TREMONTON CITY CORPORATION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING

November 15, 2016

Members Present:
Diana Doutre
Lyle Holmgren
Jeff Reese, Mayor Pro Tempore
Bret Rohde – excused
Lyle Vance
Roger Fridal, Mayor – excused
Shawn Warnke, City Manager
Linsey Nessen, City Recorder

CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP

Mayor Pro Tempore Reese called the November 15, 2016 City Council Workshop to order at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the City Council Meeting Room at 102 South Tremont Street, Tremonton, Utah. Those in attendance were Mayor Pro Tempore Reese, Councilmembers Doutre, Holmgren, Vance, City Manager Shawn Warnke, and City Recorder Linsey Nessen. The following Department Heads were also present: Public Works Director Paul Fulgham, Parks and Recreation Director Marc Christensen (arrived at 6:02 p.m.), Police Chief David Nance, and Treasurer Sharri Oyler (arrived at 6:29 p.m.). Mayor Fridal and Councilmember Rohde were excused.

The following items were discussed out of order.

1. Review of agenda items on the 7:00 p.m. Council Meeting:

The Council reviewed the November 15, 2016 Agenda with the following items being discussed in more detail:

Amend 2016-2017 Budget. Manager Warnke noted the Recorder’s office has been reduced by .75 FTE (Full Time Employee). They have worked to streamline and shift some responsibilities. The plan is to have the new Court Clerk help with some tasks as she becomes more proficient. The budget also includes $5K for the purchase of equipment to broadcast City Council meetings. The amendment includes funds for the K-9. It is proposed to upgrade the heating and cooling system at the Food Pantry. The Parks Fund has been increased to acquire land.

There was discussion regarding the road on 480 West. Director Fulgham noted three crosswalk signs have been ordered.

Res. No. 16-54 – Creating Secondary Water Enterprise Fund 56. The Council would like to clarify that the funds are for securing additional water development. Manager Warnke noted there are additional expenses in the Water Fund including $60K for pump replacements, $20K for additional water meters, and appropriation of fund balance with $120K to go into the newly created Secondary Water Enterprise Fund 56.

Surplus Sewer Cleaning Jet Trailer. Director Fulgham noted the trailer still has use but not a lot of value. He proposed it be donated to Elwood Town as they do not have any equipment to clean their sewer system. The Council agreed it would be a good idea to donate to a neighboring town.

Motion by Councilmember Doutre to move into Closed Session. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Mayor Pro Tempore Reese – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

The Council moved into closed session at 6:00 p.m.

2. CLOSED SESSION

a. Strategy session to discuss the purchase of real property when public discussion of the transaction would disclose the appraisal or estimated value of the property under consideration or prevent the public body from completing the transaction on the best possible terms
b. Strategy session to discuss the character, professional competence or physical or mental health of an individual strategy sessions to discuss pending or reasonably imminent litigation

Motion by Councilmember Holmgren to return to Open Session. Motion seconded by Councilmember Doutre. Motion approved by consensus of the Council.

The Council returned to open session at 6:26 p.m.

The meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m. by consensus of the Council.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Mayor Pro Tempore Reese called the November 15, 2016 City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. The meeting was held in the Tremonton City Council Meeting Room at 102 South Tremont Street, Tremonton, Utah. Those in attendance were Mayor Pro Tempore Reese, Councilmembers Doutre, Holmgren, Vance, City Manager Shawn Warnke, and City Recorder Linsey Nessen. The following Department Heads were also present: Public Works Director Paul Fulgham, Parks and Recreation Director Marc Christensen, Police Chief David Nance, and Treasurer Sharri Oyler.

1. Opening Ceremony:

Mayor Pro Tempore Reese informed the audience that he had received no written or oral request to participate in the Opening Ceremony. He asked anyone who may be offended by listening to a prayer to step out into the lobby for this portion of the meeting. The prayer was offered by Councilmember Holmgren and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Manager Warnke. Mayor Fridal and Councilmember Rohde were excused.

2. Introduction of guests:

Mayor Pro Tempore Reese welcomed those in attendance and noted the Youth City Council was in attendance.

3. Approval of Agenda

Motion by Councilmember Holmgren to approve the agenda for tonight. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Mayor Pro Tempore Reese – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

4. Approval of minutes – November 1, 2016:

Motion by Councilmember Doutre to approve the minutes of November 1, 2016. Motion seconded by Councilmember Holmgren. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Mayor Pro Tempore Reese – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

5. Public comments: Comments limited to three minutes:

Troy Forrest said he did not see the proposed rates until after the Resolution was passed. He looked at the last fifteen (15) months of water bills and found that he will pay $600 more based on the new rates. He does not have the option of secondary water but his neighbors in front and behind can water all they want for $14 with secondary. He spent $1,000 during the last fifteen (15) months just for his water bill. He noted the City can purchase water from the Bear River Water Conservancy District for $345 an acre foot or $1.05 a 1,000. The new rate will be billed at $1.05 a thousand for up to 7,000 gallons with the next tier at $1.50, then $2.00 and $2.50. To drill a well at his house he would have to drill a 300 foot plus well. At a cost of $75-80 a foot to drill it is not realistic. He is frustrated that it was passed before informing the community what the new rates would be. He only ever heard that it would be a tiered rate. If it affected your family that way, what would your reaction be?

Mayor Pro Tempore Reese noted the prices were discussed at several previous City Council meetings. The Council will take his comments into consideration and discuss his comments.

Mr. Forrest said he practices conservation by watering entirely at night and turning sprinklers off when it rains. He is doing all he can do. He has kids and wants to have a place for them to play. It is unfair that people right across the street can put all the water they want for $14. It costs him $350 to water like his neighbors. His bill will go up $150 in one month during the summer. He does not think it was disclosed that even if he only uses 7,000 gallons a month, his water bill will go up by $3.00. It used to be 12,800 gallons for $13.70 or $1.05 per gallon. To get that same 12,800 gallons, it will cost $21.00 or a thirty percent (30%) increase for everyone in town. There are 1,700 connections that will automatically go up even on low months. He thinks the Council will hear a lot of complaints. When the first bills come out showing outdoor watering, people will be lit up and will come to City Council. He would like the Council to readdress it and make it more equitable. The tiers don’t have to jump by twenty-five percent (25%) every jump.

Mayor Pro Tempore Reese asked Mr. Forrest to visit with Director Fulgham and thanked him for his comments. Mr. Forrest thanked the Council for their time.

Bruce Hancock noted he lives on Mountain Road. His subdivision, Spring Acres, came to City Council several years ago to discuss getting secondary water. They all voted for it and agreed to pay the hook up fees but it never happened in Spring Acres Phase 1. The other phases farther up the hill have secondary water. He feels blindsided by what is going on. His neighbor down the street, waters 24/7. The community is preaching conservation but there are people that do not get it and will not get it. They pay $14 a month for secondary water. He does not have that option. He voted for it but it never came. They were told it would come but it still has not. What can we do as citizens to get your attention, when we voted for it and agreed to pay the money?

Mayor Pro Tempore Reese asked how long ago they attended City Council meetings. Mr. Hancock said it was at least five (5) years ago. They have attended other meetings over the years and were told it was coming. Mayor Pro Tempore Reese said they will check into it.

Mr. Hancock said you are very disheartened when you get these kinds of rates thrown at you. They want secondary water but they do not have it. It seems taxes are going up and we do not have a say about it. We just have to sit back and take it and foot the bill. That is hard. He has grandchildren and would like a nice place for them to play.

Councilmember Vance stated the Council has spent several hours over the last three (3) months discussing this issue. The Council will be paying the same price as residents for water. The State issued a mandate to come up with a tiered rate to help with conservation. This summer, the City almost ran out of water and has to start making a movement. The City used estimations showing there will be a drop in usage with the tiered rate. The increase will also help the Council look at putting in a secondary system. A study should be finished in the next three (3) or four (4) months. The City has to get more culinary water or start developing secondary water. The Council is leaning toward secondary water because it is the cheapest place to develop water.

Mr. Hancock noted his water pressure has been dropping, especially this summer. City staff checked his house and found there was a bad valve. He installed a new valve and has soft water.

Mayor Pro Tempore Reese thanked Mr. Hancock for his comments. Councilmember Holmgren noted that Director Fulgham prepared a water usage chart showing that water usage will exceed supply in about three (3) years. The Council has to start taking action. The money will go toward developing secondary water. It is important to look into developing additional sources of water.

6. Youth City Council Oath of Office

The Youth City Council members were given the Oath of Office by Recorder Nessen.

7. Public Hearing:

Mayor Pro Tempore Reese called a Public Hearing to order at 7:20 p.m. to consider amending the 2016-2017 Annual Implementation Budget. There were 23 people in attendance.

a. Amending the budget entitled “The Tremonton City Annual Implementation Budget 2016-2017 (General Fund, Capital Fund(s), Enterprise Fund(s), and Special Fund(s),” for the period commencing July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017

There were no public comments. Mayor Pro Tempore Reese closed the Public Hearing at 7:21 p.m.

8. New Council Business:

a. Discussion and consideration of approving Resolution No. 16-52 adopting Essential Support Function 3 Public Works for the Tremonton City Corporation 2016 Emergency Operations Plan

Director Fulgham noted this Plan generally stays the same but contact information changes. Councilmember Doutre commented that Jim Hess, Emergency Management Coordinator, is on top of things and keeps the Council informed and noted they appreciate him.

Motion by Councilmember Vance to approve Resolution No. 16-52. Motion seconded by Councilmember Doutre. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Mayor Pro Tempore Reese – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

b. Discussion and consideration of approving Resolution No. 16-53 accepting a petition for annexation of certain real property, Tax Parcel No. 05-055-0179 comprising 2.95 acres located at approximately 1000 North and 3000 West, under the provisions of Section 10-2-403 and 10-2-405, Utah Code Annotated, 1953, as amended

Manager Warnke noted the City received a petition of annexation for a three (3) acre parcel of land south of 1000 North owned by Kirby Rhodes. He built a home on the property and would like to receive City services. At this point, the Council is accepting the proposal, not the annexation, as this is the first step in the process. Later down the process, the Council will adopt a resolution that will change the Articles of Incorporation for the City’s boundaries. The information would then be sent to the County and the Lieutenant Governor’s Office.

Motion by Councilmember Doutre to approve Resolution No. 16-53 accepting a petition for annexation. Motion seconded by Councilmember Holmgren. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Mayor Pro Tempore Reese – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

c. Discussion and consideration of approving Resolution No. 16-54 creating a Secondary Water Enterprise Fund 56

Manager Warnke noted this was part of approving the water rates to help with source development. Secondary water is the most plausible at this point but they are studying several options. There is an active study on the feasibility and cost associated with a secondary water system. The Council wanted to set money aside for source development, with the primary thought of secondary water. If secondary water is not chosen, the money will be transferred back to the Water Fund.

Motion by Councilmember Holmgren to approve Resolution No. 16-54 and create this Secondary Water Enterprise Fund 56. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Mayor Pro Tempore Reese – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

d. Discussion and consideration of approving Resolution No. 16-55 amending the budget entitled “The Tremonton City Annual Implementation Budget 2016-2017 (General Fund, Capital Fund(s), Enterprise Fund(s), and Special Fund(s),” for the period commencing July 1, 2016 and ending June 30, 2017

Councilmember Vance noted this item was discussed in detail in the Work Session. Money is being reapportioned into the correct funds.

Motion by Councilmember Vance to approve Resolution No. 16-55. Motion seconded by Councilmember Doutre. Roll Call Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Mayor Pro Tempore Reese – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

e. Discussion and consideration of approving the Annual Meeting Schedule for 2017

Motion by Councilmember Holmgren to approve this Annual Meeting Schedule for 2017. Motion seconded by Councilmember Doutre. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Mayor Pro Tempore Reese – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

f. Discussion and consideration of donating previously declared surplus property, sewer cleaning jet trailer, to Elwood Town

Director Fulgham noted an older sewer jet trailer was declared surplus as the City replaced it with a combination vactor/jet truck. Elwood Town does not have equipment to maintain their system and contract out for regular cleaning on 1/3 of their system yearly. For emergency purposes they must call in a local contractor. The City would receive $1K-2K at the most out of surplus. It will benefit a neighboring system. It is proposed to donate it to Elwood Town. If the City gets in a bind, they could call Elwood Town to come help out. Councilmember Doutre noted it is a good idea to help our neighbors.

Motion by Councilmember Doutre to donate this surplus property to Elwood Town. Motion seconded by Councilmember Holmgren. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Mayor Pro Tempore Reese – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

Manager Warnke stated the Police Department received some grants. Chief Nance noted they received one for $4,500 for equipment and another for a little over $6,200 for a new radar trailer.

9. Reports & Comments:

a. City Manager Reports and Comments

1. Municipal Officer Ethics Training on December 1, 2016 at 11:00 and 2:00

The City Attorney will provide Ethics Training to all employees. He invited the Council to attend as it is helpful to understand State Code. There will be a written disclosure for everyone to sign and file to comply with State Law. The Holiday Open House is Tuesday, November 22nd from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. There is another holiday celebration on December 13th at 6:00 p.m.

b. City Department Head Reports and Comments

Director Fulgham noted he was charged with putting together a flyer to go out to residents. He would like to have a couple open houses to help residents understand a little better. It was proposed that the first open house be Thursday, January 5, 2017 with the second in April or the first of May. Councilmember Vance wondered if the City can put together a chart for customers showing what change they will have on their water bill with the new rates. It would be good to provide that information to residents that request it. The Council approved the date for the first meeting.

c. Council Reports:

Councilmember Holmgren noted more bulbs were planted. A group of young women and their leaders helped plant the bulbs then stayed to help clean up Midland Square without being asked. It was cool.

10. Adjournment

Motion by Councilmember Doutre to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Councilmember Holmgren. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Mayor Pro Tempore Reese – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

The meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m.

The undersigned duly acting and appointed Recorder for Tremonton City Corporation hereby certifies that the foregoing is a true and correct copy of the minutes for the City Council Meeting held on the above referenced date. Minutes were prepared by Deputy Recorder Cynthia Nelson.

Dated this 6th day of December, 2016.
Linsey Nessen, City Recorder