Minutes of The Price City Council Meeting

City Hall: Price, Utah

April 12, 2005, 5:30 p.m.

 

Present:

Mayor Joe L. Piccolo                                          Joanne Lessar, City Recorder

Councilmembers:                                               Pat Larsen, Finance Director

     Betty P. Wheeler                                          Nick Sampinos, City Attorney

     Richard Tatton                                              Gary Sonntag, Public Works Director/City Engineer

     Jeannie McEvoy                                            Nick Tatton, Community Director

     Mae Aguayo                                                 John Daniels, Human Resource Director

                                                                        Bret Cammans, Communications Director

Aleck Shilaos, Chief of Police

 

Excused: Councilmember Stephen L. Denison

 

Others Present:

     Ed Taylor                             David Taylor                   Les Bowen                    Karl Kraync

     Beverly Martinez                   Tom Alleman                 Venyce Martinez            Christie L. Downard

     Ken Lininger                         Suda Merriman              Steve Carpenter Holly Hughes

     Michael Glasson                   Paula Wells                   Roberta Hardy               Bill Cox

     Dylan Morris                         Justin Stout                   Tim Cox                        Linda Allred

     Steve Christensen                 Steven Burge                 Conner Jensen               Keny Seals      

 

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

 

 1.        COUNCILMEMBERS REPORT - Update

 

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

 

 2.        UTAH RECREATION AND PARKS ASSOCIATION AWARD PRESENTATION

 

Steve Carpenter, Executive Director of the Utah Recreation and Parks Association, presented a plaque to Suda Merriman which represents her outstanding performance and dedication as a parks representative from 2003 to 2005.  Price City and Carbon County received two of the awards that were given this year.  Mr. Carpenter thanked the Council for their support.  Without their support the Parks and Recreation would not be successful.  Mayor Piccolo thanked Mr. Carpenter for his presentation.

 

 3.         ELECTRICAL EVALUATION - Presentation By KEE Engineering

 

Karl Kraync, Jr., Kee Engineering, presented an analysis of Price City=s electrical substation evaluations, their condition and capacities, and planning for the future.  The Downtown or Central Substation is running about 30% spare capacity, the Courthouse Substation about 34% spare capacity, and the High School Substation about 40% spare capacity.  This is prior to the connection of the new WalMart area.  He estimates this will then put that substation running 15 to 20% spare capacity.  As far as liabilities are concerned, one of the first issues that needs to be looked at is fencing and grounding.  All fencing should be grounded and gridded around gating areas.   At the present, there is no grounding on the Downtown Substation fence.  The next issue is substation fencing connected to outside fencing.  Anytime there is a connection to a substation fence, there is a potential to electrocute anyone coming in contact with that fence.  The Courthouse Substation has a connecting fence and there is a partially repaired connection at the high school fence.  The Downtown Substation has a short stub connection.  The next issue is a touch potential.  Anytime two pieces of iron touch without proper grounding, there is a potential for a person to be electrocuted.  The next one is step potential.  A person can be electrocuted walking across the ground in a poorly grounded substation.  A person can also be electrocuted by touching the equipment.  The next issue is the age of the Downtown Substation, which is the oldest of the three substations.  Because of its age, it is difficult to replace or repair the equipment.  It would be difficult to locate a replacement voltage regulator or transformer.  Some of the equipment is leaking.  The  PCB levels in this substation are well over 50 parts.  The grounding grid is in need of repair and the distribution voltage needs to be upgraded.  The last issue is system documentation.  There is a lack of information flow between UP&L, the service provider, and Price City.  That information is used for everything, for repairs, for emergencies, and for any problems with the system that brings the text up to speed.  Four out of ten UP&L techs will know the system well, while the other six might not know anything about it.  Providing that information is critical.  Load and volt analysis is another area that needs to be improved. 


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Preventative testing is also critical.  A system can be tested in several different ways, such as oil sampling.  Documentation is critical for this testing.  A bad voltage regulator disconnect is also bad in the Downtown Sub.  Mayor Piccolo thanked Mr. Kraync for his presentation.   

 

 4.        CARBON HIGH SCHOOL DEBATE TEAM - Contribution Approved

 

Thomas Alleman, director of the Carbon High School Debate Team, indicated that he is trying to rebuild the debate team.  Several fund raisers have been held to raise money.  Holly Hughes, Team Captain, requested that the Council consider making a contribution so that more students can attend debate camp.  Last year 5 students were sent to camp.  Everyone of those students qualified for State this year.  Four of those went to the quarter and semi finals.  Costs to send one student is $575.00.  Attendance at camp allows for more successful debaters.  MOTION.  Councilmember Wheeler moved that $575.00 be contributed.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Aguayo and carried.

 

 5.        DISCONTINUANCE OF ACCIDENTAL DENTAL BENEFIT - Approved

 

John Daniels presented an update on the City=s employee benefit package.  Recent data indicates that health care costs are soaring 3 times faster than the average earnings.  Utah is the 4th highest in the nation with national trends increasing 14% to 16%.   He reviewed Price City=s costs for medical and dental insurance over the past several years.  After reviewing other insurances,  Mr. Daniels suggested that the City remain with Public Employees Health Plan administered by Utah Local Governments Trust.  PEHP is adding different options aimed mainly to hold down the increase in costs, such as increased deductibles.  Options offered are Preferred Care and Comp I and Comp II.  Options for dental are Traditional and Preferred.  He recommended the Preferred Dental.  Most of the dentists in Carbon and Emery Counties are on the preferred list.  The City currently has an Accidental Dental Insurance coverage.  This covers accidental damage to natural healthy teeth, not crowns, bridges, dentures, etc.  In a study he conducted, he found that this coverage has not been used any Price City employee in the past 2 years.  This is also covered under the dental policy.  Mr. Daniels suggested that Price City drop this coverage, which is paid for by Price City.  MOTION.  Councilmember Aguayo moved that the City remain with PEHP as recommended per the above options and that the Accidental Dental Insurance Coverage be eliminated.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.

 

 6.        EMPLOYEE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM - Authorization To Receive Proposals

 

As the decision was made to eliminate the Accidental Dental Benefit, John Daniels suggested that an Employee Assistance Program take its place.  This type of program counsels and assists employees with life issues, such as grief counseling, financial problems, health, illness, mental depression, obesity, drug issues, etc.  Mr. Daniels requested that he be allowed to pursue this and receive proposals.  He hopes to get a proposal similar to what the costs were for the Accidental Dental Benefit.  MOTION.  Councilmember Aguayo moved that Mr. Daniels be authorized to seek proposals for the above program.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.

 

 7.        PRICE CITY PERSONNEL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES - Request To Change Benefit Eligibility For Full Time Employees Only (Volunteer Fireman) - Tabled

 

MOTION.  Councilmember McEvoy moved that this item be tabled and placed on Unfinished Business.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

 

 8.        J-2 UNLIMITED - Home Occupied Business Approved

 

Councilmember McEvoy reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission gave a favorable recommendation to the request of Kerry Jensen to operate a construction consulting business at his home located at 88 East 900 North.  MOTION.  Councilmember McEvoy moved that the business be approved upon the purchase of a business license.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

 

 9.        BALANCE ROCK CREDIT UNION, MARX BROTHERS AUTOMOTIVE - Conditional Use Permits Approved

 

Councilmember McEvoy reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission gave a favorable recommendation to the following requests for Conditional Use Permits per the stated stipulations on the Marx Brothers Automotive..

April 12, 2005

 

Balance Rock Credit Union - 494 East Main  - Business & Sign

Marx Brothers Automotive - 270 West 100 North - Change of Use (Used Car Lot) with the

stipulations that the U-Haul Trailers be parked north of his building parallel at a slight angle not to block the road, require customers to drive around to the east end of the building and exit onto 100 North, and pavement of the north side of the building within an 18 month period.

 

MOTION.  Councilmember McEvoy moved that the requests be approved and that Conditional Use Permits be issued per the above stipulations on the Marx Brothers Automotive.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

 

10.        PINNACLE CANYON ACADEMY - Conditional Use Permit Approved

 

Before this item proceeded, Councilmember Tatton disclosed that he does business with Pinnacle Canyon Academy.

 

Councilmember McEvoy reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission gave a favorable recommendation to the request of Pinnacle Canyon Academy, 210 North 600 East, for preliminary and final approval for construction and remodeling with the stipulation that improvements include curb, gutter and sidewalk on 6th East, and upon receipt of a Development Improvement Agreement.  Pinnacle Canyon has asked permission to complete a raised sidewalk and eliminate the curb and gutter, as 6th East has a cement wall on one side and the street is slightly slanted.  Perhaps the drainage would occur naturally without the curb and gutter and perhaps it wouldn=t.  The Commission did not have the expertise in this field to make that determination.  She asked Gary Sonntag for guidance on this issue.  Gary stated that with respect to a project such as this where there are not any street improvements, it is a condition of approval that they be installed and which is supportive of the City=s Land Use Management Code.  The intent behind curb and gutter, amongst other improvements such as a sidewalk, defines the street, supports the edge of the pavement and conveys storm water.  It is unknown how much storm water it may convey.  This is not a stipulation for curb and gutter.  The Code basically states that curb and gutter will be constructed.  Curb and gutter also provides a certain measure of pedestrian safety and supports the sidewalk.  Gary recommended that the project be required to install curb, gutter and sidewalk.  MOTION.  Councilmember McEvoy moved that the project receive preliminary and final approval, that a Conditional Use Permit be issued with the stipulation that curb, gutter and sidewalk be installed and upon receipt of a Development Improvement Agreement.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Aguayo and carried. 

 

CONSENT ITEMS -  MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that Items #11through #25 be approved.  Motion seconded by Councilmember McEvoy and carried.

 

11.        MINUTES - March 23, 2005, April 7, 2005

 

12.        RESOLUTION #2005-05 - Amending The Fee For Irrigation Water Users

 

13.        JOANNE LESSAR, LISA RICHENS, BRIAN JUDD, BRANDON SICILIA, BILL WARDLE - Travel Approved

 

Joanne Lessar - Utah League of Cities & Towns Conference (Conference Speaker), April 14, St. George, Utah

Lisa Richens - Annual Government Auditing Update, May 5, Salt Lake City, Utah

                        State and Local Government Conference, May 6, Salt Lake City, Utah

Brian Judd - D.A.R.E. Certification, June 13-24, Salt Lake City, Utah

Brandon Sicilia - Street Survival Seminar, June 28, 29, Salt Lake City, Utah

Bill Wardle - Backflow Training and Certification Exam, May 2-6, Orem, Utah

 

14.        PRICE CITY ELECTRICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - Permission To Prepare Resolution To Establish A Cost Recovery Charge

 

15.        CASTLE COUNTRY REGIONAL INFORMATION CENTER - New Agreement and Change In Funding ($4,000 Per Year In Funding)

 

16.        VAN MAYS (PROPERTY IMPROVEMENTS 161 EAST 100 NORTH) - Phase I Easy Reimbursement ($1,409.38)

 

 

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17.        CAVE HOLLOW - Development Agreement Approved - Lot 201-205

CASTLEVIEW HOSPITAL CLINIC - Partial Release of Development Agreement.

 

18.        UDOT PEDESTRIAN SAFETY PROGRAM - Permission To Submit Request For Funding (Improvements On State Roads SR10, SR55 or US6)

 

19.        UTILITY METER ACCESS POLICY - Permission To Adopt

 

20.        UTILITIES ELECTRONIC METER READING EQUIPMENT - Permission To Purchase (Estimated Cost $88,145.80)

 

21.        POLICE OFFICER ROGER TAYLOR - Acceptance of Resignation Effective April 18, 2005 and Authorization To Start Hiring Process For A Replacement

 

22.        NEW HIRES APPROVED  - John Diaz (Cemetery Laborer, Temp/FT);  Jason Wichmann (Utilities

Meter Reader, Temp/FT) - Ratification

 

23.        NEW HIRE - Amanda Hamaker, Cemetery Laborer, Temp/FT

 

24.        STREETS DEPARTMENT MAINTENANCE - Permission To Advertise and Hire One Seasonal Laborer

 

25.        SWIMMING POOL SEASONAL EMPLOYEES - Permission To Hire Eight Lifeguards and One Office Clerk

 

26.        SHARON KLARICH - Travel Approved

 

Councilmember Tatton requested that before travel is approved for Sharon Klarich, that she and Councilmember Wheeler follow up on training Price City employees on information they received at a women=s conference.  Councilmember Wheeler stated that she would follow up on this.  MOTION.  Councilmember Aguayo moved that Sharon Klarich be approved to attend a Utah Business License Conference, May 5 and 6 in Ogden, Utah.  Motion seconded by Councilmember

Wheeler and carried.

 

27.        IRRIGATION WATER MANAGEMENT PROGRAM 2005 SEASON - Approved

 

Councilmember McEvoy stated that she has some concerns regarding the irrigation water management program.  She questioned watering hours between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. and what those residents who work during the day would do for water if it is cut off at 3:00 p.m.  She also questioned the elderly resident who has to access hard-to-walk areas in order to get water.  What if they stumbled and fell and couldn=t help themselves?  At what point would the City be liable?  Gary Sonntag explained the irrigation process and stated that the City can no longer afford a program to service the irrigation ditches.  He was given the task to accomplish the delivery of water at a less cost and to come up with a proposal.  The water user has a responsibility to search out water in his ditch, and if it is necessary, he will have to go to the canal to get it.  The City will open and close the gates, but the user will need to find the water.  The ditch will run as long as necessary to make sure each user gets their share of water.  Some gates will open and close the same day.  Others will open and close the next day.  Some could be running on the weekend as well.  The ditch will run as long as necessary to make sure each user gets their share of water.

 

Councilmember McEvoy thanked Gary for his explanation and indicated that she has a better understanding about the irrigation process.  MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that the Irrigation Water Management Program for the 2005 season be approved with the appointment of a referee or ditchmaster to resolve disputes.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Aguayo and carried.   

 

28.        INTERNATIONAL DAYS COMMITEE - Update

 

Councilmember Tatton reported that plans for the International Days events are moving along well and all committees are functioning well.  The car show is up and running.  Flyers will be distributed advertising the giveaway of a customized pedal car.  The opening ceremonies are going good and everything seems to be on track.  The cars for the car show will be in the parade.  The Rock Crawlers will be situated on the east side of Pioneer Park against the cement wall.  A lot of work has been done on additional parking and traffic control.  There will be an area specifically


April 12, 2005

 

designed for vendors to do their cooking.  The gravel around the water tanks will be leveled for additional parking.

 

29.        COMMUNITY PROGRESS - Update

 

Councilmember Wheeler discussed the Main Street tree lighting project.  She, Bret Cammans and Nick Tatton are reviewing it and are going to find a new plan.  Electrical lines need to be placed along Main Street in order to hook up the lights as well as for loud speakers and music.  It all needs to be evaluated and engineered.  She will continue to proceed with this project.

 

Conner Jensen, David Taylor and Parker Cammans from Boy Scout Troop #283 were at the meeting as part of their Communications Merit Badge. 

 

Meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m.

 

APPROVED:

 

 

 

                                                       

ATTEST:                                                           Joe L. Piccolo, Mayor

 

 

 

                                                  

Joanne Lessar, City Recorder