COUNCIL MEETING Wednesday, June 15, 2011
7:00 p.m.
CITY OFFICES 220 East Morris Avenue – Suite 200
South Salt Lake, Utah 84115
PRESIDING Council Chair Casey Fitts
CONDUCTING Council Member Michael Rutter
SERIOUS MOMENT OF REFLECTION/
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Council Member Ryan Gold
SERGEANT AT ARMS Officer John Ferguson
COUNCIL MEMBERS PRESENT:
Casey Fitts, Ryan Gold, Irvin H. Jones Jr., Boyd Marshall, Michael Rutter, LeRoy Turner and John Weaver
STAFF PRESENT:
Mayor Cherie Wood Charee Peck, Chief of Staff Lyn Creswell, City Attorney Kyle Kershaw, Finance Director Mont Roosendaal, Fleet Manager Ron Morris, Fire Chief
Mike Florence, Community Development Director Kayla Moss, Deputy City Recorder
STAFF EXCUSED:
Craig Burton
OTHERS PRESENT: See attached list
NO ACTION COMMENTS
1. SCHEDULING. The Deputy City Recorder informed those at the meeting of upcoming events, meetings, activities, etc.
3. MAYOR COMMENTS. Mayor Wood updated Mr. Winter on the crosswalk on 500 East. She discussed it with Dennis Pay and there has to be 600 feet between crosswalks. They could measure from the current crosswalk and put a crosswalk 600 feet from there or move it from Leland. They can put the flags in that were requested. They have been ordered and will be installed shortly.
She also met with Peterbilt of Utah and Harley Davidson and they were both very positive meetings. Both of the businesses seem to be please about where the City is going.
4. CITY ATTORNEY COMMENTS. Lyn Creswell, City Attorney, advised the Council that he and Chief Morris attended a meeting at the State Legislature regarding the County double taxation issue. One way to deal with this that was mentioned is to have the County identify what portion of the fees they collect that are attributable to the
Municipal Fire Departments for hazardous material and bomb response. It was agreed upon last March. Mr. Creswell and Chief Morris will both be involved in this moving forward. This will allow the County to transfer money to us for the services we render.
5. CITY COUNCIL COMMENTS. Council Member Gold attended Huck Finn day and really enjoyed it. He also thinks the park is looking good.
Council Member Weaver asked about Scale and Tails and the permit in question.
Mr. Creswell advised that there is a meeting scheduled on it for tomorrow.
Council Chair Fitts also enjoyed the opportunity to go to Huck Finn Day. He thanked Parks and Recreation Director, Troy Bennett and his staff for putting that together. He also thanked everyone for the wonderful budget season they have had so far.
Council Member Jones stopped by the community project on Saturday and was very impressed by how many people were there helping out.
Council Member Marshall also enjoyed Huck Finn Day. He also went to the Pink Fire Truck day. Our City was well represented and West Jordan was very impressed with how South Salt Lake handles themselves.
6. INFORMATION
a. Youth City Council Update. Zach Johnson, of the Youth City Council, updated the Council on current happenings.
UNFINISHED COUNCIL BUSINESS 1. 2011/2012 Certified Tax Rate.
a. Resolution Adopting Certified Tax Rate and Establishing the Amount of Revenues Generated by Said Tax Rate. Kyle Kershaw, Finance Director, informed the Council that we received the rates from the County last week. This does not constitute a tax increase. The tax rate is done by
the entire taxable property within the City. If a particular property has increased in value they will see a bit more tax liability on their property. If it appraised less then the average of the City they could see a decrease in the actual dollars paid.
Council Member Marshall moved to adopt the resolution for the Certified Tax Rate for the year 2011 in the amount of 0.002691% for total revenue of $4,570,795.00.
MOTION: Boyd Marshall SECOND: LeRoy Turner Roll Call Vote:
Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye 2. 2011/2012 City Budgets.
a. Adopt Budget for Each Fund Separately. Kyle Kershaw, Finance Director, advised that the resolution reflects everything that has been discussed up to this point.
Council Member Marshall moved to adopt the General Fund Budget for fiscal year 2011/2012 in the amount of $24,610,230.
MOTION: Boyd Marshall SECOND: Irvin Jones Roll Call Vote:
Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
Council Member Jones moved to adopt the Capital Improvement Fund Budget for fiscal year 2011/2012 in the amount of $3,826,500.
MOTION: Irivn Jones SECOND: Casey Fitts
Roll Call Vote: Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
Council Member Weaver moved to adopt the Water Utility Fund Budget for fiscal year 2011/2012 in the amount of $2,353,350.
MOTION: John Weaver SECOND: LeRoy Turner Roll Call Vote:
Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
Council Member Gold moved to adopt the Sewer Utility Fund Budget for fiscal year 2011/2012 in the amount of $1,508,000.
MOTION: Ryan Gold SECOND: LeRoy Turner Roll Call Vote:
Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
Council Member Turner moved to adopt the Ambulance Service Fund Budget for fiscal year 2011/2012 in the amount of $1,246,900.
MOTION: LeRoy Turner SECOND: Ryan Gold
Roll Call Vote: Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
Council Member Marshall moved to adopt the Insurance Reserve Fund Budget for fiscal year 2011/2012 in the amount of $454,500.
MOTION: Boyd Marshall SECOND: LeRoy Turner Roll Call Vote:
Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
Council Member Jones moved to adopt the Housing Fund Budget for fiscal year 2011/2012 in the amount of $374,000.
MOTION: Irvin Jones SECOND: Casey Fitts Roll Call Vote:
Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
Council Member Weaver moved to adopt the Sales Tax Debt Service Fund Budget for fiscal year 2011/2012 in the amount of $2,584,082.
MOTION: John Weaver SECOND: Ryan Gold
Roll Call Vote: Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
Council Member Gold moved to adopt the Leased Equipment Debt Fund Budget for fiscal year 2011/2012 in the amount of $312,600.
MOTION: Ryan Gold SECOND: LeRoy Turner Roll Call Vote:
Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
b. Ordinance Adopting Budgets for Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2012. Council Member Turner moved that the Council pass the following Ordinance to adopt the 2011/2012 Budget, with the individual fund budgets as follows:
“City of South Salt Lake, South Salt Lake, Utah Official Budget for Fiscal Year
Ending June 30, 2012”
With the individual fund budgets therein in the following amounts:
General Fund $24,610,230
Capital Improvement Fund 3,826,500 Water Utility Fund 2,353,350 Sewer Utility Fund 1,508,000 Ambulance Service Fund 1,246,900 Insurance Reserve Fund 454,500 Housing Fund 374,000 Sales Tax Debt Service Fund 2,584,082 Leased Equipment Debt Service Fund 312,600
Total $37,270,162
MOTION: LeRoy Turner SECOND: Boyd Marshall Roll Call Vote:
Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
3. An Ordinance of the City of South Salt Lake City Council Increasing the Salary of the Mayor of South Salt Lake. Lyn Creswell, City Attorney, advised that they have previously received this. There have been no changes made. This provides a 4% increase in the Mayor’s salary.
Council Member Weaver made the motion to approve this ordinance.
MOTION: John Weaver SECOND: Casey Fitts Roll Call Vote:
Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
Council Member Rutter wanted to make sure that everyone knew that Council Members did not receive an increase.
4. A Resolution of the City Council of the City of South Salt lake, Utah Authorizing the Redevelopment Agency to Convert its $15,000,000 Excise Tax and Tax Increment Revenue Bonds, Series 2010, from Federally Taxable to Tax Exempt Bonds; Authorizing the Execution of Documents Required in Connection with Such Conversion; and Related Matters. Jason Burningham, RDA Attorney, advised the Council that the RDA took similar action in the previous meeting. This is allowing the bonds that were previously issued for Market Station to acquire some land and promote redevelopment in that area to be converted from taxable bonds to tax-exempt bonds. They were successful in making some changes with the Legislature and this is just taking advantage of that. This saves the City $2.7 Million in interest.
MOTION: Boyd Marshall SECOND: Casey Fitts Roll Call Vote:
Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
NEW COUNCIL BUSINESS
1. Appointments by the Mayor. Mayor Wood advised the Council that there have been some vacancies on the Planning Commission. One was Jerold McPhee who became the Administrative Law Judge and Mike Katsenevas tendered his
resignation. He has been a Planning Commissioner for over 12 years; he just had a son who he wants to spend more time with.
They have appointed Portia Mila a full time member and Jeremy Carter will replace Jerold McPhee.
John Anderson was presented to the Council for advice and consent to become a Planning Commissioner.
Council Member Weaver moved to suspend the rules to vote on this tonight.
MOTION: John Weaver SECOND: LeRoy Turner Voice Vote: Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
Council Member Weaver moved to give consent for this Planning Commissioner.
MOTION: John Weaver SECOND: Boyd Marshall
Roll Call Vote: Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
Mayor Wood also asked for advice and consent to reappoint Rachel Lauritzen as a Planning Commissioner.
Council Member Gold moved to suspend the rules to vote on this tonight.
MOTION: Ryan Gold SECOND: Casey Fitts Voice Vote: Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
Council Member Turner moved to reappoint Rachel Lauritzen to Planning Commission.
MOTION: LeRoy Turner SECOND: Boyd Marshall Roll Call Vote:
Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
Mayor Wood also asked that Mike Florence receive advice and consent to become the Director of Community Development.
Council Member Turner moved to suspend the rules to vote on this tonight.
Voice Vote: Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
Council Member Turner moved to give consent to appoint Mike Florence as Director of Community Development.
MOTION: LeRoy Turner SECOND: Casey Fitts Voice Vote: Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
2. A Resolution Providing for the Holding of a Special Bond Election in the City of South Salt Lake, Utah, at the Same Time as the Municipal General
Election, for the Purpose of Submitting to the Qualified Electors Thereof the Question of the Issuance and Sale of General Obligation Bonds of the City in an amount not to exceed [$25,000,000] for the Purpose of Acquiring and Developing the Granite High School Property for Community Arts, Recreational and Educational Purposes; Providing for the Holding of a Public Hearing and the Publication of a Notice of Public Hearing; and Providing for Related Matters. Mr. Creswell advised there was considerable discussion on this last week during the Work Meeting. Council Member Weaver asked about the term length and Mr.Kershaw said he has prepared some
information on that. It is still their recommendation to stay with the 30 year term.
Mr. Kershaw gave the Council a handout on the different terms and discussed the amounts from there; a copy of this is included and incorporated by this reference.
Council Member Weaver felt that the Council should consider doing a 20 or 25 year bond instead of 30 to save interest.
Maura Carabello, of the Exoro Group, recommended to the Council that part of the education campaign includes the discussion of operations and maintenance cost. It is their belief that operation and maintenance is going to be about ten dollars a year, or about eighty-three cents a month. They based it on a thirty year term because that would create the total obligation to be seven dollars a month.
That directly reflects what was asked and answered when they first did the survey. The seven dollars a month is their recommendation.
There was then a lengthy discussion on which terms should be used for the bond.
Council Member Marshall moved to bring this resolution back with 30 year terms on July 13, 2011.
MOTION: Boyd Marshall SECOND: LeRoy Turner Voice Vote: Fitts Nay Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Nay
Mr. Creswell was very concerned about this vote. They have sought unanimity for this vote and didn’t see that tonight.
Council Chair Fitts advised that he will support a 30 year bond if that is what is determined to be the best option. He thinks that they need to look into all of the information before making the complete decision to make sure it is the right one.
Council Member Weaver advised that he requested this information last meeting and they’ve only had 30 minutes to discuss and look at it. He thinks there may be a better deal and is feeling too pushed to make the decision. He doesn’t feel like this has given him due diligence to look at it.
Council Member Weaver moved to also have a resolution with 25 year terms brought to the meeting on July 13, 2011.
MOTION: John Weaver SECOND: Casey Fitts Voice Vote: Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
Mayor Wood asked Ms. Carabello to come and talk to them one more time about the Freedom Festival and what they are able to present there because of the two ballot amounts.
Ms. Carabello advised that there is no easy way to structure this now. They won’t be able to keep their attention very long if they don’t have a solid number. She suggests that they don’t do this at the Freedom Fest now. She is going to call the opinion researcher to see if they can do another opinion poll. She is inclined to poll the notion over the actual amount, i.e. is it more important to you that you pay less over the long run and more over the monthly and vice-versa. This would give them a better idea of what the voters are thinking. She needs to be able to express the City’s intent in one sentence to have a conversation with the voters.
Council Chair Fitts asked if the Council’s request for more information makes it more difficult for them to do what they need to do when they have been asked to educate the voters.
Ms. Carabello advised that it does make it harder. The more complex the
conversation you have with the voter the harder it is to have clarity. When making budget decisions the voter relies on clarity.
Council Member Weaver thinks that we need to focus on what they get for 25 million dollars. Then he thinks that we need to ask whether they want to pay more for shorter time or less for a longer time.
Ms. Carabello advised that money will not be in the discussion if it isn’t definite. They will talk more about the mechanism.
Council Chair Fitts now thinks that it needs to be 30 years.
Mayor Wood advised the Council that they need to realize that with the 25 years on the table now they have changed the campaign. She does not want to risk anything by not rolling this out at the Freedom Festival.
Council Member Gold moved to retract the motion asking to bring back the resolution with 25 year terms.
MOTION: Ryan Gold
Roll Call Vote: Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Nay
Council Member Weaver moved to adjourn.
MOTION: John Weaver SECOND: Boyd Marshall Voice Vote: Fitts Aye Gold Aye Jones Aye Marshall Aye Rutter Aye Turner Aye Weaver Aye
The meeting adjourned at 8:46 p.m.
____________________________________
Casey Fitts, Council Chair
_____________________________ Craig D. Burton, City Recorder
