PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1984
THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, MET AS A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1984, AT 5:00 P.M. IN ROOM 211 CITY AND COUNTY BUILDING.
ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: RONALD J. WHITEHEAD ALICE SHEARER GRANT MABEY IONE M. DAVIS SYDNEY R. FONNESBECK EDWARD W. PARKER EARL F. HARDWICK.
Council Chairperson Ronald Whitehead presided at and conducted the meeting.
POLICY SESSION
Rodger Neve, Administrative Services Director, introduced Lou Lynes, the new Animal Control Director. Leigh von der Esch, Council Executive Director, briefed the Council on items relating to the agenda. Albert Haines, Chief Administrative Officer, and Palmer DePaulis, Director of Public Works, briefed the Council on the city’s program for snow removal. Mr. DePaulis explained Phase II of snow removal. The city has decided to try to remove snow and ice in an intensive program over the next three to seven days. The city is estimating an expenditure of $70,000 for Phase II of the program to remove snow and ice. Funds from the Public Works Department will be used, however if snow removal budgets are further strained by additional snow in the coming weeks, they may ask for an appropriation from the contingency fund. Chief Willoughby briefed the Council on action being taken by police relating to cars parked on streets interfering with snow removal. Mayor Wilson indicated they will not impound cars if they receive cooperation from residents.
The policy session adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 10, 1984, AT 6:00 P.M. IN ROOM 301 CITY AND COUNTY BUILDING.
ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: RONALD J. WHITEHEAD ALICE SHEARER GRANT MABEY IONE M. DAVIS SYDNEY R. FONNESBECK EDWARD W. PARKER EARL F. HARDWICK.
Mayor Ted L. Wilson, Albert Haines, Chief Administrative Officer, and Wally Miller, Deputy City Attorney, were present at the meeting. Council Chairperson Ronald Whitehead presided at and conducted this meeting.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
Councilmember Mabey moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to approve the minutes of the Salt Lake City Council for the regular meeting held Tuesday, January 3, 1984, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(M 84-1)
DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
CITY ATTORNEY
#1. RE: An ordinance enacting Section 32-6-6.1 of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, as amended, relating to carrying loaded firearms.
Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Ordinance 1 of 1984, enacting Section 32-6-6.1 of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, as amended, relating to carrying loaded firearms, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(O 84-4)
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
#1. RE: An ordinance amending Chapter 8 of Title 51 of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, as amended, by amending Sections 51-8-3, 51-8-4, 51-8-5, relating to nonconforming buildings and uses.
Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, February 14, 1984, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the ordinance amendment, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(O 84-6)
#2. RE: An ordinance amending Chapter 5 of Title 51 of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, by adding a new Section 29 thereto relating to division of two-family dwellings.
Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, February 14, 1984, at 6:15 p.m. to discuss the ordinance amendment, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(O 84-5)
#3. RE: A resolution amending Resolution 25 of 1983 by extending the length of the city’s construction financing loan for Neighborhood Housing Services’ Owner-Built Housing Project from twelve (12) months to fourteen (14) months.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Resolution 2 of 1984 amending Resolution 25 of 1983 by extending the length of the city’s construction financing loan for Neighborhood Housing Services’ Owner-Built Housing Project from 12 to 14 months, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(T 83-6)
#4. RE: An ordinance amending Section 5l-32-2(4)(b) of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, relating to historic districts and landmark sites--city historic register, by adding the J. Leo Fairbanks House, 1228 Bryan Avenue, and the Byron Cummings House, 936 East 1700 South, to the City Register of Historic Sites.
Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Ordinance 2 of 1984, amending Section 5l-32-2(4)(b) of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, relating to historic districts and landmark sites, by adding the J. Leo Fairbanks House and the Byron Cummings House to the City Register of Historic Sites, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(L 83-3)
#5. RE: Amendment to the 9th Year Community Development Block Grant appropriation for Neighborhood Housing Services.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to allow an amendment to the 9th Year Community Development Block Grant appropriation for Neighborhood Housing Services, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(T 83-2)
FIRE DEPARTMENT
#1. RE: An ordinance amending Section 46-l-l30(l)(q) of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, relating to stopping or parking in fire lanes.
Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Mahey seconded to adopt Ordinance 3 of 1984, amending Section 46-l-l30(1)(q) of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, relating to stopping or parking in fire lanes, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(O 84-3)
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
#1. RE: Reappointment of L. Spry Kelly to the Board of Adjustment.
Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to approve the reappointment of L. Spry Kelly to the Board of Adjustment, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(I 84-1)
#2. RE: Reappointment of L. C. Romney to the City-County Board of Health.
Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to approve the reappointment of L. C. Romney to the City-County Board of Health, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(I 84-2)
#3. RE: Reappointments of Jane Hearn and Kazuo Matsubayashi to the Salt Lake Art Design Board.
Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to approve the reappointments of Jane Hearn and Kazuo Matsubayashi to the Salt Lake Art Design Board, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(I 83-9)
#4. RE: Reappointments of Joe Smit, Edward Lunt, and Jody Williams to the Housing Advisory and Appeals Board.
Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to approve the reappointments of Joe Smit, Edward Lunt, and Jody Williams to the Housing Advisory and Appeals Board, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(I 84-3)
#5. RE: Reappointments of Larry Liedtke and Jerry Mika to the Golf Advisory Board.
Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to approve the reappointments of Larry Liedtke and Jerry Mika to the Golf Advisory Board, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(I 84-4)
#6. RE: Reappointments of Kent Money and Richard Schubach to the Central Business Improvement District Advisory Board.
Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to approve the reappointments of Kent Money and Richard Schubach to the Central Business Improvement District Advisory Board, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(I 82-8)
#7. RE: Reappointments of J. Alan Blodgett and Kern C. Gardner to the Airport Authority Board.
Without objection, Council Chairperson Whitehead referred the reappointments to the consent agenda for January 17, 1984.
(I 84-5)
#8. RE: Reappointments of Joseph S. Fenton, Wilbur C. Parkinson, and Jim Talebreza to the Mosquito Abatement Board.
Without objection, Council Chairperson Whitehead referred the reappointments to the consent agenda for January 17, 1984.
(I 82-3)
#9. RE: Reappointments of Emanual E. Floor, Genevieve Atwood, Ralph H. Steenbilk, and Ray Arnold to the Public Utilities Advisory Board.
Without objection, Council Chairperson Whitehead referred the reappointments to the consent agenda for January 17, 1984.
(I 84-6)
#10. RE: Sunnyside Special Recreation District.
Kathryn Marshall, City Recorder, presented information regarding the number of protests received. She indicated that there were 80 written protests and the number of homeowners in the proposed district is approximately 16,000. Rawlins Young, Chairman of the Sugarhouse Community Council, and Farrell T. Wankier, Jr., 461 2nd Avenue, opposed the creation of the proposed district. Councilmember Parker indicated that he had received numerous phone calls from people opposing this district. Councilmember Shearer suggested that the report of the City Recorder be received and this item be placed back on the agenda for April 3, 1984. In the meantime, protests would continue to be received by the Recorder and the organizers of the district could make an informational presentation at the upcoming District 6 and District 7 meetings. She suggested that a newsletter could be distributed in District 3 explaining the proposed Special Service District since there is not a district meeting scheduled.
Councilmember Davis indicated that one year ago District 6 held a meeting at which time a presentation was made about the Sunnyside Special Service District. She felt that it would be repetitious to ask for another presentation. Councilmember Davis felt that this issue should be reconsidered after the District 6 and District 7 meetings at which time a governing body, having no power to tax, should be appointed to act as a fact-finding board to meet with the citizens in the proposed district and provide information as well as determine a desirable plan. She felt that waiting until April to reconsider this district was too long a time period and felt this should be reconsidered the first part of March.
Councilmember Shearer said that if the Council is expecting to receive comments back from the district meetings then adequate time needs to be given and she felt that waiting until April would allow enough time to receive the information. Also the district meetings are held at the end of the month so reconsidering this issue in March would be too soon since the District 7 meeting will be held the end of February. Councilmember Mabey felt it was important that when the presentations are made in the District 6 and District 7 meetings the same information is disseminated and one presentation isn’t more persuasive than the other. Councilmember Whitehead said that if the people in the proposed district are against this plan then they need to make their protests known. Councilmember Shearer indicated that the Council doesn’t know exactly how many people are opposed to this district. Some areas currently not included in the area may want to be included. When and if the district is established the boundaries have to be determined and Councilmember Shearer said she was concerned about this because she felt that the Council had not heard from a broad enough cross section of the public to know whether or not the proposed boundaries are realistic.
Councilmember Davis suggested that a blue ribbon committee, without any governing power, be appointed to study the proposal. She felt this should be done now so that they can begin gathering information. Councilmember Parker didn’t think that either side would be penalized if the Council allows more time for input. Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to receive the report from the City Recorder and reconsider the Sunnyside Special Service District on the April 3, 1984, Council agenda; in the meantime the organizers of the proposed district should be asked to prepare an informational presentation for the District 6 and District 7 meetings, and the City Recorder should continue to receive written protests, which motion carried, all members voting aye except Councilmember Davis who voted nay.
Councilmember Davis moved to amend the motion that the Sunnyside District be reconsidered in March. There was no second to this motion.
(O 83-27)
PUBLIC WORKS
#1. RE: Curb and Gutter Special Improvement District 38-750.
Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Resolution 3 of 1984 declaring the intention of the City Council of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, State of Utah, to construct improvements on certain streets within said municipality consisting of the construction of a drainage system, curb and gutter and sidewalk where it does not now exist, removing all existing non-conforming improvements in the way of new improvements, constructing driveways from the new curb and gutter to the street edge of sidewalks, and all other miscellaneous work necessary to complete the improvements in a proper workmanlike manner; to create Salt Lake City, Utah Curb and Gutter Extension No. 38-750; to defray the cost and expenses of said improvement district by special assessments to be levied against the property benefited by such improvements; and to provide notice of intention to authorize such improvements and to fix a time and place for protests against such improvements or the creation of said district, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(Q 84-1)
#2. RE: Main Street Beautification Project No. 38-728.
Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Resolution 4 of 1984 declaring the intention of the City Council of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, State of Utah, to construct improvements on certain streets within said municipality consisting of the construction of curb and gutter, decorative sidewalks, improved lighting, decorative planters and fountains, improved drainage system and street furniture, together with certain miscellaneous work necessary to complete the improvements in a proper workmanlike manner; to create Salt Lake City, Utah, Main Street Beautification Curb and Gutter Extension No. 38-728; to defray the cost and expenses of said improvement district by special assessments to be levied against the property benefited by such improvements and to provide notice of intention to authorize such improvements and to fix a time and place for protests against such improvements or the creation of said district, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(Q 84-2)
#3. RE: Special Improvement District 38-681.
Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Resolution 5 of 1984 amending Resolution No. 13 of 1983 to add to Curb and Gutter Extension No. 38-681 certain properties which were heretofore deleted, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(Q 82-34)
#4. RE: Special Improvement District Curb and Gutter Extension No. 38-684.
Cheryl Cook, City Treasurer, said that the bidder with the lowest interest rate for the purchase of $396,000 Special Assessment Bonds Special Improvement District No. 38-684 of Salt Lake City, dated December 29, 1983, was the bid submitted by Prudential Bache Securities, Inc. The Prudential Bache Securities, Inc. bid was submitted in compliance with all provisions contained in the Official Notice of Sale and was accompanied with a certified good-faith check in the amount of $7,920. It is recommended that the City Council award the $396,000 Special Assessment Bonds, Special Improvement District No. 38-684 to Prudential Bache Securities, Inc. at a net effective interest rate of 8.820160%.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Resolution 6 of 1984 confirming the sale and providing the terms of the bonds relating thereto; and to adopt Resolution 7 of 1984 authorizing the issuance and providing for the sale of $396,000 Special Assessment Bonds of Salt Lake City, Utah, Special Improvement District Curb and Gutter Extension No. 38-684, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(Q 83-20)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Proposed Lease Agreement with LDS Church for a Softball Diamond.
RE: The proposed 25-year lease agreement with the Corporation of the Presiding Bishop of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, et. al., for the lease of one softball diamond situated at Lindsey Gardens in exchange for $70,205 worth of improvements to said softball diamond. A public hearing was held at 6:00 p.m. to discuss this lease agreement. Councilmember Mabey indicated that after these improvements are made the maintenance of the general facility is the responsibility of the Parks Department. Albert Haines, Chief Administrative Officer, indicated that this diamond will remain city property and indicated that $23 will be paid per night for the use of the lights, which is the rate charged by the city for use of lights at softball diamonds. When lights are not used, there is no charge.
Mr. Haines also indicated that when the tenant is not using the softball diamond it would be available for use by anyone. Councilmember Davis asked if any homes in the area would be bothered by the lights since they will be on until 11:00 p.m. Councilmember Fonnesbeck indicated that there are not any homes in the immediate area but the lights could be shielded. She indicated that people in the area have asked for more lighting because of vandalism when the park closes. She also mentioned that the lights would not be on all night.
Councilmember Mabey indicated that constituents have complained about the noise created by softball games. He thought this may be a bigger problem than the lights. He suggested that at the start of the baseball season all groups should be informed about the noise ordinance and asked to end their games within a reasonable time to meet the noise ordinance. Councilmember Davis indicated that there are other facilities at Lindsey Gardens available for the public if the leased diamond is in use. Councilmember Fonnesbeck indicated that this lease would not actually change how the park has been used for a long period of time. She said the same group has used a diamond for several years.
Councilmember Davis felt that the 25-year lease was excessive. Councilmember Shearer indicated that there is a “buy-out option available to the city. Councilmember Fonnesbeck indicated that this diamond would be serving residents of the Avenues area. Ernie Dixon, Sports Director of the Ensign Region and the Ensign Stake, said that there is a clause in the contract which states if the tenant is not using the diamond that time must be given back to the city. He referred to the length of the lease and said that the expected life of the improvements has been computed as being 25 years.
Mayor Wilson said that a concern might be that the public will be compromised for the sake of a powerful institution. The Mayor’s opinion was that an acceptable agreement is being negotiated and he reiterated that the people using the diamond are taxpaying citizens who would use the diamond anyway. He also said that the diamond will be open to other groups. No one from the audience opposed this issue.
Councilmember Parker moved and Councilmember Fonnesbeck seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(C 84-1)
Triad Utah Office Building Development.
RE: The submission of an application by Salt Lake City for an Urban Development Action Grant for a Triad Utah office building development on Block 84 (Devereaux Block), and a resolution authorizing the Mayor to submit the application on behalf of Salt Lake City. A public hearing was held at 6:15 p.m. to consider the UDAG application and the resolution authorizing the Mayor to submit the application. Arlo Nelson, Capital Planning and Programming, said that this was the second of two public hearings required by HUD. He said this is a large project and the staff is supportive of the UDAG application.
Mr. Nelson indicated that the final application should be complete by January 27. If the Council approves the project they should pass a resolution authorizing the Mayor to submit the application and begin negotiations for the final conditions of the UDAG loan. He said that the parking project has been modified from the original master plan and the Redevelopment Agency Board will consider this change along with city planning conditions. Mr. Nelson said that this application would be subject to the approval of the modified plan.
Councilmember Shearer indicated that this UDAG request asks for a sizable percentage of the national allotment. She asked if there was a contingency plan in case the federal government doesn’t approve this amount. Mr. Nelson said this would be part of the negotiation. Bernice Cook, People’s Freeway Community Council, felt that if this large amount of money was given to the Triad project then other projects would be eliminated. Councilmember Fonnesbeck said that this is a loan and the pay back is returned to the city which helps the city do other projects that may otherwise not be done. She also said that the city does not lend the money.
Richard Nordlund, representing Triad, said that the UDAG will be used for the parking structure underneath the building which parks about 287 cars. There will also be a parking structure located on Block 96 which is directly north of Block 84 and across the viaduct. This parking structure is four stories with the fifth story in the basement and will park approximately 2600 cars. The first phase of this structure will park about 1300 cars. The remaining money will be used for the 43-story tower. Mr. Nordlund said that the UDAG was necessary for the project because it will enable Triad to provide the amount of parking needed in the Block 84 area for the tower. The UDAG will also keep parking and rental rates competitive. Mr. Nordlund presented a site plan of the area and a rendering of the parking structure. He indicated that a plaza will be constructed under the viaduct which will include grass and bushes. This area will be lighted and will serve as a transition area. Mr. Nordlund also showed a rendering of the office building.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck moved and Councilmember Hardwick seconded to adopt Resolution 8 of 1984 authorizing the execution of an Urban Development Action Grant application for the Triad Center project, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(T 83-27)
Budget for Fiscal Year 1983-84.
RE: A resolution amending the budgets of Salt Lake City for Fiscal Year 1983-84. A public hearing was held at 6:30 p.m. to discuss amendments to the budget. Albert Haines, Chief Administrative Officer, said that although there are appropriations identified in the amendments that call for appropriations from fund balance, a request is not being made through this budget hearing for any change or increase to expenditure appropriations that would require any offset to the general fund balance or would require an increase in revenues to any funds beyond those areas which have been identified in the enterprise and internal service funds.
Council Chairperson Whitehead asked if anyone from the audience wished to comment on the budget opening. No one from the audience addressed this issue. Councilmember Shearer said that the Airport had a good bond sale with low bids on the projects and she asked why they had overrun their budget and didn’t have money left from the bond proceeds to spend. John Wheat, Deputy Director of the Airport Finance Division, indicated that all of the bond proceeds will be spent for the project. He said that capital improvement projects are funded from the improvement fund and not from bond proceeds which is a separate fund.
Mr. Wheat said that the bond proceeds are very restricted and the projects funded from the improvement fund are not eligible to be funded with money from bond proceeds. The request for approximately $673,000 will increase the capital improvement budget in the improvement fund. Lou Miller, Director of Airports, indicated that two projects scheduled for next year have been moved ahead to this year. Councilmember Shearer referred to the Central Business District and asked who was being covered with the liability insurance and asked if there was double coverage. Jim McGuire, Deputy Director of Development Services, said that this was not double coverage. The purchase of the insurance has been coordinated with the Risk Management Division. This insurance is to cover the District if any of the intersection displays, strung from privately-owned buildings, fall and injure a person or cause property damage. Councilmember Davis asked about the number of hours contributed by city employees to the Central Business District. She asked if the contribution was 800 or 1000 hours. Ms. Davis said she had been informed that the contribution would be 800 hours. Mr. Haines indicated that the Central Business District will be billed for time over 800 hours. Leigh von der Esch, Council Executive Director, indicated that the Council minutes of October 5, 1982, specify 800 hours. She also said that this information was given to the Finance Department.
Councilmember Mabey indicated that the number of hours may have to be adjusted as the work increases since more decorations will be added to the Central Business District. Mr. Haines felt that in the budget process this should be defined and it should he determined how to formulate the number of hours which will be contributed by the city. Councilmember Shearer referred to $15,000 listed under Data Processing. She understood that this was an unexpended amount from last year’s budget that was put in fund balance and now they want to put it into their capital projects budget. Nate Pierce, Budget Development Coordinator, indicated that this was correct. He explained that this was associated with a contract which had been budgeted last year.
At the year end, the contract was 94% completed and the $15,000 was left to pay on the contract once it was completed. The $15,000 went into fund balance. The remaining 6% of the contract has come due this year so they are asking to take the original appropriation to pay the last 6% of the contract. Councilmember Shearer asked if dispatch contracts were on a list to he audited. Mr. Pierce did not think they were on a list of proposed audits but he suggested that Ms. Shearer could make a recommendation. Councilmember Shearer referred to the golf course fund and asked if this was a budget overrun from the appropriation last year to cover carried-over encumbrances.
Lance Bateman, Finance Director, said that the golf course is an enterprise fund and encumbrances are not carried over on enterprise funds. He indicated that carried-over bills are re-budgeted from fund balance. Councilmember Parker asked about the Sugarhouse Beautification improvements. Mr. Bateman said that this is a two-year-budget program. If the city’s share of the improvements is budgeted for two years but the abutters’ entire share is budgeted into the first year then there is enough budget to contract on a larger scale which is more efficient.
Councilmember Mabey referred to the fleet management fund and asked how many vehicles would be purchased for next year. Mr. Pierce thought the number was approximately 30. Mr. Haines said that the vehicles scheduled for replacement are vehicles which were in the old fleet. They are high-mileage and high-maintenance vehicles. He said that a 4 1/2 year cycle has been projected for the car-per-officer vehicle but this will probably continue to improve. Councilmember Fonnesbeck said that the cars purchased this year which were scheduled to be purchased next year will disrupt the cycle and either the cars will have to be kept an extra year or a double purchase will have to be made later. Mr. Haines indicated that the vehicles are performing better than anticipated and the cycle may change to five years. Jim McClure, Director of Fleet Management, said that the age of the vehicle is just one item considered in the replacement criteria. A fourth of the vehicles in the police fleet will be replaced every year regardless of their age (based on mileage). Some of the cars may be 5 or 5 1/2 years old based on mileage. The replacement of the higher-mileage cars will need to be accelerated regardless of the year.
Councilmember Shearer asked about abuse of the one-car-per-officer program since mileage will be a major part of the replacement criteria. Mr. Haines said that the police have an established set of procedures governing the use of the vehicles and excessive mileage is not tolerated. He said that the operations and maintenance expenses are monitored closely. Councilmember Shearer asked if the fleet inventory was complete so that there was an accounting of all vehicles. Mr. McClure indicated that they have an accounting of all the vehicles. Councilmember Davis asked if they bid for American or foreign cars or both. Mr. McClure said they bid for American cars. Councilmember Mabey felt that Fleet Management should know the number of miles each police officer travels between work and home.
Mr. McClure indicated that they have this information and they track the usage of each vehicle. He indicated that the front-wheel drive, four-cylinder vehicles have been very successful. He said that there will be some high-speed vehicles. Councilmember Shearer asked if any cars were being leased and Mr. McClure indicated that none were currently being leased. Councilmember Shearer asked how purchases are budgeted. Mr. McClure said that purchases are budgeted to be mostly encumbered in the first quarter and expended by the first half. He said that replacement equipment is critical equipment and very seldom are items on the replacement list that are not needed by the department as soon as money is available. Councilmember Shearer was concerned that by buying all the items in September there is no opportunity to make budget cuts in this area.
Mr. McClure said there would be an opportunity if money is saved over and above the anticipated cost of a vehicle. Mr. Haines felt that fleet acquisition should not be considered in terms of potentially balancing budgets. They are on a tight depreciation schedule and replacement cycle. He felt this was more of a productivity issue than budget balancing issue. Councilmember Shearer asked if the acquisition of vehicles could he delayed two months. Mr. Haines said this could be delayed but it was felt that the delay would cost money. He felt that it made sense to accelerate the acquisition and net a savings of $58,000 in the next year. Councilmember Mabey asked if the resale of the cars had been included in the savings. Mr. McClure indicated that the resale had not been included in the savings and would probably be $500 to $800 per car. Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Fonnesbeck seconded to amend the budget by removing from the appropriations the retirement funds identified by the auditors as having already been encumbered ($182,991 from fire and $270,949 from police), which motion carried, all members voting aye. Councilmember Shearer felt that to pass the budget amendment without further comment from the auditors would be unwise.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to consider the budget resolution at the Council meeting on January 17, 1984, under Unfinished Council Business, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(B 83-3)
Community Development Funds - 10th Year.
RE: Public comment concerning housing and community development needs within Salt Lake City that can be addressed using Salt Lake City’s 10th Year Community Development funds (approximately $4.6 million). A public hearing was held at 6:45 p.m. to consider this issue. Ms. Stephanie Loker, Community Development Planner, said that the city is now planning for 10th Year Community Development monies to be available July 1, 1984. Part of the process includes obtaining citizen input. Ms. Loker explained that the purpose of the public hearing is to invite groups to give the Mayor, staff, and City Council, input regarding housing needs and community development needs which can be addressed with this money. She said that the city is expecting approximately $4.6 million this year, a 2% or 3% cut over last year.
Ms. Gayen Wharton, Sugarhouse Community Council, indicated that the Sugarhouse area is interested in obtaining parks in this area. Currently there is land available and Ms. Wharton expressed her concern that unless land is purchased soon, there may not be any available in the future. The parcel to which she referred would cost about $72,000. Mr. Jeff Fox, East Central neighborhood, expressed concern about urban blight. He suggested that CD money should be used to improve neighborhoods that are being unduly impacted by the expansion of the business district. He supported $200,000 in grants to be used for senior citizen housing.
He felt that CD money should be used to provide for critical human services where money can’t be found elsewhere and for the revitalization of the impacted and low-income neighborhoods. Missy Peterson, Housing Outreach Rental Program, said that there is a need for housing services and a need to increase housing stock. She indicated that in the past six months Housing Outreach Rental Program has served 2,402 persons requiring assistance in finding adequate housing. She requested that a greater percentage of CDBG money he used for housing programs. Virginia Walton, Community Action Program, also supported using CD funds for housing. She said that housing problems have increased and she asked that the Mayor and City Council support the recommendations made by the CD committee. She also requested that additional funding which may become available be used for housing, especially emergency housing. Suzanne Miller, housing attorney at Utah Legal Services, supported previous comments made about housing. She indicated that they provide a mediation service and they provide information about Utah laws; they also refer people to other agencies. She said that approximately 60% of their clients, for the last year, have been from Salt Lake City proper. She requested money for the Utah Legal Services.
Perry Underwood, 965 West 1st South, said that a proposal has been submitted for the installation of curbs and gutters in this area, Euclid area. She said that because there are no curbs and gutters the water stands in the streets. She also said that street lights are needed. Ms. Underwood said that the residents wanted to see this area improved. John Florez, representing the Centro Civico Mexicano organization, supported the Centro Civico project. He said that CD allows local development to be done in the community so that local needs can be addressed. And local development funds can mobilize the private sector of the community. He said that funds ought to he used as a method to mobilize the private sector. Barry Esham, Chairman of the North West Community Council, supported using CD funds for housing. He felt that the funds needed to be focused in a particular direction and housing should be considered.
Cory Sargent, Multi-Ethnic Housing Corporation, said there is a need for housing projects like the senior citizen handicapped high-rise which is west of the Salt Palace. Currently there is a waiting list of people who want to get into this facility. She said that land write-down monies will assist organizations in becoming eligible for HUD 202 loans and will provide for new construction in the west downtown area for handicapped and low-income people. Lester Myers, Rescue Mission, indicated that there is a need to establish a family shelter in this area and he requested any funding that might be available.
Bernice Cook, People’s Freeway Community Council, thanked the Council for past CD money which has been used in her area. She said that the needs of the city as a whole should be considered and the funds should be shared. But she felt that housing, streets and the installation of curbs and gutters needed the most consideration. She thought that because of the weather this year there may be a lot of roof damage and she felt that money should be used to improve housing. Jay Montoya supported all of the previous projects which had been mentioned. He requested CD money for his boxing club; the money would be used for doors and windows in the gym. He said that this boxing club has been operating without public funding for many years and it serves young people in the community. Captain Fred Rasmussen, Salvation Army, requested money to help replace their facility which was destroyed by fire. He felt that if the Council gave a sizable amount then others in the business community would follow their lead. Michael Ortega, Chairman of the Salt Lake Citizens Congress (housed at 347 South 4th East - Crossroads Urban Center), asked the Council to consider citizen participation. He said that the aim of the Congress is to get the citizenry, especially low income people, involved in the decision making process. The Congress also wants to be involved in disseminating information among the people. Ms. Loker said that a citizen advisory group has evaluated the proposals which have been submitted and the staff has evaluated these proposals too.
The Mayor will make a recommendation at the Council meeting to be held January 17, 1984. She said that the Council will have two months to consider the recommendation and hopefully the Council’s preliminary recommendation can be made at the public hearing meeting in March. She said that HUD requires two weeks of public comment and then hopefully the Council can make a final decision on April 10, 1984. Ms. Loker said the community advisory group recommended that $1.2 million from this year’s CD be given to the Redevelopment Agency for rehabilitation. It is recommended that $200,000 of the $1.2 million be used for grants.
Councilmember Mabey moved and Councilmember Shearer seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(T 83-28)
The meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.