PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1983
THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, MET AS A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1983, AT 4:15 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.
Councilmember-elect Hardwick was present at this meeting as a nonvoting member.
Council Chairman Grant Mabey presided at and conducted this meeting.
POLICY SESSION
Leigh von der Esch, Council Executive Director, briefed the Council on items relating to the agenda and public hearings. Dave Lamb of Arthur Young Company briefed the Council on the Management Letter and Audit for Fiscal Year 1982-83. The audit is printed and being sent to the Municipal Finance Officers Association.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Fonnesbeck seconded a motion to extend the contract with Arthur Young for the final year of their contract. The vote was unanimous.
(C 83-97)
The policy session adjourned at 4:55 p.m. so members could attend a reception at the Salt Palace.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1983, 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.
Councilmember-elect Hardwick was present at this meeting as a non-voting member.
Council Chairman Grant Mabey presided at and conducted this meeting.
John Hiskey, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, and Roger Cutler, City Attorney, were present at the meeting.
The invocation was given by Police Chaplain Robert Schrank.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
Councilmember Parker moved and Councilmember Whitehead seconded to approve the minutes of the Salt Lake City Council for the regular meetings held Tuesday, December 6, 1983, and Thursday, December 8, 1983, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(M 83-1)
PETITIONS
Petition 73 of 1982 by Sven Nilsson.
RE: Vacation of a portion of two alleys located between Capitol Street and Victory Road in the Capitol View Subdivision.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to adopt Ordinance 79 of 1983, vacating two public alleys located within the Capitol View Subdivision, consisting of a portion of a 20-foot wide alley which abuts lots 5 through 38 of said subdivision, for approximately 411 feet; and an alley which abuts lots 1 through 5 and 38 of said subdivision for approximately 104.84 feet, which are located between Capitol Street and Victory Road in Salt Lake City, Utah, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 83-470)
Petition 400-90 of 1983 by Salt Lake City Corporation.
RE: Rezoning of Glendale Park near 1700 South and 1200 West (Wild Wave Pool).
Leigh von der Esch, Council Executive Director, indicated that included in the ordinance, which the Council adopted December 6, 1983 as Ordinance 75 of 1983, is a provision indicating a length of time in which conditions subsequent to the rezoning of the property must be satisfied. This time period needs to be determined so it can be designated in the ordinance. Ms. von der Esch said that Judy Lever, Assistant Attorney, recommended that the time period be 12 months.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to designate 12 months as the time period in which to satisfy conditions subsequent to the rezoning of property located on the south side of 1700 South in the vicinity of 1200 West from Residential “R-2” to a Commercial “C-3A” classification as adopted in Ordinance 75 of 1983, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 83-429)
DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
#1. RE: Tenth Year Community Development Block Grant funds - Salt Lake City’s housing and community development needs.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, January 10, 1984 at 6:45 p.m. to receive citizen input regarding Salt Lake City’s housing and community development needs for 10th Year Community Development Block Grant funds, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(T 83-28)
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
#1. RE: Request for mid-year budget opening.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to schedule a public hearing for Tuesday, January 10, 1984 at 6:30 p.m. to consider a resolution amending budgets for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 1983 and ending June 30, 1984, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(B 83-3)
#2. RE: Industrial Revenue Bond for FHP Redwood. Mr. Fred Olson from Fox, Edwards, and Gardner, bond counsel, indicated that the underwriter will be Merrill Lynch and the purchase price has been specified as 99.5% with 10% interest.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Whitehead seconded to adopt Resolution 105 of 1983, subject to approval by the City Attorney and City Auditor, providing for the financing by Salt Lake City, Utah, of a project consisting of the acquisition of real property and the development thereon of a building, equipment, improvements and related facilities in order that Redwood Medical Center Associates (FHP, Inc., Lessee) may be provided with health care facilities to promote the local health and general welfare and encourage the increase of industry and commerce; authorizing and providing for the issuance by Salt Lake City, Utah, of its Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, Series 1983 (Redwood Medical Center Associates Project) which will be payable solely from the revenues arising from the pledge of a loan agreement between Salt Lake City, Utah, and Redwood Medical Center Associates; authorizing the execution and delivery of a loan agreement between Salt Lake City, Utah, and Redwood Medical Center Associates; providing for the acquisition and financing of said project; authorizing the execution and delivery of an indenture of trust and pledge, and a contract of purchase; confirming the sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof; and related matters, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(Q 83-26)
#3. RE: Industrial Revenue Bond for R. M. Leasing Co. Project , Rocky Mountain Bank Note Company, Guarantor. Fred Olson from Fox, Edwards, and Gardiner, bond counsel, said that the trustee will be First Interstate, who is buying the bonds. First Interstate of Utah and Arizona are the buyers.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Whitehead seconded to adopt Resolution 102 of 1983, subject to approval by the City Attorney and City Auditor, providing for the financing by Salt Lake City, Utah, of a project consisting of land, a building, equipment, improvements and related property in order that R. M. Leasing Co. Project may he provided with facilities to promote the general welfare and encourage the increase of industry and commerce; authorizing and providing for the issuance by Salt Lake City, Utah, of its Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, Series 1983 (R. M. Leasing Co. Project - Rocky Mountain Bank Note Company, Guarantor) which will be payable solely from the revenues arising from the pledge of a loan agreement with R. M. Leasing Co. Project; authorizing the execution and delivery of a loan agreement between Salt Lake City, Utah, and R. M. Leasing Co. project; providing for the acquisition and financing of said project; authorizing the execution and delivery of an indenture of trust and pledge, and a contract of purchase; confirming the sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof; and related matters, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(Q 83-19)
#4. RE: Industrial Revenue Bond for Samuel A. Hardage Project (formerly Salt Lake Residence Corporation). Fred Olson from Fox, Edwards, and Gardiner, bond counsel, said that the principal amount has been increased from $7,950,000 to $7,965,000; the Council approved $8,000,000 in the Inducement Resolution.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Whitehead seconded to adopt Resolution 103 of 1983, subject to approval by the City Attorney and City Auditor, providing for the financing by Salt Lake City, Utah, of a project consisting of land, buildings, equipment, furnishings, improvements and related property in order that Samuel A. Hardage may be provided with facilities to promote the general welfare and encourage the increase of industry and commerce; authorizing and providing for the issuance by Salt Lake City, Utah, of its Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, Series 1983 (Samuel A. Hardage Project for Salt Lake Residence Motel Center) which will be payable solely from the revenues arising from the pledge of a loan agreement with Samuel A. Hardage; authorizing the execution and delivery of a loan agreement between Salt Lake City, Utah, and Samuel A. Hardage; providing for the acquisition and financing of said project; authorizing the execution and delivery of an indenture of trust and pledge, an official statement and a contract of purchase; confirming the sale of said bonds to the purchaser thereof; and related matters, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(Q 83-16)
#5. RE: Industrial Revenue Bond for Commercial Security Bank.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to adopt Resolution 104 of 1983, subject to the approval of the City Attorney, directing and authorizing Kathryn Marshall, or in her absence Lynda Domino, to hold a public hearing for and on behalf of the Municipal Council of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah, concerning the issuance and sale by Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah, of Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (the “Bonds”) to finance a project for Commercial Security Bank, a Utah Corporation; directing and authorizing Grant Mabey, or in his absence Edward W. Parker, to act as the applicable elected representative of Salt Lake City, Salt Lake County, Utah, for the purpose of approving the bonds after such hearing is held, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(Q 83-2)
#6. RE: Industrial Revenue Bond for Clark Financial Corporation.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to adopt Resolution 106 of 1983, subject to approval by the City Attorney, authorizing the execution of an agreement supplementing a memorandum of agreement of January 19, 1982 with Clark Financial Corporation, a Utah corporation or any company controlled by or under common control with Clark Financial Corporation, regarding the issuance of Industrial Development Revenue Bonds for a commercial project which was anticipated to have been financed no later than September 1983, extending the effective date of the Inducement Resolution to December 31, 1984, with a provision that this extension be reconsidered on January 17, 1984, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Jim McGuire, Deputy Director of Development Services, addressed the issue of the Sugarhouse UDAG which is in conjunction with the Clark Financial IRB. As he understood the Council’s action granting the extension, the provision that it be reconsidered on January 17 indicates a possibility that if Clark Financial has not made adequate progress on the project then the extension would no longer be in effect. Mr. McGuire agreed that there have been delays in this project. The most recent delay is due to a misunderstanding with HUD regarding an agreement about terms. Mr. McGuire said that the terms would be re-discussed with HUD in order to arrive at terms that will allow the project to be feasible for the developer and will allow HUD to feel that public dollars are well spent and an adequate return is being received.
Mr. McGuire asked that the Council not impose a contingency on the IRB extension because this will obscure the financial package as far as HUD is concerned and they will not feel as if the financing is in place until the contingency is removed. HUD indicated that their funding will be withdrawn from the project sometime in June if adequate progress has not been made. Mr. McGuire asked the Council to reconsider their decision. He said that Clark Financial would be willing to meet with the Council regularly to report on the status of the project. Councilmember Shearer indicated that the Council needs to be kept informed, by an authoritative source, about the progress of this project. Councilmember Parker agreed. Mr. McGuire indicated that he would update the Council as often as they wanted him to do so.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to withdraw January 17, 1984 as the date to review the IRB extension and instead have the formal review in June, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(Q 82-9)
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
#1. RE: Appointment of Howard Marcus to the Tracy Aviary Advisory Board.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to approve the appointment of Mr. Marcus to the Tracy Aviary Advisory Board, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(I 83-32)
#2. RE: Appointment of Talley Stevens to the Sugarhouse Park Authority.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to approve the appointment of Mr. Stevens to the Sugarhouse Park Authority, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(I 83-24)
#3. RE: Appointment of Dr. Ronald Coleman to the Civil Service Commission.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to approve the appointment of Dr. Coleman to the Civil Service Commission, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(I 83-31)
#4. RE: Reappointment of Ray Curtis to the Sugarhouse Park Authority Board. Without objection, Council Chairman Mabey referred the reappointment of Mr. Curtis to the consent agenda for January 3, 1984.
(I 83-24)
#5. RE: Reappointment of Andrew Buffmire to the Housing Authority Board.
Without objection, Council Chairman Mabey referred the reappointment of Mr. Buffmire to the consent agenda for January 3, 1984.
(I 83-33)
#6. RE: Appropriation of $35,000 from the Fiscal Year 1983-84 Contingency Fund for the Salt Lake Arts Center. Councilmember Davis indicated that she would feel better about the Arts Center appropriation if there was consensus within the City Council to review the Finch Lane facility (Salt Lake Arts Council) and its appropriation. There had been previous discussion about possibly consolidating activities of the Arts Council and the Arts Center. This way the Council would only make one appropriation in the future. Councilmember Shearer indicated that authorization had been given for a letter to be sent to the two groups asking them to present a recommendation. Ms. Shearer indicated that if the appropriation is given as a one-time emergency contribution then it would be clear that the Council would reconsider future appropriations. Councilmember Parker supported the contribution but asked about the City’s contribution being subject to similar commitments from the county and the state. Councilmember Fonnesbeck indicated that there have been ongoing contributions from the state and the county contributes in other ways, such as reduced rent.
Councilmember Davis indicated that she favored the appropriation but she also supported a study for the consolidation of the two facilities. John Hiskey, Executive Assistant to the Mayor, said that the chairman of the Salt Lake Council for the Arts has indicated a strong desire to meet with the City Council and present an overview about Finch Lane and discuss options with the Arts Center.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Whitehead seconded to approve $35,000 from the Fiscal Year 1983-84 Contingency Fund for the Salt Lake Arts Center as an emergency, one-time fund, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(T 83-26)
PUBLIC UTILITIES
#1. RE: Ordinance relating to water meter deposits required from non-owners.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to adopt Ordinance 80 of 1983, amending Section 49-6-64 of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, relating to water meter deposits required from non- owners, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(O 83-42)
#2. RE: Ordinance relating to sewer charge adjustment.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to adopt Ordinance 81 of 1983, amending Section 37-6-2, Schedule 3, Rates, of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, relating to sewer service charges, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(O 82-65)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Cargo Carrier Ramp Use Fees.
RE: An ordinance amending Chapter 2 of Title 2 of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, by adding Section 38 relating to cargo carrier ramp use fees.
A public hearing was held at 6:00 p.m. to consider the ordinance. John Wheat, Deputy Director of Finance and Administration, outlined a chart depicting the cargo ramp area and explained the purpose of the proposed ordinance. This ordinance will recoup investment and maintenance costs of the Airport Authority from cargo carriers. The proposed ordinance establishes a framework to recoup the actual cost of investment for construction of facilities, maintenance, operations and administrative costs for maintaining the facilities. The ordinance will generate approximately $56,000 per year of additional income to the Airport Authority, and also sets into place a mechanism for recouping any future investment costs associated with the cargo ramp facilities. The total investment and operations costs will be charged back to the actual users based upon a three-tier formula:
A flat rate per aircraft utilizing the apron facility of approximately $3.50 per aircraft use, a base rate per 1000 pounds of maximum gross certified landing weight of approximately eight per 1000 pounds, an hourly parking rate for any layover of more than three hours at approximately 25 per hour. These charges will be adjusted annually based upon actual costs and utilization. The ordinance is designed to simply establish a process and formulas to be used at recouping costs associated with the cargo ramp facility and will allow the Airport Authority to continue an equitable cost effective operation. No one from the audience addressed this issue.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to adopt Ordinance 82 of 1983, amending Chapter 2 of Title 2 of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, by adding Section 38 relating to cargo carrier ramp use fees, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(O 83-41)
Zoning Violation and Penalty.
RE: An ordinance amending Section 51-4-6 of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, as amended, relating to zoning violation and penalty, to include the refusal to comply with any order of the Board of Adjustment as a misdemeanor violation.
A public hearing was held at 6:15 p.m. to consider this ordinance. Dean Barney, Assistant Planning Director, explained the proposed ordinance. At the present time the City ordinances provide that any person, firm or corporation who violates or refuses to comply with the provisions of the zoning ordinance shall be guilty of a misdemeanor. When the Board of Adjustment grants a variance from the terms of the ordinance, they often impose, as a basis for granting a variance, certain conditions with which the petitioner must comply. In some instances a building permit has been obtained showing the requirements but the petitioner does not comply. Some judges have felt that since the ordinance does not specifically make the Board of Adjustment decision a part of the zoning ordinance, they may not be able to enforce those decisions. The legal department has recommended that Section 51-4-6 of the zoning ordinance be amended to specifically include that the refusal to comply with any order of the Board of Adjustment would also be a misdemeanor. No one from the audience addressed this issue.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Shearer asked if the current bail schedule for misdemeanor planning and zoning offenses would be available. She wanted to be certain that the most common violations would have a pre-determined bail. Roger Cutler, City Attorney, indicated that the bail schedules are available.
Councilmember Parker moved and Councilmember Fonnesbeck seconded to adopt Ordinance 83 of 1983, amending Section 51-4-6 of the Revised Ordinances of Salt Lake City, Utah, 1965, as amended, relating to zoning violation and penalty, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(O 83-39)
Petition 400-61 of 1983 by Roger Sanders for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.
RE: The vacation of a portion of 700 South Street between 800 West and the 1-15 right-of-way and an adjacent alley which runs north from 700 South Street between 800 West and the 1-15 right-of-way.
A non-advertised public hearing was held at 6:30 p.m. to discuss this petition. Dean Barney, Assistant Planning Director, outlined the area on a map. He indicated that a portion of 700 South was previously vacated and is currently being utilized by the property owner for the Deseret Industries Thrift Store and other related services. The Planning Commission reviewed this request and indicated that there is no public need for the street or alley and the street and alley could be closed and made available for purchase by the abutting property owner.
Mr. Barney said that there were some provisions to the closure such as public utilities requirements, street improvements for 800 West, and access to I-15 for the Utah Department of Transportation. Councilmember Shearer asked how the property would be used. Mr. Barney indicated that it would probably be used for parking although he had not seen specific plans. No one from the audience addressed this issue.
Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to adopt Ordinance 84 of 1983, closing a certain portion of 700 South Street between 800 West and the I-15 right-of-way in Salt Lake City, Utah, and an adjacent alley, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 83-499)
Petition 400-127 of 1983 by the People’s Freeway Community Council.
RE: Change of zoning on the south side of Lucy Avenue between West Temple and Second West from “M-l” to a Residential “R-4” classification.
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. The zoning is “R-6” north and east of the petitioned area and “M-1” south and west of the area. The petitioned area is all residential except for one warehouse next to 200 West. As the Planning Commission studied this request, they understood that all of the property owners were in favor of the rezoning. However, one property owner, Stephen Utley, submitted a letter requesting to have his properties on Lucy Avenue withdrawn from any zoning change at this time.
Mr. Barney indicated that Mr. Utley owns almost two thirds of the property in the area proposed for rezoning. The Planning Commission thought that an “R-6” zone, rather than “R-4” as requested in the petition, would be better because it would be in keeping with the zoning across the street. An “R-4” zone would create an island whereas “R-6” would be an extension of the existing “R-6”. Bernice Cook, Chairman of the People’s Freeway Community Council, spoke on behalf of the residents residing on Lucy Avenue who signed the petition. She indicated that they tried to get this area rezoned several times so that curb and gutter could be installed to help alleviate the flooding problems.
The residents will concur with an “R-6” zone even though they requested, and prefer, “R-4” zoning. She urged the Council to change the zoning to residential. Stephen Utley said that he and the Mayor have discussed the possibility of redeveloping his property into something more desirable for the neighborhood. Mr. Utley reiterated that he wants to withdraw his properties on Lucy Avenue from any zoning change at this time. He was not contacted by anyone before the petition was submitted and has not had enough time to study the impact of a rezoning. Mr. Utley indicated that he is currently exploring other options for the use of his properties on Lucy Avenue and after sufficient studies have been completed feels that the results will better suit the immediate neighborhood. Mr. Utley said that he could not let his property be downzoned until the best use is determined. Presently the majority of his property is used for his metal salvage business. Councilmember Mabey explained that a recommendation was given to Mr. Utley to find a developer for the property. It was suggested that a commercial use could be maintained along 13th South and the rear of the area could be used for housing. Mr. Mabey also indicated that possibly an application could be submitted for a UDAG so that curb and gutter could be installed. He said that Mr. Utley was trying to improve his property but at this point he does not have any concrete plans.
Mr. Utley agreed that curb and gutter is needed in the area and indicated that he has been contacting various developers. Mr. Barney indicated that the master plan objective for the area is to maintain the enclave of “R-6” zoned area. The master plan is about five years old but a review concluded that the area should be maintained as residential.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Whitehead seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Shearer said that the remainder of the property in this area, not the portion being considered for rezoning, abuts the 13th South project. She indicated that this project has been a disaster for the property owners. Mr. Utley has been barred from his property for three months which has hurt his business because there is no access to his place of business off 13th South. She felt that until 13th South is improved this petition request should be tabled with the full intent to reconsider the request.
Councilmember Davis suggested that this request be reconsidered in September. She also suggested that this could be reconsidered before September if Mr. Utley is able to secure his plans for the development of this property. Ms. Cook reiterated her concern about flooding problems in this area and felt that September was a long time to wait. Councilmember Shearer said that the Council is conscious of the situation and they want to take necessary action but rezoning at this time would not change the problem.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to table Petition 400-127 of 1983 until September, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 83-500)
Sunnyside Recreational Special Service District.
RE: Establishment of the Salt Lake City Sunnyside Recreational Special Service District.
A public hearing was held at 7:00 p.m. to consider this issue. Roger Bagley, Project Development Coordinator, recommended that the Council favorably consider the creation of the district. He said that the citizens are aware of other priorities that the City may be called upon to consider but the creation of the district would allow the citizens the opportunity to develop a plan for the facility. At the close of this public hearing, there is a period of time for protests to be received. After this period, if the district has been created, the Council would have the opportunity to appoint a controlling board. Mr. Bagley indicated there is concern that the district would continue without purpose if it does not achieve its goal. He suggested that by having members of the Council on the administrative control board this issue could be dealt with if the district did not achieve its purpose.
Bob Bridge said that when the east bench was being master planned, he served on a parks and recreation committee. At that time it became evident that there was a need for parks and recreational facilities for the area. Community councils have been contacted to inform them about this development and many of the community groups support this facility. Mr. Bridge indicated that feasibility studies and drawings have not yet been completed, this will take some time.
Councilmember Fonnesbeck asked about the financing for the studies. Roger Cutler, City Attorney, said that unless the Council appropriates money there is no mechanism for funding. Dr. Raymond Johnson said that the property for the facility is 12.5 acres in a location that is reasonably convenient to both the east bench and the avenues yet not close to residential homes. Dr. Johnson said that bonds would be issued to construct the facility. Once the facility is in operation there would be operating costs and costs involved with servicing the debt. Operating costs would be paid for by user fees.
The residents of the special service district would have the opportunity to vote on this issue and if the vote is successful then the residents would pay tax each year and the revenues would service the debt. Dr. Johnson said that the committee has been unable to determine the best configuration for the building because they need professional architectural help. The committee is hopeful that if the district is created then architectural firms could be encouraged to develop the plan. Dr. Johnson requested the Council to approve the district so that the citizens can vote.
Councilmember Parker asked if the committee had considered alternate routes to achieving the facility. Dr. Johnson said that alternate routes had been discussed. One alternative would be for the governing board to try and solicit private donations from key businesses in hopes of reducing the size of the bond issue. He also said that other details have to be settled such as the maturity of the bond and title and agreement aspects of the land.
Jim Webster outlined on a map the configuration of the facility site as it is proposed. He indicated that the parcel is located north of Sunnyside Avenue and east of Guardsman Way and is adjacent to Sunnyside Park and the Veterans Hospital. He said that this area is surrounded by public uses. Mr. Webster also outlined the area of the proposed special service district. He indicated that other recreational facilities such as senior citizen centers and boys and girls clubs are outside the proposed district. Mr. Webster said that there is a need for this facility and the site is appropriate.
The following citizens spoke in favor of the proposed facility and special service district: Ms. Kerstin Severon, East High School swim coach, Dick Guthrie, managing director Cottonwood Heights Spa, Linda Hansen, chairman of the Avenues Neighborhood Council, Rick Johnson, chairman of the Yalecrest Neighborhood Council, Roger Haglund, swim coach for the Tsunami Swim Team, Hermoine Jex, Capitol Hill Neighborhood Council, Steve Newton, Sandy City councilmember and chairman of the Alta Canyon Recreation Special Service District Administrative Control Board, William Reagan, member of the ad hoc committee, Gary Gutierrz, (University of Utah women’s swimming coach, and Andrew Buffmire, ad hoc committee participant.
These citizens felt that there is a need for this facility not only for children and young adults but also for senior citizens. Comments were made about the inability of many people to belong to private spas and therefore not being able to take advantage of indoor recreation. This facility would provide that opportunity. Comments were also made about property values being increased because of this facility. Ms. Hansen indicated that even though the Greater Avenues supported this district, they wanted a time-limiting clause included in its formation which would require the district to be reviewed in four or five years.
If, in this time, the facility is not self-sustaining, then the special service district should be dissolved. Mr. Newton encouraged the Council to consider providing funds for preliminary costs of the project. Mr. Buffmire indicated that the committee’s prime concern is for the community as a whole. A list was circulated throughout the audience so that people could indicate whether they are for or against this special service district. This list is on file in the Office of the City Recorder. Rawlins Young, chairman of the Sugarhouse Council, submitted a letter regarding this special service district (a copy of this letter is on file in the Office of the City Recorder).
Mr. Young felt that the City Council should not make a decision to form a special district as now proposed. Three communities would be involved in the Sunnyside Special Service District: the Avenues, Sugarhouse, and the East Bench. His letter indicated it would be preferable to have a group of community council representatives meet to discuss the development of recreation centers in the three communities.
It was felt that development of three centers would better serve the neighborhoods. Councilmember Fonnesbeck said that a good percentage of the people in the Avenues, who would be taxed, are elderly and are living on fixed incomes. She expressed concern about this situation. Councilmember Mabey also expressed concern about the effect a tax increase would have on the senior citizens. Councilmember Davis expressed her support for the proposed special service district. She felt that the facility would benefit the entire north and east benches. Ms. Davis said that many senior citizens have indicated to her that they are looking forward to a facility where they can meet together. She indicated that a facility of this type is needed for children too.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Parker seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye. Councilmember Fonnesbeck reiterated her concern about the effect an additional tax may have on the elderly people. This year the citizenry will be confronted with the county flood-bond issue, additional taxes from the legislature, and a vote on City capital improvements. She mentioned that a decision has to made about restoration of the City and County building. She said that she could vote to support the formation of the district but this is a critical period and the timing on the bond election is important. She indicated that it would be better to delay a bond election for one or two years than to have it defeated.
Ms. Fonnesbeck said that if she had to choose between the capital improvement projects and a recreation center she would choose the capital improvements. She supported the idea of attaching a caveat that in four or five years if the district is debt free and no projects are underway, then it would he reviewed and could be dissolved if there is not any support. Councilmember Parker agreed that a recreational facility would benefit the community but he also agreed with the comments made about the burden of additional taxes. He indicated that he would probably vote for the creation of the district to give the citizens a chance to develop a plan. Dr. Parker reported that the Sugarhouse Community Council is opposed to the project at this point. He indicated his support of the project.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Whitehead seconded to ask the City Recorder to take written comments on this issue for the next 15 days (the protest period) and present a report of the comments, also that this issue be on the Council agenda for Tuesday, January 10, 1984, which motion carried, all members voting aye. Bob Bridge indicated that the committee wanted to make recommendations regarding members of the control board.
(Q 83-27)
Triad Utah.
RE: An Urban Development Action Grant application for a Triad Utah office building development on Block 84 (Devereaux Block).
A public hearing was held at 7:30 p.m. to discuss this issue. Jim McGuire, Deputy Director of Development Services, said that this hearing was the first of two required hearings. The proposal is for another phase of the development at the Triad Center. Triad Utah is proposing construction of a 43-story, 874,000 square foot office tower. The total cost of the project is estimated to be $64,000,000. At this time Triad Utah is proposing that the City request $15,000,000 in an Urban Development Action Grant (UDAG), all of which is to be used to finance parking facilities. Richard Nordlund, representing Triad, presented a rendering of the proposed building. He explained the the building will be constructed of bronze reflective glass and will be sophisticated in terms of energy, security management, and telecommunication.
Mr. Nordlund said that a wind tunnel test is being conducted for the structural integrity of the building and also to determine what happens on the ground level when such a high tower is built. He also said that they have been able to comply with the yard space requirement. Mr. Nordlund said that the (UDAG money would be used for parking. There will be underground as well as above-ground parking constructed. No one from the audience addressed this issue.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Shearer seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye except Councilmember Parker who was absent when the vote was taken.
(T 83-27)
Petition 400-136 of 1983 by the Salt Lake City Redevelopment Agency.
RE: A request that the city vacate an alley located in the Agency’s Jackson Redevelopment Project Area. The alley runs west from 700 West Street just north of 500 North Street.
A non-advertised public hearing was held at 8:00 p.m. to consider this petition. Dean Barney, Assistant Planning Director, outlined the area on a map and indicated that the vacation had been given favorable recommendations from all the necessary departments. He also indicated that this property is of no value to the City. No one from the audience addressed this issue.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Fonnesbeck seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Fonnesbeck seconded to adopt Ordinance 85 of 1983, vacating a public alley located within the Redevelopment Agency’s Jackson Redevelopment Project area, said alley running west from 700 West Street just north of 500 North Street, Salt Lake City, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(P 83-502)
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.