SOUTH JORDAN CITY
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
January 19, 2010
Present: Mayor Kent Money, Council Member Brian Butters, Council Member Kathie Johnson, Council Member Larry Short, Council Member Aleta Taylor, Council Member Leona Winger, Police Chief Lindsay Shepherd, City Attorney Rob Wall, City Manager John Geilmann, ACM Administrative Services Laurie Johnson, City Council Secretary MaryAnn Dean
Others: Joey Clegg, Jolynne Alger, Austin Andersen, Spencer Clark, Mark Bailey, Mitch H., T.J. Fordham, Max Bailey, Austin Guyman, Tim Miller, Oliver Hansen, Ethan Erickson, Stockton Enger, Tyler Pettit, Lori Munk, Mike Munk, Linda and Eldon Auger, Ryan Cox, Jan Tanner, Holly Sorenson, Wendy LeBaron, Will Richardson, Josh Dixon, Colter Nordberg, Jon Bronson
6:00 P.M.
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
REGULAR MEETING
I. GENERAL BUSINESS
A. Welcome and Roll Call
Mayor Money welcomed everyone present. All members of the City Council were present, as listed above.
Mayor Money recognized some scouts present. Scout Troops 4118, 123, 991, 517, and 1576 were introduced.
B. Opening Ceremony
1. Invocation
Council Member Johnson offered the opening prayer.
2. Pledge of Allegiance
Hunter Griffin, scout, led the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. Motion to Approve Amended Agenda Items, If Any
Mayor Money noted that a closed session was added at the end of the meeting to discuss real property.
Council Member Butters made a motion to approve the amended agenda. Council Member Johnson seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor.
D. Minute Approval
1. January 5, 2010 Work Session
2. January 5, 2010 Regular Meeting
Council Member Winger made a motion to approve the January 5, 2010 work session minutes and the January 5, 2010 regular meeting minutes, as printed. Council Member Short seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor.
II. AWARDS, PRESENTATIONS
A. Grass Roots Advocacy Partnership on “Legislation and Their Resource for People With Disabilities.” By Jennifer Adams
Jennifer Adams was not present. This item was not discussed.
B. Mountain View Corridor Update
Teri Newell, gave an update on the Mountain View Corridor. She reviewed the project progress as well as the funding that has been received. She said as of March 2009, they have $730 million to move forward on the project. She said they plan to start construction Spring 2010. She said 18 of the 35 miles will be under construction. She said there will be 2 lanes of traffic in each direction. There will be signals in each direction. She said they are buying all of the right of way for the project now. They are working closely with staff. She indicated that the website will show pictures of how the project will be done now versus at build out. She said they are planning to start in April. They will start with the connection to Redwood Road. The city will receive continual updates. She noted that the right-of-way for this road varies from 400-450 ft.
Council Member Winger said South Jordan had people that made a large donation to this road to get it off the ground. She thanked UDOT that this is not proposed to be a toll road. This road is critical to the development of South Jordan.
III. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORT
A. Historical Committee Update
Glade McKee, asked if the members of their committee that were just released from their voting position are still members of the Historical Committee? Mayor Money said yes. Mr. McKee noted that the Historical Committee has never had a problem that wasn’t solved at the table. They have never called on the voting committee to settle an issue. He said the new secretary would need to be a voting member. Council Member Short said Kelly Pfost can help them with the secretarial duties. Mr. McKee said the secretary needs to know where the money is and where it is going.
Mr. McKee asked if there is any news about the property for the monument? Mayor Money indicated that the paperwork is being finalized.
Mr. McKee asked about the brass plaque to be put on the city’s founding fathers monument. Mayor Money said that is still being worked on. Mr. McKee explained their reason for only using last names of families.
Eldon Auger, new Historical Committee member, was recognized.
Mr. McKee said they would be getting some small sculptures that Ed Fraughton has done and it will be displayed in the museum. Staff has said they will make sure to get enough insurance to cover those statues.
IV. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS AND OTHER BUSINESS
A. CALENDARING ITEMS
Council Member Johnson said they have a County Councilman from South Jordan. She requested that they invite him (Steve Debry) to a future City Council meeting.
Council Member Winger noted the visioning meeting on January 28th, at 8:30 a.m. at the Gale Center.
Mayor Money noted the upcoming Legislation Day and the luncheon at the Sheraton Hotel. Council Member Taylor noted the emergency leadership program planned with Sandy City at 2:00 that day. Council Member Winger expressed concern with a conflict for that day because the lunch speaker won’t begin until 1-1:30. She asked if they could move the emergency leadership program time back? CM Geilmann said the meeting is with Federal FEMA instructors. Risk Manager Dustin Lewis said they can schedule the emergency leadership training for the City Council on a different day. It was also noted that the City Council has a General Plan meeting at 6:30 the same day.
B. COMMENTS FROM MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
Council Member Taylor noted that she spent the day at the Legislative Policy Committee Meeting and the Taxpayers Association meeting to discuss issues that will be coming before the Legislature. She said there are some people concerned about their pensions. She noted a bill being proposed by Senator Liljenquist that protects all of the existing promises that were made by the State retirement, but gives them some ways to make up the $800 million shortfall over the next 15 years.
Council Member Winger noted that Kristin Sokol with the South Valley Journal won the silver pen award. She commended Ms. Sokol on the wonderful job she does covering the news in South Jordan.
Council Member Winger noted the recent volunteer dinner held in the city. She said there are 183 volunteers that serve in the following capacities: Architectural Review Board, Board of Adjustment, Country Fest Committee, Historical Preservation Committee, Legal Department Volunteer, Miss South Jordan Committee, Museum Docent, Planning Commission, Public Art & Cultural Development Board, Risk Management Volunteers, Senior Center Volunteers, Senior Citizen Committee, Sesquicentennial Committee, Victim Advocate Volunteers, and the Youth Council Board. She said those volunteers set South Jordan apart.
Council Member Winger said there will be a dental school opening in Fall 2011 at the University of Southern Nevada. She said the University of Utah has received a $30 million donation. They are coming to South Jordan – in Daybreak. She said they are proud of both schools. She disclosed that she serves as an Executive Board Member and on the Board of Trustees for USN.
Council Member Winger discussed emergency preparedness in the city. She said we must be prepared. We have to protect the kids and the elderly. She said they must take this seriously.
Council Member Winger noted that the creation of the Canyons School District was upheld. She said South Jordan will have the finest School District in the State. It will be done, somehow, without breaking the backs of the senior citizens and young families. She expressed appreciation for the work that Council Member Johnson and Mayor Money has done on this issue. She said the past is behind them and the future is glorious. They need to move forward.
Council Member Taylor said the ruling on that issue said it was poor legislation, but the court upheld the right of the Legislature to pass poor legislation. Mayor Money said Council Member Johnson is meeting with other city representatives regarding budgeting issues and proposed increases. Superintendent Newbold is setting up a meeting with the Mayors on that item as well. He concurred that they need to go forward.
Mayor Money noted that since he has been Mayor, the City has had 1 small tax increase. It generated $300,000 for the City and every cent was earmarked for emergency preparedness. There is a tremendous need to be prepared as a city and as citizens. He said they need to make sure that the community is prepared for when that emergency comes. At some point, South Jordan will have a need for that. He expressed appreciation for the work of Risk Manager Dustin Lewis.
C. CITY MANAGER BUSINESS
Public Information Officer Chip Dawson said last fall, the City recognized a group of young people that assisted in a water rescue. They nominated that group for the American Red Cross Hero’s award in the water rescue area. He said that group of young people will be recognized at the award luncheon on March 3rd at 11:30 a.m. at the Salt Palace Grand Ballroom. They determined which city council members would be in attendance at that luncheon.
D. NEW BUSINESS
None.
V. CITIZEN COMMENT
Jolynne Alger, 10338 Alder Grove Cir., said there are more changes and cuts coming to the Jordan School District. The financial health of the School District affects South Jordan City. She said they chose to live in South Jordan because of the quality of the schools and because it is a well maintained community. She said great schools draw people to the city. She said the school board is facing some difficult choices and the residents are not informed. They need to involve the citizens in the decision making process and they will realize that there are not any good choices, just a lot of hard choices. It is the residents’ job, with the board, and the city leaders to decide what will have the least impact on the kids and the community. They need to use every form of communication available to direct residents to the School District’s website and survey. The residents need to understand that there will be changes that will affect everyone. They also need to mail out a flyer with a mini version of the School District’s budget slideshow and show the impact it will have on the city and schools. They need to set meetings at every school, if necessary, to go over the School District’s budget shortfalls and the School District’s situation. Let the residents know what the hard choices are. Inform the residents about all the choices and solutions. She said they should also let the residents do an unofficial vote of the cuts that should be made; that will help the City Council have a strong grasp of the public’s opinion before they give a recommendation to the Board. If they involve the residents now, when the board effects the proposed changes, the School District will have the support of an educated group of residents who know they had a grave financial situation, they had to make hard choices, and they want what is best for the kids and the community. She asked that they make resident education a priority, be loud about the School District’s financial situation. Tell residents that it is time to stop complaining about the split – it is done. They should encourage the residents to help solve the problem facing all of them. They need to work together as a team to make the future brighter for the children’s future education.
Mayor Money concurred with Ms. Alger’s comments. Council Member Taylor said those are the issues that the City Council is concerned about. They have an active coalition working with the School Board; getting the message to the residents is the hardest thing. Mayor Money said he believes some of the solutions rely on volunteerism in the classroom. Certain things have to be done if substantial cuts will be made. They need to make sure that they have the funds for the finest education to the students. They cannot shortchange the students. Council Member Butters said they need to make sure that they have good communication with the School District. They need to be part of the solution, not the problem.
William Jensen, recruiter for the US Census, said 4 years ago Utah just missed getting a 4th seat in congress. South Jordan is a growing community and is currently under represented in the State Legislature. This is how they straighten it out every 10 years. The census is also used to set funding levels for federal programs, including schools. He said they are looking to hire 1000 people in Salt Lake County – 55 of which they would like to come from South Jordan to help with the census. This would be part time, temporary jobs that pay $14 an hour. He asked for the city’s help in publicizing the census needs. People will be hired the end of March. It would last 4-12 weeks.
Jon Bronson, 10085 Silver Streak Dr., thanked the City Council for their service. They have a great City, great City Council, and a great administration. He said his youngest child is a Senior at Bingham High School. He said he knows that it is important for the Jordan School District to maintain fiscal health. He said he is willing to stomach a tax increase to maintain the health of the School District and make sure that it functions properly. He said he supports public education.
Lori Munk, 1958 Gold Nugget Dr., said she has lived in South Jordan for 14 years. They moved to South Jordan for the schools and quality of life. She said she is happy to participate in the process of working towards a way to preserve the quality of their schools. She feels that a tax increase is important to maintain the stability of the city. The School District is being cut to the bone and that affects the quality of the schools, their family, and their community. She said the city council is representing that the people are against a tax increase. She said that is premature. No one asked the community how they felt about this. She said the numbers she has seen is an increase of $10 a month on a $200,000 home. She said she believes that is worth the education that the kids are getting in the Jordan School District. If the city takes that position, they should be ardent in pursuing a public information campaign. She said the cuts that will happen will make the School District so unpalatable that they will leave and go to private and charter schools. She said that will kill the School District. She said the cutting of the guidance counselors and nursing staff will affect the lives of many families. She said the future of South Jordan is not glorious if they don’t consider a tax increase. She said the citizens need to be more aware of these issues. They need to be more active in communicating with local PTA’s. She said she believes a struggling school system does nothing to create business opportunities. She said not raising taxes in the School District does harm that is not recoverable.
Wendy LeBaron, 10062 Miner Dr., co-chair of the PTA at South Jordan Middle School. She said she was not the only at the meeting who said that she is fine with a tax increase to help the kids. She said there is a $30 million deficit. She said that is only to maintain the School District. She said South Jordan has the highest median income in the state. They are a wealthy community; $12-$15 a month is not too much to ask. She said they are proud of their community and teachers. She said the people who were silent at the last truth in taxation meeting have a voice. She said instead of doing it through truth in taxation, they should consider an education fee. When they get things back on track, they can take the fee a way.
Holly Sorenson, 10189 Silver Streak Dr., reiterated the previous education comments. She said she has 4 children. She said everyone that lives in South Jordan knows what a great place it is. It takes money for it to continue to be a great place. Everyone works hard and they are happy to put their money toward the school system. The teachers work hard, are paid less, and have more students than other places. They need to put their money toward the future.
Ryan Cox, 1938 Gold Nugget Dr., said he and his wife moved to South Jordan recently. He said they moved specifically for the schools. He said the taxes are higher than where they came from. They are willing to pay more to maintain or improve the level of schools. It is critical for the welfare of their children and future of the city.
Mayor Money said he appreciates the comments that have been made. There have been some good points made. He said he is grateful that the issue is being discussed now versus a 40 percent tax increase 40 days before the truth in taxation meeting. He said this gives them the opportunity to educate and talk about the issues and help them all understand the purposes behind the tax increase. He said they want to ensure that the School District has done everything they can to make sure the tax increase is the lowest amount possible to put forth to the residents and that all options have been clearly addressed, including thinking out of the box. No one has said that they were willing to put at stake the education of the kids. He said he likes the idea of having an informal vote to find out how the residents feel about the tax increase. He said it is possible to educate the citizenry. They will have many more discussions on this issue.
Council Member Winger said this City Council has taken no position on this issue. They have not taken a position on taxes for this year. She said they need to get corporate input and look at all of the proposals. Mayor Money said last year, the city submitted a letter to the School Board that was not adverse to the increase, but they were adverse to the amount of the increase.
Council Member Johnson said she made some comments at the School Board meeting recently where she asked the School Board to come back with an alternative that did not include a tax increase. She said she was hoping that would help them find solutions that would help clarify the problems. She just felt that the approach was unbalanced and she wants them to dig as deep as they can. She said there are many in the community that are struggling and those on fixed incomes. She noted that the taxes that the businesses bring support the School District more than the residents. She said creating a better tax base will help the School District. She does not want to tip the balance so that the businesses won’t come because that will get them out of this faster than anything.
Council Member Taylor said the School District’s shortfall is less than 10 percent of their budget. She said there is not a clear clarification of what cuts they are willing to look at. She said they want accountability. She said there are many residents that can’t handle the increase. She said South Jordan was the first city that looked at forming a separate School District because they believe they could create a successful District. She said the system is a little broken and even with the increase, the money might not get to the place that they want it to go. She agreed that they want the best for their children.
VI. SUMMARY ACTION CALENDAR
A. Resolution R2010-06 Authorizing Mayor to Sign Interlocal Agreement for Southwest Transit Feasibility Study
B. Appointment of Bruce Newbold to the Historical Committee as Replacement for Luane Jensen Whose Term Expired on 12/31/2009
C. Appointment of Eldon Auger to the Historical Committee as Replacement for Jean Bateman Whose Term Expired on 12/31/2009.
Council Member Butters made a motion to approve items B. and C. and pull item A. from the Summary Action Calendar. Council Member Winger seconded the motion. Roll call vote. The vote was unanimous in favor.
VII. SUMMARY ACTION ITEMS HELD OVER
A. Resolution R2010-06 Authorizing Mayor to Sign Interlocal Agreement for Southwest Transit Feasibility Study
Council Member Butters made a motion to approve Resolution R2010-06, and to add language that the maximum that the city will pay is $5,000.
Mayor Money asked why does the city have to pay the $10,000 for this as it leaves the city? CM Geilmann said the way UTA is designing the trax line, it stops at the south station in Daybreak and heads west to U-111. It will then cross and go over to Herriman.
City Attorney Wall said this calls for the city to pay $10,000, and they will be reimbursed $5,000. He said if they only approve it for $5,000, he is not sure if that will kill the deal. This is a business deal. He recommended they approve the Resolution as to form. The out of pocket cost to the city will be $5,000.
Council Member Butters amended his motion to approve Resolution R2010-06, as is, with the stipulation that the city be reimbursed $5,000. Council Member Taylor seconded the motion. Roll call vote. The vote was unanimous in favor.
VIII. PUBLIC HEARINGS AND POTENTIAL LEGISLATIVE ACTION ITEMS
A.1. Public Hearing – Consideration of Resolution No. R2010-03, Amending Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Budget For South Jordan City. The Appropriation Authority Shall Apply To The Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2010.
Finance Director Lundell said the biggest change is that the sales taxes are not coming in according to the budget. They are down $650,000. He said most of the cost savings were absorbed through conservative estimates with salaries. He said there are no significant operating cuts and no proposed property tax increase. Mayor Money said they are extremely fortunate as a city.
Mayor Money opened the public hearing.
Chuck Newton, asked what is the Council’s maneuvering room if the sales taxes come up? Do they have to spend or sit on the money? Can they amend the budget again? Mayor Money said it would be amended again.
Mr. Newton gave an overview to the City Council of the trends of the last 9 recessions. He said he believes that they will see a softer economic time in Utah and nationally in the next year.
Mayor Money closed the public hearing.
A.2. Potential Action Item – (See VIII. A.1.) Resolution R2010-03
Council Member Taylor made a motion to pass Resolution R2010-03. Council Member Butters seconded the motion. Roll call vote. The vote was unanimous in favor.
Council Member Winger made a motion to adjourn the Regular City Council meeting and go into a closed session to discuss real property. Council Member Taylor seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor.
CLOSED SESSION
Council Member Butters made a motion to come out of closed meeting and go back into a regular session. Council Member Short seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor.
CM Geilmann noted a fundraiser going on at the Community Center for Karl Wimmer. He said the Governor should be in attendance.
CM Geilmann passed out a packet for the City Council to study for the visioning meeting on January 28th. It included 2 assignments for the City Council to work on prior to the meeting.
CM Geilmann passed out information to the City Council from John McKorkendale about a full time history director.
ADJOURNMENT
Council Member Taylor made a motion to adjourn. Council Member Butters seconded the motion. The vote was unanimous in favor.
The January 19, 2010 City Council meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
These meeting minutes were prepared by Council Secretary MaryAnn Dean.
This is a true and correct copy of the January 19, 2010 City Council meeting minutes, which were approved on February 2, 2010.
South Jordan City Recorder