The City Council met in Work Session on Tuesday, July 15, 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, Deputy Council Director; Gina Chamness, Finance and Budget Director; Rick Graham, Public Services Director; Alden Breinholt, Operations Director; Nick Tarbet, Council Public Policy Analyst; Nick Norris, Planning Manager; Marina Scott, City Treasurer; Jan Aramaki, Council Community Facilitator; Allison Rowland, Council Public Policy Analyst; and Beverly Jones, Deputy City Recorder.
Others in Attendance: Polly Hart, Rita Lund, and Ann Cannon, Community Members on the Off Leash Community Working Group.
Councilmember Luke presided at and conducted the meeting.
The meeting was called to order at 2:09 p.m.
AGENDA ITEMS
#1. Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. RECEIVE A FOLLOW-UP BRIEFING ABOUT THE GOLF FUND’S LONG-TERM FINANCIAL ISSUES, AND WILL DISCUSS WITH THE ADMINISTRATION POTENTIAL OPTIONS FOR OPERATING SCENARIOS TO HELP MAKE THE GOLF FUND FINANCIALLY SELF-SUSTAINING. View Attachments & View Handouts
Jennifer Bruno, Gina Chamness, Rick Graham, and Alden Breinholt briefed the Council from attachments. Councilmember Luke said he wanted to start the discussion with straw polls.
Straw Polls Taken:
•Push forward to do a bond this year to be decided over the coming month and what the details would be. Council Members Rogers and LaMalfa were in favor and Council Members Penfold, Luke, Garrott, Mendenhall, and Adams were not in favor.
•One option that has been raised to avoid a general fund loan/subsidy – close courses now and begin a public process to determine how or what to do with courses. All Council Members were not in favor of closing courses without having a plan.
•Option to send out an opinion ballot to residents asking a series of questions not only about golf but about other topics that might include open space, water, transit, etc. All Council Members were in favor.
Councilmember Luke said every registered voter in the City would receive a mail-in ballot. He said five questions or less would be manageable for the public and would add transparency to the decision making process. Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. He said secondary water was more than a golf issue. He said a move towards secondary water could be a cost savings if they look at everything, not just golf courses. He said secondary water would be expensive and he wanted to involve the public in the process.
Councilmember LaMalfa said numbers suggested that only 10% of Salt Lakers had used a golf course in the last five years. He said the opinion question process could determine if the City should bond for open space projects which could save golf. Councilmember Luke said the Council had voted against a general fund subsidy and that they did not want to bond this year or close courses.
Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. Councilmember Penfold said he supported an opinion ballot. He said rather than multiple questions about golf, there could be multiple questions about open space, recreation, and outdoor amenities. He said the number of categories needed to be limited. He said an opinion ballot could illustrate residents’ priorities. Councilmember Mendenhall said one question needed to address whether golf courses should be made available for other recreational opportunities.
Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. Councilmember Adams said one question could ask how residents felt about using general funds for improvements on golf courses or did they want streets paved more often. She said there should also be a question on bicycling.
Straw Poll Taken:
•Is the Council interested in investigating secondary water in golf courses and public open space with funding to be decided at a later date. All Council Members were in favor.
Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. Councilmember LaMalfa said the City should not move to secondary water unless it made economic sense. He said some secondary water projects had a 40-year payoff. He said City residents would pay more for water so golf could save money. Councilmember Penfold said he wanted to ask Public Utilities to come up with a feasibility plan.
Straw Polls Taken:
•The business plan for the enterprise fund with specific input for each course but being one business plan for the fund. Council Members Penfold, Garrott, Luke, and Adams were in favor and Council Members Rogers, LaMalfa, and Mendenhall were not in favor.
•Increasing fees by $1 per nine holes of golf excluding Junior Golf, at all courses in the City beginning September 1, 2014. Council Members Luke, Garrott, Penfold, Adams, and Mendenhall were in favor and Council Members Rogers and LaMalfa were not in favor.
•Limiting one discount per round per golfer at each course beginning September 1, 2014. All Council Members were in favor.
Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. Ms. Bruno said the Administration would likely recommend a loan from the General Fund to the Golf Fund, which was not technically a subsidy. She said when the Council looked at the golf fund; the pay back would be a long process. Ms. Chamness said the loan would be for Fiscal Year 2014 and they were trying to determine what that number would be. She said for Fiscal Year 2015 the Council had approved a balanced budget. She said they would meet that balanced budget at this point.
Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. Councilmember Mendenhall said she wanted more discussion on receivership. Councilmember LaMalfa said many ideas had been discussed but no one had proposed a business plan that looked 15 years into the future. He said he wanted to hold discussion on potential privatization of some courses.
#2. 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. View Attachments
This item was not held.
#3. Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. RECEIVE A BRIEFING RELATING TO AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE CITY’S REGULATIONS FOR DRIVE-THROUGH FACILITIES PURSUANT TO PETITION NO. PLNPCM2009-00169. The proposed changes would address service accessibility at drive-through windows for all patrons regardless of their mode of transportation and improve pedestrian access and safety. The proposed changes would affect Section 21A.40.060, Drive-Through Facility Regulations, and Title 5, Business License Requirements, of the Salt Lake City Code. Related provisions of Title 21A, Zoning, may also be amended as part of this petition. (Petitioner Salt Lake City Council) View Attachments
Nick Tarbet and Nick Norris briefed the Council from attachments.
#4. Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. RECEIVE A BRIEFING REGARDING CITY’S SALES AND EXCISE REVENUE BONDS TO FINANCE VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS TO CITY BUILDINGS, PARKS, PROPERTY, AND ROADS. Projects include the McClelland Trail. View Attachments
Marina Scott briefed the Council from attachments.
#5. Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. REVIEW RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE OFF LEASH COMMUNITY WORKING GROUP REGARDING POTENTIAL NEW DOG OFF-LEASH OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS. Recommendations consist of policy priorities, tools for success, and action steps for the Council’s consideration and were guided by the Council’s policy goal: View Attachments
•To expand opportunities for residents to enjoy outdoor activities with their off-leash dogs while minimizing impacts on other people, on health and safety, on parks and open space, on nature and wildlife, and on Salt Lake City’s budget.
Jan Aramaki and Allison Rowland briefed the Council from attachments.
Policy Items:
1. Does the Council wish to adopt some or all of the Working Groups recommendations regarding prioritization of dog off leash options.
Councilmember LaMalfa asked about the subcommittee’s policy discussion relative to water for dogs to recreate in. Councilmember Luke said water had been discussed at length. He said there were restrictions on the City’s waterways that needed to be in place to prevent unnecessary pollution. He said they had discussed adding a water feature when developing new dog parks at a substantial cost. Councilmember Penfold said he liked the idea of adding broader policy to encourage some access to recreational water.
Straw Poll Taken:
•Was the Council comfortable with the policy direction. Council Members were comfortable with the policy direction.
Councilmember Garrott asked what the next steps would be. Ms. Rowland asked if the Council wanted to request a formal evaluation of the current off-leash programs; experiences that were under way; Parley’s, Lindsey Gardens, Jordan Park, etc. She said they thought the Council might be interested in some other projects and in requesting a formal pilot project process.
2. Is the Council interested in directing additional resources to create new options for residents to use parks and trails with their off leash dogs.
Councilmember Luke said he felt this issue needed to be discussed with the County. He said if they wanted to create an off leash tag now would be a good time to start that discussion. He said if the Council was looking at funding broader participation from not just City residents, having the County manage that would be the best way. He said that way if someone was not a City resident but wanted to take their dog to a City’s off leash park or use additional resources, there would be the option of purchasing a tag.
Councilmember Luke asked if the Council was interested in appropriating additional funding for signage, dog bags, and trash receptacles. Councilmember Mendenhall asked if the Council could pursue possible sponsorships for these added resources. Councilmember Penfold asked if Items 2 and 3 could be combined. He said maintenance in the parks had been challenging. Council Members said they supported that suggestion.
3. Does the Council wish to implement user fees for parks and open space areas that were exclusively for dogs with the proceeds directed to improvement for these areas.
Councilmember Luke said the working group felt that if a user fee was established it should be for extraordinary use, not for traditional dog parks. Council Members were comfortable moving forward with that. Councilmember Penfold asked if the Council could explore implementing a fee in extraordinary areas and see if there was anticipated revenue for enhancements.
4. Would the Council like to request an evaluation of current off leash experiences to identify lessons learned and other useful information.
Councilmember Garrott said that could be packaged with budget proposals so the Administration could offer the Council an evaluation of how things were going in current areas now.
5. Is the Council interested in exploring any of the proposed pilot projects or considering others.
Councilmember Penfold said he was interested in this proposal but wondered if the resolution would prevent the Council from exploring this without first modifying the resolution. He said he would defer to staff.
6. Based on the adopted budget for Fiscal Year 2014/15 regarding golf courses, does the Council wish to discuss golf courses as an option for off leash dog areas either in the off season or if portions of courses were designated by the City at a future date for other use.
Councilmember Luke said the Council should keep the discussion going but hold it in conjunction with the golf discussion.
7. Staff will share this report with Parks, Natural Lands, Urban Forestry, and Trails Advisory Board.
Councilmember Luke asked if the Council was interested in engaging this board in discussions. Council Members were interested.
Councilmember Luke asked about the concept of pouring a concrete pad or a space at most parks that could be used for food trucks or other types of vendors. Council Members were in favor but wanted to use space already available such as parking lots, etc.
#6. Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. DISCUSS HOW TO HANDLE SALES FOR THE HIVE PASS THAT ARE PROCESSED THROUGH PUBLIC UTILITIES, AND WHETHER THE CREDIT CARD SURCHARGE ADOPTED BY THE COUNCIL DURING THE ANNUAL BUDGET SHOULD APPLY TO THOSE TRANSACTIONS. View Attachments
Jennifer Bruno briefed the Council from attachments.
Straw Poll Taken:
•Do not pass through credit card fees and that the Council research a funding source for those fees. All Council Members were in favor except Councilmember Garrott who did not vote.
Ms. Gust-Jenson said staff would find out whether it was appropriate for fees to be absorbed elsewhere and return to the Council.
#7. Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. INTERVIEW HONORABLE PALMER DEPAULIS PRIOR TO CONSIDERATION OF HIS APPOINTMENT TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF SALT LAKE CITY.
Councilmember Luke said the Honorable Palmer DePaulis’s name would be forwarded to the Consent Agenda for formal approval.
#8. Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. INTERVIEW JEANETTE MISAKA PRIOR TO CONSIDERATION OF HER APPOINTMENT TO THE SISTER CITIES BOARD.
Councilmember Luke said Ms. Misaka’s name would be forwarded to the Consent Agenda for formal approval.
#9. Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. INTERVIEW REID EWING, PH.D. PRIOR TO CONSIDERATION OF HIS APPOINTMENT TO THE TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY BOARD.
Councilmember Luke said Dr. Ewing’s name would be forwarded to the Consent Agenda for formal approval.
#10. Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. INTERVIEW ALBERTA COMER PRIOR TO CONSIDERATION OF HER APPOINTMENT TO THE LIBRARY BOARD.
Councilmember Luke said Ms. Comer’s name would be forwarded to the Consent Agenda for formal approval.
#11. Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. INTERVIEW RACHEL QUIST PRIOR TO CONSIDERATION OF HER APPOINTMENT TO THE HISTORIC LANDMARKS COMMISSION.
Councilmember Luke said Ms. Quist’s name would be forwarded to the Consent Agenda for formal approval.
#12. THE COUNCIL WILL BE BRIEFED ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO PARKING REGULATIONS THAT WOULD MORE ACCURATELY REFLECT PARKING PAYMENT PROCESSES. View Attachments
This item was not held.
#13. Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. 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.
See file M 14-5 for announcements.
#14. REPORT OF THE CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR.
This item was not held.
The meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
#14. Error! Hyperlink reference not valid. CONSIDER A MOTION TO ENTER INTO CLOSED SESSION, IN KEEPING WITH UTAH CODE § 52-4-205, FOR ANY ALLOWED PURPOSE.
Councilmember Garrott moved and Councilmember Penfold seconded to enter into Closed Session to discuss 52-4-205 (1)(c), pending or reasonably imminent litigation and 78B-1-137, Attorney-Client matters pursuant to Utah Code Provision 52-4-205(1)(c), Utah Open and Public Meetings Law. A roll call vote was taken. Council Members Rogers, Adams, Mendenhall, Luke, Garrott, LaMalfa, and Penfold voted aye.
See File M 14-2 for Sworn Statement.
In Attendance: Council Members Rogers, LaMalfa, Garrott, Mendenhall, Luke, Adams, and Penfold.
Others in Attendance: Cindy Gust-Jenson; Jennifer Bruno; Gina Chamness; Dan Weist; Rusty Vetter; Betsy Haws; Jason Oldroyd; Allison Rowland; Mary Beth Thompson; Eric Shaw; Robin Hutcheson; and Beverly Jones.
The Closed Session adjourned at 7:15 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 July 15, 2014.
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