City Council Study Meeting

MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – OCTOBER 5, 2021 -1- THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MET IN ELECTRONIC STUDY SESSION ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021 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 MEETING WAS ALSO HELD ELECTRONICALLY VIA ZOOM. THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: Ron Bigelow, Mayor Lars Nordfelt, Councilmember At-Large Don Christensen, Councilmember At-Large Tom Huynh, Councilmember District 1 (electronically) Steve Buhler, Councilmember District 2 Karen Lang, Councilmember District 3 Jake Fitisemanu, Councilmember District 4 STAFF PRESENT: Wayne T Pyle, City Manager Tera Smith, Deputy City Recorder Eric Bunderson, City Attorney (electronically) Colleen Jacobs, Police Chief (electronically) John Evans, Fire Chief Jim Welch, Finance Director Steve Pastorik, CED Director Layne Morris, CPD Director (electronically) Dan Johnson, Public Works Director Nancy Day, Parks and Recreation Director Mark Nord, RDA Director (electronically) John Flores, HR Director Sam Johnson, Strategic Communications Director Ken Cushing, Network Manager APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 28, 2021 The Council considered the Minutes of the Study Meeting held September 28, 2021. There were no changes, corrections, or deletions. Councilmember Nordfelt moved to approve the Minutes of the Study Meeting held September 28, 2021. Councilmember Fitisemanu seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken, and all members voted in favor of the motion.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – OCTOBER 5, 2021 -2- REVIEW AGENDAS FOR REGULAR CITY COUNCIL AND REGULAR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETINGS OF OCTOBER 5, 2021 Upon inquiry by Mayor Bigelow, members of the Council had no further questions or concerns regarding items listed on the Agendas for the Regular City Council and Regular Redevelopment Agency meetings scheduled later this night. RESOLUTION 21-176: APPROVE A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT FOR THE MIDVALLEY BUS RAPID TRANSIT CONNECTOR PROJECT Steve Pastorik, CED Director, presented proposed Resolution 21-176 that would approve a Memorandum of Agreement for the Midvalley Bus Rapid Transit Connector Project. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: This resolution authorizes a MOA between the City, Taylorsville, Murray, Wasatch Front Regional Council, UDOT, Salt Lake Community College and UTA to establish roles and responsibilities for the Midvalley Connector bus rapid transit (BRT) project. UTA has been working with the aforementioned entities on the Midvalley Connector BRT project which will begin in Murray, travel through Taylorsville, and end in West Valley at the Fairbourne Station bus hub. This MOA establishes roles and responsibilities for this BRT project. The City’s involvement includes property for the expanded bus hub and improvements to Lancer Way. Councilmember Buhler inquired if we are committing to reconstruction of Lancer Way or a bigger bus hub. Steve Pastorik stated that we are not committing to making improvements but providing the space. Councilmember Buhler verified that the space would be where the America First Credit Union use to be located. Wayne Pyle clarified that it is the north end of where America First Credit Union used to be located and the south end of city hall parking lot which is currently mostly landscaping. Councilmember Buhler verified the property is all city owned property and not currently going any further west. Steve Pastorik answered eventually it will go further west where there is no curb gutter, etc. affected. Councilman Christensen verified if it wouldn’t affect current BRT? Steve Pastorik confirmed that it will not. Councilmember Lang inquired if it would connect at all. Steve Pastorik answered not as this time. Mayor Bigelow inquired if the bus stop at 2700 West bus stop would require modifications. Steve Pastorik answered that it would not. The City Council will consider Resolution 21-176 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled October 12, 2021 at 6:30 P.M.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – OCTOBER 5, 2021 -3- CONSENT AGENDA SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 12, 2021 A. RESOLUTION 21-177: RATIFY THE CITY MANAGER'S APPOINTMENT OF BRIAN BLANK AS A MEMBER OF THE CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL COMMITTEE Mayor Bigelow discussed proposed Resolution 21-177 that would ratify the City Manager's appointment of Brian Blank as a member of the Clean and Beautiful Committee. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: Brian Blank is willing to serve as a member of the West Valley City Clean and Beautiful Committee. Members of the West Valley City Clean and Beautiful Committee are appointed for a four-year term by the City Manager with the advice and consent of the City Council. B. RESOLUTION 21-178: RATIFY THE CITY MANAGER'S APPOINTMENT OF TIFFINE DALTON AS A MEMBER OF THE CLEAN AND BEAUTIFUL COMMITTEE Mayor Bigelow discussed proposed Resolution 21-178 that would ratify the City Manager's appointment of Tiffine Dalton as a member of the Clean and Beautiful Committee. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: Tiffine Dalton is willing to serve as a member of the West Valley City Clean and Beautiful Committee. Members of the West Valley City Clean and Beautiful Committee are appointed for a four-year term by the City Manager with the advice and consent of the City Council. Upon inquiry, there were no further questions or concerns expressed by members of the City Council. The City Council will consider Resolutions 21-177 and 21-178 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled October 12, 2021, at 6:30 P.M. COMMUNICATIONS A. PARKS AND RECREATION PROJECT UPDATE MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – OCTOBER 5, 2021 -4- Nancy Day, Parks and Recreation, presented a PowerPoint presentation summarized as follows: - Value of Parks and Green Infrastructure o Environmental  Benefits to water, air, land & wildlife o Health & Wellness  Benefits to physical & mental health of the community o Social  Benefits to social cohesion, public safety & education o Economic  Benefits to workforce & business development o Needs Assessment/Survey Reminders:  84% used WVC P&R facility (park, etc.) in past 12 months (pre-covid)  More than ½ use their neighborhood parks frequently (pre-covid) o Benefits:  Environmental: Parks/GI mimics natural processes & captures/treats stormwater at its source; Enhanced biodiversity leads to healthier and more resilient ecosystems. Even planting 1 tree stabilizes soil, infiltrates water & increases native insect, bird & mammal populations. This includes crucial pollinators; Trees, plants in urban environments enhance air quality and lower temperatures. Enhanced shade and evapotranspiration ease urban heat island impacts. Enhanced tree canopies have a more pronounced effect.  Health & Wellness: Physical benefits: obesity, heart rate, diabetes, etc., etc. Plus, lower temperatures and better air quality; Mental benefits (whether active or not): reducing stress, lowering anxiety, etc.  Social: Communities become more connected, engaged & unified. Analysis from the Center for Active Design shows that when community residents see that public parks are well-cared for and rehabilitated, their trust in their local government (& even in each other) increases over time; PUBLIC SAFETY: GI/Parks attract more community members to exercise, socialize, etc. so there are more eyes patrolling the area thus discouraging criminal activity; EDUCATION: Raising public awareness of value of green spaces and tree canopy. MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – OCTOBER 5, 2021 -5-  Economic: Increases property values & property taxes which support parks and green spaces. Studies show people typically spend 8-12% more in business districts with urban tree canopies and other green features. People (thus workforce) want to live and work in communities with a good park & trail system (GI). - Grasmere Park (3900 S Grasmere Ln) o 1 Acre o $530,000 o Funding: Community Development Block Grant o Construction Underway - Rocky Ridge Park (5200 S Summer Ridge Dr) o 1.44 acres o $887,000 o Funding: Impact Fees o Conducted Public Meetings o Design Process Underway o Construction Start Date: Early 2022 - Sunset Hills Wood Hollow Park (6300 S Oquirrh Mesa Dr) o 3.09 Acres o $1,467,750 o Funding: Impact Fees o Public Meetings Held o Design Process Underway o Construction Start Date: Spring 2022 - Centennial Bike Park (Final Phase: Centennial Park) o $1,105,658 o Funding: Community Development Block Grant o Construction Start Date: Spring 2022 o Opening Date: Summer 2022 - Wetland/Stormwater Park (6400 West Parkway Blvd) o 72 Acres o $14,000,000 o Seeking Funding o School District Partnership o USU Partnership o Additional Partners - Newton Farms Park (3600 S Newton Farms Dr) o 1.095 Acres o $620,000 o Funding: Impact Fees o Construction to Begin 2023 pending funding MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – OCTOBER 5, 2021 -6- - Upcoming Projects o West View Park Addition  1.25 acres; $589,000 o Brud Drive Park  .52 acres; $237,000 o Brock Family Park  6 acres; $2.8 mil o OMH Power Corridor Park  16.6 acres; $6.6 mil; Rocky Mountain Power Corridor o Midway Trailhead Park  .5 acres; $237,000 o Veteran Memorial Park  13.81 acres; $6.5 mil o Sugar Plum Park  9.5 acres; $4.5 mil o UDOT Sport Field Property  14 acres; $6.6 mil o Jordan River West Trail Park  37.73 acres; $7.2 mil o Crosstown Trail Completion  Work with Outside Agencies  Grant Opportunities - Additional Department Projects o PARKS:  Redwood Trailhead Park & Hillsdale Park Improvements  Smart Irrigation Progress  Solar Lighting Cost Analysis o FAMILY FITNESS CENTER:  Dino Dig/Edutainment Outdoor Play Area  Energy Efficiency Project – Completion Date Extended  GOLF COURSES:  Continued Drainage Work at The Ridge o HARMAN SENIOR RECREATION CENTER:  Train Room Remodel o ARTS & CULTURE:  Canal Option Review Underway o Trailhead & Hillsdale Park:  Sign Bases Being Built, Signs Ordered  Irrigation Repairs next Month  Tree Audit & Safety Measures Being Taken  Volunteer Assistance with OMH MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – OCTOBER 5, 2021 -7- Councilmember Lang inquired about the entrance of Sunset Hills Wood Hollow Park. Nancy Day clarified entrance location on map. Councilmember Lang inquired if the pump track would be portable. Nancy Day clarified that what is on the map is a bike trail with different levels for all skill types. Councilmember Lang inquired about impact fees. Wayne Pyle stated that we are always looking at those. Steve Pastorik verified that a recent study was just completed. Councilmember Lang inquired if we are we still trying to acquire property on 4800 West. Nancy Day stated that we have not seen interest from the property owner. Councilmember Lang inquired if the 2.8 million for the Brock Family Park is the full price. Nancy Day stated yes that is the total cost to develop. Councilmember Lang inquired if we are applying for any assistance with Granger Hunter Improvement District for irrigation. Nancy Day said she would double check, but that city employees have been providing the current work. Councilmember Lang thought we approved to fix the fence at Fassio Park. Wayne Pyle stated that we have it on the list. Nancy Day stated it is either 5th or 6th on the list and that we are getting some new numbers due to material price increase. Councilmember Lang inquired if this is a risk management issue. Nancy Day stated they have gone out and done some tests on and it seems solid but will be replaced. Councilman Huynh stated that he is very excited for the Redwood Trailhead. Wayne Pyle stated one of the things the county found out is that they have some irregularities that they need to fix before we can take it over. Councilman Huynh mentioned an issue he experienced at the West Valley City Family Fitness Center. He mentioned some kids were being bullied by teenagers in the locker room. Nancy Day thanked Councilman Huynh for bring this to her attention and mentioned that it is part of the lifeguard’s rotation during their shifts to check on the locker rooms. Councilman Christensen inquired about a dog park in the city since that has been discussed in the past. Nancy Day stated that Salt Lake County earmarked the southwest side of Lodestone Park. For funding reasons, this has been delayed, however it is on the master plan to look at other locations. Mayor Bigelow inquired if this report given covers all proposed parks at this point. Nancy Day stated that it does. Councilmember Fitisemanu inquired if the solar lights are those more of accent lights or illuminating lighting. Nancy Day replied that they are more illuminating lights with LED. Not the quality of lighting for a tennis court or a pickleball court, however, can adjust so that there is not the bleed out. Councilmember Lang inquired about funding for the lights coming out of street light fees. Wayne Pyle replied that haven’t been discussed where the funding is coming from. Also stated that we are always trying to figure out different ways to do things. Solar Power lights are a new way to combat stealing copper wire out of lights. Councilmember Lang inquired about wrapping of the power boxes at the skate park and if the artist would be Josh. Nancy Day replied that Josh would be the artist and that he has come up with a design to better fit he location.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – OCTOBER 5, 2021 -8- The Mayor and Council had no further questions or concerns. B. CHARTER SCHOOL SAFETY CONCERNS Dan Johnson, Public Works Director, stated a couple of weeks ago some concerns about safety at charter schools specifically around traffic backing up at drop off and pick up times were expressed. The question was raised how the city provides safety for these schools. Dan Johnson stated that the challenge that charter schools give us is that there is no busing therefore it causes traffic to build up on streets. He mentioned that he observed the drop off and pick up times at Monticello for a couple of days. He watched parents show up very early to pick up kids. The vehicles stopping in the travel lane provides concern. Dan met with the school’s Director to discuss solutions. He did note that once the parking lot is opened the problem disappears. They are going to try opening up the parking lot earlier. Also communicate with the parents whether that be a staggered pick-up time or other solution. Dan will continue to work with the school’s Director to come up with the best possible resolution. Councilmember Lang mentioned that she personally experienced people illegally crossing the street in front of her. Dan Johnson mentioned that at Esperanza there is plenty of room to do a double stack due to having a lot more space than Monticello. Councilmember Buhler inquired where do we go from here. Dan Johnson replied that he would be following up with the schools and report back. Councilman Christensen stated that he has seen this issue within the Granite School District as well. The Mayor and Council had no further questions or concerns. C. 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 Councilmember Fitisemanu requested a detailed list of boards/committees that the city currently has. He requested this list include a brief description, what the nomination process is, the term length, what opportunities are provided, etc. He stated that this could be a future communication item. B. COUNCIL REPORTS  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – OCTOBER 5, 2021 -9- Councilmembers had no comment. MOTION FOR CLOSED SESSION Councilmember Fitisemanu moved to adjourn and reconvene in a Closed Session for discussion of pending litigation. Councilmember Christensen seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken, and all members voted in favor of the motion. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE WEST VALLEY COUNCIL THE STUDY MEETING ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 5, 2021 WAS ADJOURNED AT 5:30 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, October 5 2021. _______________________________ Tera Smith Deputy City Recorder THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION ON TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021 AT 5:33 P.M., IN THE MULTI-PURPOSE ROOM, WEST VALLEY CITY HALL, 3600 CONSTITUTION BOULEVARD, WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH. THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER 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(electronically) Steve Buhler, Councilmember District 2 Karen Lang, Councilmember District 3 Jake Fitisemanu, Councilmember District 4 STAFF PRESENT:  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – OCTOBER 5, 2021 -10- Wayne Pyle, City Manager Tera Smith, Deputy City Recorder Eric Bunderson, City Attorney (electronically) The City Council met in Closed Session and discussed pending litigation. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL, THE CLOSED SESSION OF OCTOBER 5, 2021 WAS ADJOURNED AT 5:52 P.M. BY MAYOR BIGELOW. __________________________________ Tera Smith – Deputy City Recorder