City Hall: Price, Utah
May 28, 1997, 5:30 p.m.
Present:
Mayor Lou Colosimo
Councilmembers: Roy A. Nikas, Betty P. Wheeler, Joe L. Piccolo, Steve Bringhurst, Stephen L. Denison
Vernon W. Jones (Adminis. Ass't.), Joanne Lessar (City Recorder), Pat Larsen (Finance Director), Gary Sonntag (City Engineer), Nick Sampinos (City Attorney), Aleck Shilaos (Chief of Police)
Others Present: James Dickerson, Kent Boyack, Dave Clough, Mike Burke, Tom Alexander, Levon Grundvig, Tom Monfrooy, Carl Gramlich, Patricia Hillas
Mayor Colosimo led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called with the above members in attendance.
1. MINUTES - April 8, 1997 MOTION. Councilmember Nikas moved that the minutes of the April 8, 1997 meeting be approved as written. Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.
2. MINUTES - April 21, 1997 MOTION. Councilmember Wheeler moved that the minutes of the April 21, 1997 meeting be approved as written. Motion seconded by Councilmember Nikas and carried.
3. MINUTES - April 23, 1997 MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo moved that the minutes of the April 23, 1997 meeting be approved as written. Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.
4. MINUTES - April 29, 1997 MOTION. Councilmember Bringhurst moved that the minutes of the April 29, 1997 meeting be approved as written. Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.
5. PUBLIC HEARING - Proposed Budget For FY1997/98
Mayor Colosimo opened the Public Hearing at 5:32 p.m. to receive comments on the proposed budget for FY1997/98.
Mike Burke, 255 South 1st West #1 - In regards to the increase in water, he would like to see commercial connections pay more than residential connections. He lives in an apartment complex and doesn't use much water. Mr. Burke referred to a car wash business. Councilmember Piccolo stated that there are residents who use as much water as commercial car washes. Mr. Burke referred to the increase as being 42%. Mayor Colosimo reminded Mr. Burke that the increase was only $.42. Councilmember Piccolo informed Mr. Burke that this increase will be set aside and used for future water expansion projects. It will not be used for anything else.
Tom Monfrooy, 49 East 900 North - He feels that the water bill is too high now. It was raised 60% last year or the year before. He is looking for a decrease, not an increase. If there is going to be an influx of people moving into the City, they should be charged the extra. He opposes the increase. Councilmember Piccolo asked Mr. Monfrooy if he could remember when water rates were last increased? Mr. Monfrooy stated that he did not know. Prior to last year, he was not living in Price. Councilmember Piccolo stated the last increase was in 1986. Mr. Monfrooy stated that he has lived in Salt Lake and in California, and has never paid a water bill this high. Mr. Monfrooy felt the $.42 was a small amount, but it was the principle. The 60% should have covered it. Councilmember Piccolo stated that the 60% increase went to a project to increase the capacity to store water, and to enable the system to take care of the expansion that is occurring. Councilmember Piccolo stated that if you look at the surrounding areas, Price City's water rates are not any higher. Councilmember Bringhurst stated that the last increase in water rates was rather high in order to construct the large storage system on top of Wood Hill. The Council is trying to make sure there will not be a gigantic increase every 10 years like the last one. They would like small increases on a year to year basis. It is also getting more difficult to maintain the water system.
Patricia Hillas, 350 East 4th North - Protested the increase in water rates. She feels that money doesn't go that far and the Council needs to be more considerate. Councilmember Piccolo asked Mrs. Hillas what service she would like the City to cut? Mrs. Hillas stated she didn't care, as long as something is decreased. Councilmember Piccolo stated that the City is trying to provide quality drinking water in an amount that doesn't have to be rationed. This year water is very plentiful, but in drought years, there were people in the City that couldn't turn on their hose. Instead of raising rates every 10 years, the Council would like to raise them a little at a time.
Councilmember Nikas stated that when the Council reviewed options of where to obtain revenue for future water projects, the issue was raised if all people should pay for it or should the users pay for it. Water, just like electricity, is definitely a user oriented fee. If you use much more water than your neighbor, then you will be paying more for the transmission and storage systems. If you use little water, you will probably pay a minimum amount. The Council is looking at future phases of the water expansion project. The major transmission line from Castle Gate to the storage tanks will need to be replaced in the next several years. The estimates two years ago ranged anywhere from $5 to $7 million dollars. This is how significant these future projects are going to be. The Council was uncertain whether to raise fees on a small scale every year or a large increase all at once. Somebody has to pay for these projects. The grant money is not out there anymore. No one is going to hand you $5 to $7 million dollars. The Council felt the best way to accomplish this was through the small user fee over a period of time. All of this additional money is going directly into the future expansion project, the next one being the transmission line. The City probably will not do the full $5 to $7 million dollar project all at one time. We may only do part of it, but it still is going to have to be done. This is the link of water between the springs to the water treatment plant into the storage tanks in the City. If this is not kept up to standards, the Council has not done their job in protecting a quality water supply for its citizens.
Mrs. Hillas stated that she accepts the increase as long as it is going into this expansion project, and not being used to hire more employees or buy more vehicles.
MOTION. There being no further comments, Councilmember Denison moved that the Public Hearing be closed. Motion seconded by Councilmember Bringhurst and carried. Public Hearing closed at 5:40 p.m.
6. BID OPENING - Confined Space Rescue System - Committee Appointed
The following bids were received for the Confined Space Rescue System for the Fire Department.
Fairmont Supply, Price $ 7,354.30
Ross Equipment, Midvale $ 2,448.00 (Bid Not Complete)
L.N. Curtis & Sons, Salt Lake $13,929.15
MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo moved that a committee consisting of himself, Mayor Colosimo, Kent Boyack, Paul Wheeler, Pat Larsen, and Gary Sonntag, be appointed to review the bids and given the power to act. Motion seconded by Councilmember Nikas and carried.
7. CARBON COUNTY FOOD BANK - Permission To Use Terrace Hills Park For Produce Drop
Ben Brown from the Carbon County Food Bank requested permission to use Terrace Hills Park on a monthly basis (4th Wednesday) to park a truck for the purpose of distributing produce to low income families. This will begin at 12:00 noon and take approximately 1 to 2 hours for distribution. Mr. Brown talked to Suda Merriman, and she recommended Terrace Hills Park. The Council felt that this park is not large enough. Councilmember Piccolo suggested that Mr. Brown check with Bill Howell to see if the Business and Technical Assistance Center parking lot can be used for this purpose. MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo moved that the City refer this to the BTAC Board and let them know that the Council supports this request. Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried. Councilmember Piccolo asked Mr. Brown to let the Council know if this does not work out.
8. JAMES AND ALVERTA DICKERSON - Request To Purchase Alleyway Or Control Access
James Dickerson, 520 Rose Avenue, reported that his driveway joins an alley that runs east and west and butts against another alley going north and south. He purchased a piece of property on the north side of the alleyway running east and west. It has open access and neighborhood adolescents and teenagers are constantly running and riding bikes through there. He has numerous scratches on a new truck, dents in the siding of his house from balls hitting it, and there is a constant flow of children running and screaming up and down his driveway, which runs parallel to this alley. He would like the City to abandon the alleyway and allow him to purchase it or erect gates at both ends of the property which would still allow City access. Councilmember Nikas stated that he reviewed the property and found that it would be very simple to put a gateway on the east and west ends of the property, which would not effect the north/south traffic in the alleyway. The gateway would have a chain on it, but it would be open for fire trucks to get through. The chain would discourage through traffic in the area. In regards to Mr. Dickerson purchasing it, or the City abandoning it, he feels if the chain was used, it would still leave access for utility lines. Mr. Dickerson indicated to him that he would put the gate in at his own expense, put in some asphalt and proper drainage. Mr. Sampinos felt this is an appropriate alternative if the City is not interested in vacating and selling it at this time. He recommended an agreement between the property owner and the City, acknowledging what the City is doing and why, and that any improvements placed on the property by the adjoining land owner does not create any right, title, or interest in the property, but merely allows him to use it and maintain those gates, etc. MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo moved that this recommendation be approved, that Mr. Dickerson be allowed to install the gates, and that Mr. Sampinos be directed to prepare the agreement. Motion seconded by Councilmember Nikas and carried.
9. GRADUATION SPECTACULAR - Contribution Ratified
MOTION. Councilmember Nikas moved that the $500 contributed to Graduation Spectacular be ratified. Motion seconded by Councilmember Piccolo and carried.
10. CARBON CREDIT UNION - Preliminary and Final Approval
Mike Milovich, manager of Carbon Credit Union, reported that he met last night with the Planning and Zoning Commission concerning his proposed building on 7th East and 1st North. They gave final approval on the site plan, but there is a major question on the street, which involves City participation on the asphalt. The street is a closed road and there is a potential for future development. He asked how much of the street will need to be paved? Gary Sonntag stated that 54' of pavement will be required. Mr. Milovich stated that the suggestion was made for the City to pave a 24' section down the center. The credit union would pave 17' from that section to the curb and gutter on their side of the road. If development takes place on the other side, that developer would be required to complete the other 17' of pavement. The Planning and Zoning Commission referred this recommendation to the City Council as they were unsure if the City would be willing to participate. Councilmember Piccolo reported that he and Councilmember Nikas discussed this and felt that in order to maintain a safe lane of traffic on 7th East, the City has some responsibility to take care of the center lane as the roadway develops. If the City allows only 33' of pavement, it would be misaligned with 7th East and could cause potential traffic hazards. Gary Sonntag stated that it will cost $18,000 for the 24' of pavement. Councilmember Nikas agreed that the City should pave the 24' of roadway. The Council agreed that because 7th East is a dedicated roadway and due to the safety issue, that the City should pave the middle of the road. MOTION. Councilmember Nikas moved that the project be given preliminary and final approval, that concept approval be given for the City to reconstruct and pave the 7th East roadway up to the driveway area of the Carbon Credit Union which will be 263' long and 24' wide, and that Carbon Credit Union pave the remaining 15' to 17' on their side. Further, that this pavement be constructed as one project with an agreement that Carbon Credit Union will pay to the City their portion of the pavement. Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried. Carbon Credit Union will also construct curb, gutter, and sidewalk. It was noted that pavement will not go all the way to the canal until the canal project is completed. Carbon Credit Union will enter into a development agreement stating that after the canal project is completed, they will continue curb, gutter, sidewalk, and pavement to the canal bridge on their side of the development.
11. CRAIG HUMES (HOGI YOGI), BLACKHAWK ENGINEERING, WOLF COMPUTER DESIGN AND DRAFTING, PRICE RIVER DRIVE BUSINESS PARK - Conditional Use Permits Approved
Councilmember Piccolo reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission gave a favorable approval for the following Conditional Use Permits:
Craig Humes dba Hogi Yogi - One Lot Subdivision
Blackhawk Engineering - 214 East 100 North, Establishing Office
Wolf Computer Design and Drafting - 214 East 100 North, Establishing Office
Price River Drive Business Park - 600 West Price River Drive, Two Signs - Contingent upon signs staying off of City property and comply with 40' corner set back.
MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo moved that the requests be approved and that Conditional Use Permits be issued with the above contingency for the Price River Drive Business Park. Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.
12. CIRCLE K RANCH - Conditional Use Permit
Councilmember Piccolo reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission reviewed the request of Circle K Ranch, 130 North Carbonville Road, for a new access onto Main Street near the Carbonville Road intersection, which would be for the vacant lot above Taco Bell. It would be beneficial to widen Main Street to allow an acceleration and deceleration lane. As Main Street is currently being reconstructed in this area, it would be a good time to widen the road and add it to the current project contract with Flare Construction. Dino Kiahtipes, co-owner of Circle K Ranch has agreed to pay all the related costs estimated at $7,736.80 for both sides of the driveway for the additional lane. The Commission gave a favorable recommendation for this request. Councilmember Denison questioned if someone was driving west on Main Street towards Carbonville Road, would there be a center turning lane into the driveway? Gary Sonntag stated that there is not. In other words, someone coming from Carbonville Road onto Main Street could turn in, or if you are coming out of the property, you could turn right onto Main Street or left and cross into the flow of traffic headed towards Carbonville Road. Councilmember Piccolo stated that P & Z did not address this concern at this time because there is no indication of what will be developed there. The Council discussed adding an island or a barrier and if this concept would work. After further discussion, it was recommended to approve the request at this time and if traffic problems arise in the future, that Mr. Kiahtipes be informed that he would be responsible to take care of them. MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo moved that the City accept Mr. Kiahtipes' offer to modify the lane modification in front of his property as requested, with the stipulation that traffic will be dictated at the time of future development. Further, that this work will be added on to the present project with Flare Construction and that an agreement be prepared with the Kiahtipes' for payment for the additional improvements. Motion seconded by Councilmember Bringhurst and carried.
13. TOY ATWOOD, LEONARD MILLER, SIDNEY NELSON, STEVE RABER - Travel Approved
Mayor Colosimo recommended that Toy Atwood, Leonard Miller, Sidney Nelson, and Steve Raber, be authorized to attend the Utah State Firemens Convention, June 12-14 in St. George. MOTION. Councilmember Wheeler moved that the travel be approved. Motion seconded by Councilmember Piccolo and carried.
14. SHANE HENRIE - Travel Approved
Mayor Colosimo recommended that Shane Henrie be authorized to attend a Firearms Instructors Class June 16-20 at P.O.S.T. MOTION. Councilmember Nikas moved that the travel be approved. Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.
15. AMBER DAWN ATWOOD - New Hire Approved
CAROLYN VOGRINEC - Reclassification Approved
Mayor Colosimo presented the following personnel actions and recommended approval.
New Hire - Amber Dawn Atwood, Swimming Pool, Office Clerk, Temp/PT
Reclassification - Carolyn Vogrinec - From Public Works Complex, PBX Secretary, Perm/PT, Grade 5, To Building Inspection, Secretary/Receptionist, Perm/FT, Grade 7
MOTION. Councilmember Denison moved that the personnel actions be approved. Motion seconded by Councilmember Bringhurst and carried.
16. RETURN CHECK CHARGES - Permission To Prepare Resolution
Vern Jones reported that the Legislature recently passed a bill allowing for an increase for return check charges from $15.00 to $20.00. The City Treasurer has requested permission to implement this increase. MOTION. Councilmember Bringhurst moved that the request be granted and that a resolution be prepared. Motion seconded by Councilmember Piccolo and carried.
17. RCFP/FIRE AND RESCUE ACADEMY GRANT - Permission To Submit Application
MOTION. Councilmember Nikas moved that the Fire Department be authorized to apply for a matching grant from the RCFP/Fire and Rescue Academy in the amount of $11,960. Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.
18. WATER TREATMENT PLANT COMPRESSOR BUILDING - Quotation Report and Award Of Contract
Gary Sonntag reported that two local companies were invited to submit a quotation to complete the masonry work on the water treatment plant compressor building. Quotations were received by May 20, 1997 and opened and reviewed by Gary Sonntag and Joanne Lessar on May 27, 1997. Following are the contractors and amounts of the quotations.
Morley Masonry $3,288.00
Jensen's Masonry $3,318.00
Staff is recommending that Morley Masonry be awarded this contract. The Council discussed the differences between quotations and bids, and recommended that the Council person be invited to be present during the quotation process. MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo moved that the contract be awarded to Morley Masonry. Motion seconded by Councilmember Nikas and carried.
19. QUENTIN AND KAREN FRATT - 230 East 400 South, Development Agreement, Street Improvements
Gary Sonntag reported that Quentin and Karen Fratt, 230 East 400 South, have petitioned the City for a building permit to construct a new house on a lot at 230 East 400 South. The street improvements in front of the lot do not exist. Therefore, they will be required to commit to the installation of these improvements prior to issuance of a building permit. This includes curb, gutter, sidewalk and pavement. The Fratt's have signed a Development Agreement and filed a cashiers check for a financial guarantee in the amount of $5,000. Upon the City's approval of the Development Agreement, the building permit can be issued. MOTION. Councilmember Nikas moved that the Development Improvement Agreement be approved and that the Mayor and City Recorder be authorized to execute the documents. Motion seconded by Councilmember Piccolo and carried.
20. LEASE/PURCHASE OF POLICE CARS AND DUMP TRUCKS
Pat Larsen reported that she contacted the local banks and asked them to provide proposals for lease/purchase agreements to purchase police cars and dump trucks. First Security was the most reasonable at 5.5% interest. The interest rate at the other banks were higher, and since Far West is taking over Wells Fargo, they cannot propose anything until July 18th. If these vehicles are not ordered now, we will have to wait until November. First Security indicated they could lock rates in for 60 days. They will watch the rates and if they start to go up, they will contact her and lock in the interest rate. Pat stated that the MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo moved that Pat be directed to proceed with the necessary agreements for the lease/purchase of police cars and dump trucks. Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried. Councilmember Bringhurst abstained.
21. PUBLIC HEARING SCHEDULED - Budget Revision FY1996/97
MOTION. Councilmember Nikas moved that a Public Hearing be scheduled for June 25th to revise the budget for FY1996/97. Motion seconded by Councilmember Bringhurst and carried.
22. UTAH LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TRUST - Contract For Medical/Dental Coverage For 1997/98
MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo moved that the contract with Utah Local Governments Trust to provide medical/dental coverage for FY1997/98 be approved and that the Mayor be authorized to execute the document. Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.
23. BUSINESS LICENSE APPLICATIONS
The following business license applications were received:
Diversity, 37 East Main, Eddie Horvath-Owner, Body Piercing, Retail Misc. Merchandise (53.99) $5 Transfer Fee (Change of Business Location
Big Dogs Club, 27 North 100 West, Rosemary Madsen-President, Private club (86.0) $100
Miner's Post No. 2379/VFW, 147 West Main (Rear), Private Club (86) $100
MOTION. Councilmember Wheeler moved that the businesses be approved. Motion seconded by Councilmember Bringhurst and carried.
24. PRICE COMMUNITY CENTER - Rental Contracts
Vern Jones reported that Planned Parenthood has submitted a contract to rent a room in the Price Community Center. The Castle Valley Center has also indicated they do not want a 6 month grace period, that they can start paying rent immediately. The Price River Water Users Association is willing to start renting now.
Vern stated that the interlocal agreement with Carbon County to split utility costs to operate the Price Community Center was sent to the County for their review. The agreement stated that the City and County would split all utility bills. The County would like to add a statement in the agreement indicating a cap of $12,000 for their share. In reviewing past operating figures with Pat, it is felt that the County's portion will be somewhere between $6,000 and $8,000. The Council agreed with the cap, but recommended that it be reviewed annually.
MOTION. Councilmember Nikas moved that the meeting adjourn and that a meeting of the Redevelopment Agency convene. Motion seconded by Councilmember Piccolo and carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
Reconvened at 8:04 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 8:32 p.m.