City Council Minutes 3/7/17

TREMONTON CITY CORPORATION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING

March 7, 2017

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

CITY COUNCIL WORKSHOP

Mayor Fridal called the March 7, 2017 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 Fridal, Councilmembers Doutre, Holmgren, Reese, Rohde, and Vance, City Manager Warnke, and City Recorder Nessen. The following Department Heads were also present: Fire Chief Steve Batis, Parks and Recreation Director Marc Christensen, Public Works Director Paul Fulgham, Police Chief David Nance, and Treasurer Sharri Oyler. Also in attendance was Code Enforcement Officer Greg Horspool (arrived at 6:20 p.m.).

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

The Council reviewed the March 7, 2017 Agenda with the following items being discussed in more detail:

Financial Statements. Manager Warnke noted there will be budget amendments coming soon. He noted sales tax is ahead and the Utility Funds are strong.

Bid documents for Secondary Water Areas #1 and #2. Director Fulgham noted this is not to award bids. It is for Engineer Chris Breinholt to finish the design and put the documents out to bid. If the Council decides to move ahead, construction will start next year in late summer or early fall. The final design will include the estimate for each service area and the water savings once the secondary water is built out. The Council will have the choice of deciding if people will be required to connect to secondary water once it is at their property. The purpose of developing secondary water is for water conservation. It would not make sense to require people to connect if they already have a secondary water source.

Director Fulgham stated the City has around 135 water shares with 48 going to the lease pool because the City is not using them. The Canal Company will allow the City to take a share and split it in half per acre. The City is sprinkling, not flooding, so the Canal Company will not require four acre feet per acre, they will reduce it to three acre feet per acre. The City is getting more than a fifty percent (50%) increase per developed lot. The 48 shares will cover about 115 acres of developed property.

Councilmember Vance would like it to go to vote on a bond. If it is voted down, the Council will do what they can do for secondary. Manager Warnke noted there are two types of bonds. The first is a general obligation bond, which goes before the vote of the people. General obligation bonds are for discretionary projects where you want the public to decide. He has not seen utilities go on a general obligation bond. The Council knows what infrastructure is necessary to service residents and future residents. Utility bonds usually go through a revenue bond with the revenue from the utilities paying for the system. Revenue bonds have bond covenants that require people connect to the system.

2. Discussion of Emergency Medical Transport Service Insurance – Councilmember Bret Rohde. Councilmember Rohde wanted to get the Council’s opinion on this item. There is a helicopter service that flies out of Ogden, The Yellow Bird. They have an insurance plan for $20 a year that covers a flight during the year. Mr. Ransom addressed the Council last meeting about offering a flat fee to all residents for ambulance insurance. Chief Batis said it would be hard to determine who had the insurance and who did not. It would be a hassle for Treasurer Oyler and billing staff. He can discuss how much revenue the City gets during his year-end report in the City Council meeting. Calls would increase because the City already receives several calls that are for non-emergencies. Councilmember Doutre stated people outside the community would not be included and would have a different type of billing. The Council decided not to pursue this item further. Most insurance companies cover this type of service.

Motion by Councilmember Holmgren to move into Closed Session. Motion seconded by Councilmember Doutre. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

The Council moved into closed session at 6:31 p.m.

3. CLOSED SESSIONS:

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; and/or
b. Strategy session to discuss the character, professional competence or physical or mental health of an individual; and/or
c. Strategy sessions to discuss pending or reasonably imminent litigation.

Motion by Councilmember Reese to return to open session. Motion seconded by Councilmember Doutre. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

The Council returned to open session at 6:47 p.m.

The Council continued the review of agenda items.

Capital Projects. Manager Warnke noted the Council can prioritize the order they would like Capital Projects to occur. The City recently purchased an ambulance and will be purchasing a fire truck. A new fire station is a long-term Capital need. He suggested no additional Capital Projects for the upcoming fiscal year.

The Redevelopment Agency (RDA) is working on downtown. The funds that are available were transferred there from another fund. There is $60K currently budgeted to be transferred from the Capital Transportation Capacity Fund into the RDA Fund #72. The City can be reimbursed from the RDA for expenses that are eligible within the Tremont Center Community Development Project Area.

The meeting adjourned at 6:54 p.m. by consensus of the Council.

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

Mayor Fridal called the March 7, 2017 City Council Meeting to order at 7:01 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 Fridal, Councilmembers Doutre, Holmgren, Reese, Rohde, and Vance, City Manager Warnke, and City Recorder Nessen. The following Department Heads were also present: Fire Chief Steve Batis, Parks and Recreation Director Marc Christensen, Public Works Director Paul Fulgham, Police Chief David Nance, and Treasurer Sharri Oyler. Also in attendance was Code Enforcement Officer Greg Horspool.

1. Opening Ceremony:

Mayor Fridal 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 Vance and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Holmgren.

2. Introduction of guests:

Mayor Fridal welcomed Monica Holdaway from the Box Elder Chamber of Commerce and Kevin Christensen from the Bear River Health Department and thanked them for attending.

3. Approval of Agenda:

Motion by Councilmember Doutre to approve the agenda this evening. Motion seconded by Councilmember Holmgren. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

4. Approval of minutes – February 21, 2017

Motion by Councilmember Holmgren to approve the minutes for February 21. Motion seconded by Councilmember Rohde. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

5. Public comments: Comments limited to three minutes.

Strat Murdock thanked the Council for allowing him to address them. He is the president of the Bear River Townhouse Organization. It has 12 units across from Alice C. Harris playground. They were originally built as condominiums in 2007. He lives at 859 West 350 North. There is a problem with safety. The driveway goes north to south on 350 North. People park on the south side of 350 North and block the view when they pull out of the driveway. There have been several near accidents. He spoke to the owner of the vehicle that parks too close to the driveway but they do not care about the problem. The owner was asked to park on the north side of 350 North so it will not block the view from the driveway. Is there an ordinance or a no parking sign the City can install?

Mayor Fridal told Mr. Murdock the Council cannot take action if an item is not on the agenda. Manager Warnke noted City staff is aware of the problem. They will work on it and if it is not handled administratively, it can come back and be on the agenda. Director Fulgham noted they will paint the approach to the driveway red when the weather cooperates. The City has a new ordinance regarding parking on the street during the winter. The Council thanked Mr. Murdock for attending.

6. Employee Years of Service Award

a. Paul Fulgham, Public Works Director – 20 Years

Mayor Fridal noted Director Fulgham is a good man and they could not run the City without him. He thanked him for his years of service.

7. Presentations & Discussions

a. Introduction and overview of the Box Elder Chamber of Commerce – Monica Holdaway, Executive Director

Ms. Holdaway noted the Bear River Chamber of Commerce approached the Brigham City Chamber around December 2016 to discuss a merger. The official merge happened in February 2017.
The Chamber sponsored a play unplugged program that was very successful last year. There will be an eggs and issues coming up with guest speakers Shawn Warnke, Mitch Zundell, and Paul Larsen speaking on economic development. On opposite months, they do networking events for businesses. They will start spotlights on Tremonton businesses in April with three businesses each month. An article will run in The Leader to spotlight them, they will get big signs to put in their windows, they get a certificate, and they will be on the Box Elder Chamber of Commerce website. Tom Greer from Greer’s Hardware will have his soft opening on Monday. It was noted the Box Elder Chamber of Commerce also offers educational events.

There are four board members from the Bear River Valley area. Carla Munns with Munns Manufacturing and The Grille and Bowling Center will serve three years. Ben Smalley from The Bear River Valley Hospital will serve a two year term and Eric Marble will serve a one year term. They are voting members of the Board. Zach LeFevre has been asked to serve as the advisor. Ms. Holdaway has been with the Chamber for 15 years.

b. Bear River Health Department Annual Report – Kevin Christensen

Mr. Christensen noted that Director Lloyd Berentzen is very grateful to City Councils for the work they do. Deputy Director Todd Barson was the recipient of the 2016 Beatty Award. This is the ultimate award in the state of Utah for public health. There are good people that work at the Health Department. Mr. Christensen noted that contracts/grants bring in most of the revenue. The amount received from County taxes is lower than it can be.

The Bear River Health Department (BRHD) offers a National Diabetes Prevention Program. It is a remarkable program with long-term results. Another service offered by BRHD is refugee services. There was a fence in Snowville made entirely of tires. It was a concern if there should be a wildfire because the tires would burn and put off bad fumes. BRHD worked with the new land owner to get the fence removed and recycle the tires. They worked with several local companies to transport the 558 tons of tires.

Body art has become popular and they are concerned about blood-borne pathogens. Mr. Christensen noted Chief Nance made the newspaper because of his leadership in opioid abuse and carrying Narcan kits. BRHD distributed all the kits they picked up. It was nice to have Chief Nance take the lead in the County.

BRHD is offering free testing of wells that may have become contaminated with the flooding. Director Fulgham noted the City offered free testing. They have tested 15 samples to date. Mayor Fridal and the Council thanked Mr. Christensen.

c. Fire Department year-end report – Chief Steve Batis

Chief Batis stated Tremonton has 37 firefighters that cover 80 square miles of fire area and over 1,000 square miles of emergency services. The number of calls are increasing, which requires growing the Department to meet the obligations. Chris Scothern was named firefighter of the year. Mr. Scothern has been on the department a couple years. Firefighters complete training in a variety of areas. The Department is 90% Advanced EMTs.

Chief Batis recognized Mrs. Egli who has made and donated teddy bears to the Fire Department for several years as a birthday present to herself. The teddy bears can then be given to children receiving care during the year. In 2016, the Fire Department had the highest number of medical calls at 998. Chief Batis reviewed the breakdown of calls for EMS and Fire. They are trying to educate the public about newer combination fire/carbon monoxide detectors. Sometimes fire alarms go off and people unplug them because they don’t see smoke but the alarm is detecting higher levels of carbon monoxide.

The Fire Department has hands-on training for fire extinguishers. They also offer CPR classes for the community and businesses as well as tours for youth groups. Councilmember Reese noted more calls are for Bear River Valley than Tremonton City. Mayor Fridal said they appreciate the Fire Department and ambulance crews.

8. New Council Business:

a. Discussion and consideration of approving the January Financial Statements

Motion by Councilmember Reese to approve the January Financial Statement. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

b. Discussion and consideration of approving February Warrant Register

Motion by Councilmember Vance to approve the February Warrant Register. Motion seconded by Councilmember Rohde. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

c. Discussion and consideration of completing the bidding documents and putting the projects, Tremonton City Secondary Areas #1 and #2 projects, out for bid

Director Fulgham noted there are two areas that are the most feasible to fund and the most cost effective as a lot of the infrastructure is in place. Area #1 will finish River Valley Subdivision area behind McDonalds and connect and finish Spring Acres Subdivision. They will need to upgrade some pumps and install lines. Areas that have not been subdivided in this area will be expanded and added when developed.

Area #2 includes Jeannie Stevens Park, Archibald Estates, Alice C. Harris Intermediate School, Bear River Valley Hospital, and Post Consumer Brands. They would like to finish the design work and put it out to bid to get an idea of the cost for these two areas.

Motion by Councilmember Holmgren to allow the City to go ahead and do the bidding documents for Secondary Areas 1 & 2. Motion seconded by Councilmember Doutre. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved. Director Fulgham thanked the Council.

d. Discussion and prioritization of Capital Projects for Fiscal Year 2018 and beyond

Manager Warnke noted there is $300K available for sewer projects. There are no projects planned this upcoming fiscal year for the sewer. The BR Mountain Road is the new road that will be constructed off 2300 West. Each utility will pay a portion of the infrastructure when constructed. This property was purchased from Terry Johnson and will start the minor arterial road that will connect to 1000 North.

There is a project in the Storm Drain Fund that was awarded but will be forwarded to fiscal year 2018. The project is the Main Street Drainage, Tremont Center, 400 West. It will connect to Chadaz Estates and will drain into the Malad River. Tremonton will be meeting with Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) to discuss projects that will improve the drainage from Box Elder Fairgrounds up to 2000 West.

The City also experienced flooding on 1000 North from the railroad tracks to 1000 West. They are working with the property owner on the outfall line for that property along the railroad tracks.

Manager Warnke estimated there is $1.5M to $1.7M in the Water Fund to put towards Capital Projects. The City would like to use some of that fund to acquire water shares, Secondary Water Service Area 1 & 2, and 200 West. Director Fulgham explained the pipe on 200 West by R and R Hardware has had several breaks. It is a four inch (4”) line. It was proposed it be replaced from Main Street to 300 North. It will be upgraded to an eight inch (8”) line, which is the standard, and have a couple new fire hydrants. It is an old cast iron pipe that was installed in the 1930’s.

Director Fulgham stated a new dump truck has been included in the Water Department budget. The current truck was purchased in 2003 from Salt Lake County. The old truck will be kept for snow removal. The new truck will be a bobtail dump truck.

Some projects that will be carried forward to 2018 in Fund 47/Fund 52 are the Public Works Parking lot, Bio-Solid Handling, and Nutrient Removal. Manager Warnke noted the plan is to get the Impact Fee Study finished and adopted before proceeding with the projects.

Manager Warnke said Funds 40, 41, and 42 receive revenue through surplus in the General Fund. State law allows the City to accrue and carry-over about 25% revenue from the General Fund. Some of the funds for RDA projects comes this way. There is about $700K for future projects such as paving parking lots and the Senior Center roof. Councilmember Reese does not think other communities realize how much Tremonton City is contributing to the Senior Center for something that benefits the whole community. Councilmember Doutre said Director Layne told her water drips off the roof to the doors that do not have an overhang. Director Fulgham noted they will get with Zoning Administrator Steve Bench and see what they can do to fix the problems. The AC units on the roof contribute to the problem.

Manager Warnke commented the City applied for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for back-up generators for the Food Pantry and the Senior Center. It looks favorable that the City will receive the funding. Director Layne puts in a lot of work for CDBG funds.

The Animal Shelter is located in a portion of the Public Works Building and has a separate detached office space. Over the years, especially this year, there have been problems with water and flooding. The structure has deteriorated. Chief Nance noted it floods a couple times a year. Right now, the structure is growing mushrooms. It has wood siding around it that is falling apart. The insulation and sheetrock are wet and growing things and the roof needs to be replaced. The whole building needs to be replaced. Chief Nance said they can construct the building higher off the ground or look at other options.

Fund 42 is the new Transportation Capacity Fund that was created last year. Last year $80K of surplus went to the RDA and the rest to Fund 42. It was proposed to do the same thing with surplus at the end of fiscal year 2017. The City received three bids for a Transportation Plan. The plan will be a great guide for Fund 42.

Fund 26 is a Special Revenue Fund and is where the City accounts for Park Impact Fees. The City is undertaking projects that exceed the amount in Fund 26. Grant funds and Inter-fund loans from Fund 41 (Capital Vehicle Replacement Fund) have been utilized for some projects. The projects include the Trailhead, parking lot, and eventually the trail. The grant funds require a 1:1 match. Councilmember Doutre noted the area for the trail was flooded this year. Councilmember Holmgren noted this is not a regular occurrence. The trail can be built so it can be cleaned up if water comes up that high again. The water is very slow moving and does not move a lot of material. Manager Warnke will submit a Recreation Trails Program (RTP) application.

Fund 41 will be used to purchase the chassis for the new fire truck upon arrival and will save the City $10K. The remainder of the amount will be funded through Zions Bank. There are two police vehicles slated to be replaced. If all the projects are complete, there will be $84K left in the fund. It is proposed to transfer funds at the end of fiscal year 2018 to help build the fund up. They pushed the purchase of a new street sweeper to fiscal year 2019.

Director Christensen said they renovated the North Park baseball diamond in 2013. It has been a very popular park since the renovation and has been the most reserved park for those outside the community. The dirt at Jeanie Stevens Park stays wet for long periods and is very hard when it dries out. The product used at North Park allows it to dry quickly, reduces maintenance, and looks better. Meadow Park needs to be renovated by skinning the ground and moving sprinkling systems. Councilmember Rohde would like to promote getting people out and living healthy. The City should look for opportunities to put in pickle ball courts. Manager Warnke agrees and believes the City is working toward some good outdoor things in the City such as purchasing property for a trail corridor.

Director Christensen spoke about applying for the Land Water Conservation Fund, which would be used to develop the upper portion of the Malad River Trailhead and get playground equipment and amenities. It is a 1:1 match and is due in May. Councilmember Rohde would like to see projects like the trail be finished sooner. They seem to take a long time.

Manager Warnke noted UTOPIA still shows the City owing $60K to cover unpaid operational shortfall. It was noted the $60K would be used for improvements in Tremonton. Councilmember Reese is in favor of paying, if the City has the revenue. The Council discussed the road closures and the need to inform the public that UDOT is replacing the stoplight on Main and Tremont Street. Jessica Tanner with The Leader said she shared information about the stoplight being changed and noted that UDOT was in charge of the project.

9. Reports and Comments

a. City Manager Reports and Comments

1. Investment of City funds in the Utah Public Treasury Investment Fund

Manager Warnke stated the City has invested funds with Zions since 2006. Zions would match what the Utah Public Treasury Investment Fund (UPTIF) would give the City and add a little extra. Zions recently changed the program. The new program would include extra paperwork and provide a small margin of increase over what UPTIF offers. He recommended the City invest the funds with UPTIF at this time. The City can transfer the funds to Zions in the future if the rates go up. Councilmember Vance thinks it is a good idea to go this direction.

b. City Department Head Reports and Comments

1. Discussion of animal shelter – Chief David Nance

This item was discussed with item 8d above.

c. Council Reports and Comments

Councilmember Holmgren thanked Public Works, public safety and anyone that helped with the flood during the last few weeks.

Councilmember Reese agreed with Councilmember Holmgren.

Councilmember Doutre noted the community, including Maddox and West Liberty Foods, donated food for the dinner in Garland for those affected by the floods.

Councilmember Vance appreciated Councilmember Doutre going to the Senior Center and discussing concerns with Director Layne. He asked about the water problem at the Senior Center and the building for the school transportation next door. Director Fulgham stated the School District is not finished with the project yet. They will have a detention basin to the north and water should not be a problem once construction is finished.

Councilmember Doutre asked about the basin north of Buttars Tractor. Director Fulgham noted the basin should be maintained by the property owners. They will discuss drainage from the basin at the meeting with UDOT.

The Council did not go into a closed session.

10. CLOSED SESSION:

11. Adjournment.

Motion by Councilmember Doutre to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Councilmember Rohde. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.

The meeting adjourned at 8:42 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 4th day of April, 2017.
Linsey Nessen, City Recorder

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