Minutes of the Price City Council Meeting

City Hall: Price, Utah

December 10, 2008 at 5:30 p.m.

 

Present:

Mayor Joe L. Piccolo                       Gary Sonntag, Public Works Director

Councilmembers:                             Aleck Shilaos, Police Chief

Jeff Nielson                                           Nick Tatton, Community Director

Jeanne McEvoy                                   Laurie Tryon, City Recorder

Kathy Hanna-Smith                           John Daniels, Human Resource Director       

Richard Tatton                                    Nick Sampinos, City Attorney

Rick Davis                                            Pat Larsen, Finance Director

                                                                Bret Cammans, Customer Service Director                                                                                  

Excused Absence:

Others Present: Sue Christensen, Frankie Sacco, Susan and Bob Hyde, Scott Madsen, Barbara Piccolo, Officer Bill Barnes, Brandy Burgess, Officer Jessie Carlton and Penny Auberger

 

Mayor Piccolo led the Pledge of Allegiance. Roll was called with the above Councilmembers and staff in attendance.

               

1.             PUBLIC COMMENT-

                Sue Christensen from the Bryner Museum asked whether Price City would serve as the fiscal agent for the museum to receive funding from the Carbon County Restaurant Tax Committee. Ms. Christensen stated that the deadline to request funding is Dec. 31, 2008 and before she submits a request, she wanted to make sure that she had a fiscal agent in place. Ms. Christensen stated that she has spent over 1,000 hours on the project over four years since the beginning. The Council requested that Ms. Christensen bring documentation to the City in order to assist as a fiscal agent and contact the City when she knows how much funding the museum will receive. The Councilmembers suggested that Ms. Christensen request a matching amount to what has already been spent and provide a list of current expenses and funds spent to the County with her request. Ms. Christensen stated that she has received approximately $54,000 is donations and inkind services. The Councilmembers are all in favor of Price City acting as fiscal agent. The Council could schedule a special meeting to meet the needs of this funding request if necessary for formal approval unless the deadline date of December 31st changes. If the date changes then the first meeting in January 2009 would be appropriate for formal approval of the request. Ms. Christensen thanked the Council for their ongoing support.

 

2.             PUBLIC COMMENT- Scott Madsen of the College of Eastern Utah updated the City Council on the progress at the baseball field. He stated that the scoreboard is now up and they only have five items left on the original plan to complete. He stated that they will continue to work on the field, weather permitting, and that they are still under budget. Mr. Madsen thanked the Council for their ongoing support.

 

3.             COUNCILMEMBERS REPORT-The Mayor and Councilmembers presented an update on the

               activities and functions in which they have participated.

 

4.             VISIONARY SERVICE LEADER AWARD- Frankie Sacco

                Frankie Sacco received the Visionary Service Leader award for December of 2008 for her many contributions to the community.

 

5.             MEDAL OF MERITORIOUS SERVICE- Officer Susan Hyde

                Officer Susan Hyde received the Medal of Meritorious Service for her role in saving a 9-year old girls life by performing mouth to mouth resuscitation before emergency services arrived. The family of the child, the City Council and citizens of Price City expressed their deepest gratitude to Officer Hyde for her heroic actions in saving the life of a child. 

 

6.             AIR SPACE PERMIT- Authorization for an Air Space Permit for Santa Claus so that he May Bring Toys to all of the Good Girls and Boys in the Community. MOTION. Councilmember Tatton moved to approve the air space permit for Santa Claus. Motion seconded by Councilmember Hanna-Smith and carried.

 

7.             SOUTHEASTERN UTAH MEDICAL RESERVE CORE- Cynthia Grant

                Cynthia Grant of the Southeastern Utah Medical Reserve Core presented information to the Council on the nationally known, federally funded volunteer group. She stated that the group is under health dept jurisdiction and got its start in 2006. Ms. Grant stated that the group works closely with emergency management groups and would be used for pandemic flu emergencies in coordination with local medical groups. She stated that the group is looking for volunteers in the area that would be willing to go through training or that already have medical training. She stated that the volunteers could be medically licensed, have lapsed medical licenses or have current medically training. She said that the need for people that can help with setup and triage in an emergency is also needed. She stated that the group has not yet been actively deployed but would like to always have volunteers ready and trained. Ms. Grant stated that she would like support from the City in recruiting volunteers and getting people interested. Brochures will be left with John Daniels for people who may be interested. MOTION. Councilmember Nielson moved to approve assisting with recruiting for the Southeastern Utah Medical Reserve Core. Motion seconded by Councilmember McEvoy and carried.

 

8.             WESTWOOD BLVD. STUDY- CARBON CANAL ANALYSIS- Gary Sonntag

            Sunrise Engineering has completed the Westwood Blvd. Study analyzing the Carbon Canal for seepage and stability. Gary Sonntag explained the analysis report that was submitted by the engineering company. Mr. Sonntag suggested that a box lunch meeting be set wherein the City Council, staff and members of the Carbon Canal Company Board may meet for a presentation by Sunrise Engineering and to then discuss the conclusions in an effort to sort out possible solutions. MOTION. Councilmember Tatton moved to approve the item and authorize Gary Sonntag to set up a time and date with Sunrise Engineering and the Carbon Canal Company for a meeting. Motion seconded by Councilmember McEvoy and carried.

 

9.             IDAHO WIND POWER PARTICIPATION- Participation Solicitations to be Included in the Simmons Wind Project in Idaho is Presented for Consideration

                Councilmember Davis is unsure of this project as cost and details are unknown and he is concerned about any potential bond issue. He stated that the tax exempt bond prevents the City from selling the power generated to a private entity such a Rocky Mountain Power. Councilmember Tatton approves of the project and knows that there is a market for power and it may be a long time before we see coal generated power plant built again. Councilmember Tatton and Mayor Piccolo do not want to see Price City in the position of broker selling power. The Mayor and Bret Cammans would like to know if other options exist before purchasing power at $88 per megawatt and whether there is a local option that could stimulate the economy locally. It was a concern that due to the longevity of this involvement and looking out for the future of Price City, more information was needed to make a decision. Councilmember Davis stated that Nick Tatton suggested that a representative from UAMPS could come to Price and explain the project in more detail if necessary. Pat Larsen stated that she was under the impression that the deadline to agree to participation was Friday, Dec. 12th, 2008. Pat Larsen stated that this was just one more step before we would have to sign the final contracts and it’s not a definite answer. She stated that there may be costs associated with the participation until we get to the point of a final decision of approximately $10-15,000. Mayor Piccolo stated that one advantage would be to provide power in the future and an opportunity to become energy saving users and economical development might be available. Councilmember Tatton stated that UAMPS is looking for interest in the project so they can go to Citibank with a list of potential participants. Bret Cammans stated that if we could generate our own power we could sell it. Pat Larsen stated that the City paid UAMPS $12,000 in 2004 with costs continuing to escalate. The City will pay UAMPS $52,000 in 2008. Mayor Piccolo stated that the City is interested and willing to look at the costs and more information related to the project. MOTION. Councilmember Tatton moved to authorize participation in the Idaho Wind Power UAMPS at a level of 4,000 kilowatts with the understanding that participation it is non-binding until a final power purchase agreement is signed. Motion seconded by Councilmember McEvoy and carried. MOTION. Councilmember Tatton moved to have the Mayor and City Recorder to sign the participation solicitation and have the Community Director coordinate the City’s participation in the project with UAMPS. Seconded by Councilmember Hanna-Smith and carried. Mayor Piccolo directed Nick Tatton to act as a liaison to the electrical department or the project.

 

10.          INCREASE CONTRIBUTION TO SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER-Mayor Piccolo

                Mayor Piccolo proposed a contribution increase of $4,000 to the Senior Citizen Center for 2009 on behalf of Price City citizens that use the senior center. MOTION. Councilmember Tatton moved to approve the contribution increase. Motion seconded by Councilmember McEvoy and carried.

 

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

Councilmember Hanna-Smith reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission gave the following

recommendations on applications for Home Occupied Permits:

 

11.          HOME OCCUPIED PERMITS (HOB)

                a. TP Trucking- 266 S. Carbon Ave.- Tony Kerr, Owner-Business- Office Use Only- Final

                b. Plus Size Property Management- 239 S. 200 W. Pamela Martin, Owner-Business-Office Use Only-Final

                c. OZ Painting- 583 N. Cedar Lane-Oswaldo Loaiza Sr., Owner- Business- Office Use Only-Final

                d. Sharon’s Cleaning- 349 E. 600 N. Sharon Katsevrias, Owner- Business-Office Use Only-Final

 

MOTION. Councilmember Hanna-Smith moved to grant final approval on items a, b, c and d as recommended

by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Motion seconded by Councilmember McEvoy and carried.

 

12.          CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT

Nick Tatton reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission gave the following recommendations on

applications for Conditional Use Permits:

                a. Pilates Body- 8 East Main- Laura Blakey, Owner-Business and Sign-Final

                b. LaQuinta Motel-720 W. Main-Jack Wright and Angelo Kiahtipes- New Development-Tabled

 

MOTION. Councilmember Hanna-Smith moved to grant final approval on item a as recommended

by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Motion seconded by Councilmember McEvoy and carried.

 

CONSENT AGENDA - Councilmember Hanna-Smith moved to approve items 13 through 20 with items 21-23  

removed for discussion. Motion seconded by Councilmember Tatton and carried.

 

13.          MINUTES

                November 25, 2008- City Council Meeting

                December 5, 2008- City Council Workshop

 

14.          UTAH DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION (UDOT)-PRICE RIVER TRAIL (F-LC07 (10) FEDERAL AID AGREEMENT FOR LOCAL AGENCY PROJECT-Approval of Federal Aid Agreement and a Request that the City’s Match Payment be put on a Schedule to at Least be Proportional to the Fed Aid Disbursements Received.

                In a letter dated March 17, 2008 from UDOT, the City was notified that the Utah Transportation Commission approved the Price River Trail Phase I for inclusion into the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). Funds were programmed for the Federal Fiscal year 2011. The City’s application ($1,136,950) was for $682,170 Fed Aid and $454,780 City match. The approved amounts are in the Agreement, at $660,400 Fed Aid and $476,550 City match. The City would want to request that the City’s match payment, be put on a schedule to at least be proportional to the Fed Aid disbursements received. After October 1, 2008, 10-15% of the funding (as available) could be moved up to the current year for pre-construction engineering work design. Approval of the UDOT Agreement would enable the design work to start but construction would wait until 2011. The public Open House, on Nov. 6th, 2008 showed a favorable attitude towards the project. Price City is waiting for a response from the FHWA on the US6 encroachment permit and from the State Engineer on the Price River stream channel alteration permit (working on the levee and bridge). An application to fund the City’s matching amounts plus inflationary increases will go before the PCIB in April 2009.

                                                 

15.          WESTWOOD BLVD. STUDY- Authorization to Pay Sunrise Engineering for the Westwood Blvd. Study Carbon Canal Analysis- Payment #5 (Final)

            Sunrise Engineering has complete the required work to prepare an analysis for the seepage and stability of the

              Carbon Canal as it impacts Westwood Blvd. Payments (partial) #1 $10,391.42, #2 $8,068.00, #3 $11,688.31,

              #4 $1,320.00, #5(final) $532.27. Total $32,000.

 

16.          WATER AND SEWER PLANNING- Authorization to Pay Jones & Demille Engineeering for Assistance in Planning and Estimation of Selected Proposed Water and Sewer Pipeline Replacement Projects in the Amount of $2,575.00

                Jones & Demille Engineering assisted staff in the planning and estimation of selected proposed water and

               sewer pipeline replacement projects. Price City was billed said services in the amount of $2,575.00.

 

17.          ECONOMIC VITALITY LOAN FUND- Authorization to Remove a Delinquent and Bankrupt Loan from the Active Portfolio of Loans

 

18.          CASTLE COUNTRY REGIONAL INFORMATION CENTER (CCRIC)- The 2009 CCRIC Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among the CCRIC Partners was Presented for Approval

 

19.          2009 FLAG DAY SCHEDULE- Authorization to Approve the 2009 Flag Day Schedule

 

20.          TRAVEL REQUEST

                Debbie Worley- SWAVO Quarterly Training- December 10-11, 2008- SLC

                Gary Sonntag- Utah City Engineer’s Association 2009 Conference- St. George, Ut. January 21-23, 2009

            Permission is requested for Gary Sonntag or designee to attend the 2009 Utah City Engineer’s Conference in St. George, Utah on January 22&23, 2009 (travel Jan. 21). Purpose: education and training. The estimated cost is $ 485.00 (budgeted). 

 

21.          PROPOSED ELECTRICAL UTILITY RATE CHANGES-Resolution 2008-20 Authorization to Approve the Proposed Electrical Utility Rate Changes for Usage Rates, Demand Fees and Security Lighting. The Rate Increase will not Affect Base Amounts.

                Bret Cammans would like to notify customers on the utility bills of the rate increase. MOTION. Councilmember Tatton moved to approve the request. Motion seconded by Councilmember McEvoy and carried.

 

22.          DOCUMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM- Authorization to Proceed with the Purchase of a Document Management System

                Bret Cammans stated that the cost with incentives to purchase before the end of the year for the document management system is $39,213.00. Bret stated that the original bid was $55,000 and that the company is called Sire. He stated that the company will provide technical training and has a yearly maintenance fee of $6,700. Pat Larsen stated that this is an unbudgeted project but the fund balance in the I.S. Department has been built up to save for a system of this type. MOTION. Councilmember Tatton moved to approve the document management system from Sire and authorized Bret Cammans to move forward and purchase the system. Motion seconded by Councilmember Davis and carried.

 

23.          CITY ENGINEER- Approval to offer employment to candidate for City Engineer as recommended by the interviewing team.

                John Daniels stated that a verbal and written offer had been extended to the candidate for City Engineer but the City has not yet heard back if the person will accept the position. The City Engineer position would start in January 2009. MOTION. Councilmember Tatton moved to authorize John Daniels and Gary Sonntag to move forward with the hiring process for a City Engineer. Motion seconded by Councilmember McEvoy and carried.

 

24.          PRWID-Councilmember Tatton reported on the happenings of the last PRWID meeting.

 

25.          COMMUNITY PROGRESS- Councilmember Hanna-Smith

·         2009 meeting schedule submitted

 

26.          INTERNATIONAL DAYS-

·         Jan. 27th 2009- First Meeting

 

27.          UNFINISHED BUSINESS:

                a. Committee Review for Street Banners- Gary Sonntag updated the City Council.

·         The design for the new banner has been completed. The entryway banners can be 10 x 9 and will be placed at each gateway into the City. Approval from UDOT has been obtained and quotes for the steel structures were received. A budget of $6,000 to pay for the structures is needed. TRT monies and zap tax for art funding can possibly be used.

                b. Curb, Gutter and Sidewalk Improvements on 2nd South

                c. Basso Dino-Mine Playground

                d. Animal Control- Cove Basin Park

                e. Demand Side Management Program

                f. New Library Project-

·         The Library may be considered a Public Works project for funding as an option

                g. Water Issue- 100 South 400-500 East

                h. Fire Station

 

Meeting adjourned at 8:18 p.m. by Mayor Piccolo pursuant to the motion by Councilmember McEvoy.          

 

APPROVED                                                                                          ATTEST

 

 

 

___________________________                                                 __________________________

Joe L. Piccolo, Mayor                                                                         Laurie Tryon, City Recorder