PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH
TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1983
THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, MET AS A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE ON TUESDAY, MAY 10, 1983, 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 SYDNEY R. FONNESBECK IONE M. DAVIS PALMER DEPAULIS EDWARD W. PARKER.
Council Vice Chairman Edward Parker presided at and Council Vice Chairman Edward Parker conducted this meeting.
POLICY SESSION
Leigh von der Esch briefed the Council on items on the agenda. Councilmember Parker informed the Council of the Public/Private Venutre internship that is available. Dr. Parker, Ms. Florence Bittner, Ms. Deb Arieda and others have been investigating the internship to find out if the City would be benefited by participating. Other Council Members expressed concern about the financial commitment and time commitment; they asked for more information and clarification. Alan Johnson discussed the master plans and studies that are included for CDBG funding for 9th year.
The policy session adjourned at 5:55 p.m.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, MET IN REGULAR SESSION ON TUESDAY, MAY 10, 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 TONE M. DAVIS SYDNEY R. FONNESBECK EDWARD W. PARKER PALMER DEPAULIS.
Mayor Ted Wilson, Albert Haines, chief administrative officer, and Wally Miller, deputy city attorney, were present at the meeting.
Council Chairman Grant Mabey presided at and Councilmember Edward W. Parker conducted this meeting.
Invocation was given by Police Chaplain Roger Bastian.
Pledge of Allegiance.
Approval of Minutes:
Councilmember DePaulis moved and Councilmember Whitehead seconded to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Salt Lake City Council for the meeting held Tuesday, May 3, 1983, which motion carried, all members voting aye except Councilmember Mabey who was absent when the vote was taken.
(M 83-1)
Special Recognition:
#1. Councilmember Shearer presented a resolution expressing appreciation to the Junior League for the many hours of service which they provided to the Fifth Circuit Court at the information desk. Ms. Shearer then introduced Karen Hyde, Judy Fillmore and Pat Provost, the ladies who accepted this recognition on behalf of the other volunteers. Ms. Fillmore thanked the Council, on behalf of the Junior League, for this award and said that they had worked many hours and were proud of their involvement.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Shearer seconded to approve the resolution, which motion carried, all members voting aye except Councilmember Mabey who was absent when the vote was taken.
(R 83-9)
#2. Councilmember Whitehead presented a resolution expressing appreciation to Vaughn Wonnacott for his service to Salt Lake City and the Salt Lake City Metropolitan Water District. Mr. Wonnacott said that the Metropolitan Water District was organized in 1935 and he had been with it for 30 years. Mr. Wonnacott said that the District has performed a great service for Salt Lake City. He thanked the Council for this tribute. Mr. Wonnacott introduced his successor, Nick Sefakis. Mayor Wilson thanked Mr. Wonnacott for his hard work. He said that the planning and thought that went into this District years ago is paying off today.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to approve the resolution, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(R 83-8)
DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS
AIRPORT AUTHORITY
#1. RE: Ratification of the action of the City Council on Tuesday, May 3, 1983 setting a date for a public hearing on Thursday, May 12, 1983 at 5:00 p.m. in Room 301 of the City and County Building to receive protests relating to the proposed airport expansion plans.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to ratify their action taken on May 3, 1983 regarding a public hearing on May 12, 1983 at 5:00 p.m. to hear protests relating to the proposed airport expansion, which motion carried, all members voting aye except Councilmember Fonnesbeck who was absent when the vote was taken.
(Q 83-11)
#2. RE: Setting a date for a special meeting of the Salt Lake City Council for Tuesday, May 24, 1983 at 6:00 p.m. in Room 301 of the City and County Building to consider items relating to airport expansion plans, CDBG funding, etc.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to schedule a special meeting of the Salt Lake City Council for May 24, 1983 at 6:00 p.m. to consider items relating to airport expansion plans, CDBG funding, etc., which motion carried, all members voting aye except Councilmember Fonnesbeck who was absent when the vote was taken.
(Q 83-11)
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
#1. RE: A resolution amending Resolution 11 of 1983 relating to Salt Lake City Industrial Development Revenue Bonds (Commercial Security Bancorporation project), Series 1983, authorizing Commercial Security Bank, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Commercial Security Bancorporation (the “Bancorporation”), to be substituted at the Bancorporation’s option for the Bancorporation under the inducement resolution and memorandum of agreement approved by the Salt Lake City Council on February 15, 1983.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to adopt Resolution 37 of 1983 amending Resolution 11 of 1983 of the city to authorize Commercial Security Bank to be substituted for Commercial Security Bancorporation with respect to a memorandum of agreement heretofore approved, which motion carried, all members voting aye except Councilmember Fonnesbeck who was absent when the vote was taken.
(Q 83-2)
#2. RE: Update of compensation plan of Salt Lake City employees.
RECOMMENDATION: That the Council consider amending the compensation plan as submitted.
AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS: Funds have been budgeted in the 1983-84 budget.
DISCUSSION: The compensation plan update contains primarily minor changes in wording in two sections. It is proposed to change the titles only of several executives and delete two positions from the executive pay plan. The only major change is a request to place the city treasurer on the executive pay plan. As this is a statutory office it may require a public hearing.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to schedule a public hearing for May 24, 1983 at 7:15 p.m. to consider amending the Salt Lake City compensation plan, including placing the city treasurer in the executive pay plan, which motion carried, all members voting aye except Councilmember Fonnesbeck who was absent when the vote was taken.
(O 83-19)
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR
#1. RE: Public Utilities Advisory Board.
RECOMMENDATION: Appoint John S. Bonnet and reappoint Mr. Roger Boyer.
DISCUSSION: John S. Bonnet is recommended to fill the existing vacancy on the Public Utilities Advisory Board caused by the expiration of Clifford Ashton’s term. It is also recommended to reappoint Roger Boyer, whose term on the Board has expired, for another term.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Whitehead seconded to refer the appointments to the consent agenda for May 17, 1983, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(I 83-13)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
Petition 323 of 1982 submitted by Walter Bouck, et al.
RE: The vacation of a 13-foot alley which runs south from Kensington Avenue for approximately 221 feet to Bryan Avenue approximately 125 feet east of 3rd East.
A public hearing was held at 6:15 p.m. to consider this petition. Mark Hafey, planning and zoning, outlined the area on a map. He said that the petitioner only requested that the central 100 feet of the alley be vacated with the north 75 feet and the south 65 feet remaining open. Mr. Hafey said that all departments recommended vacation of the alley. He also said that it would be better to vacate the entire alley. Mr. Walter Bouck, petitioner, said that 100% of the abutting property owners had signed the petition; the abutting owners have agreed to grant easements to those who use the alley for access to their garages.
Mr. Bouck said that he wanted the alley vacated so he could close his portion off from public use. He said that cars use the alley at night and trash is thrown in his yard. Mr. Bouck said that one of his neighbors had some property stolen. Councilmember Shearer said that the whole alley could be vacated and the neighbors could make private arrangements about the disposition of the alley. She suggested that Mr. Bouck work with the attorney’s office to get proper easements. No one from the audience opposed this petition.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye except Councilmember Fonnesbeck who was absent when the vote was taken.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to adopt Ordinance 26 of 1983, vacating the public alley located within the Waterloo Addition Subdivision (said alley is 13 feet wide and runs south from Kensington Avenue for 221 feet to Bryan Avenue, approximately 125 feet east of 3rd East), which motion carried, all members voting aye except Councilmember Fonnesbeck who was absent when the vote was taken.
(P 83-259)
Industrial Revenue Bond for Molen and Richards.
RE: An inducement resolution for the issuance of Industrial Revenue Bonds for Molen arid Richards Development Company in an amount not to exceed $1,000,000 for the construction of an office building on the west side of 600 East between South Temple and First South.
A public hearing was held at 6:30 p.m. to discuss the request. Lance Bateman, city controller, said that the Industrial Revenue Bond for Molen and Richards had been submitted with approval by the finance and planning departments. Mr. Bateman said that all necessary fees had been paid and there were no problems. Franklin Richards, Jr., Molen and Richards Company, said that the cost of the building would be approximately $1,250,000 but the bonds would not exceed $1,000,000. He said that if the IRB was not approved it would be questionable as to whether or not the building would still be constructed, instead the property would probably be sold.
Mr. Richards said that on-site parking for the building will be more than adequate because the building itself is underutilizing the site. He said that the planning and zoning department has reviewed and recommended the project; the office building is a permitted use in the “R-7” zoning, which is what this site is zoned. Councilmember DePaulis felt that by approving the IRB the City would be encouraging office use in a residential area; he has not supported the use of the IRB to induce office buildings in a residential area unless it was mixed use. Mr. DePaulis said that the master plan for the area dictates that the City should encourage mixed use. Mr. Richards said that there were several office buildings surrounding the site and a lot of residential use immediately west of the site (the Governor’s Plaza project). No one from the audience opposed this request.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye except Councilmember Fonnesbeck who was absent when the vote was taken.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to adopt the inducement resolution, Resolution 38 of 1983, subject to the attorneys approval, authorizing and inducing the execution of a memorandum of agreement with Molen and Richards Development Company, a joint venture, or any affiliated group regarding the issuance of Industrial Development Revenue Bonds, not to exceed $1 ,000,000, for a commercial project, which motion carried, all members voting aye except Councilmember DePaulis who voted nay and Councilmember Fonnesbeck who was absent when the vote was taken.
(Q 83-10)
Federal Revenue Sharing Funds.
RE: The use of federal revenue sharing funds for fiscal year 1983-84.
A public hearing was held at 7:00 p.m. to discuss this matter. Lance Bateman, city controller, said that federal revenue sharing laws require two hearings to discuss the use of the money and this was the first hearing; the second hearing will be held in conjunction with the budget hearing on May 17, 1983. Mr. Bateman said that there is approximately $4.5 million in funds. The police department will get approximately $2 million as will the fire department. He said that the money could be allocated for operations throughout the City but for accounting purposes the money is put in the police and fire budgets.
Albert Haines said that one specific use of the funds is for public safety which is an easily identified use and is easily accounted for and managed; this money is considered a source of revenue to the general fund. It is spent on operations and is generally allocated for salaries in the police and fire departments. The money does not go into capital because of some federal restrictions; it is easier to put it into the general fund. Councilmember Shearer said that for a number of years the revenue sharing funds were spent almost entirely for capital projects. The policy of the government was to make sure that if these were one-time federal funds the cities did not become dependent upon them for salaries; but this policy has not been invoked since the Council took office.
Mr. Bateman said that one reason is because there was over a $5 million surplus built up of revenue sharing funds because it was not put into capital so operations is a use where the money can be allocated every year without worrying about restrictions placed on the money by the federal government. Mr. Haines said that as a practical matter nationally, revenue sharing has become a part of the operating budgets of cities and counties around the country and Salt Lake City is no exception; it would be difficult to balance the general fund without the $4.5 million dollars.
Mr. DePaulis asked what percentage of the police and fire budgets were federal funds. Mr. Haines said that about 10 or 15% was federal money. Councilmember Parker asked if there was a prediction as to the future of federal revenue sharing. Mayor Wilson said that President Reagan is supporting federal revenue sharing at present levels in this years budget. Mr. Haines said that it was fairly safe for now; Councilmember Shearer said that she did not think it would be done away with, however, in the House Committee there is a proposal for some amendments which are not favorable. No one from the audience spoke on this issue.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to continue the public hearing to May 17, 1983, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(B 83-2)
Petition 400-28 of 1982 submitted by Beesley Construction.
RE: The vacation of the alley which runs south from Blame Avenue just west of the properties facing on 1100 East.
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 petition alluded to the vacation of an “L”-shaped alley that ran east from 10th East between Blaine and Wilson Avenues and north to Blaine Avenue. In discussing this with the petitioner, the portion of the alley that he actually wanted vacated was the area that ran north from the east end of the alley to Blaine Avenue; this portion is 153 feet long by 16 feet wide.
Mr. Hafey said that the Beesely Construction Company has a project that they are building on the west side of 1100 East between Blaine Avenue and Wilson Avenue. Mr. Hafey said that the other departments in the City have recommended vacation of the alley. Both of the affected property owners, the one on the west and Beesley Construction Company on the east, have signed the petition. Mr. Hafey said that it was recommended that another alley be dedicated, running south and opening onto Wilson Avenue, so that a long dead-end alley would not be created; this new alley would be on Mr. Beesley's property but it would be dedicated to the City.
Mr. Beesley would have to hard-surface the alley and maintain it. The alley running east and west from 10th to 11th East would not be touched. Mr. Hafey said there was one property owner that had some concerns about the vacation of the alley running north to Blaine Avenue although their property did not abut that alley. Mr. Hafey said that the Beesley property was zoned “B-3” and a business building is being constructed on the property; no zoning change is required. Mr. Hafey said the petitioner had made arrangements with the property owner abutting the alley on the west to buy the alley if it is vacated.
Joseph Beesley, petitioner, said that Beesley Construction Company has improved the area which has been an eyesore for many years. Previously the site was used by the public as a trash dump and the weeds were not controlled. The change of alleyway will make the existing alley that runs east and west more accessible since the new alley to be dedicated will be almost four feet wider than the present alley. It will be easier for cars to turn the corner; currently it is a hazard for two vehicles to meet at the corner of the alley. Councilmember Shearer asked Mr. Beesley if he agreed to the dedication of the new alley and if he agreed that the east-west alley would remain open. Mr. Beesley said that he had agreed with these conditions. He then showed the Council a plan of the building. He said that the new alley would run through the parking area of the building; the east-west alley would not be closed but would exit on Wilson instead of Blaine Avenue. Councilmember Shearer asked Mr. Beesley if he planned to landscape the vacated portion of the alley. Mr. Beesley said that the alley would be landscaped along the property to the west; new shrubbery would be planted. The right-of-way will be used as a means of loading and unloading.
Mr. Beesley said that the building would be used for retail sales; there would be different types of stores, such as an ice cream store, gift shop, bakery. He said that the other owner adjacent to the alley was willing to work with Beesley Construction on the landscaping. Mr. Beesley said that he was planning on erecting a fence at the end of the alley. Margaret Johnson, resident living on Wilson Avenue, said that this building would be an improvement for the whole neighborhood. She reiterated that the alley was only being changed and not closed. Ms. Johnson felt that this project was a good start for the revitalization of Sugarhouse and an advantage to the neighborhood.
L. C. Mathewson, 1068 Blaine Avenue (abutting property owner), supported the vacation of the alley. He also reiterated the dangerous nature of driving down the alley. Marilyn Stuckenschneider, 1054 Blaine, opposed the vacation of the alley. She said that vacation would only be to Mr. Beesley’s benefit and she thought it would be a hazard with big trucks driving down the alley. Ms. Stuckenschneider said that the new dedicated alley would be through his parking lot. She asked the Council to postpone the hearing because she did not feel enough notice was given about the hearing.
Originally she was informed that the hearing was going to be held in June; she had thought of taking legal action but Max Peterson, city engineer, suggested that she meet with Craig Peterson, director of development services, to discuss this issue. She felt that she did not get a chance to pursue this matter before the Council hearing. Ms. Stuckenschneider also felt that she was an abutting property owner even though she was told that she was not.
Councilmember Whitehead said that when the petitioner was requesting the vacation of the entire “L”-shaped alley she was an abutting property owner; but the portion that he is asking to be vacated does not abut her property. Councilmember Fonnesbeck said that the vacation would not directly affect Mr. Stuckenschneider’s property. Ms. Stuckenschneider said that the vacation would only be to Mr. Beesley’s advantage. Councilmember Fonnesbeck said that whenever an alley is vacated it is only to the benefit of the people who adjoin the property. Councilmember Mabey reiterated that another alley would be dedicated even though it is in his parking lot. Councilmember Fonnesbeck asked if the new alley would in some way be separated from the parking lot. Mr. Hafey said that there would not be a physical definition of the new alley but there would be no parking stalls in that area; it is a driveway. Mr. Beesley suggested that the area could be striped to distinguish it from the parking lot. Councilmember DePaulis asked if the City would be assuming any liability because the use there would be for a commercial interest. Mr. Hafey said that in other instances where there are alleys at the rear of properties people are allowed to use the alley for ingress and egress to parking on private property.
Rawlins Young, chairman of the Sugarhouse Council, expressed his concern about this vacation. He said that this area was a transitional area between residential and business. According to the zoning regulations there should be a substantial wall provided between the commercial area and the residential. He was not certain that the shrubbery that Mr. Beesley was going to plant along the alley would meet the definition of the planning and zoning code. Mr. Beesley said that he had approached the neighbors in the area about the regulations by which he has to abide. He said that Ms. Johnson had signed a note saying that she did not want a six-foot masonry wall barrier.
Mr. Young said that the regulation requires and three-foot to six-foot wall and he was concerned that a precedent would be set. He said there was a constant problem with providing a sufficient buffer between commercial and residential uses. Mr. Hafey said that the parking lot went before the Board of Adjustment and he recalled that the wall was required. He knew there was a letter requesting that the requirement for the wall be waived but he did not know if it had been waived. Councilmember Fonnesbeck expressed concern about the use of the vacated alley. Mr. Hafey said that he was not aware that the alley would be used as a driveway; the building permit was approved with the alley being a public access.
If the alley is vacated then it becomes private property and whenever a “B-3” zone abuts the sideyard of an adjoining residential district then there is a 10-foot landscape buffer required. Mr. Hafey said that without a variance Mr. Beesley may not be able to make a driveway out of the alley. Mr. Besley said that he was aware of this but he had the right to petition the Board of Adjustment for a variance. Councilmember Fonnesbeck said that if the Council vacates the alley the Board of Adjustment may still deny his requested use of the alley.
Ms. Johnson reiterated that she would rather have shrubbery as a barrier than a wall. She also said that there were only about three people on the Blaine side of the alley that use it. Ms. Stuckenschneider asked how wide the right-of-way would be if the alley was vacated. Mr. Hafey said that it would be 18 feet wide but the turn would be about 22 feet wide.
Councilmember Davis moved and Councilmember Mabey seconded to close the hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Parker moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to adopt Ordinance 27 of 1983, vacating a public way located within the West Grand View Subdivision consisting of a 16-foot alley which runs south for approximately 153 feet from Blaine Avenue between 10th and 11th East, which motion carried, all members voting aye except Councilmember DePaulis who voted nay.
(P 83-260)
Community Development Block Grant - 9th Year.
RE: The Salt Lake City Council’s preliminary recommendations for allocation of 9th Year Community Development Block Grant funds, projects or programs to be funded with the Jobs Bill allocation to be received, and the City's Housing Assistance Plan.
A public hearing was held at 7:30 p.m. to discuss this issue. Stephanie Loker, planning and zoning department, said that the purpose for the hearing was so that the citizens could get an explanation of the Housing Assistance Plan and also so that the Council could give their preliminary recommendation on 9th Year CDBG and the Jobs Bill allocation. She also said that the purpose of the hearing was to give the citizens an opportunity to give their input on the projects.
Jon Allred, planning and zoning department, explained the Housing Assistance Plan. He said that HAP was a required component of the CD application; the application would be invalid without a plan which indicates the housing needs and proposes ways in which the needs are to be met. He said that over the last several years housing assistance has been done for about 3,500 units, which is 22% of the current needs. HAP calls for a mix of loans to rehabilitate housing and federal funding for new construction; a balance between owners and renters, elderly and small families and large families is trying to be maintained. Mr. Allred said that there are around 15,000 needy households in the City and hopefully there will be 1,500 units of assistance over the next three-year period.
Mr. Allred said that the program has to follow federal steps and guidelines but to make it unique to Salt Lake City the staff is preparing an assisted housing master plan which will address specific housing needs in Salt Lake City. J.C. May, community development housing specialist at Crossroads Urban Center, said that some of the greatest need for housing assistance is to renters, especially minority and low-income renters. Mr. May said that in the goals he wanted to see a greater mix of renters for housing assistance and if possible a greater housing rehabilitation for owner-occupied residences.
The hearing was then opened for comments on other programs. Bill Walsh, Utah Issues Information Program, said that on March 24 the President signed the Emergency Jobs Bill; it provides new CDBG money to the states for this year. In the past 10% of CDBG was allowed for public works projects, in the new bill up to 50% is allowed. Mr. Walsh asked the Council to set aside some of the new one-time CDBG funds for the emergency work program. The emergency jobs program best uses the funds that are slated for unemployment. Mr. Walsh said that the program would serve unemployed people in the City and would be used to do City work. Mayor Wilson said that the money is not the CDBG but the jobs program grant, about $1.1 million is in the budget. The money was put in the budget under capital improvement programs; if the money was spent the way it is in the budget it would go into construction projects and the employment effect would he there but not for the structurally unemployed.
Mayor Wilson said that he felt Congress had intended that some of this money would be used for the structurally unemployed. He said that he was reviewing the program and a supplemental recommendation would be made to the Council on this particular segment of the funding. Councilmember Whitehead suggested that perhaps some of the projects in the budget could utilize these unemployed people. The Mayor said that there was a potential for a lot of work this spring. The Mayor endorsed this concept strongly and said he would make a recommendation to the Council within the next few days.
Councilmember Davis asked how this money would be administered. Mr. Walsh said that the money would be assigned to the Department of Social Services and the department has made the commitment that City money would be used in the City’s area and would be used for the City’s residents. Councilmember Whitehead asked what guarantee there was that the projects would be done; he asked if there was any way the City would lose the money to the legislature. Mr. Walsh said that there were federal regulations which determined how the money was to be used and the Governor is supporting this program. The Mayor said that the state did not get money but cities with a population of over 50,000.
Terry Zang, legislative liaison for the Catholic diocese of Salt Lake, said that there has been an increase in the number of people needing assistance and help. She said that the emergency work program is geared to people who have no other source of income. Ms. Zang said that the program is needed and the money should be used to help these people. Duane Dowden, Department of Social Services, said that he had recently been unemployed and unable to find work. But because of the emergency work program he was able to get a job.
Mr. Dowden expressed his support for this program and the help that it provided; he said that he has also coordinated the program. He said that many people have benefited not only financially but also emotionally. He urged the Council to support this program. Bob Hoyle, 752 East 800 South, said that minorities face discrimination in housing and jobs. He felt that proposals to discontinue funds for programs like the Centro Civico and Multi-Ethnic Service Center would only make matters worse. Mr. Hoyle said that funding was needed for these programs and more like them. Michael Error, vice chairman of the East Central Community Council said that the council was interested in developing their neighborhood and was requesting funds for redevelopment in the Windsor-Dooley Block, Block 55. They wanted to work towards building up the residential aspect of this portion of the City. Mr. Error said that the council also felt that this was an impact area where a zone was being built against business development; in order to do this funding was needed so that the area could stay zoned residential. There are many elderly people in the area and young people are buying the older homes. Mr. Error said that this had the possibilities of being a desirable community area.
Donald Grinde, director of Native American Studies, said that they wanted to renovate their building and consolidate several services. Mr. Grinde said that the Reagan Administration had cut Indian programs at the federal level by 30% or more and the economy has caused Indian unemployment to go up from 15-20% to about 65% nationwide. This has caused a great many Indian people to leave the reservation for the City. Mr. Grinde said that their organization had distributed, through the food surplus program, cheese and butter to over 12,000 people in the last 4 1/2 months.
Mr. Grinde said that they have been urged to strive for self sufficiency by applying for block grants and other sources, however, the program is not meeting with much success at any funding level. Jim Jensen, director of the Salt Lake Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs, said that he was concerned about the Capitol West facility (Guadeloupe). Mr. Jensen said that recently $189,000 in six-year funding was acquired from Salt Lake City community development in order to build a facility at the present site. The facility is 4,200 square feet and there is a present membership of 1,100 boys and girls in the community. There is a need to increase the size of the facility; the facility is in a very high-need area and it is anticipated that there will be 150 to 200 boys and girls a day using the facility.
Mr. Jensen asked the Council to consider finishing the present facility with an additional 1,352 square feet; a request was made for $50,000 to finish the facility. Richard Harding, Westside Community Council, asked the Council to reconsider the proposed cut to the historical surveys of the southwest and westside areas. He said that NHS was interested in restoring funds for this because NHS could use the information contained for walking historic tours through the neighborhood, historic plaques, home tours, news letters, school activities and projects, social events, new building projects, and park names.
Mr. Harding said that most important NHS was interested, as was the community council, in using the information as a marketing tool to be used in attracting future housing development. The Westside Community Council supports the NHS plan. Mr. Harding recommended that the $26,000 be re-established for the historical survey. Missy Peterson, Housing Outreach Rental Program, said that the support of the Mayor and Council has been appreciated and their organization is grateful that the Mayor recommended continued funding of the program. She said that the City has made an effort to work with the destitute by establishing the emergency shelter but it will probably be closed next month. With the closure of the shelter the needs of the people will probably not be met; the City is also assimilating a large Asian refugee population and they need housing. Other immigrants are attracted as well and all these people make housing a top priority.
Ms. Peterson said that in July grant levels go down for large families on AFDC; those families are having a hard time finding housing because of family size. There is the possibility of hundreds of homeless people. Ms. Peterson said that the Housing Outreach Rental Program provides a service that no one else provides but to adequately assist the people of Salt Lake City the program needs enough resources to work more closely with the transient population and the new Asian citizens and other refugees. Ms. Peterson also supported the emergency jobs outreach program.
John Renteria said that he wanted the El Centro project to be kept as a high priority before the Council even though the Mayor did not recommend funding. Mr. Renteria said that $100,000 of possible funding was contingent upon the Council’s support of the project and their commitment from a year ago. Mr. Renteria said that the project has been pursued for about 1 1/2 years and he hoped that the Council would review the project and its goals. He said that there had been many changes since he last met with the Council that warranted their consideration.
Mayor Wilson said that El Centro Civico was one project that did not receive his recommendation because in having to take a larger share of CDBG money for capital improvements a line had to be drawn called “no new projects”. The Mayor said that all the projects listed for funding are established on-going projects. He said that the project itself was very good and he did not want the Council to think that the project was being criticized. Juan Renteria expressed his support for the El Centro project but also said that the boys’ and girls’ club in the Guadeloupe area was very important to the area. Mr. Renteria said that he wanted to see the project finished so it could be of service.
Councilmember Davis said that the Council was given literature in which Chief Willoughby indicated that there was a prospect in the future for $100,000 contribution by the business sector for the El Centro project. John Renteria said that this was a recent development over the last three weeks and he did not have anything in writing about the contribution, however, he has met with Chief Willoughby about this. Victoria Garcia, Spanish Speaking Health and Mental Health Task Force, spoke in behalf of the Centro Civico project. She said that for years the Centro Civico Mexicano was recognized as an organization that worked primarily with people who had come to the area from Mexico. This organization had grown to include the Hispanic group as a whole who have tried to make themselves more visible and a part of the community. Ms. Garcia said that this year the Hispanic festival would be held at the Centro Civico center so that other people would be aware of the facility. With this added visibility it is felt that money will continue to be received to match funds from community development. Ms. Garcia said that this project was important. The community is trying to raise matching funds for the project but wanted $150,000 from the City.
Arturo Lowrie voiced his support for the Centro Civico project. He said that this project would be beneficial to the community and asked the Council to study this project. Larry Witherow, Emergency Housing Assistance Program and Salt Lake City Housing Authority, thanked the Mayor for recommending funding for the 9th year and hoped that the Council would support the funding. Mr. Witherow said that he does relocation work at the housing authority for people in need of housing; last year about 900 individuals came to the housing authority for help.
Barry Esham, chairman Northwest Community Council, said that there were several recommended budget items on the Jackson-Guadeloupe area. He emphasized that these were growing areas of the City but there were slums and blighted areas that needed to be improved. He said that the area has progressed but more work is needed. He voiced his support for these programs. The Mayor also reiterated that the neighborhood has greatly improved. Gene Davis, vice chairman of the Sugarhouse Community Council, said that he was concerned that there was no funding for the completion of the historical survey.
He said that the project is halfway complete and it should be finished. He said that it would not only help the target area of Sugarhouse but also the areas of the City in the survey area; it is also a critical component of the Sugarhouse master plan. Councilmember Fonnesbeck asked how the historical survey interfaced with the master plan and asked if a master plan could be done without doing a historical survey. Arlo Nelson said that the survey should interface with the master plan but it was delayed because of budget constraints.
Dave Nimkin, Neighborhood Housing Services, expressed his appreciation for the Mayor’s recommendation of their program; he appreciated the confidence and support. He said that it was less then they asked for and could use more if the money was available but he also realized that the Council had many requests. He said with respect to the revolving loan fund they had requested $250,000 which is less than they can use.
The program currently has a waiting list and they are considering targeting the rehabilitation of housing and limiting the kind of work which has been done in the past. Mr. Nimkin said that if there was an opportunity for consideration of more funds for the revolving loan fund the organization would be appreciative. J. C. May emphasized that the City needs to insure that the projects funded by the jobs allocation bill provide jobs for low-income and unemployed residents in Salt Lake City and if possible perhaps in those neighborhoods impacted by the projects. Mr. May said that 9th Year CDBG funding is needed for projects such as the housing project, the assist and housing rehabilitation programs, and emergency housing. Programs such as these more directly benefit lower-income residents than some of the capital improvement projects.
Rawlins Young said that Sugarhouse is a target area that is receiving housing rehabilitation money and he said that they wanted to have voluntary code enforcement which usually goes along with new target areas. All of the other new target areas received it the first year of their housing. He felt that $5,000 to $8,000 should be added to the voluntary code enforcement. Councilmember Davis asked how the 10th East senior citizens’ center was funded for the remodeling. Stephanie Loker said that about two years ago the City contributed $125,000 which was matched by the county community development.
Councilmember Shearer moved and Councilmember Whitehead seconded that the recommended list from the Mayor be published as the tentative Community Development Block Grant funding list, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
Councilmember Whitehead moved and Councilmember Davis seconded to close the public hearing, which motion carried, all members voting aye.
(T 83-2)
CITIZENS COMMENTS
#1. A. L. Moseley, pastor of the Shiloh Baptist Church, addressed the Council and Mayor concerning a problem with a water line near the Shiloh Baptist Church. He said that a pipe had ruptured and water was leaking in the middle of the street in front of the church. He said that no damage was being done to church property but he felt that it was a waste of water. Mr. Moseley requested that the Council direct the City the make the necessary repairs. As he understood City Code it is the responsibility of the property owner to maintain the water line in the street but the church does not have the revenue to maintain the water line, so he asked the Council if they would help with the repair.
Wendell Evensen, public utilities department, said that the City ordinance stated that any of the larger service lines are the responsibility of the property owner from the main into their building. Mr. Evensen said that first, however, the water should be shut off at the main. Councilmember Parker suggested the Mr. Moseley meet with Mr. Evensen so the problem could be resolved.
#2. Ruth Robbins said that the Mayor did not address Hansen Hollow in his CDBG recommendations. She was desirous of the City keeping the property and felt that if the project was not funded the property might be sold to private developers. Councilmember Fonnesbeck assured her that the property would not be sold; the funding to develop the property was only temporarily delayed. Councilmember Davis said that this item was addressed in the Mayor’s budget message. Ms. Robbins also said that the freeway and highland drive projects were not listed for funding. She said that the community only asked for enough money so that a study of the area could be done.
The meeting adjourned at 9:15 p.m.