Minutes of The Price City Council Meeting

City Hall: Price, Utah

February 9, 2000, 5:30 p.m.

 

Present:

Mayor Lou Colosimo

Councilmembers:                                               Vernon W. Jones, Community Administrator

   Roy A. Nikas                                                  Joanne Lessar, City Recorder

   Betty P. Wheeler                                            Pat Larsen, Finance Director

   Joe L. Piccolo                                                 Nick Sampinos, City Attorney

   Stephen L. Denison                                         Gary Sonntag, PWD/City Engineer

   Richard Tatton                                                Keith Wight, Human Resource Director

Aleck Shilaos, Chief of Police

 

Others Present:

   Ella Passarella                       Georgina Nowak                        Todd Cassity

   Dennis Geary                         Boyd Bell

 

Mayor Colosimo led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Roll was called with the above members in attendance.

 

 1.                MINUTES - January 18, 2000

 

MOTION.  Councilmember Wheeler moved that the minutes of the January 18, 2000 meeting be approved as written.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Piccolo and carried.

 

 2.                MINUTES - January 25, 2000

 

MOTION.  Councilmember Nikas moved that the minutes of the January 25, 2000 meeting be approved as written.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.

 

 3.                MINUTES - January 26, 2000

 

MOTION.  Councilmember Denison moved that the minutes of the January 26, 2000 meeting be approved as written.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Nikas and carried.

 

 4.                VIAL OF LIFE - Permission To Place Message In Utility Bills

 

Ella Passarella, representing the TRIAD/Seniors and Law Enforcement Together, requested permission to place a message in the City’s utility bills advertising the Vial of Life.  The Vial of Life is a small container that is placed in the refrigerator of elderly residents or those that are severely ill.  Inside the container is information pertaining to the individual, such as their social security number, their insurance, their illness, their medications, and what they are allergic to.  MOTION.  Councilmember Wheeler moved that the request be approved.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Nikas and carried.

 

 5.                PUBLIC HEARING - Budget Revision FY1999/2000 - Meeting Scheduled

 

Mayor Colosimo opened the Public Hearing at 5:39 p.m. to receive comments on the proposed budget revision for FY1999/2000.  Pat Larsen reported that the revision increases the General Fund $73,000.  The biggest item was the sewer truck that was left off last year’s budget.  Councilmember Nikas recommended that as there are several questions on certain departments and line items, that a workshop be scheduled to review the revision.  MOTION.  There being no further comments, Councilmember Nikas moved that the Public Hearing be closed and that a workshop be scheduled for Wednesday, February 16th at 5:00 p.m.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.  Public Hearing closed at 5:42 p.m.

 

 6.                COLLEGE OF EASTERN UTAH - Water and Power Service Connections Waived

 

Dennis Geary, representing the College of Eastern Utah, requested that the fees for the water and power service connections be waived for the construction of a new maintenance department complex on Veterans Lane at approximately 550 North.  MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that with the exception of hard costs, that the City’s portion of fees for the water and power service connections be waived.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.  Councilmember Tatton voted “naye”.

 7.                SCOUT-O-RAMA - Permission To Use Peace Gardens and Close 1st East Between Main Street and 1st North

 

Gerald Lloyd, representing the Boy Scouts, requested permission to use the Peace Gardens and to close 1st East between Main Street and 1st North for their Scout-O-Rama scheduled for Saturday, March 18, 2000, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m..  MOTION.  Councilmember Denison moved that the request be approved.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.

 

 8.                PRICE ELKS LODGE #1550 - Contribution For World War II Memorial Denied

 

Mayor Colosimo presented a letter from the Price Elks Lodge #1550 requesting a contribution towards the nationwide drive to raise funds to build a World War II Memorial.  The Council felt that this is a worthwhile project, but since the memorial will be built in Washington, they questioned the justification to spend tax payers money on a project that would not benefit the City.  MOTION.  Councilmember Nikas moved that the request be denied.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.

 

 9.                FRANK LUNAN - Recognition

 

Councilmember Denison reported that for the past several months, Price City Employee Frank Lujan, has volunteered his time and efforts to help children at the Castle Heights Elementary School with language barrier problems.  He has been recognized by the Principal of the school, the teachers, the PTA and the Carbon County School District.  Councilmember Denison presented Frank with a certificate and plaque from the school and a gift certificate from Price City in appreciation for his efforts .  Carbon County School Superintendent Boyd Bell thanked Mr. Lujan for his volunteer work.

 

 10.            SWIM TEAM SCORE BOARD - Update

 

Councilmember Piccolo reported that he might be able to raise approximately $3,000 to $4,000 for the purchase of the swim team score board.  MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that a committee consisting of himself, Gary Sonntag, and Scott McDonald be appointed to review the dimensions of the scoreboard in anticipation of where it might be placed in the pool area.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

 

 11.            YOUTH CITY COUNCIL - Request To Reinstate Sister City Program

 

Chris Pehlar, representing the Youth City Council, reported that approximately ten years ago, Price City had a Sister City in Russia.  He requested permission to reinstate the program.  The annual fees would be $280, but there would be a lot of benefits, such as help in writing grants, discounts on conferences, etc.  It will also bring more cultural awareness to the community.  MOTION.  Councilmember Wheeler moved that the request be approved.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Piccolo and carried.

 

 12.            UTILITIES DEPARTMENT REORGANIZATION - Approved

 

Councilmember Nikas recommended the following reorganization of the Utilities Department:

 

The Lead Meter Reader, Meter Reader II, and temporary seasonal employees  will report to Vern Jones, Community Administrator.

The Customer Service Representative will report to Wilma Barnett, City Treasurer.

The Information Systems Director will report to Vern Jones.

 

MOTION.  Councilmember Nikas moved that the reorganization be approved.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Piccolo and carried.

 

 13.            HOME REPAIRS, B & J BILLING SERVICE - Home Occupied Businesses Approved

 

Councilmember Piccolo reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission gave a favorable recommendation to the following home occupied businesses:

 

Home Repairs - 545 North Windsor Road, Mel Mosher-Owner

B & J Billing Service - 591 North Cedar Land, Jacque C. Guymon-Owner

 

MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that the businesses be approved upon payment of the business license fee.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

 

 14.            CESAR ‘N’ RUDY’S BODY SHOP - Conditional Use Permit

 

Councilmember Piccolo reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission gave a favorable recommendation to Cesar ‘N’ Rudy’s Body Shop and sign to be located at 59 West 100 North.  Two contingencies were placed on the business - the first being that the parking lot east of the body shop be paved.  A temporary 24 month conditional use permit was placed on the parking lot.  The second contingency was that the sand trap located inside the building be accessible to Price City so that waste water pre-treatment management can be conducted on an annual basis.  Councilmember Nikas stated that he has received complaints that painting is being done inside the building without a painting booth.  He expressed his concerns if this is happening.  MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that the business be approved per the above contingencies, that a Conditional Use Permit be issued, and that the business license fee be paid.   Further, that before the business license is issued that the owner be required to install the required spray painting booth.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

 

 15.            MANUAL ESCOTO, BRANDON SICILIA, ROBERT BENNETT, GARY SONNTAG, JERRY WRIGHT - Travel Approved

 

Mayor Colosimo presented the following travel requests:

 

Manual Escoto, Brandon Sicilia - Arrest Control Instructor, March 20-24, P.O.S.T.

Robert Bennett - Utah Chapter of I.C.B.O. Annual Conference, February 22-25, St. George

Gary Sonntag - Annual Conference Utah Recreation & Parks Association, March 13-15, St. George

Jerry Wright - Utah Asphalt Conference, Utah Technology Transfer Center, March 1,2, Salt Lake

 

MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that the travel requests be approved.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Nikas and carried.

 

 16.            COUNCILMEMBER JOE PICCOLO - Appointed International Days Co-Chairman

 

Mayor Colosimo reported that he needs a Co-Chairman for International Days.  Councilmember Piccolo volunteered to be Co-Chairman.  MOTION.  Councilmember Nikas moved that Councilmember Piccolo be approved as Co-Chairman.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

 

 17.            RESOLUTION #2000-04 - Adopting Bylaws And Rules Of Procedure For Conducting Price City Planning Commission Meetings

 

Vern Jones presented Resolution #2000-04, adopting bylaws and rules of procedure for conducting Price City Planning Commission Meetings.  MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that Resolution #2000-04 be adopted and that the Mayor and City Recorder be authorized to sign the resolution.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

 

 18.            RESOLUTION #2000-05 - Adopting A Member Services Project Agreement Between Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems

 

Vern Jones presented Resolution #2000-05, adopting a member services project agreement between Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems and Price City.  This agreement enables Price City to participate in service offered through the Member Services Project, such as cost of service and unbundling analysis.  MOTION.  Councilmember Nikas moved that Resolution #2000-05 be adopted and that the Mayor and City Recorder be authorized to sign the resolution.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Piccolo and carried.

 

 

 19.            QUESTAR PIPELINE COMPANY, GAS COMPANY - Right-Of-Way Easements

 

Vern Jones presented right-of-way easements with Questar Pipeline Company and Gas Company pertaining to an existing pipeline and the construction of a proposed 8" pipeline across two separate pieces of property located on the north end of Price City.  Questar presently has a 60' easement on which the 20" line exists and where the new 8" line will be installed.  Mr. Sampinos has reviewed the easements and suggested the following changes:

The words “convey and warrant right of-ways”  be changed to “grant right-of-ways”.  He does not want to reflect that the City will guarantee title to those particular easements. The second change would be to identify the specific size of the pipeline that they are maintaining, operating, repairing and removing so that if there is ever a desire to change the size or the number of pipelines, they would come back to the City for approval.  He recommended approval of the easements subject to the above changes being made.  MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that the easements be approved subject to the changes recommended by Mr. Sampinos.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.

 

 20.            INFORMATION SYSTEMS DEPARTMENT (INTERNET SAFETY NIGHT) - Rental Fees Waived For Civic Auditorium

 

Vern Jones reported that a software package for unwanted internet sights has been made available by a private organization.  This organization, through cooperation with the Information Systems Department, the Library, and the Carbon County Sheriffs Department, will present a workshop on how to safely surf the internet.  This is a for-profit organization.  They are requesting use of the Civic Auditorium for this workshop and asking that rental fees be waived.  MOTION.  Councilmember Wheeler moved that with the exception of hard costs, that rental fees be waived.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.

 

 21.            WATER TRANSMISSION LINE FEASIBILITY STUDY - Caldwell, Richards & Sorensen (CRS Engineering) - Partial Payment #7

 

Gary Sonntag presented an invoice in the amount of $1,545.65 submitted by CRS Engineering for their work on the Water Transmission Line Feasibility Study.  MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that the partial payment be approved.   Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.

 

 22.            WATER SOURCE PROTECTION PLAN - Hansen, Allen & Luce Engineering - Change Order and Final Payment

 

Gary Sonntag presented a change order to the contract with Hansen, Allen & Luce Engineering for their work on the Water Source Protection Plan.  They completed the contract for $9,001.11 less than anticipated.  Gary also presented a request for a final payment in the amount of $2,413.97.  MOTION.  Councilmember Denison moved that the change order and final payment be approved.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.

 

 23.            CEDAR HILLS DRIVE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION (CLASS ‘C’ ROAD PROJECT) - Permission To Advertise For Bids

 

Gary Sonntag reported that the design for the reconstruction of Cedar Hills Drive from 100 North to Sagewood Road is underway.  He requested permission to advertise for bids for this project.  MOTION.  Councilmember Nikas moved that the request be granted.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.

 

 24.            PRICE COMMUNITY CENTER - Authorization To Demolish Elevator Tower

 

Gary Sonntag reported that due to the water saturation of the ground underneath the elevator tower at the Price Community Center, it will be necessary to underpin the tower which will cost $30,000 - $40,000.  An inspection of the remainder of the building shows signs of cracking both superficially and structurally.  It will require both architectural and structural repairs to the interior and exterior at an approximate cost of $100,000 to $200,000.  He requested permission to stabilize the elevator tower with piers and restoration work.  The Council questioned if it would be wise to put this much money into the elevator if the rest of the building has problems.

MOTION.  After further discussion, Councilmember Nikas moved that Gary Sonntag be authorized to proceed to get the elevator tower demolished as quickly as possible and that notification be made to all attendants of the building that this will occur, and that Gary bring back to the Council what the costs will be to remodel the interior once the elevator is removed.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.

 

 25.            WAVE POOL STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS - Report

 

Gary Sonntag reported that it was necessary to drain the wave pool to take care of some problems on the bottom of the pool.  The tile and plaster along the expansion joint was starting to peel.  Johansen Swim Pool Plaster Company was called in to investigate and they found a number of hollow spots and loose tile along this particular expansion joint.  The expansion joint had solid material in it, which caused it to push up.  The joint is there to absorb the expansion and contraction of the bottom of the pool.  If there is anything solid in there, it will intend to push up.  The joint was sawed off to get rid of the solid material so that there was an opening for it to contract.  The loose plaster was chipped out and the tile was relaid along the edges.  It was then resealed.

 

 26.            FLOOD MITIGATION PLAN - Contract With JUB Consulting Engineers

 

Gary Sonntag recommended that the City enter into a contract with JUB Consulting Engineers to complete the Flood Mitigation Plan at a cost of $7,890.  MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that the contract be approved.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.

 

 27.            CARBON COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY - Temporary Roadway (Hillside Villa)

 

Gary Sonntag reported that he sent a letter to the Carbon County Housing Authority in response to their letter requesting that the City participate in construction of a temporary road along the west side of Meads Wash to accommodate access for removal of debris and flood hazard mitigation work.  They invited the City to a meeting on Wednesday, February 16, 2000, at their offices to discuss this request.  Gary stated that he would attend the meeting.

 

 28.            GRANT WRITER - Authorization To Prepare Advertisement For Request For Proposals

 

Pat Larsen reported that Rosann Fillmore, grant writer for Emery County, approached her regarding the need for a grant writer for Price City.  Pat explained to Rosann a few of the projects that the City wanted to do, such as the conservation garden, skate park, and the water line.  Rosann stated that there are grants available for at-risk children, which Carbon County would qualify and conservation grants for leaking water lines.  Rosann herself does not contract for such services, but made some recommendations.  Pat asked the Council if they would be interested in researching this?  MOTION.  Councilmember Nikas moved that Pat be directed to establish an advertisement for request for proposals for grant writing purposes and bring it back to the Council to review.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.

 

 29.            PURCHASE OF POSTAGE MACHINE - Ratified

 

Pat Larsen reported that the Council was polled for their approval to purchase a postage machine.  Prior to purchase, she checked out renting as opposed to buying it, and found that it was cheaper to buy.  MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that the verbal approval be ratified.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

 

 30.            BUDGET CALENDAR - 2000/2001

 

Pat Larsen presented a calendar indicating the dates of budget interviews, meetings, adoption of the tentative budget, etc. for the fiscal year 2000/2001.  The Council accepted the calendar.

 

 31.            NEW JOB DESCRIPTIONS - Water and Sewer Operator I, Water Treatment Plant Operator I

 

Keith Wight presented new job descriptions for the positions of Water and Sewer Operator I and Water Treatment Plant Operator I.  MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that the new job descriptions be approved.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

 32.            TWO PERMANENT FULL TIME POSITIONS AND TWO TEMPORARY FULL TIME POSITIONS FOR WATER/SEWER DEPARTMENT AND WATER TREATMENT PLANT - Permission To Advertise

 

Keith Wight requested permission to advertise for two permanent full time positions and two temporary full time positions for the Water/Sewer Department and Water Treatment Plant.  MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that the request be granted.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

 

 33.            PRICE RIVER WATER IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT - Harmond Hill Waterline Project

 

Councilmember Denison reported that Price River Water Improvement District is working on changing over the waterlines from Price City to the District’s system for those individuals living on  Harmond Hill in Spring Glen.  He referred to a discussion regarding utility services that PRWID has inside City limits and what Price City has outside City limits.  PRWID is in the process of determining whether they want to increase the 2" line on Harmond Hill to an 8" line for future development.  He questioned if the City and PRWID did a swap of waterlines, if the lines the City currently has are sufficient and would not require the district to put in an 8" line.  He requested Gary Sonntag to conduct a review of the outside waterlines that the City owns and their sizes.  He could then advise the District whether to wait and as development comes, the District may have the use or right to pull off the City’s line to service those areas.  Gary stated that he has that information available.  The Council felt comfortable with this review.

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:31 p.m.