City Council Study Meeting

MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – JUNE 4, 2024 -1- THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MET IN ELECTRONIC STUDY SESSION ON TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2024 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 Scott Harmon, Councilmember District 2 William Whetstone, Councilmember District 3 Jake Fitisemanu, 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 Kent Stokes, Acting Police Chief John Evans, Fire Chief Jim Welch, Finance Director Steve Pastorik, CED Director Layne Morris, CPD Director Dan Johnson, Public Works Director Jamie Young, Parks and Recreation Director Jonathan Springmeyer, RDA Director Sam Johnson, Strategic Communications Director Ken Cushing, IT (electronically) Travis Crosby, IT APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD MAY 28, 2024 The Council considered the Minutes of the Study Meeting held May 28, 2024. There were no changes, corrections or deletions.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – JUNE 4, 2024 -2- Councilmember Whetstone moved to approve the Minutes of the Study Meeting held May 28, 2024. Councilmember Harmon seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken and all members voted in favor of the motion. REVIEW AGENDAS FOR REGULAR CITY COUNCIL, REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND MUNICIPAL BUILDING AUTHORITY MEETINGS OF JUNE 4, 2024 Jim Welch, Finance Director, stated that the budget opening scheduled on the City Council Regular Agenda had a minor adjustment to accommodate additional state funds for the winter overflow shelter. Ifi Pili, City Manager, indicated that the next item on the Study Meeting agenda, regarding the West Valley Performing Arts Center, has also been added as a new business item on the Regular Meeting agenda . Upon inquiry by Mayor Lang, members of the Council had no further questions or concerns regarding items listed on the Agendas for the Regular City Council, Redevelopment Agency, Housing Authority, or Municipal Building Authority meetings scheduled later this night. RESOLUTION 24-96: SUPPORT THE WEST VALLEY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER Ifo Pili, City Manager, presented proposed Resolution 24-96 that would support the West Valley Performing Arts Center. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: For several years, the City has owned and operated the West Valley Performing Arts Center. The WVPAC has made a substantial contribution to the arts community in the City. However, the WVPAC requires significant repairs and is incurring large operational losses that make its continued operation infeasible for the City. This resolution expresses support for the valuable contributions made by the WVPAC and provides that the City will explore the possibility of transitioning West Valley Arts to a community-based organization. The resolution also provides for an initial subsidy for WVPAC in a yet to be determined amount. The City Council will consider Resolution 24-96 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled June 4, 2024 at 6:30 P.M RESOLUTION 24-97: APPROVE AMENDMENT NO. 1 TO AN AGREEMENT  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – JUNE 4, 2024 -3- WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF WORKFORCE SERVICES Steve Pastorik, CD Director, presented proposed Resolution 24-97 that would approve Amendment No. 1 to an Agreement With the Department of Workforce Services Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: A temporary overflow homeless shelter managed by Switchpoint opened in November of 2023 and was anticipated to close on April 30, 2024. However, the State has decided to keep the shelter open until at least the end of September of this year with the possibility of the shelter being open until April 30, 2025. Since the shelter opened, the City has seen a significant increase in the demand for public safety services. As a result, both the Police and Fire Departments are staffing overtime shifts to meet the increased demand for services. The Utah Department of Workforce Services offers cities with homeless shelters within their borders mitigation funding to help offset the increased costs resulting from the additional public safety service demands from the shelter and surrounding areas. The original contract amount for the mitigation funding was $408,776.26. This amendment would add $345,622.59 of additional mitigation funds to the contract to be used by September 30, 2024. Councilmember Whetstone clarified that the intent is for the shelter to be open until April and asked when staff would anticipate receiving additional funding from the State. Steve replied possibly in October but he is unsure for certain. Councilmember Nordfelt clarified that the shelter is expected to close in April 2025. Steve replied yes. The City Council will consider Resolution 24-97 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled June 11, 2024 at 6:30 P.M RESOLUTION 24-98: APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF A MOBILE EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER TRAILER Chief Evans presented proposed Resolution 24-98 that would approve the Purchase of a Mobile Emergency Operations Center Trailer Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: In 2020 West Valley City was affected by an earthquake. At that time the fixed emergency operations center in city hall was rendered unusable. We at this time  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – JUNE 4, 2024 -4- had a few smaller units which we patched together to run the city operations. In 2022 we applied for a grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which we were granted 1,066,000.00 for a new mobile emergency operations center. We went out to gather information on a unit which would be suitable for a city our size and found that EVI trailers would be able to manufacture the unit. Attached are drawings and outlines for the unit we are going to purchase. The agreement attached is from Siddons-Martin Emergency Group, who is the dealer for the unit and will be the local representative we will be working through. The delivery time for this unit will be about 19-20 months. Councilmember Harmon asked if the City currently owns a mobile unit. John replied yes and noted that the City intends to sell this. He noted that is too small to accommodate the City’s needs. Councilmember Harmon asked if the upfitting is included in this cost. John replied yes with the exception of transferring items from the old unit. Councilmember Whetstone clarified that the grant would need to be for a mobile EOC specifically. John replied yes. Mayor Lang noted that she feels a mobile EOC makes the most sense for emergencies. The City Council will consider Resolution 24-98 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled June 11, 2024 at 6:30 P.M RESOLUTION 24-99: AWARD A CONTRACT TO STAPP CONSTRUCTION FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE WEST VIEW PARK EXPANSION Jamie Young, Parks and Recreation Director, presented proposed Resolution 24-99 that would award a Contract to Stapp Construction for Construction of the West View Park Expansion. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: West View Park Expansion is 2.54 acres of land located at 4059 S 6000 W. It is currently a mostly vacant lot. This land is situated between West View Park and the Mountain View Corridor Sports Field. This land used to have two homes that were purchased by the city for the combination of these two areas, both homes have been removed. This project will construct phase one of a two phase park. It will include a challenge course, parking lot and landscaping. Utah Outdoor Recreation Grant monies are also being utilized to help with the installation of the Challenge  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – JUNE 4, 2024 -5- Course which was approved by City Council last year. We will also be reimbursed from Public Works for the street improvements in the amount of $68,629.00, so the total used from impact fees will be $601,371.00. Bids for construction were solicited and four bidders responded: Stapp Construction $670,000.00 Wasatch West Contracting $849,738.00 S & L Inc $988,020.00 Stapp Construction was selected as the lowest responsible bidder. Construction will begin as soon as possible. Councilmember Whetstone noted that the rendering shows parking in phase 2. Jamie replied that was the original concept, but the Council requested that this be moved to phase 1. Councilmember Fitisemanu asked if the City was familiar with Stapp Construction. Jamie replied yes and noted that they have done several projects in the City. The City Council will consider Resolution 24-99 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled June 11, 2024 at 6:30 P.M RESOLUTION 24-100: AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SIGN A LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNDERSTANDING AND AGREEMENT FOR CONSULTING SERVICES FOR THREE STATION AREA PLANS Steve Pastorik, CD, presented proposed Resolution 24-100 that would authorize the Mayor to Sign a Local Government Understanding and Agreement for Consulting Services for Three Station Area Plans. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: The State of Utah requires West Valley City to have a Station Area Plan for the one-half mile radius area surrounding each light rail station. For reference, the State’s Station Area Plan requirements are found in Section 10-9a-403.1 of Utah Code. These plans are intended to promote the availability and affordability of housing, promote sustainable environmental conditions, enhance access to opportunities and increase transportation choices and connections. Funding for these plans has been made available by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity. These funds have been allocated to Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC) to assist communities who are in need of preparing these plans. To comply with State Law, West Valley City applied for and received funding from WFRC for the three Station Area Plans noted above.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – JUNE 4, 2024 -6- To assist West Valley City and WFRC with these Station Area Plans, WFRC engaged a consultant selected by West Valley City. WSP USA Inc. (WSP) has been selected to provide assistance to complete the work required in the time frame allotted. West Valley City staff has reviewed the consultant’s qualifications, scope of work, schedule, budget and deliverables and is committed to working with both WFRC and WSP to make this effort a success. The Local Government Understanding and Agreement form indicates that West Valley City will in earnest consider the final products for formal adoption. Mayor Lang asked when this legislation passed. Steve replied either 2022 or 2023. Mayor Lang clarified that this isn’t a proposal to make any changes but is meant to create a plan. Steve replied yes. Councilmember Whetstone noted that the River Trail radius extends into South Salt Lake and asked if the two cities would collaborate. Steve replied that each City would plan for only what is within their jurisdiction. The City Council will consider Resolution 24-100 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled June 11, 2024 at 6:30 P.M COMMUNICATIONS A. RANKED CHOICE VOTING UPDATE Nichole Camac, City Recorder, provided a PowerPoint presentation summarized as follows: - Municipal Alternate Voting Methods Pilot Project (Ranked Choice Voting) o Instant Runoff Voting in Utah Municipalities  In 2018, the Utah state legislature passed HB 35 that established a pilot program in which cities can use instant runoff voting. It passed 22-0 in the senate, 67-3 in House; 11-1 in interim committee; and 7-0 in Senate Gov’t Operations. Gov. Herbert signed it into law in March 2018. o Pilot Project ends in 2026 o To participate in the 2025 Ranked Choice Voting Election, the City must pass a resolution and provide written notice to the Lieutenant Governors Office prior to May 1, 2025. - Ranked Choice Voting MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – JUNE 4, 2024 -7- o Voters can rank as many or as few candidates as they want in order of choice. o All 1st choice votes are counted, and if no candidate has received a majority in the first round, the candidate with the fewest votes is eliminated and their vote goes to their next choice. o The process continues until there is a candidate with a majority of the vote cast (50% + 1), who is declared the winner. - Municipalities who participated in 2021: 23 o Bluffdale o Cottonwood Heights o Draper o Elk Ridge o Genola o Goshen o Heber City o Lehi o Magna Metro Township o Midvale o Millcreek o Moab o Newton o Nibley o Payson (cancelled their election) o River Heights o Riverton o Salt Lake City o Sandy o South Salt Lake o Springville o Vineyard (2nd election) o Woodland Hills - Municipalities who participated in 2023: 12 o Genola o Heber City o Lehi o Kearns o Magna o Midvale o Millcreek o Payson o Salt Lake City MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – JUNE 4, 2024 -8- o South Salt Lake o Vineyard o Woodland Hills - Feedback from Municipalities who participated in 2021 and 2023 o Salt Lake City: Positive overall experience o Midvale: Increase in voter registration/turnout, positive overall experience o Heber: Council strongly supportive of the process despite generally negative feedback from the community o Genola: Positive overall experience o Lehi: Voter sentiment favorable overall before and after election in 2021.  Stronger push against in 2023. Chose to have a primary (only municipality to do so) while still participating in RCV - Feedback from Municipalities who participated in 2021 and did not in 2023 o Bluffdale: Council felt process was confusing, voter confusion, residents complained of gerrymandering o Cottonwood Heights: Unanimously agreed not to participate, majority of Council didn’t like process o Nibley: Cache County resistant to facilitate, voter confusion (despite education), RCV results confusing/unclear, many residents did not rank candidates and still only voted for top candidate o Draper and Sandy: Difficulty with recount process, residents overall opposed to process o Springville: Voter confusion, candidates and residents preferred traditional voting process - Election Results Salt Lake County o Midvale:  3 races  District 1- Candidate won at 61% in the first round (no other votes were tabulated)  District 2- Unopposed  District 3- Candidate won at 54% after two rounds. o Salt Lake City  5 races  Mayor- Candidate won at 58% first round, no other votes tabulated MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – JUNE 4, 2024 -9-  District 2- no opposition  District 4- 3 candidates, 2 rounds  District 6- 3 candidates, 2 rounds  District 7- 2 candidates so no RCV o Millcreek  1 race  3 candidates, first place candidate won in first round o South Salt Lake  3 races  District 1- 2 candidates so no RCV  District 4- 2 candidates so no RCV  District 5- 1 candidate o Kearns  3 races  District 1- 2 candidates so no RCV  District 3- 2 candidates so no RCV  District 5- 1 candidate o Magna  Election Canceled/ 3 races unopposed. - Election Results Outside of County o Genola (Utah County):  2 At Large Races/ 5 Candidates  First Place Candidate won after Round 4  Second Place Candidate won after Round 3 o Lehi (Utah County)  3 At Large Races/ 6 candidates  First Place Candidate won after Round 5  Second Place Candidate won after Round 4  Third Place Candidate won after Round 3  Note: Lehi held a Primary. They had 16 candidates for 3 at large positions in the primary which was reduced to 6 total candidates for 3 at large seats in the General o Payson (Utah County)  3 At Large Races/ 9 Candidates  First Place Candidate won after Round 8  Second Place Candidate won after Round 7  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – JUNE 4, 2024 -10-  Third Place Candidate won after Round 6 o Vineyard (Utah County)  2 At Large Races / 7 Candidates  First Place Candidate won at 65% after Round 6  Second Place Candidate won at 50.9% in first round o Woodland Hills (Utah County)  3 At Large Races/ 4 candidates  First Place Candidate won at 51.3% in the first round  Second Place Candidate won at 50.98% in the first round  Third Place Candidate won at 60.26% in the first round o Heber City (Wasach County) o 3 At Large Races/ 11 candidates  First Place Candidate won at 58% after 10 rounds  Second Place Candidate won at 58% after 10 rounds  Third Place Candidate won at 56% after 8 rounds Councilmember Nordfelt asked what the plan for the pilot project is after 2026. Nichole replied that there will likely be conversations at the upcoming legislative session but for now it’s unknown. Mayor Lang noted that the County has a specific budget needed to conduct elections and questioned whether Ranked Choice Voting would really be cost saving in the long run since they need to recoup costs associated with elections in general. Nichole replied that the County underestimated the actual cost of the election this last year but have indicated they plan to have a more accurate representation during the next election cycle. The Mayor and Council briefly discussed the future of Ranked Choice voting. The Mayor and Council had no further questions or concerns. B. 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.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – JUNE 4, 2024 -11- NEW BUSINESS A. POTENTIAL FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS N/A B. COUNCIL REPORTS MAYOR LANG- MY HOMETOWN Mayor Lang noted that she attended the My Hometown recital and indicated that the performances are improving each time. MOTION TO ADJOURN Upon motion by Councilmember Fitisemanu all voted in favor to adjourn. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE WEST VALLEY COUNCIL THE STUDY MEETING ON TUESDAY JUNE 4, 2024 WAS ADJOURNED AT 5:09 PM BY MAYOR LANG. I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true, accurate and complete record of the proceedings of the Special Study Meeting of the West Valley City Council held Tuesday, June 4, 2024. _______________________________ Nichole Camac, CMC City Recorder