PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1985
THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, MET AS A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1985, AT 5:00 P.M. IN ROOM 211 CITY AND COUNTY BUILDING.
THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: RONALD WHITEHEAD THOMAS M. GODFREY GRANT MABEY ROSELYN N. KIRK SYDNEY R. FONNESBECK EDWARD W. PARKER EARL F. HARDWICK.
Council Chairperson Sydney Fonnesbeck presided at the meeting.
BRIEFING SESSION
#1. Ms. Carole Stokes, council executive director, reviewed the evening’s agenda with the Council. Time was spent on a review of the drafted resolution concerning support of bidding for the 1992 Winter Olympic Games. Brian Wilkinson, council office, presented the Council with four proposed resolutions. The Council then discussed the process for adoption of the FY 1985-86 budget. They reviewed the adjustments they had made and how the motion to adopt the budget must be made in order to acknowledge those adjustments. The Council then reviewed the legislative intents that were to be attached to the budget including those concerning the Utah League of Cities and Towns. A discussion was held concerning increasing Council Member’s salaries to $10,000 per year, a net increase of $300, and increasing the Mayor’s salary to $50,000 per year, a net increase of $5,000.
The briefing session adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 1985, AT 6:00 P.M. IN ROOM 301 CITY AND COUNTY BUILDING.
THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: RONALD J. WHITEHEAD THOMAS M. GODFREY GRANT MABEY ROSELYN N. KIRK SYDNEY R. FONNESBECK EDWARD W. PARKER EARL F. HARDWICK.
Mayor Ted L. Wilson, Albert Haines, chief administrative officer, Roger Cutler, city attorney, Kathryn Marshall, city recorder, and Lynda Domino, chief deputy recorder, were present.
Council Chairperson Fonnesbeck presided at the meeting and Councilmember Parker conducted the meeting.
Police Chaplain Donald Goodheart gave the invocation.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes.
Councilmember Kirk moved and Councilmember Godfrey seconded to approve the minutes of the Salt Lake City Council for the regular meeting held Tuesday, June 4, 1985, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(M 85-1)
PETITIONS
Petition 400-274 of 1985 by Creative Inns/Calder Brothers.
RE: The annexation of 2.75 acres of land to be zoned “C-l” in the Brickyard area.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Resolution 66 of 1985 accepting Petition No. 400-274 of 1985 for City Council review and setting a date for a public hearing for Tuesday, July 9, 1985, at 7:15 p.m., which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 85-71)
Petition 400-314 of 1985 by Ivory and Company.
RE: The rezoning of property located at approximately 803 North Redwood Road from Residential “R-2A” to Business “B-3” classification.
Without objection, the Council scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, July 16, 1985, at 6:25 p.m. to discuss this petition.
(P 85-70)
Petition 400-324 of 1985 by University of Utah Research Park.
RE: Amending Chapter 19A “Research Development R-D District” of Title 51 by amending Section 5l-19A-l(2) to allow facilities for education and training, university related hospitals and clinics, conference centers and related facilities, and child care facilities, and Section 5l-l9A-l(5) to allow identification signs for accessory uses.
Without objection, the Council scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, July 16, 1985, at 7:15 p.m. to discuss this petition.
(P 85-72)
DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
AIRPORT AUTHORITY
#1. RE: An ordinance amending Title 2 of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, by adding a new Chapter 20 relating to airport noise regulations.
Without objection, the Council scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, July 16, 1985, at 6:45 p.m. to discuss this ordinance.
(O 85-18)
ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
#1. RE: An ordinance relating to municipal government.
Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Kirk seconded to adopt Ordinance 43 of 1985, amending Sections 24-2-2, 24-3-2, and 24-3-4 of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, as amended, relating to municipal government, which motion carried, all members voting aye except Councilmember Hardwick who was absent when the vote was taken.
(O 85-17)
CITY COUNCIL
#1. RE: A resolution regarding the submission of a bid to host the 1992 Winter Olympic Games in Salt Lake City.
Councilmember Parker read a resolution supporting the bid and outlining several City Council intents. A copy is on file in the Office of the City Recorder. Councilmember Mabey requested that the word “assumed” be changed to “shared” in the following sentence: “That economic responsibility be assumed by the State of Utah.” Councilmember Fonnesbeck suggested that two resolutions be adopted, one which would be part of the official statement of support and the second which would outline the Council’s intents regarding the Olympics but would not be submitted with the bid document.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck moved and Councilmember Godfrey seconded to adopt Resolution 67 of 1985 in support of Salt Lake City bidding to host the 1992 Olympic Winter Games and authorizing the Salt Lake Winter Games Organizing Committee to bid to host the 1992 Olympic Winter Games contingent on voter approval through a referendum, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Resolution 68 of 1985 regarding City Council intentions if Salt Lake City is awarded the 1992 Olympic Winter Games, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Mayor Wilson said that he felt the Council operated in a very responsible way concerning this issue. He said that it would be helpful to the bid process to have a unanimous vote in support of this issue. He also said that if Salt Lake City does not get the bid he hoped that the issues concerning canyon development would still be considered. Councilmember Fonnesbeck said that the Council felt strongly about having a referendum in order to give people the right to vote on this issue.
(G 85-13)
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
#1. RE: Transferring funds from 11th Year CDBG contingency to the administrative budget.
Councilmember Parker moved and Councilmember Whitehead seconded to approve a transfer of $57,642 from 11th Year (1985-1986) Community Development Block Grant Fund contingency to the CDBG administrative budget, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(T 85-15)
#2. RE: A proposed ordinance regulating the height of buildings in the Foothill Preservation “P-1” District.
Without objection, the Council scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, July 16, 1985, at 6:15 p.m. to discuss the proposed ordinance.
(O 85-21)
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
#1. RE: A resolution adopting budgets of Salt Lake City, Utah, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1985, and ending June 30, 1986. Also legislative intents relating to the Fiscal Year 1985-1986 budget.
Mr. Albert Haines, chief administrative officer, outlined adjustments which had been made to the tentative budget, a copy of the budget document highlighting the changes is on file in the Office of the City Recorder. Mr. Haines brought specific points to the Council’s attention including miscellaneous police services, page 1, for security services in the courts; changes between the general fund and the state grant funds, page 3, which reflect a breakdown in liquor and DUI enforcement monies; and identifying the personnel department and risk management under the Office of the Mayor, page 5. Mr. Haines recommended the adoption of the budget as adjusted. Councilmember Fonnesbeck indicated a preference of the Council to put $16,696, which was deducted from Utah League of Cities and Towns, in contingency instead of in the Office of the Mayor.
Councilmember Mabey moved and Councilmember Godfrey seconded to amend the budget by transferring $16,696 from Office of the Mayor to contingency, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Mabey moved and Councilmember Kirk seconded to adopt Resolution 69 of 1985 adopting budgets of Salt Lake City, Utah, for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1985, and ending June 30, 1986, excluding the staffing document, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Mabey moved and Councilmember Godfrey seconded to adopt the legislative intents, which motion carried, all members voting aye except Councilmembers Whitehead and Hardwick who were absent when the vote was taken.
The legislative intents are as follows: 1. Revenues. The Council has carefully reviewed the revenue projections incorporated into the Fiscal Year 1985-1986 budget. We recognize the limitations state law and county procedures impose on the administration’s ability to project revenues. We will monitor revenue collections carefully throughout the year to determine whether budget amendments will be necessary. We recognize the limitations state law imposes on Salt Lake City’s ability to generate sufficient revenue to provide essential City services and accomplish necessary governmental functions. These limitations are of critical importance in light of proposals to eliminate revenue sharing and other federal programs that currently supplement City revenues. We encourage the administration to begin planning for the loss of federal funds by:
-Identifying City programs that could be accomplished or supplemented by volunteers, and creating a program to coordinate volunteer work in City government - Suggesting City programs that the Council may have to eliminate or reduce if federal funds are lost, and the number of authorized positions and total cost associated with each program. -Identifying programs that could be accomplished through privatization or contracting with private entities. -Intensifying management efforts to identify efficiencies that will reduce costs. The Council has increased its budget to provide funds for a comprehensive audit of the fire department, and will continue to audit City departments to achieve this goal. -Identifying statutory changes, policy changes, and new programs that will diversify the City’s revenue base.
2. Employee Compensation. This Fiscal Year 1985-1986 budget includes $70,370,700 (all funds) for employee compensation. This amount reflects a compensation increase for City employees that corresponds to growth in sales, property, and franchise tax revenues. The Council encourages the administration to manage these funds to maximize employee performance, and requests that the administration implement a merit pay plan that rewards employees for exceptional service rather than for longevity only. We encourage the use of a peer review system to implement this program. The Council requests that the administration continue to provide quarterly summaries of unfilled positions and reports on reclassifications that increase salaries.
3. City and County Building. This budget includes $1.3 million for design work for the rehabilitation of the City and County Building. We reaffirm our support for the restoration, and request that the administration organize an educational campaign to acquaint City residents with the building’s historical significance and with the restoration work that will be done.
4. Urban Forestry. The City Council is committed to improving Salt Lake City’s urban forestry program. Funds in the parks department and Chief Administrative Officer’s budgets are adequate to further this policy. These funds will allow the administration, during the course of this fiscal year, to obtain a tree inventory, submit a shade tree ordinance, and develop a shade tree policy to address tree planting, removal, and maintenance. The Council supports the parks department’s efforts to organize volunteer committees to assist with these tasks, and requests a report on these efforts no later than January 1, 1986. 5. Salt Lake Arts Council. The City Council is appropriating $160,000 to the Salt Lake Arts Council for arts programming in Salt Lake City. As in Fiscal Year 1984-1985, $50,000 of this amount should be reserved for grants to major arts organizations.
6. Utah League of Cities and Towns. The City Council is appropriating $50,000 as Salt Lake City’s membership fee for the Utah League of Cities and Towns. Recent personnel changes at the League are of great interest to the Council. The Council feels the cities and towns of Utah should use this transition to examine the philosophy of the League, the services required from the League, and the organization of the League’s staff. To encourage this examination, the Council requests that these funds not be released to the League until:
-The League Board of Directors submits to the Council an outline of the procedure and schedule it will follow to select a new executive director. -The League Board of Directors examines its lobbying effort and other programs and reports to member cities on any changes to current programs. -The League Board of Directors allows a statewide comment period so all cities and towns will have input into the reorganization of the League.
(B 85-8)
#2. RE: Employment staffing document for Salt Lake City.
Mr. Albert Haines, chief administrative officer, outlined adjustments in the City staffing document since the submission of the tentative budget. A copy of the adjustments is on file in the Office of the City Recorder. He mentioned that these changes had been discussed previously with the Council. He noted that the police department reflects an increase of one officer for the circuit courts, fleet management reflects the addition of the night shift which will be six people, and risk management has been listed separately. He said that the positions for the City Council will be increased from 12 to 12.75 under full-time equivalent and he said that the Mayors Office reflects the total number of employees in that office plus resource management and the personnel department. Mr. Haines recommended the adoption of the staffing document.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck moved and Councilmember Kirk seconded to adopt Ordinance 44 of 1985, amending Section 25-1-2 of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, as last amended by Ordinance 45 of 1984, relating to the adoption of an employment staffing document for Salt Lake City, as amended to reflect the increase in the Council staff, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(O 85-15)
#3. RE: Compensation of City officers and employees.
Mr. Albert Haines, chief administrative officer, outlined two changes in the document. He said that the position of risk manager will be included in the executive pay class, with no change in salary. He also said that the chief administrative officer/director of finance and administrative services will be deleted and he indicated that the position will be called chief administrative officer. He mentioned that the positions of director of administrative services and director of finance have been identified. The Council then discussed the salary for the Mayor. They suggested that the salary should be increased by $5,000 to $50,000 a year effective January 1, 1986.
Mayor Wilson suggested that the salary should be increased by $10,000 to $15,000 a year because it probably would not change again for at least two years and possibly four years. He also said that there is enormous pressure on the lifestyle and family of the Mayor. He suggested that the Council ask a citizen review committee to review the salary of the Mayor to determine a reasonable rate. He further suggested that the position be considered along with normal employee increases. Mayor Wilson said that he thought the Council is underpaid because they work many hours beyond their part-time hours and he suggested that a citizen committee review their salary too. He also urged them strongly to adopt the City benefits and said that this would not be a great cost to the City.
Councilmember Kirk mentioned that they had compared salaries for mayors in comparable size cities in the west and Salt Lake was high. Mayor Wilson mentioned that there are many part-time mayors in the west.
Councilmember Hardwick moved and Councilmember Kirk seconded to increase the Mayor’s salary from $45,000 to $50,000 effective January 1, 1986, and request the creation of a citizen’s committee to review the salaries of elected officials, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
The Council then discussed their salary. Councilmember Fonnesbeck suggested that the $100 per month car allowance be included as part of their salary instead of being separate. Councilmember Whitehead suggested that the salary be an even $10,000 per year for the Council. Councilmember Fonnesbeck said that she did not want to increase the Council’s salary. Councilmember Kirk agreed.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck moved and Councilmember Kirk seconded to eliminate the $100 per month car allowance and include this money as part of the Council’s salary. Before this motion was voted upon, Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Hardwick seconded to make a substitute motion, which motion carried, all members voting aye except Council Members Fonnesbeck and Kirk who voted nay.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Hardwick seconded to increase the Council’s salary from $8,500 to $10,000 per year effective January 1, 1986, and eliminate the $100 per month car allowance, which motion carried, all members voting aye except Council Members Fonnesbeck and Kirk who voted nay. The Council then considered the issue of benefits. Mr. Haines said that the executive benefit plan includes retirement, health insurance and life insurance. Carole Stokes, council executive director, indicated that accepting benefits at this point would be a significant departure from their past policy and she suggested that the Council consider the issue in more detail.
Mayor Wilson again urged the Council to adopt the City benefit package. Councilmember Fonnesbeck agreed that the Council needs insurance. Ms. Stokes mentioned that there are many items in the benefit package and she reiterated that the Council should discuss this so they know what is involved. Mr. Haines suggested that the Council consider adopting just the health and life insurance provisions as contained in the executive benefit policy.
Councilmember Hardwick moved and Councilmember Fonnesbeck seconded to extend to the Council the health and life insurance provisions as provided in the executive benefit package effective July 1, 1986, which motion failed, all members voting nay except Council Members Fonnesbeck and Hardwick who voted aye.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to refer the issue of benefits to the Committee of the Whole for June 13, 1985, which motion carried, all members voting aye except Councilmember Fonnesbeck who voted nay.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Kirk seconded to adopt Ordinance 45 of 1985, amending Section 25-1-1 of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, as last amended by Bill No. 41 of 1984, relating to compensation of City officers and employees, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(O 85-11)
#4. RE: The rate of tax levy.
Albert Haines, chief administrative officer, said that the tax levy will be 22.54 mills: 18.79 for the general fund and general City purposes and 3.75 for the libraries. Mr. Haines then read a paragraph inserted in the resolution regarding a new law which will allow the county to levy a mill levy for the purpose of assessing and collecting property taxes. He explained that the City had to reduce their property tax mill levy commensurate to what would have been budgeted to pay the county for collection and assessment of taxes. Mr. Haines said that the county, based on the new law, can assess a maximum of 2.5 mills for this purpose but they cannot increase the mill levy more than 10% a year. Mr. Haines added that the county will be generating a revenue increase of 37% for this purpose.
Councilmember Mabey moved and Councilmember Kirk seconded to request the Mayor to address a letter to the County Commission asking for clarification regarding the 37% increase for property tax collection purposes, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Kirk seconded to adopt Resolution 65 of 1985 determining the rate of tax levy and levying taxes upon all real and personal property within Salt lake City, Utah, made taxable by law for the year 1985, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(R 85-7)
MAYOR’S OFFICE
#1. RE: Resolutions authorizing the execution of Memorandums of Understanding with the Salt Lake Police Association and the International Fire Fighters Association Local No. 1645.
Mr. Albert Haines, chief administrative officer, said that the resolutions are in compliance with previous policy discussions and reflect the results of a great deal of effort and work. He recommended approval of the resolutions on first reading.
Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Kirk seconded to adopt on first reading Resolution 70 of 1985 authorizing the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding between Salt Lake City Corporation and Salt Lake Police Association, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Hardwick seconded to adopt on first reading Resolution 71 of 1985 authorizing the execution of the Memorandum of Understanding between Salt Lake City Corporation and Local 1645 of the International Association of Firefighters, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Mayor Wilson commented that both sides were cooperative in meeting demands and the bargaining situation was successful. He said he felt that Salt Lake City had the finest police and fire departments in the country. The presidents of each group and Mayor Wilson then signed the Memorandums of Understanding.
(C 85-233, C 85-234)
#2. RE: Library budget for 1985-86.
Mr. Boyer Jarvis, president of the Salt Lake City Public Library Board, said that the money appropriated for the library is expended to the benefit of the citizens throughout the entire Salt Lake City area. He mentioned that patrons of the new branch libraries are anxious for longer hours of service. He also mentioned that they need to do as much as possible to raise the salaries for the library employees.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck moved and Councilmember Whitehead seconded to approve the Fiscal Year 1985-1986 budget for the Salt Lake City Public Library, increasing the mill levy to the legal limit of 3.75 mills to provide for most of option “A” as outlined in the proposed budget, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(B 85-6)
PARKS DEPARTMENT
#1. RE: Adding a $2.00 per hour, per court fee for use of the Oak Hills tennis facility.
Councilmember Parker asked why there will be a fee for Oak Hills when other tennis facilities are free of charge. Mr. John Gust, director of parks, explained that playing time can be reserved at Oak Hills and there is also a pro available.
Councilmember Kirk moved and Councilmember Godfrey seconded to adopt Ordinance 46 of 1985, on first reading, amending Section 27-9-4 of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, as amended, relating to tennis court use fees, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(O 85-20)
PUBLIC UTILITIES
#1. RE: Sewer service charges.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Ordinance 47 of 1985, amending Section 37-6-2, Schedule 3 Rates, of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, relating to sewer service charges, by reducing some sewer charges, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(O 85-12)
PUBLIC WORKS
#1. RE: Special Improvement District 40-R-5.
Councilmember Kirk moved and Councilmember Godfrey seconded to adopt a motion approving the Official Notice of Bond Sale and the Abbreviated Notice of Sale, the Official Statement for the $400,000 Special Assessment Bonds, Series 1985, of Salt Lake City, Utah, Special Improvement District, Concrete Replacement No. 40-R-5 and all documents necessary for the successful issuance, execution, sale and delivery of the bonds for and on behalf of the Issuer, which motion carried, all members voting aye except Councilmembers Whitehead and Hardwick who were absent when the vote was taken.
(Q 83-4)
Petition 400-255 of 1984 by Cora Vigil.
RE: Vacating an alley system located at approximately 548 Dexter Street in Salt Lake City, Utah.
A public hearing was held at 6:30 p.m. to discuss this petition. Dean Barney, assistant planning director, outlined the area on a map and said that all appropriate departments recommended the vacation of the alley system. He said that the public utilities department noted that the home at 545 North 8th West is serviced by a private water main which runs along the alley and the owners will either have to connect to the water main in front of the home or the existing private line must be protected by an easement. He also mentioned that the traffic engineer has indicated that the alley approach at 6th North should be closed.
Cora Vigil, petitioner, explained the reasons why some of the property owners did not sign the petition. She said that one owner has his property for sale and another indicated that the alley has been open for 70 years and there is no reason for it to be closed. Ms. Vigil said that annoying vehicles use the alley and some have caused damage to fences. She also said that some residents have had property stolen from their backyards. She said that the alley is a nuisance. Lee Burnett, 813 West 600 North, and Bill Woolf, 537 North 8th West, supported the petition. No one spoke in opposition to this request.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Ordinance 48 of 1985, vacating an alley system located at approximately 548 Dexter Street, and requiring certain conditions, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 85-61)
Petition 400-252 of 1984 by Richard and Lynn Dot.
RE: Vacating an alley located between Dearborn Street and 1500 East from Parkway Avenue to Stratford Avenue.
A public hearing was held at 6:30 p.m. to discuss this ordinance. Dean Barney, assistant planning director, outlined the T-shaped alley on a map and said that about 50% of the abutting property owners did not sign the petition. He said that the appropriate City departments recommended that the alley be vacated except where needed for access on the north and west ends. Lynne Doi, petitioner, said that the alley has not been used for many years except the two end sections which are currently being used. She said that she does not want to close those portions.
Rose Novak, 1469 East Stratford, explained that she uses the portion of the alley entering off of Dearborn Street as access to her garage. She did not object to vacating the alley as long as access at her end remains open. Louis Bowring, 2520 South 1500 East, asked if just a portion of the alley could be vacated; the Council said it could and Councilmember Fonnesbeck added that just the ends would remain open. Mr. Bowring expressed concern that the petitioner was requesting the vacation of the alley in order to use the additional property for commercial reasons. Mr. Barney said that the zoning in the area does not allow commercial use. Phyllis Todd, 2526 So. 1500 East, expressed concern that the alley vacation would increase her property taxes. She also asked if utility poles would be moved. Mr. Barney said that they would stay in place and easements would be provided. Ms. Doi clarified that they wish to rebuild a four-car garage for their own use and have no intention of using the property for commercial reasons.
Councilmember Mabey moved and Councilmember Kirk seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Mabey moved and Councilmember Fonnesbeck seconded to approve the alley vacation leaving access open to the three properties at the north end and the two properties at the west end, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 85-67)
Petition 400-292 of 1985 by American Development Company.
RE: The closure of a utility easement underlying Roberta Street and Colfax Avenue just east of 200 East in Salt Lake City.
A public hearing was held at 6:45 p.m. to discuss this petition. Dean Barney, assistant planning director, outlined the area on a map and noted that the Transportation Engineer recommended the removal of two street lights and recommended that a waiver of protest be signed regarding future special improvement districts. He said that public utilities indicated the presence of water and sewer lines which require either an easement for maintenance or the discontinuation of service. Mr. Barney said that the recommendation was to close and sell this property.
Phil Hallstrom, American Development Company, said they want the property closed because they sold the land to another entity that plans to construct a building and they want to use this square footage for the parking requirement. Councilmember Hardwick said that currently the area is an eyesore because of weeds. He asked that this property be kept clean until the project is underway. Mr. Hallstrom indicated this situation could be resolved. No one from the audience opposed the request.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Godfrey seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Hardwick moved and Councilmember Whitehead seconded to adopt Ordinance 49 of 1985, closing a utility easement underlying Roberta Street and Colfax Avenue, disclaiming the city’s interest, if any, and requiring certain conditions, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 85-69)
CITIZEN COMMENTS
#1. Mrs. Bernice Cook expressed concern about $57,000 of Community Development Block Grant funds being transferred to administrative costs. She asked if this would take money away from projects. Councilmember Mabey said that these were slippage funds which is money not used in other projects.
The meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.