The City Council met in Work Session on Tuesday, August 18, 2015, at 4:14 p.m. in Room 326, Committee Room, City County Building, 451 South State Street.
In Attendance: Council Members James Rogers, Luke Garrott, Erin Mendenhall, Lisa Adams, Kyle LaMalfa, and Stan Penfold.
Absent: Councilmember Charlie Luke
Staff in Attendance: Cindy Gust-Jenson, Executive Council Director; Jennifer Bruno, Executive Council Deputy Director; Margaret Plane, City Attorney; Mary DeLaMare-Schaefer, Community and Economic Development Deputy Director; Russell Weeks, Council Senior Public Policy Analyst; Libby Stockstill, Council Constituent Liaison/Policy Analyst; Boyd Ferguson, Senior City Attorney; Sean Murphy, Council Public Policy Analyst; Cindi Mansell, City Recorder; and Kory Solorio, Assistant City Recorder.
Guests in Attendance: Jason Matthis, Downtown Alliance and Jonathan Springmeyer, Bonneville Research.
Councilmember Garrott presided at and conducted the meeting.
The meeting was called to order at 4:14 p.m.
AGENDA ITEMS
#1. 4:14:15 PM HOLD A FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION ABOUT OPTIONS FOR A PARKS, TRAILS AND OPEN SPACE BOND PROPOSAL. If approved by voters, the potential bond would result in a property tax increase for residents and property owners and would be used to pay for more outdoor recreational opportunities in the City – including converting some current open spaces into new uses, adding trail improvements and connections, and other opportunities. The Council will vote tonight to determine if the bond will be placed on the November ballot. (Item C4)
Discussion was held regarding bond proposal options.
A 3-3 Straw Poll was taken and failed to support moving forward with the proposed $99.8 million bond amount, Council Members Garrott, Mendenhall, and LaMalfa were in favor. Council Members Adams, Rogers, and Penfold were opposed.
A 3-3 Straw Poll was taken and failed to support moving forward with a proposed $58 million bond which excluded the proposed Glendale Golf Course project and included the Folsum Trail, Sego Lily, and North Temple Bridge projects. Council Members Garrott, Mendenhall and LaMalfa were in favor. Council Members Adams, Rogers, and Penfold were opposed.
Discussion followed regarding the need to provide opportunity for additional public comment. A unanimous Straw Poll was taken in support to allow continued public comment for the bond proposal.
Council Members recommended Staff continue to work with stakeholders on the bond process and take a comprehensive proposal to voters in 2016.
#2. 4:37:42 PM RECEIVE A BRIEFING ABOUT A PROPOSAL TO CREATE A NEW ASSESSMENT AREA FOR DOWNTOWN SALT LAKE CITY FOR ECONOMIC PROMOTION EFFORTS. The current assessment area – and contract with a vendor – expire in April 2016. The proposal would enable the City to continue to collect assessment funds for marketing, advocacy and other initiatives in the Central Business Improvement Area. The Downtown Alliance is currently contracted to perform those duties. Under the proposal, the City would initiate a Request For Proposals from contractors to continue the promotional work. The Downtown Alliance could submit a proposal.
Russell Weeks, Mary DeLaMare-Schaefer, Boyd Ferguson, and Jonathan Springmeyer briefed the Council with attachments. Comments included the proposed renewal of a special assessment district, the process for renewing the district, expiration of the current assessment area, Downtown Alliance contract expiration to manage economical promotion activities, new legislative procedures for creating a special assessment district, and additional background information on previously considered proposals.
Discussion was held regarding legal restrictions for creating a special assessment district, options to increase business and economic development, and methods of property assessment. Council requested Staff submit proposals/outlines for an Operations and Maintenance Assessment District and a Capital Improvement District including options to discuss and advance to property districts. A follow up meeting was scheduled in 60 days.
#3. 5:30:31 PM CONTINUE TO DISCUSS THE MAYOR’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET RELATING TO THE CITY’S CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (CIP) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014-2015. Capital improvements involve the construction, purchase or renovation of buildings, parks, streets or other physical structures. Generally, projects have a useful life of five or more years and cost $50,000 or more.
Discussion was held regarding the City’s CIP budget and ongoing CIP projects for consideration. Comments included priority of 2014 and 2015 CIP projects, overlap of 2014 CIP projects, expiration of impact fees, consistency of CIP projects with master plans, concern and flexibility regarding projects not included in specific group projects, and proposed allocated funding.
A unanimous Straw Poll was taken in support of ranking CIP projects by priority. Councilmember Garrott asked Council Members to individually rank their recommended CIP projects and submit results to Staff the following business day before 5:00 p.m. for discussion at the next meeting. All Council Members present supported the request.
#4. REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INCLUDING A REVIEW OF COUNCIL INFORMATION ITEMS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS. The Council may give feedback or Staff direction on any item related to City Council business, including but not limited to:
•Scheduling Items
•Housing Authority Council Staff Board Appointment.
No discussion was held.
#5. REPORT OF THE CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR.
No discussion was held.
#6. 6:17:45 PM CONSIDER A MOTION TO ENTER INTO CLOSED SESSION, IN KEEPING WITH UTAH CODE TO DISCUSS ATTORNEY-CLIENT MATTERS THAT ARE PRIVILEGED, UTAH CODE §78B-1-137. (CLOSED SESSION HELD IN ROOM 326)
Councilmember LaMalfa moved and Councilmember Penfold seconded to enter into Closed Session to discuss Attorney-Client matters that are privileged, Utah Code §78B-1-137, Utah Open and Public Meetings Law. A roll call vote was taken. Council Members Mendenhall, Penfold, LaMalfa, Rogers, Adams, and Garrott voted aye. Council Member Luke was absent.
See File M 15-2 for Sworn Statement.
In Attendance: Council Members Rogers, LaMalfa, Garrott, Mendenhall, Adams, and Penfold.
Absent: Councilmember Charlie Luke.
Others in Attendance: Margaret Plane, Jennifer Bruno, Nicole Bourdeaux, Cindi Mansell, and Kory Solorio.
The Closed Session adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
The Work Session meeting adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
This document is not intended to serve as a full transcript as other items may have been discussed; please refer to the audio or video for entire content.
This document along with the digital recording constitute the official minutes of the City Council Work Session meeting held August 18, 2015.
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