City Council Study Meeting

MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 -1- THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MET IN ELECTRONIC STUDY SESSION ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 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 LANG. THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: Karen Lang, Mayor Lars Nordfelt, Councilmember At-Large Don Christensen, Councilmember At-Large (electronically) Tom Huynh, Councilmember District 1 (arrived as noted) Scott Harmon, Councilmember District 2 William Whetstone, Councilmember District 3 Jake Fitisemanu, Councilmember District 4 (electronically) STAFF PRESENT: Wayne T Pyle, City Manager Nichole Camac, City Recorder Eric Bunderson, City Attorney (electronically) 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 Nancy Day, Parks and Recreation Director John Flores, HR Director Sam Johnson, Strategic Communications Director (electronically) Mark Nord, Economic Development Director (electronically) Ken Cushing, IT Jake Arslanian, Facilities Director APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD SEPTEMBER 12, 2023 The Council considered the Minutes of the Study Meeting held September 12, 2023. There were no changes, corrections or deletions. Councilmember Whetstone moved to approve the Minutes of the Study Meeting held September 12, 2023. Councilmember Harmon seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken and all members voted in favor of the motion.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 -2- REVIEW AGENDA FOR REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 Wayne Pyle, City Manager, noted that the one item on the Study Meeting agenda for tonight, Resolution 23-141, has been added to the Regular Meeting agenda as well. Councilmember Huynh arrived at 4:35 PM. Upon inquiry by Mayor Lang, 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 23-141: AUTHORIZE THE PURCHASE OF A BOILER SYSTEM FROM AMERICAN MECHANICAL SYSTEMS SERVICE, LLC Jake Arslanian, Facilities, presented proposed Resolution 23-141 that would authorize the Purchase of a Boiler System from American Mechanical Systems Service, LLC Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: From Three State of Utah purchasing pre-qualified bidders, the lowest bid for the Project was received from American Mechanical Systems Service LLC. A total of Three (3) bids were received:  American Mechanical Systems Service, LLC SOU Contract ID. MA2606 $145,047.00  American Chiller Mechanical Service SOU Contract ID. MA3361 $153,900.00  CCI Mechanical Service SOU Contract ID. MA3518 $219,260.00 The West Valley City Performing Arts Center boiler system has exceeded its anticipated life expectancy. The Facilities HVAC Division has upheld the system to the best of its ability using outdated components and a worn-out system. For this reason, we recommend replacing the system with a more energy-efficient boiler and modern operating system to ensure proper heating operation of the Performing Arts Center. Mayor Lang asked if this was the anticipated cost. Jake replied it is slightly lower than anticipated. Councilmember Christensen stated that a school he was employed at during his career had a boiler go out and it took from approximately this same time frame in  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 -3- September to December to get it replaced. He noted that he would be in favor of getting this taken care of as soon as possible. The City Council will consider Resolution 23-141 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled September 19, 2023 at 6:30 P.M COMMUNICATIONS A. NEIGHBORHOOD TRAFFIC CALMING DISCUSSION Dan Johnson, Public Works Director, provided a PowerPoint presentation summarized as follows: - Getting Started o Residents requesting neighborhood traffic calming submit a request which includes a TEN-signature petition from neighbors supporting the request for a traffic study. o Neighborhood Traffic Study Request forms are available on the Public Works Department website. - Current Policy/ Speed Scoring Criteria o Speed Points (85th %-ile) 10 points/mph over limit o Traffic Volume 1/2 point per 100 vehicles o Sidewalks 5 points if no sidewalk o Elementary Schools 5 points for each Elem. School o Pedestrian Generators 5 points for each park, Jr. High, High School, etc - Current Policy/Action Thresholds o < 75 points: No Action o 75–99 points: Driver Feedback Signs o > 100 points: Physical Constructed Calming Device (Normally speed humps) - Study Example Highlights o 2855 West  85th Percentile Speed: 32 mph x 10 pts/mph over limit = 7 mph x 10 = 70 points  Volume: 1,114 vehicles x ½ point per 100 vehicles = 11.1 x ½ = 6 points (rounded)  Sidewalk (5 points if no sidewalk exists): Yes = 0 points  Elementary Schools (5 points for each elementary school in the area): Yes = 5 points  Pedestrian Generators (5 points for each park, Jr. High/High School, other ped generator): None = 0 points MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 -4-  Total Index Score: 81 points  Project qualified for driver feedback signs. Installed. o Chatterleigh Road  85th Percentile Speed: 35 mph x 10 pts/mph over limit = 10 mph x 10 = 100 points  AUTOMATICALLY QUALIFIED FOR SPEED HUMPS on Speed Alone  Volume: 1315 vehicles x ½ point per 100 vehicles = 13.1 x ½ = 7 points (rounded)  Sidewalk (5 points if no sidewalk exists): Yes = 0 points  Elementary Schools (5 points for each elementary school in the area): One School = 5 points  Pedestrian Generators (5 points for each park, Jr. High/High School, etc.): No = 0 points  Total Index Score: 112 points Speed Humps Installed o Stanton Drive  85th Percentile Speed: 30 mph x 10 pts/mph over limit = 5 mph x 10 = 50 points  Volume: 589 vehicles x ½ point per 100 vehicles = 5.9 x ½ = 3 points (rounded)  Sidewalk (5 points if no sidewalk exists): Yes = 0 points  Elementary Schools (5 points for each elementary school in the area): Yes (3 schools counted) = 15 points  Pedestrian Generators (5 points for each park, Jr. High/High School, other ped generator): 1 park = 5 points  Total Index Score: 73 points  Could be considered for Speed Feedback Signs o Palmer Drive  85th Percentile Speed: 30 mph x 10 pts/mph over limit = 5 mph x 10 = 50 points  Volume: 1550 vehicles x ½ point per 100 vehicles = 15.5 x ½ = 8 points (rounded)  Sidewalk (5 points if no sidewalk exists): Yes = 0 points  Elementary Schools (5 points for each elementary school in the area): Two Schools = 10 points  Pedestrian Generators (5 points for each park, Jr. High/High School, other ped generator): No = 0 points  Total Index Score: 68 points MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 -5-  Does Not Qualify for Traffic Calming Under Current Criteria  Could be considered for Speed Feedback Signs - Past Study Result Summary o Map indicating location of speed humps o Map indicating location of radar signs - Study Summary- Historical Index Score - Other City’s Policies o No consistency among area cities regarding traffic calming policies  Salt Lake County - Nearly identical to WVC (80 points and above qualify for traffic calming)  West Jordan  Historical high use of speed humps  Moving away from speed humps  South Jordan City – Has used them in the past, now prohibits new speed humps by policy  Riverton City – Prohibits speed humps by ordinance  Sandy City – Uses signage, and radar signs. No speed humps.  Draper – Speed Enforcement requests  Salt Lake City  Ended Traffic Calming Program in 2005  Brought robust traffic calming back in 2021  Everything in between can be found  Policies change overtime o Pros of More Speed Humps  Well-designed speed hump and traffic calming networks can be effective in lowering neighborhood speeds  Some complaints will go away o Cons of New Speed Humps  Other complaints will come  Resources  Budget has not been the limiting factor in the past  Lowering the threshold and building more humps may strain resources  Growing the program substantially will require additional resources  Maintenance  Thayn Drive Example o Installed in Late 90’s MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 -6- o Asphalt overlay 2016 replaced four asphalt humps with concrete humps  Overlay from 4400 West to 4800 West o $93,800 o Four asphalt speed humps replaced with concrete - $22,000 o 23% of overlay cost to replace speed humps  Traffic Diverts to other routes o Speed humps often entice drivers to avoid them, moving the speeding problem to a parallel route o Area network should be considered when installing traffic calming - Traffic Calming Criteria Priorities o Speed, volume, other (proximity to pedestrian generators) - Recap of current policy - Past study result summary (336 speed studies) - Neighborhood Traffic volume summary (2005-2022) - “Other” Criteria o Sidewalks? Yes or No  5 points for NO SIDEWALK o Proximity to Elementary Schools  5 points for each elementary school o Pedestrian Generators (Parks, Jr. High or High School, or other)  5 points for each o Public Works Dept. PROPOSES TO LIMIT POINTS FOR “OTHER” TO 10 Points Mayor Lang asked how much speed bumps cost. Dan replied approximately $3,000. He noted that while the cost isn’t an issue, the City doesn’t have the crews to do more than a few a year. Councilmember Harmon verified that the cost is about $3,000 in house and about $7,000 if contracted out. Dan replied yes. Councilmember Harmon stated that there are speed bumps on Benview and noted that Benview hasn’t been redone in many years. Councilmember Huynh stated that people in the area know their streets the best. He indicated that people see speed bumps and instinctively slow down. Councilmember Nordfelt asked how the study is conducted. He indicated that the location of the radar would be very important. Erik Brondum, Public Works, stated that radar devices are mounted on lights or signposts. He indicated that he tries to MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 -7- place them between intersections, not close to a dip or curve, and on straight aways where vehicles tend to pick up speed. Erik stated that the radar devices are in place for a full week (typically a Monday-Monday) and are posted on weeks that avoid holidays or snow. Councilmember Harmon asked if there is a map that indicates where radars were placed in specific studies. Erik replied yes. Mayor Lang asked what the purpose of the flashing signs that indicate speed is. Erik replied that these are primarily used by the Police Department but added that some signs do have the ability to track as well. Councilmember Harmon asked what staff would suggest to change the criteria to increase speed bumps. Dan replied that he would suggest starting slow. He noted that if the Council felt the 100-point threshold was too high, they could take that down a bit. Councilmember Harmon asked if residents could install their own speed bumps if they chose to pay for it. Dan replied that he would not suggest this and noted that speed bumps should be installed based on need with data that is consistent and applicable citywide. He noted that cost is not the limiting factor. Councilmember Harmon asked how many studies can be done on a particular street per year. Dan replied that the policy has been one study per street per year. Erik stated that the signature petition requirement was added because the City used to do a study based on a single complaint which wasn’t necessarily representative of the entire neighborhood and therefore was a drain on resources. Councilmember Whetstone asked if the Council could make an exception under specific circumstances instead of changing the criteria threshold. Dan replied that they could but cautioned that this would be the new way that everyone would request speed bumps. Councilmember Huynh stated that he supports the need for speed bumps on Palmer Drive based on the residents who have expressed concern multiple times. Wayne noted that the accident totals on Benview (with speed bumps) and on Palmer (without speed bumps) are very similar and asked if more accidents would be expected on Benview if the speed bumps were removed. Dan replied that crashes in neighborhoods most often happen because the driver is distracted and most accidents involve parked vehicles. He noted that in most cases, speed is not a factor. Wayne asked why West Jordan is moving away from speed bumps. Dan replied he believes it’s the current political climate but added that the speed bumps in West Jordan are high and uncomfortable so that could be a factor as well. Wayne asked where speed bumps will be installed this year in the City. Dan replied on Oquirrh Mesa Drive in Sunset Hills. He added that the City is doing a new test on Beagley Lane with “speed cushions” in response to racing concerns expressed by the Police Department. Mayor Lang asked if staff communicates with the residents to ensure they are aware of school routes. Erik replied yes. Mayor Lang encouraged open  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 -8- communication between staff and the residents requesting the study through the process. Erik noted that he will often go out with residents and use a radar gun to see what the speeds actually are. He stated that perception and actual speed can be very different. Councilmember Harmon stated that he would be in favor of reducing the point threshold and also doubling points for proximity to schools. Councilmember Nordfelt suggested adding points as well for vicinity to trail systems where pedestrians are more likely to walk. Councilmember Harmon stated that safety should be highly focused on in addition to speed. He noted that he has a hard time understanding the difference between Benview and Palmer. Dan replied that the speed bumps were installed on Benview before the traffic study program was in place. Wayne indicated that the purpose of the traffic study is to provide a consistent threshold backed by data and numbers as opposed to installing speed bumps when they are requested. Mayor Lang agreed that consistency is best she wouldn’t be comfortable allowing the Council to make exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Councilmember Whetstone stated that he would be concerned about making too significant of a change that would swing the pendulum too far in the other direction. Mayor Lang suggested having Police Officers do their reports on known streets with speeding concerns, like Palmer. She noted that just the presence of a Police vehicle would slow many people down. Wayne asked how many speed bumps can be installed in a year with current resources. Dan replied 4-6. Councilmember Nordfelt stated that Park City recently decreased the speed limit in neighborhoods. Dan replied that Salt Lake City recently did that as well. Councilmember Nordfelt asked if data shows whether this has made a difference. Dan replied that information is not available yet. Councilmember Fitisemanu stated that budget is not a limiting factor, but the Council should decide whether speed bumps are effective at mitigating speed and tragedies while also responding to resident concerns. He stated that his two considerations are whether the Council is willing to reduce the threshold to allow more speed bumps and whether to add more flexibility/allowance for points as they relate to various factors, such as trail systems and proximity to schools. Councilmember Fitisemanu stated this his preference is to have a numerical score threshold and not allow Council leeway to override data. After further discussion, the Council requested that staff return with a recommendation in a month. The Mayor and Council had no further questions or concerns. B. DEBT SERVICE SCHEDULE REVIEW MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 -9- Mayor Lang verified that this is all bonded debt. Wayne replied yes. Mayor Lang asked if the City is still paying the debt for Embassy Suites. Wayne replied that the City holds the debt but it is being completely paid by the owner as agreed by contract when it was sold. Councilmember Harmon verified that the Cultural Center bond is the one that started at 15 million and will be 50 million by the time that is paid off. Wayne replied yes and noted that this is the 2010 bond series. Mayor Lang asked if the RDA makes their money from the Maverik Center and the Fire Stations by the City making payments. Wayne replied money is also accrued by tax increment generated by the property taxes in the RDA project areas. Mayor Lang asked what revenue refunding for the mall is. Wayne replied that this would be a refinance of an earlier debt. He detailed how tax increment works for payments. Wayne stated that most of the City debt is very straight forward but noted that the Cultural Center bond is unique. He indicated that the legislature enacted a SAR funding source that created this different amortization schedule. Wayne stated that RDA doesn’t believe it will happen as it was originally anticipated due to legislative changes that could occur. He indicated that staff will continue lobbying at the legislative level to create a better situation and noted that things change, leaderships change, and decisions regarding RDA funding happen every year. Wayne detailed other options the Council can consider to approach this debt in the coming years. Councilmember Whetstone asked if Fitch considers RDA debt as well as the hotel debt when assigning ratings. Wayne replied yes. Jim Welch, Finance Director, added that they rate the bonds and look at how things are being paid separately and together. Wayne detailed how non-callable debt can be adjusted as time passes. Councilmember Harmon asked if extra principal payments can be made on non- callable debts. Jim replied no and detailed how the bonds are paid. Councilmember Harmon stated that the parking structure has an early pay off date of 2027. He indicated that the City should be thinking about how to restructure or pay that down. Wayne agreed and added that staff is always looking at these trying to find ways to approach the bonds and get them paid in the best manner possible. Councilmember Harmon stated that the overall debt is reasonable with the exception of the Cultural Center. Councilmember Huynh requested a communication update once a year.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 -10- C. CITY MANAGER HIRING PROCESS UPDATE John Flores, HR Director, stated that Affion is putting together research on the City, structure, organization, and history. He noted that they will meet with each individual Councilmember on October 18-19 to discuss what an ideal candidate will look like and then will put together a brochure to begin moving forward. D. COUNCIL CALENDAR Mayor Lang 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. Jessica Hancock, Victim Services, stated October is Domestic Violence Awareness month. She indicated that there will be an event next Tuesday in the lobby of City Hall where members of the public can write letters of support to survivors of domestic violence. She stated that these will be posted in the lobby throughout the month of October. Mayor Lang stated that this is a great idea. Jessica stated that she thought this would be something new and would be uplifting for victims to receive words of encouragement and support. NEW BUSINESS A. POTENTIAL FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS N/A B. COUNCIL REPORTS COUNCILMEMBER WHETSTONE- COUNTRY MEADOWS PARK AND CHAT WITH THE CHIEF Councilmember Whetstone stated that he attended the Country Meadows ribbon cutting. He indicated that it was great to see multiple generations of families in attendance. Councilmember Whetstone stated that he also attended the virtual Chat with the Chief but noted attendance was better when the event was hosted by the Police Department’s Facebook page and asked if there is an update on getting that restored after it was hacked. Wayne replied that Facebook has been difficult to work with on getting it fixed and staff is determining whether to keep trying or to create a new page and rebuild it. C. STRATEGIC DISCUSSION LIST Mayor Lang stated that items would continue to be discussed on the list.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – SEPTEMBER 19, 2023 -11- Mayor Lang asked if pet licensing on the website is working. Layne replied yes. Councilmember Harmon asked if Nichole could provide a communication schedule for the month and noted he is curious when the Code Enforcement discussion is scheduled. Wayne replied that this has not been scheduled because the QR code that Councilmember Harmon had questions on is not working. He stated that there is an issue with the website and the program that would tie the QR code to a case, but IT is working on it. 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 19, 2023 WAS ADJOURNED AT 6:07 PM BY MAYOR LANG. 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 19, 2023. _______________________________ Nichole Camac, CMC City Recorder