TREMONTON CITY CORPORATION
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
October 11, 2016
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 MEETING
Mayor Fridal called the October 11, 2016 City Council Meeting 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 Shawn Warnke, and City Recorder Linsey Nessen. The following Department Heads were also present: Parks and Recreation Director Marc Christensen, Public Works Director Paul Fulgham, and Police Chief David Nance.
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 thanked those in attendance for coming.
3. Approval of Agenda:
Motion by Councilmember Reese to approve the agenda. Motion seconded by Councilmember Holmgren. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.
4. Approval of minutes – No minutes to approve
5. Public comments: Comments limited to three minutes:
There were no public comments.
6. City Department Head Reports and Comments
a. Update on proposed mural located at 145 West Main Street depicting Main Street circa 1960
Director Christensen said property owners have been a little hesitant to put an easement on their property but have granted access to the City for the property and the wall. Mr. Capener has no problem giving permission to the City and allowing them to paint the mural. The mural is a great idea but he does not want to be tied down by an easement. The Council gave approval to proceed with the mural.
7. Presentation:
a. Presentation on issues pertaining to Tremonton City Council’s consideration of a tiered water rate – Shawn Warnke, City Manager & Paul Fulgham, Public Works Director
The City currently charges $13.70 for a base rate and consumers get 12,800 gallons of water. They pay $1.13 per 1,000 gallons over the allotted 12,800. The proposed tiered water rates were based on industry standards and other city’s rates. The legislature has mandated to implement a conservation rate. Duty factors for average lawns were considered when the tiered rate was compiled. It was noted that most cities in Box Elder County currently have a base rate that includes an allotment of gallons.
The Water Department has a yearly budget of $1,228,000 in fixed costs for 2016 with $182,000 in variable water costs. Variable costs include power bills, chemicals, and water purchased from Bear River Water Conservancy. The fixed costs include water department staff, sampling/tests for EPA, and staff for billing. Manager Warnke estimated we would need a base rate of $31 to cover fixed costs.
Director Fulgham noted that revenue from the base rate has continually gone up as new homes are built. The revenue from the water overage fluctuates based on how much rain came in the spring and fall and conservation. Water usage has gone down the past two years. It was noted that the proposed tiered water rate would only apply to industries with outdoor water usage and all residential units. Manager Warnke stated the City does not have enough water sources to fill to our water rights. Director Fulgham said the City can get more sources by drilling another well. Financially it makes more sense to go with secondary production.
Councilmember Rohde suggested that Councilmember Holmgren talk to developers, rental/apartment unit owners, and the public and report his findings to the Council. Councilmember Reese recommended the Council submit questions via email so they can come back with answers at the next City Council Meeting. The Council would like more information and questions answered before they make a decision. They need to be comfortable with the decision and well informed about the direction the City is going so they can answer questions residents bring to them. They will have a limited agenda next City Council so they have more time to discuss this item.
8. Council Business:
a. Discussion and consideration of adopting Resolution No. 16-50 reaffirming, amending, and enacting new fees and fines in a schedule entitled Tremonton City Consolidated Fees and Fines Schedule including, but not limited to, approving a tiered water rate
Motion by Councilmember Reese to table Resolution No. 16-50 until we get some more information. Motion seconded by Councilmember Vance. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.
9. Reports & Comments:
a. City Manager Reports and Consent
No City Manager report.
b. Council Reports:
No Council reports.
10. 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
The Council did not have a closed session.
11. Adjournment.
Motion by Councilmember Doutre to adjourn the meeting. Motion seconded by Councilmember Holmgren. Vote: Councilmember Doutre – aye, Councilmember Holmgren – aye, Councilmember Reese – aye, Councilmember Rohde – aye, and Councilmember Vance – aye. Motion approved.
The meeting adjourned at 7:59 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 1st day of November, 2016.
Linsey Nessen, City Recorder