May 29, 2012

 

The City Council met in Work Session on Tuesday, May 29, 2012, at 2:00 p.m. in Room 326, Committee Room, City County Building, 451 South State Street.

 

In Attendance:  Council Members Carlton Christensen, Stan Penfold, Kyle LaMalfa, Luke Garrott, Jill Remington Love, Charlie Luke and Søren Simonsen.

 

Also In Attendance:  Cindy Gust-Jenson, Executive Council Director; Mayor Ralph Becker; Jennifer Bruno, Council Deputy Director; Edwin Rutan, City Attorney; Karen Halladay, Council Policy Analyst; Lehua Weaver, Council Policy Analyst/Constituent Liaison; Frank Gray, Community and Economic Development Director; Mary Beth Thompson, Revenue Analyst/Auditing Manager; Ray Milliner, Principal Planner; Jan Aramaki, Council Policy Analyst/Constituent Liaison; Joel Paterson, Planning Manager; Nick Tarbet, Council Policy Analyst/Constituent Liaison; Gordon Hoskins, Finance Director; Emy Maloutas, Parks and Public Lands Director; Ann Ober, Administration Services Director; April Harris, Salt Lake County Animal Services; Dan Mulé, City Treasurer; LuAnn Clark, Housing and Neighborhood Development Director; Sylvia Richards, Council Budget Policy Analyst; Amber McClellan, Council Constituent Liaison; Robin Hutcheson, Transportation Director; Rick Graham, Public Services Director; David Childress, Fleet Director; Greg Davis, Public Services Finance Director; Kevin Young, Transportation Planning Engineer; Claudia Sundbeck, Civil/Traffic Section Manager; Curtis Preece, City Courts Administrator; Jeanne Robison, Court Judge; Tim Dougan, Aparc Consultant; Robert Ziola, Aparc Consultant; John Ogelsby, Aparc Consultant; Lydia Beuning, No More Homeless Pets; and Scott Crandall, Deputy City Recorder.

 

Councilmember Simonsen presided at and conducted the meeting.

 

The meeting was called to order at 2:09 p.m.

 

AGENDA ITEMS

 

#1.  2:09:46 PM REPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INCLUDING A REVIEW OF COUNCIL INFORMATION ITEMS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS. View Attachments

 

See file M 12-5 for announcements.

 

#2.  2:24:03 PM REPORT OF THE CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR, INCLUDING AN UPDATE ON COUNCIL INTEREST ITEMS AND A REPORT OF MEETINGS WITH THE CHAIR AND VICE CHAIR OF VARIOUS CITY BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS.

 

Councilmember Simonsen said there were no updates.

#3.  2:24:13 PM RECEIVE A BRIEFING REGARDING AN ORDINANCE ALLOWING ADAPTIVE REUSES OF LANDMARK BUILDINGS. THE PETITION WOULD MODIFY THE REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO NONRESIDENTIAL USES IN A LANDMARK STRUCTURE. THE SALT LAKE CHORAL ARTISTS WANT TO USE THE BUILDING AT 700 NORTH 200 WEST TO CONDUCT REHEARSALS, GIVE LESSONS AND KEEP THEIR OFFICES. THE PROPOSED CHANGE INCLUDES: View Attachments

 

•creation of a new definition for an adaptive reuse of a landmark structure.

•elimination of the list of commercial uses eligible to occupy landmark buildings.

•enhancement of qualifying provision for eligibility of a commercial use to occupy a landmark structure.

•modifications to onsite parking regulations.

 

Related provisions of Title 21A - Zoning, may also be amended as part of this petition. Petitioner - Salt Lake Choral Artists, Petition No. PLNPCM2011-00624.

 

Joel Paterson and Ray Milliner briefed the Council with handouts.  Council Members comments/concerns included prohibited uses, parking accommodations, easement programs/restrictions, off-site leasing issues, third-party partnerships, clarify appropriate retail use and protect significant structures.

 

Councilmember Penfold asked the Administration to contact the Heritage Foundation to explore options regarding their easement program including any legal restrictions.  Councilmember Simonsen said the proposal was scheduled for a public hearing on June 5, 2012.

 

#4.  2:47:06 PM RECEIVE A BRIEFING FROM THE ADMINISTRATION ON A COMPREHENSIVE REPORT OF ITS FINDINGS REGARDING PROPOSED MODELS AND OPTIONS TO INCREASE DOG OFF-LEASH AREAS, INCLUDING COMPONENTS OF EDUCATION AND ENFORCEMENT. View Attachments

 

Emy Maloutas, Ann Ober, April Harris and Jan Aramaki briefed the Council with a PowerPoint presentation/handouts.  Council Members comments/concerns included non-compliance, designated areas, waste stations, benefits of tag program, volunteer participation, hour restrictions, waste pick-up enforcement/impacts, population density, neighborhood parks, open space donations, assessment of park use, percentage of resident versus non-resident use, fencing options, shared spaces, super-fund site constraints, additional parks/space needed, enforcement/education/licensing by non/profits, ranger sharing resources/program with public utilities, address issues in other city parks, water quality protection/management, explore/define relationship with Police Department, explore education opportunities through various agencies/departments, tag certification program with County participation, Citywide emphasis when evaluating new sites, utilize surveys, input needed from multiple user groups, include little league groups, address outdated plans and disk golf parks/activities.

 

Ms. Gust-Jenson said the Council could make a clear policy statement regarding collaboration between the Parks and Public Lands division and Public Utilities or just make a request for more exploration. Councilmember Christensen asked about potential penalties and/or consequences for someone with a dog tag that did not follow park rules.  Ms. Ober said they would add that to the list.

 

Councilmember Simonsen asked Council Members to provide additional questions/suggestions to Ms. Ober.

 

#5.  3:50:07 PM RECEIVE A BRIEFING FROM SALT LAKE COUNTY ANIMAL SERVICES ON A PROPOSAL TO HAVE SALT LAKE CITY CODE MIRROR THE COUNTY’S CODE PERTAINING TO FERAL CATS. THIS PROPOSAL WOULD REMOVE THE FERAL CAT COLONY REGISTRATION PROCESS FROM SALT LAKE CITY CODE. View Attachments

 

April Harris, Jan Aramaki and Lydia Beuning briefed the Council with handouts.  A majority of the Council was in favor of having the Administration proceed with community outreach and come back to the Council with a recommendation in approximately 60-days.

 

#6.  4:10:44 PM HEAR A BRIEFING FROM REPRESENTATIVES OF GROUPS EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL FOR SALT LAKE CITY TO PREPARE A BID TO BE THE HOST CITY OF THE 2022 OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES. View Attachments

 

Mayor Becker briefed the Council with handouts.  Council Members comments/concerns included determining control structure, what conditions would the City want/need to host games and Council involvement in decision making process.

 

Councilmember Simonsen asked what direction was needed from the Council.  Mayor Becker asked Council Members to contact his office or e-mail him with any comments/concerns about issues relating to hosting the games.

 

Ms. Gust-Jenson asked if the Council would need to cast a formal vote about moving forward.  Mayor Becker said there would be formal steps during the process that would require Council action.  Ms. Gust-Jenson suggested working with the Attorney’s Office to prepare for situations that might require quick decisions.

 

Councilmember Simonsen said he did not think anyone on the Council objected to moving forward but asked Council Members to let him know otherwise.

 

#7.  4:37:33 PM RECEIVE A BRIEFING ON ITEMS RELATED TO THE FISCAL YEAR 2012-13 ANNUAL BUDGET. THE BRIEFINGS INCLUDE BUDGET PROPOSALS FOR DEPARTMENTS, SEPARATE FUNDS, AND OTHER BUDGET RELATED ITEMS. View Attachments

 

a. 4:37:39 PM RECEIVE A BRIEFING REGARDING A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE AND CONFIRMING THE SALE OF $23,000,000 TAX AND REVENUE ANTICIPATION NOTES FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012. View Attachments

 

Dan Mulé and Jennifer Bruno briefed the Council with handouts. Mr. Mulé said a sale date was scheduled for June 20, 2012 and the closing would be in early July.  He said the exact amount was not known but he would notify Council staff as soon as he found out.

 

b. 4:40:57 PM MAYOR’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET RELATING TO THE FLEET DIVISION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013. THE CITY’S FLEET MANAGEMENT INTERNAL SERVICE FUND PROVIDES VEHICLES, FUEL AND VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR SERVICES FOR ALL CITY DEPARTMENTS. View Attachments

 

Rick Graham, Jennifer Bruno and David Childress briefed the Council with handouts.  Council Members comments/concerns included GPS usage, fuel costs, grant utilization, safety/behavioral components, maintenance/replacement prioritization, hybrid purchases and eastside re-fueling station.

 

c. 4:52:56 PM MAYOR’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET RELATING TO THE PUBLIC SERVICES DIVISION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013. THE PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROVIDES MANY OF THE DIRECT, DAY-TO-DAY SERVICES SALT LAKE CITY RESIDENTS AND VISITORS RECEIVE. THEY REPAIR STREETS, MAINTAIN PARKS AND PUBLIC OPEN SPACES, PROVIDE CULTURE, EDUCATION AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTH AND FAMILIES, REMOVE SNOW, REMOVE GRAFFITI, TRIM TREES, SWEEP STREETS, MAINTAIN TRAFFIC SIGNS AND SIGNALS, ENFORCE PARKING ORDINANCES, MAINTAIN THE CITY’S BUILDINGS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES. View Attachments

 

Rick Graham, Greg Davis and Karen Halladay briefed the Council with handouts.  Council Members comments/concerns included restore, prioritize and maintain service levels, snow removal costs, on-line service/reservation options, Cemetery water issues, number of remaining plots, special event fees, cost recovery, water conservation efforts for City owned buildings, update tree management plan, public education/participation for public right-of-way trees, tree inventory loss/replacement impediments and status of youth programs.

 

Councilmember LaMalfa asked about closed restrooms at Glendale Park tennis courts.  Mr. Graham said he was not aware they were closed and would provide an update by the end of the evening.

 

Councilmember Christensen asked what the payback/return would be to modify/fix the Cemetery’s water system.  Mr. Graham said a study was currently being conducted and would update the Council.  Councilmember Luke requested a 20-year trend on the number of trees lost and replaced throughout the City including those in the public right-of-way.

 

d. 5:30:23 PM HOLD A FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION REGARDING THE MAYOR’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR PARKING ENFORCEMENT, HOURS AND RATES. THE BUDGET INCLUDES PROPOSALS RELATED TO ENFORCEMENT PRACTICES, HOURS OF ENFORCEMENT AND THE HOURLY RATE FOR PARKING WITHIN THE CITY. DISCUSSION WILL ALSO INCLUDE A REPORT ON THE FUNCTIONING OF THE NEW PARKING PAY STATIONS. View Attachments

 

Robin Hutchison, Kevin Young, Mary Beth Thompson, Frank Gray, Tim Dougan, Robert Ziola and John Ogelsby briefed the Council with a PowerPoint presentation/handouts.  Council Members comments/concerns included time limitations, review/compare areas with signs versus pay stations, ability to add smaller time increments, delayed transactions/citations, stations too high to view screen, persons with disabled stickers get free 2-hour parking, warranty issues, intimidating pay station key pad, use 30-minute parking to facilitate turn-over, increase turn-over, encourage people to use off-street parking structures, convert/eliminate surface parking during new development, rate schedule flexibility, premium rate charge for extended hours, ordinance limitations, scanning capabilities, communication/education plan, enforcement hours, return on investment analysis, Saturday/Sunday analysis, flat fees versus peak demand fees, credit card/transaction costs, smaller increments after initial charge, parking management system could include private parking providers and motorcycle/small vehicles spaces.

 

Councilmember Penfold requested an assessment/comparison between areas of the City that had 2-hour parking signs versus areas with new pay stations.  Councilmember Love asked the Administration to educate the public about free 2-hour parking for persons with handicap/disabled stickers.  Ms. Gust-Jenson asked the consultants to be clear/specific with answers, deadlines and commitments.

 

Councilmember Christensen asked for feedback/differences regarding the Downtown Alliance proposal and the Administrations.  He also requested return-on-investment analysis as additional data became available.  Ms. Thompson said she would provide all the data currently available including the comparison to the Downtown Alliance’s plan.

 

Councilmember Simonsen requested analysis on issues relating to generating turnover on Saturday/Sunday, explore alternatives/issues relating to peak demand pricing and moving forward with providing motorcycle/small vehicle (one per block face) locations.

 

e. 6:31:25 PM MAYOR’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET RELATING TO THE CITY’S JUSTICE COURT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013. View Attachments

 

Curtis Preece, Jeanne Robison, Claudia Sundbeck and Jennifer Bruno briefed the Council with a PowerPoint presentation/handouts.  Council Members comments/concerns included caseload volume/issues, conflict of interest, neutral party to resolve disputes, public perception about generating revenue, online payments and subsidizing small claims cases.

 

Councilmember Garrott requested information on the number of cases cleared each month and a prioritization of the four suggested technology upgrades listed in the staff report.

 

f. 7:39:06 PM RECEIVE A BRIEFING REGARDING THE COUNCIL OFFICE BUDGET FOR FISCAL YEAR 2011-2012. View Attachments

 

Cindy Gust-Jenson briefed the Council with handouts.  Council Members comments/concerns included establish constituent call center, constituent time-saving measures, reallocate resources instead of adding new positions, how to advance legislative priorities, public processes/outreach, constituent satisfaction, long-term technology investment/costs, comprehensive City systems, personal touch provided by liaisons, are current programs being utilized/maximized, analyze how employees feel about current technology/programs and where they see needs, potential for training, limited effectiveness of mailings, utilize/produce video technology, eliminate self-promotion, viewer statistics, transmittal analysis, allocate money for outsourcing, outsource substantive issues, consistent process between legislative and administrative branches needed, enhance community involvement, social media, citizen jury/decision making body, how to weigh public input, selection criteria, legal boundaries of decision makers, creating more controversy, create process/rules that everyone understands from the beginning, legislative/initiative development and barriers to accomplishing more legislative priorities.

 

A majority of the Council was in favor of a straw poll taken on the Council’s proposed base budget.

 

A straw poll was taken on Option 1 (enhanced video/education outreach and exploring options to outsource video production (6-12 per year) that would focus strictly on policy issues.  A majority of the Council was in favor.

 

A straw poll was taken on Options 2 and 3 (robust outreach) with one-time money to hire someone to run the program/experiment.  A majority of the Council was in favor.

 

A straw poll was taken on a modified version of Options 4 and 6 without hiring additional staff (Ms. Gust-Jenson to help refine proposal).  A majority of the Council was in favor.

 

A straw poll was taken on Option 5 (consider moving long-range planning to the Council Office).  A majority of the Council was opposed this year.

 

g. 8:38:11 PM CONTINUE DISCUSSION WITH COUNCIL STAFF REGARDING UNRESOLVED ISSUES RELATING TO THE RECOMMENDED BUDGET FOR SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012-2013. View Attachments  View Attachments

 

Item was pulled.

 

#8.  6:52:28 PM RECEIVE A FOLLOW-UP BRIEFING REGARDING BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 6 FISCAL YEAR 2011 - 2012 ADOPTING AN ORDINANCE AMENDING SALT LAKE CITY ORDINANCE 50 OF 2011 WHICH ADOPTED THE FINAL BUDGET OF SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH, FOR THE FISCAL YEAR BEGINNING JULY 1, 2011 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2012. BUDGET AMENDMENT NO. 6 CONTAINS A NUMBER OF PROPOSED ADJUSTMENTS TO THE FY 2011 - 2012 BUDGET, INCLUDING THE PROCESSING OF A NUMBER OF GRANTS RELATING TO ALTERNATIVE ENERGY, REIMBURSEMENTS FOR OVERTIME EXPENSES IN THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, REIMBURSEMENTS FOR GREATER-THAN-ANTICIPATED COSTS TO MAINTAIN THE CITY’S FLEET, AND A REQUEST TO FUND AN ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF NEEDED CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE GOLF FUND. View Attachments

 

Councilmember Simonsen said discussion would be postponed to next week.  Councilmember Christensen said issues relating to parking meter changes needed to be included in the budget amendment.

 

#9.  (TENTATIVE) CONSIDER A MOTION TO ENTER INTO CLOSED SESSION, IN KEEPING WITH UTAH CODE § 52-4-204, FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES:

a) DISCUSSION OF THE CHARACTER, PROFESSIONAL COMPETENCE, OR PHYSICAL OR MENTAL HEALTH OF AN INDIVIDUAL, PURSUANT TO UTAH CODE § 52-4-205(1)(a);

b) A STRATEGY SESSION TO DISCUSS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING, PURSUANT TO UTAH CODE § 52-4-205 (1)(b);

c) A STRATEGY SESSION TO DISCUSS THE PURCHASE, EXCHANGE, OR LEASE OF REAL PROPERTY (INCLUDING ANY FORM OF WATER RIGHT OR WATER SHARES) WHEN PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF THE TRANSACTION WOULD DISCLOSE THE APPRAISAL OR ESTIMATED VALUE OF THE PROPERTY UNDER CONSIDERATION OR PREVENT THE CITY FROM COMPLETING THE TRANSACTION ON THE BEST POSSIBLE TERMS, PURSUANT TO UTAH CODE § 52-4-205(1)(d);

d) A STRATEGY SESSION TO DISCUSS PENDING OR REASONABLY IMMINENT LITIGATION, PURSUANT TO UTAH CODE § 52-4-205(1)(c);

e) A STRATEGY SESSION TO DISCUSS THE SALE OF REAL PROPERTY (INCLUDING ANY FORM OF WATER RIGHT OR WATER SHARES) IF (1) PUBLIC DISCUSSION OF THE TRANSACTION WOULD DISCLOSE THE APPRAISAL OR ESTIMATED VALUE OF THE PROPERTY UNDER CONSIDERATION OR PREVENT THE CITY FROM COMPLETING THE TRANSACTION ON THE BEST POSSIBLE TERMS, (2) THE CITY PREVIOUSLY GAVE NOTICE THAT THE PROPERTY WOULD BE OFFERED FOR SALE, AND (3) THE TERMS OF THE SALE ARE PUBLICLY DISCLOSED BEFORE THE CITY APPROVES THE SALE;

f)FOR ATTORNEY-CLIENT MATTERS THAT ARE PRIVILEGED, PURSUANT TO UTAH CODE § 78B-1-137;

g) A STRATEGY SESSION TO DISCUSS DEPLOYMENT OF SECURITY PERSONNEL, DEVICES OR SYSTEMS PURSUANT TO UTAH CODE § 52-4-205(1)(f).AND

h) A SESSION TO INVESTIGATE PROCEEDINGS REGARDING ALLEGATIONS OF CRIMINAL MISCONDUCT, PURSUANT TO UTAH CODE § 52-4-205(1)(g).

 

Item not held.

 

     The meeting adjourned at 9:48 p.m.

 

     This document along with the digital recording constitute the official minutes of the City Council Work Session meeting held May 29, 2012.

 

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