Meeting
City Council · 2018-09-18
City Council meeting
Decisions
1
3 motions in all
Split votes
0
at least one no
Discussion
–
no recording
Residents spoke
–
introduced themselves
Agenda items and what happened
| Item | Outcome | Source |
|---|---|---|
| DISCUSSION - State Street Districts Rezone - General Overview work session |
discussed only | p.1 |
| REPORT - Library Advisory Commission regular session |
presented only | p.6 |
| PUBLIC HEARING - General Obligation Bond - Family Fitness Center and Community Library Hall regular session |
discussed only | p.7 |
| PUBLIC HEARING - ORDINANCE - 2018 Orem Moderate-Income Housing Study regular session |
continued to October 23, 2018 |
p.10 |
Items and outcomes were extracted from the agenda and minutes by Claude (Anthropic); each links to the minutes page. The minutes are authoritative.
| Motion | By | Result | |
|---|---|---|---|
| To approve the minutes from the September 11, 2018, City Council meetings. | Tom Macdonald 2nd David Spencer |
✓ Passed | p.6 |
| To continue the 2018 Orem Moderate-Income Housing study to the October 23, 2018 City Council Meeting. | Richard Brunst | ✓ Passed | p.10 |
| To adjourn the meeting. | David Spencer 2nd Tom Macdonald |
✓ Passed | p.10 |
Text extracted from the minutes PDF (scanned pages via OCR). The PDF is the official record.
City Council Minutes – September 18, 2018 (p.1) A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings CITY OF OREM CITY COUNCIL MEETING 56 North State Street Orem, Utah September 18, 2018 4:00 P.M. WORK SESSION – CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM CONDUCTING Mayor Richard F. Brunst ELECTED OFFICIALS Debby Lauret, Sam Lentz, Tom Macdonald, Mark Seastrand, David Spencer, and Brent Sumner STAFF MEMBERS Jamie Davidson, City Manager; Brenn Bybee, Assistant City Manager; Steven Downs, Assistant City Manager; Greg Stephens, City Attorney; Recreation Department Director; Bill Bell, Development Services Director; Richard Manning, Administrative Services Director; Scott Gurney, Fire Department Director; Charlene Crozier, Library Director; Chris Tschirki, Public Works Director; Jason Bench, Planning Division Manager; Debbie Boone, Recreation Program Manager; Ryan Clark, Economic Development Director; Jason Adamson, Risk Manager; Kirby Snideman, Long Range Planner; Christian Kirkham, Long Range Planner; and JoD’Ann Bates, City Recorder. DISCUSSION - State Street Districts Rezone - General Overview Christian Kirkham, City Planner introduced the State Street District Overlay Zone indicating the project started in 2015 and has been very involved and had significant public outreach. The projects are in the implementation stage and are continuing to move forward. Mr. Kirkham continued to review the project as previously presented. They worked hard and have had an unprecedented level of public engagement. The methodology was centered on public outreach with the brand of “Imagine Orem”. Public Outreach included State Street Events which were held in 5 different locations and dates. Mr. Kirkham reviewed the events that took place throughout the city. They incorporated information on billboard space, newspaper ads, postcards mailers, social media platforms, and offered competitions with giveaways to promote the project. They have had a large amount of business owners request to be part of the districts and some of those areas have been changed to accommodate those requests based on the properties meeting the zoning regulations. This is a “development driven” project that will be long range and be done incrementally. Mr. Kirkham continued to review and discuss the various zones which are; The Arts District, The Hub District, The Canyon Crossing District, and The North Village District. City Council Minutes – September 18, 2018 (p.2) A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings Discussion continued with the City Council and Staff regarding the various districts and future potential uses. Mayor Brunst inquired if there were any businesses that have applied or voiced their interest at this time. Mr. Bench indicated there have been some property owner’s voice their interested in re-zoning once the districts are approved and even a few that have already started the application process. Discussion ensued regarding amending the current landscaping regulations, funds for the medians in State Street and the responsibility of maintenance of the park strips made with the construction of the UVU Express. Mr. Lentz inquired if there were bonuses availible to applicants that would be given for sustainability. Mr. Kirkham responded they still need to look into those types of items; they needed to get the big items done first. They will be coming back to each district to look at specific issues and possible changes that would work for that district. He stated there are some reductions that are given but somethings they do not want to give up. Mayor Brunst thanked the staff for the great job that has been done, indicating he liked what he saw and is grateful for their effort in involving the public. 5:00 P.M. STUDY SESSION – CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE ROOM CONDUCTING Mayor Richard F. Brunst ELECTED OFFICIALS Debby Lauret, Sam Lentz, Tom Macdonald, Mark Seastrand, David Spencer, and Brent Sumner STAFF MEMBERS Jamie Davidson, City Manager; Brenn Bybee, Assistant City Manager; Steven Downs, Assistant City Manager; Greg Stephens, City Attorney; Bill Bell, Development Services Director; Richard Manning, Administrative Services Director; Scott Gurney, Fire Department Director; Charlene Crozier, Library Director; Chris Tschirki, Public Works Director; Jason Bench, Planning Division Manager; and JoD’Ann Bates, City Recorder. Agenda Review The City Council and staff reviewed the items on the agenda. Council/Staff Information Items Mr. Davidson updated the council and staff on the Pole Creek/Bald Mountain Fire situation. The Orem Fire Department has been involved with some deployment of some of their firefighters, providing urban interface support. City Council Minutes – September 18, 2018 (p.3) A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings Mr. Gurney stated they are doing a great job stopping it from spreading to the residential areas. Mr. Lentz asked if there was anything they could do to help with the fire efforts or provide information to the residents as to a status update to the air quality and how it can affect residents. Mr. Davidson responded the city would look to see what they can do to get the information out to the residents. He also indicated he had reached out to those surrounding cities affected by the fires and let them know Orem is here to do what they can to help. Mayor Brunst stated the city had a city wide drill last week for emergency preparedness. His area representative had cancelled their drill due to lack of information. He asked if someone could contact his representative and ensure that general information is properly passed onto the community. Mr. Gurney responded they try to get in touch with all area representative to make sure they are informed but would take this back to their emergency preparedness team to follow up with notifications. Mr. Davidson indicated himself and Mr. Bybee was able to spend some time with Representative Marsha Judkins where she stated her interested in issues associated with Orem. She actually lives in Provo but is familiar with issues of Orem and is very interested in some of the directions Orem City is taking. Their conversation included transportation, BRT and that she is a strong advocate of preservation of agriculture land. She has been invited to the City Council meeting on Oct. 9th in order to get to know her better and allow the Council to share their concerns with her. Mr. Davidson reminded the Council of the upcoming joint meeting with Alpine School District on Wednesday, September 19th at 12:00 pm at the Mountain Ridge High School in the conference room by the front office. Mr. Davidson commented they are in the construction process of the bike skills park, there is still work that needs to be done, but there has been a lot of positive energy and he appreciates the staffs efforts in supporting the project. Mr. Bybee stated once the signage is in, they are hoping to have a soft opening sometime in October. Mr. Davidson indicated he had approved an agreement for some additional shade structures to be placed at the dog park located at the Timpanogos Park. Mr. Davidson commented that Mr. Downs had provided the Council with some statistics he and Chief Giles had collected regarding Sharon Park. The information provided a look at what they have seen in the criminal activity since the pickle ball courts have been installed and was very encouraging. Discussion ensued regarding the moving around of the criminal activity when they are pushed out due to projects like the pickle ball courts. They have seen the positive effects it can have by attracting more non-criminal people to the area. With more possible grant funds they are looking at doing similar changes to others parks in Orem. Mr. Davidson stated Money Magazine recently ranked Orem as the 13th best place to live in nation. He felt this is a great recognition to the community, neighborhoods, schools, city staff City Council Minutes – September 18, 2018 (p.4) A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings and all the work the Mayor and Council have done to contributed to that ranking. The magazine highlighted the Senior Center as one of the key areas that make us great. The only other city from Utah was Sandy which finished at 35th. Mayor Brunst and Mr. Downs have also spent time with the Wall Street Journal discussing living in Orem. Mr. Davidson indicated President Astrid Tuminez started her term as President of UVU. The City had sent her some flowers welcoming her to the city on the behalf of the Mayor and Council. Mayor Brunst commented on some of her personal background. Mr. Davidson stated the city had received arguments “for” and “against” the ballot proposition regarding the PD-48 zone. The city only received one argument “for” the bond issue. The sponsors have until September 24th to submit rebuttals arguments. Once those arguments are received the city will move forward in preparing a Voters Information Pamphlet. He continued stating that postcards will be sent to all Orem residents giving them information as to how they can access or request the voter information pamphlet. The postcards will be mailed out at the same time as the County will be mailing the ballots. He stated the Fitness Center and Library Hall Political Involvement Committee had created several social media accounts and the hashtag “Upgrade Orem” is the efforts of the Political Involvement Committee and is not associated with the City of Orem. Mr. Davidson commented that several of the Council had been contacted regarding Rank Choice Voting. This process is done based on a new code that was just adopted and is available on a pilot program basis. He indicated he had some concerns with the process and had indicated to the representative he didn’t feel the council was interested at this point and would look at future elections to see how it goes. He understands he does not speak for the council and asked if they were interested in having them come present the process to them at a future Council meeting. Discussion ensued regarding the interest and some concerns of the new proposed voting process. Mr. Seastrand and Mr. Sumner indicated they were not interested at this time. Mr. Macdonald, Mr. Spencer, Mrs. Lauret, Mr. Lentz and Mayor Brunst voiced their interest. Mr. Davidson stated he would propose they present at the October 23rd council meeting. Mr. Macdonald indicated he would like to hear some of the cons at the same time as they were supporting the pro’s if possible. Mr. Davidson stated he would be out of the office on vacation from October 1st to the 15th and will not be available as he normally is. In his absence, Mr. Bybee will be in charge of the office. Mr. Davidson recognized Councilmember Spencer for his birthday this month. After the Council meeting they will celebrate his birthday in room 107. Mrs. Lauret stated that both her husband and Mr. Davidson had received the Silver Beaver Award which is a great honor and wanted to recognized their work and effort. Mayor Brunst reviewed the upcoming events. Mr. Davidson indicated that some of the events the city supports has taken on lives of their own and encouraged the Council to attend as many as they can to see the community connect with each other. He voiced his appreciation to all those staff members that make the events so well City Council Minutes – September 18, 2018 (p.5) A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings done and advertised. Mr. Macdonald voiced his appreciation to Kristi Snyder for keeping the council constantly informed as to the scheduled events. Mayor Brunst stated that Beth Holbrook with Waste Management will be taking a position on the UTA Board. She will be leaving as the Chairman of the Board for ULCT and her position as a Bountiful City Council member. The City Council then adjourned at 5:53 p.m. to the City Council Chambers for their regular meeting. City Council Minutes – September 18, 2018 (p.6) A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings 6:00 P.M. REGULAR SESSION – COUNCIL CHAMBERS CONDUCTING Mayor Richard F. Brunst ELECTED OFFICIALS Debby Lauret, Sam Lentz, Tom Macdonald, Mark Seastrand, David Spencer, and Brent Sumner STAFF MEMBERS Jamie Davidson, City Manager; Brenn Bybee, Assistant City Manager; Steven Downs, Assistant City Manager; Greg Stephens, City Attorney; Karl Hirst, Recreation Department Director; Richard Manning, Administrative Services Director; Bill Bell, Development Services Director; Scott Gurney, Fire Department Director; Gary Giles, Police Department Director; Charlene Crozier, Library Department Director; Chris Tschirki, Public Works Director; Jason Bench, Planning Division Manager; Pete Wolfley, Communications Specialist; and JoD’Ann Bates, City Recorder INVOCATION / INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT Isaac Hoggard PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Ethan Hoggard APPROVAL OF MINUTES Mr. Macdonald moved to approve the minutes from the September 11, 2018, City Council meetings. Mr. Spencer seconded the motion. Those voting aye: Richard F. Brunst, Debby Lauret, Sam Lentz, Tom Macdonald, David Spencer, and Brent Sumner. The motion passed. MAYOR’S REPORT/ITEMS REFERRED BY COUNCIL Upcoming Events Mayor Brunst reviewed the upcoming events, as listed in the agenda packet. Report – Library Advisory Commission Mrs. Crozier introduced the Library Committee by stating Ken Bonney is the Chairman, but due to business travel was unable to be in attendance. Suzanne Stratton is the vice chair, along with committee members; Courtney Burns, Terri Potts Smith, and Marsha Cerny who are in attendance. Additionally the commission has James Jones, Mary Stoval Richards and Nicholas Whiting but they were unable to attend. She continued by thanking all the members and the time in which they volunteer in various capacities beyond their board responsibilities. She voiced her appreciation for their dedication and support to better serve the residents of Orem. City Council Minutes – September 18, 2018 (p.7) A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings Terri Smith stated how the modern public library has become more than just a library, it has evolved into a community center. She voiced her appreciation to the Council for their support. Susanne Stratton reviewed some of the new additions to the library which include; Kids zone – an interactive area for kids and a gathering place. Makerspace – an area for hands on creations with a sound booth, a 3-d maker and additional computers Study rooms – 7 new rooms have been added. Courtney Burns reviewed program highlights indicating that during the last fiscal year they hosted 763 programs, with almost forty-five thousand attendees. The library affords a great space for the programs which includes; Stem like a girl, which had 350 attendees and they learned about girls in the technology field. Escape rooms & summer reading escape rooms. They also provide for various community events. Marsha Cerney indicated the library also provides and area for cultural events which has included the following; Shakespeare for kids Utah Valley Hand Bell Choir. NASA – which focuses on science, moon rocks and telescopes. Upcoming events will focus on the great American Read Program, Brandon Sanderson who is a well-known author, will also be part of the afterhours events. She would like to thank City Council for their support and encourage all residents to educate themselves on the upcoming bond that will help improve the library. Mayor Brunst thanked those that participate in the library and stated it is a great asset to the city. PERSONAL APPEARANCES Time was allotted for the public to express their ideas, concerns, and comments on items not scheduled as public hearings on the agenda. Those wishing to speak should have signed in prior to the meeting, and comments were limited to three minutes or less. No comments were made. SCHEDULED ITEMS PUBLIC HEARING - General Obligation Bond - Family Fitness Center and Community Library Hall Mr. Bybee, Assistant City Manager indicated this is one of two Public Hearings that are required by state law prior to the issue going before the public for a vote. He reviewed the Family Fitness and Community Library Hall Bond information and stated more details are available at Orem.org/projects. City Council Minutes – September 18, 2018 (p.8) A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings Ruth Christensen, resident for over 18 years stated she is a proponent of the bond. She had realized there is a misunderstanding and has tried to reach out to people she knows to let them know there is no tax increase. She would be willing to go to the recreation center more once the improvements are made that are being proposed. She felt it needs to be brought up to date and felt it could be a real show piece. The library is always well attended and for the most part there is standing room only. She felt the library is a jewel and would provide even more effective events. Dave Chorlesky indicated he has been involved with library since 1976, and it has been a pleasure knowing it has benefited Orem residents for 30 years. He stated he appreciated the mutually respectful feeling and common goals he feels between staff, the Mayor and the Council. He appreciates the attention and effort the city continues to provide in making Orem a wholesome and safe place to live and raise a family, giving public space and public support. When the library was extended to include the Childers’s wing they looked to have an area for public events. Due to physical cutbacks it was reduced to a small stage with seating of about 100. This requires about ½ of the audience to stand and typically they are in the way of other patrons using the library. The proposed improvements would not be expected to accommodate large events but it would be able to hold special interest groups and small scale recitals. He thanked the council for placing this item on the ballot and is in hopes it will move forward. Dan Miller stated he has lived in Orem for 50 years and has witnessed all the changes that were discussed. He was able to witness the vision of the community and the leaders who saw the importance to build something for the community to come and participate in activities to grown and learn. He swam and coached and spent most of his life being within the realms of the fitness center. He commends and praises the Council for having the courage to place this issue on the ballot, and fully supports the work of the fitness center and library. He commended the Council for having the same type of vision of those that worked very hard to bring about the city center, library and fitness center. He also commended all those who worked about bringing this great opportunity for residents to continue to grow in Orem. Taylor Davis stated he has been an Orem resident for about 4 years. He said their kids attend the library and fitness center and are excited with the changes that are being proposed. He felt this set of improvements felt spot on. They have 6 kids, and 2 have Down syndrome. They struggle with not having a family changing room when they participate at the fitness center. They were recently in the library in the kids place and they look forward to a bigger area. He expressed his gratitude for the Mayor and Council putting this on the ballot and voiced his enthusiasm towards the proposed improvements. Alan Rex stated he has lived in Orem for 18 years and his family is high users of both facilities being proposed. He felt that although one bond is being retired, this is a new bond and a tax on the residents, and felt this should be spent very judiciously. He felt if there is something the private sector can do for the community the city should allow them to provide that amenity. He is in favor of doing the bond and felt the cost of the library improvements could be paid for without the bond, with some of the designs of the fitness center being obtained by the private sector. He felt the indoor track and family changing rooms are something they could use that is not available by the private sector and would add value to the fitness center. He voiced his support as they move forward and felt it was an appropriate use of bond money, although he City Council Minutes – September 18, 2018 (p.9) A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings would suggest paying it off sooner. Russ Bird stated he is relatively a new member of Orem, although he has a background in parks and recreation and understands the importance and value of the facilities being proposed. He supports the library hall changes and felt they need to be addressed in a positive way. He indicated the once “state of the art” facility of the fitness center is badly in need of repair and is no longer what it was. He indicated that now was the time for Orem to validate its forward thinking nature. One thing that stands out to him is that a lot of the participation in the fitness center has been syphoned off with private facilities. The ability to improve this facility and have those amenities within the city is a great opportunity to bring those residents recreation back to the city. Hearing no further comments Mayor Brunst closed the public hearing at 6:37 pm Mayor Brunst indicated he felt they are reinvesting in the community for the future. The senior community center was rebuilt after a fire, the city has a new buildings for the public safety and public works departments, and if they don’t continue to re-invest in the future they will not be able to move the city in the correct direction for our children and our grandchildren. The community is growing and we should invest in its future. Mr. Macdonald stated that a lot of improvements made to the library and Fitness Center have been done by private donors and would like to thank those that have contributed to those improvements. He stated the library will provide more opportunities for the community not just for more books. The fitness center is breaking down and needs to be updated and he is honored to give the community an opportunity to vote on the issue for the children, grandchildren and those in the future. Mr. Sumner stated he is excited to have the opportunity to vote on the bond. He has had several questions asked of him as to the possibility of the cost being larger than the bond will allow. Mr. Davidson stated they have worked in a small cushion with the understanding it is hard to anticipate what the future holds. Some of the questions are interest rates and building costs and they have tried to accommodate those changes. In the event there is a need to supplement costs, that would be a conversation they would have with the council. Funds could possibly come from the general fund or value engineer which will modify some of the changes being proposed. Mr. Lentz stated private donors can also sponsor the projects if things change and there are funds needed to not reduce the proposed improvements. Discussion continued regarding variables that could affect the project and how that can be addressed. The benefits of having both facilities combine in one bond project. The CARE Tax that has been contributed to the project along with private funds that have been donated for the projects. Mayor Brunst stated both will be a benefit to the families of Orem and a wonderful benefit for the future. City Council Minutes – September 18, 2018 (p.10) A complete video of the meeting can be found at www.orem.org/meetings PUBLIC HEARING - ORDINANCE - 2018 Orem Moderate-Income Housing Study Mayor Brunst stated Staff had requested this item be continued to the October 23, 2018 City Council Meeting due to noticing requirements that were not met. Mayor Brunst moved to continue the 2018 Orem Moderate-Income Housing study to the October 23, 2018 City Council Meeting. Mr. Lentz seconded Those voting aye: Richard F. Brunst, Debby Lauret, Sam Lentz, Tom Macdonald, Mark Seastrand, David Spencer, and Brent Sumner. The motion passed. COMMUNICATION ITEMS There were no communications items. CITY MANAGER INFORMATION ITEMS There were no items discussed. ADJOURNMENT Mr. Spencer moved to adjourn the meeting. Mr. Macdonald seconded the motion. Those voting aye: Richard F. Brunst, Debby Lauret, Sam Lentz, Tom Macdonald, Mark Seastrand, David Spencer, and Brent Sumner. The motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 6:53 p.m. JoD’Ann Bates, City Recorder Approved: October 9, 2018