Minutes of The Price City Council Meeting

City Hall: Price, Utah

February 22, 2006, 5:30 p.m.

 

Present:

Mayor Joe L. Piccolo                                          Joanne Lessar, City Recorder

Councilmembers:                                               Pat Larsen, Finance Director

     Richard Tatton                                              Nick Sampinos, City Attorney

     Jeff Nielson                                                   Gary Sonntag, Public Works Director/City Engineer

     Rick Davis                                                    Nick Tatton, Community Director

John Daniels, Human Resource Director

Bret Cammans, Customer Services Director

Kevin Drolc, Police Captain

 

Excused: Councilmember Jeanne McEvoy

   Councilmember Kathy Hanna-Smith

 

Others Present:

     Maren King                           Paul Bedont                  Kristen D. Taylor

 

Mayor Piccolo led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Roll was called with the above members present.

 

 1.        PUBLIC INPUT

 

Maren King, College of Eastern Utah Association of Student Government, stated that in the past several weeks, three pedestrians have been hit in the crosswalks adjacent to the college.  Two occurred in front of the Student Activity Center and the other one occurred in the intersection crosswalk in front of the marquee on 4th North.  Should the City address this or should the college be patrolling more?  Should there be more signs on campus?  The pedestrians involved have been high school students during the lunch hour.  Police Captain Kevin Drolc stated that he knew of the accident on 4th North in which the driver was blinded by another car pulling out of a parking spot, but he has not heard of the other two incidents.  Captain Drolc stated that one of the problems in front of the Student Center is that the crosswalks aren=t used.  Ms. King stated that the pedestrians were in crosswalks.  Captain Drolc stated that the speed trailer was set up one day last week to try and slow down high school traffic during the lunch hour.  Extra patrolling during lunch hours is an option.  Ms. King stated that Campus Police is suggesting more signs around the crosswalks and the student group is suggesting flags.  Mayor Piccolo questioned if illuminated lights would help.  As the State regulates the placement of signs, he asked Captain Drolc to look into this.  Captain Drolc stated that he will definitely have extra patrols during the lunch hour and before and after high school.  Councilmember Tatton questioned if the college would be willing to participate in costs to install flashing lights.  Mayor Piccolo recommended a 50-50 match.   Ms. King stated that she would discuss these suggestions with the student government and the college.  Gary Sonntag stated that one factor that needs to be considered and that is to educate both the high school and college students as well as the residents on the merits of safe crossing that applies to both drivers and pedestrians. 

 

 2.        COUNCILMEMBERS REPORT - Update

 

The Mayor and Councilmembers presented an update on the activities they administer

 

 3.        VISIONARY SERVICE LEADER AWARD - Kristen Taylor

 

Mayor Piccolo presented the Visionary Service Leader Award for the month of February to Kristen Taylor.  Kristen has been involved in the community and helps in the Library.

 

 4.        UTILITY DEPARTMENT - Authorization To Participate In Costs To Replace Waterline

 

Bret Cammans reported that in the process of replacing a damaged water meter at the residence of Pauline Martinez, the pipe was broken on the home owners side.  It was then necessary to replace the water line to the home at a cost of $650.00.  The Utilities Department is requesting that the City assist with repair costs in the amount of $350.00.  MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that the City participate in the amount of $350 and that a policy and statement be developed for future issues.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Davis and carried.

 

 

 

February 22, 2006

 

 5.        AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RELAY FOR LIFE (LOCAL CHAPTER) - Use of Wave Pool Approved For Fund Raiser

 

Mayor Piccolo presented a request from the local chapter of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life to use the wave pool as a fund raiser.  The local chapter would like to host a wave pool party on June 2, 2006, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.,  charging $1.00 for swimming passes with the proceeds going to the cancer society.   MOTION.  Councilmember Davis moved that the request be approved.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Nielson and carried.

 

 6.        PRICE CITY PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES SECTION XVII BENEFITS - Proposed Changes

 

John Daniels presented and reviewed a draft of the changes he is proposing to the benefits section of the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual.  Most of the changes are to clarify statements and wording, as the details in the policy do not match current practices.  The proposal would increase the flexibility to make future changes and enhance communication so that employees have a better understanding of the policy.  Such changes involve workers compensation insurance, medical insurance, the retirement system and the benefits extension program.  John also recommended the elimination of the Education Assistance Program.  He asked the Mayor and Council to review his proposal and get back to him on any questions or comments.

     

 7.        THE CLEANERS= SHINE, INC., OUTDOOR SPORTS AND TROPHY, BROWN=S BILLING SOLUTIONS, S & S CLEANING SERVICES, JIM=S GUN SHOP - Home Occupied Businesses Approved

 

Councilmember Nielson reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission gave a favorable recommendation to the following requests for home occupied businesses per the stated contingency on Jim=s Gun Shop.

 

The Cleaners= Shine, Inc. - 921 North Smith Drive, Kim Henderson-Owner ( (janitorial services)

Outdoor Sports and Trophy - 1666 East Sagewood Road, Ken Kirkwood-Owne (make and sell trophys)

Brown=s Billing Solutions - 689 Birch Circle, Lauri Brown-Owner (medical billing services)

S & S Cleaning Services - 122 North 4th West, Penny Arno-Owner (janitorial services)

Jim=s Gun Shop - 895 North 500 East, James Horrocks-Owner (sale of firearms and accessories)

Contingent upon a Federal Firearms License and no major gun repairs.

 

MOTION.  Councilmember Nielson moved that the businesses be approved upon the purchase of a business license and per the contingency on Jim=s Gun Shop.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.

 

 8.        WINTER=S END, INC., MCGIBBON P.I. AND CONSULTING AGENCY, WATER RIGHTS CONSULTING, LLC - Conditional Use Permits Approved          

 

Councilmember Nielson reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission gave a favorable recommendation to the following requests for Conditional Use Permits with the exception of McGibbon P.I. and Consulting Agency and that it be tabled.  The Commission questioned the use of a gun by Mr. McGibbon.  Nick Tatton stated that this would not be an issue with the BTAC Board.  This was further reviewed by the Council and recommended its approval per the following contingency.

 

            Winter=s End, Inc. - 100 North 214 East (Business and Sign)

McGibbon P.I. and Consulting Agency - 375 South Carbon Avenue (BTAC business) Contingent upon compliance with the State of Utah licensing requirements.

Water Rights Consulting, LLC - 375 South Carbon Avenue (BTAC Business)

 

MOTION.  Councilmember Nielson moved that the requests be approved per the contingency on McGibbon P.I. and Consulting Agency, and that Conditional Use Permits be issued.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Davis and carried.

 

 

 

 

February 22, 2006

 

9.         AMENDMENT OF CONDITIONAL USE  PERMIT FOR THE BUSINESS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER - Approved

 

Nick Tatton reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the amendment to the permit process for businesses that locate in the Business and Technical Assistance Center.  The BTAC itself is permitted the Conditional Use and individual tenants currently are further approved through the process of obtaining their own Conditional Use Permit.  The Commission approved the process of allowing the individual tenants to operate under the umbrella permit of the BTAC.  In addition, a contingency was placed on those businesses that the BTAC board determines might have an adverse effect on the community and recommended that in those instances, they be forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commission for further review.  A report will be forwarded to the Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council notifying them of what businesses are locating in the BTAC.  If for some reason the P& Z Commission or the Council forsee a problem with a particular business, they can recommend that they be required to be processed through the CUP channels.  A two year trial period was recommended for this procedure and if no problems occur, it could occur continue indefinitely.  MOTION.  Councilmember Nielson moved that the amendment of the CUP for the BTAC be approved per the above recommendations.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.

 

CONSENT ITEMS -  MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that Items #10 through #17be approved.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Nielson and carried.

 

10.        MINUTES - February 8, 2006, February 14, 2006

 

11.        MARK PAGE - Conditional Use Permit Fee Waived

                                         

12.        NICK TATTON - Travel Approved - Senator Bennett=s Rural Business Conference, April 19, 2006, Vernal, Utah

 

13.        CASTLE COUNTRY REGIONAL INFORMATION CENTER - Annual Agreement For Funding Approved

 

14.        WINTER=S END HEALTH FOODS - Funding Approved Through Economic Vitality Loan Fund

 

15.        PURCHASE OF DRAINAGE CULVERT - Revised From $3,898 To $5,640 (300 Feet of 15 Inch Culvert, 200 Feet of 18 Inch Culvert, and 15 Connecting Bands)

 

16.        PAT LARSEN - Permission To Donate Copier To Price City

 

17.        PERSONNEL ACTION - Struck

 

18.        POLICE DEPARTMENT - Permission To Declare Old Department Handguns As Surplus And Resell To City Employees - Tabled

 

Councilmember Tatton questioned the request of the Police Department to sell surplus handguns to employees.  Any item declared surplus by the City is open for bid to the public.  Captain Drolc stated that the intent was for the officers to purchase their old weapons.  MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that the item be tabled for further review.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Nielson and carried.   

 

19.        MAYOR PROTEMPORE - Councilmember Davis Appointed

 

MOTION.  As Mayor Piccolo indicated he will leave the meeting for the next item, Councilmember Tatton moved that Councilmember Davis be appointed Mayor Protempore per Ordinance #2002-001.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Nielson and carried.

 

Mayor Piccolo left the meeting at 7:05 p.m.

 

20.        FAT MAN PAINTBALL - Additional Funding Approved Through Economic Vitality Loan Fund

 

Mayor Protem Davis presented a request submitted by Fatman Paintball (Ryan and Barbara Piccolo) for additional funding  through the Economic Vitality Loan Fund in the amount of $2,000.  Councilmember Tatton reported that the Economic Vitality Loan Fund committee met and gave a favorable recommendation.  Fatman Paintball has had a good record on their previous loan and


February 22, 2006

 

everything is in order.

 

MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that the additional funding be approved.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Nielson and carried.

 

Mayor Piccolo returned to the meeting at 7:10 p.m.  

 

21.        PRICE RIVER WATER IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT - Update

 

Councilmember Tatton reported on a meeting he attended of the Price River Water Improvement District.  When the contractor replaced water and sewer lines in the Carbonville area, they left the road surface quite bumpy.  The District, assisted with funding from Carbon County, hired Nielson Construction to resolve the problem.  The waste water plan has been approved by the licensing agencies.  This is mostly the discharge of water from the sewer plant into the river.  There was a request to adopt the delivery loss standard, but due to a large amount of unanswered questions, it has been delayed.  The loss delivery standard is a hard thing to quantify.  It is the difference between the water produced at the treatment plant and how much is metered.  A lot of water is used for backflushing, fire hydrants, non-billed services, etc.  The national average is somewhere around 25%.  The four year average for PRWID is 17%.  This is important because the loss standard comes into play on water sales to outside agencies.  The board denied a request to purchase a mini excavator and trailer, as they felt it wasn=t needed.  The Carbon Canal winter water project is close to completion.  The Miller Creek area needs water for their stock through the winter.  PRWID entered into a contract with the Carbon Canal to pipe water into Miller Creek and Emery County.  PRWID is an agency large enough to handle that function and can provide the water.  The stock water users from the Carbon Canal Company are turning over 200 water shares to the District for this purpose.  This is similar to what occurs when individuals turn in water for residential connections.  As some of the stock water flows into Emery County, PRWID has entered into a separate franchise agreement where they bill Emery County for the water similar to an outside water connection.

 

The Scofield dam spillway project is on schedule and will take place the latter part of 2006 into 2007.  Over the past several weeks water has been released into the river to prepare for this project, but should be shut off next week.  The Utah Department of Transportation recently sent out a map to commence their project in Helper.  Gary is in the process of reviewing those plans.  Price City=s construction of their large waterline has been delayed at the north intersection in Helper due to this project.  The District reviewed the water agreements with Helper and Wellington.  Earlier in the year, Helper broke a waterline and the District had to sell water to them.  A different rate was used for Helper than what Wellington was being charged, which caused problems.  To correct this situation in the future, an agreement was prepared to set a standard for everyone.  At this point, neither Wellington or Helper has signed these agreements.  There are some questions on the delivery loss portion for Wellington.  Wellington does not turn over their water shares to the district like the other entities in Carbon County.  Wellington maintains them at their city.  This is where the loss percentage is questioned.  Wellington wants to reduce the number of water shares they have to maintain for that water.  Right now, the ball is in Wellington=s hands.  The agreement for the Eagle Cliff Subdivision between Spring Glen and Kenilworth is close to being finalized.  The waterline being constructed is costing over $152,000.   If anybody else hooks onto the subdivision, the owner gets back up to 50% of those costs.  This runs for 10 years. 

 

MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that the meeting adjourn and that a meeting of the Redevelopment Agency convene.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Nielson and carried.

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:24 p.m.

 

Meeting reconvened at 7:25 p.m.

 

22.        INTERNATIONAL DAYS COMMITTEE - Update

 

Councilmember Nielson reported that everything is going well with the International Days Commitee.  The next meeting is scheduled for March 22, 2006.

 

 

 

 

February 22, 2006

 

23.        EMERGENCY PLANNING - Update

 

Fire Chief Paul Bedont reported that since the 9-11-2001 events (terrorists flew airplanes into  the New York Trade Center buildings), the Department of Homeland Security is making it mandatory that all emergency responders work together and react in certain ways.  Homeland Security has put together training referred to as NIMS (National Incident Management System), which is a comprehensive and consistent national approach to all-hazards incident management.  All states, territories, local jurisdictions and tribal entities need to adopt the NIMS principles and policies by September 30, 2006.  Any future Federal preparedness assistance funding will be held up until entities come into compliance.  Completion of the NIMS Awareness Course, IS 700, can be done online or through classes.  The training takes approximately two hours.  Tests are completed online and consist of 30 questions.  The participant receives a certificate of completion.  The Price City Fire Department has completed their training and received their certificates.  Copies have been placed in each employee=s personnel files.  All departments in the City that respond to emergencies need to have the training before the City can certify and proceed with the adoption of the NIMS principles and policies..           

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:40 p.m.

 

APPROVED:

 

 

 

                                            

ATTEST:                                                                       Joe L. Piccolo, Mayor

 

 

 

                                                    

Joanne Lessar, City Recorder

 

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