RDA Special Meeting

MINUTES OF RDA SPECIAL MEETING – AUGUST 17, 2021 -1- THE WEST VALLEY CITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MET IN SPECIAL SESSION ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2021, AT 8:09 P.M. IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS, WEST VALLEY CITY HALL, 3600 CONSTITUTION BOULEVARD, WEST VALLEY CITY, UTAH. THE MEETING WAS ALSO HELD ELECTRONICALLY VIA ZOOM.THE MEETING WAS CALLED TO ORDER BY CHAIRWOMAN LANG. THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: Karen Lang, Chair (electronically) Steve Buhler, Vice-Chair Lars Nordfelt Don Christensen Tom Huynh Ron Bigelow Jake Fitisemanu STAFF PRESENT: Wayne Pyle, Executive Director Nichole Camac, Secretary Eric Bunderson, City Attorney (electronically) Layne Morris, CPD Director (electronically) Scott Buchanan, Acting Police Chief (electronically) John Evans, Fire Chief (electronically) Jim Welch, Finance Director Jamie Young, Parks and Recreation Director (electronically) Dan Johnson, Public Works Director Sam Johnson, Strategic Communications Director John Flores, HR Director APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE SPECIAL MEETING HELD JULY 6, 2021 The Agency considered the Minutes of the Special Meeting held July 6, 2021. There were no changes, corrections or deletions. Mr. Fitisemanu moved to approve the Minutes of the Special Meeting held July 6, 2021. Mr. Huynh seconded the motion. A voice vote was taken and all members voted in favor of the motion. RESOLUTION 21-08: AUTHORIZE THE RENEWAL OF THE HOMETOWN SCHOLARS CONTRIBUTION AGREEMENT WITH THE UNIVERSITY OF  MINUTES OF RDA SPECIAL MEETING – AUGUST 17, 2021 -2- UTAH Chairwoman Lang discussed proposed Resolution 21-08 that would authorize the renewal of the Hometown Scholars Contribution Agreement with the University of Utah. Written documentation previously provided to the City Council included information as follows: As part of the City Council’s goal of creating and maintaining a sustainable city, the RDA has been tasked with improving opportunities for secondary education for West Valley City students. The City Council and the Board recognized that having an educated workforce present in the city provides for many economic development opportunities not otherwise available. As the City moves to the future it is important to maintain the workforce already in place and to increase the educational attainment levels of our residents. This is the fifth year of the Opportunity Scholars-RDA partnership. This year the My Hometown Scholarship program assisted 44 West Valley City University Students. There have been 17 students graduate from the program with an additional 15 scheduled to graduate this year. This scholarship program is widely advertised and promoted at all of the City’s High Schools as well as to WVC seniors that live in the City but may attend schools out of our boundary. If these students take the My Hometown scholarship monies they agree to represent West Valley City and will either remain living in the City or come back to the city and seek employment long term in the City as well. To this end, since its inception, 25 students have been involved in internships with various businesses in the City as well. The RDA will use its state law mandated housing set aside money to provide affordable housing and other tools to at least 16 students from West Valley City that will attend the University of Utah in the Fall of 2021. These students will be in the program, will live at Fairbourne Station, will attend classes via the Trax line, and will be provided other mentor and scholarship opportunities through the university to ensure their success. Opportunity Scholars has a 93% graduation rate for those in its program. Opportunity Scholars serves first generation college students. The Opportunity Scholars program provides retention resources such as tutors, mentors, internships, advising, career-services, service-learning projects, community outreach, networking opportunities, counseling, financial assistance, and access to the program director. Mr. Buhler indicated that he met with several students who are thankful and very enthusiastic about the program.  MINUTES OF RDA SPECIAL MEETING – AUGUST 17, 2021 -3- Upon inquiry by Chairperson Lang there were no further questions from members of the Agency, and she called for a motion. Mr. Buhler moved to approve Resolution 21-08. Mr. Huynh seconded the motion. A roll call vote was taken: Mr. Fitisemanu Yes Mr. Buhler Yes Mr. Huynh Yes Mr. Bigelow Yes Mr. Nordfelt Yes Mr. Christensen Yes Chairperson Lang Yes Unanimous. MOTION TO ADJOURN Upon motion by Mr. Huynh, all voted in favor to adjourn. THERE BEING NO FURTHER BUSINESS OF THE WEST VALLEY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY THE SPECIAL MEETING OF TUESDAY, AUGUST 17, 2021, WAS ADJOURNED AT 7:06 P.M. BY CHAIRPERSON LANG. I hereby certify the foregoing to be a true, accurate and complete record of the proceedings of the Special Meeting of the West Valley City Redevelopment Agency held Tuesday, August 17, 2021. ______________________________ Nichole Camac Secretary