09.27.22 Council Minutes

THE STATE OF UTAH
COUNTY OF SEVIER
CITY OF RICHFIELD

At the City Council
In and For Said City
September 27, 2022

Minutes of the Richfield City Council meeting held on Tuesday, September 22, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Richfield City office building located at 75 East Center, Richfield, Utah. Mayor Bryan L. Burrows presiding.

1. OPENING REMARKS
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. ROLL CALL
4. MINUTES APPROVED
5. EXPENDITURES APPROVED
6. PARENTING CONFERENCE DISCUSSED
7. PARKING ISSUES ON 100 NORTH DISCUSSED
8. PRIVATE ACTIVITY BOND DISCUSSED TO HELP FUND IMPROVEMENTS FOR UTAH BEEF PRODUCERS
9. ORDINANCE 2022-28 ADOPTED SETTING IMPACT FEES FOR PARKS & RECREATION, POLICE, AND FIRE
10. ORDINANCE 2022-31 REZONING LOT 2 OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH SUBDIVISION ADOPTED
11. RURAL COMMUNITIES OPPORTUNITY GRANT CONTRACT APPROVED
12. RECOMMENDATION TO PURCHASE A SLIDE FOR THE POOL APPROVED
13. RECOMMENDATION FOR PHASE II OF A SKATE PARK AT THE LION’S PARK APPROVED
14. BID TO REWIRE THE TURKEY SHED APPROVED
15. CONTRACT TO PROVIDE GRANT FUNDS FOR A TRANSPARENT WATER BILLING PILOT PROJECT APPROVED
16. OTHER BUSINESS
17. MEETING ADJOURNED
18. OPENING REMARKS were offered by Councilmember Hansen.
19. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Councilmember Thompson.
20. ROLL CALL. Present: Mayor Burrows, Todd Gleave, Kip Hansen, Elaine Street, Tanner Thompson, Michele Jolley, Tyson Hansen. Excused: Brayden Gardner.
21. MINUTES APPROVED. The Council reviewed the minutes of the regular meeting held on September 13, 2022. Motion: Approve the minutes of the meeting held on September 13, 2022, Action: Approved, Moved by Elaine Street, Seconded by Tanner Thompson. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4). Yes: Elaine Street, Kip Hansen, Tanner Thompson, Todd Gleave. Excused: Brayden Gardner.
22. EXPENDITURES APPROVED. The Council reviewed the August 2022 Warrant Register. Councilmember Hansen noted that we are still paying for the storage units and he thought we were going to do something different. He wanted to be sure that we did not forget this so that we can save those costs. It appears that the paint we purchased for the pavilions that we got reimbursed. Mr. Hansen reported that there was an issue with his City card so Mr. Butler used his personal card. Councilmember Hansen saw another instance where we reimbursed Mr. Hansen $8,000 for charges on his credit card. Mr. Hansen explained that he was unable after several attempts to increase the limit on the card for the recreation department. The card would not work and we had to order soccer uniforms so they would be here in time. Councilmember Street asked Mr. Mogan if his crew would help move the DUP items from one of the storage units out to the Elks Lodge. They will get those items moved. Motion: Approve the warrants for August 2022, Action: Approved, Moved by Kip Hansen, Seconded by Elaine Street. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4). Yes: Elaine Street, Kip Hansen, Tanner Thompson, Todd Gleave. Excused: Brayden Gardner.
23. PARENTING CONFERENCE DISCUSSED. Sharee Jones explained about the upcoming parenting conference. Ms. Jones said that the speaker coming to present is a wonderful proponent to help teach families how different parenting techniques could be used to help their families. She stated that this is a great opportunity for our area.
24. PARKING ISSUES ON 100 NORTH DISCUSSED. Mayor Burrows had asked Jared Beard from UDOT to be here to help answer questions about the installation of the stop light on 100 North and the reduction of parking. Mayor Burrows and Councilmember Gleave met with the Whitakers today for a while. There are some concerns there, but he felt that we were probably past the point of no return now, so he was hoping that we could get to some solutions with the parking possibly.

Nicholas Whittaker is the owner of Little Wonder. They are concerned that if all the parking goes away they would lose their business. They are not against the light, but he stated that he knows that there is always another option when you are dealing with UDOT and their standards. Tourists will not know where to park and they are also worried about their deliveries and pick-ups.

Councilmember Hansen stated that he looked at this and he can see that there is not a lot of room there. Mr. Whittaker asked if the parking overflowed into the school parking lot and if that would be an issue. Mr. Whittaker had some accident information and he said that the last accident that involved an injury was back in September 2018. The majority of their weekday patrons are elderly and they cannot walk very far. He felt there is an option that would make it safe and not take away too much parking from the business owners. The other businesses on 100 North are also concerned about the parking issues. Mr. Whittaker stated that there has to be some compromise.

Jason Bishop owns the Richfield Martial Arts business on 100 North and he asked if the elementary school parking lot is strictly for the elementary school. He has a lot of elderly people who take classes from him and he is well aware that there is parking behind the movie theater. Mayor Burrows stated that there are about 54 parking spaces in that parking lot. Mr. Bishop is concerned that there will be an issue with people parking in the elementary school parking lot. He has a lot of children that come in to do martial arts and most of the time the parents come in. It is a little tricking having the parents park across the street and there is no crosswalk so they would have to go to the corner to walk their children over to class. When he does the test, lots of times the parents bring grandparents, and siblings to come and watch.

Jared Beard stated that there just is not much they can do because of how the vehicles stick out into the street and block the traffic lane. They are willing to do some parallel stalls on that side.

Mr. Bishop asked Mayor Burrows to contact the school to see if there is an issue with people parking in this parking lot. He fears that the businesses in these old buildings will decline in business because of this and ultimately be eventually be torn down. Old buildings end up torn down and parking lots get built. He does not think that it would be good to lose these good, well-established businesses.

Mayor Burrows stated that the City has worked a lot through the years to provide parking in the downtown area and help make the businesses viable. The last thing he wants to do is put anything in place that is going to hurt our downtown businesses. This is an unknown. That stop light might help with many of these things that you are concerned with. It may create that break in traffic so that people can safely cross that road. It will make it easier for people to park on the other side of the street and get across the street without having to dart across. He can see some positive things there as well. It is a hard thing.

Tracy Petro works at the Little Wonder and she wondered if they could put in caution lights instead of stop lights and there would be no need to take out the parking spots. Taking out those spots is going to devastate the business because 60% of its clientele are elderly people. She thinks it would be unfair because they enjoy it, but they are going to drive by and not come in because it is too hard to find a parking space.

Councilmember Hansen stated that he appreciated Ms. Petro putting forth a suggestion for a solution, but from what he knows about what she is suggesting, those types of things would tend to increase accidents at that intersection, not decrease them. That is like putting in a 4-way stop sign that has never been there before. Angle parking is the biggest safety issue in that intersection for backing into merging traffic and auto/pedestrian-type incidents. Angel parking is not something that would even be allowed today because of safety issues. It is part of the problem, to begin with, which is why we have looked at this intersection for a long time.

Councilmember Thompson wondered if it would be possible to designate those 2 parking spots for handicapped.

There was some discussion about removing the bulb out on the corner, but it would not free up any parking because you cannot park that close to the corner.

Patsy Daniels stated that the parking along 100 North is full most of the time. It is difficult for some people to parking in the parking lot and walks down, but the drive-up has saved them. She noted that this is such a busy street that we need to come up with some type of solution to make it more accessible or more convenient for people to access Little Wonder. She does not know what the answer is. She said what is going to happen is that the parking in front of Little Wonder will be filled and then people will park down the street in front of the other businesses so it will impact the rest of the block.

Someone suggested taking the planter out in the middle of the block in front of the theater. They thought that would free up 3 parking spaces.

Mr. Beard was asked if the two spots are guaranteed. Mr. Beard stated that they are willing to try it and see how it works. It is not ideal. Mayor Burrows asked Chief Lloyd what his thoughts were. He stated that there should be parallel parking on both sides of the street.

Mr. Beard talked about the bulb-outs and noted that there are tradeoffs. One of the nice things about downtown is that this section has very good compliance with speeds. When you go into an area where it feels a little bit tighter, you slow down and drive more reasonably. Take those out and open it back up and speeds will increase.

Councilmember Hansen stated that we are not going to solve this tonight, but if we do not alter any of the planter boxes on the east side of the street, then we would still have the benefit of the aesthetics and the safety factor. He thought that would be a good comprise.

Mr. Bishop felt that someone could contact the elementary school and get their views on their parking lot. Mayor Burrows stated that he will contact Superintendent Douglas about the parking lot.

8. PRIVATE ACTIVITY BOND DISCUSSED TO HELP FUND IMPROVEMENTS FOR UTAH BEEF PRODUCERS. Paul Davis and Henry Barlow learned that the City has already received the funds from the Rural Community grant fund to put in a pump track. They were aware that the City had worked with 2 other companies for funding from a private activity bond. They asked the City if they would consider supporting them with a private activity bond. The funds would be used to cover the costs associated with infrastructure and running the sewer line to the building. None of the Councilmembers were opposed to doing something like this. Mr. Davis indicated that they would move forward to make an application for this funding.
9. ORDINANCE 2022-28 ADOPTED SETTING IMPACT FEES FOR PARKS & RECREATION, POLICE, AND FIRE. The Council reviewed an ordinance that would impose impact fees for parks, recreation, police, and fire. Mayor Burrows noted that we have held the public hearing and have discussed this on several occasions. We are to the point where we need to make a decision. Councilmember Thompson noted that he is in support of this but asked if we see that this is affecting growth because the impact fees are too high, is it something that we could walk back? Mayor Burrows stated that we could change this at any time. He noted that if the City needs the funds, we would have to get it through impact fees, a property tax increase, user fees, or participation fees.

Councilmember Hansen stated that he was converted to impact fees a long time ago. This is a good thing and we have gone through a good process. He felt good about the numbers that are being proposed. Motion: Adopt Ordinance 2022-28 setting impact fees for parks & recreation, police, and fire, with said impact fees becoming effective December 27, 2022, Action: Adopted, Moved by Kip Hansen, Seconded by Tanner Thompson. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4). Yes: Elaine Street, Kip Hansen, Tanner Thompson, Todd Gleave. Excused: Brayden Gardner.

10. ORDINANCE 2022-31 REZONING LOT 2 OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH SUBDIVISION ADOPTED. The Council reviewed an ordinance to rezone lot 2 of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church subdivision. The Church has divided the back part of their property off and is going to sell it. They would like to have that lot zoned R1-10 which would be compatible with the property that borders the property on the east. Motion: Adopt Ordinance 2022-31 rezoning lot 2 of the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Subdivision to R1-10, single-family, Action: Adopted, Moved by Elaine Street, Seconded by Todd Gleave. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4). Yes: Elaine Street, Kip Hansen, Tanner Thompson, Todd Gleave. Excused: Brayden Gardner.
11. RURAL COMMUNITIES OPPORTUNITY GRANT CONTRACT APPROVED. The Council reviewed a contract for a $600,000 grant that is coming from the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity to help build a pump track at Centennial Park. Mayor Burrows noted that we have also received a grant for $440,000 to help with this. Motion: Approve a Rural Communities Grant Contract with the Governor’s Office of Economic Development for $600,000 to construct a pump track at Centennial Park, Action: Approved, Moved by Todd Gleave, Seconded by Kip Hansen. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4). Yes: Elaine Street, Kip Hansen, Tanner Thompson, Todd Gleave. Excused: Brayden Gardner.
12. RECOMMENDATION TO PURCHASE A SLIDE FOR THE POOL APPROVED. Mr. Edwards discussed the slide at the pool. Currently, there is no slide there. He would like to put in a new dual slide. Because of the amount of deck space, we are limited in what we can go with. He has 3 companies working up bids for this. The bids are coming in from $46,000 to $48,000. In order to increase attendance and make the pool fun again, he felt that this was something we need to do. As we move forward with a swimming pool project, this would stay. Motion: Approve the purchase of a slide for the pool, Action: Approved, Moved by Elaine Street, Seconded by Kip Hansen. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4). Yes: Elaine Street, Kip Hansen, Tanner Thompson, Todd Gleave. Excused: Brayden Gardner.
13. RECOMMENDATION FOR PHASE II OF A SKATE PARK AT THE LION’S PARK APPROVED. Mr. Edwards explained that back in March, the Council approved the skatepark project that has been completed. He indicated that he would come back for Phase II which would take place to the south where the horseshoe pits are. This has become a little more complex with the grant money coming through for the pump track.

Mr. Edwards asked the Council to consider approving $11,000 to have American Ramp Company plan and design phase II. That does not mean that we have to proceed once we get those plans. We had talked about doing something for the little kids similar to what Kanab has done. That would put us in the $300,000 to $450,00 range.

We could get this designed and then start working on this future project. We could take the money for phase II and tie it in with the existing pool money and go ahead and build the pool building with what we currently have set aside. We could probably build it for that and hot have to get financing for it.

Councilmember Hansen would like to see us finish the Nielson Warm Spring Parks before we do anything else.

Mr. Edwards updated the Council on the status of the new park. We have learned from the State that there is such a backlog that it will be at least a year before we could get any funding.

Councilmember Thompson stated that the nice thing about our equipment is that it is moveable. He noted that we had talked about having something like this with the pump track and he would like to have the skatepark in the same place as the pump track.

Mr. Edwards stated that in his conversations with American Ramp Company, they indicated that most communities like Richfield that are experiencing growth need 2 facilities.

Mayor Burrows stated that when we first discussed the development of the new park, we had discussed putting in a skatepark for the littles. Then its kind of got pushed out of the way by the public wanting pickleball courts.

Mr. Edwards talked about how we could improve the Lion’s Park by putting in a sidewalk around the outside of the ball field, including the area on the east where the shrubs are located. Moms could come and kids could play while the moms walked around the park on the sidewalk. Councilmember Thompson wondered about putting a playground feature out there as well.

Motion: Approve a recommendation to pay $11,000 for a design for phase II to expand the skatepark for smaller children,

Councilmember Thompson wanted to clarify that by doing this we have decided to have the equipment at Lion’s Park instead of Centennial Park. Mr. Edwards stated that this is not necessarily the case. We are just getting a design and we can put it where we want.

Mayor Burrows stated that Centennial Park is only so big and there is a big chunk of the south that belongs to the Kirk brothers and they are putting an eye facility there. Councilmember Thompson is fine with getting a design, but he still thought it should be where the pump track is.

Action: Approved, Moved by Todd Gleave, Seconded by Kip Hansen. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4). Yes: Elaine Street, Kip Hansen, Tanner Thompson, Todd Gleave. Excused: Brayden Gardner.

14. THE BID TO REWIRE THE TURKEY SHED APPROVED. Mr. Mogan explained that we had internet run to the building to allow us to install cameras for security purposes. In the process, we had to have it tied into the wiring and when the electrician went to tie it in he got shocked. The wiring there is really old and unsafe. There are a lot of hazards there because there are groups and individuals that we let use the building. For example, the High School Drama Club goes up there to work on their props.

Mr. Mogan presented 2 bids. One from KEMCO and the other from Blake Electric. One of the differences in the bid was that Blake Electric was going to use a new conduit which they stated in their bid.

Motion: Accept the bid from Blake Electric to rewire the turkey shed for $5,500 Action: Approved, Moved by Tanner Thompson, and Seconded by Elaine Street. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4). Yes: Elaine Street, Kip Hansen, Tanner Thompson, Todd Gleave. Excused: Brayden Gardner.

15. CONTRACT TO PROVIDE GRANT FUNDS FOR A TRANSPARENT WATER BILLING PILOT PROJECT APPROVED. Mr. Hansen explained that this is a grant for $44,054 with the Division of Water Quality to implement a pilot program that is supposed to help people reduce the amount of water they use. We will have to pay $6,000 over the next 3 years. Also, with this program, we will have the ability to text all of our users and he felt that the future is texting and emailing. We have tried the Text My Gov app, but we have had a hard time getting people to sign up and we cannot just use the information we have in the utility system due to legal issues. This program would give us a legal way to use the contact information to notify people. This would help us better communicate because we could narrow the notification area down to just a block if needed.

The ongoing cost every year will be similar to what we are paying Text My Gov. ($2,500 per year)

Councilmember Hansen stated that if we are not satisfied with the service, we can always change at the end of 3 years.

Another reason to do something like this is that we order all of our supplies for utility bills for a year at a time. We could switch to mailing our utility bills out on a postcard and save 24% on an annual basis, but we would not have a way to get a newsletter out to the people who want it. This way we could send them a link to the newsletter every month so they would still get the newsletter.

Motion: Approve the grant contract with the Division of Water Quality for $44,054 to implement a pilot program for transparent water billing, Action: Approved, Moved by Tanner Thompson, Seconded by Todd Gleave. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4). Yes: Elaine Street, Kip Hansen, Tanner Thompson, Todd Gleave. Excused: Brayden Gardner.

16. OTHER BUSINESS. Mr. Hansen stated that the golf course has a 1974 dump truck that no longer works. They use it for hauling sand and other things and seem to use it fairly often. We offered them the dump truck that we are going to pass down to the airport, but it is not a good fit for the golf course. We have the dump truck the park uses to pull around their big mower and they do not use the dump bed very often. It has some electrical issues as well. We also need to have a ¾ ton truck for Mr. Blackett to carry all his tools and equipment around. The County is selling a truck at an auction. Mr. Hansen suggested trying to purchase this truck and put Mr. Blackett in it and then use the half-ton Mr. Blackett is using to park. Then we would take the dump truck and move it to the golf course. The truck the County is selling is 2014 with 75,000 miles and seems to be in pretty good shape other than it does need a set of tires. The current bid is only $12,000 but Mr. Hansen felt that it would end up around $20,000 to $22,000 because that is the NACA value on it. He wondered about biding on this truck. The auction will end before we meet again. Councilmember Hansen stated that if it would work within the current budget, it would not have to be an action item.

Councilmember Thompson reminded the Council that we talked about changing the speed limit on 400 West and College Avenue. Chief Lloyd would not recommend changing the speed limit on 400 West, but on College Avenue from 500 South to 1300 South, he would not be opposed to increasing the speed limit there. His recommendation would be 35 mph. Councilmember Thompson asked what the next step would be. It is being studied as a part of our transportation master plan update, so that will be a recommendation as part of that.

Forest Turner is now working for the Rural Development team with the Governor’s office. The main programs they are involved with are the Rural County Grant Part A, the Rural Community Grant, the REDI Grant, and the Red TIF Grant. The Red TIF Grant program is one that his department manages. Representative Albrecht was instrumental in getting a 50% tax credit for rural businesses.

17. MEETING ADJOURNED. At 9:19 p.m., Motion: Adjourn, Action: Adjourned, Moved by Todd Gleave, Seconded by Kip Hansen. Vote: Motion carried by unanimous roll call vote (summary: Yes = 4). Yes: Elaine Street, Kip Hansen, Tanner Thompson, Todd Gleave. Excused: Brayden Gardner.

PASSED and APPROVED this 8th day of November 2022.