PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 1984
THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, MET AS A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 1984, AT 5:05 P.M. IN ROOM 211 CITY AND COUNTY BUILDING.
ON ROLL CALL THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: RONALD J. WHITEHEAD ALICE SHEARER SYDNEY R. FONNESBECK IONE M. DAVIS EARL F. HARDWICK EDWARD W. PARKER.
Councilmember Grant Mabey was absent from the meeting.
Council Chairperson Ronald Whitehead presided at and conducted the meeting.
POLICY SESSION
Ms. Leigh von der Esch, council executive director, briefed the Council on the agenda. It was recommended that the hearing on the Donahue home be continued until April. Council Members Sydney Fonnesbeck and Alice Shearer discussed their concerns on the subject of city water needs. Councilmember Shearer expressed concern that members of the Parley’s Canyon Water Users Association feel that the city is unaware of their rights and problems as water-right owners.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck added that the CUP project is going to become a county as well as a city concern. Ms. Fonnesbeck said she feels that the city is pouring millions of dollars into a project about which little is known. She hoped that the CUP would work on finding answers to her questions. Albert Haines, chief administrative officer, reported to the Council on the status of the Water Theme Park. He said that crews are on site and have begun working.
The policy session adjourned at 5:40 p.m.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 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 SYDNEY R. FONNESBECK IONE M. DAVIS EARL F. HARDWICK EDWARD W. PARKER.
Councilmember Grant Mabey was absent from this meeting.
Mayor Ted L. Wilson, Albert Haines, chief administrative officer, and Roger Cutler, city attorney, were present at the meeting.
Council Chairperson Ronald Whitehead presided at and conducted this meeting.
Invocation was given by Police Chaplain William Rounds.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
Councilmember Fonnesbeck moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to approve the minutes of the Salt Lake City Council for the regular meeting held Tuesday, March 6, 1984, which motion carried, all members present voting aye.
(M 84-1)
Special Presentation:
Mayor Ted Wilson presented his funding recommendations for the Capital Improvements Program and the City and County Building. The document containing this recommendation is on file in the Office of the City Recorder. Mayor Wilson said that normally this type of recommendation would come as part of the budget early in May, but since both of these items are important and unusual they will require more discussion and input from the Council and public than time in May would permit. He said that the regular 1984-85 budget will have an effect on the recommendations and an alteration may be needed as the budget comes more into focus in late May.
The Mayor proposed that the Council set aside 4 mills on a pay-as-you-go basis for fiscal years 1984-85 through 1991-92 to finance both the restoration of the City and County Building and a majority of the capital improvement program recommended by the Blue Ribbon Committee report. He recommended that the Council adopt a resolution expressing its intention to support this pay-as-you-go plan through the eight year period since it is vital that once the program is undertaken it is followed through to completion. The program has to be resilient to other demands on the budget in order to work and save the people money in the long term.
Mayor Wilson recommended the pay-as-you-go approach for the first two years of the restoration of the City and County Building to cover the city’s share for pre-design, architectural costs, relocation expenses, and lease space for city offices during construction. Then, in 1986, after reviewing several financing alternatives, he would address the Council with a proposal for the issuance of debt financing to undertake the restoration work. Mayor Wilson said that this proposal allows the city to proceed with the restoration of the City and County Building for the next two years, and will then provide the up-front money necessary for major construction. It is anticipated that the 1986 financing program, probably bonding, can be handled within the limits of the proposed mill levy. Mayor Wilson recommended that the capital improvement program proposed by the Blue Ribbon Committee be modified in two areas. First, he did not recommend the inclusion of all the park projects as outlined in the report; and second, in lieu of bonding, he recommended a pay-as-you-go plan. This alternative will complete capital improvement projects over an eight-year period. The Mayor said he evaluated the positive and negative aspects of the pay-as-you-go vs. bonding approaches. Bonding provides money up front, requires a public vote and carries interest payments. Pay-as-you-go means a slower, phased construction schedule, does not require a vote, and does not carry interest payments.
Mayor Wilson strongly recommended the pay-as-you-go approach for several reasons: First, it is much less expensive to the taxpayers by saving money in interest payments; second, it does not run the risk of an election failure putting action off to later years and costing the public more money; third, construction can be phased in such a way that will not require the up-front funds a bond would provide while still ensuring the work would be completed in adequate time for new growth in the city; fourth, since interest payments are avoided the mill levy for the capital improvement program can be reduced in eight years rather than have the taxpayers obligated for 20 years. Since the restoration of the City and County Building will require up-front funds in 1986, immediate funds will be needed either by bonding or by another financial plan.
In conclusion, Mayor Wilson recalled the imposition of 3 mills last year to pay for the costs of flooding and other items. Consequently, this recommended mill levy would add only one additional mill to already existing taxes. But a promise was made to remove the three mills this year. Therefore, this proposal represents a 4 mill increase although the actual new impact on the taxpayers would be only 1 mill. Mayor Wilson also said that there would be no duplication of projects which have already been done by the County.
(B 84-1)
PETITIONS
Petition 400-167 of 1984 by Intermountain Health Care and the Royer Company.
RE: The vacation of two 16.5 foot wide alleys located in Block 122 between 8th and 9th Avenue and “D” and “E” Streets.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck moved and Councilmember Shearer seconded to schedule a non-advertised public hearing for Tuesday, March 20, 1984, at 6:45 p.m. to consider Petition 400-167 of 1984, which motion carried, all members present voting aye.
(P 84-21)
DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
AIRPORT AUTHORITY
#1. RE: An ordinance relating to the employment staffing document by authorizing three additional communication coordinators for the airport. Councilmember Shearer explained that the airport is planning to provide paging services so the additional employees will be needed for this service. She said that it would be cheaper for the airlines to pay the city for the service rather than paying Western Airlines who has been providing the service.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Whitehead seconded to adopt Ordinance 19 of 1984, amending Section 25-1-2 of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, as last amended by Bill No. 4 of 1984, relating to the adoption of an employment staffing document for Salt Lake City, by authorizing three additional communication coordinators for the Salt Lake City Airport Authority, which motion carried, all members present voting aye.
(O 83-18)
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
#1. RE: The adoption of the Guadalupe Target Area Plan.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck moved and Councilmember Shearer seconded to schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, April 10, 1984, at 6:45 p.m. to discuss the adoption of the Guadalupe Target Area Plan, which motion carried, all members present voting aye.
(T 84-4)
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
#1. RE: A resolution authorizing payment of tax increment funds in connection with the C.B.D. Neighborhood Development Project Area. Councilmember Shearer said that this was the final authorization of action previously taken by the Council acting as the Redevelopment Agency.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to adopt Resolution 28 of 1984 authorizing payment of tax increment funds for the installation and construction of facilities, structures or other improvements which are publicly owned within the C.B.D. Neighborhood Development Project Area, subject to approval of said funds in the 1984-1985 agency budget, which motion carried, all members present voting aye.
(R 84-4)
PUBLIC UTILITIES
#1. RE: A resolution in support of the state’s congressional delegation’s bill to designate the Twin Peaks and Mt. Olympus areas as wilderness with the same provisions as the Lone Peak Wilderness Area regarding watershed protection, sanitation facilities, and forest fire suppression.
Without objection, Council Chairperson Whitehead referred this resolution to the consent agenda for March 20, 1984.
(R 84-3)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Industrial Revenue Bond for Headlund Limited.
RE: A resolution authorizing the execution and delivery of a second supplemental memorandum of agreement regarding the Industrial Revenue Bond for Headlund Limited.
A public hearing was held at 6:00 p.m. to consider this resolution. Lance Bateman, finance director, said that this request was an addendum changing ownership and extending the time limit for another 18 months to do the bonding. He said that the financial aspects were acceptable as long as the ownership question could be resolved. Roger Cutler, city attorney, said that the original draft gave the company the right to assign the agreement to a third party without approval by the city. Mr. Cutler said that he required an amendment so that they could not assign this without written approval. He also said that the document was in proper form. No one from the audience addressed this issue.
Councilmember Parker moved and Councilmember Fonnesbeck seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members present voting aye.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Fonnesbeck seconded to adopt Resolution 27 of 1984 authorizing the execution and delivery of a second supplemental memorandum of agreement supplementing and amending the memorandum of agreement dated October 29, 1981, between Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah, and Headlund Limited, as heretofore supplemented and amended, to extend to forty- eight months the period within which the parties shall have agreed to certain terms and conditions referred to in paragraphs 2 and 3 of such memorandum of agreement, as supplemented and amended, which motion carried, all members present voting aye.
(Q 83-17)
Petition 400-109 of 1983 by Chen’s International Corporation.
RE: The closure of a portion of Sumner Avenue (approximately 200 North) together with a 15 foot wide alley (approximately 175 North) from 1500 West to 1540 West.
A public hearing was held at 6:l5 p.m. to consider this petition. Mark Hafey, planning and zoning, outlined the area on a map. He said that the petitioner owns all the property on both sides of Sumner Avenue and on both sides of the alley south of Sumner. However, three of the abutting parcels are owned under contract and the petition does not bear the signatures of the record owners. This request is being made so that the petitioner can expand his current motel business. Mr. Hafey said that the Planning Commission reviewed this petition but did not hold a public hearing. They recommended closure of the street and vacation of the alley subject to the following conditions: 1. That the city retain a 30’ wide canal easement for the CWA drain which exists in Sumner Street. 2. That the petitioner provide engineering details showing how the canal is to be covered and pay for all costs of covering the canal including cost of the piping. Also that all engineering and construction details conform to the city regulations and be approved by the City Engineer prior to any construction. 3. That the petitioner also provide engineering details, pay installation costs of sidewalk, curb and guttering and paving of one half of the street width of Cornell and Garside Streets and comply with the city engineering and construction regulations.
4. That easements be maintained for any public utility or other easements which may exist in either the street or the alley. Councilmember Whitehead asked if a problem would be created by covering the canal. He also asked why it was recommended to close the street and vacate the alley. Mr. Hafey said that covering the canal was an engineering question that could best be dealt with by the engineering department. He also said that in the past the policy has been to vacate alleys when possible.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck said that normally if the alley is going to be used for a commercial use it is closed and sold rather than vacated. Councilmember Shearer asked if there was an estimate of the property’s value. Mr. Hafey said he did not have any figures. The petitioner outlined the proposed development on an architectural rendering. He said that they plan to extend and expand the business (Overnighter Inn) which fronts on North Temple. The existing 41 motel units will be remodeled and 79 new units will be added to the motel along with a new office and an enclosed pool area at the north end of the property. He indicated that no improvements have been made to either the street or the alley. No one from the audience opposed this request.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Fonnesbeck seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members present voting aye.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Hardwick seconded to amend the ordinance to close and sell the alley as well as the Street, which motion carried, all members present voting aye except Councilmember Parker who voted nay.
The petitioner indicated that closing both the street and alley and requiring their purchase would create an additional financial burden. He said, however, that they are willing to purchase the street. Councilmember Shearer indicated that if the price of the alley seems excessive then the decision could be reconsidered when an appraisal is made. Councilmember Fonnesbeck reiterated that the policy has been to sell alleys when they are to be used for a commercial purpose.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Fonnesbeck seconded to adopt Ordinance 20 of 1984, as amended, closing a portion of Sumner Avenue (approximately 200 North) together with a 15’ wide alley (approximately 175 North) from 1500 West (Garside Street formerly known as “Division”) to 1540 West (Cornell Street formerly known as “Custer” and “Rock”) in Salt Lake City, Utah, which motion carried, all members present voting aye.
(P 84-10)
Landmark Sites
RE: Placing the James Jensen Granary, 626 South 400 East, and the James T. and Mary M. Donahue house, 141 South 200 East, on the City Register of Cultural Resources and designating these structures as landmark sites.
A public hearing was held at 6:30 p.m. to consider this issue. Linda Edeiken, planning and zoning, showed pictures of the James Jensen Granary. She said that the building was constructed in 1870 by James Jensen and is significant as the only 19th Century agricultural building identified in the Central City area survey. Ms. Edeiken said that the owners of the Donahue house could not attend this meeting and they requested that their hearing be postponed. No one from the audience addressed this issue.
Councilmember Parker moved and Councilmember Fonnesbeck seconded to place the James Jensen Granary on the City Register of Cultural Resources and designate the structure as a landmark site; also to continue the hearing on the Donahue house to April 10, 1984, which motion carried, all members present voting aye.
(L 84-1)
Petition 400-138 of 1983 by Citizens for the Capitol Hill Historic District.
RE: Requesting that Capitol Hill be designated as a historic district.
A public hearing was held at 6:45 p.m. to discuss this petition. Mark Hafey, planning and zoning, said that the Capitol Hill Historic District currently listed on the national and state registers was first formerly proposed for designation to the city register in 1980. The Historic Landmark Committee and the Planning Commission recommended to the Council that the designation be made but because of opposition expressed at a public hearing in December of 1980, the City Council postponed a decision and took the matter under advisement. Late last year a request was made that this matter be acted upon but because of the time lapse the Council felt that a new petition should be submitted. Mr. Hafey said that the Capitol Hill District is significant as the oldest surviving residential area in the city. Its streets and houses document over 130 years of residential construction and neighborhood development. The District preserves a representative cross section of the city’s and the state’s architectural and historical resources ranging from the high-style mansions to the tightly-packed cottages. The buildings and patterns of the neighborhood life on the hill are representative of other early neighborhoods of the city now broken and vanished. Mr. Hafey said that the Capitol Hill master plan adopted by the Planning Commission and the City Council recommends the establishment of a historic district as a means of implementing the stated goals of preserving the historic integrity of the neighborhood by application of the landmarks ordinance, protection of the significant buildings from demolition, and reasonable design controls for the new buildings and substantial remodeling of the structures within the proposed district.
Mr. Hafey said that the Historic Landmark Committee, when they originally recommended creation of the district, found that the area met the criteria and was eligible for listing on the city’s register. In the three years that have lapsed there has been no substantial change in the area to change the 1980 evaluation. Mr. Hafey outlined the proposed district on a map and said that the Planning Commission has reviewed this petition and recommends approval. Councilmember Fonnesbeck said that this request is before the Council with a favorable recommendation from the Landmarks Committee and Planning and Zoning, it is part of the master plan recommendation, and it is currently on the state and national registers.
Peter Atherton, 430 North Main, spoke on behalf of the citizens who filed the petition. He said that they recognize the unique quality of Capitol Hill as a neighborhood close to downtown with a certain variety of character. This area has survived and continues today as an active neighborhood. Mr. Atherton said that it was important to maintain a residential base within the city. Having identifiable and specific different neighborhood units is an important part of any city’s planning guidelines. The intention of the historic district is to encourage the growth and the life of the historic district without compromising the quality that already exists.
In order to do this the individuals within the district must make certain sacrifices so that a larger cooperative spirit to maintain the character of the district may benefit. Mr. Atherton said that while this district is important to the future of Capitol Hill it is equally an important planning tool and benefit for the city as a whole to maintain its contact with its past and to maintain unique quality and character among its various residential neighborhoods.
The following people opposed the creation of the historic district: Darryl Thomas, 234 North State, Preston Parkinson, 2069 Yale Avenue, representing the R. L. Bird family who owns three low-cost units in the area, Leo Adams, 125 West 500 North, Mike Reed, 376 No. 200 West, Richard Reed, 686 Hilltop Road, Richard Rowly, 331 North Center, Betty Packard, 180 North State, Charlene Booth, 208 North State, Audrey Allison, 105 East Capitol, Paul Allison, 105 East Capitol, Steve Reed, 376 No. 200 West, Juan Renteria, 358 No. 300 West, Mr. Cannon, owner of nine units in the area, Bob Sykes, 430 Wall, Calvin Smith, 47, 49, 51, and 53 Gordon Place. These citizens opposed the added regulations which would be imposed on the property owners by the creation of the district. They felt that their rights as property owners would be unduly restricted and that present zoning regulations allow adequate restrictions. They felt that the significant homes in the area should be individually placed on the register because not all the homes in the area are historic. Many felt that this issue should be voted upon by the people.
The following people supported the creation of the historic district: Barbara Petty, 960 East Capitol Boulevard, representing the Children’s Museum, Representative Jim Witucky, 566 DeSoto Street, Allen Roberts, 670 North 200 West, Rob White, 352 Quince, Nancy Cohn, 414 Quince, Helen Draper, 680 Wall Street, Sandy Jenkins, 344 North 200 West, Randall Dixon, 726 Wall Street, Craig Pozzi, 584 Wall Street, Laura Young Wells, 108 East Capitol Street, Hermoine Jex, 272 Wall, Stephanie Churchill, representing the Utah Heritage Foundation, Roger Crandal1 , 429 Wal1, Gordon Hashimoto, Emigration Canyon, Steve England, 540 West Capitol, Wallace Cooper, 364 Ouince, representing Ronald Walker who is a member of the Salt Lake City Board of Education, Norman Carley, 69 and 71 Gordon Place, Greg Maines, 152 West 300 No., Sidney Draper, 680 Wall Street.
These citizens felt that the district would preserve the historic value of the area and would also serve to make the area more desirable. Many of the citizens indicated that property values and the quality of housing would increase and that crime would decrease. They felt that the restrictions would serve to upgrade the area and that current zoning regulations already restrict the use of property. The new restrictions would add a review process to ensure the visual quality of construction. Many felt a need to protect the heritage and character of this area because they feel it is a unique and interesting residential area close to the city.
Comments were also made that the decline of this area is being reversed and the creation of the district would aid this improvement trend. Written comments were received from the following people (these comments are on file in the Office of the City Recorder): W. Audrey Allison Charlene Booth and Earl Booth, Ronald W. Walker Paul W. Allison, Hermoine Jex. Carl Child, Salt Lake City Board of Education, requested that the properties belonging to the Board of Education be excluded from the proposed district.
This would include the entire Washington Elementary School site and all of the West High School site lying east of 300 West between 200 North and 300 North. The Board does not want the restrictions to apply to Board-owned property. Councilmember Fonnesbeck indicated that since Washington School is in the middle of the district it may not be legally possible, according to state law, to remove that school from the district. Mayor Wilson expressed his support for the formation of the Capitol Hill Historic District. He said that Capitol Hill is a symbol of downtown proximity. The integration of people into the downtown part of the city is very unusual and is only found in maybe one or two other cities in the country. Because of that, Mayor Wilson felt the restoration of the quality of that neighborhood was very important. He said that the city policy has supported renovation. CDBG funds have been put into the neighborhood and continual support has been given to the improvement of historical properties in the neighborhood. Mayor Wilson felt that this historical district would only be a natural extension. He felt that each neighborhood in the city offers some visual contribution. Newer neighborhoods offer new homes and new presentations and older neighborhoods offer the historical perspective.
Mayor Wilson also felt that the regulatory aspect is reasonable. This regulation does not forbid anybody from redoing their home but it does require a design review. It does not affect the use mix because that’s controlled by zoning. Again, Mayor Wilson added his support for this district and felt that it would be an improvement to the city. Councilmember Whitehead asked about the current zoning of the area and the appeal process in regards to structural improvements. Mr. Hafey said that the zoning in the area includes Residential R-5”, which allows high density development, Residential “R-4”, and Residential “R-2”, which is the majority of the zoning and allows duplexes as maximum development. He said that there is some “R-5A” zoning which allows for multiple units.
Mr. Hafey said that there is the Capitol Hill protected area which covers the south side of the Capitol Building and a portion of the west side, which restricts the height of the buildings. Linda Edeiken, planning and zoning, said that whether an area is a historic district or not, building permits are required. Any modification on the exterior needs a building permit except for minor repairs, painting, and landscaping. When a homeowner is proposing a change on the exterior that requires the permit, they first apply to the Landmark Committee for the review process. If they get a favorable response from the Landmark Committee and the Planning Commission then they get a permit. Anyone who has a complaint about a recommendation by the Landmark Committee can appeal it to the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission will make a decision and if the party is not satisfied by the Planning Commission’s decision they can bring their complaint to the City Council.
Councilmember Parker asked if the City Council could ignore the wishes of the School Board, which is an elected body. Earlier Mr. Hafey indicated that the state statute has been modified so that the School Board would have to abide by local zoning ordinances. Roger Cutler, city attorney, said that he had not researched this question but he accepted Mr. Hafey’s statement and indicated that the state legislature has the power to give the city this authority. Councilmember Fonnesbeck felt that the neighborhood would not be opposed to the exclusion of the School Board’s property if state statute allows this to be done. Ms. Edeiken said that there are three historic districts currently in the city, two of which include school property (Bryant School, Wasatch Elementary, and Lowell Elementary). Councilmember Parker asked Mr. Child why the School Board wanted their property excluded from this district. Mr. Child indicated that in the past there have been differences of opinion regarding height or type of fences. The School Board feels they have a prerogative regarding the well being of children. The School Board has tried to cooperate but they asked for exclusion in order to minimize potential conflicts. He said that the Board felt there was little to be served by the Board of Education’s property being a part of the district recognizing the underlying zoning as being applicable to the Board of Education.
Councilmember Fonnesheck moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members present voting aye except Councilmember Davis who was absent when the vote was taken.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck said that she has a background of supporting neighborhood movements towards the preservation of neighborhoods. Ms. Fonnesbeck said that her neighborhood is in a historic district and she has seen very positive results. Because of this historical designation, property values have increased dramatically and the neighborhood has improved. She said that a historic designation encumbers rights but no more so than zoning. Ms. Fonnesbeck felt that there had been a fair representation of the people in the area who want to pursue this designation. She felt that this was a unique and beautiful area of the city.
Mayor Wilson said that if the district is approved the city will ask for certain compliance but the Landmarks Board has improved in its review of requests. Councilmember Fonnesbeck said that the Board has reviewed hundreds of cases from the Avenues and she has not received one complaint but many people have told her that the process helped because improvements were made correctly. Councilmember Whitehead said that not everyone will be happy with the Council’s decision and he reminded people that if the district is approved there is a 30-day protest period. He also said that in the city there are restrictions on property because the rights of many are involved.
Councilmember Shearer said that she was convinced of the rise in property values because of a historical designation. She felt those who do not live in the area but own property should be happy that their property will probably increase in value. She said that this was a good thing for the city.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck moved and Councilmember Hardwick seconded to accept and agree with the Planning and Zoning recommendation that Capitol Hill become a historical district, excluding West High School and if legally possible excluding Washington Elementary School, which motion carried, all members present voting aye except Councilmember Davis who was absent when the vote was taken.
(P 84-7)
Petition 400-100 of 1983 by Vern Dipo, et al.
RE: The vacation of a portion of a 15 foot wide alley within the Nye’s Addition Subdivision, which runs south from 1300 South Street between Edison and 200 East Streets.
A public hearing was held at 7:15 p.m. to discuss this petition. Mark Hafey, planning and zoning, outlined the area on a map. He said that the petitioner requested vacation of the middle portion of the alley but the City Engineer’s Office and the Traffic Engineer’s Office felt that the whole alley should be vacated. The Planning Commission reviewed the request and recommended that the entire alley be vacated subject to any easements being retained. Vern Dipo, petitioner, said he wanted the partial vacation of this alley because of crime problems. Criminals use the alley as access to and from property.
Councilmember Shearer asked if there were any people who use the alley for access to their garages. Mr. Dipo said the people who signed the petition do not need the alley for access and that is why he requested only partial vacation. Howard Grange, 1326 South 200 East, said that he needs the alley for access to his property. He also said that he has not had a problem with crime and he felt that there would be crime whether the alley is vacated or not. Carl Ketterer, 174 East 1300 South, said that he needs the alley for access to his property. He also mentioned that several of his neighbors need the alley for access.
Mr. Dipo reiterated that he petitioned for partial vacation because several of the property owners need part of the alley for access. Mr. Hafey said that the Planning Commission’s policy has always been to vacate entire alleys. He said vacation of the alley would not relinquish anyone’s rights to access of the alley, only the city’s interest would be relinquished.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Fonnesheck seoncded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members present voting aye except Councilmember Davis who was absent when the vote was taken.
Councilmember Fonnesheck moved and Councilmember Shearer seconded to take this petition under advisement and have the Council staff review this request, which motion carried, all members present voting aye except Councilmember Davis who was absent when the vote was taken.
(P 84-9)
Petition 400-134 of 1983 by Little America Hotel Corporation.
RE: The vacation of Carson Street which runs south from 400 South approximately 148 feet west of Main Street.
A public hearing was held at 7:30 p.m. to discuss this petition. Mark Hafey, planning and zoning, outlined the area on a map. He said the Planning Commission recommended that the street be closed rather than vacated and that the property be sold to the petitioner at fair market value. Mr. Hafey said that the closure would be contingent upon the petitioner satisfying the following conditions: 1. That the petitioner prepare engineering drawings and specifications in accordance with the city’s usual requirements, to show the required modifications to the public improvements for Walker Place. As a minimum, curbing and sidewalk must be constructed at 400 South Street, and at the intersection of the present Carson Street and Walker Place. It is probable that a storm drain will be required to convey street drainage to Main Street right of way.
2. That the petitioner agree to install at his cost the above street improvements. 3. That the petitioner remove the street name and loading zone signs and posts and deliver them to the transportation sign shop at 850 South 300 West. 4. That the petitioner advise the Division of Transportation two working days prior to the effective date of vacation so the parking meters may be retrieved and the street light on the northwest corner of Walker Place and Carson Street be reoriented. 5. If not installed before the vacation takes place, the petitioner must provide a 2 1/2 inch diameter PVC conduit under Carson Street at 400 South Street at a depth of 18 inches. This conduit will be required on either side of Carson Street and will house the traffic signal computer cable.
6. That the petitioner return to Salt Lake City by warranty deed the tracts of land which were quitclaimed to the Newhouse Hotel Company on October 14, 1914, for the sum of $1 consisting of 45.1 square feet on Main Street, 92.1 square feet on 4th South and 13.2 square feet on Walker Place. Mr. Hafey said that when this was considered at a Planning Commission meeting on January 12, 1984, Shirl and Ira Holbrook protested the closure of the street stating that they have acquired the property at 415 South West Temple, that they operate a business called Paramount Beauty Supply and that they use Carson Street for access by their delivery trucks.
Richard Davis, representing Paramount Beauty Supply, explained that trucks with trailers use Carson Street on a regular basis for delivery purposes. Mr. Davis presented letters from several trucking firms objecting to the closure of Carson Street because of the difficulty their employees would have in making deliveries. He also presented a list with the names of 65 people who use the area and object to the closure of the street. (The information presented by Mr. Davis is on file in the Office of the City Recorder.) Mr. Davis mentioned that if the trucks have to use Main Street to make deliveries then traffic would be blocked. He felt that closure of the street would be premature since it is used daily for delivery and parking. He thought that a prudent approach would be to wait until a development plan has been submitted by the petitioner or he felt that only the northern part of the street should be closed. Shin Holbrook, owner of Paramount Beauty Supply, said that this area provides short-term, metered parking. Closing this street would take parking away from the general public in an area that already has limited parking. He also said that currently his customers use the street for access to parking. He recommended that since there are no immediate plans for the area, other than a parking lot, the street should remain open until more structural plans are submitted.
Kenneth Knight, petitioner, said that Little America owns all the adjacent property on both of the streets (Carson Street and Walker Place) with the exception of half of the Walker Place strip. He said that this area needs to be refurbished and felt that the block needs to be developed in total context with city development. Mr. Knight said that Little America is in the process of evaluating development for the property and he said it does not make sense to do piecemeal development. Councilmember Shearer asked if access would be left to the recruiting building for the time being. Mr. Knight indicated that the Charles Building is under lease to the armed forces and he has guaranteed to give them one year notification so they can vacate.
Councilmember Shearer mentioned that closure of the street was viewed by Little America as an alternative to replacing all the curb and gutter as required by the city. Councilmember Whitehead suggested that a decision to close the street could be postponed pending development plans being submitted by Little America.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members present voting aye except Councilmember Davis who was absent when the vote was taken.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Fonnesheck seconded to take this petition under advisement to the Committee of the Whole and have Planning and Zoning and Building and Housing, along with Council staff, inspect the property and inform the Council as to the property’s condition, which motion carried, all members present voting aye except Councilmember Davis who was absent when the vote was taken.
(P 84-11)
10th Year CDBG
RE: Public comment concerning the City Council’s preliminary recommendations for allocation of $4,628,000 in 10th Year Community Development Block Grant funds available July 1, 1984.
A public hearing was held at 7:45 p.m. to receive public comment. Stephanie Loker, capital planning and programming, said that the purpose of the hearing was to give input to the City Council regarding the proposed projects for 10th year CD money. She said that the Council would make a preliminary recommendation which becomes the proposed statement. The Council will accept written comments regarding any projects until April 6, 1984, and then hopefully a final decision can be made at the April 10 or April 17 Council meeting. Suzanne Mellor, Utah Legal Services, said that the rental dispute mediation unit has been left off the list of recommended projects. She said that this program helps with housing by trying to resolve landlord and tenant disputes without going to court. This program has been very successful and the office continues to receive more requests than can be handled. Ms. Mellor said that approximately 70-75% of the people served are in Salt Lake City proper and no funding is received from Salt Lake City. She requested $l5,000 to aid the program. She said that no funding is currently received from any other city.
Missy Peterson, Housing Outreach Rental Program, said that July through February of this year the program served 810 families in the Salt Lake City area, 53% of the total program. The number served has increased from last year and it is expected that this increase will continue. Ms. Peterson said that their service delivery record is excellent and a higher allocation is needed because this is a valuable service. Ms. Virginia Walton, Community Action Program, supported the Housing Outreach Rental Program. The people work hard to serve those who need their services. She requested that HORP receive the requested $38,000 so they can continue their valuable service. Ms. Walton also supported the rental mediation program under Utah Legal Services.
Mary Allen, Housing Outreach Rental Program, said that many families are using their service. Many people have no money and no where to go. She said that there are children out of school. She asked the Council to consider their proposal. John Renteria, El Centro, asked for city financial support for the El Centro Civico Mexicano project. He felt that the city would benefit in the future from this program and he was positive that with other funding sources being pursued they would have a successful campaign for the project. Councilmember Shearer said that El Centro Civico has not provided the Council with current information relating to the operation or maintenance funding sources for the new community center.
Mr. Renteria thought this information had been submitted but indicated that he would supply the Council with the information they need. Rohelio Garcia and Thomas Perez, president of the Mexican Civic Center, supported the El Centro project. Gayen Wharton on behalf of the Westminster neighborhood and the Sugar House Community Council, expressed her gratitude for the recommended funding of the Westminster Neighborhood Park. She said that Westminster park would be located halfway between Liberty Park and Fairmont Park. The regional parks in the area are very heavily used and the population in Westminster is growing. Many new families are moving into the area. She said that many older citizens would benefit from the park as well as young people.
Tim Funk, Cross Roads Urban Center, supported the designation of $200,000 in housing rehabilitation money for senior citizen grants. He also supported the study of the Euclid Avenue area. Mr. Funk supported the recommendation that a position be funded for a community organizer to work within the CDBG designated areas principally to improve citizen participation and to help with development of new concepts. Mayor Wilson referred to the community organizer position and said that the low-income people would be represented and their needs would be brought before the Council. Councilmember Fonnesbeck requested more information about this program.
Mary Adamson from the East Liberty Park neighborhood asked the Council for additional funding for sidewalks and curbs and gutters. He hoped they could get $25,000 to $30,000 each year for the next three years towards restructuring curbs, gutters, and sidewalks in the neighborhood. He presented a map showing significant areas of decline. Rawlins Young, chairman of the Sugar House Community Council, supported the urban trail system and said that they are using the Salt Lake/Jordan Canal. The canal is covered in the city but there is an area by Elgin Avenue that is not covered. Mr. Young said he has met with the county to request that this be covered. He felt that the county may ask for money from Salt Lake City to help cover this area of the canal and thought it might cost $60,000.
Orlando Rivera supported the El Centro project. He said the best way to improve a blighted area is by involving the people who have an interest. He said that the people with Centro Civico have a personal and emotional involvement with the area. If they have the facility then they can have a program which will benefit people. Councilmember Fonnesbeck asked if this project interfaces with the Guadalupe Center. Mr. Rivera said that the Guadalupe Center has an elementary school project and a voluntary improvement program which tutors people in English. He said that the Centro Civico Mexicano has a broader base of activities.
Mayor Wilson said that the Governor and Senator Orrin Hatch will be involved in the private fund raising portion of this project so there is a lot of support. Ms. Stephanie Churchill, Utah Heritage Foundation, supported the $8,500 recommendation for the Capitol Hill Center. She said that their major priority is the electrical wiring. The plans and specifications have been prepared and paid for so money will not be needed for that aspect of the project. She requested the Councils favorable consideration of the $8,500 and also requested that they make the contribution as a direct grant to the Utah Heritage Foundation so that more work can be done for the money.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members present voting aye except Councilmember Davis who was absent when the vote was taken.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to adopt the SLACC recommendation for CDBG projects as the tentative list, which motion carried, all members present voting aye except Councilmembers Hardwick and Whitehead who voted nay and Councilmember Davis who was absent when the vote was taken.
(T 83-28)
CITIZEN COMMENTS
Bernice Cook complained about two pawn shops next to each other in her area and asked why people keep getting permits to have pawn shops in this area. Ms. Leigh von der Esch, council executive director, said that there is an ordinance regarding pawn shops but it does not preclude multiple shops in one area. However, there are amendments being drafted to the pawn shop ordinance and Councilmember Mabey has requested that a structure be established which would pre-chide multiple shops in one area. Also the proximity of pawn shops to schools will be addressed.
The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.