliked by some in his own neighborhood, many people still praised him for having a well- maintained area, pointing out that those with well-kept yards appreciated his efforts, while those with less tidy yards did not. He expressed frustration that if anyone is not willing to do their job, they should resign to make room for someone who is committed to taking the city to the next level. Mike also spoke about his experience growing up on the West Side and how, despite its image, he is proud to advocate for the area and its residents. He called for a collective effort to improve the city's image, including working with the media to share positive news rather than focusing on negative events. He concluded by urging everyone to work together to build a better image for West Valley City. Sean Steinman spoke on behalf of the Home Builders Association's Government Affairs Committee. He advocated for a discussion regarding market-rate housing in West Valley City, emphasizing the need for a renegotiation of the existing development agreement to benefit not only the builders but also the families who want to live, work, and thrive in the city. He highlighted the ongoing housing crisis in Utah, where rising housing prices and interest rates are making it difficult for working families, first-time homebuyers, and even long-time residents to find quality market-rate homes. Steinman urged that without updating outdated agreements, the city risks losing essential workers like teachers, first responders, and service industry workers. Steinman explained that Hamlet Homes is committed to responsible development that aligns with the city's long-term goals and supports economic growth. He pointed out that a diverse housing market helps sustain local businesses, increase consumer spending within the city, and generate more revenue for essential services like schools and infrastructure. He also noted that homeownership fosters community engagement and long-term stability. He called for smart, sustainable growth and suggested that West Valley City has an opportunity to lead in innovative housing solutions. He asked the city council for a fair and open discussion with Hamlet Homes to help address real housing needs while aligning with the city's vision. In closing, Steinman urged the council to recognize the importance of this conversation and allow Hamlet Homes to have a voice in shaping future solutions. Barry Gittleman, the president of Hamlet Homes, spoke about the ongoing development of a subdivision at 4100 South and 6800 West. He mentioned that despite speaking at the last five city council meetings, he has been unable to convince the council to discuss the 68  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2025 -5- homes Hamlet Homes is building in West Valley City. He used this opportunity to address what he believes is in the best interest of the city and its citizens. Gittleman discussed how West Valley City passed an ordinance in 2015 that downzoned around 700 acres of residential property, which led to a significant decline in permits for new homes, from around 275 single-family and townhome permits per year to only about 30 per year. In 2023, there were 35 single-family permits and 645 apartment permits approved. He noted that the large number of apartment permits was not in line with what the city seemed to want for its long-term plans. He argued that housing affordability is a major crisis in America, largely caused by a low supply of housing coupled with high demand. He mentioned that Governor Cox has made increasing housing supply a top priority for Utah. Gittleman emphasized that West Valley City's current situation, where permits are much more expensive and less frequent, results in a significant loss of revenue—about $50 million over 10 years—due to fewer permits issued. He asked the council to consider the potential benefits of having more market-rate homes, such as generating more revenue for the city. Gittleman pointed out that with $50 million, the city could address pressing issues like crime, safety, building more schools, or improving parks. He concluded by advocating for the city's best interests, suggesting that attracting families who can afford $800,000 or $900,000 homes would help make West Valley City a better place moving forward. Adrian Erickson addressed the council, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to speak. He congratulated Councilmember Wood, mentioning that she was in his district and welcomed her to the council. Mr. Erickson then brought up two main issues. First, he revisited his previous discussions with the council about the lack of support for young female sports in the city. He emphasized that many girls from neighboring areas like Magna, Taylorsville, and West Jordan come to West Valley City in search of sports opportunities, but there aren't enough options or facilities available for them. He called for more attention and support from the city to address this gap. Second, Erickson discussed an issue in his neighborhood that had been ongoing for several years: the unfinished park in their community. He noted that despite promises from previous and current park directors, the park remained incomplete, becoming an eyesore and a fire hazard, especially during warmer months. He proposed that the city consider at least leveling the area, planting grass, and ensuring it was watered. He even offered to mow the area himself, stressing the importance of preventing it from being a fire risk and improving the neighborhood's appearance. In conclusion, Erickson asked the council to prioritize addressing these two issues—supporting young female sports and finishing the park—to help improve the community's well-being. Councilmember Christensen shared heartfelt congratulations to the students, noting that they weren’t even born when he retired from Whittier Elementary about 20 years ago. He reflected on his many years of service at the school, particularly as an assistant principal, and expressed joy in seeing that Whittier Elementary continues to thrive and embrace the  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2025 -6- Whittier Way. Councilmember Christensen also mentioned how the school was in a period of growth during his time there. He then expressed gratitude for the opportunity to hear the students’ voices, especially as they recited the Pledge of Allegiance, saying how much he missed hearing it after 30 years in education. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. ACCEPT PUBLIC INPUT REGARDING THE WEST VALLEY CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT'S ACCEPTANCE OF A JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) THROUGH THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE PROGRAMS Mayor Lang informed a public hearing had been advertised for the Regular Council Meeting scheduled March 11, 2025 in order for the City Council to hear and consider public comments regarding the West Valley City Police Department's Acceptance of a Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) through the U.S. Department of Justice Programs. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: The U.S. Department of Justice Program is awarding the West Valley City Police Department the 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (J.A.G.). The allowable expenses of the grant include the purchase of equipment and the funding of training and programs they approve through the application process. The funds are allocated to West Valley City based on a formula that considers the population of West Valley City and our part one crime statistics. There is separate funding allocated to each state to ensure fairness. The J.A.G. Program allows states and local governments to implement otherwise unfunded programs designed to improve the criminal justice system. The West Valley City Police Department is in need of updated software and equipment. Department funds are not sufficient to cover the additional expense of these necessities. With the new or updated equipment, software and the funds under this grant award will assist with this immensely. This equipment and software will increase the department’s ability to respond to, prepare for, and/or prevent crime or disorder in our community. Mayor Lang opened the Public Hearing. There being no one to speak in favor or opposition, Mayor Lang closed the Public Hearing. ACTION: ORDINANCE NO. 25-33, AUTHORIZE WEST VALLEY CITY TO ACCEPT THE EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2025 -7- GRANT The City Council previously held a public hearing regarding proposed Ordinance 24-50 that would authorize West Valley City to Accept the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. 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 Ordinance 25-33. Councilmember Harmon seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Councilmember Wood Yes Councilmember Whetstone Yes Councilmember Harmon Yes Councilmember Huynh Absent Councilmember Christensen Yes Councilmember Nordfelt Yes Mayor Lang Yes Unanimous. CONSENT AGENDA A. RESOLUTION 25-34: AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO A DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH GODFREY WEST INVESTORS, LLC FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT APPROXIMATELY 6048 WEST BEAGLEY ROAD Mayor Lang presented proposed Resolution 25-34 that would authorize the Execution of an Amendment to a Development Agreement with Godfrey West Investors, LLC for Property Located at Approximately 6048 West Beagley Road. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: Back in 2020, the City entered into a development agreement involving two parcels highlighted in blue on the first slide of the accompanying presentation. After the agreement was executed, the City secured right-of- way for the extension of Beagley Road which cut through the south parcel involved in the agreement. The result was the creation of two new parcels that are also highlighted in blue on the second slide of the accompanying presentation, one of which is a remnant south of Beagley Road. The owner  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2025 -8- of this parcel would like to sell the parcel to VanTrust, the new owner of the property to the south. Before selling the remnant parcel, the current owner would like to amend the development agreement so that the remnant parcel is excluded from the development agreement. B. RESOLUTION 25-35: ACCEPT A WARRANTY DEED FROM SWIFT REFRIGERATED SERVICE, LLC FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 5175 WEST 2100 SOUTH Mayor Lang discussed proposed Resolution 24-52 that would accept two Conveyance and Quit Claim of Easement Documents from Brighton Canal Company, LLC Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: The Swift Refrigerated Services, LLC, formerly known as Central Refrigerated Services, LLC property located at 5175 West 2100 South is the site of the proposed building addition at the Midwest Motor Express property. As a condition of approval for a building permit, additional right- of-way was required along the frontages of the SR-201 Frontage Road and 2400 South. C. RESOLUTION 25-36: AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO ENTER INTO A RIGHT-OF-WAY PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND ACCEPT A WARRANTY DEED WITH AND FROM NELZON MACHA INGA FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 2924 SOUTH CONSTITUTION BLVD Mayor Lang discussed proposed Resolution 25-36 that would authorize the City to Enter Into a Right-of-Way Purchase Agreement and Accept a Warranty Deed With and From Nelzon Macha Inga for Property Located at 2924 South Constitution Blvd. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: The Nelzon Macha Inga property located at 2924 S. Constitution Boulevard is one of several properties affected by the required removal and replacement of ADA ramps for the 2025 Asphalt Overlay Project. As part of this project several residential streets will be roto-milled and overlaid. Any existing ADA ramps which do not comply with the current ADA standards and regulations must be removed and replaced. The Warranty Deed will allow for construction over a portion of the property currently owned by the property owner. Compensation for the  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2025 -9- Warranty Deed in the amount of $300.00 was based upon land values for property in the area. D. RESOLUTION 25-37: AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO ENTER INTO AN EASEMENT PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND ACCEPT A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT AND A QUIT CLAIM DEED WITH AND FROM AMERICAN HERITAGE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY, LLC FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1960 WEST 3100 SOUTH Mayor Lang discussed proposed Resolution 25-37 that authorize the City to Enter Into an Easement Purchase Agreement and Accept a Temporary Construction Easement and a Quit Claim Deed With and From American Heritage Retirement Community, LLC for Property Located at 1960 West 3100 South. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: The American Heritage Retirement Community, LLC property located at approximately 1960 West 3100 South is one of several properties affected by the required removal and replacement of ADA ramps for the 2025 Asphalt Overlay Project. As part of this project several residential streets will be roto-milled and overlaid. Any existing ADA ramps which do not comply with the current ADA standards and regulations must be removed and replaced. The Temporary Construction Easement will allow the city and its contractor to tie in existing improvements on grantor’s property such as sod, sprinklers, fencing to match new improvements constructed by the project. The property owner has also signed a Quit Claim Deed for a portion of property which is currently occupied by a public sidewalk, but which had not previously conveyed to the city. Compensation for the Temporary Construction Easement in the amount of $400.00 was based upon land values for property in the area. E. RESOLUTION 25-38: RATIFY THE CITY MANAGER'S APPOINTMENT OF MELIHA FEJZIC TO THE HEALTHY WEST VALLEY COMMITTEE Mayor Lang discussed proposed Resolution 25-38 that would ratify the City Manager's Appointment of Meliha Fejzic to the Healthy West Valley Committee Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: Members of the Healthy West Valley City Committee are appointed for a four year term by the City Manager with  MINUTES OF COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING MARCH 11, 2025 -10- the advice and consent of the City Council. 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 the items on the Consent Agenda. Councilmember Christensen seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Councilmember Wood Yes Councilmember Whetstone Yes Councilmember Harmon Yes Councilmember Huynh Absent Councilmember Christensen Yes Councilmember Nordfelt Yes Mayor Lang Yes Unanimous. MOTION TO ADJOURN Upon motion by Councilmember Harmon all voted in favor to adjourn. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE WEST VALLEY COUNCIL THE REGULAR MEETING OF TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2025 WAS ADJOURNED AT 7:07 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, March 11, 2025. _______________________________ Nichole Camac, MMC City Recorder