City Council Study Meeting

MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – DECEMBER 10, 2024 -1- THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MET IN ELECTRONIC STUDY SESSION ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2024 AT 4:32 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 Tom Huynh, Councilmember District 1 Scott Harmon, Councilmember District 2 (electronically) William Whetstone, Councilmember District 3 Jake Fitisemanu, Councilmember District 4 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 Paula Melgar, Human Resources Director Travis Crosby, IT APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD NOVEMBER 26, 2024 The Council considered the Minutes of the Study Meeting held November 26, 2024. There were no changes, corrections or deletions. Councilmember Whetstone moved to approve the Minutes of the Study Meeting held November 26, 2024. Councilmember Christensen seconded the motion.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – DECEMBER 10, 2024 -2- A voice vote was taken and all members voted in favor of the motion. INTRODUCTION OF NEW EMPLOYEES FROM NOVEMBER 2024 Layne Morris, Community Preservation Director, introduced Taylor Benincosa, Community Cat Coordinator. Steve Pastorik, CD Director, introduced Carina LaFontaine, Building Permit Tech Jake Arslanian, Facilities Director, introduced Kinzie Keeling, Building Custodian Kent Stokes, Acting Police Chief, introduced Officers Erwin “Manny” Manriquez, Diego Ortiz, and David Broadhead. REVIEW AGENDA FOR REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 10, 2024 Nichole Camac, City Recorder, noted that an item was added to the Consent Agenda. She indicated that Arcadia is the developer for an industrial project and in order to convey storm water and sanitary sewer, they needed to record private easements. However, the developer accidentally recorded the easements as public. In order to correct it, the City has to abandon the easement so it can be recorded as private. 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. PUBLIC HEARINGS SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 14, 2025 A. ACCEPT PUBLIC INPUT REGARDING RE-OPENING THE FY 2024-2025 BUDGET Mayor Lang informed a public hearing had been advertised for the Regular Council Meeting scheduled January 14, 2025, in order for the City Council to hear and consider public comments regarding Re-Opening the FY 2024-2025 Budget Proposed Ordinance 24-50 related to the proposal to be considered by the City Council subsequent to the public hearing, was discussed as follows: ACTION: ORDINANCE NO. 24-50, AMEND THE BUDGET OF WEST VALLEY CITY FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2024 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2025 TO REFLECT CHANGES IN THE BUDGET FROM INCREASED REVENUES AND AUTHORIZE THE DISBURSEMENT OF FUNDS Jim Welch, Finance Director, discussed proposed Ordinance 24-50 that would amend the Budget of West Valley City for the Fiscal Year Beginning July 1, 2024 and Ending June 30, 2025 to Reflect Changes in the Budget from Increased Revenues and  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – DECEMBER 10, 2024 -3- Authorize the Disbursement of Funds. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: A Public Notice was posted December 5, 2024, in public view at City Hall, the Family Fitness Center and UCCC; also, posted on the Public Notice Website and West Valley City’s Website. Notice was given that a public hearing is to be held January 14, 2025, at 6:30 p.m., West Valley City Hall, 3600 Constitution Blvd., West Valley City, Utah. The City Council will consider Ordinance 24-50 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled January 14, 2025 at 6:30 P.M. RESOLUTION 24-175: AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF A GRANT AGREEMENT WITH VISIT SALT LAKE Jamie Young, Parks and Recreation Director, presented proposed Resolution 24-175 that would authorize the Execution of a Grant Agreement with Visit Salt Lake. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: Visit Salt Lake offered a grant to West Valley City to make much needed improvements to the softball fields. Visit Salt Lake will grant West Valley City $60,000 in exchange for use of the softball fields for the next three years to host the USA Senior Softball tournament, or other similar tournament as well as additional tournaments in the future. The grant would help cover costs associated with field improvements, scoreboard and railing replacements. The City Council will consider Resolution 24-175 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled January 14, 2025 at 6:30 P.M RESOLUTION 24-176: AWARD A CONTRACT TO NEVCO SPORTS, LLC FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF SOFTBALL SCOREBOARDS Jamie Young, Parks and Recreation Director, presented proposed Resolution 24-176 that would award a Contract to Nevco Sports, LLC for the Replacement of Softball Scoreboards Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows:  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – DECEMBER 10, 2024 -4- Various recreation programs use the softball fields nearly every day and scoreboards are a valuable resource to keep score and time of ongoing games. Replacing the scoreboards improves the participant experience of the softball fields and allows us to attract additional local, regional and national tournaments. An RFP was posted and bids were received from four contractors. The bids to replace the eight scoreboards are as follows: Nevco $46,944.60 BSN Sports $56,562.00 YESCO $76,492.00 Norcon $79,350.00 Creative Signs $83,766.00 The City Council will consider Resolution 24-176 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled January 14, 2025 at 6:30 P.M RESOLUTION 24-177: APPROVE THE EXECUTION OF A COOPERATIVE AGREEMENT BETWEEN WEST VALLEY CITY AND THE UTAH DIVISION OF FORESTRY, FIRE, AND STATE LANDS Dan Johnson, Public Works Director, presented proposed Resolution 24-177 that would approve the Execution of a Cooperative Agreement Between West Valley City and the Utah Division of Forestry, Fire, and State Lands. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: West Valley City applied for and received a Jordan River Cooperative Weed Management Area Grant to reimburse the City for work to fight phragmites and other invasive species along the Jordan River in specific locations for a period of three years. The areas of work include phragmite stands near 3900 South and the Pioneer Crossing Park, and additional maintenance work at the Cottonwood Pond at 3300 South. Phragmite mitigation will be completed using the recently purchased Marsh Master amphibious vehicle. Work will be completed in phases, corresponding with the appropriate times of year to effectively treat phragmites. Work also includes certain Russian Olive and Tamarisk tree removals to be completed by the Fire Department wildland fire crews and the Public Works Department. The City will work with a private group, Tree Utah, to revegetate the treated areas, with the intent to eliminate the invasive species in the longer term.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – DECEMBER 10, 2024 -5- Councilmember Fitisemanu asked if there is a match required. Dan replied no. The City Council will consider Resolution 24-177 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled January 14, 2025 at 6:30 P.M CONSENT AGENDA SCHEDULED FOR JANUARY 15, 2025 A. RESOLUTION 24-178: AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO ENTER INTO AN EASEMENT PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND ACCEPT A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT WITH AND FROM MARTHA, LLC FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3530 SOUTH 6800 WEST Mayor Lang discussed proposed Resolution 24-178 that would authorize the City to Enter Into an Easement Purchase Agreement and Accept a Temporary Construction Easement With and From Martha, LLC for Property Located at 3530 South 6800 West. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: The Martha, LLC parcel located at 3530 South 6800 West is one of eight parcels affected by the 6800 West Street Improvements Project; 3750 South to 3500 South. This project will include the construction of curb, gutter, sidewalk, patterned concrete, streetlights and widened asphalt on the west side of 6800 West Street. The project is necessary to match up to improvements being built on the east side of 6800 West by a development. Compensation for the purchase of the Temporary Construction Easement and improvements of $1,200.00 is based upon the appraisal prepared by the Fortis Group, LLC. small areas. The City Council will consider Resolution 24-178 on the Consent Agenda at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled January 14, 2025 at 6:30 P.M REVIEW AGENDAS FOR THE ANNUAL REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, HOUSING AUTHORITY, AND BUILDING AUTHORITY MEETINGS SCHEDULED JANUARY 14, 2025 Nichole Camac, City Recorder, indicated that the annual meetings of the RDA, HA, and BA would have approval of minutes and the appointments of the chair and vice chair for 2025. The Redevelopment Agency, Housing Authority, and Building Authority will consider these items at the Annual Meetings scheduled January 14, 2025 at 6:30 P.M  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – DECEMBER 10, 2024 -6- AUTHORIZE CONSENT AGENDA FOR REGULAR MEETING OF JANUARY 14, 2025 The Council authorized all resolutions to be added to the Consent Agenda for the January 15, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting at 6:30 PM. COMMUNICATIONS A. PROFFESIONAL STANDARDS REVIEW BOARD ANNUAL UPDATE Eric Bunderson, City Attorney, stated that the Professional Standards Review Board (PSRB) plays a vital role in the city by reviewing police activities, including all uses of force, vehicular pursuits, and internal affairs investigations. The board, composed of dedicated citizens, provides quarterly reports to city officials. Key points from the latest report:  Data Reviewed: There were 702 uses of force this year, defined broadly to include actions like drawing a weapon or using a taser.  Purpose: These reviews help identify trends and potential issues, including problem officers.  Findings: Most cases were compliant with policy, while a few were not. The PSRB made recommendations in these cases, which the police chief reviewed for potential discipline.  Disciplinary Actions: Recommendations often resulted in measures such as reprimands, additional training, suspensions, or officer resignations before final discipline. The PSRB does not directly discipline officers but plays a critical advisory role to ensure accountability and adherence to policy. The Mayor and Council had no further questions or concerns. B. HOUSING, RENTALS, AND 2025 Brandon Hill, Deputy City Attorney, presented a PowerPoint Presentation summarized as follows: - Federal and State Law o Federal Fair Housing laws and limitations o Utah Supreme Court – renting your home is a property right o Homeowners’ associations can restrict rentals, but……. MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – DECEMBER 10, 2024 -7-  Military deployments, employment relocations, and parents, children, and siblings are all exempt  Estate planning trusts have exemptions as well  Internal ADUs are exempt o Deed restrictions are difficult to enforce and generally time- limited - What’s Next? 2025 Legislative Session and Beyond o Significant local preemption is extremely likely  Proposals include R-1-4 or R-1-6 zoning approved for all properties in all urban counties, internal and external ADUs approved by right for all properties, limitation of parking requirements, and more  There is support for “regional housing planning” that could include removing some residential zoning decisions from city authority o The problem is not going away and neither are the solutions  To make starter homes affordable to median income households, a Great Recession price drop would need to come with no other negative economic effects Councilmember Whetstone stated that housing is a huge problem but noted that someday there be a market shift. He asked if there have been any discussions about imposing legislation with an expiration date. Brandon discussed the complexities of housing policy in Utah. He highlighted how Utah's unique demographic trends, such as historically high birth rates, are shifting with sub-replacement fertility rates for the first time. While the state continues to grow, much of this growth now stems from in-migration rather than natural increase. Brandon indicated that increasing housing inventory might attract more migrants, which, while beneficial, doesn’t address housing affordability because demand rises in tandem with supply. He referenced Governor Cox's perspective that Utah shouldn't compromise its appeal as a state. However, this dynamic creates a persistent affordability challenge. Brandon drew comparisons to declining urban centers like Detroit or Cleveland, where housing oversupply due to population decline led to affordability but under undesirable circumstances. He cautioned that decisions that seem suitable today may not align with future demographic and economic realities. Brandon underscored the long-term planning challenges associated with balancing population trends, housing policies, and affordability. The Mayor and Council had no further questions or concerns.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – DECEMBER 10, 2024 -8- C. 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. NEW BUSINESS A. POTENTIAL FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Councilmember Huynh expressed concern about rental practices in the city, highlighting a distinction between large apartment complexes and individual landlords. He noted that apartment complexes typically perform thorough background and employment checks on prospective tenants, ensuring a smoother operation with fewer issues. In contrast, single-home landlords often forgo these checks, creating opportunities for problems such as drug-related activities and other issues that negatively impact the community. Councilmember Huynh suggested involving the police department to conduct background checks for landlords, with landlords paying for the service, similar to private background check providers. This system could help "screen out bad apples" and make the city safer. He emphasized that the goal isn’t to label individuals as "bad people" but to address behaviors that harm the community, ensuring that all renters meet basic standards. Councilmember Huynh raised concerns about the lack of utilization of the Residential Sustainability (RS) zoning, introduced in 2020 to promote zero- energy housing developments. He noted that the RS zoning was initially targeted for smaller parcels of land, such as pockets of 4-10 acres, with the intent to make the city a leader in sustainable housing in the valley. Councilmember Huynh observed that, over the past four years, only one property, located at 3200 West and 3724 South, has adopted the RS zoning. He expressed frustration that no other pocket developments have followed suit, questioning whether the zoning was being applied selectively to one property or whether the city remained committed to its sustainability objectives. He asked for clarification on whether the city intends to continue promoting RS zoning across other developments or if the initiative has lost momentum, given the apparent lack of broader implementation. Mayor Lang stated that RS zoning is something that is requested by the developers so the City can’t control that. She indicated that staff could perhaps provide a report as to why people aren’t applying. Mayor Lang stated that there are county facilities that may provide background checks so the burden doesn’t  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – DECEMBER 10, 2024 -9- fall on our police department. She stated that there used to be a good landlord program but the State took away that ability. Mayor Lang suggested that staff provide a response to what the city can or cannot do. B. COUNCIL REPORTS COUNCILMEMBER CHRISTENSEN- CHRISTMAS CONCERT AND MOSQUITO ABATEMENT DISTRICT Councilmember Christensen stated he attended the Christmas Concert at the Utah Culturual Celebration Center and also attended the budget adoption meeting for the Mosquito Abatement District. COUNCILMEMBER FITISMMANU-INTERFAITH SING-A-LONG Councilmember Fitisemanu stated that he attended a Tongan interfaith sing-a-long program with Mayor Lang. MAYOR LANG- GRANGER HIGH SCHOOL Mayor Lang indicated that she also attended an interfaith program at Granger High School and it was a great presentation. MOTION TO ADJOURN Upon motion by Councilmember Whetstone all voted in favor to adjourn. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE WEST VALLEY COUNCIL THE STUDY MEETING ON TUESDAY DECEMBER 10, 2024 WAS ADJOURNED AT 5:28 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, December 10, 2024. _______________________________ Nichole Camac, MMC City Recorder