SOUTH JORDAN CITY

CITY COUNCIL MEETING

 

December 15, 2009

 

Present:        Mayor Pro Tempore Leona Winger, Council Member Brian Butters, Council Member Kathie Johnson, Council Member Larry Short, Council Member Aleta Taylor, Police Chief Lindsay Shepherd, City Attorney Rob Wall, City Manager John Geilmann, ACM Administrative Services Laurie Johnson, ACM Municipal Services Gary Whatcott

 

Others:          Joe McGriff, Michelle Ogden, Mitch Mecham, Tyler Ogden, Sam Brown, Aelanan Gutierrez, Jordan Palmer, Aaron Osmond, Steve Duckworth, Stacey Reeder, Marty Reeder, Motty Reeder, Alli Cowdell, Julie Davis, Allyson Davis, Steve Barnes, Christy Harris, Morgan Olson, Lexi Hansen, Angela Malmrose, SherRon Smith, Barbara Hansen

 

6:00 P.M.

CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Winger noted the Youth Mayor and council members that were present.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Winger recognized Tom Hicks, Bingham High principal. She also recognized Dave Peck, Bingham High football coach, as well as his coaching staff. She noted that there are members of the drama department present as well as members of the tennis group. She noted that Principal Hicks is in favor of an indoor tennis court as well as a swimming facility that has lap lanes.

 

REGULAR MEETING

 

I.          GENERAL BUSINESS

 

A.        Welcome and Roll Call

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Winger welcomed everyone present. All members of the City Council were present. She excused Mayor Money who was not present at the meeting.

 

B.        Opening Ceremony

 

1.         Invocation

 

Council Member Butters offered the invocation.

 

2.         Pledge of Allegiance

 

Travis McCray led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Winger said the Police Chief has given a special invitation to the youth council and football players. Following their presentation, they will be offered a tour of the SWAT vehicle. There are also refreshments available.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Winger said she and Council Member Johnson saw the emergency response staff in action recently. She commended the staff for the tremendous job that they do.

 

Proclamation – Recognition of the Bingham High School Football Team for Winning the Utah State Class 5-A State Football Championship for 2009.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Winger read the proclamation in recognition of the 2009 Bingham High School Football Team.

 

Travis McCray presented the City with a picture of the football team signed by all of the players. He and the other football captain thanked the city for their support.

 

Dave Peck, Bingham High football coach, indicated that South Jordan is a great community. They have good support and good people. He said Mr. Hicks is the best principal in the state. He said he has great assistant coaches. He said he believes there is no better school in America than Bingham High School. He indicated that the football players put in a lot of time and they are great individuals.

 

Tom Hicks, Bingham High Principal, echoed the sentiments of Coach Peck. He said it is a pleasure to represent Bingham with the football programs. He said the school has hundreds of programs at the school that excel. He said he is proud of what they do academically and athletically. He said they display trophies and awards given to the different school groups each year. He said they already have 50-60 trophies from this school year so far. He invited the City Council to the Candlelight concert scheduled for next week. He said next year, they will be celebrating 100 years of Bingham High football. He said he is sorry to see a great group of Seniors go, but watch for them next year as well.

 

C.        Motion to Approve Amended Agenda Items, If Any

 

None.

 

D.        Minute Approval

 

1.         December 1, 2009 Work Session Minutes

 

                        2.         December 1, 2009 Regular Meeting Minutes

 

Council Member Butters made a motion to approve the December 1, 2009 City Council Work Session and Regular Meeting minutes.

 

Council Member Taylor made a change to page 5 of the work session minutes.

 

Council Member Butters accepted the change to the minutes. Council Member Johnson seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor.

 

II.         AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS

 

A.        Presentation – City Manager John Geilmann

 

Marty Shob, President of the Utah Emergency Management Association, presented their Presidents award to Director of Emergency and Risk Services Dustin Lewis. She said Mr. Lewis is a past president and a long standing member of the Association. She said Mr. Lewis is the architect of their success as an Association.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Winger said nothing worries her more than being prepared to handle any emergency. Mr. Lewis was recognized for taking control and building up the City’s emergency preparedness program. His family was also recognized.  

 

B.        Tennis Association Update

 

Oz Balfour, South Jordan Tennis Association, recognized several that are at the meeting in support of him. He recognized Mayor Pro Tempore Winger for her vision with the City’s tennis program. He said in 2005, they started the South Jordan Tennis Association and started a tournament. He noted that the US Tennis Association has a program that supports tennis at the grass roots level. He said the South Jordan Tennis Association has an annual tournament for about 100 players. They have tennis social events and offer free lessons. He said on the city courts, people have to wait their turn to use them. He said there are plans to enclose the courts so access is more controlled. He said they are working with the Parks and Recreation Department because they would like covered courts. He said tennis is viable in the area. They have men’s and women’s teams that have to play outside the City.

 

Jean Greenwood, Utah Tennis Association Board Member, passed out some information to the City Council regarding the benefits of having indoor courts on this side of town. She said it would be good for the schools and community. She said the High School tennis team does not have a state championship and she attributes that to the lack of indoor courts in this area for them to practice year round. She said tennis is a growing sport. It is for all ages; they are not just promoting this for a specific factor of the community. They are working with the city on plans for a covered facility and they hope to make that a permanent situation.

 

Parks and Recreation Director Don Tingey thanked the Tennis Association for their work in planning for an indoor tennis court. Mayor Pro Tempore Winger asked about money available from the US Tennis Association. Ms. Greenwood said to get that money, there is a grant process. The funds are not as prevalent today as they were a couple of years ago. She said the US Tennis Association really looks at partnerships and are more willing to match funds. They cannot carry a whole project.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Winger said no commitments will be made tonight on this issue. She noted that the City Council has talked about a person that lives in Las Vegas that promotes tennis. They may possibly make contact with that person and his group. Ms. Greenwood said tennis is expensive to play at the private level. To have courts on the city and county levels makes it much more affordable and possible for more individuals to play. She said they have an active league with 80 year old players.

 

Council Member Short asked about the utilization of the courts during the summer months. Ms. Greenwood indicated that there is typically a fan system installed. She said many people don’t mind playing indoors to avoid sun exposure. She said with indoor courts the usage does not go down, especially if there is programming for the kids. It would be utilized 12 months out of the year.

 

Parks and Recreation Director Tingey said there is a small representation of the tennis players in South Jordan present at the meeting. They are great to work with. He concurred that there is standing room only at the tennis courts in the summer months. An indoor tennis court is desirable.

 

 

Sharon Weeks, Senior Citizens Committee, said the committee assisted the City with the certificates given out to veterans on Constitution Day. She discussed a fund raiser being done for senior activities. Council Member Taylor donated a doll and the seniors have made a wardrobe for the doll. It will be raffled off. Over $500 in tickets have been sold for the raffle. Starting in the new year, the committee is offering free birthday lunches at the luncheons that they host. She said they hope this will encourage more membership. She said they have had a difficult time getting their group together due to illness. She thanked the City for their support.

 

Council Member Taylor said Ms. Weeks is responsible for the financial reports from the Seniors. She said the group has tremendous skills that they bring to this committee. They are a very committed group.

 

III.        INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS

 

A.        CALENDARING ITEMS

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Winger said there is a meeting in Glenmoor at Welby Elementary on February 10th to address the situations in Glenmoor. She said it will be a quiet environment. It will be community oriented problem solving. The City Council will have a work session prior to the February 10th meeting to discuss how the meeting will be handled.

 

Council Member Butters noted the City Council visioning meeting on January 28th. CM Geilmann said it will start at 8:30 a.m. at the Gale Center.

 

Council Member Taylor noted Elected Officials Day on January 27th at the Capital.

 

Council Member Taylor said staff previously set up a legislative luncheon to discuss upcoming issues with their legislative representatives. She said staff also made a book with how the legislative issues affect the City. She said they went to a lot of work. Because of that, South Jordan is known and taken seriously by the legislators. Mayor Pro Tempore Winger concurred. She said Senator Howard Stephenson indicated that the meeting conducted by South Jordan was very informative.

 

Council Member Johnson said there is an organization being started in the City called Healthy South Jordan. It will promote healthy activities in the City. After the holidays, they are starting a biggest loser contest, which is a 12 week program.

 

Council Member Butters complimented the staff on the snow removal process in the City so far this winter. It has been excellent. Council Member Short concurred. Council Member Taylor said some revisions to the policies were made this year. She thanked them for the changes that will improve safety.

 

Council Member Short noted the General Plan meetings scheduled for January 7th and January 27th.

 

B.        COMMENTS FROM MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Winger complimented the Arts Council on the production of Annie. She said they did a wonderful job and many children were involved.

 

C.        CITY MANAGER BUSINESS

 

Finance Director Dean Lundell said there are bonds issues through the Municipal Building Authority. One was to construct the fitness center and the other was to purchase the library and build the Gale Center. There was another bond to purchase Mulligans. He said the City’s bond rating has improved from AA- to AA. CM Geilmann said the only way to have a better rating is to increase their population.

 

City Engineer Klavano said there have been some issues between Rocky Mountain Power and UDOT regarding the relocation of power lines in the 11400 South corridor. He said the issue is that Rocky Mountain Power’s existing lines are 46 kv. They want to purchase the easement and ready the area for a 138 kv line. He said to do that, a 29 ft. aerial easement is needed and it encroaches on a number of property owners from 1300 West to 3600 West. He said right now, the plan is for UDOT to approach the property owners about purchasing a 21 ft. aerial easement in their back yards. They are going to start at 2700 West, going west.

 

Council Member Taylor asked if those property owners will be able to keep their property the way it is currently? City Engineer Klavano said there may be some height restrictions in the easement as they will need clearance for maintenance of the easement. They won’t be allowed to have fire pits or to store flammable materials. If there are existing structures, those will be exempted.

 

Council Member Short said the trees will be a huge area of concern. City Engineer Klavano said they can have trees, but there will be height restrictions.

 

The Council discussed the value of an aerial easement. City Engineer Klavano said he is not sure what the rate is for an aerial easement. Council Member Butters asked if someone is unwilling to grant the aerial easement, will it go through condemnation? City Engineer Klavano said yes.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Winger asked for an update on 10400 South. City Engineer Klavano said the road is totally open, except between 2200 and 2700 West, westbound. That section should open in a few weeks. There will be intermittent closures until Spring. They will be working on sidewalks and landscaping, and they are still working on some of the signal lights. The ribbon cutting for the road is scheduled for January 8th, 2009.

 

D.        NEW BUSINESS

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Winger said Steve Duckworth is present as a nominee of the Board of Adjustments. CM Geilmann said they determined to hold off on Board of Adjustment nominees until after their visioning meeting. They will be having a discussion on the direction of the Board of Adjustments in the future.

 

The City Council determined to get an introduction from Mr. Duckworth.

 

Steve Duckworth, said he was employed with AT & T. He was also for the former President of The Cottages. Mr. Duckworth indicated that he appreciates the opportunity to serve the City. He lived in SLC his entire life. He and his wife raised their family in the East Millcreek area. He said he served on a state emergency preparedness board and he also served on the Salt Lake Olympic Committee. He said he believes in serving the community.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Winger said they are fortunate to have Mr. Duckworth in our City. They will let him know what happens with the Board of Adjustments.

 

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Winger recognized some scouts present. Scout Venture Group 186 (from the Glenmoor area) were introduced.

 

IV.       CITIZEN COMENT

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Winger noted that several residents wished to discuss the need and desire for covered tennis courts. That issue was already discussed.

 

Aaron Osmond, 11466 Country Knoll Rd., said he recently ran for Mayor of the City. What he learned about the City was impressive. He said the Administration, the City Council, and staff do a great job in running the City. He said he was grateful for how kind and respectful Mayor Money was during the election. He offered congratulations for Council Member Short and Council Member Butters. He said the election was intense for him and there were issues that strained relationships. He apologized for that. He said he has a sincere desire to serve the City. He said any capacity that the City can use his time, he offers that now.

 

V.        SUMMARY ACTION CALEDNAR

 

A.        Consideration of Resolution R2009-43, Approving the Establishment of a Community Service Citizen Committee for the Purpose of Reviewing and Analyzing Current Issues and Future Practices Relative to a Secondary Water System.

 

B.        Request for Approval of “Summer Jam West” Grant Application By Barbara Hansen in the Amount of $8,000.

 

C.        Request for Approval of “Youth Theater Training” Grant Application By Michelle Wilden in the Amount of $4,000.

 

D.        Appointment of Marlyn Bailey as Replacement for Exiting Member Harold Rossberg on the Senior’s Committee; Appointment of Richard McMullin as Replacement for Exiting Member Elmo Turner on the Historical Committee.

 

E.        Re-Appointment of MaryAnn Mutsch to the Senior’s Committee.

 

F.         Re-Appointment of Linda Auger to the Planning Commission.

 

Council Member Butters made a motion to approve items B., C., D., and F. on the Summary Action Calendar, and to pull items A. and E. Council Member Short seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor.

 

VI.       SUMMARY ACTION ITEMS HELD OVER

 

A.        Consideration of Resolution R2009-43, Approving the Establishment of a Community Service Citizen Committee for the Purpose of Reviewing and Analyzing Current Issues and Future Practices Relative to a Secondary Water System.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore noted that Mayor Money would speak highly of this Resolution. The purpose is to have citizen input to be given to the City Council.

 

Council Member Butters said in the Resolution he would like no provision given for anyone on the City Council to serve on the citizens committee. That committee should be bringing recommendations to the City Council. Council Member Short said as a City Council, they should stay out of the committee and see what the citizens have to say about this issue. Mayor Pro Tempore Winger concurred.

 

Council Member Taylor said Mayor Money asked her to work with the committee. She said she has the passion on the issue to look for some answers. She said she would not in any way sway the issues. Everything has to come back and be reviewed by the City Council. She said she would keep the committee cohesive and running.

 

Council Member Short said the passion should be from the citizens. They need to bring their ideas out. Council Member Taylor said she has invested many hours on this issue. The City has invested money in educating her on water issues. It was noted that she is in favor of a secondary water system if it is affordable and practical. Council Member Short said this should be an independent citizens committee. ACM Whatcott should run the committee. They may have ideas, as citizens, that the City Council has not thought about. It is important to leave this issue to the citizens.

 

Council Member Johnson said if there is a Council Member on the committee, the group will expect them to lead the committee. Sometimes, the position of City Council Member gets in the way. That could happen with this committee. She said that is a concern.

 

Council Member Taylor suggested that they pull this issue until Mayor Money is present. The City Council concurred to wait and discuss this issue when Mayor Money is present. CM Geilmann said the issue will be placed on the January 5th agenda.

 

Council Member Butters made a motion to table the Resolution until January 5th, 2010. Council Member Short seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor.

 

E.        Re-Appointment of MaryAnn Mutsch to the Senior’s Committee.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Winger said Council Member Taylor nominated Shirley Bell to serve on the Senior’s Committee. As that was reviewed, her term was not up until 2010. Council Member Taylor is now proposing the re-appointment of MaryAnn Mutsch to the Senior’s Committee. Ms. Bell will continue to serve as Mayor Money’s representative to the Senior’s Committee until her term is up.

 

Council Member Taylor made a motion to approve the re-appointment of MaryAnn Mutsch to the Senior’s Committee. Council Member Johnson seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor.

 

The Hansen’s and Michelle Wilden were recognized and thanked for their service.

 

VII.      PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POTENTIAL LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEMS

 

A.1.     Public Hearing – Consideration of Resolution R2009-42, Adopting the 2009 Water Management and Conservation Plan Update for South Jordan City.

 

City Engineer Klavano reviewed the background information on this item. He noted that the City has exceeded the 25 percent reduction mandate.

 

Mayor Pro Tempore Winger opened the public hearing. There were no comments. She closed the public hearing.

 

A.2.     Potential Action Item – (See VII. A.1.) Resolution R2009-42

 

Council Member Johnson said on page 8 of the report, she noted a spike in water usage in approximately 2007. She asked for the reason for that increase? Public Works Director Bruey said that year was a wet spring and people were not as concerned about water conservation at that time.

 

Council Member Taylor said her concern is when the citizens realize that they now have to pay money out every year for someone to test their backflow system. She said more education is needed on that point. Public Works Director Bruey said at every house visit and at every meeting that they hold, it is clearly explained to the residents. Council Member Taylor said it needs to be addressed more clearly in the FOCUS or the water bills. CM Geilmann said they have done trainings and publications have gone out on how this program will work. They will continue to notify the residents. He said the professionalism from staff has been there. Council Member Taylor said they need to emphasize more clearly to the citizens that they will be responsible for the annual inspection. CM Geilmann said that will be added to the training done by staff. Public Works Director Bruey said they can meet and discuss how to get that education out there better.

 

Council Member Johnson said no matter how much education is out there, the residents will come in and complain when they are charged. Mayor Pro Tempore Winger said they will do the best they can to inform the residents of that requirement. She said putting information in the FOCUS is a good suggestion.

 

Council Member Short made a motion to approve Resolution R2009-42. Council Member Johnson seconded the motion. Roll call vote. The vote was unanimous in favor.

 

VIII.     PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POTENTIAL ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION            ITEMS

 

None.

 

IX.       OTHER BUSINESS

 

None.

 

ADJOURNMENT

 

Council Member Butters made a motion to adjourn. Council Member Taylor seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor.

 

The December 15, 2009 City Council meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m.

 

These minutes were prepared by Council Secretary MaryAnn Dean.

 

 

This is a true and correct copy of the December 15, 2009 City Council meeting minutes, which were approved on January 5, 2010.

                                               

South Jordan City Recorder