City Council Study Meeting

MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 -1- THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MET IN STUDY SESSION ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2019, AT 4:30 P.M. AT WEST VALLEY CITY HALL, MULTIPURPOSE ROOM, 3600 CONSTITUTION BOULEVARD, WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH. THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AND CONDUCTED BY MAYOR BIGELOW. THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: Ron Bigelow, Mayor Lars Nordfelt, Councilmember At-Large Don Christensen, Councilmember At-Large Tom Huynh, Councilmember District 1 Steve Buhler, Councilmember District 2 Jake Fitisemanu, Councilmember District 4 ABSENT: Karen Lang, Councilmember District 3 STAFF PRESENT: Wayne T Pyle, City Manager Nichole Camac, City Recorder Paul Isaac, Assistant City Manager/HR Director Steve Pastorik, Acting CED Director Eric Bunderson, City Attorney Colleen Jacobs, Police Chief John Evans, Fire Chief Jim Welch, Finance Director Cheryl Syme, Acting CPD Director Russ Willardson, Public Works Director Nancy Day, Parks and Recreation Director Sam Johnson, Strategic Communications Director Jake Arslanian, Public Works Department APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 10, 2019 The Council considered the Minutes of the Study Meeting held September 10, 2019. There were no changes, corrections or deletions. Councilmember Nordfelt moved to approve the Minutes of the Study Meeting held September 10, 2019. Councilmember Huynh seconded the motion.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 -2- A voice vote was taken and all members voted in favor of the motion. PRESENTATIONS A. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES New employees introduced themselves to the Mayor and City Council. - Administration o Sahara Hayes- Grant Writer o Noel Chan- Event Specialist- UCCC o Mathew Michela- Communications & Event Specialist - CPD Department o Erica Stoveken- Animal Care and Enrichment Manager o Cody Ledbetter- Animal Control Officer o Eric Arrue- Animal Control Officer - Finance Department o Samantha Carrell- Senior Accountant o Shaunna Thompson- Accountant 1 - Fire Department o Dylan Larsen- Firefighter o Colton Magnusson- Firefighter o Mark Pugliese- Firefighter o Nykell Whiting- Firefighter - Police Department o Laleaga Faleono- Support Services Clerk o Ammon Myers- Police Officer o Jeffrey Nelson- Police Officer o Krystle Tanner- Support Services Clerk o Javan Taylor- Police Department REVIEW AGENDA FOR REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 Steve Pastorik stated that two alternatives have been provided to the proposed moratorium ordinance. He stated that alternative one would allow the City to apply for changes to Title 7 to allow for compliance to State and Federal regulations. He noted that cannabis regulations were changed at the legislature the previous day that the City will need to come into compliance with. Steve explained that Alternative 2 would limit the moratorium to RM related applications. The Council briefly discussed the alternatives. Councilmember Christensen clarified that the moratorium wouldn’t necessarily have to last the full 6 months. Steve replied that the 6 months is a maximum.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 -3- Upon inquiry by Mayor Bigelow, members of the Council had no further questions or concerns regarding items listed on the Agenda for the Regular City Council Meeting scheduled later this night. PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 24, 2019 A. ACCEPT PUBLIC INPUT REGARDING APPLICATION S-5-2019, FILED BY KEN MILNE, REQUESTING FINAL PLAT APPROVAL FOR NEWTON FARMS SUBDIVISION PHASE 3 (VACATING LOT 114 NEWTON FARM SUBDIVISION 1B, AMENDING LOTS 113 AND 115 NEWTON FARM SUBDIVISION PHASE 1B, PARCEL A CLEARSTONE ESTATES SUBDIVISION NO. 2, AND VACATING 6470 WEST) FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3740 SOUTH 6450 WEST Mayor Bigelow informed a public hearing had been advertised for the Regular Council Meeting scheduled September 24, 2019, in order for the City Council to hear and consider public comments regarding application S-5-2019, filed by Ken Milne, requesting Final Plat Approval for Newton Farms Subdivision Phase 3 (Vacating Lot 114 Newton Farm Subdivision 1B, Amending Lots 113 and 115 Newton Farm Subdivision Phase 1B, Parcel A Clearstone Estates Subdivision No. 2, and Vacating 6470 West) for property located at 3740 South 6450 West. Proposed Ordinance 19-39 related to the proposal to be considered by the City Council subsequent to the public hearing, was discussed as follows: ACTION: ORDINANCE NO. 19-39, APPROVE THE VACATION OF LOT 114 AND THE AMENDMENT OF LOTS 113 AND 115 IN NEWTON FARM SUBDIVISION PHASE 1B. ALSO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT OF PARCEL A CLEARSTONE ESTATES SUBDIVISION NO. 2 AND THE STREET VACATION OF 6470 WEST Steve Lehman, CED, discussed proposed Ordinance 19-39 that would approve the vacation of Lot 114 and the amendment of lots 113 and 115 in Newton Farm Subdivision Phase 1B. Also approve the amendment of Parcel A Clearstone Estates Subdivision No. 2 and the street vacation of 6470 West. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: Ken Milne, is requesting final subdivision approval for the Newton Farm Phase 3 Subdivision. The request for subdivision approval includes the vacation of lot 114 in Newton Farm Subdivision Phase 1B along with an amendment of lots 113 and 115 in said subdivision and Parcel A in Clearstone Estates Subdivision No. 2. The proposed subdivision also  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 -4- includes a vacation to all of 6470 West at 3785 South. The subdivision will consist of 15 lots on approximately 6.2 acres. This equates to an overall density of 2.4 units per acre. Lot sizes range from 10,115 square feet to 19,900 square feet. The average lot size in the subdivision has been calculated at 15,256 square feet. Access to the subdivision will be gained from Newton Farm Drive to the north. To gain access to this phase of the subdivision, the developer is proposing to vacate lot 114 to make room for the new street. Along with this vacation, lots on both sides of lot 114 will be amended to absorb the remaining property from lot 114. Lot 113 will increase in size by approximately 4,800 square feet and lot 115 will increase by approximately 1,800 square feet. An existing stub street on the south (6470 West) is proposed to be vacated along with the subdivision application. Neither resident living along this street wants the connection to be made and has discussed this with the developer. The developer will install street improvements along 3785 South including curb, gutter, sidewalk and a drive approach to the existing residents. Mayor Bigelow verified that there would only be one access into the neighborhood. Steve replied yes. Mayor Bigelow asked if this would be sufficient to handle emergency access, snow plows, etc. Steve replied that there are less homes than the maximum allowed on a single point of access for emergency vehicles. He added that snow plows do manage in cul-de-sacs even though they are often more difficult than streets. Mayor Bigelow clarified that the City will have no responsibility for the stub street. Steve replied that this is correct and added that the developer will construct curb, gutter, and sidewalk. He explained how storm water drainage would work. Councilmember Fitisemanu stated that a letter was submitted where a resident expressed concern about a street not meeting standards. Steve replied that he is unsure what street the resident was referencing but indicated that there is a slightly narrower street on the plat. The City Council will consider Ordinance 19-39 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled September 24, 2019 at 6:30 P.M. B. ACCEPT PUBLIC INPUT REGARDING APPLICATION ZT-12-2019, FILED BY VIJAY DANDAPANI, REQUESTING A ZONE TEXT MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 -5- CHANGE TO SECTION 11-6-101 OF THE SIGN CODE REGARDING ALTERATIONS TO NONCONFORMING SIGNS Mayor Bigelow informed a public hearing had been advertised for the Regular Council Meeting scheduled September 24, 2019, in order for the City Council to hear and consider public comments regarding application ZT-12-2019, filed by Vijay Dandapani, requesting a Zone Text Change to section 11-6-101 of the sign code regarding alterations to nonconforming signs. Proposed Ordinance 19-40 related to the proposal to be considered by the City Council subsequent to the public hearing, was discussed as follows: ACTION: ORDINANCE NO. 19-40, AMEND SECTION 11-6-101 OF THE WEST VALLEY CITY MUNICIPAL CODE TO AMEND REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE ALTERATION OF NONCONFORMING SIGNS Steve Pastorik, CED, discussed proposed Ordinance 19-40 that would amend section 11-6-101 of the West Valley City Municipal Code to amend regulations governing the alteration of nonconforming signs. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: The applicant, Vijay Dandapani, is with Best Western, who moved into the building that was formerly La Quinta at 3540 South 2200 West. This site has an existing freeway-oriented pole sign that, according to current standards, is nonconforming because the site is 2.6 acres and City code requires a site of at least 10 acres for a pole sign. Best Western has changed the face of the sign, which the code allows for freeway-oriented pole signs, and desires to change the shape of the sign cabinet, which the code does not allow. Hence, the applicant requested the proposed change that would allow nonconforming signs to be “reasonably altered”. As seen in the attached meeting minutes, the Planning Commission denied this application during their public hearing on August 14, 2019. The minutes also include a list of reasons why staff was not supportive of this change. Included in this list from staff is the progress made from implementing the current ordinance as evidenced by the attached before and after photos. The list also includes the changes to the City’s sign code relating to alterations made over many years as seen in the attached summary of sign code changes.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 -6- Included with this issue paper is a letter from the applicant outlining the reasons for this appeal. Also included is the applicant’s original application. In applicant’s appeal letter states: “The changes were rejected because of the wording, ‘a nonconforming sign may be reasonably altered’ could lead to many making unneeded and unreasonable alterations.” The vague wording of the applicant’s proposal was a secondary concern for staff. Even if the vague language is changed as the applicant suggests, it still doesn’t address staff’s primary concern that this change would be a significant policy shift that would undo 29 years of precedent. Councilmember Buhler verified that to come into compliance, the applicant would need to construct a monument sign. Steve replied that the applicant could keep the pole sign as it is or remove the pole sign and construct a monument sign. Councilmember Buhler stated that he understands the need of companies to change signs to meet company logos. Steve provided pictures of pole signs throughout the City being lowered to monument signs and indicated that this has occurred over time for a cleaner appearance across the City. Councilmember Buhler stated that he doesn’t see this as a policy issue and indicated that he feels a solution could be found. Councilmember Nordfelt stated that there is a Crystal Inn further north and asked if this pole sign qualifies in acreage. Steve replied no and noted that this sign was constructed prior to the enactment of the current ordinance. Mayor Bigelow stated he spoke with the owners and it’s a corporate policy for Best Western to have a particular sign. He stated that hotel/motel signs are all shapes and sizes and he doesn’t see how not allowing a modification will negatively impact the business. He stated that the sign, as it is, clearly reads as Best Western. Councilmember Christensen asked what the new sign would potentially look like. Steve replied it would be a rectangle. Councilmember Christensen noted that it’s easier to see signage on the side of the building than it is to see the pole sign. Mayor Bigelow stated that he wouldn’t want to drive them out of business over this but added that he feels that Best Western has likely come across this issue in other Cities before. Councilmember Buhler stated that after understanding that the current Best Western sign on the property wouldn’t have to be removed, he would support denying this appeal. The City Council will consider Ordinance 19-40 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled September 24, 2019 at 6:30 P.M. COMMUNICATIONS A. COUNCIL CALENDAR Mayor Bigelow referenced a Memorandum previously received from the City Manager that outlined upcoming meetings and events.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 -7- Members of the City Council had no further questions regarding the Council Update. NEW BUSINESS A. POTENTIAL FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Council Suggestions Councilmember Fitisemanu stated that a resident has expressed concern regarding street parking adjacent to USANA amphitheater. He indicated that the resident stated that parts of the neighborhood have “no parking” signs posted while others do not and questioned what the City’s policy is. Wayne requested additional information on the street and stated that he would look into it. Councilmember Buhler stated that there will be a new, handicap accessible playground at Peachwood Park. He indicated that he sees a need for angled parking that is handicap accessible with curb cuts. B. COUNCIL REPORTS COUNCILMEMBER CHRISTENSEN- WESTERN GROWTH Councilmember Christensen stated he attended Western Growth Coalition and discussed WFRC and goals for 2050. MAYOR BIGELOW- VISEABLE SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGER, HOBBY LOBBY Mayor Bigelow stated that he attended the grand opening of Visible Supply Chain Center that just expanded to West Valley City. He indicated it takes up a significant amount of space in the 201 Commerce Center building and added that the business provided a lot of jobs. Mayor Bigelow noted that he also attended the ribbon cutting for Hobby Lobby which was a big, nice, well attended event. UPON ADJOURNMENT, THE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL ATTENDED A CEREMONY FOR THE PRESENTATION OF THE FREEDOM AWARD IN THE LOBBY OF CITY HALL AT 5:30 PM. MOTION TO ADJOURN Upon motion by Councilmember Buhler all voted in favor to adjourn. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE WEST VALLEY COUNCIL THE STUDY MEETING ON TUESDAY SEPETEMBER 17, 2019 WAS ADJOURNED AT 5:22 PM BY MAYOR BIGELOW.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 17, 2019 -8- I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true, accurate and complete record of the proceedings of the Study Meeting of the West Valley City Council held Tuesday, September 17, 2019. _______________________________ Nichole Camac, CMC City Recorder