City Council Study Meeting

MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – MARCH 11, 2025 -1- THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MET IN ELECTRONIC STUDY SESSION ON TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2025 AT 4:33 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 William Whetstone, Councilmember District 3 Cindy Wood, Councilmember District 4 STAFF PRESENT: Ifo Pili, City Manager Nichole Camac, City Recorder John Flores, Assistant City Manager Eric Bunderson, City Attorney 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 Jamie Young, Parks and Recreation Director (electronically) Jonathan Springmeyer, RDA Director Sam Johnson, Strategic Communications Director Craig Thomas, Community and Culture Director Paula Melgar, HR Director Lauren McPeak, Administrative Analyst Harold Moleni, Administrative Analyst Travis Crosby, IT APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 25, 2025 The Council considered the Minutes of the Study Meeting held February 25, 2025. There were no changes, corrections or deletions.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – MARCH 11, 2025 -2- Councilmember Christensen moved to approve the Minutes of the Study Meeting held February 25, 2025. Councilmember Harmon 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 MARCH 11, 2025 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. AWARDS, CEREMONIES, AND PROCLAMATIONS SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 25, 2025 A. RECOGNITION OF ELISE CHRISTENSON, NATIONAL MERIT FINALIST FROM AMERICAN PREPARATORY ACADEMY Nichole Camac, City Recorder, indicated that Elise Christenson would be recognized for being a National Merit Finalist at the Regular City Council Meeting Scheduled March 25, 2025. RESOLUTION 25-39: APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE EXECUTION OF AN INTERLOCAL AGREEMENT FOR THE METRO FIRE AGENCY John Evans, Fire Chief, presented proposed Resolution 25-39 that would approve and Authorize the Execution of an Interlocal Agreement for the Metro Fire Agency. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: This Interlocal Agreement between Bluffdale, Draper, Murray, Sandy, South Jordan, South Salt Lake, West Jordan, and West Valley City will enhance fire protection and emergency response services. This Interlocal reestablishes the Metro Fire Agency with some minor changes to the Agency’s budget process and Operations Committee. The City Council will consider Resolution 25-39 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled March 25, 2025 at 6:30 P.M RESOLUTION 25-40: AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO PURCHASE SAND FILTERS AND ENTER INTO AN AGREEMENT WITH STRATTON & BRATT LANDSCAPING, LLC FOR INSTALLATION Candace Whitaker, Parks and Recreation, presented proposed Resolution 25-40 that would authorize the City to Purchase Sand Filters and Enter Into an Agreement with Stratton & Bratt  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – MARCH 11, 2025 -3- Landscaping, LLC for Installation Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: This winter one of the sand filters cracked externally. Due to low water flow, we have been able to continue to filter the water, but when we ramp up filtration for the season, there is a chance the filter breaks through which, due to Health Department requirements, would not allow the pool to be used and a large loss of revenue and memberships. After engineering and to expedite the ordering and installation of the filters, we worked with Stratton and Bratt through state contract pricing (MA3621) to determine the equipment and installation price. Purchasing the filters directly through the a local distribution company rather than through the contractor will save the City about $30,000. Stark Filters $143,903.65 Stratton & Bratt $115,723.67 Councilmember Wood asked how many filters there are. Candace replied that there are 10 which is no longer allowed under Health Department regulations. She noted that this reconfiguration would bring the total number of filters to 6. The City Council will consider Resolution 25-40 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled March 25, 2025 at 6:30 P.M RESOLUTION 25-41: APPROVE A BETTERMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE UTAH DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Coby Wilson, Public Works, presented proposed Resolution 25-41 that would approve a Betterment Agreement Between the City and the Utah Department of Transportation Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: In collaboration with West Valley City and Salt Lake City, UDOT has proposed incorporating active transportation improvements into their SR-201 over 3200 W Bridge Rehabilitation project. Currently, there are no facilities for cyclists to navigate this interchange. Recognizing the need for improved safety, West Valley City’s Active Transportation Plan highlights this location as a priority for all active transportation users.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – MARCH 11, 2025 -4- This agreement will facilitate the construction of a 12-foot-wide concrete path, along with associated roadway and signal improvements, between the north and south frontage roads of SR-201. This path will enable both pedestrians and cyclists to navigate the busy interchange in a safe manner. The total estimated cost for these enhancements is $1,200,000, with UDOT contributing $1,000,000 and requesting a $100,000 contribution from both West Valley City and Salt Lake City. The City Council will consider Resolution 25-41 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled March 25, 2025 at 6:30 P.M CONSENT AGENDA SCHEDULED FOR MARCH 25, 2025 A. RESOLUTION 25-42: AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO ENTER INTO A RIGHT-OF-WAY PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND ACCEPT A WARRANTY DEED WITH AND FROM JULIO AND JUANITA GONZALEZ FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4110 SOUTH 6115 WEST Mayor Lang discussed proposed Resolution 25-42 that would authorize the City to Enter Into a Right-of-Way Purchase Agreement and Accept a Warranty Deed With and From Julio and Juanita Gonzalez for Property Located at 4110 South 6115 West. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: The Julio M. Gonzalez and Juanita Gonzalez property located at 4110 South 6115 West is one of several properties affected by the required removal and replacement of ADA ramps for the 2025 Asphalt Overlay Project. As part of this project several residential streets will be roto-milled and overlaid. Any existing ADA ramps which do not comply with the current ADA standards and regulations must be removed and replaced. The Warranty Deed will allow for construction over a portion of the property currently owned by the property owners. The portion of property being acquired is located at the northeast corner of Lot 116 of West Hills No. 2, Phase 1 subdivision and contains a total of 18 square feet. Compensation for the Warranty Deed in the amount of $400.00 was based upon land values for property in the area. B. RESOLUTION 25-43: RATIFY THE CITY MANAGER’S APPOINTMENT OF PAULINE MATAGI TO THE WEST VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION FOR A TERM FROM MARCH 25, 2025 TO JULY 1, 2028 Mayor Lang discussed proposed Resolution 25-43 that would ratify the City  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – MARCH 11, 2025 -5- Manager’s Appointment of Pauline Matagi to the West Valley Planning Commission for a Term from March 25, 2025 to July 1, 2028 Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: The Planning Commission is composed of seven members and one alternate appointed and reappointed by the City Manager with the advice and consent of the City Council. Any Planning Commission member may be reappointed for an additional term and there is no limit to the number of terms a member may serve. Cindy Wood, who was serving as a member of the Planning Commission, was recently selected by the City Council to fill a vacancy on the Council. This change created a vacancy on the Planning Commission. If appointed, Pauline would fill this vacancy and would serve through the end of Cindy’s term (July 1, 2028) and could then be reappointed. The following bio was provided by Pauline: Pauline Matagi is a proud resident of West Valley City, where she has lived for 36 years. Born in Samoa, Pauline immigrated to the United States in 1974 and has since built a life centered around family and community. She is married to Mose Matagi, and together they are parents to four children - Tyson, Tanner, Titus, and Tess - Pauline's family has grown to include three cherished grand-children. Pauline enjoys traveling and spending quality time with her loved ones. Pauline's commitment to public service began in 2000, when she embarked on a career in City government. With a passion for making The City Council will consider Resolution 25-42 and 25-43 on the Consent Agenda at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled March 25, 2025 at 6:30 P.M AUTHORIZE CONSENT AGENDA FOR REGULAR MEETING OF MARCH 25, 2025 The Council chose not to add the three resolutions to the Consent Agenda for the March 25, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting at 6:30 PM. COMMUNICATIONS A. LEGISLATIVE WRAP-UP MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – MARCH 11, 2025 -6- Brandon Hill provided a detailed recap of the 2025 legislative session. Key points include: 1. Overall Legislative Activity: A total of 917 bills were introduced, with 582 passing. While there’s been a slight increase in the number of bills compared to past years, it's not a new trend. The legislature had many new, less experienced members, which made for a somewhat bumpy session. 2. Notable Bills and Issues: o Judiciary and Immigration: Some anticipated big fights, like the judiciary battle and immigration-related bills, fizzled out by the end of the session. The ongoing challenge with federal immigration policy remains. o Union Fight: The union-related issues worsened, with a referendum filed, potentially bringing the issue to the next general election. o Land Use Authority: Several bills that threatened local land use authority either died or were modified, with some particularly concerning ones not advancing. o Beehive Bill (SB 337): This bill, initially threatening local control over certain projects, was amended to require local consent. It became highly controversial, with intense public pressure leading to its eventual collapse. o Funding for 40th West: $1.95 million in new funding was secured for a key project, thanks to efforts from Dave Stewart. o Homelessness and Housing: Several bills addressed homelessness, with HB 465 evolving significantly. The session also highlighted ongoing issues with housing affordability, which remains unresolved despite some legislative progress. 3. Trends and Future Outlook: o State and Local Control: There’s an increasing state role in local projects, especially those funded with local tax dollars, such as the Beehive Bill and other district-focused legislation. o Housing and Homelessness: There’s widespread dissatisfaction with progress on housing and homelessness. Issue fatigue is evident, with some legislators frustrated and tired of the topic but still seeking solutions. o State’s Desire for Development: The state government is pushing for more building and development, often clashing with local communities that are more cautious or opposed to such rapid growth.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – MARCH 11, 2025 -7- Brandon wrapped up by noting that despite some challenges, the session went better than expected, with significant achievements in areas like local land use control and funding. He expressed gratitude for the hard work of his colleagues, particularly Dave Stewart, and acknowledged the collective effort in achieving these successes. The Mayor and Council had no further questions or concerns. B. STATION AREA PLAN UPDATE Steve Pastorik introduced Christian Snelgrove, WSP. Christian Snelgrove, WSP, presented a PowerPoint Presentation summarized as follows: - Comprehensive Plan o Transportation o Land Use o Economic Development o Utilities o Parks & Recreation - Subarea Plans o Station Area Plans o Small Area Plans o Corridor Plans - City Policies, Regulations, & Spending o Zoning o Ordinances o Capital Improvement Plans - Utah HB 462 and Station Area Plans o House Bill (HB) 462 was passed in 2022. The bill requires municipalities with a fixed-guideway transit station to develop and adopt station area plans around all stations prior to December 31, 2025. o HB462 established the following common principles for Station Area Plans, which served as goals for this planning effort: ▪ Increase the availability and affordability of housing, including moderate income housing ▪ Promote sustainable environmental conditions ▪ Enhance access to opportunities ▪ Increase transportation choices and connections MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – MARCH 11, 2025 -8- o This plan is being prepared to meet this state-defined requirement for the Decker Lake, Redwood Junction, and River Trail station areas. - Planning Process o Project Discovery ▪ Existing Conditions Snapshot • Research and analysis of existing demographic, transportation, land use, and real estate market characteristics ▪ Opportunity Site Analysis • Analysis of property values, parcel utilization, existing uses, parcel sizes, and land ownership to identify potentially redevelopable parcels ▪ Stakeholder Interviews • Interviews with city staff, real estate developers, and other individuals familiar with the station areas ▪ Online Public Survey and Website • Online survey and website gathering public feedback on transportation, land use, and recreation needs in the station areas ▪ Steering Committee Meetings • Focused discussions with a steering committee comprised of city staff, community groups, and other public agencies o Scenario Development o Scenario Review and Preferred Scenario Selection o Final Plan Adoption o Proposals to Address State Principals ▪ Increase Availability and Affordability of Housing • Redevelop some underutilized surface parking into residential uses • Develop some vacant spaces into residential uses • Allow new lot configuration options to improve housing diversity • Allow mixed-use development in strategic locations, such as near the Maverik Center ▪ Enhance Access to Opportunities • Redevelop underutilized commercial buildings into flex industrial uses MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – MARCH 11, 2025 -9- • Develop some underutilized surface parking into commercial or flex industrial uses • Develop some vacant spaces as commercial or flex industrial uses • Provide neighborhood-scale commercial opportunities ▪ Promote Sustainable Environmental Conditions • Provide enhanced programming in City and County parks • Improve maintenance of City and County parks • Improve amenities along trails and at parks, such as reopening the boat launch at Redwood Trailhead Park, and improved lighting along trails ▪ Increase Transportation Choices and Connections • Provide new street connections with sidewalks as part of future developments • Remove physical barriers (e.g., fences) that prevent grid connectivity • Install new or widened sidewalks in areas with narrow sidewalks • Introduce new bike lanes or multi-use paths, particularly on local streets • Enhance connectivity between open space, neighborhoods, and TRAX stations • Create new access points along the Jordan River Trail and Crosstowne Trail - Scenarios o Intended to: ▪ Depict potential outcomes or “what-if” scenarios ▪ Balance State requirements with local conditions o Scenario 1 ▪ Primarily Infill Opportunities ▪ Smaller Number of Land Use Changes ▪ Minimal Investment o Scenario 2 ▪ More Redevelopment in Addition to Infill ▪ Greater Number of Land Use Changes ▪ Higher Investment o River Trail Station ▪ Scenario 1: Preserve & Enhance MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – MARCH 11, 2025 -10- ▪ Scenario 2: Transit Village o Redwood Junction ▪ Scenario 1: Research & Innovation Hub ▪ Scenario 2: Neighborhood Nexus o Decker Lake Station ▪ Scenario 1: Retail Hub ▪ Scenario 2: Entertainment Community - River Trail Station - Redwood Junction Station - Decker Lake Station - Questions to Consider o Which land use, transportation, and/or other elements do you like most? o Are there any elements that are missing? o Are there any elements that you would omit? If so, why? o What policies or actions would be necessary to implement each scenario? o Overall, which scenario do you prefer and why? - Next Steps o How you can help ▪ Be a Plan Ambassador: Educate others about what the plan is and why it matters. ▪ Participate & Collaborate: Provide input and help direct the planning process to ensure it reflects your community. ▪ Help Spread the Word: Share information about the public open house. Encourage others to participate. - Opportunity Site Identification Criteria o Land Value ▪ Based on property per square foot, with lower property values classified as more developable in the near term o Land Utilization ▪ Lots with lower floor area ratios typically classified as more developable o Existing Use ▪ Lots not currently hosting high sales revenue-generating establishments (e.g., car dealerships) or mobile home parks typically classified as more developable o Site Size ▪ Larger sites typically classified as more developable o Land Ownership MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – MARCH 11, 2025 -11- ▪ Parcels or assemblages of parcels that are publicly- owned or that have a single owner typically classified as more developable o Other Factors ▪ Exceptions made based on proximity to new development, property owner interviews, client consultations, and market research. Councilmember Whetstone inquired about private sector interest in the locations and whether they were primarily for input on feasibility. David Friske responded, mentioning that there was both developer involvement in the steering committee and interviews with private developers, city staff, and others in the station areas. The level of interest varied significantly depending on the station area. David explained that River Trail was generally seen as a long-term investment opportunity due to access challenges, particularly the Jordan River and limited access west to Redwood Road. In contrast, Redwood Junction and neighboring areas presented more near-term opportunities. David further clarified that Decker Lake had the most near-term development potential as the study area moved northeast. The Maverick Center and surrounding areas, particularly with city-owned land and surface parking lots, also showed potential. Discussions had been ongoing with property owners, and there was a recognition of the need for detailed master planning to optimize development, which could create a unique entertainment district. Regional developers considered the land around Redwood Junction and River Trail underutilized for its proximity to a regional transit stop. However, high land costs and current economic conditions, including interest rates, construction, and labor costs, limited short-term development prospects. These factors influenced the development scenarios, which reflected the understanding that more near-term potential existed closer to Decker Lake, with long-term opportunities further northeast. Councilmember Wood expressed concern about the volume of information presented and stated that it's the first time she's seen it. She indicated that it’s a lot to process and raised a key question regarding the development of stationary plans. Specifically, she wanted to know if these plans are intended to be submitted to the State, what the timeline for creating them is, and what steps should be taken once a plan is chosen. Christian Snelgrove explained that part of the procedure involved the Wasatch Front Regional Council (WFRC) certifying that the plans met state requirements, specifically considering the four elements of housing, transportation, environment,  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – MARCH 11, 2025 -12- and opportunity as outlined in state code. Once there was agreement with WFRC, the plan would be submitted to the state. He clarified that while it may not be a specific requirement, the team strongly valued the Council's input and hoped to have the plan adopted ahead of time. However, he noted that this would be a topic for discussion at a later date, and the scenarios themselves were not final. Steve Pastorik added that the council is required to adopt a plan, whether it is scenario one, two, a hybrid, or something different. Once adopted, it would then be certified as Christian mentioned. He also noted that state code requires not only the adoption of the plan but also the implementation of land use regulations, meaning zoning changes would be necessary to make the plans feasible. He noted that this must be complete by the end of the year. Mayor Lang indicated that the Council had time to review the information and a communication item would be added for more discussion at a future meeting. She added that there would be an open public meeting at the Cultural Center on the 24th of March. Steve noted that it is an open house meeting where residents can come, learn, and provide input. The Mayor and Council had no further questions or concerns. 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 Ifo Pili, City Manager, asked if the Council would be willing to hold a Public Meeting for the Treasure Isle on-street parking regulation. The Mayor and Council agreed. B. COUNCIL REPORTS COUNCILMEMBER CHRISTENSEN- MOSQUITO ABATEMENT Councilmember Christensen mentioned that mosquitoes were appearing earlier than usual in the area. The mosquito abatement program had prepared information for each city's Public Information team. He suggested sending out information through newsletters or other media channels to inform the public that mosquito  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – MARCH 11, 2025 -13- control services are provided through property taxes and that residents should not call mosquito companies for spraying. COUNCILMEMBER WHETSTONE- GERALD WRIGHT STEM Councilmember Whetstone stated the ribbon cutting for the Gerald Wright Stem school went well. MOTION FOR CLOSED SESSION Councilmember Harmon moved to adjourn and reconvene in a Closed Session for discussion disposition of real property. Councilmember Whetstone seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken and all members voted in favor of the motion. Councilmember Wood Yes Councilmember Whetstone Yes Councilmember Harmon Yes Councilmember Huynh Yes Councilmember Christensen Yes Councilmember Nordfelt Yes Mayor Lang Yes Unanimous. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE WEST VALLEY COUNCIL THE STUDY MEETING ON TUESDAY MARCH 11, 2025 WAS ADJOURNED AT 5:44 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, March 11, 2025. _______________________________ Nichole Camac, MMC City Recorder  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – MARCH 11, 2025 -14- THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION ON TUESDAY, MARCH 25, 2025, AT 5:47 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 KAREN 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 Will Whetstone, Councilmember District 3 Cindy Wood, Councilmember District 4 STAFF PRESENT: Ifo Pili, City Manager Nichole Camac, City Recorder John Flores, Assistant City Manager Eric Bunderson, City Attorney Lauren McPeak, Management Analyst Jim Welch, Finance Director Jon Springmeyer, ED Director John Evans, Fire Chief Harold Moleni, Management Analyst The City Council met in Closed Session and discussed disposition of real property. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL, THE CLOSED SESSION OF MARCH 11, 2025 WAS ADJOURNED AT 5:50 P.M. BY MAYOR LANG. MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – MARCH 11, 2025 -15- __________________________________ Nichole Camac – City Recorder