Minutes of The Price City Council Meeting

City Hall: Price, Utah

September 27, 2000, 5:00 p.m.

 

Present:

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

 

Excused: Mayor Lou Colosimo

 

Others Present:

    Steve Sims                Dave Levanger           Nyla Noyes

    Kathy Hanna               Burke Hills             Mike Fallentine

    Gail Milliken             Kristie Thompson        Shawn Sackett

    John Serfustini           Dr. Richard Wood

 

 1.            MAYOR PROTEMPORE - Councilmember Roy A. Nikas

 

MOTION.  In the absence of Mayor Colosimo, Councilmember Wheeler moved that Councilmember Roy A. Nikas be appointed Mayor Protempore.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.

 

The Council met a half hour before the regular meeting to listen to a presentation by Dr. Richard Wood.

 

 2.   RICHARD WOOD - Discussion On School Children, Request To Send Messages In Utility Bills

 

Dr. Richard Wood asked the Council what challenges they feel children face today that they didn’t face as they were growing up?  The Council came up with the following - single parent homes, materialism, more sophisticated and fast paced society, accessibility to good and bad information, and drugs.  Dr. Wood stated that teachers and parents can’t change the world in which their children are being raised in, so they must be educated enough to meet those challenges in order to be successful.  Dr. Wood presented a list of values, goals, aspirations, and ideals for kids compiled by a group of parents and educators at Westridge Middle School.  They want to teach kids how to develop character, how to get along with others and how to be a friend.  They plan to select specific topics, such as “what you plant now, you harvest later” and “developing good habits”, and write an article about each topic once a month and send them to each religious affiliation in town.  They have met with the ministers within the area and asked them to read these topics to their congregation.  They would also like the Council to allow them to send these messages in their monthly utility bills.  In addition, that these messages be read in Council Meetings each month and posted in an area that is visible for people to read.  Councilmember Wheeler spoke in favor of the program and felt that the City should support it.  Dr. Wood stated that the District supports the program.  Councilmember Piccolo stated that there have been several discussions regarding stuffing items into utility bills.  Per the City’s present policy, he is not certain the City has the ability to accept outside information and place it in utility bills.  Councilmember Denison agreed as the City has turned down a number of requests.  Councilmember Piccolo asked what would happen if the other schools had similar requests and there was not enough room in the utility bills.  He suggested a resolution supporting the program, but he does not think it would be appropriate to get in the middle of this until we find out where it is going.  He does not feel comfortable letting an outside source write a document that is enclosed in our utility bills.  Mayor Protem Nikas suggested taking this under advisement, review the issues, and see what ideas are out there.  Perhaps check with other cities to see what they do, and possibly consider a newsletter from the Mayor.

 

Mayor Protem Nikas continued with the remainder of the meeting.

 

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


 3.   DAVE LEVANGER - Update On Carbon County Multi-Purpose Center

 

Dave Levanger, Carbon County Building Inspector, presented an update on a multi-purpose center planned by Carbon County.  The name of Robbers Roost Arena was tentatively selected for the facility.  The facility would likely include monuments to early settlers, the coal mining industry, local characters and the county’s colorful past.  A committee formed in 1999 to study the project consists of Price City Councilmembers Nikas and Tatton, the Carbon County Sheriff, a representative from CEU, two local restaurant owners, members of the County Fair Board and Travel Council, fair grounds users, Carbon School District, local business owners, County staff, and other assorted individuals.  The Commission does not want to raise taxes to operate this facility.  They would like to structure the facility so that it will be self sufficient.  The committee has traveled throughout Utah to visit similar facilities to determine how they are operated and if they are financially secure.  Plans are to contract with Dr. Donald Snyder, Professor of Economics at Utah State University, to perform a financial analysis and a business plan for the proposed facility.  The County is in the process of developing an estimate for the cost to construct on a generic basis.  Recommendations will be made on the staffing and operational policies, including marketing, management, maintenance, operation of concessions, and other daily activities.  The County is looking primarily at the Fairgrounds as a possible location as well as other sites.  Some of the considerations for the location of the facility are access, availability of utilities, the proximity to local business, site size, easy for visitors to locate, noise and bright lights from the events, lifestock smells, soil conditions, storm drainage, land ownership, etc.  The average costs to operate such a facility range from $60/day to $250/day.  A recent informal survey conducted by the State Riding Club Meet at the Fairgrounds, which was within the last 30 days, indicated that each person spent an average of $165 in Carbon County for food, lodging, fuel services and supplies.  There are very few commercial businesses in the unincorporated areas of the County.  Most of the economic impact from the proposed facility is in Price City and other cities in the County.  Dr. Snyder’s study will hopefully illustrate what the costs and benefits will be for this proposal and will project the operational costs for the first decade.  After the report has been completed, a presentation will be made to the Fair Board.  It will be their recommendation to the County Commissioners whether to build or not.  This committee welcomes any input and ideas.  The Council thanked Mr. Levanger for his input.

 

 4.   MINUTES - September 7, 2000, September 20, 2000

 

MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that the minutes of the September 7, 2000 and September 20, 2000 meetings be approved as written.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.

 

 5.   MINUTES - September 12, 2000

 

MOTION.  Councilmember Denison moved that the minutes of the September 12, 2000 meeting be approved as written.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.  Councilmember Piccolo did not vote as he did not attend the meeting.

 

 6.   ORDINANCE #2000-010 - Zoning Change In Northeast Price From NC To MR-7

 

Mayor Protem Nikas opened the Public Hearing at 5:46 p.m. to receive comments on the proposed zoning change in Northeast Price from NC (Neighborhood Commercial) and SF-6 (Single Family) to MR-7 (Multiple Residential).  Councilmember Piccolo reported that the area proposed for rezoning is located south of Swift’s Stop and Shop on the corner of 8th North and Cedar Hills Drive.  Plans are to construct a dental office.  It cannot be used for that purpose in the present NC Zone.   Rezoning the small portion of the south end of that lot to an MR-7 will allow the creation of the office building.  MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that the Public Hearing be closed and that Ordinance #2000-010, changing the zoning in Northeast Price to MR-7, be adopted, that the Mayor and City Recorder be authorized to sign the ordinance, and that it become effective upon publication.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.  The Public Hearing closed at 5:52 p.m.

 

 7.   BID OPENING - Water System Improvements - Committee Appointed

 

The following bids were received for the water system improvements

 


Schedule A        Schedule B

 

Hills Construction, Inc.       No Bid          $174,945.00

Weyher Const. Co.               No Bid          $187,775.00

Gateway Company               $174,500.00         No Bid

DeBirk Brothers, Inc.         $105,077.00         No Bid    

 

MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that a committee, consisting of himself, Councilmember Denison, Gary Sonntag, Sam White, and Pat Larsen, be appointed to review the bids and given the power to act as long as it is within budget. Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

 

 8.   STEVE SIMS - Contribution For USA Power Lifting - Denied

 

Steve Sims requested that the Council consider contributing towards the USA Power Lifting contest to be held in Price on December 16, 2000.    Mayor Protem Nikas stated that the City supports this event, but explained that local governments have been given directives to be cautions on how they spend tax payers money.  The City has been trying to make it a policy to not make contributions and instead offer inkind services or a waiver of fees for our facilities.   Our main purpose is to use tax payers money for the health, safety and welfare of its citizens.   As there is sufficient time before the contest, the Council suggested different ways that funds can be raised for this event.  MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that the request be denied.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.

 

 9.   NOTRE DAME OKTOBERFEST - Special Event Beer Permit Approved

 

MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that a special event beer permit be approved for the annual Notre Dame Oktoberfest to be held Saturday, September 30th.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

 

10.   GAIL MILLIKEN - Disability Issues

 

As a freelance advocate for the disabled, Gail Milliken, a new resident of Price, discussed ADA issues for the physically challenged.  She referred to the intersection of Price River Drive and the fact that wheelchair access was not available on all corners of the intersection.  Three corners had access, but the fourth didn’t.  As she has not yet gotten her “skooter”, she hasn’t been able to make a full assessment of Price.  She hopes to be a member of the Advocacy Board with Active Re-Entry and try to participate in the community and will let the City know where there may be problems.  The Council thanked Ms. Milliken for her input.

 

11.   SHAWN SACKETT - Approval To Use Terrace Hills Skate Park For Skate Tournament

 

Shawn Sackett, Service Coordinator for the Volunteer Center and United Way, requested permission to use the Terrace Hills Skate Park for a “Skate For Life” tournament on October 14th, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., which is being sponsored by Carbon Recreation.  Any funds made will be used to purchase trophies and the balance donated to the Light House Program.  Councilmember Piccolo stated that the skate park is still under construction and a resolution has not yet been prepared regarding rules and regulations.  However, he feels this is a great idea.  Councilmember Tatton felt that the trenches will be closed and the sod laid by the time the tournament is held.  He feels that the City should allow the use of the skate park for this tournament.  Councilmember Piccolo stated his concern that even though Carbon Recreation has insurance, a job site that is under construction has potential hazards.  If these elements can be dealt with, he sees no problem.  Councilmember Piccolo asked Mr. Sackett if he would be willing to volunteer his time to lay sod, etc., to make sure the park is completed so it is not a hazard for this event.  Mr. Sackett agreed to volunteer his time.  MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that per assistance from Mr. Sackett, that permission be given to conduct the skate tournament at the skate park contingent upon all safety hazards being removed prior to the event and passage of a resolution to approve the signage for safety at the park.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.  Gary Sonntag will coordinate completion of the skate park.

 


12.   400 EAST 100 NORTH INTERSECTION - Four Way Stop Approved

 

Gary Sonntag reported that the Police and Engineering Departments have evaluated the intersection on 400 East 100 North in anticipation of increased traffic due to the opening of the new McDonalds restaurant as well as existing traffic.  The safest and least expensive adjustment would be to create a 4 way stop.  There would be a single lane from which drivers will be able to make a left turn, drive straight through, or make a right turn.  The center median will not be used.  Stop signs will be oversized to increase visibility and “stop ahead” instructions will be painted on the street pavement.  The safety of the left turn lanes was discussed and it was recommended that the left turn lanes remain and that they be monitored.  Gary requested permission to proceed with the above improvements.  MOTION.  Councilmember Denison moved that the requested improvements be approved, that the intersection be monitored, and that the item placed on Unfinished Business for future updates.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.

 

13.   AAA PRODUCTION - Home Occupied Business Approved

 

Councilmember Piccolo reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission gave a favorable recommendation to Ronald H. Garff to operate AAA Production at his home located at 264 South 400 East.  This is a telephone answering service for medical products manufactured in North Salt Lake.  MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that the home occupied business be approved upon payment of the business license fee.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.

 

14.   SHARI MADRID, JOANNE LESSAR, SHARON KLARICH, ERIC ALLRED, JERIMIAH DAVIES, WADE MARINONI, JERRY WRIGHT, BILLY WARDLE, CORY VOGRINEC, MIKE DENNIS, SAM WHITE, LYLE BAUER

 

Mayor Protem Nikas presented the following travel requests:

 

Shari Madrid - Utah Municipal Treasurer’s Institute, October 23-27, Provo, Utah

Joanne Lessar, Sharon Klarich - Utah Business License Association Fall Conference, October 19, 20, Moab, Utah

Eric Allred, Jerimiah Davies, Wade Marinoni - Pre-Hospital Emergency Care Conference, November 2-4, Salt Lake, Utah

Jerry Wright - Utah Flood Plain Management Association, October 18-20, St. George, Utah

Billy Wardle, Cory Vogrinec, Mike Dennis - Utah Sewer Operator Certification, November 15-17, Orem, Utah

Sam White - Utah Cross-Connection Re-Certification, December 16-21, Orem, Utah

Lyle Bauer - Utah Community Forestry and ISA Conference, November 2, 3, Ogden, Utah

 

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

 

15.   IS DEPARTMENT - Purchase of LCD Projector Approved

 

Vern Jones reported that at a previous meeting, permission was given to purchase an LCD Projector.  Quotations were received with the lowest from the State bid.  He requested permission to purchase the projector at a cost of $4,555. MOTION.  Councilmember Wheeler moved that the purchase be approved through the State bid for the above cost.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Piccolo and carried.

 

16.   PERMISSION TO PURCHASE SPECIAL FUNCTIONS VEHICLE - Denied

 


Police Chief Aleck Shilaos requested permission to purchase a vehicle for Special Functions (Ordinance Officer).  This was taken out of the budget earlier in the year due to lack of funds.  Due to recent savings on vehicles purchased through the Salt Lake County auction, funds are now available to purchase this vehicle.  Pat Larsen stated that she was in favor of purchasing the vehicle.  However, she has since been informed that our current sales tax is $63,000 less than this same time last year, and recommended that the funds not be expended.  MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that in view of the above information, that the request be denied.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Piccolo and carried.

 

17.   RESOLUTION #2000-17 - Reinstatement of Mark C. Liddiard To The Health Insurance Plan Of Price City

 

Nick Sampinos presented Resolution #2000-17, authorizing the reinstatement of Mark C. Liddiard to the health insurance plan of Price City as of October 1, 2000, and recommended that it be approved.  MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that Resolution #2000-17 be approved and that the Mayor and City Recorder be authorized to execute the resolution.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

 

18.   ASPHALT MILLING MACHINE - Permission To Purchase

 

Gary Sonntag reported that $25,000 was budgeted in the Streets Department to purchase an asphalt milling machine.  A used 12 inch wide machine can be purchased for $4,100.  This milling machine would be compatible with our existing Bobcat Loader.  He requested permission to purchase the milling machine, plus an extra drum and accessory equipment. MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that permission be given to purchase the milling machine and accessory equipment not to exceed a total of $10,000.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

 

19.   TERRACE HILLS SKATE PARK PAY TELEPHONE - Permission To Enter Into An Agreement With Phonetel Techologies

 

Gary Sonntag requested permission to install a pay telephone at Terrace Hills Park.  This would improve emergency communications as needed in that area.  Phonetel Technologies, Inc., of Cleveland, Ohio, is the only company able to install the telephone.  The City will receive a commission from the use of the phone.  Gary requested permission to enter into an agreement with Phonetel Technologies and install the pay telephone.  Councilmember Piccolo questioned the length of the agreement and liability issues for vandalism.  MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that pay telephone be installed and that the Mayor and City Recorder be authorized to execute the agreement subject to review by Mr. Sampinos.  Further, that if Mr. Sampinos forsees any problem, that the agreement be brought back before the Council.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.  The Council directed that Gary check into the possibility of installing pay telephones in other parks within the City limits.

 

20.   JAMES MAUGHN - Final Release of Development Improvement Agreement

 

Gary Sonntag reported that James Maughn has installed street improvements at his development at 676 South 200 East and is eligible for a final release of his Development Improvement Agreement in the amount of $400.  MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that the final release be approved.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.

 

21.   CDBG ROAD IMPROVEMENTS (SR55), #2C-2000 - Valley Asphalt - Change Order, Final Payment

 

Gary Sonntag presented a request for a final payment in the amount of $90,285.90 submitted by Valley Asphalt for their contract on the CDBG Road Improvements (SR55).  He also presented a change order increasing the contract $28,037.89 for additional gravel to stabilize the shoulder embankment and additional pavement, plus reductions in the sidewalk, curb, and gutter footage.  He recommended approval.  MOTION.  Councilmember Tatton moved that the change order and final payment be approved.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.  It was noted that this project was over budget.  It was also recommended that staff inform the Utah Department of Transportation that this project went over budget.                  

 

22.   RESOLUTION #2000-18 - Lease/Purchase Agreement With First Security Bank (Three Trucks)

RESOLUTION #2000-19 - Lease/Purchase Agreement With First Security Bank (Motor Grader)

 


Pat Larsen presented Resolution #2000-18, authorizing a lease/purchase agreement with First Security Bank for the purchase of three trucks (1998 For Ranger XLT 4X4, 1998 Chevrolet CK/2500, 1999 Ford Explorer XLT 4X4).  She also presented Resolution #2000-19, authorizing a lease/purchase agreement with First Security Bank for the purchase of a motor grader.  MOTION.  Councilmember Piccolo moved that Resolutions #2000-18 and $2000-19  be approved and that the Mayor and City Recorder be authorized to sign the resolutions.  Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.

 

23.   PRICE RIVER WATER IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT - Update

 

Councilmember Denison reported that everything has been running smoothly at Price River Water Improvement District other than completing a few projects and starting the ammonia project as the treatment plant.

 

24.   PRICE/WELLINGTON CANAL - Update

 

Vern Jones reported that all of the water companies have bought into piping of the canal.  The paperwork is now being processed.  An advertisement will be forthcoming for an RFP for engineering services.

 

25.   FLEX BENEFITS (125 PLAN) - Update

 

Keith Wight reported that a representative from FCF Benefits and Administration presented information to himself, Vern Jones and Joanne Lessar regarding a Cafeteria Plan.  The initial set up fee was $250 and $4/month per employee. The $250 fee includes two training sessions in order for our employees to implement the plan.  He will schedule a committee meeting to review this proposal.

 

26.   MIKE FLORES - Crosswalks - Struck   

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.