PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 1984
THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, MET AS A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 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
Dick Fox addressed the Council concerning the Tennessee Plastic Moulding Company’s intention to rent a vacant factory at 1850 West 1500 South. Mr. Fox explained that the company, who is under contract to the Caleco toy company, is requesting an Industrial Revenue Bond in the amount of $3,500,000 and has been unable, as yet, to solidify the proper security requirements. Mr. Fox suggested that the city approve the bond, conditional on the company’s adequacy of securities. Councilmember Parker inquired about the benefits that the city would gain from granting the bond. Mr. Fox responded that the plant would initially employ 75 people and would possibly need as many as two times that number of employees. In addition, he said that this operation would help improve the west side of the city. The Council decided that this item should remain on the consent agenda.
Ms. Leigh von der Esch briefed the Council on agenda items. Councilmember Whitehead suggested that speaking time for citizens and group representatives in public hearings should be further limited. He added that if the groups know there is a definite time limit, they will be more apt to condense their speeches. Steve Goldsmith updated the Council on the Artspace Project. He said that Phase I of the project has been completed ahead of schedule and that Phase II has been started. He informed the Council that Phase II would produce at least 10 jobs in high-tech industries and that the project had frugally cut costs and achieved an average of $17 per square foot. He added that the project is completely self sufficient and that city money is only needed to build new buildings.
Mr. Goldsmith then informed the Council that the only problem facing the project was overly strict building codes. He said that by prohibiting partial renovations, the city is discouraging improvements. Councilmember Mabey sympathized with Mr. Goldsmith’s problem but reminded him that if the code is changed for the Artspace Project, it will have to be modified for all builders. Ms. von der Esch briefed the Council on a letter recapping the recommendations and decisions agreed upon at the recent Council retreat. This letter will be sent to Mayor Wilson. She also briefed the Council on a retirement benefit plan. Larry Livingston briefed the Council on the status of a petition filed by R. L. Wood concerning a rezoning request. Councilmember Whitehead stressed that rezoning should not be used to get rid of shabby areas and that the “R-7” zone should not be used to change areas from residential to commercial status. Mr. Livingston suggested that Mr. Wood resubmit his petition to the Planning and Zoning Commission. Craig Peterson briefed the Council on the status of the Emigration Canyon Annexation. He said that the matter of annexation had been tabled for one month pending further study of the project. He also stressed that the use of septic tanks would not create a pollution problem in the canyon.
The policy session adjourned at 6:00 p.m.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON TUESDAY, MARCH 6, 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 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 Bruce Jenkins.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
Councilmember Parker moved and Councilmember Shearer seconded to approve the policy session minutes for the meeting held Tuesday, February 7, 1984, and to approve the minutes of the Salt Lake City Council for the regular meeting held Tuesday, February 21, 1984, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(M 84-1)
Special Presentation:
Presentation of United Way awards.
Charles Johnson, director of the United Way, presented the Mayor with the Major Contributor award. He expressed his gratitude to the employees of Salt Lake City for the support given to the United Way campaign. In 1983 the employees contributed over $9,700 for allocation in 1983. For 1984 this amount was increased by over 57% to $15,256. Mr. Johnson expressed his appreciation for the leadership of the Council and Mayor in this fund drive. Mayor Wilson gave special thanks to Margaret Grochocki for working so hard on this campaign. He then presented special awards to the Airport, Public Utilities, Finance, Public Works, Parks, and the Police Department for increasing their last year’s contribution. Special recognition was given to the following employees for outstanding efforts: Allen Anderson, Public Utilities Donna Nash, Finance Bruce Biesinger, Public Works Frank Ramos, Redevelopment Agency Willard Heaps, Police Department Thomas Wilke, Airport Shari Kroll, Public Works John Hiskey, Mayor’s Office Teresa Law, Parks Department Margaret Grochocki, Mayor’s Office Councilmember Shearer recognized Leigh von der Esch, council executive director, for her efforts as the government coordinator for the United Way.
PETITIONS
Petition 1200-05 of 1983 by Donald R. LeBaron.
RE: An ordinance changing the name of Sperry Court to Washington Street.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Ordinance 17 of 1984, changing the name of “Sperry Court” as it lies between 600 South and 700 South in Salt Lake City, Utah, to hereinafter he known as “Washington Street” upon the official Street map of Salt Lake City by amending Section 41-6-1 of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 83-493)
Petition 400-101 of 1983 by Kay Freckleton, et al.
RE: The vacation of a 15 foot wide alley which runs east/west between Cheyenne and Montgomery Streets, directly north of, and parallel to, 800 South Street.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to schedule a non-advertised public hearing for March 20, 1984, at 6:15 p.m. to discuss Petition 400-101 of 1983, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 84-14)
Petition 400-119 of 1983 by Keith Larsen for LaRueil Larsen.
RE: The vacation of a 16 foot wide alley which runs north from Herbert Avenue between State and Main Streets.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to schedule a non-advertised public hearing for Tuesday, April 10, 1984, at 6:20 p.m. to discuss Petition 400-119 of 1983, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 84-17)
Petition 400-120 of 1983 by O. J. Rowland.
RE: The vacation of an 11.4 foot wide alley which runs north from Warnock Avenue at approximately 675 East.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to schedule a non-advertised public hearing for Tuesday, April 10, 1984, at 6:25 p.m. to discuss Petition 400-120 of 1983, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 84-18)
Petition 400-130 of 1983 by Salt Lake City Corporation.
RE: The vacation of Learned Avenue between 11th and 12th West, and the closure of a 15-foot alley running east and west between Learned Avenue and North Temple Street.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, April 10, 1984, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss Petition 400-130 of 1983, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 84-15)
Petition 400-137 of 1983 by Con Kostopulos for Elva Plumer.
RE: The vacation of a portion of a 15 foot wide alley which runs north and south between 700 and 800 South and between McClelland and 1100 East.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to schedule a non-advertised pu1ic hearing for Tuesday, April 10, 1984, at 6:15 p.m. to discuss Petition 400-137 of 1983, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 84-16)
Petition 400-144 of 1983 by Joanne Milner, et al.
RE: The vacation of an alley which runs east and west and parallel to Montague and 900 South between 8th and 9th West Streets.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to schedule a non-advertised public hearing for Tuesday, April 10, 1984, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Petition 400-144 of 1983, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 84-19)
Petition 400-157 of 1983 by Hito International.
RE: The rezoning of property located between 500 and 600 South and between Emery Street and the Jordan River from Residential “R-2” and “R-4” to an “R-2A” classification.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, March 20, 1984, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss Petition 400-157 of 1983, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 84-20)
DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
#1. RE: An inducement resolution for an Industrial Revenue Bond for Tennessee Plastic Moulding Corp., a Tennessee Corporation, in the amount of $3,500,000, to retool an existing 80,000 square-foot building located on seven acres at approximately 1850 West 1500 South, to manufacture, assemble and distribute finished plastic products for Caleco Corporation.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt an inducement resolution, Resolution 25 of 1984, for an Industrial Revenue Bond for Tennessee Plastic Moulding Corp., contingent upon approval of the Finance Department and the Attorney’s Office, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(Q 84-3)
POLICE DEPARTMENT
#1. RE: An ordinance relating to various application fees of the Salt Lake City Police Department.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Ordinance 18 of 1984, amending Sections 20-13-5, 20-17-12, 20-30-5, 20-35-6, 30-1-31, 30-6-2, 43-3-5, 44-3-6, 46-5-98(4), of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, relating to various application fees of the Salt Lake City Police Department, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(O 84-7)
PUBLIC WORKS
#1. RE: A resolution authorizing the execution of an interlocal cooperation agreement between Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County and E. T. Technologies for soils regeneration (process non-hazardous industrial wastes into soil conditioner at the landfill site).
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Resolution 26 of 1984 authorizing the execution of an interlocal cooperation agreement with Salt Lake County and E. T. Technologies for soils regeneration, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(C 84-31)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
White Softball Park.
RE: Public comment concerning the proposed sale of a 6.149 acre tract of land known as White Softball Park which is located at 1101 West North Temple.
A public hearing was held at 6:00 p.m. to discuss this issue. John Gust, parks director, said that about two years ago there was discussion regarding the possible sale of White Softball Park. The property division has been working on this sale to determine if there are interested buyers; some interest has been expressed. The money received from the sale of this softball park will be used to create a new White Sports Park which will be strictly for softball and sports activities. The new park will provide good recreational diamonds. Mr. Gust said the current park needs reconstruction which will cost approximately $250,000.
Councilmember Parker asked what effect the sale of this park would have on civic groups which have benefited from the park in the past. Mr. Gust explained that the Lions Club currently uses the park during the State Fair to park cars so they can raise money. Councilmember Whitehead said that the Lions do not want this property sold because they use it as a primary fundraiser. He said that they are the only civic group using the park. Councilmember Davis said that the appraised value of White Softball Park is $1,000,000 and asked if more money would be needed for the new park. Mr. Gust said that they would do as much as they could with the money from the sale of the park. South of the current parks and recreation building, but not on the old landfill, there are 47 acres that can be used and the new ball field will probably be located in this area. Some preliminary design work for the new park has been done but costs have not been determined.
Councilmember Shearer asked if the 47 acres are entirely developable. Mr. Gust said that all the land is developable and none of it is in the fill area. Councilmember Parker asked about sales activity which has been taking place. Mr. Gust said that UP&L has expressed an interest and the owners of the property behind the park may be interested. The state has also expressed an interest in the property but they have not been able to raise the money. Bernice Cook, a citizen, felt that the Council should reconsider the sale of this property. She said that it is good for parking during the State Fair since parking is so limited and hard to find.
Councilmember Shearer asked if the Lions Club uses this property free of charge. Mayor Wilson indicated that they do not pay. Councilmember Whitehead reiterated that the use of this property is the Lions Club primary source of income. He said that they do a lot of good in the community and put money back into the community. The sale of this property would have a negative impact on them. However, Mr. Whitehead said that the property is too valuable to continue being used for ball diamonds. He also said that with the traffic in the area the current location is not good for softball diamonds. Councilmember Shearer asked if any consideration had been given to the idea of the city using the property for the operation of a parking lot. Mr. Gust said this idea had been considered but they didn’t want to challenge the Lions Club. He also said that the club gives money to the parks and the only time they use the property is during the State Fair. Councilmember Davis asked if money is earmarked for a specific project when city property is sold or if the money is put into the general fund. Roger Cutler, city attorney, indicated that there is not presently an ordinance requiring the money to be earmarked but through the budgeting process the Council has the power to allocate the money for a specific purpose.
Councilmember Davis felt it would be better to put the money into the general fund since the cost for the new park has not been determined. The money could then be requested by the parks department. Hermoine Jex, a citizen, said that the SLACC Board (Salt Lake Association of Community Councils) voted against the sale of the property at this time. She said that they were not opposed to the new park but felt that the current property should be retained. Ms. Jex said SLACC feels that the master plan has not been developed for the area and that the state should be contacted. Councilmember Whitehead said that the state has been contacted.
Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(W 84-3)
Capital Improvement Projects.
RE: Public comment concerning the proposed $16 million of Capital Improvement Projects recommended by the Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Committee on Capital Improvements.
A public hearing was held at 6:30 p.m. to discuss this issue. Mayor Wilson said that the city needs to catch up in some very important areas. The Blue Ribbon Committee did a good job of identifying those areas and he has not changed their recommendation. The debate at this point is whether to finance the improvements by bonding or “pay-as-you-go”. B. T. Price, a resident of the westside, felt that the chairman of the Blue Ribbon Committee did not know the needs of the westside. He felt that there is a major need for north and south traffic flow on 9th and 10th West. He felt that money should not be spent to repair viaducts because he felt that they are useless and only separate the city.
Councilmember Mabey said that 60% of the money will be spent in and around District 2. The projects are a matter of prioritization and there are road and drainage problems that must be improved first. Hermoine Jex, board member of the Salt Lake Association of Community Councils, felt that a workshop-type meeting would be better for discussing the needed capital improvements. She said that there is consensus among the councils that a SLACC report should be considered along with the report from the Blue Ribbon Committee. Ms. Jex said the present crisis is due to lack of adequate funding but also because of past unwise decisions. She felt that decisions should benefit the entire city and not a special interest. She indicated that many improvements would be made in the westside areas to solve flooding problems. Ms. Jex supported the projects but felt that laws should be adopted to prevent the cause of the problems. For example she felt that there are not enough controls for the hillsides. She did not disagree with the Committee’s recommendations but felt there were additional projects to be done. She felt that more details were needed about proposed improvements to the parks.
Ms. Jex said SLACC has not taken a position about financing but that question will be discussed at a meeting in two weeks. Mayor Wilson supported the idea of having a seminar to discuss the capital improvements because he wanted to hear the citizens’ ideas. Rawlins Young, chairman of the Sugar House Community Council, said that through the master planning process a list has been developed of capital improvements for the Sugar House area and a five-year program has been developed for these improvements. Mr. Young felt the needs of Sugar House should be analyzed. He didn’t think that projects being generated from the master planning process could be long postponed.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck said that the Blue Ribbon Committee listed the projects which should have been done in the past and not what needs to be done in the future. The projects they listed have been neglected and most of them are on the westside. This list is not meant to be inclusive of all the projects which need to be accomplished. Ms. Fonnesbeck said that there was a feeling from the Council that they did not want the cost of the projects to exceed the 3-mill increase approved last year (which was intended to be taken off) so the Committee chose the most critical projects which needed to be done.
Mayor Wilson said that the Committee was asked to respond to what projects are needed to “catch up” and keep the infrastructure intact. The city will be unable to support the businesses that produce the jobs unless these improvements are made. The essential job related infrastructure is the first priority. Bernice Cook expressed concern about duplication of projects. Councilmember Mabey indicated that there will not be duplication.
Councilmember Mabey moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(G 84-4)
CITIZEN COMMENTS
#1. Bernice Cook expressed concern about a situation that occurred at the Salt Palace recently. The night she was there she noticed that on the north side there were cars parked in a loading zone. A fire alarm sounded and she was concerned because if it had been a real emergency the fire department wouldn’t have been able to have access because of the cars. She felt that cars should not be allowed to park in those areas. Councilmember Mabey agreed and suggested that she contact County Commissioner Stewart.
The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.