PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
REGULAR/BRIEFING SESSION
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1986
THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, MET AS A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1986, AT 5:00 P.M. IN ROOM 211 CITY AND COUNTY BUILDING.
THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: FLORENCE BITTNER THOMAS M. GODFREY GRANT MABEY ROSELYN N. KIRK SYDNEY R. FONNESBECK WILLIE STOLER EARL F. HARDWICK.
Council Chairperson Hardwick presided at the meeting.
BRIEFING SESSION
Linda Hamilton, council executive director, briefed the Council on the evening’s agenda, including the reasons for the staff recommendation on item F-5, the security lock program. She indicated that staff recommended awarding the lock program to Neighborhood Housing Services because of the Council’s original directions to Capital Planning concerning eligible bidders and maintaining an equitable bid process. Larry Livingston, council staff, reviewed concerns with items G-1 and G-2 and reiterated the staff recommendations.
Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded a motion to enter into executive session in order to discuss negotiations with the police and fire bargaining units with Dave Patton and Roger Cutler. All members voted aye.
Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Stoler seconded a motion to end the executive session and break until 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers. All members voted aye.
The briefing session adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1986, AT 6:00 P.M. IN ROOM 301 CITY AND COUNTY BUILDING.
THE FOLLOWING COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT: FLORENCE BITTNER THOMAS M. GODFREY GRANT MABEY ROSELYN N. KIRK SYDNEY R. FONNESBECK WILLIE STOLER EARL F. HARDWICK.
Mayor Palmer DePaulis, Roger Cutler, city attorney, Kathryn Marshall, city recorder, and Lynda Domino, chief deputy recorder, were present.
Council Chairperson Hardwick presided at and Councilmember Kirk conducted the meeting.
The prayer was given by Police Chaplain Robert Blackhurst.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes.
Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to approve the minutes of the Salt Lake City Council for the regular meeting held Tuesday, August 12, 1986, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(M 86-1)
PETITIONS
Petition 400-414 of 1986 by Salt Lake City Parks Department.
RE: Requesting that a portion of an alley which is located within Westminster Park at the southwest corner of 1700 South and 1000 East be vacated.
ACTION: Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, October 7, 1986, at 6:30 p.m., which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 86-240)
DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
#1. RE: Security Lock Program.
ACTION: Councilmember Mabey moved and Councilmember Godfrey seconded to adopt a motion allocating $33,500 from 12th Year (1986-87) Community Development Block Grant contingency funds to initiate a new security lock program to be administered through Neighborhood Housing Services, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(T 86-22)
MAYOR’S OFFICE
#1. RE: Changing the name of Visitor’s Loop in Liberty Park.
ACTION: Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Hardwick seconded to suspend the rules and on first reading adopt Ordinance 71 of 1986 changing the name of Visitor’s Loop in Liberty Park to Constitution Drive, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(O 86-29)
#2. RE: The reappointment of Stephen England and the appointment of Grace Sperry to the Historical Landmarks Committee.
ACTION: Without objection this matter was referred to the consent agenda.
(I 86-21)
#3. RE: The appointment of Virginia Walton to the Tracy Aviary Board.
ACTION: Without objection this matter was referred to the consent agenda.
(I 86-19)
#4. RE: The appointments of Virginia Buchanan and Andy Gallegos to the Utah Air Travel Commission.
ACTION: Without objection this matter was referred to the consent agenda.
(I 86-22)
#5. RE: A resolution authorizing the execution of the memorandum of understanding between Salt Lake City Corporation and Salt Lake Police Association.
ACTION: This item was pulled from the agenda.
(C 86-321)
#6. RE: A resolution authorizing the execution of the memorandum of understanding between Salt Lake City Corporation and International Association of Firefighters Local 1645.
ACTION: Councilmember Hardwick moved and Councilmember Godfrey seconded to adopt Resolution 114 of 1986, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(C 86-322)
PUBLIC WORKS
#1. RE: Special Improvement District 40-R-7.
ACTION: Councilmember Fonnesbeck moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Resolution 111 of 1986 appointing members of the Board of Equalization and Review for Salt Lake City, Utah, Concrete Replacement Special Improvement District No. 40-R-7, located in the target area which lies between 400 South Street and 900 South Street and between State Street and 700 East, scheduling hearings and providing for notice of the hearings of the Board of Equalization and Review and providing for the availability of assessment rolls, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(Q 85-3)
#2. RE: Special Improvement District 38-685.
ACTION: Councilmember Mabey moved and Councilmember Godfrey seconded to adopt Resolution 112 of 1986 appointing members of the Board of Equalization and Review for Salt Lake City, Utah, Curb and Gutter Extension No. 38-685, including the north side of 1700 South Street, the south side of 1700 South Street, the west side of West Temple and 1700 South Street intersection, and the east side of 700 West Street and 1700 South Street intersection, scheduling hearings and providing for notice of the hearings of the Board of Equalization and Review and providing for the availability of assessment rolls, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(Q 85-1)
#3. RE: An interlocal agreement with UDOT for railroad safety.
ACTION: Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to adopt Resolution 113 of 1986 authorizing the execution of an interlocal cooperation agreement between Salt Lake City Corporation and the Utah Department of Transportation to provide for the construction of a railroad-highway safety project, to be financed in part from federal-aid highway funds, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(C 86-461)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
SID 38-724.
RE: A public hearing at 6:00 p.m. regarding Special Improvement District No. 38-724 consisting of Street improvements within the area bounded on the north by 1100 South Street, on the south by 1500 South Street, on the west by Pioneer Road and on the east by Redwood Road, more commonly known as “California Avenue street improvements”.
ACTION: Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Hardwick seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Mabey moved and Councilmember Bittner seconded to refer the protests to engineering for tabulation and recommendation, and direct the engineering department to meet with protesters to discuss alternatives, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
DISCUSSION: Garrell Nicholes, owner of property at 1360 South Redwood Road, opposed the construction of the proposed seven-lane, east/west road in this area. He said that the tenants in his building would not renew their lease if this highway was installed since it would make access to the property too difficult because of the lane merging into Redwood Road. He also said that this road would eliminate businesses which he had planned for this location.
Mr. Nicholes expressed concern about his assessment if this road was constructed. Emery Smith, owner of property at 1360 South Redwood Road, concurred with Mr. Nicholes. John Naser explained that as California Avenue came into Redwood Road there would be a right-turn lane merging into Redwood Road and heading south; he said they would add a lane to Redwood Road at the merge point and then after several feet this lane would end. He said that the speed limit for the curve would be 30 miles per hour. Mr. Naser said that the preliminary protest rate for the entire district was 52.1%; the protest rate for the area from Redwood Road to I-215 was 90% and the protest rate for the area from I-215 west to Pioneer Road was 15%. Councilmember Mabey suggested that the engineering department meet with the protesters to discuss alternatives.
(Q 86-14)
Petition 400-196 of 1984 by SGE Associates/Brockbank Family.
RE: A public hearing at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the request that Salt Lake City vacate a portion of the Capital Heights Addition Subdivision; and the planning recommendation to vacate the entire forty-acre subdivision subject to the preservation of the public’s interest in the existing dirt road system.
ACTION: Councilmember Mabey moved and Councilmember Bittner seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Mabey moved and Councilmember Godfrey seconded to adopt the petition in accordance with the stipulation dated June 12, 1986, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
DISCUSSION: Doug Wheelwright, planning and zoning, outlined the area on a map and explained that the Brockbank family wanted a portion of the Capital Heights Subdivision vacated but the Planning Commission recommended that the entire 40-acre plat be vacated since it was undevelopable as platted and the streets could never be constructed due to the steep topography. He noted that there was a stipulation dated June 12, 1986, which was entered into between Salt Lake City and the Brockbank family regarding the vacation of this subdivision.
He said that the Planning Commission took the position that the developers had to deal with the city regarding the matter of the existing dirt roads based upon the entire 80-acre ownership of the Brockbanks; that the subdivision vacation had to be dealt with on the basis of the entire 40-acre subdivision; and that the new subdivision plat and related vegetation and open-space easements had to deal with certain areas of the parcel which would be impacted by drainage within the old subdivision plat. He outlined properties not owned by the Brockbanks and said that Mr. Clegg, owner of one parcel, objected to the vacation of the subdivision.
Mr. Wheelwright said that when this was originally recommended to the Council the Planning Commission said that the petition had to include signatures of all the property owners in the plat, but subsequently the city attorney’s office rendered the opinion that the Council could vacate the plat if a hearing was held. No one from the audience spoke about this issue.
(P 86-89)
Petition 400-427 of 1986 by North Salt Lake/Michael McCoy.
RE: A public hearing at 6:45 p.m. to discuss the request that Salt Lake City adjust its corporate boundaries so that eight acres of property owned by North Salt Lake, which are within Salt Lake City limits, could be annexed to North Salt Lake.
ACTION: Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Hardwick seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck moved and Councilmember Hardwick seconded to uphold the Planning Commission recommendation to deny the petition; and include specific documentation as part of the minutes, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
DISCUSSION: Alan Johnson, planning and zoning, outlined the area on a map and said that the petitioners wanted the property in question de-annexed from Salt Lake City and incorporated into the municipality of North Salt Lake. He outlined the rationale for denial of the petition as stated in Craig Peterson’s letter dated August 6, 1986, which is included as part of these minutes.
Mr. Johnson pointed out that the de-annexation of this property would create a jog in the boundary line between Salt Lake City and North Salt Lake which would not be a logical boundary nor be in keeping with the spirit of the annexation declaration act or Salt Lake City’s efforts to maintain regular boundary lines. He also said that the planning department was in the process of doing a foothill open-space master plan and a property exchange with the U.S. Forest Service which would consolidate the city’s ownership of property around City Creek, Parley’s Canyon and throughout the Cottonwood Canyons.
He said that their intent through this property exchange was to further protect the foothills. Mr. Johnson referred to a letter from Mr. John, State of Utah Natural Resources, and said that Mr. John indicated that the area in question was critical for certain wildlife (Mr. John’s letter is also included as part of these minutes). Mr. Johnson raised the issue of the view from the valley floor and indicated that development of the property in question would be visible and would be contrary to the city’s “backdrop” policy.
He said that Salt Lake City’s ordinances were representative of an attempt to be sensitive to the environment but also allow for limited development. Mr. Johnson summarized by saying that the Planning Director and the chairman of the Planning Commission felt that the issue was not “which jurisdiction could provide services” but “whether the properties could be developed without irreparable damage to the foothill environment”. He said that it was recommended that the petition be denied. Mike McCoy, attorney representing North Salt Lake, referred to the area on a map and said that Salt Lake’s foothill ordinance was designed to deal with all of the foothills and not specific areas. He said that the area in question was developable and development of this area would not visually interfere with the view from the valley floor because of the hilltop ridges. He referred to adjacent parcels and agreed that they were not developable because of topography. He said that North Salt Lake could provide services to the area in question and this area would be a logical extension of their development.
He also said that North Salt Lake would be able to handle the water and sewer run-off by designing the flow so that it would run into the North Salt Lake system. Mr. McCoy said that the area in question was North Salt Lake’s watershed so they would be concerned about how the area was developed. He said that the area was less than one mile from their present development and was two miles from Salt Lake City. Councilmember Godfrey asked about the annexation law concerning the creation of peninsulas to which Mr. McCoy replied that the law did not prohibit peninsulas.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck indicated that Salt Lake City did not want this property developed and she expressed concern about how the drainage would be affected if it was developed. She also reiterated that the boundary line would be interrupted. Fred Campbell, North Salt Lake city engineer, reiterated that the property in question was a logical extension for North Salt Lake. He also said that they had a foothill preservation ordinance and he invited the Council to visit the area.
Carlin Jacobsen, North Salt Lake City councilmember, concurred with previous comments of Mr. McCoy and Mr. Campbell. Richard Hunter, owner of property adjacent to the property in question, concurred that the property in question was developable since it was a flat area. Councilmember Bittner expressed concern about the precedent which would be set by de-annexing this property in the foothills. Mr. McCoy said he felt that a precedent would not be set because each issue should be examined on its own merits.
Mr. Johnson indicated that precedent could be set with respect to the Councils policies concerning protection of the foothills and the message which would be sent to the development community regarding all of the private parcels in the area which have development potential. Councilmember Fonnesbeck asked if this was a good annexation practice regardless of the development potential of the land.
Mr. Johnson expressed his opinion that the spirit of the annexation declaration legislation was to move away from peninsulas. Councilmember Godfrey mentioned that the League of Cities and Towns took a strong position regarding annexation laws and one of the major issues they pushed was to avoid peninsulas. Councilmember Hardwick reiterated that planning had been taking place for many years regarding the foothills and he could not disregard the studies.
(P 86-204)
Community Development Block Grant
RE: A public hearing at 7:00 p.m. to obtain public comment concerning the appropriation of an additional $656,000 to Salt Lake City from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Salt Lake City’s 12th Year Community Development Block Grant entitlement thereby increasing the grant by 20% for a total of $3,845,000.
ACTION: Councilmember Bittner moved and Councilmember Godfrey seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Godfrey moved and Councilmember Bittner seconded to refer this issue to the Committee of the Whole, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
DISCUSSION: Stephanie Loker, capital planning and programming, explained that the Community Development Advisory Committee and the city staff felt that only previously submitted 12th year projects which were not funded should be considered. The projects that CDAC recommended were the East Central Street Improvements, the Salt Lake/Jordan Canal, the West Capital Boys and Girls Club, and the VFW Building. She said that the staff recommended $570,000 for the East Central Street Improvement Project and $70,000 for the Salt Lake Jordan Canal (this was the original recommendation but the county indicated that they would consider giving the city $35,000). She said that HUD did not require an immediate decision but they were ready to make the amendment.
The following people spoke: Jim Jensen, executive director for the Salt Lake Boys/Girls Club, supported the West Capital Boys and Girls Club and said that they served about 1100 young people. He requested $16,000 so they could add facilities such as basketball standards, computer facilities, and stoves and refrigerators. He mentioned that they also wanted to expand their drug and alcohol abuse programs.
Solomon Chacon, speaking on behalf of the Hispanic Community Relations Committee, expressed concern about youth-related violence. He asked that the Council consider spending money on human interest, i.e. programs that would keep teenage youth off the streets and in some meaningful participatory activities. He said that they had submitted three proposals and asked the Council to closely examine them. He asked that the Council consider funding programs for the West Capital Boys and Girls Club, the Northwest Multipurpose Center, and the Police Athletic League.
He said that he had witnessed an increase in violence because of the decrease in many programs. The following citizens expressed their support for funding these programs: Jose Meza, 8717 West Helen Drive, Michael Ortega, Hispanic Community Relations, Joanne Milner, 861 Montague, Lee Martinez, 1281 West Sunset, Max Gallegos, 3269 South 7615 West, Rick Barberro, Sandy Beam. Opal Clark, Work Activities Center for Handicapped Adults, requested funding for their program so that they could acquire a building. She explained that under the current criteria they were not eligible and asked the Council to reconsider the criteria. Ms. Loker said that they were proposing to build their building outside of Salt Lake City. Jeanette Drews, 1102 Chevy Chase Drive, supported this project.
Three public hearing registration forms were received from people who did not wish to speak but expressed their support for youth programs. One card was received from a citizen who did not wish to speak but opposed spending money on gyms.
In regards to funding for youth programs, Councilmember Bittner said that this was not a short-term problem and there needed to be long-term goals and solutions. She expressed concern about picking up a commitment which would be ongoing without fully understanding all the implications plus the coordination with the county and the state. Mayor DePaulis strongly recommended that the Council consider funding for the youth programs because the community at large was feeling a sense of community insecurity. He said this was a real crisis which needed to be considered.
(T 86-9)
The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.