Minutes of The Price City Council Meeting

City Hall: Price, Utah


February 26, 1997, 5:30 p.m.


Present:

Mayor Lou Colosimo

Councilmembers: Roy A. Nikas, Betty P. Wheeler, Joe L. Piccolo, Steve Bringhurst, Stephen L. Denison

Joanne Lessar (City Recorder), Pat Larsen (Finance Director), Gary Sonntag (City Engineer), Aleck Shilaos (Chief of Police)

Absent and Excused: Vernon W. Jones (Administrative Assistant) Nick Sampinos (City Attorney), Cobb Johnson (Public Works Director)

Others Present:
Christy Malmgren, Melissa Dalton, John Klass, Jennifer Batchelor, Victor Dean, Adrienne Shaver, Karen Hott, Georgina Nowak, Liz Ferguson, Paula Noyes

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


1. MINUTES - February 6, 1997

MOTION. Councilmember Nikas moved that the minutes of the February 6, 1997 meeting be approved as written. Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

2. MINUTES - February 10, 1997

The following correction was made to the minutes of February 10, 1997.

Item 1, Annexations - 3rd Paragraph, Line 17 - change $75,000 to $750,000 and add "or greater than 15 lots".

MOTION. Councilmember Nikas moved that per the above correction, that the minutes be approved. Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.

3. FOUR CORNERS MENTAL HEALTH - Youth Court

Liz Ferguson and Georgina Nowak, representing Four Corners Mental Health, expressed their concern over the high usage of tobacco and alcohol by students at Carbon High School. Four Corners Mental Health has addressed this problem by putting together a Youth Court, which has been in existence since 1995. Out of 57 first time offenders of either alcohol, tobacco, or shoplifting that have gone through the court, 49 were for misdemeanors, 7 infractions and one status. Four Corners is trying to broaden the range for community services for these kids. They have not been through the justice system and do not have a record. Most of them are first time offenders. Ms. Ferguson's and Ms. Nowak's purpose in coming to the meeting is to make the Council and public aware of this court and to get the information out that these kids need to do more community service. Councilmember Nikas stated that he would take this information to the Downtown Business Association. The Council thanked Ms. Ferguson and Ms. Nowak for their input.

4. PECZUH PRINTING CO. - Ad For Chamber of Commerce

Information/Membership Directory Approved

MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo moved that an ad for the Chamber of Commerce Information/Membership Directory be purchased in the amount of $181.00. Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

5. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT - Discussion

Councilmember Denison recommended that a committee be established to spearhead economic development issues. He recommended himself, Mayor Colosimo, Vern Jones, Pat Larsen, Gary Sonntag, and anyone who would like to be on the committee. Councilmember Nikas stated that each member of the Council is interested in economic development. He feels that some direction is needed as to what the committee is going to do. Councilmember Piccolo recommended setting the scope of the committee as to what to expect from it. It was recommended that this be discussed at the next planning meeting.

6. RECLASSIFICATIONS - Discussion

Councilmember Denison recommended that reclassifications be structured so that they are reviewed during the budget process and effective with the new budget year, July 1, instead of helter skelter throughout the year. Councilmembers Wheeler and Piccolo agreed that a pattern should be set. They felt this should be considered during the evaluation process and classifications changed if there are added job responsibilities. Councilmember Nikas stated that there are some department heads who change the jobs of employees then come to the Council for reclassification. It was felt that department heads should discuss this with their Council person beforehand. The Council directed that Vern Jones, Joanne Lessar, Pat Larsen, and Aleck Shilaos, prepare a reclassification policy for Council review.

7. CEDAR HILLS DRIVE - Electrical Distribution Approved

Councilmember Piccolo reported that the electrical distribution system along Cedar Hills Drive has been reviewed by both the City and Utah Power & Light officials. UP&L demonstrated what was needed in that area. Contrary to earlier plans, the power would cross above the canal, cross the road to the east, and down the east side of the road to the apartments behind Smiths. UP&L estimates the cost of the project at approximately $130,000. It was felt that Class "C" Road Funds could pick up a portion of the costs, in as much as the power is being moved to widen Cedar Hills Drive. The Electric Fund could lend the money and the Class "C" Road fund could pay it back over a 3 or 4 year period.

It will be necessary to put a culvert in place so that UP&L could run the wire over the canal before any water runoff begins. This year's runoff could start within a short time. Cost of the culvert is $5,000 to $6,000. MOTION. After further discussion regarding the project and methods of payment, Councilmember Piccolo moved that the project be approved per UP&L estimates, that the culvert be purchased, and that staff consider the variable funding options. Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried. Councilmember Nikas abstained.

8. STARTECH INC., KELI'S GIFTS, BASIC CONCEPTS - Home Occupied Businesses Approved

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

Startech, Inc., Mark E. & Carolyn Francis-Owners, 233 North 400 East - telephone consulting and computer work.

Keli's Gifts, Terry M. Fox-Owner, 225 South 300 East - direct mail operation.

Basic Concepts, Michael K. Fox-Owner, 225 South 300 East - computer cleaning service.

MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo moved that the businesses be approved upon payment of the business license fee.

9. PRICE FLORAL - Change of Use, Conditional Use Permit

Councilmember Piccolo reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission gave a favorable recommendation to Price Floral for a change of use permit to move into the former Price Trading Building located at 44 West Main. The Council discussed the issue of no onsite parking at the rear of the building for employee parking. It might be possible that other businesses in the area would lend parking spaces. MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo moved that the change of use be approved and that a Conditional Use Permit be issued contingent upon receipt of an improved employee parking plan. Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.

10. DISCOVERY CENTER - Creekview Center, Conditional Use Permit,
Change of Use

Councilmember Piccolo reported that the Discovery Center would like a Conditional Use Permit for a change of use to move their business into the building formerly occupied by the western wear business in the Creekview Center. Due to a scheduling conflict, this item has not been to Planning and Zoning for a change of use permit. There is a need for an immediate move and if it is not dealt with, it could mean a loss of several jobs. Joanne Lessar stated that she contacted all Planning and Zoning Boardmembers and they could see no problem with the Council approving this and that they would ratify it at their next meeting. MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo moved that the request be approved, that a Conditional Use Permit be issued contingent to complying with the necessary City code through the Building Inspector and Fire Chief. Motion seconded by Councilmember Bringhurst and carried. Carol Griffiths, Vice President of Discovery Center, thanked the Council for their motion. She presented some background of her company and information pertaining to the number of individuals they employ in the Price area. Their payroll for the Price area is $650,000/year.

11. STATE OF UTAH, DIVISION OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SERVICES - Contract For Fiber Optic Network - Tabled

12. KATHRYN BURNHAM - Travel Approved


Mayor Colosimo recommended that Kathryn Burnham be authorized to attend the Utah Treasurers Spring Conference, April 30, March 1st and 2nd, in St. George, Utah. MOTION. Councilmember Wheeler moved that the travel be approved. Motion seconded by Councilmember Piccolo and carried.

13. KEVIN DROLC, BILL BARNES - Wage Adjustments Approved

Mayor Colosimo recommended that Police Sergeants Kevin Drolc and Bill Barnes receive a wage adjustment effective February 1, 1997. MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo moved that the wage adjustments be approved. Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

14. THEDA USSERY - New Hire Approved

Mayor Colosimo recommended that Theda Ussery be hired as a temporary/full time PBX Operator effective March 3, 1997. MOTION. Councilmember Nikas moved that the new hire be approved. Motion seconded by Councilmember Bringhurst and carried.

15. ANNEXATION OF EASTERN PORTION OF PRICE - Amended Map


Mayor Colosimo presented an amended map indicating the recommended areas for annexation in the north, northeast, and northwest sections of Price. MOTION. Councilmember Nikas moved that the amended map be approved and made a part of the minute record. Motion seconded by Councilmember Bringhurst and carried.

16. PRICE MAIN STREET PROJECT, STP-1342(1)0 - The Engineering Group - Partial Payments #3, #4

Gary Sonntag reported that The Engineering Group has submitted two partial payment requests through the Utah Department of Transportation. Payment #3 in the amount of $16,406.24 is for work completed on the primary design and modifications to the design work. Payment #4 in the amount of $2,741.19 is a request to release the 5% retainage being withheld. MOTION. Councilmember Wheeler moved that the payments be approved. Motion seconded by Councilmember Nikas and carried.

17. PRICE MAIN STREET PROJECT, STP-1342(1)0 - The Engineering Group - Permission To Use City Property

Gary Sonntag reported that The Engineering Group is requesting permission to allow the engineers and contractors to use City property at 400 West Main Street as a temporary storage and staging area during construction of the Price Main Street Project. They are also requesting that they be allowed to use City water at the construction site at no charge during the project. MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo moved that the requests be granted. Motion seconded by Councilmember Bringhurst and carried.

18. BUSINESS AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER - The Trane Company - Payment For Heating and Ventilating Repairs

Gary Sonntag reported that in recent weeks, unexpected repairs were made at the BTAC to restore heating and ventilation to the building. The Trane Company made the repairs and is now requesting payment in the amount of $2,438.43. MOTION. Councilmember Bringhurst moved that the payment be approved. Motion seconded by Councilmember Piccolo and carried. Gary Sonntag reported that as repairs have been quite frequent on this system and in as much as it has been in operation for such a short time, that Nick Sampinos is in the process of writing a letter to Trane Company informing them of the situation. It is hopeful that a solution can be found.

19. WATER SYSTEM EXPANSION PROJECT IV, SCADA (ELECTRONIC
MONITORING SYSTEM) - Committee Recommendation For Bid Award

Gary Sonntag reported that the committee appointed to evaluate the bid proposals received on the SCADA system (electronic water monitoring) has completed its review. It was decided to award the base bid and the additive alternate for the RTU#4 at the 3 and 2 million gallon water tanks. On the additive alternate, it was determined that it would be impractical to require the Hach CL17 chlorine analyzer because not all of the bidders included this in their proposals according to specifications, and it would prove to be too expensive due to the large power requirement.

After reviewing the bid proposals, presentations and checking references, the committee decided to eliminate two of the three remaining companies being considered and now recommend that the contract for the SCADA system be awarded to Rooney Engineering Inc., of Vernal, Utah, for the base bid amount of $85,948.00, subject to and contingent upon arriving at an acceptable price for the additive alternate for the RTU#4 at the 3 and 2 million gallon tanks. This would be done in consideration of eliminating the chlorine analyzer. Rooney Engineering has indicated that an adjusted price for this alternate would be $9,560. This would need to be confirmed. The cost of the SCADA system will be more than the original estimate of $60,000. The current engineers estimate is $128,500.00, which includes the additive alternate. The available funding is sufficient to cover the proposed contract with Rooney Engineering. Subsequent to the Council's approval and confirmation of the additive alternate and acceptance of the bid award, Gary requested permission to enter into an agreement with Rooney Engineering, Inc. MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo moved that the added alternate be approved, that the City accept the bid, and that Gary Sonntag be authorized to enter into an agreement with Rooney Engineering, Inc. Motion seconded by Councilmember Nikas and carried.

20. MEDICAL/DENTAL BENEFITS - Retired Employees - Tabled


21. BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATION

The following business license application was received.

Sheer Joy Too, 830 North 100 East, Joy & Mike Gipson-Owners, Beauty Shop (72.3) $100

MOTION. Councilmember Bringhurst moved that the business be approved. Motion seconded by Councilmember Piccolo and carried.

Meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.