City Council

Thursday, March 1,2001
Minutes



ST. GEORGE CITY COUNCIL MINUTES REGULAR MEETING MARCH 1, 2001, 4:00 P.M. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS PRESENT: Mayor Daniel McArthur Councilmember Rod Orton Councilmember Bob Whatcott Councilmember Suzanne Allen Councilmember Larry Gardner Councilmember Sharon Isom City Manager Gary Esplin City Attorney Jonathan Wright City Recorder Gay Cragun OPENING: Mayor McArthur called the meeting to order and welcomed all in attendance. The flag salute was led by Loren Webb, and the invocation was offered by Larry Bulloch. RECOGNIZE CITY EMPLOYEE: Mayor McArthur read a letter from the Metcalf family praising City employee Jason Crow for administering CPR to Kenneth Metcalf and saving his life. Mr. Metcalf and his family expressed appreciation to Mr. Crow and presented him with a check for $1,000. The Metcalf family also presented a check to the St. George Fire Department to continue its program of CPR training. RECOGNIZE SCOUTS: Mayor McArthur invited Scouts from Troops 401, 817, 534, 515, 530 and 415 to introduce themselves. RECOGNIZE PINE VIEW BASKETBALL TEAMS: Mayor McArthur congratulated the Pine View Girls’ and Boys’ Basketball Teams and their coaches for winning the Utah State 3A Basketball Championships and applauded them for their athletic excellence and sportsmanship. Mayor McArthur read proclamations applauding the accomplishments of the teams and presented a key to the City to Pine View High School Principal Marshall Topham. RECOGNIZE PAUL DOXEY: Mayor McArthur recognized Paul Doxey for his volunteerism and efforts on behalf of the Pioneer Center for the Arts and presented him with a Patron of the Arts award. ADJOURN TO REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MEETING: A motion to adjourn to a Redevelopment Agency meeting was made by Councilmember Allen. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Isom. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: CouncilmemberAllen - aye Councilmember Isom - aye Councilmember Gardner - aye Councilmember Orton - aye Councilmember Whatcott - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. RECONVENE: A motion to reconvene was made by Councilmember Orton. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Allen. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: Councilmember Orton - aye Councilmember Allen - aye Councilmember Whatcott - aye Councilmember Gardner - aye Councilmember Orton - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. AWARD OF BID: Consider award of bid for construction of the Little Valley Special Improvement District project. St. George City Council Minutes March 1, 2001 Page Two Purchasing Agent Sue Swensen presented nine bids received: Western Rock Products $1,109,616.43 Quality Excavation $1,110,000 Claw Construction $1,121,269.49 Sunroc Corporation $1,179,197.27 Orton Excavation $1,214,601.22 Interstate Rock Products $1,251,585.68 Merrick Young Construction $1,274,130.98 Progressive Contracting $1,360,074.41 Steeds, Inc. $1,529,559.55 She recommended award of the bid to the low bidder, Western Rock Products, in the amount of $1,109,616.43. A motion was made by Councilmember Orton to award the bid to the low bidder, Western Rock Products, in the amount of $1,109,616.43. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Whatcott. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: Councilmember Orton - aye Councilmember Whatcott - aye Councilmember Isom - aye Councilmember Allen - aye Councilmember Gardner - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. AWARD OF BID: Consider award of bid for the annual crack seal project for the City. Purchasing Agent Sue Swensen presented four bids received: Superior Asphalt $45,695 M&M Asphalt $72,500 Gordon Paving $69,500 Morgan Pavement $45,600 She recommended award of the bid to the low bidder, Morgan Pavement, in the amount of $45,600. A motion was made by Councilmember Isom to award the bid to the low bidder, Morgan Pavement, in the amount of $45,600. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Allen. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: Councilmember Isom - aye Councilmember Allen - aye Councilmember Gardner - aye Councilmember Orton - aye Councilmember Whatcott - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. SET PUBLIC HEARING: Associate Planner Mark Bradley advised that the Planning Commission, at its meeting held February 27, 2001, recommended a public hearing be scheduled for April 5, 2001 at 5:00 p.m. to consider a zone change from C-2 to C-3 for one acre of property located on the north side of Tabernacle at 831 and 857 East. Dave Forsyth is the applicant. A motion was made by Councilmember Isom to schedule the public hearing as recommended by the Planning Commission. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Whatcott. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: Councilmember Isom - aye Councilmember Whatcott - aye Councilmember Orton - aye St. George City Council Minutes March 1, 2001 Page Three Councilmember Allen - aye Councilmember Gardner - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. PRELIMINARY PLAT: Associate Planner Mark Bradley advised that the Planning Commission, at its meeting held February 27, 2001, recommended approval of the preliminary plat for Clear Creek Ranch Subdivision located north of Middleton Drive on 1700 East. There is a 25’ no-building easement for lots adjacent to the Middleton Wash (Lots 1-7). A motion to approve the preliminary plat was made by Councilmember Gardner. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Isom. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: Councilmember Gardner - aye Councilmember Isom - aye Councilmember Allen - aye Councilmember Orton - aye Councilmember Whatcott - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. SIDEWALK WAIVER: Associate Planner Mark Bradley advised that the Planning Commission, at its meeting held February 27, 2001, recommended the requirements for a portion of sidewalk located on the south side of 240 South Street between 2200 East Street and Lot 168 of Slickrock Ridge Phase IV be waived subject to the condition that the trail be accessible from 240 South Street, the proposed trail steps connect the two locations, and appropriate signage be placed at the entrance to advise the access is not ADA accessible. The City of St. George is the applicant. A motion to approve the sidewalk waiver as recommended by the Planning Commission was made by Councilmember Gardner. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Isom. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: Councilmember Gardner - aye Councilmember Isom - aye Councilmember Allen - aye Councilmember Whatcott - aye Councilmember Orton - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. FINAL PLAT: Associate Planner Mark Bradley advised that the Planning Commission, at its meeting held February 27, 2001, recommended approval of the final plat for Sun River 5B. Darcy Stewart is the applicant. A motion was made by Councilmember Isom to approve the final plat as recommended by the Planning Commission and authorize the Mayor to sign it. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Whatcott. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: Councilmember Isom - aye Councilmember Whatcott - aye Councilmember Allen - aye Councilmember Orton - aye Councilmember Gardner - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. FINAL PLAT: Associate Planner Mark Bradley advised that the Planning Commission, at its meeting held February 27, 2001, recommended approval of the final plat for Crimson Cliffs Phase I. A sidewalk, four foot landscape strip with street trees, St. George City Council Minutes March 1, 2001 Page Four and privacy wall are requirements for double frontage lots along a public street. Derrill Larkin is the applicant. A motion was made by Councilmember Isom to approve the final plat as recommended by the Planning Commission and authorize the Mayor to sign it. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Orton. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: Councilmember Isom - aye Councilmember Orton - aye Councilmember Gardner - aye Councilmember Whatcott - aye Councilmember Allen - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. FINAL PLAT: Associate Planner Mark Bradley advised that the Planning Commission, at its meeting held February 27, 2001, recommended approval of the amended final plat for The Cliffs of Snow Canyon Plat A Amended. The purpose for amending the plat is to add 15 feet of limited common area to the rear of the pad and change the front pad setback from 18 feet to 20 feet. The sideyard setback area is also designated as limited common area. The amended plat shows the pad completely surrounded by limited common area, whereas the original plat only showed limited common area in the front setback area and common area elsewhere. In addition, more notes and restrictions were added to the amended plat, as well as another acknowledgment. Randy Deschamps is the applicant. Councilmember Gardner made a motion to approve the amended final plat as recommended by the Planning Commission and authorize the Mayor to sign it. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Isom. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: Councilmember Gardner - aye Councilmember Isom - aye Councilmember Whatcott - aye Councilmember Allen - aye Councilmember Orton - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. FINAL PLAT: Associate Planner Mark Bradley advised that the Planning Commission, at its meeting held February 27, 2001, recommended approval of the amended final plat for The Cliffs of Snow Canyon Plat B Amended and Extended. The purpose for amending the plat is to add 10 feet of limited common area to the rear of the pad and 20 feet to the rear of the pad along Sand Hollow Wash. The sideyard setback is also designated as limited common area. There is a boundary line adjustment which includes a little more property than the original plat. The amended plat shows the pad completely surrounded by limited common area, whereas the original plat only showed limited common area in the front setback area and common area elsewhere. In addition, more notes and restrictions were added to the amended plat, as well as another acknowledgment. Randy Deschamps in the applicant. Councilmember Isom made a motion to approve the amended final plat as recommended by the Planning Commission and authorize the Mayor to sign it. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Gardner. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: Councilmember Isom - aye Councilmember Gardner - aye Councilmember Allen - aye Councilmember Orton - aye Councilmember Whatcott - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. St. George City Council Minutes March 1, 2001 Page Five IMPACT FEE DEFERRALS: Consider recommendations from the Affordable Housing Committee regarding the allocation of 60 impact fee deferrals for 2001. Community Development Director Bob Nicholson explained that the City’s affordable housing plan allows impact fee deferrals for 60 units each year. This year the City received requests from five development groups for deferrals for 102 units. The Affordable Housing Committee met and made its recommendation as follows: CDI 15 units Campbell/Hogue 15 units Far West Const. 16 units K&K Const. 12 Habitat for Humanity 2 He explained that the Committee’s recommendation is based on established criteria with a priority given to first time homebuyers and single family homes. The Committee also recommends the deferrals be used (issuance of a building permit and income verification) by August 1 or they would be subject to reallocation. Mayor McArthur suggested basing the number of deferrals given on a percentage of total building permits issued rather than the arbitrary number of 60. Councilmember Isom advised the Affordable Housing Committee would gladly consider any criteria requested by the City Council. She advised the St. George Housing Authority is used to verify income. She advised that priority was given to first time homebuyers. Additionally, the Committee recommends that the income limit of 80% of the area median income be increased. She advised the Committee discussed the recommended disbursement at length and feels good about the recommendation. Terry Hogue from Campbell/Hogue and a representative of Far West Construction introduced themselves to the Council. A motion was made by Councilmember Gardner to approve the impact fee deferrals as recommended by the Affordable Housing Committee. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Isom. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: Councilmember Gardner - aye Councilmember Isom - aye Councilmember Allen - aye Councilmember Orton - aye Councilmember Whatcott - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. VETERANS’ REQUEST RE BURIAL PLOTS AT TONAQUINT CEMETERY: Consider a request from the Veterans Alliance concerning purchase of burial plots at the Tonaquint Cemetery. This item was tabled for discussion at an upcoming work meeting. TASK ORDER/COROLLO ENGINEERS: Consider approval of a task order for the Quail Creek sodium hypochlorite project with Corollo Engineers. City Manager Gary Esplin explained the City Council previously approved a project at the Quail Creek Water Treatment Plant to convert the plant to a hypochlorite system, and Corollo Engineers is helping with inspection and design work. The amount of the change order is $16,422, and staff recommends approval. Mayor McArthur advised that as a member of the Drinking Water Board, he is aware that many communities are changing from a chlorine to sodium hypochlorite system as it is non-toxic yet just as effective. A motion was made by Councilmember Gardner to approve the change order in the amount of $16,422. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Whatcott. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: St. George City Council Minutes March 1, 2001 Page Six Councilmember Gardner - aye Councilmember Whatcott - aye Councilmember Orton - aye Councilmember Allen - aye Councilmember Isom - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. LETTER OF UNDERSTANDING WITH UAMPS: Consider approval of a letter of understanding between the City and Utah Association of Municipal Power Systems. City Manager Gary Esplin advised that 69kV lines currently provide power to Washington, Santa Clara and the City. Washington and Santa Clara have previously been participants in the project, but now would like an ownership interest in the lines. They will pay the City an amount to purchase the line rather than pay rent. Percentages will remain the same with the City retaining 84.7% ownership of the lines. A motion was made by Councilmember Isom to approve the letter of understanding as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Gardner. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: Councilmember Isom - aye Councilmember Gardner - aye Councilmember Allen - aye Councilmember Orton - aye Councilmember Whatcott - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. POLE LINE ATTACHMENT POLICY: Consider approval of a policy regarding pole line attachment agreements. City Manager Gary Esplin advised that currently cable TV and telephone companies use City poles and have supposed to be paying for that use. However, this has not been consistently enforced in the past, and staff is recommending adoption of a policy requiring a pole attachment agreement with a charge of $12 a year per pole. A motion was made by Councilmember Allen to approve the pole attachment policy. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Whatcott. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: Councilmember Allen - aye Councilmember Whatcott -aye Councilmember Orton - aye Councilmember Isom - aye Councilmember Gardner - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT: Consider approval of a special event permit for an Emergency Medical Technicians event at Bluff Street Park on May 10, 2001. City Manager Gary Esplin advised the applicant requests permission to land a helicopter at Bluff Street Park as part of the celebration. Staff recommends approval subject to FAA clearance. A motion was made by Councilmember Gardner to approve the special event permit subject to FAA clearance. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Whatcott. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: Councilmember Gardner - aye Councilmember Whatcott - aye Councilmember Orton - aye Councilmember Isom - aye Councilmember Allen - aye St. George City Council Minutes March 1, 2001 Page Seven The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Consider approval of the minutes of the City Council work meeting held February 8, 2001. Consider approval of the minutes of the regular City Council meeting held February 15, 2001. Consider approval of the minutes of the special City Council meeting held February 20, 2001. A motion was made by Councilmember Gardner to approve the minutes for February 8, February 15, and February 20, 2001 as amended. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Isom. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: Councilmember Gardner - aye Councilmember Isom - aye Councilmember Allen - aye Councilmember Orton - aye Councilmember Whatcott - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. NEW BUSINESS: Councilmember Isom advised that Jim Slemboski informed her odor was still coming from the sewer plant. He also thanked the City Council for not running the generators at the wastewater treatment plant. ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION: A motion to adjourn to an executive session to discuss litigation was made by Councilmember Gardner and seconded by Councilmember Whatcott. Mayor McArthur called for a roll call vote, as follows: Councilmember Gardner - aye Councilmember Whatcott - aye Councilmember Allen - aye Councilmember Isom - aye Councilmember Orton - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. RECONVENE: A motion to reconvene was made by Councilmember Isom and seconded by Councilmember Whatcott. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: Councilmember Isom - aye Councilmember Whatcott - aye Councilmember Orton - aye Councilmember Allen - aye Councilmember Gardner - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. DISCUSSION RE GOLF IMPROVEMENTS: City Manager Gary Esplin advised that he and Golf Superintendent Jerome Jones recently toured the Sunbrook Golf Course. Mr. Jones has strong suggestions on changes to improve the course. There are pumping and coverage problems, and funds for capital improvements are needed above and beyond revenues. Mr. Esplin advised it would take $400,000 to rebuild tees, plant bermuda and make other needed improvements to the eleven year old course if the City plana on competing with new courses in the area. Improvements are needed to the City’s other courses too. He proposed using some of the unappropriated fund balance in the General Fund as a loan to the golf course at a 6-6.5% interest rate. This would enable the City to make enough improvements to the courses to face the competition and pay interest back to the City. In essence, the City would be St. George City Council Minutes March 1, 2001 Page Eight financing its own project. It was the consensus of those present to pursue this suggestion. ADJOURN: A motion to adjourn was made by Councilmember Whatcott and seconded by Councilmember Allen. Mayor McArthur called for a vote, as follows: Councilmember Whatcott - aye Councilmember Allen - aye Councilmember Orton - aye Councilmember Gardner - aye Councilmember Isom - aye The vote was unanimous and the motion carried. The meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m. _______________________________ Gay Cragun, City Recorder