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), Nick Sampinos (City Attorney), Gary Sonntag (City
Engineer), Francis Duzenack (Building Inspector), Cobb Johnson
(Public Works Dir.), Aleck Shilaos (Police Chief)
Others Present: Rich McCormick, George M.
Snyder, Denise V. Snyder, Kathy Colombo, Sherry King, Judy Mainord, Gary
Harwood, Tom Davis, Paul Wheeler
1. INCREASE IN BUILDING PERMIT/INSPECTION FEES - Committee Appointed
The Council met at 5:00 p.m. to review the request to increase building
permit/inspection fees. Councilmember Piccolo stressed his concern about building permit
fees in general. He feels the building permit process is unfair and recommended the
possibility of restructuring the process and charge an inspection fee rather than a
building permit fee. Instead of issuing a permit based on valuation, the Building
Department would be paid for the inspections they conduct. An inspection fee would be
applied to everything built inside Price City and the building permit deleted. Francis
Duzenack stated that permit fees are designed to pay for inspection services. It is not
necessarily a revenue service over and above that. The ideal situation is where these fees
would almost cover the full department budget. However, there are always incidentals over
and above that don't apply to this. If building permits are waived, then there is no
regulation. Councilmember Piccolo stated that he doesn't want to delete inspections, only
the permit fee. Francis stated that the State of Utah adopted the Code statewide. The
people in Price are actually getting by a lot cheaper than other places in the State. The
League of Cities and Towns conducted a comparison of impact fees across the State. Through
this comparison, it was found that the fees in this area are a lot lower. Councilmember
Piccolo stressed his concern that the City does not inspect government projects. He also
is concerned that a person has to purchase a building permit to reroof a house when that
house has already been permitted. He feels this type of work is maintenance. He expressed
concern that a dishonest individual can report that he has a $300,000 project when it
actually is a $1 million project. When the little old lady down the street reroofs her
house for $1,500, she pays the full amount. He feels it is not being administered fairly.
If an inspection and approval schedule were implemented, the same permitting process could
be used. However, it would be based on the work that is done, not on valuation. If the
plans indicate the value as being $125, then that's what the man pays. Everyone would pay
regardless if it is the College of Eastern Utah or Carbon County. If a project takes the
time of a Building Department employee, they deserve to pay the fee. The inspection fee
could be set at $45 an hour. If it is determined that an inspection on a certain project
will take 10 hours, the individual would pay $450. If it runs over 10 hours, the
individual would pay the additional, and if it is shorter, the refund could go towards
their utility bill. Francis stated that every job is different. The simplest is a new home
as opposed to a remodel. There is a provision in the Code to charge people for excess
inspections. Francis stated that in his contact with other cities, he has never seen a
permit fee charged for anything but the evaluation.
Councilmember Denison asked Francis if he could keep a log for the next 2 weeks to see
what actually is involved, what the time frame is, and the dollar amount. He would not
support making a change until there is more complete information. Councilmember Nikas also
stated that he too does not favor the evaluation process, and referred to current projects
that he believes reported incorrect valuations. He asked Francis how to avoid these kinds
of situations? Francis stated that Buildings Standards publishes evaluation charts
quarterly. New buildings are petty simple to work with, but it is difficult with
remodeling because of the different versions. The only way a permit fee can be determined
on large projects is by the evaluation the contractor provides. Councilmember Nikas agreed
that there is a better way to assess fees, and felt that we should try and determine what
that might be. MOTION. Councilmember Denison moved that a committee be
formed consisting of Mayor Colosimo, Councilmembers Piccolo and Nikas, Francis Duzenack
and Gary Sonntag, to review this and come back with a recommendation. Motion seconded by
Councilmember Piccolo and carried.
Mayor Colosimo opened the regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. Boy Scout Troop #284 members,
Daniel Wood and Jacob Smith, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mayor Colosimo called the roll
with the above members in attendance.
2. MINUTES - March 3, 1997
Joanne Lessar stated that she has corrected the March 3, 1997 minutes by
changing "Councilmember Breinholt" to "Commissioner Breinholt". MOTION.
Councilmember Denison moved that with the above correction that the minutes be approved.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Nikas and carried.
3. MINUTES - March 12, 1997
MOTION. Councilmember Denison moved that the minutes of the March 12, 1997
meeting be approved as written. Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.
4. CASTLE COUNTRY GARDEN CLUB - Request To Plant Roses In Peace Garden
Kathy Colombo reported that the Castle Country Garden Club would like to
do a community service project for Price City, and would like permission to plant peace
roses in a small section of the Peace Garden. Joanne Lessar reported that Suda Merriman
has reviewed this and found an area for the roses. MOTION. Councilmember
Wheeler moved that the request be granted and that the garden club work with Suda
Merriman. Motion seconded by Councilmember Piccolo and carried.
5. GEORGE SNYDER - Pit Bull Problem
George Snyder, 335 North 5th Avenue, reported that his neighbor, Stephen
Manzanares, chooses not to fence his yard and he has a pit bull dog. Mr. Snyder expressed
concern over the safety of his two children. A little girl who visited his home was bitten
by a pit bull, and his poodle was killed by a pit bull. He feels the ordinances concerning
dogs is very vague, and something should be done to control them. Chief Shilaos stated
that an Officer responded to the above incidents and they have been handled. He has
received no other calls. The owner of the pit bull understands if the dog is loose, he
will receive a citation. If Mr. Snyder is willing to write a statement and willing to
testify, a citation will be issued on his statement. The Officers have never seen the
Manzanares dog off his property. It is his knowledge that Mr. Manzanares plans on fencing
his property. Chief Shilaos stated that the pit bull that killed Mr. Snyder's dog was not
the Manzanares dog. The Manzanares' dog was involved in the incident where the child was
bitten. The child was playing with the dog in Mr. Snyder's yard, and the father of that
child feels it was an accident or playful bite. The Council understood Mr. Snyder's
concern over the safety of children. The Council directed Mr. Sampinos to review the
ordinances passed by other cities pertaining to dogs of a vicious nature. Whatever is
necessary to assist Mr. Snyder will be done.
6. HELPER CITY PEDESTRIAN WALKWAY TUNNEL - Support For Price City
Waterline Relocation
Tom Davis, Helper City Councilmember, reported that Helper plans to construct a large
pedestrian walkway tunnel under the road at the north entry into Helper from Highway 6.
Creamer and Noble Engineers are the contractors on the project. As Price City's water
transmission lines (12" and 16") are located in this area, it will be necessary
to relocate the lines. Cobb Johnson expressed concern that these lines are the main
transmission lines and cannot be shut down very long. Paul Wheeler, Water Superintendent,
stated that the lines will have to be relocated and disinfected. He does not have enough
information at this time to make a decision. He feels Helper City should pay the expenses
to relocate the lines. The Council gave their support to move the waterlines and asked Mr.
Davis to work closely with Paul Wheeler and Gary Sonntag.
7. SWIMMING POOL RATES - Discussion
Councilmember Denison discussed the possibility of raising swimming pool
rates. They have not been revised for several years. He asked the Council for their
suggestions to decrease losses. It has been necessary to transfer funds from the General
Fund to assist in providing services, such as aerobic classes, lap swimming, swimming
lessons, etc.
A family pass is currently $143. An increase of $20 is recommended.
Councilmember Nikas stated that it is difficult to favor a rate increase without knowing
what the projections are. Some people will discontinue swimming because of the higher
rates. He feels this is probably one of the most important recreation activities for some
people in the community. He recommended that they not be priced out of reach for
financially strapped people. To reduce expenses and overhead and to keep kids coming to
the pool in the summer, he prefers cutting back services or programs at the pool.
Councilmember Piccolo suggested selling more family passes. Councilmember Nikas
recommended increasing non-resident passes. The extra funds to operate the pool comes from
taxes that Price City residents pay. The Council will review this and make a
recommendation.
8. WASHINGTON PARK BASKETBALL COURT - Permission To Refinish
Councilmember Bringhurst recommended that instead of constructing the
underpass sprinkling system in the amount of $7,000, that this amount, along with $6,000
already in the budget, be used to refinish the basketball court at Washington Park. It was
recommended that in addition to resurfacing, that lighting be installed. MOTION.
Councilmember Bringhurst moved that $13,000 be allocated to refinish the basketball
court and that staff be directed to look into the possibility of lighting as well.
Further, that before using concrete, that staff check into the price of a new interlocking
plastic used for basketball and tennis courts. Motion seconded by Councilmember Piccolo
and carried.
9. REPOSSESSION OF UNUSED CEMETERY PLOTS - Tabled
Councilmember Bringhurst reported that Lyle Bauer, Cemetery Sexton, is
requesting permission to repossess unclaimed burial plots that have not been used for 60
years. Nick Sampinos stated that there is a procedure under State law that requires an
attempt to contact the owners personally and if that cannot be done, then a resolution
would be adopted and published. If no one comes forward with the instructions contained in
the resolution, the City can repossess the plots. Councilmember Nikas asked if someone did
buy these plots for their children, could the City do something to allow them to have
another plot at a cost factor that is fair? Councilmember Bringhurst recommended
accommodating them and let them choose a plot somewhere else. The Council directed that
this item be tabled for further information.
10. PRICE OFFICE BUILDING - Rental Proposals Approved
Councilmember Bringhurst reported that the committee appointed to review
the use of the Price Office Building is recommending that the Chamber of Commerce, Carbon
Recreation, Travel Bureau, Carbon County Future and possibly Community Development, all be
placed on the bottom floor in the set of offices on the northeast corner. Councilmember
Nikas referred to the issue regarding additional tenants in the building. As owners of the
building, the Council should have the final say. A sentence in the letter of intent stated
that Price City would notify and discuss with the present tenants, the request of
potential tenants. The Council will not put anyone in the building that is not harmonious
with someone else. The Council recommended that this sentence be eliminated. MOTION.
Councilmember Bringhurst moved that the above entities be approved to occupy space in the
Price Office Building, and that Mr. Sampinos be instructed to draw up the necessary
contracts eliminating the sentence on potential tenants. Motion seconded by Councilmember
Denison and carried. The committee appointed to review the proposals consisted of Mayor
Colosimo, Councilmembers Bringhurst and Wheeler, Vern Jones, and Pat Larsen.
Councilmember Bringhurst continued to report on the Price Office building. The committee
received a request from the Boy Scouts to occupy an office in the building on the
northeast corner of the bottom floor. MOTION. Councilmember Bringhurst moved
that the Boy Scouts receive approval to rent an office on the northeast corner of the
bottom floor for $150/month for a partial service contract on a month to month basis.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.
Councilmember Bringhurst reported that the Price River Water Users
Association had requested permission to rent an office in the building. MOTION.
Councilmember Bringhurst moved that the PRWUA receive approval to rent Room 242 on the
southwest corner located upstairs at $7/square foot for 250 square feet. Motion seconded
by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.
Councilmember Nikas raised the question regarding the amount being charged
per square feet. Is there justification for $7 versus a higher fee? Are these people being
charged $7 because they are quasi-governmental? Councilmember Bringhurst viewed the water
users as a non-profit semi governmental agency. The question arose whether to advertise
again to the public. It was recommended that the public be made aware that space is
available.
Councilmember Bringhurst reported that Med America has requested permission to rent 750
square feet. The committee proposed a fee of $9/square foot. Med America called back and
counter offered with $8/square foot. The committee felt they could rent it for
$8.50/square foot. MOTION. Councilmember Bringhurst moved that Med America
be approved to rent Rooms #262, #263, and #264 on the upstairs level at $8.50/square foot,
and that the public be made aware that commercial space is available for $8.50/square
foot. Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.
11. RESOLUTION #97-05 - Renaming Price Office Building (Central School Building) To Price
Community Center
Councilmember Bringhurst reported that the committee reviewed several
options to rename the Price Office Building (Central School Building). Option #1 is Price
Community Center or Price Community Development Center. Option #2 is Price Community
Complex or Price Community Development Center or Price Community Development Complex. Vern
Jones presented Resolution #97-05 naming the building Price Community Center.
Councilmember Bringhurst recommended that a sign be developed to place on the building. MOTION.
Councilmember Bringhurst moved that Resolution #97-05 be adopted establishing the Price
Community Center, that the Mayor and City Recorder be authorized to sign the resolution,
and that a sign be designed and approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission. Motion
seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.
12. CLASS "C" ROADS - Permission To Prepare Specifications and Advertise For
Bids
MOTION. Councilmember Nikas moved that permission be given
to prepare specifications and advertise for bids for Class "C" Road construction
(overlays and mix), subject to a Schedule D, which will be discussed under the Main Street
Project. Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.
13. CASTLE HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY - Recommendtion To Board Of Adjustments For
Conditional Use Permit
GARY GRAKO TIRE, MCDONALD'S RESTAURANT - Conditional Use Permits
Councilmember Piccolo reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission
gave a favorable recommendation to the following requests for Conditional Use Permits
subject to the following.
Castle Heights Elementary - Illuminated Sign - As an illuminated
sign is not permitted in a residential district, the Board gave favorable recommendation
to the Board of Adjustments that they might have the lighted sign approved. Francis
Duzenack will research this for an alternate resolution.
Gary Grako Tire - Sign replacement on northwest corner of property not to overhang sidewalk.
McDonald's Restaurant - Sign
MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo moved that the requests be
approved per the following contingencies and that Conditional Use Permits be issued.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Nikas and carried.
14. TACO BELL RESTAURANT - Preliminary and Final Approval
Councilmember Piccolo reported that the Planning and Zoning Commission gave a preliminary
and final approval for the Taco Bell Restaurant, 120 North Carbonville Road, subject to a
Development Agreement and Letter of Credit. Several questions were raised concerning the
existing sewer lines. The property is crosscut by sewerlines and one of the City's main
sewer lines is 8 1/2 feet from the southwest corner of the building. P&Z requested
that the owners provide an easement through the entire property so that the City can
improve and maintain the sewerline. Questions were also raised regarding parking stalls.
Taco Bell will use some of UDOT's property for parking. They currently have 46 parking
stalls which is an adequate amount. Councilmember Denison questioned whether the presented
plan allowed for proper ingress and egress of future development of the eastward adjacent
property? Councilmember Piccolo stated that there was a concern regarding how they were
going to access the second part of their property, which is not shown on the development
map. P&Z stipulated that the driveway being jointly used on the northern corner of the
development of Taco Bell would not be the only access in and out of the remaining
property. Future development would have to comply with traffic demands at the time of
construction. Rather than hold this project up for something they weren't concerned with
at the present time, the Commission recommended approval. The Kiahtipes brothers,
developers of the property, agreed to comply with the requirements of the Commission at
the time of future development. The Kiahtipes' have applied for concept approval for a
convenience store to be developed on their property across the street. The last portion of
development will be the northwest corner. MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo
moved that preliminary and final approval be given to the Taco Bell Restaurant contingent
upon receipt of the Development Improvement Agreement and Letter and Credit, and an
easement through the property for sewerline purposes. Motion seconded by Councilmember
Bringhurst. The motion passed by the following vote:
Councilmember Piccolo "aye"
Councilmember Wheeler "aye"
Councilmember Nikas "aye"
Councilmember Bringhurst "aye"
Councilmember Denison "naye"
Councilmember Denison felt that the access issue should be resolved at
this time rather than in the future. He expressed his support of the proposed development,
however, due to his concerns, could not support the motion as made.
15. GARY D. SONNTAG, KENT BOYACK, GUY NORTON, SGT. BILL BARNES, JOANNE
LESSAR - Travel Approved
Mayor Colosimo presented the following travel requests and questioned
training for employees who plan to retire within the very near future.
Gary D. Sonntag - 1997 City Streets and County Road School, St. George, April 22-25
Kent Boyack - Utah State Fire Chiefs Association Training Seminar, St. George, April 4-5
Guy Norton - Chemistry of Hazardous Materials, Park City, April 14-25
Sgt. Mark Liddiard - Basic Internal Affairs, P.O.S.T., April 21-23
Sgt. Bill Barnes - Management Planning and Budgeting For Police Administrator, P.O.S.T., April 29 - May 2
Joanne Lessar - Utah Municipal Clerks Association Spring
Conference, Cedar City, April 16-18
The Council discussed the above training for Sgt. Mark Liddiard, who will
be retiring within 4-9 months. Police Chief Shilaos stated that the training was requested
in order to keep the officer certified. However, other sources of training can be provided
to maintain Sgt. Liddiard's certification. He withdrew the request for Sgt. Liddiard, and
instead of sending Sgt. Barnes to the above requested training, he will send him to Basic
Internal Affairs instead. Councilmember Nikas stated that at the last meeting, travel was
approved for the Street Supervisor and pending his review, was also approved for the
street lead person to attend the City Streets and County Road School. He felt comfortable
with two people going because of the number of classes. At that time, he was unaware that
Gary Sonntag wanted to go. He now feels that Gary Sonntag should attend the schooling with
the street lead person due to the retirement situation with the Street Supervisor. He
feels that two people attending the meetings would be adequate. Councilmembers Wheeler and
Piccolo and Mayor Colosimo felt that all three employees should be permitted to attend the
meetings. MOTION. After further discussion, Councilmember Piccolo moved that
the above travel be approved, with the exception of Sgt. Liddiard, and that he receive
training through other sources. Further, that Sgt. Barnes attend the Basic Internal
Affairs, and that a memo be sent to the supervisors requesting them to review future
retirees, and that this be considered before placing the requests on the Council's agenda.
Motion seconded by Councilmember Wheeler and carried.
16. STREET DEPARTMENT TRAVEL - 1997 City Streets and County Road School
Councilmember Denison moved that the travel approved at the Council
Meeting held March 12, 1997 be changed so that only one person from the Street Department
be authorized to attend the 1997 City Streets and County Road School, and that the Street
Supervisor decide who that might be. Motion seconded by Councilmember Bringhurst. The
motion passed by the following vote:
Councilmember Bringhurst "aye"
Councilmember Denison "aye"
Councilmember Piccolo "naye"
Councilmember Wheeler "aye"
Councilmember Nikas "naye"
17. GIL YELONEK, RON TWEED, FRED NICHOLS, TROY WATKINS - Rehires Approved
Mayor Colosimo presented the following rehires and recommended approval:
Gil Yelonek, Ron Tweed - Maintenance Dept., Laborer, Temp/FT
Fred Nichols - Water Treatment Plant, Operator, Temp/FT
Troy Watkins - Parks Dept., Laborer, Temp/FT
MOTION. Councilmember Denison moved that the rehires be
approved subject to background checks. Motion seconded by Councilmember Bringhurst and
carried.
18. PERMISSION TO HIRE FOUR TEMPORARY/FT EMPLOYEES FOR PARK AND CEMETERY
DEPARTMENTS
MOTION. Councilmember Bringhurst moved that permission be
given to hire four temporary/ft employees for the Parks and Cemetery Department subject to
background checks. Motion seconded by Councilmember Denison and carried.
19. CONCRETE PURCHASE FOR 1997 - Permission To Advertise For Bids
MOTION. Councilmember Piccolo moved that permission be given
to advertise for bids for the purchase of concrete for 1997. Motion seconded by
Councilmember Nikas and carried.
20. MAIN STREET PROJECT, UDOT STP-1342(1)0 - Project Revisions and Re-Bid
Approved
Gary Sonntag reported that as was explained at the last meeting, the Utah
Department of Transportation rejected the only bid submitted on the Main Street Project
because it exceeded 10% of the engineers estimate. Since that time, a committee appointed
by the Council met with the design engineer to discuss the impact of the project on the
overall cost. Several adjustments will be made to reduce the cost. Some of those include
the City doing the landscaping, furnishing water without charge, allowing the road to be
completely closed off during times of construction, modifying gravel mix designs, and
lengthening the project time from 60 days to 90 working days. In addition, the pavement
portion of the project will be separated into another contract that would be outside
UDOT's jurisdiction and control. The asphalt pavement would be bid under a Class
"C" roads contract. There will be a separate bid schedule that will address this
particular section of pavement along with the other normal overlay work. By doing this,
the City is able to use their specifications, which can be addressed by the local hot mix
plants. These have been used before with this specification. Troy Ostler of The
Engineering Group and the City's Design Consultant, reviewed this concept with UDOT and
they agreed. This project will be re-bid by UDOT in the near future in an effort to have
the work completed this construction season. Vern Jones reported that based on the
transportation bills that were passed in the Legislature, Price City will receive an
additional $140,000 in Class "C" Road funds. Councilmember Nikas stated that
after the water and sewer lines are replaced and the dirt is compacted, there will be
approximately a 9" drop down to the curb. It is hopeful that the contractor who is
the successful bidder for Class "C" Roads can complete both the road base and
asphalt for this project. As there might be a short interval between the time the gravel
is placed on the road and the asphalt is completed, there is a concern over dust. Option
#1 would be to spray a sealer coat over the top of the gravel. Option #2 would be to have
City crews place a 2" pavement until the pavers can complete the project with the
thicker pavement. Other possibilities will also be reviewed. Depending on how the bids
turn out, it is estimated that $60,000 of Class "C" Road funds will be used for
the above project. MOTION. Councilmember Nikas moved that staff proceed with
the project. Motion seconded by Councilmember Piccolo and carried.
21. MAIN STREET TREES
Councilmember Bringhurst reported that before the trees are removed on
Main Street, Lyle Bauer has an idea how to prune the trees way back. He would like to wait
until fall and see what takes place. At that time, if the store owners still wants them
removed, he will remove them. It was recommended that the Shade Tree Commission become
involved with the decision to remove the trees. MOTION. Councilmember
Bringhurst moved that the trees remain on Main Street and be trimmed as recommended, that
the Shade Tree Commission be contacted for their input, and if the store owners want them
removed in the fall, that they be removed. Further, that the tree in front of Lees Music
be evaluated by the Shade Tree Commission for immediate removal. Motion seconded by
Councilmember Denison and carried.
22. MEDICAL BENEFITS FOR RETIRED EMPLOYEES - Executive Session Scheduled
MOTION. Councilmember Nikas moved that an Executive Session
be scheduled for Monday, March 31st, 5:30 p.m., for the purpose of reviewing medical
benefits for retired employees. Motion seconded by Councilmember Bringhurst and carried.
MOTION. Councilmember Nikas moved that the meeting
adjourn and that a meeting of the Redevelopment Agency convene. Motion seconded by
Councilmember Bringhurst and carried.
Meeting adjourned at 8:06 p.m.
Reconvened at 8:16 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.