City Council Study Meeting

MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 -1- THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MET IN ELECTRONIC STUDY SESSION ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 AT 4:30 P.M. THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER AND CONDUCTED BY MAYOR BIGELOW. THE MEETING WAS HELD ELECTRONICALLY VIA ZOOM. THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY: Ron Bigelow, Mayor Lars Nordfelt, Councilmember At-Large Don Christensen, Councilmember At-Large Tom Huynh, Councilmember District 1 Steve Buhler, Councilmember District 2 Karen Lang, Councilmember District 3 Jake Fitisemanu, Councilmember District 4 STAFF PRESENT ELECTRONICALLY: Wayne Pyle, City Manager Nichole Camac, City Recorder Paul Isaac, Assistant City Manager/HR Director Nicole Cottle, Assistant City Manager/General Counsel/ CED Director Eric Bunderson, City Attorney Colleen Jacobs, Police Chief John Evans, Fire Chief Jim Welch, Finance Director Layne Morris, CPD Director Russ Willardson, Public Works Director Nancy Day, Parks and Recreation Director Sam Johnson, Strategic Communications Director Steve Pastorik, CED Steve Lehman, CED Mark Nord, CED Craig Thomas, Public Relations APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD AUGUST 25, 2020 The Council considered the Minutes of the Study Meeting held August 25, 2020. There were no changes, corrections or deletions.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 -2- Councilmember Fitisemanu moved to approve the Minutes of the Study Meeting held August 25, 2020. Councilmember Christensen seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken and all members voted in favor of the motion. REVIEW AGENDA FOR REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 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. RESOLUTION 20-145: APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH AVENUE CONSULTANTS, INC. FOR A STUDY OF TRAFFIC PATTERNS AND FUTURE IMPROVEMENTS ON BANGERTER HIGHWAY Russ Willardson, Public Works Director, presented proposed Resolution 20-145 that would approve a Professional Services Agreement with Avenue Consultants, Inc. for a study of traffic patterns and future improvements on Bangerter Highway. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: UDOT is converting all at-grade interchanges on Bangerter Highway to freeway style grade-separated interchanges. Please see the attached memo for additional information regarding UDOT’s Bangerter Highway schedule. Concerns have been expressed about the effects on the City’s transportation system and adjacent properties, including: effects on east-west traffic, possible closure of some current Bangerter Highway accesses, possible construction of one-way frontage roads, impacts on businesses and neighborhoods, loss of landscaping adjacent to the corridor, impact to Stonebridge Golf Course, coordination with active transportation plans crossing the corridor, and planning for new growth in Lake Park Business Center. These are all legitimate concerns which normally would be evaluated during the UDOT environmental process, at UDOT’s expense. Past experience on the Mountain View Corridor project has shown that City staff and officials would have numerous opportunities during the environmental process to express concerns and work with UDOT to find acceptable solutions. The City’s study would be at least partially redundant, since UDOT will conduct its own current traffic data collection and analysis and develop concept designs.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 -3- The advantage for the City in conducting its own high-level study, would be to get a head start on the process, and enable the City to predetermine preferences and recommend solutions to UDOT. Councilmember Buhler stated that the idea to do this wasn’t to do UDOT’s work but to get ahead of them and to hopefully present something that is better received by the City and the community. He asked if the City could provide goals for the Study to the consultant. Russ replied that there are many challenges with the Bangerter Highway project, but the City can ask the consultant to analyze these challenges and provide possible solutions. Councilmember Buhler stated that he would prefer that less land be purchased from residents and questioned whether a two-level highway was an option. Councilmember Lang asked if UDOT will take information from this Study and potentially support it. Russ replied that UDOT will conduct their own Study but noted that he believes they will take this Study and goals of the City into account. Russ stated that he is concerned that this Study may be conducted too early but noted that funding could also be moved up for the project by the Legislature. Councilmember Lang asked how far out construction is projected. Russ replied approximately 5 years to begin the planning process. Councilmember Buhler and Councilmember Lang discussed the timeline and whether the City can influence or impact the decisions UDOT makes. Councilmember Lang stated that this Study may provide a creative and more proactive approach. Councilmember Fitisemanu agreed and noted that he would prefer to be proactive than reactive. Mayor Bigelow stated that meeting cost goals and specific requirements are the primary goals of UDOT and they don’t always take neighborhood impact into account. He indicated he would like to minimize impact on local neighborhoods, even if there is additional cost. Mayor Bigelow noted that this Study could have an influence on UDOT and State Elected Officials and some of their decisions. Councilmember Christensen stated that the City can possibly mitigate impact to neighborhoods. Mayor Bigelow stated that good facts and potential alternatives could lend support to better ideas. Councilmember Buhler stated that he would like the consultants to provide information that the City wants as opposed to information that they would otherwise provide to UDOT. Mayor Bigelow stated that beautification should be a higher priority than it has been in other Cities. Mayor Bigelow stated that local leaders, officials, and representatives should be provided the results of this Study as well. Councilmember Buhler stated this will be a long lasting and impactful project. Councilmember Lang suggested that the Council meet and discuss goals for the Study. Wayne stated that he would suggest entering into the contract and providing input as the process progresses. He noted that the consultant can provide updates during the course of the Study as well. Mayor Bigelow added that the City can request smaller studies on particular items as well. He added that he would like to discuss and evaluate sound walls. The City Council will consider Resolution 20-145 at the Regular Council Meeting  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 -4- scheduled September 8, 2020 at 6:30 P.M. RESOLUTION 20-146: APPROVE A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE UTAH DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION FOR FUNDING FOR THE COMPLETION OF 2550 SOUTH Russ Willardson, Public Works Director, presented proposed Resolution 20-146 that would approve a Cooperative Agreement between the City and the Utah Department of Transportation for funding for the completion of 2550 South. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: Under the 2018 Senate Bill 234 (Utah Inland Port Authority Bill), it was directed that the Department of Transportation shall fund, from money designated in the Transportation Investment Fund for that purpose, the completion of 2550 South from 5600 West to 8000 West, with matching funds from the county in which the road is located. Total funding was in the amount of $4,000,000, with funding coming from UDOT and Salt Lake County in equal shares. This agreement provides for the final $500,000 from UDOT. The Public Works Department will use the funds for the design and construction of 2550 South. The first segment was completed in 2019. The next phase east of 6000 West to 2400 South over Mountain View Corridor, is anticipated to be completed in 2021. Russ stated this completes the obligation from the State but doesn’t complete the project overall and the City may need to acquire additional funds to finish construction. The City Council will consider Resolution 20-146 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled September 8, 2020 at 6:30 P.M. COMMUNICATIONS A. OPERATION MY HOMETOWN UPDATE Nicole Cottle, Assistant City Manager/CED Director, presented a PowerPoint presentation summarized as follows: - What was operation my hometown? MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 -5- o Partner with Community and Corporate Partners to begin a Neighborhood Clean Up Effort, Potential Community Center Concept, and Assistance at Stansbury Elementary - What is operation hometown? o So much more! - Operation My Hometown evolution o Kick off with 70 Adult Volunteers Called to the Area, 35 blocks established and a neighborhood block captain put in a leadership role, community center offerings and changes to the community center begin, volunteers called specifically to the school for purposes of in school / in room assistance. o Partnerships with  Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints  Mount Calvary  Khadeeja Islamic Center  Utah Food Bank  Granite School District  Rocky Mountain Power  Landscape Architect  Private anonymous donors (many)  University of Utah / University of Utah Health o During and Post Covid Quarantine  Tutoring online, other services offered digitally along with a robust community facebook page  Bags of Love  Community Outreach  Community Events  Youth Council  Days of Service  Massive Bulky Waste Effort - Community Center Resources o K-12 Education Services o Youth Services for Athletics and Music o Family Services o Immigration and Legal o Health and Wellness o Real estate/helping renters become homeowners o Tutoring and literacy o English Classes o Neighborhood services o Self-reliance MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 -6- o Pathway o Entrepreneurship - Bags of Love o 1060 Bags of goodies including masks, sanitizer, treats, and hand painted “WVC Rocks” o All items donated or purchased using donated funds. o Put together via volunteers and hand delivered to each doorstep by volunteers. (with a strong bit of guidance from Craig Thomas). - 24th of July Neighborhood Celebration o Hometown Feel o All volunteer o 25 decorated vehicles plus police, fire and city council o Masks and Otter pops - Youth Council o Volunteer led o Well attended by youth in neighborhood o Three main goals  Assist in programming the community center  Assist in generating beautification ideas  Supervise and lead days of service plans. - Days of Service o Days of Service held every other Saturday. o staffed by volunteers and trades from around the valley. o Specifically tailored and led by the homeowner but coordinated by the volunteers. o So far there have been 52 homes improved. o The service ranges from big to small. o Funding is provided by homeowners, CDBG programs or private donations. o Every two weeks, local Block Captains & Service Volunteers under the direction of local leaders organize Days of Service in which partner groups provide additional manpower. o We are helping neighbors work shoulder to shoulder to help each other beautify their neighborhood. - Lessons learned o Volunteers are ESSENTIAL to the success.  Volunteer numbers are realistic  Good leadership and coordination are a must o Funding for the days of service and other neighborhood events is minimal but other programs will need additional funding  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 -7-  Street Improvements  Park Improvements  Other needed infrastructure  5-5-5 / Idea House programs o YES this program works! It is successful, replicated and sustainable. - What do our partners think? o Mrs. Beauchane- “I love my neighborhood and I am so excited we are actively making it even better.” o Rocky Mountain Power- “Sign us up! We look forward to participating and working with you on the power corridor property.” o Pastor Moreno, Mt. Calvary- “I can tell that you really want to help this community.” - What is next? o How can it be replicated? o Should it be replicated? o What else is needed? Councilmember Buhler asked if residents have picked up the momentum of the project. Nicole replied yes and explained how residents and neighborhood leaders have taken this project and evolved it into their own. Councilmember Christensen stated that he has worked with a resident in the community who was impressed with all the volunteers committed to the project. Councilmember Buhler and Councilmember Lang stated they would like to participate in the project. Wayne noted that the project grew organically and it’s easy to participate and join in on efforts over the weekends. Nicole agreed and stated that she could help inform the Council as well. Wayne indicated that the project will eventually be self-sustaining and the goal is to ensure it is not a City run project. Councilmember Fitisemanu asked if a Code Enforcement officer has been introduced to the area. Nicole replied that the Code Enforcement officer in the area and the resident project leaders work together on issues in the neighborhood. She indicated that the volunteers were trained by Layne Morris and educated on how to resolve problems. Councilmember Fitisemanu suggested implementing Code Enforcement training to neighborhood watch programs. Councilmember Huynh stated he feels this is a wonderful program and is something that brings the community together despite race or differences. Nicole indicated that the volunteers for this program have become ambassadors for the City. She stated that there is a large list of volunteers wanting to help in other neighborhoods. B. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT UPDATE  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 -8- Mark Nord, CED, presented a PowerPoint presentation summarized as follows: - 19-20 RDA Summary o Broker outreach o Business retention o Developer engagement o Concierge level service - New notable projects o Office o Commercial/Retail o Industrial - Annual Progress o Increase in capital investment  336.7 million in capital investment from 2019-2020 Councilmember Buhler asked when the office building at Fairbourne Station will be open. Mark replied they are at 30% pre-leasing and hope to have full capacity by the end of the year. Councilmember Buhler asked when the second building would be constructed. Mark replied that the City will demolish existing buildings after the City finds a new home for its Utility Billing Division. He indicated he would expect to see this in the next year. Councilmember Huynh stated that he would like to annex areas of Magna. Mark indicated that the City is running out of vacant land. He noted that this is something the City and Council could consider in the future. Mayor Bigelow thanked the efforts of the Redevelopment Agency team and the high standards they are setting for the City. C. COVID-19 UPDATE There were no further questions or concerns. D. COUNCIL CALENDAR Mayor Bigelow referenced a Memorandum previously received from the City Manager that outlined upcoming meetings and events. Members of the City Council had no further questions regarding the Council Update. NEW BUSINESS A. POTENTIAL FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Council Suggestions Councilmember Lang asked if the City accepts animals from other States. She indicated that Texas animal shelters will fly adoptable animals to no kill shelters in other States and questioned whether the City has accepted any of these pets. Layne  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 -9- replied that the City has not been approached about this. Mayor Bigelow noted that the Humane Society has been working on this effort. Councilmember Lang indicated that she just wanted to ensure the City’s shelter was not overburdened. Layne indicated that shelters often trade animals to ensure there is equal distribution in communities. B. COUNCIL REPORTS None 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 STUDY MEETING ON TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 WAS ADJOURNED AT 6:16 PM BY MAYOR BIGELOW. 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 1, 2020. _______________________________ Nichole Camac, CMC City Recorder