City Council Study Meeting

MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – APRIL 8, 2025 -1- THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL MET IN ELECTRONIC STUDY SESSION ON TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025 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 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 Dan Johnson, Public Works Director Jamie Young, Parks and Recreation Director Jonathan Springmeyer, RDA Director Sam Johnson, Strategic Communications Director Craig Thomas, Community and Culture Director Paula Melgar, HR Director Tumi Young, Chief Code Enforcement Officer Harold Moleni, Administrative Analyst Travis Crosby, IT APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF STUDY MEETING HELD MARCH 25, 2025 The Council considered the Minutes of the Study Meeting held March 25, 2025. There were no changes, corrections or deletions.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – APRIL 8, 2025 -2- Councilmember Huynh moved to approve the Minutes of the Study Meeting held March 25, 2025. Councilmember Whetstone 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, AND MUNICIPAL BUILDING AUTHORITY MEETINGS OF APRIL 8, 2025 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, or Municipal Building Authority Meetings scheduled later this night. AWARDS, CEREMONIES, AND PROCLAMATIONS SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 22, 2025 A. PROCLAMATION DECLARING THE 25TH DAY OF APRIL 2025 AS ARBOR DAY IN WEST VALLEY CITY Councilmember Wood offered to read a Proclamation Declaring the 25th Day of April 2025 as Arbor Day in West Valley City at the Regular City Council Meeting Scheduled April 22, 2025. RESOLUTION 25-58: ADD THE COMMEMORATIVE STREET NAME “WHITTIER WAY” TO 6000 WEST IN WEST VALLEY CITY Nichole Camac, City Recorder, presented proposed resolution 25-58 that would add the Commemorative Street Name “Whittier Way” to 6000 West in West Valley City. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: Whittier Elementary School was established in 1882 with eight students. For over one hundred years, the school has served the youth of the City and the community at large. Whittier Elementary School is a center for community activities, youth programming, and service projects. The City desires to recognize Whittier Elementary School’s essential role in the City and offer a tangible reminder of the legacy of its students and staff. The City Council will consider Resolution 25-58 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled April 22, 2025 at 6:30 P.M RESOLUTION 25-59: APPROVE THE DEDICATION AND RENAMING OF THE JILL ROBINSON MEMORIAL BUILDING  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – APRIL 8, 2025 -3- Tumi Young, Chief Code Enforcement Officer, presented proposed resolution 25-59 that would approve the Dedication and Renaming of the Jill Robinson Memorial Building. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: The Code Enforcement Department proposes naming the Code Enforcement building at 4522 W 3500 S, West Valley City, UT 84120, in honor of the late Officer Jill Robinson. A dedication ceremony will be held to recognize her contributions, with her family in attendance. The event will include the unveiling of new building signage, renaming it the “Jill Robinson Memorial” building, along with a commemorative plaque featuring her photo and a brief biography. On August 9, 2018, Jill Robinson, a dedicated code enforcement officer with over a decade of service in West Valley City, Utah, was tragically killed in the line of duty. While performing a routine follow-up at a residence, she was fatally shot by the homeowner, Kevin Wayne Billings, who was reportedly upset over code violations cited on his property. Following the shooting, Billings set fire to Robinson's city vehicle and his neighbor's house. In February 2019, Billings pleaded guilty to aggravated murder, aggravated arson, and other charges. He was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The City Council will consider Resolution 25-59 at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled April 22, 2025 at 6:30 P.M CONSENT AGENDA SCHEDULED FOR APRIL 22, 2025 A. RESOLUTION 25-60: ACCEPT A WARRANTY DEED, STORM DRAIN AND IRRIGATION EASEMENT, AND A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT FROM DON E. NICHOLS FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 5348 AND 5368 WEST 3500 SOUTH Mayor Lang discussed proposed Resolution 25-60 that would accept a Warranty Deed, Storm Drain and Irrigation Easement, and a Temporary Construction Easement from Don E. Nichols for Property Located at 5348 and 5368 West 3500 South Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows:  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – APRIL 8, 2025 -4- The Don E. Nichols parcel located at 5348 and 5368 West 3500 South is one of the properties affected by the 3500 South Safe Sidewalk Project. This project will include the construction of curb, gutter, sidewalk, patterned concrete and widened asphalt on the north side of 3500 South east of Sunshade Drive (5450 West). The property owner has agreed to donate the Warranty Deed, Storm Drain and Irrigation Easement, and Temporary Construction Easement in exchange for the improvements being constructed. Two Affidavits of Don E. Nichols are also included to remove the name of LaDean Nichols (deceased) as an owner of the property. The affidavits are to be recorded sequentially prior to the recording of the Warranty Deed, Storm Drain and Irrigation Easement, and the Temporary Construction Easement B. RESOLUTION 25-61: AUTHORIZE THE CITY TO ENTER INTO AN EASEMENT PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND ACCEPT A TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION EASEMENT WITH AND FROM SOK SOPHOAN LOR FOR PROPERTY LOCATED AT 3540 SOUTH 6800 WEST Mayor Lang discussed proposed Resolution 25-61 that would authorize the City to Enter Into an Easement Purchase Agreement and Accept a Temporary Construction Easement With and From Sok Sophoan Lor for Property Located at 3540 South 6800 West. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: The Sok Sophoan Lor parcel located at 3540 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 $1,100.00 was based upon the appraisal report prepared by the Fortis Group, LLC. The City Council will consider Resolutions 25-60 and 25-61 on the Consent Agenda at the Regular Council Meeting scheduled April 22, 2025 at 6:30 P.M AUTHORIZE CONSENT AGENDA FOR REGULAR MEETING OF APRIL 22, 2025  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – APRIL 8, 2025 -5- The Council authorized all resolutions to be added to the Consent Agenda for the April 22, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting at 6:30 PM. COMMUNICATIONS A. STATION AREA PLAN UPDATE Steve Pastorik, CE Director, presented an update on the Station Area Plan. He began by providing information about the River Trail area, specifically focusing on the half-acre lot area in Chesterfield. Steve explained that the agricultural zone in this area had been in place for over 70 years, with no curb, gutter, or sidewalk. He noted that the area was in a flood zone, which added challenges for development, including restrictions on basements and elevation requirements for new construction. Steve provided demographic information about the area, highlighting that it was a significantly lower income area compared to the City overall. He also discussed property conditions, noting that the average condition in the area was between fair and average, lower than the City as a whole. Steve then presented two scenarios for the River Trail area: 1. Scenario 1: Along 2320 South, small lot single-family homes with some townhomes. Near the track station, keeping existing commercial buildings and adding a park. In the Chesterfield area, allowing for infill development on larger lots. 2. Scenario 2: Mostly townhomes with some commercial along 2320 South. Higher density development near the track station and southern edge of the park. Similar infill development in Chesterfield. The Mayor and Council discussed the scenarios in detail, with several members expressing a preference for Scenario 1. Concerns were raised about the potential impact of higher density development changing the character of the Chesterfield area, which has been primarily agricultural with half-acre lots for over 70 years. Mayor Lang emphasized the desire to maintain the existing community feel, pointing out that Chesterfield is a quaint part of the city where residents appreciate their deep lots and lack of curb, gutter, and sidewalk because it allows for activities like horse riding. Mayor Lang and several Councilmembers highlighted the importance of retaining the area's small community atmosphere and resisting changes that could raise property values to the point where developers might alter the neighborhood's character. Councilmember Huynh MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – APRIL 8, 2025 -6- echoed Mayor Lang's sentiment, proposing the possibility of keeping the current zoning with half-acre lots instead of pursuing increased density. The discussion further explored the implications of both scenarios. Scenario 1 proposed small-lot single-family homes along 2320 South with some townhomes and preserving existing commercial buildings near the track station. It also suggested allowing for infill development on larger lots in Chesterfield. Scenario 2 leaned towards introducing more townhomes and commercial spaces along 2320 South and increasing density near the track station. However, many council members voiced a desire to preserve the historical identity of Chesterfield, which they viewed as a unique asset to the development planning process. The council ultimately showed a strong inclination towards Scenario 1 with suggestions for potential minimal adjustments but largely agreed on the importance of keeping Chesterfield's integral character intact. Steve then presented scenarios for the Redwood Junction location: 1. Scenario 1: Mostly townhomes on the Redwood Elementary site, smaller lot single-family homes in southern Chesterfield, and apartments on the west side of Decker Lake Drive with industrial space on the east side. 2. Scenario 2: Mostly apartments with commercial along the frontage on the Redwood Elementary site, mostly townhomes with some commercial in southern Chesterfield, and more apartments and commercial on both sides of Decker Lake Drive. The council discussed the two scenarios for the Redwood Junction. Councilmember Whetstone leaned towards flex industrial zoning for the Redwood Elementary site, aligning with existing industrial use in the area to provide continuity. Mayor Lang advocated for encouraging homeownership by developing ownership townhomes on the west side of Decker Lake. She reasoned that homeownership could nurture a stable and engaged community, as residents who own their townhomes might be more invested locally compared to renters. The discussion also touched on the slated closure of Redwood Elementary School. Councilmember Huynh emphasized the potential for residential development to offer amenities that serve former school communities and neighborhood environments, suggesting there's space to blend with the current community or establish a new neighborhood feel. Councilmembers recognized the need to balance retaining the area's character while accommodating development demands and local growth.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – APRIL 8, 2025 -7- Finally, Steve presented scenarios for the area near the Maverick Center: 1. Scenario 1: Residential development (townhomes and apartments) on Lot D, with some commercial and mixed-use areas. 2. Scenario 2: Higher density apartments on Lot D, with more commercial and mixed-use development. The Council focused on the significance of parking and the necessity for improved access to the area. Councilmember Harmon pointed out that similar to the Delta Center, there are possibilities for implementing high-rise residential buildings around the Maverick Center parking lot, suggesting that these areas could accommodate residential developments with podium parking. Mayor Lang, however, expressed concerns about the practicality of having housing in the Maverick Center area, noting a preference for retail or hotel developments rather than residential. This led to a broader consideration of traffic management, particularly the need for an on-ramp and off-ramp to 215, especially in light of future projects like the Olympics. Councilmember Harmon noted that a potential solution could involve making parking less convenient to encourage alternative transportation methods, while Mayor Lang stressed the potential need for on and off ramps onto 215 to alleviate expected traffic congestion, especially when major events occur. Mayor Lang emphasized that an increase in density without addressing traffic flow and accessibility would be problematic, suggesting that while the elements of Scenario 2, which included higher density apartments and mixed-use development, are preferable, these would need to be balanced with the infrastructure to support the increased traffic. Councilmember Whetstone expressed support for combining aspects of Scenario 1's parking strategy with Scenario 2's development plans, highlighting the need for innovative solutions given the constraints of the existing road network. The conversation ultimately reflected a consensus that while development could bring benefits, strategic planning is essential to prevent traffic issues and community disruption. 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. NEW BUSINESS  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – APRIL 8, 2025 -8- A. POTENTIAL FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Nichole Camac sought clarification on how the council wanted to handle general plan zone changes. She asked whether they wanted to continue with two study sessions before a public hearing or if they were comfortable with just one study session given the new meeting schedule. After discussion, the council agreed to try one study session with the option to continue items if needed, while maintaining the ability to have additional discussion during the regular meeting before voting. B. COUNCIL REPORTS COUNCILMEMBER WHETSTONE- ROUNDTABLE Councilmember Whetstone reported attending the Kem C. Gardner Institute roundtable that morning, which featured Tim Shriver discussing the dignity index and public dialogue. MAYOR LANG-WOMEN’S CONFERENCE Mayor Lang mentioned attending a women's conference at the Cultural Center hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and noted upcoming events making use of the building. MOTION FOR CLOSED SESSION Councilmember Christensen moved to adjourn and reconvene in a Closed Session for discussion of pending litigation. 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 APRIL 8, 2025 WAS ADJOURNED AT 5:35 PM BY MAYOR LANG.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – APRIL 8, 2025 -9- 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, April 8, 2025. _______________________________ Nichole Camac, MMC City Recorder THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL RECONVENED IN CLOSED SESSION ON TUESDAY, APRIL 8, 2025, AT 5:41 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 Jim Welch, Finance Director The City Council met in Closed Session and discussed pending litigation.  MINUTES OF COUNCIL STUDY MEETING – APRIL 8, 2025 -10- THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE WEST VALLEY CITY COUNCIL, THE CLOSED SESSION OF APRIL 8, 2025 WAS ADJOURNED AT 5:56 P.M. BY MAYOR LANG. __________________________________ Nichole Camac – City Recorder