The City Council met in Work Session on Tuesday, February 18, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. in Room 326, Committee Room, City County Building, 451 South State Street.
In Attendance: Council Members James Rogers, Kyle LaMalfa, Luke Garrott, Erin Mendenhall, Charlie Luke, Stan Penfold, and Lisa Adams.
Staff in Attendance: Cindy Gust-Jenson, Executive Council Director; Jennifer Bruno, Executive Council Deputy Director; David Everitt, Mayor’s Chief of Staff; Margaret Plane, City Attorney; Lynn Pace, Mayor’s Senior Advisor; Michael Akerlow, Housing and Neighborhood Development Director; Nick Tarbet, Council Policy Analyst; Joel Paterson, Planning Programs Coordinator; Rick Graham, Public Services Director; Nick Norris, Planning Manager; Debra Alexander, Human Resource Director; Maryann Pickering, Principal Planner; Boyd Ferguson, Senior City Attorney; Katherine Lewis, Senior City Attorney; Gina Chamness, Budget Director; Thomas Irvin, Principal Planner; Sean Murphy, Council Policy Analyst; Casey Stewart, Senior Planner; Cheri Coffey, Assistant Planning Director; Brian Fullmer, Council Policy Analyst/Constituent Liaison; and Scott Crandall, Deputy City Recorder.
Guests in Attendance: David Jackson, FirstWest Benefits Consultant.
Councilmember Luke presided at and conducted the meeting.
The meeting was called to order at 2:10 p.m.
AGENDA ITEMS
#1. 2:10:43 PM RECEIVE A BRIEFING REGARDING PROPOSED ZONING CHANGES TO CITY-OWNED PROPERTY LOCATED AT 1226 SOUTH 1100 EAST PURSUANT TO PETITION NOS. PLNPCM2013-00797 AND PLNPCM2013-00799. View Attachments The proposal would amend the Central Community Master Plan future land use map and rezone the property from R-1/5,000 Single Family Residential to Neighborhood Commercial (CN). The proposal would facilitate the development of the parcel by allowing access to and parking for the adjacent property at 1234 South 1100 East. In exchange for the access and parking, the owner of the adjacent property would build and landscape an extension of the Jordan and Salt Lake City Canal Trail along the north side of the property. Although the applicant has requested that the property be rezoned to the Neighborhood Commercial (CN) zone, consideration may be given to rezoning the property to another zoning district with similar characteristics. Petitioner - Mayor Ralph Becker. (Item H1)
Nick Tarbet and Joel Paterson briefed the Council with attachments. Comments included access/parking issues, landscape improvements, separate petition for surplus property trade, undevelopable parcel, McClelland Trail improvements/easements, walkable neighborhood, sidewalk width, ongoing maintenance, potential development impacts on neighborhood, and establish correct zoning/development standards.
Councilmember Luke said a public hearing would be scheduled for March 4, 2014. Additional discussion was held at 2:20:04 PM.
#2. 2:25:11 PM RECEIVE A FOLLOW-UP BRIEFING FROM ADMINISTRATION TO DISCUSS POLICY QUESTIONS AND COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH AFFORDABLE CARE ACT. View Attachments
Debra Alexander and David Jackson briefed the Council with attachments. Comments included federal mandates for employers, compliance issues, total compliance required by January 1, 2016, spread costs over two budget cycles, impact on approximately 60 employees, potential cost to provide full benefits approximately $1.3 million (new money), health benefits alone approximately $800,000, equity issues, converting seasonal employees to “regular part-time” (RPT), eliminating 15-18 positions would keep expenses neutral, treat employees fair/equitable, waiver incentives, double coverage issues, review staffing models, City obligated to provide proper type of insurance, and employees to decide if they want coverage.
Discussion was held on the following policy questions identified in the attachments: converting 11-month seasonal positions into full-time positions; giving converted 11-month seasonal positions full benefits; not offering any benefits to employees who work less than 30 hours per week; providing additional types of benefits to employees working 30+ hours per week but less than 40 hours per week; and converting existing 30+ hours per week RPT positions to full-time positions.
The Council expressed interest in exploring ways to incentivize employees not to elect City coverage if they could be covered under their spouse’s/partner’s insurance (avoid double-coverage). Councilmember Rogers requested cost saving information/analysis if the City just hired more seasonal employees instead of converting positions to full-time. Councilmember LaMalfa suggested exploring ways to keep seasonal employees at the same wage and give them a month off of unpaid leave. Ms. Alexander said she would incorporate Council suggestions/requests as staffing models were reviewed.
#3. 3:02:56 PM RECEIVE A BRIEFING ABOUT A PROPOSED SUGAR HOUSE STREETCAR CORRIDOR MASTER PLAN AND ZONING AMENDMENTS. View Attachments The proposed plan and amendments would enact form-based zoning in some areas along and near the Sugar House Streetcar “S” Line. A potential outcome of adopting the proposed amendments would be to change the zoning designation of 2.85 acres of land in Fairmont Park along Sugarmont Drive near 900 East Street from Open Space to Form-Based Edge Area. Changing the zoning designation could allow the acres to be developed.
Russell Weeks, Nick Norris, Maryann Pickering, Boyd Ferguson, David Everitt, Katie Lewis, Michael Akerlow, and Rick Graham briefed the Council with attachments. Comments included appropriate development around transit stations, parking requirement provisions, alternative transit modes, address Boys/Girls Club needs, open space requirements, process to surplus tennis court area, impact fee collection issues, and replacing the tennis court.
Councilmember Luke said a public hearing would likely be scheduled sometime in March.
#4. 3:32:26 PM RECEIVE A FOLLOW-UP BRIEFING REGARDING BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 2 FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013-14. View Attachments Budget amendments happen several times each year to reflect adjustments to the City’s budgets, including proposed project additions and modifications. This amendment contains a number of proposed adjustments to the FY 2013-14 budget, including funding for:
•a portion of the costs of the Sugar House Streetcar, and various improvements to create a "greenway" within the corridor.
•a transportation planner position to assist with capital improvement (building and roadway) projects.
•the City’s transit master plan, phase 2 of the Sugar House streetcar plan, and a study of Foothill Drive (funding from Utah Transit Authority).
•an additional trained nurse dispatcher to manage non-emergency calls from the 9-1-1 call-takers (donation funds from the Utah Hospital Association). (Item C1)
Jennifer Bruno and Gina Chamness briefed the Council with attachments. The following items were discussed:
Parking stations - revenue update. Ms. Bruno said the Administration would continue working on the issue and update the Council as soon as information was available.
Item A-1 - Climate adaptation. Councilmember LaMalfa asked that the Sustainability Business Plan include information about seeking funding partners to help the City reach sustainability goals.
Item I-5 Council Added Item – West Salt Lake Master Plan – Implementation Plan of Finance ($50,000 - Source: reallocation of funds for Barnes Bank awning) Councilmember Garrott said one initiative discussed during the Council’s retreat was to focus on master plan implementation. Councilmember LaMalfa said he wanted to pull the item from the budget amendment so Council could explore alternatives.
Item I-5 Council Added Item – Additional funding for Citizen Survey ($30,000 - Source: General Fund). Discussion was held on utilizing various aspects of on-line/phone surveys. Councilmember Luke asked staff to contact potential vendors and bring information back to the Council as soon as possible. Councilmember Garrott asked staff to provide the Council with criteria listed in the Request for Proposal (RFP). Ms. Chamness said additional funding would probably be needed.
#5. 5:06:00 PM HEAR A BRIEFING REGARDING A PROPOSAL TO VACATE AND CLOSE TO PUBLIC USE A PORTION OF THE ALLEY LOCATED BETWEEN ROOSEVELT (1455 SOUTH) AND EMERSON (1490 SOUTH) AVENUES, RUNNING EAST TO WEST FROM APPROXIMATELY 1177 EAST TO 1130 EAST PURSUANT TO PETITION NO. PLNPCM2013-00068. (Petitioner Steven Seftel) View Attachments
Sean Murphy, Thomas Irvin, and Nick Norris briefed the Council with attachments. Comments included a majority of property owners in support, security/safety issues, lack of use, urban design, McClelland Trail parking/access issues, create density/evaluate neighborhood needs, maintenance issues, existing policy supporting alley vacations, abandoned alleys, develop Citywide design standards, public policy decision, connectivity, create more open space/parks, and alleys are part of City’s fabric.
Ms. Gust-Jenson said she would provide information about past alley vacations/closure policies. Councilmember Luke said a public hearing date would be decided at the next meeting.
#6. 5:36:22 PM RECEIVE A BRIEFING REGARDING THE LIST OF LEGISLATIVE ISSUES FOR THE 2014 STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
Lynn Pace briefed the Council. Discussion was held on proposed legislation regarding the City’s ability to conduct apartment inspections. Mr. Pace said a proposal was made suggesting the City modify its ordinance that for landlords who did not participate in the good landlord program, the City was free to conduct inspections as often as deemed appropriate/necessary. He said for those participating in the good landlord program, inspections would only be allowed by complaint or for new projects. He said the Council’s subcommittee had concerns about that and the Administration prepared a memo opposing the proposal because safety issues were still found with participating landlords. He said the Administration’s recommendation was to resist the proposal and push to maintain the City’s inspection authority (approximately once every three years) and he needed Council direction to respond appropriately.
Straw Polls:
•To maintain the current practice for inspections. Council Members LaMalfa, Penfold, Garrott, Luke, and Mendenhall were in favor. Council Members Rogers and Adams were opposed.
•To give Mr. Pace flexibility to negotiate inspection frequency, pre-inspection notice, etc. based on Council discussion. Council Members Penfold, Garrott, Luke, Adams, and Mendenhall were in favor. Council Members Rogers and LaMalfa were opposed.
Councilmember Rogers wanted to provide benefits to landlords who participated in the program. Councilmember Penfold said the ordinance did not specifically state three years and felt flexibility already existed.
Other Issues:
•Special Assessment Areas – discussion included how to count votes in economic development areas.
•Local Sales Tax redistribution – if internet sales legislation passed, the formula would be modified (50% population, 25% point-of-sale, and 25% assessed value).
•Convention Hotel – bill advanced with a post performance incentive involving revenue redistribution from the City, County, and State (no subsequent hearing or Council approval). A board would be created (City would have two seats) to review RFP proposals and select a successful bidder.
•Public Opinion Polls – bill had a significant level of reservation because legislators felt elected officials were elected to make hard decisions without taking public opinion polls.
•Appropriation Item - help fund law enforcement efforts regarding half-way houses and parole violator centers.
Mr. Pace said he welcomed any feedback and would keep the Council updated as the session continued.
#7. 6:10:07 PM RECEIVE A BRIEFING REGARDING PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE CITY’S ZONING REGULATIONS PURSUANT TO PETITION NOS. PLNPCM2009-00484 AND PLNPCM2009-01339. View Attachments The proposed changes are intended to update the City’s Subdivision and Site Design Development regulations to:
•make the review process more efficient and user-friendly.
•facilitate incorporation of solar energy systems in new developments.
•reflect current design standards and best practices in lot, block and street layout and connectivity.
•consolidate subdivision regulations in one place.
Related provisions of Title 21A, Zoning, may also be amended as part of this petition. (Petitioner – Mayor Ralph Becker).
Casey Stewart, Cheri Coffey, and Nick Tarbet briefed the Council with attachments. Comments included consolidate/update regulations, clarify approval/notification/appeal process, modify subdivision review process, move condominium regulations from zoning to subdivision code, and incorporate site development pamphlet in official code. No feedback was requested from the Council.
#8. 6:05:46 PM INTERVIEW XAVIER GONDRA PRIOR TO CONSIDERATION OF HIS APPOINTMENT TO THE POLICE CIVILIAN REVIEW BOARD. (ITEM H5)
Councilmember Luke said Mr. Gondra’s name was on the Consent Agenda for formal consideration.
#9. 6:07:42 PM INTERVIEW HOLLY MARTACK YOCOM AND 6:08:38 PM NATHANIEL STEVEN SALAZAR PRIOR TO CONSIDERATION OF THEIR APPOINTMENT TO THE LIBRARY BOARD. (ITEMS H6 AND H7)
Councilmember Luke said Ms. Yocom’s and Mr. Salazar’s names were on the Consent Agenda for formal consideration.
#10. 3:55:59 PM RECEIVE A BRIEFING REGARDING A PROPOSAL TO DESIGNATE ONEIDA ISLAND, LOCATED AT 2150 EAST 2350 SOUTH, AS A CITY PARK AND ESTABLISH PARK HOURS. A proposal to amend Chapter 15.04, Salt Lake City Code, (Parks, Play Fields and Golf Courses) would designate this parcel as a City park. View Attachments
Rick Graham and Brian Fullmer briefed the Council with attachments. Comments included enforcement capability/use restrictions, maintenance issues, better control/oversight, explore other green space areas Citywide for similar change, and install signage. Councilmember Adams suggested placing a sign on the south end of the parcel.
#11. 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.
Item not held.
#12. REPORT OF THE CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR.
Item not held.
#13. 6:21:49 PM CONSIDER A MOTION TO ENTER INTO CLOSED SESSION, IN KEEPING WITH UTAH CODE § 52-4-205(1)(a) DISCUSSION OF THE CHARACTER, PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE, OR PHYSICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH OF AN INDIVIDUAL.
Councilmember Garrott moved and Councilmember Mendenhall seconded to enter into closed session to discuss the character, professional competence, or physical or mental health of an individual pursuant to provisions of Section 52-4-205(1)(a) of the Utah Open and Public Meetings Law. A roll call vote was taken. All Council Members voted aye. See File M 14-2 for Sworn Statement.
In Attendance: Council Members James Rogers, Kyle LaMalfa, Luke Garrott, Erin Mendenhall, Charlie Luke, Stan Penfold, and Lisa Adams.
Others in Attendance: Margaret Plane, City Attorney and Debra Alexander, Human Resource Director.
The meeting adjourned at 7:05 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 February 18, 2014.
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